SAD is the news from the battlefield of the young and strong slain fighting for their country, but sadder still the story of a struggle between a strong, ardent spirit, and a frail body; every generous impulse, every noble ambition frustrated, every important undertaking interrupted by the importunate claims of the perishing flesh, till a life which would have been cheerfully spent for friends and country is reduced to only waiting. Such was the history of my friend whose name I here record.

Endowed with remarkable executive ability, which he desired to devote to his family, his friends, or his country; possessed of wealth, which he held as a steward for all private or public needs; fired with patriotism, which he longed to have tasked, his disinterested labor would have been invaluable, however indirect.

The same spirit which supported his brother as a selfdenying Catholic priest, which prompted his nephew to lead the forlorn hope on Fort Wagner, inspired him; but the flesh was weak. But while sickness defeated

his plans and death shortened his career, he will be remembered by a large circle as a man of exalted character, great energy and ability, refined tastes, and charming manners; a most affectionate friend, a cheerful and bountiful benefactor, an ardent patriot.

Fell the bolt on the branching oak,
The rainbow of his hope was broke,
No craven cry, no secret tear
He told no pang, he knew no fear;
Its peace sublime his aspect kept;
His purpose woke, his features slept.

L.

SARAH ALDEN [MRS. SAMUEL] RIPLEY

Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

AND surely she needeth sleep; for if time is measured by sensations, her life has been prolonged beyond the mortal span; if we consider the work accomplished, who has achieved so much, for herself or for others? Or if we meditate upon the Christian graces, the beatitudes of meekness, purity of heart, the charity which suffereth long and is kind, vaunteth not itself, seeketh not her own, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth in the truth, whose character was more complete, whose spirit more ready for its flight, than hers?

The wife of the minister of a large country parish whose parochial labor she shared, the mother of a large family, the mistress of a household increased by boarding scholars, neither the heavy exactions of parishioners, nor importunate maternal pains and anxieties, nor household economies faithfully attended to, exhausted her; she still found time and strength to devote to two or three school-boys preparing for college, or more advanced students rusticated for idleness or academic misdemeanors. And what a wealth of learning and thought and feeling she poured out for these pupils! Illumined by her clear intellect, the knottiest problem was disentangled; embellished by such a lover of learning, the driest subject was made interesting.

The

veriest scapegrace was reduced to thoughtfulness, the most hopeless dullard caught a gleam of light; her faith in their intuitions and capabilities lifted them and shamed or encouraged them to efforts impossible under another instructor; for she did not merely impart instruction, she educated all the powers of the mind and heart. Many scholars now eminent can date their first glimpse of the region above, their first venture upon the steep path, to the loving enthusiasm, the cheering assurances, of this inspired teacher and friend; and they who fainted or strayed without fulfilling her confident predictions must look back with astonishment at this brilliant period of their lives, and regret that her influence could not have been extended over a longer period.

A mind alive to all the beauties of art and science and nature, a heart which warmed to the most unpromising pupil and kindled at the faintest ray of hope, naturally craved the company of kindred men and women of learning and thought, as they delighted in hers; this was Mrs. Ripley's true recreation after the toil and trouble of the day. And what pleasant parties used to gather round her hospitable fireside! What ambrosial nights, fondly remembered by the privileged persons who enjoyed them as actors or spectators! There were, probably, books she had not read, languages and sciences she had not learned, but she seemed to have explored every region and to have intuitive ideas on every subject of interest. And over all these gifts and acquirements was thrown a veil of modesty so close that only by an impulse of

sympathy or enthusiasm was it ever withdrawn; with a simplicity equally amusing and touching, she impressed you so little with her own wonderful powers, and referred so much to your sayings and doings, that you really went away wondering at your own brilliancy and doubting how much you had given, how much received.

The eloquent lips are silent, the flashing eye is dull, the blush of modesty has faded from the cheek, the cordial smile will never again on this earth welcome the friends, old or young, humble or famous, neighbors or strangers, who sought this inspired presence. But the puzzled brain is clear again, the heavy heart joyful, immortal youth returned. With those she loved on earth she is seeing face to face what she here saw darkly.

Learn the mystery of progression duly;

Do not call each glorious change decay;
But know we only hold our treasures truly
When it seems as if they passed away.