io^^3 <>V WAYFAEING r Book. .L13W3 CoipghtN^ -^ i%^\ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. •> WAYFARINGS. For their courtesy in accord- ing permission to reprint certain poems included in this volume, acknowledgments are due to the publishers of The Independent The Sunday School Times The Standard The Baptist Union The Canadian Magazine Little Folks A Treasury of Canadian Verse WAYFARINGS BY GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE -'-'■'^"B^j^^ CHICAGO WINDSOR & KENFIELD PUBLISHING CO. zgox THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Two Cofita Received JUL. 24 1901 Copyright entry CLASS WXXc N». COPY 3. Copyright, 1901, by Gborqb Herbert Clarke. All rights reserved. CONTENTS. I PAGB Threshold I3 Ecclesiastes ^4 Dispensation I4 "My Lord and My God!" i5 A Prayer for Thanksgiving i6 Singleness i7 Endless Tryst I7 Divine Sympathy iS The Mother, at the Burial I9 Scrutiny 20 Petri Interrogatio 21 "That Keepeth Israel" 22 The Denial 23 The Saviour's Course 24 "And It Came to Pass" 25 "So They Ran Both Together" 27 "But Mary Stood Without . . . Weeping" 29 The Risen Redeemer 32 "And There Were . . . Shepherds" 33 II Resentment 39 On The Death of Dwight Lyman Moody 40 Attaining 40 Ships, Ships at Sea 41 Vi CONTENTS. PAGE Types 42 A&pect 43 A Spenserian in Praise of Spenser 43 The Heretic 44 To V. G. C, a Nurse 45 What Constitutes a Queen? 46 The Votary 47 After Trial 48 Brotherhood 50 III Hear Him! 55 Why Should I Love This Land? 56 "Victoria, the Queen, Has Passed Away" 57 The Choice We Face 58 The Voices of Three 59 IV Skater and Wolves dz To a Mountain, in Colorado 64 In the Bay 65 Sunrise on Lake Michigan 66 The Gale 67 Niagara Falls 68 A Foretaste of Spring 69 Chime-Changes 70 To a Butterfly 71 Playmates 72 Tempest-Tost 1Z CONTENTS. Vii V Appellation yy Elizabethan Catches 78 The Two Loves 79 Tell-Tales 79 The Coming of Love 80 Unto My Ladye 81 A Ballade of Cycling 82 VI A Merry Can 85 A Special Occasion 86 A Child's Evening Hymn 87 "As Far as the Gate" 88 "When Christ was Born" 89 What They Liked Best 90 All Things in Him Consist 91 Makebelieve's Mistake 92 The Bunny Story 93 What the Man in the Moon Said 94 TO MOTHER. WAYFARINGS, THRESHOLD. Is it to be the new year, or the old Year's fruitless mining for a fabled gold Repeated? Doubtful glints, or heaven-blue? Is it to be the old year, or the new? 13 ECCLESIASTES. God speaks. Life beats within the brain And crowding onward comes the cry Of worlds, — and in the senses, pain! And in the heart, eternity! DISPENSATION. When you are thanking God for what is good Thank him that light and warmth have not sufficed. Darkness and cold are part of humanhood, — Joy to ac<;;ept the testing-time of Christ. 14 Guercino. Incredulity of Thomas. MY LORD AND MY GOD!" Be very sure, Thomas; It may have been j Imagination. \ Nay, I have seen. ' Yet sight is nothing: i One's eyes may be I A pair of tricksters. * He spoke to me. j Only a voice, Thomas, j A floating word: j No meaning had it, — < Christ's love I heard. What did the Vision, i; Then, ask of you? i * Touch mer and held his | Torn hand in view. . ''Feel me!' and straightway j My trembling pride. Glad but reluctant, \ Found out his side, I You cannot prove, Thomns, These things are so. I Why should I question? j I know, I know! \ Yet you the Doubter I Were wont to be. ' My Lord has answered , All things for me. ] 15 ' A PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING. For thy love and strong compassion We adore thee, Saviour, May that love, in tender fashion, Better our behavior! Where thou art sin cannot be; Make our hearts, Lord, bright with thee Till in Heaven's eternity We sing: O mighty Saviour! Angel voices sing thy praises, Sweetly sounds their trying. But when man the chorus raises He forgets his sighing. Sings of One who left his bliss, Meekly met the traitor's kiss, Suffered pain of scourge and hiss. On the cross lay dying. Saviour, bounteous in blessing, Guide our growing nation, May we, weaknesses confessing. Witness thy salvation, — With thy Spirit us endue, Make us free and kind and true, Each Thanksgiving Day anew Kindling adoration. 16 SINGLENESS. Whether the sun be shining Or the light be faint and dim, His way is best, his children blest, — Come, let us follow him! ENDLESS TRYST. '■'-The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the wor/&5."— John 14:10. "/"^ shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."" -John 14:20. God is the blessed Babe in Bethlehem; Thou, too, art he. Fruition, through that growing Root and Stem, For God and thee! 17 DIVINE SYMPATHY. What is thy grief to-day? A mind mute-burdened with its heavy sorrow, A soul too faint to see the hopeful morrow, A life that longs death's drapery to borrow? Take heart! He knoweth all thy way, And makes thine inmost grief His chosen part. What is thy joy to-day? A mind in wonder at its own keen knowing, A soul wherein God's planted truth is growing, A life v»rith eager, happy love o'erflowing? Rejoice! He knoweth all thy way, And hears with perfect love thy praising voice. 18 THE MOTHER, AT THE BURIAL. On a Picture of Tissot's. Woman, is this thy Son? Let thy soft finger On his wounds linger; His life is done; — Woman, this is thy Son. O woman, this thy Child So unresponding Feels not thy fondling. But dead, reviled, He sees no mother mild. Poor mother, sure thy heart Is bowed and broken: Of love no token, — And so, depart, But — tremble not nor start, For see, sad mother-one. Like spring's warm breezes A message seizes Thy soul: Begun The Gospel of thy Son! 19 SCRUTINY. Silently musing at noonday, Wonder-spurred in the night, Hoping that some voice would soon say Herein the right! Now he has come to the ending, (The sun beats in at his eyes Unwavering, unattending); Manhood dies. Silent still, destiny-weigher? Has the span not sufficed? The conclusion? — what?— only a prayer: O God, my Christ! 20 PETRI INTERROGATIO. Diligis Me, Simon Joannis? Etiam, Domine, Petrus ait, Tu scis quia Amo Te. Pasce agnos! Pasce, dicit, Agnos Meos! Diligis Me, Simon Joannis? Diligis Me? Immo vero; Tu scis quia Amo Te. Pasce agnos! Pasce, dicit, Agnos Meos! Amas Me, Simon Joannis? Amas Me? Contristatione Petrus: O Domine, Omnia Tu nosti, quidem Amo Te! Pasce eves! Pasce, dicit, Pecudesf "THAT KEEPETH ISRAEL." Why should the hireling care? The sheep to him Are props, are purses, for his betterment, So drives them to the pasture, whence the scent Of the wild clover sweetens in the dim Young twilight, there to batten to the brim. At noon he tires that he so early went: With robes and staves he maketh him a tent. Entreating sleep to soothe each weary limb. But there has been an unobtrusive One Who kept the fold all through the quiet night, Hushing the tender lambs, and with the sun Rising again to seek the fields of light. Whether the eager wolf be near or far The sheep that see that Shepherd peaceful are. V, Graf Harrach. Denial of St. Peter. THE DENIAL. Thou wast with Jesus In many a spot — ' Tis empty folly y I know hint not. But surely, stranger, Thou hast been seen — / never knew him. That Nazarene! Thou art his servant, I saw thee there Armed in the garden! Not mcy I swear! It was another, I followed not. Nor could I tell hint Front you, God wot! Now Simon Peter, Thy Master's name Is thrice dishonored And brought to shame. Fell fear and falsehood Thy peace shall reap. O let me find it — A place to weep! 23 THE SAVIOUR'S COURSE. Bethlehem, thou blest of places, How I love to sound thy name, In thy silent past are faces With the light of hope aflame, — Mary, Joseph, shepherd strangers, Bending o'er the holy child Born amid the kine and mangers, Jesus, merciful and mild. Nazareth, despised station, Yet within thy gates he wrought, Had his humble habitation, Joyed and sorrowed, toiled and thought, Loved his father and his mother. For their daily welfare cared. Was a faithful friend and brother,— Thus thro' early manhood fared. O Jerusalem, what blindness Hid his beauty from thy eyes. Hid his strength and love and kindness, Bidding every soul arise. Never longer to be feeding Down among the husks and swine? Yet thou wouldst not, but unheeding Scorned to mark the call divine. Calvary, on thy dark summit Anguish and despair abode. Here they dropped their farthest plummet, Hither bore their heaviest load; Yet with courage and devotion Here he gave his life for me — Earth and heaven ceased their motion, Then broke forth in jubilee. 24 M. Feucrsteiii. Holy Night. "AND IT CAME TO PASS." Mary and her little child Rested in the twilight mild, — The mother mused; the infant smiled. IVas f /lis Jesus f this her boy? Was the earth so full of joy? And the kine regarded him Meekly, with an instinct dim, Till the stars began to glim. Even then the darkness seemed Different^ for a radiance gleamed^ Shining on the rugged fur Of Joseph's mantle, as by her He watched all night, and did not stir. And a hush came o'er the spot; Within the inn they wist it not. Humble-hearted shepherds came, Eyes with eagerness aflame, And with joy they praised his name: 25 26 '•''AND IT CAME TO PASS.'* ^^Hosanna! ^ Twas the angels' word: *A Saviour which is Christ the Lord^f^ Bethlehem again was still, Save to its comrades on the hill A camel's cry rose, wan and shrill: ** Why do we go to Bethlehemr' And cries come back from each of them. Royal the Magi's habitude, Holy and reverent their mood As they beheld Christ's babyhood. Mary marvelled: gold and myrrh They offered to the son of her! The Sun his glorious banner raised And waved, and warmed the flocks that grazed- Now for this wonder God be praised! Still Mary'^s arm embraced the child, JVho, while she mused, divinely smiled. Eugene Burnand. Peter and John. "SO THEY RAN BOTH TOGETHER." John: Run! What have they done? What did the woman say — Taken him away'? — Our Master — Jesus — ! Run — run — Peter: Thou, brother, whom he called dear one, Do thou be swift! I cannot lift Over this harsh and springless path my feet As thou canst, without weariness or heat, — Fly onward, for 'tis he we seek, 'tis he Whom evil men have torn from you and me. John: Am I the fleeter? Then follow, Peter! {He runs on.) Dead! Did they not bind him? Dead? Then we must find him. Peter {running alone) : He shall be found: Soldiers surround The tomb — that mighty stone Cannot be overthrown. He is there still, The Magdalene spoke ill. John {calling) : Simon, Simon Peter, the stone is rolled away, Hasten, hasten !i 28 ''SO THEr RAN BOTH TOGETHER:^ Peter: O to fall and pray! But forward to the tomb is my soul drawn—" Why is the earth so sudden strange, the dawn All dim and silent? O my Christ, my Christ, From whose dear look my wicked pride enticed So utterly and oft, where art thou, Lord? ( Coming up rapidly.) There is a soldier's helmet, there a sword — What fright hath seized them? John, brother, speak! John: He we seek Is not here, Peter; — fear Hovers about me, Go in without me. The watchers are far hence. Empty grave-garments! Peter :Empty, thou sayest? Then, while thou prayest, I will go face The gloom of the place. {Entering the tomb.) Lord, bring me beside thee, Yea, I, who denied thee! Art thou lying here, Master? Or art— ( Calling to John. ) Hither r Faster! II. Ilofnianti. Easter Morning. "BUT MARY STOOD WITHOUT . . . WEEP- ING." Mary Magdalene: Would that I dared, would that I dared to try! John saw, and Simon Peter, yet not I. Chill is the dawn: the sun hath sent no dart, But bleaker and more gloomy is my heart. How wildly Simon called upon his brother 1 How trembhngly they sped! but to the other, The Magdalene, here ere the raw day's birth, No word they spake of heaven or of earth. Now are they fled: their figures wane away. And I again am left, to fear, to pray. To agonize in tears for him who passed Unto the gates of hell, and died at last. How should he not die? O the yearning eyes That drew and dazed the sinner! High surprise Was there, that one should choose to fall so low, But love ineffable was there also. How could one see a Rabbi so divine, The brethren say, but quickly he'd resign All things, and follow him, for that great look?— Regard that raised one up to heav'n or shook Him down unto the pit, as when in wrath He warned the Pharisees they trod that path. 30 ''BUT MART STOOD WITHOUT . . . WEEPING." How should he not die? On his heart the world! Trouble and fear and pain their pinions furled About him: here a leper he must heal, And there a Laz'rus raise to life and weal; Yea, even me he saved from utter woe. The body, then the soul! We need him so That he loved us too much: compassion vast O'erflowed his heart with sorrow — all the Past Of hurt humanity cried out to him And all the Future shov^ed a vision dim Of babblings, armed comminglings, wanton pride; These, not the anguished spear-thrust, pierced his side. Else he would never on the dreadful Cross Have suffered unto death and borne the loss Of friends, and pure devotion, and sweet peace, — . We pressed these on him. . . . O but I must cease! I am too weak, too low, to understand. Again tears? . . . can I help? . , . O for his hand! . . . Yea, I will look . . . haply ... A wonder! How Comes the tomb light? Angel; Woman, why weepest thou? "■'BUT MART STOOD WITHOUT . . . WEEPING.''^ 31 Mary: The body of my Lord is taken away, And I was seeking. . . . Christ: Do not fear, but say Why thou dost weep. Whom seek ye in this place? Mary: Sir, I knew not that any saw my face, But here my Lord was buried: him I seek And for long hours have sought. He cannot speak And call me, and my steps are very blind — Show me where thou hast laid him. Sir, be kind! He was my Lord. See, I myself demean, — Wilt thou not aid me? Christ: Mary Magdalene! THE RISEN REDEEMER. "He is not here; he risen is." How sweet that angel word! From burdened earth to heaven's bliss Ascended hath the Lord. He overcame, he overcame Temptation and distress; O men and women, praise his name — His glorious might confess! His might confess^ his tnight confess^ And he your weary souls shall bless. Where is that heavenly paradise, That immemorial land, Untainted by a hint of vice, Each hand a fellow-hand? Where did he meet that bright array? What beam dispelled the gloom? We do not know the doubtful way From out the riven tomb — The riven tomb, the riven tomb. What light did open afid illume? O men and women, 'twas the Light That Love and Goodness shed, — Death saw it, and in sudden flight He bowed his ancient head; Life saw it seek the soul of man To rescue him from hell; So heaven's sight and song began: All hail, Immanuel! Im,manuel, Immanuel, — The joyful chorus we would swell. 32 "AND THERE WERE . . . SHEPHERDS." Scene: A wooded hillside in JudcBa^ near Bethle- hem. Time: The morning watch. Persons: Rhesa, Amos and Onam, three shepherds. Amos: How still and silent sheep and trees and brook!. The night seems holden, Rhesa, it is dark As ever baffled these unsleeping eyes. Rhesa :But soon the moon will rise, friend of my life. And pour her radiance forth o'er many a hill, Have patience! — There's a bleating ewe — be- ware! Her lamb may stray. ' Onam: Brothers, I cannot tell, But there is some expectancy I breathe, A beating of the heart, and, Amos, you And Rhesa, by your voices, feel it too. Amos: In very sooth I feel as I have dreamed Upon a time, when the great moment came And with its greatness woke me, so with sighs I sought my flocks again, and musing found No solace; — I have hoped — 33 34 ''AND THERE WERE . . . SHEPHERDS^ Rhesa: Hush! Moonlight breaks Through yonder cloud with fleece that priceless were To any herder. Ah! the light is streaming Over the mighty boles and twisted shrubs On, up the hillside, see — it bathes our feet And hands and faces O it is the light Of heaven! Hide! Run! O be merciful, — I cannot bear this. {They fall on their faces.) Who and what art thou, Stranger and lord, that gazest on us so? Angel: Be not afraid, O Rhesa! Men, fear not! The woe of earth is compassed by a joy Eternal. Ages shall this day revere When, the light breaking, David's city blest Beholds the dawning of the light of love. Fear not, but joyful be! Swift messenger Of God's good tidings, his command I heard: *Go, tell the shepherds in the hillside grove That Christ is born, their Saviour and their Lord. Bid them arise and seek the Infant Child. Him — evermore beloved — they shall find Among the kine in lowly fashion lying, Wrapt in his swaddling clothes, and well-con- tent. Smiling upon the world he comes to save.' ''AND THERE WERE . . . SHEPHERDS.'' 35 Onam: Never can we forget these words of life. Mui,TiTUDK OP ANGEI.S {singing): Praise the Child, For he is born, — O blessed morn! O blessed, blessM morn! Praise the Child, For lie is born, — No longer is the earth forlorn. His name shall calUd be Counsellor, Wonderful! Clouds, with your tliunder full Utter his praise! The Prince of Peace is he. Master of slzy and sea. On him, eternally. Heaven shall gaze! Sin is conquered. Death is conquered, Satan put to shame, O love so lowly lying, O Cross offesus dying. Heaven sings to sinners crying: Praise ye his name! {The angels leave the earth, singing as they ascend.) 36 ^'AND THERE WERE . . . SHEPHERDS » AnGEI^S: He hath chosen^ he hath come^ And of sin the awful sum He will bear. Peace be in the hearts of men! Bells of Heaven^ ring again: Glory to his name! A^nen! Ever, everywhere! {The shepherds rise to their feet.) Amos: Departed! Let us go to Bethlehem. {The angel voices are heard from, above.) Angki^S: Amen! Ever, everywhere! Rhesa: O surely let us go, that we may see What wondrous things the Lord hath brought to pass. Let us be quick! Onam: Come, comrades, yonder lies The highway — canst thou, Rhesa, grasp it yet? Messiah? O be eager to adore! {Exeunt. The angel voices die away.) Ang«i,S: Amen! Ever, everywhere. II RESENTMENT. The ocean bursts in very wrath, The waters rush and whirl, As the hardy diver cleaves a path Down to the treasured pearl. 39 ON THE DEATH OF DWIGHT LYMAN MOODY. Warrior of God, we cannot speak them loud — Our farewells — yet not distant thy new home; So close didst walk beside the pillared cloud That thou and it one glory have become. ATTAINING. Unwavering eyes on the end, Lips that are bidden to bleed, When a man strives, depend. Heart is the thing to heed. "My beauty, I have you in hand," (Does he murmur?) "but hard was the price!' Not if he understand Striving is sacrifice. "SHIPS, SHIPS AT SEA." Ships, ships at sea, So wearily Your masts strike out the sky — What spirit called, Afraid, appalled At the wild loon's demoniacal cry? Flash! roars the rain And the gale in pain At its untimely birth; Storm-angels live, Cries fugitive Are borne remote from all the place of earth. Ships, ships at sea! It seemeth me One faces utter fate; No ship, methinks, The tempest sinks Breaketh the silence of her last estate. "Ah! consort dear, I pray thee veer. This gulf yawns hungrily." "Nay, ill betide If I leave thy side, — Is there no hope? Then there's no hope for me." A blinding lunge, A crash, a plunge, A cry to heaven great! Not two there be, But one at sea, With sails dejected, mien desolate. 41 TYPES. "Largesse! largesse!" cried the rabble ;- On them the proud prince looked With nod indifferent, nor brooked Their loud acclaiming babble, Yet he threw them coins, as one That tosses stones, in fun. II. This wealth of mine, this fortune, How it flashes, gleams, And joys me! O meseems Should anyone importune A jot of it, I'd turn and hiss In sudden anger: "Fool, this? this?" III. He generous bounty did impart With unobtrusive grace, His noble, kindly face Finds home in every loyal heart. His touch the flame of truth renewed, Ah, Heaven grant us gratitude! 42 ASPECT. Children see joy in all, and laugh With merry cries; The poet does not photograph, He glorifies; Philosophers alone are half Morose, half wise. A SPENSERIAN IN PRAISE OF SPENSER. j i Thy music, Spenser, swims the sea of sounds, I Whose service trembles with the understream I And evermore the distant shore surrounds | Where Truth abides within the Land of Dream. | Strong singer! whose full-ripened tones do teem | With rarest melody; thy noble heart ! Beats brave and true; right stately dost thou seem, I Poet of poets, — master of all art, ^ Arthur delights our youth, maidens bless Britomart. ] J i 43 THE HERETIC. He gives to death world-prejudice. World-woe Therefore upon its witless gods is crying Never to spare, nor suffer more the lying Counsels, contentions of this human foe: It is not right that he should teach them so, That worship of the runes is reason dying, That for the spirit there is satisfying Not in the formal Yea, but faithful No. Aroused, those apathetic gods would hearken What time they shook the stupor of the years. And, making human lovelight droop and darken, Crush out the rebel in a night of fears — Not now, not now! Nay — they are gone abroad To seek a truce of heaven with heaven's God. TO V. G. C, A NURSE. When ice and stones and lava the dull earth Have bruised, it rears its bulk in deep unrest, Each summit rising blindly to protest Against the crevasses that mar its girth; Then Nature smiles— she minds creation's birth— And, gathering up the breezes of the west, Cools the volcanic rage and heals the breast With sifted snow of palliating worth. So is it with thee, sister! Mild between The painful cots, with reassuring face. Thou movest. Very holy is the scene Of service such as this. The Christly grace That lights thine eyes and on thy forehead broods Writeth itself in the Beatitudes. "WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUEEN?" What constitutes a queen? The richly flashing crown, the silver sheen Of ermine? or the mind Beneficent and kind And loving with the love of Christlikeness, Able to cheer poor burden-bearers, bless The weary, the disconsolate console; Quick to rejoice with him of singing soul?— Handmaiden of the Highest, eager she To imitate her Lord Christ's ministry; Sweet are her ways and gentle and serene. These — not externals — constitute a queen. 46 THE VOTARY. They touched her tenderly, — She sprang up, tossed the wild hair from her eyes Which flashed in scorn and angry agonies; Her sweet frame slenderly Carven shook in miserable wise Till from her heart the voice tore forth in cries: me! Go hence! O leave Me all alone lo grieve! 1 will not have a word of coynfort said, I mourn for my beloved who is dead, — O my belovidy thou art dead. Of heroes chief; O lonely! all my love is widowed. Wander thee, wander! desolate, unwed; — Soul of me y passion-soul, ^ lis past belief But I must mate with Grief! And down she drooped and hovered and lay still, Her calm face white with witness of her will; From those pure lips. came nevermore a sigh Though all the birds of Spring sang ecstacy. 47 AFTER TRIAL. And so they lead me back and I am led, Strange, stubborn noises dart about my head, Lights flash and blind. . . And now their words are locked Away from me, — by echoes I am mocked, By silence chid, by men and women hated, By God — no word from him! by conscience vindicated. Short shrift, O God, and naught of hope they spared This poor, foul convict that the people stared Upon with horror. Yea, and he is lost If thou wilt hear him not, — for say accost Your advocate, he spurns you all the while. Vultures come nigh no life! is in his smile; The judge rebukes you that you are not still; The jury scowl and note the evil will That turns your actions. Defiled, defiled, defiled! Is in your soul. "Why should a man be wild And anxious in a court where all are just? The wretch shall have his justice. Only must A keen eye gaze, examine all his mood Tearless and bold and stern with hardihood To hear all's meant or uttered — as he could Not satisfy his heart but justice would Condemn him — eh? acquit? In truth, — acquit. Fearing his trial would not be true! Here sit The jury, there the judge. Can they not tell? Who better? Man, have never fear of hell 48 AFTER TRIAL. 49 Unless your due. And yet to look at him, — He murdered! Friend, too early? This his whim Of justice must be granted? Must indict, Address, convict, condemn? Well, thou art right." Thus is the court, O God! and people praise Their own sweet patience that they do not raise An instant clamor! are content to wait, — It makes a mouse more happy of its fate If cats but grip it fast within their claws And hold a gentle trial. Now is there pause. Heart, bitter, bitter! Christ, I cry to thee And from the heavens thou wilt answer me Who saidst: "Let there be life!" and thine own breath I drank, inhaling; — these: "Let there be death!" Framer of us, thyself hast dwelt within And borne the rebel fury-spurring Sin, Mocked, scourged and innocent, whose clear voice grew To heaven: "Father, these my people do They know not what." These, such a crime although Stained through their souls, lived. Ay, 't is better so — Forgive, forgive! they know not that they lie — And if it is a dreadful thing to die Thee do I thank who hearest, who hast heard, — With Christ died two and I shall be the third. You startled me. These husks to him that gave! 'T is time, O friends, to lead me to the grave. BROTHERHOOD. Ah! the woe-wavering world, Hurried with agony, fails, Save that a supplicate turns Hardly, and thickly his breath With v/ail upon wail of despair, With fear of pitiless Fear, Gasps out the message to us: Hear us, O brothers, high-minded ones among men! 'Ve who look Fate in the face. What is the end of our race? Who shall restore us, the Lords of Creation, again? God zvith us, you say? Then where are his love and his grace? But the cry goes quivering down Into the darkness, and we, We who have heard but the sound, Tremble and labour at heart; Silently each upon each We gaze, and commune with our souls: How can we show them the way? Hardly ourselves can we cling To a history's passionate hope; What do we know of the world? What can we guess about God? O that we were as they think, Able to come to their help, Ready to lead them aright! 50 BROTHERHOOD. 51 Hear US, O brothers, cries of the fugitive: Now to our souls your souls' enlightenment give! What is vain? What is lasting? How may an earth- man live? There they He moaning, and long We sorrowed aloud, and long Shouted courageous words, Bade all their clamor be hushed. Turned to our innermost soul. Fiercely upbraiding our pride: 'Surely, self, thou shalt die Down in the grave of delight!' Ah! but so feeble we were! We must make ready, and shut All of the doors of our house, Earnestly, faithfully scan. Truly, unflinchingly think: 'What is the meaning of all? How may we grasp it and live? Whither our destiny draws? Whence is the answer to come?' Let us establish our Faith, Knowing that Reason will fail, (Eager, but sunken his eyes Chained to the rock of the Real,) Knowing the answers of God Take root and abide in the soul, Shrink from the wildness no more^ Open the doors of our house. Hasten to action and cry: 'Courage, our brothers, we come!' 52 BROTHERHOOD. Come, for the world is smeared and wrapt with grime; No tones in Nature'' s universe will chim,e; The Lord of Wrong spur7is all the tears of time! Over the r^d-tinged waves, Stilled into silence and gloom, Laden with burthens, the ship Glides slowly, with tall black masts Striking the sunset out, Floating into the West, — Darkness falls on the deck, Hoarsely is uttered a cry. Bells are ringing to rest. Seamen are furling the sails. Thou wilt not leave us. Father, all alone! Thou hearest hurnan wailing; thou hast known; And thou art he that cameth to atone. Morning breaks on the sea. On the horizon the ship Wavers a moment, awakes. Shakes away weariness, then Sails are flung out to the flight Of the blithe and generous breeze Soon her sides quiver, and now On she comes, cutting the waves. Bounding between the deep seas. Racing the glorious wind. Resolute, out on the main. Fearless of tempest and storm. Invincible, unto the port. Ill HEAR HIM! My country, lose thy idols and gain God, For he would speak with thee; but through the din And boast of barter and the clanging sword To thee how shall that Speaking enter in? S5 "WHY SHOULD I LOVE THIS LAND?" Why should I love this land? The prophets pale Before the roar of gain and power; — a land Where sorrows rend, wealth laughs, fanatics rail; — Because He molds it with unerring hand. 56 "VICTORIA, THE QUEEN, Hx\S PASSED AWAY." "Victoria, the Queen, has passed away." Whither and whence? The hearts of Englishmen Have lost her not: in homes of hill and glen And crowded city, there her people pray. For she, who served th' inexorable day, To duty loyal first, to mercy then, She does not die, but lives in God's Amen, And still within we feel her gentle sway. But whither has she gone? Our holden eyes See her no more where Law ana Custom long Like sentinels attended, gray and wise- About another now the princes throng! Queen though she was, a higher pow'r she felt, Heard a more awful Sovereign's voice, and knelt. 57 THE CHOICE WE FACE. t War, That all true men abhor; The boom of bloody guns, The tortured, dying ones, The path that passion runs, — War, war, — A cry, a curse, a roarl Peace, Not sluggard, selfish ease; Nay, heroes young and gray Go marching all the day Not men but ill to slay, — Peace, peace, — See gentleness increase! THE VOICES OF THREE. Voice in 1776: Daughter of Law and Liberty am I, Born while rebellion raged along the sky; The nations scorned till sudden on my knees I prayed — then shock and angry agonies! O God, the sword was ever at my breast; Year upon year I fainted, never rest Bade me despair not, nay but sacrifice Stirred all my spirit. With a heart like ice Th' aggressor fought me; I could dare to die, So lived, the child of Law and Liberty. Voice in 1899: Daughter of Law and Liberty am I, Born while rebellion raged along the sky; She by whose aid I struggled to be free To my breast turns Excalibur, but he Wages no hearty war, tho' nations mock. Tho' I am torn by passion, doubt and shock. Despair invites, but I withstand despair With racial weakness in the strength of prayer. Mother, O Liberty, thy help I seek! O Law my sire, thy power I bespeak! 59 60 THE VOICES OF THREE. Open her eyes who threatens me in dream Or evil spell that makes her evil seem; She knows not what she does, awake her then That the stern truth may come into her ken: She cannot slay me, tho' I daily die, She cannot quench the resolution high, Th' indomitable will she cannot stir — A sight for Heav'n when light awakens her! Liberty: Columbia, arouse, awake, let shame Burn in thy being for this antic blame And boast of conflict. With a call divine I call thee! Rise and solace The First Voice (to the Second Voice): Sister mine! IV SKATER AND WOLVES. Swifter the flight! far, far, and high The wild air shrieks its savage cry. And all the earth is ghostly pale. While the young skater, strong and hale, Skims fearlessly the forest by. Hush! shrieking blast, but wail and sigh! Well sped, O skater, fly thee, fly! Mild moon, let not thy glory fail! Swifter the flight! O, hush thee, storm! thou canst not vie With that low summons, hoarse and dry. He hears, and oh! his spirits quail, — He laughs and sobs within the gale, — On, anywhere! he must not die — Swifter the flight! 63 TO A MOUNTAIN, IN COLORADO. Warder of Heaven's lore, well dost thou tame The too aspiring earth, with boundless weight, Immovable as law and stern as fate, Yet with the aureole of hope aflame. For snow and sunshine thou hast giv'n one name, 'Tis writ upon thy brow in bright estate: Yet human thou art not, nor love nor hate Quickens thy steadfast heart with joy or blame. Patient, thou pointest evermore to God, Communing with the moon and morning star, That from thy crest to thy foundation broad Utter the tidings of the things that are. Thy peaks are prayers. All day God answers yes. And sunset ardors breathe his gentleness. 64 IN THE BAY. Which conquers which? The rock and sea Wage endless duel day and night; This sees its vision far but free When billows shall no longer be, — That rears its waves with main and might. Above, the gulls that wing their flight "The rock is witless" sing. "His height Is hidden when the waters glee, — Which conquers which?" "His height is hidden"? Yet despite The ebbing flood within the bight, The tide that flows, the v/aves that flee Baffle themselves full fruitlessly, The granite's base is hidden quite. Which conquers which? 65 SUNRISE ON LAKE MICHIGAN. Sheathed by the everlasting sky That bends caressing from on high In garments blent Of white and blue And fairer, farther, fainter hue The silent lake lies musing and is well content. Calm child-of-many-waters, dream! Sudden across thy breast shall gleam A wave-kissed way Of floating gold, Fixed skyward with a steadfast hold, Whereon an angel lingering may kneel and pray. 66 THE GALE. The wind came down on the waves that drew A midnight breath, O the wind came down and as he flew He laughed within himself and knew The end was death. Out darted his long cruel arm, Persuading sore, — The wimpling waters knew alarm, And yet there fell constraint and charm On sea and shore. He whispered, hissing: "See delight Not far, not far!" O the sad waves shuddered that midnight And rose and moaned at the sudden might Of the hidden bar. Outshrilled a voice above the lash? The bitter mock? "Woe! for the waves they flee and flash In the flood of the moon till they die and crash On the birth-blind rock!" 67 NIAGARA FALLS. THE UPPER RAPIDS. Summer has glory and winter has gloom, — Hurry! But ever the rapids, rebelling at doom, Recoil and engulf themselves, flee and entomb, Drawn into the web of the swift-plying loom, — Hurry! THE FALLS. Supple and sheer the cliff must we spurn, Whither? We rush and we leap, and we overturn Downfalling, downfalling, till dimly we learn Of the Mecca beyond and the Spirit astern. V/hither? THE WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS. Up to the surface and up to the sky, Joyful! Sped we are, driven by hopes that are high, Sobbing and laughing — the haven is nigh. O joyful the journey and joyful the cry: Joyful! 68 C. von Bodenhausen. Spring Idyl. A FORETASTE OF SPRING. Sweet and golden afternoon Of the infant summer, Joyous one! Merry trills of laughter soon Peep and tremble and embrace, Flee and turn again to race Through the sun; Morning, slow old nurse, is lost, Birds and souls and flowers are tost In the sunlit pentecost, — Winter's done! Birds are chirping melodies Made of clear notes vanishing In the sky; Yonder hum the yellow bees, Hither sway the tender branches, Mad young winds in avalanches Scurry by; All the flowers bloom with blushing. Rapture through the soul is rushing. Suddenly there comes a hushing, — Night is nigh! 69 CHIME-CHANGES. Sun on the sea and the blue, blue sky, Sail on! the shore shall be ours by and by, Soon the pilot shall seek us. The sea-pilgrims smile in the eye-kissing light, Who speaks of the silent cloud, sullen and slight? Soon the pilot shall seek us. Singing to sleep turn the scorners of fate, At sunrise the ship anchors safe in the strait, Surely the pilot is coming? Low-looming vapour that leers at the moon, Lonely the vessel lies in the night's noon, Surely the pilot is coming! O the wild laughter that leaps in the gale And the loud lamentation, the lullaby- wail! Lord-pilot,, have mercy upon us Lo! who can linger in life at his will? Beloved are the slaves of the sea-spirit still, — Lord-pilot^ have mercy upon us! 70 TO A BUTTERFLY. Butterfly, Flutter by, Under and over. Haunting the clover; Each flashing wing Fashioning Quivering glories, Luminous stories! Life in a miniature. Swiftly to win a pure Realm of ideals. Hoping it heals. The best, the best Is the endless quest. Is hopefulness vain To feel or to feign? Know you not? save to say: "It is glittering, glittering day! The sun to me sings. Beauty dowers my wings, All of joy I attain!" Once again Flutter by, Butterfly! 71 PLAYMATES. A wave was rippling across the sea, Lulled into laughter and melody, Its dwarf drops of spray so careless and coy The sunbeams flew after and kissed it for joy. But the wave, crest-tossing, like him of the Ancients, Shook them ofT with a bound of saucy impatience, And sped light and swift, laughing softly in glee, Over the musing, murmuring sea. But its song soon ceased, and silence came. Till the wave sigh'd sadly the sunbeam's name, Then bitterly shiver'd, and shrank all-chilling From a sinister thought the gulls were shrilling. Now while it was speeding so swift along The sunbeams mourn'd for the sound of its song And flew pursuing, and caught it at last And embracing they in the horizon past. n TEMPEST-TOST. In a flash the rain roars down, Tearing a way to the ground With a splashing unmusical sound, With a quivering sharp rebound, — Striking each dusty town Into a gloom of the flood, Into a chill of the blood, At the ravenous roar of the rain. The thunder struggles for breath, Beaten with moanings of ire. Mad with a rebel desire,— Lightning, its heart of fire. Goads it to desperate death, — Fear follows everywhere. On the earth and the sea and the air, Forebodings of terror and pain! Then the voice of the sea outcries:— *'A11 my waves have in anger arisen, Scorning my bosom a prison, Lashing me while I listen To the prayer as of one who dies: 'O Infinite Love, come thou, Save me and pilot me now!' And straight there is silence again." 73 74 TEMPEST-TOST. Low earth-murmurs kindle and loom, And its secrets have thickened the sky, Till it sweeps them before the fierce eye Of the hurricane hurrying by. Clash all the drivings of doom, — Storm! and the world in collapse, — Despair! were it not that perhaps There's a whispering promise-refrain. APPELLATION. "Of these two apples I will let you Choose!" she said, and held them high, — "Three, rather," I replied, "Annette, you Are the bright apple of my eye!" 77 ELIZABETHAN CATCHES. I. Bees buzzing overhead, Dreamily I lie, Idly and dreamily, A lazy fellow I! Flowers their perfume shed Sweet is my clover-bed, While by bright fancy led. Dreamily I lie, Idly and dreamily, A lazy fellow I! II. Life and Death, Deceit, despair. So shall the varlets vary; A stifling breath Cuts ofif our care, — Now by'r Lady Mary, Life, Death, Everywhere, Must take us all unwary! 19 I \ THE TWO LOVES. How pretty she looks, But then, how provoking! A checkmate, odds zooks — How pretty she looks — O where were my rooks? 'Tis too painful for joking; How pretty she looks, But then, how provoking! TELL-TALES. I look in her eyes, Though she falters out: "No, sir!" She cannot disguise As I look in her eyes, However she tries, That she loves the proposer, — I look in her eyes. Though she falters out: "No, sir!' 79 THE COMING OF LOVE. Now linger'd Love upon the wanton wind, Wild Love, with glistening tresses tost and blown, Laughing delightful music, — not alone, For clear, soft voices floated far behind. High sate great Jove in glory, — 'round reclined In joyous bowers 'neath his gleaming throne The lesser gods, — their stately-sounding tone Made solemn echo, then came mute and blind, — For Love's wild paean now had stormed the sky, And hushed the hearers with a strange alarm, Who thrill'd in sweet expectancy and charm, — So, with the sound of rapture, Venus came And, smiling at their awe, said: "Love am I!" And all the gods laughed at the pleasant name. 80 UNTO MY LADYE. There is a ladye known to me And steadfast sunne-stronge eyne hath she, i Mock-sober eyne that love makes free, ' Love makes free. | 1 My ladye's lippes I do declare Are joy-cuppes knowynge no compare,— .; O would that mine were restynge there, '}. Restynge there! My ladye's heart is large and liefe And womanne-tender. Thralle is chiefe, „ Yfostered inne that favoured fiefe, That favoured fiefe. j O ladye mine! O ladye mine! j That I should bee your lorde is signe Of wonder,— but ye sunne doth shine, Ye sunne doth shine. ) I And so I pray that blessed bee j Ye queen of all feminitee, .< Faire ladye of my fealtie, | My fealtie. , 81 A BALLADE OF CYCLING. My slender steed of steel is manned, His rapid mood with mine agrees, Each other's hearts we understand, Our spirits scorn repose and ease. We speed the valley and the trees Are murmuring above us high, But soon they die away and cease, For with the birds we soar and fly. The sun's eyes glow, his beams expand, His welcome laughter warms my knees, And all my brow grows moist and tanned, Yet on my flashing cycle flees — On with a heart of health and ease, With whistling lips and laughing eye, And not a soul to vex or please. For with the birds we soar and fly. Evening droops down upon the land. On wooing brooks and bowing trees. But waving high a joyful hand, I hail the ever-bounding breeze, The stars — innumerable bees — Now chase the clouds along the sky. Rider and wheel — one spirit these, For with the birds we soar and fly. Iv'ENVOI. Prince, if thy Highness only please — O Prince, and thou shalt never die! Deign to accept, these handles seize. For with the birds we soar and fly. 82 VI A MERRY CAN. 1 j "I can fly kites, oh — awful high, I Away up higher'n the sky — " Thus Bobbieboy began. "You can?" said I, in quick surprise At Bobbieboy's indignant eyes, — ) Cried he: "I'm not a can!" I I Then, laughing at his queer mistake, | I said: "My word I will not break, \ So, Bobbieboy, my man, s A can you are, a can were born, ] But yet a can we do not scorn, j For you're American." 8S A SPECIAL OCCASION. Fido, on Thanksgiving Day People 'ticalerly pray; Sit up straight and very still — Jesus y guard our lips from illy Make us always true and good; As we thank thee for this food. While our heads we meekly bow. Gentle Saviour, bless us now; And when night-time cometh, then Give us quiet sleep. Amen. People 'ticalerly pray, Fido, on Thanksgiving Day. MT» * A Special Occasion. A CHILD'S EVENING HYMN. Shepherd Jesus, in thy arms, Let thy little lamb repose, Safe and free from all alarms In the love the Shepherd shows; May my slumber quiet be, Angels watching over me! Often mother dear has told How the children thou didst bless, And I know that in thy fold All is joy and happiness; May my slumber quiet be, Angels watching over me! Shepherd Jesus, make thy child Pure and gentle as the dew, Keep my spirit undeiiled, Waking, sleeping, kind and true; May my slumber quiet be, Angels watching over me! 87 "AS FAR AS THE GATE." Laddie: Mother dear, I want to be Where old Kitty I can see Trotting home with my poppie. Mother: Laddie boy! Then you shall go All the way down Elm-tree Row, Mind you are not losted, though! Laddie: Huh! I won't get losted — why Other day I walked, O my Round all the stable and the sty. Mother: All right, laddie, don't be late, Go no farther than the gate, You will not have long to wait, Laddie (later) : Guess the gate can't go ve'y far, Swings so slow on that old bar, But I are mother's boy, I are — Guess I've gone as far as it; Must'nt go another bit- Hello, poppy; hello, Kit! 88 L. 'v. "WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN." What a chorus in the sky, Children dear, when Christ was born! "Glory be to God on high!" Angels sang that blessed morn. CHORUS. Glory be to God on high! Peace on earth, good-will to men. Christ is born, O hills, reply! Ye great deeps, resound again! Humble-hearted shepherds came, With their vigils tired and worn, But with joy they praised, his name, Children dear, when Christ was born. Sages came whose eyes were dim. Children dear, when Christ was born, Him they knew and worshipped him There, amid the kine and corn. Children dear, when Christ was born. Love divine the people drew, We must never be forlorn, Let us follow Jesus, too. WHAT THEY LIKED BEST. "Now, what I like," said bright-eyed Tom, "Is round and round to sail With eyes so steady And teeth all ready To catch my fleeting tail." "I like a little mouse right well," Said Topsy, "but you know It must be tiny — My eyes get shiny When big mice come and go." "No nasty mice for me," said Floss, "I like a baby bird All nice and puffy And fat and fluffy- Hush! wasn't that one stirred?" "You three are silly pussy-cats," Said Peter-pet. "I vow With my gay ribbon And dainty bib on Milk I like best, meow!" 90 ALL THINGS IN HIM CONSIST. Up where the stars dwell, So pure, so still, so bright, All through the silent night — Jesus is there; How wonderful is he, How sweet their ministry To him who made them be, Lord of the air! Out on the waters With gently beating breast, A lullaby of rest, — Jesus is there; And when the sunshine flees, And coldly shrills the breeze Across the angry seas, He heareth prayer. Summer and winter Repeat their yearly round. And temper all the ground, Jesus is there; The seed he cares for so Sleeps through the cold and snow, And wakes to life and glow. Good fruit to bear. Though I am only One in the countless throngs, I feel the angels' songs, — Jesus is here; I know thou lovest me, Forever I would be Obedient to thee. Saviour so dear! 91 MAKEBELIEVE'S MISTAKE. "Tell me, mamma," said Makebelieve, "How Santa Claus can go All 'round the world on Christmas eve; How can he hurry so?" "He comes with reindeer, and he slips Along as fast as flying, — Why, baby dear, those trembling lips? You surely aren't crying?" "You said," sobbed Makebelieve, "you said That Santa comes with rain, And he is bringing me a sled, — I wish I'd said a train. "I called up chimney loud and slow; I wish I hadn't, 'cause A sled's no use without the snow, — I'm s'prised at Santa Claus." 92 Two Halves 'll Make a Whole.' THE BUNNY STORY. Said Bunny One to Bunny Two: "I wonder if that story's true That mother told the other day Just after we came back from play, About the awful thing that stood With three long legs and flowing hood, Pointing at us its horrid eye Of glass, so fierce it made her cry — She says she shook, and shook, and shook, I'm glad we didn't see it look; If it should come again I'd run!" Said Bunny Two to Bunny One: "And so would I, as fast as you — Hush! What's that noise? Bohoo! Bohoo! Oh! there's that wicked monster now, Let's run, dear brother!" "Why, I vow I'm so afraid my legs won't go. They only wiggle to and fro." And so the camera declared. For, with the photograph prepared. The picture-taker said: "Dear me! Their legs look like a waving tree; Well, I'll just cut across the roll; I guess two halves '11 make a whole.'" 93 WHAT THE MAN IN THE MOON SAID. Said the silly old man in the moon: "What a wonderful, wonderful boon It is to the sky To have such as I In charge of the order-balloon! "They talk of the glorious sun — What remarkable thing has he done? Every sun has a father, And it's obvious, rather, That I'm the identical one! "The sun, from the time of his birth, Has always been bigger than earth, But you can't well deny That he's smaller than I And hence of inferior worth. "Which proves the point surely and soon," Said the silly old man in the moon. "Since I'm the sun's pater, I must be the greater, — I wish you a good afternoon." 94 34 ISOl Deaciriified using the Bookkeeper process. 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