first of Holmes' poems to attract general attention was "Old Ironsides." Dr. Holmes is so noted as an author that we rarely remember that he was almost equally eminent as a physician. "The Autocrat at the Breakfast Table" is the most popular of all his prose works. He wrote several novels, the best being "Elsie Venner," but they do not take rank with his poetry or even his other prose writings. As a poet Dr. Holmes is noted for wit and humor. As a song writer he has had few equals in America. As a writer Holmes is much admired by all classes of readers. TO THE KATYDID OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES LOVE to hear thine earnest voice, Wherever thou art hid, Thou testy little dogmatist, Thou pretty Katydid! Thou mindest me of gentle folks, Old gentle folks are they, Thou art a female, Katydid! I know it by the trill That quivers through thy piercing notes, So petulant and shrill; I think there is a knot of you A knot of spinster Katydids,- O tell me where did Katy live, And yet so wicked, too? Dear me! I'll tell you all about And Ann, with whom I used to walk And all that tore their locks of black, Ah no! the living oak shall crash, The rock shall rend its mossy base And thunder down the hill, Before the little Katydid Shall add one word, to tell The mystic story of the maid Whose name she knows so well. Peace to the ever-murmuring race! And when the latest one Shall fold in death her feeble wings Beneath the autumn sun, Then shall she raise her fainting voice, And lift her drooping lid, And then the child of future years Shall hear what Katy did. YOU AND I CHARLES MACKAY NOTE TO THE PUPIL. nature and a corre Charles Mackay, a Scotch poet, has written many poems that teach a most wholesome lesson. His poems show his deep sympathy with all that is best in human sponding contempt for what is selfish and mean. Among his short poems are "The Vicar's Sermon," "The Good Time Coming," "What Might Be Done," "Daily Work," "Little and Great," and many others of a similar character. You cannot read these poems without being the better for it. HO would scorn his humble fellow WHO For the coat he wears? For the poverty he suffers? For his daily cares? Who would pass him in the footway With averted eye? Would you, brother? No-you would not. If you would not I. Who, when vice or crime repentant, With a grief sincere, Asked for pardon, would refuse it— More than heaven severe ? Who, to erring woman's sorrow, Would with taunts reply? Would you, brother? No-you would not. If you would not I. Would you say that Vice is Virtue In a hall of state? Or, that rogues are not dishonest If they dine off plate? Who would say Success and Merit Ne'er part company? Would you, brother? No If you would - not I. you would not. Who would give a cause his efforts When the cause is strong; But desert it on its failure, Whether right or wrong? Ever siding with the upmost, Would you, brother? No-you would not. If you would not I. Who would lend his arm to strengthen Warfare with the right? Who would give his pen to blacken Freedom's page of light? Who would lend his tongue to utter Praise of tyranny? Would you, brother? No-you would not. If you would-not I. DAILY WORK CHARLES MACKAY WHO lags from dread of daily work, And his appointed task would shirk, Commits a folly and a crime: A soulless slave A paltry knave — A clog upon the wheels of time, With work to do, and store of health, The man's unworthy to be free, Who will not give, That he may live, His daily toil for daily fee. No! let us work! We only ask With mill or bank No envy of a lord's estate. To satisfy our daily need, For age and pain, A fraction, we are rich indeed. No dread of toil have we or ours; We know our worth, and weigh our powers; The more we work, the more we win; Success to trade! Success to spade! And to the corn that's coming in. Remembers toil is Nature's plan; And never sinks His independence as a man! |