The Laughing Girl

The Laughing Girl
By ROBERT W. CHAMBERS
AUTHOR OF The Restless Sex, The Dark Star, The Business of Life, Etc.
With Frontispiece By HENRY HUTT
A. L. BURT COMPANY Publishers New York
Published by arrangement with D. APPLETON & COMPANY
Copyright, 1918, by ROBERT W. CHAMBERS
Printed in the United States of America
TO MY SON BOB AT PLATTSBURGH BARRACKS
FOREWORD
I Here's a pretty tale to tell All about the beastly boche— How the Bolsheviki fell Out of grace and in the wash! —How all valiant lovers love, How all villains go to hell, Started thither by a shove From the youth who loved so well, Virtue mirrored in the glass Held by his beloved lass. II He who grins in clown's disguise Often hides an aching heart— Sadness, sometimes worldly-wise, Dresses for a motley part— Cap, and bells to cheat the ears, Chalk and paint to hide the tears Lest the world, divining pain, Turn to gape and stare again. III You who read but may not run Where the bugles summon youth, You who when the day is done Ponder God's eternal Truth Ere you fold your hands to rest, Sheltered from the fierce huns' ruth, Here within the guarded West Safe from swinish tusk and tooth Laugh in God's name, if you can!— Serving so the Son of Man. IV Gorse is growing, poppies bloom Where our bravest greeted Christ. Is His dwelling, then, the tomb? Has the sacrifice sufficed? What is all we have then worth In Thy sight, Lord, in Thy sight? Take our offered heart-sick mirth— Let our laughter fight Thy fight. R. W. C.
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