The mirror., 1915-11-11

ing past it's wide-acred manor, but
that shrinks from every forbidding
fact of this brave world of human
ity. So tar is it undaunted by diff
ficulties and obstacles. that it is rails
ed by these into the inspiration of
its own true power. 1t has the
strength of will to dare and to do
from day to day. to perform the un-
welcome tasks first, to keep it's man.
ner of life well ordered, to add to
itself the confidence of past of full
filed endeavor, and so to serve the
future hours. 1t is that discreet
courage that wears it's disciplined
judgment like robe and diadem.
Like some exquisitely chiseled cam
go of noble sentiment. inset in the
jeweled verse of Aldrich or Lowell,
it's charm of austere beauty may be
enhanced by it's costly setting, but
it is always it's own richest adorn-
ment.
Back of all courage that is to ac-
complish anything there must be an
intelligence of clear vision. 1t de-
lights to come intimately in contact
with reality, and sees life, not thru
the rainbow hues of an optimism
that fails to recognize what is evil
and repellant, and to deal telling
blows against it, but under the calm
light of truth. 1t is progressive,
for it's keen insight makes it open to
new truth. This courageous intel
ligence never mistakes a glittering
fragment of truth for the whole
truth; it is not deceived by vice
masquerading as virtue; it will not
be browbeaten from the defense of
the maligned by ridicule or by vul-
gar force of numbers. Self-reliant,
it is also sensitive to it's own inca.
pacities, and so will undertake only
what it. can do with mate tact and
ability. 1t will fill high places with
unaffected charm and dignity, for it
belongs there, being touched by ma
ture to fine, lofty issues. or it is
ready to be hewer of wood or
cleanser of mosaics in it's Fathers
house, this great world-mansion
vaulted with the star-strewn azure
of heaven. 1t contains within itself
the elements that win success, for it
sees every little door of opportunity
that is open TO it, leading OH to
greater opportunities.
Then there is that cheerful cour.
age that is like an elder sister of
hope. Like a band of scarlet on a
background of gray. it WHITES the
tapestry of life where it's warp and
woof are somber-toned. Like some
knight of old romance riding thru
the greenwood with blithe cavalier
grace, a song in his heart and words
of happy cheer on his lips, this de-
bonair courage takes unreluctantly
both the sunshine and shadows of
the way, some inner joy and splen-
dor of vision leading it on as it
journeys into the bright land of the
future, eager to find out new friend
ships, new graces and gifts of life.
This joyous courage is attuned to
some silent melody of gladness,
some hidden strain of wonder, some
secret rhythm of mystery. 1t is the
courage that hopeth all things. 1t
sees in the ashes of roses, of the
afterglow, the promise of happy
tomorrow. 1t has the faith that tho
this, our little life, is rounded with
sleep, it is a sleep that will be
broken on some fair day-dawn be-
yond the gates of death. Those to
whom the good fairies brot this
magical gold are rich indeed, for
tho poor they have yet a treasure
the glad wealth of a merry heart
ready for the quest.
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