Songs of Challenge

Hundred's ancient hymn of praise. Perhaps his stark theology Would fan to flame no spark in me. I wonder if, to hail the Throne, One needs a sanctimonious tone, And must each plea for aid propose In words that issue through the nose? I doubt if heaven greatly savors Hymns quite so full of flats and quavers; But yet, perhaps, they rise far higher Than anthems of a vested choir. But I have watched the sunlight come, Across the long prayer's drone and hum, To touch a crown of thin, white hair And weave a golden halo there; Have seen, through windows open wide, Broad fields where bobolinks abide; Have seen the grasses sway and glisten And daisies bow their heads to listen Beneath a tranquil summer sky ? And heard God's footsteps passing by. Frederic F. Van de Water NAUGHTY NELL There came a knock at the door of Heaven And the knock was firm and light. St. Peter he opened the window grill And looked on a puzzling sight: A maiden sweet as a swaying bough Of apple-buds pink and white. He scratched his forehead and looked again: No doubt but the girl was fair, She lowered the lids of her blue-bell eyes With a half impenitent air, And the smile that lurked in her pouting lips Had little to do with prayer. "Name?" he inquired in formal tones. "Nell Bassett," the answer fell. " If you please, I thought I might come and knock Before I was dragged to hell, Though there's small use looking...