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 Poetical Gems 
 
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A COLLECTION 
 
 OF 
 
 Poetical Gems, 
 
 Memoriams of Deceased Persons, 
 
 accompanied by 
 
 Explanations of the Feasts of the Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 __ 
 
 BY MRS. C K. NICHOLS. 
 
 Dubuque. Iowa. 
 
 1879. 
 
.lists 
 
 4 
 
 n& co.* .— 
 
 \ Printers. 
 
 isr^ 
 
$- 
 
 -^T the solicitations of the inhabitants of Dubuque and 
 its vicinity, I have consented to publish this work, containing 
 many memoriams of the decease of departed friends. 
 
 I am aware that many will be gratified to purchase them 
 as they not only contain " laudations of the dead," but also 
 poems written on the several occasions of religion and expla- 
 nations of the feasts and ceremonies, to which many of the 
 rising generation may refer. 
 
 In submitting this small work to the "public, 
 
 " I hope they will pass my imperfections by. 
 Nor view it with a critic's eye," 
 
 And trust they may answer the purpose for which they are 
 designed. 
 
To my Daughters, 
 
 ANNA, EMMA AND MARY, 
 
 as a mark of 
 
 Affection and Unity, 
 
 this work is faithfully inscribed. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 Written for Mrs. A. G. 
 
 On re-visiting the scenes of courtship and the church where they 
 plighted their nuptial vows. 
 
 How pleasing those scenes, where I first met my 
 darling, 
 My beauteous young Anna, the chord of my life 
 Where my first vows were given, and her's fondly 
 were taken, 
 When I became her husband, and she my fond 
 wife. 
 Then, God in his infinite mercy and goodness, 
 Promised graces and blessings to those who 
 love Him, 
 And has graciously promised thro' all tribulations, 
 To secure us through sorrow, thro' sickness and 
 sin. 
 Though years have elapsed since the time I first 
 met her, 
 Eighteen in number, our love is the same, 
 And I hope will continue through life's dreary 
 slumber, 
 With our children to bless us, and pray for the 
 name. 
 
6 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 In Memory of the Rev. Father M. Flavin. 
 
 Who administered First Communion to the children of Dubuque, in 
 the year 1864. 
 
 How sad to the hearts of the youth of this city, 
 Are the tidings we hear of the death of our priest, 
 
 From whose hands we received our first Holy corn- 
 inunion, 
 But alas! the revered one, his being has ceased. 
 
 His soul has taken flight to those realms of glory — 
 The crown which he won by his efforts on earth, 
 
 The instruction of childhood, his favorite study, 
 Has Avon the affectionate hearts of youth. 
 
 Whose orisons rise to the powers of glory 
 
 And are wafted on high to the God whom he 
 served, 
 That he may be admitted to Jesus and Mary, 
 And hope for his soul that our prayers may be 
 heard. 
 
 Then when in the presence of those Powers celes- 
 tial, 
 May he plead for those children to him were so 
 dear, 
 That they also may win that great crown of glory, 
 Which is promised to all those, who persevere 
 here. 
 
poetical gems. 
 On the Demise of Miss Anna O'Hark. 
 
 Who departed this life Feb. 18, 1868, aged 18 years. 
 
 O! spotless, blessed Lady, 
 Intercede for thy dear child, 
 
 The namesake of your Mother, 
 A virgin meek and mild. 
 
 To Him who died upon the cross, 
 
 Two thousand years ago, 
 And who released her from her pains. 
 
 Her misery and woe. 
 
 O, Mother! a young virgin 
 On you hath a double claim, 
 
 Then take her to your bosom, 
 
 For she bore your Mother's name. 
 
 The saints are all rejoicing 
 
 For the world knows she has been 
 The emblem of true piety, 
 
 Who met her death serene. 
 
 Then intercede, dear Mary, 
 
 For this family of woe 
 And console a lonely sister, 
 
 For her who is laid low. 
 
 Whose soul the angels wafted 
 To the Father and the Son, 
 
 Likewise the Holy Spirit 
 
 Whose three persons are in one. 
 
8 poetical gems. 
 
 In Memory of the Demise of Rev. Father Byrne, 
 Pastor of Oakland, California. 
 
 And art thou gone! thou loved one; 
 
 Is God's annointed gone? 
 To Him who has ascended, 
 
 I mean God's only Son. 
 
 Each hearth and home rebounded, 
 
 At his presence all conspired, 
 To imitate his faithfulness 
 
 Whose manners all admired. 
 
 Alas! we are left lonely, 
 
 Our patron and our friend. 
 As a shepherd he protected us 
 
 And did his flock defend. 
 
 His manners, mild and gentle, 
 
 Shone in his face so bright, 
 An emblem of the Christian 
 
 Endowed with God's own light. 
 
 Six suns revolved amongst us, 
 While the poor he did befriend, 
 
 To alleviate their sufferings, 
 Mis earthly goods did lend. 
 
 The young, the old, the lame, and blind, 
 
 Their sufferings were assuaged, 
 By applying to God's servant 
 
 At whose feet their cares were laid. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 As He was pleased to take him 
 To those bright realms above, 
 
 May the Virgin guide all those he leaves 
 By Her eternal love. 
 
 And may we be re-united 
 
 In the mansions of the blessed, 
 
 Where the wicked cease from troubling, 
 And the weary are at rest. 
 
 On the Death oe the Infant, D. P. W. 
 
 And addressed to his friends. 
 
 Sweet cherubim of innocence, 
 Thou art passed away from earth, 
 
 No more the little fragile form 
 Shall greet our home with mirth. 
 
 The Angel babe has taken flight, 
 Where myriad spirits dwell, 
 
 And he will plead for those on earth 
 Who loved him here so well. 
 
 Then loving parents, cease to mourn, 
 Thy child has gone to rest, 
 
 Where he obeys the will of Him, 
 Who knoweth what is best. 
 
 Then when earth's pilgrimage is o'er, 
 
 And we are called above, 
 His angel hand will beckon ye, 
 To the bright realms of love. 
 Dubuque, 1878. 
 
10 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 In Memory of the late J. J. E. Norman. 
 
 Who was killed by a fall from a buggy. Addressed to his widow. 
 
 Oh! -sincere is the grief with which we address thee, 
 Thou widow of him who was true to the cause 
 
 Of instructing the youthful, in this our small city,* 
 For the past thirteen years he has won our. 
 applause. 
 
 We sympathize truly with you, his dear mourner, 
 For our zealous friend who maintained the school 
 rules; 
 And will prove by our conduct how deep we de- 
 plore him, 
 And remember his precepts, in governing the 
 schools. 
 
 To his wife and dear children, ye mourners in sor- 
 row, 
 
 Reflect on His hand who dealt the great blow, 
 And consider the thoughts of your greeting to- 
 morrow, 
 Io that land of the blest, where we all hope to go. 
 
 Where joy is the portion of souls that are faithful — 
 The promise of Him who once lived on the earth, 
 
 And who said, "After Me your cross must be borne," 
 If you wish to enjoy the great haven of mirth. 
 
 *Mr. Norman was superintendent of the public schools of Du- 
 buque for thirteen years. 
 
POETICAL GEMS 11 
 
 Then oh! my dear friends, I hope He will con- 
 sole ye, 
 In this direful stroke of affliction he gave, 
 Pour thy soul's effusions to him who redeemedus, 
 And he will give balm for the wound, e'er ye 
 leave. 
 
 Ox the Demise of Miss A. M. 
 
 Who resigned her soul to Ham who gave it, Sept 18, 1870. 
 
 Amelia, thy daughter, thy heart's fondest treasure, 
 She is gone! to the throne of our Father above, 
 
 Among the beloved ones who there are assembled, 
 She now joins her praises of honor and love. 
 
 From this barren planet of sorrow she's wended 
 To those brighter realms, 'mongst seraphs to 
 dwell, 
 
 Her beauty and loveliness, burst forth in splendor, 
 But alas! like a flower in the autumn she fell. 
 
 The home where she bloomed, has now one 
 mourning sister, 
 
 Your dearest Anne Mary, whom ye loved so well, 
 Likewise her dear parents who now feel so weary, 
 
 Since that lonely morning she bade ye farewell. 
 
 On the grave of your darling the green grass may 
 flourish, 
 At her head the white marble to point out her 
 name, 
 
11 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 And though your fond hearts her mem'ry mai 
 cherish, 
 
 Ye cannot recall her to this earth again. 
 Clothed in white garments, thy child is now presen 
 
 Adoring our Father in that holy land, 
 Likewise our dear Saviour and the Holy Spirit 
 
 Whose Godhead we worship in one holy band. 
 Let assurance console ye, dear friends of Amelia, 
 
 She will meet you in heaven when this life is o'er 
 Rejoicing with myriads of angels in glory, 
 
 Where sorrow and troubles will then be no more 
 
 In Memory of Mr. Francis Hargus, and Mr. 
 Remington. 
 
 Who were drowned in the Mississippi River, at Dubuque, Iowa, ox 
 August 15th, 1872. 
 
 Away! away! ye notes of woe, 
 
 Consider — ye shall meet again, 
 In those bright spheres beyond the grave, 
 
 Where sleep thy son, and Remington. 
 
 The river's undulating waves, 
 
 Soaked in thy Frankie's form so young, 
 
 While fishing in those burning rays; 
 Sad news to fall from human tongue. 
 
 Twice did lie rise among the waves, 
 
 The sign that's given by drowning men, 
 
 When to his rescue 'mongst the laves, 
 Dashed in poor Mr. Remington. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 13 
 
 For a while they struggled both for life, 
 But alas! they met a watery grave, 
 
 Oh! direful news for thy poor wife, 
 The loss of Remington the brave. 
 
 They're gone! they're drowned! resounds aloud; 
 
 Alas! the shock of grief is real; 
 May He who reigns above the clouds, 
 
 Console their friends in their cry of wail. 
 
 Dear Mrs. Hargus, thy darling son 
 
 Has gone to the land of sprites, 
 Where he sees thy unconsoling grief 
 
 And will meet you again with heavenly lights. 
 
 His father, too, again will he greet, 
 
 In that land dealt out to those whom he loves, 
 Where his seraph tones thy ears will meet, 
 
 In praises of Him who died for us. 
 
 Sweet sister Lillie, come, oh! come, 
 To those realms of unfading light, 
 
 For you know when your glass of life is run, 
 You will then be translated to glory bright. 
 
 There amidst celestial choirs, 
 
 Proclaiming to our God above, 
 
 Hosanahs on the heavenly lyre, 
 
 To the Omnipotent above. 
 
 CN. 
 
14 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 In Memory of L. Malony, Esq. 
 
 Who died June, 1873. 
 
 How sweet to revert to the memory of him, 
 Who lies mouldering now in the dust, 
 
 He lived in this world of woe, pain and sin, 
 
 But is now in the land of the just. 
 The prophet on earth said " sloth is sin," 
 
 From which my dear husband was freed, 
 As his energies here were beyond the town din, 
 
 In building and tilling the mead. 
 His efforts on earth have descended to us, 
 
 In this valley of fruit, flowers and trees, 
 We hope he is now in the land of the just, 
 
 In return for giving us these. 
 Our attachment for him the grave don't conceal, 
 
 In this region of troubles and cares, 
 As we think of him daily thro' woe and thro' weal, 
 
 And for him waft our fond prayers. 
 My troubles on earth no mortal can know, 
 
 As I veil them all in my own heart 
 And offer them up to the holy above 
 
 Who was not bereft of a dart. 
 
 On the Death of a Young Lady, 
 
 Aged 14 years, and whose friends were almost inconsolable for her 1 
 
 Why mourn the death of the angel, 
 Your dear little daughter is gone 
 
 To the mansions of Him who redeemed her 
 For a while she has left you alone. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 15 
 
 Then dear friends let assurance console ye, 
 And consider again ye will greet 
 
 Where the glory of God hath enlightened — 
 And the Lamb is the lamp ye shall meet. 
 
 The Virgin to whom she was faithful, 
 In this valley of sorrow and tears, 
 
 Will conduct her as holy and truthful, * 
 To those blessed and holier spheres. 
 
 Then dear friends, etc. 
 
 Oh repine not then at her removal 
 
 To a better and happier sphere, 
 In the land of the blest and the faithful, 
 
 She is shining most gloriously there. 
 
 Then dear friends, etc. 
 
 In Memoey of a Babe. 
 
 Who died aged 2 years and 3 months. 
 
 Another seraph form has fled, 
 From this bleak world of ours, 
 
 And gone to those bright realms above, 
 Where pain nor sorrow lowers. 
 
 Oh ! then dear parents mourn not here 
 
 Thy pet and darling child, 
 As she is now in care of Him 
 
 Who comforts the exiled. 
 
16 POETICAL GEMS, 
 
 Then cast thy cares upon the Lord, 
 
 Who said "I am the life;' 
 And He who guides the sparrow's wing 
 
 Will comfort thy dear wife. 
 Then praise the Lor.d and yield your will, 
 
 He knoweth what is best, 
 And ye shall meet the little babe, 
 
 That now is gone to rest. 
 
 Her sponsor's gift of love she held, 
 
 With the spirit glad; 
 Ere now she pleads for those she loved, 
 
 Though in her heavenly bed. 
 Her aunties dear, who cherished her, 
 
 Must cease to weep and pine, 
 If they will merit that reward, 
 
 Where heavenly virtues shine. 
 Feb. 2cl 1878. 
 
 In Memory of Miss M. A. Gandolfo. 
 
 Who departed this life Aug. 31st, 1874, and was devoted to the Virgin. 
 
 Has death another victim gained, 
 
 And Christ another saint? 
 The lonely one he did release 
 
 When weary, weak and faint, 
 
 Her devotion to the Holy One, 
 
 Has met with its reward, 
 In the company of angels, 
 
 She adores our heavenly Lord. 
 
1874. 
 
 POETICAL GEMS. lY 
 
 Her patient resignation, 
 
 In all the ills of life, 
 Her devotion to the Virgin, 
 
 While in this world of strife: 
 
 Did plead at God's high altar, 
 
 For the poor departed soul 
 Of Mary, the afflicted, 
 
 Who attained the heavenly goal. 
 
 May she in heaven a blessing ask 
 
 Of Him who died for all, 
 When we have finished here our task, 
 
 To obey the heavenly call. 
 
 In Memory of R. Nichol, Galena. 
 
 Who departed this life Aug. 7th. 1877. 
 
 His generous life will plead for him, 
 
 Although we mourn him here, 
 He's gone from us where pain, nor sin, 
 
 Will e'er provoke a tear. 
 The Virgin pure will wait on him, 
 
 To guide him to her Son 
 Who died for us, and may we meet 
 
 When worldly strife is done. 
 Then in our evening orisons, 
 
 We'll waft our prayers for him 
 To gain the crown, once promised us, 
 
 By Him who died for sin. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 In Memoriam of James M. Brown. 
 
 In reply to his " Mother's farewell." 
 
 Yes! fond mother, you have bidden 
 
 To your son a last farewell, 
 But consider, he is taken 
 
 Up to heaven, where saints do dwell. 
 
 He is now among the chosen, 
 Four and forty thousands men, 
 
 Bearing on his forehead marks 
 Of our Creator and the Lamb. 
 
 Your son was chosen as being purest, 
 And more fit to dwell with Him, 
 
 Being meek and mild and gentle, 
 " Undefiled," and free from sin. 
 
 He has gained the promise given, 
 
 "And in his mouth was found no lie," 
 
 " Spotless," he is gone to heaven — 
 There you'll meet him when you die. 
 
 He is singing the "-new canticle," 
 Of Harpers harping on the harp, 
 
 As none can sound that music holy, 
 But those purchased from the earth. 
 
 Then in hosannahs he is singing 
 
 Benedictions to the Son, 
 Glory, honor, alleluia, 
 
 Now Salvation lie has won. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 19 
 
 Resign yourself then, dear, kind mother, 
 
 He is sending up his prayer, 
 That when this life's trouble changes 
 You'll he wafted to him there. 
 
 Anoc. Verses 2d, 4th, 5th. 
 Dubuque, Feb. 12th, 1819. 
 
 In Memoriam of Miss Ellie Crumley. 
 
 Who departed this life May 5th, 1879. 
 
 Month of flowers, darling Ellie 
 
 Took her flight to Him on high, 
 Her spirit's wafted to the Saviour, 
 
 She's severed every earthly tie. 
 Sweetest flower, thou hast left mourners, 
 
 Parents, brothers, friends so dear, 
 Each one knew thy gentle manners, 
 
 Each for thee shall drop a tear. 
 Devoted mother — cease thy mourning, 
 
 Thou must bear thy cross while here, 
 Conforming to the mandates given, 
 
 In heaven you shall meet your dear. 
 Let this assurance then console ye, 
 
 Father, mother, brothers two, 
 She is singing haleluiahs 
 
 Since she bade that sad "adieu." 
 " Bless the Lord," the last words spoken, 
 
 By that young and tender child, 
 He responded to her yearning, 
 
 And transferred that virgin mild. 
 
20 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 Darling Ellie, young and beauteous, 
 Thou art freed from care and strife, 
 
 Thy dwelling is among the angels, 
 Where we may meet in after life. 
 
 C.K.N. 
 
 On the Assumption. 
 
 The explanation of the display of the flag composed of the color 
 green and white. 
 
 Oh why do we carry this emblem of green, 
 
 Or why do we float to the breezes 
 The insignia of nature, the sweet evergreen, 
 
 Which now floats by the wind as it pleases? 
 Commingled with white we are proud to display, 
 
 The emblem of purity's treasure, 
 And as we parade o'er the streets on to-day, 
 
 We hail it with glory and pleasure. 
 On this anniversary we all do unite 
 
 In proclaiming our reverence here, 
 For her who consented to be the true cause 
 
 Of redeeming us all by her fear 
 Of mankind until she had known, 
 
 That redemption was by her to come, 
 And as she consented His Mother to be, 
 
 Our sins were atoned by her Son: 
 
 Who took on Himself the form of a man, 
 Though His Godhead unchanged as before, 
 
 Combined are three in one equal bond, 
 As the shamrock foretold us of yore. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 21 
 
 o-day the pure Virgin ascended to Him, 
 Though twelve years had elapsed since he went 
 before her to heaven where she was assumed 
 By angels triumphantly sent. 
 
 here, crowned by her Son, in glory she sits 
 At His right hand to plead for us here, 
 °flay we co-operate with her pleadings for us 
 Above angels we do her revere. 
 
 C K. N. 
 
 On the Nativity. 
 Sing, oh! my tongue, the Saviour's glory, 
 
 Christ our Lord is born to-day, 
 Of a virigin meek aud lowly, 
 
 Sons of men and angels pray. 
 
 By a star were shepherds guided 
 
 To the crib in Bethlehem, 
 There they found their Saviour lying, 
 
 Where the Virgin laid him then. 
 
 Those wise shepherds gave their ofPrings, 
 Gold and frankincense and myrrh, 
 
 And returning sung His praises 
 Excel sis gloria in the air. 
 
 But King Herod, being jealous, 
 Fearing he might be dethroned, 
 
 To his subjects sent a message 
 
 To slay all children three years old. 
 
22 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 Babes, sweet innocents, fell victims 
 To the stern and dire decree, 
 
 And are shining martyrs holy. 
 Which is celebrated annually. 
 
 The Ascension and Whit Sunday. 
 To-day our Saviour has ascended, 
 
 To his Father in the skies, 
 He all glorious, and immortal, 
 
 From Mount Olivet did arise, 
 After gaining the redemption 
 
 Of the world for which He dies. 
 
 Forty days elapsed since He 
 
 Burst the chains of earth and hell. 
 Then He rose victoriously 
 
 From the grave, where saints did dwell. 
 There he announced the glorious tidings 
 
 To the captives being held 
 Four thousand years in the prison, 
 
 Expectant of the coming Saviour, 
 Which at last their eyes beheld. 
 
 On parting with His own apostles 
 
 And disciples to Him dear, 
 A promise He did make unto them, 
 
 Inspiring them in their career, 
 According to the promise given 
 
 The Paraclete was sent to them 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 23 
 
 As of a mighty wind being driven, 
 
 To the house they sat in then 
 And on each of his disciples 
 
 The Holy Ghost descended there 
 In the form of tongues of fire, 
 
 Speaking without dread or fear. 
 
 Medes, and Perthians and Judea, 
 
 Crete and Arab, Rome and Jew, 
 Were astounded at the knowledge, 
 
 Each his own tongue quickly knew. 
 Though these men are Galileans, 
 
 To us they spoke this blessed morn, 
 Every language in this world, 
 
 We understand, since we were born. 
 1868. 
 
 Written During the Civil War of 1863. 
 
 On reading an extract from the "Albany Argus'' saying : " We hope 
 'tis not treason to s;iy, 'God save our country.' " 
 
 Save our country, dearest Saviour, 
 
 Listen to thy people's cries, 
 Let not discord disunite us, 
 
 Or our Union breaks and dies. 
 
 Save our country, Holy Father, 
 
 Thou hast told us all to pray, 
 And when we knock, that thou wouldst rather 
 
 Hear, than turn thy face away. 
 
24 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 Save our country, Holy Spirit, 
 Hearken to thy people's prayer, 
 
 When in thy temples we implore thee, 
 Thou wilt surely hear us there. 
 
 Faithful Virgin, she whose sorrows 
 Ne'er were felt by mortals here, 
 
 Intercede for peace and union, 
 He is sure Thy prayers to hear. 
 
 Holy saints, we now implore ye, 
 
 Intercede for soldiers all, 
 Let not drafting be the medium, 
 
 Which will serve our country's call. 
 
 Oh! great God, restore our Union 
 
 To its pristine loveliDess, 
 We implore thy interference 
 
 That Thou wilt our Union bless. 
 
 Heavenly God, restore our Union, 
 Make it what it was before 
 
 Abraham Lincoln was elected, 
 We fear 'tis lost forevermore. 
 
poetical gems. 25 
 
 Address to an Orphan Child. 
 
 Sweet orphan girl, you have a claim 
 On Him whose promise is sincere: 
 
 Who said, "A Father I will be 
 To him who has no parent here." 
 
 The child that's humble, loving, kind, 
 Conforming to its guardian's will, 
 
 That child a blessing shall receive, 
 From Me, the Lord of dale and hill; 
 
 Who ordered children to be brought 
 To Him some thousand years ago, 
 
 And who did place them in the midst, 
 While teaching in this world of woe. 
 
 And said, " Unless you do become 
 
 As innocent as children dear, 
 The heavenly mansions shall be shut 
 
 On all created beings here." 
 
 Then cast thy cares, my little child, 
 
 On Him who clad the flowers that grow, 
 
 Who promised to protect thee, child, 
 
 Thro' sun, or shade, thro' storm and snow. 
 
 Then, dearest Anna, try to be 
 A kind and loving, gentle child, 
 
 And heaven your reward will be 
 After a life that's calm and mild. 
 
 1870. 
 
26 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 To My Youngest Daughter. 
 
 On the anniversary of her birth. 
 
 All welcome now, thrice happy day 
 That gave to me my little May, 
 A stranger now my little child 
 To this cold world and all its wiles. 
 
 May heaven preserve thy little heart, 
 Designed, I hope for nobler parts, 
 And fit it for that bright above, 
 The promise of our dearest Lord. 
 
 Thy little senses are designed 
 As emblems of the angelic mind, 
 And may thy lips in accents sweet 
 Praise thy Creator mild and meek. 
 
 And pray to Him, that He may bless 
 Thy earthly parents who caress 
 Their youngest babe and fondest doat, 
 And be their staff, their life, their hope. 
 
 Five suns revolved since thou wert given, 
 The last and dearest gift of heaven, 
 Then may the saints unite in prayer 
 That you a heavenly crown may wear. 
 
 And may the Holy Yirgin now 
 Adorn thy little childish brow 
 With shining virtues all through life, 
 Whether you be mother, nun or wife. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 27 
 
 Written at My Departure from Visiting 
 Relatives. 
 
 In this sequestered valley 
 
 Far from the world I roam 
 With gratitude uplifted, 
 
 To the former friends at home. 
 
 My dearest cousin Jeannie, 
 
 With all her children dear, 
 Sweet Annie and Teresa, 
 
 And all the brothers dear. 
 
 Cemented in one union, 
 
 The emblem of Christ's fold, 
 Oh! may heaven to this family, 
 
 Its utmost works unfold. 
 
 Their generous-hearted father, 
 
 Who toils for daily bread, 
 The mission which God gave us all, 
 
 Shed blessings on his head. 
 
 Then farewell, loving children, 
 
 For a time I part with you, 
 And pray for your fond Auntie, 
 
 As I now must bid adieu. 
 
 1869. 
 
28 poetical gems. 
 
 On Witnessing the Grief of a Child. 
 
 Whose doll had been inadvertently trod on by her pa. 
 
 Frail image of a fragile flower 
 I trod on you in an evil hour, 
 Alas! what woes are caused to me 
 Whose brightest hopes I daily won. 
 
 Oh! how shall I the fault repair? 
 
 To my darling Minnie, whose bright hair 
 
 Contrasted with her little doll, 
 
 Her joy and pastime — now is gall. 
 
 But ere another week doth pass, 
 I'll have a doll for my pretty lass, 
 Which shall far surpass the one she had, 
 That was broken by her loving Dad. 
 
 Oh! mother you can ne'er replace 
 The image of its loving face, 
 With eyes so bright and cheeks so fair, 
 To match its form 'tis very rare. 
 
 But if all o'er the town you trace 
 And find no match in any place, 
 You'll have at length (as you're so kind), 
 Exert yourself, its wounds to bind. 
 
poetical gems. 29 
 
 Home of My Youth. 
 
 On re-visiting my native land after an absence of twenty -eight years. 
 
 Though absent from my native land, 
 
 Full twenty years and more, 
 I tread the scenes of youthful days, 
 
 And greet the friends of yore. 
 
 And as I sigh for days gone bye, 
 And those who have gone before, 
 
 I raise my heart to Him on high, 
 In praises evermore! 
 
 Then, as I tread o'er hill and dale, 
 
 Inhaling perfumed flowers, 
 The scent now borne on the gale 
 
 Reminds of happy hours. 
 
 Of earliest walks around my home, 
 'Mid primrose pale, and violet blue, 
 . And ivy ever twining round 
 
 The hawthorne bush of sacred hue. 
 
 The modest daisie bends its head 
 
 While stepping o'er the fields so green, 
 
 And lily tall contrasted rears 
 
 Its head among the flowers unseen. 
 
 And must I leave those early scenes — 
 With pangs heart rending I deplore, 
 
 Those scenes — the Island of my birth, 
 Perhaps to never visit more. 
 
30 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 But when on ocean's fearful gale 
 
 While trusting to our heavenly guide, 
 Amidst the sea-spray's dashing foam, 
 
 Or rolling waves or foaming tide; 
 And when our boat on the water floats 
 
 Swiftly and safely home, 
 I'll think on those friends I leave behind, 
 
 As I sail on the wide sea foam. 
 Then when in my adopted land, 
 
 Those friends I leave will fill my mind, 
 As I take a retrospective view 
 
 Of those kind hearts I leave behind. 
 Then fare thee well, my native land, 
 
 Adieu — adieu, forevermore 
 Those flowering scenes — that blessed Isle, 
 
 Alas! to never visit more. 
 Sept. 12th, 1878. 
 
 By Request. 
 
 Written on board the Montana, on returning from Ireland, Novem- 
 ber 5th, 1878. 
 
 On this wide expanse of ocean, 
 
 My child I write to thee, 
 And think of our parting, dearest, 
 
 On the Sabbath ere I crossed the sea. 
 
 Your image, dearest, 
 
 Was ne'er from my mind erased, 
 And the visions of our happy hours, 
 
 Have never left my breast. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 31 
 
 But oh! my dear child, how grateful 
 
 I will be when we meet again, 
 In love and joy and unity, 
 
 No! never to part again. 
 
 As I sit on board the Montana, 
 
 And look at my daughter dear, 
 Who bore all my cares and trials 
 
 As well as my joys and fears. 
 
 I bless her young heart, which was fearless, 
 Through sorrow and joy and pain, 
 
 And hope she will reap the profits 
 Through sunshine, snow and rain. 
 
 No fond delusive vapor 
 
 Under the voice of God, 
 Shall e'er beguile my feelings 
 
 To listen to a fraud. 
 
 My husband I'll ever cherish, 
 
 Nor think of the days gone by, 
 When parting to look for riches, 
 
 Which shall end when we all must die. 
 
 Then oh! my dear fond children, 
 
 How nice when we meet again 
 In love and joy and unity, 
 
 No, never to part again. 
 
32 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 A Son's Request of His Mothee to Remember 
 His Benefactress. 
 
 Remember her for thy dear sake! 
 
 Ah! yes; while through life's path I roam, 
 Her kindness ne'er will be forgot 
 
 To him who's far from friends and home. 
 
 And at no very distant day 
 
 My grateful heart will swell to see 
 
 The benefactress of my son, 
 
 Who kindly treated him and me. 
 
 Then hoping soon to see ye both, 
 In this your home as well as mine, 
 
 I'll welcome ye, and nothing loth, 
 
 Will clasp her in those arms of mine. 
 Nov. 21th, 1877. 
 
 Verses. 
 
 Addressed to a lady named Mary, who had numerous troubles. 
 
 Mary — favoured name of Him 
 Who the world redeemed from sin, 
 Look up to Him who does bestow 
 Grace to us mortals here below. 
 
 Dear Mary, when in trouble see, 
 The pangs He bore, and all for thee, 
 Then, Mary, call on Him and find 
 All solace for thy bleeding mind. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 33 
 
 You know, dear Mary, what he has given, 
 Be patient then, look np to heaven, 
 If thou obeyed His command 
 He'll place you, sure, at His right hand. 
 
 Take courage, then, be not afraid, 
 Pursue the course which He has laid; 
 When you are crossed, oh! think on God, 
 Your dwelling when beneath the sod. 
 
 Then come, dear Mary, do not fear, 
 Oh! come the word of God to hear, 
 And He'll embrace his penitent, 
 To save your soul, He was once sent. 
 
 And peace and comfort He will bring, 
 And you will then hosannahs sing 
 Unto the holy three in One, 
 Who sent to us His only Son. 
 May 1st, 1860. 
 
 On Being Requested an Advice, by a Lady on 
 
 the Choice of a State of Life. 
 Candor impels me, Mary, to commend 
 That youthful form with the name of friend, 
 Your beauty, youth, and goodness, do combine, 
 The prompt selection of those little lines; 
 As through life's varied trials you may go, 
 (May heaven preserve you from all future woe), 
 Then when afflicted call on Mary's aid, 
 
84 POETICAL GEMS. 
 
 Than whom no greater saints in glory's shade 
 Her name you hear, therefore the promise given 
 Rebounds to you, though all earth's cares are riven, 
 Conjoined her mother's, may they hand in hand 
 Lead you their daughter to the promised land, 
 And may your virtues, in this world shine, 
 With rays refulgent, which adorn the mind, 
 So ardent, generous, loving, and sincere, 
 That all may love and greet, who know you here: — 
 And may the patrons of your earthly name, 
 Guide you the haven to select from bane; 
 As life at best is but an earthly show, 
 The end of which our bodies are laid low. 
 Not so the soul which soars above to Him, 
 Who reigns on high, and died to expiate sin — 
 Where you may dwell will ever be the prayer 
 Of her who loves you fondly and sincere. 
 Nov. 24th, 1810. 
 
 A Valedictory. 
 
 TO THE TEACHER. 
 
 As now the time has come at last, 
 
 That we must part with our dear teacher., 
 From whom we learned all the arts, 
 
 Which will adorn our lives hereafter — 
 We offer thee our grateful thanks, 
 
 For giving us our education, 
 Despite of fortune's varied pranks 
 
 We'll mind vou in our future station. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 35 
 
 Your manners mild, though eloquent, 
 
 To our young hearts were quite imposing, 
 
 The impressions on our minds were sent, 
 No fear will be of ever losing. 
 
 TO THE PUPILS. 
 
 Alas the pang is now severe, 
 
 That bids me from my schoolmates part, 
 To take me now from those so dear, 
 
 It rends my young and tender heart. 
 
 Well! we have passed some happy times, 
 And joy will mingle with the thought, 
 
 When thinking of those little lines, 
 The first effusions we have caught. 
 
 The play-grounds where we used to run, 
 And spend the hours in childish play, 
 
 But now alas! the time has come, 
 And we must now no longer stay. 
 
 Three years elapsed, since our debut, 
 We think they fled on angels' wings, 
 
 But now we bid ye all adieu, 
 
 Our hearts unto our teachers cling. 
 
 But oh! what joy the thoughts impart, 
 
 When to our minds we do recall, 
 With health and happiness of heart, 
 
 That we each day may see you all. 
 
36 poetical gems. 
 
 Effusions of a Gentleman 
 
 On an engagement of marriage to his former lore. 
 
 And do I dream! or is it true? 
 
 My former love, though then a boy, 
 That I am being blest with you, 
 
 Will be the source of future joy. 
 
 Together oft we trod the plains, 
 
 Where I unfurled my former love, 
 But time unfolds the tender tale, 
 
 And I'll be blest with her I love. 
 Then welcome to my home, sweet maid, 
 
 Companion to my sister dear, 
 I'll love thee through life's stormy shade, 
 
 Devotion from a heart sincere. 
 Then when our hearts in union bound, 
 
 And blest with those marital ties, 
 This thread of life will then be found, 
 
 Converted to a Paradise. 
 
 To My Bride. 
 Blow ye breezes gently o'er her, 
 
 Fan her through life's troubled sea, 
 Let no crosses e'er come o'er her, 
 
 Unredressed by heaven or me. 
 Precious gift of heaven, I prize thee, 
 
 Given to me by God above, 
 I shall ever guard and guide thee. 
 
 To that haven of Christ's love. 
 
POETICAL GEMS. 37 
 
 On Receiving a Present of Books from an 
 Unknown Friend. 
 
 Pray! what kind donor gave to us, 
 Those topic books we prize so much? 
 On Monday they first met our eyes, 
 And gave to us a nice surprise. 
 Could we the real donor know, 
 We'd laud him high for doing so, 
 As gifts enhance their value twice, 
 By being sent so very nice. 
 
 Sonnet. 
 
 On the Anniversary of the State Fair of Iowa. Sept., 1863. 
 
 All hail! thou bright auspicious day, 
 
 Thrice welcome back again, 
 
 That dost encourage all the arts 
 
 And sciences of men. 
 
 How many through the byegone year, 
 
 Have tried to seek for fame, 
 
 And hope to find on its return, 
 
 Their efforts not in vain. 
 
 Should disappointment sadden all 
 
 The hopes they nurtured then, 
 
 Discouragement will be the bane 
 
 Of arts and science then. 
 
38 poetical gems. 
 
 By a Pupil ox Receiving Her Teacher's 
 Picture. 
 Sweet pattern of excellence — emblem of truth, 
 From you I received the instructions of youth, 
 Oh! could I express the affection I feel 
 On viewing your picture thro' woe and thro' weal. 
 Believe me, dear teacher, in subsequent years, 
 I shall view it with pleasure, and dew it with tears, 
 As being the sonvenir given to me, 
 By my dearest Miss Billiard, kind hearted and free. 
 1870. 
 
 Effusions of Gratitude. 
 As I lay on my couch on a morning in spring, 
 I meditated profoundly on the goodness of Him 
 Who was sent as an angel, to cheer the lone way 
 Of my dear widowed mother, and to brighten the 
 
 stay 
 Of her dreary abode, until lightened by one, 
 Who behaves kind and loving, as though he were 
 
 her son. 
 
 And her amiable consort, no less so than him, 
 May the Virgin protect her from sickness and sin, 
 And guide her at last to that haven of rest, 
 Where the wicked cease troubling and the weary 
 
 find rest. 
 My children all love her, and for her they pray, 
 Both, Anna and Emma, and Jamesy and May. 
 
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