% ^^ *:^ oV.-..*o, /\.-;^/v /..ii;i^.>o %/ '• ^ %.^^ y^£^^ ^..^"^ i^lk'^ %A^':' 0' •"^ v-^" ^•^'vi;^^"^. y.-A-i'.V .^^\!iik.%^ •: \.^' ^^ ^' \«/' '"^ . tjj^'* .'. '^^0^ o^, vs' ,«:,^ C3B7. Ill Love Off to the War and OTHER POEMS By THOMAS CURTIS CLARK NEW YORK JAMES T. WHITE & CO., 1918 ^^'^ ^° V^ Grateful acknowledgment is made to the respective Publishers for permission to use the verses which are reprinted from The Christian Herald, The Congregationalist, The Continent, Christian Endeavor Worla, People's Home Journal, Sunday School Times, The British Weekly, The Living Church, The Catholic World, Unity, New York Sun, Chicago Daily News, Indianapolis Star, St. Louis Globe Demo- crat and other publications. COPYRIGHTED 1918 BT JAMES T. WHITE & CO (Sci.A5I J 5 7 4 / THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO H. D. C. , WIFE, AND COMRADE HELPER CONTENTS Love Off to the War DEAD SAVIORS lO LOVE OFF TO THE WAR II hell's dream 12 A QUESTION 12 AT HALF-MAST 1 3 THE NIGHT OF SORROW 14 ON A EUROPEAN BATTLE FIELD 15 MESSENGERS 16 THE OPTIMISM OF FAITH 16 FOR ME 17 THE CALL 18 drum beats 19 the challenge 20 America's men 21 god rules the seas ! 23 america marching 23 thanksgiving day, 1917 24. by this sign conquer ! 2$ "america goes forth to slay" 26 the battle song of truth 27 they have not died in vain 28 gethsemane 29 "be STILL AND KNOW TIL^T I AM GOD" 30 the dawn of liberty 31 the abiding 32 america in france 33 woodrow wilson — leader 34 In Friendly Town WEALTH 36 CONTENTS— ( Continued) KING OF AN ACRE 37 ON CONTENTMENT STREET 38 THE optimist's RAINY DAY 39 a song of quietness 40 take time to live 4i hut happiness 4^ in fairyland 43 how far is it to childhood town ? 44 Songs of the Seasons revelation 48 march yearning 49 spring song 50 top o' the morning 51 on a june day si DAWN 52 A JUNE MILLIONAIRE 53 WAYSIDE ROSES 54 THE WAY AND THE SONG 54 IN THE DAISY FIELD 55 SEPTEMBER 56 THE DEATH OF SUMMER 57 AUTUMN 58 Romance ROMANCE 60 A SONG AND A DREAM 61 TO HELEN 62 A MINIATURE 63 THE RESCUE 64 THE HOMECOMING 65 LOVE THE PENITENT 66 KEEP LOVE IN YOUR LIFE 67 CONTENTS— {Continued) the island of dreams 68 heart of gold 69 give all for love 70 Followers of the Gleam the world builders 72 THE poet's CALL 73 THE SEER 74 THE POET 75 THE TWO SONGS 75 FAME 76 to james whitcomb riley, 1915 76 to the singer 77 Christus MARY 80 CAESAR AND CHRIST 8 1 THE UNIVERSAL GUILT 82 A PRAYER 83 THE TRUE NEED 83 THE PRAYER OF THE SOUL 84 A PRAYER 85 the light of life 85 wanderers 86 the christ militant 87 the faith of christ's freemen 88 The Mystic LIGHT 90 THE PURSUIT 91 THE SEARCH 92 THE STAY 93 THE VOICE OF THE DEEP 94 GOD IS NOT far!.,, 95 CONTENTS— {Continued) LIGHT IN DARKNESS 96 FAITH 96 MY PILOT KNOWS 97 AT THE day's BEGINNING 97 TO-DAY 98 THE BEST THINGS 99 THIS ABIDES 99 AS LITTLE CHILDREN lOO THE SPIRIT OF HOPE lOI AT EVENING TIME lOI be still and know that i am god 102 Studies in Souls influence io4 the remorse of david 105 the master 107 THE world's verdict 108 THE MASTERPIECE 109 THE UNCROWNED VICTOR I09 THE GLORY OF LINCOLN I lO SUCCESS 1 10 DIVES Ill sympathy 112 the preacher 112 sons of promise ii3 The New World bugle song of peace — a prophecy i16 god's DREAMS II7 THE NEW EDEN I18 THE CRY OF THE WOILD's WRETCHED ONES II9 THE GOLDEN AGE I20 THE COMING 122 LOVE OFF TO THE WAR AND OTHER POEMS DEAD SAVIORS I heard the luinds of December Whistle and bloiv, And I thought of the brave lads sleeping Under the snoiv. And there, as I stood in sorroiv, I dreamed of spring, IVhen the ivind nvould bloiv from the southland. And birds ivould sing. I said, Then earth ivill be happy And peace will bide Because the lads in the trenches Failed not, but died. 10 LOVE OFF TO THE WAR IT will not matter much that I shall go From out the haunts of youth, the charms of home, To dwell in stranger lands; no more to know The kiss of wife and babe; long months to roam Beneath embattled skies, in muck and mire, Starved, rain-drenched and fighting demon fire. It will not matter much that I shall fall Within a hostile land, where terror rides; That I shall no more hear stern duty's call; Most sweet shall be my rest, where peace abides. With me it shall be well if truth prevails, But dire shall be my dreams, if justice fails. It matters not that I in death shall lie; It matters much that Freedom shall not die. 11 HELL'S DREAM A PROUD king dreamed in his gilded chair; He dreamed — and sighed, for the lands were fair! A king said "Yea!" It was but a breath! And a million men marched toward the gates of death. A million wives gasped as their husbands sped; A million babes starved as their fathers bled. A king sought gain in the north and south — And a million men marched toward the cannon's mouth. A QUESTION GOD, who made the shining stars, The circling planets, the fair, green earth, With friendly seasons — jubilant spring, Bountiful summer, winter that puts tired life to rest; God, who made morning songs and sweet night- crooning; God of the forests and silver rivers, Gardens and orchards green and golden, God of harmony, God of beauty, IVho made ivar? 12 AT HALF-MAST FLY the flag at half-mast For the life that has been spilt, For the wealth that has been built On the bones of men; Fly the flag at half-mast Till the day breaks again. Fly the flag at half-mast For the greed that would not die, For the hate that scorched the sky With envenomed fire; Fly the flag at half-mast For the deeds of men's ire. Fly the flag at half-mast For the love that has been slain, For the conflict's bloody stain On the hopes of men; Fly the flag at half-mast Till the day breaks again. 13 THE NIGHT OF SORROW THE stars have vanished from the midnight sky; A death-like hush enfolds the earth and sea; And on the wind tonight I hear the cry- That echoed once from cruel Calvary. In countless towns they crucify the Lord, The Prince of Life devote to death and shame; They scorn His rod of love and raise the sword, And scourge the Christian lands with "Christian" flame. The swollen waves are red with human blood; The sod is reeking with the nations' tears; The world is steeped in sorrow, for a flood Of wrath and woe has fallen on our years. Thou Christ of God, we kneel before Thy cross; Our path is dark — Thou art the only Way. Oh, grant us strength to bear this grief and loss And lead us forth again into the day. The world that turned from Thee must seek again Thy love, Thy mercy, and Thy wondrous peace; The hosts that tread the wilderness of pain Must hail Thee Shepherd ere their woes shall cease. 14 O great Physician, Thou alone canst heal; O mighty Savior, only Thou canst save; Forgive our sin, turn not from our appeal: Reach forth Thy hand and lift us from the grave. ON A EUROPEAN BATTLE FIELD THEY are not dead, the soldiers fallen here; Their spirits walk throughout the world today; They still proclaim their message far and near: Might is not right, God's truth must have its way! The cold, damp soil cannot these heroes hide; These knightly lads who did not fear to die That liberty and freedom still might bide: Weep not for them, though here they lowly lie. Go forth and tell their message to the world; In vain their fight, in vain the foe withstood; Unless above all kingdoms be unfurled The pure white flag of love and brotherhood. 15 MESSENGERS JOY has left the world," I said; And my heart was mute and sad; Then I heard a bluebird's note, And again my heart was glad. "Peace has left the world," I said; "Strife has seized the hearts of men' Then I saw a robin's nest. And the earth was calm again. "Love has left the world," I said; And I languished in despair; Then I smiled — a mother bird Fed her brood with tender care. THE OPTIMISM OF FAITH ABOVE the raucous cries Of world-old wrong, Faith hears, in accents deep, Truth's battle song. Athwart the fearful gloom Of sin's black night, Faith sees, slow-conquering. Love's kindly light. 16 FOR ME IN Picardy, beyond the sea, A million heroes fight for me; Where fires of death appall the night, And smoky curtains blind the sight, They battle, in the fiendish light — For me. In Picardy, beyond the sea, Our warrior laddies bleed for me; For them the home land held the most — Nor did they fail to count the cost; They went, lest freedom might be lost — For me. In Picardy, beyond the sea, Those dauntless lads would died for me! The fleur-de-lis, deep-tinged with red, Will bend o'er many a gory bed, Where lie those sons of Freedom — dead — For me. 17 THE CALL IN days long gone God spake unto our sires: '"Courage! Launch out! A new world build for me!" Then to the deep they set their ships, and sailed And came to land, and prayed that here might be A realm from pride and despotism free, A place of peace, the home of liberty. Lo, in these days, to all good men and true God speaks again: "Launch out upon the deep And win for me a world of righteousness!" Can we, free men, at such an hour still sleep? O God of Freedom, stir us in our night That we set forth, for justice, truth and right! 18 DRUM BEATS WHAT mean these hurrying feet? What means this militant drum? Along the sun-lit street Ten thousand patriots come. It means that death is near For monarchy on earth; It means the end of fear; It means a new world's birth. The age of kings is past, The age of man has come; Tyranny cannot last — Hark to the patriot drum! No more can God endure The pride of kings and lords: His wrath is stern and sure — More sure than a million swords. The truth cannot be stayed; The right must rule o'er all; The false must low be laid; The pomp of power must fall. What means that patriot cry? What means that militant drum? That the end of kings is nigh, That the People's day has come. 19 THE CHALLENGE YOU have wasted our cities with fire, You have blackened our treasured art, You have blasted our shrines in your ire, You have broken the whole world's heart. But your purpose will fail; The right will prevail. Though widely your flag be unfurled. You can shatter the work of our hands, Wilhelm, But you can't kill the soul of the world. You have slaughtered our patriot sons, You have ravished our womanhood, You have strangled our babes, and your guns Have every appeal withstood. But your purpose will fail; The right will prevail; Your banners of death shall be furled. You can slaughter our patriot sons, Wilhelm, But you can't kill the soul of the world. 20 AMERICA'S MEN WE are America's men, Strong, forceful, and free. We are America's men. Children of liberty; Ready to march at the trumpet's call, Ready to fight, ready to fall — And ready to herald, "Peace for all!" We are America's men. We are America's men. Brave, dauntless, and true. We are America's men. Ready to dare and do; Ready to wield the sword with might, Ready the tyrant's brow to smite — And ready to sheathe the sword — for Right! We are America's men. We are America's men. Loathing the despot's rod. We are America's men, Under the rule of God; Ready to battle giants grim, Ready to fight till day grows dim. But ready to sheathe the sword — for Him! We are America's men. 21 GOD RULES THE SEAS! A THOUSAND dreadnoughts proudly flaunt Their flags before the breeze; A million seamen ride the waves, But God rules the seas. Before a king had donned a crown, Or queen had lolled at ease, The floods beat high against the sky, And God ruled the seas. Before a lord had claimed the tide To curb as he might please, The waters of the earth flowed wide, And God ruled the seas. The fountains of the deep are His, And His the favoring breeze; His are the laws of ebb and flow. For God rules the seas. 22 AMERICA MARCHING WHISTLING— in tears— they go, Brimming with life, Out from love's shielding arms Into the strife. They go with sinking hearts. But with a will That in the face of fate Shall fight on still. Why should they be cast down? Though grim their cross, To him whose heart is brave Death brings no loss. They will not turn them back, Though rest come late: Freedom must live in earth Whate'er their fate. Liberty, fear no more! Our heroes come. Marching with loyal feet To patriot drum. 23 THANKSGIVING DAY, 1917 NOT for our hosts of mighty men, O Lord, Who strive today in pits of human blood; Nor for the iron monsters of the deep Which, war-possessed, now cleave the ocean's flood; But for the hearts that sicken as they slay, That faint before the awful storm of hate — For these we thank Thee, Lord. Oh, keep Thou them Thus tender, merciful, compassionate! Let not our eyes be blinded by the blast. Let not our ears be deafened to Thy voice, But may the tumult and the war-like flames Lead us the more in mercy to rejoice; We glory not in victories of guns, We find no pleasure in a scourge of pain; This task nve must perform. Oh, speed our work. That we may walk as sons of peace again I 24 BY THIS SIGN CONQUER! WE battle not that we may be The arbiters of every sea, And that our armies may be found Triumphant to earth's farthest bound. No single drop of blood shall flow That we a victor's joy may know. Behind our deadly shot and shell. That shatter as a blast from hell, Will be no selfish greed for gold; Man's life shall not for lust be sold. The hand that wields the demon gun Will feel no pride, its duty done. The warrior's keen, unerring eye Will fill with tears that men must die. One thought shall stir us to the fight: That war alone can save the right; That shot and shell and cannon's roar Alone can freedom's cause restore. The Cross, the Cross — be this the sign That gleams above our battle line! 25 "AMERICA GOES FORTH TO SLAY"* AMERICA goes forth to slay"— The giant Greed, the harlot Pride; The Will that dares to override The peopled earth with fire and sword, That there may be one mighty lord. "America goes forth to slay" — The foes that lurk within herself: The love of gold, the lust for pelf, The self-content that could ignore The slaughter on the Belgian shore. America goes forth to bleed — That Love may be earth's final creed, That Mercy may in every land Subdue the brutal Iron Hand. America goes forth to die For Faith, for Love, for Liberty. *A current criticism. 26 THE BATTLE SONG OF TRUTH WHAT though the day be lost, and every warrior slain! A million years are His to win the field again. The triumph is to God, however long the strife; For sin and death must yield to Him, the Lord of Life. The planets are in league against the hosts of night; The sun itself goes forth to battle for the right. The ages fight for God! Shall we the contest yield? Arise, ye sons of Truth, and sweep the hostile field! 27 THEY HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN Dedicated to the first fallen at the front. THEY have not died in vain — Those soldier lads who left their tasks and play At Freedom's call, who smiling marched away From home and loved, to hold hell's tribes at bay. They have not died in vain; Though now they rest beneath the war-swept sod, A million men shall walk the way they trod, Because they fell — adventurers for God. They have not died in vain; Their cold lips speak; the whole world hears their cry, "To arms! to arms!" The whole world gives reply: "By these dead heroes Freedom shall not die!" GOD'S VICTORS GOD'S battles are forever won. Though oft His warriors bite the dust; Triumphant in their death they lie, Who fall in warfare just. The final issue standeth sure, When right and wrong in conflict meet; Who fight for right may be laid low. But right knows no defeat. 28 GETHSEMANE NOW is the world's Gethsemane. Love in the garden weeps alone Because the ark of truth is taken, Because the hearts of men are stone; But courage! Earth is not forsaken. Now is the world's Gethsemane — And there is yet a darker morrow: They will not have the Son of Light; In some black hour of awful sorrow His feet must mount the hill of night. Now is the world's Gethsemane — Tomorrow shall be Calvary! But God will not His cause forsake: An Easter-dawn of peace shall be, When every watchful soul shall see A new world-morning break. 29 'BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD' BE still and know that I am God, Ye wRo with fret and fear are worn; Who hear no voice, when tempests beat; Who faint, by sorrows overborne; Who dwell in shadows of defeat. Be still and know that I am God; The world is mine — the shine, the storm; Your life is mine — your hopes, your fears; The sun is mine, to keep you warm; I guard your days, your distant years. Be still and know that I am God; Let not the fires of war appall! Fear not the demons of the seas! The kings who build on blood shall fall; I rule the nations' destinies. Be still and know that I am God; Mine only is the conquering sword; What can avail the tyrant's boasts, If I oppose, who am the Lord? Fear only me, the Lord of Hosts! 30 THE DAWN OF LIBERTY AROUND the world truth speaks in new-found voices; The darkness flees and all the world rejoices. The people's God has heard the people's plea; It is the dawn — the dawn of liberty. God shakes all thrones; the jeweled crowns are falling. "To serve, to serve!" — this is the clear cry calling. The hosts of earth shall see a world set free; Ii is the dawn — the dawn of liberty. No longer shall the war lords strike with terror; The end has come for darkness and for error. The light of truth shall rest on land and sea; It is the dawn — the dawn of liberty. 31 THE ABIDING GOD reigns! His is the day. And the night of hate And the storm of wrath Shall pass away. Love reigns! Hers are the years, And an age of peace And of kindliness Will banish fears. Truth reigns! God is on high, And the pride of kings And the lust for things Are doomed to die. 32 AMERICA IN FRANCE YOU have not fought in vain, O dead, Who sleep amid the poppies red: Your plea, attested w^ith your blood. By all the world is understood, And we, your brothers, come from far To win our nation's service star. How could we fail you, in your fight For liberty, for truth and right! You quailed not when the tempest broke About your homes; your bold guns spoke A message we ourselves would speak, Who stand as guardians of the weak; And we are here; with mighty tread, Our sons avenge your noble dead. Brave France! We cross the troubled sea Not only at your battle plea; Though stirred to strife by war's alarms. We come not only men in arms: We come to seal our broken past With fellowship and friendship fast — One heart, one soul, for all the years. Till earth may hide her warlike fears; Till Freedom, idol of your sires. May pledge to all her sacred fires. 33 WOODROW WILSON— LEADER WHEN war first cast its flames across the skies, In distant lands, when by a pistol shot Old Europe flared into a furnace hot, And the dazed world was rent with human cries. They who, of lighter mind, could not restrain The tinder in themselves, called loud for war. And bade us join the strife, however far Our shores might be. Quick anger and disdain They had for him who held our reins of state, But he, wise leader, massed what strength was ours From our aloofness, till with all our powers Matured, our arms could strike the blow of fate! 34 IN FRIENDLY TOWN fVEALTH I have a friend of 'wealth untold; Her ivindoiv vieivs a field of gold, And right before her open door A rosebush thrives — though little more. A robin comes each shining day And helps her ivhile the hours atuay ; But more — ivithin her four ivalls pent, She holds the jeivel of content. 36 KING OF AN ACRE A KING of bluest blood am I, Though gold and purple pass me by; By right divine I wield the rod Above this realm of sod and clod. My palace home is passing plain — A simple cottage by the lane; Beneath its roof what hours are spent Of kingly thought and proud content! My Queen, what royal garb has she? The robes of worth and purity; A rod of love her fair hands hold — A scepter mightier than of gold. No hunting grounds my kingdom knows; I find fair sport in fat bean rows, And in the maze of bush and vine. And tangled wealth of eglantine. What need have I of golden crown, Or jeweled throne, or fair renown? I look at none with jealous eye, For who has more of sun and sky? Oh, who would not a monarch be Of cot and hearth, of bush and tree! He shall not ask a beggar's dole. Who has an acre — and his soul. Z7 ON CONTENTMENT STREET HERE, on fair Contentment Street, Life is blest and joy complete. In each home abides a friend; No fraternal quarrels rend; Every heart is open wide; Comrades all are we who bide On Contentment Street, nor ever Can the curse of envy sever. Spring comes early to our town; Summer sends her best gifts down; Bounteous fields of daisy-gold Bring our vision joy untold. Lilac bloom and roses red Cheer us. With the summer fled, What rare gifts the fruit trees pour From their golden autumn store! Why should we, my friend, complain, While each month afifords such gain? Health and friends and hope are ours; Work, and rest in shady bowers. We have little moneyed treasure. But have joy beyond all measure. Peace and love are bread and meat Here on dear Contentment Street. 38 THE OPTIMIST'S RAINY DAY OH, what a lovely day To gently slip away And live again in fancy's fairyland, With Stevenson and Scott And Dickens — such a lot Of fun and frolic ready to my hand ! Then Riley, with his songs, To just this day belongs, For every word bears messages of cheer; And here is rare Mark Twain — Now let it rain and rain; There's naught of gloom can ever reach me here. Then, when I turn away From all these comrades gay, I look far out upon the fields of corn. And seem to see them grow, A-waving row on row — And think of Plenty filling up her horn. The daisies in the rain Shine forth with might and main; A hundred robins fill the apple tree; Oh, what a lovely day, With everything so gay! It's raining joy and wonderment to me! 39 A SONG OF QUIETNESS BE still, my heart, and let the world rush onward! Be still awhile, that we may be with Godl Why should we follow, follow still in madness? Why should we bow to Mammon's tyrant rod? Be still, be still! Now let us wander backward. Through flowery fields that we have hurried by. Let us, as children, pluck again the daisies That fleck the fields as stars the midnight sky. Be still, my heart! What profiteth this fretting. This ceaseless strife, by proud ambition stirred? What gain shall come from all this greed for getting? Be still, my heart, while God declares His word! More truly speaks the lily of the valley Than busy marts, with spirit-killing roar. Be still, be still, let Silence be your teacher! Be still, my heart, and heed the world no morel AO TAKE TIME TO LIVE TAKE time to live; The world has much to give, Of faith and hope and love: Of faith that life is good, That human brotherhood Shall no illusion prove; Of hope that future years Shall bring the best, in spite Of those whose darkened sight Would stir our doubts and fears; Of love, that makes of life, With all its griefs, a song; A friend, of conquered wrong; A symphony, of strife. Take time to live. Nor to vain mammon give Your fruitful years. Take time to live; The world has much to give Of sweet content; of joy At duty bravely done; Of hope, that every sun Shall bring more fair employ. Take time to live, 41 For life has much to give Despite the cynic's sneer That all's forever wrong; There's much that calls for song, To fate lend not your ear. Take time to live; The world has much to give. HUT HAPPINESS LET men of pride rush madly on and on, And men of daring sail the vengeful sea; In this plain hut, with quietude of dawn And starry eve my friends, is joy for me. The hollyhocks are comrades I can trust. The daisies never fail me in my need; Content and health enhance my scanty crust; Though poor in gold, my soul is rich indeed. 42 IN FAIRYLAND WITH the shrill of the whistle and rattle of drum, From the reddening Eastland the Wake-fairies come; Like the tread of an army their footsteps are heard; Every lassie and lad from his slumber is stirred; All from the summerland Island of Dreams Quietly steal, while the sun's silver beams Lighten the way back to Dayland again, Out from the harbor and over the main. There to laugh and to weep until whistle and drum Shall be hushed into dreams when the Sleep-fairies come. With the deep-muffled oars and a lullaby hum, From the purple-dyed Westland the Sleep-fairies come; As the shadows again from their dark dungeons creep, Lo they waft o'er the bairnies the fair wand of sleep; Close by each snowy bed softly they sing; Mantles of moonbeams o'er each one they fling; Then, in their shallops, far over the main, Out into Sleepland they bear them, again For a dream-frolic ready, till whistle and drum Shall announce that for them the Wake-fairies have come. 43 HOW FAR IS IT TO CHILDHOOD TOWN? HOW far is it to Childhood Town?" A small child asked of me, Not knowing of the pain she gave — My heart she could not see; For, as I sought, in simple words. To please her eager ears, A tear broke past unwilling eyes, That looked on other years. How far is it to Childhood Town? Oh, many miles, my child! Beyond the Mountains of Defeat, Where blasted hopes are piled; Beyond the Vale of Sorrow, where The trees with blight are brown. Far, far away that happy place We once called Childhood Town. How far is it to Childhood Town? Far past the sun-scorched plain. Where thronging men, with hearts inflamed, Wage war for sordid gain; Far o'er the Sea, where many ships Have stranded and gone down. Oh, far away that happy realm We once called Childhood Town. 44 And yet your heart, my happy child, Feels naught of human woe; No mount, no vale, no stormy sea, Your simple life can know; For you a river, passing fair, Flows evermore adown By that rare realm, sweet Fairyland, Your own dear Childhood Town. 45 SONGS OF SEASONS REVELATION I said in my heart. My lonely heart, "All love is dead" ; But behold! a friend Brought a ivealth of cheer. And gave me bread. I said in my heart. My aching heart, "God sends but night" ; Then the sun shone forth And cnivrapped the earth In golden light. I said in my heart, My breaking heart, That death is king; And behold/ the earth Felt the south ivind's ivarmth. And lof 'tivas spring.' 48 MARCH YEARNING NAKED bough and moaning tree, North wind sighing gloomily, Is there news from o'er the plain? Tell, will springtime come again? And the nuind and bough and tree Heard not, chanting drearily. Sun of morn and soft south wind, Surely you are not unkind. In your journeyings afar, Have you found where gardens are? Are there blooming zones of earth? Shall our spring soon come to birth? And the sun and ivind heard me, Left me singing cheerily/ 49 SPRING SONG WITH my ear pressed to the earth, Long I held my breath and listened, Till the last snow-flurry fled, And the last frost-blossom glistened; And I heard it, yes, I heard it. Heard her voice of mirth and laughter; And I saw her tripping toward me With her rose-girls coming after — Spring, the queen of love and longing, With her nymphs of beauty thronging. As she sped along the path, Sunbeams hastened to caress her; And the gentle winds, long prisoned, Vied, impassioned, to possess her; Violets, forget-me-nots, Larkspurs and anemones, Sprang from every spot she touched, And the waking apple-trees Burst again in tinted glory Freed from Winter's scepter hoary. 50 TOP O' THE MORNING THE sun's a rose in the garden of morn; The air is fresh and sweet; The cares of yesterday forgot, Our hearts with new hope beat. The corn rows gleam in the silvering light, The meadows drip with dew; The roses smile for everyone — Top o' the morning to you! ON A JUNE DAY OH, who on a day like this Could harbor a thought of ill, With the crocus revealing its gold, And violets strewn on the hill; When the air is mellow with June, And the sky is an ocean of blue? Oh, who on a day like this Could be to his vision untrue! 5) DAWN THE long, long night has passed; The hills are touched with gold; Come, let us feed our hearts Before the day grows old. All rapturous the world — But lo! the charm has gone! The greedy sun has had its fill From the glory-feast of dawn. 52 A JUNE MILLIONAIRE 'TpHEY hide their gold in coffers dark; -*- Their jewels dare not face the day; And on their guarded closet shelves Their royal purple wastes away. My gold illumines all the sky; My jewels gleam on every flower; My simple garb and hardy shoes Make happy many a lingering hour. What wealth of beauty do I glean When on the hills I hail the spring! And Oh, how golden is the world When June time takes me wandering! There is no need to guard the gold God lavishes on road and field; For every one may take at will From Nature's still increasing yield. I have no fear that coming years Shall bring me loss and poverty; For what a wealth of summer hours The future holds to gladden me! So let them boast, if boast they will. Their silver and their garments fine; I shall not envy them their wealth, While country roads and June are mine. 53 WAYSIDE ROSES ALONG the roadside of the days The fairest roses grow; Who seek the sheltered garden plots No sweet surprise can know. How glad the hour when, pilgriminj We tire of dust and clod, Then come upon a rare wild rose — A very gift from God. THE WAY AND THE SONG WHOEVER has in his heart a song, Has cheer and to spare for a journey long. The way may be rough and the weather drear — One may fare quite well, with a song to cheer. What though no comrade enliven the way! Just keep on singing, then, night and day. Whoever has in his heart a song, Has cheer and to spare for a journey long. 54 IN THE DAISY FIELD LET the busy world rush by, While I in the daisies lie, With no roof but arching sky. Those who will may grieve and fret, Saying foes and woes beset; Fears but greater fears beget. Joy is mine in this today; Let tomorrow have its way. Bringing March or blooming May. Shall I spend myself for gold, Which by grudging hand is doled? Beauty is not bought and sold. Lo, the glory of this field, With its daisy-golden yield. How hath God His love revealed' So let all the world rush by; I shall in the daisies lie, With no roof but arching sky. 55 SEPTEMBER REIGNETH now the sad September. Like a slowly dying ember, Fades the summer. Past its glory, Yet remains the mournful story Of the autumn. In the haze Flames of goldenrod upblaze; And the daisy, child of summer, Stays to greet the staid newcomer. Still to lend its bright good cheer To the surely dying year. In the forest, lately green, Autumn's handiwork is seen; For in orange, red and gold Rarest beauties now unfold; And the stream, but lately sparkling With the summer's sheen, now darkling, Chants a low, funereal song, As it slowly moves along. Choirs of song birds, grown more still, In the orchard on the hill Utter now a wild lament That the summer days are spent. 56 THE DEATH OF SUMMER NOW fair Summer's streaming silver Yields to Autumn's haze of gold; Summer hours like sheep are driven Back again to Nature's fold. Dimmer grows the Old Year's vision, Shortened is his vital breath; All the earth, with hues funereal, Tells of queenly Summer's death. Lo! the shadows longer fall, And a hush is over all. From her brimming horn of plenty Autumn soon shall pour her hoard; Then in cellars, ready waiting. All with gladness shall be stored, There to wait the hungry winter. When the chilling wind shall blow, And the kettle's cheery singing Shall drive back the ice and snow. Then to Summer shall we bring Grateful hearts' glad offering. 57 AUTUMN NOW is the dream-time of the year, And the soft West wind Gently woos to sleep The leaves, swift-falling, gold and red and sere; And the wild flowers, Born of summer hours. Prepare for slumber, knowing winter near. Now is the dream-time of the year, And the sad, sad heart Dreams of summer days, And of tender hours, now vanished, and more dear; And the heart cries out For the hopes that lie By the wayside dead, and drops for each a tear. 58 ROMANCE ROMANCE I have not sung of A ready. Because I live there still. I have not lauded love's siveet ivays. Nor praised the charm of summer days, For love has not deserted me, And summer has not ceased to be; I have not sung of Arcady, Because I live there still. 60 A SONG AND A DREAM THERE'S a song in my heart singing, And it sings the long day through — Rose of dawn, at golden sunset, And when all the world is blue; And the song in my heart singing Is a song of you — of you. There's a dream to my heart coming, And it comes the whole night through; It is born of love and longing, And its vision shall come true; And the dream to my heart coming Is a dream of you — of you. 61 TO HELEN APRIL bore you, Helen dear, Fickle month of all the year; Now like sunshine is your face, Soon to yield with easy grace To the storm. April bore you, Helen dear, Fickle month of all the year. April bore you, fickle one, With your moods of rain and sun; Still I would not change your ways, For I love those April days, And so you. April bore you, fickle one. With your moods of rain and sun. 62 A MINIATURE I KNOW a little grove beneath a cloud-clear sky; Three sheltering trees are there, and the winds go whispering by. The day is full of dreams, and the air is filled with song, For beside that sweet retreat a river runs along. The roses riot there, and hid within the green Forget-me-nots grow thick — and bleeding hearts are seen. I have not glimpsed that spot for a sacred sheaf of years, But ah, how clear it seems through youth's devoted tears! I know a little grove beneath a cloudless sky. And I love that bit of earth— perhaps you wonder why! 63 THE RESCUE PASSION seized — and her eyes flashed fire, Teased and tore at my heart's desire; (Love played low on her mystic lyre); Passion raged with a demon's ire. Love played low on the magic strings, Called up dreams of a thousand springs; (Passion hissed with her venomed stings); Love upbore on a cloud of wings! 64 THE HOMECOMING YOUTH would go a wandering In the month of May; So from out the homeland gate Swift he went his way; "I will roam," he lightly said, "Forever and a day." Many months he wandered, Wandered at his will; But the woodlands turned to brown With November chill; Then, with speeding footsteps, He sought the homeland hill. "Give to me the highway When the world is red, When the fields are green and gold' Thus the pilgrim said; "But for me the home road When the summer's dead." 65 LOVE THE PENITENT LOVE went roaming When the spring was new: He was weary Of his sweetheart true; Life was merry And the skies were blue: Love went roaming When the spring was new. Love came homeward On a winter day: He was weary And had lost his way; Life was cheerless And the skies were gray: Love came homeward On a winter day. 66 KEEP LOVE IN YOUR LIFE KEEP love in your life, my friend, If you would have perfect joy; Keep love, never let her depart — For who would his life destroy? For life's no longer than love, my friend; When love is no more, 'tis the journey's end. And Regret and Fear shall your way attend. Keep love in your life, my friend. Keep love in your life alway, Though tempted to bid her go; Keep love the bride of your heart. If you would a true life know. For life's no longer than love, I say; With the end of love comes the close of day. And the chill of death 'mid the shadows gray. Keep love in your life alway. dJ THE ISLAND OF DREAMS OVER the mist-shrouded Ocean of Years, Lighted by memory's gleams, Far from the mainland of Sorrow and Tears, Lieth the Island of Dreams. Cometh no winter to that blissful Isle; •There summer reigneth for aye; On its fair gardens abideth the smile Of a ne'er-vanishing day. Far o'er its meadows, where wild roses blow, By its soft murmuring streams, Children play ever, with faces aglow. Rapt in the joy of their dreams. Never a cloud mars the blue of those skies. No dark'ning tempest or rain. Sunshine abides where that happy Isle lies, Far o'er the mist-shrouded main. Yet from that Island, in ships passing fair. Light hearts embark all the day. Seeking the City of Knowledge, somewhere Out o'er the billowy way. Over the waters the ships bear them far, — Lost is the Island of Dreams! Outward they speed them, past hindering bar. Seeking the City's fair gleams. 68 Far in the Westland the Island is lost; Soon from the East cometh night; Over the Ocean of Years they are tossed, Longing for day and for light. Still for them shineth Hope's radiant star, Beckoning evermore on Over the ocean that stretches afar Unto the eternal Dawn. HEART OF GOLD WHEN God thought to give to men. Gifts wrhich all their love might hold. Searched He earth and heaven, and then Gave me you, my Heart of Gold. 69 GIVE ALL FOR LOVE GIVE all for love Let not that priceless boon Be shut from you by vanity of gold; It is the only prize your hands can hold At last; and death comes soon. Give all for love. Give all for love. It may not seem to you Substantial, worth your God-allotted time; But care! The crude today sees not as life's full prime; The last day shall speak true! Give all for love. Give all for love: Let not the faith-born smile That lights the face of Her your heart knows best Fade, unrequited; let Her be your Quest. Though other gifts beguile, Give all for love. 70 FOLLOWERS OF THE GLEAM THE JVORLD BUILDERS Give me the poet's vision, Grant me the gift of song; Life and the things eternal All to the bards belong. They are the true ivorld builders, Theirs are the deathless years. Theirs is an ageless scepter — Wield ers of dreams and tears. Where is the soldier's glory? Where is the monarch's name? Theirs is a bloody story, Theirs is a blighted fame. Where is the statesman's grandeur? Where is the courtier's pride? Lo! in the tombs they rest them, By the nvild ocean side. Give me the poet's vision, Grant me the gift of song; Life and the things eternal All to the bards belong. 72 THE POET'S CALL BY day the fields and meadows cry; By night the bright stars plead; He hears the message from on high, And to the call gives heed. The roses tremble as he nears, And cry, "Rejoice, rejoice!" The rocks break forth as he appears, "God sends a Voice, a Voice!" 73 THE SEER IN every summer-laden breeze — The croon of autumn-tinted trees — He hears the Voice; The glad awakening of spring, And even winter's icy sting, Bids him rejoice. He glories in the morn's new light, He shouts among the stars at night, He soars, earth-free; The clouds on azure canvas limn Fair pictures, framed in gold, for him Who can but see. In humble paths his days are spent. His simple heart reads sweet content In quiet skies; His world to baser men seems bare, But to his thought is realm more fair Than paradise. 74 THE POET THOUGH part of all I meet, I walk my way alone; Knowing the hearts of men — To them, alas! unknown. THE TWO SONGS THERE came an hour of joy to me; My voice, athrill, broke forth in song; Men listened, rapt, but soon, alas! Forgetting, passed along. Then came an hour with sorrow filled; My heart, bowed down, sang yet again; Men barkened, stirred with kindred grief — And ne'er forgot the strain. 75 FAME AMID the noisy haunts of men One sought the prize of fame; The world refused to hear his song, And would not know his name. Another, from ambition free, Sang quietly, apart; The world, persistent, sought him out, And took him to her heart. TO JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY (1915) POET of common things — Sunshine and birds and flowers — For you all nature sings. For you love ever springs. Joy gleams from sorrow's showers At your sweet carolings. Children bring love to you. Knowing your heart is true, Knowing you understand Their dreams of fairyland. Greetings we all would bring, Poet, and Childhood's King. 76 TO THE SINGER POET, sing thy song! What though none heed thy lyre? Let Heaven still inspire Lyrics both sweet and strong. Poet, sing. Poet, why now grieve? Though men may turn away At the high noon of day, They will return at eve. Poet, cheer. Poet, dream thy dream. Long years may come and go; Old age may bring its snow; And though all seem in vain, Cease not thy heavenly strain! Earth still shall catch the gleam. Poet, dream. Poet, lose not heart. What though men nurse the wrong, And scorn thy loving song? What though the nations hate? What though war devastate? Earth yet shall learn thy art. Poet, sing! CHRISTUS MARY With love that counted not the cost. She broke the alabaster; filled With but one thought; It was her Friend For ivhom the precious gift ivas spilled. 80 CAESAR AND CHRIST PROUD Caesar came in strength of steel; The panoply of war was his. At his command men poured forth life, The cities perished, nations fell. He left as heritage a blood-stained tide; He came, he scorned, he slaughtered — And he died. The meek Christ came, His strength the true- A heart of love His panoply. At His command men found their life, The cities flourished, nations grew. As heritage, the reign of peace He gives; He came. He loved. He pitied — And He lives. 81 THE UNIVERSAL GUILT I SAW One greeted with a kiss; A son of night performed the deed; And then they led away my Lord To be despised, to suffer, bleed; And I stood by, nor said a word, Nor was I by His mute grief stirred. I saw One wear a crown of thorns; They placed it rudely on His brow, And pressed it down; and as He bowed They cried, "Messiah — see Him now!" And I stood by, nor moved a limb To save my Lord, or comfort Him. I saw One hanging on a cross; As in each hand they drove the nail, He groaned and cried, "O God, forgive!" They laughed and shouted, "King, all hail!" And I with them was standing there. As He breathed out His dying prayer. 82 I A PRAYER OTHOU whose very word is power, Great Master of the mighty sea, Grip Thou my will within Thine own. And rule Thou me. As Thou didst calm the winds and waves That wrestled wild on Galilee, Rebuke the passions that would slay, And calm Thou me. The arm of man availeth not To snatch me from the engulfing sea. Stretch forth Thy strong and willing hand, And save Thou me. THE TRUE NEED DO not wish to see my sins more plain. But this: to know Thy life, without a stain. I would not see the vileness of my heart, But this would know: how pure and true Thou art. I would forget my paltry life, so small. And know Thy greatness, Thou, my All in All. Oh! teach me not how deep my spirit's night. But flood me with Thy beams, Thou Perfect Light! 83 THE PRAYER OF THE SOUL HUNGRY of soul for bread to satisfy, Fed through the years with husks of vanity, My body faint, drooping my weary head — Hungry of soul, I come to Thee for Bread. Thirsty of soul for living waters pure. Far from the spring, I scarce my life endure. My throat all parched, and gone my power to sing- Thirsty of soul, I come to seek Thy Spring. Darkened in soul, in world of darkness pent, Gone sun and star from out my firmament; Groping as blind, all things bring me affright; Darkened in soul, I come to Thee for Light. Weary of soul of all the world's hard strife. Sick of the wrong that ever fills my life. Sated with self and with my selfish quest — Weary in soul, I come to Thee for Rest. 84 A PRAYER OSUN of life, O wondrous shining Light, How pale our candles, flickering in the night! And yet we boast the splendor of their rays! Oh! make us humble, Lightener of our days. O Source of truth, O Wisdom past compare, Speak unto us, that we Thy truth may share. May some small portion of Thy heavenly lore Leaven our minds. Instruct us evermore. O Heart of God, O great unselfish Love, That came to earth, a Father's care to prove. We have but Thee; there is no other way To truth, to life, to God's eternal Day. THE LIGHT OF LIFE I KNOW not what shall be. But fear dwells not with me. For in Him, When earth lamps all are dim. The light of life I see — Love Above All things this earth upon; And I follow Him Trustingly On and on. 85 WANDERERS OUR feet have wandered from Thy path, Thou lowly Christ of Galilee, Sweet prophet of the helping hand. Meek Lord of love and sympathy. Thy faith was but to walk with God With humble heart and open mind. But we have builded shrines of stone In which to worship — spirit-blind! We lift our heads in loveless prayers. We glory in our well-wrought creed, Though righteousness alone avails, Though mercy is the only need. Break down, O Christ, our heartless faiths, And give to us that spirit fine Which feels in Thee a Comrade strong, In every soul a friend of Thine. 86 THE CHRIST MILITANT WE serve no weak and timid Christ, We would not heed a futile Lord; The Man we follow unto death Was not afraid of rod or sword. He asked no pillow for His head, He sought no luxury of ease; The tides that swept His daring soul Were dauntless as the mighty seas. The little town of Nazareth Could never bound His spirit's aim; He dreamed that every zone of earth Should know the wonder of His name. A soldier of the truth was He; His anger flamed at vested wrong; He challenged kings to fateful war, And sounded clear His battle song. Against the cruel lords of pride He stood a warrior, strong and sure, And whipped the greedy temple thieves Who sought to cheat His helpless poor. He ruled the stubborn hearts of men. And yet disdained the tyrant's rod — The mighty Captain of the Right, The Savior of the World of God. 87 THE FAITH OF CHRIST'S FREEMEN OUR faith is not in dead saints' bones, In altars of vain sacrifice; Nor is it in the stately stones That rise in beauty toward the skies. Our faith is in the Christ who walks With men today, in street and mart; The constant Friend who thinks and talks With those who seek Him with the heart. We would not spurn the ancient lore, The prophet's word or psalmist's prayer; But lo! our Leader goes before, Tomorrow's battles to prepare. His Gospel calls for living men, With singing blood and minds alert; Strong men, who fall to rise again. Who strive and bleed, with courage girt. We serve no God whose work is done, Who rests within His firmament: Our God, His labors but begun. Toils evermore, with power unspent. God was and is and e'er shall be; Christ lived and loved — and loves us still; And man goes forward, proud and free, God's present purpose to fulfill. THE MYSTIC LIGHT The man ivho has ^within No guiding light Walks, in the blazing noon, As in the night. Whom God illumines, dwells In undimmed day; Through storm and night he treads A clear, sure ay. 90 THE PURSUIT I DREAM ED that I could flee from Him, And through the morn and noon I sped- So swift, I thought, He could not see; But, when the day began to dim, Lo! there was He. I fled from Him through countless years; I sought the shadows of the night; But I could not His love forget; A penitent, I turned in tears — He followed yet. And still He follows, on and on; And I still stumble — but in trust; For I have learned, with growing night, That, if there is for me a dawn. He is its light. 91 THE SEARCH I SOUGHT His love in sun and stars, And where the wild seas roll, But found it not. As mute I stood, Fear overwhelmed my soul; But when I gave to one in need, I found the Lord of love indeed. I sought His love in lore of books, In charts of science' skill; They left me orphaned as before — His love eluded still; Then in despair I breathed a prayer; The Lord of love was standing there! 92 THE STAY I SEE Him when the breaking dawn Recalls the laggard soul from rest; I hear Him in the starry night, When silence comes to be my guest. His voice breathes low in early spring, When frost chains break and March winds fail, When larkspurs and anemones Awake to life in every vale. When sorrow calls to lonely paths. When Heaven lures our loved away, His voice still speaks — how quietly! And utters words no tongue can say. With Him my stay, I cannot fall; In spirit stress and battle shock I still shall trust Him, Lord of life, Amid the tides a mighty Rock. 93 THE VOICE OF THE DEEP OUT of the darkness born of the night, Above the billows which over my bark Relentlessly sweep, Comes to my spirit, weak with affright, Calming its tumult, borne from the darkness, The Voice of the Deep. Out of the darkness born of my night. Above the sorrows which over my life Relentlessly sweep, Comes to my spirit, weak with aflFright, Calming its tumult, borne from the darkness, The Voice of the Deep. 94 GOD IS NOT PARI GOD is not far from any one of us: The wild fiower by the wayside speaks His love; Each blithesome bird bears tidings from above; Sunshine and shower His tender mercies prove, And men know not His voice! God is not far from any one of us: He speaks to us in every glad sunrise; His glory floods us from the noonday skies; The stars declare His love when daylight dies, And men know not His voice! God is not far from any one of us: He watches o'er His children day and night; On every darkened soul He sheds His light; Each burdened heart He cheers, and lends His might To all who know His voice. 95 LIGHT IN DARKNESS LOSING my way, I groped, with fears beset; Dim grew the day; on came the blinding night; Hopeless, I knelt and closed my eyes to pray — Lo, all about me streamed the Light I FAITH FAITH is to know that He Who gave us poverty Doth thus our hearts prepare His greater wealth to share. It is to trust His power To smite the darkest hour That ever blurred our sight With His dawn-bringing light. Faith is to thank His hand For all that He has planned For us; to know that ill Is good, if 'tis His will. 96 MY PILOT KNOWS AS moves my fragile bark across the storm-swept sea, Great waves beat o'er her side, As North-wind blows; Deep in the darkness hid, lie threat'ning rocks and shoals; But all of these — and more. My Pilot knows. Sometimes, when dark the night, and every light gone out, I wonder to what port My frail bark goes; Still, though the night be long, and restless all my hours. My distant goal, I'm sure. My Pilot knows. AT THE DAY'S BEGINNING NOT for the eyes of men May this day's work be done, But unto Thee, O God, That, with the setting sun. My heart may know the matchless prize Of sure approval in Thine eyes. 97 TO-DAY TO-DAY, an hour of passing smiles and tears? To-day? It holds the destinies of years. Kingdoms shall pass, Worlds fade as grass. Yet shall abide the fruitage of To-day. To-day, you say, a moment's fleeting breath? To-day shall live when suns have plunged to death. Kingdoms shall pass. Worlds fade as grass. Yet shall abide the fruitage of To-day. To-day, you say, a meteor in the night? To-day shall stand when stars have lost their light. Kingdoms shall pass, Worlds fade as grass. Yet shall abide the fruitage of To-day. 98 THE BEST THINGS BETTER than gold or kingly crown, Better than soldier's fame, Better than statesman's fair renown, Is a God-honored name. Better than prophet's seeing eye, Better than poet's art, Better than patriot's purpose high, Is a God-loving heart. THIS ABIDES THE sun shall fail in its course, The stars shall cease to shine; Only one thing abides — The love that is thine and mine. The glory of kings shall fade, The statesman's fame decline; One thing alone shall live — The love that is mine and thine. Dominion and power shall die, And pride its throne resign; Only one thing shall last — The love in your heart and mine. 99 AS LITTLE CHILDREN AS little children playing along the wide seashore, Gathering pearly shells, turning them o'er and o'er, Tiring of each in turn but to seek a brighter one — So play we, children all, till life's play hour is done. As little children playing along the wide seashore, Building their houses of sand where the wild waters roar. Then, when the waves devour, crying out to the heedless deep — So play we, children all, and are left on the shore to weep. As little children playing along the wide seashore. Launching their fragile barks freighted with precious store, Tracing their wayward course till the waves their treasures spend — So play we, children all, and shall unto the end. 100 THE SPIRIT OF HOPE AH, well for him who knows, when each new goal Eludes his steps, 'tis only that the soul To farther goals may speed, and that the eyes May thus be lifted toward a fairer prize; Who, called at eve to lay his hopes away. Knows higher hopes shall come with breaking day. AT EVENING TIME I KNOW not what the long years hold Of winter days and summer clime; But this I know: when life grows old. It shall be light — at evening time. I can not tell what boon awaits To greet me, with the falling night; But this I know: beyond the gates. At evening time it shall be light. 101 BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD BE still and know that I am God, Ye who with fret and fear are worn; Who hear no voice, when tempests beat; Who faint, by sorrows overborne; Who dwell in shadows of defeat. Be still and know that I am God, The world is mine — the shine, the storm; Your life is mine — your hopes, your fears; The sun is mine, to keep you warm; I guard your days, your distant years. Be still and know that I am God. Let not the fires of war appal; Fear not the demons of the seas; The kings who build on blood shall fall; I rule the nations' destinies. Be still and know that I am God. Mine only is the conquering sword; What can avail the tyrant's boasts, If I oppose, who am the Lord? Fear only me, the Lord of Hosts! 102 STUDIES IN SOULS INFLUENCE I saw him once — he stood a moment there; He spake one luord, nvhich laid his spirit bare; He grasped my hand, then passed beyond my ken, But tuhat I ivas, I shall not be again. 104 THE REMORSE OF DAVID DID some one call me king — David the king? The lips were false that spake thus for my ear. King over men — but of his lust the slave! Ill fares the throne on such foundation built. Who ruleth self hath naught wherefrom to fear; Who holdeth not the reins to appetite, Hath naught to guide save his wild, lustful will, A charioteer to fiery steeds attached. Death yawns for such, though life seems long to bless. fatal night, in which the thought was born Which bore in turn the deed that bound my soul To this deep hell! No fires with this compare — The pangs of conscience wronged, the will of God defied. 1 know not now the peace that reigned within When I, a lad on these Judean hills. Led tender flocks by gently flowing streams, Through pastures green, all innocent of wrong. 105 Sweet hours of youth, come ye but once again To still this spirit groaning in its chains, Where it, alas! must bide for evermore — Except one come, in strength of purity, And break these galling bonds, and set me free. My harp, once as my Love, hangs idle now; For music bideth not in souls depraved. She dwelleth but on high, where God abides; And if she comes to earth, she visits men In holiness secure. O wretched fate, To be bereft of that we once adored As never womankind! Forget the past, Beloved Music, be thou still my friend, As when of old in grassy fields you walked with me, And doubted not my heart was true. You pointed out the stars and bade me sing Their matchless harmonies; nor did I halt. But, tuning harp to voice, I sang to Him, And felt the heavens descend and lift me far Beyond Judean hills to Jahweh's throne. Alas, my power is gone, my harp is still. And evermore shall be; for who would deign To touch those magic strings with hands defiled! Again the voices call, "King David — King!" No more a king, but slave, a self-bound slave I Who calls? Let him come in, but call not, "King!" 106 THE MASTER WE need him now — his rugged faith that held Fast to the rock of Truth through all the days Of moil and strife, the sleepless nights; upheld By very God was he — that God who stays All hero-souls who will but trust in Him, And trusting, labor as if God were not. His eyes beheld the stars, clouds could not dim Their glory; but his task was not forgot: To keep his people one; to hold them true To that fair dream their fathers willed to them — Freedom for all; to spur them; to renew Their hopes in bitter days; strife to condemn. Such was his task, and well his work was done — Who willed us greater tasks, when set his sun. February the Tivelfth, 1917. 107 THE WORLD'S VERDICT ONE sent out his ships to earth's farthest shores, And brought to his coffers the Orient's stores; The wild desert sands Became gold in his hands; And the world called him Genius — and wondered. One sought out the secrets of planet and star; He reveled in problems of granite and spar; He hungered to know All the earth could bestow; And the world called him Scholar — and praised him. One looked on a suffering, down-trodden race; He wept as he gazed upon each troubled face; He heeded their plea, And he set their hands free; And the world called him Brother — and loved him. 108 THE MASTERPIECE GOD took a piece of common human clay; Planted therein ambition's vital seed; Placed him, a youth, beside the common way. That he might learn the common human need. Made strong by strife, he faced the storm of wrath; Love made him wise, a Nation's cause to plead; He walked with God, though in a yeoman's path, And seized on fame by an immortal deed. THE UNCROWNED VICTOR FALSELY you have said he failed — He whose strong, faith-founded soul Never faltered, never quailed; From whose sight the longed-for goal Never vanished; he for whom There was never hopeless wrong; He who at the brink of doom Felt his spirit wax more strong. Failure? No! To him be glory! Let a verdict fair be spoken: Life and death and battles gory Found him true, his faith unbroken. 109 THE GLORY OF LINCOLN WHO builds of stone a shrine to bear his name, Shall be forgot when months and years have flown ; Who writes his name upon the scroll of fame, The centuries shall find to men unknown; But who for fellow men endured the shame, Shall have eternal glory for his own. SUCCESS HE has not failed — Who has not feared nor quailed; Who, by the truth made strong, Has battled hard and long Against the forms of wrong That lurk in self and state. His is a service great. Though none may know his name; He needs no laureled fame! He boasts a fairer prize: Before God's righteous eyes He did the best he knew, Nor was to truth untrue. 110 DIVES I HAVE built me a kingdom of my own; Great walls encompass me about; No man can fret my soul. My ships have scoured the Orient, And have brought to me gems and gold; My board is weighted down with delicacies; My daughters are clothed in ermine and purple; The art of the world is on my walls; No other man can equal me; No man can envy me, to attack me, For my castle gates are barred, And my walls are strong. What though the cursed mob be penniless! What though babes and children starve. And women cry for bread! They cannot steal my joy. For my gates are barred, And my walls are strong. O my victorious soul, take thine ease. Eat, drink and be merry. For thou art alone in the earth; Thou hast wrought mightily; Thou hast built for thyself A kingdom of thine own. Ill SYMPATHY "/T^HE load is heavy I must bear," J- He groaned as, sad at heart. He walked his chosen selfish way, From other men apart. "How light the burden that He gives! She whispered as she trod The road of life in sympathy With other souls of God. THE PREACHER HIS was not the speech that sings, Naugh't was his of eloquence; But his every word had wings — With the truth his thought was tense. He had not a poet's dower, His was neither skill nor art; But his quiet words had power To uplift the common heart. 112 SONS OF PROMISE IN every meanest face, I see A perfected humanity; All men, though brothers of the clod, Bear promise of the sons of God. No human ore that does not hold A precious element of gold; No heart so blackened and debased But has for Him some treasure chaste. 113 THE NEW WORLD BUGLE SONG OF PEACE A Prophecy Blow, buffle, blow/ The day has dawned at last. Blow, blow, blow/ The fearful night is past; The prophets realize their dreams. Lo/ in the east the glory gleams. Blow, bugle, blow/ The day has dawned at last. Blow, bugle, blow/ The soul of man is free. The rod and sword of king and lord Shall no more honored be; For God alone shall govern men. And Love shall come to earth again. Blow, bugle, blow/ The soul of man is free. Blow, bugle, blow/ Though rivers run with blood, All greed and strife, and lust for life, Are passing with the flood. The gory beast of war is cowed; The world's great heart with grief is bowed. Blow, bugle, blow/ The day has dawned at last. 116 GOD'S DREAMS DREAMS are they— but they are God's dreams I Shall we decry them and scorn them? That men shall love one another, That white, shall call black man brother. That greed shall pass from the market-place. That lust shall yield to love for the race, That man shall meet with God face to face — Dreams are they all, But shall we despise them — God's dreams! Dreams are they — to become man's dreams! Can we say nay as they claim us? That men shall cease from their hating, That war shall soon be abating, That the glory of kings and lords shall pale, That the pride of dominion and power shall fail, That the love of humanity shall prevail — Dreams are they all. But shall we despise them — God's dreams! 117 THE NEW EDEN WHEN every child shall, through his native gift, Be truthward led along the ways of joy; When every man shall at his labor lift Hand, head and heart to God, who gave employ; When every one an artist soul shall be. At forge or easel, at the desk or loom. Then through his task shall every man be free. And none shall toil, as captive to his doom. Cities shall then become the shrines of art; Towns, gardens all, shall blossom as the May; Laughter shall thrive, of every life a part. And rest await each man at close of day. Then shall be born the kingdom of the blest; In every heart shall love exalted be; Then God once more shall see His garden drest With flower and fruit, and every pleasant tree. 118 THE CRY OF THE WORLD'S WRETCHED ONES THE touch of human hands — That is the boon we ask; For groping, day by day, Along the stony way. We need the comrade heart That understands. And the warmth, the living warmth Of human hands. The touch of human hands — Not vain, unthinking words, Nor that cold charity Which shuns our misery; We seek a loyal friend Who understands, And the warmth, the loving warmth Of human hands. The touch of human hands — Such care as was in Him Who walked in Galilee Beside the silver sea; We need a patient guide Who understands. And the warmth, the pulsing warmth Of human hands. 119 THE GOLDEN AGE THE golden age will dawn When man shall dare to be From false ambition free, His goal the truth; When every youth Shall seek, not wealth and fame, But this, — a spotless name. Righteousness shall be bold In that fair age of gold. The golden age will come When men shall work for joy; When each shall find employ Suited to each; When toil shall teach, Not bring the soul disgust; Men will not hear, "Thou must! Labor will not be sold, In that bright age of gold. 120 The golden age on earth Will be a time of peace; The wars of greed shall cease; Envy shall fail, Mercy prevail; Creeds shall not separate; Caste shall be out of date; Love shall all hearts enfold In that fair age of gold. 121 THE COMING CHRIST will come to earth again; He will come to dwell with men; He will meet them in the mart; He will greet them heart to heart; He will make all hard things plain, When He comes. Christ will come again to earth; Then shall be a new world-birth; War and armaments shall cease; Every land shall bide in peace; Swords will be of little worth, When He comes. Christ will come, aye. He will come — Not with trumpet blare and drum; But with lives of kindliness All men shall His Name confess; There shall none be blind or dumb. When He comes. Christ will come to earth — and then Love shall reign supreme with men; For the hardness of our creeds Will give way to loving deeds; Heaven and earth will meet again. When He comes. 122 fe.,Hl/ 8 9 >'' '^o^ -^Ao^ P^.C^%