VIRDS OF P.\SSAGE 5»lPf' ARAH''rAY1.0R 5R\TFORU' Class _SSi^ Book V/^«54^ Copghtl^". /f/^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSm BIRDS OF PASSAGE BY SARAH TAYLOR SHATFORD n BOSTON SHERMAN, FRENCH df COMPANY 1916 Entered at Stationers' Hall All rights reserved Copyright, 1916 SHERMAif, French &> Company FEB 28 1916 ■G)GI,A427030 BIRDS OF PASSAGE To north, to south, — afar flying, — Seeketh the soul. To follow, to follow, — awearied, — The Leader. To rest, to rest, one crieth out; But we pass on, unhalting, — unheeding, — For it is not of our feather. We seek our own haven ; We speak our own tongue; We live our own mode. In what strange country shall night find us.'* And whither we goeth who knoweth but One? Strong-of-wing, seeking shelter in storms and cross- currents, We trust, — trust and keep on, and wing on ! CONTENTS RELIGION p^^^ Comprehension 1 The Hollow of His Hand 2 Voices of Truth S My Prayer 4 Gates of Pearl 5 God Understands 6 A Friend .... 7 Little Grain 8 One Hour 9 How Dost Thou Carry? How Dost Thou Find? 10 Can You? 11 Christ's Day 12 Anew 13 Aim 14 Courage! 15 By and By 16 Silence 17 The Old Oak Tree 18 The Heart's Garden 19 Not Alone 20 A Little While 21 Trust 22 Compensation 23 Be Kind 24 In Order 25 Housed and Fed 26 Life's Jewels 27 Think 29 The Rainbow 30 Life's Lesson 31 The Music that We Missed 32 Not in a Day 33 Some Twilight Hour 34 PAGE Look Deep 35 Lo! 36 Alone 37 Be Still 38 If You Would 39 Ocean of Rest 40 Forgiveness 41 Poised 42 Kinship 43 Thanksgiving Prayer 44 Harvest 45 Profit 46 My Last Song 47 Flower o' the Dust 48 The World 49 If only the Dear Lord Knows .... 50 Even So 51 The Garment of My Soul 53 Dear Heart 54 Never too Late 55 Put out 56 Tears 57 Understand 58 Beyond 59 Worship 60 Dark, Dark, Dark 61 All Infinite 62 A Leaden Casket 63 God's Secrets 64 The Master's Bidding 65 Reason 66 The Sparrow 67 Full Measure 68 On the Mount 69 Unity 70 Hiram's Thanksgiving 71 PAGE Need 72 New Life 73 As A Man Thinketh 74 The Pharisee 75 What Then 76 Thou Merciful 77 A Castle Waits 78 Wound and Scar 79 " Wells without Water " 80 The Hour is Late 81 In the Shadow of His Wing .... 83 The Never-failing Spring 84 Thou and Thine 85 Blessedness 86 Speak, Lord ! 87 LOVE This, My Heart-song 91 The Fairy in the Lily 92 To Arcady 94 Fantasy 95 Fountain and Spring 96 Frost-killed 97 Unanswered 98 If Those We Love Dearest 99 Heart's Desire 100 The Rescue 101 One 102 The Vagrant Heart 103 Love's Measure 104 The Pathway 105 Life's Rosary 107 The Attic Room 108 As in a Wood 109 Heartbeats 110 Heart's Gold Ill PAGE From Whence 112 Fate 113 A Single Flower 114 Love's Echo 115 Don't Let Me Know 117 The Joys of Living 118 Childless 119 The Treasure Tray 120 The Pearl's Legend 121 Meme Chose 122 The Secret 123 Elaine 124 Bliss of a Day 125 Charm 126 The Yoke 127 Motherhood 128 Scent of a Flower 129 Belated 130 My Girl 131 Gossamer 132 The Wind's Message 133 Only God Knoweth 134 A Friend 135 The Mandate 136 One Dear Name 137 Futility 138 Faded Leaves 139 Cupid's Stage Setting 140 Shure 141 Coming Home 142 A Toast 143 A Lover's Gifts 144 Once in a While 146 Enrico's Serenade 147 The Call . 149 To Thee 150 PAGE The Soul Knoweth its Own . . . .151 Love Misers 152 From " The Mission of the Rose " . . 153 Affinity 154 A Vision of a Maiden 155 Ethical 157 The Mountain Trail 158 The First Stone 159 The Thornless Rose 160 Recalled 161 The Balking Muse 162 The Poet's Attic 163 LYRICS The Harp of Many Strings 167 Immortelle 168 My Heart and I 169 Reverie 170 As of Yore 171 Chasing the Rainbow 172 Cherished 173 In My Breast is a Bird 174- The Broken Strings 175 Debtors 176 I Would I Were 177 Sleepy Hollow 178 She Loveth Me! 179 Blest is the Night! 180 Thou art to Me 181 Three Little Sorrows and Three Little Joys 182 You 183 The Dewdrop and the Rose 184 Freedom of the Winds 185 Love's Fairest Dream 186 Heartcalls 187 FAOE In Shadowy Ways 188 The Fairies' Secret 189 The Messengers 190 Wonder of Life, O Rose 191 One Happy Hour 192 My Heart a Compass is 193 How CANST Thou Bloom, O Rose . . . 194 Unknown 195 The Difference 196 With Him 197 The Dead Bird 198 Song of My Heartstrings 199 I Chose a Rose to Tell My Love . . . 200 Norwegian Slumber Song 201 Answer . . . • 202 Jewels of My Heart 203 In all the World 204 My Pearls 205 Spring's Begun ! 206 Constancy 207 The Old Salt's Tale 208 If I Thy King might be 209 Where Dreams Come True 210 The Awakening 211 The Redbreasts 212 O Evening Star 213 A Dream 214 Three Little Words 215 But I do 216 Mysterious Mysteries . . . . . .217 When the Clouds have Passed Away . .218 Treasury 219 What is a Day to a Love like Ours . . 220 Dear Heaven 221 Trinkets of Memory 222 Dear Old Louisiana 223 PAGE La Novice 225 When Weary Grows the Heart . . . 226 Bye-o-baby 227 I Long for You 228 Treasures 229 A Moth . 230 Kismet 231 Idolatry 232 When Madeline is Near 233 The Wind through the Branches . . . 234 Well Beloved 235 Wondrous Flower o' Mine ! . . . . 236 Mine! 237 Because 238 Jewels of Time 239 Passed 240 Above Me 241 You 242 The Sundown Kiss 243 A Promise in the Sky 244 Alone 246 Yesterday 247 Somewhere 249 Away on the Sea of Mystery .... 250 Into Thy Hands .251 GooD-BY 252 The Old Song 253 Jesus is Here 255 Thou and I 256 1 Love You Still 258 Chant d* Amour 259 Autumn Leaves 260 Adrift 261 Deep in My Heart 262 The Land o* Dreams 264 The Butterfly 266 PAGE On the Shore of Evermore .... 268 Mother 269 He is Risen 271 The Winds of God 272 My Heart is Crying out My Love for Thee 273 Remember 274 Treasures above Gold and Rubies . . . 275 Her Locket 277 The Idol of My Dreams 278 My Own Sweet Marjorie 280 Eleanor 281 The Lass on the Shore 282 A Paradise were This 283 What can I do to Make You Love Me? . 284 Honey-Chile 285 Love 287 The Violets 288 A Sanctuary 289 The Boatswain's Call 290 The Masterpiece 291 Mosaics 292 Mavourneen Queen 293 The Ways that Wind 294 There 295 " The Difference to Me " 296 Sufficing All 297 An Angel's Visit 298 The Rose's Sacrifice 299 Dreams that may Never Come True . . 301 Daffodils 302 Ah, what is the Use of Trying! . . . 303 Wee Baby 305 My Soul and I 306 A Soldier Bold 307 Come along to Mississippi 308 Since I've Lost You 310 PAGE The Thornless Rose 311 The Sun is Shining for You .... 312 Marriage a la Suffrage 314 And Yet! 315 Cupid's Game 316 Our Flag, American 318 The Wagon and the Star 320 Honey Heart 322 The Robin's Message 323 Witches of the Night 324 In a Byway 325 Oh, but to Know 326 The Heart's Requiem 327 MISCELLANEOUS Heart of a Friend 331 To Memory 332 Praise 333 The Spirit of the Forest 334 Growth's Sake 335 The Heart Knoweth 336 Life's Days as the Rose's Petals . . . 337 The Land of Might-Have-Been . . . 338 Home 340 To Rest 341 Thou shalt not Kill 342 The Outgone Tide 343 " Life's Beautiful Adventure "... 344 The Elfin's Song 345 Little Words 346 Little Girl 347 King Winter 348 Let's 349 Happytown 350 Life's Gold 352 To a Poet of the Air 353 PAGE The Barren 354, Two Little Shoes 355 Uncurled 356 Victory 357 The Stork 358 Art and Fame 359 What Matter 360 The Meaning of it all 361 Purpose 362 I Know, — I Know 363 How CAN You Know 364! Fragrance of the South 365 Your Best 366 Alive 367 Poet-Lore 368 Gold of Earth 369 Face to Face 370 Adrift 371 The Mediocre Song 372 Ye wot not 373 The Robin in the Rain 374 Peace 376 My Monument 377 Friendship 378 Profit 379 Recompense 380 Mine 381 Harmony 382 Some Day 383 Be Patient 384 After all 385 Frail Little Men 386 Halt and Blind 387 His Own 388 A Little Patch of Sunshine .... 389 Broken 390 PAGE Nature's Olden Way 391 Thinking Thoughts 392 A Silver Strand 393 Life 394 In the Shade 395 Little Foes 396 Common Clay 397 No More 398 Good-by, Old Year 399 " In the Silver Morning Sea " . . . . 400 The Passer-By 401 In the Springtime 403 A Prescription 404 "Somebody" Said: 405 Live and Let Live 406 Faery Spring 407 Resolved 408 The Sword of Selma 409 A Little Halting Message 410 The Gift 411 Angelic Voice 412 A Cross 413 " Weaving " 414 Everybody's Haven 416 The Signal 418 Castle of Delight 419 To Honor Bright 420 If— 423 How Little 424 Such is Life 425 Whither 426 Owned 427 A Fadeless Wreath 428 Laurels 429 When Day is Done 430 You and I 431 PAGE MoNA Lisa 432 At Christmastide 433 Her Choice 434 Dear Girl 436 Nature's Mirror 438 The Wage Earner 439 Paid in Full 440 Side by Side 441 Begin over 442 High and Low 443 Deaf or Blind? 444 I couldn't Tell You why 445 Sing Me a Song 446 As You See it 447 When the World's Asleep 448 Cheer up 449 Open Books 450 Mighty Millions 451 There and Here 452 The " Dead " Poet 453 Myself and I 454 'Round the Rim 455 Soul-Poverty 456 White Narcissus 457 Fanny Ann 458 Forest and Sea 459 Tomorrow 460 The Primrose Path 461 The View 462 Solitaire 463 Hunger 464 Relying on Him 465 The Scar 466 A Pattern of You 467 The Bleeding Heart 468 Paltry Things 469 PAGE Sound 470 The Life Throb and the Silence . . .471 Fabric of Dreams 473 The Wanderers 474 Resurgam 475 Pope of the Poor 476 Forgiven Most 477 Perplexed 478 A Poet Paid 479 Shadow Isle 481 Unknown 482 Just 483 Across a Grave 484 Hand Me Downs 485 Sunset and Sunrise 487 Embers 488 Shine Inside 489 Realms Beyond 490 Divers Gifts 491 From the Thicket 492 So Little 493 Threads of Fate 494 Some Lowly Lot 496 Dearest Wish 497 Wireless 498 Questions 499 Many 500 Vanity 501 Ours be 502 In Memoriam 503 The Awakening 504 This You must Know 505 Notes 506 A Soldier's Chance 507 When Sophie Smiles 508 Why is a Spinster? 509 By the Wayside 510 RELIGION COMPREHENSION Thou Way Shower, Thou Light by which all men must be guided Who rest, — Help me to know Thee, And to understand Thy wisdom. Eager for knowledge, 1 pray Thee for understanding. Mind Divine, As I comprehend Thee, Help me to comprehend my brothers, And they me ; That the days spent in the journey May be pleasant days ; That helping and serving one another. The dissonant notes may change to harmony ; In loving Thee, So may we know and comprehend Love. [1] THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND There is no place so dark He will not enter; No place so small but He is ever there. There is no burden howe'er light or heavy, But that He knoweth, and will help thee bear. There is no time when He is not beside thee ; No hour so sad but He doth understand. There is no life, e'en high or low without Him ; He holds all in the hollow of His hand. m VOICES OF TRUTH " Call," said the sea ; " Find," said the wind ; " Watch," said the stars ; " Seek," said the mind. " Lo ! " said the Book ; " Know," said the soul ; " Love," said the heart ; " God," said the whole. [3] MY PRAYER Help me to love instead of hate ; Help me to hope ; help me to wait. From out my store, help me to give ; Thou, who knowest, help me forgive. Help me to trust, for this is life ; Help me to work, and shun all strife ; Help me to share my brother's ills ; Help me to spare, for censure kills. Help me to lift along life's road My comrade, weighed with heavy load. Help me to soar above the fret And wrongs of life. Help me forget. [4] GATES OF PEARL Within there is for each heaven supernal, — A kingdom o'er which none can reign but thee ; The throne of God is there, the mind eternal, The same which rules the tempest and the sea. If thou hadst known the kingdom was so near thee, If thou hadst read aright, " Come unto me " ; What Paradise the world-way thou hadst trav- ersed ; What gates of pearl had opened unto thee. [5] GOD UNDERSTANDS Do not worry if the words that you would utter, — Expressing praise for heaven's gifts and plans, — You cannot form in satisfying phrases ; — The prayer that's in the heart, God understands. Do not worry if the love that you have given Is flung back unrequited in your hands ; But sow its seeds broadcast in fertile pastures, — The love that's in the heart, God understands. Do not worry if the jewels you would gather Ye cannot string as pearl or coral strands, But seek for those, when passing, ye take thither Where crowns are made of these. He under- stands. [6] A FRIEND It is by thee the way here must be travelled ; It is to thee thy God looks in the end. Then know no other's faults can make thee travail ; And if thou hast thy God thou hast a Friend. [7] LITTLE GRAIN A LITTLE seed at harvest time Was dropped along the way ; The kindly earth but nurtured it, Warmed by the sun of day. At night the dew refreshed it ; Sometimes God sent the rain. Today a meadow waves abloom, All from that little grain ! [8] ONE HOUR When night closed down upon that mount of tears, Earth's darkness yawned. (E'en the divine hath fears.) Forsaken, in the darkest hours that be, Christ said, " For just one hour, Couldst thou not watch with me.'^ " When life's days o'er, finished our span of years, We'll meet with Him whom all the world reveres, Oh, may His words with steadfastness empower : " Couldst thou not watch with me. For just one hour.'' " [9] HOW DOST THOU CARRY? HOW DOST THOU FIND? How dost thou carry thy pitcher to the foun- tain, And bring it filled with living water? Dost thou make the journey in the night time; Or dost thou carry thy pitcher by day? How didst thou find the fountain of living water? Wast thou born near to it, or didst thou travel thither? Why may I not carry my vessel and it be filled for me? I know not; I know not. Only this can I tell thee: So often as I carry the pitcher it is filled. And if these waters which I fetch are not crystal, 'Tis not the fault of the fountain ; But all fault lieth within the pitcher. Which was not cleansed. [10] CAN YOU? Can you bear the burdens lifted? Can you forge ahead though pressed? Can you do the task that's shifted? Can you grow though soul-distressed? Can you see though day is ended ? Can you hear though silence reigns? Can you love when wrongs are mended ? Can you trust when doubt proclaims? Can you wait till God is ready? Can you know Him yours through all? Can you keep your soul all steady ? Can you smile when He may call? [11] CHRIST'S DAY (Written on the saddest Christmas the world has ever known, 1914.) The dumb then spoke, and voiced a prayer The blind ne'er stumbled in the way ; The halt arose and leaped for j oy ! And gold had e'en the poor to pay. The sinner woke as from a dream ; The prisons freed their caged ones then ; And brother love brought peace to all ; For here Christ walks the earth again! [12] ANEW A VIRGIN leaf. Upon its smooth white surface, Not a stain ! And I can write and record here Good deeds, good thoughts and gain ? No tear to blot nor smear This pure untarnished page Of the New Year! Then I'll begin : I'll do some little good each day ; And think no evil; Nor permit my tongue to say A single word I cannot face When turning to this page to trace My progress 'long life's way. There is so much on earth that's bright, I will not pine, nor mope, nor grieve, At last when night doth come ; (As it must come to all) But looking up, I will press on ; The sun will rise at dawn ! When last this page is done. May He who seeth me And knew it all ere I began, Reward me as I tried; and span My efforts with my trials, as can The judge of every man. [la] AIM To live so that the world can claim of me no debt ; To die e'en all forgot, but not forgetting yet ; To live to leave a lesson or a word ; To die unheralded, but not unheard ; To live so one, just one, may miss my humble song; To die, having not one on earth done wrong ; To live for something more than living life ; To die all calm, serene, — no fear, no strife. [14] COURAGE! Be still, my heart, and wait ! The day will come. It may be soon. Or, tarrying, it may be late : Just know the day will come ! Be still my heart ! And wait! Dispel the doubt That flings the soul about, Distrusting fate. Poor heart of mine, be still ! The day must come : it will. Courage, my heart. Wait ! Wait ! [15] BY AND BY If I may have no flowers on earth today, But briared o'er with thorns my rocky way, I know on high where flowers ne'er fade or die, Enough flowers are there for me, by and by ! If there's no love on earth today for me, And I must walk alone, and alone be. On high there waits a love that knows no sigh! This love will greet and claim me, by and by. If I may find no praise from mortal lips. The while my bruised foot here climbs and slips, One word of praise from One who is on high Will repay o'er and o'er, there, by and by. [16] SILENCE A HUSH was in the autumn air, Still was the wood, Calm on the water's face, Peace understood. " Rest," spoke the tired brain ; " Awe," spoke the whole ; " Trust," spoke the hopeful heart ; " Prayer," spoke the soul. 17 THE OLD OAK TREE The old oak tree which sheltered me Had endured the storms so enduringly, (Far and beyond a century) And contrasted so in nobility And sturdy faith and humility, — For all it was only an oak tree, — With all the fears which encompassed me. In its massive strength it seemed to say: " I was only an acorn blown this way By a gale terrific one stormy day; But I knew I had the strength in me To grow and become this great oak tree. " It wasn't for me to pine, or choose The place or the way ! No time to lose ! I found myself here and knew I should grow ; And knowing was all. Why don't you know.?" [18] THE HEART'S GARDEN The heart is a fertile garden Where lovely flowers may bloom, If the weeds of hate and malice Are kept out to give them room. You are the gardener of your heart ; The seeds are yours to sow ! Oh, would you see and be the weeds. Or the flower's rare perfume know ? The garden needs much tending, And cultivation pays ; Prepare the soil and sow the seeds. Then keep the garden free from weeds. And know the sunshine's glow it needs. As well as rainy days. [19] NOT ALONE When earthly trials beset our paths we feel It is but human to rebel and moan : But think of all He bore when here, and know Where God is none can ever be alone. When night o'ershadows all the hopes we've known, And darkness only seems to be our own, Think of that night upon Gethsemane! Where God was watching, Christ was not alone. And so through life, in all its bitter hours. There is a love for all loss will atone: Though every earthly friend forsake me here. If God is with me, I am not alone. Then let us claim this love our very own ; And clasp the flowers of truth from seed's He's sown; E'er knowing, on and on, e'en to the throne, That God is with us ; we are not alone. [20] A LITTLE WHILE The sun must set; The hours of day speed by ; The night must come for every one. As you and I, Careless in ease, no thought of pain, Go on our separate ways, We scarcely think if we shall meet again. Or numbered be our days. A little while, And hands that warmly clasp In comradeship and helpful love. Divided are ; And vanished is the presence dear Which made life heaven here! We must pass on ; our little day be done ; The springtime leaf grows sear ! Then, while the sun In glorious warmth and light Doth cheer our hearts, making life bright, Let us so live Each day and hour, that we may give Unto that final night The blessed peace which with evening falls. When thought of sleep enthralls ! [21] TRUST God knows I've done my best ; With Him I leave the rest In trust: I know that He is just. I know He sees That I have drained the lees ; I know He knows The tenderness that flows Through my poor heart ; For He hath said E'en that's of Him a part ! He knoweth all. The tears that fall Are marked so well There is no need to tell Him why. He heareth every sigh. So, though I live or die, I'll trust to Him the rest ; God knows I've done my best. [22] COMPENSATION When the sky has seemed the darkest, With no rift of heaven's blue, And there was no silver lining. And no speck of sun peered through ; When the storm and tempest threatened. And the hurricanes were nigh, And the torrents overpowering Seemed no blessing from on high ; Have you turned to that light in you, Which you most forgot you knew, — And found there was no mystery But that God was sharing too? When this life has seemed most troubled, And no hope rose in your breast. And joy had died so long ago You forgot how she was drest ; When your heart and senses failed you In the wilderness of doubt. And the blessings long forgotten You had learned to live without ; Have you turned to that God with you. Who is yours whate'er you do, — And found life held no misery But that God was sharing too? [23] BE KIND Be kind and good and gracious, and pious, if you can: If the way you can't see To bend the knee, A heartful of prayer sent trustfully Up, will welcome be ! Some souls are humble ; some are high ; We differ in stature, you and I. You may need to kneel that your soul may rise Till it enters the portals of the skies ; A streak of light on the horizon rim Carries my soul straight up to Him. Desire or labor or service Or the song of tiny bird, A budding flower's best effort. The helpful, unspoken word, All are prayers to Him the Maker ; For " naught is unseen, unheard." Prayer's form may differ with you and me. But prayer is the same eternally ! [24] IN ORDER I HAVE put my house in order, I have swept the byways clean, And purified the atmosphere Of all things low and mean. T have washed the clouded windows, Where the vision clear would rest; And looking out upon God's world, I see His plans are best. [25J HOUSED AND FED These earthly walls which close our spirits in Are like the thatched cot upon the moor, That shelters and protects us, you and I, However poor, until we cast them by. And wing our way on high, Where our Father's mansion Awaiteth in the sky. This outer shell, directed by our wills. Doth serve us well ; And leads to joy and peace words cannot tell. Befouled, unswept, it falleth to decay ; Impoverished by vice, in poverty must stay. Then treat thy spirit well The while 'tis housed by thee ; And keep its home all clean, With naught that's mean, And 'twill repay in full Thy hospitality. [26] LIFE'S JEWELS An angel held a casket in her hand, And stood before a pilgrim of earth-land, Who, by his prayer devout, had brought from high The One who heareth every yearning cry. Within, this casket held the gems of life Which many pilgrims envy through earth's strife, But never have to hold, or never see. Until they pass beyond death's mystery. This pilgrim stored up naught for moth or rust, And first of all he chose the jewel "Trust"; *' For with this gem my fortune will increase ; So long as I have ' Trust,' will I know peace ! " God's angel said, " Pilgrim, thou chooseth well ; This jewel is worth price past words to tell." " Then give to me the jewel * Prayer,' " said he : " And with but these, I will most happy be ! " " And these," the angel said, " will earn the rest I carry here within this sacred chest : ' Constancy,' ' Faith,' ' Honor,' ' Charity,' And rare ' Content ' at last will be for thee ! [27] '•' ' Forgiveness,' ' Hope,' and ' Knowledge ' shall be thine! And all thy days shall these, thy jewels, shine! For he who hath all these, hath envied ' Power,'— The priceless jewel for life's every need and hour!" [28 THINK Thought is a weapon, or it is a shield; By it a wound can be made or healed. Your thought can add to the traveler's load, Or lift a weight 'long a dreary road. Thought is a flower, or it is a weed ; Whate'er you plant it will bear a seed. Whate'er you think in your heart, are You : It rests with you, whatever you do. [29] THE RAINBOW I CANNOT say just where the rainbow ends, Nor in what land its prismic mystery lends A fairer glow than we can see in this, If at its end there is all unknown bliss : But this I know, of this I am full sure: If he wlio seeks this end doth but endure, He'll find the mystic circle on some sod. For this I know: life's rainbow ends with God. [30] LIFE'S LESSON There is a hate which strangles all good pur- pose; There is content which nothing could make strife ; There is a peace which passeth understanding; There is a love which glorifies all life. There is a lesson here which none can banish ; There is an answer to each earnest call ; There is a home where dear ones never vanish ; There is a care beyond and above all. [31] THE MUSIC THAT WE MISSED By and by the music that we missed will sound its symphony. By and by, the harvest all sun-kissed, for us will garnered be. By and by the love we thought was banished shall rekindle in our dying hearts a flame ; By and by the dear ones we called vanished shall return to lead us as they came. By and by the power within us, which we little understood. Will unite with Him who made us, saying, " All He made was good." [32] NOT IN A DAY The beauties of the rose unfold not in a day ; But watched and tended long, a bud puts forth from spray Which, through long days of sun and rain and morning's dew, Doth open gradually its velvet petals' hue. And then, barring all blast and worm and with- ering blight, A rose blossoms to view ! It is the same with me and you ; Not in a day, but months and years, — And through skies gray and blue, And lifetime joys and tears, — Do beauties of the soul unfold. At last, barring neglect and rust, A soul ! its grace untold. [33] SOME TWILIGHT HOUR Is there some twilight hour When peace rests over all, And from some tower, — Above all petty care and pain, — We rise from strife and lust and gain. And, careless, know untrammeled bliss? Is there some twilight hour like this? Apast the night where daylight never wanes, — Past toil and grief and loss and stains, Beyond all doubting and mistrust, — Awaits for all, ay, all that lives, Blessing of Giver? — One who gives In justice all that's just? Then in this time there's naught of earth we miss ? There is, there is, some twilight hour like this ! [34] LOOK DEEP Beneath the surface of the calm outside, Smarts wound of poisoned dart. Beneath the shabby raiment, Beats many a loyal heart. Beneath the sun the flowers rise From out the old earth's sod. Beneath the clouds the stars still shine, Bright messengers of God ! Beneath the sea in silence dwells A world of mystery, Though searched o'er for centuries, Man hath not found the key. Beneath the grave the wornout husk No longer holds the soul. Beneath this life there is God's plan That perfecteth the whole ! [35] LO! " Lo, I am with you always," — And this message is for me : It matters not that mortal sight Can ne'er behold infinity. There is no place so small, so far, This promise doth not carry ! There is no time when I'm alone ; For there my Lord doth tarry. " I am with you always." Always. His words. Are they not true.'' This message, then, is meant for me ; Is it not meant for you.? [36] ALONE The day and hour when each one here must stand Unshielded, unprotected, and alone, Awaits all living men of every land, — That moment when God claims the soul His own. 'Tis then that thou must answer for each thought, Which has built up thy life and made thee thee ; No friend can go with this thy record fraught; Nor can I help, no more canst thou help me. [37] BE STILL The ways that are winding, the ways that are dark, May seem but the course of your frail earthly barque ; But the waters must calm with your faith if you will; In silence, believing, recall *' Peace, be still." [38] IF YOU WOULD Oh, would you the same music Of bird and leaf and rill? Listen, look, and worship, — Love and trust and till. Oh, would you all the sweetness And fragrance flowers know? Firmly plant, and be resolved, — Then face the sun and grow ! [39] OCEAN OF REST In thy infinite sky where the soul doth wing To the Ocean of Rest none giveth but thee, — Over the strife of worlds and wars, — Where naught but love can ever be, And never a hammering word is heard. And never a fear in the breast is stirred ; Past all seeming, to things that are ; Past all striving and things which mar ; — Ocean of Rest, on thy infinite breast May the barque be launched with the soul of me, — Calm as the infinite God who rules That each is a part of infinity. [40] FORGIVENESS If a stream all clogged and muddy It were yours to purify By flooding crystal waters through, That would reflect God's sky, Would you not haste to gladden E'en the lowly meadowlands If this blessing of the Giver Were idle in your hands ? [41] POISED The soul a compass is, which guides life's barque Across the harbour-bar, aye through death's dark! Upon this instrument we can rely, However rough life's sea, until we die. The soul a compass is, — faithful and true ; Ready, if you but look, to rescue you From shoals, and tides and winds, however ill. And bring you to God's haven, if ye will ! [42] KINSHIP The mystery we feel at eve when the first star hangs in the sky, The trust which wells up in the heart, love of immortal God on high, — For all the wonders past men's minds, for all His plans past finding out, When e'en a star hangs in the sky, how can mere mortal men e'er doybt? The awe all men have known at sea or felt when on mid-ocean's breast. The worship known to everyone who sees His plans are His and best. The kinship of the trees and plants, — the same which runs through brother man, — So long as one flower opens out, to doubt the divine plan ye can? [43] THANKSGIVING PRAYER (1914) Dear Lord of all, help us to see Thy way in all, e'en bound or free, In peace or war, on land or sea. Since all is Thine, where'er men be ; And Thou art God eternally. Help us to trust in darkest hour This barren stalk sends forth some flower, Which garnered in its fragrancy Shall show Thy hand mercifully Doth guide, and point Thy divine way Was desolation of to-day. [44] HARVEST Would ye reap the harvest, Sow as it is meant ; God will send the dew and rain; Plant, and be content. Would you own the vineyard. Where are fruitful vines? Even so, would this suffice, If ye desire rich wines ? Abundant is the blessing. Faithful is the blest ; Be of these, and do thy part ; God will do the rest. [45] PROFIT Don't ask too much of e'en the unseen powers ; Roses will always have thorns ; thistles flowers. And every day that passeth hath its night Whose darkest hours must end with dawn's sun- Hght. Don't ask too much of e'en the unseen powers ; Privileged are you to live the blessed hours, Winging toward life all perfect, where all bliss Awaits you as you've profited by this. [46] MY LAST SONG As a homeless bird-wanderer at nightfall Wings to a sheltering branch, So may my soul, having sung its last note it could not help singing. Be willing to rest wherever Thou hast provided a shelter. Out in the night, fearless of storms. My soul shall wing when the sun sets. For Thy merciful branch is everywhere, And the fall of the sparrow Thou marketh. A song of the night, — the dark before light. The rest before day, the peace before dawn, Of these shall my soul sing. Upon any branch in the wilderness, For Thy sheltering wing doth cover all. [47] FLOWER O' THE DUST By the wayside fallen and crushed, bruised and withered, flower o' the dust, thou wert not ever thus. Fit for an altar vase must thou have been E'er thy broken leaves were flung upon the street To be trampled on by the ungodly feet of men. 1 see thee in thy peaceful place, love's garden. Where watchful eyes have treasured thy fair bud, And tender hands have plucked for love's adorn- ing, Thy lovely graceful stem, and held thee to the lips. Drinking deep of thy essence, which thou be- stowed all generously. Flower o' the dust, thou and thy fragrance art not lost. Thou art a part of Him who dieth not. Bruised is the flower for scent, the grape for wine; And all within, without, His plan divine. [48] THE WORLD So the world goes on! The little men all puffed with satisfaction, And armored by their own conceit, The great souls imaging the highest ideals, Fearing but their defeat. And he who sleeps all dreamless through the night, Wakes careless of the new demands of day ; While one who spent the silent hours in plans To lift his kind, ne'er feels sure of the way. And these make up our lives. The little man, who dares look to the stars And says there is no God, — and death ends all,— The great soul, seeing Him in everything, And listening for His every voice and call! [49] IF ONLY THE DEAR LORD KNOWS What matter how little of pleasure, What matter how great is the pain Life offers with all of its lessons, If knowledge of love doth sustain ; And we know whatever we profit From adversity's wind that blows, Be not lost to us or the Maker, If only the dear Lord knows. What matter if efforts seem wasted, What matter if silent the praise We work for and strive for, most die for. Through all of our earthly days ; If, by One who marks even the sparrow. The harvest be garnered one sows ; And our storehouse be filled with soul-treasures. If only the dear Lord knows ! What matter the ending of all things. So long as the end bringeth near The closing of schooltime and harvest, — Reward for our life-term career ! If, into the boundless perfection. The soul on its upward flight goes, What matter earth's problems vexatious, If only the dear Lord knows! [50] EVEN SO The cup which my Father had given, In anger I thrust aside ; For bitter was it as wormwood, With dregs of gall inside. Rebellious, I would not drink it. Though it saved my soul alway ; Forsaking the cup, I wandered Afar, that bitter day ! Each road that I took was rocky ; Each drink, when athirst, was sour ; As the fastness of forest surrounded, And enmeshed in a tangled bower. Alone, I trod through the brushes. Where briars and thorns were rife ; Alone, I sought only for sweetness, As I fled from the bitter of life. In the desert of self I floundered. At the edge of the forest of sin, Where parching fever consumeth All who enter the sands therein. When my soul cried out in hunger, And my heart, aweary of thirst, Begged God for a morsel sustaining For a mortal so accursed ! Then, out of the waste was lifted The cup which my Father gave; [51] And a voice said : " Drink of it ! Drink of it ! It is all that thy soul can save ! " With hands too weak to guide it, And lips too parched to crave, I must kneel in the dust beside it, And drink from a new-made grave. As humbly I sipped the potion, A holy light appeared In the waste of that arid desert, Where even a voice seemed weird. Reflected therein, I stood changed. By all that a God names good ; While the cup to a chalice was altered. Which of yore, had appeared wormwood ! And the grave in the sands unfolded To show me what I had been. Ere the cup I beseeched from my Father Had cleansed me from hideous sin. Then the voice became a presence. And walked with me by my side, Holding my hand in the darkness. An ever-present guide. Leading to heights of heaven, Bearing me on, and up ; Though only those words were uttered: " Drink ; 'tis thy Father's cup." [52] THE GARMENT OF MY SOUL The soul must be made a garment, And, if the thread and texture be not of thy choosing, The pattern shall be only thy choice. Of shining whiteness canst thou make thy soul's robe, Such as only Light can make whiter. No hand but thine can fashion the garment; But fate may cross thy decision ; And near to a century may time help or hinder Ere that which is the undying You be clothed. The shuttle shall weave night and day, and the web be spun Which one day shall not only cover, but indeed be thee. When thou standest alone as thou art, — Where all are known as they are, — What covering hast thou made for thy soul? [53] DEAR HEART Dear heart, if you must part with all you prize, Thy way within the shadow lies ; And at the dawn, there are God's skies, All blue for you ! The rare wine from the pressed grape flows. Both sun and rain blossoms the rose. So, in the dawn of other days, We glimpse the heart that sorrow flays, And gaze on what we thought we prized ; And see how small, how undersized. The losses are to all the gain O'ermeasured us of ripened grain ! Then we kneel down to thank and praise The God who guides and guards our days. Dear heart, if you must part with all you prize. Thy way within the shadow lies ! But at God's dawn, there'll be His skies All blue for you ! [54] NEVER TOO LATE It is never too late to say the word You know that you should have said. It is never too late to mend the rent In friendship, till you are dead. It is never too late to love someone Or something or other, dear ; It is never too late to learn anything You want to learn ; don't fear. The day is not past for any good deed ; There's no such time as " too late." It is never too late for God to forgive ; He will meet you at the gate If you start today to walk His way! It is never, never, too late. [55] PUT OUT Out into clearer pathways, Wing to untrammeled skies, Wouldst walk midst the bramble bushes, Or soar where the eaglet flies? Out into smoother waters. Steer then thy full-sailed craft, Remembering thou art boatswain And pilot, fore and aft. [56] TEARS Useless thy tears. They do but rob thee of thy youth; Dimming the eye with grief; Marking the lids with woe. If tears must flow, To keep thy widowed heart from breaking, Better a thousand times to spare Thy flower-like face! Hearts were made for aching. . Useless thy tears. They never watered any grave From whence the flowers sprung half so sweet As where they trusted to God's rain, And His sweet spring, The violets would bloom again ! [57] UNDERSTAND There never was a sorrow, The weight we could not bear; There never was a dreary day But held some promise fair. There never was a heartache For which there was no cure ; There never was a misery Which we could not endure. There never was a summer But held its share of rain. There never was a pilgrim But bore his share of pain. There never was a heart on earth That was not meant for love. There never was a soul that's lost To heavenly bliss above. [58] BEYOND Theee are joys past all rejoicing; There are sorrows past all tears ; There is pain past comprehension ; There is faith past any fears ! There is knowledge past all proving ; There are visions past belief ; There are secrets past all science ; There is anguish past relief. There is hope past any cavil ; There is worship past all creeds ; There is truth beyond denying ; And supply past human needs ! [59] WORSHIP I DO not need thee to tell me where God is : I have looked in the face of a child, And I have seen the sun set. I do not need thee to chant me a service: The birds are singing in the forest To the orchestration of the sighing leaves. I do not need thee to chastise me : My church is the world, And my God is the God of life. I do not need thee to rebuke my lacking: For the God within keepeth the conscience ; And to Him is known what is worship. [60] DARK, DARK, DARK It is dark within and without. Fitful clouds pass ever, And the sky is cast over. In the heart no ray of light enters ; It is dark, dark, dark. Wingeth the birds as at evening. Forgetting 'tis day. For the night has come ere the sunset ; Storms darken the way. Hope, — where shall I seek it, — For to seek ye must see. Behind the clouds my wing cannot carry ; It is dark, — let it be. [61] ALL INFINITE Those happier moments when the soul doth rise Above the sordid earth things to the skies, Bespeak for all the Infinite within, No matter what the previous hours have been. The divine glimpses of the true, the good, The beautiful, aspiring, ever teach That God is here within, and we may find Him ever if a hand we will outreach. And there is not e'en one so overcome With sin or sorrowing in life's day or night. But that hath glimpsed the pure and ideal love Abounding all within, all Infinite. [6a] A LEADEN CASKET Thou art not brother to the ox, For his coat is not fine enough for thee. Thou canst not worship without a spire, For thou wouldst be jostled by the unclean. Thou didst not see the glories in the sunset, For thou must count thy gold. Thou canst not realize that thou art dead, For thy savorous dinner is waiting. Thou canst not hear the bird's song or the cry of thy brothers, For thy soul within thee is shut in a leaden casket ! Thou canst not wing on high, For adoration hath never, never entered thy sordid breast. [63] GOD'S SECRETS Within each little blade that grows There is a mystery no one knows. The stars o'ersprinkled in the sky Still are unsolved, howe'er men try ; And all the store of secret lore That's written here for us to see, But adds unto life's mystery. Within each human heart that beats, Life's current ebbs and swiftly fleets; The hopes and fears, and all we ken Regarding the short lives of men. But baffles, as it goes to show God's secrets man can never know. [64] THE MASTER'S BIDDING Let me be up and do the Master's bidding ; It matters not if here or 'cross the sea ! " I will not leave you comfortless " (what bless- ing In Jesu's words) " for I will come to thee." Then help me, Lord, while I am on this highway, That I may waste no time in idle tears ; But let me know if I have Thee beside me, I'll scale the heights, nor look back through the years. On, on, I'll trudge ; and nothing shall deter me ; I see the lights that in Thy pathway shine ! But hold my hand, and comfort me and guide me Until at last, with Thee, I am divine! [65] REASON Say not you cannot see why you were born! Just now I came this way, this very morn, And found a star-flower 'neath a boulder grown, Which seemed to shoulder that weight as its own. If little five-leafed flower in purity Can teach, and humble the sad heart of me, Then take it that 'twas grown to make us see That naught of Him could crushed or useless be ! [66] THE SPARROW Only a little brown sparrow, Only a sister of yours, Singing no song in the branches, — Common as all out doors. Lowly, — yet God in His wisdom Marks e'en the wee sparrow's fall ! She is your sister ; He knows it ; And He is the Father of all. [67] FULL MEASURE God will bless the kind and loving; He will bless the pure and meek; Doubly will He bless the humble Who through trials His kingdom seek. God will bless the honest, striving Souls who crave for wisdom's might Surely He will fill, full measure. Every heart that yearns for light. [68] ON THE MOUNT There is a hill from which we daily scan The hopes and progress in the heart of man ; And as we rise e'en to its glorious peak, We view, enraptured, scenes past words to speak, As from this height the valley is so far It doth a shadow seem ! There is one star Overhead which lifts the spirit above care. The star is that called Hope; the mount is Prayer. [69] UNITY United in one thought, one hope, one prayer, This earth would be a paradise so fair We scarcely can conceive what it would be, If here were brother-love and unity. There is one God, one gate, one life, for all ; And we as creatures e'en must rise and fall. " Judge not, lest ye be judged," means you and me: This is the first step, then, towards unity. All fare here on some thorny path the while ; Thy brother's hand hath helped, or brother's smile ? If thou canst not extend him merely this. Defile not then his lips with traitor's kiss. To live, to bear, to pass beyond the gate Where judgment for the kingliest doth wait. Where shall be known all even as they are. And " by their light," when they have crossed the bar! When we look back upon the strife of earth. Seeing the husk left for immortal birth. Oh, shall we wish that we had helped to be All that here might have been, in Unity.? [70] HIRAM'S THANKSGIVING Fur all the miseries I've escaped, An' all I didn't get, I bless the Lord Thanksgivin' Day, With a grateful heart, you bet. Fur all the pain I didn't have. The sorrows that passed by. An' all the storms that didn't break, Nor mar the peaceful sky ; Fur everything I didn't do. An' all o' Satan's sin I might have done like anyone, I'm turnin' my thanks in, — Fur all the curses I've withstood That rip a man apart. An' most of all I'm glad I've not A cold, unthankful heart. So, while my worldly goods is nil. My blessings stack up well. Fur all the terrors I've escaped, My thanks no tongue can teU. [71] NEED Dear Lord, I need not choose fine words When I would speak to Thee: The plainest, truest I can find Will sufficient be. I do not need to halt, or kneel, Nor need I even speak. A thought will reach Thee just as well If I be true, and seek. No gold need I to come to Thee, Nor friend to vouch for me ; I only need to know the way To gain Thy blessings free. Thy love which lifts, bestows, protects, I need but claim as mine ; And ne'er can I be loveless here When I'm a child of thine. Then let me know, where'er I go I cannot be alone; There is no need to doubt or fear Since I'm Thy very own. [72] NEW LIFE The spring was e'en the fairest I had seen. The tree's young leaves, all in their April green, Spoke of new life ; and as the breeze would wave The tiny fronds, I thought e'en of the grave Which hides the old life one day to be new, Speaking of God's wise plan. And this I knew : If life is not extinct in nature's mold, — E'en blanketed with ice and winter's cold, — And forth is brought the bud and blossoming Awakened in each tiny plant by spring, I know His plan He holds and keeps for man Is wise and just, and sweet in its surprise As that which He hath given everything Alive in the awakening time of spring! [73] AS A MAN THINKETH " The world is all wrong," she said, she said ; And at once there came a pain in her head, And her heart grew weak, and she couldn't speak ! — The next day she was dead. " The world is all right, 1 know, I know " ; And she gathered the beautiful sunshine's glow And scattered it where it hadn't been fair, Then watched the roses blow ! Thought is a magnet which draws To heart and head and face All beauty of life and soul, All elevation of place. Then guard each one in a golden sheath, As you add each day to eternity's wreath ! The sun is shining, the world is bright; Help lighten life's burdens. Help light its night. [74] THE PHARISEE " I THANK Thee, Lord, I am not as he ; By special blessing vouchsafed to me, 'Tis plain Thou dost my path o'ersee : I thank Thee, Lord, I am not as he ! " But the voice that is heard though it speaketh not, Saith unto this man : " What is thy lot That thou with thyself contented be, Who hast sinned and hidden all craftily, Yet thankest thy Lord thou art sin-free? " Thy sins are not hidden to One who doth see All that's inscribed of thy life and thee ! If thou lookest inside in humility. Thou canst not say, ' I am better than he.' " [75] WHAT THEN Alx. prayer is good ; There is one God. Unto every soul that feels the rod, — Every worn-out husk placed in the sod,- The same was giv'n and taken by God. All prayer is good. Unto the sky Wingeth all desire, If you pray, or I. Then why all these words Which baffle men : Your God must be mine, — And so, what then? [76] THOU MERCIFUL When these poor mortal lips Can form no word to say ; When this faint, threadbare heart Can find no prayer to pray, — Be merciful ! When life's candle is burned To its last flickering ray, And we strivingly cling To our last earthly day, — Be merciful! When the journey is o'er and we stand at Thy door. Outworn by life's battles and scarred by its blows, Wilt Thou see beyond all the burdens we bore As we carried the cross and its weight of life's woes, — Thou Merciful? We know 'tis the heart Thou dost reckon Thine own. And to Thee every thought and each heart- beat is known ! We trust Thee to lift when we fall by the way ; We trust Thee to know thoughts our lips can- not say, — Thou Merciful ! [77] A CASTLE WAITS Somewhere, some place, befitting thy estate, A castle waits to claim thee mistress fair. Though thy arrival may be soon or late, 'Tis built for thee, and it is waiting there. Wouldst that 'twere built of jasper, by the sea. With gold and gems beset, and pearl inlaid? The grandeur of this structure's left to thee; For it shall be whatever thou hast made ! We build on earth these mansions day by day (Though homeless heads are here, but not for aye) ; And when we reach these homes, — not far away, — We find them black and sombre, bright and gay. Or grand and fine, or lowly, shabby, poor, — Just as we chose to make them, you and I. Oh, let us build of stuff that shall endure ! A castle waits to claim thee in the sky. [78] WOUND AND SCAR Dear God, this day of memory and tears Observed by thine throughout the years, Marks one span more, one sacred bead On Memory's rosary, while hearts bleed For those who fell on battlefield Days past, today, where cannon yield Their human harvests, broken hearts. Be with them all as life departs. And let us know, — us, left behind, — All died for right ; oh, let us find Upon those gore-soaked fields of war Some peace, effacing wound and scar. [79] " WELLS WITHOUT WATER " " Wells without water," Hearts without kindness, — Empty of life, life-giving love. By all the stars above. Had I to choose between a heart and gold, I'd reach forth my poor, empty hand, — Thin from want, — And beg that I might die, a starveling of the sod, Rather than heartless live with gold and gain ; Ay, let me starve — with God. [80] THE HOUR IS LATE My soul stood waiting at the gate. *' Come," it said, " the hour is late ! 'Tis time for thee to make amends. To choose between me and thy friends." " My friends ! My darling friends ! " quoth I " I love them best of all on earth ! I'll ne'er prove traitor to a friend For all that thou art worth. A promise in a doubtful sky Is all thou art to me ; A friend will help me to the end, And my consoler be ! " The hour was late. Still at the gate A soul doth wait through life. It sees through all earth's transient joys, — Its wars, its pleasures, strife! It knows thou dost choose vainly The way of earthly things ; It knows thy friends will vanish. Thy riches all take wings ! And it would save thee loss and pain ; But all its warnings are in vain ! At last thou art forsaken By the friends thou'lt not forsake ; [81] At last Misfortune finds thee In its race to overtake! At last the gold thou countest thine Doth not thy fortune make! At last thou art alone in life, And facing that sure goal Where everyone, like thee, must meet Their own neglected soul ; When thou art given second sight To view the blasted whole ! No wine, no song, no women Await thee at this gate ; The earthly path to heaven Is not the path that's straight ! Thy friends are not beside thee ; Thy dwarfed soul's at the gate; Canst thou look at it and own it ? The hour is very late. [82] IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WING 'Neath the shelter of His wing, Safe from every mortal harm, Where I hear the angels sing, There is naught that can alarm. By His presence covered o'er, — Shielded, cherished, loved, and blest, — I can trust forevermore ; He will do for me the rest. So beneath His sheltering wing Every child of His hath care ! Shall I need for anything When our God is everywhere? [83] THE NEVER-FAILING SPRING There is a spring which never fails ; Its waters cool and clear Refresh the eye of passer-by, E'er glad he came by here. The thirsty know its source full well; You meet them on the road Which traverses the foothills' path: Some bear a heavy load. Just take the road " Contentment " here Where birds build as they sing, And out some miles reach Love's staunch stiles Where angels are awing ; Then in the cleft (turn right, not left) You'll find this spring called Truth, Whose never-failing waters cool All fevered brows, forsooth ! [84] THOU AND THINE But reach forth thine hand in the darkness,- I am there, though thou canst not call ; But lift up thy thought in thy anguish, — I am there to raise if thou fall ! But send forth thy trust; it will reach me, — I am there, though thou canst not see. But give from out all that I give thee ; We are one, and must ever be. [85] BLESSEDNESS " To labor and to wait," — That is the thing! Perhaps there is no goal, But if we travel on With hope and faith, Illuminate the soul With loving deeds, Sharing our brother's ills And woes and needs, — Each life were blest With blessedness that fills! [86] SPEAK, LORD! A STRIVING soul had reached the goal Of the straight and narrow way. She told each bead ; and confessed each need To the holy priest ; and, pious indeed. Prayed ever and ever, day by day: " Let me hear Thy voice, as in days of old Thou didst speak to the chosen of Thy fold ! " She knew the Lord would hear her prayer Because she knew the Lord was there ! Serene and saintly and steadfast. She walked day after day. With never a murmur, whate'er the cross. She clung to the hope, when tempest tossed. That the Lord would speak Were she humble and meek ; His voice would all repay ! Weary and worn with waiting. And worn and weary with care, The eyes grew dim with watching; Frost kissed the youthful hair. Still the faithful ear was listening For an answer to her prayer! Though never a sound woke the stillness, She knew the Lord was there. At last in the world where crime unfurls, As an angel of light she came [87] To succor and feed in its hour of need A babe without a name. Soothing a sinful soul to rest, She mothered the waif upon her breast ; A soul was won and a duty done For the God who knoweth best ! The Master's voice had called her, The Master's love had led; A heavenly light unveiled her sight, For the Lord now spoke ; and what He said Is for you and me, our souls to free : " Whatsoever ye do to the least of these, Ye have done it unto Me." Blest of the Lord, but say your prayer, And the Lord will hear ! He is always there ! [88] LOVE THIS, MY HEART-SONG As a flower unfolds in the sun, My heart opened and grew under your love. Its wondrous fragrant petals unfolded one by one Till its beauty was heralded afar. As a star in the morning. When all others have faded from the sky. Art thou to my worshipping gaze! I fear lest the sun may rise And make you invisible. As a bird singing on a branch before nightfall. This, my heart-song, I sing to thee; For the sun lowers, — all seeketh shelter ; And in the peace of night must my singing cease. [91] THE FAIRY IN THE LILY There's a fairy in the lily 'Neath the window where I write; She wears gorgeous golden dresses Set with diamonds, after night; There are gauzy wings about her; There's a crown of amethyst; And white butterflies surround her, Bearing cups of silver mist. Now the fairy in the lily Rings some lovely golden bells When the elfins gather 'round her From the scented woods and dells. Bringing gifts of rarest value In their tiny elfin hands, Such as you and I but dream of, But are known in fairylands. There are wishing-wands a-plenty, And robes of charity, And loving hearts and true hearts, And freedom that makes free. (Oh, the perfume of white violets Grown under mossy tree!) There is balm for pain, so perfect That a thought of it will cure; And a harness for the temper That makes perfection sure. [92] There is mildness, and there's justice, And a cure for spite and age. And another cure for hatred, Still another one for rage ; While the gifts of fragrant spices From Memory's scented throng Are gathered from the heavens, — Once to angels did belong. They hold blessing for each misery, A right for every wrong. There's a fairy in the lily, — Do you think you know her name Who reigns o'er all the elfin band? Tell me whence she came ! You must confess you cannot guess? What is it that we all profess, Yet know so little of? Why, the fairy in the lily, — Ah, the fairy's name is, — Love ! [93] TO ARCADY Where the roads cross, Fates were waiting; Here, from choice, each wends their way, Traversing the path or by-paths. Till all meet at Judgment Day. Wealth held out her golden treasure ; How it shone, and tempted me ! Brimming o'er with extra measure, — But, it was not Arcady ! Fame approached with honors for me; Laurel wreaths bestowed were few ! Holding one my brow did covet; " Choose, and it may be for you." This was quite another pathway; Stars, — and immortality ! What were these, if heart were pining For the joys in Arcady ! Here, then, was the path which called me ; Babbling brook, and quivering tree ! Hand in hand, in daylight wandering ! Heart to heart at night with thee ! E'en though barefoot, without sandals, I took the road to Arcady ! [9*] FANTASY Garlands of roses of every hue, Softest zephyrs, and skies of blue. Lustrous pearls, and tenderest sighs. And laughter, likened to brook's replies, Fragrance of attar and jasmine. Shady pools where the starlings shine, Hope of the May-time, warmth of June, Songs of singers awing in tune. Fountains where elfins and fairies flit. Moon-spun silver where lovers sit; All of these things I sense, or see. When Madeline says that she loves me ! [95] FOUNTAIN AND SPRING There's a fountain of Youth and of Pleasure, At the edge of Life's forest-rim, Where seekers e'er throng as they fare along To wilds of a wilderness grim. From a golden cup, which is lifted up By a beautiful goddess. Love, We sip and sip, with youth's fevered lip. The nectar of gods above. All too soon we pass on to the shadows. Where we walk with a clear-eyed nun. The fringe of the wood, where 'tis understood Our journey is just begun. When vaster and vaster the forest seems. And, lost in its tangled ways. We long for the nectar the gods bestowed Way back where the fountain plays ; But groping ahead through the mazes, There is something which seems to sing: Lo ! at the foot of the Mountain of Age, Is happiness' crystal spring! [96] FROST-KILLED Oh, I have seen the frost-killed flowers that bloomed But to be nipped and seared upon the stem By cruelest blast of winter's icy hand, — Not fit to touch a lovely floweret's hem. And I have wept, and helped to shield them here ; But what were flowers once blighted by the frost ? The root may live, — e'en thrive again in Spring, — But shattered petals, oh, they're lost, — they're lost. [97] UNANSWERED I SAID to my heart, " Do I love her ? Without her could life be fair? Do I hold her dearer than riches, gold ; For her could I pass sin's snare? " Do I love her more than my freedom ? Could I live were she to die? Would I rather my heart be trod on Than to hear this woman sigh? ** Could I make her happy, treat her kind? Is there any other that I could find That could take her place in the world for me? " I said to my heart, " Speak truthfully." [98] IF THOSE WE LOVE DEAREST Oh, well if those we love dearest and best Can love us too in return ; If our efforts for peace on earth they prize, Nor overlook nor spurn. The flower that shrivelled in frigid blasts Would have opened its heart to the sun ; Oh, well if those we love dearest and best Have loved us, when all is done. But, if after the best of tending. And after the best of care, A bud fails to keep its promise. There's a worm in the heart somewhere. Be content with doing your duty ; With a might do all that is right ; Turning your head towards the sunshine. Lifting your face to the Light. As an adjunct to perfection. Accepting both warmth and dew. Leaving the blossoming time to God, Who plants, and is tending, you. [99] HEART'S DESIRE I GRIEVED as no one ever grieved before, And there was no denying that I grieved. The sun had shut away his face so long, The faded rosebuds drooped and died unleaved. As shattered too was I, — oh, my poor heart, — Dark clouded o'er with lost-love's mysteries ; I wept, — I wept so long my eyes grew dim. (The heart knows what no eye on earth e'er sees.) Now the full tide is gone ; my little craft. All battered by the mad sea's angry waves, A hulk, rests on the barren sandy shore, — E'er and anon but whispering memory laves. But when the last sun sinks in this great sea. All moulten red where waters catch its fire. Out of my broken hulk and masts shall rise The full-winged soul of me, — my heart's desire. [100] THE RESCUE I SOUGHT amongst the thorn to find a rose, And rescued it from withering on the stem ; I plucked the flower from brambles under brush, As frost was searing every leaflet's hem. What matter if my bruised and bleeding flesh Doth quiver thorn-thrust in its smarting pain! I went among the thorns and saved the rose, And I would bear the smarting o'er again ! [lOlJ ONE Should your sweet smile enhancing all life's charms Be taken from me here, while I live on, Joy's day would close for me, — its last sun set. Thy smile is ever like the new day's dawn. Should your fond heart, which holds my little world, Cease, by death's mandate, here its warmth to shed. Life's hope, life's love, for me, would die that day; And though I were alive, — I would be dead. [102] THE VAGRANT HEART A MEAL on any doorstep, And I must wander on ; For something ever calls me To seek a fairer dawn. Restless and unabiding, I must unfettered be ; Connubial joys or fireside Were never meant for me. No fairer doth the whisper Roll in from off the sea Than freedom echoes in my heart,- " At least be free — be free ! " [103] LOVE'S MEASURE If adversity should throw its pall across her happiness, And poverty's wan hand clutch at her silken loveliness, If friends should all forsake her, and leave her desolate In life's lonely doubtful shadows, an hungered e'er to wait, — Would you follow the example of the sheep who scorn and fear? Would you grasp her hand, and weep for her a tender human tear? No matter what the world said, or how shabbily she dressed. Would you know whatever happened, she had done her very best? If the ways her footsteps wandered seemed to be the paths of sin. Would you open wide the portals of your heart, and take her in ? [104] THE PATHWAY On the pathway of Life, Where the dewy flowers spring, And the mellow song melts From a bird on the wing, (A golden-winged thing,) I met with a lassie With large earnest eyes. Going back where I'd come from. Where human hope dies. Though she thought what she sought Was paradise ! I longed so to tell her No flowers would she find. No song of a bird. No voice that was kind. But the moan and the groan Of a cold, wintry wind! But she traveled so fast As she hurried past. She hardly saw me As I trembled before her; For all she would be. And all that I saw. That she could not see. Thus we meet on the Pathway, [105] The eddying throng, Surging along, To the right And the wrong! I'm waiting here ; but oh, where is she. Whom I met in the way As I tarried that day Where the dewy flowers sprung And the golden-bird sung? [106] LIFE'S ROSARY Sometimes it is some tender song Which sets my heart astir, And flashes to both brain and cheek Fond memories of her. Perhaps the fragrance of a rose, Or gathered violets. Will play such havoc in my heart, Which thrives, — but ne'er forgets ! I count the hours of happiness Sped by on angels' wings. And hear again the whispered words With which my heart still sings. One word recalls the days gone by, — Those happy days with you. A sigh e'er brings me to your side, — Just as it used to do. All life is but a rosary Of thoughts which must recur. So long as love means memory Of sacred hours with her. [107] THE ATTIC ROOM At the top of the stairs that wind and wind, There's a bare little room that I call mine ; The street it is drear, and there's not much cheer Has crept up the stairs for many a year, — Only Fear, and no one dear. Since Love hurried down them They've called me queer, all about here. Though I live in quiet when cannons boom. At the top of the stairs in my attic room. In my attic room, where none can see. No fire glows but love for thee ! My soul is fed on memory ! O dearest Heart, you once loved me ! Though palace walls were offered free. In my attic room I'd choose to be. For, my angel Love, it once held thee ! The world is chill, and there's nothing to fill Your place in my life, and nothing will ! So I care for the love you tried to kill, And it goes on loving, and loving you still ! Your lips said " Never," but I presume To keep on weaving at Love's sweet loom, Where, should you come back, there is always room. At the top of the stairs in my attic room ! [108] AS IN A WOOD And so it is we walk along life's way, Companioned, yet alone ; Else, longing for the one who should be ours, — No other would we own. Thus, few there are, who live as it was meant; Ay, fewer still are those here understood : We reach the end of mortal journeying. Lost, most of us, to love, as in a wood. [109] HEARTBEATS The calling of the herdsman at the sunset ; The lowing of the cattle as they roam ; The flicker of a candle in a window, Which beckons weary toilers coming home. The evening star that trembles thru the twilight ; The first spring-flower that blossoms on the heath ; The pulsing warmth of lover's glances meeting; A virgin in her bridal robe and wreath. A singer's note that's flung above the turmoil; The silent nun-like moon in heaven's blue ; The soft warm rain in benediction falling; The first and the last glimpse of You. [110] HEART'S GOLD If little sorrows steal away the joy Of life's pure gold, — adding alloy To that rare metal, — (men must dig to find) Treasured and envied by all mankind: And we will let the little wrong and fret Play havoc with the heart's pure golden store, There'd soon be but the baser metal left. E'en to the bright heart's core. If little worries take their root within, They grow and grow, till all akin To peace (the rarest flower that life can hold) Is choked, as gardens are by weeds o'ergrown. And when we look one day for flowers, heart's gold. We find that life is bare, — we do not own A single joy that is not tinged or worse. And we caused all this curse ! [Ill] FROM WHENCE The days when love had walked with thee, Enkindling in thy heart a flame, Ye spent as spendthrifts spend their gold. And jeered at mention of love's name. These nights when ye would embrace love, Ye call all vainly on her now; And it is she who ridicules To think you could recall her vow. For love thou mayest chide or curse ; But sneering shouldst thou call her name. She'll leave thee, ne'er to be thine more. And seek God's heaven, from whence she came. [112] FATE We met upon the dusty street That leads from Kent to Warwicktown ; To view her bonnet was a treat, So sweet and neat her ruffled gown. She passed me by with scarce a glance; I turned around, and so did she; She blushed, — and how her eyes did dance ! I stopped, — she only laughed at me. And passed adown the dusty street That leads from Kent to Warwicktown. How is it still my heart doth beat? Why must the fates on me so frown? Even her name I do not know. Nor where her home, nor where to seek This face which haunts and haunts me so. Could I but find her, would I speak? Has Fate this way of playing tricks? As meeting on this life's highway. The prize our hearts and eyes doth fix. For aye to snatch the thing away ? To think I passed Her on the way That leads from Kent to Warwicktown: Ended my quest, begun that day She blushed and laughingly glanced down. [113] A SINGLE FLOWER So, if you find along life's pathway here A single flower that bloomed for you, dear, And you have plucked with tender, reverent touch A blossom that hath blest you overmuch, — Oh, treasure, for the sake of summer-days. And fragrances soul-gathered and unlost. The fragile thing which made your heart to sing, Until the end, no matter what it cost ! [114] LOVE'S ECHO Within Youth's glen I stood alone, And heard Love's echo at the dawn. The full strong voice which called to me, Sang out : " Come on ! Come on ! " Which way ? To south ? To north ? To east ? Yea, here the sun was shining! Thus I set out, led by a voice. And rosy cloud with silver lining! As ever on and on I trudged. The birds were singing o'er me ; I saw the gleam of many a stream And fertile lands before me! The sun rose high ; 'twas overhead ; How could they speak of hopes all dead! With golden noon, aye, faith was nigh; " Come on ! Come on ! " it said ! The sun sank low, but toward the east Love's echo was still calling; I saw the opal banners flung, I knew that night was falling! Tomorrow will the same sun rise. The same hope live with dawning? Tomorrow will the echo call. And find me servile, fawning? [115] 'Tis night. I'll rest my seeking heart; A-wearied, I shall sleep Until the dawn my eyelids ope; There is no use to weep. [116] DON'T LET ME KNOW If you have lost control of that fine source From which life's bounteous gifts doth overflow, And in some maelstrom, eddying downward swift. Deceive me, and don't ever let me know. If you have ceased to love me as of yore, Oh, never wound this heart that's loved you so ; For broken-winged I nevermore could soar : Pretend, — deny, — yes, lie ! Don't let me know. [117] THE JOYS OF LIVING The joys of living, numberless and blessed, Outweigh the grief and sadness we have known ; But light of wing we let them pass unnoticed. While grief we hug to heart and call our own. Could we but know our wondrous possessions. Before the weed neglect has them o'ergrown. The flowers of love we'd keep forever blooming, The wings of joy we'd clip ere it has flown! [118] CHILDLESS No tiny arms that cling, No wee voice calling, No baby's rose-leaf cheek Pressed close to rest, No wondrous mother-love To make me selfless. No worth-while love Enduring in my breast. No blessing that the world's gold cannot pur- chase ; Forgiveless, but the one known all divine ; No lisping prayer; no pattering footsteps fol- lowing ; No little child ever can I call mine. [119] THE TREASURE TRAY In a treasure-tray of a trinket-place, With a faded rose, and some yellow lace, A baby's curl, and a wee bootie, — I'll revel and gladden the heart of me. And travel a distance back through time, Where life meant laughter, and song, and rhyme. And I lock the door and am all alone With the heart of a maiden each has known. The packet bound with a satin string, — A baby-sacque, such a little thing, A tin-type faded, but still it's you ; A frame, with its lover's-knot of blue. Oh, why did I come today in here, For these are dead — what's that — a tear ? No, they are not dead ; love never dies : A knock on the door — quick, dry your eyes ! [120] THE PEARL'S LEGEND A VIRGIN dreamt of sacrifice ; Holiest attribute of life. Tears of resignation meek, Moistened her unsullied cheek, Till guardian angels kissed them away Into perfect glistening pearls of white. (Thus rare unselfish tears to the sight.) A virgin dreamt of holy love. Such as is known in heaven above. Tears of joy fell from her sleeping eyes, Till guardian angels came from the skies, And kissed each one Into a pearl like the rising sun. Flushed as the dawn, so pink. (The hue of a maiden's cheek. When first on love she thinks.) A virgin dreamt of the love that stains. And is never, never white again ; When she wept and sobbed, in great unrest, Till a pitying angel her wet cheek pressed. And left a shining orb of black: (The tint of sin one can never take back !) [121] MEME CHOSE Hearts do not differ, dearie ; They are, aye will be, the same. Each heart has been bold and cheery And grieved, if it's worth the name! Each heart has a secret, dearie; And holds its own mystery ! Never one yet but was teary. Whether 'twere bound or free ! Though you are weeping sadly, (You need not tell me why). Some day we'll laugh together. O'er this day when you wished to die ! One time I felt as you do ; And called all the world to blame: For lovers don't differ, dearie, They are, aye will be, the same! One of the heart's deep secrets. And one mine remembers yet. Is the mystery of love forgotten, I knew I could never forget! [122] THE SECRET No burden is too great for us to bear, Though it may be of loss, affliction, care; Then shoulder yours, and as you onward fare Know there's a reason why it was placed there. There is a little story of a brook Which harbored, in a far-sequestered nook, A treasure that was lost in Happyland, By lovers straying on its shining sand. A storm (a quarrel), a gale (words), then a torrential rain (tears). When eddying currents swelled the brook again, And found the treasure in its stagnant place And carried it on to its former place. This treasure that I speak of, — it was love ; The brook was life ; the lovers, he and. I. I only tell the secret in this place That you may e'en your own lost treasure trace. [123] ELAINE The sun hath shone in splendour All the glorious June day, While friends in kind endeavor Would chase heart-gloom away ; The day hath been all profitless, Tliough friends and glories be, Because such love and loveliness I could not share with thee. The night flings out her banners 'Cross heaven's silver-sea, Summer's enticing fragrances Allure, enrapturing me ; But by my side thy place is not. And every whispering tree, Methinks, calls forth, " Elaine, Elaine,- And oh, how I miss thee. [1^4] BLISS OF A DAY Buss of a day, — span of a winged thing, E'en is the love that poets sing! Soaring on high, sipping the honeyed bough. Glint of yon Cupid's wing ! "A jug of wine, and thou," Were all his need today ! But pay no heed ; " Stale as old ale." When banqueted, his creed ! Bliss of a day, — e'en love that poets sing. Ah, sure enow! [125] CHARM A FLICKERING sunbeam on the garden wall ; Jewel-pearls within the lily tall; A drooping eye-lid, quivering with love; At set of sun, a lonely star above. A trembling lover in the silence still; A bird's song wafted o'er the window-sill ; A zephyr ; a child's sigh ; Some maidens when they smile, Some when they cry. Young things new-born; The unawakened morn; All tenderness, — All life worth while, — Has charm. [126] THE YOKE To love, and forgive ; To bear, and forbear ; To trust, nor suspicion; To help, and to share ; To speed, nor to hinder ; To plan, and to build; These rules are for marriage With happiness filled. [127] MOTHERHOOD Oh, ponder all these things, and well, And keep them silent in thine heart ; The mysteries of God ye find In finding motherhood's true part. " The Lord giveth " this gift to thee; Oh, bow thy head, and silence keep. Of all God's mysteries new life The vastest is, — and deep, so deep. [128] SCENT OF A FLOWER As the fountain sends forth unceasing its crystal water, This little flower pours from its heart perfume, Flinging its essence, as a ring spreads on the waters, And who shall say if it doth end with death? As uncomplaining doth its task perform. Accepting variations of the wind and weather, It holds and carries its rare blessing. E'en with the worm in its velvet bosom. Like to the scent of this flower, so thy sweet nature Hath blest without complaint thy surroundings ; And with thy love, undying as its fragrance. Has many a heart been cheered, beyond thy knowing. Thy body, as its velvet petals, is so fair. I see thee in life's garden, in youth's morning, O'erpearled with virgin dew, — with God ex- pressed. Unfit am I to touch the hem of You ; Were I a zephyr, I might rest upon your breast. [129] BELATED You bring her roses to-night, And lay them upon her breast ; But the hour when their fragrance Would soothe her is past; And the hands that would eagerly clasp them, Are folded and still and at rest. At rest, with the heart underneath them, That served in its castle so faithful and well; Though broken its hopes, and shattered its dreams. Far beyond words to tell. So your roses must die, just as she did; Their beauty and sweetness unknown, — As wifehood's rare virtues were wasted when laid At the shrine of a heart that was stone. [130] MY GIRL No wealth of gold was hers, 'Cept shining coils of sunny hair! No silken garments whispered as she moved Or came or went e'en anywhere ; But the finches knew, And every flower that grew, That she was there ! No modiste made her gowns. So plain she dressed; No artist painted nature she possessed! All graced by loveliness. She never guessed This day she hath blest me. She's mine! And I am blest. [131] GOSSAMER So fine and dainty was she spun, this maid, And of such workmanship, as a web laid Upon some dewy rose before sun-rise Hath marred this nature's wonder-flower: The frailty which lasts but for an hour. Flower o' Morn, O gossamer fine-spun, 1 would thou wert the same at set of sun. The blasting heat that on thy head must fall. Or blight, frost, canker-worm, — is known by all. [1S2] THE WIND'S MESSAGE The wind on my casement whispers To a flower that would bend, to lean On the cold, unquivering moonbeam's breast. So calm in its silvery sheen ! In trust she confided to us The message it brought her was this : " lovely rose ! Every wind that blows knows Thou were meant for the sunbeam's kiss ! " [133] ONLY GOD KNOWETH Not that I cannot live without thee, — I shall live on. If the soul thou hast afflicted Shall rise higher than it could with thee, — If the love thou hast murdered in the breast of me Shall return in spirit unhampered. And with shining wings, To lift mj heart and soul above the need of thee, — Only God knoweth. Not that I cannot live without thee, — Life knows not death. That which thou hast thrust through And thrown aside to die. Is a part of Him Who recalleth His own To His infinite bosom. Where love is, and peace Only God knoweth. [ia4] A FRIEND Along the hard, rough road of life, I met a friend. One that was true ; And all the way I blest that blessed day That I found you! At last, when life must close its book. And I pass on to that new dawn, — Tho' friendships there be neither rare nor few,- First, first, dear, I'll seek you. [135] THE MANDATE To dictate to the heart what it must do, How it shall shun the false and love the true, Were easier commanded than have done. The heart is its own mandate 'neath the sun. Forever, while it pulses, must its fire Be mortal ; but one spark is there, entire Divinity within the human heart. And this is love, from which it cannot part. This little spark may grow, and e'en enflame The hillside steeps, where worshipped is love's name ; Or, smothered, by the refuse of the mind. No growth or quarter in the soul may find. When love dictates, the heart throbs ever true ; Then will it guide, console, and succor you. You cannot tell your heart what it shall do ; But tend love's flame, blessings will not be few. [136] ONE DEAR NAME " Write," said the angel ; " now take up thy pen And tell of greed and wicked lust for gain, Which, fostering nature's hate, gnaws hearts of men, And must, so long as brother-love doth wane." '* Dear angel," then said I, " that is a task I needs must leave for those of greater power ; My heart aches and is full, my eyes overflow ; I grieve, and weep, ah ! I mourn so For all the war's great loss, and this sad hour. " But pass me by ; these tears I cry Unfit me for the envied task you set ; A woman's eyes view past, far past, war's game. Through lists of wounded, captured, missing, dead, — They search from morn till night for one dear name. " That, tho' the nations may e'en rise or fall. Or captured prize of war may those enthrall Who look for war's last final victory, Means gain or loss while I must live, — to me." [137] FUTILITY There is no life, whate'er it held of sweetness, But hath its vain regrets ; No heaven on earth, but knows some incomplete- ness, Since human heart forgives, but ne'er forgets. There is no heart, however loved or cherished, But hath its weight of care ; There is no union, but some fair hope perished. Whose ghost haunts memory's stair. [138] FADED LEAVES Those days when long ago you walked with me Beside the purling stream that found its way Out to the sapphire lake where white-winged craft Made pleasurable the torrid tropic day, — We little thought but that our destinies Were bound together, e'en as that clear stream, — For when fond lovers walk thus hand in hand, They chide whoever says love is a dream Of youth, and sunny-hours, and summer-days. Which fade as summer-flowers fade with the frost ; Though it may cling as e'en the last sweet rose When blighted, soon the petals must be lost. Thus I recall to-day love's summer day ; Its peaceful stream, which flowed to the great sea. I hold the faded leaves of frost-killed bloom Which died when last the winter came for me. [139] CUPID'S STAGE SETTING 'Neath a leafy bower where the sunshine sifts Through the lacy boughs where the vines en- twine, Where the golden rays with the shadow plays Tag, near the patches of bright sunshine. Where the wintergreen wears her coral crown, And Canada thistle's fairy down Sends messages out by the summer wind. Bringing butterflies home, — all they can find, — To the brake by the lake near the lily pool, Where the wood is dense and the mosses cool, I found the one I had sought for years. To share my joj^s, and dry my tears. And the stage was set by the god of love. From the sighing breeze to the skies above. How I bless the day I was led that way, And permitted the hero's part to play 'Neath a leafy bower, where the sunshine sifts Through the lacy boughs where the leaves en- twine, Else never would I be writing this, — And you, old girl, would not be mine. [140] SHURE 'Tis not the nade ov friendship, Kate, — I've manny a frind an' true, — 'Tis hungerin' for somethin' I can't relate. An' this somethin', Kate, means you. 'Tis not I'm sick, — I don't crave food, — I'm full to the brim and more, 'Tis a lover's heart that's in this mood. An' bubblin', Kate, to the core ! 'Tis not the love of a poor man, Kate, For manny's the rich would live The half ov their lives, an' life itself. For the love that's mine to give. 'Tis not that I'd ask to have you, Kate ; If ye had no heart for me ; I'd rather move on, an' out o' the state. If ye couldn't see mine to be. 'Tis the starvin' an' manly heart ov me That's hopin' ye can say yes ! I'll lave ye a bit till ye think it o'er ; Shure, I don't want ye, Kate, to guess. [141] COMING HOME Then rest a bit, and bide a wee, The old place welcomes you; I wondered why such flowers bloomed, As never wont to do. They felt that you were coming home ; They wear their lovely best, To welcome you to the old hearth. And bid you bide and rest. The beauteous earth is washed so clean. Refreshed by heaven's rain ; It must have seen you coming home. To be with us again. Your faithful dog out at the gate, Sat all of yesterday ; He scented your home-coming, too ; They say dogs have this way. Then rest a bit, and bide for aye. No past 'tween me and you ; I've kept your place through all the years ; Women are mostly true. [142] A TOAST Fill up the glass, My pretty lass, 'Tis you whom I adore! If on life's sea. Thus one spoke me, I could not wish for more ! Then here's to love. That from above I sent to warm the heart! If it can be You're not for me, God bless thee when we part. [143] A LOVER'S GIFTS Oh, let me weave a floweret chain for you ; Anemones, forget-me-nots so blue, And rarest flowers all fragrant will I take. To weave a lovely garland for your sake. (First, give me pansies, they're for thoughts ; Remembrance, yea, forget-me-nots; And fetch me lilies, purity ; And then roses, as sweet as thee.) Oh, let me forge a golden chain for you ; And string the rarest gems, — but these would do, — For this my strand or coronet for thee, I'd make so you would world-wide envied be. (I'll choose two rubies, like your lips. Pearls, like the sails of Cupid's ships. Then sapphires deep and blue, a few. And diamonds, plentiful as dew, An Irish emerald or two. And here's a coronet for you.) Oh, let me sing my humble songs for you ; But sit apart, alone, the lights subdue, — My heart would gather in master's refrain, — To bring you peace through a world's strife and pain ! (If every world were like this, And I could always have the kiss [144] Of just one maid, — one maid I know, — Oh, I would go through worlds of years To keep her faith, to dry her tears ; This, — this I'd do, — were this maid you.) [145] ONCE IN A WHILE Once in a while, The things I meant to do slip by, And I go back and loiter Where " Comin' through the Rye " Was sung by Her, in those old days. So long ago they're most forgotten, Except by us, of loyalty begotten. Once in a while, I think I see Her smile. As I'm watching you, my dear ; Those little corners queer, That turn up so, with dimples near, Are just like Her ; so free of guile ! Don't mind me, if I stare, — Once in a while. [146] ENRICO'S SERENADE Beneath yon lattice window, where The frail white jessamine blooms, Frame milady's watching face, Midst bridal flower perfumes. Enrico, with his mandolin. Pours forth his suit in song. While breathless, we who listen, would His serenade prolong. " My heart like a bird doth flutter Whene'er you pass my way! I long for words to utter All that my heart would say. But timid as a birdling That knows not how to fly, I just make a beginning When you have passed me by ! " (The lattice casement opens ; I see milady smile As tho' he thought 'twere news to her ; She knew it all the while.) " No one could teach me how to love, Or choose words I would say ; No one could lead me further, dove. Than you could, yes, today! [147] Oh, could I speak and tell thee all, — Open thy casement, pray, — For my heart like a bird doth flutter Whene'er you pass my way ! " [148J THE CALL In cheerfulness she walked life's path alone. From her red lips not one had heard a moan For all that fate might have vouchsafed to her ; Nor bj an act did she censure incur. Hers was the mother-heart, born to create ; Yet childless must she die ; for never mate Had come to woo in youth's full yearning years : The tide went out, and no one knew her tears. She walks life's path alone. But those who see Her a wee babe enfold so eagerly. And note the quivering eyelids fill and fall, Know one mother is here who missed the call. [14.9] TO THEE The plash of an oar, Keeping time to a song, Sent quivering through the night ; The moon's wide boulevard on the sea, Spread down by its silvery light! The flash of a thought. Keeping pace with a heart, A heart that is thine, and the heart of me ; But call from the moon, and its path I'll take, Though I walk alone 'cross the sea to thee ! [ISO] THE SOUL KNOWETH ITS OWN As flitting waves of sunlight on the wall, Is my heart when thoughts of you pass. As a bird-note in the forest of life Is your foot-fall. Hushed is the clamor and vain-striving When you enter; For the soul knoweth its own. Thou dost soothe with they presence As sleep resteth and restoreth. Full is my heart of thy sunshine ; Filled is ray soul with thy benediction. To pray, must I but look on thee With gratitude inexpressible. [151] LOVE MISERS If deep within your heart, you'd let me see, And I found there no likeness, dear, of me, I'd praise you for your kindness evermore, That you had taken me past your heart's door. If day by day you hide yourself away. And give naught, or receive naught, then I say You are a miser, whose heart's treasury Is emptied, or e'en squandered, it may be. Oh, there are misers who aye hold their gold: And these despised are by all menfold ; But he who hoards, nor gives love's precious store. Be burdened by love's lack or weight forever- more. [152] FROM " THE MISSION OF THE ROSE " When life, most over, and our fading days Recall the shattered rose on life's pathways, May every year a rose-petal be, — Bounteous blessing in its fragrance May every breath recall some memory So sweet, so lovely, as the rose, of you and me. To do, and doing all, to do our best. This is of every human life the test : If so we live, we need not fear to die ; The God who made the Rose for us. Hath planned the rest. We can all dream our dreams. But there's one ne'er forgot ; Dream of youth, dream of love, Same in palace or cot. And who shall say here, Ah, really, who knows But Dreamland is reached By the heart of a rose. [153] AFFINITY Another day we'll walk a different way ; It cannot stay for aye, this sweet young May ! No more could human hearts always be gay, Or summer's sun reflect a golden ray. Another day we'll know what's best to say ; Then strength I'll find, perhaps, to say thee nay When hope is dead, and joys decay. Then will we pay the price, if we must pay. Another day we'll go to Him and lay our burdens down; Another day we'll think upon the thorny crown ; Today the tears press so to drown my heart. Another day a new life we will start ; Another day we will be strong to part ; Choosing the narrow way We will forget another day ; But, oh, my own ! Not yet ! And thus they walked and waited, — yea for aye ; Time passed thus swiftly winged along the way ; Today's sun fled into its golden nest. Tomorrow's parting promise on its breast! Another day sank low into the west ; Another day would dawn just like the rest. [154] A VISION OF A MAIDEN There's a vision of a maiden That haunts my dreams at night, Till I cannot banish from me The rare and hallowed sight; And I wonder where she comes from, — If at all she lives by day. I am always searching for her, 'Fraid to frighten her away ! I cannot say if short or tall, Or dark or fair, this maid be; I only know by her calm look She truly is a lady. Bred with all the inborn grace That shines from out a high-souled face. In hour of pain, which none might see, I'm confident she'd pray for me. Her heart is young and free from taint ; She is saintly, yet no saint ; With all purity of feature. An honest child of nature ; A good, but human creature, In gentleness forgiving, she, For any human frailty. A ringing laugh, and eyes that quaff The warmth of every look of mine, [155] That binds us nearer, dearer, Has my dream-idol lady (Who never could be shady). This maid is full a woman grown, — Than on the earth no kinder ; In every dream she visits me ; I vow that I shall find her. For I would quickly plight my vow, A happier, better man than now. This shadow-maiden in my mind Spurs me on to seek and find The living image of my dreams. No one knows but I, it seems. If indeed I cannot find her And my dream can ne'er come true, I will treasure still my ideal. For I know her like is few. [156] ETHICAL HE If in your heart of hearts you look and see No other love but that you claim for me, And you can look deep in my eyes and say That for my sake you'd walk the thorny way, Forsaking all the world, you would be mine, — Then am I thine, indeed ; then am I thine. SHE If through your life you gaze, and speaking truth. Can swear there has been no one else, forsooth. You sought in love, through all the years of youth, — And you can show me a certificate That will affirm in virtue you did wait To claim me yours this way, — you'll do first rate. [157] THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL At the end of the road, where paths divide, And we must go on, or turn aside. We paused, looking back from where we come; The pitfalls and gullies surprised us some. And we wondered how we had never slipped. Become entangled, or stalled, or tripped On a way uneven, rocky and rough; We must have been of the fibre tough ! At the end of the road, where paths divide. And the fields spread out, fair, far and wide, We must part, for I take the mountain trail. While you gather wild flowers, pale and frail. When the sun has set, and the day is done. Mayhap we'll meet and the paths be one ! While I scale the trail up the narrow track, And think of you, as I must look back, I'll hope that the flowers in the morning dew With fragrance fresh are repaying you. [158] THE FIRST STONE Some said it was a shame that nevermore could be lived down; Faults and mistakes alone were gems in error's crown. But some said, by this step then she shall rise ; It doth remain but for the One to judge where the guilt lies. Some said, but come away; She's made her bed, so let her lie, — Sinners must live apart from us until they die; But some said stones are flung and hearts are wrung ! Poor Magdalenes along the way ! If Christ were here with his command. E'en no more could be bruised today ! [159] THE THORNLESS ROSE Ah, many a one walks here who doth but seek To hold his own, one without blemish weak; Though all imperfect as we must see him, But perfect flower could his own lapel trim ! As though he sought a thornless rose, I vow ; (And thornless roses aren't growing now.) For those demanding flowers without a flaw, Their thorns are many; sharpest I e'er saw. [160] RECALLED The call of thrush and whippoorwill, In whatever land you be, Brings back to mind some other clime Or welcome memory ! The sea calls to its restless breast Many who call it home, Some no contentment ever know. Save near its voice and foam ! The spring calls forth all tenderness In youth and age as well, And calling, ever calling, is Its spell we long to tell ! The human heart hath memories Of days since long ago. Which speak through Time of ecstasy. And radiant after-glow. And make their calls in Memory's halls All echoes of delight, I just recalled the cigarette That burned my cheek that night ! [161] THE BALKING MUSE Oh, sing me a song that is brave and gay, — Some lilting and cheerful minstrel lay, For I am worn with the work of day. And the sorrows of life I would put away ; Oh, sing me a song that is brave and gay ! But my muse said, " Nay ; I'll not sing this way ! Never sing I for gold or pay ; No song know I that is grave and gay! Nay, nay ; I say, nay, nay ! " Oh, sing me a song for a breaking heart, 'Tis the heart of me that is aching so ; Attune your lyre for grief entire. For the days may come and the days may go E'er this love of mine will again aspire ! But my muse said, " Hey, 'Tis a jolly day! Oh, come with me to the land of play. I've funny and funnier things to say, Hey, hey ; I say, hey, hey ! " [162] THE POET'S ATTIC Hush ! Come to the top of the stairs with me, And see where a poet makes poetry ! There is no fire, and there is no part Of anything like a Cupid's dart! They say he carries these in his heart. 'Tis cold, and bare! But to him 'tis fair, For angels always are singing there. So we tip-toed up: Beware! Have care! (We heard him singing " Robin Adair.") He left, at last, down the rickety stair, When we stole in, and found this written there: Oh, days that are gone ! Oh, days to be ! To see her eyes As the child's I see ! Reproach for neglect. And cruelty! O love, come back From the dead to me ! O love, come back! Life is death without thee. As every breath of the wind through the trees Stirs my soul in its constant memories ! [163] Come back ! Come back ! Else I come to thee! For life, without you, Is death to me. [164] LYRICS THE HARP OF MANY STRINGS PRELUDE The heart is a harp of many strings ; It flings its note of joy on summer winds And finds the stars ! And glories in their sky ! Its sigh, or wailing notes of woe, In minor chords deeply flow ; And carrying messages of fate, In clarion notes break forth In peals of bliss or hate ! And ever swept by unrelenting hand, Discord or music makes, by stern command! Harp of my heart ! I bid thee solace seek For the humble and the meek! Oh, send thy music forth in helpful strain ! With other hearts accord, and soothe their pain ! But, if no need of thee, — since naught is lost, And all 's of Him a part, — I bid thy simple notes return again Unto my waiting heart ! [167] IMMORTELLE Past every human heart to know or measure; Beyond the ken of mortals e'er to share ; I reckon every thought of my lost treasure ; I count the memories o'er, beyond compare. Oh, speak not of the love that's soothed, or falters, Oh, tell me not of idle, vain regret ! I miss her, as the earth would miss the sunshine ! I loved her ; and my heart cannot forget. [168] MY HEART AND I My heart and I such comrades are, We travel, aye, from star to star, And forge together, through stormy weather, My heart and I ! My heart and I ! Sometimes we rise on golden clouds. High, high, e'en to the sky ! And wandering through castles in Spain We fain would not come back again. My heart and I ! My heart and I ! At eventide, on moonbeams bright. We travel, — travel through the night, And watch the angels sprinkle dew. And paint the violets white and blue. And then we get a glimpse of you. High in the sky. My heart and I ! My heart and I! [169] REVERIE (An answer to " The Rosary ") If every hour I spent with thee, Strung on a golden thread could be, No jewels rare a king might wear Could with my jewel hours compare! If every tear I shed for thee, Into a pearl could changed be, — And garnered in fair treasury, — No wealth of earth, nay, land or sea. Could e'er surpass my tears for thee. If every cross for thee I'd bear. Unto the sky could lifted be, Mine, — only mine, — this loss, this cross ; Such is this love of mine for thee, for thee ! [170] AS OF YORE Every leaf upon the thicket spoke of you ; The old rowboat and the wicket spoke of you ; The pet lambs and the clover, And the daisies that spread over Every hillside of the hamlet, Spoke of you. Every bird within the woodland spoke of you ; Till my heart leaped in this good land, dear, for you, And I dreamed we were at play, And it seemed but yesterday That I heard you sigh and say, " Of course I do." [171] CHASING THE RAINBOW A LASSIE fair, at early morn, Chased a rainbow through the corn: 'Twas said all things the heart loves so, Were at the end of the rainbow ! Through meadows sweet, at noon passed she, — Still far the rainbow seemed to be Over the hill, beyond the sun. The rainbow vanished. Day was done. [172] CHERISHED I HEARD you call, — yet miles were interven- ing,— I saw you through long days and nights alone ; I felt your loving arms about me twining, And knew the rapture that we two had known. 'Twas but a dream, for miles are intervening. And waking brings the pain of yesterday ; Yet God be thanked that in my dreams I hold you, And see, and love you, in the same old way. [173] IN MY BREAST IS A BIRD In my breast is a bird, Which flutters and sings At the sound of your voice. It spreadeth its wings, And soars to the God that is up in the sky. In my breast is a bird, — 'Tis my soul, — it is I. In my breast is a bird. So tender and nigh. At your look it would grieve. At your frown it would sigh. Oh, feed, 'tend, and keep, Lest it droop, or it die. In my breast is a bird, — 'Tis my love, — it is I. [174] THE BROKEN STRINGS The broken strings cannot be mended, — They cannot make music. Fair the instrument and the melodies it might have sung, But the strings, — they are broken ! Useless the entreaties, — memories only are left ! Useless the instrument, — For broken strings cannot be mended, — The harmonies of life can resound nevermore. The strings, — they are broken ! [175] DEBTORS One day love passed my way, And I was cold. He lingered, and would play, But he was bold ; so bold ! And I was cross, so cross ! A little thing it seemed, to toss A heart away ! I never thought of loss ; For I was cold ; so cold. I sent love on his way, to pay A debt I owed, old, old ! Today, love stands aloof. And I would woo, — just you! He looks at me, forsooth. As though he needed proof; I'd heart enough for two, (If he just knew). This is the way it goes ! Love sends me on my way, alas, to pay A debt he owes. [176] I WOULD I WERE Were I a fragrant zephyr, or the wind, I'd seek and seek until you I should find. Were I a golden ray of summer sun, I'd never leave you till the day were done. Were I a silver moonbeam shining bright, I'd weave a web about you in the night. Were I a rosebud, I would ask to lay Upon your breast and breathe my life away. Were I a lover, and possessed by you. There's nothing in the world I could not do. [177] SLEEPY HOLLOW Mammy's Lullaby Close de liP peepers, — Mammy's gwine to take you Down To Sleeper's Hollow! Follow Mammy ! Follow ! Long de drowsy, drowsy lane, — We'll go long, and back again, — Lil' boy and Mammy ! Old Chloe and Sammy! Take de Teddy-bear along! An' ring de bells, a-ding — a-dong ! Good is right, an' bad is wrong, — Down in Sleepy-Hollow! Sleepy flowers all nod de head. When it's time to go to bed ! Swallows in dere lil' nest. When de sun sinks in de West. So, cuddle up on Mammy's breast, — And follow, follow, — All good chilluns, — Down To Sleepy — Sleepy-Hollow ! [178] SHE LOVETH ME! As a rivulet rushes singing along, So my heart singeth all the day ! For she loveth, she loveth me ! Even the stones I make merry with its rounde- lay. As the wind sweeps across the desert, shaking the forest, And lashes the sea into fury, So my love, sweeping every barrier, Would seek thee, — would reach thee ! As the rock on the cliff, will I wait eternally, No one knowing my heart-secret; For you loved me ! You loved me ! And I am deaf to all entreaties. [179] BLEST IS THE NIGHT! Bkest is the night When shadows fall, And all shall rest and sleep ! When peace enfolds the throbbing heart, And dries the eyes that weep ! When silent stars their vigils kee^ All in the quiet dark. And God recalls the soul again To His mysterious barque; Mayhap of bliss, — eternal light ! Mayhap of sleep, — eternal night ! Still may we know where'er we go, — Whatever is, is right; Whatever plans within His hands He holds for us, are right, — When shadow^s fall, and all shall sleep, Blest is the night ! [180] THOU ART TO ME To me thou art so lovely and so true, My life is incomplete where thou art not. The breeze^ the leaves, even they speak of you,- Then thinkest thou by me couldst be forgot? Thou art the one flower life hath given me ; Thou art the lily and the rose in one ; M}^ heart a closed garden is for thee, — Thy love is like the glorious summer sun. [181] THREE LITTLE SORROWS AND THREE LITTLE JOYS Three little sorrows and three little joys, Were sent to companion three girls and three boys: One was named Oh, And one was named Woe, And one was named No, That were sorrows. And one was named La, And one was named Yah, And one was named Ha, That were joys of all the tomorrows. Now, Oh married Ha, And Woe married La, And No married Yah, Thus three little sorrows and three little joys, Are wedded companions, — Three girls and three boys. [182] YOU Fed by the gleam of a bright sunbeam, Freshened each day by the morning dew, — A clover was born by the meadow-brook. And this is you ! Wafted each hour from a fragrant bower. Memories such as the fairies brew, — Lovely and loving and tender and true. Are dreams of you ! Witching and bright as the moon's white light. And high above me as skies of blue, — Heaven seems nearer, all life seems dearer. Because of you ! [183] THE DEWDROP AND THE ROSE A DEWDROP clung to the heart of a rose, One glorious summer's day! " Cling, cling ! " said she, " Oh, deary me. The sun is coming our way ! And you haven't long to stay ! " Old Sol rose high in the morning sky ; There was no such luck that he'd pass them by ! " Adieu ! " said the dewdrop ; " Adieu ! " said the rose, " There is no chance for we-uns, goodness knows ! " Then the thirsty sun took the dewdrop, too; For what could a poor little drop of dew do ! [184] FREEDOM OF THE WINDS Oh, come then, where the seas roll as they go, And where the night-winds whistle as they blow ; Oh, come, be free as sea gull there with me ! Dost know the freedom of the winds and sea? Oh, come, where " carking care " ne'er finds one there, And loose thy tresses o'er thy shoulders bare; Be free with me, just once such freedom know. Where seas roll as they go, and night-winds blow! [185] LOVE'S FAIREST DREAM 'Tis only a floweret I plucked by a stream, Yet it brings back to memory my life's fairest dream. I hold it, and love it, and count its leaves o'er, — " She loves, — loves me not, — " Oh, those fair days of yore. 'Tis only a mem'ry I'll treasure for aye, — For it brings back our childhood, ere you went away. A wee meadow daisy, a flowing mill stream, — " She loves, — loves me not, — " Oh, I would 'twere a dream. [186] HEARTCALLS Something whispered a thought of you, — And something fluttered within my breast. Can it be 'tis the test of the love that is best And lasting and perfect and true? If I only knew. If I only knew. Something ever brings you to mind, — Though my pathway may wind and wind, Something calls in my heart for You t Can it be 'tis the love that is sent from above, Everlasting and real and true? If I only knew. If I only knew. [187] IN SHADOWY WAYS In shadowy ways, where the sunlight's rays Are scattered and 'broidered aslant the days, — We hear the song that the wind-harp plays In the forest of night as the faint soul prays: Light of the darkness ! Light of strife ! Keep us alive with the sun of life ! Waken the spirit in shadowy ways, Dispel the gloom of the world which lays Across the breast of the earth tonight! Light of the world, oh, send us light ! [188] THE FAIRIES' SECRET Hey ! Come down from the trees, you elfins and fairies ! I've a sight for the gods I want you to share! And bring all your wands, and spices so eerie. And for a treat prepare ! Bring Tinkle and Winkle, and Fetch'em and Carry ; Come see what the world has unrolled ! Oh, hurry ! Oh, hurry ! Make haste and don't tarry ! Such joy as is waiting untold. Ah, where did it come from, you elfins and fairies ? 'Twas left by a white bird, whose name is the stork ; He brought it wrapped up all in a wee bundle. And then flew away as light as a cork ! Just fancy ! Just fancy ! The wonder, the wonder ! Come sit by his side in this glen ; For here is a secret, that only you fairies, Can ever unravel for men! [180] THE MESSENGERS The brook babbled on, and it spoke like this: " Hu-sh, — do not ru-sh, — life is bliss, — life is bliss ! " And the larks were singing their matin hymn : " Glo-ry,— glo-ry be,— to Him,— to Him ! " And the night fell down, and the watchful stars Spoke their silent message to strife which mars. Till all without and about and within Made living-life but a sacred hymn! [190] WONDER OF LIFE, O ROSE Wonder of life, O rose, loved by the lover of lovers, WTio made thy cheek to blush ! Who made the flute-like notes In the throat of the thrush ! Handiwork of the Maker, who named thee "rose"! And hast thou a lover beside the wind that blows ? Who knows, — who knows ! sweetest flower that blows, roughly by thee the north wind goes, A wheezing, freezing with its snows ! Would I could save thee, rose ! Not fit to touch thy hem, nor thy sweet stem. It blighteth all that grows. Come rest upon my breast, 1 love thee, rose ! [191] ONE HAPPY HOUR 'TwAs just one happy hour we spent together; One hour, — in all life's days and months and years. 'Tis like a rainbow through the stormy weather ; For memory's sake I smile through these hot tears. One little happy hour, so swiftly ended; To live a lifetime for, — to hold, to own, — And then, the empty years, — a heart un- mended, — And then, to struggle on, somehow, alone. [192] MY HEART A COMPASS IS My heart a compass is Which leads to thee! However far I wander, It brings me back to thee. My heart must turn forever Wherever you may be, And never, never, never disown its loyalty. Though I may wander, wander far, My heart a compass is Which leads to thee, to thee. My own, my true, unchanging star. [193] HOW CANST THOU BLOOM, O ROSE How canst thou bloom, O rose, when heart of mine is breaking! Rivers, ye flow, and onward go, though heart of mine is aching! Day doth break, and sun doth glow, though my soul doth suffer so ! All the world is fair, so fair, — careless of my heart's despair! How canst thou bloom, O rose ! River, how canst thou flow, When my poor heart can never know aught but pain, Nor hope ever, ever again ! [194] UNKNOWN I've searched through all the world, my own, for you; Since I was told of bliss love only knew. Daily I've watched the throng surging along, And wondered were you seeking for me, too. They told me I would know, soon as I saw you. That you were just the one girl that would do; So, if you're wandering, seeking somewhere for me. Know, unknown love, I'm waiting, and for you. [195] THE DIFFERENCE Yesterday, the sun poured forth its light; My heart, glad as a bird, unknowing fright ; Song filled my soul; atrill, all nature piped a lay. Life was so full, so joyous, yesterday! Today, there is no single ray of sun ; The answering heart-throbs, the bird's songs, have done. All gray, all hushed, all hope is died away. — You loved me Yesterday. You love me not, Today ! [196] WITH HIM There shall be no night nor sighing there with Him; There shall be no tears, no crying, there with Him. There He wipes all tears away, There's no night, but all is day. This is what the angels say, There with Him. There shall be no pain nor dying there with Him; There shall be no hopeless trying there with Him. There He takes us to His breast, when He knows we've done our best. And we leave and trust the rest There with Him. [197] THE DEAD BIRD A BIRD flew to my window One snowy winter's day, And sat all bruised, disconsolate, As I went on my way. I did not see its breast was red, I thought it came but to be fed. And so the crumbs in bounty spread. But ah, — it came to die, instead ! Love came with a lonely heart. One sunny summer's day ; And romping, we did skip in glee. I thought he came to play ; I did not see he was for me ; I did not think this e'er could be ; And so love drooped his pretty head. And oh, they say today he's dead! [198] SONG OF MY HEARTSTRINGS The daylight may vanish, the sun fade away, But with thee on my bosom, 'twould always be day. The nighttime may settle, the dark cover o'er, But if thou art beside me, — could I wish for more ? The song of my heartstrings, the balm of my life. Oh, thou solace, thou splendour, — thou light of my life ! [199] I CHOSE A ROSE TO TELL MY LOVE I CHOSE a rose to tell my love, — A summer rose of crimson hue, — And bade it speak close to her cheek The sweetest words it knew! To rest upon her fair young breast. And, breathing all its fragrance forth. To plead, e'en die, — As thus would I For you my love, — My love, for you ! I chose a rose to speak my loss, — A winter rose, white as the snow ! And bade it say, sun of my day Went with her where the daisies grow ! Now every breath of fragrant rose, Wafted where'er a zephyr blows, A benediction falls on thee, — My own white rose. My lost white rose! [200] NORWEGIAN SLUMBER SONG Take Mother's hand to slumberland, Where all good babies go; When night comes down, 'tis dark around, And tiny heads droop low. The Shepherd will guard His sheep. And ever the wee lambs keep ! God's blessed care is everywhere ! Little darling, sleep ! Little children's prayers are always heard ; He cares for even the little bird. Close little eyes ; by -baby-by, — God always keeps His word. He will guide thee ! Rest beside me ! Naught can betide thee. With love Divine, and Mother thine, — Little darling, sleep ! Sleep, little baby, sleep ! Guard will the angels keep ! A God of Love will watch above. While — my — baby — sleeps — ! [201] ANSWER What were the world, or all its wealth, to me, If living meant a life spent without thee? What were the sun, with all its warmth and glow, If I must live and your love never know? What were the stars that shine in glorious might, If, loving thee, I miss thee day and night? What were life for if love were born like this? Unblest the earth for me without your kiss. What do I care if skies be blue and fair, If in despair I seek thee everywhere? What are my days, what my unhappy lot, If I must know by thee I am forgot? What is my heart — my life — my love — to thee? Answer this question. — Answer. — Answer me. [202] JEWELS OF MY HEART Within my heart such jewels rare, Sparkling and fair, are garnered there ! The gems I wore when life was fair And love my king beyond compare ! O would you care to come and see My treasury of memory? Behold the jewels of my heart, • When of my life, love was a part ! This diamond was a tear for me ! This sapphire was your sigh ! Here, strung on precious golden threads, In Memory's casket lie Opals which burning love confess ; This ruby, — 'twas your song! And perfect pearls, each a caress. With my gems of love belong! No more within your heart I reign ! Ne'er can I be your queen again ! With tears my eyes are clear with pain, As pebbles washed after the rain! Ah, did you care so much for me? Or could you see my treasury. Where love entwines, and jewels shine. In days of yore when you were mine ! [203] IN ALL THE WORLD In all the world there's none so fair, There's none so sweet to me; The orchids rare cannot compare, — Not half so sweet, as thee! I've never asked for wealth, nor fame, I've lived contentedly ; But every night I'll say my prayers,— Ask God, to give me thee ! My thoughts of thee like incense rise By day, by night, unto the skies ! I hear your voice ! I see your eyes ! My heart within my breast replies. I've never asked for wealth nor fame ; I've lived contentedly; But, oh, I know I can't go on Unless God gives me thee! [204] MY PEARLS The tear that shone upon your cheek for me; Fear lest you lose me in your eyes I see; The faith, the living faith, I have in thee, — Though worlds divide, still would you loyal be: Such are my gems I wear where none may see ; These are my pearls, — my pearls which speak of thee. Within my heart I wear these jewels rare; Of priceless worth are they, beyond compare. No eyes may see, and yet I know they're there, Pearls-of-thy-love, — pearls-of-thy-love-and- care. [205] SPRING'S BEGUN! Under her coverlet of snow Mother-Earth slept for a season so, But her rest was stirred by a robin's wing, And lo ! on her breast was the face of Spring ! " Awake, dear Mother, and help me sing ! The brook is alive, and every thing Is scurrying, hurrying, blowing, growing, — • Knowing 'tis Spring, — 'tis Spring ! " So the old Earth, kissed by the golden sun. Robed herself in green, — and one by one The tulips unfolded, — Spring was begun. [206] CONSTANCY If every day you are away My thoughts could wing to you, they'd say, " No love but thine wish I for mine, No sun but thee for me doth shine." If every sigh when you're not by Were measured, they would reach God's sky. Oh, may they fall as gentle dew, — E'en that my sighs could bless you, too. If every prayer my heart could pray Were said until the Judgment Day, They'd be for you, — for you, — for you ; Such is the love, the love that's true. [207] THE OLD SALT'S TALE I AM a sailor salt and rugged, — A rover of the sea ! I brave the storm and I am free, As a valiant sailor should be! Though waves be high, and dark the sky, And the good ship tossing, tossing, — We cross the bar and put out afar, A-crossing, a-crossing ! Squall may blow and rigging moan. Swirling tempest seethe and groan. And the salt spray over her decks be blown. But a sailor's life is a sailor's own ! Oh, the raging sea calls out to me, Though the east wind hugs, pursuing! And at every blast and crack o' the mast. It calls, " Be up and doing ! Let her run before the gale ! Set her every sail ! Naught have we for ruing! Though a thousand leagues are we from shore, A thousand storms has she braved before ! " Squall may blow and rigging moan. Swirling tempest seethe and groan. And the salt spray over her decks be blown. But a sailor's life is a sailor's own ! [S08] IF I THY KING MIGHT BE No lofty place I crave but in thine heart; Of fame and wealth I claim no part; But King I'd be, my Queen, to thee. And ruled by love all willingly. Thine heart, my throne, I'd rule alone. If I thy King might be. No palace, grand estate, I yearn for here. But shelter of thine arms so dear. Where I might rest upon thy breast. And know love's riches are the best. What would I give to live and live. If I thy King might be. [209] WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE Some future day, we'll walk the self-same way, Hand clasped in hand ; No secrets and no heart-aches then will be, — You'll understand. Before the world of worlds I can love you. And you shall be mine own, Where dreams come true. In Paradise, should I reach there 'fore you, I can but wait Until your barque puts in from life's dark sea, E'en soon or late ; You'll find me watching, waiting there for you ; Then you will be mine own. Where dreams come true. [210] THE AWAKENING The brown Earth was awakened By the warm kiss of the Sun. " You'd better stir," said he to her, " And carry the news to the folk of fur ! The Winter's done ! The Spring's begun ! " The old Earth yawned and opened her eyes, Bathed by the kindest April skies, And sending the fairy-flowers of May, Spring bade them say: " We are the first of a flowery band. Heralds of Spring to a lovely land! " Awake ! Awake ! No heart can break, — No eye can weep a single tear ! For the sake of the sky and the woods and the lake, — Awake ! for the Spring is here ! " [211] THE REDBREASTS Robin and Mrs. Redbreast Had tucked themselves in bed Just as a Southern Mocking Bird Burst into song o'er head. " I only wish," said Missus, (Perhaps by envy led) " I had been born with a vest of gray Instead of this vest of red ! " Then Robin puffed, and stirred a wing, And said, " My dear Rob-ie, You might have sung a finer song, — But you're all that just suits me!" [212] O EVENING STAR O EVENING Star, O crescent Moon, Thou wilt light her couch and slumber soon. As silently thou'lt rest upon her breast And kiss her cheek. Oh, whisper of the love, — The love I dare not speak. O evening Star, Like thee, afar Is she from me; A beauteous shining light, A hope through life's dark night, — Like thee, O evening Star! Thy radiance shower Through her jasmine bower. And cling to the virgin rose That on her casement blows. Shed thou refulgent ray. In holy light to say, " O'er my beloved's sleep. May angels watch and keep, evening Star." [213] A DREAM I DREAMT death closed my eyes in sleep, And peace o'erspread my soul, so deep, Till in this heaven I sought in vain To find my love I'd loved on earth again. To look once more into that face so dear, I left all earth could give, without a fear: For Paradise, without thine eyes. To me could not be bliss ; And heaven could not be heaven to me, Without thy lips to kiss. I dreamt I searched the stars all through, — Forever on, still seeking you; There was no peace, there was no rest. But only longing filled my breast. I was set free; at last all secrets knew. Except the only one, — oh, where were you! [214] THREE LITTLE WORDS I WOULD love to sing some special song for you (for you), That would clear the stormy skies and make them blue (so blue) ; With tenderness I'd part, that would soothe your loving heart. And dry the tears that start (they will not do). But the song that I would sing, from my heart it taketh wing In the loving thoughts I bring just for you (just for you) ; And mere words cannot express this fondness in my breast, — And I know you know the rest that I would say (I would say). For the song that's in the air that I hear just everywhere. Though the skies be dark or fair, is ** / Love You "; From the bird that's on the wing to the meadow- brooks that sing, I only hear three little words, I — Love — You. [215] BUT I DO I MUST not sigh when you're not by me (But I do). I must not weep, for tears they try me (But I do). I must not grieve 'cause I must leave you ; I know I should not e'er deceive you ; I haven't told you how I need you (But I do). I must not think all day about you (But I do). I must not feel life's naught without you (But I do). I ought not, then, to say I miss you ; I know I should not long to kiss you ; I haven't any right to love you (But, — I do). [216] MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES I ASKED of the sea as it rolled by me, " Oh, share with me all of your mystery ! " And the sea called back as plain as could be, " No man has yet fathomed the soul of me ! " I gazed on the sun and I sent on high A wireless up to the king of the sky, " Oh, tell me your burning secrets of fire ! " But old Sol just smiled and rose higher and higher ! I looked on a maid and the heart o' me Leaped in my breast as it would be free. I said: " Am I led by love? Can it be? " " Ah," the maid replied, " love's a mystery ! " [217] WHEN THE CLOUDS HAVE PASSED AWAY Shifting, drifting cloudlets Hurry, scurry by ! Darkened sun ere day is done In a gray, gray sky, But no reason we should weep, Dearie, you nor I ! When the clouds have passed away, Underneath is sun of day ! So come along and laugh, be gay, Cheery, you and I ! Shifting, drifting cloudlets Scurry, hurry by, — Tomorrow we'll laugh at today. Dearie, you and I ! [218] TREASURY If all my heart the world could see, — A casket fair of memory, Be jeweled all with thoughts of thee, — Ah, would the whole world envy me. If all my life could I give thee, I'd wish to live eternally, For time would wing so fast away I'd count a lifetime as a day. If all my soul, — my treasury, — Could at thy feet but emptied be. Its rarest gems of brilliancy Would be thy love, — thy love for me. [219 WHAT IS A DAY TO A LOVE LIKE OURS Why speak of tomorrow as though it were years. Cast, cast away sighs and all idle tears. Tomorrow must dawn, howe'er dark be tonight ; Tomorrow holds promises rich in their might. We've waited forever, it seems, for today ; And love's flame is burning in just the same way. Let us wait till tomorrow in faith, — without fear; Wait, wait, one day more. Though a day seems a year. What is a day to a love like ours? A leaf in the book of Eternity, Only a petal in a garden of flowers. Only a wave on destiny's sea. What is a day to a love like ours. Enduring through all life's mystery? The soul of love lives through sunshine and showers, — For love never dies in souls like ours. [220] DEAR HEAVEN When the sun has set and the daylight dies, And I shall rise to immortal skies Out of this husk which covers me, And forevermore unfettered be, I shall take with me where the angels are, — 'Cross the unknown sea, past the harbor bar, — The love you gave that has blest life here, Which makes e'en dying hold no fear. When the time must come for my soul's re- lease. When breath must cease, and eternal Peace Shall claim me His, who gave me thee. And I must wing where we cannot see, I shall take with me where the angels are, — 'Cross the unknown sea, past the harbor bar, — The love you gave that has blest life here. And made such heaven for me, dear. [a^i] TRINKETS OF MEMORY Oh, memory's trinkets jingle In the pocket of old Time, And set the heart a-tingle With many a smile or rhyme We stowed away when life was gay And the summer was bright and fair. And except we heard them jingle. Forgot that they were there ! A-tingle, — tingle, — tin-gle, — Goes the pocket of old Time, As memory's trinkets jingle With rhythm, smile, or rhyme ! [2^2] DEAR OLD LOUISIANA Land of Evangeline! Land of the old regime ! Knighthood and gallantry, — Beauty and majesty! Garnered the memories Of thy brave chivalries, — Old Louisiana! Dear Old Louisiana ! They skies are over blue, — Thy sons are over true ; We pledge to thee our constancy Dear Old Louisiana ! Quaint in thy fragrant breeze, Portal of waterways ! Sweet are thy fields and marts ! Dear to our loyal hearts ! 'Lasses and sugar cane, — Their sweetness never wanes In Louisiana ! Fought for by noble sires With patriotic fires. Thy men are men entire Whose valor never tires ; Loved by the fair and brave, Many a martyr found a grave In Louisiana! [223] Sure as thy fertile fields Harvest from famine shields, Sure as her bounteous soil Yields wealth for all who toil,- Love's words can never tell Our hearts, nor ever spell Fair Louisiana! [gJ24] LA NOVICE God of the bright forever ! God of the yet-to-be! Thou who dost temper To the shorn lamb, the wind, Be as kind, in mercy, to me! God of the just! Father of love! Christ of Galilee! Oh, hear the prayer Of a contrite heart. And calm this strife in me ! God of the bright forever! God of the yet-to-be! Withhold not thy peace From a stricken soul, As in anguish it turns to thee! [225] WHEN WEARY GROWS THE HEART When weary grows the heart of fitful things, And love doth sit apart, mute and silent are the strings Of golden harp that sings Alone for joy, — Oh, have ye faith to enter in, Nor linger at the door to mourn, Forlorn ! The golden shore is lined With outstretched arms, For such as ye! And loving hearts there yearn And wait for thee So long apart ! Oh, give us faith to enter in, When weary grows the heart! [226] BYE-0-BABY The sun has gone to sleep; The flowers have closed their eyes ; The trembling stars are waking in the sky; The little birds are sleeping, And the mother moon is keeping Watch on high! Sleep, little one, sleep ; Mother is near. Guarding thee, dear; So never fear. But sleep, sleep ! The tiny lambs are gathered in the fold; The doves, their loves and their good-nights have told; The nightingale now sings its lullaby To the music that the evening breezes sigh ! [227] I LONG FOR YOU I THINK of you as twilight shadows fall; The stars all speak of you ; I see your face among the flowers ; You're with me, dear, for hours and hours The long day through! I hear your voice o'er and o'er Repeat some gentle thing; Else near my ear all day I hear The song you used to sing! Your face is near with tender eyes and bright, And through the toil and strife of day I long to say " Good-night ! " There are others in my life, — Dear heart, I wish they'd do ; But somehow there's no place for them, — I only long for you! [228] TREASURES Treasures of art, and treasures of wealth, And treasures of life there be; But all my treasures are treasures of love, — My babies, one two, three: One that toddles, and one in the crib. And one upon my knee ! I do not long like the rich to be, — Yet they pass by with envious eye. Wishing that they were me. With one that toddles, and one in the crib. And one upon my knee. Treasures are what we value most ; Treasures we hold in our hearts close, close ; So I'd not take the gold of the world for thee. My babies, one, two, three! One that toddles, and one in the crib, And one upon my knee. [229] A MOTH She dropped a rose upon the stair, — A rose, lost from her bosom rare; Only a blossom ! — 'twas not missed ; For more were there ! Like the perfume of that flower Upon her breast. She won my heart with care; And while it rested near 'twas loved ; But more were there! And when nor weed, nor thorn, could keep Its nest so fair. It lost its place, — was bruised, — forgot. As the rose dropped on the stair! [230] KISMET Some are born for thorns, And some for flowers; Some for the noonday sun, Some for dark hours ! So far as I can see, It seems to me Whatever is, is right. You said, "Depart!" No matter 'bout my heart! (The tears will start). Whatever is, is Right; Good-night ! Good-night ! [231] IDOLATRY When first I looked on thee I knew That love, fathomless as the sea, Encompassed me eternally With all its wealth of treasury. And all its pangs of misery ! Yet temple shrine was heart like thine. If thou wert mine ! If thou wert only mine ! My heart would burst its prison bars. For love athirst climbs to the stars ! No pain can chain love that's unslain. Nor clouds bedim, nor glory wane. If thou but smile on me again ! With thee away, the skies grow gray. And life is but a wasted Day ! All overhead the stars are fled. Wandering I search for thy dear face,- The heart can find no resting place! As lost lambs cry unto the sky, Disconsolate, I wait, my Love! I wait! [^2] WHEN MADELINE IS NEAR When the lights are low, and Madeline is near, Speech is silent, — silence understood ; The lofty stillness of the quiet in the wood. Life seems complete ; the future holds no fear ; And how time flies is mighty queer When the lights are low. And Madeline is near ! When the lights are low, and Madeline is near, I'd die for her, or strive hard to win ! I try to think of something I'd not do, — even sm To hear her sing surpasses anything I know in life ! I do not sigh for gold nor gear ; When the lights are low. Then heaven is here. When the lights are low. And Madeline is near ! [233] THE WIND THROUGH THE BRANCHES The wind through the branch is sighing In the soft night overhead, As my lonely heart is crying For thee, — asleep with the dead. As the leaves on the trees are murmuring With every breeze that stirs, So my thoughts are ever returning In the memories fond of Her. O Love, come back from the dead to me ! O Love, come back ! Life is death without thee ! As every breath of the wind through the trees Stirs my soul in its constant memories. Come back ! Come back ! Else I come to thee! For life without you Is death to me ! [2S4] WELL BELOVED WELL Beloved, speak and answer me! If love doth live through all eternity, Out of dead hopes may peace arise. Fairer because of sacrifice, — Eternal peace of heavenly skies? Is love, then, peace in Paradise? O well Beloved, speak and answer me! O Tears, cease to flow ! Oh, calm thy fears, and know The soul awakens with faint breath. But living, battles until death Claims the husk ! At dusk Comes peace, — the end ; — But all is well! And all is well!! [235] O WONDROUS FLOWER O' MINEl Thy heart is like a red, red rose, — O wondrous Flower o' mine ! — Whose perfume blesses all it knows, — O wondrous Flower o' mine ! Unfolding graces one by one, As petals do disclose The beauty and exquisite breath Deep in thy heart, my Rose! Thy heart is like a red, red rose, And o'er my life entwines The loveliness that lives to bless, — wondrous Flower o' mine! [236] MINE! Out of the sky where the birdlings go, — - A-winging, a-singing, — Came a thought from Angels, I know, A-springing ! Out of the heavens, — the heavens blue, — Where is stored every treasure, and bless- ing true ; A gift of beauty, — of love, not duty, — To me was given, " to have and hold " This side of heaven, — 'Twas you ! 'Twas you ! [237] BECAUSE Because between long distance there's some line That reaches ever 'tween thy heart and mine, I know the same, same tenderness, apart, Resting on thy dear heart. Because then in the twilight hour I know Unrest and longing where I go ; Because I listen for thy footstep's fall, — I know this is love's call ! [238] JEWELS OF TIME Hidden away from the light of day Where nobody ever can see, Guarded are treasures of priceless worth, — Sacred to you and me ! Some call them " dreams " and " memories " ; Some, " castles-in-the-air " ; To me they must ever jewels be, — These days that were, oh, so fair! There's Youth, with its pearly whiteness ; And fame^s diamond brilliancy ; Love's flaming ruby, with crimson warmth, — My love for you, — your love for me ; And many's the opal of mystery ! There's friendship's sapphire, deep and true As the ocean blue. Speaking of loyalty we knew As we sailed on life's ship together, — we two, we two ! My jewels are set by a master hand Into a pattern all noble and grand: Jewels-of-time like my own are few ! Ah, their setting is precious ! — 'Tis always, — you. [239] PASSED I RAN to meet the whispering sea ; I heard it call, and thought 'twas thee ! I wandered through the wood at night, Where leaves spoke of our past delight! The same stars shone all silently 'Neath which you told your love for me ! All was the same, — all present, fair ; But oh, how life was changed ! You were not anywhere. [240] ABOVE ME No stars e'er shone from any skies So blue and bright as thy dear eyes ! No rose unfolded in the South So sweet, so tender, as thy mouth ! No soul e'er entered heaven's gate, — And left another here to wait, — So white, so light, as thy soul, — thine ! Blest, blest am I that thou wert mine! [a4i] YOU Fed by the gleam Of a bright sunbeam, Freshened each day By the morning dew, A clover was born By the meadow-brook, — And this was you! Wafted each hour From a fragrant bower. Memories such As the fairies brew ; Lovely and loving And tender and true Are dreams of you ! Witching and bright As the moon's white light. And high above me As skies of blue ! Heaven seemed nearer, All life was dearer, — Because of you ! [242] THE SUNDOWN KISS Margie and Ned are now at outs ! Margery cries, and Neddy pouts ! Margery's tears fall like rain ! " Granny, I shan't love Ned again ! " " Cease your quarrels ; fie, oh fie ! I never made my sweetheart cry ! Listen, I'll tell the reason why: " Never strike back when he strikes at you ! Always make up if he wants you to ! Don't cry, dearie ; try to be cheery ; Never permit the sun to set And leave you two quarreling yet ! " Years speed by, as years always do, — Lessons leaving for me and you ! Margie and Ned in w^edded bliss. Old Sol seeth many a sundown kiss, — But never, never, one amiss ! And grandma watches from the sky Where sweethearts never, never cry ! [243] A PROMISE IN THE SKY When Polly was a little girl, And her doggie died, She suffered every pang of loss And grief, and cried Until her mamma took her And kissed the tears away ; While mending Polly's little heart, Pier mamma would say: " Rainbow, rainbow ! A promise in the sky. Rainbow, rainbow ; All will be well by-and-by. The sun is shining, dearie ; Then dry your eyes ; For in the sky I see a rainbow ! So, don't cry ! When Polly was a big girl (And big girls have their grief), And Polly's heart was aching And there was no relief; When mother was a memory As gentle as the rain, Polly thought she heard her singing still The comforting refrain: [244] " Rainbow, rainbow ! A promise in the sky. Rainbow, rainbow ; All will be well by-and-by, The sun is shining, dearie; Then dry your eyes ; For in the sky I see a rainbow ! So, don't cry ! [245] ALONE I AM longing for the old days, For my heart is past control! I am thinking of your dear ways, Your purity of soul! I am waiting in the shadows Where loveless life makes moan ; Because my heart is homeless, dear, I'm waiting here — alone. Alone, I wander where we strayed Ere love was put away! There is no sun ! I am undone ! Alone at close of day ! Alone, your face and bonnie grace Haunt me with rest unknown ; Because no one can take your place, I'm lonely, — and alone. I remember when we parted, A tear shone on your cheek ; So when I've been brokenhearted, I hoped, but dared not speak! For tears aren't pressed, it seems to me. From hearts that turn to stone ; I am hoping, — oh it must be, — You're waiting still, alone ! l^4^6] YESTERDAY Yesterday " a gentleman " meant a man of honor ; " A hero " spoke for sacrifice ; And a name or a place weren't bought for a price Yesterday ! Yesterday honor didn't mean gold, For reputations weren't sold Yesterday ! Europe was across the sea, For the ocean hadn't become a pond ; Money didn't stand for integrity, And half the world wasn't demi-monde Yesterday ! Yesterday, yesterday, Other songs were sung! Yesterday, yesterday, You and I were young! Fear to the careless minds we flung. Our hearts weren't broken, nor even wrung, — Yesterday ! " Be it ever so humble there's no place like home." " The last rose of summer left blooming alone ! " " We canna leave the old folks now, We'd better bide a wee ! " [247] " And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'd lay me down and dee ! " " The old oaken bucket that hangs in the well ! " " Thy dear eyes o'er my heart have cast a spell!" " When all the world was fair, lad, And all the world was gay ! " "Robin, Robin, Adair!" Yesterday ! Yesterday ! [248] SOMEWHERE Somewhere flowers never fade; Somewhere there's no pain ; Somewhere love is always true; Somewhere there's no stain. Somewhere lovers never part; Somewhere there's no fear; Somewhere there's no broken heart ; Somewhere there's no tear! Somewhere life is always sweet; Somewhere there's no care; Somewhere love with love will meet; Somewhere — Somewhere ! [249] AWAY ON THE SEA OF MYSTERY Away on the Sea of Mystery, — Away in the ages dark, — A fair lady, as eyes could see. Put out in a wee, frail barque. For " the Land of Love " was not above, But only across this sea ! " I'll fare me there, if the winds blow fair ! " Saith she, saith she ! To Loveland ! To Loveland ! I would the captain be! Oh, take me where skies are always fair, Across the Sea of Mystery. Ecstasy is a certainty. So Loveland is the place for me, — To Loveland! It was not a lark, for skies grow dark On the Sea of Mystery ! Of lovers fair, two make a pair In this old world anywhere (As most any one can see). On most any shore are three or four Who would gladly lovers be ! She'll never find one she left behind ! Ah me ! — Ah me ! [250] INTO THY HANDS Into Thy hands, O Lord, I lay my trusting palm! Knowing there is no strife Thou canst not calm. Into Thy heart, O Lord, I hide my tears away ; Shelter of love and peace For mortal clay. Into Thy love, O Lord, My faltering spirit rests, — Infinite bliss of peace, — On Jesus' breast. Into Thy word, O Lord, My faith and hope is cast ; Leading me on to Thee At last, — at last. [261] GOOD-BY GooD-BY, Sweetheart; good-by! The time is come when you and I Must part! No bridge can span the space, Nor other take your place Within my heart ! Today and every day My constant thoughts I'll send away to you! Perhaps through all the space They may safely reach the place I want them to! Then go ! It must be so ! But know I wait, — If not on earth to meet, — beyond the golden gate. [25a] THE OLD SONG A piLGEiM listened at a door ; Loud revelling was within; A tender voice was singing, Clear and pure, through all the din ! And it drew his step so wayward. Held his heart so full of sin. As with a tone of pity Through the night wind murmuring, The old song wafted to his ear His mother used to sing! " The half has never yet been told, Of Love, so full and free ! " 'Tis my mother bids me know From the stars she can see ! (How 'shamed she must be of me.) Mended tonight is a broken heart. And mended are broken ways: When the music has died away. Those words will come back to me: " The half has never yet been told Of love, so full and free ! " He had heard his mother sing it In the twilight when a babe ; He remembered when they sang it At the new-made open grave. When his life has lost its spirit [253] And his heart drooped like a flower ; - Oh, the past had been a blank to him Ever since that hour, Till the old song, a little thing His mother used to sing! [254] JESUS IS HERE Jesus is here, O fainting Heart! He feels the wounds, He knows the smart. Jesus who died on Calvary, — Jesus is here with you and me. Jesus is here to guide and bless; Jesus will share all thy distress ! God's blessed Son, Comforter dear. Waiting with love, — »Tesus is here. Jesus is here, O faltering Soul, Cleansing thy sin, making thee whole! Never alone, — why should I fear When by my side Jesus is here? [255] THOU AND I The roses will blow on the shore as of yore, And the thrush at your door will sing; But my heart, tempest-tossed in the shipwreck of love, Is a poor, lost, wanton thing ! The nightingale's mourning with me, — Broken-hearted he sings from the tree: " Scorned and forgotten," says he, " are we ! " Poor little nightingale and me! My heart lived and died in that day you said " Nay." The flowers drooped their heads when you sent me away ! Pure as the dew, my darling, are you ; Your love is like wine. And your tresses that shine With their rippling gold Do my heart enfold ! Oh, return to my arms that are empty ; Return to my heart that's bare! There is love, and hope, and caresses. In holiness waiting there ! Then the dove shall come back to my breast again. Forever to rest, — free from its pain. [256] Oh, return to my arms that are empty ! Return to my heart that's bare! There is love, and hope, and caresses, In holiness waiting there! [257] I LOVE YOU STILL For all the past, — the aching pain, — I still would live my life again! I would forget that bitter day You left me lone, you went away. I love you still! I love you still! Again to know that blessed rest, To lay my head upon your breast ! Make life a song, — oh, bid me sing ; I would forgive you everything; I'd prove my love; I'd live until I heard you say, " I love you still ! " I love you still ; I love you still ; I love you still through all the years. I would forget the blinding tears. Though it was best for us to part, — Return again ; accept my heart ; Thy life renew; my vow fulfill, — For oh, I know I love you still! [258] CHANT D'AMOUR Though worlds divide Thy soul and mine, — Thou art with me, Still am I thine ! Thy presence dear is ever near, To guide, to soothe, to help, to cheer 1 Though thou art there While I am here, I know no death is there above ! I know no death is there for love ! And so I know where'er I go, I'll ne'er lose thee on earth below. While rivers flow And breezes blow. No love is lost that loved me so ! Thou art with me ! I know ! I know ! [259] AUTUMN LEAVES When the autumn leaves are falling, And old mother-earth is calling To her breast The lovely leaves all golden, Or with flame blazing and bolden, Back to rest, — Oh, they speak a song o' gladness To my heart. And no parting word of sadness When they part ; For the sun still shining there Brings the springtime, sweet and fair With abundant life and new ; When the autumn leaves are falling Is old mother-earth then calling This to you? [260] ADRIFT Adeift, we part ; Along life's golden stream We float in open boat, Sole mariner of Fate, — To long, to wait. To hope, to trust, to pray. At last the day We'll reach the self-same shore, To weep, to part. No more, — no more ! O skies and tides. With her and me abide ! Safe to the shore of Evermore Our love ships guide ! Adrift, — uplift our hearts in loyalty Till fate's swift current Carries me to thee! [261] DEEP IN MY HEART Deep in my heart there is a sacred room Where treasured lie the fairest flowers that bloom ! Garnered their fragrance of a summer's day, Loved, but not lost, — only laid away Upon a sacred shrine ; Way down deep in this heart of mine, In storehouse sacred as a chalice cup. Fond memories of thee are garnered up ! Thy trusting hand ! Thy simple heart ! Of all my treasures stand apart! Thy word of cheer ! Thy smile so dear ! Love's first embrace ! Blush of thy virgin face ! Forgiveness all divine, beaming from eyes like thine ! The last word, then, you spoke that my heart broke : These are the petals fair, — horde of loving care ; These are the jewels rare that shine Way down deep in this heart of mine ! When I am laid away, and turned from clay To dust, still in some happier day, Away in the starry sky, you and I Will count these treasures o'er ; My heart can never die ! [262] Unsealed this sacred room, Revealed shall shine this spark divine Hidden within this ever living love, Way down deep in this heart of mine ! [263] THE LAND O' DREAMS A GOD named Truth wooed a maid called Love, In the Land of Dreams, Which is overhead some place, it seems, Near the heavenly gate above. With sunbeam eyes and a heart of gold, He spoke the truth in the story old, Of love, — dear love. He offered Right and Honesty, For Ecstasy and Loyalty ; Her heart he won. And the}' were one. (In the Land of Dreams! A god named Truth and a maid called Love.) In the Land of Dreams ! In the Land of Dreams ! Where everything is what it seems ! Tears never flow, hands never let go, In the land where sunbeams always gleam, — The Land of Dreams ! The Land of Dreams ! A child called Happiness was born In the Land of Dreams ! Above golden clouds it played, I ween. Perfect as a summer's morn! Good spirits and mirth about it teemed. Never forlorn, but care-free, care-shorn. True-love-adorned ! [264] It was said by all who could see, Its heritage was Felicity! Joy was its own ! Unrest unknown. (In the Land of Dreams ! A child called Happiness was born.) [265] THE BUTTERFLY In the sunlight of a summer's day, Its honeyed lip drinking the dew away, A butterfly with glorious wings Soars in the air with greater things. Do you think that he Remembers what he used to be? A fuzzy ball on the garden wall, Did he know that wings were wrapped within, — One day he could say, " Catch me if you can ! " Or play at tag with mortal man? O flippant thing, O gaudy wing. And labeled free, Inconstancy, A butterfly ! (Even as you and I). Those gauzy wings a secret hide. And there abides ! " Make an airship like me if you can ! " Instructor of immortal man, — A butterfly! (Even as you and I.) So the end will be with you and me: Worm-like on earth below crawl we. Then all is perfect, and all is ripe, Our souls unfurl for immortal flight. [^66] Our existence here We leave with the husk at the bier, And foot shall not crush the thing with wings! Forever we're done with brutish things ! So Heaven is within both you and me, The land of delight is here, you see! [267] ON THE SHORE OF EVERMORE On the shore of Evermore Our frail barques are drifting on, Where we'll meet when life is o'er, In that perfect dawn. All the dear ones who have gone But a little while before, — Where they watch and wait for us On the shore of Evermore. Evermore the land of light! Nevermore the dark, dark night! Listen, — there are angels' wings ! Harken, — 'tis a cherub sings ! Drifting, drifting, close to shore, — To the land of Evermore! [268] MOTHER In childhood, whose arms held you strong? Who sang the lullaby song? Who put you to bed, When your prayers had been said? When you bothered, who said, "Run along!" Who never grew weary Through days dark and dreary? Who thought you could never do wrong? Mother ! Mother ! Sweetest name I know ! I see thy loving face In the firelight's glow ! I see thy face among the clouds ! You're waiting there, I know ! Mother, Mother! No other loved me so ! Whose love cannot be bought for gold? Whose faith in you never's sold? Whose the dearest hands In all the whole wide lands? No matter what happens. Who'll understand? And what words of welcome Or what words of joy E'er equals hers, " My boy ! My boy ! " [269] O love that lasts 'till the Judgment Day ! O love that nothing can take away ! Love that no lips can ever say ! Love that makes of work mere play! Love that will always understand! The only love in the whole wide land ! Oh, tell me where there is another Love like the love of one's own mother! [270] HE IS RISEN The tomb it is empty ! The stone is rolled away ! He is risen, — freed from the prison of Earth ! Gone to the Father who sent Him ; Gone to the Father who lent Him ; That all may arise in new birth! On high He returneth! On high He returneth ! Still to comfort He yearneth, yearneth to bless. " I will not leave you comfortless ; " I will come to you " — " come to youJ*^ He loveth His children not less ! " All hail." " Be not afraid." " I am with you always." " Peace be unto you." " Be not faithless, but believing." " I go to my Father, and your Father," " To my God, and your God." " That there ye may be also." " I go to prepare a place for you." " Feed my lambs." " Feed my sheep." " Feed my sheep." [271] THE WINDS OF GOD The wind of God trieth the soul of man ! Testeth the strength of the beating heart, Uprooting its loves, and its hatred, Sifting the seed of the heart's wildwood As the harvest is scattered by His hand ! As bloweth the winds of the Maker, So swept is my soul, clean from malice! As listeth the winds of God, So is the heart swept by the zephyrs of love ! [272] MY HEART IS CRYING OUT MY LOVE FOR THEE As blue as depths of sapphire are thy eyes, And tender as the twilight summer skies ; As fresh with mists of love's young morn, And clear as shining star 'fore day is born. My heart is crying out, my love, for thee! In memory thy pure face I see. I know somewhere, somewhere, You wait for me With longing, dear, divine. My own to be My heart is crying out my love, my love, for thee! Thy mouth is like a beauteous southern rose. Within whose petals sweet, the dew's enclosed ; Thy glorious hair, a beauteous golden web, Like buttercups upon the meadows spread. Thy ivory arms a restful haven make, All else is empty shadow for thy sake. Oh, canst thou know a heart could break! Oh, canst thou know what means a heart to break. [273] REMEMBER Remember I have loved you all the years, Remember I would die to spare you tears ! Remember that my life is naught to me, For it is only life if shared with thee. Remember, dear, remember, — Our love was like the sun! Remember, dear, remember, — When you and I were one ! Joys fade — time flies — And eternity will tell How well, how well I loved you, dear, — Eternity will tell! Remember, when I'm dead, the tears I've shed for you ; Remember since love died, I would die, too ; Remember, then, that day to pray that I May meet you there beyond the starry sky! [2741 TREASURES ABOVE GOLD AND RUBIES In a very humble cot, In a very quiet spot, Sat a maiden who was waiting for a love; She had cherished all her life The fond hope to be a wife. And to be wooed like a turtle dove ! She said : " I'll wait forever, for no other Will I take, But a lover who will love me For my own sweet sake ! I've no fortune for my part But a warm and loving heart. And with this heart must I my fortune make ! Treasure above gold and rubies ! A heart that can understand! Measure above all the fortunes Aw aiting a heart in love land ! Love that is love for love's sweet sake! Never could know a heart could break! Treasure above gold and rubies, Love for love's own sweet sake! Now this maiden waited long, — This same maiden of my song, — While the others seemed to gather mates galore ! But no lover ever came And asked her to change her name, Nor tarried at the little cottage door ! She sang of love and loving As she waited patiently, Till it sweetened all existence, — Any one could see! Though of lovers she had none. She was loved by every one, — For she loved all the world most constantly ! [276] HER LOCKET Could I be what I would be, it seems to me There's a locket she wears 'round her neck On a little gold chain, set with drops of the rain, That her rare, lovely charms doth bedeck! Could I be what I would, — Oh, if only I could ! — Then of all things on earth or the sky I would choose but to be In the locket that she Gives kiss after kiss When no one is nigh ! [277] THE IDOL OF MY DREAMS Her face is like a sunbeam, And her heart is hke the dew, — This girl who'll always love me, And always will be true ! She'll never be a scold to me. But lenient, most certainly 1 Forgiving she will always be. No matter what I do. Now, do you know where I could go To find this girl? — Do you? The idol of my dreams, it seems. Nobody knows but I! I cannot find, outside my mind, However hard I try, — The girl who haunts my dreams o' night. And lives all through each day. Is just a dream, they say! I know her like is few, But there must be one who'll do. Oh, do you know where I could go ; Ah, can it be 'tis you? I see a face like Mother's, Which is always kind to me. Who thinks of me faithfully And with sweet charity! In hour of pain which none might see, [278] I'm confident she'd pray for me! Her heart is young, and free from taint ; She's saintly, yet no saint ! I'll seek this girl through all the world, Although my heart grow faint! [279] MY OWN SWEET MARJORIE Her heart was light as thistledown, And that's why I stole her and brought her to town! The marigolds in her garden fair, A shower of gold, were like her hair! In a nook by a brook I said in play. While making love on a summer's day: " In my wanderings, I have yet to see, A sweeter girl than you are, Marjorie!" Marjorie, the irises are blooming In the w^oodlands where you used to stray with me The lambs in contentment there are roaming, Just as we are today, and used to be ! The sorrows of a lifetime are behind me. But you're just as sweet to me as you can be. Just as the day I stole you, my sweet-clover. From the meadows for my own sweet Marjorie! The gold of her hair is spun-silver now ; Time's finger-prints rest upon her snowy brow! The years have fled, oh, so swiftly by. It seems we've had yet no time to sigh ! I'm glad I wed an old-fashioned girl, — She's suited me best! New girls for new worlds ! Ah, hear her saying, " We're most seventy ! " I thank the good Lord for thee, Marjorie! [280] ELEANOR The mocking-bird still sings Above the door, Eleanor ! Though you've gone forever more, Eleanor. The honey-suckle sweet That used to greet us two. Still speaks, — and calls for you, Eleanor ! The sun still shines From yonder shore ; Its every ray every day Seems to say, "I'm Eleanor!" My poor heart. So bereft. On the earth alone is left; It alone can ne'er rejoice, — Never, never more, — Till it hears the music of your voice, My Eleanor! [281] THE LASS ON THE SHORE Alas, for the lassie I ne'er can see more ; Alas, for the lassie I left on the shore. Her blue eyes were beaming, the sunlight was streaming. And the sea it was gleaming as never before. Oh, I yearn for the grasp and the clasp of a hand. And the sight of that strand of my own native land; But the heart of me longs for, — yes, longs more and more, — For my own bonnie lassie I left on the shore. Alas, for the sailor that sails the seas o'er ; Alas for the lassie who waits on the shore; Though true hearts are a blessing, — and e'en three or four, — Though a lifetime ye'd gather, ye'd never find more. There's a heart that ye'll search for, — Yes, search the world o'er, — And not find in a lifetime. Like ye left on the shore. [282] A PARADISE WERE THIS If all the world were mine, Dear, For you the world I'd give ; If dying, I could spare thee pain. Then would I cease to live! . If loving you, could make yow love. No lives had known such bliss ! If living, dear, meant life with you, Ah ! Paradise were this ! If sorrowing, I might bear your grief, I'd choose to bear thy woe; If weeping, I could spare thee tears. My tears instead would flow ! My heart's blood I would shed for thee. And ne'er demand a toll ! Before God's throne I'd plead for thee That I might save your soul! [283] WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE YOU LOVE ME? If the beautiful world I held in my hand And offered in all its worth to you, Would you love me then, — Would you understand As others seem to do? Would it change your heart, — Would it make you see The fortunes of love that belong to me, — If the treasures of every treasury Were mine to lay at your feet? Would it change you, dear? Could it make one here Of our two lives incomplete? What can I do to make you love me? What can I say that I have not said? My life is wearying for love's sunshine; My heart is so tired of the clouds o'erhead ! What is there left of all love's magic I have not tried ere the set of sun ! What can I do to make you love me ! What can I do to make us one ! [284] HONEY-CHILE Honey-Chile, wifout guile, Listen to yo' Mammy Liza ! Yo' can do mo' wif a smile In dis ole worl' all de while Dan wif any 'mount ob bile High as de tower ob Piza ! When youze gwine to kick, Honey-Chile, An' youze riled so youze jus' sick, Honey-Chile, Don't strike a lick so quick. But pick your words choice-like, and smile ; It'll git yo' what you wants all de while, Honey-Chile ! Honey-Chile! Mammy's lil' honey-chile, Never rile de disposition What de Lawd gib you ! De sunshine gwine to bring de flowers ; Keep a-smilin' froo de showers ; — Dese may be de darkest hours ! No one's gwine to smile for you ; No one keers much if youze blue ! If youze down in de mouf, it's up to you To smile for yourself, — Now ain't it true? But whatever you do, Don't boo-hoo ! Try a smile. Mammy's lil' Honey-Chile! [285] Honey-Chile, walk a mile! Listen to yo' Mammy Liza! Take yourself down to de stile, An' sit awhile till you smile! Folks will jus' admire your style. An' no one can despize yo' ! Dis worl's mighty big, Honey-Chile, An' nobody cares a fig, Honey-Chile! Unless you cares, no repairs makes good Dat speech yo' can't take back! De most curioust thing is a smile, Honey-Chile ! 1:^86] LOVE The days were long before you came, — I used to wish them o'er; Now would I pause, nor ever blame Time's lagging footsteps more! The sun that never shone for me Shines now for me alone; Such love I said could never be Is now my very own! I would the paths of infancy Once more I could begin, With such love shining in my soul. Your love makes shine within! Love is the light of the heavens ! Love is an angel fair ! Love is the blossom and fruitage of God In the world, — it is everywhere ! Love's golden-link, binding two hearts. Never those hearts are bare ! Love is the blessing of tenderness ; Love is the balm of Care ! [287] THE VIOLETS The dewy violets have come again, So like your eyes! And someway hope within my heart doth spring And live and rise! The tiny, restful emblem, subtle, sweet, — So much like you, — Makes me ashamed to be but all that's good Or great and true! [288J A SANCTUARY My heart is a sanctuary Where together we kneel alone, A fount refreshing the weary When naught but your love could atone ! Here sacred tapers are burning On the altar of this shrine, Where at close of day I kneel to pray And thank God that your love is mine! [Je89] THE BOATSWAIN'S CALL Every day has sunny moments, When we get a glimpse of heaven! Every week has surely one day Perfect out of seven! Every life has held its promise, Every mind has had its goal. Every one has crossed Sin's bridges, Every one has paid their toll ! Stormclouds may gather ere the noon-day ; Frost may come with Summer skies ; Like a promise of the morning, Hope within each bosom lies ! In the sunshine, 'cross the river, Joys and sorrows all will tell, Where the boatswain calls, ere landing, "All is well! All is well!" Every heart has broken sometime, Hidden by a smiling face! Every soul has groped in blindness. Ere it won life's race! Every one has learned his lesson, — Every student in life's school! Every one has failed some one time. Keeping the Golden Rule! [290] THE MASTERPIECE Like tender music of a minor strain Upon the sea A summer breeze wafts to a sultry shore, You came to me; And drifting in my soul, your melody. Resounding, sweet. Made of my life a wondrous masterpiece, Perfect, — complete ! [291] MOSAICS Whisper, trees and zephyrs ; Call and call, O sea ; — Every sound in the world round Speaks one name to me ! There's a bonnie laddie Way out on the foam Whose good ship heads to the land ; He is bound for home! Rock-a-bye, rest a wee. Bairn o' mine and his ; Waitin' we since auld lang syne ; — 'Tis comin' home he is ! [^92] MAVOURNEEN QUEEN The sun will shine for others, — I'll not see it ; The world will whirl and turn on just the same! But every shamrock star of dear old Ireland While I must live will speak your cherished name! My heart will beat, though life has lost its savor; Though far away, your love I must recall ; Come back, — you'll find my heart will never waver ; Mavourneen, Queen, — you were my life, my love, my all ! [293] THE WAYS THAT WIND Some way the day is not the same Since you have gone away ! The birds' call only sound your name! " She's gone ! " it seems to say. The roses die for need of you ; The stars speak of you nightly, too ; The skies, just like your eyes so blue. They say : " She's gone away from you ! " My heart, my heart! It sighs, and sighs ! How I miss thee ! It o'er and o'er replies ! And all the world is changed, dear. Since you have gone and left me here. Some way the path that seemed so clear When you were here beside me, dear, I can not find! The ways, they wind, — and wind, — and wind ! I only see thee on thy bier! Thy spirit fled! Ah ! You* re not here! [294] THERE There, where is no more parting; There, where is no more care; But joy and peace eternal, And loving, everywhere ! There, in some golden-summer. Under a turquoise-sky. We'll wander in such happiness Together, you and I! All sorrows of earth forgotten, — Even the reasons why, — Banished will be all heart-ache there; Forgotten there every sigh! Seeing with clearer vision. As only the angels see, I know I shall be forgiven There, even you will forgive me ! There, where the angels are singing, There, in that land afar, — No fears, no tears, no night, but light, There, in that perfect star ! There, in God's peaceful heaven, You and I must wend. There, — only there, — is hope for all, There, broken hearts will mend! [295] THE DIFFERENCE TO ME " As a song is to the singer, As a wave is to the sea, As a star is to the firmament, Am I to thee. As sunshine to the earth is, As is freedom to the free. As a harp is to the hai'p strings, Art thou to me! [296] SUFFICING ALL Divine was the lovely morning, Divine was the sunny day ; And everywhere I sauntered I saw God in the way. Closer than pulse then beating, Closer than this heart of mine. Is a love enfolding and tender, Sufficing all, — divine ! [297] AN ANGEL'S VISIT An angel came from heaven Through the starry night, Drifthig softly to my bed 'Midst a cloud of light; Smoothed my brow with angel-hands, Telling me of angel-lands, — World forever bright! " Ask one question of me, then ; I may not come back again. For this night am I set free To come to Earth to comfort thee! Ask whate'er thou wilt," saith she, " It is my task to answer thee." Angel of God, From world afar, Shall we meet On another star? I plead to thee. Solve thee this mystery ! Oh, is she waiting there for me. When from this husk my soul is free? Shall we meet! Shall we meet Across the silver sea? Angel of God, Oh, answer. Answer me! [298] THE ROSE'S SACRIFICE A CYCLE I Rose, did you know, — As each petal unfolded. And you drank the dew In a garden made fairer, sweet Rose, by you,- 'Twas for me you were born, — 'Twas for me that you grew ? As you gathered such fragrance, O, say if you knew. Lovely rose, 'twas for me! Could you see? Could you see? O Rose, what am I, Or can I hope to be. As compared with thy sweetness. Dear Rose, would I be ! All my life has been sweetened This hour. Rose, by thee, — You who lived, yes and died. Rose, for me, Died for me ! m O Rose, what am I That for me you should die? Though you've not died in vain. Thou one joy in this day of my pain ! [£99] sweetest of flowers On God's earth, 'midst His dew, Every one knows, sweetest Rose, it is you; It is you ! IV 1 pray one day He May as worthy call me From this garden of Earth Where He gives us all birth; Aye, as thou, sweetest Rose, For the purpose He knows, — He knows ! Can I be then as thou, 'Twill be solace enow, — Am I worthy as thou, rose, — As thou! [300] DREAMS THAT MAY NEVER COME TRUE Seems like in dreams I have seen your face ; Seems like I'd known you before ; Seems through the star-beams I have sought you, Wandering through mazes of yore ! Seems like the hope in my breast had been you Through eons of time, as I searched the worlds through For the one love that's true, Embodied in you. That no one else knew — only you ! Thus it seems you were meant for me in my dreams. And I was meant for you. Dreams, dear dreams. What were the world without you! Dreams, — intangible, fairy-like dreams, — But for you, what on earth could we (mortals) do! Woven of hope 'mongst silvery clouds. Woven of Light 'mongst sombre-shrouds, — Dreams, dreams, — Star-beams and gleams, — Dreams that may never come true! [301] DAFFODILS Golden goblets rare and fair Brimming nectar past compare, Kings and fairies envy thee, Honey-hearted, sweet and free! Golden goblets, I would make Banquet for thy honor's sake, Offering to the gods above From thy bowl potion of love, While thy brim my heart refills. Golden goblet daffodils ! [302] AH, WHAT IS THE USE OF TRYING! FOUR SONGS I A SPELL, is cast o'er my spirit, — The spell of a wicked eye ! It haunts me so wherever I go, — I know the reason why. II A little thrush fell out of its nest Just as the sun was sinking low; A little life fled with the light in the West,— A songbird, dead! And my empty breast, — Childless, — in an empty nest Sighed, as I cried, " God is everywhere ; and He knowest best ! " in A spell is cast o'er my spirit. Reproach for my life and song ! How can I compare with a bird of the air ! One voice in a world of wrong! IV A little thrush fell out of its nest Just as the day was dying; [303] Its little wings fluttered for flying ; — But night came down, and a heart was wrung; A song of hope died ere it was sung ! — Ah, what is the use of trying! [304] WEE BABY A DEWY flower in the morning sun I found today in my garden fair, — Emblem of love, a wondrous rose, The Maker had blossomed there! My heart abounds in reverence: How must I shield, must shield, With every, every care. Lest the sun's hot rays Or a ruthless hand Leave thee withered beyond repair ! Wee baby ! Ah, wee baby ! Love's dear bud, in the morning dew ! When the tropical sun at midday glows. Or the cruel, cold breath of the north wind blows. What will become of you, wee baby! Oh, what will become of you? [305] MY SOUL AND I O SOUL, with all your mystery and lore, Thou seest me Struggling, battling with this house of thine, Mortality? Thou lookest on, soul, knowing the end, All that will be. And if we shall be banished, welcomed in Eternity? [306] A SOLDIER BOLD Every tiny floweret blooming on the way Seemed to hold your little face When I marched away that day ! Every saintly daisy with its heart o' gold Spoke of you I left behind, But a soldier must be bold! Where the warriors gather in the trenches far, Nothing can our love eff*ace, naught our spirits mar! Heart-o'-gold, heart-o'-gold, Always will your love enfold, Days no flowers blossom, nights no stars hold, I'll long for you I left behind, — But a soldier must be bold ! [307] COME ALONG TO MISSISSIPPI Come with me where the Mississippi flows, flows, flows ! Come and see de Souf country Where de cotton grows, grows, grows ! Come to de Ian' ob sugah-cane. An' you'll stick wif de lasses. An' not come back again ! Come along to Mississippi, — De finest, finest, crops dat grow ; De mildest, mildest, winds dat blow; An' de sweetest, sweetest gals I know, Come from Mississippi ! Come along, come along, where life's a song; Come along to Mississippi! If you wants to roam or wants a home. Come 'long to Mississippi ! De craw-fish make de bestest dish ; De pompano am de bestest fish; An' de yaller gals dar am all you'll wish To make you dippy, — dippy ! Come an' explore that Souf country ; — Come 'long to Mississippi! Let me be, when dey's gwine to plant me, — Me, yas, me ! — Where soft winds are blowin' free, — Free, yas, free ! [308] De gates ob heaben done open fas' Paradise will always las' Neaf de ole magnolia trees Froo de whole ob de centuries! De fines' place to lib and die, Plenty good eatin' always nigh, De place to move to, by-and-by, — To dat Mississippi ! [309] SINCE I'VE LOST YOU The world was filled with ecstasy Because the world held you! Your tender eyes smiled kind replies, And all the skies were blue! Your soft caress made worry less ; All life was filled with joyousness; Love's whispered words were dew ! But, oh, I know not where to go Since I've lost you ! Lost as a lamb from the fold; Lost as a story untold ; Lost as a soul in the wilderness Lost as a miser's gold! Lost as an echo call; Lost as these tears that fall ; Lost, — oh, lost, as the words I rue ! Lost is all Since I've lost you. [310] THE THORNLESS ROSE I STEPPED into my garden, One bright dewy morn, And my own called (but jesting), " Bring me a rose, with no thorn ! " Ah, I smiled as I gazed on the flowers blooming there. Where were roses galore, of their kind past compare ! " The garden is fair," then called I, " it is true, But a thornless rose grows not, even for you ! " [311] THE SUN IS SHINING FOR YOU There never was a sorrow, The weight we could not bear ; There never was a dreary day, But held some promise fair; There never was a heart-ache For which there was no cure ; There never was a misery Which we could not endure ! There never was a Summer, But held its share of rain ; There never was a pilgrim, But bore his share of pain ! There never was a heart on earth That was not meant for love; There never was a soul that's lost To heavenly bliss above ! Dear heart, drear heart. The sunshine Is shining for you, If you but knew! Dear love, skies above Hold Spring and Summer, And Winter, too ! Life is what we make it. Love is as we take it, — [Sl«] Dear heart, — drear heart,- If you but knew, The sun is shining. Shining for you! [313J MARRIAGE A LA SUFFRAGE I PROMISE thee, this day I take thy hand (The cleanest in this just and equal land!) One law for both shall be for thee and me From now, through all Eternity ! Upon the same just cause Shall we depend; Our country's laws the same Shall each defend! Equality shall reign for you, for me, — You'll promise me! I'll promise thee! [314] AND YET! There was a girl With witching curls I met down by the sea. (Wonder if she Remembers me!) A summer memory Like this will fret! But she was different from the rest, — a pet ! No fairer do I see Than Violet,— And yet, — and yet ! The sun had set; "^ The day'd been wet; Across the Willow shore We had to get. Now would she let Me carry her a way? She smiled, — did Violet, — And archly said, " You bet ! " I would forget, — And yet, — and yet ! [315] CUPID'S GAME I LOVED a little girl, And she loved me; I left the little girl, The world to see. Now I've seen the world. And I'd give the world to see The little girl I love,— But she's left me. That's the way, I say, Cupid plays the game. His arrows fly O'er low, o'er high. While you're away. With Cupid's darts He plays at hearts. And wins from you the same ; That's the way, I say, Cupid plays the game. A little girl loved me Whom I couldn't love. The little girl left me ; Gave me quite a shove. Now I can plainly see She was the girl for me. [316] I'm out in the cold, — Getting very, very, old. I loved one little girl, — And one loved me. [317] OUR FLAG, AMERICAN A BANNER of welcome on the shore, A sign of hope for evermore. Where brothers lend a helping hand. The badge of Freedom's only land, — Our flag, American! Here's to the seven crimson bars ! Here's to the forty-eight Union Stars ! America's emblem glorious ! Where'er unfurled. In all the world. Victorious, victorious ! The Stars and Stripes for Union stand; Our country knows not hate. United, we stand hand in hand. United state by state. America has no North nor South; For when we stood at the cannon's mouth. We were brothers who faced a foe; Our tears with their's did flow. The stripes stand for equality; The crimson for fraternity ; The stars of God are over all ! — The loyal stars of Liberty! [318] Then let no war our fair name mar ; Keep our escutcheon bright, That where'er is heard America's word 'Twill mean a land of Right. [319] THE WAGON AND THE STAR A NONSENSE SONG The sun is a beautiful golden ship, Which sails on high, on high! The stars are the little craft adrift On the blue, blue sea, — Carrying you and me. Don't you see, don't you see? And the Moon, 'tis the land Of the spooky-band. And a cemetarie! And where is the sun a-sailing? Perhaps to the China Sea ! And why is the moon a-paling? dearie, don't ask me! 1 sailed one day by the milky-way Where the sea was purest cream ! But a pirate star hailed us from afar,- And stars ! how did I scream ! Stars ! how did I scream ! To the golden sun on a turquoise sea We were drifting on quite merrily. When behold in the hold A mariner bold. Who called to the mate and me: [320] " Your wagon ! Your wagon ! 'Tis hitched to a star! And your star is a boat ! " said he. " Oh, don't you know, wagons won't go On the sea ! on the sea ! on the sea ! " [321] HONEY HEART Be sweet to the rich ; be sweet to the poor ; Who can tell what pain your sweetness may cure Little dear, never fear from your sweetness to part; Be a golden flower with a honey heart! Such hearts God over and over refills, Just as He does the daffodils ! [322] THE ROBIN'S MESSAGE " I'm here ! " said the Robin. " I bring you cheer ! They send me ahead in the spring of the year To bring you hope and allay your fear, — And to tell you at last the Spring is here! " As I winged my way over lake and brake, I saw that the mandrake was awake. And the may-bells rang for the lilac's sake, — Preparing all spring frocks to make ! " Cheer-up ! Cheer-up ! Cheer-up, my dear ! The world is waking ! The Spring is here ! " [32^] WITCHES OF THE NIGHT Witches of night That bringeth delight, Roving and loving, Nor caring for day, — Yonder moonbeam With shimmering gleam Give to be mine alway ! Sprites of the night. Of the silvery light. Dancing and prancing, Now here and now there. Tell me, I pray. Where livest by day? Where is thy castle fair? Elves of the wood. All fairies of good. Laughing and quaffing The lily cup's dew, — Where do you hide? Where do you abide? Always I'm seeking you! [324] IN A BYWAY On the highway, in a byway, Where the clover grows, On the roadside, by the seawide, Where the salt air blows. She was walking, and was talking To herself it seemed; Never guessing I was pressing Near, — she never dreamed ! She was saying they were haying, And would be till dusk; When to playing of the straying Fiddler's money musk, She, Jeannette, with her Pierette, After the corn husk. Would be swaying, aside laying Calico and rusk! Oh, the highway, and the byway ! Oh, Jeannette, Pierette! Oh, the fiddler's money musk ! Oh, the evenings after dusk ! Would I knew them yet ! [325] OH, BUT TO KNOW Oh, high or low, where'er the footsteps wend. Thou must recall thou hast on earth a friend. Oh, winds that blow, bring love's ship home to thee; I stand upon the strand, — leavest thou me ? Oh, but to know where'er thy pathways lead. Thou hast no grief, no pain, no lack, no need. Oh, but to know where thou chooseth to go. Thou wouldst remember that I loved thee so. [326] THE HEART'S REQUIEM So lovely and loving ! So tender and true ! The world, ah, 'tis empty Since I have lost you ! The roses, the linnets, And all that knew you. They miss you, and grieve, And life's changed for them, too ! Our hearts throb a requiem, — Praying for you ! Every sigh of the zephyrs, The whispering wind. The seas constant calling. Brings you to my mind! And I long to return To the years you were mine! So loving and lovely ! So tender, so true! Ah, the world it is empty Since I have lost you ! [827] MISCELLANEOUS HEART OF A FRIEND It may not be in the springtime of life, That the heart will respond to love's call ; The summer may pass, and love's roses may die While we garner the grain of the fall. But the love that we know when the winter winds blow, — Ah, 'twill warm the poor heart 'till the end ! For the love that we find in the heart and the mind, — 'Tis the love from the soul of a friend! [331] TO MEMORY O CHAUCE deep and golden, Adorned by many a gem, — Full to the brim thy sacred bowl. Ay, running o'er with them. The memories I've garnered Through years that have passed by, — Ne'er guessing thou wouldst hold for me Long after love should die. Such treasures, past believing; Such blessings, past belief ! Such love, and smiles, and friendships. For loneliness relief. lovely sacred chalice ! My store-house treasury 1 What perfume, what rare essence, Thou givest back to me ! 1 kneel before thy precious store. And count thy blessings o'er and o'er ; And ever do I touch or find A panacea in my mind. [33^] PRAISE And what is praise? The song a bird sends out, Which thrills a listening heart, and soars to God? The perfect bloom of nature everywhere, the scent of flowers, The essence of the earth, drunk up by sun and dew. And flung in fragrance out upon the wind? Praise is the gratitude of every normal mind For gifts of the Unseen ; for all we are. And all we might have been. (Even the frost adds to the plenteous yield Of every harvest gleaned in every field. ) Praise is the trust we feel in God, and all God's ways. It is the smile that shines through bitter tears, — The rainbow of the heart ! Praise is the wings whereon we rise above all sordid things To heaven's own skies. Praise is gratitude's appreciation of the soul. [333] THE SPIRIT OF THE FOREST The spirit of calm and solitude, Of peace such only as forests know ; Where the heart beats true in the breast of You, What ever winds may blow. The hush of the woods, — life's altar rail, — The temple for unshod f^et that fail To find in the noise and the world of men, The God of the pine tree and the wren. Oh, rustling winds of the forest's wings. Oh, solitude blest where the angel sings. Into the dust I bow my head. Grateful to thee that I have been led To the lofty stillness of the wood, — Where I would live if I only could. [334] GROWTH'S SAKE Oh, do not fume and fret thy life away. For what shall be tomorrow, who can say? Today is thine ; rich promise fills its hours ; To profit which even the unseen powers Doth come to aid thee in thy task Today: Then wake, and work, and smile, and trust, and pray. Oh, do not fume and fret thy life away, When at the end for lost hours thou must pay. Thou art what e'er thou will ; what thou wouldst be. If only words of mine could make thee see That to progress, must thou e'en sorrows take. As flowers receive the rain, — just for growth's sake. [355] THE HEART KNOWETH More is in the heart than is spoken, — The heart knoweth. Deeper than words is its music, Resounding forever. More priceless than gems are its jewels. Richer in splendour ! Sacred its echoing memories. Answering always. Scenes in the heart are there painted. Grander than canvas ! There, speechless words form ; words truer Than prophets or poets ; Words never falling, but waking The long distant message! This heart is of thee, even thee: None but God seeth. This heart is thine own, moulded by thee And love's masterhand! There is more in the heart than is spoken,— The heart knoweth. [336] LIFE'S DAYS AS THE ROSE'S PETALS Life's days as the rose's petals, one by one, Fall on the pathway of the passing years. The flower-of-life doth fade; the gardener. Time, Doth pluck the empty calyx without tears. The fragrance of the rose in June's fair morn- ing; The loveliness of Youth, with hope arrayed ! In shattered petals, who sees an adorning? Night's zephyr bare the rose's heart hath laid ! [337] THE LAND OF MIGHT-HAVE-BEEN There's a far-off, lonely country, Where the jackals call at night, (I'm speaking of the heart-land. Of him who's not done right), — And the blizzards freeze the pulses. And no flower o' love is left Of the lovely flowering valleys Where hearts-ease grew in the cleft! Oh, this barren, lonely country Is the land of Might-Have-Been ; And 'tis traversed o'er by humans, Everyone, when we have seen From its depths of devastation Back to meadows that were green. Where the clover spread miles over In the morning's dewy sheen; And the world we thought was empty. Was all rich and fertile there With the blessings of the Giver ; It was we who were not fair! Oh, lonely land of Might-Have-Been, — There's naught can keep me here ! I'll travel o'er this road no more. Back to streams pure and clear [338] Where living things contented are, No matter what the yield, And there's a sun and moon and stars,- And God's own pasture field! [339] HOME " Home is where the heart is." Where sacred fires burn upon a hearth That's ever bright with welcome sweet for you ; Where peace and comfort reign upon a throne More royal than a king or queen e'er knew. Where confidence and mutual trust abound; Where idle gossip never enters in ; Where spirit of forgiveness, all divine, Can understand but mortal is man's sin. Where love and truth hath sweet abiding place. In councils wise, forbearance ever true : This constitutes the home I dream is here Awaiting every claimant, — me or you. [340] TO REST When finished is the labor of the years, Which thou hast wrought in duty, pain, and tears. For others and thyself, — giv'n of thy best, — Hath it not seemed then, thou hast earned thy rest ? So, when for us the last day's sun hath set. Should we think on the task that's undone yet? Should we not fall asleep, as near love's breast, Enfolded with the thought, " 'Tis time to rest." [341] THOU SHALT NOT KILL Tread lightly and with reverent step, — Here lies a hero. Let every man know That when his country called He faced the foe And fought bravely. May youth emulate This power for good you wield When you died on the battlefield For country's honor: O gallant hero, How we worship you. A man is hounded until death Is all that will set him free; Goaded by strife in the battle with life, Which to him is an angry sea ; Wronged by brother, till venomous sting, (The last that shall ever be) He strikes the blow that lays him low. Away ! Away ! Ye cannot lay His corpse in holy ground ; The fact is proved, — it will deter, — He died the death of shame, A murderer. [342] THE OUTGONE TIDE When hearts are old, and arts have failed, And youth is but an outgone tide ; When all our ships to sea have sailed, And age waits in the portal wide ; Then memory dwells in sacred halls, As past unto the present calls : " Step soft ; speak low ; let tears o'erflow ; The heart is freed; 'tis better so." Let reverence then attend on thought That rests with all the yesterdays ; The loves and scenes that ne'er forgot. Like fragrance through the wooded ways. The bruised foot, the thorn, repays. [S43] " LIFE'S BEAUTIFUL ADVENTURE " (In memoriam Charles Frohman, May, 1915) The Voyager set out with smiling lips To cross the silver-sea, Eternity. " Life's beautiful adventure must be death, — Why should one fear or dread this thing," saith he. And reaching out, the great arms of the sea Lulled and cradled him to sleep complaisantly. The grandeur of the lesson which he taught, Thus played upon life's stage where all must see, Envelopes every wayfarer of earth. Exalting death, inspiring you and me ! When we put out across the silver-sea. To face the judge of men, where hearts are known. May we be ready, — conscience free as he, — May his assurance truly be our own. [3M] THE ELFIN'S SONG An elfin came whispering down from the eaves That lives overhead in the mulberry trees, I saw his brown cap, and waistcoat of white All varnished with silver, this sprite of the night, And perched on the rosebush, right there in the moon. He warbled this wondrous Elfinland tune: Earth fairies, moon fairies. Goblins and sprites. Bless thee forever, All earth's days and nights ! With gold of the sun and silver of moon We're making thee riches A-plenty, and soon. So bide thee all patient With all, and ne'er grieve. And we'll keep to our word, — Fairies never deceive. Now elfins, and fairies, and all wonder-folks, Are thought by most just to be story-book jokes; But I swear that this elfin lives over the eaves Where the mock-birds have built in the mul- berry trees. [345] LITTLE WORDS A LITTLE word is " hope," but oh, so sweet ; It is the bridge where dark and daylight meet. A little word is " light," but of such might, I love to say it o'er; 'tis soul of right. A little word is " love," and misused oft ; But on its shining wings we soar aloft. And God is such a tiny, tiny word, — But means all things e'er made or seen or heard. [346] LITTLE GIRL Little girl, shy and bewitching, — Lovely in thy modesty As a rose in dewy morning. Opening petals fair to see, — Thou, in life's young, pearly dawning, Speaketh as the rose to me. Gently in my heart unfolding Wondrous tenderness for thee. When the full moon shines upon thee. In the sunniest of day. May thy fragrance, all instilling, Sweeten all of life's pathway. [347] KING WINTER The trees were all dressed in soft, fleecy white, With long crystal fringes, — bediamond at night, — All crowned and be jeweled in such witchery 'Twould make anyone wish they'd been born a tree. King Winter was giving his mid-season ball; All trees were invited, both short trees and tall ; Such gorgeous array as all wore this day To honor the king in such rivalry. We said to ourselves, — I, myself and me, — " Wouldn't anyone wish they'd been born a tree?" [348] LET'S Let us be up and away at the break of day, To the woods where the finches sing! Let us leave behind all the sordid grind Where the city's anvils ring! Let us skip and play and sing and say All we used to when we were kids! Let us listen and hear the voices clear Of the brook and katydids ! Let us be free, and see, — both you and me,- There's happiness for us yet; Let us be up and away at the break of day. And forget, — forget, — forget ! [349] HAPPYTOWN Oh, would you know the way to Happy town? Then come with me, but lay your worries down, And face the rising sun, whose glorious light Will add to memory's warmth in coldest night. And take this staff whereon to lean, my friend ; It will sustain until victorious end; Some call it Prayer, and by some Faith 'tis called ; It matters not, — just lean, and be forestalled. Then keep you all awake, — eyes open wide ; And shun Remorse, and all its gloomy tide ; Embark upon the sea Prosperity, Deciding at which port your entrance be. Full-sailed, with confidence, and well equipped And stored with Truth, beware the honey- lipped Who profit by conceit of wayfarer (Especially if it be She or Her). Then buckle on this belt, — 'twill bring you luck; There's nothing like this harness known as Pluck. [350] This box of goodies you will need, I know ; Mirth, Laughter, Jokes, and Fun. Now you can go, — And I know well one day you'll wear a crown. And you will meet Success in Happytown. [351] LIFE'S GOLD If we listen, we shall hear; If we look, we'll surely see. Yet deafened, blinded, you and I Pass rare scenes and music by. If we know, we'll only bless; If we feel, there's nothing less Sent out from the human heart; And our part's a little part. If we live for just life's gold (Not the kind that banks doth hold),- Friendship, love and sympathy, — Life will bless both you and me. [352] TO A POET OF THE AIR Little bird upon the wing, You are such a tiny thing Such a song to sing. If from out your little throat You can send that joyous note Through the air to ring, How much more ought I to do ; I, who sit here and am blue. Looking up to you? Help me. Lord, to sing my song Just as this bird cheers along Travelers on the way; Never knowing if 'tis heard. More than this song of a bird, Or if more it pays. He who sings for love of things, With no thought for what it brings. Sings out from the heart, — Plants one seed, or soothes one soul, Or one tattered heart makes whole, — Surely does his part ! [353] THE BARREN She knelt on the stone, the cold gray stone, And thanked the good God she was alone; That from her womb she had borne no seed For this harvest of war and crime and greed ! And the good God heard, who was God of all In the enemies lines as all that fall; For the God who was there was everywhere, And He heard her words as He hears each prayer ! The barren woman who did not bare. Who was glad to escape pain, loss, and care. Must return till she share hopeless despair. And know the rent for which there is not repair. For this is the earth where mortal birth Redeems, outlives, and makes souls of worth For the kingdom of heaven, where One who rules Is the God of the wise and the God of fools. [S54] TWO LITTLE SHOES Two little shoes all twisted and worn I hold in my hand today. How brave was the tot when he would cry, " Which way, Muvver, which way ! " When I would reach out my mother-arms, And fear, with a mother's heart. Lest toddling along in his first wee steps He would fall! (How my pulse does start!) Ah, little I dreamed as I guided that day His steps in these little worn shoes There'd come a day when he'd choose his own way,— The way that a mother rues ; When the drums beat loud and the sergeant calls Are echoing through the town. And the brave and bold, as in days of old, Take up the burdens and work lay down. Dear little shoes, there are battles we lose Which cannot be known or recorded be! The war of a woman's, a mother's heart, When her soldier son puts out to sea. [355] UNCURLED Have you ever gazed into a florist's window And tried to choose the flowers you'd like to buy; And wondered why you picked out the arbutus, And passed the rare exotic orchid by? Have you ever rushed by day and raised a window To hear a grinder play his " Trovatore," And when he wheeled his tune-box to the corner Wished he'd come back and play you " Leon- ore "? Have you ever thought, while gazing on assem- blies. The kinds of folks it takes to make a world, And thanked the Lord that some of them were simple. And straight-haired, and delightfully un- curled ? [356] VICTORY No granite marks the spot where this man resteth ; No word of praise carved here for merits rare; The pasture weeds press close where thrushes nesteth, And never foot of mourner tarries there. No loving hands entwine a garland o'er him ; No meed of earthly worship had he known; But angels pause to bow the knee before him, — The glory of his deeds has reached the throne. [357] THE STORK Every hour of the night and day I come from the land of Far- Away, And into a waiting cradle I lay A pinkish mite, and a ray of light. To bless the bond alway. Forever and aye, With a love that nothing can take away ! A golden treasure of heavenly joy ! — Sometimes a girl, sometimes a boy ! Then I tiptoe softly to the door. Glad that my journey at last is o'er. For a burden of joy on my willing wing I have borne from the land where angels sing; And only the angels count and know If I shall return again, or no. But if it is once, or though it is seven, The cradle is waiting here below For the mite from the Kingdom of Heaven. [358] ART AND FAME Fame looked Art in the face, and gravely said: " Wouldst have thy name to live when thou art dead ? Art thou prepared to walk with me today, — Until the end, — nor grieve, whate'er men say ? " Art thou prepared to suffer past belief, — Without surcease, — till knowest death's re- lief? Art made of stuff enduring, and so fine, As body weareth frail, thy soul shalt shine? " Dost thou agree to live only for me. Forsaking all thy loves, whate'er they be? " But trembling then. Art looked Fame in the eye, And cried, " No, Fame ! no, no. Goodby ; goodby ! " [359] WHAT MATTER ? What matter if this clay be laid away 'Neath furrow where the wildest herds may graze, The sun its only monument for aye, Or silent stars of God where wind-harp plays? What matter if the dust which covered me Lends to some far-off, unfrequented place The flushing crimson of the autumn leaf. Or royal blue which marks the wild-flag's face? No matter; this frail husk hath served me well; And from it, — if my last wish might come true, — When I have taken of it sweet farewell, 'Twill do its best, whatever it can do. [360] THE MEANING OF IT ALL As you look back through life, — its strugglng years, — Recalling here its pitfalls, strife, and tears, You ask, " What is the meaning of it all? To die a mite each day, and wait death's call ? " Then has life meant no privilege but this? Can you recall no joys, no love, no bliss? From out the pattern Life wove here for you. Are gratitude's fine threads, then, missing, too. [361] PURPOSE Some day the skies will be clearer, And the sun shine through the blue ; Some day the clouds will be lifted Which overshadow you. Some day the vision will brighten ; You will see with different eyes; Some day, the burden unlifted. You will gaze on different skies. Till then, let us prize the cloudburst. (What would we do without rain?) As we profit here by sorrow. Shall there be " purpose in pain." [362] I KNOW,— I KNOW Then let me hold your trembling hand, And soothe your quivering heart; There's naught of pain here but I know, And have borne, too, my part. It seems life holds too much of all That crucifies the frame; But life's a lesson which, to learn. All victors worth the name Must suffer for, o'ercome, or die In senses fine, aglow With all that makes this living, life: 'Tis hard, I know, — I know. [363] HOW CAN YOU KNOW How can you know that what you say Is written on your soul this day In marks that ne'er effaced be, E'en after death hath set you free? How can you know that what you do Makes for eternity the you That shall be known but by the light You manage to keep clear and bright. Or bedimmed and unfed, unshed. By all that stifles or makes dead That light within, which last is you, — E'en faint and low, or bright and true. [364] FRAGRANCE OF THE SOUTH When round the pillars jasmine twines, And you sit 'neath the portico, — While parted, we, in different climes. Each dreaming of the long ago. When magnolia and Marshael Neil, — That luscious fragrance of the South, — Would sweetly soothe and o'er us steal Who long had known but love's dread drouth. We heard our wildly beating hearts. Marking the time for mock-bird's trill, — The ecstasy which love imparts, A summer night when all is still. Thus dreaming of the long ago. As parted we in different climes, — Sit you alone 'neath portico. Where round the pillars jasmine twines.? [365] YOUR BEST If you can look within your heart and say That you have done your very best each day, And grieved because that best was all too mean When measured by the Good you know, un- seen, Which lifts, exalts, inspires, and leads you here, — You have not failed; you have succeeded, dear. If you can look within, and truly say You followed where divine love led the way. And sought the truth in all to hold fast to, — No brother e'er misjudged because of you. Nor aught e'er filched from him that you might gain, — You do deserve all good, naught of life's pain. [366] ALIVE The world was calling for the Spring to wake ; The birds had wooed and chosen each a mate; The warm sun kissed the bosom of the lake, And hurried Mother Earth, lest she be late. The willows dressed themselves in silky gray ; The robin called ; the brook began to sing ; A lover's heart beat in a lover's way, — And everything alive called, " It is Spring." [367] POET-LORE To touch the heart, — to play upon its strings As human hand doth play upon a lyre, Bringing forth sonorous ecstasies. Or tones of mourning, fire, or heart's desire, — This is the gift, the gift a poet brings. Oh, there are symphonies ne'er put in notes. Which sweep the human heart with master hand. And place the jewel pearls 'round roses' throats. And swell the breast in pride, and make life grand : Magic of poet's soul, and eerie wand. [368] GOLD OF EARTH Some hoard the shining metal, And before it bend the knee ; Their hearts are there, and with it Wheresoever it may be. Their keen eyes seek gold's trade-mark As they pierce the pocket through; But take no stock in human hearts, — For what have they to do. With aught that is not bought or sold ? Hearts? Ha, — just pass them by. They never saw gold in a heart; No use for them to try. O gold of earth, what could ye do To buy my friends from me? They occupy my own heart's throne, — Humbly I bend the knee. [369] FACE TO FACE Gaze on thine image in this glass and say What dost thou see reflected there that's thee. Be not too lenient, — and turn not away, Nor spare thee of the fault called vanity. Then look within, and see thee as thou art, — Perchance thou hast not done so till this day ; But introduce thee to thyself at once, — It is not wise this meeting to delay. Look well at all thou thinkest thou dost seem; Look well at all thou dreamest that thou art ; Then know that thou hast lived but in a dream, — And, face to face, thyself know, heart to heart. [370] ADRIFT Along with the current rushing, Afar out to the sea, A little craft, both fore and aft Unweathered for storms to be. Today she floats with the current, In the sunshine buoyantly. And flies amast her colors fast, — But oh, how I dread to see The shattered hulk on the breakers That pound, as they beat and fall. The staunchest ships to pieces, — Masts that were fine and tall. Adrift with the battered flotsam Swept up by a stormy sea : The shore is lined with wreckage That might have been you or me. [571] THE MEDIOCRE SONG Prized is the song of the nightingale, The linnet, and the lark ; Precious as well is the mock-bird's song, Far flung through the hours of dark. The song of the thrush and bobolink Drop into some loving heart; The humble note of the robin, too, Plays its little part. Then sing with the voice God gave you. Nor think if the song be heard ; There's many a strain forgotten, While we treasure a note or word. [372] YE WOT NOT There's another world that ye wot not of, For your world is the world of gold and men; So what is the use for me to say I know there's no death, — that we live again. There's another life you shall surely know When you wing away from the world you love ; And 'tis not so far as the nearest star To that heavenly realm ; not in skies above. But all about us, those who have passed, Whom you think to meet but in heaven at last. When your life on earth you think is done And you pass somewhere beyond the sun. Strange, the other world that ye wot not of Is so near 'tis reached by a bridge of love ; And those called " dead," whom you cannot see, Are still on the earth with you and me. But — what is the use for me to say I know there's no death, — that we live again ; There's another world that ye wot not of. For your world is the world of gold and men. [373] THE ROBIN IN THE RAIN To a little humble cottage The stork would come right soon ; Busy fingers plied the needle Every morning, night, and noon. As tiny robes were fashioned out Of mull and lace and things, A robin built its summer nest And flapped its little wings But just outside the windowpane; Flitting out and in and out. It worked with might and main. The preparation finished in The early part of June The stork came with its bundle A minute after noon ; When the robin finished building. And sang a cheery tune. All through the rainy evening It called and called so plain That the baby was named " Robin " For the robin in the rain. The months have flown since summer ; 'Tis most summertime again. They have borne him to the churchyard Along the flowery lane, [374] Returning empty-handed With hearts so wrung by pain, The wind seemed sobbing, " Rob-in ; Oh, — Robin — in the rain." There's a story old and hoary (You know it can't be told) How a robin's plaintive little note A mother's heart doth hold. Best of all, oh, best of all things The old world holds today. Is the throb of mother-feeling No lips can ever say. [S75] PEACE Peace, spread your snowy pinions o'er the na- tions of the world ; From every staff on land or craft let a white flag be unfurled. " Thou shalt not kill." It reads that way. He did not say, " Unless, ye rob life's sands For principles or freedom, or little scraps of lands." Helpers, neighbors, — brothers all, — Give aid to each when each may fall, And do not live in strife the little while we're here. Life ends too soon, — too soon we reach the bier. Then live, that we may feel We've never caused a heart to cease, Nor tear to flow from orphan's eye, Nor widow's home made drear, — But we have tried for peace. [376] MY MONUMENT TO A TREE FRIENDLY tree, Thou hast sheltered many from storm and sun As thou art shielding me. Thou hast cradled many a babe to rest Upon thy safe and motherly breast, And soothed many an heart at eve Tenderly, with thy crooning leaves. 1 would that when I die (For not as you, dear tree, am I), I would that I might rest, if it were best, Deep, deep, near thee, — No nobler shaft than ye. Enduring friend, for me. [377] FRIENDSHIP A SURE, safe path, forged through the wilder- ness; A beaten track on waste and desert sands ; A link of steel welding great hearts of gold; The clasp, though space divide, of steady hands ; Uninterrupted flow of constancy; Treasures serene, of sacred memory ; A harvest rich of flowers from seeds well strewn. Through morning, night, and trying afternoon. Moistened by tears true sympathy doth shed, Nurtured by soil of loyalty, and fed By earth's most rare and undervalued food; All understanding, being understood. And this is friendship: (in the world too few). And this is one friend's tribute, dear, to you. [378] PROFIT It profiteth me naught To speak unkind of thee; In judgment of thy lot I would not censor be. To keep my windows clean, My house well swept within, Taketh all time of mine, Keeping me free of sin. It profiteth me naught To blame or censure thee; I am but what I am ; Thou art what thou wouldst be. [379] RECOMPENSE The saddest heart can ever find some solace; The hopeless breast can see some ray of light ! The stars overhead are viewless in the sunshine, Man never knew their wonders but for night ! The friendless life hath blessings grief assuages ; The loveless one hath hungry hearts to bless ; Repaid is man for sorrow through all ages, And many helped because of your distress. [380] MINE You may take my gold, and house, and lands, But the gift of the Giver within my hands. Which is mine, and me, — which no man can see, — That is mine own ! always shall be ! You may rob my heart and filch my life Of the treasures of love, and leave me strife; You may lash my bones to the sinking mast Till they rest on the floor of the sea at last; But that which is mine, — which you cannot see, — Will still be mine, and belong to me. [381] HARMONY A DEWY summer morn, when the corn was wav- ing) And the lark's song burst, like rockets, to- ward the sky, And every growing thing, in joyousness tip- toeing. Expressed its gratitude — everything but I — Walking through the meadows where butter- cups a-growing. All gold just like a web I know of golden hair, I paused to note a glow-worm, a glory of the night. Slumbering on a thistle ; its life was even fair ! A moonlight winter eve when the frost was shining, I wandered forth alone 'midst beauties of the night ; Wrapt in its silent shroud, earth was not re- pining ; All was peace and purity ; all was holy light ; Not a sound of tumult in the earth or sky, — In God's song was everything, everything but I. [382] SOME DAY Some day, when the clouds have scattered And the sun shines forth again, We will know how much it mattered To our souls, these days of pain. Some day, when the heart seems tattered And the hot tears fall like rain, Know the rare flowers would not blossom Did the sunshine never wane! Some day we would pass in gladness O'er the path now rough and long, And regret each hour of sadness Spent through life in fancied wrong. [383] BE PATIENT " Be patient," the Winter said, As he covered the Earth with snow; " Be patient, the Spring will wake. As it longs to blossom and grow ! " " Be patient," said Life to me. When my heart was overcast ; " Be patient awhile, mine own. All love shall be thine at last." [384] AFTER ALL After all is said and done, and spun, — Creeds, forms, and histories, — We face the same unraveled truths Apparent in God's mysteries ! Little minds of men may delve and shelve Philosophies and isms. With all their comfortless enigmas Various rainbow prisms. But after all is said, and done, and spun, — Where does the thinker stand, but where he first begun ! [385] FRAIL LITTLE MEN Can you look through the soul (e'en of your- self) And say just what you are, or what belongs to you? Men try, — frail little men ; and some think that they know; And yet these walk under night's canopy of stars, And ne'er look up, but down. Who can look in the heart, and not look up and see But one of God's own mysteries, e'en master- pieces, he. [a86] HALT AND BLIND If you go near the precipice's edge, you may fall o'er: Or, entering the whirlpool, may go down. If fate has placed you in the cyclone's path, You must be swept along. And those who think to play with fire unharmed ; Or wink at crime, and take her scabby hand. Remaining pure, unscarred. These make the human scrap-heaps we must see So long as puny mankind thinks that he Can e'er protect himself When he would halted be. [587] HIS OWN " Now I lay me down to sleep," Fearing naught from harm or hate ; Knowing God doth ever keep Watch o'er His, early and late. " I pray the Lord my soul to keep." What is His own. His own must be ; In confidence, I cannot weep. Since all that's Thine is well with Thee. " If I should die before I wake," I'll live where Thou hast planned for me ; And as I live for Thy dear sake. So passing, shall I be with Thee. " I pray the Lord my soul to take," So soon as life's book I have learned ; And give me strength, until that day To know each blessing must be earned. [388] A LITTLE PATCH OF SUNSHINE A LITTLE patch of sunshine Lay on the meadow grass, And smiled contentedly Though none that way did pass. She came along a starry path And sifted through the trees, And danced and played so cheerfully, Embracing all the leaves ! She rested in the clover's heart. She helped along the bees. Just glad to shine and warm and glow ; She couldn't help but please! And thus it is with you and me ; Though none may look, or care to see, A little patch of sunshine Each loving heart can be, And warm and cheer and glow and smile. And shine contentedly! [389] BROKEN There were days when the sun was not shining, Though 'twas lavish with spilled gold; There were times when the heart was downcast, With nothing to grasp or hold. There were nights, — O God, were they endless? Would you live them o'er for dawn's sake? Is there anything that the world can give Which pays for the hearts that break? There are lives all broken, uncherished. As derelicts of the sea; What kindly fate was it which succored us. That unnumbered among them are we. [390] NATURE'S OLDEN WAY The willow mourned, and shed its leaves ; The maples, blushing red, A Persian carpet o'er the earth For Winter's steps had spread. Garnered the meadow's waving grain ; The hillside's fruit was gathered ; The furry-folk were scurrying; To southward flew the feathered. To sleep until the springtime, Return with sunny weather, — Ah, this is Nature's olden way; Let us fare on together. [391] THINKING THOUGHTS 'Tis the way you think, not what you say, That will bring sunshine in the wake of day For what you think in your heart, is you ; And whate'er you think, you will be, or do. 'Tis for you to choose your colors true — To fall with the many, or rise with the few. 'Tis the way 3^ou think, not what you say. That will bring success and banish away The gloom of failure you call " hard-luck " When the situation needs but pluck To think the thought that the best is due And that nothing less belongs to you. [392J A SILVER STRAND There are souls so cramped by the mortal frame, That would wing on high from whence they came, But are tethered to earth by a silver strand Which is surely held by an angel hand. There are souls so fine, in this husk so rude, That they live and thrive but on spirit food ; And my own is sickened, and gravely sad, When I hear you say, " All men are bad." [393] LIFE Life is a block of granite : Day by day we chisel out The subject we have chosen. With steady hand, trained eye, and skill. We hew the flinty rock Till one day, lo, some semblance To the thing we had in mind, we see. When interest grows, more earnestly we toil. And smooth, and polish all. At last, complete, we see what we have made,- An everlasting credit to a name. Or there embolden, hewn for all of time, The failure of ourselves, — Ideals we saw, and tried, and failed to be. [394] IN THE SHADE It may be you must grow within the shade, — That you were meant for dark or quiet glade Where all the tenderest fronds put forth unseen Their lovely, lacelike leaves of fairy green. It may be you have never known the sun, Or glimpsed the place where fragrant flowers are spun Within the gold and warmth of open day ; No single beam, perhaps, has crossed your way. It may be you were meant in shade to grow ; We cannot choose where we would be, you know : But there are flowers and folk which ne'er knew light, _ Having their loved and holy place of might ; And if it be that thou art one of these, — Think of the Spring, and its wood-beauties, please. [395] LITTLE FOES If little foes that hide within the dark And use one's every effort as a mark For shrapnel deadly as to warriors known, But knew of all foes they're their very own, — If little foes who lurk to injure us Could know where most their ugly wounds abide, — They'd fling their weapons into Misery's sea, And come out in the light, nor harm nor hide. [396] COMMON CLAY 'Tis thought by most that we who constitute The scribbler class must at all times be mute And thinking thoughts somewhere beyond the sky; Never to be just like folks should we try. 'Tis funny, — oh, 'tis fun I say, to see These goggles looking through the soul of me ; And so it is we're not just common clay ; We're either better or worse off than they. L397J NO MORE No more thy silver lute will fling Its message on the wind; No more the harp of thy pure heart, In mine its echo find; No more the sighs of ecstasy O'er singer's note or song, — For thou art now a part of these, To heaven thou didst belong. But oh, within my inmost heart. Where fondest memories be, I'll ever keep thy sacred room All thine in sanctity. [398] GOOD-BY, OLD YEAR GooD-BY, Old Year ; I hate to see you leave. Many a day most dear Unto my heart will cleave Until I die. Only the foolish cry ; But I hate to say good-by, Old Year,— I hate to say good-by. Friends true are few, And you have been my friend ; No kinder Time than you Can Heaven send. If we might die Together, you and I, We would not say good-by. Old Year,- We would not say good-by. But Time goes on ; With years and friends we part. Promise of dawn Strengthens at eve, ah, many a heart. To rest is best When finished is the quest ; A tear. Old Year, on thy still breast. [399] "IN THE SILVER MORNING SEA" (Painting in Royal Academy of Arts, by Samuel Reid) When the blinding veil is lifted, And our finite eyes may see The glories of the vision Of immortality, — Will the mists of earth forsake us, Blank become life's memory, When our barque puts out for heaven " In the Silver Morning Sea "? Or with new sight all enraptured. Will earth's woes be forgot. With its memories of gladness Lost in some happier lot ? Is the unknown land so far away. They call Eternity, There's no returning, once we've crossed " The Silver Morning Sea "? Or is that sea right here with me? Do I stand on its strand While is it possible for thee To lead me b}^ the hand Where you have crossed, until I be Unveiled at last immortally. And know in life, — when chains are free, — There is no death: thou art here with me? [400] THE PASSER-BY Out of a stainless heaven (No debtor to you or me) A little child is given To love devotedly. Departing sun when day is done, — How dark can be night's sky Is only known to every one An angel passeth by ! Fragrant dream of loveliness From the Land-of-Love Where tangled rainbows glisten In a sky above, Comes maid of witching sweetness ; The time you look on her, You know by all the symbols That in you are astir. You'd always find it easy To be her worshipper ! . . . But tears fall on your unkissed cheek (First manly tears to cry) ; A rival takes her from you, — Your own, a passer-by ! Seek the humid warmth of eyes (Like there are no others) Understanding, always know The thrills that pass 'tween lovers. [401] But life's mask is feebler grown; A call comes that is Mother's : Church choir sings " Sweet by-and-by,' Our best friend — passeth by. The game of fame as hide-and-seek We play, and lay down with the weak ; And Life at last, 'gan with a cry, Is ended with a broken sigh. And this is what it means to live. As well as means to die? — A seeking, — finding, — vanishing: Merely — passing by. [402] IN THE SPRINGTIME So my days on earth are counted, When as mortal I must be ; As tender Spring puts forth again, Field grass will cover me In that little village churchyard Where my folks sleep tranquilly, Soothed by whispers from the meadows And the requiem of the sea. When the earth shall wear new garments And all nature promise gives, I shall share, at last. His promise. Where my Father lives. As my spirit dons its mantle, Sheds this husk, outworn and small. In the Springtime of my soul, Let no tear-drops fall. Would you weep when May-flowers blossom From the earth but now seemed dead? Would you grieve when springtime leaves Put forth overhead? Are you not glad when Winter's past, And Spring come in its stead? [403] A PRESCRIPTION I KNOW a man who says he's old ; And he's as old as old can be. His hide is wrinkled up like cream; One eye is blind, — he scarce can see ; And 3^et he's only forty-three. I saw a maid who says she's young ; And she is young, as all can see. Her rose-leaf skin is like a babe's, Her hair is golden as can he : And yet, this maid is ninety-three. [404] " SOMEBODY " SAID : Somebody dropped a word or two ; Somebody told the tale ; (" Somebody " started right here with you ; Think of it, — do not fail). Somebody added a mystery (Somebody who could mix) ; Some one " supposed " a chapter more ; — Got somebody in a fix. When Somebody's head was bursting, For the things that Somebody said, Somebody added the finis ; — Then Somebody's sick in bed. Somebody stands, a vulture. Over poor Somebody's bones. Doubtful where Somebody's gone at last: Pile on the sticks and stones ! [4f05] LIVE AND LET LIVE I LOVE to play with simple words That all can understand, And little themes of everyday, — The problem just at hand. I love to do the little things That others leave undone Because they are such little things They're shunned by every one. I'd love to play the little part That elevates the whole, — A word or two, a deed or two, Bespeaking heart and soul. I know 'tis only trifles make This fine mosaic life, Where every piece its pattern forms Complete though hewn with strife. And, after all, if we but knew The joy a mite can give, We'd never rest till you and I Attached, " Live and let live," To be our motto everywhere In the land that gave us birth. Till little words, and thoughts, and deeds, Supplant the woes of Earth. [406] FAERY SPRING Every rippling brooklet, Rumbling on its way Through the whispering woodland Strewn with blossoms gay, Sings a song of gladness: " Oh, at last 'tis May ! " Every little birdling In the pine or birch Practices a spring song, Swinging in God's church. Till the fields and meadows Send the larks to search For the feathered darlings Frolicsome with play, — 'Cause the Spring is here again ! Oh, at last 'tis May! [407] RESOLVED Forget the gloom. Adjust the loom, And try again A pattern new; Leave out pain. Blue is the color of fair skies, Where promise lies ; Then you need blue. Forget the gloom. Make room for rosy strands. Within thy hands The threads all idle lie ; I cannot weave for you. Then try thy colors well. Make each strand tell Towards fabric staunch and true; And work no thread into the woof Thou canst not look upon At last thy task is done. Thou canst not shun the pattern ; 'Tis thine own, thy best, — The threads, a test Of thy true self. Lest thou be judged amiss for this, For light make room, — Forget the gloom. [408] THE SWORD OF SELMA Great Wilson's sword was placed within my hand, Sword of that lofty hero of our land. I could have knelt all reverently to this, My loving lips its sacred hilt would kiss. O treasured relic of War's day and time, Thy warrior's valorous deeds were all-sublime. Possessed by him, thou art an honored blade. No soldier in our mighty land e'er paid To country's fame, posterity, or glory. Deeds nobler than entwine thy deathless story. With Time must every hero's soul pass on; But deeds like thine remain. So when the dawn Doth break, and at " the call " in thy life's ride, Thy name will live within the hearts of men : Hero and sword, thou art the Nation's pride ! [409] A LITTLE HALTING MESSAGE A LITTLE, halting message Was sent out on the night To help men bear their burdens, And make them see the light. It fluttered 'round and 'round about, Lost to the sender's e3"es, And e'en forgotten of the heart Which sung of God's own skies. But in a little room all bare, A soul went seeking God ; And that same halting message Was the sole sustaining rod On which the poor discouraged leaned. (It spoke of love divine; And through the night of agony, Love's steady ray did shine.) 'Twas pinned upon the coverlet, — Perhaps he said it o'er Until his earthly sight grew dim. And he reached heaven's shore. A little halting message, A word or two of right. May be the seed of forests, vast In their sheltering might. [410] THE GIFT Then give to me, if from all bounty I may choose, A conscience clear, which rues No day nor hour ill spent ; That, having all to do again. Would follow the same paths, And naught repent. [411] ANGELIC VOICE (Sembrich's "Silent Tears") The magic of a woman's voice, Like silver threads spun of the moon, — Ecstasy too fine for the heart's silence, At the utmost pinnacle of tune ! " Bravo ! " escapes our lips When we are like to swoon. Thy flute of human tones ! Sighs, calls, and moans As never instrument gave forth! The emotions of angels, When in Paradise they might rejoice, May sound for me again The harmony of thy angelic voice ! [412] A CROSS He left a wife and child when country called him ; He bravely fought for his loved fatherland; He sacrificed love, home, and gave his life up ; — He held a little iron cross in his hand. [413] " WEAVING " Meadows all a-whisper, Daisies in the grass, Hearts of gold a story hold For you, my lad and lass ! Summer winds a-quiver Crinkle up the river Where the white wings pass! One by one with hearts of gold This the song the daisies told : " Oh, life, with its losses and gains. Weaving its daisy chains ! Each with a grace And a pure, smiling face, Weaving its daisy chains ! Love, with its pleasures and pains ! Time, with its sunshine and rains ! War, with its valor and stains ! — Weaving, weaving, weaving. Weaving its daisy chains ! " Leaves all turned to crimson, Falling on the ground! Story told, that's old, — so old, — Of a new-made mound; Winter snows a-sifting, Icy clouds a-drifting In the skies abound! One by one with flaming cheek, [4^14] This is the tale the leaves bespeak: " Oh life, with its light and shade, A wreath on a grave we've laid ! At last the sere and fallen leaf! The spirit fled, but left the sheaf ! But naught is lost, if a garland weaves Fond memories of our loving leaves Till in that spring we shall be seen, And kept for aye, — aye, — evergreen ! " [4*15] EVERYBODY'S HAVEN A PLAIN, high, solid structure. All covered o'er with vines ; A vast expanse of green around; Pillars where rose entwines; The holly-hocks as sentinels Guarding the portico Where restful armchairs wait to greet The ones that need them so ! A portal wide and spacious, — Ne'er under lock or key, — W^here every homeless one could find. Without cold charity, A welcome smile of cheerful kind. Which bade them not to roam : — And this is what I call in dreams, My " Everybody's Home." Attached to this, — for all who found Such peace of life within They longed to take up living near Where they'd contented been, — Broad acres, tilled and fertile land. Abundant, free, and rich. Where these shall have the right to work. Instead of in the ditch ; And profit share in all the crops. As mutual owners, free from harm: — And this is what I dream I own, — An " Everybody's Farm." [416] Across the road, set on a hill, A meeting-house for all who pray ; Where neither creed nor altar cross Send a traveler on his way ; But whosoever with his God Would sit apart, or speak aloud. Or take from here to his last rest, With prayer and hope, one in his shroud; Where never quarrels nor sects besmirch : — My dream-church, " Everybody's Church." [417] THE SIGNAL I CALLED to the night with its wondrous stars, And freedom's flag with its union and bars ; I spoke to the winds and the tides and the sea, — " Why cannot mankind know liberty? " The night grew darker, and black and gray; The flag of freedom waved day by day : The winds communed with the tides and sea; But nothing, — nothing would answer me ! I saw the fields lay waste in the rain. And soldiers trample the full ripe grain; I saw what the subjects of thrones endure ; Homes fatherless, sonless ; all rich, all poor. And the darkest night that the world has known Sent back in answer, " These are mine own." But the Flag of Freedom spoke to me, " I am waving a signal across the sea." [«8] CASTLE OF DELIGHT I DREAMT I was a princess In a castle called " Delight," Where the fairies came and fetched me As I slept at home one night. But I woke to find a dungeon, And a cell with shackle-chains. And a jailer who was crabbed. Even blind to human pains ! I dreamt I was a prisoner In a fortress far from home. With a gun, on picket duty, Through long days and nights alone But I woke to find my country All at peace, — where all were free ; And I traded off my castle For this dream of liberty ! [419] TO HONOR BRIGHT I MET a pilgrim down the road That wends unto the West ; He asked of me which way to turn, — What path I deemed the best. " And what seek ye ? " I questioned him. " And whither would'st thou go? D