“The light, the spell-word of the heart,
Our guiding star in weal or woe,
Our talisman—our earthly chart—
That sweetest name that earth can know.
“We breathed it first with lisping tongue
When cradled in her arms we lay;
Fond memories round that name are hung
That will not, cannot pass away.
“We breathed it then, we breathe it still,
More dear than sister, friend or brother,
The gentle power, the magic thrill
Awakened at the name of Mother.”
“Johnnie?”
“Yes, Yank.”
“Take this pipe and tobacco. You'll need them.”
“Thank you.”
“Here's my pocket-book.”
“But you'll need the money?”
“Not so much as you will. Take it, I say.”
“All right, if you insist on it.”
“And this fine tooth comb—you'll need that also.”