Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 10.djvu/354

 340 A Wintei' Idyl.

lu early ages, when primeval man

Emerged from cave to dwell upon the plain, His study of the healing art began. With simple roots and herbs, by every plan,

He sought to heal his wound and soothe his pain. Then men were gathered into hostile bands,

For in those ancient days was savage war ; They sought to plunder from each others' lands, Or tried resistance to unjust demands,

For might was right, and mankind knew no law. The weakest could his land and home defend, And slay an enemy, or help a friend. Then into common use came drugs, quite sure In hands unskilled to either kill or cure. What would our forefathers have thought had they Through all the ages lived until this day?

Just take one Concord drug-store : it would be A wonderland to all antiquity. Suppose some ancient Greek could see no more Than A. P. Fitch's elegant drug store,

'T would be to him profoundest mystery. Attempt to understand what he might find Would totter reason and unsettle mind. The whole wide world contributes to his stock ;

Each continent and ocean does its part ; His trusty messengers at distance mock. Dash over land and on the billows rock,

To aid the surgeon's and physician's art. Unto the lore of ancient alcliemy.

Which with the dawn of history began. Is added skill of modern chemistry, Acquired in every land and century

Since man has sought to heal his fellow-man. Beside his drugs and medicines you find

All sorts of dainty things the ladies use, Powder and i)crfume, soap of every kind, And toilet articles just to their mind —

A large assortment out of which to choose. Is one a smoker.^ — he will travel far To get a better than a Fitch cigar. In all relations Mr. Fitch stands high.

In social circles and on business streets. And meets all squarely when they sell or buy.

And every one with true politeness treats. Honored by all, in Mr. Fitch you see A man of worth and proud integrity.

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