<h2><SPAN name="page93"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>THE GRADUATES</h2>
<p class="poetry">I <span class="smcap">saw</span> them
beautiful, in fair array upon Commencement Day;<br/>
Lissome and lovely, radiant and sweet<br/>
As cultured roses, brought to their estate<br/>
By careful training. Finished and complete<br/>
(As teachers calculate).</p>
<p class="poetry">They passed in maiden grace along the aisle,<br/>
Leaving the chaste white sunlight of a smile<br/>
Upon the gazing throng.<br/>
Musing I thought upon their place as mothers of the race.</p>
<p class="poetry">Oh there are many actors who can play<br/>
Greatly, great parts; but rare indeed the soul<br/>
Who can be great when cast for some small rôle;<br/>
Yet that is what the world most needs; big hearts<br/>
That will shine forth and glorify poor parts<br/>
<SPAN name="page94"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>In this
strange drama, Life! Do they,<br/>
Who in full dress-rehearsal pass to-day<br/>
Before admiring eyes, hold in their store<br/>
Those fine high principles which keep old Earth<br/>
From being only earth; and make men more<br/>
Than just mere men? How will they prove their worth<br/>
Of years of study? Will they walk abroad<br/>
Decked with the plumage of dead bards of God,<br/>
The glorious birds? And shall the lamb unborn<br/>
Be slain on altars of their vanity?<br/>
To some frail sister who has missed the way<br/>
Will they give Christ’s compassion, or man’s
scorn;<br/>
And will clean manhood, linked with honest love,<br/>
The victor prove,<br/>
When riches, gained by greed, dispute the claim?<br/>
Will they guard well a husband’s home and name.<br/>
Or lean down from their altitudes to hear<br/>
The voice of flattery speak in the ear<br/>
Those lying platitudes which men repeat<br/>
To listening Self-Conceit?<br/>
Musing I thought upon their place as mothers of the race,<br/>
As beautiful they passed in maiden grace.</p>
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