The Cornflower, and Other Poems Part 2

Each sunflower nodded its yellow head.

"Ned Brown's growing rich"--John's words came slow-- "That he loves you well you doubtless know.

"My house and acres, I held them fast, Was stubborn over them to the last,

"For when my father was carried forth, And men were asking 'What was he worth?'

"I saw them look and nod and smile As they whispered together all the while,

"'A fine old homestead, but mortgaged so, A foolish thing for a man to do!'

"I said, 'My father's dead and gone, But he's left behind a strong-armed son.'

"My heart was hot with a purpose set To clear that mortgage, to pay that debt.

"I've worked, heaven knows, like any slave, I've learned the lesson of scrimp and save,

"Kept a good horse, but dressed like a clown-- And I've not a dollar to call my own.

"I'm beaten--well beaten; yesterday Everything went to Ned Brown from me.

"My woods, my meadows, my ta.s.seled corn, The orchard planted when I was born,

"The old rose garden my mother loved, My chestnut mare--can't help feeling moved,

"For I'm a beggar, Nan, you see-- Don't think me begging for sympathy.

"The world is wide, I don't care--much.

Thank G.o.d, health's a thing the law can't touch.

"The happiest man I ever knew Was born a beggar, and died one, too."

Each sunflower, nodding its yellow head, Listened to every word that was said,

As Nan in her slow and easy way, In the farmhouse kitchen that summer day,

Set a great and weighty problem forth, One that no scholar on this green earth

Has been able to solve since things began With Adam--a lone and lonesome man.

Yet very coolly she set it forth: "Tell me the truth, how much am _I_ worth?"

The sunbeams kissing her golden hair, Her cheeks, her round arms dimpled and bare,

Seemed stamping value of mighty wealth On youth, and love, and the bloom of health.

John looked and looked till his eyes grew dim, Then tilted the hat with worthless brim

To hide what he would not have her see-- "You are worth the whole world, Nan," said he.

"Then you're no beggar," said sweet, bold Nan, "You're the whole world richer than any man."

A girl queen wearing a crown of gold Set a precedent, the tale is told,

But no royal prince this world has seen Ever felt so proud as John, I ween,

As he clasped her hands in new-born hope-- And never noticed they smelt of soap.

Only the sunflowers looking on, So he kissed the maid--oh, foolish John!

As he went out through the garden gate Ned Brown was coming to learn his fate.

He was riding John's own chestnut mare, But, somehow, John didn't seem to care.

The two men met at top of the hill, And eyed each other as rivals will.

Ned thought of the home he'd won from John, "Poor beggar!" he said, as he rode on.

John thought of all he had won from Ned, "You poor, poor beggar!" was what he said.

Why? Under the heavens clear and blue Only our John and the sunflowers knew.

THE WOOING O' KATIE.

McLeod of Dare called his son to him.

McLeod of Dare looked stern and grim,

For he was sending on mission grave His son, and though he knew him brave

The old man trembled lest he should make In heedless youth a grave mistake.

'Twas not for the country, nor for the king, Nay, 'twas a more important thing

Than country, or clan, or feud, or strife, The young man went to woo a wife.

He listened, did Neil, with scanty grace, Haughty gloom on his handsome face,

While the old man told him where to go, And what to say, and what to do.

"The morrow ye'll go for a lang, lang stay Wi' your rich uncle, Donald Gray.

"He'll gie ye a welcome wairm and true, And mate his only child wi' you.

"She's weel worth winning, for in her hand She hauds the deed o' a' his land.