. hiloso 
 
 , E.F. Ha-yvc^ard 
 
HAYWARD'S 
 
 PHILOSOPHY 
 
 ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 BY 
 
 E. F. HAYWARD 
 
 AUTHOR OF TWO-BITS, MONOLOGUES, ETC. 
 
 Copyright 1914, by E. F. Hayward 
 Conover, Wis. 
 

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 CI,A37<)103 
 
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E. F. HAYWARD 
 
IT seems good to get back to the old home and 
 neighbortJ, 
 Where once I was known to the whole neighborhood; 
 And shared in their joys, their sorrows and labors. 
 And bore their respect as an honest man should. 
 
 Those were the days when qualitj- counted, 
 
 When honor was reckoned more precious than gold; 
 
 Where dollars and cents to but little amounted, 
 And nobody suffered from hunger and cold. 
 
 Where the weak and the aged were never neglected. 
 Where, to real human kindness, dame nature gave 
 birth; 
 
 And purity then, was the tirst thing- protected, 
 And a man's word of honor was all he was worth. 
 
 This is the place which I tired of, deserted; 
 
 Went out to seek fortune and fame, as I thought. 
 But now I've returned, and I'm fully converted 
 
 The old home is best, and I'll here cast my lot. 
 
 I've been out in the world with its noise and confusion, 
 Where selfishness reigns, in the getting of gold; 
 
 Where to advocate honor is deemed an intrusion. 
 Where virtue and manhood, are openl}' sold. 
 
 Yes, I'm glad to get back, I was homesick and wear}-, 
 I've been longing to hear the word "welcome" again; 
 
 It makes this old world seem a whole lot morecheer}- 
 Seems just like the sunshine right after the rain. 
 
DID you ever i^et homesick, know how it feels 
 When the lonesomest sickness all over 3'ou steals? 
 Your heart seems to sink away down in your shoes. 
 And you can't eat or sleep just because of the blues; 
 
 Your work drags along^, in a haphazard way, 
 There's nothing- that cheers 3'ou, nor makes 3on feel 
 
 say- 
 
 Your bod}- is here, but 3'our spirit has flown; 
 That's why j'ou're homesick, and feel all alone. 
 
 You'd like to sit down and have a good cry, 
 
 But fear someone might notice the tear in jour eye. 
 
 As sweet recollections of times long ago 
 
 Are brought to 3'our memory, in colors aglow, 
 
 Your spirit is back where 3'ou're longing to be, 
 And is seeing the faces j'ou're longing to see. 
 When the spirit gets restless and anxious to roam. 
 Get up and go with it, jou're homesick, go home! 
 
C HERE'S no luse coiiiplaitiiny;, whatever befall yoii, 
 Perhaps all your cares are but blessings dis- 
 guised; 
 There are variou.^ ways in which duty may call 3'on, 
 To work out the plan she so wisely devised. 
 
 Just take it for granted 3'onr task is essential, 
 A part most important in nature's great plan; 
 
 For a duty well done is a noble credential, 
 And one to be honored, by God and 1)3^ man. 
 
 So bravel3- perform ever3' dut3^ assigned 3'on, 
 And never complain of the burdens 3'ou bear. 
 
 And 3^ou will find pleasures enough to remind you 
 That life has more J03's, than hardships and care. 
 
 ^T ■ HKN a little child at school, I learned a lesson. 
 ^1^^ Which to me, has been the liest I ever learned: 
 And in a thousand \va3s, has proved a blessing, 
 When defeat; into success, for me it turned. 
 
 I used to sa3' ''I can't" when prot)lems stalled me — 
 
 I'd sa3' it oftentimes before I'd tr3^; 
 One da3' m3' teactier to the blackboard called me, 
 
 And had me write "I can't," then add, r-3'. 
 
 Divide the last six letters in the middle, 
 
 And 3'ou'll find you have a "Motto" to live b3'; 
 
 You've removed a stumbling blockand solved a riddle, 
 When you've changed the phrase '"I can't" to "I can 
 try." 
 
BAD liabits are lionnds, which we take in and feed; 
 You don't have to coax them at all; 
 Just g-ive them one meal; the3''ll return, that's their 
 breed — 
 You won't have to whistle or call. 
 
 Thej^'U follow your track wherever j^ou go, 
 Although you are sure you don't need them; 
 
 They're right at your heels, be your gait fast or slow, 
 They'll be with you as long as you feed them. 
 
 They get active and strong on the food thej^ are fed, 
 They think you are weak so won't mind 3'ou; 
 
 Thej' run on ahead, and refuse to be led, 
 Or to travel beside, or behind you. 
 
 They hamper your speed, thej^ are right in your way; 
 
 When 3'ou're hunting a job, the3''re around; 
 But the man who would hire, and good wages pa3-. 
 
 Doesn't want a man "led b3^ a hound." 
 
 You've no use for a hound, you're ashamed to be seen 
 
 With a dog, that is stronger than 3'ou; 
 You're sorrj^ 3^ou fed him, he turned out so mean. 
 
 But you hav^e him, so what can 3'ou do? 
 
 There's but one way to shake him, don't feed him a 
 thing; 
 
 Starvation will drive him awa3'; 
 When you know all the trouble bad habits will bring, 
 
 Starve them out, do not keep them one da3'. 
 
TF yon have a grotich and are feelino- blue, 
 And you think the world has it in for j^on, 
 You're out of a job, and the rent most due, 
 And your chances of winning seem very few, 
 All the chums 5'ou had, and the friends you knew, 
 Have faded awaj^ for they were not true, 
 Your last red cent from the bank you drew, 
 And for provisions, the same 5'ou blew. 
 And for j^etting- more, 3'ou haven't a clue. 
 You worry and fret and fuss and stew, 
 And b}' your fretting, more troubles brew; 
 Your lucky star seems lost to view. 
 And hard luck sticks to you like glue, 
 Your true blue friends have lost their hue, 
 Not one volunteers to help j^ou pull through, 
 And 5'our last fond hope took wings and flew. 
 There's but one thing left for you to do — 
 "Go burj' 3'our troubles, and start anew." 
 
CHERE'S a little streak of jealous)' in ever}' human 
 heart; 
 This tin}^ smouldering- ember, bursts to flame, with 
 
 sudden start; 
 When we see another doino- things which we have 
 
 failed to do, 
 And win the plaudits of the world, we'd like to do it 
 
 too. 
 Altho' we honor genius, cheer the one who wins the 
 
 race. 
 Still, we feel down in our bosom, that we'd like to take 
 
 his place; 
 Tho' we'd not usurp the honors that another man has 
 
 won, 
 Nor take from him his medals, nor ignore the things 
 
 he's done, 
 Tho' we recognize his greatness, give him glor)-, honor, 
 
 faine. 
 There is something seems to tell us, that we could 
 
 have done the same. 
 I consider this a blessing, for it spurs us on, to tr}^ 
 And do the things which bring applause; the noble, 
 
 great, and high; 
 It would not tnake us simulate the vicioxis, vile or 
 
 weak, 
 It is a blessing in disguise, this little jealous streak. 
 
TF we could see aliead a little waj^ 
 And know what is in store for us tomorrow, 
 Just peep beyond the curtains of today 
 And get a glimpse of future joy or sorrow, 
 
 Would we be able to forestall the bad, 
 And in its stead have only pure and g'ood, 
 
 Or, would that knowledge only make us sad, 
 I wonder as I ponder if it would? 
 
 Perhaps 'tis better that we cannot see 
 
 Bej'ond the veil which hides tomorrow's light, 
 
 And living thus in doubt, perhaps we'll be 
 
 Much happier with the things which are in sight. 
 
CHE world owes yon a livino- 
 And should pay np, every day; 
 You should never have misgivino- 
 That she's not the best of pay. 
 
 'Twas a debt imposed upon her 
 
 When she brought us here, on earth; 
 
 And we cannot doubt her honor 
 For we're her's bj^ right of birth. 
 
 Yes, she'll meet this obligation, 
 And you cannot but respect her; 
 
 When she makes this stipulation 
 You must he jour own collector. 
 
 We cannot be like new born birds 
 
 And sit within our nest; 
 And without effort, act, or words, 
 
 Have nature bring the best. 
 
 'Tis nature's plan that each shall do 
 Some part of life's great work; 
 
 And for that service she'll pay you— 
 But never, when j^ou shirk. 
 
CHK waj' some people worrj' seems to me so very 
 strange, 
 For I can pass up vvorr}^ with a bluff; 
 I never worr}' over things I'm sure I cannot chang'e, 
 For if I did, I'd worry sure enough. 
 
 Now what's the use to worry over losses great or small? 
 
 It will not add one penn}' to your pile; 
 So when you feel you're crowded right up against the 
 wall, 
 
 Just climb the wall, and sit up there, and smile. 
 
 Hard luck stories are too common— we hear them 
 everj^ day, 
 'Tis a habit formed by some, wlien they are blue; 
 As for me, I always tell them things are coming all 
 my way, 
 And I smile, to make them think my words are true. 
 
 The world will always listen when you tell of lucky 
 strikes. 
 
 She hears you when you laugh and cheers your song; 
 But I don't know of anyone who really truly likes 
 
 To meet the man who's kicking, all day long. 
 
 We all have disappointments, that is true; 
 
 To forget them is a noble trait in man; 
 Never let your troubles trouble anyone but you; 
 
 Cut out worry, smile and whistle when you can. 
 
D 
 
 ON'T wait until your friends are dead 
 Before yon bring^ them flowers, 
 
 Go pluck the pansj^ from its bed 
 And cheer their living^ hours. 
 
 Don't wait until they've passed away 
 Then give them but a tear, 
 
 But do instead, something to-daj' 
 To cheer them while they're here. 
 
 A pleasant word, a look, or smile 
 Will help them while the}^ live. 
 
 Just try it once; 'tis worth the while. 
 These are the flowers to give. 
 
 Just try to-day to help somehow, 
 Some aching heart and head. 
 
 You'd better give a pansy now. 
 Than orchids when the5''re dead. 
 
C HERE'S a sense of satisfaction, 
 When we feel we've done our best, 
 Tho' we lose out by a fraction. 
 When put to the hardest test. 
 
 Tho' we never wear a laurel wreath 
 
 Upon our manly brow, 
 We need not feel that we're beneath 
 
 The one who wears it now. 
 
 We tried our best to win the race, 
 And used the strength we had, 
 
 Although we failed to win first place, 
 We ran, and we are glad. 
 
 Another, stronger than the rest, 
 
 Outsped us from the start; 
 We simpl}' did our level best. 
 
 With bod3', brain and heart. 
 
 We tried to win, the same as he, 
 But lost through lack of force; 
 
 Where there's a winner, there must be 
 A loser, too, of course. 
 
 Tho' we do not wear a medal bright 
 
 Upon our manly breast. 
 We're satisfied we did just right, 
 
 We did our level best. 
 
yTBHKN trouble stares 3'ou in tlie face 
 ^j^P And hardships sore oppress yon, 
 Perhaps thej^'ll help you win the race, 
 They torture, then the}^ bless j'ou. 
 
 It might be you would lag- behind 
 
 But for the goad of sorrow, 
 The loser of today, ma}' find 
 
 A way to win tomorrow. 
 
 Don't give up hope because of grief, 
 
 And let your aspirations die, 
 Another daj^ maj' bring relief, 
 
 And 3'ou'll be happy bye and bj^e. 
 
 Just live your life each day and hour 
 The best 3^ou can, and murmur not; 
 
 Your sovil will gain in strength and power, 
 And happiness shall be your lot. 
 
 The darkest night can only stay 
 
 A little while, tlien comes the light; 
 
 Our sorrows too, inust pass away, 
 And joy and pleasure loom in sight. 
 
 So keep right on, and trust and sniile, 
 And do each day your level best; 
 
 Then j'our reward will be worth while, 
 If you've been tried and stood the test. 
 
mANY times I've heard repeated this old saying- 
 trite and trxie, 
 "Cast 3our bread upon the waters, and it will return to 
 
 you." 
 It nia}' not come back tomorrow, you may have to wait 
 
 awhile; 
 Don't despair, nor be impatient, wait and watch and 
 
 trust and smile; 
 For the law of compensation deals alike, with one and 
 
 all; 
 As you planted in the spring-time, 3'ou shall harvest 
 
 in the fall. 
 Kvery little act of kindness, every little word of praise, 
 Tho' forgotten for the moment, shall return in manj^ 
 
 daj's. 
 We may pra}- in faith believing, pra}', and wait, then 
 
 pra}' again; 
 If the answer seem belated, we ma)^ think our prajers 
 
 in vain; 
 If 'tis best for us to have it, we shall get our heart's de- 
 sire; 
 Just be patient, good and trusting, and to noble things 
 
 aspire; 
 Do each day some act that's noble, cheer some heart 
 
 dr3' someone's tears; 
 Your reward is sure and certain, as you'll find in after 
 
 3'ears. 
 
TF we would weigh the words we sa}' 
 And speak but those we mean, 
 We'd save a lot of talk each daj- 
 And keep onr conscience clean. 
 
 The idle words we often speak 
 
 And promises we make, 
 If g-iven credence tjj' the weak, 
 
 Maj' cause some heart to ache. 
 
 We never know the sufferino- 
 
 An idle word may start, 
 You never can erase a thinjr 
 
 You've written on a heart. 
 
 So, I sa5^ weioh each sentence well. 
 
 And as I've said before, 
 Yon ma}' not have so much TO TELlv, 
 
 But you'll MEAN a whole lot more. 
 
(U 
 
 HKx\ the heart i; 
 o rieves, 
 
 ^ad, and the spirit 
 
 And the hot tears flow, and all gladness leaves, 
 
 The world seems lonel)-, and cold and drear. 
 
 With scarcely a hope that would yive us cheer, 
 
 Yet ninst we live; we have no choice. 
 
 But must wait till we hear that still small voice. 
 
 And if while waitino^, we'd work and praj', 
 
 'Twould surel}' bring- ns a brighter da)'; 
 
 We'd soon forget all our cares and sorrow. 
 
 In praj'ing today for a better tomorrow. 
 
 We never can tell what tomorrow may bring. 
 
 While there's life there's hope, and to hope we 
 
 should cling; 
 Trusting all-wise-God who has placed us here 
 To light up our pathway, and make it clear, 
 And tomorrow will come with its joy full measure. 
 And life to us then will be filled with pleasure. 
 When you feel 'tis easier to cry than smile. 
 Just keep on working and pra3'ing awhile. 
 
mAN'S nature seems to be to crave 
 The things that bring- apphiuse and fame; 
 To do some act considered brave, 
 And call attention to his name. 
 
 Some born of genius win apphiuse 
 
 With scarce an effort on their part, 
 While some, l)y nature's unknown laws, 
 
 Have disappointment from the start. 
 
 Some risk their lives in doing things, 
 
 Which at the most could bring but wealth; 
 
 Which most invariabl}^ takes wings 
 And leaves them broken down in health. 
 
 I've seen it all, in mj- few 3'ears, 
 I've watched the passing show go I)}'; 
 
 I've learned these things are bought with tears, 
 There's naught but good can satisfy. 
 
Bow 111:1113^ so-called friends we find 
 If we just take and sort'eni, 
 
 That's just the common thoughtless kitid, 
 The kind we call post mortem. 
 
 They overlook jour virtjies now, 
 And never think to praise j'ou; 
 
 But at 3'our grave their heads the}' bow, 
 And weep as thongh to raise 3'ou. 
 
 The)' speak their word of praise too late, 
 And when at last they've said it, 
 
 Your soul has passed the pearl)' ffate, 
 Before the)' gave you credit. 
 
 IF you have a talent, use it; 
 Do not try to hide away 
 Such a blessing-, nor abuse it, 
 You may lose it any day. 
 
 Maybe God has only lent it 
 Just to see what yon will do; 
 
 If you foolishly have spent it, 
 Or have hidden it from view, 
 
 You have wronged the one who gave it, 
 Also done yourself a wrong; 
 
 If you have a talent, save it, 
 Or you may not have it long. 
 
TF we should get the things for which we've prajed 
 The things we thought we could not live without, 
 And had to keep all promises we've made, 
 Believing we'd make good, without a doubt, 
 
 What a world of trouble we'd be in todaj^; 
 
 We'd have our life and liberty at stake, 
 If we'd get all the things for which we pra}^ 
 
 And fulfill ever}' promise that we make. 
 
 We pray each day for things which seem the best. 
 The things we feel would bring us perfect bliss; 
 
 And tomorrow, we would earnestly request 
 Some blessing, just the opposite to this. 
 
 We promise everything within our power. 
 We make new pledges almost ever}- day; 
 
 If we'd make good, we'd never find an hour 
 In which to make new pledges, or to pra^'. 
 
yy BHKN love comes in and reigns supreme, 
 ^l^pWe realize our fondest dream; 
 The answer to our fervent prayer, 
 Which drives away all doubt and care. 
 
 For love, when once it fills the heart. 
 Becomes the active ruling part, 
 Supplies the mind with thoughts all pure, 
 Safeguards the soul, makes us secure. 
 
 Makes glad the heart that's had a care, 
 Brings joy and sunshine everywhere, 
 Gives birth to patience, virtue, prayer. 
 Makes heav}' burdens light to bear. 
 
 The strongest element in man 
 And first of all, in God's great plan. 
 It fills the soul with perfect bliss; 
 There's naught but love can do all this. 
 
CHE plan of nature seems to be, 
 That we should have varietj-; 
 
 The rich and poor, the g-ood and bad, 
 The weak and might}', gaj' and sad, 
 The meek and hauoht^^ hioh and low, 
 All take a part in life s great show. 
 
 Each one must play his little part. 
 As nature planned it from the start; 
 Some crave applause and heart}' cheers. 
 While some would move j'our heart to tears. 
 Each actor has his part to learn, 
 And each must do his little turn. 
 
 No matter how his taste it suits, 
 
 He cannot put on substitutes: 
 
 And whether cheers or hisses greet, 
 
 Their lines once said, they can't repeat; 
 
 The}' leave the stage with hurried pace. 
 
 And other actors take tlieir place. 
 
TIIAVK prn3aHl to the Lord to oiiide me nrioht, 
 To lead me from darkness oxit into the Hylit; 
 To sliow me the path that is godl}- and true, 
 And point out the things he would have me to do. 
 
 My soul has cried out in its anguish and grief, 
 For a message from heaven to bring me relief; 
 Tho' I've stood on the brink of the Chasm Despair, 
 Where one s-tep would take me away over there, 
 
 Yet, his love and his pit}' have urged me to staj', 
 With a glimmering hope of another bright daj'; 
 And my spirit calls out from the darkness of night,' 
 And tells me keep on and not give up the fight. 
 
 So it must be, that somehow, the Lord has it planned, 
 That I'm doing all right, tho' I can't understand; 
 So I'll follow the path he has laid out for me, 
 And welcome the finish whatever it be. 
 
CHE rarest thing- on earth todaj*, 
 No matter where you go, 
 Is the man who's not ashamed to sa}', 
 "I really do not know." 
 
 If 3'ou seek for infonnation, 
 .Inst let 3'onr wants be known, 
 
 And 3 on'll hear a fine oration 
 On the things you would be shown. 
 
 No matter what the subject be, 
 Nor of whom 3'ou ask advice, 
 
 You'll get the information free, 
 Though dear at half that price. 
 
 I'd like to meet the fellow, who 
 When asked how diamonds grow, 
 
 Would simpl3" smile, and sa3- to 3^ou 
 "I'm sure I do not ktiow." 
 
T'D rather say "I'll try" than say "I will", 
 Tlien should I fail, my word is good and true; 
 But when yon proniir^e, and fail to fulfill, 
 The world has little confidence in you. 
 
 Don't set a date to do a thing, unless 
 You're absolutely sure jou'll meet that date; 
 
 For 3^ou have given out a pi-omise, not a guess, 
 And something might occur, to make you late. 
 
 'Tis well to make a promise when j'our sure, 
 But even then, 3oi;'d better say "I'll tr3^" 
 
 For disappointed friends would be the fewer, 
 And no one then could sa}-, "3'ou told a lie." 
 
REMEMBER 1113' friend when sowing yonr seeds, 
 To choose with great care every grain; 
 For in everj' h\rge field there is sure to lie weeds, 
 So be careful, don't plant thein again. 
 
 Select every seed with the greatest of care, 
 
 Casting out ever3'thing that is bad; 
 And then, at the harvest, you'll have as 3'our share, 
 
 A field that will make 3^our heart glad. 
 
 Being careless at seed time is work thrown away, 
 And the harvest will show the mistakes; 
 
 So choose every word that 3^ou speak every da3% 
 And see what a difference it makes. 
 
 C EAVES a turnin', bonfires bnrnin', 
 Chill3^ breeze an' smok\' air; 
 
 Nuts a fallin', squirrels callin'. 
 Blush on apple, peach and pear; 
 
 Pumpkin 3'ellow, ripe an' mellow, 
 Grain all cut, an' ha3' iti stack; 
 
 An3' wonder that a fellow 
 Welcomes dear old autumn back? 
 
TF we had the sunshine only, 
 And no cloixds to hide the sky, 
 We'd soon be sad and lonely. 
 For the flowers all would die. 
 
 We welcome bright sunshiny days. 
 
 They cause the earth to smile; 
 We love them best and give most praise. 
 
 When it has rained awhile. 
 
 Wise nature gives us pleasure after pain, 
 She makes us sad awhile, and then she cheers; 
 
 The sun shines all the brighter after rain. 
 Just as the eyes shine brighter after tears. 
 
#^^^IS eas3' enough to censure another; 
 
 ^^ Instead of extending- a brotherly liand, 
 
 And g-ivinjr advice like a father or mother, 
 
 Lift him up on his feet and help him to stand. 
 
 We pose as the judges of those all about us, 
 Forgetting that we are as weak as the rest; 
 
 We feel this old world couldn't move on without us, 
 That of God's chosen children, we are purest 
 and best. 
 
 We're too busy to help another who's falling, 
 Too pure to reach down in the gutter to save 
 
 A brother or sister, who's hopelessly calling 
 For someone to snatch them from sin and the grave. 
 
 We pose as saints, placed on earth among sinners, 
 We're too jealous to lift them to our higii estate, 
 
 But sometime we'll find that the others are winners; 
 Then we'd gladly change places, but find 'tis too late. 
 
77 I ^^^^ ^'^^ heart is full of sorrow, 
 ^I^P And the head is full of pain, 
 And 3'ou dread to see tomorrow 
 Witli its added cares and strain. 
 
 When the charm of life has vanished 
 And j'ou see no lioht ahead, 
 
 All 3'our fondest hopes are banished, 
 And 3^ou live among the dead. 
 
 Kverj^ hope which yon had cherished, 
 Ever}' friend jou thoui^ht was true, 
 
 In a day the}' all have perished; 
 Then my friend 'tis up to j'ou. 
 
 Up to 3'ou to hi>ht lone-handed, 
 Win or lose, f>o right ahead; 
 
 Your'e in luck to be just stranded, 
 Just suppose that you were dead. 
 
 Dead men leave all hope behind them, 
 Live men have a fighting chance; 
 
 Joys abound, and j'ou will find them; 
 Wake j'our soul from out its trance! 
 
eVERYTHING is lovely when the tide is running 
 high, 
 When you've friends and money plenty and no grief 
 
 to bring a sigh, 
 Then the world is full of gladness, and you're truly 
 
 glad to live. 
 And there's not a pleasure offered but you have the 
 price to give. 
 
 Then the world is full of flowers, and your path with 
 roses spread, 
 
 All your thoughts are for the living, for to you there's 
 nothing dead; 
 
 But the tide is ever changing, there must be an ebb and 
 flow, 
 
 Be prepared to meet the changes when the tide is run- 
 ning low. 
 
 When 3'our hand has lost its cunning, and your words 
 
 have lost their charm, 
 Many things you thought were pleasures brought 
 
 you only pain and harm, 
 And the friends who flocked about you not so very 
 
 long ago. 
 Have deserted, left you stranded, 'cause the tide was 
 
 running low. 
 
DON'T take it for jiranted a thino- must be true 
 Just because from some book you have read it; 
 If it does not sound right, and seem true to j'ou, 
 Don't believe it, no matter who said it. 
 
 Apply this same rule to the gossiping herd 
 Who speak slighting words of each other; 
 
 And never take stock in any man's word 
 Who is knocking at soine absent brother. 
 
 Don't keep as an heirloom the time worn ideas 
 Handed down through your family for ages. 
 
 Unless they'll apply to j'our life in these jears, 
 Although the3' were uttered bj' sages. 
 
 Three great factors hold progress in check, 
 
 Superstition, then custom and fear; 
 They're the shoals upon which is cast many a wreck. 
 
 For reason is not there to steer. 
 
 So cast off the things which are ancient and stale. 
 
 Traditions all tattered and torn; 
 Quit floating an ark, get a ship that will sail; 
 
 In this wa}' are the best thinkers born. 
 
VOU cannot client on nattire's scales, 
 They weij>ii exactl}' tnie; 
 
 On purchases, the same as sales, 
 The3''ll weigh the same for j^oii. 
 
 Don't think of cheating- when j'ou sell, 
 
 The weig-ht must be exact; 
 For the dial on the scales will tell 
 
 Of anything held back. 
 
 The weights you use in selling, 
 Will be used when you must buy; 
 
 And there's nothing made in telling, 
 Any kind of business lie. 
 
 ONH; thing alone makes life worth living, 
 'Tis just the privilege of giving; 
 For all we shall have on the judgment daj. 
 Are the few small things we have given awaj' 
 
TLOVK the autumn clear and fair, 
 riie pinej- scented balnij^ air, 
 
 With health and strenjjth in every breeze, 
 Fresh from lakes and forest trees. 
 
 No other time in all the jear. 
 So full of life and health and cheer; 
 For this and manj' other reasons, 
 I love it best of all the seasons. 
 
 'Tis then the hunter with his gun 
 Goes forth, to have a little fun; 
 Kind nature heard the angler's wish, 
 And gave him autumn da3's to fish. 
 
 The trees aglow with colors bright, 
 A njillion rainbows all in sight; 
 The song birds sing their sweetest tune, 
 As welcome as the}- were in June. 
 
 Instinctivel}' thej' seem to know 
 When autumn closes, the}' must g^o. 
 And each his favorite song does sing, 
 The same sweet song we heard in spring. 
 
 A squirrel scampers up a tree, 
 And from the top he watches me, 
 And keeps an e3'e upon his store, 
 Where he has carried nuts galore. 
 
 A rabbit running- on his trail 
 Scares from its hiding place, a quail. 
 You think 3'ou hear an arm}' coming, 
 Ah, no! 'Tis but a partridge drumnjing. 
 
 I love to listen, look and think, 
 And from the fount of nature drink; 
 A taste of heaven this must be, 
 I'd revel in its ecstac}'. 
 
T'M just a common laborer. I toil from sun to sun; 
 I was not born to riches, nor for oflice ever run; 
 I simply do my duty, earn my bread bj^ honest work. 
 No matter what my lot has been, I've never tried to 
 
 shirk. 
 My hands are rough and horny, they've never worn a 
 
 glove; 
 But the heart within mj' bosom, is as tender as a dove. 
 I love m3' wife and babies, I'm sure they all love me. 
 There never was a family that's happier than we, 
 Our food tho' plain, is wholesome; there's plenty of it 
 
 too; 
 Our clothing plain, but always clean, our luxuries are 
 
 few; 
 By luxuries, I mean the things which gold alone can 
 
 buy. 
 But love provides us many things which gold cannot 
 
 supplj'. 
 We have no thought of envy for things beyond our 
 
 reach. 
 We live the quiet simple life, and practice wliat we 
 
 preach. 
 Yes, I'm supremely happj^; I can labor every day; 
 We have no debts, because we live within our meager 
 
 pay; 
 To the world I'm but a toiler, but the world's a little 
 
 thing, 
 Compared to wife and babies, for to them, I am a 
 
 king. 
 
CAKK the perfitine of the rose, 
 Take the gentlest breeze that blows, 
 Take the sweetest of 3'our dreams. 
 Take the sparkling- mountain streams. 
 Take the honey from the flower, 
 Take the sunshine and tfie shower, 
 Take the song the angels sing, 
 Take the clearest bells that ring, 
 Take the sweetest voice you've heard, 
 Take the warble of a bird. 
 Take the brightest star that shines, 
 Take the odor of the pines. 
 Take the jo}' of lover's kiss, 
 Take a peep at perfect bliss. 
 Take the sparkle of a gem, 
 Take, I say, take all of them; 
 Kverj'thing I've named above, 
 And they spell the one word "LoVE." 
 
^"M harmless fellow was poor "Old Doc" 
 ^^M But a target for everj' jibe and knock; 
 The first to be called to nurse the sick 
 And all the pay he received was a kick. 
 
 A hand}^ old nian in the neighborhood 
 Yet thej' seldom spoke of his points of good; 
 His was a life with but little of jo}', 
 An invalid wife and a crippled boj'. 
 
 When the poor wife died his heart was l)roke 
 For she'd helped him carry the heavy joke; 
 His sight soon failed with the scalding tears. 
 As he wept over hardships he'd borne for j'ears. 
 
 He had no mone}' his debts to pay, 
 So his home by a mortgage was swept away. 
 The race to the poor house was quickl3' run 
 B}- poor "Old Doc" and his crip])ied son. 
 
 With broken spirit and wounded ])ride 
 Poor "Old Doc" soon sickened and died. 
 In a cheap pine box his body was sealed, 
 And hustled awa}' to the Potter's field. 
 
 Knroute to the grave, they met a man 
 W^ho, stopping the silent caravan, 
 Asked the cripple if soineone was dead 
 He answered, "That's m}' father ahead." 
 
 Of funeral and flowers "Old Doc" had none, 
 And his onl}' mourner his crippled son. 
 In an unmarked grave they laid him away 
 To await the call on the Jxidgment Daj'. 
 
 On the Judgment Day when the dead shall arise. 
 Don't 3'ou think there would be a great surprise. 
 If the truest Christians the graves shall jdeld 
 Would answer the call from the Potter's Field? 
 
Co o-et the best the world affords, 
 Which ever^'one should do, 
 I've noticed this, if 3^011 look towards 
 The top, 'tis rio-ht in view. 
 
 This rule applies to man}- thinofs, 
 
 And is not apt to fail — 
 From common laborers, to kings — 
 
 Or things displa)'ed for sale. 
 
 The better kind you'll never find 
 Beneath the poorer grade; 
 
 Thej^ never stop 'till at the top. 
 You'll find THE BEST displayed. 
 
CHE greatest heroes in the world, are those who 
 fight alone; 
 Heroically they win or lose, nor let their names be 
 
 known; 
 The}' crave no wreath of laurel, nor have a thought 
 
 of fame, 
 Though thej' fight "the silent battles," thej' are heroes 
 just the same. 
 
 THAVK no fear of this thing called death. 
 When the bod}' goes back to the earth; 
 And we simply surrender to nature, the breath 
 That was breathed in our nostrils at birtii. 
 
 I know not the plan of the Great Architect, 
 
 Nor question His wisdom at all; 
 He gave me mj' being, and I must expect 
 
 To give back the same, at His call. 
 
 No, I'll not be afraid, when my time comes to die, 
 I'll leave this old world with a smile; 
 
 But I'm not quite ready to say good b3'e, 
 I would put it off for awhile. 
 
ONE need not go to foreign land 
 To be a missionary; 
 Jiist do the work that is at hand; 
 TJiat's all that's necessary. 
 
 The world is full of sin and strife, 
 
 We see it ever3'where 
 Where human souls and human life 
 
 Are stepping in a snare. 
 
 If yon would save a soul or two, 
 
 Don't go across the seas, 
 There's plenty here for you to do 
 
 In saving some of these. 
 
 The weak and sinful both are here 
 In this enlightened nation; 
 
 Don't be surprised if they appear 
 AjTiong your own relation. 
 
 If saving souls be what you crave. 
 You have not far to roam; 
 
 Just ask the Lord your own to save, 
 Then go to work at home. 
 
BK on your »rnard for the tempter is near yoti. 
 In search of a weak spot where he may attack; 
 
 He's a coward and sneak, and has reason to fear yon, 
 Like a hound he comes sneaking- along on 3'our track. 
 
 He's afraid to come up and tell 3'ou his mission, 
 He's afraid to expose his vile face to 3^our view; 
 
 He strikes when he finds you in weakened condition, 
 His arrows are poison, his aim quick and true. 
 
 He knows all your thoughts, 30ur moods and 3'our 
 passions. 
 
 He's planningj'our downfall from morning 'till night; 
 The snares and the pitfalls he cunning!}- fasliions, 
 
 Are not in YOUR path, if 3'ou keep to tlie right. 
 
VOU can overthrow an army, j'oii can vanquish 
 ever}- foe, 
 You can scale the tallest mountain, regardless its 
 height; 
 You can perform the miracles if 30U reallj^ trul}' know 
 And feel down in j'our soul, 3'ou're doing right. 
 
 The tasks which seemed a burden when 3^ou tried to 
 work alone, 
 Are pleasures when the darkness turns to light; 
 And all the doubt and worry of the old life will have 
 flown, 
 If j'ou feel down in your heart you're doing right. 
 
 Throw off the shackles of the past, that made your 
 progress slow; 
 Act manfull}- in ever3'thing, and keep 3'our honor 
 bright; 
 You'll find that life's worth living ever3'where 3^oia go. 
 If 3'ou feel down in 3'our heart 3'ou're doing right. 
 
Bow can we ask for mercj' and expect to have it shown 
 Wlien we're down and out and knocked about, 
 
 And on a cold world thrown, 
 
 Unless to others we have been both merciful and kind, 
 
 To man and brute, to deaf and mute. 
 To maimed and halt and blind? 
 
 We have no right to ask for help, unless we're helping- 
 others; 
 Nor for mere}' cry, when you and I 
 Have shown none to our brothers; 
 
 If we have done the best we could, with what we had 
 in store, 
 When we're in need, 'tis lime indeed, 
 That we should ask for more. 
 
RKSTLKSS thino-s we mortals be, 
 Roaming- over land and sea, 
 Kach on different mission bent, 
 No one seems to be content. 
 Some are seeking- strength and health, 
 Others bent on getting wealth. 
 
 Each one seeks a special treasure, 
 Health or wealth or fame or pleasure. 
 Some reach their g^oal while others fail. 
 And fall and die along- the trail; 
 And when one loses in the race. 
 Another quicklj' takes his place. 
 
 This surging, busj^ maddening throng, 
 To which we each, and all belong, 
 Are rushing toward a common goal. 
 Where each must offer up his soul; 
 The rich and poor, the meek and brave. 
 Have but one g'oal, and that the g^rave. 
 
T'D rather have a bab}^ of mj' own, upon nij' knee, 
 Than own the finest mansion in the land; 
 I'd rather hear it callino^, "Daddj' dear" to me, 
 Than to have a million dollars cash in hand. 
 
 I'd rather feel its curl}- head a cuddle on m}' breast, 
 Than hold the hio-hest office men can give; 
 
 For of all nature's blessings, babies are the best; 
 Were it not for them I'd hardly care to live. 
 
 A home without a bab}' is hardlj' worth the name, 
 Although the homes with babies seem so few; 
 
 I'd rather have m}' babies than fortune, power, fame; 
 For I know that baby love is pure and true. 
 
»yy BE would find but little sadness 
 ^j^P If we'd look for things that cheer, 
 For the world is full of gladness 
 Made to charm the eye and ear. 
 
 Just look round you, for a minute. 
 At the things you're passing by; 
 
 Everything has goodness in it, 
 You can find it if you try. 
 
 There's a song in every flower, 
 
 Health and strength in every breeze; 
 
 Sit right down and spend an hour 
 
 With the birds and flowers and trees. 
 
 Each one holds for 3'ou a treasure, 
 Which will cheer j'ou on j'our way; 
 
 Life is full of joy and pleasure. 
 Everywhere and everj^ day. 
 
 What's the use of hunting sorrow. 
 When there's happiness in sight? 
 
 Have no fear about "tomorrow," 
 If you live "today" all right. 
 
CHK bravest soul in the world toda}^ 
 And the one most worth}^ our cheers, 
 Is the one who seems to be happy and gaj^, 
 But is reall}' smiling throiioh tears. 
 
 The one with a heart that is heavj- and sad, 
 With a sorrow that's all its own, 
 
 Yet keeps on smiling' and seems to be glad, 
 And weeps onlj^ when he is alone 
 
 Tho' bitter the cup j^ou are quaffing. 
 And heavy the burden jou bear. 
 
 Just keep right on smiling and laughing. 
 And 5'ou'll wear a crown over there. 
 
€ACH soul is launched on the river of life, 
 In a craft which is frag^ile and frail; 
 A river beset with hardships and strife, 
 And storm swept by many a g'ale. 
 
 But along- its whole course, are warnin<»s which tell 
 
 Of the dangers on every side; 
 If we would but iieed them, all would be well, 
 
 For safely our course they would g-uide. 
 
 These warnings were placed there to help us along, 
 Thej' are placed where we all have to read them; 
 
 The warnings are right, but we often go wrong. 
 Just because we have failed to heed them. 
 
 We leave all the channels of safety behind, 
 We ignore all the warnitigs we've read; 
 
 We thought we were safe but suddenl}- find 
 There are dangerous rapids ahead. 
 
 W^e bend to the oar, and work with our might, 
 As our craft on the wild waves is tossed; 
 
 We struggle and praj- to be guided aright. 
 For we see how the heedless are lost. 
 
 This River of Life leads on to a goal, 
 
 Where the good may forever abide; 
 So remember j^our craft holds an immortal soul, 
 
 And )'ou are its pilot and guide. 
 
•]1~J palace orand with marble halls, 
 ^^1 With painting's rare and frescoed walls, 
 Treasures of art from ever3^ land. 
 And well trained servants at command; 
 Stacks of books with knowledge stored, 
 Stocks and bonds and money to hoard, 
 Gorgeous mansions with treasures rare, 
 Yet not a home for love's not there. 
 No children grace the well kept lawn; 
 This man has gold to depend upon. 
 So we need linger no longer here 
 If we seek a home of love and cheer. 
 Next in line comes the great hotel. 
 Where multitudes of humans dwell. 
 'Twas built for those who fain would roam, 
 But God pity those who call it home. 
 These are machines to grind out gold, 
 Just a makeshift home that's bought and 
 
 sold. 
 Such the homes for the transient herd; 
 Love is lacking in look and word. 
 A loveless home is none at all, 
 And soon or late is sure to fall. 
 What we call home it matters not, 
 Be it palace or humble cot; 
 If love be there and reigns supreme, 
 This j)lace is liome, all else a dream. 
 
^^^IS nio-ht, I lay me down to rest, 
 
 (^^ PrepariniT^ for another daj-; 
 'Tirt o-ood to know I've done my best, 
 
 In ever}' wa5^ 
 I've watched each minute as it passed. 
 
 I've weig^hed each word before 'twas said; 
 The day has g^one; 'tts night at last. 
 
 And time for bed. 
 
 Before I close my eyes in sleep, 
 
 I'll say this little prayer; 
 That thro' no act of mine shall others weep, 
 
 Nor have a care. 
 
'in 
 
 IDST life's busy confusion and turmoil and strife 
 In the crnsli and the jam of the pelf <>ettin<>- herd, 
 
 Where dollars are valued above human life, 
 
 With "f!et Vours" the siooan ami "Dollars" the word. 
 
 I've been crowded and elbowed, pushed out of line, 
 I've been offered inducements to steal and to lie; 
 
 But I turned them aside, for I knew "I'd oet mine", 
 For I carried the banner of honor held hioh. 
 
 VOUR consceince is just like a faithful old dog-, 
 It will follow wherever 3 ou <>o; 
 You nu\y go through the rain, hail, snow or fog, 
 It is with 3'ou for weal or for woe. 
 
 You may try ever}' wa}'. to leave it behind, 
 You may beat it and curse it in vain; 
 
 But just look behind you, and there 30U will find 
 That old faithful is with j'ou again. 
 
 There is no way to shake it, try as j'ou ma}', 
 
 In the wheel of your life, 'tis a cog; 
 It is right at 50ur heels, bj- night atid by da}-, 
 
 You can't get awaj^ from j'our dog. 
 
Cms is an age of wonders, we see them ever}^ day, 
 We marvel at the things which greet the eye; 
 We glance at them a moment, then hurry on our way 
 For we know there'll be a new one bye and bye. 
 
 We wonder how the mitidof man conceived such great 
 ideas, 
 We're surprised to see the work he has achieved; 
 We see men fljing through the air, thej' come and go 
 with ease. 
 Had this been pledged a century' back, 'twould not 
 have been belived. 
 
 We have the submarine, which dives beneath the 
 ocean wave, 
 We send out wireless messages, to ships far out at 
 
 sea; 
 Lightning, fire and water, man has made his slave. 
 Can anything- more wonderful than these things, ever 
 be? 
 
 I answer jes; a million times more wonderful than 
 these. 
 Are the Simplest things in nature; a single grain of 
 sand, 
 A blade of grass, a flower, for in each of these man sees 
 A w^ork he cannot duplicate — the work of God's own 
 hand. 
 
• ^^■^IS sweet to know that someone cares 
 
 ^^ A little bit for j'ou — 
 And know j^oii have the earnest pra3'ers 
 
 Of one that's good and true. 
 
 Go where j'on ma}' on land or sea, 
 
 No matter where yon roam; 
 There's one who'll ever faithful be, 
 
 The one you left at home. 
 
 A prayer is breathed for you each night 
 
 Before she g'oes to bed, 
 That j^ou maj'^ reach the shining light, 
 
 A little ways ahead. 
 
 Where troubled brain and aching heart, 
 
 May la)^ aside its care; 
 Back home with her, no more to part, 
 
 This is her earnest praj-er. 
 
 So try and do your part, each day, 
 
 And to that one be true; 
 For she will wait, and watch and pra)' 
 
 Kach night for you. 
 
CUK man who's ever willinj^ 
 To oive yott good advice, 
 Never offers you a shilling, 
 
 When 3'on haven't got the price. 
 
 He'll reel off rules to live by, 
 And point out your mistakes, 
 
 But he knows no rule to give bj% 
 Kxcept the talk he makes. 
 
 He'll tell you how you ought to live. 
 
 The things you must not do, 
 But his advice is all he'll give, 
 
 H doesn't cost a sou. 
 
 Another thing I alwaj'S find, 
 The ones who would advise you, 
 
 Are strong in talk, but weak in mind; 
 Are they the kind to wise you? 
 
yT BE should not judge another bj- the things which 
 
 ^I^P are in sig^ht, 
 
 If we had no clues but those to use, we'd seldom judge 
 them right; 
 
 If we would judge them by their clothes or even l>y 
 their features, 
 
 We'd miss our guess most ever}' time; men are pecul- 
 iar creatures. 
 
 The e3'es are windows of the soul, but often there's a 
 
 curtain 
 Which hides the inner room from view, and makes 
 
 the guess uncertain. 
 The mouth is trained to do the will of the one who 
 
 has to use it. 
 And should 3'ou^bank your bet on that, you're almost 
 
 sure to lose it. 
 
 If on the voice you would depend, it also may prove 
 
 wrong, 
 For even one with vicious mind, might sing the 
 
 sweetest song; 
 The ear, the nose, also the chin show character and 
 
 breeding, 
 But even these ma}' change their form and prove to be 
 
 misleading". 
 
 To judge one b}' the clotiies he wears would hardl}- 
 
 ever do. 
 For oftentimes a coat of paint makes second hand 
 
 look new; 
 If we would judge a man bj' these we'd often make 
 
 mistakes, 
 For an honest man if overdressed a poor impression 
 
 makes. 
 
 The safest wa}' to judge a man is after 3'^ou have tried 
 
 him, 
 A chance to prove he's good or bad should never be 
 
 denied him; 
 Then when you've found he is a man and have no 
 
 cause to doubt him, 
 It seems to me 'twould be just right to tell ^our 
 
 friends about liim. 
 
01 
 
 HEN ynu Hnd a mati of i>enins who ha^ 
 made j>ood, 
 
 rea 1 1 y 
 
 He will fake you in his cotiHdetice and have it understood, 
 That he started out with nothino-, in the races which he 
 
 ra n , 
 And he would impress upon you, he's a self made man. 
 
 He tells 3^ou of the handicaps, he carried from the start, 
 How little nature g-ave him except his brain and heart; 
 The j>reat improvement he has made on nature's roufth, 
 
 crude wa3's, 
 And for the finished product he would have you «>ive him 
 
 praise. 
 
 I know some men if this were true, so i>reat and oood are 
 
 they, 
 I'd simply marvel at their works, so^rand inevery way; 
 They're not the ones who claim to he their own oreat 
 
 architects, 
 Nor think the model perfect and free from all defects. 
 
 It takes a oreat mechanic to make a perfect man. 
 For nature failed to leave us any model, rule or plan; 
 But most of the.se same self made men I notice as a rule. 
 Have overdone the thiny; until they've made a perfect 
 fool. 
 
CAST New Year's Day, while feelino- tiay, 
 You made some resolution; 
 
 You turned a leaf, in tirin belief 
 You were no liliputian. 
 
 You felt as strong as Sandow then 
 
 You came out bold and clear; 
 You'd be a model for all men 
 
 To copy, for a j^ear. 
 
 Several months have rolled awaj' 
 
 As nature willed the}^ should, 
 I wonder, can 3'ou truly say 
 
 That }^on are making- good? 
 
 You know you made it pretty strong, 
 
 You meant it then, perhaps, 
 But one whole year is pretty long 
 
 And filled with sad mishaps. 
 
 Well, if 3^ou have not quite made good, 
 
 Your score is not the worst; 
 Look back and and see just how 3'Ou stood 
 
 Last Januar)' first. 
 
OUR life is what we make it day bj^ daj', 
 And we have no honest reason to complain; 
 
 For ever}^ thought we think and word we saj", 
 We either smile with joy or suffer pain. 
 
 We are o-ifted with a sense of right and wrong, 
 And should decide before each word and act; 
 
 To the authors of each act and word belong 
 
 The pain or jo}^ the}' bring, when they come back. 
 
 So let ITS try to live our best and smile. 
 
 And trouble then can find no resting place; 
 
 We onlj' live on eartli a little while, 
 So try to live in honor, not disgrace. 
 
T stand at tlie <>rave of a dear, dead friend, 
 One whom I've known manj' a 3'ear, 
 A nian on whom 3'on could safel}^ depend, 
 For his honor he held most dear. 
 
 He earned his bread by the sweat of his brow, 
 
 His portion in life was to toil; 
 His soul is at rest in glory ri<;ht now, 
 
 As we cover his body with soil. 
 
 He was loved bj^ all who loved trne worth, 
 He craved neither gold or applause, 
 
 A noble product of this old earth, 
 A maker and keeper of laws. 
 
 His was a life that was pure and sweet, 
 A life that was reallj^ worth while, 
 
 A nature which nothing- could ever defeat, 
 For he was never too tired to smile. 
 
mY niemoi-} drifts back to the sweet lono- ago, 
 To the (hiys of my childhood and youth; 
 With never a thought of sorrow or woe, 
 
 When I thought everj^ promise meant truth. 
 
 I can see the old cabin that stood on the hill, 
 
 And the stream in the valle}' below; 
 I can hear tiie low purr of the wlieel in the mill. 
 
 As I did half a century ago. 
 
 I have watched that old wheel as it slowly turned 
 round. 
 
 Churning water to white foam and spray. 
 With a splatter and splash and a gurgling sound, 
 
 As the waters went dashing awaj'. 
 
 I've stood by that wheel for many an hour, 
 And wondered how long it would stay; 
 
 I felt even then, though the stream jjave it power. 
 That the mill and the vvheel must deca}-. 
 
 How true was that guess, as I view it todaj-. 
 The mill and the wheel both are gone, 
 
 While the stream dances gaily alon^on its way. 
 Giving- power to wheels further on. 
 
 So it is with our lives. We toil a few years, 
 
 Drawing power from sources above. 
 And we realize now as we look through our tears, 
 
 That there's nothing- eternal but love. 
 
A^^i^IS good lo i>et theliandshake from a real true friend, 
 ^^ It V)ring-s a thrill of i^ladness to the heart, 
 
 To know there's reallj' someone on whom yon can de]jend; 
 You feel that of your life they are a part. 
 
 They always have a "welcome " mat outside of their front 
 door. 
 Their latch string alwaj'S han^s outside for you; 
 
 No matter what they've done for yon, the3''d do a little 
 more; 
 
 How man}' friends have j^ou, which are thus true? 
 
 These are the kind who help 3011 up, when you have 
 fallen down, 
 
 And give you words of cheer to help 3'ou win. 
 Who never pass 3^011 silentl}' with scorn, or sullen frown. 
 
 Because 3'ou like all others, chanced to sin. 
 
 This kind of friendship never dies, 'tis made from loves 
 liest part, 
 Their purse the3''ll open to a friend, as quickl}- as their 
 heart. 
 In making friends let me advise, be careful how you 
 choose them; 
 Then when you find you have tliis kind, be careful not 
 to lose them. 
 
CHE sun it* setting iu tlie wes^t, 
 The tiiiisJih of anotlier day, 
 Our stivtigtli has stood another test, 
 But we are tired, let us praj-. 
 
 And let our pra3'er be for tomorrow, 
 That we niaj' meet our duties with a smile, 
 
 That neither lieart-ache, i^^rief or sorrow. 
 May come to us, for j'et a little while. 
 
 We did today the best within our power, 
 We did the work it seemed our part to do, 
 
 We labored hard throuoh every sunlit hour, 
 Now that we're tired, we pray for streno-th anew. 
 
 We would not shirlc one duty whatsoever. 
 We only ask for strength to do it right; 
 
 To live arig-ht shall be our great endeavor, 
 To do it we need faith and stren^iti ..nd light. 
 
 A dut}^ well performed should be a pleasure. 
 
 There's a portion set aside for every one, 
 And everj^ finished daj^ should in a measure 
 
 Bring joj- to him who- works from sun to sun. 
 
 Our task may not be just as we would choose it, 
 Just whj- 'tis ours we cannot understand. 
 
 But give us faith and strength and we will use it. 
 And smile and do the work which is at hand. 
 
T watch 111}' old clock as it ticks off the time 
 That stands between me and the i>rave; 
 Kach hour it rings out a beautiful chime 
 Which tells me, be patient and brave. 
 
 I know not the time it may tick off the hour 
 
 That closes ni}- earthl}' career; 
 But time is controlled b}' an infinite power 
 
 In whom I liave faith, and no fear. 
 
 I have watched that old clock as da3's i^Iided bj^ 
 
 And treasured it as a dear friend. 
 For it alwa3's is faithful, never will lie. 
 
 On its word I can ever depend. 
 
 And at last, when it chimes my last hour on earth, 
 
 And ni3' soul to its Maker shall i\y, 
 I'll bless this old friend that has timed me from 
 
 birth. 
 And bid it a tearful good b3'e. 
 
CHERK are some tilings in our English, 
 Which to me do not seem right. 
 Thus, the man who has "loose habits," 
 
 Is the one most often tight. 
 He who has a fit of coffin' 
 
 Is not troubled with a cough, 
 And the man who is the closest 
 Is most alwaj'S farthest off. 
 
 DON'T let a little habit handicap your race, 
 And instead of winning honors take only 
 
 secdnd place. 
 Call upon your manhood, break the chain in two, 
 Once you're free from habits, see what you can do; 
 Bad habits area burden hampering your speed, 
 Makes 3^ou aUvays follow where you ought to lead. 
 Smothers out ambition, fills your heart with fear, 
 Spoils a world of pleasure while you're stopping 
 
 here. 
 Never let bad habits get the best of you, 
 Quit the ones you're forming, start all over new. 
 
J^^'UST a friendl}' handshake, just a word of cheer, 
 Makes the wear3' wanderer t>lad that lie is here; 
 It on]}^ takes a moment to speak a word or two, 
 Full of cheer and comfort, to a soul that's blue. 
 
 Don't be in a hurry, stop and rest awhile. 
 And cheer a face that's saddened, paint on it a smile; 
 It onl}' takes a smile or two to drive the clouds away, 
 Don't wait until tomorrow, just tr}- it out toda}'. 
 
 A word from 3'ou might dr3^a tear and cheer a heart 
 
 that's sad; 
 Pull up a thistle, plant a flower, make a waste place 
 
 glad. 
 You'll find 'twill make 5'ou happj', and what's a 
 
 whole lot more. 
 You'll get a heart}' welcome when 3'ou reach the other 
 
 shore. 
 
TT'S eas}- etioni^h to promise to do, 
 Our intentions may be of the best; 
 liul the tliino-s which count with me and with 3011, 
 Are results; for we can't use the rest. 
 
 A promise is <>ood as far as it S'oes, 
 
 It ma3' satisfy some for awhile; 
 But it l)ring-s neither food, shelter nor clothes, 
 
 N<^r bu3's us a ride of one mile. 
 
 Don't promise a thing- 3'ou're not sure 3'ou can meet. 
 Better go without that which j'ou crave; 
 
 For 'tis worse to be known as a liar or cheat, 
 Than to be called a pauper or slave. 
 
 No man is poor, whose word is all right, 
 So keep good ever3' promise 3^ou make; 
 
 The results of each day, are summed up at night. 
 So 30U better not make, than to break. 
 
J'^'UST to o-ive up life for death, 
 Just a passing- of the breath, 
 
 Just a closing of the eyes, 
 These all come to him who dies. 
 Just a coffin, just a box. 
 Just one boost and many knocks. 
 Just a grave upon the hill 
 Where everything- is still, 
 Just a stone to mark the place 
 Where he finished in the race, 
 Where his body soon shall rot, 
 And his life work be forgot, 
 This must come to one and all, 
 Rich and poor and great and small. 
 
TN the iliisli and bloom of 3'outh, bri<>ht and i>;ay, 
 When 3'oa've started out on life's uncertain span, 
 
 Let 5'our words be full of truth ever}' day, 
 For without truth 3'Ou can never be a man. 
 
 You will find it ver^^ hard, sometimes, I know, 
 
 For this life is full of trials, for us all; 
 "But Truth" will take you where 'tis safe to i>o. 
 
 While "falsehood" keeps 3'ou backed aj4,ainst the wall. 
 
 It ma3' seem slower sailing, for awhile, 
 
 'Til 3'ou've learned to love the truth, and hate a lie. 
 But in after 3'ears, 3'ou'll look around and smile; 
 
 For 3'ou have a treasure gold could never bu3'. 
 
T shall ever remember when I was a bo3^ 
 In fact, I believe I'm one still; 
 
 For the things which brought me the greatest of joj- 
 Were the things that would bring me a thrill. 
 
 I loved the excitement of chasing the hounds, 
 
 Of bringing the SI3' fox to ba3\ 
 I knew everyone of the manj^ strange sounds 
 
 Of the forest, b3' night or bj^ da}-. 
 
 I knew ever}' cave, ever}' crevice and crack. 
 
 Where a coon or a wildcat could hide; 
 I could tell at a glance, at a fresh I3' made track, 
 
 When 'twas made, and what made it, beside. 
 
 I knew ever}' clam bed for miles every wa3'; 
 
 Where the coon and the mink love to feed; 
 I knew every run-way b}^ night or by day, 
 
 I could tell about where it would lead. 
 
 I knew just as well, where the fishing was best, 
 
 Where the wily black bass hid away, 
 I could pick out the rock where a crawlish wonhl 
 nest, 
 
 I knew where to go every day. 
 
 I'm back there tonight, just as real as can be, 
 
 Enjoying those sweet boyhood days; 
 Forty years have not wrought any great change in 
 me, 
 
 I'm as young now, as then, in some ways. 
 
TT I HAT a privilejieit is to be placed hereonearlh 
 ^j^P Atid partake of its pleasures awhile; 
 
 To add one small mite to its jo}^ and mirth, 
 And to brino- to some sad face a smile. 
 
 So be gentle and kind, never cruel, 
 
 'Tis easj- enough if yon tr}-; 
 Kach daj' 3'ou live right, adds a jewel 
 
 To the crown 3^011 shall wear bye and b3'e. 
 
 Consider the rights of all others, 
 
 Being honest in everjdeal; 
 Smile and greet all as j'our brothers, 
 
 And see how much better j^ou'll feel. 
 
yjTBHKN 3'on see a failure, just look forthecavx.se, 
 ^J^P And 3'oii'll find 'twas neglect of nature's laws; 
 
 Don't let the loser assion the blame, 
 For most all losers, are just the same. 
 
 The}' frame up a happ}' go luck}' existence. 
 And follow the lines of least resistence; 
 The}' sit in the shade while others work. 
 And only plan, their share to shirk. 
 
 The}' live by the sweat of another's brow, 
 And win by their wits for awhile, somehow; 
 They simply drift on the river's crest, 
 Nor make an effort to do their best. 
 
 They float along, with an unconcern 
 Of the danger that's lurking, at every turn; 
 To the calls for help, they are dumb indeed. 
 For their's is a life of selfish greed. 
 
 They ramble along from bad to worse, 
 'Till the leveling law of the universe. 
 Judging every man by his real true worth. 
 Says: "The idler shall have no place on earth." 
 
TX the darkest hours of sadness, 
 When we see no signs of i>iadness, 
 Brig-ht and gay — 
 When our portion seems but sorrow, 
 And we dread to see tomorrow. 
 Let us ])ray. 
 
 l-^'or somewhere the sun is shinino- 
 On the dark cloud's silvery lining", 
 
 So the_v sa}'; 
 There's a thous^ht that's ever eheeriii"-, 
 Kven this wliich I am fearino-, 
 
 Sliall pass awaj'. 
 
 yT ■ FTKN times are good and money is plenty 
 ^J^^ And fifty dolhirs seem just like twentj-, 
 And there's hardly a thino- that greets the e3'e, 
 But )'Ou have the price with which to hu\-, 
 The best there is, is none too good. 
 For tiiis is your da}- for "sawing wood." 
 
 Now that's all riglit, so far as it goes. 
 
 It is 3'our privilege, F suppose, 
 
 To spend 3'our monej' as 3'ou think best, 
 
 v'^o long as it does not harm the rest; 
 
 But when 3'ou are broke, be it understood. 
 
 You'll know the real meaning of "sawing wood." 
 
77 I ^^ "ever know the value of a thing- until 'tis lost, 
 ^jLp Sometimes we lose them b3' the things we sa}^ 
 We cannot prize too hio-hly, the bridge we've safely 
 
 crossed, 
 We'd miss it, if we found 'twas washed away. 
 
 We love our friends, so tried and true. 
 
 There's little we'd refuse them, 
 Hut just how dear they were to j-ou. 
 
 Comes only when 30U lose them. 
 
 So count your treasures ever}- da}-, 
 
 And guard with tender care 
 The things j^ou love, and thus you ma\ 
 
 Know just how dear the}' are. 
 
 I'LL stand firmly ui line, 'til my number is called. 
 And when I hear mine, I'll not be appalled; 
 I'll respond to the voice, so soft and so low. 
 Which gives us no choice, if we wished to saj' no. 
 Though I'd linger awhile, midst the pleasures I know. 
 With a tear and a smile, I will trustingl}' go. 
 I have known from my 3-outh, this summons must come. 
 Now I know for a truth, it is calling me home; 
 Home where the soul shall forever abide, I have no fear 
 
 of the call 
 'Tis only a step to the other side; just a nap and a dream. 
 
 that is all. 
 
^(^^IS not liard to pick a winnor, yon can tell Iiim al 
 
 ^^ a glance, 
 He who happened to be luckj' at some simple j^ame of 
 
 chance; 
 He wrinkles n{) his forehead to make 3011 think he's 
 
 wise; 
 The hat he wore but 3esterda3' is now too small in size. 
 He talks about "iiis system" which he tii>ured out 
 
 alone, 
 I'.ut if it had not been for "luck", this ixuy would not 
 
 l)e known. 
 Von can also pick the losers, the\- are filled with "ifs" 
 
 and "ands." 
 They ])rate about their wisdom, thoiiLiii the}' show 
 
 30U enipt}' hands. 
 The_v should have won, and onl\- lost because of some 
 
 mishap; 
 Tliey'd make 3011 feel some crookcnl deal had I'aunht 
 
 them in a trap. 
 Hut there's another t3'pe of "s])or1 "', thouoh ver3- ''i*'"'' 
 
 indt'ed. 
 \Vhosi(sand smiles nor makes a kick, althoui^h 1hc3- 
 
 have iiim "treed;" 
 We do not meet him often, just onca in a lon^- while, 
 "The loser" who can whistle, and i^ieet 3-011 with a 
 
 smile. 
 
 V( )[T tiever have to advertise for help to put in crops, 
 If wild oats are the seeds 3on're going- to sow; 
 Your friends all help, and no one stops 
 
 As long as there is seed for them to throw. 
 
 Hut later in the season, with harvest time at hand. 
 You gaze upon vour field of thorns and weeds; 
 
 No help in sight, alone 3^ou stand; 
 No one is there who helped 3'ou sow the seeds. 
 
T\Vt)ULD not live beyond tlie lime wlien I can be of nse, 
 And have to hn' mj' colors down, and bear the fla<J- of 
 
 truce; 
 To sit around with trembling- limbs, atid fan life's dyino- 
 
 spark. 
 And only mar the landscape, as a dead tree in a park. 
 
 With fading- sight, and toothless mouth, and memory 
 
 o-one astra3^ 
 The world would only look on me, as beintr in the \v:\y; 
 I'd rather live a useful life, and live a few 3'ears less, 
 Than lino-er on, when I've outlived m\' da3's of iasefulnes=s. 
 
 There mi>>ht be some who'd care to look upon m)- wrin- 
 kled face, 
 But even these, would soon foroet, if others take 1113' place. 
 When I've outlived m3" usefulness, rei>ardless of m3- a<>e, 
 I hope and pra3' that then I ma3' be usliered off tiie staj^e. 
 
 Postluae 
 
 yy ■ AIT o-entle reader just a minute; 
 ^I^P Lest I ma3'' be misunderstood; 
 That one word useful has much in it, 
 It means the act of doing- good. 
 
 One ma3' be crippled, aged and broken. 
 
 And still be useful all the while, 
 If from his lips kind words are spoken, 
 
 And on his face there beams a smile. 
 
Price Postpaid $1.00 
 
 Address 
 
 E. F. Hayward, Publisher 
 
 Conover, Wis. 
 
 C. F. Paine Publishing Company, Printers 
 Fayette, Iowa 
 
LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS