Gathered Autumn Leaves. 
 
 . ByVersicus. ef^^^^^^ -3 
 
 PRIVATELY PRINTED, 
 
 » • • • • 
 
 • » » 
 
 * • * 
 
 
 
 BOSTON, 1901. 
 
f 5 I a ^^ 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF 
 CONGRESS, 
 
 Two Copies Reoeivcd 
 
 AUG. 30 1901 
 
 Copyright ENTirr 
 
 CLASS <XxXo. No. 
 
 COPY-^ 
 
 Copyright 1901 
 By R. G. F. CANDAGE. 
 
-Sn^ ?-lj^'ATL PxirMe,- 
 
I3E:DI CATION. 
 
 to friends on this side, and to the many 
 " Beyond the dark valley and the shadow," 
 Whose friendships helped to make his life sunny, 
 The crude and homely verses which follow, 
 Abe affectionately dedicated, 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This little volume is privately printed for friends who have 
 expressed the desire to see its verses in book form, and for mem- 
 bers of the writer's family as a keepsake when he shall have fallen 
 by the wayside like autumn leaves. 
 
 For an appropriate title, " Gathered Autumn Leaves " suggested 
 itself, for the reason that the verses were written in the autumn of 
 life, and like autumn leaves indiscriminately gathered in the forest, 
 represent the writer's fancy and mood in his rambles with the muse. 
 
 A lady friend who appreciates this attempt at versification, 
 asked the writer why he chose '* Versicus " as his nom de phime. 
 
 He answered: ''Many persons have little appreciation of ordi- 
 nary verse, and consider its reading a waste of time, and its writers 
 dreamers, or lunatics, so 'Versicus' was chosen to signify the 
 ' Cuss' that writes verses." 
 
 From friends of recent date and " of days lang syne," who shall 
 receive and read the verses contained in this book, the writer 
 requests not too severe a criticism of its faults, nor over-praise of 
 its merits, if such be found — bearing in mind that it is a messenger 
 of affectionate regard from friend to friend, and that over the faults 
 of friends one should cast the mantle of charity. 
 
 In penning the verses now-launched upon the sea of confidence 
 reposed in the thought and mind of those for whom they are set 
 afloat, the writer has greatly enjoyed the time thus spent, and 
 should their readers find half as much pleasure in their perusal, his 
 purpose will have been accomplished. 
 
 Versicus. 
 
 Brookline, Mass., March 11, 1901. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 A Mother's Soliloquy 4.9 
 
 Blue Hill 48 
 
 Friendship 22 
 
 Garden of the Gods 44. 
 
 Golden Wedding ••••..... 45 
 
 Invitation to Dinner I9 
 
 Kolligwigwauk 33 
 
 Le Temps Fuit ••.....,. 27 
 
 Legend of Mother Bush Brook 39 
 
 Life New and Evermore ....... 28 
 
 Memories of Blue Hill 37 
 
 Retrospection and Anticipation 41 
 
 Seventy-Four 43 
 
 Silver Sprays •••...... 29 
 
 Silver Wedding 23 
 
 The Journey of Life I4 
 
 Time for All Things 20 
 
 To H. G. F 13 
 
 To Miss L. M. L H 
 
 To the Old, Adieu ~ Welcome to the New ... 17 
 
 The Twentieth Century 47 
 
 Welcome n 
 
 We Well Remember 50 
 
^Welcome. 
 
 Welcome dear friends of my childhood ! 
 And thrice welcome ! You who have stood 
 Friendship's test with unchanging mood 
 
 For half a century ! 
 Heart and home are an open door 
 For you. Enter, and days of yore 
 O'er we will talk, and ancient lore 
 
 Draw forth from memory. 
 
 Naught shall forbid, our childhood days 
 Our childish thoughts, our youthful plays 
 And roguish pranks in all their ways 
 
 Us freely to discuss ; 
 The old school-house upon the hill, 
 Painted dull red from roof to sill — 
 In our mind's eye we see it still — 
 
 It seems a part of us ! 
 
 In it, 'tis said, we did stammer 
 When the teacher tried to hammer 
 Into us, the parts of grammar, 
 
 For which we had no love ; 
 But in spelling and in writing 
 Our lessons were more inviting, 
 And at times were quite exciting 
 
 And kept us on the move. 
 
 Especially, a misspelled word 
 Lost us our place and did accord 
 To the victor, a just award, 
 
 A move up in the line ; 
 And when some young versifier, 
 With heart aflame, tuned up his " liar" 
 To sing praise of " his soWs, desire," — 
 
 Liar and sole both, were fine ! 
 
 (7) 
 
And in winter what fun we had ! 
 
 The thought of it still makes us glad, — 
 
 With the ground frozen and snow-clad, 
 
 In coasting down the hill ! 
 And if a boy with lofty boast 
 Of his knowledge how he could coast 
 Upset his sled, we did him roast 
 
 On burning laughter's grill. 
 
 The evening tale, the contra dance; 
 A kiss given — in games perchance — 
 All did contribute to enhance 
 
 Youthful merry-making! 
 And music on the violin, 
 Yowling like an old grimalkin — 
 No music since to us has been 
 
 Quite so sweet and taking! 
 
 Such rosy cheeks ! Such sweet faces ! 
 And sparkling eyes had those graces, 
 In their lively winsome races 
 
 All through the merry dance ! 
 Lads and lasses by volition 
 Stepped to music with precision, 
 Bending on partners their vision 
 
 In fond admiring glance ! 
 
 The dance over then home passes 
 Two by two, the lads and lasses 
 Never minding what the masses 
 
 About them had to say ; 
 They engaged in conversation. 
 Or, absorbed in meditation, 
 Did not deem it an occasion, 
 
 At all out of the way. 
 
 (8) 
 
When came the spring, and gone the snow^ 
 With sun warming field and meadow, 
 Then watched we with faces aglow 
 
 For new sights, and the sound 
 Of the song-bird of glossy coat 
 Warbling his sweet musical note 
 Gleefully from out-swelling throat 
 
 Filling the air around. 
 
 And in summer upon the bay 
 With gentle breeze many a day 
 We went sailing with feelings gay, 
 
 And enjoyed our leisure ; 
 A pure delight it was to glide 
 Safely over the waters wide, 
 But a sorrow, to be denied 
 
 That innocent pleasure. 
 
 To Long Island sometimes we went 
 To pick berries was the intent. 
 And many an hour there we spent 
 
 Before we did return ; 
 We filled our baskets, rent our clothes. 
 Scratched our fingers, sun-burnt our nose — 
 But little mishaps such as those 
 
 Were of trifling concern. 
 
 The spelling-school at eventide, 
 
 The pleasant old fashioned sleigh-ride, 
 
 With after chats by the fire-side 
 
 Hold in memory yet, 
 They were a part of our childhood. 
 As were the brooks, the hills, the wood 
 And shore near where the school-house stood, 
 
 Which we do not forget! 
 
 (9) 
 
And so were the fields, buds, flowers 
 And pastures, where happy hours 
 In childish plaj, in leafy bowers 
 
 We spent under the trees 
 Of oak and ash, maple and pine. 
 Spruce, fir and birch, with creeping vine 
 To them clinging, us to enshrine 
 
 And shelter from the breeze. 
 
 We might continue here to recite 
 In glowing words and with delight 
 Other scenes and thoughts shedding light 
 
 Upon our childhood years, 
 Also of persons, whom we knew. 
 Our absent playmates, kind and true, 
 Who long ago bade us adieu 
 
 And left behind life's cares. 
 
 They in number were several score, 
 Who shared our joys, our sorrows bore — 
 But few are left — beside us four, 
 
 Assembled here to-day ! 
 We'll not forget them, though they're gone, — 
 To us true friends were every one, 
 And never did the sun shine on 
 
 A finer group than they. 
 
 And now, friends of my childhood, dear, 
 Assembled this jubilee year! 
 A cordial welcomiC and sincere 
 
 We extend unto you ! 
 Trusting it will prove a pleasure 
 To you and us, beyond measure 
 To remember and to treasure, 
 
 All life's journey through. 
 
 *Read to ladies who were schoolmates of the writer on Feb, 22, 1900. 
 
 (10) 
 
*TO MISS L. M. L. 
 
 The knot's to be tied 
 Making you a bride 
 With cares multiplied 
 
 By the figure two, 
 The course then begun 
 In which you must run 
 To win the well done 
 
 Expected of you. 
 
 With advice that's rife 
 When you are a wife 
 In the book of life 
 
 Turn a leaf that's new, 
 And upon it write 
 What love does indite, 
 And try with your might 
 
 The right to pursue. 
 
 As a wife in band 
 
 Of wedlock you'll stand 
 
 Pledged heart and hand, 
 
 To your spouse — be true, 
 And try hard to make 
 For your husband's sake. 
 Whom you choose to take, 
 
 Your lives 07ie^ not two. 
 
 If on this intent 
 Your purpose is bent 
 It's accomplishment 
 
 You will surely gain, 
 
 (11) 
 
A.nd then by your love 
 Which your acts will prove 
 The powers above 
 
 Will make otte ye twain. 
 
 On Jesus depend 
 To secure this end, 
 For He is your friend, 
 
 To Him go in need. 
 Open is His ear 
 Your requests to hear, 
 Unto Him draw near, 
 
 He's a friend indeed. 
 
 Feb. 13, 1883. 
 
 *To a young lady friend on the eve of her marriage-. 
 
 (12) 
 
TO H. G. F. 
 
 Honored Sir— Mj dear Henrj G. 
 Your card by post came safe to me 
 Bearing the season's compliments, 
 And jour congratulations, too. 
 Which gladly are received from you 
 In the same spirit they were sent. 
 
 Always kindly taken are they 
 
 Upon the year's glad natal day, 
 
 Or, any other, from a friend ; 
 
 And nothing truly do they cost 
 
 But ink, paper and stamp of post 
 
 When friendship's heart and hand attend. 
 
 Draw heavily my friend on me, 
 Your drafts will not dishonored be 
 While life lasts or friends I'm needing, 
 'Tis a credit you can't abuse, 
 Draw then as often as you choose 
 And consider it "good breeding." 
 
 Jan. 1, 1884. 
 
 * Written in answer to a postal card. 
 
 (13) 
 
The Journey of Life. 
 
 On from the cradle, in which lies 
 The new-born babe in tears, that cries 
 To make known its wants, to the end 
 Of life, 'tis a struggle to rise 
 To a higher plane, otherwise 
 From that level we can't ascend. 
 
 Children strength to gain do romp, sing, 
 And make the blue vault of heaven ring 
 With shouts of innocent laughter, 
 In that merry time — childhood's spring - 
 Cares and sorrows aside thej fiing, 
 Heedless of what may come after. 
 
 Years gone by, they look on that time 
 Lovingly, and sing it in rhyme, 
 Paint it in colors, its pleasures 
 Keep in store along life's journey — 
 Smooth and easy, rough or stormy — 
 Memory preserves and treasures. 
 
 Children grow in stature and years 
 Without forebodings, doubts or fears 
 As to what time may have in store 
 To affect their body or mind — 
 Work or play, their aim is to find 
 An easy way to years a score. 
 
 That period so desired and sought 
 Is attained once only; though fraught 
 With anticipated pleasures, seems 
 An opening new in life, a door 
 To full enjoyment evermore 
 Inviting, alas ! they are dreams. 
 
 (14) 
 
The pleasures of twenty enjoyed 
 
 Surfeit too often and cloyed 
 
 At thirty, and one turns away 
 
 In search of a promising field 
 
 To sow and reap, and which shall yield 
 
 A harvest, that shall not decay. 
 
 The dart of Cupid, unawares 
 He lets fly and victim ensnares — 
 Strikes the target, inflicts a wound, — 
 A struggle — then capitulate — 
 Friends gossip — then congratulate — 
 ** That so proper a match is found." 
 
 Then they arrange the wedding day, 
 When invited guests and neighbors say, 
 " It is a match appropriate; 
 He is clever, and she dear pet, 
 Deserves her good fortune — and yet, 
 How did she catch him.? please relate.?" 
 
 The ceremony o'er, " man and wife," 
 Says the parson, "you are for life — 
 What God hath joined none shall sunder.'* 
 " The bride did look charming — was dressed 
 In silk, of style and fit the best," — 
 And the guests looked on in wonder. 
 
 The bride and groom within an hour 
 Depart upon their wedding tour — 
 To be alone they crave the boon — 
 Whither they went, or why they go 
 The gathered guests are not to know. 
 Where they shall spend their honey-moon. 
 
 ( l.'> ) 
 
The bridal tour o'er, man and wife 
 At home begin their work in life 
 At house-keeping, or, it may be 
 Boarding with friends kind and true, 
 Free from care with little to do 
 But enjoy each other's society. 
 
 And so life passes day by day. 
 
 And weeks, months and years, roll away; 
 
 Time on the march, slacks not his pace 
 
 But continuously, rapidly 
 
 Does move onward in harmony 
 
 With the prescribed plans for life's race ! 
 
 * Written by request of a middle-aged lady, as a birthday greeting;- 
 
 ( Hi) 
 
1896-1897. 
 
 To THE Old, Adieu. Welcome to the New. 
 
 Alas ! Alas ! 
 
 How time does pass ! 
 
 Nor lingers bj the way, 
 But day and night 
 In rapid flight 
 
 His footsteps never stay! 
 
 The Old has gone, 
 The New has come, 
 
 Ere we realize the change; 
 And wonder then 
 That what has been 
 Should seem to us so strange! 
 
 Eighteen Ninety-six grown old, dead! 
 Closed his accounts; his record made. 
 Ill that record must stand, or good — 
 Nor change it can we if Ave would. 
 
 Though here no more 
 We keep in store 
 
 Sweet memories of you, 
 And events gone 
 Not to return. 
 Old year, a fond adieu ! 
 
 (17) 
 
Eighteen Ninety-seven to run 
 His course, eventful, has begun. 
 We hail with joy his natal day, 
 And for these favors we do pray. 
 
 Keep thou us free 
 On land and sea 
 
 From harm in thy career^ 
 That at its end 
 We may append 
 
 Our blessing to the year. 
 
 Happy New Year ! 
 Greetings, with cheer 
 
 To you I send; 
 And the year through 
 (If it please you) 
 Count me your friend. 
 
 (18) 
 
Invitation to Dinner. 
 
 My dear and respected friend Irene, 
 
 You and friend Lizzie F. Nota bene. 
 
 Both are invited and must not decline 
 
 The invitation, but write soon and say, 
 
 Will come without fail, Washington's birthday, 
 
 To make you glad and happy as we dine." 
 
 Many years have rolled by since Fifty-three, 
 When we young and happy on life's journey 
 Friendships formed which have lasted all the way 
 Till now. Then let us again meet and dine 
 Together, and chat about "days lang syne," 
 And enjoy ourselves on Washington's birthday. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1897. 
 
 In writing now, it is to say, 
 That upon Washington's birthday 
 W^e lunch at one, and at five dine; 
 So do come, of both to partake, 
 And with the family to make 
 A pleasant party, friend of mine. 
 
 Feb. 9, 1897. 
 
 *W.thin two years of the date of this invitation this friend passed on to the 
 higher life. 
 
 (19) 
 
*TIME FOR ALL THINGS. 
 
 "There is a time to reap; 
 There is a time to sow; 
 There is a time to sleep," 
 A time to bed to go. 
 
 A time for us to rise ; 
 For we know how time flies 
 In running for the train ; 
 ^And he is a great dunce 
 Who having lost it once 
 Lets it leave him again. 
 
 Young men sometimes the train 
 Miss, they desire to catch, 
 Steam, street, silk, or delaine, 
 For lack of a good watch. 
 
 And weary j'ears through, then, 
 Or lonely life they lead ; 
 But changed it might have been, 
 Had they to time paid heed. 
 
 That be on time you may, 
 Always the train to catch. 
 Steam, street, or feminine. 
 Your friends present this watch. 
 
 Keep it, and mark it well, 
 Of time's flight it will tell 
 Sadly or pleasantly ; 
 For this short life of ours 
 Is made of passing hours — 
 Moving on rapidly. 
 
 (20) 
 
May time record for thee, 
 E'en to the journey's end, 
 Sorrow and sadness free 
 As life's pathway you wend. 
 
 Friends together are met, 
 In purpose, as begun. 
 That you a watch may get 
 The day you're twenty-one. 
 Watch well the passing time! 
 And profit by the watch. 
 
 Feb. 7, 1897. 
 
 * A young friend having no watch lost the train sevei-al times. His friends 
 bought him one, to be given him on his twenty-first birthday, and these verses 
 were written for and read as a presentation speech on that occasion. 
 
 (21) 
 
FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 "A FRIEND in need," as said of old, 
 " Is friend indeed," and good as gold 
 That passes current, ever; 
 But counterfeits of coin, or friend, 
 Are base deceits, one can defend 
 With honest purpose — never. 
 
 A-friend we use oft as we will. 
 But no excuse for treatment ill 
 
 Should be admitted, ever; 
 For to be rude is unrefined, 
 To cause a feud is more unkind, 
 
 And fosters friendship — never. 
 
 Hold fast the friend you once do gain,, 
 E'en to life's end, the grasp retain 
 
 And draw him closer, ever; 
 For friendships old are hallowed true, 
 They wealth untold bestow on you ! 
 
 Hold, and regret it — never. 
 
 A worthy book is friend sincere. 
 Its placid look does sweetly cheer 
 
 One's lonely moments, ever; 
 Peruse it well, 'twill not oifend. 
 Its story tell and it commend, 
 
 Its friendship falters — never. 
 
 August, 1897. 
 
 (22) 
 
SILVER V/EDDING. 
 
 Silver wedding is the heading 
 Chosen for our theme to-night, 
 On it musing and it choosing, 
 A tale in verse to recite. 
 
 There are changes in the ranges 
 Over five-and-twentj years, 
 And a pleasure them to measure 
 By the light that now appears. 
 
 The mist and haze of former days 
 The future did from us hide, 
 But flown away now clear as day 
 The horizon opens wide. 
 
 Young people, too, come into view, 
 Comely both, you might expect. 
 And at that day, it's safe to say, 
 Few had shown them more respect. 
 
 We see them walk together, talk 
 About the clouds and weather. 
 Glance at the skies, see the moon rise; 
 Later walk home together. 
 
 It came to pass, that lad and lass 
 Were known later to tarry ; 
 In love they fell ! How? Let them tell- 
 And they agreed to marry ! 
 
 (23) 
 
With that intent, together went 
 To have the knot strongly tied, 
 And without flaws, fulfil the laws 
 The Commonwealth does provide. 
 
 The parson said, " wish you to wed 
 This young woman for your wife? 
 If so, she too, agrees with you 
 Now to be united for life." 
 
 " Now join your hands and I the bands 
 Will fix and tie securely, 
 Which to sunder is a blunder 
 You never will make, surely." 
 
 A prajer he said and verses read 
 From the "Holy Book" of life, 
 And then said he — taking his fee — 
 " Lawfully you're man and wife." 
 
 Then with blushes her face flushes, 
 In the part that few would miss, 
 Though confusing, none refusing 
 The bride the accustomed kiss. 
 
 Salutations, gratulations, 
 
 Given for their happiness. 
 
 One half would do, if they came true, 
 
 To make their lives perfect bliss. 
 
 The honey-moon passes too soon, 
 And duties of life begin : 
 She to preside at the fire-side, 
 He bread for the home to win. 
 
 Happy are they who every day, 
 
 By labor their wants supply, 
 
 And in good health have source of wealth 
 
 The ills of life to defy. 
 
 (24) 
 
In such a joj there's no alloy 
 Beneath the roof that covers 
 Content and peace, quiet and ease^ 
 Of husbands, wives and lovers. 
 
 The years roll round and then the sound 
 Of children's voices greet them ; 
 Those little things that gladness brings, 
 Into the home to meet them. 
 
 The home before seemed a full store 
 Of memories rich and rare, 
 But now anew they look it through 
 And behold a change so fair. 
 
 The children brought, what had been sought, 
 
 Adornment, inspiration; 
 
 When they did come into this home 
 
 Of love and consecration. 
 
 Adornment they do bring alway 
 To every home and hearthstone, 
 And they inspire loving desire 
 Not felt by those who have none. 
 
 Onward time flew — the children grew 
 To womanhood and manhood, 
 And from their start they won the heart 
 Of their parents, as they should. 
 
 Five-and-twenty years of plenty 
 Filled with love and memories dear, 
 In full content together spent, 
 Is the story recited here. 
 
 Friends and neighbors ! In the labors 
 At pen-sketching as above. 
 True to nature is the picture 
 Drawn in outline and in curve. 
 
 (25) 
 
Our song we've sung, the picture's hung 
 Where behold it in the light; 
 Without surprise, you recognize 
 Host and hostess of to-night. 
 
 The wedding bells — their music swells 
 Over five-and-twenty years, 
 And they measure, with much pleasure 
 Dulcet tones to greet their ears. 
 
 Silver wedding lustre shedding, 
 Friends and neighbors gratulate; — 
 Time grown olden, wedding golden 
 May they live to celebrate. 
 
 ♦Composed for and read at the silver -wedding of friends, November 5, 1897. 
 
 (26) 
 
1897-LE TEMPS FUIT.-1898. 
 
 Onward ever, halting never, in his pace, 
 Friendships making and hearts breaking in the race, 
 For affection or affliction in his flight, 
 Time does not heed, slacken his speed, nor increase, 
 His march profound, the circuit round, without cease 
 Does forward press, the world to bless, day and night. 
 
 Never weary, he does journey in a round 
 Of duration and notation without bound. 
 Noted figure, with his vigor unabate. 
 Ever youthful, ever strengthful; does appear 
 Not a presage of his dotage ; his career 
 Is precision and decision regulate. 
 
 When day closes man reposes in sweet sleep. 
 
 And yet Time still does his vigil and watch keep, 
 
 In Arctic sleet and torrid heat cycles through; 
 
 His tread noiseless, his step ceaseless night and day, 
 
 Their course onward, — though rough the road and the way 
 
 Be without end, do not contend — do pursue. 
 
 While busily engrossed are we in life's aflfairs 
 He silently passes us by ; unawares 
 The clock's ticking, the pulsating of our hearts, 
 Joys we borrow, all our sorrow, e'en our tears. 
 Night and morning, the revolving, mighty spheres 
 Say: "He's coming! He is passing! He departs ! 
 
 With time, alas ! our lives do pass as a dream, 
 Forward vaulting, then a-halting, — short they seem ; 
 Years few are they, yet let's obey the mandate, — 
 " Be vigilant and diligent in life's fight. 
 To bear a part, with willing heart, for the right; " 
 Thus conscience clear, we shall each year consecrate. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1898. 
 
 ( 27 ) 
 
Life New and Evermore. 
 
 Life is joj, life is pain, 
 Life is toil, life is strain, 
 Life is work, hand and brain. 
 
 Life's history ! 
 Life a prize, lost or won, 
 Life goes on — life is done — 
 Life ends where life begun, 
 
 Life's mjstery ! 
 
 Life that's pure, life that's sweet, 
 Life that's love, life complete, 
 Life ready ills to meet 
 
 Life's way define ; 
 Life's sweetness, life's desire, 
 Life's beauty, life's attire. 
 Life blameless does inspire 
 
 A life divine. 
 
 Life's work done, life's race run. 
 Life laid down, spirit flown. 
 Life then New wears a crown 
 
 Life's ills then o'er; 
 Life then New, toil does cease. 
 Life then New, joy and peace, 
 Life filled with happiness. 
 
 Life evermore. 
 
 Feb. 22, 1898. 
 
 (28) 
 
SILVER SPRAYS. 
 
 1873 — May 22 — 1898. 
 
 We have journeyed together, wife and I, 
 In sunshine and shadow along life's way, 
 
 Helping each other in sadness and joy, 
 A quarter of a century to-day. 
 
 We began our journey never to part 
 As long as life to us both should remain; 
 
 Pledging to each other both hand and heart. 
 Our compact to strengthen and to maintain. 
 
 On the journey, the way we did pursue, 
 
 Men in all ages had traveled before, 
 The old beaten pathway they so well knew, 
 
 And now known to us as to them of yore. 
 
 Over hill, through vale, and on across plain. 
 Our path did lead ; flower and bramble-strewn 
 
 Its sides, Avhile a field, nodded golden grain. 
 
 And perfumes filled the air from hay new mown. 
 
 Birds in gay plumage greeted us with song; 
 
 A joyous symphony they carolled, and sang 
 A melody so sweet all the day long 
 
 That forest and hill with the echoes rang. 
 
 What more was needed to make us content.'' 
 Nature smiled on us — what had we to fear.? 
 
 Time on our journey was pleasantly spent 
 In companionship with those we held dear. 
 
 (29) 
 
From the open plain we then did descend 
 Into the valley where dark shadows lie ; 
 And high, beetling cliffs, impending, did bend 
 . In frowning attitude from mountains nigh. 
 
 Black clouds did gather; the lightnings did flash, 
 And darkness hung like a pall o'er the vale, 
 
 While the thunder, from peak to peak, did crash 
 With av.-ful sound above the tempest's wail. 
 
 Sad work on mountain the freshet did make — 
 In vale, the waters of the swollen stream, 
 
 A dear little lamb of our flock did take — 
 No arm to save — our agonv extreme. 
 
 In sorrow and anguish the night we spent, 
 
 And closer were drawn — could not bear to part; 
 But for strength unto Him together went, 
 . Who knows the sorrows of the human heart. 
 
 He heard our prayer, and its answer was blest; 
 His still, small voice spoke words of healing balm 
 ■" Comfort ye, my people ! Ye have the rest 
 
 Of the flock I gave. Cherish them ! Be calm ! " 
 
 Then learned we the lesson, not since forgot, 
 Nor can be until life's journey shall close, 
 
 That sorrows and joys are the common lot 
 Of humanity — rich, poor, friends and foes. 
 
 Broke then the day, and darkness fled amain ; 
 
 In sunshine we did our journey renew; 
 And from the valley to the open plain. 
 
 The ascent was easy, nor weary grew. 
 
 (30) 
 
Again the music of birds we did hear, 
 
 Warbling their songs in a glad, merry strain -y 
 
 The meadows did smile with blossoms to cheer, 
 And politely bowed the gold-tinted grain. 
 
 Then sang we together a cheery song, 
 As we travelled the path of life in glee ; 
 
 The days and the weeks we wished to prolong, 
 So content, joyous and happy were we. 
 
 And thus we did journey from day to day, 
 Making new friends, but missing many old, 
 
 That grew weary, and fell out on the way, — 
 A stone by the wayside their story told. 
 
 Were it not for the new friends that we make, 
 
 Truly, ours a solitary life would be; 
 So many dear ones their departure take, 
 
 To leave us as lone trees of the prairie. 
 
 We oft sit in silence at eve, and see 
 
 Familiar faces long since gone, and hear 
 
 The echoes of voices silent, which we 
 
 Recognize as those of friends once held dear. 
 
 New friends, however, we made on the way. 
 As trusty and true as those gone to rest; 
 
 And we gladly remember them to-day, 
 
 And ever shall welcome them as our guests. 
 
 Our gaze we turn through avenues of years 
 We've travelled together, which to us seem 
 
 So short, yet so crowded with memories 
 
 Of change, and time's flight — fleeting as a dreamt 
 
 (31 ) 
 
And yet, could we tui-n back the clock of time 
 
 To begin life anew, falter we should 
 In our action, and prefer not to climb 
 
 The hill of life again, e'en if we could. 
 
 Not but what ours a pleasant life has been, 
 
 With loving children and friends without lack, 
 
 And we have journeyed with them through life's din, 
 And, leave them now, we would not, to turn back. 
 
 Of few married couples can it be said, 
 That^no differences between them came, 
 
 When for twenty-five years they have been wed. 
 If so, how commonplace their lives — how tame! 
 
 Our minds have not always together run ; 
 
 We've had differences as others have — 
 We argued and settled them, and when done, 
 
 We buried them deep and sodded their grave. 
 
 We have journeyed together, wife and I, 
 
 Through sunshine and shadow along life's way, 
 
 Helping each other in sadness and joy 
 A quarter of a century to-day. 
 
 (32) 
 
KOLLIGWIGWAUK. 
 
 Upon the eastern coast of Maine, 
 And seen afar on sea and land, 
 
 Stands a mountain upon a plain 
 A thousand feet above the strand. 
 
 Redmen of old upon it's brow 
 
 Held their war-dance and grand council, 
 And 'tis whispered that even now 
 
 Their spirits linger round the hill. 
 
 When the mount puts on his cloud-cap, 
 And lightnings plaj about his head. 
 
 Then in thunder's startling loud clap 
 Manitou's voice is heard with dread. 
 
 And savage war in conflict fierce 
 Is heard above the tempest wail, 
 
 In agonies and moans that pierce 
 The atmosphere o'er hill and dale. 
 
 The tempest ends with peace again, 
 
 The morning smiles with cloudless skj, 
 
 The sun shines bright o'er hill and plain 
 With unveiled glances from his eye. 
 
 Climb then to KoUigwigwauk's height, 
 Transparent is the atmosphere. 
 
 And the horizon's circuit bright 
 Make distant objects nigh appear. 
 
 Beneath his feet the village sleeps 
 
 In quiet beauty and repose 
 And he o'er it his vigil keeps 
 
 With watchful eyes that never close. 
 
 (33) 
 
Northward from the mount lies a lake 
 Of it the first settlers were fond, 
 
 It's name in drink they oft did take, 
 Sorrows to drown — in Toddj-Pond. 
 
 Facing eastward see Mount Desert, 
 Mecca of fashion and of wealth ; 
 
 Bold in outline, an isle sea-girt, 
 Resort of pleasure and of health. 
 
 Seaward see ocean's restless main 
 E^yer surging 'gainst Isle au Haut, 
 
 That high island named by Charnplain 
 Nearly three hundred years ago. 
 
 From Naskeag, and its waters blue, 
 Follow now Eggemoggin's lead, 
 
 Then passing many islands through 
 Cross over the bay to Owl's Head. 
 
 Perched on a hill behold the light 
 
 Owl's Head — fit name for it to bear — 
 
 Eye shut all day, open all night 
 To guide mariners by its glare. 
 
 And many other lights are seen 
 
 On capes and head-lands in the bay, 
 
 And on islets and islands green, 
 Directing vessels night and day. 
 
 Westward across Penobscot Bay, 
 Whose waters have a pleasant look 
 
 With islands near and far away 
 You there behold Megunticook. 
 
 (34) 
 
It's broken outline as one sees, 
 
 The legendary story tells, 
 That to the aborigines 
 
 It signified — " The Great Sea Swells." 
 
 Penobscot Bay wears beauty's crown 
 So rich in story and romance. 
 
 Of Norumbega — phantom town — • 
 Of wars between England and France. 
 
 And looking back to days of yore, 
 Redmen we see in birch canoe, 
 
 Boldly paddling it's waters o'er 
 Their game, or pleasure to pursue. 
 
 East side of the bay see Castine, 
 
 Pentagoet it was before 
 Where Caucasian and Tarratine 
 
 Fought bloody battles on its shore. 
 
 Banners of England and of France 
 Have floated o'er that ancient town, 
 
 And that of Holland, by war's chance 
 For a short time o'er it was flown. 
 
 Now on that famed peninsula, 
 Long held by sword and bayonet, 
 
 Floats the flag of America 
 And peace reigns at Pentagoet. 
 
 Northwestward, see Mount Kineo, 
 
 Upon the shores of Lake Moose Head, 
 
 Haunt of the moose and caribou 
 With branching antlers wide outspread. 
 
 (35) 
 
The lofty range of Kineo 
 
 Is where the rivulets begin 
 The Kennebec's unceasing flow 
 
 To join the ocean at Sequin. 
 
 Farther north, see Katahdin grand, 
 The Monarch of the hills of Maine, 
 
 A hundred miles from where you stand 
 Lifts high his head o'er hill and plain. 
 
 The dews distilled upon this mount, 
 Which trickle down its sides with rain, 
 
 Are the Penobscot's crystal fount 
 Pressing onward the sea to gain. 
 
 From Dedham, east to Schoodic hills, 
 There peak on peak themselves assert, 
 
 These with the sea — the circuit fills — 
 Bathing the shores of Mount Desert. 
 
 Here ends the view to outward sight, 
 But once seen from the mountain crest 
 
 This grand picture in colors bright 
 Forever in your mind will rest. 
 
 July 28, 1898. 
 
 (3G) 
 
Memories of Blue Hill. 
 
 In extensive travel on ocean and on land, 
 
 Many beautiful scenes oft did their vision fill, 
 
 But none of them surpass the pleasant hills and strand, 
 And beauty of their town, say the boys of Blue Hill. 
 
 Round it the memories of childhood closely cling, 
 Distance does not hide them, nor does age their warmth chill, 
 
 They are ever pleasing as blossoms in the spring — 
 
 Sweet-scented and fragrant are their thoughts of Blue Hill. 
 
 Early school friends were there — a cheerful happy set — 
 With voices musical, alas! some hushed and still — 
 
 Their sweet smiling faces one never can forget, 
 Until his life closes, and he forgets Blue Hill. 
 
 On shore and rocky points jutting into the bay, 
 Around and about them the children played at will ; 
 
 They were happy children, no cares disturbed their play, 
 For others cared for them in their homes at Blue Hill. 
 
 The Narrows, Parker's Point, Long Island, o'er the bay, 
 "The Fire Falls," once so called, the mill-pond and tide-mill, 
 Distant Newbury Neck, Mount Desert far away. 
 All are familiar sights to people of Blue Hill. 
 
 They oft sailed to the island on a summer's day 
 To gather berries, their pails and baskets to fill, 
 
 The girls, too, went along, so happy and so gay, 
 And delightful it was to the youth of Blue Hill. 
 
 There was sport at fishing for cod, hake and haddock ; 
 
 Sometimes 'twas halibut and shiny mackerel. 
 Flounders, sculpins, cunners, or perhaps a pollock. 
 
 Then, fish were plentiful in the bay at Blue Hill. 
 
 (37) 
 
They had their picnics, too, old and voung attending; 
 
 The clam-bake on the shore near to the old tide-mill; 
 The festive corn-husking — kiss without offending 
 
 Red ears gave permission to the boys of Blue Hill. 
 
 And there were such sleigh-rides ! crisp snow and bells jingling! 
 
 Buffalo robes and wraps kept them without a chill, 
 While outside 'twas zero, which set one's ears tingling — 
 
 The girls were close and warm to the bojs of Blue Hill. 
 
 They climbed up the mountain and stood upon its brow, 
 And there a view beheld which did their senses thrill; 
 
 It was rare enjoyment, they seem to feel it now, 
 Though fifty years have flown since that day on Blue Hill. 
 
 The bright scenes of childhood appear to multiply, 
 
 As one does recall them by effort of the will, 
 And that they gave pleasure, one never can deny 
 
 Who spent his childhood days in the town of Blue Hill. 
 
 Many of the loved ones that they in childhood knew, 
 Are now o'er the river of waters dark and chill ; 
 
 Others soon will follow and friendships there renew, 
 So happily begun j^ears ago at Blue Hill. 
 
 Feb. 6, 1899. 
 
 (38) 
 
Legend of Mother bush Brook. 
 
 Upon a lonely way, in a New England town, 
 
 A shaded valley lay with alders overgrown, 
 
 Through which, from the hillside, a brook ran softly down, 
 
 Meandering in its course to the sea. 
 Over rocks and ledges its waters leaped and dashed, 
 With here a tiny pool and there a cascade splashed 
 Downward from ledgy shelf and into foam was lashed, 
 
 Sweetly chanting nature's melody. 
 
 Its name. Mother Bush Brook, was derived from a pond 
 Which lay a mile away in woods the hill beyond. 
 It was the pond's outlet and formed the only bond 
 
 Of union between it and the coast. 
 Now this beautiful brook, with name so endearing. 
 Was blackened for a time by the chance appearing 
 Of an object near it, apparently wearing — 
 
 The tale ran — the vestments of a ghost ! 
 
 'Mong the early settlers of that old sea-coast town. 
 
 Were men of character and of local renown ; 
 
 One was Benjamin Friend from Beverly, went down, 
 
 Took land, built a home, and cleared a farm ; 
 He lived an upright life — so all his neighbors said — 
 Toiling for his support he ate no idle bread — 
 Was honored when alive and mourned when he was dead, 
 
 Always kindly and in friendship warm. 
 
 Generous, too, was he and from his own farm gave 
 A graveyard to the town that its people might have 
 Consecrated burial and a time-honored grave 
 
 When their short earthly journey should end. 
 In it his grave was made and he was laid to rest 
 A hundred j^ears ago with Scriptural behest — 
 As an humble Christian — that he, with others blest. 
 
 Would be awakened to life again. 
 
 (39) 
 
The strange old weird story of an apparition 
 At Mother Bush Brook, and the superstition 
 It begat and fostered by oft narration 
 
 Gave local credence to the legend. 
 In a tale exciting, when imagination 
 Thought and mind are enwrapt in anticipation 
 Of the story's climax, the real relation 
 
 'Tv/een cause and effect few comprehend. 
 
 So it was one dark night, a man no harm thinking. 
 
 Late home was returning — some said he'd been drinking — 
 
 In passing Mother Bush, his eye in its twinkling — 
 
 Caught sight of a ghost! Heaven forefend ! 
 It crossed over the way and on down toward the sea. 
 Following a wood road — the man ran past swiftly. 
 Teeth chat'ring, hair standing ! the ghost turned round slowly, 
 
 Showing the face of Benjamin Friend ! 
 
 When a boy in my teens on horse-back returning 
 From a neighboring town in small hours of morning, 
 And had reached Mother Bush, and heard it murm.uring 
 
 And rippling on its way to the sea. 
 O'er the bridge was passing in darkness appalling. 
 When lo ! a brilliant light on vicinage falling 
 Night into day turning and instantly calling 
 
 Rider and steed from their reverie ! 
 
 My blood froze in my veins ! my horse started in fright 
 And ran to the hill-top with gallant stride and might. 
 He never having shown such speed as on that night! 
 
 Ghost of Mother Bush ! Benjamin Friend ! 
 That was my opinion — 'twas nothing of the kind — 
 It was a micteor which my excited mind 
 And imagination into a ghost entwined, 
 
 And explains Mother Bush Brook Legend. 
 
 May 30, 1899. 
 
 (40) 
 
Retrospection and anticipation; 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 In days of December 
 
 The sunny days of spring; 
 The soag-birds' rhapsody 
 Of gleeful melody 
 
 The season welcoming. 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 In cloudy December 
 
 The friends of our childhood. 
 With their sunny faces 
 Whereon never traces 
 
 Of duplicity stood. 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 In dreary December 
 
 Of life's short waning day 
 All those who with fineness 
 Of feeling and kindness 
 
 Made sunny our pathway. 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 In chilly December 
 
 Our friendships without lack; 
 That sweet recollection 
 Makes the retrospection 
 
 A joyous turning back. 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 In stormy December 
 
 That warm shelter is near 
 In the breast of a Friend 
 On Whom w^e can depend 
 
 Without shadow of fear. 
 
 (41) 
 
'Tis sweet to remember 
 That then in December, 
 
 With its days short and chill, 
 That the Saviour is near 
 Us to comfort and cheer, 
 
 If call on Him Ave will. 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 That e'en in December 
 
 His heart is warm with love 
 And tender compassion, 
 Forgiving transgression 
 
 With power from Above. 
 
 'Tis sweet to remember 
 In closing December 
 
 That on the golden shore 
 There will be a meeting 
 And a joyous greeting 
 
 '* Of loved ones gone before ! " 
 
 Sweet then to remember 
 There is no December 
 
 Upon the golden shore ; 
 No troubles to borrow 
 Nor sadness nor sorrow, 
 
 But joy forever more ! 
 
 Sweet then to remember 
 There's no more December, 
 
 But ever-verdant Spring; 
 Where a great redeemed throng 
 Shall sing sweetly the song 
 Of our home-welcoming. 
 
 Easter Sunday, 1900. 
 
 (42) 
 
SEVENTY-FOUR. 
 
 Yes, 'tis true, I'm Seventy-four! 
 And to-daj I've been thinking o'er 
 The many changes that three score 
 
 And fourteen years have wrought! 
 In me, and friends whom I have known 
 In life that has so swiftly flown 
 Into the past. Forever gone 
 
 From me, except in thought. 
 
 I wonder if on me there lie 
 
 These marks of age; the dim-lit eye, 
 
 The wrinkled brow, the forehead high 
 
 With baldness to the crown? 
 In others, signs like these I see; 
 But do they too apply to me? 
 I ask in all sincerity 
 
 If I so old have grown ? 
 
 True, I miss friends that once I had. 
 Who made life's journey sweet and glad, 
 And the thought of it makes me sad 
 
 That I see them no more! 
 Unto their long home they have gone, 
 While I'm still here and plodding on 
 O'er the pathway from which alone 
 
 They reached " the silent shore." 
 
 And yet, this life to me appears 
 Not " a vale of sorrow and tears," 
 But a result of all its years 
 
 And of their employment. 
 And though my hair and beard be white, 
 My mind seems clear, my vision bright, 
 And still in life I find delight. 
 
 And in friends enjoyment. 
 July 28, 
 1826 — 74 — 1900. 
 
 (43) 
 
Garden of the Gods. 
 
 Garden of the Gods with charm enchanted I 
 Since we beheld thee our mind is haunted 
 With the magic beautj in thee planted 
 
 To be seen on either hand ! 
 In thee bj erosion or upheaval 
 Of inturn forces in days primeval, 
 Pagan temple and Christian cathedral 
 
 In semblance, together stand ! 
 
 The Tower of Babel, the Cathedral Spires, 
 And Druid's Temple, with its altar fires, 
 Sacrificial rites and funeral pyres, 
 
 Are figures unique in stone ! 
 And in the Garden, also. Mushrooms grew, 
 And enormous Frogs of red-tinted hue, 
 Upsprang from foot-prints of the Manitou, 
 
 In the ages long bj-gone ! 
 
 From Vulcan's Anvil electric fire flies 
 To rend the stone that in the Garden lies. 
 Into blocks, for the Bear, Seal, Bridge of Sighs, 
 
 Lot's Wife and Mother Grundj ! 
 Eagle's Nest, Dame Judy, Siamese Twins, 
 The Balance Rock, vibrating in the winds. 
 The giant Gate-waj where the work begins. 
 
 And other figures sundry I 
 
 These grand and majestic figures in stone — 
 Chiseled by the tooth of time — age unknown — 
 Erect stand on foot-hills near the backbone 
 
 Of our mighty continent! 
 They fill the mind with amaze and wonder ! 
 And in thought one hears rock-rending thunder. 
 Sees lofty hills arise in vast number. 
 
 With Pike's Peak predominant ! 
 
 Colorado Springs, Aug. 23, 1900. 
 
 LofC. '"^ 
 
Golden Wedding. 
 
 Friends of my youth and manhood too, 
 
 'Tis a pleasure to think of you, 
 
 And of your wedded journey through 
 
 These fifty happy years 
 Completed now, in full measure 
 Of companionship and pleasure, 
 Which, while life lasts you Avill treasure 
 
 Their priceless memories ! 
 
 Though distant from the scene, yet still 
 
 In mind I see, beneath the hill, 
 
 Your house with friends and neighbors fill, 
 
 Bringing kindly greeting 
 To you, whom they so long have known — 
 E'en 3^outh to age together grown — 
 The worthy people of the town 
 
 Hold a joyous meeting! 
 
 While you, with smiling faces beam 
 Upon each caller in the stream, 
 Bestowing pleasure it would seem, 
 
 With your welcome bidding; 
 While their flushed cheek and sparkling eye 
 Assume appearances that vie 
 With youth — to be youthful all try. 
 
 At a Golden Wedding ! 
 
 Ladies recall their days of yore — 
 What the bride at her wedding wore — 
 Those are ladies beyond three score, 
 Of appreciation ! 
 
 (45) 
 
The gentlemen, calm and sedate, 
 Their experiences relate 
 As they meet to celebrate 
 
 Your golden occasion ! 
 
 And all the cheerily happy throng 
 Pass, in and out their friends among, 
 Hear the praises from every tongue 
 
 On the half century 
 Of your two lives in equipoise — 
 And with one accord do rejoice 
 To &ing in clear united voice, 
 
 Your song of jubilee ! 
 
 Nov. 27, 1900. 
 
 (46) 
 
The Twentieth Century. 
 
 Hail! to his majesty, who doth appear! 
 With sceptred hand as ruler of the year, 
 
 Nineteen hundred one. 
 
 Whose rule we must own ! 
 All hail ! to the twentieth century ! 
 Autocratic monarch of destiny 
 
 For a hundred years, 
 
 O'er worldly affairs ! 
 
 Hail ! to our Christian civilization ! 
 Its advancement and realization 
 
 On history's pages 
 
 O'er former ages ! 
 All hail ! and proclaim Christian progression t 
 In its grand, universal procession, 
 
 Until wars shall cease, 
 
 And the world has peace ! 
 
 Hail ! to the United States, our loved country! 
 May she ever be " the land of the free," 
 
 Not a travesty 
 
 On true liberty ! 
 All hail ! and proclaim a true brotherhood ! 
 Wherein our Sovereign Lord made of one blood 
 
 All races at birth 
 
 To dwell on the earth ! 
 
 Hail ! to true friends wheresoever they may be I 
 In this our land, or in any country. 
 
 With friends unselfish 
 
 To hold and cherish ! 
 Hail ! All hail ! and right joyfully proclaim ! 
 Glory, honor, praise, to Jehovah's name! 
 
 Father of mercies, 
 
 In all centuries ! 
 
 Jan. 1, 1901. 
 
 (47) 
 
Blue Hill. 
 
 The place of our nativity 
 
 Oft does our vision fill, 
 Though far away on land or sea, 
 
 In mind we see it still! 
 
 *' 'Tis graven on the memory," 
 For time, for good or ill, 
 In plenty or in penury. 
 In mind we see it still ! 
 
 We love the name of the dear town, 
 Its shores, its bay, its hill 
 
 Symmetrical, from foot to crown. 
 In mind we see them still! 
 
 We love its slopes of pastures green, 
 Its fields, its brooks and rills, 
 
 No fairer sight have we e'er seen. 
 Than this our vision fills ! 
 
 We leve its sacred memories, 
 Our hearts they warm and fill 
 
 With true magnetic tendencies, 
 
 For childhood's home — Blue Hill! 
 
 "♦Written by request in a lady friend's album — a native of Blue Hill, 
 
 (48) 
 
A MOTHER'S SOLILOQUY. 
 
 Dear me ! I am almost fifty ! 
 One less than half a century 
 
 I've lived this life of mine ! 
 Constant household cares my employ, 
 These, and little else to enjoy, 
 
 And now I'm forty-nine! 
 
 I've ever been a faithful wife 
 In every phase of married life; 
 
 My whole duty have done 
 To my husband and family, 
 And have labored on constantly 
 
 For the good of each one I 
 
 Sometimes my o'er-wrou'^ht arm and brain 
 Doubtless have caused me to complain, 
 
 And then I've been called " cross ! " 
 But only such as I can know 
 What wives and mothers undergo. 
 
 From nerve and tissue loss ! 
 
 But let that pass — the time may come 
 When my children will have a home. 
 
 And understand it all ! 
 They'll then remember their mother, 
 The worry, trouble and bother 
 
 She had — they will recall ! 
 
 Time flies faster as one grows old, 
 Or, seems to, as I oft was told 
 
 In 3-outh, but did decline 
 To believe it — life did'nt show it. 
 To me then, but now I know it, 
 
 For I am forty-nine ! 
 
 ( 49 ) 
 
^We Well Remember 
 
 Yes, we well remember, for 'twas but yesterday! 
 That as happy children we were engaged in play 
 Upon the rocky shores of a beautiful bay 
 
 In the old Pine Tree State ! 
 Whose clear, sparkling waters glistening in the sun, 
 Were into a pathway transformed, it seemed, whereon 
 The golden rays of light merrily danced and shone 
 
 Brightly illuminate ! 
 
 And we well remember, for it seems but a day ! 
 
 When we watched white-winged ships as they sailed from the bay,. 
 
 Bound, " like birds of passage," o'er ocean's trackless way, 
 
 So often turbulent ! 
 A comely sight indeed, to us those ships did seem ; 
 We watched them intently, and in youth's morning dream. 
 Thought of the time to come, when our bark on life's stream 
 
 Would float with the current ! 
 
 Yes, we well remember, in exalted array 
 
 " The everlasting hills " lifted above the bay. 
 
 And Mount Kolligwigwauk, in undisputed sway. 
 
 Monarch of the region ! 
 The hills of Mount Desert, that in their silent boast, 
 Hold sway o'er more islands, bays and capes, from their post> 
 Than elsewhere can be found, on any line of coast 
 
 Of equal dominion ! 
 
 We remember other scenes, of which we too, were fond, 
 " The Coggin Hill," so called ; the road by the Salt Pond ; 
 Haunted Mother Bush Brook, and the Long Cove, beyond 
 
 The hamlet of Mackville ! 
 The ledgy wooded heights, upreared in the background, 
 The green fields and pastures, and the glad, pleasant sound. 
 Of the feathered songsters, sweetly singing around 
 
 Our homes near the tide-mill; 
 
 (50) 
 
Yes, we well remember, the thought our vision fills, 
 Of the revolving wheels, turned, when the water wills, 
 The simple mechanism of the well-known tide-mills; 
 
 A scene of former days ! 
 The mill stream, and the pond, its shores and dam above, 
 Mill Island and the Neck; the Falls which we did love 
 To visit, where currents did onward swiftly move, 
 
 Before our eager gaze ! 
 
 And we do not forget, our fathers and mothers ! 
 
 Those who made life happy — our sisters and brothers; 
 
 All that were friends of ours, kind neighbors and others, 
 
 In mind we see them yet ! 
 Hear their welcome voices, greetings without display; 
 See their smiling faces, as though 'twere yesterday. 
 They clasped us by the hand, as we met on life's way ! 
 
 Them, we shall not forget! 
 
 Yes, we well remember, our little district school ! 
 The stern-visaged teacher, with his birch and ferule. 
 Signifying order — the emblems of control — 
 
 Of the schools of our day! 
 And woe ! to a scholar, who, in bravado broke 
 The master's laws and rules ; the medicine he took 
 Was elixir of birch, not given as a joke, 
 
 But in the usual way ! 
 
 How well we remember, the bright sunny faces, 
 
 Of our youthful schoolmates — their benches and places 
 
 That they then occupied, and the lingering traces 
 
 Of personal regard ! 
 Through life we followed them — joyed in their successes; 
 When sorrows o'ertook them, we shared their distresses — 
 In health, in joy and hope, in all that life blesses. 
 
 Our thoughts, cheered them onward ! 
 
 (51) 
 
Yes, and we remember, that of all that youthful band, 
 That few indeed are left! we almost alone, stand 
 As representatives of our dear native strand, 
 
 To recall scenes of yore ! 
 Those scenes are greatly changed — the things inanimate 
 Remain as they were then — the houses are desolate 
 Of friends we knew and loved — they've passed " the silent gate ! " 
 
 And them we see no more ! 
 
 But, we too remember, that there'll be a welcome 
 And a joyous meeting, in a brighter, better home, 
 Where our friends and kindred, with us will gladly roam 
 
 O'er fields of Paradise ! 
 And there, no more partings, but an abiding stay. 
 With the friends of childhood in realms of blissful day, 
 And glories that outshine earth's glittering display, 
 
 Which we shall realize ! 
 
 Now let us remember, that we, old friends and true, 
 Are met here together, our friendships to renew, 
 Formed by us in childhood, lasting life's journey through 
 
 And in the life to come ! 
 Sweetening our lives here with glad remembrances 
 Of those long separate, by time and distances — 
 For them, and all other ennobling tendencies, 
 
 Keep open heart and home ! 
 
 May we e'er remember, that cheerful lives alway, 
 Outwardly contribute, like the sun's warming ray 
 Of light, to the comfort and happiness, each day, 
 
 Of some o'er-burdened one I 
 Let us rejoice to-day and be glad that we meet 
 Each other face to face, here tenderly to greet 
 As warm friends of childhood — a circle not complete 
 
 Until our Harvest Home I 
 
 *Read at a dinner party of old school friends. 
 (52) 
 
86] 
 
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