Muse and Mint

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <div class="figcenter illowp48" id="cover" style="max-width: 40.0625em;"> <ANTIMG class="w100" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /></div> <hr class="chap pg-brk" /> <div class="bbox"> <h1>MUSE AND MINT</h1> <p class="pfs80">BY</p> <p class="pfs120">WALTER S. PERCY</p> <hr class="full0" /> <div class="figcenter illowe5_5" id="colophon"> <ANTIMG class="w100 p2" src="images/colophon.jpg" alt="Colophon" /></div> <hr class="full0" /> <p class="pfs90 p2">BOSTON<br/> SHERMAN, FRENCH &amp; COMPANY<br/> 1914</p> </div> <hr class="chap pg-brk" /> <p class="pfs80 p10"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1914<br/> Sherman, French &amp; Company</span></p> <hr class="chap pg-brk" /> <p class="pfs80 p6">TO</p> <p class="pfs100">MY DEAR MOTHER AND WIFE</p> <p class="pfs80 pb6">WHO BEST LOVED MY MUSE<br/> AND WHOSE LOVE WAS THE<br/> MINT THAT EVER MADE IT<br/> AN INSPIRATION AND JOY</p> <hr class="chap" /> <h3 id="MUSE_AND_MINT">MUSE AND MINT</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I <span class="smcap">mused</span> upon the strangeness of all things,</div> <div class="verse indent4">So different from the dream</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whereof the morning mounted up on wings</div> <div class="verse indent4">Above the world agleam</div> <div class="verse indent0">With light that trembled into life and love</div> <div class="verse indent4">As when a censer swings</div> <div class="verse indent4">And joy of promise sings&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent6q">“The dream whereof</div> <div class="verse indent6">The gleam above</div> <div class="verse indent6">The world is love!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, bitterness to muse and neither find</div> <div class="verse indent4">The beauty of the Muse</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor yet the music which the soul divined</div> <div class="verse indent4">Ere set the rosy hues</div> <div class="verse indent0">In sombre lines that disenchant and fret</div> <div class="verse indent4">The heart with growing grief</div> <div class="verse indent4">Which struggles for relief&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent6q">“O Muse, but let</div> <div class="verse indent6">My spirit yet</div> <div class="verse indent6">The rue forget!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">As if to answer me a little child,</div> <div class="verse indent4">To whom the sunshine’s glint</div> <div class="verse indent0">Was gloom forever, on the corner smiled</div> <div class="verse indent4">And vended sprigs of mint,</div> <div class="verse indent0">As though there were in blindness still a bloom</div> <div class="verse indent4">And fragrance which could reach</div> <div class="verse indent4">The passer-by and teach&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent6q">“In glint or gloom</div> <div class="verse indent6">There’s mint in bloom</div> <div class="verse indent6">To earth perfume!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS</h2></div> <table class="autotable" summary=""> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#NATURE">NATURE</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"></td> <td class="tdr fs80">PAGE</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Fireflies</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_3">3</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Bo-Peep</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_5">5</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Peep-of-Dawn</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_6">6</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Rilly River</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_7">7</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Cherries</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_8">8</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Snowflake</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_10">10</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Blizzard</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_11">11</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sugaring Off</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_12">12</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Chrysalis</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_13">13</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">When I Survey</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_14">14</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Paupack</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_19">19</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#FIRESIDE">FIRESIDE</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mother</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_23">23</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Chatterbox</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_24">24</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Little Stocking</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_26">26</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Elfin Faces</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_28">28</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sweet ’Steen</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_30">30</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Boy</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_31">31</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Child’s Lifted Cross</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_32">32</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Boy Millionaire</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_33">33</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Lullaby</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_34">34</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Last Song</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_35">35</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Youth</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_36">36</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Age</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#AGE">36</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#SENTIMENT">SENTIMENT</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Coronation</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_39">39</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">I’ll Be Watching on the Shore</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_40">40</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">I Give Thee My Promise</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_42">42</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Chambered Roses</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_43">43</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Two Frames</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_44">44</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Pars Summae</i> </td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_45">45</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Vision</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_46">46</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Aftermath</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_48">48</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Proof-words</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_49">49</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#MEMORIES">MEMORIES</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Adieus</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_53">53</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Dust to Dust</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_54">54</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Little Words</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_55">55</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Wayside Life</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_56">56</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">O Tear!</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_57">57</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Dew of Dust</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_58">58</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Smile</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_59">59</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#PHILOSOPHY">PHILOSOPHY</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Hill-tops</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_63">63</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Man Who Bears the Hod</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_64">64</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Jog Along!</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_65">65</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Family Tree</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_66">66</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Replevin</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_68">68</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#HOMILIES">HOMILIES</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">What is Truth?</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_71">71</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Friendship</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_72">72</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Thought</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_73">73</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">When I’m No More</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_74">74</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Blazed Trail</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_75">75</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Grief and Joy</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_76">76</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Hope</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_77">77</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sowing and Reaping</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_78">78</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Hope On!</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_79">79</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Hearted Good</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_80">80</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#COUNTRY">COUNTRY</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">America</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_83">83</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Altar of Country</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_85">85</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Stars of Destiny</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_86">86</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Last of the Grand Army</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_87">87</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Vincit Omnia Jus</i> </td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_90">90</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Flying Jack</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_92">92</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#HUMOR">HUMOR</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Sap’s A-bilin’</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_97">97</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Just Mud</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_98">98</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Knockin’ Round</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_99">99</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Snail and Star</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_100">100</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Old Sor’l Hoss</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_102">102</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Nicodemus Boggs</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_103">103</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#SACRED">SACRED</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">What is Faith?</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_107">107</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Forgiveness</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_109">109</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Good Samaritan</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_111">111</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Shepherd of Israel</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_113">113</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ladder of Cloud</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_114">114</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Risen Christ Means Victory</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_116">116</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Everlasting Arms</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_117">117</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">He Giveth His Beloved Sleep</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_118">118</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Glory Dwells</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_119">119</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Light of Life</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_120">120</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Design</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_121">121</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#SONG">SONG</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Golden Hope</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_125">125</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Coming Crowning</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_126">126</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Living Cup</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_128">128</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Singers</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_129">129</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Crown of Thorns</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_131">131</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Song Along</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_133">133</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Ecce Homo!</i> </td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_134">134</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Love that Washed His Feet</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_136">136</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdcx" colspan="2"><SPAN href="#MISCELLANEOUS">MISCELLANEOUS</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Shut and Open Hand</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_141">141</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Man-bird</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_144">144</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Phantom Cavalry</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_146">146</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Thou Callest Me Brother</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_149">149</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Singing Death</span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_150">150</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Old Moon in the Arms of the New<span class="pad1">&nbsp;</span></span></td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_152">152</SPAN></td> </tr> </table> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="NATURE">NATURE</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_3"></SPAN>[Pg 3]</span></p> <h3 id="FIREFLIES">FIREFLIES</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> murky night hung dank and dark</div> <div class="verse indent2">The Summer shower after;</div> <div class="verse indent0">A distant dog’s staccato bark</div> <div class="verse indent2">Disturbed the strollers’ laughter;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The mournful whip-poor-will’s lament,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The frogs’ and crickets’ chorus</div> <div class="verse indent0">A weird, sepulchral feeling lent</div> <div class="verse indent2">To meadow-lot and morass.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A thousand insect-lanterns flashed</div> <div class="verse indent2">Their phosphorescent signals</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of living sparks that dot-and-dashed</div> <div class="verse indent2">Out swift electric riddles;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For scarcely was the eye upon</div> <div class="verse indent2">A single tiny glowlight</div> <div class="verse indent0">When wink, it flitted and was gone</div> <div class="verse indent2">Like prankish imp on show-night!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And while one guessed its next surprise</div> <div class="verse indent2">Afar from where it dwindled</div> <div class="verse indent0">A myriad others to the eyes</div> <div class="verse indent2">All intercrossed and kindled</div> <div class="verse indent0">Until the ghostly gloom became</div> <div class="verse indent2">Illumined with manœuvres</div> <div class="verse indent0">As though of fairies fanning flame</div> <div class="verse indent2">Within a park of lovers.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_4"></SPAN>[4]</span> <div class="verse indent0">And thus does fancy people night</div> <div class="verse indent2">With fugitive creations</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of phantom-folk whose fitful light</div> <div class="verse indent2">Yet feeds our inspirations</div> <div class="verse indent0">And teaches us there is no dark</div> <div class="verse indent2">But fellowships the presence</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of every soul that sheds its spark</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of humble incandescence.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_5"></SPAN>[5]</span></p> <h3 id="BO-PEEP">BO-PEEP</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Everywhere</span> I ramble</div> <div class="verse indent2">In the ides of May,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through the boughs and bramble</div> <div class="verse indent2">The wood-nymphs play.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where the sunshine dapples</div> <div class="verse indent2">Shadows all a-creep</div> <div class="verse indent0">Beneath the budding apples,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Dances Bo-Peep.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Over where the mosses</div> <div class="verse indent2">Make a coverlet</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which the Spring embosses</div> <div class="verse indent2">With a green fret,</div> <div class="verse indent0">From the long hibernal</div> <div class="verse indent2">Dreaminess of sleep</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wakes with dimples vernal</div> <div class="verse indent2">Little Bo-Peep.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Violets and bluets</div> <div class="verse indent2">Mischievously peek;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Monks like pigmy druids</div> <div class="verse indent2">Play at hide-and-seek;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er each stump a picket</div> <div class="verse indent2">Spies with cunning deep,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And in every thicket</div> <div class="verse indent2">Beckons Bo-Peep.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_6"></SPAN>[6]</span></p> <h3 id="PEEP-OF-DAWN">PEEP-OF-DAWN</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> tallyho of slumber’s on</div> <div class="verse indent0">The last relay of dreams;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Posthaste it rides with ribbons drawn</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er curvetting gray teams.</div> <div class="verse indent0">The wayside house just left behind</div> <div class="verse indent0">Was Where-the-Cock-Crew Inn;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The road ahead with rose is lined</div> <div class="verse indent0">And known as Work-to-Win.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Intoxicated senses sink</div> <div class="verse indent0">In visions of delight;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And Venus’ eye begins to wink</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where it outrides the night.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sly fingers lift the window-shades,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But ere espied are gone;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And on the drowsy milking-maids</div> <div class="verse indent0">Tiptoes the Peep-of-Dawn.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Dame Nature in abandon lies</div> <div class="verse indent0">With skirts in disarray,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And overtaken with surprise</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is kissed by stealthy Day;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The coverts rub their eyes and wake,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And dreaming Love anon</div> <div class="verse indent0">Goes forth on Rosy Road to make</div> <div class="verse indent0">A tryst with Peep-of-Dawn.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_7"></SPAN>[7]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_RILLY_RIVER">THE RILLY RIVER</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> cold and turbid flood of Spring</div> <div class="verse indent0">Has melted to the Summer shallow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And now the vivid greeneries cling</div> <div class="verse indent0">Along the margin lush and fallow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And where were sombre deeps and chills</div> <div class="verse indent0">Are silver trills of rippling rills.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The loiterer upon the bridge</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which o’er the eddying river poises</div> <div class="verse indent0">Salutes the island’s sandy ridge</div> <div class="verse indent0">That reappears; the eye rejoices</div> <div class="verse indent0">In all the old familiar frills</div> <div class="verse indent0">And saucy spills of rippling rills.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The rod and reel the rapture feel</div> <div class="verse indent0">And from the boat take finny chances,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But less for luck than with the keel</div> <div class="verse indent0">To be a part of runic dances;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For thus the river’s music thrills</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like joy that fills the rippling rills.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_8"></SPAN>[8]</span></p> <h3 id="CHERRIES">CHERRIES</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2"><span class="smcap">Cherries</span>! Cherries! Cherries!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The robins are excited and delighted</div> <div class="verse indent2">To change the fare at last;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For ’twas bugs and grubs and slugs</div> <div class="verse indent2">Over two months past.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Now it’s cherries till the berries</div> <div class="verse indent2">Ripen full and fast.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Cherries! Cherries! Cherries!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The robins are excited and affrighted;</div> <div class="verse indent2">There’s a man up the tree</div> <div class="verse indent0">In a big wig and rig</div> <div class="verse indent2">That would scare a chickadee&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But a robin&mdash;see him bobbin’</div> <div class="verse indent2">In a solemn colloquy!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Cherries! Cherries! Cherries!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The scare-crow is indicted and requited</div> <div class="verse indent2">With a pocketful of eggs</div> <div class="verse indent2">Baby-blue, with ’em too</div> <div class="verse indent2">Gettin’ ready bill and legs</div> <div class="verse indent0">For the Summer that’s a comer</div> <div class="verse indent2">When the cherry-season begs.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Cherries! Cherries! Cherries!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The robins are excited and delighted&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Not the redbreast but the kind</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_9"></SPAN>[9]</span> <div class="verse indent2">That eclipse with cherry lips</div> <div class="verse indent2">And are not a whit behind</div> <div class="verse indent0">Robin Jerries stealin’ cherries</div> <div class="verse indent2">When the dummy’s but a blind.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_10"></SPAN>[10]</span></p> <h3 id="A_SNOWFLAKE">A SNOWFLAKE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Million-needled</span> star of hoar,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Parachuting little kite</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sailing by my cottage-door,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Flurried, jostled, fairy-light&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whither, whither, whence and why</div> <div class="verse indent0">Comest thou of crystal</div> <div class="verse indent0">From the welkin, hasting by</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like a lost epistle?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Softly did the snowflake sigh</div> <div class="verse indent0">“Read me as I rest awhile!”</div> <div class="verse indent0">So I read the whence and why;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For the snowflake is a smile,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Melting Heaven-dew congealed</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lest we miss its beauty,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Love in miracle revealed</div> <div class="verse indent0">On the wings of duty!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_11"></SPAN>[11]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_BLIZZARD">THE BLIZZARD</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> whited pumice of the storm</div> <div class="verse indent2">Is over house and hill</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or drifted into shroudlike form</div> <div class="verse indent2">About the ruined mill.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The fences hide beneath the drifts;</div> <div class="verse indent2">The snowy terraces</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ascend to where the hemlock lifts</div> <div class="verse indent2">Its virgin-broidered dress.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The trackless highway challenges</div> <div class="verse indent2">The sweltered caravan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of traffic and in fastnesses</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of chalk imprisons man.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The wind-wolves howl at cottage-door</div> <div class="verse indent2">Or down the chimney leap;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The windows all are rimed with hoar</div> <div class="verse indent2">Where frozen fingers creep.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The house-frame groans at blast and frost</div> <div class="verse indent2">Like quarry of the pack</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’ertaken, but though torn and tossed</div> <div class="verse indent2">Still stout of heart and back;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Still stout of heart like us secure</div> <div class="verse indent2">By ruddy fire warm,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Too humbly thankful to be poor</div> <div class="verse indent2">While sheltered from the storm.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_12"></SPAN>[12]</span></p> <h3 id="SUGARING_OFF">SUGARING OFF</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Essence</span> of all that’s sweet, what joy</div> <div class="verse indent0">To watch thy amber flow</div> <div class="verse indent0">And sip thy nectar till it cloy</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or waxen it on snow!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What joy to watch the trickling veins</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of our old maple-friend</div> <div class="verse indent0">And know the vernal Odin reigns</div> <div class="verse indent0">As heir of Winter’s end!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Drink to the earnest of the Spring,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The ichor of the bud,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To all the rising hopes that sing</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of life and loverhood!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Drink to the sweetness in thee hid</div> <div class="verse indent0">By softer airs distilled;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Let Nature sugar off and bid</div> <div class="verse indent0">Her kindlier cup be filled!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_13"></SPAN>[13]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_CHRYSALIS">THE CHRYSALIS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Come</span> out of your Winter shell, old grub</div> <div class="verse indent4">Of horns and crusty twist,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And with your fellows elbows rub</div> <div class="verse indent4">More like a humanist!</div> <div class="verse indent0">A spiral armor’s very well</div> <div class="verse indent4">For its eccentric curve,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But not a gloomy hermit-cell</div> <div class="verse indent4">Of cynical reserve.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Come out of your Winter shell, old slug</div> <div class="verse indent4">Of dormant sense and soul!</div> <div class="verse indent0">You’re far too round and hard and smug;</div> <div class="verse indent4">Your Summer self unroll</div> <div class="verse indent0">And show you’ve got some nature left</div> <div class="verse indent4">That sprouts an airy wing;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The man of humus is bereft</div> <div class="verse indent4">Who can’t respond to Spring.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Come out of your Winter shell, old worm</div> <div class="verse indent4">Of wrapped-up gossamer,</div> <div class="verse indent0">If you would burst your scaly derm</div> <div class="verse indent4">And let the spirit stir;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For after all, for better things</div> <div class="verse indent4">A man created is</div> <div class="verse indent0">Than lying with imprisoned wings</div> <div class="verse indent4">A half-dead chrysalis.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_14"></SPAN>[14]</span></p> <h3 id="WHEN_I_SURVEY">WHEN I SURVEY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">’<span class="smcap">Tis</span> midnight and I am in the country!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The world is still and all the lights are out</div> <div class="verse indent0">Save for the ones which stud the firmament</div> <div class="verse indent0">With diamond clusters everywhere about.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Like royal David pondering the Heaven</div> <div class="verse indent0">I stand uncovered, torn and battle-spent</div> <div class="verse indent0">And from my flocking meditations driven</div> <div class="verse indent0">By spectral bears and lions; but not as he</div> <div class="verse indent0">Victorious, for the raveners I smote</div> <div class="verse indent0">Were modern pride and doubt which stalked my faith</div> <div class="verse indent0">For its ewe-lamb of trust and by the throat</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dragged it away from me to bleating death.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">My staff is broken and the scroll I read</div> <div class="verse indent0">A thousand nights like this lies crumpled where</div> <div class="verse indent0">I flung it as with fevered brow I fled</div> <div class="verse indent0">In mocking disillusion and despair</div> <div class="verse indent0">From burnt-out wicks still sputtering in the oil</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of self-illumination with the quizz</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“What am I? What the infinite I <span class="smcap">Am</span>?”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">God! If the answer were in spirit-toil</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or as the echo of Whatever <span class="smcap">Is</span>!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The stars smile down on me undimmed and calm.</div> <div class="verse indent0">My soul! Have I so many years been blind</div> <div class="verse indent0">To all the glories wheeling o’er my head</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_15"></SPAN>[15]</span> <div class="verse indent0">And starry with the challenge of my quest?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Orion jewel-girdled and behind</div> <div class="verse indent0">Coursing his dogs, in mighty combat strange</div> <div class="verse indent0">With red-eyed Taurus!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent22">And the Charioteer</div> <div class="verse indent0">Flashing toward the goal in full career!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The thrice-immortal Twins the chase abreast,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Cheering the race but keeping out of range</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Ursa’s long, lean paws where his huge frame</div> <div class="verse indent0">Looms in the Polar Circle!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent26">Farther south</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Lion’s crouching form, with gleaming eyes</div> <div class="verse indent0">And shadowy mouth!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18">The Plowman of the skies,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Proud of Arcturus’ fame!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent24">And Hercules</div> <div class="verse indent0">Setting his giant heel upon the fang</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of the unwieldy Dragon; while beyond</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Serpent’s Crown makes mockery of the deed!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Far over by a handful of degrees</div> <div class="verse indent0">Imperial Vega rides the horizon,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Harped on by Lyra, as when morning sang</div> <div class="verse indent0">The genesis of systems God-decreed.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_16"></SPAN>[16]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Already shines afar the Northern Cross</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where else were only dreariness and dark,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like flaming symbol of a holy Cause</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which bore its ensign up the Winter arc</div> <div class="verse indent0">And more divinely glowed with sacred fire</div> <div class="verse indent0">Than the tiaraed Lady of the Chair</div> <div class="verse indent0">With dazzling looks, or than her daughter whom</div> <div class="verse indent0">Impetuous Perseus, thinking her so fair,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Delivered by the right of passion from</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Beast with jaws of grossness open wide.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Nor would I miss the Eagle, argus-eyed</div> <div class="verse indent0">And swift on wings of night.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent22">What! Call this Night,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With thousand thousand suns in timeless space</div> <div class="verse indent0">So vast that distance gives no parallax</div> <div class="verse indent0">And centuries untold would pass ere light</div> <div class="verse indent0">From the remotest wanderer could burn!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">So vast yon fires are a hundred-fold</div> <div class="verse indent0">More luminous than ours to them in turn,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And it in lost direction would dissolve</div> <div class="verse indent0">From Earth’s own lode-star here yclept the Pole!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">So vast that hosts so numberless revolve</div> <div class="verse indent0">In unison as no assembled whole</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of man’s most perfect mechanism moves,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet by the which he boasts perpetual noon</div> <div class="verse indent0">As though the elements he late improves</div> <div class="verse indent0">And plays them in a more triumphant tune.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_17"></SPAN>[17]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What! Call this Night and our small dial Day</div> <div class="verse indent0">Because by it we see ourselves and then</div> <div class="verse indent0">As mere automatons! Such is the way</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of over-conscious men; why, even I</div> <div class="verse indent0">An hour since called light a flickering lamp,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Philosophy the palimpsest of pedants,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The universe a papier-mache script,</div> <div class="verse indent0">While on it egotism’s ink was still too damp</div> <div class="verse indent0">And speculation dript.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But as I mount the Great Highway of Pearl</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which turns to diamonds where its steeds strike hoof</div> <div class="verse indent0">And chariot-wheels o’er the arena whirl</div> <div class="verse indent0">Until the course is flashing flint and fire&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">How my soul thrills with this real vision of</div> <div class="verse indent0">The truth no lips can utter&mdash;with desire</div> <div class="verse indent0">To feel, not name, the Maker!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent30">Night is Day</div> <div class="verse indent0">To eyes which earth’s diurnal sun had blinded</div> <div class="verse indent0">But now see glory, majesty, design,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Love eternal-minded, Will divine,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Swinging out censers, filling space with throne-rooms,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ordering the times of destiny,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Making music and revealing purpose</div> <div class="verse indent0">Perfect but unthinkable, yet in man</div> <div class="verse indent0">Tuning a chord of nature in response</div> <div class="verse indent0">To fugitive notes of a melodious plan,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">To stray scintillas of a Master-spell,</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_18"></SPAN>[18]</span> <div class="verse indent0">That we might have sufficient just of sense</div> <div class="verse indent0">To throb with feeling of theophany,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Just awe enough of the Ineffable</div> <div class="verse indent0">Out of our pinpoint nothingness to cry</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“What is man that Thou art mindful of him?</div> <div class="verse indent0">And what is he that he should give a Name</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which we with lips vainglorious can laud,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A shape of Person to the Great I <span class="allsmcap">AM</span></div> <div class="verse indent0">Before we deign to worship Him as <span class="smcap">God</span>?”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_19"></SPAN>[19]</span></p> <h3 id="PAUPACK">PAUPACK</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Whither</span> waters, gently flowing</div> <div class="verse indent0">In thy rocky channel-race,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet anon more noisy growing</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er the stones which stay thy pace&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Gentle waters, whither going?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Laughing louder as they hurried,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Making music as they ran,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Deeper still the rock they furrowed</div> <div class="verse indent0">And a stolen run began</div> <div class="verse indent0">Half in cliffs and chasms buried.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Through the narrows flung they churning,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Leaped they in a mad cascade</div> <div class="verse indent0">And a bedded boulder spurning</div> <div class="verse indent0">They a misty iris made,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Spray to fitful spectrum turning.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Wildling waters thus romancing</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through the gorge in joy’s career,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wooded witchery enhancing,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Paupack picturesque and dear,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Haste thee onward ever dancing!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Let thy pilgrimage and laughter</div> <div class="verse indent0">Quicken an Algonquin vein</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till the lure I follow after</div> <div class="verse indent0">Flushes every sense again</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like the freshet of the water;</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_20"></SPAN>[20]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Till, O Paupack, each erosion</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of my nature is at flood</div> <div class="verse indent0">With a primitive emotion,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With an impulse of the blood,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Singing on towards the ocean!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="FIRESIDE">FIRESIDE</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_23"></SPAN>[23]</span></p> <h3 id="MOTHER">MOTHER</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Only</span> one link is to us all</div> <div class="verse indent2">A never-failing bond,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Only one thought of time’s recall</div> <div class="verse indent2">Makes all the world respond.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dear ties there are that knit us close</div> <div class="verse indent2">As parent, friend or brother;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But God a universal chose</div> <div class="verse indent2">In the dear name of “Mother!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Only one face no stranger is</div> <div class="verse indent2">Sometime at every side,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Only one love whose holy kiss</div> <div class="verse indent2">To few has been denied;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And whether we it treasure up</div> <div class="verse indent2">Or its affection smother,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet still the world’s communion-cup</div> <div class="verse indent2">Is the dear name of “Mother!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Only one touch of nature makes</div> <div class="verse indent2">Us feel alike at best,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Only one gift for our sakes</div> <div class="verse indent2">Outbalances the rest;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And whether good or evil, we</div> <div class="verse indent2">Are human to each other</div> <div class="verse indent0">When our most sacred memory</div> <div class="verse indent2">Is the dear name of “Mother!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_24"></SPAN>[24]</span></p> <h3 id="CHATTERBOX">CHATTERBOX</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Miss Chatterbox</span>, come here and tell</div> <div class="verse indent0">Me all about the fairies’ spell</div> <div class="verse indent0">So new to you but strange to me</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till you revive its mystery!</div> <div class="verse indent0">I, too, delight in Summer bowers</div> <div class="verse indent0">But you bewitch the birds and flowers;</div> <div class="verse indent0">I, too, rejoice in sunny nooks</div> <div class="verse indent0">But you make music of the brooks!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Miss Chatterbox, the secret share</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of all the magic of the air!</div> <div class="verse indent0">How comes the woodland’s passing breeze</div> <div class="verse indent0">To be the whisper of the trees?</div> <div class="verse indent0">How come the echoes through their screen</div> <div class="verse indent0">To be the pranks of elves unseen?&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The bushy tails and beadlike eyes</div> <div class="verse indent0">The wizard and the kewpie spies?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Miss Chatterbox, the riddle read</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of yonder fence-side hearts that bleed,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of yonder riot in the field</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where buttercups to daisies yield;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where drowsy sprites sip clover-sweets</div> <div class="verse indent0">And bobolink with Cupid meets;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where brownies over on the knoll</div> <div class="verse indent0">The puff-balls of the pasture roll.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_25"></SPAN>[25]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Miss Chatterbox, how happens it</div> <div class="verse indent0">That you in all this witchcraft fit;</div> <div class="verse indent0">That in your feet the fairies dance</div> <div class="verse indent0">And from your eyes the sun-sprites glance;</div> <div class="verse indent0">That in your curls are elfin kinks</div> <div class="verse indent0">And in your cheek a cupid winks;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The wood-nymphs clap their hands with thine</div> <div class="verse indent0">And thou art nature’s countersign?</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_26"></SPAN>[26]</span></p> <h3 id="LITTLE_STOCKING">LITTLE STOCKING</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Cunningly</span>, patiently I knit you,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Little stocking,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Counting the stitches the while;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lovingly in thought I fit you</div> <div class="verse indent10">While rocking</div> <div class="verse indent0">Back and forth, back and forth, with a smile,</div> <div class="verse indent0">On the baby-feet I kiss</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or in slumber absent miss,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dreams flocking, little stocking,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Like this.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Skilfully, wistfully I weave you,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Interlocking</div> <div class="verse indent0">The strands in and out and around;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Tenderly in mind I leave you,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Little stocking,</div> <div class="verse indent0">As the woolen thread’s unwound,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And I think of baby feet</div> <div class="verse indent0">You will cover when complete,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Half-mocking, little stocking,</div> <div class="verse indent10">So sweet.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Artfully I toe and heel you,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Little stocking,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Clicking the needle ends;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fondly I fashion and feel you,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Heart a-talking</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_27"></SPAN>[27]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">As the tapering fabric spends;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Will the baby-feet be true</div> <div class="verse indent0">To the dreams I wove in you?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Little stocking, little stocking,</div> <div class="verse indent10">Adieu!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_28"></SPAN>[28]</span></p> <h3 id="ELFIN_FACES">ELFIN FACES</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Round</span> me gather Rosycheeks,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Clean and fresh as peaches,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Smiling daughters of the Greeks,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Golden-tongued with speeches.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“Papa, tell your little girls</div> <div class="verse indent0">All about the fairies!”</div> <div class="verse indent0">Bless my soul! they all had curls</div> <div class="verse indent0">And Cupid-lips like cherries.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Yes, indeed, and starry eyes</div> <div class="verse indent0">And merry little dimples</div> <div class="verse indent0">Something like a sly surprise</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hid in cunning wimples.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Yes, and twinkling baby-feet</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dancing midst the flowers,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Gathering the honey sweet</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through the morning hours.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But at twilight is the time</div> <div class="verse indent0">Each becomes a brownie,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Murmuring a sleepy rhyme,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Growing soft and downy</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Till&mdash;say, I declare there springs</div> <div class="verse indent0">Up from either shoulder</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fluffy little angel-wings</div> <div class="verse indent0">That at first enfold her,&mdash;</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_29"></SPAN>[29]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Then I have to rub my eyes</div> <div class="verse indent0">All alert and scarey,</div> <div class="verse indent0">For right out the window flies</div> <div class="verse indent0">Every single fairy</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And I’m left there all alone,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Peering in the corners.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r20a" /> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Little elfin-faces gone</div> <div class="verse indent0">Leave behind them mourners.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_30"></SPAN>[30]</span></p> <h3 id="SWEET_STEEN">SWEET ’STEEN</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Little</span> outgrown pinafore</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hanging there behind the door,</div> <div class="verse indent4">Seldom seen,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sprigged all over full of buds</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like the yesterdays whose suds</div> <div class="verse indent0">Only partly washed you out&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent4">What d’you mean</div> <div class="verse indent0">By reviving such a time</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like a phantom put to rout</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till it runs to rue and rhyme?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ah, ’tis sad to think of it&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Missy that you used to fit</div> <div class="verse indent4">Till between</div> <div class="verse indent0">Top and bottom was a glance,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Now is wearing styles of France;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For alas, she’s grown to be</div> <div class="verse indent4">Sweet sixteen,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With young ladyship’s conceit</div> <div class="verse indent0">And its sprouting vanity&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sixteen, pinafore, and sweet!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_31"></SPAN>[31]</span></p> <h3 id="BOY">BOY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Boy</span>, thou art the work of ages,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Disporting by creation’s glades and streams&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Laughing at the sages</div> <div class="verse indent0">And filling all the pages</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of time eternal with thy hopes and dreams!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Boy, thou art the work of nature,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Commingling of earth and air and fire&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">In consciousness and feature</div> <div class="verse indent0">A juvenescent creature</div> <div class="verse indent0">With active mind and limbs that never tire.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Boy, thou art the work of gladness</div> <div class="verse indent0">And meant to fill the world with lusty shout,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With laughter, not with sadness,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With goodness, not with badness,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With eager confidence and not with doubt!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Boy, thou art the work of Heaven,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A thought to give the world a bonnie heir&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">A living joyous leaven,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A spirit nobly driven</div> <div class="verse indent0">To try the future and divinely dare!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_32"></SPAN>[32]</span></p> <h3 id="A_CHILDS_LIFTED_CROSS">A CHILD’S LIFTED CROSS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">How</span> are we taught by childhood’s simple plea</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our greatest need and poor deformity</div> <div class="verse indent0">When such a child each vesper hour could pray,</div> <div class="verse indent0">“Lord, make me well and take my cross away!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“That I may share in joy and love return,</div> <div class="verse indent0">That I may live to labor and to learn</div> <div class="verse indent0">And that to-morrow may redeem to-day,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lord, make me well and take my cross away!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The help came down not as the cry went up,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not as the thirst the giving of the cup;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Poor little one, if only we could say</div> <div class="verse indent0">God made him well and took his cross away!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">’Tis thus we bring our own distorting grief</div> <div class="verse indent0">To our beloved Physician for relief;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And as our burden at thy feet we lay,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lord, say ’tis well and take our cross away!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Thus too we bring our sin-misshapen soul</div> <div class="verse indent0">To our great Healer, who can make us whole,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And there beside His cross, not ours, we pray,</div> <div class="verse indent0">“Lord, make me well and take my sins away!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ah, time may hold surcease from pain and care;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who knows what is the answering of prayer</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or why the Potter breaks the faulty clay?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lord, make us beautiful in Thine own way!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_33"></SPAN>[33]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_BOY_MILLIONAIRE">THE BOY MILLIONAIRE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Boy</span>, I’m worth a hundred million</div> <div class="verse indent0">And I’m sixty seasons old,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But you’re worth about a billion</div> <div class="verse indent0">In another kind of gold!</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ve the money, you’ve the treasure,</div> <div class="verse indent0">You’ve the future, I’ve the past,</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ve the power, you’ve the pleasure,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Mine is fleeting, yours will last.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When you whistle through the clover,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Capturing the bumble-bee,</div> <div class="verse indent0">When the brook is running over</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the trout-line craftily</div> <div class="verse indent0">Feels the eddy&mdash;who can offer</div> <div class="verse indent0">You a kingdom more divine?</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ve an overflowing coffer</div> <div class="verse indent0">But would trade it all for thine.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_34"></SPAN>[34]</span></p> <h3 id="A_LULLABY">A LULLABY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Little</span> birdie, fold thy wings,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Snuggle in thy nest;</div> <div class="verse indent0">While the wind thy cradle swings,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Baby-birdie, rest!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, so wee and warm and near</div> <div class="verse indent0">To thy mamma’s breast!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, so free from harm and fear!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Go to rest, go to rest!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Little flower, hide thy face,</div> <div class="verse indent0">For ’tis eventide!</div> <div class="verse indent0">In the sleepy night’s embrace,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Little flower, hide!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, so wee and fair and still</div> <div class="verse indent0">On thy mamma’s breast!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, so free from care and ill!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Be at rest, be at rest!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Little baby, close thine eyes;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fairies come for thee</div> <div class="verse indent0">From the land of lullabys,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where my baby’ll be</div> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, so blissful while she sleeps</div> <div class="verse indent0">On her mamma’s breast!</div> <div class="verse indent0">And I kiss her smiling lips;</div> <div class="verse indent0">She’s at rest, she’s at rest!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_35"></SPAN>[35]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_LAST_SONG">THE LAST SONG</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Just</span> one more little song, mother,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Before I go to sleep;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For thou hast often hushed my heart</div> <div class="verse indent2">To slumber soft and deep.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before ’tis dark I long, mother,</div> <div class="verse indent2">For thy dear voice, which seems</div> <div class="verse indent0">To make thy gentle face a part</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of childhood’s golden dreams.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Just one more little song, mother,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Before I sink to rest;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For thou hast often stilled my fears</div> <div class="verse indent2">Upon thy tender breast.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thy love so great was strong, mother,</div> <div class="verse indent2">With childhood’s safe repose</div> <div class="verse indent0">On lips that kissed away its tears,</div> <div class="verse indent2">In arms that held it close.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Just one more little song, mother,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Before I dream of skies</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where stars and flowers smile and shine</div> <div class="verse indent2">And angel-harps surprise.</div> <div class="verse indent0">But not in Heaven’s throng, mother,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Is there a dearer face,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A sweeter song or soul than thine</div> <div class="verse indent2">The Gloryland to grace.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_36"></SPAN>[36]</span></p> <h3 id="YOUTH">YOUTH</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A <span class="smcap">vision</span> of morning,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A sparkle of dew,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With roses adorning</div> <div class="verse indent0">Life’s pilgrimage through;</div> <div class="verse indent0">All joy and no sorrow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">No trouble to borrow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">An endless to-morrow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And love ever true.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <h3 id="AGE">AGE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">To</span> sit in the gloaming</div> <div class="verse indent0">And muse by the fire</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till the spirit of homing</div> <div class="verse indent0">Takes wings of desire;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the might-have-beens lighten</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the things-to-be brighten</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the heavenlies heighten</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the holies inspire.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="SENTIMENT">SENTIMENT</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_39"></SPAN>[39]</span></p> <h3 id="A_CORONATION">A CORONATION</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Dear</span>, on thy brow I set a crown,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Invisible yet rare;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not jewelled gold, which burdens down</div> <div class="verse indent2">With royalty and care.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I bring thee nothing but my love</div> <div class="verse indent2">And what my hands can win,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And yet I crown thee, dear, above</div> <div class="verse indent2">A kingdom’s proudest queen.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I kiss each gleaming tress of thine</div> <div class="verse indent2">Coiled lightly round thy head,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And woman’s glory grows divine</div> <div class="verse indent2">With love’s aurora shed.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">If thou canst but forget the rest,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The gems I cannot bring,</div> <div class="verse indent0">This jewel doth become thee best</div> <div class="verse indent2">To me, thy lover-king.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Dear, in my soul thou hast a throne</div> <div class="verse indent2">All white and heavengold,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And on thy brow I set a crown</div> <div class="verse indent2">That doth my heart infold.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_40"></SPAN>[40]</span></p> <h3 id="ILL_BE_WATCHING_ON_THE_SHORE">I’LL BE WATCHING ON THE SHORE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">She</span> kissed me when we parted,&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">I to sail the stormy main,</div> <div class="verse indent0">She to keep the little cottage</div> <div class="verse indent0">Snug until I come again;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And well do I remember</div> <div class="verse indent0">What she promised o’er and o’er:&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">“When you come sailing from the ocean</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be watching on the shore!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">So I was a jolly skipper,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Coiling rope or reefing sail;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Many a distant port I entered,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Many a homebound ship did hail.</div> <div class="verse indent0">If I sent or got a message,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Always it the promise bore:&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">“When you come sailing from the ocean</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be watching on the shore!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Death came yawning in the tempest;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wild and high the spindrift flew,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And from dizzy deck and masthead</div> <div class="verse indent0">Oft I thought my hour was due;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till her dear prophetic promise</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sang above the billows’ roar:&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">“When you come sailing from the ocean</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be watching on the shore!”</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_41"></SPAN>[41]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But alas! One time I harbored</div> <div class="verse indent0">She was sleeping white and still</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where the ivy made a trellis</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of the lookout on the hill;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the cold engraven marble</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet the farewell promise bore:&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">“When you come sailing from the ocean</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be watching on the shore!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_42"></SPAN>[42]</span></p> <h3 id="I_GIVE_THEE_MY_PROMISE">I GIVE THEE MY PROMISE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I <span class="smcap">give</span> thee my promise, sweetheart,</div> <div class="verse indent2">With thy dear lips to mine,</div> <div class="verse indent0">That nothing shall keep from us</div> <div class="verse indent2">The sealing of this sign;</div> <div class="verse indent0">As o’er the world I wander</div> <div class="verse indent2">By hope of fortune sped,</div> <div class="verse indent0">My heart will grow the fonder</div> <div class="verse indent2">For thy promise me to wed.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I give thee the token, sweetheart,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Whose circle on thy hand</div> <div class="verse indent0">God grant may ne’er be broken,</div> <div class="verse indent2">However far the land!</div> <div class="verse indent0">For where it pleaseth Heaven</div> <div class="verse indent2">To lead my errant feet,</div> <div class="verse indent0">This little token given</div> <div class="verse indent2">Will keep the promise sweet.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I give thee the keeping, sweetheart,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of my own heart that pleads</div> <div class="verse indent0">For love’s immediate reaping</div> <div class="verse indent2">And with the parting bleeds;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But I with arms that hold thee</div> <div class="verse indent2">Must labor for thee, too;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And so I fast enfold thee</div> <div class="verse indent2">And bid thee, love, adieu!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_43"></SPAN>[43]</span></p> <h3 id="CHAMBERED_ROSES">CHAMBERED ROSES</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Over</span> in Dolorosa Hall,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Romantic memories breathing,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There’s a quaint old room with flowered wall</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of roses interwreathing,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The key on golden chain I wear</div> <div class="verse indent0">To guard the sacred chamber,</div> <div class="verse indent0">For as a bride demure and fair</div> <div class="verse indent0">My sainted Mary came there.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">’Twas her dear self arranged it so</div> <div class="verse indent0">And helped to match the roses,</div> <div class="verse indent0">As she, alas, the ones which grow</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er walls where she reposes.</div> <div class="verse indent0">I nurture these, the others seal</div> <div class="verse indent0">For subtler necromancy</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where Mary’s loving roses steal</div> <div class="verse indent0">Around the room of fancy.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">They ramble from each corner to</div> <div class="verse indent0">The border o’er the moulding</div> <div class="verse indent0">And on in buds and tendrils through</div> <div class="verse indent0">The ceiling’s faded golding.</div> <div class="verse indent0">No hand shall ever tear them down</div> <div class="verse indent0">With cheap artistic violence,</div> <div class="verse indent0">For Mary wreathed the roses on,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Still fragrant with her silence.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_44"></SPAN>[44]</span></p> <h3 id="TWO_FRAMES">TWO FRAMES</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">In</span> the gallery of remembrance</div> <div class="verse indent2">Down on Unforgotten Street</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hangs a picture of two lovers</div> <div class="verse indent2">After they the vows repeat;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lovely&mdash;handsome&mdash;picture&mdash;lovers&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Golden-framed against the wall,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Love in rich and stately setting&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Revenue and manor-hall.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And beside it hangs another,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Limned again with lovers’ pose,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Just as lovely on the canvas</div> <div class="verse indent2">Till the golden in it glows;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But ’tis framed in white enamel</div> <div class="verse indent2">Whereon lilies intertwine&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Love in sweet and simple setting&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Virtue and a cottage-vine.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Love-in-woman stands before them</div> <div class="verse indent2">With reflected gold and grace</div> <div class="verse indent0">But with struggling decision</div> <div class="verse indent2">On her dew-and-flower face;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Eyes are drawn to frame of yellow,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Heart to canvas set in white:</div> <div class="verse indent0">Rich man, poor man? Love-in-woman</div> <div class="verse indent2">Chose and lilies turned to light.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_45"></SPAN>[45]</span></p> <h3 id="PARS_SUMMAE"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">PARS SUMMAE</i> </h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I <span class="smcap">did</span> not think that love was mine</div> <div class="verse indent4">Because I toiled;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But if I caught its every line</div> <div class="verse indent4">And not despoiled</div> <div class="verse indent0">More perfect love to grace my own,</div> <div class="verse indent4">Then might I feel</div> <div class="verse indent0">That I at love’s supremest throne</div> <div class="verse indent4">Could rightly kneel.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I veiled my face when glory shed</div> <div class="verse indent4">Its trembling light;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor would I lift my humbled head</div> <div class="verse indent4">Till I as white</div> <div class="verse indent0">Could show the pureness of a soul</div> <div class="verse indent4">That doth reveal</div> <div class="verse indent0">Love which before the sacred whole</div> <div class="verse indent4">Can rightly kneel.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">My altar was her blessing-place</div> <div class="verse indent4">Whence she bestowed</div> <div class="verse indent0">The gifts divinely of her grace</div> <div class="verse indent4">On worship bowed;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For as my adoration rose</div> <div class="verse indent4">To love’s ideal</div> <div class="verse indent0">She lifted me as one of those</div> <div class="verse indent4">Who rightly kneel.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_46"></SPAN>[46]</span></p> <h3 id="A_VISION">A VISION</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Tall</span> and fair and azure-eyed,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Covert glances ’neath the drooping lash</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like Cupid’s arrows in an artful quiver&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">She is this and much beside,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which to tell in detail would be rash</div> <div class="verse indent0">By any but the beggar to the giver.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">If I gathered, if she gave,</div> <div class="verse indent0">I could put it better into art,</div> <div class="verse indent0">By countless little charming things elated&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Silken tresses in a wave,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Cheek with stolen pigment from the heart,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And mouth the most inviting e’er created.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Still I’m short of total truth</div> <div class="verse indent0">Just to feature forth her lovely face</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wreathed in rebel-locked or coiffured limbus;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet the highest charm of youth</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is the soft inimitable grace</div> <div class="verse indent0">That bathes a woman with a glowing nimbus.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And this my goddess hath improved</div> <div class="verse indent0">By every feminine instinct of taste,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And still the deeper charm of spiritism&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which, if it were the soul and loved</div> <div class="verse indent0">Some kindred soul in this world of love-waste,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Would laugh at every selfish catechism</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_47"></SPAN>[47]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Of worldly wisdom and its creed</div> <div class="verse indent0">And tremble to the fate which love revealed,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Flushed at its glimpse of Paradise, delirious</div> <div class="verse indent0">That life was not all craft and greed</div> <div class="verse indent0">But underneath its shallows half-concealed</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lay passion grand, transfiguring, imperious!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_48"></SPAN>[48]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_AFTERMATH">THE AFTERMATH</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Lovers</span> making foolish vows,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thinking love is deathless</div> <div class="verse indent0">When ’tis fiercest to espouse</div> <div class="verse indent0">What it sings so breathless;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Now caressing, now confessing</div> <div class="verse indent0">In romantic stanza&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Such is passion and its fashion</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of extravaganza.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But the love that’s worth a throne</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is the kind that later</div> <div class="verse indent0">More than sentiment alone</div> <div class="verse indent0">Proves and heavens greater</div> <div class="verse indent0">Than a frenzy of the fancy</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or a creed of nature,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or the praises in fine phrases</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of a charming creature.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, the happy aftermath</div> <div class="verse indent0">When the mating’s over</div> <div class="verse indent0">And ordeals of life and death</div> <div class="verse indent0">Teach the whilom lover</div> <div class="verse indent0">That the woman, though for human</div> <div class="verse indent0">Charms he did enshrine her,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is the essence of a presence</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sweeter and diviner!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_49"></SPAN>[49]</span></p> <h3 id="PROOF-WORDS">PROOF-WORDS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">There</span> was a face&mdash;I loved it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a pulse&mdash;I felt it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a soul&mdash;I sensed it</div> <div class="verse indent0">And made it mine for aye.</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a heart&mdash;I proved it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a word&mdash;I spelt it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet scarcely had commenced it</div> <div class="verse indent0">When called from dreams away.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">There was a hope&mdash;I wreathed it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a prayer&mdash;I sped it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a seal&mdash;I gave it,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Then bade my love adieu.</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a sigh&mdash;I breathed it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a tear&mdash;I shed it;</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was a gift&mdash;I save it</div> <div class="verse indent0">To know my love is true.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="MEMORIES">MEMORIES</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_53"></SPAN>[53]</span></p> <h3 id="ADIEUS">ADIEUS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">When</span> we from the ship or shore</div> <div class="verse indent0">Bid farewell&mdash;Oh, fare thee well!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Though the voyage may be o’er</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ocean-vasts and none can tell</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whether we shall evermore</div> <div class="verse indent0">Meet again, yet fare-thee-well</div> <div class="verse indent0">Means a hope whose accents spell</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till we greet again&mdash;farewell!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When we over sea or land</div> <div class="verse indent0">Godspeed wish&mdash;Oh, speed thee God!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Him we trust with kindly hand,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Narrow though the way or broad,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sometime from the distant strand</div> <div class="verse indent0">Back again to bring us shod</div> <div class="verse indent0">Joyous o’er the way we trod.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hope is Godspeed&mdash;speed thee God!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When our parting word fore’er</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is goodbye&mdash;God’s way be thine!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whether ’tis ourself who fare</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or another we resign,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet committed to His care</div> <div class="verse indent0">And a future as benign,</div> <div class="verse indent0">We await the proof divine</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hope’s goodbye is God be thine!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_54"></SPAN>[54]</span></p> <h3 id="DUST_TO_DUST">DUST TO DUST</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Earth</span> to earth, we sadly sigh&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Beloved, beloved, why didst thou die?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Heaven, why untimely death</div> <div class="verse indent0">When so sweet are life and breath?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Earth and Heaven tell us why</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our beloved have to die?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Dust to dust, the elements</div> <div class="verse indent0">Swallow clay and sleeping sense.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wilt thou wake, beloved, yet</div> <div class="verse indent0">To the eyes no longer wet,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To the arms that no more ache,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wilt thou, O beloved, wake?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ashes to ashes mingling,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Flesh they cover, tears they wring.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Beloved, beloved, the flowers I bring</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wither, but the ones that spring</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er thy mould with promise smile</div> <div class="verse indent0">“Dearest, yet a little while!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_55"></SPAN>[55]</span></p> <h3 id="LITTLE_WORDS">LITTLE WORDS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Speak</span> but the little words of truth</div> <div class="verse indent0">And they shall live when thou hast ceased to be;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The lips by trial daily put to proof</div> <div class="verse indent0">Breathe nothing sweeter than sincerity,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Helping thy brother to be true like thee.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Speak but the little words of love</div> <div class="verse indent0">And they shall linger when the tongue is still;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For whether there be thrones they shall remove,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But love abideth all our thoughts to fill</div> <div class="verse indent0">And fashioneth remembrance as it will.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Speak but the little words of hope</div> <div class="verse indent0">And they shall cheer the way when cometh night</div> <div class="verse indent0">To thee or others who in dark would grope</div> <div class="verse indent0">But for the courage of thy humble light</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fed by the oil of promise&mdash;“All comes right.”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Speak but the little words of trust</div> <div class="verse indent0">And they shall rob the struggle of its cross,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The heart of sorrow’s bitterness, the dust</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of victory o’er our dead&mdash;for out of loss</div> <div class="verse indent0">Trust sees eternal gain transform the dross.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_56"></SPAN>[56]</span></p> <h3 id="A_WAYSIDE_LIFE">A WAYSIDE LIFE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A <span class="smcap">little</span> stream sprang from its distant source,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And through the peopled valley with a song</div> <div class="verse indent0">It held its smiling uneventful course,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Grateful with cooling draught the whole year long,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till they who daily drank of it grew strong.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A little star shone softly in the night,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And in the many-gloried heavenly host</div> <div class="verse indent0">It shed a true and never-failing light;</div> <div class="verse indent0">So that for constancy ’twas loved the most</div> <div class="verse indent0">Because for lack of it no way was lost.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A little coin was passed from hand to hand,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And humbly served its mission day by day</div> <div class="verse indent0">In the life-needs its value could command;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Pure gold it was though small in currency,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And many a debt of want sufficed to pay.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A humble life was lived where others felt</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its truth and worth to hand and lip and eye;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And when ’twas spent its debtors mutely knelt</div> <div class="verse indent0">To thank the Giver for its ministry&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The stream, the star, the coin they travelled by,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The vanished life whose benison of grace</div> <div class="verse indent0">Was like the cup of water or the beam</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of friendly light or as the gold whose base</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of humanness, though it might dull the gleam,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet perisheth and leaves its worth supreme.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_57"></SPAN>[57]</span></p> <h3 id="O_TEAR">O TEAR!</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O <span class="smcap">tear</span> of grief from stricken spirit wrung</div> <div class="verse indent0">By nature’s requisition of our shrined</div> <div class="verse indent0">And best-beloved!&mdash;if sympathizing tongue</div> <div class="verse indent0">Can speak one word of hope or comfort kind</div> <div class="verse indent0">By Heaven approved,&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Drop thou upon it like a jewelled sphere</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whose trembling iris makes it lovelier!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">By such a Heaven-inspired word, O tear</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of human sorrow, thou art made to be</div> <div class="verse indent0">Divinely thrilled with comforting more dear</div> <div class="verse indent0">Than helpless love or hopeless sympathy!&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For thou art filled</div> <div class="verse indent0">With visions now of soul’s supremer sphere,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like thine but infinite in love, O tear!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Thou art too blurred and blinding now to let</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thine eye behold the beauty of the light</div> <div class="verse indent0">That glimmers through thy grief,&mdash;but thou wilt yet,</div> <div class="verse indent0">If pleaseth God, with faith-anointed sight</div> <div class="verse indent0">And love anew</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dissolve in joy and for the sepulchre</div> <div class="verse indent0">Glad that which makes it victory, O tear!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_58"></SPAN>[58]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_DEW_OF_DUST">THE DEW OF DUST</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O <span class="smcap">dead</span> of earth, rejoice!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The flowers from the dust</div> <div class="verse indent0">By vernal dews arise</div> <div class="verse indent0">And smile reviving trust,</div> <div class="verse indent0">When from their Wintry tomb they wake</div> <div class="verse indent0">And into Summer beauty break.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And so shall sleeping be</div> <div class="verse indent0">Within our fleshly tomb;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Eastertide shall free</div> <div class="verse indent0">The life that lieth numb,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And from the dust shall rise anew</div> <div class="verse indent0">The deathless bloom of Spring and dew.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Say not to ashes turns</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our being with its shell,</div> <div class="verse indent0">For a divineness burns</div> <div class="verse indent0">By death unquenchable</div> <div class="verse indent0">To warm the poor chill mould we’re of</div> <div class="verse indent0">And our undying nature prove.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">If not another grace</div> <div class="verse indent0">Shall clothe our soul’s desire,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Let not the grave efface</div> <div class="verse indent0">What in us doth aspire!</div> <div class="verse indent0">So shall we nobler be than clay</div> <div class="verse indent0">And give a truth to “life for aye.”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_59"></SPAN>[59]</span></p> <h3 id="A_SMILE">A SMILE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">As</span> from the window-pane a light doth gleam</div> <div class="verse indent0">To cheer the traveller at eventide,</div> <div class="verse indent0">So was her smile the ever-friendly beam</div> <div class="verse indent0">That lit the way or bade the guest abide.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">She knew no cross or care but what was eased</div> <div class="verse indent0">By smiling trust that everything was best;</div> <div class="verse indent0">When all around were happy she was pleased,</div> <div class="verse indent0">When she could make them happy she was blest.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">We knew who loved her best, the sweetness of</div> <div class="verse indent0">Her always gentle look and Christian grace;</div> <div class="verse indent0">She filled the home with precious motherlove,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And no one else can fill her sacred place.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Hers was the smile that shone in sun and storm,</div> <div class="verse indent0">In ministry to others or when they</div> <div class="verse indent0">Looked to her out of trouble, and the charm</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of such serenity drove doubt away.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">She smiled in life and then the miracle</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of soul untroubled triumphed to the end;</div> <div class="verse indent0">She smiles in death to comfort us&mdash;“’Tis well!”</div> <div class="verse indent0">To let us know that she hath found a Friend.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="PHILOSOPHY">PHILOSOPHY</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_63"></SPAN>[63]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_HILL-TOPS">THE HILL-TOPS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">There</span> are cloudy, sullen skies,</div> <div class="verse indent4">But what of that?</div> <div class="verse indent0">There are discontented eyes,</div> <div class="verse indent4">But what of that?</div> <div class="verse indent0">When the day is gloomiest,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Over on the hill-tops west</div> <div class="verse indent0">There is sunshine. Brother, best</div> <div class="verse indent4">Think of that.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">There are dour looks enough,</div> <div class="verse indent4">But what of that?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Tasks forbidding, hard and rough,</div> <div class="verse indent4">But what of that?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Though the vale the weather spoils,</div> <div class="verse indent0">On the hill-tops there are miles</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of old Sol’s unconquered smiles;</div> <div class="verse indent4">What of that?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Living in the valley long,</div> <div class="verse indent4">Maybe that</div> <div class="verse indent0">Quenched the laughter and the song;</div> <div class="verse indent4">But for that,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hearts might look to higher hills,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Kissed by sun and full of rills,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Smiling over cares and ills.</div> <div class="verse indent4">Think of that!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_64"></SPAN>[64]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_MAN_WHO_BEARS_THE_HOD">THE MAN WHO BEARS THE HOD</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Go</span>, mould and burn the clay to brick</div> <div class="verse indent0">With all the skill of ages;</div> <div class="verse indent0">It took the shovel and the pick</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before it took the sages.</div> <div class="verse indent0">But leaving that to honor’s past</div> <div class="verse indent0">For things which men applaud,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who is it makes the pile so vast,</div> <div class="verse indent0">An edifice to rise and last?</div> <div class="verse indent0">The man who bears the hod.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The potter and the architect</div> <div class="verse indent0">May shape and plan the temple,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The master-builders may erect,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ennoble or assemble;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But leaving that to future fame</div> <div class="verse indent0">For things we rarely laud,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who is it carries up the frame</div> <div class="verse indent0">On shoulders called in lieu of name</div> <div class="verse indent0">The man who bears the hod?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The dreamer and the statesman may</div> <div class="verse indent0">Inspirèd be with genius,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And in the oven put the clay</div> <div class="verse indent0">That rears renown between us;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But who must heap the bricks they mould</div> <div class="verse indent0">On backs and bases broad,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Toil up the scaffolds and uphold</div> <div class="verse indent0">The towers growing high and bold?</div> <div class="verse indent0">The man who bears the hod.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_65"></SPAN>[65]</span></p> <h3 id="JOG_ALONG">JOG ALONG!</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent4"><span class="smcap">Jog</span> along! Jog along!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The day is young, the goal’s ahead,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The limbs are strong and hope is fed</div> <div class="verse indent0">On promises where’er you look,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of nodding bud and laughing brook.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Cheer up! Cheer up! while there’s a song</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of bird or smile of sunny nook,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There’s love and bread. So jog along!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent4">Jog along! Jog along!</div> <div class="verse indent0">’Tis only noon and there’s an inn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where you may soon an hour win</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of humble fellowship and fare&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">A luxury of life too rare.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hail, friend well met, who in the throng</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is brotherly in spite of care!</div> <div class="verse indent0">There’s human kin&mdash;so jog along!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent4">Jog along! Jog along!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The sun goes down but twilight’s still</div> <div class="verse indent0">To reach the town upon the hill;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And there the sun’s an hour high</div> <div class="verse indent0">To give thee grace of foot and eye.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Keep on! Keep on! with dauntless will;</div> <div class="verse indent0">You’ve still the promise of the sky</div> <div class="verse indent0">The stars until! So jog along!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_66"></SPAN>[66]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_FAMILY_TREE">THE FAMILY TREE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Your</span> genealogy may be</div> <div class="verse indent0">The finest thing on earth</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or merely a decadent tree</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of past descent and worth.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The children of the Puritans</div> <div class="verse indent0">Should have the Pilgrims’ souls</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or else an alien wire spans</div> <div class="verse indent0">Your insulated poles.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">An aristocracy of breed</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is that which keeps the stamp</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of spirit from heroic deed</div> <div class="verse indent0">In patriot hall or camp.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The veins whose life-blood flows for home</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or right or liberty</div> <div class="verse indent0">Should be the same from which they come,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To keep the nation free.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">To find in our ancestral line</div> <div class="verse indent0">A sire of noble blood</div> <div class="verse indent0">Puts on us truth to make the sign</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of our escutcheon good.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Colonial forbears condemn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like ghosts from hollow boles</div> <div class="verse indent0">Unless we reincarnate them</div> <div class="verse indent0">Without their shrouds and stoles.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_67"></SPAN>[67]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">To be well-born a century back,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A century of fruit,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A century the soil to pack</div> <div class="verse indent0">About the ancient root,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Is such a heritage we well</div> <div class="verse indent0">May trace it to its source</div> <div class="verse indent0">For all from which its scions swell,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its vital ichors course.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_68"></SPAN>[68]</span></p> <h3 id="REPLEVIN">REPLEVIN</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Who</span> can replevin all his own</div> <div class="verse indent0">From his platonic debtors&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">From plagiarists perchance unknown</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who steal his thoughts or letters?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">His property is small or great</div> <div class="verse indent0">As it is worth the using,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And such a tribute to his rate</div> <div class="verse indent0">Makes property worth losing.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">To say or do a thing that’s fine,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which makes the world the wiser,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Should be a royalty divine</div> <div class="verse indent0">To any but a miser.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Their pound of flesh let Shylocks sue</div> <div class="verse indent0">And bank in figures seven&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our noblest own is what is due</div> <div class="verse indent0">In goods beyond replevin.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="HOMILIES">HOMILIES</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_71"></SPAN>[71]</span></p> <h3 id="WHAT_IS_TRUTH">WHAT IS TRUTH?</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Truth</span> is the vision of the skies</div> <div class="verse indent0">That does not ask us to be wise</div> <div class="verse indent0">But just to lift perceiving eyes</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wherever there is living light</div> <div class="verse indent0">To clearer make the way of right</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or soiled humanity more white.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Truth is the meaning of all things</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not to the mind but to the springs</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of love and peace and fashionings;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For what we love is life’s concern</div> <div class="verse indent0">And hope is more than sages learn</div> <div class="verse indent0">And truth is most to which we turn.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Truth is the spirit of all truths</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which from the same supremeness moves</div> <div class="verse indent0">And universal purpose proves;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Truth is the light and not the spheres</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whose laws are known to only seers;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But by the stars the sailor steers.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Truth is the image of its God</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who all its endless vistas trod</div> <div class="verse indent0">And flung His attributes abroad;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For while too rare to minds more dense</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its mirror makes it real to sense</div> <div class="verse indent0">And gives its soul an evidence.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_72"></SPAN>[72]</span></p> <h3 id="FRIENDSHIP">FRIENDSHIP</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O <span class="smcap">Friendship</span>! On life’s crown the pearl</div> <div class="verse indent0">Amidst its jewels rare,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A star for peasant or for earl</div> <div class="verse indent0">The other gems whate’er&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Be diamond on the kingly brow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or garnet dull on toil,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The hearted radiance art thou,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of noblest might or moil.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But ah, to only value thee</div> <div class="verse indent0">As treasure of desire</div> <div class="verse indent0">For peerlessness of purity</div> <div class="verse indent0">We gain to but admire;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And not to feel thy inner worth</div> <div class="verse indent0">As stuff of primal deeps,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Some miracle of troubled birth</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where lowly nature creeps!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Is this, O Friendship, worthy of</div> <div class="verse indent0">The praises of the Muse,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of life so lightly prone to love</div> <div class="verse indent0">But fire to refuse?</div> <div class="verse indent0">If only in our hand we hold</div> <div class="verse indent0">Another’s sacrifice</div> <div class="verse indent0">And give it back no gift of gold,</div> <div class="verse indent0">’Tis not the Pearl of Price.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_73"></SPAN>[73]</span></p> <h3 id="THOUGHT">THOUGHT</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent10"><span class="smcap">Think</span> nobly!</div> <div class="verse indent0">For the things we ponder are the sum</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of what we treasure and we do become</div> <div class="verse indent0">The fashion of our thinking&mdash;just as from</div> <div class="verse indent4">The chain we know the linking.</div> <div class="verse indent10">Therefore think nobly!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent10">Think purely!</div> <div class="verse indent0">For our meditation is the glass</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through which our spirit doth in vision pass,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The face of God beholding&mdash;and the grace</div> <div class="verse indent4">Of his divine unfolding.</div> <div class="verse indent10">Therefore think purely!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent10">Think truly!</div> <div class="verse indent0">For a true ideal is the light</div> <div class="verse indent0">By which we struggle up the lofty height</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Truth’s supreme divineness&mdash;and the right</div> <div class="verse indent4">To which it doth incline us.</div> <div class="verse indent10">Therefore think truly!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_74"></SPAN>[74]</span></p> <h3 id="WHEN_IM_NO_MORE">WHEN I’M NO MORE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Will</span> yonder Orient flush with morning hue?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Will on the flowers shine the crystal dew</div> <div class="verse indent0">And Heaven retain its soft cerulean blue</div> <div class="verse indent10">When I’m no more?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Will yet the jasper ocean lap the beach</div> <div class="verse indent0">And woo the wildflower just beyond its reach?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Will yet the treebirds murmur each to each</div> <div class="verse indent10">When I’m no more?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Will yet the laughing brook keep on its way?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Will yet yon moon smile sadly o’er my clay</div> <div class="verse indent0">And those bright twinkling stars dance in the day</div> <div class="verse indent10">When I’m no more?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Will yet a smiling world salute the dawn</div> <div class="verse indent0">And still its course of love and joy flow on&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">My image once some heart enshrined soon gone</div> <div class="verse indent10">When I’m no more?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What means this chill misgiving&mdash;fate or fear?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Death, rend the veil and calm this dark despair!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Say, tell me will this memory be dear</div> <div class="verse indent10">When I’m no more?</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r20a" /> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ah Death, thy only kindness is the bliss</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of answer in love’s fondest parting kiss</div> <div class="verse indent0">That one at least my humbleness will miss</div> <div class="verse indent10">When I’m no more!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_75"></SPAN>[75]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_BLAZED_TRAIL">THE BLAZED TRAIL</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Life</span> is a human wilderness</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where duty, right and truth</div> <div class="verse indent0">Are tangled in the morasses</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of folly, doubt and youth.</div> <div class="verse indent0">I know I cannot hope to cleave</div> <div class="verse indent0">A path through brake and swale,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But I a guiding index leave</div> <div class="verse indent0">If I but blaze the trail.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The forest as I struggle through</div> <div class="verse indent0">By compass, sun and stars</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll mark so that another, too,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Can travel by my scars.</div> <div class="verse indent0">From woods where labor would get lost</div> <div class="verse indent0">And feet would err or fail</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll single pines on ridges crossed</div> <div class="verse indent0">And blaze on them the trail.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O’er range and river toward the West</div> <div class="verse indent0">I’ll keep and pray to learn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not what is easiest, but best,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And worth a life’s return;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For though I shall not pass again</div> <div class="verse indent0">The way I thus prevail,</div> <div class="verse indent0">It is my task for other men</div> <div class="verse indent0">To blaze the homebound trail.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_76"></SPAN>[76]</span></p> <h3 id="GRIEF_AND_JOY">GRIEF AND JOY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Grief</span> said there was no gladness</div> <div class="verse indent0">At the season of the Child,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But only memories of sadness</div> <div class="verse indent0">In homes where babes once smiled.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Joy said there was no sorrow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But found solace in the touch</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of gladness that perhaps to-morrow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Would need our cheer as much.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r20a" /> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Grief said that songs awaken</div> <div class="verse indent0">Echoes of our buried love,</div> <div class="verse indent0">As when silent chords are shaken</div> <div class="verse indent0">And still responsive prove.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Joy said it yet were stranger</div> <div class="verse indent0">If our babes made Bethlehem</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not more dear because the manger</div> <div class="verse indent0">Bore Him who gathered them.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r20a" /> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Grief said that gifts but mocked us</div> <div class="verse indent0">With the treasures snatched away</div> <div class="verse indent0">And with chains forever locked us</div> <div class="verse indent0">In tombs of memory.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Joy said that gifts were token</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of our love and its domain,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Earnest of our hopes unspoken</div> <div class="verse indent0">Love would get again.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_77"></SPAN>[77]</span></p> <h3 id="HOPE">HOPE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I <span class="smcap">have</span> a hope&mdash;’tis spirit-born</div> <div class="verse indent2">And spirit-winged beside;</div> <div class="verse indent0">’Tis like the holy light of morn</div> <div class="verse indent2">When Heaven opens wide.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Hope like the bird whose every note</div> <div class="verse indent2">A loving Father’s hand</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hath tuned within its swelling throat</div> <div class="verse indent2">As though the song were planned!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What is it but the joyous sense</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of love and harmony?</div> <div class="verse indent0">What is it but the evidence</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of life’s divinity?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">That hope which makes us most divine</div> <div class="verse indent2">And like to what it clings&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">That hope which makes our hearts incline</div> <div class="verse indent2">To higher, holier things&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">That hope which spells eternal youth</div> <div class="verse indent2">And goodness infinite&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hath reason in it strong as truth</div> <div class="verse indent2">And logical as light.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_78"></SPAN>[78]</span></p> <h3 id="SOWING_AND_REAPING">SOWING AND REAPING</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2"><span class="smcap">Sow</span> on though another age</div> <div class="verse indent2">May do the reaping!</div> <div class="verse indent2">Sow on, for the final wage</div> <div class="verse indent2">Is in the keeping</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of our divinest Master, who declared,</div> <div class="verse indent0">“Sow on, for he shall reap not who hath spared!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Reap on what another age</div> <div class="verse indent2">Began by sowing!</div> <div class="verse indent2">Reap on, for the highest wage</div> <div class="verse indent2">Is in the knowing</div> <div class="verse indent0">The fruit is garnered and the harvest-song</div> <div class="verse indent0">To sower and to reaper doth belong!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_79"></SPAN>[79]</span></p> <h3 id="HOPE_ON">HOPE ON!</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Hope</span> on! For there is no rising star</div> <div class="verse indent0">When shadows creep across our sky</div> <div class="verse indent0">More precious than this beam afar</div> <div class="verse indent0">That trembles through eternity.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Hope on! That infinite desire</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is but a foreglimpse of the dawn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of an immortal, holier and higher</div> <div class="verse indent0">Day of perfection; therefore hope on!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Hope on, lest the heart be cankered</div> <div class="verse indent0">By its own sense of dumb despair!</div> <div class="verse indent0">But rather let the soul be anchored</div> <div class="verse indent0">To the veiled Heaven over there</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Where the light trembles through the mist</div> <div class="verse indent0">And hope becomes more lucid faith,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yea, glad expectancy&mdash;for lo, the Christ</div> <div class="verse indent0">Bids life unfold its wings and death</div> <div class="verse indent0">And doubt begone! Therefore hope on!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_80"></SPAN>[80]</span></p> <h3 id="HEARTED_GOOD">HEARTED GOOD</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Blest</span> be the goodness which is spirit-fruit</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of reverence as worship is of awe,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till goodness is both ripening and root!</div> <div class="verse indent0">For just as truly as that it doth draw</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its substance from divineness it must shoot</div> <div class="verse indent0">By the same potency of nature’s law.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">We may dispense the good we never grew</div> <div class="verse indent0">As those who borrow; or we may profess</div> <div class="verse indent0">The goodness which we know but never do,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And so put on a form of fruitfulness;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But ah, ’tis barren-hearted and untrue</div> <div class="verse indent0">To worthiness, whate’er its outward dress!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">To love as well as practise what is fine,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To be what we would fain be taken for,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To ripen from the root whose tendrils twine</div> <div class="verse indent0">Around the very heart whose currents pour</div> <div class="verse indent0">Into the good we do&mdash;this is divine</div> <div class="verse indent0">And living fruit that blesses more and more.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="COUNTRY">COUNTRY</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_83"></SPAN>[83]</span></p> <h3 id="AMERICA">AMERICA</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Divided</span> by the ocean’s vast</div> <div class="verse indent0">From other dear and shining strands,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The wonder of the storied past</div> <div class="verse indent0">Confesses this the land of lands;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The refuge of the fair and brave</div> <div class="verse indent0">When freedom was denied her due;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sing with the wild, wild ocean-wave,</div> <div class="verse indent2">“America the true!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Dear was the boon the pilgrim sought</div> <div class="verse indent0">Amid the redman’s forest wild,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And dearly, too, the lesson taught</div> <div class="verse indent0">By this sweet Freedom’s native child;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which yet once learned forget no more,</div> <div class="verse indent0">O heir of that loved Liberty!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Breathe with the spirit of thy shore,</div> <div class="verse indent2">“America the free!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Her stars and stripes that proudly float</div> <div class="verse indent0">So many citied states above,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Shall we forget that they denote</div> <div class="verse indent0">The oneness of a common love?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sweet token to the patriot</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er all thy territories wide,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Float to this one inspiring thought,</div> <div class="verse indent2">“America our pride!”</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_84"></SPAN>[84]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And still as fuller swell thy veins</div> <div class="verse indent0">And crimsoner thy throbbing blood,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Be virtue in thy broad domains,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The God of nations be thy God!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The echo of thy forest-days</div> <div class="verse indent0">Still mingle with thy voiceful sea</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or linger in the poet’s praise,</div> <div class="verse indent2">“America the free!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_85"></SPAN>[85]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_ALTAR_OF_COUNTRY">THE ALTAR OF COUNTRY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O <span class="smcap">Country</span> of my altar,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where the incense flame doth burn</div> <div class="verse indent0">And a priestly hand doth part the Temple-veil&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Let me ne’er in purpose falter,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Let me never from thee turn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor the vision of the holy ever fail&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O my country, till I learn</div> <div class="verse indent0">How to purpose not to palter,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Let the vision of the holy never pale!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O altar of my Country,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sealed with bloody sacrifice,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet glorious with living triumph, too,</div> <div class="verse indent0">May I nobly offer on thee</div> <div class="verse indent0">Duty’s most devoted price,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Never doubting it to be thy sacred due!</div> <div class="verse indent0">From thy altar let me rise</div> <div class="verse indent0">All to offer, O my country,</div> <div class="verse indent0">That I treasure most supreme and true!</div> </div></div> </div> <p class="right">(<em>From</em> “<span class="smcap">Greatheart</span>.”)</p> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_86"></SPAN>[86]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_STARS_OF_DESTINY">THE STARS OF DESTINY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> midnight stars wheel in their course</div> <div class="verse indent2">Through trackless vasts of space,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And every distant sun’s a source</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of motions taking place</div> <div class="verse indent0">Beyond the reach of eye or thought,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Yet part of Heaven’s design</div> <div class="verse indent0">In order infinitely wrought</div> <div class="verse indent2">By majesty divine.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">We cannot know the perfect plan</div> <div class="verse indent2">In such a universe,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor what its horoscope for man,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Be it for good or worse;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Enough the same law rules the stars</div> <div class="verse indent2">And human destinies,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And man the future makes or mars</div> <div class="verse indent2">As he observeth these;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">As he the lesson of the past</div> <div class="verse indent2">Applies to issues new,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And makes experience forecast</div> <div class="verse indent2">The Fate which cometh true</div> <div class="verse indent0">Because it is the <span class="allsmcap">TRUTH</span> and moves</div> <div class="verse indent2">Though oft in courses strange,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And like the time-eternal proves,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The stars that never change.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_87"></SPAN>[87]</span></p> <h3 id="LAST_OF_THE_GRAND_ARMY">LAST OF THE GRAND ARMY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2"><span class="smcap">There</span> they come with feeble step,</div> <div class="verse indent2">There they come with lessened rank,</div> <div class="verse indent2">And yet pathetic with the martial air</div> <div class="verse indent2">And ancient discipline of field and camp!</div> <div class="verse indent2">There they come with sounding pipe,</div> <div class="verse indent2">There they come with armor clank;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The dimming uniform’s parade each year</div> <div class="verse indent0">And ensign’s flaunting&mdash;Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Thus they pass in broken corps,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Thus they pass in mounted troop,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Across the square in valor’s proud review,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Beneath the victor’s green triumphal arch;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Heads with many a Winter hoar,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Upright shoulders now astoop;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Their once imperial numbers grown so few,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But bravely onward&mdash;March! March! March!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Many a soldier’s vacant place,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Many an officer’s blank post,</div> <div class="verse indent2">And many a veteran, too, with touching zeal</div> <div class="verse indent2">To mend the losses hobbling along;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Many a scarred and figured face,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Many a luckless member lost</div> <div class="verse indent0">With silent eloquence the tale reveal</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of desperate battles&mdash;On! On! On!</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_88"></SPAN>[88]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">By Gratitude’s tall monuments,</div> <div class="verse indent2">By private cemetery tombs</div> <div class="verse indent2">Where floral wreaths from loving hands lie mute</div> <div class="verse indent0">Upon each honored grave for Memory’s sight;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Bowing heads in reverence,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Treading slow with muffled drums,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With tear-dimmed eye and sorrowful salute</div> <div class="verse indent0">And lowered standard&mdash;Right! Left! Right!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">Every footfall of the past,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Every annual elapse,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The silent hearts and silent years no more,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Half-echo, mingle in that ghostly tread</div> <div class="verse indent2">And seem to swell the muster vast</div> <div class="verse indent2">And seem to say with hollow steps,</div> <div class="verse indent0">From all that mighty vanguard gone before</div> <div class="verse indent0">To this small rearguard&mdash;Dead! Dead! Dead!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">A few more years bivouac here,</div> <div class="verse indent2">A few more years of sepulture</div> <div class="verse indent2">In trench or dungeon, grave or moaning deep,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A few more years of Death’s soft slumbering night</div> <div class="verse indent2">Till all that spectral host appear</div> <div class="verse indent2">Before the throned Cynosure</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whose reveille will call them from their sleep</div> <div class="verse indent0">To Heaven’s reviewing&mdash;Right! Left! Right!</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_89"></SPAN>[89]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent2">No shotted cannon, deadly arms,</div> <div class="verse indent2">No trophy of a fallen foe,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Till God define the worthiest conqueror;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Him who has vanquished Death and conquered Doubt</div> <div class="verse indent2">And faced a thousand alarms</div> <div class="verse indent2">Till life sits firmly on his brow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or echoes through the happy Evermore,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ye host of victors&mdash;Shout! Shout! Shout!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_90"></SPAN>[90]</span></p> <h3 id="VINCIT_OMNIA_JUS"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">VINCIT OMNIA JUS</i> </h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">With</span> one foot on the rock of right already won</div> <div class="verse indent0">And one upon the rock of faith no right can be undone,</div> <div class="verse indent0">I stand prophetic-voiced that presently from these</div> <div class="verse indent0"><em>Right</em> peak by peak shall grandly rise in towering Pyrenees.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The Liberty we know and passionately love</div> <div class="verse indent0">Shall bless the vineyards far below that drink the snows above;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And in the guardian frown of Freedom’s lofty height</div> <div class="verse indent0">Shall think ’tis God who cometh down to thunder for the right.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">As from the granite base where we must battle for</div> <div class="verse indent0">To firmly plant each sacred Cause, we rear the mountain o’er,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The bolt of stormy skies shall burst above each peak,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Assuring us when man defies oppression God doth speak.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And if from some sheer crag a vanguard hero fall</div> <div class="verse indent0">The while the coward safely lags who’d rather be a thrall,</div> <div class="verse indent0">We’ll set a cross upon the cliff from which he fell</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_91"></SPAN>[91]</span> <div class="verse indent0">And over it a victor’s crown of Freedom’s immortelle.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But better still we’ll climb inspired by his fate</div> <div class="verse indent0">To heights of liberty sublime unreached by tyrant’s hate;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And Right shall look at last from mountain-top to land</div> <div class="verse indent0">In glad humanity more vast, in destiny more grand!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_92"></SPAN>[92]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_FLYING_JACK">THE FLYING JACK</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> sky was blue and smiling down</div> <div class="verse indent2">Upon a human sea;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Old Glory fluttered, danced and shone</div> <div class="verse indent2">In varicolored glee.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A merry breeze went laughing through</div> <div class="verse indent2">The laughing folds of silk</div> <div class="verse indent0">Until the red and white and blue</div> <div class="verse indent2">Were sylphs with teeth of milk.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Yet not for them the rapturous eyes</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of shouting crowds were bright,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who came to hail with praise and prize</div> <div class="verse indent2">The hero winged for flight.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“The first to fly,” the challenge read,</div> <div class="verse indent2">“Shall win the wreath and cup.”</div> <div class="verse indent0">He spread his pinions and o’erhead</div> <div class="verse indent2">A dizzy height went up.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“Bravo! Bravo!” they shouted as</div> <div class="verse indent2">He spiralled down and down;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Then surged toward him in a mass</div> <div class="verse indent2">And wreathed him with the crown.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">He smiled and in his eyes of blue</div> <div class="verse indent2">And on his cheeks of red</div> <div class="verse indent0">A something noble came to view</div> <div class="verse indent2">As gallantly he said:</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_93"></SPAN>[93]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“The cup I’ll keep, the wreath I’ll place</div> <div class="verse indent2">Where it by right belongs;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The first to fly my hand shall grace</div> <div class="verse indent2">And you acclaim with tongues.”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">So saying towards his ship he stepped</div> <div class="verse indent2">And set the sails again,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Then in a rising circle swept</div> <div class="verse indent2">With sun-kissed face and plane.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">They wondered when they saw him rise</div> <div class="verse indent2">Toward the streamered staff</div> <div class="verse indent0">Until he grazed its middle thrice</div> <div class="verse indent2">And cleared it with a laugh;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Until above its gilded ball</div> <div class="verse indent2">He steadied and from high</div> <div class="verse indent0">The trophy flung before them all</div> <div class="verse indent2">With practised hand and eye.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Upon Old Glory’s head the wreath</div> <div class="verse indent2">Fell true and with it fell</div> <div class="verse indent0">The airman’s words to those beneath</div> <div class="verse indent2">Who needed but their spell:</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“The first to fly above our land</div> <div class="verse indent2">On wings that never lag</div> <div class="verse indent0">I crown with patriotic hand,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Our country’s starry flag!”</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_94"></SPAN>[94]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And then he doffed his cap and lo,</div> <div class="verse indent2">A jackie’s suit he wore</div> <div class="verse indent0">As circling still he cried, “Oho,</div> <div class="verse indent2">I’ve flown in peace and war!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I rubbed my eyes and all was fled</div> <div class="verse indent2">Except the silken folds</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Glory floating overhead</div> <div class="verse indent2">A sailor-boy which holds.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="HUMOR">HUMOR</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_97"></SPAN>[97]</span></p> <h3 id="SAPS_A-BILIN">SAP’S A-BILIN’</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Out</span> in the country where they tap</div> <div class="verse indent0">The maple-trees in Spring,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There’s something doin’ on the map</div> <div class="verse indent0">When March is on the wing.</div> <div class="verse indent0">The bar’ls and buckets overrun,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The busy farmer’s smilin’,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The cracklin’ fire helps the fun;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For sap’s a-bilin’.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Out in the country where they all</div> <div class="verse indent0">Have lived a hundred years</div> <div class="verse indent0">And heard the go-to-meetin’ call</div> <div class="verse indent0">As Sunday storms or clears,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thermometer’s a-risin’ when</div> <div class="verse indent0">For trouble folks are spilin’;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till some one pokes the kettle&mdash;then</div> <div class="verse indent0">The sap’s a-bilin’.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Just hold a bit&mdash;don’t let it burn</div> <div class="verse indent0">By bein’ too intense!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The man who biles has first to learn</div> <div class="verse indent0">A leetle common sense.</div> <div class="verse indent0">It’s sugar that we’re bilin’, mind,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not human nature rilin’;</div> <div class="verse indent0">So jest go back to sweetness kind</div> <div class="verse indent0">When sap’s a-bilin’!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_98"></SPAN>[98]</span></p> <h3 id="JUST_MUD">JUST MUD</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">What’s</span> this live stuff you call a boy</div> <div class="verse indent2">Just in the plastic stage</div> <div class="verse indent0">And fairly oozing with the joy</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of youth’s unmoulded age?</div> <div class="verse indent0">What’s this to fashion into form</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of early blade or bud</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or fruit with life or color warm?</div> <div class="verse indent2">Why say, just mud!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What’s Summer’s golden harvest-yield</div> <div class="verse indent2">That ripens into grain,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The bloom of orchard, wood or field</div> <div class="verse indent2">So riotous with gain?</div> <div class="verse indent0">What’s this comes trooping with the grace</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of man-and-woman-hood</div> <div class="verse indent0">From out the muck of yesterdays?</div> <div class="verse indent2">Why say, just mud!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What’s yonder statue borne aloft</div> <div class="verse indent2">By noble edifice,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which passers-by beholding oft</div> <div class="verse indent2">Forget immortal is</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of living deed and living art</div> <div class="verse indent2">(Now clay, once flesh and blood)</div> <div class="verse indent0">Both growing from a humble start?</div> <div class="verse indent2">Why say, just mud!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_99"></SPAN>[99]</span></p> <h3 id="KNOCKIN_ROUND">KNOCKIN’ ROUND</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Funny</span> how some men grow up</div> <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ round&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Drinkin’ out of fortune’s cup</div> <div class="verse indent2">Overwound</div> <div class="verse indent0">With the ivy of Japan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or a South-American</div> <div class="verse indent0">Revolutionary plot&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Comin’ back no matter what,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ round.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">After seein’ half the world,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ round</div> <div class="verse indent0">Under every flag unfurled</div> <div class="verse indent2">Safe and sound&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Home again from climbin’ Alps,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Raisin’ Filipino scalps,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fishin’ in a Scottish tarn&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">You will find him at the barn</div> <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ round.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">All the smiles of Beauty’s eyes</div> <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ round</div> <div class="verse indent0">Underneath Italian skies</div> <div class="verse indent2">Or renowned</div> <div class="verse indent0">Erin’s native land of charms</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fade away as in his arms</div> <div class="verse indent0">Blushes&mdash;just the same old girl</div> <div class="verse indent0">From whose locks he kept a curl,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ round.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_100"></SPAN>[100]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_SNAIL_AND_STAR">THE SNAIL AND STAR</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A <span class="smcap">humble</span> snail crawled from his shell one night</div> <div class="verse indent0">To drink the dew and surfeit on young greens;</div> <div class="verse indent0">How came he wise in nature when so slight</div> <div class="verse indent0">A weakling of it passes wisdom’s means.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But as he inched along, a winking star</div> <div class="verse indent0">His locomotion mocked and oddity&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">“How far, O pigmy gastropod, how far</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dost thou suppose it is from thee to me?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“And at the rate of travel thou dost creep</div> <div class="verse indent0">How long to bridge the distance would it take?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet I across its vastness nightly leap</div> <div class="verse indent0">While you a paltry rod of progress make.”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“I may be slow,” the snail vouchsafed reply,</div> <div class="verse indent0">“But then I’m no pretense, howe’er you twit;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thou movest not at all except thy eye</div> <div class="verse indent0">And now as I perceive thy nimble wit.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“No doubt we both our mission magnify;</div> <div class="verse indent0">You give the world the cheer of astral fire</div> <div class="verse indent0">While from a lowlier position I</div> <div class="verse indent0">A proverb for its ridicule inspire,&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“A proverb which, while I’m the ancient butt,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet makes the human snail a byword too,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And often moves him more of life to put</div> <div class="verse indent0">In duty; therefore why so much ado?”</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_101"></SPAN>[101]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The star had no retort, so saved its face</div> <div class="verse indent0">By prompt amends:&mdash;“My brother, you are right;</div> <div class="verse indent0">We both are filling our appointed place</div> <div class="verse indent0">To teach the world a lesson. So good night!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_102"></SPAN>[102]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_OLD_SORL_HOSS">THE OLD SOR’L HOSS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> old sor’l hoss limps up the lane</div> <div class="verse indent2">And whinners for his oats;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But he will never work again</div> <div class="verse indent2">’Cept as the milk he totes</div> <div class="verse indent0">To skimmin’-station down the road</div> <div class="verse indent2">To sort-o’-make-believe</div> <div class="verse indent0">He’s haulin’ of an honest load</div> <div class="verse indent2">And earnin’ his reprieve.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Sure that was paid for long ago</div> <div class="verse indent2">If twenty faithful years</div> <div class="verse indent0">Can make a critter’s master owe</div> <div class="verse indent2">Return for what he clears</div> <div class="verse indent0">By plow and reaper, laden rack,</div> <div class="verse indent2">And stump-an’-loggin’ bee,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet gives the beast-of-burden back</div> <div class="verse indent2">Oft scant humanity.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">For when the old sor’l hoss’s jints</div> <div class="verse indent2">Grow stiff with work and age,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There’s many a man with musket pints</div> <div class="verse indent2">His death and keeps his wage;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But not this hoss with sorrel mane</div> <div class="verse indent2">And coat, which every morn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Comes limpin’ up the scrubby lane</div> <div class="verse indent2">And whinners for his corn.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_103"></SPAN>[103]</span></p> <h3 id="NICODEMUS_BOGGS">NICODEMUS BOGGS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Nicodemus Boggs</span> was named</div> <div class="verse indent0">By scripture-loving aunts,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Though never for that virtue famed</div> <div class="verse indent0">Was Demus&mdash;&mdash; till by chance</div> <div class="verse indent0">His mind was turned to churchly choice,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And then one solemn night</div> <div class="verse indent0">He heard an otherworldly voice</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which put him in a fright</div> <div class="verse indent0">Call</div> <div class="verse indent4">&mdash;&mdash;“Nicodemus! Nico-de-mus!</div> <div class="verse indent8">Nic-o-de-mus Boggs!”</div> <div class="verse indent0">Although there were some folks blasphemous</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who said ’twas only frogs;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Be that however as it may,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To Demus ’twas a sign;</div> <div class="verse indent0">So forthwith he began to pray</div> <div class="verse indent0">And talk of things divine.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Of course ’twas given him to know</div> <div class="verse indent0">Without a studied mind;</div> <div class="verse indent0">His tongue was loosened and the flow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of words left wit behind.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet strange to say no church was moved</div> <div class="verse indent0">His parish to become,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Though Demus said it only proved</div> <div class="verse indent0">The church was deaf and dumb.</div> <div class="verse indent0">For certainly the call was plain,</div> <div class="verse indent0">As often half-asleep</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">He heard the selfsame voice again</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_104"></SPAN>[104]</span> <div class="verse indent0">In solemn tones and deep</div> <div class="verse indent0">Urge</div> <div class="verse indent4">&mdash;&mdash;“Nicodemus! Nic-o-de-mus!</div> <div class="verse indent8">Nic-o-de-mus-s Bog-g-s!”</div> <div class="verse indent0">Although there were some folks blasphemous</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who said ’twas only frogs.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Be that as each opined, ’tis sure</div> <div class="verse indent0">With Demus soon it turned</div> <div class="verse indent0">To ague, and the only cure</div> <div class="verse indent0">For flesh which froze or burned,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The doctor ordered, was to drain</div> <div class="verse indent0">The hollow in the rear</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where Demus lived; for while in vain</div> <div class="verse indent0">He followed his career</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of human welfare, there had lain</div> <div class="verse indent0">The most neglected near.</div> <div class="verse indent0">’Twas remedied and ne’er again</div> <div class="verse indent0">Did Nicodemus hear</div> <div class="verse indent0">The voice which had become so famous</div> <div class="verse indent0">For back-door croaks and frogs</div> <div class="verse indent0">Call</div> <div class="verse indent4">&mdash;&mdash;“Nicodemus! Nic-o-de-mus!</div> <div class="verse indent4">Nic-o-de-mus-s Bog-g-s!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="SACRED">SACRED</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_107"></SPAN>[107]</span></p> <h3 id="WHAT_IS_FAITH">WHAT IS FAITH?</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Faith</span> is no weakling, howsoe’er</div> <div class="verse indent0">It needeth courage for its task,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But strength whose confidence to dare</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is that which humbles it to ask</div> <div class="verse indent0">A higher help, a higher word</div> <div class="verse indent0">To lift it, bid it trust and try,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Assured its selfless prayer is heard,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its task beneath a Master’s eye.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Faith is the reasoning of heart</div> <div class="verse indent0">Toward the Heart-of-hearts which beats</div> <div class="verse indent0">In unison with every part</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of all it quickens and completes;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And with a sense of love and plan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sees only good from truth and right,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wrong as the only ill which can</div> <div class="verse indent0">Defeat design and quench the light.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Faith is the fortifying gate</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which walls us in, our terrors out,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through which we fare to conquer fate</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or flee for refuge from our doubt;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Faith blows the trumpet, mans the tower,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Inspires hope, believes in Heaven</div> <div class="verse indent0">And trusts the overruling Power</div> <div class="verse indent0">To care for what its will hath given.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_108"></SPAN>[108]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Faith is the burden-bearer’s stay,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The footsore pilgrim’s trusty staff,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The victor’s martial panoply,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The martyr’s noblest epitaph.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Faith is the vision’s inner eye</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whose pupil is the seeing soul,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its iris the reflected sky,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its long perspective Spirit’s goal.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_109"></SPAN>[109]</span></p> <h3 id="A_FORGIVENESS">A FORGIVENESS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A <span class="smcap">pilgrim</span> long devout arrived at last</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before the Gate of Paradise, and cast</div> <div class="verse indent0">His staff aside triumphantly to press</div> <div class="verse indent0">Within the dreamed-of goal. But strange to say,</div> <div class="verse indent0">It did not open to his eagerness</div> <div class="verse indent0">As knocking he solicited the way.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“Nay,” said the Guardian Angel of the Gate,</div> <div class="verse indent0">“The proof of thy assurance I await,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The sesame and heavenliest word</div> <div class="verse indent0">That passes here! Three trials shalt thou have,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And if thou hast not found it by the third</div> <div class="verse indent0">No privilege to enter canst thou crave.”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">So sure the Pilgrim was the truest right</div> <div class="verse indent0">Must be the one of evangelic might</div> <div class="verse indent0">He quickly answered “<span class="allsmcap">LOVE</span>!”</div> <div class="verse indent28">The Angel’s wing</div> <div class="verse indent0">Drooped o’er his countenance as he replied,</div> <div class="verse indent0">“Nay, such a plea might any sinner bring</div> <div class="verse indent0">Like any saint whose zeal is undenied.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">“Canst thou not to the name come closer yet</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Goodness’ greatest key?”</div> <div class="verse indent30">The Pilgrim let</div> <div class="verse indent0">His thoughts go outward in a second quest</div> <div class="verse indent0">And slowly made response, “Why, then, ’tis <span class="allsmcap">GRACE</span>,</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_110"></SPAN>[110]</span> <div class="verse indent0">The covenant and seal of all the rest,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The chain whose lock is Love.”</div> <div class="verse indent28">The Angel’s face</div> <div class="verse indent0">Was still compassionate as he withheld</div> <div class="verse indent0">The entrance, and his pity would have spelled</div> <div class="verse indent0">The password in his eyes as he again</div> <div class="verse indent0">Made answer, “Grace is truly all our hope</div> <div class="verse indent0">In promise and fulfilment, but ’tis when</div> <div class="verse indent0">We lay it to our hearts the Gate we ope</div> <div class="verse indent0">And our admission most divinely plead;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For none can think the word but feels its need</div> <div class="verse indent0">And healing touch.”</div> <div class="verse indent16">The Pilgrim’s brow grew sad,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But as he pondered to his knees he fell</div> <div class="verse indent0">And rose as oft before in wonder glad&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">“<span class="smcap">Forgiveness</span>!”</div> <div class="verse indent16">The Angel answered, “Well!”</div> <div class="verse indent0">And stood aside to let him pass.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_111"></SPAN>[111]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_GOOD_SAMARITAN">THE GOOD SAMARITAN</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> Good Samaritan was he</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who had compassion not alone</div> <div class="verse indent0">Humanely but divinely. We</div> <div class="verse indent0">Must look beyond the Healer&mdash;see</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Sympathizing Savior&mdash;be</div> <div class="verse indent0">Forgiven, lifted up and shown</div> <div class="verse indent0">The heart of Love and in our own</div> <div class="verse indent0">Begin to feel the sympathy</div> <div class="verse indent0">Which from His humanness had grown</div> <div class="verse indent0">To deeds of such divinity.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">How little ’tis to minister</div> <div class="verse indent0">To one poor soul unless we feel</div> <div class="verse indent0">The touching brotherhood of care,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The sense how easy ’tis to err,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To fall, to need another’s prayer,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Another’s help! But when we kneel</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our fellowfeeling must be real</div> <div class="verse indent0">Enough that we can rise and share</div> <div class="verse indent0">The burden of our own appeal</div> <div class="verse indent0">And help our brother’s cross to bear.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">He is the Good Samaritan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who loves enough to never wrong,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To ever right a brother man&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">To bind his wounds and shape the plan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of life benignly so he can</div> <div class="verse indent0">His neighbor also cheer along.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Blest be the mercifully strong!</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_112"></SPAN>[112]</span> <div class="verse indent0">Blest be the human-hearted man</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who never quenched a living song!</div> <div class="verse indent0">For he is God’s Samaritan.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_113"></SPAN>[113]</span></p> <h3 id="SHEPHERD_OF_ISRAEL">SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Shepherd</span> of Israel, hear</div> <div class="verse indent0">The calling of thy flock,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And when we seek do thou be near</div> <div class="verse indent0">To lead us to the Rock</div> <div class="verse indent0">Where full and sheltered we</div> <div class="verse indent0">At noonday may repose</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or find at night security</div> <div class="verse indent0">From all our lurking foes!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Help us to trust thy care</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through green or barren ways</div> <div class="verse indent0">And voice our doubts and fears in prayer,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our blessedness in praise!</div> <div class="verse indent0">If thorns beset our path,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To feel Thou leadest us</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is sweet assurance goodness hath</div> <div class="verse indent0">A loving purpose thus.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Guide us by living streams</div> <div class="verse indent0">That rise in mountain height</div> <div class="verse indent0">And up where wisdom’s heavenly beams</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our spirits bathe in light!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lead us to ranges high,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To visions rich and broad,</div> <div class="verse indent0">To pinnacles that touch the sky</div> <div class="verse indent0">And help us know Thee, God!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_114"></SPAN>[114]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_LADDER_OF_CLOUD">THE LADDER OF CLOUD</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">There’s</span> a beautiful ladder of fine-spun cloud</div> <div class="verse indent0">That stretches from earth to sky</div> <div class="verse indent0">And up and down it the angels crowd</div> <div class="verse indent0">With calling and soft reply:&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18"><span class="smcap">Amrael</span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Children of men, who only by sight</div> <div class="verse indent0">Know that the stars exist,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There was one that shone o’er the world last night</div> <div class="verse indent0">Through an aureole of mist.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18"><span class="smcap">Mishael</span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">They only saw it who had kept</div> <div class="verse indent0">The vigil of the seers</div> <div class="verse indent0">With inner sense; but ye who slept</div> <div class="verse indent0">Knew not the sign of the years.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18"><span class="smcap">Uriel</span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The spirit of life became a star</div> <div class="verse indent0">And we the herald-host;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And we sang as the Wise Men gazed afar</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the Shepherds Heavenmost;</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_115"></SPAN>[115]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18"><span class="smcap">Host</span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Joy to the world! For lo, is born</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Gift-Child! Echo on</div> <div class="verse indent0">And on forever song of morn,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet trembling into dawn!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18"><em>Refrain</em></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Joy to the pure in heart! For thou</div> <div class="verse indent0">Alone dost know the worth</div> <div class="verse indent0">And meaning of the Gift, who bow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before the Virgin-birth.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent18"><em>Chorus</em></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">All hail Madonna’s Gift</div> <div class="verse indent0">That shall the earth to Heaven uplift!</div> <div class="verse indent0">All hail! Rejoice!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r20a" /> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What softening of angel-voice</div> <div class="verse indent0">And light and listening sense</div> <div class="verse indent0">Fell hush-like on the last “Rejoice,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Madonna-reverence!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r20a" /> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The pearly wings the host enshroud,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The voices fade away,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the beautiful ladder of fine-spun cloud</div> <div class="verse indent0">Becomes the Gate of the Day.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_116"></SPAN>[116]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_RISEN_CHRIST_MEANS_VICTORY">THE RISEN CHRIST MEANS VICTORY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Go</span> forth and hail the Conqueror</div> <div class="verse indent0">With flowers and sacred psalms!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The triumph we observe is more</div> <div class="verse indent0">Than that of martial palms;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For lo! there cometh from the tomb</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Lord of life and life-to-be,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Around whose feet the lilies bloom;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The risen Christ means victory.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Go forth and on His living brow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Entwine a laurel-wreath;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For never was so great as now</div> <div class="verse indent0">The glory of His death!</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Cross and Sepulchre had been</div> <div class="verse indent0">The world’s most damning tragedy</div> <div class="verse indent0">But for the conquered curse of sin;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The risen Christ means victory.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Go forth with precious ointment of</div> <div class="verse indent0">Affection to thy dead,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With Easter’s glad, believing love</div> <div class="verse indent0">That He Who for us bled,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Who slept and rose again, is strong</div> <div class="verse indent0">To roll corruption’s stone away.</div> <div class="verse indent0">And loose the Resurrection Song;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The risen Christ means victory!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_117"></SPAN>[117]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_EVERLASTING_ARMS">THE EVERLASTING ARMS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">When</span> to our life dark shadows come,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Stern crosses, sacrificial cares</div> <div class="verse indent0">And other fancied temporal harms,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There is eternal refuge from</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our terrifying doubts and fears</div> <div class="verse indent0">Within the Everlasting Arms.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When o’er our souls temptations sweep</div> <div class="verse indent0">And goodness loses half its grace</div> <div class="verse indent0">As sin pursues us with its charms,</div> <div class="verse indent0">There is no refuge left to keep</div> <div class="verse indent0">But the eternal hiding-place</div> <div class="verse indent0">Within the Everlasting Arms.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When through the valley dark and drear</div> <div class="verse indent0">We walk or see another sink</div> <div class="verse indent0">And death o’ercomes us with alarms,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Be then, Eternal Refuge, near</div> <div class="verse indent0">To hold us up upon the brink</div> <div class="verse indent0">Within the Everlasting Arms!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_118"></SPAN>[118]</span></p> <h3 id="HE_GIVETH_HIS_BELOVED_SLEEP">HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> task is done, the sun is set,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The evening shadows fall apace,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The course is run, and tarries yet</div> <div class="verse indent2">The glory only of the race;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But ere the guerdon of the toil</div> <div class="verse indent2">The fleeting soul shall rise to reap,</div> <div class="verse indent0">God maketh it to rest awhile&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">He giveth his beloved sleep.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">What though the eyes are closed in death,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The tired hands are folded now?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Life shall arise, saith living faith.</div> <div class="verse indent2">And ministry diviner grow.</div> <div class="verse indent0">’Tis but the hush before the day:</div> <div class="verse indent2">The Father bids his angels keep</div> <div class="verse indent0">The treasure that we lay away&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">He giveth his beloved sleep.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But not, oh not forever thus</div> <div class="verse indent2">Doth death enshroud our silent ones&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">We know not what transfigures us,</div> <div class="verse indent2">What miracle of quickening suns&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But we await their healing wings,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Their living flash, seraphic sweep,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The glory of the King of Kings</div> <div class="verse indent2">Who giveth his beloved sleep.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_119"></SPAN>[119]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_GLORY_DWELLS">THE GLORY DWELLS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Oh</span>, the glory that we dream of</div> <div class="verse indent0">Trembling over Bethlehem!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Magi following the beam of</div> <div class="verse indent0">Starry prophecy to them!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Shepherds startled by the gleam of</div> <div class="verse indent0">Heavenly light and angel-hymn!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Time hath made the vision holy,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But I know that glory dwells</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not in manger-village solely,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor in dream that prophet tells,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But wherever there’s a lowly</div> <div class="verse indent0">Child-heart, there the glory swells.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Pride of earth and pomp of power</div> <div class="verse indent0">Dazzle with their tinsel show;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But compared to goodness’ dower</div> <div class="verse indent0">They’re as only glint to glow.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Pride is merely for an hour,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Goodness doth to glory grow.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_120"></SPAN>[120]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_LIGHT_OF_LIFE">THE LIGHT OF LIFE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O <span class="smcap">Light</span> of Life, shine thou</div> <div class="verse indent0">Into my soul as doth the Sun of Day</div> <div class="verse indent0">Into the world for seeing with mine eyes!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Reveal the good and evil&mdash;teach me how</div> <div class="verse indent0">To stumble not but walk the Living Way</div> <div class="verse indent0">That fills earth with the glory of the skies!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Let there be spirit-quickenings</div> <div class="verse indent0">That thrill the being to responsiveness</div> <div class="verse indent0">Lest vision be but human, uninspired!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ah, make it throb until from vision springs</div> <div class="verse indent0">Anointed nature to in life express</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Grace which makes the Heavenly desired!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_121"></SPAN>[121]</span></p> <h3 id="DESIGN">DESIGN</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> universe of rolling spheres</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is not for Deity’s display</div> <div class="verse indent0">But for a purpose which appears</div> <div class="verse indent0">In its supernal harmony.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Its mass that in momentum sweeps,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Its energy of elements,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The order which its system keeps</div> <div class="verse indent0">Are aspects of omnipotence;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And power working such design</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is proof of Presence everywhere</div> <div class="verse indent0">Intelligent, supreme, divine,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Both in creatorship and care.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">For in His watchcare of the worlds</div> <div class="verse indent0">He-Over-All doth manifest</div> <div class="verse indent0">A greater power than that which whirls</div> <div class="verse indent0">Them on their way at its behest,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A greater purpose than to span</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Heavens by His glory lit;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For ’tis the more eternal plan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of making all creation fit</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">For fellowship with Nature’s God</div> <div class="verse indent0">In higher terms of wisdom, truth</div> <div class="verse indent0">And love by perfect will endowed,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whereof the worlds are but the proof.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_122"></SPAN>[122]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Thou Supersoul, who Spirit art</div> <div class="verse indent0">And rulest star-host, wave and wind,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Teach us Thy majesty to heart</div> <div class="verse indent0">And feel in music perfect Mind!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="SONG">SONG</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_125"></SPAN>[125]</span></p> <h3 id="GOLDEN_HOPE">GOLDEN HOPE</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">There</span> is nothing in the world so sweet</div> <div class="verse indent2">As the hope which never, never dies,</div> <div class="verse indent0">That sometime, somewhere we shall meet</div> <div class="verse indent2">In gladder love beyond the skies&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Oh, beyond the skies so golden,</div> <div class="verse indent2">With the hope of Heaven olden;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For there’s nothing in all the world so sweet</div> <div class="verse indent0">As the olden, golden hope again to meet!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">There is nothing in all the world so fleet</div> <div class="verse indent2">As the hope that ever, ever flies</div> <div class="verse indent0">Swift onward, upward to the seat</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of perfect love beyond the skies&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Oh, beyond the skies so glowing,</div> <div class="verse indent2">With the hope of Heaven growing;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For there’s nothing in all the world so sweet</div> <div class="verse indent0">As the glowing, growing hope again to meet!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">There is nothing in all the world so great</div> <div class="verse indent2">As hope that bids us, helps us rise</div> <div class="verse indent0">With more responsive hands and feet,</div> <div class="verse indent2">With gladder tongues and clearer eyes&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">Oh, upon the skies so golden,</div> <div class="verse indent2">With the hope of Heaven olden;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For there’s nothing in all the world so sweet</div> <div class="verse indent0">As the olden, golden hope again to meet!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_126"></SPAN>[126]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_COMING_CROWNING">THE COMING CROWNING</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">When</span> the chariots of glory</div> <div class="verse indent0">Come flashing from the east</div> <div class="verse indent0">On the day of Advent-story,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The crowning of the Christ;</div> <div class="verse indent0">When the clouds are seraph-mounted</div> <div class="verse indent0">And radiant of wing</div> <div class="verse indent0">With angel-hosts uncounted,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And the skies with rapture ring&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">My soul, wilt thou undaunted</div> <div class="verse indent0">Meet the coming of the King?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When earth the blessed vision</div> <div class="verse indent0">With lifted eyes beholds</div> <div class="verse indent0">And feels the swift transition</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of glory that enfolds;</div> <div class="verse indent0">When from the skies descending</div> <div class="verse indent0">The hosts of Heaven bring</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Kingdom never-ending</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of which all peoples sing&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O Spirit, wilt thou blending</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hail the coming of the King?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">When thrones are set for mercy</div> <div class="verse indent0">And love to minister</div> <div class="verse indent0">To the naked, sick and thirsty</div> <div class="verse indent0">And all who faint or err;</div> <div class="verse indent0">When the Lord of glory reigneth</div> <div class="verse indent0">And choired censers swing</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_127"></SPAN>[127]</span> <div class="verse indent0">With the praises God ordaineth</div> <div class="verse indent0">As Heavens their banners fling&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O Soul, a crown that gaineth,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Crown and enthrone the King!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_128"></SPAN>[128]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_LIVING_CUP">THE LIVING CUP</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Gather</span> all the beauty and the riches of the world,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The flowers’ blush and lover’s flush,</div> <div class="verse indent4">The hoards of gold and pearl;</div> <div class="verse indent2">But you’ll never have enough to sum</div> <div class="verse indent6">The wealth and treasure up</div> <div class="verse indent2">Like the blessing of the drinking from</div> <div class="verse indent6">The living water’s cup.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Gather all the music and the fountain-springs of love,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The heart’s desire, censer’s fire</div> <div class="verse indent4">And starry host above;</div> <div class="verse indent2">But you’ll never have enough to sum</div> <div class="verse indent6">The soul of gladness up</div> <div class="verse indent2">Like the blessing of the drinking from</div> <div class="verse indent6">The living water’s cup.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Gather all the glories and the triumphs of all time,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Of temples’ pride and kingdoms wide</div> <div class="verse indent4">And grace and art sublime;</div> <div class="verse indent2">But you’ll never have enough to sum</div> <div class="verse indent6">The joy of Heaven up</div> <div class="verse indent2">Like the blessing of the drinking from</div> <div class="verse indent6">The living water’s cup.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_129"></SPAN>[129]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_SINGERS">THE SINGERS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Oh</span>, the song of the soul we have sought for forever,</div> <div class="verse indent0">In ages gone by and the ages to come,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But what of the voices whose noblest endeavor</div> <div class="verse indent0">Must lift it as high as the height it is from?</div> <div class="verse indent0">For the song must mount up on the wings of the Spirit</div> <div class="verse indent0">And out of the heart that kindles with love</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before all the world will listen to hear it,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before the world’s sense it trembles above.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, the song of the soul we have sought for wherever</div> <div class="verse indent0">There’s beauty or sunshine, glory or joy;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But what of the voices whose praises must gather</div> <div class="verse indent0">The echoes that melt with the lips they employ?</div> <div class="verse indent0">For the notes must spring up from the souls they awaken</div> <div class="verse indent0">And out of the hearts they kindle with love</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before all the world by their sweetness is shaken,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before the world’s life they triumph above.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Oh, the song of the soul we have sought for as treasure</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wherever are kingdoms, jewels or gold;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But what of the voices whose heavenly measure</div> <div class="verse indent0">The wealth of the world’s richest treasure must hold?</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_130"></SPAN>[130]</span></p> <div class="verse indent0">For the song must be born from the world’s greatest passion</div> <div class="verse indent0">And out of a Heart that was kindled by love</div> <div class="verse indent0">Before all the world its power can fashion</div> <div class="verse indent0">To glory like that of the Master above.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_131"></SPAN>[131]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_CROWN_OF_THORNS">THE CROWN OF THORNS</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O <span class="smcap">crown</span> of thorns upon the brow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Him they nailed on Calvary,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The serpent’s coil and sting wert thou,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The seal of sin and agony.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent8"><em>Chorus</em></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><em>For where the grief and thought of us</em></div> <div class="verse indent2"><em>The Savior’s brow had borne,</em></div> <div class="verse indent0"><em>They put the</em> <span class="allsmcap">MOCKERY</span> <em>of the Cross,</em></div> <div class="verse indent2"><em>The crown of thorn, the crown of thorn</em>.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O crown of thorns, whose suffering</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Savior for the world endured,</div> <div class="verse indent0">’Twas thus He healed the serpent’s sting,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The evil mind of nature cured.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent8"><em>Chorus</em></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><em>For where the grief and thought of us</em></div> <div class="verse indent2"><em>The Savior’s brow had borne,</em></div> <div class="verse indent0"><em>They put the</em> <span class="allsmcap">SORROW</span> <em>of the Cross,</em></div> <div class="verse indent2"><em>The crown of thorn, the crown of thorn.</em></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O crown of thorns, whose wounds became</div> <div class="verse indent0">Redeeming scars of victory,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The glory where was once the shame&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The diadem of Heaven be!</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_132"></SPAN>[132]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent8"><em>Chorus</em></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><em>For where the grief and thought of us</em></div> <div class="verse indent2"><em>The Savior’s brow had borne,</em></div> <div class="verse indent0"><em>They put the</em> <span class="allsmcap">TRIUMPH</span> <em>of the Cross,</em></div> <div class="verse indent2"><em>The crown of thorn, the crown of thorn</em>.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_133"></SPAN>[133]</span></p> <h3 id="SONG_ALONG">SONG ALONG</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I <span class="smcap">sang</span> an old song as I worked one day&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">What cared I who smiled,</div> <div class="verse indent4">What cared I who frowned?</div> <div class="verse indent0">So long as my song made the task seem play,</div> <div class="verse indent0">What cared I how many were pleasure-bound?</div> <div class="verse indent0">I heeded them not unless they as well</div> <div class="verse indent0">Were singing a song that work-glad fell,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And then we together went singing along.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I courted my love when dreamers were we&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">What cared I who laughed</div> <div class="verse indent4">What cared I who sighed?</div> <div class="verse indent0">So long as my love was the world to me,</div> <div class="verse indent0">What cared I for others the whole world wide?</div> <div class="verse indent0">I heeded them not unless they as well</div> <div class="verse indent0">Were dreaming upon the same love’s spell,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And then we together went dreaming along.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">So I worked with a love-song for my cheer&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent2">What cared I who hated</div> <div class="verse indent4">Both labor and joy?</div> <div class="verse indent0">So long as my loved ones to me were dear,</div> <div class="verse indent0">What cared I how others made loving alloy?</div> <div class="verse indent0">I heeded them not unless they as well</div> <div class="verse indent0">Were part of the song which cherubs swell,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And then we together went singing along.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_134"></SPAN>[134]</span></p> <h3 id="ECCE_HOMO"><i lang="la" xml:lang="la">ECCE HOMO!</i> </h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Upon</span> the Cross I see Him nailed,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The man of Nazareth;</div> <div class="verse indent0">His brow is pierced, His visage paled</div> <div class="verse indent2">With sufferings of death.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Around Him gather those who hate</div> <div class="verse indent2">And those who love Him most</div> <div class="verse indent0">To watch His sin-appointed fate</div> <div class="verse indent2">With grief or ruthless boast;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And as His pleading face I scan</div> <div class="verse indent0">All history cries&mdash;“Behold the Man!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">His wounded hands and feet I see,</div> <div class="verse indent2">The fountain from His side;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O Calvary, O Calvary,</div> <div class="verse indent2">Behold the Crucified!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet not the cruel thorns are worst</div> <div class="verse indent2">Nor blood of anguish spilt,</div> <div class="verse indent0">But that the sinless One is curst</div> <div class="verse indent2">For all the race’s guilt;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And as His pleading face I scan</div> <div class="verse indent0">All history cries&mdash;“Behold the Man!”</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Yet as I on His visage marred</div> <div class="verse indent2">With guilt and sorrow gaze</div> <div class="verse indent0">It changes from the beauty scarred</div> <div class="verse indent2">To time’s most wondrous face.</div> <div class="verse indent0">A glory as of Heaven breaks</div> <div class="verse indent2">Upon the crown of thorn</div> <div class="verse indent0">And every tortured feature takes</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_135"></SPAN>[135]</span> <div class="verse indent2">A love by passion born;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For as His pleading face I scan</div> <div class="verse indent0">All history cries&mdash;“Behold the Man!”</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_136"></SPAN>[136]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_LOVE_THAT_WASHED_HIS_FEET">THE LOVE THAT WASHED HIS FEET</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">She</span> came as at supper the Lord reclined,</div> <div class="verse indent0">She came with purpose sweet;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not of the host’s or servant’s kind</div> <div class="verse indent0">Withheld from Him at meat;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For she came to wash His feet.</div> <div class="verse indent0">She watered them with tears of grief,</div> <div class="verse indent0">She wiped them with her hair,</div> <div class="verse indent0">She kissed them till she found relief</div> <div class="verse indent0">And words of pardon there</div> <div class="verse indent0">As she knelt to wash His feet.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">She loved the most because she knew</div> <div class="verse indent0">Forgiveness so great;</div> <div class="verse indent0">She loved, and nothing else could do</div> <div class="verse indent0">To prove her love complete</div> <div class="verse indent0">But to wash her Savior’s feet.</div> <div class="verse indent0">No goodly laver did she own,</div> <div class="verse indent0">No costly perfume bring;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But hers was the truest service shown</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whose faith the world will sing</div> <div class="verse indent0">As the love which washed His feet.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">O sinner, the Savior’s present still</div> <div class="verse indent0">Beside Compassion’s seat</div> <div class="verse indent0">To pardon whosoever will</div> <div class="verse indent0">The woman’s trust repeat</div> <div class="verse indent0">And kiss the Savior’s feet!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Let contrite tears be mercy’s plea</div> <div class="verse indent0">And love its passion press</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_137"></SPAN>[137]</span> <div class="verse indent0">Upon the feet of ministry</div> <div class="verse indent0">That came to save and bless</div> <div class="verse indent0">The hands which clasp His feet!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <h2 class="nobreak p10 pb10" id="MISCELLANEOUS">MISCELLANEOUS</h2></div> <hr class="chap" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_141"></SPAN>[141]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_SHUT_AND_OPEN_HAND">THE SHUT AND OPEN HAND</h3></div> <h4>THE FIST</h4> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I <span class="smcap">shut</span> my eyes and opened them,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And while they were shut I saw</div> <div class="verse indent0">All the dread things that happen to men</div> <div class="verse indent0">In the name of cause and law.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I saw the tortured toil and travail</div> <div class="verse indent0">As the cost of bread and birth;</div> <div class="verse indent0">I saw the skein of fate unravel</div> <div class="verse indent0">Around the helpless earth;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A million who had nobly striven</div> <div class="verse indent0">Go down to grim defeat,</div> <div class="verse indent0">A million who their heart-blood given</div> <div class="verse indent0">Spurned from proud Honor’s seat;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Hope mocked and dear ideals shattered,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Truth crushed and crucified,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The fruits of love and labor scattered</div> <div class="verse indent0">And Greed o’er Goodness ride;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Curse like a ghoul despair and sorrow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Leave at the race’s door,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Pledging to-morrow and to-morrow</div> <div class="verse indent0">Cursing the world still more.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">And as men were broken and stricken</div> <div class="verse indent0">I saw the darkness loom</div> <div class="verse indent0">To a frown of Hate and slowly thicken</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_142"></SPAN>[142]</span> <div class="verse indent0">To a spectral shape of Doom.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Shadows, thunders, griefs and grossness</div> <div class="verse indent0">Gathered in a blacker mass,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Life’s calamities and crosses</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wrapped the midnight of all space</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Into&mdash;God! What awful likeness</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of a giant arm and wrist</div> <div class="verse indent0">Bulking blacker still to smite us</div> <div class="verse indent0">As a clenched terrific <span class="allsmcap">FIST</span>!</div> </div></div> </div> <h4>THE OPEN HAND</h4> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I shut my eyes and opened them,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And when they were open I saw</div> <div class="verse indent0">All the glad things that happen to men</div> <div class="verse indent0">By a more benignant law.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I saw the smiling heaven bending</div> <div class="verse indent0">Above the fruitful land,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The beauty and the bounty blending,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The kiss of sea on strand;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The love in labor and the guerdon</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of home and wrought ideal,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The benison behind the burden,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The worth which works the weal;</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_143"></SPAN>[143]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The glory of the sacrificial,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The sanctity and song</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Nature’s benedictive missal</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er suffering and wrong.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">I saw the good and grace of seasons</div> <div class="verse indent0">Aglow with golden yield,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And giving trust a thousand reasons</div> <div class="verse indent0">In flowerfest and field;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Until a misty plexus trembled</div> <div class="verse indent0">In midair and anon</div> <div class="verse indent0">A presence as of Love resembled</div> <div class="verse indent0">Diaphanous at dawn,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">With morning vestments all a-shimmer,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet from whose potent charm</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of godlike gloriole and glimmer</div> <div class="verse indent0">There stretched a Titan <span class="allsmcap">ARM</span>.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Earth and sky seemed coalescing</div> <div class="verse indent0">By filmy fingers spanned</div> <div class="verse indent0">And became as if in blessing</div> <div class="verse indent0">A mighty, <span class="allsmcap">OPEN HAND</span>.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_144"></SPAN>[144]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_MAN-BIRD">THE MAN-BIRD</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> man-bird harnessed on his wings,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Empowered the impatient heart</div> <div class="verse indent0">And mounted into space as springs</div> <div class="verse indent0">Some captive eagle when released</div> <div class="verse indent0">From durance; but though human art</div> <div class="verse indent0">Might imitate, its genius ceased</div> <div class="verse indent0">Too short to force one secret of</div> <div class="verse indent0">The wild, fierce mastery of flight</div> <div class="verse indent0">In spiral sweeps away, above</div> <div class="verse indent0">The dizziest pinnacle of sight.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Man could but follow as he dared</div> <div class="verse indent0">With plane and engine, chance and nerve,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet like a Jove who boldly fared</div> <div class="verse indent0">Across the firmament supreme;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er vortexes with plunge and swerve,</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er air-abysses where the scream</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of harpies echoed mocking forth</div> <div class="verse indent0">On ears too tense&mdash;yet ever on</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er blinding South and blasting North,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Triumphant up or headlong down!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ten thousand feet on high, ye gods,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Man tries conclusions for your realm</div> <div class="verse indent0">And gambles life at daring odds</div> <div class="verse indent0">To ride above the storm-strewn fleece;</div> <div class="verse indent0">A modern Jason at the helm</div> <div class="verse indent0">By siren lured like him of Greece</div> <div class="verse indent0">To desperate hazard; yet to fail</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_145"></SPAN>[145]</span> <div class="verse indent0">One pulse-beat for a thrilling glance&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ah, well the boldest might turn pale</div> <div class="verse indent0">And choose ’twixt glory and mischance!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A moment poised the avian,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Then earthward swooped as never Jove</div> <div class="verse indent0">Rode down the vault of superman.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Wind-surges roared and clouds fled by,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Death raced beside and demons strove</div> <div class="verse indent0">To wrench one slender part or ply;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But flawless-sinewed, man and steed</div> <div class="verse indent0">Came flashing, wheeling down and down</div> <div class="verse indent0">With thrice a Roman courser’s speed</div> <div class="verse indent0">To earth and conqueror’s renown.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_146"></SPAN>[146]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_PHANTOM_CAVALRY">THE PHANTOM CAVALRY</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">What</span> knows the world of battles? History writes</div> <div class="verse indent0">The deeds of men with blood and triumph hails</div> <div class="verse indent0">As trophy of their valor, armament</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or better fortune, thinking he who fights</div> <div class="verse indent0">With surer odds or tactics seldom fails</div> <div class="verse indent0">In the last holocaust of war’s event.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Impassioned eyes see not the shadow-shapes</div> <div class="verse indent0">That hover on the flank of charging hosts,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ready to launch themselves as chance array;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not one of all the mustered lines escapes</div> <div class="verse indent0">When mockery’s phantom centauri the boasts</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of martial pride downtrample and dismay.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ah, Waterloo! where scarred battalions strove</div> <div class="verse indent0">And overwhelmed each other, blood-imbrued,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Hurling their troops with savage impotence&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The conquering cavalry which o’er thee drove</div> <div class="verse indent0">Was not the one the Corsican reviewed,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor yet the Iron Duke with grimmer sense.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Ah, Gettysburg! whose murderous brigades</div> <div class="verse indent0">Met in the shambles of a horror-hell</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or rushed like demons in the jaws of death&mdash;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thy most resistless riders were the shades</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of other erstwhile terribles who fell</div> <div class="verse indent0">Drawing the sword from its envenomed sheath.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_147"></SPAN>[147]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">In vain each other’s throats the blue and grey</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sprang at like wolves of Winter mad for flesh,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And yet unsated till the kill-lust leaped</div> <div class="verse indent0">In exultation’s shout of victory!</div> <div class="verse indent0">Not all thy columns veteran or fresh</div> <div class="verse indent0">Could save the field by grisly corpses heaped</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Against the spectral squadron which outrode</div> <div class="verse indent0">Both Fighting Phil and Morgan’s Men alike,</div> <div class="verse indent0">As on the Battle’s flank it weirdly hung</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or where the Dragon’s Teeth of Hate were sowed</div> <div class="verse indent0">Sprang up as Headless Horsemen armed to strike</div> <div class="verse indent0">And crumple back the charge by fury flung.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">They loomed like apparitions, terror-born,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet ghastly real and dreadly sinister,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Abreast of every vanguard and redoubt;</div> <div class="verse indent0">O’er trench and belching gun they swept in scorn</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or carried panic to the broken rear</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till all was carnage, cowardice and rout.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Invincible formations, onsets’ surge</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of vengeance’ boldest fiends, manœuvres dire</div> <div class="verse indent0">With compassing destruction&mdash;all before</div> <div class="verse indent0">The grewsome legionaries’ mounted charge</div> <div class="verse indent0">Were swept like chaff by maelstrom wind and fire</div> <div class="verse indent0">And rose again in prowess nevermore.</div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_148"></SPAN>[148]</span></p> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But on the ghost-troop galloped as of old</div> <div class="verse indent0">In every bloody battle, never dead</div> <div class="verse indent0">And never yet defeated; phantoms still</div> <div class="verse indent0">That gallop, gallop o’er the mortal mould</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of every tragic battlefield once red</div> <div class="verse indent0">With madmen’s life-blood at their country’s will!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_149"></SPAN>[149]</span></p> <h3 id="THOU_CALLEST_ME_BROTHER">THOU CALLEST ME BROTHER</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Thou</span> callest me thy human brother; well,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Am I less flesh and spirit than thyself</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or less entitled so to humbly dwell</div> <div class="verse indent0">In honest peace and plenty that to delve</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is equally as noble as to draw</div> <div class="verse indent0">From the rich depths digged up? Or is the law</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of brotherhood pretense?&mdash;Our separate lots</div> <div class="verse indent0">But differ as our make, not as our meed.</div> <div class="verse indent0">Do brothers share according to their thoughts</div> <div class="verse indent0">Or in the rough according to their need?</div> <div class="verse indent0">If thou dost think thee finer in the end</div> <div class="verse indent0">Than him thou flatterest, thou art no friend.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Thou callest me thy brother and dost praise</div> <div class="verse indent0">My struggle to get even, holding fast</div> <div class="verse indent0">Thyself the odds of vantage, so the race</div> <div class="verse indent0">Is to the swift and strong&mdash;and he is last</div> <div class="verse indent0">Whose toiling body forged the chariot-wheel</div> <div class="verse indent0">That rolls thee on to fortune. It were base</div> <div class="verse indent0">To make the difference one of feast and fast,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of full and empty measure of our weal;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For I am he who’s spent&mdash;the spender thou;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet thou dost call me brother! Heaven, how?</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_150"></SPAN>[150]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_SINGING_DEATH">THE SINGING DEATH</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">Men</span> whisper low of spectres, calibans</div> <div class="verse indent0">And curses almost devilish with doom,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Mysterious fiends like hellhounds, werwolves, ghouls</div> <div class="verse indent0">And other nameless shapes as jinns and janns</div> <div class="verse indent0">That spring from demon-haunts and skulk or loom</div> <div class="verse indent0">To terror-stricken fancy of weak souls.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But none have named the scourge of Singing Death,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The dread reality which out of hell</div> <div class="verse indent0">Comes forth as often as the blood-lust burns;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Foulness and fury volcanize its breath</div> <div class="verse indent0">As, ravening for flesh insatiate, fell</div> <div class="verse indent0">It swoops, devours and bloodier returns.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">An army gathers flushed with high resolve</div> <div class="verse indent0">And there is martial music and display</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of glory ominous with human fate;</div> <div class="verse indent0">For ere the dial shall again revolve</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Singing Death exultantly will prey</div> <div class="verse indent0">Upon the host till horror outdoes hate.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A floating citadel superbly steers</div> <div class="verse indent0">Her ocean-course with victory-flags unfurled,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Alike to sea and foe invincible;</div> <div class="verse indent0">Yet somewhere from the blue as she careers</div> <div class="verse indent0">The Singing Death by Titan forces hurled</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_151"></SPAN>[151]</span> <div class="verse indent0">Will scream above her decks with damning knell.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Hark! Hear you it like vomit from the throat</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of Hades hurtling through the sulphurous air,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With cross between the moan of Manes’ wraith,</div> <div class="verse indent0">The torture of Inferno and the note</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of vulture-torn Prometheus’ despair?</div> <div class="verse indent0">Ah! ’Tis the cannon missile’s Singing Death!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">It plays no diapason as the roar</div> <div class="verse indent0">It leaves behind where thunders loud intone,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Nor as the mighty swell of organ-reeds;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But all the stops of battle rising o’er,</div> <div class="verse indent0">It shrieks its way to finish with the groan</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of mortal agony where valor bleeds.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">It sings not as a master for applause,</div> <div class="verse indent0">With perfect-voiced-and-chested range of gift</div> <div class="verse indent0">Till song becomes the triumph of all time;</div> <div class="verse indent0">But, rather, ’tis a dirge which discord flaws</div> <div class="verse indent0">With time’s infernal arts lest God uplift</div> <div class="verse indent0">The world by love to Peace’s choir sublime.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="r40" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_152"></SPAN>[152]</span></p> <h3 id="THE_OLD_MOON_IN_THE_ARMS_OF">THE OLD MOON IN THE ARMS OF THE NEW</h3></div> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0"><span class="smcap">The</span> young moon rises low</div> <div class="verse indent0">Just where the passing earth</div> <div class="verse indent0">Has stood aside to help it grow,</div> <div class="verse indent0">Once it has come to birth.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Yet on the old moon’s back</div> <div class="verse indent0">The image of the new</div> <div class="verse indent0">Reflected is with lustre-lack</div> <div class="verse indent0">From earth it kindled to.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">In gleaming arms of youth</div> <div class="verse indent0">The sire is embraced;</div> <div class="verse indent0">The silver edge of ancient truth</div> <div class="verse indent0">In younger truth is traced.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">The clasp of morning love</div> <div class="verse indent0">Embosoms that of eve;</div> <div class="verse indent0">And memory’s in the crescent of</div> <div class="verse indent0">Old age’s child-reprieve.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">A sickly sickle frames</div> <div class="verse indent0">The lusty one that reaps;</div> <div class="verse indent0">So power, pleasure, fortune, fame’s</div> <div class="verse indent0">Pale as the keener sweeps.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">Our latest wish infolds</div> <div class="verse indent0">The hope that’s almost spent,</div> <div class="verse indent0">And every rim of promise holds</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_153"></SPAN>[153]</span> <div class="verse indent0">The past to future bent.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="verse indent0">But not so feebly say</div> <div class="verse indent0">Youth hastens on the heels</div> <div class="verse indent0">Of age, but that ’tis nature’s way</div> <div class="verse indent0">Our myriad orb reveals.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="chap" /></div> <div class="transnote"> <p class="center bold">Transcriber’s Notes</p> <div class="blockquot"> <p>All poetry spacing and minor errors in the original have been maintained.</p> </div> </div> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />