URTIS STORY AND SONG 1 know not how the marvel grew, That nature made one model do; Graving the features bold or fine Alike in every shade and line. STORY AND SONG BY LOUIS F. CURTIS ILLUSTRATED BY FLORINE HYER If please ye, listen to my lore SPENSER CHICAGO R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS CO. 1905 \ COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY LOUIS F. CURTIS DEDICATION TO WELL BELOVED WIFE WHO FONDLY GAVE AS WARM A HEART AS MAN COULD EVER CRAVE, AND TO MY MOTHER WHOSE SINCEREST LOVE HATH PROVED THE EARNEST OF A HEAVEN ABOVE, I DEDICATE THIS LITTLE BOOK OF SONG. PERCHANCE IT MAY A HAPPY HOUR PROLONG OR SOOTHE A SORROW WHEN THE DAY IS DONE, OR MAY ITS RYTHM AND THE RISEN SUN FOND RECOLLECTION STRIKE, A SILVER BELL, TO ECHO SWEET AND TELL I LOVED YE PASSING WELL. 835634 FOREWORD The greater part of this volume was presented in manuscript form before the Progress Literary Circle of Los Angeles, California. The kind reception accorded the verse by the members of the Progress Circle encour aged the Author to offer the work to a larger audience. L. F. C. Los Angeles, September 3, 1905 CONTENTS GURTH 13 KING EDGAR 37 THE CENTURY . . . . . . 75 CALIFORNIA S GREETING AT THE WORLD S FAIR . 81 To MY MOTHER HER 77 BIRTHDAY . . 87 THE BEHYMER LIBRARY ..... 90 KOKINA . . . . . . . .91 RECENT WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES . .97 A MOTHER S LOVE . . . . . in JENNIE . . . . . . . .115 LONGING . . . . . . . .117 FATE . . . . . . . .119 THE OAKS . . . . . . . 1 20 THE FAVORED ONES . . . . .122 LET ME DWELL . . . . . .124 RETROSPECTION . . . . . .126 THE WATCHWORD . . . . . .128 THE UNFINISHED STATUE . . . .130 A CHRISTMAS PRAYER . . . . 133 THE THREE BELLS . . . . . 135 SANTA CLARA VALLEY . . . . 137 Two FLOWERS . . . . . .140 To MILDRED . . . . . . .143 FUTURITY . . . . . . .145 LEAVE THEM ALONE . . . , . .146 LADDIE . . . . . . .148 ARMENIA . . . . . . .150 CROWN OF THE VALLEY . . . . .152 A DREAM . . . . . . .154 LA FIESTA DE LA FLORES . . . .156 AWAKEN, O QUEEN . . . . . .158 WELCOME, GRACIOUS QUEEN OF MIRTH . .160 TEACH ME, PAINTER . . . . .163 LITTLE JIM . . . . . . .165 JUNE .168 THE SAILOR S RETURN . . . . .169 A MAID WITH A HEART . . . . .171 JIM ROOT . . . . . . .173 THE MOON . . . . . . .176 MARJORIE . . . . . . .179 A PRECIOUS FLOWER . . . . .180 THAT OTHER ROOM . . . . .182 PEACE, BE STILL . . . . . .183 ONE .184 RASTER . . . . . . . .185 ILLUSTRATIONS NATURE MADE ONE MODEL Do . . Frontispiece I HEARD MY BROTHER S NAME ... 20 MY HARP LONG SILENT . . . . -35 SAD THE SOVEREIGN . . . . -39 ON THRESHOLD SHE PAUSED .... 48 FAIR SHADOWS OF NIGHT . . . . .58 GURTH I A Norseman I, although my face Betrays the blood of the Latin race, The reason is not far to trace ; A sea-king home from southron raid In fetters brought a Gallic maid But ere the summer-time was done The conqu ror s heart was lost and won, He bowed himself to woman s wiles Became a vassal of her smiles, Then in an ancient runic hall The Norse was wedded to the Gaul. This the sire and the witching dame From whom our very life-blood came. II. Twin brothers were we, Gurth and I, Born where the iceberg cleaves the sky, Where Odin s offspring Baldur bright Is hidden by eternal night ; Baldur fair as the sunset glow Whom Hoder slew with the mistletoe. Our sire a rover, Ocean grim Ever he vowed was calling him 13 STORY AND SONG Calling, chanting : " Come thou to me, Thou art a child of the billows free." Ill Oh, the sea, the sea ; thou treacherous sea Luring the children of men unto thee, Charming them out with your sirenous song, The brave and the fair, the young and the strong, Enticing them on with maiden-sweet breath Till they lie enbosomed asleep in death. IV And so our sire southward went ; He ravaged Gaul and pillaged Kent, Then homeward sails, his vessel toils Laden deep with the richest spoils Laden deep and the spoils are rare One is a maid surpassing fair, Her flaxen tress and eyes like Danes Proclaim the Saxon in her veins. White as a lilly, her drooping head Sign of a heart that inward bled, Drooped still lower until she died For love of man on the Kentish side. I was a child yet the maiden s grace Carved an ever-remembered face, Full of beauty ; her spirit fair So oft absorbed in silent prayer. Her fate taught me as years increase A hate of war, a love of peace. 14 GURTH V I was a youth of eight and ten When our roving sire sailed again, Steered away to the sunny south To feed the famine-stricken mouth ; And with the father journeyed Gurth To match himself with men of worth ; A stripling, lithe and strong and tall, Eager to answer the battle s call. But O, his mother s heart was rent With anguish like when death is sent. With streaming eyes, at love s behest, She bound him closely to her breast, As if she knew by mystic ken She ne er would hold him there again. And thus it proved; ten years have sped, Our mother sleeps amid the dead ! She quenched with tears the living flame For sire and son who never came For sire and son, but more for Gurth, Who seemed the chosen flower of earth. VI My mother, as I upward grew, Instilled the mother tongue she knew, Till Gallic speech and songs they sung Were wedded to my Norway tongue. I owned my brother s form and face, His voice, his walk, yet lacked his grace ; STORY AND SONG So closely molded were we twain, That kindred searched and searched in vain For blemish, mole, or shade of hair To know who stood before them there. And though they sought with frequent mirth, They oft declared that I was Gurth, Or Gurth was I. One uncle swore We traded garments that we wore ; Another vowed the god of storms Had granted power to change our forms. I know not how the marvel grew, That nature made one model do, Graving the features bold or fine Alike in every shade and line. VII But outer garments only hide The unseen souls who there abide. The mask of flesh is but a sphinx Screening the thing that toils and thinks. The mind itself still puzzles mind Revealing little hid behind The wall of flesh ; we stand and gaze Upon the threshold of this maze But may not enter. Search how we will This baffles all our lore and skill. VIII We brothers of the selfsame race, So near alike in form and face, 16 GURTH Within were of a different mold. My brother Gurth was strong and bold, While I, perchance as strong as he, Was wedded unto minstrelsy. He followed close the god of war Treading upon the heels of Thor While I did butchery abhor. My senses sickened at the sight Of blood. I often prayed to Night To make an end of awful slaughters Of stalwart men, of dames and daughters. But unto Gurth, the battle strife Even in youth was the breath of life. IX Long years have fled no message came From those who bore our family name. No rumor ran of sire or son ; I knew not if their lives were done I knew not if they captives lay Within a dungeon hid from day. But since my saddened mother slept I deemed my duty tardy kept To speed wherever billows led To seek my kinsmen quick or dead. In mighty erlking s lofty boat My humble harp was soon afloat ; And I and ten score men abide Within the vessel s roomy side. 17 STORY AND SONG Ten sister ships have trimmed their sales To catch with ours the fav ring gales. A hundred banners beat the air A mighty host is chanting prayer A prayer to Odin and to Thor For brave success and spoil of war. A thousand vikings crowd aboard Then outward, downward through the fiord. One lingering look across the lee And erlking steered for the open sea. Three months have passed. I may not stay To tell the struggles night and day, Of fearful battles lost and won, Of cities sacked at set of sun ; From Friesland coast to Afric s bay Our lurid torches lit the way. Full many vessels homeward creep With harvests only swords can reap. Then swift return with added hosts To join us on Iberian coasts. Through all these days I ne er forgot My sire and Gurth but found them not : With Gallic speech and harp and song I journeyed weary miles along, And little needed deep disguise I seemed a Gaul to Gallic eyes. Through star-lit nights I trudged afar To view some captive man of war. 18 GURTH Then at the dawn would haste away To where our ships at anchor lay ; Then sailing, sailing, still to south, We ride at last near Tiber s mouth. XI That morning ere the noon of day I sped across the level bay, And in a friendly sheltered cave Secured my bark against the wave. Then with my harp upon mine arm I ventured forth with no alarm; For music with its power to charm Had ever kept me safe from harm. I wandered shoreward till the wave Was guarded by a castle brave, Then turning landward hoped to meet A peasant maiden I might greet. As I have trudged from door to door I ve learned to trust the lowly poor, And maiden tears were won t to flow As I retold my mother s woe, How her fond heart life s burden bore For spouse and son who came no more. XII By chance, or is there ever chance, Anear the way of my advance, Open I saw a postern gate Luring me onward to my fate. STORY AND SONG Within a spacious garden, fair As are Vahalla s gardens rare, Mine eyes beheld a temple stand Such fanes as dot the Gallic land With cross atop, the faithful sign Of Him the Latins deem divine. And from the door ajar I heard A prayer but understood no word. The language strange, but word and tone Were such the good alone may own, With accents pure, the voice of love Must surely win its way above. I stood entranced and thought me hid Behind a flowering pyramid, Hoping to view the one whose voice Had bade my inmost heart rejoice. XIII Anear she came a princely air Enrobed a woman passing fair ; The glow of youth was on her cheeks, Where e re mine eye perfection seeks Of rounded form, of orb and brow It seemed to shine before me now ; And costly garb and noble mein Proclaimed her little less than queen. I would have fled but her dark eye Transfixed me as I turned to fly, And ere I could a footstep claim Amazed I heard my brother s name. 20 And ere I could a footstep claim, Amazed, I heard my brother s name. GURTH "Ah, Gurth," she said, while swift surprise Was written large within mine eyes, But there enchained I had no choice Save hear the music of her voice. " Ah, Gurth, thou art returned so soon ? My prayer hath surely wrought this boon ; What say the leader of the host, Whose sails o er shadow half the coast ? Did he accept the profered gold To leave unscathed my castle bold ? Or must the Christ and men of war Fight pagans and the demon Thor ? How did the robbers and their king Whose praises I have heard thee sing Receive thee Gurth ? Thou dost not smile I fear the Norway greed and guile Were not o ercome that we must fight For life and home, for God and right. Speak Gurth, why art thou silent now, What thoughts are lurking in thy brow ?" XIV O, ye with wisdom calm and clear Solve me the problem written here. Behold the maid with flashing eye, How could I all her power defy ? She seemed an eagle and a dove, A dual nature born to love Yet vengeance take if one defied Her rightful rule, her power and pride. 21 STORY AND SONG Soft her bosom yet I could feel Her heart might grow as hard as steel. I saw anear me men at arms To guard the lady s ample charms ; Beheld the castle s frowning wall, The dungeon should the mistress call. Yet could I traitor prove to Gurth, My brother, doubly so, by birth ? Here was his home, his praise she sung, And he had taught her Norway s tongue. Now he had gone to buy release With gold, to bribe the erlking s peace ; I seemed to stand in deep disgrace Wearing my brother s copied face. She thought me Gurth : what could I say Except some words that meant delay, Hoping meantime on Gurth s return That she would all the secret learn. XV u I pray your ladyship will wait An hour or more ere I relate My story, all I saw and heard You then shall know, each look and word. But now I seem to lack the power Be gen rous, grant me but an hour." " Ah, Gurth," she spake in sweet reply, " Take time you wish, nor tell me why Thou hast my castle, life and land Within the keeping of thy hand. 22 GURTH Ten years ago, a stripling tall, Thou cam st a prisoner to the hall. Thy pirate life was forfeit then When I a little maid of ten On bended knees with pleading cries, Besought my sire for this prize. He gave your life to me ; since then Thou knowest all that we have been : How when my dame and father died I raised thee gov nor near my side. My men at arms thy warriors are, And you my pride and power share. Shall I who dowered thee with power Refuse to grant a single hour ! Take hours and days, no soul shall seek A word until you will to speak. Enter and doff the Norse disguise At sight of it my father dies Again before my maiden eyes ; And in my mem ry there revives The horror, murder, lust, and war Of those who follow cruel Thor. Fierce are tigers rending their prey Norsemen are fiercer far than they ! " XVI With that we entered side by side A room to fit a prince s pride, But ere mine eye had glanced it o er My fair conductress quit the door. 23 STORY AND SONG I stood alone midst wealth and worth Mementoes rich of absent Gurth Puzzled I seek in vain to shape A course by which I may escape; Yet strangely in my hour of need I hoped that I might not succeed. I safety sought yet would not flee Were every doorway ope to me. That woman s voice, for good or ill, Had shorn my strength and bound my will. XVII An hour had passed it may be twain, Yet all my plannings were in vain. Then heard the lady s voice once more Entreating me to view the shore. " Look, Gurth ! behold the robber fleet Is lifting high each spar and sheet. With anchors hoist this landward breeze Will sweep them out upon the seas. I thank thee Gurth, thou didst prevail Behold the Norsemen setting sail ! " Twas sadly true, O, how I yearned To know if Gurth had yet returned. Far as mine eye could outward reach I swiftly scanned the lacey beach; No boat was seen, none near the coast Returning from the viking host. I wished to flee where cavern dark Gave refuge to my tiny bark, 24 GURTH Then seaward row with steady hand Bring back my kinsman to the land. But distance great and Norse advance Bereft me of mine only chance. Then as their sails grew big with breeze I sank before her on my knees; And deeming life but little worth Confessed that I was never Gurth. " Who art thou, then ?" A mocking smile O erlit her features in denial, Swift followed scorn and even now Her flashing eye and frowning brow Gave warning on the instant there She might be fierce as well as fair ; And written in her Latin face The craft and cunning of her race Bred quick suspicion ; saw the sign Of traitrous plot in words of mine ; And with a meaning glance she felt A jeweled dagger at her belt. u Since Gurth denies himself to me, Who art thou, then ?" demanded she. I then in accents scarcely bold My living story briefly told. u His brother I. Let me relate I hither came to learn his fate. Ten long and weary years have passed Since I beheld my kindred last ; And when my weeping mother died I journeyed on the moving tide, 25 STORY AND SONG Searching from Norway s icy shore For sire and son who came no more. My harp now in thy garden fair, A sweet companion in despair, Here venturing all I haply came And heard you breathe my brother s name. Twin brothers we, as thou mayst trace Resemblance close in form and face. I sealed my lips till thou shouldst learn The truth on noble Gurth s return, But since he sails I hope to claim Thy mercy in my kinsman s name." I sought her eyes, a softened air Foretold that I had gained my prayer. XVIII " Strange is thy story, stranger still I must believe against my will. Fain would I find some flaw to keep Thee hidden in my dungeon deep ; But every word and sign and tone Bespeak the truth and truth alone. I knew that near the ocean s rim Gurth had a brother like to him As are two peas within a pod, But never dreamed Italian sod Would find him here. Thy sire s soul Has passed beyond the earth s control. Thy hapless father s race is run, He perished when I saved the son." 26 GURTH XIX The day swift faded into night, The Night hung out her lamps of light. I watched them rise and pale, then came The sun to set the world aflame, Kindling with fire each spire of earth, And still no word from absent Gurth. Two lonely months were thus devoured, While high the faithful watchers towered Searching afar the wrinkled plane For Norway s fleet but all in vain. Each sail beheld, each spar and rope Proved sad delusion to our hope. XX Meanwhile the mistress of the tower Grew wayward changing hour by hour Tears followed smiles and anger tears, Triumphant joy succeeded fears ; Her heart a harp whose strings were swept By strange emotions memory kept. I wondered did another find Such April weather of the mind. She led me once with gentle hand To where arose a flower stand Enriched with many blossoms rare. And bade me choose the farest there To grace her wealth of hazel hair. 27 STORY AND SONG I plucked a rose which seemed to speak Of kinship to her red ning cheek. She bowed her shapely head with grace For me to twine the bloom in place, But senseless I, the flower gave And straight was banished like a slave. Sometimes my harp at her behest Would wake a longing in her breast, As I retold in Gallic song Of faithless knight and maiden s wrong, She strangely watched with eyes alight As though I were the wicked knight. XXI I seemed a prisoner yet she gave Me all the freedom I could crave. Had she endowed with barge and boat The proudest that on waters float And said : " Thou hast supreme command." I could not then have quit the land. The strongest fetters captives feel Are never wrought of hammered steel ; An unseen thread may stronger keep Than stoney dungeon dark deep. XXII When days had melted into weeks, The roses faded from her cheeks : Yet Gurth came not. My heart grew ill To see my lady sad and still 28 GURTH Then feverish grow when I came near But why I knew not twas not fear That moved her so. At last one eve The watchers on the tower receive A sad reward ; beheld a barge With some high chieftain in its charge, Approaching slowly on the tide Drop anchor near the castle s side. The sails were furled, two score of rowers Uplifted high their polished oars, And then upon the vesper air Arose a solemn chanted prayer In Norway s tongue. My heart in fear Beheld the sad procession near ; Eight stalwart warriors strong and tall Marched onward with a raven pall Black as the darkest Norway night Hiding the very sun from sight. The wild, weird cronach soon was o er The column halted at the door As if the dead beneath the pall Would knock for entrance to the hall. The mistress with a tearful eye Betwixt a shudder and a sigh Gave me her hand, a sign to say, That I should lead the solemn way. I swung the carven portal wide Then silent as if speech had died Without a word, a sign or song The black procession moved along : 29 STORY AND SONG Neath armor in the stately hall They staid their steps : they set the pall. XXIII We knew twas he, yet silence fell, Nor could we break the tragic spell Which struck us dumb. At length a chief, Whom I had known, spake some relief: u My tongue reluctant moves," he said, " To tell the story of the dead A nobler, greater voice he needs To breathe the glory of his deeds. When viking Gurth approached with gold To purchase peace the tale he told Was disbelieved ; the erlking s wrath Arose a tempest round his path And named him traitor to the Norse, Proclaimed with all his mighty force The castle should be sacked. The king Mistook the brothers, bade them bring Ignoble fetters. And then Gurth Appealing unto heaven and earth Hurled back the traitorous word and lie. We deemed that he was doomed to die. " O fair musician," spake the king, " We know that thou canst harp and sing Now we will judge if thou canst wield With equal skill the sword and shield." With that he called upon his aides For targes and a pair of blades. 3 GURTH Then urged a kinsman of the king : " It is unmeet you do this thing A slight mischance, a fatal thrust May turn an earlking into dust And wreck our cause, as kinsman true I beg to champion cause and you. There lies my glove if he denies That he is traitor, then he dies." Scarce had the gauntlet downward sank Ere Gurth had snatched it from the plank, And with a greater strength than grace Hurled glove and challenge in his face. Then Northern blood and Norway ire Flamed upward like a living fire. As lightning leaps upon his track When Thor is raging fierce and black So from the scabbards leaped the swords Of these unconquered Norway lords. Unrivaled skill and strength contend Till none may prophesy the end; Each strove with seasoned hand to start The life blood from a foeman s heart. Thus raged the duel three hours long Between the warriors skilled and strong Till mighty Gurth with giant s leap Rushed on and with a twisted sweep Hurled high his foeman s blade away And heard it drop within the bay. c< Thy life is forfeit ! " uttered Gurth, "But since thou provedst a man of worth STORY AND SONG Thy Norseman s courage, strength and skill, I ll never let my weapon kill." Then spake the king : " Brave Gurth thine arm Hath guarded thee from mortal harm. The strongest swordsman of my fleet Thou didst with lordly courage meet. We will no longer war with thee We can no longer doubtful be Wilt thou abide by my right side To be my champion and my guide? Next to the king with skill and grace We pray thee take thy rightful place. Across the sea gainst Moslem foe We wait thy choice to bid us go. A single month of war or less Will bring thee home thy home to bless." Gurth wavered, and that moment cost His life and all the world he lost! He deemed our vessels anchored there A menace to this lady fair. Until the fleet had quit the shore He dare not call the danger o er. Besides within his bosom lay A love of battle s fierce array. Twas thus the royal wish prevailed And Gurth as king s companion sailed, Not doubting promised news was sent To bring this lady s heart content. What deeds he wrought, what chieftains fell Beneath his sword I may not tell 32 GURTH The score is in the minds of men Who saw him front the Scaracen." XXIV " Farewell ! brave Gurth, Valhalla s hall Hath opened to thy spirit s call, The gods of Odin, Frigga, Thor Have witnessed all thy deeds of war. Twas thou who made thy heart a shield To erlking on the battle-field, And in thy bosom sheathed the lance That flew to meet the king s advance. Farewell! Thou man of highest worth, Farewell! forever, noble Gurth." XXV He paused a moment, then he said: " I leave thee, lady, with thy dead! The gold he brought to purchase peace Hath doubled by the swords increase; This treasure and a priceless gem That graced a Kaliph s diadem Are given though they are but dross If measured by your mighty loss. Our king hath sent his vow by me To never wage a war on thee." Thrice bowed he down and then withdrew Close followed by the sable crew. 33 STORY AND SONG XXVI When the setting sun was a shield of gold, We buried him down by the sounding sea; Where the murm ring tide its stories told Of the changeful tide of humanity. Fronting the billows a monument stands Which is carven deep with his name and worth The casket is here, the soul in the hands Of One who ruleth o er heaven and earth. XXVII Long were the days and full of pain Hearts oft beating the same refrain. And days were blended into weeks Ere roses came to my lady s cheeks. Then Spring began to wake the blooms And bade them rise from lowly tombs, And flowering shrub and trilling bird Gladdened the eye and ear that heard. XXVIII Meanwhile my lady sought to teach My lips to lisp her native speech, And though the lesson hours were long They seemed as fleeting as a song. A dullard with tongue and pen Must oft repeat the task again, Sweet tasks they were, the volumes choice That waked the murmur of her voice. 34 My harp long silent now became A tongue for thoughts I dare not name GURTH For I a double language learned And treble was the treasure earned. While searching quaint Italian books I caught new meanings from her looks, A furtive glance, a sigh, a word The fondest hopes within me stirred. My harp long silent now became A tongue for thoughts I dare not name. XXIX Thus ran the year since Gurth was dead, At last my lady gently said : " Thou art a nobler kind of Gurth Like one new risen from the earth: The form is Gurth s, the soul thine own Bereft of all his harsher tone. Within a finer spirit reigns Washed clean of lawless crime and stains. Whilest thou hast caught a tongue from me My heart has been at school to thee. Since first I knew thou wert not Gurth I ve learned to rightly weigh thy worth; Here are my lands, my flocks and herds, My bondsmen who obey my words My castle with supreme command I offer thee with heart and hand." Speechless I stood no words were mine To answer such a gift divine. I knelt me down, I pressed her hands, Accepted neither halls nor lands, 35 STORY AND SONG Gave back the cattle on the plain, The sceptre of her rightful reign : " Thy love is all I seek," I said ; " I still will serve when we are wed. While love supreme through longest life Reigns o er us both as man and wife. KING EDGAR ARGUMENT Edgar the Peaceable, hearing that Elfrida, daugh ter of the earl of Devonshire, was very beautiful, sent his courtier, Athelwold, to verify the rumor ; if true he was to propose marriage on the monarch s behalf. Struck by Elfrida s beauty Athelwold wedded her himself, and later reported that while wealthy her beauty was exaggerated. Doubting this report Edgar announced an early visit. In despair Athelwold begged his wife to appear in coarse attire with her beauty disguised. Elfrida at first consented but when the monarch arrived she approached with her ra diant beauty enhanced by rich apparel and costly jewels. Seeing that Athelwold had deceived him the sovereign took Elfrida from him and made her queen. By this union Elfrida became the ancestress of nearly all subsequent sovereigns of England. This was Edgar s second marriage, his first was deemed by many unlawful. Soon after the wedding Athelwold was found dead. PROLOGUE Twas spring-time in old England Near a thousand years ago, And roses red were blooming As we joy to see them blow, 37 STORY AND SONG The birds were praising sweetly From the alder and the bay, As we have heard them hymning In the forests of today. And hearts were full as human As those that drumming beat On floral broidered byways Or on our crowded street. For noble hearts and lowly, The monarch on the throne Are known to sense the passions Akin to those we own. For Love is still immortal And sets the soul aglow As once in merry England A thousand years ago. The hearts of man and maiden Are tempest tossed today As those of stormy Saxons In cycles far away. So you may read this story In chronicles of old, And faintly hear the echoes In recent annals told : For bowing low to beauty With very latest breath Man sounds the praise of woman For whom he welcomes death. 3$ But sad the sovereign, KING EDGAR I Edgar, the peaceful, of great Alfred s line Is sovereign of England north to the Tyne, And west till waters of murmuring Dee Are won by wooing and sighing of sea. Here on its bosom the Saxon king rows With royalest crew that history knows ; Eight vassal monarchs threw scepters aside And rowed the Peaceable over the tide. So great his power, so mighty his reign, Even the fiercest marauders of main Never affronted ; his sinewy arm Engirdled the Isle like magical charm : Boldest of Northmen from Gallical raid Sheered off from harbors of Edgar dismayed. Valley and vale for abundant increase Sounded the praise of the monarch of peace. II But sad the sovereign, while bringing to all Richest of favors that heaven lets fall, Thrice blessing his realm, found little of rest For longing unnamed was gnawing his breast. In watches of night and glamor of day A face was present that would not away, Face of a maiden where roses were born, Yet fair as lily that opens at morn, She seemed a phantom to vanish with night ; When morning awoke she dazzled his sight. 39 STORY AND SONG The lily and rose that gardened her face Were mated and matched with marvelous grace. Such was the vision confronting him there, Though maids were many, surpassingly fair, And thronging his court no beauty could boast The features and form that seemed but a ghost; Distraught the king who through shadow and sheen Was seeking a wraith to crown her a queen. Ill The king called a courtier up to the throne A wave of the hand and twain were alone Spake unto him : " Lord Athelwold, thane, Ever the friend of King Edgar remain ; When questioned the stars gave answer to send A lord a journey if he were a friend. Thy friendship I ve nursed since rising to power, Of noble and knight thou seemest the flower. Mid thousands to flatter tis sad the throne Can never rest sure of friend of its own. My brother be thou, yea closer than he, For brothers oft covet scepters they see ; Be simply my friend, this title I bring The loftiest rank in gift of the king. Friend Athelwold knows as none others do, For oft I revealed my soul unto you, In darkness of night, in sunshine I ve seen Winsome one fair who is fitted to queen. Last eve a friar with swelling acclaim, Gave to my vision a palace and name ; 40 KING EDGAR O er earth he journeyed wherever there s sea And came a-singing her praises to me, Vowing the fairest in tower or town Is maiden waiting on Devonshire down : More marvelous still his wisdom can tell The form and features I ve painted so well. Ere parted my lips astonished 1 hear Of lily and rose, orbs open and clear, Of tapering hand, a flower-like form Lithe as willow yet defiant of storm, Her tress a garment of golden sunshine, Down falling, robing her figure confine, And smiling o er all beyond her control Half hidden, half shown her beautiful soul. The name of this peerless, dowerful girl, Elfrida of Devon, heir to the earl, Christened Elfrida, but beauty of heaven Rechristened the maiden Lily of Devon. IV Friend Athelwold hear, the cares of the state Have bound me to toil that cannot await The king s a servant whom none ever asks If he be weary the weight of his tasks ; Though weary and worn I may not this hour Seal to another the semblance of power : Thousands stand ready to grapple the crown If idly the king the bauble lay down. Therefore, my lord, I implore thee to seek Though I might command, in friendship I speak STORY AND SONG Speed thou to Devon, and on my behalf With wisdom akin to cunning and craft Lay to this Lily a seige of the heart ; While screening the monarch, playing a part, Deeply plumb nature though queenly her face She may be unworthy the throne to grace, May never own virtues rumor hath said To give England kings when Edgar lies dead. Thou wilt be wary while weighing her well Before your mission more openly tell. And thou wilt be faithful, faithful to death Safe guarding each gesture, wording and breath ? From airiest nothings, frown or a sigh Tenderest love is soon drooping to die; Carry her jewels, this necklace and ring, Which you may bestow as gifts of the king : This hoop bears legend in symbol and sign To prove high descent from Saracen line, From Araby kaliph thro kaliph of Spain It came to hand of le roy Charlemagne, Then o er the water to Egbert the king, Sovereign of England, safe journeyed the ring. It reads : " The owner to whom I come down Will find me a seed to grow to a crown." Keep it shall Devon or fairest or plain Discrowned is the king asking gifts again. In sending thee forth to woo me a wife, I m trusting a friend with more than my life, For life swiftly flies, while trumpet of fame May ever resound with honor and name. 42 KING EDGAR With mine will be wedded, ever more seen Name of the maiden I crown as a queen. Once more be faithful, this Lily is mine If rumor be true, if false call her thine." V Young was the morrow when lord rode away, Monarch nor wooer would longer delay. He hastened through day, at even he sped, Staid him but little for victual or bed; Stalwart the charger and steady and strong That carried Athelwold gaily along. Squire and servant were left far behind P\>r Athelwold rode with pace of the wind; He saw no primrose that broidered the way Nor noted hawthorns that scented the day, Heard not the thrushes the lark sang in vain As Athelwold galloped through forest and lane. What recked he of songs or flowers though rare, When Lily of Devon awaited him there. Three days he journeyed and half of a night Ere towers of Devon arose on his sight. The sun in splendor was sinking to rest Gilding a banner with Devonshire crest; High waved the pennon from crown of tower Defiantly boasting Devonshire s power. Adown the drawbridge, what need they to fear, No foeman was nigh, no danger anear. Descended the ward ; when Athelwold came Announcing his station, ranking and fame, 43 STORY AND SONG Portals flew open and Athelwold tall Safeguided entered the banqueting hall. Far on the dais the courtier beheld Masterful man who was wrinkled with eld, Defying all seasons, wisdom and might Burning in eyes that were flaming with light, Hidden by brows that were shaggy and raven; While snowiest locks and whisker unshaven Were framing a face deeply engraven With mystical signs from chisel of time, Hinting at struggle and whispering crime, While searching, groping for magical lore Of Druid and mage of ages before. And years of Devonshire s toiling and search Had severed him far from bosom of church. Travelers who journeyed in darkness of night Saw from his tower a devious light Streaming through blackness, while quivering air Seemed to give echoes to groans of despair. For wisdom he searched in passionate strife To riddle at length the secret of life ; Seeking a weapon, or shield of defense When angel of death should summon him hence. And there on feature and marvelous form Record was graven of study and storm. VI The usher announcing AthelwokTs name Gave voice to titles, fair station and fame. 44 KING EDGAR "Welcome Lord Athelwold, welcome I bring To him whose station is near to the king; But if art hither for pleasure s delight My lord was surely misguided tonight. Ancient the tower and gloomy the place That shelters the last of Devonshire s race. He who is master of moorland and hall Stands fronting the sea awaiting the call! Fearlessly watches with touches of pride For shadowy barge from over the tide, Then out through harbor and on to the west Orgar of Devon will hasten to rest. But thou art welcome, tis spending the breath To whisper an old man s boding of death; I only designed when put to the test, To warn yet welcome to Devon a guest." The words spake welcome but manner and tone Showed master content while dwelling alone; With sepulcheral voice potent to chill Warmest of words and the welcome to kill. VII Though cold the welcome the courtier advanced, Fearless of danger if danger there chanced, Nor noble nor knight in England s array Was braver than he who journeyed that day. The thane found supper the sewer had spread Kinder than greetings the master had said, And sav ry dishes and generous wine Caused earl and the lord to discourse incline. 45 STORY AND SONG The first oft listened to annals well told Of monarch and court by Lord Athelwold. And pleased was courtier with Athelstane s might In battle which filled a day and a night, Where Orgar, the earl, while fronting a Dane Was scarred in the face ere foeman was slain. And late the hour ere master and guest Turned thoughts aweary to couches of rest. VIII Athelwold guided by servitor old Ascended the stairs, contented and bold, He had met the earl and conquered in part Deeper resentment hid in his heart. But hardly he paced in uppermost hall Ere vision appeared a heart to appall Appalling at first for rumor had told Of magical art in Devonshire hold, And surmise arose the lord of the tower Was seeking to test his courage that hour, Sending dark specters his guest to affright While stalking to rest at nooning of night. Afar in blackness of midnight there came Shadowy maiden upholding a flame, Hooded and robed in the hue of the night, With tapering fingers only in sight, Wierdly she glided a serpentine way Chanting whilever a musical lay, Hither and thither remeasured the hall, Crooning and runing another to call. 46 KING EDGAR Then out of nethermost part of the gloom Answered a second and entered the room, Black hooded and cloaked with taper of light, Glided and measured from left unto right. Then circled the twain with arms intertwined With tapers aflare in move of the wind, Their number increased as forward they aim Full filling the hall with flickering flame, While echoing aisles with music resound Like murmuring ocean where grottoes abound, In circles advancing, with sirenous din, Screening and hiding a maiden within, Whose figure tallest, whose rounded arms white, Holding and swaying twin torches of light. Unhooded was she, her bosom was bare, While fallen, a robe, was marvelous hair ; Of gold it seemed woven mingled with light Such was the being that dazzled his sight ! He saw not her face, but partial her form Yet was reminded of glorious morn. When vanished the train, from sheltering niche He groped through hallway in darkness of pitch. And finding his room by servitor s light Visions were wafted surpassingly bright. IX The sun was robing fair earth with his beams Ere Athelwold rose from glorious dreams ; Again was ushered to banqueting hall Where Orgar of Devon awaited his call, 47 STORY AND SONG Who gave him good morn and trusted that night Had woven fair dreams till dawning of light. Athelwold answered that visions more rare Had never enchanted slumberer there, Nor could he give o er how e er it might seem That fairest beheld was more than a dream. Lord Athelwold ceased for tongue must be still When pictures enthrall and fetter the will, All other senses are dumb with surprise, And life is centered alone in the eyes. The tapestry trembled, open it swung, Revealing the cause that silenced his tongue. Rarest of hangings enveiling the door Enframed the maiden of even before ; White as a lilly yet roses grew there And reddened a cheek enchantingly fair. On threshold she paused a moment and stood Self-poised in the charm of sweet maidenhood; Swiftly bewitching, alluring the soul To yield the will to another s control, She staid a moment, her footsteps advance While Athelwold waked from out of a trance. " The Lily of Devon, the last of our race," Spake the earl ; Athelwold greeted with grace. The courtier was piqued that castle-bred girl Though being the daughter of Orgar, the earl, Should show by a smile the glance of her eye Caused a king s courtier to stammer and sigh. Fair ladies he knew, sweet maidens by score, Yet none ever moved as this one before. 48 On threshold she paused a moment and stood Self-poised in the charm of sweet maidenhood. KING EDGAR " Ah father, Lily of Devon requests The pleasure of welcoming hither thy guests, And thou hast kept secret our castle did hold Thane of King Edgar, the Lord Athelwold." u Nay, daughter," began her sire, with pride ; " Twas eve when Athelwold finished his ride. Down was the day-star, the light of my bower Had banished herself to shrine in the tower, To robe as priestess in garments of white And train her maidens in service aright. Twas unbeseeming when guest did appear, That I should disturb and summon her here ; Trusting my lord would not vanish away But wait a sunnier welcome to-day, Hoping thy greeting would prove a sweet power To bind a season in Devonshire tower." X Lord Athelwold said : " I m doubly in debt For richest of blessings heart ever met ; Though hooded mine eyes, a heavenly voice Would welcome me blind and bid me rejoice, And were I but deaf the brightness I see Would still be warmest of greetings to me : With vision secure and hearing beside I beg with Devon awhile to abide. A gracious monarch hath granted thy guest Some days to loiter as seemeth him best, And I like miser, who searches for gold, Would seek a treasure in Devonshire hold; 49 STORY AND SONG The rumor hath flown to ends of the land That power abides in Devonshire s hand; That wisdom of Merlin, magic and power Are known to the lord of Devonshire tower. Like monarch perchance thou wilt grant to one A ray of wisdom that hither hath run." XI " Lord Athelwold, thane, all rumors that fly Of magical spells are naught but a lie. Those sleeping in tombs breathe nothing of worth, In flesh are bodied the fairies of earth ; No magic so mighty neath the blue sky As written and hidden in fair woman s eye. Wooing sweet wisdom, some secrets are mine; In alchemy s fires some metals I fine. Doubt not, my lord, there are words to be told Turning base metals to richest of gold. With coffers of gold ambition s a might To raise a fair youth to giddiest height A hand is ambition heaven lets down To lift the courageous up to a crown. But lore of Merlin is learning of age, Wisdom comes late at the uttermost page ; And now I am old, with wisdom sublime I ne er can hinder the scything of Time. Spite of much treasure and something of lore The days of Orgar are barely a score." KING EDGAR XII "Father, forego," urged the Devonshire heir. " Preach never again such creed of despair ; Bright is the morning, no cloud in the sky, Tis sweet to be living, if destined to die. I fear Lord Athelwold, hearing thy strain, May call for charger and journey again." "Nay, Lady of Devon, thy sire s sad word, Though painful to hear, is oftenest heard. The singer of morn lies silent at night, Blossom of noontide falls fading with light, Fairest of earthly in sunshine of God May sleep to-morrow in couches of sod. But deeper than wisdom the words ye say : c J Tis sweet to be living even a day, And out in the sunshine breezes will bear Far on their pinions the minions of care. " XIII Lily of Devon and the Lord Athelwold Passed out in the sunshine s glitter and gold, And dayshine faded ere Lily and thane Re-entered the castle for shelter again. But slow marched hours ere blessings of rest Lighted on him who was Devonshire s guest. Nameless and dreadful forebodings besiege A heart devoted to Edgar his liege. Bright was the morrow when courtier arose, Doubtful and fearful what eve would disclose. STORY AND SONG Again they wandered earth s beautiful room, Where forests were gay with budding and bloom ; Listened to carol and fluting of thrush A-wooing a wife from blossoming bush ; Hearing the brooklet race tuneful away Through moorland and meadow down to the bay. Lord Athelwold told of monarch and court, His sovereign he praised in faithful report; Of noble and knight, of lady and squire, Lily of Devon seemed never to tire. This day s a copy of others that passed, While stronger and stronger fetters were cast That prisoned the courtier, weakened his power To sever away from Devonshire flower. Each night a courage and faithfulness grew To vanish at morn like traces of dew. Afar the Lily though fairest of fair Grew doubly enchanting present to share The sunshiny meadow, choirs and flowers, Nature conspiring to heighten her powers. One evening the moon was lending her light To silver the forest, moorland and height, While lord and lady together abide Lulled by the chant of the murmuring tide. Out o er the deluge that billowing rolls, Drifting and drifting together their souls ; The crudest moon, abusing her power, Was binding with magic spirits that hour; And over the lord came wonderful peace, Commanding all struggle to vanish and cease. 52 KING EDGAR Old Ocean roared loudly, tauntingly said : " Courage, O courtier, is needed to wed." But into the hall crept specters of wrong To battle with right till coming of dawn. XIV One morn spake courtier : " Fair lady, I bring These treasures of beauty, gifts of the king : This jewel journeyed to heighten thy hand And this thy bosom by royal command. Now listen to madness, harken to me ! I offer my being and life unto thee; These also are baubles fame, fortune, and life If maiden of Devon be never my wife. Art silent, O Lily? Thy heart oppressed With longing unspoken, nameless unrest? You may be destined through dangerous love To rise on a corse to station above. Dreaming you may be of highest renown ; Fate may be shaping your scepter and crown ; Hidden the future, mine eyes fail to see What Time is weaving fair Devon and me. But once you declared the gauds of the crown Are dust in the scales that love weighteth down. I offer thee love with life and my name, Yet nothing from thee can Athelwold claim. While kneeling to woo I trust that your lips The light of my hope and life will eclipse. If Lily but say : Heart loveth thee not, In death shall glory of earth be forgot. S3 STORY AND SONG On nethermost edge of being I stand Awaiting a word, one sign of command; No moan will I make, nor censure nor blame I love, and therefore can never complain; Whatever thou givest, blessing or dole, Receives the sanction of me and my soul." She paused a moment awaiting to fling Rain from her eyes on the gift of the king, Gave but a glance to the glittering band Then to her lover her tapering hand. He needed no word, nor signal, nor sign The smile that she lent was near the divine. XV Not lightly Athelwold yielded and fell, He fought full often the mightiest spell, Battled through hours of snail-footed night, Yet meeting defeat with dawning of light. He marshaled all forces captained by reason, Plainly they pointed his pathway was treason, But touch of the hand when moonlight lay still Routed the reason and prisoned the will. He strove for the king, but striving was vain; His soul cried aloud at torture and pain. In darkness he vowed the monarch must win, Each motive for self was treacherous sin ; Let morning arise and maiden advance The king was unhorsed by Athelwold s lance. What mortal should boast : u I never shall fail ; My virtues thrice clad in garments of mail, 54 KING EDGAR Howe er temptation is armored to ride, I dare to battle whatever betide." For many be true from birth till they die Save a vast treasure come temptingly nigh ! Thus a sheaf of days Time gathered away Till Athelwold vowed no longer delay. The morrow he pledged to saddle and ride And beg the monarch the Lily for bride. Musing he spake : " Ev ry vassal must bring All of his own to the feet of his king. Bow to the monarch in struggle and strife, Willingly yielding his fortune and life, Flinging all things away, trampling them down, Life, castles and lands for sake of the crown. But heaven itself has dowered the soul With rights surrendered to no man s control. And the king s a man in joustings of love Let victory fare to the favored above." So to the master he hastily said, As fearing resolve might weaken and ebb : u Fate is surely unkind sending me here With little of lore the aged to cheer. Now on the morrow, at breaking of day, I must leave my lord and hasten away. Regretfully I my journey retrace, And sadly I say : c Farewell to your grace. " XVI "Athelwold, pardon the man in the sire Bidding thee stay when you wish to retire ; 55 STORY AND SONG Fate may be unkind, or frowning or fair, But stars sent thee here to husband mine heir. Nor couldst thou prevent. Twas woven in soul, Transcending all bounds of human control. How unraveled I this ? Athelwold thane, Never a volume was lettered as plain ! I count not the lore of magi of old Save as you answer the prophecy told : When Devonshire race is centered in one Great lord of the realm shall hitherward run. From Winchester town a treasure he brings To Devonshire heir, fair mother of kings. I know Lord Athelwold loveth my girl ; Her hand is studded with marvelous pearl. The circle of gold in cunning design Is gift prophetic to scion of mine. Close drawn to Lily thou wilt not deny, For lips of Athelwold scorneth a lie. Behold how river is drawn to the sea ; Gaze now on flower alluring the bee ; Earth thirsty looks up and crieth aloud Till heavens give down the milk of the cloud; There are metals that tug the heart of a stone Think ye your lordship is standing alone ! Must river yield all its treasure to tide? Must blossom grow sweets that bees may abide? Must clouds send harvests o er valley and plain And you yield nothing? O, answer me, thane ! Why, even the stars, while lamping at night, Are marshaled and led in marvelous flight. KING EDGAR Thy blossom she is, sea, starlight and earth, Desired and longed for since moments of birth. Shall Nature, who belted all things by power, Be baffled and beaten in Devonshire tower ? Nay ! while man is summit and crown of all, He, too, though highest, is none but a thrall. Name I the numberless claims of mine heir: Virtue and beauty, the shine of her hair, Her princely estates, the riches of keep, To start Lord Athelwold out of his sleep ! With one step on the stair, claim as your own Second, to bring you anigh to the throne. With mine heir for spouse, my gold to allure, You surely might even a crown secure ; Near to a king who unlawfully wed, What hinders your reign when Edgar lies dead ? All numbered my days, mine hours are told When outward I sail from Devonshire hold; Ere vanishing I would dower the bride, Who holds in herself all Devonshire pride. This eve where moonlight illumines my bed The daughter of Devon will wait you to wed." XVII Bright moon was rising o er Alington height, With courtier dreaming near nooning of night, But clouds were marshaling far in the west When servitor broke on Athelwold s rest. Into his presence with torches aflame Herald and warder to Athelwold came. 57 STORY AND SONG They robed him in green, they darkened his eyes, Naming the pleasure of gentle surprise. Then out afield he was silently led Till Druidical oak over him spread, Giant of ages though storm after storm Had tugged its branches and twisted its form. Here Athelwold s eyes were given again To see himself pent in circles of men, Twelve circles, each man with symbol abreast To mark a vassal of Devonshire crest. And centermost there beheld them unfurl Armorial banner of Devonshire s earl, High waving o er him, who drawing each breath Was battling most fiercely demons of death. Lord Athelwold heard rejoicing and song, Eerily creeping on zephyrs along, Stronger and louder far voices acclaim, Mingling his own with Devonshire name ; While o er the meadow in moonlight there came Black robed procession with tapers aflame, Gliding and weaving fair shadows of night, With tapering fingers holding a light, Encircling onward around and around Lily of Devon with tresses unbound, Enrobed in a gown, the hue of the sky, Matching the blue in the deeps of her eye. Thus forward moved they till under the wood They girded around where Athelwold stood Near to the Lily, whose bridal array Created her fair as dawning of day. 58 Gliding and weaving fair shadows of night, With tapering fingers holding a light. KING EDGAR Spake masterful man of Devonshire tower : "I give her my lord, I give her with dower, That runs with Torridge and races the Dart, Exmoor and Dartmoor are parcel and part, From Elfracombe Bay to Bigbury sands, Tavistock, Tiverton hear our commands ; Tavy and Teign ye may rightfully claim, Treasure and castles of Devonshire name." In weakness paused he the struggle severe Yet rising from couch resembling a bier, Beckoned one forward, a being more eld, Than e er had eyes of the courtier beheld. He towered aloft neath mistletoe bough, With countenance calm, a wonderful brow Deep rutted and wrinkled, written with years Of study which banished longing and fears. Snow is no whiter than vestments he wore, Woven with signs of Druidical lore. From sire to son his knowledge had run Down from ages ere the Saxon begun. Slowly to music like murmuring rain With mystical rites he united the twain. No cross of the church nor miter was there, As Orgar was deemed a wizard of air. Symbol of earth was man, maid of the sky, Wed in purity with love from on high. Yonder the ocean in anthem of song, Yonder the forest the echoes prolong, Above them the blue, beneath them lay spread A rug of daisies, when Lily was wed. 59 STORY AND SONG But ere from wedding they journeyed them back The moon was shrouded with mantle of black. Still home through meadow came blithely the train, Joyously chanting a bridal refrain Into the banqueting hallway, the groom Proudly safe guarding his Devonshire bloom ; And Dawn rose-tinted the sky in the east Ere bride and the groom had quitted the feast. XVIII As they departed, shrill clarion call Startled all inmates of tower and hall. Unasked to Devon a messenger came And summoned the groom in the sovereign s name " The king and nobles in knightly array Await your lordship at Bigbury Bay. Answers are vain you must saddle and ride, Away though it be from virginal bride." The bride was in sorrow, the groom saw the sign ; He pledged his love in a goblet of wine; Fondly he folded her form in embrace, Lightly his lips touched the bloom in her face. Then, vowing return ere close of the day, He mounted his steed and galloped away. He spared not the charger nor spur nor whip Till seeing the haven girdling the ship, Praying and urging the courser to bring Master perplext to the feet of the king, A miser of moments hoarding the time Though rider and horse were mottled with grime. 60 KING EDGAR Warder was ready awaiting the thane And ushered him in as slackened the rein. XIX " Lord Athelwold, thane," said monarch who reigned, " Hast ever the friend of Edgar remained, Or art thou traitor with ravenest heart Enmasking to play a villainous part? A mission I gave ; now bring me the truth, For hope there s little of shriving or ruth." Down sank Athelwold haggard and old, And this to monarch most haltingly told : " Sovereign, a child is unable to bear Burdens an elder may toss in the air; Unyielding, he seeks by tugging at length To carry a weight surpassing his strength, Knowing naught of weakness till end of test May die in struggle at sire s behest. A child kneels lowly, O Sovereign of State, To tell of burden he fears was too great. Like youth he ventured till waters above Have sunken him deep in ocean of love. Thou sentest me forth a burden to bring To judge if maiden be fit for the king, Labor far greater than ever my power Tastes differ, my king, as flower from flower. What pleasures one sight brings pain to another, What nourishes me may weaken a brother, What is fair to eye of vassal may bring Not delight, but loathing, when seen by king. 61 STORY AND SONG Sweet music, to some, is honey of joys; To those discordant, it wholly annoys. Beauty herself is a creature of minds Outer is only what inner one finds, A shading of hair, a curve of a line Makes homely to one, to others divine. Great nations have passed and monarchs have died For beauties others could hardly abide. Broaden a feature or slender it down, Queen Beauty is reft of scepter and crown; Change but a hair-breadth, though nothing it harms, The Fairy hath fled with magical charms. How, then, could I vow the Devonshire maid Though fair in mine eyes and virtue-arrayed Could fill the orbs of my king with delight Had I dared to present her fore him to-night ? Though lighting my hall, her beauty might shine With little luster in palace like thine; Her hair may ensnare a courtier, I vow, But never enmesh great monarch as thou. True, she hath gold and vast treasure at hand These if thou deignest are thine to command. So starry the height is majesty seen, Only the royal seems fitted to queen ; Then why should mightiest monarch of earth Husband a maiden less royal of birth? In France dwells princess of Charlemagne s line, And one waits wooer o er waters of Rhine ; Choose thou among kindred, king from a king, From royalest blood let mightiest spring, 62 KING EDGAR And leave to thy vassal, who offers his life, Devonshire maid he hath taken to wife." XX " What said Lord Athelwold ! say not again ! That thou art falsest ;r.ong races of men, Even have dared in Devonshire tower To rival thy king and mate with his flower. Surely you saw in some feature, her eyes, Traces of beauty, then grasped at the prize. Thine orbs were not thine, all visions were mine; For me they beheld her beauty ashine Thine eyes but mirrors to mirror to me Feature and form that they seemed but to see. If your ear caught notes of caroling voice, Twas justice that I alone should rejoice. If you touched for self such touches defile, All mine the harvest of blessing and smile. The love you sensed in your innermost part Was woven of throbs that beat in my heart. Stark naked you stand no shield of defense For monarch was I of every sense. As you rob me of heaven, blessing thyself, Why prate of the theft of paltrier pelf? Why mention the dross when deeps of your soul, Emotions and thoughts, were mine to control ? My presence depart, swift fleeting the hours Till meeting again in Devonshire towers." STORY AND SONG XXI Lord Athelwold raced as racer for life Till, seated beside his beautiful wife, Spake to the Lily : " The King of the Isle Comes hither, lady, to tarry awhile. And if twill please you to humor me now, I pray you darken your snowy-hued brow, Banish the roses abloom in your face, Your bosom with coarsest fustian enlace, These wonderful locks unrivaled by peer I beg most swiftly you harvest with shear, With pigments of brown your fairness efface And mask a season your willowy grace." " My lord," said the Lily, " pray thee explain. Why darken my brow, and roses unstain ? Has innocent hair been guilty of treason, To perish at once without rhyme or reason ? Why, even a hind feels pleasure and pride In grace that arrays his virginal bride. What crime is so base that in the king s eyes I must amble a drudge in sloven s disguise ? Tis said sweet beauty is scepter and power ; Must I cast her off in Devonshire tower?" "True beauty enchants," said Lord Athelwold, " But graces of mind are the anchors that hold ; Virtue enfetters when beauty is gone, Which vanishes oft twixt twilight and dawn. But, lady, time urges ; I bow unto thee And pray you garner your beauty for me, 64 KING EDGAR For even the king may yield to thy charm And bring upon spouse the deadliest harm. Fair Lily, recall the pearl on your hand Was hitherward borne at monarch s command; And seeing thee fair, as fair as thou art, May follow this gift with gift of his heart. If other should woo one greater than I How then would Lily of Devon reply ? " "I would say to king, that I am a wife, Holding honor and name dearer than life. Since danger, you deem, approaches the tower I ll hie me away to rose-hidden bower, And maidens may there with murderous skill All of my beauty most cruelly kill." XXII Lord Athelwold waited, weary and worn Anxiously waited the sound of a horn ; He tarried not long till seneschal came With word to make ready in sovereign s name. "The king is nearing, the bright retinue Is hardly a league from Devonshire view." Meanwhile in blossoming rose-burdened bower The fairest of England was weeping that hour; With her sweet maidens were mingling their tears Ere beautiful locks were slain by the shears. They fondly caressed silk fibers of gold As misers caress the treasures they hold. Anear came a knight, who lighted to ground, Beholding amazed such tresses unbound. 6s STORY AND SONG So sadly she wept he prayed her to speak The sorrowful cause that showered her cheek. Lily of Devon, twixt sobbing and sigh, To stranger betrayed why beauty must die. Reasoned the rider: "Is beauty a curse, Ivy to banish or blossom to nurse? Surely your spouse should well ponder again Ere banning for all this fairness from men. The king hath gold to do as he please But where is the mart for features like these? If priced a kingdom, a scepter and throne, He might barter them all for tresses alone. I pray, fair lady, thy purpose give o er, Destroy not blessings that none can restore. Near am I to king, who cometh the hour To rest a season in Devonshire tower, And pledge thee his faith by sainted above He journeys alone on mission of love Love holy and pure as maiden heart feels Bowed at communion, she worshiping kneels. I beg, I command, an hour of time Ere finger dares move to traitorous crime." He mounted his steed and loosing the rein Rode swiftly to lead the sovereign s train. Ere ever the sands marked flight of an hour Monarch and retinue entered the tower. XXIII Spake sovereign to thane: u If heaven be just How couldst thou destroy all traces of trust, 66 KING EDGAR Trample on friendship, thy monarch disdain By touch unholy and longings profane? Tis treason unpardon d to think of the queen, And she was sovereign though never yet seen ; Round her the banner, the buckler, and sword Of England s monarch, thy masterful lord." Athelwold answered : u My lips touched her cheek, Bringing me heaven that heareth me speak, And swear the Lily of Devon s as pure As when hither I rode her hand to secure. But if thinking, dread king, be treason vile, I pray you prison the Lily s sweet smile; Else wherever seen, or saddened or gay, Treason will follow as certain as day. But now the Lily s as perfect a flower As any abloom in paradise bower. Scarce wedded were we ere entered the hall Thy messenger warm with summoning call, Commanding that I should saddle and ride The instant I heard, whatever betide. One moment I folded the Lily in arms Then away, away from virginal charms. If king deign enter a tourney with me We ll wait decision whose spouse she will be. By all that I am, or should be, I swear She s never my wife till so she declare. St. Dunstan is near to swiftly enforce A judgment you hear decreeing divorce. E en this perchance is unneeded to shore Marriage of twain by Druidical lore. STORY AND SONG Again let her choose the king on the throne Or knight who offers affection alone. " Consented the king to Athelwold s word, And soon the judgment of Dunstan was heard. XXIV The Lily was summoned; tapestried hall Gave way as she entered, graceful and tall ; No pigment was there her fairness to brown ; In waves her tresses rolled shiningly down, A ribbon of snow the golden locks bound Looping a measure from touch of the ground. Noblest of maidens and haughty dames proud Gave space to vision that parted the crowd. Stately she glided in garments of white Nor glanced to the left nor yet to the right, Journeyed straight onward toward monarch and thane, The gallants of England forming a lane; Courageous in heart but rose-color failed, Seeing how Athelwold suddenly paled, Then crimsoned her face as knight of the bower Rose high o er highest, the monarch of power. At foot of the dais adaze with surprise A minute she paused and lowered her eyes, Till king held her hand with courtliest grace And gallantly throned her next to his place. XXV "Fair lady and judge," the royal voice said While silence brooded like living were dead, 68 KING EDGAR " In fairy-land kingdom where heaven weds earth There bloomed a flower of infinite worth : Only one blossom like this one abloom, With it the king sought to garnish his room. Fair flowers he knew, exceedingly rare, But this the fairest surpassingly fair. But being weighed down by burdensome power, Unable himself to ride for the flower, Sent servant instead, and calling him friend Besought him that he would faithfulness lend, To ride a journey till blossom so bright Should burst on orbs as to dazzle their sight. Servant went forward until he did find The beautiful bloom the king had in mind; But scorning the crown, disdainful of power, He wickedly plotted theft of the flower. Impious fingers forgetful of chief, Touched petal and stem and marvelous leaf; His breath drank fragrance belonging to king, Soon would the flower have quit blossoming. These rumors ran rife to end of the land, And servant was summoned by royal command, Then out of base lips by might of his power He wrung confession concerning the flower. Unsatisfied then; for never again Will he own rich faith in friendship of men ; Breeding suspicion, he hastened away To ride to that land as fast as he may; Arriving aright at fairy-land bower, Saw with amazement that wonderful flower. STORY AND SONG While yearning to seize and save its perfume, Beauty and brightness to heighten his room, He doffs a season majestical power, Yielding a throne to that beautiful flower. Fearing the blossom might wither and die If secret longing the king should defy Though rightfully his, all rights he resigns To ask the blossom which way it inclines, And vows by the cup Sir Galahad saw To sanction its choice by might of the law. Ere blossom shall aught of decision declare, The king would secret most willingly share. Through marches of days and midnight s lone hours, In visions he saw this fairest of flowers ; The visions confirmed by rumors that came To dower the flower with bower and name, Since monarch has come and monarch has seen Would make of blossom a spouse and a queen. He loved it afar, and now it is near In flood-tides of love tis treble as dear. Thus quitting the throne, and bowing him down, He offers this blossom love and a crown." XXVI The monarch bent low, and Athelwold knelt, Not lifting sad eyes for glances he felt, Spake never a word, excuse he had none Save love led onward to all he had done. She paused some moments, full deeply her sigh, While tears fell waiting a husband s reply; 70 KING EDGAR She knew Love was blind, alas ! was he dumb, Or did danger appall and silence the tongue ? " O Sovereign of State," breathed Devon at last, " The days of my wooing forever are past, For I am a wife, my husband kneels there Whose woe and welfare I m plighted to share/ Said monarch with frown: "Two lovers kneel down, Choose thou the vassal or monarch with crown. Thine husband that was hath put to the test The claim that Devon still loveth him best; Hath sworn by himself thy choice to abide Ere ever again he claims thee as bride." Ah, then, did Lily of Devon divine Why husband forebore a word or a sign; Facing a monarch he may not defy Though ready and willing in battle to die. Love tugged at her heart but him she resigned To follow the path to safety inclined; She sacrificed life to ransome a life By yielding herself to the monarch as wife. Then Devon began : " Be it evermore known I loved him, O king, more than scepter and throne. But thou art monarch, by Monarch above Sent hither to rule our life and our love. To my sovereign I yield: let memory keep Love s fragrance till death shall woo me to sleep. All, all that I am to thee I resign, And pray thee sweet mercy for him that was mine. May it never be said Edgar did bring Vengeance on him who dared rival the king. STORY AND SONG As God hath kept me in virtue serene So shall I be faithful as wife and a queen." She raised the monarch by sign of command And gave to his own her lily-hued hand. 72 EPILOGUE EPILOGUE Again sweet Spring has whispered To blossoms underground, Again the buds are bursting With mystery profound: A woman stands a-weeping Enwrapt in growing gloom, And drops a sheaf of lilies Upon a lowly tomb. Her stature fair and stately, Her roses rich and rare, But crowning all her beauty Is the glory of her hair. She singly drops the blossoms And with each bloom a tear For him who died at Devon, While royal pair was near. In vain a monarch s mercy Gave pledge to queenly wife, In vain the tears of Devon To call him back to life. While golden orb was sinking His spirit sadly fled, The very day the Lily The peaceful monarch wed. 73 STORY AND SONG Not all the glare and glitter Encompassing a throne. Can woo away the hunger Of human heart alone; And queen may be as lonely As any widowed dove, And mourn herself a widow By the sepulcher of love. 74 THE CENTURY THE CENTURY Read before the Progress Circle New Years Eve, 1900. Open your ponderous portals, O Time ! Oh, open your gates to a cycle sublime Open them swiftly, for the races of men Are awaiting thy signal ere marching again. Legions are pausing twixt the old and the new, While the pageant of years sweeps by in review. A century past, and the babe of that day Is drowsily dreaming the moments away ; He awakens in youth pondering a dream Of the marvelous light beginning to gleam : In manhood, a .giant, with sinewy brawn To wrestle Dame Nature till coming of dawn ; All night is the battle; when darkness is past, The Dame gives her scion a blessing at last. Now wrinkled and grizzled, a hundred years old, He totters and halts, while his triumphs are told ; Smiles proudly and cries, as a conqueror ought : u Behold, O my children, the wonders I wrought ! My creatures belch fire through the watches of night, And carry you swift as an eagle in flight ; I have shrunken the earth till oceans are lakes ; I catch every cry that humanity makes ; Over mountainous heights and under the sea Run nerves of the world till they center in me; 75 STORY AND SONG A touch of the wire and I banish the gloom; I hear voices afar as if in the room, And even my dead, as they sleep in the tomb, Still speak to the quick as though buried too soon : Through wireless air mystic messages come ; In depths of the deep my leviathans run ; Vast islands I formed of a continent grand, And the seas went marrying at my command ; On the shoreless, the treacherous air I float And laugh at the wind waves that threaten my boat. With the lightning my thrall three kingdoms I own: Earth and water and air acknowledge my throne. I have pictured the heart still throbbing with pain, But the soul ah, the soul ! I ve hunted in vain, I have mastered the cipher graven on stone By the ringer of God, and humbly I own I plumb with amazement the deeps of His plan In launching the earth as a vessel for man, Enladening her deeply with iron and coal, Seaming the mountains with His silver and gold, Fringing the rivers with the whispering wood, And sowing the valley with spices and food, O er-spreading our room with a magical loom And tinting the pattern with beauty of bloom, Then placing His children abroad in their prime, They start on a voyage supremely sublime : On etherial sea, afloat in a ship And sailing a marvelous, measureless trip, With a meteor s speed twixt Venus and Mars, Earth runneth a race on the track of the stars. THE CENTURY " Small wonder that he who hath conquered this ball, Who hath reached to the stars and measured them all, Who hath creatures to sing, to speak and to nod, Claims kinship anear to the infinite God! " But I humble myself when weighing the crime Oh the sorrow and shame that men say are mine, And the lowly and poor, who starving and cold, See the coffers of wealth, o erflowing with gold; And I sigh with remorse as memory shows That I am a century cycle of woes. The war drums still throbbing and murder again, Is redd ning the earth with the blood of the slain ; I tremble to think that the Father above Hath never repealed His commandment to love ; And marvel to know the foremost in worth Are foremost in slaying their brothers of earth." Thus speaketh the century dying to-night, So boastful yet humble, so wrongful yet right. The mightiest wizard of centuries eld, The wisest magician Time ever beheld ; Yet we who are watching his ultimate breath Feel neither a pang nor regret at his death. We are glad the past will be buried at last, Though mighty the drama and splendid the cast. We are children of light, and, facing the dawn, Are waiting the word to march onward and on, Faithfully trusting there are triumphs in store Greater and grander than this century bore. 77 STORY AND SONG Neither prophet am I, nor even the son Of prophetical sire ; yet over me come Fair visions of brightness that shine as the sun, Engilding earth s shadows with magical beam, And painting the future a rose-colored dream. So happy are people that praises of men Discourage all language and baffle my pen. Words ! words are as ashes disguising a fire, Or clothing a goddess in beggar s attire. But joyous the planet with joys from above, For the Spirit of Good broods earth as a dove ; War s music is ended ; the music of praise Now lightens and sweetens the labor of days ! Gaunt famine has vanished ; no more is it said The children beg vainly a mother for bread ; There s daily a banquet to ends of the earth, Where the highest give place to the lowly of birth ; The poorest are rich, and the richest content, When labor and harvest are equally sent. God s velvety tapestry, woven for earth, Grows fairer with flowers of infinite worth There the children who delved are joyously heard To rival the music of caroling bird. No doorways are barred, no one seeketh by stealth, For each hath enough, and enough meaneth wealth. Fair cities are rising, surpassingly grand ; Neither palace nor hut is marring the land ; No hungry nor homeless is thronging the street, No maiden is sold for a morsel to eat ; THE CENTURY Hearts harder than iron were melted and ran To succor the vestal and sorrowful man ; Harsh Levite and prelate departed, and then A nation was born of Samaritan men. Diseases are passing, for worry and dread Are harvesters fierce in the field of the dead ; Even death is delayed ; an angel of bliss He cometh when age is aweary of this; And lifts in his arms and soothes with his hand, And gently transports to a neighboring land. Dame Nature is harnessed now, willing to yield, As the drudge of the shop, the household and field Skillful creatures man-made are tilling the sod, While genie of all is co-worker with God, In highest of wisdom is tracing his plan In making this planet a heaven for man. Think ye a century is too brief a time For man to enjoy such a vision sublime ? Must the race still plod on through error and tears And suffer in shame for unlimited years ? I say to you : Nay ; we are garnering power, Like a century plant that blooms in an hour, Or as comets out of the infinite run, For eons of ages, approaching the sun, When nearing God s taper their marvelous flight Grows swifter and swifter, till speeding like light, After rounding their goal they measure their pace Like charger that cools, after winning a race. 79 STORY AND SONG For numberless years, out of folly and crime Humanity s race has been learning to climb ; So painful its progress, so slothful at first, Now faster and faster, as greater the thirst For wisdom that serves ; we are rounding the goal To brotherhood vast of which God is the soul. Our mother is rich ; t is the fault of some child Who is cruel, relentless, savage and wild ; Tis he who has minted the hearts and the tears Of lowlier brothers through measureless years ; Persuade him to justice, the world stands redeemed, And ready for visions a dreamer hath dreamed. Now open, O Time, your double-leaved gate Oh, hasten, your children impatiently wait Let enter the light and fair wisdom sublime, Turn backward avarice, passion and crime; Inviting sweet peace and bright progress within, Bar forever the wars, diseases and sin ; Forbidding the wrongful with falsehood s foul stain, Crown Honor and Right fair sovereigns to reign. The hammer is trembling, so eager to fall ! When earth shall fly on like swift cannon-ball; No moment is wanting : now cometh the morn. Harken ! behold ye! the Century s born. 80 CALIFORNIA S GREETING CALIFORNIA S GREETING AT THE WORLD S FAIR From home beside Balboa s sea I bring sweet greetings, sisters fair, And prayers that ye will pardon me, If I your honors seek to share. Columbia brave, thy daughters all Are sovereigns, yet to thee we bow, And ask that as a blessing fall This golden chaplet on thy brow. And other rulers of the world Are sending here a countless fleet, With every royal flag unfurled To pour earth s treasures at thy feet. With one accord and modest worth, With warmest heart and open hand, We bid the nations of the earth Thrice welcome to our favored land. Let every island of the sea, Let every land beneath the sun, Hear welcome now as full and free As rendered since the world begun. Bring all the garnered fruits of toil, Bear hither all you treasure most : 81 STORY AND SONG Old Father Time, I bid you spoil Of everything that makes him boast. I know the worth of young and old In this fair sisterhood of state, Yet pray you deem me none too bold If I my partial claims relate. I pledge you in this golden cup A gift from one of countless mines And quaff a nectar gods might sup, The earnest of unnumbered vines. Broad fields of wheat and orchard deep Extend o er valley, hill and plain ; While orange bloom with sweet perfume Makes zephyrs sigh to come again. I cannot paint my gorgeous skies, Nor trace the constant glow and gleam, Where Nature revels and defies The painter in his wildest dream. Yosemite ! supremely grand, Thy poet true is yet unborn To picture with a master hand Thy glories on a vernal morn. For mortals stand in wondering awe And know all living tongues must fail 82 CALIFORNIA S GREETING If, madness lured, they seek to draw The peerless falls of Bridal Veil. Where granite mountains upward creep Till, Babel built, they touch the sky; And waters sweep in mighty leap To Mirror Lake, there calmly lie. This jewel gleaming on my breast, Encircled by a rim of snow Asleep on giant mountain crest, Reflects the charms of Lake Tahoe. Mt. Wilson s brow is wreathed with snow, His foot is shod in olive green, While mimic snow of orange blow Crowns every vale and valley seen. Your sun is hidden by the west, Mine lingers o er the Golden Gate To kiss the maids he loveth best While other lands his beams await. I crave your pardon if you think I speak with boldness nearly rude, And seek to show you many a link That drew me to your sisterhood. For centuries asleep I lay, And seemed but only half awake, 83 STORY AND SONG When near my San Francisco Bay I heard the guns of Francis Drake. Soon after, when the Fathers came And taught my wayward children well, I could not all my senses claim But in a dreamland seemed to dwell. For such the peaceful life they led With flocks and herds on plain and hill, I did not rouse me from my bed Nor feel my senses throb and thrill. Then rumor ran of coming strife, My heart became a warmer font, And I arose to stranger life To clasp the hand of brave Fremont. A grander stride of joy and pain I marched when in my mountains old, As yellow veins were rent in twain Ran freely with my virgin gold. Deep in my rocky vaults I kept The treasures that in later years Enriched the world as o er me crept The brave and hardy pioneers. I pray you just a moment stay, And sweep from mem ry all the rest, For all I have must homage pay To Native Daughters of the West. 84 CALIFORNIA S GREETING These peerless prizes of my State Unrivaled rank where waters run; And each will hardly find a mate Save mated to a Native Son. Consider, too, the bounds I own To make me proud among the great While riches hitherto unknown Have christened me the Golden State. Bold Shasta lifts his ponderous shield Along my northern line to guard, While eastward as on battle field Nevada s giants watch and ward. A canyon vast, a desert wide Keep well my southern boundary, And Neptune with his grandest tide To westward boweth down to me. A million million pennant pine Rise armed a lance from out the sod, To keep these virgin charms of mine For men who only feared their God. I own no wish your sight to blind With jewels rare and golden fruit; I value these, yet bear in mind My proudest triumphs are of truth. 85 STORY AND SONG The torch Prometheus lit on high, Here brightly beams on mountain peak, As Barnard meets the starry sky In merry game of hide-and-seek. His stellar friends he names by name, And with his powers yet abloom Has won himself a mighty fame By finding Jove a hidden moon. I shall not try your patience kind Recounting all the wealth I hold Come, come to me and you will find One-half my charms are still untold. O voice of river, rill and lake ! Join in the anthem of the sea And every sound in nature wake To chant thy praise Oh Liberty ! 86 TO MY MOTHER TO MY MOTHER HER JJTH BIRTHDAY They say another year has fled And you should seem some older, More white upon your honored head Your pulse a trifle colder. They claim that Father Time should set Some hieroglyphic letter, And spell with his quaint alphabet The years that you are debtor. But as we search your gracious face No recent lines are graven, No needless snow has come to grace The locks that still are raven. Your step is like a woman s prime, Your laugh as light as ever, Have you then made a league with Time To be your friend forever? Has he whose touch brings frequent grief, Whose signs foretell a sorrow, Agreed to grant you sweet relief On each returning morrow? Whate re the secret of thy youth Our gladness we are voicing These lines but echo back the truth Of hearts that throb rejoicing. 87 STORY AND SONG But we believe the kindness shown To children and to neighbor Has now a golden harvest grown Of blessings for your labor. Your tender charity and love To mortals freely given Have fruited as a tree above In joys akin to heaven. For what we sow we also reap, Both here and the hereafter, And you, while many sow to weep, Have sown for love and laughter, You scattered seeds of joy for all And knew not you were sowing, But One, who notes a sparrow s fall, Has watched your harvest growing. Tis this that kept the raven hue While younger locks grew whiter, And brought a bounding pulse to you And made your eyes the brighter. Tis this that kept your heart so light; For life is like a mirror That sendeth smiles for smiling bright, And love for loving dearer. For ever thus the living thought Weaves faces fair or homely They re sweet if we have rightly wrought And sad if we are lonely. 88 TO MY MOTHER And though the cloudlets now and then Robbed hours of joy and gladness ; The sun arose, and you again Felt just a touch of sadness. And now, O Time, as on you run Be constant in your giving Sweet smiles unto our loving one And keep her with the living. For this your children pray for you And while we kneel confessing, That underneath the arching blue Thou art our greatest blessing. A benizen from heaven above For which deep thanks are owing, To lead us on by deeds of love The way that thou art going; To ever lead till we are through With earth and all its favors, And joined again in heaven with you Surrounded by your neighbors. STORY AND SONG THE BEHYMER LIBRARY Heaven bless the man who rears the family dome; Heaven bless the wife whose virtues make it home; May blessings fall again when by their care A world of wisdom hath assembled there. Behold famed poets, bards of every age, The work of genius bright ning many a page, And brave romance, the drama grave and gay In order stand their treasure to display. These are the rulers of a changeful world; Great kings are nameless dust, their empires hurled Into oblivion; but Homer blind Still leads ; great Plato, monarch of the mind, Is reigning king, his barefoot teacher s word Searching for truth around the sphere is heard. Here Fancy lures us through the fairest field To see King Arthur armed with lance and shield; Hear his weapon clang, sense the rocking ground The rush of steeds and watch the victor crowned, Another scene sweet Freedom marches on With bleeding feet from bloody Marathon. Then hosts of martyrs crowding swiftly by We close our eyes lest we behold them die. Oh, babbling books ! oh, volumes deep profound ! Ye prove the world is naught but hallowed ground Filled with the ashes of the mighty past That died to save us from the grave at last. Eternal spirits here ye still abide To aid, to comfort and our lives to guide. 90 KOKINA KOKINA Kokina, the fair, was a maiden Dwelling by the Yellow Sea, Where breezes with whispers were laden Foretelling of trials to be. So plaintive they carried the warning Resembling a siren s song, Enchanting the heart in the morning, Luring the bold and the strong. Adown in the cradle of ocean Sailors are lying asleep, Bereft of all life and emotion, Lured to a tomb in the deep. So ever the zephyrs were bringing Warning Kokina, the fair : " When the sea-god cometh a-singing O Kooshi maiden, beware." But Kokina laughed at the warnings, Fearless forever, the vain, And answered the breezes with scornings Welcomed the god of the main. Kokina was pure as a flower, Fair as a goddess above, STORY AND SONG But proud of her beauty and power Thinking the god was in love. But mortals should ever remember Maidens though jewels of worth, To the sea-god seeming so tender Are objects only of mirth. His love is so icy and chilling, Killing while clasping to hold, Deceiving all maids who are willing With tales of palace of gold. Kokina was wooed by a lover, Baron of noble estate, Though ranking in name above her Yet sought the maiden as mate. But waving aside his advances Facing the deluge of brine She answered with ravishing glances: "Old Ocean s a rival of thine. "I tossed to the billows a jewel An opal with golden rim Now Ocean so charmingly cruel Vows I am plighted to him. "And ever the breezes are bringing, Winging a message to me, Are swaying and chanting and singing : 4 Thou art the bride of the sea/ 92 KOKINA "And answering back to old Ocean Whispering lips as I nod : O never doubt maiden s devotion, When one is wooed by a god. " Her lover, overwhelmed by the terror, Prayed to Kokina to flee Foretelling how fatal the error Plighting herself to the sea. " Kokina, beware the immortal, Blasting the soul with his breath His touches but open the portal Leading to regions of death." She smiled at forebodings, replying : " When I give over this life, If thou art no coward at dying We 11 die as husband and wife. " Prepare then to follow me ever E en down to caverns of sea The monarch shall sever us never, If thou my husband will be. u The moon waxes full on the morrow- When silvering earth again, I ll wed thee for joy and for sorrow Jilting the god of the main." Kokina was wed in the ev ning In garments hue of the sky 93 STORY AND SONG Her lover stood by half believing His time was nearing to die. The guests had departed, and weary Kokina happy and blest, With a husband loving her dearly Sank to an innocent rest. But scarcely an hour of slumber, Ere hearing the ocean s boom, A roaring like billows of thunder, Rousing the bride and the groom. The castle was mightily shaken, And unprotected the twain Stood facing, by mortals forsaken, The cruel god of the main. He towered aloft to the ceiling As if disdaining the sod, While lightnings played round him, revealing The frowning face of the god. And out of the darkness amazing The wedded beheld the ring, With the opal evilly blazing Gilding the hand of the king. A voice that was far more appalling Than even the angry tide Came out of the blackness; a-calling: "Kokina, Kooshi, my bride!" 94 KOKINA The wail of that wonderful singing, Seeming a soul sorely tried, Rang eerily, mournfully bringing : "Kokina, Kooshi, my bride!" And the husband, bravest in danger, Grasping his magical brand And launching a blow at the stranger, Shattered the blade in his hand. That weapon whose fame was repeated Raised never aloft in vain; Now, baffled and broken, defeated Aimed at the god of the main. Her husband then lovingly kneeling, Besought her never to part, But she, through enchantment, unfeeling Heard not the throbs of his heart. And out where the moonlight was gleaming Blindly she passed with the god; While hoping the waking was dreaming He followed whither they trod. Disdaining the sea-god s displeasure He shadowed them down to the tide, Spell-bound by that marvelous measure, "Kokina, Kooshi, my bride!" All golden the barge on the billow Kokina wafted aboard, 95 STORY AND SONG Rests fair on the god as a pillow, Crying farewell to her lord. " Go back ! O my husband, my lover, Farewell ! be glad if you can ; The waters I know will soon cover The fairest maid of Japan. "Believe me, my heart is rebelling, Mourning my husband and pride, But Ocean my will is compelling, Chanting: O Kooshi, my bride*" He followed with every endeavor To rescue his bride so brave, Till billows closed over forever Buried him under the wave. Three days and three nights there came ringing, Winging along with the tide, Sad voices so mournfully singing: u Kokina, Kooshi, my bride ! " Kokina, Kooshi, my bride ! " 96 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES RECENT WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES Progress Circle, New Year s Eve, 1901. The hour was late and strange the fate That found me at my labors ; Though little done since rise of sun I courted Wisdom s favors. Mid volumes bound of lore profound I caught myself a-dozing, And strove to keep from balmy sleep Yet knew mine eyes were closing. With mind perplexed and vainly vexed Twixt history and fable, I sought to rout full many a doubt Of Homer, yet unable. Thus wearied o er with ancient lore Expressed in flowing numbers, I took a sup from Morpheus cup And soon was wrapt in slumbers. How long I slept of sense bereft I never could remember When slumber broke and I awoke The fire was but an ember. The lamp, once trim, was dark and dim My spouse was sweetly snoring j 97 STORY AND SONG While in the room the gypsy moon Broad beams was brightly pouring. What wakened me to reverie Will ever be a wonder; It seemed a knock and then a shock And then a peal of thunder. From roof to floor a sullen roar, Like men in arms embattled, As I forbore to ope the door The windows loudly rattled. While reason wakes the dwelling shakes From outer walls to center, And ere my wondering silence breaks I saw a being enter. No footfall echoed from the floor, And though I scented danger I summoned courage felt before And boldly faced the stranger. Before my sight a giant s height, A beamy breadth of shoulders, A sinewy arm to threaten harm And terrify beholders. The cheeks were scarred, their beauty marred, One hand did lack a finger; His scars and bars proclaimed the wars Where Progress loved to linger. 98 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES Around his frame a tunic came, A cloak of antique pattern, Where, woven fine, were forms divine Minerva, Jove and Saturn. And one could trace within the face A bold and manly spirit, A wisdom writ, the keenest wit With irony a-near it. Though slow I am since I began, It needed not a minute To read the grace, the garb, the face And note the wisdom in it. With conqu ring will my fears grew still, Then in a voice compelling: " How dare you, sir," I loudly shrill, "To thus invade my dwelling?" He courtly bent his stately head Like knight of star and garter, Then in a voice majestic said : "I found your door ajar, sir. "And after knocking loud and long And never seeing mortal, I shook the brazen handle strong When open flew the portal. " And as my time was rather brief To pay a friendly visit, 99 STORY AND SONG I own I entered like a thief With step that seemed illicit. "And here I find you nodding o er These tomes upon the table, And offer you uncommon lore To solve you myth and fable." Said I: "You entered as you chose Sine an invitation ; I pardon this if you disclose Your nation, name, and station." His features shone : " One word alone All ignorance dismisses. "Behold!" he cried in kingly tone, "I am the sage Ulysses." I marveled much, I marvel more Since now the scene is over, That I should see within my door This great and mighty rover. And queries fast came surging past Beyond all words and phrases, Of Hector brave and Nestor grave And proud Achilles praises. And since he sat beneath my dome It seemed a pleasing duty, To listen to his journey home But first of Helen s beauty. 100 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES I prayed him then reveal again How Helen seemed so peerless, To send a hundred thousand men To battle Trojans fearless. "Was her s the fairest form of earth Without the least restriction, Or was her beauty, like her worth, A bit of Homer s fiction ?" " The name you speak," replied the Greek, "Is haply a misnomer; For, though I traveled oceans bleak, I never heard of Homer. " But if he writ in later time Of Helen beauty laden, The fairest child of Zeus sublime And still an earthly maiden, " He followed truth, yet not one prize Inspired the slaughter wholly, Fair Helen did but symbolize All women, high and lowly. "Each man in Helen s form divine, Where Venus loved to hover, Beheld another face as fine That owned him lord and lover. "If Paris held Queen Helen then, How could a lowly heiress 101 STORY AND SONG Safeguard herself from daring men Who foully followed Paris ? "While Trojan walls were undermined With right good will and pleasure, We struck a blow for woman-kind, Man s high and holy treasure. "Some fought for spoil, or fame inclined The ages to illumine, But every warrior s heart enshrined The portrait of some woman. "Though plain of face, and little grace, A lowly hut to dwell in, To him it was a royal place And she a blameless Helen." Ulysses paused and after while I shyly mentioned Circe, And fair Calypso s luring smile Who showed him little mercy. " How came it, sir, these maids of guile For eight long years were keeping Ulysses from his rocky isle, And Penelope a-weeping?" He grimly smiled, then answered low: "When perished Priam s towers I prayed that I might homeward go Unhindered by the powers. 102 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES " Unheard, unheeded rose my prayers. By Neptune fiercely hated, Woes heaped on woes, unnumbered cares Ulysses bore, ill-fated. "By fortune tossed to Circe s sea, I found her more than human, Or if a mortal maid, then we Are weaker far than woman. " And if I fell beneath the spelJ Of fair Calypso longer, Twould seem to tell by logic well The weaker are the stronger. "I never knew until tonight, Penelope was tearful It must have been the horrid sight Of slaughter that was fearful. u Four baneful years the suitor train Ran riot in my towers, And queenly aim seemed rather vain Of her coquettish powers. "Think not I came to dim her fame Or cast one base suspicion Penelope s the brightest name Among the women Grecian." A thousand things I fain would know Of Eris golden apple, 103 STORY AND SONG Which set Hellenic hosts aglow With Trojan arms to grapple. How gods made sport of human life, Doomed kingdoms fair to slaughter, Because a princeling judge Jove s wife Was plainer than his daughter. But ere my queries leaped in air Ulysses read them hidden; In deep despair his lips declare: "Such knowledge is forbidden." He paused an instant as the clock Was chiming out the hour; The Grecian gazed, perplexed, amazed At such peculiar power. I told the plan that watches ran To count Time s flying movements, And he began: "Perchance then man Hath other fair improvements. "If thou wilt be a guide to me I ll deem thy toil a favor, To kindly show where er we go The marked results of labor. "Nearby I viewed an olive tree, The sign of famous Athens, And roamed a valley fair to see Which many cattle fattens. 104 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES "Your figs I know, your purple grapes Are surely Bacchanalian; If I might now dispute your dates Fd hardly seem an alien. "Your mountains high that prop the sky Inspire a lofty mission, And near thy shores old Neptune roars To make the land like Grecian. "Your temples seem a recent dream Behold on yonder gleaming A single cross with gold emboss; Can st thou construe its meaning?" "Your gods are dead and gone," I said ; " Olympian heights are lonely. We worship one almighty head, The Father of men, only. "That cross a symbol of His child To death and torture given, By those he would have reconciled To Life and Truth and heaven." He sadly sighed and then replied : " The night is swiftly going Wilt thou abide Ulysses guide And show what s worth the showing ? " I plead infirmity and age, A frame somewhat rheumatic : 105 STORY AND SONG Then, coming near, the mighty sage Smiled down on me ecstatic. He touched and banished every ill His hand was like an ember; It lent a thrill to nerve and will And freedom to each member. He waved aside my thanks and cried : " No time for idle talking." He clasped my hand and bade me stand And I, once more, was walking. A brilliant sight, a royal night, Ulysses gazed in wonder In street and shop, in tree and top With shadows playing under. He vowed: "The stars are chained to earth." (His ancient mind benighted.) I showed him streets and homes of worth Are now electrolighted. He shouted, as we passed up Main, "Beware! the fiery dragon!" " Nay, nay," I deign, " a railway train, A mighty horse and wagon." We hailed a car but when afar He saw electric flashes, And startled by the lambent flame He panic-stricken dashes. 106 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES In disarray he groaning lay I bade him cease his moaning, Then waked a city leagues away And set him telephoning. So weirdly sound the words profound, Polite the tone and civil; The hero heard each mystic word As voice of Delphic sibyl. We hailed afar another car Which bore us to the city, With women fair whose bosoms bare Awoke his wond ring pity. The ghostly ear could plainly hear The phonographic singing; And music bells wrought deeper spells When Christmas chimes were ringing. We climbed nearby a stairway high Above the topmost gable, And viewed a scene twixt earth and sky Surpassing fairy fable. Like shuttles flying to and fro The shadows swiftly cleaving, The rainbow cars would come and go, A mighty city weaving ! Saw man s desire in strands of wire From hill-top, mast and steeple; 107 STORY AND SONG We note the living lights of fire, The distant hum of people. I solved him how Jove s lightnings bow To man a servant willing, A hundred-handed giant now, A Hermes swift and thrilling. How mighty iron vessels glide With automatic motion, And breast the gale without a sail And laugh at angry ocean. I pointed where the viewless air Bore wires telegraphic To cables deep where monsters sleep Unconscious of their traffic. "Enough," he cried, "let magic end, This passes our Elysian ; Perchance, O friend, when we descend, Twill fade away, a vision." Upon the elevator s call We entered with fair ladies, And as the room began to fall, "O save," he cried, "from Hades." Quite indiscreet, we crossed a street, Midst cars and cycles flying; The Grecian said : "I m of the dead Or I should soon be dying." 108 WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES At length arrived at tunnel wide, " Ah safe," he sighed, " a grotto." Then leaped aside where bikers ride And just escaped an auto. cc No more," he cried, u no more I pray, Nor other wonders notice. I marvel not ye moderns say : c This is the land of Lotus. " Where all earth s flowers scent the breeze, Where every fruit is eaten; The garden of Hesperides And our Elysian beaten. u With women fair as naiads rare, With men of might and magic ; I now declare their wills to dare Surpass the ages tragic. " And grander things shall Chronos bring Beyond all Grecian glory, A Homer yet unborn to sing Your country s deathless story. "But not for me your nightless days, The rush and roar and rattle ; Unfitted I for modern ways, A pigmy in your battle. " I bid thee now a fond farewell; And, though a guest unbidden, 109 STORY AND SONG A thousand secrets I would tell Of ancient wisdom hidden. u But see Aurora s fingers fair The mountain peaks adorning! I must forsake the upper air Ere come the beams of morning." He faded as a dream will fade, Looked backward long and tender, As I beheld the sun arrayed In majesty and splendor. no A MOTHER S LOVE A MOTHER S LOVE Time is waiting a moment for me To behold a vision fair; He has raised the sky from peak to sea And beauty is everywhere. The river flows by forest and field Where my infant songs were sung; Where over me like a warrior s shield The whispering maples hung. The sun is watching the winding sheet The storm-king weaves of white And the diamonds shaped of snow and sleet Reflect his golden light. The frost has locked both river and lake And given the key to Spring; They silent sleep but will soon awake When the early robbins sing. Both forest and field are left behind And prairies come in view; O er chasm and gorge we swiftly climb The heights which pierce the blue. The mountains now have lifted their heads To prop the drooping sky, in STORY AND SONG Where the sea-born cloudlet often sheds Her tears in passing by. We are resting now in orange land By Balboa s peaceful sea. But tis not for these I understand This vision appears to me. For forest and field and changing sights Are naught but the picture s frame; I have need to scale the grander heights To worthily write its name. For earth hath never a desert wide Nor mountain towering free, To measure the half my dearest guide Has fondly given to me. Name me a price for a mother s love, What do I think of gold ? Pile it as high as the heavens above For that it can t be sold. Fashion a palace beyond compare With jewels garnished bright, With costly wood and marble rare A dazzling house of light; To this you may join a royal throne, A kingdom you may proffer; She would raise me high to make mine own The scepter that you offer. 112 A MOTHER S LOVE Within the circled rim of life I see her form beside me, Warding away the storm and strife And ills that would betide me. She watched beside my cradle sleep While helplessly I slumbered, Beseeching Heaven to guard and keep With prayers that can t be numbered. As years rolled on the storms of youth Were hushed with her caressing, While from fond lips I learned the truth That makes of life a blessing. And though I cannot reason why I often caused her sorrow, The pardon of her kindly eye Came always ere the morrow. And now, though many years are fled Since I became a rover, Her blessings follow where I tread And shielding hover over. Oh, wondrous love a mother shows A wonder never ceasing A love which God implanted grows Throughout the years increasing. STORY AND SONG My vision fair begins to end Like panoramic letter; It teaches me, my dearest friend, How deep I am your debtor! And though the language that we speak Hath many words and phrases, It seemeth now but poor and weak Since I would pen your praises. Yet not a murmur shall this bear In one way or another, As I a priceless jewel wear, The love of my dear mother ! And when I pass adown the tide To cross the mystic river, Oh, meet me on the farther side And love me there forever. 114 JENNIE JENNIE This land hath many charms, I know, Of tropic fruit and vine ; Its mountain tops are crowned with snow; Its valleys teem with wine. The odor of the orange bloom O erladens vesper breeze, And ocean zephyrs bear perfume From flowering almond trees. The feathered palm and stately pine Are rivals for a place, While boughs of cedar and of lime Here often interlace. The bending fruit of lemon tree, The modest apple s worth, And olive of the southern sea Ask only soil for birth. Amid the ever-blooming rose Are fairest lilies seen; Magnolia with acacia glows Beneath the moonlight s sheen. And overhead in summer time, Nay during all the year, STORY AND SONG The tuneful birds are pouring rhyme In every waiting ear. Yet in this paradise below Of favored fruits and flowers, Of songs which seem to ever flow Within these fragrant bowers, I think of one who neath them goes The theme of humble pen More worth to me than all that grows In valley, plain or glen. I know with me you will agree If multiplied by ten, So valuable they would not be As my beloved Jen. 116 LONGING LONGING Sing, O muse of Heaven, sing A song of hope and cheer, For the heart is weary and worn With a weight of sorrow borne Year after year. Come, O holy angel, come With answer from on high, Why a feeble form was made To battle giants fierce arrayed, To suffer, then to die. Send, O God of Heaven, send A ray of light divine, As thou didst send to ancient men; Illuminate a humble pen, Inspire;some word of mine. Hear, O Thou who hearest all, The deep, despairing cry Of helpless beings set afloat On ether sea in open boat, Waiting, waiting to die. Behold, O Thou who seest all, The earth a ship at sea; 117 STORY AND SONG Driven northward and then to south, Feeling famine and deadly drouth, Hurricaned east and now to west Vainly seeking a port of rest The ship of humanity. Give, O Giver of all good, Give thy children light. Show us whither our driftings tend, Give us a glimpse of Heaven as end To cheer our hearts to fight. Show, O Thou who showeth the way, Thy love from day to day. Let it bind like the strongest rope Our tired hearts to the anchor hope And hold them safe alway. 118 FATE FATE I hold that Fate is but a foil To try the metal of the soul ; Tis not the triumph but the toil That bringeth nearer to the goal. We proudly deem our pathway best And fret at barriers on the way, When bolts and bars are but the test Of worth that wins a later day. Perchance the chosen pathway s wrong, Perchance! ah, is there any chance ? Although another s thrice as long Be sure it leadeth in advance. Tis earnest striving lendeth strength, The thrust and parry giveth skill, And Fate may go the utmost length Ere seeming bends his sovereign will. Tis only seeming, for the strife Hath lent us keener eyes to see, Amid the wilful dreams of life, The King s highway to victory. 119 STORY AND SONG THE OAKS A tiny oak a summer s day Was withering in the burning sun; The life was slipping fast away An infant life but scarce begun. I hastened to a singing rill And kneeling on its flowery brink, My hunting cap did quickly fill Then gave the dying oak a drink. When I returned long years had flown Old Time had sprinkled locks with gray- And there I found my oak had grown A mighty monarch o er the way. Within its boughs a choir of birds Made all the air resound with song ; Beneath its arches lowing herds Found cooling shade the summer long. I gave a friendly hand to one Who, fiercely by temptation tried, Arose and stood and overcome The satan he had walked beside. Now as a giant oak he stands And turns aside misfortune s rod 120 THE OAKS From wearied hearts and weakened hands- Co-worker with Almighty God. Thrice blessed he who reaches down To help a fallen brother up ; And thou art drawing near a crown By giving one refreshing cup. 121 STORY AND SONG THE FAVORED ONES Last night as I was dreaming Of another Christmas night, There came a moon-beam streaming Like a Jacob s ladder bright. And down the silvern ladder Came an angel passing fair, And the darkened room was gladder With his sweet and heavenly air. And I dreamed he told the story, How the mighty and the strong Came once with him from glory To chant a wondrous song. And a sweeter song was never Heard by any mortal ears A song that grows forever Sweet and sweeter through the years. Not to the proud and haughty, Nor to those of lordly state, Nor in the temple lofty, But to men of lowly fate. To simple shepherds only Came the chanting cherubim, And on the hillside lonely Was heard that holy hymn. 122 THE FAVORED ONES The shepherds heard astounded: "Peace, peace to all the earth." While all the air resounded For the blest Redeemer s birth. They sang to God their praises On the hills of Bethlehem And wove with heavenly phrases Good will to erring men. Oh, blessed sight and hearing, Thrice favored shepherd men To whom the host appearing Sang the Babe of Bethlehem. And I dreamed the angel holy Praised the path the humble trod, And taught me that the lowly Are the favored ones of God. 123 STORY AND SONG LET ME DWELL Let me dwell where lofty mountains Safely guard a peaceful dell ; Where the sweetly murm ring fountains All their dreams of ocean tell. I would waken with the morning And behold the sun in pride With his beams the earth adorning Till she sparkled like a bride. In a fairy grotto dwelling Where the birds would sing to me, Each one of his freedom telling, Wishing I were also free; Free amid the giant towers Lifted high above the plain, Free to roam among the flowers, Knowing naught of grief or pain. There are those who love commotion In the mighty city s roar, Or the rage of angry ocean Dashing wildly on the shore, But for me Heaven seemeth nearer From the crown of mountain high, As I watch with vision clearer Countless stars go wheeling by. 124 LET ME DWELL There with God around me reigning Far from sorrow, care and strife, With my spirit upward training For a grander, higher life; Waiting for the summons only With a sweet and calm content, Praying that some mountain lonely Be for me a monument. STORY AND SONG RETROSPECTION Come rest ye in the Window As sol sinks down the west, And answer me the query, Whom love you now the best ? I know that others loved thee With love akin to pain; If thou were now a-choosing Would I be yours again? I ll understand your answer Though not a sigh is heard, For secret thoughts of lovers Need not the spoken word. With fondest recollection Recall the years agone And choose again a lover, Like maiden at her dawn. Some offered wealth and station But I had naught to give, Save my sincere affection So long as we should live; Yea, I believe I told you That we should love alway, Both here and there in heaven Forever and a day. 126 RETROSPECTION The boastful words of lover, And still I hold them true, That we shall love each other Beyond that curtain blue. Though now and then a sorrow Brought bitter tears like rain, Yet ever on the morrow Our joy effaced the pain. Speak not, for speech is silver; Thy silence be the gold That gives my heart a message Too precious to be told. I envy not the mighty Nor those of princely line Since thou art mine forever And I forever thine. 127 STORY AND SONG THE WATCHWORD Stand porter at the door of thought. Science and Health, 392, Stand guard, O Christian soldier; Be faithful evermore, Let not a thought of evil Find entrance at the door. Put on the proven armor And with the word of Truth Rout every form of error And win immortal youth. Be mindful of the temple To keep the holy place, So He may send His angels To meet thee face to face. O let the upper chamber Be garnished pure and bright, All ready for the Master Who bringeth Life and light. Hush all the mortal senses That ye may hear the word, For in the deepest silence The voice of Truth is heard. Be constant in communion, Keep faithful watch and ward 128 THE WATCHWORD That ye may hear the greetings Of the ever present Lord. Again the heavenly Father Hath sent the certain sign, That He is with His children In healing power divine. And stately science marches With Leader on before, Who signals us the WATCHWORD "Stand porter at the door." 129 STORY AND SONG THE UNFINISHED STATUE In classic Greece a temple stands, So beautiful to human eye, Although the work of earthly hands, It seems the product of the sky. And thus indeed the legends run, That many forms of god-like race Began when Phoebus hid the sun To carve and set the stones in place. The virgin marble daily brought Was nightly into beauty born, Beyond the power of mortal thought, Surpassing human skill to form. I know not how the temple came With all its beauty, truth and worth, For time has hidden name and fame Of those who here enriched the earth. Within that stately templed hall A group of marble statues rise, And if skilled mortals need to call For aid above the bended skies, To build the temple, then I know They must have very lowly bent 130 THE UNFINISHED STATUE And prayed the powers not to go Till each his own bright image lent. Each statue stands in thoughtful mood, As though a living, breathing god Might speak a language understood, Or smile and answer with a nod. Instinct with swift intelligence, Of matchless form and peerless face, If not from heaven, O tell me whence Came all this fairness, mind and grace. Another statue incomplete A neighbor, yet aloof it stands, As though the sculptor would repeat A stroke before it left his hands To take its place among the rest Divinely wrought, divinely fair, As if perfection were the test For entrance where the brothers are. Tho heaven s brightness, truth and worth Are visible in curve and line, It yet must lose some touch of earth To show forth beauty all divine. Famed masters came to strike the blow To set the dreamed-of beauty free; But no one struck, for none could know Whose likeness should the statue be. STORY AND SONG No mortal found the needed skill None wise enough to understand And there it is awaiting still A single touch of master hand. Oh God, as statues incomplete, Before thy loving face we stand, And humbly pray that we may meet A touch of thine almighty hand. Oh carve within each child of thine A likeness of Thyself alone, So all will know the hand divine Has wrought a marvel all its own. Thy power alone can set us free From seeming ills of mortal birth - An image of Thyself to be, Without a single touch of earth. 132 A CHRISTMAS PRAYER A CHRISTMAS PRAYER Out of the blue that bends above Come Thou, O Lord! to-day in love, Let seraphs chant their song again : " Peace ! peace on earth, good will to men ! " Oh gladden now our mother earth A second time, by second birth, By reappearing once again Incarnate in the hearts of men ; How small the upward growth we show Through nineteen hundred years of woe ! The rich whom Thou rebuked of old Have multiplied a thousand fold, And tens of thousands feel the fate Of Lazarus at Dives gate. They gather in their wealth untold A miser s musty, rusty gold, And watch their fellows by the scores Starving and freezing at their doors. Melt Thou their hearts to give and give! For all men have a right to live. Melt Thou their gold until it runs To feed the hungry, starving ones, To warm and clothe the poor and weak, Who vainly honest labor seek. The Pharisees, in haughty pride, Still on the earth, O Lord ! abide, 133 STORY AND SONG And claim anew the highest place, As paragons of all the race. The priest and Levite still pass by And leave the wounded one to die; But thanks to Thee, for now and then There comes the good Samaritan, Who, with a brother s heart to feel, Binds up the cruel wounds of steel. Speak, Lord, to souls so sad and sore : "Go thou, O woman, sin no more." And with Thy finger as a pen Write mercy on the hearts of men. We seek no later word or sign Thy gospel, Lord, is still divine, And fills the whole of human needs, If prayers would blossom into deeds. O let the spirit of Thy word In every land be felt and heard, Till men will know their hoards of years Are minted out of human tears, And hasten backward with the spoil They wrung from weaker brother s toil. Speed, speed the hour when we shall see More justice, love and, charity Till all will feel each human throb As children of one Father, God ! THE THREE BELLS THE THREE BELLS Ho ! sexton, strong sexton, why ring you the bell ? And what of the message it striveth to tell ? Do winds as they stoop for a burden of song Bear sorrow or joy as they journey along ? Aye, stranger, fair stranger, list, list to the bell, And learn you the tidings it seeketh to tell: It rings out with gladness this bright summer morn, For a baby in yonder brave mansion is born. Ho ! sexton, good sexton, why ring you the bell? And what are the triumphs it seems to foretell? Its message rolls onward surpassingly grand, As if it would welcome the great of the land. Kind neighbor, true neighbor, list, list to the bell, And hear their sweet vows in its musical swell. Mark thou the " I will " of the groom in his pride, Who lovingly looks on the face of his bride. Ho ! sexton, gray sexton, why toll you the bell? Whose heart bows in sorrow, for whom is the knell? I hear the sad wailing, the cry of despair I catch the low voice of the preacher in prayer. O brother, dear brother, list, list to the bell: Its throbbing, how mournful, yet know all is well. 135 STORY AND SONG It rang for the baby ; it welcomed the bride, And now it is tolling because she has died. But brother, still list to a deep undertone, Resounding so sweet in a note of its own; It rises in waves like a musical tide, Till blending with song on eternity s side. She came as a blessing from region above; She gave of herself, of her gold and her love; She followed the pathway her Savior had trod, And was fitted to stand in the presence of God, 136 SANTA CLARA VALLEY SANTA CLARA VALLEY Afar where yonder mountains high Stand propping up the opal sky, A streamlet in its maiden leap Dashes itself adown the steep, To join anon in wid ning sweep The peaceful waters of the deep. The fountain swiftly speeds away To wed the mountains with the bay ; Beneath our feet it sings along The carol of its bridal song. From cedared heights to waters blue Fair is the land to mortal view. Behold, by Nature s hand arrayed, Orchards of every hue and shade. The vineyards, sloping gently down, With luscious beauty highlands crown. Embroidered blocks of olive green Checker the land along the stream, While rival ranks of cherries run, Flashing their beauty in the sun. Towering pine and pampas plume Soon will nod to the purpling prune. Three months ago the almonds fair Were swinging censers in the air, 137 STORY AND SONG Wafting on high their recompense, Sweeter than myrrh and frankincense, And matin song of praising bird From golden orange bough was heard, While countless hands of fronded palm Welcome waved in the vernal calm. Beyond that hill, fair Nature s toy, Lies hid the town of far Gilroy. Across yon deeply wooded glen Are the whitened homes of Almaden, Where nature sought in vain to hide Her store which gleams a silver tide, And from the mountains bursting side, Through shaft and tunnel deep and wide, The liquid silver, led by men, Pours from the mines of Almaden. Viewed from afar, I faintly see Thy grove, O University! The distant touch of space and time Hath smoothed that rugged form of thine, Till heart and soul and eye can see Only the good and fair in thee. That azure gleaming far away A seeming fragment of the sky Is where the freighted waters lie Of lordly San Francisco Bay. It is the turquoise of the ring, 138 SANTA CLARA VALLEY Whose circled rim the mountains form, These verdant heights reared to adorn The sweet abiding place of spring. That height, beyond fair San Jose, Surmounted by that regal dome, Hath now become the vigil home Of those who walk the starry way. Oh, crowned pile of Hamilton ! Where mysteries are brought to light, Where worlds are conquered of the night, And marvel after marvel won. 139 STORY AND SONG TWO FLOWERS To " Little Sister." A violet bloomed in mountain dell, With tender grace on fairy face, And hue an artist loves so well, But only God knows how to trace. Twas lowly, yet its chaliced cup Its treasure lent, and sweetest scent Rose ever upward and still up, Like orisons on heaven bent. A strong wind came and rudely shook The tiny bloom till all perfume Was yielded up; but oh, the look The flower gave was tinged with gloom, Then sighed the wind: "I know I stole Thy perfumed air, but I shall bear It onward where a youthful soul Is passing while he breathes a prayer. * "Oh, take my life," the flower said; " I give him all if I can call Him earthward; or if he be dead, Then let me rest upon the pall." 140 TWO FLOWERS There is a flower of human form Whose prayers arise as sacrifice, In sunshine or in darkened storm, Up and still upward to the skies. A strong hand smote this bloom in youth; Yet from pale lips no murmur slips, But only thankfulness in truth That God is near in life s eclipse. Oft through the leaden night she prays, And days like night; for, reft of light, God giveth her His brighter rays, Best fitted for angelic sight. / . God giveth more; His mystic peace In spite of dole surrounds the soul, Till baffled evil learns to cease To try to swerve her from her goal. And death himself, with threat of doom, Oft comes, then goes, as if he chose To leave this fair courageous bloom, To shame the cowards whom he knows, This tiny one is strong, yet weak, Frail as a flower whose only power Is beauty, but the soul though meek Is mightier than an armed tower. A thousand hearts are in her debt, For soothing word and prayers unheard 141 STORY AND SONG On earth; and, like the violet, She offers all unto her Lord. And we, who all of this behold, Do pray in love to One above That He still bless her manifold, And treat her as a wounded dove. 142 TO MILDRED TO MILDRED A little lady whom I know Said: "I ll be seven to-morrow, And laughing through the world I go Without a thought of sorrow. u The sun peeps o er the mountain top, And greets me with his lances; And through the day he seems to stop, With many kindly glances. " He turns the dew on bud and bloom To gems of purest water, And fills the air with sweet perfume, As though I were his daughter. "The moon sweeps onward through the sky, With starry children round her, To silvern all the path that I Am walking while I ponder, " If stars and moon in sailing round In the darkness by themselves, Have seen the fays, or ever found The home of the fairy elves. "So loving all beneath the sun, I never borrow trouble; 143 STORY AND SONG While many friends and kindred come To make my joys seem double." Pd wrong us both to waken thee From out your sweet elysian, Although it often seems to me Earth s joys are but a vision. But while old Time shall onward sweep, To turn your seven to seventy, May sweet contentment ever keep Your wishes pure and heavenly. And with a heart filled full of love For all that God created, Your life be linked to heaven above, Your joys be unabated. 144 FUTURITY FUTURITY I know not how, nor when nor where Yet I believe that we shall meet Beyond that tapestry of air, When mortal pulses cease to beat. I cannot think that thou wert made So wonderously fair to see To bloom a season, then to fade And vanish as a dream from me. While gazing in deep eyes of thine, I deem I read the truth to be That thou the image of divine Will live through all eternity. And I, aware of my unworth, Still fondly trust the power of love To lift me upward from the earth, Until I reach the plane above. I know not which of us will go To pioneer that distant state, But something whispers me: "We know The first will for the other wait." So now I rest contentedly, Regarding neither time nor place, As in the end mine eyes shall see Mine own beloved face to face. 145 STORY AND SONG LEAVE THEM ALONE The San Bernardino Indians, hearing that their ancient burial grounds were to be plowed and planted to orchard by white people, entered an indignant protest. They have appealed to the Washington authorities to prevent the threatened desecration of their fathers graves. O Saxon, who boasts of dominion earth-wide, Leave them alone on their barren hillside ; Touch not their dust with your impious hand ; Spare to the sleepers their last rood of land. Once lords of woodland, of meadow and stream, Their sway has vanished away like a dream, From heights encompassing valley around ; You deem them trespassers under the ground. Where once they were chieftains of mighty domains, Through force and fraud, not an acre remains. Ye robbed them of all by cunning and might, Beggared their children from height unto height. Prate not of your justice, and say ye bought, For sometime and somewhere wrongs that were wrought, In spite of decisions and laws ye laud, Have tainted your deeds in the forum of God. Think not their children, though deep in disgrace, Ever dishonored humanity s race 146 LEAVE THEM ALONE And bartered for gold the grave of a sire, Save tempted by drink that withers like fire. Some dust is so sacred even your gold, Though you were dowered as Croesus of old, Weighs as light in scales of ultimate worth, As paltriest things on face of the earth. Conceding that all you grasp is your own, Stir not the sleepers where each rests alone ; But grant their children this acre of sod In a vale, whose spires should teach them of God. A few years at most, the remnant will lie In couches of earth neath blue of the sky, Anear to sires, who peopled the West, The first and last will be gathered to rest. So leave them their graves where poppies will spring, Where breezes at morn and even will sing A requiem sweet, with sorrowful tone Bewailing a race deprived of its own, Who once masters of all, from mountain to wave, Now begs the stranger the gift of a grave. 147 STORY AND SONG LADDIE Sweeter is faith by refining, Stronger the soul that is tried, And never you doubt The good will come out, If you in the faith abide. Grieve not though Laddie be absent- The Laddie you long to see Though fated to part, The love of thine heart Is drawing him home to thee. Ruler of men and of nations, Heeding his children divine, Is guarding in love From heaven above, This little Laddie of thine. Danger may threaten the Laddie Never you fear he will fall Far greater his worth Than sparrows of earth, Yet the Father heareth their call. Brightly fair Luna is beaming, Turning thy night into day, 148 LADDIE She lamps in a room To banish the gloom, For Laddie so far away. Daphne will glow on the morrow, Dimming the torches of night, The sun in plendor Arise a defender, Guiding the Laddie aright. Fear not, though hidden the future, Faint not, though Laddie must roam; Believe and be glad, Thy love for the Lad Is surely bringing him home. Happy a morn that is coming Tearful but brimming with joy Thy bosom will bound, Thine arms circle round Laddie, dear Laddie, thy boy. 149 STORY AND SONG ARMENIA Armenia, O Armenia, Will nations heed thy cry, Or must thou feel the Moslem s steel Till all thy people die? Thy land that once held Eden, Where Adam wept to dwell, The savage Turk by fearful work Hath made it now a hell. Here Noah s mighty mountain Uplifts its snowy head, And views a plain piled high with slain, Armenia s martyred dead ! Where maidens, Christian maidens, Knelt down to fiendish Kurds, And on the air breathed such a prayer We dare not frame in words. A prayer that even Satan Might listen to with pain, As daughters fair with bosoms bare Begged only to be slain ! The virgin tears were answered By mocking demons laugh, 150 ARMENIA Than which the knife that ended life Seemed kinder far by half. Oh, chivalry of England ! Of Europe, of the earth ! Your blades should flash, your cannons crash For human right and worth. Ought Turkish tigers shepherd This primal Christian fold, To boast of crimes unnumbered times Too fearful to be told ? Wake, Lion-hearted Richard ! Shake off the clinging sod ! And once again lead England s men Against these foes of God. STORY AND SONG CROWN OF THE VALLEY (Pasadena) Crown of the Valley, I leave thee in sadness Sadness akin to both pleasure and pain, Pain in departing, and yet there is gladness In hope that whispers I ll see thee again. Crown of the Valley, thine orchards and flowers Unrivaled by all green meadows of earth, Save only the fairest God-planted bowers, That sheltered and shadowed Eve at her birth. Crown of the Valley, thy rival is beaten Much of her glory is taken away Here every fruit of the garden is eaten, None in the land who would say to us, nay. Crown of the Valley, the orange is fruiting Fruiting and shaming magicians of old; Nature s warm smile is daily transmuting White waxen flowers to planets of gold. Crown of the Valley, thou seemest a maiden With beauty of form and fragrance of bloom, Breath of thy lips most heavily laden With sweetest orange and almond perfume. 152 CROWN OF THE VALLEY Crown of the Valley, if I were a lover With boldness enough my love to declare, I d pray the kind fates that over us hover Grant me permission thy glories to share. Then Crown of the Valley, might I be forgiven While passing a life enchantingly free, If I should forget the pathway to heaven, When all my longings were granted by thee. 153 SRORY AND SONG A DREAM A little lad with flaxen hair Rocked to sleep in his father s chair; Something tickled his dimpled chin He raised the veils that shut within His mild blue eyes, and wond ring woke, Gazed round the room before he spoke : "Mamma! I ve been asleep and dreamed A happy dream; it really seemed That I rose upward to the sky, And good St. Peter let me by. And as I passed the double gate The sun went down, twas growing late, An angel came with golden hair, With eyes of blue, complexion fair, Hands as white as the lily bell That blows in shady mountain dell. Her voice was low and sounded sweet As songs the seraphs sing to greet The weary pilgrim from afar, Who prays to pass the Gates Ajar. With arms around me soft and warm She pressed me gently to her form, Uplifted me on downy bed, And sweetly bending o er me said : I m glad you ve come, my darling boy, To dwell alway with me in joy; 154 A DREAM To see the angel choir meet, And hear the music loud yet sweet, Beneath high heaven s lofty dome. This evermore to be our home, Without a sorrow, sob or sigh, Without a thought or fear to die; With all things bright, and all things fair, Where joy has banished every care/ And then I thought my angel bright Caressed me with such fond delight, That o er my face a smile broke; And then I dreamed that I awoke. And as I sought the angel s eyes, Can you wonder at my surprise, For, gazing in her eyes of blue, Mamma dear, the angel was you!" 155 STORY AND SONG LA FIESTA DE LA FLORES Come to the feast of the flowers ! Where music blends with mirth, Where swiftly moving hours Are brightest ones of earth. Where maiden hearts are sighing With joys they fear to show, As through the dances flying Their blushes come and go. Come to the feast of the flowers ! Where Nature s fairest smile Descends as gentle showers, Like blessings all the while. Where gardens in December Tell strangers it is June; For every month, remember, Our roses bud and bloom. Come to the feast of the flowers ? And all your life renew Amid our orange bowers, Beneath our sky so blue. Come realizing your dreaming Of happy distant clime, Where Luna s light is streaming O er lemon grove and lime. 156 LA FIESTA DE LA FLORES Come to the feast of the flowers ! Where pillared palm-tree stands Anear the home and towers, With its hundred waving hands; They beckon you in gladness, And bid you hither run, Where joy will banish sadness From the heart of ev ry one. Come to the feast of the flowers ! Behold a vision bright, And one the princely powers Might gaze on with delight. A pageant beauty laden, We welcome you to share With ev ry youth and maiden Of Los Angeles, the fair. 157 STORY AND SONG AWAKEN, O QUEEN To Mrs. Medina-Wood, Queen of La Fiesta, 1895 Awaken, O Queen ! The stars of the morning Are fading away from the realms of the East, And cherubs of dawn the skies are adorning With colors outrivaling those of thy feast ; The sun in glory will soon be revealing The beauty and courage that thou wilt command; Into thy bower his rays will be stealing, Saluting the monarch who ruleth our land. Awaken, O Queen ! Awaken to splendor ! For thousands impatient are thronging the street, Each one who would be a knightly defender To guard and protect thee from harm and defeat. They march from mountains, from meadows and valleys, The East and the West pay their homage to thee; North and South are uniting in rallies, As if they were never more rivals to be. Awaken, O Queen ! Awaken to gladness ! Take part in a dream that is more than a dream. Waken to banish all sorrow and sadness As far as thy kingdom extendeth, O Queen. Awaken to pleasure, brightness and duty ; 158 AWAKEN, O QUEEN Thy subjects are waiting a word of command Are longing to catch a glimpse of thy beauty, A smile of thy lips, or a wave of thy hand. Awaken, O Queen ! For regions surrounding Are sending battalions in honor of thee ; With clamorous music air is resounding For marvelous pageant of Balboa s sea. Children are coming to prove their devotions; What sovereign has subjects as happy and bright Full filling the heart with deepest emotions, Emotions of beauty, sweet love and delight. Awaken, O Queen ! For brief is thy reigning A season of splendor for only a week ; Even though subjects are never complaining, This briefness brings sadness that none of us seek. So when La Fiesta s moments are ending, And vanished the glitter, the worry and strife, Perchance thou wilt favor all by extending Thy scepter and kingdom the balance of life. 159 STORY AND SONG WELCOME, GRACIOUS QUEEN OF MIRTH To Mildred Howell Lewis, Queen of La Fiesta, 1896 Bannered flags in ocean air Wave a welcome, lady fair, Harvests of our gardens rare Weave a pattern for your feet; While upon the crowded street Tens of thousands throng to greet Thee, whose worth and beauty won Fairest throne beneath the sun. Dowered by thy God at birth With a soul of highest worth, With a beauty scarce of earth, Welcome, gracious Queen of Mirth ! Sound the trumpet, strike the drum, Let the wondrous pageant come ! Till our sovereign stricken dumb Can but smile on every one. Let the dragon banner fly! Let the redmen sweeping by! Let the navies welcome cry! Till our bright Italian sky Echoes back the glad refrain From the mountains to the main, 160 QUEEN OF MIRTH That Fiesta now again Finds a peerless queen to reign. Thanks, O Southland, unto thee, Who hath given her to be Sovereign of a people free ; While our daughters fair to see, Adding grandeur to the grand, Gladly round her highness stand; Though each maiden s jeweled hand Well could scepter fairy land. With your regal form and face, Mated to a kindly grace, You have banished envy s trace From the daughters of our race. And with mystic, magic art. Conquered every warrior s heart; Till a host of valiant arms Ready stand to guard your charms. Now behold a moving scene Comes to greet thee, regnant queen. Winding as a brilliant stream In a bright and airy dream, Come the children, onward led, With our banner at their head. Marching thus to show their love To their queen and flag above. 161 STORY AND SONG Gently, Time, O gently now, Touch that regal form and brow! Grant her fairest fortune thou ! Till our children s children bow To the beauty we behold, To her virtues manifold. Then, O Queen, when earth is past, Heaven welcome thee at last. 162 TEACH ME, PAINTER TEACH ME, PAINTER Teach me, Painter, how to blend All the colors of your art, So I can to verses lend Beauty that will touch the heart. Whisper, Painter, first of all, Where you cull your deeper dye From what region do you call Purple from the arching sky ? Doth a rainbow sometimes lend Tinted harmony to thee? Show me whither I must wend To find such a bow for me. Do you many pansies kill, Stealing all their form and hue, Then with all your magic skill, Give them fadeless life anew ? There s a garden in your room Filled with beauty of the plain. Teach me how you made them bloom, After every bloom was slain. Solve me how you came to choose What I fancied was a dream ; 163 STORY AND SONG Is there really such a scene, "On the heights of Santa Cruz." Teach, O teach the way to gain, With a master s skillful hand, All the beauties of the land, All the grandeur of the main. Ah, I fear I ask too much, When I seek your power to form, For the painter s magic touch Is within the painter born. 164 LITTLE JIM LITTLE JIM Now, confess you re just a boaster, An are saving of the truth, When you shout so long and lusty Of your lean an lanky youth ; When you vow no other infant, Tho even twict the size, Can eekal him in wisdom, Or the sparkle of his eyes. I allow it ain t good manners To run a baby down, Fer his mammy calls him Beauty, Tho he s featured like a clown. An his daddy thinks his knowledge So superlatively gran , An pertends to know a language That none can understan . And yit I ll lay a wager, That fer larnin an fer worth, Thar ain t another infant Upon the rollin earth, Can even hold a candle In wisdom or in lim , To a lovely blue-eyed darlin , Whose name is Little Jim. 165 STORY AND SONG You may claim that winter roses Are a charmin site to see, An swar the modest vi let s As sweet as sweet can be, But thar s never yit a blossom, However fair an trim, Can match this bud o beauty, Our han some Little Jimu When he makes a long oration Not a lawyer in the town Is half so interesting As this baby in his gown. An his sire loves to listen Fer the message soun s to him Like an ecko sent from heav n By the shinin serafim. He s got a mind an knows it, An when he waves a han , His granny, dad and mammy Run to answer his comman ; It may be in the mornin , At the drowsy hour of one, But when an what he orders Is straightway to be done. An all they git in wages Is just a baby s smile; But this is so enchantin It pays fer every trile; 166 LITTLE JIM Fer they love the little tyrant, An bow an worship him, As if God had sent an angel To be known as Little Jim. Oh, yes, he bears another name Which many will forget His mammy fon ly calls him: " Mister James Barnett." But to his lowly nabors, This seems so proud and prim, That I allow he ll answer To the name of Little Jim. P raps you ll think I m boastin , Tho it s little I have told, Fer tho he s wise an witty, He s hardly six months old. But still I ll risk a wager That in a match with him, Your little monkey youngster Can t class with Little Jim. STORY AND SONG JUNE Oh June, June, dear little June ! Your smile is a poem, your laughter a tune, Sunshine your presence so winsome and bright, Wooing and winning all hearts with delight. Oh June, June, maidenly June ! Your heart is a treasure, your love heaven s boon; Beside these all glittering jewels of worth Are paltriest dust on the face of the earth. Oh June, June, light-hearted June ! Heaven send you a blessing each turn of the moon; In the shine of the stars, when sol is on high; May Fortune, fair Fortune, be ever near by. Oh June, June, sweet little June ! We re glad that you came,tho you re leaving too soon; Fond hearts will be aching and saddest tears flow When June, fairy June, turns homeward to go. But June, June, you ll come again soon, Come in the darkness, or come at high noon ; Our doors will swing open, our hearts will rejoice, When we shall behold thee, and hear thy sweet voice. 168 THE SAILOR S RETURN THE SAILOR S RETURN Ho, Captain, tell me true Where is my sailor blue ? One summer s day, With eyes that could not weep, With sorrow buried deep, I watched him outward sweep Adown the bay. Years, years are dead and past Since his top-gallant mast Was lost to view; Yet every night and day I kneel to God and pray That he who sailed away Might still be true. My lad like thee was bold, But hardly now so old As thou I vow; His eyes were blue as thine, His smile almost divine; I d give all else of mine To see him now. STORY AND SONG Thy form and winsome grace Recall my laddie s face, And give me joy. Thy smile speaks to my heart That we shall never part, For now I know thou art My sailor boy. 170 A MAID WITH A HEART A MAID WITH A HEART There s a dreamy island of coral rare In the sunny southern sea, Where the mermaids combing their golden hair Were exceedingly fair to me. While twining and combing their locks with care, Their magical notes prolong, Asking if I had the courage to dare To list to a siren song. " We seek for a king who is brave and free, And the fairest maid of us all Will be his queen and the queen of the sea, And be crowned in our coral hall. "Will you come and dwell in a palace grand, And recline on a couch of gold ? You shall rule us all with a royal hand, If you are very strong and bold. " There is not a maiden in all the earth Can rival a maid of the sea, For Beauty gave each a kiss at her birth, And our beauty will always be/ I said to them as we drifted apart: " I marvel such beauty to see, 171 STORY AND SONG But a mermaid is born without a heart, And can never be bride to me. "Besides, it is written in legends old, That when mermaids are won and wed In the first embrace the strong and the bold Are numbered along with the dead. "And while man will risk a life for a kiss, Loves beauty in nature and art, He seeks for more than a moment of bliss, And longs for a maid with a heart." 172 JIM ROOT JIM ROOT You vow no heroes now are born, And laugh the present race to scorn ? Listen, Cynic, aye, listen well, While I a hero s story tell. And challenge e en Achilles old To stand beside my hero bold. Not on the battle-field fought he Not in the lists of chivalry But yesterday at Hinckly town That brave Jim Root achieved renown. Just plain Jim Root, unknown to fame Until he ran that Hinckly train; And snatched two hundred souls from death, Who felt the Reaper s scorching breath. Precisely at the hour of two The daily limited mail was due. And Jim, the master engineer, Was driving on without a fear, Yet gravely watched the piston stroke, And wondered at a pall of smoke That arching o er him left and right Was turning day to darkest night. Then heard the anxious cries that came : " Back ! back ! the woods are all aflame." But on he sped, the warnings vain, And Hinckly saw his rescue train. 173 STORY AND SONG " Aboard ! aboard ! ye old and young ! Fly, fly from Hinckly, every one." Thus spake the hero, brave Jim Root, Tho scorched and burned from head to foot. "Flee for your lives," he cried again, u Ye mothers, children, maids and men." Then backward with a mighty roar With twice a hundred souls, aye more; Through blinding smoke and fearful flame, Towards the lakeside rushed the train. Hemmed in by fire on every side, With throttle standing open wide, On, on it sped, with giant stride. The roadway roofed with lurid fire, The train itself a moving pyre, While flaming trees like arrows fell, Shot straight from out the mouth of hell. Twice, thrice the scorching billows came And licked his cheeks with tongues of flame, Till burned and blistered there he stands, Holding the lever in his hands. And never did his steely nerve One instant from its duty swerve. ^ At last, thank God, and also Jim, Alive they reached the water s rim, Then glancing backward whence they came, Saw naught except a sea of flame. 174 JIM ROOT Honor and fame for him I claim, Who nobly ran that rescue train; Honor, I say, to brave Jim Root, A hero, sir, from cap to boot ! 175 STORY AND SONG THE MOON To S. D. H. O Moon, you are a gypsy, And the wisest gypsy too, For the sober and the tipsy Pass you nightly in review. You come with wisdom laden, Garnered round the mother earth ; For like a gypsy maiden, You have wandered since your birth, You nightly hear the wailing Of the wicked, wretched, poor Sad cries, but unavailing, While longings are impure. Envy, hatred, fiery passion Smite us fiercely with the rod, Yet with some it seems the fashion To ascribe our ills to God. It matters not to dreamer Whether dream be long or brief, If in the dream the dreamer Granted brothers sweet relief. 176 THE MOON And though upon Time s dial There is seeming wrong and strife, We may rise from ev ry trial With a nobler view of life. For claims of grief and sorrow Turn these human hearts aright, So in the near to-morrow We shall sooner see the light. And when our fears would worry He bids them, "Peace be still," To neither shrink nor hurry, But wait the Master s will. With evil all forsaken The light will o er us stream, And we shall re-awaken From the shadow and the dream. You behold how mortals travel Through unnumbered years of strife, Vainly seeking to unravel All the tangled skein of life. Winding, weaving, interlacing, Walking backward to the light; Now advancing, now retracing, Hardly knowing what is right. 177 STORY AND SONG Asking why and whence and whither Runs the destiny of man Born to bud, to bloom, to wither Dust and ashes once again. That s the casket, not the jewel, That s the husk, but not the corn; Sleep is good and never cruel, Since we waken at the morn. Dying daily, daily learning, Dying to this sense of life; To our heritage returning, After countless years of strife. Although we gaze in wonder At the labyrinths we tread, His hand is over yonder, Holding singly ev ry thread. And He draws us in His kindness To the harmony above, Showing mercy when in blindness We reject a Father s love. So I hold that we are moving Onward, upward, though we pause, And the naught of error proving Knowing God alone is Cause. 178 MARJORIE MARJORIE Little Marjorie s still and white, Wakes not with the morning light; Soft hands folded on her breast, Weary Marjorie s now at rest. Blessed Marjorie sleeps in peace, All her pains and sorrows cease; She s not dead, she only keeps Tryst with Him who said : She sleeps. 179 STORY AND SONG A PRECIOUS FLOWER In Memory of Frances "Guard this," said the King to the gardener; " Tis a plant exceedingly rare ; Let it grow to bloom in my royal room Beneath thy fostering care." The gardener welcomed the stranger Where the rare exotics grew. With gentle power he shielded the flower, Gave it the sun and the dew. And never a plant grew fairer Within a gardener s fence; Its sweet perfume, when budding to bloom, Was like fragrant frankincense. And the gardener loved the stranger, And tended it day and night, So its grace and beauty, thro love and duty, Might be to the King a delight. And the wife of the gardener worshiped The stranger from afar, Who in rain or shine shone with light divine, As though it came from a star. 180 A PRECIOUS FLOWER But near to the hour of blooming The garden was filled with gloom. Before the dawn the flower was gone, And the gardener s heart was a tomb. Yet a light from out the darkness Revealed to those who wept Near the lowly bed of the seeming dead That the blossom only slept. And they knew the kingly power Would waken again their bloom, And above the earth its beauty and worth Would brighten the royal room. And the gardener grew contented, And the wife from tears refrained, Waiting the time with faith sublime, Their blossom will be regained. With the glory of its beauty Secure from the clinging sod, With fragrant breath untouched by death, Anear to the throne of God. 181 STORY AND SONG THAT OTHER ROOM In Memory of I. C. Curtis As honored trav ler to a friendly state, So passed he calmly to that other room, Not fearing there to meet a frowning fate, And smiling bravel) at the threat of gloom ; For after all he deemed the gated tomb A lucent doorway that ajar did wait, To lead him onward where the lights illume A joyous scene behind a crystal gate. So what could angel death do more for him, Than ope the portal to the seraphim ? Why should he fearful be, who never knew A coward motive nor an action mean, Who proudly stood, while legions fawning grew, And loved the beauty of the soul serene ? A knightly man the earth and heaven between, Unsullied as the blossom in the dew, With look undaunted waiting for the screen Aside to roll and bring a heaven to view. Thus bravely onward still in manly bloom, Went he in gladness to that other room. 182 "PEACE BE STILL" "PEACE, BE STILL" In stormiest sea there cometh to me A message from above ; Mid the lightning s flash and thunder s crash I hear the voice of Love : Peace, be still ! is the whispered word, Peace, be still ! be still ! And the storm and strife of this dreamland life Are calmed by the Master s will. Oh, wand rer from God, still dwelling in Nod, Dreading a gale to-day, Find refuge secure in the One who is pure, Whom even the winds obey. Peace be still ! Omnipotent word ! Peace, be still ! be still ! And clamor and din, the tempests of sin Are hushed by the Father s will. 183 STORY AND SONG ONE Man has one Mind, one Soul, one Life, One Love that quells all earthly strife, One Father Mother, God Divine, One Christ who comes with healing sign. One Science leadeth man aright Towards the Way, the Truth, the Light One Great Physician he may call One Spirit, God, the All-in-all. 184 EASTER EASTER To Thermal Sunday School, Colorado Desert Hear ye the message of Easter, Dwellers in desert land, How seraphs came and in His name Scattered a Roman band. Hear ye the story of Easter, How angels fair as day For human weal broke Pilate s seal And rolled the stone away. That was the mightiest marvel That ever Time gave birth, When He, once dead, with stately tread, Marched from the yawning earth ! Behold the sacred drama ! Earth pauses for a time, While hosts above in hope and love Review the scene sublime. One touch of God s white angel Unlocks the narrow room ; Then he who died, the Crucified, Arises from the tomb. 185 STORY AND SONG Oh, wonderous might and wisdom ! The world again is trod By Him whom death had robbed of breath, The incarnate Son of God ! " Lo, see, the Lord is risen ! " The radiant angel said. " Have ye no fear, He is not here ; He liveth that was dead." He liveth ! aye, he conquered The fatal foe of men ; And each one now should lowly bow To Christ of Bethlehem. List ye this Easter morning For silent word or sign A message clear that each may hear From Christ the Son divine. Hark ! tis the Savior calling : "Come, O come to me! Open thine heart, I would not depart ; Let me abide with thee ! " Thus will the Easter message Calm the storm and strife, Soothe our sorrows, brighten the morrows, And bless our daily life. THE END 186 YB 53209 835634 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY