Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-07-17
SWEET GIRL GRADUATES" /"
A Letter to Them-..The June of Life.

Mrs. Elizabeth Boynton Herbert
writes in the Chicago Inter- Ocean
This last morning of June is a
poem; every breeze, every bird 5 song,
every child's laugh is infltrated with
music. Its June in cloud, air and
sunshine, and June in human hearts.
The very June of life to the sweet
girl graduates, when flowers are not
yet withered, and the echoes of "class
songs" not yet died away. And. as
think of you, dear girls, and of all the
possibilities of usefulness which you
represent, | long to write you an
earnest, joyous, hopeful message Of
hope and good cheer.
Doubtless some old croakers' have
already assured you that your best
days are over, and have depicted dis
NAL future, crowded to the brim with
care and toll. Don't believe it, girls.
If you shall only wisely use the June
of life, there will dawn for you an
October Of richest fruitage, before
whose golden light these roseate hues
of June shall pale and fade.
Life will not be a jarring discord
but an elevating anthem, if so be it
you shall get the music to the best key
All depends upon the keynote of your
ambition. Give me that and | will
cast your horoscope without hesita,
tion.
I" Is your aim your own promotion
your own elevation, by means Of
wealth, culture or accomplishments
Then possibly the golden apples vii
turn to ashes in your grasp. But if
with loving heart you shall faithfully
strive to develop to the utmost every
power of mind and heart in order L
lead and help humanity-are yoI
brave to bear kindly criticisms fo
truths dear sake, patient of friendly
suggestions when friends discove
some danger TO a true symmetry o
character? Have you an interest il
the grand philanthropics of the age
in the success and victories of nobl
army of workers? Then, believe me
the future has in store for yol
brighter laurels than you have eve
borne, and days compared to whose
golden glory these hours of girlhoo,
shall seem but as a faint, gray dawn
Since what are dreams and fond i'm
aginings compared with the ecstacy o
being healthful to weary, struggling
| fainting hearts?
| What is the gift of song unless i
| floats, borne up to loftier worlds b.
| the pure undercurrent Of noble soul
| What is the artist touch unless tn
canvas is slorifed by great heart
| What is eloquence? Is it to ute
words with artistic skill, or to hel,
the timid and weak, the trembling ant
doubling, until what they have dareC
to dream Of they nobly dare to do?
" But pardon me, dear girls, this
your hour for rest these your wing
growing day-days Of poising fo
fight, aud | will only submit singl
leaf from one of Grace Greenwood
laurels Never unsex yourself 70
greatness The worship of one truc
i heart is better than the wonder of tn
world. Don't trample on the flower
while longing for the stars. Live u
to the full measure Of life give wa
!. to your impulses, loves and enthusi
asms sing, smile, labor, and be happy
! Adore poetry for its own sake; year.
for, strive after excellence rej1ic
when Others attain II; feel for you
contemporaries a loving envy; stea
into your cOuntrys heart glory in it
greatness; exult in its power; homo
its gallant men; immortalize it
matchless women.