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GEORGE GILBERT WEEKS 
 
SKETCH BOOK 
 
 or 
 
 A Few Lines In Verse 
 
 POEMS 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE G. WEEKS 
 
 PUBLISHED AND UNPUBLISHED 
 
 NEWARK, N. J. 
 I 9 I 9 
 
^^^c.. 
 
 
 Copyright, rgig 
 
 BY 
 
 GEO. G. WEEKS. 
 Author. 
 
 Mi IbiSIB 
 
TO THE 
 
 TEACHERS OF MY YOUTH 
 
 AT THE OLD 
 
 CENTRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 
 
 AND OF 
 
 OLD PUBLIC SCHOOL, NUMBER THIRTY FIVE; 
 
 BOTH OF 
 
 BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 FROM 1874 TO 1884, 
 
 TO WTIOSE EFFORTS IN PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 
 
 THIS IS AN IMPERFECT RESPONSE, 
 
 THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED 
 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 
 
 xev^:<i/" 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 Every last man of us owes much of that to which he has at- 
 tained, to the early influences, that, insensibly perhaps, have 
 had a potent effect on his later decisions and line of action. 
 
 This is true, in a lesser degree, of the more recent friend- 
 ships, and even of society as a whole, in its general trend, 
 resist it as we may. 
 
 It is in recognition of this fact, and because of this borrowed 
 inspiration, that I place this little volume in your hands. 
 
 The Author. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 (Alphabetically arranged) 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Abraham Lincoln ^5 
 
 A Mother's Love 
 
 A Soliloquy (Viola) ^7 
 
 A Soul ^^ 
 
 A Stainless Flag ^9 
 
 But Once ^^ 
 
 Cook's Cakes ^^ 
 
 Democracy ^^ 
 
 Don't Be Blue ^5 
 
 Fall Is Here ^^ 
 
 Father's Hand ^^ 
 
 Gauley • • 3° 
 
 Hail! Newark! 3i 
 
 He Passes By 33 
 
 Hope's Angel 35 
 
 In Memoriam ^ 
 
 Judge Not 37 
 
 Lest Ye Forget,— Fair Tennessee 38 
 
 Little Feet •. '^° 
 
 xi 
 
X" CONTENTS 
 
 Mile-stones of the Years . ^^?r 
 
 41 
 
 Motives . 
 
 42 
 
 Obedience 
 
 43 
 
 Patience . 
 
 44 
 
 Sabbath Thoughts . 
 
 45 
 
 Saved by Wireless 
 
 Shallows . 
 
 49 
 
 Spring Idyl . 
 
 50 
 
 The Fiend A\-enger -j. 
 
 The Flood Tide ^ 
 
 The Motor Boat ^^ 
 
 The Old Squire's Vindication 52 
 
 The Parson's Story (The Passing of a Man) 70 
 
 The Singer — Silent 
 
 The Sleigh Ride 
 
 74 
 
 The Spirit of 'Seventy-six 7^ 
 
 To A Hymn Writer ^_ 
 
 To the Rev. H. H. Brown,— Farewell 78 
 
 Winter ... 
 
 79 
 
POEMS 
 
SKETCH BOOK 
 
 "And when the victory shall be complete, 
 when there shall be neither a slave nor a 
 drunkard on the earth, how proud the title of 
 that land which may truly claim to be the 
 birthplace and the cradle of both those revo- 
 lutions, that shall have ended in that victory; 
 how nobly distinguished that people who shall 
 have planted and nurtured to maturity both 
 the political and moral freedom of their 
 species." 
 
 Abraham Lincoln: — Columbia's pride; 
 Chief of her heroes who suffered and died; 
 Best beloved face in her proud Halls of Fame; — 
 We honor thy name. 
 
 This the best tribute to what he has done : — 
 States once dissevered, united as one, 
 Purged by his life-blood from slavery's shame : — 
 We honor the name. 
 
 Firm for the Right, though vast legions should fall 
 Tempered by clemency reaching to all ; 
 Justice with charity ever his aim : — 
 We honor the name. 
 
 Martyr, still mourned by a nation bereaved ; 
 Prophet, of victories still unachieved; 
 Statesman untarnished, unselfish in aim; 
 We honor thy name. 
 
 15 
 
A MOTHER'S LOVE 
 
 On mother's breast 
 
 He, sleeping, smiled. 
 So safely rest 
 
 Beloved child. 
 A watchful care 
 
 Like that above. 
 Protects you there; — 
 
 A mother's love. 
 
 Sleep sweetly, dear, 
 
 And smile and sigh. 
 No foe is here, 
 
 No danger nigh 
 Thy nestling place. 
 
 Still broods above, 
 With tender grace, 
 
 A mother's love. 
 
 In early youth, 
 
 In manhood's prime; 
 In paths of truth, 
 
 Or marred by crime; 
 True as at birth, 
 
 Still prize above 
 All ties of Earth : — 
 
 A mother's love. 
 
 i6 
 
A SOLILOQUY 
 (Viola) 
 
 I KNOW a spot where the violets grow, 
 
 Dog-tooth and yellow, and white and blue, 
 
 Deep in its solitude would I go 
 And dream of you. 
 
 Coyly they hide in their mossy bed, 
 
 Snow-white and golden, and heavenly blue. 
 
 Each lovely flower must hang its head 
 At sight of you. 
 
 Gold may be sullied, and white be cold ; 
 
 Blue will soon fade : — Ever warm^ and true, 
 Purer and dearer than sordid gold 
 
 To me — are you. 
 
 Violets droop in the Summer heat; 
 
 Dreary the spot where the flowers grew ; 
 But there is one that is ever sweet; — 
 
 That flow'r — is you. 
 
 17 
 
A SOUL 
 
 Each soul is precious, it is said. 
 
 To set a value I'll be bold. 
 
 The soul that loves the most — is gold 
 The selfish soul is lead. 
 
 ]8 
 
A STAINLESS FLAG 
 
 The Stars and Stripes fly everywhere, 
 
 And soldiers fill the city street; 
 
 And stirring strains of music greet 
 The many thousands gathered there. 
 Memorial Day has come again, — 
 
 A nation joins in chorus. 
 To praise the true and loyal men. 
 
 Who shed their life-blood for us. 
 
 They freely offered up their lives 
 
 That all our people might be free; 
 
 That peace secured, prosperity 
 Might be assured to him who strives. 
 Let us complete what they began, — 
 
 Affirm at each election, — 
 no system that enslaves a man 
 
 Shall have that flag's protection ! 
 
 Unfurl that blood-bought flag above 
 
 The shop, the schoolhouse and the home! 
 
 From Capitol and State-house dome 
 Long wave the banner that we love! 
 Throw its protecting folds about 
 
 Each useful occupation; 
 But put all agencies to rout 
 
 That tend to degradation. 
 19 
 
See where that gilded gate to hell; 
 
 That mocks at laws, and sells its slaves 
 
 For pelf to office-seeking knaves; 
 Displays that flag we love so well! 
 Shall we the calls of Justice drown, 
 
 Nor heed its victims' death-groans? 
 The Stars and Stripes in shame haul down ;- 
 
 Run up the Skull and Cross-bones ! 
 
 Inspired by Him who formed each star, — 
 And by the blood our fathers shed, — 
 And by the stainless lives they led ; — 
 
 Let not this curse our future mar ! 
 
 The Stars — for every hero bold 
 Who would lift up another: — 
 
 But stripes for him who for base gold 
 Enslaves his weaker brother! 
 
 20 
 
BUT ONCE 
 
 "But once we pass this way." 
 Then let us scatter all the cheer 
 
 And love we may ; 
 
 Provoke the smile, where now's the tear ;- 
 
 "But once we pass this way." 
 
 21 
 
COOK'S CAKES 
 
 "Cook's markings on those cakes of hers 
 Resemble Chinese characters," 
 
 Says Pa. "They look," says Sister Ann, 
 "Like laundry checks, sure enough. 
 
 Bub, take one to the Chinaman, 
 He may give you a cuff." 
 
 ^2 
 
DEMOCRACY, 
 
 OR 
 
 The Spirit of Democracy 
 
 What is the spirit of Democracy? 
 
 And of what sort of stuff is it composed? 
 It is mankind's God-given legacy ; — 
 
 A vital, sacred trust in man reposed. 
 
 The haughty Autocrat has had his day : — 
 Descendant of the tyrant of the past. 
 
 To rights too long ignored he must give way; 
 For all men, Freedom's day has dawned at last. 
 
 A relic of barbaric days is he; 
 
 Assuming that a Right Divine requires 
 His subjects servile manikins to be, 
 
 Manipulated deftly as by wires. 
 
 Mere puppets they, who in such claims believe, 
 And through such bald assumption can not see. 
 
 Such craven lack of spirit can't conceive 
 The spirit of a true Democracy. 
 
 Who are so blinded that they can not see 
 
 Servility is never hberty? 
 'Tis every man's inherent right to be 
 
 The architect of his own destiny. 
 23 
 
Let this conviction inspiration bring, 
 
 Till all that's mortal lies beneath the sod : — 
 
 That every honest man's an uncrowned King;— 
 Uncrowned — till he appears before his God. 
 
 24 
 
DON'T BE BLUE! 
 
 "Whatcher goin' to do 
 When things go wrong? 
 Don't keep feelin' bkie; 
 
 Jes' sing a song! 
 That's what to do when things go wrong. 
 
 25 
 
FALL IS HERE! 
 
 Fall is here! 
 Summer goes, and Winter's near. 
 Nature dons her gay attire; 
 Green, and gold, and flaming fire; 
 Summer lingers to admire. 
 Gala season of the year. 
 Fall is here! 
 
 Fall is here! 
 Whispering in the ripe corn's ear 
 That the time has come to go 
 To the garner, ere the snow 
 Falls once more, and chill winds blow. 
 Harvest season of the year. 
 Fall is here! 
 
 Fall is here ! 
 Frosty nights, crisp, bright, and clear, 
 Burst the forest giant's grip: — 
 From its grasp its treasures slip. 
 Seek them out, the branches whip! 
 Store up nuts for all the year. 
 Fall is here! 
 26 
 
Fall is here! 
 Autumn days are full of cheer. 
 And the Jack-o' -lantern's light 
 Gives the turkeys such a fright! 
 'Round 'Thanksgiving" well it might. 
 Homing time of all the year. 
 Fall is here! 
 
 27 
 
FATHER'S HAND 
 
 I STOOD upon the shore. Before me spread 
 The boundless sea. Its billows rolled and tossed. 
 My heart with awe o'ercome seemed filled with dread 
 Of that vast power that many a life has cost. 
 
 What agent can such force command? 
 
 My Father's Hand. 
 
 Up where the beetling cliffs rear up their heads 
 ,A.bove the stream ; a rampart steep and high ; 
 I gaze upon the scene which round me spreads. 
 A prospect grand ! Too vast for mortal eye. 
 
 I ask what caused them thus to stand? 
 
 My Father's Hand. 
 
 See where the rushing waters seethe and roar 
 And cast themselves down headlong! See the spray 
 That rises like a cloud! Vast lakes outpour 
 Their contents to this chaos, day by day. 
 
 What loosed this mighty torrent grand? 
 
 My Father's Hand. 
 
 A monster cold and grim stalks through the land. 
 His stony heart no pity knows. He takes 
 The mother from the child with ruthless hand; 
 Nor matters it to him whose heart he breaks. 
 
 What help the last foe to withstand? 
 
 Mv Father's Hand. 
 
 28 
 
I need not fear the mighty hosts of sin, 
 Or hidden snares by men or devils planned 
 Or the rough road where Jesus' feet have been, 
 Nor in the shadow of the cross to stand,^ 
 
 If I but keep my hand within 
 
 My Father's Hand. 
 
 29 
 
GAULEY 
 
 Mr. Gauley took the train, 
 And bragged that in his case, 
 
 His friend, the new conductor, 
 Would pass him "on his face." 
 
 But now, alas : — 'tis sad to see. 
 And much to his disgrace; 
 
 He wears court plaster now, for he 
 Was thrown out on his face. 
 
 30 
 
HAIL! NEWARK! 
 
 1666 — Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary — 1916. 
 
 Hail ! Newark ! Pride of our fair State, 
 Within thine ample bounds confined 
 Earth's many races congregate, 
 And in thy busy marts do find 
 An open door to every man. 
 Yes, to each thrifty Son of Toil, 
 Since first the sturdy Puritan 
 Set foot upon thy virgin soil. 
 
 What foresight rare and keen was theirs. 
 Where once their hands had tilled the ground 
 Are now thy busy thoroughfares 
 Where wares of every land are found. 
 So Industry has left its mark. 
 With Education hand in hand; 
 While tow'ring over street and park. 
 See many a House of Worship stand. 
 
 Here are the sons of every land, 
 Each adding to thy wealth a part : 
 All strong in thy defense to stand, 
 O, Newark, dear to every heart. 
 Yes, linked with those of patriot sires. 
 Whose forebears felt oppression's heel, 
 And from their lurid signal fires 
 Went forth to combat steel with steel. 
 31 
 
As we the present turmoil see, 
 
 The many complex projects yield 
 
 A glimpse of what thou art to be, 
 
 To our prophetic sight revealed : 
 
 That when our hands and tongues have ceased; 
 
 In deeds achieved and laurels won, 
 
 Thou, Master City of the East, 
 
 Need bow thy noble head to none. 
 
 So shall we all together stand 
 
 To augment thy prosperity. 
 
 Let it be known throughout the land 
 
 That for thy future it shall be 
 
 The pledge of every loyal son 
 
 Whose brain and brawn within thee mix, 
 
 To amplify what was begun 
 
 In Sixteen Hundred Sixtv-six. 
 
 32 
 
HE PASSES BY! 
 
 Jesus passes by ! 
 
 The lonely widow, poor and broken-hearted, 
 
 Who mourns the son that death from her has parted, 
 
 Has heard the cry. 
 
 "Young man : I say to thee, arise!" 
 
 Her son, once dead, now living, dries her eyes. 
 
 He passes by. 
 
 Jesus passes by! 
 
 And the blind beggar, sitting by the highway. 
 
 Roused by the rush of feet from road and byway; 
 
 He hears the cry. 
 
 "Oh ! give me but my sight !" he cries : — 
 
 And at His touch new vision greets his eyes. 
 
 He passes by. 
 
 Jesus passes by! 
 
 A loathsome leper, foul and isolated. 
 
 Body decayed, and powers dissipated. 
 
 Now hears the cry. 
 
 "Have pity. Lord !" — One touch. — And then 
 
 New health is giv'n, and he is whole again. 
 
 He passes by. 
 
 Jesus passes by ! 
 
 Out from the tombs, by demons torn and driven, 
 The madman rushes. E'en to him is given 
 
 33 
 
To hear the cry. 
 
 "Come out of him !" Devils combined 
 
 Take flight, and leave the man in his right mind. 
 
 He passes by. 
 
 Jesus passes by ! 
 
 "All power is giv'n to Me in earth and heaven," 
 
 The Master says. His servants are the leaven ; 
 
 Yes, you and I ; 
 
 To spread through all the mass of Man, 
 
 Wherever found, what sympathy we can 
 
 As we pass by. 
 
 34 
 
HOPE'S ANGEL 
 
 Chill and damp the air. 
 It seemed that Spring would never come 
 With all its fragrance wafted from 
 
 Fruit-trees' blossoms fair. 
 
 Winter, loathe to part, 
 Still worked o'er Earth its death-like spell, 
 And cold winds blew, and snowflakes fell 
 
 On her throbbing heart. 
 
 One sweet flower fair 
 Had come to cheer our eager eyes ; 
 Had braved the snow, the leaden skies, 
 
 And the chilly air. 
 
 But when brighter skies 
 And warmer breezes break the spell. 
 And blossoms sprinkle hill and dell, 
 
 Lo! the flower dies. 
 
 So when sorrow's chill 
 Has held us in its icy spell. 
 Some blessing sent our grief to quell, 
 
 Bids us hope on still. 
 
 As the flower dies. 
 When happiness has come again 
 And all our joys we would retain ; 
 
 Oft Hope's Angel flies. . 
 35 
 
IN MEMORIAM 
 
 One Sabbath-day, I wandered through 
 The portals of the "city of the dead." 
 The scene presented to my view 
 Was one of beauty conquering the dread 
 
 That thoughts of death inspire. The trees 
 New clad; flow'rs nodding in the breeze 
 O'er many a sleeping head. 
 
 And many costly tombs were there, 
 And many monuments, both new and old, 
 With carved inscriptions speaking fair 
 Of those whose bodies lay beneath the mold. 
 
 Of some, but few had ever heard; 
 
 Of others, no one breathes a word 
 Of that which might be told. 
 
 And then the hope passed through my mind 
 That when my mortal frame is laid to rest, 
 Some word of cheer, or action kind, 
 May cause some tear to fall above my breast 
 No costly stone above me rear; — 
 Grant but some proof that I was dear 
 To those who knew me best. 
 
 36 
 
"JUDGE NOT" 
 
 Why should I grudge what aid I can 
 Extend to every brother man 
 Who in the path of virtue halts? 
 Have I no faults? 
 
 Shall I, the evil action done, 
 Be quick to judge the fallen one? 
 I'll let the Sinless One alone 
 "First cast a stone." 
 
 37 
 
LEST YE FORGET— FAIR TENNESSEE 
 
 Honor to noble Carmack give! 
 Since Crime decreed he might not Hve 
 In flesh and blood, let Right enthrone 
 His image in enduring stone ; 
 
 Lest the foul stain forgotten be, 
 
 Fair Tennessee! 
 
 A noble statesman, true as steel; — 
 In contrast strong to those who kneel 
 And cringe should Greed or Bacchus nod ; — 
 No one his master save his God. 
 
 May many such be borne to thee, — 
 
 Fair Tennessee. 
 
 With voice and pen he dared defy 
 Vice long entrenched, till silenced by 
 The arguments that cowards use 
 When plot and slander fail. You lose 
 A hero soul ill spared by thee, — 
 Fair Tennessee. 
 
 For thee he showered mighty blows 
 Upon our nation's deadliest foes : — 
 For thee he struggled night and day; 
 For thee his heart's-blood ebbed away : — 
 
 Its crimson stain lies dark on thee — 
 
 Fair Tennessee! 
 3« 
 
Should such vile scandal ever live ? 
 A true state's chief executive, — 
 The right hand of the State, O shame! 
 Has cast a blot on thy fair name, 
 
 To grant assassins liberty! 
 
 Fair Tennessee! 
 
 Oh, when shall righteousness prevail? 
 When shall the rum-trade's slimy trail 
 Cease to invade thy Halls of State? 
 Rouse freemen; — ere it be too late! 
 
 A martyr's blood cries out to thee! 
 
 Fair Tennessee! 
 
 39 
 
LITTLE FEET 
 
 Little feet run pit-a-patter : — 
 We'll not weary of their clatter ; 
 For the time will come apace 
 When another home they'll grace. 
 
 40 
 
MILESTONES OF THE YEARS 
 (On a Sister's Birthday) 
 
 We travel onward one and all ; 
 
 How like a journey life appears : — 
 And so each birthday we may call 
 
 A milestone of the years. 
 
 Sometimes no friendly voice is nigh; 
 
 Sometimes some loving consort cheers; 
 We need our friends as we pass by 
 
 The milestones of the years. 
 
 Like April's showers and sunshine mixed, 
 Our joys are not unmixed with tears : — 
 
 'Tis not all fiow'rs and sunshine 'twixt 
 The milestones of the years. 
 
 Choose but the paths that upward wind, 
 The poisoned mists of doubts and fears 
 
 Will vanish as we leave behind 
 The milestones of the years. 
 
 41 
 
MOTIVES 
 
 We may conceal our motives true 
 
 By wiles and arts : — 
 Spread out our best to others' view :- 
 
 God knows our hearts. 
 
 42 
 
OBEDIENCE 
 
 When God would Amalek destroy; 
 
 With all his hosts and flocks and herds 
 And all that he possessed ; what could annoy 
 
 Him more than finding that His words 
 Were heeded not by him whom He had sent 
 
 To do His bidding? And what wrath was His 
 When told that all the flocks and herds were meant 
 
 To be for sacrifice to Him. And then it is 
 We hear His words, plain and concise : — 
 "Obedience is better than sacrifice!" 
 
 And when He bids us come apart, 
 
 Array ourselves against the wrongs 
 That bring despair to many a burdened heart; 
 
 Shall we still mingle with the throngs 
 That madly struggle in their greed for gain, 
 
 And caring not who may be crushed and bruised ? 
 Oh! As we bring the spoils we thus obtain, 
 
 Shall not acceptance of our offering be refused? 
 Shall we not hear that word concise : — 
 "Obedience is better than sacrifice" ? 
 
 43 
 
PATIENCE 
 
 Don't think the world is going wrong 
 When things don't go your way; — 
 
 For when to-morrow comes along 
 You'll understand to-day. 
 
SABBATH THOUGHTS 
 
 Hark ! On the ear falls the chiming of bells, 
 Filling the air with their sweet mellow tones. 
 
 Welcome their song; of the worship it tells 
 
 Of Him who regardeth our joys and our moans. 
 
 Welcome the day when the weary find rest! 
 
 Welcome the message refreshing the soul ! 
 Welcome the fellowships, sacred and blest! 
 
 Welcome Him most who doth hallow the whole. 
 
 Yes, we may be where no bell thrills the ear ; 
 
 No blessed message from chancel be heard ; 
 No kindred spirit be near us to cheer ; 
 
 There we may find Him as true as His Word. 
 
 If He is near us in solitude's hour, 
 
 ThriUing our hearts with the sense of His love, 
 Bidding us draw on His infinite power, 
 
 Lifting our thoughts to the raptures above, 
 
 Why should we so often think that the day 
 We spend in worship is all that's His due ? 
 
 Why is the message, proclaimed that we may 
 Practice its teachings, remembered by few? 
 
 45 
 
No day should limit our worship of Him, 
 
 He who still guards us each moment we live. 
 
 No walls should bound, no conditions should dim 
 Faith's view of Him in the service we give. 
 
 "Ye are my witnesses." How the words ring! 
 
 Out by the river-side, seashore and mart. 
 Not alone where we His praises may sing; — 
 
 Wherever pur story may gladden a heart. 
 
 46 
 
SAVED BY WIRELESS 
 
 See how the gallant steamship plows the main, 
 And leaves a frothing furrow in her train! 
 The mighty billows hurl themselves in vain 
 
 Against her cleaving prow. 
 Upon the bridge her fearless captain stands; 
 For he, upon the vessel he commands, 
 
 Is monarch now. 
 
 A thousand souls are trusting in her weal! 
 A thousand souls trust in her walls of steel! 
 Anticipation fast outflies her keel, 
 
 Of scenes across the sea : — 
 Of verdant vine-clad terraces and hills. 
 Where snow-capped peak and hot volcano thrills 
 
 With ecstasy. 
 
 But now a heavy haze envelops all, 
 And night casts over her its sable pall. 
 Shut in from all the world may naught befall 
 Her slumb'ring human freight. 
 
 See ! from the gloom it comes ! A shape ! A crash ! 
 And groans and hissing steam rise from the gash 
 That seals her fate. 
 
 47 
 
For as some savage prowler of the deep 
 
 In search of prey, does from conceahnent creep, 
 
 And unsuspected on his victim leap. 
 
 So strikes the hidden foe. 
 And cruel death invades her gaping side, 
 And that keen bow, with plates torn open wide, 
 
 That struck the blow. 
 
 And now conspire the allies. Fog and Night, 
 To hide from all the world her awful plight. 
 And claim their frenzied victims ere the light 
 
 Of the returning sun. 
 No rocket's gleam, nor bell, nor whistle shrill 
 Can pierce the dense and ebon curtain till 
 
 The deed is done. 
 
 The cool telegrapher is at his key, 
 
 And magic messages soon scour the sea; 
 
 Flash through the fog the urgent "S. O. S.," 
 
 "A vessel in distress !" 
 And soon their succor comes, from far and near. 
 And hope and comfort banish cold and fear 
 
 And helplessness. 
 
 What though the ship lies forty fathoms down 
 With store and chattels rich, and costly gown : — 
 Not all the gems that grace a monarch's crown 
 Are worth a single soul. 
 
 How great the men of genius, who, to lend 
 Assistance to their kind. Earth's forces bend 
 To their control! 
 
 48 
 
SHALLOWS 
 
 Shallows suit the little draught 
 Of the saucy pleasure craft: — 
 Laden ships, with treasure low, 
 Must the deeper channel know. 
 
 tw^Vi' 'ni* ^^r^i'J^f^'^^^n ' '> 
 
 49 
 
SPRING IDYL 
 
 A BALMY night 
 
 In early Spring, 
 
 By moonlight bright: — 
 
 Warm breezes bring 
 
 The promise fair 
 
 Of fragrant fields 
 
 And blossoms rare: — 
 
 And nature yields 
 
 To such a spell; 
 
 The heart grows warm 
 
 And tender. 
 
 Out in the night 
 
 They come in pairs : — 
 
 A pretty sight! 
 
 The old moon wears 
 
 A smile to see 
 
 This promise fair 
 
 Of things to be. 
 
 The balmy air 
 
 Works such a spell, 
 
 That hearts grow warm 
 
 And tender. 
 
 50 
 
THE FIEND AVENGER 
 
 A Legend of To-day 
 
 Come with me and let us wander 
 From the city's turmoil madd'ning, 
 To where quiet Nature gladd'ning 
 Tired vision, spreads up yonder 
 From the cliffs that tower o'er us, 
 Such a vast expanse of beauty, 
 That all thoughts of irksome duty 
 Vanish at the scene before us. 
 
 Just before, the peaceful river 
 Slowly ebbs toward the ocean 
 With a grand and stately motion. 
 On its breast the white sails quiver 
 In the fitful breeze that's blowing: 
 Boats that look like playthings plying 
 Up and down with pennants flying 
 On some unknown mission going. 
 
 From the far bank clothed in verdure 
 Rise the heights. While, dim and hazy, 
 Distant hills appear; and lazy 
 Clouds float by. As in a merger 
 Earth and sky seem joined together 
 In the distance. Nature tending 
 To one grand harmonious blending 
 In the dreamy Summer weather. 
 
 51 
 
Down the cliff with frequent bending 
 Leads a roadway, steep and lonely, 
 So concealed by trees that only 
 Here and there its course descending 
 May be followed. Far below you 
 From this dizzy elevation 
 You may see its destination 
 By the ruined wharf I show you. 
 
 Should we but turn our backs again 
 
 Upon this scene, we see a wooded plain 
 
 That crowns the cliffs for miles to left and right, 
 
 And should we stroll along the road we might 
 
 By following its turning from the crest, 
 
 Still on, then downward toward the West, 
 
 Pass costly mansions, lawns that look 
 
 Like velvet carpet, cross a babbling brook 
 
 That flows beneath the road to form a lake 
 
 Where children sport ; still downward we might take 
 
 Our way, to where the ivy-covered church and manse 
 
 Stand to our left so stately, grand. One glange 
 
 About us would assure us that we stood 
 
 Within the quiet city Englewood. 
 
 Far vtp the road that mounts the hill 
 Once stood a noble mansion. There may still 
 Remain some evidence of where it stood 
 In gray stone, brick and plaster or charred wood. 
 A lordly home it was, with vines entwined, 
 With trees and shrubbery designed 
 To yield continual bloom. One might 
 From off its spacious porch see such a sight: 
 Of meadows green and waving fields of grain. 
 Dotted with cozy cottages, a train 
 
 52 
 
Or two that chainlike clouds of steam and smoke betray, 
 And distant azure mountains; that a day 
 Would scarce suffice to feast the ravished eyes 
 Upon the scene that here so peaceful lies. 
 
 Here in this paradise there dwelt 
 
 A man of many interests, who dealt 
 
 In stocks and bonds of ventures new and old, 
 
 And all this Midas touched seemed turned to gold,— 
 
 So far as his exchequer was concerned. 
 
 Some thought his hoard was dearly earned. 
 
 He saw the need to sow some seed, 
 
 Or there would be no harvest for his greed. 
 
 And so he sprinkled here and there a gift 
 
 To varied charities where heralds swift 
 
 Would spread the news abroad so all the world might know 
 
 That one good man dwelt in this world below. 
 
 A worthy deacon was our Brother B , 
 
 Such timber makes an excellent trustee. 
 
 One day into his office came 
 A pale but sweet-faced girl, of slender frame, 
 Whose dress of sober black betokened loss 
 Of some one near and dear. A heavy cross 
 It was she had to bear. A father fond 
 Had left this, for the world beyond. 
 And left behind a sickly wife 
 And this their only child to bear the strife 
 With a too oft unsympathetic world 
 To those who need. Beneath the smoke that curled 
 Above the trees by the befouled Passaic's side 
 A little plain white cottage seeks to hide 
 Among the trees and bushes. Their home may 
 Have been a little Eden in its day. 
 
 53 . 
 
And so with heavy heart she took 
 
 Her place with others. Some by word or look 
 
 Good will expressed, but one close friendship sought 
 
 And proved a sister true as years they wrought 
 
 Together side by side. Until one Spring 
 
 Her friend displayed a jeweled ring. 
 
 Yes, the old story had been told 
 
 To willing ears by some young suitor bold. 
 
 And soon her place was filled ; but now by one 
 
 Who made her aim in life, display and fun. 
 
 Her beauty was of face and figure, — not of heart. 
 
 We know not what it means when friends depart. 
 
 For now a modest, shapely maiden fair, 
 
 Was the pale, slender girl that first came there. 
 
 But one with evil eye had seen 
 
 The change, and sought to take advantage mean 
 
 Of her dependence and adversity. 
 
 So wealth would make a spoil of poverty. 
 
 Back from dictation to her usual place, 
 
 With flashing eyes and crimsoned face, 
 
 One day with hurried step she came; 
 
 And sought in tears to try to drown the shame 
 
 And panic that her countenance expressed. 
 
 When her companion saw her so distressed 
 
 She knew the cause. "You dear, old-fashioned innocent," 
 
 She said, "don't be so hasty to resent 
 
 What may be but a little pleasantry; 
 
 There's wisdom in a little coquetry." 
 
 As many a subtle poison works 
 Its slow destruction, so there hidden lurks 
 Such venom in the tongue of a false friend. 
 The nurse and doctor needed to attend 
 
 54 
 
Her feeble mother now so near the grave 
 
 Took all that she could earn or save. 
 
 And soon there came the greater blow, 
 
 And now the place that once was home must go. 
 
 Disheartened now she seeks a place to board 
 
 Such as the crowded city can afford. 
 
 But scarcely had her cheeks regained their healthful bloom 
 
 The tempter sought his tactics to resume. 
 
 The present always given at Christmas-tide 
 
 Was to each given but to her denied. 
 
 "There must of course be some mistake, 
 
 See me when you are through and I will make 
 
 Amends for such a stupid oversight; 
 
 And then I think I'll need your help to-night," 
 
 He said. He who had daily studied men 
 
 And women in his silken den. 
 
 — The supper at the grand hotel — 
 
 And all that followed after — need we tell? 
 
 The fly is in the meshes soft but strong. 
 
 Will cruel disillusion linger long? 
 
 Some circumstances from some people none can hide. 
 
 The foolish in the foolish oft confide, 
 
 To seek advice wise virtue does not need, 
 
 To hide a fault and cover up a deed. 
 
 But Summer now has come once more, 
 One evening comes a knock upon her door. 
 "Some one to see you, Mum," the maid explains; 
 She hastens down the stairs and scarce restrains 
 An exclamation of surprise. "Why, Fred! 
 Whatever brought you here?" she said. 
 "Our long acquaintance made me bold 
 To seek you out. I heard the house was sold, 
 
 55 • 
 
Inquired your present lodging, and so came 
 
 All uninvited, nerved to take what blame 
 
 My heart brings on my head. For busy college life 
 
 Does not obscure the fact I need a wife 
 
 To grace the learned professor's western home ; — 
 
 So Cupid drew my feet to hither roam." 
 
 So school day friendships stronger grow 
 
 And childish fancies haunt us as we go 
 
 From old familiar scenes and faces dear, 
 
 To strange and distant fields; though many a year 
 
 Pass o'er our heads. This much and more he said, 
 
 And for her hand in wedlock plead. 
 
 He hoped when the Fall term began 
 
 To have her there with him — a happy man. 
 
 But she, with startled look and downcast eye, 
 
 Stood pale and thoughtful, — but he knew not why; 
 
 And then, with trembling voice and eyelids wet with tears. 
 
 Replied, "Dear Fred, and have you all these years 
 
 So thought of me? But grant me this respite. 
 
 That I may answer you to-morrow night." 
 
 It was a time of burning drought, 
 A hot July. One night I ventured out 
 To walk along the road toward the clifif. 
 That I of some stray breeze might get a whiff; — 
 Too hot to think of sleep on such a night! 
 'Twas still as death. The moonbeams bright 
 Cast over all a silver sheen 
 Save where some patch of shadow might be seen 
 Outlined upon the road ; or denser shade 
 By giants of the neighboring woodland made. 
 Still, now and then some night-bird's cry broke on the ear 
 And died away as soon. The sky once clear 
 Assumed a darker shade toward the West; 
 Some promise for the land by heat oppressed. 
 
 56 
 
Ere long upon the cliff I stood : 
 
 Behind me was the dark and lonely wood, 
 
 Before my eyes the sparking river flowed 
 
 Three hundred feet below. The winding road 
 
 Climbed dark beneath my feet, — I strained my eyes;- 
 
 For some strange vapor seemed to rise 
 
 Just where it touched the river's bank. 
 
 And follow up its windings. To be frank. 
 
 My courage failed me at so weird a sight, 
 
 For nothing human sought that road at night. 
 
 Then quickly hastened to some rocks that overlook 
 
 Where it emerges on the road I took 
 
 To reach the cHff; in time to see a sight 
 
 To make one's blood run colder in affright. 
 
 In white, bedrabbled, pale and fair 
 
 A woman's form, impalpable as air. 
 
 Borne in the arms of such a monstrous shape 
 
 As seemed to be part man, part fiend, part ape, 
 
 Distorted, hideous, black as blackest night, 
 
 Yet bounded by a sulphurous light 
 
 That played upon his outline grim, 
 
 As lithe and swift in stride, and strong of limb 
 
 He bore his ghostly burden, not a sound 
 
 Was heard; save when his feet passed o'er the ground 
 
 A crackling as of snapping twigs. His red eyes gleamed 
 
 Like balls of flame, and from his nostrils seemed 
 
 To pass a fiery blast. 'Twas such a sight 
 
 That passed before my eyes that Summer night. 
 
 Straight on toward the town he strode, 
 I followed in the darkness of the road. 
 Low muttering thunder fell upon my ear 
 And lightning flashes showed a storm was near. 
 
 57 
 
Just as he reached the home of Deacon B , 
 
 He quickly turned, and I could see 
 
 His stealthy form in shadow creep 
 
 Beneath the room in which he lay asleep. 
 
 Still clasping tight his burden, with one bound 
 
 He leaped up to the window from the ground. 
 
 Nor paused for screen or sash, but boldly entered there. 
 
 — A scream, and mocking echo rent the air. — 
 
 Then doubly burdened soon he reappeared. 
 
 Leaped down toward the ground and — disappeared. 
 
 But from the dry, parched ground emerged 
 Blue tongues of kindling flame, that spread and surged 
 Against the drought-dried woodwork of the porch, 
 And soon the mansion seemed a blazing torch. 
 In that same moment came a blinding flash 
 Accompanied by a deaf'ning crash. 
 The storm that swept the vale below 
 But not the hill, had let a stray bolt go 
 To aid the conflagration, fierce and hot. 
 The glare soon brings the firemen to the spot. 
 His wife and family, saved, in tears beseech their aid 
 That some attempt to rescue him be made. 
 They break into his room — but soon retreat, 
 For nothing living could endure such heat. 
 They ^aw him — bolt uprigiit in bed 
 With eyeballs fixed in agony and dread ; 
 Both arms outstretched, with palms extended wide 
 As though some vision to repel or hide ; 
 His lips half parted, but now fixed in death; 
 Encircled by the fiery breath 
 Of eager, fast devouring flame 
 That drove the firemen back to whence they came, 
 And ere they could subdue the fiery hell 
 Left not a bone for Christian burial. 
 
 58 
 
Soon after, down below the cliff, some boatmen found 
 The body of a woman lately drowned ; 
 All dressed in white,— no name, nor mark, nor note ;— 
 She might have fallen from some passing boat. 
 
 59 
 
THE FLOOD TIDE 
 
 On, when the tide is coming in, 
 
 Mark well the shoals and reefs about. 
 
 As life's long journey you begin : — 
 Too soon the tide goes out. 
 
 60 
 
THE MOTOR BOAT 
 
 Some love the paddle, or the oar, 
 
 And some, the white winged craft adore, 
 
 Not I! 
 Of all the natty craft afloat, 
 Give me the speedy Motor-boat ! 
 
 We're off! Good-by! 
 
 Let Izaak Walton's anglers ply 
 Their art with rod, and grub, and fly! 
 
 Not I! 
 For fishing I don't care a groat, 
 When speeding in the Motor-boat. 
 
 We're off! Good-by! 
 
 6i 
 
THE OLD SOUIRE'S VINDICATION 
 
 Gather 'round me, my children, and listen to me, 
 
 While I tell you a story that you will agree 
 
 Is as strange and uncanny as ever was told. 
 
 And enough to make even your warm blood run cold. 
 
 Almost thirty long years have gone by since the day 
 That I sought out a nice country village, to stay 
 For a week's recreation and quiet and rest; 
 For I knew at that time I was not at my best. 
 
 Now the house where I lodged was secluded and old, 
 
 Built of heavy cut stone, hid by ivy and mold; 
 
 In Colonial style, dating back to the day 
 
 When throughout our fair country Great Britain held sway. 
 
 From, the road by the river-side nought could be seen 
 jBut its four noble columns, half hidden in green ; 
 In the foreground, a lawn rolling down to the wall, 
 With its green acres broken by elms, old and tall. 
 
 Now, "mine host" was a scion of good English stock. 
 With a brogue handed down like the "grandfather's clock' 
 That had stood in the hall at the new nation's birth : 
 And the English, to him, were the salt of the earth. 
 
 62 
 
That his handed-down dialect nothing might spoil, 
 He imported a wife from his ancestral soil. 
 And to hear them conversing would do your heart good, 
 In this quiet old house, on the edge of the wood. 
 
 He was ruddy and stocky, of perfect physique, 
 
 But a better life-partner no Briton could seek 
 
 Than the sweet little wife that had lightened his toil 
 
 Since he plucked this rare blossom from Old England's soil. 
 
 So our hostess and host were true lovers indeed, 
 And with all of his plans she most sweetly agreed : 
 Surely no one could doubt but this matron so trim, 
 Was like Adam's wife, Eve, made to order for him. 
 
 For a couple more thrifty no one could conceive, 
 And that both were past fifty was hard to believe ; 
 And such rare common sense was possessed by the pair, 
 That no vague superstition could find lodgement there. 
 
 As it happened, my room was just back of the hall : 
 And the famous old paintings that hung on the wall. 
 And the rare antique furniture, solid and strong. 
 Made my modern belongings seem woefully wrong. 
 
 Of the strangest old relic of all I must tell. 
 
 Overhead, in a belfry, there hung a huge bell ; 
 
 And though never, save once, had the great bell been rung, 
 
 Through a hole in the ceiling the bell-rope still hung. 
 
 Now it seems, back in 1775. 
 Runs the story that gossip had still kept alive, 
 That the great bell's alarm woke the still Summer night 
 And aroused all the inmates in panic and fright. 
 
 63 
 
And they found, as at last they broke into the room, 
 As the candle's weak flare penetrated the gloom, 
 The Old Squire hanging lifeless, and long past all hope 
 As he hung, cold and limp, by a noose in the rope ! 
 
 And the old built-in safe, by the side of the clock. 
 Was found empty, ajar, with the key in the lock. 
 And it even was whispered, and questioned by none, 
 "He was at his rope's end, in more senses than one." 
 
 On this musty old tale, I retired to rest. 
 And my nervous condition was none of the best. 
 For such stories are never conducive to sleep; 
 And to look at the rope rather made my flesh creep. 
 
 And the gloomy old portrait just facing the bed 
 Seemed to wish to express one last plea for the dead. 
 And in fact, in my mind, there was more than a doubt 
 If the facts in the matter were ever brought out. 
 
 For from all I could learn, no good cause did appear 
 For his act; as the homestead was then free and clear, 
 And the frivolous things that entangle the youth, 
 Did not seem to have tempted our Squire — forsooth. 
 
 And if fully determined to do himself harm, 
 
 Would he hit on a plan that would give the alarm? 
 
 And to find him stone dead ! Surely some one among 
 
 Them would first seek the place whence the bell could be rung! 
 
 With such futile reflections still racking rriy brain 
 I would slumber and suddenly start up again ; 
 Until physical weariness, winning the fight. 
 Brought sweet sleep that seemed good for the rest of the night. 
 
 64 
 
It was just one o'clock, when I woke with a shock 
 As the hour was struck by the "grandfather's" clock. 
 And in spite of the heat, I was chilled to the bone, 
 And as helpless and mute as a figure of stone. 
 
 In the moonlight, that fell on the opposite wall. 
 Stood the Old Squire himself, — satins, laces and all ! 
 And with finger on lip, and with hand behind ear 
 Seemed to wish to make sure no intruder was near. 
 
 As he stealthily opened and passed out the door, 
 I perceived that a change had come over the floor. 
 Of the carpet and boards, there was no more a trace. 
 For a floor of smooth stone had quite taken their place. 
 
 Through the door, the Old Squire's every move I could see 
 As he stepped to the safe, and inserted the key : 
 Then he threw wide the door, and drew out from its hold, 
 Four securely tied bags of what seemed to be gold. 
 
 And then back to his room with his hoard he repaired, 
 And as though not a moment of time could be spared. 
 Left the key in the safe, with the door wide ajar, 
 While he hastened the room door to lock and to bar. 
 
 In the moonlight I saw him inspecting the floor, 
 Made of closely laid tiles, — there were fifty or more : 
 But when just underneath where the heavy rope hung, 
 He stooped down, — and a stone on a hidden hinge swung. 
 
 Thus disclosed, was an aperture, scarce a foot square, 
 To the dark depths of which he then lowered with care 
 His long treasured-up hoard ; and then took from his coat 
 And consigned with the rest, a mysterious note. 
 
 65 . 
 
Then he hastened to lower the stone to its place, 
 And began back and forth in the chamber to pace : — 
 When a shadow was cast on the wall as I gazed, 
 And a window beside me was silently raised. 
 
 And just as he paused for a moment in thought, 
 A rope circled his throat, and was quickly drawn taut ! 
 And before the poor victim could utter a sound, 
 His assailant sprang into the room with one bound ! 
 
 Then he tightened the noose with his powerful arms 
 Till assured from that source there could be no alarms ; 
 And then, leaving his victim stretched out on the floor. 
 He unfastened, and opened and passed out the door. 
 
 But a glance at the safe was enough to reveal 
 That its barren recesses held nothing to steal. 
 Then he paused in deep thought for a minute or more, 
 Then re-entered the room, and refastened the door. 
 
 Then he mounted a chair that had stood by the door ; 
 Made a noose in the bell-rope, eight feet from the floor, 
 And removing the rope from his limp victim's throat. 
 Slipped the key in a pocket inside the Squire's coat. 
 
 He then, grasping the body, as though it was light, 
 By an effort of almost Herculean might. 
 Raised it high on his back, and remounting the chair. 
 Passed the head through the open noose dangling in air. 
 
 But just then something happened. The chair seemed to sway, 
 And from out of his grasp the limp form slipped away ; 
 Unexpectedly putting an end to his work. 
 As it plunged to the length of the rope with a jerk. 
 
 66 
 
For just then, from the belfry, rang out a loud peal, — 
 Then a second — and third, made my stunned senses reel. 
 As the pull on the rope made the heavy bell sway. 
 And in dreamy confusion the 'ghosts fled away. 
 
 Then my powers returned, and I sprang to the door, 
 "Where the clatter of feet could be heard on the floor; 
 And admitted "mine host" and the rest, with a light, 
 Who were roused by the bell in a panic of fright. 
 
 And as all were quite sure I had rung the old bell, 
 I could make no defense but the story I tell. 
 Which seemed lacking in proof to the matter of fact. 
 And indeed, at the time, that one merit it lacked. 
 
 But the keen searching gaze of "mine host" chanced to fall 
 On the Squire's life-size portrait that hung on the wall ; 
 And a sharp exclamation escaped from his lips. 
 As he stood quite transfixed with his hands on his hips. 
 
 For the eyes, which seemed looking at nothing before, 
 Had now focused their gaze on a spot on the floor : — 
 And the hand, that once toyed with the pocket of lace, 
 Pointed out with its finger the verj- same place! 
 
 This peculiar coincidence, I must admit. 
 First appeared when our thoughts were directed to it. 
 For the spot pointed out, in the tale I had told. 
 Was the place where the Squire had hidden his gold. 
 
 But the safe door was locked, as a safe door should be. 
 And the hostess alone was possessed of the key; 
 But the clock, that for more than twelve decades had run, 
 Stood quite mute, with its hands at a quarter past one ! 
 
 67 
 
And as all were now eager to see the thing out, 
 And to prove out the tale, without shadow of doubt ; 
 We proceeded at once to examine the floor, 
 Laid in hard wood for three generations or more. 
 
 That no cellar w'as under the room was well known, 
 But none present recalled that the floor had been stone : 
 But the carpet removed, and a board underneath, 
 Sure enough, a smooth flooring of stone lay beneath! 
 
 Then, just under the rope, we pried up enough board 
 To disclose the square stone under which should be stored 
 The rich hoard of the Squire. But we sought all around 
 And no trace of a hinge or a door could be found. 
 
 When at last we discovered a place where a chip 
 Broken from the next stone, thus aflforded a grip ; 
 So by prying at this, till our fingers were sore. 
 Soon we managed to tip it a half -inch or more. 
 
 Thus encouraged, the doubting ones soon took a hand, 
 And by using what effort we then could command, 
 With all hands pulling hard at the dust clogged-up crack, 
 Amid shouts of surprise, the square stone tilted back! 
 
 Underneath, was the hole by the stone long concealed, 
 
 By that night's ghostly pantomime strangely revealed. 
 
 And within it "mine host" was beginning to grope, 
 
 When his right hand struck something that kindled some hope 
 
 Then, from out the stone vault, he brought forth to the light, 
 Four old plump canvass bags, brown and musty, but tight ; 
 And we found that the four, when the total was told, 
 Contained twelve thousand guineas in good English gold. 
 
 68 
 
But the Squire left a note ! I excitedly cried :— 
 And on looking within the dark vault we espied 
 The mysterious note : — and as I am alive, 
 Dated August the fifth. Seventeen Seventy Five! 
 
 And to prove it his writing, required but a look 
 At his autograph scrawled in the front of a book. 
 And the note ran like this : "To my oldest son Ned : — 
 Should this writing be found by you, I shall be dead. 
 
 "This anonymous message, that came but to-night, 
 Which I herein enclose you, has upset me quite. 
 So I place here my wealth, lest the warning prove true. 
 In this underground vault, only known to us two. 
 
 "Strange such evil forebodings oppress me to-night, 
 
 My emotions will hardly permit me to write. 
 
 But if nothing impends, it is needless at most." 
 
 Then we read the strange warning that came by the post. 
 
 "Beware of the stranger lodged under your roof, 
 And be sure that your coffers are quite burglar-proof !" 
 That same night, which explains how the secret was kept, 
 His son Ned had been stricken by death as he slept. 
 
 And the Squire's full length portrait still hangs the same way 
 And the clock, once set going, is running to-day : — 
 So the Squire's vindication was thus brought about: — 
 That the money was welcome, there could be no doubt. 
 
 69 
 
THE PARSON'S STORY 
 
 OR 
 
 The Passing of a Man- 
 Reclining in his easy chair an old man sat. 
 His head thrown back, his eyeHds closed. 
 A smile upon his lips. Some reminiscence that 
 Had come to mind when first he dozed 
 Had left its impress. But upon that massive brow 
 And deep-set eyes and features strong 
 Were other traces. Sadder scenes than this that now 
 Lit up his face, had carved their imprint that had lingered long 
 
 I sat and looked upon that pleasant face that beamed 
 
 With light from heaven. Its sturdy mold 
 
 Was formed by sorrows, joys, and care and hope it seemed: 
 
 So strange a history it told. 
 
 I knew the story of his life. His pastor I 
 
 Had been for many years. To me 
 
 He opened once his heart, when no ear else was nigh, 
 
 A tender story his, of heart-aches keen as you shall see. 
 
 A distant city claimed his early life. By thrift 
 And energy he won his way 
 
 To competence and fortune fair. But time, that swift 
 Resistless current we obey, 
 
 Had borne him on to manhood, ripe and hale and clean. 
 He yearned for that he knew not what. 
 He saw a maiden fair as eye had ever seen, — 
 Or so he thought, — 'Tis always so with those by cupid shot. 
 
 70 
 
And she loved him with such discreet, responsive love 
 
 That could not be concealed, but made 
 
 The conquest of her heart a joyous siege, above 
 
 All joys already known. He laid 
 
 His manhood, fortune and his future at her feet. 
 
 And she could not refuse his plea. 
 
 'Twould seem that never union could be more complete 
 
 Or happy — till Death's angel spake, and said 'twas not to be. 
 
 What wound so rankling as when cupid's dart is torn 
 
 By Death's chill hand from hearts so warm ! 
 
 No healing balm but Him who cheers the hearts that mourn. 
 
 Rebukes the wave, and calms the storm. 
 
 This healing came to him — the scar remained to-day. 
 
 The happiness to him denied 
 
 He sought by kindly act to help to pave the way 
 
 For others to attain, who for success on him relied. 
 
 The business tact and energy that won his way 
 
 To wealth, he also brought to bear 
 
 In aiding hearts that yearned, and strove and ached. No day 
 
 Without its story of some care 
 
 By him relieved, some life made brighter by his aid — 
 
 The hand oft-times concealed. Indeed, — 
 
 He felt the pain ingratitude inflicts, but made 
 
 No effort to disclose his part, and so receive his meed. 
 
 But in the field of trade in which he moved, there came 
 A band of knaves, — of rich brigands, — 
 Who viewed his clean success with jealousy. They name 
 Their terms of purchase, — make demands 
 On threat of ruin. Well he knew what it would mean 
 To those whom he employed to yield 
 To such as they. With courage rare and foresight keen 
 He fought them, made provision for his men ; — and left the field. 
 
 71 
 
And so he came to us. His voice was seldom heard 
 
 In pubhc, but his deeds were known 
 
 To all. No act of sympathy or kindly word 
 
 Did he withhold. He Avent alone, 
 
 To homes distress had darkened, and where death had come, 
 
 Or sick ones languished. Children ran 
 
 To meet him as he passed along. 'Twas said by some [man. 
 
 That there Avas one whose face seemed strangely dear to this old 
 
 That "life consisteth not in that which we possess'' 
 
 He long ago had learned. To give 
 
 Meant more to him than to obtain. 'Twas happiness 
 
 To him, to give it. And to live 
 
 In self-forgetfulness had quieted the pain 
 
 In his own heart. 
 
 I rose to go 
 
 And touched his hand to waken him, — but all in vain — 
 
 The smile still lingered on his lips, — the hands were cold as snow. 
 
 72 
 
THE SINGER —SILENT 
 
 In Memory of 
 Mrs. Sarah Bach Holden 
 
 The singer's voice is hushed. Its silvery tones 
 Shall fall on human ear, alas, no more. 
 Earth feels her loss indeed, but Heaven owns 
 One minstrel more to grace its peaceful shore. 
 
 We miss the sparkling eyes, the gentle grace, 
 The pleasant smile, the radiant, soulful face; 
 Illumined by celestial light it seemed : — 
 Nearer the source than we had even dreamed. 
 
 She caught on earth a sweet, celestial chord 
 Of harmony, that Earth could not afford; 
 Her yearning soul, entranced, burst forth to find 
 A place where discords all are left behind. 
 
 Yes, place her where the wild-bird thrills his lay 
 With throbbing heart above the voiceless dead ; 
 For so the singer sang her life away; — 
 Let nature protest at such silence dread. 
 
 73 
 
THE SLEIGH-RIDE 
 
 Hear the jingle, jingle, jingle 
 Of the merry, merry bells! 
 How the cheery voices mingle 
 With the jingle, jingle, jingle 
 Of the bells, through the dells. 
 Our sleighing party glides along 
 With laughter, shout and song. 
 
 Bashful beau and modest maiden,- 
 And some older folk you know, 
 With our precious burden laden, 
 Many a bashful beau and maiden 
 Off we go — o'er the snow! 
 Jack Frost will all forgotten be 
 W^hen hearts are full of glee. 
 
 74 
 
THE SPIRIT OF 'SEVENTY-SIX 
 
 I HAD dozed with my magazine grasped in my hand, 
 When a form seemed to me from its pages to rise, 
 
 And in faded blue uniform over me stand. 
 
 And the flash of a sword's bright steel fell on my eyes 
 
 As he said while on me his keen eyes he did fix,^^ 
 
 "Up, and fight with the Spirit of 'Seventy-Six !" 
 
 "Though no royal born tyrant a tax would impose, 
 And no red-coated armies are threatening us now ; 
 
 Still fair Liberty's menaced by deadlier foes ;— 
 By vile traitors at home, should we tamely allow 
 
 Them to work out their dirty political tricks !" 
 
 Said the patriot Spirit of 'Seventy-Six. 
 
 "Shall we cowardly bottle and cork up our wrath. 
 
 When the half-starved offender is hustled to jail. 
 While the rich scoundrel gets an 'immunity' bath ? 
 
 His campaign contributions will cease to avail 
 When we catch him repeating his rascally tricks !" 
 Quoth the irate old Spirit of 'Seventy-Six. 
 
 "There's the sleek financier, who would have you lay by 
 All the cash you can spare, to intrust to his care; 
 
 To help finance his Trust schemes to make living high :— 
 While he pockets the profits, and you are— nowhere. 
 
 But his plans will go wrong when the iron door clicks 
 
 At his back!" said the Spirit of 'Seventy-Six. 
 
 75 
 
'See the 'people's attorney' asleep at his post, 
 While monopolists flourish, and mangle and rob, 
 
 \nd destroy legal records, and perjure and boast ! 
 Should he seek for another political job, 
 
 ^e will find himself landed clean over the Styx, 
 
 iVith the help of the Spirit of 'Seventy-Six !" 
 
 'There's the Wall Street promoter, the 'confidence' man. 
 Who takes gilt-edged securities under the pump, 
 
 \nd then sells to the public at par if he can 
 What is more than half water ! Full soon we will dump 
 
 3n his own head his green goods, and gilded gold bricks !" 
 
 5pake the irate old Spirit of 'Seventy-Six. 
 
 'See the motley array of political crooks 
 In the pay of the rascals who fatten on 'loot" ! 
 
 (Vatch them scamper to cover with terrified looks 
 As the ring-leaders feel the impact of my boot ! 
 
 50 we'll clean out the cesspool of graft politics 
 
 /Vith a vim !" quoth the Spirit of 'Seventy-Six. 
 
 'Not with death-dealing arms must the battles be fought. 
 
 Up ! and use the free ballot our bullets have won ! 
 Vnd the sword of free speech that your brave sires bought 
 
 With their blood which still quickens each patriot son ! 
 "or no cowardly partisan ever can mix 
 Vith the patriot Spirit of 'Seventy-Six." 
 
 awoke. He was gone. But I realized then. 
 
 As the bold editorial columns I scanned, 
 rhat the Spirit still lived, and was leading true men 
 
 In the struggle for freedom for all our fair land 
 ^rom the reign of the grafter, and Trust-breeding cliques 
 rhat have roused the grim Spirit of 'Seventy-Six. 
 
 76 
 
TO A HYMN WRITER 
 
 O HOLY bard ! Thy words inspire 
 Within our hearts a fond desire 
 To see our God. Still may thy pen 
 Write deeply on the hearts of men. 
 
 Oh sing a song of long ago, 
 
 When locks are white, and heads bend low; 
 
 Or seize the ancient minstrel's lyre 
 
 To warm young hearts with sacred fire. 
 
 Sweep o'er our nature's tensive strings, 
 That peace may come, and care take wings : 
 In busy rush, or solitude. 
 Subdue our spirit's every mood. 
 
 A hymn for joy : — A hymn for pain : — 
 And when we part to meet again : — 
 And when we part to meet no more 
 Upon this shore : — Upon this shore. 
 
 17 
 
TO REV. H. H. BROWN 
 
 To you. at all times kind and neighborly, 
 Your neighbors wish the best prosperity : — 
 Too soon your kindly face we may not see. 
 
 And as this neighborly relation ends, 
 We trust this busy little clock may be 
 
 A timely gift to speak of old time friends, 
 Recording many happy times to come 
 When these old times have memories become. 
 
 78 
 
WINTER 
 
 Oh, Jack Frost has been busy with wonderful skill, 
 In the dead of the night he has worked with a will. 
 
 And his etchings now cover each pane. 
 Fairy woodland and valleys and mountains galore. 
 Sylvan lakes set in diamonds afloat and ashore. 
 Wonders built in a night, as in fairy-land lore, 
 For Winter is with us again. 
 
 And the snow's ghostly mantle is spread over all, 
 Lying deep upon meadow and fence-rail and wall, 
 
 And each tree wears its garment of white. 
 Soon the jingle of sleigh-bells is heard far and near. 
 And the chill of the air yields to mirth and good cheer. 
 For the days are superb, and the nights crisp and clear. 
 
 And made bright by the snow's mystic light. 
 
 Then hurrah for old Winter, its ice and its snow ! 
 
 With its skating and coasting that make young hearts glow ! 
 
 And the merry bells ringing in tune ! 
 When old Santa drops in with his reindeer and sleigh, 
 And our thoughts turn again to the first Qiristmas Day 
 When the "Star in the East" drove Earth's darkness away, 
 
 For Winter will leave us full soon. 
 
 79 
 
W23 
 
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