r Imagination THE COBBLER ‘There once lived a cobbler and he was so wee ‘That he lived in a hole of a very big tree. He had a neighbor and she was a mouse And she did his wee washing and tidied his house. Each morning at seven he heard a wee tap And in came the mouse in her apron and cap. She lit a small fire and fetched a wee broom And she swept and she polished his little tree room, ‘To take any wages she always refused, So the cobbler said, “Thank you,” and mended her shoes. The owl didn't eat her, not even the cat. They said, “I wouldn't catch a kind mousie like that!” FROM THE LEPRECAUN on Fairy SHOEMAKER Winuiam ALucHam Scarlet leather, sewn together, ‘This will make a shoe. Left, right, pull it tights Summer days are warms Underground in winter, Laughing at the storm!” “Big boots a-hunting, Sandals in the hall, White for a wedding-feast, Pink for a ball ‘This way, that way, So we make a shoes Getting rich every stitch, Tick-tack-too!”Imagination ‘TREASURES ‘Through echoing caves we run and glide, ‘Through cracks in the rocks we slip and slide, Over great boulders we leap and bound; Our little lamps show us where treasure is found. ‘We hammer, we hammer from mora till night, ‘We hammer together the treasure so bright, Sparkling silver and glittering gold, Crystals so pure and clear to behold. Then up we fill our little sacks And put them high upon our backs. Down we go to the throne of our King, ‘To him our treasures we must bring. Siz Nickerty Nox Huan CxzsrenMay Sir Nicketty Nox was an ancient knight, So old was he that he'd lost his sight. Blind as a mole, and slim as a fox, And dry as a stick was Sir Nicketty Nox. His sword and buckler were old and cracked, So was his charger and that’s a fact. ‘Thin as a rake from head to hocks, Was this rickety nag of Sir Nicketty Nox. A wife he had and daughters three, And all were as old, as old could be. ‘They mended the shirts and darned the socks, Of that old Antiquity, Nicketty Nox. Sir Nicketty Nox would fly in rage If anyone tried to guess his age. Hed mouth and mutter and tear his locks, This pernickety Nicketty Nox.The Waldorf Book of Poetry DanisH Nursery RHYME ‘There once was a King who had three daughters, The oldest he called Sip! ‘The second he called Sip sippernip! But the youngest of all he called Sip sippernip sip sirumsip! Not far away lived another King who had three sons. The oldest was called Skrat! The second was called Skrat skratterat! But the youngest of all was called Skrat skratterat skrat skrirumskrat! Now by and by the two Kings got together, the King who had three daughters and the King who had three sons, and decided that their children should marry. And married they were! Sip got Skrat, and Sipsippernip got Skratskratterat, and Sipsippernipsipsirumsip got Skratskratteratskratskrirumskrat. As simple as that! Wuere Go THE Boa’ Roser? Louts Stevenson Dark brown is the river. Golden is the sand, It flows along for ever, With trees on either hand. Green leaves a-floating, Castles of the foam, Boats of mine a-boating— Where will all come home? On goes the river And out past the mill, Away down the valley, Away down the hill Away down the river, A hundred miles or more, Other little children Shall bring my boats ashore,| | | | Imagination Tue KNicuT Mou pe Havas Iride on my horse with my sword in my hand, I ride through the wooded and mountainous land. 1 battle with dragons, with giants I fight; Defending the weak and upholding the right. My sword is of steel and my helmet of gold, 1 dare all adventures, my heart is so bold. My armor is shining as bright as the light, And I am a gallant and glorious Knight. A SONG FROM THE SUDS Louisa May AucorT Queen of my tub, I merrily sing, While the white foam raises high, And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring, And fasten the clothes to dry; “Then out in the free fresh air they swing, Under the sunny sky. I wish we could wash from our hearts and our souls ‘The stains of the week away, ‘And let water and air by their magic make Ourselves as pute as they; ‘Then on the earth there would be indeed A glorious washing day! Along the path of a useful life Will heart’s-ease ever bloom; ‘The busy mind has no time to think Of sorrow, or care, or gloom; And anxious thoughts may be swept away As we busily wield a broom, Tam glad a task to me is given To labor at day by day: For it brings me health, and strength, and hope, And I cheerfully learn to say, “Head, you may think; heart, you may feel; But hand, you shall work always!”‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry Tue SMITHY Macpa Maree ‘The smithy, the smithy, A little black house, With a little black cat And alittle black mouse. ‘The blacksmith, the blacksmith, So big and so strong, With a fine leather apron Both broad and long. He hammers once, He hammers twice,— Out runs the cat, And out runs the mice. THe BUILDER I'ma builder, brisk and sturdy, ‘Working at my trade, I can show how bricks and mortar Always should be laid. Lay the first brick, so, and tap it, ‘Then put mortar on, Place the next brick square across it, "That's the way it's done. When we go to build a mansion, Cellars first we dig, Put the walls up straight and steady With our scaffolds big. Bricks we carry up by loadfuls, On our shoulders so, Up and down the ladders quickly See us come and go. On the roof smooth slates we fasten, Nailing them quite tight. Fix the chimney-pots securely From the north wind’s might.28 The Waldorf Book of Poetry ANTONIO Laura E, RICHARDS Antonio, Antonio Was tired of living alonio. He thought he would woo Miss Lissamy Lu, Miss Lissamy Lucy Molonibo. Antonio, Antonio, Rode off on his polo-ponio. He found the fair maid Ina bowery shade, A-sitting and Knitting alonio. Antonio, Antonio, Said, “If you will be my ownio, Tilove you true, And I'll buy for you An icery creamery conio!” “Oh, nonio, Antonio! You're far too bleak and bonio! And all that I wish, ‘You singular fish, Is that you will quickly begonio” Antonio, Antonio, He uttered a dismal moanio; ‘Then he ran off and hid (Or I'm told that he did) In the Anticatarctical Zonio. Lite Taines For want of a nail the shoe was lost, For want of a shoe the horse was lost, For want of a horse the rider was lost, For want of a rider the battle was lost, For want of a battle the kingdom was lost, And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.The Waldorf Book of Poetry THE Way THROUGH THE Woops Rupyarp KIPLING They shut the road through the woods Seventy years ago. Weather and rain have undone it again, And now you would never know There was once a road through the woods Before they planted the trees. It is underneath the coppice and heath, And the thin anemones. Only the keeper sees That, where the ring-dove broods, And the badgers roll at ease, There was once a road through the woods. Yet, if you enter the woods Of a summer evening late, When the night-air cools on the trout-ringed pools Where the otter whistles his mate, (They fear not men in the woods, Because they see so few) ‘You will hear the beat of a horse’s feet, ‘And the swish of a skirt in the dew, Steadily cantering through ‘The misty solitudes, ‘As though they perfectly knew ‘The old lost road through the woods... But there is no road through the woods.The Waldorf Book of Poetry Tae Moon Rosrar Louis SrevENSON ‘The moon has a face like the clock in the halls She shines on thieves on the garden wall, On streets and fields and harbour quays, And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees. ‘The squalling cat and the squeaking mouse, ‘The howling dog by the door of the house, ‘The bat that lies in bed at noon, All love to be out by the light of the moon. But all of the things that belong to the day Cuddle to sleep to be out of her ways And flowers and children close their eyes Till up in the morning the sun shall arise. Lapy Moon Richarp MoncxTow Mises “Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving?” “Over the sea.” “Lady Moon, Lady Moon, whom are you loving?” “AU that love me.” “Are you not tired with rolling and never Resting to sleep? Why look so pale and so sad, as for ever Wishing to weep?” “Ask me not this, little child, if you love me; You are too bold. I must obey my dear Father above me, And do as I’m told.” “Lady Moon, Lady Moon, where are you roving?” “Over the sea.” “Lady Moon, Lady Moon, whom are you loving?” “All that love me”The Waldorf Book of Poetry Wuo Has Seen THE WIND? Crnisriva Rosserts Who has seen the wind? Neither I nor you: But when the leaves hang trembling ‘The wind is passing through. Who has seen the wind? Neither you nor I But when the trees bow down their heads The wind is passing by. AN EMERALD Is aS GREEN AS GRASS Christina Rossertt An emerald is as green as grass; A ruby red as blood; A sapphire shines as blue as heaven; A flint lies in the mud. A diamond is a brilliant stone, ‘To catch the world’s desire; An opal holds a fiery sparks But a flint holds fire. Foe Cart Sanpaure The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.56 The Waldorf Book of Poetry Ukko, then, of Gods the highest, Pather of the highest heaven, Heard, and all the clouds assembled, In the light made clear his counsel, And he sent a cloud from eastward, In the north-west let one gather, Others, too, he sent from westward, Let them drive along from southward, Linked them edge to edge together, And he closed the rifts between them. ‘The he sent the rain from heaven, And the clouds distilled sweet honey, ‘That the corn might sprout up stronger, And the stalks might wave and rustle, Thus the sprouting germ was nourished, And the rustling stalks grew upward, From the soft earth of the cornfield, Through the toil of Vaindméinen ‘THe RIveR Motzy Dz Havas, I spring within a moss-grown dell on rugged mountain land, Where only stunted pine trees, shallow rooted stand, And slow I grow with melted snow from peaks on either hand. I choose myself the quickest path to find my way downhill, And all the time from every side new trickles swell my rill, From sodden peat and cloudy mist I draw the water chill. ripple over pebbles, ‘over waterfalls I leap, I speed through narrow clefts where I must dig my channel deep, ‘Then through the valley meadowlands in placid curves I sweep.SPELL OF CREATION Sun, Moon, Earth & Stars 65 KATHLEEN RAINE the flower there lies a seed, the seed there springs a tree, i Within the tree there spreads a wood. | a In the wood there burns a fire, ‘And in the fire there melts a stone, Within the stone a ring of iron. Within the ring there lies an O, Within the O there looks an eye, 3 In the eye there swims a sea, | And in the sea reflected sky, And in the sky there shines the sun, ‘Within the sun a bird of gold. Within the bird there beats a heart, ‘And from the heart there flows a song, ‘And in the song there sings a word. In the word there speaks a world, ‘A world of joy, a world of grief, From joy and grief there springs my love. Oh love, my love, there springs a world, ‘And on the world there shines a sun, And in the sun there burns a fire, Within the fire consumes my heart, And in my heart there beats a bird, And in the bird there wakes an eye, Within the eye, earth, sea and sky, Earth, sky and sea within an O Lie like the seed within the flower.72 The Waldorf Book of Poetry PrraTe WIND ‘Many Jane Carr ‘The autumn wind’s a pirate, Blustering in from sea; With a rollicking song, he sweeps along, Swaggering boist'rously. His skin is weather-beaten; He wears a yellow sash, With a handkerchief red about his head, And a bristling black mustache. He laughs as he storms the country, A loud laugh and a bold; ‘And the trees all quake and shiver and shake, As he robs them of their gold. ‘The autumn wind’s a pirate, Pillaging just for fun; Hell snatch your hat as quick as that, And laugh to see you run! RED IN AUTUMN Euizanert Gouin Tipperty-toes, the smallest elf, Sat on a mushroom by himself, Playing ¢ little tinkling tune Under the big round harvest moon; And this is the song that Tipperty made ‘To sing to the little tune he played. “Red are the hips, red are the haws, Red and gold are the leaves that fall, Red are the poppies in the corn, Red berries on the rowan talls Red is the big round harvest moon, And red are my new little dancing shoon”Seasons 73 I Wun Mary Goes WALKING Parnicn Regrwazp CHALMERS ‘When Mary goes walking ‘The autumn winds blow, ‘The poplars they curtsey, “The larches bend low; ‘The oaks and the beeches ‘Their gold they fling down, To make her a carpet, ‘To make her a crown. O Come Lirtie Leaves Grorce Coren “Come, little leaves” said the wind one day, “Come o'r the meadows with me and play; Put on your dresses of red and gold, For summer's gone and the days grow cold.” Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call, Down they came fluttering one and all; Over the brown fields they danced and flew, Singing the glad little songs they knew. “Cricket, good-bye, we've been friends so long, Little brook, sing us your farewell song; Say you are sorry to see us gos Ab, you will miss us, right well we know, “Dear little lambs in your fleecy fold, ‘Mother will keep you from harm and cold; Fondly we watched you in vale and glade, Ay, will you dream of your loving shade?” Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went, Winter had called them and they were content; Soon, fast asleep in their earthy beds, The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.76 The Waldorf Book of Poetry Ocroper’s PARTY Georce Cooper October gave a party. ‘The leaves by hundreds came— ‘The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. ‘The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancings Professor Wind the band. The Chestnuts came in yellow, The Oaks in crimson dressed The lovely Misses Maple, In purple, looked their best; All balanced to their partners, And gaily fluttered by; The sight was like a rainbow ‘New fallen from the sky. Then in the rustic hollows, ‘At hide-and-seek they played. The party closed at sundown ‘And everybody stayed, Professor Wind played louder; They flew along the ground, And then the party ended In jolly “hands all round” THE AppLe TRE! Here is a tree with leaves so green, Stretch arms with fingers spread. Here are the apples that hang between. Clench fists for apples. When the wind blows, the apples will fall, Wave arms in the wind and let apples drop suddenly. Here is a basket to gather them all. ‘Make a large circle with both arms in front of chest.Seasons I saw three witches Asleep ina valley, ‘Their heads in a row, like stones in a flood, Till the moon, creeping upward, Looked white through the valley, ‘And turned them to bushes in bright scarlet bud. NOVEMBER Now it is November, Trees are nearly bare; Red and gold and brown leaves Scatter everywhere, Dark now, are the mornings, Cold and frosty too; Damp and misty evenings Chill us through and through: Busy are all creatures, Winter food to hide; Nests to make all cosy, ‘Warm and safe inside. NOVEMBER ELisapern GMEYNER Golden light is turning grey, 's begin to rule the day. Bare the trees their branches lift, Clouds of dead leaves earthward drift. ‘Through the field the farmer goes, Seeds of ripened corn he sows, ‘Trusts the earth will hold it warm, Shelter it from cold and harm, For he knows that warmth and light Live there, hidden from our sight, And beneath a sheltering wing Deep below new life will spring,The Waldorf Book of Poetry Ice Water og LA Mane ‘The North Wind sighed: And ina trice What was water Now is ice. What sweet rippling ‘Water was Now bewitched is Into glass. White and brittle ‘Where is seen "The prisoned milfoil’s Tender green; Clear and ringing With sun aglow. ‘Where the boys sliding And skating go. Now furred 's each stick And stalk and blade With crystals out of Dewdrops made. Worms and ants Flies, snails and bees Keep close house-guard, Lest they freeze; Oh, with how sad And solemn an eye Each fish stares up Into the sky. In dread lest his Wide watery home ‘At night shall solid Ice become.4 Fables ‘THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE Azsop Said the Tortoise one day to the Hare, “Pl run you a race if you dare. Pil bet you cannot Arrive at that spot ‘As quickly as I'can get there” Quoth the Hare, “You are surely insane. Pray, what has affected your brain? ‘You seem pretty sick. Call a doctor in—quick, And let him prescribe for your pain” “Never mind; said the Tortoise. “Let’s run! Will you bet me?” *Why, certainly” “Done!” While the slow Tortoise creeps, Mr. Hare makes four leaps, And then loafs around in the sun, It seemed such a one-sided race, ‘To win was almost a disgrace, So he frolicked about Then at last he set out— As the ‘Tortoise was nearing the place. Too late! Though he sped like a dart, The Tortoise was first. She was smart “You can surely run fast” She remarked. "Yet you're last. Itis better to get a good start” 113‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry A Fase Rane Watbo EMERSON ‘The mountain and the squirrel Had a quarrel; And the former called the latter “Little Prig” Bun replied, “You are doubtless very bigs But all sorts of things and weather ‘Must be taken in together, ‘To make up a year And a sphere. And [ think it no disgrace ‘To occupy my place. IfT'm not so large as you, You are not so small as I, And not half so spry. Tl not deny you make A very pretty squirrel track; Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; If Lcannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut.” Tre Fox AND THE GRAPES Azsop “What luscious grapes,” mused a hungry fox; “Fine, good grapes,” said he. “If jump as high as a clever fox can, Til have those grapes for me” He jumped and he leaped and he snapped with his teeth, But only the air did he bite, While the grapes, sweet and juicy, dangled above, And swayed at a lofty height. ‘The fox grew mad, turnid scarlet red, But tossing his head, said he: “Those grapes are sour and full of worms— Who wants those grapes? Not me!”The Waldorf Book of Poetry A FABLE Ranpet WaLbo EMERSON ‘The mountain and the squirrel Had a quarrel; And the former called the latter “Little Prig” Bun replied, “You are doubiless very bigs But all sorts of things and weather Must be taken in together, To make up a year And a sphere, And I think it no disgrace ‘To occupy my place. If P'm not so large as you, You are not so small as I, And not half so spry. Tl not deny you make A very pretty squirrel track; Talents differ; al is well and wisely put; If cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut.” THe Fox AND THE GRAPES Azsop “What luscious grapes? mused a hungry fox; “Fine, good grapes,” said he. “If jump as high as a clever fox can, Til have those grapes for me” ‘He jumped and he leaped and he snapped with his teeth, But only the air did he bite, While the grapes, sweet and juicy, dangled above, And swayed at a lofty height. ‘The fox grew mad, turnid scarlet red, But tossing his head, said he: “Those grapes are sour and full of worms— ‘Who wants those grapes? Not me!”Fables 15, ‘THE SHEPHERD Boy AND THE WOLF Anson A shepherd boy beside a stream, “The wolf, the wolf” was wont to scream; And when the villagers appeared Hed laugh and call them silly-eared, A wolf at last came down the steep: “The wolf, the wolf, my legs, my sheep!” ‘The creature had a jolly feast, Quite undisturbed, on boy and beast. For none believes the liar forsooth, Even when the liar speaks the truth, Tue LIon AND THE MousE Anson, Wintt4M ELLERY LEONARD Lion, dreaming in his pride of place, Was waked by Mouse who crossi his face. ‘The mouse he caught and was about To claw and kill, when Mouse cried out, “Spare my life! I'll repay you well” Lion laughed and loosed him. It befell A little later some hunters bound. This king of beasts upon the ground. When Mouse, who heard his roar, in glee Soon gnawed the ropes and set him free. Scorn no mans friendship, Howso small he be. ‘Tae Oak AND THE REED ‘AESOP The great oak tree thinks he's the strongest, As he’s been standing there the longest. The wind it blew, the rain came lashin, And down the great oak tree came crashing. The slender reed, she knows much better, For she can bend in stormy weather. ‘The slender reed swayed in the weather, ‘And at the dawn was strong as ever. “I Bend and Break Not”‘THE SHEPHERD Boy AND THE WOLF ABsoP A shepherd boy beside a stream, “The wolf, the wolf,” was wont to scream; And when the villagers appeared Hed laugh and call them silly-eared. A wolf at last came down the steep: “The wolf, the wolf, my legs, my sheep!” ‘The creature had a jolly feast, Quite undisturbed, on boy and beast. For none believes the liar forsooth, Even when the liar speaks the truth, THE LION AND THE Mouse ‘Apson, WinLtAM ELLERY LEONARD Lion, dreaming in his pride of place, ‘Was waked by Mouse who crossii his face. The mouse he caught and was about To claw and Kill, when Mouse cried out, “Spare my life! Pll repay you well?” Lion laughed and loosed him. It befell A little later some hunters bound This king of beasts upon the ground, When Mouse, who heard his roar, in glee Soon gnawed the ropes and set him free. Scorn na man’ friendship, Howso small he be. Tue Oak AND THE REED ‘ARSOP The great oak tree thinks he’s the strongest, ‘As hes been standing there the longest. The wind it blew, the rain came lashing; And down the great oak tree came crashing. ‘The slender reed, she knows much better, For she can bend in stormy weather. ‘The slender reed swayed in the weather, And at the dawn was strong as ever. “I Bend and Break Not”THE SHEPHERD Boy AND THE WOLF Anson ‘A shepherd boy beside a stream, “The wolf, the wolf” was wont to scream; And when the villagers appeared Held laugh and call them silly-eared. A wolf at last came down the steep: “The wolf, the wolf, my legs, my sheep!” ‘The creature had a jolly feast, Quite undisturbed, on boy and beast For none believes the liar forsooth, Even when the liar speaks the truth. THE LION AND THE Mouse ‘ABson, WinLtAs ELLERY LBONARD Lion, dreaming in his pride of place, ‘Was waked by Mouse who crossd his face ‘The mouse he caught and was about To claw and Kill, when Mouse cried out, “Spare my life! Tl repay you well.” Lion laughed and loosed him. It befell A little later some hunters bound ‘This king of beasts upon the ground. When Mouse, who heard his roar, in glee Soon gnawed the ropes and set him free. Scorn no man’s friendship, Howso small he be. TH OAK AND THE REED ARSOP ‘The great oak tree thinks he’s the strongest, As he’s been standing there the longest. The wind it blew, the rain came lashing; And down the great oak tree came crashing. ‘The slender reed, she knows much better, For she can bend in stormy weather. The slender reed swayed in the weather, And at the dawn was strong as ever. “I Bend and Break Not”Fables “They slily crept under a gay parlour door, Where a feast had been given the evening before; And it must be confessed they on dainties did seize, Far better than bacon, or even grey peas. Here were custard and trifle, and cheesecakes good store, Nice sweetmeats and jellies, and twenty things more; All that art had invented the palate to please, Except some fat bacon and smoking grey peas. ‘They were nicely regaling, when into the room, Came the dog and the cat, and the maid with a broom: ‘They jumped in a custard both up to their knees; ‘The country mouse sighed for her bacon and peas. Cried she to her friend, “Get me safely away, Ican venture no longer in London to stays For if oft you receive interruptions like these, Give me my nice bacon and charming grey peas. “Your living is splendid and gay, to be sure, But the dread of disturbance you ever endure; [taste true delight in contentment and ease, ‘And [ feast on fat bacon and charming grey peas.” THE Crow AND THE Fox ‘AxsoP A crow, with some cheese, sat down at her ease to eat it upon a high trees A fox passing by, who did this espy, said, “That must be mine speedily!” “Oh! crow!” he exclaimed, “I'm really ashamed, ve never yet heard how you sing! When ev’rywhere ‘round the praises resound of your beauteous voice in the spring!” The crow, full of pride, at this opened wide her beak and cawed loudly and shrill; ‘While fox, with a smile, rejoiced at his guile, and swallowed the cheese with a will. And swallowed the cheese with a will. WFables The urn’s mouth was small, and it had a long neck; The food in it smelled most delightful. Dame Stork, with her beak in, proceeded to peck; But the Fox found that fasting is frightful. Home he sneaked. On his way there he felt his ears burn When he thought of the Stork and her tall, tricky urn, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE CATERPILLAR Joseps Lauren A butterfly, one summer morn, Sat on a spray of blossoming thorn And, as he sipped and drank his share Of honey from the flowered air, Below, upon a garden wall, ‘A caterpillar chanced to crawl. “Horrors!” the butterfly exclaimed, “This must be stopped! I am ashamed ‘That such as I should have to be In the same world with such as he. Preserve me from such hideous things! Disgusting shape! Where are his wings! Fuzzy and gray! Eater of clay! ‘Won't someone take the worm away!” ‘The caterpillar crawled ahead, But, as he munched a leaf, he said, “Bight days ago, young butterfly, You wormed about, the same as Js Within a fortnight from today ‘Two wings will bear me far away, ‘To brighter blooms and lovelier lures, With colors that outrival yours. “So, flutter-flit, be not so proud; Each caterpillar is endowed With power to make him by and by, A blithe and brilliant butterfly. ‘While you, who scorn the common clay, ‘You, in your livery so gay, ‘And all the gaudy moths and millers, ‘Are only dressed up caterpillars? 119The Waldorf Book of Poetry T WANDERED LongELy As A CLouD Wiutias Worpsworrit I wandered lonely as a cloud ‘That floats on high cer vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars That shine and twinkle on the Milky Way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw Tata glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance, ‘The waves beside them danceds but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodil. AUTUMN FaNcrgs The maple is a dainty maid, The pet of all the wood, Who lights the dusky forest glade With scarlet cloak and hood. ‘The elm a lovely lady is, In shimmering robes of gold, That catch the sunlight when she moves, And glisten, fold on fold,Flowers, Plants & Trees TIMBER, With oak, the old-time ships were laid, ‘The round-back chairs of ash were made. Of birch the brooms to sweep the floor, ‘The furniture was sycamore. Clogs were of alder, bows of yew, And fishing rods of bright bamboo. Willow was used for cricket bats, ‘And ash again for tubs and vats. Of pine, the roof beams and the floor Or for the window frames and door. Elm made a wagon or a cart, ‘And maple was for the carver’ art. Beech was for bowls, pipes were of briar. Many a wood would make a fire. But in the cottage or the hall, ‘Ash made the brightest fire of all. A SEED Winviam Auuincran See how a Seed, which Autumn flung down, And through the Winter neglected lay, Uncoils two little green leaves and two brown, With tiny root taking hold on the clay, As, lifting and strengthening day by day, It pushes red branchlets, sprouts new leaves, ‘And cell after cell the Power in it weaves Out of the storehouse of soil and clime, To fashion a Tree in due course of time; ‘Tree with rough bark and boughs’ expansion, Where the Crow can build his mansion, Or a Man, in some new May, Lie under whispering leaves and say, “Are the ills of one’s life so very bad ‘When a Green Tree makes me deliciously glad?" As I do now. But where shall { be ‘When this little Seed is a tall green Tree?‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry ‘THe Two Kirrens ‘Two little kittens, one stormy night, Began to quarrel and to fight. One had a mouse, the other had none, This was the way the fight had begun: “Tl have that mouse,” said the bigger cat. “You'll have that mouse? We'll see about that!” “{ will have that mouse!” said the older one. “You shan't have that mouse!” said the little one. I told you before ‘twas a stormy night When these two little kittens began to fight. The old woman took her sweeping broom, And swept the kittens right out of the room. ‘The ground was covered with frost and snow, And the poor little kittens had nowhere to go. So they both lay down on the mat at the door, ‘While the old woman finished sweeping the floor. Then they both crept in, as quiet as mice, All wet with snow, and cold as ice, For they found it was better, that stormy night, To lie down and sleep than to quarrel and fight. Ducx’s Ditty KENNETH Graame All along the backwater, Through the rushes tall, Ducks are a-dabbling, Up tails all! Ducks’ tails, drake’ tails, Yellow feet a-quiver, Yellow bills all out of sight, Busy in the river! Slushy green undergrowth Where the roach swim— Here we keep our larder, Cool and full and dim!Animals Everyone for what he likes! WE like to be Heads down, tails up, Dabbling free! High in the blue above ‘Swifts whirl and call - WE are down a-dabbling, ‘Up tails all! THE LaMB Wiuiast Beare Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Gave thee life, and bid thee feed By the stream and oer the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing, woolly, bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice? Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Little lamb, 1 tell thee, Little lamb, I'l tell thee: He is called by thy name, For He calls Himself a lamb. He is meek, and He is mild; He became a little child La child, and thou a lamb, We are called by His name. Little lamb, God bless thee! Little lamb, God bless thee! 145The Waldorf Book of Poetry ‘THE PLAINT OF THE CAMEL Ciazuzs EpwanD CARRY "Canary-birds feed on sugar and seed, Parrots have crackers to crunch; And, as for the poodles, they tell me the noodles Have chickens and cream for their lunch. But there's never a question About my digestion— Anything does for me! "Cats, you're aware, can repose in a chair, Chickens can roost upon rails; Puppies are able to sleep in a stable, And oysters can slumber in pails. But no one supposes A poor Camel dozes— Any place does for me! "Lambs are enclosed where it's never exposed, Coops are constructed for hens; Kittens are treated to houses well heated, And pigs are protected by pens. But a Camel comes handy Wherever it's sandy— Anywhere does for me! "People would laugh if you rode a giraffe, Or mounted the back of an ox; It's nobody's habit to ride on a rabbit, Or try to bestraddle a fox. But as for a Camel, he's Ridden by families— Any load does for met "A snake is as round as 2 hole in the ground, And weasels are wavy and sleek; And no alligator could ever be straighter ‘Than lizards that live in a creek, But a Camel's all lumpy And bumpy and humpy— Any shape does for me!"158 The Waldorf Book of Poetry Could twist the sinews of thy heart? And when thy heart began to beat, | And what shoulder and what art | i What dread hand and what dread fect? What the hammer? what the chain? In what furnace was thy brain? What the anvil? What dread grasp Dare its deadly terrors clasp? When the stars threw down their spears, And waterdd heaven with their tears, Did He smile His work to see? Did He who made the lamb make thee? ‘Tyger, tyger, burning bright In the forests of the night, What immortal hand or eye Dare frame thy fearful symmetry? FROM THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT AHinpoo Fass JOHN Goprrey Saxe It was six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, ‘Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind), ‘That each by observation Might satisfy the mind. ‘The First approached the Elephant, ‘And happening to fall Against his broad and sturdy side At once began to bawl: “God bless me! but the Elephant Is very like a wall!” The Second, feeling of his tusl Cried, “Ho! What have we here So very round and smooth and sharp? To me ‘tis mighty clear This wonder of an Elephant Is very like a spear”,Animals 159 The Third approached the animal, ‘And happening to take ‘The squirming trunk within his hands, ‘Then boldly up and spake: “see” quoth he, “the Elephant Is very like a snake!” ‘The Fourth reached out his eager hand, And felt about the knee. “What most this wondrous beast is like is mighty plain,” quoth he; “Tis clear enough the Elephant Is very like a tree!” ‘The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, Said: “Een the blindest man Can tell what this resembles most; Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an Elephant Is very like a fan!” ‘The Sixth no sooner had begun ‘About the beast to grope, ‘Than, seizing on the swinging tail ‘That fell within his scope, “see” quoth he, “the Flephant Is very like a rope!” And so these men of Indostan Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong, ‘Though each was partly in the right, And all were in the wrong! UNsTOOPING Watrer pp ta Mane Low on his fours the Lion ‘Treads with the surly Be But Men straight upward from the dust ‘Walk with their heads in air;160 The Waldorf Book of Poetry The free sweet winds of heaven, The sunlight from on high Beat on their clear bright cheeks and brows As they go striding bys ‘The doors of all their houses They arch so they may go, Uplifted oer the four-foot beasts, Unstooping, to and fro. Ant, Bez AND BUTTERFLY Eugene Scuwanrz Have you ever watched the humble ants Cast up hillocks of dirt? And catve out catacomb-like halls Sequestered in the earth? Within they form a little world, So perfect in itself, Where each the other serves and so Ensouls the common wealth. Rotting wood they turn to good, Dead carrion make living, While on her eggs their calm Queen broods; Prime Mother, ever giving. The busy bee asks not the aim Nor purpose of his labor, For in it he such sweetness finds ‘That the task itself he savors. The bloom and bee, the bee and hive Form a sweet trinity; For through the bee the seed shall thrive, And through the blossom lives the bee. When the chrysalis seems most asleep Or deathlike, she is weaving On the warp and woof of her living loom And her primal form receiving. ‘Then, as a golden butterfly, Casting off the gray and cold, She awakens, self-created, Reborn, renewed and whole.182 (eee eee See VISION OF BELSHAZZAR Groxce Gorvon, Lorn Brro ‘The King was on his throne, ‘The Satraps throng’ the halls A thousand bright lights shone er that high festival. A thousand cups of gold, In Judah deemid divine— Jehovah's vessels hold The godless Heathen’s wine, In that same hour and hall, The fingers of a hand Came forth against the wall, And wrote as if on sand: ‘The fingers of a man; A solitary hand Along the letters ran, ‘And traced them like a wand, ‘The monarch saw, and shook, And bade no more rejoice; All bloodless waxd his look, And tremulous his voice. “Let the men of lore appear, ‘The wisest of the earth, And expound the words of fear, Which mar our royal mirth? The Waldorf Book of Poetry Chaldea’s seers are good, But here they have no skill; And the unknown letters stood Untold and awful stil. And Babel’s men of age Are wise and deep in lore; But now they were not sage, They saw—but knew no more, A captive in the land. A stranger and a youth, He heard the king’s command, He saw the writing’s truth; The lamps around were bright, ‘The prophecy in views He read it on that night, ‘The morrow proved it true. “Belshazzar’s grave is made, His kingdom passd away, He, in the balance weight, Is light and worthless clay; The shroud, his robe of state, His canopy the stone; ‘The Mede is at his gate! ‘The Persian on his throne!” HYMN To PROMETHEUS Roy Winknson Hail to Prometheus, the Titan, The helper of man and creator. Clay was the substance he used And in likeness of gods then he shaped it. Goodness and evil from hearts Of the beasts in man’s breast he enfolded Fire he brought down from the realms Of the skies to perfect his creation. Movement of stars he explained To the wondering earth dwelling people.History | | | | 187 HERCULES Enueen Horenins Who is this who cometh as in conquest? Strong he strides and free. Light of glory gleams around his temples, More than man is he. Dark has been the danger of his daring, Fierce the first and fell; None can know the fashion of his faring Hither out of hell, Who is this who cometh as in conquest? Strong he strides and free. Light of glory gleams around his temples, ‘Man and god is he. Zeus Homen He whose all-conscious eyes the world behold, ‘The eternal Thunderer sat, enthroned in gold; High heaven the footstool of his feet he makes, ‘And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes. RoMA O Roma nobilis, O noble Rome, Orbis et domina. _ The circle and mistress, Omnium urbium, Of all cities, Excellentissima. Most excellent, Salutem dicimus We give greetings Tibi per omnia; ‘To you among all Tebenedicimus, To you we give blessing, Salve per saecula, Salute through the year.| | | | | | 187 HERCULES Enueen Horenins Who is this who cometh as in conquest? Strong he strides and free. Light of glory gleams around his temples, More than man is he. Dark has been the danger of his daring, Fierce the first and fell; None can know the fashion of his faring Hither out of hell. Who is this who cometh as in conquest? Strong he strides and free. Light of glory gleams around his temples, ‘Man and god is he. Zeus Homer He whose all-conscious eyes the world behold, The eternal Thunderer sat, enthroned in gold; High heaven the footstool of his feet he makes, And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes. RoMA O Roma nobilis, O noble Rome, Orbis et domina. The circle and mistress, Omnium urbium, Of all cities, Excellentissima. Most excellent, Salutem dicimus We give greetings Tibi per omnia; ‘To you among all Tebenedicimus, To you we give blessing, Salve per saecula, Salute through the year.fPoctry History 187 HERCULES Ensen Hotcnins Who is this who cometh as in conquest? Strong he strides and free. Light of glory gleams around his temples, More than man is he, Dark has been the danger of his daring, Fierce the first and fell; ‘None can know the fashion of his faring Hither out of hell. Who is this who cometh as in conquest? Strong he strides and free. Light of glory gleams around his temples, ‘Man and god is he. Zeus Homer He whose all-conscious eyes the world behold, The eternal Thunderer sat, enthroned in golds High heaven the footstool of his feet he makes, ‘And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes. Roma © Roma nobilis, O noble Rome, Orbis et domina. The circle and mistress. Omnium urbium, fall cities, Excellentissima. Most excellent. Salutem dicimus We give greetings Tibi per omnia; ‘To you among all Tebenedicimus, To you we give blessing, Salve per saecula. Salute through the year.The Waldorf Book of Poetry “L, who am dead, have ways of knowing Of the crop of death that the quick are sowing, I, who was Pompey, cry it aloud From the dark of death, from the wind blowing. “1, who was Pompey, once was proud, Now I lie in the sand without a shrouds Lery to Caesar out of my pain, ‘Caesar beware, your death is vowed.” ‘The light grew grey on the window-pane, The windcocks swung in a burst of rain, The window of Caesar flung unshuttered, ‘The horse-hoofs died into wind again. Caesar turned in his bed and muttered, With a struggle for breath the lamp-flame guttered; Calpurnia heard her husband moan: “The house is falling, The beaten men come into their own.” THE GLADIATOR PROM CHiup# Harowp's Pucriuace Gronce GorDos, Lorp ByRON see before me the Gladiator lie: He leans upon his hand—his manly brow Consents to death, but conquers agony, And his droopid head sinks gradually low— And through his side the last drops, ebbing slow From the red gash, fall heavy, one by one, Like the first of a thunder-shower; and now The arena swims around him—he is gone, Ere ceased the inhuman shout which haild the wretch who won. He heard it, but he heeded not—his eyes Were with his heart, and that was far away; He reckd not of the life he lost nor prize, But where his rude hut by the Danube lay, ‘There where his young barbarians all at play, There was their Dacian mother—he, their sire, Butcherd to make a Roman holiday— All this rush’d with his blood—Shalll he expire And unavenged?—Arise! ye Goths, and glut your ire!The Waldorf Book of Poetry Tuts Is THE House Tat Jack Burr Moruer Goose ‘This is the house that Jack built. This is the malt ‘That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the rat, ‘That ate the malt ‘That lay in the house that Jack built. ‘This is the cat, That killed the rat, That ate the malt ‘That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the dog, ‘That worried the cat, ‘That killed the rat, ‘That ate the malt ‘That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the cow with the crumpled horn, That tossed the dog, ‘That worried the cat, That killed the rat, ‘That ate the malt That lay in the house that Jack built. This is the maiden all forlorn, ‘That milked the cow with the crumpled horn, ‘That tossed the dog, That worried the cat, ‘That killed the rat, That ate the malt ‘That lay in the house that Jack built, ‘This is the man all tattered and torn, That kissed the maiden all forlorn, That milked the cow with the crumpled horn, ‘That tossed the dog, That worried the cat, ‘That killed the rat, That ate the malt ‘That lay in the house that Jack built,‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry We dance around the fir tree.. Four little groups of three are we, Four little groups of three. Four little groups of three are we, Four little groups of three. We dance around the fir tree... Six little groups of two are we, Six little groups of two. Six little groups of two are we, Six little groups of two. We dance around the fir tree. Tur NuMBER TWELVE ‘Twelve children together are we Merry and bright as you can see, ‘Twelve children hand in hand In one circle here we stand. Each with a partner, hand in hand, Six pairs now before us stand. Twelve is six lots of two, Into two rings now we run Six in a ring, quickly done. ‘Twelve is two lots of six. Into four rings now we run ‘Three in a ring, quickly done. ‘Twelve is four lots of three. Wait and we will show you more: ‘Three rings now in each is four. Twelve is three lots of four. (Then all the children dance back into one circle.) ‘Twelve children together are we Merry and bright as you can see, ‘Twelve children hand in hand In one circle here we stand.‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry ‘The Snow Queen casts Six-pointed flakes On stormy winds to ride; ‘The crystal with its six clear walls In deepest earth abides; When the busy bee builds honeycombs He sculpts them with six sides. Wherever Light would find a home, In storm, or cave, or honeycomb, Six is its chosen number and form. ARITHMETIC VERSES ‘There was a family strange indeed; Each member had a peculiar speed. They could walk for half a day Counting footsteps all the way. Here they comie, number one. One Tam proper, neat and prim; My walk is straight, my clothes are trim. So I count my steps and you will see That every one’s the same for me. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve. Two But my two steps are not the same, For I must Jean upon my cane. Although I'm bent and weak and old, I can still count with numbers bold. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, Three T'ma lad, light and gay And Id much rather play. can run with my ball While the numbers I call.‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry How Many SECONDS IN A MINUTE? Cunusrisa Rosserst How many seconds in a minute? Sixty, and no more in it. ‘How many minutes in an hour? Sixty for sun and shower. How many hours in a day? ‘Twenty-four for work and play. How many days ina week? Seven both to hear and speak. How many weeks in a month? Four, as the swift moon runs'th, How many months in a year? ‘Twelve the almanack makes clear. How many years in an age? ‘One hundred says the sage. How many ages in time? No one knows the rhyme. Time RHYME Dororiy HARRER Sixty seconds make a minute, Put a lot of kindness in it. Sixty minutes make an hour. Work with all your might and power. Twelve bright hours make a day, ‘Time enough for work and play. ‘Twelve dark hours through the night Give us sleep till morning light. Seven days a week will make. This we'll learn if pains we take. Four to five weeks make the months. Remember this or be a dunce. ‘Twelve long months will make a year, In one of them your birthday, dear.‘The Waldorf Book of Poetry How Many SECONDS IN A MINUTE? Cuunasriva RosserTi How many seconds in a minute? Sixty, and no more in it. How many minutes in an hour? Sixty for sun and shower. How many hours in a day? ‘Twenty-four for work and play. How many days ina week? Seven both to hear and speak. How many weeks in a month? Four, as the swift moon runn'th. How many months in a year? ‘Twelve the almanack makes clear. How many years in an age? One hundred says the sage. How many ages in time? No one knows the rhyme. Time RHYME Dororuy Haneer Sixty seconds make a minute, Puta lot of kindness in it. Sixty minutes make an hour. Work with all your might and power. ‘Twelve bright hours make a day, Time enough for work and play. Twelve dark hours through the night Give us sleep till morning light. Seven days a week will make. ‘This we'll learn if pains we take. Four to five weeks make the months. Remember this or be a dunce. ‘Twelve long months will make a year, In one of them your birthday, dear.: of Poetry Numbers and Grammar A MarHematics Porm ‘Michavn Morrenax ‘A circle has lots of possibilities; ‘There are many directions to go. But with a line that is straight ‘There can only be this way or that! If you live from the center of a circle you will find your life all about you. But should you live on a railway track you can only go forward or back! EvcLip Vacer Lavosay Old Buclid drew a circle On a sand-beach long ago. He bounded and enclosed it With angles thus and so. His set of solemn greybeards Nodded and argued much Ofare and circumference, Diameter and such. silent child stood by them From morning until noon Because they drew such charming Round pictures of the moon. UNKNOWN Is it where the Geometer draws his base, And elegant quadrices float through space, Where the circular points are the open door, ‘And conics osculate ever more? 297¢ of Poetry Numbers and Grammar 297 ‘Michasi Morrenas A circle has lots of possibilities; ‘There are many directions to go. But with a line that is straight ‘There can only be this way or that! 1 If you live from the center of a circle you will find your life all about you. But should you live on a railway track you can only go forward or back! Euciip Vacs Lavosay | A MarHematics PorM Old Buclid drew a circle On a sand-beach long ago. He bounded and enclosed it With angles thus and so. His set of solemn greybeards Nodded and argued much Of are and circumference, Diameter and such. Asilent child stood by them From morning until noon Because they drew such charming Round pictures of the moon. UNKNOWN Is it where the Geometer draws his base, And elegant quadrices float through space, Where the circular points are the open door, ‘And conics osculate ever more?The Waldorf Book of Poetry ‘Tae Four SENTENCES Doromity Harner Commands Listen to the night wind biow. See the swirling flakes of snow. Close the window. Shut the door. Keep out the wild wind’s angry roar. Light the fire. Let it blaze. Exclamations How wonderful the morning is! Oh, what a sparkling day! Sky's blue around the golden sun! ‘The wind has died away! Statements ‘The golden sun shines on the snow, ‘The trees blue shadows make. The colors of God's own rainbow Twinkle in each snowflake. Questions Where do snowflakes come from? Why are they so white? Who gives them each a separate form? How far has been their flight? ‘And what creates the rainbow In each which star of snow?k of Poetry Numbers and Grammar THE Parts OF SPEECH VERSES Vinemvta Firup Birpsate The Verb Tam a verb, I like to act, To walk, to run, to dance; it’s a fact. ‘To plow, to build, to work, to strive, 1 like to feel that ’'m alive! But sometimes I just say, “Iam,” ‘And act as meek as a little lamb. The Noun Tam a noun; I give names to things, ‘To persons, from beggars to royal kings; To animals also, great and small; ‘To flowers and trees that grow so tall, To things like tables and chairs and sticks, ‘To houses and stone, concrete and bricks; ‘And to things you can't see or hear or feel, Like goodness and truth and honor and zeal! [like to be quiet; I don’t run about, 1 just sit still and let others shout. ‘The Pronoun Tam a pronoun; it isn't quite fair, Tm only about when the noun isnt there! Sometimes I'm “I” and sometimes I'm “you?” Or “he? “she? or “it,” or “they” or “them,” toos I change my form when it suits my whim, ‘Then she becomes her and he becomes him. The Articles ‘The articles small are we; We like to make ourselves known: Fat A, an and the; but none of us three Can stand for a minute alone. Three small articles are we ‘And we keep nouns company. The Adjectives We are the adjectives; artists, too, We stick to the nouns as your skin sticks to you. T call the man great or good or sad. L call the beast large or fierce or bad. I paint the grass green and the flowers gay. We dance through the world in our colorful way. 303Numbers and Grammar PUNCTUATION VERSES Dororiry Hannes Tam the period, I love to rest. All sentences stop at my request. Jwant to know What is your name? Where do you live? What is your fame? What answer will you give? The question mark am I, ‘And can you tell me why? Whoopee! Hooray! Look out! Make way! Y'm here! I'm there! I'm everywhere! ‘Whatever the excitement rare, ‘The exclamation point is there! When the sentences ate long, Running ever on and on, Iran with them, so nimble and merry, ‘To give you a breathing space, Lest you grow weary. Tam the comma, so nimble and busy, Without me some sentences might make you dizzy. Mrs. GRAMMAR’S BALL FROM GREAT GRANDMOTHER'S Prsce BOOK Mrs, Grammar once gave a fine ball To the nine different parts of our speech ‘Yo the short and the tall, : To the stout and the small, ‘There were pies, plums, and puddings for each. ‘And first little Articles came Ina hurry to make themselves knowns Far A, AN, and THE— But none of the three Could stand for a minute alone. 30500k of Poetry Numbers and Grammar PUNCTUATION VERSES Doromiry Hannan Lam the period. [love to rest. All sentences stop at my request. I want to know ‘What is your name? ‘Where do you live? What is your fame? ‘What answer will you give? ‘The question mark am 1, And can you tell me why? Whoopee! Hooray! Look out! Make way! Ym here! I'm there! I'm everywhere! ‘Whatever the excitement rare, "The exclamation point is there! ‘When the sentences are long, Running ever on and on, Iran with them, so nimble and merry, To give you a breathing space, Lest you grow weary. Tam the comma, so nimble and busy, ‘Without me some sentences might make you dizzy. Mrs. GRAMMAR’S BALL FROM GREAT GRANDMOTHER'S Prec BOOK Mrs. Grammar once gave a fine ball To the nine different parts of our speech ‘To the short and the tall, To the stout and the small, : ‘There were pies, plums, and puddings for each And first little Articles came Ina hurry to make themselves knowns Far A, AN, and THE— But none of the three Could stand for a minute alone.v0k of Poetry Numbers and Grammar Help Friends, to the rescue! On you For aid Verb and Article call. O give your protection ‘To poor interjection, Noun, Pronoun, Conjunction and all. SUBJECT AND OBJECT Bucene Scuwaxrz ‘When you speak or write in sentences, Make them clear and make them true, For confusing the SUBJECT and OBJECT. Is something you are not to do! “Merton swiftly strikes the nail’— Of this we can be certain; But think how painful it would be, If it were said, “The nail strikes Merton!” “A strong horse pulled our heavy sled Across the snowy course”— But wed not have gotten anywhere If the sled had pulled the horse! “Because he was so bad in school His mother spanked poor Tom’— It would not have been proper, though, For Tom to spank his Mom! I could tell so many tales (But the tales could not tell me) Of subjects turned into objects And objects used subjectively, Of a world tuned topsy-turvy When grammar is ignored, And how, through proper sentence form, World Order is restored. : So keep the horse before the cart, And make the hammer hit the nail, Be sure to think before you speak, And you'll speak well without fail!