Iliwl!! 'Ill J l!L •OlNMr/lMi liPi Class Book TS^fi^rT €lJ^ Co{pglitN?-i$^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSm INTERLUDES INTERLUDES BY CLARA BRADWAY CREVELING PHILADELPHIA THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. 19 13 T5 3-^ L fl!3 Copyright, 1913, by Clara Bradway Creveling Published, November, 1913 3Ci.A358243 Dedicated With Affection TO My Husband CONTENTS PAGE Treasure Trove - - 9 The Mocking Bird - 13 Apple Tree Inn - - 16 A Memory - 17 Little Brown Path - - 20 To a Friend - 22 Sunshine - - 24 Reflections - _ 26 The Garden in My Heart - 27 Beneath the Boughs _ 29 A Race _ - 31 The Forest Temple - - 34 In the Garden - _ - 36 To a Humming Bird _ 39 Within the Vale . - 40 Minnewaska - 44 Acrostic - - 46 An Easter Opening _ 47 A Mounted Jewel . - 50 A Picture - _ 53 Ipso Facto - - 56 (7) 8 CONTENTS PAGE My Lesson - - - - 58 Harmony - - - _ - 61 The Choir Invisible 62 The Shower - - - _ - 64 Response - - - _ 67 My Fortune - - _ _ - 68 The Garden of Long Ago - 69 Humorous Hard Times - - - _ - 75 Knowin' the Language 77 Chowder _ _ _ _ - 78 The Crow's Conundrum - 79 On a Bark - - - 80 A Change of Expression - 81 Style - 82 One Day a Little Girlie Said 83 Florida - 84 Limericks A Young Maid of Manila 87 When You' re Tripping - 88 There Was an Old Lady - 89 TREASURE TROVE From earliest years I've walked upon the sands Beside the Sea of Song, so wondrous sweet, And culled rich treasures, brought from distant lands By ebbing waves that left them at my feet. In inmost chambers of my heart and brain. These relics of surpassing worth lie stored. And oft with inward eye, I view again In blissful solitude, my precious hoard. Each treasure as I hold it to my ear Sings o'er and o'er, its own sweet low refrain, Of Love and Youth, of deepest Hope or Fear, Of Life or Death, of Happiness or Pain. (9) lo INTERLUDES Come then with me, dear friend, for well I know, Thou too hast wandered by this rhythmic Sea, Oft caught the cadence of its pulsing flow And listened to its measured melody. Behold this gem of purest ray serene. It came from dark unfathomed ocean caves, — Perhaps once worn by elfin mermaid queen, Or maiden fair who sleeps beneath the waves. From airy fabrics of a dream were made These trailing garments of the Goddess Night, And this, with patines of fine gold inlaid, A fragment of the floor of Heaven bright. INTERLUDES ii Beside this wing of lark that soared above, Whose sweetest song bespoke the saddest thought, You see the iris of the burnished dove, Its glowing colors from the rainbow caught. And here are full ten thousand daffodils And many pink-tipped daisies wee and fair, That dance in glee by Derwent's sparkling rills, Or broider bright the bonny banks of Ayr. The shattered vase still holds the roses' scent. It summons up remembrance of things past, — 12 INTERLUDES The days of Youth, with Love and Pleasure spent, That were too bright, too beautiful to last. From stately ships, some shreds and bits of sail Were found hard by the haven 'neath the hill, Beside a cold gray stone. They tell the tale Of vanished hands, beloved voices still. The catalogue of all these treasures bright Is bound in many volumes new and old. I con the precious pages with delight, Yea, more to be desired than much fine gold. INTERLUDES 13 THE MOCKING BIRD "His ancestors were Quakers, dear, For see his garb of gray. But now he's not quite Orthodox," I heard a sweet voice say. — "He followed the bent Of the world and went. Thee knows, yes, quite astray. "Instead of quiet, sober speech Quite reckless of the wrong, He lilts and chirps and sings and trills, Sometimes the whole day long; And even at night In the pale moonlight, I've heard his mocking song. 14 INTERLUDES "I saw him dance this very morn Adown the garden bed, The figure called a minuet With one he's going to wed. I very much fear Some day he'll wear A crimson crest on head. "Thee knows the world is changing, dear, We seldom see these days, In silent meetings the old-time garb — Those dove-like browns and grays — Of the ones we knew, The loved and true, With their quiet, restful ways. "Perhaps 'twere best to rest content With birds and folks as well. And let them dance and laugh and love. INTERLUDES 15 Nor long their songs to quell; For it really may Be God's own way Life's dark clouds to dispel." INTERLUDES APPLE TREE INN A million rosy pennants fair Are fluttering in the breeze, Sweet signals are they for the birds And many humming bees, To dine al-fresco, free of charge With our old apple trees. Some noted singers will perform A merry roundelay, — Sir Robin in a waistcoat red And Oriole so gay. Come one! Come all! to Apple Inn, For 'tis the month of May. INTERLUDES 17 A MEMORY Beloved old Apple Tree Inn At the foot of the clover-crowned hill, How oft in your branches I've been, And how often I think of you still, 'Mid the city's confusion and din. You kept open house, in those days Long ago, for the girls and the boys; Suggesting such wonderful plays. More delightful than dolls or than t03's; All a dream now in memory's haze. You were to us then a great ship, Through the wide world we'd sail and we'd sail, And have such a glorious trip. With the breeze blowing fresh, in a gale That would cause us to rise and to dip. 2 i8 INTERLUDES Sometimes, with a bent pin and string, We would fish from a great spreading bough; And oh! the sweet blossoms in Spring, How the fragrance returns to me now. And I hear once again the birds sing. To friends in a neighboring tree. We would cry, "Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!" Then climb up the rigging in glee. Shouting loud with the fun and the joy. Ah! again, for one day so care free. With honey your table you'd spread, In the Spring for the birds and the bees, In Autumn, with apples so red, All the rosy cheeked children to please, For they never refused to be fed. INTERLUDES 19 Oh boys and dear girls of that band, You are scattered so widely today, Some, wealth and position command. Locks once dark, are now sprinkled with gray, One has sailed to a far distant land. As birds from the apple tree flown, Some have mated and built them a nest, With children like buds freshly blown, Whom I hope play the plays that are best, In a dear orchard tree all their own. Beloved old Apple Tree Inn, At the foot of the clover-crowned hill. Many times in your branches Fve been: Through the years I shall think of you still. With a feeling to rev'rence akin. 20 INTERLUDES LITTLE BROWN PATH Little brown path in the wood, Oh where will you lead me, I wonder. Far down by the sociable brook. Or 'round by some rocky cliffs under? Little brown path in the wood, I pause for your faintest suggestion. So point out the way, be my guide, ril follow without fear or question. Little brown path in the wood, 'Tis Nature's Cathedral before us; Oh hark to the wind in the trees. How solemnly grand is the chorus. INTERLUDES 21 Little brown path in the wood, Let's wait for the incense and blessing, Descending from altars above — I'm sure 'tis a time for confessing. Little brown path in the wood, In more ways than one I'm your debtor, Still steadily upward we've come To things that are purer and better. Little brown path in the wood, I thank you so much for your guiding; We're now at the top of the hill. My vision is clear and abiding. 22 INTERLUDES TO A FRIEND It was back again to the city, To the crowded and dust-laden street, From the fields of the crimsoning clover And the breath of the wild flowers sweet, From the notes of the thrush and the black- bird And the meadows of buttercup bloom. To the rattle of cars and of motors, And the subway's dark tunnels of gloom. I was homesick, I know, for the hillside And the deep azure breadth of the sky, Only buildings so tall and unbending. In the place of the pine trees so high. INTERLUDES 23 In the crowd as it passed, I saw faces (Such a changing and varying stream); They appeared and then vanished as quickly As the ones that we see in a dream. All were blank and so strangely unmeaning; Never one did a greeting extend, And I felt so alone, when before me. Came a face, yes, the face of a friend. Like the oak of the forest so sturdy, Was the grasp of his hand firm and strong. And his smile was a bit of pure sunshine, In his voice was a bird's cheery song. Then the city's dull roar and confusion Did no longer my senses offend. All the peace of the meadows and woodlands I had found in the heart of my friend. 24 INTERLUDES SUNSHINE Sing a song of sunshine, Ever know such weather? Banks of wild thyme blooming, Just the hue of heather. Busy bees a-humming, Birds are warbHng clear. Isn't this a wonder-world At this time of year? The King is in his castle With problems sore perplexing; The Queen is in her palace With questions just as vexing; I am on the hillside, 'Neath a bright blue sky, Watching cloud-ships sailing Noiselessly on high. INTERLUDES 25 What is wealth but trouble; Fame, the wise man scorns, Are not crowns and castles Synonyms for thorns? Soul, be filled with sunshine. Give as it is given — Gilding darkest homes of earth With the light of Heaven. 26 INTERLUDES REFLECTIONS The lake is gleaming in the sun Like burnished silver bright, The slender birches, one by one. Reflect long lines of white; And laurel glows With tints of rose In beds of malachite. I gaze into the fairy deep With crinkling shadows strewn. Where feathery clouds float by asleep, Lulled by the rhythmic croon Of wave and breeze. Oh joys like these Are gifts of blessed June. INTERLUDES 27 THE GARDEN IN MY HEART I have a garden in my heart Where memories bloom, Sweet blossoms of the fragrant past, Of rare perfume. Its pansy-bordered paths I pace In silent hours, And rainbow-tinted thoughts I pluck From these dear flowers. Blue-eyed forget-me-nots grow here. Recalling friends Whose absence, with affection pure, More closely blends. 28 INTERLUDES One tiny snowy bud I see 'Mid falling tears, But on my breast 'twill bloom again Through endless years. True Love's dear Rose still blooms afresh With Happiness; So constant all these many years My Life to bless. This lovely garden in my heart Where mem'ries bloom, In Heavenly soil will be to me A rich perfume. INTERLUDES 29 BENEATH THE BOUGHS *'There is Nothing in the Universe that I fear but that I shall not know all my duty, or shall fail to do it." (Inscription on Mary Lyon's tomb) Green boughs of oak and maple wave Above the stone that marks her grave, And shower purple shadows down In trembling wreaths, as tho' to crown With spirit leaves the spirit dear Of one who loved to wander here. Brave soul was she and undismayed, Of nought on this round world afraid But that in hearing Duty's Call She might not clearly know it all 30 INTERLUDES Or fail to do it; Words that still We own have power our hearts to thrill, Tho' years have flown since she was laid Beneath the oak and maple shade. So many lives with hers were blent; They trod with her the steep ascent Up Learning's hill — she leading on Till summit reached and victory won, She vanished from their mortal eyes To gain the lasting Heavenly prize. But countless youthful pilgrims still Press on and up that self-same hill. Fresh courage take by this lone grave Where boughs of oak and maple wave. INTERLUDES 31 A RACE A runaway road met a rollicking rill, The latter, one moment, could never stand still — Not pausing, he bowed, and with infinite grace He challenged the road just to run him a race. Away they went swiftly, adown a steep hill— The runaway road and the rollicking rill— And reaching the foot both in unison cried, "We kept quite together! We're still side by side!" 32 INTERLUDES The rollicking rill then in frolicsome mood Jumped over the road, which was cer- tainly rude, And hidden from sight, 'neath the bushes and ferns Went giggling and gurgling in tortuous turns. The runaway road was amused by this prank — She waded across to the opposite bank, There sped up the hill and then down through the glen And called to the rill, "Ah! I've caught you again." They parted at last; ran the rill to the sea, The road to the top of the hillside with me; INTERLUDES 33 But strolling along at the hour of ten The very next day — they were racing again. 34 INTERLUDES THE FOREST TEMPLE 'Twas Sabbath morn, and floating on the air Came sound of bells inviting all to prayer; But heedless of the call, I idly strayed Through silent cloisters 'neath the pine tree's shade. And on a mossy couch at length reclined, There opened wide the windows of my mind. The wandering wind swayed branches to and fro, And sang the song that only pine trees know; About me, softest shadows sifting down. Made forest path an arabesque of brown; INTERLUDES 35 Then suddenly I heard a voice that said, "Awake! Arise! Behold the table spread; Take thou the bread of life — sip thou the wine, Commune with us and make this temple thine." With heavenly comfort then, my heart was filled. And all my soul seemed strangely, sweetly thrilled; Refreshed and cheered, I went my home- ward way, The distant bells, still chiming, seemed to say, " 'Tis well! 'Tis well! — the hours spent apart. The still small voice is Priest — His Temple is thy heart." 36 INTERLUDES IN THE GARDEN DafFy Dilly's in the garden With the sunshine on her hair, She has loosed her soft green mantle, And stands gaily nodding there. To her friends the Misses Violet, With their lovely eyes of blue; Shy and modest, lips of perfume, And their robes all wet with dew. DafFy speaks: "I came this morning By the Subway Express train; Had a 'phone from Madame Nature, * Hurry, do! with might and main/ INTERLUDES 37 "For she told me that her op'ning Would be scheduled for today; Have you been here long awaiting? Have the fashions changed much, say?" Said the Violets: "No, we think not, We go always gowned in blue, Though some cousins dress in yellow. Some in white — but very few. But we hear of startling changes In the glass house over there; The head gardener this morning Called the blossoms quaint and rare. To remain ourselves 'twere better, For, dear DafFy, only think Just how queer you'd look in rose tints, Or of us in cherry pink. 38 INTERLUDES "Well, good-bye! We're glad we met you, We will see you at the show. Pray don't lose your pretty head, dear, You will take the prize, we know." INTERLUDES 39 TO A HUMMING BIRD Like jeweled javelin thou dost dart and float, Sweet nectar sipping from a golden chalice, A glowing ruby, pendant at thy throat — No rarer gem was ever worn in palace. We know the secret deep within thy heart That brings thee daily to our jasmine trellis; 'Tis love of praise, thou vain one! do not start — Is not thy meal the sweeter for it, tell us? 40 INTERLUDES WITHIN THE VALE Oh, could I dwell in upper air, Far, far above the toiling earth, And meet one soul in friendship there — A friend of deepest, truest worth — 'Mid silence of the stars to share The secret of Creation's birth; What sweet soul-happiness were mine. But ah! my sighs do naught avail, That friend for whom I inly pine, Will meet me only in the vale. « ♦ 4: * * "Come, dearest one, leave this low plain. Seest thou that tow' ring summit high ? To breathe that air, what wondrous gain- Take one step up — Beloved, try." INTERLUDES 41 But all my pleadings were in vain; No wings had he with which to fly. I would not leave him if I could Alone, the heights above to scale, And so in sad and tender mood We walked together in the vale. But one day came a head of gold To lay upon my throbbing breast; I saw the lovely flower unfold And watched it grow and felt at rest. Then suddenly 'twas white and cold And set my hfe, as sun in west. Dark starless nights and days of gloom — I seemed as one without the pale. Nor recked I the impending doom Condemned to live within the vale. I N i"i:r mides Our iiij'lii I I.iy ill slmiilx r (Iccp AikI Ii.mI .1 vision woikIhmis I. hi: A j',.iiil( M on I In- .'.Mniiy \l< « p WmIi lovely llowi I.', hlooinni/', llicK-; And s.ivv ( )li joy, ili.il in.ilus one wct*p — My lilll< one Willi ;M)l(l(n li.iii. 'l,oolv, Lov( !" I iiM(l Willi .ill my ini^^Iil. Il( w,ik(inve, That led us on the upward trail, i'of no// orj rit;irTy h*:it;htj> abovr: Wc flv/f:ll no rrjor<: v/ithin th*: vale. 44 INTERLUDES MINNEWASKA Hemlock and chestnut and maple, Birch tree and poplar and pine, Fern beds and mosses and lichens. Delicate tendrils of vine. Roseate vistas of laurel, Beds of rhodora so fair. Sassafras, sumach and elder, Wild roses scenting the air. Waterfalls roaring and plunging. Cascades of foam and of sound. Glens always dim as in twilight, Silence so deep and profound. INTERLUDES 45 Lullabies sung by the pine trees, Surf-like and soothing at night, Music of birds in the morning. Tints of the sunset so bright. Mountain and valley and woodland, Cliffs rugged, rocky and tall. Guarding a lake of pure crystal. Soft fleecy clouds over all. Where will you find all this beauty? Satisfy soul, sight and mind .? Weary ones, haste ye this moment Fair Minnewaska to find. 46 INTERLUDES ACROSTIC Mirrored in the crystal lake Is a picture passing fair, Not a ripple small to break Nor a wand'ring wind to shake, Every object, perfect there. When the sun puts out his light And the darkness hides the shores, Stars float there all thro' the night. Keep their magic lanterns bright, As the fairies ply their oars. INTERLUDES 47 AN EASTER OPENING The Spring has opened wide her doors For all the world to view Her wondrous stock of broideries rare And garnitures so new. She has her hving models draped In gauzy shades of green. And shimmering robes of rosy pink, Fit trousseau for a queen. The Maples' coral ear-drops glow Like rubies rare and fine; The Oak boughs wear a tasselled fringe With iridescent shine. 48 INTERLUDES And here's a rug of mossy green With galax leaves inlaid, And sprays of fragrant arbutus, In Nature's hand-loom made. The peach all garlanded in pink And blushing as with pride, Is Maid of Honor to her friend The snowy Dog-wood bride. But fairer still than bud or fringe, Or flower-bordered rills. The chifFon veils, that deftly drape The outlines of the hills. Spring, radiant, prides herself on these, Displays their changing hue From amethyst or pearly gray To tints of misty blue. INTERLUDES 49 Their gauzy streamers float in folds, Beneath the turquoise skies. I fain would fancy God Himself As thrilled with glad surprise. 50 INTERLUDES A MOUNTED JEWEL Away in far Palermo 'Neath skies of softest blue Where tideless Mediterranean Reflects their azure hue, Near Garibaldi's garden, In gay Sicilian cart, A vision most entrancing Completely won my heart. A tiny little maiden The quaint conveyance bore, A model for Murillo — True elf of fairy lore. With cauliflowers around her Of tend'rest green and white, INTERLUDES 51 She drove the smallest donkey In Moorish trappings bright. Sedately by the bridle There walked in garments rude, Head crowned by bright berretta, The father, olive-hued. Like shaft from Cupid's arrow I caught her roguish smile. Her ringlets dark all straying From crimson hood the while — And felt a sudden yearning To clasp her to my breast As once I held the dear one So long since laid to rest. They passed me by; but often I see that vision clear, And long to paint the picture That mem'ry holds so dear. INTERLUDES Ah! some who drive in grandeur With liveried lackeys tall, For this poor man's one jewel Would gladly give their all. INTERLUDES A PICTURE (Taken from Pine Cliff Path) Come look at a picture this morning, Sit near me and let your eye turn To great rocky boulders imbedded So deep in a mass of sweet fern. Near by is a tempest tossed pine tree; What great twisted branches he flings! The shadows he casts are a quiver, They dance to the song that he sings. There, clumps of tall birches in sunlight Like maidens in gowns of pure white \Mio stand with their arms all entwining, A vision of grace and delight. 54 INTERLUDES Below, lies an ocean of woodland With tree-tops of billowing green, And charmed by their rhythmical motion The eye lingers long on the scene. Those patches of purple and amber Are homes with gay gardens and farms, Suggesting a vision of plenty, And lives free from stress and alarms. A glint of a great river winding Ijetween the blue hills you descry. Beyond, there are mountains and mountains That melt into mists of the sky. Faint tints of the opal above them That shade to a rich sapphire hue, And cloudlets of foam that in fancy Seem ships on an ocean of blue. INTERLUDES And who is the wonderful painter With brush of such consummate skill, WTiose studio winter and summer Each day we may view if we will? Not only the large things, the lofty. His canvasses grandly display. The tiniest twig or a tendril As well He v.ill deftly portray. He pencils with purple the pansy. Enamels the butterfly's wings; He rints the sweet rose by the wayside, .And breast of the wild bird that sings. I hen teach me, O Master of masters! Instruct Thou my hand and my heart. And show to me how I may truly Some bit of Thy secret impart. 56 INTERLUDES IPSO FACTO I walked adown the garden path One early dewy morn, Enjoying much the fragrant air From blossoms newly born, But stopped in wonder as I saw A dwelling quite complete Had been erected in the night Amongst my roses sweet. In form it was a circle round, And had a winding stair, And many portals op'ning wide Inviting light and air. INTERLUDES 57 Its chambered walls were hung with lace, So shadowy, filmy, fine, I thought the owner must possess The famed Golconda mine. For on the floating fairy threads Were dewy diamonds bright, Each gem a ransom for a king — Rich arabesques of light. How could I tear the structure down! The case was very plain, The owner clearly proved the right Of eminent domain. 58 INTERLUDES MY LESSON Perhaps the sun did really shine- But still the day seemed dark; A disappointment I had had, — I wandered in the park. And there upon a bench I sat Beneath a spreading tree (Unmindful of the passers by) In gloomy reverie. How long I sat I do not know, But wakened at the sound Of halting footsteps on the path; A young girl simply gowned INTERLUDES 59 Was passing on her wooden crutch, Her face with care was Hned, And looking closer still, I saw She was both lame and blind. She found a seat not far away, Unconscious of my gaze, Assumed the attitude of one Who listens as she prays. Before my thoughts, my selfish self Recoiled in utter shame. How could I say my lot was hard, How much I was to blame. I rose and from the boughs above (For 'twas the month of May) I plucked the tender apple blooms — A fragrant rosy spray — 6o INTERLUDES And silently, for not a word Had I at my command, The buds I took with rev' rent air And laid them in her hand; Then walked at once in haste away; My lesson I had learned; I counted all my blessings twice As home I gladly turned. INTERLUDES 6i HARMONY The outline of the purple hills, Etched soft against the sapphire skies — The whispering pines — the birds' soft trills, The violets blue as maiden's eyes — And draught of crystal air that thrills The inmost soul with glad surprise; This seemeth Life's best, greatest boon; But wouldst thou know a bliss above E'en this? — ^To feel thy heart in tune With the Creator, and His Love. 62 INTERLUDES THE CHOIR INVISIBLE Beside the fragrant flowery mountain way, A little chapel holds aloft the Cross, And welcomes pilgrims when they come to pray At vesper hour amid the ferns and moss. The rector, standing at the open door. Beneath the shadow of the purple pines, Reads rev'rently the simple service o'er. And in true worship every head inclines. Each heart communes with God in tend'rest mood. Impressive is the silence and the hush. When suddenly from depths of dusky wood — The Gloria, chanted by the hermit thrush. INTERLUDES 63 -^olian sounds that echo far and near, To rest at last, within my inmost heart, — There, when Life's wintry winds are chill and drear. To waken Spring once more, and Joy impart. i \ 64 INTERLUDES THE SHOWER Over Sky-top's rocky dome, Comes the welcome shower at last, Gauzy curtains of the rain. Following close upon the blast. Veiling outlines of the hills, Covering the valley floor, Till a mighty misty sea Billows where was land before. Sweeping up the wooded slope, Like an army in its might, All the forest trees salute. Bending low before the sight. INTERLUDES 65 Then the lightning's javeHns rend, Cloud from cloud in upper air, And the thunder growls and roars Like a lion in his lair. Little rivers flood the path, Waterfalls plunge from the eaves, All the trees and plants and shrubs. Show with pride their ghstening leaves. Lily cups filled to the brim, Diamonds sparkle on the rose, Every tiny blade and bud Owns a gem that brightly glows. Now the sun peeps coyly out From the widening rifts of blue; Gone the mighty sea of mist. Once again the valley view. 5 66 INTERLUDES Range on range of distant hills Outlined clear against the sky; Sky-top views the world once more, P rom his rocky fortress high. INTERLUDES 67 RESPONSE Since thou went forth to that Far Land And left me here alone, L've craved a missive from thy hand Placed close within my own. Last night in dreams I called thy name- And lo, a heavenly host! From starr>- heights thy letter came To me by angel post. 68 INTERLUDES MY FORTUNE Sapphire — the color of the skies, Topaz — the radiant sunlight fair. No gems can vie with baby's eyes Nor molten gold with baby's hair. More precious far than Orient pearls His teeth are set 'twixt rubies red, The sun imprisoned in his curls, Makes diamond aureole round his head, The richest millionaire on earth Has purse too small with which to buy My gem of gems, of priceless worth — The love-li^ht in my baby's eye. INTERLUDES 69 THE GARDEN OF LONG AGO (Adapted from the French of Mme. Rostand) When my blonde locks shall be silvered And thine shall be pov»dered with snow, Some bright May morning we'll wander In the garden of Long Ago. We will warm ourselves in that sunshine And youth to our hearts 'twill restore, Caressingly smile on each other, Be ardent young lovers once more. Thine eyes shall be lustrous and tender. Thy voice filled with music, and low, When my blonde locks shall be silvered And thine shall be powdered with snov.-. The old mossy bench in that garden, Beloved, we'll seek as of yore, 70 INTERLUDES And murmur those exquisite nothings And kiss and embrace and adore. Once more wilt thou whisper, ''I love thee/' Once more the sweet story be told, And on our old heads the bright sunlight Will turn all the silver to gold. To taste once again all that sweetness. Those long vanished days to restore, The old mossy bench in that garden Beloved, we'll seek as of yore. As ever today will I love thee. Far better than tongue can e'er say; Each yesterday less than the morrow. Tomorrow, still more than today. No matter if Time unrelenting Should write on our foreheads his sign, INTERLUDES 71 Still closer and closer Love's tendrils Will clasp, interlace and entwine. More tenderly then and with fervor, Thy hand will I take as I say, 'Each yesterday less than the morrow, Tomorrow, still more than today." As a miser buries his treasure, So deep in my heart do I hold True Love, which ennobles, enriches With happiness purer than gold. And when we are aged, my darling. This fortune we'll still have as ours, Restoring to us as by magic The sweetness of love as of flowers. Then deep in my heart will I hide it That fortune which this day we hold; 'Tis Love which ennobles, enriches With happiness purer than gold. 72 INTERLUDES When my blonde locks shall be silvered And thine shall be powdered with snow, Beloved, again will we wander In this garden of Long Ago. Again in our hearts 'twill be May-time, The years of our love will unfold A vision of heavenly sunshine Disclosing a pathway of gold That leads to the Garden Celestial; There hand in hand clasped, let us go When my blonde locks shall be silvered And thine shall be powdered with snow. HUMOROUS INTERLUDES 75 HARD TIMES '*Doom! Doom!" croaked a solemn old frog, As he looked at his world from a log; "Meat's dreadfully high; Do look at that fly Still soaring away, *Twere better I sa\- Could I live just the life of a dog." ''Cheer up!" piped a robin in air, "You have plenty of v/ealth and to spare. Come! alter your tone; A bank all your own, And greenbacks galore, What can you wish more Than to be a bij? froj{ millionaire?" 76 INTERLUDES *'Doom! Doom!" said the solemn old frog, And continued to croak on his log; *'My bank it will break, My fortune's a fake. All water, my stock, Ach! Himmel! Ach! Ach!" In despair then he plunged in the bog. INTERLUDES ^-j KNOWIN' THE LANGUAGE (Pat at the Siege of Paris) *'Qui va la?" sez the guard Wid an impident stare. And, knowin' the language, "Je,'* sez I, wid an air. And wid that, his shoulder Wint up to his ear, And "Comment?" sez he Wid a menacin' leer. Thin my timper give way But I niver wanst flinched, *' 'Tis, come on yourself, sir," Sez I, and we clinched. 78 INTERLUDES CHOWDER Said a crab to a clam, "How happy I am To meet you! Pray, how is your mammy?" The clam opened his shell And said, "Not very well. Her flesh is so cold and so clammy" Said the crab, "Now I too Am feeling quite blue, For a canine, supposed to be rabid. Caught my mother-in-law And mangled her jaw, And now she's so dreadfully crabbed,'* INTERLUDES 79 THE CROWS CONUNDRUM From my window I can see A coal-black crow in a paw-paw tree. Hidden away under leaves of green Is the golden fruit; but his eyes so keen Have found the prize, and he laughs, ''Haw! Haw! What a wonderful tree is this paw-paw!" So into the ripest he jabs his bill And eats away till he has his fill; Then, winking one eye, he looks at me And says, *'I own this tropical tree! Now tell me, pray, just why am I The very worst cannibal under the sky? Because, you see. Haw! Haw! Haw! Haw! I love to devour my own Paw-paw." 80 INTERLUDES ON A BARK Said a surly sea dog — a curmudgeon — To a lazy Jack-tar, "What a gale! Yourself, you must quickly be sturgeon, Else your fate you will surely be whale. 'Should this vessel turn turtle or founder My mussels full weight I'll lay on, I'll knock you as flat as a flounder, Taking vengeance, you lazy tarpon." INTERLUDES 8i A CHANGE OF EXPRESSION "Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" said a wise owl perched up in a tree. ''Hee, hee, hee!" said the silly maid, "Te hee, hee, hee!" "Hi, Hi, Hi!" said the bird man, "I'll fly through a cloud." "Ho, Ho, Ho!" said the farmer. "My fields must be plowed." " Heigh-ho-heigh !" said the lazy man, sti- fling a yawn. "Hew-hew-hew!" said the woodsman, mighty of brawn. "Haw-hee Haw!" said the donkey, begin- ning to bray. "Ha, ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the children at play. 82 INTERLUDES STYLE Such dashing styles the Spring assumes This year, the Easter morn to greet, A hat with sweeping willow plumes, And violet sandals on her feet. INTERLUDES 83 ONE DAY A LITTLE GIRLIE SAID One day a little girlie said, With a saucy toss of her curly head And numerous hops and wriggles, ''I am so happy, Mother dear, I feel away inside me here I'm just stuffed full of giggles." 84 INTERLUDES FLORIDA A picture panoramic Portrayed in fewest lines: The land of pickaninnies, Palmettos, pigs and pines. LIMERICKS INTERLUDES 87 A YOUNG MAID OF MANILA There was a young maid of Manila Who wore a fur coat of Chinchilla; Her favorite dish Was fritters and fish Served hot with a sauce of vanilla. 88 INTERLUDES WHEN YOU'RE TRIPPING When you're tripping on your tiptoes up to Tryon You may meet some day a mighty mountain Hon; Let me laughingly explain 'Twill be minus mouth and mane Just a mighty little sandy dande-lion. INTERLUDES 89 THERE WAS AN OLD LADY There was an old lady said, ''Now I will knit me a shawl, but pray how ? No wool can I get, Some way I'll find yet." And straightway she knitted her brow. ^^t Snternational ©reiBtf PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA U. S. A. ?;0\' !6 isia