aassjpaa_4i. Book^EsAA (Ta £//^ > //W. ^- 7^ ^fid^ dc'é^c^^'îmy'i'^s AUTUMN LEAVES; OR, ODE, ELEGIES, NARRATIVES, HYMNS, OTHER PIECES IN VERSE FROM THE WRITER'S LATER MANUSCRIPTS. By LEWIS G. PRAY. il iPrinteH, not |.lublisi}El(. -r^^ J(yirt/(^ rta^r:L^^j£^yÙ ^r>aJi/ û-y^. BOSTON: PRESS OF JOHN WILSON AND SON. 1873. -/, f^/, TO THE AUTHOR'S ASSOCIATES, WHETHER IN PRIMARY OR SUNDAY SCHOOLS, IN BUSINESS RELATIONS OR BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS, WHETHER AT HOME OR IN THE CHURCH, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. PREFATORY. In 1862 the author of the present volume made a selection from his earlier manuscripts, passed them through the press, and made distribution of them among his kindred and friends. It had for its title, " The Sylphid's School, and other Pieces in Verse." Since then, his pen has not been idle ; and as his former offering seemed to be kindly received, he has not thought it unwise or too egotistical to use some of his more recent leisure hours and solitary days in gleaning from his later manuscripts enough for another volume for a like destination and distribution. The pieces in the present volume have been written through these later years to meet the calls of passing occasions, to give expression to feelings that would not be repressed, or to VI PREFATORY. embody ideas and incidents in forms the better to instruct or please. Some of them have found publication in the periodicals of the day ; some were prepared by request and used on public occasions ; but for the most part their circulation has been restricted to the indulgent and partial eye of kindred and home friends, and appear now for the first time in print. The hope is entertained that all to whom this memento shall be sent, will give to it a kindly reception, when assured that it is the offering of one who has highly appreciated, through a long and happy life, their warm and constant friend- ships, their cordial co-operation in former con- genial labors, and who continues to appreciate their many works of mental activity and judicious philanthropy. CONTENTS. Page Ode for New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1867. Mount Pleasant Con- gregational Society 1 Christmas Carols — I. See ! oh see ! the morn is breaking 12 II. A gem ! a gem ! it glistens bright 14 III. Youthful mysteries disappear 16 IV. Jesus the Saviour, born to-day 18 V. Tell me, niece, and tell me true 21 New Year 23 Spring 25 Hope 27 The Little Cup of Tears ; a German Legend 28 The Restless Little Boy, and what befell him 30 Prince Hale wyn; a Legend 34 The Fear of Death ; a Persian Tale 40 Faith Illustrated; Cecil's Story of the Beads 42 Faith and Works ; a Legendary Tale 45 Design in Creation; founded on Fact. Cecil 47 Primal ExutlfQ. I. The Child 53 IL The Youth 53 IIL The Man 54 IV. Matrimony 54 V. Home 54 VI. Commerce 55 VII. The Teacher 56 Vlll CO>^TENTS. Page Vill. Religion 56 IX. The Bible 57 X. Jesus, the Saviour 58 XL Old Age 59 XII. Immortality 59 XIII. The Spiritual 60 En iiHemori'am. Grace, Daughter of C. F. B., died Feb., 1870 63 Caroline C, Daughter of J. W., Esq., Detroit, 1865 .... 65 Lucy Jane, Daughter of J. F. P., Esq., April, 1866 67 Mrs. Julia P., Wife of A. H. W., ait. 20, died 1869 69 Mrs. Louisa B., Wife of F. H. B., M.D., died 1865 .... 72 Oliver H. S., died, œt. 22, at the Insane Hospital, 1864 ... 74 Lines on the Death of R. W. B., Esq., of Boston, a valued Friend 77 Mrs. Sarah Augusta, Wife of E. W., Esq., died suddenly, 1867 79 Mrs. Mary S., Widow of the late E. H., Esq., died 1865 ... 81 Rev. Samuel Barrett, D.D., died June 24, 1866 83 Mrs. Ann Hathaway, Wife of William Rice, Esq., 1870 ... 87 Rev. Charles J. Bowen, Pastor of the Mount Pleasant Church, Boston, died April 11, 1870 89 Memorial Lines on the Decease of Mary Ann, Wife of Theodore H. Bell, Esq., Sept. 14, 1872 92 Hymns. I. The Child's Morning Prayer 97 II. The Child's Evening Prayer 99 III. Imitated from an Ancient English Poet 100 I IV. Gratitude 102 V. Springtime of Youth 103 VI. Love to God and Love to Man 105 VII. Words and Life of Jesus 107 VIII. The Dominion of Truth 109 IX. Filial Aftectiou Ill CONTENTS. IX Hymns. Page X. The Balm in Gilead 112 XL Temperance 114 XII. Invitation to the Saviour 116 XIII. Christmas 118 XIV. Song of Praise 120 XV. Trust in the Heavenly Friend 122 ©ccasfonal anli Spécial. [fikst lines.] I. Jehovah on the guilty frowned 127 II. Our Father, Helper, Guide, and Friend 129 III. Raise now an anthem high 131 IV. Pastor, parted long from friends 133 V. In ancient times the Spirit came 136 VI. O Father! called this bond to break 138 VII. How beautiful on mountain height 141 Hymn, National and Patriotic, 1862 143 6îjangelfcal anli î^elfgfous. I. How beautiful the herald stands 147 II. Blest Mount ! from whence the Saviour spoke .... 149 III. Yea, blessed are the poor 151 IV. Blest are the sons of peace 153 V. The Lord makes known his will 154 VL O Israel, hear! thy God is One .156 VII. How sweet, how gentle, were the tones 158 VIII. The world, from light divine shut out 160 IX. Oh, what a sacrifice was made 162 X. Jesus, to his followers speaking 163 XL He prayed ! with eyes uplifted, prayed 164 XIL "The Comforter shall come," he said 166 XIII. The Cross, the symbol once of crime 167 XIV. Like to the sun that sheds its beams 169 X CO:^TENTS. Hymns. [first lines.] Page XV. Enclosed at birth in mortal shrine 171 XVI. And must it be ? and must we die 173 XVII. Mighty Lord ! oh heed us, lead us 175 XVIII. When all that's mortal dieth 176 Î9tbotf0nal anli ^pi'rftua^ I. On entering the Church 179 II. Confession and Supplication 181 III. Penitence 182 IV. Prayer 183 V. To whom shall we go, Lord, if not unto thee .... 185 VI. The Nativity 187 Vn. For Christmas 188 VIII. For Ordination or In-stallation 190 IX. Immortality 192 X. Silver Wedding Hymn; T. H. B., 1842 194 XI. Evening Hymn 196 plfscellaneous. Rejected Address 201 The Lone Forty ; an Incident of Consecration Day, 1868, versified 205 Lines to the Rev. Charles Cleaveland, on his Ninetieth Birthday 207 What is Poetry? • 209 What is Beauty ? 213 Jeu D'Esprit on Lines by D. W., describing " Annie's Chamber " 214 Griswold's "Poets and Poetiy of England;" on returning to a Friend a borrowed Copy 215 Thoughts for Age 217 Lines to Miss A. M. M., on the Gift of a Beautiful Bracket in the form of a Cross, wrought by herself; 1865 219 The Luxurious Feast 221 The Ledger of Life ; on completing my Seventieth Year, Aug. 15, 1863 223 CONTEÎ^TS. XI Page Mary, the Mother of Jesus 225 Canary Bird; killed by Pussy, 1869 227 A Love-lorn Conceit; Jeu D'Esprit 229 Epithelamium ; Tenth Anniversary of the Marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. B 231 The Birdie's Song -. 233 Song sung at the Mount Pleasant Parish Supper, April 9, 1873 235 Lines on the Silver Wedding of T. H. B., Sept. 1, 1842-1867 . 238 The Epitaph 241 The Vision of Beauty 243 Lines written in the Album of H. B., full of Beautiful Engravings 245 translations from tje JFrencJ. Dialogue between a poor Poet and a Friend 249 On Chloe 249 Our Ned 250 Jeu D'Esprit 250 The Ungallant La^vyer 250 Epitaph for an Inebriate who requested that his Coffin might be a Cask from which he had drunk until it was empty . . 251 Epitaph taken from a Tablet in a Cemetery a few miles from Inkerman, in the Crimea 251 To the Bathers at the Hot-Springs, Gastien, Austria .... 251 Madrigal 252 The good Auld Wife 252 French Motto 254 The Rose 255 Garden Inscription 256 The Violet to a Lady 256 Franklin's Monument 257 AUTUMN LE A YES. ODE: FOR NEW year's EVE, DEC. 31, 1867. MOUNT PLEASANT CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETT. Stay! stay thy fliglit ! old, hoary, swift- winged Time ! Stay thine unseen, unceasing course sublime ! Thine ! moving image of that vasty sea Defined immovable Eternity ! Revealer ! beautifier ! of all that cheers the sight, Replunging back the same to endless night ! * By thee drawn hither, here, thy current stay. On this, thy latest offspring's dying day ; And ere to shine shall cease its golden hours, Let some fond reminiscences be ours. * The ideas in these opening lines are from an ancient French author. 1 2 AUTUMN LEAVES. Hark ! he hears ! he heeds ! and, as o'er Ajalon, Time stays for us the coursers of the Sun ! And, crowding now, come visions on the sight, To fill the waiting soul with pure delight : They come, unbidden all, but not unblest. And each a welcome and an honored guest ! Gaze, gaze ! what vision's this, the foremost given ? In letters glittering bright. Writ on the arch of night, "The House of God, the very Gate of Heaven ! " The pulpit there, — the choir and singers here, — And all between the worshippers appear : Thronging, — listening, — reverent, — low, — With thoughts subdued, — their feelings all aglow. Swells, now, the organ's thrilling, pealing tone ; Anthem and sons: ascend to heaven's hioh throne : The pastor prays, the prophet pleads with fire, Till every soul for heaven and good aspire ; The broken bread, the sacramental cup. To sweet communion lift the immortal up, Draws down the Holy Spirit nearer ours, And foretaste gives of heaven's ambrosial bowers. ODE. 3 O place ! O seasons ! most divinely blest. To give the soul its highest, needed rest : Oh, long and oft return, in coming years and days, To mend our hearts and lift our souls in praise ! The vision changes : tell us what is this. That so attracts, — suggestive so of bliss ? The Sunday School ! where plants immortarl rise, For early training, to their destined skies ! Lo, it is here ! with all that magic charm That comes to bless whene'er the heart is warm ; And hark! now, bursting on the listening" ear, A choral strain comes thrilling, sweet, and clear : We strew the way with branches ; We raise the peaceful banner ; And chant with cheerful voices, Hosanna ! Hosanna ! Thy will, O God, be done ! Hosanna in the highest, To David's greatest Son ! For babes and sucklings raise Hosanna in the highest, Thine own perfected praise ! 4 AUTUMN LEAVES. We strew the way with branches ; We raise the peaceful banner ; We chant with cheerful voices, Hosanna in the Highest ! Hosanna ! Hosanna ! Hosanna ! Ceases the hymn ; and now they eager bend, And to their teacher's voice attention lend ; And now they're gone : but ne'er to pass away, The lessons learned upon this holy day ; With power undimmed they'll go from sire to son, Till the whole Gospel's saving work is done ; Till every tongue confess, and every knee Shall bend, in purest homage, Lord, to Thee ! Another change, and lo ! they come, they come ! A favored Circle, to a chosen home ! In radiant rows, the rooms with beauty strung, Are busy all with needle and with tongue : Not angels ! no, no ! but near to them akin ; Like them in grace ; as far, we hope, from sin. No scandal ! oh, no ! not a word of that, 'Tis far too stale, unprofitable, flat; ODE. 5 But busy with the hand, to aid the poor This cold, bleak world the better to endure ; Busy with tongue, the Social Power to gain, And thus attention on the mind to chain ; To warm the feelings by this art of arts, And knit in one a band of Christian hearts. Listen ! the cheering song goes round and round. Till moved is every heart by melting sound ! The sportive play ; the pleasing, mimic scene, Where recreation's reapers richly glean, — Oh, give us these, and give them evermore. But with them, still, devotion's richer store ! Another scene, another group, I see, I see ! It is, it is the band of " Unity ! " The Kneelands, Ellisons, and all the rest Of our fair Mount, the wisest and tlie best. They gather here for culture of the mind, — Self-culture, well and justly so, defined ; For growth of thought, for ready, graceful speech, And forms of power that deeper, higher, reach ; For power supreme o'er selfishness and self. To hold enchained the inner, wicked elf; b AUTUMN LEAVES. So train the mind;, so give to Conscience sway, As on life's stage the highest parts to play : No minor things, no common, thoughtless stand, Should mar the doings of this rising band. The serious thought they may not spurn. Nor with distaste from pure religion turn ; No : nor yet, — but, daring Muse ! go not too nigh. Nor scorch thy gauzy wings by flight too high ; Beware, beware ! and dread that muttering sound, The mental " Earthquake " * of our fairy mound. Another scene ? and here a heathen Altar ? And 'round it many a grave Idolater? Oh, yes ! 'tis Cupid's ! saucy little rogue. Beguiling thousands with seductive brogue ; And fondling, wheedling, using language strange. That roving hearts no longer dare to range : Simper they still, — they bow, they laugh, they kiss, — And feel, or feign, the highest kind of bliss, When, lo ! the rogue ! he calls in Hymen^s aid, Nor quits his victim till the forfeit's paid. The name of a MS. periodical published by the "Unity.' ODE. 7 The rogue's been here, all wreathed in flowers and smiles, And conquests made by his mysterious wiles ; Has led off some to Hymen's fragrant bower, While, ail, impatient, wait their coming hour. But, badinage apart, this truth we claim, That never shines this altar's sacred flame. Than leaping comes one thrilling, blessed word, The irrepressible, that must be heard, — To ev'ry heart, to every tongue 'twill come, — That all- enchanting word of " Home, sweet Home!" But all life's scenes are not thus gay and glad. But with the joyous mingled are the sad : The bow and arrow may be sport to some, Bnt death's dark javelin to others come ; It strikes the infant, middle-aged, the old. And leaves the " vacant chair " for every fold. We miss that manly form, that well-knit frame, Who to our sacred haunts so constant came ; O AUTUMN LEAVES. That pleasant, serious face when health, was best, So calm when sinkmg to his final rest.* That maiden, too, who, drooping, happy died, — The sister's fondest prop, the parent's pride, Still hov'ring near us, with an angel's grace. And becks our young to run the Christian race.f That good old man who, at his post of trust, Was known of all as upright, honest, just ; Who kept his even way, with manners kind, And left the world — but not one foe — behind. ; And he, of years few less, experience more. Who bravely sickness, griefs, and trials bore, Sheltered through all by home of tend'rest love. Passed on, to find a better one above. § And yesterday ! Oh, bitter, bitter grief ! For which but prayers and time can bring relief ! * William Souther, Esq. f Miss Anna Livermore. J Joseph White, Esq., Cashier of Atlas Bank. § Benjamin AV. Nevers, Esq. ODE. Departed Miles ! so modest, faithful, true, Beloved of all who all thy virtues knew ; Thy path in life the one the Saviour trod. And found thy purest joy thro' faith in God.* And those sweet cherubs who, in caskets laid. Seemed less for earth and more for heaven made.| These are thy spoils, voracious Sixty-Seven, The gems we mourn, laid up for us in heaven. Not we alone : more, ay, more, the State, Which mourns for him confessed by all as Great; Great, because wise, and yet more great as good. And foremost as a Christian Patriot stood ; Sagacious, honest, philanthropic, wise, — Fitted for earth, yet better for the skies, — Andrew^ I thy name we speak with honest pride. Who lived for Truth, and for thy country died ! In words historic be embalmed thy name, And made immortal on the rolls of Fame ! * Henry P. Miles, Esq. t Infants of W. C. Hunneman, Esq., and Mr. Riddell. 10 AUTUMN LEAVES. 'Tis said, " Times change, and with them manners change ; " A simple truth, but neither new nor strange ; For, like the stream that's ever on the flow, Man's generations from each other grow. The same the stream, but, flowing calmly by, New forms, new scenes, come glancing on the eye; In light and shade reflect their varied hue. And teach, — Yield up the Old, accept the New. We're here to-night this lesson to receive, And, as it teaches, in the future live. Yet, ere we part, one word of witching spell Enchains the heart, the tongue : it is Farewell. It casts its spell o'er every feeling heart. And bids us linger as from friends we part ; E'en things invisible assert the power. And strangely bind us to the parting hour, — That deepest feeling of the heart refined. Which casts "one longing, lingering look behind." And so, Old Year, ere we should bid adieu To all our pleasures, labors, and to You, ODE. 11 A pleasing, retrospective eye we've cast, And fondly lingered as we've felt 'twas — Last. Thanks for thy gifts ! Thanks, dear, departing Year, As on thy grave we drop the parting tear. Much hast thou ta'en, withheld, but more hast given. To fill our earthly cup, and win to heaven ; And, though dark shadows on thy mem'ry rest. Of all thy lengthened train we'll crown thee best. Good-by, Old Year, with all of wrong and strife, And to the New pledge we a Better Life ; With our great Leader, march we bravely on, Nor give the battle o'er till victory is won ! But lo ! the scene recedes, and broke the spell, As sadly strikes the ear the word, — Farewell. 12 CHRISTMAS CAROLS. I. See ! oh see ! the morn is breakmg, With the heaven's own dazzling light ; Angel-choirs are sweetly singing, Filling earth with pure delight. Round and round it far is spreading, Never, never more to cease ; Glad to earth the tidings bringing, Joy to men, good will, and peace ! Thus our Saviour's reign revealing. It unveils our future home ; Gently o'er us moving, stealing, Hear it whisper, — come, oh come ! Hear, O dear one ! hear this singing ; Let it mould thine every thought. CHRISTMAS CAROLS. 13 So control thy thoughts and feeh'ng, Love for Christ in thee be wrought. As it goes on swelling, swelling, Bend, oh bend a ready ear, Till all of sin from thee expelling. White as snow thy heart appear : So the spirit in thee dwelling, Lowly then shall Christ-like be ; Then shall joy, all joy excelling. Crown thy life with victory. 14 II. A GEM ! a gem ! it glistens bright. As out it comes in broad day-light ! How hundreds gather round the spot To know who'll have, or who will not ! Look, how they peer with anxious eyes To see who'll gain the precious prize ! But only one this prize can gain, And all the rest must strive in vain. A gem ! a gem ! the angels cry, A gem that comes from out the sky! A priceless gem of worth untold. And precious more than gain of gold ! 'Twas found in heaven, 'twas stamped on earth, But here, alas ! unknown its worth. Few gathered round where this was laid, Nor long to gain the prize they stayed ; But ready were to scorn the Gem, Though safety's amulet for them. CHRISTMAS CAROLS. 15 They trod it down, they bleared its mark. And gloried in their deed so dark. Trod down it was, but not for ever : The body crushed, the spirit never ; Again 'tis found, but now 'tis many, To be secured, and ^vorn by any. ^Twas ONE : in myriad pieces broken, 'Tis cherished now as virtue's holiest token, — The Cross, the Cross ! the Christian's symbol, Tlie richest prize for one and all. 16 m. Youthful mysteries disappear, As day by day goes by ; Little by little, year by year, Till seem they sham or he. In our young days 'tis grand good fun, When Christmas comes along. To hear the wassailers' stories spun, The merry Christmas song. 'Tis sport enough to hear the deer. That draws old Santa Glaus, To our own chimney drawing near. And at our door-step pause. It shakes our sides Old Nick to see, In mock heroic clothes. Swaying about his Christmas tree, As he his gifts bestows. Yes ! fun enough when we are young ; But age strips off the mask, CHRISTMAS CAROLS. IT Then shows and shams away are flung, And truth is what we ask. The old man goes, but truths abide, 'Tis Christmas, Christmas, still: The Christ is still the maiden's guide, If love controls her will. And better gifts than those of youth Come with the Holiday, — The precious gifts of grace and truth, Through Him, the Life, the Way. The gifts are sweet just as before. The hands as kind that give ; But these are valued more and more, The longer we shall live. Cherish the day, then, deep and true, Its meaning free of dross : Life has its sports of transient hue, But never fades the Cross. 18 IV. Jesus the Saviour, born to-day, On children smile e'en while they play : He speaks in love to girls and boys, To soothe their griefs, to grace their joys; Yea, more, — he takes them by the hand. To guide them to the Better Land ; And points out clear the blessed road That leads to his divine abode. Hark ! He speaks to every child, In charmed words, both soft and mild, — " Two roads there are your sight within : The one is broad, the road of sin ; The Tempter stands near by its gate. And, urging, says. Oh do not wait ! Come in, come in ! oh see my flowers ! Come sit beneath my fragrant bowers ; Come take my cup, he winning says, As he his flaunting banner sways ! CHEISTMAS CAKOLS. 19 But, boys, take care ! the thorns he hides, Nor shows how near the serpent glides ! Who goes in there will downward go. And reach, at length, the land of woe. "But look you here (Christ speaks again) : A path more narrow, straight and plain ; But 'tis my own, — I pray you come ; 'Twill take ye to my blessed home. The entrance hard, but smooth 'twill grow, As down the valley's waters flow : Go in, go on, and very soon 'Twill be as bright as month of June : There flowers their sweetest fragrance shed ; There birds sing blithely overhead ; The trees their loaded branches bend, And all their balmy foliage lend : No serpents there shall round thee glide, But angels sing on every side ; Their words shall be, — boy, bend to hear As they shall draw to you anear, — Keep in this path ; be good, be wise ; Your God and duty ever prize ; 20 AUTUMN LEATES. Be kind, obedient, loving me : Then you the Happy Land shall see, The shininiî srate shall enter in. No sorrow there, nor death, nor sin. But one ^ house beautiful ' your dwelling ever, Where friends and kindred meet, no more to 21 Tell me, niece, and tell me true, Is't not something strange and new. That, for you and me, this morn, A Saviour Christ is truly born ? That he comes this very day. And bids his angels sing the lay, Peace to you, and peace to all. Who will hear their Saviour's call ; Peace to every willing soul, Who will come and share his fold ? Sweet girl, listen ! hear the word Which is spoken by the Lord : As to-day you laugh and play. Think that he's the only " Way ; " As you grow in life and youth. Think of him alone as " Truth ; " As you join in care and strife. Remember he alone is " Life." 22 AUTUMN LEAVES. He alone the " Way " can show, How in goodness you can grow ; He alone the " Truth " can teach, How his kingdom you can reach ; He alone the " Life " bestow, Bliss above and bliss below. Be your thoughts, then, Christ-like, pure. Thus a happy mind secure ; Then, your feelings good and kind, Peace within and joy you'll find ; Then your actions, always right. Shall be crowned with heavenly light ; Then true and loving, wise and just, In God and Christ your strongest trust ; Then men below shall give you aid. And heaven for you with gems be laid. 23 NEW YEAR. Santa, old Santa, is here again, — whack ; How funny and queer is he ! He bears with a grin, on his fur-covered back, A large and a stuffed and a wonderful pack, Which he opens and shuts with a singular knack, As hither and thither he swingeth his tree ! A singing old fellow this Santa Claus is. His heart full of joy and glee ! You cannot but laugh at his comical phiz. As he tosses his gifts to that one and this, — Or sends them down chimneys with a terrible whiz, Or shaketh them out from his Christmas tree. Old Santa Claus a good fellow, they say. With glittering gems and gifts on his tree : 24: AUTUMN LEAVES. He stuffs them in stockings by night or by day, As to you " Merry Christmas !" he trolls on his way, And cheers up the young as they sportively play : A frolicsome, kind old fellow is he ! Santa, old Santa, thus trudging along, Merrily swings his holly-decked tree ! And cheerily sings he, all the night long. Of angels, that wonderful Christmas song. Peace on earth, with voice shaky but strong : A muscular old Christian is he ! Ye children, give hail to old Santa Claus, Scattering his bonbons so free ! And all, for a moment, then silently pause. And each echo back with glowing applause, — Far better the gift than all of earth's toys, — "Peace on earth, and good- will, ever be ! " 25 SPRING. Unseen spirits tread the mountains, Through the meadows, o'er the plains ; Streams o'erflow as living fountains. Swollen by soft or sudden rains. Springing out and up around us Is the blossom, bud, and spire. Which like miracles astound us, Or, rejoicing, we admire. Freshly willow-tags are dancing. And the elm's of browner hue ; Sunlight o'er the tulip glancing. Or the violet gemmed with dew ; Snow-drop, crocus, hyacinth, Thrust their heads through earth and snow ; Brownish bulbs a short time since. Now, uprising, sweetly blow. 26 AUTUMN LEAVES. Fringed with green, just tipt tlie branches, Freshly dipped in nature's dye. As the season more advances, Bourgeon forth to bless the eye. Bird and insect, loudly singing, Fill the air with music sweet ; Nature to the altar bringing Offerings rich, with love replete. Come, O man ! and do not falter, Image ye of Love Divine ; Bring thyself to his great altar, Thus o'er all superior shine. 27 HOPE. 'Tis Hope, sister Faith, who comes at thy call, To flood with her light the bosoms of all ; Beauteous they call me, and sweet to behold, With fairest of locks in nettins^s of srold. I come to awaken the happiest of dreams. And fulness of scope to the fondest of schemes ; To captives their freedom, to sick men their health, To lovers a victory, the beggar his wealth. Enchanter am I, in whose herbaries grow Wreaths for each toil and charms for each woe ; Who whispereth pleasure in every new song. And calleth on echo the strain to prolong. Eternal, say poets, I " spring in the breast ; Man never is, but always to be blest ; " For uneasy the soul is, away from its home, And only finds rest in the new one to come ! Then speak, sister Faith, say, is it not so ? Our hope is in heaven, and not here below. 28 THE LITTLE CUP OF TEARS. A GERMAN LEGEND. Three days, three nights, with bitter tears, A mother wept her darling child ; Three days, three nights, with anguished fears. Her frantic grief was sad and wild. Three days, three nights, the needed food. She to her wants and lips denied ; And on the self-same spot now stood As where her little daughter died. 'Twas then, through softly opened door, Came in the dear departed one ; An angel's dress of beauty wore, A seraph's smile already won. And in her hand she held a cup, Of tiny form and magic spell. THE LITTLE CUP OF TEARS. 29 Full with her mother's tears, caught up By morning's angel as they fell. ■^Mother," she said, "I'm happy now. And all is well with me above ; Before the throne in praise I bow. And with the blessed dwell in love. " Then, dearest mother, weep no more. This cup of tears must not o'erflow ; A single drop will run it o'er. And then my fate is future woe." The mother's eyes quick sought the brim And felt the warning timely given ; Thenceforth, her sight no longer dim, The vanished child found bliss in heaven. 30 THE RESTLESS LITTLE BOY, AND WHAT BEFELL HIM. 0:nce lived a restless little boy. Who never could be still ; He pulled at this, he tugged at that, With strong, unyielding will ; He plagued his pa, he plagued his ma, His uncle, as to that. And worried all within the house, Much more than dog or cat. " Be still," — '' be quiet," — " be less rude," Were echoed round and round. But yet no peace within the house Could, up or down, be found. 'Twas turning here or twisting there. Whether at church or school. THE RESTLESS LITTLE BOY. 31 And though they coaxed, and though they switched. Restless and rude his rule : They plead, they chided more and more, "Be still," — " be not so rude ; " And, though it came from aunts and all. They found it did no good. One summer's day, with heat o'ercome. And tired with boisterous play, On parlor floor he fell asleep, — Face up, back down, he lay. He dreamt : — some fairies, spying round, Came briskly through the door ; They took some strings, they took some pegs. And bound him to the floor : With these, of cunning, magic strength, They fastened down his hair ; With other cords his shoulders bound. Then tied his body there : One round his knees then made him fast; Another, round the feet; 32 AUTUMN LEAVES. And then our restless little boy A prisoner was complete. Their work now done, they rushed away, And left him fast asleep, But left the great, wide door ajar. That through it they might peep. The dreamer woke ! his look, how strange ! He tried in vain to move. For tighter drew the magic bands, The more and more he strove. He cried, he bawled, — bat all for naught, For well was done their work ; The more he tried, the more he cried, The broader was their smirk. At length, tired out, for once was still. And fell to sleep again ; Then in they rushed, and round him swung. And, passing, touched his brain ! Again he dreamt : how strange, how wild ! But all unconscious dreamed ; THE RESTLESS LITTLE BOY. The scene to him so vivid was, A real one it seemed. They fluttered o'er his little head, And whispered in his ear Words mysterious, soft, and sweet, But these could plainly hear : " Ye restless one, give us the pledge, If we will set you free, That, henceforth, you will nevermore Nor rude nor restless be." Amazed, alarmed, he gave the pledge : " Henceforth I will be still ; At school, at church, at home, abroad, By force of thought and will." And, after this, if restless he. They only had to say, " Remember, boy, the fairies dream," And he was stilled alway. 34 PRINCE HALEWYN. A LEGEND. Lord Halewyn, the Prince, The gallant and gay, Most bewitchingly sung A curious old lay. The fair daughters of kings. And of princes the pride, From this court and that, He charmed to his side : They rushed to his palace, They buzzed round the flame. But oh ! never returned, — Or returned but with shame. A neighboring king's daughter. Beguiled by his song, PRINCE HA.LEWYN. 35 Had a feeling awakened, As curious as stronsj : " I'll meet him in person, To his court will repair ; I'll redress others' wrongs. Or their fate bravely share." But though curious and brave, And romantically bent. She must first seek her friends, And gain their consent. She went to her father. And she fell at his feet, And made known her wishes, In tones earnest and sweet : "Father, dear father, Ï0 the Prince let me go." But quickly he answered : " Oh, no ! my child, no ! Gone, gone have the many, And gone with fair fame. But have never returned, — Or returned but with shame." 36 AUTUMN LEAVES. She went to her mother, — " Mother, consent that I go ; " But she answered as quickly : " Oh, no ! my child, no ! Plead ne'er a word more, Your words are in vain ; For they who go thither, Return not again." She went to her sister, — " Sis, consent that I go ; " But, with sisterly love, She answered her, — " No : Your aim it is noble. But surely you'll fall ; For the fate of the first Is the fate of them all." Thwarted and vexed. To her brother she sped : '' To the Prince let me go," She beseechingly said. " Oh ! little do I care," Was the answer he gave; PRINCE HALEWYN. " But, O sister ! be sure Your honor to save : Go ; go, if you will ; I smile not, nor frown ; But be sure to bring back, Unstained, honor and crown." These words were enough ; So, with speed and with art, She prepared to perform Her well-conceived part, — Took helmet and hauberk, Her shield and her spear, And sought him full-armed, In his own regal sphere. The. welcome was courteous, Kind sfreetinojs were flun