May 29

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.—PROV. xxxi, 26.

Good temper, 'tis the choicest gift That woman homeward brings, And can the poorest peasant lift To bliss unknown to kings.

The Household.

It is a medicine which brings relief, And moderates the malady of grief; It is a ceaseless spring, from which doth flow Contentment, peace, and happiness below; It is the pilot which our bark will guide Safe past the rocks of envy, hate, or pride; It is the soft south wind that mildly blows, Carrying sweet fragrance wheresoe'r it goes; It is the shield that will protect our hearts From malice and from envy's poisoned darts; Like water doth it fall on hatred's flame, And either quenches or abates the same; But on affection's pure and hallowed fire It falls like oil, and makes it mount the higher.

R. W. JACKSON.

It is not within the domestic circle only that good temper should be exercised; it is an invaluable possession even amongst the more distant connections of social life. It is a passport with all into their esteem and affection. It gives a grace to the plainest countenance, and to the fairest is an ornament which neither time nor disease will destroy. Every day of life teems with circumstances by which it may be exercised and improved. It is shown toward children and servants by willingness to promote their enjoyments, while superiority is mildly but steadily exerted to keep them in proper subjection. It is exhibited in every direction by unwillingness to offend, by not opposing our own opinions and pleasures to the prejudices of others; and it is above all demonstrated by the cheerful, even tenor of spirit that dwells within the well-governed mind, and which renders it happy almost in spite of vexations and sorrows.

MRS. PARKES.