Part 2

4 THE CROCUSES.

In the everlasting arms Mid life's dangers and alarms Let calm trust your spirit fill; Know He's God, and then be still." Trustingly I raised my head Hearing what the atom said; Knowing man is greater far Than the brightest sun or star.

THE CROCUSES.

They heard the South wind sighing A murmur of the rain; And they knew that Earth was longing To see them all again.

While the snow-drops still were sleeping Beneath the silent sod; They felt their new life pulsing Within the dark, cold clod.

Not a daffodil nor daisy Had dared to raise its head; Not a fairhaired dandelion Peeped timid from its bed;

THE CROCUSES. 5

Though a tremor of the winter Did shivering through them run; Yet they lifted up their foreheads To greet the vernal sun.

And the sunbeams gave them welcome. As did the morning air And scattered o'er their simple robes Rich tints of beauty rare.

Soon a host of lovely flowers From vales and woodland burst; But in all that fair procession The crocuses were first.

First to weave for Earth a chaplet To crown her dear old head; And to beautify the pathway Where winter still did tread.

And their loved and white haired mother Smiled sweetly 'neath the touch, When she knew her faithful children Were loving her so much.

6 THE PRESENT AGE.

THE PRESENT AGE.

Say not the age is hard and cold-- I think it brave and grand; When men of diverse sects and creeds Are clasping hand in hand.

The Parsee from his sacred fires Beside the Christian kneels; And clearer light to Islam's eyes The word of Christ reveals.

The Brahmin from his distant home Brings thoughts of ancient lore; The Bhuddist breaking bonds of caste Divides mankind no more.

The meek-eyed sons of far Cathay Are welcome round the board; Not greed, nor malice drives away These children of our Lord.

And Judah from whose trusted hands Came oracles divine; Now sits with those around whose hearts The light of God doth shine.

THE PRESENT AGE. 7

Japan unbars her long sealed gates From islands far away; Her sons are lifting up their eyes To greet the coming day.

The Indian child from forests wild Has learned to read and pray; The tomahawk and scalping knife From him have passed away.

From centuries of servile toil The Negro finds release, And builds the fanes of prayer and praise Unto the God of Peace.

England and Russia face to face With Central Asia meet; And on the far Pacific coast, Chinese and natives greet.

Crusaders once with sword and shield The Holy Land to save; From Moslem hands did strive to clutch The dear Redeemer's grave.

A battle greater, grander far Is for the present age;

8 THE PRESENT AGE.

A crusade for the rights of man To brighten history's page.