98 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
noble ends to be gained, to justify such despond¬ 
ency or waste of time and energies. 
‘ Tell me not, in mournful numbers, 
Life is but an empty dream! 
For the soul is dead that slumbers, 
And things are not what they seem. 
* * * * 
‘ In the world’s broad field of battle, 
In the bivouac of life. 
Be not like dumb, driven cattle. 
Be a hero in the strife !’ 
Longfellow has put the ring of a true philoso¬ 
phy into these noble lines, and let us try and 
march to the rhythm of their music.” 
“ Ah, well, well. Lew,” was the answer, I 
will try and catch the step, but do not fall into 
‘ quick-time ’ too soon, or I may weary and drop 
out of line long before we reach the end of the 
march.” 
“ Do not be afraid, chum,” replied his friend. 
“ My progress will hardly exceed the pace of a 
‘ slow march,’ and so there will be not much 
danger of our parting company during this 
campaign, unless you and Miss Minnie take a 
notion to make a trip to Gretna Green before 
vacation is over.” ' 
