t,Dl 
 
GIFT OF 
 of 1:. 
 
OME IDLE MOMEN 
 

o 
 
 
 , 
 
 .-" 
 
 - 
 
SOME IDLE MOMENTS 
 
 BY 
 
 CARD ROMA 
 
 THE SMITH-BROOKS COMPANY 
 
 DENVER, COLORADO 
 
 U . S . A . 
 

Ittell, 
 
 SCENE TAVERN OPPOSITE STAGE DOOR OF A THEATRE. 
 
 Here, yer youngster, gimme yer hand! Come in; sit down. Now 
 
 boys, 
 Let's have a drink. Ah, that's good! Say, Tom, there's such a 
 
 noise 
 
 Yer'd better close the tavern door, for anyhow I reckon 
 The rest o' them folks can find the way without yer beck'nin'. 
 You actors are a good smart lot when taken as a whole; 
 Of course, there are a few o' yer a-lackin' in the soul; 
 But yer sort o' mind yer business and go yer humble way, 
 So its none o' my affairs if yer do turn night into day. 
 Ugh ! how cold it is ! Tom, give us a good stiff drink 
 And pile a log upon the fire; this sort o' makes me think 
 O' other Christmas nights 'round the blazin' logs at home, 
 Of days long gone and old friends, too. Yer see, I'm all alone. 
 
 Father and Mother and us lived on the farm; 
 We'd dogs and cats and hens and pigs, some horses in the barn. 
 We had a house with brand new paint, folks said the best around; 
 And corn and wheat and milk and eggs, the best that could be 
 
 found. 
 
 I didn't have much schoolin'; yer see, they needed me 
 About the place to milk the cows or chop down some old tree; 
 So Jack, he got the schoolin', and Bill that's my name 
 Was made to go without; but to me 'twas all the same. 
 Once Pa and Ma were taken sick and when the winter came, 
 Yer see, they died. Then Jack went West to make himself a 
 
 name 
 
 Among the big folks there; he married a mighty fine young gal; 
 Folks said she was the sweetest thing I think they called 
 
 her Sal. 
 
 Come, Tom, another drink! Boys, I haint begun to tell 
 Half I've forgot about a Heaven and all I know of Hell! 
 Well, when I was left alone upon the dear old place, 
 I got kind o' lonesome for the sight of a woman's face. 
 Straightenin' up the big, square rooms was somehow out o' my 
 
 line; 
 I wasn't such a powerful cook, nor even a housemaid fine. 
 
 855414 
 
My clothes got torn, my toes were out, my shirts were all in 
 
 shreds; 
 
 I couldn't manage needles or stews and Gol darn take the beds! 
 I always got the blankets a-mixed up with the sheets, 
 And half the time the pillows were a way down at the feet. 
 Yer see, Ma was so handy and tidy 'bout the place; 
 She always went around with a smile upon her face. 
 And Pa was always whistlin' as busy as a bee; 
 So when I was alone at home, by Gosh! 'twas hard for me. 
 
 One day, when everything went wrong a workin' 'gainst my say, 
 
 I tho't I'd best find a wife; and so, when on my way 
 
 To market with my load, I tho't I'd stop on the way back 
 
 And tell Old Aunty Grey. To make it strong, I left a sack 
 
 O' potatoes good and new; I said, "Now, if yer only will, 
 
 Just find a wife for yer lonely old friend, Bill." 
 
 She only smiled and shook her head a-thinkin' all the while 
 
 Of where she'd look to find a gal just suited to my style. 
 
 I told her all my prospects and 'bout the first new crop 
 
 O' peaches, quinces, berries, pears and apples, ready to drop 
 
 With the weight o' their own sweetness. And 'bout the house 
 
 and barn; 
 
 I reckoned up the sum I'd saved the earnings of the farm. 
 Well, when I left Old Auntie Grey a-sittin' by the door, 
 I reckon she was thinkin' o' me lots better than ever before. 
 
 Ah! Boys, yer just in time to hear my story, too. 
 
 Tom, a drink all 'round at my expense and have the stuff good, 
 
 too; 
 Well, say, twixt Old Auntie Grey and me, we fixed the thing up 
 
 brown 
 
 And I was married to an angel afore the year rolled round. 
 I brought her home one summer day and in her eyes so blue 
 I kind o' saw the teardrops start. Yer see, 'twas all so new 
 To Nell. I guess she kind o' felt a little lonesome down 
 Upon the farm, for, don't yer see? 'twas quite a ways from 
 
 town. 
 But when the dogs came runnin' up and stuck their noses in her 
 
 hand 
 
 And Bess was kind o' neighin' a welcome and she saw all the land 
 Behind the barn, the fruit so ripe, the crops, the stock and all, 
 And then saw me, I guess she'd not struck a bad bargain after all! 
 For she kind o' put her arms 'round my neck and said, "Bill, 
 My own Bill, I'll be a good, lovin' wife. Yes, I will!" 
 
So we sealed that bargain then and there with a big, rousin' kiss; 
 I tho't I'd never get nearer Heaven no, never nearer than this. 
 She had the bonniest face, boys, with eyes of Heaven's own blue; 
 With a soul as pure as the lilies, a heart as good and true. 
 Her hair was like the youngster's there, so golden in the light; 
 She looked why, like him, too. Strange! what's the matter with 
 
 me to-night? 
 Our life was bright and easy; we were happy the whole year 
 
 round, 
 
 And might always have been so, if a show hadn't come to town. 
 Yer see, there weren't no theaiter, so they asked me for my barn; 
 They said they'd pay me handsome and promised to do no harm. 
 Besides, my barn was the biggest and the newest near the town 
 And the night the showmen opened folks came from miles around. 
 
 Soon they packed the wooden benches at a dollar or two a head, 
 And after the play was over they bargained for a bed. 
 They said they'd pay me mighty well if I'd keep them over night 
 And let the horses have some hay and give them all a bite. 
 I knew by doublin' up a bit there'd be heaps o' room to spare; 
 The pantry was full o' goodies, and Nell had pickled pears. 
 So we gave them all they wanted and sat around the fire 
 A'listenin' to the stories o' a world so great, 'twas nigher 
 Like fairyland than in the place we lived. I saw by Nell's face 
 What the hero was a-tellin' her; I watched her eyes roam 'round 
 
 the place 
 The home, that I had given her. And in the mornin' when they 
 
 left 
 
 A roll o' gold behind them and went their way, there crept 
 Between my Nell and me a somethin' Well, yer see, I never 
 
 could tell; 
 Perhaps it wasn't the hero's words; perhaps Nell wasn't well. 
 
 I 'fess the life o' a farmer's wife is no great easy play; 
 
 There's butter to churn and chores to do every hour of the day. 
 
 I often said, "I wish, Nell, yer'd let me get a girl 
 
 To help yer in and 'bout the house." Her lips she'd proudly curl 
 
 And toss her golden hair, defiant-like, in the sun 
 
 And say, "There's only just a bit o' work just enough for one." 
 
 I kind o' felt, as the year rolled by, perhaps there'd come some 
 
 day 
 
 A little bit o' an angel and it might stay 
 
 To help my Nell and help me, too; many's the hours we'd dream 
 And talk about the little basket, the nest fit for a queen; 
 
We'd fold the white slips up and hold the stockings high; 
 Sometimes I know and I've seen Nell's, too, that my eyes 
 
 weren't exactly dry. 
 
 But, after all those show-folks went, Nell often seemed to sigh, 
 And, as I'd look to question her, I'd see her hard, dry eyes 
 A-lookin' far beyond the barn, away beyond the hills. 
 I never asked her what she thought, for women have their ills 
 And don't want men a-botherin' them by askin' that and this; 
 So I waited and I thought Nell would tell me what's amiss. 
 Now, boys, I see yer smilin'; it don't matter what its 'bout; 
 But just have a drink again with me and only hear me out. 
 I used to drive to market every day with fruit or grain 
 And Nell sometimes would ask to go if there wasn't any rain; 
 So I got to takin' her 'long with me; I'd put her on the seat; 
 'Twas then I felt so proud, I did, with my load o' double sweets. 
 
 So it happened when I was rushed and couldn't spare the time, 
 
 I'd hitch the ponies to the wagon, give Nell both the lines 
 
 And tell her not to stay too long; then with a laugh so bright 
 
 And "Alright, Bill," I'd watch her 'till she got clean out o' sight. 
 
 Sometimes she would hurry back and seemed so bright and gay 
 
 As she talked 'bout her bargains in a woman's business way. 
 
 But one day when she went to town, and as the dusk drew near 
 
 And neither Nell nor Bess in sight, my heart began to fear 
 
 Lest harm had come to them; I thought I'd best run down 
 
 To meet her and the wagon on the way from town. 
 
 Calling Rover and the other dogs we set out on a run; 
 
 We had a race or two, yer see, just for a little fun 
 
 To keep away the fear that all with Nell wasn't right; 
 
 Just as we passed the first mile stone, Nell came into sight. 
 
 I hurried on and met the load and yelled, "Why, Nell, my pet, 
 
 I got a little anxious 'bout yer." I saw her eyes were wet. 
 
 She hardly seemed to notice how awful glad I seemed 
 
 Or how I know my joyous face must in the dusk have gleamed; 
 
 But sat so kind o' still like; when I took the reins 
 
 I fancied that her face was pale and her eyes filled with pain. 
 
 We didn't either o' us speak in the mile as home we drove, 
 
 For I could plainly see there was somethin' that my love 
 
 Was troubled 'bout; and all that night throughout the supper 
 
 meal 
 
 She seemed so strange and silent. I saw the teardrops steal 
 Adown her cheeks; then, seeing me, she wiped them quick away 
 As sometimes little children do when quarrelin' in their play. 
 
A week went by, and, save the cold that o'er my heart would 
 
 creep, 
 
 Life was the same; yet oft at night I'd hear Nell in her sleep 
 A-cryin' and a-sobbin'. And sometimes she would call 
 Aloud a name the actor's who had showed here in the fall. 
 One day I had some work to do a-fixin' up a gate 
 And didn't reach the door sill until 'twas kind o' late. 
 I came into the settin' room, but Nell wasn't there; 
 I looked all 'round ; there was nothin' except her vacant chair 
 And a note pinned on the wall. She'd gone away, she said, 
 To that play-actor's world with him! I called upon the dead 
 To listen to the vow I'd make. Then the hot words came 
 Which turn men's hearts to devils, their souls to living flames 
 That scorch and burn on every side, no matter what there be, 
 Leavin' no peace, no happiness, not e'en Eternity. 
 
 Eh? "What did I do?" yer ask. "And did I kill my man?" 
 No. I don't believe in vengeance; for there's a better plan 
 To rid the earth of devils who lead a double life, 
 Who break yer heart, spoil yer life and rob yer o' yer wife. 
 I'm simply waitin' for an hour; it's now most fifteen years. 
 I've been through lots o' sorrow and shed whole heaps o' tears. 
 Still somehow, when the night comes down, I let the candle burn. 
 Why? Well, just to show my Nell the way. Yet see, she might 
 
 return ; 
 
 And I always want to show her, by the candle and its light, 
 That I feel she's always welcome, by day as well as night. 
 Folks said that he had married her, but I know'd that couldn't be, 
 For only God can break the bond a'tween my Nell and me; 
 And human judges on this earth can't always true decide 
 Unless .you've got the money and the price o' many a bribe ! 
 
 They say he's quite an actor, though he hasn't got much cash; 
 And I've wondered if my Nell had loved his world with all its 
 
 dash 
 
 O' light and tinsel-brightness, with its wealth o' rosy fame; 
 And if she's happy with it all, though she can't bear any name. 
 Perhaps, some day, she may come back to Rover and to me 
 And look 'round the dear old farm and through the house and see 
 That nary a thing has lost it's place I've kept it best I could 
 Even to the pantry cupboard and the stove box full o' wood. 
 Sometimes, when I look 'round seein' the empty place, 
 I think she'd be a little glad to let her womanly grace 
 Brighten the dreary loneliness that her long absence makes, 
 And feel at home, nestlin' like, just for loth our sakes. 
 
Well, youngster, what's the matter? Yer eyes are kind o' wild! 
 
 What's that yer say? "Yer lonesome, yer no one's child 
 
 And want to come and live with me?" Say, what's yer Mother's 
 
 name? 
 Where's yer dad and what's his name? "Bill," hey? Why, that's 
 
 the same 
 
 As mine. What's round yer neck, kid? Take it off; let's see. 
 A locket. Open it. My God, boys, this once belonged to me! 
 And here is Nell's sweet face inside! Speak, boy, who is this? 
 "Yer Mother? And she told yer to give yer Father this 
 If ever yer should meet him?" A drink, Tom I'm not well! ! 
 "What's our hurry and where are we goin'?" Why, goin' to find 
 
 our Nell! 
 
 We never miss the sunshine until the shadows fall; 
 
 We ne'er regret the bitter words till passed beyond recall; 
 
 We never miss the laughter until the eyes are wet; 
 
 We never miss the happiness till Love's bright sun has set; 
 
 We never miss the singing until the birds have flown; 
 
 We never miss the blossoms until the Spring has gone; 
 
 We never miss the joyousness till sorrow bids us wake; 
 
 We never know we have a heart till it begins to break. 
 
 Dear Heart, bring back the sunshine, my bitter words forget; 
 
 Bring back the joyous laughter, my eyes with tears are wet; 
 
 Bring back our old time happiness; bid Love's bright sun arise 
 
 And shed its glorious radiance o'er all our Paradise. 
 
 Bring back the song birds' music. Dear Love, why should we 
 
 part? 
 Bid springtime blossoms bloom again in the garden of my heart. 
 
Dinner at tbe Club. 
 
 I'm dining at the Club, my Dear, 
 
 On things both rich and sweet; 
 I only wish that you were here 
 
 To help me share the treat. 
 No matter what the courses are, 
 
 I still must linger yet 
 On such another dinner hour 
 
 I shall not soon forget. 
 
 I know I ordered cocktails first 
 
 To whet our appetites, 
 And chose the brand of wine we'd have 
 
 On that eventful night. 
 I see you now, as when you sat 
 
 Just opposite to me, 
 And do not have to shut my eyes 
 
 Your face again to see. 
 
 A relish? Olives, was it, Dear, 
 
 Or was it celery? 
 I only know the kiss I stole 
 
 Was relish enough for me; 
 For, as I watched your blushing face 
 
 While ordering consomme, 
 I never saw you look so sweet 
 
 As you did that happy day. 
 
 And then I watched your dainty hands 
 
 Spreading your bread with butter; 
 I marvel at my ordering fish 
 
 With my heart in such a flutter! 
 I'd never seen such lovely hands, 
 
 So soft, so round and white; 
 You surely could not blame me then 
 
 For holding them so tight. 
 
While waiting for the beef to come, 
 
 I untied your bonnet strings; 
 And, as the light fell on your head, 
 
 Each hair was a golden thing 
 That wound itself about my heart 
 
 And held me captive there; 
 The ringlets whispered in your ears, 
 
 So pink, so small and fair. 
 
 The duck was sweet, not overdone, 
 
 With hominy on the dish; 
 You had the wish-bone, too, that night, 
 
 Whilst I had won the wish 
 A silent wish that I might sit 
 
 Opposite always to you; 
 I did not tell my wish for fear 
 
 It might not e'er come true. 
 
 The vegetables were all so good, 
 
 The salad a favorite one; 
 The lights were bright, but your dear eyes 
 
 Outshone them, every one. 
 The bubbles in the wine that night 
 
 Chased each other in glee, 
 To see which first would kiss your lips, 
 
 So sweet and dear to me. 
 
 I was jealous of them, every one, 
 
 And wished that I were dead! 
 I felt like breaking the bottle's neck 
 
 But cracked the nuts instead. 
 You noticed my selfish, angry mood 
 
 And asked what was the matter; 
 I don't remember what I said, 
 
 My thoughts made such a clatter. 
 
 However, the cafe noir soon settled it; 
 
 My cigarette then you lit; 
 Your face shone bright in the match's light 
 
 As your lips closed tight 'round it; 
 I remember even the very brand 
 
 They were those with golden tips 
 And when you passed it back to me, 
 
 I kissed, instead, your lips. 
 
 10 
 
The smoke curled upwards in the room; 
 
 My heart was burning, too; 
 I held you close; you could not move 
 
 While I stole your heart from you. 
 What mattered that your scolding tongue 
 
 Lied for your love-lit eyes, 
 Or that your sweetly trembling voice 
 
 Spoke only in Love's sighs? 
 
 Ah, well, dear Wife, Time onward flies! 
 
 Yet now at dinner to-night 
 I'm thinking of you, and Memory 
 
 Has stolen my appetite; 
 For don't you see? that whilst enjoying 
 
 This menu through and through, 
 I still am left unsatisfied, 
 
 For I'm hungry, Dear, for you! 
 
 V 
 
 Y/lien midst Life's ever-changing scenes 
 My life seems filled with rue, 
 
 And doubt and cares surround my path, 
 Dear Lord, please keep me true. 
 
 The way is dark; my feet are sore; 
 
 My friends are none or few: 
 The day is long and I'm alone; 
 
 Dear Lord, please keep me true. 
 
 My Faith is blind since Love has gone; 
 
 E'en Hope seems oft untrue: 
 Temptations crowd about my way; 
 
 Dear Lord, please keep me true. 
 
 Lead with Thy hand my faltering steps 
 
 And guide me safe to You; 
 Speak with Thy voice that I may hear; 
 
 Dear Lord, please keep me true. 
 
 ll 
 
IFUnon H /iDemor^ of "Ell Souls' 
 
 Ninon, someone's singing our old favorite song 
 
 While I sit apart from the crush and throng; 
 
 And somehow just now, as the words ebb and flow, 
 
 I'm thinking of you and our Long Ago. 
 
 As I saw you then, so I see you to-night; 
 
 You always were dressed in some gown that I liked; 
 
 I remember them all in each you were sweet 
 
 From the curls on your head to the soles of your feet. 
 
 The jewels you wore I remember them, too; 
 And how you did love your turquoises blue. 
 There's not one wee hour I've spent with you, Dear, 
 I've ever forgotten throughout this long year. 
 The suppers we've had, the dim lights and the wine 
 Made rosy your cheeks and your dear eyes shine 
 Far brighter than most jewels I see here to-night, 
 No matter how clear or how bright in this light. 
 
 This song always brought such sad tears to your eyes ; 
 
 I hated to see them or hear your deep sighs. 
 
 I used to reach out for your soft, pretty hand 
 
 To press it and calm all your quivering fears; and 
 
 Then having found it, I'd stand by your chair 
 
 With an arm 'round your shoulders so snowy and fair; 
 
 I think the best moment of all that sad bliss 
 
 Was when my lips bent to answer your kiss. 
 
 I can see through the door a vast sea of faces 
 
 All smiling and happy. There, are numberless graces 
 
 Combined in these women and brave, loyal men; 
 
 Yet none seem so fair as you did to me then. 
 
 Your voice was so loving, your laughter sincere, 
 
 Your heart seemed more constant than most of these here. 
 
 And all that you did was done but to please; 
 
 Ah, Ninon, you witch, you knew how to tease ! 
 
 12 
 
There's Marie my Marie so sweet and so true; 
 
 Everyone loves her; she's beautiful, too; 
 
 Yet now as I gaze on her lovely, fair face 
 
 And note all her movements of womanhood's grace, 
 
 I feel the deep peace of a satisfied life 
 
 That's filled with the love of a dear, little wife; 
 
 I know she's the fairest of all in this throng, 
 
 Yet somehow you are well, you're different, Ninon. 
 
 The song has just ended. There are tears in my eyes; 
 I'm almost ashamed, for I detest men who cry. 
 Marie's voice is calling; it's time we were gone. 
 My cigarette's out. How cold the night's grown! 
 I only hope the fire at home's burning bright; 
 How you loved the warmth, the shadows and light. 
 I'll have one more smoke with a long "B and S" 
 While Marie and all have gone to their rest. 
 
 How my thoughts wander back to that Long Ago 
 
 When I first knew I loved you and then told you so. 
 
 Our heather has faded. In Death's valley again 
 
 It is Holy Day, Ninon; yet never again 
 
 For either of us will "All Souls' Day" return. 
 
 Still, somehow to-night my thoughts to you turn; 
 
 I'm living again old scenes past and gone 
 
 While thinking of you, Ninon, of you and the song. 
 
 13 
 
They brought me home a telegram which said that she had died; 
 
 And as I read the cruel words, I felt they must have lied; 
 
 For only yesterday it seemed that I had seen her face 
 
 And watched her every movement so full of womanly grace. 
 
 I tried to hide the teardrops that in my eyes would creep 
 
 And tell my heart that surely she'd only fallen asleep. 
 
 I reached the darkened chamber and saw her form so fair; 
 
 It seemed to mock my senses to think that Death was there. 
 
 From out the close-shut curtains a little ray of light 
 
 Fell just across her golden locks upon her breast so white; 
 
 And on her face she wore a smile, so softly sweet and deep, 
 
 It seemed as though some happy dream had come to her in sleep. 
 
 The world had called her cruel names, this creature sweet and 
 
 fair; 
 For she had lured men's souls to Hell and filled them with 
 
 despair; 
 Her moulded arms so soft and white had closed round many a 
 
 heart 
 
 And held it close upon her own as if to never part. 
 Her lips had breathed forth sweet perfume which filled the very 
 
 air; 
 
 And many a soul of honor had, while lingering, perished there. 
 Her voice had called in accents so passionately clear 
 The fondest names and sweet nothings which yet to her were 
 
 dear. 
 
 Mad Passion, crowned above her brow, forgot pure Virtue's prize; 
 Then rushing on in flooding waves, it swept o'er many lives 
 And left its wreck where it had flowed across some tender heart, 
 While she, the Fount-head of the stream, was, of those lives, a 
 
 part. 
 
 I loved her, yes, as all men love mad creatures, free and fair, 
 And to her heart had often crept (just as the sunbeam there 
 Had fallen on her folded hands crossed on her silent breast) 
 For kisses sweet and love's embrace which lulled us to night's 
 rest. 
 
 14 
 
But when I saw her cold and still and knew her life was o'er, 
 
 I loved her then God be my judge! as I'd ne'er loved before; 
 
 And as I fell upon my knees beside her silent bed 
 
 A tiny hand stole into mine; I felt a little head 
 
 Nestling close beside my own, and when its face met mine 
 
 I saw brown eyes her eyes were blue oh, God! brown eyes like 
 
 mine 
 That read my inmost thoughts and soul! A voice that "Papa" 
 
 said, 
 Brought home to me the cruel truth! My child! Mine own, 
 
 the dead! 
 ****** 
 
 We buried her, the child and I, when day had ceased its strife; 
 The plain, white shaft above her breast is marked with one word, 
 "Wife." 
 
 ZTbee? 
 
 And yet thou sayest I doubt thee ! Can not thy heart 
 
 Read mine own? Its beatings have clung to thee, forming a part 
 
 Of thine own heart. Have not my lips, fraught 
 
 With love's sweet dew, been pressed to thine, caught 
 
 And held a prisoner there for thine own keeping? Because in 
 
 Mine own saddened life the roses mingled with thorns have been, 
 
 Thinkest thou I should withhold from thee Love's own 
 
 Roses until from their petals their sweets had flown? 
 
 Ah, no! It was not because I doubted thee my arms 
 
 Untwined from about thy neck, shielded from all harms 
 
 Mine own self that nestled close to thee; in that hold 
 
 I felt my very life secure. Ah, Love, was I bold 
 
 To love thee so? Your very touch upon my hair 
 
 Dispelled all fears, which, in my soul, may have entered there. 
 
 Your eyes, like mine, went forth to meet 
 
 Their namesakes in one glance rich and sweet. 
 
 It was not because I doubted thee I prayed for thy caress 
 
 To cease though in that prayer I lost all sight of the blest. 
 
 But, it is because of mine own doubting heart. The world, so old, 
 
 Holds naught out to me. Already mine own cold 
 
 Distrust has chilled my soul's warm sigh. 
 
 We are so tired of life so tired! my heart and I! 
 
 15 
 
flfcotber. 
 
 What is it, my child? Why do I see tears 
 
 Upon your cheeks? Troubles? Let me cheer 
 
 Your weary heart. You are my child yet and I 
 
 Am your mother, Dear. Do you not think I 
 
 Understand your heart? There's not a doubt 
 
 But that your mother's heart can wipe out. 
 
 Lonely? Ah, no, dear child, that must not be; 
 
 For have I still not you and have you not me ? 
 
 Or, is it because Childhood's days and joys 
 
 Have so swiftly flown? Did you leave their glittering toys 
 
 For dawning Womanhood's cares? Child, I could have told 
 
 You of those years to come; how the laughing gold 
 
 So quickly turns to saddened silver in your hair; 
 
 And on your youthful heart how soon grief could nestle there. 
 
 But I could not bring that lesson to your young breast 
 
 While at my side I had you. I silently prayed for rest 
 
 And slumber sweet to fall on you. Love comes to all, 
 
 My child, but once; if its sweetness turns to gall 
 
 Ere our lips have touched the crystal glass, 
 
 We still must drink its bitter dregs; that is the last 
 
 And greatest sorrow, child, that can to us befall. 
 
 I had hoped to make thy sorrow less; yet, during all 
 
 Thy baby-life I knew this hour would come. 
 
 Tell me thy sorrows, Dear. Perhaps by some 
 
 One, sweet phrase I may help to brighten the pages 
 
 Of your story, which, like Humanity's, runs through all ages. 
 
 Do you not remember how, in your young baby-days 
 
 I soothed your heart and sung you soft, sweet lays 
 
 Which carried you to Dreamland's golden shore? 
 
 I mended broken toys and kissed away your tears; now, as before, 
 
 I still can comfort you. There is no need 
 
 Or prayer, half -whispered, but that I hear; no weed 
 
 Growing o'er thy heart uprooting the flower-seeds 
 
 Of "Love," of "Faith" and "Hope," but that I can destroy. 
 
 16 
 
A Mother's heart is the only gold without alloy. 
 
 You, child, may yet have warm hearts about your own, 
 
 Giving to you, as you have to me, the dearest meaning of "Home." 
 
 So tell me, Dear are you not your mother's child still? 
 
 The fears and trials, doubts and tears that do your young heart 
 
 fill, 
 
 And I will weep with thee. A mother's heart feels all on earth. 
 There are no Joys, no Rest, no Happiness, but in that heart have 
 
 birth. 
 
 u 
 
 lon Setting Sun. 
 
 Yon setting sun, who, o'er all the world 
 
 Dost throw thy bright mantle of light 
 
 And bid old Earth repose, as might 
 
 The tired heart of man at night, 
 
 Shed o'er us thy glad influence of peace, 
 
 E'en while upon yon steeple's cross 
 
 Thou fallest. All to us is bitter dross; 
 
 We naught can remember but our loss 
 
 Of that within us, which might bring rest. 
 
 The tired eyes that strain to catch 
 
 A glimpse of some once-beloved face; 
 
 Sad, yearning hearts, which perchance through grace 
 
 Didst win among Earth's blest, a place; 
 
 Dear hands, within whose open palms 
 
 Was found the Source of every balm; 
 
 Send to these thy blessed calm 
 
 Which falls on Earth, when, with all ills 
 
 Thou droppest behind our Western hills. 
 
 Then, calm as thou, we shall repent 
 
 Of lives misused and years misspent; 
 
 Of deeds, of words and actions sent 
 
 To wounded hearts. If, when we bow 
 
 Before Creation's Maker, we then as now 
 
 Feel aggrieved within us for our false vows 
 
 That we have taken, how sweet and blest 
 
 Will be our heaven's long-needed rest 
 
 To us who watch thee set and cry, "His ways are best. 
 
 17 
 
IRiversifce, 
 
 Grant, dead warrior, beside whose tomb I stand and gaze 
 Upon the iron shroud which holds thee; Life's day's 
 Shortness comes to mine own memory. Sorrowfully I think 
 Of that hour when I shall come to the dark brink 
 Of that narrow stream which now but separates me and thee. 
 I love thy great, country-loving heart with its courage, which 
 
 earned for thee 
 
 Life's best crown the victories thou had'st gained above 
 All other earthly warriors. Ah! my own poor life! Through 
 
 Love 
 
 How many battles have I gained? How many aching hearts 
 Have I soothed? To what homes have I brought rest? Apart 
 From all other joys, where have I lain the hand of Peace 
 As thou hast done? How many cruel, heartless words have 
 
 ceased 
 
 Half-spoken, as did the cannon's angry mouths at thy command? 
 How many battles of self have I won? Where in all our land 
 Is thy equal? And yet, here thou art! These iron bars 
 Which shield thine ashes are but our Flag's broad stripes; its 
 
 stars 
 
 The flowers, the immortelles which rest upon thy bed. 
 Calm Hudson flows, ever singing to thee the lullaby of the Dead. 
 The trees stand sentinels o'er thy mound of rest; the canopy of 
 
 Heaven 
 Protects thee from all thoughts of envy or distrust. To thee is 
 
 given 
 
 That, for which we all do pray even in the still and deep 
 Hours of the wakeful night God's own blessed sleep! 
 So rest on, sleeping warrior! Thy helmet, sword and shield 
 Are by thy side; thou art but sweetly dreaming upon Heaven's 
 
 battle field. 
 
 Thou shalt not fear the trumpet that calls thee to arise, for then 
 Thy bugler shall be but God's messenger of Peace. Thy tired 
 
 soul shall send 
 Its winging flight to Heaven, joining thy comrades in that sacred 
 
 spot 
 
 Where battles, sorrows, tears and death shall surely enter not. 
 Therefore, sleep, oh, tired warrior ! The camp fire burns low and 
 
 bright; 
 
 18 
 
Around thee falls the hallowed rest, the blissful sleep of night; 
 
 Thy dreams are dreams of peace; thou can'st not e'en hear the 
 sentry's call; 
 
 Discord, too, resteth; all is still. Peace upon thy sleeping com- 
 rades falls; 
 
 And thou, thyself, oh, warrior, art still. Thy helmet, sword and 
 shield 
 
 Are by thy side; thou art only dreaming upon Heaven's battle 
 field. 
 
 H Bacbelor's IReverte, 
 
 Dear partner of my joys and woes, 
 You dear old pipe of mine! 
 
 I watch the smoke that upward goes 
 With memories entwined. 
 
 Glad Childhood lies so far behind; 
 
 The present hour is mine: 
 The Future spell, if ill or kind, 
 
 Is yours dear pipe of mine. 
 
 Lead where you will midst joy or rue, 
 Your life with mine entwined 
 
 Will prove companionship most true, 
 You dear old pipe of mine. 
 
 I see again the forms and faces 
 Of sweethearts once fondly mine; 
 
 I feel their ever present graces 
 In this old pipe of mine. 
 
 Oh, Woman, Woman, never complain! 
 
 For even with beauties thine, 
 You cannot heal my heart's sad pain 
 
 As this old pipe of mine! 
 
 19 
 
Babs's fftrst Sboes, 
 
 'Tis many years since they were worn, 
 
 My baby's shoes, so old and torn; 
 
 And though the years have passed away, 
 
 To me it seems but yesterday 
 
 I fastened on his little feet 
 
 His first new shoes, so trim and neat. 
 
 Ah, how I saw in his bright eyes 
 
 The look of wondering surprise, 
 
 As pointing with a finger small 
 
 He laughed, and tried to tell me all 
 
 His childish thoughts in lisping coos 
 
 And thank me, too, for his new shoes. 
 
 Here's a hole. Ah! his big toe 
 
 With upward tendency would go; 
 
 And here's the heel, all rubbed and worn, 
 
 And eyelets small, so old and torn. 
 
 Dear Baby's shoes, you've traveled miles 
 
 And are the cause of tears or smiles 
 
 Which in the Mother's heart have birth 
 
 Wherever there's a babe on earth. 
 
 Tears, when erringly you've trod 
 
 The path that leads away from God; 
 
 Smiles, at steps so nobly taken 
 
 In Life's great cause, with Faith unshaken. 
 
 Of all the jewels, rich and rare, 
 
 Worn on the breast of Womanhood fair, 
 
 There's one heart-gem from sight hid deep 
 
 The first shoes worn by baby who sleeps; 
 
 And one sad hour of all the years 
 
 Of Motherhood that's fraught with tears; 
 
 That one sad hour say what you choose 
 
 She weeps, alone, o'er baby's first shoes. 
 
 20 
 
OLo\>e's Burial. 
 
 I buried my heart in a grave, wide and deep, 
 
 And bade it repose in a long, dreamless sleep; 
 
 But its soul this sweet message flew outward to you 
 
 To answer your heart with its love fond and true. 
 
 I planted sweet pansies, dear Memory's friends, 
 With hearts that seem into friends' faces to blend; 
 But when they had blossomed, I saw your sweet face 
 In every dear flower which spoke of your grace. 
 
 I heard the birds calling afar to their own, 
 When daylight to gloaming had quietly grown; 
 And then in their answers so soft and so clear, 
 Methought your voice called me in tones sweet and dear. 
 
 I know, though Love's buried between you and me, 
 And even upon Earth your face I'll ne'er see, 
 My thoughts and my heart rush onward to you 
 To answer your heart with its love fond and true. 
 
 tr 
 "Hnfc U Mill <3ix>e Ubee 1Rest." 
 
 Be still, sad heart, yet just a while 
 And thou shalt see thy Maker's smile 
 As He enfolds thee to His breast 
 And bids thee seek His promised rest. 
 
 What though thy task is never light, 
 Nor through thy day there beams no light? 
 Have patience, heart; through good or ill 
 The Father is thy Saviour still. 
 
 Bear but a while thy cross and pains, 
 For earthly sorrows are heavenly gains 
 To thee who'll wear a crown so blest 
 When thou shalt KNOW His promised rest. 
 
 21 
 
H jfool's parafcise. 
 
 I hold you close in my arms, Dear. 
 
 These arms so strong and bold: 
 I look at your sweet, changeful face, 
 
 Then you to my loving heart fold. 
 
 I hear your sad, smothered sighs 
 And watch the shadows gray 
 
 Falling across your golden hair 
 As if in their merry play. 
 
 I bend my face to your paled one 
 
 And lay my lips on thine. 
 Ah, why will you mock at me thus, 
 
 Knowing you ne'er can be mine? 
 
 Your eyes look straight into mine 
 Without one questioning fear. 
 
 Your hands clasp mine, holding my life 
 To yours Ah, Love, so near! 
 
 I love you; how I love you! 
 
 Your life may never join mine ; 
 Still I shall always, always love you 
 
 Throughout this life of mine! 
 
 TT 
 
 Zone's Seasons. 
 
 In Springtime when the leaves were green, 
 
 All nature was blithe and gay; 
 The silver stream sang merrily 
 
 And Life was Love's young day. 
 You loved me then. In Summertime 
 
 The richness of nature fell 
 About our lives; I loved you, too 
 
 More than my lips could tell. 
 But the leaves turned brown and the silvery stream 
 
 A rushing torrent spread; 
 Over all nature sad Winter reigned, 
 
 And your love for me was dead. 
 
Xore's 
 
 When Life's sweet roses are crushed and torn 
 And from their petals their scent has gone, 
 I will remember, remember Dear. 
 Love's fragrant roses of Yesteryear. 
 
 When Life's long hours are filled with care 
 And Duty's cross seems hard to bear, 
 I will remember, remember Dear, 
 Love's happy hours of Yesteryear. 
 
 When through my lone heart in minor strain 
 Life's weary music sobs once again, 
 I will remember, remember Dear, 
 Love's joyous melody of Yesteryear. 
 
 Crushed, faded roses; sad music's strain; 
 Ah, happy hours that come not back again! 
 Life's years go by. Dear Heart, be true. 
 I will remember and wait for you. 
 
 
 
 TTbe S)umb Xover. 
 
 You ask me why I love her, 
 
 My little sweetheart fair, 
 And why I think no other 
 
 Has quite such golden hair; 
 Or eyes that speak so plainly 
 
 Of love, so deep and trae; 
 I do not know my ovm self. 
 
 How can I then tell you? 
 
 I only know I love her; 
 
 It's just because I do; 
 I know full well without her, 
 
 My life would be but rue. 
 There'd be no sun to guide me, 
 
 No moon in Heaven's blue; 
 It's just because I love her 
 
 That I love her as I do. 
 
 23 
 
ifctsmet. 
 
 Dearest, must my Life leave yours 
 
 And from your Life go? 
 Oh God ! How I shall miss you 
 
 You, whom I love so! 
 My ears will miss your calling, 
 
 My eyes look up in vain 
 For just one dear, answering look 
 
 To comfort my weary pain. 
 My arms must fall from your neck, 
 
 I must stifle my breaking heart's cry 
 As you turn away to leave me, 
 
 Perhaps alone to die. 
 I must forget your tender vows, 
 
 Forget that we ever met; 
 You shall not hear me call you 
 
 As I gaze with pale cheeks wet. 
 I will be brave and strong, Dear, 
 
 Knowing Love's strength, oh, full well ! 
 Some day I may return to you 
 
 And your Life Ah, who can tell? 
 
 parting. 
 
 Again we stand as in the by-gone days 
 
 And watch the fading of the sunset rays; 
 
 My hands clasp yours with tender pain 
 
 Knowing we ne'er shall meet again. 
 
 Then kiss me, Love, as in the olden times 
 
 When hearts beat gladly to Love's merry chimes; 
 
 Forevermore to us they'll bring 
 
 Sad Mem'ry with her bitter sting. 
 
 The rose is dying on your bosom fair, 
 
 I kiss the sunlight in your golden hair. 
 
 Ah, Love! If you had loved me well 
 
 This would not be our last Farewell. 
 
 24 
 
Smofee, 
 
 A couch on which a fair head lay; 
 
 A cigarette; a smile as soft as day; 
 
 A day on which the sunshine broke; 
 
 A match; a sigh; a cloud. It all ends in smoke. 
 
 A song whose echoes softly fell 
 
 Around my heart and wove its mystic spell. 
 
 Your laugh; my cry; a heart that broke; 
 
 What matters Life or Love? It all ends in smoke. 
 
 Love, despair, happiness or joy; 
 
 Some lives mixed with no alloy; 
 
 'Tis all the same. Satan claims us for his coke; 
 
 Bright, warm Hell is ours! We all end in smoke. 
 
 u 
 Hbsence. 
 
 A sigh; a tear; a last "Goodbye;" 
 
 And lovers twain are parted. 
 A bell; a shriek; a cloud of smoke; 
 
 The railway coach has started. 
 A pen; some ink; a clean white sheet; 
 
 An avowal so devoted; 
 A slip; a lie; some heated words; 
 
 A little "rumpus" noted. 
 The letters cease; the coach returns; 
 
 The lover homeward comes, sir; 
 He meets his love; a nod; a smile; 
 
 But no fond heart has stirred, sir. 
 A year; say two; they meet again 
 
 And speak of times long past, sir; 
 (He) "Ah, what a flirt! Was't this I loved?" 
 (She) (Introducing him to a friend.) 
 
 "Your name? Ah, yes, Smith! I'd quite forgot, sir." 
 
 25 
 
H Mite's IReason H>it>orcet>. 
 
 If you were here, what should I, what could I say to you? 
 
 You, who sent me sorrowing from your side long since! Do 
 
 You count the weary hours that pass, or the last 
 
 Few years which blest our lives? Now all is past. 
 
 What for me does the future hold true? 
 
 I could but go when cruelly you sent me from you. 
 
 Does not my touch burn still within your hands? 
 
 Whose lips, save mine, could bind with such bands 
 
 Of powerful sweetness? Will not your aching brow 
 
 Recall my caressing hand? Yet now 
 
 I sit alone; I know not even where you are; 
 
 I can remember only that you bade me go! The blow 
 
 Of your harsh words has fallen quick and deep; 
 
 Its traces will never leave my heart even in its last, long sleep. 
 
 I could not answer you! My outstretched arms fell back 
 
 Upon my own sorrowing breast. If my voice lacked 
 
 Its once sweetness, it was because your words, so cold, 
 
 Had sunk upon my very heart's warmth. Only old 
 
 Memories are left to me. Still I know, I feel 
 
 That you still love and will miss me. Your wounds may heal; 
 
 Still, within your life there'll be one spot 
 
 Where Peace can never enter and where not 
 
 Even calm Content shall dwell. So shall I wait and wait; 
 
 It may be years shall come and go; grow early and grow late; 
 
 But at last you will call me, e'en though you bade me go, 
 
 And I will come to you! Why? Because I love you so! 
 
flnfcex. 
 
 Nell 3 
 
 Longing 8 
 
 Dinner at the Club 9 
 
 My Prayer 11 
 
 Ninon A Memory of "All Souls' Day" 12 
 
 Regret 14 
 
 Doubting Thee? 15 
 
 Mother 16 
 
 Yon Setting Sun 17 
 
 Riverside 18 
 
 A Bachelor's Reverie 19 
 
 My Baby's First Shoes 20 
 
 Love's Burial 21 
 
 "And I Will Give Thee Rest" 21 
 
 A Pool's Paradise 22 
 
 Love's Seasons 22 
 
 Love's Yesteryear 23 
 
 The Dumb Lover 23 
 
 Kismet 24 
 
 Parting 24 
 
 Smoke 25 
 
 Absence 25 
 
 A Wife's Reason Divorced .26 
 

 
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