PREFACE
MANY of the stories contained in this book were originally published in the columns of The Bulletin, Sydney; others first saw light in the pages of Melbourne Argus, Punch, and The Antipodean and Cosmos. To the proprietors of these publications I am grateful for permission to republish the stories. The initial story, "Below and On Top," is now printed for the first time.
For the privilege of using Mr. Phil May's illustrations I am indebted to the kindness of the proprietors of The Bulletin. These drawings were made as far back as 1888, and have been reproduced from prints.
EDWARD DYSON.
OF THE TRUE ENDEAVOUR
HAPPY he in whom the honest love of fair endeavour lingers,
Who has strength to do his labour, and has pride to do it well,
Carve he gems of purest water with an artist's cunning fingers,
Hew the granite, forge the beam, or make a simple tale to tell.
His to feel a glow ecstatic of the mighty exultation
That arose when out of chaos all the wheeling planets stood.
Since when God beheld the wonder, saw the stir of His creation
In the busy scheme of heaven, and He said that it was good,
Never man has made with willing hands some thing of true intention—
Cut in bone a strange, rude picture to inspire the naked hordes,
Or contrived a subtle engine with laborious invention—
But has entered straight and freely to the joy that was the Lord's.
Those so blessed have with them solace, balm, to still the ache of sorrow,
One companion who will cleave when friends and kindred turn away;
But a jealous mistress is she, and be sure again to-morrow
She will draw you back repentant if ye wander far to-day.
Few there are that know the ardour. Some are weaving songs of beauty,
Some have harped the living music, some have built with noblest skill,
Some are simple men exulting in the moiler's primal duty,
When they swing their axes high or ring the hammer on the drill.
Not to all that love is given art, the clear, unfailing vision,
Not power to carve the perfect form, the bravest lances hurled,
But the humblest hand sincere desire has quickened to decision
Beats a line of grace eternal in the metal of the world.
Men have prayed for many blessings, for the boon of ease have ever
Plagued the God that drave out Adam to the tilling of the soil--
Speak a prayer of honest effort to the God of Vast Endeavour:
Give for each his toil, O Lord—for each the pride and joy of toil!