Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/609

FRANCES LOCKE. Frances Sprengle, a native of northern Ohio, was born about 1830. The town of Ashland, where much of her childhood was spent, possessed an Academy of high order, and there her natural taste for literature was encouraged by the excellent Principal, Lorin Andrews, now President of Kenyon College, Gambler, Ohio. She gave early promise of being a child of poesy, as files of the several literary societies' elegant little " Caskets " and " Amaranths " attest. She has been a contributor to most of the magazines of the day, but a volume of her writings has never been com- piled. In 1854, she married Josiah Locke — then connected with the Cincinnati Press — and resided in the " Queen City " several years, but having since adopted Indiana for their home, she now lives at its Capital. BE CONSIDERATE. Oh ! if we knew what simple things Oft cheer the hearts of others, We'd frequent find our spirit- springs Brimful of bliss, my brothers. A cheerful smile, a pleasant word. Which we can always give. Perchance some drooping soul hath stirred With strength to love and live. An act may be by us unmarked. But kenned by watchers near ; The song which we unheeding sing May strike another's ear. If we but give our "widow's mite," To aid the general weal, To help along the cause of Right, How angel-like we feel. THE TRUE LIFE. Dreasiing oft and dreaming ever, Living in the present nevei", Building castles high and airy, Filling them with visions fairy, Seeking much for hidden things. Longing after magic wings, Spurning known and real beauty, Turning oft from love and duty — Hearts play truant to their sphere, Making us but idlers here. We should all be up and doing. Virtue's golden paths pursuing, Working hard and working ever, Lagging by the wayside never, Putting all our strength together, Pulling in harmonious measure, For each other's pleasure ready, With our hearts all true and steady ; If this our active life should be, How happy then and joyous we. ( 593 ) 38