The Weed. A WEED is but an unloved flower! Go dig, and prune, and guide, and wait, Until it learns its high estate, And glorifies some bower. A weed is but an unloved flower! All sin is virtue unevolved, Release the angel from the clod— Go love thy brother up to God. Behold each problem solved. All sin is virtue unevolved. Strength. WHO is the strong? Not he who puts to test His sinews with the strong and proves the best; But he who dwells where weaklings congregate, And never lets his splendid strength abate. Who is the good? Not he who walks each day With moral men along the high, clean way; But he who jostles gilded sin and shame, Yet will not sell his honor or his name. Who is the wise? Not he who from the start With Wisdom’s followers has taken part; But he who looks in Folly’s tempting eyes, And turns away, perceiving her disguise. Who is serene? Not he who flees his kind, Some mountain fastness, or some cave to find; But he who in the city’s noisiest scene, Keeps calm within—he only is serene. Affirm. BODY and mind, and spirit, all combine To make the Creature, human and divine. Of this great trinity no part deny. Affirm, affirm, the Great Eternal I. Affirm the body, beautiful and whole, The earth-expression of immortal soul. Affirm the mind, the messenger of the hour, To speed between thee and the source of power. Affirm the spirit, the Eternal I— Of this great trinity no part deny. The Chosen. THEY stood before the Angel at the gate; The Angel asked: “Why should you enter in?” One said: “On earth my place was high and great;” And one: “I warned my fellow-men from sin;” Another: “I was teacher of the faith; I scorned my life and lived in love with death.” And one stood silent. “Speak!” the Angel said; “What earthly deed has sent you here today?” “Alas! I did but follow where they led,” He answered sadly: “I had lost my way— So new the country, and so strange my flight; I only sought for guidance and for light.” “You have no passport?” “None,” the answer came. “I loved the earth, tho’ lowly was my lot. I strove to keep my record free from blame, And make a heaven about my humble spot. A narrow life; I see it now, too late; So, Angel, drive me from the heavenly gate.” The Angel swung the portal wide and free, And took the sorrowing stranger by the hand. “Nay, you alone,” he said, “shall come with me, Of all this waiting and insistent band. Of what God gave, you built your paradise; Behold your mansion waiting in the skies.” The Nameless. UNNUMBERED gods may unremembered die; A thousand creeds may perish and pass by; Yet do I lift mine eyes to ONE on high.