Museum of Wonders, or Curiosities of the World

A cabinet of curiosities in book form, 1890: monsters of the ancient world, wild animals, queer wanderers in the vasty deep, famous inventions and sublime scenery — assembled to astonish the young and, the preface admits, their elders too.

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David L. Proudfit

The Best That I Can.

Ary Scheffer.

A STATELY VESSEL.
A STATELY VESSEL.

Ary Scheffer was an eminent French painter. He was born in 1795, and died in 1858.

N the wall of brick and plaster, Running down the garden walk, Little Ary drew a picture With a piece of pointed chalk.

As he drew it, Cousin Gretchen, With her doll, was standing by; And she said, "You'll be an artist, My dear Ary, if you try."

Truly spoke his Cousin Gretchen; For, while yet a little boy, His great diligence and talent Filled his mother's heart with joy.

Much that mother longed to see him Grow to be a good, great man.

I have little money, Ary, But I'll spare whate'er I can.

I will pay the best of masters, Who shall teach you all they know. * In all labor there is profit,' Honors, too, from labor flow.

Let not earthly fame or glory, Be your only end or aim, Let the glory of your Maker Have the first and highest claim. "Then I doubt not, darling Ary, If God spares you, you shall be First and foremost of the painters Which the present age shall see."

Truly spoke his loving mother; A great artist he became ; All the world now loud in honor Speak of Ary Scheffer's name. "I CANNOT do much," said a little star, "To make the dark world bright; My silvery beams cannot struggle far Through the folding gloom of night; But I am a part of God's great plan, And I'll cheerfully do the best I can." "What is the use," said a fleecy cloud, "Of these few drops that I hold?

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