Class^ TS^r0 7 Book- • /^ HEAR THEN THE VERDICT AND OTHER POEMS BY LoRiN Ludlow ^^ " Every artist dips his brush In his owii soul and paints his own nature into his pictures." — Beecber. > > » } ' ■) Press of THE MORNING STAR PUBLISHING HOUSE K^3 oorr B Copyright 1903 By James Louis Daymude & c « c « •"• •'• ••• •.• CONTENTS A Birthday Soliloquy . 48 A Charming Young Maiden . ia6 A Dove Lesson 34 A Father's Letter 104 A Friend in Need t4t A Good Investment 4« A Heart of Gold 4§ Ail about Strikes 31 All Day Voices in the City 44 A Noble Calling . . 149 A Plucky School Girl 107 A Perfect Guide 84 A Popular Tragedy 27 A Rainy Day Love Letter 86 A Reliable Cosmetic 152 A Student's Farewell . 155 A Spring Rehearsal 56 A Sacred Spot . . . . 85 Attic or Basement 82 A Very Civil War Z09 A Vain Search 47 A Wedding Present 154 A Weary Housewife 133 Beautiful Flowers 67 Beauty to Beauty 157 Beauty Loyal to Duty 95 Believe in God and Trust His Son "5 Brotherhood of St. Andrew . 151 Burdens May Become Wings 144 Christian Soldiers . 83 Christian Endeavor . 118 IV Contents Come unto Me . Discipline of Duty Eloped with Spring Finding a Friend Flirting on the Stairs Genius Superior to Infirmity Georgie's Model Man Greatest of Three Happiness in Small Quarters Harry and Emily United Hear then the Verdict Hermie Humanity's Flag Ich Dien " I Knew It " . Imperiled Friendship Just Nineteen Madame La Grippe Mercy's Birthday Mother Goes to Her Child My Ideal Beauty My Lost Pearl My Spirit Valentine My Wall Flowers My Woodbine Lodge Jewels O Beauty . Ode to Friendship " Old Kenyon " Our Billy Platonic Love Pluto Postman at the Door . Reunited . 8i io6 69 139 137 123 124 55 150 91 9 51 122 25 77 65 100 73 68 105 140 59 146 37 129 158 76 71 130 60 53 153 142 Contents Rum Conquered by Love ....... 135 Safe in Port 159 Saturday Night . 114 Service and Trust 72 Sitting at His Feet 92 Soul to Sense 93 Sunday Morning 114 Tete-a-Tete with My Soul 88 The Cost of a Treat 40 The Champion Cloud Maker 112 The Dauntless Crew of the Merrimac 148 The Demon of Drink 28 The Eclipse Eclipsed 103 Their Tin Wedding 132 The Letter that Came too Late 61 The Lord's Prayer 80 The Love of My Dreams 101 The Morn We Met 35 The Rum Seller Jubilant 116 The Sparrow Trial 127 To Her Who Will Know . 63 To Loved Ones " Over There "' III To Maiden Reading " The Builders " 55 To the Snow Sprite 90 True Greatness 46 True Self-Control 121 Twilight Voices In the Country 42 Valleys Imply Mountains 120 Victorious Name 79 What Gracie and God Did for Me 74 When Maidens Homeward Fly . 38 Who Entitled to Great Respect 33 Y. P. C. T. U. Rally Song . 54 HEAR THEN THE VERDICT " I regard this poem as a very powerful and effective moral appeal, and as one particularly well calculated to awaken spiritual resolution. It has insight, force, and inspiration, and leaves a vivid lesson in memory." — Hes^ekiah Buttertuorth. " Attracts this motley rabble's stare " %m thm tu MM 'My strength is as the strength of ten, Because my heart is pure." — Tennyson. HAT mean these crowds which, day by day, Obstruct the sidewalk's narrow way ? What creature in the window there Attracts this motley rabble's stare ? Some strange, uncanny, dreadful sight, Which timid folk would scare outright? Some savage beast, perchance, enraged Because by man entrapped and caged ? Or read they there some rare new fact, Which thoughtful people should attract ? Some novel, well-considered plan For helping upward struggling man? Some late invention or device For living well at lower price ? Some treatise on the sin of drink, Of kind to make men stop and think ? Or pictured story, told so well That Satan, on his way to Hell, Would pause, and pray to be forgiven, That he might seek its type in Heaven ? JO Hear then the Verdict Ah ! that, indeed, were sorry guess, That men like these who hither press Are drawn by motive pure and good : Their looks betray a baser mood. And now, no longer to disguise This cynosure of gloating eyes, The " creature " in the window there Is not a sight should make men stare ; Is not " uncanny," in the least. Nor, like the men, " a horrid beast." 'Tis something men of self-respect Will never harm, but shield, protect. A timid maiden, young and fair, Some mother's darling, sitting there, Is toiling for her clothes and bread : Perhaps that loved ones may be fed. That what she does is great remove From what your tastes or mine approve, Good reason is why she should find Much sympathy and treatment kind : Be helped to some employment where She'd meet with less to fear and bear. God speed the day no mother's pets Must live by filling cigarettes ! But, Muse, not now her work decry, But how compelled that work to ply : and Other Poems It *' It toiling for her clothes and bread ' 12 Hear then the Verdict That, maiden, modest, young, and fair, She's placed on exhibition where, Exposed to brazen, lustful eyes. She may the shopman advertise ! That she was chosen for the place Because, of comely form and face. Her beauty would attract the eye Of each male idler passing by! That fiendish greed, its maw to sate. This woman's ALL would immolate ! And who, pray tell, will bear the blame If this young maiden come to shame? If broken heart and vain regrets Should brand her make of cigarettes? If part and parcel of their cost Should be a girl betrayed and lost, Because compelled to face a fire More dread than sacrificial pyre? She's modest now, and blushes when She meets the vulgar gaze of men ; But, target made of blear-eyed age, As though a danseuse on the stage ; Besieged by youthful male coquettes Who, charmed with girl-made cigarettes, Their pet mustachios deftly twirl, And ogle much, meanwhile, the girl ; What wonder if, when older grown, and Other Poems n The shopman ? ' No, he's rich I t4 Hear then the Verdict The seed this kind of life had sown Should germinate, and fruitage bear Of love, desertion, and despair ? Would not a less disastrous fate Presume a self-control too great? Once more, then : who will bear the blame ? Will some one speak the culprit's name? " The shopman ? " No, he's rich ! And then — He does but pattern other men : A hundred others one could name Who blameless are and do the same. One sees, whichever way he goes, If not such crowds and window shows, Enough, at least, in sundry ways, To prove that woman's charms, these days, Are often used to advertise And push the sale of merchandise. And used by merchants of repute, Whose *' standing " none may dare dispute. And so the shopman will be free From blame — except hy you and ms. " The gaping crowd? " Why, these, you know, Act just as they have chanced to grow. A part of them, no doubt, had birth Among the creeping things of earth ; And, if possessed of souls at all, and Other Poems i^ 'Among the creeping things of earth" 1 6 Hear then the Verdict They are, as yet, exceeding small — So small, so dormant, they aspire To naught above self's base desire. Another part, 'tis true, have known The higher walks of life, as shown By dress and somewhat else that tells That they are of or ape the " swells." These are not yet in sin so old They would not blush if they were told The thoughts they were indulging then Were thoughts unworthy gentlemen. The most of them — they know it well — Have mothers they'd not dare to tell The motive, as they passed along, That made them join this gazing throng. And some have sisters, pure and sweet. Who surely could not think it meet Their darling brothers should be seen Their pride of birth to so demean. And sweethearts, some, whose hearts would bleed To think them base in thought or deed. " Canst find, O Muse, excuse for these. As for the more submerged degrees? " Await the sequel. Hear me through, Then you will have the answer true. These youths infer, with show of right. That, in their social status fight. and Other Poems 17 "As 'ladies' men' * i8 Hear then the Verdict They may not lose, may even win, By deftly-played Intrigues with sin. They see that "fast " men whom they know Appear to have a better show To win their way with womankind Than men possessed of heart and mind ; , That " beaux," who pass through all the town As " ladies' men," win their renown With feeling, thought, and motive base, Engarbed in guise of artful grace ; That he whose " conquests " multiply, Instead of losing caste thereby. Is feted, flattered, lionized, As woman's patron saint disguised. What wonder, then, if thoughtless youth, Which values pleasure more than truth. Should make its law a social code Which builds for vice so smooth a road? Which welcomes to its pleasure-boats The sower wild of wildest oats? And so the crowd, I fear, will be Unblamed — except hyyou and me. "The maiden?" Ah! none needs to tell The story all men know so well ! The wrong, the shame — she'll bear it all ! Alone, without the social wall and Other Poems '9 "Alone, without the social wall' 20 Hear then the Verdict By Christians built the pure to screen, She'll writhe and chant, " Unclean ! Unclean ! " " By Christians built ? " Ah, yes, they say The Master's plan won't work, to-day: The sinning men to soundly score, And say to her, *' Go I sin no more." " And why not, pray? Now, Muse, reveal What in thy thought thou dost conceal : Speak forth thy mind— the culprit name At door of whom should rest chief blame." HEAR THEN THE VERDICT : Guilty they Who have it in their power to say Who shall and shall not welcomed be To what is called " society," And who permit a social code Which says it shall ht^la mode For rakish men to have entree Where their poor victims may not stay. Whomever else the world may name, These the Christ will surely blame." O mothers, sisters, sweethearts, all. This brings to you the righteous call To wear yourselves the stainless white. And then demand, as just and right, That men, to enter your domain, Must emblem wear as free from stain ; and Other Focma 21 •* These the Christ will surely blame ' 22 Hear then the Verdict That suitor who would win a wife, To be the partner of his life, Must show the maid he would secure That he, no less than she, is pure ; That no man — be he rich or poor — Shall enter socially your door, And touch your hand with gracious smile. Who patronizes places vile ; That women, too, whose social code Bids welcome men to their abode Whose social record, known to fame, Should mantle woman's cheek with shame, Shall be, by women, under ban No less severely than the man. When woman thus asserts her sway, How loathsome Vice will skulk away ! Then LOVE, the pure, sweet type, will come, And HEAVEN be synonym of HOME. OTHER POEMS ' But words are things, and a small drop of ink. Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think." — Byron. ifcb M'tn " Few can serve, yet all may please." — Hannah More. ©F lineage royal, of courtly mien, Insignia wearing befit his birth, A prince, in serious mood or mirth, Thus studied the motto he wore, ^^ Icb Dten^^i " Descend^t in line of the world's great queen, And having glimpses of future years Begemmed with honors and flecked with fears, I, Prince of Wales, should ken what means ' Ich Dien ' ; " For heir to an empire, no less, I ween, Than humblest peasant that owns his sway. And toils for sustenance, day by day, Must bow to Nature's law and say, ' Ich Dien.^ " As now I look out on this ocean scene, Observe the flow of the rising tide. And watch the ships o'er the billows glide. New thoughts arise of the legend ' Ich Dien.'' " That vessel far out in the distance seen, Assigned her place in commercial strife, And bearing freightage of human life, Might fly on her pennant the words, ' Ich Dien.'' 26 Hear then the Verdict " That high-rolling tide, with its silver sheen, Ebbing and flowing at God's command, Ceaselessly serving both sea and land, Is rightfully roaring its boast, ' Ich Dien.^ " This humming-bird flitting the nearer scene. Dipping its beak into honeyed flower. Sipping the sweets of the passing hour, — The Hebe of bloom, — is singing * Ich Dien.^ " Thus thoughtfully musing, this Prince serene Perceived the secret of Nature's plan ; Perceived dull matter and beast and man All living the motto he wore, " Ich Dien.^^ That nothing exists, whether grand or mean, Endowed with soul-life to think and feel, Or naught of sentience it doth reveal. Whose warrant of being is not " Ich 'Bien?'* and Other Poems 27 a fopislar Crageds ACT I. Little boy, Cigarette, Puff or two, Sick, you bet ! ACT II. Tries again. Not so sick, Tickled now. Learned the trick." -2;^^ ^S ACT III. Boy grows thin, Awful pale : Doctor, quick ! " Mother's wail. ACT IV. Doctor comes. Shakes his head, Undertaker : Tommy dead ! Sequel All surprised Providence(?) Such nice lad Should take hence ! 28 Hear then the Verdict Sbe Demon of Srisib " Drunkenness is identical with ruin." — Diogenes. T STROLLED through the slums of the town, to-day, Y Where poverty, squalor, and crime hold sway, Intent upon learning what fiend was there To cause such conditions of fell despair. " For surely," I reasoned, " such vileness rife, Such widely-spread wreckage of human life, Such horrible fruitage of woe, hath grown From seed by some demon incarnate sown ! " Nor was I mistaken ; for everywhere. By sights and by sounds in the reeking air, Were proofs of the presence of that dread foe Which drugs men to madness, drapes homes in woe. His agents were busy : Hell's liquid fire Had many a seller and many a buyer. And many a workman his hard-earned gain There bartered for drink and a muddled brain. There stood by Rum's altar young men who still Retained, they asserted, command of will To toy with the tempter, yet hold the power To spurn his enchantments within the hour. But by them stood others as youthful quite. Who knew that the taint of the serpent's bite Had entered and poisoned their blood and brain, And branded them slaves in the demon's train. and Other Poems 2g Young husbands were there, whose young wives, at home Were waiting, while dreading, their homeward roam ; But greeted them kindly, and feigned surprise At their reeling gait and their rum-bleared eyes. And fathers sat long at their mixtures vile, Whose children were crying for bread, meanwhile ; Then homeward meandered with empty purse, A stench in their nostrils, on tongues a curse. O brothers ! O statesmen ! could pen disclose The heights and the depths of this worst of woes, The story would rouse you, from son to sire, To hurl this fiend back to his native fire ! Abolish the traffic in human lives ; Restore rescued husbands to loving wives ; Rebuild the wrecked homes, and uncage the joys That thrilled in the voices of girls and boys ! O Christian people, do you still delay Because this vile demon comes not your way ? Is that valid reason why you decline To hazard the hate of the god of wine ? 'Tis reason like his who his brother slew : As valid was Cain's as is yours for you. You are ** brother's keeper," and must him keep By making of rumsellers one clean sweep ! ^o Hear then the Verdict Say, dip 1 my pen into ink too strong? Alas ! there is need, when this fearful wrong Is fostered by city and state and realm, Its votaries stand at the social helm. The newspapers silent, the pulpit mum, All bowing their necks to the despot rum ! 'Tis time, O ye people, full time, I think. The Pen should strike boldly the Demon of Drink ! " The pen should strike boldly the Demon of Drink" and Other Poems ^i M about S\xM% " Strike for your altars and your fires." — Halleck. IF, fighting your way with the " bulls " and " bears," You climb to wealth on the Stock Exchange stairs, You're sure to be toadied as much as you like : You've scooped in a fortune, you've made a big " strike." Strike, strike, you've made a big strike : What all " sharks " are after and all "sharks " like. If, pugilist, you, in the prize-fight ring, Hit straight from the shoulder with blows that sting. Be you college athlete, or just plain Mike, You'll "pocket the biscuit," you've made a "swell" strike. Strike, strike, you've made a " swell " strike : What all " sports " are after and all " sports " like. If, laborer, you are informed some day. The Union has ordered, " Quit work right away ! " You know you will suffer, but down goes your spike, And, true to your comrades, you go on a strike. Strike, strike, go out on a strike : What some men are after but few men like. 32 Hear then the Verdict ♦• A strike that is coming ' Far better than any and all of these, We know of a " strike " that should all men please A strike that is coming when all men alike As brother with brother their hands shall strike. Strike, strike, with brother shall strike : What all men should work for and all men like. and Other Poems ^^ " A thousand pounds a year for pure respect." — Shakespeare. HO is entitled to great respect? He placed at the lielm of the Ship of State, To direct its course and conserve its fate, As servant of nation that made him great ? IF BEFORE GOD HE CAN STAND ERECT. Who is entitled to great respect? The army official, whose fame resounds In clarion notes to remotest bounds, Proclaiming great deeds on great battle-grounds ? NOT IF HIS MANHOOD SHOW GREAT DEFECT. Who is entitled to great respect ? The man who has garnered great wealth in store, And daily is garnering more and more, Till gold in great tidal waves floods his door? NOT IF "SWEET CHARITY" HE NEGLECT. Who is entitled to great respect ? The woman whose beauty of form and face, " ElUeness^' of wardrobe and faultless grace. Procure her m^r^^ to high social place? YES, IF HER LIFE BEAUTY'S CHARMS REFLECT. 34 Hear then the Verdict Who is entitled to great respect? The young man admitted to homes elite, Received by young women, bright, pure, and sweet, And honored by parents with friendly greet ? NOT IF HIS HABITS BE INCORRECT. Who is entitled to great respect ? The man or the woman, the girl or boy, Whom wisdom and virture enthrill with joy, Whom all forms of evil distress, annoy : THOUGH POOR, UNFAMED, IS OF GOD'S ELECT. "A bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wing:s shall tell the matter." — Bible. 'OME out, little boys, little girls, to the doves, And see how each one of them cleanliness loves. You'll have to come early, for doves don't delay Befitting themselves to be seen through the day. We'll see how they bathe in the glad, limpid rill, Then comb from their plumage all kinks, with the bill ; And so they're not seen with soiled feathers and feet, Their persons besmeared with the soil of the street : Won't that be a lesson for you and for me, And prompt us to try to be clean as doves be? and Other Poems 35 dbe Mortt He Met* " Would you know how first he met her? " — Tennyson. T AM thinking, Dear, of the morn we met ; J And just as I saw you I see you yet : A lovely young maiden in school-girl guise, Reviewing her studies with wistful eyes : Beautiful eyes, that seemed to say " We know and trust you from this first day." Reviewing her studies with wistful eyes •' *By permission of Jean White, music publisher. ^6 Hear then the Verdict And I wondered, Love, — for I seemed to see A future was waiting for you and me, — If ever you'd love me, and I'd love you, With love that is tender and pure and true : Beautiful love, that ne'er grows cold, As hairs grow gray and the years grow old. I am answered. Sweet, for I love you so, Already the sequel I seem to know : That surely the future's unrolling scroll Will show me enthroned in your own sweet soul Beautiful soul, divinely fair, Divine the bliss in its love to share. But if something. Dear, should reveal it best That not in this life I may be so blest, I'm sure that my love, in the life to be, Will find you and draw you in love to me : Beautiful life that lasts for aye, And rights the errors of this brief day. and Other Poems ^7 il55) Mall flowers I AM musing alone in my attic, As the curtain of day slowly falls, And am leisurely reading the faces That are peering at me from the walls. One is gazing with eyes full of pity, As condoling my lonely estate ; While another, wide-eyed, looks the question : '* Why this sadness ? Why not more elate ? " Here are faces of friends who have known me, Long have known me on hill and in dell : Each of these, in its way, seems determined I shall know it remembers me well. And my darlings, my nearest and dearest. With sweet smiles in their beautiful eyes, Seem conveying to me Heaven's message : " Earthly sorrows are joys in disguise." Now another sweet face looms before me, As of one of the dearest of these: One that fits in the niche of a longing Which none other could so well appease. 'Tis a face so transcendent in beauty, So expressive of heart and of soul. That I see in its each charming feature A through pass to a glorious goal. ^8 Hear then the Verdict O I would that my ideal picture Might assume its true place on my wall, And so blend with its other belongings, That its sweetness would flavor them all ! But alas ! I must cancel this wishing : Earth's ideals are seldom attained ! When passed on from this life to the higher, Will our losses in this be regained? When burning rays of August days Have spent their wilting force ; And autumn's frown hath settled down On field and woodland gorse ; Then maidens, brown, return to town, " Engaged," each one, no doubt, But, ere the snow begins to blow, Their summer lovers flout. and Other Poems 39 " And am leisurely reading the faces 40 Hear then the Verdict Jibe Cost of a Creat " Troops of Furies inarch in the drunkard's triumph." — Goethe. TEP up, my lads, the lot of you, And drink at my expense : The man that don't accept my treat Will give me great offense. A day like this don't come but once. And we must have a ' spree,' And every lad must drain his cup. And leave the score to me." REFRAIN O could he have known, that father, that day, The terrible price he would have to pay, He'd sooner have ordered a winding sheet. Than paid the expense of that fateful treat ! Young men " stepped up " who, till that day, Had never tipped the cup ; But then and there the habit formed, And never gave it up. Among them, brightest of them all. Just come of age that day. Was first-born, only son of him Who pledged the " score " to pay. and Other Poems di " Step up, my lads, the lot of you " That son began the downward road So easy made by rum, And ere his beard was fully grown A drunkard had become. That father's silvered, drooping head Proclaims the bitter woe That wrings his soul, the victim of That "treat " three years ago. a (Bood Unvcsttncnt IT WAS only a dime, but, invested well, It doubled itself, over and over ; For it won me the thanks of a charming belle, And a genuine FOUR-LEAFED CLOVER ! 42 Hear then the Verdict "God made the country." — Cowper. HILE I sit here, thinking, thinking, In the twiliglit, lone and sad, Something whispers, " Hear the music All about you, and be glad." So, alone, I sit and study- Twilight sounds that strike my ear : Try to separate, distinguish, And interpret what I hear. Very many, strange, and varied Are these voices of the night. As they come from out the gloaming, Sound, unaided by the sight. In the distance rolls and rumbles Slowly homeward-moving wain ; Near at hand a creaking cricket Cries her plaint, as if in pain. Swift as bolt by Jove projected. Downward through the startled air Pounces predatory night-hawk, Seeking hapless victims there. " Tick-tack, tick-tack," on the mantel Sing the seconds as they pass ; "Tick-tick, tick-tick," sing, responsive, Tiny insects in the grass. and Other Poems 43 'Neath the eaves a startled sparrow Twitters to her mate, in fear ; And her drowsy spouse, impatient, Peeps response, "Be quiet, dear! " Far away a bell is ringing. Tolling, tolling, for the dead : Ah ! I wonder if the mourners' Hearts are bleeding, as mine bled ! Now a hush comes o'er my senses ; Stillness broods on all around; Clock and cricket cease their clatter ; Peace-and-rest-at-last-are-found, Hark ! a voice I Her voice is singing ! Can — O can it truly be? Too far, alas ! too far away ! I sleep — I dream she sings for me ! " In the distance rolls and rumbles 44 Hear then the Verdict %\\ Sa$ IDoiccs in tbe Ci " Man made the city." — Cowper. I SAT me down some lines to write, But soon was in a mood to fight ; For I had just begun my song, When two street criers came along. Ugh ! I wished the fiends to throttle : " Ole-raigs ! Ole-raigs ! Eny-raigs-bottle ? " 1 tried again, got through a line, And caught a glimpse of something fine, But only glimpse, for I was then Made crosser than a brooding hen ! and Other Poems 45 This time it was that awful sell : " Mac Rell ! Mac Rell ! Nice, fresh Mac Rell ! " I waited till " Mac Rell " got by, Then, feeling vexed enough to cry, Picked up again my pen and wit. And started in to make a hit, When this refrain fell on my ear : " Be-nay-nays ! Rye-be-nay-nays, hare ! " I thought to give it up ; but then- Ought tongue be let to squelch the pen? No, no ! I tried the thing once more ; Alas ! no better than before : The oily tongue that filched my hope Came on the scene with " Sope ! Sope ! Sope ! " At last I gave up all control, With bitter feelings in my soul : Ought any city sell the right To howl the streets from morn till night? Ought citizens be robbed their peace . By traders in old rags and grease? Ought venders be allowed to yell Through decent streets like imps of hell ? Disturb the sick, dispel all thought. Because some wares are sold and bought? Are cities truly civilized With savagery so undisguised ? 46 Hear then the Verdict Methinks there is some better way Our people will demand, some day ; A way that better sense will suit, For trade in rags and fish and fruit. " Pray give us now! " do hosts implore, " Relief from this tremendous bore ! " ' Whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister." —Jesus. Divine the wisdom which reserves True greatness for the soul that serves ; Declares it product of the heart Whence purely selfish aims depart. Divine the edict which decides That worth its own reward provides ; That man, it must be understood, " Is only great as he is good." and Other Poems 47 a tDain Search "Why seek ye the living among the dead? " — Angels at the tomb ofjeszis. HY seek amid tombstones what never was there? The souls of your loved ones ve did not entomb : They soared through the air to a land that is fair, And live there as sweetly as flowers a-bloom. Oh, think not, though passed from material sight, Your darlings are held in the clutches of death ! They, happy and bright, roam a world of delight ; For souls do not perish at stoppage of breath. " The laid- away caskets ? " Oh, yes, they are dear : The jewels encased made them precious to you. They, too, never fear, shall again re-appear, As spirit forms like to the old forms ye knew. O Tabor's sweet vision ! O Calvary's tree ! How golden the lesson from both we derive ! Revealing that we our departed shall see As dead in the flesh, but in spirit ALIVE. Then seek not the living 'mid things that are dead ; The Kingdom of Heaven more wisely explore. With Heavenly bread feed your heart and your head. And so be allied to what lives evermore. 48 Hear then th^ Verdict a Birtbd85 Solflops " God gave thy soul brave wings." — Herbert. IT is only a year, but 1 seem to-day Full many a league upon league away, In thought, in feeling, in hope, I ween. From the day I registered " s^veet sixteen." Though only a bit of a girl, as then : Though only a birdling of seven and ten, I feel somehow that my wings have grown, That somehow a larger world I own ! What means it, 1 wonder, this broader sphere. That opes as I enter my seventeenth year ? How shall I interpret this growth of soul : Its meaning, its mission, its trend and goal ? O would that some seer might unfold — No ! no ! O not for the world would I have it so ! My future unveiled, whether good or ill, Would defeat God's plan and my own free will. the joy of it all— this unending life Of achievement, as guerdon of earnest strife ! 1 long to be in it, with might and main. Whatever the goal, but it SHALL BE GAIN ! Full well do I know whose the fault will be, If the beauty and talent vouchsafed to me Be not wisely invested in paying stock, And my house be not built upon SOLID ROCK. "I feel somehow that my wings have grow^n " and Other Poems 49 a %izx\ of MA " Honest labor bears a lovely face." — IDekker. WITH merry heart and murmured song, Without a care or thought of wrong, A happy maiden tripped, one day, Along an unfrequented way. A pair of dudes, bent on a " lark," Accosted her with rude remark. A stranger heard her cry of fright, And rescued her, like royal knight. The maiden turned to thank the man Who bravely to her rescue ran. And saw, surprised, a working lad, Of manly form, though poorly clad ; But in his hand, work-soiled and red, She placed her own and sweetly said : " Though, as your dress doth plainly show, You are a working lad, I know That 'neath your vesture, worn and old, There throbs a heart that can't be sold. That you are manly, brave, and true, And I shall always think of you As one beneath whose clothing old There throbs a heart of sterling gold." ^o Hear then the Verdict Through balmy days of autumn-tide, This youth and maiden, side by side, Together strolled o'er hill and dell, And each to each their love did tell. But " Oh ! 'tis wrong ! " the brave lad cried, " To make my love a poor man's bride ! It must not be ! Good-bye, my sweet, 'Tis best we ne'er again should meet ! " But as he turned to leave the maid, Her father spoke from out the glade : " Come back, my lad ! You need not part ! My wealth of gold 'gainst yours of heart." And in his hand, work-soiled and red, He placed his daughter's hand and said : " Though as your dress doth plainly show. You are a working lad, I know That 'neath your vesture, worn and old. There throbs a heart that can't be sold. That you are manly, brave, and true, And I shall always think of you As one beneath whose clothing old There throbs a heart of sterling gold." and Other Poems 5' " But to see her was to love her." — 'Burns. CAN you tell me what's the matter, Tell me what the symptom means, When one's timid in the presence Of a girl just in her " teens " ? She is winsome, she is pretty, She has fascinating ways ; And my heart begins to flutter Ev'ry time I meet her gaze. Now for years I'd been admitted To her home a welcome guest. But I never thought she drew me More than either of the rest. And, in truth, it seemed the mother Who attracted me to call. Being sprightly, and a widow. And so very kind, withal. Then her jolly elder sister. Full of mirth-provoking glee, Always gave me kindly greeting, Very pleasant was to me. 52 Hear then the Verdict So my calls became so frequent, And so cordial were the three, No place else in all the city Quite so homelike was for me. Was I not the favored monarch Of the hearts I there surveyed ? Could I not have issued orders, Have them instantly obeyed ? Well, I thought so, till one evening. As the cottage I approached, I discovered other " monarchs " On my kingdom had encroached. Lo ! a troop of college students Filled the place with song and glee ; And my " subjects " clearly made them Quite as much " at home " as me ! Then there came a strange awaking To a new and startling sense ; Something I must frankly tell you. Though somewhat at my expense. When I saw those students happy. Saw the ladies happy, too. All my " royal " plumage wilted ; Strange new feelings pierced me through. and Other Poems 5^ Then my heart for me discovered Which strand of that triple cord Drew me, held me, to the cottage : Why those students I abhorred. They might swarm about the widow, Or the sister join in song. But if Hermie smiled upon them, I was sure 'twas very wrong I From that night my wonted valor Just evaporated, quite ; I am ill at ease and timid ; Something surely is not right. So do tell me what's the matter ; Tell me what the symptom means. When a fellow is so " rattled " By a maiden in her "teens." I'VE many a friend that I love full well ; I've several beaux, and all that ; But nothing so causes my heart to swell As Pluto, my little black cat. §4 Hear then the Verdict V. t' C. 2. SJ. tail? S Tune. — "Marching through Georgia." i^\S comrades we've enlisted in the service of the Lord, f-^ To fight the hosts of evil in accordance with His J word, And we must don our armor and go forth with one accord ; While we are soldiers of Jesus. REFRAIN Hurrah ! hurrah ! we will be true and brave ; Hurrah ! hurrah ! ourselves and others save : Save from INEBRIETY, so mighty to enslave, While we are soldiers of Jesus. Intrenched within our country is King Alcohol, our foe ; His campfires flaunt their glowing lights whichever way we go, And we the lights of church and home must no less brightly show. While we are soldiers of Jesus. The foe is here recruiting for the potentate of hell, Equipped with ammunition far more dread than shot and shell, But then our great Commander is all powerful to quell, While we are soldiers of Jesus. and Other Poems §^ To Him we look for wisdom in conducting our campaign ; He knows Jiow much tliere is to do, how much to lose or gain; So we may hope to win the day when Rum will cease to reign, While we are soldiers of Jesus. Co MMm lieaclfiig ''CTbe ®iif Wets'' " Character is higher than intellect."— Ewersow. Yes, dear maiden, building surely, Day by day, life's structure grand ; Building wisely, building purely, Firm and fair your house will stand. Then, some day, the veil will sever, When, beyond earth's sky of blue, You will find " a joy forever" That sweet home you built so true. Greatest of Cbree "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity." — St. Taiil. Faith, my trust in things unknown ; Hope, my trust in things to be ; Love, my selfishness outgrown : Noblest, greatest of the three. 5(5 Hear then the Verdict % Sprii Suppose the singing birds musicians." — Shakespeare. HEN out walking, what seemed talking In the hedge-row by the way, Heard but faintly, sounded quaintly, Lured my passing steps to stay. While "eaves-dropping," birds were hopping In and out the hawthorne hedge. And the mention " Bird Convention " Made my act seem sacrilege. But I listened ; plumage glistened. Swarms of delegates began Wings to flutter, chirps to utter Sage opinions — just like man. Now the matter of the chatter Was a March Rehearsal planned Of the singing for inbringing Of the springtide, near at hand. " I doubt whether, with such weather. We may not this meet postpone ! " Screeched the regal chairman, Eagle, As he picked a lambkin's bone. and Other Poems 57 I ■were craven, croaked the Raven " 'M were craven," croaked the Raven, " If I did not speak my mind. If our chairman were a fair man He would songsters treat more kind. " He sits eating, when the meeting The Rehearsal would begin ! We need training for sustaining Music fit the ' Bringing In.' " This speech ended, laughter blended With the chairman's stern reply ; For each winger knew, as singer. Raven's standing was not high. §8 Hear then the Verdict Then much stirring and great whirring Quivered through the feathered throng ; For came true word that Prince Bluebird Now would sing the opening song. Next up-bobbin', Redbreast Robin Cleared his throat with conscious pride ; Bosom glowing, as if knowing He could win his way earth-wide. Then up-springing, primed for singing. Came the " Goldfinch Concert Band." Robed in yellow, voices mellow. They are always in demand. Time would fail me to detail the Names of vocalists renowned ; Nor can mention serve intention To describe how all were gowned. After list'ning to the whistling Of the Wood-thrush Soloist, I must leave you, though it grieve you, Songsters dear, whom I have missed. But, in quitting, it seems fitting I should say what I opine : That this season there's good reason Bird-world singing should be fine ! and Other Poems ^() /in^ lost f earl " The leaves of friendship fa!!.'' — Holmes. I'VE lost a pearl, I know not how, I know not where, I know not when ; I only know 'twas mine, and now — 'Tis gone, as though it had not been. I wore my pearl upon my heart. And thought to keep it there for aye ; But cruel Fate oft rends apart What should together always stay. Could I but know when it was lost, Just whither gone and why it went, Such knowledge might reduce the cost ; Might serve to soothe my discontent. Or had I prized my pearl less high ; Could I but say, " I do not care! " Then pride would scorn complaint, and try Some other pearl to win and wear. Sweet Hope predicts a day will come — Beyond this life that day may be — When my lost pearl will find its home, And there abide eternally. And would you know the pearl I mean ? A maiden's friendship, crystal pure ; The sweetest I had known or seen ; The kind that should for aye endure. 6o Hear then the Verdict I^latonfc love "A friendship that, Iilt\m \{ desk and my paper, my pen and my ink Are ready for business, but where is my "think"? Whenever a blossoming thought I would nip, My head begins humming the lay of La Grippe. I've earnestly sought how I best might evade The loathsome embraces of that wicked jade ; Am told many ways how to give her the slip, But none have yet saved mie from Madame La Grippe. One told me to stick out my tongue, which I did, When on it a spoonful of sulphur was slid : Believing, I think, that the Madame would skip, So much 'twould remind her of home, poor La Grippe ! But how can one write ? It is no use to try, A buzz in his head and a flood in his eye ! And here's a big sneeze getting ready to ri — Oh ! put in a word there to rhyme with LA GRIPPE ! ! 14 Hear then the Verdict u (Bracie m& 6od Sid for Me " To stay at home is best." — Longfellow. FATHER, don't leave me alone, to-night : Dear mother, you know, is so ill ! If she should get worse I would die of fright : Stay, father, O say that you will ! Stay, O my father, do stay ! Stay with your Gracie — donH go.' And we'll watch and we'll pray Till the dawning of day. And then she'll get better, I know." So pleaded the child of my fond- est love, With tears stealing down her sweet face ; And, helped by our Father who W hears above, I yielded to God and my • stay, O my father ' • Grace. " Pray, O my Gracie," I sighed, " Pray for your mother and me " ; And we watched side by side, And to Heaven we cried, To make my wife well and me free. and Other Poems y^ The morrow's sun rose with a golden glow ; The birds were all singing with glee ; I wonder if Nature was glad to know What Gracie and God did for me ? Sing, all ye people, oh, sing ! Sing with my Gracie and me : For we feel we must sing, Till the welkin shall ring : Wife lives and from drink I am free ! No more shall my wife nor my Gracie know Neglect, nor of terror the pain ; No more my example and earnings go To swell the rich rumseller's gain. Sing, all good people, oh, sing ! Sing with my darlings and me ; For we feel we must sing, Till the welkin shall ring : We're free ! From the rum demon free ! 7(5 Hear then the Verdict ®de to ifrfendsbip " Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core." — Shakespeare. ©LOVE, that art not Love but friendship named ! Thy nature ? Bard hath never sung it true. Thy beauty ? Brush hath never limned its hue. Shall novice, then, brave theme by sages maimed ? To Love hymeneal thou art suret^^ bond, O Friendship ! They wed ill who wed not thee. Love's permanence hath else no guaranty The summer-tide of its brief dream beyond. But thou dost other mission well fulfill : Thou raisest Love to even higher plane Than that which leads to wedlock, good or ill. Sweet souls there are who worship at thy fane In loving, helpful trust, nor cross His will Who wills not hearts shall yearn for hearts in vain. 'And when she came to maidenhood Of type a prince might woo it" and Other Poems 77 **t ilin«w irt" " Love gives itself, but is not bought"— Longfellow. T T might be nice to love a girl, j^ And never let her know it ; But that's a trick I have not learned : To lave and not to show it. I tried it once, as best I could, But found I failed to do it ; For when at last I told the girl, She laughed and said, " I knew it! " Of course she did ! They always do, When love is tender, pure, and true : In glowing cheek. In gleaming eye, In manner meek. In heaving sigh. They read the " old, old story " well. And welcome or resent its spell. A sweet young girl I long have known. And dearly loved her ever ; For, as a child, she seemed to me So beautiful and clever. And when she came to maidenhood. Of type a prince might woo it, And I declared in words my love. She sighed : " Alas ! I knew it ! " ^8 Hear then the Verdict - Of course she did ! They always do, When love is tender, pure, and true : In glowing cheek, In gleaming eye. In manner meek, In heaving sigh, They read the " old, old story " well. And welcome or resent its spell. It puzzled me— that word " alas ! " Accompanied by sighing ; She read the question in my look. And chuckled, thus replying : " That word and sigh were only feigned. And meant to make you rue it. That you so tried to hide your love. While all the time I knew it." Of course she did ! They always do, When love is tender, pure, and true : In glowing cheek, In gleaming eye, In manner meek. In heaving sigh, They read the " old, old story " well. And welcome or resent its spell. and Other Poems 79 " Who hath not owned with rapture-smitten frame The power of grace, the magic of a name." — Campbell. " Christian Endeavor "—victorious name ! How on swift wings it hath mounted to fame ! Rising and soaring and flashing along, Incarnate spirit of triumph and song ! Singing the theme herald angels began, Telling the love of the Father for man : Infinite love, ever striving to bring All men to majesty, crown each a king ! Need we a song more seraphic to sing ? Earth hath no guerdon more worthy life's aim. Noble achievements have honored the name. Deathless the fame of its conquests o'er sin. Endless the jewels through Christ it will win. " All things are yours," saith the Gospel of Grace, Valiantly claim them and conquer the race. Onward to victory, God-loving youth : Right for your watchword and Christ for your Truth ! 8o Hear then the Verdict " Prayer is the soul's sincere desire.'' — Montgomery. |Y need is great, for self I pray, But first I Thee adore and say: *' Our Father who doth dwell in Heaven, All glory to Thy name be given." 1 would not pray with selfish greed, ^ ^^^ ^^^^^^3; And so for all mankind I plead : " Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On Earth, as where transgressed by none." My body, soul, and spirit, all For daily food on Thee must call : " O Thou by whom all beasts are fed, Give me this day my daily bread." And, since I do transgress Thy law, Nor can, unhelped, from sin withdraw, " Forgive my debts to Thee o'erdue. As I to Mercy's claims am true." and Other Poems 8i And, O my Father, Jesus long The tempter foiled ; I am not strong : " Lead me not in temptation's way : Deliver me from harm, I pray." This prayer, approved by Thy dear Son, O Father, hear ! For ye are one ; '* For Thine is now and aye hath been The kingdom, power, and praise. Amen." " Come unto me, a!l ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."— Jesus. Do LIFE'S burdens press you sorely? Is your heart with care oppressed ? Go tell Jesus all about it, While you lean upon His breast. Are you sick or sad or lonely? Mourn you loved ones gone to rest ? Jesus knows and feels your sorrows : Knows just how to help you best. Are you longing for the summons To a life among the blest ? Soon will call the voice of Jesus : " Come, and I will give you rest." 82 Hear then the Verdict MM or ffiasetnettt He that climbs the tall tree has won right to the fruit." — Scott. 'T^TOW people can be so contented r~^ To live in the stories below, J When nothing but choice them prevented From climbing, I'm puzzled to know. The air is much clearer and purer. The light more effulgent, by far, The outlook is broader and surer, The nearer one neighbors a star. E'en clouds cast a less gloomy shadow ; Show rifts all unseen near the ground ; Suggestive of daisy-flecked meadow, Where brightness will full soon abound. " As for me," yawns a lower-floor lodger, " Stair-climbing is not to my taste ; Though I'm not at all a work dodger, For climbing I've no strength to waste." Ah ! how that pernicious conception Oft plunders the soul of its right ! Denies it its own predilection. And dooms it to ignoble blight ! and Other Poems 8^ Compels it to live in the basement ! Forbids it to climb toward the sky ! Which means aspiration's erasement : Just creeping awhile and then — die ! Pray read you not into this rhyming Alone its material thought ; But chiefly real heart and soul climbing, Which greatness to great lives hath brought. " I have fought a good fight." — St. Paul. Y the Saviour called, commissioned, Armed, equipped, and well provisioned. Comrades, shall we fear disaster. Marching under such a Master? Be our way o'er rugged mountain. Desert waste that knows no fountain, In dark valley fraught with danger. Through domain of hostile stranger : March erect ! Whate'er betide us, There is One doth march beside us. Who before the way hath traveled, All its tangled maze unravelled. He hath clambered mountains rougher ; Hunger, thirst, been known to suffer ; Threaded perils from the manger : Comrades, FORWARD ! Conquer danger ! 84 Hear then the Verdict " I am the way, the truth, and the life."— Jesus. I AM the Way : The thoughts I think, the life I live, The deeds I do, the precepts give : These mirror forth the Father's plan For guiding, saving, erring man : I am the way. " My message is the Father's own " I am the Truth : No errors I proclaim to you ; I know the false, I know the true ; and Other Poems 85 My message is the Father's own ; From Him the seed that I have sown I am the Truth. I am the Life : This life were little worth had I Not rived the barriers of the sky ; Unveiled Heaven to mortal sight ; Brought immortality to light : I am the Life. B Sacred Spot A QUIET nook in Nature's heart Where lie the loved remains apart Of two sweet maidens, early risen From loving, anguished hearts to Heaven. 86 Hear then the Verdict 21 IRaitty ]Dd$ 2ove Setter " I hear the singing of the rain." — Burleigh. ELOVED, to-day it is raining, And shiadows are flitting my room, Depleting tlie joys here obtaining, And flecking its spirit with gloom. At such times my thought goes a-searching For places and persons I love, And now it is tenderly perching On home- tree where you " live and move." This fact may convey little pleasure To maiden for whom it is meant ; Though love oft requites in some measure A heart, though with lover unblent. 'Tis something to know one doth love you ; Your beauty of person admires ; In character thinks none above you ; Your happiness greatly desires. But pray do not let it disturb you To know that you live in my heart ; Nor ever the least let it curb you. When smitten by self-approved dart. For I must assist, not impede you, In all that concerns your sweet life ; Rejoice e'en, if fortune concede you A husband befit such a wife. and Other Poems 87 Must I, then, suppress all ovation ? Refrain from all mention of love? Keep veiled from you all intimation Of prizing you others above ? Why should I ? The knowing can't harm you, For, though it is perfectly true. And though it may not the least charm you, 'Tis something that neither should rue. For love hath a meaning and mission Beyond that the world calls its place ; A broader, a grander commission : Ennobling, refining the race. Besides, love survives earth's restrictions ; Lives on through eternity's reach ; Eliminates hindering frictions : United souls knowing no breach. So, dear, while this world we are roaming, The jewels we find by the way Will bide with us after death's gloaming, To brighten our unending day. So, too, though far future and distant, True love that seemed meaningless here, Will there prove itself still existent : Its reason for being make clear. 88 Hear then the Verdict detesjaflsteU with /IB5 Soul " Hear my soul s^i&ak."— Shakespeare. y-^-^ MY soul, where is there yl)) rescue From this sorrow, this un- rest? "In reunion with your darlings, Where they live among the blest." Tell me, soul, O tell me truly. Do they love me as before They went forth and left me weeping «' o teu me truly " On thls desolated shore ? " Aye, much more, and much more wisely, For your inmost life they know ; Know its thoughts, its loves, its motives. As they never could below." Speak again, my soul : Why is it God hath taken them away, In their youth and joy and beauty. Leaving me bereft to stay ? and Other Poems 8g " Life, we know, hath many mansions ; Souls, appointed work to do ; Theirs lies in the world of spirit; Yours in this awaits its due." If I, then, give o'er this grieving ; Do the work that keeps me here ; Shall I have again my darlings : Guerdon to my heart so dear ? " Surely yes ! Though, here, not always Have we with us those we love, Hearts united find each other In the spirit realms above." go Hear then the Verdict Co the Snow Sprite " The snow-flakes fall, each one a gem." — Gibson. HE morn hath come again, and lo ! Thou comest, pure and happy Snow ! Ah ! charming elf, I would that you Had stayed away the winter through. For, child of purity, I know How you'll be treated here below. You come enrobed in stainless white ; But ah ! before approach of night, and Other Poems gi Your robe of purity will be A sad, bedraggled sight to see ! Rough man will throw you into cart And, trampling on your broken heart. Will drag you forth and dump you down Among the garbage of the town. Then you will wish, no less than I, You had not left your native sky. 1)$rr$ and £tnil$ United " From our own selves our joys must flow, And that dear hut — our home." — Colton. " HAPPY the day that doth entwine, Emily dear, thy life with mine ! " " Angel were I, I'd hail the day My Harry comes with me to stay." " Reading the joy in thy sweet face, I were a fiend to it displace." " Reading true manliness in thine, Lovely the life assured as mine." " Yea, as OURS : for, as years go by, You will be you, and I will be I ! " g2 Hear then the Verdict Sittind at Va jfect Unto you it is given to l^\LL hail to the nation, the glorious nation, I— J That wars in defense of humanity's weal ! J That, free from the curse of unjust usurpation, Stands ready the wounds of her neighbor to heal ! Whose brave sons of freemen, from field and from city, March quickly to rescue the weak from the strong ; To teach haughty tyrants the meaning of pity, And help them distinguish the right from the wrong. REFRAIN O star-lit " Old Glory," Repeat thy proud story, Of nation that never hath battled in vain ! How oft thy proud waving Hath signaled the saving Of downtrodden people from tyranny's chain ! Though bitter the wail that ascended to Heaven When demons incarnate exploded The Maine, It caused not the edict that Peace should be riven, Nor sounded the tocsin of war against Spain. Far nobler the plea that unfurled thee so proudly, O Flag 'neath whose folds it is glory to bleed ! Lead on, and the world, though our guns thunder loudly Shall know that we fight nor for vengeance nor greed. * Set to music. and Oihir Poems 12^ And when fair Columbia's warring is over, She'll value results by her givings, not gains : For even her foes shall have come to discover That justice empowers her arms and her brains. All nations of Earth shall have learned, in like manner, How strong are the FREE to unchain the ENSLAVED : How freedom's best emblem, the Star Spangled Banner, Hath ever for God and humanity waved ! (Benius Superior to Unfirmity Behold the man who, deaf to sound, Enrhythms hearts the world around. Enrapt within, his outer ear, Through many an anguished silent year. His mighty soul-throbs scorned to hear. O courage noble ! Triumph grand ! Victorious o'er such woe to stand. Eternal fame thy meed will be, Nor quit in full man's debt to thee ! 124 Hear then the Verdict Imitation forms our manners, our opinions, our very lives." — Weiss. WHEN I'm a boy of eight or ten, You won't ketch me a-playin' men By hangin' round the beer saloons Afore I'm wearin' pantaloons. Nor I won't hunt the streets, you bet. To find a dirty cigarette, And when I do, see how it smokes, Gist so's to be like bigger folks. No, sir ! I won't be sich a fool ! I 'member teacher said at school She wished us boys would try to be Gist like the nicest men we see. So I'll gist pick me out a man, The very bestest one I can, And then gist try, with all my might. To imitate him, day and night. And teacher said, " Don't git a taste That causes crime and lots of waste. That stomachs wasn't made to take What doesn't brain and muscle make." ' I'll gist follow teacher's plan, And Jesus make my model man " and Othsr Poems 125 You bet your life my model man Won't be no bloated whisky can ! Nor he won't fill himself with beer, Nor nothing else that makes men queer. And he won't smoke that nasty stuff That's called " tobacco "—not a puff ! He'll think of something else to do 'Sides scratchin' matches on his shoe. And he won't swear. I'm awful 'fraid When I hear naughty swear words said I feel as though I must not dare To 'sociate with boys that swear. My teacher said she thought my plan To have a real nice model man, Was gist a splendid thing to do, And wished all boys would do. so, too. But then she said I'd have to mind That perfect men were hard to fmd ; But if I'd follow her advice, My plan would work all right and nice. She said the bestest man for me Lived, when a boy, in Galilee : That He was born on Christmas day, And was gist perfect, ev'ry way. 126 Hear then the Verdict She said that Jesus (that's His name) Was sent by God, and He gist came To be a " model man " for men, And then went back to Heaven again. And if I'd pray to Him, that He Would make a real good man of me ; So I'll gist follow teacher's plan, And Jesus make my " model man." And think how awful nice 'twould be If boys would all agree with me ! What lots of good we boys could do : We'd make the old folks gooder, too. Come on, then, boys, and lets us see What manly fellers we can be, By doing all the good we can. With Jesus for our " model man " ! A CHARMING young maiden has entered my life, And I'm sure she has come there to stay ; Her beauty of person and sweetness of soul Bring her nearer and nearer each day. Now please do not ask me to number the years Intervening between hers and mine : That does not concern you. Besides, don't you know How young twig with old oak doth entwine.? and Other Poems ^27 2be Sparrow Crial •• There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow." — Sbakispeare. THE charges 'gainst Sparrow must be very grave, To cause wise officials liis slaughter to crave ; So we, Sparrow's friends, have assembled to hear What crimes he's committed to cause so much fear. We will not defend him. If real crimes are named. But help you to end him, If guilty as blamed. If Sparrow is chattering words that are vile. So boys may be tempted to ape his bad style. And even grown men may, if Sparrow remain. Contract the vile habit of language profane. Then we will, most gladly. Assist you to foil Result which so sadly Our men-folks would spoil. If Sparrow's addicted to tippling the slops. Oft purposely spilled near the alcohol shops To lure, by their odor, those customers back. Whose will to resist such temptation is slack, 128 Hear then the Verdict He might as well vanish : It recks not how soon, Unless we can banish Man's foe, the saloon. If, having contracted the nicotine craze. He saunters the streets with his bill all ablaze, And vents on the sidewalks malodorous juice. Till they are unfit for pedestrian use, Then we will not hinder Your purpose to slay, But grind him to cinder, Whenever you say. If none of these habits against him are charged, (On which you observe we have somewhat enlarged,) Then since all these wrongs are allowed to exist, What could Sparrow do that is worse, we insist ? and Other Poems i2g iin$ HHoodMtie Sedge 3(e\vels " Home should be an oratorio of the memory." — 'Beecber. Feast thou mine eyes on gems the rarest Ever yet mined by land or sea ; Gladden my soul with scenic beauty Grandest and sweetest known to thee ; Rend me the veil on sight celestial Such as would soul of seraph thrill ; Group these, nor dream with them to purchase Heart-space which these my jewels fill. i^o Hear then the Verdict Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings.'' — Cowper. |VER cheerful, ever happy, Eyes and plumage ever bright. Tell me, Billy, what's thy secret? Whence the source of thy delight? Thou for home hath not a palace ; Curbed thy freedom, doled thy bread ; All thy days and nights are lonely ; Bird-world all to thee is dead. Yet I never see thee moping. Grieving, scolding, or dismayed ; Nervous, restless, fearing danger Where no threat'ning is displayed. Hast thou, in thy own pure bosom, Spring of joy to feed thy lay ? Wells a fount of bliss within thee, Heaven replenished day by day ? Ah ! I see ! Bright gleams of sunshine Pierce thy window, gild thy breast ! Muc'h they seem the golden pathway Of descending angel guest. and Other Poems ni "Tell me, Billy, what's thy secret? " Quick responsive notes seraphic, Swelling, trilling, fill the air ! Telling me, in plainest bird-phrase, Of a realm where all is fair : Where no clouds o'erhang the spirit ; Where who live must live to praise ; Heaven's glorious sunlight shining Brightly on through endless days. 1^2 Hear then the Verdict Sbeir Sin Meddins 1891-1901 Dear Jessie and Carl, to keep love within, Are planning to cover their house with tin. AN you realize, Jessie, the years that have sped, A whole decade of years, since the day we were wed?" " Joyously sped, we may truly say, Ever more sweetly, Carl, day by day." " Rightly spoken, my darling, for we have this proof : Love so gladly seeks shelter beneath our home roof." " Say ! that suggests : Is there not some way — Surely there must be— to make love stay ? " " Ever at it, dear Jessie ! Why, yes : Lure him in. Then we'll shingle our cottage all over with tin ! " " Isn't that splendid ! Let's do it, dear, Ending the trick May sixteenth, this year! " " O how jolly ! And doubtless he'll be here, that day. Nor at all disappointed if compelled to stay ! " and Other Poems n3 21 Mcar$ housewife " I am weary and overwrought." — Longfellow. ©WOULD I could live where there's nothing to do : No call for such toiling my whole life clear through ! No cooking to manage ; no dishes to wash ; No children to see to and all such like bosh ! No sweeping, no dusting, no mak- ing of beds ; No mending of garments all worn into shreds ; No darning old stockings; no knitting of new ; Such work is just horrid, the catalogue through ! I'd banish all washing and ironing days : Their suds-reeking air and their steam-choking haze ; With scrubbing, and churning, and " No sweeping, no dusting " baking of br»ad, I never was tortured before I was wed. 1^4 Hear then the Verdict It can't be my duty, I'm sure it is not, Contentment to feel witli so hateful a lot ! With face that is comely, and hands that are while, To shine in " society " — that is my right. Instead of this drudging my time should be free Just to "dress," and "go out," to "be seen," and "to see." To play the piano, late novels to read : Ah ! that is the life for a lady to lead ! Poor fool that 1 was when I married for love ; Prized husband and home other pleasures above ; I now know that wealth must accompany these, If ladies who marry would live at their ease. Next time when I marry — it may come some day, When this good old husband gets out of the way— I'll know there is money enough and to spare^ To save me this horrible house-keeping care ! and Other Poems 7^5 He is the greatest conqueror who has conquered himself." — Troverb. WIFE EAR husband, our children are crying for bread ; Their clothes are all tattered and torn ; 'Twere better if they and their mother were dead I would they had never been born ! " CHILDREN " O father, give up the saloon ! O say you will go there no more ! And then we'll have bread, Be clothed and well fed. And happy again as before : O yes, we'll be happy so soon ! " WIFE " O husband, resist not that piteous cry : The cry of the children we love ! I'm sure you can banish the cup if you try, With help from our Father above." * Set to music. 1^6 Hear then the Verdict CHILDREN " O father, decide right awayl O say you will quit the saloon ! Then mamma and we, Who love you, will be So glad and so happy, real soon : O yes ! we'll be happy to-day ! " HUSBAND " O wife of my bosom ! O children so dear ! Your prayers and your tears do prevail ; I never again in saloon will appear ; This pledge I am bound shall not fail." ALL " We now can defy the saloon. We'll be its sad victims no more. For what we there spent We'll save to a cent, And soon will have plenty in store : O yes ! we'll be happy so soon ! " and Other Poems i^y Iflirting on tbe Stairs* " His very foot has music in it, As he comes up the stair." — Mickle. I'VE the dearest little sweetheart, She is full of winsome airs ; But she's never half so charming As when flirting on the stairs. And her mamma never cares, When she finds us unawares. In the midst of our flirtation on the stairs. REFRAIN No, her parents never care. When they spy us on the stair. But, with a nod and wink, say: " See yonder pair ! " I'm no sooner in the hall-way Then my pet to it repairs, And insists upon our having A flirtation on the stairs. And her mamma never cares, Our enjoyment even shares, When detecting our flirtation on the stairs. * Set to music. 138 Hear then the Verdict Yes, my love is very youthful, In my locks are silver hairs ; But they make us young together, These flirtations on the stairs. And her mamma never cares. Never frowningly de- clares I'm too old to flirt with Mary on the stairs. Time will hide me from my sweetheart, Ere she knows a wom- an's cares ; But I'm sure she will re- member " ^^ '°^^ '^ ^^""^ youthful " Our flirtations on the stairs. When her mamma's years and cares Thread her locks with silver hairs, She'll look back and see her darling on the stairs. and Other Poems i ^g finding a ]friend A generous friendship no cold medium knows." — Tope's " Iliad." Y I MAIDEN stepped into a car one day, j\ Smiling as bright as a morn in May : ©/ Into seat vacant beside my own Gracefully, cheerfully, sat she down : (Ever is better a smile than frown). That maiden that moment became my friend, Always to be so till life shall end. Sever we may, yet each will aye feel The other remembers, with friendship real. Rarest of blessings is friend-love true : Priceless the service it renders, too. I deem it always a Heaven-sent prize : Ever good angel in Earthly guise. Time doth reveal to me, more and more, As onward I press toward the golden shore : Aye, Drummond hath said it, that love divine- Loving another's weal more than " mine " — Outvalues all else in the now and here, And reaches its climax in Heaven's high sphere. J40 Hear then the Verdict " What is this thought or thing Which I call beauty? " — [Mrs. 'drowning. O you ask me to paint you my darling, My ideal beauty, my love ? Little think you the task you have set me So looms my poor art-skill above. You have thought her a girl of the million : A commonplace, unthinking lass ; One devoting much time just to primping, And posing in front of her glass. You have never conceived of her being Possessed of a beauty that glows Independent of costly cosmetics ; Regardless of shallow-pate beaux. " Posing in front of her glass " and Other Poems i^i You'll expect me to paint you her wardrobe ; The style of her coiffure portray ; To exhibit her recherche posings ; To all which I've only to say : I've not counted nor measured her mirrors ; Cosmetics are never in sight ; As for " posing," she leaves that to Nature, To whom it belongs, as of right. In a word, all her beauties and graces Of form, as of mind and of heart. From within shine without : So my darling Is product of Nature — not Art. " A FRIEND in need is a friend indeed," Is a saying old and true ; And I, indeed, am the chap in need, And the friend, I think, is you. 14^ Hear then the Verdict HBeunited Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." — IMoore. ©WEEP not, my children, For well do I know I cannot be happy, And tarry below. Just think how your father Is longing to share With me the sweet home He went on to prepare ! " So long and so sweetly We lived here as one, How can we be happy And each live alone ? Although separation Has been very brief. My heart is so burdened It must have relief. " So, weep not, my children. But cheerfully say That love, and not evil, Hath lured her away. and Other Poems 143 Refrain from repining, And wishing me back, Assured that my gaining Is more than your lack. Let this be your comfort : That mother has gone To be with her husband, So lately passed on. That they, reunited. In sweet home above, Will both be so happy In each other's love ! " O wonderful lesson ! O glorious truth ! That love is immortal : Ne'er loseth its youth ! Lives on, undiminished. Through life, beyond death Eternally wearing An unfading wreath ! 144 Hear then the Verdict %mAm SSm become WSm " 'Tis a burden Which I am proud to bear." — Shakespeare. T^ ACK-A-DAY ! Lack-a-day ! " was the pitiful song I V Of a dear little birdling which, all the day long, Sat alone on the bush where it first saw the light, And bemoaned what to it seemed a very bad plight ! " Sat alone on the bush " and Other Poems 143 For, away in the sky and on many a tree, Was abundance of evidence, birdie could see, Ttiat a rightly made bird was intended to fly. Just as far as it pleased, in the great vaulted sky. " I am not rightly made," thought the bird, " I've no wings : On my back, in their stead, are two featherless things. Which I think were just put there to burden me down : There can be no good reason why they should have grown." But the days came and went, and our birdie grew strong ; And the " featherless things " feathered out, before long ; And the poor thing that Mew it was never to fly Just forgot all about it, and one day did try ! And it never stopped trying, and trying built strength, And strength begat courage, and courage, at length. Thrilled its breast with a longing no bird could deny. And it rose in the air, soaring far up the sky ! 146 Hear then the Verdict /IRy Spirit \Ddkittiite " I have friends In Spirit Land." — Whittier. THERE'S a beautiful Indian spirit ; She is petite of form, and fair ; She has jet black eyes, they tell me. And a wealth of raven hair. In costume ornate and becoming, In person exquisitely neat, In all things attractive in girlhood, This maiden is charmingly sweet. And now I will tell you a secret Concerning this maiden and me : A secret to keep — now remember! — Until the next neighbor you see. This Indian spirit, so charming, Confesses affection for me. And I ? Why, I love her so dearly I'm longing her sweet face to see ! " To see ! And have you not seen her ? " No wonder you ask in surprise ; Ah ! no ! I sadly must answer : My sweetheart is veiled to my eyes. and Other Poems 147 She visits me often, they tell me : Is much of the time by my side, So lovingly, some who have seen her Have thought she was truly my bride ! She has promised to sunder the curtain That hides her away from my sight, And, sometime, O yes, I am certain, I'll see her with joyous delight. At least there's a day in the future When, a-weary of sub-lunar strife, The veil now dividing between us Will include me on her side of life. Till then her invisible presence Means a blessing to me and to mine, And so I rejoice to confess her My angel, my sweet valentine. 148 Hear then the Verdict 2be Sauntkss Crew of the iiBcrrfmac* y^-sj ARK ! you men : I have planned a scheme \^\ That calls for a dauntless crew : J None should go with the faintest dream Of living the venture through. But you'll be called, though you come not back, * The Dauntless Crew of the Merrimac' " REFRAIN O brave-hearted Hobson ! O Merrimac crew! The richest of laurels are waiting for you, While faithfully serving America's need, The world has been watching and honors your deed. '* Who will go, and be known to fame As ready to face grim death ? Who refuse, and withhold his name From praise and the laurel wreath ? " Then Hobson learned that he would not lack A dauntless crew for the Merrimac. Hundreds offered and felt regret The service could use so few : Deigman, Phillips and George Charette, Klausen, Kelly, Montague, And Murphy— names to insure from wrack '* The Dauntless Crew of the Merrimac." * Set to music. and Other Poems 14^ " Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread. Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter, fire." — Tope. ¥E men of the plow, let me sing of your worth, Of how through all time since this world had its birth, Since earth yielded fruitage and clouds dropped down rain, Since men learned to labor and seek after gain, All best gifts of Nature and guerdon of toil Have chiefly depended on fruits of the soil. The seeds that are hopefully scattered to-day, Enticed from the glebe by the sun's coaxing ray, To-morrow come forth as humanity's food, Enriching the people with limitless good. Just think, if you can, how disastrous the change That quickly would follow the loss of the grange ! All social, domestic, and national health. Rank poverty's millions and people of wealth, All losing the staff and the anchor of life, Would be overthrown in the world-wrecking strife ! Ubiquitous power ! Thy sway is so grand, Great glory it sheds o'er the tiller of land ! Among the world's workers there surely should be No toiler more hopeful, more happy, than he. 1^0 Hear then the Verdict iBappitiess in Small