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Van Dyke, Henry, 1852-1933

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke"


_Scorpio_--Self-Defense.
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.
_Sagittarius_--The Archer.
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!
_Capricornus_--The Goat.
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.
_Aquarius_--Water.
"Like water spilt upon the ground,"--alas,
Our little lives flow swiftly on and pass;
Yet may they bring rich harvests and green grass!
_Pisces_--The Fishes.
Last of the sacred signs, you bring to me
A word of hope, a word of mystery,--
_We all are swimmers in God's mighty sea._
February 28, 1918.


PRO PATRIA

PATRIA

I would not even ask my heart to say
If I could love another land as well
As thee, my country, had I felt the spell
Of Italy at birth, or learned to obey
The charm of France, or England's mighty sway.
I would not be so much an infidel
As once to dream, or fashion words to tell,
What land could hold my heart from thee away.


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