Almost a Man

Two lads had crossed the sunny meadow-land of childhood and stood by the gate, at the entrance to the rougher paths of youth leading up to the grander heights of maturity. They glanced backward, but not with regret, for their eyes shone with eagerness to climb the upward way. As they waited, an angel came bearing a gift for each, which he gave them, saying: “I have brought you a wondrous gift, not for yourselves but for Others. Listen.” And they bent their heads and listened. And one said: “I hear most entrancing music. It thrills my very being. It is for me, for me.” But the angel said: “Listen again. Shut your ears to those bewildering tones and you will hear a deeper, holier strain.” But the youth said: “No, I hear only that melody which speaks to my own heart. I can hear nothing else