FOR COPY OR DICTATION Columbus Day Columbus made four voyages to the western world, but never touched the mainland of North America. Every time he returned to Spain, the people said, "He brings home no gold. Of what use are all his discoveries?" Hallowe'en In olden times the Druids kept Hallowe'en as a harvest festival. At first it was religious, but finally the simple country people began to believe that witches and evil spirits visited the earth, and they used all sorts of charms against them. Election Day The rich is level with the poor, And sleekest broadcloth counts no more Than homespun frock of gray. JOHN G. WHITTIER. Thanksgiving Day Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name; for the Lord 28 is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. I heard the bells on Christmas day The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! HENRY W. LONGFELLOW. New Year's Day This is the New Year, darlings; For doing our best, and for trusting the rest To the Maker of night and day. MARGARET SANGSTER. Lincoln's Birthday1 Oh, slow to smite and swift to spare, Gentle and merciful and just! Who in the fear of God, didst bear The sword of power, - a nation's trust. WILLIAM C. BRYANT. 1 Reprinted from Bryant's "Complete Poems," by permission of D. APPLETON AND COMPANY. St. Valentine's Day I pray the God make thee beautiful within, And let thine eyes the good behold In everything save sin. Washington's Birthday1 For this chill season now again -WILLIAM C. BRYANT. Arbor Day From the elm tree's topmost bough, Telling one and all that now -WILLIAM W. CALDWELL. Memorial Day Rest, comrades, rest and sleep! 1 Reprinted from Bryant's "Complete Poems." by permission of D. APPLETON AND COMPANY. Your rest from danger free. HENRY W. LONGFELLOW. Flag Day The union of lakes, the union of lands, GEORGE P. MORRIS. Fourth of July Breathes there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, "This is my own, my native land!" Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned As home his footsteps he hath turned, From wandering on a foreign strand! WALTER SCOTT. My dear Lena, Monday. As my cousins, Ella and Irene, intend to spend their short vacation at our house, I am going to have a few friends for dinner on Thanksgiving Day, and I would like you to join us. If you can come, we shall expect you about one o'clock. Irene plays the violin very well, and as Ella has a beautiful soprano voice, I am sure we shall have some fine music. Your sincere friend, Gertrude Singer. |