>S 3505 0862 :3 L903 lopy 1 The Deg IN FOUR ACTS BY JOSEPH S. COTTER. CALEB, THE DEGENERATE A Mm i« iFo«r Arts A STUDY OF THE TYPES, CUSTOMS, AND NEEDS OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO JOSEPH S. COTTER i LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY THE BRADLEY & GILBERT COMPANY 1903 v ":.' -6 THE LIBRAE CONGRESS, Two Copies Received iVIAY 21 1303 Copynght Entry CLASS'^ 4r XXo. No. 8^ g COPY B. COPYRIGHTED 1901 BY JOSEPH S. COTTER. THE AUTHOR T^HE AUTHOR is one of a race that has given scarcely anything of ^^ literature to the world. His modest tender of some Christmas verses to me led to an inquiry which revealed his story of unpretentious but earnest and conscientious toil. He is wholly self-taught in English liter- ature and composition. The obstacles which he has surmounted were undreamed of by Bums and other sons of song who struggled up from poverty, obscurity, and ignorance to glory. Joseph Seamon Cotter was bom in Nelson County, Kentucky, in 1861, but has spent practically all his life in Louisville. He had the , scantiest opportunity for schooling in childhood, though he could read before he was four years old. He was put to work early, and from his eighth to his twenty-fourth year earned his living by the roughest and hardest labor, first in a brick-yard, then in a distillery, and finally as a teamster. At twenty-two his scholarship was so limited that when he entered the first one of Louisville's night schools for colored pupils he had to begin in the primary department. His industry and capacity were so great that at the end of two sessions of five months each he began to teach. He has persevered in his calling, educating himself while at work, and is now Principal of the Colored Ward School at Eighth and Kentucky streets. The man whose advice and encouragement at the beginning chiefly enabled him to accomplish this was Prof^W. T. Peyton, a well- known colored educator of this city, whom he regards as his greatest benefactor. Thomas G. Watkins, Financial Editor Louisville Courier-Journal. THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE T^HIS play has been in course of construction for some years. Sev- ^ eral of the speeches, slightly changed and with suitable headings, have been published in periodicals and in my "Links of Friendship," which will soon be out of print. I once published a short prose version of "Caleb" in a Louisville journal. Negroes of to-day do not speak in blank verse. The peoples of the past did not. An author puts poetry into the mouths of his characters to show the possibility of individual human expression as illustrated by himself. The aim is to give a dramatic picture of the Negro as he is to-day. The brain and soul of the Negro are rising rapidly. On the other hand, there is more depravity among a certain class of Negroes than ever before. This is not due to anything innate. It is the result of unwise, depraved leadership and conditions growing out of it. Rahab represents this unwise, depraved leadership. Caleb is his pupil, and represents the depraved class of Negroes referred to. Some may claim that the picture is overdrawn, but both leader and led are with us to-day and speak for themselves. The Bishop and Olivia represent the highest types of cultivated Negro manhood and womanhood. The Dude represents the so-called educated young Negro politician, of whom something may be made if the right steps are taken in time. The Negro needs very little politics, much industrial training, and a dogged settledness as far as going to Africa is concerned. To this should be added clean, intelligent fireside leadership. Much of any other kind is dangerous for the present. I am a Negro and speak from experience. JOSEPH S. COTTER. THOMAS J. BROWN FRANK L. WILLIAMS LELAND M. FISHER CHARACTERS. (All are American Negroes.) The Bishop— Adopted father to Olivia. Noah — Father to Olivia. Caleb — Son to Patsy and Grandison. Grandison. Rahab — A minister, politician, and teacher to Caleb. Undertaker. Doctor. Hired Man. Dude. Olivia. Frony— Friend to Olivia. Patsy. A Waif. A Woman. Neighbors, Ministers, Officers, Candidates for Africa, Medical Students, Boys and Girls of Industrial School. CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. ACT I. SCENE I.— Hall in the Bishop's House. Enter Olivia, playing a violin. The Bishop follows quickly and seizes the bow. Bishop — Reflect, my child, reflect ! You should not wed This Caleb, this hell-builder upon earth. You counsel well when others are in need. Yourself you counsel not, or in such wise Your steps are led not heavenward. No! No! At times your thoughts have made mine error-proof. Your views, thrice wedded to occasion, raise The neighborhood above its ancient self. Yourself you counsel not. My child, reflect! [She begins to play, but stops when he goes on.'\ My darling Margaret is still in mind. That night ! That night ! ' T is day, but here it is. The rain, the thunder, and the lightning's flash. The twisted timbers and the flooded streams, The cattle's lowing and the horses' neigh. Come back to me. I stand beside her bed, My Margaret's bed. The storm disturbs me not; For Margaret, my darling Margaret, Is eying me and whispering my name. She shall be mine again! Disease's hold Is lessening. She shall be mine again ! Strength comes! She rises, staggers to the door; And, ere I am aware of what she means, Darts out into the storm. I follow her! " My Margaret! My Margaret! " I cry. * * Health ! Health ! I go to health ! ' ' she answers me. I can not see. I feel my way about. The lightning's angry flashing shows her form. * * My Margaret ! My Margaret ! " I cry. ' "T is health ! 'T is health ! ' ' cries back my Margaret. I blunder on and on. The day has come. CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. And dead and mangled lies my Margaret. I have one more. 'T is you, Olivia! You wed a brute, my child? Olivia— Caleb 's the man ! [Exit, playing softly. "^ Bishop— My child, come back! Storms! Lightning! Plague! Come back! Better be dead with these — Come back ! Come back ! — Than living death with Caleb ! Child, come back ! Olivia — (Without.) What profits it? A child is never grown. [She breaks chord on violin.'] A broken chord ! Chords break so easily. Enter Frony. Bishop— Frony! Frony — You have the news? Bishop— Frony, what news? Frony — Rahab and Caleb met two nights ago. Bishop — The Devil's peace-making is God's despair. Rahab was preaching nonsense, was he not? Frony — He dealt in facts and logic, strange to say. Bishop — His prayers? Frony — His prayers! They change with changeless things. Bishop— He prays them full; then kills them with amen. He preached in praise of Caleb's evil deeds? Frony — He rated him at what he 's really worth. Bishop — As enemies they hold each other now. I took it that the meeting made them friends. Frony— It did. Bishop — You may explain. I wait to learn. Frony— "You are my subject, Caleb!" Rahab said. "I see you sailing, sailing, sailing round Perdition — begging, begging to be damned! Tarry no longer! Hear the preached word! Tarry no longer, lest the brink be passed! Be saved! Be saved! Polluted man, be saved!" Bishop— Friends after that? Frony — Listen! Some more remains ! Bmaov— {He hears violin.) {Aside.) I listen! Child! My child! [Music stops.] Go on! I hear! Frony— " Be saved?" asked Caleb. "Let us both be saved. You drunkard, gambler, hidden libertine!" A look! Three steps! A clinch! A fall! A groan! Caleb was victor! Rahab raised him up. Grasped Caleb's hand and said: "We must be friends!" Bishop— 'T is strange! Frony — ' T is true ! Bishop— The end of it? Frony — Murder! CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. 9 Bishop— Which killed the other? Frony— Caleb— Bishop— A murderer? Frony— What else? A saint? Bishop— This Rahab lived too long. Frony— You understand? Bishop— I do! Frony— Rahab' s alive. Bishop — I do not understand. Explain! Explain! Frony— Grandison's dead! Bishop— A horse's kick, or bite? I often cautioned him of silly risks. Frony— You understand? Bishop- Do I? Frony— 'Twas Caleb's hand That slew his father. Bishop — Daughter! Daughter! Come! Caleb's a parricide ! Come! Come! Come! Come! Re-enter Olivia. Olivia— Caleb's the man, Bishop! Bishop— He is the— the— (To Frony.) You saw. Tell how it was. Frony — His course was wrong. Bishop— His father chided? Olivia— Fathers love to chide ! Bishop— Give us the full of it ! ( To Olivia. ) Listen ! Profit ! Frony — Sharp words! Hard blows! A dead man's stare to heaven! [Bishop breathes hard, staggers and starts to go.'\ Olivia — Bishop! \^She looks pale and staggers toward him.l Frony— Olivia! [Takes hold of OiAViPi..'] Bishop — {In a rage.) Caleb's the man! Frony — Your daughter, sir! Bishop — {Pathetically.) My daughter is in love! She needs no father. Olivia— {She starts to him. ) Bishop ! Bishop — {Holds hand to heart.) Parricide! I go! Your father may return with me. [Exit slowly.} Frony — To see how woman's wit can cudgel man's? (To Olivia.) The Bishop's wrath— Olivia — The Bishop's wrath is his. Frony— This Caleb is— Olivia— Not here to damn you back. Frony — Is this a case of love? Olivia— How worketh love? Frony — I know it well, and know it not at all. Olivia— Let each explain the other's ignorance. Frony — It were a nobler task than wedding brutes. Olivia — A woman you? 10 CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. Froky— (Surprised.) Why, yes! Olivia — Have loved a man? Frony — Well — ^yes! {This reservedly.'] Olivia — Have had an only son? Frony — (Sorrowfully.) Yes! yes! (Re-enter Bishop with Noah, unseen. ) Olivia — How many women may undo one's son? Frony — Mine was so marred by one and dragged to death. Olivia— One kills his body! Two may save his soul! Patsy and I — Frony— Advance you on defeat! [On seeing the Bishop and Noah they examine and measure their hands.] Noah — I see. Bishop— What now? Noah— A word perchance — Bishop — (Faint heartedly.) Perchance A word. Noah— Occasion's ripe. Bishop— Not for success. Noah — See you clearly? Bishop — Clearly enough. Know you I 've dealt with women ! Noah — Think you more than I? Bishop — The case is ours. You may conduct affairs. Noah— Goon! Goon! Bishop— My way? Noah — Well — yes — your way. Olivia — The way of hands— well — yes— the way of hands — Frony — Go on ! Go on ! We '11 measure them again. [Frony measures her own hands and then compares her foot with Olivia's. Olivia looks at Bishop.] Bishop — I '11 see this Caleb in his mother's house. Noah — You'll see a buzzard wooing God's elect; A serpent strangling love and fanging peace. Bishop — 'Twill be an argument that I can use. On now to Patsy's. Grandison lies dead. We '11 soothe the mother while we watch the son. Noah — The plan is good. Let 's hasten. Come you on. l^He goes out quickly and m,otions the Bishop to follow. Olivia has been watching the Bishop earnestly. She looks down and sees Frony com- paring their feet. Frony touches Olivia's foot with hers.] Frony— A healthy foot! Mine 's smaller. Think you so? Olivia — Unfair, Frony ! Ours is a game of hands. IThe Bishop bows as he calls their narnes. They bow in return. Bishop— Frony! Frony— Bishop! Bishop— Olivia! Olivia— Bishop ! [The Bishop goes out slowly, bowing to one and then to the other.] CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. 11 Frony — (Sarcastically.) Lover! Buzzard! Serpent! Caleb's the man? Olivia — A woman loves — Frony— A buzzard? Olivia— May be so. [Frony snaps her finger s.'\ Caleb 's the man! All things combine to show His viciousness and prove that he is low. Caleb 's the man! The world's experience Says: "Trust no man who throttles innocence!" [Exit Frony. ] Curtain rises on the next scene as Olivia goes out. SCENE IL— A Room in Patsy's Cottage. ONE DOOR LEADS TO YARD PROM END OF ROOM. AT OTHER END STEPS LEAD TO ROOM WHERE GRANDISON LIES DEAD. IN REAR IS A LONG, HIGH WINDOW. TWO CHAIRS AND TABLE ARE IN ROOM. POVERTY IS STAMPED ON ALL. Enter Rahab from death-chamber. He is followed closely by Frony. Patsy's groans come from room. He walks around room, turns pages of Bible for text. Frony follows and looks over his shoulder. Rahab — Grandison's death is no ill-wind to me. I '11 preach his funeral. 'T will open ways Whereby I may regain a step or two. Here is a text that suits the subject well. [He reads aloud."] " Man bom of woman is of few days and — " Frony — A skunk like you should preach no funeral. Rahab— Why? Why? I am a minister ! Now, why? Frony — You are a scamp, a thief, a devil ! a — ! [Noah and the Bishop enter hurriedly from yard. Rahab, seeing the Bishop, runs to chair, sits and turns up coat-collar to hide his face.} Bishop — Frony, we come! Does Patsy bear it well? Frony — She does! She groans! She swoons! She is nigh death! [Frony leads them toward death-chamber. The Bishop stops on steps and looks at Rahab, whose face is still hidden.] Bishop— That man? Frony— Rahab! Noah— 'T is Caleb's devil's man! [They enter death-chamber. Patsy's groans are heard. When the door is slammed, Rahab springs up as from a trap and runs to middle of floor. He shouts half-circularly. He puffs like a little steam engine the while. At end he stretches himself and breathes hard.] 12 CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. Rahab — I move me thus, when I am glad at heart. Who would I be? Myself — my own sweet self! IHe opens Bible and sits at table. Caleb enters from yard unseen, with whip and spurs in hand.'] Now, to this goodly text. The sermon will — Caleb— There is no need of sermon. Rahab— {Startled. ) Think you not? Caleb— No sermon! Rahab— (He rises. ) Why? Caleb — {Moves about.) Money! Money! Money! [He goes to window and calls hired man.] You, there ! Your laziness is wanted here ! Rahab — {He slams Bible on table.) {Aside.) Worthless! Worthless! I've missed my chance in life! [Hired man comes to window.] Caleb — {Gives him spurs.) Here take my spurs and stick yourself with them! [Hired man stands at window and looks at spurs. Caleb goes to door and calls the hired man.] You, there ! Yotir laziness is wanted here ! Rahab— ( To Caleb. ) You are a trainer ! Caleb— I? H. Man — {At door. Hands spurs to Caleb.) Your spurs? Caleb— {Shoves whip into hired man' s face.) My whip! Be off ! Your laziness needs stirring up ! [Hired man goes.] Rahab— Your spurs are fine! Your whip is good enough To flog a fellow such as you had here. Caleb— The law is all that saves his scaly back. Rahab— What need have you for whip and spurs? Caleb — My horse ! Rahab— Your horse? Caleb— My horse must clip it! Flesh is naught ! A little breeding serves a righteous end. Rahab— You have money! Explain! I am your friend. Caleb— (Pomis to death-chamber.) Five hundred dollars were upon his life. [Door of chamber is opened. Patsy groans. Frony rushes out. Noah stands on steps. Bishop stands in door.] Frony— {As she rushes out. ) Camphor ! Noah —{On steps. ) Camphor ! Bishop— {In door. ) Camphor ! Frony— {Hands bottle to Noah. ) Here ! Noah— (iJawds bottle to Bishop.) Here! [Noah and Bishop rush in. Frony rushes to door and turns to Caleb and Rahab.] Frony— {Scornfully. ) Devils ! [She enters.] Rahab— Five hundred dollars? Caleb— Yes, I have it all Save a few dimes, and they will come ere long. CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. 13 Rahab— You 've bought him? Caleb— Yes! Money flies! Rahab— (Makes motion raking in money. ) Me ward fly ! You said you 'd buy no horse without a tale. Caleb— He has a tale about him that 's a tale. Rahab— Tell it! [Noah in door of death-chamber.'] Noah— ( To Caleb. ) Your mother swoons ! Caleb — ( To Noah. ) I tell a tale ! Noah — Come ! Come ! Caleb— (Tb Noah.) Remain and hear the tale ! 'Tis smart! [Noah goes in quickly.] Rahab— His cost? Caleb— I thought you wished the tale. Rahab— The cost! Caleb — He cost a quacking duck and a torn apron. Rahab— The tale ! The tale ! Caleb— Jasper, the shoemaker, would not be a hatter lest his handi- work treat heads to a sweat, which treats eyes to a smarting, which fills the mind with hard thoughts, which sharpen as they leave the tongue. He would not be a glover lest there be more clapping than wearing. To wear is to prove greatness. To clap is to hand-bawl! A bawler! A bawler! Jasper would not be a bawler! He was — Rahab — A shoemaker ! Go on with the tale ! Caleb — He was too humane to kill a chinch which circled his neck time and again and ended on the tip of his nose before the whole congregation. Rahab— Neither you nor I can understand such humanity. The tale! Caleb — He was too honest to drink water in which the king's shoe- pegs had been soaked lest he thrive on stolen substance. Rahab — The King should have thriven on his blood ! Caleb— Now, Jasper owned a quacking duck that was clock to him in the morning, servant at meal-time, and that feathered his bed at night. A neighbor-woman, who was thirty and nine — and who should have had nine and thirty on her bare back— who talked the neighborhood into confusion, her husband into murder, her sons into theft, and her daughters into ill-marriages, stole the duck and hid it in a barrel. Rahab — Woman and mystery always make a good tale. Go on ! Caleb — "Woman," said Jasper, as she was feeding her ducks, "I suspect you of theft!" "Man," said the woman, "I suspect you of insolence! Let's see! Ducky! Ducky! I scatter you honest com!" ' ' Quack ! Quack ! ' ' came from the barrel. ' ' There 's life in the barrel ! ' ' said Jasper. "There 's a dream in your head! " replied the woman, and placed her apron over the barrel. "I'll have my duck!" said Jasper, and thrust his hand through the apron and seized the duck. As he held up the apron and duck a stranger rode up on the horse in question. "Fine morning!" said the stranger. "Quack!" Quack!" went the duck. Off! went the horse, leaving the stranger to take his fall as he had it, and his revenge as he could get it. Jasper was affrighted and said: "Who'll own the apron and the duck?" "I own the apron and 14 CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. the duck!" said I to the stranger. "I'll pay the damages!" said Jas- per. "I'll buy the horse!" said I. "Who'll pay for the apron?" bawled the woman. "I," answered the man and sprang to his feet. Ere I could pay the money the man and woman eloped. They perished in a storm. Jasper buried their bodies by way of damages; and I kept the horse as a matter of business. Rahab— A quacking duck and a torn apron! When will a fairy tale be given flesh and blood again? Caleb — Never! The horse cost me two hundred dollars. I 'm feeling gay ! When in such moments I am bound to tell a sprightly lie. Bishop — {In door.) Your mother is better! Caleb— (fle frowns, ) I'm worse ! [The Bishop shakes his head and goes m.] Rahab — Did you not say the sermon should not be? Caleb — I did! No sermon! Students will be here ! An undertaker, too ! A sham affair! You understand? Rahab— I do ! The sermon 's out ! Caleb — I rode the horse to find the students' place. Rahab — Your father's horse! Caleb — The horse his death-fees bought. Two hundred dollars of the five! You see? Rahab — You are so modem in your filial views. Caleb — "Weaker and wiser" is the ancient saw. [Hired Man appears at the window. Frony enters from death-chamber. ] Front— ( To Caleb. ) Your mother sleeps ! Caleb— That sleep will be too short! Hired Man — The undertaker, sir! Five other men! Four bear a litter ! Caleb — {To Rahab as he passes out.) It will bear the dead! [Exit hurriedly to the yard."] Frony— What said he? Rahab — Nothing that amuses you! Frony— Beware ! Rahab- Of what? Hell-fire? Frony — You seem to know! Re-enter Caleb with Undertaker. Caleb — {To Undertaker.) You know your trade? Undertaker— I do! Caleb— {Points to death-chamber.) Make estimate! [Exit Caleb quickly. Undertaker stops and looks around.} Rahab — {Roughly.) That way, death- worm! FROfiY— {Kindly) This way, kind sir! {Opens door.) Walk in! {Enter Undertaker. She closes door.) Grandison's blood! Rahab— What know I of his blood? Frony— You shed it! Rahab— Caleb shed it! Frony — Your thought helped ! CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. 15 [Caleb leads five Tnen with a litter past window. Rahab sees. Frony does not.Ji You taught him doctrine that will ruin youth. [He throws up Bible, catches it and whistles. '\ You sinned so well he loved sin's charming gilt. Rahab — I am a master then ! Hurrah for me ! Enter Caleb from death-chamber with Undertaker. Caleb— (Tb Frony.) The doctor enters! Have all come in here ! [Frony enters chamber. Caleb and Rahab talk aside. Undertaker approaches several times to speak, but is waved back by Caleb.] Enter Patsy. She groans. [She hobbles in, leaning on Noah and the Bishop. She holds money in hand. Frony follows and fans her. She is seated. They stand by her chair. Rahab hugs Bible and looks solemn.'] Caleb— (To Undertaker.) A thirty-dollar coffin? I say no! Five dollars for a robe? No, death- worm, no! Four carriages? No, undertaker, no! Think you a son must curb his appetite Because a pauper father breathes no'more? The living must have money! I 'm alive ! Cold dignity is all the dead require. The living must have money! Hear you that! He was my father! I am— well— his heir! Forgetfulness, I bid you hide the first! ^ I own the other for its luxury! *™ Five hundred dollars were upon his life ! I have it all save a few paltry dimes ! (Tb Patsy) — Old woman, you have that? Ah, cigarettes. [iiZie takes money from her. ] Now, undertaker — sober business man ! You see conditions ! Make your estimate ! You think about your trade? Drink! Cigarettes! You 'd rob me, sir? Drink ! Cocaine ! Cigarettes ! I 'd stake them, sir, against your trade — ^your life ! Out! Out! death-worm! Out! Out! You wont? You will! Offend not living men to serve the dead! Out! Out! [Undertaker /iwrries owt] He went! {To Patsy) — Old woman, why those tears? Patsy — (Faintly.) Caleb, my boy, where is your heart? Caleb— Patsy, Your husband has it in his pauper breast. He boasted of a hide-bound honesty. I boast me of my liberty and wit. Bishop— (To Caleb.) Are you a human being? Caleb — Look me o 'er! Bishop— You have a soul? Caleb — What mean you by that word? Bishop— I mean— Caleb — I would not know your meaning! You 16 CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. Would make sense senseless in explaining it! Bishop — You are a monster! Caleb — You have spoken truth! Bishop— You know not God! Caleb — You mean God knows not me! Bishop— You are an infidel? Caleb— lam! lam! Bishop — You move without a current, sail, or creed! Caleb — My current is myself ! My wit 's my sail ! Bishop— Your creed? Caleb — I have a creed! It suits you not! Bishop— What is it? Caleb — Here it is ! Prepare your ire ! Men stagger in my light, yet are too dull To see that my creed is infallible. They rather worship God whose cruel laws Are made up wholly of mistakes and flaws. The time shall be when they will cease to follow Views that are so disgusting and so hollow. Let blinded Christians, ere they think or stir. Confer with me, their great philosopher. When they have steeped their souls in blasphemy, And trodden under foot theology. They will be fit to teach true piety. As I have searched for light should Christians search. They '11 find that faith in God the soul will smirch. And know that hell 's another name for church. Therefore, my fellow-men, on you I call. I am your friend, and heartily extol My creed of life to save you, one and all. There is my creed! Bishop — It is no creed! Caleb— What then? Bishop — 'Tis soulful nothing with a dash of brain That sees itself polluted through itself. Frony— Our demon! Noah — Hell's forerunner! Patsy — (Motherly. She rises.) Caleb— son — This mother's breast of mine would feed you still! [Student taps on window-pane. Caleb goes to window. Rahab holds door leading to yard. Student gives Caleb money.} Student — ( To Caleb . ) Here is your money, sir ! We have the corpse ! 'Tis decomposed a little, but 'twill do. Frony— Students ! [Grandison's body is borne by window on a litter.} Bishop— My heavens ! Can it be? Frony— Students! CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. 17 Patsy— Caleb, your father! Oh— [Falls into l>i o ah' s arms. 'i Caleb— Be patient, fools! [Bishop peers out window. Front tries death-chamber door and finds it fastened. Caleb looks at money and smiles. Rahab motions to Mm to divide.} Curtain. ACT II. SCENE I.— Olivia's Lit)rary. Enter Olivia. Olivia— 'T was horrible! 'T was horrible! Caleb Did prove a demon ! 'T is my sober thought Great God will hear no prayers that he will make. Enter Frony hurriedly. Front — You should have seen! You should — Olivia — I heard enough. Front— Are satisfied? Olivia — That I should strive the more. Front — I 'd give my life to lead you out of this. Olivia — Lend me your wit. 'T will stand the better watch. Front— Upon which side? Explain ! I '11 take a breath ! [She sits on chair.] Olivia — An urchin stretches him upon the ground; And, dog-like, laps the water from the spring. He fears no ill. He thinks: "I am, therefore, I am protected." Life's too full of life To shake his faith. So Patsy trusts in God. One tells a story till the plot grows dear. Men clamor for a change. He says : ' ' Not so ! I 've put my joys and sorrows into it After this fashion." Patsy scorns to change Her worship's rule. 'Tis life through joy and pain. Such constancy is life in league with (Jod. She sees no penury in wanting bread When that want comes from giving, crumb by crumb. One's little store to such as toil for naught. A little sock or kerchief or a hood Is dearer unto her than volumes filled With deeds of men who slay the Grod in man For pen and ink to libel nature with. She serves her day by serving her hearth-stone. ! CALEB, THE DEGENERATE. Prony— She is so worthy! Speak the truth of her! Olivia. — A button 's dropped by some one in a crowd. ^ One passes it and scarcely sees its form. Another comes and sees it 's what it is, But goes his way unmindful of its worth. Another, curious and prudent-wise, Stores it about him for a future need. The need may come a score of times, but he Bethinks him not he has it near at hand. A wiser one will use it in his need. Perchance, with others of no kindred. Then Another, with fine sense of fitness, will Seek out its fellows somewhere and salute The seeing eye with wholeness. So we think. Thoughts face us as we move. We see them not; Or see them simply recognizably, And plod along unburdened by their aid; Or press them to us but ne'er think to use Such trifles when a serious moment comes; Or use them in connection where no trace Of fellowship or kindred may be found. Few use their thoughts as wisely as a child Uses the buttons it has found in play. Patsy is such a thinker. She can think A thought into the world, and thereby guard It with the destinies that save the world. She '11 soon give back to earth and air and sky Her mortal dust, immortal in its trend. Frony — She is so worthy! Olivia — You would help her then? Fbony— r would! Olivia — Help me ! Frony — To wed—? Olivia — No argument ! The Bishop comes ! Froi