^^. SMi^»t.»iiv^. Class lZlllB51i_ GoipglitN" COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE AUTHOR Autumn ICf au^a SOME VERSES BY SAMUEL C. FREY 1921 YORK. PA. H \^v Copyrighted. 1921 SAMUEL C. FREY. Publisher York. Pa. J0'J28 7I ©CI.A630473 DISPATCH PEIMT TORK. PA. <urd R. Smith S. Fahs Smith James S. Smyser A-Ugust Sonneman, Jr. E. "W.. Spangler Harry S. Spangler Elobert S. Spangler EYanklin Spahr Mrs. Philip B. Spahr A. G. Spinner E. Philip Stair J. Wm, Stair Geo. L. Stallman R. O. Stallsmith Calvin Staufifer P. Z. Staufifer M. G. Stees Samuel Henry Stein C. W, Stine W. F. Bay Stewart Harry C. Stitt L. S. Stoner John A. Stover Samuel H. Strack J. D. Strebig E. I. Stumpf Wm. H- Tapscott Jr. W. Li. Taylor M. D. Thomas Archie Thompson W. C. Throne Wm. H. Trimmer H. Elmer Trostel H. C. Ulmer W. W. Van Baman J. E. Vandersloot J. A. Walker C. F. W. Wallow H. B. Wlaltman L. B. Wampler Nevin M. Wanner S. D. Wareheim Henry Washers G. F. Weaver Louis S. Weaver Geo. G. Weber H. H. Weber James Webster Geo. U. Wedser C. F. Welsh M. H. Wessell Allen C. WHest B. C. Wilkinson Geo. W. Williams Henrietta C. H. Williams E. B. Williamson Ralph E. Wilson H. E. Witman W. W. Wogan Wm.. J. Woods York Collegiate Institute Etonald H. Yost Mrs. G. P. Yost D. Philip Young H. W. Young John F. Young W. L. Young Elmer C. Zeigler F. W. Zercher Eidwin S. Zdegler J. C. Zimmenmau 8 AUTUMN LEAVES Contents CONCERNING POETRY 11 A Poem in the Making 13 Autumn Leaves 21 First Aid to Poets 25 Who Is a Poet? 36 PATRIOTIC 41 Who is a Patriot? 43 Our Fathers' Flag , 47 The Spires of Metz 51 The Reason Why 55 L'Aiglons 57 My Manchild 59 These Mothers! These Wives! 60 For Thee ., 63 Daddy is Somewhere in France 65 Pipes of Peace 67 For This, These Died 69 The War is O'er 71 Richard Roe 73 When the Boys Come Marching Home 75 RELIGIOUS 79 God's Temples 81 Enslaved 85 Easter Morn 87 The Crossing 89 The Widow of Zarephath 94 The Assyrian 98 The Blessed Light 102 On My Way ,. .104 Stephen and Saul 105 AT WEBER'S DINNER 109 We Will Cross the Ocean Wave Ill Coming Home Again 114 Somewhat Pedantic 116 At Weber's Dinner 122 Prelude 125 A Turkey Song 126 Interlude 129 The Minister's Lament 132 Screams 136 Personals 146 TRIBUTES 153 Washington 155 Valley Forge .159 France .162 The Lincoln Way 164 Roosevelt 170 Lake Williams 172 A Retiring Superintendent 177 The Unknown Dead 182 LIMERICKS 185 MISCELLANEOUS .195 My Kentucky Girl 197 To a Bride 199 When He is the Cashier 202 When It Rains on Monday 203 Welcome Home 204 Portuguese Song 205 Monday 206 Spanish Song 208 Keep Your Overcoat On 209 10,000 Miles Away 210 Porto Rico 212 AUTUMN LEAVES 11 Concerning l^oetrv 12 AUTUMN LEAVES * 'Who is a Poet? * * He lifts men higher, kindles hol^ fire. Though his metre he hroken,and faulty his rhyme.' A POEM IN THE MAKING I thought rd write a little poem 'Bout autumn leaves, you see; Because it seemed that autumn leaves Were very much like me. All summer long they have no cares; To them time endless seems; But v^hen Jack Frost comes 'nipping round, They wake up from their dreams. And so the days of early life Slipped carelessly away; Thirties, forties and fifties, too; Who can their progress stay? But now the sere and yellow leaf Swings slowly in the breeze; And everything brings home the truth: Soon bare will be the trees. t; Well, writing poems is not so hard As some might think it is; You get the subject in your mind, And write some thing like this. All summer long she swung in breeze^ Which gaily whistled through the trees. And then I thought how some had said My poems they recognized: 'Twas eight and eight or eight and six; They seemed quite exercised. So at some pains, the meter I changed; ril fool them all, this time; Tis just a few more words thrown in; They will not change the rhyme. All the gay summer long she swung in the breeze Which whistled so gaily all through the trees. But stop! The last line halting seems; Its syllables count but ten; Besides, there's too much "gay''-ety; ril have to try again. .All the gay summer long she swung in the breeze Which whistled so cheerily through the tall trees. Now gently caressing. Like lover addressing His devoir to lady, iv/io's surely some tease, Hed bring her sweet fragrance of clover and thyme ; Now there is needed, as you see, Two words to go with "thyme," There's "climb," or "clime," "dime," "grime" or "lime," Ah ! Here are "prime" and "rhyme." The lady, capricious, capricious so prime; One minute responsive, — Say, where in Webster will you find A word that here will fit. I give it up; but, "presto! change!" I think that this is it: Responsive one minute, The next he's not in it; His suit, like some verses, is all out of rhyme, *Tis said that ''A woman, a dog, walnut tree. The more that you heat them, the better they be,** So he ripped and he tore; He heat her quite sore; She looked all bedraggled, a sad sight to see. 16 AUTUMN LEAVES There, strange to tell, that stanza is Just as it came to mind. Though you may think it does not seem To women very kind. But, aft^T the storm passed, the sun shone once more. Just as it had alma^s done, often before. That last line could much better be. Although quite true the thought; So, after meditation deep, This was the change I wrought: And painted the rainbow, as often before. The leaf, no more wrinkled, She primped and she prin^led. And then she was ready to flirt, as of yore. That "prinkled" may to you seem odd; I had my doubts about it; But Webster says it means "to perk;'' I could not do without it. But flirting was not her only vocation; She did some good Work, because of location. She hid from prying eyes. Below or in the sl^ies, — AUTUMN LEAVES IT But now there is trouble once more To find the proper words; ^Rotation" will rhyme, but oh, dear me; What's that to do with birds? I want to say that she could hide The little birds in nest, From cats and owls, from boys and guns; But how to say it best. But flirting was not just the one thing she did; With tenderest care, she thoughtfully^ hid From hungry, prying eyes BelorPt or in the skies. Securely screened nestlings *neath soft, shiny lid. She joined Jvith her sisters, a shelter they made * Gainst fury of rainstorm; formed dense, cooling shade. Where man and bird and beast. Here you can see the fix Fm in; I have to find at least Two words, the one to rhyme with "made,'' The other goes with "beast." The latter is the first to mind: 18 AUTUMN LEAVES Conient, may rest at least. But how about the "made?" Ah ! Here's a phrase Tve used before, Has just come to my aid: BeloTV sheltering cover, "where none make afraid. As pass the da]fs fcp. Summer follows the Spring; The birds in the nest will betake them to wing; The harvest has ended, hear grasshoppers sing. That was a snap; but how about The two short lines we need Twixt "wing" and "sing;" twelve syllables Are just the tale. Take heed: The sweet scent of clover Will full soon be over; But, when this stanza was ended. The thought occurred to me: I hadn't said a word before About Springtime, you see. AUTUMN LEAVES 19 Besides, as you and I well know, The leaves in Spring appear. And most of them keep hanging in Three seasons of the year. So, to start at the beginning. And leave no gap remain; We'll stop right here, and thusly write The first lines once again: All the laughing Springtime she srvung in the breeze Which rvhistled so cheerily through the tall trees; Now, some say trees are not all tall; The criticism's true; But writers all have heroes tall And ladies "stately," too. The gra^ da^s of Autumn are norv drawing nigh; No longer the bright sun paints rainbow in s^p; No more bus}) flirting. Nor prin^ling nor perking; Quite tautological is that. Since "prinkling" means "to perk;" But, changing thought, I make it right By just a little work. 20 AUTUMN LEAVES No idle diverting; To imitate rainbojv the aged leaf doth try. To lover of nature she throtvs down the gage; I Her colors resplendent are now all the rage. She gives some one pleasure In beauty past measure; Then drops off the tree and exits from the stage. Say, how is that? Right off the bat It seemed to come with ease. Perhaps, because, just at this point, The leaf with me agrees. WeVe gone so far, that you can see How slight a task it is To have a thought, find words to fit, And write a thing like this. So you may drop the chaff, and glean The grain in easy stages; You'll find it printed, all complete. Upon succeeding pages. AUTUMN LEAVES 21 AUTUMN LEAVES All the laughing Springtime she swung in the breeze Which whistled so cheerily through the tall trees; Now gently caressing, Like lover addressing His devoir to lady, who's surely some tease. He'd bring her sweet fragrance of clover and thyme; The lady capricious, capricious so prime; Responsive one minute. The next he's not in it; His suit, like some verses, is all out of rhyme. Tis said that "A woman, a dog, walnut tree, The more that you beat them the better they be;" So he ripped and he tore. He beat her quite sore; She looked all bedraggled, a sad sight to see. 22 AUTUMN LEAVES But, after the storm passed, the sun shone once more. And painted the rainbow, as often before. The leaf, no more wrinkled, She primped and she prinkled. And then she was ready to flirt as of yore. But flirting was not just the one thing she did. With the tenderest care she thoughtfully hid From hungry, prying eyes. Below or in the skies. Securely screened nestlings 'neath softy shiny lid. She joined with her sisters, a shelter they made 'Gainst fury of rainstorms; formed dense, cooling shade Where man and bird and beast. Content, may rest at least. Below sheltering cover, where none make afraid. AUTUMN LEAVES 23 As pass the days by, Summer follows the Spring; The birds in the nest will betake them to wing; The sweet scent of clover Will full soon be over [sing. The harvest has ended; hear grasshoppers The gray days of Autumn are now drawing nigh; No longer the bright sun paints rainbow in sky; No more busy flirting, No idle diverting; To imitate rainbow the aged leaf doth try. To lover of Nature she throws down the gage; [rage. Her colors, resplendent, are now all the She gives some one pleasure. In beauty past measure; [stage. Then drops off the tree and exits from the Through the days of my youth and the fast flying years [fears; IVe tasted life's joys, felt its hopes and its Have taken full measure Of soul-cheering pleasure; But have I e'er helped to dry anyone's tears? Then, e'er the last leaf looses hold on the tree, May I not hope some one, by reason of me, Has found life some brighter, Its burdens some lighter, Because of the sunlight that here she may see? Or worker or dreamer 'long life's busy way, Discouraged, faint-hearted, afraid of the day, May here find a token. Some word fitly spoken. To help him take courage, press on in the fray? If this be my fortune, 'tis fortune indeed, To know that I brightened some soul in its need. Or, if unknown to me, The Master still will see, The tints of the rainbow in leaf he will read. FIRST AID TO POETS If you think of writing poetry, Or something that will rhyme; You'll often meet with trouble, for Words won't fit every time. Sometimes there is no rhythm, and The accent don't come right; The line's too short, the line's too long; There seems no help in sight. Let me prove Good Samaritan And help you when you're troubled; A sorrow shared means much woe spared; While shared joy is joy doubled. These helps are easy to recall; They number four, you see; The small grace notes, the accent grave. Much used apostrophe. And then that oft abused gift, "Poetic license" called. Which is a boon to versifiers Whenever they are stalled. THE APOSTROPHE The apostrophe's a little thing; Takes up a trifling space; But in all poems, both great and small, Holds most important place. I The apostrophe has uses three: Possession it denotes; Likewise omissions thus are marked; And then it's half of quotes. How awkward it would be to say: "That is hat of my boy;" And yet, in many languages, That is term to employ. So, when your line is just too long, One syllable too many; 'Tis then apostrophe comes in, And takes the place of any That have to be left out, because You have to "keep in time;" For metre's just as much required In poetry, as rhyme. AUTUMN LEAVES 27 Yet, if you think about your speech, You'll be surprised to see How oft, in conversation, you Use the apostrophe. Life seems too short to say "It is,'' When "It's" will do as well. The 'postrophe is time-saver; We fall beneath its spell. Again, when thoughts are running shy, How easy 'tis to say The things some other fellow said. And mark them just this way: " " Some of your readers, sure, will think These thoughts are all your own; While those who know, will smile and say: "He has good judgment shown." GRACE NOTES Have you e'er in a music score. Some small notes noticed, one or more, So unassuming, as to say: *'We feel, perhaps, we're in the way." 28 AUTUMN LEAVES But many times theyVe just the thing To give to melody a ring; To break monotony of pace, And lend to song an added grace. So, too, the extra syllable. In pleasing charm will often tell; Just as a change from strict notation To what is known as syncopation Will please the ear, at least for while; Or as a maid will youth beguile By something out of ordinary In voice, in dress, or millinery. And yet, it often seems to me. That too much use of these may be Confession of a lack of power To use the English of the hour. So "hitch your wagon to a star," And try to tell things as they are. In language plain; a pleasant jingle, But ever with a purpose single: AUTUMN LEAVES 29 To cheer the soul, drive care away, And lift the burden of each day; To aid, instruct and entertain; Then will your work not be in vain. THE GRAVE ACCENT There's another character often used, And not to be despised. When a line is just a little bit short And needs to be revised. It doesn't make very much of a show, For this is what it is: " But when it is placed o'er the letter "e,'^ It makes a change like this: "On silken couch my beloved now lies, And smiles in pleasant dreams." The old word "beloved" "belov-ed" now is. Which more impressive seems. What heretofore was a one-syllabled word Now has syllables two. One would hardly think so small an affair Could make so much ado. ftpu. 30 AUTUMN LEAVES This mark is well-known as an accent grave, And fills out many lines; And the poor poet, as here doth show it. Must use it many times. Perhaps, through your life, you sometime have known One who this accent found; For its possession, in many a case. Makes difference all around. I have heard of boys who, when put to task. Would move with leaden feet; But if in a game, though work be the same, Their movements were quite fleet. Or a girl, as maid, so demure and shy; Could scarcely speak a word; But, married at last, her accent she found; Her voice was always heard. I have said that this accent, verily. Of syllables makes more; \That loved now two syllables is, , Instead of one, before. AUTUMN LEAVES 31 If by some witchery I could but make This thing affect my purse, I wouldn't have to sit up all the night To write a little verse. Let me make a suggestion; try it on The things of life each day. When youVe pleasure to give, use accent grave ; You'll find that it will pay. When there's scandal afloat, hard things are said. Then use apostrophe. Omit the false note that spoils harmony. And life will sweeter be. I trust youVe lesson learned well. So you can plainly see In these four lines Fve given you An example of all three. 32 AUTUMN LEAVES POETIC LICENSE "License" doth in itself import A privilege to do Things out of ordinary, quite, And, therefore, something new. When poet tries to find some words That fit in thought and rhyme, Accent and metre surely give To him a trying time. So that poor poets may survive. And still with us abide. Some things must be permitted them, To common folks denied. "My friend has come to stay with us;" Such was the poet's thought; But as the word to rhyme with this Was "say," there's trouble fraught. To find a word to rhyme with "us," Required some revision. "My friend has come with us to stay;" By this slight transposition AUTUMN LEAVES 33 The rhyme with "say" is thus preserved; And that's the reason, why, To keep the rhyme and accent, too, Words sometimes seem awry. The sound of vowels is often changed To meet the rhyme in mind. It's not at all unique to hear The poet speak of "wind," When it is air in motion, that He has upon his mind; Or, what this book is all about. Says some smart chap, unkind. Here's where the Esperantists have Advantage over us; About pronunciation, they Need never have a fuss. No seven sounds for "a" have they; No four for "o" are found; Each letter in their alphabet Has but a single sound. \ 34 AUTUMN LEAVES So, in the case of direst need, When English words are o'er. The needy bard will use a word You never heard before. Thus accent, rhyme and metre, too. Play many funny tricks; And here "poetic license" much Helps out, when in a fix. But 'tis a thing to use with care; He English knows the best Who paints word pictures, clean and sharp, In words that stand the test Of accent pure, of metre right. Pronounced as by the rule. Of smoothest flow, contractions none, Fit for severest school. Such is the ideal; but, alas! How far we miss the mark; In fact, quite often it does seem like shooting in the dark. AUTUMN LEAVES 35 So take my lessons in good heart, And try to do your best; Then, like so many abler men. Just leave to God the rest. But this one thing I would impress Upon the eager mind: Do what you can, whene'er you can. In service for mankind. A thought for good, e'en if poorly ex- pressed. Is better than evil thought, handsomely dressed. Let us have your thought, though words be broken; Don't keep it hid, forever unspoken. 36 AUTUMX LEAVES WHO IS A POET? Who is a poet? Not the mere rhym'ster, Else laureates would be uncrowned; In Longfellow, Shakespeare, Dante and Milton Quite often rhymes cannot be found. Nor it is the rhythm that makes the poem; For here, again, you must agree That some of the finest of poetry Hath no rhythm that you can see. But rhyme and rhythm are necessary To fully please the human ear; The swing and lilt, beginning and end, Make melody that's nice to hear. The millions of stars which stud vault of night, All calmly move in measured state. In ways appointed, on time that is fixed; They're never too early or late. AUTUMN LEAVES 37 The blood in our veins has a steady throb, Unless there's undue excitement; The air enters lungs in regnlar breaths, Except there's some affrightment. The aiTnies that marched with a cadenced step, In military precision; That fought their battles by methods well planned, Brought all the world to submission. So 'tis the metre that cannot be slighted, As though it were ornamental; It is the very spirit of motion In poetry transcendental. But, no! That word is exaggerated; For rhyme and rhythm, desirable, May yet be likened to apples of Sodom: Exterior admirable, But ashes and husks; no sustenance there. True poetry paints pictures fair, Of scenes and actions not readily sensed, Which need a binish of merit rare. 38 AUTUMN LEAVES The clouds in the sky, the clods on the earth, Birds in the forest, beasts in the field, There's nothing so common, but poetic mind Can out of it make precious yield. With the master's art, he readily plays On the chords of imagination, 'Till we see for ourselves the beauty he sees. And are thrilled with admiration. But, greater far than material things Although they be harmonious. Which will, for a moment, delight the eye, Or please the ear, euphonious — Is the tale of human thoughts and deeds. When told in words that thrill and bum: The soldier who battles for Country and Right Who grapples with Death on ev'ry turn; The lover who dares, for sweetheart so fair, By very daring success commands; The mother who slaves that child may suc- ceed: The priest exiled in foreign lands; — These pictures of man in highest estate, When man becomes a super-man, Emblazons his name on the bright scroll of Fame, For men in the future to scan; — When thoughts so aroused are high and noble. When they speak of love and duty, Of deeds heroic, or honor unstained — When right is shown in its beauty — When children are pleased, when cares are lightened. When laughter gay drives gloom away — When sorrows are soothed and hope is strengthened — When faith in God is made our stay — 40 AUTUMN LEAVES When love for country and service for man Are kindled anew in our hearts — When nothing can daunt us or make afraid — With purpose high we play our parts — Then, then is the poet in godlike mood; He honors his art, himself and his time; He lifts men higher, kindles holy fire. Though his metre be broken and faulty his rhyme. AUTUMN LEAVES 41 patriotic For additional Patriotic lines, see "At Weber's Dinner" and "Tributes." 42 AUTUMN LEAVES "To do for others as pou should do; To God, your Country and Self be true.' f AUTUMN LEAVES 43 WHO IS A PATRIOT? Who is a Patriot? It's not the man Who skins the Government whene'er he can; Who uses a stamp for the second time; — He's surely subject for warmer clime. Not he who so craftily falsifies In making out tax return, and thus tries To beat the collector, and, when found out, He claims the benefit of the doubt. Nor he who figures his losses so great. The first of the year; but if you will wait 'Till after March 1st, his business does grow; Eut then it's too late to pay taxes, you know. 44 AUTUMN LEAVES Nor he who, when riding on street railway, Forgets to offer the conductor his pay; Who claims that so long as you're not found out, You're shrewd if the company you beat, no doubt. Nor the man who to his good neighbor goes, And beats the comp'ny by using his hose; Or says not a word of a spigot more, Of water he's using and not paying for. You don't have to be a Bolshevist Red To be by the nose like stupid ox led; Nor prate from soap box on things chaotic, To class yourself as unpatriotic. The man who stealthily violates law Is more dang'rous than he who wags his jaw In talking against the Government; By talking so much, all force is spent. Whene'er you do wrong to one of your kind, And hurt him in body, in heart or in mind; When the world is darker because of you, then You put yourself down as bad citizen. AUTUMN LEAVES 4,5 A country's made up of its people all, And he, who serves one of them, answers the call Of patriotism in highest degree. By serving just plain folk like you and me. In ev'ry movement to help and uplift. Be found as a worker, and don't get miffed If not a Gen'ral; high private will do; No malice nor envy; to self be true. If you honestly think you could fill it well. Come out for office. You never can tell How people will vote; but one thing is true: The country is looking for good men like you. Declining to serve, for fear of the work, Is unpatriotic. It's no time to shirk. In war or in peace, in forum or field. To languor and ease no true man will yield. Then, if you're elected, strain ev'ry nerve The cause of the people to fully serve; For he who will serve his country the best Serves his party the most, by every test. 46 AUTUMN LEAVES But if you're defeated, don't sulk or be cross; Men better than you have oft met with loss. Tis better to ride, although to a fall; Much better than never to ride at all. If the fight has been honest, the contest fair. Try again; it's likely some day you'll get there. If not, many men, who defeated went down, In hist'ry outlived the winner of crown. To walk in the way that leads on high; To always be able to meet a man's eye; To do for others as you should do; To God, your Country and Self be true; This is the aim of ev'ry good man; The thing he will do as well as he can. He is patriotic, as you will agree. When they look for such, will they find you and me? AUTUMN LEAVES 47 OUR FATHERS' FLAG Unfurl the flag ! the grand old flag, The flag our fathers wrought, 'Mid shot and shell they bore aloft, This flag so dearly bought; With stripes of brilliant red and white. With starry field of blue — To save for us this precious flag They fought. Will you? Will you? Fling to the breeze our dear old flag ! Its stripes of glowing red Are tokens of a sacrifice, Of blood so freely shed; That men might prove their right divine, Their destinies to guide; By their own will to rule themselves — For this our fathers died. They died, to found a nation new, Where liberty should reign. Shall we be false and show the world That they have died in vain? 48 AUTUMN LEAVES They died to save a nation great, When traitors' hands arose. Shall we stand by and see this flag Struck down by cruel foes? Off with the hat as the flag goes by! Its stripes of spotless white Bespeak a nation's purpose high: Devotion to the right. We seek not others' land or gold, No lust for wealth or power; We strive to do, as best we may, The duty of each hour. These stripes of white do not portray The dastard's craven heart; We will not sell our heritage, Nor play the coward's part. We trust in God, with purpose true; We know our cause is just. To keep unsoiled our father's flag. We'll fight, if fight we must. AUTUMN LEAVES 49 Fling out the flag unto the breeze ! Its stars will light the way For weary souls, who bleed and groan Beneath the tyrant's sway, To where, beside his cottage door, In cool of evening's shade, Man rests from well-requited toil, With none to make afraid. Guard well the flag, the blood-bought flag! Its field of heavenly blue. An emblem of the loyalty Which all our fathers knew. No paltry truckling with the foe, No dalliance with crime ! Our country and our country's flag! First, last and all the time ! Stand up for the flag ! No skulking now. When foreign foes assail. "Breathes there a man with soul so dead,'' Would for a moment fail To lift his voice, to raise his arm. To show by word and deed, That he is to his country true. In this, her hour of need? 50 AUTUMN LEAVES Up with the flag! Up everywhere! The red, the white, the blue ! It is the flag to which our love. Our life, our all is due. Lift up the flag, uplift it high ! That all the world may see The ensign of a people great, The good, the brave, the free! This flag of ours must never be A cloak for those who aim To overthrow our liberties; To set the world aflame With rule of proletariat; All right and law defied. It must not wave o'er those who would Set common sense aside. Our fathers' God, whose watchful eye Hath ever been our guide; Whose loving hand doth shelter us Whatever ill betide. May this dear flag float proudly o'er A nation Thou dost love, Till courage, honor, faith and truth Fruition reach above. AUTUMN LEAVES 51 THE SPIRES OF METZ The virgin blush of a new dawn Now heralds coming of the day. The twittering birds burst forth in song, The stars grow pale and fade away. The lonely watch on listening post Sees break of morn without regrets; And low in Eastern sky appear The spires of Metz; the spires of Metz. 0, town of Metz; what memories Spring into being at thy name ! What deeds of valor, sacrifice; What heights of glory, depths of shame! A French lord saved thee from the foe; With joy the dangerous post accepts; A Frenchman, striking ne'er a blow. Gave Germany the town of Metz. 0, town of Metz ! Thy mother tongue Is muzzled by efficiency; Thy neck is bruised 'neath tyrant's heel; Thy sons are torn away from thee. Shall year of jubilee ne'er come, When France the Prussian lord ejects? Awake and sing! That year is nigh! 0, town of Metz ! 0, town of Metz ! For lo ! In sight of city walls, Of unseen mines and bristling guns; There stands a race of heroes new. Who come to battle with the Huns. No lust for land; no greed for gold; No evil motive in their quest. They come to plant the starry flag On spires of Metz ! On spires of Metz ! What though the road be rough and steep; Though danger lurks on ev'ry hand; Though gas and bomb and bayonet Conspire to halt our little band! No power on earth can stay their march; By help of God, recruits and "vets" Will fight and march and fight at last 'Neath spires of Metz ! 'Neath spires of Metz! AUTUMN LEAVES 53 Though some may fall along the way, As through the German lines they go — No slackers there; if any fall, They'll fall with face turned to the foe — Still at the last we shall prevail; Some day, when sun sinks in the west, The Yankee boys will camp at night In town of Metz ! In town of Metz ! Then, rape of Alsace and Lorraine; The cruel gash in side of France; The years that men looked all in vain To see again the right advance — Are all forgot; and wiped away The tears and scars that wrong begets; When three-hued flag shall float again From spires of Metz! From spires of Metz! Let Strasburg's statue be unveiled; No more her children mourn her fate; For nearly fifty years she sat In stately sadness, desolate. Now year of jubilee has come; Now France her ravished province gets; Alsace-Lorraine is now restored, With Yankee boys in town of Metz. 54 AUTUMN LEAVES So, in the years and years to come, When twilight falls, when shadows wane^ Shall Frenchmen tell unto their sons How Yankees heard cry of Lorraine; And sailed across a dangerous sea With scorn that submarines forgets! And f ought-some died-but won for France The town of Metz ! The town of Metz ! Say, in the years and years to come. When child~or grandchild-comes to you> And says: "0, Father," or "Grandpa," "In the great war, what did you do To win the battle for the right?" 0, may you then have no regrets. As you tell him just what you did To win for France the town of Metz ! AUTUMN LEAVES 55 THE REASON WHY For the sake of the men of Bunker Hill, Who bared their breasts to England's might; [field, Who abandoned the store, the shop, the To bravely battle for the right- Come, buy a Liberty Bond. Shall the blood that was shed for seven years. From Lexington to Yorktov^n old. Have been shed all in vain because, to-day, Men will not part with a little gold And buy a Liberty Bond? For the sake of the boys who are now in France, And the boys who are yet to go; Who have braved all the dangers of the deep. The stab unseen of the cruel foe — Buy now a Liberty Bond. Twill courage give to the lad at the front. When shells explode and bullets spurt; To know that back home men have sacrificed, 5« AUTUMN LEAVES Have given until it really hurt — Have bought a Liberty Bond. For the sake of the mothers, who have sent The light of their lives to France; Who fear the knock of the postman gray; Who dream by night of the fell mis- chance — Go, buy your Liberty Bond. How the hearts of these mothers desolate — The hearts of wives and sweethearts, too — [that Will be solaced and cheered, by knowing A million of people, such as you, Have bought a Liberty Bond. For the sake of the children by your side. For all the children yet to be; Make sure that the light of Freedom shall shine; For them the joys of Liberty — By buying a Liberty Bond. For no monarch will rule o'er this fair land; The star-spangled banner will wave; If, e'er the sun sets, a million like you Will firmly resolve to plan and save, To buy a Liberty Bond. L'AIGLONS America has a grand old bird, Whose screams the world has sometimes heard, And oft held in derision. Of late he's been quite somnolent. Though Germany to the bottom sent, Our ships on peaceful mission. But, as the score kept mounting higher, It surely raised the old bird's ire; And now, at last, he's spitting fire; He's reached a stern decision. Down from his crag so quiet. To foreign shores he'll hie it. Three thousand miles away. He's called his flock together; Regardless of the weather. They're sailing every day. And when they meet the Kaiser, They'll knock his plans sky high, sir, Old Bill will be some wiser; There'll be the deuce to pay. 58 AUTUMN LEAVES The Sammees are a-marching; Their tongues may be a-parehing; Their feet a little sore. To them the job is something new; They're not quite sure just what to do; They have to learn some more. But every one's a fighter; You couldn't find a piker; And o'er the top they'll light, sir, With mighty whoop and roar. They're in the fight to stay, sir; They know it isn't play, sir; But that will cut no ice. In air above, on land or sea. Just where a soldier ought to be. You'll find them in a trice. In battle grim, their grit will show; And if they fall, you'll surely know. They fell with face turned to the foe;- They proudly paid the price. God bless our boys! Our soldier boys! For them the prize, for them the joys Of victory we ask. AUTUMN LEAVES 59 And though our hearts with pain are rent; Though to the front our all we've sent Our bitter grief we'll mask. To ease their pains, to smooth their ways; To cheer their hearts, to light their days; To give them words of earnest praise; This, this shall be our task. MY MANCHILD God gave to me a manehild, A manehild fair to see. The spirit came from God; but, oh! Flesh of my flesh was he. God asked of me my manehild. To keep His people free; To save for millions yet unborn, The joys of Liberty. 'Twas then I knew Gethsemane; I, too, sweat drops of blood; But angels ministered to me — I gave my child to God. 60 AUTUMN LEAVES THESE MOTHERS! THESE WIVES! While flags and banners bravely fly; With blare of brass and crash of drums; With heads erect, hearts beating high, A-down the street our company comes. 'Midst plaudits of the multitude Our men and boys go forth to war; To save the world for pulchritude; To fight the foe in fields afar. These men; these boys. Filled with the thought of duty done; Flushed by the praises of their friends; Thrilled with the hope of honors won — They know they go for noble ends — The pain of parting's soon forgot; They scarce can wait to meet the foe — Of trench and gas they do not wot — With smiling face away they go. These men; these boys. But when they've passed, have passed away The bravest of our people here? Ah, No ! Of those who with us stay, Are heroines without a peer. No blaring brass or rolling drums To cheer them in the cause of Right; The vacant chairs, the empty homes, These are the foes for them to fight. These mothers; these wives! To dream at night of loved ones dear; To see once more scenes of delight; Converse with husband ever near; See boy so cheery and so bright — And then to wake, and know, alas ! That many waters roll between Her and her loved one. Such nights pass. Once and again repeats the scene. These mothers; these wives! To watch for postman, yet to fear, When at long last his step is heard. What are the news? What shall she hear? Her soul with agony is stirred. And yet, if postman passes by, What's happened to her boy so bold? Why does the loved one not reply? Again her blood in dread runs cold. These mothers; these wives! For soldier boys they toil each day, And oft into the wee, small hours They knit, to keep dread cold at bay; That cold which saps the soldier's powers. And not alone for their own kin, But also for the boys unknown; E'en toil on Sabbath is no sin. When toil is for the heroes gone. These mothers; these wives. God haste the day, when o'er the sea These men and boys come back again. Come back as victors, happily, Because their work was not in vain. When once again, v^th brass and drums, Through multitudes along the street. Our company a-marching comes. And hastens home, with joy to greet These mothers; these wives. And if, perchance, it so should fall. That to some mother, or some wife. The dear one ne'er comes back at all; The light has gone out of her life; AUTUMN LEAVES 63 Still, it was good to have a man To die for Right so gloriously; And, better still, all in God's plan. Some time that man once more to see. These mothers; these wives. FOR THEE My country, 'tis to thee, Sweet land of Liberty, To thee I give. For thee my songs and cheers. For thee my hopes and fears. Through all the coming years, For thee I live. Since first our fathers wrought. Since first with blood they bought Sweet Liberty; The hope of weak and strong, Refuge for those who long To flee from tyrant wrong. Is found in thee. 64 AUTUMN LEAVES For thee my every breath, From early life to death, From earth to heaven. For thee my every thought; Thou hast my service bought; My life v^ith mercies fraught, In blessings given. Though strong and fierce thy foes; Though all the world oppose; Thou canst not fail. The God of love and truth, Who helped thee in thy youth. Will save from hurt, forsooth; Right must prevail. For thee, our Fathers died; For thee, our sons in pride To battle go. For thee, through shot and shell. Through smoke and flames of hell. With hearty cheer and yell. They meet the foe. AUTUMN LEAVES 65 May fathers and brave sons, While Time its journey runs, Serve with good will; And, though our all is sent, With grief our hearts are rent. Though life itself is spent. We conquer still ! DADDY IS SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE I met a little tot one day. So busily engaged in play She had no time for me. I laid my hand upon her head, And, smiling, unto her I said, "You're daddy's girl, I see," The pretty eyes were clouded, then; She gave a wistful glance; "I'm daddy's little girl; but, oh! Daddy is somewhere in France." 66 AUTUMN LEAVES "So long ago, one summer day, He said ^Good-bye,' and went away From mother, home and me. I dream of him 'most ev'ry night; But, when I wake at morning light, Daddy I do not see. My mother says that some sweet day, Around the room I'll prance; That Daddy will come back to me; Back from somewhere in France." The fateful morning breaks at last; The years of war will soon be past; The deadly strife be o'er. Up at the front, w^here shells fly thick, Where one escapes, or death is quick, Her Daddy fights once more. The last shell flies from German gun. Alas ! The fell mischance ! A burst of flame; a fall, and then — Daddy lies somewhere in France. AUTUMN LEAVES 67 PIPES OF PEACE No martial strains of brass and drums, No dulcet tones of stringed wood, No song e'er wrote by mortal pen. No rhapsody in joyous mood, Seemed half so sweet as that which broke On morning air, bade slumber cease; And thrilled the wide, wide world around :~ The Pipes of Peace ! The Pipes of Peace ! No more the murd'rous cannons roar; No more the shriek of shot and shell; No more the reek of deadly gas; No more the messengers of hell. From w^eary march, from loathsome trench, Man finds at last a sweet surcease. May walk erect and unafraid. Since Pipes of Peace; since Pipes of Peace ! No more shall mad, insensate Rage Destroy the works of God and man; Enslave, enchain, kill, crucify. According to a fiendish plan. Once more shall law and order reign, For Right hath conquered over Might. The Prussian Beast failed miserably To win the world by "Schrecklichkeit." No more shall Taubes of the air, Likes birds of prey sweep through the skies; No more shall fatal bombs descend, No more devouring flames arise. No more shall monsters of the deep The all-destroying dart release; The Lusitania lies avenged: — Hear Pipes of Peace; Hear Pipes of Peace ! So in the years and years to come, When eve draws nigh, when shadows fade, Man rests beside his cottage door In calm content and unafraid. He'll tell his children of The Day When Liberty took a new lease Of life, because 'twas then were heard The Pipes of Peace! The Pipes of Peace! AUTUMN LEAVES «9 FOR THIS, THESE DIED To lift from out the mud and mire, Where placed by German arrogance — To hold aloft our country's flag; To bear it on the fields of France; To show, in spite of pacifist, That, in a battle for the right. The Yankee boys, though slow to wrath, Were not a bit "too proud to fight" — For this, these died. The blood outpoured on Bunker Hill, At Germantown, on Brandywine; The sufferings of Valley Forge, (Columbia! What glories thine!) Were not in vain, since men like these Sailed blithely o'er a dangerous sea; In battle fierce met mighty foe And won a glorious victory — Although some died. To put an end to tyrant's reign; The ruling of autocracy; To make this old, old world of ours A safe place for Democracy. 70 AUTUMN LEAVES No more shall accident of birth Make King of wise man or of fool. To elevate the man of worth; ^^^lo most can sen'e, he best can rule — For this, these died. No more shall child be cmcified; Nor church of God be desecrate; No more shall hmnble home be razed, Nor fertile field made desolate. In peace and safety man shall live, To woi-ship God and do the right; Since annies of the three-hued flags Have put an end to "Schrecklichkeit." — For this, these died. These died? Ah, No! Thev tralv live Forever in the hearts of men ! So long as earth rolls 'round the sun, By word of mouth, or stroke of pen, Will men unto their children tell How Yankee boys, from golden West, At Belleau Wood, in the Argonne, Saved this old world for all that's best. — For this, these live. They live? Ah, Yes! They truly live Forever by the throne of God. They lived to serve their fellow-men, And sealed their service with their blood Who gives his life to save his friend, Is said to show the gi'eatest love; But these, who died to save unkno\vTi, Showed love all other loves above. — For this they live ! Forever live ! THE WAR IS O'ER The war is o'er; the \dct'rv''s won; The sons of light have vanished Hun. No more the shriek of shot and shell; No more the fiery blasts of hell. From weary march, from loathesome trench. From deadly gas, from pois'nous stench, Man finds at last a sweet surcease. Since floats again the flag of Peace. 72 AUTUMN LEAVES The boys who bravely crossed the main Are gladly coming home again. The boys? Ah, No! The gasping breath Of struggle fierce, the walk with Death, The terrors of the long, long night, The awful charge in morning light. Can not be told by tongue or pen — These boys come to back us as men ! Come back, to take their place in life; — The daily grind, the toil, the strife; — Are on the job, and do their task: A fair, square deal is all they ask. But, with an eye of vision keen, Discern the false, wherever seen; And scorn to stoop to petty deed. Though ne'er so great should be the need. Be yours to take the foremost place; Be yours to set the onward pace; To show for Right the solid front You showed when in the battle's brunt. To aid the weak; to crush the wrong; Be sober, vigilant and strong. And ever join in all good work For town of York! For town of York! AUTUIMN LEAVES 73 RICHARD ROE With glowing eyes and blushing cheeks, She culled the fragrant flowers so fair; Arranged and grouped in bright array; — Herself the sweetest flower there. What tender words of love she breathed Into the hearts of blossoms rare ! What welcome for the one so dear, Now coming back from "over there/' Then, frightened at her thoughts so bold — Thoughts long within her bosom pent — Without a token whence it came, Her message on its way she sent To banquet hall, where heroes bold Were welcomed as the city's guests; Where song and speech and music swelled, With joy supreme in manly breasts. The Master of the Feast received The floral gift, which met all eyes. "For Richard Roe," the legend said; "Will Richard Roe now please arise?" A silence that was felt ensued, Until at last — oh, strange mischance — A comrade said: "Poor Richard Roe Lies now on bed of pain, in France." A murmured note of deep regret, And misty eyes, at thought of pain The maid would feel, when first she learned Her meed of flowers was all in vain. In vain? Ah, no ! At sight of them Each manly heart sensed Love's waiin glow; The world itself much brighter seemed Because of flowers for Richard Roe. 4: « 4: # « On bed of pain, in sunny France, A hero's thoughts afar would roam; Till, suddenly, stood by his side, The gentle maid he left back home ! Oh, who will say she was not there To cheer his heart, to ease his woe ! True love would find a radiant way From town of York to Richard Roe. WHEN THE BOYS COME MARCHING HOME There'll be joy on the streets of Man- chester; There'll be beat of cymbal and drum; The men will cheer; the women will cry; The children will shout, though they don't know why; [goes by; There'll be a lump in the throat as the flag When the boys come marching home. There will none be too old to greet the boys, As down the street they come; With heads erect, with eyes to the front; W^ith the look of men who have borne the brunt; Who know the meaning of a German hunt; These boys come marching home. How glad will the mothers be that day; No more their boys will roam. 76 AUTUMN LEAVES The lad who left us, a stripling, forsooth, Has put away the things of youth; He has seen his God; he has learned the Truth; A man comes marching home. The hearts of the wives will be full that day; When, safe from across the foam. With eyes so clear, with cheeks of tan; With the look of him who does what he can To right the wrong, to help fellow man; — Such a man comes marching home. There'll be blushing girls on the streets that day; When the conquerors of the world shall .come. The lover who left her so long ago. Has come back a hero, has vanquished the foe! Her lips, how they quiver! her eyes, how they glow ! As her lover comes marching home. AUTUMN LEAVES 77 Alas ! for the slacker on the street that day ! For very shame his voice will be dumb. He knows how with the truth he'd flirt; He sure was afraid he might get hurt! He'll really feel as mean as dirt, When the boys come marching home. And the woman or girl who wouldn't knit, And work with fingers and thumb To keep good and warm the boys over there; Who was too tired to do her share; Will surely wish herself elsewhere, When the boys come marching home. So the man who never would buy a bond. Nor of war stamps purchase a sum; When he sees the boys who have humbled the Hun, [have done. And the women and girls who their duty He'll be the most miserable man under the sun — When the boys come marching home. 78 AUTUMN LEAVES Then, if you want to be happy that day, When the boys come marching home; Go down in your pockets and open your purse; Give thanks to the Lord that it isn't much worse; Help the world get rid of the German curse; And pray that that day may soon come. AUTUMN LEAVES 79 IReligioue 80 AUTUMN LEAVES **Lord, give us grace our live$ to live. As best becomes the sons of God;* AUTUMN LEAVES 81 GOD'S TEMPLES The myriad stars of varied hue, That stud the vault of night; They speak of world s beyond our ken, Of spacious infinite. They tell us of Omnipotence; Of power beyond compare; The music of the spheres is theirs; — God's temples are not there. The boundless sea, whose waters lave The encircling earth around; The teeming commerce of a world Upon its breast is found. What secrets lie within its depths! What lives and treasures rare ! Man cannot still one little wave — God's temples are not there. 82 AUTUMN LEAVES The tow'ring Himalayan peaks Which pierce the clouds above; Which stand unmoved by tempest shock; Eternal as His love; The gloomy shades of caverns deep, Which know no sunlight fair; Where eyeless monsters live and die; God's temples are not there. The great, majestic redwood groves, Which in the Westland lie; For centuries their mighty trees Grow upward in the sky; A garden fit for gods and men; A scene of beauty fair; No work of man compares therewith: — God's temples are not there. The modest church on yonder hill; With heavenward-pointing spire; The great cathedral in the town, With transept, nave and choir; These tell of man's devout desire To build a house of prayer. Their purpose good, but, in true sense, — God's temples are not there. AUTUMN LEAVES 8S God's temples are within the hearts Of those who worship Him; Who strive to play the better part, Though faith and sight are dim. The trusting child, the aged sire, The learned and the fool; The rich, the poor;— He dwells with those Who follow Golden Rule. The heart that's filled with malice, greed; With envy, lust or strife; With many a dark and cruel deed That mars another's life; Where pride and passion reign supreme; Where Self rules in his lair; — How could we for a moment doubt? — God's temples are not there. To walk along life's weary way — Nay, that is false ideal ; Life's way should never weary be. If we strive for the real. The opportunities so great To serve our fellow man; If seized upon and followed well, Will show us how we can. 84 AUTUMN LEAVES By doing good to others, drive All weariness away; And then we have His promise that He'll come with us to stay. A lowly and a contrite heart, In full submission meek; — This is the dwelling place of God; The temple He doth seek. So open the door of your temple, And let the Savior in; He'll keep you in the perfect way; He'll drive away all sin. Let nothing enter to defile, Or sanctity to mar; Let holiness and truth abide. Since you God's temples are. Abide with me, 0, gracious Lord, And make my life anew; That in Thy service I may live. And in Thy work be true. No harm can ever me befall, Protected by Thy grace; And, after death, 0, blessed thought, ril see Thee, face to face. AUTUMN LEAVES 85 ENSLAVED Enslaved by sin, in Error's chain, I stumbled, fell, fell yet again; To break my fetters tried in vain; — There came a voice within: "Although your sins as scarlet be; My blood was shed for such as thee; I'll set your soul at liberty, And break the bonds of sin." In Doubting Castle's dungeons deep. Where grim Despair doth vigil keep; Where captive souls do mourn and weep, I heard the Master say: "0, fearsome one, why doubtest thou? Arise! Behold thy Saviour now; See pierced side and thorn-scarred brow!" My doubts were swept away. A prisoner to care was I: Afflictions, trials, poverty; My need was great; no help was nigh; Then came the Psalmist's word; 86 AUTUMN LEAVES "The Lord, my Shepherd, leadeth me; In pastures green He feedeth me; From want and care He makes me free; I rest me in the Lord." The way of sorrows now I tread. With bleeding heart and bowed head; Some friend untrue; some loved one dead — My soul is sore distressed The Father says: "0, weeping one! Come, cast thy cross of sorrows down, And rest thy weary head upon The Father's loving breast.'' When passing through Death's gloomy vale; When lips grow cold and senses fail; When human help cannot avail; — Deep waters o'er me roll. This blessed promise comes to me: "My rod and staff will comfort thee; From earthly tabernacles free, Come, bide with me, 0, soul.' 99 AUTUMN LEAVES 87 But, when my soul has passed away, This flesh and blood, this house of clay, A prisoner in the grave shall stay. Till Time itself be o'er. Then, at the trumpet's joyful sound. No more with chains of Death Fm bound; But with the ransomed Fll be found; Free! Free forevermore! EASTER MORN Open ye the gates of the Sepulchre So the conqueror come forth; No more henceforth shall Death and Hell Rule over all the earth. Open ye the gates of the garden, now; Judah cannot contain The risen Lord. He goeth forth O'er all the world to reign. 88 AUTUMN LEAVES Open up the gates of the Temple, too; The veil is rent in twain; God and man are reconciled. The cross was not in vain. Open up, ye skies ! Let the King come in ! The King, triumphant crowned, Hark, how angelic choirs sing! How hallelujahs sound! Open up your hearts, ye sons of men, And let the Savior in. Hell turn your darkness into day; He'll drive away all sin. Lift high your voices, for lo ! the King Transcendent joy assures. For Death has lost its fatal sting; Eternity is yours. AUTUMN LEAVES 89 THE CROSSING At last they reached the river's brink; The sullen stream that rolled between The desert they had traveled long And bright and fair and wondrous scene. Had traveled long? Ah, of that host, But two alone knew other lands; But two had lived long years ago, When, at offended God's commands. That river's shores were lost to view; That scene of hill and valley fair, The land from whence their fathers came, The Promised Land, the children's share. Was left behind; and, back and forth Through trackless wastes, 'neath burn- ing sun. Where water failed, where foes harassed. They wandered, till the years were run; 90 AUTUMN LEAVES Till, of the host that doubted God — Through fear of Philistines refrained From going forward at His word,— Of all that host, no soul remained. What memories filled adult minds, Of wanderings of forty years Through wilderness and desert plain, As punishment for fathers' fears; How Korah and his company Were swallowed up by hungry earth, Because they murmured and rebelled. To thoughts of mutiny gave birth; Of fatal plague, because of sin; Of serpents fierce, with deadly bite; Of brazen serpent, held aloft. That he who looked might have respite; Of water from the riven rock; Of daily manna, sent from heaven; Of guiding pillar, fiery cloud; Of all the blessings, freely given. AUTUMN LEAVES 91 Till victory o'er giants great, O'er Gileadite and Amorite, Had conquered doubt, dispelled all fear, Gave confidence in God of Eight. And now, the lands for Reuben won, Were foretaste of far fairer lands; They lusted for their fathers' home, And only waited God's commands To cross the narrow, turbid stream That lay between them and new home; To take the valley and the mount. Into their own lands fully come. So, when the mystic ark went down. And feet of those who bore it forth Were wet by waters of the stream. Behold, the waters from the North Stayed in their flow, nor flowed again, Till all that host, on Eastern shore, Had seen their dearest wish fulfilled, Had safely crossed the Jordan o'er. "iki 92 AUTUMN LEAVES No timid soul stood on the brink, Or feared to cross the mystic stream; But eagerly they forward press To bask in Canaan's sunny gleam. The weary march is of the past; Forgotten, then, the toils and fears; They've reached the Promised Land at last, And God shall wipe away all tears. We're travelling through a varied land Of fertile plains, of barren waste; Our joys and sorrows interplay. They follow, in unseeming haste. Some journey long; some but few years; But to us all there comes the day When Canaan's land before us lies; When here we may no longer stay. For all of us, a Jordan rolls Between us and our dearest hopes; We know that land of com and wine Awaits us on the farther slopes. AUTUMN LEAVES 93 No giants there to dispossess; No cities to be overcome; For One hath gained the victory; For us there waits a blessed home. And yet, we linger on the brink: Are loth to pass to further side; To leave the state of doubt and fears And go where joys fore'er abide. Lord, give us grace our lives to live As best becomes the sons of God; So, when we reach the river's brink. We shall not fear the swelling flood; But, with the courage of the Soul That knows on Whom its trust is stayed, With confidence we gird our loins, And boldly enter, unafraid. THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH The day was almost spent. Once more The sun was sinking in the West; An orb of hue so fiery red, Whose absence gave a sense of rest. For lo, ^hese many months, no cloud Appeared in yonder brazen sky; The fountains of the deep were sealed; The little brooks and streams were dry; The harvest failed; the stores were low; Gaunt famine stalked throughout the land; [parched; The limbs grew weak; the tongue was Want and disease walked hand-in-hand. At night came dreams of feasts so rare; Of meats and grain, of oil and wine; Of tables groaning 'neath their load; No cry of want, no hunger's whine; And then to wake, and feel the pangs Of appetite and thirst, and know Twas but a freak of tortured mind. "0, Lord, why must we suffer so?" AUTUMN LEAVES 95 A widow lone, save for a child, Went forth, at close of burning day, To gather fuel to make the meal, Once more the cruel hunger stay. Once more, but only once, because Of barrel of meal a handful now; Of oil, a little in a cruse. Was all the food that she could show. Then, while she stooped for two small sticks. Behold! There came, along the road, A man of foreign race, no doubt; Not one who in the town abode; And said: "I pray thee, give to me A little water, so it slake My burning thirst," and, as she went, "And bring to me a little cake." At this, her mother heart arose. At thought of child who, at the home. Was waiting for the final meal. And hoping mother soon would come: 96 AUTUMN LEAVES " Tis but a bit of oil and meal I have to give my boy and I; That once again we two shall eat, And then, together, we will die." "Fear not," in words of tender tone, Yet filled with much authority, The stranger said. "Go, make your cake, But bring the first of it to me. "For barrel of meal shall never waste, And cruse of oil shall never fail. Till God ope fountains of the deep, And sound of rain men's ears assail/' What test of faith and confidence In man, to her before unknown, To take to him the meal and oil That was to feed her and her own! The faith supreme this woman showed. In after years had full reward: The Man of God, whose wants she filled, That son of hers to life restored. AUTUMN LEAVES 97 Dost think it strange, that deeds like this Should meet such compensation sweet? No bread upon the waters cast, But hundred-fold doth giver greet. We need not wait for prophets great On whom to give beneficence; The humblest stranger in the way Is still child of Omnipotence. And, in the Day of Reckoning, The Master says, so graciously, "This, given to the least of these, My own, was given unto Me." 98 AUTUMN LEAVES THE ASSYRIAN "The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold;^' With his thousands of chariots and horse- men so bold; With clashing of cymbals and beating of drums; — Fly, Judah! like chaff, when the summer wind comes! Like sands on the seashore; like leaves on the trees, Swinging hither and thither in each pass- ing breeze; In cohorts unnumbered, like stars in the sky;— Woe! woe! to the people! The Assyrian is nigh ! They filled ev'ry valley, they held ev'ry crest; They 'compassed the city. North! South! East and West! An army triumphant, that never knew fear. Alas! for the city! The Assyrian is here! AUTUMN LEAVES 99 "Where, where is Jehovah, in Whom is your trust? His power today shall be laid in the dust. The gods of all nations have failed them in need; Why then to Jehovah, should Assyria take heed." They laughed at the city; derided its wall; And spoke of the plunder when that wall should fall. So loud was their boasting, that faint heart did cry: "0, Lord, wilt Thou now let Thy servants to die?" The king from his throne, and Amoz' great son, . Cried unto Jehovah to rescue his own: "Unless Thou dost save us, we perish and die. [nigh.^' If Thou wilt not help us, then no help is From His throne in the heavens Jehovah drew near. [ear. To the cry of His people He bent willing Sennacherib's boast i*eached up to the sky: In answer thereto, God's angel passed by. Like the mist of the morning, when sun mounts on high; Like castles of sand, when the waves have rolled by; Like trav'lei^ in desert, after simoon so hot; The army has vanished; the AssjTian is not! Sound forth the loud cjmbal! Exultingly sing! Jerusalem livethl Jehovah is King! The horsemen and chariots are all over- thrown ! Hosannal Hosanna! The Assyrian is gone! Li times of temptation, when passion assails; assaus; When Sin is alluring, when righteousness fails; AUTUMN LEAVES 101 When Conscience is stilled, because we won't hear; — Alas for the Soul ! The Assyrian is near! When Fortune's fair smiles bid my soul take its ease; When follies of this world strive daily to please; When I pay no more heed to Lazarus' cry;— My soul is besieged; The Assyrian is by! When trials and afflictions encompass me sore; When Faith groweth dim and Hope's al- most o'er; When God seemeth far; Destruction so near; Woe! Woe! To my Soul! The Assyrian is here ! Then, then to my God let me earnestly cry; "Save Lord, or I perish ! 0, let me not die !" He'll hear my petition; He saveth His own; — Hosanna! Hosanna! The Assyrian is gone! 102 AUTUMN LEAVES THE BLESSED LIGHT The scales of sin mine eyes enclosed; The lust of flesh, the pride of life; The paths that lead to gates of hell Were trod by me in daily strife. The ruddy glare of wine-cup's lure, Where manhood sinks deep in the mire; Where truth and honor all are lost. And naught is good save base desire. The Light of God Tvas shed on me; I once Jvas blind, but now 1 see. In cloak of self I walked abroad; In highly moral pride my ways. No sinner I; a Pharisee, Who kept the Law from early days. For weaker man I felt contempt; Exemplar I for growing youth. No need for sacrifice or prayer; Mine was the Way, the Life, the Truth. The lVorld*s True Light, when turned on me. Showed model of h^pocris^. AUTUMN LEAVES 103 The Via Dolorosa, I Now tread with heavy laden feet And aching heart. I find my path With sorrow's cruel thorns replete. But, when this mortal flesh grows faint, And Soul cries out, "0, Lord, how long!" The words of promise comfort me: "I once was weak, but now am strong." The Blessed Light helps me to see: He chastneihy for He loveth me. In humble mood, I seek to serve My fellow man, from day to day. To wrong no one, to love the Truth; To warn against the downward way. 0, Lord, forgive my daily sins, And pardon all my thoughtless care; Help me, from mom to setting sun. Some good to do. This is my prayer! O, Heavenly Lights that shines on me; May I a light for others be. 104 AUTUMN LEAVES ON MY WAY As I go to Jerusalem, And toil, from day to day; Is there one heart to gladly strew Palm branches on my way? Have I e'er won, by kindly thought, By loving word or deed, A sympathetic soul, to cheer Me in the hour of need, I cannot make the stones cry out And glad hosannas raise; The birds along the path to chirp Their joyous hymns of praise. So if no soul give thought to me; No deed, no word, no smile; Then have my days unfruitful been, My journey not worth while. For self alone I must have lived, And wasted every day. If there is none to strew for me Palm branches on my way. AUTUJMN LEAVES 105 And, when I reach the journey's end, This shall my sentence be: "Since none of mine youVe ever served. You never have served Me." STEPHEN AND SAUL Outside the walls of the city so old, Has gathered a mob who roughly enfold A young man so brave, whose countenance fair, Shone with a new light of beauty so rare. 'Twas the light of prophet, of one whose eyes [through the skies; Have pierced through the veil, see far Past planets and suns, to spaces unknown, Where sitteth Jehovah, serene on His throne. 106 AUTUMN LEAVES With courage undaunted, though full well knew he 'Twas death to tell them the things he did see: "I see Jesus of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, Standing there, in His glory, at God's right side." A fierce wave of anger arose from the crowd; They closed their ears and shouted aloud; They stoned the victim, who fell on his knees, And prayed for forgiveness for such men as these. 0, marvelous love! Twould make angels weep! With words of forgiveness he soon "fell asleep.'' And, from seeing Jesus by vision of Grace, Passed into His Presence, and saw, face to face. The sight, quite sufficient to make angels weep. Made deepest impression on one who would keep AUTUMN LEAVES 107 The clothing of those who cast the first stone; He could not forget the courage just shown. To stifle the voice of Conscience that rose, He looked on disciples as national foes. In zeal for the Law, by night and by day. He harried the people who walked in the Way. No woman so feeble, no man e'er so brave, No feeling of pity could one of them save; And, when in the city their number grew few, He'd go to Damascus his fell work to do. 0, road to Damascus! Most wonderful stage. On which was enacted the Play of the Age ! The actors were few; the action was bold; But finale of story can never be told. The Saul of Tarsus a convert became. As Paul, the Apostle, he carried His name Through Asia and Europe, where'er he might be. To where tawny Tiber rolls down to the sea. ii. 108 AUTUMN LEAVES In words of conviction, by tongue and by pen, He preached the new gospel to all sons of men; To Jew and to Gentile, who e'er would re- ceive. Salvation through Jesus to all who believe. * For each drop of blood by brave Stephen shed, A legion of men are saved from the dead; For each throb of anguish pervading his frame, A million believers now call on His name. Though sin be forgiven, the cost must be borne; The fruit of the tare is as sure as the corn. The pain and torment of Stephen, the Bold, Were suffered by Paul more than hundred- fold. AUTUMN LEAVES 109 Ht Meber'e Sinner no AUTUMN LEAVES *'Here at Weheis dinner ^ Be you saint or sinner. You will find a hand outstretched to welcome you' AUTUMN LEAVES 111 1918 WE WILL CROSS THE OCEAN WAVE. (Air: "Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching.") Have you read the ghastly tale? Did you hear poor Belgium's wail As the cruel German hordes were passing through? Oh, the land so desolate ! Oh, the women's awful fate ! Is there not a work for each of us to do? "The Spires of Metz," ante 51, had its first reading at this Dinner. 112 AUTUMN LEAVES Yes; yes; yes; The boys are marching; See our comrades falling in. We will cross the ocean wave; We will fight the world to save; And we'll chase the Kaiser back to old Berlin. See the British and the French And Italians in the trench, Or in gallant charge upon the open field. They are fighting day and night, They are bleeding 'till they're white; Shall we let them fight until they're forced to yield? No; no; no; etc. Which of us can e'er forget That young hero, Lafayette, And the Frenchman brave who crossed with him the sea? 'Twould be base ingratitude (And this is no platitude) If we fail the men who helped to make us free. No; no; no; etc. AUTUMN LEAVES 113 By the shades of Washington ! There's a duty to be done, If we would not lose our blessed heritage. We must fight 'neath triple hue Of the red and white and blue; And well drive the blooming Kaiser off the stage. Tramp; tramp; tramp; etc. Sing "My Country, 'tis of thee!" Then sit still and quietly See your nearest friends enlisting for the fight? If there's red blood in your veins; If you'd wipe away all stains; Come and join the mighty army of the Right. Come; come; come; etc. 1919 COMING HOME AGAIN Have you heard the joyful news How the Yankees crossed the Meuse? And are busy keeping "Watch Along the Rhine?" When they had a chance to fight, They sailed in with all their might, And their work made boaster Ludendorff resign. CHORUS Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are march- ing, They are coming home again. They have crossed the ocean wave; They have fought the world to save; And they chased the Kaiser out of old Berlin. AUTUMN LEAVES 115 Near the famous French chateau, Where the lads were told to go And hold back the Brandenburgers for awhile; When the order came "Retreat/' They said "Hellno," and they beat Off the Dutch and drove them backward o'er a mile. See their work at St. Mihiel, Where they made the Fritzies ill, In the way which they the salient overran; Then they pushed through Argonne wood Like the Yankees only could, And the war was quickly won at old Sedan. So it's "Hip, hip, hip, hurrah," For the boys who won the war, And who now are gladly coming home again. They have surely shown the stuff, And we can not do enough For the boys who proved our flag is not in vain. SOMEWHAT PEDANTIC For several years I have been striving To furnish entertainment here; To somewhat lighten the heavy, set speeches; To temper sobriety with good cheer. It doesn't strike me as much of a role, To play the droll part of a clown; To act as a foil for layman and priest, Who try to cram some home truths down. When stomachs like ours are filled to re- pletion With bounteous fare as here is found; The brain gets befogged, and scarcely re- ceives A discourse on morals, though sound. So, to keep you free from indigestion; Or weight of overburdened brain; IVe tried to bring you a wee bit of humor; I trust my efforts have not been in vain. — I AUTUMN LEAVES 117 But the other day I heard a preacher — In fact, a college President — Say the only thing we'd take to heaven (Of which I'd fain be resident) Is the education we here acquire ! I 'spect he's tooting for his school. j If a test like that is what they require, I surely will look just like a fool. If Trig, and Physics, Latin and Greek, Are needed to get a halo there, I'll certainly look like Lady Godiva, Without a blessed thing to wear. Nay, my condition will be more ser'ous, For she had hair to act as veil; While hair, as you know, is not my long suit; So on this test I'd really fail. Well, it's quite too late for me to begin; For me the die has long been cast; But for you the door still is open wide; The day of grace is not yet past. 118 AUTUMN LEAVES So I wish to give you a list of tutors, Who'll fix you up in modern style. If you thoroughly follow their instructions. You'll get a halo well worth while. If you'd like to linger longer in this earthly vale of tears To take in the Weber dinners with the pass- ing of the years: Avoid Cystitis and Neuritis, likewise En- docarditis, Pyaemia, Anaemia and Spinal Meningitis, Beware Angina-Pectoris and dangerous Phrenitis, Peritonitis, Pharyngitis, Pericarditis and Myelitis. Keep coolitis, don't get excitis and when you feel too bad. Just call in Dr. Emerson, he's the best one to be had. The lawyers, like the doctors, have a lan- guage all alone. To speak plain Anglo-Saxon, is infra dig, I own. So its scire facias, levari facias, capias ad respondendum, Fieri facias, habaere facias, habendum et tenendum. Non est inventus, praecipe, nil de bene esse. Nisi prius, caveat emptor, looke sharp un nix f orgesse, Habeas corpus, duces tecum, de minimus non curat lex. If this is deep ask Charlie May, he'll only charge an X. When traveling through our county old, have you e'er observed the soil? The loam and clay, the silt and shale, in which our farmers toil. The rocks of Pre-Silurian or Sub-Devonian age. When Syringapori Hisingeri held the cen- ter of the stage. Or perhaps you found a Dinosaur or a Diplodocus strong. Or an Anchisaurus colurus, entombed for aeons long. 120 AUTUMN LEAVES In geosynclinic dolomite or amygdaloidal rock. Now if this is too deep for you consult Road Viewer Stock. The New United Lutheran Church, a month or two ago, Had a convention to elect the Boss of the whole show. The Primacy of the new See is quite a lofty place; There were a score of candidates all entered for the race. Two Dutchmen from York County played a game both bold and wise, And when the votes were counted they had carried off the prize. When you want to round up delegates and do it neat and slick. George Neff and Doctor Weber are the boys to turn the trick. When speaking of United Church perhaps your soul doth fret, Because the Church of Jesus Christ is so divided yet; AUTUMN LEAVES 121 But when you think of creeds and faiths, of 'ologies and isms, Of Orthodox and heterodox, of heresies and schisms; Armenian and Calvinist and blue Predesti- nation; Sacrament and Eucharist and Transub- stantiation; Original and Acquired Sin, the Tempter and the Fall — Oh, spend a week with Dominie, and he'll explain it all. A lack-a-day, the time draws nigh, when thirsty soul must faint. When H^O-j-CO^ must answer all com- plaint. The man who took C^H^ with H^O ad lib; Can't get complaisant doctors to write for him a fib. (.12 IJ22 Qll C2 H^O. Must give away to aqua vin: it's really got to go. Now if you cannot grasp this all, are not sure what is meant, [dent. Just ask the 'cyclopedia, our College Presi- 122 AUTUMN LEAVES 1920 AT WEBER'S DINNER There's a long, long trail a-winding To the club house by the road; Where the lights are brightly shining, And the table bears a load Of the good things there provided For the inner man's delight; And we're glad to have you with us On this February night. Chorus: Here at Weber's dinner, Be you saint or sinner, You will find a hand outstretched to wel- come you. You will get a greeting From a jolly meeting Of some men of good old York who are brave and true. AUTUMN LEAVES 123 Here's the President of College, Prince of Toastmasters is he; And a treasure house of knowledge, Depths of great profundity. There beside him sit the preachers. Full of solemn dignity; But when they see the turkey They're as jolly as can be. — Chorus. Here are men of every station, Men who work with hands and brains; If you ever try to "do" them. You've your labor for your pains. You can search the city over. Search from morn till evening falls; You'll not find a greater-hearted set Than the men of old St. Paul's.— Chorus. But the Host of all, Herr Weber, With his vast, expansive smile; He is always taking measures Cares of others to beguile. Earthly honors pass unheeded, Love to neighbor counts alone; And that day's considered lost, which Sees no deed of kindness done. — Chorus. 124 AUTUMN LEAVES There's a short, short trail a-winding To a church on Beaver street, Where our host would be delighted Every one of us to greet. If you have enjoyed this dinner; If you're built upon the square; Won't you step around, next Sunday? Don't you think that would be fair? Chorus Come to Weber's class-room, It may prove a pass-room To a knowledge of the things that are well worth while. You will find a welcome. And our host will tell some Of the truths which comfort bring in the hour of trial. AUTUMN LEAVES 125 PRELUDE "Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious Summer by this son of York;" Who, not to the manor born, Is yet no stranger in our midst; [benign, But, by his courteous ways and smile Hath stolen all our hearts, until no one Who knows him but is proud to say: "He is a gentleman and a friend of mine." His mother, years ago, with prescience rare, Saw her son in bishop's robes arrayed; And, though to her, "H. H." he stayed, "His Holiness" serenely fits his air. The ladies, though, were not so slow. To them he e'er was "Handsome Harry;" And, since Time's touch has been quite chary. Who dares to say it is not so. But, on this anniversary night. We know him as our "Happy Host;'' His thought for us is all our boast, His kind provision our delight. Provisions ! Their flavor lingers yet. Which one of us will Turk forget ! 1^ 126 AUTUMN LEAVES A TURKEY SONG A song for the Turk; the York County Turk. America's delicacy. Of all the products of the farm The most toothsome product is he. Like his namesake on the Dardanelles, He has a harem all his own. He lords it over a dozen wives, While we are lorded by one. He leads his flock through field and wood In search of grub and grain; And when the shades of evening fall He leads them home again. He travels the neighborhood afar His sustenance to get; But, like the Prohibitionist, He doesn't like the wet. His raucous voice the echoes wakes In accents loud and shrill; .He sings his song most cheerfully, But its pleasing effect is nil. i AUTUMN LEAVES 127 With lordly mien and haughty crest, With visage fiery red, He struts among the barnyard fowl With calm, majestic tread. Some prate about his plumage fair. And some, how well he's bred; These points will tell; but, as for me, I like him best when dead. When brought in on a platter high And placed upon the board, My palate tickles in expectancy Of the pleasure he'll afford. Oysters, entrees, soup and fish, In each doth flavor lurk; But the "ueber alles" of the feast Is a good York County Turk. Salads, ices, patties and cakes, All rich enconiums earn; But the turkey, when he's roasted brown. Is good from stem to stem. 128 AUTUMN LEAVES Some clamor for the liver wing, And some for second joint; But when Fm asked which I prefer, It's to the bosom I point. So as I sit and eat my fill. With a will, a vigor and vim; The cares of life all fade away; My cup is full to the brim. And I dream of the great hereafter, Where life is all serene; Where turkeys grow on every tree, With stuffing in between. Here's a toast for the Turk, the York County Turk; Long may his tribe increase. The Eastern question's solved for me When Turkey appears in Greece. AUTUMN LEAVES 129 INTERLUDE But' men and brethren, I would not have you think Tis all of life to eat and drink. If such a fate were mine, I'd surely like to have The stomach of an elephant Or neck of a giraffe. Or, Fd be a bird like "the pelican Whose beak will hold more than his bellican. He can put in his beak Food to last him a week; I wonder how the hellican." To the man who is something more than beast. The eating part is but the least. The words of wisdom, grave and gay; The merry jest drives care away. The voice of song, the hearty laughter. They leave no sting for the morning after. Here in this goodly company. Men of every walk we see. 130 AUTUMN LEAVES Where, within the city walls, Can men be found like old Saint PauFs. Knights and esquires, titles galore; Some wear them after and some before. In days of old, When knights were bold. To be a knight meant much. But, in our day, There^s an easier way: Tom Shipley throws in the clutch. The wheels go around. There's a golden sound, And lo ! A knight is made ! Your blood's changed hue From red to blue, At the fall of Shipley's blade ! Doctors and Esquires (These last are the lawyers) A. M.'s, C. E/s and Ph. D.'s, All had to work, (They could not shirk) To win their prized degrees. While as for the rest of us, (Some of the best of us), AUTUMN LEAVES 131 Have no handle to our name. But for grace and beauty, And doing of duty, We get there just the same. Last, but not least. Here sit the priests. With a stern, ascetic air. Their deep set eyes Pierce all disguise; Their figures are rather spare. With minds intent They'll put a dent In an unseemly rhyme; But then I know That, down below. They're good sports, all the time. A minister's lot I assure you, is not One long vacation season. They're called upon By every one. Quite often without a reason, Strangers to meet. Friends to greet, Church fairs, sociables and so on. 132 AUTL3IX LEA^^:S Weddings so merr}', Mortals to bury; (De mortuis, nil nisi bonum) ; But, more than one day, Tis on a Sunday, His troubles their climax reach. No error make. There's much at stake, When a minister gets up to preach. The stor\' old Must still be told To please both saint and sinner. Just on the level — It beats the devil — If he please them both, he's a winner. THE MIMSTER'S LAMENT The minister sat in his easy chair And thrust his fingers through his hair. In search of ideas new. And, as he searched, his musings ran: *Tve told them of the Fall of Man; Explained the great Atonement Plan; Dissected it through and through. AUTUilX LEA\'ES 183 "Analyzed Commandments Ten, Duty to God, love to men; Preached the Sermon on the MoanL Quoted the Fathers from Augustine down. And modem writers of great renown; Poets like Shakespeare, Milton and Brown- ing and others of less account "Talked on the topics of the day; The newest book, the latest play; Been a regular bulletin. With fire and brimstone their souls Fve scourged; Fruits meet for repentance have often urged; Declared they all must be fully purged From secret and open sin. 'Tve painted the joys supernal That await, in a life eternal. All those who the faith shall keep. Have preached on justification^ The need of reeeneration. E'en touched on Predestination, And vet — and yet — some sleep. 134 AUTUMN LEAVES "But, when I think of him who slept And fell from a window, whence he had crept To listen to the Seer; If all the learning of his day Could not the arms of Morpheus stay, Why murmur I, though some might say^ A greater than Paul is here." The minister heard a noise outside. And, looking through the window, spied A sight not often seen. A raggedy man, in unkempt clothes. Bleary eyes, suspicious nose, Beard that need of a barber shows, And hands not overly clean — Had stooped to place upon her feet A child who had fallen in the street. And loud her plight was voicing; He brushed her clothes, dried her tears. Soothed her sorrows, allayed her fears; And soon this child of tender years Went on her way rejoicing. AUTUMN LEAVES 135 The minister turned, electrified, Banged a typewriter by his side. In a manner good to see. The text rang out, as from golden keys. The essence of all theologies; "Inasmuch as ye did it to the least of these Ye did it unto Me/' The sermon finished, with a little prayer He sank back in his easy chair. And to himself he said: "I surely think that this will take, A good impression it ought to make; If any sleep, they would not wake Though Moses came back from the dead.'* Do you want a moral for this poem? A little thought to take along home? You can pick it out yourself. The concrete things which reach the heart, Which make one do the better part. And serve his neighbor. That is the art Which will keep you off the shelf. 136 AUTUMN LEAVES 1921 SCREAMS The new-bom babe, with its very first breath, Most lustily will yell; Because of natural appetite Or to raise a little — Well, Its lungs, a pair of bellows new, Out of all proportion seem. Compared to its body, for oh, dear me ! It will scream, and scream and scream. And as it grows, its power for noise Abates in no degree; All children should be seen and heard, Is now the way, you see. In weal or woe, from break of mom Till when the street lights beam. And curfew's mighty whistles blow. They scream, and scream and scream. AUTUMN LEAVES 137 So, when the brook and river meet, The maiden knows her wants; She seeks her mate; like goddess old. Her chosen prey she haunts. Her parted lips, her glowing cheeks, Her sparkling eyes that gleam; Her very clothes, or lack of them. They scream, and scream and scream. Then, when the victim's caught at last, Enmeshed by marriage cords; She keeps him on the tenter hooks By never-ending words. And now that she has gained the vote, Dominion endless seems; E'en single man must kiss the rod. Although he screams and screams. Doc. Emerson, the chiropath. For drugs he has no use; He cracks your bones and pulls your joints, 'Till every joint is loose. He presses, pulls and operates. Quite oft the patient squeams; And so it is not strange that Doc, For patient patients screams. Sam Ruby talks about his coal; How hard it is to turn The orders out, but buyer finds It's harder yet to burn. And when you talk about the price, His eyes with anger gleam; "You didn't have to buy my coal," He'll scream and scream and scream. George Leber handles a lot of cash, Steen-steen thousand a day; He says that he would be content With one per cent, as pay. The cost of living still is up — The girls come high, it seems; So for a raise in salary He screams and screams and screams. Mc. Stock is a many-sided man. As you can readily see; Road viewer, lawyer, agriculturist; An expert in all three. But he also has another job, Which worries him in his dreams; To keep the city council right He screams and schemes and screams. George Neff needs our indulgence now, His stomach's on the bum; But when he's feeling chipper, quite. He surely makes things hum. He pleads the cause of the Orphans' Home; He has a noble theme. Success to his endeavors all; So scream, dear George, oh, scream. Doc. Weber has a work to do — Build up the Lutheran church. And place the Zion to us dear, Upon the highest perch. The job is worthy of the man; He'll have to plan and scheme; But he can do it, if any one can. For you, dear Doc, we'll scream. The President; Oh, the President! He was a little daft With the thought he was the only man A covenant could draft. But when the Senate turned him down. His eyes with anger gleamed. "We'll hang and quarter traitors all," He screamed and screamed and screamed. 140 ALTL^IX TT.A\T:S **WeTl have a referendum great; The people shall decide, I represent America,'' In accents loud he cried The i^ue joined, election day; The tale one-sided seemed; The people, quite unanimous. They screamed oh, how they screamed This Presideit?* Oh, this President Is quite another man. Smooth as his dome, so debonair; He has a different plan. In diplomatic ways hell pry From vou vour doUars and cents. And on the plea of altruism HeU scream for intelligence. Just inter nos, I want to say: You have the proper vision; The Germans must be held in a Complete state of submission. You can not triKt them further than You can throw a bull by the tail; So keep on guard, professor, thou^ Thev wail and wail and waiL "^Dr. C a Ein^id, PkcsdeatToik AUTU3LN' LZA^TLS 141 But, when his soul to wrath is stirred B}' German propaganda; When some one twists the lion's tail. He's just the chap to land a Good blow right on the solar plex. He holds in high esteem All those who battled by our side; For them hell scream and scream. So aU of us our hobbies have; We ride them everv dav. And most of us work hardest at The things that little pay. My hobby comes in various shapes; Is held in high esteem By all of us, so 'tis not strange I scream for good ice cream- I have a very loving wife. As loving as can be; She's sure it is her work in life To take good care of me. So if there are spots upon my coat. My hair dishevelled seems. These things do surely get her goat; She screams, oh, how she screams^ 142 AUTUMN LEAVES A truce to this idle jesting; It may serve a little while, To drive away the frown of care, To bring a pleasant smile. But life has nobler purposes. And holds a higher theme; |And ere I close, it is on those rd scream and scream and scream. t We're here but for a season brief; Time flies a rapid pace; It's up to us to make it count; To carve ourselves a place. So that our thoughts and words and deeds May win for us esteem; So what we do for fellow man May scream and scream and scream. We cannot sit with folded hands And let the tide go by; We must improve our every chance, Nor let the moments fly SVhich might have saved immortal soul, A wreck upon life's stream; ^'or every failure to do good 'Gainst us will scream and scream. AUTUMN LEAVES 14 €f It seems to me omission's sins Are those of deepest hue. The things we do this merit have: It takes a man to do. A lump of clay, a clod of earth, Is what a slacker seems. And in the day of reckoning, "Do nothing" screams and screams. The world needs men of action now; It needs the women, too; Great issues crowd around us, fast; There's work for all to do. The open shop, the way of peace; To keep dammed up the stream The "wets" would force upon us all; They scream, oh, how they scream. To strengthen the hands of God's people To keep the wicked down; 'Till they show fruit meet for repentance; Till on "schrecklichkeit" they frown. No namby-pamby indulgence If of wrong there's any gleam; So long as they worship their idols, Make them scream and scream and scream. 144 AUTUMN LEAVES Then up with the flag of endeavor! On with the banner of light! Always and ever and ever In the struggle for the right. The world has naught for the slacker; Holds cowards in light esteem; But honors the brave and industrious Who scream and scream and scream. What though the path be hidden; The way seems dark and drear. In the souls of earth's great heroes Lies no such word as fear. The hurdles and hazards in the course Will vanish as a dream; Like mist before the morning sun. Then scream and scream and scream. And when the sun sinks in the West; When evening shadows wane; Think not that life for thee is past Thy work has been in vain. Ah, no ! Tis but to step across The Jordan's mystic stream: And, in the New Jerusalem To scream and scream and scream. AUTUMN LEAVES 145 There every deed of thoughtfulness, Of love for others shown; The kindly word, the modest gift, Though known to thee alone; The little things that trifling seemed And held in light esteem; Will roll in diapason tones; For you they'll scream and scream. Nay, e'en the Master there will come And say, with loving smile: "The cooling cup to thirsty one; The kind word once a while; The helping hand, the fullest trust That will no evil see; — Though given to the least of these. Were given unto Me." 146 AUTUMN LEAVES PERSONALS Bill Miller and his son-in-law Are quite a funny pair; Bill's always busy asking folks More of his shoes to wear; While Joe says we all walk too much. How can we ever please Two men of such contrary views And diverse minds as these. Harry McNeal and George Rudy, They run the 'phones we use; And, not so long ago, they tried To put a tax on news. The Public Service knocked them out; But they were never fazed; Instead of raising tolls, 'twas then The monthly rates they raised. Carl Witmer and young Beitzel, too, Are financiers of note; AUTUMN LEAVES 147 They're taking money all day long, Just as a thing of rote. In other ways these two agree; They both are fond of sports. For Carl doth play piano forte, And Will on tennis courts. In making ropes, Joe Radcliffe spent The greater part of life; He's quite expert at being tied, He has his second wife. Bob Fluhrer, he should lessons take; Of wives, he hasn't one. Some people get more than their share, While others, they get none. Charles Craumer's busy all the day In making wheels go 'round; If there's some dirt within the works. He'll find it, I'll be bound. While Rochow runs the wheels of Court, And shoots the pris'ners through. If any get away from him. Depend on it, they're few. You can't depend on names to show What kind of men you'll find; The only garden Gardner works, Is garden of the mind. No one can say that Harry Wiest Is "wiest" in any sense; And though he once played violin, That was no great offense. Charles Kline may small in stature be, But big in heart is he; He's somewhat like machine he sells; Great in efficiency. Stein ne'er could stony-hearted be, Nor holder of home brew. So names are not a token of The things men are and do. Jake Stager has a life-long job As Squire of the Fourth Ward. He used to be a singer, too, 'Till singing got too hard. At Loysville school, C. Leroy Blair, First steps in printing took; If I had known it sooner, I'd Have had him print this book. AUTUMN LEAVES 149 The Cannon of Security, He holds his job down tight; When there's a question of finance, Ralph's always in the right. J. Luther is a slick young chap; He always has his way. He pulls some things that others can't; That's just because he May. Joe Wallazz, he's a regular, He gets here once a year; Whene'er the annual feast comes round, Our Josie does appear. D. F. is like the Legislature, He meets biennially; Lloyd Myers is always on the job. He blooms perennially. All of us have our ups and downs Grim has more than his share; And, though he starts and stops by spells, He always gets you there. The other Grim, he also is Quite famous on the run; But, get me right, he earned his cross, By running after Hun. 150 AUTUMN LEAVES ShuU takes care of the things you eat; The products of the grain. His bread and cakes so tasty are You eat and eat again. Then, when you get the "tummy-ache/^ And fear that vou will die, Doc. Russell's pills will fix you up; Best keep a dozen nigh. Wayne G. McFall, he plays baseball, Just as a recreation; And while he plays, he umpire baits, Just as a new sensation. They make George Leber tired of life, Wa^Tie and his friend, Sam Ruby; But when Sam tries to catch some flies^ He looks just like a booby. The genial Stouchs, father and son, Are regular and steady; Whatever job is set for them. You'll find them always ready. G. Edward George, the base ballist, More popular as "Lefty,'' Is glad the dinners come in Feb. As pitcher he's quite "hefty." AUTUMN LEAVES 1511 Doc Hoffman is a D. D. S., Tooth carpenter, you know. At fixing up your dental needs He's not a wee bit slow. Another worker in cement Is Edward Spangler Frey; Since I'm responsible for him, To praise him Til not try. Our sunny haired 0. Lucas, he Is quite a hustling man; He sells electric washers On the installment plan. But Bechtel runs no chances, he Must have the cash in hand; Because his wares are just as good As cash, all o'er the land. A. Himes sells automobiles; There's none that his excell. If you give him a chance, he'll have A story long to tell. But the best thing in an auto Is chicken at your side; And Smith can furnish the headgear With which she's satisfied. 152 AUTUMN LEAVES Will. Gallatin sells novelties To advertise your ware; He does his best to help you in Your business to get there. Then, when youVe made your fortune great Are put in the first rank; 0. Myers will take care of it, And keep it in his bank. Young Harvey Gross is a good old soul; A Democrat to the core; But, as you come to know him well, You like him, more and more. There's Luther Melhorn, he takes fares Upon the trolley line; But at the pic-nic, kindly helps Fill out a base ball nine. Here in these pages you may find The men, or saints or sinners. Who gather in these annual feasts Well known as "Weber's Dinners." If Fve missed any, of this be sure, They all are up-to-date; They must be good, or else they can't Belong to "3y\ AUTUMN LEAVES 153 tributes 154 AUTUMN LEAVES This tribute to his name. •• AUTUMN LEAVES 155 WASHINGTON Uprising from the fertile plain !Where wave the fields of golden grain, I Where throbs the pulse of life; |Where countless millions daily toil, Where reeks the unrest and turmoil Of mankind's bitter strife; — Thence spring the everlasting hills, Uplifted by the mighty thrills On great creation's morn, When mountains vast were upward hurled A^nd formed the ridge pole of the world, When continents were bom. With tow'ring cliffs, 'mid endless snow, Where untamed winds eternal blow, The hoary Himalays; With crag and spur and battlement, 3y precipice and chasm rent. They pierce the Eastern skies. 156 AUTUMN LEAVES Above them all, there rises now A giant mass, with Jovian brow, Majestic and serene. No lightning's fork nor tempest's shock Can move the everlasting rock, Nor mar that noble mien. So, in the story of mankind. He who reads wisely there will find The giants of our race; The men who, on the scroll of fame. In characters of living flame, Have left immortal trace. By circumstances set apart. They well and truly played their part Above the average man; They fill the place in which they're thrust, They justify their fellows' trust. They "carry on" the plan. But, far above these Anakim, We place the laurel wreath on him Whose day we celebrate. Achilles had his unbathed heel. And self was mixed with common weal, So none was wholly great. Some shone alone in council seat; Some gloried much in wisdom's feat; And some in battle won. But, "first in war and first in peace," We sing, in songs that never cease, The praise of WASHINGTON. No purple robe had charm for him; No jeweled crown could ever dim The lustre of his name. He only led when duty called; The pomp of War for him soon palled, When Peace with honor came. The leader's sword, so bravely drawn, And wielded well, with brain and brawn, When tyrant foe oppressed. Was gladly sheathed when, victory won, The battle o'er, the conflict done. The nation was at rest. When, from his country, newly born. There came to him, one winter's mom, The call to lead again Her people in the peaceful way In which the nation's safety lay. That call came not in vain. His counsels led the Ship of State; He built a structure truly great; Foundations deep and wide; And, when the work, so well begun, At last is safely, surely done. He lays the crown aside. When Privilege, with brazen hand. Would rule or ruin this fair land, May we his name invoke; When Anarchy would throttle all, At thought of him its doom will fall; We'll win, with one fair stroke. The Himalayan peaks that rise For miles and miles into the skies. Will crumble in the dust Before the name of Washington Shall be forgotten as The One, The Virtuous and the Just. VALLEY FORGE 0, hallowed ground! Where patriot sires, Forsaking havens of desires — The peaceful calm of hearthside fires — To fight for Liberty, Were huddled in a dreary vale, Where cold and famine caused to quail Hearts that were never known to fail. In all the days gone by. Where spirits sunk, by tales unjust; Where souls were humbled in the dust; Where bodies craved but for a crust, Alive the spark to keep. To walk with unshod feet the snow; With crimson stains the footprints show Where martyr souls pass to and fro, O'er paths both rough and steep. Each morning finds new hopes a-stirred, Of succor nigh, of rumors heard; Each evening sees these hopes deferred, As darkness settles down And men 'neath scanty blankets creep. To think of home; perchance to weep; Till wearied Nature seeks in sleep Their wants and woes to drown. 150 AUTUMN LEAVES Then, in their sleep, come visions fair Of food a-plenty, rich and rare; The foe is gone ! Peace everywhere, In Summer's golden gleam. Back to a mother's gentle breast! Back to the wife still loved the best ! Back to the children in the nest! Alas ! Tis but a dream ! To charge upon the wavering foe, To cut and slash as on you go. To strike for Freedom's cause a blow — 'Tis soldier's Paradise. Of charge to meet the coming shock; To stand firm as unshaken rock; With foe in bitter fight to lock; — Why, that way glory lies ! But, ah! To stand with folded arms; No shrill of fife, no beat of drums. As silently and swiftly comes The bitterest foe of all. His cruel breath, as he draws nigh, Makes gaunt the cheek and dims the eye, And men grow faint and pray to die; The stoutest hearts appall. AUTUMN LEAVES 161 To lie and suffer, and to know That theirs is but to will, and go Where home and creature comforts, lo ! Are all at their command. To know, and yet for Freedom's fight They still will stand, true to the right. Through dreary day and darkest night They freeze and starve — but stand. This, this, of all the greatest test, That tries the spirit and the zest, That proves the truest and the best Of that heroic band. For them ring out the merry bell; For them let joyous chorus swell; Of them let song and story tell; The bravest of the land. 0, sacred vale ! To us how meet The crimson stains of bleeding feet; The emblem of devotion sweet; A gift to Liberty. So long as man is more than beast; So long as life is more than feast; So long as mem'ry runs, at least; This vale remembered be. 162 AUTUMN LEAVES These men shall not have starved in vain, Nor useless be the crimson stain, If we, their sons, will e'er remain To Freedom's banner true. If we, forgetting selfish greed. Shall stand fast for our country's meed; If we, e'er faithful to her need. For her shall dare and do. FRANCE Who stayed the fierce, onrushing wave, When Islam would engulf the world? Who fought at Tours from morn till eve. Till Moslem hosts were backward hurled? When Cross and Crescent issue joined — Shall darkness stay or light advance— Who saved the world from Sultan's sway? The Men of France! The Men of France! When foreign monarch sought to join The Gallic nation to his throne — A mere appendage to his crown, A little plaything, all his own — Who taught a weakling king the way To draw his sword, to couch his lance? Who fought and died, but crowned her King? The Maid of Orleans, Maid of France. When Revolution's cause seemed lost; When Liberty was almost spent; When years of warfare seemed in vain; Who saved the day? Who succor sent? Who crossed the sea, fought by our side; At Yorktown made Cornwallis dance And placed a new star in the sky? Soldiers of France! Soldiers of France! Who struggle now, by day, by night, On bleak hillside, in fertile field, Where women work, where fair hands bleed In toil, so earth her fruits may yield? Who form a living wall of men. So German hordes shall not advance; Who fight, endure, and fight again? People of France! People of France! 164 AUTUMN LEAVES Shall we stand by and fold our hands? Have Tours and Yorktown been in vain? In vain the blood so freely spilled On Verdun's heights, by bloody Aisne? No; No; Five million sons of ours Will cross the sea, will dare the chance! (Attention! Soldiers! Forward march! Forward for France! Forward to France! THE LINCOLN WAY Since man first left fair Eden's bowers. Thrust in a world, where he No longer lived by the mere act Of plucking fruit from tree; But dug and sowed, at last to reap; Or sought the wilds for game; And day's work o'er, at ev'ning's close Back to his dwelling came — AUTUMN LEAVES 155 He left his footprints on the sod, And others followed him, Until the land was girdled o'er With ways, some fair, some dim. And e'er the longing for the new, Which moved Eve to partake Forbidden fruit, has challenged men The forward step to make. To other shores, to other lands; Perchance, somewhere, to find New youth, or gold, or fairer scenes Than those just left behind. And so the way became the tie Which bound the old to new; Whereon traversed the great of earth, The men who would things do. The Appian Way, from Rome to coast, Where conquerors of the world Passed from the city to the sea, In golden chariots whirled. IM AUTUMN LEAVES The Roman Way to forest wild, Where Roman legions passed Triumphant; e'er each victory Was greater than the last. E'en Albion's shores knew Roman road, The great white Way to North; Where cut and fill are yet in sight, To speak of Roman worth. The Roman Ways were bands of stone, That stretched o'er all the world, And bound it fast, though barb'rous hordes Were oft along it hurled. But Peace has triumphs greater far Than any War can boast; And in our day there is a Way Which runs from coast to coast. From where Columbia's torch's upraised To light men evermore. To where the Golden Gate is ope'd, By fair Pacific's shore. AUTUMN . LEAVES 167 No clanking chains, or prison gyves, Hold captives on this Way; But teeming caravans of trade Traverse it ev'ry day. It binds a people great and free. In friendly intercourse; And knits us closer, day by day. In one unconquered force. Uli Hfi * ^ * This Way is wed to one great name; One strong, courageous, bold; Who took the helm of State, and then, Most firmly he would hold His course 'gainst men who deemed him weak. And sought to guide his hand; 'Gainst traitorous foes, who fain would bring Destruction to our land. Though trusted leaders proved but reeds, And failed in hours of trial; His patient confidence in God, His utter lack of guile. Still buoyed his people to the task; Brought forth their faith and power; And kept the Nation undismayed, All through the darkest hour. Then, when his task was safely o'er, — One flag from sea to sea, — He passed away, and yet he lives In blessed memory. So Way, which keeps our people close, And Man, who kept us one, Are linked in ties which can not break, So long as Time is known. I know a town, FU not say where, Through which this Way extends From East to West, in one straight line. With scarcely curves or bends. As Lincoln stands in brightest light, This town has memories rare Of men so brave, who went to War, Cheered by their ladies fair. AUTUMN LEAVES 169 Who helped to found this Nation new, When Liberty prevailed; Who helped to save this Nation great, When traitorous foes assailed. Who gladly crossed a dangVous sea To meet a foe afar; Who fought to save the world for Right, And helped to win the War; — Yet failed to honor, signally, — Not Lincoln; his great name Needs not the wreath of this one town To add unto his fame; — But failed to place herself with those Who proudly fact proclaimed, That the great Highway of the land Was after this man named. So, in the years and years to come. Our heads will hang in shame, Because our fathers would not pay This tribute to his name. 170 AUTUMN LEAVES ROOSEVELT A tree, which towers far above, Like redwood of the Western grove; Beneath whose branches, spreading wide, The common people may abide; Whose massive trunk forms bulwark strong 'Gainst winds of evil, storms of wrong; Whose precious fruit, an hundred fold. Gives sustenance, like manna old. Roosevelt! My Roosevelt! A never-failing well of life. Whose crystal stream is pregnant, rife. With healing for the thirsty soul; And all who drink shall be made whole. Its waters bear no pois'nous strain Of lust for power or greed of gain; But courage, honor, faith and truth; Strong for the right: for wrong no ruth. Roosevelt ! Your Roosevelt ! A man, built on the generous plan Of all that goes to make a man; Great heart, sound brain and fine physique; In all things strong, in nothing weak; AUTUMN LEAVES 171 True to his friends, yet, for the right Would fight alone, if need for fight, 'Gainst those who on their kind encroach. Lived three-score years without reproach. Roosevelt! Our Roosevelt! "Rose-of-the-field.' 'A flower fair, Whose sweet perfume fills all the air; Whose beauty rare all may enjoy. With naught to injure or annoy; And yet whose thorn the flesh will rend Of those whose deeds to evil tend. We meet to praise the man of worth, And bless the mother who gave birth To Roosevelt, the Roosevelt. LAKE WILLIAMS Down in old Hopewell township, where The watersheds divide; Where little rivulets abound And through the meadows glide; Two springs, but a few hundred feet Apart, come bubbling forth; One Southward to the Deer Creek flows, The other, to the North. From East and West come sister streams And merge in one embrace; Now smoothly flow through pastures green. Now rush at rapid pace. To West they turn; from Winterstown A tributary flows; From Hametown and Red Lion, too. The stream in volume grows. Anon men throw an obstacle; The stream is safely dammed, And through a smooth and narrow way Its course is madly jammed. The wooden wheels or steel turbines That would its progress stay. AUTUMN LEAVES 173 Are hurled around, and, with a bound, It rushes on its way. Thus serving man, it onward goes; The mild-eyed kine are seen To slake their thirst, to feed on grass Which stream alone keeps green. But, when this journey ends at last; The many miles are run; The waters gladly cease their flow; They feel their task is done. i' And there they lie, 'mid pine-clad hills, In calm complete they rest; Though winds may blow and thunders roll. It merely moves the breast. On Summer night, the myriad stars Are mirrored on the lake; While silver sheen of moon's fair beams Unpainted picture makes. But back of scenic beauty, lies This re-assuring thought: The life and comfort of our town Is by this structure wrought. ^Mi 174 AUTUMN LEAVES Though fountains of the deep be sealed; The heavens adamant; For months and months, our city folk For water shall not want. No one can tell how long the time, Since atom first left spring. Until it flows across spillway. And starts again, to bring New life to thousands in the town; To cleanse, to purify. To do the hundred things it can, Before it mounts on high. If drop of water thus can move In cycles evermore. What folly 'tis to think that we Shall die to live no more. So let us go our destined way, To flow, or rest in lake; Assured that sometime, somewhere, we Again new life shall take. AUTUMN LEAVES 175 I had a friend — I have him yet, Although he's gone before; I know that we shall meet again; rU see him as of yore. I had a friend — Oh, such a friend ! I knew him from my youth. To me, he an exemplar seemed Of gentleness and truth. Through early days, he ran along, A-sparkling like the brooks, In many sports, in studious ways; Through all with pleasant looks. And, when maturity arrived, He played a manly part; He did the work for him to do. With brave and loving heart. His life was open as the day. Unswerving for the right; A living stream, no noxious pool ; But sparkling, fresh and bright. Like pool of famed Siloam old. With its life-giving strain. Where lame and halt and impotent Were all made whole again; 176 AUTUMN LEAVES His mind a source of Wisdom pure, Where none e'er quaffed in vain; His heart, a fount of Honor true. Without reproach or stain. As lake, in years and years to come, Will stand, a safeguard sure, 'Gainst blazing sun or cloudless sky, 'Gainst thirst for rich and poor. So men like he, though passed away, Will live in hearts of men. Incentive to a nobler life. In times of peril, when The path of duty hidden seems; When judgment runs astray; The thought of where this man would stand, Will drive all doubt away. To wed the name of such a man To such life-saving lake, Was happy thought. It honors those Who did such action take. So man and lake united, are An influence for good To old and young, to rich and poor — And this is as he would. AUTUMN LEAVES 177 A RETIRING SUPERINTENDENT We read today how one of old Up to the city went, On lowly steed, with humble train; His thoughts were all intent On what within the city lay For Him, of woe or weal; Refused, betrayed, denied, nay, e'en The twelve were not all leal. The crown of thorns, the cross of pain, The stillness of the tomb; Is't strange that o'er His features came A look of sadness, gloom? But hark ! Upon the morning air The children's voices ring; "Hosanna in the highest !" Thus The multitude doth sing. Their garments throw across the path ('Tis love the offering brings.) Palm branches strew along the way Where rides the King of Kings. 178 AUTUMN LEAVES We see not Christ; but we can cheer With kindly words, each day, His loved ones here, and thus will strew Palm branches in His way. So on this day, like those of old, We're bound to have our say; We'll throw our garments at the feet. Strew branches in the way Of one who never weary grows; Has served us o'er and o'er; Walked in and out, lived by our side. For fifty years and more. For one-and-twenty years has stood In yonder sacred place; With kindness beaming from his eyes; The love-light in his face. His smile irradiated all Who chanced that smile to see; No one but felt life more worth while Because of such as he. AUTUMN LEAVES 179 No cloud of gloom could long abide When in our midst he came. Though others may his mantle wear, 'Twill ne'er be quite the same. None were too young, none were too old. To come within his ken; What kindly words he always spoke (The sun was shining then.) To guide the youth; to cheer the aged; To comfort the distressed; And if rebuke, rebuke was still In words of love expressed. His presence, knowledge and advice Have shaped your destiny; For one and twenty years he's steered Your ship through every sea. To you he gave, in fullest mete, His work and word and thought; The things that here have taken place Were largely by him wrought ! The very walls wherein we meet (A model room, indeed.) Stand here, today, because he saw A great and growing need. 180 AUTUMN LEAVES And, seeing, worked with might and main To transmute thought to deeds. So in this place, at Christ's command. The church her children feeds. The church that, in the years to come. Will grace yon vacant space. Will largely owe its presence there To his persuasive ways. But 'tis not walls that make the school Nor stained windows rare; Nor vaulted nave, nor costly gates; (These form a temple fair.) But 'tis the souls who gather here To teach, to learn, to praise; To serve their fellows, worship God Through all the coming days. But church and school are but for time, And time will cease to be; The souls saved through his works are saved For all eternity. As brook and creek and stream at last Become the boundless sea; So the full fruitage of his deeds Can never measured be. AUTUMN LEAVES 181 He's traveling to Jerusalem, Jerusalem above. And there these souls their palms will strew With songs of grateful love. The kindly word of counsel here, The sunny genial smile; Will reap fruition over there Will prove the things worth while. Dear Brother Bond, with joyful hearts We've gathered here today, To sing "Hosannas" and to strew Palm branches in your way. We're glad to follow in the road That you so well have trod; We're proud to know a man like you. For of such are the sons of God. 182 AUTUMN LEAVES THE UNKNOWN DEAD 0, nameless hero ! Since thy name, unknown Has placed thee on a pedestal alone; The type of all who fell in the great strife,. When fruit of all the ages gasped for life. Throughout the wide world many homea still mourn The loss of loved one, who, when he was bom, Embodied hopes of friends that he some day. On his small stage a mighty part would play; But now they know that though their hopes were vain, Their hero's death has brought to them great gain; They know he whom they reared with sacrifice Has helped to save a world, though great the price; AUTUMN LEAVES 183 And thus their tears are tempered by the joy That not for nought has lived and died their boy; That while to some death may be sad mis- chance, Their boy will live because he died for France. But you, for whom no loved one's tears will fall, Since loved ones may not know you died at all, Are mourned by grateful country, as a type Of all who fell when fatal time was ripe. So, be it in the city by the Seine; Or in the town the Germans bombed in vain; Or by Potomac's gently flowing tide, Near city of a mighty nation's pride; Where'er thy dust in solemn silence rest. Among the nation's greatest and its best: Where multitudes will gather at thy tomb. And rev'rent souls, as holy pilgrims, come 184 AUTUMN LEAVES To pay their homage to heroic hearts, Who bravely played their all-important parts, Whose life and death, for all time will in- spire The coming youth with a consuming fire; Fill manly souls with ever-growing zeal To live, or die, to serve the common weal; Make men and women strive to dare to do To God and Country ever to be true; — It is with thankful hearts we gladly pay Our meed of praise to you who saved the day; Who live forever in the country's thought; Whose death hath all of life's great bles sings wrought The Unknown Dead? Ah, No! The dead best known; The dead who live not by their name alone, But typifying all the dead who died; Their Country's saviors and their Coun- try's pride. AUTUMN LEAVES 185 Ximericks 186 AUTUMX LEAVES "t/se a Limerick everv day. And that will k^ep the *blucs awa^.' AUTUMX LEAVES 187 LIMERICKS Last March, as Winter receded, The warnings of friends he unheeded; The temperature fell. He went to — well, Where underwear never is needed. A woman, a boy and a wagon, all set, As long as I live I cannot forget; — man wo- went The this way The met. boy way them he his of went all And here is the place where 188 AUTUMN LEAVES There was a painter named Kohr, Who gave a front the "once o'er"; An ash-cart passed by, The ashes flew high; And the painter painted once more. There was a young man from near Etters', Said his dogs had invisible fetters; For they never would go. His friend said "That's so; Because them dogs is both setters.^ yy I thought I would write a sonnet About my wife's new bonnet. I put it on the chair, The 'phone rang at the stair — Somebody came in and sat on it. Two girls, who were quite fond of dog wood. To the country, to get some, they jog would; When they heard the dog bark. That ended the lark; They feared very much what the dog would. AUTUMN LEAVES 189 Some girls went out for arbutus; They spied a young man named Brutus; They soon ran away, And all they would say : "His complexion didn't quite suit us." Two stages ran daily their courses; Were driven by two different forces; The Dillsburg tramps Used acetylene lamps; East Prospect, a set o' lean horses. A cheerful young man in Red Lion, Was busy putting his tie on; The pesky thing tore; He said: "What a bore! But now my new one Til try on.' yy The Mayor's middle name's Smyser; But no one can say he's a miser. Some colored cranks Tried to play some pranks; And now they're sadder and wiser. 190 AUTUMN LEAVES A young lady, utterly-utter, When driving was all in a flutter; A dandy passed by, He caught her eye; — The machine ran into the gutter. There was a bright woman. West-ended, Who to iTin for office intended; But when the boss heard, He said just a word. And then her running was ended. There is a young fellow named Guerney, Who has quite a lot to learn. He Came over to York To do some slick work; But all he did was the journey. There was a young lady from Dover, Who walked in a field of new clover. Her stockings were thin. The bee's stinger went in; The girl said "Darn" and moreover. AUTUMN LEAVES 191 A fellow had quite a nice Packard; At speeeding he was not a laggard; He went 'round a curve, The machine did swerve: — He now has a nice marble placard. There's a town in the West — Eur-e-lia; Up the hillside — it couldn't get higher; But a tenderfoot, sad, Got in very bad, When he thoughtlessly said: "You're a liar." Then a fellow, who'd traveled afar. Received just as much of a jar, When he said to the crowd. In accents quite loud, "Don't you know, it's "Eu-reli-a." Miss Smythe was a young manicurist. Who practiced on many a tourist; She pushed back the cuticle In a manner to tickle. I hope this will pass by the purist. There was a gay sport from York Haven Who tried to do his own shavin'; The blade wouldn't work; He gave it a jerk; And then there sure was some ravin'. A handsome young pair, in a Buick, Went into the country to view it; With one hand on the wheel, A kiss he would steal, — The machine — there's nothing more to it. 0, list to a tale quite do-lor-us: A young man, on the Codorus, No longer was dry; The reason why? His boat was entirely too porous. But here is a tale most do-lor-us: A toper, along the Codorus, Went suddenly dry; The reason why? •' His flask was too utterly porous. Young Algernon Reginald Smute Got mixed up in a law suit; But a jury of women Could not find "a-gin" him, Because his name was so "cute." At a famous hotel called "The Brogue/' Election day's fights were the vogue. Or loser or winner, A saint or a sinner, There was fighting by good man and rogue. At another hotel called "The Jack," Of "eats" there was never a lack; But the apple jack there, So sparkling and rare. Set many a sober man back. Poor cop ! Tis no auto or wagon he Worries with, but his soul is in agony, And he gets very sore Because of the bore Who crosses the square diagon'ly. Our Eli plays games in profusion; Pinochle to others' exclusion. But his partner, amazed When his bid Eli raised. Handed to him quite a contusion, 194. AUTUMN LEAVES They strolled 'long shore, in pensive mood; They thought themselves in solitude; The lake, so inviting. They knev^ they'd delight in A bath, which they took, arrayed in the nude. Through the streets there swept quite a breeze; Her skirts just reached to her knees; She was very much worried; On her way she hurried; "If only my ears no one sees." Young Luria on street corner stands, On Baker's case proudly expands: "The jury I braved, His life I saved. And I did it all with my hands." It has very much worried my brain To write in this rather low strain; But of work there's no waste. If, right here, you make haste To read these all over again. AUTUMN LEAVES 195 rtbiecellancous 196 AUTUMN LEAVES ■'/4 mxture of various thingi." — Webster. AUTUMN LEAVES 197 MY KENTUCKY GIRL There's a little black-eyed girl 'way down in Old Kentucky; If she'd only smile on me I'd think myself quite lucky. Her cheeks are like the roses, her eyes like stars of night; Her smile, ah ! it discloses a ray of heavenly light. CHORUS Oh, how happy I would be If she'd only smile on me. And say that some sweet day she will be mine. My skies would be the brighter, And my heart would be the lighter If I knew for me her eyes would always shine. Her voice is like a zephyr, blo^^ing softly- through the trees, Her lips two chaniiing rosebuds that were only made to tease. Her heart is wanii and tender, from all de- ceit 'tis free; If only she would promise 'twill always beat for me. — Chorus Sometimes she passes coldly, with head up- lifted high; Sometimes she smiles upon me from the corner of her eye. Sometimes I think she loves me ; sometimes I am in doubt ; I wonder, oh, I wonder, if I ever will find out. — Chorus. "Fair heai-t ne'er won fair lady" is a saying old and true; I think ril pluck up courage and ask her; wouldn't you? And if she smiles upon me, and says that she'll be mine, ,My cup with joy'U run over; the sun for me will shine. AUTUMN LEAVES 199 CHORUS Oh, how happy I will be, When she really smiles on me. And marriage vows have made her truly mine. No storms can then affright me, Her joys will my delight be. When she greets me at the doorstep, with eyes that for me shine. TO A BRIDE '^Standing Tviih reluctant jeet. Where the brook and river meet" — Longfellow. Ah, no ! Standing with implicit trust; Feeling sure that time will prove All her doubts be swallowed up In the ocean of his love. 200 AUTUMN LEAVES Doubts of him? At the mere thought, Ev'ry instinct is aflame; Heart indignant throbs in pain, Mantles cheek and brow in shame. Sun might rise in western skies; Moon might set 'neath eastern hills; Mother love desert her child; All imaginable ills On her fair, young head descend; None of these would seem so strange As to dream that love like his Could but for a moment change. Nay, the only bitter dreg That may linger in her cup, Is the fear that to his mark She may never measure up; That his thought of wife may be Set upon a standard high; Set so high none may attain, Born below an earthly sky. AUTUMN LEAVES 201 Oh, dear girl! Set heart at rest! E'en your choice is but a man; And Eve's daughters long have known How to manage and to plan So that man, unknown to him, May be led in silken chains; Though he dream that he is lord. Dreams are guerdon for his pains. Charms that brought him to your feet Still will keep him by your side; Ev'ry girl that e'er was wed May remain a life-long bride. Husband, home and fireside. And the children God may send, Are a taste of joys divine; These be yours unto the end. 202 AUTUMN LEAVES WHEN HE IS THE CASHIER The bank clerk stands behind his desk; His pen behind his ear He's dreaming of the happy time When he will be cashier. No more long columns he will add, Or worry with his cash; These things will then all different be — Oh, won't he cut a dash ! How fine his signature will look On nice and new greenback. How needy borrowers will bow to him. When money they do lack. The Directors all will speak to him With trembling and with fear; E'en the President will then consult With this astute cashier. Just then, a sharp and rasping voice That he's heard oft before. Says: "Have you balanced that man's book, Or must I speak once more?" AUTUMN LEAVES 203 His house of cards falls suddenly, His fellow-clerks do leer; He realizes, with a thud, That he is not cashier. WHEN IT RAINS ON MONDAY The thrifty wife doth fret and fume, The damp clothes hang around the room; And everything is up the flume, When it rains on Monday. The dinner's just a little poor; "Left-overs" from the day before; With spiced cold tongue thrown in galore; When it rains on Monday. The day is blue enough, you know. Nothing whatever seems to go; But it chills you to your greatest toe. When it rains on Monday. There's not a cheerful spot in sight; It's extra hard to do things right; It takes a hero to be bright When it rains on Monday. 204 AUTUMN LEAVES A WELCOME HOME Dear Brother Bond, we welcome you Back from a foreign shore; We feared you might get stuck on it And would come back no more. Dear Sister Bond, we're glad to see Again your smiling face; We fondly hope that you still think York is the better place. YouVe talked with Scotch and English folks, With Frenchmen too, no doubt; But in your travels you, perhaps, This one thing have found out: The folks at home are just as good As any folks o'er there; A man who has a friendly heart Will find friends everywhere. The town of York is still your town. No better did you see; And, after women manage it, I'm sure you will agree AUTUMN LEAVES 205 That though it's good to go abroad, It's better to come back; And see again the good old town, Where friends you'll never lack. PORTUGUESE SONG Where the Tagus' blue waters flow out to the sea, Where the breath of Atlantic blows over the lea; There, there lies our own land, so fair to the sight. And o'er it in splendor floats the blue and the white. We pledge our devotion, 0, dear land, to thee. Thy sons and thy daughters are noble and free. From hearts that are loyal, in joy and delight, Come anthems of praise for the blue and the white. MONDAY I just hate old Monday morning; Worst day of the week. All the folks that I do know, 111 of it do speak. Ev'rybody's out of sorts, Feeling rather cross; We could easily drop this day And never mind its loss. Papa's mustache bristles fierce, Seems to feel quite blue. Mother says he painted town Of a reddish hue. Sister Sal is sleepy-eyed, Looking wan and yellow; That's because she sat up late A-courting of her fellow. Breakfast don't amount to much, Bridget's at the tubs. Baby howls and makes a fuss; (Don't like these little dubs.) AUTUMN LEAVES 207 E^en the house dog looks forlorn; Canary bird^s not gay; Everything is upside down On this confounded day. Had a good time yesterday Reading fairy stories; Lots of stuff ril hear today 'Bout old Whigs and Tories. Dry as dust this History: Washington and Lee, And the other famous men; What are they to me? Wish that by some trick, I could Go to bed on Sunday And not wake up, until, at last. Out of sight was Monday. Other days are 'nough for me; But if there is one day That Fd like to give a swipe, It is this same old Monday. 208 AUTUMN LEAVES SPANISH SONG Soft Southern sunbeams Bathe thy plains in golden sheen; Bright Southern waters Lave thy shores serene. From Pyrre'an mountains To Granada's sunny slopes, Floats the gold and crimson Banner of our hopes. Chorus. Espagna! Espagna! Where the gold and crimson flies. Espagna ! Espagna ! Gem of Southern skies. Blue are the waters; Green the hillside and the plain; Fair are the daughters; Brave the sons of Spain. Land of vine and olive Which the sea and mountain fold; O'er thee waves our banner The crimson and the gold. AUTUMN LEAVES 209 KEEP YOUR OVERCOAT ON The sun shines brightly, the blue birds sing; The almanac says that this is Spring; You feel as sprightly as any old thing; But — keep your overcoat on. The crocuses are peeping from out the ground; The modest arbutus may now be found; The gurgling brook has a pleasant sound; But — keep your overcoat on. The gard'ner now wields his ax and his knife; The chrysalises are waking to life; , For Spring housecleaning plans the good wife; But — keep your overcoat on. The cackling hen now sings her cheerful lay; Her lord makes music the livelong day; The very dogs in the street do play; But — keep your overcoat on. 210 AUTUMN LEAVES Pneumonia is looking for men just like you; It catches them napping, and when it gets through, The undertaker their funeral does do; He puts the overcoat on. 10,000 MILES AWAY It's lovely out here in Luzon. Ten thousand miles away. Where the sun pours forth a fervid heat, Where Summer has come to stay. Where the pick-a-ninnies flourish. And in Nature's garments play. I'd rather be back in York Town, Ten thousand miles away. They send us after insurgents. Out yonder in the thicket. We can hear their Mauser bullets; They're shooting rather wicked. We charge them with a cheer, but The rascals will not stay. We seem to be chasing shadows Ten thousand miles away. AUTUMN LEAVES 211 I'm thinking to-night of apple, Of peach and cherry trees; Of pink and sunny blossoms A- waving in the breeze; Of strawberries all dewy, Just at the peep of day; These things don't grow in Luzon, Ten thousand miles away. I'd like to run with the "Vigy,'' To put the fire out; rd like to 'tend a Convention, And hear the people shout; I like the way they do things In Pennsylvania; I wish I was back in York Town, Ten thousand miles away. But we're educating the natives; They're slowly getting calm; They soon will learn the wisdom Of joining Uncle Sam. We're working out our duty, In Luzon, U. S. A. ; And the same flag flows in York Town, Ten thousand miles away. 212 AUTUMN LEAVES PORTO RICO Say, am I in or am I out Of these United States? That is a matter which, indeed, To my welfare relates. If in, then how can tariff laws Restrict me in my trade. Between the States and I, can there Be legal barriers made? If out, then who can govern me? Who is my sovereign lord? Is but the title to his rule The power of his sword? Why do the blessed stars and stripes Flow proudly over me? For I've been told this glorious flag Floats only o'er the free. 0, why was I from Spain cut loose, If now a waif am I; No one to sell to or exchange. No one from whom to buy. My legal status please define; Tell me where I am at; Protective tariff or free trade? Say, is it this or that?