The Eyes of Little Charlotte

Now God has made a wistful world, And a woman strangely coy: Her eyes say come, and go, and come, And stay, and be a boy. Oh, the eyes of little Charlotte say "Come, kiss me if you can!" But in a trice they change, and cry "Go out and be a man."

Oh, the eyes of little Charlotte say You shall not flinch at pain; You shall not sigh for the cool cities, Or moan for the soft rain. The wind shall bite you, throat and cheek; The sun will leave its tan; But the eyes of little Charlotte say, "Go out and be a man."

And you shall speak as a man speaks Not mealy-mouthed or mild, But you must go with a girl's love For every lisping child; Nor shall you live in the far clouds As only dreamers can: For the eyes of little Charlotte say, "Go out and be a man."

And you shall fight as a man fights And fare as a man may; And you shall see as giants see And hear what giants say: You shall not bide in a safe place Near by a lady's fan— For the eyes of little Charlotte say "Go out and be a man."

And your reward,—the old reward That is for all who dare, The long love of a warm woman And kisses, proud and fair. Oh, you shall toil for Love—the Law Since ever Love began— For the eyes of little Charlotte say "Go out and be a man."