i(!tiii«»ii«uiifrnn!i!i*i!Ui!iiiifii!iniire{ii«t!!jraiii;»ni;ifmjnreiL'iiffiH;uiB»iHUOu^^ Class _lt ^■' -- ■ Book_L_tii GopfyrightN°_ COF^'RICHT DEPOSIT. \ IT'S UP TOYOU! J^oJjfeis vam wAai e'er ihep aire §^/jvjnJ he, ^Aen -worAj/oizr waj/J^rom dayiodou/ Jij^ ^ocl^ ^jf^i Le,shwed m love (f^om dep^A^ ie/owpu^A on aLove-' /-'w^w^ju?, iAoJitcuo l-y^ ij aai)pmesJ ^ Author of "Democracy and Direct Legislation", "The Philippines and the Purpose", "7 he Triune Harp", "Facts in a Nutshell About Immigra- tion — Yellow and White"; Etc. Copyright, 1913. By ARETAS W. THOMAS. Great Britain rights reserved. All rights reserved by the author. APR -2 1914 ©CI,A369530 Home Tree Publishing Company WASHINGTON. D. C. THE TENNY PRESS PRINTERS NEW YORK. N.Y PREFACE. Concerning "Old Time Folks" (Part I of this book), it is to be remembered that the people are dead of whom the verses therein are written. They died sev- eral thousand years, ago; and yet the story of their lives and their ways is more or less familiar to us ; therein we behold their virtues and their foibles, their strong traits and their weaknesses — much the same as those of the men and women of our day. So why not laugh about them once in a while! A laugh is one of the best things in the world, provided it bears no scorn nor malice. There will be no "kick" coming from Abraham, nor Moses, nor Samson, nor Jonah. Moreover, who knows but some of those worthies, somewhere in the universe, laugh at the queer things we do sometimes ! 7 The charm and interest in the old-time Scriptural narrations are due, to a considerable extent, to the per- sistent human nature there manifest. Shadowy gulfs of time lie between the ancient and the modern world ; but human nature changes not, and thereby the ages are bridged. In imagination we stand face to face with the patriarchs, the sages, the heroes and the weaklings of Ancient Days ; and we recognize the fact that we are linked to them by the humanities and char- acteristics inherent in all men and in all times. And thus it comes to pass that when we laugh at the Ancients, we laugh at ourselves — and therein lies a philosophy ! As for the verses or poems in "Moods and Rhymes" (Part II), they were written under variant conditions of time and place — when the mood was on. Now moods proceed from depths immeasureable — the depths of heredity, of circumstance, and, sometimes from the unfathomed Soul expressed by the face of Nature. Moods arising from the latter source are given to man to be given out again and, according as they are voiced, life tends toward success or failure. 8 Necessarily moods present the gay, the sad, the pas- sionate, or self-poised moments of life; they exhibit also the settled or changeful conditions of doubt or hope in each life. When moods break forth into written expression, into rhymes, or verse or poetry — they vary from the atrociously bad to that which is of worth and beauty. No special merit is claimed for what is presented in "Moods and Rhymes." Whoso reads the same can cast aside what is worthless, and retain unto himself, or herself, whatever may be of interest to the mood of the passing moment. ARETAS. "Home Tree," November, 1913. CONTENTS PART ONE. It's Up To You (Illustration) 5 The First Sin 19 Nebuchadnezzar — The "Simple Life" 26 Vanitatum Vanitas 29 Sarah's Wrath and Hagar's Flight 31 Pharaoh 34 The Backward Look 37 Daniel In The Den 40 In Defense of Cain 42 The Witch of Endor 49 The Queen of Sheba 51 Jacob's Wrongs and Esau's Luck 53 Noah and the Kangaroo 59 "The Order of Melchizedek" 62 Sampson's Fate 65 Methuselah 69 11 CONTENTS— Continued. The Sun of Gibeon 73 The Whale's Hoodoo ^^ David and Goliath 80 The Elijah Bears— And the "Teddy Bears" 81 Uriah's Mistake 84 Ham is Ham 87 Job— The Man That Was a Man 91 PART TWO. Home Tree (Illustration) 102 Home Tree 103 Julia's Eyes 104 A Toast to the Stars 108 Marlin and I no The Child's Questions 114 Self Migrations 116 The Gas Bill 118 Democracy 120 The Maid Betrayed 122 The Waves' Refrain 125 The Mood Makes the Man 126 A Boston Idyl 128 The Dry Fount i33 12 CONTENTS— Continued. Prairie and Thought 134 The Best of Men 136 Awake to Liberty 138 Cold Cash 140 The Poet's Lament 142 The Redbreast 144 Jesse James' Bad Shot 146 The Shell of Things 149 The Mystery 151 The Answer 153 The Time of the Gods 155 The Helping Hand 156 I Love You So 159 The Old Love and the New 161 The Last Request of Socrates 163 The Dome of Liberty 165 The Mastery 166 The "Breakers" and Brotherhood 168 The "Chinee Chlistian" 171 The Way of Hope 173 The "Lunger's" Fate 175 Old Age 178 Marconigrams 180 13 CONTENTS— Continued. Fond Brown Eyes i8i Grand Black Eyes 182 Eyes of Blue 183 The White House and the Circus 184 Priest and Star 187 Night and No Morn 191 Self 193 The Soul of Nature I94 The Light of Love 196 The Victory Within 198 Law of Kind Thought 200 Rebirth 202 Love's a Mirage 203 Out of the Depths 205 I Love but Thee 207 The Best Pall ' 208 The Leaf 209 Conquest of Pain , 211 God's Comforters 213 Mr. Wasp and Miss Bee 214 Help the Blind 217 The Undertow 219 Creative Thought 221 14 CONTENTS— Continued. Love is Complete 223 Old Hoss Eye 224 The Old Man's Dream 228 Life Begun 231 The Prophet's Voice 233 The Temperance Way 235 A Woman's Love 237 Love's Way 240 The Rocky Slope 242 The Heritage 244 Her Answer 246 The Living Word 248 What Wrote He in the Sand ? 249 "Kids" and "Square Men" . . . ■. 252 Augustus and Anna 254 The Husband Bereaved 258 The Book 259 15 PART ONE Old Time Folks By Aretas THE FIRST SIN. "lATHEN the Serpent did beguile Eve, our mother, with his smile, Then began that fond "first sin" That since then has hemmed us in. This is how the trouble rose, Written down by one who knows: Sweet the flowers of Paradise; Climate balmy, mild and nice; Never cloud nor storm yet seen, All was blissful and serene. Sang the birds among the trees. Our "First Parents" took their ease ; Not a thing all day to do. Neither care nor woe they knew. 19 Fruit for breakfast from the boughs ; Milk dripped down from Eden cows; And fresh loaves of Eden bread Hung on branches overhead. There they lived on "Easy Street", Were "on velvet", so to speak; Holy Angels through the night Guarded them from all affright. Such the home God made for man, All adjusted to the plan Of non-Sin, and Innocence; It was simply grand, immense! But Old Satan squirmed his way To the Garden wall one day, "This looks good to me", he said, Lifting high his mottled head. 20 "I can never climb that wall, "Through that hole I'll slip and crawl!' Easy "sneak" it was to him — Sound asleep the Cherubim ! Walking then upon his tail, Head high up, "I shall not fail", Satan said, "to find this Eve — "Ah, there she comes, I do believe !" "Morning, Eve!" the Serpent said. Bowing low his flattened head; "You look sweet enough to eat; "My, what pretty little feet!" Eve she curtesied quite low, Had no shoes on then, you know ; In fact she thought it was no sin To be clothed in her own skin. 21 Never blush nor thought of shame Her chaste presence there o'er came ; Satan looked with great surprise In the depths of her blue eyes. All that took place I can't state ; But 'tis said that Eve she ate Apples from the Knowledge Tree Satan gave to her quite free. Eve then hastened back to where Adam picked the Howers fair; Adam looked up with a smile, "Eve where were you all this while?" Not a word then Eve replied, But she snuggled to his side; Adam clasped her in his arms, Gazing chastely on her charms. 22 "Eve", he said, "you look so queer; "Tell me, tell me, darling dear, "Is not life and joy complete!" Kissing her on mouth so sweet. Eve, her eyelids dropped quite low, Sobbing softly, as you know All her daughters now can do When they have some end in view. "I wish, Adam, you would now "Eat an apple from yon bough; "I have eaten one or two — "And I've found out something new. "But Eve, darling!" Adam said, "The command of God o'erhead — " 'All is yours within the wall, " 'Touch not apples lest ye fall!' " 23 Flashed the eyes of Eve with light, "Truly, Adam, my delight "Is to do the very things "That the Angels who have wings "Say we must not do at all ; "I care not for any 'fall' ; "Are we not as great as they, "I believe it, anyway ! "Here's an apple, picked for you, "Take and eat it, with me too; "I don't care, I think it's mean "To refuse me, your bride-queen!" Pale was Adam (he had grit) "Eve", said he, "I will do it; "I will break God's dread command, "I will take it from your hand." 24 Shudders Earth through deeps and caves, Adam eats — all fate he braves — » "Eve, I love you, now I know "Why you tried to tempt me so !" Thus you see the "first sin" came — Snake and woman both to blame — Adam he just had to fall. Couldn't help it— that is all! 25 NEBUCHADNEZZAR — THE "SIMPLE LIFE." XJEBUCHADNEZZAR, the strange old king, He did the queerest kind of thing ; Out in the fields he grazed on grass — The Bible says, "it came to pass". For seven years he chewed his cud, And lived out doors in dew and mud ; He left his throne, his home, his wife, He lived alone — the "simple life". Great King he was; Monarch Supreme Of palaces that like a dream Midst gardens fair were hung in air Above a winding river there. 26 Nebuchadnezzar, whom none could dare To disobey, or question there ; Cast off his clothes from crown to socks, And grazed on grass just like an ox. Great King of Kings, his name a star That shone resplendent from afar ; To him all bowed and rendered praise And yielded homage in those days. From luxury and fame he fled. To thrilling charms of love was dead ; He cared for naught, it's true, alas ! He roamed the fields and lived on grass. He browsed with head close to the ground From day to day in ceaseless round; He sought not war, he sought not strife — He simply lived the "simple life". 27 Why did he this— was it a "fad". Or was his mind supremely mad? Was it some kind of old "health cure" The doctors told him to endure? It's hard to say at this late day What made him live in that queer way- For "simple life" none can surpass Nebuchadnezzar who ate grass! Mi^ 28 VANITATUM VANITAS. a A LL is over, I'm all in ! I have tried all kinds of sin; Every pleasure, passion strong, Wine and women and sweet song — And I say to all, Alas! Vanitatum Vanitas!" "I, the king, great Solomon, Wisest man e'er sun shone on! All the knowledges and good, All the secrets understood — And I say to all, Alas ! Vanitatum Vanitas!" 29 Rather strange that such should be Dying words of him, you see, Who had every wish fulfilled That he ever dreamed or willed — Gasping out, "Alas ! Alas ! Vanitatum Vanitas!" Is it true, is there no way To be happy every day, From the time of our first breath To the moment of our death — Will our last words be, "Alas ! Vanitatum Vanitas!" 30 SARAH'S WRATH AND HAGAR'S FLIGHT. QARAH "fired" her through the door, "Go!" she said, "come back no more! "You vile thing, and infant son! "Now I know what Old Abe done ! "I have stood it long enough ! "I tell you it's mighty tough, "I, his lawful wedded wife ! "I'll fix him, you bet your life! "I will snatch his gray head bare; "I won't leave a single hair "In his long, old holy beard — "I'll fix him, I ain't afeard! 31 "As for you, vamoose the ranch, "You and Ishmael, root and branch! "To the desert you shall go "Where the blistering simoons blow I" Ah, the wrath of woman's scorn, Fiercest passion that is born In the festering heart of hate, Fires of hell there to create! Hopeless, Hagar wandered on. Hugging close her infant son ; On o'er deserts dry and hot — Just what happened I've forgot. And the Bible don't tell now Of the racket and the row That was raised in Abram's tent After Hagar helpless went. 32 But in time all was serene, Hagar, Ishmael, back were seen, Fat and happy in that land, Part of Abram's household band. Anyway, it's plain to see There's no change in jealousy; It blows hot, and love grows cold. Just the same as in days old. 83 PHARAOH. ¥ HAVE stood by Pharaoh, Remcses, who long ago Oppressed Jews on every hand In that far off Egypt land. I saw him erect and proud, Grim in death, in ancient shroud ; And his leathery, mummied nose Looked quite scornful in repose. Then a Hebrew banker said, Pointing to the shrivelled dead, "You old villain, what you did "To us by the Pyramid, 34 "Is a shame to tell or know, "But for ages down below "You have shovelled sulphur hot; "I am glad— it's not forgot!" Came to me in vision rare Scenes of Egypt, grand and fair ; Fields and temples by the Nile- Ages, ages passed meanwhile. Wondrous vision! taking in History of good and sin ; Days of grandeur and decay, All appeared and passed away. Millions lived and millions died In that time-worn valley wide ; And down in the Pyramid Pharaoh's body there was hid. 35 Out of darkness of the past Profane hands brought him at last To a place on Britain's Isle In a splendid Marble Pile. But through all the vision long, On the weak and on the strong, Shone the smile of God on High — Sunshine bright as days passed by. Why should men then cherish hate For the ways of any fate ! Is it true that down in hell God burns those who sinned and fell I Still with haughty, stony stare Proud old Pharaoh stands there; And his leathery, mummied nose Looks quite scornful in repose. 36 THE BACKWARD LOOK. f\ F ALL the cities of the plain, Old Sodom was the worst ; She's buried now 'neath sulphur rain and fiery earth- quake's burst — For God, Himself, could not forgive such doings and disgrace ! With one quick jolt He blotted her clean off the planet's face. It got so bad no one was safe by day or by the night ; They stood in crowds about vile dens; they jeered at Angels bright Who came one day to visit Lot, to tell him what to do, To gather all the righteous there — their number was but few. 37 I wouldn't like to mention here what then was said and done By righteous Lot and that bad lot of hoodlums after fun; But it is well to think a bit of flight of Lot and wife, And the strange plight she found herself as fled she for her life. "Git up, and git! shake Sodom's dust from off your feet! "And don't look back ! turn not your head !" the Angels oft repeat. Quick time they made along the pike, and all was going well, Whilst back o'er Sodom hung the clouds of burning, fiery hell. But Mrs. Lot she quite forgot the Angels' words, no doubt ; She wondered if from pantry door the cat was safe locked out; "The clothes I've washed and hung on line will simply be no good ! "I wonder if Tve got the time" — and there mere salt she stood! 38 A little twist of head around, a backward glance of eye, And there Lot's wife a hag of salt all petrified and dry, A warning stood ; and stands to-day in that Death Val- ley there — "Flee ye from sin, but look not back !" it's silence doth declare. DANIEL IN THE DEN. 'Y'OUNG Daniel said that he would not Cease then to God to bow ; The King himself is now forgot — But all know Daniel now. A blooming youth, unarmed, with bare And tender limbs in view; They thrust him in to lions there Who roared for flesh to chew. The lions ceased their hungry roar And rolled around content ; They didn't fight, they growled no more When Daniel in there went. 40 For there he stood, fearless, at ease, Each lion did observe ; They purred and rubbed against his knees Because he "had his nerve." And his mere look made fierce eyes blink; Their hunger to forget; He was no circus man, I think, But he had nerve, you bet ! He made the King take back his vow, Release him there and then; So "keep your nerve", and stand ye now Like Daniel in the den ! 41 IN DEFENSE OF CAIN. TN the dawning days of time Came that dreadful, awful crime, Death of Abel at Cain's hands. The first bloodshed of all lands. And I want to tell it straight. For believe me that of late Certain critics make the claim That poor Cain was all to blame. I, myself, no malice bear To the parties, either, there ; Naught would I extenuate, Simply truth I seek to state. 42 And these critics point with scorn Unto Cain, the first born ; As for Abel they all say He was faultless day by day. "Abel lived a holy life, "Pure and gentle, free from strife; "And he was so kind and meek !" Thus the critics daily speak. It is strange how meekness wrath Often brings as aftermath; Simple goodness, innocence. Is itself sometimes offence. Not that it is right, you know, But it "riles" a fellow so When your brother or some "guy" Makes no answer nor reply To the hot words that you speak; And looks up so "meachem" meek And you can't lay on him blame Nor conceal from him your shame. Abel like enough was one Who no wrong had ever done ; But he was so meek and mild That he nearly made Cain wild. And so Abel stirred up Cain, Day by day, again, again ; Just by looking with blue eyes Opened wide in meek surprise. Came the day of sacrifice, Abel's altar, neat and nice, Sent up flame and holy smoke, Lighted by a lightning stroke 44 From Cain's altar built of stone, With its offering to atone For his faults and errors small, There rose up no smoke at all. Silent, Abel stood close by. Watched his smoke ascend on high ; Looked so meek and cheerful there- His mere presence grateful prayer! Cain struck matches, cowboy style. On his breeches for awhile ; Not a single match would light. And his brow grew dark as night. "Abel"! said he, "will you bring "Spark to me or anything; "All my matches now are gone — "Everything with me goes wrong!" 45 Low voiced Abel made reply, "Pray to God who dwells on High ! "See my altar's lambent flame, "From High Heaven my spark came !" When the trial of Cain was had, He swore Abel drove him mad With his "smirking, meekful air, "And his attitude of prayer V But the judge excluded then Evidence of expert men; Not a word of "brain-storms" there Would he let the doctors swear. And poor Cain — well, you know how They then branded him on brow ; Deep with brand of "murder" there, For all time to wear and wear ! 46 Then they drove him from all lands, Over mountains, desert sands; Everywhere that scar he bore Speaking "murder" evermore! Better had they hanged him dead — Better that his life had fled When the blood of Abel cried Vengeance loud at altar's side ! For the silent stars so grim Glimmered coldly down on him ; On the up-turned face of Cain, Furrowed deep with scar and pain. Lonely, weak, and hopeless then Fled Cain "from the face of men"— Where he went, and where he is, Is one of the mysteries ! 47 But he has my sympathy In his lonely misery; And this fact I here maintain In behalf of branded Cain : Meekness drew from rage red hot The dire fate that Abel got; Cain hit him too hard a blow — Didn't mean to do it though! 48 THE WITCH OF ENDOR. npHAT terrible old Witch of Endor, With sad eyed ghosts to attend her, She frightened King Saul on his first call, She told him some, but didn't tell all — That terrible old Witch of Endor! That terrible old Witch of Endor, With demons and fiends to defend her ; She lived in a cave, and none would brave The darkness of nights, and horrible sights- That terrible old Witch of Endor! 49 That terrible old Witch of Endor ; With halo of horrid splendor ; All toothless and grim, and skinny and old, With warts on her chin, a sight to behold — That terrible old Witch of Endor ! But witches to-day don't do that way, They dress in silks and satins gay; They smirk and smile, and after awhile They fix your future, and get your "pile". Young witches, though not of Endor ! 50 THE QUEEN OF SHEBA. npHE Queen of Sheba came from where? What was she to the king? The stories that one hears, I swear, Are strange and quite puzzling! From the "Far South" she took her way, Up through the Torrid Zone ; Until she finally one day Stood there before the throne. Upon it sat great Solomon Who gave to her his hand; But what that means and what was done I do not understand. 51 For some they say by marriage twine They thus were joined complete; And others think as concubine The tie was strong and sweet. But anyway she "skipped" one night Back to her own far throne ; She left the king in a rare plight — But left him not alone : Six hundred royal wives he had, And sweethearts by the score; So Solomon he wasn't mad — He simply took some more. And one dark king on Afric's strand Claims lineage through a son Of Sheba, Queen of the Southland And mighty Solomon. 52 JACOB'S WRONGS AND ESAU'S LUCK. TT really is a shame the way that Jacob did, The facts are known and plain, the truth cannot be hid ; He euchred Esau of his right, he swindled him indeed ; If you don't think that this is true, the Holy Scriptures read! Now Jacob was a twin, and Esau was another — Both sons of Isaac old, and brothers to each other- And Esau was the first to cry for light and air. And Jacob caught his breath a moment after there. 53 In those old days they gave a great pre-eminence To eldest son in everything ; it was the usual sense Of justice men then held, and still is custom now In many lands all o'er the world, I vow! One day half starved from bootless chase of game O'er Chaldean hills, all faint and hungry Esau came To Jacob's tent and begged a sup of pottage hot — To save, indeed, his very life, I doubt it not. "Go chase yourself! for you don't get a taste or smell "Of it !" so Jacob said : "It's mine ! you go to — " well, What more he said so brutal was, I can't repeat; And there Esau half dead, saw Jacob stuff and eat. And Jacob, stingy twin, and younger brother too — Just read it for yourself; just see what he did do — He made poor starving Esau sign and give a deed To him of birthright for mere pottage in his need. 54 But that's not all ; read more of that long story there, Of Jacob's wily ways, and Isaac's dying prayer ! Old Isaac's sight was gone; he couldn't understand Or hear a word unless you yelled "to beat the band." He wished so very much his blessing then to give To eldest son ; he prayed and prayed that he might live To place his poor old hands on Esau's bowed down head And bless him with his last sad breath ere life be Red. That poor old man! he groped in darkness there and cried, "Is that you, Esau ! come near, come near, here by my side! "Kneel down and let me touch you once again my boy, "Your presence here, your voice and hand is my last joy!" "Yes, father, here am I ; Esau, your eldest son ! "Behold I kneel, now shall your last fond wish be done ! "The blessing I await!" so Jacob said — and lied; And hoped to profit by it when his father died. 55 "The voice is Jacob's but — but the hands are Esau's!" The old man feebly gasped; and then, with sigh and pause Of doubt and hesitating agony of love. Leaned down, and, trembling, dying, blessed him from above. The more you read of Jacob's life, the more you there will see His growth in wealth, in herds and flocks, and vast prosperity ; The strange unheard of things he did in way of speckled ewes, And striped bulls, and mottled rams to get from Laban dues. His children throve and multiplied, are found in every land ; In all the ways of trade to-day right in the front they stand ; They run the banks, the jewelry shops, and liquor busi- ness too. The clothing trade they have "cinched" down — in all you find the Jew ! 56 Now that's all right, and I am glad to see them do so well ; But what about the Esau tribe, can aught you say or tell? For ages they have lived in sands and climate burn- ing hot, There's millions of them too, I think, and hard enough their lot. On circus day a few of them on camels ride through town, The life of these poor Esau Jews is "humpty" up and down; And then one sees rich Jacob Jews roll by in red 'mobiles. They follow there to see the show, swift riding at their heels. 57 I know there is a moral law that works its way su- preme, That evens up the old, old wrongs until in time they seem A hideous nightmare of the past that fades in light of day — But Jacob's wrongs and Esau's luck somehow don't look that way. 58 NOAH AND THE KANGAROO. XT O AH and the kangaroo Stood apart a pace or two — "Git in there, you pesky thing, "Don't you see the flood rising!" Every beast was safe on board; Frogs and bugs and bees all stored Safe within Old Noah's Ark — Daylight fled before the dark. Noah he had worked a score And one hundred years or more The lives of all to save on earth, Pair by pair for future birth. 59 But at the last moment there, One of a queer looking pair, A long legged kangaroo, Jumped the open doorway through. "Drat your hide and tail and all!" Noah wrathfully did bawl; "You will make the whole thing sink, "Git in there, quicker than wink!" Noah rushed to drive her in — Crack he got across the shin, From the tail of kangaroo. Blow that made it black and blue. With his staff he made a dash. But the kangaroo just laughed ; And she jumped clean o'er the Ark, Rose as easy as a lark! 60 Noah limps around again, Mad as any setting hen, "I'll fix you" ! spat on his hands — Whisk of tail — down flat he lands! Leering back with sinful grin, "You will never get me in "Your Old Ark, so I'll skiddoo !" Said the grinning kangaroo. And with one almighty bound Landed she all safe and sound On the Isle of Borneo, Where there was no Flood, you know. This is why the kangaroo Safely passed the Great Flood through- This is why I tell to you Tale of Noah and Kangaroo. 61 "THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.' -KM ELCHIZEDEK! Melchizedek ! Now who was he, what "order" his — That vague allusions there we see In Holy Writ, a mystery ! "The friend", they say, "of Abraham" ; Both joined together by strange rites — What kind of "work", and queer flimflam Kept them from home so late at nights ! Did they wear aprons and tin swords, And deck themselves in feathers gay? Did they give "grips", speak mystic words. And in processions march by day? 62 And on "Lodge nights" did they get "tight" As "royal Goats" of "High Degree"; In "Inner Circles" by weird light Invoke strange "Shades of Majesty" ; And feast and dance and smoke and chew, Fill "flowing bowls", and jokes relate — Do everything that some folks do, Raise "high old jinks" and "celebrate"? Who knows all this, and who can say. That's what I want to find out now — Who was Melchizedek, I pray. Why at his name do some men bow? A sacred name that wakes echoes Of mighty pasts and hallowed fame! Of Princes grand — and no one knows What were the things that brought the same ! 63 "The order of Melchicedek!" the mystery Of Abram's time survives to-day! Is it a humbug? can it be That truths sublime are saved that way! "The order of Melchisedek!" Can you tell me, and will you now. Who was "his nibs", Melchizedek; What he and Abram did, I vow ! 64 SAMPSON'S FATE. <4T CAN lick all Philistines "That the world has ever seen !' Sampson said; and it was true, Scores and hundreds he there slew. Sampson, mighty man of war! Great his fame comes from afar Through the murky mists of time; Hero ! Sun-God ! grand, sublime ! With the jawbone of an ass Made one thousand cry "alas!" Turn their toes up one by one, Twixt the morn and evening sun. 65 But no strength can withstand guile; Just you wait a little while And see how great Sampson fell — Listen to the tale I tell : Women all love big stout men ; How they cling to, fondle them Every time a chance is made To pretend they are afraid. I, myself, a little cuss. Don't like all this artful fuss That on my big brothers they Lavish sweetly day by day. And it pleases me to know How Delilah laid him low, Mighty Sampson, simple lout. Ere he knew what "put him out." 66 Seeking out her tent of sin One time Sampson swaggered in; There he spent the live-long day In the good old-fashioned way. And Delilah played her part, She was sweet, and cute, and smart ; Coaxed and wheedled him to tell What made him so strong and well. And he told her, and he slept; Slyly to his side she crept, Cropped with pair of monstrous shear? All his hair close to his ears. Then that measley heathen band. Red hot poker in each hand. Rushed in there, burned out his eyes Ere he woke in mad surprise ! .67 Shorn of strength, a total wreck, Sampson "got it in the neck!" Oh, my brothers, big and stout, For all women watch ye out! 68 METHUSELAH. UT AM tired, I want to quit! "I have had enough of it — "Nine hundred and sixty years, "As for death I have no fears. "I can see and I can hear "Just as well as in the year "When I stood at twenty-one "Full of fight and vim and fun. "I have eaten tons of food, "And my appetite is good; "I can dance and sing to-day "Lively as a child at play. 69 "All that sense and pulse can thrill "I have strength to enjoy still; "It's not true that I'm worn out, "I, Methuselah, am yet stout. "I have seen all earth can bring, "Joy and sorrow, everything "That the human heart can hold — "All the story has been told. "In my fancy I can see "Dynasty and dynasty "Rise and fall and pass away — "To-morrow will be yesterday. "Nothing new beneath the sun ; "Everywhere I see done "Same old deeds by those who die, "As the centuries pass by. 70 "On the page of memory "I review the history Of the ages of my life, "Days of peace, and days of strife; "I am tired, I want to quit, "I have had enough of it ; "And each day I pray to God, "Let me rest beneath the sod!" Nine years later when he died Wise men came from every side, And they rendered to him praise For the length of all his days. On a shaft erected there These words enscribed are — "Methuselah got tired of it, "He was mighty glad to quit !" 71 Tell me now ye who seek years To be added unto years, Was Methuselah right or wrong- Would you like to live so long? 72 THE SUN OF GIBEON. «Q TAND ye still on Gibeon, and thou on Ascalon!" So said the warrior to the sun and moon ; And straightway they obeyed. And then they ran and killed the foe ; they slew The old and young, the weak and strong — but they Did kill no beauteous maid. And this they did by will of God on High Who gave to them the land of those they killed, Forever from that day. And to that end the sun He made stand still, And shadows stayed the space of morn 'till night. Whilst blood and war held sway. 73 Thus Joshua spread death and blood afar : His thoughts of God were born in weaknesses, Passion painted on the sky; He had no dream nor thought of those vast spheres That utmost fancy visions not, nor knows, Shining serene on high. And so his scheme of morals and of right. In bloody thoughts and purpose cruel conceived, Marked out his petty world. To him the sun stood still from morn to night. And hastened through the dark to shine again On bloody warfare hurled. Thus runs the tale ; but in our day it seems Absurd and cruel. We hold that neither sun, Nor moon, nor any star An instant ever halted in its course; And that unswerving they speed on, ceaseless. Through soundless deeps afar. 74 We gather from the stars the messages Of light, and reading know Causation's Law Has neither break nor end. We suns and systems there behold, gleaming Like gems — flowers all glorious on high — That constant night attend. And thus by knowledge of the vaster worlds That make our own a rounded grain of sand On edge of boundless sea. We learn of right and justice, and the Power That sustains all ; and halts no sun for war And deeds of cruelty. 75 THE WHALE'S HOODOO. T WONDER what poor Jonah thought when safe within the fish, And I would like to know also the whale's most darling wish; The whale could swim a thousand miles as easy as could be, But Jonah's home was on the land, he didn't like the sea. A strange, strange fate had joined the two in rare companionship. The whale had gulped poor Jonah down when cast from sinking ship; The crew of that fast sinking craft thought Jonah was "hoodoo", And as I read the tale I think it possibly was true. 76 For Jonah's luck was always tough, his fortunes were unique, He never got what he went for, nor what he choose to seek; And every one he met in life was quick to cast him out. And yet he wandered everywhere on land and sea about. The whale he showed signs of distress, great geysers he did blow ; And then to depths of darkest deeps in pain would dive below. He squirmed around, he bellowed some; said he, "I will be blowed ! "I never would have took him in. if only I had knowed I" 77 They traveled thirty thousand leagues beneath the swollen seas, They beat Jules Verne and Captain Cook in three days* trip with ease; From Cape Giradeau to Cape Good Hope one day they swiftly passed; And thence due West to wild Cape Horn continued on so fast. Thence N'or, N'orwest to Behrings Straits the second day they bore, Then Northwest Passage slipped they through, and down on Greenland's shore ; Up Norway's coast to Northern Seas, to China and Japan, And back again to Cape Good Hope in Persian Gulf they land. 78 And there the whale grew dreadful sick, for Jonah burned some oil To write the log about the trip — the whale made waters boil ; He lashed the seas with monstrous tail, he raised a mighty spout. And through the starboard breathing hole he blew poor Jonah out. Then Jonah climbed upon the shore, a gourd tree there he sought, "I know I've sailed around the globe, no ticket I have bought, "But not a blessed thing I've seen the blooming trip in view! "It's just my luck!" poor Jonah said, "I know I am 'hoodoo !' " 79 DAVID AND GOLIATH. f^ OLIAH was so big and stout His voice made mountains moan ; But David whirled his sling about And hit him with a stone. That mighty giant dropped stone dead, And David grabbed his hair ; With one quick stroke cut off his head And held it high in air. And after that when David picked A stone up anywhere, Each Philistine jumped mighty quick And "pulled his freight" elsewhere. 80 THE ELIJAH BEARS— AND THE "TEDDY BEARS". (For Children — and some others.) «/^0 UP! go up! thou old Bald Head!" the little children cry To holy prophet, Elijah, who there was passing by; A shocking thing it was indeed, and dreadful, don't you know. For little ones to taunt and tease an old time prophet so ! The prophet halted in his steps and wildly waved his staff, The children backward dodged away, and then with shout and laugh Danced round about that man of God and shouted out more "sass". And followed him far up the wild and rocky mountain pass. 81 The prophet never said a word; at least I didn't hear Him say a wicked word ; and from his nose a tear Rolled down upon the ground, and then I heard his prayer, "Lord, let them follow me to yonder cave up there!" And thus the holy patient man went onward up the mount. Was followed by those sinful ones, full forty I did count ; And all climbed up the rugged sides, far up as he did go, Until they reached a dreadful cave, a mile above or so. And then that holy patient man slid down a steep ravine. And out there came from that dark cave (the biggest ever seen) Two monstrous bears, mothers themselves, and hun- gry, I tell you. And into fits and spasms there the little children threw. 82 With shrieks and yells and cries and prayers the mountain sides resound. And when the bears had done with them not e'en a bone was found ; For every child was eaten up ; and in the valley low The mothers wept, and preachers said, "I told you so !" And this is why that to this day our children with delight Close to their hearts in waking hours, and often in the night. Hug "Teddy Bears" and say in eagerness and pride, "If Teddy had been there no children would have died!" "My Gracious ! he is strong ! he'd tear them all to bits ! "He wouldn't need a gun — you bet he'd give them fits !" And then their "Teddy Bears" they hug and say to all, anew, "We love our 'Teddy Bears'!" {for what our Teddy didn't do!) 83 URIAH'S MISTAKE. "lATE are not called to sit in judgment on the ways Of those who lived in the "good old days" ; Each age is law unto itself, and we don't know How things "shaped up" in the long ago. But somehow I can't help but think and feel That Uriah never got "square deal" From royal hands of that old Hebrew king Whose psalms in church we often sing ! Weary and sad, and pleasure worn, and quite blase, Upon his palace roof at close of day, King David spied on housetop near, on other side, The undraped form of Uriah's bride. 84 Baathsheba! name sweet to hear in this late year! Of course it seems a little queer That she there took her bath in lingering daylight plain In sight of David — but there again We must not judge these things in present prudish light: The thing was done, the fashion quite, By guileless maids and matrons chaste — and with no shame — Old ways and new ways never are the same. He was the King ! He liked her, loved her from afar — He quickly sent Uriah to the war ; He had him shot, somehow, assassin's arrow, like enough ! To us it seems almighty tough ! 85 She was his mistress ; then his wife, and bore a son. The great and wise King Solomon ; And from this deed did thence proceed the greatest glory ■ Of all time, The Temple — you know the story! God wisely overrules the acts and sins of erring men ; Good came of it ; and yet I wonder when Uriah saw how looked the King upon his wife. He shot not him — and saved his life. King David did what modern millionaire would do If neighbor's roof showed such a sight in view; Uriah was "easy"; be not like him, your wife Keep off from housetops — and save your life! 86 HAM IS HAM. TAT HEN Ham was young, and Noah "tight", Snoring there in awful plight. Came the "Curse of Canaan" — And Ham's troubles then began. Poor old Noah all tired out With his voyage, tossed about In the Ark for forty days. Imbibed the "juice" the Bible says. And he drank to great excess. More than plenty, we can guess ; Else he wouldn't fall so low As to be "well drunk", you know. 87 It was awful, don't you think ! And it made the folks all wink, As with faces turned away They passed by on that sad day. I. And it made the angels weep, To see Noah fast asleep. Lying in the noontide sun — Not a single rag had on ! But Ham giggled, and he stared, Had no shame, it is declared; 'Till Shem thrashed the low lived pup. And then covered Noah up. Noah woke and looked around. Saw Ham's tracks upon the ground; All he said I can't repeat. But he "cussed Ham out complete." 88 "Cursed be thou, Canaan ! "Servant to all other men ! "Black thou shalt be all thy days, "Black as are thy low down ways! "And thy blood the curse shall bear, "Grow thick lips and kinky hair ! "Hew the wood, and water bring — "You're too mean for anything!" Alas, for Noah ! Alas for Ham ! It was frightful — Noah's damn That red hot escaped in rage, Sizzles down to present age ! Ham he's black as black can be. Except "coons", part white, you see ; But e'en they are Hamites still, Always have been, always will. 89 Why did Ham then stare and stare At his father lying there? May be he was born that low, Couldn't help but do just so. Born in darkness, and not light, Though his skin was "shorely white" ; Inner blackness it struck out — Ham is ham, there is no doubt ! 90 JOB— THE MAN THAT WAS A MAn! npHERE was one in ancient Uz, No one now knows who he was, But they called him Job for short ; Seems to me he was right sort Of a man that was a man. He had troubles, woes, and trials, And he had most awful "biles" ; Down in ashes and the dust There he rolled and prayed and "cussed". Like a man that was a man. 91 Some things dreadful to him came, But he blessed the Lord's High Name; And next moment cursed the day Of his birth in a rare way, Like a man that was a man. Wife says she, "Curse God and die!" "Go way woman!" he made reply, "God he gives and takes away — "Cursed be my own birthday V Like a man that was a man. Three old friends came then to see Job there in his misery, Eliphaz, Zophar, Bildad, And they acted just as bad As the man that was a man. Tore their robes, shaved each his crown, In the dust they all sat down ; Not a word for seven days Did they speak, the Bible says, To the man that was a man. 92 Then at last the talk began, Tongues were loosened, and they ran Through all hours of day and night. And no comfort came in sight, To the man that was a man. "Hold your peace — Let me alone ! "I will speak ! on me may come "What will come! I will maintain "Mine own ways to Him again!" Said the man that was a man. "Though He slay me, Him I trust — "May my day of birth be cussed ! "Let the day when I was born "Perish utter, night and morn !" Said the man that zvas a man. Argued, scolded, prayed in vain The three friends, again, again; "What you know, the same do I ! "I will talk with God on High !" Said the man that zvas a man. 93 And he talked in glorious strain Of Arcturus and the train Of bright stars of Orion, And the "Chambers of the sun", Did the man that was a man. "Cans't thou bind the influence sweet "Of the "Pleiades — may my feet "Lead me down to darkest pit "Of death's gulf; and I mean it!" Said the man that was a man. Every kind of argument There was heard, and days were spent By the friends of Job in vain — Curse and pray and curse again Would the man that was a man. In the Book, the story goes, (Who wrote it no one knows) God Himself says "Job's a man, Satan do the worst you can To the man that is a man !" 94 And the Devil certain did "Try him out" ; and God forbid That you or I be ever called To be stricken, beat, and mauled Like the man that was a man ! Came at last to Job the thought, "I'll not question why I'm brought "To the ashes and the dust; "I now know that God is just !" Said the man that was a man. "Naught by me is understood, "But God is entirely good; "It's too wonderful for me" — And he gave it up, you see. Did the man that was a man. Then there came to him again Renewed health, and strength, and gain; And he lived long years in peace ; And the fame will never cease Of the man that was a man. 95 This upshot of all is true, You best take what comes to you ; It's by far the wisest plan, Don't be "Kicking" — be a man — Learn Job's lesson if you can. 96 Part Two Moods and Rhymes By Aretas HOME TREE "^Jiis tree (so hAe uAunzcxn Jjj^eJ <^^ ol wA eJ^y^a, o^es oi^t -6 A e e i/ejz2/zj j^ed (^6 a^^ clsj^j\r./2z wA ei^e ^dcci^j'^AjA e oj^. ^eiJioa liome, &A, o/c^^OJ^fi T^^^, 0^0 iJzu^ ^ AcT^e /2zu^ ev ENT and bowed and last days near, Tell me what it is you fear ! Is it thought of life to come, Is it fear that there is none? Old Age, Old Age! Hands that shake and eyes bleared dim; Toothless, halting, tottering; Breath most gone and pulse so slow. What is it you fear to know? Old Age, Old Age! 178 What now lives is memory, What has been again will be ; Acts of good and acts of sin, These you now must gather in, Old Age, Old Age! And your future sure will be What yourself have lived out free ; What from all the years you reap Goes with you in your long sleep. Old Age, Old Age! Washington, D. C, January loth, 1900. 179 MARCONIGRAMS. UT YET shall tune a message o'er the sea!" Marconi said — and lo, 'tis done ! Likewise the loving throb of sympathy Afar can soothe the suffering one. Washington, D. C, May i8th, igio. 180 FOND BROWN EYES. T^OND brown eyes! Fond brown eyes! Why do you look in such surprise At the words I whisper, Dear, So that only you can hear? Fond brown eyes aflame with fire, Lustrous orbs of love's desire ; Can you blame me if I think That they half-way hold a wink? Fond brown eyes, I dream and sigh. With you far or with you nigh ! For the mischief is I know. That they have bewitched me so. New York City, May 27th, 1900. 181 GRAND BLACK EYES. /^ RAND black eyes aglow with love, Flashing light like that above Which from stars comes twinkling bright Through the depths of darkest night. Grand black eyes I love so well, Love that tongue can never tell- Spark of light and flame of fire Stir alike my soul's desire. Speeds the light from out the skies, Darts the light from grand black eyes, I but gaze with heart aflame — Stars and eyes to me the same. New York City, May 27th, 1900. 182 EYES OF BLUE. P> RETTY eyes of cloudless blue, All my heart goes out to you ; Eyes that bring like flowers of spring Fragrance, fancies blossoming. When on me you turn your gaze, Back again come boyhood's days; And I chase the butterflies By the brooks beneath blue skies. Eyes so earnest, steadfast, true, Eyes so innocent and blue; All the birds to you love sing — You're too sweet for anything. New York City, May 27th, 1900. 183 THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE CIRCUS. npHE White House door is open, the circus slow goes by, There Teddy with his rifle is squinting his left eye; Young Quentin in his war paint, and Longworth's shining pate, Behold them there all grinning — the consternation's great. The bears all walk flat-footed, the lions dare not roar; The "Holy Writ behemoth" sweats blood at every pore; The monkeys hush their chatter, and silent is the gnu ; "Oh, Heaven above, grant me one jump !" prays long- tailed kangaroo. 184 The camels hump themselves in dread, the ostrich hides its head; "I'm sure he's going to hit me !" the striped zebra said ; The sad-faced lank hyena tears off a fearful laugh, "You'll get it in the neck!" he taunts the tall giraffe. The hippo and the crocodile they dream of far off Nile ; The tapir thinks of Amazon and pensive is his smile; "My time is come, my tale is done!" loud shrieks orangoutang ; The cobra twists himself in knots and shows his dead- ly fang. "I wish I were in Greenland!" low moans the Polar bear; "Give me a cave," the grizzly says, "in any place, I swear !" 'My murdered cubs," the brown bear cries, "way down in Alabam! 'Last year he slew them, and I fled, but here I am !" 185 "Alas, he's going to kill me, I know it, sure as fate, "But this is his last term, I'm glad to state ; "And Billy Bryan with his smile this circus then will greet, "And all can pass in safety down this great wide street !" "You bet your bottom dollar," the elephant trumpets loud, "Next year our Ted will be there, in third term safe and proud; "For four years more he'll stand there, his rifle in his hand, "And he will shoot each circus up that passes through the land!" Crack goes the deadly rifle, falls dead the mother bear ; Great clouds of steam rise up and music fills the air — "A second elective term is his !" far swells the calliope, And everybody yells, "It will be true, we hope!" Washington, D. C, May 4th, 1908. 186 PRIEST AND STAR. 'T^HIS is what a priest of Egypt To his people said, Standing in an ancient prayer-crypt By the Pyramid : "Pray to Ra, the Sun and Father, "Glorious, shining in the sky! "Of all Gods there is none other "Like him supreme and grand and high! "Swiftly through the space unending "Sunbeams warm to life all here ; "And his heart-beats now are blending "With all pulses far and near ; 187 "Vivify the Scarabeus, "Throb in voice of Apis grand; "Stir the fragrance of the Lotus — "Life sustain in every land. "Lo, the Nile, vast flowing mirror, "Reflects face of Ra above ! "In each rippled drop of splendor "Lies the potency of love. "For when falls a sun-beam on it, "Kiss creative, soft and sweet, "Quick there rises floating o^er it "Rainbow mist in bliss complete. "When the Star of Sirius shineth "Down again upon the tomb "Of Men-Ka-Ra who reclineth "In the silent mid-night gloom ; 188 "Then the countless mummies holden "In their cerements secure "Will arise in image olden — "Souls incarnate, blest and pure! "Then from Memphis to Abydis, "Then on land, and sea, and shore, "Hosts triumphant will establish "Egypt's glory ever more ! "So pray to Ra and do the duty "That is nearest to your hand ; "In re-birth 'midst wondrous beauty, "You shall live in Egypt land." And to-day that priest and people. Wrapped in mummied vestments there. Wait in patience and faith hopeful The Ascendance of that Star. 189 And the ruddy disk of Sirius, Through vast cycles o'er the Nile, Moves in radiant splendor, glorious, Toward the Zenith o'er the Pile. Paradise, Md., September i, 1909. 190 NIGHT AND NO MORN. 'T^HERE is no life to come, And death it does end all ; Who wants another one, Why do we live at all. If nature had a plan Of life beyond the grave. She surely would tell man, And all this trouble save. When burns the candle out No spark of light remains ; No resurrection shout Can bring that flame again. 191 From dust to dust all life Goes in one weary round Through pain and toil and strife- In death will rest be found. I positively refuse To heed Old Gabriel's horn ; Wake you then if you choose — My night shall have no morn. Washington, D. C, February 5th, 1900. 192 SELF. A N atom I of all there is, A germ of all there is to be; Enfold I all the mysteries — A spark that glows eternally. (On a later day.) 193 THE SOUL OF NATURE. npHE whip-poor-wills and "whit-too-whoos" The long night fill with heart-sick "blues ;" The croak of frogs and moonlight white Bring ghastly phantoms to my sight — Darkness distorts the face of things. But song of birds and morning light Put fear and phantoms all to flight; I breathe the soul of life and peace, I realize the glad release — Day brings to view the soul of things. 194 The thoughts of man so often hold When shut from light grim terrors old ; But when the light of truth has sway All fear and sorrow pass away — For Nature's Soul is Light. Meadows, Maryland, August 17th, 1902. V 195 THE LIGHT OF LOVE. A CROSS the sea, across the sea, My heart goes out, goes out to thee. With loving thoughts and longing pain To clasp you in my arms again. I look beyond all ocean space, I look and see again your face ; I hear not now the wild waves roar, I only hear your voice once more. The clouds roll dark above my head, I look again and they are fled: For light of love with wondrous power Has changed the night to morning hour. 196 I am not here, but I am there In your sweet presence bright and fair; For ocean space and vaulted skies Are lost in light of your dear eyes. Liverpool, England, Christmas Night, 1900. 197 THE VICTORY WITHIN. npHROUGH greater trials you must pass To gain the victory at last; The conquest comes from steps slow made, Through pain, in patience — unafraid — 'Tis yours to reach the Heights. The crooked ways shall be made straight, *Tis yours to work, and work, and wait; And still to strive each day by day To climb the upward, onward way — The way leads up, and up. 198 Thy victories are silent all; No loud, triumphant, trumpet call Shall far proclaim the end; But peace shall all thy steps attend- The Peace of Strength Within. Washington, D. C, March 19th, 1903. 199 LAW OF KIND THOUGHT. "D Y the law of Kindly Thought Will your victories be wrought; Speak the word and do the deed That from kindly thoughts proceed. 'Tis the law, and it demands Strict compliance at your hands; Live it, breathe it, let it sway Life completely, day by day. Then the conquest, then the power, All self radiant hour by hour ; Spreading out in blessings far, Thought uplifting like a star. 200 Law of Kind Thought worketh good — Let it be well understood — From the Heights of Joy and Light To the Woeful Depths of Night! Oh, the Wisdom, Wondrous Grand! That has shaped out seas and land ; Beams of Light and Kindly Thought — All Creation by them wrought. Washington, D. C, March 20th, 1903. 201 REBIRTH. n^HE cloud that reflects The splendor of gold, It floats through the air In soft fleecy folds. The air with a soft And gentle caress Bears onward the cloud From East to the West. It is the sweet babe Of sunshine and rain; It floats and it falls — But it rises again. Washington, D. C, March 21st, 1900. 202 LOVE'S A MIRAGE. T OVE'S a mirage quivering ever O'er the desert sands forever; And it has the thirst and torture, Burning heat and mock of water, Luring onward and still onward Weary wretches to destruction. In that desert bones lie bleaching. Sail the buzzards o'er it seeking Eyes of dead men to devour; But the branches green by water Wave and beckon from afar To the wanderer hour by hour. 203 Sink the feet in sands all burning; But the lover's eye ne'er turning From the far horizon rim, Sees the joyous hovering vision, Groves and waters all Elysian — Oasis to soul of him. Heart aflame with love's delusion, Sky and earth heat mixed in fusion, Lo ! the lover yields his breath — And the Mirage lureth ever Victims o'er the sands forever To the thirstful, fiery death. Washington, D. C, June 14th, 1901. 204 OUT OF THE DEPTHS. /^UT of the depths of woe and grief, Out of the depths comes the belief That life is growth and stoppeth not Though our past lives are all forgot. Vain are the hopes of mortal life, Vain are the ends of mortal strife ; But through it all there comes the truth That life is neither age nor youth. Life goeth on, and on, and on, Unending are the days to come; Unending has been all the past. It lives again in cycles vast. 205 Then fear no future, dread no fate, Defy the world, be incarnate The Soul that is, and that shall be Unending through eternity. Chicago, 111., September 28th, 1898. 206 I LOVE BUT THEE. (Song.) T^ IGHT settles o'er the silent sea! -"■^ My heart it longs, it longs for thee ; I fondly dream that on my ear Fall strains of music sweet and clear — "I love but thee! I love hut thee!" Night settles o'er the silent sea! Night settles o'er the silent sea! My lay of love I sing to thee ; The song of love that stars above Reflect for aye from heart of love — "I love but thee! I love but thee!" Night settles o'er the silent sea! Washington, D. C, December 14th, 1907. 207 THE BEST PALL. /'^AN you purchase tears, or buy a sigh? Can you command sorrow, or trouble defy? If not, what's the use of all your wealth? It is heaped up plunder and worthless pelf. In vain you struggle, and strive, and save. You carry no riches into your grave ; You leave your gold, your goods and all — And kindly remembrance is your best pall. Washington, D. C, November, 1902. 208 THE LEAF. ¥ IFE well spent is never lost — Through disaster and through sorrow You may reach the final end; But believe that on the morrow There will come to some dear friend Your life's lesson, learned at cost, Life well spent is never lost. Almost buried 'neath the mould, Torn and trampled on the sod. Lies the leaf, and rain despoils it Of its beauty, shape and grace; But its life was lived not idly — Burst it forth from hand of God, To live out and teach the lesson. Life well spent is never lost. 209 Not the darkness, but the light, Hold thou always in thy sight, For the pathway to be trod Leadeth ever up to God. Washington, D. C, November 23, 1902. 210 CONQUEST OF PAIN. /^ H, pain ! tyranny of pain ! That rack'st the nerves, and breast and brain Of suffering man like demons bold Who took delight in days of old In driving mortals they controlled. Is there relief, will come surcease To pain when life itself will cease? Will consciousness in new born state Of life to come new pain create To linger there still obstinate? 211 Yes pain will be in days to come In woeful thoughts, and long with some Who here are subject to the sway Of passion, error in their day Of mortal life — and in like way. To banish pain, banish all thought In present life of what is not Upbuilding, strong in law of right In life of self, in others sight — And pain forever conquer quite. December gth, 1902. 212 GOD'S COMFORTERS. 'T^HE stars, they comfort me From depths serene on high; Vast peace! Eternity! Unending joy draws nigh! I look in wonder there, They lift my thoughts above ; From fear and dread despair, I live the thoughts of love. God's Comforters to man, In Love and Splendor given; When e'er the Heavens I scan All doubt from me is driven. Meadows, Maryland, October 7th, 1902. 213 MR. WASP AND MISS BEE. "KM R. WASP met Miss Bee 'Neath the mulberry tree ; "Oh, Honey !" quoth he, "Will you marry me?" "So sudden!" she said, And tilted her head; "I'm busy — you know Mr. Drone is my beau. "He lives in the hive "In apartment five; "He's so sweet to me — "Your wife I can't be." 214 The Wasp circled 'round With wing-whirring sound Close after Miss Bee 'Neath the mulberry tree. "I'll kill Mr. Drone "If he comes out alone "From the hive — just see "My glittering sting Miss Bee!" At sight of the sting She fainted, poor thing! Her head on the breast Of the Wasp's blue vest. \ The Wasp stole a kiss, In delirious bliss — I'm sorry to say He acted that way. 215 Just then came along A bird with his song; He let fall his notes— But the song still floats. He gobbled Miss Bee And the Wasp, you see ; And singing he flew Through the sky so blue. And then word by word What he sang I heard ; And this is the song That is floating along: "Too wit, too wee, "The mulberry tree! "Their dream of love sweet "Was left incomplete — "Too wit, too wee, "The mulberry tree!" Jingleville, September ii, 1909. 216 HELP THE BLIND. HY does he stand in darkness here, Calling to every footstep near, With voice all vibrant, deep with woe. In mournful monotone, and slow, "Help the blind! Help the blind!" Is it for wrongs that he has done In present life, or prior one; In days of Now, or dim age past; That to this end he comes at last — "Help the blind! Help the blind!" 217 He draws his bow across the strings, A sobbing chord the mystery brings ; Far floats his mournful voice again Bearing to all the sad refrain — "Help the blind! Help the blind!" What Law is this that blots out light And makes our brother's life all night While smile the skies on us so kind ; What Fate is this that smites him blind- "Help the blind! Help the blind!" Washington, D. C, February 19th, 1908. 218 THE UNDERTOW. TTE'S falser than the grey salt sea That back recedes so steadily With cruel undertow; His bouyant arms outstretched in joy, His promises my thoughts employ — He lures, and on I go. My heart it follows, follows him. Beyond the darkened, heaving rim Of restless horizon; The billows beckon me away. With murmuring voice they call by day- Black night doth draw me on. 219 No pain, no shame, nor any fate Can change or make my love abate, For him I welcome woe; In joy I rest on his broad breast, Flow tide to East flow tide to West- Engulf me undertow! Washington, D. C, April 29th, 1906. 220 CREATIVE THOUGHT. T WONDER what I then shall be When freed I am from mystery, And know, at last, this Self of mine That dim or bright must ever shine Through ages vast and non-ending. I wonder if my soul will be Superbly grand in majesty; Or will it dulled and marred by sin Be fouled by memories held in The despoiled Temple of my Thought. 221 The answer surely can be found In all that lives the globe around; All life that is, and that shall live, Pre-shadows Self, slow creative By Thought, and Thought alone. Washington, D. C, September 6th, 1901. 222 LOVE IS COMPLETE. T OVE is complete when senses fail. Love is complete beyond the veil Of present life and thought. Love is complete when icy death Blinds sight and stifles earthly breath In darkness of the tomb. Love is complete though stars fade out, Love fills eternal space about, For love is life and light. Meadows. Maryland, October i8th, 1902. 223 OLD HOSS EYE. «T RECKON not!" Old Hoss Eye said, Shaking sombrero back on head, "I reckon not! I ain't no cur, "And I won't see wrong done to her ! "You bet yer life! By Christ, I swar! "I do bizness on the squar'!" Far muttered rage in thunder told Behind the peaks sun-tipped in gold! And shapeless purple shadows lie Upon the plains as night draws nigh. 224 "I 'low no man to sinervate "That I'd do dirt to my old mate ; "Me and Old Jim tuk up the claim, "A prospec' hole, and worked the same "The year the young gal's mother died- *' You say no more dog-gon-yer hide !" A glinting look from Old Hoss Eye, A jagged flash across the sky; And in the distance coming near Old Jim and daughter there appear. The "Tenderfoot" with artful smile Holds up the flask in tempting style; "But really now, you know, my man, "I never had a thought nor plan "Of harming her — now don't tell Jim- "I don't see how you get this whim." 225 With "chaw" tossed out upon the sand | Old Hoss Eye takes the flask in hand; ! A gurgling sound down bearded throat — The sky with glory is afloat. 11. The moonlight floods the mining "shack," The pine boughs sigh in canon black ; Two shadows flit in silence swift — Two broncos wait beyond the drift. "I can not, will not go with you; "What shame is this you'd have me do? "I love you, love you, as you know, "But then I love my father so ; "My mother's grave I can not leave — "Kiss me good-bye, and do not grieve!' 226 Two shadows now in close embrace, The moonlight shines on upturned face; Soft vows of love and whispers sweet- Two shadows fly on broncos fleet. They dash adown the winding trail— The mountain peaks aghast and pale— What gleams behind yon poplar tree — Crack comes the doom that is to be — Falls "Tenderfoot" with death-drawn sigh- "I'm on the squar' !" says Old Hoss Eye. Dead-Eye Gulch, November gth, 1907. 227 THE OLD MAN'S DREAM. TT kinder seems To be a dream ; Things have slipped by And somehow I Can't always tell Or know as well As once I did. The little gal, The fust one, wal ! Sometimes at night. So cute and tight Her chubby fists Are all atwist In my old beard. 228 And yet it's ben Mor'n five times ten Years since she died; And by her side Her ma, poor thing! Long mouldering, Awaits the trump. The other ones, Dar'ters and sons, Nine more in all. Grew fine and tall As tasseled corn — No children born. Smarter than they. I'm grand-pa now To, wal, I vow! Some forty three — Yes, let me see. It's forty-five To-day alive And full of fun. 229 They all pet me Whene'er they see Me anywhere; But that fust gal — What's that "a dream" May be! it seems Like one wal! wal! Washington, D. C, April 5th, 1906. 230 LIFE BEGUN. A ROUND my bed stood wife and child, Tearful, all pale with woe ; The doctor said in whisper mild, "Too late, he soon will go !" I knew not what it was he meant, I felt so strong and free; With hand on pulse o'er me he bent — And yet he spoke of me! "Oh, say not so !" my wife sobbed low ; My child cried loud in grief. "He's gone V the doctor answered slow, "Death brings to pain relief !" 231 He pressed the lids down o'er my eyes, My hands he crossed on breast ; No darkness came, to my surprise. But only light and rest. I wondered then, I wonder now, Why wept my wife and son ; The death that settled o'er my brow Was simply life begun. Philadelphia, Penn., May 20th, 1907. 232 THE PROPHET'S VOICE. T THE prophet, here I stand For the good in every land ; For the truth in heart of God To be spread all space abroad; I, the prophet, here I stand For the good in every land. I, myself, shall never see What is here foretold to be ; But I lift on high my voice Bidding all the world rejoice; I, the prophet, here I stand For the good in every land ! 233 Comes through me the living word, Beaming light wherever heard — "Love shall bring eternal peace, War shall soon forever cease;" I, the prophet, here I stand For the good in every land ! And my Voice shall ringing go Making hearts to throb and glow- "Love shall bring eternal peace, War shall soon forever cease;" I, the prophet, here I stand For the good in every land ! Washington, D. C, March 22nd, 1907. 234 THE TEMPERANCE WAY. 1 CARE not what you say About the Temperance Way ; But if great thought you choose, Fill up with good old "Booze". Thought is creative power And runs from hour to hour ; And we are truly Gods With strength to down all odds. At least that's what I think Whene'er I take a drink Of whiskey, rum or gin — For then my thoughts begin : 235 My rags just disappear And diamonds sparkle clear On finger and on shirt — And falls from me all dirt. No more I am a "bum", For then I make things hum; I am a millionaire — Free as a bird in air. But when the "booze" is gone And morning comes along, With groans I often say Show me the "Temperance Way!' Washington, D. C, September ii, 1912. 236 A WOMAN'S LOVE. A WOMAN walked in grief, Her head desponding lo^ "My woe will never cease", Moaned she, "If now you go She bound my marriage tie To be a faithful wife ; Her husband oft would sigh When jealousy was rife. Her lover young and fond, With wildly beating heart, Urged her to break the bond. With him to swift depart. 237 "We'll take the ship right now, "We'll cross the ocean wide; "Life will be heaven, I vow, "With you close by my side !" "Oh, God ! I love thee well, "I long to go with thee — "But we must say farewell, "It cannot be, cannot be ! "To-morrow is the day "He buys my new Spring hat; "Good bye! Farewell! I say, "I cannot give up that!" Then sprang that youth in air. Cracked heels together twice, "You have no heart, I swear, "Or it is solid ice I" 238 "Oh, yes, I have a heart, "I love you, and all that ; "Kiss me, and let us part — "For I must have that hat!' Washington, D. C, March 4th, 1912. 2S» LOVE'S WAY. T LOVE thee as the Sea oft times loves the Shore, Rushing with imperious ardor on the beach, In sullenness retiring thence once more. Making the slipping sands to weep at the wide breach Of love. I love thee e'en as storm and wind and gale Boldly assaulting every barrier of defense That tremulously repels lest love prevail O'er maiden fears, and then go sated hence With love. 240 For love is like the tides that roar and swell amain, Submerging shores and shaping continents at will, And then all spent and wearied going back again Around the globe to wanton lands to take fresh fill Of love. So say not "nay", but yield to-day and now. Give o'er the coyness, thy virgin alarms ; And know that Nature's law ordains by force and vow Majestic love shall have within thine arms Love's way ! Washington, D, C, March 7th, 1912. 241 THE ROCKY SLOPE. 'Y' ^^ never know what you can do, The only way is to try ; And do your best to put it through, And never doubt nor sigh. The road may be rocky and tough. But climb the best you can ; And don't sit down, nor cry "Enough!" "Brace up !" and be a man ! Some day you will laugh and tell your friends How you struggled and fought ; And how the Power of Will transcends Hindrance of what is sought. 242 And so I say do not give way, Toil on and keep up hope ; And bear the burden day by day Straight up the rocky slope! Washington, D. C, December gth, 1912. 243 THE HERITAGE. QPEECHLESS I gaze at the Stars, Speechless in wonder and awe; Through measureless space that bars All ken of finite law. The thought of Manifest Power, Transcendent, and vast, supreme, Eternal from hour to hour, Holds me as in a dream. And I close my eyes and look Deep in this heart of mine. And I read, as in a book — "The Heavens are surely Divine !" 244 Comes then a Voice to me there, "Thou too, Oh Soul, art from God, "For to you the Heavens declare "His glory thus spread abroad!" Washington, D. C, December 4th, 19 12. 245 HER ANSWER. T AM thinking, dreaming, musing, And my heart goes out to you; And something there is accusing Deep within my conscience true — For the law of right seems broken By my love before unspoken, And I know not what to do. Not the Law by Heaven given, But the law of man made here ; "Bonds", it says, "may not be riven, "Though they chafe and gall and sear- "Lav/ that is but base deception, "Shrivelling heart's most pure affection, "You must yield to year by year !" 246 Hard it is to go against it — Hard to keep up outward show — And this law it claims full forfeit, All I would be to forego; Smothers inward peace serene, Makes each caress seem unclean. Changes blessing to deep woe. In this world all life is holden To the custom round about ; Whoso breaketh fashion olden Will most surely be cast out — Basest slander, scorn unbounded, Finger pointing shame unfounded; Never faith and always doubt! I can see a Star all glowing That uplifts my soul with love; Shall I follow you well knowing That fond light so far above Gives no guidance for our feet Where earth statute reigns complete? If you ask it, — yes, my love! Bide-a-Wee, Maryland, May 5th, 1912. 247 THE LIVING WORD. TO write some word that yet shall live When all my life is done, What greater service can I give— If be it noble one. Since all of breath and pulse and power That stir the mortal frame Bespeak the presence hour by hour Of purely transient flame! And all I do and hope to do In realm of mortal sense, In time to come will perish too When I am gone forth hence ; Then let me write the living word To throb unceasingly. Through all the ages to be heard In solemn mystery — And lo, the word is "GOD !' Philadelphia, Penn., August 8th, 1910. 248 WHAT WROTE HE IN THE SAND? TAT" HAT wrote he in the sand Before the people there? Was it Divine command, Or was it simply prayer? "He stooped and wrote," they say. Whilst stood the guilty one ; And gathered round where they Who sought to cast the stone. To Him they brought the girl With beauty all abloom; Dishevelled gown and curl, Expecting death her doom. 249 "Master, in that vile sin — "We found in passion's act — 'This shameless one has been "Condemned by shameless fact! "The law that Moses wrote "We stand to here maintain!" And then to Him they quote The penalty again. He looked upon the face Of sobbing womanhood ; His gaze bore not a trace Of aught they understood. He spake to them no word, The silence grew intense, Her sobs again were heard — They deemed them mere pretense. 250 He wrote some wondrous line In evanescent sand, In graceful script, and fine. Free flowing from His hand. Then rising made reply, "Let him who has no sin "Cast stone that she may die — "The fate of sin begin !" They marvelled, and they fled From Shining Presence swift; "Go, sin no more!" He said — Her heart the words uplift. What wrote He in the sand, What thought from Heights Above ; We may not understand — But was it — "God is love !" Bide-a-Wee, Maryland, May ist, 19 12. 251 'KIDS" AND "SQUARE MEN". "V^OU certain are a squint-eyed chump, For you lost the game last night ; Just when the luck was sure to jump Straight to our side all right. You didn't see when I threw down And swept the discards up, You wouldn't look at my slight frown — You were blind as a two-day pup! Ten-spot and Jack, two Queens and Ace — And the deal you knew was mine ! One Queen was dark, the rest light face— And I always deal so fine ! 252 Did you think I'd fail to "flip" a King To fill "straight-flush" in view; With a discard plain as anything As a "pardner" ever knew! And so I say you should understood And dropped out the game just then ; But you "butted in" — and were no good — To h — 1 with "kids" — give me "square men"! Tres Hermanas, August 2nd, 1907. 253 AUGUSTUS AND ANNA. OHE munches peanuts with a smile, Her eyes shine with delight ; "I'll stay, Augustus, quite a while, With voiu 'till late at night." There sits sweet Anna perched up high On seat near canvass roof. Whilst round the ring the horses fly With dancing, prancing, hoof. ANNA: "Oh, see the elephant walk the rope And balance with his trunk ; It would be dreadful if it broke — My Lord ! that clown is drunk ! 254 "I never saw in all my days A woman dressed like that — A pair of slippers — low-cut stays — And nothing but a hat!" AUGUSTUS : "But then you know, my precious pet,' Augustus smiles in glee, "She rides the horse all right, you bet, And jumps so gracefully." ANNA: "I'm going home — you stay and stare — She just suits you, no doubt — Oh, gracious me ! see up in air The trapeze-man swing out! "He caught that other swing with ease And stands up there so grand; A handsome man — look, look quick, please- To me he waves his hand ! 255 "I like it here! Ah, lemonade! Yes, I'll have some, my dear ! Sit close to me, I am afraid. Those roaring lions I fear." And now at last they go around, A-holding hands so nice. All through the tented circus ground- And all same ticket price. They see the monkeys in the cage. The marmadillo, too ; The striped tigress in a rage. The long-tailed kangaroo. ANNA: "Great heavens, what a mouth to meet, The hippopotamus! You say you know a mouth so sweet — Look out ! They're watching us ! 256 "The rider-woman you despise, The trapeze-man I hate; We both were fooling, both told lies — It's true what we now state." And as the years come circling round Augustus, Anna too. Will torment each with love profound As married folks all do. Washington, D. C, May loth, 1913. 257 THE HUSBAND BEREAVED. npHE Good Wife always milks her cow And cheerfully doth sing; She feeds the chickens, cats and sow — And does most everything. She doesn't care to vote at all, And makes good apple pies ; She cuts the wood both big and small, And never scolds nor lies. And when she dies and goes On High What will the "Good Man" do? He'll loaf around and smoke and sigh — And seek a woman new. Langdon, Maryland, April 3d, 1912. 258 crny'V-\ i^^^^^'^^ Vv/t-i/^ ^A/^a-^ ^-t^i>H t^.^4.,^ /i' /^11,-vM^ FINIS 259