He sings the old camp-meeting songs of Democratic Zion
And Salvation Army melodies in praise of Billy Bryan.
And from New England’s silver springs to the glaciers of Alaska
He calls on all to march behind bold Billy of Nebraska.
I guess he’ll skim its richest cream for Democratic butter,
While many an unhorsed rival lies cussin’ in the gutter.
His paragraphs are golden lamps which flare around a palace,
And he pours the wine of genius from an overflowing chalice.
Strong-limbed, sound-winded “Dark Horse”—he’s “bearded like a pard”—(Good-bye, old Pard!)
An expert he in “sharps and flats”—the match of old Gerardi;
Both artists, those old boys, “by gum!” of copious variety—
Age can not wither, nor custom stale, their infinite—sobriety.
DEDICATION HYMN.
Sung at the reopening of the Methodist Church, Hopkinsville, Ky., January 31, 1902.
Jesus, this earthly shrine once more
Opes wide in majesty;
The temple of our hearts anew
We consecrate to thee.
Redemption’s gates wide open swing,
All hail, thou Galilean King!
Faith laid the eternal corner-stone,
Hope built aloft the tower,
And Love shall call thy children, Lord,
At worship’s solemn hour.
Redemption’s glorious song they sing,
All hail, Life’s re-awakening Spring!
Here shall the Gospel’s splendor light
The Christian’s upward way,
From mortal to immortal life
Unto the perfect day.
The flowers and fruits of love we bring,
All hail, Life’s re-awakening Spring!
Bring, Holy Dove, to this pure shrine
The olive-branch of peace,
The perfect fruits of righteousness,
Love, joy, and rich increase.
Through Heaven’s blue vault her armies sing,
All hail, Life’s re-awakening Spring!