Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 January 1884 — Whittier’s Kindness to Autograph Hunters. [ARTICLE]

Whittier’s Kindness to Autograph Hunters.

Like Mr. Longfellow, Mr. Whittier is more indulgent to the autograph tramp than he ought to be, but he can say “no,” oil occasions, and turn his back- upon the pursudr with commendaHe courage. But capable always of making clear distinctions, of seperating the wheat from the tares, he recognizes the sincerity of true sympathy and appreciation, and responds with a courtesy and kindness that is full of hearty friendliness. Some of his best thoughts have been tersely put in a verse or two that he has -written for such occasions. One of those was penned at the request of a friend for on ancient sun-dial that stood in his—the friend’s —garden. What could be better, more complete, than this: “With warning hand I mark Time's rapid flight, From life’s glad morning to its solemn night; Yet thro' the dear God’s love I also show There's light above me by the shade below.” In the poets published volumes, though we find now and then a grim humor, we do not see the lighter strains of wit and gaiety that occasionally breaks out in his conversation. The brightness and lightness of this strain is very charmingly exemplified in the following stanza that he wrote in a young friend’s album: “Ah, ladies, you love to levy a tax On my poor little paper parcel of fame* Yet strange it seems that among you all No one is willing to take my name- 1 To write and rewrite till the angels pity her, The weariful words, Thine truly, Whittier.” —Aora IVniL iaßoshm //ome joionii!.« ■