The greatest words are always solitaires, Set singly in one syllable; like birth, Life, love, hope, peace. I sing the worth Of that dear word toward which the whole world fares—  I sing of home.

To make a home, we should take all of love And much of labour, patience, and keen joy; Then mix the elements of earth’s alloy With finer things drawn from the realms above, The spirit home.

There should be music, melody and song; Beauty in every spot; an open door And generous sharing of the pleasure store With fellow-pilgrims as they pass along, Seeking for home.

p. 57Make ample room for silent friends—the books, That give so much and only ask for space. Nor let Utility crowd out the vase Which has no use save gracing by its looks The precious home.

p. 57

To narrow bounds let mirrors lend their aid And multiply each gracious touch of art; And let the casual stranger feel the part— The great creative part—that love has played Within the home.

Here bring your best in thought and word and deed, Your sweetest acts, your highest self-control; Nor save them for some later hour and goal. Here is the place, and now the time of need, Here in your home.

p. 58THE ETERNAL NOW

p. 58

Time with his back against the mighty wall, Which hides from view all future joy and sorrow, Hears, without answer, the impatient call Of puny man, to tell him of to-morrow.

Moral, be wise, and to the silence bow, These useless and unquiet ways forsaking; Concern thyself with the Eternal Now—  To-day hold all things, ready for thy taking.

p. 59IF I WERE A MAN, A YOUNG MAN

p. 59

If I were a man, a young man, and knew what I know to-day, I would look in the eyes of Life undaunted By any Fate that might threaten me. I would give to the world what the world most wanted—  Manhood that knows it can do and be; Courage that dares, and faith that can see Clear into the depths of the human soul, And find God there, and the ultimate goal, If I were a man, a young man, and knew what I know to-day.

If I were a man, a young man, and knew what I know to-day, I would think of myself as the 

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