LIBRARY^^F CONGRESS. Chap.fe-. Copyright No. 'SUelf.„AMS3 :m& UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ftfte^ The =^ ■~^ J ^ooKeR'h|ArieRSLty •Seven- \\)v iw^s cf ("kc rAlnbow l;u(£ .$^v'c))- \\\e lyolf^; oiiill music div'uie,- 6-p-PUTNAn'S SONS THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS NEW YORK AMD LONDON 18 58 i.' 200B1 Coi'YRIGHT, i8g8 G. p. PUTNAM'S SONS Entered at Stationers' Hall, London :7o COPIES RECBVu::^* Ubc IKnichcrhochci- iprcse. IHcw lyoris */^, t^w^z VOICE OF CUPID YELLOW ROSES .... 3 WHEN LOVE IS DONE . 6 SYMPATHY 7 CHOCOLATIERE .... 8 SPIRIT OF SONG .... lO WATCHING AT THE GATE 12 VOICE FROM RIVERS, LAKES. AND MOUNTAINS THE HUDSON ...... 17 RONKONKOMA 2 1 LAKE CARASALJO 24 THE ALCHEMIST 26 MIRAGE OF MOUNT KAATERSKILL . . 32 THE EPITAPH ...... 35 VOICE FROM THE SEA THE MIDNIGHT SUN 39 SEA-SURF SONG, OR VOICE OF THE BREAKERS . 42 MASCONOMO ....... 46 MINGO BEACH 49 TIDE OF FORTUNE . . '. . -52 ZEPHYR 53 MOONRISE AT SEA 56 IV Contents SHIPWRECK 57 NEW MOON • 58 WHEN THE TIDE EBBS LOW . 59 FOG CURTAIN . 60 VOICE FROM FOREIGN CLIMES LEGEND OF MORTERATSCH GLACIER • 65 THE ALBULA PASS . 69 THE POULPICAN 73 THE LOUP-GAROU • 76 VOICE OF THE PAST CABOT (discoverer OF THE AMERICAN CON- TINENT) ■ 83 DARK DAYS 86 MEMORIES . 87 TO C. L. L 88 LOST ILLUSIONS 92 YE OLDEN TIME 9Z VOICE OF THE FUTURE THE COUNTERSIGN : A MARTIAL EPISODE ■ 99 ORIGIN OF " HOLD THE FORT " 102 THE BANNERS 106 JESUS' DYING WORDS .... 109 TRUST 112 ANGLO-SAXON • 113 VOICE FROM EVERYWHERE FAME • 117 THE FLOWER FAYS .... . 118 BERMUDA LILY 120 Contents PAGE TO V. H. F. . 121 LITTLE HE AND SHE .... 123 DEAR CHUBBY HAND .... 125 MAYFLOWER . 126 MY KOH-I-NOOR. (written TO M. C. H.) 127 BROKEN HEART 128 TO H. R. H. . 129 TO M. C. H. . 131 THE CHASE . 133 LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD . T36 NOTES . 139 YELLOW ROSES. TIS the " old, old story " of youth and maid, Through memory's chasms, re-echoing low, Of rich, yellow roses, a cluster he sent, In the long ago— in the long ago. A wee dainty note in its heart lay hid, 'Mong the buds concealed, like a fairy sprite, " At the ball," it read, " if with me you '11 wed. Wear a rose to-night — wear a rose to- night." Bewildered by light, by sound and sight. With nascent hope his spirit glows. Now the heart beats fast, for she comes at last : But alas ! no rose — alas, no rose ! 3 4 The Seven Voices Without one word, unseen, unheard, With smothered sigh, and downcast eye; With a cheek that burns, and a heart that breaks, He passes by — he passes by. With a breast that throbs, and a brain on fire; With bated breath, and a sudden start, Her lover's " good-night " to the host she hears, Like a knell at her heart — like a knell at her heart. Years many have flown, o'er oceans unknown, Tho' roaming, he ever remembers that day ; " Lang Syne " is sweet, once more they meet. Their locks are gray — their locks are gray. 'T is a fancy interred in the tomb of our years, " Youth has ever," he muses, " for age a charm ' ' ; So he tells her at last, for the tempest is past, And his heart is calm — his heart is calm. " Golden roses, as rich as the oriole's wing, That day on my heart is engraven, ' ' cries she ; " But the note 'mong the roses, so carefully hid, Was ne'er seen by me — ne'er seen by me." Yellow Roses 5 Then she Hfts with care, from a " casket rare," Oft sunned by smiles, oft bedewed by tears, The dear yellow roses, still treasured by love. Thro' those weary years — thro' those weary years. Silken cord of the sky's lightest blue she unties ; Like a gem in the earth, at that cluster's core Rests the dainty, triangular, sweet-scented note. Never found before — never found before. Ah ! there 's many a wreck on time's rough sea, That the world knows not — shall never know. And there 's many a heart guards its faded rose Of the long ago — of the long ago. WHEN LOVE IS DONE. ROUNDEL. WHEN love is done, then is life dark and drear, Sombre and still, as earth at " set of sun," Or like, methinks, some long lost, former year, When love is done. As sailors seeking rugged rocks to shun. When billows break, and beacons disappear. Know not, at night, what course their bark to run. If there is none in all the world most dear. Sorrow to soothe — to share my triumphs won, For me life hath no joy, and death no fear. When love is done. SYMPATHY. SOURCE of sighing, source of singing, Idem Velle, Idem Nolle, Hearts through joy and sorrow clinging, Wreaths of cypress, wreaths of holly. Souls in touch with genius bringing, One in mirth, and melancholy, Source of sighing, source of singing, Idem Velle, Idem Nolle. With love burning, with hate stinging, Act of wisdom, act of folly. Source of sighing, source of singing. Idem Velle. Idem Nolle. CHOCOLATIERE. Written on La Belle CJiocolatiere, the celebrated picture of Jean Etienne Liotard in Dresden Gallery. MODEST maiden, neat and prim, Bodice natty, chic, and trim. Tiny, tapered finger-tips, Even Hebe can't eclipse. She is dainty — she is fair, Of which all men are aware, That charming little Chocolati^re. Hers the quaintest, cutest gown, Of a rich and mellow brown. Creamy 'kerchief wrapped about, While the toes peep in and out. She of glances gets her share, Of which fact she 's well aware. That charming little Chocolatiere. Chocolatiere Just a petted, pretty pet, And a regular coquette. Her two lips are sweet and pink, And would like— what do you think ? For there 's mischief (so take care), More than any one 's aware. In that charming little Chocolatiere. SPIRIT OF SONG. ALL sad and lone, to the world unknown, Is my soul of music, wild and free, For gain sing I, " as the years roll by," Till a face of mystic charm I see. And a maiden fair, with golden hair, Throws a rose to me — red rose to me. This flower I give for I take," cries she, " Thy melody — thy melody." While that flower thrives, in me revives The soul of music's sympathy — When that flower dies, sweet music hies, Deserting me — deserting me. " In song both live; my life I give To thee," she cries, " my heart's delight! And at death's call, for me lets fall. Rose pure and white — rose pure and white. Now I know, when all I hold in thrall. Bound by melodious ecstasy, lO Spirit of Song That angel fair, of the golden hair, Gave her life for me — her life for me. Her accents dear, methinks I hear — " Weird music's power, past mortal ken, Entranced with thy sweet song, my soul Shall live again — shall live again." ^ <' ^.^, ^%;|^':>^^#r* T V ^r>/ >^-^r-^^^\. ^ WATCHING AT THE GATE. WAS the day of our betrothal, with her tress the Sun-god played, As I hung on every accent of that gentle little maid, While in tenderest tones she whispered : " Sad it is to separate, I '11 be watching for you, darling, watching for you at the gate." Years we 've shared of grief and gladness, mingling frequent smiles and tears, But our love has only deepened with the flit- ting of the years. Home returning in the twilight, ever my true- hearted mate Still is watching for me daily, watching for me at the gate. Watching at the Gate 13 Now life's evening shadows lengthen; soon upon my ear shall fall Notes of drum-beat, long-expected, drum-beat sounding the recall, Then for you at heaven's threshold, loving, longing, I shall wait. Still be watching for you, darling, watching for you at the gate. VOICE t-fl^iji, »;■ K THE HUDSON. OLL, resistless royal River, While upon thy bosom quiver, Wavelets glancing, lightly dancing, dancing 'neath the sunlit ray, Like the smiles of happy faces, Faces which no time erases. Though long since they passed away. How I love thy springs and fountains, Leafy dells, and towering mountains. As I people them with figures of the dear ones now no more ; And the sound my heart rejoices, As methinks I hear those voices Gently speaking as of yore. Mystic veil of awe and wonder. Nought save death can rend asunder Those partitions thin and fleecy ; while upon the threshold stand Men against the curtains pressing, 17 i8 The Seven Voices Still like children idly guessing What lies hid in shadow-land. Brook from Adirondack springing, 'Mong the craggy mountains singing, Past grim Catskill — sombre bastile, Storm King bold, and Old Crow Nest, On by camp and fortress dashing. Bastions frowning, bayonets flashing, Navies bearing on thy breast. Lordly park and vine-clad arbour. Nestling hamlet, Indian Harbour, Crumbling Putnam's ramparts ruined, fateful Fort Montgomery : Skirting lawns of mansions stately. While great cities gaze sedately, Haste thee, rushing to the sea. Sunnyside's scholastic gables. Still replete with fays and fables. Sits serenely, quaintly queenly, home of Clio's gifted son ; Past Manhattan's millions teeming, Guarded by the cannon gleaming, Wadsworth, and Fort Hamilton. Stream of tears, and stream of sadness, Stream of mirth, and stream of gladness, 20 The Seven Voices Veiled in myst'ry, wreathed in hist'ry, sketched by Irving, sung by Drake ; Dame Van Winkle, ply thy spindle, Culprit Fay," thy flame rekindle, Hendrick, make thine echoes wake ! Castled Rhine and cruel Tiber, Names that thrill through every fibre, Chivalry of many a clime lies hidden 'neath your crest ; But great Hudson famed in story, Halo of a nation's glory. Monarch art thou of the West. RONKONKOMA.* IN a sea-girt isle is a sand-girt sea, Of lustre rare, of tint divine, By Phoebus lit, by Zephyr cut. Pure diamond from Golconda's mine; Fair island nymph for bridal decked, By heaven's fragrant breezes fanned, By woodland wooed, by woodland won, Wed with a ring of golden sand. Gleaming alone like the evening star, Ronkonkoma — Ronkonkoma ! An Indian maid on its margin dwelt, Her liquid name Ronkonkoma, Gem of her tribe — her island's pride, The Isle of shells — Sewanhacka. Hugh Birdsall, paleface, noble and brave, By love enchained this goddess of grace; But her sire Setauket Sachem swore. That wed should she never with foe of her race. 22 The Seven Voices Then the youth he banished, and drove afar, Ronkonkoma — Ronkonkoma ! On Connetquot's bank in his log-built cot, Seven years unseen by human eye, For sympathy longing, Hugh lovingly lists To the river moan and the sad sea sigh. Seven — that mystical marvellous sign. Seven — the rays of the rainbow hue. Seven — the notes of all music divine. Seven long years w^as that maiden true. More cruel her sire than Russia's Czar, Ronkonkoma — Ronkonkoma ! Deep is the lake as a woman's love. Inlet or outlet, no mortal knows, j But 'neath the earth by a path unseen, i Into Connetquot's stream its water flows. I Thither for Hugh each tender gift, Through seven weary, dreary years. Dropped on the bosom of the lake, In Connetquot's wavelets reappears. Of her pure love these tokens are, Ronkonkoma — Ronkonkoma ! One eve, on the river comes floating a scroll, Upon it engraven: " To-morrow, to thee. As reward of affection true and tried. Thy long-loved bride returned shall be." Ronkonkoma 23 Next morn more bright ne'er beamed the sun; A bark is seen on the glittering tide ; Around it are garlands of jasmine and rose, Within it is seated his beautiful bride, Dead — sailing alone in her funeral-car, Ronkonkoma — Ronkonkoma ! Swift into the skiff by her side leaps Hugh, Drifting far out on the ocean's wave. If together on earth they cannot dwell, They 're together forever beyond the grave. For her sweet sake still weeps the lake ; Years seven it rises, years seven it falls. For the martyr maid by sire slain. Thro' hemlocks, wailing, the wild wind calls; It shrieks from near, it answers from far, *' Ronkonkoma — Ronkonkoma! " LAKE CARASALJO. ON the banks of Carasaljo where the rose and oak entwine, And the dangle-alder revels in the winter's warm sunshine, Interlocking, interlacing, in impenetrable frieze. There the wavelets glint and glance, There the sparrows chirp and dance To " the music of the old pine trees." Lately clad in robe of ermine, tufts of ice on silvery snow, Now she rests in silk cerulean, shimmering in the sunbeam's glow. 24 Lake Carasaljo 25 By this lake of beauty strolling, lovers bask in bowers of ease. With tones subdued and sweet, Their hearts in rapture beat To " the music of the old pine trees." See, the redcoats with their rushing steeds arouse the rosy morn ; Hark, the fragrant firs re-echo to the hardy huntsman's horn ; And the fox, through fen and forest, from her fleet pursuers flees. While clattering chargers' feet A rattling quickstep beat To " the music of the old pine trees." Columns stately, finely fluted, rear their lofty forms on high ; Branches, bending, trace a fretwork 'gainst the azure of the sky ; Through " Cathedral aisle " and arches, calmly breathes the balmy breeze. While the leaves are softly swung. And the hymn is sweetly sung To " the music of the old pine trees." THE ALCHEMIST. A LEGEND VERSIFIED AND ADAPTED. NESTLED a cave 'mong the dark waving hemlocks, deep 'neath the Kaaterskills' towering height ; Toiled a tall figure — gaunt, wrinkled, and aged, locks long and silvery, streaming and white. Far from mankind with their joys and their sorrows ; far from the world with its bustle and strife ; Petrus the Alchemist, Petrus the Alchemist — seeking for aye the Elixir of life. Ne'er had the furnace before roared so fiercely ; ne'er shone the mixture so golden and bright ; Bubbled the cauldron, and o'er-boiled the liquid, while eyes of the Alchemist gazed with delight. 26 The Alchemist "^^ Molten mass marvellous, gleefully dancing; low murmurs Petrus in tremulous strains — " One last ingredient, one last ingredient — naught now is wanting save blood from young veins." Entered Katrina, maid merrily singing, loving as noble, and gentle as brave, Urged by her sire, unflinching, heroic, her arm round and fair to the lancet she gave. Wild raved the liquor within the deep caul- dron, rose to the brim, and leapt over the top ; Fell the blood silently, fell the blood silently — slowly and solemnly, drop after drop. Weird 'mid the smoke rose a spectre gigantic; glaring and wild gleamed his round eyes of fire; Deep were his tones with an accent sepulchral, while flames 'round the cauldron leapt higher and higher. " Monarch am I of the spirits of water, spirits of earth and the spirits of air, As the Eumenides', as the Eumenides' — fear- ful my anger, thus mortal beware! " Petrus, oh Petrus! thy heart wish is granted ; crown of life's labor conferred upon thee; 28 The Seven Voices Quaff but the drops in the depth of this caul- dron, thou from that moment immortal shalt be. Taste of it, taste of it, vigor returns again ; drink of it, drink of it, and thou shalt find Youth is perpetual, youth is perpetual — sub- ject no more to the laws of mankind. " Quaff it, but harbour no tender emotion, tears at man's sorrow, or joy in his weal; Noble devotion, or sympathy generous, rapture of love ne'er again shalt thou feel. Words that I utter, remember, remember — unless thou the passions of man canst defy, Broken the spell again, broken the spell again — mortal thou art, and forthwith shalt thou die." Words were scarce spoken, scarce vanished the spectre, beneath the low portal a woman appears; " Tell me, good youth, where, oh where is my husband — Petrus Van Rensselaer, well stricken in years ? " Mutely he gazes, " I 'm Petrus," he mutters; " Petrus, the Alchemist ; thou art my wife. Petrus victorious, Petrus victorious — Petrus has quaffed the Elixir of Life." The Alchemist 29 Weak on the ground in a faint lay Katrina, circled by clusters of rich golden hair; Beside her, next moment, was kneeling the good wife, the wound gently dressing with tenderest care. " Petrus thus cruel and heartless, why art thou, daughter forgetting and thoughtless of wife ? Katrina thou, slayest, Katrina thou slayest — mindful of naught save thy self-centred hfe." Mirror he grasps, in amazement beholding his figure, tall, graceful, face rosy and round ; Smooth is the skin, flushed with vigor of man- hood, a head with black tresses, in rich masses crowned. Callously gazing on daughter and wife : " I will fly," whispers he, " to some far-distant shore. Handsome and young again, handsome and young again — me as her spouse shall she claim nevermore." Many a winter the forests have whitened ; home has he none, and no friend can he find. Aimless he wanders, uncared for and lonely, restless his heart, and uneasy his mind. 30 The Seven Voices Once more the vale of his labors he visits, for a season unseen, though still dear to his heart ; Crags of the Kaaterskill, crags of the Kaater- skill — region of poetry, region of art. Nigh to the cave dwells his daughter Katrina, happy and true in her quaint little cot; Now is she telling to husband and children, a tale oft-repeated, though never forgot. High curls the smoke from his fragrant tobacco, her head on his arm at his earnest behest ; Beaming and radiant, beaming and radiant — ■ clasping a bright baby boy to her breast. Seen through the window this picture by Petrus, melted to tears, he his boyhood recalls, Lost is the magic of potent elixir; again weak and old 'gainst the casement he falls. Forth comes Katrina, her sire embracing: ' Tis but too true, as the spectre had said. Softened by sympathy, softened by sympathy — down course the tears, and old Petrus is dead. Echoes the story of Petrus the Alchemist, softly and sadly in many a heart. The Alchemist 31 Men, in a moment of folly and madness, with earth's choicest blessings most willingly part ; Lone, weary wanderers, loveless, unloving, like to lost spirits they ceaselessly rove. Waifs of the universe, waifs of the universe — Better is death than to live without love. MIRAGE OF MOUNT KAATERSKILL. LO ! a blinding storm is raging — Inky blackness, boding ill; Clouds and wind wild warfare waging, On the lofty Kaaterskill. Hark! to Hendrick Hudson bowling! Mark our pulses throb and thrill! Peal, those echoes ringing, rolling. Thro' the chasms of Kaaterskill.* Lightning flashing, timbers crashing, Deluge like the torrents fall, Cloud with fury 'gainst cloud clashing Shouts with roaring thunder call. Tempest o'er — like carpet spreading— 'Neath the clouds the vale is seen ; Hudson gray his way still threading, Silken skein of silvery sheen. Mirage of Mount Kaaterskill Like Mahomet's coffin, shining Hangs a banner, fleecy-white; Vapory wrestlers, arms entwining, Burst on my enraptured sight. f Curtain clouds with beauty beaming. Lit with liquid light they shine; High in heaven with glory gleaming. Like the cross of Constantine. On yon clouds a picture, showing Mountain peak whereon I stand. Bridge and buildings clearly glowing Airy glimpse of fairy-land. Scenes of earth and human dwelling, Panorama strangely grand. Mystic thoughts to mortals telling. Traced by the Creator's hand. Palaces with radiance streaming, Towers, turrets, throned on high ; Citadel, with splendors teeming. Like the mansions in the sky ! Hearts are hieing, larks are flying. Mirage melting, all is still; Night is sighing, day is dying, On the crested Kaaterskill, 34 The Seven Voices Happy childhood's dream elysian, Never can come back to me; So is that ecstatic vision, Gone for all eternity. Thou celestial view transcendent, Rapturous glimpse — of bliss a taste, Oh, forever shine resplendent, Bright in memory's dreary waste. :{; THE EPITAPH. VERSIFIED AND ADAPTED. IN Catskill town, as I am told, There dwelt in days of yore, Nathaniel Strange, a worthy man, Well learned in legal lore. " Good wife," spake he, " when on this sphere In death I close mine eyes, Nought on my tomb inscribe save, ' Here An honest lawyer lies.' " No man your name will know," quoth she; " Prithee your purpose change." " Whoe'er," cried he, those words shall see, Will say: ' Why that is Strange.' " 35 ^* /^ ( > 37 MIDNIGHT SUN. ON Arctic's silvery sea 'tis noon of night, Gray with a myriad years* gigantic shape, Rises bare, bald, and bold the proud North Cape, From limpid waves that laugh in liquid light. O rock : while Europe sleeps her safety guard Through centuries, thou sentinel storm- scarred ! With searching gaze the broad horizon scan ; No human life this and the pole between; No shrub — no tree — no flower — no leafy green. Consider thine own littleness, oh man' 39 Midnight Sun 41 Nought, nought save air and sky, save ice and sea, High soars the soul in rapturous reverie. With holy light man's vision is endued. His hopes, ambitions, wars, all phantoms seem, Dominions, thrones, and dynasties — a dream ; Merge worldly thoughts in vast infinitude. Rocks melt to elements that gave them birth, An atom in the solar system earth. Rests on the wave a lustrous orange mist, And on the mist gray vapory wings arise With golden fringe, supporting radiant skies O'er sparkling crests, by luminous softness kissed. Monarch of day rules with imperial might. The ocean bathing in ethereal light. Heart of the universe whence vigor springs, From orb uncurtained regal splendor flows: With life it throbs, it palpitates, it glows; His broadening beams the King of midnight flings. Vanquished is night — of all his glory shorn, On rolls the Sun — another day is born. SEA-SURF SONG, OR VOICE OF THE BREAKERS.>-- SOUNDS of sorrow, sounds of sadness, in a slow, sweet strain, Songs of saint, and songs of sinner, like the soul's refrain, Swiftly singing, softly sighing, thro' my seeth- ing brain. Sitting by the sad, sad sea. Moan ! majestic mighty monster, as they moaned of yore ; Rush ! returning, rolling, rearing, with a rude rough roar ; Dash ! curvetting, reaching, screeching, to the sharp sheer shore, Creature of the sad, sad sea. Shout ! sagacious, scheming Satyr with satanic glee, Shrill as though 'neath sleepless surface, sen- tient soul should be. # ^t 44 The Seven Voices Since sage and savage, shelter, succour, sought from thee. Spirit of the sad, sad sea. Shine! as sculptured slab, the surging surf shows shroudless grave, Sing the ceaseless, cheerless chanting, as for souls to save ; Sage schismatic, saint scholastic, sovereign, shah and slave. Sleeping 'neath the sad, sad sea. Surf, as sinuous serpents shining, while the sea- gulls soar. Shriek! as shameless shades of sheol, shackled souls forlore. Shake! as steers their shoulders shaggy on the shelving shore. Shuddering by the sad, sad sea. Crashing, crumbling, creaking, crackling, is the craft cut down. Caught by creeping, crawling creatures, that brave crew drown. Crushed 'mong cruel crags cretaceous, clutch the Christian's crown. Sinking 'neath the sad, sad sea. Sea-Surf Song 45 Look how Lambda lingers, laughing, from her lair on high, List the wavelets learning lyrics 'neath the lofty sky. As the listless lovers languish floating lightly by, Sailincf o'er the smooth, smooth sea. Lenten litanies low lisping thro' the long, lone night, Longing, loyal, loving legion, may our souls take flight. By Luna's lanes of lustre to the land of light, Gliding o'er the glad, glad sea. MASCONOMO.^ 5f BY the moonlit waves I wandered, Happy-hearted — fancy-free, On the sands of Masconomo, Masconomo by the sea. Hark! a harp I hear aeolian, Gently touched by mystic hands. Music of my every footfall, Music of the " singing sands " : Nature's symphony majestic. Melody my spirit craves, Wondrous songs, all weird and wordless. To the rhythm of the waves. Beauteous beach by headlands guarded. Craggy cliff and towering ledge, Gemmed with roses, crowned with forests. Forests to the ocean's edge. 46 Masconomo 47 Gently towards me trips a dryad, Fairy figure, free from fear. Words of all those songs mysterious, Whispering softly in my ear: " Mortal, canst thou hear that cadence. Cadence solemn, soft, and slow ? Of Hesperus' wreck the sands are telling. Tearful tale of ' Normans' woe.' " Treacherous reef whereon she foundered In the dreamy days of yore, Shrieks of wounded, groans of dying. Dashed on Essex' rocky shore. " Sing they now of Indian war-dance. As the billows rise and swell : Tawny creatures— fierce, fantastic, Shouting their barbaric yell. " War-whoop wild of Masconomo Wafted on the midnight breeze. Chieftain, with his braves rejoicing Over hard-won victories. --^T^' " Sing the sands of youth and maiden, Eyes of blue, and raven hair. While the cadence quickly changes To an Andalusian air. 48 The Seven Voices " He, rare type of manly beauty, Tall and stalwart — from the north ; She, a southern maiden, ardent, List! the lovers plight their troth." Harkening to her accents gentle, I in rapt attention stood. Paused the dryad — sad and silent, Glided to her native wood. Mem'ries dear of Masconomo — Quaint the rhythm, rich the rhyme- In my mind and heart re-echo. Singing thro' the " sands of time." When I muse how once I wandered, Treading lightly, fancy-free. Singing sands " of Masconomo, Masconomo by the sea. ".^ ^ MINGO BEACH. WOULDST thou know a sylvan spot. By the sea ? An ideal fairy grot ? Come with me. There the ocean currents flow, There the briny breezes blow ; To the cliffs the flowers cling, To the rocks the wavelets sing. On beauteous Mingo Beach. Jutting headland bounds the sight — Beverly ; Far extending on the right, Wild and free. Clouds like eagles' wings outspread, O'er the tower of Marblehead ; While to cliffs the flowers cling, While to rocks the wavelets sing, On beauteous Mingo Beach. 49 50 The Seven Voices Curves like bending bow the shore, 'Round the bay, With its cord of islands four. Far away. And the rays of light on high, Shoot like arrows in the sky ; While to cliffs the flowers cling, While to rocks the wavelets sing, On beauteous Mingo Beach. Pick the fruit of ruddy hue, 'Mong the sand ; Pluck the tiny asters blue. On the strand ; 'Neath the crags with forest crowned, Precipice by ocean bound ; While to cliffs the flowers cling, While to rocks the wavelets sing. On beauteous Mingo Beach. Willows bending o'er the wave Gently sway ; Lichens rare their tresses lave. Bathed in spray. Barberry, with berries red, Golden-rod, with plumed head ; While to cliffs the flowers cling, While to rocks the wavelets sing. On beauteous Mingo Beach. Mingo Beach Eagle Rock and Lowell's Isle, Two bright eyes, Softly twinkle, sweetly smile, In the skies. Watching o'er this happy shore, Gently watching, evermore ; While to cliffs the flowers cling. While to rocks the wavelets sing, On beauteous Mingo Beach. TIDE OF FORTUNE. I GAZED on the ocean's billowy crest ablaze with sunset glow, And watched its dainty wavelets dance when the tide was ebbing low. Seaweed in clusters stormy waves had washed upon the sand, Receding leaving them forlorn, deserted on the strand. So mortal man, by fortune's wave, to some great height is hurled, Then stranded, left forsaken, sad, on the rocks of the flinty world. ZEPHYR. FROM Elberon sands I fondly gaze Across the sea — across the sea, For she in yonder land still roams. The world to me— the world to me. While lovingly the cradling waves Are chanting Nature's lullaby, White, fleecy, feathery cloudlets float. Athwart the sky— athwart the sky. The western zephyrs gently kiss Winged brigantines swift sailing by; Glad sunbeams, mingling with the waves, Wed earth and sky— wed earth and sky. There comes a thought with terror fraught. This self same hour— With whom is she ? If I by her should be forgot, Ah, woe is me — ah, woe is me. 53 54 The Seven Voices " A message to the maid I love, Sweet zephyr, wilt thou bear for me, And waft it to her own pure heart. Across the sea — across the sea ? " Tell her I 'm sad and drear and lone; ' Tell her I pine on this bleak shore ; Tell her I long for that sweet face Which I adore — which I adore. " That I know none like her, not one; That night by night, and day by day, Since in her loving eyes I gazed, For her I pray — for her I pray, " Say that for her my soul would seek Thro' this wide world's immensity; For her my spirit yearns with deep Intensity — intensity. With winged steeds the zephyr speeds : Has ceased the breeze, when suddenly — A breath upon my burning brow. Comes o'er the sea — comes o'er the sea. List ! in the air a whispering voice : " Unchanged her heart shall ever be, Thy love she shares, has heard thy prayers. She 's true to thee — she 's true to thee." Zephyr 55 " Thy voice, sweet zephyr, cheers my heart. She 's true to me — she 's true to me! Thy words I trust ; she 's mine thro' all Eternity — eternity- er,^^ MOONRISE AT SEA. MID earthly vapors yon red moon Distorted rises from the sea, But e'er attaining midnight's noon, Reigns in imperial majesty. So men, their souls by passion dim, "With flickering lamps earth's pathway trod. Ascended now, bright seraphim, In Heaven they shine, the saints of God. 56 SHIPWRECK. FIERCELY rages the storm; through the fog looms a craft, Great billows roll over the deck ; On the beach lies a lad — stiff, pallid, and cold, Just snatched from the foundering wreck. Lag slowly the hours — his color returns; He wearily opens his eyes: " Oh, tell me, my friends, where 's the ship, where am I, And where is the captain ? " he cries. " The mate and the captain and crew one and all. Have found the brave mariner's grave ; The whitecaps their slabs, the ocean their tomb. For their shroud, the wide, watery wave. " You alone of all those, the good Dolphin aboard. Are saved from the pitiless sea; " With thankful emotion through tears he ex- claims: ** Then mother 's been praying for me." 57 ^*^- NEW MOON. TIS the mystic time of twilight, sweetest hour of the day, Falling are the evening shadows over Massa- chusetts Bay. High o'er Marblehead's grim tower, shining faintly, I descry Moon, newborn — a slender flamelet — like a candle in the sky. Close against my shoulder nestles golden, flaxen, curly head; Ready is my precious darling for his dainty little bed. Me, absorbed in contemplation, from the reverie arouse Words my boy is softly saying: " See that light up in God's house." WHEN THE TIDE EBBS LOW. ROUNDEL WHEN the tide ebbs low, reigns a deep sense of rest ; Old ocean hath secrets no mortal need know, Hidden deep 'neath her breast, which by her are confessed. When the tide ebbs low. The heart hath its tides fiercely surging below. Oft phantoms pursuing at Plutus' behest, With sorrow recede and with pleasure reflow. So life hath its tides, mortals ride on the crest ; Let but the stream languish, be feeble and slow. They sink out of sight like a star in the west. When the tide ebbs low. FOG CURTAIN. ON the Jersey sands I silently muse, as I list to the ocean's roar, And mark the delicate rim of lace foam-curv- ing on the shore; Beyond are the valleys and crested peaks of a boundless billowy sea, Though at my feet falls a vale of mist which hides them all from me. But the mist shall drift, And the cloud shall rift. And the curtain of fleecy fog shall lift. Bewitchingly fair are the castles we build, as we stand on the threshold of life. And little think we of the cares of the world, with its sorrows, its toil, and its strife — Of the mountains to climb, of the deserts to cross, and the perils that often befall. 'T is well that a hand all-wise has dropped a curtain concealing them all. 60 Fog Curtain 6i But the mist shall drift, And the cloud shall rift, And the curtain of fleecy fog shall lift. Ah, the day will come — for come it must — when each shall be standing alone, With a trembling hand and a faltering foot on the shore of a land unknown. From the ken of men concealed there lies a region beyond the skies. But soon shall shine that light divine, on our wondering raptured eyes. For the mist shall drift, And the cloud shall rift, And the curtain of fleecy fog shall lift. 63 LEGEND OF MORTERATSCH GLACIER.* 1SING the age of minstrelsy that poets' hearts adore, Of troubadours, and chivalry, and legendary lore. 'T was in that vale of happiness where sadness were a sin. That gladsome glade of Engadine, the garden of the Lin. Where a thousand charms the Arctic and the Temperate disclose, And beside perpetual snows we cull the daisy and the rose. 65 66 The Seven Voices Where Silverplana, Celerina, Pontresina He, And the pinnacles of Languard and Bernina pierce the sky. Well known and loved was good Eratsch by the peasants far and wide, While his father's flocks he guarded on that lonely mountain side. Of Gretchen's grace and loveliness one half has ne'er been told. Of her glorious dark and dreamy eyes, and her locks of waving gold ; Of her constancy, nobility, her sympathy divine. Her purity like crystal ball, the prize of Shin- too Shrine. Oh, her earnest eyes were brilliant, and her happy heart was light. And her dainty dairy duties were her day- dream of delight. Dizzy crags together climbing, summits scaling bold and grand. That old legend quaint adopting: " Heart and Hand for Alpenland." Legend of Morteratsch Glacier 67 Then Eratsch, by passion ardent, while the rays of setting sun Tinged the peaks of snow with a rosy glow, that maiden wooed and won. In the cottage, for her lover, gentle Gretchen sadly sighed. For her parents, hard and heartless, vowed she ne'er should be his bride. Warmly loved and warmly loving, tears to hide in vain she tried, And like Juliet broken-hearted softly groaned, and moaned, and died. True Eratsch forever roaming, no one knows save God above, His charity, his rarity of all-consuming love. Gretchen's parents, greatly grieving, grieve thro' all their days to come. Leave the vale, and strangers haughty fill that former happy home. Still her saintly spirit wanders, 'mid the scenes she loved before ; Still her favorite cows attending, tending as in days of yore. 68 The Seven Voices Gretchen's love those strangers know not, and her spirit drive away ; Thro' the vale she wanders wailing, night by night and day by day. Trouble henceforth rules that hearthstone, and ere many moons have run. Illness 'mong the flocks appearing, die the cattle every one. Down the steep the snows are creeping, cover- ing all that pasture-land. Monument majestic rearing, masterpiece of God's own hand. Form colossal, carved recumbent, calmly, queenlike, shall endure, As Carrara's marble spotless, and as Gretchen's spirit pure. Thro' their former homes that spirit roams re- calling mem'ries dear, " II est mort, Eratsch," repeating o'er and o'er, in accents clear. Flocks, the faithful shepherds watching, her weird words but faintly catch. And that Glacier forever, hence they call the " Morteratsch." THE ALBULA PASS. (From Coire to St. Moritz in the Engadine Valley.) THE silvery chimes in Cathedral spire Peal, peal, as we roll along, On the mountain side we rise higher, and higher, List, list, to the Alpen song. Oh Castle of Belfort barren and bare, Mourn, mourn, for thy warriors bold Muse on thy Knights and ladies fair, Grieve, grieve o'er the days of old. No feudal banner from turreted walls. Floats, floats, as once of yore ; And victory's shout thro' thy banquet halls Thrills, thrills now no more. 69 70 The Seven Voices Thou Castle Churwalden proud piercing the sky Wail, wail, till thy days are done : Where now are thy Counts with their lineage high ? Dead, dead is every one. No foe could desire destruction more dire. Drear, drear, as Chorazin, On thy towers are written in letters of fire " Mene, mene, tekel upharsin," Tho' dark are thy deeds, as thy donjon keep, Peace, peace, have no more fears; For to blot out thy sins e'en the heavens weep, Rain, rain, silent tears. Thro' hamlet with roses and clambering vine Fresh, fresh, as the month of May, And thro' Alveneu basking in merry sunshine, Dash, dash on our winding way. Like William the Silent, Berguner-stein, Gaze, gaze, across the wave, And roar thou miniature pearly Rhine, Rush, rush, his feet to lave. Oh, Albula, Albula, glory to thee! Calm, calm, while the ages glow, 72 The Seven Voices Enthroned seven thousand above the sea, Shine, shine, in thy robe of snow. As merrily thro' the pass we ghde Sing, sing, ye tinkhng bells; While onward we're dashing whatever betide, Ring, ring, o'er hills and dells. 'Mid the glow of the snow and the diamonds of ice On, on, till the crest is crossed; O'er the mountain home of the Edelweiss, Blow, blow, thou old King Frost! Behold now the Engadine — at its true worth Prize, prize, yon fairy grot ; The highest inhabited valley on earth, Bless, bless, the enchanted spot. See Maloya's proud pinnacles ermined with snow. Sail, sail, ye clouds between ; And St. Moritz below in the moonlight glow, Queen, Queen, of the Engadine! THE POULPICAN.* A LEGEND OF BRITANY VERSIFIED. TIS ruddy autumn ; laughing sunbeams shine On cottage home, most quaint of quaint Bre- tagne ; Neath roof like Jupiter's o'erhanging brow, From oaken beam hangs misletoe's green bough ; While rocks a cradle nigh the open door. Gone has Dame Cloar from the spring to draw. In tight-laced bodice, and in white-winged cap. Her infant leaving for his morning nap. The child, fair-skinned, awaking, softly cries, Which, wandering by, a Korrigan espies, 73 74 The Seven Voices And baby snatching from its cosy bed, Her ugly Poulpican puts in its stead; Then o'er the elf such glamour deftly throws, That e'en poor Catherine no difference knows. But she, a buxom dame, robust and tall. Marvels the lad continues thin and small. 'T is night — a sight he sees that makes him start, A calf the butcher brings in two- wheeled cart ; One blanket, man, and horse, and calf conceals, And thus one beast with three huge heads reveals. I Hard through the casement peers with open eyes Poor Poulpican ; then in sore won- ' J' ' der cries: " An acorn once before an oak I saw. But sight like this I ne'er beheld before." When sent the herds to guard on grassy plain, The cows he tortures, laughing at their pain; Beside the embers, knitting at her ease. Marvels the good wife at such acts as these. " This dwarf," thinks she, " our offspring can- not be ; Resolved am I to solve the mystery. The Poulpican 75 If son of ours a priest he will revere, But priests a Poulpican regards with fear." Then ten-score eggs she breaks; her beads she tells, And on the hearthstone softly stands the shells — Like surpliced priests who gentle hearts allure — In long procession as at the Fete Dieu. Dame Cloar watches; Poulpican draws near; Soon as the priests he sees, cries he with fear: An acorn once before an oak I saw, But sight like this I ne'er beheld before." Dame Cloar now the powers of darkness dares. And the uncanny elf to kill prepares. But lo ! her child to save, forthwith appears The Korrigan, endowed with power of seers. Your son behold ! ' ' cries she in accents weird ; " On roots in old Tir-Tarden's Dolmen reared. Take, I beseech you, take your little man. Give back to me my own dear Poulpican." At many a turn in life's dark weary way. With Poulpican, in wonderment we say : An acorn once before an oak I saw, But sight like this I ne'er beheld before." ^!^ THE LOUP-GAROU. A LEGEND OF BRITANY VERSIFIED. IN the olden days that we love so well, , Of which minstrels warble, and poets tell, A forest there stood which was fair to see, The fairest forest in Britany. On a height near by for many a day. Frowned a castle with turreted towers grey. There dwelt in love and harmony A lord and lady of high degree, By holy ties of wedlock bound. The happiest pair in the country 'round. A cloud o'er this Eden, alas, arose! And gloomy the sky with fears and woes : Then tears were her portion, full many a groan, For half of her days was she left alone. With womanly ways and stifled sigh, She besought from her lord the reason why, 76 The Loup-Garou 17 Till at last he whispered: " I tell you true, Naught am I save a wretched Loup-garou, Exiled one half my days from home, As a wolf in the forest compelled to roam. Important, alas! 't is for my weal. That I my garments with care conceal. For were they stolen, ah ! woe is me, Wild wolf forever should I be." She heard, and a shudder scarce refrained. But devotion ardent basely feigned. " Prithee," cried she, " to me confide The secret spot where the clothes you hide ! There is, my liege, no spouse more true. Full well you know, than I to you." "In the forest," quoth he, " beyond the wheat, By the ruined chapel, where cross-roads meet." To a cavalier young, handsome, and bold. This terrible secret at once she told ; And from that day, 't is a fact I ween. Her good liege-lord ne'er again was seen. Now suitors she had from hither and far, For fair was this matron as beauteous star. Said they, when consulted, what course to pursue, " No woman is bound to a Loup-garou." Most willingly their advice she took. And her faithful spouse forthwith forsook. 78 The Seven Voices Proposal received — she named the day, And married the richest without delay. Then was sent a summons throughout the land, A hunt to attend at the King's command. One wolf pursued through the fens all day, The hungry hounds he held at bay ; Though weak and weary and wounded sore. Preparing for one fierce struggle more, The lordly form of the King he espied ; Then reached with one quick dash his side. Sadly his shaggy head he shook, And gazed in his eyes with beseeching look, Licking his foot, and withal behaved As though he the royal protection craved. Shouted the King : ' "T is enough of these bogs ; The hunt is o'er — call off tlie dogs." Then followed the wolf to the castle hall, And a favorite became with the courtiers all. One day with pomp and trumpets' blare Was held by the King " cour pleniere." From every side, their monarch to please. Came barons and vassals of all degrees. Stood the wolf at his post by the King — with- out fear; Gayly entered the cavalier, Brilliant in mantle of gold and red. Who the wife of the Loup-garou had wed. The Loup-Garou 79 The palace throughout a shrill cry rang. For on him the wolf with fury sprang, And wildly bit him again and again, 'Till the cavalier fairly writhed with pain. By the faithless spouse was an audience asked : 'T was granted — the threshold she scarce had passed. When the wolf, with one bound, off had bitten her nose, And a terrible tumult forthwith 'rose. Rescued the lady — flashed steel in air, Ready each noble to do and dare. " Here 's a crime," cried the King, " deeply hidden I trow ; In the castle assemble. I solemnly vow The wrong shall be righted, the evil redressed, Sheath your swords, every one — and the woman arrest ! ' ' The donjon fearing, and by the King pressed. Her guilt the trembling wretch confessed — The story complete — his devotion — her fraud — Admitting this wolf was her former lord. Still with the mould of the ruin stained, The King from the woman, the garments re- gained. On the floor of his chamber, these clothes having thrown, With them the poor wolf he then left alone ; 8o The Seven Voices And 't is passing strange to relate, that when With knights and barons he came again, And into the chamber took a peep, On his couch his favorite found asleep. With tears of joy, arms interlaced, His friend long lost once more embraced. For him his old affection burned, To him his honors he returned : Banished by edict just, severe. Both faithless spouse, and cavalier. Children they had — so the story goes — And every girl was without a nose. The peasants aver that as gospel true Is this wondrous tale of the Loup-garou. But one thing is sure, like the wolf in these lays, Many people are diff'rent on different days. ^ fl ^ ...^t. fhi? ^^?|r \M CABOT.* DISCOVERER OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT. HIGH on the crest of the billows' breast, Tossed on the surging sea, Westerly sails, with heaven-born gales. The ship of destiny. 'T is the break of dawn, a fair June morn! Banished are doubts and fears. For clear and bright in the liquid light, The land long sought appears. Now on the sands bold Cabot stands; Hark to the welkin ring! " This land I claim in Henry's name, For England and her king." 83 84 The Seven Voices Then a daring few of that dauntless crew Plant a cross on the beetling crag; And on the shore of Labrador, Floats proud old England's flag. t?liljal\- Cabot the brave — by sage, by slave, Thy name be ever blest ; Discoverer of America, The continent of the west. Columbus ne'er its regions fair, Nor Vespuccius' eye had scanned Cabot 85 When dangers o'er, thou reached that shore, And trod its virgin strand. Bright gleams the fame of Henry's name. With wisdom, power, renown ; But brighter far — America, Chief jewel in his crown. Each chivalrous feat recount — repeat, All that thy sires have done ; Their deeds outdo — to God prove true, Great England's greatest son. Bulwark, I trow, 'mongst nations thou. Stand fast, forever sure; Uphold, pursue, the right, the true, The free, the good, the pure. Cabot the great — we dedicate Thy monument for aye; Cut sharp and clear — a hemisphere — Thy name shall never die. DARK DAYS. ROUNDEL. DAYS there are when earth's joys are all hidden from view, As cages we darken to teach birds to sing — Wont to soar in the realms of ethereal blue, E'er man, for a thoughtless caprice, trimmed their wing. When to heaven God wishes men nearer to bring, And higher and holier aims to pursue — Days there are when earth's joys are all hid- den from view, As cages we darken to teach birds to sing. When riches increase, and high honors accrue. And fondly to pleasures of time men would cling, When back from all error and folly to woo. Of losses and sorrow he sends them the sting; Days there are when earth's joys are all hid- den from view. As cages we darken to teach birds to sing. MEMORIES. ROUNDEL. HAPPY days to recall when life's long shadows fall, No spell is so potent as sweet perfume. Bright joys long forgotten our senses enthrall, If but a breeze blow whence the viignoiiettes bloom. Should the sharp teeth of care weary hours consume, Should fancies affright, or grim phantoms appall, Happy days to recall when life's long shadows fall, No spell is so potent as sweet perfume. The veranda star-lit, or that night at the ball — The seat 'neath the palms— whispered words — and by whom ? When leaf-like have faded youth's dreams one and all. And oppressed is the heart with a feeling of gloom : Happy days to recall when life's long shadows fall,' No spell is so potent as sweet perfume. 87 TO C. L. L. A LARCH with mossy branches, richly robed with tender green, On Johannesburger nestles, in the vale of Engadine. A music Eurus murmurs of his own, soft, sweet, and low, Aloft the slender branches dance, the Edel- weiss below. No comfort golden glitter gives, 't is a sunny sultry seat. But on the farther side, behold yon shady, cool retreat ! No single branch upon that half this stately larch has grown. Below no grass, in place dead leaves, and weather-bronzed stone. To C. L. L. 89 A welcome bed, when strength has sped, to rest the weary head, 'T is Nature's couch of stones, and cones ; for a pillow — soft leaves dead. Our larch's gown, one half is brovm, by Boreas' freezing frown. For stern Johannesburger's base out tops proud Rigi's crown. To man great affluence kindly gives earth's pleasures bright tho' brief, Faith, hope, and love by sorrow's hand are carved in bold relief. A double-sided shield is Hfe, one showing wealth untold. Shining with honours and titles and rank, gleaming with glitter and gold. In prosperity's sun, when success is won, bloom avarice, hatred, and pride; But a homelike home, ah ! give to me, I love life's shady side. Full many women— ballroom dolls, wound up to act their part. Like the larch are graceful and stately and tall — alas ! with no more heart. 90 The Seven Voices But angels on earth there surely are, loving not its glitter or show, With heavenly virtues shining clear, which a ballroom cannot know. On a mission of peace, like the holy dove, sent down by our Father above, Man's earthly home a heaven to make, by charity, purity, love. Thus spared they are, like a falling star, from those bright realms afar. This sin-stained earth of ours to show, what God's own spirits are. Mere phantoms, all these worldly joys, nought real save future life. Earth's truest bhss a Christian home, blessed by a Christian wife. Upon my larch-cone couch I rest, there bursts upon my sight, A face and form on earth beloved, now bright with holy light. Her fragrant breath is on my cheek, her eyes are liquid blue, Her tresses, glittering as she glides, are gemmed with heavenly dew. To C. L. L. 91 Her graceful arms in drapery clad, her voice seraphic said, In pleading tones of earnest love, " None but a Christian wed." I wake— 't was but a day-dream in my cool, secluded nook. Her arms, the graceful branches, and her silvery voice, the brook. Her breath, the gentle breeze, her tresses, waving moss on high : Methought I saw^ her liquid eyes— 't is only azure sky. 'T was all a vision glorious ! I'm still an earthly clod ; But angel sister, far too pure for earth, thou art with God, i^m^j^ LOST ILLUSIONS. (From an ancient saying.) TORN by winter's blast, the dead leaves From the parent tree must part : So our cherished, lost illusions Are the dead leaves of the heart. -f^^S- YE OLDEN TIME. WHERE 'S the heart that ne'er longs for the glories of yore, Nor sighs for the scenes that have sped ; Never yearns for a vision of centuries gone, And to mingle with heroes long dead? Once again the proud temples of Nineveh view In the light of the round-setting sun, Or through lianging gardens of perfume to stroll In that far-famed Babylon ? Aye the days of old, And the lays of old, And the wondrous, witching ways of old ! Who would not, with Horace, and Albius quaff The " ardent Falernian " wine ? 93 94 The Seven Voices Who would not with vahant LucuUus.f at ease, On tricHnium cahnly recHne, The renowned Painted Porch with wise Zeno haunt, Learn all that the Stoics could know? Fierce fiery accents in falling receive From the lips of rare Cicero ? Aye the days of old, And the lays of old, And the wondrous, witching ways of old! Luxurious leisure fain would we enjoy, With noble, serene dignity. From turmoil, and turbid, tumultuous toil, Of this modern century free: When Sir Lancelot's lance, held in rest, brightly shone. While garlands entwined 'round the point, E'er masses, with classes, their wild warfare waged. And the times had become out of joint. Aye the days of old. And the lays of old. And the wondrous, witching ways of old ! The powdered marquise shall we ne'er again see. Nor gentry in velvet and hose ? Regard for the peasant, respect for the peer, With courtly and high-bred repose ? Ye Olden Time 95 Then liveried servants in quaint sedan-chair, Bore ladies in satins within, But the maiden to-day dons bloomers or tights. And goes on her "bike " for a " spin." Aye the days of old, And the lays of old, And the wondrous, witching ways of old ! With Elizabeth feast, and with Raleigh carouse, In Kenilworth's banqueting-hall. Watch the fair Antoinette, light-hearted, and gay, Tread a dance at the Tuileries ball; The tourney to enter, the prizes to win. From chivalrous warriors bold : Henry Eighth, and Francis the First to behold, On the " Field of the Cloth of Gold." Aye the days of old, And the lays of old. And the wondrous, witching ways of old ! -"JSJj^^^Si i^-*^€ ,■^^"' ""^" 3^ r:^ Y W fm K^ 97 THE COUNTERSIGN. A MARTIAL EPISODE. IN the camp it is night, e'en the wind 's moaning low ; All is still save the tramp of the guard to and fro. At the outpost the picket his weary watch keeps, Thro' the clouds Dian peeps, while the uni- verse sleeps. Mark that sound on the ground — someone climbing the steep ; Branches break— thro' the lines he is seeking to creep. 99 loo The Seven Voices ' ' Who goes there ? ' ' On the air ring the tones clear and strong, " 'T is a friend," cries a voice, weak from journeying long. " Then advance, friend, advance, and the countersign give. Otherwise," sentry cries, " none this line pass, and live. " Strict our orders to-night — disobey I dare not — All without countersign, on the spot, must be shot." For God's sake let me live! brave, loyal man I, Just escaped prison dungeons — and now, must I die ? " If by friends I 'm forgot, dark and dreary my lot, Weak and weary and lone, but the password know not ! I 'm a true boy in blue, but not ready to die, Send me not, unprepared, to the great God on high!" The Countersign loi " Your sorrow I share, but your life cannot spare, Brief moment I grant you, for death to pre- pare." Softly whispers the guard, as time ebbs to a close, " If the stranger be loyal, great God inter- Lo ! the wanderer there, wrapt in deep fervent prayer. Makes the sign of the Cross, with his finger in air. Rushing forward apace, rapture lights the guard's face. While the stranger he clasps in fraternal em- brace. " You are saved by God's might," cries the guard, with delight, " For the sign of the Cross is the password to- night! " So when mortals are passing the portals divine, True faith in the Cross is the soul's countersign. ORIGIN OF "HOLD THE FORT."* DAY has dawned at Allatoona, and the rays of rising sun Are greeted by the battle's roar and peaHng Parrott gun. Loud above the blast of bugles, loud above the beating drums, Sound the rattle of the musketry and bursting of the bombs. Now surrounded is the fortress, its defenders* hope ebbs low ; Unconditional surrender is demanded by the foe. Origin of '* Hold the Fort" 103 Danger daring, men are dying, martyrs to their country's love, While each instant, swiftly fleeting, wafts a hero's heart above. "Courage, comrades! see the signal of the leader we adore Far aw^ay across the valley, waving on Mount Kenesaw! " Wondrous message, calmly floating, high above the battle's flame, " Hold the fort, for I am coming! " with the might of Sherman's name. From the fort one shout arises — glorious, joy- ful, thrilling cry — " We '11 defend our country's standard; we '11 defend it till we die! " Noble hearts to dust returning, life-blood give to nature's sod; Patriots for true glory yearning, yield their souls to Nature's God. 'Mid the havoc and the carnage of the deadly rifle-ball, Battling bravely, fighting fiercely, more than half their numbers fall. I04 The Seven Voices Look ! what means that dust-cloud moving, what that distant sound we hear ? Standards, horsemen, Sherman's vanguard — our deliverers draw near. Heroes of that march " Thro' Georgia from Atlanta to the Sea," Rolling like a wave, resistless, plunge that fear- less cavalry. Thro' the valley, like a whirlwind, gallant chargers snorting sweep ; Waving plumes and helmets gleaming, up the steep they wildly leap. To the rescue! nearer, clearer, sound victorious trumpet-calls, Sabres flashing, madly dashing, dashing to the fortress walls. At this sudden apparition — dazed with frenzy by the sight, Southern haughty host chivalric, panic-stricken, takes to flight. Laurels! for the fort's defenders; laurels! for their perils braved ; Laurels! for that flag is rescued, and that cita- del is saved. Origin of " Hold the Fort" 105 Legions still the spot are guarding; o'er their graves green grows the grass, Guarding Fortress Allatoona, in the Allatoona Pass. Wisely has the Church adopted Sherman's message as its own : ' ' Hold the fort, for I am coming ! ' ' echoes loud from zone to zone. In the Gothic nave that anthem the cathedral choir sings, While 'neath high arch and " vaulted dome" the pealing organ rings. From Asia's shore to Labrador, where'er the sails are furled, Of the Anglo-Saxon argosies — those " Mis- sioners " of the world, A myriad gladsome voices have that hearty chorus caught, " Hold the fort, for I am coming — I am com- ing, hold the fort ! ' ' THE BANNERS. ANTILLES' Queen serenely Rules realms of liquid wave Beside an open coffin, Beside an open grave, Columbia's son is standing, Beneath the vaulted sky, Alone, unarmed, and friendless — Guiltless, condemned to die. The captive's arms are pinioned, Close-bandaged are his eyes, In line the troops are marshalled, " Load! Aim! " the captain cries. 1 06 The Banners 107 Appear forthwith two consuls, Their hearts brave thoughts inspire, Ere time is given the captain For that fatal order, " Fire! " Fearless advance those Saxons, 'Gainst the soldiers of the South, Close to the deadly barrels. Close to the musket's mouth. Two honoured silken banners. O'er the captive's breast they fling. In unison two voices With thrilling accents ring. Hold! vandals! from your conscience Have truth and justice fled ? And is the last scintilla Of Cortez' spirit dead ? Hold! guiltless is the sailor. Let your murderous purpose cease, A mighty nation's son spare. With whom ye are at peace ! " Mark Columbia's starry emblem, Victor by land and sea! Mark Saint George's banner royal, Let monarchs bend the knee! The Eagle guards her offspring, Let every foe beware : io8 The Seven Voices Fierce is the lion's fury, Attack them — if you dare! " Dazed is that Spaniard haughty By consuls' bravery ; Loosed are the binding fetters, And the innocent is free. Prayer is the Christian's banner, His citadel, his tower, A symbol, present ever, Of unseen, resistless power. JESUS' DYING WORDS. " Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." — St. Luke xxiii , 46. ON Calvary's gray mountain, O'er Kedron'.s lonely vale, Thy Lord of life is dying, Pierced by the cruel nail ; He cries, while trembling nature Walls of the temple rend : " Into Thy hands, O Father, My spirit I commend! " When evening shadows lengthen, And westward sinks the sun, When the daily toil is finished. And the humble task is done ; Each night at my petition Thine ear of mercy lend : " Into Thy hands, O Father, My spirit I commend! " 109 no The Seven Voices When darksome night is ended, And sunshine floods the skies, Again refreshed and gladsome, I with the lark arise ; Christ's dying words I utter. E'er thro' the world I wend: " Into Thy hands, O Father, My spirit I commend! " When demons of temptation The faltering heart assail. Then from the victim struggling Is wrung the piteous wail ; " To rescue from perdition. Thy saving succour send : Into Thy hands, O Father, My spirit I commend! " When by the hearthstone dreary Is placed the vacant chair, When grievous great affliction Seems more than I can bear. My haughty nature soften. And my earnest prayer attend : " Into Thy hands, O Father, My spirit I commend! " When on earth's scenes familiar For the last time I gaze, Jesus' Dying Words 1 1 1 With breath and life fast fleeting My hymn of praise I raise, Singing those words of Jesus, Then shall my soul ascend : Into Thy hands, O Father, My spirit I commend! " TRUST. SIGHS the soul by gloom oppressed, Cries the heart by fear distressed, When doth God show love to men ? ' Every-when ; " Where extends His special care ? " Every-where. Gentle heart, whence comes this fear ? Timid eye, why wells this tear ? E'en the birds that cleave the air. Ne'er despair: Swim the fishes in the sea, Trustfully. ANGLO-SAXON. ROUNDEL. DEAR mother-tongue, low lisped in in- fancy ! Through darkest lands thy words of light are flung; Bard, statesman, orator, gain power from thee. Dear mother-tongue. The wide world round thy trumpet-tones have rung! More own thy sway, this day, o'er land and sea, Than any speech, men civilized among. For aught we know, when, in eternity, Of Moses and the Lamb the song is sung By saints redeemed, thine will those accents be, Dear mother-tongue! FAME. ROUNDEL. A LIVING name— magnet man's life to sway I High hope his heart inspires, that he may claim When tablets crumble, monuments decay, A living name. Sink would the line e'er finny prizes came, Save for the float on surface of the bay : So deeds, man's life-Hne, from oblivion claim. Fain would each mortal some word write or say. That by the finger of immortal fame. His own be written, e'er he pass away, A living name. THE FLOWER FAYS. FRESH is the air as the breath of heaven; The flowers of Eden are all unborn ; Earth's purity still by man unmarred : 'T is the holy morn of creation's dawn. Now cutting the petals, now moulding the buds, On every hillside an elfin fay, With hues iridescent and ten- derest touch, flower is tinting at break of day. the mountain's breast two rainbows rest, slight that the graceful trees shine through, fays, when seeking for pigments rare, brushes dip in prismatic dew. To Jaqueminot Palace, on gossamer wing, Comes flying a fairy addressing the queen: The Flower Fays 119 " Without name, without colour, one blossom remains Undiscovered, the heartsease and daisies be- tween. " 'Neath a jasmine-leaf she nestles her head. Thus hiding her face by a veil of green; On a cushion of moss reclining her form, The tiniest flower that ever was seen." " All colours are given," so muses the queen, " Tints soft, rich, and radiant every one. E'en the form of the star, and the pink of the shell Nought, alas, now remains, save the sky and the sun ! " There 's no hue so true as the heaven's blue, And the sun denotes fervour till time grows old ; She the emblem shall be of constancy, Her mantle of azure, her tresses of gold.' " Nameless, unknown," the floweret cries, " Exist for aye, ah, let me not! " As near she flies, the queen replies, " Thy name shall be ' Forget-me-not.' " BRIGHT lily, starry-form, belle of Bermuda, Destined a wanderer ever to roam. Sighing for kiss of the warm southern zephyr, Exile for aye from thy sea-island home. Golden thy stamens as Jupiter's goblet. Argent thy raiment as twin star above. Sap is thy heart-blood, leaves only words idle. Good actions are flowers, thy fragrance is love. Speed on thy mission, fair Hebe 'mong lillies, Pleasure dispensing, where'er thou may'st come ; Welcome to thee in thy land of adoption, Exile for aye from thy sea-island home. TO V. H. F. RAY of the RUBY with radiance streaming, Kindle mankind with thy beam born above, High lift our hearts beyond earth's empty dreaming. Symbol of sympathy, symbol of love. Light of the amethyst, gentle, refining. Emblem of suffering martyrs endure. Pleasure resigning, but never repining, Fearlessly faithful, and peerlessly pure. Truth, gleam triumphant, lead onward before us. Sapphire shine with cerulean hue! Keystone of Heaven's high dome arching o'er us. Robe of St. John — ^true and beautiful blue. Hymen, thy rich golden TOPAZ is brightest. Softening sorrow and lengthening life ; 122 The Seven Voices Wrongs many thou Tightest, man's load making lightest, By God's choicest blessing — a true-hearted wife. Like wavelet earth's joys from our feet are re- treating. Like cloud in blue ether fast melting away, Life's labours completing, death's terrors de- feating, Hope, shed on our pathway thine emerald ray. From high heaven bending, these colours de- scending. Unite in WHITE light from impurities free. Thy gladsome way wending, to glory unending. These traits are all blending, Virginia, in thee. LITTLE HE AND SHE. TWO fairy figures beginning to walk, Two tiny treasures attempting to talk, Lightly tripping it over the lawn. Breathing the breath of the early morn : Upon the sand. With hand in hand. Pebbles seeking by the sea, Darling little he and she. Two little dainty forms, slender and trim, Two rosy faces 'neath panama brim. Two eyes of chocolate, two eyes of gray, Gleaming with sunny smiles every day: Flowing dresses, Curling tresses. Brimming o'er with gladsome glee, Happy little he and she. 123 124 The Seven Voices Airily, merrily, 'mong the flocks. Wandering over Rhode Island's rocks. Long may your lives be bright with joy, My winsome girl, and my noble boy : Footsteps patter, Voices chatter. Priceless gems are ye to me, Precious little he and she. DEAR CHUBBY HAND. ROUNDEL. DEAR chubby hand of rosy tender years, Whose hardest work is building forts of sand, Or tigers taming, cut with tailor's shears — Dear chubby hand. Some day, perchance, serving thy native land. Deeds thou may'st do which all mankind reveres, Great senates sway, or armaments command. If thou seek truth, not what but true appears, Defend the right, ever the wrong withstand. Thou shalt be felt in both the hemispheres — Dear chubby hand. 125 MAYFLOWER. ROUNDEL. , nv,^ OWEET Mayflower, slight and slender, ""Y^^ O Born in May, like bud in bower, Bright and gladsome, pure and tender, Sweet Mayflower. Once in dark and stormy hour, Proved a Mayflower faith's defender. Steered by the Almighty power. So may God protect, defend her, And should clouds of sorrow lower, Heavens choicest blessings send her, Sweet Mayflower. s^^ MY KOH-I-NOOR. WRITTEN TO M. C. H. ROUNDEL. M Y Koh-i-noor no jewel e'er outvied, ngeless endure, Changeless for thee shall glowing Ic My wife for aye, and still for aye a bride, My Koh-i-noor. Forming right royal diadem's contour, Thou with thy little pearls on either side, Regalia ne'er held priceless gems more pure. If dark and dreary days should e'er betide. May I be spared to keep from ill-secure. From storm to shield, from every harm to hide, My Koh-i-noor. 127 BROKEN HEART. ONLY an infant sleeping, Sleeping its life away ; Only an infant weeping, Sorrowing night and day. Only an empty bubble Is man's life here below; Only a tale of trouble. Of work, of worry, of woe. Only a moment of gladness, To meet, to love, to part; Only an age of sadness. Only a broken heart. Only a form by a river. Leaping beneath the wave Only a corpse, with a shiver, Laid in an unknown grave. 12S TO H. R. H. HIGH on the Alps nestle chapels enshrining Saintly Madonna, 'mid pure virgin snow, Faith, in her eyes, and compassion combining. Ardently, earnestly, lovingly glow. Brilliant with moonlight is cloud's silver lining, Laughing with merriment, joyous with glee. Sparkling the wavelet 'neath golden sun shining. Glitters and gleams on the crest of the sea. Vine of the forest, strong oak intertwining, Pattern of tenderness, emblem of love. Canonized saints lower natures refining, Silently trustful are pointing above. 129 i-,o The Seven Voices Sister angelic, earth's pleasures resigning, Loyally loving, and tenderly true. Traits of the saint, vine, and wavelet com- bining, Accept Helen, darling, this tribute to you. TO M. C. H. IN the springtide, by the brookside, when the evening shadows fall, In the twilight, oft I listen, listen, to the lin- net's call. At the wondrous hues I marvel as they bright and brighter grow, Thousand iridescent splendours of the sunset's afterglow — Diamonds, rubies, pearls outdazzling all the gems of Persia's Shah, Brilliant coronet of Phoebus, in the sky's re- galia. From the cheek of modest maiden, crimson blushes fade away. So the flush of rosy sunset, ebbs with life of dying day. 131 132 The Seven Voices Calm and calmer grow my heartbeats, while the shadows slowly march, And the earth is soothed to slumber 'neath the sombre twilight arch. Then one gentle star appearing, watches over land and sea, Like the eye of Guardian Angel looking lov- ingly on me. So with influence refining, in my horoscope of hfe, One bright star is ever shining, and that star is thou, sweet wife. >i.ft IM"^ THK CHASE.* PAW, prance, Neigh, snort, Loud, clear, shrill, short, Chafe, champ, play, dance. Rear, jump, plunge, cavort! At the portal bridled, ready, Charger highly mettled waits. Staunch and sturdy, strong and steady, Longing to outstrip his mates. Quick, dash, Break not, Though huge branch crash, Though thick m.ud splash, Trot, trot, trot, trot, 134 The Seven Voices Fast through the forest the hunters are hieing, Stirring the blood as they cover the ground, Swiftly the fleet-footed fillies are flying. Onward and upward with leap and a bound. Climbing sagaciously. Stepping vivaciously, Galloping gayly they follow the hound. Haste up the hillside, and dart through the dingle, Woodland, and moorland, alert for the fray ; j How the blood courses, and how '"' the veins tingle. Swimming and skimming o'er river and brae I Deftly and skilfully. Wildly and wilfully, Booted and spurred, we are off and away. Long waving arms of the many-hued maple, Clad in rich raiment of crimson and gold, Storm-gnarled oak, and the tender-voiced aspen, Each to the riders a welcome has told. Bodies unbending, Welcome extending. Flowers are swaying their forms manifold. The Chase i:5 Now the fog grows thicker, thicker. While the pace is quick, and quicker, Hark the huntsman's horn is ringing glad and merry sound. Forward faster, faster, faster, Spurring, speed the horse and master, Fence and ditch and brooklet meeting, But thev clear them with a bound. Hark the rain-drops patter, patter, Hark the footfalls clatter, clatter, Through the glowing golden val- ley With its fields of waving grain ; How the flitting hours are flowing, How the homeing herds are low- ing. As returning in the gloaming we are roaming o'er the plain. with a Stars are peeping. Shadows creeping. Weary mortals. Welcome portals. Home-bound, Rest found. ^- / LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD.* ALL hail to thee, Liberty, goddess majestic, With Sister Republic far over the sea, Our sympathies blending, in union unending, A welcome, warm welcome, thrice welcome to thee ! Metis wed Jupiter, France weds Bartholdi, To millions the marvellous tale shall be told, How Liberty leaped from the brain of her sire. As from Jupiter's head sprang Minerva of old. Eit emblem is bronze formed of earth's choicest metals, All melted, well moulded, and wrought into one; 136 Liberty Enlightening the World 137 Columbia in one mighty nation combining Greek, Russian and Roman, Celt, Saxon and Hun. In Europe's proud monarchies great the re- joicing When princes are born to the thrones of the earth ; So, pageant of war, and artillery's salvos, Announce to the world noble Liberty's birth. Bright Empire's star in ascendant is beaming, With power unending this maid to endow, Igniting the torch the wide world to enlighten. Rests proudly forever on Liberty's brow. In Egypt there languished a people in bondage, Down-trodden, oppressed by tyrannical might. O'er Pharaoh triumphant, that nation of free- men, To a new land were led by a pillar of light. With radiance glowing, effulgence o'erflowing, The flame of the torch grasped in Liberty's hand, As beacon of light guides the world's weary pilgrim. O'er the desert of waves to the new " prom- ised land." 138 The Seven Voices Then hail to thee, Liberty, goddess majestic. With Sister Republic far over the sea, Our sympathies blending, in union unending, A welcome, warm welcome, thrice welcome to thee! NOTES. YELLOW ROSES. Versified from an old story. RONKONKO^L•\.* Lake Ronkonkoma is on Long Island, midway between the north and south shores. It is nearly circular, about three miles in circumference, and though the water is perfectly fresh it is entirely surrounded by a beach of beautiful sand whence the lake derives its name. There is a tradition that its waters have a periodical ebb and i^ow once in seven years — see History of Long Island, by N. S. Prime. It has no visible inlet or outlet, and until recently was unfathomed. It is said that an object dropped into the lake passes by a subterranean channel into the Connetquot, the waters of which flow finally into the Great South Bay and Ocean. Long Is- land was called by the Indians " Sewanhacka," meaning the "Isle of Shells." MIRAGE OF MOUNT KAATERSKILL. * See " Rip Van Winkle," in Washington Irving's Sketch Book. \ Mahomet's coffin is said to remain suspended between heaven and earth. \ On the afternoon of July 23, 1884, a thunder-storm oc- curred on the top of the Catskill Mountains. Immediately 139 HO The Seven Voices after the storm had passed, the mirage here described was seen by the author of these lines. A large cloud was suspended in mid-heaven, directly over the Hudson River, and on it were distinctly portrayed the top of Mount Kaaterskill and the buildings on the summit of said mountain. The phenomenon was witnessed by several other people. It lasted only a few minutes and then faded away. SEA-SURF SONG, OR VOICE OF THE BREAKERS.* The first three lines of each verse represent the sound of three large waves rolling in and breaking ; the fourth line represents the water receding over the pebbly beach. MASCONOMO.* The beach referred to in the above lines is situated near Manchester-by-the-Sea, on the coast of Massachusetts. The sands, when trodden upon, give forth a musical sound at every footstep. They have thus become a subject of interest to sci- entific men, who are unable to account for the fact. A quantity of the sand has been taken to Washington for exami- nation. " Norman's Woe" is the name of the reef close by, on which the wreck of the Hesperus, described by Longfellow, occurred. " Masconomo " was an Indian chieftain who lived near the spot. LEGEND OF MORTERATSCII GLACIER.* The Morteratsch Glacier is situated near the village of of Pontresina, in the Engadine Valley, Switzerland. It is stated in A Voyage itt the SunbeaiH, by Mrs. Brassy, vol. ii., pp. 89 and 103, that Shintooism is the primitive faith of Japan, and that in Shintoo temples the Crystal Ball is considered of priceless value. THE POULPICAN.* According to the legends of the peasants of Bretagne, the Korrigans are tiny fairies who lived in the prehistoric Dolmens Notes 141 which are said to have been built by the Poulpicans. The Kerrigans preside over fountains, beside which, once a year, they hold "high festival." They covet new-born children and change them for their own hideous dwarfs, which are called Poulpicans. The Korrigans are put to flight by sight of a priest. The peasants' cottages are built with overhanging roofs. Mistletoe suspended over the door, means that cider is sold within. CABOT.* Written on the four-hundredth anniversary (June 24, 1S97), of the discovery of the American Continent by Cabot. He sailed in the ship Matihe-w of Bristol. Bancroft says, that under a commission of King Henry VII., of England, " John Cabot, taking with him his son Sebastian, embarked. After sailing prosperously as he reported, for seven hundred leagues, on the 24th of June, 1497, early in the morning, almost fourteen months before Columbus, on his third voyage, came in sight of the main, and more than two years before Amerigo Vespucci sailed west of the Canaries, he discovered the Western Contin- ent, probably in the latitude of about 56 degrees, among the dis- mal cliffs of Labrador. H e ran along the coast for many leagues, it is said even for three hundred, and landed. . . He planted on the land a large cross with the flag of England."— (George Bancroft's History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continettt, 19th edition, Boston, 1862 and 1S63, vol. i., pp. 10, 11). Sebastian Cabot, a native of Bristol, on his second voyage, sailed from England May, 1498, with three hundred men, " for Labrador by way of Iceland, and reached the continent in the latitude of 58 degrees, and having pro- ceeded along the shores of the United States to the southern boundary of Maryland, or perhaps to the latitude of Albemarle Sound, want of provisions induced him to return to England." (Bancroft, Boston edition of 1841, vol. i., p. n.) Winsor says: " We now know . . . that John Cabot was the dis- coverer of America." — (Winsor's Narrative and Critical His- tory of America, vol. iii., p. 32.) 142 The Seven Voices VE OLDEN TIME. * Albius Tibullus was " an eminent poet, who wrote several fine elegies." He was a " contemporary and friend of Horace." f L. Licinius Lucullus was the famous "general in the war against Mithradates, celebrated for his wealth." ORIGIN OF " HOLD THE FORT."* During October, 1864, while Sherman's army lay near Atlanta, Hood passed the right flank of Sherman, and com- menced the destruction of the railroad leading north. Sher- man's army was put in rapid motion following Hood, to save the supplies and larger posts, the principal of which was lo- cated at Altoona Pass, through which ran the railroad. Gen- eral Corse, of Illinois, was stationed here with about fifteen hundred men. A million and a half of rations were stored here, and it was highly important that the earthworks com- manding the pass and protecting the supplies should be held. Six thousand men, under command of General French, were detailed by Hood to take the position. The works were com- pletely surrounded and summoned to surrender. Corse refused. The defenders were driven into a small fort upon the crest of the hill. At this moment an officer caught sight of a white signal-flag far away across the valley fifteen miles distant, upon the top of Kenesaw Mountain. The signal was answered, and soon the message was waved across from mountain to moun- tain : " Hold the fort ; I am coming. Sherman." Cheered by the message, the garrison held the fort until Sherman's arrival made its capture impossible. LITTLE HE AND SHE. Written to G and K at the ages of two and three, respectively. DEAR CHUBBY HAND. Written to G at the age of four. Notes 143 MAY FLOWER. Written to K at the age of six. THE CHASE.* The meter of these verses represents a horse chafing at the door, the start, the trot, canter, and return home. LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD.* Written on the occasion of unveiling the Bartholdi Statue, given by France to the United States and inaugurated in New York Harbour, October 28, 1886. DtO 9 ^^^^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ^ iilliliiliilii" ^ 015 907 462 6 1