THE CONGRESS OF WOMEN.

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’Twas even thus long years ago,

Columbus feared not friend nor foe,

But ever watched for “time and tide ”

To bear him to the other side.

Fair India! was his destined goal—

The one great hope of his great soul.

And when at last as ever, “ Fate Will bring all things to those who wait,”

His dream came true, he murmured not O’er the past trials of his lot.

When skies were fair, one August day From old Palos he sailed away.

With compass set, and ropes all taunt,

(An argosy, with bright hopes fraught).

Days passed, with rudder broken, lost!

By angry seas and tempests tossed,

They anchored in Canaries Isle,

And rested there a little while.

Then off, across the treacherous main,

“ Fearing they’d not see home again,”

This weary-hearted little band Set out to find the “ Western land.”

From sun to sun, for many days,

The adverse winds blew different ways,

The crew in mutiny declared “That no one his wild visions shared.”

Alone he stood, with lifted eye!

And prayed for succor from on high!

(Still raged the storm), while o’er the wave His cry went up, “ Oh, hear and save!”

At length, when hope was almost dead, And every buoyant dream had fled,

A light shone out across the sea—

The promised land it proved to be.

Four hundred years ago, ’tis true,

This happened I relate to you;

Yet down the cycles of the years,

That voyage made in hopes and fears,

’Mid dangerous seas, has proved to be The greatest one in history.

Columbus year we celebrate!

What was it made the man so great? Others had dreamed as he had done,

And yet no continent had won!

All who will read his life may see The man’s great faith and constancy!

Firm ever in his cause he stood And waited, knowing it was good.

His way he trusted unto heaven,

And the reward at last was given.