This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ...The valley and the shadow ere we see Our sins. I see it now! Would I had seen It many years ago. I voted many times To keep that one saloon to lighten taxes, Where are my pretty taxes now! And think, I once had in my hand the power to crush it, Had I but risen then and struck the blow. I saw no harm in it to ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ...The valley and the shadow ere we see Our sins. I see it now! Would I had seen It many years ago. I voted many times To keep that one saloon to lighten taxes, Where are my pretty taxes now! And think, I once had in my hand the power to crush it, Had I but risen then and struck the blow. I saw no harm in it to me or mine; That was my sin, and God has punished justly, For I denied I was my brother's keeper.--Oh, what have I done? Mother. You've sold her soul! Would I had only made you see what I Saw in a vision many years ago.--Mine's half the sin, for I, with all my might, Could have persuaded you.--Has't come to this? Father. You are too fair and honest in these words, For mortal woman; yes, we both must share The burden equally, for doubly we Can bear the millstone that would break each heart, If borne alone. Mother. My God, I know not If 'twill last. My heart is almost broken now. My hope has fled! Shall we not somehow try To rescue her and bring her safely home? Could we not bear her husband round our hearth, If she'd return? Let's bid them welcome home; Perchance, they'll come. Father. No, wife, --She'll come 'alone', If we but bide our time. Do you not see These tearstains here upon her parting note? That drunkard's son that has heguiled her thus, Will soon betray her; then she'll come alone. Too true, she'll bring a bleeding, broken heart. And tears and taints of sin. 'Twill not be she, The joyous angel, flitting fairy-like Around, as once she did.--It can't be changed By us, nor can we bear the viper that Has thus so deadly bitten at our hearts. Mother. It would not be my way. But it may be The best.--O time, come back to us again, Come ravel out the stitches we have woven, That we may now correct our sad mistakes, And weave aright the...
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