Welcome!

With love no words may measure, Deep as life’s hidden wells,— With sweetest, purest pleasure, Chautauqua’s bosom swells.

A memory true and tender, At which the warm tears start,— Her Founder and Defender— His home is in her heart!

O gratefully she meets him, Restored to her once more; And rapturously greets him, With welcomes o’er and o’er.

Her joy untold confessing, (Now be God’s goodness prais’d!) As for a father’s blessing, Her eyes to his are raised.

Full well she knows attend her His prayers on sea and shore— His spotless fame her splendor, Her pride for evermore!

St. Vincent, we would name him, Ere yet his crown is won,— Before the skies shall claim him For Christ’s dear word, “Well done!” Chautauqua, 1902.

FAME.

In empty rumor sown to woful ruth, How many reputations pass like chaff, Before Time’s judgment winnowing for Truth Immortal morrow and eternal youth. Recalled for mirth,—remembered with a laugh! Poor fames! that flower and wither with the grass,— Once fondly deemed more durable than brass. Heed well the clarion sounding through the sky, Impartial herald of the Voice of God! Proclaiming to the ages wide abroad The mighty names that were not born to die. Hark! ’tis the centuries’ roll-call, calm and clear,— From thrones of fadeless glory answered, “Here!” By souls supreme whose record is on high.