LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Chap. Copyright No. Jf7/ Shelf._:__ilJ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. /Tt/Cc/ty^ ^' -V fyi^-l^ rpOEMS ILLUSTfRATEfD. ^ (COPYEIGHTED.) Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1895, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at WashingtonyD. C. by HELEN F. TROY. SYRACUSE, N. Y/ J. J. HiLLSBERG, Printer. 1897. GOJvTTMJ^TS. PAGE The Prophesis of Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah - - 9 Sidella -_.___ 22 The Dreamers - - - - - - 49 Mac Gray ------ 54 Stella 65 Seaman Ben - - _ , - gO Judath The Prophetess - - - - 84 Canadian Jim - - - - - 89 Spirit ...-..- 95 Olivia - - - . _ 98 The Hour the Shadows Gather - - - 118 I Love Him and I Hate Him _ _ - 119 The Striving, Restless Mind of Man - - 120 Some Day - - - - - 121 Saturday Night - - - - - 122 The Midnight Hour - - - - . 123 The Daughter of the Rajah - - - 124 Sleigh-Bells 125 On Pila's Peak 126 Hovv^ Strange _ . - . - 127 Will Summer Sun Shine Bright Again - - 128 O, Ever Spreading Blessed Light - - 129 Progression - - - - 130 The Poppy - - - - 132 Song - - - - - 133 Individuality - - - - 134 Socrates - - _ . - 136 Je Vous Aime - - - - 137 To Frederick Douglass - - - 138 Life - - - _ - 139 CONTENTS. April - . _ . . 137 Why is the Soul oftimes so Sad - - - 140 The Drizzling, Dripping Rain - - 141 I Ijong to Hear the Organ Peal - - - 142 All Alone - - - - 143 Magdalene - . . . 144 He who says there is no God - - 145 Independence - - - 146, 163 Alone ... - . 147 Summer's Lovely Season - - 148 Tired Spirit ... - 149 The Concert Hall Singer - - - 150 Trials - - - - 152 Rest of Song - - - - 153 Why Does Your Face Haunt Me So - 154 Cried The Crow - - - - 155 An Empty Nest - - - 156 Silence .... 157 Scorn - - - - - 158 The Music of the Spheres - - - 159 When the Dead Leaves Fall - - 160 At Last - - - - - 161 Rights of Man - - - 162 Autumn - - - - - 164 Alone - - - - 165 Dear Old Home - ... 165 Dead Leaves - - - 166 The Church Bells in the Valley - - 167 Tired Soul - - - - " - 168 My Soul Thou Art ... - 169 Nothing Between Us Now Dear But Regret - 170 Why ! When the Moon's Rays Shine - - 171 The Wounded Heart - - - 172 The Falseness of Form - - - 173 A Wild Rose on a "La France" - - 174 The Broken Down Race - - - 175 CONTENTS. Learn to be Peaceful - - - 176 When Love was Mine - - - 177 In Youth - - - - 177 Where Do I Wish to go When I Shall Die - 178 The Sacred Cave - - - 179 To Alexandre Dumas - - - 192 Helos and Lillian _ . _ 197 An Indian Legend - . . 205 Madame Lascaire - _ . 218 Prayer to Knowledge - - - 241 The Story of Nourhalia - - 242 Some new rhyme and reasons Why we should live And give the world in seasons The best we have to give. HELEN F. TKOY. July 18, 1895. And His look was sad and sweet Threw His Robe back— and this done Scars were on His Hands and Feet And He said "I Am The One." THE PROPHESIES OF DEY- GAR - NAH - WE' - DAH Chief of many — many nations Dey-gar-nah-v/e-dah — brave and wise Brought his people peace relations From the very distant skies. Tjld them how he turned to eagle — Soaring o'er the land and sea Looked he now so proud and regal As he spoke his prophesy. In the council — spake the red man I have much to tell you here List' my people to this plan — Which will save you from all fear. I have come back from the mountain § And my nest among the trees Where the ocean's flowing fountain Gently meets the summer's breeze. Fish and birds — and living beast' Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah brought in pairs Gathered round from west to east As if relieved of burden'd cares. *Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah interpreted means Eagle. § Catskill. For the story contained in the above poem the author is indebted to the kindness of Isaac Thomas, M. D. a Mo- hawk Indian, whose book "Religious Revelations" of the Indian Nations is about to be published. 10 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAIl. Forty days— ana forty nights \Vill the mighty waters flow Covering all the mountain heights Spoke Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah slow. Come my jjeople — heed the warning — To the valley — lying low Long before the hoars of morning Will the mighty waters flow. Some they were who quickly fled To the very highest hill Others there — who proudly led Back again with scorning will. Some there were — with doubting smile At his story — as of yore Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah loved to wile Idle fancies — nothing more. Scattered they — but few remained To heed the word the prophet spake Two of every tribe — contained To listen — for his own dear sake. Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah led them all To the depths — the lowest vale * The towering hills appeared a wall Which made his followers bewail. All wiio go upon the hills Are the words the prophet said Go to die. ^ Ha-wah-ne'-u wills To save the people not afraid. * Hudson § Ha-wah-ne'-u Great spirit. THE rKOPIIESlES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 11 One mile square — the prophet measured When the low land had been reached Many years the red man treasured The tale Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah preached. Closely gathered in this square Heads bow'd down with shivering fear Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah standing there And his face is shining clear. Toward the sky — he turnes.his eyes Sweeping like the eagles glance Dark clouds cover now the skies Darkness that came not by chance. In torrents fell the heavy rain Black night reigned upon the earth Millions now had felt the pain And obedience had found birth. The waters formad four tow'ering walls About the carefully measured space Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah softly calls Ha-wah-ne'-u to guard his race. For forty days and forty nights Did the mighty waters fall Covering all the mountain heights Drowning beasts and people — all. Two of every tribe were spared Two of every bird and fish In pairs all kind of beast were cared Such was Ha-wah-ne'-u's wish. With kindly word and loving cheer Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah watched his flock Through the days so dark and drear His council'd words they will not mock. 12 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. When hunger came — the watei yields Fish with which they are sustained The prophet o'er his people wields A trusting spirit truthfully gained. And no\^he heavy rains subside The towering water walls recede The people gratefully confide Their prophet's wish and humbly heed. Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah told the crow Who till this time had been pure white Out to you mountain shall you go And tell me all within your sight. Willingly the bird obeyed And brought the prophet this sad tale The reason he had been delayed The dead were strewn throughout the vale. And on the mountains — and in the trees Tiie dead all mangled lying— where The heavy wind and lightest breeze Revealed the desolation th^ire. And as a proof of all he said And as a proof that he did seek And brought back word that all were dead Were human eyes upon his beak. The prophet spake— Curst' shall you be For having done this woeful thing On carrion live — and have no glee Black and poor and never sing. Two pigeons next — the prophet sent Out to the mountains and return Through the desolate scenes they went And wept at the misery which tuey learn. THE PROrPIESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 18 With eyo3 red from constant weeping They tell the prophet — sad indeed Is the scene — the people sleeping All in Death — bayond there need. You are gentle and feel sorrow Blessed shall you ever be All is well — and on to-morrow From the waters we are free. The people murmured and complaining Cried aloud for corn and grain All about the dead remaining Beast and man — the heaps contain. Not one spear of grass in view Not a twig or vine exposed One vast plain of dry earth grew Far as human eye disclosed. Some dry bark which floated near The people ate for want of corn Only the prophet spoke with cheer And thus their sufferings were bori^. Hear ! my people — and believe me Is Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah's cry Wait for three days faithfully Food will come — you will not die. Ha-wah-ne-u ! — He will hear And will help us — if we wait He will keep us from all fear Are the prophets words of fate. After calming their wild fear The prophet said — now watch the m:Ooii When the the light is full and clear A lady there will feed us soon. 14 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. On her back a basket laden Filled with fruit — and corn and grain Let your weary hearts not sadden Lest your sacrifice should stain. Said the prophet tis a sign O my people — which will last When the round full moon shall shine- To the end her smile will cast. Three long days— and three long nights Did the weary watchers tend And the moon shed brilliant lights And the lady did descend. In her basket fruits and grains In her hands — were corn and bread Gave to all — nor looked for gains And the dying ones v/ere fed. Gave them seeds of every kind Said she — plant them far and wide And the sunlight and the wind Made abundant harvest tide. Trees and vines and grapes now grew Where the arid waste had epred Waving ferns and berries blue O'er the land of buried dead. On hills and dales and creeping moss Covered o'er with brown and green The breeze among the branches toss Open buds in moonlight sheen. Through this land the people roam By the rivers— by the sea- Building wigwams for there home Happy— prosperous and free. THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 16 List'ning to there prophets teacliing Loving well his soothing voice Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah ever preaching Trust Ha-wah-ne'-u from choice. Pass'd the years — and with them bringing Strife among the nation's vast Hate and envy loudly ringing In there breasts — peace could not last. Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah watched the nations From his nest — high in the tree Raging war in many stations Amongst the people— once so free. Then again the prophet came Drew them near and council held Cautioned them 'gainst angers flame And their vicious spirits quell'd. And they list'ned very nriild As their fathers prophet spake For his coming as a child They had watched— long wood and lake. Now they listened — hushed and still As the prophet told his tale And the mountains andthe rill Told the story to the vale. As I wandered o'er the sea Half way 'tween the earth and sky And a stranger walked to me One with friendship in his eye. And he spoke a friendly greeting And his face was pale and sad And the story of this meeting Will make the nations glad. 16: THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. Said the Stranger "Walk with me" And a garden I will show And the summer and the sea Made sweet music — soft and low. All about was summer land In that garden spot so fair And the snow top'd mountains grand Oool'd and soothed the balmy air. Grain and fruits were all around Flowers of every shape and hue Quickly springing from the ground In abundant groves they grew. In the woods there roved the deer In the air the wild birds flew In the wide streams running cleaf Every kind of fish for you. 'Tis forever summer there — Said the Stranger — soft and slow Teach your people 'tis their share If they work for it below. To that land of summer light Where the fish and deer abounds We will go — if we do right To the Happy Hunting Grounds. Come and I will lead you down We vvrill go by yondei spring Wrap't round him a Flowing Robe In His voice a loving ring. There beside two maple trees Was the spring so clear and bright Through the branches green — the leaves Waving in the calm sunlight. THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DA \L 17 "Drink from this" the Stranger said A small bottle forth He drew From His mantle so arrayed As to hide Him from my view. And He fill'd it from the spring And I drank the water clear And the birds began to sing In the maples — standing near. And to my great surprise Half the water still remained And the sunlight in the skies Knew the symbol it contained. Such is my great love for you Said the Stranger— very kind If you will be brave and true Love abundant will you find. As I looked at Him to task There was sorrow in His face And the question I w^ould ask In my mind He seem'd to trace. And His look was sad and sweet Threw His robe back — and this done Scars were on His hands and feet And he said "I am thee One." Who on earth to bring good tide Came to save those who were lost And a mark was in His side Showing where He had been cross'd Then He led mo to a place Thousands there were streaming by Two small pathways I could trace One led down and one on high. 18 THE F-ROPHESIES OF DE Y-GAE-NAH-WE'-DAH. And. hanging on a, tree In full sight— a wounded breast 'Twas a sign that I should see Those in doubt — who cannot rest. And as each one pass'd it by All his sms came to his mind And the path wnich leads on high All the good together find. Then He lead me very far Down where all was dark and drear And the heavy thunders jar Smote my failing heart v.ith fear. There a pit so dark and vast ■That the earth seem'd open wide Thousands there each moment cast Wailing— Moaning— side by side. And the sun now split in two Fire and smoke fell from on high Boiling flame upon them threw Help us— Help us — is there cry. 'Tis the end— the stranger said Pointing up—there is the sign As I raised my eyes o'er head All I he sky began to shine. There the sign that once again I will come the Stranger said And forgive the sin and pain And will come to raise the dead. I will come on Easter morn * When the sun begins to shine. From the Father— was I born His thoughts are these words of mine. * Dey-yen-ho-sar-yen'-ha Easter morning. THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 19 As he pointed now on high In a rainbow large and bright Stood the Stranger in the sky And his Face was Shining— White. Yet beside me there lie stood And his Face was sad and meek Believe in this and do the good Are the words I heard Him speak. Then I never saw Him more O my people this is true Yonder by the shining shore Is the garden there for you. And you .must not fight or kill And you must not steal or hate But let friendship and good will Keep your hearts and guide your fate. Cried the prophet "I have spoken You my people hear the tale Let your conduct be the token That your crimes you will bewail. Now I go back to the mountain And my nest among the trees Where the ocean's flowing fountain Gently meets the summers breeze. Many years pass swiftly by Ere the prophet came again. As the nations multiply Eich were they in corn and grain. Rich in lands whose flowing streams With all kind of fish are fiU'd On berries red the bright sun gleams The wild birds in the air song thrill'd. 20 THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. Through the land is peace and cheer In the wigwams love abides O'er the rivers bright and clear Dance canoes on sparkling tides. And Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah came To his people once again And to-day his noble name From the nations does not wane. Across the mighty waters Blue * De-ho-not-ske-ne-no'-dah live They are coming here to you To them friendship we must give. With their face turned toward our land From a world far — far away And the leader of their band § Gan-a-rah-du-ka's is on the way. They will drive the witch away We will keep them by our side They have knowledge — and will stay And the Great Spirit will guide. And we know that they did join Like descendants of one line For the eagle on our coin Is Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah's sign. Cried the prophet "Be as brothers Work together in the field Hear my words — and let no others In your breasts a barrier yield. * De-ho-not-ske-ne-no'-dah — Pale Face. § Gan-a-rah-du-ka — Columbus. THE PROPHESIES OF DEY-GAR-NAH-WE'-DAH. 21 I have done the prophet cried These last words I say to you I will come from yonder tide If a part of you are true. I will come again and speak You will hear and knnv^ my voice In the council you will seek Said the prophet *Tis my choice. I have spoken — you have heard And His voice was like a song I have said to you the word I go back where I belong. I go back upon the mountain And my nest among the trees Where the ocean's flowing fountain Gently meets the summers breeze. Chief of many— many nations Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah brave and wise Brought his people peace relations From the very distant skies. Now the years pass slowly by And the nations once so great For Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah cry And the prophet's word of fate. Of the nations once so great But a fragment now remain Sadly truthful to relate Scattered o'er the vast domain. And as the years pass slowly by All known nations watch a King Yet the council fires burn high And they watch the eagle's wing. 22 SIDELLA. In the wigwams the're beseeching In the council house they wait For Dey-gar-nah-we'-dah's teaching And the prophets word of fate. He will come again they say For he loved his people well They know not the hour or day That his prophesy will tell. And to-day they are beseeching And to-day they watch and wait For Dey-gar-nah we'-dah's teaching And the prophets' word of fate. January 30, 1897. SIDELLA. In a monastry cell bare and bleak, Father Crevot so pure and meek, Paced back and forth saying his beads, Thinking of the poor, their sufferings and needs. Outside of Barcelona's beautiful site, Where the air is tempered day and night, The convent lay on a sloping hill Beside a flowing water rill. Surround by lucious blooming flowers, Outside the sun shone many hours, Inside cold and clean and bare The heart of man could not thrive there. Intent and graf^ping for the truths Which hiy in all philosophic groves. SI DELL A. 23 The monk Grevot was true and brave, Silent and deep as the very grave, Intent and grasping for the tiuths Which lay in all philosophic grooves. Young was he and proud and fair, His eyes were hazel and light brown hair Thin, severe and drawn his face. Penance and fast had left their trace. He had reached the peace of highest mind That can be obtained among mankind, Had delved to the end theology's law And now in his heart he felt one flaw. Unseen it crept into his soul, Unheard into his mind it stole, Back to his cell like a guilty thing But he could not lessen its clanging ring. He felt that it might possibly be The church was wrong — he bent a knee, It grew and grew and grew apace Until he was groveling on his face. Next day he fasted more and prayed And asked for the prayers of his comrade, Prayed in his cell so cold and bare, But the knawing thought was silent there. The peace he had felt, where had it flown Where the quiet he had known Tempest tossed he knew he felt And still he prayed and knelt and knelt. Grevot had been taught that Satan fills The mind of man with many ills Can not the mind of man control Man's inner thought and then extol. 24 SIDELLA. His outer knowledge gleaned from minds Versed in religion of various kinds Wisdom's path has many ways Argued Grevot in his lonely days. The bud was burst no more closed round By the bark of ignorance harshly ground Once the thought unfettered flies Reaches beyond the very skies. But Grevot suffered in health and mind From out the fiesh he yet must grind Prayers and penitence, work and fast He thought it must forever last. ■ Silent he bends his head so proud Drawing his robe around him like a shroud Silent he fasts and prays and kneels, Silent he thinks and suffers and feels. Feels cut off from man's estate To live and love — and love and mate Feels crushed down and ill at ease No natural thought dare he appease. Back to his cell lowly and sad Unrelieving as yet in his heart half mad Thinking indeed that Satan had filled His soul with dark influence and all good stilled In his garden of flowers in the spring of the year Grevot was at work with nothing to fear But his haunting thoughts and maddening pjtln Brought about by indulging in them again. Culling and caring as a mother would Grevot was full of loving good They grew and thrived and blossomed sweet Thought the monk the human heart must greet. 8IDELLA. The sunshine of life and its warmth and care With blossoms sweet as perfume rare But the rules of the order on him cast A gloom on his heart like a withering blast. Back again in repentance vain To stop the rifling maddening pain Of soaring into the world's bright hues Sadness it cast on all his views. Suffering thus in mute despair Into his cell he would repair Biinging his prayers and logic severe To help his doubting mind to clear. Doubting and fearing lest he should be Led aw ay from the hope of eternity Gaunt and hollow eyed and bent With beads in hand tovv^ards the sea he went. Passing through the monastery halls Away from the cold and dreary walls Into the sunlight warm and free Falling so bright on land and sea, Passed the monk along with downcast eyes Scarce daring to lift them to the skies Lest he should indeed be carried away With the joy of life and the sunlight day. His penance had been austere and hard Against further doubt he must forever guard Was the sentence the abbot on him imposed Can the mind from doubt be ever closed? Thought Grevot as he w^alked that sunny day Perchance the mystic ancients may Have fathomed the truth and devined it right He had heard 'twas such but deemed it light. 26 SIDELLA. He felt as one groping thro' the dark Without one hope as a ray to mark, The line when man's mind must not gleam The knowledge then is in eternities' realm. Downcast and lonely, prayerful and deep Lord ! from me temptation keep — Is the prayer on the lips of the monk Grevot In the tempter's way, O ! lead me not. Signor ! came a voice like a zephyr's breeze Pardon ! as she stepped aside from the trees 1 would ask the way would'st thou be so kind One monk, Alonzo, I must find. And seeing the Garb bespoke thy call Yet fearful lest I should make thee fall Away from thy duties by speech with me Point me the way to the monastry. Tho' would'st not be allowed admittance there Exclaimed the monk with the slightest stare. No woman yet was ere allowed No matter how much she were endowed. To enter the portal of yonder site Pointing his finger so thin and white Tho' canst leave thy message at the gate Antonio will deliver it whil'st tho' wait. She passed along the bright highway Her maid by her side searching the way Out from Barcelona's smothering heat Sidella so gentle — so proud and sweet. But Ah ! they had met two souls on this plain Never again would their lives be the same Attractions law overcomes all strength Let the universe attest by any length. mMkMt She passed along the bright liighway Her maid by her side — searching the way Out from Barcelona's smothering heat Sidella the gentle— so proud and sweet. 8IDELLA. 27 Grevot shrank back as she passed along He murmured his beado they sounded as sonpj I will not go back to the convent gate Until it is very — very late. I care not again to meet that face For the devil has left his very trace In the beauty of woman Grevot had been taught Away from his wiles is what he sought. Sidella with step firm and slow Like a queen of woman imperial altho' — Beauty was hers of royal kind The beauty of all was her wondrous mind. Which shone out thro' her eyes starlike As diamond rays in dark midnight Her oval face a rich cream tint Her dark brown hair with its golden glint. The damask rose had touched her cheek With its color deep and sweetness meek In stature tall and a queenly tread In bearing noble and a regal head. An Egyptian prince of the house of Thot Was Sidella's father and he had brought His daughter up in knowledge deep The ancient religion he must keep. In his household one and all Were deeply versed in nature's call The mind of man he claimed to be The emblem of eternity. The modern belief of the presiding day Was a branch of the tree that his fathers say Would spring and thrive and live for a time Only to die in its very prime. 28 SIDELLA. While nature's laws v.'ould never die Unending they since times first cry The sun has shown since time again And so 'twill shine beyond the time of man. Religion's branches to the' prince's mind Were nothing more than a chance to grind And use the intellect of man 'Twas ever so since the world began. And so Sidella had been taught That Grevot's faith w^as to her as naught Learned in the ancient mystic's lines Universal comprehension she defines. Her mother was of Spanish line Of ancestors who in their prime Were nobles of a high degree Had fought and died for their country. Warm and soft as her native clime . Life to her was a perfect rhyme Stately, noble, languishing, mild Sidella was their lovely child. Surround by all of lifes bright rays Sidella had passed her childhood days She had been taught that heaven was here Each day of her life made that belief clear. She knew nanght of sin or its misery She knew that life was a deep treasury She knew no repentance, no fasting nor prayers She knew no remorse, no heavy cares. No conventional form had around her wove Its net of restriction, for her life was a grove To wonder and study and keenly enjoy As a child would employ its very first toy. 8IDELLA. 29 Around her was thrown no religious law Her life had not been cold and raw But filled with sunshine, love and cheer She was taught to heaven she was very near. That in human heart, heaven lies As well as beyond the bright blue skies The Egyptian had taught his child to know In nature was heaven here below. Had taught her philosophical truths Had taught her that astronomy soothes The mind of man as he gropes along The pathway of life almost as song. In music and art she was deeply versed The lines of the vedics she rehearsed As well as Homer and Plato too The Upanishads she thoroughly knew. The course of the stars the Egyptian's eye Watched many a night with Sidella by Astrology's law was sacred and true He wished his beloved child taught through. The ancient mysteries of time While she was in her very prime So that when he pass away Sidella should know that one bright ray. Of knowledge which the initiates knew And passed along the line to few Followers in the mystic school Nature was their time and rule. Sidella was apt and quick and bright She thrived and grew in that sunlight Into beautiful womanhood Beauteous alike in mind and good. 30 SIDELLA With a soul as pure as a white ray of light Like a flower in its sweetness and its- might We see her novr as she passes by Like a summer breeze — a summer sigh. Clad in the robeof richest brown- - Velvet deep and soft as down A fillet of gold bound her dark brown hair A jeweled girdle we see her wear. Her maid by her side, faithful Annette Sidella wandered until she met. . . Autonio outside the conveht. gate.. -. She feared that .she jiiight-be tda late , . ^ To speak to the brother.and -of him, ask To see Alonzo, that he should unmask A plot against her fathers-life For he was in .contentious .strife With those of the new christian belief* Nothing toliim could bring relief Whil'st they plotted against him their foe But to le-arn their secrets from. Alonzo. - Who was of their blood and. bone Related to theti- house aloiie By deeper bonds than religious ties Sidella was his cousin the light of his eyes. And rather than harm should her befall He would his rigid vows recall From heaven's gate would turn away Than Sidella should have one sad day. He loved the child thro' many years Had wiped and dried her childish tears Her life to him was the one bright ray Had been sent to him in his exiled way. SIDELLA. 31 And her father's life had been many times saved By following the way that Alonzo had paved And Sidella knew that he was free From harm, that she could clearly see. By consulting with from time to time Alonzo for he ki^ew every crime That waS carried on between the pagan sect In the Jesuit's moves he was correct. The prince had been the enemy Of the early church and contumely Had followed upon him thick and fast Until the Jesuits hated him at last. They had planned his life to take They had some preparations yet to make The prince had heard with darkening face With downcast eye had planned the race. To outdo them in their own conceit To baffle them in their retreat Sidella knew by her father's mood Tliafe he was in danger and made her brood. And so to the convent her way she wends To seek Alonzo and then intends To beg him to save his life once more And then return to Barcelona's shore. For she knew of the wide threatening breach Between tlie pagan prince and the church's reach She knew full well Alonzo' s voice Woul4b&-list.ened to at any choice. He was deep learned in the nations power Could turn the tide at any hour Pie held like a balance in his hand the peace Between the pagan world and the church with ease. 32 8IDELLA. Sidella found Alonzo ill — He had been taken with a chill The previous night but her story told He said to her — be very bold. And brave and be not afraid Her father's life he had said Was safe from the Jesuit's v^^^athful hate While he had power to compensate. Against all flow of malice deep He had sworn to forever keep Away from Sidella, while he might Vexatious trouble however light. Thankfully Sidella thought to return She noticed Alonzo with fever burn Dear cousin, I'm afraid tho' art sick indeed And perhaps thon art very much in need. Of attendance, thou must let me call She turned to advance along the hall Grevot stood there, he had returned Thinking his penance had been well earned. Summons the Abbot was Sidella's cry I think Alonzo about to die So sudden the change I see in his face I pray thee, that he may have grace. Grevot obeyed with quickened step Brouglit the Abbot, then he kept Watch by the side of the dying saint He knew in his life there had been no taint. Of selfishness or weakening mind His life he lived to help mankind Up to the highest spiritual realm Such had been his constant dream. 8IDELLA. 33 But Alonzo's work was forever o'er Death had rapped at his door Found him ready, staunch and brave To continue his journey beyond the grave. Emaciated, thin and still he lay. At rest forever, until the day When shall rise like the blessed sun Radiant ! Glorious ! v/hen the race is run Peace on his face as if the soul's flight Over matter had been with all his might Triumphant ; and blessed and very grand Was the souls escape to the great command. I must away to my father for he must know Of Alonzo's death it will be a blow Heavy indeed for him to bear I wish me now — that I were there. The tears stood in her melting eyes In vain she firmly, bravely tries To check the sob that is in her heart From Alonzo she must forever part. Conduct the Signora past the gate — Was the order to Grevot from his prelate Bless thee my child thou hadst better go Before the dark shuts out the glow. Of day and tell thy father dear — That when Alonzo's end was near He was not afraid to meet his Lord Whom he had spent his life for and adored. He blessed Sidella with extended hands Then he returned to his demands Among the convents numerous duties He had in mind their various surities. 34 - SIDELLA. Grevot led Sidella and her maid Out thro' the spacious colonade Past the yard and thro' the gate In his heart he feared it late. For her to attempt to wend her way- Back unattended to the city, gay With its lights that just began to shine Here and there at evening time. I had better see thee safe at home [roam 'Twould displease the Abbot that thou shouldst Through this winding dense roadway With thy maid alone and I would say. That I will journey on with thee Until I leave thee safely At thy very father's door I will return — then, never more. Will I see thy face again Thought Grevot with almost pain In that small short space of time Sidella was to him a perfect rhyme. Of his own life and inner mind Like a budding flower in bright spring time, In demeanor, Sidella was like a child So quiet, soothing, sweet and mild She spoke but little for her heart was sad She felt within her intensely glad For the protection which Grevot gare She was unaccustomed save — Much attendance to wander outside The city or to the bright sea side. Always surround by her nearest friends Bounding thro' the woods and fens. SIDELLA. 35 As a ohiid so blithe and gay Nature was her bright pathway Surround by those who only knew The knowledge her father wished to pursue. O Lord, have mercy Grevot prayed — He spoke of Alonzo as he laid Cold and mute in death's embrace The world of struggle no more to face. There is no death Sidella said We need not be of that change afraid There is no such a thing as space The world is one as is the race. Only different as they glide Which proves progressions onv.'ard stride All manifest life is only one Like the ever shining sun. And we are only its wonderful rays Sent out in its searching ways Reaching unto dark recesses On the earth there it expresses. What we were sent here to perform With nature's laws to conform Through the lines of humanity Into the realms of spirituality. Said Sidella — so calm and meek Grevot looked at her as if to seek From whence came that speech so wise She surely had not heard sorrows cries. The depth of knowledge of her speech Grevot could only think and reach By casting away forever indeed Aside the rules of his rigorous creed. SIDELLA. Dost tho' not believe in our dear Lord Or art tho' of the class that have ignored His presence here on this sinful plain And art tho' content to ever remain? In the darkness of the ages Where death is the sinner's only wages, Tho' might be a follower of the hour In the wake of Jehova's power. Thy Christ is one of many Gods Who have come on earth to wield their rods Over man on this planet below The Gods live over the mountain's snow. This earth is not a sinful plain But a heavenly abode and I claim That beyond the grave 'tis no more supreme Than here to him who has learned the dream. Of life in its silent mysterious ways Peace may be had in all its days By those who seek the one true path Will be ever away from any wrath. Either here or beyond the grave The soul in its enfoldment will always save The brightest light and onward go Until it is white as snow. Which may be reached while we live here That we belong on high is very clear When we know of unselfish souls Who live their life as the ocean rolls. Free and wide in the broad expanse That may at any rate enchance The good of lives cast in their way Their life is all one brilliant day. SIDELLA. 37 Grevot thought alone 'twas thro' fast and prayer The soul could be brought at last to forbear Away from the joys of life expressed When heaven was reached alone find rest In Sidella, Grevot saw the trace Of a soul as beautiful as her face Calm and wise, pure and sweet Learned in knowledge but very meek. Thus they reached her father's door I wish thee to see him that he might honor Thy thoughtfulness and protection kind Which will I now forever bind. Him to the monks in friendships light More than he has known many a day or night Sidella led along the way — Thro' her father's hall as closed the day. Grevot — and bade him rest awhile — Then found her father and with a smile She passed thro' the curtains with stately tread Her noble bearing and regal head. The prince arrived and on him cast A grateful look which was unasked — I thank thee father, the Egyptian said Thy kindness to my child — also the dead. Alonzo whom I loved these years I have had many hopes and fears About his health this many day I feel he will wish thee for him to pray. For he loved the faith he had embraced, It could not be from his mind erased But that he chose the only way Unto Salvation, who shall say him nay. 38 81 DELL A. And (jrrevot thus detailed to him Alonzo's work his vigor — vim His miselfish life and deep interest In all good works he could attest. And told him of his painless end Quiet as a cloud that had suddenly rend Away from the dark and into the light Of the shining sun which turned it white. On they talked for a space of time On religion, politics and even rhyme A friendship sprung between the two Such as does between the few — Who understand at once each other The prince feels Grevot almost his brother So well he likes his honest face And brilliant mind and quiet grace. A light repast the Egyptian served Not wishing the monk to be reserved The Egyptian prince and the monk broke bread A thing that had never before been said. At least of the prince for we well know He hated the monks with a bitter flow But sorrow changes man indeed No matter what their name or creed. Thou art welcome here from this time on Said the prince as he saw the monk don His hood and with a hearty clasp They parted ; and Grevot grasped — His crucifix and started out Along the road of that well known route Out to the convent on the hill But his heart within him he could not still. SIDELLA. 39 Pacing along jn the bright moonlight It was a beautiful, glorious night Nature was so calm and serene The mind of the monk was in a dream. This deep impression will pass away Of the worldly people — I know their day Is entirely from my belief different I feel I need be reverent. Unto my duties which I shall do With rectitude, firm and patience through My life work, whatever that may be With all my strength and fidelity. He reached his cell cold and bleak He shudders — and bends him down to seek Relief from the ravishing dream of delight The day had brought him and the night. This tumult in my soul sighed he t must and will fight desperately As he raised his head unto the skies Sidella's face was before his eyes. He fought and wrestled day by day To dispel the dream that on him lay At night he prayed in his lonely cell The misery of it all, ! who can tell. lie fought against his growing love For the Egyptian's daughter and He above Could alone ere overcome The bursting heart in its narrow home, Sidella's father wished her to wed A prince of his house and related To the line of a noble king And the honor which such a course would bring 40 SIDELLA. The day for the betrothal had been set 'Twas seen that Sidella began to fret — And in many ways to act restrained Of fatigue and illness she complained. She asked her father that he set, the day Of her bethrothal far away I wish thee to wait for a little time After a while I will resign. Unto which I know must come to pass I saw it all in the crystal glass But O ! the pain that tears my heart It seems to me a sharpened dart. Had torn jny mind from its calm groove My life me thinks will no more be smooth This betrothal hangs on me as a dread I could almost wish that I were dead. My heart dictates me that I say Unto my father, tell him nay — My heart is cramped — and smothered — crushed But I know this wild love must be hushed. That surges thro' my throbbing brain I must and at all times forever refrain From thinking of that face whose look Must forever be a closed sealed book. As to this life of love or song He must pass his life among The sick and vv^eak, the mained and poor That he will not leave them they are sure. She sank upon her downy couch And the tears that started could sadly vouch For the suffering heart that she must rob Of her life of happiness like a sob. 8IDELLA. 41 1 would not that he knew of me One thought beyond sincerity And kindly wish of earnest friends Little she knew how nature lends. A charm of magic to that word And firmly so when inured By youth and beauty and intellect For love so wishes to be decked. Will his sad face forever shine Before these heavy eyes of mine? Sidella sighed as the days pass by I am so sad was her piteous cry. The day for the betrothal at last appeared The slaves in the outer yard had reared Festoons of flowers and garlands of fern For the coming night shaded lamps burn. Many were there— the castle bright With sweetest song and mirth and light The ruler that Sidella should wed Was proud and happy and at the head. Of all the aspiring youths of Spain, Who felt it an honor to have been named To attend the royal house of the prince For they had no festivities since. He led his wife — Sidella's mother Home as a bride there no other Than a very quiet life Lived the Egyptian and his wife. The banquet spread with richest viands The oldest and the rarest wines Groaning with the choicest food All so palatable— all so good. 42 SIDELLA. All was gay and in good cheer The betrothal couple about to appear Sidella royal in gold and white In her dark brown hair the gleaming light. Of the diamond crescent whose changing rays Shone like the sun in summer days She stands in her sheen and lace and gold Her face so pale, her heart so cold. The sumptuous hall she sees it not The lights and music she has forgot She only sees a shrunken form Clothed in a cowl so very worn. And a face white, wan and pinched, Her heart strings have been forever clinched By the towering power of love — She feels a broken lowly dove, Out thro' the portal wide which led Into the garden, Sidella fled Past the clinging vines unseen To calm her thoughts and then redeem — Her indifferent conduct to her guests And to her maid Annette, requests I will in-the garden one moment sojourn Sit thee there then till I return. On she sped passed the branches low [glow That lent their perfume to the bright moon's The night was still and warm and calm Kesting Sidella like sweet balm. Which way shall I ever turn I feel my eyes within me burn I know indeed my heart is dead To the man my father would have me wed. SIDELLA. 43 Ah me, my heart is very sad — I feel it beating wildly mad I will away to the fountains spray Perhaps 'will soothe my tears away. Along the pathway smooth and white Like a spectre in the bright moonlight And as she hears the water trill She sees the convent on the hill. And now I know my heart will break Are the words the proud Bidella spake Thro' all time I'll love but thee Beyond this life thro' eternity. Outstretched her arms toward the convent.'site A shadow fell in the moon's bright light Across her path by the murmuring fount We need not against fate ever count Crouched at the foot of the fountain's base Grevot tlie monk with his buried face White and sad and deeply drawn Among the folds of his robe forlorn. He sprang like an animal from its lair Passionate, eager — ready to tear Any one who should come between! His own sad soul and Sidella his queen. He clasped her in his long thin arms In the grasp of pure love which never harms His religious life he had out ran Grevot's not the monk — but lover and man. Her upturned face meets his passionate kiss With warm and rapturous happiness Thou alone shall be my king In her voice a happy ring. 44 SIDELLA. I know 'twill not be upon this plain But even that will ease the pain I would not by my love for thee Draw thee away from eternity. Which in thy church is a rule severe And to my mind is very clear That thou, and I must forever part I would have thee know 'twill break my heart. Tho' art my soul, — my life, — my love — Hurely this love is from above I shall love thee until I'm cold and stark And death has set on me its mark. X cannot live away from thee Tis why I left the monastry This night and wended along my way Into thy garden where the fountains play. 'Twas known to me, this night tho' shouldst be Betrothed to an Egyptian from across the sea From out my cell to-night I stole Like a hiding thief that I might console. My breaking heart and bursting mind For already round me had entwined My deathless love for thee, my queen, Which shall last to the end of heavens realm. And on my way as hither wending O'er the winding road way bending I prayed to see thee just once more Before we parted forevermore. I knew tho' wouldst go from me Far beyond the deep Red Sea Thus I came but not attending My love for thee, my life is ending. SI DELL A. 46 On their faces mute despair Deathless love was written there Grevot's eyes burning wild Sidella warm as a trusting child. In loves deep ecstacy they rhyme J ust for one short space of time Back where the lights and music glares One with lagging step repairs — The other broken, bent and old In his cell so bleak and cold If love be sin, Lord forgive— The monk Grevot has no wish to live. She said there was no such thing as space Can that be why her lovely face Burns in my brain so close and clear Me thinks I could clasp her she is so near. Sidella grew thin, sad and pined. The bells no longer for her chimed Their music in the balmy air Her sou] v/as heavy with silent care. The dreamy southern days pass by Sidella's wedding day draws nigh With wealth and pomp and rich splendor And willing hands with vv'hich to render. All that was gay and fine and bright The wedding to be a beautiful sight The Egyptian opened wide his door And welcomed ail the rich and poor. All the nobility of Spain Came to witness the gorgeous train Of old and young, beauty and youth They came to bless Sidella in truth. 46 SIDELLA. For she was known for many a mile For her kindly heart and gentle smile iShe Jiad many a sad heart blest, With their troubles and misery oft distrest. Out from the castle the music strains — Lights flash thro' the window panes Groups of maidens in clinging white Make a picture in the night. All was at the height of revelry gay Where is Sidella — one was heard to say 'Twas growing late she had not appeared She may be ill is what they feared. But Sidella these many hours had flown Out thro' the portal and there alone Sped with a staggering, halting step On where the moonlight and fountain kept — Harmonious rhyme and constant blending Will my hearts sorrow be unending Into the starlight I would say I care me not to see the day. Alonzo gave this phial to me Saying if in captivity If peril surround me very deep Drink and 1 would forever sleep. Surely in peril deep I stand I will journey on to a different land I can not have my own hearts mate 'Tis useless to strive against the hand of fate. She drank the liquid from the glass And sank upon the downy grass I will rest me by the waters rill Where I can see the convent on the hill. SIDELLA. 47 Winding along the broad highway On towards where the fountain's spray A lonely figure presses near Grevot the monk — the light makes clear. Sad and broken and depress't In his heart he finds no rest Again to see her I will yield He stooped and trembled, almost reeled — Then at his feet Sidella lay Like a broken flower in early May He carried her in his deep embrace And rained his kisses on her face. He bore her into the arbor by Chaffed her hands and with the cry '"Sidella knowest tho' me not I am thy slave — thy own Grevot." Tho' art my noble lover-king Moaned Sidella with a weary ring Her voice was broken and far away The monk bent a knee by her to pray. Sidella had passed out into the night Death led her out in the bright moonlight Calm and cold, and mute she lay Dead in the arbor— on her wedding day. The monk knelt by her many hours Did he commune with the heavenly powers My last hour on this earth shall be With my eyes my love intent on thee. And so it was with arms wound round Sidella, and one knee on the ground With his head upon her shimmering breast The monk Grevot had found his rest. 48 SIDELLA, Thus they found them one and air Who came from out the castle hall Sidella in her bridal array The monk in his robe so cold and gray. Entwined in each others arms and death Had set his seal and breathed his breath Upon these two so wide apart In religion's view but one in heart. And who shall say their love was sin Since it came upon them to let in The God like ray of heaven's love It was sent them from above. And who shall say that love can die That element like the brightest sky Helen and Paris in lovers rhyme Is but Cleopatra in Anthony's time. True to the pole of nature's law^ Grevot and the sweet Sidella saw The universe;in each others eyes Had met their heaven this side of the skies. The veil is drawn across the scene We wake from out our lovely dream Sad and yet so very meek It brings us wisdom that we seek. Into the dawn of our own bright day Away from the scene at Barcelona's Bay Yet often in our minds will creep The story of Sidella and we will weep — When we think of her broken love Wounded like the lonely dove When we know Sidellas' dead With her noble bearing and regal head. TPIE DREAMERS. 49 The story is told and shall we not Think of the brave and true Grevot With his wealth of unbounded love Which he changed for the life above. February 6, 1895. 'THE DREAMERS," In the summer land where palms are bending Where summer breezes play unending Where shines the sun and the sea attending Makes the balmy air serene. When night comes on the stars are lending Their brilliant charm to the light commending From the day our thoughts are trending Making life one lovely dream. The air is laden with sweet perfume, Our dreamy thoughts we may resume With the heavenly powers we may commune As falls the shades of night. The distant sea, its soothing croon Meets the breeze in swaying tune. In the eastern sky the moon Shines radiantly the light. When comes the day, the birds are singing, Joyously their sweet notes ringing Tho' the trees their love songs flinging Making perfect rhyme. In the woods the wild flowers blooming Thro' the dense shade the sun is looming Heaven's bowers without assuming The glorious southern clime. 50 . THE DREAMERS. There lay upon a couch reclining A dreamer from the strong sun shining In the shade of the palm inclining To float with the dream of day. To him no thought of the world repining Around him harmony ever entwining Thro' all time to love consigning Like the sun's bright ray. To him life was one bright ray 'Twas never night, but always day, If all our lives could ere' be may, How happy we would be. The land and the sea were to him the same Twas no different because of name The ocean's tide in its might and main Was only bright blue sea. He was tall and thin and dark Northern eyes you there mark His mind is soaring like the lark In early summer time. The natives make of him their king His wish is lav/ in everything Eager to hear his kind voice ring Around him they recline. Thro' his mystic brain is weaving Strains of untold stories leaving An impression to which we're cleaving With marked intensity. On they flow in their shadowy train He's Gpt content to remain From the truths which they contain Of unfathomed immensity. In the shade of the palm inclining To float with the dream of day. THE DREAMERS. 51 His wealth of mind is wonderfnl Plis thought of life is beautiful His intense nature bountiful In its entirety. Of winding thro' with ample room Shadows light and deepest gloom Flowers in bud and deepest bloom E'en to eternity. Night again the Kahuna weird Chants the songs with which she's reared Through the night whose spell is cleared With her tune so wild, By the sea with a ghostly crew She sings the song all the long night thro* The custom's old, the songs not new Which sings the Kahuna child. Now the melody is low and sweet Now again the loud winds greet Every stage of life to meet The wild Kahuna song. Now again in wildest pain On the heart it pours its reign And we know 'twill ever deign To sooth us all along. In her eyes no sign of slumbering But her heartaches she is numbering O ! that love should be encumbering To our happiness. On the sea the shadows rowing Clear she sees in the moonlight glowing All her heart in her love song throwing Wildly to confess. 52 THE DEEAMERS. Yet within her she is chiding For the wild love so swift and gliding In her heart o'er her senses riding Where the northern dreamer lay. Silent she is ever shielding Yet in secret ever yielding Love forever thus is wielding Time is his powerful day. She is the beautiful one of her race Glorious eyes and lovely face Beaming dark with winning grace Her love she proudly hides. And her pain she does not measure 'Tis alike to her a treasure. Suffering love is almost pleasure And its sorrow she abides. "Well she knows he is above her station Love has made for her a new creation With the dreamer of a proud nation Sings the wild Kahuna girl. Of him she is ever thinking In the wild dream she is sinking The bitter waters she is drinking Of loves unresponsive whirl. Life has but to her one meaning Aud she reaps it at the gleaning Of the sun and water teaming Its dying dim twilight. In her wild and stately lovliness In our thoughts she will ever impiess Sorrow we can scarce express As the dead midnight. By the sea to a ghostly crew She sings the song all the long night through. THE DREAMERS. 53 That her love is but a wild dream She forever cannot deem Other than part of heaven's realm Unto her untaught heart Back among her native throng Wilder sounds her eirie song Weird and mournful the whole night long She sings of her broken heart. Thus our lives we dream away Wishing night when always day Oftimes sad when we should be gay So rolls the ocean deep. And to blame them would be wrongful And to chide them would be scornful To love them altho' tis mournful Thro' our senses creep. In the summer land where palms are bending And their soothing perfume lending To the light their strength intending To mingle with the day. His has gone to his northern throne He has left her all alone She sinks down without a moan In death's dream she lay. Where the southern palms are bending Where the breezes play unending With the sun and sea attending Passed the dreamers o'er the deep. And we see with slightest glance . That our lives are one deep trance The best of it romance, Then our long eternal sleep. February 20, 1895. 54 MAC GRAY. MAC GRAY," MacGray with his ugly tyranical sneer Was despised by the neighbors far and near. In his scared and mangled face You could find not one redeeming trace. His eyes were deep set and close together 'Tis said, "a flock of birds are of a feather/' .Perhaps 'twas the reason why MacGray Kept away from the people who were gay. But if he could find some one in crime Steeped as in salty brine There you'd surely find MacGray Smiling as a day in May. His black hair stood in mated locks Upon his low forehead in shocks, His repulsive mouth and high cheek bone Would make the character student groan. He always had the meanest leer Accompanied by the ugliest sneer, The people near and far away Hated the very name of MacGray. The villagers dreaded to see him pass by The cottage doors, for many a cry Of fright had been from the children wrung Of MacGray as he often trod among. MAC GRAY. 5r) The simple folk of the town of Lynn In the year when the early settlers din And confusion of settling a new town Always bring more or less renown. 'Twas said he came from a prison jail For robbing the people, and robbing the mail There was no crime known to man But the wild MacGray had lent a hand. Full of hate and full of crime . The poor people wished for the very time That the Lord would call upon MacGray To answer for his misspent day. MacGray cared not for their biting scorn Nothing they said to him was a thorn He had passed the line where the finer sense Had in it any recompense. He hated life, he hated man He hated God — and what man can Live and that thought ever nurse Be other than a living curse. He had lived unto his fortieth year And never yet had shed a tear. He had been heard many times to say No tears will ever come from MacGray. He mocked at men who were sincere He scoffed at those with conscience clear Boasting in his godless day Walked the renegade MacGray. He was tall, big boned and long armed Uncouth and raw like one who harmed Every one who had come in his way Was the ugly lean MacGray. MAC GRAY. One day there came upon MacGray The last he lived in his reckless way Sorrow the first that on him fell It was to him as a funeral knell. Of all his crime that was in the past On his hardened heart had cast No cloud so dark but has one bright ray And so it was with the wild MacGray. In the height of all his crime It came upon him just in time T})at God would not deny him — nay That which man had denied MacGray. Stumbling out from the town one night A storm was raging in its might Peals of thunder rent the air Flashed the lightning everywhere. Down in large drops came the rain Cold and bleak with smarting pain Out to his hut where night was as day Strode the ugly, stern MacGray. Cursing the townfolks every one Hating them and sparing none For every word they had to say A bitter invective hurled MacGray. He had not heard from the lips of man One kind word in all his life, and who can Blame entirely the bitter lay Of the vicious, untaught MacGray. Along in the dark, and stormy black Of the tempest whirling enough to rack The mind of a stronger man than he Outcast indeed he seemed to be. Down in large drops came the rain Cold and bleak with smarting pain Out to his hut where night was as day Strode the ugly— stern IMacGray. MAC GRAY. Huddled down in a ragged heap SoniG one apparently asleep So closely to the sloping ground MacGray a woman and a baby found. Closer she clutched her little babe For God sake ! sir ! will you save My little one and let me lie. Here and I will willingly die. You may have a wife and little one Pity me as if you had known Some one in your life you've loved God will bless you in heaven above. This night I walked all thro' the town Then came here and laid me down Not one house in all the city Would listen or have one breath of pity- Upon me in my black despair Racked with pain about to bear This little one upon my breast O, my God ! where will I rest. I am an outcast, ragged and poor I've begged my way from door to door If I could but lie here and die I would bless you with my dying cry. If you will save my little child — She then arose, and raving wild Outpoured into the stormy night Snatches of prayer and songs of light. A sardonic smile lit up his face As he halted in his stumbling pace Some loved one, me — wife and child, But of course she's raving wild 58 MAC GRAY. She cannot stay out in this heavy storm She can go in the hut it will keep her warm When morning comes she can go her way The weather permitting said MacGray. In his arms she placed the child She then appeared to become more mild. With his hand upon her arm He led the mother away from harm. Of the cold and chilly night For the early frosts were beginning to bite And the good people of the town of Lynn Who would not let the outcast in. Surely sir, you are a saint The Lord has not left in you a taint Of selfishness. But I'm not so bad My troubles have driven me almost mad. Soaking and raggled he led her along The well known path till he felt the thong That hung outside the door of his hut But the woman had fallen against a rut. That grew beside the shanty door He brought her in and on the floor The mother and the baby lay In the hut of the wild MacGray. It was in his life the first kind act Man likes honor from even a maniac He stirred him about and began to think What he could find warm for her to drink. He placed her on his tumbled bed And over her his blanket spread And soon he had a scant fire glowing On the floor, weird shadows throwing. MAC GRAY. 59 Misery, wretchedness and despair Are the elements that are there Poverty, want and days misspent Perhaps their lives had been well meant. All was deep and wretched gloom 'Twas the dark pattern in the loom The one bright thread in the intense dark Was the innocent babe in its untrod mark. Outside the whirling blasts of rain Beat against the window pane Thro' the night till moon's first ray Sat and watched the rough MacGray. Watched and cooled the fevered brow Of the suffering woman — now — Watched and fed the little babe From his coat a rough bed made. And placed it by the flickering light 'Twas out of the storm of that wild night They'd been dead had they laid there till break of day Said the gruff outcast MacGray. The sufferer lay for days and moaned And tossed and raved, with fever groaned Talked of home and mother dear In her- ravings, asked, — was Edward here? And told of school and happy days When the sun shone on her but bright rays Then of the dark days and of their pain That left a mark on her brow like Cain. The days pass by, her mind returns No more her breath with fever burns Tell me how I came here to-day. Was the first she spoke to the rude MacGray. 60 MAC GRAY. I will tell you my name, you may call me Ruth Will tell you my story, its sadness, its truth I have a little money with which I will pay For your kindness and trouble, she said to MacGray. Then I will take my babe and go That my heart's thank you have-you must know She did not know that weeks passed by Since she had heard her little one cry. That MacGray had gone to the town of Lynn Where the people would not let the stray lamb in And there he had with hands so willing Earned his very first honest shilling. And did whatever he could find What he worked for he did not mind And when night came the way it was spent Was to buy some food and nourishment — For the sufferer on the cot In his hut, and it fell his lot The first in his life that he should find Human sympathy for his kind. He watched at night by the woman's side He fed the infant when it cried He watched for days as the long hours passed Without one sign that he was harassed. The babe had become to him as life He seemed to feel he was through with strife. It had brought a peace into his heart Of which he could not bear to part, And as her name and story told Without one trait of boasting bold But beaten, heavy hearted, crushed The first love of his life had rushed— MAC GRAY. Gl Thro' his veins and heart and mind To her at least I can be kind She does not think, that I'm all bad That I can prove it I. am glad Ane she will go avi^ay that's clear I'll ask her to leave the little one here, Until she finds a snugger place For the little one with its pretty face. I wonder why the little one Makes me think of what I've done When I left to wildly roam Away from my boyish home. It makes me think of brother Ned Edward she cried on her raving bed, But she's not from across the sea She is from this country. I don't want to hear your story, miss. Nor do I want any thanks for this Little I've done for you to-day Said the changed— changed MacGray. You can leave the little one here, if you will I think I can keep it quiet and still Until you get back to your friends Said MacGray, I'll make amends — For asking to keep from her the child Perhaps she'll dream I think her wild. Perhaps she will think I am trying to cheer But I wish she would not go from here. But of course she will for she is proud Even if it would be her shroud. She will go for that's what she said Even if she would be brought back dead. 62 MAC GE AY. I do not want your money — my lass Whoever knows, if may oome to ]\i«:s. I'll ask a fM\(»r of yoti soiuf (hiy Stiid iIh' \va\ t'riii^ .Mac(}rM,v. KiUli's hair vvn.s light, Jier eyes whs blue And she would have made a woman true Had she been dealt witJi intent kind No better woman could you find, She was quiet and reserved Her childhood's belief she preserved That God in his merciful ways Would protect her all her days. She had been led along the path Of many one like her who hath No suspicion of another It was no less than the brother— Of the man whose very shelter Had covered and protected her Her story told— 'twas a piteous lay May God forgive him said MacGray. I will leave my little one here awhile And will go from here about a mile Where I will find work and soon return For my babe my heart will yearn. I know you will be good and kind I did not thin-k to ever find One friend in all my bitter woe God bless you sir — now I will go. Out in the night again she strode Away from the tumbled down abode I'll soon return with food and clothes This w^^as the better way to choose. MAG GRAY. OH His face is rough but liis lionrt i« kind 1 do [io1 think hr h:i> rrpiiMMJ Nolli' Itllt H III.'III killtl iixl '*-l| Won 111 |iil \ :i Won in II lie roiind in m-ftl. tSho reached the edge of a forest clearing On to the town she is nearing Tired, weary and very weak She sat down a little rest to seek The bitter tears rolled from her eyes As she raised her piteous face to the skies A cracking twig that near her lay And beside her stood the dark MacGray. Come back to the hut — don't go away The babe will cry for you night and day You can stay there and I'll go away Said the choking voice of MacGray. I can work, I'm strong and rough I can earn plenty and enough For me and you and the baby too And that is what I'd like to do. And they were wed this outcast pair And such an occurence was so rare That the good people of the town of Lynn Made great commotion and great din. They saved a little and moved far west There they come to find such rest As they never before had felt So thankful for it they fervently knelt— And thanked the giver of all peace For their sorrows seemed to cease. Prudent, careful and devout Were their lives from that time out. 64 MAC GRAY. MacQray did well in all his undertakings They had a quiet life and also merry makings. The girl grew up like a pure bright ray And the name they gave her was Ruth MacGray Respected and loved far and near Charitable, kind no one need fear To call for aid from him night or day For riches had come unto MacGray. He had struck a mine in his early trials Had worked at it with many denials At last it yielded its bright gold And brought him flowing wealth untold. Upright, brave, staunch and true He lived with ever this thought in view To atone by kindly life For the days he lived in strife. Back to the little town of Lynn [in Where the good folks would not let the outcast Back after twenty years to the day Strode the tall white haired MacGray. Back again after all the years With their unseen joys and fears On his scared and mangled face You could not find one repulsive trace. His head was venerable and white On his face a peaceful light Sadness and strife — love wiped away And before us stands the— "Man MacGray." February 20, 1895. STELLA STELLA. 65 STELLA: ANGEL OR DEVIL. To study the character of a soul We mast begin as the ocean's roll At the beginning of all time Tracing thro' all ages clime What we manifest to-day - Is but gleamed from far away In earlier times and exprest' now Unwilling perhaps but a truthful vow Which nature in her moods so wild Expects of her vagrant child. What we know and are this hour A century hence would make us cower With our egotistic pride Swimming in presumptuous' tide No one mind ever comprehends Another's mind: and thus defends, The dense misunderstood position Of a soul whose mute transition Spends its force like the ebbing wave Ending with the quiet grave. 66 STELLA. An offspring of both parents mild To this strange peculiar child Early grown to womanhood They have labored for her good See in her fantastic traits Something on their spirit grates Her frolicks wild and fearless ways Think they in her older days Wisdom on her then will rest They chide her not, they think it best. And there is no known reason Why her life should have been treason To the part that was divine God given — we should not resign To the depths of which is base Then we're like the broken vase Which cannot ever be made whole So tis with the broken soul We cannot mar but never make The truth for its eternal sake. Stella grew and thrived awhile Ail without apparent guile Brighter than her comrades round She seemed with inner influence surround' Statuesque her face and fair Like the raven's wing her hair Darkest eyes whose depths ere tells Hidden stories like unknown wells As swiftest flows the deepest streams Most intense lives appear as dreams. STELLA. 67 Twas so with Stella, one never knew From appearance as she grew Whether she was calm and mild Whether she was fierce and wild, So well adapted was her mind To every mood that nature lined Out upon her crossed pathway Like shadows on the sunny day, Thus her life was densely checked With heavy woes her life was decked. In the village she was known As an angel who alone The rays of God's greice fell upon And whose artless method's don Downcast eyes and quiet airs Deportment meek she ever wears Among the sick a soothing voice Also the poor — it seems her choice On her brow the martyr's crown Fully rests with calm renown. The beginning of her eighteenth year Marks an epoch very clear In the life of this strange creature, And it was a fearful feature, A murderous instinct takes possession And she yields with slight concession Toward the impulse and unyielding Not one wish is she shielding Like the storm gathering shades The spirit of light shrinks and fades. 68 STELLA. Nursing by a sick bedside 111 early spring at eventide A woman broken, bent and old And withal worth untold gold Stella stood with glittering eye Wishing she would see her die That she might come unto wealth Which she took with evil stealth. To the sleeping woman gave Poison from which she could not save. Saw her die and laid away And her dust makes gold to-day. We little think with grasp and greed The mills of the Gods we slowly feed Stella stole her wealth and fled To the city with steady tread. She had youth to lead on her Which meant strength : and upon Whose strong arm she rests with ease Thinks alas — gold will appeas. The soul when it looks for more Than undug gold or ungained lore, She revels in the city's glare Of its pomp and glitter rare Wine and food of richest cost Eealizing not the frost Of winter is about to chill And her soul with anguish fill Only sees the rising star Whose setting seems so very far. STELLA. 69 Crowded round by luxurious vanity Heeding not the sad humanity Which about her fauned and hung And her praises ever sung, Until one day a crippled boy Who was his mother's only joy Came to beg at her golden door Almost groveling to the floor Bowed with h under and so abject That a hardn'ed heart must needs reflect. Stella took him by the hand Led him in her palace grand Gave him gold — and food to eat Sat him in a downey seat. In the corner of a couch Heard his story, she could vouch For its depth and truthfulness He reluctant to confess Seeks the mother bids her share The happy home she will prepare. Happy boy and happy mother They will never find another Friend whose kind and thoughtful heart Took from them the awful dart Of poverty and wretchedness Lifted up their deep distress They bless her every night in prayer The God sent one : an angel rare Stands she out before their eyes Like Venus in the western skies. 70 STELLA. Like the butterfly bright and gay Stella wiles her life away Among the friends who crowd around 4nd whose friendship is firm and sound Her glittering eye scans far and wide And she turns like the backward tide When she knows their hearts are hers And with smiles she onward lure Like the snake who charms the thrush She grasps their soul— only to crush. And to come to it direct Bringing in all due respect 'Tis in human life the aim Human love is an empty name, Self is the highest moral standard To which everything is pandered. We may listen, pray and preach But 'tis still beyond our reach To drop this self and live outside The bond of I ; which still is pride. Stella stands in the ballroom's glare To-night, with arms and shoulders bare , Clad in yellow silk, whose sheen Brilliant shines in the bright light's glean. For every one a word and smile And in her heart a heavy guile Is working still and sure its way She steals the hearts of the happy and gay She steals the love of those she can She breaks the hearts of many a man. STELLA. Ti- ll! her eye the devil lurks In her smile the devil smirks, For she plans and wilfully tries To bring misery and then disguise With brightest smile her deep intent She plies her art on mischief bent Draws around her with cunning glee Slaves whose heart she ne're will free The fabled spider and the fly Is the analogy of h3r sigh Bends there by her stately side A noble youth who ne're had guide, The stately Stella he adored. But her life be only bored Ple'd his love long and in vain She never heeds his grief and pain With sarcastic laugh and smile Greets his pleadings ; then a vile Thought he firmly grasps At her feet in awful gasps. Dies and pours his warm life's blood Jj'ike a flowing living flood To her life a sacrifice Thinks not whether blind or wise Dies for love of her alone. Without one curse or cry or moan Stella turns from him as cold As if her heart was cast in mould Of granite from the deepest earth Or never knew of human birth. 72 STELLA. Cares not for the dying groan Of one who loves her soul alone Separate from all earthly ties No selfish thought his love implies On in sumptuous glee she treads Trampling loving hearts who sheds Tears upon her way, enough To make the smoothest pathway rough, Euffle lives that come before her Ruin lives that ere would falter. If by love they were not led And by love they were not fed Ruined lives in the world to-day Are spoiled by love in its awful sway In its strong and wild desires It wishes all like forest fires Not content less every tree To the roots is mournfully Burned 1 blackened ! and charred Mangled fearfully and scarred. And the length of Stella's sway Is a lesson to those who may Think to grasp and persevere In unrighteous life and drear Is the aspect of a mind Who relies in their youthful prime To the days whose seeming cheer Makes the dying twilight clear When life takes on brightest hues Fair as telescopic views. STELLA. 73 A woman comes this very night In the ball room's glitter bright, Of the stately Stella begs To tell her story with its dregs Of human misery and woe She has on earth no where to go She is shunned by human kind They only swear and frown and grind Like a leper pass her by Never heed her wailing cry. Alice is her maiden name And her lover was the same Youth who had at Stella's shrine Spilt his blood like blood red wine Whispers unto Stella's ear Her sad story with its fear Of coming hunger, want and home Stands she to-night in the world alone. Only the streets for me await Is the reason I rap at your charitable gate. / To her home the woman brought Stella thro' the city sought Choicest food for her pallid lips Honey from the bee who sips From the fragrant flowers the dew For the lives for which it grew When she heard her sad, sad tale Without thought to weep and wail Made her comfortable and warm Heeded not conventions form. 74 STELLA. Alice died, yet lived her babe She begs the stately Stella save Her little one from unkind hands Stella yields to her demands Makes a promise with the mother That the child will ne're know other Than herself to look upon ; And the loving little one Grew and romped in childish fun. Stella loved him as her son. Stella guards with deep alarm The little one from apparent harm Sings at night a soothing croon Then a most melodious tune For the little orphan child Could you now believe her wild Cruel, barbarous and false As she steps the gliding waltz Out among her comrades gay Treating night hours as the day. AVhich she does as time rolls by Joins again the throngs who vie In secret triumph to outdo Stella stands in the full glare's view Brilliant, beautiful and defiant Noble looking and self-reliant Still around her as the magnet Clings her followers and the signet Of their standing and renown Is to follow Stella's gown. STELLA. For she sets the flippant styles AVith her gold and art and wiles Tighter draws the willing slaves To the rules which fashion paves. Stella is the queenly bee Adored by a buzzing sea, At her beck and call they follow Society is as empty — hollow As the tree whose outside bark Stands alone a ruined mark Ah ! that life should mean so much, Ileightest heights within our touch, The universe within our gras^D, Yet we lack the power to clasp. Ah ! that life so little means That past ages little seems More than the wave and turn of the tide Only whos3 bright and better side Is the dream of an illusion We know to-day in our hearts seclusion. But away with such discussion Back to the story whose expression Is meant because there are such souls Which nature holds in her mysterious folds Of good and bad alike composed In light and dark also enclosed, Who in all this world can say. One is good or bad? I pray, We know not of the soul its mixture We ne're can classify its fixture. STELLA. Stella, with the gambler's glee Wins and looses tremously At the roulette table seated After all her friends retreated Her face is deeply drawn and pale In her eyes the plain tell tale Look of nightly dissipation Lines that show the concentration Of her life and steadfast grovv^ing Toward the whirlwind she is sowing. Piles the gold she quickly wins Counting not the many sins Which that shining metal covers Law and church and even lovers Fall beneath its tyrant sway Controls alike the sad and gay. Stella thinks not of these things Only the luxury that it brings, Is the extent of her thought as she glides Away with her gold as the storm which rides. On with destruction, o'er land and sea Wild and fierce, yet always free Never stops to look behind Does not think she is unkind Sees not hearts that she has broken Sees them not by any token In her selfish greed for gain Has laughed and mocked at the loser's pain Grasping her gold with a miser's greed She gropes her way thro' want and need. STELLA. 77 Out past tJie portal whose every stone Could tell a story and wail a moan HoniQS and hearts in misery wrecked The march of broken lives not checked Lying prostrate in a heap A sight which makes her cold heart leap Face down ! dead upon the ground Shot thro' the heart w^hen he was found A man with hair as white as snow His last gold gone in the awful flow. Which Stella had reaped that very night My God ! she cried with guilty fright Poor old man, mine was the hand That drove you aw^ay from this fair land. Cursed be the glittering gold Which has brought this man so old To throw away his wretched life Because he could not stand the strife To face the world when on came age Without wealth 'tis one tempestuous page. A sad eyed woman dressed in black Showing that life had been a rack Upon which she'd been bent and torn Claimed the dead with voice so worn And broken low and sad. 'Tis no wonder the world's half mad Upon some hearts the weight of woe Is more than should be worn ; yet lo 1 Out from the very saddest souls Deepest wisdom oft condoles. 78 STELLA. Stella poured into her lap Yellow gold to fill the gap Of her deep heart rendering grief Thinks she with her false belief That worldly wealth ere' filled the void Of the hearts love and alloyed Is anything that this earth yields Under earth or in the fields In the water or the sky When love calls with its deathless, cry. Stella turned from them away Quaffed the wine cup night and day Reveled in all worldly vice That would bring some new device To wile away the hours in pleasure Life has now to her no treasure Growing old the world has lost All the joy which it had cost Her brightest years of youth and strength The law of life has its true length. Which we cannot wilfully cheat Else wo ever will repeat With the sages of the past The best of life can never last Changes alone await for all We must respond to nature's call Perhaps 'tis best for these who've cross'd The mysterious line of deaths drear frost There are lives whose hearts are dead As withered grass whose green has fled. STP^LLA. 79 And we know not which is best Whether life or death is rest And altho' we are sincere Nothing on this plane is clear Days and years pass grimly by In the end there is no tie On this earth that ere' is binding We are past the bliss of finding Any stationery love We look beyond and above- In a garrett desolate Dying Stella faces fate Which we all must face some day Death the body's great decay Sharing her last humble crust With a sick comrade who must On the self same highway pass Who goes to join the unknown class Of souls who pass beyond this life Souls who pass away from strife. Thus the lonely woman dies None to calm her dying cries Stella's moaning, choking gasp With consolation in her clasp To her sister dead she turns Thro' her veins the fever burns Twines the dead in her embrace Now death I can surely face Two dead women were found next day, Found in an attic at day break grey. 80 SEAMAN BEN. One hundred entities am I And understand them all Good and bad! low and high Answer to my call. Should be the knowledge of every mind In whose mysteries we would find Knowledge wide and broad and deep Which we sacredly would keep Out from one ray is the whole Angel ! devil ! shadows the soul. July 8, 1895. SEAMAN BEN." A seafaring man, was big gruff Ben Faring the sea for fame A ship of his own is his dream and then He will w^ear a captain's name. Faces the sea in roughest storms. With song and laugh and cheer Facing danger in all forms Without one shade of fear. Compact and sm.ail is his snug little craft Manned by firm, strong men, Loves the breeze whose salty waft Means more than lake and fen. Ben has grown up from a rugged boy Close by the shores of the sea Loving the calm and storm with joy And quiet grov/ing glee. Wishing to come the day, when he can BEAMAN BEN. 81 Ship on the briney waves Loving the thought past boyhood to man Not knowing the way that paves. One step in life up to the next Is made with effort so sad But which is the old, old text We ever expect to be glad By the next turn that comes to our life, Blindly we beat our way Over the billows with ignorant strife All will rise who may Breathe well and rise on the sea's wild crest Battling the wave and the wind. Harshest battles we know are best, Irrespective of their kind. Ben in his sailor's way jogs along plain, Happy and hearty and free As yet has known no sorrow nor pain His life is like the calm sea. Dreads not the storms of the winter's chill blast Thinks he the sun will e'er shine Always and ever upon his white mast Thinks he no cause to repine. Salty the sea breeze falls o'er his small boat Strengthening, firm and strong. Crafty the sharks in the ocean afloat Follow his wake along. Big Ben the joy of all on board Handsome, true and brave, Blue eyed — light haired — h3 can afford The titled god to save. Anchors his boat near the rocky coast Off from the English bay. All that know brave Ben can boast Of his good seamanship's way. Lands he in small boats on his native isle 82 SEAMAN BEN Finds out the girls he adores. Tells he sea stories with many a smile — Tells how the ocean roars When out in the depths past sight of land. Tells of its deep treacherous pranks Carries away like grains of sand All within its ranks. Yet of its power I am not afraid Brave Ben cried unto his love If at bottom of sea I'm laid He'll see me from above. The cool driving breeze of the salt sea air Gave big Ben strength and health The oil cloth suit we see him wear And his boat comprised his wealth. Staunch as the timber in the little crafts' keel Is the heart of seaman Ben. True thro' hardest woe and weal One brave soul amongst all men. Sets he again with face out to the sea Braving the breakers so wild. Firm as a lion yet gently Loving as a child,^ Proud indeed of his bran new ship Manned by a hearty crew Every rise and falling dip Speaks that she is new Fine is the weather, light are their heart? As they steam out to the deep They've bid goodbye to their sweethearts With hopes that they will keep Freah in their memory the image of those Who love them more than they can tell Well for them they know not the woes There is in the ocean's swell. Happier than all is big hearted Ben. SEAMAiN liJL'is. 83 Captain at last of his ship — Prouder than the peacock hen Ah ! but there's many a slip — Ben will come back to the one he loves After this first trips o'er Will make the nest for the pair of doves And be happy ever more, When he v^ill wed the lass of his choice Whose waited for him these years Alas — she will never hear his voice Only for her are tears. Proud Captain Ben on his steamship new Is fighting a storm to-night Dark is his eye with clouded view He is ready for the fight. Heavy his heart and blanched his cheek The storm cloud upon him burst Tearing his ship to atoms and weak As the sailor's crust — Beat the heart of the brave seaman Ben As she settled down in the foam. Yet brave to his post stands seaman Ben And goes down without a moan. Down in the trough of the stormy sea Ben with his hand on the wheel Faithful, firm and true, while we Only sorrow can feel. ' A seafaring man was big gruff Ben F'aring the sea for fame. A ship of his own was his dream and then Captain Ben his name. Many a tale does the calm sea tell Misery — woe and despair — Stories of deathless love as well As dying hopes so fair. Closes the stormy waves o're the big ship. 84 JUDATH THE PROPHETESS. Next day there's calm at sea. Never a trace as the waters sip The warm breeze from land and sea Years pass and only the story remains How big Ben sailed out to sea — Captain of his ship — whose gains He will meet in eternity. July 8, 1895. "JUDATH THE PROPHETESS/ A Hindoo maiden a Brahmen slave Forth to the world her wisdom gave Years before our Christ was born She knew the rose and the thorn. A priestess in her native land Held she the world's law in her hand Giving forth with childish faith The later laws we know which saith God is love and knowledge power Like a brilliant heavenly dower We know not very much more to-day Than they did in that past age far away. In material science for us no match In the science of soul they alone lift the latch To the door of the chamber of wisdom's deep hxwi; They were the race that fathomed the cause Of nature's development the quiet Hindoo First studied life and inwardly knew That soul and body were as far apart Divided like the lightning's dart Soul for spirit life, body for earth TUD4TIi THE PKOPHETESS. 85 Nature's great good?\esa only gave birth To manifestation of spirit here. To make the unknown h^w more clear. The unknown realm is the sphere that's real The life we live we must needs feel Is not perfected because there's an end Which we find not in all nature's trend. The sun and stars and sky we know Have existed since times first flow The trees and grass, the land and sea Repeat their duties faithfully Which is not death, in some decay Which only lasts for one short day Sprouts the green leaves every spring Shows us alone in nature's ring We find the truth of all that lives Nature to her children gives, Are the words that Judath speaks In her heart their melting reeks. The love for her people who h.^r adore Prostrate before her to the floor Are the subjects around her throne She stands in her time alone The inner power that sways and yields Yet all with honest effort deals With their brethren— not understood Is the pound of flesh and blood. Judath the prophetess speaks these things Light and free as the bird whose wings Soars o'er mountain and on sea We should know that thought is free As wind and bird and light as air And can travel anywhere. Judath propesies unto her race Man will stand and firmly face All the secrets altho' now hidden 86 JUDATH THE PROPHETESS. It is only man who is bidden Seek and ye shall ever find Is the law for all mankind Years before we knew this message Judath spoke with mighty prestage The Hindoo race are of fine mold Remind one of the beaten gold. Whose essence is its strongest force, So the Hindoo is not coarse But the finest thought he gives In his bosom ever lives To gain Nirvana is his prayer And his sins are very rare A people who entirely bloom In the solitude of the tomb. Spake the prophetess — man shall thrive He is the only thing alive AV^hich will grasp and ever rule The elements in nature's school All unto his throne shall bow Only when he has learned how The unseen power to subjugate And 'tis coming slow by fate The birth of god's was well predicted The war of nation's who were evicted From their native lands so dear Judath the prophetess made very clear Prophesied new worlds to be found And gold be dug beneath the ground This day her twentieth year appeared P>eaiitiful was Judath and well reared Small of stature, slight of limb She knew naught of any whim Reared alone in silence deep The old tradition to faithfully keep To have a prophet in their flock JUDATR THE PROPHETESS. Was foundation and a rock To build upon a temple vast And dream forever it would last. Judatli to love must never yield Should she fall her fate is sealed. The power to prophesy will pass Unto another of her class Strong indeed must she guard her heart For love we know takes not a part Is not content without the whole Of the helpless struggling soul. When entangled in love's net Hopeless : we, our sun is set — Comes a youth one summer day Shining eyes and blithe and gay Lithe and light his easy swing In his voice the lover's ring. Meets Judath the prophetess — Promptly tells of his distress. That of love for her alone He would die without a moan In her lover's sweet embrace Judath drops her glowing face Melting eyes with love's bright ray Meets her lover's eyes of grey Ah ! the oak and ivy leaf Often twine for deepest grief. Judath cries for love I'll die To her outraged people's sigh. This last prophecy will I make Love shall live for love's own sake. Through all time in every race Animal, man and even space The very atoms of the air Ib attracted from their lair By the law of love alone 88 JUDATH THE PROPHETESS. Making one — unseen — unknown — Judath garbed in softest white Standing frail in the bright sunlight Prepared to meet the awful fate. Sad, O, sad to relate Burning in the fagots glare Judath's eyes with beauty rare Seeks in the crowd her lover's face Smiles with meek and winning grace Altho' I die, our love shall live Is the last message that I give Humanity yet will understand Love is the law in every land Pity 'twas there was no redress For J udath the prophetess, Judath piophetess thy wisdom to-day Is little understood by those who may Come to this knowledge in latter years After battles of life with storms and tears Conceited we grope on our way so blind Thinking the pearls we surely find Without dropping down our hand in the sea Away from the grosser self must we flee To reach the height which Judath gave O'er that early nation's grave. Her fate is only one of ail AVho studies closely nature's call. Their burnt with satire, sneer and scorn Every day of life a thorn Man with his intense selfish aim Keeps from himself a higher name. The true law of life must be lived outside The inner self: if not deep pride Settles in and takes possession We can say with true confession As superstitious are we to-day LAnAi'iAa JiM, As that nation far away By the law whose ignorant stress Burnt Judath, the prophetess. July 11. 1895. CANADIAN JIM, A story was told One drear winter's night The story was bold For Jim was a knight. Eou^i shod his shoes. And a coat of old fur, In fear he would lose The title of Sir. Some of the others In the old logging camp Nine of these brothers Noticed the damp. But Jim was the father, And all he said, went, The rest of them rather Begging be sent. Than to go contrary. To what Jim said. For alone he was wary, And then kept his head. In all kind of danger. Without much alarm, Yet he was no stranger To very great liarm. 90 CANADIAN JIM. His aim as a hunter, Was deadly and stiaight, Jim ne'er was a griinter, And knew every bait That trapped the wild beast That roved Canada's wood, And the boys knew at least. That old Jim was good. He never spoke much, In fact was so still. The lads thought him such As hadn't much will. On old aged Jim, Thrust they many a laugh. Without a gruff whim. He took their light chaff. This night round the camp-fire. Ten men crouched around, Old Jim was the drier, Of all on the ground. As usual he nodded, With nothing to say. As he always had plodded Forty years and a day. Through the foothills and wild Of far western land. Since he was a child With no helping hand. To guide him no kindness, To help him, no joy, He ne'er had known happiness Since he was a boy. CANADIAN JIM. f*l To-night the boys laughing And joking with cheer In the loggers camp quaffing, Life's Inn without fear. With many a story, • And bright songs they sing, They tell in their glory, Merry, light liearted. Sing they to-night, Aside from them parted Sits Jim near the light. From the day bent, With hands round his knees, The joy of life lent To the wind and the trees. He heeds not their liveliness, Hears not their song. Feels not his own distress, Eyes fixed and long. Watches the burning pile. With dull despair. Watches with breaking smile, Dying embers there. Tell us a story, Jim. Please sir, to-night. Tell it with good old vim, . You have a right. We've never asked for one All summer long. Now you have had your run. We are the strong. 1 Ai. Jim smiled and liunched a bit, Drew up his coat, Looked around v.'here lie would sit, While the story quote. Forty years to-night, my boys, I was a lad in Maine, Not brought up to many joys, V,'hich you might call gain. I wooed and won a pretty lass, Bessie Bruce her name, And it seems it came to pass. To our wedding came. A lad with murder in his heart Jealousy deep as hell, He was bound that we should part, Told his story well. I was the most unsuspecting, Kind of youth in them days, Thought the truth he was relating The way the story raised. In my heart a pile of hate, He said Bess wasn't true. And I said as sure as fate, I'd never cross her view. I had gone and wed the girl, But tkat night I rode away With my soul in awful whirl And I savagely would pay Some one to have wilfully killed, Bessie, I hated her so. But the devil nearly filled My heart with vicious woe. But to-night boys— I saw Bessie Standing there beside the fire Just the shadow of her mercy Is my secret hearts' desire. CANADIAN ./TINT. prj A ]u>t tear rolled down Jim's dry withered cheek, He fluttered and splashed around And then settled meek. Years passed the lad he died, On his death bed Constantly for Jim lie cried, Something in his head Bothered him night and day, He could not die. I went to him and — say — This was his sigh. Said that of Bess he'd lied, She was true as gold, But in his wretched pride To the devil sold. All that in him was good, In that lie that day, Wished then the maker would, Strike him down some way. He died that night, and I Set out for Bess, Down on my knees and cry, My sin confess. I found Bessie laid away Underneath the sod ; Two years, and now I pray Strike me dead ; Oh ! God. The very last words, she said, Was to tell Jim Heart broken — dead she laid. And for love of him. 94 CANADIAN JIM. I have wandered since that time, Roamed these hills for years ; Although I've traveled many a clime f To-night shed my first tears. But to-night, Boys, I saw Bessie, Standing there beside the fire, And the shadow of her mercy Is my secret heart's desire. There she is my boys again, Don't you see her standing there? I'm young Jim to-night from Maine And with my sweetheart Bessie's fair. And she beckons me to stand, Stretches out her hand — says Jim I will lead you through the land And will lead you up to Him. And I'm going, boys; good-bye, Bess has come to me at last, With yearning arms and welcome cry Bessie dear our sorrows passed They buried him 'neath the Canadian snow, They said the old man's mind was frail. Over his grave the wild winds blow, With many a sigh and moan and wail. They tell the story in after years, Of how Jim died one winter night, They told he shed a few salt tears, But said Jim had died of fright. July 12, 1895. SPIRIT. 95 'SPIRIT." Laying aside the thoughts of earth The spirit flies to future birth In uncheckered mental flight Independent of day or night. The unfettered soul can rapidly flee On the land or on the sea Out into eternal space Thro' the lines of all the race Into Egypt by the sea, Piercing into eternity. From earliest childhood the growth of soul Strives to reach the very goal That cannot here be attained Perhaps 'tis why we are retained Cycles on this plane below. The constellation to which we grow Stronger every day of life Is universal and without strife. Life in all atomic force Paves the way in truest course To the universal plan And epitomizes man. The smallest minute sand On the widening ocean strand Is manifest and strong And to various forms belong. And the smallest blade of grass In our very lives outclass. All the scientific truths Of) fePIRIT. AVhicli in nature ever proves That beyond our utmost grasp Which we vainly try to clasp Is the true life that is real And we deeply ever feel We can never understand That which seems so close at hand. Why does man forever pine Never to his life consign Quiet life or ere content Every step appears misspent And as every year has passed All the coming ones more massed With perplexities more dense He thinks to fight it with more sense Does he? time alone will tell The future throws its charming spell Over mind and man and plant And to say so is not cant. Out from all the past we gleam Not as if an unknown realm Had cast upon us passing lights They are real and living sights Perhaps 'tis why we grasp and groan And why we fight and fight and moan. The spirit life of most mankind Is dilTerent from material mind Man manifests upon two planes 'Tis a world wide law that he maintains Man's spirit soars in unseen realms While the physical portion scarcely deems It necessary to move but slow And short the way it has to go From the cradle to the grave. Walked with cowardice or brave — When it takes a space of years .^.i'lKiT. With broken hopes and silent tears The spirit scans quick as thought Thousands of years are but as nought To the soul that is free from earth Deep understanding is as mirth To the soul that has crossed the line Seeking for the eternal mine. The knowledge of the passing races Comes at only various spaces Time with unconcealed delight . Renders the gleaning a desperate fight. The ever unfolding soul of man Thro' civilizaton's giant plan Has come out thro' the ages past As a strong ray of light which will always cast Reflection along the shores of time In touches of anguish, in touches of rhyme. War with its dark unholy cloud With terrible voice has cried aloud Left a trail of destruction black Left a mark of the chain and rack — While peace has left a shining ray Strong as the sun, night and day. Material elements are v^^ar and peace When their no more — Progression will cease. The element of material life E'en in quietude or strife Whether in man or plant or tree Is tuned in natura's harmonious key. Through the universe prevades As in all past decades Element of spirit force True to its directed course. All powerful yet to us unseen We cannot think of it a dream. Deep in the heart of man is burning OLIVIA. The wish for future life and yearning Is his intense soul For the rest and final goal Which we find not on this plane But hope we may obtain When we lay aside the thoughts of earth And the spirit flies to future birth. Feb. 25, 1895. OLIVIA.' Olivia firm and slow In the evening's darkening glow Treads the garden path in gloom Her face has lost its beauteous bloom Pale and shadow like she glides In her heart no peace abides Wild and glaring shines her eyes Piercing to the very skies Serpent like her weaving tread Waving to and fro her head Proud and haughty — defiant, sad — And her heart is raging mad. Slow and measured is her act Olivia has the utmost tact Yet with misery deep distres't And within her soul no rest Grasping with intense strength Life and love at any length Is her pleading piteous wail She stands now — without the veil 'Tis the soul we see at last Ever to the curse is fast Groaning now in mute despair Oh, to rest — rest — anywhere. Groaning now in mute despair Oh ! to rest— rest— anywhere. OLIVIA. The curse upon her will ever ring Thro' her ears and ever cling On thro' time with sickening dread While she prays that she were dead. She has lived thro' all past ages She has knowledge of the sages Who have lived and passed away Thousands of years— and to-day- Olivia lives and cannot die That is her one wailing cry The curse upon her in a breath She lives a life of living death. Eaging is her awful mind Wild for rest she cannot find Knowing her soul is foul and black She can only see the hideous track And torture of her endless life Filled with agony and strife She sees her soul in a body clad Beauteous, v,'hich only drives her mad. The exquisite face and form she wears She could tear it into shreds as anger bears Its weight as it eats her heart away Suffering always night and day. We see her first in antiquity, In early Egypt by the sea A ruler's daugliter with command Over the nobles of the land. Gold and purple filmy lace — She is decked with wondrous grace Slaves to fan and cool her brow Slaves to guard and shield, and now— Arbadace her lover, brave and bold With bristling steed and armour of gold Awaits outside the columned portal — Olivia — indeed a happy mortal. 100 OLIVIA. He is a descent of noble line, Of Egyptian kings, his profile fine . And deeply cut, dark flashing eye — Proud of bearing — the eagle's cry Like unto his soaring mind, In all of Jiigypt you cannot find One more firm cuid true and brave Than Arbadace, who lives not — save In the glamour of Olivia's love The unseen only who are above — Can understand and not repine Can understand — to love divine. Yet Olivia was cold and stern No divine spark in her heart could burn False to everj'^ thought express' d — Crafty — designing — and addressed All the power of her given mind Unto the lowest of her kind. Untrue to life, and love and nature Poured on the guilty creature Volumes of unseen wrath — There are suffering souls who hath Never known a peaceful dower In their lives one single hour. Arbadace thought her good and true Adored her as the very few Who place too high their heart's idol — Almost their frailness they extol Yet slumbering in his dark'ning face Was the madness of his race- As false to his love Olivia curs'd Oh her in wild torrents burst Thro' all years of coming time Thou wilt live and madly pine For the love which thou to-day Trample on and cast away. OLIVIA.. 101 Thou wilt meet riie in every age — I will know thee as an open page Thou wiit know me from every other Youth; tliou wiit recoi^nize thy lover. By this sign I show to thee — An emblem of eternity. He uttered a low and shivering cry Thou and I shall never die — As I now this word repeat Thou' wilt hear in what ere retreat In the future thou canst find 'Twill forever ring in thy raving mind. And thou wilt yearn for me and sigh As ages and ages pass thee by, Thy heart shall never find its rest Tho' wiit ever be in quest Of life, and love, calm and peace Thy heart's struggle shall never cease, Even to the end of time In any country — any clime — Shalt thou seek me finding never By the utmost stern endeavor On through time — time forever — No relenting — never — never. Lest indeed thou shouldst come to know Love divine in its god-like flow — Laying aside selfishness— greed — When thou hast learned to know the need Of truth and peace and humility, Thou wilt forever have gentility And beauty stamped upon thy face Every outward form of grace- But thou wilt know thy soul is black And that will be the very rack Thou will see thy soul alone To thee my curse is thus made known. 102 OLIVIA. Which did not on Olivia rest With heavy thought or much distres't I am beautiful and young And will i^ass my life among Those who love me very much And whose faithfulness is such Which will keep from me all harm I've no need for much alarm Arbadace raved before he died Led too far by his own pride By love for his ruler's child Which indeed was very wild. Olivia cried I'll soon forget That he and I have ever met — This moment I think of me a king Of whose praise the nations sing, He shall then my lover be. That I am beautiful he will see And shall feel my strength and power Stronger than he, have I made cower By the depth of strong intent— That this shall be I'm firmly bent Festivities here sliall I commend And bid the distant king attend. So with many an art and smile And withal a little guile Olivia set about to win Counting as nothing any sin Which would bring him to- her feet Humbled from his high born seat. Clad in white and golden lace Bending now in winning grace Flushed — triumphant — sure almost The king loves me at any cost Arbadace's curse is nothing more Than a heart which was very sore. IM.l ^ I A. 1U3 Out ill the night by the flowing Nile AVliere blooms the lotus many a mile The radiant moon its golden light Spreads with calm and glimmer bright Shadows the palms in the flowing stream Senuous in the moonlight gleam On the marble terrace tread Olivia and the king, whose head Towers above her — yet heart to heart She feels from him she cannot part. Love and life are in her hand She will rule queen of the land. Thus the trend of Olivia's mind She is yielding, sweet and kind — She bends and plucks a lotus stalk In her proud and stately walk, Out from the silence in the night She starts — and shrinks with av.-ful fright, A wailing, low and shivering cry Kings close to her side — now on high — Dying away on the distant air The curse — the curse — Arbiidace there The signal word of which he said Her eyes are starting from her head. She bends with fright and turns and sways — She is ghastly wiiite in the full moon's rays The king has heard the awful cry, She sees in his face, she need not try To understand it different. His look is fixed with wild intent Out toward where the unearthly groan Is dying away in an awful moan. The meaning of this — I see — Apparent is well khown to thee. From that night's mysterious ring Olivia never saw the king. 104 OLIVIA. For his love she pined in secret In her heart a deep regret I have nothing now but strife All the luxuries of life Since that fatal night have fled. Fath er — m oth er — lover — dead , Th^ nation's loss is not to me Deeper than this misery. I'm doomed to live and never die I will yet gain courage by New device and will wage War with all my inner rage. The Egyptian nation passed away Buried 'neath its ancient clay The loves and hates of thousands of hearts Intrigues of war and blood which starts Channels of thought flowing along The lines of time like a weaving song. Shadows dark, and shadows light As breaking day and gathering night Intense wrath and quiet calm With serene heavenly balm. One decade has lightly passed For the next which will be classed, In Sparta by the Aegean Sea, Where lives a people light and free. There pursuits in this wondrcJlis clime Is art and love and even rhyme — The men and women of this race Are gods and goddesses whose grace Will live in all futurity — Free from much immunity. Of the envy which will follow — Coming races which are hollow To this god-like one compared By the God Zeus, it is cared. OLIVIA. 105 Wandering by the pebbled shore A maiden reading ancient lore Sur'ound'd by a group of Grecian maids In whose minds wisdom grades Knowledge from their teacher wise — She with honest effort tries The oracles with sentiment Be understood with clear intent For unseen truth is ever yearning In her soul a strong fire burning A recluse now in foreign lands We see Olivia where she stands. In this life I'll surely know Peace and love as I learn and grow Though knowledge which I find expres't I think me now I will find rest, Xantus loves me yet his face Reminds me of the narrow space Between this and my own life passed And this misery is more massed, Upon my mind and heart and brain '"Tis a fearful deathless train — Following me these years and years Spite of all my burning tears. I yearn for quiet, love and peace When my struggling soul will cease Of, that I might be blest with death I am weary of this breath Called life: which means the least Of all thats real : O for the East, My childhood's native clime 'Twas all but then sublime I cannot still this stifling hate Nor can I ever compensate Is the thought I have to-day Eight or wrong I cannot say. 106 OLIVIA. In this life for the cruel wrongs Whose shadows are like binding thongs Which I did in that age gone by Arbadace's curse and quivering cry Has rung forever in mine ears All these long and hopeless years. Yet through Xantus' love I trust, To find p3ace and rest, and must Guard this secret carefully To all intent will cheerfully Bear an outward calm repose This bane I never will expose. Olivia was famed f^ir and near For her wondrous beauty and very dear Was she to Xantus the hero of Greece Renowned alike in war and peace. Loved indeed by young and old He led the hosts of Spartan's bold Against the Trogan's mighty men With honors from the battle — then At Olivia's shrine his trophies laid His heart and hand and proudly made His palace by the flowing tide To welcome home his lovely bride. Vv'^hat is this change in his face I see Me thought last night 'neath the Cypress tree A low and wailing sound I heard Again I thought it but a bird. In his eyes the look was strange I felt it covered all the range Of my life and wandering years Which are like so many sears. I seemed to see Arbadace's glance Pierce me like a sharpened lance, From out the eyes in Xantus' head Woe is me — I wish me dead. OLIVIA. 107 I dare not meet that look again Which has brought to me this pain Me thinks perchance 'tis better lly Than hear again that deathless cry My Xuntus comes —Ah ! changed indeed I have surely every need To wish for courage firm and strong In my fear I may be wrong. I will not my thoughts confide But still rely on my nature's pride Smiling to her lover's bow Sad is the Greek Olivia, now— Olivia, the Spartan spoke What is this mysterious cloak Which seems to wrap thy thoughts in gloom It has distrest me— and I assume To think thou art troubled in thy mind, Of thy life thou hast confined, The utmost secrecy and yet. When unguarded thou hast let Forth some weird and strange like spee3h Wise and far beyond thy reach Of knowledge in this century gleamed From the an;;ient Egypt seemed. Ask me not. Olivia cried — Dost tho' not know I can scarce abide Thought of that land by the Red Sea. What unknown fate or destiny Has driven thee to ask those things? This land I love ; yon bird that sings Is no more happy and free than I, Who loves to sing and dreads to sigh. Thou speakest false, the Spartan cried, Tho' hast firmly, vainly tried From me thy secret to conceal But to thee I will reveal. 108 OLIAaA. To my mind is now made clear Thou art haunted by a fear And thy soul is overtaken With heavy doubts thy heart is shaken. Thy beauteous form has,irom me vanished I wish from me thy sight could banish. Well mayest tha' writhe and moan I feel my heart has turned to stone, In its loathing hate toward thee An unknown change has come over me. A quivering, low and wailing cry Forth from his lips w^ith an awful sigh. Smote upon Olivia's ear Almost dumb with blinding fear Stricken she listens, cold with fright The fading and the calm twilight — The dying hope of a glorions dream Will live forever an expres'ed theme Shattered her hope of love andlDiiss Gone the hope of happiness Crouched and broken with mute despair Her wild cries ring in the eventide air In her dying lover's face She sees the Egyptian Arbadace. Raging then with bitter hate I will yet defy the fate Oast upon my heart to-day I will from this land away. A Roman where the Tibers flow Colors blue at even's glow A people strong and harsh and vain Their barbaric minds retain. Gleams of a life beyond this sphere A new Christ is living here Among the followers in his wake Olivia, tlie cross will take. OLIVIA. loa For her standard. of this time In a different western clime Love shall never cross my path I will cast upon it wrath. This God has given now to me Hope of calm eternity His teachings as I understand Are new unto this Pagan land. Few his followers, strong their faith His law is one that saith, If thy sin be black as night Repentance" will make it white. I find a peace o'er me steal That I ne'er before could feel I will cast from me aside All that seems as haughty pride I will humbly bow a knee To this faith, new it may be lie has said "to others do, As you would have them do to you." Which brings to my mind new thought Within me I feel strangely wrought. The Roman's clamour for his life Which he does not pass in strife. He teaches this present life as nought To the future one which will be sought By people for decades to come As the knowledge of life they vainly sura With years and years vain effort growing All good thought, good actions flowing He is poor and humble— meek— For reverence does not seek. He has been sent from another land Into this one to command The few who listen to his voice Even then they have their choice. IM) OLIVIA. Between the belief which he expresses Many a Roman he distresses, By his knowledge, Godlike, deep Away from "that twelve," I cannot keep To listen to him contents my heart, T could never bear to part From their wisdom which will grow Every day and learn to know Here if happy we would be We must learn humility Prophetic men his birth foretold And he will not touch even gold. High upon Mount Calvary Stands tall crosses there for three Olivia on the maddening throng Calmly watches from among A few whom she has taught to know The great truths and their wondrous flow Of peace and love when the soul is free From the sins of earth and their revelry, Saw the God-man, breathe his last Horror deep on her heart is cast. The picture of his death to-day Will never — never pass away, Olivia, cried, his law was truth His life and death a proof forsooth ; It will surely come to pass Few his followers we can class Nations yet will homage pay To the God who died this day I will journey on through years Blinded now by no more fears. In this age I have wisdom learned And peace for which my soul has yearned The Romans of the later age Allowed religious war to rage. OLlVl-l. Ill Between the older Pagan sect And the few of Christ's elect Into the Amphitheater's rin.g They the Christian believes fling Let the lions tear and eat Thinking it a glorious feat Barbarians thy highest prize Ne'er will penetrate the skies. Tht^ tottering Coliseum of Rome Honeycombed without a dome Stands to-day a parable Little tho' wert charitable. What is all the pomp to thee — A drop in the ocean of eternity All that has lived from out thy age Oh, Roman — is the small knowledge Gathered, gleaned and condensed For the following race to sense. And if possible to advance Altho' they may look askance Of all the periods of the east The Romish clan the very least To further all that's free and grand They are bound by self command. Fallen Rome, no more the pride Of the Adriatic's golden tide, Thy haughty, clamoring race is run Forever thy grasping day is done Great evils arose in thy empire Until at last burnt out by fire The history of thy later life Could only be wiped out by strife. The nations' in its last decay After a powerful lasting sway Where stood thy city in splendor proud Vesuvius' ashes is part its shroud. 112 OLIVIA. Sighed Olivia as her way she wends On to tlie sea whose cool charm lends To her heart with grief distrest A quietude and calming rest That age has passed as but a day In the calendar of life and they Poor dupes of gold and greed Thought to live and never need Look beyond the present time Into that other glorious clime Where ther's no divided nation Passed this mortal habitation. Plain to my mind they dread to die Wishing to live always, while I Would give my life and yield it gladly The curse upon my heart rests sadly. To die is not the hardest task For life is much that wears the mask. I have known three nation's rise and fall Known there splendid glories, all — Yet would I pass their gold and glitter To lay aside my sorrow bitter For just one hour of my life To rid me of this inner strife. Arbadace's haunting face to me Is yet the depth of misery If I could but forget his look But where e'er I go, in whatever nook I cannot from him ever hide. His deathless trail, the ocean's tide Is not more true and strong and fierce Than a soul whose mind can pierce Straight to its directed aim No known hinderance will it frame I will suffer on and must Ketribution's law is just. OLIVIA. 113 Time rolls on a western world A nation new stands unfurled In intellect standing high, and more Deeply versed in scientific lore They follow music, art and rhyme A noted people in their growing prime A race of free men who gladly hail Their motto of Liberty with avail Their studies in nature's secret mines Has brought them knowledge in various lines Thus thro' many years and lands Olivia lives and understands. That many ages pass in vain Before man knows the inner train Of life, its use and hidden meaning Every hour means mental gleaning, And we learn to be content When w^e learn development. Is the law whose unseen working In the seed of which is lurking All of nature's immense wealth Which we cannot have by stealth With honest thought we must pursue Our ordered lives and then be true. To every higher expressed thought Which brings the knowledge which is sought Reaching into higher spheres Attracts the thing which it endears This modern nation's keen desires Has brought to it which it aspires On tiie verge of discoveries vast Alas ! e'en this age cannot last Yet will leave its brightened ray Along the sweep of life's pathway An oasis in the desert saiid Is the birthright of this land. 114 OLIVIA. Away from E^ypt her native shore Olivia hears the ocean's roar In this new world in the west Its activity and zest To her life a sweet charm lending As her lovely pathway trending On thro' years to another race To another decade in the lines of space. O, that we might in onr worshipful rapture Just one hour of that future life capture. They live with the sixth sense developed entire They are more than mortal and past desire. They have reached a high perfection They indeed a choice selection Of the previous nation's powers Peaceful mind their rightful dowers. They dwell and live with understanding Of Nature in its vast commanding Among theiQ is no rough confusion And they live not in seclusion. Instead of wasted strength and talk Silently in life they walk AVith them there's no day or night They read and know in the astral light. All their power of comprehension Is not wasted with intention All their energetic strength In its outward flowing length. Inwardly is firmly turned 'Tis a wisdom they have learned We to day tliink not to save Any thing to hold the grave With its yawning deep abyss And the lost hope of happiness From us very far away What we court is death to-day. OLIVIA. 115 A brief respite has Olivia gained Of the curse which has her spirit inained The later periods she has passed by She has escaped the deathless cry In this age, I'll persevere Olivia said altho' severe To perfect my sinking soul Alas the journey will condole Something to my sorrowing mind Thus in knowledge which I find Is the perfect law which leads Out to all our yearning needs. Olivia lives in youth perpetual Which is not like our life conditional Oh, that age should ever creep That we could escape that sleep Cast upon all life that breathes Which is animal, plant and trees Even 3arth and moss and rock Ah ! we need not laugh or mock All things die but spirit force Which ever lives in its true course The sun and moon and stars and air, Have ever lived and now beware. Of how we reckon materially For things of earth, ah ! verily, Come to an end which is decay While the soul of us the one bright ray Lives forever as sun and star Can see the past or look afar Into the future for those who solve In mysterious silence they evolve Matter changes ; spirit lives Unchanged is the law which gives To the seer his northern light Which sets the magnet needle right. lia OLIVIA. This wonderful age is a true example Of understood knowledge and very ample Is their breadth of intelligent mind They live quiet, firm and kind. They read of the age before them passed Barbarians indeed, is what there classed With their strife and mad endeavor To gain — to gain — and never — never For one moment realizing But forever are despising That for which this life was meant Their one vain cry atonement. No commerce in this peaceful age Disturbs their calm unblotted page They exist on the air and sun No greed of profit that day is done Nature has turned her smiling face To this sylph like spirit race For years and years she has only frowned And from the antique races ground One and all under her heel This age she loves and we can feel In the darkness of co-day A brighter light not far away. Olivia now surround'd by friends Ever her charming wisdom lends Soaring thought and bright discourse Ever flowing in its source Looked upon by old and young As the wisest now among Many who are now collected Wishing by her to be directed They know she has communed with those Who passed beyond at each century's close Spirits are as tangible to me As physical forms are to thee. U-UiViA. 117 Olivia to her followers said, Be thou never then afraid If thou wish for such communion Join with intense strength and union Thy heart and mind beyond this sphere Past these things which seem most dear But withal a passing dream All things earthly but a gleam Of that other life and yonder While we vainly, idly ponder When we grow to understand We will reach that wished for land. Yet when Olivia is alone A sad and low and pitiful moan Breaks forth fro'm her weary heart To die — to die — and with a start Out in the darkness of earthly night Coming toward her robed in white Arbadace with pleading eyes Waiting for her soul's replies Forgive — forgive, my cursed pride Forf^ive — forgive, Arbadace cried. All these years I've yearned for thee Without which there is no eternity. Peace at last Olivia cried, Love and life she gently sighed Her arms around her lover winding One at last and forever binding Purified by life's distresses Perfection is which life expresses Olivia steps past mortal death Passed the need of physical breath Into the sphere she sought so long Where all is peace and rhyme and song Her soul as beautiful, white as a dove Radiant she meets her long lost love. 118 THE HOUR THE SHADOWS GATHER. Some souls upon their last life here Are dark and withered even sere They cannot see the reason why Their soul is sick that is the cry They understand not any ray That lights them on their darkened way And some souls in their first life here Are made alone of spirit clear They sense and know and yet consign All that is — is just — divine — Perfection is the only goal Waiting for the struggling soul. March 13, 1895. 'THE HOUR THE SHADOWS GATHER" The hour the shadows gather The restful time of day The time we dream and rather Wile the hour away. Rock and croon and ponder As the evening's glow Settles, and we wonder — Rocking to and fro. Wonder as tfie shadows fall Of the coming time Wishing that the future call Will be pleasing rhyme. Rock and croon and ponder As the shadows glide Night comes on like yonder Ebbing ocean tide. I LOVE iiii.j AxN D I HATE HIM. 119 Eventide the shadows fall — Bringing calm and rest Eventide the shadows call Thoughts which are the best. Rock and croon and ponder As the shadows fall We but grow the fonder Of life's pleasures — all. April 7, 1895. I LOVE HIM AND I HATE HIM. LINES WRITTEN OX OF A FAMOUS CASE OF M. BERR- ILLION, FRENCH HYPNOTIST, I love him and I hate him And I suffer so I feel That my brain is turned to madness And my heart has turned to steel. I love him and I hate him And the day is turned to night And yet the hand that smote me Might easily make it light. I love him and I hate him All life seems broken now It was all mistaken measures By the breaking of a vow. I love him and I hate him The love will never die The hate has turned to wormwood All the good that's ever nigh. 130 THE STRIVING, RESTLESS MUW OF MAN. I love him and I hate him, May my love forever live May the hate that I have felt for him Die, and then forgive. June 16, 1894. THE STRIVING, RESTLESS MIND OF MAN. The striving, restless mind of man Can not withstand the strain Oi progress' law, let be who can Rest, what will he gain. He will but glean from out the past Enough to make him strong In firm convictions to the last Of the injustice of the throng. The ever searching mind of man Will yet scale every height No law in the universal plan But will be in his might. So let the march forever be Onward forever on As the river winding toward the sea Till man and God be one. January 18, 1895. SOME DAY. 121 SOME DAY. Some clay Some way All things will come out right. Some day Some way All our lives will have the light. Some day Some way Darkness will banished be- Some day Some way The end of struggles we shall see. Some day Some way Life's course will smoother glide. Some day Some way Loving peace will abide. June 16, 1894. 122 SATURDAY NIGHT. SATURDAY NIGHT. Saturday night on the City's streets Sad faces are what we meet Sad from toil and sad from care Sad fi^om misery's constant wear Sad from grief and heart-aches deep Sad for want of rest and sleep ! Poor sad faces, Oh, how worn Heavy burdens are the thorn Faces which might happy be If only happiness they could see Scarce one face in all the throng But the world has judged so very wrong. (), the sadness of this life Written in faces with such strife Makes us feel the woe around us Makes us know the sadness, thus We should realize the cause And we never then would pause To do the good that we should do Unconscious whether we are true To the laws which man has made Or the heavenly law which said "Let ye unto others do As ye would be done unto." September 2, 1894. THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. 123 THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. I love the midnight silent hour It's intense depth's a priceless dower It's quiet voice Gives me a choice Of nature's many moods. The midnight's gloomy silent hour Has strength to make the daylight cower From its dark'ning view As the shadows grew Toward daylight's breaking light. The midnight's ghostly silent hour Has in its element the power To throw its rays In wondrous ways On the brightening days that follow. January 1, 1895. 124 THE DAUGHTER OF THE RAJAH. THE DAUGHTER OF THE RAJAH. LINES ON PICTURE ; BY PAUL SINIBALDL The pride of her race — In her brow and face — All sheen and lace — The daughter of the Rajah Stately and noble — No yielding or trouble — But pride or its double — The daughter of the Rajah. No false conformity — To form's deformity — Natural grace with unity — The daughter of the Rajah. Wild with haughty bearing — Her proud head rearing — To stooping never nearing — The daughter of the Rajah. In her veins the blood of nations Proud indeed of tijeir relations — With the ruler's of creations The daughter of the Rajah. December 27, 1894. SLEIGH-BELLS. ' 125 SLEIGH-BELLS The sleigh-bells ! the sleigh-bells ! The jingling, merry sleigh-bells, Hearts so glad, Hearts so sad, The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. The sleigh-bells ! the sleigh-bells ! The jingling, merry sleigh-bells, Driving along With tune and song. The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. The sleigh-bells ! the sleigh-bells ! The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. Light and gay Night and day. The jingling, merry sleigh-bells. December 29, 1894. 126 ON PILA'S PEAK. ON PILA'S PEAK. LINES TO R. L. STEVENSON. On Pila's Peak Is laid to sleep A mind whose very core Teemed full of strains Against all gains Which has poured out its lore. On Pila's Peak It will be bleak For those who are left behind But they will know As we learn and grow The good he did mankind. On Pila's Peak He will always speak In the language dumb of the dead Not less he lives Not less he gives Altho' the mountain be his bed. December 30, 1894 HOW STRANGE. 127 HOW STRANGE. How strange it is that we should find Such peace in all this world of strife How strange it is that to our mind This is a beautiful glorious life- How strange it is that peace should be Given to us unmeasured That it should be eternally The wish we had most treasured. In all this struggling world oppressed By strife in untold ways The truth stands perfectly confessed Peace attends our days. How strange it is that we have known Discord's destroying power . Known what it was to be alone Known to almost cower. Beneath the scorn of malicious thought 'Neath envy's withering breath It was the trial harsh that brought Almost the wish for death. 128 WILL SUMMEE SUN SHINE BRIGHT AGAIN. How strange — we know not why We go through misery's woe 'Tis only when our tears are dry That unseen strength we know. How strange that it should be this life To know such Peace at last How strange the change mid all the strife How strange our lives are cast. July 16, 1894. WILL SUMMER bUN SHINE BRIGHT AGAIN ? Will summer sun shine bright again? Ah — no — no. The spring to woo the dreary cold would fain I know — I know. When the heart to love is dead The warmest sun may shed Where loving hearts have led Its rays — I know — I know. Will life mean anything again Ah — no — no. My soul is weighted down with pain I know — I know — But behind the clouds so dark With their heavy thundrous mark The brilliant sun shines — hark It's light — I know — I know. March 6, 1890. O, EVER SrRE\DING BLESSED LIGHT. 129 O, EVER SPREADING BLESSED LIGHT. U, ever spreading Blessed Light, Whence comes thy radiant rays Filling space with so much might Lighting all our days. Oh, ever spreading Blessed Light From God's own hands benign Had we not thee as almost our right Our fate we might resign. Oh, ever spreading Blessed Light Encompassing all the earth From out our souls we have the sight To bless thee at our birth. January 4, 1886. I am studying and wondering And very deeply pondering On the mysteriousness of Life, Love and Death, And silently am thinking In meditation sinking Dreaming of the form of this life's breath. 180 PEOGEEf^STON PROGRESSION. We cannot stay this wondrous tide Of progression's steadfast stride. Wavering darts like lightning's flash Heaving shocks like thunders crash Mighty rents as earthquak's gap Tracing o'er the earth's vast map. Then again with peaceful psalm Spreads a benediction calm Over parts of history's life Days of peace and days of strife Elsewhere than upon this plain Evolutes progression's train All that's life beneath the sea Teeming molecules earnestly, Pushing forth with best endeavor To their perfect end and never Wavering in their unseen force To their true directed course Beneath unfathomed ocean's depths AVorks the law in unknown crepts. HOGHE8SLON. 181 The atomic forces of the air Breathe of knowledge everywhere Followers of mystic lore Quickly come to this and more See in everything the cause Never for one moment pause. Knowing that progressive thought With gold of earth cannot be bought Progression's act of the future may Perhaps be progression's thought to-day. June 25, 1895. What care I for form or address When my soul is steeped in sadness Life holds out for me no gladness For my heart is almost dead. All my life I've gladly given All the good in me and striven But have had deep misery riven In my soul and tired head Perhaps we never should complain But how can we dull remain To the truths which lives contain Ah ! that I were dead. July 15, 1894. 182 THE POPPY. THE POPPY. Rich and rare thou scarlet beauty Thou speakest of the orient To love thee is our pleasant duty For thou I believe were heaven sent. Tho' speakest of the eastern breath Divine with rich perfume Sweet exotic : no thought of death Around thy fragrant life consume /■' Tho' brilliant, subtle, strong soul'd flower Of the dreamy orient tho' art a copy Sweet eastern essence is thy dower Intoxicating, passionate poppy. July «, 189^ SONG. 138 SONG. Sad is the heart I carry to-night Thinking love of thee My suffering soul in awful plight Is in deep misery. Thy face is engraven in my heart Fixed forever there And our spirits ne'er will part Love is so rare. Life has much to make me glad Thinking love of thee Yet with all I am very sad You are away from me Shines the sun on sea and shore With a glowing ring My sad soul forever more To thine my love will cling. July 20, 1895. i84 . INDIVIDUALITY, INDIVIDUALITY." To live to please any one Is to part with your individuality Each life in its silent run Should be like a nationality. Battlements of firmest kind Built compact to stand, All the storms which it might find Throughout all the land. The truest life is lived outside Much of convention's form Free as the iiowing tide Yet not like the storm. No fierce nor wild desires Should we e'er yield Wishing for no empires But our own field. Guard our own life so well With outlook soibrave That a history we can tell This side of the grave. Never — never— weakly live All your life long Stand up and firmly give Forth something strong. Be not dictated by Every other mind, INDIVIDUALITY. 185. .fast start and only try Your own aim to find. You will find the path whioh Ipads On to your star As the shndow never heods The light which shines afar. And be not trampled on •By pretended friend or foe Mental battles easily won Is our deepest woe. But with eye fixed keen and kind Watch with earnest loving heart Live — that not the strongest mind With honor to yourself can part. July 18, 1895. 186 SOCllATES. 'SOCRATES." Thou wonderful mind of untold depth Socrates — sage of the east Thy thoughts expand and wrap in their w^ealth — Struggling minds at least. Thy mind encompass'd all that's known In the universe and man Can thank thee when his mind's outgrown Smallness as a ban. Depth of thought was as clear to thee As the water's glassy face Eeflection of thy soul is to me The greatest of tlie race. Thy name O! Socrates has in its wake Millions of men of mind Thy name O ! Socrates will ever make Better all mankind. December 29, 1894. JE VUU6 AIME. 13( -JE VOUS AIME," How sweet the words their tender meaning As sunshine on the dark earth streaming To all the world they are condoling To every heart, Ah ! how consoling Je vous Aime ! Je vous Aime ! Rank and pomp are laid aside Drifting with the flowing tide And the highest peak of fame Without love is any empty name Je vous Aime ! Je vous ime ! In those words we find our heaven 'Tis the sacred number seven Without which nothing is complete Deep in our heart's retreat. Je vous Aimel Je vous Aime. May 10, 1895. APRIL. Blossoms forth in April's chill White violets pure and sweet Small green leaves wliose strong life fill Uur hearts with hope and greet Our heavy minds of winter days Tired, oppressed and sad With tidings of eternal rays All the earth seems glad. TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS. TO FREDERICK DOUCxLASS. Born to the pillar, whip and chains Born in the pen of slavery's pains Bound and tied, mind and hand At your time 'twas thus thro' out the land Surround'dby mid scenes. which made your heart Shrink and quiver with anguish smart Cow'd and mained thro' many years With silent hopes and burning tears The burdens of your race you felt. In misery deep you faithfully knelt By their side and thro' your light Made for them a pathway bright. You were the Christ of your dark race How many will think of your noble face Until their lives shall pass away Into the land where all is day. You understood your life work well The good of it all the w orld can tell Out from the pillar, whip and chains They could only bind in material gains. The soaring spirit could not be bound Nor tied, or beaten or even ground. Thy spirit broke thro' all the lines Strong and bright as the sun that shines. March 4. 1895. LIFE. 139 "LIFE." Our lives are of no more account Than wind-swept leaf from off the trees. One million lives no more amount Than breaker's foam on stormy seas. And yet we count the little span Limited with early joy The end of all, while man Is nothing but an aimless toy. We only grasp, but never keep, That which life holds out as best. Life is a dream whose deepest sleep Is our ever welcome guest. And so the seas and winds and leaves Sing their requiem o'er the dead. Of ages past man only grieves In his dumb unknowing tread. May 19, 1895. 140 WHY IS THE SOUL 0FTIME8 SO SAD. WHY IS THE SOUL (3FTIMES SO SAD? Why is the soul oftimes so sad? Yearning — defiant — almost mad An undefined craving smites the heart In which gladness has no part. Silent, sad, deep meditation Casts a shadow, whose relation Like a clond heavy and dark Leaves ii dense trail as a mark. Our lives pass on like clouds indeed Light and dark w^e surely need To understand each passing hour Not to fiinch or falsely cower. From the dark as with the light Let it be an equal fight Bravely face the darkest day As the one which has the brightest ray. March 10, 1895. THE DKIZZLING, DLlirTING IIAIN. 141 THE DRIZZLING, DRIPPING RAIN. The drizzling, dripping rain Beats againt my window pane Gloom and sadness fill the air Heavj' hearts are every where. Looking on a chilly street From my casement window, meet Every form of active life No quiet ease, but awful strife. Drizzling, dripping is the rain Cooling now my tired brain Brings a melJow, saddening rest — Rainy days are sometimes best. Slowly falls the drops of rain Brings a quiet which is gain An unseen hour of happiness Bordering on eternal bliss. Let the drizzling, dripping rain Sing a soothing, sweet refrain Let the drizzling, dripping rain Calm the hearts of heavy pain. April 6, 1895. 142 I LONG TO HEAE THE OEGAN PEAL. I LONG TO HEAR THE ORGAN PEAL. I long to hear the organ peal As Christmas time draws near I long to with the others kneel ' To the prayer that is so dear. I long to dream with the music strain Of the Christ born on that day, Of the trials deep and the heavy pain Passed thro' on his lonely way. 1 long to hear the organ peal Out the strains so grand yet sad From out the melody I will feel Patience love — yet glad. I long to hear the organ peal Out to hearts who can Understand the heavenly seal, "Peace on earth to man." December 25, 1894. ALL ALONE. 143 ALL ALONE. All alone the sad soul wanders Thro' this weary world of woe On the thought the spirit ponders Which the better way to go. Better take the gilded roadway Strewn with roses and with thorns, Or to trod the narrow pathway Soothe the sad soul as it mourns. All alone the sad soul struggles All alone the sad soul strays All alone in all its troubles All alone in all its ways. All alone without one kind word To cheer the soul, unknown— unknown All alone it walks unheard To the end — alone — alone, June 25. 1894. 144 - MAGDALENE. MAGDALENE. PleadingHeyes Pathetic face Craving pity and love. Forgive ! O Lord ; Is the cry that goes Up to the Father above. My life, Oh Lord ! Had many woes Had many strong temptations But thy sweet face Shines out to me In all my contemplations. Forgiving mercy Is the boom That all sinners crave Then let us all In Jesus name Forgive— if we would save. June 1, 1894. HE WHO SAYS THERE IS NO GOD. 145 HE WHO SAYS THERE IS NO GOD. He who says there is no God Has yet to see the flowers bloom He who says, there is no God His life will pass in deepest gloom. He who feels no God divine Nev^er feels the inner peace For him the sun will never shine For him the struggles never cease. He who knows no spirit life His senses are encumbered With the element of strife And his peaceful days are numbered. He who says there is no God With nature has no union. He who says there is no God Has not reached divine communion. August 7, 1894. 146 INDE PENDENCE. INDEPENDENCE. Independence should mean to man Freedom of thought and act, and can Man be free surround by strife Poverty — misery — and wretched life With chance to live and learn and soar Snatched from out his heart's core Taken from his very clasp Which he vainly tries to grasp Working up to which should be His birthright to eternity. Independence is but a dream We know it only as a screen Thro' which myriads of broken lives Weakly follow and vainly strives To reach and thinking to retain Count not the loss, see but the gain 'Tis as far away to-day from man As it was when first the world began. As the "will o' the wisp" whose ghostly light Leads on and on thro' greater fight. ALONE. 147 ALONE. Alone ! alone ! will it always last Will it always be the unhappy past Will never the sun shine bright for me Shall I quiet happiness never see? Will there never be any love for me? Will painful memories ne'er be free? Will misunderstanding's wily chance Forever rule all circumstance? Alone! alone! will it always be? No end to the darkness can I see Oh, God, that I might come to thee Alone ! alone ! at last be free. July 9th, 1894. i48 SUMMER'S LOVELY SEASON. SUMMER'S LOVELY SEASON. Ill the summer's lovely season There is not the slightest reason AVhy we should act with treason Toward ourselves in any w^ay. We are ahvays in a fluster Not content unless we cluster Not strength enough to muster Courage which would make us gay. Groan of heat enough to madden Talk of heat enough to sadden Talk of nothing that will gladden Any body miles around. Never take a spell of resting But forever vain requesting Never think of lightly jesting Making misery company. Why not face it with decision Adding just the least percision We would not then bring derision On our weakly humbled heads. July 9, 1894. TIRED SPIRIT. 140 TIRED SPIRIT. Tired spirit ! fagged and worn With life's heavy cares The weary burden thou hast borne Ends not e'en with thy prayers. Forever striving against fate With hope dulled in thy breast Wishing before it is too late That thou mayst find some rest. Some rest whilst on this earth Some sunshine here Dark it has been since thy birth No light was near. Wishing in vain for peace and love Wishing in vain request Tired spirit alone — above Thou canst only rest. June 15, 1894. 150 THE CONCERT HALL SINGER. THE CONCERT HALL SINGER, In a concert hall on Saturday nighty Where right was wrong and all wrong right A girl came out to sing her part You might not have thought she had a heart. By the tawdry trappings that she wore You noticed the moment you entered the door But her face was wan and thin and pale Her form delicate, pinched and frail She sang her part in a heartless way The men who listened had their say As to her voice and spirit and song They jested and laughed at her all night long. She sang her song with an aching heart And a voice that would make you start Av.nd feel as if somewhere in your mind She was near you in kin or kind. Why was it she looked so sad Because at home there lay half mad He, who she had loved more than her life Sighing for life with a fearful strife. She was deaf to the jests and jeers of those Who laughed and listened then half 2hose To throw a glance or two at her scanty dress They threw on her heart only more distress. THE CONCERT HALL SINGER. 151 O God ! that a soul should come to this Without a ray of happiness The little she earned in that slavish nii^ht Was buying bread with which to fight — The wolf of hunger at the door Of the sick on the bare floor O why can not the eye of man Descern the false and not condemn — The unfortunate poor in their suffering wild Sad and weak yet very mild. God pity her! he alone can save Man will help her to the grave. ' By his vulgar appetite Like a beast in his very might Pity at least should sometimes fall On the singing girl in a Concert Hall. January 14, 1895. 152 TRIALS. TRIALS. Passing thro' life's sterner moments Pave the way for future calm When the pathway's thickest torments Bruise us, they are but the after balm. When life sorrow's press .the hardest It is drawing out the gold When heaven seems the very farthest Wisdom's flowing in the mould. Passing thro' life's many trials Brings out the better part of all Passing on without denials Would not necessiate our call. Into the land where there's no cloud To mar the heart so tired of strife No sorrows to make us cry aloud Into the land where rest is life. December 29, 1894. REST OF SONG. ]53 REST OF SONG. Happy and free Are those we see That can soar away in the realm of song. Light as^air Away from care Dropping the burden all day long. Happy and gay Indeed are they Who forget the world in that realm of bliss. Away in song Resting among Those who know sweet happiness. Happy and light Day and night Away in the restful vale of song Forgetting all sorrow No thought of to-morrow Alone, away from the hurrying throng. December 27, 1894. 154 WHY DOER YOUR FACE HAUNT ME SO. WHY DOES YOUR FACE HAUNT ME SO? Why does your face haunt me so With thousands of thoughts that come and go Thro' my brain '; Like a train Of myriads of untold things? Why does your face speak to me Of a southern home which I seem to see Surround' by friends Whose kind love lends A charm to my inmost mind? Why does your face bring before my eyes Pictures of people fine and wise Calm and content Sweetly intent And a quieting southern clime? What does your face bring to my mind? A nature lofty, proud and kind Gracious and free Broad as the sea Yet love beaming brightly thro. Why does your face haunt me so Because I seem to feel and know Your inner soul E'en to the goal Of all your spirits' knowledge. December 23, 1894. CRIED THE CROW. 155 'CRIED THE CROW." There's a shadow on my soul Cried the crow Cried the crow And I am black as coal Cried the crow Ah ! what would I not give If a white bird I could live Cried the crow Cried the crow Cried tlie crow. And I hate this beak of mine • Croaked the crow Croaked the crow It might have been more line Croaked the crow And this ungainly walk Tis' no better than a stalk Croaked the crow . Croaked the crow Croaked the crow. And my feathers are a sight Cried the crow Cried the crow I'm in an awful plight Cried the crow I will never have renown For the world is upside down Cried the crow Cried the crow Cried the crow. July 14, 1895. 156 A^^ EMPTY NEm\ AN EMPTY NEST. An empty little chippy's nest Neglected on the ground Wet and raggled at its best Was the condition it was found. Traces of work and love and care Thoughts and careful plans Built compact with hay and hair Heeding well the storm's commands. That little empty chippy's nest Speaks volumes to us all So it will be when we rest When we receive our call. All we leave behind us here Will be like the chippy's nest / Traces only and a tear And not that without request. All our work and futile care Empty and upon the ground Only for the immortal rare Will the empty nest be found. July 1st, 1894. SILENCE. 157 SILENCE. Silence is sacred When we learn what silence means When we know that silence screens The soul of mortal. Silence is sacred In tlie deep solitude of night Then is nature in its might Of eternal sleepless work. Silence is sacred The soul's deep eloquence of love Understands it from above By divine communion. Silence is sacred By silence our life is worked out best Bringing no nearer to mysteries rest Eternity is silence. June 20. 1894. 158 SCORN. SCORN. The finger of scoi'ii is pointed at me Whether on land or on sea The whole world seems to have turned to gloom The flower of my life that might have had bloom. I am like an outcast, alone I stand I feel within me I am on the strand Between a gulf so black and deep And a rift of light I would ask to keep. The gulf so black and deep and sere Is the world with its sin and no place clear The rift of light which smiles at me Is the heaven beyond which I seem to see. So I pray that the dark will soon pass away That I may see the shining day Where scorn and its accompanying death deal- ing sting Will forever fail in my heart to ring. January 20, 1895. THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES. 159 THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES. Oh! the music of the spheres Charm our heart soothe our fears As we listen to the wind Oft it whispers to our mind. And around oar hearts entwine Untold harmony devine. Oh ! the music of the spheres To our utmost soul endears All that grows and blossoms sweet To our intense nature's greet All that's loving, mild and calm Like unto eternal balm. Oh ! the music of the spheres The spirit only hears And its rapturous element Silent in its deep intent Godlike in the darkest day, Godlike in its every ray. March 6, 1895. 160 WHEN THE DEAD LEAVES FALL. WHEN THE DEAD LEAVES FALL. When the dead leaves fall When the dead leaves fall Bringing visions of nearing death's stern recall Myriads of leaves, like myriads of lives Whirling and turning, and rebelliously strives Against the fate which sweeps them all As the dead leaves fall As the dead leaves fall. As the dead leaves fall As the dead leaves fall A grant leaf sinks to its sephulcral hall Like a great soul gone out into the night Alone yet noble was the sudden plight Lives and leaves die — great and small As the dead leaves fall As the dead leaves fall. As the dead leaves fall As the dead leaves fall How soothing will be our summons or call From whirling tempests cold and bleak Storms of the world which we never seek Into the rest land waiting for all As the dead leaves fall As the dead leaves fall. October 12, 1895. AT LAST. 101 AT LAST. At last, dear hearts after all these years After vain regrets and bitter tears, After broken hearts and wounds whose sears We thought would always last. At last, dear heart me meet again, No traces of the past remain Of tlie lonely years and the sad retrain Which our love had cast on our lives. At last, dear heart the sun doth shine At last, no cause that we repine. Our love still blooms as a thing divine. At last, dear heart, at last- ' At last, dear heart we have met to love Broken we've been like the lonely dove. I love you dear, as he above, At last, dear heart— at last. July aC), 1894, 162 EIGHTS OF MAN. RIGHTS OF MAN. By Right of Nature, man should liave a life , Which Nature never intended should be strife A life where intellectual thought should be First as the growth of a young tree. All branches which are knowledge, should be cared And carefully guarded and not roughly bared The struggles with which man's life is surround' Is the element which drags man to the ground. The mind of man can never scale the heights Of knowledge, which by nature are his rights Until oppression has been laid aside Only then can Peace indeed abide. 'Twas never meant that man should starve the mind In order that the few might better grind The intelligence that should be man's alone To battle with, and he would never moan. The "Rights of man" should be that he should live In Nature's Peace that he mighx: faithfully give Full scope to his intelligence to play The "Rights of Man" mean having "Peaceful Day." December 1, 1894. INDEPENDENCE. 1G3 INDEPENDENCE. (Continued from page 146.) Man cannot perfect man made laws Nor perfect the lines in justice cause Until the element of strife Is wiped forever from out his life The struggles sink on man like a cloud From which his soul cries out aloud In rebellion strong and stern The bitter lesson he yet must learn That true independence has not l)een taught Its meaning is to him as naught. Independence means to us nothing as vet The truth of the word we can only get By looking into the future's glass Perchance when hundreds of years shall pass The mind of man shall climb to the heights Of unlimited intelligence which are his rights. The laws will not bind him body or soul 'Twill be for him to reach the goal Of knowledge — and then alone The truth of independence will be known. March 4, 1895. 164 ^AUTUMN. AUTUMN, The first touch of Autumn is falling on the hills All along the forests and very near the rills. The first blue haze of Indian summer time Touches all the woodland in almost perfect rliyme. The first tinge of yellow is falling on the trees The balmy air of Autumn you can feel in every breeze The dry sweet air that hovers o'er the dale Autumn's warning note over hill and vale. 'Tis sad to part with summer's ripe sweets And yet how lovingly the Autumn winds it greets We could learn a lesson as the summer disappears To greet our coming Autumn with smiles instead of tears. To greet our own life's Autumn as the summer greets the fall — With quietude and broad expanse of untold love toward all Greet it as the summer skies greet the purple hue Greet it as the summer's eve greets the Tyrean blue. August 7, 1894, ALO^E. 105 ALONE. Alone! alone, the sad soul sighinj.; Faith in human hearts is dying For love tlie soul is ever crying Alone! alone; the sad soul sighing. Alone ! alone ; the sad soul weeping Nearer the end we know is creeping Love and happiness ever sleeping Alone ! alone ! the sad soul weeping. Alone! alone! the sad soul dying Altho' surround' by friends untiring No love in all its life transpiring Alone ! alone ! the sad soul dying. June 26, 1894. DEAR OLD HOME. Nowhere in this world is the sky so near Nowhere in this world are the stars so clear Nowhere in this world is life so dear As my dear old country home upon the hill. Nowhere in this world is loves echo so sweet Nowhere in this world do I love's echo greet Nowhere in this world do I Nature's grandeur meet As my dear old country home upon the hill. January 25, 1895. 1G6 DEAJ) LEAVES= DEAD LEAVES. One by one the dead leaves drorpinsr, dropping sadly on the ground, One by one our lives are numbered, numbered that w^e may be found After our pilgrimage of life, as the leaf has its time So our future lives will be found in perfect rhyme. One by one the dead leaves dropping, dropping from their noble height, One by one man's life is ended, ended as a shadowy myth. Man and leaf there's not much difference in the element of life Man and leaf when ail is o'er returns forever away from strife. September 10, 1894. THE CHUliGH BELLS IN THE VALLEY. 167 THE CHURCH BELLS IN THE VALLEY. The hells in the valley church are ringing, ringing The birds in the valley are siiigiDg, singing, jS'ature in the valley is bringing, bringing Love unto the weary hearts of man. The stream by the valley church is Hovving, flowing, The wild flowers in the valley are growing, growing, The quiet haunts of nature knowing, knowing. More peace tlian greatest wealth untold can give. The peoi)lein the valley are living, living, Quietly away from strife and giving, giving. Charity of thought to all and bidding, bidding Love and peace to all their fellow men. The church bells in the valley are pealing, pealing The worshippers in the valley church are kneel- ing, kneeling, With the people in the valley, God is dealing, dealing. Love and peace and quiet unto all. June 23, 1894. 168 TIRED SOUL. TIRED SOUL. The soul sfrows so tired of this strife all along Would it not be better if we were among Those who are free from life and care Without the need of toil or care, Unchained from what we term as earth, Perhaps 'twere better had we no birth. The soul grows so tired of this world's weary ways Would it not. be as well if the end of our days Had arrived and we as the bird on the wing Would forever soar and forever sing, Unfettered from all that chains us here Soaring aloft where all must be clear. The soul grows so tired of its bondage so sad At times it seems it almost makes us mad Hounded on by cares that are so galling Hounded on by sorrows so appalling. The bright side of life soon looses all its charm And all that is left is all that is harm. MY HOUL THOU ART. :i)3 The soul ^rows so tired of all of life's plef>snrn Nothing it yields is to us any treasure Quiet meditation is all that is balm Back into nature is where we find calm All fame or fortune's path is disappointments day Only after life is o'er comes the bright ray. January 19, 1895. MY SOUL THOU ART (Song). My soul thou art, of me my love a part. I love thee dear with all my heart My love for thee is divine All earthly things I would resign. cnoRUs, My soul thou art ! I love thee dear I feel thy sweet presence near I feel thee love, so near my heart My soul thou art! my soul thou art. My soul thou art, I love but thee I know your face I'll sometime see My love for thee will never die My soul thou art, that is my cry. September 2, 1894. 170 NOTHING BETW'N US NOW DEAK BUT REGl^ET. NOTHING BETWEEN US NOW DEAR BUT REGRET. Nothing between us now, dear but regret, All the anger past since last we met, Nothing but fond love remains at last Harsh Thoughts of hot youth are of the past. One kind thought from thee is life to me Tho' your face I never more may see. Nothing between us now dear heart, but regret Wishing the fates had willed, that we had met And loved and joined our hearts when young That we might have pass'd our life among Scenes that love alone beget — Nothing between us now dear heart, but regret. May 7, 1894. Silently grieving Oh ! hoM'^ the hearts ache Silently grieving Oh ! how the hearts break. Dumb and mournful with mute resignation From earthly sorrow there's no emancipation. WHY ! WHEN THE MOON'S RAYS SHINE. 171 WHY! WHEN THE MOON'S RAYS SHINE. Why I when the moon shines on our faces Are we lifted away from the world, with scarce traces Of thought on this immediate plain. Dreamy and happy wishing again To be transported to the realms around The cloud land of ether which seem to bound Our vision, but sometime we seem to see Away into almost eternity. Why, when the moon shines in our eyes AVe almost feel inwardly wise Surmounting all difficult logic and science Happily contemplating with self reliance, On the world beyond the moonlit trail As if we could pierce beyond the veil With its imperial starlit skies When the moon's rays shine in our eyes. December 29, 1894. 172 ^ THE V/OUNDED HEART, THE WOUNDED HEART. I have carried a wounded heart these many years Covered with hardened marks whose very sears Have burned into my life Deep misery and strife But the touch of Love has made it new again. I have carried a wounded heart whose breaking striiigs Seemed the echo of deep sadness in all things Human power could not reach Nor deep experience teach Yet the touch of Love has made it new again. September 10, 1894. The sky hangs low in mists of gray The tall trees bend and nod and sway To and fro the branches swaying The elements v/ith the earth is playing Sweeps the rain in blinding sheets The rainy day my sad heart greets. THE FALSENESS OF FORM. 173 THE FALSENESS OF FORM. The falseness of form in civilization, Is so far from nature's quiet mediation The mind is upset by so much elation We cannot do the work that we should do. We should not be pitched to such a steep grad- ation Our lives should be passed in a quiet station, But for heavy strife, we are a noted nation And we're bound to worship at the shrine of form. Although we understand its all exaction For our lives we cannot make the least retraction We are not content without a strong attraction We are still the temple worshippers of Form. If we would but follow Nature's sweet relation With our lives in its minutest explanation We would find success with the greater exhalta- tion And be happy in our freedom, without Form. June 15, 1894. 174 A WILD EOSE ON A "LA FEANCE. A WILD ROSE ON A "LA FEANCE." A wild rose grew on a "La France" bush In j^pite of all arts beguiling It vvuuld not comply with the w^orld's wild rush Towards cultivation's snare so smiling. It would take you back to primitive thought Although you would resist untiring No matter how the knowledge was bought You could not resist aspiring. The thought remains that the cultivator's art Must always remain very trying That Nature and the cultivator would very easily part Long before the rose thought of dying. July 6, 1894. THE BROKEN DOWN RACE. - 175 THE HROKRN DOWN RACE. There is a race of people upon this earth Which v,'e never hear of with any mirth The broken down race The broken down race 'Tis comprised of people of every degree High and low, and sad to see. The broken down race The broken down race. Men and women who were rich and great Men and women whose names elate The broken down race The broken down race Broken in love, and broken in art Broken ambition entire and in part. The broken down race The broken down race Broken in body, broken in mind No peace on earth for thei.i to find The broken down race The broken down race May Heaven's gates swing wide apart And pour sweet balm on their quivering heart The broken down race The broken down race. October 12, 1895. 176 LEARN TO BE PEACEFUL. LEARN TO BE PEACEFUL Learn to be peaceful, calm and serene Learn to be true and brave. The wildest storms of life redeem Their sorrows, even the grave. Learn to be peaceful, whatever befalls Thy lot along life's highway Peace is the power which ever recalls The angle of light we call day. Learn to be peaceful, learn to be calm Learn to be true and brave. 'Tis the only thing on earth which is balm. 'Twill lead us beyond the grave. October 17, 1895. What in thoughtless youth we scorn We yearn for in our dotage When we are most forlorn Of love and hope and courage The si-ringtime ever full of cheer Brightest dreams and strength Carelessly we cast all fear To its utmost length. Thus our lives pass to the shades Knowing not our mission here Like the sunset as it fades Behind the clouds where all is clear. WHEN LOVE WAS MINE. 177 WHEN LOVE WAS MTNE. I was rich when love was mine Now Ah ! poor, for love has fled 1 cannot cheerfully resign To live when love is dead. The earth and sky— when love was mine Was tints of azure hue For those soft colors, now I pine So b.'ending warm they grew. All life was joy — when love was mine Now joy for me is dead. To the dreary night, I now consign My life — for love has fled. October 17, 1895. IN YOUTH. The drear, drear days pass slowly by I watch, and wait, and vaialy sigh, For thy look, thy step— thy clasp. Through the shadows, I cannoc clasp, The meaning of this empty heart. Why willed the fates that we should part? Last thought at night, and first at morn From its misery deep is shorn To think of thee and fondly kiss, Erie in the dream of imagery were bliss. 178 WHERE DO I AVISH TO GO WHEN I SHALL DIE. Wert thou some soul from planet far Which touched my soul with delicious jar? And lifted me in transport keen To joys of love unheard — unseen. Oh ! mighty power and awful sway Of Love ! perchance 'twere but a day Better to have lived that day ! alas And die the next, than love should pass Thee by unheeded, its mysteries save Its strength of knowledge for thee beyond the grave. December 20, 1895. WHERE DO I WISH TO GO WHEN I SHALL DIE. Where do I wish to go when I shall die Where e'er the hand that sent me here shall will Not even now shall ask the reason why — Nor when this throbbing, pulsing heart is still If it be on some glorious planet far — Where higher minds — than here shall lead the way If it be midst the angels where no jar Ere breaks the heaven of most perfect day — And yet — if in some distant clime Upon this earth in most subjected form I feel within my soul — some stirring rhyme Shall make upon my heart an impress warm And if in humblest work I may unmask The meaning of this life — and understand This ! Oh this— is all I ask That I may know the great command. THE SACRED CAVE. 1"^ Where doT wish to ^o when I shall die? Where e'er the hand that sent me here shall will Nor would I ask to read the future sky Not even now — my aching heart to fill If it be in the heights where angels dwell With peaceful song of joy and praise and love If it be by the throne — ah — that is well One more soul added to the choir above But hark — if it be here again Upon this lowly plain of toil and care If through the misery and the pain I see thy liand — I'll not despair For I will know — thy silent voice Though shadowed dark or bright the day This then is my only choice That thou will guide my present way. December 4. THE SACRED CAVE. 'Twas said — in ancient Greece — a sacred cave Whose portals guarded by the Aegean wave And all who entered its mysterious hall Were rendered melancholy — past recall. And those of years — wishing to wisdom seek Returned again — were never heard to speak. And those who entered ia their youth and bloom The remainder of their days were spent in gloom The nation kept aloof from the dread place Whose history was well known tothe Greek race The cave was known by Damala to be — Where the hills of Tyrus slope the sea. 180 THE SACRED CAVE. Well versed— this Greek — in ancient lore — His keen dark eyes now scan the widening shore Before his view the calm sea lay Like a topaz field on a sunny day. Forward he pres'd to the towering hill Led along by his stern brave will — To wrest and combat if needs be The secrets the cavern held with glee From the beloved race of the gods Bowed they under their many rods. The fear of tliis cave was a hideous kind And the Greek Damala set out to find The wraith which made the cave by the sea A haunting terror — which he would free. Proud of his race was the stalwart Greek — Sturdy of limb — and face not meek But strong of line — and brave and bold Had been a slave — and as such was sold But slumb'ring 'neath the tyrant chain Whose cruel rule — now in the wane Had seered his soul with misery deep Was freedom's blood — which does not sleep. Determined not to win renown — For nature's smile and nature's frown To him were one, it moved him not If he be remembered — or be forgot Determined he — the cave must yield — Be his the conquering arm to shield The name of coward from his clan The Grecian hero proves the man. None e'er had dared to probe the cave To tell the world its secret — save The few who ever dumb remained The Greek will tell what it contained On he journeyed toward the steep Behind him Athens wrapt in sleep — TIIK .SACKED CAVE. 181 Around the hill to the waters edge The cavern's gap — is the bold Greek's pledge One moment paused beside the sea His polished shield rests on his knee His spear grasped by the mighty arm His ear tuned to each new alarm His dark hair flowing in the wind The gentle sea breeze was most kind On his face poured a flood of light As the moon lit up the dark'ned night From behind dense clouds piled high In broken masses 'gainst the eastern sky. One moment thus the Graek slave stood In manhood's pride of youth and good Many before him — with rank and name Had searched the cave in quest of fame But they — alas — had ne'er the power To tell the tale of this present hour. One long last look Damala cast Upon loved Athens — 'twas the last — Into the dark abyss — to seek What e'er it held — plunged the fearless Greek, The passage way was dark and drear Tho' slave by force — no cringing fear Chilled the heart of Damala— A star apparent lights the way Of hope, his feet now tread O'er mounds and mounds of buried dead The echoes sound his mute footfall Throughout the winding cavern hall Like muffled waves whose heaving roar Breaks restless 'gainst the defiant shore. A hall abruptly breaks in view List, cries the Greek — can this be true Inhabited by such as these — 182 THE SACRED CAVE. Such beauty 'neath the Aegean seas — Methought the gnomes and furies wild Would meet my eye but these are mild Fair children sjjorted midst the green Of hanging vines from whence unseen Their blossoming tendrils slowly twined And bloomed for childish hands to find And clouds of azure make the sky Tints of pink and white piled high Distil a dew of aroma sweet Which upturned childish faces greet. Beneath their feet the soft moss grows In shading color and billowy rows Fragrant buds and waving ferns This is their home the Grecian learns. They gamble, happy, laugh and play They spy the Greek' and flee away With look of fear upon their face And fade they now away in space. The astonished youth reclined awhile For he had journeyed many a mile And o'er his burning tired eyes Stole restful slumbers calm surprise. One elfin bolder than the rest Tripped lightly from their hidden quest And peered into the sleepers face Whai: we call sleep — found not a trace. The child said come, I'll lead the way The Greek obeyed — yet strange to say He felt himself obliged to yield Some strong obedience seemed to wield About his sense a magic power Grew stronger at each passing hour Where now^ his spear and warlike mein Beside his body plainly seen. THE SACRED CAVE. 183 By troops of fairies in sportive piny Garlands of flowers they twine and sway. About the sleeping Grecian's form To keep the sleeping Grecian warm. Away through the darkest pass in the cave Where thunders above the Aegean wave The Greek and the child are passing along Following with care a quavering song. A grotto — ah, wondrous— appears now in view Massive, magnifice^it, of every known hue Pillars of marble support the blue dome On through the isles the Greek and child roam, Stalactites formed of sapphire blue And tinted opals peeping through Ropes of gold and silver twined Heavy torquoise columns bind. Diamonds, topaz, rubies red Make the walls there pearl-like bed Crusted knots of emeralds rare Hold green lights beyond compare And from an arch way a mellow glow Like pale amber upon white snow Throws a light which softly shines Upon the gems the cave confines. Where comes the song the Grecian cried In yonder cave the child replied. And gliding from the shadow slowly As like a knight the Greek bent lowly A maiden, radiant as the light Robed in web-like flowing white A pearly shell held her golden hair Back from a face of beauty rare Eyes of deepest heavenly blue Melt they now in darkest hue She wakens like one from a trance 184 THE SACRED CAA^E. And meets the boM Damala's glance. And shrinks she now and tarns aside As if would fly toward the rumbling tide Haste not away — I beg thee stay — And 1 — not thou — shall go away Resume thy song — be not afraid This is thy home — the Grecian said. Whence earnest thoii — from you dark wave — What brings thee to this hidden cave AYith faltering step and timid eyes The maiden waited his replies. I come from Athens — spake the Greek Land of the gods — whose history's speak Round the very name of ancient Greece A glowing charm will never cease. Where facination is in her art And glory is her warrior's part The very air will weave a spell Still and weird and strange to tell The cities ruins ever hold Attraction for the traveler bold. Knowest thou Olympus — snow clad mount The gods live at its eternal fount Or vale of Tempe — delightful spot The maiden said — I know them not. I'll tell thee of my country more 'Tis guarded by the Aegean shore In Arcadia's pastoral life There lives the Greek away from strife. And high on towering Mount Cyllene Was Mercury born and oftimes seen The tortoise shell he made to sing Whose pov.'erful wand with quick'ned wing Conflicting elements reconciles Such is strong Caduces wiles And the sacred grove of calm Delphi THE SACRED CAVE. 185 Hides with its sliade the bright blue sky The smiling Penens flows along Through winding paths like a summer song And through Olympias vast broad plains Are treasured temples, costly fanes Across the sea is Cyprus isle Where Venus woke with love's first smile Thou art like she, radiant and fair And like her thou hast golden hair. Could I find to her the way The maiden questioned Damala Thou couldst not — twas in ages past The waves upon that island cast Fair Venus — beauteous as the day We sing to her the lovers lay. I'll tell thee now of Medea dark Old men made young by her magic mark Lived she in far away Colchis And many died from the poison'd kiss Of her sorcery and skill Aided by her cunning will, And of Apollo — bold and brave Born by yonder Delos wave And told that he was god of Love And the bright light shimmers from above Thou art like him the maiden cried I am a slave the Greek replied With trembling lip and lov>er'd voice Slave by force but not by choice Tell me then — what is a slave? One subject to another — said the brave Damala, and wert thou so Demean'd? I did not know But thou wert some great king So proud the tones in thy voice ring And thy bearing is so bold 186 THE SACRED CAVE. Like the mighty gods of old. Thy world must be a beauteous place Art all like thee of thy proud race — Damala bent and grasped her hand There art none like thee in my native land Flushed his brow and softened eye In his heart a bursting sigh Through his veins the blood like fire Leap'd to the thought of his wild desire Was she mortal — this vision bright Or made of rays like the bright moonlight Her hand grew w^arm within the clasp Of the Grecian's tender grasp. And who art thou and why live here? I know^ it is not dark and drear But gold and pearls, these gems above Are nought to the sweet delights of love. Thou art my other self I know Said Damala nov*^ bending low And kissed the tress of her golden hair Which floated on her forehead fair. The long lids fell o'er the dark blue eyes She trembled from Damala's sighs Ah ! Andea — call me — my home is this And sank in the embrace of Love's first kiss. Thou wilt come with me away from here I will take the over the waters clear In my felucca sailing swift Over the blue Ionium rift And there upon an isle shall dwell And thou like aphrodite shall tell The story of this golden age Thy beauty e'en the gods would wage Lead thou the way, I'll follow thee Out on the land or over the sea Methought to never leave this cave THE SACRED CAVE. 187 Nor pass the portals of yonder wave My ^old and pearls, gems and shells And amber lights in these hidden dells Fill'd my heart with contentment deep Like a sweet and happy^eleep. But when thou came and I heard thee speak I knew thou art the one I seek In dreamy nights 1 saw thy face Close to mine own with w^Inning grace The maiden now this tale confes't As the Grecian clasp'd her to his breast. Come now away in love tones mild But in his parhwoy stood the child Who said — I'll lead another way — Ah no -the maiden — she must stay A wailing moan Andea gave Then here — alas — shall be my grave Damala gasped — can this be true Methinks I will not follow you But with Andea here remain And live to the end in a sweet refrain But ah ! all Athens must hear this tale I'll come back for thee— thou'lt not bewail Thou canst not come back — the elfin siake Not come back e'en for loves sweet sake Shalt thou go on and I stay here? O, woe to me — this cavg is drear I've v;aited for thee years and years And finding thee shed my first tears O, woe to me— when joy is found 'Tis lost like the echo of a sound I cannot live if thou must go Moaned Andea, soft and low My love— my love— is the Greek's hoarse cry As he saw the radiant maiden die. Mute and still in her white array Cold as the marble on which she lay. 188 THE SACRED CAVE. Damala staggered toward the child Lead thou me on in accent wild Oh 'lestiny — thy harsh decree Is ail inner glimpse of eternity. On and on the elfin weak Is blndly followed by the Greek — They enter now a darken 'd cell 'Tis like where Pluto— King of Hell- Doth live and thrive and breed dismay Cried the wretched Damala. Bleak and grey and grim the walls Like chis'led blocks in prisoned halls No ray of light nor twig or vine Is visible in the dark incline. A fetid stench of heavy air Rushed with a blast upon the pair Who could live here the Grecian cried I — a croaking voice replied. From the farthest corner in the cell Shambled a being, whose grey locks fell In matted plaits about his head And looked like one who had long been dead. Except the eyes, one long fierce look He gave the Greek — his hand now shook And slowly grasped his withered staff And uttered forth a fiendish laugh And turned from Damaja away List, the Grecian cried — I pray The secrets of this cavern low All the world of Greece must know Knowest thou Athens? its balmy clime 'Twas once my home — before thy time. Well know I Sparta, queen of the sea My native home was fair Thessaly. And Marathon I ne'er forget Where the Greek and Persian met. THE SACRED CAVE. 189 Nor mount Sipylus where the stone Niobe will ever weep and moan. Well know I all the land and sea, Of Grecian fame in history. Ah ! joy was mine in that golden age Which now is but a written page. In pitying tones— what brought thee here Damala asked— 'tis bleak and drear Aye — drear indeed — time alone Brought me thus — I make no moan Lethe's blessed stream is past On night black styx— my bark is fast Eumenides* my comrades are There howling echoes near and far. Come back to Athens midst thy kin Some joys of life thou'lt surely win Thou still lovest man the Grecian said The old man shook his whiten' d head Ah, no ! Humanity thou wolf of cringing mein Snapping— snarling— foaming— plainly seen Tearing all within thy claw And voracious ugly paw Vomiting forth thy wrath and hate A slimy track is thy past fate. The best man's curse is left behind In the ni'jan thoughts of his mind Not expres't perhaps in action Which we know is the least faction — Oh, man — thou knowest least of all Why thy birth— thy life— thy fall Thou art in thy low travail The embryo shrouded with the veil Covered with pestilential slime In every day of thy earthly clime. E'en love of man is most part hate * Eumenides— Furies. 190 THE SACKED CAVE. And friendship is a visioned weight The tie which binds man to the earth Is forced upon him from his birth Slave in body — slave in mind — Aye and the soul has its bitter grind Life has yielded nought to me But desolate hope and misery. What say I then — to live is well Alas to that — ah — none can tell. His parched face toward the wall he turned His eyes alone now gleamed and burned. Depart from here — he seemed to speak The words had reached the list'ning Greek AVho slowly turned to find his way Back to the heavenly light of day. With drooping eye and dejected mein This was the last he was to glean Back led the child to the bower of flowers In the sacred cave — after many hours. Through the winding dark'ned halls And low ceiling cavern'd walls. The fairy bowser was reached at last AVhat Spell upon the Grecian cast Its mantle black as darkest night The flowers were there and so the light But all was gloom — the fragrance sweet Where the buds and green vines meet Which made the dancing fairies glad Made the Grecian hero sad, And close his eyes that he might forget The scenes his tired vision met. Depart from here — the child now spoke And hearing this — the Greek awoke. Thou hast lingered here so very long Wg thought thee dead — and with our song THE SACRED CAVE. 191 Endeavor'd wo 11 to waken tliee Oo thou to Athens by the sea And take this tablet with thee — so Upon thy breast — and they will know That thou hast learned the secret well The sacred cavern had to tell. Damala crept back from the cave Out to the Aegean's dark blue wave Horror -horror — he is old and bent Gasping and withered — his strength is spent He gropes his way to mount the hill I love thee Athens — love thee still Could I but rest on thee my eye Gladly would 1 yield and die One more vain effort — one panting breath Andea — Athens — 'tis death — 'tis death — One choking utter hopeless cry Alas — that Damala should die. They found him by the Tyrus hill Lying there so cold and still With this tablet on his breast And Athens laid the Greek to rest. January 3, 1897. 192 TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. Born in an attic: in Paris gay The child first saw the light of day. Began his life 'midst poverty's cries Who in all this world so wise — Bat would predict a groveling fate For the babe born almost of hate. And I maintain that between the two Love and hate : there is but few Degrees of difference or space 'Twas always thus thro'at the race. Some bred in love are born in hate The wheel of time will compensate The divergence which love brings Thro' the universe this law rings. We cannot stray far from the path Of eveness : without the wrath Of extremes : upon our soul Falling — and on the whole The one who steers his bark so clear Of hinderance in love, is near The highest peace of mind attained Altho' true love is ever famed It is the crushing force of all And leaves the mind without recall Trampled — prisoned — cramped and bound With visible chains to a clod of ground The misery's of its sway attest Its powder ! and no known rest The struggling soul has ever known Who has closely to its pinions grown. TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 193 The pallid mother lying on the cot A silly girl had been, who had forgot The little knowledge which she'd been endowed Before the shrine of love she humbly bowed And at its altar sacrificed her all And thus — ah ! thus, had come about her fall. But now — a woman grown and on her child A look of deathless love now calm — now wild The child-birth pains which she endured A new creation in her breast enured. I'll live for him, my infant boy she sobbed Altho' the world her reputation robbed. And worked for him and on her pittance meagre For him slaved and toiled and very eager Spent the mite she earned so hard O'er him a most constant guard Kept she : lest he should stray Away from the garret every day. The child she loved with a another's heart Scarce e'en an hour would she e'er part. From the little life so calm Which now to her was heaven's own balm. The father cruelly deserted Nought to him they now concerted. An army's general staunch an'i brave The girl in the attic he might save From the bitter wrath and scorn Of the world whose sharpened thorn Pier young heart had penetrated. This the way they were related. Descended he of alien blood Of Africa's dark streaming flood Hot passion, cruelty and neglect Were attributes we must reflect. Of his nature, other traits Of greatness : ah ! the fates 104 TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. Play sometimes with poor human minds For genius adds its vast refines. To lewdness, vicionsness and crime Almost as a blending chime. Some natures are made up of both And to each other very loth, Strong poles of right and wrong These are the souls which all along The varying ranks of time Speak forth in every clime. The father of these elements were made, He knew life in every turn and grade. A negro mother, sire of Spanish line Inherited deep faith and love sublime. As passed the years, the father's heart grew mild Toward his son the lowly peer born child But was it not that the precocious lad Had touched a hidden strain half-glad Buried in the ineterent father's heart As in the world of letters he took part True humanity he began to learn And to most humble folk began to turn And learn of them the lesson of the hour In thsre misery dumb but silent power. O'er their lives forever sway Nature's gilts — her finest clay. Meantime the lad his bitter school Were taunts and jeers whose unkind rule Stamped deep sorrow in his breast He learned to love deep solitude best When but a child and very young He came to pass his hours among People different from the herd Of common minds: ah ! the bird Who soars the highest peak Is the winged love which we seek TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. 195 The child grew on unnamed The father now had been far famed A genius now and very wise Shone from out his dark lit eyes. Upon the lad felt some compassion Perhaps it was the present fashion No honor can to him be given Who has in deep dishonor striven To rigfit the wrongs Of early life As if that little puny strife 'Twixt miscalled conscience which is but fear Could ever make a v/rong done — clear One act done wrong— is forever wrong 'Tis ne'er made right — and all along The true unerring lines of time 'Tis time alone which buries all In its calm relentless call If thus we think to compensate Mistaken are we all obligate Unto all which we have done Like the planets round the sun Return again where they began 'Tis the universal plan. And thus the follys of our youth Haunt us and it is a truth The mind of man has ne'er been free On the land or oh the sea. From contact with things of the past There reflection will always last. They are part of our own life In deepest peace or harshest strife. Mind in youth beware— beware The joys of life a hidden snare Which thy heart will goad and scourge As the bitter memory's surge, Thro' thy mind in coming years 106 TO ALEXANDRE DUMAS. In hours of calm and hours of tears Let thy life be truly spent In deep hope and encouragement Know the hours which quickly fly Away on wings, like the bird on high Will pass forever —forever away The acts of youth alone the play Which will face thee in after years Altho' we may have no such fears. This child grew up and faced the scorn Of the life which he had born With suffering heart, yet calm and mild Was this poor born, love made child. He wrote a tale of love and lust Love and vice which is but dust By the law of love alone redeemed As o'er the dark, its bright ray beamed The story brought him friends and fame Honor, wealth and love now came Floating on the past dark tide. Ah ! the changes v/hich abide Hidden in deep nature's fold Whose secrets carelessly we hold. In waning years he is sur'ound By all the luxurious to be found That art and wealth and time could bring Yet through his heart a melloW ring Of sadness lives and in the end His life flows on in peaceful trend. Thus stain of birth, nor blighting scorn Or v/retched poverty and dark'ned morn Deters the genius: the shadows weave A glorious sunset for his brilliant eve. December 10, 1895. HELOS AND LILLIAN. 107 HELOS AND LILLIAN. Lovers they: in youth's spring time, When much in life seems perfect rhyme To those who do not understand There's no perfection in any land. The lover's hair was midnight black iiis face whose very colors lack Spoke in Grecian statuesque lines And lithesome limbs his form defines, Supple, graceful, firm and tall The gods on him might fain recall So physically perfect is this youth And his descrijition is with truth Like the lightnings flash his eye The light of which can never die. Proud in the rush of youth's first flow. Noble of mind, his friends well know — Helos — his name, and humbly born, His spirit never felt forlorn. For mirth and cheer was his birthright, Keen in talent and clear insight. The pitiless world not afraid to face Empty handed — for wealtli's bright race To him was but a joyous dream The roseate light of love's bright gleam Illuminates his every thought. Ah ! the great change love has wrought. Has made this humble lad a king In happiness : the very ring 198 HELOS AND LILLIAN. Ill his manly pleasing voice Would make a stoic for once rejoice. The maiden beside him of beauty so rare Is Lillian— fair Lillian, with bright golden hair. Her face cast in oval and small pointed chin, Her eyes, the dear angels had let the sky in And turned them to violet as the dark shadows grew, Dark lashes and brows were the beauty which few Could pass without notice — and many a sigh Was heard from the hearts as fair Lillian passed by And love made a halo around her small head. Her sweet winning smile was a lustre which shed Comfort and peace upon all whom it fell And thus runs the story reluctant I tell. In a garden of blossoms this night they had met, The sun in the v/est with glory had set, The young moon o'erhead shone with radiance divine Upon the magnolia whose blossoms and vine Wreathed 'round the small arbor to which they repaired A scene from fair Eden this picture had dared. "I will tell her to-night of my love," quoth Helos As they sank to a seat on a mound of dark moss. "I love him — my Helos,'' sighed Lillian so fair. The moon thro' the lattice made silver her hair. Clasped in the arms of her lover in bliss Sealed they their love with a pure love's kiss. As v>'edded these souls by the deep power of love Their spirits took flight to the regions above And left the weak mortals to combat on earth, To helplessly struggle as e'en at their birth Two bright robed souls from earth took flight Out on the billows of ether and night, On and on in unlimited space they fly To a brilliant world they now draw nigh. ili:los and lillian. 199 Making the journey in extatic rhyme, Blending in love thouglit this new found clime As hand clasps hand — cries Helos to his love Here are the joys for those who live above. "What an eternal and blessed fate Had found the angel and her mate. Upon this wondrous world they pause Scarcely knowing just the cause Which had brought their twin souls here Love alone has its motive clear A heaven is this the angel cried "\Vhose brilliant light shines far and wide Giving the spirits here full scope To work out their wondrous mission of hope I see no darkness any where, 'Tis joy to feel this light so rare, These beauteous forms which here we find Seem much alike and of one mind. So much of quiet and harmony Like one grand chord or symphony Paused the angel in deepest wonderment Beholding now the visio.i with very deep intent Of a world peopled alone with intellect On whose perfection she pauses to reflect Living with harmony's law perfected All joys and discords forever rejected By the right of love and peace The soul alone will find release. Strains of music from choirs divine Float on the air and thus refine The space between the worlds around, Bringing soothing mellow sound. Millions of worlds in ether abide Returning like the truest tide, In there course heaven directed By th3 one great law protected. The law of harmony and truth 200 HEL08 AND LILLIAN. Will solve all things and is the proof. Like the highest mountain peak We alone for knowledge seek Above this planetary sphere. We grasp with ease the wisdom here But the things which we most need Is knowing when th§ soul is freed. From these galling binding chains Vv^ith their bitter sweet refrains Knowledge of the after path Few are here who ever hath Divined the mystery of the change Called death: 'tis not within the range Of most humanity in thought or mind Superstition is the only happiness such find Thus passed the years as but a day To the angel and Helos — and they Forward looked to now^ explore Other worlds with their hidden lore Of love and wisdom, truth and power It was indeed a blessed dower To be allowed to thus project There angel souls and then reflect Upon the knowledge which they gained For this the written story's famed, And passing onward in their flight They behold a strange, strange sight And leaving now the angels rare Upon the earth we will repair. They knew not what the seeming change Had fallen on them: something strange Had come upon them : that they knew And colder to each other grew. As time rolled on, the marriage bans Were published through the village fans HELOS AND LILLIAN. 201 Flames of fire in gossips speech Shriller than the night owl's screech The simple folk eagerly spy, The bride and groom with downcast eye, There faces pale and tightly drawn Compress'd their speech: and the sunny dawn Which made this couple man and wife Opened the door of contentions strife. Which would ever war and wage Ever and always in silent rage. Between the two whose souls had fled Into the starlight, whose luster shed Upon these mortals not any ray, They battle with there now dark day. In the mind of Helos, suspicion dark Has made of him a centered mark, Filled his mind vrith thoughts of rage, The depth of jealousy, who can gauge. His misery grew as the years pass by, Has made galling chains of the golden tie. He changed in actions and in looks In every corner the devil lurks, To his mind now dark'ned sadly As raged his bittcEgess more madly A few short year^^o quickly pass'd Upon his heart more sorrows mass'd. Until for him life held no joy And thoughts of love could only cloy. Upon the man who had been so bright Upon which life meant one su.ilight. Now bowed and bent in waning years Pour'd with the world he shed no tears But mute and sullen, on came old age All joys of life a forgotten page. 202 HELOS AND LILLIAN. And Lillian the fair one whose footsteps light Had chased away the shadows of night By her winning youthful smile And her sweetest glance awhile, Morose and petulant by turns Grew she: anger in her heart now burns Her great love died, her beauty faded, Her frame is limp, her step is jaded. Disappointed with all of life It appeared to her one awful strife. The gloomy days now suit her best In her heart a hidden quest Courts deej) solitude, shuns the sun rays, Settled despair now attending all her days The years crept — ah ! so slowly by Will the end ne'er come was her one sigh. Poverty had added its hideous face Whose deathly mark left a vicious trace Up on the two who began life blest Apparently: 'tis sad confess't Until at last they came to hate And that — alas — was the mortals fate. Death a thousand times w-ere better Than the living death whose letter Upon so many liearts are branded Like burning fire, and to be candid Humanity is a living lie Whose dying struggles alone the cry. Of truthfulness in its hoarse ring 'Tis a grewsome ghostly thing. This problem of the changing soul, So brief in parts, so sad the whole. Satisfaction of the moment enters not tumultu- ous mind. Grasping ever for the ideal is the creed of most mankind. HELOS AND LILLIAN. 203 But away to the angels, whose happy course Is toward a star whose misty force Compels there souls with firm attraction Without the crudeness of refraction. Leaving a world where all was so clear What unknown consciousness draws them near A world that is dark and very small, The brilliant worlds have been joy— all. Th3y sigh and shudder with silent fear As thro' the darkness they draw near, Familiar seems this place to me This beautiful garden which I see Covered with roses, buds and vines, 'Magnolia blossoms whose stem.s entwines The beautiful lillies nodding so white, Standing stately i.i the calm moonlight A placid lake whose silvery gleam Answers every bright moon beam. Grassy slopes near the waters edge. Beauty is nature's honest pledge. Alight the angels on this spot Can it be they have forgot This the garden— there the arbor, There the scenes which lovers harbor, Lillian dost thou, this place remember? Ah ! memory's but a dying ember 'Twas our home a short space ago Much since then we've learned to know They glide along toward the stately pile With its ancient turret style. Radiant and beautiful with, love divine To youthfulness forever they happily consign. Sitting mute within the crumbling walls Of these tomb-like and ancestral halls The moitals whose expression wore a lear 204 HELOS AND LILLIAN. In whose every voice and look a sneer The man was flabby — and heavy lidded eyes Dissipation had rendered him full of heavy si^hs Tottering and unhappy, not willing to die, To live, ah ! to live — is his vain cry. The woman broken, old and wrecked The greenish eyes with which she's decked Turn amber as the candles light Fall upon this awful sight. Thus the angels stood and gazed Upon the horror which had dazed There senses, and the frightful view Brought the visions meaning true. And raising up the dim half sightless eyes The mortals saw the angels from the skies Standing there with mournful pitying look. Life or death no more was a sealed book. Crying out aloud in fitful starts Death had set his seal npon their hearts And when their eyes were closed in death's last sleep A peaceful smile had come from out the deep Reserves of nature and upon their face Settled : leaving of sorrow scarce a trace. My Lillian we will from this place away Said Helos : back to the world where all is day Sad, ah! sad, the angels took their flight They had learned a secret in that night Humbler than before and very meek To help all suffering souls jts whar they seek. And thus it is thro' this one law alone Are angels made: no other law is known By giving up forever selfishness Is the attainment of supreme happiness. November 27, 1895. AN INDIAN LEGEND. 205 'AN INDIAN LEGEND. Dea-hi-ho-gah*" in his white canoe Burst from the darkness into view On the northern river wide Paddling down its white capp'd tide. Deep thought sat upon the brow Of the grey-hair' d red man now, Penetration lights his eye In whose depths dark mysteries lie. With single oar he paddles lightly Toward the west— and shining brightly Through the high rocks— is the sun Now his weary quest is done. From the clouds he has descended Tribes of red men have been defended By his magic and stern power Years before — and every hour Is his prestige understood From the Great Spirit— and good Are his thoughts and all his actions Loved is he and his attractions Are both just and so divine That the nations six entwine 'Round his memory and name Lasting power and lasting fame By Ha-we-ne-u§ deputed By the red men not refuted Dea-hi-ho-gah visits earth 'Tis the Indians traditional birth. *Dea-hi-ho-gah — wise man. §Ha we-ne-u — Great Spirit. 206 AN INDIAN LEGEND. Paddling lightly along the shore His white canoe with single oar Soon the fragile prow made fast Lightly stepped to earth at last. Ascends the loftiest western hill With calmest majesty — and still Pride and kindliness lights his eye As his face turns toward the sky Then around him silent gazing Lists his ear to nature's praising Thro' the lake of thousand isles Enchants the sachem's heart with smiles, Drawing his stately height — noble and free Cries happily aloud— Osh-wah-kee, Osh-wah-kee.* Two hunters of a nation great The proud Mohawks— this tale relate Beliind the hills they lay concealed And saw the spirit-man revealed. Quietly he them approaches Not with harsh or stern reproaches But with kind and friendly greeting Is the spirit-man and hunters meeting. A tale of sadness to him tell Of empty hunting grounds — as well As sufferings they had borne Doomed they thought to ever mourn. Thus they spoke without restraint The spirit-man hears their complaint. The hunters serve their aged guest A roast of venison — and now they rest The red men smoke the calumet * Osh-wah-kee interpreted from the Indian means, I see everything and see nothing. Os- wego river is named from Osh-wah-kee. AN INDIAN LEGEND. 207 In the evening's dim sunset. And Dea-hi-ho-gah then disclosed As his listeners reposed That he would lill with fish the streams The hunting grounds with game— and deems It wise to tell how Ha-we-ne-yoh Had sent him in the red men's view And said the wise man furthermore The streams be cleared along the shore Of every barrier which met their way And started they at break of day The Mohawk hunters— brave and true With Dea-hi-ho-gah in his white canoe. On the shores of 8kan-yan-da-de* Whose waters tints are like the sea — Dea-hi-ho-gah makes his abode Among the nations six he strode. Tlie people flocked from every place To look upon his calm wise face And wished him to instruct and teach In matters far beyond their reach And thus the years pass swiftly by The red men heed his slightest sigh. His divine character laid he aside And lived as man with a dusky bride. He taught the red man to plant the corn And made for him the council horn And taught them how the beans to raise And dealt them out deserving })raise. Taught them to make the wampum belt Of beads and shells and hempen welt And wigwams build of skin of deer, Canoe of birch — and sharpened spear And blest them all with lavish hand *Skan-yan-da-de— Cross Lake. ^08 AN INDIAN LEGEND. 'Till warriors came from a northern land AVith ferocious front and wild war cry And the council fire is burning high And purpos'd schemes 'gainst the invasion Dea-hi-ho-gah speaks on this occasion. These rude invaders we must repel Alone and single — is not well Our brave warriors must unite And from our borders be the fight We &hall be safe when this is done The red man speaks— as sinks the sun. You — Mohawks — under the "Great Tree" First in the nation shall you be All shall cry to you aloud Because you are warriors mighty and proud. And you— Oneidas— of the "Everlasting Stone,' Second shall be — you shall not moan Because you are of gifted speech And wisest counsel you will teach. And you— Onondagas — whose habitation Is "Great Mountain" and its grand relation Third shall be — for lovers of peace By your teaching war shall cease And you — Cayugas — of '"Forest Dark," Whose home is everywhere — will mark Fourth shall be — for in the chase Your cunning wins the foremost race. And you— Senecas— in "Open Country" living Fifth shall be — and then much wisdom giving To raise the corn — you understand And you "Five Nations" shall rule the land. AN INDIAN LEljrEND. L'O'J And you Mnnbattoes — and all the rest From north and south, from east and west Place yourselves in our protection List your ear to our direction If in this great bond we unite Ha-we-ne-u's smile shall be our light Happy, prosperous and free — Guard this covenant faithfully. As the wise man ceased to speak, His downcast face looked very meek A burst oi" music rent the air Seeming to come from everywhere. Celestial melody — low and sweet Singing voices — blending greet The rapturous echoes in Heaven's arch Like a grand triumphant march All eyes now^ were turned on high The wise man with a farewell cry Seated in his white canoe Rising gracefully from their view Higher— higher— toward the cloud The astonished natives cry aloud The music now is wierd and low Moaning away in a plaintive flow Strains of sweetest, softest tones Dying away in wailing moans The god-like Dea-hi-ho-gah in his white canoe Entered the regions of Ha-we-ne-u. Such was the story told this night In a wigwam warm— by a pine logs light Told by the warrior Ha-sta-wen-send-ta Told to his daughter Ga-hah-do-wit-ta.* * Ga-hah-do-wit-ta— prophetess. 210 AN INDIAN LEGEND. Beloved was she by all the tribe Daughter of the sachem scribe Living at "Great Mountain's" foot Guarded by its branch and root. Fertile are the valley plains When the summer sun regains Control of bird and fruit and corn Blessings easily are born. To-night the shrill bleak winds are blowing On the wigwam floor— the bright light glowing The aged chief by the fire is bent With withered cheek — and hollow dent. Crouching closely by his side His darling daughter— his only pride Covered in a pile of skins Smiles from her the chieftain wins. As he tells of fairy tales And happier days— and nov/ bewails Loss of tribes and homes and friends Grief the chieftain's heart now rends. All this land was once our play ground To the pale-face we were not bound Where the crumbling arsenal stands Oun-di-a-ga led his bands. Now my child will wed a stranger Know I well the path of danger Lowly sank the sachem's head As he dropped upon his bed. AN INDIAN LEGEND. 2U Father— Ga-hah-do-vvit-ta cried I will not live to be a bride Ha-we-ne-ii calls to me Soon his smiling face I'll see. I was to wed upon to-morrow A nation's brave — now only sorrow Falls upon my sinking heart To-night I know that we must part. Ha-we-ne-u ! 0, spare my child, Cried the sachem— long and wild As he breathes in broken sighs The lovely Ga-hah-do-Vvit-ta dies. They buried her with pomp and show In the valley— in the snow All the women mournfully wailing Chanting the death songs unavailing. The flower of the flock— without one moan To the land of souls— alone— alone One mourner sat by her lonely grave Dumb in his grief— was the Mohawk brave. He was the swiftest in the race Handled the bow with native grace The surest hunter— the keenest eye And the first to utter the warrior's cry. No more for him would the hunter's chase Cheer his heart with its quickened pace In anguish keen he cries aloud For the dark eyed girl in the snowy shroud. 212 AN INDIAN LEGEND. Bow and arrow he laid aside Cast down the war club with broken pride Peace and joy for him was o'er Since Ga-ha!i-do-wit-ta was no more. He had heard old people say There was a path as light as day Into the land of souls would lead Their direction he would heed. After many hours of mourning He started out with little warning Guided only by tradition — Towiird the south — the one condition. On he journeyed — yet no change Seemingly in nature's range On bush and tree the snow piled high Is the scene which greets the Mohawk's eye. Dreary — dreary land of snow The cold north winds forever blow Could Ga-hah-do wit-ta have come this way The black eyed youth asked the lonely day. Dreary — dreary — the lonely heart Seeking forever its counter part Through the northern icy breath Peering into the face of death. Almost dead from the j)iercing cold With staggering step, the Mohawk bold Halted tremblingly to rest For many moons had been his guest. AN INDIAN LEGEND. 213 At last — the sun began to shine The forest 'sumed more cheerful rhyme The leaves put forth their small green buds The snows retreated in falling floods. Before the young man was aware A change complete — Oh, beauty rare — The joyous birds their warblings sing He found himself surrounded by spring. All the land of ice and snow Left behind in the valley low Above his head a field of blue Flowers beside him quickly grew. The balmy air was soft and mild Dark clouds rolled back as in anger wild Clearing an archway in the sky The traditional sign that the path was nigh. It led him through pomegranate groves Then high on a hill the Mohawk roves On the very top a lodge he spied Ga-hah-do-wit-ta — the lover cried. At the door an old man stood Staff in hand of polished wood With whitened hair and firey eyes Had heard the fainting travelers cries. Throwing loosely on his shoulders A robe of skins — he climbs the boulders You are welcome to my abode As all who climb this weary road. 2J4 AN INDIAN LEGEND. The dark-skin'd youth began — in part To tell the tale of his broken heart The white haired chieftain raised his hand I knew you were coming unto this land. Just had I risen to come and meet you 'Twas known to me you were brave and true She whom you seek — just pass'd this way Fatigued with her journey — sat here a day. Enter my lodge — and take this seat Eest your body and weary feet Your enquiries I will try To answer and will satisfy. This done — they issued from the door See yonder gulf with its widening shore 'Tis the land of souls' the chieftain cried You stand on its borders in manhood's pride. This my lodge is the entrance gate Your body must stay — that is the fate Of all who pass and you will learn You will find it safe on your return. Forward — bound the traveler — free — As if on wings toward the distant sea Trees nor groves — hill nor v»/ave Stopped the passage of the brave. Through them he appeared to go Spectre like they seem'd to glow The land of shadows around him lie Looming up to the bright blue sky. AN INDIAN LEGEND. 215 And now he reached the waters edge This was the white haired chieftain's pledge An island in the center lay Covered by the haze of day. A stone canoe of shining white Tied to the shore — now met his siglit The aged man had told of this And now the path to the land of bliss. Entering the canoe so sprightly With shining oar he paddles lightly To his joy and intense surprise Ga-hah-do-wit-ta is before his eyes. Seated in a small canoe Counterpart of his own in hue Watching him with loving pride On the lake they are side by side. Push they out from the dark green shore To part they now ! Ah, never more Into the whitening edge of the wave Paddled the girl and the Mohawk brave. To the island looked a long, long distance The waves now offered strong resistance Storms are sweeping across the lake Whirling wreaths of clear foam break. Many forms were struggling there Old and young and beauty rare In the wild waves some are sinking The angry waters— their souls are drinking 216 AN INDIAN LEGEND. Many sank: and heaps of bones Strewn on the bottom midst the stones They could see through the water clear Thus they were in constant fear. Only the children whose canoes No barriers met — the waves refuse Now they reach the island shore After the dark and wild storms roar. And leap'd they on the pearl-like sand The boundary line of this dreamy land Strengthen'd by its very air Lovely visions every where. Together over blissful fields They w^ander — and all nature yields Beauty to please the ear, the eye, Not a w^ail of sorrows cry. There no tempest — nor chilly wind Nor wars — nor graves — can they find No one crying there for bread No one mourning for the dead There no wintry, ice — nor snow All was bathed in a golden glow There no sorrow — no despaii Joy and paace alone was there. Daisies — lillies — roses — sweet Make the carpet for their feet Singing birds from every clime Making melody sublime. AN INDIAN LEGEND. 21' Azalia wreaths in festoons hung Across the branches the ivy swung — Stately palms and nooks of shade Bending willows in every glade. Forever the warrior would here remain List'ning forever to the sweet refrain Go back — go back — came an awful voice To the land whence thou came — thou hast no choice. The ''Master of Life" he did not see He heard the voice from the highest tree The duties for which I have made you Are not finished — and are but few^ Spake the awful voice — 'Tis not your time Return to your people — far from this clime You will rule your tribe for many days Be a good man the wise law says. My aged messenger at the gate List to him — he will relate You shall then the island find Which you now must leave behind. She you love will wait you here Young and fair and very dear As when I called her from the land of snow Back to that land where you must go. The "Master of Life" now ceased to speak The warrior turned to blindly seek The pathway ovei the wild storm's roar. Which had led him along to that golden shore. 218 MADAME LASCAIRE. Back to the sea now raging madly Turn'd the dark-skinned warrior sadly Knowing scarce which way to go Back to the bitter land of snow. Back to the land of hunger and tears Back to the joyless land of fears The warrior's heart is sad and dreary The warrior's heart is weary — weary. Back again — with weary feet To the valley 'iieath the hills retreat Just at daylight's fading glow Back to the bitter land of snow. And.so midst misery's scenes we wait For the island calm — this is our fate We are wand'rers — struggling slow Through the bitter land of snow. August 3, 1896. MADAME LASCAIRE: THE WITCH OF THE BLACK FOBEST. 'Twas moonlight in the black forest A forest of giant trees Whose branches sway with jest In the soft night breeze. Heavy festoons of creeping moss Through which the moonlight falls Whose fantastic shadows loss Flower bestrewn turf recalls. MADAME LASCAIRE. 219 Tlie echoes float to the branches high The dull roar of Danube billows Defiant is the night owl's crj' Resonant to the willows. Which guard the many winding bends Like firm standing sentinels Of the stream whose deep charm lends Varied beauty o'er hills and dells. Anon — the whirr«of heavier wings is heard Black as the silent depths of forest shade Like the great bubus— the mjsterious aztec bird. An alien wandered his home was made With heavy, peculiar motion-swing Flies down past one's very face Sends a ghostly shivering ring Throughout this grewsome place. 'Tis a most unseemly hour Midnight is the time The forest in its highest power Denotes an enchanting cMme. Picturesque spots here and there Of restfulness and seclusion Ilex and laurel grow everywhere The scene is not delusion. A change is working through the forest trees A storm is coming on with awful glare Leaping from crest to crest as stormy seas Whirling from peak to peak with thrilling dare Breaking the stillness of the moonlight night Like a sad and silent plaintive wail Gathering force from the echoes with its might Like a departed spirit in the gale. Striking terror to the very heart Of the superstitious and the sad Only of amusement a light part To the happy minded and the glad. 220 MADAME LASOAIRS. The gods ai^e angry for some cause unknown Is what the simple villagers believe Living at the forest's edge alone Not much wisdom do they e'er receive. Into the woods farther penetrating Denser grows the trees and deeper shade Black with awful storm the night relating Wildest tales until the dark shall fade. Black and wild and mournfully (rfie wailing Of the heavy, mad and groaning wind Falls the blinding sheets of rain unveiling A change in Nature's own capricious mind— And the denseness of that midnight forest 8mites the heart with awful fear and dread With bated breath and anguished thought— lest One might think they're walking with the dead. So haunting is the untrod woods in night hours In a storm whose wild and vicious wrath Sweep along like spirits of dark powers Drowning all things light within its path— Now the air grows cold as morning's chill Wraps the woods in dark and dullest grey Falling on every vale and hill So breaks the first drear peep of day. And in the midst of all this solitude In the midst of all this stormy niglit Stands a castle whose unheard prelude Is its silent ghostly ruined sight. One broken wing with wet ivy clinging To the crumbling mortar and the stones As if to keep away the wild storms ringing Out in the night its awful wailing tones. The castle is an ancient Gothic structure Built there many years, years ago Before the Goths and Germans had their rupture Built in the days when thought was slow. MADAME LASCAIRE. 221 Tljo turrets loom through straggling vines The oaken doors are black with age High grown shrubs their place outlines Time has left a written page Of ambition, wealth and fame Upon this old castle hidden In the forest depths whose name Honor, grandeur and pomp had bidden — To attend in days gone by Music strains had pealed from out The fan traced windows to tlie sky In days when youth ne'er had a doubt. Yet to-night in all the wild storms rage (Jut from a window shines a flickering light 'Tis gone one moment, then again will gauge Its seeming strength into the awful night Inside from whence that fleeting ray Of candle light shines out in faintest gleams The chief beauty of the interior gray Is the groined ceiling whose exquisite beams The surface being spread with lace like ribbing Belonging to this age of massiveness And characteristic of simplicity combining A network of intricate passiveness. Furniture of rare old handiwork Carved in grapes nnd leaves and vines In whose uncanny shadows lurks Phantom stories speak of hidden crimes. In one remote and dark corner Stands a tall candelabra of brass The very room to a foreigner Is ghastly in every line — alas — That we should live so far away From the periods of the past Our own every night and day We think perhaps will always last. 222 * MADAME LASOAIRE. Ill the midst of this decaying splendor Lying crouched in silken cushions rare Is a woman pale and wan and slender On her face the candles fleeting glare Makes a shade and shadow as it falls On her pallid deathly looking face Bringing an echo from the heavy walls Piercing through the gloomy dark'ned space Lives she there like one alive or dead Impossible for one to tell which — Her claw-like hands and withered templed head Pronounce her at the first slight glance the "Witch." Her eyes are closed which make her look more deathly Around them hollow sunken circles lie The very shadows pass her by so stealthily As if afraid of her wide open eye. Around her clings a faded satin gown Dull and black and purple like in hue Seemingly to mingla with her frown As if upon her very form it grew — So withered are the crumpled hanging folds Limp and sere with age and damp confines Ah ! how the vicious mortal holds Her clutch on life with deepest dark designs — A jeweled brooch at her throat betrays The glittering red and blue of warm sapphire Shining light and dark in numerous rays The only thing alive within the dire Surroundings of this ancient room Precious gems epeak more of future time Than much material logic we assume The diamond loves its own mysterious clime. But now the sleeping woman wakes And Oh ! what lights from out her eyes Shine with black and red and yellow — makes A thrill of horror at the keen disguise. MADAME LAaOAIRE. 223 Whose long dark lids when closed upon Those burning piertHng orbs With look of fixed and wild intention One's mind she fearlessly absorbs By the wierdness of her appearance Her face so pale and drawn and strange The brightest light would but enhance Her pallor — and all within tlie range Of her black and wildly gleaming eyes. "I must have life ! I feel I'm dying I will not die," she weakly cries While I hold the secret buying — Of any life within my reach Thus have I lived for many years By the law^s which none can teach I'll wield them now and shed no tears — This year I've searched the hamlets through For youtti — 'tis youth I ever crave All were short-lived except the few They have kept me from the grave — To-night my strength is on the wane 'Tis passing strange this weakened heart The fates about me would I fain Bid this breath from me depart. I see the grave — the worms— the slime The grinning teeth, the socketless eye That hideous prison house for all time Which is the end of all wiio die. 'Tis why I've sought through all these years The hidden mysteries of life to find The wise men of the East and even seers Their knowledge I have found to firmly bind This power called life within me I care not what the cost Her gloating eyes with devil's glee Plainly tell her soul is lost. 224 MADAME LASOAIRE. To all tbat/s ^ood, the one wild mad desire That clutches like a viper in her breast And eats like moulten lead and burning fire To live forever is her wild request. The grave again— she shrieks with awful fright Her withered hands beat back a fancied scene The prison house— the worms— the slime to-night Appear to grasp and beckon — can it mean I counted wrong the last life that I drew Said twenty years — the planets told me so Not half that time has passed. I slew That last tall youth ten years to-night I know. I note this secret potion has not strength To last as long as in the former years Once before it failed me in its length That it may happen now I have some fears. For I would die if I could not refill This withered shrunken frame with youth fullife And preparations for the blood I spill Does not require a curved or sharpened knife — I'll lay me down and rest a little more And shut out the haunting dream in which I woke. She dragged her trembling limbs across the floor These words she quickly framed and weakly spoke. Stupid fools of humanity who only live to die Out of your ranks I pick and choose and ply my art with joy Poltroon— dupes, while I will I can defy That seeming end to all I play with a toy. Six hundred years have I kept this breath And lived— yet 'tis but a day Six hundred years have I baffled death I'll never yield as his pray. Unless I meet with a stronger will Than my own— which never will be. MADAME LASCAIRE. None I've ever met could kill Nor weaken or wrest this power from me. Then why to-night this woeful fear? AVhich surges through my heavy heart 1 live on, while very drear Is life to otheis, they must part With the precious boon and then prepares to cross The grave — the grave— the prison house — she shrieks With shaking sobs — I rightly feared my loss! More strength to live immediately she seeks. She staggers through the dark and creaking door On thro' winding dark'ned narrow halls To a spacious opening in the floor On one side steps which vividly recalls Graves and vaults and horrible dark things Carefully and cautious she descends Unlocks a bolted door whose clanging rings Mingle with the shadows it contends. Another inner door she then unlocks A gust of cold wind blows upon her face At fear of ghost or goblin she mocks Death is the only fear which knows her grace. Ah ! many a handsome youth and bright eyed maid Has crossed the fatal threshold of that room In youth young hearts are never scarce afraid To ne'er come out alive was their sad doom. A gypsy girl of exquisite beauty rare Is the latest victim of the hag Her head defiant and with haughty dare Demands release — her spirit does not flag Until she looks and meets the woman's eye. She trembles, then recoils and quickly turns And breaks forth in a gasping shivering cry Through and through her soul that wild look burns 226 MADAME LASOAIRE. The woman's eyes are blazing 'nails of fire Now red — now yellow — like a demon's glare A bitter sneer plays with derisive ire Like a savage panther in its lair. No word she speaks but steadily advancing Slowly toward the horror stricken girl The glitter of her powerful eye entrancing The senses of the child in awful whirl. The gypsy smiled, extended cut her hands Laid them in the woman's vise like clasp Around her closed the vulture's tight'ning bands She sighed a glad cry — gave a little gasp— Upon her heaving bosom fell her head With its tumbled mass of midnight hair The spark within her, we call Life, had fled The beauteous face had lost the look of care AVhich captivity had traced with heavy line No more tlie glorious eyes will sparkle bright The dark'ned beauty of her features line No more will laugh and love in bright sunlight Still and stiff and rigid she has grown The color gone forever from her cheek All the joys of life from her have flown The hungry ghoul beside Iier found her meek. She gently yielded out her life to me Another who could not resist my sway The croaking hag cried out with hellish glee Far many days her life will pave my way. With keen desires of life and feverish youth With joy and gladness and more brightened thought With quicker step — and all in all — in truth Which makes the secret deed so easily bought. She dropped the dead girl's hands and stepped aside A hidden spring into the wall she press'd l\[,\n.\MK r.AFCAlRE. Revealing a low rumbling like the tide The sound indeed was hideous she confess'd. A large stone in one corner is removed A hole so black and flowing water there Harder she pressed the spring until it grooved An unseen socket meant there to prei)are A resting prop for so huge a block A rushing gust of cold wind there arose A peal of thunder made earth shake and rock A Uttting requiem for so sad a close— Of the gypsy girl in young and tender bloom "^ In all her life no one had she e'er harmed Innocent she met her death in gloom The witcli at her black crime is not alarmed- The girl she drags with sudden strengthened arm Across the stones and in the gaping hole Pitches the body— firmly to disarm Suspicion as to how escaped the soul. Back the spring and rock flew into place Turns the witch and bolts the inner door Leaving of the devil's act no trace All was drowned in the wild storm's roar. She locked the outer door and climbed the stair Traced her steps back through the narrow halls Through the creaking door with studied care In her silken cushions now she falls. And slumbers thro' the calm and sunlit day On until the lowering evenrng's glow Spreads a darkened cloud on every ray Slumbers on till midnight's ebbing flow Proclaims the coming of another dawn The woman wakes and peering in her glass All the hideous age and wrinkles gone Around her temples fall a clinging mass 228 MADAME^LASCAIRE. Of luxurious curls warm and young Her cheeks are rich with color red Her youthful hands now rest among The silken sheen beneath her pillow'd head Her forehead is as fair as marble white The blue veins are transparent thro' the skin In her eyes a soft and mellow light And plump of form, the hag who was so thin — Youth she has — and for youth she would sell Her soul unto the darkest unseen powers Into the horrors of abysmal hell From nought on any world the vvoman covyers Ah ! many days I'll now live and enjoy Life in all its variegated hues — For happiness I ever will employ That pertaining to all earthly veins. I'll speed away among the grand and gay And sip the honey like the drunken bee Of pleasures that will fall in my pathway The world is one bright flower garden for me. Cloaked and veiled at night she leaves the castle Skulking — hiding — 'till well out of sight A heavy cloak tied with a cord and tassel Covers the cowering form that darkened night. Now she is stationed in a brilliant City Domiciled with richest luxuries rare The hag of hell has not one breath of pity Upon the lives she took to keep her fair. Around her — splendid gayety entwining She fascinates the soul's of those she can The witch is wise and rapidly consigning The joys of love her basest passions fan. The grandeur of her city habitation Is unsurpassed throughout the noblest land The beauty of the scene in fine relation With the legends of the fairy's wand. MADAME LASCAIRE. 229 Fine hewn blocks of greystone is her palace Arched and towered in wonderful design Gushing streams in marble fountains solace Troubled thoughts which she can scarce define. Flowers and clinging vines of rarest hue Shed their cooling, sweet and scented lustre Into the warm sunlight— and now And delicate light green tendrils cluster Around the vines which guard the portals Of the palace grand a; id dim Clinging like earthly thought to mortals Like an anthem— like a hymn. The priceless hangings of the dark interior Speak age and time, and wealth within their fold To the highest woven art they're not inferior Like fine spun ocean foam and brilliant gold Mantels there of light Canara marble Lamps of every pattern— every shade In golden cages colored song birds warble With richest rugs the polished floors are laid. In richly wrought low brazen burners Burning perfume scents the air Mellow incense in nooks and corners The wilde&t dreams of luxury there. Dwelling thus amidst all this untold splendor The woman witch holds forth with cunning dare Surrounded by those who willingly render Servile homage to Madame Lascaire. Fair indeed to look upon to-night Is the woman of so dark a past Radiant with gems whose precious light Myriads of gleaming scintillations cast. Clad in clinging white of softest gauze Diamonds deck her arms and breast and brow 230 MADAME LASCAIRE. At beauty of her outlines one would pause Knowing that the gods love to endow With beauty rare those whom they love Not one in all the vast essemble But thought of her as a chastened dove Shadowed lives, ah ! well may tremble — A day will come when acts shall be Known and read unseen — unheard A day will come when thoughts we'll see A voiceless sound — a plain heard word. Madame Lascaire to-night is in her glee Around her beauty, youth and wit preside A banquet grand and music's revelry Rolls out as to the stateiy^dance they glide. Youth and beauty — love — then bliss Ah ! to have that day forever — Tis the one bright ray of happiness To come again — no — never — never — Madame's mood seems sad to-night Surely there's no apparent reason Yet her heai'tstrings clutching tight Tugging at some hidden treason A well knit youth with flashing eye Dark curling hair and tall and sad Has reached her soul and made her sigh. His pale face turns her brain half mad He has left her side one moment To have a word with other guests When he's gone she is not content She loves him is tha thought which rests In her heart and brain and mind Searing her like a burning fire And for love I've never pined But this uncontrollable desire. For love is almost new to me Perhaps 'twill pass me lightly by MADAME LASCAIKE. 231 The gypsy's love is like an angry sea. She quickly stifles a rising cry Coming toward her — knightlike laden Leading by the trembling hand A flaxen haired and blue eyed maiden Orlof the lover — takes command. Proud indeed to lead Natalie The fairest girl for miles around About her side the nobles dally But eyes cast shyly to the ground. Natalie passes wealth and riches by With quiet air pursues her humble way Gentle as the summer's zephyr sigh Like a lily in its gracious sway. Her face is like a delicate ocean shell So exquisite in shade of pink and white On closer look her deepest blue eyes tell To mingle wiih the angels she's the right. Upon her lips a playful winning smile Suddenly dei)arts as now her grace Bends towards her with no visible guile An angel and a devil face to face. The woman reads her doom in Orlof's eyes As bending close beside the queenly girl She hears his pleading rapturous lover's sighs The torments of the dam'ed in vicious whirl Surges thro' her brain with jealous hate He loves her— and his heart is hers I know The castle, Ah ! the castle is her fate And then — the river rushing black below His passionate Icve for Natalie stamps his face With illumination, liappiness and joy His ardent hopes and youthful heart will race Against all odds for gold without alloy The woman — witch — her heart on Are with rage 232 MADAME LASCAIRE. Hellish hate and jealous envy deep Manevolently smiles — ah ! — who can gauge The treachery of which we have a peep. The pale faced girl I hate ! I'll have her life His love I swear shall be mine — all mine Rather than live and know she was his wife The greatest bliss of life I would resign. I cannot understand this fierce wild love Which shatters the joys of life which I have known I've never sighed to be the mating dove The gypsy's love and hate has now made moan- I cannot bear this choking stifling air The hax3py lovers pass her calmly by The room grows dark to Madame Lascaire Altho' her burning, tearless eyes are dry A jeweled mirror back reflects her face Suddenly grown pale and wan and thin Leaving of her beauty scarce a trace She flies to concealed rooms — and once within Their secret walls her undoing beholds Standing there before her polished glass Age claims her in its unrelenting folds She writhes and screams a false and broken mass The curling ringlets of her hair has gone And in their j)lace are shocks of whitened hair She tears them out — as fiercely wild and long Her shrieks and wailing cries now pierce the air. The firm white hand so perfect and so slender Is purpled nailed and like a withered claw No one in all the world would nov»' defend her Her hideous face no sympathy could draw. She sees her face take on the look of death She tears the cheeks that lately were so red Oh, fading beauty ! and fast fleeting breath MADAME LASCAIRE. So stands the witch with sunken templed head. From her brow she tears the gleaming jewel Tears in shreds the silken gauzy dress Ah I that nature thus should be so cruel She suffers deeply now we must confess. Much like a skeleton she stands Bones and parciiment like sin Life exacts its huge demands Against the strength of her dark skin — O, hope of youth lost for a time The witch cries forth with a bitter wail The hope of love with soothing rhyme Has come to me without avail. Oh, woeful sight this hideous face Her claw like hands clutch empty air On the floor amidst her splendid lace Crouched the hag who was so fair. For hours she lay there deeply moaning Writhing torments tore her heart. Breathing hard and faintly groaning Loathe was she with youth to part. Across the floor on hands and knees She drags herself with feeble power Will her v.ild wailings never cease? Now the witch is seen to cower And clutching at a darkened robe Winds its many numerous folds About her now none could probe The secret she alone condoles. She leaves a letter to Natalie Come at once to Madame Lascaire To the castle near the valley I will meet you fair one there. With head and fare deep in her mantle wrapped She crawls and crouches through the brilliant halls Like a snarling panther whose been trapped. 234 MADAME LASCAIRE. The lights and strains of music on her palls. Not daring or,ce to raise her loathsome eyes Bent and crouched she fled into the night The guests dispersing made many wond'ring cries Why Madame Lascaire should take to flight. On to the castle speeds the midnight hag Muttering curses through her withered lips Cursing the reigning powers who thus would drag Away from her the luscious honey sips. 1'^i<^ gypsy's life was short I thought not so Of late I'm falling quickly from my throne I'll not give up the struggle, — no— no — I'll conquer this without a threat or groan Henceforth 1 will take much more precaution I'll double the lives I've taken as oi yore Her hands clutched in convulsive contortion My soul cries out to live, Ah ! more and more. She neared the dense black forest just at break of day Met a youthful lad going out to toil Stopped and asked of him the way Her blackhearted purpose thus to foil. A witch lives in the castle said the lad All the humble villagers believe They say of course a woman who is mad And from the devil's strength to live receive. She has lived there many, many years they say Alone and any one who ventures there Never comes out alive again — I pray You go not near the cursed castle's glare. The children in the village— when night falls Never tread the clearing near the wood The mothers in the early evening calls Tlie children in — the woman there's not good. The child looked up when this speech said And met the woman's gleaming eye Back from her head her mantle laid. MADAM E LAtiC AIKE . The lad his eyes turned to tlie sky, The blood in his young veins it froze With terror deep and avvi'ul fright A piercing scream from him arose And not a living soul in sight To save him from the devil fiend With gasping fright the child grew cold The reptile's eyes which the night had screened Turns o.i the lad her powers bold And wrests from him his budding youth And gloating in the mornings ray On to the castle — and forsooth The child lies dead by the dense roadway. In the gloomy castle now again Cronches the woman down in mute despair A face is haunting her with bitter pain A girl with deep blue eyes and golden hair I must bring her here by false devise AVord I've sent her that I am ill Madame Lascaire — will kill her in a thrice And with her life my waning life force fill. Then speedily I'll wend me to my palace There will shine — Ah ! — young and fair again I see me now upon the moonlit terrace The queen to knightly Orlof will I reign. And when I've drank my draught of her young life I'll pluck her eyes out, I hate her so. No life in all my long dark years of strife Has battled me with this dread so low. While I hate her yet I fear her Something in her smites my heart And forebodings dark engender Fears of which I fain would part. This love for Orloi" my heart is eating Through and through with awful pain Ah ! the joys of life are fleeting 236 MADAME LASCAIEE. Love is singing its sad refrain In the heart of the hag of midnight Scorching her with firey brand With the daylight's fading twilight Sinks the v/ilch in slumber land. Natalie receives the message At the palace of Madame Lascaire Of suspicion not a vestige Of the fatal meaning there. On the following sunlit morn The hour the dew dries on the grass To see the sick Who are forlorn Natalie the angel is seen to pass Along the roadway toward the wood In a pale blue dress the girl is clad The wild birds sing with welcome joy — should The butterflys alone be glad? As flitting around the sweet Natalie She trills and swings in childlike glee Surely this must be the valley Soon the castle I will see. Her flaxen hair hangs in heavy braids Tied with little knots of blue Of the City's wondrous maids Natalie is the fairest and good and true. Her arms and shoulders with softest white Finest veiling is amply puffed A golden cord laced her corsage tight Around her throat some silk is ruffed. The sweat faced maiden treads along The edge of the forest dark The sunbeams fall on her like song High o'er head now sings the lark. Into the tangled woods she disappears MADAME LASCAIRE. 237 Before her eyes the dark old castle rears Its hidden outlines now are standing clear. I'll ask you for the sick Madame Lascaire She told the hag who peeped out at the door This way she cried with hidden vicions glare She led the girl across the dark'ned floor And into the room where first we saw the witch She turned the key within the rusty lock Into the room with tracing rare and rich Into the room where unseen devils flock. I'm Madame Lascaire the horrid creature cried Now turning round full faced upon the girl The saying I was sick — I readily lied Her thin lips now so sneeringly curl I brjught you here to die — yes die — She screamed and laughed with fiendish glee None will ever hear your dying cry And none will ever know but me. Nay — cover up your eyes with your white hands Nay shudder — there with fright and moan and sway Your life must yield to my commands You have lived on earth your one last day. Hundreds of years I've lived on such as you And now you feed me for a time Orlof will find a mistress new As over your dead body thus 1 climb And reach the height of ail earthly ambition By the power which you now feel. And no amount of wealth or no condition Will deviate my purpose which is real. Have mercy, Oh ! have mercy, sobbed Natalie, And let me to my Orlof sped away Her sinking voice she quickly tries to rally On my knees I'm pleading that I may. My Orlof will miss me — gentle Orlof Whom I love with all my woman's heart He would die tor me — Ah ! do not scoff His heart would break if we should ever part. 238 MADAME LASCAIRE. Oh, do not look at me with such expression Your eyes are like the snakes who fascinate Natalie shivers at this bold digression Tier sinking heart cries oat this is her fate. Orlof seeks Natalie in the meantime Listening to the story which he hears Loosing all his mirth and song and rhyme In his heart there arises sick'ning fears, He hears Natalie strayed away that morning Out toward where the forest lies so dense Now evenings glow and hidden vesper bells ring A horror deep has rooted now his sense. Into the black forest Orlof speeds Some unknown power seem to draw him on The night grows dark, a night for hidden deeds A deathly dread is falling now upon His heart, can it be that Natalie dear Has wandered to this lonesome place. A flickering light now shines out clear And against the window he pressed his face. Oh God ! to him what a sight revealed His Natalie gasping and deathly white His blood turned hot and then congealed He sees Lascaire — by the dim candle's light O'er the form of Natalie bonding- She whose deep blue eyes are set Screams the witch with slirieks unending And her gleaming eyes like jet. Give thy life — why do you foil me? Give thy life — all hell commands Orlof — sighs the sv^^eet Natalie I will meet you in fairer lands. Powers of darkness aid me now I lack strength to wrest her life Devils — fiends to hell I bow Help me in this first met strffe. Bending o'er Natalie nearer Oh ! ye powers of darkness save me The prison house— the worms— the slime Oh ! from death I now must flee— Tis falsely said— death is sublime. MADAME LASCAIUIO. 239 Sways the witch with reddish eyes "Orlof thou to me art dearer" Is her almost lifeless cries. Like a whirlwind through the window Springs Orlof — majestic — p^rand — With a groan now wailing low Lascaire, the witch, will taU'e the stand. And glaring at the intruder new Orlof staggers from such eyes Thou dupe and fool what would you do? You walk to death — I would advise Back! hellish witch— incarnate fiend She meets his look with weakened sight A dangerous light in his dark eyes gleamed The struggle is one of awful might. Back tho' horror foul and black In to the depths of hell repair Your crimes shall be the tortuous rack Devils and ghouls await you tiiere. She crouches dow^n and v»'hispers hoarse My power is gone — all — ail — is lost She crawls aside with arising force Her life I'll have at any cost. Staggering back with visible weakness Shrieks and around the room she reels In her face no sign of meekness Fear of death is what she feels. Oh, ye powers of darkness save me The prison house— the worms— the slime Oh, from death I now must flee 'Tis falsely said death is sublime. Vague and indefinite thoughts impress Her weakening mind with horror deep Now surging bitter memories repress The strength to live she cannot keep. Back from her thou tortured vampire 240 MADAME LASCAIEE. Orlof hurls the hag away I would see you thus expire Now before the break of * day Now she writhes and shudders — now cowers Hellish sounds she shrieks aloud Death I feel — Oh, midnight powers All is passing in a cloud. Her glittering eyes roll more and more As if before them visions float A writhing mass now upon the floor Her claw like hands clinch her bony throat. With rattling death throes she is convulsed The prison house — the slimy worms — In broken wails — no more repulsed Death will make with her no terms. Shrunken — drawn — now in awful aspect Mercy — mercy — in gasping cries Her black soul earth and heaven reject Thus Lascaire th.e witch now dies. Orlof quickly grasped the faint Natalie Through the doors into the cool night air And safely in her sister's arms Euialie The pale faced girl receives abundant care. The wedding bells pealed forth in early spring And Orlof and the fair Natalie wed As passed the happy years the joyous ring Of bright eyed children— yet tears are shed. When Orlof tells the little ones the story About the^dark old castle in the wood And daily praises God in all his glory For power to live — and live his life out good. There is no compensation on this earth For all the joy and sorrow which we feel Only when we've passed the second birth Are we in the land where joy is real. August 15, 1895. PRAYER TO KNOWLEDGE. 241 PRAYER TO KNOWLEDGE. Thou God to which I humbly bow a knee And kneel devoted at thy glorious shrine With meekness and intense fidelity I worship at thy altar divine Thou God to which I reverently kneel Thou God to which I fervently pray Lead me through the darkness which I feel Is but the breaking of a sunlit day. Thou God which I accept as absolute Thou watchword of the day and dark'ned night Thou God whose laws cannot refute That thou art all — and Infinite. August 14, 1895. 242 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. Twelve maidens in Greece, hovered o'er burning incense To call from the realms of the darkest midnight Nourhalia the song bird — of fame — so intense Was their wish that they heeded not the time's flight. They had heard of the soul as a deep hidden story Forbidden to them — they should ever explore — Curious enough— woman like — to their glory They yearned for a glimpse of that dark foreign shore As a childish song of dense mythical creation Was the eastern Nourhalia, whose grandeur and fame Held to these Grecian maids a deep relation As they sang in that past age the praise of her name. Nourhalia they knew had rare beauty and wealth Fame and true love had been laid at her shrine Jewels and gold had been brought without stealth To the eastern Nourhalia — the song bird divine. This niglit in the temple to famed Isis reared Twelve Greek maids of Athens have fearlessly crept Unknown to the populace is now what they feared Their night vigil in secret must faithfully be kept. Crouched round the dark embers of dense perfume burning Green myrtle and odors of sweet burning thyme The secret of life are they inwardly learning They learn life and death is a most perfect rhyme. THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. 243 Oh I como sweet Nourhalia if such be thy power And tell us of wisdom from tliy happy home We pray thee upon us thy deep knowledge shower And pity our misery as we restlessly roam Thro' this vast world of Greece so dear to our heart For all that we love are centralized here Tell us of thy life that we may impart Knowledge to those which we deem very dear. A spot in the center takes on a white light An illuminated shadow now quickly appears An angelic presence of w^ondrous sight With a wave of her hand she quiets their fears. A creature so saint like now stands in their view A halo of light shines around her forehead A vision of beauty and youth now grew Before the Greek maids stand a soul from the dead. And art thou Nourhalia cried one maid more bold Than the rest of her sisters who clung round her side I am Nourhalia out from the great fold Your wish for me brings me from the great tide. Of souls who pass on from this vast worldly plain On to the realms of pure calm delight Tell us thy story cried the maiden again Said the angel— I'll tell you my story to-night. I was a strange mixture of sadness and mirth As a child: and depression and cheer Surely the fates that attended my birth Have ruled my life perfectly clear. In earliest years I knew that within me A deep hidden power there silently lay Not knowing its meaning it saddened distressingly All the bright side of the sunniest day. 244 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. Nature I loved from my earliest remembrance I worshipped the glorious sunrise in the East When eventide rested its calm slumbering glance I worshipped the sunset, and that not the least. For when the night came and the bright moon arising And riding majestically on through cloudland As each moment passes, new visions devising — I silently worshipped, the scenes were so grand. And a night of bright starlight would set my heart beating With love for the heaven's and ecstacy sweet Would prevail my v,'hole being as if wildly entreating Those far away stars would my lone spirit greet. And the woods and the lakes, the birds and the flowers I adored with a childlike yet rapturous glee The world was a wonder as swift sped the hours And everything in it meant so much to me. Ah ! sad is the day when earth with its treasure Is nothing to us but a page of past fame Ah ! sad is the day when the world yields no pleasure When the world means to us but a cold empty name. A wild storm at night I loved with devotion Alone in the dark I've had many a stroll Yet never alone was my oft fancied notion I loved the wild storm and the dull thunder's roll. And the wildest storm winds that ere blew o'er the surface Of earth from the midnight's Plutonion shore Unheard brought to me a sweet greeting of grace The wilder the night storm I loved it the more. At twilight when vesper bells slowly were ringing And pealing soft melody out on the air That hour when all earth and the angels were singing The hour when the thought of God rests everywhere. THE STORY OF NOUIUIALIA. LM5 Oh, blest liour of yoiitli when the heart was all purity Restinj]j serene from the world tind its wiles, Oh, blessed hour of youth when the heart had security Away from the world with its sins and its smiles. Oh, lost hours of youth when music's grand flow "Was harmony divine ; Ah, content was our lot Before the deep wisdom of what we iDUst know Comes: that men and w^omen appear, — what there not. Thus life was a joy until contact with people They will warp one unless you have care in extreme As the richer the church is tlie higher the steeple — Adoration of self is their excellent theme. The nature of people brought knowledge of treachery Knowledge of hypocrisy, crime and deceit. In the realms of dear Nature we never find leachery Oh, why does not man to her altar retreat? How sad 'tis to know that one would betray you For a small bit of gold which comes out of the ground. Sad 'tis to know that one would not befriend you They want flesh and blood, and a pound for a pound. Then came a deep pain in my heart sighed Nourhalia Love touched my young soul with his magical rod A pale youth with dark eyes without pomp or regalia I worshipped my idol — yes, next to my God. Now shattered all idols— like wind bubbles broken The prismatic colors forever all gone Remembrance is left to me now the one token Of a dream that was soothing and sweet as a song. Yet I knew that this love wildly growing within me Must never be centered upon mortals here The still voice within said to me so silently. Relying on me thou hast nothing to fear. 246 THE STOEY OF NOURHALIA. This deep power within me grew firmer and stronger As glided the years taking with them youth's hours Until calmly relying and doubting no longer The truthful communion with high unseen i)Owers. Men loved me, I charmed them, they worshipped, adored me I knew how to reach their soul's secret desire Without a known effort their thoughts 1 read clearly The secret I held made their hearts burn like fire. Man's a perfect reflection of presiding circumstance His vacillating nature, this reflection rules, Implicitly truth and man are at variance, They represent beasts and the women are fools. Aye — fools indeed are the women in love affairs Fools and silly things are they in hate Fools of the w^orld sink they under its heavy cares A dupe and a fool is most women's fate. The love of man ne'er has been won by devotion Expressed idolization, or solicitous care The righteousness of it, the one palling lotion The woman who fools them— they cling to the snare. Man never loves woman — man loves only man Which all the past ages stand out and attest There's a mutual antipathy between them the ban The search for true love is a drear, fruitless quest. To follow a fair mirage is man's keenest enjoyment No matter hov/ straggling or rough Is the way And grasping to gain it is blissful employment The bruises and groans make a rosy pathway And men when in love are a phase of their planet 'Tis a directed signal from that far away shore That right royal lover, Anthony, at sunset Enjoyed Cleopatra but loved Anthony more. THE STORY OF NOURHALTA. 247 He died in her arms because he loved — Anthony — 'Twas bliss to his soul to look in her eyes Thou art an example, Oh, Anthony — Anthony — Which ever indeed should make people wise. Thus ! thus ! said Nourhalia when men came before me They were but as shadows before my clear glass And O, what grim specters dwelt in some with glee I could read all their lives and their thoughts as they pass. Some men are made up of gorilla like essence So beastly and fierce — that I shudder and sigh And some — you'd be poisoned by their very presence So loathsome and vile is the gleam of their eye These men are inhabited with vermin and reptiles With brutes of low order they are on a line Their touch is polluting and ever defiles A horror before me they clearly define. And some men are fine as a thread of spun gold They mix not repellently with much dross of earth Wisdom and manliness stamps on them a mould And these men are gods — gods from their birth. This secret within me these deep truths descerned I saw man as he was and not what he appeared From a beautiful exterior I have often times turned At the hideous vision of the soul which there leered. Ah ! 'twas an experience which had in it no pleasure To know false humanity has in it no cheer Humanity yields but the least which we treasure 'Tis only of man we need have any fear. He crushes and grinds, both himself and his brothers By his cruelty, tyranny — his intense selfishness By dealing continually injustice to others Is the path which he looses his own happiness. 248 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. Humanity is blind through its own meagre pride — Blind to the beauties of each passing age In harmony's law they must needs abide When the grand book of life is a wide open page. So away from the people I soon found true restfulness Away from their cringing and plain seen deceit Altho' many a day I yearned for forgetfulness I soon reached a joy in my own small retreat. I had for companions true souls yet not mortals Oh, blest be the power which had brought them to me The doors of a world had now opened the portals O, joy to my heart ! I could enter and see. The truth I had searched for — and searching found — never O, joy to my heart! I now found truth real I'll live in this w^orld aye forever — and ever So deep is the tremendous joy that I feel. Men cannot appear in this world what they are not 'Tis visibly written alone what they are Which proved to my soul and I had not forgot The deep power within me I never should mar. The delights of this world no pen can define The beauteous scenes upon which my eyes rest Now millions of worlds to my vision resigns Some secrets they've kept from me years, which was best And the women in this world hold their true position A fool cannot ape to be great when the're small "Where truth is the plan it needs no definition It will classify rightly and harmonize all. Hours spent in this world was to me more than fame So exquisitely sweet was the joy I found there And when this v»orld fanned and bowed to my name It reached not my heart with its lone silent care. THE STORY OF NOUUHALIA. 249 I lived in my flower bedecked bower of enchantment Loving and loved through many long years And the friends of my solitude help'd my advancement Pass'd this vale of sorrow, which has so many tears. I could see and could hear from one world to the next Could soar through much distance with very great ease Harmony alone was my watchword and text 'Tis the amulet 'gainst which opposition will cease. I would willingly stay in this realm for all time Yet back on this earth must I linger awhile Contented and happy for thro' my songs rhyme . T brought peace to some and to others a smile. Thus all men and women and all things of earth With the years pass forever — forever away To yearn for these is to cling to lost mirth It is striving to keep what is sure to decay. Said Nourhalia, when death came it found me quite willin^^ I had lived in the sphere past mortals so long I laid dowai the burden called life — my heart filling With rapturous joy for this bright land of song. And wealth in this land is the joy of the heart And fame in this land is the joy of the soul Of love in this land we are a great part As millions of drops makes the vast ocean's roll. Said Nourhalia — the story I tell you is true Altho' the clime that is yours — bore not me In all ages of time the changes are few The now is forever expressed eternity. I go said Nourhalia— back — back — ;o my sunshine Stay — stay— cried the maids with anguishing cry One word said Nourhalia — while here live divine And you walk in tlu^ pathway thai leads to the sky. 250 THE STORY OF NOURHALIA. And the touch of true love is a breath of high heaven And truth is the gem which opens the door As the notes of all music on earth number seven Completeness of Peace is where we may soar. And here on this earth that rest may be gained By i:)ursuing the course I have laid out for you Said Nourhalia all earthly wealth that is famed Is grasped by the soul when alone it is true. With the smile of an angel and a wave of her hand Vanished Nourhalia, out in to the night She's gone — said the maidens — unto her sunland And the spot where she stood was a roseate light. Twelve maidens crept out from rhe temple unseen By any keen eye for all the town slept The knowledge they'd learned — solemnly between Each other — they swore — forever be kept. And as the grand Grecian race passes away One of these wisdom steep'd maidens appear In their turn at each age — read the oracles by day And make to their followers, — their meaning most clear. As clad in their white robes — sandal and gown In the temple a priestess of knowledge divine Serve they with faithfulness, which makes them renown To Vesta the Virgin — their lives they consign. And when the last echo of noble Greece falls The Cumean Sybil — tells her prophecys true Ringing aloof through its temples and halls Heeded alone by those perfect and few. Ah, land of bright sunlight, whose shores the blue Aegean Guard — yes — so lovingly and fondly caress Thy people descended from that God gifted Magician Whatever thy frailities — we love thee none less. THE STORY OF NOUUHALIA. 251 Ah ! land of bright sunlight — of sweet song and rhyme Thou gods and goddesses in life and in art Thy ruined cities alone speak thy time In the vast passing ages thou art only a i)art. Change and decay is the law of all things Upon this terrestrial globe, which we tread And above all is divine music which sings As we chant the praise of this nation now dead. HELEN F. TROY, September 9, 1895. (copyrighted). 11 m ai ill m SI! ! !n jfi »*,: |1 ii! [i<: liiptnll ii: i}i ili' i i !lJ Ci 'I ii ^ ;|J m hi ! fl r !^: rm i 4!l m