Ressrr* Bttrtftf Class. Book COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT fW p-lll*wp THE GLEN PATH ** Still I love to wande?' through it. For a charm that never wanes And a peace that cools lifers fevers There abides and aye remains.^ ^ Uhc 6Ien ll>atb anb ©tbet Sonos BY SAMUEL THEODORE KIDDER ' BOSTON SHERMAN, FRENCH ^ COMPANY 1915 .I28GS copyeioht, 1915 Shebmak, French &• Compakt ©CI,A398842 '"^ MAY 17 1915 - TO MY FAMILY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Of the poems appearing in this collection^ ** Good Cheer " and ** The Servant *' were first published in The Survey; '' A May Morning " and " An April Song/' in The Advance; '* The Lord in His Tem- ple/' in The Congregationalist; " The Last Snow/* " Incerta/' and the Beloit songs with the exception of "Into all the World/' in The Beloit College Round Table; " The Evergreen Hills " and " The Glen Path/' in The Bipon Commonwealth; " What Life Attains/' in '* A Life of Mrs. Clarissa Tucker Tracy/' compiled by Mrs. E. H. Merrell', to all of which publications thanks are due for permission to reprint. CONTENTS PAGE The Glen Path 1 The Lord in His Temple 3 The Fire, the Fan, and the Pruning- KNIFE 6 A May Morning 7 The Servant 8 Edelweiss 10 The Face of God 11 Cams Sub Mensa 12 On the Road, Afoot 16 Good Cheer 17 The Old Church 18 Chequamegon Bay . .20 Autumna Regina 21 The "Analusis*' . 22 Eastertide 24 Jubilee Hymn 25 The Evergreen Hills . . . . . .27 For an Eightieth Birthday 28 Frustra 29 Godspeed SO Christmas Greetings 31 A Field of Floating Ice-cakes .... 32 Nearing Home SS A Valentine 34 A Song of September S5 "My Peace I Give unto You'' . ... 36 An April Song 37 Vintage-time 39 PAGE Sunset to Gloaming 40 Gulls over Lake Michigan 42 Heart's Challenge .43 Incerta 44 Dedication Hymn 45 Off the Newfoundland Coast .... 47 The Last Snow 48i For a Lake de Nevue Cottage Guest-book 50 God's Peace 51 A Dream of the Meadows 52 Serenetas 5S **Ebenezer" 54 FOR ALMA MATER A Song for Beloit 57 Hymn 59 ''Into All the World'' 60 Ye Sophomore 63 In Memory of Professor James J. Blaisdell 6Q THE GLEN PATH AND OTHER SONGS THE GLEN PATH There's a winding, leaf-strewn way Where my footsteps love to stray In the summer, in the winter. In the night or in the day ; Down the glen and through the hollow — Trails the squirrels love to follow ; Roads that lead to fairy realms 'Neath the arching oaks and elms ; Blue sky over; green grass under; Elfin lace entwined with wonder; Trailing vines and scented clover Where the song-birds find a cover. There the asters spray their purple ; Golden-rod in splendor gleams. 'Tis a violet-sprinkled pathway Down that vale of happy dreams. You should see the autumn sunset Glint along those leaf-paved aisles. You should see the winter snowdrifts Whirling down those deep defiles ; — Glistening 'neath the spell of moonbeams Like the sheen of marble halls. Glowing in midsummer sunshine, Tapestried with leafy walls! [1] still I love to wander through it, For a charm that never wanes, And a peace that calms life's fevers, There abides and aye remains. There, in dreams, I still go roaming — Though I traverse distant ways — 'Mid dear memories and fancies Of long- vanished, golden days. [2] THE LORD IN HIS TEMPLE A POEM FOR PALM SUNDAY Where Zion's temple lifts on high Its golden splendors toward God's sky, What comes this way with loud acclaim? A strange processional, aflame With fresh green boughs and waving palms. Round one most kingly, chanting psalms — " Hosanna ! " Now near and nearer draws the throng. Redoubling as it moves along. It climbs the steep ; the " Golden gate " It passes, pleased to celebrate That meek prince riding to his throne — While rings, in ever rising tone, " Hosanna ! " Within, base venders clink their coin; Feigned sanctity and thieving join. Here mitered priests and wide-robed scribes — Lords of oppression, skilled in bribes — Fleece God's poor flock. Who comes this way.^ The Lord his temple views today ! Hosanna ! [3] II Hear now the sweet-voiced children sing, Whose unstained hearts best know the King. Here wait sad groups of blind and lame. In eager hope of him who came To heal all ills — of flesh, of souls — While joyously that chorus rolls — "Hosanna!" Amazed, I read the tale again Of him, imperial among men — How from the temple-court that day The low-browed traders slunk away From his stern word and flaming eye. While babes and sucklings joined the cry — " Hosanna ! " The " Son of David " hears their voice ; Such ne'er forbids he to rejoice; The very stones would cry if these Should hold their peace, for him they please Who loves the simple, grateful praise Which only guileless ones can raise ^ — Hosanna ! [4] Ill Once more the day of palms is nigh, God's Holy Temple still lifts high Its blue-arched dome, its sun-filled sky ! Nay, Lord, thy temple-fane am I — Thy dwelling-place! Abide in me, O Christ, and let me sing for thee — Hosanna ! Still the same motley groups appear, Blind, lame and poor are ever near ; Still venal traders plot for greed; Stalk priest and scribe of slippery creed. Oh, for the Christ, and Christ-like men ; While sweet child-voices plead again — " Hosanna !'' Come to thy temple. Lord — thine own ! Scourge out the sin and take the throne. Heal thou mine eyes, that I may see; My feet, that I may speed for thee. Dwell in this temple, O my King! So, with the children, will I sing, " Hosanna ! " [5] THE FIRE, THE FAN, AND THE PRUNING-KNIFE O Master, purge my soul this day, For thou its inmost needs canst see ; Refine thy gold ; burn out from me All useless dross that clogs my way ! Use thou thy fan with heavenly wind, And cleanse thy floor at any cost ; Expel my chaff, or life is lost ; Lord make me pure, for I have sinned! Have mercy on thy fruitless tree, Yet spare not axe nor pruning-knif e ; Send what I need, that so my life May bear sweet fruit eternally ! [6] A MAY MORNING As one who treads on holy ground and stands In awe, like Moses at the burning bush. With feet-unshod and spirit all ahush, Waiting the voice divine, with clasped hands, — So when sweet day-dawn flushes all the lands And matins soar to heaven with song of thrush And oriole, while meadow-flowers blush, Till, with new, glorious vision, life expands, — I muse — " This is God's day, and God is here. In reverence let me to his shrine draw near! Let me discern his face and hear his voice ; In him and his fair world let me rejoice." So let me pass to labor, strong of heart. And in the world's great burdens bear my part. [7] THE SERVANT He who will serve is a servant, — Yea, a servant of high degree, For he stands by highest or lowliest With eyes clear-visioned to see. He who will serve is a brother In the brotherhood, warm and brave, That is broad as the race and as tender As the Brother who came to save. He who will serve is a lover; All service were else in vain. From a heart that makes all the world sweeter He labors more lovers to gain. He who will serve is a teacher; For many shall learn at his feet The art of all arts the noblest. Of turning life's bitter to sweet; The truth of all truths the deepest. Whose knowing must make men free ; The skill of all skills the finest, Of training to do and to be. He who will serve shall be master, Ruling and serving in one. Till multitudes league with the leader And the undone work can be done. [8] He who will serve shall be royal, Enthroned by the King of Kings ; His scepter, the will to deal justly; His crown the mead gratitude brings. [9] EDELWEISS Dear little exile from the frigid heights Of Alpine crags, cradled among the snows, Nested where glaciers gleam and fierce wind blows. Where verdure fails, nor bird-wing ventures flight,— Fair hast thou faced the sun most dazzling bright. Braved the black tempest raging o'er the floes. Breathed purest airs, lived where the ether glows And bathes the white world clean in heaven's light. Soft, dewy petals, like a cherub's wing. Once folded in the mountain's chilly arms ; White leaves first moulded in the realms of ice, — A gentle melody ye seem to sing Of life far-off*, safe sheltered from alarms. God made thee, loves thee, tender edelweiss ! [10] THE FACE OF GOD There's not a wayside pool so foul with mud But that its depths, if we gaze deep enough, Reflect the pure blue of the summer sky And every fleecy cloud that floats o'erhead. So, if we learn with loving eyes to look Beneath humanity's rough, outward lines Deep down into the treasures of the soul, We shall behold, however much obscured By turbid waves of faults and weaknesses, The clear, reflected image of its God. [11] CANIS SUB MENSA Afar in the city of Milan, On Lombardy's splendent plain, Where the hoary Alps and Apennines Sweep down to the Venice main, In the famous Brera palace Of that land of illustrious art, A painting by Rubens the master is seen That is vivid and full of heart. 'Tis the scene of the Blessed Supper, The night when our Lord was betrayed. With a human nature deftly limned In colors that never should fade. Round the board, with anxious faces, Are grouped the disciple band, While a luminous glow from the Master's brow O'ershadows the candle-stand. With awe you may study their features While the dear Christ blesses the bread; For the eyes of Judas glare haggard and fierce, But in John's are no traces of dread. Then, down in the dusky foreground, Nestled close by the Master's feet. Devotedly guarding his friend beloved And waiting his morsel of meat, [12] A dog lies under the table, Fulfilling his humble part, With a guise that would lick the hand beloved Or tear at a traitor's heart ! In the shadows he crouches in silence. With quiet but resolute mien, Watching alike for his crumb to fall Or a signal to service keen. 'Tis a quaint and curious fancy. I wonder if haply 'twere so, — When the feast was o'er and the hymn was sung, Was the dog, too, ready to go.^^ Did he pass down the vale of Kedron On that tragical midnight-march When the Christ so lovingly taught the twelve 'Neath the sheen of the star-lit arch.? Did he climb with the Lord to Gethsemane Where the drowsy disciples slept? 'Neath the olives and stars, was it he alone Shared the vigil the Savior kept? When the Master bent prone in the agony And his blood-sweat fell on the sod. Did those dark eyes shine with compassionate awe By the form of the Son of God? [13] Did he bristle his crest at the onset Of the mob with bludgeons and swords, And sullenly growl till the Lord could soothe His anger with quieting words? Did the dog-eyes glitter with fury At the traitorous Judas-kiss Beneath the glare of the torches' flame Like an ominous serpent-hiss? Did he follow the rabble to Annas' hall When the terrified twelve had fled? When Simon cursed by the fire of coals, Did he stand by the captive instead? Was he with the group disconsolate Who lingered afar from the cross In the darkness, sobbing their sorrow deep And bemoaning their desperate loss? Did he watch with the guard at the sealed tomb For love's sake, not for scorn. Till the angel rolled away the stone In the dawn of the Easter morn? Then I wonder if, sooner than Mary, He sprang at the well-loved voice All eager to kiss the nail-scarred hand And, baying his welcome, rejoice. [14] 'Tis only an artist's fancy In an age long past ; yet our Lord Found place for the dogs in his parable lore And knew them by heart and by word. O dumb friend of man, ever constant, Of boundless affection and faith, Teach us to follow our Lord where He leads, To obey what our Master saith. [15] ON THE ROAD, AFOOT Lady Moon and Evening Star, Shine upon my way ; Sink not yet behind the hills, Light my path, I pray. Long the road I plod tonight ; Dank and chill the dew; Somber are the thicket-shades ; I depend on you ! Evening Star and Lady Moon, Beam on placidly ; Make my rough and winding waj Plain to tread and see. Up the hill and down the dale. Pilots true ye are. Blessings on you, Lady Moon, Thank you. Evening Star ! [16] GOOD CHEER Out of the soil — The lily ; Out of the ooze — The pearl ! Up from the mortal Soars the immortal ; After hell's battle White flags unfurl ! God's here in his world, And the cross stands for human redeeming. Far o'er the sad earth Heaven's radiance is evermore streaming. Therefore, my soul, be true And undaunted; Never by ghosts of old fears Be thou haunted* Right is right — - and not might. Truth is truth — and not sneers. Love is love — dry the tears. God is God — face the light ! [17] THE OLD CHURCH Burned in Fond du Lac^ 1908 Firm-framed with love, in faith deep-laid. Her walls uprose in days of old ; Her beams with prayer and service stayed, Adorned with graces manifold. To old and young her doors swung wide. To rich and poor her aisles were free ; While from her desk was magnified The gospel of sincerity. Here swelled the song and thrilled the prayer, With organ-tones rolled heavenward Like censer-clouds of incense rare; Here children thronged to learn God's Word ; Here plighted troths were sealed for aye, And sweet babes smiled 'neath christening hands ; Here penitents first learned to pray, And vowed to follow Christ's commands. O scenes beloved in other years. Dear faces lit from shining souls, Down through that mist of smiles and tears A gleam from heaven backward rolls ! [18] Some still our mortal dwellings share, And some have passed beyond our sight ; But God is here, and God is there; His heart is love, his ways are right. Outpours the fine gold from the flame; Up from the dead seed blooms the flower. Let husk consume, dross sink to shame, — No good is missed from heaven's sweet dower ! So we will trust when dims our joy. And earthly values rust and fade; Our wealth no ravage can destroy. God treasures safe, — we're not afraid ! [19] CHEQUAMEGON BAY Beautiful Chequamegon, Mirror of the setting sun, Sheltered from the North Sea's wiles By the fair Apostle Isles ! Odorous with spruce and pines Bend thy shores in curving lines, While along thy sun-kissed tides Many a stately vessel rides. [20] AUTUMN A REGINA H05 the splendor of the maples ! Heigh, the glory of the oaks ! ' Green and gold, with royal purple ; Scarlet-brown, with crimson cloaks ! Ha, the dazzle of the sunshine! Ah, the wonder of the sky ! — When sweet summer turns to autumn And the harvest days are nigh! Yellow pumpkins moon the cornfields Round the rustling shocks of maize. Ere the frost has wrought its havoc Or the sky has lost its haze; And the great moon rises softly. Silent, full-orbed, all aglow. While the coons and owls keep vigil O'er the nooks that lovers know. [31] THE "ANALUSIS" " The time has come for me to loose cable." II Tim- othy 4:6. "To loose cable and be with Christ is far better" Philippians 1 : 23. The great deep calls, the wind is high, Apace the long day wanes ; Up swings the night, mists veil the sky, And solemn darkness reigns. The deep-toned flood-tide murmurs low, My restless bark strains hard Upon its leash, as fain to go. Like thrall released from ward. This side, black shadows wall me in, The blasts of life blow chill ; Yet I loose cable fearlessly. For I can fear no ill. Beyond wide seas a beacon glows, — Star from a dim-seen shore, — The land of peace that thrills my dreams, — Sweet rest forevermore! The fight is fought, the race is won ; To sail is better far. So jubilantly I embark To pass beyond the bar. [22] The Pilot, whom I trust for aye. Unseen is at the prow; With him, the voyage is brief, the port Is sure to which I go. [28] EASTERTIDE Catkins and jonquils And Easter day once more ! A thousand voices sing to us The spring-tide's happy lore; And all the world is leaping up To see the blessed light. For Christ has brought new life and hope, To drive away the blight. [24] JUBILEE HYMN For the Fiftieth Anniversary of Ripon Congregational Church '' Sing unto the Lord a new song.** Lord of glory, who hast founded On the Living Rock thy Church, In thy wisdom all unbounded And thy power beyond our search, We adore thy love unceasing. Guarding us through smiles and tears, Which has borne thy flock, increasing On through half a hundred years. From beginnings frail and slender — - Hopes overshadowed deep with fear — All the way thy mercies tender Shone our widening path to cheer; Till to-day, with vision clearer, Stronger faith and bolder prayer. We behold thy kingdom nearer And its blest fulfilments share. We remember loved ones saintly Who have wrought thy service here. But whose prayers and graces faintly In our own poor lives appear. Safe in thy fair heaven abiding. Rest they now in endless peace, [25] Where, in thy pavilions hiding, From all ills they find release. With rejoicing and thanksgiving, We recall thy patient care. Roaming, resting, dying, living, Thou hast blessed us everywhere. Lead us still, O mighty Master, Moulding us to thy sweet will While the ages speed on faster. Thy great glory to fulfill. [26] THE EVERGREEN HILLS Oh, the glory and the glister of the sunlit fields of snow, Stretching far across the farm-lands toward the purple hills below ; Hemmed with thickets, darkling, leafless, shim- mering blue and brown and gray, Crowned with wind-breaks green and serried, — ranks of fir-trees in array ! Down the glens, all winds defying, stand the oaks with amber locks, Like a maiden's auburn tresses, by the corn- field's tattered shocks ; While the far hills roll toward sunset, pale and shadowy and dim, Flushed with splendor on their summits by the red sun's sinking rim. Far below, with tide majestic, falls the river to the sea. And beyond it rise dim highlands of a land that's dear to me ; And my dreams drift o'er that river to the gracious friends beyond. Whom my heart holds fast forever in indis- soluble bond. [27] FOR AN EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY What life attains, serene, its four-score years? What life fulfils its reach of time and space And beauty? 'Tis the life that runs its race With patience, and divine high-calling hears ; — The childlike soul that trusts and bodes no fears, The spirit swift to do and teach, through grace. The truth and love of God ; finding a place To sympathize and bless in spite of cares. Such lives our grateful hearts will not forget. Such we congratulate in glad assemblings To render such frail honors as we may. We pray they long may linger with us yet. That we may farther trace divine resemblings Andj by their light, through darkness find our way. [28] FRUSTRA As on the ocean's sandy marge. Strewn with white shells and dark-ribbed wrecks, Full many a foam-capped sea-wave breaks Borne in from the horizon's verge, And, bearing on its watery breast Kelp and sea-flowers of varied hue. Torn from the caverns where they grew, Tosses them shoreward from its crest; But, ere they come within our reach. The faithless wave has turned to flee And, with its treasures from the sea, Ebbs sighing down the pebbled beach ; — So, o'er the waste of barren strand That bounds our sear and tide-washed years, Where many a wreck of hope appears Half buried in the shifting sand. Rolls now and then some buoyant wave. Foam-crested with bright thoughts of youth, Floating sweet memories which, in sooth, We fain would pluck from their damp grave ; But ere we grasp with eager hands These tokens of a happier day. The treacherous wave has ebbed away And left us shivering on the sands. [29] GODSPEED The quiet years drift slowly past, Sunshine and flowers illume the way. For you I pray that each fair day Be fairer, sweeter than the last. [30] CHRISTMAS GREETINGS To you, dear friend, with joy I send The merriest Christmas greeting. For you increase good-will and peace. All woes and ills defeating. Along the years, despite our fears, The heavens still are telling Their song sublime, while sweet bells chime Above each human dwelling. God bless you, friend, this Christmas day. And may your sun shine clearly The livelong year, and bring good cheer To all whom you love dearly. [31] A FIELD OF FLOATING ICE-CAKES LAKE MICHIGAN, 1909 O MAGic-isLED Hesperidcs, Down drifting from an ice-bound realm, Without a sail, without a Jielm, Lightly afloat on wintry seas ; — From whence, and whither, do ye roam, Wee bergs, escaped from arctic night ; Fair argosies of dazzling white, With decks of pearl and freight of foam ; White lily-pads, fair-fringed with down, Tossing upon the blue lake's breast. Now floating gaily, now at rest. Like snowy barks with ermine crown? Your elfin bulwarks in the sun Glisten and flash on azure tides; As some fair shallop lightly rides. Far from the shore of sand-hills dun. Skimming the deep with dancing prow, So glide ye on your mystic ways, — A vision that forever stays, — Laden with " treasures of the snow/* [32] NEARING HOME The log reels off from the foam-spread wake As the sea's wide waste we roam; The knots are scored while the swift glass runs. And we welcome the slant of westering suns, Saying " One day nearer home ! '' Rough waves lift high, and our good ship reels As they smite her shivering dome ; We are sick and wan with the heaving sea And the restless nights, and we pray to be Just one day nearer home. There is no moon, and the stars are hid; The day like the night is gloom ; The rain beats fast ; dull mists descend, And the fog horn booms, yet at each day's end We are long leagues nearer home. Now day dawns clear with a sky serene, And a fresh wind lifts the foam ; Our keel glides merrily on her way And the sun shines bright ; yet the more we say, " Thank God, we are nearing home ! " So, voyagers on this wider sea O'er which our souls must roam. Wave-worn, spray-blinded on the deck, Rudderless, anchorless, a-wreck, — God bring us safely home! [33] A VALENTINE Palm or pine, Valentine, Thou are mine and I am thine. East or west, Work or rest. My sweetheart is alwaj^s best. [34] A SONG OF SEPTEMBER Oh, the glen below the manse, Where the golden-rod is glowing And the purple asters dance In the pleasant wind a-blowing ! Oh, the sheen of yellow tinting, Where they nod like fairy folk When the sun-rays fall a-glinting Down the shining leaves of oak ! 'Tis a scene you must remember, As you pass along your way From the shiver of December To the balminess of May, For the pathos of romance That so sets your heart a-going When the purple asters dance And the golden-rod is glowing. [35] " MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU " " My peace I give," said Jesus, — heavenly gift,— To sorrowing, toiling ones a blessed boon ! His peace, that makes our winter spring, our midnight noon; Potent to dry our tears, our burdens lift. To smite through every cloud a sunny rift, To soothe our tears with some sweet angel tune. Thy peace, O Lord! It cannot come too soon ; Let it descend as summer rains down-drift. We need it when the anxious days drag by. We need it when the nights confer no rest ; We need it when for loved ones missed we sigh. Or when we cannot see God's way is best. O tender Master, bend to our low cry ; — Abide with us ; become our constant guest. L36] AN APRIL SONG Welcome, Hepatica! When the frosty soil heaves, Bursting through the withered leaves, Matted from the fall ; Blithe little messenger Waking from thy winter rest, Springing from thy downy nest At the robin's call ! Fair, sweet Hepatica! In the barren forest glen Lifting up thy silky buds So graceful and so light. Tipped with blue and purple And tipped with pink and white ; Tinted like the sea-shells Scattered by the tropic main. Wreathed with a diadem — A mottled, russet crown Woven out of leafy hearts Of elfin green and brown! Joyful Hepatica ! Smiling under dark skies. Laughing as the snow flies. In gusts of windy weather! Brave little flower-heart! t37] Though the forest trees stand bare In the chilly April air. Holding up thy happy head, By God's angels thou art fed — Sun and rain together! Trustful Hepatica! Prophet of the springing year, Prophet undismayed by fear Lest the promise fail thee; Patiently hopeful, Knowing that the blessed Lord Standeth ever by his word. Though fierce storms assail thee. [38] VINTAGE-TIME The world in gold and crimson yields her fruit. But loving souls bear harvests nobler far, — Years fair and peaceful as the evening star, Heart-songs whose tones excel the dulcet lute. [39] SUNSET TO GLOAMING ON DECK The sun drifts down on an opal sky, And the saffron kisses the blue ; While a bright path shinmiers in golden waves, Reaching out from the land which the dark tide laves, — And my thoughts rush hqme to you. The red sun sinks below the verge Of a dusky film of shore ; The opal and gold into crimson turn. For the lamp of the day has ceased to bum Its path on the wave-tossed floor. Across the offing the dim sails pass Where shadows and mists lie deep. While the purpling East and crimson West Clasp hands in a benediction blest To lull the world asleep. Thinner and darker the film of shore That girdles the steel-blue tide; The rich tints die from the splendid sky ; The darkness looms ; cool night draws nigh ; And the stars no longer hide. [40j The fresh breeze whirrs through stack and spar; The heavens are a spangled bow ; The shoreline shows but the light-house flames, While waves at the prow play shadowy games, — God speed us whither we go ! [41] GULLS OVER LAKE MICHIGAN High up in the tempest the white gulls soar, Facing the blast with its dash and its roar. The wilder the wind, the fiercer the gale. The lighter of pinion they hover and sail. They wheel in spirals and circles vast Above tossed vessels with rocking masts, Then, motionless, poise with wings spread wide In glorious freedom and splendor of pride. From airy pose, on steadiest wing They dive to the spray, then heavenward spring ; Riding the tempest, exulting in power. Braving the storm when the black clouds lower. [42] HEART'S CHALLENGE Sunshine and moonshine And love beyond the telling ; Night dreams and day-dreams, Sweet words that need no spelling! Since you are mine, my Valentine, No more I live forlornly. So keep you true, as I to you. And never eye me scomly. [48] INCERTA " Who hath not sent out ships to sea." — Menken. I LAUNCHED a white-winged ship on the sea, With my treasure of golden ore; Gaily she floated away, away. But I stand here waiting, day after day, — Shall I see her never more? I tied a pearl to a wild bird's throat, — • A pearl that was costly and rare ; On the lightest of wings away she flew Till I saw but a speck in the sky of blue. And my pearl had vanished in air. I trusted my heart to a maiden, with hopes That were dearer than pearls or gold, But she, too, drifted away from me On the fickle waves of a thoughtless sea. Ah, years, I am growing old! [44] DEDICATION HYMN Fond du Lac^ Wisconsin^ 1910 " Ring out the old ; ring in the new ! " Yet keep the old to bless the new, — The old that's dear, the old that's strong, The old that thrills the new to song. We loved the old, we'll love the new, As God unfolds the broader view ; From strength to strength, from grace to grace. With swifter feet we'll run the race. The new must be of finer mould. Of nobler grace and larger-souled ; More firm in faith, in love more broad. More kind to man, more true to God. Christ's world is looming into light; Then bolder stand we for the right! Peace to the Gentile and the Jew ; God save the old ; God speed the new ! Our Father's God, we dedicate To Thy great Love our temple-gate. Its walls and towers, in faith upraised. Shall stand for Thee. Thy Name be praised! [45] Here may we come to find God's rest ; Forth may we go to make men blest ; — For all Thy children, great or small, Thy cup of cheer. Thy welcome call ! Amen. [46] OFF THE NEWFOUNDLAND COAST " Seven bells, and all is clear ! " Through a crimson and purple door The sun sinks down o'er the darkling mere, And a shimmer of glory the ocean paves Till a moon-lit path on the dazzling waves Gleams toward Cape Breton's shore. " Seven bells, and all is clear ! " Now the lights are burning bright ; Newfoundland's shadowy coast looms near ; Stars beam above the beacon's glow ; The foam leaps back from our cleaving prow And the deck-watch guards the night. " Seven bells, and all is clear ! " As we sweep toward the windy sea. Riding the tide with never a fear While evening hymns thrill sweet below. For God's love watches and cares, we know. Wherever His children be. " Seven bells, and all is clear ! " So we rock on our billowy way. And our hearts turn back to the home-friends dear Who remember and pray for our safe return ; Then we slumber in peace, while the dim lamps burn, Till God brings back the day. [47] THE LAST SNOW Whence do ye journey, snow-flakes white, Dropping down daintily, feathery light? Were ye sent forth by yon dull gray cloud That covers the earth with a somber shroud? Do ye not fear from the sky to float. Gliding down each like an elfin boat Borne by a tiny crystal sail x\s white as a fairy's bridal veil? Ye rock and dance on the waves of air. Ye laugh and exult in your beauty rare, Now darting down in a headlong flight. Now stopping to play with the zephyrs light. O snow-flakes, heedless of danger near. Ye hurry on in your mad career. Remembering not in your careless mirth That ye speed your way toward the cold, dead earth. Rush on in your course ! Ye are doomed to die ! In the damp yellow grass ye will shortly lie. As a winding sheet shall it wrap you round. And your graves shall be in the dull, cold ground. The brown leaves over you dirges sing. As still to their branches they fondly cling; And the oak-trees sigh in the moaning wind. As sadly above you they wave and bend. [48] But they whisper with joy of a speeding day When winter and snow shall have passed away ; When the breath of spring shall awake the flowers, And the grass grow green under April showers ; When the streams, released from their icy chains. Will joyfully wander through verdant plains; And the birds, returned to a northern clime, Shall warble the songs of the summer time. [49] FOR A LAKE DE NEVUE COTTAGE GUEST-BOOK Fair lake, whose still face mirrors summer skies, Rippled by light winds, tossed to foam by storm, — Resting entranced I view thy pictures, warm With dawn or sunset colorings, where rise Green, bowery terraces of changeful guise In thy clear deeps reflected, form on form Of placid beauty. An unending charm, A joyous peace, forever round thee lies. But sweeter still the hospitable rest Of this loved cottage, and that heart within So rich in gentle courtesies, — so strong To cheer and shelter many a weary guest Or grateful, way-worn toiler, who has been Here freshened to new life and tuned to song. [50] GOD'S PEACE Like troubled seas that cannot rest, So human hearts, with sin oppressed, By winds of woe and tides of ill Tossed to and fro, — aye, restless till The peace of God is found. Grief will not pause ; tears will not dry ; Temptations lurk and fears defy. The good desired we fail to do, Pursuing vainly what we rue. — O God of Peace, draw near ! O peace of God, O God of Peace, — Be now our refuge and release From sin and grief, from loss and fears,- Sweet calm for all our troubled years. Thy peace, O God, we crave ! [51] A DREAM OF THE MEADOWS Oh, the waving of the grass ! How it rests you as you pass Where the sea of emerald billows rolls away Under skies of living blue. Dashed with clouds of magic hue. In the sweetness of the fair midsummer day ! Ranks of olive-tinted plumes. Crowned with haze of purple blooms, With a scent of crimson clover in the air ; — How it soothes with mystic charm Every dread that might alarm; What a talisman to banish teasing care! Sunbeams on the waving crests, Shadows in their hollow nests, Rising, bowing, in the measure of a song; Fairy high-lights glide and glisten While enchanted here I listen To the roundelays of birds in happy throng. Dreamy sounds come floating near, Elfin secrets open clear. From the hidden world of teeming mysteries ! Sails my soul upon that sea Toward the isles of Arcady, Gently wafted by the odorous summer breeze. [5^] SERENETAS Sweet summer day, too soon to dtisk descend- ing, Peace in the air, deep azure overhead. Soft grassy pillows for my throbbing head; Cool, soothing airs, green branches lowly bend- ing. While through the mottled screen, veiled sun- rays, blending. Soft filter downward o'er my sylvan bed — Heaven's sapphire with earth's emerald newly wed — All gracious sympathies to weakness lending! Harsh care is banished, rest and peace are here ; Beneath the arching oaks that fringe the wood. Heart, mind and body drink in blessed quiet ; A Sabbath hush broods over land and mere. Deep things of God now clearly understood. My soul finds foretaste of immortal diet. [53] " EBENEZER " Decennial hymn for Winnetka^ Illinois, 1884 "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" Lord, all consecrated wills. All loving graces, are from thee. In chastenings thy dear face we see ; Thy hand our cup of blessing fills. Thou, Lord, hast helped us hitherto ; With tender hearts thy grace we own. This night be our memorial stone; We, living sacrifices true. Paith's household make us. Lord, indeed, Together bound as bound to thee ; From Sin, O Savior, make us free. With bread of heaven supply our need. Light of the World, upon us shine. In thy light, grant us light to see, Grace to reflect each ray from thee, Lighting our world with love divine. [54] FOR ALMA MATER Beloit College, Wisconsin A SONG FOR BELOIT From the ** Beloit College Song-book " Raise the song and make it ring ; Here's to old Beloit! All her sons and daughters sing ; Here's to old Beloit! Loyal hearts o'er land and sea, Stalwart breasts who wear the ^* B," Hail, our mother, three times three! Here's to old Beloit! Sing the names revered of old; Here's to old Beloit! Whom dear memories still enfold; Here's to old Beloit! Souls who gave their noblest years, Dared the toils and braved the fears, Men with vision like the seer's ; Here's to old Beloit! Hold the " spirit " strong and high ; Here's to old Beloit! Never let its fervor die; Here's to old Beloit! Cherish all the past has gained — '^ Science true with faith unfeigned " ; Keep the sunshine hues unstained; Here's to old Beloit! [57] Comrades for the world's new day, — Here's to old Beloit! Partners on the toilsome way, — Here's to old Beloit! Bravely choose the task benign. Boldly face the battle-line. Win the field in might divine ; Here's to old Beloit! Bear the pennant, wide unfurled ; Here's to old Beloit ! Shed the luster round the world ; Here's to old Beloit! Keep her manhood clean and strong. Trample down the ranks of wrong. Love the faith and sing the song; Here's to old Beloit ! [58] HYMN For the Second Inauguration of President Eaton of Beloit College The past, O God, was of thy grace, The future is thy care; With thanks, to-day, we seek thy face, Thy boundless mercy share. O Light of Lights, dawn on our way ; Mankind's frail vision clear; Illumine things unseen, we pray; Bring Heaven's kingdom near. O Faith of Faiths, where true hearts rest And learn what passes sense, Securely guide our coming quest, Though shadows hover dense. O Truth of Truths that make men free, In thee fast may we stand; Dissolve our doubts in serving thee, And move at thy command. O Love Divine, Eternal Word, Our CoUege guard and keep ; For his high task, thy servant gird As shepherd of thy sheep. [59] " INTO ALL THE WORLD " For a Portrait Unveiling of Foreign Missionary Alumni from Beloit College^ 1912 The sun in his stately round — Swift traversing land and mere, Encompasing all the sphere — Hath naught more beneficent found, More worthy of being renowned. Than a zone of compassionate souls That encircles the globe as it rolls, Brings Paradise earthward again, With peace and goodwill among men To the continents' farthest bound. Fond Mother of daughters and sons, — Beloit, as thy worthiest dower Reckon this, that the sway of thy power, Hand to hand, heart to heart, over-runs The wide world with a warmth like the sun's, — Benedictions that fall like the shower Upon deserts a-thirst, till the flower And the verdure return ; till heaven's grace Distills balm on a pain-ridden race. Brings peace to earth's comfortless ones. Forth-faring, they dare and endure Heavy toils in the spirit and name Of the Christ, the Anointed, who came To publish good news to the poor. To the captive release; to insure [60] Happy sight to the blind ; to proclaim Health and cure for the bruised and the lame; To herald abroad, with good cheer To mankind, God's acceptable year. Souls heroic such labors allure. God bless them ! our sisters and brothers Who earth-ties and gains bid adieu, And their call from afar follow true; Seeking not for themselves but for others, — Hapless children, sad fathers and mothers Of many a region and hue. These by faith a dead world create new ; Nerved with love, overcome every ill ; From whose hope, gushing clear like the rill, Streams a life which all worldliness smothers. Slow looms our blind world into light ; On marches the Infinite plan ; Till each man shall be brother to man The world round, when we fathom love's height, Length and breadth, biding safe in the might Of God's fatherhood. Who leads the van Of the host? That brave, neighborly clan Who, love-ruling, love-serving, love-blessing, One Mastery boldly confessing. Keep faith that fair day will end night. Bless God for the boon of the old ! Thank God for the cheer of the new, — [61]. For horizons that lift to our view Gleaming fair with fulfilments untold! As God's aeons serenely unfold, And hopes, long delayed, ripen true, Let us follow the heavenly clue Where it leads, — swift to enter God's way, Fain our Shepherd's wise rule to obey, Till our world is all won to his fold ! So this life-fount that laves every land In full tides of blessing will flow ; And its sun-tinted colors shall glow Till its rainbow of promise has spanned Flowery Nipon, fair India's strand. The far-islanded seas ; and shall throw Over China new-bom, upon slow- Rising Africa's glooms, rays divine; O'er the broad Moslem realms freely shine, Till heaven holds earth by the hand. [62] YE SOPHOMORE A PARODY RiGHTE lordlie is ye Sophomore, As any kinge may be; And eke, his pate to elevate, A plugge hatte weareth he. Ye classics trouble not his minde. Full safely dothe he ride; And trustie steede, in time of neede, Is ever bye his syde. Ye epics of ye poetes' past He eyes with scomfuUe smyle; And with disdayne he deemeth vaine Ye Socrates, his style. Right cheerfulle is ye Sophomore As any merrie grigge; And oft with glee rejoiceth he In running from ye trygge. And when ye closing of ye weeke, With leisure houre, hath come, Fulle joyfuUie indulgeth he Ye customarie bumme. [63] Ye peanuttes and ye flowinge bowle Relieve his wearied minde, But ah, his beere, ye folk do feare, Is of ye strongest kinde ! Anon, he wand'reth through ye streetes And singeth to ye postes. Ye sidewalks tears, and little cares For all ye midnighte ghostes. Ye boardes upon ye townsman's fence With zeal he maketh free; And from ye hinge to lift ye gate, A merrie sinne thinks he. But when he heares, with trembling feares. Ye rattlinge of ye blinde, With haste his heeles he useth welle, Ye hydinge place to finde. Eke softer is ye Soph his hearte Than is ye Soph his crowne. And plaine to see adoreth he Ye lassies of ye towne. And when ye Sunneday nappe is o'er And comes ye Sunneday nighte. With cloves his breath he sweeteneth, His bootes he shyneth brighte. [64] With dapper gaite he goeth straighte To meete his mayden f aire, And arm in arm to kirk they turne, " Ye gospel for to heare." Right jollie is ye Sophomore, And wild ye oates he sowes ; For soon must he a Junior be, — Ye Soph, his joyes must close. [65] IN MEMORY OF PROFESSOR JAMES J. BLAISDELL For the Fiftieth Anniversary of Beloit College O Mother kind, who tenderly hast borne Upon thy gentle heart, these two score years And ten, and nurtured into man's estate Thy generations who have come and passed, Who toiling walk earth's dusty roads afar With never waning love and faith for thee ; — Mother, who bear'st to-day with queenly grace Thy green half-century's crown of olive-leaf Entwined by loyal sons, yet wear'st no less The bloom and smile of fresh, unwrinkled youth ; — Like children tired of play, breathless and flushed, We wander home, back from life's reeking mists And blinding whirl, all gratefully content To soothe ourselves, spending one little hour In thy embrace. O college home beloved. Fair stand thy walls and pinnacles to-day. From small beginnings rising into power And comeliness within God's sheltering hand. In thee the whole round world is blest ; and still Blessed the labors wrought within thy doors. Deep underneath thy visible structures lie [66] Foundations sure and strong whereon are graven Rare histories of courage, prayer and hope In earlier days. Ask you what stones are these? Not quarried granite, massive marble cubes. Not jasper, chrysoprase, nor emerald. Nor amethyst; but costlier far than all,— Heroic souls, laid down through strenuous years Of sacrifice and labor, love-bestowed. For the great kingdom's service; lives sublime, Self-builded into an immortal fabric. Based on the Rock of Ages ; " living stones," Impregnable to all attacks of time ; — Such lives, to-day, we reverence in our song. Some linger yet, whose whitening heads, to us. Wear halos, — late returning to the heavens ; But whose dear faces shine as touched afar Already with the splendors of a dawn Celestial. Some have passed into the lands Serene and vernal, where the sons of God See as he sees and know as they are known ; Whose works do follow them. To one of these, With throbs of grief subdued by thankfulness, This day of days we join in tender tribute. He stood here, one brief year ago, A form with kingly eye and mien ; A prince of men, he walked with God [67] Through pregnant years, then strangely trod A pathway dark with pain and awe, Into the realm unseen. Here, where vast streams of empire meet. He came in manhood's sturdy prime, And threw his wealth of mind and heart Into high contest to impart To young lives, crude and incomplete, Enthusiasms sublime. The heights of faith, the breadths of law. Fair Nature's page, devoutly read, Had schooled him for his high career Till, with the vision of the seer, The child's simplicity, he saw How noblest souls are bred. Deep on his mighty heart he bore This college, and its task divine Of forging character. His love Shrank from no sacrifice, but strove With heavenly flame to shape rough ore Into a temper fine. He read men's souls with insight clear. And found their best. His eye of flame, That melted ever to a smile. The uncouth and timid could beguile To dare brave deeds and persevere. The headstrong gently tame. [68] Sure was his friendship, warm his hand. The awkward, homesick lad to cheer. His measure of the man was true ; His kindly counsels stirred anew. In every soul that touched him, grand Ideals and plans sincere. Scant use he found for textbook lines. Learned fads, scholastic subtleties, — Mere surface culture; from within He wrought, with master touch, to win Sense, mind and will to high designs, Unmarred by sophistries. The best he gave us was himself. His great soul our ambitions drew Up manhood's loftier grades and modes Toward life's best aims, — at antipodes From passion, pride and lust for pelf, — The endless life in view. Full learned in many a tongue was he ; Arts, sciences, philosophies. Wide realms of letters, history's lore. Poesy, politics, all bore Him wealth ; yet blent in one great plea For Christlike sympathies. Rich meanings to all life he gave ; All souls he would to fitness bring, [69] " Trained by experiences here, For any work in any sphere." A man, indeed, who sought " to have The Christ in everything." For larger than his calling here, His heart went out to all men's need, — The poor, the untaught, the manacled. The orphaned waif, God's toilers held By tyrannies. — His voice rang clear, Mercy and truth to plead. No cause of justice found him dumb, Nor civic wrong nor social sin. The workman and the little child Knew him their friend and, grateful, smiled. Statesman and jurist loved to come His skilled advice to win. Deep in his soul God's kingdom dwelt. He yearned to broaden its domain In fields unblest, on pagan strands. More reapers for white harvest-lands He longed to send and, praying, dealt To share their loss or gain. I see him in his class-room still. With face, now smiling, now severe; No listless eye nor reckless mood He suffered ; well he understood [70] To rouse dull mind, to nerve weak will, And shape the concept clear. I see him In his study chair. Wrapped in an atmosphere serene; His favorite books of themes world-wide. Pictures and keepsakes by his side; Or roaming with a thoughtful air Through forest archways green, I see him in the chapel hall. His voice of rich-toned pathos hear Interpreting God's word anew. Then, lifted in such prayer as threw A spell of awe around us all. Till heaven's gate seemed near. And still our hearts delight to stroll O'er happy trails of bygone days; Again in sweet companionship We clasp his hand ; our spirits dip Into the deep springs of his soul. Along life's thirsty ways. Can he be dead, this royal one ; And has he gone beyond our ken? His thrilling voice, his potent pen,- Must they be missed till time is done? [71] So strong, so true, so kind, so great,— " God's will " the token on his shield — He martyred fell, yet won the field Whose victory only seemed defeat. The oaken wreath upon his door. The grave with autumn splendors spread, The bowed processions with their dead, The sweet hymns chanted o'er and o'er, The eulogies, so poor at best ; — All these are but the outward signs Of grief profound, of love's deep lines, Graven in hearts that wish him rest, — Rest, after toils without surcease. Burdens he would to none confess ; Out of an " infinite distress " Swift passage to God's endless peace. What load of hearts on him was laid ; What serious problems of the state; The needs of men, the kingdom's weight! He stood like Atlas, undismayed, Till, weary, overborne with pain. Strange shadows crushed him to the ground ; Sharp lightnings from a gloom profound Thrust to his heart and left him slain. [72] And broken is the golden bowl, Loosed is the silver cord. Not here His face will smile, his voice will cheer ; We miss the music of his soul. The moonbeams flood the amber skies, The still stars shine, the days speed on ; We toil, bereft, since he hath gone Where kindlier spheres his service prize. He is not dead. His life throbs on In souls uncounted whom he blessed With sight and power in rich behest, Whose potency is scarce begun. In those far fields of dazzling sheen Where he for aye doth walk in light With kindred spirits, robed in white, We '11 learn, perchance, what this can mean. O Mother-queen, thy day hath well begun! Rich legacies from the dear past are thine ; God send thee myriads more of gifts benign, Advancing stately toward thy zenith sun. Thine be, at length, the Master's sweet " well- done." Let nothing swerve thee from thy great de- sign. Young lives to lead, enlighten and refine. God speed thy golden century's course to run! [73] A noble host of witnesses on high, With legions of thy loyal children nigh, Look on to cheer thee and to reenforce, May grace be thine and all divine resource,- Fruitions that surpass all prophecy ; More lustrous crowns thy head to glorify ! [74] Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 (724)779-2111