_North, South, East, and West: Think of whichever you love the best. Forest and vale and high blue hill: You shall have whichever you will, To quaff one cup to the love o’ your soul Before we drink to the lovely whole._ BALLADE OF THE RICH HEART What thief is he can rob this treasury, Which hath not gold but dreams within its gates? What power can enter in to take from me My treasure, while upon the threshold waits “Courage,” my watch-dog, keeping back the fates Which follow close until I do depart In safety from their little loves and hates? Singing of all I carry in my heart. Guarded of dreams against all evil chance, With young Adventure arm in arm I go To laugh at Luck and silly Circumstance. And, counting naught that comes to me my foe, I change, if ’tis my whim, the winter snow To blowing blossom: and by that same art I fashion as I will Life’s weal and woe: Singing of all I carry in my heart. Let me go lame and lousy like a tramp But feel the wind and know the moonlit sky! What matter if the falling dew be damp-- Still is it dew! And well contented I Among my dreams (in seeming poverty) Far from the cities and the noisy mart,-- With Life and Death--my dearest friends--to lie, Singing of all I carry in my heart. _Envoi._ Prince of this world, high monarch of all those Who deem Reality life’s better part, Herewith I tweak thy crooked royal nose-- Singing of all I carry in my heart. SONG OF MINSTERWORTH PERRY When Noe went sailing with his crew And waters covered over the earth, Trees that in Eden-orchard grew Got washed away to Minsterworth. Now every year they bloom again, (All of the trees spread healthy root) And after Summer’s shine and rain We gather up the blessed fruit; Whereof we get a heavenly drink (Two rather!) for to make us merry; Oh! Cider’s one, and I do think The name o’ t’other one is Perry! A GLOUCESTERSHIRE WISH AT EASTERTIDE Here’s luck, my lads, while Birdlip Hill is steep:-- --As long as Cotswold’s high or Severn’s deep. Our thoughts of you shall blossom and abide While blow the orchards about Severn side:-- --While a round bubble like the children blow, May Hill floats purple in the sunset glow. Our prayers go up to bless you where you lie, While Gloucester tower stands up against the sky To write old thoughts of loveliness, and trace Dead men’s long living will to give God praise:-- --Who of His mercy doth His Own Son give This blessed morn, that you, and all, may live! SONG OF THE ROAD Cheerily upon the road Tramp we all together, Bearing every one his load Through the changeful weather. To one Hope we all belong, To one Fate a debtor, Songs must cheer our steps along, Mirth the road make better.