THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE By SAMUEL ELLSWORTH KISER CHICAGO P. F. VOLLAND & CO. Copyright, iqii P. F. VOLLAND & CO. CHICAGO. U. S. A. PS CONTENTS PAGE THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE 9 IN A PULLMAN CAR 11 GENESIS 13 FROM BABYHOOD TO BOYHOOD 15 A WINTER EVENING 16 CIDER MAKING 17 WHEN MA LOST HER POCKETBOOK 19 WHEN WILLIE HURRIES 21 THE OLD TOWN ON THE HILL 22 HOME 24 A PETITION 25 WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN 26 THEY HAND 'EM DOWN TO ME 28 LET HIM DREAM 30 WHAT THEY GIVE 31 THE VANITY OF WEALTH 32 WHEN PA WAS LITTLE LIKE ME 34 MISTRESS MERRYFACE 37 THE TOUCH OF JOY 38 THE HAND THAT USED TO SPANK MY MA 39 IF PA COULD HAVE His WAY 40 A DISCONCERTING GRANDPA 43 WOMANLIKE 44 AT THE CRITICAL MOMENT 45 WORLDLY POSSESSIONS 46 His HONORED NAME 47 How PITIFUL 'TWOULD BE 48 PA AS A PATIENT 49 THEIR LAST GOOD-BY 52 THE BOY WITH THE PONY 53 SONG OF THE MORNING ; 54 COMRADES OF THE HIGHWAY 55 His SHIP 56 THE STRANGER AT THE GATE 57 WHEN AGE COMES ON 59 ROMANCE 60 FAMILY TROUBLES 61 GROUNDS FOR SUSPICION 62 THE PEACEMAKER 64 A HERO 67 THE LITTLE VOICE 68 SCANDAL AND TRUTH 69 NEEDLESS DELAY 70 THE FAR-OFF CALL 72 LONG AGO ... 73 612766 UMAKT CONTENTS Continued PAGE THE CHANCE 75 WHEN GRANDMA COMES TO OUR HOUSE 76 DEACON BROWN 78 THE MAN FROM YORK STATE 80 TRANQUILLITY 83 To A FATHERLESS CHILD 84 JOHNNY'S AGE 85 THE RUNAWAY 86 FROWNS 87 THE MAN WHO MADE His MARK 88 GIVING AND TAKING 90 THE HUMORIST 91 FABLE OF THE SQUIRREL AND THE RABBIT 92 HER NAME 94 SUNDAY IN THE LITTLE OLD TOWN 95 THE WIND BLEW ILL 97 THE LAUGHALOT BOY 98 LITTLE ALBERT'S PA'S PA 99 ORIGIN OF THE GNU 101 IF WILLIE WERE A KING 102 THE REUNION OF THE TOYS 104 LET'S PRETEND 107 HER PART 108 POOR FOOL 109 THE GRAND ARMY 110 AMBITION 112 THE PICTURE 113 NOTHING TO BEAT IT 115 HEROES 116 HER DAY 117 WOMAN 118 I WILL 120 THE VOICES OF THE CHILDREN 121 THE DISTANT CARES 122 THE LITTLE HELPER 124 A PROTEST BY THE AUDIENCE 126 THE TROUBLES WE NEVER HAVE 127 WHERE THE PULSE OF HOPE Is QUICK 128 As THEY PASS 130 THE TROUBLE WITH THE WORLD 131 THE NEWS BEARER 132 AN ANNIVERSARY 133 THE LESSON 134 ARE You GETTING ANYWHERE? 135 AT THE END OF THE DAY 138 THIS WORLD OF OURS 139 INDIAN SUMMER 141 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Come, little comrade, let us fare across the hills beyond the city. And loiter in the open where no voice may call to us for pity; We'll wade in brooks and wander by the slanting fields and forest edges. And listen to the winds that sigh and sing through aromatic sedges. We'll linger in the hawtree's shade, and carve the letters of our names On mossy fences that were made by hands which toil no longer claims; The golden willow's branch shall be a whistle you may blithely blow And every pool shall be a sea where stately vessels come and go. I'll lead you where the valleys lie deep in the morn ing's gleaming dew; The crabtree's fragrant blossoms I will pluck from thorny boughs for you. And where the cool spring bubbles up to add its beauty to the scene I'll teach you how to shape a cup of broad leaves that are fringed and green. The friendly colt shall come to lay its velvet muzzle in your hand. And we will watch the lambs at play, and hear no master's harsh command; No clanging gongs shall terrorize and there will be no shrieks of pain. No maiming wheels nor warning cries, no angry bickering for gain. Come, little comrade, let me guide you out beyond the roar and rattle, And show you that the world is wide, that life is not an endless battle, And through the joy that you shall know and through the glee of your expression, 7 he boyhood I had long ago shall come again to my possession. THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE IN A PULLMAN CAR THERE is one who will always remember me, Wherever the fates may call her, No matter how splendid her fortune may be, Or how heavy the ills that befall her ! I gazed on her first as we thundering sped I and the beautiful stranger With faith in the man at the throttle ahead And never a thought of danger. We shared the same section: I wished that we two Might journey forever together, With never a care when the heavens were blue. And blithe in the stormiest weather! Her lashes were long, her expression was sweet She must have been twenty, or nearly Though I know not her name, though we never may meet, I know she remembers me clearly. 11 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE In fancy I see her still, slender and fair, As she was in that long-ago Maytime When her dark lashes curled and the bronze of her hair Turned dusk at the close of the daytime : Oh, I dreamed of her grace as we thundered ahead When troubles no longer beset me ; Though her cheeks may be faded, her gladness be dead, I know she will never forget me ! I know that whatever her fortune may be, Whether lofty or lowly her station. She will never forget that occasion when we Journeyed on to our far destination ! Though I never may clasp her in happy em brace And never may tell her I love her, She remembers, I know, for I stepped on her face When I climbed from my berth above her. 12 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE GENESIS 'Tis said that God made woman from The crooked rib of man : Let others think the story true If it may please them so to do I don't, and never can. I think the Lord made woman first Took of the best He had, And labored earnestly and long, And as He shaped her hummed a song. And in His heart was glad. I fancy that He saw her grow More perfect day by day, And that He studied well to know Just where each little dab should go While putting on the clay. How doubly glad He must have been While modeling her face And fashioning her rounded chin. And putting all the dimples in, Each at its proper place. 13 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE There on her pedestal she stood. The work of many days. And God no doubt was proud at heart To view the product of His art. And gave her honest praise. How sweetly in the garden there. At first, her laughter rang; How gladly must the birds in air And all the creatures everywhere Have listened when she sang. But sadness marked her mien, ere long. Her cheeks began to fade; She ceased to sing her happy song. And God, surmising what was wrong, . Had pity on the maid. He took the dust beneath her feet; She looked with wondering eyes. And danced and clapped her hands in glee. As, watching, she began to see A shapely man arise. 14 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE "There," said the Lord, when He was through, "Do with him as you will; I give him, soul and all, to you!" She played with him, and laughed anew He is her plaything still. FROM BABYHOOD TO BOYHOOD WHERE snow nad drifted o'er the land I saw a sweet young mother stand : A babe was lying on her breast. Its little form Against herself she closely pressed. To keep it warm. In later years I passed once more. And saw her at her cottage door : A boy was lying on her knee. Her look was grim, And, suffering Joshua ! how she Was warming him! 15 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE A WINTER EVENING THE cows are munching in the shed. The sun has slipped behind the hill; The fields are bluish-gray and still ; A saddled horse paws, at the gate, A turkey perching on the sled That stands beside the barn appears To dream of others that are dead. Up in the gable of the stable A broken pane permits a wisp Of hay to hang out in the crisp. Clear atmosphere, and far away A dog is howling as they say Dogs howl before somebody dies. The chickens on their perches doze And in their feathers warm their toes And spread white films across their eyes. The last faint little streak of red Has faded out above the hill ; The evergreens that sighed are still; The doctor, with a low-bowed head. And muffled up and stern and gray. Comes from the house and softly shuts The door and mounts and rides away. 16 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE CIDER MAKING THEY are gathering the apples in the orchard on the hill ; They are carrying the baskets to the humming cider mill; The breeze is blowing softly, and the autumn day is fair And the farmer whistles gayly as he works away out there Where the smoke is curling upward, as it used to, long ago, When our hearts were free from trouble and our young cheeks were aglow. The leaves are sifting downward through the branches overhead And the doves are cooing softly on the weather- beaten shed ; The ground is strewn with pumpkins where the corn is cut away. And the hills beyond the valley loom through something soft and gray, While a strain of dreamy music issues from the humming mill 17 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE And the breeze, goes blowing softly through the orchard on the hill. They are gathering the apples that the wind has shaken down, And the child is filled with wonder who is visit ing from town; Oh, an amber stream of something fit for gods is flowing out Where a daring yellowjacket sips serenely from the spout; The mill is humming sweetly as the juicy apples fall. And the frugal farmer chuckles while he grinds the worms and all. 18 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WHEN MA LOST HER POCKETBOOK WHEN ma was down town yesterday she lost her pocketbook ; It made her awful sorry you could see it by her look; They was three dollars in it, and ma nearly had to groan To think of all she might of bought, if she had only known. When pa came home and found it out, you . ought of heard him kick ; He spoke about how hard he worked, and said ma made him sick. "I don't pick money up," he said; "I toil for every cent!" He said a lot of other things that showed his discontent. He got his old hat out and said : "There! Take a look at that ! To save three dollars, which you've lost, I'm wearin' last year's hat! 19 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE I never saw such carelessness ! I work day after day. And skimp and save, and then you go and throw the cash away." Ma wiped away her tears and said: "It's terrible, I know I never lost six hundred in a deal on margins, though." Pa kind of shrunk down in his chair, as limber as a rag, And said: "Yah there you go again! Now nag, confound it, nag!" 20 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WHEN WILLIE HURRIES MY bruther Willie he Just always lags And drags He's slow as he can be. And mamma has to say: "Come, Willie, hurry, pray!" Whenever she Wants him to help, 'cause he's so slow But oh You ought to hear him when He says his prayers at night! I tell you then He hussels up, all right, And nearly 'fore I get To where it says to let "Thy will be done" both starting even, too - He's through! THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE OLD TOWN ON THE HILL THE little old town that I left one day, Because it was quiet, still Has the name it bore when I came away And stands on the selfsame hill ; But the friends I had in the little, old town. With its one wide street running up and down No longer look from the windows where The roses were trained to climb; They have ceased to gather and gossip there. As they did in the dear old time. The little, white church with its slender spire Still stands as it stood of yore ; But the envied ones who were in the choir Are singing the hymns no more ! And the little old schoolhouse, where my name Is carved on a desk, stands just the same, But the boys who are batting the ball today And the maidens who shout their glee Are not the children who used to play On the common there with me. 22 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE And the little, old house, so quaint, so dear. Stands just as it used to stand, But not for many and many a year Has the latch obeyed her hand The gentle hand in which mine was laid When my first few faltering steps were made, And now in the little dim parlor there, O'erlooking the sloping lawn, Another sits in an easy chair And sews while the clock ticks on. The little, old town that I left, because I longed for the city, still Is as free from cares as it ever was And stands on the same old hill. But the ones I knew in the dear old days Have journeyed forth in a hundred ways, And over the doors of the little, old stores Few names that I know remain Ah, the dream that was fair of the "old home" there Can never be mine again! 23 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE HOME THERE'S a road that winds o'er many a hill And crosses many a tinkling stream. And passes many a dusty mill And leads through cities that proudly gleam, And back at the end of that winding way That has grown so long and is longer yet At the peaceful close of each busy day Is the dear home village of Never Forget. Back through the valleys of Doubt and Care And along the meadows of Used-to-Be, And around the edges of orchards where The bloom was fragrant on every tree. And over the fairest, sunniest slopes Whereon gray milestones ever were set. The road that is paved with our fondest hopes Leads to the village of Never Forget. We bravely strive and we proudly plan, We dream of bliss that has not been gained , We build and barter as best we can. With our shoulders squared and our sinews strained, 24 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE But ever faithfully, day by day Memory sweetly serves us yet. And out at the end of the winding way Is the dear home village of Never Forget. A PETITION I DO not ask Thee, if to-day be dark, To change it all, and make it fair; As I step forth to-day to toe the mark I ask not that the burden I must bear Be taken from my shoulders leave it there ! But this I pray Thee for with all my might My humble prayer Thou canst fulfill And give the world its own way still Let me, if it be dark to-day. Keep hoping that to-morrow may Be bright. 25 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE hand that rocks the cradle but there is no such a hand; It is bad to rock the baby, they would have us understand. [days So the cradle's but a relic of the former foolish When the mothers reared their children in unscientific ways, When they pounced them and they bounced them, those poor dwarfs of long ago. The Washingtons and Jeffersons and Adamses, you know. They warn us that the baby will possess a muddled brain If we dandle him or rock him; we must care fully refrain. [never swung, He must lie in one position, never swayed and Or his chance to grow to greatness will be blasted while he's young. Ah, to think how they were ruined by their mothers, long ago, The Franklins and the Putnams and the Hamiltons, you know. 26 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE We must feed the baby only by the schedule that is made, And the food that he is given must be measured out and weighed ; He may bellow to inform us that he isn't satisfied. But he couldn't grow to greatness if his wants were all supplied. Think how foolish nursing stunted those poor weaklings long ago, The Shakespeares and the Luthers and the Bonapartes, you know. We are given a great mission, we are here to-day, on earth, To bring forth a race of giants and to guard them from their birth, To insist upon their freedom from the rocking that was bad For our parents and their parents, scrambling all the brains they had. Ah ! had they been fed by schedule, would they have been stunted so, The Websters and the Lincolns and the Grants and Lees, you know ? 27 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THEY HAND 'EM DOWN TO ME THEY cut pa's trousers down for me, I don't get nothin' new ; I have to wear his old vests out, his old sus penders, too; His hat and shoes don't fit me; I s'pose they will some day, [thrown away. And then they'll come to me instead of bein' My sister Grace she's twenty-two and she can play and sing, [her everything ; And what she wears is always new, they buy She puts on style, I tell you what ! She wears shoes that's too tight ; She's proud and haughty and she's got a beau most every night. Sometimes my eyes get smarty and I can hardly read. But just sit round and rub 'em until they nearly bleed. But I don't tell nobody, for if I did, you see, I s'pose they'd take pa's glasses and hand them down to me. 28 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE I almost wish sometimes that I would never of got born ; You'd think, the way they talk, I try to get my old clo's torn; I'm only in the way, I guess, and they'd be glad, I s'pose. If only girls would have to dress, and no boy needed clo's. I'm wearin' pa's old nightshirt; they cut it down to fit, 'Cause I ain't anybody and don't need new things yit ; I'm glad I don't wear corsets, for if I did, I'd be In line for sister's old ones they'd hand them down to me. I never get new things to wear, I'm just a boy, you know. And so the fambly needn't care if I don't stand a show ; I have to tie my shoes with strings that once belonged to pa When sister's through with her fine things she hands 'em up to ma. 29 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE LET HIM DREAM Do not wake him, let him dream; He is dreaming she is fair ; As the tinkling of a stream Rippling through a glen somewhere Fills the poet's breast with glee. Her loud laughter makes him glad ; In her eyes he seems to see Beauty they have never had ; Though she has no charms for you. Let him dream as lovers do. He supposes that her face Might inspire a poet's pen ; He is dreaming that her grace Is a thing to gladden men. Ah, her nose was never cast In the graceful classic mold, And her chin when youth is past Will be piled up fold on fold ; Waking him would bring dismay. Let him gladly dream away. 30 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE She is his ; because of her Beauty gilds all earthly things ; Everywhere he hears the whir Ceaselessly of angels' wings. In her shrill and rasping voice There is music for his ears ; He supposes that her choice Left his rivals all in tears; Let his sun in splendor gleam ; Do not wake him ; let him dream. WHAT THEY GIVE BRAVO, little soldier, for the smile you wear; You may never conquer armies anywhere ; Men may never cheer you in the years to be. But the world is richer, gladder for your glee. Bless you, little maiden, for your artless grace And the rosy beauty that is in your face ; You may fade unnoticed and be lost to view ; But the world is brighter for possessing you. 31 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE VANITY OF WEALTH WE ain't as rich as some folks are, and can't put on much style ; Ma says pa's income don't go far when things cost such a pile. Our house is little and the street we live in ain't so grand. And ma cooks what we have to eat and buys things second-hand. [so sad; But still I don't see why it is that she should be We've got three dogs, and that's two more than Frank Gill ever had. Ted Brewster's just as old as me, and his pa owns a mine And has a private car and, gee, but where they live it's fine! Ma says that they're as rich as sin, their house is built of stone. And Ted has ninety dollars in the bank that's all his own; [start of us; But still I don't see where they get so much the We've got three dogs, and Ted he ain't got none, poor little cuss. 32 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Sometimes, along to'rds night when pa comes home and plays with Jip And Tige and big old Nero, ma she kind of curls her lip. And says she's glad he feels like play, and wishes that she'd die, And when I hear her talk that way it nearly makes me cry ; The Brewsters they got rich in mines, the Gills in corn and hogs, But still they needn't feel so proud we beat them all on dogs. 33 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WHEN PA WAS LITTLE LIKE ME ONE time, when ma was sick upstairs and pa stayed home all day And cut out paper animulz and showed me how to play Aoout a hundred games or so, he held me on his knee And told me stories of the fun He used to have and things he done Long, long ago, when he was 'ist a little boy like me. He used to live out on a farm, and they was horses there That he could ride all by himself, and one time they's a bear Come prowlin' 'round their house at night, and he was awful big. And sniffed and snuffed and snooped around. And then, next morning, why, they found That he'd went splungin' through a gate and carried off a pig ! 34 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE And they's a crick run through their place, where they could go and wade, And pa got almost drownded in a dam his brothers made ! One time he broke his collar bone by fallin' from a tree As high as this here house, I bet. And wunst a load of hay upset, With him on top, when he was 'ist a little boy like me. I wisht 'at I'd of lived out there when pa went tear in' 'round And rode the colts and wasn't told he mustn't make a sound When- they was doctors come and brought a baby from somewhere ; I wisht 'at him and me'd 'a' had All day to just keep bein' glad, And never have to be afraid the cross old nurse 'ud care. And wunst, when he was drivin' on a wagon, all alone. The horses they got scared and run, and one wheel struck a stone, 35 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE And pa went flyin' up and up till he could hardly see The earth no more, and then ka-smack ! He landed on a big straw stack. Without a scratch, when he was 'ist a little boy like me. Out where pa lived when he was 'ist a little boy, you know. They had some great big woods, and wunst, why, he got lost, and so They was a moose come by, at last a great, big moose and then Pa clumbed up on him, and the moose Went scootin' like the very deuce. And pretty soon, first thing pa knew, why he was home agen ! I have a little bruvver now, and I like him a lot, got. And I love ma about the best of anything I've And lots of times she tells me of the great man that I'll be, And things is pleasant here to-day But wisht I'd had a chance, some way, To be with pa when he was 'ist a little boy like me. 36 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE MISTRESS MERRYFACE LITTLE Mistress Merryface Dances down the way With a fairy's airy grace. Cheerful all the day: In the little songs she sings Sweet the note of gladness rings, Love looks from her eyes ; Gentle, joyful, jubilant, Every sunbeam seems to slant Her way from the skies. Is the world a dismal place Hedged about by woe ? Little Mistress Merryface Does not find it so : Every day that follows night Brings new joys she has the right To possess or see; When she laughs all things appear Glad to know that she is near Blessing with her glee. 37 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Sadness may not linger where Her sweet song is heard ; Hatred hurries off with Care, By her laughter spurred ; Grateful, joyful, jubilant, All the sunbeams seem to slant Downward but to let Little Mistress Merryface Keep the world the fairest place God has made as yet. THE TOUCH OF JOY WITHIN a garden drear and bare A fragrant rose bloomed forth, one day, To brighten all around it there And gladden all who passed that way. Within a tyrant's arms a child One day was tenderly caressed ; The sun upon his subjects smiled And all his realm was richly blessed. 38 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE HAND THAT USED TO SPANK MY PA WHEN I go down to grandma's, where There's always lots of cake and pie, I spread my bread with jelly there And stuff up till I nearly die ! The greatest fun you ever saw Is slidin' from their steep-roofed shed, And the hand that used to spank my pa Is the hand that pats me on the head. I tear around and yell and make All. kinds of noise, and they don't mind; They have no baby there to wake, And both of them are awful kind. The goodest man I ever saw Is grandpa, with his hair all gray. And the hand that used to spank my pa Sews up my trousers every day. 39 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE IF PA COULD HAVE HIS WAY IF pa could have his way I bet that pretty sudden there Would be some changes that would make the people stop and stare; There wouldn't be no heroes then exceptin' only pa. And this would be the greatest world a person ever saw ; [to pay. We'd never have a dentist's or a doctor's bill And ma would make her clo's herself, if pa could have his way. If pa could have his way I guess that all the flags would fly And everywhere the bands would play when he was passin' by ; The millionaires would have to work to earn their board and keep, And all the wheels on earth would stop when he laid down to sleep. And ma would sit around and smile, without a word to say. She'd only listen all the while, if pa could have his way. 40 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE If pa could only have his way the winters they'd be hot, And in the summer time the snow would fly, I tell you what ! The dry spells they would all be wet, the wet spells they'd be dry, And when the sun was shinin' clouds would spread across the sky ; Then March would be October and December would be May We'd have more Sunday mornings, too, if pa could have his way. If pa could have his way the crowds would cheer for him, I'll bet. And all the fashunable folks would want us in their set; The people that we know would all have less than we had then, And never leave us out when they had com pany again; We'd have the best house on the street, and every one would say That they'd be glad if they were us, if pa could have his way. 41 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE If pa could have his way I guess that pretty quick the hair Would grow out nice and long and thick on one spot that is bare ; The people that he's working for would be his hired hands. And every year or so we'd go to visit foreign lands ; His birthday, then, like Washington's, would be a holiday Oh, what a world this world would be, if pa could have his way. 42 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE A DISCONCERTING GRANDPA WHEN grandpa comes to visit us And stays a week or two. And pa begins to make a fuss At everything I do. And says I'm worse than some disease. Then grandpa takes me on his knees. And when he lets me go He tells pa kind of low : "You Ought to be more patienter boys will be boys, you know." When I upset my soup one day. And spilled it on the floor, Pa told me to go right away And not come back no more; He said I ought to have to get My meals the way the heathens et ; And after while, when he Was not around to see, Why, grandpa gave me fifty cents to spend on him and me. 43 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE One night when I got whipped and sent To bed, and it was all As dark as pitch up there, I went And listened in the hall. And grandpa scolded pa ! Wisht there Was only grandpas everywhere If all our pas, you know, Could be our grandpas, oh. Then wouldn't this here world be fine and good to live in, though! WOMANLIKE i SHE sits beside the window all the day, But never sees the people who go by; Her look is very, very far away And now and then she draws a gentle sigh. She waits for one to come who never will. For one who bade her wait for him, one day ; And if he came she'd spurn his touch, but still She waits for him and grieves her life away. 44 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE AT THE CRITICAL MOMENT THEY stood with glaring eyes, Their fists were clinched and drawn; "I'll thrash you so," said Johnny Wise, "You'll not know paste from punkin pies Or where your teeth have gone!" "And while you're doin' that," Said Eddie Burlingame, "I'll flatten you so good and flat, I bet you'll not know where you're at. Nor even what's your name." Thus was their boasting done, Yet each at heart was sick. And Johnny longed to cut and run, While Eddie thought: "I wish some one Would come and part us quick." 45 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WORLDLY POSSESSIONS RICHES he has and a fair young wife; Fortune has favored him well and oft ; She heaps his board with the sweets of life. He sleeps in a bed that is wide and soft ; But wrinkles are forming around his eyes And far away where the mists are gray His boyhood lies. Honor is his, he has won renown. His place is high and his fame secure; The world, when death shall have cut him down. Will raise a shaft that shall long endure; But his form is bent and his eyes are dim And the careless joys that should be a boy's Are not for him. Fame and wealth and a lady fair Who craves richer rewards than these? But far in the distant past somewhere Lie all of his youthful ecstasies ! Pity the man who achieves his goal When desire has fled and the fire is dead Within his soul. 46 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE HIS HONORED NAME HE wandered from the little town A dozen years or more ago; He hoped he might achieve renown. And fancied he was doing so; He thought of those who stayed behind To toil unseen and die unknown. While he, more fortunate than they. Was mounting upward, day by day, And claiming laurels as his own. He went back, when he thought his fame Had spread to every land and clime. When he supposed his honored name Had been exalted for all time When he believed that every man, From Budapest to Hackensack And from Spokane to Ispahan, Must know that few were greater than He had become, he traveled back. An ancient settler met him where He lingered when the train had gone : "Well, Dan'l Binks, I do declare!" 47 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The old man murmured, "Well, I swan! I'm glad to see you back ag'in, I am, by gum ! You're lookin' prime Say, Dan'l, if the question's fair, What you been drivin' at, and where Have you been stayin' all this time?" HOW PITIFUL 'TWOULD BE How pitiful 'twere if when one Fair rose had blown, The bush should droop, its bearing done. Its vigor flown. How pitiful 'twould be if men Who love and lose Could never find the way again That Love pursues. 48 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE PA AS A PATIENT PA he's become a patient, the doctor told us so; He caught the influenza about a month ago. He stays home from the office about three days a week And seems to want to show us that he ain't mild and meek; He scolds us and he grumbles and rips and tears around; He grits his teeth and mumbles and jumps at every sound ; He tells us that he wishes he was drownded in the sea Pa's a blamed impatient patient, so, at least, he seems to me. Ma begs him every morning to stay at home in bed. Then he rages and he scolds her and our hearts get full of dread ; The doctor comes to see him every other day or two, And he's takin' twenty-seven kinds of stuff to pull him through; 49 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE But he don't seem to be gettin' any better very quick, And he keeps on sadly frettin', and he's made ma nearly sick, To catch him here the doctor has to track him like a sleuth Pa's a blamed impatient patient, if you want to know the truth. He thinks the world is goin' to the dickens right away, And we almost think so with him when he stays at home a day ; Last night he kicked a panel nearly from the bathroom door And got wild because the baby left his tooth brush on the floor ; He seems to think he's dyin* every time he has an ache, And he wastes his money buyin* all the stuff he's told to take; It seems to make him nervous if we even dare to wink; Pa's a blamed impatient patient, if you ask me what I think. 50 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE This morning when the doctor came before pa could escape, He asked: "Well, how's our patient? Is he rounding into shape?" Gee, you ought 'a' heard pa roast him! "Why, you darned old quack," he said, "With the treatment that you gave me it's a wonder I'm not dead! You get out of here and stay out; I've got through with you for good!" So the doctor found his way out and I guess he understood; But ma couldn't keep from cryin' as she stood and watched him go Pa's, a blamed impatient patient, but we dastn't tell him so. 51 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THEIR LAST GOOD-BY SHE bade him go; her eyelids drooped; Then, with an air defiant, grand, Turned coldly from him as he stooped To press his lips upon her hand. She said: "Farewell! 'Tis better so; I wish you future joy good-by!" She proudly stood and saw him go, Her air was calm, her head was high. She said, "Farewell!" and hastily Pinned blushing roses on her breast And fluffed her hair up, so that she, When he came back, might look her best. 52 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE BOY WITH THE PONY MOST every day a little boy comes drivin' past our house [a mouse ; With the nicest little pony just the color of And a groom rides close beside him, so he won't get hurt, you see, And I used to wish his pony and the cart belonged to me. I used to watch him from the porch and wish that I could own [alone, His pony and his little cart and drive out all And once, when I knelt down at night, I prayed the Lord that He Would fix it so the pony and the cart belonged to me. But yesterday I saw him where he lives, and now I know Why he never goes out walking 'cause his legs are withered so And last night when I was kneeling with my head on mother's knee I was glad he had the pony and the cart, instead of me. S3 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE SONG OF THE MORNING THE sun is up, the world's awake, Its peaks gleam out above the mists; The glad wind sings through bower and brake, And still the universe exists. Who fears that pains or cries that ills May come to plague us ere tonight? The morning's glow is on the hills. The valleys claim a new delight. The shadows that were dull and gray Like beaten regiments retreat ; The world has gained another day. Its roads are waiting for our feet. The sun is up, the world's awake. With all its fortunes day has dawned, And Duty calls us forth to take The highway to the fair Beyond. 54 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE COMRADES OF THE H IGHWAY I. COME, little boy, and take my hand; we'll face the world together ; Impart your hope to me and I will laugh at wind and weather; My arm shall be your faithful shield, my love your heart's reliance Come, take my hand, and we will bid the fates that frown defiance. II. With you to give me hope and you to cheer me on the highway, My footsteps never shall be turned down any shameful byway; My arm shall be your pillow when the bright stars twinkle o'er us. And I will give you courage on the hills that stretch before us. 55 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE III. My years shall yield you knowledge, I will be your strong defender. And you shall keep my spirit pure, my proud heart brave and tender, Come, little boy, and take my hand; we'll face the world together. And bear no fear and brook no doubt in glad or gloomy weather. HIS SHIP "Mv ship," he said, "will come some day. With riches in its hold for me." He let his best years drift away. What time he watched beside the sea. When age had made him blind and weak He wondered at the long delay ; The reason was not far to seek : He'd never sent a ship away. 56 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE STRANGER AT THE GATE JIM never liked it on the farm; he used to lay around and shirk. Or gallivant away to town while we stayed home and done the work ; Pa jawed a lot, but ma, somehow, was always speakin' up fer Jim; She dearly loved us all, o' course, but still her favorite was him. His hands were small and soft and white, his feet were little, like a girl's; He had no freckles on his face, his hair kinked up in graceful curls ; Ma used to say I hear her yit at least it seems as though I can "The fam'ly must be poor indeed that can't afford one gentleman." Well, Jim, as likely you have guessed, packed up his duds and went away; The old farm wa'n't no place fer him; ma's eyes were wet with tears that day. 57 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE But though she wept she said she knew 'twas sensible fer Jim to leave. The city was the place fer men that wished to conquer and achieve. The farm had never been much good; the stones were thick, the soil was poor; We done our best, but year by year kept slippin' backward slow and sure; Pa lost his health, his courage failed; ma's hair got gray, her eyes grew dim. But though her heart was often sad she never lost her faith in Jim. At last the sheriff come; 'twas what we knew would happen soon or late; The neighbors crowded in and then we seen a stranger at the gate. The sheriff raised his hammer twice, the stranger looked him in the face And bid a hundred dollars more and was the owner of the place. 'Twas many years since Jim had loafed while we had worked with rake or hoe, 58 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE 'Twas many years since ma had wept the day that she had saw him go ; The stranger was a handsome man whose hands were white and soft and small. And ma was disappointed when we found he wasn't Jim at all. WHEN AGE COMES ON LOVE has no age, 'tis always young; Brows may be marred and heads bent down; Gray hairs may come to gleam among The locks that once were soft and brown. But not till love forsakes the heart Does age arrive or youth depart. Love laughs at years which dim the eyes, And mocks the ruthless lines that mar ; Love sees no skies but rosy skies. And ne'er from childhood wanders far; Tis only after love is gone That youth departs and age comes on. 59 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE ROMANCE "ROMANCE is dead," the cynic said, "With knighthood it has passed away; The useless armor's rust is red Who does or dares for love to-day? "The shield whereon the lover wore His lady's colors is no more, The charger stands with drooping head. Tied in his stall romance is dead." A woman, young and glad and fair. Stepped lightly forth and deigned to pause; The cynic looked and longed to dare And do to win her sweet applause. She tarried but a little while And gave him but a passing smile, Yet as they went their ways he thought Of knights in armor richly wrought. He saw himself with shield and lance Whereon her colors brightly shone; He felt his steed beneath him prance. And for her life he risked his own. 60 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The armor rusts behind the door, The knight rides forth to joust no more, But o'er romance say no last prayer While men are strong and women fair. FAMILY TROUBLES LAST week our baby had a spazzum, And I've had scarlet rash, And we've got hives, too pa he has 'em. And our dog's name is Dash, And he has forty million fleas That keep him busy scratchin' ! Ma says we haven't any cash Nor credit nor idees, 'Cause they're things that ain't catchin'. 61 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE GROUNDS FOR SUSPICION LITTLE Henry Wilkinson ain't livin' any more; He got the scarlet fever and he's on the other shore; He always went to Sunday school, and never told a lie; He never had no fights, and he's got wings up in the sky : Pa looked at ma and nearly wep, the day the news was brung. And said he knew that Henry'd go, because the good die young. Most every day they scold at me for something that I've done. And say they wish I'd be as good as Henry Wilkinson; When I forget and disobey or don't come when they call, Or kick the door or tear my clo's or mark things on the wall It always makes them think about poor little Henry who Is gone because the good die young and I'm so healthy, too ! 62 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE They're always say in' that if I'd obey them they'd be glad. And every chance they get they tell me how to not be bad ; They make me go to Sunday school and learn the text by heart Like Henry did before his folks and him were forced to part : Sometimes I get to wonderin' if such a thing could be That pa and ma are schemin' to get out of raisin' me. 63 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE PEACEMAKER 'TWAS just about a year ago that Fanny run away. And left her ma and me alone eloped with Philip Gray; He'd come a-shinin' round her off and on six months or so. Though he seen I didn't like him I took pains to let him know For I'd got a sort of notion that he thought it 'ud be fine [of mine. If he helped our girl inherit all this property By a lot of good, hard workin' and by managin' things right I have what is called a fortune oh, of course, it's just a mite As compared with Rockefeller's, though I thought, 'twixt me and you. That our Fanny, bein' purty and well eddi- cated, too. Had the right to look for some one that was higher up than Phil ; But it's wastin' time to argue when a woman says she will. 64 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE So they run off and got married. Ma was anxious from the start To be kind of easy with 'em; said that Phil was good at heart ; But I sent 'em word to never set their feet inside my door; I was through with both forever yes, I said them words and more ! Made my will and left my money, every bit, to charity Tother day they had a baby and they've named him after me Lawsy, .but it did seem lonesome after Fanny *d went away ! Ma she moped, and you could nearly see her brown hair turnin' gray. And the silence used to kind o' get so loud I'd want to shout Or slam doors or pound on something, thinkin' I could drownd it out. Cute? By George, the little rascal's just as cute as he can be ! Not a single blemish on 'im, and they've named him after me. THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE If you'd told me things could ever be as gloomy round the place As they've been since Fanny left us I'd of snickered in your face ; Why, the very sun has seemed to kind o' hate, somehow, to shine. And last summer not a rosebud showed itself on Fanny's vine. Little rascal! Everybody says he's got my nose and chin, And he smiled as though he knew me when he seen me peepin' in. Yes, ma took me up this mornin' and I've just destroyed my will ; Come to think the matter over, there are worse young men than Phil ; He's been doin' splendid lately. I believe that little tike Must of knew I was his grandpa, for he looked up lovin' like When they got the nurse to let me hold him propped up on my knee; Weighed eight pounds, and have I men tioned that they've named him after me ? 66 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE A HERO THEY got a norphun boy next door; he come there yesterday. And he has six toes on one foot and double joints, they say ; They brought him from the 'sylum and his hair is kind of red. And he hasn't any parents, for his ma and pa are dead. When we were up in Johnson's barn this afternoon I s'pose You'll not believe it but he hung head down ward by his toes. And he can skin the cat and give a jump up in the air And turn a flip-flap and not touch a finger anywhere. And he can wiggle both his ears and look cross-eyed and play The jewsharp, or, at least, he says so anyway. And all the girls think no one else can do what he can do; I almost wisht sometimes that I would be a norphun, too. 67 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE LITTLE VOICE OH, little boy, my little boy. You always have your way ! You tease until you bend my will A hundred times a day. You lay your face against my cheek. And I that should be strong am weak I cannot say you nay. Oh, little boy, my little boy, A vision comes to me ! I see a child that seldom smiled Or uttered shouts of glee. Within his breast his yearnings died. And, buffeted from side to side, He learned humility. Oh, little boy, my little boy, I hear you plead, and lo ! There comes to me another's plea There comes from long ago The little voice of one that knew Few pleasures, pleading, dear, for you How can I answer no? 68 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Oh, little boy, my little boy, Ask what you will to-day ! You shall not fret while I may let You have your gleeful way ; For far out there where you must go The world will often answer no Be master while you may. SCANDAL AND TRUTH A LITTLE scandal trickled through Where gossip cracked the wall. And rapidly the volume grew That was at first so small. They sought with truth to fill the rent. To close the ugly breach, but spent Their efforts all in vain, for, like The stream that steals out through the dike. Foul scandal's volume swells and spreads; Beginning as a subtle slur It quickly wrecks and rips to shreds The splendid walls of character. 69 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE NEEDLESS DELAY HE. SOME day I shall find you in heaven. Wherever our heaven may be ; Some day I shall find you and know you. And you shall give greeting to me ! It may be on yonder pale planet. Or past the last limits of space, But, oh, I shall find you and clasp you In long and ecstatic embrace. Ere the day of our meeting a billion Of aeons may have to elapse ; The sun may cease blazing and crumble And you will grow weary perhaps ; But I will not rest till I find you. Wherever our heaven may be, And I shall be richly rewarded When you turn to give greeting to me. 70 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE SHE. Some day is far, far in the future. And who can be sure that the sky Will open for us in the morning When the night we call "Life" has gone by? And heaven, if heaven awaits us. May reach to such heights and so far That you never, ah, never can find me, No matter how zealous you are. And even if after long aeons We meet in far stretches of space. And you swoop, as I tremble, to clasp me In long and ecstatic embrace. Why wait for such joy or that glory. Why lay the glad scene in the sky? There's nobody looking at present- Why wait for the ecstasy ? Why ? 71 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE FAR-OFF CALL i. IF out beyond the city's farthest edge There were no roads that led through sleepy towns. No winds to blow through any thorny hedge. No pathways over hazel-tufted downs, I might not, when the day begins, be sad Because I toil among the money-mad. H. If out beyond the distant hills there lay No valley graced by any winding stream, And if no slim, white steeples far away Might mark the spots where drowsy hamlets dream, I could, perhaps, at midday be content Where striving millions at their tasks are bent. HI. If far away from noise and strife and care There were no buds to swell on waiting trees, No mating birds to spill upon the air The liquid sweetness of their melodies, I might at sunset be serene and proud Because a few had seen me in the crowd. 72 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE LONG AGO WE strolled along the river's brink, Each dreaming golden dreams ; We saw the happy cattle drink, We saw the glints and gleams The sunlight made Where ripples played, We heard the water flow Like music down the pebbly way But that was long ago ! We loitered where the shadows fell. And love was all we knew ; We lingered in a happy spell, A blissful hour or two; The sun slipped down Behind the town. And set the spires aglow As hand in hand we journeyed back- But that was long ago! I heard her father's harsh decree, For they had pride of birth. And she obeyed him, leaving me 73 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE To wander o'er the earth. I went away That summer day To sound the depths of woe. For hope had died within my breast But that was long ago ! One day the goddess Fortune came And entered at my door. And one in mourning bore a name That was not hers of yore ! A lovesick boy Had thought that joy Was not for him to know, Had thought that even hope was dead But that was long ago ! I went again to where the stream Wound down the pebbly way And loitered on its banks to dream. As in that former day; The sun slipped down Behind the town. And set the spires aglow ! The scene had sweet enchantment once But that was long ago ! 74 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Alone again I sought repose. Far from the clang and roar ; I gazed upon a faded rose As I had oft before. And lightly cast It down, at last, And wisely came to know How foolishly a boy had wept But that was long ago ! THE CHANCE WE sigh because no chance remains For us to win renown or praise. Or claim the large material gains Which we have longed for all our days. And presently some unknown one Contrives to make himself sublime By doing things we might have done If we had thought of them in time. 75 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WHEN GRANDMA COMES TO OUR HOUSE WHEN grandma comes to our house It makes me awful glad, Because she always takes my part When I've been actin' bad; She asks my father please to not Be cross or punish me, And then she shames him when she tells How bad he used to be. When I was slidin' yesterday And tore my trousers so, She said: "Now, James, don't punish him. You did those things, you know." And then he snuck away, upstairs, And grandma looked at me And said I'm just the kind of boy My father used to be. And one day when I runned away, And stayed till nearly night, And then came home without my hat And was a fearful sight. 76 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE My father stormed and then I guess That he'd 'a' punished me If grandma hadn't up and told How bad he used to be. I'm awful glad when grandma comes, I wish she'd always stay, For then's the time that I don't get A whipping every day, And there's a look in father's eyes That's very nice to see When grandma says I'm just the kind Of boy he used to be. 77 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE DEACON BROWN A PIOUS man was Deacon Brown, He never raged or swore; A cyclone blew his kitchen down And through his orchard tore, But when he rose up somewhat dazed And took a long, full breath and gazed Upon the havoc that was wrought, He uttered not a single shrill. Profane remark about it. Still, I wonder what he thought ? The deacon's gray mare ran away And badly scattered things ; The road was littered up that day With hubs and spokes and springs. The deacon crawled out from the wreck And felt his brow and rubbed his neck. And when the foaming mare was caught He kept his thin lips tightly shut And stood there saying nothing. But I wonder what he thought? 78 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The deacon had a daughter who Eloped one moonless night. With Ebenezer Pettigrew, A shiftless, worthless wight. The deacon did not chase the pair; Next day he sat with rumpled hair And furrowed brow and saying naught ; Sometimes he clinched his fists, 'tis true, And many a long, deep sigh he drew I wonder what he thought ? 79 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE MAN FROM YORK STATE OLD Bill Simpson come from York State: if a thing was big or fine He could always think of something more sur- prisin' in that line; When Joe Humphrey had his tumor. Bill looked at it, and said he : "It's a big one, I acknowledge, and I'm glad it ain't on me. But I knew a man in York State who'd a tumor that I'll bet Was three times as big as this one and it may be growin' yet. If we raised a calf or punkin that was some thing extra, Bill Always knew of one in York State that had been much grander still ; When Dave Henderson's wife left him, just because he'd killed her cat, Bill said: "We'd a case in York State which was ruther worse'n that : Once, down there, a married woman left her husband's bed and board On account of a loose window that 'ud rattle when he snored." 80 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE You couldn't beat old York State, wet or dry or night or day. And we used to often wonder why Bill ever moved away; When the Trask's folks had their triplets Bill he stood and shook his head While he fingered his chin whiskers sort of thoughtful-like, and said : "Well, yes, three's a lot! I dunno as I'd care for any more But I knew a York State fambly once that had a bunch of four!" When Hank Williams had the dropsy and was . tapped by Doctor Grubb The water they took from him was enough to fill a tub; Bill was silent when we told him, and seemed thoughtful for a spell. And we guessed we'd got him beaten; but, at last, he answered : "Well, I don't want to do no castin' of reflections onto Hank, But a man I knew in York State, when they tapped him, filled a tank!" 81 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Poor old Bill! He's crossed the river, and I hope he's happy there, Where he needn't deal with people that ain't always fair and square ; He'd a good heart in him Bill had done a lot of noble things, But I'll bet you when they brought him out his crown and harp and wings That he turned to old Saint Peter, or some angel bowin' low, As he said: "It's mighty splendid York State beats it easy, though." 82 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE TRANQUILLITY A BLISSFUL peace broods o'er the scene; The clang and roar have died away; The city lies at rest, serene, Despite the strife of yesterday ; The warlike sparrows e'en have ceased To raise their shrill defiant cries, And, far off, in the purple east, The long waves gently fall and rise. The breeze that comes to softly stir The drowsy leaves and sway the vine Is like a lagging messenger From realms far distant and divine; The pealing of the matin bell Falls sweetly, gently on the ear; The mellow tones recede and swell, By turns afar and near and clear. The former rude, sarcastic jay Sits meekly on the swaying limb; The brook that murmured yesterday Now sings a sacred, hopeful hymn. Peace broods o'er all the scene save where The pig half in the shadow lies And fiercely flips one ear to scare Away the Sabbath-breaking flies. 83 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE TO A FATHERLESS CHILD HERE, little stranger, is a place Within my arms where you may rest ; Upon your cheek I see the trace Of sorrows lurking in your breast ; Come, leaving doubt and scorning fear. And let me cause you to forget The woe that wrung from you the tear That trembles on your lashes yet. The grief you bear is not a thing That I who greet you never bore; Come, little stranger, let me bring The laughter to your lips once more ; The love which you may win from me Shall be such love as I would pray My little one might find if he Went fatherless upon his way. 84 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE JOHNNY'S AGE I 'M just exactly old enough To always have to run When ma wants something from the store Or pa can think of something more Around here to be done. I'm lots and lots too old at least That's what they always say To fly a kite or have a sling Or ever do most anything They seem to think is play. But pa and ma, when I'm around. Most always whisper, though. Or else they make me hurry out, 'Cause they've so much to talk about That I'm too young to know. 85 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE RUNAWAY THE little boy who ran away Because he thought I wronged him so, Who turned before he went to say That I would weep in vain, some day. And wish I had not let him go. Is standing yonder by the gate. And I must sadly let him wait. Oh, little boy, you think me cold. But love that will not let me rest Is urging me to fondly fold You in my willing arms and hold You closely to my eager breast ; Come come, my little boy, and let Us both forgive and both forget. Your poor, bruised little feet may ache ! You think that I have done you wrong; But, though your little heart should break, I must be stubborn for your sake, For you I must be stern and strong Make haste make haste, my little one. Or I shall weakly be undone! 86 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The little boy who said good-by In anger as I watched him start Is coming through the gate, and I Forgive the wrong he did and fly To clasp him closely to my heart ! The stars are gleaming forth for joy. My little boy! My little boy! FROWNS IF frowns had any market-price Or grumbling helped one anywhere, I should not venture or presume To bid you cease to walk in gloom Or put away the frown you wear ; It would be foolish and unfair To give you any such advice Or to persuade you that a smile Of hopefulness were worth your while- If frowns had any market-price. 87 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE MAN WHO MADE HIS MARK "I'VE been on Bunker Hill," he said; "I do not just remember now Which side it was that won the fight, or what it was that caused the row. But when you climb the shaft which stands upon that hilltop, tall and fair. You'll find, if you've a mind to look, my full name plainly written there "I've been down in that canyon which I heard a scientist once say Was Nature's greatest wonder-work; it may not be so, or it may ; I don't recall its depth or width or how the thing was made or when. But on a rock down there somewhere are my initials, gentlemen. "Westminster Abbey? Yes, I've seen that, too, although I don't recall The fellow's name who built the thing still, that's a trifle, after all; 88 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE It's very old, I know that much, and there are graves beneath the floor They wouldn't let me whittle, but I stuck my card behind the door. "St. Peter's beats our city hall at least it does for looks and, say. The soldiers there appear to think you've come to drag the thing away ! They wouldn't let me write or cut my name on anything but wait I fooled 'em ! When I left I dropped my letter head beside the gate. "I've seen the sphynx and pyramids rode on a camel through the sand And, though they're not as good as new, there's no denying that they're grand ; I don't remember what it cost to build them or how long it took, But on a block of stone out there you'll find my trade-mark, if you look. "I don't remember Athens still, it seems to me we did run down 89 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Ah, yes, they have a temple there, up on a hill just back of town ; It's queer it should have slipped my mind; I now recall it very well ; I cut my name there on a slab and scratched the brand of soap I sell." GIVING AND TAKING LIFE'S a game of give and take, And the world would be sublime, And few hearts would ever ache. And few saddened ones would sigh. If the strong would cease to try To be taking all the time. 90 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE HUMORIST A KING and his clown fell ill one day, And the king, as he lay on his royal bed. Beholding the clown, was moved to say : "Lo, all my glory has from me fled. One man wears motley, and one a crown. We raise distinctions and cling to caste. But the hand of the Master strikes us down, And the king and his clown are the same at last." The poor, pale clown turned wearily And looked across where the monarch lay ; "Nay, master, it is not so," said he. "Though we share one lot in common to-day I must have my wits when I rise again, Or another clown to your feet they'll bring. But you, O sire, though you retain No spark of reason, will still be king." 91 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE FABLE OF THE SQUIRREL AND THE RABBIT SAID the squirrel to the rabbit: "You can't climb up a tree," And the rabbit shook his head and said he couldn't; Said the squirrel to the rabbit: "Go ahead, and try and see," But the rabbit shook his head and said he wouldn't; Said the squirrel to the rabbit: "I can bur row, same as you ; I can do the things that you do, and besides them I can do Far greater things than you can, I can prove it to you, too!" Said the rabbit: "There's no reason why you shouldn't." Said the squirrel to the rabbit: "I'm much brighter than you are" The rabbit saw a hunter who was gunning Said the squirrel: "I surpass you in a dozen ways, by far" 92 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The rabbit saw a setter coming running ! Said the squirrel: "I am fashioned in a fairer, finer way" Then the dog swooped down upon him with a terrifying bay, And the rabbit, while escaping, said: "I haven't much to say I'm so clumsy! He was clever, and so cunning!" 93 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE HER NAME A YEAR ago you smiled on me And filled the world with glory; But our romance was not to be A long-continued story ! A little year ago you heard My praise and deemed it pleasant ; By whose look is your bosom stirred At present? A year ago I soared aloft. On airy pinions lifted. When you in accents sweet and soft Declared that I was gifted ! Ah, who now gladly bears the blame Of all your little quarrels And hears you vow that he may claim Fame's laurels? A year ago I thought the best Of all sweet names was Kitty; But do not let your gentle breast, I pray, be rent with pity! I've just discovered that I swear This is not said in malice The sweetest name a girl may bear Is Alice. 94 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE SUNDAY IN THE LITTLE OLD TOWN AL Mead and Mary Jones drive by, He sits up straight and prim, And now and then she casts a shy. Half eager glance at him ; The bay mare briskly trots along. Out past the edge of town, And from the trees sweet bits of song Come trickling gently down. The church bell breaks the silence with Its oft-heard clang of hope. And we may know that Deacon Smith Is pulling at the rope; Across the fields a lowing cow Sends forth a sad appeal, vVhile certain ovens, even now. Are primed with roasts of veal. A kitten paws a ball of yarn In front of Elmer Carr's, While six bad boys in Benson's barn Are smoking poor cigars. 95 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE A peacock in the distance calls. And every now and then A cackle indicates that all's Well with some worthy hen. The breeze is mild, the day is fair. The toilers rest a while : Aunt Hester, sleeping in her chair. Forgets that man is vile ; Sweet peace lies over all the scene. Save where Montgomery Hicks And Uncle Obadiah Greene Are talking politics. The shadows lengthen to the East, The light begins to wane ; Ere long, alas, for man and beast, The wheels will turn again ! Al Mead and Mary Jones return Along the quiet street; They view the scene without concern And need but half the seat. 96 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE WIND BLEW ILL 'TWAS at a crossing that we met, Her eyes like priceless jewels glowed; In fancy I can see her yet. Half hesitating in the road. A surly teamster drove ahead. Unmindful of her presence there; "Stop! Let the lady pass," I said; He merely sneered and did not care. The maiden with a little cry Rushed forward as I raised my arm And caught a rein, prepared to die In bravely shielding her from harm. She passed in safety ; I had played A dauntless hero's noble part ; I turned to hear the lovely maid Return her thanks with all her heart. She smiled, and, oh, her smile was sweet ! Just then ah, mad March wind ! my hat Was wildly blown down through the street; I never saw her after that. 97 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE LAUGHALOT BOY THE Laughalot Boy is a glad little lad Who lives in a glad little place Where all the good people who meet him are glad For just looking into his face, And the birds that sing there from the dawn till the night Warble only such songs as give people delight And as add to the joy Of the Laughalot Boy, Who knows where the nests are, but never Is tempted to rob or destroy. Oh, the Laughalot Boy always runs to obey. And he never is rude or unkind. And only good people go smiling his way. And hate never darkens his mind. The Laughalot Boy is a glad little lad Who has many more joys than the boys who are bad ; All the winds seem to go As he wants them to blow; He finds the world pleasant, and gladly Helps those who are making it so. 98 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE LITTLE ALBERT'S PA'S PA MY pa is always tellin' me when I want things to wear Or play with or to eat, that he had no such things back there When he was only eight or nine and had to do the chores And always pitch in, rain or shine, to help around out doors. He's always tellin' me about the work that he could do And how his pa would send him out to get half frozen through, A-milkin' cows or pitchin' hay down for the calves and sheep, With school about two miles away and snow drifts always deep. And gee, the lickin's that he got if he would play or shirk ! My pa's pa hardly ever thought of anything but work ; 99 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Pa never had a single toy or got took any where And he was tickled, as a boy, with anything to wear. The funny thing about it, though, is that it seems, somehow, To make him kind of proud, and so he brags about it now If pa was such a mean old rat I'd feel so cheap and small I'd not let on to my boy that I'd had a pa at all. 100 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE ORIGIN OF THE GNU LITTLE Freddie Fothergill was taken to the zoo. Where, with wonder on his visage, he beheld a captive gnu ; Long he viewed it fore and aft, he viewed it from each side; But the gnu paid no attention and displayed no foolish pride. While the animal stood rubbing its left ear against the fence Freddie gazing at it, wondered if the gnu had good horse sense; But, considering its make-up, he was more than half inclined To regard the gnu as stupid; it was merely horse behind. "Father, dear," said little Freddie, as they wandered through the zoo, "This must be the way they got it" he was thinking of the gnu "Once a bossy found a mare's nest all deserted by the mare. So I guess she went to setting till she hatched the gnu out there." 101 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE IF WILLIE WERE A KING I WISH I'd be a king awhile; I bet you then they'd be A lot of things made different that don't seem right to me; I'd fix it so a boy could play till ten o'clock at night And never have to go to bed alone without a light. And ma would have more hats than she could count, or pretty near. And about sixteen dressmakers for her own use by the year. And there's a boy in Sunday school who has a pa that's bad And drinks and gets in jail and makes his mother very sad ; If I were king I'd send such pa's a thousand miles away Where they would have to work and let their wives get all their pay. And people that made fun of boys for bein' poor, I guess I'd punish by arrangin* it so they'd be penni less. 102 T HE LAND OF LITTLE CARE They'd be a lot of changes all around, if I was king ; I'd fix it so the girls and boys could start out in the spring And find the places where the birds sing all their sweetest songs And where the colts kick up their heels and happiness belongs; I'd let them play along the brooks and fill them full of dams And have the right to spread their bread with jellies and with jams. I wish that I could be a king; there's lots I'd . like to do; Aunt Lizzie's teeth don't fit she'd get a set that would be new ; I'd fix it so a boy could go wherever he would please And not get whipped because he tore his trousers climbin' trees, But, oh, the best of all the things I 'd do would be to let Boys always eat their pie before the other things were et. 103 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE REUNION OF THE TOYS A LITTLE toy bug and a little toy mouse And a little toy tiger had met On the little toy porch of a little toy house. Where a little toy table was set, And the little toy bug gave a sad little squeak, And the little mouse wailed: "Oh, my!" And the little toy tiger attempted to speak. But paused with a sad little sigh. A little toy soldier set down a toy cup And indulged in a pitiful wail, And sadness came over a little toy pup With a poor little stump of a tail ; And a little toy engine that ran on a track Gave a sad little toot as it sped, And a little bisque doll said: "Alas and alack ! I really wish I were dead." Then a brisk little jack popped out in the air From a box he had opened somehow. And he said to the toys: "This is strange, I declare Why are all of you blubbering now?" 104 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The little bisque doll put a little bisque hand On her breast as she said in despair : "I am lonely and far from my dear native land ; Ah, why did they bring me from there?" And the soldier said: "That's what's the matter with me; I am lonely and homesick today. For the ones that I love are far over the sea Oh, why did they bring me away!" And the little toy mouse and the little toy cup And the little toy table and plate And the "little toy tiger and little toy pup Had the same sorry tale to relate. Then the Jack-in-the-Box dashed a tear from his eye And said in a sorrowful tone : "I, too, am a stranger beneath a strange sky, Far, far, from the haunts I have known ! They made me in Germany, thousands of miles O'er the sea, as you probably know." His words caused the toys to regard him with smiles. Each having forgotten its woes. 105 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE "Made over in Germany?" shouted the doll; "I, too, was made there!" and the bug And the soldier and tiger and puppy and all Rushed forward to give her a hug. "They made me in Germany," each of them cried ; "Wie gehts?" squeaked the mouse to the Jack; "Danke shoen," in a glad little voice, he replied The engine leaped clear from its track. Then the little toy bug and the little toy mouse And the soldier and doll and the rest Formed a ring on the porch of the little toy house. And joy was in each little breast. And they sang: "Made in Germany, over the sea!" And they danced all around with delight, And a little boy woke and sat up and said he: "Why, they're just as I left them last night!" 106 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE LET'S PRETEND LET'S pretend a little while That the world is managed right. That there's little which is vile. That there's much to give delight. Let us hopefully pretend That the luck we have is fair; Let us put a sudden end To the murmurs of despair. Let's pretend just for today That our hearts are free from woe ; That the wind blows just the way We would like to have it blow. Let's pretend that what we do Is the work we like the best; Let's pretend the scene we view Is of all the loveliest. Let's pretend we're satisfied; Let's pretend we're brave and strong ; Maybe after we have tried We can do it right along. 107 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE HER PART HER little hands are, oh, so weak. Her little feet so useless yet; She has not even learned to speak. Nor to remember or forget, But she has caused the clouds that hung Above the hills to disappear ; Because of her old hearts beat young And all the joys are centered here. Her little arms are, oh, so frail, Her little heart so free from guile ; But earth would be a dismal vale If she forsook it for a while! She has not learned to praise or blame, Nor to remember or forgive. But heaven is nearer since she came, And she has made it sweet to live. 108 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE POOR FOOL WITHIN a shadow that was cool Beside a roadway sat a fool ; A sparkling stream that tinkled near Made pleasing music for the ear, And caused him to forget to care How others passed with smirk or sneer. His king in raiment that was fair Came riding with his courtiers there : "Sir Fool," the monarch paused to say, "I feel the need of cheer today; Proceed with some new antic now To charm my heavy cares away." The poor fool stroked his wrinkled brow And rose and made a stately bow, Then answered: "See, the day is bright, And listen! Do you hear the light. Sweet laughter of yon sparkling rill? It sings to me that all is right." The king rode on across the hill, A frown was on his visage still ; "Poor fool !" he said : "bereft of wit, He finds it good to calmly sit And listen to a stream and dream Of music in the splash of it!" 109 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE GRAND ARMY IN the morning the Grand Army marches out to fight for bread, There is many a wounded soldier, many a bruised and bleeding head, There is many, many a marcher who would gladly run away To be free henceforth from going, weak and weary, to the fray; There are few that ever hear The sweet accent of a cheer. There are many that lie pulseless, at the clos ing of the day. No flags are waved above it as the Army marches past, There is no clank of sabers and no bugle's urgent blast; The soldiers wear no trappings made to dazzle and to thrill. And they hear no shout of "Bravo!" for their courage or their skill ; As the great Grand Army comes There is no loud roll of drums. 110 T H E LAND OF LITTLE CARE No applauding, since the soldiers do not march away to kill. In the morning the Grand Army, with its boy recruits in line, Marches bravely out to duty in the field and mill and mine. Goes to give its country glory, goes to make it great and strong, Goes to build the walls and bridges, goes to labor hard and long ; Through the snow and through the rain, Torn with woe and racked with pain. Forth the soldiers march to battle, hopeless or "with hope and song. In the morning the Grand Army bravely marches forth to fight For the love of little children, for the sake of doing right, For the bridges and the passes so that Progress may push on. And there's many a wounded soldier, many a weary one and wan, Whom a cheer would strengthen so : Why not cheer them as they go, Though they merely march to labor and have no fine weapons drawn? Ill THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE AMBITION AT first we dream of splendid things That we shall do some day To win the world's regard, and claim The glory men receive with fame But those dreams pass away. We look on their dear faces whom The Lord gives to our care, And plan to do great things, that they May have the world's respect some day. Proud of the names they bear. At last, dull-eyed, with sunken lips. We sit and dream away Of fame for them that in our laps Were dandled, and which may, perhaps, Reflect on us some day. 112 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE PICTURE A MAN with bony hands worked day by day To put the rough-hewn sills in place, and lay The beams across and build the walls; he made The narrow stairs, he raised the roof and laid The oaken floors ; the vines he trained To wind above the doors. He felled the trees That stood about, and through much toiling gained The little that comes unto him who frees The soil of its first growth, and through The years he saw age warp the walls. He grew Old with the rotting sills; where long ago The forest stood he saw sweet blossoms blow On trees the willful wind had set aslant. And memories of her who saw him plant Them there in rows came back, and in his eyes A moisture gathered as he looked away Across the fields and saw the white stones rise Upon the distant hillside. Old and gray, He stood before the door, where she had passed, 113 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Where once the shadows of loved forms were cast He stood and sighed and watched the blossoms fall, And from the road an artist marked the scene. Beheld the vines that hid the ancient wall, Gazed up along the path that wound between The rows of flowers such as long since had made The dull days bright for her whose hands were laid Upon her breast long, long ago. The artist saw And drew the scene, and people praised His splendid picture. But he did not draw That which was in the soul of him who gazed Across the fields who with a heavy heart And all unthanked, gave what he had to art. 114 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE NOTHING TO BEAT IT Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast. So has money ; A word of cheer may comfort the distressed, So may money ; The silent grave brings peace to those who sigh, Hope lends glad brightness to the tear-dimmed eye. Faith moves the mountain whose crest cleaves the sky, So does money. Wisdom is an overmatch for strength, So is money; Fair efforts win the world's regard at length. So does money ; Love spreads a charm upon the homely face, Chance raises fools to power and to place. The tomb, at last, obliterates disgrace So does money. 115 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE HEROES THE heroes do not always die Where death in fearful guise appears; In countless unmarked graves they lie. Denied the sweet reward of tears ; In countless nooks they bravely strive Without complaint, day after day. That faith and courage may survive And hopelessness be kept away. The heroes do not always fall Where flags are waved and swords are drawn; By thousands they obey the call That duty sends at every dawn ; Denied applause, their work unknown. They lift the weak and cheer the sad. Forgetting sorrows of their own While teaching others to be glad. The heroes do not always give Their lives where horror's front is raised; Denied heroic deaths they live Without renown and never praised; In countless nooks and corners where They never may be found by fame They earn the wreaths they may not wear And tributes they shall never claim. 116 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE HER DAY I. SHE worried over little woes From which he laughing turned ; She smarted 'neath the little blows Which left him unconcerned ; She borrowed little troubles when She had none of her own ; He smiled, as is the way with men. And let her fret alone. ii. A sorrow that was real and great On them was laid one day; Bewailing his heart-breaking fate He flung his hopes away. But in that dreary hour she went. While still her eyes were wet. And led him forth, infirm and bent, To help him to forget. 117 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WOMAN IF by some strange mishap She fell Out of her mother's lap, To dwell Alone upon some pleasant isle, ere yet Her gaze had ever met The look of any man before Her ears had ever heard The sound of any word If Fate or Fortune bore Her, in her infancy, away. And God, from day to day. Sent succor to her, spread Protecting shades above her head If she dwelt all alone. Where winds were sweet and skies were fair- Saw no face but her own Enchanting face reflected where She knelt to quaff the stream While babyhood and childhood passed If ne'er In waking hour or dream 118 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE The shadow of another's form were cast Before her till, at last, Possessed of woman's charms. She turned all suddenly To see A man with outstretched arms, She would, with many a wile, Evade his fond embrace And flee With cruel taunts before him while He sped in eager chase With Love entreating in her heart. Still she would smile To see him play a foolish part, Would torture him with all a woman's art. And then, perceiving that he turned, Rush back to claim all she had spurned, And rest In sweet contentment on his breast. 119 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE I WILL I WILL start anew this morning with a higher, fairer creed ; I will cease to stand complaining of my ruth less neighbor's greed ; I will cease to sit repining while my duty's call is clear, I will waste no moment whining and my heart shall know no fear. I will look sometimes about me for the things that merit praise; I will search for hidden beauties that elude the grumbler's gaze; I will try to find contentment in the paths that I must tread, I will cease to have resentment when another moves ahead. I will not be swayed by envy when my rival's strength is shown ; I will not deny his merit, but I'll strive to prove my own ; I will try to see the beauty spread before me, rain or shine I will cease to preach your duty and be more concerned with mine. 120 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE VOICES OF THE CHILDREN I FIND no rest upon the wide, blue sea, For little children ever call to me The little ones I might have helped to save. The starving ones to whom I never gave. I find no rest when I lie down to sleep. For ever I can hear the children weep The little ones who served me in their need, The children whom I stunted in my greed. I find no rest upon my rich domain. For always I keep hearing them complain The children left to sicken and despair Because I selfishly refused to care. 121 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE DISTANT CARES HAPPY little boy, playing all day long. There are troubles waiting patiently for you ! Gleeful little minstrel, sing your merry song While the winds are balmy and the sky is blue! Shame on him, oh, rosy, laughing little boy, Who sits down to tell you in a dismal tone That the world has troubles, that not all is joy. And that gladness cannot always be your own. Happy little maid, singing all the day. Many aches are waiting to assail your heart ; You will some day wonder, sitting in dismay. Why the fates have cast you for your bitter part. Shame on them, oh, lovely, laughing little maid, Who attempt to rob you of your present glee; Play away untroubled, laugh on unafraid Through the careless childhood God has given thee. 122 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE When my heart is glad, let my joy remain! If you know that trouble waits to cloud my brow, If you know to-morrow is to bring me pain, Do not come to rudely tell me of it now. If my hopes are futile, seek me not in haste To impart the sorrow I will have to bear ; Oh, the precious, priceless moments that we waste Looking sadly forward to a distant care ! 123 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE LITTLE HELPER SOMETIMES, when you, dear little one. Have closed your eyes and gone to sleep. When all my daily tasks are done. Beside your little bed I creep, To watch you smiling while you dream, All pure at heart, from trouble free. And, though you do not know or guess, You make me long for worthiness. And lure my lost hopes back to me. Sometimes, when all my efforts seem To be of no avail, and when My wish to claim the world's esteem And be the peer of worthy men Has seemed a futile wish, I bend Beside you where you sleeping lie. And, as I watch, my hopes return. And through your trust in me I learn To keep ideals that are high. 124 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Sometimes, when night's deep shades descend And raindrops beat against the pane. When 'neath the storm the branches bend And all the dripping boughs complain, I watch you where you sweetly sleep. Your trust in me serene, secure. And, though you do not know, you sweep My doubts away and let me keep My faith unsoiled, my purpose pure. 125 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE A PROTEST BY THE AUDIENCE I WISH that I was bigger, so when I went out to play The boys that's older wouldn't want to order me away. And then they wouldn't always make me sit up on the fence, [audience. When they are playin' circus, and be the I'd like to get down in the ring and play I was the clown, Or be the bare-back rider who goes jumpin' up and down. Or else the tall ring-master wouldn't that be just immense? [audience. But every time I have to play that I'm the Sometime, when I get older, I intend to have a ring And be the bare-back rider and clown and everything, And then the littler boys than me will sit up on the fence [the audience. And clap their hands when I perform and be 126 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE TROUBLES WE NEVER HAVE THE youth that lies so far away That seemed to end so long ago, Might still be sweetly claimed to-day By many a man whose step is slow If, somehow, he might borrow back The days his foolish fears made sad, The days through which he sighed, "Alack!" O'er troubles that he never had. As careless, prodigals we waste The years through which youth blithely " skips. And many a bitter dose we taste That never comes to touch our lips. Before our time we droop and die And leave the scenes that were so sad, Despoiled and fooled and broken by The troubles we have never had. 127 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE WHERE THE PULSE OF HOPE IS QUICK YONDER there are roads that wind Leisurely by dale and hill. Where there is no ceaseless grind And the world is strangely still ; There no warning shouts are heard And no fretful people clash ; There ambition is not stirred Merely by the love of cash. Yonder there are pastures wide Over which sweet scents are blown. Where no children are denied Freedom that should be their own ; Yonder there are winding brooks Flowing gladly to the sea; Yonder there are restful nooks Calling eagerly to me. There the ways are wide and clear. And the days are full of peace ; Here the price of joy is dear And the battles never cease; 128 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Here the masters who should praise Grasp their profits and are dumb ; Yonder there are winding ways That are ever calling "Come." Ah, let him whose blood is cold And whose youthful hopes are dead Sit out yonder, weak and old, With a hood upon his head : Let him mumble of the days When the marks he set were high ; Let him seek the quiet ways They are not for such as I . Here, where eager thousands strive, Where the battle smoke is thick, Where the city is alive And the pulse of Hope is quick Here where each exacting hour Brings new chances to -the strong Let me serve with all my power, Though unnoticed in the throng. Here, where mighty things are wrought, Here where battles for the truth Day by day are being fought, 129 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE Is the place for strength and youth ! Let the old men sit out there. Mumbling of forgotten things: Here each day yields me a share Of the chances that it brings. AS THEY PASS HE is bent and she is gray. Youth forsook them long ago ; She has helped him on the way, He is proud to tell her so. Oft he looks at her and dreams That she still is young and fair; In her fancy still he seems Young and strong and debonair. They are trudging down the hill. Old and bent and gray, alas ! But they love each other still Blessings on them as they pass. 130 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE EVERYTHING in the world's dead wrong, The sun doesn't shine as it ought to shine; Only the fool sings a hopeful song. There is not a sign that's a hopeful sign; Oh, a dismal chirp is the chirp I hear From the bird that is sitting on yonder tree ; The world is a dismal old world and drear It pays no attention to ME. Everything in the world is bad, There is nothing splendid and nothing fair; There is nothing left that should make men glad. And nothing to lift them above despair; Only the foolish keep hoping on And the glee they claim is a bogus glee ; All that was worthy of praise is gone 111 luck has been pestering ME. Everything in the world is gray Gray with the ashes of hopes long dead ; All that was splendid is swept away. No rifts appear in the clouds o'erhead; 131 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE All that was beautiful, all that was bright. All that was good for a man to see Is sunk in the depths of a limitless night Nobody is cheering for ME. THE NEWS BEARER COME not in haste at night to spoil my rest By telling me my best-laid plan has failed; Come not, when peace and gladness fill my breast, To tell me that my honor is assailed. But speed upon your journey, I implore, When you may bring me news of victory ! Arouse me from my dreams, beat on the door Keep not an instant of my joy from me! 132 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE AN ANNIVERSARY I GLANCE across the gulf of years And dimly see the far-off shore; How placid all the scene appears, No rocks are lashed, no billows roar; Our bark, still trim and stanch today. Is moored within a peaceful bay. Tis spring on yonder far-off slopes. Though it is early autumn here ; But we have brought along our hopes. And o'er our heads the sky is clear; Though oft the waves have mounted high, Our pennons, still unspotted, fly. Our .cruise across the gulf of years Has not been free from storm and stress ; Her eyes have oft been dimmed with tears. We oft have tasted bitterness ; But, oh, the days that were so glad The clear, smooth sailing we have had ! Our journey's end is far away. Much we have braved and much endured. But safe within a placid bay Our craft, still stanch and strong, is moored. And love shall wind our anchor chain When we tomorrow sail again. 133 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THE LESSON I DID not know the sky could be So very soft, so very blue; I did not know the land and sea Could spread so fair before my view. Until I learned, one cloudless day, To banish hatred from my heart, To put my foolish doubts away And bid my envy to depart. I did not know how richly I With priceless gifts had been endowed ; With health and strength, I knew not why I might be glad and brave and proud. Until I learned to cease to grieve Because some other won success. But strove the harder to achieve The fair rewards of worthiness. 134 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE ARE YOU GETTING ANYWHERE? You are rushing after riches, with a grim look on your face; You are spurred by one ambition, in your breast peace has no place ; You have turned away from others whom you clung to, long ago. You have ceased to find contentment in the nooks you used to know ; You are straining, you are striving, through the dark days and the fair. But, oh restless, eager brother, are you get ting anywhere? In your haste you have forgotten how to linger or to smile When a child looks up and greets you or would claim your care awhile; Though the wild rose sheds its petals in the lonely pasture still. And glad breezes sway the blossoms in the orchard on the hill. 135 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE You are too much in a hurry, too much occupied to care, But, with all your eager efforts, are you get ting anywhere? You have turned away from pleasure, trouble haunts you in your dreams; It is long since you have lingered on the shores of shaded streams That go singing to the pebbles they have made so clean and white And have polished at their leisure and their pleasure, day and night; You have ceased to know the solace that is in a sweet, old air, But, with all your greedy grasping, are you getting anywhere? You have given up old fancies; you have left old friends behind; You are getting rich in pocket, but you're poor in heart and mind; You have lost the sense of beauty in your haste to get ahead. And along the ways you travel grief and bitterness are spread; 136 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE You no longer care how others bend beneath the woes they bear. But, with all your cruel crowding, are you getting anywhere? Out beyond you there is darkness that no morning's light shall break; In the distance there is silence that no song shall ever wake; At the journey's end dishonor waits for them that day by day Cheat their souls and starve their senses while they hurry on the way; You are 'passing many pleasures that you have the right to share. As you rush to fill the hollow men will dig for you somewhere. 137 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE AT THE END OF THE DAY MEN hurry past him in the street And yield him no regard at all ; Where those whose pride is great compete, He has a place obscure and small ; He humbly serves as best he may Where giants battle for success. But at the end of every day He hurries home to happiness. Where traffic roars and walls are high He earns the pittance he receives. And few men would be gladdened by The little triumphs he achieves. Denied the talents of the great. He hurries home when night arrives, To be a blissful potentate Among the ones for whom he strives. Men wonder why his look is glad, Since he is poor and underpaid ; Obscure, hard-pressed and cheaply clad, He goes to duty, undismayed ; With common gifts, he envies none The glories of supreme success, For when the day's hard work is done He hurries home to happiness. 138 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE THIS WORLD OF OURS THEY say we live in an age of greed Greed of power and greed of gain We have ceased to applaud the heroic deed, We are warned by priests, but they preach in vain ; The right of might has become our creed, We cheer the rogue if his ventures pay ; The purse is greater than sword or pen. But, in spite of the absence of knighthood, when Were wrongs as few as they are today ? They say we live in an age when gold Is the one reward that is proudly claimed. Glory is purchased and manhood sold, Honor is banished and Virtue shamed ; Art is hungry and Vice is bold, Wisdom speaks in a feeble tone; But when has woman been burdened less Or man shown readier willingness To grant her all that should be her own? 139 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE They say that chivalry is no more. That the just are weak and the wicked strong; The shield is rusted that Valor bore And Pride is deaf to the minstrel's song; Christ is turned from the rich man's door. Age is favored with scant respect ; But when has childhood had greater care. And when has Helplessness had to btar Its pitiful ills with less neglect? They say we live in a Godless day, That Worth is ragged and Frailty proud ; The priest has ceased to have power to sway. The ribald laughter of Vice is loud ; The harp is broken and thrown away. Art begs a crust at the merchant's gate; But when have the strong been more inclined To lift the weak and to lead the blind. And when was Effort's reward so great? 140 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE INDIAN SUMMER How peaceful all the world appears to be! How genially shines the morning sun, Warming the dew that sparkles on the lea When, after the long summer's tasks are done. The harvest gathered, the fair prizes won. The hopes of springtime realized, a haze Lies on the distant hills, and here and there Belated larks have courage still to dare To gladden with the glory of their lays. Serenely in the year's late afternoon All nature seems to claim unhindered ease; The mildness and the warmth of early June Make welcome the half -hesitating breeze', A splendor all too brief is on the trees. And eagerly upon the far-off slopes That recently were drenched by ceaseless rain The flocks are nipping tender blades again, As if imbued w,ith new, unfailing hopes. 141 THE LAND OF LITTLE CARE A mellow tenderness is over all; On outlines that were sharp awhile ago A graceful, rounded softness seems to fall. The maple and the sumac are aglow, But still from fragrant fields mild breezes blow; Scenes that were commonplace have grown sublime, The dandelions blossom forth anew, And on the gables doves are wont to coo, As if it were again their mating time. The world has only kindness to display, As when a man whose useful work is done Turns from the turmoil and the strife away To claim the peace he worthily has won. Who, ere the long, last slumber is begun, Reclaims the joy of youth a little while. Who, having freed himself of all his cares. Forgets the burden that Ambition bears. And calmly greets the morning with a smile. 142 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 1954 Form L9-42m-8,'49(B5573)444 PS Kiser - 3521 Land of littlej K638 1 care LIBRARY FACILITY A 000923609 2 PS 3521 K638 1 UNJ