Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-02-24
TIE Stapoaro.
THE OAK AND THE MUSHROOM,
BY GRANDMA SARAH.

There sprang up from the bosom of the earth, ir
single night, the full-grown mushroom and the in
fant oak. The latter was but tiny stem, and it:
two small leaves Of delicate green lifted themselv",
up tmidly to the light of the morning sun. Bu
the former could boast of larger stalk and its out
spread canopy was hand-bread,h broad. Ther
the mushroom grew naughty, and curled its thick
Not like you insignificant stem am /, for my
stalk is large, and easily might my canopy over.
shadow many such as the patry oak"
The morning breeze laughed softly to herself as
she listened to the boasling of the mushroom but she
stopped kiss lovingly the delicate oak leaves, that
were quivering as though with pain.
But 10 as in night the mushroom had sprung
to life, so in night it vanished away. Again the
morning breeze glided lightly over the earth, and
again she laughed softly to herself when she saw
the dying boaster: but she stopped BEFORE by the
side OF the tiny oak and kissed with her soft lip,
and refreshed it with he: sweet breath
Then the morning breeze called jcyously to her
brethren and sisters and they gathered around the
delicate oak plant 10 nurture and to strengthen. it.
The bright sunlight wrapped his golden mantle
around it, or warmed it with his ardent beam and
by night came the gentle dew, with her refreshing
moisture, the dancing rain drops pattered about
the plant that it might drink from their cups and he
glad. The earth lent her richness for its cd, and
from the air the soft leaves inhaled the cath of
life.
Then was the oak plant glad and it grew and was
strengthened. Its stem became tall and sturdy 1t
thrust its roots far down into the breast of the earth
and stretched out its branches reoicngly the sum-
The rough storln-wnd, the stern brother of the
morning breeze, wrestled with it. but farther went
the oakroots into the ground and sturder grew the
trunk and the branches. Beneath its great canopy
of leaves, weared man and beast found shelter
from the summer sun, and the birds of the air built
fearlessly their nests among its limbs. So it grew
and it Aourished. the oak of century; no longer
the timid plant Of day, it stood the acknowledged
monarch of the forest
There be those to whom success and honor come
suddenly, like the mushroom growth of a single
night. There be such who smile contcmptuousIy at
their timd brethren, and despise their plodding
growth. And there be those to whom honour and
success come not so suddenly. There be those who
look trembingly up to the sunlight Of Gods provi-
dence who wrestle sometimes with the strong winds
of adversely who feel betimes the frost of disap.
pointment or of sorrow.
Be not discouraged, young friend, If, like these,
your growth be tardy; if you struggle sometimes
with the wind and the storm. The strong oak
grows not in a day; the character of noblest stamp
is formed but slowly. Take courage, then and
wrestle The duty performed with patience shall
give you strength, the struggle with adverse events
Shall give you energy and hope. The success that
was born of day may pass away quickly, but
the success which came more slowly shall also be
more sure. The mushroom of night NAV vanish
and be forgotten, but the slow growing oak shall
flourish and live