It Can Be Done Part 30

COLUMBUS

This poem pictures courage and high resolution. To the terrors of an unknown sea and the mutinous dismay of the sailors Columbus has but two things to oppose--his faith and his unflinching will. But these suffice, as they always do. In the last four lines of the poem is a lesson for our nation to-day. The seas upon which our ideals have launched us are perilous and uncharted. In some ways our whole voyage of democracy seems futile. Shall we turn back, or shall we, like Columbus, answer the falterers in words that leap like a leaping sword; "Sail on, sail on"?

Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind the Gates of Hercules; Before him not the ghost of sh.o.r.es: Before him only sh.o.r.eless seas.

The good mate said: "Now must we pray, For lo! the very stars are gone.

Brave Adm'r'l, speak; what shall I say?"

"Why, say: 'Sail on! sail on! and on!'"

"My men grow mutinous day by day; My men grow ghastly wan and weak."

The stout mate thought of home; a spray Of salt wave washed his swarthy cheek.

"What shall I say, brave Adm'r'l, say, If we sight naught but seas at dawn?"

"Why, you shall say at break of day: 'Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!'"

They sailed and sailed, as winds might blow; Until at last the blanched mate said: "Why, now not even G.o.d would know Should I and all my men fall dead.

These very winds forget their way, For G.o.d from these dread seas is gone.

Now speak, brave Adm'r'l; speak and say--"

He said: "Sail on! sail on! and on!"

They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the mate: "This mad sea shows his teeth to-night.

He curls his lip, he lies in wait, With lifted teeth, as if to bite!

Brave Adm'r'l, say but one good word: What shall we do when hope is gone?"

The words leapt like a leaping sword: "Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!"

Then, pale and worn, he kept his deck, And peered through darkness. Ah, that night Of all dark nights! And then a speck-- It grew, a starlit flag unfurled!

It grew to be Time's burst of dawn.

He gained a world; he gave that world Its grandest lesson: "On! sail on!"

_Joaquin Miller._

From "Joaquin Miller's Complete Poems."

PER ASPERA

A motto has been made of the Latin phrase "per aspera ad astra," of which the translation sometimes given is "through bolts and bars to the stars."

Thank G.o.d, a man can grow!

He is not bound With earthward gaze to creep along the ground: Though his beginnings be but poor and low, Thank G.o.d, a man can grow!

The fire upon his altars may burn dim, The torch he lighted may in darkness fail, And nothing to rekindle it avail,-- Yet high beyond his dull horizon's rim, Arcturus and the Pleiads beckon him.

_Florence Earle Coates._

From "Poems."

t.i.t FOR TAT

We are quick to notice obstacles, grudges, affronts. Are we equally quick to recognize the kindly influences that speed us on our way? The truth is we are each of us a debtor to life, and as honest men we should do all we can to discharge the obligation.

"Life," you say, "'s an old curmudgeon; yes, a thing whose heart is flint; When I ask a friendly greeting, all I get's an angry glint.

Let me do it every good turn that I can--my very best, Still it strikes me, trips, maligns me, and denies my least request.

"So," you say, "my patience ended, I will give it t.i.t for tat."

What a bunch of animosities is covered by your hat!

All the roses life can offer bloom and beckon to your soul, But you close your eyes to roses and in thorns lie down and roll.

Life does nothing for you, sonny? What a notion you have! Say, Make a little inventory of its gifts to you to-day.

You've a house or room to sleep in--did you build it with your hand?

If you did, who made the hammer and who cleared for you the land?

And electric lights--you use them; did you also put them there?

Beefsteak, coal, your mail, shoes, street cars--do they come like rain from air?

Or do countless men, far-scattered, toil that you may have more ease?-- Stokers, hodmen, farmers, plumbers, Yankees, dagoes, j.a.panese?

"Oh, that's general," you tell me. You have private blessings too.

Why, your mother in your childhood slaved and wrought and lived for you.

Helpful hands were all around you--hopes, fond wishes in the past; Even now each day from somewhere friendly looks are on you cast.

Though you've been both crossed and harried, you've not struggled on alone; Through the discords of endeavor comes to you an answering tone.

Life has done you many favors. Will you give it t.i.t for tat?

Since you've looked so much at this side, won't you have a look at that?

Don't help only those who've helped you, count the rest as strangers, foes; How long now would you have lasted had all done as you propose?

Many and many a benefactor you did not nor can repay-- There's your mother. Pa.s.s the kindness on to others--that's the way.

Life it is that's given freely. Unto life make due return.

Whether folks are undeserving, neither seek nor wish to learn.

Hit your dernedest for your teammates every time you come to bat, And the world will be more happy that you give it t.i.t for tat.

_St. Clair Adams._

THE KINGDOM OF MAN