LYRICS OF WAR AND PEAC W'M;^ WILLIAM DUDLEY FOIJLKI Class _H Gopyright}]" I ^ / k COPYRIGHT DEPOSm LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE WILLIAM DUDLEY FOULKE, LL. D. II AUTHOR OF Slav and Saxon, Maya, Life of O. P. Morton Protean Papers, History of the Langobards, Dorothy Day Masterpieces of the Masters of Fiction Some Love Songs of Petrarch INDIANAPOLIS THE BOBBS-MERRILL COMPANY PUBLISHERS v/ copykight 1916 The Bobbs-Merrill Compant \\9 (K /^^'.V ^^^^ PRESS OF BRAUNWORTH & Ca BOOKBINDERS AND PRINTERS IBOOKLYN, APR i5i9i6 ©CI. A 4 28 519 CONTENTS PAGE IN WAR-TIME Fall, Silent Snow 1 Night Thoughts 2 To THE New Year 3 Lo! SUMMEE Ck)METH 4 The Rain 5 V^ ViCTis 6 Remorse 7 BEYOND THE SEAS To Pompeii 11 To Italy 12 Valsolda's Voices 13 By Valsolda 14 Moods 17 Among the Alps 18 LOVE AND LIFE In Absentia 23 The Return 25 In Yosemite 26 The Vision of Daphnis 27 Sapphics 28 Clouds 31 CONTENTS— Continued PAGE May and Octobeb 34 Darby and Joan 35 A Daughtee's Love 36 Laus Deo 37 The Humanist 38 Happiness 39 Mothers 40 Dies Nefastus 41 Early Spring 42 The Dream of Youth 43 A Retrospect 44 Indian Summer 45 De Senectute 46 Falling Leaves 47 Pallida Mors 48 The Bee 53 How Shall They Think of Me 55 Beyond the Veil 56 NoN Piangere 57 PERSONALIA Petrarch 61 Oliver P. Morton 62 Theodore Roosevelt 63 To James Whitcomb Riley 64 To the Sonnet 65 CONt'ENTS— Continued PAGE AD PATRIAM Ad Patriam 69 The City's Cbown 76 To Womankind 77 The Pawpaw 80 TRANSLATION AND PARAPHRASE To Amabyllis 83 To Polyphemus 89 The Cyclops' Answer 90 The Song of Boukaios 91 Hymn to Aphrodite 93 The Tutor of Love 97 The Portrait 98 Metamorphoses 100 Dante on Beatrice 102 Petrarch 103 Before San Guido 104 King Chand to the Daughter of Mitra . . . 118 Beloved of My Heart 119 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE IN WAR-TIME FALL, SILENT SNOW Fall, silent snow, from out the pitying sky And hide our guilty world ! Cover them all — The corpses that in reeking trenches lie — The Belgian, the Briton and the Gaul, Teuton and Slav; fall softly then and deep On ruined home and blasted field and wood; To thy cold pillow let the wounded creep Till Death at last brings peace — and brother- hood ! O couldst thou hide despair ! Couldst thou but stay The pangs of famine ! Couldst thou still the cry Of desolate mothers, couldst thou but allay The widow's grief and hush the maiden's sigh O'er broken hopes ! How many a winter's snow Must fall ere time shall heal this universal woe ! 1 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE NIGHT THOUGHTS Through the long night I tossed ; the drums of war Hammered upon my heart; the winter wind Cried out for vengeance upon those who bore The guilt of this great crime against mankind. What was it for? What destiny malign. What thirst for empire, boundless power and fame Could unto hopeless ruin, thus consign The innocent, and set the world aflame ? How will it end ? What prophet shall foretell The dire reprisals and the final doom? And they who opened wide this fiery hell. When shall they leap into the flaming tomb? In what far Heaven doth the Almighty keep His thunderbolts? Where doth His justice sleep? LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE TO THE NEW YEAR O YEAR unborn ! what hell thine eyes must see When they unclose ! Thy snowy mantle red With precious life blood flowing aimlessly Thro' the deep trenches and around the dead ! What blasts of bursting shells shall smite thine ear ! What groans attend the anguish of thy birth ! What drum-beats, smothering cries of pain and fear. Roll their loud curses o'er the shivering earth ! Forth from thy snows what blackened ruins rise Of wasted cities with their battered walls. Of tall cathedral spires that pierced the skies. Of thatch-roofed cottages and stately halls. By war's wild fury shattered, wrecked and torn — And one short week ago the Prince of Peace was born ! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE LO! SUMMER COMETH Lo ! Summer cometh through her emerald gate With life renewed in flower and bird and tree And love hath made all things articulate And filled the world with joy and melody; Yet over all these smiling fields of green Hate, the destroyer^ reigns^ and mine and shell Burst from the earth and sea and sky serene And myriads perish in a flaming hell. Nature would stretch her loving hand to save, And lift her voice to comfort every cry. The turf is green that grows on many a grave And blossoms clothe the fields where heroes lie; But in despairing hearts what summer's bloom Shall hide with flowers of hope this universal tomb ? LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE THE RAIN Is it the battle's vapors that have spread Their curtain o'er the crystal of the sky^ Till the thick clouds that hung above the dead Have shrouded all the world's immensity? Week upon week the tireless rains descend^ And field and wood are covered with the gloom; The sullen hours drag on that have no end Like evil omens of a general doom. 'Tis vain_, O sun^ to turn thine eye away From fields of slaughter; though the clouds may hide The shame and horror^ yet they can not stay The onward sweep of war's remorseless tide. Shine forth and cheer a world by conflict torn^ Till peace shall dawn at last upon some happier morn. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE V^ VICTIS Woe to the vanquished ! Let them perish all ! Both men and nations ! Life is for the strong And not for weaklings. Smite them till they fall ! Justice is dead ; there is no right nor wrong ! Woe be to those whose innocence alone Is all their armor^ for the conqueror's sword Shall desolate their land and they shall groan Under the stern rule of an alien lord. My country! Thou art strong and great of soul. But sleeping, and thy sword is put away. Awake! What hostile drum-beats round thee roll What foes may crush thee or what friends betray ! Arise ! while war's red gospel fires the sky, Shalt thou alone all undefended lie ? LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE REMORSE They sent us forth to search the town. **Spare neither child nor man. Woman nor any living thing" — 'twas thus the order ran. I entered a low dwelling, I climbed the humble stair, I searched in vain; there was no voice, no footfall anywhere. I turned to go ; a curtain moved ! behind it was a child, A blue-eyed boy by the window stood and looked at me and smiled. I thought to leave him there unharmed. How could a father kill The helpless thing that trusted him and had no thought of ill? 8 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE But then the soldier's duty spoke^ *'A soldier must obey, 'Tis not for him to pity when the order is to slay." I shot the boy ! I hear to-day his wild despairing cries, I see the look he gave me from those clear re- proachful eyes. Where'er I go that memory is ever at my side And even in the silent grave the vision will abide. BEYOND THE SEAS LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 11 ^O POMPEII As is the face of one but newly slain — All motionless^ yet filled with seeming life, With lips half parted and with eyes astrain, And cheeks yet red with anger of the strife — Thus, stricken city! through these buried years, Thy death-cloth drawn away, thou art revealed As one just fall'n; thy passions and thy fears As keenly marked as when thy fate was sealed. On the soft breast that hid those fires below. Thy luxury reclined, but all the art That Greece did with her delicate hand bestow To deck thy beauty, could not change thy heart. Which still confesses, in this tainted dust Thy greed, oppression, cruelty and lust. 12 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE TO ITALY Fair land^ all hearts are captive unto thee ! Thy casket holdeth every jewel rare Wherewith God decks the world; thy golden air Laden with languid joy; the sapphire sea That doth enfold thy shores; the mystery Of opalescent clouds above the green Of emerald hills with crystal lakes between ; Thy peaks^ ice crowned in glittering maj esty ! Nor nature fair alone, but history With every scene her subtle charm doth twine. Doth fill each grove with some bright memory And in each wall some precious deed enshrine, While we are bound in the soft witchery Of beauty, music, song and art divine ! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE IS VALSOLDA'S VOICES The plash of ripples on the garden wall; The chime of distant bells; the whir of wings; The warbling of the wren; the cuckoo's call; The lark's clear notes when to his mate he sings; The sparrows' chatter; and when these are stilly From the dark thicket^ the melodious song Of nightingales that all the air doth fill And deep into the day their strains prolong; The chorus on the water far away; The rustle of the palm that would beguile The sighing airs which through the cypress stray — On sound^s like these the listening heavens smile ! Into that silent blue, the white peaks rise And here I sit and this is Paradise ! 14 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE BY VALSOLDA Love, we have traveled far together and we have seen many things. We have bestirred us from morning until night in search of novelties — Paintings by the masters, sculptures of ancient days. Churches and palaces and gardens that filled our eyes with wonder. Castles upon lofty heights and cities with many towers and battlements. Now let us rest a while and fill our souls with one scene only; It is a scene incomparable, let us fix it in our memories forever; The same, yet changing, with light and shade al- ternate ; LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 15 Mountains heavy with clouds and then rejoicing in a sunlight that seems eternal; A lake now slumbering^ now foaming, now rippling with laughter; Green climbing hills with villages clinging to their sides And rugged peaks above them; vineyards and ter- race walls. Moss covered and with cactus crowding through the crannies; Flowers everywhere and a quiet air yet overflowing with the harmonies of birds; Tall cypress sentinels to guard the churchyards and the dwellings And to watch over the magnolias and palmettoes. Such too has been the landscape of the days that we have lived together; Peaks of aspiration that glistened in the sunshine, and anon were covered by clouds ; * l6 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE The waters of life^ now calm^ now stirred to fiiry^ now laughing in the breeze; Clinging companionships like those vines and vil- lages^ some weeds too that have grown in the crannies, But over all the beautiful heaven filled with the songs of birds And the green around us and the flowers and the cypress that shall guard our bodies at the end. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 17 MOODS 'Tis dawn. The clouds hang low upon the hills. The lake is leaden — not a breath to stir The tiniest wave. A heavy silence fills All space. The gray world is a sepulcher ! Now the breeze flutters^ and blue isles of light Steal through the gray; alternate sun and shade Fleck the crisp waters^ scale the mountain height, Sport on the crag and gambol through the glade ! The clouds are gone; and in the glittering sheen Of morning sunlight. Spring, a jeweled bride, With flowers and songs of birds and tender green Of wood ^nd meadow, draws her veil aside ! And look ! far off where white peaks pierce the sky ! 'Tis there earth touches immortality ! Lugano, May 1, 1913. 18 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE AMONG THE ALPS Once more among the mountains ! Hither still My old love calls with memories replete Of rapture^ when those ^rags I scaled. What thrill Of conquest^ with the whole world at my feet ! The start before the dawn ; the rapid climb Through the green meadows^ up the rocks and snow Under the starlight^ where in ranks sublime Those great white giants stand. Now far below The tinkling bells grow faint^ I hear no more The rush of water; silence like the tomb. An Alpine silence_, falls; the mountains hoar Stand still and wait till dawn shall break the gloom ; Till passionate sunbeams pierce the rosy flush . And the pale peaks greet their lovers with a blush ! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 19 Now the pink light is creeping softly down Those giant folds till the thick morning haze That lies like fleece on valley^ field and town Doth slowly melt beneath the warming rays ! The clouds below me break ; islands of green Come peering forth and wide and wider grow_, Till woodland,, lake and river^ in the sheen Of the clear morning sunlight^ smile and glow. Day has awakened; on the lonely peak Where I did greet its comings blistering rays Flash keen across the snow. Now down ! and seek A timely shelter on those perilous ways Where tumbling masses crash and the dull roar Of the avalanche chills the spirit to its core. LOVE AND LIFE DYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 2S IN ABSENTIA In what strange ether move those waves of light Between thy heart and mine ? What spirit air Quivers with thy dear voice, both day and night, In dreams and waking hours? Thy silken hair Lies loose in shining waves for my caresses ; The eyes that rest on mine are passing fair The while I toy with those soft rippling tresses. I hear thee, see thee, touch thee. Can it be Thou art so far and that the words I hear Have spread their wings over the land and sea Ere they alighted on my eager ear; That what I see is but the picture fair That fancy fashions when it turns to thee; That what I touch is but the image rare That blissful memories have wrought for me ? 24 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE What love unspeakable thy smiles do tell! 'What floods of passion through thy bright eyes stream ! Surely in some diviner sphere we dwell^ We two alone^ with all the world a dream ! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 25 THE RETURN Softly she entered through the open door. I looked upon her^ and it was the sun Shining on all the world ! I looked once more^ And lo ! a rose ! and like it there was none ! A fair white rose that glistened with the dew! Then a low voice with music filled my heart And veiled mine eyes in tears. Could it be true, And was she there indeed? Why did we part? At last the days of absence all were o'er ! Then the warm kiss, the hand upon my brow. The quiet talk of what had gone before. And all the things that we alone did know ! In that low murmur and that fond caress What an eternity of happiness ! 26 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE IN YOSEMITE Ah-wah-ne^s gentle vale is lying low Deep at the foot of many a hoary hill. Across her face the breezes come and go And visions not of earth the senses fill — The mountain, mirrored in the lake serene — The giant cliiF that rears its crest on high — The stream that winds through wood and meadow green — The crystal torrent, leaping from the sky! Yet lovelier than the mountain or the stream, Or the soft airs that through the woodland stray, Were those dear eyes that made the world a dream And the low voice that stole my heart away. Methought each waterfall and rock and tree Did homage to that bright divinity. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 27 THE VISION OF DAPHNIS There is a voice that charms me while I dream, A face that bends above me in my sleep, And rippling tresses touch me that do seem Woven of sunbeams. Then from slumber deep I waken, but the radiant vision still Bides at my side, a woman's perfect form Instinct with gracious life. A joyous thrill Mantles her cheek with red, her breath is warm, Her eyes are tender; now her lips press mine And murmur low sweet words, while a white arm Doth rouild my neck in close embracement twine As though to shelter me from care and harm. Nor is our love the passion of a day But long hath been and shall be ours alway. 28 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE SAPPHICS **Then had ^neas perished, King of men, Had not Jove's daughter, Venus, quick perceived His peril imminent." — Cowper's Iliad, v. 360. Wet with white foam-flakes and with dew of mornings Breathing forth desire from their eager nostrils^ Stand the steeds^ fire-eyed^ and with feet impatient ; Aching for combat. All around were hosts of the stern Achaians, All around were hosts of the valiant Troj ans. While above were gathered the gods of Heaven ; Silence was on them. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 29 Silence deep and dread as when clouds of heaven Roll together^ pause for the fiery combat. Pause, ere red flames flash and the crash of thunders Shivers the darkness. Rings the loud lash! Wild as the waves of ocean Leap those flaming steeds, as a hungry tiger. Crouched long time in rushes and grass in silence, Leaps on his victim ! Now ^neas, flushed with the dawn of battle. Joyful speeds to cope w^th the brave Tydides; Him he spied afar, in his might rejoicing. Smiting the Trojans. Then the heroes, shouting a noise of battle. Joined in conflict; high from the earth Tydides Raised a great rock, hurled it against the Trojan, Smote him with darkness. so LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Now u^neas^ fallen to earthy had perished. Save that Venus, darling of Jove, espied him ; She, in white arms, gently her dear son lifting. Bore him from battle. Foam-born mother ! so unto us descending. Worn with toil and labor and dust of battle. Bear us up on white arms of love, and grant us Rest in thy bosom. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 31 CLOUDS Yes, the smiling clouds are angels. Angels of the air; On the path from earth to Heaven Peri bright and fair. They are messengers of plenty. Raining happy harvests down; Now they gild the skies of sunset, Now the hoary hills they crown. Forms fantastic, visions rare Flit and hover ever in the air. Now they vaunt the pride of armies. Marching with the gale ; Now they breathe in rainy darkness, Sorrow's plaintive tale. 32 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Now they come^ the moon's attendants. Following the steps of love; Now they speak in gloomy thunders. Direful wrath of gods above. Human passions^ dark and fair. Pictured by the angels of the air. Yonder is a cloudy palace^ Just a minute old — Roof of pearl and walls of silver, Pillars bright with gold ; Now it is a mighty mountain, Towering tall and grim and high ; Now, like forms of shadowy dreamland. All go flitting, flitting by ; Lights of joy and shades of care. Chasing one another through the air. tVRICS OF WAR AND PEACE S3 Colors rich in cloudy beauty To the earth are given^ But the brightest hues are cherished For the eye of Heaven. Like those angels of the sunlight Is the heart of one I love; Dear is she to all around her^ Dearer yet to One above. Sweet to us yet passing fair To that keen Eye that searcheth everywhere. 34 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE MAY AND OCTOBER Thrice blest am I that through the changing years No change in love I find; that the young face That nestled close upon my breast appears Fair as when first I saw it. Still the grace Of every motion charms. Her hair is white — I love it so. The lines upon her brow — I see them not. Her eye is just as bright^ Her glance as tender and her voice as low As when it spoke the words that made us one. Or when its music sang my heart away In passionate youth. Nay, our October sun Is mellower than the richest tints of May. Her dauntless spirit never can grow cold Nor rust of age tarnish a heart of gold. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 35 DARBY AND JOAN A QUIET face is near me while I write And radiates content. We sit alone^ Her fingers ply the needle^ skilful, light — Anon her eyes seek mine. Our brood has flown. Yet the days are full of sunshine; ay^ too fast They hasten by and we full well^o know By our white locks, such fair days can not last; That soon the hour draws near when one must go And leave an empty world ! The future hides The riddle we would ask, ''Which shall it be?" For bitterer the lot of him who bides, A happier fate to sail the unknown sea ! Old comrades we in fair and stormy weather^ As comrades still, why not leave port together f S6 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE A DAUGHTER'S LOVE A HAPPY father thou^ when sturdy sons In mellowing age thy golden youth renew^ In them thy name through generations runs^ By them achieved^, th}^ early dreams come true. But happier he whose daughters round him twine Their loving arms in his declining years^ And if he smile^ their eyes with gladness shine Or if he grieve^ their cheeks are wet with tears; For deeper tenderness hath woman's heart For him she loves than son for sire can feel; His waning hours she cheers with simple art; And o'er his couch a fragrant breath doth steal From gentle lips whence no reproaches come And a fond breast where thouo-ht of self is dumb. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE S7 LAUS DEO How I do bless the hour that gave me birth And her who bore me for these happy years^ Filled to the brim with every joy of earthy Wreathed with its roses^ scant alone in tears ! Full life and vigor^ lit by golden rays Of constant friendship; faithful wife and fair^ Nay^ fairer grown in these declining days. While evening's light streams on her silver hair; Children and children's children at her knees In filial homage ; low soft words of love Around a warm bright hearth — what more than these Can fruitful earth bestow or Heaven approve? One gift alone God's bounty still can send And close a fair life with a peaceful end. 38 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE THE HUMANIST Go^ surly anchorite and crush the flowers, Stifle the songs of birds on every bough, Strip every leaf of pleasure from the hours. Walk with a crown of thorns upon thy brow ! Mumble thy prayers; look not in woman's eyes. With scourge and sackcloth make thy life a hell, Then claim for this thy place in paradise! For all thy torments God reward thee well! Nay, go thy ways — a better part for me. Filled with the love of beauty like the Greek, From gloomy fears and superstitions free The near delights of earth I fain would seek — Fair nature's smile, man's fellowship sincere, For joy is in my heart and Heaven is here. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE SQ HAPPINESS Two kinds of sorrows vex your lives with care, Things that you can, and things you can not mend; If you can change them, do it. Why despair? If not, then why your days in torment spend? For beauty is around you ever^^where In the blue sky or cloud, at noon or night. And glory fills the heavens, and earth is fair Whether its mantle be of green or white. Whence cometh joy? On many a pampered son Nature bestows her richest gifts in vain. While from some crippled, poor, neglected one Her songs arise with smiles that banish pain. The well-spring is within to curse or bless. In your own hearts is grief or happiness. 40 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE MOTHERS Though I had lost my little ones I tried To spin life's thread anew and bring relief To other suffering creatures at my side_, And one poor mother filled my heart with grief. Her babes were pinched with hunger and half-clad. Her home was cold and empty. So I gave Enough for food and warmth. 'Twas all she had — But once she came and would my pardon crave: "I pray you think me not too bold/' she said, "I spent the half of all that you have given In holy mass for those sweet children dead; I could not rest till they had hope of Heaven." Dear Lord, who from our hearts the veil dost lift, What sayest Thou? "Who brought the richer gift? LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 41 DIES NEFASTUS I RAGE at all the world! All things conspire To vex and fret me ! Hear that rasping noise, That blackbird chatter ! Look ! from my open fire A cinder leaps and my new coat destroys ! My morning mail is full of vain demands ! I hear a friend has left me in the lurch: I learn of neighboring missionary bands Coming to make me say 111 go to church ! 'Tis not enough to wish that I were dead^ I feel like Nero as I snarl and groan And almost wish mankind had but one head That I might chop it off and live alone ! The imps of Sheol on my spirit prey ! 'Tis the thirteenth ! my most unlucky day ! 42 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE EARLY SPRING Cloudless the sky; the first warm sun of spring Has broken through the chill of winter days; The tender twigs give sign of blossoming; The distant wood sleeps softly in the haze; The ants are venturing forth; the bluebirds call Responsive out of somewhere in the sky; The shadows of the trunks and branches fall O'er the brown leaves that on the hillside lie. Lo ! something is astir^ tho' all unseen. In every blade and spray^ the boughs are bare, Yet teem with promise of their coming green Won by the warm breath of the quiet air. So let thy life, like this prolific hour Teem with the promise of new leaf and flower. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 43 THE DREAM OF YOUTH The world is mine! What prizes doth it hold! What golden apples hang upon the tree ! Knowledge and honor^ power and wealth untold^ Beauty and love — and all shall come to me ! A name that shall endure throughout all time — Since others have achieved it^ why not I? And history shall write my deeds sublime. And all salute me as I pass them by. With high and noble purpose and a mind Filled to the brim with love of righteousness. With speech to sway the councils of mankind, With deeds to thrill them and a heart to bless, What glittering hopes upon my pathway shine! 1*11 scale the topmost peak! The world is mine! 44 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE A RETROSPECT The dreams of youth were vain^ but in their stead Came better things; no fame^ but household joy And wholesome duties; peace without annoy. Deep love and constant; she whom I did wed Hath never changed. Yet one dark sorrow spread Its shadow over us and did destroy A golden hope; our gentle brown-eyed boy. His fair-haired sister's guardian, with her fled To other lands; and we above the dead. Who lie together on a hillside green Do sometimes stand, our quiet tears to shed. Remembering the beauty that hath been And how it passed. Soon in such narrow bed We too shall lie, beneath the stars serene. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 45 INDIAN SUMMER When I review the landscape of my life From the calm hillside where I pause and rest All vanished are the storm and wind and strife And gone the clouds that floated o'er its breast. The fields lie warm in sunshine; a faint haze Broods o'er the valley 'neath the mellow sky; The leaves that fluttered down through autumn days All crisp and shriveled on the earth do lie. Fond hopes were they — those withered dreams of fame ; Yet love remains and I am well content; If but some fragrant memory bless my name 'Twas not in vain these teeming days were spent. Soon shall the winter snowflakes cover all Nor would I seek to stay them as they fall. 46 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE DE SENECTUTE The leaves fall fast, the locks upon my head Grow thin and gray. 'Tis winter comes apace. Soon will the foliage of the woods be dead And icy tempests hide fair nature's face. Yet shall my hearth be bright and shed a glow Cheery and warm as if the summer smiled. While the clear sunshine that my heart doth know Shall gleam afresh in youth from age beguiled! Love, tears and laughter and the hate of wrong Let me still keep them ! And my young desires I will pursue with dancing feet and song Till the last ember on the hearth expires ! Nay, let mine ear grow dull, eye dim, and body fail. Yet o'er the wreck a dauntless heart prevail ! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 47 FALLING LEAVES The autumn days are here; the brown leaves fall Reluctant, one by one from bush and tree; Friend after friend departs; I hear a call And wonder if the summons is for me. Not as when once in youth with choking fear I heard that voice, my hopes all unfulfilled; To-day with quiet heart the call I hear. Each vain regret and dark foreboding stilled; For I have lived my life, my days are done ; Their clouds and sunshine, joys and sorrows spent — Shame of defeat and pride of victory won — And soon to my long rest I go content. Whether to wake upon some happier sliore Or sleep without a dream forevermore. 48 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE PALLIDA MORS Young was I and strong, joyous and full of hope. How beautiful was the world ! What treasures of knowledge to be explored! What dreams of glory and achievement! What good to be done to a dull, foolish generation ! What visions of a better era when poverty and vice and wrong should cease ! Oh, to be a leader in the struggle for the emancipa- tion of mankind! And the raptures of woman's love ! For kind eyes smiled on me. And the voices of the maidens around me were merry with laughter. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 49 What sunshine on the wings of my fancy ! what gold on the morning clouds as they opened before me ! When lo ! a voice at my side ! *'Nay^ come with me/' it whispered. I turned and behold! a haggard face and very pale^ With cavernous eyes that were blazing with desire for me^ And a long skinny hand that struck me on the breast. "WTio art thou?*' I asked, and it replied, "I am the White Terror, Who gathers the young and fair by thousands in the pride of their youth/' Then it spoke no more but walked a little behind me and silent, at my side. While the fever and the dull pain in my breast were there to remind me. 50 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE How could a good God send this thing when flowers and sunshine were around me everywhere? But the face still peered over my shoulder^ and there was no answer. The physicians admonished me to flee — ^to the mountains — to the dry plains of the West^ And I became a fugitive — wandering to escape my doom^ But still I heard the patter of bony feet beside me and the face was there and the dull pain. Then I cried and prayed in my agony^ but for a long time all was in vain; The footsteps followed^ followed without ceasing^ then there was a little respite. And as the years went by they fell behind and at last I heard them no more. Now the evening lights are around me and I see ag^in the face of the destroyer. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 51 At first it was a little way off, now it draws nearer and nearer^ It can not be very long until I must heed the sum- mons. But now its countenance is changed; pale stilly but calm and with a smile. It seeks not to clutch me as of old with passionate eagerness^ But it would win me as a friend and counsel jne to quiet slumber. And were it not for gentle ones around me who would fain keep me a little longer. Its soft voice would almost persuade me to follow it with joy unto the tomb. For that thing which is inevitable, what better time than to-day if all is ripe? I am not yet weary of the world — Why wait till the heaviness of age shall overcome me? 52 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE My work is well-nigh done — A little more or less what matters it ? And afterward — ^whether it be resurrection or eternal rest^ I shall still be content. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 53 THE BEE A BEE through my half-opened window flies And flutters in the sunshine on the pane. Beating against the glass in efi*orts vain His tireless wings, while to escape he tries. Dull creature ! In their own way bees are wise. For dwellings trim in swarming towns they build, Store honey till their granaries are filled. And armies, crafts and guilds they organize. But on that unfamiliar pane, this bee Can not discern the way that he must go, Marks not that close at hand is egress free To the blue sky and that clear morning glow. Only the 'customed pathway can he see Only his round of daily duties know. 54 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE We deem ourselves far wiser than the bee. We rear our stately cities ; we explore The hidden depths of nature; from her store We heap with gems and gold our treasury; We scour the heavens and we roam the sea; We fain would touch the stars ! How much we know! Yet when our feet to other worlds would go. Threading the mazes of eternity. In wild and aimless wanderings they try This way and that ; we beat our wings in vain Against the glass ; false pathways we descry, — Delusions dull! We strive again, again. With useless toil to reach the shining sky. Blind as the bee upon the window pane ! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 55 HOW SHALL THEY THINK OF ME How shall they think of me when I am gone — Those that I love ? With sob and sigh and tear^ Toiling with bowed heads through the heavy year. In sackcloth and in ashes shall they groan. Stifle the songs of birds with cry and moan. Banish all joy of life with frown austere, And hush the children's laughter in dull fear. Darkening fair nature to one somber tone? No ! let the laugh ring clear, the jest be gay. The song as blithe as ever; I'll be there To dance again that merry roundelay And chase afar the surly brood of care! Forget me not, but in your work or play Give me my part nor deem I am ^way. 56 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE BEYOND THE VEIL Brothers, if in that country where you dwell Come thoughts of earth and those who linger here. Be sure that they whom you have held so dear Are with you still to-day. No funeral knell Hath chased away your presence, nor can quell In faithful hearts the sense that you are near Which we have kept through many a changing year — The love which time nor death can quite dispel. We almost hear your voices — touch your hands; You seem to come once more and smile and speak ! Soon to your world we pass, where we must seek Your surer guidance through those unknown lands — Your welcome, when beyond the silent sea We climb the hills that touch eternity. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 57 NON PIANGERE Weep when thy lover's arms are turned to clay^ Or when the breast that nourished thee is chilly Or curling baby locks are put away. When bright eyes close and prattling lips are still; Mourn for the youth whose hope is crushed in bloom. For the sweet maid, by loathsome death defiled, Or for the bride who trembles at the tomb. Or the young mother who must leave her child ; But not for me, whose count of days is done. Whose work is ended and whose pulse is low. For I can look upon the setting sun And fear no harm, and watch the evening glow 58 XYRICS OF WAH AND PEACE Fade upon field and forest and far hills, Fair landscape of the past ! and slowly mark The flickering lights appear^ while quiet fills My soul^ that fain would drowse i' the gather- ing dark And welcome a long slumber^ still and deep, E'en though it were an everlasting sleep. PERSONALIA LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 6l PETRARCH Across the centuries and in every land His name is honored still. In that long night When learning's flame was quenched^ it w^as his hand That lit the torch and brought the welcome light. So says the world, and yet it treasures more Those songs that tell of frailties like our own — The fruitless love which many a year he bore That grew the brighter when its hope was gone. The lays wherein his passion was enshrined Outlast the ages. While from day to day I read his lines, old age is left behind And youth returns; these scattered locks of gray Turn brown once more, and solemn wisdom dies Under the witchery of my lady's eyes. 62 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE OLIVER P. MORTON Few are the spirits so supremely great That they can turn the tides of destiny With ruin fraught and drive the waves of fate To dash on other shores ; yet such was he. Our state was drifting to the dark abyss That yawned behind secession ; treason lay Lurking on every side; all hearts but his Faltered in doubt upon that perilous way. His arm alone our heavy burdens bore That else had crushed us. For adversity Inspired him. Through that long and bitter war He held us steadfast unto victory^ While Lincoln gave to freedom its new birth And kept alive the people's rule on the earth. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 63 THEODORE ROOSEVELT Lo ! he would lift the burden from the weak. Kindle with hope the dull eye of despair. And for the common weal all things would dare, Scourging the money-changers, smiling, sleek, Forth from the temple till on him they seek Impotent vengeance. Slanders must he bear — Foul imprecations that infect the air; Lies, till the heavy breath of Heaven doth reek With stench of calumny; the assassin's blow. The mockery of the proud; the stinging thorn Of fickle friendship, flattery turned to scorn; Yet while the coming years their gifts bestow Crowning great names with glory, his shall shine In the front rank of our illustrious line. 64? LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE TO JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY When from tormenting cares I steal away To haunt the quiet river side^ to hear The murmur of the stream^ to note the play Of quivering foliage mirrored sharp and clear Upon its tranquil breast^ to see the boys Plunge in the swimming hole^ to thread the lanes Close-thicketed and share the wanton joys Of forest birds^ to watch the heavy wains Creaking and toiling through the shallow ford^ To mark the cricket's chirp and drone of bee, Or sit a welcome guest at the farmer's board, Hearing quaint talk and rude philosophy, Riley, thy music comes, a soft refrain And blends with all in one harmonious strain. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 65 TO THE SONNET Thee Dante fashioned with celestial art* And bathed thee in the azure air and gold ; Through thee did Petrarch pour his loving heart In silver streams that down thy numbers rolled. Amid thy measures Shakespeare's soul did shine When first he bent thy form to our dull tongue ; And Milton's lyre awoke in strains divine. When to thy chords his tuneful notes he sung. And Wordsworth loved thee, and through thee did pour His music of the woods and lakes and hills; And Riley brought thee to the cottage door With sound of rustling leaves and trickling rills. O Sonnet, proud indeed thy heart should be That thou hast dwelt in such high company. * The first four lines after Carducci II Sonetto. AD PATRIAM LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 69 AD PATRIAM Hope of the worlds to whom the hopeless come In thronging multitudes^ and shelter find In thy protecting arms — whom all men seek And none avoid ! Even before thy birth God knew that He would love thee^ for Fie gave To thee as to none other all His gifts — Stretched the vast deep around thee as a wall Fringed with a thousand harbors for thy fleets — The two great oceans glittering at thy feet With cliff and bay and headland and long range Of shining beach— on thee He hath bestowed All fruits^ all climes^ all seasons; the rude North, Bending the pines with snow and strengthening The sinews of thy sons, — and the soft South, 70 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Where the cane rustles and the summer winds — Breezes of endless summer — stir the palms And fan the orange groves. Thou art alone A world unto thyself; with mountains^ plains — Innumerable peaks and prairies broad — And strong swift streams to carry to the sea From farm and mill^ from woodland and from mine. The long neglected treasures of the soil. How many ages did the forest wait The woodman's ax and the luxuriant grass Nod on the plains beckoning the husbandman! Roll back the years, my soul ! bring to mine eyes The scenes from whence my country's glories sprang; First that small bark, freighted with hearts content To brave the sea, famine and wilderness. But not to palter with their faith and God. I see the fabric of their infant state LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 71 Established ere they reached the barren shores Whereon to build it ; I follow their stern lives ; And watch the race through toil and pain grow strong Whose seed shall be the leaders of mankind. And now the clouds descend and hide my dream; And when again they break^ lo ! thirteen states Uniting, form a nation ; teach the world The new strange truth that men are equal all ; And look ! this fresh child Hercules goes forth Strangling the Lernean coil of "right divine," And hews his way through eight long years of war Against an empire ! Bitter was the strife. Slow the deliverance, from Valley Forge To that last day at Yorktown, when the sword Passed from Cornwallis' hand, to the great chief Who is and shall be first in all our hearts ! Calm, true, majestic, constant as the stars, 72 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE His is the central figure for all time In the world's chronicles of liberty ! Around him stand the fathers ; men with minds In girth and height gigantic^ not alone To fancy's ken^ but measured by the line; Not merely freedom's tongues^ but architects And builders of a state^ elastic, strong. Fit for the changing needs of coming times. The fairest work that statecraft ever planned. Had they but given the dark sons of toil The rights proclaimed for all. But this one flaw Weakened the noble structure till it leaned And tottered to its fall. For now the mist Thickens, and when again it breaks, I mark A great Republic spread from sea to sea But rent with grievous discord, and mine eyes Peer shuddering o'er the edge of the abyss That yawned behind secession, where I see LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 73 My country's mangled body bleeding, torn — Who shall deliver her? Behold! a face Shines through the gloom, strong, homely, gentle, Like the Redeemer's visage; filled with the light Of one high purpose, that the people's rule Shall fail not on the earth. The fetters fall ! The reunited nation lifts her head Above the slaughter of a thousand fields. Strong, free, erect, her great sin washed away. While on the brow of her deliverer God sets the thorny crown of martyrdom ! Once more the vapors drift before mine eyes And when they float away, I see a form Fairest among the nations, with glad face Lit by the smiles of Heaven, on fruitful paths Of industry outstripping all mankind. And holding high a torch to light the world. 74 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Lo ! on an island close beside her doors The stricken ones behold it, and they cry Craving deliverance. Hark ! the bugles call. The bright sword glistens, and the vow is made To put it not away till they are free ! I watch the fleets go forth, and see the gates Flung open, where in eastern climes the sun Brings in the new-born day. Before me lie The islands where the task is ours to bring To the brown peoples, out of darkness, light. And out of chaos, law. Land of my heart. What future is before thee? Shall it be To lie at ease, content with thy bright past. Heedless of all the world, till idleness Relax thy limbs, and swoln with wealth and pride Thou shalt abandon justice and the poor? Or shalt thou, reawakened, scatter wide The glorious tidings of a liberty LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 75 That lifts the latch of opportunity First to thy children — ^then to all mankind? Love of my soul — God keep thee strong and pure, That thou shalt be a fitting messenger To carry hope to all the sons of men. 76 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE THE CITY'S CROWN What makes a city great? Huge piles of stone Heaped heavenward? Vast multitudes who dwell Within wide circling walls? Palace and throne And riches past the count of man to tell^ And wide domain ? Nay^ these the empty husk ! True glory dwells where glorious deeds are done;, Where great men rise whose names athwart the dusk Of misty centuries gleam like the sun! In Athens^ Sparta_, Florence^ 'twas the soul That was the city's bright immortal part^ The splendor of the spirit was their goal. Their jewel the unconquerable heart! So may the city that I love be great Till every stone shall be articulate. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 77 TO WOMANKIND "The morality of submission and the morality of chivalry are past. The time has now come for the morality of justice." —John Stuart Mill. I. SUBMISSION Upon thy delicate flesh and dainty form What fetters man hath bound! He offered thee Homage — 'twas mastery ! shelter from the storm — It was a prison; Opportunity — To be his slave and toy! He made a vow — And called it wedlock and then wrote the law That ruled thee with the rod! He would "endow With worldly goods^*' yet stripped thee — and he saw Thy children torn from thee; thy duty still Was meek submission to his sovereign will ! 78 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE II. CHIVALRY Thy knight hath fought the tourney — won the prize^ Hath laid it at thy feet on bended knee. Hath sought the smile of thine approving eyes And vowed undying love and loyalty. Beauty still findeth favor in his sight, Grace doth he show thee as in days of eld But never justice, and that sovereign right Whereon all rights depend is still withheld. Thine but to charm him and his cares beguile — To win him with a tear or with a smile. IIL JUSTICE Slowly the gates of Opportunity Open at last, and ever more and more Woman is ruler of her destiny. And shattered many a bond that once she bore. All shall be broken! Man shall seek her aid, Not in the narrow bounds of home alone, LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 79 But for the common weal^ and wife and maid Shall speak with voice as potent as his own. God speed the moment when in every land All doors shall open to a woman's hand ! 80 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE THE PAWPAW Deep in our Hoosier woods a fruit grows wild That sheds an Orient fragrance^ faint and rare — Perfume of spice from Araby exiled — Breath of the tropics in an alien air ! Smooth is its seed_, dark green and sleek its skin; Slender and frail the tree whereon it grows; Luscious the melting yellow pulp within That ripens till the winter tempest blows. How comes it here to the rude Norths — this soft Child of the Southland — of ambrosial flavor When first we taste it^ but at last^ too oft^ It palls the palate with its sickening savor; And like the wine cup or the wanton's smile It cloys the sense that it had charmed the while. TRANSLATION AND PARA- PHRASE LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 8S TO AMARYLLIS To Amaryllis with my song I go — To woo her, while upon the grassy hill With Tityrus my she-goats crop their fill. Good Tityrus, thou'lt feed them well I know. Lead them to springs where the cool waters flow. And of the yellow he-goat have a care. The Lybian, lest he butt thee unaware. Ah! lovely Amaryllis, why no more Turn thy soft eyes as in the days of yore, Down thy dark cave to me.^^ Nay, can it be Thou hatest me and that I do appear Snub-nosed, with bristly beard when I am near? Oh, I shall hang myself for love of thee ! I bring thee apples plucked where thou didst say And I will bring thee more another day. 84 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Pity my sorrow ! Were I but a bee — That humming bee that dips beneath the fern And the dark ivy leaves that shelter thee ! Alas ! with the fierce fire of Love I burn That bites me to the bone. A stern god he Whom sure the lioness in his infancy Did suckle and his mother reared alone In the deep wildwood. Ah^ thou heart of stone So fair to look upon ! Ah ! dark-browed maid. Embrace thy shepherd true! In this thick shade Give me thy lips to kiss! For e'en in vain caresses there is bliss. In fragments small thou soon wilt make me rend The wreath of ivy that I keep for thee. Dear Amaryllis, and with rosebuds blend And sprays of fragrant parsley. Woe is me ! What anguish do I bear ! Where shall I go? Thou hearest not my prayer! LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 85 I will cast off my coat of skins and leap Into those briny waves out yonder where Olpis^ the fisherman, his watch doth keep For tunny shoals, and there, if I shall die Surely thy cruel heart 'twill satisfy ! I knew my fate. I asked the poppy leaf "Loves she or not?" and 'twould not cling nor stay Nor give a crackling sound, but to my grief On my smooth arm it withered fast away. And Greco, who divineth by the sieve And with the reapers to the field doth fare. To bind the sheaves, she said my heart doth live On love of thee, but that thou hast no care. Truly the white goat do I keep for thee And the twin kids that Mermnon's daughter too, The brown-skinned Erithakis asks of me; 1*11 give them to her since thou art not true. 86 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Lo ! my right eyelid throbs. Is it a sign I'll see her? I will lean against this pine And sing to her. Perchance shell look on me. She is not made of adamant like thee. Lo! Hippomenes when he did aspire To win and wed A fair and noble maid Took apples in his hand and won the race. For, plunged in the deep waters of desire. Fair Atalanta^ saw, and stayed her pace. The seer, Melampus, too, his herd did lead From Othrys down to Pylos. For his meed * The Boeotian Atalanta was the daughter of Schoenus. The Delphic oracle had warned her against marriage, and she re- quired every suitor to contend with her in the footrace. If he won he was to be rewarded with her hand; if he lost he was to be put to death. She was the most swift-footed of mortals and had overcome many suitors, but when Hippomenes aspired to her hand Aphrodite gave him golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides which he dropped one after another during the con- test and Atalanta, stopping to pick them up, lost the race. The pair afterward profaned by their love the temple of Cybele and were metamorphosed into lions and yoked to her chariot. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE S7 On Bias' arms the lovely mother lay Of wise Alphesiboea.* Such a way Did young Adonis on the mountains feed His flocks^ that Cytherea he did lead To heights of frenzy so that sore distressed Even in death she held him to her breast. Blest is Endymionf in his quiet slumber. And lasion^J too, dear maid, for he can number Such joys as the profane shall never know. My head doth pain me but thou dost not care; • Neleus, the son of Tyro and king of Pylos, declared that he would give his beautiful daughter, Pero, in marriage to the suitor who should bring to him from Othrys in Thessaly the herd of oxen of Phylacus, which had formerly belonged to Tyro. Bias was in love with Pero and his brother, the seer, Melampus, un- dertook the task. Phylacus gave him the herd as a reward for wise counsel: -he brought it to Pylos, whereupon Pero became the wife of Bias and the mother of Alphesiboea. t As Endymion slept on Latmus, his beauty warmed the cold heart of Selene (the moon), who came down to him and kissed him and lay by his side. t lasion, beloved of Demeter, who lay with him "in a thrice- plowed field," for which Zeus slew him with the thunderbolt. —Odyssey, 5, 125. 88 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 111 sing no more, but unto death I'll fare; Here may the wolves devour me_, lying low. Yet sweet to thee As honey in the mouth my death shall be. — Theocritus, Idyl III. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACR 89 TO POLYPHEMUS With apples Galatea pelts thy flock And says the goatherd is a laggard swain. Thou heedest not^ hard man ! while she doth mock, But to thy pipe betakest thee again. And now behold ! the dog that follows thee To guard thy flock — ^him she is pelting sore. Anon he barks and gazes toward the sea And the waves show him capering on the shore. Take heed he leap not on the maiden fair And rend her flesh when from the brihe she springs. But look again ! and see her wantoning there Like thistle-down that the hot summer brings ! When thou dost woo, afi*righted will she flee But when thou woo'st her not, she follows thee ! — Theocritus, Idyl VI. 90 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE THE CYCLOPS' ANSWER I SAW her. She escaped not that dear eye Wherewith I hope to see to my life's end. 'Twas to torment her that I passed her by. And that I loved another did pretend; That she in pain and jealousy might pine Or in her madness leap from out the sea Gazing on all those caves and herds of mine Which she hath lost because she flouted me. In faith I'm not so hideous as men deem, For lately when I looked into the blue (The waves were still) all fair my beard did seem And that one eye of mine was comely too — As I count comeliness — and my teeth were white As Parian marble glittering in the light! — Theocritus^ Idyl VI. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 91 THE SONG OF BOUKAIOS Muses, who dwell by the Pierian spring Whatever ye touchy you make it wholly fair ! Come then with me; her praises let us sing — A slender maiden, sweet beyond compare. A gipsy do they call thee, brown and lean. Dear Bombyca, and withered by the sun ! I only know thee truly, and I ween 'Tis honey-pale thou art — thou gracious one ! Though dark the hyacinth and violet. We choose them first when we our garlands twine ! On Aphrodite's altar would I set (If but the wealth of Croesus once were mine) 92 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE All made of gold, the image of us twain — Thou with thy flute, an apple or a rose. And at thy side thy madly loving swain In fair attire, and with Amy clean shoes ! Like carven ivory are thy shining feet. Thy ways past telling, thy voice drowsy sweet ! — Theocritus, Idyl X. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE QS HYMN TO APHRODITE* O QuEEN^ who lovest Golgi and the steep Of Eryx_, jutting o'er the glittering deep — O Aphrodite, thou who play'st with gold ; The dainty-footed Hours have come, behold ! They bring thee back Adonis who had gone To the eternal stream of Acheron ! Of all the immortals tardiest are they. But come at last to those who wait and pray. And bear with them a gift. And now to thee They bring thy love from Death's captivity — O Cypris, daughter of Dione fair. From mortal to immortal, men declare * Sung at a festival given by Ptolemy Philadelphus and Ar- sinoe, his wife and sister, at Alexandria. 94* LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE That thou our Berenice* did'st transform. Dropping ambrosia on her bosom warm. Therefore for thy delight it is but meet Her daughter Arsinoe, comely, sweet As Helen's self, should serve Adonis fair With sacrifices beautiful and rare. Before him lie ripe fruits of many a tree From many a garden's rich fertility. See the array these silver baskets hold ! That Syrian incense in those cups of gold ! And from the kneading tray the dainty cake Of whitest wheaten flour that women make With oil and trickling honey, deftly done Into the shapes of things that fly and run ! And here are built for him green shady bowers Thick-laden with the tender anise flowers, WTiile happy wanton children, breathing love. Are fluttering through the foliage above, • Wife of Ptolemy Soter, mother of Ptolemy Philadelphus and of Arsinoe. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 95 And the young nightingales with trembling fly From bough to bough their tender wings to try. O gold and ebony and eagles twain^ Of whitest ivory that bear amain Unto the son of Cronos^ like a steed The darling of great Zeus, fair Ganymede ! O purple coverlet, more soft than sleep ! Two couches are there, one doth Cypris keep. One, rosy-armed Adonis, fair to see — A bridegroom still in early youth is he With kisses soft and lips with down of gold. See ! Cypris now her lover's arms enfold ! Good night to them ! But when the night is through We all will gather with the morning dew And to the waves upon the beach repair And thither sweet Adonis will we bear. Ungirt, with breasts unclad, and tresses free We will begin our shrill sweet melody. • A variation of the myth which represents Zeus as carrying Ganymede to Heaven upon a single eagle, to be his cupbearer. 96 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE SONG TO ADONIS Thou only, dear Adonis, so men tell. Dost visit both the world and Acheron's stream ; Never such lot to Agamemnon fell Nor mighty Ajax in his wrath supreme, Nor Hector, eldest born of twenty sons Of Hecuba, nor dear Patroclus slain, Nor Pyrrhus who returned (the legend runs) From out of Ttoyland with the Grecian train ; Nor yet the heroes of more ancient days. The Lapithae, nor chiefs of Argos old, Deucalion's sons, nor Pelops' fatal race — Of none of these is such a story told. Adonis, when thou comest thou art dear And ever shalt be — Bless the coming year ! —Theocritus, Idyl XV. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 97 THE TUTOR OF LOVE Great Cypris came to me while still I slept And the boy Love in her fair arms did bring; His head was bowed to earth as if he wept; She said "Dear herdsman, teach him how to sing." Then she departed, and to Love I taught In innocence, my store of pastoral songs ; Told how Athene wise the flute had brought, How to Apollo sweet the harp belongs. These things I told him, yet he heeded not. But sang himself full many an amorous lay, Till all the lore I taught him, I forgot But what he sang, I hear it still to-day. —Bion, Idyl V. 98 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE THE PORTRAIT Master of the Rhodian art. Best of painters true and tried. Come paint for me the mistress of my heart. For she alas ! is absent from my side. Paint me first her rippling hair Black, yet very soft and fair. Till I see the tresses stir And feel their breath of fragrant myrrh. Beneath her dark locks draw for me Her perfect cheeks and brow of ivory; And be sure thou keep the grace, (Not broad nor narrow) of the space Above her arching eyebrows where they meet. Paint, if thou canst her sweet LYRICS OF WzVR AXD PEACE 99 Alluring glance of hidden fire Melting with the heart's desire Like Cytherea's, yet from eyes as blue As those of fair Athene^ clear and true. Then mingle with the snows Upon her cheek the color of the rose^ And see thou do not paint amiss ' Those soft persuasive lips that sue for many a kiss. While round the throat of marble that doth lie Beneath her delicate chin, the Graces fly ! And last of all I pray Clothe her in fair array — In a thin robe of purple hue; A little let the flesh show through. So that I may descry Her body sweet beneath the drapery. Now it is done ; and look ! herself I see And soon that image fair shall talk with me ! — Anacreon, Ode 15. 100 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE METAMORPHOSES Tantalus' daugbter^^ it would seem Became a rock by a Phrygian stream. And Pandion's childf as I have heard Was once transformed into a bird. But I your looking-glass would be So you would often gaze on me; Or I would be a tunic new If you would wear me close to you; I would be water clear and fresh That I might bathe your dainty flesh ; Or I would be some perfume rare That should anoint 3"0ur shining hair ; * Niobe, changed out of pity by the gods into a rock on Mount Sipylus, which still wept with sorrow for her lost children. t Procne, turned into a swallow. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 101 I'd be the fillet 'neath your breast^ Or pearl that on your throat doth rest ; Or else your sandals^ for 'twere sweet If you would even press me with your feet. — Anacreon, Ode 22. 102 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE DANTE ON BEATRICE My lady beareth love within her eyes Which doth ennoble all it doth behold. Men look^ and whom she greets in gracious wise A trembling reverence doth his heart enfold; And each with lowered visage groweth pale And at his own shortcomings doth he sigh. Before her face both pride and anger fail. Women give aid to sound her praises high ! Every sweet thing and humble thought the while Stirs in his heart who hears her accents kind^ And he who once hath seen her — blest is he; And how she looks when she begins to smile Can not be spoken nor be held in mind Such a strange gentle miracle is she. —Vita Nuova, XXI. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 103 PETRARCH Master Francesco, I have come to thee And to thy friend, that gentle, fair-haired dame. To calm my angry spirit and set free My grim soul by sweet S organs crystal stream. Look ! shade and rest I find beneath this tree ! I sit, and to the lonely shore I call ; Thou comest, and a choir encircles thee Who greet me with a friendly welcome all. And that sweet choir — ^they are those songs of thine, Down whose fair sides their golden tresses fall — Escaping from the rose-wreaths that entwine Their gathered folds, in ringlets prodigal; And one doth shake her locks, and the rebel cry Breaks from her tuneful lips, "Rome ! Italy !" — From the Italian of Carducci. 104 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE BEFORE SAN GUIDO The tall and slender cypresses that from San Guido go Lining the road to Bolgheri in a long, straight double row. Like youthful giants in a race, seen clear across the skies. Nodded in friendly greeting as they flashed before mine eyes. They knew me well and whispered, with their tall heads bending low, "Return to thy old home again, no further needst thou go. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 105 Why wilt thou not come down to us? Why wilt thou never stay? The evening air is fresh and cool and thou know- est well the way. "Abide thou here and sit thee down within our fra- grant shade Where the cool breezes from the sea so oft with thee have played. We bear no grudge against thee for the stones that thou didst throw. They did not harm us in the least; and that was long ago ! **Those precious nests of nightingales, we keep them still to-day. Ah! wherefore wilt thou pass us by and fly so swift away? 106 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Remain with us f orevermore ! The sparrows still at eve In circles round our lofty heads their courses in- terweave." *'Fair little cypresses of mine ! Ye faithful friends and true_, Friends of a better_, happier time that I would fain renew^" (I looked upon them as I spoke), "Could I my wish fulfil, With what a light and joyful heart I'd linger with you still. "But yet, my little cypresses, you needs must let me go; For this is not the merry time that once we used to know; If you could only understand! 'Tis not for me to say, But really I have become a famous man to-day. Lyrics of war and peace 107 "For I have studied and can read both Greek and Latin^ too; I write and write and there are many other things I do. O cypresses^ I'm not a naughty urchin any more, And stones I throw no longer as I used to do of yore. "At least not at the plants." And now a quiet murmur swept Round the hesitating tree-tops as their evening watch they kept; And piercing through their depths of green, the waning day, the while Beamed rosy red upon me with a kind and loving smile. And then full well I knew that both the cypresses and sun Had a tender, gentle pity for poor me, the wan- dering one; 108 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE And soon the murmur turned to words_, its meaning to impart — *'0h^ yes ! full well we know it all^ a wretched man thou art ! **Full well we know it_, for to us the wind has told the tale — The wind that bears the sighs of men upon its sor- rowing gale — How in thy breast eternally those maddening con- flicts rage Which thou hast neither wit nor power to stifle nor assuage. "To us and to these oak trees here thou freely mayst reveal The sadness that oppresses thee^ the grief thy heart doth feel. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 109 Oh, look ! how calm and peaceful, how clear and blue the sea! And how upon its quiet breast the sun sinks lov- ingly ! "See how the flight of many birds hath filled the sunset sky ! How merry is the chatter as the sparrows flutter by! To-night, the nightingales in song their brimming hearts shall pour. Oh, stay with us, nor still pursue thine idle phan- toms more! "Those phantoms vain and bootless that across thy fancy start. By impious thoughts are driven from the caverns of thy heart. 110 LYRICS OF WAa AND PEACE As at night unto the wayfarer the putrid flames will rise From charnel houses foul and dank and flash be- fore his eyes. "Stay with us, and to-morrow, when the noonday heat has come. And in the shade of mighty oaks the steeds are standing dumb. While round about and far and near, on high and everywhere Over the burning, quivering plain, a silence fills the air, ""We cypresses will sing to thee in chorus full and high The songs that hover ever between the earth and sky; LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 111 And from these elm trees there shall come the nymphs and dryads fair To fan for thee with their white veils the sultry summer air. *'And Pan^ the eternal, who is wont upon this hour of day. On barren heights and o'er the plains to take his lonely way. He shall transform the stifling cares that round thy spirits twine — Poor helpless mortal that thou art — to harmonies divine/' ''Beyond the Apennines/' I said, *'is a home to which I fare Where a little child awaiteth me who needs her father's care. 112 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Titti is like a sparrow, but no feathered gown hath she To keep her warm in winter days, so you must leave me free. **And something else the child must eat than cy- press berries hard. And I have not the fortune of a smug Manzonian bard Who draws four times the recompense his verses ought to gain. So farewell, cypresses ; farewell, my sweet and fer- tile plain!" And they answered as we parted, **Dost thou not remember still That thy grandam lieth buried in the graveyard on the hill?" LYRICS O^ WAR AND PEACE 113 And while they vanished from my sight they seemed a black array Grumbling that I had scorned them as they fled in haste away. And now from out that graveyard at the summit of the hill, Down the green lines of cypress which I saw in fancy still. Tall and arrayed in sable gown, appeared that an- cient dame My grandmother Lucia, and with stately step she came. And from her gracious lips, beneath her white and waving hair Harmonious flowed the Tuscan speech in accents soft and rare 114 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Filled with the power and sweetness the Versilia doth impart To the tongues of all her children; how it lingers in my heart! "Grandmother mine^ how fair it was, that tale you used to tell When I was but a little child — ah! I remember well! Tell it again to this wise man! I'd hear it still to-day. The tale of her who sought in vain the love that fled away." ''I've worn out seven pairs of shoes made all of iron and strong. And seven staffs my feet to stay upon my journey long; LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 115 And seven flasks of tears I've filled, through seven weary years. Yet here you sleep and will not wake for all my cries and tears/* '* Grandmother mine, your verses yet seem beautiful and true And the lost love that all in vain my heart doth still pursue Both morn and eve and day and night through many a weary year, Perchance if I but knew it well is close beside me here "Under thesie swaying cypresses that wooed me all in vain. Within whose shade I never hope to rest my head again. 116 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE Grandmother mine^ perhaps it sleeps in your grave- yard there above. Among those other cypresses — that cherished^ van- ished love." And now with many a puff and snort the engine steams away. While in these idle reveries my wandering fancies stray. And look ! a graceful flock of colts, like a troop of laughing boys Caper and bound across the field, and whinny at the noise! But an old gray ass stands cropping a thistle red and blue, And not a whit disturbeth him this mighty din and hue; LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 117 He will not deign to lift his eyes for the clatter and the roar But slowly and sedately keeps on browsing as be- fore. — From the Italian of Carducci, 118 LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE KING CHAND TO THE DAUGHTER OF MITRA When the crisp breeze doth pluck thy mantle's wings And chides them that they hide a form divine And presses thy soft gown until it clings To thy lithe limbs and bosom's rounded line And lifts its hem from off thy shining feet And strokes thy hair and rumples every tress And fans thy cheeks flushed with the summer's heat And kisses thy red lips in wantonness. Longing I gaze and wish that I were he That I might touch thee with a hand so bold And leaping from the valley swift and free Thy gracious body in mine arms enfold. But I stand shamefaced for I would not dare Caress thee like that all-embracing air. — A Mine of Faults. LYRICS OF WAR AND PEACE 119 BELOVIiD OF MY HEART Beloved of my heart ! It is thy love — I know it well — kindling the golden light That dances on the leaves_, or far above Soaring in opal clouds with fringes bright That idly drift across the morning sky. 'Tis nothing but thy love — I feel it now — That stirs the breezes which go softly by. Leaving their coolness on my burning brow ! These blessed morning rays that come from thee Flooding my soul — ^they are thy message, dear. To my poor heart. Thy face bends over me. Thine eyes look down on mine and seem so near. That with a bound my soul leaps forth to greet Thy presence and to touch thy shining feet ! — Rabindranath Tagore. Gitanjali, 59. 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