Page:Near nature's heart; a volume of verse (IA nearnaturesheart00jack).pdf/94

 "'Tis true, my teeth went long ago; Now painless ones I have, you know. Yet I visit oft in my tar-heel town A store and a girl in a showy gown, To buy her gum and soothing smile; You scarce believe me, it's many a mile I thus have trod with loving guile— And one day laughing my teeth fell down, In her presence, sir, I could not help it."

"That winsome girl who serves our table— I vow that I am quite unable To keep my eyes from following her, As tail doth horse, 'neath whip and spur; I'm honest sir; I cannot help it.

"My little dog—he's just a fice— Returns my love, his paradise. I brought him down to Florida; But the finest dog in all America Can't take the place of a girl so sweet— From crown to sole of her dainty feet, My love's complete— And, it's all the truth, sir, I cannot help it."

"Just seventy-three— 'Tis plenty for me, I wish it were less, But nevertheless this girl of eighteen Could rule me as queen; And have all I possess, For her sweetest caress— Sir, by the Lord and His goodness, I cannot help it!"

AN ODE ON WOODROW WILSON AND THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

I.

In all the cycles past the good and wise Have dreamed of Wisdom's way; The prophets' eyes Could see, and they foretold the day, The glory of the coming paradise; And higher far than lofty prophets bold, In every stage Of human rage, The God of hosts hath willed his vast, united fold.