Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1893. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE SWEET USES OF ADVERSITY. In Norway fiords, in summer time, The Norway birch is fair; The white trunks shine, the green leaves twine, The whole tree groweth tall and fine, For all it wants is there-- Water and warmth and air-- Full fed in all its nature needs, and showing That nature in perfection by its growing. But follow the persistent tree To the limit of endless snow-- There you may see what a birch can be! The product showeth plain and free How nobly plants can grow With nine months winter slow. 'Tis fitted to survive in that position; Developed by the force of bad condition. See now what life the tree doth keep-- Branchless, three-leaved, and tough-- [creep In June the leaf-buds peep, flowers in July dare To bloom, the fruit in August, and then sleep. Strong is the tree and rough, It lives, and that's enough. "Dog's ear" the name the peasants call it by-- A Norway birch--and less than one inch high! That silver monarch of the summer wood, Tall, straight, and lovely, rich in all things good; Knew not in his perversity The sweeter uses of adversity! THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE Our business system has its base On one small thought that's out of place, The merest trifle, --nothing much, of course, The truth is there--who says it's not? Only--the trouble is--you've got The cart before the horse! You say unless a man shall work Right earnestly, and never shirk, small, He may not eat Now look--the change is And yet the truth is plain to see, Unless man eats, and frequently-- He cannot work at alL And -which comes first? Why that is plain, The man comes first And, look again-- A baby! with an appetite to fit! You have to feed him years and years And train him up with toil and tears Before he works a bit! So let us change our old ideas And learn with these advanci...
