IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) y A {•/ t'^■ V fA fA 1.0 I.I >j60 '- IIIIIM ;f 1^ 1 2.0 2.2 1.8 1.25 1.4 1 — 1.6 ^ 6" ► o e?. e. cl V] c^m. '^ei (? // / 'm e >i^ Photographic Sciences Corporation \ «■ 4i>^ ^ V4 I t,. / -^ ^/^y of Ne>M ^\^^ i t ^ PREFACE. HIS second volume of Home Lyrics has been published since the death of the authoress, and in fulfilment of her last wishes, by her children, and is by them dedicated to the memory of the dearest of mothers, whose whole life was consecrated to their happi- ness and \Yelfare and who fully reciprocated her self-denial, devotion and love. HER CHILDREN, I 'I |f: \ INDEX. PAGK. To the Memory of a Beloved Son who passed from Earth April 3rd, 1887 i Birdies, For a Little Five Year Old 3 The Angel on War 8 In Memoriam ^4*^7 The Rink 18 A Binghampton Home 18 Mrs. Langtry as Miss Hardcastle in " She Stoops to Conquer ". 20 The Shaker Girl 21 Ice Palace 25 The Fable of the Sphynx 24 Up, Sisters, Morn is Breaking 27 Oh ! I Love the Free Air of the Grand Mountain Height 29 Sunrise 30 Love 32 To the Empress Eugenie on the Death of Her Son 39 Science 4^ Christmas Morn 43 A Victim to Modern Inventions 45 It is but an Autumn Leaflet 59 Written on board the S. S. " Egypt," September 5th, 1884 61 Roberval. A Legend of Old France 62 The Brooklyn Catastrophe 70 The Naini Tal Catastrophe 73 To Our Polar Explorers 76 To the Inconstant 78 Thanksgiving 78 I t \ id VUl INDEX. • ' Peace with Honour The New Year i.»> 80 81 Home , 82 It is but a Faded Ros(^bud 83 Cleopatra's Needle 84 A Voice from St. George's Hall 86 To the Museum Committee, on opening Museums on Sundays 88 Only a B'ew Links Wanting 91 A Painful History 93 Self Denial 96 To a Faithful Dog 98 Flowers 99 A Welcome from Liverpool to the Queen 102 In Response to a Kind Gift of Flowers 105 Health 106 Ingratitude 116 Trees 118 To a Faithful Dog 122 Self Discipline 124 The Centenary of a Hero 126 Springbank 128 Recolleciions of Fontainebleau 131 The Tunbridge Wells Flower Show 133 .. 8o .. 8i . 82 • 83 . 84 . 86 . 88 • 91 • 93 . 96 98 99 102 106 116 118 122 124 126 128 ^33 Home Lyrics. JTO THE MEMORY OF A BELOVED SON WHO \ ( / I P^ASSED FROM EARTH, APRIL 3rd, iSp. WOULD gaze down the vista of past years, In fancy see to-night, A loved one passed from sight, But whose blest memory my spirit cheers. Shrined in the sacred temple of my soul, He seems again to live, And fond affection give, His mother's heart comfort and console. Perception of the beautiful and bright, In nature and in art, Evolved from his true heart Perpetual beams like sunshine's cheering light. A simple unsophisticated life, With faith in action strong, And perseverance long, Made all he did with vigorous purpose rife. TO THE MEMORY OF A BELOVED SON. i! Responsive to sweet sympathy's kind claim, His quick impulsive heart Loved to take active part In mirthful joy or sorrowing grief and pain. His manly face would glow with honest glee. As with parental pride, Which he ne'er sought to hide. He fondly gazed on his loved family. For them he crowned with industry his days ; Ever they were to him The sweetest, holiest hymn Of his heart's jubilant, exultant praise. And Oh, the tender pity of his eye. The gentle touch and word. When his fond heart was stirred To practical display of sympathy. His true affection, manners gently gay. The kiss that seems e'en now Warm on my lips and brow, Are memories that ne'er can pass away. Naught can e'er lessen the fond hope that we May, one day, meet above With all we dearly love. To live again in blissful unity. ^ «- BIRDIES. FOR A LITTLE FIVE YEAR OLD. W% BIRDIES. FOR A LITTLE FIVE YEAR OLD. TENDER birdie mother sat In her soft nest one day, Teaching her little fledglings, three, To gambol, sing, and play. Dear little brood, the mother said, 'Tis time for you to fly From branch to branch, from tree to tree. And see the bright blue sky. Chirrup, the eldest, quick replied, O yes, sweet mother mine, We'll be so glad to hop about. And see the bright sunshine. Twitter and Downy also said, We, too, shall happy be, To bask within the sun's warm rays. And swing on branch and tree. Well, then, the mother said, you shall. And straight the birdies all, Perched on the edge of the high nest. Beside the chestnuts tall. Remember, said the mother bird, You must not go beyond That row of trees that skirt the edge Of the transparent pond. J I BIRDIES. FOR A LITTLE FIVE YEAR OLD. For if you do you might get lost, Or drowned, and die in pain, And never to our dear home nest Return in joy again. We'll mind your orders, mother dear, And will not disagree. But do just what you tell us now, Said all tl. birdies three. They hopped off on delighted wing, To the next chestnut tree, O'erjoyed and panting with delight, The great, grand world to see. Oh ! what a bright, glad scene, they cried. And what a wond'rous sky ! What joy 'twould be to kiss the Sun, And be with him on high. And I, said Downy, I should like To sail on yonder sea. And with that pretty milk-white bird. Skim o'er the waters free. Said Twitter, you talk very large. And do not seem to know Our little wings have not yet power Beyond these trees to go. Besides, said Chirrup, mother said We must not go beyond, But only hop and fly about The trees that skirt the pond. 4- BIRDIES. FOR A LITTLE FIVE YEAR OLD, But mother's gone to get us food, And she will never know, Said Downy, so upon the pond I am resolved to go. O fie ! exclaimed the birdies both, To think of such a thing. You might get harm, and on us all Sorrow and trouble bring. Oh, I am not a bit afraid, I feel so strong and free, And will not homeward go until I float on yonder sea. Ah, well, said both the other two, We will not go with you. Good-bye, we will not disobey Our mother kind and true. Off went the two obedient birds, And safely reached their nest. The little birdies' happy home Of sweet delight and rest. Meanwhile, poor naughty Downy flew From ofl" the chestnut tree, Away towards the milk-white bird That skimmed the waters free. But ah ! his wings were much too weak To bear him all the way, And Downy fell imploring aid From loved ones far away. A ■ i ' BIRDIES. FOR A LITTLE FIVE YEAR OLD. But no help came. The mother bird Was far off gathering food, From perfumed clover meadows round, For her beloved brood. And when she reached her nest and found But two birds there alone, And heard that Doumy to the pond So wilfully had flown, Her heart, so lately full of joy, Was rent with grief and pain, For fear lest she should never see Her darling bird again. Calling upon his name she flew, In terror, far and near, From tree to pond, from pond to tree, Seeking her birdie dear. She called ; alas, no answer came To that poor mother's cry, She searched among the sweet, wild flowers, And chestnut branches high. At length she spied a tiny speck Beside the waters clear, It was, alas, the lifeless form Of her lost Downy dear. She drew him on the soft green grass, And chafed his lifeless form. Opened his glassy eyes and mouth. And tried his limbs to warm. BIRDIES. FOR A LITTLE FIVE YEAR OLD. But all in vain, her darling bird Was dead, and nevermore Would he into that mother's ear, His pretty warblings pour. Then in despair she buried him Beside the chestnut tree, And covered him with twigs and leaves. While weeping bitterly. And then, with torn and sorrowing heart. She flew back to her home, Where Twit and Chirrup trembling staid. Disconsolate and lone. My little birdie dears, she said, In bitterness and pain. Our darling Downy to his nest Will never come again. His wilful disobedience To my direct commands, Has brought its own dire punishment, Such as all sin demands. I thought I could have trusted him, For he, as you well know, Promised me very faithfully Not from these trees to go. I want you both, my birdies dear. To learn from this to see How lying disobedience Will ever punished be. ^.^....^ni^^ 8 THE ANGEL ON WAR. l! So take a lesson from it, dears, And be resolved that you Will never disobey or lie. Whatever else you do. O yes, we'll try our very best. Your orders to obey, Aud always strive to tell the truth. Whether at work or play. Dear children who may hear this tale, You, too, should also try To do whatever you are told, And never tell a lie. - I THE ANGEL ON WAR, N angel spirit winging Through a^iial space her flight, O'er peaceful, sleep-bound nature Thus sang one autumn night : What are those hosts advancing In legions o'er the plain. Through orchards heavy laden And fields of full-eared grain ? Eastward and westward come they Shining like gems of light, Beneath soft, silvery moonbeams Of peaceful, silent night. ni THE ANGEL ON WAR. .f* Surely assembled nations Are gathering for a fete Of tournament, sham fight or joist, In pride of strength elate. Or, may be, some grand meeting On field of cloth of gold, Attracts those swarming legions A peaceful tryst to hold ; For see, the steeds caparisoned In trappings rich and bright, With noble, high-bred men astride, In transports of delight ! The flower of German fatherland, In manhood's strength and pride, Press on in measured marching. By grey-haired veterans' side. And westward press the youth of France, Whose ardour none can stay. Thirsting for laurels in the tilts And contests of the day. Emperors, with marshals, generals, And stalwart men, are there ; Flushed with excitement swift they come The splendid sports to share. Doubtless each wears the colours Of some loved lady fair Whom they predict shall one day Their heart and fortunes share. mmsm lO THE ANGEL ON WAR. Now sable night droops kindly Into the arms of morn, Who comes to herald in the day And nature's face adorn ? Heaven's soft grey eastern portals For her wide open fly, As the grand sun's golden chariot Wheels proudly through the sky. Night's gentle Queen and star gems Withdraw their gracious sway, As the sun in rose-hued splendour Kisses to life the day. Waters like polished silver Dotting the plain like shields, Babble their morning greeting From golden, grain-crowned fields. Then the glad light of morning Trips joyful o'er the plain, As the angel horror stricken Takes up her strain again, Alas ! those hosts advancing In hot haste from afar. But yesternight so joyous. Now close in bloody war. And, as ferocious tigers. On tasting human blood. Revel in greedy madness Amid the cpmson flood, % T 0f9^ i THE ANGEL ON WAR. II ^ i So these fierce hostile warriors, Now stained with human gore, Grow unrestrained and reckless. And fiercer than before. The valley late so peaceful Steams with the rage of strife. Fast down the gloated furrows Flows the red stream of life. Maddened to rage and fury, Th' opposing hosts contend, And murder, ruin, ca'-nage, death. Through the gorged plains extend. What can be, cried the angel. The meaning of such strife. And how dare man thus rashly Trifle with human life ? Can all the so-called glory. That man to man can pay. Outweigh the dire inheritance Of this unhallowed fray ? Are hearts thus drunk with life blood. And hands thus steeped in gore, Not calculated to become More brutal than before ? ■And do not youth and manhood Deserve a better fate. Than to be rashly sacrificed To jealous greed and hate } I-!' 12 THE ANGEL ON WAR. Thousands of glittering lances Cut through the startled air, As valiant chiefs and mighty men The blood- red carnage share. Flashes, like sunlight splendour, Gleam forth from brazen shields, And burnished arms dart back the light, O'er the blood-gorged fields. *i( I List ! said the angel, sighing, From many a ghastly mound Deep groans of torture mingle With the battle din around. What piteous cries of anguish Are those, who dying moan. That they may never more behold Their dearly loved at home ! Some of earth's best and brightest, 'Mid prospects glad and gay, Others to loved ones plighted Slaughtered and bleeding lay ! Some, sons of widowed mothers Who had none else to cheer. Some, guardians of fond sisters. Many to wives most dear ! Ah ! who can tell the sorrow Intailed by war's foul breath, Or gauge the dire inheritance Of all this murderous death ! THE ANGEL ON WAR. 13 The sinew of their country, The hope of years to come, Cut down in prime of manhood, Buried in stranger tomb ! O sages, statesmen, rulers. Bestir yourselves and teach The nation's misled millions A higher goal to reach ; Exchange for greed and murder, A reign of peace divine ; Thus, elevate earth's children To brotherhood sublime ! Thus spake the gentle angel As, gathering each fond prayer. She wreathed them into garlands. Of flowerets rich and rare For Sardanapolis to plant. Where they shall ever bloom. In the eternal gardens Beyond the silent tomb. mmm 14 IN MEMORIAM. CHARLES OLIVES BAYLIS, M.D., M.R.C.S., La/e Medical Officer of Health for West Kenty and J^rmerly of Birkenhead. DIED DECEMBER I2TH, 1 884. ROKEN the silver cord ! the harp unstrung ! And kindred hearts with grief and anguish wrung, For a beloved one from the earth hath flown Leaving his dear ones desolate and lone. Cheerless, deserted now each empty place, So lately filled by him with radiant grace ; Sad memories in each lone corner dwell, Vocal of him our torn hearts loved so well. To feelings sympathetic and refined, He joined a well-stored, richly cultured mind. Where holy reason held her peerless sway, Dictating all he had to do and say. Self-discipline in action, thought and deed, Was his uncompromising, glorious creed ; To do to others as he would that they Should do to him, his crystal rule each day. Dark superstition never gained his ear^ Or led to slavish and debasing fear ; A hater of hypocrisy in all The varied forms by which it doth enthrall. IN MEMORIAM. 15 r His logical and compiehensive mind, Wa«- marvellously gentle, loving, kind, Wnich gave him with his patients wonderous power. And served them well in many a trying hour. A man of penetration, forethought, tact. Loving to solve, elucidate each fact ; He firmly held to truth with friend and foe, And ne'er was known to act from greed or show. A safe and trusted counsellor was he. And helpful, sweet companion as could be, Of such calm, chastened thought, that all he said Was fraught with wisdom, and by justice led. His sense of duty formed the crucial test By which to rule his actions, work and rest. And his well-regulated heart and mind Were full of charity towards all mankind. A zealous public worker in the cause Of sanitation, based on nature's laws ; For fifteen years in Birkenhead and Kent, To this great end he his rare knowledtr-; lent. He loved his work and duties, as some love Their pleasures, and with earnest purpose strove, To prove that each right action surely brought Its blessing, as all evil misery wrought. Entheal concord, where 'twas possible. And truth and justice made it feasible, The armour his peace-loving spirit wore. The love-crowned banner which aloft he bore. \ i i6 IN MEMORIAM. H