Part 2 (1/2)

Each sunflower nodded its yellow head.

”Ned Brown's growing rich”--John's words came slow-- ”That he loves you well you doubtless know.

”My house and acres, I held them fast, Was stubborn over them to the last,

”For when my father was carried forth, And men were asking 'What was he worth?'

”I saw them look and nod and smile As they whispered together all the while,

”'A fine old homestead, but mortgaged so, A foolish thing for a man to do!'

”I said, 'My father's dead and gone, But he's left behind a strong-armed son.'

”My heart was hot with a purpose set To clear that mortgage, to pay that debt.

”I've worked, heaven knows, like any slave, I've learned the lesson of scrimp and save,

”Kept a good horse, but dressed like a clown-- And I've not a dollar to call my own.

”I'm beaten--well beaten; yesterday Everything went to Ned Brown from me.

”My woods, my meadows, my ta.s.seled corn, The orchard planted when I was born,

”The old rose garden my mother loved, My chestnut mare--can't help feeling moved,

”For I'm a beggar, Nan, you see-- Don't think me begging for sympathy.

”The world is wide, I don't care--much.

Thank G.o.d, health's a thing the law can't touch.

”The happiest man I ever knew Was born a beggar, and died one, too.”

Each sunflower, nodding its yellow head, Listened to every word that was said,

As Nan in her slow and easy way, In the farmhouse kitchen that summer day,

Set a great and weighty problem forth, One that no scholar on this green earth

Has been able to solve since things began With Adam--a lone and lonesome man.

Yet very coolly she set it forth: ”Tell me the truth, how much am _I_ worth?”

The sunbeams kissing her golden hair, Her cheeks, her round arms dimpled and bare,

Seemed stamping value of mighty wealth On youth, and love, and the bloom of health.

John looked and looked till his eyes grew dim, Then tilted the hat with worthless brim