Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1903-07-10
The { ditor's Dream.

The { ditor's Dream.
Wearied by the burdens of the day,
and slightly inspired by what might have
been, | retired at an early hour, my
conscience fairly well at ease, and my
evening lunch was light and digestible.
From the street came no unusual noises,
and the piano in the parlor below was
responding sweetly to the touch OF skill
full hands. On the day before had
been thinking of the natural laws which
govern life, and had planned and effected
with Col. Sprague some change in my
life insurance policies, but without any
definite impressions being left in my
mind of an unpleasant nature. From
the piano came the soft tones of "Just
as am without one plea" and l slept,
and sleeping, dreamed. And | thought
that my end came suddenly, with no
warning, no time for word of farewell
or last imprinted kiss; no thought OF
how might be received on the other
shore; but it seemed in the dream that
was a man of distinction in this life
and of course the way would be clear
and open for me there. Departure had
seemed instantaneous appearance at the
gates of the eternal city, where at once,
and with no sense of trepidation,
knocked. My alarm was quickly an,
swered by s. Peter, who looked at me
with an Interrogation mark expression,
and with sternly kind voice enqnired
my name and station. Iquickly re-
sponded, "Sir, l am Charles Summer
Allen of Wyoming, b. l.. by the courtesy
of Columbia College, City of New York
United States of America" Eyeing me
curiously, S. Peter suggested that | wal
time with patience until the keeper o.
the rolls could make due examination a
to my record. After impatiently wait
ing little time, Impatient for hat
thought my face, and my "B. L." from
Old Columbia, made famous by Sell
Low and President Butler, would gail
me immediate admission,) S. Peter re
turned with the, to me, astounding
information that my name could not b
found Oh the rolls of heaven, and tina
Columbia College had no credit there
that must pass on to the city under tn
hill. The awful suddenness of this lat
ter proposition at once shocked me int
wakefulness, and I beheld the moon
rays shining across the floor, and tn
clock struck twelve.
But nature exerted her rights, an
again the eyes were closed, and til
mind ceased to contemplate the materi;
things of life. l slept, and again
dreamed, and my experience was not a
new. l had but recently attended tt
Commencement at Old Yale, and bee
inspired by the eloquence which sang
her glory and renown. 1t seemed TIL
my life was opened backward to tai
into its possession the burning histol
of many years of thought and energ
Being thrilled by the powerful influen
of the commemoration exercises SCENE
to be born into new life, and ho]
blossomed afresh; but hardly a wet
had passed as l stood before S. Peter
the gate of the celestial city. had l
thought of fear, and when the ag'
guardian suggestingly enquired by VIII
right l sought admission there, quick
replied with due decorum and dignit,
"My dear S. Peter, l am William ri
Story Of Cottage Hill in the State
Delaware, only an hours ride by electri
from Greater New York, and only la
week | was given the especial distincti'
of a d. G. l.. at Yale College of Ne
Haven, State of Connecticut, U. S.
Sir" He searched me externally wi
a plying expression, and with gre
deliberation said, "Wait," and pass
inside the gate, closing it after hil
somewhat to my disappointment.
waited some time before heard ii
bolt slip in the socket, and the openir
was barely sufficient for him to pa
through. He spake not for minu
and | could wait no longer, and ask
"Why this delay Is not my ID. e. L.
sufficient password? Can there be a.
thought of not recognizing the rigi
and powers of Old Yale, under t
stately elms? Does her antiquity gi
her no special rights in heaven ?" I'll
outburst in defence of the name of n
beloved alma mater seemed to tou
him, and he said, "The keeper of t
great rolls has searched in vain for 70
name, and the institution of which "
speak has no sufficient amount of capt
invested here to pass its creatures wit
out personal merit, and tested wort
Your ID. c. l.. may open to you the doc
OF earth, but at the gate of heaven it
valueless," and he pointed his fling
down the hill, with the words, "that W
SIR" Obedient to the advice starte
but stumbling in my haste, ! fell, al