Class ESj5£3S Book Qs^T; GowrightN?_____l3_l * COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THK AUTHOR 'opyright, 1915, by SETH B. ROOT Contents Title Page Preface . . Page 4 Book jfirst {Treasures of IDerse Page Chanticleer 7 The Settler's Sunrise 7 The " Out Doors " 7 The Merry Months 7 The Country Invitation 7 The Country Call 7 The Farmer 8 The Plowman 8 The Two Plowmen 8 The Trader's Tea 8 The Milky Way 8 The Saratoga Waters 8 The Bachelor's Bread 9 The Baker's Dough 9 The Limburger Receipt 9 The Sighing Lover 9 The Stricken Lover 9 The Sorrowing Lover 9 The Bashful Lover 10 The Babbler's Secret 10 The Quaint Curios 11 The Amorous Dude 11 The Fencing Rails 11 The Prelate's "Sheep"* 11 The Parson's " Plunder " ** 11 The Poet's Plight 12 The Poet's Approach 12 The Poet-Printer 12 The Poet-Peddler 12 Preacher Versus Poet 12 Populist Poor's Parallel 12 The Poor 13 The Ship 13 The Victory 13 The Wants 13 Need 13 Nothing 13 Contentment 14 True Contentment 14 All-Sufficiency 14 Bonny Gold 14 Our Goings 14 Our Good 14 " Doing " Good 14 Page Our Recompense 15 Our Best Having 15 Gladness 15 Sorrow 15 Searching 15 Defense 15 Humility And Gratitude 15 The Standard True 15 A Modest Measure 15 One Way 16 The Morrow 16 The Well-Cave 16 Man Versus Hog 16 The Drunken Swine 16 The Voice Of Caution 16 The Midnight Call 16 The School Boy 17 The Goose Egg 17 Gone! 17 Our Infancy 17 A Time 18 Evil Training 18 Incompetence 18 Schools 18 Over-taught 18 God Versus Dog IS The Noisy Preacher 18 Hope 19 Eternal Hope 19 Conditions 19 The Poet 19 The Poet Sires 19 The Poet's Song 20 The Snow-Flower 20 The Strange Flower * 20 "Stolen!"** 20 Hearken ! 21 W r 21 Right 21 O Persecuted Child ! 21 O Pilgrim Poor! 21 O Spirit Fair! 21 Accept! 21 The Zealous Workman 22 Page •' No Time To Rest " 22 Duty Bright 22 Toil 22 Reward 22 Ruth 22 Hated 22 Hiero 23 Thales * 23 Aristides ** 23 The Chief's Sorrow * 24 The Emigrant 24 The Settler's Sorrow 25 The Swiss Wanderer 25 The Japanese Origin 25 English Proverbs 26 SHORT SHOTS The Pen 33 Quotation 33 The Studious 33 Not Enough * 33 A Theme ** 33 Our Nature 33 Our World 33 Our Universe 34 Our Book 34 Nature's Book 34 That Tenet 34 The Unseen 34 A Psalm 34 Nature's Psalm 35 Adoration Fair 35 Star And Soul 35 State 35 State Of Man 35 Sublunary Inconstancy 35 Morning 35 Welcome, Morning! 35 The Morning Carol 36 The Morning Melody 36 The Sierra Sunrise 36 Fair Sun.! 36 Thy Gaze Of Gold! 36 The Earning 36 Pages Of Blank 36 A Day 36 Another Day 37 Homeward 37 Nightfall 37 Night 37 Airs Of Night 38 Bird Of Night 38 Candle-light 38 Our Neighbor's Light 38 The Philosopher And Cricket 38 Evening Contemplation 38 A Wilderness Crude 3!) Brother Dust 39 " No One To Love " 39 Voices Dear ! 39 Watches 39 Gay Moon! 39 Silver Moon! 40 Majestic Moon! 40 Beauteous Star! 40 Page Fair Stars! 40 See The Stars ! 41 Ever Glowing Stars ! 41 Aspirations Of Beauty 41 A Spirit Power 41 Federation 41 Apart 42 Alone 42 Solitude 42 Forest Tenants 42 Silent Teachers 42 Jack O'Lantern 43 Day And Night 45 Rose And Thorn 45 Nature's Beauty 45 Hymn To Spring 45 The Western Lark 45 A Thousand Warblers 46 A Flower 46 A Bee 46 A Dove 47 A Sea Bird 47 A Strange Bird 47 A Slaughtered Bird 47 A Toad 47 A Rabbit 48 Antelope 48 June 48 Afield 48 The Starry Daisies 48 A Summer Breeze 49 Summer Winds 49 Summer Voices 49 Song of the Shower 49 After The Shower 50 Song Of The Scythe 50 The Haymaker's Sabbath 50 Autumn 51 The Autumn Leaf 51 The Autumn Leaves 51 The Harvest Time 51 October 51 October Time 52 Scattered Leaves! 52 November 52 Autumn Voices 53 Song Of Autumn 53 A Storm 53 A Stormy Night 54 The Storm Demon 54 Blinks Of Sunshine 54 The Winter Months 54 Sierra Snow 55 Winter Wind 55 Wild Wind 55 Wailing Wind 55 Merciless Winds 56 Eighteen Eighty-Nine 56 The Passing Year 56 The New Year 56 Another Year 57 The Singers 57 Sing! 57 Be Glad! 57 The Present 57 The Past 57 iii The Future 58 The Beautiful Ages 58 OUTLINES OF HISTORY Spoil Of Time 62 Soliloquy Of Time 63 Spirit Of Being 63 After-Balm 63 Our Duty 63 Our Steps 63 Our Walk 64 Our Life 64 Our Life's Stages 64 Our Life's Significance 64 Sweet Is Life 64 Brief Is Life 65 Passing Time 65 Appointed Time 65 " Nick Of Time " 65 Discontent 65 Youth 65 O Youth ! 66 Youthful Stranger! 66 O Youthful Heart! 66 " Young Man, Go West!" 66 Childhood's Home 67 Portions Small 67 Something 67 Something More 67 The Builders 67 Security 68 Beyond The Light 68 Opportunity 68 The Glad Possessor 68 Launching 69 Afloat 69 The Harbor There 69 The Stray Seed 69 The Fountain 69 The Streamlet 70 The Two Waters 70 The Two Ways 70 The Lowly Born 70 O Sighing Soul! 71 Mourn Not! 71 Not In Vain 71 Nature's Simple Law 71 A Higher Rank 71 The Singing Soul 71 Sing And Laugh ! 72 O Wanderer! 72 Homeward Bound 72 The Approach 72 Modesty 72 Simplicity 72 Thy Nothingness 72 The Lord's Perfections 73 He 73 My Friend 73 A Worthy Friend 74 Hast Thou A Friend? 74 Spurn Not Thy Friend ! 74 Let Not Thy Friend Depart! 74 O Bear With Thy Love! 74 Record No Mark ! 74 Spare The Act! 74 For All The Ills 75 Our Fellow Treatment 75 Our "Foes" Our Friends 75 Our Displeasures 75 Stability 75 Adversity 75 111 Withdrawn 75 1 Joy! 75 I Think Of Job 76 Trouble 76 As Sings The Bird 76 Common Liberty 76 Peace 76 Inherent Power 76 Suspecting Heart ! 76 Calumny 77 Wickedness 77 Soul Of Truth ! 77 Weakly Brother! 77 Despair Not ! 77 Faint Not! 78 Shrink Not ! 78 The Purpose 78 Doubts 78 Stop! 78 Place 78 Instruct Thyself 78 In Ways Of Thought 78 From Pleasant Ways 79 Arise ! 79 Grow ! 79 Who Cares? 79 Originality 79 Honor 79 Trust 80 Adaptation 80 Wrong 80 Unrighteousness 80 Abuse 81 Depravity 81 Deceit 81 The Hypocrite 81 The Devil 81 Imitation 82 Formality 82 Speech 82 Fair Words 82 Thy Claim 82 Not Alone 82 Not All 82 Spiritual Outcome 83 Love Untrue 83 When Lacked 83 Finer Food 83 No Better 83 Strength 83 Mercy 83 Likes 84 Vigilance 84 Harmony 84 Heavenly Harmony 84 A Lovely Land 84 Opposition 85 Unkindness 85 Obstructions 85 Page God Knows 85 Reverses 85 Resignation 85 Divinity 85 Thine 85 Thy Way 86 Beware! 86 Assistance 86 Mutual Aid 86 Inherent Goodness 86 Wisdom And Goodness 86 Unprejudice 86 Battle Of Marathon 86 VETERAN MEMORIES The Bugle 86 The Civil Strife 87 The Battle 87 Rappahannock Waters 87 No Hatreds 87 Soldier Days 87 Mine Run 87 Buried And Gone 88 Brother Mine 8S Old Comrades 88 Memories Dear 89 Going Into Camp 90 A Song 90 Arlington Cemetery 90 Good Government 90 O Life! 91 Our Home 91 Externals 91 The Stranger 91 The Mysterious Stranger 91 The Maids And The Beggar 91 The Sister Pilgrim 92 The Unfortunate Mother 92 The War-Mother's Soliloquy 92 Woman's Sorrow 92 Woman's Devotion 92 Christian Faith , 93 Christian Fidelity 93 The Pure Unknown 93 The Greeley Investigators 93 After The Marriage 94 "All Flesh Is Grass" 94 Creatures Of Clay 94 Sinking To Rest 94 " The Still Waters " 95 The Two Sisters 95 The Benediction 95 Life's Evening 95 Decay 95 The Hoary Head 95 The Aged 95 Cheer The Aged ! 96 The Beautiful 96 Beautiful Things 96 By The Ocean 96 Were It Not 96 Wealth And Fame 96 Which Is Best? 97 A God 97 Our Time 97 Page Love, Work And Worth 97 So Let Us Live! 97 O Think! 98 My Heart! 98 My Father! 98 Lead Us! 98 My Claims? 98 Surely Thine! 98 Awake! 98 A Wish 99 A Will 99 A Work 99 The Works 99 Thy Works 99 The Mountain 99 Up! 99 Down ! 99 Extinction 99 Honesty 100 Purity 100 Faith And Hope 100 Joy And Praise 100 Thanks 100 Thanks And Praises 100 Sing, My Heart! 100 Come With Me! 100 Drink With Me! 100 Go! 101 O Lamp! 101 The Light 101 The True Light 101 Divine Effulgence 101 Sheen Of Glory 102 Public Gossip 102 Christian Equipage 102 Christ's Disciples 102 Prince And Prisoner 102 Eternal Truth 102 Unfailing Presence 103 Unto Thee! 103 Immortal Lord ! 103 "Jesus Wept" 103 There 103 W aiting 103 The Dying Christian 104 A Spirit Call 104 Dream Of Peace 104 Expression Fails 104 Silence 104 Death 104 Departure 105 Affection's Tear 105 Mozart 105 Jenny Lind 105 The Wesleys 105 Edward Dunbar 105 Robert Burns 105 William Shakespeare 106 Philip Sheridan 106 Spirits Sped 106 Saving Sleep 106 The Odor 106 Their Rest 107 The Admonition 107 The Monument 107 Booh Seconb lEcboes of Iboine Page Introductory Ill The Change 113 The Lowly Cot 113 The Lofty Mansion 113 The Lovely Eden 113 The Beautiful Isle 113 The Current Dim 114 The Days Of Old 114 The Long Ago 114 Beautiful Dream 114 Affection Bold 114 Eastern Fields 114 A Picture 115 Winter Weather 115 A Home Photo 115 Open Thy Gates ! 115 A Memory 116 Song Of Memory 116 The First Robin 116 Far Back 116 A Bit Of Ground 117 A Summer Call 117 A Summer Bouquet 117 Locust Blooms 117 Only A Tree 117 The Forest Bird 118 My Home 118 A Precious Spot! 118 O Bear Me Back! 118 When I Go Home! 118 The Coesee 119 The Butternuts 119 The Old Butternut 119 The Heart Of Worth 119 O Heart Of Mine 120 Sacred Song 120 Why Sing? 120 Deny Me Not! 120 Health And Reason 120 Not Fame 120 Away ! O Fame ! 121 O World! 121 Airs Of Night 121 The Shady Side 121 Fading Light 121 Thy Set Abode 121 Truth! 122 O Star Of Truth! 122 Preserve Thyself! 122 Perfected Day 122 O Bear ! 122 Persecution 122 Love Wasted 122 Fellow Praise 123 O Righteous Judge! 123 O Savior Dear! 123 Job XIV 123 Job XVI 123 Present Of Boyhood 123 Thought Profound 124 Page Nigh Alone 124 Among Our Dead 124 Life's Struggle 124 Life's Swift Hours 124 Bedimming Doubt 124 Then, For All 124 LETTERS AND LINES A Friend 125 D. C 125 J. W. W 125 S. V. W 126 J. W. R 126 R. M. R 128 W. A. S 132 J. A. S 133 M. J. B 133 M. J. T 134 M. R 134 E. H. G 136 M. E. C 136 M. L 137 A. B. H 137 S. H, 137 B. J 137 A. & B 138 A. H 138 S. E. A 138 B. T. S 138 H. M 138 A. M 138 D. L 139 A. M 139 A. B 139 CD 139 E. F 139 H. G. S 139 R. V 139 L. M. T 140 M. J. H 140 F. M 140 J. L. R 140 G. B 140 E. V R 141 FRAGMENTARY FOOTLETS Absence 142 Ceaseless Mutterings 142 Winter 142 Spring 142 Summer Flowers 142 Summer Night 142 Change 142 Thy Kingdom 142 Ways Obscure 142 The Farmer Boy 142 A Vision 142 Autographs 142 A "T" 143 A House 143 Wedded Life 143 Filial Ingratitude 143 Of Glory 143 Of Naught 143 Of Nature 143 Of Wisdom 143 Stern Duty's Ways 143 Why? 143 Your Haste! 143 Fortune Knows 143 Of Fraud 143 Of Tyranny 143 Of Independence 143 Of Goodness 143 Invisible Good 143 Favoring Good 144 Mutual Aid 144 Gentle Ways 144 [Jncompared 144 How Fair! 144 How Good! 144 Care Of God 144 Truth 144 Awake! 144 Observations, Opinions, Life-Experiences and and Precepts 144 MOTHER SONG My Mother's Picture 145 1 Will Sing 146 Amid The Path 146 In Watchings Vain 146 A Worthy Mother 146 A Garden Fair 147 Sing, My Soul ! 147 A New Song ! 147 Thy Sweetest Strain! 147 An Elysium Bright ! 147 tor My Beloved! 147 Star Of Morning 148 The Summer Day 148 The Summer Song 14S Fairer Than Thee 14S Splendors On High 148 My Waiting Love 149 Id Eastern Gates 149 Still Awaiting Me 149 Awaiting Far Away 149 Ah, Lonely Years ! 149 A Lonely Mother 149 A Worthy Mother 150 Life's Alluring Home 150 In Stranger Lands 150 Fair My Love 150 Fields In Noveirber 150 The Saint's Adieu 151 The Sighing Storm 151 The Shielding Snow 151 Her Sweetest Bloom 151 Mindful Of Me 151 Fair The Mays 152 The Good Mother 152 The Mother's Psalm 152 The Children's Welcome " 152 Face Of Beauty 153 A Happy Dream 153 Page The Early Time 153 She Was Fairest 153 My Mother's Sewing 153 The Summer Flowers 154 O Western Winds! 154 Where Saunters She? 154 Where, Spirit Forlorn? 154 How So Fair? 155 The Angels Bright 155 The Azure Height 155 The Summer Night 155 From Her Face 155 Under The Moonlight 155 My Mother's Voice 156 My Belov-ed Dear 156 My Sacandaga Letter • 156 O Starry Spirits! 156 My Lady Love 157 Letters Of Gold 157 Unmarked Of Spirit 157 To Higher Hights 157 Of Mother Love 157 Faith And Love 157 Song Of Love 157 Supremacy Of Love 158 Brief Birthday Melodies 158 Syria's Sacred Land 163 Mother Of Cowper 163 The Holy Song 163 My Treasure Rich 163 Thy Loving Care 163 In Native Ministry 164 Below And Above 164 The House Above 164 To Never Die 164 Unchanged Of Time 164 Love Of Thee 164 Upon The Way 165 Like Sunshine Bright 165 From Glory's Sphere 165 My Spirit Sings 165 Of Souls Sincere 165 Fair Souls About 165 Sweet The Songs 166 Exalted Of God 166 Songs Of Thine 166 In The Morn 166 Shall Poets Sing 166 " Sing Many Songs " 167 Soul Of Song 167 My Full Endeavor 167 Beloved Of Me 167 Thought Of One 167 Of What Sing? 167 A Beautiful Song 168 For Pleasant Ways 168 Songs Of Thee 168 Bird Of Song 168 Clouds Of Care 168 In The Morning 169 O Mother Blest ! 169 Thy Parent Glory 169 By Love Endeared 169 Of Parent Sky 169 The Lord Above 169 Songs Of Love 170 INDEX Page The Humble Ways 170 Of Filial Duty 170 Weight Of Years 170 Work Of Mine 170 Words Of Mine 170 To Thy Glory 171 Sage And Pure 171 A Beautiful Life 171 Because Of Thee 171 Life And Joy 171 Of Precious Memory 172 My Cherished One 172 High And Holy 172 A Garden Sweet 172 I've Beauteous Thoughts 172 Like The Flowers 172 Each Shadowy Memory 173 A Thousand Ways 173 To Heavenly Rest 173 A Heavenly Debt 173 Thy Favoring Smiles 173 The Faithful Husbanding 174 Memories Of Mother 174 Memories Of Thee 174 Lullaby. O Lullaby ! 174 Lullabies Of Thine 174 A Little Child 174 " Twinkle, Little Star! " 174 "Sleep, Child, Sleep!" 175 •Little Boy Blue!" 175 I Well Remember 175 Forty Summers Since 175 Do You Remember? 175 Thy Mother Daughters 176 Over The Hills 176 " To The Spindle " 176 A Letter Came 176 As Jewel Rare 176 Sage The Words 177 A Garland Bright 177 Round The Throne 177 A Wide Expanse 177 A Passing Dream 177 Upon The Pinion 177 The Treasured Past 178 By Far Atlantic 178 The Locust Beloved 178 The Northward Dell 178 No Fitter Eye 179 A Beautiful Picture 179 In Favor Above 179 To Heaven's Throne 179 From Early Dawn 179 The Early Friends 180 Thy Sunset Glow 180 As Shadows Lengthen 180 The Sunny Past 180 Peace And Rest 180 The Heavenly Splendor 180 The Peaceful Grave 181 Thy Sunny Smiles 181 The Early Dawn 181 Christ The Just 181 Honor And Praise 181 A Moment's Space 182 Anigh To Thee 182 Page Stay With Me 182 A Firmer Hold 182 My Simple Love 182 My Best Desires 182 Spring Is Here 183 All Is Beauty 183 All Awaiteth Thee 183 Let Us Stray 183 My Soul's Adoring 183 Sent For Thee 184 Dales Of Yore 184 A Heavenly Anthem 184 Part Of God 184 The Morning Star 184 A Walk Abroad 185 The Echoes Afloat 185 On Nature's Source 185 I'm Fondly Thinking 185 Autumn Is Here 185 In Life's September 186 October Is Here 186 Beauteous October Days 186 The Tiny Leaf 187 The Autumn Breezes 187 The Pumpkin Pie 187 The " Cider-Making " 188 The " Boiling-Time" 188 Of Bless-ed Memory 188 The Placid Earth 188 The Soothless Storm 189 As Time's Annoy 189 Lands Of Winter 189 A Splendor Fair 189 The Spotless Fields 189 'Tis Fifty Years 190 By The Hearth 190 The Sacred Days 190 Much Thy Presence 19n Thoughts Of Thee 190 Awake To Me 191 The Storm-Wind 191 Thy Happy Lays 191 In Happy Light 191 Measure Of Gladness 191 The Storm Here 192 The Storm Past 192 Calm Hath Come 192 Soul Of God 192 Of The Spirit 192 O Spirit Fair! 193 A Summer Day 193 At Early Day 193 Thro' Early Morning 193 My Praises High 193 The Golden Shore 193 Thy Long Ago 194 The Happy Hours 194 Our Happy Home 194 In Sunny Skies 194 The Sunny Days 194 O Strangely Solemn 194 Thine The Peace 195 All-Abounding Peace 195 Thy Uncomplaining Years ". . . 195 Singing For Thee 195 Sol Went Down 195 INDEX Page Hights Of Winter 196 Effulgence Of God 196 The Beautiful Sky 196 The Fadeless Crown 196 Strains Of Thine 196 To Hoary Age 197 A Pleasant Time 197 A Beauteous Night 197 The Stars Above 197 God's Heavenly Purpose 197 Splendors Of Humility 198 Lowliness Of Holiness 198 The Lowly Way 198 Thro' Lowly Dell 198 Unnoted Of Others !98 Of Honors Sown 198 Of Honor's Part 199 Of Garners Hoary 199 A Gracious Work 199 Joy's Eternal Chime 199 Joy Thy Wages. 199 To Heavenly Rest 200 The Father's Will 200 For The Mansion 200 Thro' Heaven's Way 200 Our Lasting Peace 200 Cheer! My Love! 200 As Morning Light 201 Each Little Stay 201 Thy Saintly Stay • 201 The Servant's Stay 201 Of Bounty Blest 201 Gathering Wisdom's Store 201 Of Spirit Glow 202 Held In Store 202 The Lowly Sun 202 O Heart Abeam! 202 The Spirit Home 202 Along With Thee 202 How Soon Away ! 203 Possessed Of Jewels 203 The Higher Song 203 Of The Just 203 Love Must Wait 203 Joyous Spirits Sing 203 At Glory's Door 204 Home On High 204 The Victor Brow 204 A Promise Addressed 204 The Other Side 204 Streams Of Pleasure 205 Thy Sweet Mother 205 With Memory's Charms 205 Like The Light 205 Thy Second Sight 205 Where Childhood Trod 205 A Thousand Years 206 Honor And Fame 206 Of Self Unsought 206 Her Praises Everywhere 206 Of God Above 206 Across The Gulf 207 The Mighty Chorus 207 Fare Thee Well! 207 Of Vacant Way 207 Page In Saddest Grief 207 Poor Life Below 208 The Sacred Fear 208 Thy Spirit Dear 208 Thy Being's Stay 208 About The Field 208 The Soul Astrow 208 Or Spirit Low 209 The Spirit Shadows 209 Sad The Parting 209 A Seeming Solitude 209 Still Forever Nigh 209 I Miss Thee 210 About The Bourn 210 Amid The Maze 210 Sad The State 210 I Would Not 210 Thy Precious Form 211 The Body Dies 211 Stern The Strife 211 Peace And Joy 211 O Why Lament? 211 Treasures Sped Before 211 The Sorrows Strown 212 Stores Of Song 212 In Starry Song 212 Still The Same 212 In Long Arrear 212 The Spring Here 213 Let Us Afield! 213 In Spirit Blindness 213 In Sad Review 213 Thy Face Divine 213 As Starry Flowers 213 Evermore By Me 214 Love Forever Won 214 Thy Sacred Love 214 Thy Unfailing Memory 214 Above The Time 214 Here To Share 215 Sweet Tc Share 215 Day of Birth 215 Thy Lowly Bed 215 The Summer Land 215 A Little While 215 A Little Longer 215 Thy Sweet Society 216 No Better Friend 216 The Blessed Bound 216 The Paradise Below 216 The Spirit Fair 216 The Mother Music 217 Form And Song 217 The Blessed Dead 217 As Duty Calls 217 The Autumn Field 217 The Fair October 217 The Sage November 218 Of Sorrow's Score 218 Of Sunny Cheer 218 Guiding Unto Light 218 A Seraph True 218 Abide With Me 218 For The Skies 21P When I Die 219 Book TLbivb £be Ipropbets Page Introductory 223 THE BOOK OF PSALMS 1. The Happiness Of The Godly 225 2. The Kingdom Ot Christ 225 3. The Security Of The Godly 226 4. David Prayeth For Audience 226 5. David Professeth His Faith 226 6. David Complaineth In His Sickness. . . . 227 7. David's Soulful Appeal 227 8. God's Wondrous Love To Man 228 9. David Praiseth God 228 10. David Complaineth To God 229 11. David Encourageth Himself 230 12. David's Confidence In God 230 13. Delay In Help Bewailed 230 14. The Depravity Of Man 230 15. The Citizen Of Zion 231 16. David's Hope And Trust 231 17. David Appealeth Unto God 231 18. David Praiseth God 232 19. The Glory And Grace Of God 233 20. The Church Blesseth The King 234 21. A Thanksgiving For Victory 234 22. David Appealeth Unto God 235 23. David's Confidence In God 236 24. The Lordship Of God 236 25. David's Confidence In Prayer 236 26. David Resorteth Unto God 237 27. David's Faith's Support 237 28. David Blesseth God 238 29. David Exhorteth Princes 238 30. David Praiseth God 239 31. David Craveth Aid Oi God 239 32. The Confession Of Sins 240 33. God To Be Praised 240 34. The Privileges Of The Righteous 241 35. David Appealeth Unto God 242 36. The Excellency Of God's Mercy 243 37. David Persuadeth Unto Patience 244 38. David Imploreth Compassion 245 39. David's Care Of His Thoughts 245 40. Obedience The Best Sacrifice 246 41. God's Care Of The Poor 247 42. David's Zeal To Serve God 247 43. David's Trust In God 248 44. The Church Complaineth 248 45. The Kingdom Of Christ 249 46. The Confidence Of The Church 249 47. The Nations Exhorted 250 48. The Ornaments Of The Church 250 49. The Vanity Of Worldly Prosperity 250 50. The Majesty Of God 251 51. The Remission Of Sins 252 52. The Spitefulness Of Doeg 252 53. The Depravity Of Man 253 54. David Declareth Sacrifice 253 55. David, Depressed, Complaineth 253 56. David's Confidence In God 254 57. David Encourageth Himself 255 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. David Describeth The Wicked 255 David Prayeth For Deliverance 255 David Comforteth Himself 256 David. Promiseth Continuous Service.. 256 David Encourageth The Godly 257 David Thirsteth After God 257 David Complaineth Of His Enemies... 258 The Blessedness Of God's Chosen 258 David Exhorteth To Praise God 258 A Prayer For God's Kingdom 259 A Prayer At The Removing Of The Ark 259 David's Complaint In Affliction 260 David Imploreth God's Speedy Help... 261 David Prayeth For Perseverance 262 David Prayeth For Solomon 262 The Righteous Sustained 263 The Desolation Of The Sanctuary 264 The Proud Rebuked 265 God's Majesty In The Church 265 God's Great And Gracious Works 265 God's Wrath Against Israel 266 The Desolation Of Jerusalem 268 The Miseries Of The Church 268 An Exhortation To Praise God 269 The Psalmist Exhorteth The Judges.. 269 The Psalmist Complaineth To God 270 The Prophet Longeth For Communion 270 The Continuance Of Past Mercies 271 The Aid Of God Implored 271 The Nature And Glory Of The Church 272 A Grievous Complaint To God 272 The Psalmist Praiseth God 272 The Frailty Of Human Life- 274 The Security Of The Godly 274 An Exhortation To Praise God 275 The Majesty Of Christ's Kingdom..'.. 275 The Blessedness Of Affliction 276 An Exhortation To Praise God 276 An Exhortation To Praise God 277 The Majesty Of God's Kingdom 277 An Exhortation To Praise God 278 An Exhortation To Worship God 278 An Exhortation To Praise God 278 A Vow And Profession Of Godliness.. 279 The Mercies Of God To Be Recorded. 279 An Exhortation To Bless God 280 The Attributes Of God 280 The Plagues Of Egypt 281 Israel's Rebellion 282 The Providence Of God 284 David's Confidence In God 285 David's Slanderous Enemies 286 The Kingdom Of Christ 287 The Glorious Works Of God 287 The Happiness Of The Godly 287 An Exhortation To Praise God 288 An Exhortation To Fear God 288 The Vanity Of Idols 288 A Profession Of Love To God 289 An Exhortation To Praise God 289 IIS. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. Page An Exhortation To Praise God 289 Meditation, Prayer And Praise 290 A Praver Against Doeg 297 The Safety Of The Godly 297 David's Joy For The Church 297 The Confidence Of The Godly In God. 297 The Blessing Of The Church To God. . 297 The Safety Of Such As Trust In God. . 298 The Safe Return Of The Church 298 The Virtue Of The Blessing Of God... 298 The Blessings Of The Godly 298 The Haters Of The Church 299 A Profession Of Hope In God 299 An Exhortation To Hope In God 299 David's Zealous Care Of The Ark 299 The Blessedness Of Brotherly Unity.. 300 An Exhortation To Bless God 300 An Exhortation To Praise God 300 An Exhortation To Thanksgiving 301 The Constancy Of The Jews 301 David's Confidence In God 301 David Defieth The Wicked 302 David Prayeth For Deliverance 302 David Prayeth For Sincerity 303 David's Comfort In Prayer 303 David Strengthened His Faith 303 David Blesseth God For His Mercy 304 David Praiseth God For His Goodness. 304 David Declareth Perpetual Praise To God 305 God Praised For His Providence 305 All Creatures Should Praise God 306 God Praised For His Benefits 306 God Praised Upon Instruments 306 THE BOOK OF PROVERBS The Use Of The Proverbs 307 The Benefits Of Wisdom 308 Exhortation To Sundry Duties.'. 308 Persuasions To Obedience 310 The Mischiefs Of Whoredom 310 Seven Things Hateful To God 311 The Harlot's Behavior 312 The Call Of Wisdom • 312 The Discipline And Doctrine Of Wis- dom 313 Moral Virtues And Their Contrary Vices 314 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 314 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 315 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 315 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 316 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 317 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 317 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 318 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 319 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 319 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 320 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 320 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 321 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 322 Moral Virtues, And So Forth, Continued 322 Maxims And Observations Of Solomon. 323 Maxims And Observations Continued. .. 324 Maxims And Observations Continued... 324 Maxims And Observations Continued... 325 Page Maxims And Observations Continued... 325 Augur's Confession And Prayer 326 Lemuel's Instructions 327 THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES The Vanity Of Things Earthly 329 The Vanity Of Folly And Wisdom 329 A Time For All Things 331 The Good Of Contentment 332 The Vanity Of Riches 332 The Conclusion Of Vanities 333 Remedies Against Vanities 334 Respect Due To Kings 335 All Things Alike To All 336 Of Wisdom And Folly 337 Directions For Charity 338 Of Memory Of Deity 339 THE SONG OF SOLOMON The Church's Love Unto Christ 340 Christ's Care Of The Church 341 The Church Glorieth In Christ 341 The Graces Of The Church 342 The Graces Of Christ 342 The Church's Faith In Christ 343 The Graces Of The Church 344 The Church's Love For Christ 344 THE BOOK OF ISAIAH Isaiah's Complaint Of Judah 346 Christ's Kingdom Prophesied 347 The Oppression Of The Rulers 347 The Blessing Of Christ's Kingdom 348 God's Judgments For Sin 348 Isaiah's Vision Of God's Glory 350 Clirist Promised 350 Israel And Judah Threatened 351 Christ's Birth And Kingdom 353 God's Judgments Upon Israel 354 The Peaceable Kingdom Of Christ 356 A Joyous Thanksgiving 357 Babylon Threatened 357 Cods Merciful Restoration Of Israel... 358 The Lamentable State Of Moab 359 Moab Threatened 360 Syria And Israel Threatened 360 Ethiopia Threatened 361 The Confusion Of Egypt 361 The Captivity Of Egypt And Ethiopia.. 362 The Fall Of Babylon 362 Tlie Invasion Of Jewey 363 The Overthrow Of Tyre 364 God's Judgments For Sin 365 God Praised For His Judgments 366 A Song Of Praise To God 367 God's Care Over His Vineyard 368 Ephraim Threatened 369 God's Judgment Upon Jerusalem 370 God's Mercies Towards His Church.... 371 The Folly Of Trusting In Egypt 373 The Blessings Of Christ's Kingdom.... 374 The Privileges Of The Godly 374 The Judgments Of God 375 The Joyous Flourishing Of Christ's Kingdom 376 Judah Invaded 377 Hezekiah's Prayer 378 Hezekiah's Song Of Thanksgiving 380 The Babylonian Captivity Foretold 381 The Promulgation Of The Gospel 381 God's Mercies To His Church 383 Christ's Mission To The Gentiles 384 God Comforteth His Church 385 The Vanity Of Idols 387 God Calleth Cyrus 388 Idols Not Comparable With God 390 God's Judgment Upon Babylon 391 The Intent Of Prophecy 391 Christ Sent To The Gentiles 392 Christ's Sufferings And Patience 394 The Certainty Of God's Salvation 395 Christ's Free Redemption 396 The Humiliation Of Christ 397 The Church's Enlargement 398 The Happy State Of Believers 398 Exhortation To Sanctification 399 Idolatry Of The Jews 400 Hypocrisy Reproved 401 The Covenant Of The Redeemer 402 The Glory Of The Church 403 The Office Of Christ 404 The Office Of Ministers 405 The Power Of Christ 406 The Prayer Of The Church 407 The Calling Of The Gentiles 408 The Gathering Of The Nations 409 THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH The Calling Of Jeremiah 411 The Spoiling Of Israel 412 God's Mercy To Judah 414 Israel Exhorted To Repentance 416 God's Judgments Upon The Jews 417 Enemies Sent Against Judah 419 A Call For Repentance 421 The Calamities Of The Jews 423 A Lamentation Of Jeremiah 424 The Vanity. Of Idols 425 God's Covenant Proclaimed 426 The Prosperity Of The Wicked 427 An Exhortation To Repentance 42S The Prophet's Prayer 429 The Prophet's Complaint 430 The Utter Ruin Of The Jews 432 The Captivity Of Judah 433 The Type Of The Potter 434 The Desolation Of The Jews 435 Pashur's Stroke And Doom 436 Nebuchadnezzar's War 438 The Judgment Of Shallum 439 The False Prophets 440 The Type Of Good And Bad Figs 442 The Jews Reproved 443 Jeremiah Arraigned 445 Nebuchadnezzar's Conquests 446 Hananiah's Prophecy 448 Jeremiah's Letter 449 The Return Of The Jews 451 Page The Restoration Of Israel. . . ., 452 Jeremiah Imprisoned 455 Christ The Branch Promised 457 Zedekiah's Doom Foretold 459 The Obedience Of The Re'chabites 460 The Prophecies Of Jeremiah 461 The Armies Of Chalde'a 463 Jeremiah Again Imprisoned 464 Jerusalem Taken 466 Jeremiah Liberated 467 Ishmael's Conspiracy 468 Joha'nan's Appeal And Promise 469 Jeremiah Carried To Egypt 471 The Desolation Of Judaii 472 Ba'ruch Comforted 474 The Overthrow Of Pharaoh 474 The Destruction Of The Philistines 476 The Judgment Of Mo'ab 476 The Restoration Of E'lam 479 The Redemption Of Israel 482 The Judgment Of God 485 The Reign Of Zedekiah 488 THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH The Misery Of Jerusalem 490 The Misery Of Israel Lamented 492 Sorrows Of The Righteous 493 Zion's Desolation Bewailed 495 Zion's Sad Complaint 496 THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL Ezekiel's Vision 497 Ezekiel's Commission 498 The Eating Of The Roll 499 The Type Of A Siege 500 The Type Of Hair 501 Israel Threatened 503 Israel's Desolation 504 The Vision Of Jealousy 505 The Marked The Preserved 506 The Vision Of Coals Of Fire 507 The Princes' Presumption 508 The Type Of Removing 509 Lying Prophets 510 Idolaters Exhorted 512 The Rejection Of Jerusalem 513 God's Love To Jerusalem 513 The Eagles And The Vine 516 The Sour Grapes 517 The Lion's Whelps 519 The Rebellions Of Israel 519 A Prophecy Against Jerusalem 522 Jerusalem's Sins 524 Aho'lah And Aho'libah 525 Jerusalem's Destruction 528 Ammonites Threatened 529 The Fall Of Tyrus 530 The Rich Supply Of Tyrus 531 Zidon Threatened 533 The Judgment Of Pharaoh 534 The Desolation Of Egypt 536 The Glory And Fall Of Assyria 537 The Fall Of Egypt 538 Ezekiel Admonished 540 34. God's Care Of His Flock 542 35. Judgment Of Seir 544 36. Israel Comforted 544 37. Israel's Hope Revived 546 38. The Malice Of Gog 548 39. Israel's Victory Over Gog 549 40. Description Of The Temple 551 41. Ornaments Of The Temple 554 41'. The Priests' Chambers 555 43. Return Of God's Glory 556 44. The Priests Reproved 557 45. The Land Divided 559 46. Ordinances For The Princes 561 47. Vision Of The Holy Waters 563 48. Portions Of The Twelve Tribes 564 THE BOOK OF DANIEL 1. Jehoi'akim's Captivity 567 2. Daniel Advanced 568 3. Sha'drach, Me'shach. And Abed'nego. . . 571 4. Nebuchadnez'zar's Pride And Fall 574 5. Belshazzar's Impious Feast 577 6. Daniel In The Lion's Den 580 7. Vision Of Four Beasts 582 8. Vision Of The Ram 584 9. Daniel's Confession 586 10. Daniel Comforted 588 11. Persia Overthrown 589 12. Israel's Deliverance 593 THE BOOK OF HOSEA 1. Judgments For Whoredom 594 2. Idolatry Of The People 595 3. Desolation Of Israel 596 4. Judgment Threatened 597 5. Israel A Treacherous People 598 6. Exhortation To Repentance 599 7. Reproof Of Manifold Sins 599 8. Israel Threatened 600 9. Captivity Of Israel 601 10. Impiety Of Israel 602 11. Ingratitude Of Israel 603 12. Ephraim Reproved 604 13. Ephraim's Transient Glory 605 14. Blessings Promised 606 THE BOOK OF JOEL 1. Judgments Of God 607 2. Exhortation To Repentance 608 3. Judgments Of God 611 THE BOOK OF AMOS 1. God's Judgments Upon Syria 613 2. God's Wrath Against Moab 614 3. God's Judgments Upon Israel 615 Reproof Of Israel 616 5. Lamentation For Israel 617 6. Wantonness Of Israel 619 Judgments Upon Israel 620 Israel's End Typified 621 Israel's Restoration Promised 622 THE BOOK OF OBADIAH The Destruction Of Edom Page 623 THE BOOK OF JONAH 1. Jonah Sent To Nineveh 625 2. Jonah's Prayer 627 3. The Ninevites' Repentance 627 4. Jonah's Repining Reproved 628 THE BOOK OF MICAH Against Jacob 629 Against Oppression 630 The Cruelty Of The Princes 630 4. The Church's Glory 631 5. The Birth Of Christ 632 6. The Controversy Of God 633 7. The Church's Complaint 634 THE BOOK OF NAHUM 1. The Majesty Of God 636 2. The Armies Against Nineveh 637 3. The Ruin Of Nineveh 638 THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK 1. Habakkuk's Complaint 640 2. Judgment Of The Chaldeans 641 3. Habakkuk's Prayer 643 THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH 1. God's Severe Judgments 644 2. Exhortation To Repentance 646 3. Jerusalem Reproved 647 THE BOOK OF HAGGAI The People Reproved Glory Of The Second Temple 649 650 THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH Exhortation To Repentance 652 Redemption Of Zion 653 The Type Of Joshua 654 The Golden Candlestick 655 The Curse Of Thieves 656 Vision Of The Chariots 657 Hypocrisy Reproved 657 Restoration Of Jerusalem 658 The Coming Of Christ 660 God To Be Sought 661 Destruction Of Jerusalem 661 Restoration Of Judah 663 Purgation For Jerusalem 664 Repentance Of Jerusalem 665 THE BOOK OF MALACHI Israel's Unkindness 667 The Priests Reproved 668 The Majesty Of Christ 669 Judgments Of The Wicked 671 Xines H&Mtkmal, jfragmcntal anfc final 1. The Saint 672 4. Love And Trust 672 6. Thy Mercy 672 Day By Day 672 16. My Inheritance 672 21. Exalted Be! 672 55. Hear Thou! 672 56. Shall Aught Escape? 673 72. The Just 673 85. The Sun Of Righteousness 673 101. A Perfect Way 673 101. My Heavenly King 673 105. Our God 673 108. In Thee 673 119. Thy Perfect Law 673 120. Prom Sin's Accursedness 674 Page Ps. 121. To The Hills 675 " 146. Your Trust 675 Provs. 12 to 29. Moral Virtues, And So Forth 675 S.O.S. 3. Bed Of Solomon 675 8. As My Brother 675 Is. 12. Lien Of Song.. 675 13. The Fateful Bows 675 15. The Borders Of Moab 675 16. The Pride Of Moab 675 33. Privileges Of The Godly 676 35. Privileges Of The Gospel 676 39. Song Of Thanksgiving 676 42. Mission Of Christ 677 A New Song 677 Jer. 23. Promise Of Christ 677 ^treasures of IPcree H Collection of ©riginal Ifroems Emlnacing a \Pe reification of tbe Xast £went\Mme "Books of Hbe ©lo {Testament 362 Setb B. IRoot &■ •reface As is proper, I here should abide with the characteristic brevi- ties, so apparent throughout the body of this work. As a child, passing through a pleasant field, plucks, here and there, a starry flower, so I through life's journey in the land of thought, have fondly gathered together, and to others do frater- nally extend the measures of the pleasures of my treasures. Although, aware, at the present day of the general indifference and distaste for poetry, I, yet, believe there are many, before whom my book may chance to appear, endowed of a judgment so unpreju- diced, and, withal, so liberal, as to render me the appreciable compli- ment of a careful and considerate perusal. THE AUTHOR. To The Memory Of Father And Mother, In Highest Appreciation Of Parental Worth, This Humble Work Is Affectionately Dedicated. ' You have begot me, bred me, loved me : I Return those duties back as are right fit, Obey you, love you, and most honor you." — Shakespeare. I JBooh first TTreaeures of Deree treasures ot Derse CHANTICLEER. A Lord of the harem is chanticleer, And his signs of the morning appear! A noisy old fellow is chanticleer, And he speaks for the earliest ear! A leader unerring is chanticleer, And his language is ever sincere! A wary old fellow is chanticleer, And he warns of the enemy near! A hunter most faithful is chanticleer, And his feasting comprises the year! A jolly old fellow is chanticleer, And his sayings are pleasant to hear! A fighter most bloody is chanticleer, And his spirs are inspiring of fear! A gritty old fellow is chanticleer, And his enemies stay at the rear! THE SETTLER'S SUNRISE. Health taps at the window, Health taps at the door. And screams at the holes of the key! But fools seal the windows, But fools seal the doors. And straight their own slayers they be! THE MERRY MONTHS. When the merry months of Spring Unto us thro warblers sing; When the grassy carpet green Over hill and dale is seen; When the lilies fair of wild Greet the pensive forest child; When the violets so meek To conceal their beauties seek; When the dandelions low All their regal beauties show; When the early roses rare Rich ambrosia's bounty bear; When the wavy woodland shade Whisks about the balmy glade; Then I would delighted rove With the lady of my love. It conies! It comes! That ruddy beam Appears at yonder cranny! It throws a yet diviner stream Across the face of Fanny! The mother's skirt regains the flame Of sun-o'erspangled posies! And Charley hies to catch the claim His starry eye discloses! It throws across the cottage bed A more than earthly splendor! And thoughts awake, if all unsaid, That make the heart more tender! It fades away upon the wall, A soul-inspiring cheerer! And thus should each, in love with all, Leave all his circuit dearer! THE " OUT DOORS." THE COUNTRY INVITATION. Fresh air in the cottage, Fresh air in the breath, Seek ye of the Summer's hot dell? Fresh air in the cottage, Fresh air in the breath, Seek ye of the Winter as well! Ye City Bred! — With ailings spread. Despite your beamy gold! — Whose bodies fail before the tale Of forty-five is told! — The Country share! The cordial fair In nature's breath abounds! See men of might and matrons bright Thro' all her balmy grounds! See youth most high and maidens shy And childhood's smiling train! Then back in town go sit you down And court disease and pain! THE COUNTRY CALL. How sweet is a call in the country, Where rough honesty breaks the sod! — And, kind to the sauntering stranger, With the welcome the wildwoods nod! — For, the nigher we get to nature, The nigher we get to God! How sweet is a call in the country. Where unheard is the noisy town! — And, smiling, each star in the heaven Throws the beauteous floweret down! — And, delighted, the birds soar upward, The Giver of all to crown! TREASURES OF VERSE THE FARMER. There's that about the sphere of him, Who, as a calling, follows farming, There's that, by some regarded " slim," That, really, is charming. His thoughts of buoyant ardors scroll'd, Who serves at such an avocation, Are ever bearing back of gold, That serves an exaltation. His floor is earth's elysian plain Whose carpeting of fairest dyeing Each fellow-painter all in vain As copyist is vieing. His dome is yonder azure sky With sun and moon and starlet keeping An ever-beaming watch on high While laboring and sleeping. THE PLOWMAN. I Sauntered forth, a sunny day, About the end of merry May; I sat a hand to busy plow, Amid the song of bush and bough. I swung about a sunny field, Assured of earth's sufficing yield; I struck upon a hidden rock And took of strength's attuning shock. O son of man, a while abroad To sweep the fair estate of God! Tis not for thee in boyish play To so the best of furrows lay! Tho all the outer scene appear To promise all the passage clear! Thy sad confusion bar away Thro steps of fair attention's sway! THE TWO PLOWMEN. I. Of downward-gazing brow, A plowman plowed afield; He ran attentively the plow And got abundant yield. The spring's endearing bloom, The spring's endearing lays, The stars that 'stood the summer gloom Lured not the seeker's ways. His death his son allowed His search of gold begun; The son, the sturdy farmer, plowed The soil of man, and won. II. Of outward-gazing brow, Another plowed afield; He ran neglectfully the plow And got abundant yield. The spring's endearing bloom, The spring's endearing lays, The stars that 'stood the summer gloom Engrossed the seeker's ways. His death the son allowed His search of Truth begun; The son, the studied artist, plowed The soil of God, and won. THE TRADER'S TEA. ' A Dollar a pound?" says the buyer? ' Isn't that too steep for tea?" And the willing assent of the seller Is the waggish — "Certainly!" 'A Dollar a pound!" says the buyer! 'With the cash I'm not so free!" — ' As the water itself," says the seller, 'Which is wanted too, you see!" THE MILKY WAY. A good milk man, upon his round, A good house wife, in waiting found. Said good house wife, with merry leer, It's strange to me that milk's so dear! Said good milk man, with merry eye, The milky way is always high!' Said good house wife, with merry laugh, But water there's not always half!' THE SARATOGA WATERS. A Boob's Experience. With the wealth of wants arrayed, Well to wing the merits staid, Of the Saratoga waters Hand-purveyed; Thus a boob, of thirst allayed, Unto thanks' endearings swayed, By a sympathetic maid, Of the Saratoga daughters Aid repaid. Let the connoisseurs professed, North and south and east and west. Of the Saratoga waters Have their "test!" Yet the boob, of favor blest, Setting questions all at rest, Swears the waters served the guest Of the Saratoga daughters Are the " best!" TREASURES OF VERSE THE BACHELOR'S BREAD. THE SIGHING LOVER. ' Only a word, fair Susie;" The surly bachelor said; ' Pray, tell us how, by care the least, You set the sponge, and save the yeast, A week, or so, ahead, To lighten future bread?" Coyly of smiles, the maiden, That sealed the utterance, said; ' Go seek a mate, if such you can, And marry, like an honest man, A week, or so, ahead, And she will bake your bread!" 1 Susie, sweet Susie, Susie," The softened bachelor said; ' Pray, tell us then, if I may here, Select that mate, dull life to cheer, And lighten future bread, A week or so ahead?" Furious made the maiden, Of frowns all-withering, said; You idiot! Go otherwhere, And get that mate, dull life to share. And lighten future bread, And she will break your head!" THE BAKER'S DOUGH. Said Baker A, " And why do they Of money speak as 'dough'?" Said Baker J, " Because the way Is 'floury,' as you know!" Said Baker A, in laughter gay, " Of money have they bread?" Said Baker J, " Your bills to pay, "It's 'stock' you have ahead!" THE LIMBERGER RECEIPT. Ho, Ye, Ambrosia's sweets that breathe, As Summer's stars endearment wreathe! How blest of bounty here below Are such as high endurance show! Ye, Limberger's stern souls, that brave Assailment's stench above the grave; These stanzas brief I here bestow On such as have desire to know. You take a bag of sour milk, A bag of cotton, wool or silk; You hang it on a peg to drain, A week or so, of whey to strain. You then, by stages, such as these, Attend to balling up the cheese; You then, a spot, where light is not, Appoint the lot. aside to rot. Let others have the houses high, That rise in oriental sky, With promises of pleasure nigh To vanish! For me, in native western ground, By cumberless content encrown'd. A cottage low an ill profound Could banish! Let others have the ladies sweet, That sit in silks and jewels meet, And let the servant girl complete The pairing! For me a well-deserving jay, In common calico's array, Another ill could drive away Most glaring! THE STRICKEN LOVER. 'Twas on a passing Autumn day When last she looked on me; The Autumn sun's departing ray That shone across the dells away Sent not such ecstasy: — Alack! alack! Come back! come back! Come back, my Jessie dear! The woods lament the leafy lack The while thro' sighing spirit rack I beg thy wonted cheer! Her face appeared as Venus' own When last she looked on me; Her form appeared as Venus' own That down the sparkling heavens shone With starry brilliancy: — Alack! alack! Come back! come back! Come back! my Jessie dear! The ways about of blankness smack The while thro' sighing spirit rack I beg thy wonted cheer! THE SORROWING LOVER. I. He went to see a lady, Upon the summer day; He ran a little mower Aneath the setting ray. He made a mighty clatter About the balmy ground; He made a mighty chatter About the love profound. He sang about the lady Upon the summer day; He sang about the angel Amid the cottage gay. He sat about a-cooing In overcoming strain; He sat about a-wooing In overcoming pain. TREASURES OP VERSE HIS PETITION. O Thou, beside the silver stream, In nature's balmy vale! O thou, as bright as summer beam, In nature's balmy gale! — Turn not thy pretty face away! In love be not remiss! O thou as fair as summer day, Allow me now a kiss! O Thou, beside the silver stream, Where native fairies trail! O thou, as soft as summer beam, Where native fairies wail! — Take not thy pretty hand away! In love be not remiss! O thou as sweet as summer day, Allow me now a kiss! III. HIS PAY. He had sung a fair song, at his leisure, To sing at his lady's abode; He had sung a fair song, at his leisure, And set to his script a-Ia-mode. Sad the stroke for a bard, thus so " level," In singing his lay for his "jay"! When he asked for a kiss, the poor devil Got " Thank-you-but-nay " for his pay! IV. Said Harry Haight To Lucy Love— " My wedded mate Wilt thou he, dove? — For Hate to row With Love, you know, As friend, to foe Would ever grow!" Said Lucy Love, To Harry Haight — " I'm far above That wretched state! For Love to row With Hate, you know, As friend to foe Would never go!" THE BASHFUL LOVER. I. She to him, — A bashful lover: Willie dear, — I understand, That of- your adopted calling You have absolute command.' ' Yes, of drinks non-alcoholic, In this work, of late begun, As regards the preparation I will let the palm to none." Nellie draws by Willie nigher, And with form by his aprop, Utters forth this sweet desire: Tell us how you make the ' pop '." Willie is no wild conjuror, And you well his thought may guess, With the language still demurer: All is done by saying ' yes '." II. " I would bear Thy every burden! Whatsoe'er They be!" said he! " I have none!" Contended she! " Love hath done No ill to me!" "Wait till wed!" Came warning free! " Love hath bred Some two or three!' " I would share Thy every sorrow! Whatsoe'er They be!" said she! " I have none!" Contended he! " Love hath done No ill to me!" "Wait till wed!" Came warning free! " Love hath bred Some two or three!" THE BABBLER'S SECRET. And thus a babbler, secret-fed, Unable to save of it, Would favor honest Neighbor Ned. If never he gave of it. And thus his auditory said, Assuring the slave of it, " When you have spoken it 'tis dead, And I am the grave of it."* Shakespeare. TREASURES OF VERSE THE QUAINT CURIOS. He was a man Of merry Galway town, A merry liver; She was a maid, Of Albany, adown The river. He had a hoard Of flinty fossils there, Explorings under; She had a thought! To see the treasure rare What wonder! He was a man Of mystic Galway gown, A merry speecher; She was a maid, Of Albany renown, The teacher. He showed two stone As skulls of Indian dead. Explaining often; ' Which is the squaw's?" 'Twas said to roses red " The soft one!" THE AMOROUS DUDE. Our Zoe is not slow, By a season or so, It is best that you know, Mister Dude! Her gay heart does not flow, Like the sun-melted snow, To the sewer below. Mister Dude! To avert a slight woe, That a shadow might throw, It is best that you know, Mister Dude! When she frowns on a foe, Or a love-stricken beau, Then a thing hast to go, Mister Dude! THE FENCING RAILS. A Poor Old Widow she wanted rails, To fence her little farm; But where she could purchase them nobody knew, And that nobody cared save a neighborly few. Was truth of much alarm: — For the poor old widow she wanted rails. To fence her little farm. A stranger lade with a load of rails. Approached her little farm; Believing the stranger would certainly know, She attracted his ear by a lusty "hello!" To learn about the charm: — For the poor old widow she wanted rails. To fence her little farm. 1 I want to know where you got those rails," Swept down her little farm; I got them from off of my own deeded land," He exclaimed with a stamp and a stroke of the hand, Defying law's strong arm: — For the poor old widow she wanted rails, To fence her little farm. Long years have passed and the pleasant rails Supply her little farm; No power the fair breadth of her kingdom assails. Whose eternal renown to the heavenly pales, Sing angel spirits warm: — For the poor old widow she wanted rails, To fence her little farm. THE PRELATE'S SHEEP.* How many children," asked Denmark': Her Iceland prelate host, ' Thro Heaven's daily good, I ween, Dost thou at present beast?" Ten score, thy majesty fair, ' he said, "Ton score," responded she; ' And how so large a flock is fed, Desire I now of thee?" Tis surely easy for any one, Who would the hours beguile. That with their plaint for ever run, By duty's happy wile. They stroll afar in the summer hills. To feed on grasses sweet; And when the winter shuts the rills. A part I kill and eat." THE PARSON'S "PLUNDER."** " Come," Said the Parson, nigh about to sunder Home by Call Divine, " Neighbor, I wish you to convey my plunder Whither I assign." "What!" cries the Yankee, as serene from under Cap his optics shine, "Carry your plunder, Parson? No, by thunder. Not the cart of mine!" " Neighbor, he thrives who, evermore unswerving. Under Heaven's Chief, " Honesty's indigent and best deserving Kindly gives relief!" " Parson, your wretched opposites. unnerving, Gather straight to grief! ' Honesty's indigent and best deserving ' Covers not the thief!" * A mistake of terms, which, in the Icelandic and Danish tongues, are nearly identical. ** The incident upon which this poem is based oc- curred betwixt an eastern farmer and a western minister.. A traveler's baggage, in some of the western states, is familiarly called " plunder." " This strange use ot the term," says Webster. "Is probably derived from the Germans, who abound in that quarter, 'plunder' being a vulgar term in Ger- man, for baggage, from ' plnndern.' to carry or bear off." TREASURES OF VERSE THE POET'S PLIGHT. Described. Dear Brother Richard: I at last regained My Pegassus. A leg and wing are sprained, Thro' which she limps and circles some, I see, In starting out. I hope it's not for me To catch another fall; tho' much I fear That such may happen long before I near My destination. Who-ay! my bonny steed! Catastrophies arise by over speed! Who-ay! Peggy! or I'll surely go! Whoah! Whoah! Whoah! Whoah! Whoah! Whoah! Whoah! Whoah! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! THE POET'S APPROACH. The critic, at study, The subject upbraids: The author, in sadness, The sanctum invades. ' What's wanted?" said Nagus, With wrath all a-streak: ' Some printing," said Bonis, Embarrassed and meek. The critic, uncaring, The manuscript views; The author despairing, The judgment pursues. ' Too fairly;" said Nagus, 'Your hero is cast": 'I know it;" said Borus, ' I kill him at last." THE POET-PRINTER. One Copy! So. It matters not if lost To Learning's higher tribe! It's scarcely worth the scribble's extra cost To such a humble scribe! Be not too sure! Respect my infant's show- On sending her away! It's possible that we may better know On her returning day! Of what the Maker saith thro' language plain You verify the truth! Who would of honor have a hope to gain, With 'vironments of youth? What harm if so my infant's simple shame You here with scorn avouch? Who knows but yet beneath her ample fame, You here with awe may crouch? THE POET-PEDDLER. Hundreds of Books! Who wants to buy Music as sweet as summer's sigh? Carry the notice far and nigh! — (A niche with the great were a pleasant thing, And the bays the elect rejoice! And the people are drawn by the songs I sing And myself by the people's choice)! Hundreds of Books! Yet no reply Echoes along from earth to sky! Pretty for poets — such as I! — (A many the bluffs that a genious bears, And the Judge the award defers! And the people withdraw from my best-wrought wares. And myself from the people's curs) ! PREACHER VERSUS POET. 1. The Preacher said, in remark, ' A man May a bushel of 'bible' have; — That, even with this amount, the man May then not righteousness have.' The Poet said, in reply, 'A man May a bin of 'holiness' have; — That, even with this amount, the man May then not righteousness have.' II. The Preacher. ' Sir, I assert, thro judgment cool, That every poet is a fool; — 1 I claim for such, and dare bestow it, The name of fool as well as poet.' The Poet. Sir. I admit your general rule That every poet is a fool; — 1 But claim, and you will serve to show it, That every fool is not a poet." 1 ' POPULIST POOR'S PARALLEL. Said Farmer Poor to Farmer Rich, And gave his pants a firmer hitch, In argument to fancy prime. And anguishment to faulty chime: " Look ye, and see the spreading tree: All-generous, its branches free, At sight, afford the wearv one A shelter, both from storm and sun: It pours the poor appealing plea For peace and rest and charity. And witness yonder spiry thing: Ail-languidly its branches sing: And seeing summer's specious woe, No laborer it soothes below: And seeking summer's higher hight, It proudly serves the heart to blight: And shunning summer's lower love, It proudly spurns the Soul above. Two orders shown of wealth I see! I proudly set the Scorn with thee!" TREASURES OP VERSE Said Farmer Rich to Farmer Poor. In tones that spake the knowledge sure, And wrought of sober thought and toil, And wrought of wealth from out the soil: "The former simply stunts the grain: It tempts the toiling country swain For simple ease thro' guile to shirk. And so to slight the summer work: If felled, 'tis scarce of any good: A pile of scraggy, knotty wood, With possibly, a pin or two, Were not enough for chopper's due. The latter, lofty, straight and grand, Does not engross the farmer's land: If felled, the same may form a spar To float the ship by Heaven's star, And speed the sighing foreign shores The sheen of Autumn's garnered stores. Protection might to smallness feed! Exposure must to greatness lead!" THE POOR. THE VICTORY. Ye Poor! — Who buy to suit your need, And trust your God for pay! — Who set the luckless boat to lead To harrowing dismay! — O keep your sorrows deep a-lair, And keep your lowly ditch! — Ye boast about your freedom fair, And give it to the rich! Ye Poor! — Who buy to suit your greed, And bind yourselves away! — Who render back the landed deed, In beggaring array! — O keep your sorrows deep a-lair, And keep your lowly ditch! — Ye boast about your freedom fair, And give it to the rich! THE SHIP. If now to me and thee All our fates do not agree To admit thro' sorrow's plea Fortune nigh, Of bounty large and free Will its shining cargo be When our ship is in from sea Bye and bye! — Ever cheery, the ship await! " Fortune calls at the smiling gate!' If now to me and thee Is the path of poverty, And obstructions two or three On it lie. Of spirit high and free Mount we straight to victory When our ship is in from sea Bye and bye! — Ever cheery, the ship await! "Fortune calls at the smiling gate!' Hurrah! hi! ho! The Mortgage that vexed us so! — Now at the end of a struggle must go! — Hurrah! hi! ho! The haughty old foe! I'll lay him tomorrow a corpse with a blow! Hurrah ! hi ! ho ! The rest and relief we know! — After long years of oppression and woe! Hurrah! hi! ho! Your joyousness show! All thanks for the blessings of freedom below! THE WANTS. Oppose the wants! O heart of mine! Be not their ready slave! Oppose the wants! Supplied of thine, Additions still they crave! Behold the child! Of needs how few! It wails at mother's side! Of toys with each addition new- Its wants are multiplied! Oppose! oppose! Suppression dare! Be not of want opprest! Take only such as wisdom bear, And wisdom prove as best. Thyself mature! Thyself most weak! Poor child of want! avaunt! Go out to God for strength and seek A need as well as want! NEED. Awake to well deserving need. And serve the plaintive call! Away dispel engrossing greed From out of plenty's hall! The one, of finer thought and deed. Were blest of portion small! The other, drawn of favor's lead. Were hence accurst of all! NOTHING. I came upon a stranger old, — A sage of sixty winters; He struck a smile at science bold. That shook the strife-accreted mold. And shocked the starry minters: " I've little of worth to teach; The schools know everything; I've little of worth to preach; And so I tinker and sing!" TREASURES OF VERSE I thought about the words of gold, — Unboastfully presented; I thought about the wealth untold, That destitution's heart may hold. In being thus contented: — " I've little of worth to teach; The schools know everything; I've little of worth to preach; And so I tinker and sing!" BONNY GOLD. 'Tis sweet to gather bonny gold, Remembering our brothers; And greet the bounty all behold By giving unto others. Severely strive for bonny gold, Respecting each our brothers; And get the wealth of finer mold By giving unto others. CONTENTMENT. The worth of wealth, by seekers sought, I never well could see, — The strife and toil, on seekers brought, That self may sorry be! — I wonder what to heart they set With all the vast estate! — I wonder what they want to get But the breath that must abate! The only circumstance in life, That I could ever find, Was soft uncare and temper mirth And sweet content of mind! I yet have more laid up in store Than worlds could e'er convey! And while we're here with friends so dear Let us drive dull cares away!* TRUE CONTENTMENT. OUR GOINGS. I've met the people whom the world calls " poor;" I've marked their scanty goods, their simple ways, Their true contentment and their happiness: And I have met their more ambitious kind, Denominated "rich;" and I have found But cares solicitous and misery. " Poor and content is rich and rich enough; But riches fineless** is as poor as winter To him that ever fears he shall be poor."* Let true contentment over all preside: " He is well paid that is well satisfied." As we rove by the luminous pathway of childhood, And rapture engages the eye and the ear, With the beauty and music of meadow and wildwood How sluggish the step of the slumberous year! But as age with the care and the labor advances, And seeking engages the hopes and the fears, With the beauty and music that banish romances How speedy the sweep of the strenuous years! When our joy is the luminous pathway of child- hood, And rapture engages the eye and the ear, With the glory we bide as of meadow and wildwood The sluggish advance of the slumberous year! But as grief with the care and the labor advances. And sorrow engages the hopes and the fears, With the gettings we view mid the bandying glances The seeker enslaved of the strenuous years! OUR GOOD. The simple child would thrust a playful hand Deep in the stove, alive with leaping flames, And grieves, denied. And we who pride ourselves Intelligent men and women of the world, Are simply children of a larger growth In form and thought. " We, ignorant of ourselves, Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers Deny us for our good."** ALL SUFFICIENCY. Impelled to war, thro' want of more, With war's impatient dive, Mad kings of earth thro' seas of gore With war's inferno drive. But love, by worth, the nation's o'er, Let loveless hate deprive, May out of worth's sustaining store Hate's sustenance derive. itlii'i-. ** Endless Shakespeare. DOING" GOOD. There was once an aged millionaire Who unto his pastor said: — I am going from business to retire To doing of good instead." Of the wealthy pair I wonder which," The outspoken doctor said: — " Is it John H. Good, the farmer rich, Or Socialist Good. Instead?" TREASURES OF VERSE OUR RECOMPENSE. The pay is sent, In full, to such as serve as Heaven meant: Whose aim and toil are true aneath the sky, Enchantment's spring forever shall supply: " Nought's had, all's spent, Where our desire is got without content: 'Tis safer to be that which we destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy."* OUR BEST HAVING. Wherefore all this selfish craving?- All this slaving? — all this saving ?- Our content is our best having!"* GLADNESS. Gladness, alas, we know her not, Except the simple naming; — Failing to throw about our lot The soul's expressive flaming. Gladness secures devotion bright, The way of nought assuming: — Casting abroad devotion's light, The way of earth illuming. SORROW. We mourn the loss of ends, Secured thro' ways untrue: Examination's sun ascends: The ills are few. We mourn the loss of friends. Till now we never knew: The penitential heart amends: The ills are few. SEARCHING. I. In Vain we search amid the hoard Of all the gain from year to year Aneath the Father unadored For greater pleasure here! And would ye spy where such is stored Go out amongst the people dear And pour as God to you hath poured To all the needy near! II. Is now the end to all thy searchings proffered Pass not that proffer o'er! Who seeks and will not take when once offered Shall never find it more!"* * Sh.'iki'sp.'.-m- tis DEFENSE. He that delight and length of days would know Must guard against the entering of woe: " One sorrow never comes but brings an heir That may succeed as his inheritor."* HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE. Humility and Gratitude Held forth in vales retired; Yet Pride and Greed thro' Godlessness For mountains high aspired. Humility and Gratitude Were rich and duly blest; Yet Pride and Greed thro' Godlessness Were poor and sore distrest. Humility and Gratitude Unceasing hymnals bore; Yet Pride and Greed thro' Godlessness Possessions sought the more. Humility and Gratitude Were rich and duly blest; Yet Pride and Greed thro' Godlessness Were poor and sore distrest. THE STANDARD TRUE. We set the standard true of gain, On what we first desire; We sink the standard true of gain, On what we first acquire. The penny stays the penny still, Apprized of first desire; The penny sinks the paltry mill, When such we first acquire. We set the standard thus of gain, On what we next desire; We sink the standard thus of gain, On what we next acquire. We so, adown the standard's scale, In retrograde decline; We so, with unobstructed sail, Are wrecked in wealth supine. A MODEST MEASURE. How vain, above a modest measure. The heaping up of earthly treasure, In time of passing breath! How sad to yield the muddy mortal The soul before the mystic portal, And take of spirit death! O ye, to whom much good is given, Now bent for both the earth and heaven, Your doom your doings tell! As sure as spirit good and evil United so but serve the devil, Your destiny is hell! TREASURES OF VERSE ONE WAY. There's only one way to be happy, Ye seekers, who wander below; Thro' ways of enchaining enchantment, Ye suffer of fanciful woe: — There's only one way to be happy, Outside of poor vanity's show! 'Tis not of fair wealth's highest treasure, Embraced of fame's sunniest glow! There's only one way to be happy, Ye seekers, who wearily plod; Thro' ways of enchaining enchantment, Ye share of the heavenly rod: — There's only one way to be happy, While here of mortality's sod! Contentedly keep at your calling, Composed of the people and God! MAN VERSUS HOG. Deplorable is drunkenness; Your friend with pity scan; For underneath the outer part You seldom miss the man: — Come, Mell, lift him up! Aid him all you can! It's Sturdy Johnny Manmore, The Straight Square Man! Detestable is hoggishness; Your foe with plenty clog; For underneath the outer part You never miss the hog: — Come, Mell, let him sink! Give him all the bog! It's Piggy Miggy Hogmore, The Big Brown Hog! THE DRUNKEN SWINE. THE MORROW. As Spring succeedeth Winter, As sunny Summer, Spring, That Life's celestial Minter Shall lovely Autumn bring. So Joy succeedeth Sorrow, So Ecstasy to Joy, The Just upon the Morrow Eternally to buoy! THE WELL-CAVE. A straight destruction all, As some volcano small, That seethes aloud below, With spray ascending high, To shade the sorry sky, I see thee go! Amongst the luckless swains, Of these unwatered plains. Who shared the nectar glass'd, Thy digger's humble lip Was quite the first to sip, And now, the last! Thy unrecorded deeds, Of good to creature needs, In meditation's eye, Arise before me here, As with a friendly tear, I say " Good Bye!" Adjudge as e'er we may, When death has snatched away Affection's object dear, For every grace it bore, A dozen beauties more. At once, appear! A troop of swine a certain day Were near a certain mill at play; They sediment of cider ate Which bore intoxication's state. A time they stagger round and round And round upon the whirling ground; They wisely when this spree is o'er This sediment take never more. It were an observation true, Within a world's embracing view, The wisdom borne of brute would grace With wisdom brute of better race! O ye in such abasing crime, To you be such restraining rhyme! They wisely when this spree is o'er This sediment take never more! THE VOICE OF CAUTION. Such, as with disregard to caution's voice. Still keep the course of ill, and drink her wine, Her dregs shall drink at last. "To willful men The injuries that they themselves procure Must be their schoolmates."* THE MIDNIGHT CALL. I. A Storm-assailed December eve; A shroud the snows of Winter weave; A sunny group in chat befit About the hearth in waiting sit. Of Santa Claus, their ruling theme Do now all countenances beam; Of Santa's stores their spirits fret, That first they must to slumber get. TREASURES OF VERSE 150. Wouldst thou with safety sail the sea? Wardst thou with care my shipping free? The wise and brave above the wave Must bar and bear the boding grave! 151. In childhood see the spring serene; In youth observe the summer green; In manhood see the autumn bright; In age observe the winter white. 152. In spring insert the seed of truth! In summer tend the plant of youth! In autumn pluck the fruit mature! In winter rest — the snowflake pure! THE PEN. NOT ENOUGH. The Pen. of metal wrought, The Pen, exposed to blame, The Pen, apparently nought, Affords a passing claim! The Pen, obscurely taught. The Pen, without a fame, In hovels dark careers with thought, Which puts a world aflame! QUOTATION. Whene'er Occasion calls me forth to quote The composition of the great and good, Who wrought the right and calumny withstood, With thoughts of fondest reverence I note Each burning word, immortal as the bird That rises from her ashes and is heard Forevermore. And down the past I float, Reflecting much upon its sacred lore. I walk the way of one who went before And this compendium of wisdom wrote. I thus am borne above the base and vile To worthy Washington or Lincoln's side, Receive the light of each approving smile And thence a higher plane of being glide. THE STUDIOUS. O Happy Soul of thought. From Being's enchanted dream! By heavenly inspiration taught, Preserve no idle beam! May fair renown, as nought, To hurry the purpose seem! May fullest return, as labor wrought, Appear to heaven's gleam! Bright thoughts serenely date With many a hidden name, And carry for generations late A most unfailing flame. But few obtain, as state, To mighty historic claim, And fully as many, full as great, Are never known to fame. O Scribes of thought! 'Tis not enough for you To flame as speechless elves! See quarries deep of earth, where full in view, Persistent genius delves! O Scribes of thought! 'Tis not enough for you To flame in secret shelves! ' Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves!"* A THEME.** O What a Theme for study have we here, In this, our tiny world! Each second's space, Upon the dial, swells, by one, our race, And shrinks, by one, as well, throughout the year! And thus, forever on, from birth to bier, The generations, still, successive, glide, As some majestic river, deep and wide, That doth amid the ocean disappear! Eternally the world hath infant cheer. And cheer of youth and life mature and age, Whereby all souls all semblances engage, In sympathy and fellowship sincere! As steals the tide, O Thou, forever near, Remain with us, a Holy Spirit Guide, All stormy seas, by Faith to override, To gain the House of Many Mansions Dear! OUR NATURE. We find ourselves the product of a sphere, Launched into space incomprehensible, And circling evermore a greater one. Of this small earth a part, her restlessness, Her fickleness, are ours. Her cloud, her sun, Are in our grief, our joy. Unceasingly, In obscuration's work of aeons sped, She wends her way to glad futurity. And we, obedient to Heaven's Law, As surely bearing on, as surely hence, Are bound to act, thro' each evolving day, And better grace our temples here in clay! OUR WORLD. The World is one vast treasury; and those Who walk her ample aisles, from age to age, May draw upon its stock, as suiteth best The varied purposes, enriching both ; Or, like the lazy oxen, which they drive, Encumbering the way, ignobly move, Unnoting aught, to nigh oblivion. * Shakespeare. ""The death rate of the world." declares an au- thority. " is 67 a minute, and the birth rate 70 a min- ute, affording a yearly Increase of 12.000 souls." TREASURES OF VERSE O what a fund of philosophic thought We find amid the many archives stored The votary of Wisdom's Sunny Way! — A tiny child, beside the sounding sea, It gathers up, with unexpressed delight, The pretty pebbles! Soon the hour is o'er! And, turning, at The Father's Signal, Back, Averse, it leaves The Unexplored Beyond! OUR UNIVERSE. Whene'er, by contemplation led, I view the point whereon I stand, The greater sea, the lesser land, With life appropriately spread, Then, mark the wide, unbounded sky, Where spheres, outmeasuring our own. And countless as its sands, are strown About the seat of Majesty, I think — O what is there of Man, (By circumstance a lord of all. Which occupy one little ball, I grant his liliputian clan), That Thou — the Solitary Spring, Whence emanated all of this, From Worlds of Uncreated Bliss Art mindful of so mean a thing? OUR BOOK. The Book of Nature most should study more. We err, who thus, in part, omit to ply The Master- Volume, blest of earth and sky, Forever spread the face and feet before. In this, we miss the elemental lore. The underlying Base of basements all. Thus indolently waived, the fragile wall But swells the wreck of fragile walls of yore. O be it mine, that Work to more explore! Of burning love and true attention born, O be it mine, each day, from dewy morn, To seek the Knowledge Deep of Wisdom's Store! By God, The Author's Sacred Teachings Fed, 'Tis Both, The Present Life And That Ahead! NATURE'S BOOK. In each and every object, small and great, What all-perfecting skill! In each and every object, small and great, What sights our spirits thrill! In all the air, in all the soil and sea, What all-preserving heed! In nature's infinite book of secresy A little I can read!" * Shakespe