HENRY VAN DYKE
NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS 1919
Copyright, 1918, 1919, by Charles Scribner's Sons
Published February, 1919
Copyright, 1918, BY THE OUTLOOK COMPANY Copyright, 1918, BY THE NEW YORK HERALD CO. Copyright, 1917, BY NEW YORK TIMES CO. Copyright, 1918, BY NEW YORK TRIBUNE, INC. Copyright, 1917, BY LAND & WATER PUB. CO. Copyright, 1918, BY THE PUBLIC LEDGER Copyright, 1918, BY THE PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
NOTE
The only reason for printing this little book is that many people have expressed a desire to have the memorial poem, "Golden Stars," in a permanent form.
The other verses are included simply because they are a wayside record of some of the varied feelings of an old lover of peace who was willing to fight for it,—feelings which may find a response in other American hearts.
Henry van Dyke. Avalon, January 6, 1919.
THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR
May, 1918.[Pg 3]
THE WINDS OF WAR-NEWS
The winds of war-news change and veer Now westerly and full of cheer, Now easterly, depressing, sour With tidings of the Teutons' power.
But thou, America, whose heart With brave Allies has taken part, Be not a weathercock to change With these wild winds that shift and range.
Be thou a compass ever true, Through sullen clouds or skies of blue, To that great star which rules the night,— The star of Liberty and Right.
Lover of peace, oh set thy soul, Thy strength, thy wealth, thy conscience whole, To win the peace thine eyes foresee,— The triumph of Democracy.
December 19, 1917.[Pg 4]
RIGHTEOUS WRATH
There are many kinds of hatred, as many kinds of fire; And some are fierce and fatal with murderous desire; And some are mean and craven, revengeful, sullen, slow, They hurt the man that holds them more than they hurt his foe.
And yet there is a hatred that purifies the heart: The anger of the better against the baser part, Against the false and wicked, against the tyrant's sword, Against the enemies of love, and all that hate the Lord.
O cleansing indignation, O flame of righteous wrath, Give me a soul to feel thee and follow in thy path! Save me from selfish virtue, arm me for fearless fight, And give me strength to carry on, a soldier of the Right!
January, 1918.[Pg 5]
FACTA NON VERBA
Deeds not Words: I say so too! And yet I find it somehow true, A word may help a man in need, To nobler act and braver deed.[Pg 6]
FROM GLORY UNTO GLORY
American Flag Song
I
Chorus
[Pg 7]
II
Chorus
[Pg 8]
III
Chorus
September 4, 1918.
SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC
Who knows how many thousand years ago The twelvefold Zodiac was made to show The course of stars above and men below?
The great sun plows his furrow by its "lines": From all its "houses" mystic meaning shines: Deep lore of life is written in its "signs."
Snow-white and sacred is the sacrifice That Heaven demands for what our heart doth prize: The man who fears to suffer, ne'er can rise.
Rejoice, my friend, if God has made you strong: Put forth your force to move the world along: Yet never shame your strength to do a wrong.
Bitter his life who lives for self alone, Poor would he be with riches and a throne: But friendship doubles all we are and own.
Learn from the crab, O runner fresh and fleet, Sideways to move, or backward, when discreet; Life is not all advance,—sometimes retreat!
The sign of Leo is the sign of fire. Hatred we hate: but no man should desire A heart too cold to flame with righteous ire.
Mysterious symbol, words are all in vain To tell the secret power by which you reign, The more we love, the less we can explain.
Examine well the scales with which you weigh; Let justice rule your conduct every day; For when you face the Judge you'll need fair play
There's not a creature in the realm of night But has the wish to live, likewise the right: Don't tread upon the scorpion, or he'll fight.
Life is an arrow, therefore you must know What mark to aim at, how to use the bow,— Then draw it to the head and let it go!
The goat looks solemn, yet he likes to run, And leap the rocks, and gambol in the sun: The truly wise enjoy a little fun.
"Like water spilt upon the ground,"—alas, Our little lives flow swiftly on and pass; Yet may they bring rich harvests and green grass!
Last of the sacred signs, ye bring to me A word of hope, a word of mystery,— We all are swimmers in God's mighty sea.
February 28. 1918.[Pg 12]
BRITAIN, FRANCE, AMERICA
The rough expanse of democratic sea Which parts the lands that live by liberty Is no division; for their hearts are one. To fight together till their cause is won.
For land and water let us make our pact, And seal the solemn word with valiant act: No continent is firm, no ocean pure, Until on both the rights of man are sure.
April, 1917.[Pg 13]
THE RED CROSS
October 20, 1918, for the Red Cross Christmas Roll Call.[Pg 14]
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