American author and humorist (1862-1922)
By some the harbor ne'er is won,
Despite the journey well begun;
The storm besets, and ruin lies
Where yesterday were fairest skies.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
"The Voyage", Songs of Cheer
It always pays to be generous with that which costs you nothing.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
The Autobiography of Methuselah
You don't catch me sending my voice to Philadelphia when the chances are I may need it any minute around here to frighten burglars away with. The idea of a man's being so foolish as to send his voice way out to Chicago on a wire with nobody to look after it, stumps me.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
Mollie and the Unwiseman Abroad
As Eve was the only cook in all Christendom at the time, the idea of not coming home to dinner never occurred to Adam.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
The Autobiography of Methuselah
From earth, and sky, and sea,
Let cheer come unto me,
And mirth, and tenderness,
And all the things that bless,
That I may pass them on to those
Who suffer woes;
Not keep them for mine own.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
"The Gifts Divine", Songs of Cheer
To take things as they be --
Thet's my philosophy.
No use to holler, mope, or cuss --
If they was changed they might be wuss.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
"A Philosopher", Songs of Cheer