V ^oV '>o^ 5-^ ^o. -. ^^^' \^/ ^.^i^o^ '^^^^^^ ^'' vV«>» ^^* >?* •- .^■^ ^^^ ".' .*% -J • ». aril J//>r> « .«v Jij' * ""o^cAWl^* .. *-A y«. *. iK:\\l//y'yz^ ^ ii> -X - _^-cS5^\l J^ «. i,-'^;^ "^^. V' ,y ^< ^^ .> V* "«^^ ".v^^/ . '^ *" A^' -^^ -. -^ o\ .N^ o. O^ " » o ' .0' *-^* " %/ :^ c"...^-*°o ,/\.^^'.\ ^°.:^^'> j>. "'.--. .5>^"-. V^ .^i^%. o. \./ bV C ^^-n^. ^ * aV "^ . r/ .^' '%/-^^^V^ V^.<^"\-'^' '%/->^V V /\.^i%\. //i>;^^> .,-^^\.^i^V /.c;,^^> -^-^0^ 50v^ :i V* \* <^ ^^. '"^' -lV V .*i:^'*^ o^ ^^/^-'•"\^^' ''^ x"^ q*. *o«o' ,0-' \,^' ' '■^ q*. "oTo' .0-' -^^0^ >^ *. .-«■' . • . . o " iU '.^ '^0 ^^'^.. .^I^* «^ .^ .v-% ^ %,^^ f > 0'. ^^ ' / <./:';^^ ^0^ . . . ^o^. *'o -^^0^ ^^ .^i^% "% •0 *V.^^'. °o 7 «^''^^. - .<^ ^^ *- ■-. "^^-0^ . Ao^ 'bV" .V ^^^•^^ \.^^ :' .^^"^. / %'^^\0<-* V-.^"/V* *<.-?^\6** \-- C5g3 Loveland Stories in Verse Loveland Stories in Verse BY Elsie M. MacKay Illustrations by JULIA WARNER MICHAEL Washington, D. C. The Washington Book and Art Shop 1907 ■^^^ra ! j i wo Oopjes rtetiO^rA! ' I tEB29 ibiua OOHY a. Copyright, 1907, by Ei.siE M. MacKay The McjQu een Press •ft-ASHINGTOK Lovingly dedicated To One who kindl-^ told me. To One who gently showed me. To One who truly taught me — The Wa^ to go to Loveland. To All who truly want to k^ow, To All who really want to go. To All who gently roant to show — The Way to go to Loveland. E. M. M. Contents PAGE Loveland's Sentinel 11 Stand on Guard 13 Sandy 15 GoLDiE Hen 19 Nothing Had Happened 23 The Japanese Message to Loveland 27 Speckled Top-knot 29 Our New Ma 31 Pansy Blossoms 35 A Week in Loveland 39 [7] Illustrations FACING PAGE "Life clothed in Love and staunch Truth's armor :_, wearing." 11 ' ' Little Mabel meek must bow, Knowing Truth is with her now." 13 " Off he nosed and pushed the boards, Careful none were spilled." 15 v- "Madly she rushed, never pausing to think Of a once lame leg, in her sheer surprise." 19 v^ "A little Dutch Frau on a ladder so high, Stood busily cleaning the ceiling of dust." 23 ' ' Fast covered eyes, mouth, and their organs of hearing. And earnestly then said, ' No evil we know.' " . . 27 ' " For she helped each chick out by her bill." 29 ' ' She said she guessed that she had been sent To bring us all to Loveland." 31 " 'Ka'se my sister Pansy 's got de same sweet name." . 35 Finis 39 [9] LrFF. ri.oTHEi) IN Ldvr. and statnch Tiuth's ai;m(>i; w: Loveland Stories in Verse LOVELAND'S SENTINEL Out through the mists of material learning Struggles a ray of Love's glorious light, Borne by a being whose great heart is yearning To bring to all men their spiritual sight. Oft when in youth her sad tears were seen flow- ing, Weeping for weary ones tossing in w^oe; Giving man's remedies, while yet well knowing No power could save them that 's known here below. Many a time has her torch been kept burning, Seeking more knowledge throughout the dark night ; Solving more problems, to cease thus hurrying Youth to an early grave through some new blight. [Ill Courage at last, for herself she is pleading, Searching salvation within the one Book; Willing that Love should now guide her by lead- ing, Never with longing to matter doth look. Soon came the answer, pure health to her bear- ing, Bringing a remedy for all men's woes, — Life clothed in Love and staunch Truth's armor wearing. Ready to battle material foes. Sentinel now over all she is guarding — All who for one Life eternal will stand; Welcoming j^ou, but all evil thoughts warding — Ever protecting our sacred Loveland. 112] Nr- I.ITTI .1: Mai; ;KI. Ml' ■.F.K MIST HOW, KNn\ A- IN.; T lUTH IS WITH HER NOW STAND ON GUARD Fitter, patter! goes the rain, Dashing 'gainst the window pane. Little Mabel gazes out, Wishing she could run about. Sorry looks? Come, chase away! Can not smile? Do try again ! Flowers want a drink of rain; Error may hit you so hard If you do not stand on guard! Flitter, flutter! toward the sky Skims a pretty butterfly. Little Mabel o'er the grass Gives it chase; when — ah, alas! Tumbles down. What, got a pain? Love's own child keeps no such claim ! Tears flowing? Come, dry them quick ! Don't let evil play a trick! Error may hit you so hard If you do not stand on guard! Buzzing busily through the tree, Hums a golden bumble-bee. Little Mabel stands afar. Till it settles on a flower. [13] Want to see? Afraid, you say? From his work he '11 ne'er delay. Do not touch or plague or tease, — Love's creation can but please. Error ne'er will hit you hard If you alwaj^s stand on guard! Skipping! hopping! hand in hand, Runs a merry, laughing band. Little Mabel leads in glee To her shady play-house tree. Pause in wonder — thoughtless boys Have destroyed the house and toys. Angry thoughts must not arise; Love's forgiveness you must prize. Error may hit you so hard If you do not stand on guard! So when sorrow, pain, or fear, Bitter anger draws a tear, — Little Mabel meek must bow, Knowing Love is with you now. Never doubting! Truth, you know, Downs all evil with a blow. Tempting thoughts will run away If you silently will pray. Error can not hit you hard If you always stand on guard! [14] i)ff he nosed and pushed the boauds, Careful none were spilled." SANDY (A true story) Sandy is a noble horse Of most perfect mold; His coat shines like satin cloth Of a reddish gold; And he seems to understand Everything he 's told. Sometimes he 's allowed to run In the orchard, free. One day apples had been barreled, Covered carefully; All the small ones had been piled 'Neath another tree. Sandy soon discovered these And began to eat; Then the others he espied — What a lovely treat! We then watched what he would do, From our airy seat. 115] First he smelled to be quite sure 'T was with apples filled ; Off he nosed and pushed the boards, Careful none were spilled, — Just like some bright circus trick In which he 'd been drilled. Then he chose the largest one, But we 'd seen enough. Down the ladder we fast climbed, Gave him a love cuff; Fast he scampered down the hill Till he 'd reached the bluff. But no sooner were we safe In the tree-top hid, When he quietly came back And pushed off the lid; He three times did this same trick Without being bid. We at last thought the best way Was to have him tied; So showed him a good strong rope. But at this he shied. Well he knew it would not break. For he 'd often tried. 116] Then we whispered, ** Sandy, dear, You we '11 surely tie ; For you really are a tease And our patience try. Run along; we '11 give you more Nice ones bye and bye." Off he ran and ne'er returned Nor annoyed again. Don't you think he understood? For he made it plain By his actions; and we know Wanted to explain. One day he was made to work Harnessed to a plow. This he did not like to do, So was naughty now; Tossed his head and soon was struck By a waving bough. All next day his eye was closed, Swollen up so tight — To a doctor he must go. To explain this plight! I, in silence, knew the Truth Would reveal the Light. [17] Then his mistress said to me, "Why not try your way?" So I whispered, ''Sandy, dear, Heed what I now say." And next morning all was cleared By Truth's perfect ray. God's ideas all respond To his call of love. Man may vainly judge himself To be far above; But dominion should make him Harmless as a dove. [18] Madly shk iushk Of a once LAMl SING TO THINK SHEER SUKPKISE' GOLDIE HEN (A true story) GoLDiE, our hen, over nine eggs was set, Fussing so fretfully all the day long; Anxious to hide all from cold and the wet — Vowing those eggs to be surely all wrong. Darkness descends in a mist that 's so weird ; Strange, woeful sounds echo now all around; Breathless, she listens to noises so feared — Wild foes may seek, and her nest soon be found ! Noises come nearer, until close beside — Truly, she hears a rat's fierce and shrill squeak! Nearer he creeps, yet in darkness still hides — Surely a pair of eyes sharply there peek ! Poor hungry rat softly steals in the nest. Aiming to take but one egg for his food. Wild angry Goldie feels him 'neath her breast. Pecks hard to shield her dear long-promised brood. [19] Quickly the rat seizing what seemed to him To be a firm, lovely, hard and round egg, — All hopes were doomed by a most fearful din, — Goldie's screams tells that he 's nipped her leg. Wildly he flees as a light flashes near. Borne by a farmer's brave, white-robed wife. Goldie still trembles and pecks in mad fear, Sure that a dozen rats now seek her life. "Goldie Hen, hush! you're safe; now don't move ! ' ' (Gently she 's borne, nest and all, from the yard.) "Trust this new brood her temper '11 improve, She surely makes hatching a labor so hard." Out near the house the next day she is set. Eyeing her grain spread all out on the ground ; Petting her leg, for she can not forget Old Error had caught and held it fast bound. Pities herself — for some food she does need — With patient love keeps her eggs covered warm. Soon her kind mistress sees all and gives heed, Finds that the bondage is doing some harm. [20] Error seems trying to force a bad thought — One useless foot weakly under her bent — Firmly her mistress now vowed it was nought; Love this affliction had ne'er to her sent. Each day she 's lifted with care from the nest, Wisely encouraged to wander about. Her unselfed love now most truly is blessed, — Even the limp, loving Truth did soon rout. Still silly Goldie will never attempt Stepping unaided from out of her nest; But eyery day she will linger content Till she is helped. We then vowed her a pest. So it continues — about nearly noon Every day she is placed near her food. Fondly her mistress says, "Very soon She'll forget all in the care of her brood." Still Goldie 's borrowing troubles, — for, well, More were fast coming she knew, 'tis her luck. And she was right ! Ah, 't is most sad to tell — Every chick proved a web-footed duck! [21] Goldie's false claim is now put to a test: — All of her babies are coaxed out to eat; Basins of water are placed near the nest, Which is to ducks, as you know, a great treat. Quickly they enter to paddle and drink, Giving no heed to their strange mother's cries. Wildly she rushes, ne'er pausing to think Of a once lame leg, in her sheer surprise. Round and around she goes, clucking to them, Warning each one they will get soaking wet. Merrily splashing, they duck and they swim; Goldie soon learns that 't is no u.se to fret. She 's also learned that worry brings care ; Fear will send foes your firm valor to test; Plans that you make prove a frothy affair: Loveland shields all who love Peace and Truth best. (22) A LITTI.n DUT( H Fli \l (IN \ I UiUI :; so HIl.H. STDOD BUML^ rLrAMN(. PHI IIIIIM. OK IHST. NOTHING HAD HAPPENED (A true story) A LITTLE Dutch Frau, on a ladder so high, Stood busily cleaning the ceiling of dust. She vowed that it everywhere seemed to fly, But never a speck could you see, so we trust Her eyes were much quicker than ours are to spy. She merrily sang, as she vigorously scrubbed, A tune where our Father's great power is proved. And singing so fast, she still faster then rubbed, Not pausing to see that her perch swayed and moved, But rested secure in the Truth that she loved. Soon seeing a speck afar out of her reach, — And giving no heed to a hushed Warning thought That the tiny still voice ever tries to teach, — She bends not her will — so comes trouble un- sought, Reminds her to practice as well as to preach. [23] For down she now tumbles — her ladder had swayed . But when she felt sure that she really must fall, She closed fast her eyes and so silently prayed That nothing could happen to her now at all; And then never knew for how long she there laid. When Mortal Mind 's forced to release his false hold — That 's made her believe she must be in No- where — She earnestly fought the old error so bold, And firmly repeated her one silent prayer, — That nothing had happened in Loveland's strong fold. Then slowly the thought dawned brightly and clear, That if it was Truth she now held to so firm, Why nothing could harm, and she must never fear, But prove it was ever no blank, wordy term, — For nothing had happened to one Love held dear. [24] So up she arose and went hard at her work, Both singing and praying with every step — Yet fighting the pains that still tried so to lurk, She proved nothing happened to one who had kept The Truth stoutly held, and no duty would shirk. And so she worked on, until nearly night Her children came home to their late evening meal. Then she told them all of her fierce mortal fight; But one ' ' Doubting Thomas ' ' she showed and made feel, That nothing had happened in Spirit's true sight! [25] THE JAPANESE MESSAGE TO LOVELAND Three Japanese boys o'er their lessons were bent, All earnest and quiet one soft spring morning; When in came their tiny brown mother intent To hear them repeat her one wise daily warn- ing. So up rose the little boys obedient; Fast covered eyes, mouth, and their organs of hearing. And earnestly then said, '*No evil we know. See, hear, or will speak; thus no evil fearing. Our souls will remain ever pure as the snow." Soon one little Jap to the army was sent; While there he repeated his fond mother's les- son. Quite soon it was noticed that all were content These wise thoughts to use in the training ses- sion, As each soldier boy a prompt, ready ear bent, Then covered eyes, mouth, and their organs of hearing. And earnestly then said, "No evil we know, See, hear, or will speak; thus no evil fearing, Our souls will remain ever pure as the snow." [27] The second became a wise school-teacher stern, Who never forgot his dear mother's one bless- ing. And when playful boys failed their lessons to learn, Ne'er punished by scolding or other chastising; But made each recite to aid memory's return, "We cover eyes, mouth, and our organs of hearing And earnestly then say, no evil we know, See, hear, or will speak; thus no evil fearing. Our souls will remain ever pure as the snow." The youngest, who shunned all methodical work. Soon eagerly chose the fine art of wood-carving. While serious duties he ever would shirk, Yet Loveland now learns of his wise mother darling. In three wooden monkeys her message doth lurk : "Fast cover eyes, mouth, and your organs of hearing, And earnestly then say, no evil we know, See, hear, or will speak; thus no evil fearing, Our souls will remain ever pure as the snow." [38] FOK SHE HELPED EACH CHICK OUT BY HER BILL.' SPECKLED TOP-KNOT (A true story) Speckled Top-knot 's picking all around, Scratching the pebbles and dusty ground; Musing how woeful seems her sad lot — Stealing her eggs is a wretched plot! Wishing to have some dear chicks to love, She searches the barn and hay-loft above, Seeking some place to hide a new nest — Fruitless it seems will be her long quest. She at last finds a hole in the floor. In a dark corner hid by a door. On Mother Earth, so quiet and warm. She scratches a nest to fit her plump form. Every day an egg there she laid, Never a cackle or warning made; Until she sees there 's a goodly batch, When she began with patience to hatch. [29] Many a day cuddling o'er her eggs Wears all the feathers from off her legs. Her cup of mother-love grows so deep, When to her ears comes the first faint peep. Her downy brood are now out their shells; Happy Top-knot in contentment dwells, Until she faces a problem new, — Puzzling it seems. Oh, what shall she do! She easily jumps out upon the floor, Coaxing her babies to try once more. The tiny chicks hop upon their toes. Higher the floor is than any nose. What can she do? Her chicks must have food! Even now they 're a most hungry brood — Some power answered, — was it Love's will? — For she helped each chick out by her bill! [30] "She said she guessed that she had been sent To BRING us AI.J, TO LOV ELAND." OUR NEW MA Bess, Jim, and me had only one pa, 'Cause our ma had gone to the sky (Our minister said), but I know ma Had no wings to help her to fly. Bess kept the house for pa, me, and Jim; At night they came home real late. Sometimes pa went out, then Jim told him He 'd seen him talkin' to Kate. Pa just laughed, but his face got all red: Kate's face got red too, sometimes. When I asked her what my pa had said When he helped her tie her clothes-lines. She said maybe pa would tell some day; So I asked him that same night. He looked at me queer, then said, " Dear May, You'll know if Kate says, all right." Now Kate lived next door, so I saw her Most every time I went out. She smiled so glad, I used to wonder What it could be all about. [31] Then I coaxed and teased her, please to do What my pa had wished or said. She give me a hug, then said, "For you!" And patted me on the head. Next day my pa seemed so happy and glad, And squeezed me so very tight. But Kate wouldn't talk, and I got real mad — She sewed from morning till night. One winter day we all went to church — 'T was trimmed up with branches of trees ; Kate looked just like a slender white birch, And pa looked so solemn and pleased. That was the first time Kate had come there, 'Cause her church was in a big hall. Folks, laughing, said, " 'T is a fraud and a snare, She has no religion at all." I thought it was nice, until Bess told me That Kate would now be our ma. Step-mas were mean, and I 'd soon see She 'd try to boss even pa! When pa said to us, " Here 's your new ma; Give her a kiss now, my dear," I said, " It 's Kate; she is not our ma! I won't say ma; don't want her here!" [32] Pa looked worried, but Kate shook her head And said, "Now, never you mind! Just call me Kate." Then to Bess she said, "You '11 show me where I can find — " But Bess was mad and just answered back Before Kate could say it all, " I keep house for pa; you can just pack Your things right out in the hall ! ' ' Pa started to speak, but Kate said, "Hush!" To Bess she said, very kind, " I '11 never bother, but when there 's a rush I '11 help and promise to mind." Kate made me one day a pretty new dress; The girls then all stopped poking fun: I kissed her for it, and surprised Bess When I said "ma," and then run. Kate always did just what Bess would say. At last Bess said she 'd be glad To play grand music, but pa couldn't pay; But she wanted to real bad. Kate talked to pa and he said, "All right! Since there 's no doctor to pay." When Kate told Bess on that very same night, Bess called her " ma," right away. LOFC. [33] When Jim got sick, Kate tried to tell him That God never sent sickness. Jim laughed and said that no such fool whim Would make him trust doctors less. But when he got worse and the doctor said He 'd got to cut him open, Jim said, "No, siree!" he wasn't dead; So guess he 'd just stop all the dopin'. Kate read to him from her little book, And talked real low most all day; And Jim got well; then Kate's hands he took. And said, " Dear ma!" right away. But, best of all, was the way our pa Came home and never stumbled; Never got cross; but just said, "Ask ma," When we got mean and grumbled. AA'hen I asked Kate what made things so diff'- rent. Why every one was so grand? She said she guessed that she had been sent To bring us all to Loveland. [34] .^, 4.^' 4 ; ■Ka"se jiy sister Pansy's gut de same sweet name. PANSY BLOSSOMS Pretty Pansy Blossom turns her gentle face To gaze enraptured at the golden sun : Over all the clouds its fading glories trace, A signal that another day is done. Sadly then she murmurs, " Must all surely fade?" As brightest colors turned to silvery grey. Error then draws near her and a blight he laid, By tempting thoughts she can not drive away. Drooping then she ponders o'er such harsh decree: True Love would never life give, then destroy! Tiny fingers pluck and lift her tenderly As this blessed hope old Sin tries to annoy. "Pretty Pansy's faded!" cry her little friends, And quickly she is tossed upon the ground: Daint'ly floats a thistle-down, softly o'er her bends And gently hums, '' Love's power will e'er abound." Dusky Tot now pauses, and sweet Pansy sees The lovelight shining through two soft black eyes : Gently she is lifted, a caressing squeeze Revives sweet hope and quickly smothers lies. [35] Eagerly she listens to low-spoken words While swiftly borne through dark and dreary lanes, Where no flowers are blooming and no song of birds ; But soft she hears, "You'll sure cure Pansy's pains " 'Ka'se my sister Pansy 's got de same sweet name, She's longin' fer to see her sister flow'r: So dis am de bes' luck w'at has eber came!" And Pansy breathed, " Love is the only power! " Now she 's pressed with love against soft tremb- ling lips; A tear-dimmed voice speaks low and faint, ' ' Dear chile ! ' ' As a fragrant scent in ecstasy she sips — "I knowed Tot sure 'ud fin' you after while." Cuddling close together, both Love's Pansies sleep And dream of Pansies formed of glorious light: Dusky Tot stands watching, soft away does creep. And tells her mammy, " Pansies bof turned white!" Comes the glad awakening, — Pansies hand in hand Now ope their eyes unto a world most bright: The same loved earth-forms, yet another land — Where all was darkness, now 't is all of light. [36] Gazing all about in growing wonderment, A being bright they see glides close beside. ''Where are we?" they whispered, as she meekly bent. "In Love's pure realm; but good may here abide. " '* Where is Mammy Blossom's an' our little street? For here all glows so lobly, sweet an' bright." " 'Twas a mortal concept; now your little feet May tread high planes where all receive their sight." "See, there's little Jimmie! but his back's all straight ! An' here 's my little dog, wif all his legs ! There 's the smilin' Chinese used to pass our gate When peddlin' out his vegetables an' eggs. " I can see my mammy an' dear little Tot, But ebery one is formed ob sparklin' light. There 's the rich, grand lady, but a dim, dark blot Makes her light shine not quite so fair an' bright." "True it is, Love's children only may reflect The clearest light when they of others think. All are Love's own concept, therefore must perfect As they learn love and give the thirsty drink." [37] Lovely flowers are blooming under shady trees, Where all before seemed dreary alley- waj^s; Not a dying branch now rattles in the breeze, Nor beast nor bird for tender mercy prays. Pansy now asked wistfully what she was to do. As her sweet name-sake took a chosen place 'Midst the sister blooms of every shade and hue That welcomed her with nods of mystic grace. " You must first heed Love's voice and always obey, Then you may Love's most precious gifts com- mand. Grateful Thoughts will aid and teach you all the way When you have joined Love's happy pure- thought band." So if all will listen with your hearts in tune To Love's forever-present truthful thoughts. Pretty Pansy Blossom 's sure to whisper soon, "True Love's a precious gift that can't be bought ! Aiming to receive, you give with liberal hand; Your light to grow, you know you must not hide ; Giving more away, the more you may command; Then you in perfect Loveland will abide! [38] CC A WEEK IN LOVELAND Monday is our washday, which dawns bright and clear : We with care then cleanse our thoughts from every fear. Tuesday is our day to iron what is washed: Ugly errors press out until evil's hushed. Wednesday is the day we all return our calls; There we tell how loving Truth saves us from falls. Thursday is the day when we mend up each hole: Then we help each other to seek Heaven's goal. Friday is the day when we sweep out and dust: So we rout false beliefs; Love alone will trust. Saturday is the day when all our cooking's done: We preserve with care all good that we have won. Sunday is the day for sacred thoughts and rest: We praise Love for Life that Loveland's Truth has blessed. [39] I H17 89 ^ai-" 0^ ..^V** '^o^ -«^' -o"* <> ^-V..' .G^ -i.**-^ ,6"^ •-»."<* ^ ** /v o .^^**^SIK'. -^^^ .'^•^ . %/ •^-0^ <> *'T:.* .0 .♦ .j'^\ ,%^ co*:.!^'."-^ •^*o< 'ii,^ '•■'"', ^"^ _,,'%''''-''' aO' V -•■' i\ \<^'' i >\'j^'.\r\^'>'-.'k- .•„^-*.-.^^/Vu, . "> ^:i^. -s* ,G " .*^'\.. '^WW'.'^'-\ -.IK-' ..Va^o ^^ ,^^ /^fe\ V.4^^ *^^^ *' *^" .^•^ "^^ s.'^'' oo"". b v^ ' ^ HECKMAN BINDERY INC. |al DEC 88 .^°v