'A Class ^dj_^^ Book_i4 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE BOAT OF GAETA and Other Verses BY JOHN HENRY CLAUSEN ii BOSTON SHERMAN, FRENCH ^ COMPANY 1915 Copyright, 1915 Shermak, Frekch &' Company if (MS> SEP 24 1915 ©CI,A410G25 >0 ( . TO MY WIFE AND CHILDREN CONTENTS MISCELLANY PAGE Carefully Considered 3 A Wintry Thought 4 Calling for Joe 5 The Skaters 7 Jealous 8 Eileen 9 The Exchange 10 The Way of it 11 The Willow Switch 12 The Inside View 13 The Stock Ticker 14 A (G)love Song 15 Hamilton — Glover — Garrison . . . . 16 Deep-water Boys 17 The Boat of Gaeta 20 Say it Kindly 22 Feet and Eyes 23 An Illusion 24 Midnight, December Thirty-first ... 25 Was it You.? 26 Catherine 27 Memorial Day 30 All Souls' Day 31 The First Sleigh 32 The Salesman 33 Old Year and New Year 34 Martha 35 PAGE Rotten Row 36 Addie's Eel 37 An Easy Way 39 If Roses were Words 40 Best References 41 Sleigh Bells 42 The Seven Rungs 43 The Timid Communicant 45 Begone^ Hard Times 47 Sandy Borne 48 Anticipation 50 An Old Couple 51 The " War of Service " 52 The Tree Near the Band Stand ... 54 The Mill Clerk's Song 55 A Girl in Blue at Copley Square ... 57 My Little Boy Built a Castle .... 58 Flag Day at the Mission Church ... 59 A Lover's Cry 61 ATHLETICS When Otis Bowls 65 An Office Bout 66 Kraenzlein 67 The Real Fuss 68 The Athletic Heart 69 Fareweel to Scotland 70 Fish Marsh of Mass 71 Piper 74 ELKDOM vxax B. P. O. E 79 To THE District Deputy 80 The Proposed Visit 81 To THE New Lodge 82 Pictures for Portland 83 The New Home 85 A Great Lift 87 For Memorial Sunday 89 Flag Day 90 Elk Song 91 MISCELLANY CAREFULLY CONSIDERED When Laura Frances goes to church, we walk the avenue; A half-mile walk on Sunday is the best thing she could do ; With flying furs she swings along, while snow- flakes beat her face; And, oh, she's so devoted when inside the sacred place. When Laura Frances goes to dine, we take the new coupe; The driver sits up proudly in that fine old Eng- lish way ; And Laura greets her many friends with nodding head and smiles ; Oh, there's not a girl like Laura for around a thousand miles. For opera or symphony, we take a limousine ; The chauff*eur speeds us quickly there, and Laura looks a queen ; But when I view my cancelled checks and for some money search — I think that I'll encourage Laura's visits to the church. [3] A WINTRY THOUGHT Should Nellie learn to skate unguided, I would no longer be her teacher ; But watch her as away she glided, A sweet and most bewitching creature. That I would miss her I've decided ; Miss every fall, each trepidation. Should Nellie learn to skate unguided, I'd miss my dearest occupation. [4] CALLING FOR JOE Far down in the valley among the brown trees, And just as the twilight lies soft on the breeze, There rises in echoes a call from below : — I think it is mother — she's calling for " Joe ! " I rush to a hillock and start to reply, When o'er field and woodland there comes a loud cry. It must be Aunt Sophy ; she's calling for Joe, — Calling with warbles, — " Jo-ie, O, Jo-o-o ! " Before I can answer I hear a fierce yell ; It travels the meadows and bounds o'er the dell. It startles the cattle, it frightens the crow; It surely is Billy ; — he's calling for " Jo-o-o ! " I speed down the hillside and venture a leap Across the small brooklet, the pool clear and deep. I run through the orchard where red apples grow. And hear little Tommy call, " Do ! — where's oo, Do ! " And mother is saying : " Where has the boy gone ? » Then I steal up behind her as darkness creeps on; [5] I throw my arms 'round her ; — she's frightened, I know ; But she's glad, for she kisses her little boy Joe. [6] THE SKATERS There they go ! Blades aflashing and cheeks aglow; Skimming along with a swinging glide Over the surface side by side; Under the new moon's fading light, Skating away in the winter's night. There they go ! Nearing the quiet brook below, Where the ice is thin and the water deep, Where over the bank the willows creep ; And I shudder and shrink as on they glide, Nearing the brooklet side by side. There they go ! From the treacherous, gloomy brook below A warning crack in the ice is heard ! But aAvay they speed like a flying bird, With a merry laugh and a swinging glide. Over the surface side by side. m JEALOUS " He said he loved me, sister Kate ; He said he loved me true; But men are heartless as the wind — I think, Kate, he loves you. He said I was his darling Rose ; He kissed me at the gate: But what do you suppose he said ! — 'Why don't you smile like Kate?' " Now if he loves me, sister Kate, As much as he loves you. He would not see your welcome smile When bidding me adieu : And when he comes around tonight I'm going to make him wait. The very idea ! — to please him, I Should smile like sister Kate? " [8] EILEEN I SAW a pretty girl in red, With waving plume and tossing head ; A perfect picture of a queen — The prettiest girl I've ever seen. I saw a pretty girl in blue, Excelling everything in view; A handsome miss of seventeen — The prettiest girl I've ever seen. I saw a pretty girl in white, A vision walking in the night, With saucy hat of palest green — The prettiest girl I've ever seen. And yet she's very much the same; She'll change her dress, but not her name; A glorious coquette, Eileen — The prettiest girl I've ever seen. [9] THE EXCHANGE " So you would like my coffee cold, And I would quaff yours steaming hot. A fair exchange and no one sold ; The bargain's made upon the spot. " Fair Belle, I pass across to thee My luscious coffee, cup and cream ; My life, my heart, my liberty: And you — you give me only steam." " Not so, my Jack. To thee I give All that you wish, and more. Behold ! My heart is warm, and as I live. The one you offer me is cold." [10] THE WAY OF IT The fast train bears her out of sight, Three weary months from me away ; She told me she would often write, And I said I'd write every day. A Week Later She writes me thus, while on her tour: " I hear the streamlet's laughing purl." Some other beau she's got, I'm sure ; But then, — I've got another girl. [11] THE WILLOW SWITCH Fathee once did take my hand, One Sunday after church, And led me to the wild wood-land For fairy things in search. And many things so strange to me Within the woods we found, — Among the leaves, upon the trees. And on the mossy ground. I cut a switch from off a tree Above a httle brook, — A willow switch that mournfully With summer zephyrs shook : And I gave father dear (alack) That switch from off the tree, But later on he gave it back, And, oh, so differently. [12] THE INSIDE VIEW When I walk across the Common In the noontime of the day, On the board walk or the pavement, Or on the frozen clay. And I meet with signs of winter In the flitting flakes of snow. Then I think of blasts and blizzards That we had a year ago. But I love the roaring winter With its heaping drifts of snow ; With its jingling sleigh bells tinkling On the boulevard below ; And I love the merry parties That in the cold night ride : — Yes, I love the roaring winter. To look at — from inside. [13] THE STOCK TICKER December days ! December days ! Extremely dull the ticker stays ; And all day long the clerks and cliques Sleep very sound between the ticks. [14] A (G)LOVE SONG She An old glove I have lost. Where to look I do not know ; Perhaps upon the ocean tossed, Perhaps somewhere I cannot go. He An old glove I have found, — Graceful, beautiful and sweet. With finger tips soft and round, A dear hand fair to greet. She An old love I have lost. Where to look I do not know ; Perhaps upon the ocean tossed, Perhaps somewhere I cannot go. He An old love I have found, — Graceful, beautiful and sweet ; With finger tips soft and round, A dear hand fair to greet. [15] HAMILTON — GLOVER — GARRISON The Park Commissioners of the Citjr of Boston have decided to remove the statues of Hamilton, Glover and Garrison, that are on Commonwealth Avenue, to a place in the Public Garden. TO THE STATUES I HAVE spoken to you in the morning; I have spoken to you at night ; I have spoken to you in the noon's bright day When the summer sun shone bright. I have shaken your hands in spirit; I have Hstened to your command ; And I've breathed a prayer to keep you there, — To keep you where you stand. There are pleasanter paths to wander; There are greener lawns that grow ; There are loftier trees and flowers to please By other walks, I know. But I'll miss your helpful faces And the courage that made you grand ; So, I'll pray that a few may arise, like you, — To keep you where you stand. [16] DEEP-WATER BOYS 'Round the corner a crowd of boys Come walking, Come talking. They pass the saw-mill's buzzing noise, They pass the peddler with a shout. They rush across the busy street, They pass the church-door, more devout. Unmindful of the summer heat, They run and stop and start and run. And then right in the noon-day sun. Dash fast across the railroad track And halt upon the pier in back. Where the river shines warm and still, Where the raft moves lazily at will. Eleven boys ; I counted them all. Eleven boys Unmatched for noise ; Eleven boys, both short and tall; With a one and a two and a three and a scream. All dive at once from off the pier And splash and ripple the quiet stream ; While over me suddenly comes a fear That someone is missing from their ranks. I'm startled with their many pranks And wondering when they'll cease their fun [17] And gather their clothing, one by one, For round the raft and playing tricks The most that I can count is six. But climbing up the old green pile Near where I stand, With coat in hand. Comes another lad with a dripping smile : Ah! that is seven, thank God for that. But where has the red haired laddie gone? And where is the boy so short and fat.? And the freckled one the boys call John? I count again ; one, three, four, five : At least there's nine that are alive. But what has become of the other two? I stand on a log for a better view. And count them over and over again. Until at last I find there's ten. I saunter back to the open gate To wait about Till they file out, To count more carefully and straight. First comes red head in the lead. Second is Jim and third is fat ; And freckled face is there indeed : — Ay, truly I'm right glad of that. Four and five and six and seven And sure enough, there are eleven. [18] ... I wonder if God's angels double When boys go swimming into trouble, And how many angels' wings get wet While guarding a mother's darling pet. [19] THE BOAT OF GAETA From the hills of Assisi to the sea of Gaeta, Came beloved St. Francis to the land of Caserta, To preach to the people Christ's gospel again, — To the rich and the poor ; to children and men. One evening St. Francis walked down to the quay, His corded gown filled by the breeze from the bay; His heart beating time to his own quiet prayer; His soul all aflame for the multitude there. So great was the crowd that he asked for a boat Of a bright little lad in a pretty white coat; And stepping aboard without oar nor with sail, It slipped o'er the water close down to the rail. It leaped like a phantom o'er Gaeta Bay, Amazing the people far out on the quay ; And great was the fear in the little boy's eyes As he watched his boat sailing out into the skies. But quickly and gently the boat swung about, A wonder of wonders to those who would doubt ; And sailing in close to the shore near the quay, The little boat stopped for St. Francis to pray. And when he had spoken and bade all good-bye, And the sun in its sinking glared red in the sky, [20] The little boat darted again on a sail With its side to the water close down to the rail. And the bright little lad in the pretty white coat Once more was in charge of his little white boat, And then blessed Francis bent close to his ear And whispered these few words of kindness and cheer : " Wherever about in the sea you may sail, In light or in darkness, in calm or in gale ; Wherever you are in your little white boat, Remember, the Saviour will keep you afloat." The little boy grasped at the saint's corded gown. As the last rays of sunlight illumined the town: " O, dear, blessed Francis, once more kindly say, — What of me and my boat in deep Gaeta Bay ? " " Wherever about," said St. Francis, " you sail. In light or in darkness, in calm or in gale ; Wherever you are in your little white boat. Remember, — the Saviour will keep you afloat." Now, oft when the sea rises high in the day And the ships of the fishermen ride in the bay. The women who live in the land of Caserta Watch out for the boat in the Sea of Gaeta. [21] SAY IT KINDLY Say it kindly: oh! be kind. Say not the harmful words that brand The heart, the soul, the outstretched hand. Speak ! Speak with eloquence your mind, But leave no burning sting behind. Be kind. Say it kindly : oh ! be kind. Does not the ocean foam and boil And roll and ever, ever toil And crash upon the spreading shore In monster wave and mighty roar. Yet leave no scar behind.'' Be kind, be kind. Say it kindly : oh ! be kind. Does not the brook in spring arise And spread into gigantic size And rush and crowd and overflow. And then recede and leave a low. Sweet meadow green behind.'' Be kind, be kind. [22] FEET AND EYES I SAW the imprint of a heel Impressed upon the snow ; And oh, 'twas such a pretty heel, I longed to see the toe. While thus I mused, the lady passed Who owned those pretty feet; And I aver the toe outclassed. When both were seen complete. Again she passed in strolling pace, And I beheld her eyes : — Well, — feet would win an easy race If beauty were the prize. [23] AN ILLUSION A PHANTOM ne'er could speak so low, Nor shadows make respond To sounds that on the rocks below Rise upward from the pond. Two figures in the moonlight dim I see beneath the trees ; And she is bending over him, While he is on his knees. The night is cold and breezes blow, Yet on his knees he waits : You say he's pleading love? Oh, no! He's putting on her skates. [U] MIDNIGHT, DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST Passing along the quiet street, Beneath a glare of lurid light, I paused to hear an auctioneer Receive his last bid of the night. Under the hammer, " Going, going," A quaint old clock, made long ago, Behind the rail was up for sale, With pendulum swinging to and fro. 'Twas nearly twelve by the quaint old clock. When someone whispered, " Buy it, John ! " Thus the clock, the year, and the auctioneer Together, all had " gone." [25] WAS IT YOU? Tell me, Nellie, was it you ? Winter cheeks and bright eyes too. New suit made of college blue : Tell me, Nellie ; was it you ? My head turned as someone passed ; Eyes blurred, too, and heart beat fast ; Thoughts came rushing, rushing through : Tell me, Nellie ; was it you ? Old songs softly sung are best ; Fondled heart-beats, warmest rest : Who aroused these tenants? Who? Tell me, Nellie ; was it you ? [26] CATHERINE A UTTLE girl named Catherine, with flying hair of gold, Brought to the school the sweetest milk that e'er a can could hold; And each day for her labor, she received an apple red ; But, being late one morning, 'tis said the apple said: " Where is Catherine this morning? Where is the little child? The sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing wild ; The great clock's struck the hour and the chil- dren are at school," Thus spoke the rosy apple to the milk can on the stool. " I, too, have just been thinking," lisped the milk can in reply, " That it wouldn't be just like her to forget us and go by. She has been so very punctual that surely we should pause; And before we start to scold her, we should as- certain the cause." [27] " I suppose," remarked the apple, " that you, being pure and sweet. You imagine that an apple might be somewhat indiscreet. I know that I look very red, but to the core I'm sound ; And I feel sure that Catherine will send some one around." " Perhaps she will," said Madam Milk, " but I will never scold ; She carries me so carefully; with such a gentle hold: — But you're a lucky apple to be glist'ning in the dew ; If Catherine dear had called today, — what would be left of you.'' " " Ha ! Ha ! " laughed Rosy Apple. " How con- solingly you speak; You must be used directly, but I may last a week. If Catherine dear should take me home and hide nie in her room, I might not be discovered for perhaps another moon." " It is not my wish to quarrel," said the milk can, shining bright ; " I may live until tomorrow and I may not last this night; [28] But I'd rather be a quart of milk than suffer such a pain As you would surely suffer after you were found again." " She is coming," sighed the Apple. " I won- der who's to blame ; The tears are rushing from her eyes, her cheeks are all aflame. She has a note for teacher so I think I'm safe today, For she's in such a hurry, she won't eat me on the way." Now the parts that end this story are divided into three: The apple at the recess time was cut in two, you see; The milk within the shining can was given out at noon ; And whatever else there is to say, is quickly said and soon. Dear Catherine was forgiven and she now is never late ; She always calls for Madam Milk at quarter after eight; She always finds her apple right there upon the stool ; And she says she never, never will again be late for school. [29] MEMORIAL DAY Heroes of the distant age, Heroes on life's living page, Heroes young and heroes old. Heroes grand and heroes bold. All are cherished by the young. All extolled in every tongue ; — But heroes' greatest deeds were done By North and South in 'sixty-one. [30] ALL SOULS' DAY See the dead leaves race! Flying and whirling. See the dead leaves race ! Tumbling and twirling. A thousand start, a thousand fall : — Dead leaves racing over the mall. See the passed souls race ! Silently, whither? See the passed souls race ! Quietly, whither? Above us, about us, they rise and fall ; Passed souls racing over the mall. [SI] THE FIRST SLEIGH I HEAK the tink of the first sleigh bells, And rush to the door to see, To gaze at the plumes and see the swells And list to their merry glee ; To see the dash of the prancing pair, And peep at the first bright sleigh ; But oh, such a joke, I do declare, — 'Tis only a farmer's dray. [32] THE SALESMAN In the contest for the " Assistant General Manager's " prize. At it again while the days are long, With jest and story and smile and song; Plucking the fruit with leaf and stem For the Company's A. G. M. At it again as the days go by, Under the clouds or the sunny sky ; Urging them on and selling them For the Company's A. G. M. At it again when the days are few, With nerve unshaken and heart that's true ; For he must work who wins the gem From the Company's A. G. M. [33] OLD YEAR AND NEW YEAR A BENT form in the twilight faded. Slipped away in the new moon's gleam ; A long, gaunt figure worn and jaded, Borne away on the new moon's beam. 'Mid clangor of bells and gladsome singing The old Old Year fades into space ; And gay New Year, with the bells still ringing, Slips quietly in to take his place. [84] MARTHA Sweet are the violets she wears upon her breast, Sweet is the music of her voice, But more sweet to me Is her fair face to see. And that dear smile that bids me rejoice. Bright are the diamonds that glisten on her head. Bright are the gems upon her hand. But more bright to me Is her fair face to see. And her smile that appears at command. Dear are the glances that steal from 'neath her eyes. Dear is each welcome tear that slips, But more dear to me Is her glad self so free. And her smile when she kisses my lips. [35] ROTTEN ROW Where wealthy ride in proud exclusion, Where horseguards gallop in plume and spur, Where lackeys sit in braid profusion. Where vehicles spin with merry whir. Where gray old beards and young moustaches Mingle together in grand review. Where old war charger and pony dashes. Where Briton vies with wealthy Jew, Where beauty rides in silk attired, Where redcoats brighten the moving show, Where the poor gaze on the much admired. As they pass in a whirl down Rotten Row. [36] ADDIE'S EEL Addie and a few young friends From home one night did softly steal To fish in Swain's Pond's slimy waters, To fish for the wriggling eel. A hook and worm, with line attached, Without a rod or reel ; With these three simple little things Addie caught an eel. She baited her hook and cast her line With a true fisherman's zeal ; And fished down near the bottom For the unsuspecting eel. She handled the line as if she knew The way in which to deal With all the fishes in the sea, Especially the eel. Ah ! She has a bite ! There comes a tug that makes her reel ; And out of Swain's Pond's slimy waters Comes a struggling, wriggling eel. Not another fish was caught that night ; How happy Add must feel ; Out of five who were a-fishing, She caught the only eel. [37] Be careful how you read this ; Do not criticize with zeal ; You may criticize the poem, But don't criticize the eel. [38] AN EASY WAY In an interview one day, Thomas Atkins said, " I say ! To defeat the fightin' Boers in a hurry I, instead of sendin' earls. Would send a thousand girls ; And their arms would put the Boers in a flurry. Pretty eyes would snap, and dart Killing glances at the heart Of every bloomin' Boer 'round Pretoria. Ladysmith would lose its name ; They would call it Mary Jane," Said T. Atkins of the guards of Queen Victoria. [39] IF ROSES WERE WORDS If roses gave forth words instead of fragrance, Then I would send fine messages to thee. Each morning from the garden plots I'd gather Growing buds that stretched their forms to- ward me; And some that in the sunlight grew in splendor Would speak to you as only flowers could. If roses gave forth words instead of fragrance, How pure would be my message, and how good. How sweet would be their words to you at even- ing; And soon a lover's language you would learn From opening rosebuds, glorious in color. And each unfolding secrets in its turn To you at night, at day-break, too, and in thy chamber — Where'er you went, without, within, away. If roses gave forth words instead of fragrance, Then messages of love I'd send each day. [40] BEST REFERENCES " There's a new man in the garden, Pat, He's tying up the cow ; His brogue is fine as any that I've heard since I left Louth." " Ah, yes," said Pat, " I think he'll stay And help plow up the loam ; A lad who'll ask for little pay, He knew my uncle's folks at home." " That new man's not a steady chap ; He smells of whiskey strong. For work he does not care a snap, — I wonder what is wrong? " " Well, well," said Pat, " that's very bad, Like hard times in Tyrone ; I'm sure I'm sorry for the lad, — He knew my uncle's folks at home." " O Pat ! Come quick ; the man's not right ; He steals the eggs just laid. I wish you'd send him off to-night : Indeed, Pat, I'm afraid." " That's bad," said Pat, " that's very bad. He came from old Athlone : Another chance we'll give him. Cad; He knew my uncle's folks at home." [41] SLEIGH BELLS Dull, dull the sleigh bells jingle, Softly tinkle through the night; Far away the faint stars mingle With the silv'ry northern light, Down, down the hill-slope sliding, My pacer steps out free; But I care not where I'm riding. For Nellie's not with me. Sad thoughts within me mingle; Dwell there longer than I care. There's no music in the jingle Of the sleigh bells anywhere; There's no sport in all the sliding O'er the glossy, gleaming snow ; For my heart's not in the riding And I care not where I go. But I'll drown my gloomy feeling With a ride to Nellie's door; Catch a glimpse of her eyes stealing Slyly upward as of yore ; And away we'll go a-gliding, And the bells will lively sound. And there'll be some pleasure riding When my Nellie is around. [42] THE SEVEN RUNGS Van Halfenstein's ladder was made of oak, With seven painted, rounded rungs ; And each a lettered sermon spoke As well as many tongues. A little girl with printed frock And scarlet kerchief 'round her head Placed the ladder against a rock, And on its rungs she read : " First is wealth. Second, a name. Third is power. Fourth is fame. Fifth is ease. Sixth is grace. Seventh is God's Abiding place" " Van Halfenstein ! it's upside down ! Suppose your ladder broke in two When you were half way up the rounds, — What would become of you? " Van Halfenstein, with waddling stride. Walked quickly to his cottage door; The little maid he first espied. Then eyed his ladder more. [43] His mind was good, his eyes were keen ; 'Twas plain the maid a warning brought, For when the ladder next was seen. The rungs this wisdom taught: " First is God. Second is grace. Third, a name. Fourth, a race. Fifth is fame. Sixth is power. Seventh is wealth For but an hour." [44] THE TIMID COMMUNICANT The altar boy uplifts the cloth that hangs upon the rail; But like a sailor on a ship a-lowering a sail, He lets it fall in waving folds, for 'tis of no avail. For no one heeds the call to Christ; Not one arises to respond; None so humble, none so wise. To greet our Saviour from Beyond. The church bell sounds the hour of noon, and Mass is nearly spent, When from a distant pew outsteps a girlish penitent ; And down the aisle with timid steps she walks with figure bent. The altar boy advances fast up to the altar's height, And touches outstretched arm of priest who reads by candle light ; But now, disturbed, he turns and sees a kneeling form in white. [4.5] And those within the crowded pews, assisting at the feast, Are seemingly in silent prayer for penitent and priest. A stillness gathers o'er the church; the choir's voice has ceased. Again the boy uplifts the cloth that hangs upon the rail. The penitent receives our Lord, — May Christ attend this soul of mine If, hy the brightness of His throne, I halt and falter near His shrine. Too fearful to advance alone. [46] BEGONE, HARD TIMES Begone, Hard Times, begone! Fly to the South away ; Fly to an island lone, Or the shore of some far bay ; Fly to the icy zone In the Northland, there to play ! Begone, Hard Times, begone! And let the Good Times stay. Begone, Hard Times, begone I And hide your restless head; Chant you your panic song Where sleep the quiet dead ; Flutter your wings and fly ! Swoop like the eagle gray Into the great blue sky. And let the Good Times stay. [47] SANDY BORNE That must be old Sandy Borne, Up and out this wintry morn, Making all those noisy clicks With his shovel on the bricks. I can see him from my bed, Warm with quilt and snowy spread — Dim in whiteness to the snow That old Sandy hurls below. There he stands beneath the trees. Deep in snowdrifts to his knees. What a good old Sandy Borne ! Shoveling snow this wintry morn. Cold winds blowing down the street Whisk the snow 'round Sandy's feet ; He stops a moment from his work To give his shoulder bones a jerk. He slaps his arms across his breast And breathes in deep to spread his chest ; Then hurls the snow into the road, Cake on cake and load on load. I turn my head and dream I hear The happy bells of glad New Year ; And wake again to hear the clink Of the shovel's noisy chink. [48] Threescore and three is Sandy Borne; I came of age last Monday morn : But Sandy twenty-one must be ; And I the one that's sixty-three. [4.9] ANTICIPATION In the dreary days of autumn, When the evenings close up fast, Our thoughts are of the darkness And the coming of the blast ; And we sigh for dear old summer, When we gather 'round the light. For the days are growing shorter, And the evening closes tight. But when 'tis February And the evenings are so still, Our thoughts are of the springtime, And the flowers on the hill ; And we think about the summer. And we dream about the sun, When the days are growing longer And old winter's nearly done. But the days aren't any longer Than they were in autumn's time ; Yet our souls are filled with music And our lips are steeped in rhyme : 'Tis the dreaming of the future; 'Tis the rising of the sun, When the days are growing longer And old winter's nearly done. [50] AN OLD COUPLE They were married long ago, — Ever, ever so long ago, — Married for love, the neighbors say , And yet they separate each day. Each morn they meet with heart shake While eating juicy breakfast steak. They were married long ago : Miss Pepper to Mr. Salt, you know. [51] THE "WAR OF SERVICE" Before the war, securities were higher than is now the case, And all good stocks and mortgages were very hard to buy ; So when the fleet got under way and down the coast began to race, The value of investments fell and men began to sigh. But then to compensate the loss, the screaming eagle loose was let ; The Stars and Stripes were floated from the head of ev'ry mast ; The famous Doctrine of Monroe was spiked on every bayonet; And all the country listened to the cannon's aw- ful blast. But now the matter's over with and brazen guns aside are laid; The bugle call and drum tattoo no longer now are heard ; The nation breathes the air of peace and stocks are going up the grade ; The glorious flag of freedom is a-sleeping with the bird. [62] With Fletcher down at Vera Cruz and Mayo back in Tampico, And Funston's sun-burnt regiments parading in the sun, The work we set about to do of turning over Mexico May wait a generation now before it is begun. And thus it is our country moves with Yankee- like rapidity ; When once the novelty is gone, we do not care a straw ; But look around for something out of " common- place placidity," And long for some excitement as we did before the war. [53] THE TREE NEAR THE BAND STAND They dragged it over grass and stones And planted it right near the band ; They loosed the ropes from 'round its trunk, And there they left the tree to stand. They gave it water every day, And everything that they could give; And if its life has not all gone. Perhaps the little tree will live; Perhaps the little tree will live. A month has gone, and yellow leaves Are tossing from a branch up high: And oh, and oh, my heart, it grieves. For fear the little tree will die: And yet it might be autumn's touch That nipped it as he swept that way. That nipped it quickly and passed on : I hope the little tree will stay ; I hope the little tree will stay. I hope the little tree will live ; I hope the buds will come in spring; And eager I will be to watch If robbins build their nests and sing. I hope to see the green leaves sprout. And hear the music of the band From underneath its tiny limbs: I hope the little tree will stand; I hope the little tree will stand. [54] THE MILL CLERK'S SONG The days are cold And the wind is bold, And it whistles around the mill: It whistles low, It whistles woe. For the factory wheels are still. The hills are white And the plain is bright. And the brook is frozen through: And the water-fall Is an icy wall, And the great high rock is blue. But when the horn Again at morn Shrieks loud in the April air. The smoke will curl And upward twirl From the towering chimney there. The toilers then Will come again. And the mill will roar with sound ; And girls will stop At the open shop To watch the wheels go 'round. [55] And from the Fells Where Mollie dwells, Where the hills rise high and free, Where violets grow Near the hidden snow, Mj Mollie will come to me. My Mollie will come, And softly hum A tune that is sweet, serene ; And she'll sing a song As she comes along Across the meadow green. For she is fair. And dark's her hair, And her coaxing eyes are blue ; And her lips are bright, And her hand is white, And her heart is pure and true. And Mollie'll come back When the hills are black. When the brook runs fast and free; When the wind is light, When the sun is bright. My Mollie will come to me. [56] A GIRL IN BLUE AT COPLEY SQUARE I WHISTLED as I climbed the stairs ; I rang the bell within the hall ; And though the door was open wide And I could see the room inside, There was no answer to my call. But there, within, a lady sat, A step or two beyond the screen. Reclining on an easy chair, With grand, aristocratic air: — I wondered I had not been seen. She did not lift her hidden eyes. Nor nod her haughty, girlish head; There was no stir of skirt of blue ; There was no toss of hat so new : How could a maid be so ill-bred? I gently moved the folding screen That stood a footstep from the door: And then the mystery was cleared, — My girl in blue was canvas reared. Upon an easel, two by four. [57] MY LITTLE BOY BUILT A CASTLE My little boy built a castle With wooden blocks and cards ; He placed a soldier doll inside, And formed some paper guards: Then he ran to bed with laughter, And shouted loud at me : " Now, Pa, don't spoil my castle ; The prisoner might go free ! " I wouldn't disturb his castle; I wouldn't a card destroy ; Of all the castles that he builds, There's none will give more joy. And I will watch him tomorrow. And listen for his shout. When 'mid the rattling of his drum, He calls the rebel out. [58] FLAG DAY AT THE MISSION CHURCH If I with sword Should cut the cord Of that great flag up there suspended, A wretched traitor I would be, And with my country I'd have ended. Or if with sword Or pen or word I struck that cross on tow'ring steeple, A traitor to my King I'd be: A traitor to my God and people. But if I fought Midst flame and shot, And lost my life, my flag embracing, A valiant soldier I would be. Who would not brook his flag's defacing. And if my heart Was torn apart While my Lord's cross I was defending, A servant to my King I'd be, And die, — my Master's creed befriending. And that is why The flag flies high : Cross to cross, steeple to steeple. The cross is truth, the flag is just, And God is truly with his people. [59] And to my King My flag I'll bring: From gilded cross and towering steeple: The cross is truth, the flag is just, And God is truly with his people. [60] A LOVER'S CRY Carry my heart away with you, A loving heart, a heart that's true, A heart that's big enough for two : — Carry my heart away with you. [61] ATHLETICS WHEN OTIS BOWLS When Otis takes the sphere I am seized with torpid fear, — A pressure on the heart, an awful scare. I can't fathom it at all. But — when Otis takes the ball, I am frightened lest he'll only roll a spare. Yet the spare seems bound to come, And it strikes me almost dumb. Otis scowls and puffs his pipe smoke in the air ; There are pins all scattered 'round, But there's two pins up and sound, — Oh, a dreadful thing it is to get a spare. There's no good except in strikes ; Otis gets them when he likes. With a skip, a slide, a lob, a pose, a stare. And I smile and watch the smash As the ten pins fall and crash. And I know there's not a chance to get a spare. [65] AN OFFICE BOUT Work over; Business done ; Boxing contests Now begun. Tom and Charlie Have a go ; Tommy clinches, Hangs on so: Charlie sallies, Tommy rallies ; Charlie parries, Down they go. Jimmy Murray, Johnny C, Introduced By the referee. Johnny prances, Jimmy falls ; Johnny dances, Jimmy lolls ; Johnny dashes, Jimmy slashes ; Glass crashes, Curtain falls. [66] KRAENZLEIN To France the conquering athlete goes, — Our Kraenzlein from the far Northwest ; Well trained and fit, with sun-tanned skin. Of marvelous, matchless limbs, possessed. Columbia crowns him with a star Plucked from the bright blue of her gown ; And America's athletes sail afar To France with Kraenzlein, to renown. [67] THE REAL FUSS The hero of the hour is the half back, sure enough ; He is made of seasoned timber, and we love him though he's tough. The pinnacle on which he stands holds steady 'midst the whirl. But, oh, the fuss the fellows make about the half back's girl. The half back's girl is willowy ; her eyes are melting blue ; Her hat is tilted upward and her face is sweet to view. And when the cheers are greatest and the colors all unfurl. The eyes of all the fellows are upon the half back's girl. [68] THE ATHLETIC HEART A TENDER heart has cousin Mabel ; A loving heart has sister Grace ; But Thomas has a heart that's able To conquer at the hurdle race. Other hearts there are abounding, And every one can surely beat; But ne'er a heart received such pounding As Tom's did in his quarter heat. The pole vault was at twelve feet, seven. " My heart was in my mouth," cried Grace ; But though Tom seemed to fall from heaven, His heart still occupied its place. [69] FAREWEEL TO SCOTLAND An' sae fareweel to pipers' play ; Fareweel to plaids, to kilts an' a' ; Fareweel to Dee, the Clyde an' Tay, — Frae Scotland's braes I gang awa'. An' may the laddies always dance Their flings an' hornpipes on the green ; An' athletes jump an' runners prance, An' giants toss the caber, e'en. An' sae fareweel to one an' a'. For tho' I drink the victor's bumper, Contented still I'd be for a' To be just Boston's bonnie jumper. [70] FISH MARSH OF MASS Down through the street from Windsor town, Prince Edward rode a filly brown. White plume in cap, and doublet blue. And hose of brilliant purple hue. His velvet cape flapped in the breeze. While robins sang among the trees. With dangling sword and spirits gay, He spurred his mare along the way. When far from town, he ceased his ride, And stopped near by the river's side. And there, dismounting from his mare. He skimmed with stones the river fair. Just where the river turned and bent. Fish Marsh of Mass in swimming went ; And up the stream he swam with skill. Near where the prince was playing still. At this rare sight. Marsh turned about. And for the prince stroked bravely out. [71] " You swim right well," Prince Edward said. Marsh paused: "I'd rather jump instead." " Then jump we will," the prince replied ; Said Marsh of Mass, " How much a side? " " I'll match my sword against your head," Was what the Prince of England said. " A go," cried Marsh. " What is the game? And by-the-by, — what is your name.? " " Three leaps," he answered ; " call me, — Ned ; Before we're through I'll have your head." " Oh, ho ! " roared Marsh, " that sword's a peach ; Now place it out beyond my reach." Then Edward'leaped thrice o'er the ground And placed his sword at furthest bound. " How many trials ? " asked Fish Marsh. " One," yelled Edward, loud and harsh. Marsh leaped far o'er the soggy ground And as a kitten light did bound Beyond the sword and scabbard there. Beyond the mark, with feet to spare. [72] " Ah, ha ! " cried Marsh ; " my head is mine ! " "The sword," sighed Edward, " it is thine." " Good day, friend Ned. You keep the sword ; 'Twas much too easy, 'pon my word." And with a dive he swam away. With, " Good-bye, Ned ; good day, good day." And the ripples curved and crept ashore, And all was silent as before; And gloomily back to Windsor town Prince Edward rode his filly brown. [73] PIPER 'Round in a circle gather, And huddle close and snug; But turn the wick of the lamp down low, And throw on a log before you go In a circle 'round the rug. In the little town of Natick Was Piper born, and taught To run, to leap, to race, and start ; To learn each movement of the art Of running as one ought. And no one could excel him ; His equal none had found: So east and west and south and north A challenge from Piper was sent forth, — A challenge straight and sound. The note was quickly answered ; So there would be a race. And Piper trained on the Natick track, In starts and dashes up and back. In lightning sprints of pace. And on the day of racing Ten thousand went to sec, — The men from north and west and east, — But Piper feared not one the least, So confident was he. [74] And when the cry was given, Four men of wondrous speed, By a dick and a flash and a fume of smoke, Right over the line then swiftly broke, With Piper in the lead. How he dashed the cinders ! How he set the pace ! How fiercely all his rivals tried. How swifter still was Piper's stride ; — And Piper won the race. And over the world the wires Told of the race he won. For never before had a mortal sped With the flying speed with which he led. Until the race was run. So that is the tale of Piper, The story of how he won. But keep the wick of the lamp down low. And I'll tell j^ou another before I go : And then, — I will be done. [75] ELKDOM B. P. O. E. Have you ever felt that feeling That comes over you so still, When the chap you think's a stranger Calls you softly, " Brother Bill "? [79] TO THE DISTRICT DEPUTY You'ke in Melrose, Brother Carbin, District Deputy Northeast; Behold the fairest members of your flock ! We have set aside a table and you're wanted at the feast ; Come up a little nearer to the clock. And now just look about you; just make your- self at home; You're right among the very best alive. From down deep in the cellar to away up near the dome There's not a single stranger in the hive. For the stranger loses strangeness, Brother Deputy Northeast, When once he sets his feet upon our floor. His face will break into a smile and he will shake at least A dozen welcome hands right near the door. — So come and see us often ; you're welcome as the spring; You can wander from the Dutch room to the dome; You can eat and drink all that you want and bowl our Bill a string, If you promise that you'll make yourself at home. [80] THE PROPOSED VISIT Inter-lodge visitations are jolly times for Elks. Wake- field, once in the Melrose district, continues to visit Mel- rose and Melrose just as frequently makes a formal call on its sister Lodge. LiK£ a snow storm from the ice-coast We will blow around your town, And we'll clamor at your doorway Till we tramp the white snow down. But the leaping sparks will warm us, When we stand around your grate ; And you'll warm an extra flagon For the brother coming late. Oh, you'll warm an extra flagon. When we stand around your grate ; Aye! You'd warm a dozen flagons For a brother coming late. And when it's time for parting, We will sing a merry song, Like the songs we sang in Melrose When the winter nights were long. [81] TO THE NEW LODGE We salute you, Wakefield ! We salute you well ; With shout and chorus, With song and bell. With laugh and story, With flag and band : — We salute you, Wakefield ! And here's our hand. We salute you, Colonel ! * We salute you all, 'Neath starry banner. With cry and call: With voices praising. You understand! We salute you. Colonel! And here's our hand. We salute you. Brothers ! We salute you. Bill ; With tears of gladness. With hearts that fill. With noise and glory. With march and band : — We salute you, Brothers ! And here's our hand. * The Colonel referred to, is Col. Edward J. Gihon, the first Exalted Ruler of the Wakefield Lodge. [82] PICTURES FOR PORTLAND The Elk who travels about the country is proud of his home lodge and sometimes carries with him pictures of his home building; but the Elk who journeys to the an- nual Re-unions of the Grand Lodge, not only carries pic- tures of his lodge Home, but also pictures and badges that advertize his city. When the Boston lodge made the trip across the continent to Portland, Oregon, they carried an unusually good collection of views of Boston. This verse about the " Pictures for Portland " can be sung to the air of " Nellie Gray." I AM going off to Portland, And I'm going with the crowd ; I am going to the free and frisky West. I have drawn a month of pay, And I'm going to get away : — I am going off to Portland with the crowd. I am going off to Portland With a uniform and band; Oh, a thousand hands will greet us on the way. I've a picture of the Mayor, And a view of Copley Square, And another of T wharf upon the bay ; And I wouldn't go at all Without one of Faneuil Hall, While a dozen of the Common I've allowed : — They are dear familiar scenes. And say, don't forget the beans ! I am going off to Portland with the crowd. [83] I am going off to Portland, And I'm feeling " Boston proud " ; I am going to the free and frisky West. Hey there, Kell ! Let's have my card ; Hold the train a minute, pard ; I am going off to Portland with the crowd. [84] THE NEW HOME The anxious committeemen who are responsible for the work of purchasing and equiping a Lodge Home, to the reliable, pleasure-loving but unthinking brothers. " We're almost ready, Brother, so don't you knock the door; We're almost a-yelling out, ' Come on ! ' We've got to turn a rug around and hang a pic- ture up ; So please stop a-calling Bill and John ; For Bill and John are busy, and Henry's busy, too ; And Clarence is a hustling night and day : And if you haven't sent that check, just hurry it along, For the gas man's a-waiting for his pay. " We're almost ready. Brother, so don't you knock so loud ; We're almost a-yelling out, ' Come on ! ' The secretary's writing cards for fellows paying dues. So please stop a-calling Bill and John. For everyone is busy, and Charlie's busy, too ; And some are working night as well as day : So if you haven't sent your check, just hurry it along, For the paint man's a-waiting for his pay. [85] " We're almost ready, Brother, so don't you push so hard ; We're almost a-yelling out, ' Come on ! ' The steward's got the telephone receiver to his ear, And asking what express ' it ' will be on. So everybody's busy, and I am busy, too ; And the coal man's a-shouting, ' Chute away ! ' So if you haven't sent your check, just hurry it along. For the coal man's a-waiting for his pay. " And when we're ready, Brother, you won't have long to wait ; We'll yell out a welcome shout, ' Come on ! ' And if there won't be chairs enough, why, stand- ing room is good ; And there'll be a thousand lights out on the lawn. And everyone will say, ' Hullo ' ; and some will look surprised : — But hurry up ; the band's about to play : And if you haven't sent that check, just hurry it along. For the band man'll want to get his pay." [86] A GREAT LIFT OuK committee is out working to arrange for sports and games ; It has scrutinized the mailing list and published all the names ; It has settled on the starter and the clerk and referee : — But how could it have skipped the name of Jack O'Shaugnessey ? No runner ever ran like him ; all records were his own; No man was so magnificent, competing with the stone. No contest was so glorious, wherever it might be, As when the crowd was cheering loud for Jack O'Shaugnessey. When listing all the officers with typewriter or quill. Remember that O'Shaugnessey should be upon the bill. Don't argue it with anyone ; don't question it with me, The greatest athlete in the lodge is Jack O'Shaugnessey. [87] For didn't he take our mortgage and carry it away? And burn it in the Dutch room just to celebrate the day? That was his greatest record, and 'twill live in his-to-ry ; And don't forget the honored name of Jack O'Shaugnessey. [88] FOR MEMORIAL SUNDAY Where, Bill, where has the weeping willow gone That drooped o'er the lilies in the stream? I wonder what's become Of Dick and Jack and Tom ; You remember how they used to swear and scream. How the time has hurried by ; Now there's only you and I, For old friends have scattered o'er the land ; There were many whom we knew, So we'll give each one his due ; For their " faults have been written in the sand." Where, Bill, where, can we lie down for a nap? The hay mound in the meadow ought to do. We can dream and we can sleep As the night's slow shadows creep, And the moon glimmers softly through the dew. And should the angel call. We can tell the God of all That we did our very best to understand. And so. Bill, let us pray That when we're called away. Our " faults may be written in the sand." [89] FLAG DAY This is the day the red and white With clustering stars in blue unite ; And streams aloft from poles and spars In flut'ring waves of stripes and stars. But see! Along the city street, Where sounds the drum and tramp of feet, Another color greets the eye ! Another color passes by ! Embracing red and white and blue. And like a lover fond and true, The purple of the Elks is there To kiss the flag in freedom's air. [90] ELK SONG I HEARD that song within a grove Last outing night, As Lill and I about did roam With hands clasped tight. And when at last I said " Good bye," Its echo lingered, ne'er to die: " We twa hae run about the braes, And pu'd the gowans fine — " That old refrain, That song We love to hear again. One night when long from home and friend, 'Midst lowering light, When Elkdom gathered those who lend A kindly light I saw outstretched a hundred arms. And heard that song with all its charms : " And there's a hand, my trusty fiere ! And gie's a hand o' thine ! — " That old refrain, That song We love to hear again. When I return to friends of old. And dearest Lill, A glad " Hullo " awaits, I'm told, Her dearest Bill ; [91] With hands in mine and voice that's sweet She'll sing that song and then repeat: " Should old acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min' — " That old refrain, That song We love to hear again. [92]