The poetry of Henry van Dyke is not merely read, but loved, by countless people. No part of it evokes so universal a response as the poems dealing with nature and outdoor life brought together in this volume.
ate replying,
Shaking the tune from his wings
While he is flying:
_Surely, surely, surely,
Life is dear
Even here.
Blue above,
You to love,
Purely, purely, purely._
There's wild azalea on the hill, and iris down the dell,
And just one spray of lilac still abloom beside the well;
The columbine adorns the rocks, the laurel buds grow pink,
Along the stream white arums gleam, and violets bend to drink.
This is the song of the Yellow-throat,
Fluttering gaily beside you;
Hear how each voluble note
Offers to guide you:
_Which way, sir?
I say, sir,
Let me teach you,
I beseech you!
Are you wishing
Jolly fishing?
This way, sir!
I'll teach you._
Then come, my friend, forget your foes and leave your fears behind, And wander forth to try your luck, with cheerful, quiet mind; For be your fortune great or small, you take what God will give, And all th
