The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-17

She did not know anything after that un-
til she found herself imprisoned in a
beautiful cage But what were fine feath-
ers and beautiful cage when they held
a weary, hopeless heart.
There was another prisoner in the
room, too-a fair, golden-haired boy, ly-
ing upon little white cot. He was
weary, too-so tired of lying there day
after day, while the fever burned away
his life.
Mamma" he said one day, "don t
you wish the bird would sing?"
Eyes, dearie, said the mother, but
we cannot make it, you know"
Phebe tried but she could not-the
spirit of song was gone. The little boy
tossed YEARLY upon his pillow again.
Day after day she sat within the cage
watching the little sufferer until her heart
yearned toward him, and she learned to
love him, and to forget her own dreary
life thinking of the other prisoner.
Papa" said the little fellow one
bright, sunshiny day, lift me up in your
arms and take me to the window. /
want to see the trees and the flowers
again egg ae
So he was takento the window-to the
window where the bird-cage hung, and
where he had looked long at the beauti-
full world outside, he said:
Papa, is heaven prettier than this?''
Yes, nay boy" said the father, as he
pressed him closer to his BOSOM F." a great
deal prettier.''
"Then I think I'd like to go" he add
ed, musingly mamma told me the 9TH
er day nobody is ever sick there
Then he turned to the cage and unfast-
ened the door.
Ralph, DEAR" said the father, "you
will let the bird out if you do that"
Eyes, l know, papa am going to let
it go. l think it would be great deal
happier out there among the trees. I'm
sure | would"
Phebe's heart almost stood still, then
darling into the air she rejoiced anew in
her freedom. But the words OF the child
still rang in her ears, his pale, sweet face
haunted her, and she could not stay away.
Back again on swift wing she few to the
cage, and there poured out her gratitude
in song. Ralph was lying on his cot,
tired and spiritless, but his eyes brighten
ed when he saw her.
Mamma" he exclaimed, there's my
bird again. Hear it sing. Do you think
it found that song among the blossoms p
Many times day did Phebe return
from her wanderings to sing to lonely lit
tie Ralph. One morning as she came,
this time carrying in her bill spray of
flowers for the sick boy, she found the
mother sitting at the open window weep
ing. She flew to drop her offering upon
the couch, but she found the blue eyes
closed and the tired hands at rest. This
prisoner too, then was free-freer than
the birds of the air and more joyful, sing
ing the song of heaven, and rejoicing
with the rapture of the giorifed.
1t was by the side Of little Ralph's
grave that Phebe saw the old woman
again.
You have learned the grandest lesson
of life" said the witch, Z" to forget your
self in sympathy with others. Remem-
Der it and you will always be happy"
Again she touched her with that ma
gical hand. She was little girl again,
and her own dear mother was kissing her
and saying, Wake up, Phebe !"
Did you miss me very much while
was gone, mammal"
"Gone, my pet? guess you have
been dreaming
II believe have" said Phebe. But
she never forgot the old witch and the
lesson she had taught, and the thought of
little Ralph was blessed memory.
V. D.