The Garden of Unrest: A Second Book of Verse
n 1912 u • •• : > • • • »**kit> • • • * * « k • • •) •) w« b • •■•••lb b ^o • •• • •• fc • -•• ,«• *> b ^ *■ ** ,* • »» ^». • •* b«< b^'bw^^bte coptrioht, 1919 Shxrmak, Fukch 6* Compact TO MISS MARIETTE CARR A FRIEND OP FAITHFUL AND SELFLESS INTENT WHOSE DEVOTED LOVE AND UNFAILING SYMPATHY HAVE ENCOURAGED THE AUTHOR FOR  J ^ J ' J J  indebted- ness, in the preparation of this book, to Prescott Hartford Belknap, Esq., whose patience, taste and skill have been of un- told benefit. CONTENTS PAGE A GIFT OF MEMORY 1 THE QUEEN OF GREAT WATERS .... 2 IN THE SHADOW S TWO WORLDS 4 VAGABOND PHILOSOPHY 6 FRIENDSHIP 8 A WISH 9 THE COAST CLIMATE OF NEW ENGLAND . 10 BABY'S GREETING 11 THE FRIENDS OF YOUTH IS BEDTIME 13 DAY AND NIGHT 14 PUTTING IT OFF 15 NOT THE HIGHEST TYPE, BUT— .... 16 THE BROTHER'S NEED 17 FAITH AND PURPOSE 18 WHEN THE DAY IS NEW 19 IN ACCORD 20 WATCHING AND WAITING 91 BEWARE 22 WHEN THE DAY IS DONE 2S THE BURDEN, THE ROAD AND—? .... 24 IN YOUTH 25 THE LONG, LONG DAY 26 A PiEAN OF THANKSGIVING 27 REMEMBER 28 FACING THE EAST 30 TO-NIGHT 31 A BETTER DAY 32 CONTENTS PAGE TAKE HEED 33 MAGIC 34 THE REWARD 35 DAWN 37 STORM AND CALM 38 THE PRECIOUS DAYS OP YORE 39 WINTER'S END 40 THE FAITH WE NEED 41 BLESSINGS OF THE DAY 42 THE MARCH OP AGE 43 LIFE'S MOMENT 44 WHERE PEACE ABIDES 45 WIASTE? 46 SLEEP .... * 47 BETTER NOT 48 THE EPISODE OF LIFE 49 THE STRANGERS 50 THE WORK UNDONE 51 A MESSAGE TO THE FORTUNATE .... 52 THE OTHERS 53 FAITH 54 TWO VIEWS 55 LIFE'S CLOUDED DAY 56 THE REVISITATION 57 IDLE WISHES 58 THE DAWN OF A CITY DAY 60 THE CALL OF TOIL 61 AS WE SHOULD LOOK 62 ABIDING THINGS 63 CONTENTS PAOX THE ANSWER 64 AMBITION 65 TOWARD BETTER JLIGHT 66 TEMERITY 67 IN DOUBT 68 WINTER THOUGHTS 69 A FEW YEARS MORE 70 USEFULNESS f . 71 EQUITY 73 THE WELCOME CHANGE 73 THE BETTER WAY 74 A LOWLY PRAYER 75 THE CHILD 76 A BENEFIT OF NIGHT 77 DIURNAL BOUNTY 78 A GIFT OF MEMORY Theee's a peaceful little valley In a country far away, Where the sunbeams love to sally, Making glad the light of day. Where the flowers and shrubs are sweeter And the winding road is neater Than is known in places gay. When I'm weary, sad, uncertain. And life seems a losing fight. Back of time's obscuring curtain Smiles a landscape dear to sight — Yes, a warm and scented valley, Far from chimney, eaves and alley. And it fills me with delight. [1] THE QUEEN OF GREAT WATERS A SHIP is sailing o'er the sea ; Her name is Opportunity. She docks at ports both far and near, She's going there, she's coming here. She has no printed sailing-list. But ploughs her way through storm and mist At His behest whose word controls Both men of sea and land-bound souls. A priceless cargo carries she. This good ship. Opportunity. [«] IN THE SHADOW I WOULD that I might know The origin Of this vague, haunting sense Of having been A part of life removed From us of now — Far, shadowed, eons past (I know not how). Intruding on the task Of every day It thrusts itself, nor will It turn away. Though ever Fd deny Its pressing claims: It seems to jeer at zeal. And gibe at aims. [8] C .!L-"i TWO WORLDS I SAW the children playing in the brook, I stood by them and heard their eager words, I tried to join their makebelieve — The makebelieve of happy childhood's hour ; But I a stranger stood, as stranger spoke, An alien, from a realm removed, Removed by some wide space, unbridged. I could not be, alas, as they — One with the bubbling springs of Life. n Back to my home I went. Thinking and sad the while; And there I sat me down To probe and meditate. [4] m Pondering alone, while mutely the daylight died, I looked into my life and pain crept in. Then from an old and long-forsaken box I took some relics of another day, Some keepsakes, idle tokens now. Mementos of a fairer time; And dreamily I felt, with weary hands. And mistily I saw, with world-worn eyes. The gifts, the treasures, once so much-beloved — A changeling's gems. — ^Ere long a light had dawned on me. And tenderly and ling'ringly I laid aside The sweet possessions of a stranger-child. [6] VAGABOND PHILOSOPHY Say! some folks seems ter like ter work I wish I did. Don't seem ter be no trouble 'tall Ter lift the lid ; An' then the "do-it-now's" on tap. I'd never give er dog-on rap If work had slid. I like ter set an' fish an' smoke My jimmy pipe. If fish is scurse, I set an' think; — Guess I don't wipe No tears er sorrer from my eye, Nor I don't worry 'bout mince pie When apples's ripe. S'pose I must be er lazy cuss — I guess I be.. Ambition fidgets some folks up — It don't tech me. I watch the clouds, the noddin' trees, And listen ter the birds an' bees — Jest hear an' see! [6] Yer say I won't git nothin' done? No, mebbe not. But some who work an' fuss an' fume Don't do er lot. An' what er pile er fun they miss! While I set still er knowin' this — I don't git hot! If life was meant fer hustlin' hard, Seems kinder queer So many sweet an' pleasant things Was put so near; Where eyes an' ears was bound ter find> When haste an' fret is put behind There's comfort here. [7] FRIENDSHIP « SwBET as the fragrance of the Summer night, Fresh as the morning cool with sparkling dew, Good as the knowledge that our lives are right — Dear is the nearness of the friendly few; — High as the mountain's lofty, snow-crowned peak. Pure as the crystal of the highland spring: Yes, all of this would selfless friendship seek — And finds. Comes even more on Friendship's wing. [8] A WISH May you find to-day, Dear Heart, Cheer that friends in friendship give; May the cold and clouds take flight, May your hours be free from blight — May it prove a boon to live. [9] THE COAST CLIMATE OP NEW ENGLAND It may not rain to-day, It may not snow; It may not hail to-day, It may not blow ; But pray don't ask me whether A change there'll be of weather. For this is altogether Too much to know. It may freeze everything, Or thaw, perhaps; It may be dour, or bring Frost bite and chaps. Yes, maybe it's a blessing That climates are distressing. I'm never good at guessing On weather traps. [10] BABY'S GREETING A iJTTi«E fairy leading From man's hard world away, A ready "victim" heeding Whatever the sprite may say! Yes, these with fond caresses The closest love proclaim. And naught the child represses While babbling "daddy's" name. There is no sweeter meeting For these, from dawn to dark — When baby lisps his greeting The angels seem to hark. [11] THE FRIENDS OF YOUTH Wheeb are the friends who loved me, When my world was fresh and fair? Where are the friends who sought me, When wishing their gifts to share? Where are the friends who told me The little man has to tell? Trifles that seemed important In part that they loved me well. Crone are these friends who knew me. Though little we thought to part; Deep in the bourne of silence, Afar from my yearning heart. Never the seas shall bring them And never the hills return — Yes, in my breast encloistered The candles and incense bum. [i«] BEDTBIE If only I might feel to-night That I had been of worth to-day, Then would I know a goodly right To wend kind slumber's gentle way. [18] DAY AND NIGHT Ye tell me that the business day is real, With all its toil and plot and strife, With all its greed and petty gain and waste — With all its calculated march Of motley, mercenary ranks; — Forsooth! a brave array. This boastful, soiled, blaspheming mob! For those who weary are and sore oppressed There is a better, more befitting hour, A closer, dearer and more perfect hour.  soft, mysterious Night: For in thy hour intimate We touch the far, far land beyond the Sea, Beyond the troubled Deep of Death, And ken the forms we loved — and faces. Faces which in days agone did seem to make Of earth well-nigh a Paradise — In the long ago, before the heart was cold — And we hear the earth-lost voices. Speaking as from the stars of Heaven : And we know that it is real — In this vast hour, teeming and luminous. In this vast, voiceful hour of Night. [14] PUTTING IT OFF 'Tis so easy to say, In the strength of to-day: "I'll do it to-morrow:" 'Tis so easy to take For our prodigal sake The time we would borrow : — But Time is a tyrant, sure of his own; A lien on your work he takes with the loan; His basis of trade is "bread for a stone :** — And he owns "To-morrow." [16] NOT THE HIGHEST TYPE, BUT— Thbse are men who never take a drink And men who never swear, There are men who have no thought to shrink And anything might dare, There are men who always are polite And brave and calm and true, But commend me to the ready knight. The helpful fellow who — Has a smile All the while, Who is really glad to see one; Who is really glad to be one Of the few Who can do A fellow lots of good When he's "blue.'' [16] THE BROTHER'S NEED I "Better His to give than to receive," Better always sow than always reap, Better far to succor than achieve; — Stress and danger mark Life's storm-swept deep. [17] FAITH AND PURPOSE Hess not to play, Here not for gain, Here not to stay, Here not in vain; Living in preparation — Quick in Divine relation — Trusting Grod's way. [18] WHEN THE DAY IS NEW Fain would I make this tender mom The prelude to a day of cheer, A day of work and hope and love — Illumined by the Light above — A day of help to comrades dear, A day of inspiration bom. [19] IN ACCORD Happt the man who is with Life content ; Serene, fuU-faithed, he treads the paths of peace, Believing triak and joys with purpose sent: — The end were more to him than mere release. [80] WATCHING AND WAITING The. mystery of beauty And the mystery of blight. The mystery of duty And the mystery of right. The mystery of striving And the mystery of pain, While man from much contriving Turns to labor — done in vain! — The mystery of being — From the darkness to the day — The mystery of seeing Earth's conditions break and slay. The mystery of laughter And the mystery of tears — What then is coming after All the long-insistent fears? The mystery of motion And the mystery of sound, The mystery of potion — Can we choose when Fate has bound? The mystery of sleeping Whilst the wailing doth appal — The wond'ring and the weeping At the awfulness of all! [21] BEWARE In the episode of life There is more than praise or gain, Else the burden and the strife And the sorrow are in vain. [2«] WHEN THE DAY IS DONE Fain would I make this night serene A boon to body, brain and heart, A precious season — ^mine to glean Lessons, that I may do my part Better when morrow's strife is keen 'Mongst brother-toilers in the mart. [28] THE BURDEN, THE ROAD AND—? Heavy the burden of the toilsome years, Life's vista reaches far, it seems, ahead; Nor can we rest, for pressure of our fears — We follow, where the now departed led. There is no news, there is no paean clear ; There is no stirring action, no repose; We list* in vain for victory's vibrant cheer; The drifting mists no beacon-lights disclose. Yet must we tread the strewn and blood-stained way; Yet must we bear the load by pilgrims borne ; Yet must we watch, lest faltering we stray — And patiently await the Unknown Mom. [24] IN YOUTH In golden days of long ago, When happy was the youthful heart And young the world outspread before, Hope's ocean murmured to the shore — The sunny shore of realm apart From lands that men and women know. [25] THE LONG, LONG DAY A FEEiJNO deep within Doth whisper of a day So real, and close as kin ! Though eons wear away. There is no rose, or thorn. Near which mankind doth tread But traces from that bourne That once we knew, instead. [86] A PJEAN OP THANKSGIVING Thank God for dawn, of promise dear. Thank God for morning, fresh and bright, Thank God for noontide, glad with cheer; But more than all, thank God for night. [«7] REMEMBER Remembeb that as thou hast thought and planned, Then in the heat of day hast done some lesser thing — Perchance some churlish thing, or one untrue; Perchance some weak and foolish thing — Brothers of thine have likewise strayed to-day ; While moved by good intent, by motive high, They found their better powers were over- borne. — The careless word of man is this: "They've failed, to-day." But have they failed? O God! if they have fought and toiled, And put aside temptation's honied sweets, And forced their minds through hellish thoughts. And driving wearied, worn-out bodies on. Have scaled the barriers prepared by Fate, And, mayhap, with a smile concealed their hurts? — Because A Voice was calling, calling them. Because A Vision was before their eyes, And they would cease to heed earth's low com- mands. • ••••• Remember that though thy strength to-day [28] Proved equal to the trial of circumstance. There was a day when it did not avail — That though no sin hath made thee slave to- day There was a time when struggles were in vain, A moment when the tide was all too strong. — Again, perchance, if some unlooked-for and ap- pealing lure Had laid both crafty and aggressive siege to thee, Mayhap thy strength would then have proved As power of man to parry lightning's thrust. So be not proud, not yet exult, this day; Nor condescendingly, with patronizing hand, Stroke the bowed head of those whose bloody sweat Has gone to swell the sum of world-wrung toll. [«9] FACING THE EAST Don't over small things fret or grieve, Nor yet deplore the rest: Work hard, smile often — and believe — This life is but a test. Some day a better light may glow In some fair land where blessings flow- For those whoVe done their best. [80] TO-NIGHT I WISH that I could feel to-night Of all the things I've done to-day Some little thing has been of help To earthly wayfarers, astray. I wish that I could know to-night That love of mine for all of earth Had quickened (me in sympathy Toward love complete, of perfect worth. [81] A BETTER DAY If all mankind should brothers help to-day, This day would be the best man ever knew — Thus clouds of sin and strife were blown away And every hour of life were pure as dew. [8«] TAKE HEED Give not this day to gainful work alone. But dedicate some better thing to man — Remembering how short our earthly span : — Be not exultant, lest ye soon bemoan. Let not your day be spent in idle jest. Nor yet in empty pomp of vain display; Be deaf to what the sland'rous throng may say. — Pray prove ye equal to Our Father's test. [88] MAGIC A LONELY white conceals offending scars; The light of yonder moon transforms the scene; Beneath those watchful, scintillating stars The river winds its way in silver sheen. Some arctic sprite, some wood-nymph of the north — Frost fairy of a land bewitched and still — The people of the wild has summoned forth To learn her magic and to do her will. [84] THE REWARD When this troubled dream of life (with all it threatens) Is over and the wretched end is done. When the longing and the waiting and the sighing Are vain as blasted effort, youth-begun, When the hurt, the hope, the foolish joy are over. The grief, the pain, the anguish and despair. When the grimy rags of life's ill-fitting gar- ment Are laid aside for braver garb and fair — ' When the toil, the effort and the futile striv- ing. The vain resolve, the hard and bitter tears. Hapless work long planned (and soon undone by others), The grim, black nights of haunting doubt and fears — When the hand of friendship dear is closed in anger. And dead are loves that glowed with splen- did fire — ^ Yes, when these are of the past, nor longer torture. And left behind is Fate's pursuing ire — [86] Then in this unshackling and portentous mo- ment When waits my soul at portals of The All, Pray, will some one stand in man-made house a-weeping? Will some one grieve beside a decent pall? Ay! will some one sob to self man's weak ex- cuses? Will some one say, "He tried, though all in vain ?" — Ah ! if this be so, God knows 'twill hallow part- ing, And make a garden of a waste of pain. [86] DAWN When the skies are sad and sullen (Gray the dawn on tree and tow'r) And the drowsy town, reluctant, Would forget its waking hour ; When the shrinking light comes shyly, (Of its welcome quite afraid) Into rooms where folk are sleeping, With the day's beginning made; — Courage, all! Take heart. The sunlight Lies behind the mist-bound hills, And it's coming, surely coming To abate man's bitter ills. [87] STORM AND CALM When the sea is calling, calling, With its mighty voice appalling, While the gale on all is falling In the fury of its wrath, 'Spite the blast, 'gainst all a-beating. Far away this sea is greeting And with placid blue is meeting Tender moonlight's golden path. [88] THE PRECIOUS DAYS OF YORE Ths tender light of a more gracious day Once shone on me, in years less sad and worn; Nor charm nor benefit can I repay, My only homage is to bow — and mourn. Unknown I tread the cold New England sod, Repulsed I meet the hard, suspecting gaze; In unreality and fear I plod, Some beacon seek amid obscuring haze. It was not thus in that glad yesterday ; Expansively I lived, at friendly call ; Kkiowing no qualm of stark unrest to stay; Blithely I met, and freely gave my all. Heavy these feet and cold this heart to-day ; No glow or trust or freedom do I know, A stranger here, and difficult my way. The light is gone — enfold O shroud of snow. [89] WINTER'S END Yes, the cold March rain is beating Hard against my window pane, But old Winter's hours are fleeting And protesting blasts are vain: For the sweet springtime is coming And against the glass I'm strumming While a boyish tune I'm humming; To repine seems quite insane. [40] THE FAITH WE NEED. Bo&N not to know, Only to feel, Ours but to sow — Humbly we kneel. Bravely to look ahead, Here where our fathers bled- God's is the seal. [41] BLESSINGS OF THE DAY I UKE to start in the morning, When the day is fresh and fair. When blithe are the birds a-singing And sweet is the boundless air; But better I like the evening, When home from my work with joy I come, in a father's gladness, A-greeting my baby boy. [«] THE MARCH OF AGE If I could be as blithe as when a child, If I could have the faith of tender years ! Then by thei fairest flowers of youth beguiled — The world was glad, through eyes undimmed by tears. [«] LIFE'S MOMENT Slowly the twelvemonth tides encroach And little by little disappears my isle of sand; Changeless, eternal tides, ordainM from On High, Asking no word from me, nor yet a sign, Giving no reasons and no promises. But coming on, unhampered and unurged, Unbeckoned and unheld. Resistless in its might. Derisive of my feeble cry of fear, Jeering at ebildisb gestures, vain, Grestures bom of loneliness and dread. This sure advance, which owns sole mastery To Him who hath no master and no higher law, Surely, little by little closes in. — My brief and unmomentous day Is almost done, is almost done. And I cry out, Grod ! (Over Thy unfathomable sea) "Why hath it not availed?" [4*] WHERE PEACE ABIDES The songful brook pipes blithely through the vale, Between the silent, white, protecting hills; The winding road, beneath a new moon pale. Beguiles the traveller — ^nor prates of ills. The glistening bond of yon sequestered lake. The filmy clouds against the distant blue! — My quickening heart in paean is awake. — Eternal values would our lives make true. [46] WASTE? I woNDBK why the snowflakes fall, Forming a mantle, virgin white, Forming a mantle which transforms — Hiding the commonplace from sight. Alas! this gift is soon defiled. Scorned and trodden by ruthless feet. Mixed with the filth — its whiteness lost — Spoiled in the grimy city street. Ah ! if I knew why this should be I'd know the cause of darkness' fears. Hold the key of the wasted life. Fathom the curse of the ruined years. [46] SLEEP How welcome is the sweet repose of sleep, After the strife and turmoil of the day. 'Tis gold among the little man may keep: — From toil, release ; to care a blessed stay \ [47] BETTER NOT A CHILD looks out on this marvelous world And wonders why The people and things are so very large ; He'd like to try To reconstruct on a smaller scale, But the Lilliputian scheme would fail — At last he'd sigh. You see if the men he cut down by half He'd do the same By children and even the babies wee, Just as they came; If this did work on the grave giraffe. Might the bane of the dog be cut in half P- Fie child, for shame! [48] THE EPISODE OF LIFE Just one fertile acre — God's gift of life to me — I till my field. Afar the shadowed span Stretches its baffling way — In faith I yield. [49] THE STRANGERS My train is rushing through the verdant fields : Sequestered cottages, neat farms and glades In vitascopic view appear and flit away; And leave me wondering — alone. If I but knew the vital need of these, Dwellers uncomforted, so near — so far — The folk whose homes I visually know, But from whose lives I am so far removed! — Alas! If I might know these kin, And feel their pain, their need, their hope And their redeeming love, not always manifest, I could not bear to pass them by unbailed. To pass them by for ilk of goods and gold. To pass them by — in man's unpromised day. This little earthly hour is short — so soon is spent — Shy Opportunity is quick to heed rebuff; Yet would we idle precious time away. Pursue vain things, of fleeting consequence, And leave to Grod alone our fellow man — When Grod commanded us to comfort and to love. [60] THE WORK UNDONE If in the day I could but do the task That I had planned the day and night before, I feel that man of me would never ask A fairer token from our common store. And this I think of others, day by day. As through the world they go — and grope and fall — If their despair were only swept away. And their intent made clear, how diff'rent all! [61] A MESSAGE TO THE FORTUNATE O, WORK ye and pray for the poor to-day, And for those in man's distress; For the burdened wife in the want-bound strife ; The sinner who can't confess; For all who far from a mother's knee Have wandered, a mocking world to see. Remember, as God doth bless. [68] THE OTHERS In the hour when I'd be gay Some thought of the troublous day Of brothers doth e'er intrude — Of those who cry out for food, Of those who are sore bereft, Of those who, alas, are left To pursue the road alone. Of others who must atone For deeds that they have not done (When fault is of sire or son), Of others who writhe in soul — Of all toward the shrouded goal. [6S] FAITH You must have faith To eat your daily bread; You must have faith To close your eyes in sleep; You must have faith to leave your home to- day — Yes, faith to go and yet more faith to stay. You must have faith To love and peer ahead; You must have faith To help the near and dear; You must have faith to take, and e'en to give — Ay! faith to die and far more faith to live. [54] TWO VIEWS Yes, the easy way Is to wait a day — "Do it to-morrow P' But, my friend, beware ; Take thou thoughtful care. And court not sorrow; For it may not be For you and for me — This far to-morrow. [66] LIFE'S CLOCDED HAV Ah. if I migirt host Intn the flesxa of mv ideals ! To ^mUhe with jov rieep-flEajni The cool, pure air above — .\bove a worid wtaoe lam is coved! An. i[ I miiprt L'iliub The hilia of my iotmt! WTiere I cauid think iiiiIiubmmIi il .\ik1 compoa* berfc^, fsircr tieeds. Above these ilmilil i iiiiliiiiwtiil valcfi. Y«!. iwert jodi pririiege: Bat a* it ia not anBe, I fain would work and trust aad hope* And looking upward but awoit The lifting of the drifting emttMj ntisl [Ml THE REVISITATION A SAD-EYED stran^r Stood beside my bed, And with gaunt arms and bony hands Made sign of benediction and of plea: For my best weal he prayed, And for my higher flight. When at the end I asked Of his identity, he looked at me, A look of pity and of tenderness. "I am the image of thy youth," he said, "The incarnation of thy early hopes ; And I am risen to-night To touch thee, lest thou fail, To speak to thee of God's neglected boon." [57] LIFE'S CLOUDED DAY Ah, if I might soar Into the Heaven of my ideals ! To breathe with joy deep-drawn The cool, pure air above — Above a world where love is cowed ! Ah, if I might climb The hills of my intent! Where I could think untrammeled thoughts And compass better, fairer deeds. Above these doubt-enshrouded vales. Yes, sweet such privilege; But as it is not mine, I fain would work and trust and hope. And looking upward but await The lifting of the drifting earthly mists. [S61 THE REVISITATION A SAD-ETBD stranger Stood beside my bed, And with gaunt arms and bony hands Made sign of benediction and of plea: For my best weal he prayed, And for my higher flight. When at the end I asked Of his identity, he looked at me, A look of pity and of tenderness. "I am the image of thy youth," he said, "The incarnation of thy early hopes ; And I am risen to-night To touch thee, lest thou fail. To speak to thee of God's neglected boon." [67] IDLE WISHES I WISH that I were clever! — Many things I'd surely do- Responsive, optimistic. Likewise never, never **blue." I wish that I were handsome And possessed of nimble wit. From Quito to Fashoda Could in conversation flit. I wish I had the figure Of Apollo at his best. And such repose of manner As to lull the wasps to rest; Resourceful as a room-clerky Metropolitan and bland, Chesterfieldianly polished. Easy, cordial, suave and grand. I wish that I were graceful, Through this maze-like world could glide. Unconsciously important. Held in awe where I reside; Ne'er hot, excited, worried. Never anxious, vexed or ill. Going my way serenely. Yet retaining man's good-will. [68] I'd have persuasive powers, In forensic lists would shine, Enjoy life as a circus Is enjoyed by children mine. — Sheer waste of time to worry, Hypocritical to sham; I'll have to earn my fodder Just exactly as I am. [69] THE DAWN OF A CITY DAY The morning is cold and dark, Low, clouded skies frown down; A cheerless, dour day ahead For overhandled town. So if some brave word of hope Springs from a struggling soul, Pray, greet it with thanks and joy- 'Twill speed us toward our goal. [60] THE CALL OF TOIL I MUST thrust aside allurements Of a past so dear to me ; I must gather all my forces, Only straight ahead to see: For the city's work is calling, And the call is rife with need — Though I pause, and shrink from conflict, I must pay the worker's heed. [61] AS WE SHOULD LOOK Forget thyself today, Deep in a world of need ; Bravely advance to-day, Helping in thought and deed: Thy brothers* woe in mind. Thy brother's good at heart ; Here, with a chance, to-day, Here but to do — and part. [62] ABIDING THINGS Theee are only two things of worth, My Boy, In the light of the sun above ; The first is the Service ye give with Joy, And the second, the Boon of Love. \ [63] THE ANSWER I STOOD before the everlasting hlUs And of them asked this question, all too hard : — ^^Why should mankind be born to bitter ills Which all his fairer, heartfelt work retard? Why should he for each ounce of pleasure known Pay double, treble — and then pay again? — Why will of drciunstance, and ne'er his own? Why struggle onward but to join the slain?" The everlasting hills replied with grace: ^^Thou wouldst know all and leave to Grod to fed. Wot*st not that it were meet for thee to face Thy pain and sacrifice, to hope and kneel? And know that it were well, and being quick Know thy good brothers* woe, and knowing share. Thou love and service hast been told to pick From bounty's basket, 'neath the light of prayer." [64] AMBITION MiBAGE of fame enticed, While simple ways grew stale; Work for the end sufficed — Our only dread, to fail. Scarce can we now discern This thing that once was fair. Ah! could we but return To moments free from care! [66] TOWARD BETTER LIGHT How to be prominent, How to be rich, How to gain power and fame; How to be politic (Playing with pitch), How to emblazon a name: These are the questions we ponder to-day, And high is the price we're ready to pay — While the devil is watching our game. How to be tolerant. Faithful and brave, How to be humble and sane; Guiltless of boastfulness, Eager to save, Living — ^with heart to abstain ! Yes, such is' the strength for which we should pray, Guarding our fatal misfortune to stray — And serene before pleasure or pain. [66] TEMERITY Shyly the snowflake strays from doud to earth ; The raindrops on the thirsty ground de- scend; Glad morning's dew scarce lives beyond its birth- All earthly things to desolation tend. Yet would I vainly boast of hoarded trove ; Yet would I blindly plan to-morrow's deed ; Yet would I dare to love — earth-budded love — While Death is whisp'ring of the unknown meed. [67] IN DOUBT If I but knew the bravest, wisest course to choose And pausing not for praise or blame, no matter whose. Did choose and act, unerringly — ^nor hesi- tate, Knowing a given course were best — and not too late. Working consistently, to downbome lives up- lift: Thus would I save this precious, evanescent gift. This gift possessed by man for but a fleeting day, This gift called Time — which pauses on its wingfed way. [68] WINTER THOUGHTS The bare, brown fields all life deny ; Naked the trees against the sky, Against a drab and sullen sky. A mist arises from the earth- Befitting kin of chill and dearth — Unsounded is the note of birth. 'Twas Summer not so long ago; Summer with all its gorgeous show- Charms that lovers and children know. Where now are blossoms, birds, and bees, Frogs and locusts and leafy trees? Winds a-whispering to the seas? Gone is the green and gone the flower, The haunting fragrance of the bower, The cooling sweetness of the shower. Alas ! the year is growing old. The searching winds blow bitter cold. We march with Winter toward the mould. [69] ^^ ^ r.V A FEW YEARS MORE I O God! I fain would ask a few years more — A few years more, in which to learn and build, A few years more in which to love and grow: In Thy great goodness, Gracious Lord, bestow. That I may join the manumitted guild Of those who humbly wait without Thy door And ask that they may work for Thee And for Thy children, And know mankind anew In that, at last, they serve. [70] USEFULNESS The selfish life brings final discontent; Its principle, in work or play, is wrong: For justice will not give unfair assent, That benefits come only to the strong. There is no lasting recompense save one; The quick goodwill of those who tread the road (The footworn road which selfish men would shun) For help to brothers, with a common load. [71] EQUITY TuENiNO over in your mind What the other fellow did. And what he said and even what he thought, Be not envious or blind Toward the good the fellow hid — The things that only come to light when sought. When you credit self with good — Be it motive, wish or deed — Remember, others show a spirit fair; If you only understood, With a brother's thought of need! Pray speed the day when man can love and share. [7«] THE WELCOME CHANGE See! the April rain is falling; To my heart it's clearly calling; Thus would I forget the galling Of Winter's heavy chains. For the chimes of Spring are ringing; In response, a song I'm singing — Yes, rejoicing at the bringing Of freedom, by the rains. [78] THE BETTER WAY Chiefly is life made up of small affairs, Of petty disappointments and of stings, Of countless nettling and disturbing thingi With now and then the heavy blow Of some aiBiction staggering. As ready pupils in a school should we Surely advance in learning every day, Compass some better, higher, fairer way To meet the test of daily life — To work and hope and love and live. [74] A LOWLY PRAYER Peay give us work to-day — Work to help the world along; Bless our lips, this day, with song; Make us tender, true and strong: Thus, to-day at least, deserve BlessM gifts — to love, to serve : May we neither halt nor swerve — Pray give us work to-day. [76] THE CHILD I LOVE the murmur of the rill Which wanders down the wooded hill; I love the droning of the bees; The! winds a-whisp'ring to the trees ; I love the ocean's changing voice, And hear, at dawn, the birds rejoice. But of earth's music best to me (And glad am I that it should be) Is sound of children's prattle dear, And laughter gay, unchecked by fear: Ah ! this is best of life's delight — These children, knowing naught of blight, These children who, thank God, command The best we know of heart or hand. [76] A BENEFIT OF NIGHT Though God is kind to me in many things — In love, in friendship, health and creature ease, In boon of body, mind and soul — far, far be- yond My worth — one gift overshadowing He gives, with Kingly hand. Heed well, 'tis this great privilege: The peace, the soul-expanding boon Of watching over children mine— My inmost own — sent from On High. Of watching over them, in fatherhood, While wander they, fuU-faithed, In God's mysterious, engardened land of sleep. [77] DIURNAL BOUNTY SwjfiET is the tender beauty of the mom, And glad the f uUness of the noonday sun ; The evening pensive, when the stars are born, And blest the night as heavenly rest begun. [78] J I. 