O, it's nice enough,--the money,-- When the weather's fierce and blue And the blankets of its comfort Come and warm the heart of you! But it soon demands the minutes Every hour and day and week, With the gall of angry despot And a most unmeasured cheek; So I'm reconciled to leave it and its tyrannies resign For the ways of love and laughter with the baby's hand in mine! For the jingle of the dollars Soon disturbs the dearest dreams With the thunders of their madness And the rumble of their schemes, Till the heart and brain are weary And the revel of their roar Drive away the mirth and music From the longings evermore! But the skies above are bluest and the heavens all a-shine With the faces of the angels when the baby's hand in mine! Mister Midas, take your millions And the glitter of your gold! Life has treasures where the heart is That have never yet been told! There are sweeter things to cherish, There's song of earth and sky, That are only faintest whispers Of the raptures bye and bye! You have little that I value! Let for me the roses twine With the laughter of the lovers and the baby's hand in mine! Little Sermons. The prophets only dared to preach what other men felt but chose to conceal. The Devil is only the personification of the evil things which men find in their own souls for conquering. Courage is so rare in the presence of priest-craft that when it once speaks it fashions creeds for all the centuries. Caught on the Fly. A Christian hand achieves more blessings than a religious heart. If virtue were as expensive as vice, we would all be malefactors. It takes plenty of grit to keep a proper edge on the tools of success. There is always a hole for the fellow that wants out, if he is dirty enough to crawl or dig. What matters it if the peaches are killed and the wheat crop proves a failure! The water-melon crop is still ahead of us, and a heaven of joy in every ruddy heart! Love and Song. Ah, Love is no phantom, Love's never a dream! One hour in her kingdom Is life all supreme! And ever and ever The scepter she swings For hearts that are happy With laughter that sings! And Song is her sister That makes for the feet All the carpets of roses And blossoms so sweet! With hands linked together They wander the ways! How joyous their kisses For grief-laden days! Sooner Sayings. The race is not to the swift but to the fellow who starts the night before. Money not only makes the mare go, but it saves you from standing in line at the land-office. A journey made before the proclamation is issued is a valuable experience and saves much perjury afterwards. Sooner Sayings.