-^^V^ '^"^'^ s:^'^t^ ' 
 
 
 ^"■f^#°"9'f'-"9'^?'-^^<f''"f^^1 
 
 ^i. ^p}^^r^'i> <i?*!„jr^ *::^,rS?b. 
 
 i^. 
 
 '^'^^^'^'^^•<^Qi;'<:^%^'^W^-^^Vi^-^NC^-^i^K^ 
 
 ^'^^ 
 
 
 ^ -^^hM^^^ '^h^f^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Class 
 Copyright]^°__/2^ 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT, 
 
 
 
 "^^ 
 >^^. 
 
 
 
 •r^^ .><^. .r^^N^ ^/C5^ .,i5:^^. «r^:^. .r^sS. ^^:^. .r^N, ^y<^. .r^ 
 
 ^<^ ,:$r\. .^7^ rO>. 
 
^^^'-f^^'f^^-^^^'f^^'-'^'^^-'^'^^^ 
 
 "^ — ^^ — ^-^^ -icv •-:>. ^<r>v ^:>. .<cs .^^5, r-ST^v z:?^ ,:SN. /:?5, .^Ov y^ 
 
 
 ¥a^'4^t^'4^^a^'^<^M^a--W^^'Wa^'Wa^-^^' 
 
 <557,,r^^ ^i^,,r^N> <^^,,r^^ ,xC^,,r^^ 
 
 o.AO oaA° °aAO 'aA" ° K A" " (^ A" 
 
 ^,,^ ^.^^ ^,,^^,S>^..^ -^^^f^ •^A^'^ <^A^^^ <^a^1 
 
 ^A^^^^ <^:^A^^^^ ^^^..^^^ <^J^^^^^ <^^...^^^ ^^A^^^;^^'^ -^Ar5^ ^ 
 
 ^^,v^:s ^^^r^^ ^:^^^^^^ <^^^Ar^^ ^^AA^^^^i^/ ^v^ ^^A^^^ <^a'vn^ -^ 
 
 ^;,^^^^ <^A^^^^ ^:5^;,^^^^ ^^,^^^^ ^i^,,^^:s ^^aaJ^ -^^aaJ.^ ^^aa^ ^^A^' 
 
 ^^^^"^^^^"s^^^^'s^^^^i^"<^^^^'^^^^^ 
 
 '^ 
 
 ■^..'^/l^^.-^y1^^.■^^^^.-0y1^^.■^v)^^.■^/l^^«■^/)^^r^ 
 
 
 ^'-u^;;=> ^^N^-t^?* ^n:^"^'^^ '^^^'"'^t^ -^^'^^"^ "^ '^^Q^ '=^''%^ ^ 
 
 ::^..^^^> .^^. .1^^^ ,-<^. .r^^ .x^5n. .r^^ ^^^. .r^>^ .i^.fsS^ ^^./.V^ ,^^..r^^ <^aa' 
 
iySlnAJl . 
 
CHARACTER, JUVENILE 
 AND OTHER 
 
 POEMS 
 
 BY 
 
 Levi Wilbur Pollard 
 
 CHICAGO: 
 
 LEVI WILBUR POLLARD 
 

 THF LIBWAfiY OF 
 CONOR ESS, 
 
 T^i Cortce ReCSIvED 
 
 NOV. fp 190? 
 
 5 ^ S- ^ / 
 
 COPYRIGHTED 1902 
 LEVI WILBUR POLLARD 
 
 Foster & Lidell, Sparta, Wis., Illustrators 
 A. DoNOHUE & Co., Chicago, Printers Binders and 
 Publishers 
 
ANNOUNCEMENT. 
 
 M. A. DonoJttie"& Co. announce a new 
 book of Poems by Levi Wilbur Pollard of 
 Wisconsin. Pollard is as unique and in- 
 teresting as are his poems. He is a lawyer 
 by profession, a successful leader in politics. 
 They elected him district attorney in Iowa 
 County, expecting to have things done as 
 they should direct; but Pollard proved to 
 have ideas of his own and a sense of justice 
 that would not brook interference. Then 
 his political influence secured him an ap- 
 pointment to the Indian Territory. The 
 solitude and monotony of the life stirred 
 the poet in him, and his best things were 
 written there. "If I was Teachin' Skool," 
 "I Like Her and Tommy, Too." "The Old 
 Arkansaw," etc. He is a fellow with ideas 
 of his own and says things, some funny, 
 some serious, and some really poetic. 
 
 Levi Pollard has many admirers and 
 warm friends, especially in his own state. 
 
4 ANNOUNCEMENT. 
 
 As district attorney when they used to call 
 on him for a speech, he fired original red 
 hot dactylic pentameters at them that kept 
 them in a roar of laughter. "If I was 
 Teachin' Skool" is brim full of horse sense 
 and sound philosophy. "I Like Her and 
 Tommy, Too " is a gem, and many will buy 
 the book to get that poem alone. "The 
 Old Arkansaw" is a fine bit of verse, and 
 there are others. 
 
 He says, " You may call it what you like, 
 poetry, blank verse or prose. It is what I 
 thought and what I said, why doctor it 
 up for the critics?" If literature should 
 reveal the man, I guess he is right after all. 
 When you have read Levi Pollard's poems 
 you will know the man as his friends know 
 him. 
 
 No pains or expense have been spared 
 by the publishers in the make-up of the 
 book. The illustrations are very attract- 
 ive and novel. 
 
 F. E. DOTY. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PACE 
 
 " If I was Teachin' Skool." ii 
 
 " Old Arkansaw " 23 
 
 That's the Way to Do 31 
 
 Just Natural 35 
 
 Practice What You Preach 41 
 
 Jewelry Man 47 
 
 Love's Army 51 
 
 She is of Age To-day 59 
 
 I Like Her and Tommy, Too 67 
 
 That's Me 73 
 
 I Won 77 
 
 Let Me Do Right 89 
 
 Say, Old Glory — Say, Would You?. . 93 
 
 Little Owaissa, the Cherokee 97 
 
 In Our Day loi 
 
 They Will All be Dead 105 
 
 Like Her 109 
 
 No Place Like Thi^. iii 
 
 Vat Makes Dem Do Dot? 115 
 
 A Boy Again 117 
 
 What Do We Want? 127 
 
 5 
 
6 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Something You Don't Count On. . . . 133 
 
 Mother's Best Society 137 
 
 The Dreamer's Awakening 141 
 
 Wooden Bridges 157 
 
 I Cried Myself to Sleep Last Night. . 159 
 
 Little Rosa Lee 165 
 
 Josiah's Excuse 167 
 
 Elocutionary Man 173 
 
 American Knight 179 
 
 Talking Out Loud . . 185 
 
 My Love 189 
 
 Youth 197 
 
 Time to Kill 203 
 
 Lovers on the Phone 205 
 
 The Priest 211 
 
 When Friends are Dead 209 
 
 Name the Baby After Me 213 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Levi Wilbur Pollard 2 
 
 Levi Wilbur Pollard, in Character. . . 9 
 
 If I was Teachin' Skool 14 
 
 That's What I would Do? 20 
 
 She Was the Child of the Red Man. . 26 
 
 Two Graves on the Old Arkansaw. . . 29 
 
 Wasn't Up last night Parson 40 
 
 Will Ruin Many a Little One 43 
 
 Love's Army 50 
 
 Song of Love 54 
 
 Angel of Spring 58 
 
 I'll Always Love You Just the Same. 62 
 
 I Get in his Buggy 70 
 
 'Round that Old Cracked Stove. ... 79 
 
 Come Near Me, John 86 
 
 Say, Old Glory— Say, Would You? . . 91 
 
 Little Owaissa 99 
 
 Ah, My, at First I Couldn't Speak . . no 
 
 Vat Makes Dem Do Dot ? 113 
 
 Ain't I Glad I'm Back Here Again . . 121 
 
 I'd Offer Them a Little More Pay. . . 129 
 
 7 
 
8 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Half Dreaming, Half Thinking of Life. 140 
 
 'Nd Drank in the Sunshine 146 
 
 Little Rosa Lee 163 
 
 Heard Some Boys Tellin' 173 
 
 The American Knight 177 
 
 In the Parlor they were Seated 182 
 
 In the Sunshine of Life. 190 
 
 You Who Fight Sin Hand to Hand. . 192 
 
 Woman of Beauty 194 
 
 Youth 199 
 
 Name the Baby After Me ....,.. = .. 215 
 
Levi Wilbur Pollard, in character 
 
IF I WAS TEACHING SKOOL. 
 
 Mr. Professor-teacher, I brought Bill in 
 
 to-day : 
 I suppose you're the one that runs things 
 
 here, and the man who takes the 
 
 pay? 
 That feller out there sawin' wood showed 
 
 me all around, 
 'Nd I was mightily taken up with him, 
 
 and all the things I found ; 
 'Nd if you run the shebang inside, like 
 
 he does out there, 
 Then if Billy can 't get his lessons, he must 
 
 be dull, I swear. 
 Now ]\Ir. Professor -teacher, it's this here 
 
 way, you know, 
 Billy went down to Jimson's deestrick 'til 
 
 'bout three months ago, 
 When that er superintendent lad cum 
 
 down to the house one day, 
 Give Billy them er papers, 'nd said we 
 
 should send him away. 
 11 
 
12 IF I WAS TEACHIN' SKOOL. 
 
 Now I'm goin' to tell you, teacher, just 
 
 what I would do 
 If I was teachin' skool, w-e-1-1, say — just 
 
 like you. 
 
 Now Mr. Professor-teacher, I really don't 
 
 pretend 
 To say what book-larnin' you should give 
 
 him, but his outside life attend. 
 I've sorter kep an eye on these here chaps 
 
 who go 
 'Way off ter skool, 'nd larn more things 
 
 than they railly orter know. 
 I s'pose you think it kinder queer, why 
 
 I'm so keerful o' him, 
 But I've larned a heap o'things sence I 
 
 made a lawyer o' Jim. 
 Jim is very bright 'nd kind — we heerd 
 
 from him to-day; 
 A letter from New York that cum: "Yes, 
 
 mother, I'll mend my way." 
 Don't understand me Jim is bad, I won't 
 
 have that at all. 
 But he keeps that kind o' company, if he 
 
 don't let up, he'll fall. 
 
If I was teachin' skool. 
 
IF I WAS TEACHIN' SKOOL. 15 
 
 I understand Mr. Professor, that yer 
 
 teachin' is all right 
 By day, but I'd look aft'r 'em at night. 
 That's what I'd do, if I was teachin' skool, 
 
 w-e-1-1, say, just like you. 
 
 You take a feller just like Billy, when he 
 
 first gits into town, 
 He's too apt to go upon the street, just to 
 
 look around. 
 Now if I wanted to ruin Billy and start 
 
 him wrong at first, 
 I'd mix him up with that street gang; of 
 
 all crowds that's the worst. 
 What do you hear upon the street? Jest 
 
 common talk an' blow; 
 Some feller tellin' 'bout a game they played 
 
 ten years ago. 
 'Fore that feller finishes, another feller 
 
 starts. 
 An' tells 'bout some prize fight — he's got 
 
 it down by heart. 
 'Nd now its gettin' little too warm — the}^ 
 
 move jest with the sun; 
 They're in time fer the street orator, his 
 
 new lecture he's begun. 
 
i6 IF I WAS TEACHIN' SKOOL. 
 
 You can go an' hear him free, he won't 
 
 charge you I am sure. 
 He's telhn' how the rich grows rich, an' 
 
 how the poor grows poor. 
 He's posted on all subjects, from a star 
 
 down to a gnat, 
 But how these fellows all do live, that's 
 
 what I've wondered at. 
 Their language is the choicest, an' of a 
 
 brimstone hue, 
 'Nd if a lady pass that way, why, she's the 
 
 subject, too. 
 I got patience with a man who v/orks, 
 
 when he commits some little crime. 
 But fer them er street loafers, God knows 
 
 I've got no time. 
 Keep 'em away from that er gang; that's 
 
 what I would do. 
 If I wuz teachin' skool, w-e-1-1, say, jest 
 
 like you. 
 
 It kinder seems to me this way 'bout raisin' 
 
 up a lad ; 
 When he's a doin' somethin' good, there's 
 
 no cliance to be bad. 
 
IF I WAS TEACHIN' SKOOL. 17 
 
 When I speak o' somethin' good, its not 
 
 workin' him all day; 
 Fer I should give a boy like him a lot o' 
 
 wholesome play. 
 'Nd if he's time to play base-ball, er run 
 
 er jump er race. 
 Jest let him do any of 'em, if he can fill 
 
 the place. 
 But when it comes to kickin' ball, or ruther 
 
 legs, you know, 
 I'd ruther have him jest look on — fer that 
 
 hurt Jimmy so. 
 'Nd I'd get up entertainments that'd make 
 
 'em laugh an' smile; 
 Fer where you've got all kinds of fun, why, 
 
 there you've got the child. 
 I'd keep 'em laffin' an' feelin' good, fer 
 
 then they can work their best, 
 Fer after a hard day's work, I know no 
 
 better rest. 
 That's what I'd do, if I wuz teachin' skool, 
 
 w-e-1-1, say, jest like you. 
 
 'Nd another thing I'd put into his little 
 
 mind ; 
 That the majority of people are honest 'nd 
 
 are kind. 
 
i8 IF I WAS TEACHIN' SKOOL. 
 
 'Nd I'd pick out them er fellers, who'se 
 
 been tried through 'nd through, 
 'Nd show no man has been great unless 
 
 he has been true. 
 'Nd when some poor feller bein' had kinder 
 
 slipped astray, 
 Tell him to speak kindly to him, it may 
 
 help him back some day. 
 Tell him never to snub his parents, fer 
 
 he'll find in no other place 
 A voice jest like his mother's — a face jest 
 
 like her face. 
 'Nd if he's gone from us three years, er 
 
 even a longer while. 
 No ma iter what his success has been, I 
 
 wanter see that smile. 
 Tell him them er fellers who git smarter 
 
 than their dad. 
 Never fill the best positions, and wind up 
 
 with the bad. 
 I know you'll tell him all this, but I'd inv 
 
 press it too. 
 If I wuz teachin' skool, w-e-1-1, say, jest 
 
 like you. 
 
That's what I would do. 
 
IF I WAS TEACHIN' SKOOL. 21 
 
 When Billy goes out fer himself, I want 
 
 fer him ter speak 
 To every man that earns his bread, 'nd 
 
 helps the poor 'nd weak. 
 'Nd if I see him doin' that,'nd see him fail 
 
 to climb, 
 I'll back him up fer all I'm worth, it's 
 
 bound to win in time. 
 'Nd if he gets to flirtin', 'nd broke up with 
 
 the fever, 
 Jest tell him it's all right outside, but in 
 
 skool he must leave her, 
 'Nd after I got 'em finished up, I'd be glad 
 
 'nd sad I know — 
 I'd be glad to see 'em finish but I'd be 
 
 sad to see em' go: 
 Now, teacher, to be honest, aint yer felt 
 
 the self same way 
 When you see yer scholars leavin' skool, 
 
 aint yer smiled a tear away ? 
 Aint you felt that sadness growin' when 
 
 you went back in the room? 
 Aint yer heerd the silence quotin', "Billy's 
 
 gone so soon?" 
 Sounded kinder like a voice comin' from 
 
 the tomb. 
 
22 IF I WAS TEACHIN SKOOL. 
 
 I'd put my arm around 'm, 'nd then I'd 
 
 tell 'm, to 
 Pick out the work you like the best; don't 
 
 let 'em discourage you; 
 Now, that's what I'd do if I waz teachin' 
 
 skool, w-e-1-1, say, jest like you. 
 
"OLD ARKANSAW." 
 
 I have read of beautiful rivers, 
 
 How softly and sweetly they flow, 
 Gathering each little streamlet, 
 
 Laughingly onward they go; 
 I have heard how silvery moonlight 
 
 Kisses each ripple with glee, 
 'Till I dreamed that the Rhine and the 
 Weser 
 
 Were gentler than any we see . 
 Ah, let the word-gilding artist 
 
 Paint me the waters I saw 
 Last night as the fairies were dancing 
 
 On the banks of the old Arkansaw. 
 
 So fresh and so sweet were the breezes 
 Wafting their fragrance to me, 
 
 Which had been silently stolen 
 
 While passing wild flower and tree, 
 
 The dreaming of my childhood 
 Kept flowing through my brain, 
 
 23 
 
24 "OLD ARKANSAW." 
 
 Till I was a boy with rod in hand 
 
 Fishing just as plain: 
 Transcendant stood I watching 
 
 The red man and his squaw 
 Drifting down with the current 
 
 Of the placid "Old Arkansaw.' 
 
 Last night as I stood by the river 
 
 It seemed that all I held dear 
 Had drifted away and beyond me 
 
 And I should soon disappear: 
 Maybe 'tis life's early stages, 
 
 A child — a boy and a man 
 Mingling their beautiful memories 
 
 With the clear and bright waters that 
 ran, 
 That likens it unto the homestead: 
 
 In our eyes there's never a flaw, 
 In the way that God has designed it. 
 
 May be so with the "Old Arkansaw." 
 
 On the same spot I was standing 
 I stood there once before 
 
 And told my love to a maiden 
 Under the old svcamore. 
 
y 
 
"OLD ARKANSAW." 27 
 
 She was a child of the red man, 
 
 Schooled by the white pioneer 
 When the vanities of civilized life 
 
 Were entirely wanting here. 
 Her great dark eyes bespoke the heart 
 
 Melted by love's thaw, 
 Which comes but once in every life 
 
 Like ours on the ' * Old Arkansaw. ' ' 
 
 The ripples made by the fishes 
 
 Darting here and there, 
 Seem to move with the gentleness 
 
 Of her waving raven hair; 
 Her soul has floated far beyond 
 
 Into a grander light, 
 Our children, too, are far away. 
 
 Like the waters I saw last night; 
 And soon I must be moving. 
 
 According to "biblical law. 
 It will please us to see from Jordan's bank 
 
 Two graves on the " Old Arkansaw." 
 
THAT»S THE WAY TO DO. 
 
 I don't care — I think it's mean 
 
 For my ma-ma to say 
 I'se never meant to be a girl — 
 
 Because of my rough way ; 
 Pa said, "The Creator knew his biz 
 
 When he sent me — never fear" — 
 I always go with my pa-pa; 
 
 Ma says I've got him by the ear, 
 
 I like pa the best of the two, 
 He just laughs and says — 
 
 "That's the wav to do." 
 
 When I'm at school I play with Will 
 
 'Nd all his chums as well, 
 'Nd when I hit the ball, 
 
 You'd orter hear 'em yell — 
 "Get there, Tom!" that's what they say; 
 
 My sure enough name is Fan; 
 I wonder when I'm bigger 
 
 Will they take me for a man? 
 
 31 
 
32 THAT'S THE WAY TO DO. 
 
 Ma says, " Don't play fer it's naughty 
 to:" 
 Pa just laughs and says — 
 "That's the way to do." 
 
 Willie's just ten years old, 
 
 I'll be twelve this here July — 
 'Nd the boys picked on our Will 
 
 But you just bet I made 'em fly. 
 Ma says, "It's awful wrong to fight 
 
 And make her feel so bad" — 
 I'd giv 'em worse than a bloody nose, 
 
 But a bat was all I had ; 
 
 Ma said, " That's the worst I've heard 
 of you. 
 
 Pa just laughed and said — 
 "That's the wav to do." 
 
 Our Nell has been to college. 
 Wish she'd go — and stay; 
 
 Always plaguin' me to wash 
 'Nd dress a different way. 
 
 She makes me tell my prayers 
 'Fore I jump in bed; 
 
THAT'S THE WAY TO DO. 
 
 33 
 
 Guess the Lord can hear through clothes- 
 
 My feet is cold — I said; 
 
 Nell told ma and pa too, 
 Pa just laughed and said — 
 
 "That's the way to do." 
 
 Can you tell what NelHe meant, 
 
 When she came from Jones' tea? 
 Wish all the folks were like our Fan, 
 
 Free from all hy-poc-ri-sy ; 
 With the lamp turned low last night, 
 
 Softly smiling in her dreams. 
 How nice it is to know 
 
 She's exactly what she seems; 
 
 I won't scold her any more — ma will 
 you? 
 Pa just laughed and kissed our Nell 
 
 And said, "You oughtn't to." 
 
JUST NATURAL. 
 
 I stood and watched the swarming crowd, 
 Seemingly restless, and clamoring loud. 
 For some one to open the great hall door, 
 Which soon was packed — 'twould hold no 
 
 more. 
 The electrical spark spelled out the name 
 Of some wonderful person of national fame. 
 What is it that makes one person so great ? 
 Some say they are lucky — attribute to fate. 
 Others say it is work that makes them ex- 
 cel; 
 But I sometimes think it is "just natural. " 
 
 I listened to a minister that all the world 
 
 has heard. 
 His discourse was simple — but true every 
 
 word. 
 He told us our duty in such a nice way — 
 "That is correct" — each would mentally 
 
 say. 
 
 35 
 
36 JUST NATURAL. 
 
 But let our own minister say it was so, 
 We'd make it so warm, he'd soon have to go. 
 Study and work may help him to tell. 
 But with him I am sure it was "just 
 natural. " 
 
 At the Opera a young girl was making her 
 
 debut, 
 Her part was a minor, like every one that's 
 
 new. 
 The leading lady's cultured tones receive 
 
 the usual hand — 
 She was cast to favor, and, of course, it 
 
 sounded grand. 
 A thrill went through that audience — 
 
 dreamland seemed so near. 
 When the tender, young, sweet voice rang 
 
 out so soft and clear. 
 A factory girl was made a star, so I heard 
 
 them tell, 
 By that siren of her voice — that was "just 
 
 natural. " 
 
 Haven't you sat in awe while ponderous 
 
 wheels have turned 
 With the accuracy of time, that some great 
 
 mind had learned. 
 
JUST NATURAL. 37 
 
 The touching of a button seems to start the 
 world along, 
 
 We can hear the Great discourse, the ar- 
 tist's gladdening song. 
 
 By one brain the world is brought into 
 closest touch; 
 
 We might apply ourselves for years and 
 not accomplish much. 
 
 Along that line we're not adept — but on 
 the pinnacle, 
 
 Edison works with such ease because its 
 "natural. " 
 
 Shakespeare never wrote his plays it has 
 oft been said, 
 
 He never graduated, he was wicked and 
 unread. 
 
 But great and grand that primer in his 
 childish "hand, 
 
 Only one was published — only one could 
 understand. 
 
 Reading in his pages — like looking in a 
 well — 
 
 The reflection of ourselves seems so "nat- 
 ural. " 
 
38 JUST NATURAL. 
 
 My friends don't think, they pass their 
 
 time dreaming vagrantly, 
 They're so in love with what they do, it is 
 
 a pleasantry. 
 My boy and girl, the world can't know 
 
 every one of you. 
 Those who climb the heights are so very few. 
 But in every walk of life the same rule holds 
 
 good. 
 We can climb much higher and faster, if 
 
 we would 
 Do the things we like to do, and do them 
 
 well, 
 Then success will come to us, "just as 
 
 natural. " 
 
Wasn't up last night, Parson. 
 
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. 
 
 Wasn't up last night, Parson, 
 
 Ain't missed for many a year 
 To listen to his mighty words, 
 
 'Nd them old hymns so dear. 
 I've been going around of late 
 
 To every church in town. 
 Just a-listenin' — kinder listenin', 
 
 To see what each has found 
 'Bout savin' of the human race 
 
 That others overlooked 
 By their short-sightedness in readin' 
 
 The self same book. 
 'Nd I have been droppin' in 
 
 To every Sunday School 
 To see if people teachin' children, 
 
 Follow the Golden Rule. 
 I've found out successful preachers 
 
 Put true thought in their speech, 
 And after vSunday's over 
 
 Practice what they preach, 
 
 41 
 
42 PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREA.CH. 
 
 Tell you what I found out Parson 
 
 'Bout a church that's strong, 
 Don't neglect the little children 
 
 And wait 'til they are wrong — 
 Like we do with our children 
 
 Just by pure carelessness. 
 The teachers in our Sunday School, 
 
 Why, I will confess, 
 Are doin' the best they can, 
 
 But they ain't made no study of a child 
 And do not understand 
 
 That everything they do and say 
 Impress that little brain. 
 
 Don't care 'bout your preachin' aftei- 
 Might as well just pray fer rain. 
 
 PeaJrs like to me we should start 
 Right at the fountain head. 
 
 And we can't be too careful, Parson, 
 'Bout what is done and said, 
 
 Fer them little 'uns are sharp as tacks, 
 And them 'er who teach 
 
 Will ruin many a little one 
 Les' they practice what they preach. 
 
Will luin many a little one. 
 
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. 45 
 
 I'v lieerd you tell your congregation, 
 
 And I believe you would 
 Rather talk to them 'er folks 
 
 Where 3^ou can do most good. 
 But ain't it kinder natural, Parson, 
 
 Fer ter want to stay 
 'Nd think you can do most good 
 
 AVhere you receive most pay? 
 Don't them 'er fine-haired people 
 
 W^ho have churches of their own, 
 Don't w^ant ter mix up with common folks 
 
 'Nd rather be alone. 
 Don't they give yer a little extra, 
 
 Ain't particular with the price, 
 When ye' ease up on your sermon 
 
 'Nd say things that are nice — 
 Just to please 'em?— 
 
 Ain't ye' afraid you'd offend 'em 
 If you said just wdiat ye thought? 
 
 You've got no power with 'em, Parson, 
 Cause they re'lize 3^ou'r bought; 
 
 Don't you know they'll respect you 
 If you say just what ye mean? 
 
 Don't you know the highest pay is 
 When the heart's made pure and clean? 
 
 Go after them rich fellers, Parson. 
 
46 PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. 
 
 Tell 'em the Scriptures teach 
 "The righteous should consider 
 
 The cause of the poor, " 
 
 And to practice what you preach. 
 
 I have come to the conclusion 
 
 'Bout this whole church affair, 
 We'r all doin' a little preachin' 
 
 And we'r doin' it everywhere. 
 Some don't even do no talkin', 
 
 But their work is one grand song, 
 Per their doin' as Christ has bid them, 
 
 Jest a helpin' the weak along. 
 That feller who treats your sister jest 
 
 The same as his own — 
 Don't you think he's jest repeatin' 
 
 The Saviour's words in an undertone! 
 Teachin' religion is a fel]ow feelin', 
 
 Not fine sermons put in speech. 
 We'd soon find the world converted, 
 
 If we practiced what we preach. 
 
JEWELRY MAN. 
 
 When only a boy, 
 No whiskers and coy, 
 
 When sister made my long pants. 
 Me and pa went to town — 
 "Take a dollar — go 'round," 
 
 He wanted to give me a chance. 
 
 "Be back here by three," 
 He said unto me, 
 
 As I left — a man in the street 
 Just started to hollar, 
 And we did all f oiler, 
 
 'Nd he shouted out from his seat. 
 
 "Good neighbor come nigh, 
 A dollar can buy, 
 
 Gold watch and chain — diamond pin- 
 Glass cutter — silver set — 
 Lots more — I forget — 
 
 And then he whacked all "of 'em in. 
 
 47 
 
48 JEWELRY MAN. 
 
 With dollar in hand, 
 I purchased and ran 
 
 To show pa what I had bought. 
 He laughed and did say, 
 "You've got lots — anyway, 
 
 Whether they're lasting or not. " 
 The watch stopped next day. 
 The gold faded away, 
 
 My pop-bottle diamond was glass 
 "A Jay Gould!" said Nan, 
 The great business man ! ' ' 
 
 The boys all called me an ass. 
 
 Of course I felt bad. 
 But since I've been glad, 
 
 For now when I see a great chance, 
 In front of me stands 
 That same Jewelry man, 
 
 The first time I wore my long pants. 
 
Love's Army. 
 
LOVE'S ARMY. 
 
 Fair one tell me if sweet nature, 
 
 With your beauty, has combined 
 To intensify all grandeur 
 
 Just to keep your face in mind. 
 Did the things that feed love's passion 
 
 Congress secretly with you, 
 All agreeing — all delighted 
 
 To play a part — to help you through? 
 
 Before that you had met me, 
 
 Did you tell the golden dawn 
 To brighten up all nature 
 
 So that fate would coax me on, 
 'Till he brought me without thinking 
 
 Where you bound me w^ith a glance ? 
 Then on gentle smiles you fed me, 
 
 'Till I slumebred in love's trance. 
 
 51 
 
52 LOVE'S ARMY. 
 
 Did the rarest charms of Venus 
 
 Give you extra grace, 
 Did the God above add goodness, 
 
 To brighten up your face? 
 Then did you awake me, 
 
 Let me wander from your sight, 
 And when I would forget you. 
 
 Did you whisper to Twilight 
 To do your entertaining 
 
 For just a little bit? 
 Then hand me over to the stars, 
 
 After they were lit? 
 
 Did they shine so by agreement, 
 
 With that luster that seemed new ? 
 Did every one agree, sweet love. 
 
 To make me think of you? 
 Did you tell the twinkling canopy 
 
 To take me by the hand, 
 And give me to old Morpheus, 
 
 Where I saw you in dreamland? 
 
 Was Springtime at your meeting? 
 
 Did she ask a leading part. 
 And say she'd make more fragrant, 
 
 Each flower to charm the heart? 
 
■Songs of Love. 
 
LOVE'S ARMY. 55 
 
 Did she say that she would take me, 
 
 Where the golden sun-god sank, 
 And let me gaze on her sweet face, 
 
 From yonder mossy bank? 
 Did you plan the scene together. 
 
 Then pick an April eve. 
 To let my poor eyes feast a moment 
 
 On charms — that will not leave? 
 
 Did you deaden a few branches, 
 
 That the rest might look the greener, 
 And sink all nature in the brook, 
 
 To make it look the cleaner? 
 Did all the birds sing for you 
 
 Their sweetest roundelay^ 
 AVas it for you they washed their plumage 
 
 For you they looked so gay? 
 
 Did you send the roses after me 
 
 When I ran from you ? 
 And when they could not catch me 
 
 Did vou tell the violets to? 
 
56 LOVE'S ARMY. 
 
 Call in your merry helpers, 
 
 O! Cupid, they've been true; 
 They found me, bound me with love's 
 chains. 
 
 And brought me here to you. 
 Assemble all together. 
 
 Flower, field and brook. 
 The bird, the stars, the fairyland, 
 
 All charming things that took 
 Part in my captivity 
 
 In this triumphant scene — . 
 While I surrender to my love, 
 
 Of beauty you are queen. 
 Put me in love's prison, 
 
 For there I fain would dwell 
 With you — a whole life's term, 
 
 Let your own heart be my cell. 
 
y^ 
 
 Angel of Spring. 
 
SHE IS OF AGE TODAY 
 
 I just got back from that 'ere town, 
 AVhere th' darned old street car chased 
 
 me down. 
 Nell didn't know I'd gone, or why I went 
 
 away — 
 T'was to buy her a golden bracelet, 
 
 Fer she is of age today. 
 Nell — is my only daughter, 
 
 'Nd only child at home, 
 When Sam and Bill become of age, 
 
 I looked fer them to roam. 
 
 But when I-wus ridin' home today, 
 
 Thought after thought did pour, 
 'Bout young girls who come of age. 
 
 Especially them that's poor. 
 My heart went out fer them pore souls 
 
 Who clerk from morn till night, 
 Their pay's so small — their sex so weak, 
 
 Temptations far from right. 
 
 59 
 
6o SHE IS OF AGE TO-DAY. 
 
 You who have a daughter, 
 
 And her mother taken away, 
 Have felt the love and pain I felt, 
 
 As I rode along today. 
 A casket covered with roses, 
 
 Some earth that was dropped with a 
 prayer. 
 Poor Sam and Bill was kissen' — 
 
 To still little Nellie's awful despair. 
 Yes, Stranger, it's six years ago, 
 
 Since she was laid to rest, 
 Aint raised Nell same as dear wife would, 
 
 But Lord knows I've done my best. 
 
 She finished our deestrick school — at home, 
 
 Went to college with Sam and Bill; 
 'Nd fer three straight years she took music. 
 
 And her diligence paid all the bill. 
 
 An' I tell you she worked with a will. 
 Them letters and smiles and her lovin' 
 
 caress, 
 Have been my only sunshine. 
 
 Since her dear mother's death. 
 
" I'll always love you just the same." 
 
SHE IS OF AGE TO-DAY. 63 
 
 But I hav'n't told ye all — my friends, 
 
 That I have brought to her — 
 What do ye think of that seal-skin 
 
 That I paid a hundred fer? 
 A week ago to-night she said — 
 
 "Daddy — I have — a surprise" 
 With her little arms around my n€;ck, 
 
 And kisses to blind mv eves. 
 
 "You are the dearest Daddy, 
 
 In all this world I know, 
 I've told you of my love for Will, 
 
 But a father's blessing should go. 
 Don't you know, dear Daddy, 
 
 That next ^londay I'll be of age? 
 I'll always love you just the same. 
 
 Shall I — say, shall I engage? 
 
 " There is your kiss, and I'm happy, 
 
 Since you hugged me so. 
 It's a lovin' way — you have to consent, 
 
 When the lump in your throat seems 
 to grow. 
 
64 SHE IS OF AGE TO-DAY. 
 
 We'll both come a week from to-night 
 
 And take you by the hand. 
 Sam and Will is coming too — 
 
 Look up — say won't that be grand? 
 
 "There, Daddy, please don't cry no more, 
 
 I know it's hard to part. 
 You know that a girl's life is love, 
 
 Soft and mellow the music that first 
 touches the heart. 
 Daddy you've seen young lives failing, 
 
 Some even reckless and bad. 
 Don't censure — they 're objects of pity, 
 
 They've been robbed of some grand love 
 they had 
 
 "Lean on my shoulder, dear Daddy, 
 
 Put your face nearer to mine. 
 Don't you know I've been talking to 
 mama — 
 Not dreaming but something divine — 
 She said, 'Every girl with a life that is 
 shattered, 
 Has offered a prayer soft and low, 
 For that wretch who has left broken 
 hearted 
 One soul to drift here below.' 
 
SHE IS OF AGE TO-DAY. 65 
 
 "She said, 'That man won't prosper, 
 
 No matter how much he may own. 
 His pleasures are only the seeming, 
 
 And the true man is sad and alone.' 
 Kiss me before I retire, 
 
 With that love that's now all aglow. 
 Then pray for us all, dear Daddy, 
 
 With that love I have just come to 
 know." 
 
I LIKE HER AND TOMMY, TOO. 
 
 I'ln seven years old, you know, 
 
 An' ril be older when I grow. 
 
 An' be as big as Tommy White, 
 
 Who wuz a rag- tag an' could fight ; 
 
 Fer when Joe Suthers picked on me, 
 
 Tommy said, "Look here, you let 'im be." 
 
 Tommy said he didn't care 
 
 If I licked Joe, but 'twasn't fair 
 
 Fer him to lick and pull my hair; 
 
 An' teacher licked him fer lickin' me, 
 
 An' Iz uz glad uz I could be, 
 
 'Cause I like her an' Tommy, too, 
 
 W-e-1-1, w-o-u-l-d-n-'-t y-o-u? 
 
 Sum boys don't like their teacher, any 'tall, 
 S'pose that's 'cause she makes 'em bawl. 
 I wish she'd whip me, too, when I am bad, 
 'Stead a kissin' me, and make me sad. 
 Other day she said, "Willie, you spell cow," 
 
 67 
 
68 I LIKE HER AND TOMMY, TOO. 
 
 All of 'em laffed when I said, "I don't 
 
 know how. " 
 And then I cried, an' teacher come an' 
 
 smoothed my hair, 
 And kissed me some, an' pointed to a cow 
 
 picthir that wuz there ; 
 She said, "you can spell this now?" 
 And Tommy whispered " C-o-w, " "Cow," 
 An' her an' Tommy helped me through, 
 An' I like her an' Tommy, too, 
 W-e-1-1, wo-u-l-d-n-'-t y-o-u? 
 
 Teacher lives with us, you see ; 
 
 Th' boys say it's why she's good to me. 
 
 Pa said, "She's old 'nuff to scare, " 
 
 An' ma said, " If she was young and pretty 
 she couldn't live there;" 
 
 An' I tell'm she's the bestest teacher every- 
 where. 
 
 Last supper time — "How old are you?" I 
 said. 
 
 An' pa looked an' said, " Shut up ! or go to 
 bed." 
 
 She looked at ma and said, "Please pass 
 th' bread;" 
 
I LIKE HER AND TOMMY, TOO. 71 
 
 Ma looked at pa, and passed the cake in- 
 stead ; 
 
 An' then Tommy come fer me to go to the 
 show, 
 
 An' teacher give me ten cents, an' ma said, 
 "Let him go. " 
 
 An' I didn't go to bed, but we flew; 
 
 An' I like her an' Tommy, too; 
 
 W-e-1-1, w-o-u-l-d-n-'-t y-o-u? 
 
 A feller here last Sunday what's her beau; 
 He's got fast horses an' makes 'em go. 
 Pa called him Tom, and I did, 
 "Call him Mister White, little boy like 
 
 you. ' ' 
 I get in his buggy and take his whip and 
 
 play. 
 While pa helps him unhitch and take his 
 
 team away. 
 When he comes teacher takes her hair 
 Down, an' puts it on her head where it's 
 
 bare; 
 An' I see her every week 
 Take some flour an' put right on her cheek. 
 'Hm, but she didn't fool him, he could tell 
 'Twas her, for he knowed her dress so well ; 
 
7 2 1 LIKE HER AND TOMMY, TOO. 
 
 An' I went in the parlor, an' she 
 
 Took me right up and kissed me : 
 
 He said to her he wished he's small; 
 
 I telled him I wished I uz tall, 
 
 An' she telled me where 's some nuts to 
 
 crack 
 Out in the kitchen, an' he give me a quarter 
 
 an' said, " Come back — 
 Next — Sunday," and he'd give me two; 
 An' I like her an' her Tommy, too, 
 W-e-1-1, w-o-u-l-d-n-'-t y-o-u? 
 
 \ 
 
THAT'S ME. 
 
 You've all met homesick people, 
 
 Somewhere in life's run, 
 Who wanted to see their dear folks. 
 
 You roast them— just for fun. 
 One poor fellow — was so sick 
 
 That he nearly died, 
 Actually, it was a fact, 
 
 That great big baby cried. 
 Who was that awful booby? 
 
 First you promise me. 
 That you'll never, never tell- 
 
 Thev say he looks like me. 
 
 You all know young men 
 Who haven't got a "sou". 
 
 Now they take the other street, 
 Because they're owing you. 
 
 I know a trifling fellow, 
 
 Who touched every one he met, 
 
 73 
 
74 THAT'S ME. 
 
 And when he saw them coming, 
 You ought to see him get. 
 
 Who was that striking fellow? 
 First, you promise me, 
 
 That you'll never, never tell — 
 Why, he resembles me. 
 
 Haven't you known softies 
 
 Who do nothing else but spoon' 
 Of all disgusting people 
 
 I believe it is that "loon " . 
 He spends all his time 
 
 Like a little pup; 
 He seems to think to win a girl 
 
 He has to just gum up. 
 Who is that brainless cur? 
 
 Girls — you promise me. 
 That you'll never, never tell — 
 
 Then take a look at me. 
 
 Haven't you known people 
 
 As perfect as the day ? 
 When anything is going wrong, 
 
 It's your fault, they will say, 
 I know just such a person; 
 
 What he does is right, 
 
THAT'S ME. 7 5 
 
 Looking at the world, you know, 
 
 According to his light. 
 Now don't you ever, ever tell 
 
 Whatever else you do, 
 My Christian friend, don't you think 
 
 That person may be you.f* 
 
I WON. 
 
 Well, neighbors, since I've been called on 
 
 To make a little speech, 
 I'll show you I've always got one 
 
 Right in the proper reach. 
 Don't fret to think it's lengthy, 
 
 Fer this here concern; 
 Fer I want to tell you, kind people, 
 
 We've all got lots to learn. 
 You've heerd 'em lecture on success 
 
 In a rented suit of clothes, 
 But when I talk they must lay down, 
 
 'Tis the practical thing that goes. 
 And a little sketch of my own life 
 
 Will be just as good to you 
 As some of them 'ere fellers 
 
 Who've been dead a century or two. 
 Fer every game that I have played 
 
 Fer marbles or fer fun, 
 Just ask the folks around our place 
 
 'Nd they'll tell you that I won. 
 
 77 
 
78 I WON. 
 
 When I was back there on the farm 
 
 Where we work eight months, you know; 
 There was four months for our schoolin' 
 
 But we had our nights — to grow ; 
 I can see the scholars standin' 
 
 Round that old cracked stove so plain, 
 Can see the rags stuck in the winders 
 
 Fer to stop the snow and rain; • 
 Can hear the teacher savin' yet, 
 
 There's a prize to give away 
 To him or her who speaks the best 
 
 On Friday — the last day. 
 *Twasn't a minute 'fore I said 
 
 " I can beat any person there 
 Unless it be that Sally Brown 
 
 Who spoke at the County fair. " 
 'Twas Sal and I fer it 
 
 And so we did agree 
 We'd pick a judge apiece 
 
 'Nd the teacher — she'd be three. 
 Now you can see the practical 
 
 To show that I'm not slow. 
 I picked Jennie Young — not fer her wit, 
 
 But Sally took her beau; 
 The next thing on the program 
 
 It was plain fer me to do, 
 
Scholars standin' 'round that old cracked stove, 
 
I WON. 8i 
 
 Was to honey up that teacher, 
 
 'Nd I did it — proper too. 
 There was a dance and two big shows 
 
 In town that week — and so, 
 When I asked if I could take her 
 
 Girl-Hke she didn't say no. 
 That schoolma'am weighed just ninety 
 pounds 
 
 Countin' her glasses and false hair — 
 I told her how I hate big girls, 
 
 And her complexion was all there. 
 She said, "I'm just seventeen," 
 
 'Nd I was too — plus one; 
 Of course I didn't influence her, 
 
 But on Friday — why, I won. 
 
 Things got to movin' a little too slow 
 
 Down on that farm for me, 
 Thought I'd try town life awhile. 
 
 That's why I'm here you see; 
 Got a job down at Twister's mill, 
 
 At the far end of the town. 
 Fell in with some chaps 
 
 'Nd at night we went around, 
 'Nd like many other thoughtless boys 
 
 With no particular place to go 
 
82 I WON. 
 
 Went into one of them 'ere places 
 
 Where there's looking glasses — you 
 know. 
 One night some fellers said to me, 
 
 Come on, Rube, and take a hand, 
 Told them 'twould be very foolish too 
 
 Fer first I'd have to understand 
 The game — one sharp said, 
 
 "Go on, ye guy. " Guess 3^ou are your 
 mother's son. 
 That feller stayed in several days 
 
 They call me boss, cause I Won. 
 That kind o' weighed on me awhile. 
 
 Fer it was different than m.other taught. 
 That is, I'm sorry 'bout goin' in. 
 
 Didn't care — cause I fought. 
 And after that when them boys 
 
 Come fer me to go 
 To them 'ere places 
 
 I give 'em a talk 'nd told 'em " No. 
 I've noticed that yer all kind boys, 
 
 Like ye all — 'tis true— I do, 
 'Spose ye all got mothers, boys, 
 
 If ye ain't — I pity you. 
 Now if some person should come along 
 
 And hurt her feelin's in any way, 
 
I WON. 83 
 
 Wouldn't you take the rashest means 
 
 Fer that insult to repay? 
 Don't you know, now boys — be square — 
 
 'Twould hurt your mother 
 To know yer there? 
 
 And another thing, we all do think 
 We're not the ones that's going to the 
 brink ; 
 
 Ah, boys ! wiser heads than us have fell. " 
 That's all I said, fer we all knew well 
 
 And did agree that we could find 
 Some better place to spend our time. 
 
 "Now boys," I said, "last night, 
 I found some people who 
 
 Have rented some rooms 
 'Nd furnished 'em, too. 
 
 With books and papers fer every one, 
 Th' grave, th' gay, th' old, th' young. 
 
 Some are serious, and some are fun. " 
 It seemed but a little thing 
 
 But that night we begun; 
 Went down to them rooms, that changed 
 three lives ; 
 
 In after vears, I count I won. 
 
84 I WON. 
 
 But it wasn't all of readin' 
 
 That attracted of me there, 
 But who she was that sat across 
 
 I inquired everywhere ; 
 Can't say that she was proud 
 
 But stately, if you will, 
 For she had that kind of dignity 
 
 That wouldn't give you a chill; 
 I noticed her fer months, 
 
 'Nd sometimes I could see 
 When I looked up quick, 
 
 She kinder glanced at me; 
 I thought it accidental, though. 
 
 When she cast her eyes this way 
 'Nd let it go, 'nd only said 
 
 "She's a character in some grand play. 
 Got to goin' to church 
 
 Dressin' better all the time, 
 Right in amongst the Christian folks 
 
 I saw that face, she looked divine, 
 'Nd then the congregation 
 
 All 'rose up to sing. 
 One voice was all that I could hear. 
 
 Never '11 forget that ring. 
 Ah, friend, don't smile, you've felt the 
 same 
 
 No matter where you've been; 
 
'■ Come near me, John.' 
 
I WON. 87 
 
 You've heard a voice like evening chimes 
 
 'Nd wished you didn't sin. 
 Went into business fer myself, 
 
 Made money on the raise of land, 
 'Nd thirty years ago today. 
 
 There was a wedding — nothing grand ; 
 We sailed down the stream of life, 
 
 Our love asked Providence for his care, 
 'Nd fer nigh on twenty years. 
 
 We were blessed with more'n our share. 
 But one bright day ten years ago, 
 
 Alas! that day, 'twas gentle Spring 
 When the flowers begin to bud 
 
 'Nd the birds begin to sing; 
 She took her bed — a little cold 
 
 We thought — we said, 
 "She'll be better in a little while. " 
 
 But how strange ! she read 
 The Bible nearly all the while; 
 
 And one day in the queerest tones 
 I heard her say 
 
 "Come near me John, call daughters too, 
 I'm going away;" 
 
 She told us not to feel so bad, 
 
 For him who made our home so glad 
 Here on earth had called her 
 
88 I WON. 
 
 To that heavenly home 
 
 Where we'd soon come 
 
 No more to roam. 
 
 She kissed us all, and bid farewell, 
 
 Her life passed out like the golden sun 
 We never speak of it as death. 
 
 For in this life a heaven we won. 
 
 \ 
 
LET ME DO RIGHT. 
 
 Let me do right, e'en though I see 
 
 The victors in the fight throwing stones at 
 
 me. 
 At sin's loud gun — my friends take fright; 
 I must not run— let me do right. 
 
 Let me do right, e'en though I know 
 It sometimes grinds me to do so; 
 When I see wrong with prospects bright, 
 But 'twon't last long — let me do right. 
 
 Let me do right, let me be strong 
 When sin invites — to go along 
 Where friends are gay and seem so bright; 
 Help me to say, " Let me do right. " 
 
 Let me do right, I know it's best; 
 
 For short the night — to day of rest. 
 
 Rest while we're here — where sin pays 
 
 blight ; 
 With conscience clear, let me do right. 
 
 89 
 
Say, Old Glory— say. would you ? 
 
SAY, OLD GLORY— SAY, WOULD YOU? 
 
 Old Glory — old Glory — see the great dense 
 
 crowd, 
 The bad is mixed up with the good — 
 
 shouting just as loud. 
 They are proclaiming in your sight, 
 They all love you — just alike. 
 Old Glory— old Glory — did I see you blush ? 
 Old Glory — old Glory— did you tell them 
 
 hush ? 
 Old Glory — old Glory — can it reallv be 
 That you are proud of some humanity? 
 Do you ripple in the breeze 
 For the miser who does squeeze 
 From the widow her last cent, 
 Till to the poor-house she is sent? 
 Do you look so proud and grand 
 For those who mock our law's command? 
 If you could speak — would you say 
 I wish you'd kindly stay away. 
 You cause me grief — disgrace me, too. 
 Say, old Glory — say, would you? 
 
 93 
 
94 SAY, OLD GLORY. 
 
 Old Glory — old Glory — high up in the city 
 Floating higher than the rest, O, my — what 
 
 a pity ; 
 Floating o'er that massive store — 
 Below you are but wretched poor; 
 Working — slaving — all the day, 
 Women — children, for such pay, 
 With nought to live — much less to save, 
 Their only hope is but the grave. 
 Firms you're representing there. 
 Ain't it more than you can bear. 
 To see the wages that are paid ? 
 Don't you think it does degrade 
 Our brother, sister — ah, such price, 
 Is mankind in a vice? 
 If our forefathers only knew. 
 You are floating for the few. 
 Wouldn't they have cause to weep? 
 If, old Glory, you could leap 
 From the base, the untrue, 
 Say, old Glory — Say, would you? 
 
 Old Glory — old Glory — you seem so much 
 
 at home. 
 Waving proudly from the height of the 
 
 great, white dome 
 
SAY, OLD GLORY. 95 
 
 Of our glorious capitol — where the laws 
 
 are made; 
 The place to be fearless, never be afraid. 
 To vote their honest conscience, as we all 
 
 should, 
 Voting for all mankind, voting for the good. 
 Old Glory — old Glory — what do you see 
 From your pinnacle? ah, such bartery! 
 The lawmaker in your sight 
 Acting under — "might is right. " 
 If you could would you come down, 
 And like the Christ, when he found 
 In the temple all about 
 Money-changers — and drove them out; 
 Old Glory — old Glory — Don't you want to 
 
 say, 
 "You curse me, curse me every way; 
 You disgrace my Red — my White — my 
 
 Blue, 
 Say, old Glory — say, would you? 
 
LITTLE OWAISSA, THE CHEROKEE. 
 
 She's a little Indian maid, 
 But you need not be afraid. 
 Once I met her on the prairie, 
 And she seemed so like a fairy. 
 She's as fair as you or me, 
 Little Owaissa, the Cherokee. 
 
 Her eyes are coal, and nature sweet — 
 ]\Iay God guard her childish feet 
 From all the snares in future day 
 That she'll encounter on life's way. 
 A childish face — such purity, 
 Little Owaissa, the Cherokee. 
 
 If she could only live and stay 
 Brighter than the sun's gold ray, 
 Witli a life that has no guile, 
 She, who's but a living smile! 
 Some day — say, will beaut}' flee 
 From the little Cherokee? 
 
 97 
 
98 LITTLE OWAISSA. 
 
 Little Owaissa, say, if you 
 
 Are always good, and kind and true 
 
 To everybody — study — play— 
 
 You will then be young alway, 
 
 For youth is sweet simplicity 
 
 Like Owaissa, my Cherokee. 
 
Little Owaissa, 
 
 L.cfC. 
 
IN OUR DAY. 
 
 Are you hopeless because you find 
 The wheels of justice slowly grind? 
 The little force that you exert 
 Somewhere — sometime will wrong hurt ; 
 Please don't give up and say, 
 "It can never be, in our day." 
 
 In days of yore think how they fought — 
 A century of moulding seems but nought 
 Each hero fought for you — for me 
 In the common cause of libertv. 
 Millions on the altar lay 
 That right might reign "in our day." 
 
 If we stop and only think 
 That life is but a breath — a wink. 
 Would you be as beasts that feed 
 On human gore, while others bleed, 
 But a moment to please the clay, 
 Caring no further than our day? 
 
I02 IN OUR DAY. 
 
 Learn, my friend, that in this life 
 There's but one pleasure in the 
 
 strife — 
 It's adding to eternal light. 
 Others are the dogs that fight; 
 Like us, they eat — they sleep — they 
 
 play- 
 Like us they live "for our day." 
 
 Great reformations were not begun. 
 And by a generation won. 
 How came our cherished liberty? 
 Who set the great Republic free? 
 Why — we are but a watery spray, 
 That wears the rock — "in our dav. " 
 
 What if we're the first to fall 
 Unnoticed — the wearing seems so 
 
 small ; 
 Or might we be those little drops 
 That sever the boulder, and see it 
 
 drop ; 
 Then to the first would we say, 
 "See what we did, in our day." 
 
IN OUR DAY. 103 
 
 Let's learn a lesson from the rock and rain, 
 And each wash away a tiny grain 
 Of granite wrong in our time. 
 It will make each life sublime; 
 Don't give up, don't dismay. 
 Let's play our part, "in our day." 
 
THEY WILL ALL BE DEAD. 
 
 Mamma put them all away, 
 
 'Cause they aint a bit too many 
 For there's lots more graves they say 
 
 Keep every one, don't lose any. 
 At school today teacher told 
 
 'Bout soldiers — how they fought and 
 bled. 
 They're thinning fast and growing old, 
 
 'Nd pretty soon "They'll all be dead. " 
 
 When teacher was like us — so small 
 
 'Nd marched with flowers in her hand, 
 Same soldiers didn't bend at all 
 
 'Nd marched up quick behind the band. 
 They talked lots 'bout it then — 
 
 Praised them that fought, 'nd them that 
 bled. 
 Maybe it makes 'em sadder now 
 
 Just thinkin' soon "They'll all be 
 dead. " 
 
 105 
 
io6 THEY WILL ALL BE DEAD. 
 
 Mamma — teacher felt so bad 
 
 She talked to us — and cried, too. 
 All of us felt so s-a-d, 
 
 'Cause her own papa's grave is new. 
 For every soldier we've got lots 
 
 'Nd his we'll make a flower bed. 
 For every grave Forget-me-nots, 
 
 To brighten thoughts "When all are 
 dead. " 
 
 She said, the richest we could give 
 
 Because they died — so much we owe, 
 That the flowers of right might live. 
 
 We pluck the richest buds that grow — 
 Mamma put every one away. 
 
 Kiss me now I am going to bed. 
 We'll remember them Memorial Day — 
 
 So will Jesus, "When all are dead." 
 
LIKE HER. 
 
 I got an aunt, who's an old maid, 
 
 She gives me lickin' — I ain't afraid; 
 
 She teaches my Sunday School 'nd pray, 
 
 She say I'll be an angel some day, 
 
 I don't want to be an angel, not now, 
 
 'Nd she ask me "How?" 
 
 'Cause I want to grow big like you, 
 
 'Nd be an old maid angel, too. 
 
 My ma's cousin, where we go 
 
 Every summer is a widow. 
 
 She was so sad 'nd put black on, 
 
 I ask her what for — "Poor uncle John." 
 
 "Uncle John can't see cause he's dead." 
 
 Ma felt awful bad 'bout what I said, 
 
 She wears" nice things now, red and blue ; 
 
 I heard her say to my ma, "Would you 
 
 Think people would talk if I wear 
 
 Colors?" Ma said, "No, nor I wouldn't 
 
 care, 
 'Cause John been dead for four months— 
 
 then 
 
 107 
 
lOJ 
 
 LIKE HER. 
 
 They whispered some 'bout other men. 
 Guess they didn't want uncle to hear 'bout 
 
 Mr. White, 
 Who kissed her, last Sunday night. 
 They don't think I know, cause I's told 
 To go out, but I seen through the keyhole. 
 I don't want to be like her when she's sad. 
 But when Mr. White calls 'nd she's glad 
 'Nd laughs, 'nd wears red and blue 
 Why I want to be a widow, part the time, 
 
 too. 
 
'•Oh, my, at lirst I couldn't speak." 
 
NO PLACE LIKE THIS. 
 
 No place like home, Ma always said, 
 
 You'll find it out when you are wed, 
 
 She just hated my best beau, 
 
 And one day — just told him so. 
 
 And I cried 'till I couldn't see 
 
 But we met — er — clandestinely. 
 
 And one nice night when the moon didn't 
 
 shine— 
 I held his hand— er — er — he held mine. 
 I said, "My darling, ain't this bliss? 
 Home ain't in it compared with this. " 
 
 But love, you know, will find a way. 
 And Billy said, "Let's run away," 
 ' ' What ! leave my home ? O should I go ? " 
 And yet I loved the poor boy so. 
 Ah, my, at first I couldn't speak, 
 "But, dearie, I get ten a week," 
 I answered with a smacking kiss, 
 "Let home flicker, ah, give me more of 
 this. " 
 
 111 
 
■Vat makes dem do dot." 
 
VAT MAKES DEM DO DOT ? 
 
 Mine friend, I vas in love mit a yankee gal, 
 I come from Yermany yust six years, 'nd 
 
 make money pretty veil. 
 Dot gal yust come into mine store, 'nd 
 
 yust smile so sweet, 
 I feel yust like all over, I like dot gal to 
 
 meet. 
 She buys somedings, "and to-night bring 
 
 them up," and told me ver to go. 
 Vat makes her do like dot? it's so funny 
 
 like, you know. 
 
 In der parlor she go right avay, and play so 
 
 nice and sing, 
 J3en — she talked so sweet und say der 
 
 nicest ding 
 x\bout me, she said it would be lonely 
 
 after I vould go. 
 Vat makes you girls do like dot? its funny 
 
 like, you know. 
 
 115 
 
ii6 VAT MAKES DEM DO DOT? 
 
 After vile me go and set on der sofa — 
 
 her beside, 
 She told me, " O you mustn't,' ' but move — 
 
 she don't tried. 
 Only she move off closer, and I yust take 
 
 one kiss, so sweet. 
 She told me, "How dare you, the second 
 
 time ve meet?'' 
 I feel yust like von big fool, und told her 
 
 never mind, 
 "If you do der like again, why yust pull 
 
 down der blind.' ' 
 Dot vas acting awful queer, say don't you 
 
 dink so? 
 Vat makes you girls do dot? its so funny 
 
 awful — you know. 
 
 I get me team und buggy, take her to der 
 
 teater — every vere , 
 Giver her fine lots of presents, but you 
 
 know I don't care, 
 Me dink she be my frau — some day, but 
 
 der's von ding I don't see 
 Von oder feller use to call her "dear cousin" 
 
 — she tolds me. 
 
VAT MAKES DEM DO DOT? 117 
 
 She tolds me I look "Yust like no one, my 
 
 own dear lovely Yake." 
 Dot's me — me like not dot cousin, me dink 
 
 I make von break. 
 I say ' ' Mine dear, ve together dree years 
 
 go. 
 Vat makes you girls do like dot?" "It's 
 so sudden, Yake you know." 
 
 Der next time dot I called on her, vat you 
 
 tink she say to me? 
 She vas so sorry awful, but mine sister she 
 
 vould be. 
 How could dot be, now I don't see. 
 Since I vas born, I said, "O you vant to 
 
 adopt me?" 
 I guess not — you yust go ahead. 
 I get me von nice Yerman girl, und 
 
 childrens yust a dozen. 
 She gets married and divorced — from dot 
 
 lovely cousin. 
 Vat makes you girls do dot? I don't see, 
 
 by Joel' 
 You'd be happier mit twelve children 
 
 den von divorce don't vou know. 
 
A BOY AGAIN. 
 
 Here I am back in the school room 
 
 again, 
 Back with the boys who want to be 
 
 men; 
 'Nd there's my seat, 'nd you needn't to 
 
 think 
 Tain't easy to prove, cause it's covered 
 
 with ink. 
 Even the scrap paper's lyin' there yet — 
 When teacher comes 'round I'll be sweepin' 
 
 — you bet! 
 
 And there's Susan Jones who came into 
 
 town," 
 Look at me whisper, 'nd see her turn 
 
 round, 
 Then straight at the teacher, she never 
 
 did fail 
 With a smile and a laugh — the little tell- 
 tale. 
 
 119 
 
I20 A BOY AGAIN. 
 
 Aint me 'n Bill glad when it freeze 'n jes 
 
 blow, 
 Fer then she can't come, cause she's sickly, 
 
 you know 
 Then we tell our folks "we beat Jane 
 
 to-day, " 
 Tain't our business to tell 'em that Jane 
 
 staid away. 
 
 Say you won't tell if I tell — but that girl 
 
 they call Net, 
 I've been her beau a whole year — 'nd I'll 
 
 tell her so yet. 
 Sam Frost said he liked her, but he better 
 
 keep still. 
 If I can't lick 'im, myself — why then I'll 
 
 get Bill. 
 
 Ain't I so glad I'm back here again. 
 Back with you foolish kids, who want to 
 be men. 
 
 Now you boys 'nd you girls come out under 
 
 this tree, 
 After "Ring round rose," then listen to 
 
 me. 
 
Ain't I so glad I'm back here again. ' 
 121 
 
A BOY AGAIN. 123 
 
 I was a man very rich, it is told 
 
 Lived in a mansion — had diamonds and 
 
 gold, 
 Had horses and servants, went to plays — 
 
 everything, 
 And four or five times, I dined with a 
 
 king. 
 They didn't prove pleasures, but burdens 
 
 to me; 
 I was weary and tired, till I met a kind 
 
 Fairy 
 Who said, "What'll you take for your 
 
 wealth and your joy?'' 
 "Here, mother, take all, and just make 
 
 me a bov. " 
 
 She looked in my eyes, and soon I could 
 
 see 
 A honey sweet sleep, jes tryin' to steal 
 Me away — O everything ! Sweet scented 
 
 flowers; then I saw 
 A little gold chariot the butterflies draw, 
 'Nd I melted and melted so awfully 
 
 small, 
 If a lily dropped on me I would smash — 
 
 that's all. 
 
124 A BOY AGAIN. 
 
 'Nd kind Mother Fairy took a wee diamond 
 
 pin 
 From the hair of the driver, 'nd' put me 
 
 right in 
 'Nd back in her hair. 
 "Go back to the boy — tell the children 
 
 take care." 
 
 I've learned a few things — I'll tell them to 
 
 you; 
 I'd be jes as I am the whole of life through. 
 I'd not change a bit, not even my clothes, 
 Not even my shoes with them holes in the 
 
 toes. 
 Just take that old hat with no band on at all 
 I'd rather have that than a silk one so tall, 
 Which some people wear jest to make 'em 
 
 look fair 
 But when you deal with 'em — no honesty 
 
 there 
 'Nd you girls better stay jes where you are 
 With that bloom on your cheeks you can 
 
 kiss 'nd not mar. 
 Now when you cry, you think it does smart, 
 But wait till you're bigger 'nd jes cry 
 
 from the heart. 
 
A BOY AGAIN. 
 
 125 
 
 Now when you laugh, it makes you feel 
 good, 
 
 But then you must smile, and you'd cry 
 if you could. 
 
 I've told you enough of mother Fairy to- 
 day, 
 
 Let's just be contented to study and play. 
 
WHAT DO WE WANT? 
 
 What do we want? — Want anything 
 That you can say or do to bring 
 Another smile upon the face — 
 Another little resting-place 
 For those who toil so hard each day. 
 I'd offer them a little more pay. 
 They want some fruits of labor, too; 
 Are the millions for the few? 
 Want business men that are not afraid 
 When they speak — of losing trade. 
 This matter lies with you and me, 
 In what we want we must agree. 
 
 What do we want in church and 
 
 school ? 
 Want independence — want no tool, 
 Want you all — try and reach 
 Our daily need; then preach and teach 
 The school and congregation, too, 
 To think themselves, to act with you, 
 
 127 
 
128 WHAT DO WE WANT? 
 
 They will do it only when 
 
 You show them just what does depend 
 
 On each ; for all have pride 
 
 To do their best when satisfied 
 
 They get credit for their share. 
 
 We should notice each; it's onlv fair. 
 
 What do we want? We want to know 
 Each other — we want to grow 
 Humbler, kinder, with less pride; 
 To accomplish we must be allied. 
 There's too much of rotten thought — 
 We should be classified by "What we 
 
 got." 
 We want less talk about the past, 
 We want less living a little too fast; 
 We want folks know — at the best 
 Life is but a fleeting breath. 
 We want each to understand 
 There's nothing real, nor good, nor 
 
 grand 
 In this life but doing right. 
 All other deeds will be but blight 
 In our life — when we know 
 It's our time for us to go 
 
■I'd offer them a little more pay." 
 
WHAT DO WE WANT? 131 
 
 To feed the worms; it matters not 
 Beauty — grace, will mold and rot — 
 Let's bid all wrong, "Avaunt! Avaunt!'' 
 Let reason guide — that's what we want. 
 
SOMETHING YOU DON T COUNT ON. 
 
 I want to talk to you, young folks, 
 
 'Nd tell you what you'll find 
 Travelin' the rocky road of life, 
 
 I want to jes take down the blind 
 So you can peep in at experience 
 
 Of an old feller jes like me. 
 Perhaps it'll do ye good 
 
 If ye could only see 
 Somethin' that I didn't know 
 
 'Till after I'd gone 
 A little too far to back out — 
 
 Somethin' I didn't count on. 
 
 Of course you want to 
 
 Sow wild oats and to go the round, 
 Everything will go all right 
 
 Companions can be found. 
 They will call you a good fellow, 
 
 And drink your health, away 
 Purty soon, and you'll awake, 
 
 In time to hear 'em say: 
 
 133 
 
134 SOMETHING YOU DON'T 
 
 "There's a fellow that's a fool, 
 Of wine and women fond,' ' 
 And it's certain you will land, 
 Yes, where you didn't count on. 
 
 When you go into business 
 
 Everything'll look clear. 
 For makin' money awful fast. 
 
 But ye better to prepare. 
 For lots o' things'll soon happen. 
 
 Ye didn't think of before. 
 Experienced fellows'll come along 
 
 And land ye on the floor. 
 They will be sure to beat you bad. 
 
 Them fellqrs they call a "Con"; 
 'Nd ye'll be signing somethin', 
 
 Somethin' ye didn't count on. 
 
 There's Sally Ann dressed so gay, 
 
 All that girl did think 
 Was to flirt around all day, 
 
 'Nd ter laugh and wink 
 At Bill Hawkins' hired hand, 
 
 'Nd criticisin' other folks, 
 'Cause they have so many children, 
 
 'Nd jes sits round and pokes 
 
COUNT ON. 135 
 
 Lots of fun at ragged children, 
 While they set upon the lawn, 
 
 But she's found out since she's mar- 
 ried, 
 
 There's ragged children she didn't 
 count on. 
 
MOTHER'S BEST SOCIETY. 
 
 O mother, if I'd taken your advice, 
 
 I'd have no need to cry 
 In my room that's made so lonety, 
 
 By each bitter sigh. 
 When I left your own dear side 
 
 "My daughter," you said to me, 
 "Remember that plain and honest 
 people 
 
 Are the best societv. " 
 
 I loved my mother — but I thought, 
 
 After I was in school awhile, 
 The better class were those with money, 
 
 And knew how to fling on style. 
 I attended reception — party — ball, 
 
 Fashion was my world — you see 
 Ignoring plain and honest people, 
 
 "Mother's best societv." 
 
 137 
 
138 MOTHER'S BEST SOCIETY. 
 
 O, Mother, what you said so true — 
 
 They did talk and act so sweet. 
 And to-night must I go 
 
 With those whose life is vain deceit. 
 The party dress — the brooch — the ring, 
 
 These poisoned dies, to look charmingly. 
 How gladly I would trade them all 
 
 For "Mother's best society." 
 
 That handsome fellow — bewitching eyes, 
 
 Whom we call the charming boy. 
 Who never had a pure thought — 
 
 He's the social star, that decoys 
 Each budding flower, yes each dupe 
 
 By his sweetened flattery. 
 Curse them all and let me go 
 
 With "Mother's best society." 
 
 There's two girls coming now, 
 
 One is rich and one is poor. 
 They are studious — pure — simple-minded, 
 
 Sunshine from their souls do pour. 
 I'll invite them in each day 
 
 And take them home with me, 
 How proud will be my dear old mother 
 
 In "Her best society." 
 
Half dreaming, half thinking, of life 
 
THE DREAMER'S AWAKENING. 
 
 While quietly seated in my chamber 
 
 alone, 
 Half dreaming, half thmking, of life as a 
 
 foam. 
 And how we are bought and how we are 
 
 sold, 
 My only glad thought— I was nearing the 
 
 goal; 
 Nearing that time when old King Decay 
 Would just come and claim me, and take 
 
 me away — 
 Away to that shore they call the Un- 
 known — 
 And all those who suffer, I'll leave them 
 
 alone.' 
 What can I do in that fight against 
 
 wrong — 
 A weakling like me against that great 
 
 throng 
 Is soon thrust aside or told I must hush. 
 So I humbly subdue and go with the rush. 
 
 141 
 
142 THE DREAMER'S 
 
 Human nature at best is prone to lust, 
 And cankerous deceit eats out the just; 
 One in the crowd — Hke a drop in the seas. 
 Let the banner of wrong unfurl in the 
 breeze. 
 
 I heard a loud laugh — took my hand from 
 
 my head, 
 Threw down my feet, and a volume half 
 
 read, 
 Went to the window — through the lattice 
 
 could see 
 Sweet little faces, just smiling with glee. 
 Even the mother with a child tagging there. 
 Hung out her clothes while she lullabyed 
 
 care. 
 Down through the long lane came some 
 
 boys on the run, 
 And with them old Carlow was enjoying 
 
 the fun. 
 
 Over the fence the newsboy just threw 
 Fresh news of the morning, and was 
 
 whistling too. 
 One of those airs that makes life so gay, 
 And we all try the chorus when the show 
 
 goes away. 
 
AWAKENING. 143 
 
 I put on my hat — went out in the street, 
 'Nd I walked, 'nd I walked for I wanted 
 
 to meet 
 Some person, some face — didn't know who, 
 As I sauntered along — "George, is that 
 
 you?' ' 
 
 And at the same time on my shoulder did 
 
 feel 
 The hand of some person, and as I half 
 
 wheeled 
 Round, and faced a man standing there; 
 He was a stranger except his eyes and hair. 
 We exchanged glances and words — as you 
 
 all have done 
 With your friend in the city — while half 
 
 on the run. 
 "Aint your name George Brown?'' — half 
 
 doubting^ half sure. 
 "That is my name,'' and "I've seen you 
 
 before." 
 
 "My name is Jim Sax, the son of old 
 
 Joe, 
 I came from New York just ten years 
 
 ago." 
 
144 THE DREAMER'S 
 
 "Old Captain Joe.'' Of course I knew 
 
 him, 
 "And you are his son, my dear old chum 
 
 Jim. 
 Give me that hand again — God bless you 
 
 old man. 
 What are you doing — say how can 
 I help kissing you — you grown up boy; 
 Where shall we go — you treasure — you 
 
 joy." 
 We walked and we talked 'till luncheon 
 
 time came 
 About olden times — you've done the 
 
 same. 
 "I must get back to my business,'' said 
 
 he. 
 And we said in chorus, "You must come 
 
 and see me.' ' 
 After luncheon was over I hurried back 
 
 home 
 Thinking of old Jim, and how folks will 
 
 roam 
 And how we'd laugh — when we meet 
 
 again 
 'Bout our old sweethearts who married 
 
 old men. 
 
'Nd drauk in the sunshine. 
 
AWAKENING. 147 
 
 Went up to the room — opened tlie shutte.rs 
 
 up some, 
 'Nd drank in the sunshine just as fast as 
 
 she'd come. 
 What is the use of me feehng blue 
 With smiles all around me and old Jimmy 
 
 too? 
 Everything in that room was filled with 
 
 new life 
 And all that was needed was a sweet 
 
 little wife, 
 And little curly-locks would be all right, 
 
 I guess — 
 But hold on old fellow or I'm afraid you'll 
 
 confess. 
 
 I guess the same power that steered Jim 
 
 to me 
 Gave me a boost and helped me to see 
 That the sweet little girl — who borrows 
 
 my books 
 And who talks, and who talks, while I feed 
 
 on her looks 
 Don't throw out them smiles so killingly 
 
 sweet — 
 For some old dead author — she never did 
 
 meet. 
 
148 THE DREAMER'S 
 
 Wasn't it strange? There was a note and 
 
 her card — 
 "Please come down, Mr. Brown, this book 
 
 is so hard — 
 'Nd you know so much, 'nd you're so good 
 I hated to ask you, but I just knew you 
 
 would, 
 I told my mamma all about you, 
 'Nd she thinks you're just lovely — honest, 
 
 she do. 
 You'll remember the number — six hun- 
 dred and eight 
 On Calumet Street, and I'll just wait 
 For I'm dying to know 
 All about Shakespeare — honest, 'tis so. 
 You'll excuse me, I pray, for this long 
 
 note — 
 Say you won't be mad — just because that 
 
 I wrote? 
 I couldn't talk to you 'fraid I would blush. 
 Good-bye, Mr. Brown, Yours truly, May 
 
 Rush." 
 
 May Rush, well I should just say. 
 This is my chance and I'll rush the dear 
 May. 
 
AAVAKEXING. 149 
 
 Where were my senses — why couldn't I 
 
 see 
 Those sparkhng eyes — illumed bright 
 
 for me. 
 I looked at the clock and saw it was 
 
 three ; 
 I won't do a thing, but fix up and see 
 How fine and how nice I can make myself 
 
 look; 
 No m.ore "old bachelor'' too long on the 
 
 hook. 
 I took out ten shirts, but none would just 
 
 do- 
 Either torn a bit or a little spot or two. 
 I looked at my hat and my shoes and my 
 
 tie, 
 And for the first time they looked shabby — 
 
 in my one eye. 
 One thing I had would certainly suit 
 Was my best suit of clothes — they were 
 
 handsome — yes cute. 
 How lucky I was they were finished that 
 
 day. 
 Thought I got 'em for winter — guess I got 
 
 'em for "Mav.' ' 
 
I50 THE DREAMER'S 
 
 Passing the window I noticed just then, 
 Aboy,andI hollowed,"OJohnny— a— Ben— " 
 He looked up at me, "Come here Httle man, 
 I've got something for you,' ' and boy-like 
 
 he ran. 
 "You're a nice little fellow — how old are 
 
 you? 
 Do you go to school — and your teacher is 
 
 who?" 
 "Yes sir; I'm twelve; I'm younger than 
 
 Bess; 
 But I'm bigger 'n her^'cause I grow faster, 
 
 I guess. 
 
 "'Nd she just beat me in her classes, you 
 
 know. 
 Cause she's just little — when I started to 
 
 go; 
 I don't like my teacher — 'cause Bess is 
 
 her pet 
 Jes 'cause she can spell longer words than 
 
 I can spell yet.' ' 
 "Now you stay right there" — and I sat 
 
 down and wrote 
 The things that I wanted, and gave him 
 
 the note, 
 
AWAKENING. 
 
 1=^1 
 
 And fifty cents, too, — very liberal that 
 
 time — 
 He can thank May — for forty — me for the 
 
 dime. 
 
 After tumbling and shuffling for three 
 hours or more, 
 
 A thousand times to mirror — to scan my- 
 self o'er, 
 
 I never looked so young and so fresh, so 
 they say 
 
 As when I had finished to see my dear 
 May. 
 
 Went down to the house and saw her dear 
 ma. 
 
 Although I looked good, I felt awfully raw ; 
 
 In my new suit of clothes with my new 
 mother in-law — 
 
 Just like all the rest, she had plenty of jaw. 
 
 May tumbled at last — in the parlor we 
 
 went — 
 She took down the album, which over we 
 
 bent. 
 She showed me all of her family tree, 
 Or at least all that I wanted to see. 
 
152 THE DREAMER'S 
 
 "Please play something on the piano,'' 
 
 said 1 — 
 "Now you know I can't play, but I'll just 
 
 try- 
 Don't laugh — I'll try this new piece — for 
 
 you anyway.' ' 
 You girls say the same and practice all 
 
 day. 
 
 "Now Miss Rush, bring your book here, 
 And turn to the page you want me make 
 
 clear.' ' 
 She took " Old Shak' ' down, but the print 
 
 was so fine 
 I intuitively drew her chair toward mine; 
 She turned to the scene of Juliet fair, 
 Weeping o'er the body of Romeo there. 
 " 'Nd why did Mr. Shakespeare end his 
 
 plays so 
 Tragic — so awful for those that love so? 
 Say, Mr. Brown, don't you think Mr. 
 
 Shakespeare was mean 
 That he didn't wake 'em up in the sleep 
 
 scene ? 
 I'm in love with a stranger whom mamma 
 
 don't know, 
 
AWAKENING. 153 
 
 I don't want any Capulet and ]\Iontague 
 
 show. 
 Say, "Sir. Brown, read this,' ' she said, 
 And at the same tnne leaned her soft 
 
 silken head 
 Nearer to me — she turned the page 'bout 
 
 half way 
 Her fingers touched mine and I just let 'em 
 
 stay 
 Right where they were — well I didn't 
 
 care; 
 They didn't feel heavy, but divine I de- 
 clare. 
 The verse that I read was on the page that 
 
 she held — 
 Our faces were as close as iron you 
 
 weld. 
 "Say, ]\Ir. — ^Ir. Brown, don't you think 
 
 it was sad?' ' 
 It had gone far enough, for we both had it 
 
 bad. 
 I suppose I acted nervous and shy for my 
 
 age- 
 After the first kiss o^ love — how romantic — 
 
 engaged. 
 
154 THE DREAMER'S 
 
 Romantic, you'll say — when I told her of 
 
 Jim 
 'Nd found her sister had divorced him — 
 Curtain that scene from my sight O, I 
 
 pray — 
 Say! Father in Heaven, won't you veil it 
 
 away? 
 A fatherless child — sunken eyes — broken 
 
 heart, 
 The wrecks of true love, that slander did 
 
 part. 
 I'm wicked I know, but Christ heard that 
 
 prayer, 
 "Undeaden Jim's heart, and put the truth 
 
 there. 
 Show him that look that I saw in her 
 
 face 
 That sweet look of innocence, that no 
 
 wrong can deface. 
 Give me all power when I go to Jim — 
 Sing from the Heavens that beautiful 
 
 hymn — 
 
 " * Lead kindly light amid the encircling 
 gloom, 
 
 Lead Thou me on ; 
 The night is dark, and I am far from home; 
 
 Lead Thou me on.' " 
 
AWAKENING. 155 
 
 How sweet the wedding chimes, upon the 
 
 evening air; 
 You've heard of two hearts that beat as 
 
 one; 
 But four as one beat there. 
 Now in that same chamber where I was 
 
 blue that day, 
 The banner of right is waving — the wrong 
 
 is far away. 
 
WOODEN BRIDGES. 
 
 My boy and girl, when you were small 
 
 Just a little tot, 
 
 We have done things that we hadn't ought. 
 
 Nothing bad, but reckless like. 
 
 Such as walking o'er a stream 
 
 Seeing who could come the nearest 
 
 To the edge of some old beam. 
 
 Or seeing how far we could climb 
 
 Out on some small limb, 
 
 Or may be in deep water 
 
 Daring someone out to swim. 
 
 Then we've been walking wooden bridges — 
 
 But children I love you so 
 
 I want to warn you cf some bridges 
 
 Over which you must not go. 
 
 You each day are building bridges 
 Strong as steel or weak as wood; 
 Wooden pillars are evil actions, 
 Metal footing are the good. 
 
 157 
 
158 WOODEN BRIDGES. 
 
 Each of you through Ufe must travel 
 The bridge you build to-day ; 
 O ! be careful of its structure 
 Else some day you'll fall away — 
 Fall into the raging torTent 
 Where fierce white-caps await you, 
 And you'll be mangled on the ledges 
 For little things to-day you do. 
 
 How do you treat father — mother, 
 
 That will often tell; 
 
 Are you chiseling lines of sorrow 
 
 On her face who loves you well? 
 
 Are you "larger" than your father? 
 
 Then my child you'll rue 
 
 For some day without a warning 
 
 Your bridge will fall and let you through. 
 
 Nothing can be gained, my children, 
 
 By turning from the right ; 
 
 Look at people all about you 
 
 Examples in your sight. 
 
 I want to see each one of you 
 
 Build your bridge of steel, 
 
 All the world can stand upon it, 
 
 And how safe you'll feel. 
 
I CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP LAST 
 NIGHT. 
 
 I cried myself to sleep last night 
 
 My heart felt bitter pain. 
 He did not sting me with the words 
 
 We must not meet again. 
 I cried myself to sleep last night, 
 
 For I loved him so; 
 He never called me darling 
 
 Or whispered words of love. 
 
 I cried myself to sleep last night, 
 
 For him I chanced to meet 
 And with a smile I tried to win. 
 
 And bring him to my feet. 
 I cried myself to sleep last night 
 
 For I loved him so; 
 He never called me darling, 
 
 Or whispered words of love. 
 
 159 
 
i6o I CRIED MYSELF 
 
 I cried myself to sleep last night 
 
 With a broken heart; 
 It seemed that when our eyes had met 
 
 We ne'er again should part. 
 I cried myself to sleep last night, 
 
 For I loved him so; 
 He never called me darling 
 
 Or whispered wdrds of love. 
 
 It was but a woman's maddening love, 
 
 That brought pangs to my breast; 
 My dearest friend stood in the way 
 
 Of him I loved the best. 
 I cried myself to sleep last night. 
 
 Far I loved him so; 
 He never called me darling, 
 
 Or whispered words of love. 
 
 I cried myself to sleep last night, 
 
 As the wedding chime 
 Told me that I'd lost my love, 
 
 For a whole life time. 
 The wedding march brought forth my smile 
 
 As I stood bv his bride. 
 
TO SLEEP LAST NIGHT. i6i 
 
 But in my heart a funeral dirge — 
 
 For my own love had died. 
 I cried myself to sleep last night, 
 
 For I loved him so ; 
 He never called me darling, 
 
 Or whispered words of love. 
 
LiUle Rosa Lee. 
 
LITTLE ROSA LEE. 
 
 So, boys, you think I'm homesick, 
 
 Because I'm sad and still; 
 
 W-e-1-1, I've been thinking of my trip, 
 
 And one thing seems to fill 
 
 My old heart with tenderness — 
 
 And such a little thing — 
 
 But it softens so my nature 
 
 More 'en buds or birds that sing. 
 
 Yes — boys — it was a girl, that captivated 
 
 me, 
 And I was thinking what I might have been 
 If I had sweet Rosa Lee. 
 
 She always used to smile so sweet 
 Before I went away, 
 And come into my office 
 Almost eyery day. 
 
 Our love was just as pure, as sacramental 
 wine. 
 
 165 
 
i66 LITTLE ROSA LEE. 
 
 I gave her many presents, but she never 
 
 wrote a hne. 
 No new suitor had estranged us, 
 For it was plain to see 
 Those sparkling eyes flashed out the love 
 Of little Rosa Lee. 
 
 There was something in her life 
 That spoke of love divine, 
 What heart buds blossom brighter, 
 Than a loving child just nine. 
 O, mother — father with your child 
 Don't you pity me — 
 What is life without the care 
 Of little Rosa Lee. 
 
JOSIAH'S EXCUSE. 
 
 Why, howdy do, and how are you:* O my, 
 
 I've been detained; 
 I was so 'fraid I couldn't be here to shout 
 
 in freedom's name! 
 You see I'm kind er nervous hke— stage 
 
 fright, vou may say, 
 But I'd a hot time leavm' home, and hotter 
 
 on the way. 
 I s'pose you'd Hke to know how all this 
 
 came about. 
 And now I'll try to explain before I begm 
 to spout. 
 
 When your committee rote to me 'bout 
 
 this speech of mine. 
 My wife, Cleopatra, said she see I'd have a 
 
 suit just tine. 
 And often I'd rit and rote, and rit and rit 
 
 and rote again. 
 Then I'd rub some out, then I'd put some 
 
 in, 
 
 167 
 
i68 JOSIAH'S EXCUSE. 
 
 Cleopatra said, "How fine! You rite like 
 
 Jefferson! " 
 Then I'd tell her to be still — you know 
 
 you're makin' fun. 
 Rite like Jeffdrson! yes, " I don't think;" 
 Old "Jeff" he used a quill — me, a pen and 
 
 ink. 
 And after I got it all boiled down, and 
 
 summed up all the fights, 
 Cleopatra shouted, "That 's hot, you can 
 
 bet your stars and stripes!" 
 Now look-a-here, I shall not bet my stars 
 
 and stripes away ; 
 Fo»r when I get into town, you'll hear the 
 
 people say, 
 "There's the man who lost our flag — he 
 
 gambled it away. " 
 
 When I got up this mornin', I almost had 
 
 a trance; 
 My coat and vest was all O K — but you'd 
 
 orter seen my pants:! 
 Too big? Say, you've seen them er bloomer 
 
 girls when their limbs had too much 
 
 bloom ? 
 
JOSIAH'S EXCUSE. 169 
 
 You've seen the dear little dudelet when 
 
 his legs had too much room? 
 You've seen them er sick fellows who came 
 
 back from the war, 
 And noticed how their clothes would fit, 
 
 when they'd been stout afore? 
 You've seen the Mother Hubbard girl, 
 
 whose dress filled up the room? 
 And you've felt like telling her, "My girl, 
 
 yer plucked too soon!" 
 And now you've some idee of me a standin' 
 
 there, 
 And if I couldn't see my pants, I'd swear 
 
 my limbs were bare! 
 But when my wife and two big girls got at 
 
 that pants— by gee ! 
 'Twasn't an hour before she'd fit like the 
 
 paper — don't you see? 
 And then they hustled 'round the room and 
 
 got everything just so — 
 You'd think I had two speeches — like a 
 
 feller at I know, 
 Them kars v/as bout three miles away 
 
 that brought me to your town. 
 And then a dress rehearsal — you orter seen 
 
 me get around! 
 
I70 JOSIAH'S EXCUSE. 
 
 I took across the pasture and struck a big 
 
 oak tree, 
 Threw down my speech and shouted, 
 
 "Feller citizens! We are free!" 
 I named over all the battles I could think 
 
 of — and some more, 
 And told them how we licked John Bull 
 
 and spilt the British gore; 
 I shouted to that audience — of cattle 
 
 standin' there. 
 And told 'em, "It's a corker how Johnny 
 
 took the scare. " 
 That remark gave offense to a feller, I 
 
 could see; 
 For he made one dive in m}^ direction — and 
 
 I lit right up that tree ! 
 Now you can tell why I am here without 
 
 my speech — I guess, 
 But if you'll go back after it — why — I'll 
 
 finish my address! 
 
Heard some boys tellin' 
 
ELOCUTIONARY MAN. 
 
 Heard some boys tellin' what they were 
 goin' to do. 
 
 They say that I am simple, and over- 
 grown too. 
 
 "I want to be a doctor,'' said little Will 
 Brow^n ; 
 
 "I want to be a lawyer,'' and so thev all 
 go round. 
 
 1 am goin' to fool 'em all, you jest wait 
 and see, 
 
 Fer an elocutionary man is what I'm 
 goin' to be. 
 
 I want to be jest like him who came to our 
 
 town, 
 'Nd let us boys in free, fer passin' bills 
 
 around. 
 'Nd sellin' tickets to church folks, and say 
 
 "Half is fer the poor.'' 
 Pa said, "I judge all 'es by the ^Prince 
 
 A' — the speaker wore." 
 
 173 
 
174 ELECUTIONARY MAN. 
 
 All us fellers set in front, and old women 
 
 just come in 
 Who wouldn't go to other shows, cause it 
 
 is a sin. 
 I'll try and make a face like him, so just 
 
 look at me. 
 Per an elocutionary man is what I'm 
 
 goin' to be. 
 
 He don't need no opera-house; he can 
 show most anywhere 
 
 Churches, schools, new barns, cheese fac- 
 tories, open air. 
 
 I'm goin' to try the ravin' act, a disap- 
 pointed " Dad.' ' 
 
 "Go — go — leave my sight, you've cursed 
 me, made me mad! 
 
 What have I done? What have I done? 
 O! Nora, what have I said' 
 
 Driven my only child from home; ah! ah! 
 would that I were dead." 
 
 Of course I'm only foolin', for a dead man's 
 worse, by gee', 
 
 Than an elocutionary man like I want to 
 be. 
 
ELOCUTIONARY MAN. 175 
 
 We travel cheaper than the rest, fer one's 
 
 the whole blame show, 
 I'm goin' to play Uncle Tom's Cabin, fer 
 
 that is bound to go. 
 I will be Massa, Massa George, and Little 
 
 Eva who does say 
 "Come, Uncle Tom, come in the garden 
 
 and play." 
 Then I'd be old Mark, who sits down just 
 
 so, 
 "I got the law and the power, and power 
 
 and law you know.' ' 
 I'll be the quaker too, who helps Eliza in 
 
 her flight, 
 'Til be tee-totally chawed up, if Idon't get 
 
 that woman across to-night." 
 I'll be the little kid with his poqr mamma. 
 And tell the quaker, "No, sir; I don't 
 
 chaw — " 
 One feller I'd hate to be 'nd say " Blast 
 
 your old black soul," 
 Like that bad Si Legree, 
 When I'm an elocutionary man, like I 
 
 want to be. 
 
American Knigrht. 
 
AMERICAN KNIGHT. 
 
 With rich and wilting plumes, 
 
 And glittering array 
 Of shining sword and buckles, 
 
 In olden day, 
 A gallant knight with warlike armour 
 
 Prayed to wed his lady-love 
 By daring bravery, and to her said: 
 
 "Oh, lady fair, lend listening ear 
 To me who kneel, 
 
 While I, with defective language, 
 My love for you reveal. 
 
 What magic in thine eyes 
 When first we met, pray tell. 
 
 That made me feel to win you was my 
 heaven ; 
 To lose you was my hell. 
 
 To court a single smile 
 Have I not bocked a hundred dashing 
 adversaries. 
 
 That you may hear the common 
 talk. 
 
 179 
 
i8o AMERICAN KNIGHT. 
 
 Oh, lady, how oft have I used my gold 
 as dross. 
 To please your finer senses — at any 
 cost.' ' 
 
 Our gladiator who pauses and strikes 
 
 Like a polar bear, 
 He, too, is " dead game " poor boy, 
 
 For some lady fair; 
 While on the field — how fierce 
 
 He seemed to grow 
 When some college girl waved her ker- 
 chief, 
 Screaming " Go.' ' 
 With straining eyes and shout — so 
 loud — 
 She madly jumps ten steps at once — 
 And rushing through the crowd 
 
 Embracing him — bleeding, limping, 
 lame — 
 What care we for fractured heads 
 since we won the game? 
 A reception, Charlie, dearest, for your 
 team to-night! 
 
In the parlor they were seated. 
 
AMERICAN KNIGHT. 183 
 
 Say, you're a peacherine, you kicked 
 her out of sight. 
 
 In the parlor they were seated 
 Closer than I care to tell; 
 
 Another maiden's heart was gladdened 
 All because he kicked so well. 
 
TALKING OUT LOUD. 
 
 Back in my school days 
 
 There was a Sam Hill; 
 He disturbed the school every way. 
 
 It seemed that he wouldn't, or couldn't 
 keep still; 
 And one night the teacher did say 
 
 "I have concluded that you are not 
 right, 
 And if you'd stayed home and plowed 
 
 We'd never have known 
 Your head was so light — but we do — 
 
 Since you've been talking out loud.'' 
 
 Teacher and scholars no more I'll see, 
 But that saying I'll never forget — 
 
 On the street — in the car — incessantly 
 There's a lot of Hill's showing off yet. 
 
 185 
 
i86 TALKING OUT LOUD. 
 
 There's Mr. Adviser, who talks every- 
 where, 
 His voice can be heard in each crowd; 
 You will find his trouble — right under his 
 hair — 
 He's a case of talking out loud. 
 
 There's the young traveling-man — de- 
 cidedly new, 
 Who monopolize all the hotel. 
 There's the chattering box in society, 
 too, 
 Great Gods! but don't they both 
 yell? 
 It's the old case of Burns and his louse 
 
 And the woman in church so proud; 
 They think it is wisdom entertaining the 
 house. 
 But it's an idiot talking out loud — . 
 
 To preach or to teach — entertain — are you 
 fit? 
 
 If so, start up a school; 
 You'd look real well in a pulpit, 
 
 Join a show, and act out the fool. 
 
TALKING OUT LOUD. 187 
 
 But don't go around with a lot of cheap 
 
 For the police should be allowed 
 To put you right safely under the lock — 
 You people, always talking out loud. 
 
MY LOVE. 
 
 My love — of you I will write, 
 Not Rosalind, Gertrude or Sue, 
 
 Only one has my heart ? 
 Ah no, each noble woman 
 With passion of love — I love you — 
 
 Each has a part. 
 Let them upbraid you who may 
 Because their own suit was denied 
 
 I will not. 
 Ah! man, with your selfish desires 
 You look at this matter one side, 
 
 And you thought 
 Every woman designing 
 Because little bright eyes 
 
 Changed- her affections — 
 And told you, as you would tell her 
 And now — you all woman despise 
 
 Because — your rejection. — 
 No petty quarrel with mad fanc}^ 
 Can change my great love for your name 
 
 Nothing can mar 
 
 189 
 
„^ 
 
 ^r-„ 
 
 In the sunshine ot hfe. 
 
MY LOVE. 191 
 
 They can tell me about your shortcoming 
 But women — I love — just the same 
 As vou are. 
 
 If love begets love as was taught me 
 Then to every woman a love debt I owe 
 Regardless of sin. 
 
 In the sunshine of life Sweet girlhood 
 You thought men so noble, I know; 
 
 Have they been? 
 To - day in your wretchedness — poor 
 
 woman — 
 I see you with Christ at the well. 
 
 What's He saying? 
 Go where the shadows are falling 
 To her in that vast prison cell 
 
 Say I'm praying 
 For some one whose days are all dark- 
 ness 
 And whose young life was gentler than dew. 
 
 You're better to-day 
 Than the woman that scorns 
 And entertains the assassin of you, 
 
 A cast away. 
 
You who fight sin hand to hand. 
 
MY LOVE. 193 
 
 God pity you — fair minglers of scandal, 
 Stamping your own sex with shame 
 
 You should love. 
 Don't turn away, see how love changed her 
 Not me, but his name 
 
 Who's above. 
 
 I love the strong-minded woman, 
 They say you're out of your place; 
 But I'm sure its time for youa: hearing 
 Or they'll forget you belong to the race. 
 
 Wait no more. 
 Speak out — assert the rights of a woman 
 You who are ladened with care 
 
 I love you too 
 Because you make sin very nervous 
 When you act with your prayer 
 
 Like you do. 
 Oh, noble, kind-hearted good woman, 
 You who fight sin hand to hand 
 
 Your life consecrated to right 
 In the recesses of my heart — So cowardly — 
 Heaven knows of a love more than grand, 
 
 Sister stand in the fight. 
 
■ 
 
 
 ^^^1 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 f 
 
 «{H||^H 
 
 
 1^^--, 
 
 
 Ir 
 
 J 
 
 ^H^^H 
 
 1 
 
 
 i\A =&__.. ^^^jTjI 
 
 \\ uman of beauty, 
 
MY LOVE 195 
 
 Woman of beauty, I stagger with love 
 At your form, your figure, your grace. 
 
 Your soft lillied arm 
 And that rosy red fiusli, 
 The sweet smile that dimples your face. 
 
 Neck curved to charm 
 Buoying your soft silken hair 
 Displaying an exquisite taste. 
 
 Call it vanity. 
 I never grow weary — the rustle of skirts 
 And the grace of your movement in haste. 
 
 Ah, sweet humanity 1 
 Yes, the maiden with longings and dream- 
 
 ings. 
 Swelling bosom, hot kisses and sighs, 
 
 Yes, voluptuously, 
 I'm in love with your feverish passion; 
 Your love song — your melting blue eyes — 
 
 Feed my gallantry. 
 
 Now, loved one, bring me the toast cup, 
 When I say love — that means you — 
 But stay — if it is filled with the rich racy 
 
 Vv^ine — 
 Bring nothing so false — so untrue — 
 Fling it away. 
 
196 MY LOVE 
 
 Go where wild flowers are blooming 
 At the base of some old oaken tree. 
 
 There the goblet fill up 
 With fresh sparkling water 
 And loved one — bring it to me. 
 
 Now let me sup 
 To my love, who fills the world with 
 
 ambition, 
 Purity, sweetness and grace, 
 
 Queen, may you reign 
 O'er this great land 
 Till you drive every sin from each place 
 
 Leaving no stain. 
 
YOUTH. 
 
 Ah! youth, how soundly do you sleep, 
 Life's dream is o'er, you're at the feet 
 Of all tenderness and all love, 
 Looking? at vou from above. 
 
 Friend do not say, gone too soon. 
 Death, when it comes, is but a boon 
 To them who go— and we who stay- 
 Have no fear— he's shut away 
 From all sin, and grief and care. 
 No more sorrow — no more to bear — 
 Words and books that men do write 
 Take away — put out of sight. 
 Men are erring and so weak. 
 Come with m_e — let us seek 
 And look upon His face once more 
 Who died for all— Then I'm sure 
 Surcease there we will find 
 For that youth so good and kind. 
 
 Hi * * * * 
 
 197 
 
Youth. 
 
YOUTH. 20 
 
 Come, sister — brother — come away, 
 Linger not — it's but clay you're gazing on. 
 The loving brother — he has gone — 
 Rejoicing, singing on his way 
 
 "I would not live alway, 
 I ask not to stay 
 Where storm after storm rises 
 Dark o'er the way." 
 
TIME TO KILL. 
 
 Say my dear children 
 
 Do you want to see, 
 When you grow up 
 
 What you're going to be? 
 See that young man 
 
 Who gets the best pay, 
 Always industrious. 
 
 Never idle a day. 
 See that young girl 
 
 Who don't feel above 
 Helping her mother, 
 
 We can't help but love. 
 You with good standing 
 
 Their places will fill, 
 For in their school days 
 
 No time did they kill. 
 
 You who whisper 
 
 And idly let 
 Your time pass by — 
 
 Say "Teacher got pets." 
 
 203 
 
204 TIME TO KILL. 
 
 Yes — they are pets, 
 
 And will always be too; 
 You'll take a back seat 
 
 The whole of life through. 
 You'll be as much like 'em 
 
 As the seeds that you till 
 Will be like its growth 
 
 Because time did you kill. 
 
 Take a glance at yourself 
 
 When you grow old; 
 High standing brings wealth 
 
 Position and gold. 
 Not one of you scholars 
 
 Expects to be poor, 
 And live upon charity 
 
 Like xhe tramps at your door. 
 They were once children. 
 
 But they waited until 
 Their chances were dead 
 
 Because time did thev kill. 
 
LOVERS ON THE 'PHONE. 
 
 Did 3^ou ever ring up "Central' '? 
 
 When you wanted some one quick! 
 But there was talking on the line, 
 
 That almost made you sick? 
 You wait a few minutes, 
 
 You wonder who it is 
 That's talking awful silly, 
 
 And you forget your "biz'' — 
 Hello — Centeral— Hello, 
 
 You say in an undertone, 
 '' H ello— hello— hello— " 
 
 To the lover on the 'phone. 
 
 You know it's not your party, 
 
 When you hear a sweet " hello,' ' 
 Then you sing out " It's me," 
 
 Then she unwinds, you know. 
 "Hello — hello — hello. Charley, 
 
 Where were you last night ? 
 Don't you think you fooled me? 
 
 I was right there in sight.' ' 
 
 205 
 
2o6 LOVERS ON THE PHONE. 
 
 Why — now you want to know, 
 And you lower your tone, 
 
 Thinking you will fool 
 
 The "lover on the 'phone." 
 
 You can take that nice widow. 
 
 It's all off — yes — to-day. 
 You'll look fine together, 
 
 Charley and his little May." 
 Now you're more tickled 
 
 And you have grown 
 Interested in the story. 
 
 Of the "lover on the 'phone." 
 
 " Charley you had better not 
 
 Come down on Monday night, 
 Have made other arrangements 
 
 With a drummer — 'out of sight. 
 Say — did we have a hot old time ? 
 
 Say — but ain't he swell? 
 They took us to the opera — 
 
 Wouldn't I catch — well, 
 I don't want to say — 
 
 But if it's ever known 
 To Mr. Gates' ' — you recognize 
 
 The "lover on the 'phone.'' 
 
LOVERS ON THE 'PHONE. 207 
 
 Say — you got lots of fun 
 
 By sticking in your nose, 
 Like all of curious listeners 
 
 Not as funny — as you suppose. 
 You didn't laugh so much, 
 
 When she said "Tra-la-la-" 
 You sighed a few little sighs, 
 
 And breathed a long a-h. 
 Why you are Gates that's listening. 
 
 That sweet girl is your own. 
 How many broken hearts there'd be, 
 
 If w^e all loved on the 'phone. 
 
WHEN FRIENDS ARE DEAD. 
 
 O ! Death ! O ! Death ! you startle me 
 Injured — Death — Fatality. 
 Gone, yes gone back to earth. 
 Intelligence — you shroud all mirth! 
 So suddenly my. heart is still 
 At him lying there, so sad and still 
 In his tomb, without a ray — 
 Back again to wasting clay! 
 To-night; to-night; a tear I shed — 
 Who does not — when friends are dead? 
 
 I knew he was a friend to me 
 Befriending all humanity. 
 O! tabernacle of vile earth 
 More precious now, of greater worth 
 For holding such a soul within 
 As we know, his soul has been. 
 A life as gentle as the babe 
 With them, too, I see you laid 
 In their soft and rosy bed — 
 God is good when friends are dead. 
 
 209 
 
2IOWHEN FRIENDS ARE DEAD. 
 
 Your life was simple, and so true — 
 That plainer life which we see through 
 With no vanity would blend ; 
 Constant — always could depend — 
 No one great, no one small. 
 By the right he measured all. 
 A golden life, without alloy — 
 Such as you, lends but joy 
 To me, to all — to Heaven that said 
 "Trust in me' ' when friends are dead, 
 
 Farewell'. Farewell! my friend has gone 
 But, as you journey on and on, 
 Stay, — but a tick of God's all time — 
 And, v/ell, step as perfect rhyme 
 That grand march in Eternity 
 Arm in arm — my friend and me — 
 And you — and you — in that fair land 
 Will join the earthly perfect man. 
 Christ is saying — I'm ahead — 
 Every time, when friends are dead. 
 
THE PRIEST. 
 
 Father, I've been thinking 
 
 Of your power and your care;. 
 With such ease you did impart 
 
 Nobleness to all there. 
 Ah, no small prejudice is youis; 
 
 You have the world at heart ; 
 You place me near the living Christ; 
 
 Would each exhorter play youi pari 
 
 211 
 
NAME THE BABY AFTER ME. 
 
 A President I want to be, 
 
 For reasons of my own. 
 Promise you will vote for me, 
 
 And I will make them known. 
 It's not that I want men to say 
 
 "He couldn't tell a lie.'' 
 Because I tell lies every day. 
 
 Or that I made the chips to fly, 
 Like our Father Abraham 
 
 Just a puffin' in the wood, 
 For I will admit 
 
 For work — I am no good. 
 Or like Old Andrew Johnson, 
 
 With no schoolin' not a bit. 
 Till his .young wife would say, 
 
 "Come Andrew, and spell "it.' 
 Have got no desire 
 
 To point back to the time, 
 And say, '^By Gosh, wasn't I poor, 
 
 I didn't have a dime." 
 
 213 
 
2i6 NAME THE BABY AFTER ME. 
 
 But wouldn't I be tickled, 
 
 If I could only see, 
 All the little babys 
 
 Named after me. 
 It's not because I care about 
 
 The dailies floatin' round, 
 To have myself all pictured out 
 
 In the cabin where they found 
 Me with my sister's apron on 
 
 While the chickens watched me 
 churn. 
 With a book upon my knee, 
 
 I was so keen to learn. 
 It's not because I want the people. 
 
 Who never speak to me 
 Always lookin' o'er the steeple 
 
 When poor folks they see. 
 Scrapin' up some relation 
 
 My family creepin' in. 
 Offering their congratulation 
 
 If I happen just to win. 
 I believe I'd think more 
 
 Of the heathen Chinee, 
 If I could be sure they'd name 
 
 Their little pig-tails after me. 
 It's not because I long to see 
 
 All the people hail, 
 
NAME THE BABY AFTER ME. 217 
 
 And at the train the people cheer 
 
 Me a speakin' from the tail; 
 It's not reform in any way 
 
 I have to offer you — 
 Your women could dress any way, 
 
 You man could smoke and chew. 
 But when the papers tell about 
 
 A ten pound girl or boy, 
 Mother — baby doing well, 
 
 That's when I'd have my joy. 
 See " sweet girls' ' droppin' in— 
 
 "O, my! just see his hair, 
 See the dimples in his cheeks, 
 Aint his skin so fair?" 
 
 It's not because I want to go. 
 
 To Washington, D. C, 
 To try to be the whole blame show, 
 
 In high society. 
 I really haven't much desire 
 
 To pass the plums around. 
 Boosting some one higher. 
 
 To put another down. 
 Remember I'm no candidate 
 
 For faction or for party. 
 
2i8 NAME THE BABY AFTER ME. 
 
 Put me down on every slate, 
 Then support me hearty. 
 
 I don't want no family fuss, 
 Want all men to agree, 
 
 That all the little babies 
 Shall be named after me. 
 
NOV 17 1902 
 
fe4^44^44^4-4^44^4-4^4-4^#4^^^ 
 
 
 
 ,;^^„r^^,, A^ -#>(>^^ ^A*"^ ■^/5A^^ ^Aff^ '^/If.^. -^^f 
 
 
 g 
 
 

 ^•"[^^ s^"i^7 '^''"'i^ ^^y^t^ ■^"''(^^ ^^'"t^;' <5^"i^?' <:^"i^^ ^ 
 
 ^^'''^e^ -^^'^^^^ 'n:^''^'^?^ *^^^l^ s:^^^^^ ^^^^"'^ s:^^"'^?* -^^'^t^?* ^ 
 ::^. .v^:^ <i^^.r^ <^^^^^^ <^^,.r^^ *i^^,r^:^> ^^A^'^^ <^/^^^^ <^A^^^ < 
 
 ^vv^^^ <^i^vv(^^ <;:^^^t^?* *N:^^^t^:^ <^'"'i^^ '^^•"^ 'x>>^''^'^ '=^:^^^'^ ^ 
 ^A^^^ <^A^^^ -^A^'^^ <=^A^^^ <^A^^^ -^7^.^ ^Afvf^ *^;^^!l^ ■ 
 
 
 ^yvv^ -^^C^ <v^^%^ ^^^Qr^ s^^ w* *^^^'<^ -^^^(^ -^^^^ *: 
 
 ?<;^^^€^(;4'^^^'^^%f''"^^^''^^^' 
 
 _ .€^ -^^^^5^ <^^^^^ <c^^^';^ -^^^0^ *^ ^ ^ '^ ^ "^ '^ 
 
 ^^.r^?S ^:^^.r^^ .=i:^AA^^^ <ii^^A^^^ e:^A.^^^ -^aa!^ ^;Ar.f^ -4^>a'^ < 
 
 ^..r^ .^^..^^^ <i^..r^ <ii^..r^ ,.:^..r^?:i> *^AfJ^ ^At^^ -^^t^ " 
 
 °\>^''. ~.°\ A°. J'\ A". >°N y^". ■.°\ y\^. rZ(\/)\ rZKA\ r^\/)\