4 o ^V _^ °^^ ^•'^- ^^^ /o ; BUGLE NOTES of COURAGE and LOVE BY ALTHEA A. OGDEN / CHICAGO, 1912 Copyright 1912 by Unity Publishing Company %^. *i ©CI.A382601 C/ The spontaneous appearance of two little books of verse, by Althea A. Ogden and Evelyn H. Walker, prompts this confession and claim from the minister of All Souls Church, Chicago. Many if not most of these lines were written at his invitation or perchance compulsion; a benignant one, let us hope. Hence this prompt assumption on his part of the responsibility for the writing and publicity. This confession justifies a claim to a part of whatever credit these modest songs of faith, courage, and hope may receive. They come from hearts in league with a searching eye and an open mind, and will appeal to other hearts thus re-inforced. Others have given generously of things their hands have accumulated, but these women have given of the rarer, higher, and more essential accumulations of soul; for the Lincoln Centre, like Thebes, was reared by the power of the Poet's Lyre. Were outside evidence needed to prove what is so apparent in the lines themselves, the undersigned would gladly testify that they have proved themselves to be veritable "Altar-side Messages" and "Bugle Notes of Courage and Love." These singers of the new day and the free faith have helped to keep the fires burning on the altar for most of the three decades that have meas- ured the ministry of him who, on the thirtieth anni- versary of the church he founded, asks for no clearer interpretation of his words or higher demonstration of his works then those found in these two books of verse for these women have told in measured lines much that the minister has tried to say in prose. Jenkin Lloyd Jones. Abraham Lincoln Centre, Chicago All Souls Day, November 3, 1912. Thirtieth anniversary of All Souls Church. [3] To My beloved sister "Emmy" Who would gather a flower where no one else could see one growing [5] She said, "There's nothing I can do To help the world along, — I am so weak, — and just know how To make a little song." She made the song and in it put Her heart's full strength, and lo ! One whispered, "It has lifted me From out a depth of woe !" [6] CONTENTS. Foreword 3 Dedication 5 Prelude 6 Book I. Between Times. A Genesis Story 11 A Prayer 12 God's Questioning 13 Faint Hearted 13 Here and Now 14 Recognition 15 Rebuked 16 Fatherhood 17 Mignonette 18 Reassurance 19 To a Friend 20 The Inner Room 21 He Knoweth Best 22 Ernest Crosby 23 Renewal 25 Fate? 26 Judas, the Benefactor 27 Faith 28 To "Uncle John" 29 Consolation 30 Fulfillment 31 The Master-word 32 Arbutus 33 [7] The Road to God 34 Motherlove 35 Conquered 36 The Titanic 37 Book II. Occasions. The Abraham Lincoln Centre 41 Hymn for Dedication of Abraham Lincoln Centre... 42 In Memoriam, Dr. George Francis Shears 43 A Voice 44 Birthday Wishes 45 Thankfulness 46 A Welcome 47 Easter Morn 48 An Easter Thought 49 Resurrection 50 An April Easter 51 Flower-Birth 52 The Message of Jesus 53 Father in Heaven 54 My Rosary 55 Fear Not to Lend Thy Lamp 56 A Hymn of Peace 57 A Marching Song 58 A Benediction 60 [8] Book I. BETWEEN TIMES TStx^lt jRoU0 ot Courage and Eobe A GENESIS STORY ^ ^ "& Millions of years of waters slow subsiding, Millions of years of glaciers, pushing, sliding, Ages to form the limestone and the granite, Cycles of time to lay the soil upon it; A ray of sunlight pierced a sheltered hollow. Earth thrilled with joy her beauty to disclose ; All else was there, the sun's ray did its duty, And lo! a rose! [11] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love A PRAYER ^ ^ ^ Infinite Nearness ! Thee I see revealed In song of bird, the flower at my door, — The happy laughter of a little child, — The star at night, the pebble on the shore, — Each unto each allied, and all to thee, — Thou tender, loving, grand reality, — Who art so near, so near ! Mystery shrouds thee, but today I saw Thee mirrored in a glance of mother-love, — A bitter word unsaid brought God-born strength Akin to that for which the martyrs strove, — And, growing from a small, unselfish deed. Came that rare peace for which the angels plead, — So near Thou art, — so near ! Infinite Nearness ! Tell me not of God Who dwells afar, apart, in other spheres, — My Father's here, — he shares my common life, — Inspires my duties, and allays my fears, — And when night falls, like tired child I creep Into His arms, who loveth all, to sleep, — He is so near, so dear! [12] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love GOD'S QUESTIONING. B- ^ B" "Who sowed this field?" Not, "Who shall reap its bounteous yield?" God's questioning goes ; And many fields wait fallow, low, The seed our flinging hands could sow, To blossom like the rose. FAINT-HEARTED. ^ B- ^ Who leaps not when the gulf is reached, Though fall he may where others fell, Demeans the royal gift of life, And sounds for faith a dying-knell; Who fights not on though victory flies, Nor "Forward" cries, pressed back again. His kinship proud to God denies. And shames his mother's labor-pain. [13] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love HERE AND NOW. ^ "a- 'S' The widened circle we call Death, The rapt soul views with yearning eyes; This life is naught and Heaven is all, All hope, all pleasure, that way lies. Arise ! O, Soul, spend not the days Assigned to Earth in dreams of Heaven, Up, idle hands ! On, laggard feet ! Perform the tasks by Duty given. Live for today! Reach Pisgah's heights On wings of common deeds well done; Reject the false, hold fast the true, And greet with joy each rising sun. And Heaven will jut so close on earth When comes the hour of failing breath. Unconsciously thou'lt pass within The widened circle we call Death. [14] Bugle Notes of Courage a n d Love RECOGNITION ^ ^ ^ Science I loved, yet, doubting her, I said, "I will seek Truth, look in her face divine. And ask, 'Know'st thou this Science? Is she friend of thine?' And by her words be led." Long sought I then in straight and open ways, 'Mong wise men^ fools, for Truth's ennobling face ; At last her form before me I espied. Her face averted, but "Tis Truth!" all cried; With rev'rent hand I touched the form benign, My pulses stirring as tho' warmed by wine ; She turned, gazed sadly on me, and, forsooth, The face of Science was the face of Truth! [15] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love REBUKED B" ^ ^ I am so tired ! There lies my bow unstrung-, Nor strength have I to string it o'er again, To fix the arrow, or to sight the mark I've missed so oft. Why should I longer strive? — But trail my bow behind me in the dust, Unstrung, — so tired, so tired am I. Without my window in the summer air A spider weaves his web. Would I had marked The times he's strove to fling the slender thread From point to point and fasten it. The wind. That wanton, breaks the airy thing Each time, and once a bird's swift wing Severed the dainty bridge but just complete. Oh, meanest creature thou ! Shall I, a prince of God's own royal line, Be shamed by thee? My bow again I'll bend With newer strength; more taut shall be The string, my sight more keen, more fixed and true My aim; — and higher place the mark! [16] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love Then when 'tis time, I pray The cord may snap with clear resounding twang, Just as an arrow speeds to highest flight ! FATHERHOOD B- ■& ^ He took his first-born in his arms, Nor knew the earth he trod, For pressing close the tiny form He felt akin to God. Pride, hope, foreboding, in his heart Met lovingly in strife. As came the vision of the path We call "The Way of Life." Yet, holding close his first-born child, Celestial roads he trod; And, gazing in that baby face, He was akin to God. [17] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love MIGNONETTE B* ^ B" God gave to thee, O little flower, No bright-hued robe, no stately mien,- The careless eye from straggling weed Scarce tells thy garb of green; But in their stead in thy wee cup He poured a perfume, sweet and rare,- His incense-bearer, thou, who flings A blessing on the air. Heed thou, my soul, the thought of life To which this modest flow'ret leads : Make thy existence potent through The fragrance of thy deeds. [18] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love REASSURANCE ^ ^ ^ We gently laid him down to sleep When winter skies were gray; And doubt crept subtly into hearts That yesterday could pray. We come — and whence ? We go — ah, where ? To other life — who knows? With May we're sure of violets, And June will bring the rose. Thus came the answer to my heart, And faith's dimmed fires grew bright, 'Till, soaring high, the lucent flame Touched love's eternal light. O, God's clear word, made audible To all who listen close: With May we're sure of violets, And June will bring the rose. [19] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love TO A FRIEND B- ^ ^ How stalwart, strong, and glorious thou hast grown ; Thou who I first knew as a weakling child — A child who bore the woes of babyhood With that philosophy those children show Who lack the salving kiss for each small hurt. Thine was a rigorous school; inclement winds Oft pierced thy ill-clad, boyish form, and naught Save prescient sense of thy high work in life Appeased thy hunger-pangs and eased the wear- ied brain; Freedom and Truth taught thee the Master- words, And Love stood Monitor, inspiring every theme. And now thou standest facing all the world. While love for God and man shine from thine eyes, — And hands outstretched from every point of earth Grasp thine (O rare, sweet thrill!) in strength and love, — And voices cry in tongues of every land, "God-speed to thee, brave youth! God-speed! God-speed !" [20] Bugle Notes of Courage and Lo V e THE INNER ROOM ^ ^ B- Within my heart there is a room I visit every day, — Sometimes to sing, sometimes to weep, Sometimes I go to pray. A light "that shines on sea nor land" Within this chamber streams From faces of the dead I love, And the children of my dreams. Few know this little room exists, And, selfish though it be, Its riches rare are known in full Only to God and me. Love holds the clue that leads to it, Yet, when the way is trod, Ofttimes the door is locked and barred :- Then I'm alone with God ! [21] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love HE KNOWETH BEST ^ ■& ■§- Deep grief flooded me, — Heart, soul, man ; I said, '*I cannot live," — God said, ''You can." Care's hand threw me down, — Prone in the dust; I said, "I cannot rise," — God said, ''You must." Listless, inert, I lay, — Hope, Joy, passed by ; God whispered "Strive for me' I said, "I'll try." So I arose, and live, — Strive with the rest; Joy, even, calls sometimes: — God knew the best! [22] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love ERNEST CROSBY ^ ^ -s- Ennobled by the sword of Death He lieth there, the king of all, Who walked with us but yesterday And answered to our call. And by the royal attributes That now are his since he is dead, His is the right of high command Where erstwhile he had plead. This is the message, clear and fine, That lies behind that quiet face, — A message filled with love and power And fraught with kingly grace : — "Act nobly ; let the longed-for prize That lieth on the mountain's crest Be thine not by the back-cast stone That ends a brother's quest." "Do justly; judge thy fellow man By that old precept, ever true, That bid'st thee seek in him the things Thou'dst have him find in you." [23] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love "Live purely ; make the path of life One leading to the feet of God, — The byways reaching to it lanes The pure in heart have trod." "Be loving; speak the tender v^ord That makes the whole dear world a-kin Fling open wide the soul's great doors That love may enter in." Ennobled by the sword of Death He lieth there, the king of all, And we, his subjects left behind, Must answer to his call ! January, ipo/. [24] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love - RENEWAL ^ ^ ^ I read the texts they tell me prove That death comes but to set man free, But still within my soul there clings A doubt of immortality. I con the promise o'er and o'er That man eternal life shall find, — Then close the book and wander forth With doubting heart and troubled mind. The crocus blossoms at my feet As down the river path I stray, And on the greening willow branch The catkins glisten, sleek and gray. I do not doubt the latent power That lies behind the budding bough, — And am I, Catkin by the stream, Less worthy life than thou? O risen Lord, O bursting bud. One purpose in ye both I see: — Triumphantly my soul renews Its faith in immortality! March 28, 1^07. [25] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love FATE? ^ -5- B* A poet with eyes like the stars at night Walked where the lilies bloom tall and white; Men said he had genius, the words from his pen Brought thoughts high and pure to their bosoms again ; And today seemed his cup of joy full to the brim, For he knew that the woman he loved loved him, — Like a vision life's scroll unrolled to his gaze As he thought of the work that should hallow his days. In the pathway, a little brown snake raised its head, — Poised, struck — but an hour and the poet was dead. Gone all the bright promise because he should pass Where a little brown snake lay hid in the grass. O tell me, ye wise ones, who clearer can see, What law had been broken, or was it to he? [26] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love JUDAS, THE BENEFACTOR ^ ^ ^ I gave the kiss of death and brought undying fame To him receiving it; I led him to the garden, dank and dark, And instantly a light seen round the world Illum'ned Gethsemane. They nailed him to the cross and straightway it became An object to be worshipped and adored ; And I^ thus aiding man in his salvation scheme. Am spit upon, reviled at, and denounced. C27] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love FAITH B- ^ ■& Encircled by thy certain love I rest, O Father, in thy arms, — And naught on earth, below, above Can fright me with alarms. Though Death walk daily at my side, With pleasant face or visage grim, I smile, assured thou wilt provide The light when eyes grow dim. Serenely, then, I wait the call, — And ask not haste nor yet delay, — Content, since nothing can befall To lead thy love astray. [28] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love TO "UNCLE JOHN" ^ ^ ^ This is a man born to the fields, — To mountain, valley, hill and plain, — To haying in the summer sun, To plowing in the spring-time rain ; He loved the orchard, watched the corn Grow full and ripe, with grateful eye, — And ever in his simple heart There 'rose a prayer to God on high; No laggard he — the breaking day Awaked him with the singing birds, — And evening found him still among The patient sheep and lowing herds. And see how God, the "evener," Adds leaven to our heavy lives, And lifts our hearts though we may be Housebound, and suffering in pain's gyves : What fruit so mellow, ripe and fine As this that grew on Friendship's tree, — What grain so perfect as that grown On this fair field of Memory, — Where sings the bird on bush or tree Like this love song we send to thee. June, 1908. J 29] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love CONSOLATION ^ ^ ^ The young may die, but to the old Death must come as the years attain, And Mother Nature, nurse erstwhile, Wraps close her child and with a smile Claims her beloved again. Then grieve not for the silvered head, The eyes, that ever beamed with love. Rejoice that he has gained the boon That comes to all, or late or soon, And grasped the treasure-trove. Rejoice, that with his earth-work done, Somewhere, some place, in God's own ken, His tired hands resting from life's toil, His heart freed from earth's fret and moil. He lives, with God, again. [30] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love FULFILLMENT ^ ^ B- Who planted it I do not know, Nor when, but hidden there It must have laid through winter's cold, Down in the darkness of the mold, With God alone to care; But on that morning in the spring. The earth still winter-bound. When first I saw the radiant flower, Its perfume spilling like a shower, My heart new courage found. A thought grew in a prophet's heart, — Whence came it none may know, — It flourished in the dark and cold, Through agony and grief untold, — God only saw it grow; This thought-flower blossomed at its time. And when its leaves uncurled Its beauty vanquished doubt and pain. Its fragrance flooded hearts of men And vitalized a world. [31] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love THE MASTER-WORD ^ ^ ^ "Little Brother of the World," Sang a Pagan long ago, — Hearing first the wondrous tale Of the child of birth so low, Who had conquered multitudes Without sword and without lance, By the power of his words, By the radiance of his glance; "With the lance and with the sword Many, many have I slain, Fighting on the battle field Till the blood ran down like rain; 'Little Brother of the World,' I am tired of lance and sword, — I would conquer like to thee. Give to me thy Master- Word !" We, too, Lord, are tired of war, — Tired of battling, anger-stirred, — "Little Brother of the World," Give to us thy Master-Word ! With thy Christ-Mass here at hand Close the temple doors for aye That of old oped only when Man his brother man would slay ; [32] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love Send the message to all men, 'Round the earth, a treasure-trove, "Little Brother of the World," Teach us all to win through LOVE ! ARBUTUS ^ ^ ^ Could I once more see the arbutus growing, Stir the dead leaves at the foot of the tree, — Catch the first whifif of the incense that's blowing Straight from the tiny pink blossoms to me ! To kneel in the mold and the leaves on a morning When I feel the last touch of the frost in the air, — Scent and not sight being first to give warning That arbutus blossoms are hiding just there; Then with my hands full of fragrance and beauty. Back to the busy town, back to the mart, Ready again for life's struggle and duty, — Ready to take the whole world to my heart. March, ipio. [33] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love THE ROAD TO GOD B" ^ ^ It matters not which road I take, How dark or lone it be, — I know, O God, 'twill somewhere join The road that leads to thee. I make mistakes, wrong turns I take,- The right way do not see, — Though long and hard I make my road 'Twill join the road to thee. Calm is my soul, my trusting heart From doubt and fear is free — For soon or late all roads will join The road that leads to thee. [34] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love MOTHERLOVE B- B- ^ God in his infinite goodness Laid a babe in my arms, — To love, to cherish and foster, To shelter from earthly alarms ; God in his infinite wisdom Took back the child for his own, — Giving it comfort and safety. Leaving to me but a moan. They say it is best it should be so, — Perhaps, — but I marvel much If all the comfort of heaven Equals that in a mother's touch ! And I doubt if all of the glories Of that land of heavenly bliss Can thrill the child with the rapture It felt in its mother's kiss ! [35] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love CONQUERED ^ ^ ^ Lift up thy gates, O my heart, — Let the proud victor come in, — Who fought the brave battle for love, Who won when none other could win. Strong were the ramparts I raised, — Many fell back in dismay, — He, with the sandals of Hope, Scaled them, — the first in the fray; Singly he stood on the heights. Stormed the port-cullis of Pride, Leaped the broad moat of Disdain, Triumphantly stood at my side ! Then lift up thy gates, O my heart, — Let the dear victor come in, — Twine the bay wreath for his brow Who won when none other could win. CS6) Bugle Notes of Courage and Love THE TITANIC ■g' B- ^ Men built a ship, a wondrous, wondrous ship, Equipped with latest thought of skill and strength, And cunning artisans connived to bring Their offerings to this Ruler of the Sea; They filled it, then, with men and women rare, The glory of the race, — and riches, too, ga- lore, — Then set it on the waves and cried "She rules the sea!" But Nature, sitting on her icy throne, Alone, in darkness, grimly smiled and said, "O, foolish, impotent man, did you then dare To reckon without Me? To come discourt- eously. In haste and insolence to force my gateways?" Reaching she grasped the wondrous, boastful ship And like an egg-shell crushed it, flinging down the bits To lie forever in her fathomless depths. April, ipi2. [37] Book II. OCCASIONS Bugle Notes of Courage and Love THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN CENTRE B" ^ ^ Worthy its name ! O God, can we Ask for this house we raise to thee A finer test, a higher fame, Than that it shameth not its name? Broad as the deep and changing sea, — Its corner-stone Integrity; Simple as he, — as plain, — as true, — O give us strength like him to do! The flag he loved o'er it shall fly, White-rimmed, since Peace is our ally ; And may through it his prophet name,— To which each age brings added fame,— Stand for the new Beatitude Of man's eternal brotherhood. December, ipo^. [41] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love HYMN FOR THE DEDICATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN CENTRE B" ^ ^ To thee we give this house, O God, — A heart-sent gift, untrammeled, free, — O make thy dwelling-place herein That strength may come to us thro' thee. Here may thy presence ever shine, — Here let thy blessing ever fall, — From tired bird to fainting soul Make here a sheltering home for all. To thee we consecrate ourselves, — Thy willing helpers e'er to be, — Till peace and love shall fill these halls And bring all souls at last to thee. June I, 1905. [42] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love IN MEMORIAM ^ ^ ^ Dr. George Francis Shears, 1856-1909 This was a man born to the healer's task, Not only of men's bodies but their souls; Womanly gentle, strong as tempered steel, — A child could lead him, but the steady hand That held the saving knife was firm as ada- mant ; Broad was his mind, — broad as the restless sea, — And just beyond all fear. And he is dead! Dimmed is the learned eye, — the skillful hand Responds no more to guidance of that brain That overflowed with wisdom, science, law; Hushed is the genial wit, — the cheery voice That brought forgetfulness of pain To many a brother man is heard no more ; And poor humanity, missing his matchless skill. Weeps comfortless its lamentable loss. O skillful surgeon, O most loyal friend. When shall we, struggling earthlings, find thy like again ! September, igop. [43] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love A VOICE ^ ^ B" In a lowly cot in the dear Welsh land, Just fifty years ago, It first rang out, and a mother's heart Sang a praise-song soft and low ; It grew in strength and 'twas heard again Across the ocean broad, Where a thoughtful boy held the shining plow That turned the virgin sod; On the battle field, grown bold and strong, 'Twas heard 'mid the cannon's roar. And to dying men brought hope and cheer When the wild, fierce day was o'er; It grew in depth and it grew in power Since behind it a great soul lay, And it rang in the words that turned men's hearts To the higher and better way. Wherever a good cause fainting sinks, Where e'er there's a wrong to right, It bursts on the ear, men cannot but hear. Like a clarion in its might. [44] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love And we who know it in high, true words, And in tenderer tones and low, Thank God for this voice that first rang out Just fifty years ago. November 14, i8ps- BIRTHDAY WISHES B- ^ ^ The year-glass turned ! a few gray hairs, A richer mind, a broader field — Praise God for these fruit-laden days That give the world such bounteous yield. November 14, 18^4. Had I the wonderful magic power The genii used to possess, Fd give you for all the years to come Love, Health and Happiness. November 14, i8pp. [45] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love THANKFULNESS ^ "a* "5- Long years ago I sent to thee a message, — Straight from a thankful heart, where grati- tude held sway, — Now, on this day, with the years' maturer judgment. Voice I again that prayer : — "Thank God he passed this way!" Grey are the locks that were then so brown and bonny, — Yet burns in thy dauntless heart unquench- able and bright, Clearer, more pure, that flame that lights thee onward, — On to the battle-field for Justice, Truth and Right ! Love softens still those eyes so truth-demand- ing,— Firm is the hand that still guides us in the fray, — Friend, let me clasp it while again my prayer ascendeth, Gratefully and fervently: — "Thank God he passed this way!" November 14, ipo^. [46] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love A WELCOME ^ ^ ^ A royal, loving welcome, friends, To mountain, valley, plain ; Thrice w^elcome to this Feast of Thought, Where Law and Reason reign ! Religion stands to greet you here, Endowed with rarer grace, Since Science lends a glowing torch To light her dwelling place! Love, Truth and Freedom beckoning wait Your presence at their board ; Who dines with them eats Bread of Life They only can afiford. And when with strengthened heart and soul Each takes his way again, "Trice welcome" still shall echo back From mountain, valley, plain ! Tower Hill. [47] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love EASTER MORN B- ^ -g- April's here and Easter morn All the Earth is newly born; West wind blowing, soft and free, Tidings brings to you and me : — j Crocus peeping through the sod \ Claims a kinship close with God ; Lilies bursting through the mold Tell the tale that's ever told Of the joy succeeding gloom When Spring leaps from Nature's womb, — And the robin, with his call. Chants a glad antiphonal : April's here and Easter morn, — All the Earth is newly born. April, ipo8. [48] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love AN EASTER THOUGHT ^ B" ^ Fair Spring tripped lightly o'er the sod With new commission straight from God To resurrect the Earth; ''Arise, arise," she cried full loud, "Cast off your swathing winter shroud And banish cold and dearth ; Put forth your leaves, O barren trees, — Sing out, O birds, your melodies, And praise your Maker's worth." O, heart of man, shall you alone This resurrection time disown And sit here dumb and cold? Lift up your voice in grateful praise To him who blesses all your days And sends you joys untold; Let all your pulses beat in tune With Nature's great mysterious rune That bids all life unfold. O man and earth, both roused from sleep, Together God's true Easter keep. April^ ipop. [49] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love RESURRECTION B- ^ ^ Not from a tomb-environment my Christ arises, — No need to roll a heavy stone away To give him egress from the grave's dark por- tal Upon this joyous, blessed Easter Day; No angel, stern-faced, watches at the entrance. No grave-like vestments on the ground I see, And all of us are Marys, Johns and Peters Who wait the resurrection soon to be. The earth is thrilling through and through with rapture. As hands, not finite, push the clods away To free the prisoners of old Winter's rigor And lift them to the blessed light of day. All Nature listens to the prescient murmur Of rootlets pushing upward through the sod, And waits with radiant eyes and hands out- stretching To greet these resurrection days of God. [50] Bugle Notes of Courage and L ove O soul of mine, put off thy greed and meanness, Thy selfishness forever cast away, And in new vestments stand erect to welcome Thy re-born self this happy Easter day. Easter, March, ipio. AN APRIL EASTER B- B" ^ Dear Lady April, debonair, Comes dancing o'er the land,— An Easter flower, divinely fair, She carries in her hand; She comes to bring a song of hope- To set bound prisoners free, To prove the sureness of God's gift Of immortality. The flowers spring up along her path, The birds their chorus bring To welcome back this April maid,— The van-guard of the Spring. O, April Easter ! Clear God's voice Sounds through thy sun and rain ! O, Soul of Man ! Thou too shalt know Life's deathless thrill again! Easter, ipii. [51] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love FLOWER BIRTH ^ ^ ^ The Earth was then but newly born, And lacking much in grace ; Her skin was wrinkled, tears and frowns Chased o'er her baby face; Time sped; she grew a winsome maid, And lovely garments donned ; Dear Mother Nature on this child Of whom she was so fond Poured all the wealth she'd stored for years Within her bank, the Sun, — With willing hands toiled day and night To leave no thing undone; Then looked about for one last gift That all the rest should crown, — "Oh, happy thought! I'll make a Flower, And pin it to her gown." And flowers she still wears on her breast Somewhere the whole year round; — And in June days she comes always To us with roses crowned. Flower Sunday. [52] i B ri gle Notes of Courage and Love THE MESSAGE OF JESUS B* ■& -§- Written for All Souls Sunday School Long ago, far, far away, Came a little child to Earth, Humble was his father's home, Low and mean his place of birth; But this babe of birth so lowly Brought a message high and holy To all men the world around : "Peace on earth ; Love for all ; God within ;" this was his call. "Love your neighbor as yourself," "Lift his burden lest he fall ;" "Do to others as you would They should do to you in all ;" This the message high and holy, Brought to men both great and lowly. Brought to men the whole world 'round : "Peace on Earth; Love for all; God within ;" this was his call. Never message rang so true. Heard still down the listening years, Lifting men to noble deeds, Often moving them to tears. [53] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love Take the message, high and holy, Learn its words, O great and lowly. Send it all the world around: "Peace on Earth ; Love for all ; God within." This is his call. Christmas, ipo8. FATHER IN HEAVEN B- ^ ^ Written for All Souls Sunday School Father in Heaven, hear thou our simple prayer, Filled are our youthful hearts with love for thee, — Show us thy righteous way; O, teach us how to pray, That we may live alway close, close to thee. Father in heaven, here are our willing hands, — Fit them for thy commands. Father, we pray; Make thou our ready feet for thy dear errands meet, And let thy service sweet hallow each day. [54] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love Father in Heaven, make our young hearts to be Filled with thy harmony, perfect, divine, — Till we may make thy face, glowing with heav- enly grace, In every time and place, through ours to shine. MY ROSARY ^ "& ^ Like hooded monk I count my beads All through the day, with reverent lips,— But mine are strung on life's fine thread, From which no loose one ever slips. Each day at morn the new day's tasks With joyful heart I greet, and pray That some good thought or deed may lend An added blessing to the day. Haply at night my grateful heart Counts the new beads the day has brought,- Each in its place on life's fine thread, — A rosary of love and thought. [55] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love FEAR NOT TO LEND THY LAMP ^ ^ ^ Fear not to lend thy lamp Thy brother's lamp to light, J|| Resting assured thine will not fail "^ However dark the night. For flame but feedeth flame, Nor quenches in the act, Making thy brother's light secure, Yet leaving thine intact. So may a noble deed Inspire a nobler one, 'Till love and kindness, world around. Shall greet each rising sun. [56] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love A Hl^MN OF PEACE ^ ^ ^ Written for All Souls Sunday School With steadfast hearts we're marching on Peace on the earth to gain, Our snow-white banners sweep the sky, Who follows in our train? With steadfast hearts we're marching on We battle not in vain, For, pure in heart, our strength is great. Who follows in our train? With steadfast hearts we're marching on Love o'er the World shall reign, And Justice sit upon her throne, Who follows in our train? With steadfast hearts we're marching on Take up the glad refrain. Till all the earth, with one accord Shall follow in our train. [57] Bugle Notes of Courage and Love A MARCHING SONG ^ ^ ^ Written for All Souls Sunday School We march, we march to victory, Our banners flying o'er us, And our hearts are light, for the Right makes Might, And the road lies straight before us, — The road lies straight before us. We come in our youth, our van-guard is Truth, With her banners flying o'er us. We come with a cheer for we have not a fear. And the road lies straight before us, The road lies straight before us. Chorus : We march, we march, etc. We'll strive with the foe, be he high or low, And we'll make this dear world better. The earth shall be free on land and on sea, We'll strike from the slave ev'ry fetter. We'll strike from the slave every fetter. Chorus : We march, we march, etc. [58] Bugle Notes of Courage an d Love For we fight for Truth, in the strength of our youth, And Justice walks beside us, Love holdeth the Hght that brightens the night. And her torch shall ever guide us, And her torch shall ever guide us. Chorus : We march, we march, etc. I 59 1 Bugle Notes of Courage and Love A BENEDICTION ^ -& "& Father, let thy blessing Touch us and remain, Guiding all our actions Till we meet again. Father, keep us loving. Brave and true and free, Kind to every creature, — All belong to thee. Unto all thy children, Here and ev'ry-where, Father, give the comfort Of thy loving care. [60] ^°-nK .^"^-^^ ^ • ^^'\ ^'^^i^- J,^ ^^, "oK >P^^. V* .^ V* * .<^ y ^, WMl '^ " o