But now-at last-the gray mist chokes Oh let me feel the biting strokes That I may fight again! Permission of the Author. From "The Quest" (collected lyrics), The Macmillan Co. John G. Neihardt. STEADFAST No one ever has a trouble so great that some other person has not a greater. The thought of the heroism shown by those more grievously afflicted than we, helps us to bear our own ills patiently. F I can help another bear an ill IF By bearing mine with somewhat of good graceCan take Fate's thrusts with not too long a face And help him through his trials, then I WILL! For do not braver men than I decline To bow to troubles graver, far, than mine? Pain twists this body? Yes, but it shall not Others so much worse off than I have fought; Strike hands with me! Dark is the way we go, From "The Quiet Courage," Stewart & Kidd Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. Everard Jack Appleton. If I were fire I'd burn the world away. Cecco Angolieri. FI were fire I'd seek the frozen North IF And warm it till it blossomed fairly forth If I were wind I'd turn my breath upon If I were water it would be my whim If I were gold, I'd seek the poor man's purse. And when at last my work of joy was o'er John Kendrick Bangs. Permission of the Author. From "Songs of Cheer." THE GIFTS OF GOD Why are we never entirely satisfied? Why are we never at absolute peace or rest? Many are the answers that have been made to this question. The answer here given by the poet is that so richly is man endowed with qualities and attributes that if contentment were added to them, he would be satisfied with what he has, and would not strive for that which is higher stillthe fulfilment of his spiritual cravings. THEN God at first made Man, WHE Having a glass of blessings standing by; So strength first made a way; For if I should (said He) Bestow this jewel also on My creature, Yet let him keep the rest, But keep them with repining restlessness: George Herbert. A PHILOSOPHER "The web of our life is of mingled yarn, good and ill together," says Shakespeare. It behooves us therefore to find the good and to make the best of the ill. Two men were falling from an aeroplane. "I'll bet you five dollars," said one, "that I hit the ground first." O take things as they be- No use to holler, mope, or cuss If they was changed they might be wuss. If rain is pourin' down, If I got deep in debt- And owed a man two dollars, Gee! If some one come along, Why I should sort of take a whim I never seen a night So dark there wasn't light To strike a match and fine out where. Permission of the Author. From "Songs of Cheer." John Kendrick Bangs. |