Part 16 (1/2)

LILLA CABOT PERRY

THREE QUATRAINS

THE CUP

SHE said, ”Lift high the cup!”

Of her arm's weariness she gave no sign, But, smiling, raised it up That none might see or guess it held no wine.

FORGIVE ME NOT!

FORGIVE me not! Hate me and I shall know Some of Love's fire still burns within your breast!

Forgiveness finds its home in hearts at rest, On dead volcanoes only lies the snow.

THE ROSE

ONE deep red rose I dropped into his grave, So small a thing to give so great a friend!

Yet well he knew it was my heart I gave And must fare on without it to the end,

LILLA CABOT PERRY

A VALENTINE, UNSENT STAY, flaming rose, 'twould grieve her heart To see you fade away, Unloved, unwelcome and apart From every joy to-day.

Once long ago your tale was new, Days distant yet so dear; Why say her lover still is true, When that is all her fear?

Why thus recall another's pain, Her tender heart to fret?

Best let her think he loves again, Who never can forget!

MARGARET PERRY

s.h.i.+PBUILDERS

THE German people reared them An idol made of wood; And Hindenburg before them Lifelike and stupid stood.

To clothe him all in iron And thus his soul express, With nails and spikes they covered His wooden nakedness.

And when they, thus had clothed him All in a suit of mail, Still came they, wild-eyed, looking For s.p.a.ce to drive a nail.

Whenever Teuton airmen Slay boys and girls at play, Or U-boats, drowning babies, Create a holiday.

Then, gathering round their statue, A happy German throng Drive nails into the idol To make him still more strong.

Avenge the babes, s.h.i.+pbuilders, That on the seas have died; Avenge the little children Murdered for Wilhelm's pride.

Come, gather at the s.h.i.+pyards, And let your hammers ring, For more than s.h.i.+ps and cargoes Waits on your fas.h.i.+oning.

Come, gather at the s.h.i.+pyards; With every bolt you drive Bethink you 'tis the Kaiser Whose brutish head you rive.