The National tribune., 1895-01-10
Two pictures hung on dingy wall
OF a grand old Floreniine hail."

\ pictures bUtlg OIL ulngN Whb
| OF grand old Fiorenine hall"
/ This title and verso are quoted from an
anonymous writer, who paints n beautiful pic
ture with his pen. ono of beautiful child, who,
tired OF play. lays down 10 rest upon the streets,
homeless but happy; the other. of an aged man.
| sad, detected aud human wreck, behind the
bars in prison cell. unhappy, and, perhaps.
forgotten. Will anyone ask, Was the child the
| aged man in after years?
The subject. Two pictures" came wildly
back to my memory Christmas eve. when two
| pictures attracted my attention, though far
| different. illustrating that in riches happiness
| is not attained.
Vending my way homeward Christmas eve
in an sll-contented frame of mind, boarded a
car. preferring the smoker. because less crowded.
| Seating myself in q corner / fell To observing,
| and two make-ups in 6eep contrast attracted
my eyes.
/ studied tho two their every move and ex-
| preston, and as / mcditated the words oil
! Goldsmith appeared i'm visionary form, fasten-
| ing their truthfnlness upon mo in their rugged
| honesty aud simplicity of expression.
looked and read, and read again:
IN fares the land 10 Fastening ills n prey,
Where wealth at cumulnies aud men decay;
Princes and Lords may flourish. may fade;
4 breath may make them, breath has made;
| Bun bold peasau.ry. their ccuntry's pride,
when once destroyed can never be supplied"
A'1b SitHti vi lHCht iiCluIGS TtpICstHbtu ~
boid peasantry" of their country cannot be
said; that one did represent condition
where wealth accumulates and men decay u
is true; thai the other represented happiness.
not destroyed by ambition for riches. or lust
| for gold, can truly be said.
THE FIRST PICTURE.
The first entered the car. a joyful smile play
ing upon his countenance, basket upon his
arm Seating himself comfortably, as if upon
chair CT s0it-cushioned leather, into which
one sinks with the feeling Z" could sit here
forever" and setting his basket down beside
him. he took out old corncob pipe. known in
this part Of the country as the Missouri mer-
shaun"
While engaged happily in filling his Pipe, 1
inspected with nay eyes the contents Of the bas-
ket, which seemed to he great variety of truck,
such as soap. brushes, oranges, all of which
were half spoiled shop-sorn.
Turning again 10 look at the picture. be-
held him leaning back, putting upon his "mer-
shanm," truly h;.ppy and contented.
lie was a son of Ham, "black as the ace of
spades" and. to his credit. he refused from
ghtly-inioxicaied fellow a drink, saying he
never used the article
TIRE SECOND PICTURE
Turning, then, to the other picture. The
gentleman had just entered, and seating HIM
seif next to his colored neighbor, though care
iuiis accepting aiOol from MN, rs II 10 come III
contact with his shabby clothes meant con-
tamination, the gentleman drew forth a paper
and began 10 pore over its contents an elegant
Flora de Havana set between his teeth.
His diamond stud sparklcd, his silk hat was
as sleek as his fatteued purse. No smile played
upon his face; no sunshine lowered about his
personal appearance; no bundles for Christmas
did he have 10 cheer his thoughts Of happy
greeting when he arrived home.
If such he had. it was carefully concealed in
the pockets of his elegantly fitting satn-lined
overcoat. Perhaps there was diamond neck
lace or pair of earrings, yet all was cold,
stern reality. Which was the happier picture
OF the two? Contrast them. The coIored man,
poor, happy contented and smiling with a
basket of treasures for those at home. his cob
pipe yielding infinite joy in every puff of
smoke, and who would not touch liqaor? Or
The man OF riches. elegantly attred, reading
his paper, smoking expensive cigar, no
smile, no Christmas bundles. cold and stern,
though he could count his millions?
: Teach erring man 10 spurn the rage Of gain;
Teach him that states of native strength possesst
Though very poor. may still be blest."