UC-NRLF $B 15S 372 JOHN REND RICK BANGS Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/echoesofcheerOObangrich OTHER VERSES BY MR. BANGS SoNOs OF Cheer $1.00 net SHERMAN. FRENCH AND COMPANY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS ECHOES OF CHEER ES ©F CM EI HNKENMICKMNG I Copyright, 1912 Sherman, French &> Company Titlk-Page Design By LUELLA SHAYLER HARMON 95-3 TO THE ONLY MUSE M. G. B. m5124:43 CONTENTS PAOI INSPIRATION 1 THE IMMORTAL MUSIC 2 REPAYMENT 3 THE PATH 4 BLIND 5 ANOTHER CHANCE 6 ON A RAINY DAY 7 ALLEGIANCE 9 TO AN ORCHID IN A SHOP-WINDOW ... 10 TWO LOVES 11 FOR LOVE OF SONG 12 A WISH 13 A WINTER ROSE 14 A DISTINCTION 15 THE MIRACLE 16 AS TO NOTHING 17 GREETINGS 18 OUT OF THE DEPTHS 19 LOVE'S ABODE 20 A CALL 21 ECHOES 22 WISDOM 23 A CHALLENGE 24 THE VALET OF THE LILY 25 AS TO DESTINY 27 SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY 28 WHERE THE FUN COMES IN 29 THE OPTIMIST 30 PAGE AN AUTUMN REVERIE 31 AGE AND YOUTH 32 AN OASIS 33 PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE 34 A RECIPE 35 AT EVENTIDE 36 TO THE TAX-ASSESSOR 37 A VICTORIOUS SURRENDER 38 THE SIMPLER JOYS 39 THE TREASURE SEEKERS 40 THE AUCTION 41 THE USE OF LIFE 43 SCABBARD AND SWORD 45 THE BECKONING YEARS 46 THE GARDEN OF MY DREAMS 48 A PROTEST 50 A PROPHECY 52 THE HUNTER 54 HALLOWE'EN 66 CHRISTMAS DAY 58 DISCOVERY 59 THE STORY THAT NEVER ENDS .... 61 «ME AND MINE" 63 ARCADY 65 ECHOES OF CHEER INSPIRATION WHEN Phyllis lets me gaze into her eyes. It fills my soul with ever fresh surprise To note a figure small deep-set in each, As though a thousand leagues beyond my reach. No larger than the tiniest woodland elf — Each one the perfect portrait of myself. The perfect portrait? Nay! I would 'twere so, Rejoicing in that soft and heavenly glow That hedges them about ! What utter bliss To live, and be, in such a home as this, And looking out from it each day to see The world as Phyllis thinks the world to be! Ah, well — let it be mine to choose my way. Year after year, through every passing day. So well, in truth, that as this world appears To her, unsullied, void of evil fears. So may it be as far as in me lies To keep it as it seems to Phyllis' eyes! [1] THE IMMORTAL MUSIC THE soft, sweet notes of woodland birds, The crooning of the lowing herds, The rustling zephyrs as they pass Across the tree-tops and lush grass, The humming of the bees, the throng Of insects with their even-song, The chirp of cricket, and the note Of tree-toads on the air afloat. The monotones of waters free. The murmurs of the forest tree. The rich crescendos of the gale. Staccato of the rain and hail — These are the songs our fathers stirred; These are the songs that Adam heard; These are the anthems that will be Unchanged through all eternity: The Symphony Divine that rolls From Heaven forth to human souls. To cheer the heart, and ease earth's strife With promise of immortal life. [2] REPAYMENT THAT part of me that from the earth hath come Let earth take back again when comes the hour That marks of my achievement the full sum, And sets the limit to my meed of power, I grudge no bit of it! The loan of clay That from earth's breast I've ta'en I shall re- turn, And have no least reluctance to repay, Nor ever think the debt incurred to spurn. But that which of the Spirit is in me Let no earth-creditor of me demand : To earth give earth's, to Immortality The gifts divine from the Immortal Hand. [3] THE PATH 1 DREAMED a fair, sweet realm Where all was Constancy ; With Virtue at the helm, And every Soul was free. Peace smiled upon broad fields From Hope's fair skies above. And all men toiled for yields Of Helpfulness and Love, All eyes spoke Confidence. The prospect, sweeping, wide, Breathed God's munificence And care on every side. Grim Poverty was gone. Gone Worry and Distress, And over all there shone The Light of Kindliness. And then I woke to find I held Life's Golden Key. Mine eyes that had been blind Were opened and could see: Who love of service hath. In faith, without allot/. Will find the blessed path Unto the realm of Joy! [4] BLIND C i QHOW mc your God !" the Doubter cries. O I point him out the smiling skies ; I show him all the woodland greens; I show him peaceful sylvan scenes; I show him winter snows and frost; I show him waters tempest-tost; I show him hills rock-ribbed and strong; I bid him hear the thrush's song; I show him flowers in the close — The lily, violet, and rose; I show him rivers, babbling streams ; I show him youthful hopes and dreams ; I show him maids with eager hearts ; I show him toilers in the marts ; I show him stars, the moon, the sun; I show him deeds of kindness done; I show him joy, I show him care, And still he holds his doubting air, And faithless goes his way, for he Is blind of soul, and cannot see! [6] ANOTHER CHANCE I WOULD that there might be Two lives on earth For those of us who see Too late its worth. The first, a study hour To learn its ways; To comprehend the power Of passing days. To find Life's deepest reach — The things that give The Soul its strength, and teach Us how to live. The second, that the Soul May nobly rise Prepared to win the goal Where Honor lies. What joy to know 'mid all Life's stress and pain We but await the call To try again! [6] ON A RAINY DAY PUTTERIN' around the house- That's a heap o' fun ! Sort o' snoopin' like a mouse, Nothin' to be done That ye have to do at all, But jest lookin' round, In the attic and the hall. For what may be found. While the rain is comin' down With its patter song. In an easy dressin'-gown, Putterin' along — Nothin' "must" about the game. Not a single rule; Idlin' like a dancin' flame On the log of Yule. Mercy ! All the things ye find — Letters old and sere Bringin' back into your mind Folks no longer here ; Pictures of your school-boy pals In the days gone by; Tin-types of the roguish gals Useter make ye sigh 1 [7] Old and yellow papers of Some forgotten day ; Old forgotten tales of love Long since passed away — Maybe just a ribbon blue Tangled up with tears Bringin' back somebody you Loved in Yesteryears. Yes, indeed, the drops of rain As they fall outside Help to pleasure and to pain, Humbleness and pride, When ye putter round the house In your dressin'-gown. Like a snoopin' little mouse. While it's comin' down. [8] ALLEGIANCE AGE called for him and bade him come along And join the hoary-headed, faltering throng That staggered down the hills of Life, but he Though smiling welcome, full of courtesy, Replied, "Ah, no! I shall not go. 'Tis true my brow is furrowed deep with care. And white as winter's drifting snow my hair; Mine eyes and step, they too have feebler grown, And but few days remain to call my own, Yet there is that within my soul to-day That bids me tell thee Nay ! Thou hast indeed won o'er the major part, But Youth still rules the Kingdom of my Heart!" [9] TO AN ORCHID IN A SHOP-WINDOW POOR fragile creature ! Butterfly of flowers, Thy span of life at most a few short hours, What shame to hold thee in a prison pent. Thy beauty wasted on a City lane, Unheeded by the throngs of Toil and Pain, Like some poor Poet in a tenement! [10] TWO LOVES I LOVE the town because I love my fellow- men. Their handiwork in admiration high I hold. Their feats of wondrous strength, in science past my ken, Their winding boulevards, and towers tall and bold. All awe my spirit as I wander idly on; All breathe to me a sense of striving, brawn and brain, And tell a tale of vast achievement nobly won From bitter struggles weft of unremitting pain. And yet when through the peaceful country- side I roam, Past richly verdured hills, through forests green and deep. When from some mountain height beneath the vaulted dome Mine eye takes in the glory of that far-flung sweep. My heart from cities turns, and all my being thrills With love, and buoyant joy, and peace, and ecstasy — The town is Man's and mortal, but the dales and hills Immortal are and whisper of Divinity! [11] FOR LOVE OF SONG WHAT though your songs remain unheard? Unheeded lie of all? Think you that yonder lyric bird For this would cease his call? He sings because he loves to sound His measures through the dell, Nor cares if he be never crowned Because he sings them well. So sings the Poet true alway, Like bird upon the wing, Who cares not for the praise, or bay, But merely loves to sing. [12] M A WISH Y very soul I'd give To write a line to live Forever and for aye, For in that single line This bartered soul of mine Would dwell, and dwelling there, would live alway ! [13] A WINTER ROSE BLOOMED a rose one winter's day- Seemed to think that it was May. Took it, I, to one I know, One who sets my heart aglow, Who received it with a sigh, Held it close and tenderly. Placed it softly on her breast; And the flower there at rest Till it breathed its life away Never knew it was not May! [14] A DISTINCTION FAME'S very sweet, yet we should careful be That it is Fame, not Notoriety. 'Tis satisfaction small, none can deny, To be a cinder in the Public Eye. [15] THE MIRACLE WHENE'ER I find my Faith grown dim, And all my paths seem dark and grim I look about me for a sign Of things divine, And somewhere I am sure to see One thing that brings it back to me: The love of Mother for her child; A wooer by a maid beguiled; The bond between two spirits gray Who hand in hand have walked the way From Youth to Age, and still hold fast Upon the love of days long past; The tender sympathy of Man For Brothers in the human clan — Love is the Miracle I see That brings my Faith back unto me. [16] AS TO NOTHING WHO Nothing hath smiles grimly at dis- tress, And cries, "I've naught to lose!" Yet, if he press On toward the height He'll find he is not right — With effort he may lose his Nothingness! [17] GREETINGS A BUTTERFLY came by to-day, And I was glad to see That as he sped along his way He waved his wings at me. The apple-blossoms rarely white As I went idly on Gave me a greeting of delight With promised sweets anon. Deep in the wood a silver brook Ran carolling along, And from his fern-embedded nook Sent me a gift of song. [A. lark flew through the upper air, And with his high note clear Bade me dismiss all thoughts of care And think alone of cheer. [18] OUT OF THE DEPTHS I SEE the plough cleave through the field, The harrow scar the earth with pain, And from the wound there springs a yield, A harvest rich of golden grain. I see a soul by sorrow seared, A heart 'whelmed by the harrower,j And from the seeming ruin reared The perfect sheaf of Character! [19] LOVE'S ABODE LOVE calls at will on all who'll let him in. He carries lavish gifts that all may win. Should you be out when he doth call some day, Or pass him by unknowing on the way, Come hither and his smiling face you'll see — I'm glad to say that he abides with me. [20] A CALL OCOME, let's all be Poets! What though we cannot rhyme? 'Tis easy when we know it's Just singing all the time; Just sounding on the tabor God places in our hearts, And taking to our neighbor The message He imparts. [21] ECHOES I WONDER if the Heart is not The place where Echo dwells- Like some secluded peaceful spot Deep-thrilled with mystic spells. The Songs of Long Ago I seem To hear again within; And voices passed into a dream Anew their measures spin. The words of Poets passed away Still sound their numbers there, And turn the darkest, dullest, day To hours of pleasure rare. And now and then there comes to me Deep in this Heart of mine An echoing sense of Mystery That hints of things Divine. [22] WISDOM IF ever I am wise May it not be from books, But from the friendly skies, The mountains, and the brooks- Or possibly from eyes Through which a lover looks! No page confined thought May this my wisdom be, But that by Nature wrought In hill, and dale, and sea — With little flashes fraught With Love's divinity. [23] A CHALLENGE 4 ( /^ OME Worry, let us walk abroad to-day. ^"^ Let's take a little run along the way. I know a sunny path that leads from Fear Up to the lovely fields of Wholesome Cheer. I'll race you there! I'm feeling fit and strong, So, Worry, come along 1" We started on our way, I and my Care. I set the pace on through the spring-time air. But ere we'd gone a mile poor Worry stopped. Tried hard to catch his breath, and then he dropped, Whilst I sped on. An easy; winner of that Marathon. And since that day, when vexed by any fear, When Worry's come again with visage drear, I've challenged him to join me in that race, And found each time he could not stand the pace! [24] THE VALET OF THE LILY MANY'S the task that I have had— Some have been joyous, others sad; Some have been easy, by the card ; Others at times have tried me hard ; But O what joy, and sunny hours, To act as Valet to the Flowers! To manicure the Roses' stem, And carry water unto them! To help them curl their petals rare. And keep them ever fresh and fair — 'Tis sweet indeed to use one's powers In valetting the fragrant Flowers! I love to help the Garden choose What it shall wear, and what its hues; To keep the Pansies' faces clean. And trim the Hedge's locks of green, And ready make their vernal bowers For the receptions of the Flowers. And oh, what wages rich are mine! Fresh currency from bush and vine, All promptly paid when they are due In coin that rings forever true — No other task so richly dowers As acting Valet to the Flowers! [25] A smile of welcome when I come ; A hint of pleasures frolicsome ; And when the daily task is done A coat of tan — gift of the Sun — And health, and silvery summer showers, To him who serves the gracious Flowers I [86] AS TO DESTINY IS it to be my destiny Seeking the task too great for me? Finding the prizes I would seek Ever beyond, on some far peak Out of my reach, ne'er to be won. E'en when at last my course is run? Then be it so! 'Tis not for me Looking for flaws in destiny! Still will I seek those prizes vast Ever beyond, unwon at last! What care I for the bitter pace? Mine is the solace of the chase ! Joy of hope that illumes despair ; Joy of conquering woe and care ; Scent of battle, the upward flight, On, ever onward toward the height — These all are mine, let destiny Hold what she may in store for me ! [27] SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY TO-DAY is Someone's Birthday. Whose Is all unknown to me, But I beseech thee, O my Muse, All kindliness to be. O make it bright, and richly lade With life's best blessings, pray, For lad or lassie, man or maid, Who celebrates to-day. If there be tears in any eyes. Or griefs that stir the soul, Place o'er them thy most smiling skies. And ease the pangs of dole. If there be cares that vex the mind. Or trials in the heart, O Day, be gloriously kind, And bid all woe depart. Upon a bitter past the Gates Of Lethe close, and ope The Golden Doors to the Estates Of Peace, and Rest, and Hope ! [28] WHERE THE FUN COMES IN TO hev all things ain't suited to my mind, Per, as I go my way, I seem to find That half the fun o' life is wantin' things, And t'other half is gittin' 'em, by Jings ! [2^1 THE OPTIMIST CARE came first and laid his siege, Laid his siege at my front-door; Then the Wolf, the Lord and Liege Of all Trouble, brought his score. Well, I "sicked" the Wolf on Care- Wolf was hungry past all doubt ; Chewed old Care up hide and hair, Left no sign of him about. Then I took my faithful gun, Cheerfulness, from off the rack; Loaded it with Wholesome Fun, Let Wolf have it front and back. Made a fur coat of his hide — He was quite a shaggy beast — And the rest of him we fried For our glad Thanksgiving Feast. [30] AN AUTUMN REVERIE T^THEN Autumn breezes 'gin to howl V V About the chimney-pots, And all the kine, and all the fowl. Seek out the sheltered spots, I like to sit before the blaze And toast my shins and toes, The while the wind its roundelays About the roof-tree blows. I love to hear the windows shake. And listen to the sound The rattling panes and sashes make As zephyrs frisk around. I love to listen to the tune Of breezes in the eaves, Commingled with the soothing croon Of crackling autumn leaves. And when the logs begin to hiss • And sputter in their ire, I taste the joys of perfect bliss While sitting by the fire. For there it seems as though the Wood Were sending messages To one who shared and understood Its reminiscences. [31] AGE AND YOUTH YOUTH takes its joys from hopeful dreams Of future prizes to be won, Of voyages on unknown streams In realms beyond the rising sun. But Age, reflective Age, delights E'en in the twilight's fading rays In turning to the joyous sights Of unforgotten yesterdays. I know not which more joy imparts, Which holds the greater thrill, the page That tells of Hope in youthful hearts. Or tender memories of age. [32] AN OASIS OFT in the City's byways grim Where j oy seemed dead, and hope grown dim, The laughter of a child at play Has driven darkling thoughts away. Poor laddy! Doomed to find your joys In sun-baked canons ; 'mid the noise Of barter and inhuman strife — To pass the Maytime of your life ! Perhaps this is your message here, To bring relief and notes of cheer. Like an oasis In desert places ! [33] PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE ? riniS mighty pleasant looking back JL Through sunny vistas on life's track. It sets the heart to beating fast To see those visions of the past, To hear once more the roundelays Of Childhood days. 'Tis fine indeed to look ahead To see the prizes richly spread Upon the gleaming banquet-board, Perhaps our own deserved reward. For these are fair, e'en though unwon. To look upon. The past is full of sweetness true. The skies of days to come are blue. Both prospects thrill, and yet I look Within no past or future book. So many treasures can be found By looking round. [34] A RECIPE THE Recipe of Youth I've found at last, And deeply of it now I'm daily drinking i A thimbleful of Boyhood from the past, To one full quart of happy cheerful think- ing. [35] AT EVENTIDE YES, the sun is going, Going, going down. Eventide is throwing Shadows o'er the town ; And the stars a-gleaming. Gleaming over all Unto rest and dreaming Soon will sound the call; And the soft night creeping, Creeping o'er the way. Guards us, guides us sleeping Back again to day I [36] TO THE TAX-ASSESSOR COME, O Tax-Assessor Man, Get your taxes if you can. Here's the list of property Now belonging unto me : One small home you may behold Worthier than celestial gold ; One large heart in which there lies All the bliss of Paradise ; Love of children in great store ; Friendships reckoned by the score; Peaceful nights, and busy days; Right of way o'er golden ways; Jewelled sunsets, rippling seas. Starry skies, and cooling breeze; Acres broad in Fancy's realm; Ships with young Love at the helm ; Freedom of the firmament; Endless stock of sweet content; Faith in God, and sturdy health — Thus is itemized my wealth ! Come, O Tax-Assessor-Man — State their value if you can, And whatever tax you lay I will without protest pay. On my store of Treasure-trove In the currency of Love. [37] A VICTORIOUS SURRENDER I'M praying for clear weather. The farmer prays for rain. I'm thinking of the heather. He's thinking of his grain. He thinks he needs the water To make the harvest fair. I think of someone's daughter Who's waiting over there. The point I've puzzled over All through the longish night, The farmer or the lover — Which has the greater right? 'Twixt bread and love, I wonder. Which serves mankind the best? The more and more I ponder The harder seems my quest. Bread without love — what is it? Love without bread? Well, now Bring on your rain — I'll visit Myrtilla anyhow ! And though the Atlantic Ocean Shall come down from the skies, My weather, I've a notion, I'll find deep in her eyes. [38] THE SIMPLER JOYS THERE'S joy no doubt in complicated things. Much happiness I trow may come to Kings Who know not play, nor romp, But live in frigid pomp. But when at dawn my friend who sporteth wings Taps on my window-pane, and gaily sings His roundelay, I would not change my lot For all the treasure that the King hath got ! There's much of pleasure in great stores of wealth If they be won by effort, not by stealth, By billionaires and such Who have the Midas touch, But when I feel within the stir of health That sets me high in Nature's Commonwealth, For all the stores of Croesus, and his line, I'd not exchange the treasure that is mine. To joy in all things good, whate'er they be; To joy in earth, the heavens, and the sea, And find in simple ways The riches of my days — That is the test of happiness for me; That is the measure of the life that's free. Let others choose the bauble with its care — I'll live, and be contented with my share. [39] THE TREASURE SEEKERS ONE sought the East for gems, and found, alas. Dire failure was his most unhappy pass. One sought for pearls in waters of the Ind, And sank a victim of the seas and wind. Another sought the gold that glitters free Upon the strands far in the Northern sea, And on the beaches of that land of white His bones lie resting in the endless night. A fourth plunged in the nearer fray to win The gaudy raiment that the Trade Elves spin, And at the last found coffers full of dross — The gold was profit, but his soul was loss! For me, in Fortune's strife, give me the part Of him that delves deep in the Mines of Heart — Not far afield, but here let me secure From them that love me treasures that endure ! [40] THE AUCTION HERE is Polly's heart for sale — Highest bidder wins! Speak up, O ye timid male, Time the flying spins. What's your offer for a heart Warm and full of cheer? Let us have a bid to start ! What's the bid I hear? LANDS? The bid is lands, my friends — Acres, broad and fine; Full of teeming dividends In the harvest line. Any higher bid ? . . . O fie ! What a sleepy band! GOING, GOING, GOING— My! Heart like this for LAND? What? A bid of GOLD? Aha! That's the way to bid. Better than mere acres, far. That cannot be hid. Yet, who'd win a heart like this With a lump of gold? GOING, GOING— shame it is If it thus were sold! [41] Ah ! Another bid comes in. Speak up louder — FAME? Here's a bidder hopes to win With a gilded name. But for hearts so warm and true That's a trifle low. GOING— GOING! Really you Should not let it go! GOING — GOING! Now, see here, This is bargain day. Win a heart so full of cheer With a bit of bay? Really — what's that? Speak up clear- Ah! We're getting on! LOVE'S the highest bid I hear — GOING- GOING— GONE! [42] H THE USE OF LIFE E'D never heard of Phideas, He'd never heard of Byron ; His tastes were not fastidious, His soul was not aspirin' — But he could tell you what the birds were whispering in the trees ; And he could find sweet music in the sounding of the seas; And he could joy in wintry snows, And summer's sunny weather, And tell you all the names of those That frolic in the heather. He'd never heard of Socrates; He'd never heard of Irving; He loved the mediocrities Much more than the deserving — But when the frost was in the air he knew the fox's hole; The haunt of deer and beaver, and the wood- chuck and the mole; And he could joy in arching trees, In Heavens blue, or starlit. And in the cold crisp autumn breeze That paints the country scarlet. [*3] He nothing knew of sciences, Of art, or eke of letters; Nor of those strange appliances That fill the world with debtors — But happiness he knew right well. He'd learned from A to Z The art of filling life with song, and others* souls with glee; And he could j oy in day and night, Heart full of pure Thanksgiving — I am not sure he was not right In using Life for living 1 [44] SCABBARD AND SWORD THE scabbard is worn, But the sword is bright. The sheath's forlorn, And a sorry sight. But the blade is keen And its edge holds true, And it cuts as clean As it used to do. And the point is fine, And the steel is fair, And it cleaves the line To a breadth of hair. It is thus the Heart In the days untold Will bear its part Though the sheath be old. [45] THE BECKONING YEARS THE beckoning years are calling to me; They've beckoned, and beckoned, since infancy. And they seemed to say In that childhood day, "Come hither and play, come play!" And I played with them, and I romped along With a joyous heart full of heedless song; And the years flew by With never a sigh, Until Youth, dear Youth drew nigh. "Come hither and learn !" was their new refrain. I followed them over the road again That heroes galore In the days of yore Had travailed and struggled o'er. Then the urgent seasons, once fresh and green. Took on a more grave and serious mien. And one after one Commanded, "My son. Let labor be now begun!" And I ceased my play, and I turned to toil. And I strove for fame, and struggled for spoil ; But the beckoning crew Still further drew Me on to a love that's true. [46] And the years flew by and they beckoned still, And they urged to good, and they lured to ill. Like the autumn leaf, Or the withered sheaf, They whispered of joy and grief. And I grieved and grieved till my heart was sore. And I joyed with a joy that was brimming o'er. All at their behest. And now as their guest They beckon me on to rest! The peace of the childhood days was rare! The joys of the labor and love were fair — For my smiles and tears, For my hopes and fears, I bless the beckoning years! [47] THE GARDEN OF MY DREAMS ^nniS true I love that Garden fair A In which I labor day by day, 'Tis happiness to lavish there Such constant watchfulness and care The while the budding posies play ; And yet there is another spot Wherein the sun more brightly gleams, Where weed and blighting cometh not, A never-fading floral plot — The wondrous Garden of my Dreams ! 'Tis guarded both by day and night By graceful sun-flowers, golden warm, From which there streams a wealth of light That keeps it ever fresh and bright, And drives away the gloom of storm; And scores of little blue-bells near. While smiling pansies spout their rhymes. Beat time to music, soft and clear. That rings out on the atmosphere Like Fairyland's Cathedral chimes. The roses when they see me come Raise up their pretty heads and smile, And burst into a merry hum As though they thought that I were some Good friend who'd been away awhile ; [48] And each forget-me-not I see At hide-and-seek in that rare place Brings back the memory to me Of loving smiles that used to be On some beloved face. Dear Garden of my Dreams I How blest Art thou! How fragrant and how fair! I'm always glad to go to rest, And call the Sandman welcome guest Who nightly comes to lead me there! [49] A PROTEST 1WISH some big Policeman might Take note of Father Time, Who runs along by day and night At speed that is a crime. Why here at fifty years am I With heart so full of joy That it were useless to deny I'm aught but just a boy! 'Tis hardly fair to go so fast That one runs into age Before his spirit's really passed The knickerbocker stage; To have to wear the dignity Of Solons grave and sad Before one's really ceased to be A frisky, romping lad. I want to shout, and sing, and dance. I want to frisk and play. I want to go outside and prance Along the broad highway. I want to make strange noises, but In spite of all I plan. Sedately on my way I strut. An old stiff-mannered man ! [50] Time plays us tricks — no doubt of that. He robs us of our hair ; Some folks he lays out wholly flat With grievous gifts of care; But worst of all his elfish fleers, The meanest one, in truth, Is when he puts the mask of Years Upon the face of Youth I [51] N' A PROPHECY O Prophet, I, And yet I dare to prophesy This coming Spring The birds will sing, And from her tuneful throat The thrush's note Will ring; And blossoms fair and white Will spring forth in the night, To gladden some sweet day. In coming May ; And roses rare Will scent the air, While frolic bees their sweets will seize And hide them in the forest trees; And silver streams will dance along. And babble forth their merry song Of mating with the sea ; The while the woodland wild will teem With wakings from a wintry dream, From icy fetters free. Where late was snow The April glow Of genial sun will melt the way That violet and lily pale May find again the ferny vale, [52] And Elfin comrades at their play. The skies above Will whisper love, And with their dreamy blue Will put to rout The hosts of Doubt And Rue I [53] THE HUNTER WENT out shootin' in the wood- My, the mornin' air was good 1 Sort of filled your soul with joy. Made ye feel jest like a boy. Made ye want to dance, and sing Like a wild-bird on the wing. Soon a pattridge come along, Whirrin', whirrin', mighty strong. Had my gun acrost a rail. And a bead that couldn't fail, But, by Jings, I felt so full Ne'er a trigger could I pull! Later on I found a track Leadin' through the piney black. Surest thing ye ever knew — Mr. Fox had jest been through — Trailed him squarely to his hole — Couldn't shoot to save my soul ! 'N'en I heerd a tromplin' sound. Like a big deer some'ers round; 'N'en a cracklin' in the bush, 'N'en a sudden sort o' hush. An' a pair o' starin' eyes Soft as ever summer skies. [54] Shoot him? I'd as soon ha' shot Sleepin' babies in a cot. Kill him? With two eyes a-beam With a sort o' friendly gleam? Nary kill for Mr. Deer In that mornin' atmosphere! So it went the whole day long. Somepin sort o' went all wrong. Had my gun, and had my lead. Got up early out o' bed For to land a lot o' things, And jest couldn't — no, by Jingsl [55] HALLOWE'EN, BRING forth the raisins and the nuts — To-night All-Hallow's Spectre struts Along the moonlit way. No time is this for tear or sob, Or other woes our joys to rob, But night for pippin and for bob. And Jack-o'-Lantern gay. Come forth ye lass and trousered kid, From prisoned Mischief raise the lid. And lift it good and high. Leave grave old Wisdom in the lurch, Set Folly on a lofty perch, Nor fear the awesome rod of birch When dawn illumes the sky. 'Tis night for revel, set apart To reillume the darkened heart. And rout the hosts of dole. 'Tis night when Goblin, Elf, and Fay, Come dancing in their best array, To prank and royster on their way. And ease the troubled soul. [56] The ghosts of all things past parade. Emerging from the mist and shade That hid them from our gaze; And full of song, and ringing mirth, In one glad moment of rebirth, Again they walk the ways of earth As in the ancient days. The beacon light shines on the hill, The will-o'-wisps the forests fill With flashes filched from noon; And witches on their broom-sticks spry Speed here and yonder in the sky, And lift their strident voices high Unto the Hunter's Moon. The air resounds with tuneful notes From myriads of straining throats. All hailing Folly Queen; So join the swelling choral throng, Forget your sorrow, and your wrong, In one glad hour of joyous song To honor Hallowe'en! [57] CHRISTMAS DAY A DAY of respite, this ! A day of purest bliss Wherein in Love to plan Good-will to Man. A Festival of Joys Wherein no thing annoys; A time of Cheer and Mirth, And Peace on Earth. A time for Smiles and play, And yet withal a day For thoughtful deeds, and good. Of Brotherhood. A day for sunny rifts, A day for loving gifts, — For Kindness bounteous, God gave it us. [58] DISCOVERY THE fairest voyage man can make, Exploring land or sea, Is one which every Spring I take — My quest, Discovery. I do not seek uncharted lands. Or continents unknown — I leave that sort of things to hands More expert than my own. The things I seek are simple things, And simple is my crew — Myself, and One who ever sings A song that's sweet and true; And as our little bark doth pass Along some sylvan scene 'Tis fine to learn anew that grass Is tender, lush and green. 'Tis joyous to discover, too, The while we drift along, That skies and seas are deeply blue, That birds have gift of song ; To learn again that little bees Find honey in the flowers, And that rich blossoms deck the trees In early Springtime hours; [59] That wild-flowers flirt with sunbeams fair; And in the garden-close The fragrance of the soft spring air Is rifled from the rose; To learn that trout lurk in the pool, And hear amid the hush When night comes on with shadows cool The Ijric of the thrush! [60] THE STORY THAT NEVER ENDS HE told the old, old story, And told it mighty well. Her face was flushed with glory Beneath its magic spell. To her 'twas fresh and novel ; To her 'twas new and sweet, And glorified the hovel In which they chanced to meet. She gave the old, old answer — The answer Adam got When that primeval man, sir. Asked Eve to share his lot. Amid the same old blushes That tinge a maiden's cheek, Amid the same old hushes His riches he did seek. They had the same old raptures That to the lover come When his successful captures At e'en he bringeth home. And soon the same old prattle Was heard within their door. And still the same old rattle Upon the nursery floor. [61] And still the same old newness That makes the old things fair. The same old joys, and blueness, That greet us everywhere. The same old days of gladness, The same old hours of grief; The same old times of sadness, The same old sweet relief. The same old spells of weather To light or dim the day. The same old age together. The same old locks of gray — And though old things pursue them. The eyes they see them through. Love-lit, forever view them Imperishably new! [62] «ME AND MINE'' IT'S blitherin' cold outside, And blowin' to beat the band ; And snow and sleet is a-flyin' wide Over the whole broad land. The icicles hang from the eaves, And the ponds and the brooks is froze; The frost has withered the autumn leaves And bit up the farmer's nose — But me an' mine Is fcclin' fine, So what do we care for snows? There isn't a bird in sight. And even the cat stays in, Descrtin' the joys of night, And the call of her kith and kin. The days they are short and chill. The nights are a decade long, And out on the bleak and distant hill The blizzard is goin' strong — But me an' mine Is feelin' fine. For our hearts is full o' song. [63] Her heart is singin' of me, And mine is singin' of her! No thinkin' of what's to be, No thinkin' of things that were, But just of the joys that is, Not worried 'bout things that's not; So let the hoary old blizzard blizz And Boreas go it hot — For me an' mine Is feelin' fine. And thankful for what we've got ! [64] ARCADY STARTED out for Arcady, No one knew the way; Wandered onward wearily Through the dreary day. Lost my bearings, lost my chart, Troubles round me pressed; Footsore, weary, faint of heart, Spirit sore distressed. Road to Fame was sweet indeed, Road to Wealth was bold. But the laurel turned to weed. And the gems were cold. Wealth and Honor are a goal Fit for chivalry. But they never lead the soul Into Arcady, Suddenly across my path Flashed a pair of eyes ! Oh, such eyes as Some One hath, Soft as summer skies — Flashed like stars of summer nights O'er the summer sea. Quoth my heart, "These are the lights. Lights of Arcady!" [66] Came the note of Some One's voice Sounding through the dark, Singing numbers rare and choice As the morning lark. Fled away the darkness all As it came to me. Quoth my soul, "This is the call, Call of Arcady!" At my threshold, waiting there, Radiant with grace. Glint of gold upon her hair. Sunshine in her face; Dancing gaily as a gnome, Arms stretched forth for me — Then it was I knew that Home, Home was Arcady! [66] 3y? 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