But there were some hardy fellows Who had manned the life-boat long ago, Out in the darkness, clinging Up spoke the life-boat coxswain The men were all so willing That they chose the first who spoke, And he plunged into the breathless pause, Before a huge wave broke. And the wave sprang like a panther, And caught him by the neck; And tossed him, as you toss a ball, Upon the shuddering wreck. Faint, eager hands upheld him Till he had got his breath, And could make fast the blessed rope- There's many a precious cargo Comes safe to British sands; There's many a gallant fighting-man About our British lands; But I think our truest heroes Are men with names unknown, Who save a priceless freight of lives, And never heed their own. Now bear those weary wanderers And warm them at the hearths whose light, Gravely to see, and say, "Our turn may come to-morrow, As theirs has come to-day." Among the fishers and sailors There came a sunburnt man, They thought his days were done: "Oh! I was bound for Plymouth, And he for the coast of Spain, But little I thought when we set sail How we should meet again. And who will tell his mother How he is come ashore ? For though I loved him very much, "I'll kiss his lips full gently Before they are quite cold, And she shall take that kiss from mine Ere this moon waxes old." “Father!” the pale lips murmur, "Is mother with you here?" The answer to these welcome words Was a sob and then a cheer! The captain spoke at midnight, Now all you life-boat heroes, Who reckon your lives so cheap, You banish tears from other homes,Make not your own to weep! You cannot die like lions, For all you are so strong; While you are saving other lives, God keep your own from wrong WHY? WHY are the blossoms Such a number of blues? Why are the insects And painting the air? Why are the meadows A world of delight? Why are our faces, Such lovable things, With lips made for kisses, And laughter that sings? With eyes full of love, That sparkle and gleam, That change like a dream? Think for a moment Look up to the sky; Of beauty unfurl'd— Boundless the Love that Has fashioned the world! From "GooD WORDS FOR THE YOUNG." GARDENING. I ALWAYS like to see children fond of a garden, and I think that most children do like to see plants grow. But I fancy that you will like them all the better if you know a little more about them. So I am going to try and tell you something about the different parts of a plant. is turn First, about the root, which will say you ing things topsy-turvy. You would begin with the flower. But I had rather begin with the root, the most useful part of the plant. Indeed, I ought almost say, the needful part. The root is the life of the plant. Did you ever cut some flowers, and stick them into the ground? If you ever did, do you remember how soon they died? Although every |