Congratulations!
Great Joy, Great Responsiblity!
GRANDFATHER TO GRANDSON
(ATTRIBUTED TO C. T. DAVIS IN
THE ARKANSAS GAZETTE ABOUT THE
TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY)
To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth,
This was the ancient Law of Youth.
Old times are past, old days are done,
But the law runs true, O little son.
To ride whatever the mount may be:
Power or Sorrow; Fame, Tragedy.
(Master the thing lest it master you.)
Ride when the going is fair and plain,
With a velvet touch on the snaffle rein.
Yet vigilant always: Watch and guard.
When need be, ride on the curb. Ride Hard!
Whatever mishap or grief betide,
Firm handed, sure seated: Fearlessly Ride!
Shoot straight! Know that ye shall not find,
How, at a glance, should the sights be lined.
(Study the terrain and feel out the range.)
Choose your target with a disciplined glance,
Brace for the shock with a sturdy stance,
At the flight of the venomous indirect word.
Swing on the quarter and lead your bird.
At the charge of the flamingly base desire,
Hold low and fire. Hold low and fire!
And Speak the Truth: And here is writ,
The heart of the lay. Cling close to it.
(Guard and cherish and hold it high.)
Worth on a lie no more may stand,
Than the house that was builded upon the sand.
Yea, though the Truth may scare you and burn,
Out of your agony men will learn,
The strength of your soul and the merit of you,
And your voice in the council. Speak True! Speak True!
O little son, in your hands today,
A marvelous, beautiful thing I lay.
This is the ancient Law of Youth:
To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth.
