June 20

Afterward he brought me to the Gate, even the Gate that looketh toward the East.

WHAT if some morning when the stars were paling,

And the dawn whitened, and the East was clear, Strange peace and rest fell on me from the presence Of a benignant Spirit standing near:

And I should tell him, as he stood beside me, "This is our Earth—most friendly Earth, and fair; Daily its sea and shore through sun and shadow Faithful it turns, robed in its azure air:

There is blest living here, loving and serving, And quest of truth and serene friendships dear: But stay not Spirit! Earth has one destroyer— His name is Death: flee, lest he find thee here!"

E. ROW- LAND SILL

And what if then, while still the morning brightened, And freshened in the elm the summer's breath, Should gravely smile on me the gentle angel, And take my hand, and say, "My name is Death."

THE GENTLEST GUEST