The Cornflower, and Other Poems

"For I'm a beggar, Nan, you see-- Don't think me begging for sympathy.

"The world is wide, I don't care--much. Thank God, health's a thing the law can't touch.

"The happiest man I ever knew Was born a beggar, and died one, too."

Each sunflower, nodding its yellow head, Listened to every word that was said,

As Nan in her slow and easy way, In the farmhouse kitchen that summer day,

Set a great and weighty problem forth, One that no scholar on this green earth

Has been able to solve since things began With Adam--a lone and lonesome man.

Yet very coolly she set it forth: "Tell me the truth, how much am I worth?"

The sunbeams kissing her golden hair, Her cheeks, her round arms dimpled and bare,

Seemed stamping value of mighty wealth On youth, and love, and the bloom of health.

John looked and looked till his eyes grew dim, Then tilted the hat with worthless brim

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