City Ballads Part 20

And if, when Eve spied that large serpent one day, She had acted the usual feminine way, And piercingly screamed, and run, reckless and blind, As if Satan were only two minutes behind, Then Adam, man-like, had soothed sweetly her fright, Saying, "What do you fear? 'tisn't poison; 'twon't bite;"

Then, catching a club, he had towered up above it, And promptly had pounded the devil out of it, 'Twould have saved some hot tears, some hard toil, some disgrace, And been a great thing for the whole human race.

But they treated him kindly, and gave him his say, And 'twas not very long ere himself was to pay.

Since then this same Satan, whatever befalls, Is noted for making his family calls; Some families--shame on the impudent wretch!-- He stays with at times for a week at a stretch; And some it would seem as if, pleased with the fare, He had taken his permanent residence there!

But when to his dear friends these visits he makes, He doesn't always come in the persons of snakes.

So the Science of Home is the chiefest of all: To ward off these dangers that ever befall; To beat back these devils of discord and sin, That always are striving to steal their way in; To use all the means G.o.d hath placed in our sight, To keep our homes innocent, happy, and bright; For a home that rejoices in love's saving leaven, Comes deliciously nigh to the splendors of Heaven!

Still through the city I wander; Still do I study and ponder; But with no loneliness round me; Severed--the black cords that bound me!

No more my spirit is weary; I have a home, bright and cheery; Full of love's sweet, saving leaven: Home is the daughter of Heaven.

THE END.