Volume of Poems

VO LUM E O F PO EM S

M S . . R M A. B. gELLY

State Normal Co e e A an N . Y ll g , lb y . .

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95 0m m JO SE P H GE O R GE CU P P L E S 2 50 BOYLSTON S TREET 1 442,

o r ht 1 8 2 C py ig , 9 ,

BY . G . C U P P L E S . . J

A ll r ig/Lt; r eser ved C O N E N T TS .

P A GE PR EFACE

WAR WAIFS . INTRODUCTION M S S EMORIES OF THE IEGE OF UFFOLK . AROUND THE CAMP—FIRE THE HERO OF FORT S EWARD

’ A S OLDIE R S HISTORY MIDNIGHT MUSINGS W E TWO O L D AUNT MILLY DAN ” THE S IEGE RAISED BATTLE OF DES E RTED HOUSE TWO YEARS A G O THE LAST TATTOO A R EBEL S OUVENIR TH E NAMELESS HEROINE TH E YOUNG S OLDIER TH E BLUE AND THE GRAY TH E LOST CAUSE LAUREL - CROWNED A CHRISTMAS E V E I N CAMP COIV TE N T S .

S R V R THE IDYL F OM O E S E A .

TH E MYSTERY OF S PANISH R OCK A T THE GRAVE OF ALBRECHT DURER

IN THE BINNENHOF . IMPROMPTU BETWEEN THE LAKES NULLI S ECUNDUS A MYTH OF THE R HINE MUNICH THE ARMINIAN CHEST TH E J U D E N S T R A S S E THE GREATEST TRAGEDY

S F R POEM WRITTEN O O CCA S ION S . THE YEARS — . E TO MRS W . ON H R WEDDING DAY LINES WRITTEN FOR A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FIGUR E - HEADS

U K ND Q IR S A QU E RIE S . A S ILICATE TO PLAGIARISM QJ E R Y

WH Y N O T YOUR CHOICE O DON ’ T YOU REMEMBER THE S ELF - MADE MAN Is I T A FAILURE ! R E SUME THE PUZ Z LED ENTOMOLOGIST MYTHS CON TE N TS . Vii

CYPRE S S S PRAYS .

IN MEMORI \ M THE E ARLY DEAD GONE BEYOND THREE YEARS A G O S AVED S EVEN YEARS AGO

MI S CEL L ANEOU S POEM S . MY LADY DEDLOCK E ! PERIENCE AUTUMN LEAVES THE FIRST S NOW

O U E E N THE TRUE \ GOING DOWN TO THE GRAVE R UNAWAY JIM KIND WORDS ONLY GRAVE OF LEATHER S TOCKING HIS O W N ACC U SER MY LITTLE QUERIST THE WATE R TIGER S UBMISSION S PRING HARBINGERS WITHOUT AND WITHIN N O O N E TO CARRY THE KEYS OCTOBER THE LAST R EVEILLE S TILL S H E KEEPS R OCKING HIM W H Y DO E S S H E WEEP FOR H IM THE THUNDER BOLT viii CON TE N TS .

A N AUTUMN IDYL LONGINGS

’ LIFE S L A R GE ss I WISH

TH E - FLOWER GIRL OF THE TU IL L E R IE S THE BEAUTIFUL HOME O D E TO BUR NS TWO LETTERS DEAD MAN ’ S ISLAND THE DOWN GRADE A CONTRAST

’ IN PALMER S S TUDIO TO A NORTHERN R OBIN HOMELESS A LESSON MY R EAL ESTATE TWILIGHT IN WASHINGT ON PARK EVERY DAY LINES FOR AN ALBUM CRYPTOGAMIA A CAROL A N INCIDENT R E TROSPECTIVE THE H E N WITH O N E CHICK A FRAGMENT DEATH OF TASSO — FRIENDSHIP WHAT Is IT DOWN BY THE S E A THE O L D BELL THE LAST S UPPE R OF THE GIRONDISTS MISSIONS IN CONCLUSION CON TE N i TS . x

LE S S ONS FROM THE S TOICS . HAPPINESS CONTENTMENT MODERATION THE MEASURE OF WORTH

FO R TH E POEMS C HILD REN . COALS OF FIRE THE ORPHAN PRINCE

’ A S CHOOL - GIRL S TRIALS — S ONG WORK FOR A L L TO DO GRIMALKIN A R HYMED EPISTLE TO FRED LOST TREASURES A BOTANICAL BABY THE V ICTOR V ANQUISHED

L A s O L D MR . S ANTA C U THE U NATTAINABLE THE FIRST BANG ” THE TWO WEAVERS R ETALIATION S CHOOL S ONG ! PARTING O DE )

P RE FA C E .

It may not be in app rO p ria-te to give a few word s

“ O f e xplanation concerning the Wa r Waifs that

introduce this volu m e The author was a reside n t

V a f t he o f S . O uffolk , , during a greater part late

W ar C . o s ivil The place was occupied as an outp t ,

a n d o o f the c ndition its inhabitants , under the

of n o t alternate sway the contending armies , was

an enviable o n e . The helpless wo m en an d chil dren Of the town would have suffered for the bare

necessities Of life had it n o t been fo r th e kind n ess

Of the Federal A rmy . The author remem bers with lively gratitude one occasion o n which the m N . . genero us and ti ely aid rendered by Gen . M

t h e F F C urtis , H ero Of ort isher, saved both her

e o m m r ch ild and hers lf fr i pending sta vation .

A few Of t h e poems were written during that

m o Of c o m period , but st them were subsequently f d posed fro m a diary O the events as they occurre . M any Of the dead and wounded Of the battle O f

D e serted H ouse were borne to hospitals im m e

’ iat el e a n d o n e d y adj oining the author s residenc , ii P R E FA CE . building o n her premises was appropriated by the

O n e N Y V s D H undred and Twelfth . . ol , as a ead

’ IIou se J The battle Of “ Deserted H ouse began a little

’ o n 0 after two O clock the m orning of January 3 ,

1 8 6 3 , an d continued till about noon Of th e same da C y , when the onfederates retreated across th e

of Blackwater . The gallantry Of m any the regi m ents in this engagement i s rewarded in th e Ofﬁcial records with honorable mention

S Of S . n c o m The iege uffolk , by Gen Lo gstreet , m e n c e d A 1 2 1 86 n e e pril , 3 , and conti ued about thr k m wee s . This bo bardment cost several lives , and n o M small destruction Of property . any of the

d . helpless citizens , ﬂeeing from their burning wel

n l i gs , rushed excitedly between the skirmishing lines and thus lost their lives in attempti n g to es

m . O n e m cape from an i pending peril fa ily , whose

s e ek house had caught ﬁre , attempted to safety F within the ederal Lines , the mother carrying an

m S he wa s infant in her ar s . in stantly killed , but f t he rest O the family escaped unhurt .

was Ned It during this siege that Buntline , Of

m e . Di e Novel fam e , wrote a patheti c l tter to Gen P eck , asking to be temporarily released from prison ,

! wh ere he was c o n ﬁn ed for inebriation) that he might help do some Of the ﬁghting . H is peti E KE FA E C .

n t i o was granted , and he did good service during the siege . F o r information concerning dates and m any m other i portant points , the author is indebted to th e following named

N M n o . P m m . C . C o Gen . urtis Gen . J al er,

- - ih . A . R . Dr C M . C C . mander hief, G harles lark ,

- h V O l C . m ul e rt o n S . S C b Thirty nint Ill . ; apt a uel ,

d . A a Of a n E D F N . Y . H on dgar . y ! both the irst D W M M r . . W . S . . ragoons) ; Geo iggins , ixth ass Inf

S e . F N Y M V an V . . C . rg H enry echten , irst ounted R ’ . S s M r . E iﬂes , and Geo . Low ry, ec y and Trea ,

t V et . A . Thir eenth Ind . ssociation

War W Of n o t That the aifs may be interest , only to those who took an active part in the events to

all which they refer, but to who love their country

’ a n d O f their country s ﬂag, is the sincere wish the author .

A . K M . B . .

A L B A NY Dec . 1 1 8 1 . , , 9

I NTRO DU CTI O N

Weave th e se sad e x p er i e n c e s i n to r hy m e ; so t h at t h e h ar m o n o f e r se th e e ss n s o f eac e t o c o m e a n d t h e y v , bl i g p , h e a n h a n o f t m e m a so te n th e r em em r a n c e o f wh at li g d i , y f b ” s h r h x trac t r o m a et te r wr tte n y o u a r e n o w p as i n g t o ug . ! E f l i

b M r s . z a eth r t s a a c e wh o n e r t h e se o n m y Eli b Cu i W ll , u d p ud y O f e Z a n t ec am e a o a r c o n tr to r o f war - tem s Alli d , b p pul ibu i t o th e l e adi n g j o u r n a l s o f th e S o u th . )

A Z Dear llie andt , I sit alone

in I n sorrow and silence now , a A n d d . Y n do thy bid ing ears h ve flow , S in c e last I pressed upon thy brow The farewell kiss but from my heart ’ Thine imaged grace will n e er depart .

A s in my ear th e pearly shell

Of S ings the ocean far away , S o ' in m y heart sweet me m ories d well A n d chide me fo r my long delay

I n gleaning , through the weary years,

T hese blossoms born Of blood and tears .

M E M O R I E S O F TH E S I E G E O F

S U F F O LK .

' O n t h e e e n n o f t h e 1 th o f r I 86 a c o m an o f v i g 9 Ap il , 3 , p y

— n —a n d t h e 89 th N e w Yo r k V o lu n tee r s Li e u t . C o l. E n gl a d — a r a c o m p a ny o f t h e 8 th C o n n e c tic u t V o lu n te er s Li e ut . W d n h u n - - — e—m b ar ke d o t e g b o at S teppi n g S to n e s Lie ut . L am so n a n d led o n b e n er a e tt th e sto r m e a n d to o a b at y G l G y , y d k ’ t er r o m th e e n e m stat o n e a t s o n t o n th e we st y f y i d Hill P i ,

s e o f th e a n sem o n . Th e r e e o ss : two e s ix id N d b l l kill d , wo n e o n e h n r e a n d th r t r so n er s se e n o f wh o m u d d , u d d i y p i , v wer e o f c e r s e s es ﬁ ve r ass ec e s a n d a ar e s o f ﬁ , b id b p i l g upply

n n e er a o ss th r ee an d ﬁ v n . a m m u it i o . F d l l kill e d e wo u d ed

’ V e irginia s fertil ﬁelds are waste and bare ,

F or m - a o where th e broo straw waved , a year g , W t hite tents are pi ched , and scattered , here and

there , ’ W fro ar s stern insignia lie while to and , ’ of - The tramp steel clad men , and sabre s ring,

P roclaim to earth and sky that War is K ing .

L on g lines Of earth -works raise their frowning f o rm s Deep r iﬂ e - pits their deadly secrets hide ;

- ﬂ in L o w y g vultures sweep the sky in swarms , Of o I n search banquets , such as they pr vide Wh o rush to battle , and in mortal strife ,

Yield up the mystery that men call Life . A R WAIF 4 W S .

A l l n ittle hamlet , deso ate , forlor ,

Its homes dismantled , and in ruins laid ,

A a A wakes in st rtled fear, this pril morn F o r ere the crystal lines Of amber fade

- Low in the east , the cloud distended sky

- F . ore warns Of death and danger, lurking nigh

S wift couriers are ﬂying here and there , The signal - ﬂag that crowns the M erry O ak

Its mystic message ﬂoats upon the air ,

A n d they who read its meaning, pale , invoke ’ Of - The God battles , while the long roll s beat

o r S ends forth its call to conquest defeat . Then speeds the news —The guards are driven i n l

' The enemy ap pear b efo re the town W ! No w ith Longstreet at their head , who would win ’ o f r The hero s fadeless laurels enown ,

M fo e ust charge the , pursue him in th e race, ’

A n d D . challenge eath s dark sentry, face to face F rom yonder belt Of woods there comes the boom

O f - loud mouthed cannon , as their hissing throats F m ierce warnings issue, Of i pending doom ; ’ W - hile mid the roar, the call Of bugle notes A n d stirring drum - beats through th e camps re

sound , A n d rouse to action all the tented ground .

O h , hapless homes Of a beleaguered town

O - S , fear blanched matron s , gather to your ide Your helpless broods ; the storm beats ﬁercely

down , WA R I AT V FS . 5

m e P Th e stor Of iron hail , where will y hide Where ﬁnd a refuge fro m the bloody hand That desolates and darkens all t he la n d !

F o r see A long the clay - cleft road is borne

A n m ar y litter, and stark dead and cold , A m ’ m r P wo an s for outst etched l Let ity mourn , A n d soft -eyed S ym pathy her arm s enfol d

A n rou d the orphaned babe, with starved lips pressed A m ’ gainst its other s chill and pulseless breast .

Da o w y f llo s day , and messengers Of wrath

F m - d m r iﬂ e - la e foote , speed fro pit and fort , Whil e ghastly ruin m arks their bloody path ;

M e w o m e an hile , there c es th e st ady , strong report

O f - N d distan t gun boats , on the ansemon ,

That ﬁercely , to the rebel taun ts , respond .

NO W solemn Night unrolls her sable screen

A n d m ﬂashing up against the so ber sky , ’ The ﬁ tfu l blaze Of War s red torch is seen

A u n c o fﬁ n e d e bove form s that strick n , lie W d here they their ebt of duty nobly paid , ’ e n ﬁlade Ne ath straggling shot o r scathing .

A nd all along the outer picket line , t hro u h t he of Keen eyes are peering g veil night , To catch the gleam where rebel camp - ﬁre s shine ;

F o r t he , ﬁrmly planted on frowning height A ’ bove the river s bank , they dimly ken ’ m S t ribblin P e n . The g Battery, held by ickett s 6 A AIF W R W S .

’ No w o n - the night air break s the cannon s roar,

A n d far and near, swift , ﬁery missiles scream ’ Nan se m on ds S Look, from the deep , winding hore The gun - boat Stepping - S tones moves down t he stream W aist deep, her heroes land , and stem the ﬂow,

Then scale the height and ﬁercely charge th e foe . W ith sudden shout they rush upon t he rear,

A n d now with hand to hand , and steel to steel

They sternly grapple , till a lengthened cheer, ’ ’ ’ deaf n in l That rises O er the cannon s g pea , P — ’ ’ roclaim s the Victory , tis don e, tis done , wo n ! The rebel fort with all it holds , is

D TH E A M P—F E A RO U N C I R .

’ ‘ Tis night in camp , the guns are stilled , A n d bright the watch - ﬁres glow ; ’ hO e The soldiers hearts with p are ﬁlled ,

A n d while the ﬁres burn low,

A n d ere the tattoo calls to rest , They pass th e hour with song and j est

S O N G .

O h n ot - , we fear the gray back that stealthily glides Through the vine -tangled swamp where the cop

per- head hides

F o r S R the omerton oad it is guarded with care, While the Boys Of the S ixth M assachusetts are

there ,

A A IF 8 W R W S .

- Through all the camp a rumor runs , to day, F ort S eward ’ s taken F ort S eward taken H O W ! By whom 7’ U p on the air th ere falls no boom O f wrathful cannon , near nor far away,

W - hile banner crowned , the stately bastion s l oom

Tall , proud , un shaken .

A — pygmy soldier , such is the report , M ! ere rumor, may be),

A o n ttacked , and captured , the spot ,

The garrison , with o ut a shot . K now ye the little Re b that st ormed the fort ! O h Behold, he smiling stands , harm him not, ’ ’ Tis some one s baby .

H is - R thread bare coat is like the ebel rag, m a Less tattered , y be ; in But not a h ero the land , M m ore cheerful ho age may command ,

F or ! see The hospital hauls down its ﬂag, ’ A n d puts it in the happy mother s hand , TO clothe her baby

F he h rom hand to hand passes , crowned wit

gifts ,

Glad , smiling, fearless . His dash was brilliant , bloodless , bold , But he the garrison will hold

F r o as his questioning glance to each he lifts , l A nd as his ch ubby arms their necks enfo d ,

H is eyes are tearless . A AIF W R W S . 9

A S O D E R ’ S L I H I S TO RY .

e d I w nt into a hospital to ay ,

A n d th ere , outstretched upon their narrow beds ,

M e n w d wan ounde , helpless , and haggard lay ; A n d some there were whose lives like brittle threads

- H alf severed hung , as with hot , labored breath A n d ﬁlm - blurred eyes they blindly fought with D eath .

of The surgeon met me , curt and rough speech , But tender as a wom an in his thought ; “ ’ o n e There s poor devil yonder, past the reach O f ” d— I human help , he sai turn ed and caught

n fo r The meani g of his words , and the rest ,

D o r fo e If eath be friend , God knoweth best .

n Before m e, lay a soldier , you g , as age 1 5 m easured by the swiftly ﬂeeting years

o n e But in the volume of a life, page ’ M a w y hold a record , blotted o er ith tears, h T at would a strange , unsolved enigma be

To him whose life is pure and glad and free .

F o r d it is hard to stand , in thought , where stoo

A n erring brother, when the tempter came of A n d smote him blind to every sense good , A nd of left him helpless in th e path shame ,

k - To wa e at last , soul sm itten , hopeless , faint ,

- With that heart hunger which no words can paint .

I write the story of a ruined life ,

n as . U nvarnished , plai , it was told to me Io A WAR W IFS .

A - sin wrecked soul has passed from earthly strife , P ’ assed to that far Beyond where er it be , v To mourn , ah , n e ermore , who dares gainsay, Of f ' The fault his long , tear ul yesterday

ilé 9K 91 6 9K 9K M W y home was in the fair, broad est

W - t o here rose hued sunbeams sink rest ,

A n d ﬂush with each deep , mellow ray

- - Tall , cloud capped sum mits , distance gray,

A n d thrifty vales and dappled hills ,

~ H emmed in with silve r t h readed rills .

’ Twas th ere my boyhood days were spent ,

A n d there my father toiled , content , No r cast on e look Of - vain regret ’ n Back o er the past . But whe I met A m pensive look , so etimes a tear ’ U - S m p pringing to y mother s eyes , S A ! weet orbs as soft as p ril skies ,) ’

wh . I questioned y Tis naught , my dear, ’ ” Twill pass away , she quick replies , “ ” A n d we are very happy here .

n o t I was so young , I could know That over-care would make her Old ’ o f l But thought my mother s locks go d ,

A n d rounded throat , as white as sn ow , Their beauty would forever hold N o r dreamed th at in her breast there lay A tearful longing , hidden deep , F o r home and kindred , far away,

Where eastern hills and valleys sleep . WAR WA IFS 1 1 .

No glads ome mates had I to share M y childhood sports but oft there came A little maid with auburn hair, A n d rosy lips and cheek s aﬂam e With bashful blushes as she stood

In buddin g sweetness , fair, as good . A n d when with furtive glance I scanned

H er modest face , with grieved surprise I noted oft that in her eyes

- The rounded tear drops seemed t o stand . But soon I learned to frame in speech The sympathy I sought to lend ; A n d she in turn would shyly reach H e r dainty hand to mine and bend A l istening ear to hear m e tell

- A h S . l trange fairy t ales , passing wel

e I loved that little maid to t ach ,

The m little aid named I sabel .

O n e morning when th e frosty air ’ O f bleak December silvered o er

The wood and stubble everywhere , S he cam e and sat beside our door I n orphan ed grief ;and from that day S he turned n o more her steps away, But lived in glad content to share M ‘m ’ ’ y other s love , my father s care . Y ears passed , an d ever at my side M y foster - sister kept her pace ;

In task or game , with wistful pride S he sought her merit in my face WAR WAIF 1 2 S .

NO m higher u pire did sh e ask, J oy - crowned if I approved her task ; A n d to my heart an ans wer sent W ith eyes that voiced her mute content .

Th e touching story sweetly tol d O f P V ’ aul and fair irginia s fate,

We d o f o ld veriﬁed for ays ,

A n d days that are their secrets hold, O f o ft m m hearts that unti ely ate ,

o f Linked by the mystic tie fate , To turn at last so strangely cold That all the world seems desolate !

O u r n o t h idden love we dared tell , But kept the secret guarded well ;

A n d they who saw us , day by day, W ith growing fondness , closer cling, S aw but two children at their play A n d when I placed a shining ring U pon h er dimpled hand one day ,

S he n o spoke n o word , she made sign ,

t o m But raised her soft brown eyes ine , I n glad response n o words could tell A n d then in secret I sabel n o Became my bride I m eant wrong, ’ o ft But tis proved in tale and song , ’ That secret pledge , whate er it be ,

Gives rein to inﬁdelity .

A s years sped on I restless grew ; ’ M y father s clovered acres smiled WA R WA IF 1 S . 3

A s fragrant , broad , and fair, to View ,

A s I m when roa ed , a happy child A long the shaded , crystal rills

That led from distant , sapphire hills

Through ﬁeld and wood and velvet dell ,

C ontent with my good Isabel .

But that great , boundless world outside ,

o S ent to my e ar its throbbing s und . ’ Tis strange ho w oft our path s divide When heart to heart is closest bound !

m o In - I left y h me , y sister bride, A n d from that hour my breast hath found

NO o lasting j y . The swelling tide , O f wild ambition ’ s wave hath drowned

M - y struggling soul and , tempest tossed , ’

I ve . wandered helpless , hopeless , lost

Te m ptation wove its baleful snare ;

I fell and learned to crush at last ,

The bitter grief, the wild despair ’ That o er my life thei r shad o ws cast A n d from my breast the prompter hurled

n That frowned , when fortu e spoke me fair, C lutched at m y heart and sought to bare

M y hidden secret to th e world .

t o I learn ed smile with lips that lied , l A n dfo un d it not a stupid task ;

art I n base deceit each I plied , ’ Neath fal sehood s fair, illusive mask ; But conscience o ft renewed her claim

A n d u u sp rned the price that p rchased fame . I WA R WA IF 4 S .

The hearts and hands Of men I won ; t o I rose honor and renown , A n d gloried in my rising sun W m a hen beauty s iled , and we lth bowed down ; t o Th en my heart seren ely said , “ Thou hast no past , thy past is dead .

But fam e is a light recompen se, ’ A s S empty as the yren s song, A n d will not heal nor hush the sense O f havi ng wrought a lasting wrong ; A n d he who lives a dual life, Writhes in a self-accusing strife

A t length a hungry longing came ’ TO m e see once more y boyhood s hom . I strove to hide the blush o f shame e That tinged my cheek , as thoughts would com Of m j ust reproach and bitter bla e ,

A n d on bid me wai t , till years years

a H d steeled fond hearts and dried thei r tears .

With throbbi n g pulse I stood once more Within the Open cottage door

But not alone , for by my side , I led a newly - wedded bride! S o reckless , cruel , an d unj ust , 5 0 lost to shame , so false to trust , ’ M ay man become when passion s reign

E nslaves the heart and mads the brain .

A little child with soft , brown eyes , S uch eyes a heritage m ust be !

' 1 6 I’VAR WAI FS .

R evealing all her speechless pain . w — The asted form , the hectic glow m That played up on her arble cheek , Betrayed her soul - consuming wo e M ore touchingly than words could speak .

A m S he mo ent thus mutely stood ,

A n d m o then the vital , cri son ﬂ od

Burst from her lips . I wear the stain

’ O n i t s . hand and heart , and say well

b u t I sprang to save her, in vain , S he m ﬂed y touch , and lifeless fell P m rone at y feet , slain I sabel

’ The whirlwind s breath hath swept my track, ’ I ve harvested m y bitter - sweet S h e gave me truth , and blindly back

I threw the j ewel at her feet . Through years o f silence she had borne M m ’ m ’ y other s doubt , y father s scorn , To shield m e from th e ir righteous blam e ; A n d fro m her ﬁnger tore the band T hat proved her j ust and legal clai m

A s any mother in the land , ’ m n m To give y child her father s a e .

o n M h The years wear . y c ild hath grown m To aidenhood . But from that day H er orphaned heart hath never known

- A The need O f mother love . way

Beyond the western hills they bide .

A n d — I , what right have I to claim O n e tender thought ! M y child M y bride ! M ine only in an empty name ! WAR WAIF 1 S . 7

’ - I ve harvested my bitter sweet , ’ I ve drunk the bottom dregs of sin ’ I ve roamed with weary, restless feet , No r paused , n or dared to look within

A n d sought forgetfulness in vain , F rom pole to pole , and main to main .

S weet love hath nestled near my heart, W ith weary wing and panting breast U nmoved , I saw her, grieved , depart , I could n o t give her pinions rest ; A n dbeauty with her magic spell H ath sought to wo o me but in vain ; ’ F o r m ne er will bloo , in vale or dell ,

S o fair a ﬂower as Isabel ,

No r throbs a heart so free from stain ,

N or . beats so true, nor loves so well

M DN M S N I I G HT U I GS .

A s e e r ac e at t h e S o th o c c e b t h e U n o n fo r ce s v y p l u , upi d y i , i s e n e a ll c o m m n c at o n w th th e S o th e rn a r m m a n d i d u i i i u y , y o f u s h ave n o t h ea r d fro m o u r h u sb an d s in twe lv e m o n th s .

I f th e a we sh a n e e r n o w wh en n o r wh e r e e s c a y f ll , ll v k , p e i lly t h o se wh o h ave go n e o u t a s p r ivates u n d e r t h e Co n sc r ip t ”— E a c m a let t e . A c t . xt r t f r o r C The moonbeams came so bright, harlie ,

The moonbeams cam e so bright , A n d wove their soft , white drapery ’ R t o - oun d the baby s crib, night ,

That I wondered if the soldiers ,

A n d o u y , among th e rest , Were talking ’ neath the moonlight O f the hearts that love you best . I8 WAR WA IFS .

m - There are days when stor clouds gather, A n d the rain comes falling fast Days wh erein no sum mer sun shine S miles away the h owling blast ;

Then I won der if the soldiers ,

A n d of , , you all the rest

H ave outside cheer and comfort ,

A n d hOp e within your breast . There are days when burning sunbeams K iss the parched and arid earth , Days when fl o ret -eyes are turning a Toward th e banks that g ve them birth , P leading vainly fo r the wavelets That so o ft h ave washed away The de w that droops their eyelids A t the early peep of day ; Then I wonder if the soldier ’ N eath the fiercely burning sun , I s pan ting out his life - breath O n the field j ust lost o r wo n A n d I tremble , as I won der

W ou of hether y , all the rest , A r e lost on earth , forever , To the h eart that loves you best !

WE TWO .

S air leep , baby mine , though through the murky The solid shot and shrieking shell resound W u d hile l rid ﬂames light up the sky, an d roun WA R WAIFS . 1 9

O u r r e quaking tenement , the horrid gla O f burning homesteads pictures wild despair. S wift meteors of wrath fall to the ground W D ’ ith hissing th reat , on eath s dread errand bound ; A n d soon , with arms reversed , shall they who bear Their fallen com rade to his resting - place N Beside the rolling ansemond , slow pass

Before me , while I gaze with pallid face ;

F o r o n m — so e future day, we two , alas , W W ’ hen ar s red chariot hath run its race ,

M a - d —a Of y seek with tear immed eyes , mound grass

S V A . r 2 1 86 . UFFOLK , , Ap il 5 , 3

O L D A U N M Y T I LL . Do y o u mark the little cabin standing near that m o f n clu p pi e , Where the bam boo ’ s j ointed tendrils round the cypress - knees entwine ; ’ W m u lb e rr s bare , d here the y l rootlets twiste and m rheu atic , coil I n and ou t am ong the holly that deﬁes t he barren soil P

W A M ’ m ell , that cabin is unt illy s , and fro early

of dawn day, o ld M Till the tattoo beats at evening, poor illy toils away ’ so ers — A t her washin fur de j , and though shot and s hell may S peed A 2 0 W R WA IFS .

O n or A M their sure doubtful erran ds , still unt illy takes no heed ;

w But ith sleeves rolled to her elbows , and bandana of bright red “ F zactl o n olded y de bias , and coiled round her

grizzly head , S he blends music with her labor, till she makes

the cabin ring , ’ A n d ﬁll twould your heart with gladness , j ust to hear old M illy sing

De Lawd H e sen t an angel down To set H is people free ;

Den - e - l - e r- en come my lub y bred , O h a wi’ , come long me ; ’ De boat it is a wait in fur ’ To o take p sin n ers in , ’ ’ ’ A n when yo ve landed o n de sho ’ Y o ll drap dat load Ob sin

’ De w La d H e ll take it all away , ’ ’ ’ A n o n place yo de groun , ’ ’ Wi silver slippers on yo re feet ’ To w alk Ole J ordan roun .

I feel like , I feel like , ’ I feel like march in o n

I feel like, I feel like , ’ I feel like marchin on .

De y dun and tuk de Lawd Ob love , A n d H im o n nailed to de cross high , ’ H ad I de whin gs O b Noah s - e s dove ’ I d sing and praise H im t well I die . WAR WA I FS . 2 1

It pears like, it pears like ’ I m o n my j ourn ey hom e ;

I t pears like , i t pears like ’ o n m I m my j ourney ho e .

DA N ” .

r tten a t S u ﬁ o lk V a . N o v . ! W i , , 3 ,

Dan w is a j olly good fello ,

A n d Dan is gay , dashing , and bold ,

for H e always looks out the ladies ,

NO m ho w Old atter young, or how ’ i I n short , he s the qualiﬁcat ons W ’ ! e ll say it aloud , for we can), To make him the chief among mortals ,

- - A . high hearted , whole hearted man

H is e pockets know n ver a famine ,

They leak , but they leak at the top , A fault that few people complain of ! I know one or two who do not) S o all the young cousins at C hristmas M m arch up to his roo , to a man , ” A n d r salute , as they grasp the bright quarte

an H eld out by their dear Cousin D .

Dan S travels way down in ecessia , ’ H e s seen all the m ules and a bare

A n d u r desolate region of co nt y, A s ever he saw anywhere

tan t a n e C . ett S ec o n h o V o s. Adj u D i l Ligg , d O i l VA A I I R W FS .

H e says that o n e Buck Of O hio of m I s worth a plantation ules , “ But Dan n ever learned how to reck on A ccording t o S ecession rules !

H e wears some brass straps o n his shoulders

W - ears long legged boots , and all that, But still h e retains all his senses ! H e knows how to relish a chat

W ﬁn e ith every fellow about him ,

I s bound to enj oy all he can , “ A n d all the good boys in camp hail him ” Dan By no other title than .

H e always speaks well Of the ladies ’ n !I k ow h e d speak well of h is w ife) . ’ Tis a m arvel he should have stayed single These long dreary years of his life ;

But when th is great conﬂict is over,

A n d P eace shall be stayed in her ﬂight , t o U S hould there be a great rush the nion , Wh Dan t o y , will be forced unite

TH E S I E G E RA I S E D .

ad A w S pril skies have ept their ﬁll , D ark clouds no more their tears distill , A n d M a w l smiling y , ith gar and s fair, H er fragrance sheds o n all t he air ;

A IF 24 WAR W S .

BA TTLE O F DE S E RT E D H O U S E .

ea at th e n th n n a R e n o n o f th e ar ! R d Ni A u l u i Old Gu d ,

h e a t n a n a o s S e t . 2 ld I di p li , p 3 ,

’ ’ Tis midn ight . S lum ber s balm hath sealed ’ The soldi er s eyelids, an d the moon Looks calmly down on ten t and ﬁeld A n d as her mell ow light is shed ’ O er d all the sleeping camp , outsprea , — t oo Th e soldier dream s , but ah , soon H is blissful dream of home hath ﬂed

M id- winter holds his icy reign , A n dfrom their ﬂ eecy ten ts th e stars

‘ S tep forth t o j oin that brilliant train f o M . The rear guard the mighty , ars

But see ! There speeds with ﬂashing light A l thwart the sky, a sing e star That slips beneath the moon ’ s pale bar

A n d is t o S . darting down , lost ight ’ Who h knows , but mid the shining ost S om e sentinel forsakes his post !

A n d n o w ben eath the winter sky O u r columns stand in full array ! To ﬁght , perch ance to fall , to die We — question not . But w ho shall say That in the bravest hero ’ s eye

o n t n n e m es west o f S ffo k V a . h e b the C o n A p i i il u l , , ld y fe e r ate e n er a R o er . r o r . d G l , g A P y WAR WAIFS 2 . 5

There glisten s n o uprising tear

n o t - !Born of craven hearted fear) , l ! But for the oved ones , far away

S ’ C ' pear s avalry, with clattering speed , I n swift advance our colu m nslead ;

A n d as by twos they onward dash , A ’ sudden whizz, a musket s ﬂash

W o n ! 1 ith startling force breaks . the air n ot They heed it , but boldly dare ’ fo e The with answering sabre s clash . A h ho w ! S ee , they charge , everywhere

n Their glanci g weapons , gleaming bright , F l ’ ﬂ lash back the fu l moon s ooding light .

Then rises loud the mingled shout , They ’ ve put the rebel guards to rout ‘ l ’ A n d on h e wild huzzas , and cheer c e r

“

R . esound from front , an d ﬂank, and rear

Now forward rush our ﬂeet deploy s !

Th rough wood and swamp they fearless go , “ ” The Thirteenth Indiana Boys ,

With bayonets ﬁx ed to charge the foe .

O n o n , , they press , till lost to sight , Then all is veiled in blackest night F o r n o w , alas , the waning m oon D ies out , and scout and bold dragoon M ust stand , with hearts that never quail ,

A n d blindly face the leaden hail .

’ N o w F o llett s gun s with thunder-tones ’ J oin Davis s in ﬁery wrath , A 2 6 WA R W IFS .

While piercing shrieks and stiﬂed groans ’ M ark well the War-king s reddened path A n d men and horses moaning lie

an d Beneath the cold starless sky , I n pools of blood and thickets dam p ;

No r n or h eed the rush , h ear th e tramp O f those who b rave this woeful n ight

o n Without e star their path to light .

d But as they, blind , bewildere , go , fo e The darkness veiling friend and ,

W — n ! hence comes that crash , that sudde light A rebel death -bolt o n its way C H as struck a caisson lear an d bright ,

A S S mid- hines the sun at full day , The ﬂames leap up , an d now the foe w Learns where to strike his surest blo .

v - — H is antage ground , he seizes , quick

an d H is missiles search our ranks , thick

The ﬁeld is strewn with heroes slain ,

Where whizzing bullets fall like rain .

N The ﬂames are quenched , and sable ight A gain spreads o u t her gloomy pal]

o n By shot and shell , left and righ t , S corched , scattered , n ow our comrades fall , ’ A n d mangled , torn , and crushed , th ey re found

S o n tretched lifeless the frozen ground .

A t l ength we hail the rosy beam

' That ushers in the dawn of day ; A n d though the deadly m issiles scream

A o u r o n o u r mid ranks , ﬁrm way WA R WA IF S . 2 7

W e m for battalion lines , nor yield

Till we have charged across the ﬁeld , To deal the last decisive blow U fo e pon the swiftly ﬂying .

Well may each standard - bearer clai m ’le h e r e The proud inscription , written . N e w York will mourn her martyred slain , A n d P ennsylvania drop a tear U pon the graves o f those who fell To save the ﬂ ag th ey loved so well ; F o r E W from the ast and from the est ,

M e n side by side , unﬂinching , stood , N erved by the cause , dear to each breast ,

n That bound them in o e brotherhood .

F rom M assachusetts ’ classic hills ’ To I ndiana s rolling plains , E ach loyal heart with ardor thrills

A t o f sigh t those deep , crimson stains ,

o n o u r That ensigns ﬂoating free ,

- Record o u r hard won Victory .

’ A s o e r o u r l fa len brave , we breathe A of fo r prayer faith , that each brow The gentle hand of P eace m ay wreathe A how lasting chaplet , let us A n d to th e Go d o f battles yield

l r f - The g o y o the blood bought ﬁeld .

I r eque st th a t th e r e m ay b e i n scr ibe d up o n t h e r egi “ ” — m en ta c o o r s ac wate r a n d eser te o se . C oZ. l l , Bl k D d H u

h. C a v a lr . a m u el . S ea r E leven t /z P en S C p , y 2 8 WAR AIF W S .

TWO E A R S A Y GO .

n th e war an d sh e as a tr t to t h e ! Wr i t te n du r i g , publi d ibu e

n we h . . O n e H u n d r e d a d T lft N Y V o l s . )

Two years ago , when summer ﬂowers W ’ S ’ ere shrinking neath eptem ber s frown ,

’ W n N he ature , rich with autumn s dowers ,

E o f xchanged her green , for robes brown ; C ’ hautauqua s son s , h er pride, her boast ,

’ A s F reedom s breast its wounds revealed , Went forth to j oin the m ighty host

t -ﬁ eld A lready o n the ba tle .

’ on l s o n The widow s y was there, A las , h ow could she bid him stay , W hen aged men , with hoary hair, Their armor burnished for th e fray ! W ives , mothers , daughters , sisters all A parting blessing freely gave,

t o I n an swer that earnest call , “ To arm s To arms Your country save

A n d n obly has that gallan t band ’

The soldier s toils and perils shared ,

’ A s neath the bann er of their land Their bosoms to the foe they bared F o r some lie sleeping o n the plains

W of here mingled hosts dead repose ,

A n d i a some , mayhap , n c ptive chains o ’ In s rrow pine mid cruel foes . WA R A IF W S . 29

A n d some there were whose spirits burned

To hasten to the deadly fray , r c ofﬁn ed But ah , thei forms returned

Before its sounds had died away .

c ofﬁn ed ! wo e Their forms alas , the

That clad th e home , the heart , the face . A h D was , eath , it a cruel blow

I o n hat years years may not erase . A long the winding Nan semond ’ t o o They re scattered , , in dreamless sleep

A - bove their graves the dew plants bloom ,

A n d there , like silent mourners , weep . Two — fe w little years , alas , how O f all that noble band remain ! O f all those hearts , so tried and t rue , H ow few shall greet us here again

T E A A H L S T T TT O O .

Th e n um be r is g r o wi n g l e ss a n d l e ss as e ac h y ear m akes n n ! w n its c h a n ge s . S o o Tap s a d Ligh ts O u t ill b e so u d ed fo r t h e ast o n e in o u r n m e r b th e r m c am - fo o we r o f l u b , y g i p ll ’ u s a ll - D eath ! - o n ly t o awake a t th e R e v e ill e o f Ga — r e a s h e s m m o n s u s fo r n a ac c o n t . E x t r a ct r om b i l , u ﬁ l u f

' ’ f il e H ! st o r o t il e T/zzr t -N zn t/z Illi n ois R e im en t w r itt en b y f y g , y

C /za r les M . Cla r k M D . la te S u r e on o til e R e imen t . , , g f g D eath sounds for all the last tattoo , Deep silence reigns night closes round ;

The restful sleep that none may woo ,

A n d none may break , strange , still , profound , o —F Becl uds each sense . riends, tearful , strew

S r - p ing Violets , and meadow rue , A n d mark the spot as hallowed ground . O WA R AZF 3 W S .

E of ach winter spreads a veil snow, E ach summer braids a tender wreath Y F or some new grave . ears come an d go ; But they who rest in peace beneath ’ ’ The winter s blast , the summer s glow, H id n ot the sword within its sheath Till it had dealt the ﬁnal blow ! What rarer gift can man bequeath ’ ! Than life, to stay a nation s woe

A n d when they meet in Grand Review

o t he Bef re ﬁnal J udgmen t H all , t he Think ye, Boys wh o donned the Blue Respon sive to their country ’ s call W a ! Na ill blan ch with fe r y , is it true ’ ’ H e he edeth e en a sparrow s fall 9

Then will he mete to each his due,

A n d . j ustly, wisely , j udge us all

’ N R A R E B E L S S O U V E I .

’ S n D wift rushi g , eath s challenge to meet ,

But still rushingbravely to death , The masses in gray fell like chaff at our feet ’ S wept down by our cannon s ho t breath .

But now breaking ranks , see , they yield A t ! last to our ﬁerce , galling ﬁre A n d d o n , leaving their woun ed and dead the

I n wildest confusion , retire ;

AR WA ZF 3 2 W S .

Then we ’ ll know that S outhern spirit hath taught

t o conquered foes fear it , ’ A n d we ll sacredly revere it , as a thing that cannot

die .

- Blood stain ed is the parch ment , and worn ,

A n d scarcely the words we discern , ” ’ God speed , tis the prayer Of a heart that is torn With grief for the hero ’ s return !

TH E NA M E LE S S H E RO I NE .

Th e m e n o f th e S e en t - s x th w n o t so o n fo r et an d v y i ill g ,

sh fa in th e e r o r m a n c e o f m t n o t m e n t o n I o uld il p f y du y , did I i ’ t h e ‘ am e e ss er o n e wh o w th a c u i n e a c h h a n so N l H i , i p d , s ea t o u t wa ter to th e t h r st o s th e te a r s o f s m bu ily d l i y b y , y a th stea n o wn h er o e c h ee s as th e wo n e p y li g d l v ly k , u d d so er s c a m e h o n b n t er c e b a r e e a sh e ldi bbli g y , u il pi d y b l b ll , h a — att e o f G fe ll d e ad by t e s id e o f h er p il ! B l et ty sb u r gh . )

- F r o m t /ze H ist or o til e S e ven t ix tk R e i m en t JV . Y . l . y f y S g , V o s

’ b H on . A . P . S m it/z F i r st L zeu t . a n d o tb e R e i y , , f g

m en t .

O h , give honor an d fame to the heroes who fought, A n d give laurels and tears to the martyrs who fell O n that ﬁerce July day when your column s were brought F ace to face with the foe and his murderous shell .

O n - that day when th e daisy, white robed like a

bride , S hrank away from the carnage with fear -droop in g eyes, WAR IVA IFS . 3 3

When the grass dipped its blade In the dark crim so n tide, ! A n d the sweet Dove of P eace winged her way

to th e skies .

But when over the mounds of your heroes y e strew The ﬁ rst - born b ids and blosso m s o f woodland

and dell , When y e plant by t he sod of your brave Boys in Blue The bright banner for which they so gallantly

fell .

n ot Then forget the grave where your heroine lies , O h remember the m aid who with heart strong

and true ,

III the midst Of the slaughter , with pitying eyes Bravely held o u t the cup of cold water to you

A n d o f with tender care , gather one blossom white,

W - ith its h eart crimson tinted , and plant it alone , Where th e willow droops low and the dews of the night S oftly weep for the maiden unknelled and

unknown . 34 WAR WAIFS .

N D E R TH E Y O U G S O L I .

Th e sigh t o f th e d ead an d dy i n g m ad e u s fee l r ath er

l th a n m o r ha sob er . H e r e ay e d e d b o dy o f a b oy o t e t n eigh teen y ear s o f age . H o w so o n h is c ar e er was e n d e d ! A

o n o n teer in th e m o r n n a ea h er o at n h t . y u g v lu i g , d d i g ’ ’ a z d ! S ki r m i sh at Bl c kbu r n s Fo r d . ) F r an To d s S eventy

’ N zn tk H zg/zla n der s . O nce as wayward fortune led me to a homestead old quaint and , W hile I shared its kindly shelter, this , the tale th e good wife told A h ’ , how Time s swift shadow passes , full ten years and more have ﬂed

S - ince that patient , sad eyed woman told the story Of her dead

In her hands she clasped a portrait , fair the face , as ’ any girl s , ’ ’ E of o er yes blue , beneath a forehead broidered with auburn curls P on leased , she told me Of his boyhood , dwelt all his winsome ways H o w Who he ﬁlled the house with sunshine . can chide a mother ’ s praise !

Then a soldier, proud , he left h er, armed to m eet

the deadly strife , ’ A n d upon his country s altar laid the precious boo n o f life ; W of hen his star hope was brightest , when n o

cloudlet dimm ed his sky, W of ith his young life full promise , lo, the sum mons came to die ! WA R AI W FS . 3 5

’ M id the din and smoke of battle , bravely facing

shot and shell , N H e , whom ature stamped a hero , like a hero,

ﬁghting fell . “ F ’ F “ ell at Blackburn s ord , she faltered , fore

m ost he , and unafraid , ’ N ot R a truer, braver soldier served in ichardson s

brigade .

O ’ ’ nly eighteen when he listed , tis j ust twenty

- years to day ,

of ~ Twenty years life in heaven , and she , weep

ing, turned away , K of — issed the portrait her hero , put it in its

wonted place , ’ A ndagain took up life s burden with a sweet and

patien t grace .

S ummer ﬂowers have bloomed and withered o n the

turf above his breast , Win ter snows have mocked the whiteness of the stone that marks his rest But the presence Of his spirit from her soul will ne ’ er depart Like the bright wing Of a seraph it shall gather

round her heart . 6 A R AIF 3 W W S .

TH E E A ND TH E RA BLU G Y .

’

A N INC IDE NT O F TH E B ATTL E O F D R U RY S B L U F F .

! R e ad a t th e El e ve n th A n n ual R e u n i o n o f th e Th i r ty

n n th n fan t r h e a t o et O c t . 8 i I y , ld J li , ,

m en There were dead in blue , there were dead men

in gray,

There were column s that wavered , then melted away

There were horses and riders stark, stiff on the sod ,

There were sh outs , there were groans , and petitions to God ; W hile the hiss Of the shrapnel , that volvox Of war, M ocked the whizzing o f bullets from near and from

far .

S ee ! b e that tall , plucky Yank a good target i s ’ d o fo r A n m a . I ll j ust g for him , else he y go m e

as - O f Quick thought , from the fast falling ranks the gray

- S ped a bullet well aimed , and a brave soldier lay

W ﬁlm - rithing , bleeding, and helpless , with blinded eyes

Gazing upward in prayer to the pitiless skies .

’ But when n ight spread a veil o er the carnage of

da y ,

i In By the sold er blue kn elt a soldier in gray . Gently back from his foreh ead he brushed the soft curls ’ A n d a a f ce , ﬁnely chi seled and fair as a girl s , WA R WAIFS . 3 7

Grimly stamped with the pallor of death , met hi s

View .

S ou t ! tarting back , he cried , I s it , can it be true ’ t o o b Y es, terri ly true and twas my hand that sped ! O h The swift ball on its errand , speak to me, F red

Let me hear from your lips that the deed yo u for i g ve , ee ! n ot —it S The wound is deep , will heal ,

you will live,

Y ou ou o wn must live , I will nurse y , my hand shall heal

This rough scratch , !curse the ball), now my boy do yo u feel M S e y strong arm underneath you low , st ady, and rise

ﬁlm - When I give you th e word . Then the clouded eyes S ’ ought the face bending o er them , the pallid lips

stirred .

I t was all a mistake , dearest brother . E ach word — F . ell in low, husky whispers You loved me t o o well To send such a grim messenger — but I fell With t he old ﬂag above me Tell mother I die In the faith that she taught us ; and tell her that I A 3 53 W R WAIFS .

S ee , beyond the dark waters , the clear

beacon light ,

lzow' But oh , n ever say I was slain

A in the ﬁght , ” H old me closer. d Then fon ly, with face pressed to face ,

A n d with heart close to heart , came the last long

embrace . O n e hot o n e of kiss on the forehead , grasp the

hand , ’ A n d C the soldier in bl ue at his hieftain s command , M ade salute , and passed up to that army above ,

W C an d C hose strong Leader is hrist , whose oun

t ersi n . g , Love

A TH E LO S T C U S E .

! A C o n fed erate R etro sp ec t . )

H O S o S . You n ever saw the eights , ’ A h n , then you ve ever seen

- low The head stones and the hillocks , , With narrow paths between ’ You ve never seen the mound n ear by , ’ W h o n e m here neat mam oth stone , Two Y S thousand ankee oldiers lie , M f arked Graves o the U nknown .

M arked plain upon the paneled slab , A n d quite as plainly read ;

But not so plain , my little lad ,

Th e cause for which th ey bled,

0 WAR WA IF 4 S .

’ A h N - , Lee was ature s true born lord , W ith soul that could not wince ,

A n d - armed with silver hilted sword , H e rode like any P rince

is w H bro was clear, his eye was bright,

H is heart was true and strong, H is arm was nerved to strike for right ;

’ H e d never strike for wrong .

A n d proud were we , at his command ,

To rush into the fray . S ome lost a head , some lost a hand ,

But none lost h eart , that day .

see e . I gave my good right arm , , ther But I I ’ ll never grieve That for the Lost Cause I must wear

H enceforth an empty sleeve .

L A RE —C R WNE D U L O .

A of old Tribune, in the days ,

H is life, a sacriﬁce , laid down ,

To guard his legions in their hold ,

- F or which he won a laurel crown .

Beneath a heap of stricken dead, The dauntless chief alive was found; H is l comrades raised his feeb e h ead ,

- A n d proudly hailed him Laurel Crowned . A W R WA/FS . 41

M a y we not boast our heroes , too , A s brave as any land hath found

A n d u shall the victors , tried and tr e ,

Who fo r m died us , re ain uncrowned

Na y , raise th e shaft that shall proclaim l Their loya ty and love , profound C arve tearfully thei r wreath of fame ,

A n d h - C proudly ail them Laurel rowned .

A C R S M A IN H I T S E V E CA M P . ’ C Tis hristmas eve in camp . Bright overhead The starry chandeliers their lustre shed O n tent and fortress , and the gentle wing f P O eace above the camp seems hovering . W ithin th e crowded ward , upon his bed ’ A dying soldier lies . The nurse s tread S carce breaks the stillness ; while the ﬁ tfu l light

F m - ro blazing fagots pai nts strange scenes to night , A n d o n the whitewashed walls weird shadows creep

O f phantom forms that from th e em bers leap .

The soldier watch es the fantastic play ,

Then slowly turn s his tearful eyes away ,

F or had he passed un scathed from out the ﬁght , A furlough would have crowned this C hris t m as

night , A n d by the ch eerful ﬁre - light of his home H e might have watched the shadows go a n d com e A n d so th rough all this night of sore un re st

- A deep home y earning ﬁlls his sadden e d bre ast . AIF 42 WAR W S .

H is wistful glance brings quickly to his side ’ The watchful nurse ; but with a soldier s p ride “ H e checks the falling tear, and whispers, Tell ’ The ‘ Boys I send them all a kin d farewell ; S it near and press your hand against my side

The night has seemed so long , and I have tried To hear the pain al one ; but n o w I know M y hour has come ; and so before I go ,

f r o . I want to give you this , mother Lift

M C a y head a little , there This hristm s gift

I lately carved for her a crown , and cross W O h ith rosary . , she will mourn my loss

A n d F o r weep for m e , poor heart I am all ’ S he has on earth yet at m y country s call S he bade m e go The Christmas sun will rise

o r o - F m e n m ore . Beyon d those star lit skies M it s y spirit soon shall speed rapid way . ’ ’ Y t he t o ou ll send gift mother, and you ll say

H ow ! well I loved her H ad my furlough come ,

C S ould I have pent this night with h er at home,

H ow many loving words I would have said , A h ! , loving words withheld , die with the dead

’ e But you will t ll her this she ll guess the rest , h m O , could I lean y head upon h er breast ’ A h I d die co ntent . , now I see light — I t sh ines for me marks the

- wa . y , good night [D Y L S F R OM 0 VE R S F A .

TH E M Y S E RY O F P A N H T S I S RO CK .

’ F ar far h o f , away , neat skies blue , ’ S ﬂ ow Beyond the genial Gulf tream s , C lad in a glory ever new ,

A n d fringed with coral reefs of snow, ’ Bermuda s green hills rise to view , M id crystal waves that deep below

of H ide growths wondrous form and hue.

H er heights with goodly cedars crowned, S tand dark against the azure skies ,

A s - - wave caressed she sits rock bound , A bove a hidden world that lies S ubmerged in amber depths for there S trange colonies in secret toil , A n d deftly build with patient care

The snowy texture of the soil . 46 [D I/L S FR OM O E R TH E A V S E .

- I see , or seem to see , to day , A s d of once I saw in ays yore , The j eweled waves of Grassy Bay

That ﬂash along its smooth white shore .

A O -O ff gain with thee , far friend , A mid enchanted scen es I stroll , W here azure skies above us bend ,

A n d sapphire seas around us roll .

H o w grateful is the memory

O f - o ld those time buried days Of ,

W - hen from a rose wreathed j alousie , We watched the tender buds unfold , ’ ’ A s o er the land and o er the sea ” The sunsh in e fell in ﬂuid gold .

’ F - ! O airy land In fancy s ﬂight , The poet and the artist rise

To E - realm s Of beauty , den bright , ’ - In spired n eath thy deep tinted skies .

Fo r thee the sweetest warblers sing ,

F o r thee the fairest ﬂowers bloom ,

' A n d m id thy groves o n gorgeous wing Rare insects scent the rich perfum e O f nectared plants whose tendrils cling

Round stately palms that Skyward loom .

I mind me of thy hedges crowned With Oleander bloom thy thyme A n d scarlet heath that wide around Their fragrance shed and climb

- To barren rocks , storm bent and browned .

l 48 [D Y L S FR O/] O VE R TH E S E A .

R ! N The I nner eefs ame , ye who can, of The wonders that world below,

S a o f afe from the ruthless gr sp man , ’ ’ H id neath the ocean s restless ﬂow, Where waves the Gorgon ’ s purple fan M id coral roses white as snow . There angel ﬁsh in blue and gold F lit near the surface , watchful , shy;

W - hile cautious sea hares , fearless , bold , S p o rt in a cloud of crim son dye A n d sea - anemones unfold Like ﬂ owers beneath a summer sky !

S m - n trange for s Of sponge life, slimy, brow ,

' M id b ran c hin g sea- rods feebly sway W m here clu sy gherkins , fathoms down , C reep lazily in quest o f prey ; ’ A n d - N n sea wreaths , torn from eptune s crow , F loat j eweled with the crystal spray .

S ea- urchins ply their purple spines ,

P - h salae earl hued p y buoyan t ﬂoat , The feather- star its tend ril twines A ’ round the j elly s toppling boat , A n d like a changing Opal shines

’ “ The dolphin s iridescent coat .

TO O soon that day the ebbing tide I ts warning to o u r oarsmen gave

I n vain their haste we sought to chide , Their dripping oars along the wave

With rapid strokes they ceaseless plied . M T E A ID YL S FR O O VE R H E S . 49

A n d as our swiftly ﬂying craft D a anced g yly in the freshening breeze ,

W e a ith wistful eyes we gaz d ab ft ,

- A n d bade farewell to reef set seas .

' H o w S a as t old like the tale by g , H o w l E ike the myths the ddas teach , Th e scenes we m arked when last we stroll ed ’ A long the S outh S h o re s sa n dy beach That shone a band of burnished go ld ! To seaward lay an endless reach O f curling waves ; while frowning, bold ,

S R o To landward , rose the panish ck A n d far above its rugged height Like mottled clouds there hung a ﬂock

O f u gracef l boatswain s poised in ﬂight ,

M id ﬂowering shrub and bearded sedge , White Coral cottages were seen A n d browsing o n a shelving ledge 0 S om e tethered goats stretched forth to glean

- The trailing crab grass at its edge .

We clambered up the wooded steep , P ast calabash and spreading palm ,

Below, the moaning , surging deep , A bove , the sweet an d restful calm

O f O u r azure skies . tangled way ,

A s on t o we rose from height height , la Through beds of fragran t fennel y, A n d sweet alyssum , snowy white . [D I/ FR OM E TH E A 0 S O V R E . S 5 L .

’ A t P C a last we reached the irate s ve , ’ ’ C m C n m a elo s cross , amelo s a e ,

m and Long washed by pelting stor wave , ’ H ad C l vanished , like ame o s fame A n d where the robbers Of the sea

H ad buried on ce their lawless spoil , The shell - ﬂo wer scattere d lavishly ’ o e r I ts blossoms the sterile soil .

Within th e cave our torches gleamed W S ith lurid glare . talactites h un g

F - rom vaulted roofs , deep carved and seamed ; A n d over all ou r brush - lights ﬂung A glare so weird that much it see med

A in - fairy tale legends sung .

Then suddenly upon the ear

S of m weet strains usic faint and low, m A C . s a e floating from afar n ear, S till nearer drew the sound a glow O f a m ber light flushed all the drear Deep - shadowed space and then a flow

O f c melody cam e sweet and lear ,

A plaintive song of hidden wo e .

S O N G .

There are some thoughts we may n ot D own deep they lie within th e soul , ’ A s h t he s adows n eath waters sleep,

But never to the surface roll . FR M O VE R TH E E A [D YL S O. S . 5 1

n There are some th oughts we can ot speak ,

e m o In vain we se k to call the f rth , F o r strongest words are still so weak

o f That language seems little worth .

n ot S There are some thoughts we dare peak , Dark o ’ er the heart their shades are cast ’ S ome bitter m e m r ie s which we keep

S . ealed , sacred to the silent past

m o There are so e thoughts which c uld we speak, What canker - spots would leave th e brain A few brief words in whispers weak, ’ M h h n ig t bring life s suns ine back agai .

Na — o y , ask it not the palsied t ngue Refuses now t o act its part ;

o n a Live , a few more days gon e,

A n d palsied too Shall be the heart .

are are ate ale are are are are

C m S harmed as by some weird , ystic pell , We stood in breathless wonder there . Was it the song of A riel That ﬂoated on th e cave - pent air ! A The dainty , tricksy riel ,

l - The c oven pine imprisoned Sprite , ’ That couched within a cowslip s bell , ’ A n d o n a bat s wing ﬂoated light

Did P rospero with magic sk ill i S till rouse the furies o f the deep “ ’ A n d sk twixt the sea and y, at will Bid tempests rise an d ﬁercely sweep 2 [D I/ S FR OM O VE R TH E E A 5 L S .

! Did C The hollow waves aliban , “ ” S Th e freckled whel p of ycorax, H is deed s of darkness subtly plan A n d all hi s powerso f evil tax To wreak his wrath o n helpless m an !

A gain arose a trembling strain , low H alf song, half plaint ; then broken , , C ame wh ispered sounds of soul - pent pain A n f d smothered sigh s and sobs O wo e .

S O N G .

- Through daisy starred meadows , ’ M id m d sunbea s and Sha ows , A youth and a maid trip along ; While o ver and ov e r d The fresh , nod ing clover, m The ﬂattering bee h u s his song . W ith step light and airy, This blithe meadow fairy S peeds o n with her knight true and stron g ; While over and over

The deep , blushing clover ,

The light , ﬁckle bee hums his song . W ith heart fondly beating , S he smiles back his greeting , ’ Ne er dreaming o f. falsehood o r wrong ; While over and over

The sweet , fragrant clover,

The S l d o . y, gree y bee h ums his s ng [D Y L S FR OM O E R TH E S E A V . 53

A lone in the m eadow, S w Like some gh ostly hado , A sad , tearful maid glides along ; While over an d ove r d The pale , rooping clover

o w N seldom the bee hums his song .

ear t - H weary with weeping , A t last she lies sl eeping , U n m indful o f sorrow o r wrong ; While over and over

' The dead , scentless clover

NO n longer the bee hum s his so g . if 9k ﬁle i t 9K ale 9K A The wailing song was hushed . gain With gleaming torch we swiftly sped

In eager quest . But all in vain Throughout the dismal Space a dread

A n d n solem n Sile ce seemed to reign .

With e ager steps we hurried o n P ast crystal lakes that tran quil lay Like m imic seas wh ile dimly shone ’ u r n - O dyi g torch light o er the way . No e But fruitless was th e search . trac

O f - h o r syren , sea nymp , ghoul sprite , A ppeared within the haunted place

To thrill th e heart with sudden fright .

“ H O ! F M air iranda, where , Oh where

A rt thou concealed ! we loudly cried .

E A ir But cho , daughter of the ,

In mocking tones alone replied . [D YL S FR OM O E 54 V R TH E S E A .

Then as we groping still pursued S The mystic inger, we descried

A n open space wh ere roughly hewed ,

R t o ude steps led the world outside . A n d moun ting up the coral stair d That led into the outer worl , We breathed on ce more the balmy air That swept the sea and softly curled S Its hining waves , while h ere and there D n a ced graceful yachts with sails unfurled .

F rom steep and crag , green lich ens h ung

A n d mottled all th e barren ledge ,

‘ A n d tastefully the life - plant ﬂung ’ H er droopin g blossom s o er its edge A n d golden star - ﬂo we r s gleam ed a m o ng

n d The feathery fern a tufted sedge . A long the R ock ’ s broad base we strayed

U ntil we reached the seaward side . ’ ’ P - of- There , neath a ride India s shade . We sat and watched th e creeping t ide ; W n hen lo , above the moani g sea , There rose again the liquid swell O f m that wild , plaintive elod y

That echoed through each caverned cell .

S O N G . ! O Thalatta ! Thalatta I love thee , sea , A n d on thy white waves I am longing to be

l ail A l b to th e spirit , wild , daring and free ,

n ot sea. That fears thy billows , thou turbulent

/ TH A 56 [D IZ S FR OM O VE R E S E .

H F A E C D E A T T E G RA V E O LBR H T U R R .

E m igr avit i s th e i n sc r ip ti o n o n t h e to m b sto n e wh e r e h e li e s ; ” e a h e is n o t b u t e ar te fo r t h e a r t s t n e e r e s . D d , d p d , i v di

n . H en ry W. L o gf ello w O ld Nuremberg ! I stan d before its t o we rs and

castles strong , A n d think of him who wove its scenes i n to his matchless song ; ’ I see the S c hOn e Brunnen s spray in pearly cl o udl ets

rise ,

A n d o n ote the quaint Old gabled roof, high p inting

to the skies .

I rnark e . its churches richly carved , its statu s and

its Shrines , A n d stroll along t he bridge - linked banks th ro ugh

t he P e‘ n it z w which , g inds While crumbling towers a n d castled crags and wooded walks and ways S eem shrouded in the twilight mist o f m e dize val

days .

N o w o past tiled roof, past oriel , past r ugh and

rugged steep ,

S t . n Toward the churchyard of J ohn , my o ward

u co rse I keep , K ’ U n challenged by rafft s sentinels , stern , silent ,

cold , and still , e That stand , the stately witnesses of g nius , toil , and skill

’ A n d where the su m ach s crim son fruit and painted e l aves abound . 1 1 ) YL S FR OM O VE R TH E E A S . 57

I mark the print o f pilgrim feet that tread this

hallowed ground .

m u o H ere pausing , where the sunbea s fall p n an

n ancie t stone , I r ead a n am e that Nuremberg hails proudly as her own ;

A n ame that bears a royal sound to every lov in g

heart , That Rome and P rague and Bruges boast in

m o f treasured ge s art .

A n d E m i ravit t he m g , dimly carved below na e , I

see , O f him m who won the fadeless wreath of i mortality .

’ A h of , prince artists , death to thee brought life s

eternal dawn . Thy hand forgot its cunning near four hundred years agone ’ A n d - F m yet thou livest , triple crowned by a e s

undying hand , of The poet , painter, sculptor thine honored father

land .

st 1 1 8 0 . NUREMBERG , Augu 3 , 9

I H NNE N F N T E BI H O .

n o f I sta d within the Binnenhof, and think that dread day W of hen John Barneveldt stood here , one early m om in M ay ; 8 [D Y FR M O E R TH E S A 5 L S O V E .

The white swans ﬂoated tranquilly upon the silver sheen O f o n crystal lakes , and beechen groves put their newest green ’ S weet -th roated warblers m ong the trees were ﬂ it

ting here and there , While bursts o f gushing m elody rang o u t U p o n the

air .

I see the aged A dvocate as bowed with gri e f he stands A n d leaning o n his staff he clasps his thi n and

feeble hand s . “ ” “ O fo r m God , he cries , all my toil is this y

hapless fate, I s this the meed of forty years O f service fo r the state ! ”

The sword is sharp , its edge is keen , but what is so i m bued W ith an eternal , deathless sting as base ingrati tude ! O o f S of E The friend of range , the tate , quity and R ight , M ust b e be m artyred to appease rank j ealousy and S pite “ — H e bows his head , Be quick, he cries , then l a fal s th e f tal sword ,

K A dvo Th us perished Joh n Of Barneveldt night , cate and Lord ; But when that headless trunk was raised and placed upon its bier M ethinks that J ustice blushed for sh ame and M ercy

dropped a tear . D Y L S FR OM O E R H [ V T E S E A . 59

M P R M P I O TU .

! O n se e i n g a c at r e sti n g o n o n e o f t h e exqui site ly c ar ve d

c o r b e l s i n Me l r o se Abb ey . )

o F M st favored elis , on thy stony bed O f rarest sculpture thou art free to lie ;

’ F e t he se clo ist e rs old re , through , with stealthy tread

S To wend thy way, and none thy track will py , To bore thine ear with oft - repeated tale “ f o r K O ﬂowing tracery chiseled ale .

I envy thee thy freedom , wily beast , The freedo m Of such solitude profound ;

But well I know that veneration , least O f all thy graces , to this hallowed ground ’ H ath n e er enticed thee nay , thy greed hath said , “ ” A o u t - living rat weighs a monarch dead .

N o line elegiac charms thy wary glance No clustered c o lu m n Of m onastic skill

e W u o A llur s thine eye . ith cautio s lo k askan ce Through nave and transept thou dost roam at will Y o n quaintly carved angelic choir Of stone

A s m S l oved as thou , y ﬁend of ﬂesh and bone

P ast decorative details , cap and pier ,

lide st o n m o f Thou g , un indful the use O f that o dd sentim ent that drops a tear A bo ve the st o ne that hides the heart Of Bruce ;

No r n - the E s wi d dirge from distant ildon hill ,

No r n moani g Tweed , thy savage nature th rills . 6O [D Y S FR OM O VE R THE E A L S .

S o f oft waves moonlight through the oriel creep , ’ A n d fall u po n the mystic Wizard s urn ; a I hear a gh stly step, a sudden leap A n d then with startled h asteI trembling turn TO see thee seize a hapless creature there A n d ﬁercely crush it fo r thine evening fare !

But w hy upbraid thee for thy cruel bent ,

M a ar uding brute , since men , with nobler sense , To bloody warfare all their valor lent ’ To win ! , alas the grave s poor recompen se

S O w , pro ling victor , still thy fran chise keep To haunt the tombs where greater victors sleep .

E WE N H E B T E T LA K E S . Fair I nterlachen What a rhythmic soun d Flows through the name ! With lofty peaks snow

crowned ,

he an d S . sits between Brienz Th un , a Queen

- H er height s are ermine tipped ;her valleys , green With velvet verdure and h er hill - sides set W A ﬂ eec ith picturesque chalets . y net , ’ R - A ose tinted , in th e lpin e sun set s glow , ’ F c a of H alf h ides the Jung rau s dazzling p snow , ’ ’ A s , like a scene neath Titian s Opal skies , Fair I nterlachen iri th e twilight lies But fairer still at early ﬂush of morn When rings th e echo o f the A lpine horn

From peak to peak her beauties lie outspread . Bright in the sunlight gleam s the silver thread [D I/L S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A 6 1

O f m ountain stream s that rush in swift cascades A n d ﬂash m id j agged cliffs and forest glad e s To j o in the winding current O f the A ar

That in its em erald beauty shines afar .

’ GO S where the misty taubach s torrent ﬂows , ’ S e eek Lauterbrunnen s dr amy , calm repose , ’ A scend t he S chreckhorn s su m mit clad In snow That guards the glacial Grin den waldbelow M ark where the t u rbid L iit sc hin e hissing leaps

o r n Its rocky barriers , , Sile t , creeps A long the ﬂ o wery vale at last to hide

In Lake Brienz it s troubled , restless tide ;

e wo n dero u s sc en e But mid the glori s of each v , S till Interlachen reigns the A lpineQue e n

N E C ND U LLI S U U S . — ! In t h e Na t i o n a l G a ll e ry L o n d o n . ) H ear what Ruskin says of Turner : ’ ! A r e men m e asured by m e n s praise Then was he the sol e discerner ’ ’ f h t r O S y Na u e s hidde n ways .

H is deft hand alone could fashion A zure seas and skies of gold H e alone possessed the passion

' ’ c o u ld clas N That p fair ature s mold .

H e a could paint the tree , the m ount in , R ugged rock and wave worn stone H e could form the living fou ntain S ht d ubtle ig and rare in tone . 2 [D YL S FR OM O E R TH E A 6 V E S .

H e could paint the plunge and tumble, S plashing foam and S pring and leap f The O th e wild cascade . humble Rill could picture hidden deep

Within the dell and t he meadows Where the sunbeam s coyly play

In and out among th e shadows,

H is swift pen cil could portray .

S o R , with uskin , we enchanted

V n iew the scenes by Tur er wrought , While each ﬂower hi s hand hath planted W akes a deep and tender thought .

A M H F TH E H N YT O R I E .

H S e igh rises the iebeng birge ,

D - ark clad with the rich , purple Vine,

- I ts seven head s resting in cloud land ,

e Its foot dipping down to the Rhin .

’ A n d h D ere , where the rachenfels ruin s S it frowning and gloomy and cold , Bold S iegfried beheaded the Dragon That guarded its ill -g o tten gold

o O d The g ld that the gods , Loke and in ,

D S ea H ad seized from the warf of the ,

A n d H given in ran som to reidmar, T hat they fro m his bonds might be free .

6 [D Y S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A 4 L .

K C H ere lenze , Gartner and ornelius wrought , K l S R m H ere au bach , chnorr and ott an truly caught ’ The S pirit of the M aster - A rtist s thought

A n d ho w

‘ mark real ’ S c hwan t haler s P ainters stand in proud array ’ ’ Thus wheresoe er the tourist s feet may stray , A rtistic handicraft adorn s his way

I n grand ideal .

Behold the Ruhmeshalle H all of Fame P — m The inakothek softly speak the na e , F or Burgher critics will your accent blame ’ Howe er yo u prize it . A R K Oni sbau The lte esidenz , the g , The frescoed Kirch e of Die liebe F rau O h how , that some Teuton born would teach us To gutturize it

A h De u t c h , ye who sprechen , ye little reck

o n The strain lingua fraenum , held in check , When all th e glories of the Glyptothek Y o u View wit h wonder ; A nd as y o u through the Lud wigskirche stroll ” A n d Da of ho w face the y J udgment , the soul ’ I n native gu t t ral growl can paint the roll Of frescoed thunder !

a o f H ere Beauharn is bestowed rich gifts art, A a’ M m egin s arbles , too, here for a part

O f ’ t hat t vast , treasured wealth that thrills the hear Of K erl and K aiser ; [D YL S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A . 65

n d P P O ld New A thus, the resent , ast, the and

A like inspire the soul , and charm the View, A s we , in wonder lost , our way pursue

A long the I sar .

TH E A RM I NIA N C H E S T .

” o f th e r m n an h est in wh c h o M o de l s Old A i i C , i Hug

r o t s e sc a e a r e sh o wn a t Th e a e a n d th e e e n is G iu p d , H gu , l g d h e r e u n d e r sto o d an d ap p r e c i ate d by a ll c l asse s.

W Y W M sea here the ssel , the aal , and the euse

ward ﬂow,

N o w pellucid and ﬂeet , now dark , turbid , and slow ;

W of here the perfumes orchards like incense arise , A n d the green hills of Gelderland point to the skies ;

H - ere , securely intrenched by the triple armed R hine, S old tan ds that frowning fortress , the strong

L o eve n st ein .

D - -t - ouble walled , double ossed , iron bolted , and

barred , W here the dark, swelling waves keep their ﬁerce , uar restless g d, S ee its turrets, its ramparts, its parapets stand ,

O verlooking the valleys Of fair Geld erland .

- Thus it rises deﬁant , time battered and bare , A n dwho crosses its draw-bridge strikes hands with

despair. 66 ID Y S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A L .

W ! Na ith despair, did I say y , the grand human will A n dthe deep love of freedom surmounts every ill ; A n d the bars of the L o even st ein fortress are light When the soul of a Grotius seeks freedom and ﬂight

’ M Tis a m orning in arch , n ear th ree centuries gone , W ild the winds howl without , swift the tempest

n com es o . ’ H o f ugo Grotius , thine hour deliv rance is near, No w besti r thee with haste , bid deﬁance to fear ; F o r the skippers are waiting thy body to bear I n its improvised cofﬁn to o ld Go rc u m Fair !

A h Was , thy good wife never so faithful as now ; W hat a smile wreathes her lip s , what a j oy crown s

her brow . W ’ hat a ﬂutter twixt terror and hope ﬁlls her breast , A s S he locks thee within the A rminian chest ! A e y , she kisses the lock of thine improvised tomb , F o r t h should fortun e forsake thee , then sealed is y

doom .

’ m Tis a perilous voyage , where te pest and wave A re the sexton s that hollow a billowy grave ; A n d the fury-lashed Waal rears a white foamy cres t A That now threats to engulf the rminian chest .

P - ent up , smothered , and sea tos sed , oh , terror

struck soul ,

Be thou patient , th e skippers are nearing their goal . / FR OM O E TH E S E A 6 [D IZ S V R . 7

It is reached , thou art rescued , the arm of th e Rhine H ath upborne thee and freed thee from stern

L o even st ein

r tten a t st 2 2 1 88 . W i THE HAGUE , Augu , 9

H DE N T A T E JU S R S S E .

“ ’ A s we str o a o n th e ews rar te rs a m r em n e o f ll l g J Qg , I i d d

o o r e n e . th n th s o o m r e c n c t h e w th h is p H i Wi i i gl y p i , , i wr etc h e e r ew r et h r en wa s c o m e e to b e o c e d H b b , p ll d l k d e er ta e c r m n a s o n e e r S a ath t h a t h e c h an c e t o lik v i bl i i l , v y bb d

set fo o t in th e a n c e n t m er a c t . i , i p i l i y W ithin these squalid Quarters of the J ews , A S though he were a culprit , close conﬁned , Y oung H eine , like an exile , wept and pined . M H ere he invoked his tearful , pen sive use , A n d wove poetic garlands whose bright hues No hint betrayed o f that deﬁant soul

That spurned the bonds that held it in control . ’ A h C n n , hristia zeal , whe e er thou dost abuse

Thine high prerogative, till years on years A re n ! ﬂed , thy cruel wou ds shall leave a scar S ad H ebrew faces , chan neled deep with tears ,

- fo r - Long waiting , watched that slow rising star

- That n ow full orbed , resplendently appears

f - d n The herald o the day aw , seen afar .

- - - O N TH E st 1 8 1 8 0. FRANKFORT MAIN , Augu , 9 6 8 . [D I/L FR M R TH E E A S O O VE S .

TH E R E A E A DY G T S T TR G E .

A lon g the rugged mountain -S ide we wind

O u r A t way toward the clouds . every turn N ew wonders greet us as we le ave behind R avin e and gorge , wherein we faint discern S t o wift , foamy, white cascades that leap ﬁnd

The vale below clad in green moss and fern .

O u r h onward , upward course is marked by s rines That pious hands have S et along the way ; A n dfrom the Kofel C rag there brightly shines A ’ beacon light , the sun s reﬂected ray While mingling with the clouds we mark the lines

O f snow that rest above the summits gray .

’ P E tt al s C old ast loister rich in relics , P ast the unique , palatial chalet O f M f arquis Bute , past cli f and crag and bold ’ O e r - i o u r wa hanging precip ce , we hold y To where the ﬁ r - clad Tyrols close infold A little hamlet . H ere , at close of day ,

u - - Behold , ! our p ward , cloud ward j ourney done) F m ’ air O bera mergau s green vale displayed , ’ Where we shall see before to - morrow s sun

H ath set sad , fearful Tragedy portrayed ,

C o f S O ne The ruciﬁxion the inless , O n whom the guilt of all th e world was laid !

M t o ur wa eanwhile , as hrough the town we wend y , A ’ The placid mmer s current we descry, “ 1 D Y L S FR OM E R TH E S E A 6 O V . 9

lo - A n d w . a pass some built cottages H ere , g y W ith cap , and sash , and plume, go strolling by

The village peasants , as in groups they stray ’ S k I n happy leisure neath the twilight y .

NO stately ediﬁce with spacious halls ,

’ t o ur S -lovin e e s I s here to gree plendor g y , No r velvet tapestries , nor frescoed walls

No n lofty colum s , richly sculptured , rise . ’ But in the peasan t s word of welcome falls

A n restful be edictio n from the skies .

P erchance we lodge beneath the roof of o ne Who S its a R uler in the S acred P lay ;

A P A o r son H erod , ilate , nnas, the O f S imon may our footsteps stay A n d A ll bid us welcome . is kindly done ’ A S when a friend meets friend along life s way .

Two hundred years and more have Sped away S ince here the Tyrol peasants earnest prayed That God the fearful pestilence would stay Which had their homes well n igh in ruins laid The plea was heard and from that faith - cro wned day ’ r They ve kept thei pledge to hallow each decade .

H ark O n the S abbath stillness breaks the sound ’ r O f early signal guns . O e hill and plain The startling s ummon s echoes far around ;

A n d now there wends an eager, surging train , W herein true pilgrims from all lands are found , To see the S on of M an betrayed and slain 0 ID Y S FR OM O VE R TH E 7 L S E A .

W e gath er h ere a vast expectant throng O n either side dark ﬁ r - clad hills arise w A Belo , the crystal mmer winds along, A n d like a pictured scene th e landscape lies ; A n d as we silent sit a burst o f song

A in H im scends praise to who rules the skies .

I t is the opening prologue and behold The rich - robed C horus pass upon the stage !

They cease , and then in tableau we are told o f The story that strange , primeval age W E ’ hen through fair den trailed the serpent s fold , ’ A wo e n d wrought such as time can ne er assuage .

The A doration Of t he C ross appears I n tableau n ext ;and then upon the stage A throng of peasants rush with song and cheer

A n d . Y loud hosanna outh and hoary age , A n d lisping childhood S hout till far and n ear Glad songs of praise their hearts and tongues

engage .

’ F or ! C see The hrist , upon an ass s foal D Led by H is Loved isciple, now doth ride — P ’ Into Jerusalem . The rophet s scroll

- C H ath plain fore shown the scene . lose to his side Hi A h A re s . p ressed chosen few , kingly soul , Thy noble mien bespeaks Thy lofty Tribe

W H im P K ith waving pal ms they hail , rophet , ing, A s he alights an d through the Te mple strides ;

2 [D YL S FR OM 7 O VE R TH E S E A .

h I n anguis pl eads her love, her grief, her fears ,

In tones that seem to reach the vaulted Skies .

i s ﬁle ah ih 4 9K ale ﬁle

No w V k n ashti eels before her irate king,

W E of hile sther, proudly clad in robes state A scends the throne, graced with the royal ring . Thus fair J erusalem ’ s unhappy fate w . No I s typiﬁed haste thee , J udas, bring w Thy treason to an end , n or doubting, ait .

F P But ere the east of assover is spread , L O P s , from the romised Land , the faithful spie R eturn , through fertile ﬁelds divinely led , A n dbear rich clustered fruit Of fabled size While I srael ’ s wandering hosts are fed

W m n n a fallin t h ith snow y a g from e S kies .

A s S its the m aster with H is chosen band O f faithful followers , H e humbly kneels To Wash their feet and at H is mild command

They tearfully submit . Then from H is han d The bread and wine they take while softly steal s

The s o und of m usic from a seraph band .

The Traders and I scariot have met

To bargain for the blood of C hrist the Lord .

e H e pl ads his empty purse , th e price i s set , A n d quickly he receives his base reward Well pleased he hugs the prize With muttered

threat , ’ H e who S O lately S har ed H is M aster s board A ID YL S FR OM O VE R THE S E . 73

’ S ’ But mid the ﬁerce anhedrim s loud debate, Two aged Rulers rise and plead the cause O f H im o n Whom such deep and deadly hate “ — he - H ath fallen . H ow hath tran sgressed th e laws ! ”

n n They ask . But aught can stay or cha ge H is

fate,

H is death must be accomplished ere they pause .

Both Choir and Tableau now the scenes fore - show ’ f F a s in O . o b S sad Geth semane alse J , ’ A n d A wo e dam bendin g n eath his weight Of ,

P - W repare the tragedy . ild breaks the din O f eager voices while above , below , W’ eird echoes an swer from the rocks within . The Garden of Gethseman e ! A lone !

A h wo e , s tricken heart , hast ever felt the O f utter loneliness ! H ast ever known A grief that none may share H ere , kneelin g

low,

H e - cries aloud in soul exalting tone , “

F S O . If Thou hast willed it , ather be it

The fatal hour has come . H e is betrayed I scariot his stealthy kiss bestows ! W d But see ith patient grace and undismaye , H e m eets their S piteful th rusts and cruel blows ; W hile H is disciples , trembling , and afraid , D i epart and leave H m t o H is ruthless foes .

A H im To nnas ﬁrst they bring strongly bound , A n d then to Caiaphas before the day [D Y S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A 74 L .

H ath dawned ;while in th e darkness gather round The witnesses that swear H i s life away '

A n d u when pretense Of j udgment they h ave fo nd , P Before stern ilate next their cause they lay .

M - S eanwhile , remorseful J ud as is fore h own C ’ w o e . I n tableau , painting ain s despairing

A n d n soon , with haggard mien , and fre zied tone ,

o I n deep repentan ce , he resolves to g

A n d fo r plead H im who stan ds condemned alon e ,

W fo e . ell guarded by the stern , relentless

R ! m ! A h emorse re orse , how can words portray The agony that robs his soul o f rest

I n vain h e pleads , in vain h e seeks to stay The awful se n ten ce Tearing fro m his breast

- The blood bought purse , he h urls it swift away, ’ A nd rushes forth with frenzy s rage posses sed .

who w Behold another, ith craven fear H is Lord and M aster steadily denies

But when the cock , the Signal , loud and clear t H a h given thrice, then bitterly he cries , O m M ” I have denied Thee , y aster , dear,

- A n d pleads for pardon , with tear blinded eyes .

u R R S ore tro bled is the oman uler now, i That they the Nazarene to h m S hould bring . His H e marks H is stately mien , noble brow , ! A n D K dquestions , ost Thou call Thyself a ing M With fearl ess eye the aster answers , Thou H ast said it yet I seek in everything [D YL S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A . 75

To testify unto t he truth . Replies “ ” P o P W ! r ud ilate, hat is truth Then from h is wife C omes Claudius and to his master ﬂies “ ’ With h er swift message . S pare this j ust man s ” life . With glad assent he bids the Rabbies rise A n d speed to H erod with their lawless strife W ith tenfold wrath their victim they deride ,

n d him A fell to the earth with brutal blows . Thus S am son mocked an d fettered is descried I n tableau ; while his terror- stricken foes S m t o eek vainly fro impending doom hide , A ﬁtting sym bol Of th e Drama ’ s close

l O n e Bound ike a felon stands the H oly , d t o die Before the royal H erod , oomed . “ W ! The haughty monarch asks , hat hath H e done What evil hath H e wrought They m ake

reply , m H e hath by agic all the people won ,

A n d c laim et h o n to be crowned Of God H igh .

But H erod in derision bids them place A wh m robe of ite upon H im in ock j est , A n d sends them back to P ilate with due grace A n d co m plim ent that he will j udge H im best ; W m o b ith savage Shout the their way retrace , e’ While deep st hatred rules each ﬁendish breast .

’ I n tableau J oseph s blood - stained coat is brought ’ A n d laid before Old Jacob s tear- dim med eyes 6 1 1 ) YE S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A 7 .

A n din the thicket the mute lamb is caught ’ F o r A braham s devoted sacriﬁce A n d now the rabble satisﬁed with naught But blood with shouts Of ve n geance rend t he

skies . But P ilate min ds them of their C ustom ’ s claim To free a felon ere th e P aschal day ; In quick response they ﬁercely shout the nam e Of vile Barabbas and without delay The wretch is brought with cheek un touched by sh’ ame

To claim th e homage which the rabble pay . With bitter spite the thorny crown they press U pon his bleeding brow ;Within H is hand The mimic sceptre place the purple dress O f royalty th ey bring and then co 'nfess K I n m ocking tones , their ing , and j eering stand

A n d taunt H im with H is h uman helplessness .

P Then ilate yielding to their ﬁerce demands , m “ m P N . roclai s at last, Th e azarene ust die But calls aloud for water that his hands

n d e Before them he may clean se . The crimso y O f l ” guilt ess blood be yours , he says and stands

C o n ! H imself condemn ed by. purer ourts H igh

O nce m ore with Vivid truth are typiﬁed m tr e The fearful scenes that ark the agic clos , ’ A s M S toiling Slowly u p oriah s ide , The patient Isaac with his burden goes ; W hile raised on high the gleaming, brazen hide

’ O f I srael s serpen t in th e sun shine glows . [D I’ S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A L . 77

n o w S lO W Toward Golgotha , H e j ourneys , e His o n Ben ath heavy cross , till the way H e fainting falls ;but with harsh threat and blow

H im o n They urge , for naught their haste can

stay, A S thirsting for H is blood they eager go D Toward the H ill of eath without delay .

But as H e staggers forward , faint and weak , m In meek sub ission , and with patient mien , U pon the air there falls a piercing sh riek M M Lo , ary with the faithful agdalene

A nd H im w Joh n discover now h om they seek , “ A n d N e ! cry, It is th e H oly azar ne Then S i m on takes the heavy cross and bears

fo r M m I t his aster while the wo en , near,

S upport the weeping mother. Thus each Shares

- A t wo fold burden . But no shrinking fear

- S of The sad , soul peaking face J esus wears , A s tenderly he whispers words Of cheer .

m ! A h ho w H is hour is co e , the mother pales With ‘ agony as loud the strokes resound That drive through feet and palms t h e cruel nail s

That hold H im to the cross . Then from the groun d ’ — They raise H im tween the thieve s A ll effort fails To paint the horrors that the scene surround

No w R as th e H oly ecords hath foretold , They part H is raiment and the S poils divide 8 1 1 ) YE S FR OM O VE R TH E S E A 7 .

A n d then H is seamless vest they grudging hold , A n d casting lots with laugh and j est deride The Nazarene as they their trophies fold

A n d lightly toss the rattling dice aside .

’ No w sad and plaintive comes the felon s cry, “ ” R . emember me in pity , Lord , I pray

A n d o n him Jesus , gazing , makes reply , Beh old in P aradise this very day ” i . H s Thou shalt with me abide foes draw nigh ,

A n d seek in scornful ire H is speech to stay .

Below the cross stands M ary ;moan s and sighs

m . Break fro her bursting heart Then unto J ohn , ” so n Behold thy m other, , H e earnest cries , ” A n d M unto ary calls , Behold thy son .

A n d M e ary , moved with grateful love , repli s , “ ’ c ar st O O n e I n death , Thou for me, Blessed

” lo w I thirst , H e m urmurs n ow in accents , A t this the bitter draught they bid him take ; H e turns away and breathes a prayer o f wo e ; “ ” — Then , It is ﬁnished , cries , The mountain s

quake , D eep thunder rolls , the Skies with lightning glow , A n d rocks and b ills as if with terror shake

A o l n n , with ifted spear they pierce H is side , A n d they who witness shudder as they see

The gaping wound that pours its crimson tide . Then P ilate ’ s messenger comes h urriedly With gracious leave that J oseph may provide

Fit sepulture for H im of Galilee .

0 Y M 8 [D L S FR O . O E R TH E E V S A .

S oft sun sets fade amid eternal snows , A n d rising sunbeams purple hill and vale ; ’ A n d as time m arks each rounded decade s close

Ne w voices shall take up the Wondrous Tale . P OE M S WRI TTE N

F OR O C C I N A S O S .

84 P OE M S WR ITTE N

Next the glory - crowned soldier with knap - sack and s word C D Then the on stable ogberry, proud as a lord Now of m r a Lear , robbed aj esty , Slippe ed and lean , W ith a thin t reble voice and a wild , haggard mien

A n d who o u t - m last , he beggars the i becile king, d S an . ans teeth , taste , eyes , yea , sans everything m But n o matter how tasteless , how irkso e h is art ,

F rom beginning to end each must carry his part .

O n e far wiser than I hath afﬁrmed that th e wealth Of a man o r a woman consists not in health ; C on sists not in portion , in station nor power , But that poverty comes with the loss of each h our ;

A n d C that he is the roesus who stands in his prime, While no soul is so poor as the bankrupt in tim e A S O o u t he sadly , like ssian , cries through his

tears , “ W hence comes it , where goes it , this swift stream o f years

Y ou e behold in her carriage , my lady of stat m H er coach an , her footman , obsequiously wait ,

E of m m ach alert to Obey the least hin t co and ,

F or o f sh e governs her realm with a wave her hand .

But that hand, diamond ﬂashing , is shriveled and

thin , With its knuckles bulged out and its muscles

caved in , ’ A n d S you py , neath her trappings of j ewels and

gold ,

o f o ld That in spite all gilding , the woman is . F 8 OR OCCA S ION S . 5

A n d that pompous old banker with gold -headed

cane , IS regarded with awe by a scrub in the lane ’ Who o u t m preside s o er a bank , shoveled Of oist

clay, B u t he would n ot exchange with that banker to

day .

H e m has uscle and sinew , he stands in his prime , A n d hi s debits are small in th e bank - book o f time ; H e has hopes which n o ghost o f the past may dis

arm , F o r the glamour of youth Sheds a magical charm

Wa s old P on ce de Leon vain , dapper and bold ,

Th e who n O ld only gallant to dodge growi g ,

Breasted billows and breakers , all dan ger, in truth , To discover a spring of perennial youth

H onest friends , there are thousands, at this very

day, — Who n b f . are seeki g this Spring , y a di ferent way ’ But they re seeking a myth , in a region unknown , ’ ” Bubbli n g up very near th e philosopher s stone . W hen the grinders grow Sparse , and the eyes

dimly squint , When each facial contour bears the strong fossil print ’ f S O a crow s preading foot , and the deep furrowed brow H ints that youth ’ s brightest blossom s are under the plough 8 6 P OE TMS WR ITTE N

When a fe w straggling locks o n the shining bald h ead ’ A r e arranged like a pall o er the face of the dead ; When both m u scle and sinew dry down to the

bone ,

- A n d . one stands like a mullein stalk , Shivering alone ;

Then what mystical fountain , what m arvelous power ’ ! Ca n bring back vitality s God -given dower

O r m of what powder, po atum , what foul drug sin M ake the blush from without S hame th e blush from within !

O h h , fair queen Of all hearts, w en the magical spell f “ O . your beauty is lost , try to say It is well

Y o u may hug that deep secret , the date of your

birth , But chronologists ﬂourish all over the earth

’ ’ A n d l they l point to the records , they ll order a search ’ O f c hr ist n in yo ur family Bible, your g at church , ’ A n d they ll prove past den ial , by honest zeal ﬁred ,

That your j uvenile lease has already expired .

Y o u h may mourn your gray hairs , those w ite guests of the years , ’ But they ll come though y ou greet them with fast

falling tears .

8 8 P OE M S WR ITTE N

n d l A the faded coquette who encounters his e er, O h ’ Whispers low to her fan , , but isn t he queer

o r F , in spite of his mirth and his frolicsome airs , ’ I t is plain to perceive that he s mostly repairs .

a - - When the fair pple blossom s , pink petaled an d

sweet , o ur Fill the air with their fragrance , then fall at

feet ,

We rej oice in the fruitage, ripe , golden , and rare,

No r bewail th e lost blossoms that scented th e air .

wh of Then y this repining , this wail despair, f of This a fright at beholding the ghost a hair , of This strange terror wrinkles , this fear les t some tongue ’ S pread the awful report that you re n o longer young !

a H as the past been so vac nt , so wasted the years , That n o rainbow of H ope shimm ers up through your tears ! o u n H ave y sought only va ity under the sun , I s the wide world no better for what y o u have done !

o u t - o To th e cast , the fallen that crept to your d or . o u M P H ave y said , with the aster, eace , sin thou n o m ore ” ! ’ o e r To the famished , the starving that roam the

land , H ave you tendered the pittance they begged at your hand ! FOR O A ION 8 CC S S . 9

’ H ave y ou knelt with no mourner t o weep o er a bed O n which lilies and hare - bells th eir soft petal s shed ! O n lo n el at h s that dark , y , p that no sunbeam adorn ou n H ave y scattered no roses , uprooted n o thor s

O e of of n d v r wastes rough stubble and deserts sa ,

o u H ave you lighten ed no heart, have y strength ened no hand ! ’ These are acts in Life s dram a that challenge tru e

art ,

A n d he well may lam ent who has failed in his part .

O o f r Then rej oice , young hearts , in the days you

youth ,

n ot m But subvert their freshness , their pro ise , and truth “ By broad - casting wild - oats where you Should scatter seeds

That develop high aims , noble thoughts , honest deeds ;

E - lse , perchance in the future , a con science lit ﬂame M a of y illumine , too strongly , some past deed S hame ; O r a sense of abasement your proud bosom fret

A S o f you writhe in the pangs a lasting regret .

Y o u ou have youth , y have hope , you have vigo r

and health , O h n ot ob w , scorn , , aste not this fullness of wealth Let th e ﬂ eet - footed years as they swiftly depart F ind yo u broaden ed in soul and unsullied in h eart . is ale ﬁle i s 916 ale 9h 5K 9 0 P OE M S WR I TTE N

But the dram a goes on and behold here t o day A m é gay , a ate ur troupe who have made their entr e

A n d their exit as well , and we loudly encore

A s the the curtain is dropped and closing scene , ’ o er ;

e But th ir brief interlude will be followed , I ween , By a cl assic rehearsal for som e grande r scene ; ’ A n d d new glories they ll garner at each ripene age , A s new homage they win on the throne o f the stage

F o r all artis t s - in - born seek the plaudits o f fame

A S a spur to a nobler, a still higher aim . A n d this thought leads me back to the primitive age O f your dram a sch olastic when ﬂashed o n the stage

A - of star troupe young actors , unrivalled in art , l True and earnest i n sou , pure an d loyal in heart .

- ‘ Thus they stood , laurel crowned , j ust a decade

ago , H ave yo u heard the old adage that every crow

Thinks her o wn young the wh itest Be that as it

may ,

Y o u fo r will seek a whiter brood , many a day , ’ H ere I sigh o er my theme, and I pause in my m rhy e ,

F o r D o f a ecade of Years , ten lost children Time

9 2 P OE M S WR ITTE N

A n d o ut its windows look over valleys and dells , W s hile afar in the distance , their low evening bell

o r Call to service prayer at the close of the day , When soft twilight descends on the hills far

away,

n - O those time honored hills , with green banners f un urled ,

t o - ﬁ rst - That stand proudly day, the born of the world !

S - - uch , the half drawn perspective, but who can impart By a touch Of the pen what is graved on the heart !

’ A h o n F , how often ancy s swift pinion s I ﬂy ’ To your old A l m a M ater s third loft in the sky To that peaceful retreat by sweet S olitude blest That from turmoil and care gave m e refuge an d

rest .

A lone , but n ot lonely , with friend s true and tried ,

A n d l - b e my ife work before me, what craved I , side A n d there crowns the remembrance of happy years ﬂown The sweet thought of another life linked with my own

’ A n d once more rings the sound in the garret o er head O f ’ a hammer and saw and a boy s nimble tread .

h k T e Adi r o n d ac s. F OR OCCA S IONS . 9 3

There with close - knitted brow he toils o n with a will of To d evelop some feat mechanical skill ,

Till at length the young ship- wright exhibits a craft That the favoring gales of his future shall waft

A n d O a . ver w ters unknown it comes, the glad day W S hen both master and vessel peed gayly away,

S t oo peed gayly away , over waters unknown ,

A n d are lost to a life doubly saddened and lone , A s of the long days absence , recorded with tears , W t o m aste onths and the months wear to long,

dreary years .

But we meet here to -night not in sorrow nor

gloom , ’ ’ A s we bring o u r heart s Offerings and strew o er the tomb O f a Decade o f Y ears wreat hs and garlands of ﬂowers That true F riendship and Love pluck from M em ory ’ s bo wers

A n d though hearts have been saddened and cheeks

have been wet , We will waste n ot o n e thought in a useless regret ; Fo r with faith in the hand that blends wisdom wit h w oe, S till the decades may come and the decades may go ; 94 P OE M S WR I TTE N

But the fast - rolling years as they come an d depart S hall not ﬁ nd us nor leave u S less fervent in h eart ; ’ A n d o u r - v t o life lease , though short , we ll not cra e

extend , “ ’ F o r that life is the longest which an swers life s ” end .

N H E WE D A Y . T M R W . R D N D O S . O I G

! Wi t h a d o z e n sp o o l s o f c o tto n . )

M ay your smooth threa d o f life be of generous length A n d p erfect in texture and number and strength ’ A n d n o w that tis twisted with o n e of a kind

That every way pleases your heart and your mind ,

Y o u will wind up your bobbin with willing assent , ’ n d A j ust run life s machine with a double intent .

LI NE S WR ITTE N F O R A WE DDI N G A N A Y NIV E R S R .

D o n Ne w ear friends , we have come this glad Y ear day, W w ou r ith gifts and with ishes homage to pay , A n d to hear what the bride and the groom have to say I n favor of courtship and marriage ;

9 6 P OE M S WRITTE N

That shines with the wearing , a mystical chain , Whose wonderful links a strange m agic retain That brighten s each pleasure and soften s each

pain , O ld Hymen could wish yo u no better

AD F I GU RE H E S .

Fo r a R e n o n a h tat o r m a o e e ! u i t t e S e N l C ll g ,

an . Y . D ec . 2 Alb y , N , 9 ,

When p olitican s swell their n oIsy throats W of ith long orations born borrowed notes,

O r advocate some unimportant cause, S o r To how their knowledge, to win applause , M ay not a school - dame sing in h umble strain The scattered thoughts that ﬂit athwart her brain M ay sh e n ot S how how spite o f care an d toil H uge Shams may ﬂouris h in a fertile soil

M m Then come my use , and mid unnu bered strains , R aise on e brief note before the chorus wanes

C n o w m e e ome , while rhymers meet , an d tres rhym

o f th e To chant the progress p resent time , A n d F tune thy lyre, by fairy ancy led,

F - To sing the progress of the igure H ead .

A n Odd vagary led me to my theme ; O n e nigh t I had a most impressive dream M ethought that in a crowd ed mass , I met

A o f o n host forms , and each form was set F OR O CCA S ION S . 97

A of S score heads, of every style and ize,

A n d on each forehead , j ust above the eyes ,

H ung a placard , in scribed with this queer Sign “ ’ ’ I ll scratch your head , my friend , if you ll scratch mine

A ll Sham s and shoddies, all pretence and fraud , These n odding heads were fashioned to applaud ; A ll R cliquish ings , intrigues , and cunning wiles F ound recognition in their furtive smiles A ll public Sin e cures , professions , trades ,

F - of irst class p ositions all ranks and grades,

W h r o r ateve wealth be stows , inﬂuence sheds ,

Was represented by these itching heads . O f capillary growth there was no lack

E o n e xcept thin , bald place upon the back , W here constant scratching had laid bare the bone , w J ust as erosion wears a ay a stone .

E - w ach face with self complacency gre sleek , A n d of ! Oh , what wondrous , fearful breadth cheek

h u T en ro nd I cast my eager, questioning eyes , S aw other heads half timidly arise Without placards upon the foreheads high ; But brightly shone within each soul -lit eye

T he o f bor r owed ﬁre genius , in whose sheen

e - Th se well scratched heads were basking , calm,

serene .

o ff I woke , and shaking the drowsy spell

m e That bound my senses , I re ember d well

That what in Dream - land had been shown to me

W a s da il but a type of what I y see . 98 P OE M S WR I TTE N

O ﬂitting Figure - H eads that rise to power I n mush room growths that thrive on e little hour ! O Figure - H eads that rule through long decades By con stant scratchings !those m ost poten t aids) !

C - m ome forth to roll call , an swer to your na es ,

A n d m . tell the truth , though it your aster shames

C m of m o e forth distorted heads m a m oth size , With vu lt u r e ~ b eak s and ﬁery A rgus -eyes

n That ﬂash like lightni g in a pelting storm ,

Ye are the gian t heads of bol d R eform . O R stern eform , th ou m oral H ercules , Canst thou bring E vil down o n bended knees Twelve times twelve labors hath thy might as d saile ,

Y et E s - - d vil stand well backed , well arme , well

mailed .

P olitical reform s with zeal advan ce , A n d nimbly lead their partn ers in th e dance

O f C - S P ivil ervice Quickstep , while the ress

n Records their pirouettes a d styles of dress . S ome Terpsichorean wh o trips and falls

m cree s cra wls B eco es a gastropod , and p and

I n slimy supplian ce upon the ground , Where ’ er the Quickstep dance goes round

round .

A non , the dance is changed for target drill , ’ Whi ch yields the test of every m arks m an s skill ; A n d t arget ~p ractice soon becomes so brisk That every Figure - H ead sustain s so m e risk

1 00 P OE M S WRITTE N

’ M an N , born of ature s most sublime ideal , “ O n whom the gods have seemed t o set their ” seal , Whose lofty souls would scor n to ﬂout her claim

- o r - To hard earned stipend to well earned fame .

What seeks S he then in Legislative H alls W sh e m here ust brave the thrusts of party brawls , ’ A n d rude contempt , and Libel s shifts and shocks , ! A n d all the S lime that soils the ballot - box W hy sees sh e not within the small domain O f household circl e all her duty plain Why t o som e desperate impulse does S he yield

To cultivate the broad and barren ﬁeld , A lthough perchance the garden Of he r hom e

S pring up with weeds , and coiling serpen ts come A n d breathe on her fair ﬂowers a blighting breath That marks their trail with dire disease and death ! Does morbid sense of wrong or fancied right Thu s drive her headlong o n her tangent ﬂigh t Let woman solve a query - if S he can ’ of That puzzles e en the subtle brain man .

0 M istress Jellyby, sublime ideal , f S uspend your e forts , check your ardent zeal . ” F or Bo rr ioboola- hO e Gha there i s no p ,

of ou r That scene action is beyond y scope .

m an TO , primeval schemer , leave that ﬁeld ,

A n d see what grand results it soon will yield . Let him direct yo u while you tug and toil H ’ e ll give you leave to till the rugged soil , FOR O CCA I N S O S . 1 01

To prune and nurture with a constant care , ’ H e ll n o t assert his claim the toil to share ; But with an air that marks his conscious right ’ H o u wor k wit/z ’ e ll give y leave to a ll y ou r n ﬁt . ’ o u H e ll give y leave to wear out heart and brain , Then dole you out a pittance o f Izis g a in ’ do H e ll give you leave all irksome tasks to , T hen claim the proﬁt and the honors t o o ! ’ w H e ll Sho you, by a logic m ost complete ’ That your true sphere is at his lordship s feet . N O matter though M inerva S po n sor stood When y ou ass u med the trust o f womanhood A brazen F igu re ~ H ead t/za t trust disdains “ Where might makes right and gender out - ranks

brains .

C O F - H of socia l ome forth , igure eads styles , That n o d approvingly as F ortune sm iles

That all ﬁnancial ranks intently scan ,

n d A with ﬁnancial scales weigh every man .

A o r of las does wealth station , pride birth , D oes power or polish stand for solid worth ! N a y, nay, a strong, true heart full oft beats high Ben eath a garb despised by social eye ’ A n d l giant brains throb neath a brim ess hat , ’ ’ ’ ”

A h 0 . , faith , a man s a man for a that

’ O S F F - tyle and ashion , olly s twin born apes ,

Before whose shrine the world her model shapes ,

S o ur tern rulers , that thoughts and lives control ,

Y e . starve the heart , and dwarf the very soul 1 02 P OE M S WR I TTE N

S ee fair Devotion in her S unday smile

S - n elf conscious , trip alo g the crowded aisle ’ F S h e I n ashion s latest quirk is arrayed ,

S . tyle is her watchword , style h er stock in trade S he S he w eats, she sleep s , alks , she talks in style, A stylish giggle rounds her stylish sm ile ;

H er stylish call s are always in exchange , Like hostile gun s saluting at long range

S he n ot toils not , spins , does not read nor think ,

S he - ! But oh , how adores the roller rink

o ft fo r d Though at church vanity harangue ,

H er d . foretop , like her oors , is loudly banged With waist so cramped within h er corset ’ s clasp

That every breath is but a painful gasp , With bangles j ingling like a convict ’ s chain s S he fans and ﬂutters till her pew sh e gains , D k C do uc s down he r h ead , as ustom bids her , ’ A n d soothes the corn that s sprouting in h er shoe !

A non , a suitor comes to seek her hand

- H as h e position , bank accounts , and land n ot o b If , luckless wight , h ow swift his fall ,

S m - C o m o e blear eyed , blinking r esus has the all ;

A n d fo r his wealth , which is her only goal ,

' S he sells herself , her body an d her soul

A F - golden igure H ead , with golden crown O f d scattered hairs as white as thistle own ,

S fo r upplies the rank which sh e longing sighs , A l dores her beauty and ignores her ies . D Th us any race , ecrepitude may gain

If he but amble with a golden cane .

1 04 P OE I MS WR ITTE N

E o xpound path ology in learned t ne,

A n d deal a doubtful grain to every groan .

’ Not less in S ciolism s well -thronged mart P oor P ettifoggers act their petty part F i nancial vultures hover everywhere , ’ A n d seek to seize the greedy vulture s share

By long delay and weary , vain dispute ,

V hole s The , an d Guppies , Of th e Jarndyce suit . F m m ierce l egal va pyres , that their victi s drain

By sapping every artery and vein , U of rged by the j ingle expected fees , ’ S how clients ho w they ll win their case with ease ; r of But summing up thei item s defense ,

M S of m ore Often how their lack co mon sense . Theologasters ﬁll the sacred desk Who rival C om edy in grave burlesque W ith m easured tone , and upward glance sublim e , ’ These pious Damons o f M acau ley s rhyme Inspire their h earers with a sleepy awe A s they expoun d the claims of M oral Law M W W Then ilton , Luther, atts , or esley, quote ,

A n d —a ﬁll each gap with selected note . ’ H ave they to foreign lands. e er m ade a tour ! That j aunt is shared alike with rich and poor ; H enceforth their feeble m inds are tossed an d vexed H ow best to introduce it i n t he text ;

A nd s m every benediction , er on , prayer, s o f I s spiced with Odor a foreign air, W hile sleepy h earers n od , an d doze, and snore, ’ n d o n A dream they ve wakened a foreign shore . FOR O CCA S ION 1 0 S . 5

’ A n d while to sacred them es o u r thoughts we raise

Comes forth a F igure - H ead that blinds the gaze ; With saintly Visage and with austere grace W ith cautious tread and slow , funereal pace W ith mock humility , an d modest mien , That hides itself where best it ca n be seen P Behold iosity , fanatic elf,

Who sees n o good except her righteous self. The cloak which C harity with her endowed

o n e S I s laid aside , as reserves a hroud

F o r N that cold day w hich ature brings to all ,

’ W e hen life s th rmometer takes its last fall .

In scripture lore she is the only sage ,

S he o n e N follows straight road , the arrow Gauge . W S ’ ith venomed tongue and anctimony s slime , S he stings and hisses at a hint o f crime

‘ of B ut crumbs scandal are sweet morsels , while

S he P e k n ifﬁ smites her breast in true c s an style . S he prowls and peers with hungry , furtive glance ,

S n ome mon strous sin to spy, and if percha ce

S he o r for ﬁnds a frailty a cause blame , S he lifts her holy hands and cries F or shame

Then boasts in a sepulchral mongrel tone , A ! cross between a chuckle and a groan ,) ’ That she has passed Temptation s direst snare , ’ Y et wn her fair soul is pure as H eaven s o air . Thus self-exalted does she loud bemoan

The sinfulness that leaves her all alone , V Till irtue cries in bitterness and wrath , O h F ! , what a goodly outside alsehood hath ' 1 06 P OE M S WR ITTE N

P erhaps some critic , noting each new case,

Thinks poetasters here migh t ﬁnd a place .

Y e s , grant them all that to their rank belongs , Gra nt all but a rehearsal of their songs !

U n pspri ging all about us , rhymesters rise W h m n o t ith earts bri ful , but heads , over wise , W hose vain conceits their sense so far abuse , That s o on they make their visi onary m use O a To rival rpheus , whose m gic lyre C ould thrill the dead with its poetic ﬁre

A n d S n appho , that fair , gifted , Grecia maid , I s cast by them com pletely in the shade A n d o n e poetic wag boasts in his lays “ That fools will write , while greater fools ” praise .

A s r in ce m a p of Shams , we here y aptly quote sc ribbin The g novelists of Beadle n ote , W hose startling titles ﬁx the e ager glance f O hungry readers starving for romance .

c Their pages drip with sympatheti tears , A s sinking hope is swallowed up in fears

Lest some bold hero perish in the strife ,

I n which he wages all to win a wife .

W w ith slo , reluctant , hesitating tread

Do F - I approach that shapeless igure H ead ,

W fo ith brain as heavy as a London g,

A n d P - rightly labelled seudo P edagogue .

D ’ The little evil at his printer s case , W ith busy hand and mildly vacant face ,

1 08 P OE M S WR I TTE N

Of bud and blossom , springing all about , ’ A n d let them thumb the page , it can t wear out . ’ H o w d t o soon each lesson they ll elight read , ’ Line after line th ey ll c on with eager speed S trange stories learn with m oral s pure and good , ﬂa That add a vor to their mental food .

F of n t an d rail j ewels , wrought su beams , fros s , dews Will charm their eyes with all th e lustrous hue s O f so richer gem s, coveted , so dear,

That bring their owners naught but fret and fear . A n d wh ere the daisy shades her modest face W of ith bordered cap plaited , homespun lace, ’ ’ They ll love to linger ; eagerly they ll ask

A on thousand questions th eir. pleasing task A s , why the mole throws up the m imic m o und That hides his gloomy castle underground R ’ H ow master obin s stylish , scarlet vest

I s cut to fit his portly, glossy breast ; H o w Daffodil her scented kerchief flirts Why butterflies have gold - embroidered skirts While clum sy toads wear o n their ugly backs A rusty coat , all seamed and scarred with cracks . What hidden wealth lies in th e rocky ledge ; Where gets the wind its keenly cutting edge W o n l here plods th e peddler snail s imy track, W ” ith all his notions heaped u pon his back .

Wh ’ y men at Beauty s shrine , their worship give Wh y h omely , unloved things should care to live FOR A I O CC S ON S . 1 09

W h s - y rose crown the vulgar, way side bush What mean s the m usic of the mottled thrush Whe n ce come the silver- sandaled rills that glide Between their velvet banks on either side H o w stealthy spiders weave their subtle lace What holds the starry canopy in place

W - m an - here the pale moon in the day time goes, What makes that mammoth pimple on his nose

Why sweetest blossom s oft bear bitter fruit Why cheerful crickets wear a mourning suit

W m - hat daint y hum ing birds , in dandy coats , ’ S eek i n the morning- glories cream y thro at s ; ’ H o w from the thistle s cup , marauding bees D n espite her bristli g guard , her treasures , seize H ow stones increase in growth ; why sunbeams fade d A n d leave the pleasant earth enwrapped in sha e .

A s H iawath a questioned on until N H e taxed okomis to her utmost skill ,

S o they will query in their youthful zeal , W ith minds that quickly grasp, and hearts that

feel .

“ O f it s ho w evolution , with and when , ’ H ’ ’ They ll puzzle uxley, o er and o er again ’ A n d with s wift haste they ll seek to learn each rule That solves these problems in fair Nature ’ s school

B o u r S hak s eare ecause as wise p taught , their books k A r e b roo s . found in trees, in stones , in babbling 1 1 0 P OE IWS WRITTE N

- Close these bright pages , and in clear mid day , ’ ’

l . They ll grope in darkn ess , all a ong life s way

O N ’ Then , true teacher, study ature s page A n d let its precept s all vo u r h eart engage

A n d S e like those ilent slav s , the sap and root That cloth e the showy boughs with leaves and

fruit ,

A ct n well your part , and this plai truth declare ” n di n i e O e g ﬁ s his calling by his care . A im to be true , nor seek to question why O n every hand exalted , proud and high

D - in ﬂ at e d ull , self , pedagogic frauds

S . tand ranked and titled , while the world applauds

R m m s e e ber that mo t mystic , potent Sign , ’ ’ a ou r I ll scr tch y head , my friend , if you ll scratch ” mine . Well may we pause and ruefully exclaim Behold how Figure - H eads may rise to fame !

M . y task i s ended If, perchance, I bring ’ A - S thrust unkind , keen edged by atire s sting, ’ I bring it only as an expert s test , ’ TO tear the shield of Truth from Falseh ood s

breast .

M n o r Then cease , my use , let thy strain u nkind No real worth no recognition ﬁ n d O f earnest effort and persistent will Life ’ s noblest aim an d mission to fulﬁll

F o r lo - , to day an earn est band I meet Who tread with eager , careful , patient feet

1 1 2 P OE M S WRITTE N

old S The good lady hook her head and sighed ,

was Th e house small , that could not be denied .

N ol s/z b ot d a . only small , but and y too

W ill la n d w o . ith her, to was but to p and No w to the S tate sh e tremblingly appeals H er hopes and fears in conﬁdence reveals Remarks what noted progress has been made

o r I n every high profession , art , trade

In d a which her son s and aughters have eng ged ,

A n d roves C all p it , too , by atalogue paged S he d h as h n or plea s that n ever reproac , shame ,

N o r o n e foul blemish stained her h onored nam e . ’ S O D Tis don e , the tate responds , h onored ame , What nobler monument could mark thy fam e !

Through yo n Great Win dow streams the C hrist

mas light , A n d rare M osaic patterns charm t he sight ; P upil and teacher gracefully portray

of n The early dawn this resplende t day , A n d speed a truth that quickens heart and mind ’ S weet fruit may ripen neath a bitter rind ; n o r In castle or i n cottage, ear far,

w/za t a re where . I t is not , but rather we ’ R - C But oll all summons us , and we ll away,

A s e n - ach familiar am e i s called to day ,

O ur A M lma ater sighs , for some , alas, o n F D ot respond . rom out the waving grass

O n d some lon e hillside steals the win s sad moan ,

W of - ! hat need roll call has a cold , white stone Lo ng may our voices strong with m or a l might Be heard at roll -call in the Cau se o f Right ; FOR OCCA ION S S . 1 1 3

S wift be the progress Of the eager f eet That in the race with vain P retence com pete ; S trong be the arm that frees with fearless stroke

of The neck Genius from its galling yoke , F t o That bares bold alsehood the very bone,

A n d places Truth upon her rightful throne .

A S A I LI C T E . S tern and stony was the bearing of fair Kate in

all her ways , ’ Y et a triﬂe metamorphic under passion s fusing blaze ’ S O it chanced a spark magnetic , from love s anvil burning fell O n Of ﬂin t dem oi the cold , silicious bosom this y selle A n d l the crusted , nodu ed geode , that she used to call her heart

‘ ’ Was ﬂ eche soon entered by d amour ! that , in ’ F C u ren ch , means pid s dart) . of Then a geologic gouger plied the chisel his fate , A nd above his whole collection placed this shining

- sili Kate .

TO P LA GIA RI S M .

O of shrewd reviser all themes , Of theory and thought, Thy verse an Odd mosaic seems

Of mixed quotation s wrought . IRK' AND R 1 1 8 QU S QUE IE S .

’ Thy muse with passion s fervid ﬁre, A To fair pollo clings,

But , ah , she tunes a borrowed lyre , ’ A n d steals the lender s strings !

E R Q U Y .

What lights the ﬂam e that ﬂashes from ou r ey es

- ! To stranger eyes , responsive , on the street

A n d as we backward glance, why no surprise That we a stolen glance S hould backward me et A n d when from this quick union Of our eyes — - There leaps a new born impulse , ere it dies , e Give it a nam e , ye psychologic wis .

WH Y NO T !

O u r o shrewd p liticians who manage the wires , S oon rise to the height t hat commands their de sires A n d when they grow giddy with soaring so high , Neither standing n or sitting of course they m ust lie

Y O U R C H O ICE .

Wo m en sit o r m o e t o an d fr o so m e o ld so m e o n , v , , y u g , — Th e y o u n g a re beaut iful b u t th e o ld are mo r e b eau tiful th an ” ’ th e o n . L ea v es o Gr a ss Wa lt s tm a n . y u g f , O W W rash alt hitman , what wilt thou ﬁn d next To interweave among thy Grassy Blades Thy glumous gram in a have sore perplexed P The henogamic grub , that bores and spades

1 20 UIRK S AND UE R I Q Q E S .

’ “ ’ A n d S n u r H don t you remember the g y , ugh

Brown , W n here he found the stro g , odorous sign s That some lore -lovin g students in slippers and gown H ad bee n pufﬁng away at long nines

’ A n d don t you remember he scored it , H ugh

Brown ,

By a look , unmistakably plain A n d ho w we would rather have f elt him co m e down ! With the weight of his gold - headed cane

’ O h o u O ld , don t y remember Bridget , H ugh

Brown , W ith her eyebrows so bushy an d black , H ow she s wooned with dismay in the face of a

frown , A n d revived in the face of a smack !

’ A n d n H n do t you remember the garret , ugh Brow ,

With its roof pointing straight to the sky, Where she n ursed Us through measles on pillows of down , A n d j ust gorged us on sweet pumpkin pie !

“ O h e n S u eer H , never forget st r Old q y, ugh

Brown , Nor his petriﬁed stare of surprise When you blundered upon the right stem of a

n oun ,

In a manner uncommonly wise . A 1 2 QUIRK S ND QUE RIE S . 1

A n d do not forget dear Old Bridget , H ugh Brown , N or the light that she shed o n your track ;

F o r n her spirit we t up , when her body went down , ’ A n d botk went where they ll never come back !

’ A n d O h ! W don t forget young Joe ilder, H ugh

Brown ,

F o r u m a tho gh Vigor and bloom y depart , ’ ’ Y e t Ti m e s ﬁercest ravages ne er can tear down

of The strong wall s a true, loving heart .

TH E F - M A DE M A N — H I N E S E L S A M . I prom ised him that I would weave his nam e

- Into a sonnet therefore , I begin ; ’ h ow hO e But , in fourteen lines , e er p to win F o r him the laurel - wreaths of lasting fame That his rare gifts an d dauntless deeds m ay claim ” S - m — he n elf ade, bids m e weave this oft withi

M y h umble verse . H is course has been ’ A of round brilliant conquests in Life s game ,

F - s S ought single handed , thu he pin s the tal e ;

A n d m as in grand review his triu phs pass , H is self-made craft has weathered every gale ;

But I have reached the thirteenth line , alas ,

' A n d P an d lest both egasus promise fail , ’ “ A I ll haste at once to write him down an ss.

IS IT A FA I LU RE !

O h o f , is it a failure, this union hands, O f dowers an d mortgages , houses and lands , 1 2 2 UIRK S AND E I Q QU R E S .

A n d paraphernalia that always command s The homage of every station n ot a - of t I t surely should be question doub , F or ever S ince A dam went strolling about W h and ith elbows and knees , yea, wit heels toes

o u t ,

A n d vowed that a wife he could not do without,

We have honored this holy relation .

a A a ﬁb I n f ct , father dam did not tell , on ﬁ - The evening he put his n ew g leaf bib , ’ A n d a said he d get married , if it took rib, A n d ordered his family carriage A carriage for two, that was made to seat four, F or A dam was honest and true to the core,

A n d E ve as for divorce , was safe on that score, No w why should our Devil pop in at the door ’ A n d mention the thing that we d like t o ignore ! “ A e a an - y , but th t was Old fashioned mar riage

R M E ES U .

A s a a I was rem rking m oment ago, The Old -fashioned weddings were n ot m ade for S w ho ,

n The swai had his sweetheart , the maiden her

beau ,

But courtships were rare , and the magnetic glow f O their passion was not evanescent .

R E 1 24 QUIR K S AND QUE I S .

- The three winged myth with changing hue, ’ ’ O u r scientist viewed o er and o er W m ic rO S OO ic e e w ith p y , ane

H e taxed his deep , entomic lore

- But taxed in vain . The gauze winged bee ,

- ﬂ The silken moth , the d ragon y ,

The busy ant , the supple ﬂea

E ach passed before his men tal eye .

Then suddenly his puzzled look

C - - hanged to a phase half sneer, half frown , A n d pushing back both lens and book H e seized a label and wrote dow n — A a n d morphous type can leap ﬂy , C an m o r w cli b cra l at will , and hence

M u wu m ii Its Genus plain g p , l ” Its native habitat , the fence

M Y TH S .

O n M O old high ount lympus , as legends go , A mountain that stands with its h ead in the snow,

Bold J upiter changed himself into a crow , A n d off — carried J uno , th e legends say so , Without th e slight loss of a feather !

But she soon grew j ealous of this tricky bird , Fo r l rumors and scanda s she con stantly heard , A n d- if sh e but hinted her fears , by a word ,

H e c - a- w would in a manner extremely absurd , A n d be sulky for hours together . QUIR K S AND QUE RIE S . 1 2 5

F f air J uno was highly o fended , of course ,

A n d s turned to the court to obtain a divorce , ot But g no redress from this popular source ,

F o r c - a- w-e- d J upiter till he made him self hoarse , A n d then sought to quell her by actual force While birds of the very same feather Declared that some facts ! should they choose to relate) Would kindle such wrath in the breast of her

mate , That Juno would wish herself down in that state Where torch -light processions such vapors create

A s to alter the state of the weather .

C alisto , her rival , was famously fair, S o t ran sﬁ u red Juno g her into a bear,

A n d cruelly caged in the very same lair, ’ C alist o s so n A rcus ; the thing I declare

Was harsh , for a woman who had any share “ ’ - I n heart felt affection , but she didn t care , F o r such was h er manner o f speaking ; d But Jupiter seeing what Juno had on e , ’ wa Transferred the two Brunos up near the sun . — y A n d here comes the moral M ost quarrels begun l Through envy and malice , wi l , in the long run “ ” R on of ecoil the agent , the kick the gun , ’ The game , meanwhile , soaring way up to the sun . A n d nothing o f value will ever be won

By those who for vengeance are seeking .

IN M E M R A M O I .

“ I n the C ity o f R est a new grave has been

made , A n d my heart turns toward it to - day ; F o r beneath the low sod a dear form has been laid

That I loved in the years passed away .

A h , how shall I pain t the bright virtues that crowned Thy life ever blameless and true

Thy clay, like all mortals, m ust blend with the

ground , ’ But thy spirit earth s tain t never knew .

A ll m gentleness , charity, sy pathy , love , A stranger to passi o n and hate ’ ’ Tis meet that earth s angels be gathered above,

Though earth be left twice desolate .

w - I long to kneel do n by thy far away grave ,

A n d weep forth the anguish within , A n d pray that thy gu ardian spirit may save

M y feet from te mptation and sin . 1 30 C YP R E S S S P R A Y S .

’ Tis well that earth ’ s sunbeams be sometimes with

drawn , E lse heaven would seem not so near ’ Tis well when we trace in our hopes over n throw , A blessing baptized with a tear

’ Tis well that ou r feet are not called t o depart W of hile we tread the dark pathway sin , D th e t That eath , Iconoclast , breaks not th e hear

When he sh atters its idols within .

TH E E A R LY DE A D .

Thy life was but a little book, With leaf uncut and pa ge unread A n d as upon thy face I look d I can not call thee ead .

t he The cloud that ﬂecks summer sky,

- o n The frosted lace work the pane, The breath of lilies ﬂoating by A re not more free from stain

‘ Than thy young soul . Thou hadst thy ’ I n life s uneven , doubtful race , A n d won the goal ere on thy heart ’ S on e in s touch had left trace .

1 3 2 C YP R E S S S P R A V S .

I wake at midnight , with a sense ren ewed O f — of all my loss , dreary days in store m I call her na e in my lon e solitude,

A h O ff ! , will she an swer from that far shore

A how - m a las , far, how near that shore y be , I S known to none but angels pure as she .

’ he A D S leads the way . cross eath s dark abyss o h F Be thou , , aith , the bridge on which I stand To m ark the path that from such woe as this

Leads up to light , to love , to that blest land Where I shall clasp again my white - robed child

F u n deﬁl ed. air as she left m e, spotless ,

R E E Y E A RS A G TH O .

S hadows , dark and gloomy Shadows ,

S uch as only mourners know,

F ou r - ell upon cheerful hearth stone ,

O nly three short years ago .

We had been so glad and happy

E re w was dealt th e fatal blo , we That scarce could bear, un shaken , A ll m that ca e three years ago .

Now o u r hearts are ever saddened ,

A n d el our tears as fre y ﬂow,

A s f they fell upon his co ﬁn ,

O nly three short years ago . C YP R E S S S P RA Y 1 S . 3 3

C heckered sunshine falls around u s, O n h is grave so green an d low,

But no shadow dim s his sunlight , A s it did three years ago .

We alone are left in S hadow

A n d n in dark ess here below,

Left to mourn the free , glad spirit

Lost to earth , three years ago .

S A V E D .

S leeepin g beneath the green willow to -night

I s that dear little lambkin of ours , ’ A n d n t o d I m tryi g say it is j ust , Lor , and right ’ o u t of That she s buried forever there my sight , ’ N of eath her bed bright m osses and ﬂowers .

Taken away from the evil to come ’ Is the sweet on e that s slumbering there ,

Taken away from the sorrow and sin , F rom the conﬂict without and the conﬂict within

her frail l . That , tender life cou d not bear

S pared fro m the tempest and safe in the fold O f S the good , faithful hepherd above

A n d though her poor body is senseless and cold , ’ ’ A n d sinks neath the grave s loathsome mildew and mold

Yet her spirit knows nothing but love . 1 34 C YP R E S S S P R A Y S .

’ I know there s a spot on this fair earth of ours Where I shall at length ﬁnd repose ; E mbowered mayhap mid green mosses and

ﬂowers , Where birdlirigs shall chirp through t he long sum mer hours

From their n ests in the myrtle and rose .

A h , then if my spirit may enter the fold W u S hich the good , faithf l hepherd hath blest , Though Deat h’ s clammy hand with its pitiless hold S hall force me to share the grave ’ s mildew and

mold , Yet how gladly I ’ ll welcome its rest

V E N E A R A S E Y S GO . S ! A even years las , the shadow ou r That across threshold lay , Fall s as darkly on o ur hearthston e a A s it did that bitter d y .

S even years the blue - eyed pansies ’ O e r her grave their watch have kep t , While beneath the ﬂowers and grasses he ha S in dreamless rest s slept .

N - ight dews fall in tear drops round her, W eeping willows near her wave, Bird songs ﬂoat with mournful caden ce ’ ’ O e r ou r loved one s early grave .

1 I ANE OE M 49 M S CE LL O U S P S .

A n d that dark way leads to a pauper mound H er starving heart compels her weary feet To seek the spot where she may touch th e ground m That holds the for , that h ides the last retreat

O f on e , who , lying there , a sen seless clod , S o f tole from her breast the rarest gift God .

I see h er at th e pauper graveyard gate . “ ’ The place , I ve often had in my mind , she said O n e icy hand has clasped the iron grate , — A nd pron e and helpless lies my lady dead ! A h C , harity, thy softest robe prepare , A n d veil her shame with thy most tender care .

E ! P E R E N E I C .

First test the ten sion of your thread before you ” wind at all , M y mother said , as clumsily I wound a shapeless ball H ow well I learned a lesson then , that n ow I oft recall

A n d favor the weak places , dear , the ﬂaws alon g

your th read , A n d wind your ball more evenly , an d lap the ends , instead O f tying those unsightly knots ; they spoil you r ”

d. work , she sai M IS CE L L ANE O U S P OE M S . 1 4 1

’ — n ow her Twas years ago , but words I clearly comprehend ; In each ﬁne cord that binds the heart of friend to

cherished friend , A re brittle ﬂaws that will not bear strong tension

to the end .

S o , when a thoughtless tongue lets fall a word that

pain s my ear,

re I hide the ﬂush of wounded pride , and check ’ sent m en t s tear , A n d thus the cords that wed our hearts grow

stronger, year by year.

When M alice spins her subtle thread t o fashion S ’ candal s ball , ’ A n d busy Gossip s giddy reel the tangled skeins

l ets fall , I test the t ension of each strand before I wind at all

A M N E A E U TU L V S .

of m O ye withered leaves autu n , H o w ye mind me of my fate, H o w ye mind m e that my changeful Day o f life is waxing late ;

That the genial , glowing summer O f my j oyous youth is past ’ A n d m that Life s chill , somber autu n ’ E in D nds eath s cold , wintry blast M ANE E M 1 an! I I CE L L O P O 4 S U S S .

O F But I than k thee , my ather, That the semblan ce endeth here That u n like the leaves o f autum n

That m ust perish with the year,

M y glad spirit shall awaken of o To a life light and j y , Where autumn winds n o longer moan

N or wintry blasts destroy .

F TH E I RS T S NO W .

There falls a veil of spotless white, o f The ﬁrst white veil snow,

U -n pon thy lonely grave to ight ,

The cold winds tell me so .

E S o e d ach ilvery ﬂake , that r b s the lan

ﬂ ee c I n y folds of white , F alls softly as a spirit han d

n lo w - O thy grave to night .

’ I did n ot mark Death s stealthy shade That nearer drew each day I did n ot see them when they laid

Thy wasted form away .

n e of O curling tress auburn hai r, ’ all t Twas hat came , ah , me ; A lone , I weep , with n one to share ! M y grief in losing thee

A P OE M 1 44 M IS CE LL NE O U S S .

To S ir K be a Queen , night , M ay please the sense That subtle pride too o ft awakes within the h eart ’ ’ But could st thou read a woman s soul aright , S mall recompense IS hers who giveth all that S he may win a part !

A Queen may well comm and Thine homage true ; l But when into thy garden , thou dost hap y roam , Why gather tenderly within thy hand V The iolet , blue , That her rare fragrance may rej oice thee in thy hom e ! The subtly woven crown

That Love bestows , wo ith C u To me were little , should pid , changeful

roam , A n d V captured by th e iolet , cast down The broken Rose ! Na a n y , she alone is Queen whose fr gra ce ﬁlls the

home .

N D N T TH E RAV E GO I G O W O G . Going down to the grave with no h ope in thy

heart , That thy God will receive thee sin - robed as thou art ’ d Life s sunshine extinguished , with faltering trea , I n darkn ess and doubt going down to the dead ! M IS CE LLANE O U S P OE M S . 1 45

Going down to the grave in the blackness of

night , N o star- beam of love fro m the F at her o f Light ! ’ No S avior s sweet presence and promise to save ! A stranger to God going down to the grave

NO God ! W and no hope here, oh where, is thy stay Thy S avior long pleading turns n ot yet away H is sad eye will pity H is strong arm ca n sa ve ; W hy then in thine own strength go down to the grave

’ Thine hour of gay pleasure ere long will be o e r ; A dark gulf awaits thee ; its mad waters roar,

To o late thou wilt call on the m ighty to save , ’ When thy prayer shall be lost in E ternity s grave .

R U NA WA Y IM J . ’ D S Twas near the ismal wamp , where cypress

wood ,

A n d n stately oaks , an d tall primeval pi es, F or years on years, like sentinels had stood ,

- m Gray bearded with dead oss and tangled Vines . ’ m - Twas near this swa p , slave haunted , that I lay

- The scenes long passed but ah , so real to day

H ere stood a mansion , in the happy days ’ E r e fair V irginia s ﬂowery hills and plains

o H ad felt the scathing breath , and sc rching blaze O f War blighting , and his attendant trains O f evil , that like ﬁends of wrath and hate , all Laid her beauty waste and desolate . 1 M I 46 S CE LLANE O U S P OE M S .

e I see the thrifty acres , smiling, crown d With ripened wheat the fertile m eadow lands

The reach of woodland , on the h igher ground ;

- Th e sweet rose hedges , trimmed by careful hands ;

The bordered pathways , winding here and there ;

A n d fragrant clover nodding everywhere .

I see the m atron o f this broad estate . In regal beauty o ’ er her household reign P roud Of the serfs that on her bidding wait ,

P of s roud her wealth and high ance tral name , But prouder far o f her twin -boys that stood

of Th e future solace her widowhood .

N ow comes the day when for the love of gold , S h e steels her heart against the cry o f pain ! The trader pays h is price t he slave is sold m H is weeping wife , and other, plead in vain ,

But , that you may th e scene as plainly see , List to the tale as it was told to me

A h , honey, I has seen de day When bofe min e eyes run clean away

Wid tears dat u eber ceased to ﬂow . ‘Nh ! Laws holp my life y, doan ye know ’ ’ ’ sk u lk in Twas when my J im was roun , ’ ’ ’ S ho at S . D Dismal wamp , I ll be boun , ’ Y e n eb er hearn me tell o him ! ’ ’

Wh R . y , hody s daddy, dat s my J im

’ ’ Y e see our missus done an sol ’ H im to a trader ; an he stole

1 48 M IS CE LLANE O U S P OE M S .

’ ’ De m S t twins dey slipped f om m issus igh , ’ A n h eber p ear ed agin dat night

’ A h t well , missus didn t know den , W ’ hen she lost little Bij e an Ben ,

H ow deep it cuts , down in de heart, ’ ’ Whev dru v chile an parent s apart .

’ A ll swa m ed night de grown folks about , A ll night ye mought uv hearn em S hout ; ’ ’ ’ But twa nt no use , fer not a soun ’ C t o ome back tell de twin s was foun .

’ ’ ’ P o st rac t ed ﬂ o missus, , walked de , ’ ’ A n when de m awn in sun once mo ’ ’ H is c h ee rin s lau hin beams , ent g down , ’ ’ ’ S he ﬁ el - bid de han s , all aroun ’ To scour de wood , de swamp , an fen , ’ ’ 0 But still no news Bij e an Ben .

Wal , j est at night , de secon d day ,

S he S errit - , p broken , tried to pray ; ’ Wid st ream in tears a down her face , S he tole de Lawd her wretched case ; ’ ’ When right afo her S tonished eyes

‘ Dar s o ! ef t od my J im Laws , de skies

e H ed fell right down to yeth b low , ’ ’ S he n t m o could ben skeered , I know .

’ c a In bofe his han s h e clutch ed a p , ’ D e st ream in warter , drap by drap

F m S he ro bofe der brims . gib a shriek,

But J im , he neher stayed to speak , A M IS CE LL NE O U S P OE M S . 1 49

’ ’ e r m n eb er N splain de eanin , said ’ De twin s was foun alive n er dead .

’ Wal , j est about a minute mo , ’ Da r stood inside de Open do , ’ ’ ’ e m m f o m D precious la s , scaped all harm s ! ’ ’ ’ A n rushin to der mudder s arms ’

D e . y tole der story, blin wid tears ’ ’ Tis su m p in like a dozen years S ence dat tuk place , but yit I seem

To see it like it was a dream .

' De ﬁn y waded frough de stream , to A place to drap de hook an ’ line ’ o w ful But j est whar it was p deep, ’ ’ De foot in n t y lost der , could keep ’ ’ ’ A seein e stan in spot ;an der fat , ’ De oo at y screamed for holp , but twas t l e ; ’ A n so at last , dey bofe went down , ’ in n u dder s own Locked one arm s to dr .

’ ’ 0 l But stead dat co d , slimy grave, ’ Dey wok ed up in a mons o n s cave ’ A n e when der eyes dey open ed wid , ’ Dar o stood p J im , clus by der side ! ’ F er i he l ed watch ed em wade de stream , ’ ’ ’ ’ A n n seen em fall , an hear em scream , ’ A n clomb de bank , der lives to save, ’ ’ A i i e m toted inside his Cave .

’ W hy did he take der drippin caps ’ ’ ’ To S how der ma ! I reckon p r ap s ’ Twas j ust to let he r t aste de smart ’ Dat l n awin h h e fe t g at His eart . 1 0 M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M S 5 LL .

’ F er c re twice he p so near at night , ’ Dat he could see his cabin s light ’ ’ ’ A n he could st in ctly hear de sou n s ’ ’ ’ O hou n s J uno s voice , but den de ’ De y skeered him so , he dasn t stay ’ ’ ’ ’ A n t rem lin so he d steal away, ’ ’ A n o n e dasn t look , minute, back , ’ ’ F o r ho u n s u d fear de scent his track .

’ ’ A n st awm eltin when de come p down , ’ ’ Fit off to t ar de roof, I foun ’ ’ ’ ’ P o c om fo t wa m t h a n in de light , ’ A k n o win im o u t J was dat night , ’ ’ ’ A st ar vin an a hidin whar ’ ’ De p isen varmints make der la r .

A h c hillu n , honey, when yer goes

D dat S n eb er own in wamp , ye knows ’ ’ ’

W . hat hol s em dar Taint m en , alone, Dat frough dem dismal sh adde rs roam ; ’ ’ ’ ’ A n fo de Lawd , Jim s hed his shar ’ ’ O sor re r in dis life to b ar .

’ ' Did ! Y e s h e come back , I ll be boun ’ ’ F or missus sent de yerran roun ’ To e b er - y cross road in de lan , ’ ’ ’ E f u d d J im come , she allers stan ’ ’ ’ - n see Twixt him an harm , an doa ye , Dat ’ s J im wid Rhody on his knee

1 5 2 M IS CE LL ANE O U S P OE M S .

Which bears a name so time -bedimmed I scarce the

words may trace , A n d j ust ben eath Let no r ude hand disturb

- this burial place .

” ” P - ﬁ n de r P - C ath , H unter, ale faced hief all titles were the sam e To o n e wh o bore a C hristian soul beneath a sav age name

F o r rude he was , and all unlearned in every let

t ere d page , A n d yet th e Book of Nature read with wisdom of a sage

’ H t h lo w ere , j ust beyond e h unter s grave , , crouch

ing at his feet , “ ” O ld s H ector with his master hares this quiet , wild retreat A sa vage hand in h onest faith entombed him ' thus

with care , ’ ’ That in the S pirit s hunting-grou n ds h e d j oin his

master there .

’ H ere neath the sycamore and oak the forest hun ter sought To rest his worn and weary frame when all life ’ s toils were wrought ’ Improvemen t s b u rn an d busy din fell harshly o n

his ear, F ar more he loved the haunts where roam t he

bison and the deer . M IS CE L A NE O U S P OE M 1 L S . 53

’ H P w S his ere , swift the awnee s arro ped , and here

l ight canoe , W hen launched upon the crystal Loup , swift as his arrows ﬂew ; The crystal Loup wh ere e ach bright wave by w ﬂo ery banked caressed , A long the dimpled surface bore a diamond in its breast !

A n d t he war- a h en the e here , when on p t , w t savag e chief in prid , ’ H e prayed the Great Wacondah that his ear he d

Open wide , ’ A n d w a sho him well the Teton s tr il , the ambush S of the ioux , That from his belt a hundred scalps should fright

his foe anew .

A h , strange emotions thrill my soul as wandering

here alone , I muse upon the tragic deeds of days forever

ﬂown ,

W o n e hen primeval forest hemmed these fair, broad

prairie lands , Where ﬁercely rose the dismal whoop of prowling

savage bands .

F - m arewell , ye scenes , for never ore my feet shall hither stray

oh i s But , when faith w thin me wane and heaven

seems far away , ANE P E M 1 54 M IS CE LL O U S O S .

’ — a I ll m ind me Of a strange, lon e man savage

yet a sage , ’ ’ Who studied Nature s book an d read God s n ame o n every page

N A H IS O W C C U S E R .

“ Tr st m e n o t o r t r e s wh c h th e o e ts fe n u , u i p ig C a n m atc h th e er c e n tte r a e a n ﬁ , u u bl p i H e e e s w h o n h t a n dda e vo o f r est f l , ig y d id , ” C ar r ie s h is o wn a c c u ser in h is b re ast . ’ s o r d s 7 u ven a l . )

’ There s a grim and ghastly ph antom , Whose ﬁerce eyes upon m e stare

- a of Like the eye b lls a dem on , With a crazed and burning glare ;

A n d no matter where I hide me ,

This grim spectre still is there .

A n d within his bloodless ﬁngers

I s a scroll he clutch es fast , A n d therei n a panorama O f the dark and evil past , E vil records that shall curse me W hile my life and being last .

W l i th the sunbeam and as noise ess , A t o f the early wake morn , lideth w Lo , he g to my pillo ,

A n d his ghastly , ghostly form Is the ﬁrst to make me sorrow

That another day is born .

1 6 M IS CE L ANE O U S P OE M 5 L S .

M Y E U E R LITT L Q I S T .

Why did my little sister come U nless she meant to stay C ould a nybody love h er more ” we ! M a Than says little y .

Why did she go Where did she go What makes her stay away ! Did anybody need her more

a Than we asks little M y . A las , these tearful question s wake S ad memories to - day H e n eeds her most W ho loves her m ost

c an I s all that I say .

A TH E W T E R TI G E R . H D ave you watched the ytiscus , and noted his

skill , ! A s his metal - clad craft he propels at his will

’ ’ Now h e glides along swiftly o er smooth mimic

waves , No w he suddenly dives to the sub - marine caves

O f - his little marsh ocean , and searches within

F o r such booty as only this Corsair may win .

A h C ! F m , a orsair indeed ro his earliest days What a savage career his life - record betrays ’ F o r m u rd ro u s , see the young larva, with intent ,

Is already a pirate o n ﬁerce ca rnage bent .

W - ith h is horn plated visor he seizes his prey ,

' - A n d with ready set fan gs b ears it swiftly away . M I A E E 1 S CE LL N O U S P O M S . 57

Thus the poor hapless victim its life - blood must give

That this infant marauder may ﬂourish and live .

0 - thou antic young tad pole, how sad is thy fate Thou hast counted the days between thee and a state

O f e - - green , v lvet clad frog ship , but counted in

vain ,

r - F o thy blood thirsty captor regards not thy pain .

Thou must perish and die ; h e will fatten and

thrive , To expound the grand law that the ﬁ ttest survive

W ﬁ n n m hile thy y co panions with big , bubbly eyes ,

Gaze upon thee bewildered , in silent surprise

W - That a ﬁerce ater Tiger with bold , sudden grip S hould cut o ff both thy hopes and thy tail at o n e snip !

S U BM I S S I O N .

o Lord , I am weary of debasing t il ,

Lift m e , I pray Thee , to a higher plan e ; F o r I would fain behold the ruby dawn

O f m — of pro ised day , the day peace and rest M To those who trust in Thee . y aching feet A r e of e tired , and torn with the sharp thorns car A s wearily I struggle o n and o n

Through tangled thickets Set with snares of sin . 1 58 M IS CE LL ANE O U S P OE M S .

P o ut w oint , dear Lord , that straight and narro

’ F of P rom which I strayed , in search leasure s form That vanished ere my hand had touched her hem I bow my head ’ neath Thy offended frown ’ A n d shrink n ot from thy c h ast n in g rod in fear ;

F o r well I know that when tha t frown hath passed ,

Thy smile , approving , will new heart restore ; A n d when my festering woun ds shall close and heaL

N ew robed and free from all un sightly scar, S hall I in strength , and hope , an d faith arise, F e illed with a p ace that none but Thou canst give.

S P R N A R N E R I G H BI G S .

O u r M E t other ar h is in her loom ,

A n d weaving, nigh t an d day ; H er new spring carpet m ust be don e Before t he month of M ay

N of ote well the stripes red and green , Of yellow, brown , and bl ue, In warp and woof I ne ’ er h ave seen o f S hades such tender hue .

O u r S - K grand now ing is melting down , A n d nevermore will rise The icicles that spike his crown t o o H ave dwindled , , in si ze

1 60 M I O E M S CE LLANE U S P O S .

M h e y heart leap s hig , as far an d wid , Where e ’ er I chance to stray I ﬁnd sweet harbingers that hide elﬁn Their forms away ,

D t own deep wi hin the tangled woods , W h ’ ith that brig t swarm of B s ,

u The Birds , the Butterﬂies and B ds

That seek such haunts as these .

W H O U A ND W H IT T IT I N.

The sun shines i n my outer world , d But arkness reign s within , A fearful gloo m enshrouds my soul

of The n ebula sin . D S ear avior, smile away this gloom , A n d let the sunlight in .

S - weet bird songs cheer my outer world ,

But anguish wails within . A mbition , pride , and gross deceit H ave bound my soul in S in O m S Then , y avior, break these bonds , A n dlet the sunlight in

i Temptat ons throng my way without , R emorse broods dark within The chains that bind my tortured soul ’ A re festered o er with sin D S ear avior, send thy healing bal m, A n d let the sunlight in . M I E A NE O U S P OE M 1 6 1 S C LL S .

W hile pleasure gayly smiles without , What torment reigns within

A n d still , poor weakling that I am , O f I tread the paths sin , M y S avior; I am lost if tho u

Let not the su n light in .

NO O NE TO C A RR TH E K Y E Y S .

’ x e a h r ! A Di i B c e l o s S o lil o quy . )

’ I ve bought m e a snug little cottage , A s cozy as cozy can be ;

N o t down by the dark rolling river, N o r yet by the blue rolling sea

o wn V But here in my H appy alley,

H alf hid by the tall , waving trees ,

B ut Oh , what is life i n a cottage With no one to carry the keys

u I t rn to my desolate dwelling, W ’ ’ ’ hene er the day s labor is o er ,

B u t ﬁnd there no gentle form waiting ,

- To clasp at the half open door.

A D c unt inah omes in from the kitchen , A n d s mumble such phrases as these , ' ’ Wish M assa d make haste and get married , ’ f ” I m tired o toting de keys .

’ M o erﬂ owin y larder is full to g, W V ith egetables , poultry and hams , F or those with a taste more exquisite , ’ t I ve clare , fruit , j ellies , and j ams . 1 62 IlIIS CE L L ANE O U S P OE M S .

m But when at y table I linger , o n To feast such dainties as these , M m y appetite sinks with y spirits , ’ I o n e ve no to carry the keys .

o f To tell my cares an d my crosses , ’ Dom e stic l S y peaking , would cause M o f ost any young lady feeling , A t least for a mo m en t to pause ;

A n d She pausing , then might indulge in S oliloquies something like these “ ’ ” “ P -b e oor fellow , he s lonely , and may H e ’ d like m e to carry the keys

’ ’ S o fe w n u when I ve a mome ts leis re , ’ on - o n e w I ll call some fair I kno ,

I wont ask a formal permission , “ ” To be for the season her beau ,

’ h er I won t swear eyes are like diamonds .

Nor o n even fall down my knees , ’ I ll j ust ascertai n if she loves m e , If so sh e shall carry the keys

O C O E R T B .

a l O Lazy , h zy , pa e ctober , N ’ ature s Quaker , grave and sober, S purning all the brilliant ﬂo wers P eeping forth from S ummer bowers ; Chilli n g them with frown so bitter That their eyes with frost - drop s glitter ; Floret - eyes with frost -d rops ﬁlling

By thy glance, so cold , so chilling .

1 6 M IS CE A NE 4 L L O U S P OE IIIS .

S m o n till boldly pressed those colu n s , W w hile storm and wind s ept ﬁercely past , ’ A n d V E m e n ive I per ur ra g out anon ,

s A A if to taunt the lpine blast .

But suddenly an awful form ,

o - Like s me snow demon hidden there , ’ P t he lunged down the mountain mid storm , W i of h le shrieks terror ren t the air . ” A n avalanche l and with the word E ach struggling column felt the blow

W e hich fell unaim d , which struck unheard ,

A n d w hurled them to the gulf belo .

From o u t the drifted mass of snow

A e youthful drummer feebly cr pt , F o r he unharm ed received the blow

Wh ile lo w in death his comrades slept . Down deep amid those lifeless forms A las what power could aid him there ! ’ A n d mid the thunder- crash of storms W H e beats his drum in ild despair .

The m ufﬂed sounds went ringing up

of That awful precipice snow , ’ While o er despair a gleam o f hope R e os in the throbbing breast below . A h , how that desperate , vain appeal ,

That touching , pleading , stirring call , Went piercing like a blade o f steel l To h earts whose aid was power ess , all P M IS CE LLANE O U S OE M S . 1 65

A n d still he beat the hurried roll , S till upward turned his pleading eye ,

F o r o hope yet breathed within his s ul , “ They will not leave you here to die . W ith eager gaze he scan ned the steep , W hile fearful anguish rent his soul , A n d then m ore loudly rang the beat O f that long , earnest , solemn roll .

But soon the rapid strains grew less ,

A n d o n e there without pitying eye ,

W o n e o r ith out heart to cheer bless , b o him Th e poor y lay down to die .

H is dying strain s more faintly rang,

o f H is wail hopeless agony, Then A lpine blasts his death - dirge sang ’ H e d n beate his last reveille .

H E E P IM S TI LL S K E S RO CKI NG H .

S till she keeps rocking him , E ver caressing him , Brushi n g th e hair from

H is colorl ess brow . S ’ oftly they ve whispered her, f im Life has gone out o h , S he a Gently n swers , H ow still he is n o w ! 1 66 M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M S LL .

S till she keeps rocking him , A s though she would shake from of d The cold hand eath , Like the weights from his eyes ; Rocking the clay of him While softly the soul of him A ngels are rocking F ar up in the skies .

WH Y DO E S S H E WE E P F O R H IM !

! In an swer to S t ill S he Keep s R o c ki n g

Wh y does sh e weep for him , M ourn an d lament for him , C raving at most B ut a handful of dust C old , lifeless clay at best ,

o n C old h er yearning breast , L ost is her treasure , But where is her trust !

Let her not cling to him , S triving to ﬂin g from him ’ d Death s chilly han ,

’ l W frozen ho d. ith its ﬁrm ,

Death has not made the choice, ’ ’ T is but th e S hepherd s voice Calling the little lamb

Back to its fold .

1 68 M IS CE ANE P E M LL O US O S .

on o n I s it y mansion the hill, O r that low cot beside the mill

i S e e m The mans on , fro every door A n d window, how the fierce flames pour A n d corniced roofs , and frescoed walls A n dmarble floors and stately halls

A re m swallowed up in ﬂa es and smoke , F or what can brave the lightning stroke ! That mystic torch w ith ghostly ﬂam e

A n d ! ﬁery speed , what hand can tame oft Thus , when skies are most serene ,

J ove hurls a bolt , to prove , I ween ,

To thoughtless man , how frail , unreal H is thread Of life, his worldly weal .

A N A N DY U TU M I L .

F n o f rom rise of m or till set sun , ’ I ve seen the mighty M ohawk run . Thus sang the bard wh ose mellow rhym e W r thm ic ith dancing wave kept y time , A s d m using , listless , reamily,

H e wove bright wreath s o f poesy .

W ’ Thus on fair Loch orth s sunny brae ,

I sit and watch , the livelong day, ’ ru The H udson s limpid waters n,

n - Brigh t j eweled i n the oon day sun , ’ O r w , tempered by soft twilight s glo ,

I n dreamy silence onward ﬂow . M IS CE ANE O U S P O E IVI LL S . 1 69

’ I ve mark e d the R hon e with hurried pace S ’ m lip from Geneva s pure e brace , ’ F P s - air as ygmalion statue bride , A n d A j oin the foul rve , side to side Y et e l cl ar , un sullied as the sou Of i clo stered nun , its waters roll

Through fertile vale , and velvet mead , W ith crested wave and quickening speed ,

Till hill and dale and valley fair I ts S hining threads of silver wear ; ’ Then through the Jura s rugged S ide

I t dashes on with foamy tide ,

A n d bursting forth , broad , boundless , free , I t leaps into the op e n sea !

’ A n d I have marked the H inter s ﬂow ’ D - m i A ark, glacier born d lpine snow, l I t glides through crysta , emerald waves Where lovely C onstance gently laves

’ H e r orc hard- s bank , then steals un seen Th rough wooded glades and belts of green

U nfettered in its rapid course ,

S o n - till , with self asserting force ,

I t ﬁnds , like men who pan t for fame , A a broader sweep, a prouder n me . A n d soon u p o n its rugged Sh ore The thrifty vineyard ’ s purple store

A n d castled crag, and lofty pine S m e — C ! tand irror d , this , the lassic Rhine 1 0 M IS E AN E P 7 C LL O U S OE M S .

n d But all unmi dful , here to ay, O f crumbling crag and turret gray , I sing the stream whose purling rills

Trip gayly down my native hills , To swell the wave that bears along Its gathered wealth through gorge and F A a rom dirond ck to the main .

Behold how graceful , buoyant , light ,

A s - - white winged sea gulls poised in ﬂight ,

o n e o n e The snowy sails pass , by , W hile , from the quiver of the sun , h Long, silver arrows , glancing brig t ’ “

C . R of D leave I rving s iver elight .

F W air Loch orth , robed in royal dyes C O ’ aught from ctober s brilliant skies , ! I hail thee Queen Thy leafy bowers ,

Thy broidered walks , thy woodland ﬂowers ,

Thy blended beauties , manifold ,

E mblazoned with autumnal gold ,

- P roclaim thee crowned , with wood nymphs set To weave thy rustic coronet While E olus in playful S port H is zephyrs send s to wake thy court A n d checkered sun shine softly falls

- O n mossy ﬂoor and Vine clad walls .

n Thus throned by wi d and wave caressed ,

ﬂo w r - Wear proudly then thy e starred crest .

1 72 M IS CE LLANE O U S P OE M S .

W hen crystal raindrops fall , ’ A n d t e patter gainst h pane, A n d robe with gloomy pall

The forest , ﬁeld , and plain ,

O h . , then I wish my heart were pure as falling rain

W - m hen apple blosso s fair,

F a loat down in fr grant Showers, A n d all the scented air E ’ I s sweet as den s bowers,

O h m t he , then I wish y heart were stainless as

ﬂowers .

When clouds of pearly white

Light up the changing sky , A n d bands of silve ry light

I n tranquil beauty lie,

O h m as , then I wish my heart were cal that fai r

sky . When morning ’ s early beam W akes all the world anew,

A n d glade , and glen , and stream R eﬂect h er rosy hue , O h , then I wish my heart could wake in peace

anew .

A n d when the day grown old S inks down i n drowsy rest A n d bars o f molten gold S hut out the purple west ,

O h a , then I wish my he rt could claim its promised

rest . M I E L A NE O U S P OE M 1 S C L S . 73

TH E F LO W E R - GI R L O F T H E I IE TU L L E R S .

A ll P a la is de u s t ice night in the j ,

S m o f urrounded by de ons hate , The fair A n t o m et t e sat awaiting The seal of her terrible fate ;

U b w e s n lench ed , ith a calmn s maj estic,

S he o f t waited the seal her fa e .

A t - last the mock trial was over, A n d ﬁxed was her sorrowful doom “ A of The ustrian guilty treason , M ust die at the hour o f noon F of air child the noble Theresa , A h , why should she perish so soon

A n d as she went forth to he r dungeon U ’ nmoved mid her pitiless foes , A w fair, girlish form glided for ard A n d placed o n her b o som a rose M ” ’ y sovereign , she cried , there s one loves thee ”

O n t h . earth , and God pities y woes

A h C , Trine de la our, thy rash folly W w ill bring th ee to sorro , I ween ; ’ A lready thy destiny s pending, Th e axe of the red guillotine

of S hall cancel thine act devotion , A n d blot o u t t hy love for the Queen

ale are are ale sis 1 11 M IS CE ANE O S P OE M LL U S .

A ll ’ day , till the twiligh t s deep shadows

C lo w rept in at the cottage door ,

her H e eagerly waited coming , C The aged and blind de la our, F o r was Trine the light of his being ,

o n The sun shine that played his ﬂoor.

W oncier er ie ithin the C g dungeon , e lo w Bow d on the cold pavement ﬂoor, That night found her kneeling beside him ’ H is long day Of darkness was o e r ; H e woke where an earthly tribunal Could doo m him to death never more

Till morn thus she kept her lone vigil , U ’ nheedingthe sentry s slow tread , A n d as the h u ge doors were unbolted S he started , and shivered with dread 0 m him S he take m e not fro , whispered , O leave me alon e with my dead

A h , why do her sad eyes thus brighten , H as H op e o ’ er her destiny cast O n e ray to enliven th e future

Y e s , Trine , thou art rescued at last ,

F o r R an d D obespierre anton have fallen , The dark reign o f Terror is past

’ are The atheist s idols shattered , Their worshipe rs writhe in th e dust

A C n rise then , young hristia , an d p raise H im

Whom th ou didst so fearlessly tru st .

e K o f H reigns the Great ing thy nation ,

The Go d o f the faithful and j ust .

1 76 M IS CE LLA NE O U S P OE IMS .

A of D m m score years , and u fries arked thy

o w rth , ’ A - S hun dred years , and cotia s bells pealed forth ’ In mellow tones , o er every bank and brae ,

A - m full voiced welco e to thy natal day .

“ W e - hen n ath thy hodden grey , the kindling ﬁre O f gen ius turn ed thy ploughshare to a lyre ,

Was t he C v this goal thy longing soul did ra e , A breath O f fam e t o fan an early grave

A h e e m m , wise wis world , y ight have been ore W ise ,

u H ad ye unclosed yo r sluggish , purblind eyes ,

A n d : looked above , when oft ye groped below

wo e Then , had ye learned to rescue want from ,

d in To spy the grain of gol hid the dross, To cull the silken th read fro m worthless ﬂoss ; ’ To rank the grand designer o e r th e lout

W o u t hose clumsy moil scarce brings the pattern .

’ P Na oetic healer, born at ture s call , God gave thee power t o touch the wound s o f all ;

F o r fo r o every mood , every phase Of th ught

That frets or glads the soul , thy muse hath wrought

A t o melody soften and to cheer, W ith grace nae found in book, nae found in lear A n d as som e ﬂower in S pring lifts up its head A bove the frozen blanket of its bed , M IS CE LL ANE O U S P OE M S .

’ S o , mid a stubborn soil and barren earth ,

Thy quickened fancies struggled into birth .

ﬂ o wre t - o f w Though oft thy buds with hearts sno , ’ m - Burst cri son tipped with passion s heated glow ,

F ull oft , exhaled they too , their sweetest breath , When crushed by storm that threatened blight

and death . ’ M oss iel s o I n g fr sty ﬁeld , thy share upturned “ The bonnie gem a prouder bard had spurned ,

’ ’ A n d that wee sleeker- beast wi tim rous breast D espoiled by thee of her snug, leafy nest , ’ I nspired thy tender heart s most plaintive c ry h T at its puir, stibble cell should ruined lie .

” S o M aillie hapless , tethered in her woe , C t o w aused thy full breast with grief overﬂo .

A n d u w ever didst tho bend ith pitying ear ,

T he of t he wo e cry want , plaint of to hear

A n d oft thy impulsive soul , stained with wrong ,

S fo r u of till the right g shed forth in fount song . m Thy agi c lyrics , in chaste language dressed , ’ To m o r char the maid , ﬁre the patriot s breast , W aft to the weary brain a fresh delight , A s evening zephyrs fan the brow o f night ;

Thy scathing satires hiss with rhythmic gall ,

A n d W m . , H oly illie seethes above the all

u - Thy dirges , on the trembling air p borne

e - M an R echo sadly was made to mourn , A n d thou didst mourn and sob thy soul away “ ’ ” F or less n in . her, thy star, with ever g ray 1 s M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M S 7 L L .

' A e o o o f e n wo y , thou c uldst m urn the loss st rli g rth , A n d e o honest tears , and bitt r plaints p ur forth ,

A n d t he f n call hills and cli fs , and briery de s , ’ ’ Wi wim lin d s their black burnies p own th e glen ,

’ o To j in th e wail , and cry H e s frae us torn ’ ’ ’ e N se l H e s gan , he s gane , and ature s shall ” mourn . m Thy pastorals , that irror to the eye

a o f Tr nscendent beauties earth , sea , and sky ,

’ ’ S t an dﬂ e ld s Like rocks , like Turner s foam

troughed seas ,

E an d l xalt and thrill , astonish , soothe p ease .

- o o H ow sweetly drawn , thy clay built c ttage h me , ’ Whence passion s - glare l ured thy rash feet to

roam ,

A n d learn that life was but a galling load A long a rough , a hard and weary road .

H o w d h eart hst an e quaintly rawn , the bright and

warm ,

- an d Th e straw thatched roof secure from blast . storm wi’ The text , sel ected j udicious care ,

- m t he m n The deep toned hy n , sole n eve ing prayer ; ’ The father s ad m oniti o n to Obey ’ ’ o r Th e master s rule , and ne er to j auk play

- e The th rifty wife , who to her life work tru , ’ n e w Gars auld claes look amaist as weel s the ,

h t o Love , fait , and t ruth that taught thy cheek glow “ ” With honest scorn at sight o f tin sel S how .

1 80 III/S CE L L ANE O U S P OE M S .

A n d while each S cottish son with pride surveys ! m a Thy matchless semblance , y hi s warmest praise ’ C alver le s TO y deft hand be freely given , of The han d whose skill , the gift divine H eaven ,

H ath shaped in beauty and in charming gr'ace

- Thy noble form , thine earnest , soul lit face ,

in That speaks , through bronze and gran ite , deep

wrought ,

The proud fulﬁllment of thy yearning thought .

TWO E E RS L TT .

s I pon dered in sadne s and sore desolation , M y heart was as heavy as heavy could be When the Old iron screech -owl ﬂew in at the s ta tion ’ A n d bore neath his pinions a letter for me ; A right welcome letter, I ’ ll ask nothing better Than this welcome letter from over the sea

C . A h how ome back , swiftly the deep desola tion

That shrouded my spirit , departed from me ! Then the o ld iron sc rec h-owl ﬂew out at the sta

tion ,

In a llu sio n to th e st at e o f t h e o et i n ash n to n a r u P W i g P k ,

a n . Y . Alb y , N M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M 1 8 1 LL S .

’ A n d bore neath his pinion s , this message from

m e N w I come . o what better Than this speedy letter C ould I have sent back to my love o ’ er the sea !

DE A M A ’ A D N S I S L ND .

F o r s x t -ﬁ ve ear s S as o wn la r e o n th s s an [ i y y il T y bu i d i i l d ,

- wi th n o st o n e t o m ar k h is r e sti n g pl ac e . It was n o t t ill July 1 8 1 th a t a m o n m e n t wa s e r e c te a s a to en o f r e s e c t 4, 7 , u d , k p , t o t h e m e m o ry o f a so ldi er a n d a sc o u t in th e A r m y o f Wa sh i n gto n . ] Where ﬂows the Little S almon swiftly on m O ’ m I n haste to eet ntario s e brace ,

A o f - l spot green , a wave set emera d gem ,

A s Tr o sac hs fair as ever in the shone , S i its m rrored in its fair pellucid stream .

A n d here , a m onument like som e tall ghost ,

U - O f p rises mid a growth chestnut trees , Whose spreading bough s half hide th e slender shaft f O n which is carved the name o S ilas Town .

N ow o u r , as light canoes salute the shore , Th e fragrance o f wild violets is born e

e To bid us w lcome to this calm retreat .

The graveled banks with sedge and rushes teem ,

A n d in the early spring , the scented leaves f O pink arbutus trail along th e ground ,

A n d ﬁll the air with delicate perfume . A E IlI 1 8 2 M IS CE LL N O U S P OE S .

A l d strange , one man , to secret service ple ged , A a S sort of Le ther tocking, yet in books

o f U . nnamed , was he , the tenant this isle

n o t H e asked for no reward , he sough t fame ,

n H e craved n o title , to no ra k aspired , ’ o e But t il d in secret for h is country s good . Was he a hero ! H istory forgot

o n n e T write h is am e am ong her ho or d dead .

When one beholds the blossom s o r the fruit O f m so e maj estic tree , stop s he to think O f those two secret agents hid away , — Th e li m pid sap th e life - blood of the tree

A n d o u t o f m , buried sight , the hu ble roots

Y e t , were these factors to withdraw their aid , The monarch o f th e wood must st and discrowned

W n m m he bold Burgoyne oved forward fro S t . J ohn ’ s

A n d C o , pressing southward , turned toward r wn P oint , S ec u ring in his m arch the proud con trol O f lake , and river, and contested post m t o This hu ble scout was set mark his course , To m calculate his n u bers and his strength ,

To note the sudden halt , the swift deploy , S o that his boasted strategy in war t o f Be turned sad disaster and de eat .

The faithful spy, with eye and ear alert , Lest to the savage foe he fall a prey

Before his sacred mission be fulﬁlled , S oon gave to S tark and Gates t he needful clew

I L ANE O P OE M 1 84 M S CE L U S S .

A n d passed his bitter hour as hopelessly

s P d A did the athﬁn er, when he ren ounced ’ The n e w- born light that M abel Dunham s love H ad shed ath wart hi s lonely way ; and like S The Leather tocking , turned with purpose new, of m In noble abn egation hi self, of To serve his country in her h our need .

A n d . u sorrow made him strong The foe witho t ,

a The foe within , he bravely f ced and fought A n d when his work was don e , he sought this isle ,

his A n d here in solitude years were passed . The friendly Indians , his only guests ,

S - upplied his wants , which hermit like , were few ,

A n d was when his hour come , h e laid him d own v ’ To die, as he had li ed , alone . Tis said t wo w That here , snowy ﬂo ers , with crimson lip ,

A n d n fragrant breath are found . Their cou ter parts N ’ e er seen in all the region roundabout , E xcepting two twin blossom s o n the grave O f N ora H artwell , yonder in the grove

Thus , each new spring , these snowy buds unfold , With crim so n lips renewing th at sweet pledge O f youthful love and constancy Of soul ’ e e n o r That tim nor spac death can e er destroy .

TH E DO WN - A D GR E .

The older we git , it seems , somehow er uther, ’ ’ The years they j es pile right o n top 0 o n e n u t her ; I ANE S P OE M 1 8 M S CE LL O U S . 5

’ A n d ﬁ er if I may ventur to speak in a gg ,

To V i er give my idees what the poets call gg , ’ ’ I fe el like a tree that is swingin and swayin ’ m - rowt h wit h deca in In ake believe g , its roots all y ’ ’ ’ ’ n o S i hiii fret t in But taint use g , and taint n o use , ’ ’ a n NO su n ever riz without re c hi its settin .

’ U - 0 o u m The p hill life , as y cli b it , grows higher, ’ m But when you re on top , then the bottom see s nigher ’ A n d lan n in like a train , p a railroad disaster, The strides o ’ the years th ey grow longer and

faster, ’ ’ o n - win n in Till the down grade , I discover I m ’ ’ The very same p int where I hed my b eginn in

A C N RA O T S T.

’ Y o u rove mid the beauties of roseate bowers , A n d smile at the future undimmed by a cloud I n life ’ s ﬁeld of sunsh ine fringed round with

bright ﬂowers , o N wonder you see n ot the pall n or the shroud .

of I roam through the shades perennial night , M u y soul clad in mo rning , in sorrow and tears ,

A - wilderness world , without comfort or light , W ‘ here dry , withered leaves hide the graves of

the years . 1 86 M IS CE L L ANE O U S P OE M S .

’ ’ Y o u stand neath the azure o f youth s glowing

sky , While rainbows of hope their bright colors u n fold

Y u u ﬂ eet - o la gh as the winged years hurry by , No r d ream that their number erelong will be told

’ o u t of I stand alon e neath the beat the rain ,

A n d - d see all my long cherished fancies epart , W ith never a n ew thought to brigh ten my brain ,

With never a new hope to gladden my h eart .

d o f The sweet voice Of frien ship , solace and love , M akes m usic around y o u to soothe every care ; m You reach not for blessings , they fall fro above ’ No wonder y o u cling to a world that s so fair !

I stretch o u t my arm s as I l o n g to infold The forms that once blessed me with friendship and trust m m But ah , cruel p hanto s , ye ock my sad soul ,

Y e . ﬂit , and I clasp but a h an dful of dust d But let m e not murmur, the hand is ivine That deals o u t my portion o f bitterness here ; O heart sorely chastened , cease , cease to repine , F o r n ow H e is n earest with comfort and cheer

O come , gentle spirit , come heavenly dove , ’ A n d fold thy soft wings o e r this world - wearied breast ; I bless th e kind hand that chastiseth in love

M Go d y and my fortress , my refuge and rest .

1 8 [MI E 8 S C LL A NE O U S P OE M S .

m Behold her stand , in ute, transﬁxed surprise,

W - lid an d a ith grief drooped sad , ppealing eyes ,

A s , pierced with sorrow at h er fruitless quest ,

S he holds with careful hands an empty nest . A las , my little maid , that those bright things O u r trustin g hearts hold ﬁrst , should ﬁrst take wings

O o n e gifted , that from dull , lifeless clay

C m o f anst ake so real the scen es yesterday, Dramatic passion and ecstatic j oy Thy fancy and thy skill alike em ploy ; F o r while o ur Little P easant weeps her loss A n I ndian M aiden ﬁnds the blessed cros s

A n d as her darkened soul new light receives , I ts tender radian ce a halo weaves That crown s her brow an d ﬂoods her form with

light , m f i A s orning sunbeam s rend the veil o n ght .

No of n touch ature to thy sen se i s lost ,

- The rounded dew drop and the ghostly frost , r ﬂ The rough , ha d stubble and th e opening ower

Thy chisel graves with equal grace and power.

A H ho n or ' t o n eman s sang all h er ame, P ’ The ilgrims woes , and won imm ortal fame ; ’ A Weir s deft pencil li m ned t he little band ’ S - o D - elf exiled , hasting fr m elft H aven s strand ;

But h ere is presence , life like , strangely real , ’ ’ NO m poet s drea , n o painter s high ideal ;

H ere courage battles with grim want and woe , D eﬁes the snarling wolf, the skulking foe, M IS E A E O P E M 1 8 C L L N U S O S . 9

’ Rare symbols these o f wha t the sculptor s skill

A n d glowing fancy may create at will .

Thus at each turn , with graphic stroke enwrough t ,

The pliant marble breathes his pregnant thought . m H is ﬁne detail , Lysippus well ight praise , ’ A s soul - absorbed he Copies n at u re s ways ’ F o m r nature s perfect plan he never swerves ,

l e s d But cleaves the graceful p , the inwar curves ’ O f m o P Beauty s uld , as wrought raxiteles F P ’ m air hryne s for the sensuous eye to please .

A n d P while he toils with hidian zeal , he asks What m eed of men shall cheer m e at m y tasks k Through what bold , ﬁnal stro e shall come suc

cess , W P n hat ericles shall crown , what patro bless ’ A h t - , harder han the granite s ledge locked form I s that cold breast that Genius fails to warm Y e t lagging F ame too oft withholds her bays

Till eye and c ar are deadened to her praise . But ever in the poet ’ s yearning heart ’ - of A rt Thou lt live , bay crowned , the Trinity .

TO A NO R H E RN R N T O BI .

r tte n a t a tc h ez ss . ! W i N , Mi ) I have listened to thy carol and each note my b e ing thrills

Fo r m - o f own they ind me Of the bird songs my , v dear, nati e hills ; A 1 96 M IS CE LL NE O U S P OE M S .

O f - the bird songs in the forest , wh ere the checkered sunsh ine plays

W ﬂ ﬂ oweret n ith the lea et and the , in the lo g ,

bright summer days .

Now b ills O ld those are bleak and barren , for W inter holds his reign , ’ A n d he s spread a snowy mantle over every hill

and plain , A n d the silvery rills and streamlets making m usic

th rough the land ,

H e has bound in icy fetters with a stern , relent

less hand .

H e has breathed up on the forest an d the leaves

have left the bough , ’ F or his frozen breath has chilled them and they re

n o w faded , withered , , While the choir o f sylva n songsters that enlivened

glen and glade ,

‘ Will no longer charm the wood - nymph s with the

music that they made .

’ P — t hou rt retty warbler a stranger , and like m e hast sought a home In this bright and sunny region where the storm king dares not come ; Let us sing and m ake glad music for the welcom e

we have met ,

n d of - n nu A the songs wh ich breathe home la d , be

mingled with regret .

1 2 M IS CE AN O 9 LL E U S P OE M S .

TOO late did C harity extend The boon S he might h ave given That starving heart had found at last A t h res and ome in heaven .

A E L S S O N .

A n - cor stalk glanced down at some grasses, A n d said in an arrogant ton e , I wish that my fawning relations

W o ff m e ould move and leave alone .

m ix J ust see how th ey with the clovers , A n d nod at thei r red and white crests A n d even the poor silly daisies ’ They re ready t o welcom e as guests

No wonder each morn when th ey waken ,

Their eyelids are heavy with tears ,

of Through envy my rustling raiment , A nd the gol d drops that shine in my ears .

’ ’ Ti s true , we ve a comm on venation But that needs not addle their brains ’ They re born to a lowly position , ’ There s n o blood of m ine in their veins .

W a ith th t she threw back her silk tassels, A n d left them to wave i n the breeze , N or took further note of the grasses

That timidly crouched at her knees . A 1 M IS CE LL NE O U S P OE M S . 93

A I n utumn , a reaper discovered

- The corn husk all withered and dried ,

S o off - he stripped her bright golden ear drops , A n d ruthlessly cast her aside

’ A n d when the next S pring s glowing sunshine C N aused ature her white robe to doff,

A n d the earth showed a few snowy patches ,

Like a cake with the frosting picked off,

of I said the pale , slender ﬁngers

That the roots of the grasses sent forth , A h , surely , the proud are made stubble , A n d the meek shall inherit the earth !

M Y RE A E S A E L T T .

’ I m - not purse proud , nor do I meet ,

W e o f ith head er ct and glance scorn , M y humble neighbor in the street A n honest man , but lowly born , Who unlike m e no gains may rate

By ownership of real estate .

M ’ y title s good to have and hold , “ m The deed reads thus, and to heirs — y A n d assigns in fee simple sold To me and mine forever dares Then any man presume to prate Of doubts concerning my estat e ! 1 94 M IS CE LL ANE O U S P OE M S .

M ’ y property s not gone to waste , F o r large improvements I have made ;

Two costly mansion s reared with taste, A n d handsome grounds and pleasant shade

C m all har alike , both poor and great ,

Who loiter near my grand estate .

’ O e r marble fronts Italian stone

The clustered ivy creeps and clings ,

W u hile j st above , with plaintive tone , A robin in the willow sings ; H er song but bids me curse my fate F o r ownership of such estate ! A mid the Willow ’ s bough s is hid l m H er ittle nest securely ade , ’ A nd n ever neath a c ofﬁn - lid

H as sh e a single birdling laid , N or mourn s S he wildly for her mate ’ To share with her life s bright estate .

Nor beats sh e madly with her wing A gain st a stony marble door ,

n o n o r n That yield s bolt , nor bar, spri g C losed , closed to her for everm ore M y God why did a cruel fate Bequeath t o me such sad estate !

u l Look p , my sou , thy faith renew, ’ No r longe r o er thy sorrow brood Thi s promise holds forever true A ll things together work for good To m t he the who love Lord , and wait

To share with him his rich estate .

1 M I E ANE O P OE M 96 S C LL U S S .

O h , for the blessed twilight of that day When life ’ s swift race shall reach its restful close W l hen , like a ch i d grown weary of its play , W ’ m e ll cross the dear ho e threshold , there to lay

Th f o e o u r . hidden , heavy burden woes

V E R DA Y E Y .

H ow high the hill to which I fai n would climb ! t Th e very topmost height I hoped o gain ,

A n d t he - still long sought summit towers sublime , ’ Towers mid the clouds and I look up in vai n .

Look from the valley where my course began ,

Look in an eager, wistful , longing way ,

E - ach chance and counter chance alike to scan , S till resting where I rested yesterday .

O h ho w , I yearn to rise above the ills Th e ills that n obler minds can never know F o r lo a little breeze may fret the rills ’ ’ That plays unheeded o er great ocean s ﬂ ow !

’ I read a poet s newest thought , and th en W hat wild desires my longing heart assail ,

To - soar in name above my fellow men , The highest pinnacle of Thought to scale

But helpless all to feed these ﬁerce desires , M y soul cries o u t in agony untold m I see to be encaged by prison wires , W hile j ust outside is all I seek to hold . M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M S 1 LL . 97

W D Yet when the arden eath would set m e free, m hot The ﬁery d rop s within y veins freeze , A n d m though my life see s but a mockery,

I shake with terror at his clanking keys .

H ow worse than vain for any com m on weed ’ s c To crave th e ro e s perfumed , rimson blush , O r l for the swa low , perched upon a reed , To ape the carol of a warbling thrush

r O that a rough , brown gourd should loud bewail ’ That it had not the melon s purple ring,

r - n O that the slimy , slow paced , ploddi g snail ’ S o n - h uld claim the hummi g bird s swift , giddy wing

The bird , the fruit , and insect all perform

Their given mission in their given way, w The ﬂower and eed their destined spheres adorn , A n d shall I be less sen sible than they !

’ GO A , false mbition , from my dreaming brain , C C ome, sweet ontentment , to my heart and

hom e , ’ A n d never let the S iren s voice again ’ Tempt m e fro m Duty s Open path to roam .

A A LI NE S F O R N LB U M .

' M ay thy life - sheet be as spotless

A s the page on which I write ,

of M ay each line thought be stainless, ’ A s the early sunbeam s light ; 1 8 M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M 9 LL S .

’ M a m y thy soul be virtue s irror, C ’ lear and pure as heaven s blue , M a d y the star that gui es thy future , Lead thee ever t o the True

’ M ay each nam e in thy heart s album

Be transcribed with thine , and placed I n t he Book of Life eternal N d evermore to be efface .

C RY P A M A TO G I .

The rocks away up on the hillside ,

i o o rt io n s i o wn To j agged p p had g , Because th e white c hec k s of the sn ow drifts W ere wasted away to the bone .

F o r winter , like Lear in his dotage , m In soft robe of er ine lay down , A n d S gave unto pring , his fair daughter,

H is icicle sceptre and crown .

su But she , with t rue regal displea re , d H er royal endowments ashed down ,

A n d m chose for her sceptre a sunbea ,

A h e r n d j eweled with rain d rops crown .

’ A n d that s why th e rocks o n the hillside

To j agged proportion s had grown , ’ A n d th at s -why the cheeks of the snow d rifts

Were wasted ! away t o the bone .

0 I E ANE O P O M 2 0 M S C LL U S E S .

A n d lo the next m orn , a sweet perfume S ’ tole up from the larch s green bower, A silent an d fragrant thanksgiving

F rom ou t the red lips of th e ﬂower .

ale are are ale are ale 1 11

0 o u y who with wealth are still beggared ,

Because you are childless and lone , Rem ember the backs of th e ledges ’ ﬂ o we rless o e r r wn By lichen s g o .

F orget not the dying arbutus , ’ The larch s kind S hadow and dew O h l sure y if such have a mission ,

- There must be love labor for y ou .

S ome poor, naked back needs a mantle , Which your wealth and leisure m ay give S m o e faint , hungry heart craves a morsel ,

O h . , nourish it, bid it to live

W ’ herever, on life s dusty highway

The thin hands of want stretch to you ,

Godo ive n Turn not from your g mission ,

li - But O h ! to your f e work be true .

A CA R O L .

The day is short , the night is long, n o n e of Thus sa g the feathered throng , A n d I took up his rippling song A n d wove it into ve rs e 2 0 1 M IS CE LL ANE O U S P OE M S .

A n d this is what he sang to me F rom his green bower in the tree

Bad luck , however bad it be ,

M ay be a triﬂe worse .

’ A ll has have their day , each his ﬂing,

’ W hO n hen he can p , and swirl , and swi g,

A n d m - when I droop y speed spent wing, ’ I ll strive m y m erry best

T o o n m ring out the tre bling air , A m elody so free from care That all who hear m y lay shall share

The peace that ﬁlls my breast .

n o t m I will ope and fold my wing,

Because, perchance , it lacks th e spring O r speed that youth and vigor bring ;

But through the whole day long, M y notes in warbli n g p raise shall rise

To H im , the great , the good , the wise, Who taught me through the azure skies w m ” To ing y way in song .

o The day is short , the n ight is l ng, Then let the sweetest memories throng ’ To m ake the burden of life s song Replete with calm content of Let it resound with notes cheer, U n choked by grief, unchecked by fear, A s earth recedes , and heaven draws near ,

A n d e an d l lif ove are blent . A P E .M 2 02 M IS CE LL NE O U S O S .

A N I NC I DE NT .

! A m o th er wh o wa s p er m i tte d t o e n te r t h e p r i so n c e ll o f h e r s o n b e gge d th at S he m igh t r em ai n a n d sh ar e h is pu n i sh m e n t c o n e ss n w th t ea r s a n d am en tat o n s th at sh e h ad , f i g i l i n e v e r t au gh t h im h o w t o p r ay . )

’ D c r To m on t y so , , thou shalt n ot bear The blam e and pu n ishment alon e

on e - Thy mother begs half to share ,

o n o f H ere , kneeling this ﬂoor stone .

Na n o t y , do speak , but hear it all ,

— o r m ad I must confess I go , R ight here within this prison wall ,

The wrong that I have done th ee , lad .

I n ever taught thy lips to pray,

b o w I never taught thy kn ees to ,

A n d F to thy H eavenly ather say , w n o . Lord , keep m e safe from evi l

A n d n whe the red wine sparkled bright , I did n o t hurl the cup away ’ No - felon s cell were thine to night ,

H ad I but taught thee tb en to pray .

A n d when at m idnight , on th e way To some low den , I marked thy track

n ot I did kneel with thee , and pray

That God would bring th e wanderer back .

S o S let me hare thy clanking chain ,

A n d through the night and through th e day , ’ S I ll plead Oh , hall I pl ead in vain

That God will teach thee how to pray .

M I L A P OE M 204 S CE L NE OU S S .

t But j us outside , in meager plight , U n sheltered and unguarded , A poor, lone hen caught with delight The bits which th ey discarded ;

A n d S by her ide a scrawny chick ,

A - pink eyed , puny peeper, he r That she stroke d gently with beak,

Then scratched for crumbs the deeper .

A n d , though she sought with hungry bill E ach fruitful spot to pick in , No morsel did S he taste until ’ S he d ﬁrst supplied her chicken .

O n e day the S torm K blew a blast - ing

That made the boldest sh iver, A n d froze with fear the ripplin g laugh ’ That dimpled o er the river .

The frightened fowls , from near and far, A sheltered screen were seeking, ’ F or N ature s doors seemed all aj ar,

n d - A every hinge a creaking .

e The poor, lon e hen looked here and ther , A nd stretched her neck an d listened A n d someth ing very like a tear

Within her sad eye glistened .

an d Then , as the wind raved loud high , S he clucked and croaked together, “ A s W if to say , here shall we hie To shield us from the weather ! ! I P E M M S CE L L ANE O U S O S . 205

Now , moved with pity past her will A t such a sad exposure, A Bantam mother thrust her bill O utside the fenced inclosure ,

“ A n d P , calling , said , oor creature , though

I pity your condition , M y family are bred , you know, I n very high position

’ o u t of But , charity, I ll dare ,

To keep you both from begging, To t ake your chick and let it share M y wings and soft, warm legging

m o wn The sa e as my precious brood , ’ A n d thus I ll feed and rear it ,

o But you elsewhere must seek you r f od , ” A n d never more come near it .

Beneath her wings , close to her breast , S he gathered up her treasure, ‘ A n d ruﬁlin g to her very crest , Thus cackled her displeasure

Y our charity is dearly bo ught W m hen I my h eart ust smother, A n d let m y only child be taught m To disrespect its other. S ince you despise the poor and frail of Because their position , Your pity n ever can avail

To better their condition . 06 M IS E ANE O 2 C LL U S P OE M S .

’ NO , no ; I ll search through glade and glen , ’ There ll be som e spot to pick in , ’ A n d t is a poor an d worthless hen ’ o n e That can t scra tch for chicken .

A FRA M E N G T .

A leaﬂess tree sways t o and fro

m - Before y cottage door to day,

I ts riﬂed ﬁnery , heaped below, I s marred with mildew and decay ; A discontented sparrow swirls

A dr an d mong the branches y bare , That gleam with trembling crystal pearls

W o rought by some raindr ps frozen there .

I watched this stately tree in spring, A n d saw each baby - leaf unfold do n m m I saw it its su er sheen , ’ A n d saw it brown ed with autumn s gold

B ut now that wintry winds sweep by,

A n d leave it desolate and bare, I say ’ tis better far to die Than stand storm - swept in mute despair !

T o die for o ft the boon of death of I s better than the gift life .

o n e The is but a passing breath ,

o f The other, years sin and strife .

2 I E ANE O V 08 M S C LL U S P OE IIS .

The morning dawn s no golden beam A n entrance ﬁnds within ; m ’ I t atters not , the taper s gleam S heds light enough for him ;

H e sleeps in peace , while to his breast s The cruciﬁx is closely pres ed . That lofty spirit wont to soar ’ O e r high , celestial ground , ’ t A - S . nne s dark dungeon walls no more M ay weigh with sorrow down ’ No m ore he ll weep in wild d e spair

H is seven years of anguish there .

A ll all o o f j oy, all hope, l ve life W him 1 0 ere lost to for , ’ ’ The wo rld s ingratitude and strife H ad willed it should be so ’ A n d what were e en a happier lot If Leonora shared it not O faithful an d forgiving heart , N o mortal ere hast borne S uch grievous wrong, such cruel smart, With less o f hate and S corn ; Thou wast of those whose lyres are give n To strike on earth the notes o f heaven

’ A n rgantes foul i gratitude , ’ I n piercing Dudo n s breast W b ith falchion that his prin ce es towed , No sharper sting possessed A ’ Than false lphon so s venomed steel,

Which open ed woun ds no art could heal . 20 M IS CE LL ANE O U S P OE M S . 9

O f Godfrey ’ s deeds and noble end In story thou hast wrough t P oetic wreaths , where sweetly blend The fairest ﬂowers of thought The laurel wreath entwined for thee Withers before such poesy !

C ’ larinda s ac ts of valor done , ’ H erminia s bashful love , ’ R n wo n i aldo s conquest bravely , A ’ m laddin s swift re ove , C ’ ’ The hristian s prayer, the pagan s curse ’ T ho u st woven too in matchless verse .

Thy spirit - eyes now View at last N ew m The Jerusale , The city whence o u r S avior passed ’ F rom neath the scourge of men ; ’ Where pagan feet shall ne er i n vade

m o u r The te ple which God hath made . The laurel crown twined for thy brow Now rests upon thy bier

A h of , little need garlands now

H ast thou i n yon bright S phere .

Thou hast a crown more bright , I ween , ’ ’ Than e er was worn by E gypt s queen !

F R I E NDS H I P WH A T IS IT !

o w I t is not a shad , a vapor , a breath , ’ Tis wholly immortal and cannot know death M IS CE LLANE O U S P OE M S .

It is not a sunbeam that fades with the day, It lidet h is n ot a , vision that g away ; ’ ’ ’ ’ Tis faithful , tis patient , tis cautious , tis wise , ’ d Tis honest in all things, it scorn s all isguise

I t paints every virtue , it hides all defects, ’ o erlook s I t pardons all errors , all neglects ’ U n selﬁsh en rou s , most n oble , most g , most j ust ,

co nﬁdin n Believin g, g, delighti g to trust ;

D n eep , tender in feeling , in sympathy stro g, C ommen ding the right an d forgiving the wrong M ost ardent , most active in trial an d need , a True , earnest , transp rent in thought , word , and deed ; A h stranger to ﬂattery, false ood , and art

- I ts destiny, heaven its earth home , the heart .

WN TH A DO BY E S E . D ’ own by th e sea , held in fashion s strong tether, P oor martyrs to style, how they huddle together, H l earts, heavy as lead , and heads , ight as a feather, A h ! , m e W hat dresses , what laces , what forms and what faces Whereon are no traces of grief th at lies deep A s the sea !

D - own by the sea side , gay people are th ronging , Discarding home - comforts for which they are long

ing, To live in their trunks — which a score are near pawning

F o r d ebt .

2 1 2 M IS CE L L ANE O U S P OE IWS .

’ W S o er u s hat strange pell comes , an ocean before

us, a n u Its m usic chorus a wild , broke chor s Of those who are sleeping ben eath Its cold waves !

TH E O L D B E LL .

Th e o ld Ki n gsb o r o B e ll w a s d o n a te d to th at c h u r c h by

an e o t ter in 1 8 2 2 . O n e c o r a n da in ec em er D i l P , ld , i y y D b , 1 866 it wa s h e a r t o c r ac a n d o n e x a m n at o n it was , d k , up i i , fo u n d t o b e so m u c h i n j u r e d a s to b e n o l o n ge r se r vic e abl e . It we he 6 2 o n s an d er o rm e it s t fa thf fo rt ig d 3 p u d , p f d du y i ully y fo u r y ear s .

D IR GE A .

I weep, while others , glad , rej oice , Then why these falling tears ! I weep for thee whose warning voice Rang out full t wo score years I n monitorial notes so clear ’ O er every hill and dell That even now I seem to hear ! Thin e echoes , silent Bell

’ When spring came tripping o er the hill s W ith l ight , elastic tread , ’ O r summer s silver- sandaled rills A down the mountains sped , Thy voice arose with mellow ton e ’ O e r valley, hill , and dell , A las , the days forever ﬂown W V ! ith thee , dear illage Bell M IS CE ANE O U S P O LL E M S . 2 1 3

W hen autumn , robed in purple gown , ’ A ll Spangled o er with gold By many a stern an d chilly frown O ld ’ winter s wrath foretold , Thy voice to me seemed to repeat A dirge in every swell , A h , how my heart responsive beat To those sad tones , d ear Bell

A n d whe n th e hill s all pallid grew

Ben eath a snowy crest , A n d every trembling warbler ﬂew

To seek a warmer nest , W ith startling tone upon the air Thy voice went forth to tell or Th e hour for worship , for prayer, Thou faithful S abbath Bell ! H ow merrily thy peals did swell ’ U pon each bridal morn , What destinies thou dids t foretell f O paths without a thorn , O f homes where love, an d faith , and trust

A o lone sh uld sweetly dwell , A h , hearts that molder in the dust, F o ld orget those chimes , Bell

The gray - haired pastor long inurned

Beneath the tufted sod , The new -born infan t j ust returned

U n sullied to its God ,

R ev . sh a Y a e D . D . Eli l , 2 1 M IS CE ANE O U S P OE M 4 LL S .

old The dear teach er ah , those years , We loved him passing well , A las, alas , these blinding tears F old all faster n ow, Bell

Then let me sing thy requiem A nd weep the years long ﬂed , F o r u tho didst toll a knell for th em ,

c The lear, departed dead ; A n d when my voice like thine is hushed , O h , may its teachings swell S ome faithful heart with loving trust To old ! sin g my dirge , Bell

TH E LA S T S U P P E R O F TH E

GI R O NDI S TS .

wea th fr en wh o h ad esc a e r o sc r t o n an d A l y i d , p d p ip i was c o n cea e in ar s a r ee t o sen th em a s m t o s l d P i , g d d u p u u an t t h e n h t a ter th e r t r a wh c h an et w as to b que ig f i i l , i b qu ro e to th e m a n e r a r e ast o r a t r m h a n t east ac c o r p v fu l p iu p f , d ” r — in g to t h e ver di c t Of ac quitta l o c o n d em n a tio n . s e of

M a da m e R ola n d.

’ Bright o er the dungeon walls ,

Bright as in festal halls ,

Not as when moonlight falls, Radiantly ten der

o r ac e S r a e M . . H p gu , A

' 2 1 6 M IS CE L ANE O U S P OE M S L .

M e n n with rough beards un shor , H ld n aggard , and wi , and wor , Quaffed till the rays o f morn S oftly had risen ; w Then with the early da n , P ressed by an eager throng , R n obespierre , with saber draw ,

E ntered the prison .

Red- e heeled the monster strod , S i cann ng the drear abode , While his grim visage glowed Fiendishly hateful A n d as he turned to go C almly spoke V e rgn iaud Ye S hall reap as ye so w t Thi s m akes me gra eful .

de d Thun red the raging ﬁen , n Then in his wrathful splee . “ on Lo , th e guillotin e m This very orning, W ne retch , for thy taunting to Justice shall bare the bon e R w h w eap ye hat I ave so n ,

H eed well my warning.

M any an earnest prayer Rose on the morn in g air ; M any a h eart laid bare

A ll its foul error. M IS CE L L A NE O U S P OE M S 2 1 . 7

C C ’ lear beamed the hristian s light, D ’ ark gloomed the Skeptic s night, A s at t he fearful sigh t

Quailed he with terror.

’ D e Thus closed eath s pantomim , P t he o f e layed on shores tim , S e olem n and most sublim , F earfully tragic . Thus did each spirit ’ s pall ’ D - fa l own o er the foot lights l , V ll eiling in darkness , a ,

A s if by magic .

M I S S I O NS .

his d Thrice gifted he , and blest above kin , Whose name resounds with praise throughout

the land , A s from the glittering casket of his mind

H e scatters j ewels with a lavish hand .

a nd e Thrice honored he , blessed in all his stor , Who of t h nd hears th e cry want throughout e la , ’ A n d from his golden coffers running o e r

Dispen ses bounties with a princely hand . a But honored , lauded , blessed bove them all , I s he who lists the cry th roughout the land f o f O broken , bleeding hearts , whose cups gall ’ ’ O er -brim by S orrow s unrelenting han d 2 1 8 I E ANE P OE M S C LL O U S M S .

Tired , aching hearts that seek , but all in vain , S ome gleam of comfort and of peace t o ﬁnd of I n that which least all can soothe their pain ,

The coruscations of a brillian t m ind .

O h K But , , the healing words that indness breathes , That pity dictates in her soothing strain

- o n Th ey fall , as rain drops fall drooping leaves ,

To cheer them i nto life and strength again .

’ ’ I ve o n e S If e er made inking heart m ore light , ’ ’ If e er I ve wiped on e scalding tear away F rom cheeks Whereon the rose had faded quite , From eyes where hope beamed forth no gentle

ray,

lifeLt ask Then h as my been not wholly vain , T hen is the m eed I sought securely won , A n d when my own sad heart shall cease its pai n ’ “ I ll hear the plaudit , Thou hast kindly done .

IN C O NC LU S I O N. I will not say the years for me have had

NO S - w genial pring , no cheerful summer glo ,

Because the winter o f my life is sad ,

A s o n . my lonely way I tearful , go

' n o t I will say it had been better far, ’ ’ of H ad I ne er tasted life s mystic wine , H ’ Because perchance , the rays from ope s pure

A cross my darkened path but feebly shin e .

2 2 E S S ON S FR OM TH E S TOI 4 L CS .

- H eart crown ed with j ewels of content, P H e sat enthroned , this agan stoic ; Fo r in his dauntless soul were blent A purpose high , and faith heroic .

S o m n , friends , when storms co e p elti g down , ’ A n d H t o ope s fair skies refuse greet us , W ith brows unfurrowed by a frown , ’ L t s e calmly walk with E pictetus .

C O N E N M E N T T T .

I a m a lway s c o n te n t wi th wh at h app e n s ; fo r I th i n k th at — d h s i r E ict t u s. wh at Go c o o se s be tte th an wh at I ch o o se . p e

R ej oice in your station , whatever it be,

o u win on e l If y but aurel , why, wear it S The robin ings best in the top of the tree,

A n d the poet S ings best in his garret .

F o n e in S ate placed us arth our separate pheres ,

Then how useless , how weak , is repin ing ; Why should we look down wa rd half blinded by tears Fo r the star that a bove us i s shining !

I f vainly we yearn fo r a pleasure to com e

- That awaits us on some glad to morrow ,

O r , Sighing , look back to the j oys that are gone , What is left fo r t he p resen t but sorrow ! E N FR OM TH E S TOI 2 2 L S S O S CS . 5

Go stand by t he ease m en t and lift up your eyes When the twilight to darkness is turning ; There are black - bordered chasms way up in the skies But br ight stars o n their edges are burning !

be The heart will heavy, the way will seem dark, ’ ’ A n d Grief s serried hosts may o e rtak e us But life ’ s darkest cavern s are lit by a spark

From the star t hat shall never forsake us .

E A M O D R TI O N.

n to what an er o s a n dm ser a e se r t e o e s h e a I d g u i bl vi ud d f ll ,

' wh o su ﬁ er eth pl eas u r e a n d so r r o w ! two u n fa i th ful a n d c ru e l ” o o s im n a . c o mm an d er s) t p s ess h su c c e ssiv ely . S e ec

The S B e toic saith e m od rate , e s Thy ﬁ ry pa sions tame ,

n ot h Be too ardent in t y hate ,

Thy love , thy praise , thy blame .

H ast thou som e secret idol sought F o r worship set apart ’ Na - y , idol worship ne er hath brought m o h Co ntent e nt t the eart .

S H ath dire revenge thy pirit stirred , Thy storm y bosom rent ’ Na y , dire revenge hath ne er conferred

The crown of swee t cont ent . ON S FR OM TH E TOI 2 2 6 LE S S S CS .

Let tim e and circumstance make test f O every tinseled prize , Lest blinded impulse in thy breast ’ - O er keen eyed j udgment rise .

et S thou a limit to thy mirth , A m li it to thy woe , S O shall thy days upon the earth

I n tranquil pleasure ﬂow .

H E M E A S U RE O F WO R T TH .

“ Ev ery m an is wo r t h j u st so m uc h a s t h e th i n gs ar e wo r th ” s e s h m se . M a cu u ab o u t wh i c h h e bu i i lf r s A r e liu s .

W O m an hat is thy worth , brother , W hat proud achievem ent hast thou done S ince ﬁrst life ’ s little hour began What hast thou lost ! What hast thou won H ast bartered virtue with th e ﬁend W ho gave thee in return but dross ! Then is thy soul forever wean ed O h F . rom calm content , may the loss Of thy slain innocen ce but leave

' A fo r in t h space pity y breast , ’ S o that thy careful han ds m ay weave

The robe that C harity loves best .

What i s t he goal that lures thine eye s ’ ’ - ! I n life s o er heated , veering race H as h onor struggled for th e prize ! H as deed with theory kept pace !

P OE M S F OR CH IL DRE N

2 3 2 P OE M S FOR CH ILDR E N

M e an egg , and n ine chan ces to ten

’ ’ w n But they ll borro , n ext summer, my old setti ” h en .

P M De Then a weak voice piped out , lease , iss

borah , do

' ’ o e n t h e J ust p door, and I ll run right away ’ wee of r se for I ve brough t a bit a p e nt you , - C s m s ou k n and at TO morrow i s hri t a y ow , th day

a “ a se I s alw ys so lonesome , then followed a , “ If you hai n t got no frie nds and n o O ld S ant a

Claus .

' an d sau cer~m in c e ie H ere s a pullet all , dressed , a p ,

A n d w e is so a big int r squash , but my shawl

th in , ’ A n d m l y hand s are so cold , I m fraid I shal cry , ’ ’ t r in e But I m y hard not to , so pleas let m e i n ’ A n d I ll j ust leave your goodies , an d run right

away ,

e a F o r I haint com to borrow a thing nor to st y .

What was it th at blinded M iss Deborah ’ s eyes A s sh e Opened the door o n that cold wintry nigh t

b o rro win nei t r H er g what a surprise, H ad rendered ten -fold for th e pitiful mite

S he he r W do had grudgingly loaned , ell , I de Clare

ar e o o f D D These real c als ﬁre said eborah are . P OE M S F OR HIL DR E 2 C IV. 33;

TH E O R P A N P R NC E H I .

- A littl e child whose st o ry boo k had fallen. at his s ide , Was brushing o ff a pearly tear ; I asked him why he cried ; W “ ith sob suppressed he faltered low, The young ’ ” king s mamma diedz

“ I sa d n T was many years ago, i , the you g king ’ s happy now H e does not wear an earthly c rown t o deck his royal brow A he e an d so m brighter diadem w ars , , y child ,

shalt thou .

” t he ws ! he c ie sob was But Oh , cruel blo r d a in his tone Just think how sad he m ust have be en in prison all alone

A n d v him so then they beat and star ed , ” r m of o hea ts were ade st ne .

' n m I What was t he yo u ng k ing s a e ! said . ’ T was little Ch arles you see ’ H ere in my picture-book he s kneeling at h is ’ er moth s kne e . ’ ‘C e too as m a I guess she called him harli , y mamm m e does .

’ l A n d se e e bad m en ha - brid don t you those ﬁerc , lf den by the screen ! P OE M F H I 2 34 S OR C L DR E N .

W ell , once they came and bound her fast , although

she was a queen , A n d killed her with a wicked axe they called a guil

lotine .

A n d then the little orphan king grew sadder every day A cobbler was his j ailer —I’ d have tried to run away ; ’ But Oh , he feared him so h e didn t even dare to

pray .

A n d an d later, when he older grew got to be a

man , H is j ailors kept h im j ust the same in prison at M ilan It grieves m e so that even n o w I hate them all I

can .

“ Not so , my child ; your h eart , I said , should

never harbor hate . ’ No w listen while I tell yo u of the little m onarch s

fate , ’ A n d t hen you ll see how God esteem s the good

above th e great .

Those savage men whose bloody deeds your story book has shown Were sadly punished for their crimes ere m any

years had ﬂown , ’ A n dwent to an swer for their sins before the J udge s

throne .

23 6 P OE M S FOR CH IL DR E N

I had cho sen at least twenty different themes ; A t of m ﬁrst I selected the lan d y dream s , The land wh ere Quee n M ab in her mystical robe M ak e s you richer than C roesus or poorer than Job ;

W M m n n o d here orpheus beckon s with a y a , ’ A n d o er the dominions proclaims himself god . But this was too sleepy a subj ect and then

I penned down a thought , and then thought Of

my pen , W hen suddenly paper and pen were resigned , F or the words of my teacher rushed into my mind

n o w Yes , doubly emphatic they cam e to m e ,

of i —a n vow Bereft all prom se, early made .

A n d these were th e words that distin ctly arose H ereafter endeavor to write simple prose Y h ’ our next composition I t ink I ll decline , ’ U n less you re in spired to write it in rhyme .

‘ N o w why should these word s be remembered so late

I had written a line and looked after its mate ,

A n d though it matched smoothly as need! be de

sired , ’ T was plain when I wrote it I was not in spired

M y lessons were hard , all exertion was vain ,

o r m F ciphers like hail stones were sent at y name , “ ” A n d V e k wh en at my standing I entur d to loo , n o t 1 0 c o n t he ! Behold , a ould I ﬁnd book 2 P OE M S FOR CHILDR E N . 3 7

’ TO o e r muse my trials alone I retired ,

A n d iii thought , By what process are poets spired ’ T o is said that some rhymsters their p etry grind ,

But n o such machinery do I seek to ﬁnd .

If that be the surest and only resort ,

e I f ar that my stanzas will be few and short , F o r rather than turn o u t such poems as those ’ I ll clip off my rhymes and declare my work prose .

A n d o here I w uld venture to make the appeal ,

Let m e feel what I write , let m e write what I feel ;

A n d m though I may not be inspired with rhy e, ’ M ho w The fault is the use s , can it be min e

S O NG .

D W O R K F O R A L L To o . T h ere ’ s work for e ’ en the tiny stream That ripples through the glade T h at winds along in happy s ong T hrough sunshine and through shade ; S e e how it lave s with freshening waves

The fragile , drooping ﬂowers , Then hastes away t o j oin the play

f t - O sof ly falling showers .

’ ’ N u There s work for all in at re s hall, O f m living, oving things ,

F o r b e bird and e, that , ever free,

E mploy their tiny wings . 2 3 8 P OE M S . F OR CH IL DR E N

There ’ s work for those who idly doze

A n d dream their time away, Who never brought a dormant thought

To lively , active play .

The heathen lands to busy hands A thou sand blessi n gs o we

Th ey could not l ove the God above,

No r serve him here below, H ad they not heard his h oly Word F rom those who kindly went , A n d freely spread the living bread Which busy han ds have sent

E ach little heart that acts it s part

d o f In kindly dee s love , That earn est pleads for all misdeeds F m orgiveness fro above , W ’ ill n ever stray from Virtue s way, But ever keep in View That S atan ﬁ nds some mischief still ” F o r idle han ds to do .

GRI M A LK I N .

c at M I hate my , said abel Gray , A s o n a grassy knoll she lay A n d brushed the falling tears away That marred her pretty face

M F OR H I DR E 240 P OE S C L N .

A R H Y M E D E P I S TLE TO F R E D .

Dear F red I ’ ve thought this many a day ’ I d write to you without delay ;

u But swift the ho rs have ﬂown away, ’ A n d still I m ever pleading

A o f t want time and talen to write,

Because my letters are such a fright , u Blotted and dotted , a wonderf l sight ,

A n r d scarcely wo th the reading .

But since a thought has entered my brain A a ! thing which never may happen gain) , ’ I ll write to y o u in poetical strain w O f course you are never to S ho it . w Though poets , you kno , have a license to write Whatever their heads o r their hearts m ay indite

A n d if I should soar to this privileged height , ’ T will prove that I ’ m only a poet

W F a ell , red , our vacation appro ches its end ’ A n d e fe w don t they seem short , th se days that we spend

A m h - No w way fro the sc ool room , honest ,

i n d r e .

’ ’ Do n t ' t ell m e you re anxiously yearning

To s o ho w ! get back to ch o l again , can it be ’

o o ut w m D . N doubt you ll come ith a ma moth M . To S how o ff your won de rful learning ! P OE M S FOR CH ILDR E N 24 1

e A ! Geom try, lgebra, Grammar, well , there

F I d lare ec . I vote them a bore , red I do, ’ A n d who doesn t know that his head is in air, ’ A n d ! his feet on the earth , when he s going ’ A n d n then , do t I know that if I chance to place

M o f of y line direction outside my base , ’ on o r That I m sure to fall down my back my face , ’ Without my P hilo sophy s showing !

’ W of ell , here I ve arrived at the end my sheet ’ M y thoughts are so poor t will not do to repeat ” ’ A n d so , in good order, I ll beat a retreat , A n d trust that your earliest leisure W ill ﬁnd you essaying an answer to mine . J ust tell m e whatever your heart may incline n ot If a long letter, j ust drop m e a line ; ’

T m o u . will give e, y know, so much pleasure

E A RE L O S T TR S U S .

H igh o n the limb of an old cherry tree S ’ ang a ground robin at morn s early peep,

W u n hile j st be eath her, as sn ug as could be ,

Nestled four dear little birdlin gs asleep .

’ o Tall o er their heads the red timothy r se ,

J ust like a forest the long grasses stood ,

S e m af fro all danger the nest to enclose , While the fond m other wen t searchi n g fo r 2 42 P OE M S FOR CH ILDR E N

O h ho w d , each clamored and stretche up its beak , S oon as she ﬂew panting homeward once more , ’ D d t o own mid the grasses her arlings seek , t l Laden with tidbits , a plen ifu store

S ometimes o n tip -t o e I ventured to look D m own at my pets in their snug , ossy nest ,

P of e raising the gold each swe t Open throat ,

S o f trokin g th e down each fair glossy breast .

o n e But as morning the meadow I crossed ,

- Lo, mother bi rd rent th e air with her cries ; What could it mean ! H ad her darlings been lost Trying to plum e their young wings for the skies !

S n of earchi g, I read her wild notes distress , ’ o er of Just the heads her innocent brood ,

S - ome cruel vagrant a reed trap had placed ,

Frightening the old bird away with her food .

k t he n Q uic ly I caught up treacherous s are , A h , my heart bleeds as I tell you the rest

M - oth er bird cam e , but sh e found only there F our litt le skeletons starved in the nest

A N A A B O TA I C L B BY .

i o n of ﬂ ower- H gh up the bough a budding tree , Wh ere t he red -breasts their matin s were sing

ing, S I pied a wee cradle , a droll sight to see ,

A i n little brown rocker h ung up the tree , Which the wild winds kept swaying and swing

ing .

244 P OE M S FOR CH ILDR E N

’ The le afo b u ds that swell n eath these fostering skies N o w their seven - cleft palms are unfolding ; But faire st of all is th e baby that lies —an I n its little brown rocker , elf in disguise ,

r That awaits o u astonished beholding .

A N TH E V I CTO R V Q U I S H E D.

A K - on ing Bird sat a leafy limb ,

A n d of V n d san g his ictories , loud a long ;

H is t e vaunting heart was full to h brim , A s y o u would have thought had yo u heard his

song .

H e boasted that the eagl e and hawk Were often forced to acknowledge him king ; ’ H is o u t notes rang like a braggart s talk ,

A s o u o u y would h ave said had y heard him sing .

Just then a butterﬂy stopped to rest , A n d chanced to alight on the self- sam e tree ; A fai r archipp us with brilliant crest A n d o h of ! , , wonderful wings gold h ad she

’ ’ S he d fed o n t he milkweed s j uicy stalk U ntil its pink cream had tinted her wing A few soft ﬂakes that were whit e as ch alk S hon e o u t h ere and there in a gorgeous ring P OE M S F OR CHIL DR E N 2 45

Of o f orange and red, while bands black E nameled her garm e nts of dazzling sheen O f grace and beauty there was no lack ,

‘ o r r vv F fair Lepidoptera c o n ed her Queen .

The King-Bird saw her rest o n the tre e W ell , really , my lady is not afraid i ’ ” A da in t y morsel she ll make, said he A n d then he sharpened his beak like a blade

’ I ll pick the meal from her loaded wings , I’ ll suck the rich cream from her soft , round breast ; for The choicest morsels were made kings ,

A n d surely this monarch should have the best .

A n d then with a chuckling chirrup low, his H e hopped quite noiselessly n earer prey,

A n d k you would have laugh ed outright , I now , H ad you seen his woeful look of dismay

A he m vile archippus , see ed to chirp , A nauseous worm with a borrowed wing,

! Then giving his bill an angry j erk,) f f No t even ﬁt or the serf o a king.

or Instead of a luscious skipper moth , O r bright asteria , here I have found ’ A loathsom e thing that I m even l o ath m To hurl with y bill to the dusty ground . N 2 46 P O E M S FOR CH ILDR E .

a Then turning his he d to left and right ,

- H is sharp , bead like eyes all ablaze with hate,

H e for plumed his wings a hasty ﬂight , f m To pour his woes in the ears o his ate .

M eanwhile the fair queen turned back her wings , W ell taught that a free , charmed life was hers , F o r sh e had wisdom higher than kings That wisdom of instin ct that never errs !

“ H a , little braggart , said I , although

O f o u won derful conquests y loudly sing, ’ You re conquered now , I very well know, ’ By the golden edge of an insect s wing !

Th e ar c h s tterﬂ o t e ss h a s a n a seo s dis ippu bu y , d ub l , u u a r e e a e taste t h a t r s do n o t r e sh fo r it i s th e o n n g bl bi d li , ly ki d n r th at c a o am u n m o l e ste d b y t h em .

L D M A N A A S S C U . O R . T L

In e stm n ste r e th er e is a ea t c h a e e W i Abb y , b u iful p l d di im c ate d t o S t . c h o as a n d o n e o f t h e o c a es r a e Ni l , l l guid g v l y p ar ts th e i n fo r m at io n t h a t it is th e bu r i a l - pl ac e o f th e o r igi n a l

S an t a Cl a u s.

A little maid with curls of gold S at o n e C m on my knee hristmas orn , With apron full as it could hold F rom smiling P lenty ’ s fruitful horn While in a m anner gravely quaint

S he questioned o f her P atron S aint .

2 48 P OE M S FOR CH ILDR E N

But this is true , my little elf ,

F o r I have seen the grave m vself.

But was it very long ago A h m ’ ” , yes , y love , tis many years ,

Behold h er sweet face all aglow ,

A n d forcing back the swelling tears ,

she k Then it must be , qui c replied , l O d M r . S anta Clau s that died

TH E U NA A NA B E TT I L .

Two fair little maidens with rin glets of gold

A n d cheeks like J une roses , sat under a tree m Lithe , graceful and dainty , each form ed in a old — Of a t o . marvelous beauty , pictu re see

O n e wore the soft robes that fall only to wealth , Rich velvets and laces h er deft ﬁgure clad ;

o f The other bloomed gaily mid roses health ,

C n was onten t with plain hom espu , her h eart so

glad .

Just then a tame robin ﬂew up to the n est

- d o n That swung , zephyr rocke , the bough of th e

tree ,

H er m ottled brown coat , and her trim scarlet vest

Just suited her style , one could easily see . P OE M S FOR CH I]. DR E N. 2 49

m That robin is ine , mine forever to keep ,

S b u t aid pl ain little H omespun , wait and some day We ’ ll climb to the nest and I ’ ll give you a peep A t w four little eggs , hen the bird is away .

’ t he e I ll buy sweet bird and her n st in th e tree , ’ A n d o u give y the money ; oh , won t it be ﬁne

n m e The you will have velvets an d laces like ,

A n d y o u can wear dresses as costly as m ine .

’ Two round pearly drops sprang to H om espun s

bl ue eyes, ’ n sh e I d rather go h u gry and shabby , said , Than part with my birdie that every day ﬂies R ight under my window for crumbles of bread ;

u I know that yo r velvets and laces are ﬁne ,

I know I am poor, j ust as poor as can be ; But though yo u wear clothing more costly than mine ’ ’ Y o u can t b uy that robin s nest up in o u r tree

“ THE F I RS T BA NG .

’ M M u y little a de, ne er tired of Bible lore ,

- e m S tood i n her dainty night rob at y knee ,

” ’ l o n e o m A n d begged that I would te l st ry ore , m W d ! E re she to bed ust go . hat shoul it be 2 50 P OE M S F OR CH ILDR E N

S hould it be Joseph and his brothers , then

N o M a t , her tender heart too sorely grieves . S hould it be Dan iel in the lion ’ s den O r modest R uth among the ripened sheaves

O r should t wo shaggy bears fro m o u t the wood ’ I n h u ngry haste E lisha s call obey ! O r sh ould the knowing ravens carry food E ! To poor lij ah , as he famished lay

O r E m good Queen sther , she the loved and fa ed , Who out of peril her dear people led P m But , as each topic was in order na ed ,

S he n slowly shook her golde , curly head

S n Then ch ose the Giant amso , shorn of strength ,

of Bereft sight,imprisoned , an d alone

A n d when the tale was done there came , at length ,

A - long drawn sigh , and then with tearful tone

' I zz‘ old S S O p y poor am son , she said , A ! keen resentment in her accents rang,) “ ’ n I m glad h e killed those aughty people dead , Because they t ried to mdé e him wear a Bang

TH E TWO WE AV E R S .

' t he m eado w The sunbeams far down in , A t sly hide and seek w ere at play ,

W n 1 0 o ak he , a tall th rew its shadow A n d frightened the idlers away

2 52

e But there , on the bough dri d and leaﬂess U of o r nmindful sun shine cloud , S r till lay through th e long d eary winter, u The weaver asleep in her sh ro d .

A n d when the o ak donned her green leaﬂets

A n d birds sought h er bough s on glad wing,

A n d fair- petaled blossoms awaken ed Beneath the warm kiss o f the sp ring ;

A creat u re o f m arvel o us beauty

Burst forth from that gloomy gray shroud , W ‘ ith pinions as swift as the sunbeams ,

n - A d bright as a golden h ued cloud .

But never more cam e the proud weaver

of To build up her palace lace , A h surely, H e scorn eth th e scorn er, ” A d r n giveth the lowly his g ace .

A IATI N RE T L O .

’ ” o Let s hang up our st ckings , said little house

wren , ” ’ r s “ t r A . greed , said the spar ow , we ll y it

n o Twill be of use , croaked the old speckled

hen , ’ ll F o r S anta Claus n ever come nigh it . P OE M S FOR H I DR E C L N . 2 53

I tried it last year, and not one of my brood

for Got a single grain more the trouble , A lthough I had told them that if they ’ d be good

Their feed would most surely be double .

’ e s But I ve not forgott n the light , never fear, I j ust stole my nest when I made it

A n d never an egg have I furnished this year, A n d not by o n e cackle betrayed it

’ D n she s a o t mind what ays, s id the wren , speak ing low ’ S he s known for her ceaseless complaini n g ; W In inter she fears it is going to snow, ’ ’ - In e summ r she s sure twill be raining .

d Twill pay us to try , said the sparrows alou , ” If we get but a few grains of barley . A fe w grains of barley amon g such a crowd

S aid the hen . Then an end of the parley

Was suddenly m ade by the farmer, who cast

- H is eyes round the poultry yard , se eking A fo r C fowl , fat and fair his hristmas repast ; A n d h n ere the poor e had done speaking,

H e e seized her and bor her away by the legs ,

A lthough she distinctly protest ed . “ ” “ ’ A - ha h , said the cook, since you won t furnis eggs ’ Nor tell where all summer you ve nested 2 54 P OE M S FOR CH IL DR E N

a for M Just m ke yourself useful once , istress H en , ’ There s n o use o f croaking and kicking ’ W t o - e ll serve you for din n er morrow , and then ’ ” We ll see if your bones are worth picking .

S CHO O L S O NG .

n ! A Par t i g O de . )

We M go, but sunny emory ’ S o er heds each path her light , ’ A n d F rien dship s fairest garland S hall crown each brow to - night ;

I t is a fadeless chaplet , We we weave it ere part , Its ﬂowers are immortal

They bloom within the heart .

Th e sunbeam and the shadow

O n vacant seats will fall , A n d footsteps wake no echo Within the silent h all ;

But long m ay sunny M emory ’ S hed o er each path her light , A n d fadeless be the garland

- That crown s each brow to night .

I H TF T WO DE L G U L B O OK S .

h f P hillip s Br ook s : Bi s o p o M a ssac h u sett s .

A n E st m at e B N W L L D U B . stra t e d m th i . y E E N AR Illu i h r h st n I v e s o f T r n t c B o o . ol. E ze r 1 6m o vi w i i y C u , l vi , ,

1 1 . h t e an d o d, $ 1 2 c o th 3 pp W i g l 5 ; l , — A r e ﬁn e d a n d scho lar ly st udy o f a great m am B o st o n

S e e m s t o have be en writt e n b e cau se the a utho r c o uld n o t

h e New Y o r o u r na l o Co m m er ce . lp it . k j f

’ “atchwor ds fr om J ohn Boyle O Reilly :

E d t e d an d th E st m ate K T H I E . O W Y i wi i by A ER NE C N A .

B ea t t r at e d. 1 vo l. E ze r 1 6m o 1 00 s . u ifully illu l vi , , pp h t e an d o d c o th W i g l , l , It wa s n o t a n Ir shma n b u t a s o n o f the P ri tan s i , u , ’ “ who w r o t e Of J o hn B oyl e O Re illy : I wi sh we c o uld m ak e a ll t he p e o pl e in t he w o r l d stan d st ill a n d t hi n k an d fe e l a b o u t t hi s rare r eat e x s t e -so e d m an n t the , g , qui i ul u il y s o e was t he reat e s t h o ul d fully c o m prehen d him . B yl g ’ ’ m an the ﬁn est heart an d so I n e . , ul k w

M E DICAL B O OK S FOR L A Y R E A DE R S .

Ther ap euti c S ar cognomy : A Ne w S c i e n c e o f

o B ra n an d B od . B O S P H R D S B U C H S ul , i y y J E O E ANAN .

M . D st r ate d. th ss . o ar . 1 vo l. ar e 8vc Illu Wi gl y , l g .

00 s c o th . N t 7 p age , l e , A w o rk whi c h pr om i ses t o cr eate a t otal revo lution in p hy s i l o ogy an d m e dic a l phil o so phy . - i k n H o w t o o It . B S ea S c ess. Av id y HERMAN

P TS C H M . D . 1 6m o c o th AR , , l , A va lu a ble litt le vo lum e that sho uld be in the ha n ds o f wh o a s a r erso n m e s a e o a e . B o st n Tr a nse e ve y p k v y g o r zjot . W a or t t d s e can n ot reca ll w k ha ea l —m o re tho r o ughly o r m o re un de rstan din gly with the m a tt e n B ost on S a t u r day E vex in a tte g G ze .

Th e Car e of the E yes 1 1 1 Health and Disease.

D . M n M e d . . n n r M . a e ca o et st B D N . e c I ra y Ski , , i i l S i y llu d h 1 1 t e . t n dex . Ia m o 1 6 a e s c o t h 00 Wi i , p g , l , $ A a a e t reat se r tt en fo r the e n e ra c o n e v lu bl i , w i g l publi by o f th e t n x r ts n he e b s k no w e pe o t subj ec t .

' M a ile d to a n a ddr ess osta e a id o n r eceeot o r zc. b , y , p g p , j f p y

' the p u blzs lzer .

P P 2 0 o lSt w t G. C U E S B o S L , 5 y , B OS TO N