mmm ffiamw*** mm $##^W» i^li®fi AM A /Wv/. 8Uf y£? UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WW* sy«dyco>?wy*s*-(?. rasHnraXtipAfa Ms© vvy\ :\A/v:.A r,ZY< V*vJ 3ti-j. Mti&m uyv^ V^y mm ^Bm^ M^UW; Sh04«« wife ^ /iWws;u L r,^ M|s ■A »i hwT ^i v V WW * v yS&y^rWbySSBc - c c c POEMS. POEMS. EICHAED COE " Unto man, in peace and strife, True and false, and weak and strong, Unto all, in death and life, Speaks the poet in his 6ong. B. W. Proctor. *? PHILADELPHIA: SMITH, ENGLISH & CO 23 North Sixth Street. 1862. ■ c 7 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1802, by RICHARD COE, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. King & Baird, Printers, Sansom St.. Philada CONTENTS. BIBLE PICTURES. PAGE. Ruth 13 The Nativity 16 The Crucifixion 19 The Intercession 23 Paul 26 " Be not afraid, 'tis I ? " 29 Faith, Hope and Charity 31 The Three Marys 34 " Jesus Wept." 36 The Prodigal Son 39 My Friend 42 The Omnipresence of God 45 Gloria Tibi 47 Beauty 48 The One Hope 51 Little Emma's Death 53 Thanksgiving 56 Prayer 5 C O N T E N T S . VOICES OF HOME. PAGE. The Casket and the Jewels 63 My Father 64 My Mother 66 My Wife 68 Our Little Boy 70 Our Little Girl 72 The Old Farm Gate 74 Love thy Mother, Little One 76 The Truest Friends 78 Am I Happy ? 80 The Angel of our Home 81 Good Night 83 The Vacant Chair 85 Childhood 87 The Children of the Poor Man 89 Baby's Dead 91 Here and There 93 LYRICS OF LOVE. The Dawn of Love 97 Do I love thee ? 98 Castle Building 100 The Poet's Choice 103 The One that I Love 107 O ! Let thy features once again 109 Constancy Ill CONTEXTS. 7 PAIiK. Marie Clair 113 Sir Richard and the Sisters 116 The Eternity of a Poet's Love 120 The Country Lassie and her Mother 122 SONGS FOB THE TIMES. Never Despair 127 A Plea for Freedom 129 Men of the West 131 Heading the List 134 The Coming Triumph 136 Victory 138 MISCELLANEOUS. The Withered Leaf 143 Smiles and Tears 147 The Rain-Drop 150 Emblems. 152 Philadelphia 154 Truth 157 The White Daisy 159 I Want to go Home 161 Little by Little 162 Life's Seasons 164 Winter is Coming 166 Fortune-Telling KiS The Stormy Petrel 170 8 CONTENTS. TAGE. The Secret 172 We are Dreamers All 173 Be Happy 175 The Health 178 The Child's Inquiry 180 Washington Square 182 The Sewing-Girl 186 Sunlight and Shadow 188 The Village Beau 190 Why is it that the saddest Strains ? 192 The Evening Walk 194 " And Died, and was Forgot." 196 Insurance 197 Life 198 At Rest 199 1 ill 1 1 ft 1 i u CHARLES W. P. CALVERT. To you, whose partial eye doth greet Each verse of mine with meed of praise, I come, with childlike love and sweet, To dedicate these simple lays. I know the world doth aye disdain The poet's song, and scorn his art, But you are free from Mammon's chain, And sympathize, with poet heart, In every high and holy thought, In every brave and generous word, From heaven's own inspiration caught, By others, oft, unseen, unheard. BIBLE PICTURES BIBLE PICTURES RUTH. i. lx the Bible we are told Story sweet of simple truth. Heroine of which of old Was the gentle Ruth ; TT. How to Bethlehem she came With Naomi homeward bound How towards the stricken dame She was ever found ITT. Kind, affectionate and mild, E'er attentive to her good ; Seeking like a duteous child To provide her food. 2 1 1 IV. " ! entreat me not to go, Mother mine," sweet Ruth did say ; " Where thou wanderest to and fro, Thither be my way ! v. " And the people of thy choice Shall be doubly dear to me, If they lend a kindly voice, Mother, unto thee ; VI. " And the God thou dost adore Shall be unto me a God ; We will worship as of yore, Kneeling on the sod ! VII. " Where thou diest I will die, On the land or on the wave ; Where thou liest I will lie, In one common grave." VIII. How in Bethlehem's barley fields She did glean from day to day ; How the refuse matter yields Much to store away ; KITH. 15 IX. How she lay at Boaz's feet, Waiting for the coming morn, Full of modesty, discreet, Fearing not his scorn ; x. How he took her to his heart, Loved and cherished her through life : Made her of himself a part — Fond and faithful wife ; XI. How Naomi wept to hear That the gentle Ruth had found. In her wealthy kinsman dear. Favor to abound ; XII. This the story we are told. Story sweet of simple truth. Heroine of which of old Was the gentle Ruth. 16 THE NATIVITY. i. In a city, Bethlehem named, Ere the rosy break of day ; In a manger, newly swathed, Jesus lay. ii. Lay, as in a gentle slumber, While his mother, sweetly-mild, Kissed the dimpled cheek and forehead Of her child. in. Looking upward, brightly shining, In its dwelling-place afar, She beheld a glorious vision In a star — IV. New-created, newly-risen, Shining on her from above, Seemed its mission to that mother One of love. T II K N A T I V I T Y . V. ■•Father, thou who me hast chosen For the mother of Thy Son ; Gazing on me from yon planet, Radiant zone — VI. "Help me, O, my blessed Father, So to guide him in his youth. That his manhood be a lesson For the truth !" VII. From her deep and rapt devotion. She awoke to hear a strain. As an angel-chorus sounded Through her brain. VIII. •• To (iod be glory in the highest/' Thus the angel-strain began, " Peace on earth, and good-will ever Unto man !" IX. Star of Bethlehem ! brightly shining In thy dwelling-place above, Fill me with the blest effulgence Of thy love. L8 x. Lead me, by thy gentle guidance. Unto heaven's resplendent door ; Open wide the gates eternal Evermore. XI. There may 1 thro' countless ages Bless the Savior of my race ; Giving unto Thee the glory, As the grace. XII. Thence may I, divinely-missioned, Speed on angel-wings to earth, Pointing fallen man, exulting, To the Birth— XIII. Of the lowly-one of Bethlehem, Of the blessed Savior-child, Born unto the Virgin Mary, Meek and mild. Burn to light up souls in darkness With a calm, benignant ray, Shining ever brighter, unto Perfect day ! THE CRUCIFIXION. 19 THE CRUCIFIXION. i. Upon the cross of Caivary, With a thief on either side, 'Neath his Father's pitying eye, Jesus died ! ii. Died, uplooking into Heaven. Far beyond our mortal view, " Father, be their sins forgiven. What they do — in. "These my cruel slayers, know not, Yet I die that they may live ; Unto them thine anger show not, But forgive. i\ . "It is finished, and the merit Of my work shall e'er be thine ; Father, God, to thee my spirit I resign." 20 v. Then dissolved within the essenee Of the mighty One in Three, Stood he in the Living Presenee, Deity ! VI. Trembled all the face of Nature With a deep, convulsive awe, Such as living, human creature Never saw. VII. Waked the dead from out their slumber. Walked the earth each living ghost. Who their paly forms may number ? Countless host. VIII. Came they to behold the vail rent In the temple of the land ? Came they to behold the nail-dent In his hand ? IX. Came they to behold his mother, Sorrow-stricken at her loss ? Came, they to behold their brother On the cros.-> ? THE CRUCIFIXION. 21 X. No ! they came, by God directed, From their calm and pulseless sleep, That the sons of men, subjected, E'en might weep — XI. Weep such tears of deep contrition As to almost stop the breath. At their Savior's sad rendition Unto death ! XII. Jesus, of mankind the lover, Press me close unto thy side, Till thy blessed meekness cover All my pride. XIII. May thy sweet, forgiving spirit Cheer me in the path of right, 'Till with thee I shall inherit Full delight— XIV. Full delight with thee in heaven, 'Neath thy kind, approving smile. Singing, "Thanks to God, forgiven," All the while. 22 xv. '•Thanks to God, the Father glorious Thanks to Thee his only Son, To the Spirit, each victorious, Three in One!" Til E I XTE RCES! [ iN THE INTERCESSION. i. Up in the radiant sky. Far from all human eye, Upon the throne on high, Jesus now stands, Still pleading night and day ; ik Father ! forgive, I pray, Man's sins are washed away ; See my torn hands ! jt. "Did I not sigh for him ? Did I not cry for him ? Did I not die for him ? Father, forgive ! When on the cross I lay, Man's sins were washed away Still unto thee I pray : Father, forgive ! 24 in. " Earth is an evil place ; Man's is a feeble race ; Aye lost without Thy grace : Father, forgive ! Speak to his troubled soul ; Make his seared conscience whole ; O ! may he reach the goal : Father, forgive ! IV. " Why take I heed of him ? Am I not seed of him ? Did I not bleed of him V Father, forgive ! Closed I mine eyes amain ; Sought I these skies again ; Here let my sighs attain : Father, forgive !" O ! 'twas a cruel deed, Thus, thus, to make Him bleed Who of us took such heed : Father, forgive ! T II E 1 N T K K C E S S 1 N . 25 Angels vol fluttering there ; Gathering and cluttering there ; Still hear Him uttering there : " Father, forgive !" VI, Oft doth the blessed One Stoop from His holy throne. Heeding the suppliant tone " Father, forgive !" Calls man to Him on high, Up in the radiant sky. Far from all human eye, Ever to live. VII. Then do the angels sing ; " Glory to God our King ! He, He, alone can bring Man up on high ; Thanks to the blessed One ! Thanks to His only Son !" Echoes the glorious tone Far through the sky ! :J 26 PAUL. i. Of the many names of Scripture — Save of Him high over all — That we read of in its pages, Most T like heroic Paul ! n. Like him for his noble bearing In the presence-place of kings; Like him for his bowing unto Lesser things. in. Like him for the strong desire That he felt for others' good. By himself as by none other Understood. IV. Like him for the great epistles, That he wrote when far away, To the varied nations 'round him. In his day. PAUL. 27 \ . Like him for the faith triumphant. Ever beaming from his eyes, Pointing men to hopes of glory In the skies. VI. Like him for his large experience ; Like him for his love of truth ; Ay, and for the fervent error Of his youth ! Like him for the bold expression That he gave the earnest thought, For his person's safety, meanwhile, Caring naught. VIII. Like him for the sore afflictions That he bore for Jesus' name ; Stripes and tumults, watchings, fastings- All the same. IX. Like him that he gloried ever, Not in earthly gain or losi But in nothing whatsoever Save the cross. 28 x. Like him that he built a temple, For the high and holy One, Having for its chief foundation Mary's son ! XL Therefore, of the names of Scripture- Save of Him high over all — That we read of in its pages, Most I like heroic Paul. "be not afraid! 'tis i." 29 " BE NOT AFRAID ! 'TIS I." i. 'Twas eve — the followers of Christ "Were toiling at the oar, Against the wind and waves., to reach Bethsaida's peaceful shore ; And yet the utmost of their might All useless seemed to be, When lo ! behold the wondrous sight. The Savior treads the sea ! With sudden and with mighty fear Their bosoms are possessed, As nerveless now each powerful arm Upon its oar, doth rest ; 'Twas then the Savior spake in love, He could not pass them by, His voice the winds rose calm above, " Fear not," he said, " 'tis 1 ! " 2* 30 in. Dear Savior, when the storms of life Shall round about me roar, And threaten, in their fearful strife, To whelm my frail bark o'er ; ! in that trying hour be near, To catch my faintest sigh, And whisper in my waiting ear, " Be not afraid, 'tis I!" FAITH. HOPE AND CHARITY. 31 FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY. i. Faith and Hope went hand in hand. To the portals of the Better-Land ; And, boldly knocking, sought to gain An entrance to its vast domain. " Who's there ? " a voice within did cry, " My sister Faith," said Hope, " and I." Again the voice within did say. ' " Where is your younger sister, pray ? That other loving sister, she Whom ye on earth called Charity?" Then Faith outspoke and thus did say :— " Our sister tarried by the way ; A beggar-woman sought our alms, With tearful eyes and outstretched palms, And Charity, our gentle sister, Just stayed a moment to assist her ; Another, wounded unto death, She knelt beside to catch his breath, If, haply, she might bear to heaven An earnest of his sins forgiven ; 32 P E .M s . And now I pray that ye may ope The portal-gates to Faith and Hope." But still the voice within did cry, "Where is your sister Charity?" ii. Awhile, dejected and distressed; The sisters sat them down to rest ; " It was not well," then Faith did say, " To leave our sister by the way, For if some evil her befall, "We cannot enter heaven at all ; " Then hand in hand together went To find sweet Charity intent. They found her weeping by the side Of him who had so lately died ; "I know his sins are all forgiven, His last, last words were ' God and Heaven,' " She said, then rising from the ground. She gazed o'er all the space around, Until she joyfully espied Her sisters standing by her side ; Together then, aud hand in hand, Again they sought the spirit-land. FAITHJ BO i' E A N I) C II A R I T Y . 33 While yet afar oft', they descried The gates of heaven open wide ; What mean those strains that greet the ear ? What words are those that now they hear ? The beggar and the one that died Are standing by the Crucified ; And now as Charity draws nigh, They sing in chorus loud and high ; While angel voices, far and near, Re-echo through the heavenly sphere; " Welcome to thy home on high. Meek and lowly Charity ; Welcome to the Father's kiss ; Welcome to an angel's bliss ; Welcome blessed Trinity, — Faith and Hope and Charity." And now the portal-gates are passed, And God and Heaven are won at last ! 34 THE THREE MARYS. i. We should love the name of Mary, For the sake of her who bore Jesus on her gentle bosom. In the days of yore : Soothed and oftentimes caressed Him, Blending with His own her breath ; Stood beside and fondly blessed Him, At his death. u. We should love the name of Mary, For the sake of her who bowed At the Savior's feet in sorrow, And with wailings loud, Did lament her lost condition, All before the face of men ; — Thine be glory's full fruition, Magdalen ! THE THREE MARYS, 35 III. We should love the name of Mary, For the sake of her who cried, " Lord, had'st Thou but been anear us, Brother had not died." Tears of kindly recollection, Mingling with her bitter sighs, As they met a like reflection, In His eyes ' We should love the name of Mary, In that they together stand 'Round the pure white throne in Heaven, Joining hand in hand ; And the while all circumspectly, Jesus, Savior, praising Thee, Shedding on us indirectly Blessings free ! 36 "JESUS WEPT." i. At the tomb of Lazarus, Where his friend in silence slept, We are told within the scriptures Jesus wept ! ii. Wept to see the mourning sisters Bend beneath a weight of woe, That the sad and sorrow-stricken Only know. in. Wept to see the noble Martha Strive to overmaster grief; Wept to see the gentle Mary Find relief IV. From her overburdened sorrow, In the burning tears she shed, At the kindly recollection Of the dead. "JESUS WE P T . V. Wept to know that Lazarus, Whom, when living, well he loved. Lay beneath the heavy tomb-stone All unmoved. VI. Wept to know that human sorrow, Wept to know that human grief, Find, in sympathy from heaven, Sweet relief. VII. Wept to know the good All-Father's Eye was on him now in love ; Wept to know his prayer was answered From above. VIII. Wept to see his friend and brother Issue from his clammy bed, When he cried " Come forth, ! Lazarus, From the dead!" "Wept to see the joyful sisters, Free from all of death's alarms. Clasp again the loving brother In their arms. 4 38 POEMS. X. Wept to press unto his bosom Him from whom he soon must part ; "Wept to feel the life-blood throbbing In his heart. Wept to know that many, looking On himself with curious eye, Soon would see a glorious vision From on high ! XII. At the tomb of Lazarus Where his friend in silence slept, Thus the gentle, kind and loving Jesus wept. T II E PRODIGAL S N . 39 THE PRODIGAL SON i. Spake the weary prodigal, In his hunger and distress, " 1 will to my father go, He will bless. ii. " He has food enough to spare, Bread enough for all to eat; I will claim an humble share At his feet. in. " I will tell him I have sinned, And will thus his pity move ; Foul and all unworthy now Of his love. IV. " I will tell him that a place. Given to his men of hire. Is the utmost meed of grace I desire. " 40 v. Thus the weary prodigal, Humbled by his soul's distress, To his father's house drew nigh, Did he bless ? VI. When his father, from the door Of the old, ancestral home, Saw his poor, repentant child Thither come — VII. Out he ran with open arms To receive his long-lost boj From the world's insidious charms ! what joy ! VIII. " Let the fatted calf be killed ; Let the household merry make, Into all be joy instilled, For the sake "Of my son who once was lost, But who now is found again ; Weary, worn, and sorrow-tossed, Heart and brain, THE PRODIGAL SOX. 41 X. " Here upon thy father's breast. Lay thine aching head, my child ; Here in peaceful slumber rest, Calmly, mild !" XI. Father ! from thy throne on high, "When oppressed with deepest grief, Look on us with pitying eye, Send relief. XII. Upon all who come in love, Humbly kneeling at thy feet, Thou wilt shower from above Honors meet ! 4* 42 POEMS. MY FRIEND. I have a friend, a friend sincere. Who kindly yields me, year by year For gladness joy, and tear for tear. He takes my hand within His own. And leads me, though a man o'ergrown, Lest I should " fall upon a stone !" in. And in the blessed springtime fair. He points me to the blossoms rare, That sweetly perfume all the air, And in the summer's sultry heat, He guides me to some cool retreat, Beneath the shade of foliage sweet. MY FRIEND. 43 And in the autumn's yellow leaf, He kindly whispers "Time is brief! " Prepare thou, then, life's harvest-sheaf!" VI. And in the winter's chilling blast, He bids me not be over-cast, But look for brighter things at last. Thus in each season doth my friend Some comfort to my spirit lend, That knows no changing yet nor end ! Methinks I hear you ask of me " Who may this friend of wonder be ?" Well, listen ; I will tell it thee : The mighty Framer of the sky, The Ruler of man's destiny, The omnipresent Deity ! u x. Alas! for man, insensate clod, His best and warmest friend is God, That ever in bis pathway trod. My Maker, Savior, God and Friend. 0, ever on my steps attend, Until my life shall have an end. XII. And when this fleeting scene be o'er. O, meet my spirit on the shore Of the eternal Evermore ! T IJ E M N I P K E S E N C E O F G O D . 45 THE OMNIPRESENCE OF GOD. i. In the mountain — in the stream — In the hushed and charmed air — In the working of a dream — God is everywhere ! ii. In the star that decks the sky. Shining through the silent air ; In the cloud that saileth by — God is everywhere ! in. In the lily of the field — Or in floweret more rare — In the perfume rose's yield — God is everywhere ! IV. In the sunbeam, clear and bright— In the rainbow, wondrous fair — In the darkness of the night — God is everywhere ! 46 p o e m s . In the gentle summer breeze- In the rushing winter air — In the rustling of the trees — God is everywhere ! VI. In the organ's solemn sound — Or in music's lighter air — All above — beneath — around— God is everywhere ! GLORIA TIP, I. 47 GLORTA Tim. (inn of the earliest streaks of dawn That tint the orient skies of day : God of the bright and beauteous mom ; God of the noontide's gladsome ray ; God of the evening's twilight grey ; God of the midnight's solemn hour ; God of the Everlasting Day ; God of all grace, and love, and power Unto Thee my soul would raise Grateful hymns of solemn praise ; Help me worthily to sing- Great Creator God and Kins 1 ! 48 POE M s . BEAUTY. All around me things of beauty Rise before my raptured eyes ; God of Heaven, ! how glorious Are the azure skies ! ! how beautiful the flowers, Wherewith thou hast decked the earth Beauty, all surpassing beauty, Everywhere hath birth ! Earth's green carpet, how it glistens In the morning's early light ; While the air is. filled with songsters, In their plumage bright : Placid waters all around me, Gold and silver tribes supply ; Everywhere some form of beauty Meets my gladdened eye ! DEAUTY. III. While the little cradled infant Smileth gently in its sleep, Beauty sits enthroned upon it, Holy, calm and deep ! When it groweth into childhood, Laughing in its merry glee ; Still another phase of beauty In its grace we see • IV, In the maid of sixteen summers, In the matron staid and mild, In the youth of gentle motion, Or of gestures wild: In man's midday hour of glory, Or in his serener life ; Each successive age with beauty, Still is fully rife ! Ho who made Creation glorious, And pronounced it " very good, Q ave to me the sense of beauty, Felt and understood, P H M S . That I might adore the Maker Of the wondrous works I see, E'er from Nature's self uplooking To the Deity ! VI. ! what transcendental beauty Sits upon the Savior's face, When he gazes on the sinner, With a look of grace : Says " Thy errors are forgiven, Go in peace and sin no more ;" Countless forms of radiant beauty Gleam his vision o'er ! VII. When 1 enter death's dark valley, Cheered by Christ's redeeming grace, May all beauty pale before me Save his blessed face : Soothed, sustained, upheld and cherished, 'Till the dreary way is done ; May I find in Heaven's blest mansions God and beauty one ! THE ONE HOPE. 5] THE ONE HOPE. i. A single withered leaf is left Upon the forest tree, By angry winds and storms bereft Of other company : And though its friend* have lung since gone, The withered leaf still clingcth on. So one fond hope within my breast Eemaineth there alone ; Unlike the falsely-flattering rest, That long, long since have flown- This single hope yet clingeth there, To save my soul from dark despair. 52 POEM.S. It is — that when my hour shall come To lie beneath the sod, That angels take my spirit home To commune with her God ! Let storms assail me as they will, This one blest hope sustains me still ! LITTLE EM MA'S DEATH. 53 LITTLE EMMA'S DEATH. I. : Who does Emma love?" we said, To our little one that died ; Smiling, as she raised her head, " Jesus I" she replied. II. ' Emma wants to be at rest ; Wants to lay her little head On her Heavenly Father's breast- Ever-blessecl bed ! in. ' Emma wants to sing the song That the little angels sing, Wants to hover all day long On an angel's wing, 5* 54 POEMS, IV. " Wants to see the pearly gate, Wants to see the milk-white dove That on Jesus' head once sate — Emblem sweet of love ! 1 Wants to hear her Father's voice Saying, ' Emma,' come to me, Evermore shalt thou rejoice In eternity.' " VI. Emma had her wish, for she, Ere the midday sun was high, With a sweet serenity Breathed her latest sigh. VII. Can we doubt that Emma 's now On her spirit-wing afloat, Gazing on our saddened brow, And our stifled throat — little emma's death. 55 Watching o'er our temporal thing; Half-partaker of our food, Pleading with the King of kings, For our earthly good ? Firm-believing in the faith, In the which our Emma died, We commend her now in death To the Crucified ! 56 POEMS. THANKSGIVING. Thanksgiving, and the voice of praise To God, the gracious Giver, For every good that crowns our days, Forever, and forever ! For morning light, and evening shade, For tender blade and blossom, For joy and sorrow equal made, To glad and pain the bosom. ii. We thank Thee, Father, for the grain Abundant, rich and precious, That since the harvest-day hath lain In granaries full spacious ; We thank Thee for the fruits of earth, Thy tender mercy lendeth ; The mind that spake them iuto birth, Our highest thought transcendeth. T 11 AN KSGIVING We thank Thee for the gift of sight, To see their glad completeness ; We thank Thee for the keen delight With which we taste their sweetness We thank Thee for all joy we feel ; We thank Thee for all sorrow ; We thank Thee for our present weal, And trust Thee for the morrow ! We thank Thee for the right that each Within himself possesses To worship Thee in thought or speech, As best his spirit blesses ; We thank Thee for the coming day, Along the sky progressing, When man for man shall lead the way To Freedom's richest blessing. We thank Thee, Father, for the gift All other gifts excelling That Thou dost oft our spirits lift . To be thine own indwelling ! 58 We thank Thee for the Holy Book That yields the blest confession That Christ, thy Son, with pleading look. Still maketh intercession ! Thanksgiving and the voice of praise To God the gracious Giver, For every good that crowns our days, Forever, and forever ! The morning light, the evening shade, The sunshine and the raining — We take them each as they are made, Without the least complaining ! r R \ V K R >9 PRAYER. i. Abba Father ! humbly bending, At thine altar now we kneel, May our prayer to heaven ascending, Cause Thee to regard our weal ; Lord have mercy now upon us, All our wanderings forgive ; For the Savior's cross hath won us, Jesus died that we might live. ii. We have done the things forbidden, Left undone the things of right, And our souls' deep love is hidden 'Neath the shadows as of night ; Shine, O ! shine, thou Sun of Heaven, Chase our darkness far away, And let unto us be given The glad light of perfect day. 00 III. Lamb of God ! all pure and spotless, Living still and undefiled ; Often have we, gay and thoughtless, Wandered, like the erring child, From our Father's home and heaven, And his warnings oft defied ; Be our souls' dark sins forgiven, Thou for us wert crucified. IV. Holy Spirit ! boon of heaven, That within our souls hath birth, ! assure us we're forgiven, Lift our spirits from the earth, To commune with saints in glory, In the paradise above ; Who repeat the wondrous story Of a dear Redeemer's love. v. Abba Father ! humbly bending, At thine altar now we kneel, May our prayer to heaven ascending, Cause Thee to regard our weal ; Lord have mercy now upon us, All our wanderings forgive ; For the Savior's cross hath won us, Jesus died that we might live. VOICES OF HOME VOICES OF HOME THE CASKET AND THE JEWELS. i. I have a casket rich and rare, Three jewels bright within ; And, though I often view them there, They never can grow dim : They sparkle in the morning sun, Like dew-drops on the flowers ; And, when the evening shadows come, They cheer my dreaming hours. ii. Yes ! mine is wealth beyond compare, And well I know its worth ; My wife and little ones so dear, That cluster round my hearth— These are my jewels, all so fair, The casket is my home ; O ! these are all my heart holds dear, Nor will I from them roam. 64 MY FATHER. My father was a parent kind, And loved his children dear ; And when his hour of death drew nigh We shed full many a tear ; We wept — though not in bitterness, For well we knew that he Enjoyed throughout the shadow-vale The smile of Deity. ii. He had a pleasant word for all Who came within his way, A smile was ever on his face — A kind, benignant ray : Where'er he roamed he made him friends Of high or low degree ; The only birthright that he owned Was sterling honesty. MY FATHER. G5 Misfortune's heavy shadow fell Upon his later years, We marked with grief his failing strength, And turned to hide our tears : * At length an angel messenger, Commissioned from the sky, Approached my father with a smile, And bore his soul on high. We laid him in his quiet grave, A rural, soft retreat, And turned our faces from the spot, With slow, unwilling feet: We raised no graven monument Above his humble sod ; — My father was " an honest man — The noblest work of God." 6* G6 MY MOTHER. My mother — she is aged now, And many a silver hair Is sadly parted on her brow, Deep furrowed o'er with care : ! she has been so kind to me, So loving and sincere, That I would make her half forget She ever knew a tear. ii. Yet will mine eyes o'erflow with tears, My bosom heave a sigh To know that in a few short years My mother dear must die : For who will guide my manhood then, Or watch my steps in love ? Methinks I hear her sweet voice say, " My child, thy God above!" MY MOTHER. 67 III. Then will I heed my mother's voice, Her counsel sweet obey, Thus may I soothe her sorrows here, Thus cheer her latest day ; And, when my hour of death shall come — As come full soon it must — May her dear angel form receive My spirit from its dust. 68 POEMS. MY WIFE. I have a wife — a dear young wife — A creature pure and mild, As happy and as innocent As any laughing child : Her eyes are brighter than the stars That shine within the sky — Yet still they glow with deepened light Whenever I am nigh. ii. I have a wife — a dear young wife — A creature kind and good, Companion of my lighter hours, Or those of darkened mood : Her voice is sweeter far to me Then carol of a bird — A purer tone I well believe A mortal never heard. MY WIFE. 60 III. Then may my wife — my dear young wife, Whose love is so sincere ; Who smiles when joy lights up my face, Or gives me tear for tear : May she, now sitting by my side, Her head upon my breast, Be kindly blessed of her God When I am laid to rest. 1 J UE M s . OUR LITTLE BOY. When the evening shadows gather Round about our quiet hearth, Comes our eldest-born unto us, Bending humbly to the earth : And with hands enclasped tightly, And with meek eyes raised above, This the prayer he offers nightly, To the Source of light and love : II. " Bless my parents, my Father ! Bless my little sister dear ; While I gently take my slumber, Be thy guardian angels near : Should no morning's dawn e'er greet me, Beaming brightly from the skies, Thine the eye of love to meet me In the paths of Paradise !" OUR LITTLE HOY. 71 III. Now a glad " good-night " he gives us, And he seals it with a kiss ; Naught of earthly sorrow grieves us In an hour so full of bliss : Now our arras about him wreathing, One fond kiss before he sleep ; Soon we hear his gentle breathing In a slumber calm and deep. OUR LITTLE GIRL. Our little babe ! our bright-eyed one ! Our youngest darling joy, We teach, at evening hour, to kneel Beside our little boy : And though she cannot lisp a word, Nor breathe a simple prayer, We know her Maker blesseth her The while she kneeleth there. ii. And, oh ! we love our little one, So artless and so pure — •She hath so many winning ways Our fondness to secure : And while she thus in silence kneels. Some angel-prompted tone, Unheard by us, may mingle with The prayer to Mercy's throne. OUR LITTLE GIRL. III. And she, too, fondly comes to us, With eyes of sparkling bliss, And, like her brother, she receives A good-night, parting kiss ; Nor aught of fear disturbs our breast, The while to sleep she's given, For such as she will ever find The guardianship of Heaven. P OE M S, THE OLD FARM GATE. i. I love it ! I love it ! and oft pass it by, With a sigh in my breast, and a tear in my eye, As backward I gaze on the days that are passed, Too sunny, and joyous, and happy to last ; ! my life was young and my spirit elate, In the time that I dwelt by the old farm-gate. ii. How oft have I mounted that old gate, astride ; "With a rope and a stick for a frolicsome ride ; And when it would open with slow gentle force, " Gee ! whoa !" would I cry to my gay mimic horse : Who so merry as I, as I fearlessly sate, On the broad topmost rail of the old farm-gate ? in. And by turns we would ride on ' a real live horse,' We called his name Raven, so black was his gloss ; And our plump little pony, so frolic and wild When he carried a man — was never so mild If he knew my sweet sister, the pert little Kate, Was to ride on his back from the old farm-gate. THE OLD FARM GATE And Towler, our little dog Towler, was there, His bark of delight sounding loud on the air ; And if we were happy as happy could be, Little Towler I'm sure was happy as we ; We wept when he died, and we laid him in state, At the foot of the tree by the old farm-gate. v. Long before we grew up my kind father died, And soon my dear mother was laid by his side ; Then Tommy, and next my sweet little sister, ! how we did weep as we bent o'er and kissed her, And "Willie would have it, he saw little Kate Pass homeward to God through the old farm-gate. VI. 1 love it, I love it, and oft pass it by, With a sigh in my breast and a tear in my eye, As backward I gaze on the days that are passed, And wonder if I may yet rest me at last, With father, and mother, and sweet little Kate, In the churchyard, back of the old farm-gate. 76 LOVE THY MOTHER, LITTLE ONE. Love thy mother, little one, Love her tenderly ; Clasp thy little arms around her, For a holy tie hath bound her— Bound her close to thee ! Love thy mother, little one. Love her tenderly. n. Love thy mother, little one, Love her earnestly ; Gaze into her eyes, and see there — All that thou couldst hope to be there — AVarmest love for thee ! Love thy mother, little one, Love her earnestly. LOVE THY MOTHER, LITTLE ONE. III. Love thy mother, little one, Love her fervently ; By thy couch she kneeleth nightly, And, with hands enclasped tightly, Prayeth, love, for thee! Love thy mother, little one, Love her fervently. IV. Love thy mother, little one, Love her tenderly ; Clasp thy little arms around her, For a holy tie hath bound her — Bound her close to thee ! Love thy mother, little one, Love her tenderly. 78 POEMS. THE TRUEST FRIENDS. Let others boast them as they may Of spirits kind and true, Whose gentle words and loving smiles Have cheered them on life through : And though they count of friends a host, To bless the paths they've trod, These are the ones have loved me most— My mother, wife, and God. ii. My mother ! tears of gratitude Upon these pages fall, When I, in sweetly-pensive mood, Thy tender love recall : And while my tears are flowing fast, My spirit heaves a sigh, To think that I have ever grieved A love so pure and high. THE TRUEST FRIENDS. 79 III. My gentle wife ! thy love-lit eye Beams on me now the same As when before the altar thou Didst change for me thy name : And thou, too, art all tenderness, And purity and truth ; May every holy influence bless The bridal of our youth. IV. My Maker ! first, best friend of all, The Author of my life ; To Thee I owe those goodly gifts — My mother and my wife : And many a solemn thought by Thee. Unto my mind is given, To turn my steps from vanity. And woo my soul to heaven. 80 POEMS, AM I HAPPY? i. Am I happy ? Let me see — Truly so ! A fond wife, that loveth me, Soothes my woe : Sweeter cause for true content, Who may know ? ii. Am I happy ? Let me see — Yes, I am 2 Now my boy, in roguish glee, Full of game, Kides his horse upon my knee, None to blame. in. Am I happy ? Let me see — Untold bliss ! Baby totters now to me For a kiss ! Wife and boy and baby sweet, What is happiness complete, If not this? THE ANGEL OF OUR HOME. 81 THE ANGEL OF OUR HOME. We have an angel in our home, A bright and happy one, With hair as golden as the clouds Around the setting sun : Her eyes are like the stars that gem The beauty of the night, And over all her face they shed An exquisite delight, IT. We have an angel in our home, And lovingly at morn She twines her rosy arms about Our little, eldest-born : To say we love her would but ill Our feelings fond express ; We gaze upon her and we feel A wealth of tenderness. 82 in. We have aw angel in our home, And every evening we Have taught her in sweet trustfulness To bend the willing knee ; And thus we have a blessedness Within our humble dome — Our little, winsome, baby girl, The angel of our home. IV. Such is the angel of our home, The bright and happy one, With hair as golden as the clouds Around the setting sun : Then wonder not that we should pray, Beneath our humble dome, That God in mercy bless alway The angel of our home. GOOD NIGHT. 83 GOOD NIGHT. i. " Good night, dear mamma," a little girl said, " I am going to sleep in my nice trundle bed ; Good-night, dear papa; little brother and sis !" And to each one the innocent gave a sweet kiss. " Good-night, little darling," her fond mother said — "But remember, before you lie down in your bed, With a heart full of love, and a tone soft and mild, To breathe a short prayer to Heaven, sweet child." " ! yes, dear mamma," said the child with a nod, " I love, oh ! I love to say ' Good-night' to God ! " ii. Kneeling down, "My dear Father in Heaven," she said, " I thank Thee for giving me this nice little bed ; For though mamma told me, she bought it for me, She tells me that every thing good comes from Thee ; I thank Thee for keeping me safe through the day ; I thank Thee for teaching me, too, how to pray ; " 84 POEMS Then bending her sweet little head with a nod, " Good-night! my dear Father, my Maker, and God ; Should I never again on the earth ope my eyes, I pray Thee to give me a home in the skies." 'Twas an exquisite sight, as she meekly knelt there, Her eyes raised to Heaven, her hands clasped in prayer, And I thought of the time, when the Savior in love Said, " Of such is the kingdom of Heaven above ;" And I inwardly prayed that my own heart the while, Might be cleansed of its bitterness, freed from its guile ! Then she crept into bed, that beautiful child, And was soon lost in slumber so calm and so mild, That we listened in vain for the sound of her breath, As she lay in the arms of the emblem of death. THE VACANT CHAIR. 85 THE VACANT CHAIR. When we gather round our hearth, Consecrated by the birth Of our eldest, darling boy, Only one thing mars our joy : 'Tis the dreary corner, where Stands, unfilled, the vacant chair. ii. Little Mary, bright and blest, Early sought her heavenly rest : Oft we see her in our dreams — Then an angel-one she seems ! But we oftener see her, where Stand, unfilled, the vacant chair. 8 86 P O E M s . III. But 'twere sinful to repine ; Much of joy to me and mine Has the gentle Shepherd given : Little Mary is in heaven ! Blessed thought ! while gazing where Stands, unfilled, the vacant chair. Many parents, kind and good, Lost to them their little brood, Bless their Maker night and day, Though he took their all away ! Shall we, therefore, murmur, where Stands, unfilled, one vacant chair? Little Mary ! angel blest ! From thy blissful place of rest Look upon us ! angel-child, Fill us with thy spirit mild : Keep o'er us thy watchful care Often fill the vacant chair. CHILDHOOD. 87 CHILDHOOD. i. How sweet the smile of infancy, That playeth o'er the face! The ripple on the summer stream Hath not a purer grace : Methinks the vilest of the vile Must love to see an infant smile. The happy laugh of childhood, That ringeth on the air ; There's not an after-note of joy That will with it compare ; It chaseth years of care away To hear a tone so wildly gay. 88 POE M s . III. And e'en the tear of childhood, That falleth from the eye, Is brighter than the pearly gem That droppeth from the sky : Soon like the dew it fades away Before the smiling face of day. 0, happy hours of childhood ! I would I were a boy, That I might taste but once again Such perfectness of joy : No smile, nor ringing laugh — but tears Are left us in our later years ! THE CHILDREN OF THE POOR MAN. 89 THE CHILDREN OF THE POOR MAN. The children of the poor man — Through winter's snow and sleet, They tread the city's narrow walks, With cold and naked feet ; Their pallid cheeks and sunken eyes Awake my deepest sympathies. ii. The children of the poor man- Mine eyes o'erflow with tears, To know that they're compelled to give Their young and tender 3-ears To unremitting, ardent toil, From which their very souls recoil. 8* 90 The children of the poor man — Through long, long years of pain, Of sorrow, want, and misery, Seldom if e'er complain ; But, with a patient meekness, they Pursue their labors day by day. IV. The children of the poor man — I cannot weep when they Are by a kindly Providence Called from the earth away : A joy that will not be repressed Springs up within my grateful breast. v. The children of the poor man — 0, ye in wealth secure ! Bless with a kindly word and deed The children of the poor ; And point them to a home above, Where all is perfect peace and love. BABY'S DEAD. 91 BABY'S DEAD. i. One day, I chanced to meet, In the street, A pretty little child Crying bitterly and wild, "What ails thee, little one ?" said I, Sobbingly he made reply, As he raised his curly head, "Baby's dead." IT. " Nay, my darling, do not weep, Baby's only gone to sleep ; He will soon wake up again ! " But my words were all in vain ; " He has never slept so long, He is gone, forever gone ; For, kind sir, my mother said Baby's dead." 92 POEMS. III. Then I took him by the hand, Strove to make him understand, How far happier than we Baby was with Deity! But 'twas throwing words away, For, ever and anon, he'd say, As he, weeping, raised his head, "Baby's dead." IV. So within these hearts of ours, In life's later, autumn hours, Stricken hopes like withered flowers Rustle as we tread : When some favorite wish is crossed, Or some cherished hope is lost, To our souls all tempest-tossed, " Baby's dead ! " v. Kindly words and gentle deeds, When the bosom inly bleeds, Bring but little consolation To the spirit's desolation. If, for aye, sweet Hope hath fled, " Baby's dead ! " Forever dead. H E R E AND T II E li E . 93 HERE AND THERE. i. Four little feet on the fender, W arming each tiny toe, Tell of an earthly parent's care, For his children here below. ir. Four little feet in heaven, Pattering- along the floor, Speak of the good All-Father's love, When time with them is o'er. in. Four little feet in heaven, Four little feet below, Who would not choose the former lot, Though it filled his cup with woe ? IV. Four little feet on the fender Wean us from God above ; Four little feet in heaven Draw us by cords of love ! LYRICS OF LOVE. LYRICS OF LOVE THE DAWN OF LOVE. And when he said " I love thee ! " She gazed into his eyes With what she fondly hoped would be An eloquent surprise ! Then, deeply blushing, down she cast Her eyes upon the ground, And, for a time, the moments passed In silence most profound I But all in vain — The Dawn of Love She thought to have concealed In that her lips refused to move, Her tell-tale eyes revealed ! 9 98 DO I LOYE THEE? i. Do I love thee ? Ask the flower, If it love the pearly tear, That, at evening's quiet hour, Falleth, soft and clear, Its gentle form to bless ? If, perchance, it answer "Yes?" Answer thee sincerely — Then I love with earnestness, Then I love thee dearly. IT. Do I love thee ? Ask the child, If it love its mother dear ? If it love her accents mild ? Love her fond, sincere, Tender and warm caress ? If, perchance, it answer " Yes ? " Answer thee sincerely — Then I love with earnestness, Then I love thee dearly. DO I LOVE THEE? 99 III. Do I love thee ? Ay ! I love thee Better far than words can tell ; All around and all above me Lives a charmed spell, My spirit sad to bless ! Then I fondly answer "Yes ! " Answer thee sincerely — That I love with earnestness, That I love thee dearly. 100 POKMS. CASTLE BUILDING. " He loves me ! Yes, he loves me ! I see it in his eye ; His looks are full of tenderness Whenever I am nigh ! ! 'tis delightful to be loved By one so kind as he ; Ere yet another day is gone A suitor he shall be. ii. " He loves me ! Yes, he loves me ! I know it by the tone He uses when he speaks to me When we are all alone ; His voice is like a melody That floats across the sea ; It is not so to other girls, 'Tis only so to me. CASTLE BUILDING. III. " I'll have him ! Yes, I'll have him ! AVhen his love he shall express, I'll torture him a little while, Then sweetly answer, 'Yes!' He'll clasp me then within his arms, And on my forehead fair He'll press the first fond kiss of love- Would it might linger there ! I'd like him better, though, I think, If he were only poor, That I might chase him in and out My father's cottage door ; And pluck the flow'rets from their stems And place them in his vest, And tell him how I'd love, like them, To lie upon his breast. " And then he'd chuck me on the chin, And hasten fast away ; And I would follow with a shout Of laughter wild and gay : 9* 101 102 And thus our days of courtship fond Would glide all sweetly by, Until the happy wedding-day — Ah me ! that makes me sigh." Dream on, dream on, thou pretty one, The poet would not mar Thy fairy castle in the air, E'en should it reach yon star, That shineth nightly from on high, In beauty, like a queen, Until it veils its liquid light Or pales its lustrous sheen. VII. Dream on, dream on, and may no ill Thy future lot o'ercast ; But may each fair succeeding day Be happy as the last : And may good spirits hover round, And gently fan thy rest, 'Till love, and happiness, and peace Be centered in thy breast. THE POET'S CHOICE. 103 THE POET'S CHOICE. i. "Standing now before thee, Colin, Are my coz and I ; Tell me truly, now, dear Colin, While we're waiting by, Which the prettier of the twain, My sweet coz or I ? " See my locks so bright and golden, Braided o'er my brow ; See mine eyes so blue and heavenly. And my pretty mou', And my teeth of pearly whiteness, Fairer none I vow ! 104 POEMS. III. " See my cousin's locks of raven, On her brow so white, And her gentle features graven With a calm delight : Do not fear mine anger, Colin, But decide aright." IV. Colin stood awhile uncertain, Then he made reply — " Fair to me thy locks so golden, Beautiful thine eye ; Pearly teeth so white and even Ne'er before saw I : v. " Locks of raven like thy cousin's Lovely are, I ween, Features all so calm and holy Seldom e'er are seen ! To decide which is the prettier, Two such maids between, THE POET'S CHOICE. 105 VI. " Is too nice a task, sweet maiden, For such a youth as I ; One is like the morning sunrise, One the evening sky ; Both so beautiful and lovely That they charm the eye ! " VII. Now with hands enclasped together, Sweetly to behold, Light they bounded o'er the heather Raven locks and gold ; "While beside me, spell-entranced, Stood young Colin bold. Colin's sweet reply — " One is like the morning sunrise, One the evening sky," Till their voices in the distance Sounded like a sigh. 106 IX. Came the evening shadows o'er us, As we lingering stood, Clothing landscape all before us, Mountain, vale and wood, With a darkness like the spirit's Melancholy mood. x. Then unto young Colin turning, " Colin ! sir," said I, " I will take the morning sunrise, Thou the evening sky, And, within our souls, forever Wear them till we die." THK ONE THAT I LOVE. 10' THE ONE THAT I LOYE. The one that I love bath golden hair, And an eye of beauty beyond compare ; She hath pearly teeth and a wee-bit mouth, And a breath like the balm of the sunny South ; H^r voice is like to a poet's dream, As gentle and soft as a summer stream ; And well do I know that she loveth me, For the strength of her love looketh out from her e'e. ii. The one that I love hath a heart at ease With the sweetest of nature's harmonies ; She loveth the bees, and she loveth the flowers That make up the joy of the summer hours; She loveth the rain, and she loveth the snow, And she loveth to soothe another's woe ; But, best of all, she loveth me, And the strength of her love looketh out from her e'e. 108 POEMS. III. The one that I love hath a soul of truth, Unstained from the days of her earliest youth; And she often whispereth unto me, " I never loved any before I loved thee ! " And she layeth her delicate head on my breast — To her 'tis the home and the haven of rest — She is all of life's joy that is left unto me, And the strength of her love looketh out from her e'e. IV. The one that I love is a part of my life — I have made her a blessing — I have made her my wife, I will love her forever ; I will love her for aye ; I will love her till life shall itself pass away ; In that bright world of peace and of beauty above, In the realms of the blest, I will seek for my love ; And the angels of glory will kiss her for me, As the strength of her love looketh out from her e'e. o! LET THY FEATURES ONCE AGAIN. 109 0! LET THY FEATURES ONCE AGAIN ! let thy features once again The sunny smile of girlhood wear, Ere yet a single thought of pain Disturbed thee with an anxious care : And I will happy be the while, As erst I was in boyhood's hours, For to my spirit thy sweet smile Is morning sunlight to the flowers. ii. And sweetly sing again to me, The song on which we used to dwell, For, oh ! I know 'twill bring to thee The sunny smile I loved so well, That smile which neither time nor space Can ever from my heart remove ; Which lit with joy thine angel face — The first sweet holy smile of love ! 10 no in. And should a shade of sorrow steal, Again, across thy snowy brow, To me the sad'ning cause reveal, And I will soothe thee e'en as now : O ! then, I pray thee, sweetly smile, As erst in girlhood's happier hours, And e'en thy tears shall seem the while Like morning dew-drops on the flowers. C N S T A N C Y . Ill CONSTANCY. i. Forget thee ! should the sun forget To shine upon the earth ; Should stars, in azure beauty set, Forget their glorious birth ; Should lofty hills forget to lift Their frontlets to the sky ; O ! be it still my blissful gift To love thee till I die. ii. Forget thee ! should the streams forget To flow unto the sea ; Should happy birdlings cease to wet Their throats to melody ; Should everything, in earth or air, Forget its duty high ; ! be it still my ceaseless prayer To love thee till I die. 112 POEMS. III. Forget thee ! should the summer air, Forget its balmy breath ; And icy winter, everywhere, Proclaim an endless death ; Should Christian hearts their faith forget, Nor soar into the sky ; Still be it mine, ay, even yet, To love thee till I die. MARIE CI,A[R. L I 3 MARIE CLAIR. i. I do love thee, Marie Clair, As the swallow loves the air; As the dew-drop loves the flower; As the sceptred monarch— power ; As the honey-seeking bee Loves the blossom on the tree ; Yet within thy bosom's cell Not a kindly thought doth dwell, For the one who loves so well. ii. By the sun that shines above me ; By the burning thoughts that move me; By the beauty of thine eyes, Fairer far than summer skies ; By thy lips so sweet and cherry ; By thy laugh so gay and merry ; By all these I fondly swear That I love thee, Marie Clair, Maiden of the golden hair ! 10* 114 P O E M S III. By thy soul, serene and high, Fixed upon its native sky ; By thy thought-revealing face ; By thy modesty and grace ; By thine innocence and youth ; By thy purity and truth ; By all these and more I swear That I love thee, Marie Clair, Fairest, loveliest of the fair. IV. In all time of sun and season ; In all moods of rhyme or reason ; In all days of joy and gladness ; In all hours of gloom and sadness ; In all frames of fitful folly, Or of sober melancholy, 1 do love thee, Marie Clair, Maiden of the sunset hair, With a love beyond compare. v. Gave the lovely maid no token, That such honeyed word s outspoken From a generous manly heart, Found in her an answering smart? MARIE CLAIR. 115 Yes ! she placed her hand in his ; Offered him her lips to kiss ; Gazed upon him with her eyes Full of soul- felt sympathies; Said, and said it o'er and o'er, From her bosom's inmost core, " I am thine forever more ! vj. " Thine to-day and thine to-morrow ; Thine in joy and thine in sorrow ; Thine in sickness or in health ; Thine in poverty or wealth ; Thine in fortune and in fame ; Thine in misery and shame ; Thine to part from thee ? no ! never ! Thine from whom no fate can sever — Thine, and only thine, forever ! " 116 SIR RICHARD AND THE SISTERS. " Jennie," said a dark-eyed beauty, To her younger sister by, " Did Sir Richard, dearest Jennie, Praise the lustre of mine eye ? Did he say my face was perfect ? Did he say my feet were small ? For I thought I overheard him, Dearest sister, in the hall." Jennie turned aside, nor answered, For her heart was like a pall. ii. "Jennie, dearest sister Jennie, Said he that my voice was mild ? Said he that my heart was gentle, Like unto a very child ? Said he that he loved me truly? Said he that he loved me well ? SIR RICHARD AND THE SISTERS. 117 Come now, dearest sister Jennie, Tell me, clearest Jennie, tell ! " Jennie turned aside, nor answered For her heart was like a knell. in. Came Sir Richard in the twilight Of the gladsome summer hours, Holding in his hands a bouquet Made of earth's most precious flowers ; Slow-advancing unto Jennie, In her hands he placed the prize ; What can ail the lovely maiden ? Lo ! the tears are in her eyes ! Are they tears of pain and sorrow, Or the tears of glad surprise ? IV. They were tears of pain and sorrow, For the gentle Jennie knew That Sir Richard loved her only, With a love sincere and true : And a feeling of compassion For her elder sister's smart Cast a shadow o'er her pathway. Caused a chill within her heart ; " Could Sir Richard love my sister, I, for aye, from him would part ! " 118 POEMS. V. " Nay, Dot so, my lovely Jennie," And Sir Richard shook his head ; " 1 could never love thy sister, Nor with her consent to wed ; She is fair, I grant thee, Jennie, Fair as yon bright star on high ; Yet for me a fairer planet Glitters in the quiet sky ! " And Sir Richard turned on Jennie All the love-look of his eye. Then did Jennie in his bosom Seek to hide her blushing face ; While her tears ran down like rain-drops, With a swiftly-flowing pace ; And, ere yet another summer Came unto the sisters fair, All the elder's disappointment Fled like bubbles in the air ; For another sought her favor, And for him her only care. SIR RICHARD AND THE SISTERS. 119 VII. Eang aloud the village church-bells, As Sir Richard with his bride Nodded to the lads and lasses Thronging them on every side, At the church's humble altar, In her simple snow-white dress, Did the lovely Jennie falter As she sweetly answered " Yes ? " If she did 'twas not with sorrow, But with love's own sweet excess. 120 THE ETERNITY OF A POET'S LOVE. i. A maiden wrote on the ocean strand, With the delicate tip of her jewelled hand, " I love, I love, and I love but thee ! " Then, turning her soul-full eyes on me, " While these letters remain, Doubt never again," Said she, " That I love but thee, that I love but thee !" The while she spoke, A wavelet broke Over the place, Leaving never a trace Of the words she had writ! But with ready wit, " Behold," said she, (and truthfully,) "An emblem of woman's constancy!" THE ETERNITY OF APOET's LOVE. 121 III. A poet wrote in his book of fame, And addressed the lines to his lady's name ; 11 1 love, I love, and I love but thee ! " Then, turning towards his fair ladie, "While these letters remain, Doubt never again," Said he, "That I love but thee, that I love but thee !" IV. But what is the moral I wish to teach By the honeyed words of my winning speech ? The bounding waves of the billows of Time May blot out the stain of the poet's rhyme ; But over his soul They have no control; A maiden's love is but for a day, But a poet's love shall endure for aye ! 11 122 POEMS. THE COUNTRY LASSIE AND HER MOTHER. " To-morrow, ma, I'm sweet sixteen. And Billy Grimes, the drover, Has ' popped the question ' to me, ma, And wants to be my lover ! To-morrow morn, he says, mamma, He's coming here quite early, To take a pleasant walk with me Across the field of barley." "You must not go, my daughter dear There's no use now a-talking ; You shall not go across the field With Billy Grimes a-walking : To think of his presumption, too, The dirty, ugly drover ; I wonder where your pride is gone, To look on such a rover ! " THE LASSIE AND HER MOTHER. 123 " ' Old Grimes is dead,' you know, mamma, And Billy is so lonely ! Besides, they say, of Grimes' estate. That Billy is the only Surviving heir to all that's left ; And that they say is nearly A good ten thousand dollars, ma, — About six hundred yearly." IV. " I did not hear, my daughter dear, Your last remark quite clearly ; But Billy is a clever lad. And no doubt loves you dearly ! Remember, then, to-morrow morn, To be up bright and early, To take a pleasant walk with him Across the field of barley." SONGS FOR THE TIMES. 1 L* SONGS FOR THE TIMES, NEVER DESPAIR. i. " Never say die ! " my man ; Whate'er betide, Are you unfortunate ? Sure the world's wide ! Seek for a better lot. Fur a far brighter spot. Grieving is manly not, Cast it aside : " Never say die ! " my man, Whate'er betide. ii. " Never say die ! " my man, Whate'er befall ; Something of bitterness Cometh to all ; Gather the* sugar-cane. On life's extended plain, 128 POEMS. Soon will the sweet again Temper the gall : " Never say die ! " my man. Whate'er befall. in. " Never say die ! " my man. " Never say die ! " Freedom's great battle-plain Needs yon and I : Gird on the sword of truth, Mid-age and lusty youth, Old men will pray, forsooth, Hands up on high : ''Never say die ! " my man. " Never say die ! " IV. " Never say die ! " my man. God is aye just ; Oft though the right may lie Low in the dust — Yet doth the dawn appear, In the glad coming year, When without sign of fear, Conquer we must ! 'Never say die!'' my man. Still hope and trust A PLEA FOR FREEDOM. 120 A PLEA FOR FREEDOM. I. Shall the great Atlantic Cable, Stretching out from shore to shore, Be a living, lying fable Evermore ? ii. Shall it trace such empty phrases — " Peace on Earth, good-will to man ! " When each nation's guilt amazes With its ban ? in. While the British cannon thunder In the far-off isles of sea, " Peace on earth " — that glorious wonder — Ne'er can be. IV. While Columbia holds a mortal, Breathing with a slave-life here ; " Good-will " stands at heaven's own portal With a tear. 130 v. Not in anger, God of nations. Sunder Thou the Cable's thread ; Lest the mighty in their stations Sink with dread : VI. But in mercy speak unto us, While the lightning' current runs Bidding Freedom nobly woo us For her sons. MEN OF THE WEST. 131 MEN OF TTTE "WEST. Men of the West, with stalwart arms, And souls to Nature true ; Have won the victories of the day, That ring the wide world through— That on the page of history, In deeds of valor done ; Will e'en outvie the daring high Of honored Wellington. Fort Donnelson was nobly earned, Pea-Ridge was won full well ; Of Pittsburg-Landing time would fail The glorious things to tell ! — These are the battles, not of boys, But men of iron will ; "Who swore to die or plant on high The Union Banner still ! 132 in. And then the men who led them on To triumph in these days ; For them a people's gratitude, A nation's loudest praise : — Halleck and Buell, Grant and Smith, Curtis and Sigel, all Whose battle-cry is "Do or die" Before your feet we fall. IV. And ! the One who spared their lives Amid the leaden hail ; If we forget to honor Him, We in our duty fail : — 'Twas His right arm that led them on Through carnage and through death ; His sleepless eye that from on high Beheld their fainting breath. " Up, up and at them once again, Ye sturdy men and bold ; They have profaned my Sabbath-day, That I ordained of old ! ,: M K N F T H E WEST. 1 33 'Twas as a voice from heaven that spoke Ere yet the fight was done ; Each kindling eye was raised on high, And lo ! the field was won ! VI. Ye glorious peerage of the earth, Ye greater far than kings ; AVe crown you victors one and all, With gladdest carrollings ! Break forth ye prairies into song. 'Till every mount and glen ; 'Neath God's blue sky send back the cry Of Nature's noblemen ! 12 L34 READING THE LIST. Is there any news of the war ? " she said ; Only a list of the wounded and dead," Was the man's reply, Without lifting his eye To the face of the woman standing by 'Tis the very thing' that I want," she said ; Head me a list of the wounded and dead." He read her the list — 'twas a sad array Of the wounded and killed in the fatal fray; In the very midst was a pause to tell Of a gallant youth, who had fought so well That his comrades asked, "Who is he pray? 1 " The only son of the widow Gray," Was the proud reply Of his Captain nigh ; What ails the woman standing near ? Her face has the ashen hue of fear ! HE A DING Til E LIST. 135 III. "Well, well, read on ; is be wounded? quick! God ! but my heart is sorrow-sick ! " 41 Is be wounded ? no ! be fell, they say, Killed outright on that awful day ! " But see ! the woman has swooned away ! Sadly she opened her eyes to the light ; Slowly recalled the event of the fight ; Faintly she murmered, "Killed outright! It has cost the life of my only son ; But the battle is fought and the victory won ; The will of the Lord, let it be done ! " God pity the cheerless widow Gray, And send from the halls of Eternal Day The light of His peace to illume her way ! 136 THE COMING TRIUMPH. Men of the Keystone State, Ere yet it be too late, Hurl hack the evil fate Now overpending ; Come at your Country's call, Life, fortune, honor, all, Pledge that she may not fall, God her defending. n. Stalwart and weakly ones, Married and single sons, All, who can bear their guns, Forward in order! Let not a single foot Press with a rebel boot Soil where ye grow your fruit Haste to the border ! T II K C M I N G T R I U M P II , 131 III. When ye the foe descry, (razing with dauntless eye. Aiming- nor low nor high, Fire your pieces ! Calmly reload your gun. And, when the victory's won. Think of the good yc've done Wives, daughters, nieces ! Let Independence Bell Ring out the rebel knell. And let your triumph swell Their great disorder ! ! what a goodly fate, Coming or soon or late. In the old Keystone State Not one marauder. 12* 138 VICTORY ! I sing of victory, to-day, In loud, exultant voice : Let every loyal heart, with mine, Eejoice ! rejoice ! rejoice ! Not long shall Freedom's sons look down. Appalled at treason's might : For well they know their cause is just, And God is with the RisHit ! I sing of scorn to England. The treacherous and mean : The mock philanthropist of earth, False hypocrite, I ween ; Who holds within her giant grasp. The freedom of the world ; Up, ye who tremble at her power, And be your flags unfurled. VICTORY. 139 I sing of love to Russia, The noble and the true ; Who tenders us her sympathy. Our Country's troubles through ; Who gladdened every noble heart. The world's wide region o'er ; When her proud edict was proclaimed, Let serfdom be no more ! IV. I sing of courtesy to France, The chivalrous and brave ; May God protect her in the right And from her errors save ! May he who wields her destiny, Long live to see her thrive : And may her ancient love for us, Be ever kept alive. I sing of deepest sympathy, That will not be repressed, For every nation on the globe By tyrant power oppressed ; 140 I sing of more than sympathy, I sing of men and gold ; Till freedom-shouts shall till the world And love be manifold. I sing of aid to Mexico, Against her allied foes; Ye may not gaze, America, Unfeeling on her woes. Ye may not stand aloof and see, A proud, despotic throne, Upreared aloft on kindred soil, So close beside thy own. I sing of victory, to-day, In loud, exultant voice ; Let every loyal heart with mine. Rejoice! rejoice! rejoice! And be the glory unto Him, Who bared his arm of might ; And led us on from strength to strength, To conquer in the tight. MISCELLANEOUS. MISCELLANEOUS THE WITHERED LEAF. A withered leaf that on the sod Beneath my careless feet 1 trod. Thus spoke to me. as the voice of God : " A seeming useless thing I lie 'Neath the leaden hue of the autumn sky. Yet not in vain my destiny. " I was a bright and beautiful thing, In the gladsome days of the early Sprint When all the earth was blossoming. 144 POEMS. " I shed abroad in my pristine bloom A delicate and sweet perfume That found its way to the sick man's room ; " And crept into his bed by stealth, And tinged his cheek with the hue of health, That was more to him than earthly wealth. " I shielded him with jealous care. When they sat him out in his easy-chair, From the sun, and the rain, and the heated air. " And, as I shone in the sun's bright ray. With exultant spirit I heard him say — ' A thing of beauty's a joy for aye ! ' " So I proved a blessing, not alone To his physical frame, but gave a tone To a soul which God hath called his own. THE WITHERED LEAF. 145 IX. "And the singing bird, and the busy bee, And the beasts of burden, found in me A blessed thing, as I grew on the tree. x. " And the cattle lay with lolling tongue, And the bird and the bee in concert sung, As on the air my sweets I flung. XI. '• T gave to the insect worm her food, And, as she lay and sucked my blood, I said, ' No doubt it seemeth good xn. " ' To Him whose dwelling is on high ;' And lo ! the beautiful butterfly Flew out into the morning sky. " And its golden wings flashed out a cheer, If the butterfly rise from its chrysalis bier, Ts the soul of man to be buried here ? 13 146 " And I, though a seeming useless thing, Shall come again in the early Spring, And shine in the violet's blossoming. " For nothing that God hath given birth E'er sinks into the darksome earth, And proves an empty and thankless dearth. XVI. "So youth, and beauty, and age decay, Slowly and gently passing away, To revive again in the Endless Day ! " Go thou, sweet poet-singer, then, And sing the song to the sons of men, That thou hast heard in this lonely glen. " And the withered leaf, as it lies on the sod, By the careless feet of the many trod, Will have turned some soul to the thought of God !' SMILES AND TEARS, 141 SMILES AND TEARS. i. " Art thou happy, little child, On this clear bright summer's day, Ju the garden sporting wild, Art thou happy ? tell me, pray." " If I had that pretty thing That has flown to yonder tree ; 1 would laugh, and dance, and sing— ! how happy I should be ! " Then I caught the butterfly, Placed it in his hands securely, Now, methought, his pretty eye Never more will look demurely, " Art thou happy now ? " said I ; Tears were sparkling in his eye : Lo ! the butterfly was dead — In his hands its life had sped '. 148 ii. " Art thou happy, maiden fair, On this pleasant summer's day. Culling flowerets so rare, Art thou happy ? tell me, pray." " If ray Henry were but here, To enjoy the scene with me — He whose love is so sincere— O ! how happy I should be ! " Soon I heard her lover's feet, Sounding on the gravel lightly, To his loving words so sweet, Tender glances answer brightly ! " Art thou happy now ? " I said, Down she hung her lovely head ; " Henry leaves for foreign skies " — Tears were in the maiden's eyes. " Art thou happy, mother mild, On this balmly summer's day, Gazing on thy cherub-child — Art thou happy ? tell me, pray." " If my baby-boy were well," Thus the mother spake to me, " Gratitude my heart would swell — O ! how happy I should be ! " SMILES AND TEARS. 149 Then the cordial I supplied, Soon the babe restored completely ; Cherub-faced and angel-eyed, On his mother smiled he sweetly. " Art thou happy, now ? " I said, " Would his father were not dead ! " Thus she answered me with sighs. Scalding tear-drops in her eyes. " Art thou happy, aged man, On this glorious summer's day, With a cheek all pale and wan, Art thou happy ? tell me, pray." " If I were but safe above,". Spake the old man unto me, "To enjoy my Savior's love — ! how happy I should be ! " Then the angel Death came down, And he welcomed him with gladness, On his brow, so pale and wan, Not a trace was seen of sadness : " Art thou happy now ?" I cried ; " Yes ! " he answered, as he died : Tears of joy were in his eyes, Dew-drops from the upper skies ! 13* 150 THE RAIN-DROP. The rain-drop ! the rain-drop ! Its soft and tiny feet Keep up a pleasant pattering Along the dusty street, ii. The rain-drop ! the rain-drop ! It falleth on the stream. And floats in gladsomeness along Beneath the sunny beam. in. The rain-drop ! the rain-drop ! It whispers to mine ear — " I am but lent to earth — not given- I must not tarry here : THE RAIN -DROP. 151 IV. " Soon as the golden sun shall shine In an unclouded sky, Borne on the gentle breeze I'll haste To my sweet home on high : v. " And, when all nature seems athirst, On mountain, hill and plain, The bright and sparkling rain-drop "Will visit thee again." 152 EMBLEMS. I. Falleth now from off a tree, A withered leaf ; This the lesson taught to me, Life is brief! Here it say, " Mortal, soon thou'lt follow me To decay : ii. Droppeth now from off my head. A silver hair ; Plainer preacher never said, " For death prepare ! " Filled with gloom. We follow Time with solemn tread, To the tomb. EMBLEMS. III. Mounteth now on wings of air. To the sky, A little dew-drop, pure and clear Far up on high, Hear it say, " All above the earth is fair, "Watch and pray ; Night or sorrow come not here, Tis perfect day ! " 153 154 PHILADELPHIA. i. 'Twixt the Delaware and Schuylkill, Bordering Pennsylvania's lands. In its simple quiet beauty, Philadelphia stands : ii. Stands unrivalled for its neatness, And its unexampled health, With its proud artistic buildings, Monuments of wealth : in. Stands unrivalled for its blessings — For its water, sparkling clear, Flowing with a plenteous gladness From the Fairmount near : IV. Stands unrivalled for its markets, Filled with overflowing food Brought from neighboring farms and dairies Wholesome, pure and good : PHILADELPHIA. 155 V. Stands unrivalled for its merchants, Men of honest hearts and true, " Doing whatsoe'er to others They would have them do : " VI. Quaint old town of Quaker wisdom, How I love thy cleanly streets, Thronged with thousand happy people, That one daily meets : VII. How I love thy comely women, How I love thy honest men, Philadelphia, staid old city, Now inspire my pen : VIII. Here the great renowned in story, Penn and Franklin and compeers — Lived, and still will live, forever, Through the flight of years ! IX. Here the printer-boy took lessons From his Master up on high ! With a simple key unlocking Secrets of the sky ! 156 POEMS. X. Here the Congress of the nation Met in solemn, grave debate, Big with all a country's glory And a people's fate : XI. Here the Bell of Independence, With a cheery tone and free, Rang its glorious proclamation Unto Liberty ! XII. Are not these, I ask, ye people, Themes to win a world's applause ? Are not Justice, Truth and Freedom, God's eternal laws ? XIII. Are not these, 1 ask, my brothers, Themes to fire a poet's pen ? Are we not as great and glorious Even now as then ? XIV. Unto you, then, fellow-poets, You of higher hopes and aim, Leave I now the city's glory, Sound abroad her fame ! T R [ T II TRUTH. I. Not alone in realms of beauty — Not alone beyond the skies — If on earth we do our duty, Heaven all about us lies ! n. White-winged angels fan us ever. Unseen spirits round us move. When we make a good endeavor, When we do a deed of love. in. Spirits of the dear departed Press upon the brow and cheek Loving kisses, tender-hearted, From their pale lips pure and meek IV. And their spectral forms remind as We are passing fast away ; .May these loving spirits find us In the bright, eternal day! 14 158 v. Let us, then, with firm reliance On the just and on the right, Bid a fierce and stern defiance Unto error dark as night : vr. Let us, then, with faith unflinching, Say to Truth, " Thou art my guide, Come or wealth or want most pinching, Let whatever fate betide : " VII. Let us, then, the right impressing On the mind and heart of youth, Give to age a solid blessing, In the sacred love of Truth. T J 1 E W II I T K DAISY. 159 THE WHITE DAISY. i. There is a little, dainty flower, That lifts its golden eye, Without a single tinge of shame, Unshrinking to the sky ; But yet, so sweetly free from art, It captivates the thoughtful heart. ii. It glads the merry month of May, On August smiles a cheer ; It greets the pale October day, " The saddest of the year " — And still an open bosom shows Amid the cold December snows. in. It roams upon the mountain-top To catch the morning sun ; Jl plays about the meadows, where The merry brooklets run ; Upon the forest solitudes The pretty daisy's form intrudes. 160 POEMS. And oft-times on the infant's grave, This little flower is found ; Nor aught more fitting thus to bloom On consecrated ground ; Tis beautiful without pretence — An emblem sweet of Innocence ! I WANT TO GO HOME. 161 I WANT TO GO HOME. i. " I want to go home ! n saith a weary child, That hath lost its way in straying ; Ye may strive in vain to calm its fears, Or wipe from its eyes the blinding tears, It looks in your face, still saying — " I want to go home ! " ii. " I want to go home ! " saith a fair young bride, In anguish of spirit praying; Her chosen hath broken the silken cord — Hath spoken a harsh and cruel word. And she, now, alas ! is saying — " I want to go home ! " in. " I want to go home !" saith the weary soul, Ever earnest thus 'tis praying ; It weepeth a tear — heaveth a sigh — And upward glanceth with streaming eye — To its promised rest, still saying — "I want to go home!" 14* 162 LITTLE BY LITTLE. " Little by little," a child did say, As it passed its time in quiet play, And straightway in my mind was wrought The germ of many a simple thought. Little by little the grass doth grow, Covering all the earth below ; Little by little the root we see Climbing up to the full-grown tree ; Little by little the cloudets form The thunder-cloud ^f the mighty storm ; Little by little the feathery snow Pilcth up mountain-heights below ; Little by little the drops of rain, Fall on mountain, vale, and plain, Till the maddening torrents onward rush Like a strong war-horse with victory flush. Little by little the patient ant Layctli up food for her future want ; Little by little the busy bee Sippeth up sweets from tree to tree, LITTLE BY LITTLE. 163 Till the tables of the rich man groan With the luscious fruit of the honey-coinb. Little by little in God's great plan "The child is father of the man ;" Little by little the darkness flies From the curtained folds of the Eastern skies At the slow approach of the burning sun ; Little by little freedom's won, And the night of error giveth way To the full glad light of the perfect day ; Little by little the heart is warmed; Little by little friendship's formed ; Little by little the seeds of grace Grow in the human heart apace, Till the angels sing with joy above O'er a soul made free by redeeming love ; " Little by little" is my theme ; Little by little ends the dream Which arose in my mind on a summer's day From the careless words of a child at play. 164 POEMS. LIFE'S SEASONS. There is a Springtime of the heart — 'Tis found in infancy — When on its mother's breast, the babe First smiles in dimpled glee : When, like the bud upon the stem, Its life is but begun, And pearly tear-drops flee the eyes, As shadows flee the sun. There is a Summer of the heart — 'Tis found in earthly youth — When life is full of joyousness, Of innocence and truth : When clouds but seldom intervene To mar the sky so bright, And all is but a fairy scene Of exquisite delight, life's seasons 165 in. There is an Autumn of the heart — 'Tis found in riper age — "When sorrow's a familiar thing, And grief an heritage : When shadows thick and dark come o'er The beauty of the sky, And, by their dim obscurity, Foretell some danger nigh. ' IV. There is a Winter of the heart — . 'Tis found in later years — When life is full of bitterness, Of vain regretful tears: When stormy winds and chilling blasts Blow with so fierce a breath. That we would fain seek shelter in The anchorage of Death. v. What though the Autumn of the heart Shall cloud our lives with gloom, And Winter's cold and chilling blasts Remind us of the tomb. If we but act our parts aright On Time's uncertain shore, ouls may know, in purer A Summer evermore ! 166 POEMS. WINTER IS COMING! i. Winter is coming ! the birds have flown Away to a sunnier clime ; The autumn wind, as it waileth by, To the thoughtful heart bringeth a sigh, As it lists to the mournful chime, Winter is coming. ii. Winter is coming ! the urchin gay Looks forward, with hope and with joy, To the snowy hills and frozen streams — E'en while he sleepeth the thought still gleams Through the mind of the happy boy, Winter is coming. in. Winter is coming! the maiden fair, With a heart all merry and gay, Remembers the ball — the play — the rout — Remembers the gay sleigh-party's shout — And sings through the live-long day, Winter is coming. WINTER IS COMING. 10* IV. Winter is coming ! the houseless poor, With a feeling of awful dread, Behold his approach with sighs and tears — His coming, to them, awaketh fears That, perchance, they may want for bread : Winter is coming. Winter is coming ! to all — to all — With his chilly and freezing breath ; To the urchin gay, the maiden fair — To the houseless poor — ! then prepare For the cold, cold winter of death ! Winter is coming. 103 FORTUNE-TELLING. " Sybil ! read my palm and see What the future hath in store, For a merry maid like me. E'er my life be o'er ; Shall I in a palace shine, Filled with joy and gladness ; Or shall sorrow's lot be mine With its tears of sadness ? " ii. "Maiden ! he who wins thy love Will be truly rich and great, Far the common herd above, In his vast estate ; He will love thee, maiden fair. Tenderly, sincerely ; Thou wilt be his every care — Uc will love thee dearly. P R T U N £ - T EL L I N G . III. " Children will around thee spring, And will bless thy later years ; They unto thine eyes will bring Many pearly tears : Tears of joy shall only swell- Not the tears of sorrow, Maiden, have I spoken well ? Such thy bright to-morrow ! " IV. " Sybil ! take this coin — farewell ! Duty calls me now from thee, God alone can aught foretell Of my destiny! And whate'er he may dispense, Be it joy or sadness, As the will of Providence, I'll receive with gladness." 15 icy 170 THE STORMY PETREL. This is the bird that swiftly flies, When storms are lowering in the sls, Afar from her craggy home on shore. And hastens the angry billows o'er, To meet the storm-king in his path And oppose her form to his fearful wrath. This little bird, the sailors say, Bears a message of good or ill alway ; And they look on her with a kind of awe, As she speeds above the billowy roar : And woe to the luckless wight they say, AVho shall take the life of this bird awav. T II E S T R M Y P E T R EL. 171 III. No hope of a resting-place hath she, As she laves her wings in the raging sea; With steady feet she meets the waves, As they bound aloft from their coral caves ; And she turns to the storm, as it whirleth by, A dauntless breast and a fearless eye. Bird of the free and tireless wing, A lesson of trust to me you bring ; When the billows of life around me roar, And threaten to whelm my frail bark o'er; Onward and upward my soul shall spring, And repose her hope in the Great Storm-King. 172 POEMS, THE SECRET. I told my wife a secret — " And did she keep it? " say you, Ah ! therein lies the moral, man, To which give heed, I pray you : She kept it but an hour or two — She then put on her bonnet, And called upon her cousin Sue, To commentate upon it ! Alas ! ere half the day was o'er, Most dearly did I rue it ; Sue told it to a dozen more, And they to others talked it o'er ; I found, on coming from my store, That all the village knew it. WE ARK DREAMERS ALL. 173 WE ARE DREAMERS ALL. i. We arc dreamers all ! the babe that lies Asleep on it mother's breast, In a dream of peace will sweetly smile, As if its spirit were e'en the while By angel ones caressed ! We are dreamers all. ii. We are dreamers all ! the lover dreams Of a fair one by his side ; Of the happy hour when he shall stand Before the altar to claim the hand Of his bright and beauteous bride : AVe are dreamers all. 15* 174 POEMS. III. We are dreamers all ! the poet dreams Of the laurel-wreath of fame ; He struggles and toils for weary years, And awakes at last with sighs and tears, To grasp but an empty name ! We are dreamers all. IV. We are dreamers all ! the Christian dreams Of a promised rest above ; Of the pleasant paths of Paradise — Of a home of peace beyond the skies, Prepared by a Savior's love: We are dreamers all. We are dreamers all ! but, oh ! to me The Christian's dream be given ! For bright as his dream on earth may be, He wakes to a blest reality, When he opes his eyes in heaven ! We are dreamers all ! E HAPTY. 175 BE HAPPY. When the sun is shining bright, And no cloud is in the sky ; And sweet flowerets in the light, Seem to vie "Which shall give the most delight To the passer-by : "Who is happy ? I. ii. When the clouds obscure the sun- Dim the beauty of the sky ; And the flowerets, one by one, Fade and die ; And the wind with mournful tone Sadly waileth by : "Who unhappy ? I. 176 in. When I've done a kindly deed. To a fellow-being nigh. Leaning on me like a reed; When mine eye At his tale of pity bleed, And my bosom sigh ! Who is happy ? I. IV. When I've spoken unkind word, Gave my brother angry lie, And within his bosom stirred Bitter sigh ; Though I be not overheard, No one standing by : Who unhappy ? I. v. Let the sun be dim or bright, Shining on me from the sky, All the same shall be its light To mine eye ; For I have a calm delight, In my purpose high — Ever happy ? I. BE HAl'l'Y 177 This the lesson I would teach To my fellow passing by, Happiness is in our reach, If we try ; Kindly deed and gentle speech Ever bring it nigh : Happy you and I ! 178 POEMS. THE HEALTH. i. Three youths, who long had parted been From home and friends away, Once met, amid a festive scene, With spirits light and gay ; And as the wine-cup passed around, Refilled by kindly host, The youngest, springing from the ground, Cried " Come, my friends, a toast : ii. Here's unto her who loved me first, Will love me to the end ; And be his lying lips accursed Who calls her not my friend — My first, last, best, and only true, Than whom there is none other, Fill up, my friends, I pray you do, And drink unto my mother ! " Each drained his wine-cup to the dregs, And pledged him in " his mother."' THE HEALTH. 1"9 III. The next, a youth of bearing high, And eyes of azure hue ; The while he quenched the rising sigh That thrilled his being through— " Here's unto her my spirit deems Far dearer than my life ; Who walks with me amid my dreams, My kind and loving wife ! " Again each quaffed his lifted cup And pledged him in " his wife." IV. The eldest now with modest mien Arose unto his feet ; Within his kindling glance was seen A glory all complete ; And reaching from the table nigh Fresh water from the sod. He filled his cup and drained it dry With "my best Friend, my God ! " Each looked at each, and with a sigh Gave reverential nod. 180 THE CHILD'S INQUIRY. " Mother, dearest mother, why Does the sinner never die ? Here within this churchyard lone I have read each lettered stone, And they say that all that lie Underneath, are in the sky; Here a babe but one month old Lieth stiff, and stark, and cold ; Well I know its spotless rest Is the gentle Savior's breast ! Is the same bright heritage Given unto youth and age ? Is the maiden in this tomb — Sundered in her early bloom — Filled soul-full of earthly love — With her God in heaven above ? Is this youth, whose heart beat high With the fire of poesy, Singing choral hymns of love With the an^el ones above ? THE CHILD'S INQUIRY. 181 Is this man of riper years, Over whom a nation's tears Eained like dew-drops from the skies, With his God in Paradise ? If so, tell me, mother dear, Where do sinners then appear ? " it. Pressing him unto her side, Thus the mother now replied : " Sinners, passing fast away, Die, my child, from day to day, And in sorrow go to dwell In the deepmost pits of hell ; And," but ere another word From her lips the child had heard, He had bounded fast away, In a corner far to play ; But the mother's sage reply Did not seem to satisfy ; And, with sorely puzzled brain, Running to her side again : "Tell me, dearest mother, why None but Christians ever die? For you see my mother dear, It seems to me so very queer. Not a sinner lieth here!" 1G 182 WASHINGTON SQUAKE. Opposite my study window Stands a gravelled garden fair, That within our crowded city Is yclept a square ; And I sit and gaze upon it With a soul akin to joy, 'Till I sigh within my spirit, Would I were a boy. ii. Here with pen and ink and paper, I have often sat me down, Careless all of childhood's caper, Or of manhood's frown — Sat me down to write a sonnet In the album of a friend, That the world might gaze upon it Ere my life should end. W A s II I N GTON SQUARE. 183 III. Opposite my study window Stands the gravelled garden yet; And, perhaps, will stand for ages, When my sun has set ; Which, of all the happy faces That I gaze upon to-day, Ere the moon has changed her phases, Will have passed away ? IV. Mother ! strain thy tender nursling Closer to thy throbbing breast — See'st thou not the angels beck'ning Baby home to rest ? Father ! gaze not all so gladly On thy petted, wayward boy, For to-morrow's sun will sadly Dim thine earthly joy. v. Opposite my study window Still the gravelled garden stands — Still the merry little children Play with clasped hands ; Shall I tell them that the morrow Of their lives will surely be Filled with overflowing sorrow. Like the brimminir sea ? 184 VI. .Shall I tell them that their father, Mother, brother, sister, friend, All must die ? No ! let me rather Words of comfort lend : Let me tell them of a garden Where the Savior bent his knee To the Father of his spirit — Blest Gethsemane ! VII. If they list with good behavior To the moral of my song, I will tell them that the Savior Comes again ere long — Comes to every contrite spirit, Breathing words of peace and love, Telling them they shall inherit Worlds of bliss above. VIII. I will tell them of a garden Where the summer never dies — Where the good shall dwell forever Far above the skies : And while listening to my story, Tears shall wet each little cheek, When I tell them of the glory That no tongue can speak. WASHINGTON' SQUARE. 185 IX. Opposite my study window Still the gravelled garden stands — Still the merry little children Play with clasped hands ; And the while they gambol sweetly, All amid the noisy throng, Time is flowing by so fleetly, I will close my song. 16* 186 THE SEWING GIRL. i. Who is she, with a quiet pace, And a cheerful, loving face, ( ! virtuous poor take heart of grace ! ) Whom the proud pass by With averted eye As unworthy to live and unfit to die — Or, with a haughty twist and whirl, Gaze on her with the lip a- curl ? 'Tis the pretty sewing-girl — The pretty, city sewing-girl. ii. Her father in riches was once secure, But, now, alas ! he is old and poor ; Her mother, accustomed to ease and wealth, In household drudgery has lost her health ; And now to lighten their burden of care, And aid in the means of their daily fare, Their daughter must even to labor repair ; " God keep her safe from sinful snare, THE SEWING GIRL. 187 Mid the turmoil and strife and blinding glare Of the busy city's foulsome air ! " Was the old man's heartfelt-uttered prayer : Who doubts the prayer in heaven was heard, And that God will protect his singing-bird ? in. With head erect. That commands respect. And yet with a modest mien withal. Her prayer to God is she may not fall : For, if she do, her father's eyes Will be dimmed with grief till the day he dies : Her mother will walk with an air forlorn : Her sisters will pale at the finger of scorn ; Her brothers will wish they had never been born ; And the angels will weep, as well they may, O'er a soul that is lost forever and aye ! But if the contagion of sin she withstand, She shall fill up a place at her Maker's right hand, And rest by the streams of the Beautiful Land ! 188 POEMS, SUNLIGHT AND SHADOW. Over the way the sunlight lies ; See how it gladdens my neighbor's eyes ; Filling the heart of his wife with joy — Clapping the hands of her baby-boy — ■ Oh ! happy day ! Tis a blessed sun, with a kindly ray, Over the way ! Over the way the shadow lies ; See how it dimmeth my neighbor's eyes ; Naught in his fervent prayers could save His sweet young wife from the gloom of the grave ; Ah ! woful day ! 'Tis a darkened sun, with a cheerless ray, Over the way! SUNLIGHT .AND SHADOW. 189 11T. Over the way the sunlight lies ; Again it gladdens my neighbor's eyes ; For another wife, not a whit'" less fair, Hath taken her place in his fireside chair ; Oh! blessed day! Tis a glorious sun, with a cheering ray, Over the way ! IV. Sunlight and shadow, how close ye meet In a little year in the self-same street! Was my neighbor's grief, then, all sincere ? Ah, yes ! he shed full many a tear! But, now the sunlight fills his heart, May the shadow forever and aye depart. 190 POEMS. THE VILLAGE BEAU. i. Who, when the labors of the day Have passed with eventide away, Can fold his hands and truly say, "My duty's done, I trow?" The village beau. ii. Who, with a lass on either side Fit for a monarch's beauteous bride, Can walk erect with manly pride, And gaze on all below ? The village beau. in. Who, with a tender, meaning glance, Can mingle in the merry dance, And waken Love's delicious trance In many a breast of snow ? The village beau. THE VILLAGE BEAU. 101 IV. Who, when the years serenely glide Adown Time's swiftly-flowing tide, Can gaze upon his faithful bride, With joy that few may know ? The village beau. v. Who, when his children crowd his knee, Can smile upon them peacefully, And join them in their merry glee With honest heart, I trow ? The village beau. VI. Who, when his hair grows thin and gray, And life is ebbing fast away, Can look above and calmly say, " My rest is sure, I know ?" The village beau. 192 POEMS. WHY IS IT THAT THE SADDEST STRAINS? I. Why is it that the saddest strains Are sweetest to our ears ? And why do all our purest joys Bedim our eyes with tears ? All merry notes are laughter peals, Upsp ringing from the earth ; The sadder ones are whisperings From Him who gave us birth ! ii. The morning carol of a bird Is beautiful to hear ; But, oh ! there is a sweeter sound, That greets the listening ear, When at the pensive twilight hour, A myriad voices raise To Nature's God a solemn hymn Of gratitude and praise. WHY IS IT THAT TI1K SADDEST STRAINS. 103 IIT. The merry notes ! the merry notes ! With joy the pulses start, "While sadder strains must ever find An echo in the heart : The merry notes ! the merry notes ! To glad the earth are given ; The sadder strains are kindly sent To woo the soul to heaven ! VT 104 THE EVENING WALK. ;i. Upox her head she gently threw A veil of fabric light. To shield her from the pearly dew That mingled with the night : Then with a motion light and free — Xo proud and stately stalk — The lady of the mansion rose To take her evening walk. ii. Thou placid moon, and you. ye stars. That nightly deck the sky ? Ye must not look in envy on The brightness of her e; And you. ye babbling waters near, That make my soul rejoice. Ye must be silent when ye h< The music of her voice ! THE E V E N I K G WALK, 1 95 III. Ye moon and stars and babbling fount, Your choicest blessing? thr - - the pathway of my fair. Wherever she may go '. And if I soothe her cares the while. With fine poetic talk. Perhaps on me shell deign to smile. In some sweet evening walk ! 1% AND DIED. AND WAS FORGOT." i. Forgotten ! ay, by man forgot; But by our Maker — never ! His loving eye will guard the spot Where we are laid forever ! And when His mighty trump shall sound, To wake us up from slumber, ! may we, haply, then be found Among that blessed number, AVhose ransomed spirits shall upraise A song of gratitude and praise. Till echo answering from afar, Shall send the strain from star to star. And listening angels from above Shall join us in a song of love ! INSURANCE. 19' INSURANCE. Said Brown to Jones the other day, " I lost my ship at sea, sir, "While standing on my homeward way, Well laden with green tea, sir." " Your fate is sad," said Jones, " indeed, And hard to be endured, sir;" "Not so," said Brown, " for I took heed To have her well insured, sir!" ii. " But sadder still," continued Brown. "The fate my wife befel, sir; For with the ship my dear went down, Ah ! sorry tale to tell, sir !" " Now that, indeed," said Jones, " is bad, And never can be cured, sir ;" " Not so." said Brown, " for know, my lad, J had her too insured, sir /" 198 LIFE. Ax infant on its mother's breast — A bouncing boy at play — A youth by maiden fair caressed — An old man silver-gray — Is all of life we know : A joy — a fear — A smile — a tear — And all is o'er below ! AT REST. 199 AT REST. I. She who lietk stilly here, With her hands upon her breast, Is but sleeping — shed no tear For a maiden taking rest, And forever blest. From the turmoil and the strife, From the blinding glare of day, She, in hope of angel life, Passed, in dreamy bliss, away From her cumbrous clay. in. Now she dwelleth, all serene, In the purer realms above, Listening to the voice, I ween. Soft as cooing of a dove, Of Christ Jesus' love. 200 IV. Would ye call her back again — Wake the gentle sleeper up — Mix the bitter gall and pain — Ever flowing from life's cup — Give it her to sup ? Rather let her slumber still, Praying that yourself the while, If it be the Father's will, May as calmly, sweetly smile In death's gloomy aisle. 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