jjlji jjj if llllls x ^ ^ x y "*- . ^ c III \ v n „ ^ • o J -a > ^ * POEMS FOR CHRISTMAS, EASTER, AND NEW YEAR'S. POEMS FOR Christmas, Easter, and New Year's. BY HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH. FULLY ILLUSTRATED. BOSTON: ESTES AND LAURIAT, PUBLISHERS, 299-305 Washington Street. 1885. Copyright, 1883, By Estes and Lauriat. ^T.imbntiar : BY [OHN W M SON v l M ERSm ii ; CONTENTS. Page Introduction ix The Fountain of Youth : Pascha, Florida 1 Magdalena 8 In Chaleur Bay 11 Advent • • 16 The Old Man's Christmas 18 The Golden Star 22 Fair Morn of the Ages 23 The March of the Magi 25 The Tears of the Poor 29 The Door of Death is the Door to Life 31 Guillaume 33 Light-hearted amid the Snow 38 Blind-Man's-Buff 40 The Bells of Uri 45 The Easter Bells in the Mist 48 Christmas Eve in the Catacombs 51 The Chapel of the Catacombs 53 Part I. The Pilgrim of the Night 53 II. The Chapel of the Catacombs 57 III. The City of the Stars . 64 The Time is Short 70 By Aiiava River 73 viii CONTENTS. Page Memorial Day 79 Risen 81 The Celestial Pilot 84 Noon or Night 89 The First Christmas in New England 91 The Hoses of Rhodes 95 The Bird with a Broken Wing 98 The Beautiful Village of Yule 100 Lincoln's Last Dream 103 Time makes Changes pleasantly 107 The Old Flower-beds 'neath the Windows 108 When my Children were about me Ill The Patriot's Remembrances 116 Meeting and Parting 121 Immortality . 124 ■• Ye did it unto me" 129 Fisherman of Faroe 131 Old Class- Room Number Four 137 Dear's Hymn 141 The Flag oi Forty Stars 143 A \i.v Dear's Prayer 146 I mil Right, to the "Right ever true" 147 • Unknown" 150 0» jim. a.tlantic • . 152 THE TAPER. [INTEODUCTION. I stood in the old Cathedral Amid the gloaming cold ; Before me was the chancel And unlit lamps of gold. ii. From the mullioned window's chalice Was spilled the wine of light, And across the winter valleys Was drawn the wino* of night. in. The frescos of the angels Ahove me were unseen, And viewless were the statues Each pillared arch between. INTRODUCTION. IV. The chancel door swung open ; There came a feeble light, Whose halos like a mantle Fell over the acolyte. v. And one by one he kindled The silver lamps and gold, And the old Cathedral's glories Before my eyes unrolled. VI. The jet of light was feeble ; The lamps were stars of flame And T could read behind them Immanuers wondrous name. VII. The taper — light's evangel — Touched all the chandeliers ; As if by Heaven transfigured. Appeared the Saints and seers. VIII. Along the sculptured arches Appeared the statues dim; And pealed the stormy organ The peaceful advent hymn. IX. Ami as the form retreating Passed slowly from my sight. Eclipsed in lights il kindled Was lost flic taper's light. INTRODUCTION. XI One taper lights a thousand, Yet shines as it has shone, And the humblest light may kindle A brighter than its own. XI. And if within these pages, One touch of sympathy May to a heart more helpful An inspiration be, XII. Not vainly moves the taper O'er life's cathedral floor, Though it may pass unheeded Without the chancel door. 28 Worcester Street, Boston. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: PASCHA FLORIDA. A DREAM OF PONCE DE LEON. A story of Ponce de Leon, A voyager, withered and old, Who came to the sunny Antilles, In quest of a country of gold. He was wafted past islands of spices, As bright as the Emerald seas, Where all the forests seem singing, So thick were the birds on the trees ; The sea was as clear as the azure, And so deep and so pure was the sky That the jasper-walled city seemed shining Just out of the reach of the eve. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. By day his light canvas he shifted, And rounded strange harbors and bars ; By night, on the full tides he drifted, 'Neath the low-hanging lamps of the stars. Near the glimmering gates of the sunset, In the twilighl empurpled and dim, The sailors uplifted their voices, And sang to the Virgin a hymn. "Thank the Lord !" said De Leon, the sailor, !\1 the close of the rounded refrain ; "Thank the Lord, the AJmighty, who blesses The ocean-swepl banner of Spain ! The shadowy world is behind us, The shining ( !ipango, before : Each morning the sun rises brighter Oh ocean, and island, and shore. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. And still shall our spirits grow lighter, As prospects more glowing unfold ; Then on, merry men ! to Cipango, To the west, and the regions of gold ! ,: II. There came to De Leon, the sailor, Some Indian sages, who told Of a region so bright that the waters Were sprinkled with islands of gold. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. And they added : " The leafy Bimini, A fair land of grottos and bowers, Is there; and a wonderful fountain Upsprings from its gardens of flowers. That fountain gives life to the dying. And youth to the aged restores ; They nourish in beauty eternal. Who set but their foot on its shores ! " Then answered De Leon, the sailor : •• I am withered, and wrinkled, and old : I would rather discover that fountain. Than a country of diamonds and ^ , old. ,, in. Away sailed De Leon, the sailor, Away with a wonderful glee, Till the birds were more rare in the azure, The dolphins more rare in the sea; Away from the shady Bahamas, Over waters no sailor had seen, Till again on his wondering vision, "Rose clustering islands of green. Still onward he sped till the breezes Were laden with odors, and lo ! A country embedded with flowers. A country with rivers aglow! More bright than the sunny Antilles, More fair than the shady Azores. "Thanh the Lord!" said IV Leon, the sailor A.8 feasted his eye on the shores, " We have conic to ;i region, my brothers, More lovely than earth, of a fcruth ; And here is the Life-giving fountain. — The beautiful fountain of youth." THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. IV. Then landed Dc Leon, the sailor, Unfurled his old banner, and sung; But he felt very wrinkled and withered, All around was so fresh and so young. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. The palms, ever-verdant, were blooming, Their blossoms e'en margined the seas ; O'er the streams of the forests, bright flowers Hung deep from the branches of trees. " 'T is Easter," exclaimed the old sailor; His heart was with rapture aflame ; And he said : " Be the name of this region As Florida given to fame. 'T is a fair, a delectable country, More lovely than earth, of a truth ; I soon shall partake of the fountain, — The beautiful fountain of youth ! " v. But wandered De Leon, the sailor, In search of that fountain in vain ; No waters were there to restore him To freshness and beauty again. And his anchor he lifted, and murnmred, As the tears gathered fast in his eye, " I must leave this fair land of the flowers^ Go back o'er the ocean, and die." Then back by the dreary Tortugas, And back by the shady Azores, 1 1*- was borne on the storm-smitten waters To the calm of his own native shores. Ami thai he grew older and older. His l'<»(»isic|»s enfeebled gave proof; Still he thirsted in dreams lor the fountain, — The beautiful fountain of youth. VI. One day the old sailor lay dying I Mi < he shores of a \ ropical isle, And his heart was enkindled with rapture, And his face Lighted up with a smile. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. He thought of the sunny Antilles, He thought of the shady Azores, He thought of the dreamy Bahamas, He thought of fair Florida's shores. And, when in his mind he passed over His wonderful travels of old, He thought of the heavenly country, Of the city of jasper and gold. " Thank the Lord ! " said De Leon, the sailor, " Thank the Lord for the light of the truth, I now am approaching the fountain, — The beautiful fountain of youth." VII. The cabin was silent : at twilight They heard the birds singing a psalm, And the wind of the ocean low sighing Through groves of the orange and palm. The sailor still lay on his pallet, 'Neath the low-hanerins; vines of the roof; His soul had gone forth to discover The beautiful fountain of youth. MAGDALEXA. MAGDALENA. [EASTER.] Magdalena ! Magdalena ! Hasten, feet of Magdalena ! Hasten, for the sun is rising O'er the Eastern hills of bloom ! In thine eves the teardrops tender, In thy faee the morning splendor; Hasten, feet of Magdalena, Hasten, hasten to the tomb ! ii. Magdalena ! Magdalena ! Once thy soul was demon-haunted, Like the hart pursued it panted For the rest earth could not lend ; Then He came to thee, the Healer, Came the Paraclete Revealer, At His Peel thou fellest, pleading, Jn His bosom found a friend. in. Magdalena ! Magdalena ! Thou His sandalled feel has! followed. Thou beside His cross hasl trembled, I [asten with the rich perfume ! MA GD A LENA. Hasten with thy box of spices, Dreaming of the Paradises, Gardens of the halls immortal, Blooming far beyond the tomb ! TV. Magdalena ! Magdalena ! — Angels speak to Magdalena, 10 MAGDALEN A. " Lo, the sealed tomb is riven, Lo, the stone away is rolled ! " Once thy sonl was demon-driven, Now the shining ones of heaven, By the empty tomb of Jesus, Thou art worthy to behold. y. Magdalena ! Magdalena ! Favored thou above all women, Hasten to the sad eleven, To the sorrowing ones, and say, — " He is risen ! at the portal Of His tomb are forms immortal ; Lo, mine eyes have seen the vision, In the place where Jesus lay ! " VI. Magdalena ! Magdalena ! Though thy feet may flee from Judah, Though thou diest in the caverns 'Neath the purple skies of Gaul, Yet thy message from the angel Shall become the world's evangel, And all wondering nations hear it, And thy mission blessed call. IN CHALEUR BAY. 11 IN CHALEUR BAY. The birds no more in door-yard trees are singing, The purple swallows all have left the eaves, And, thwart the sky, the broken clouds are winging, Shading the lanclslopes bright with harvest sheaves. Old Hannah waits her sailor-boy's returning, His fair young brow to-day she hopes to bless ; But sees the red sun on the hill-tops burning, The flying cloud, the wild, cold gloominess Of Chaleur Bay. The silver crown has touched her forehead lightly Since last his hand was laid upon her hair ; The golden crown will touch her brow more brightly Ere he again shall print his kisses there. The night comes on, the village sinks in slumber, The rounded moon illumes the water's rim ; Each evening hour she hears the old clock number, But brings the evening no return of him To Chaleur Bay. 12 IN CHALEUR BAY. She heard low murmurs in the sanely reaches, And knew the sea no longer was at rest. The black clouds scudded o'er the level beaches, And barred the moonlight on the ocean's breast. The niu'lit wore on, and a'rew the shadows longer ; Far in the distance of the silvered seas Tides lapped the rocks, and blew the night-wind stronger, Bending the pines and stripping bare the trees Round Chaleur Bay. Then Alice came ; on Hannah's breast reclining, She heard the leaves swift whistling in the breeze, And, through the lattice, saw the moon declining In the deep shadows of the rainy seas. The fire -burned warm: upon the hearth was sleeping The faithful dog that used his steps to follow. ■• "T is almost midnight," whispered Alice, weeping, While blew the winds more drearily and hollow O'er Chaleur Bay. Then Hannah told old tales of France: strange stories CM Cinq-Mars' fall: of Richelieu's grand dreams; Of tail- chateaus ; of art's triumphal glories In "M Versailles; of brave Jacques Cartier's schemes; Of losl Porl Royal and its winter palace; How her dead husband's family bad shone In ails provincial. Glowed the cheek of Alice, And hall' her thoughts wciii wandering to the Rhone From Chaleur Bay. No organ stands beneath a bust of Pallas, No painted Marius to the ruin clings, No Ganymede, borne up from airy Hellas, Looks through the darkness 'neath the eagles' wings. IN CHALEUR BAY. But the sweet pictures from the shadowed ceiling Reflect the firelight near old Hannah's chair, — One a fair girl with features full of feeling, And one a boy, a fisher, young and fair, Of Chaleur Bay, 13 tMi^^^^-^^^^^X'.' ^SS That boy returns with humble presents laden, And when the bells ring out on Christmas morn, To the old church he hopes to lead the maiden, And with one jewel her white hand adorn. Now Hannah drops her cheek — the maiden presses, "He will return when come the morning hours, And he will greet thee with his fond caresses, And thou shaft meet him diademed with flowers." Sweet Chaleur Bay ! 14 IN CHALEUR BAY. Gray was the morning, but a light more tender Parted at last the storm-clouds' lingering glooms. The sun looked forth in mellowness and splendor, Drying the leaves amid the gentian blooms, And wrecks came drifting to the sandy reaches, As inward rolled the tide with sullen roar ; The fishers wandered o'er the sea-washed beaches And gathered fragments as they reached the shore Of Chaleur Bay. Then Alice, with the village maidens roaming Upon the beaches where the breakers swirl, Espied a fragment mid the waters foaming, And found a casket overlaid with pearl. It was a treasure. "Happy lie who claimed it," A maiden said ; " 't is worthy of a bride." Another maid "the ocean's dowry" named it, But gentle Alice, weeping, turned aside — Sad Chaleur Bay! — And went to Hannah with the new-found treasure, Ami stood again beside the old armchair; The maids stood round her radiant with pleasure. And playful wove the gentians in her hair. Then Hannah said, her feelings ill dissembling, "Some sailor lad this treasure once possessed; Ami now. perhaps," she added, pale and trembling, "His form lies sleeping 'neath the ocean's breast In Chaleur Bay." .Now on her knee the opened box she places, Her trembling hand Falls helpless to her breast, Into her face look up two pictured laces, — 'I'll-' faces thai her sailor-bov loved best. IN CHALEUR BAY. 15 One picture bears the written words, " My Mother," Old Hannah drops her wrinkled cheek in pain ; " Alice" — sweet name — is writ beneath the other, — Old Hannah's tears fall over it like rain. Dark Chaleur Bay! The spring will come, the purple swallow bringing, Fair Easters bloom where Christmas snowflakes fell. But nevermore the time of flowers and singing Will hope revive in her poor heart to dwell. Life ne'er had brought to her so dark a chalice, But from her lips escaped no bitter groan ; They mid the gentians made the grave of Alice, And Hannah lives in her old cot alone On Chaleur Bav. ULc3 '^5r, 16 ADVENT. ADVENT. i. The world is very blest. All bright in east and west, Christ's kingdom shines. His name new nations take, His song new lands awake; For him the gods forsake Their golden shrines. II. His ransomed armies march 'Neath heaven's melodious arch ; We follow on. Lead on, O Cross of Light, From conquering height to height, And add new triumphs bright To triumphs won. in. The brighl years onward sweep, Thai met on Patmos' steep The prophet's view. A fuller song of praise Each year the earth shall raise Till Paradisic days Begin anew. ADVENT. IV. Then ever hail the birth That made the gladdened earth Immanuel's. In wider circles sweet, Each year around his feet, Let choral hosts repeat, " God with us dwells ! " 18 THE OLD MAX'S CHRISTMAS. THE OLD MAX'S CHRISTMAS. A BALLAD. '• Though I 'm lonely, my young daughter Now lives happy, far away," — Old Ballad. I. He sat by his cottage fire and dreamed,— The poor man, feeble and old; The silver locks o'er his shoulders streamed ; Fourscore years ago they were gold, Poor man, Fourscore years ago they were gold. ii. Be thought of his wife in the churchyard lone, He thought of his children three; They loo wen- gone with the years, save one, Ami Ear away was she, Poor man, Ami far away was she. in. He heard the winds of the sandy dimes Pipe wearily by the sen. He heard the moans and the hollow tones ( M the waves of ilic Zuyder Zee, Poor man, And all alone was he. THE OLD MAN'S CHRISTMAS. 19 IV. But he smiled, and the fire on his calm face shone ; And he said, " 'T is Christmas Day, And though I am poor, forgotten, and lone, She is happy far away, Sweet girl, She is happy, far away. v. " The household lights burn bright and clear In the city over the sea, But the night is dark by Haarlem Meer, And cold by the Zuycler Zee, Ah me, 'T is cold by the Zuyder Zee. VI. " She sits, perchance, 'neath the astraPs light, And hears the city's bells, Or sings in the crowded church to-night, Where the organ's anthem swells, Sweet girl, Where the organ's anthem swells. VII. " Her mother's eyes, her hair of gold, I seem again to see ; Does she think to-night of her father old, Does she ever think of me, Dear girl, Does she ever think of me ? " 20 THE OLD MAX'S CHRISTMAS. I. The northern winds pipe round the morgue In the city's suburbs lone, And mid the gloom in a desolate room Lies a fair dead form alone, Poor girl, In the silent morgue, alone. ii. She was a shop-girl," said the guard, As he closed the iron door. She lived alone, and her lot was hard, And we know nothing more, Poor girl ; Such things have been before. in. "They found her sick in the windy street, They heard her sob and moan : But she only said, as her spirit fled, - My father is all alone, Poor man, My father is all alone! ' IV. ••<;<)(! pity the old man, all alone; I rod pity the fair young form, Thai will add a grave to the graves unknown, To-day in the pitiless storm, Poor girl, To-day in the pitiless storm." THE OLD MAN'S CHRISTMAS. 21 May the Advent bells that ring over the snows Bring comfort to such as these. Alas for the sorrow no man knows, For the sadness no man sees ! Alas and alas. For the sadness no man sees ! The household fires burn bright and clear In life's cities over the sea ; But the nights are dark by Haarlem Meer, And cold by the Zuyder Zee, Ah me ! Wherever the helpless be. k SS wbMm^ua i~ *■ % 22 THE GOLDEN STAR. THE GOLDEN STAR. [ CHRISTMAS. ] I. They brought to the cradle their gifts of gold, The gums of Araby sweet, And scattered them where the stars had rolled Round the Babe of Bethlehem's feet, ii. They had marched by night 'neath the diademed sky From the mountain-peaks afar. But why did the heathen first descry The light of the Golden Star? in. mystery of the nights of bliss, Pair nights of the Golden Star! — The Lord is love, and the world is his, And all nations his children arc » IV. Or whether he holds or breaks his seals, lie is near to all watchful eyes, Ami to those on the mountain-tops reveals The messages of the skies. FAIR MORN OF THE AGES. 23 Vh 4^§t lit :\ FAIR MORN OF THE AGES. [ EASTER. Fatr morn of the ages, the sealed tomb is broken Proclaim it, melodious chimes ; The wonderful word has the Magdalene spoken. The hope of all people and times ! ii. The chorus cherubic bends rapturously o'er Him. The gates arc uplifted above; The nations arc hasting to hail and adore II in: And share the long reign of His love. 1 By permission of John Church & Co. 24 FAIR MORX OF THE AGES. III. Now to their bright altars are gladdened hands bringing Fair buds from the life-giving seed ; And palm-lands to pine-lands are joyously singing, " The Saviour is risen indeed ! " IV. Sing, children of light, sing that wonderful hour; And perish, earth's oracles vain; No prophet like Jesus o'er death had the power To rise in life's beauty again. Burst, burst into bloom then, ye gardens of roses ; Sing, voices of spring, in the light; Peace falls from the palms of the Christ, and discloses His tomb, immortality's light! MARCH OF THE MAGI. 25 THE MARCH OF THE MAGI. We wait upon the mountains. Above us shine the golden lamps of God. 'T is silent night, And we, the Magi, worshippers of tire, Renew the altars that have burned undimmed Upon these mountain tops a thousand years. Feed ye the flames, and sing — " I shall see Him, but not near, Shall behold Him, but not nigh. A Star shall rise from Jacob And fill the midnight sky ! And here upon the mountains Our altar-fires shall burn, Until that Star of Jacob Afar our steps shall turn ! " Hail, splendid orbs ! God scatters ye like seeds in space, to bloom In the wide gardens of heaven's flaming halls. The firmament grows bright, a crystal floor, An ocean quivering with celestial lire. Our fathers worshipped God Amid the palaces of the Persepolis. The city was the glory of the sun, The crown of all the cities of the world. 26 MARCH OF THE MAGI. HB *T is vanished now ; her palaces are dust; The slimy lizards fill her broken pavements ; Vanished are her kings. Hail, splendid orbs! Our fathers eyes beheld thee, — all the great Of earth, the earliest born of men. All hail I Our father Abraham watched thee night by night. In Mesopotamian tents. Jacob beheld Thy silent marches under Mamre's oak : Joseph, at On. Zoroaster, priest of God, Thy mysteries read : and he did prophesy Another star should rise, and fill the sky With brightness, and the earth forevermore With wonder. Feed ye the flames, and sing: — " / shall see Him. but not near, Shall behold Him, hut not nigh A Star shall rise from Jacob, Ami Jill the midnight sky ! Ami here upon the mountains Our A rzQgSSs ;>;-->. 40 BLIXD-MAX'S-B UFF. BLIND-MAN'S-BUFF. [ CHRISTMAS. ] King Robert of the Truce of God, Beloved alike of laic lord And peasant, — long his reign, — His gold he to the needy threw : What Christmases old Flanders knew And golden Acqnitaine ! Peace reigned in every province fair, And lords and knights were debonair In those rare days of grace. But one lone champion won renown, A chief who lived in Liege's town Beside the dimpled Maas. His name was Colin, and he bore A fame no chief e'er won before, For I (lows in battle hard ; Eis mallet swinging in each hand, Ee oft unaided slew a band, — They called him .Jean Mallard. He fought lor loyalty and truth, And, fighting, spent Hie strength of youth, And every foe withstood ; Till, late in life, againsi him rose Count Louvain with a hundred Iocs, In Ardennes' summer wood. BLIND-MAN' S-B UFF. 41 The fight was hot, the fight was hard. But 'gainst them all stood old Mallard And faced a hundred spears ; Till, taking him by swift surprise, They smote his face and pierced his eyes, While Ardennes rung with cheers. 42 BLIND-MAN' S-B UFF. But, Samson-like, though blind, he dealt Such blows as never foeman felt; To shun them were in vain ; This way they fled, and that they run, But of the bravest men not one E'er saw the light again. For hawk and hound in Ardennes green, For tilting spear and gleaming scene Within the charmed ring. Young Robert led a merry court ; And far the harpers did report He was a merry king. One day, upon the snow-tilled dells, Old Bruges dropped her Christmas bells, And gayly sung the bards. Then called the king his sportive wights, And bade them act, in mimic fights, Such deeds as old Mallard's. They blinded one with vizor tight, And, armed with mallet for the fight, lb' bade the others fly. And friend and foe did he pursue, Till king and princes from him Hew, Each laughing merrily. His mallet fell with rapid stroke, And now a prince's jewels broke, And now a lady's pearls. Bui <>|'t the maids his stroke did miss, Ami lor a blow he gave a kiss, While laughed the captive girls. BLIND-MAN' S-B UFF. The king repeated oft the play; The children followed, day by day, In merriment as rough. And year by year did sportive feet On merry Christmases repeat The £ame of Blixd-Max's-Buff. 48 When winged crystals fill the air. And all the fields grow white and fair. And breaks the Christmas day. The olden game of chief and lord, Of Robert and the Truce of God, Well may the children play. 44 BLIXD-JIAX'S-B UFF. And like him of the kindly heart, Let us the gold of God impart, To lighten want and pain. And heart and hall will then renew Such Christmases as Bruges knew And golden Acquitaine. THE BELLS OF URL 45 THE BELLS OF URL [NEW YEAR'S.] [Lake Uri unites with Lake Lucerne. Each lake is surrounded with simple chapels, the bells in whose white towers were once rung during storms, in the belief that the music would dissipate them. Over both lakes rises Mt. Pilatus, dark and cloudy, on whose summit, Pontius Pilate, according to tradition, met his fate by throwing himself into one of the lakes in the region of the clouds.] Fraulein, how light the boatmen row! Lucerna's deeps lie still ; And Uri's bells ring sweet and low From distant hill to hill. I love the calm, still lake, Fraulein, The son^s the boatmen sin"', But drop a tear whene'er I hear The bells of Uri ring. 46 THE BELLS OF URL Gretchen, Gretchen, lift thy eyes, The sun of night how fair ! How grandly Pilate's peaks arise In yon celestial air ! 1 love Lucerna's placid ways, The songs her boatmen sing ; And my heart beats light to hear at night The bells of Uri ring. Fraulein, the scenes of other years My shadowy memory fill : Those bells no more my father hears ; The world for him is still. And ever on such eves as this My thoughts will backward wing; And falls the tear whene'er I hear The bells of Uri ring. The moon in still Lucerna lies; And see, my little maid, How fair the crystal peaks arise Above the Righi's shade ! The young bird seeks its nest no more When summer plumes its wing ; And long, as they have done before, Shall Uri's sweet bells ring. Fraulein, my mother once was young, Like mine her heart was gay; For her the bridal songs were sung On yonder liilTs chdlet. For her, Fraulein, will come no more The year's returning spring; She'll never walk with me the shore When [Jri's sweel bells ring! THE BELLS OF URL 47 Gretchen, Gretchen, think no more On that forgotten clay ; When birds above the valley soar Their shadows flee away. Lay gently on the old year's graves The Edelweiss each spring; And smile, my dear, whene'er you hear The bells of Uri ring ! Fraulein, the bright days disappear ; One day will come the spring ; Nor you nor I again will hear The bells of Uri ring. Then chide me not if stormless hours Like these a sadness bring, And falls the tear whene'er I hear The bells of Uri ring. Ah, Gretchen, when Death's mystic night To thee shall angels bear, And thou with them shaft plume thy flight Through life's immortal air ; When yon fair lake for thee is still, And other boatmen sing, Thou 'It shed no tear that others hear The bells of Uri ring! 48 THE EASTER BELLS IN THE MIST. -.vfc--. ■er erf THE EASTER BELLS IN TLIE MIST. The cloud from the ocean is lifting ; And my bark, as I breathlessly list, On the refluent tides is drifting Towards the city of bells in the mist, Towards the city of bells in the mist. it. The ocean lies darkly behind me, The storms through the cordage that hissed ; And I hear, though the cloud shadows blind me, die music of bells in the mist, The music of bells iu the mist. in. And fond hopes T cherished are bringing Tin tears thai I cannol resist, THE EASTER BELLS IN THE MIST. 49 As I hear in the viewless towers ringing Old Trinity's bells in the mist, Old Trinity's bells in the mist. IV. Ah me, what fond hope and emotion ! So near to the lips I have kissed ! Methinks that my life is an ocean, And the end but a shore in the mist, And the end but a shore in the mist. v. A haven of rest lies before me ; And I hear through the calms, as I list, From the city unseen rising o'er me, The sweet bells of Hope through the mist, The sweet bells of Hope through the mist. VI. The mist in the morning is glowing With a glory it cannot resist; And calmed tides are refluent flowing Towards the music that falls through the mist, Towards the music that falls through the mist. VII. Parted hands, that were trustful and tender, Parted lips, that once fondly I kissed, For you is the shadowless splendor, For me is the sail in the mist, — The white sail of Faith in the mist. 4 CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CATACOMBS A TALE OF THE AGE OF AURELIAN. [Christmas, according to tradition, was first celebrated in the chapels of the cata- combs of Rome during the reign of Anrelian. The Roman Saturnalia was changed to the festival of Christmas after the triumph of Christianity in the West.] Sicelides Musae, paulo majora eanamus : Non omnes arbusta juvant humiles que myricse : Si canimus silvas, silvse sint coiasule dignaB. Ultima Cumyei veuit jam earminis setas: Magnus at integro sseelorum nascitur ordo, Jam redit et Virgo, redeunt Saturnia regna ; Jam nova progenies coelo demittitur alto. Virgil, Pollio. THE CHAPEL OF THE CATACOMBS. Part I. THE PILGRIM OF THE NIGHT. In those strange days When Christian martyrs put to flight the gods Of Pome, the Church walked not as now with torch Of faith inverted, and eyes bent upon Life's outward forms. Faith scaled the walls of heaven. The air was spanned with bows prophetic ; Men saw the Lord in earth and sea and sky; And every cloud that crossed the sun's bright track Appeared an angel's chariot. The festivals — Green Christmas, lilied Easter now — were feasts Of soul alone in the still chapels under ground. 'T was the day of the Saturnalia, When War and Labor ceased : In the porticos of the Capitol Was spread the harvest feast ; Through the streets a gay procession Swept like a glimmering tide : 'T was a day of Rome in her glory, A day of Rome in her pride. 54 CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CATACOMBS. The clustered wine lay heavy In the vineyards of Tivoli. The gardens were filled with plenty Frum Alba's hills to the sea. And pride tilled the heart of Aurelian, As the halls of the Capitol rung With the lauds of the Golden Ages, By the bards of Saturn sung. Night came : on the wide Oampagna Was never a night more fair. — The golden moon, like a goddess, Rode low in the golden air. The nobles and peasants feasted. In the palaces, side by side ; Twas a night of Rome in her glory, A night of Rome in her pride. A white-haired man. that evening, Passed slowly the throngs among, And he heard as he plodded onward, The lauds of Saturn sung. Without the gates, lit- slowly Passed down the Appian Way, To the quarries where a chapel 'Neath the white Campagna lay. And there, in the sea of moonlight, In tli*- purple dusk and gloom, The thin form seemed to vanish Lik<' :i ghosl into n tomb. ilr entered the Martyrs' Chapel, An-], 'neath the torches' glare, !!<■ bowed his head and listened T i a sweel chanl rising there. THE PILGRIM OF THE XIGHT. 55 The Earth was all silent, When, Night's crystal gates unbarred^ And bright with angels, All the heavens were starred. 56 CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CATACOMBS. Like an orient splendor Gloived the vision full and clear. Then rose the Night Pilgrims , And Bethlehem drew near. Pilgrims, Lone Pilgrims, Journeying 'neath the mystic light, Seeking, Christ seeking, Seeking in the Night. II. Pilgrims, Night Pilgrims, On we march in spirit still, Stars shine above us, Songs the heavens fill. Where is He, eartlis Stranger, — Joy and hope of all mankind? Ln the heart's loiv manger, Jesus seek and find. Pilgrims, Night Pilgrims, Angels sing thy quest to cheer. Pilgrims, Night Pilgrims, Jesus still is here ! THE CHAPEL OF THE CATACOMBS. 57 Part II. THE CHAPEL OF THE CATACOMBS. Night Pilgrim : " Peace, brothers, peace ! I come to thee once more in Jesu's name, A pilgrim of the night. I wished to share The Agapse with you once more : to see The tombs within the Martyrs' Chapel. This is The night of our Immanuel. " I do remember well the day I came to Rome. Ignatius bid me come, And faithful Polycarp, — blessed martyrs each, And bosom friends of the Beloved John. " John ! — How Polycarp loved him, And in communion sweet with him about The Lord, how he was drawn towards heaven ! John laid his hands on him, and bid him preach The word in the fair city of the iEgean Sea, — Smyrna, whose sails go out to every land. A faithful witness to the truth was he, A Golden Candlestick, one of the Seven. I saw him stand that day amid the flames Unbound, I saw him when he fell Upon the fagots: his face was turned to heaven, And filled with joy ineffable. " Ignatius ! — The little child that Jesus took into His arms and blessed ! — I well remember him, Sent forth by John to preach in Antioch. 58 CHRISTMAS EYE IN THE CATACOMBS, I heard the shout go up, the shout of hell, In the great Coliseum, when rushed the beasts Upon him. Borne ! Rome ! his blood one day Will be required of thee ! " What sights I 've seen ! What blessings had ! John was taught of Christ. And I by John's disciples. Christ's kingdom comes. It shall arise from out the ruined shrines Of Rome, for Rome shall vanish. All her gods Shall vanish with her smoke into the air." The old man paused, And gazed about him. In the garish light Of flaming torches, here and there appeared The emblems graven on the martyrs' tombs, — The cross, the dove, the dove upon the cross, And the Good Shepherd, and on every hand The martyr's cup and palm. Night Pilgrim : " Palms of victory ! Shouts of glory ! Have ye not seen them waving in the streets ? Have ye not heard them filling all the air? It's been a golden day in golden Rome, And happy is Aurelian. " And now 't is night. The full-orbed sun of nighl hangs in the air, And \\\\\ the jewelled cups with plenteous wine, In the white palaces. " Palms of victory ! I. too. have seen and sec them. There arc palms, Look ;it them on the walls: this is a bower Of palms; ii looks to me Like Paradise. *• Look, look upon the walls ! Between the sepulchres! ho! who are these? THE CHAPEL OF THE CATACOMBS. 59 I hear an angel answer : " ' These be they ivho have put off Their i^erishable clothing, and noiv are crowned With crowns immortal; to them are given The palms eternal ; they have overcome, And high ascended in the light of Gcod? y The old man upward looked : " messenger divine, Who is this so young that crowneth them, And gives them palms of everlasting verdure, — Who is this so young and fair ? Hush ! the angel : " ' It is the Son of God whom they confessed, Born of a Virgin, crucified for men, Ascended into glory.'' Look on yonder tomb, As flares the torch before it. What do ye read ? " ' Alexander is not dead ; he rests in Christ, And lives beyond the stars. He passed away Under Antonius. While on his knees About to sacrifice to the true God, They summoned htm to death. " < Oh, hopeless times, When in the caverns and the dens of earth It is not safe to dwell. happy martyrs, Ye shall shine in heaven.' " Yes, blessed saint, He lives beyond the stars. There I shall live. Thin, thin to-dav lias seemed the veil to me 60 CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CATACOMBS. Between my soul and the eternal city ; And as to-night I tottered on my way And looked about, each drifting cloud appeared An angel's car. " Yes, 't will be ended soon ; This mould of flesh will soon dissolve, and I Shall join the martyrs, and receive my palm ; Christ soon is coming in the clouds for me. In the morning when I wake I see Him near Most wonderfully beautiful ; and every night The early vision is the last to fade. "It is the Saturnalia. The city celebrates the Age of Gold. A glory lights the temples of the Sibyl. " Let me prophesy : The Age of Gold in Christ will soon begin ; Saturn will vanish and his feast will die ; And not in martyrs' chapels under ground, But in the glorious temples of all lands, The saints shall hold the Festival of Peace, And hail the birth of Christ as King of kings." Again the old man paused. A holy rapture seemed to fill his face, — A light ineffable. "The earth shall sweep through mist and cloud, Through violence and wrong, Bui every bind shall own our Lord And hear the angels' song. "The heavenly IVuii is ripe to fall. As spake Eseas' tongue. Fulfil the Sibyl's dreams, and nil Etrurian Virgil sung. THE CHAPEL OF THE CATACOMBS. 61 " Night of Time, roll on, roll on, With Bethlehem's starry splendor, Not ages past, but those to come, Shall Christ his kingdom render. 62 CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CATACOMBS. •' Apollo, smitten, shall depart, Minerva lone and wan ; And change the church to holy art The pastoral pipes of Pan. " And when the Rome of old renown The pagans' feet have trod. Another Rome herself shall crown, ATith golden domes of God.'' Still brighter grew The Pilgrim's face : prophetic fire had touched The altar of his heart; his lips seemed lost For words ; his thoughts were more than utterance. ; - It comes! the invisible reign is appearing; The armies of heaven its advent attend. It comes ! and man's spiritual vision is clearing ; To spirits imprisoned in flesh it descends. It comes, lo, it conies ! " Unseen are its hosts and the war that it wages ; Without observation the swelling tide runs. Then say not, Lo, here ! or Lo, there ! through the ages It grows with all peoples, it follows all suns. It comes, lo, it comes! "The midnight hour is past, Still flow the cups in yonder golden halls, And we will feast from the Eternal Tables. Tins is our feast of Charity. Hark! — " The old man paused. A sound of hurrying feel was heard, and then THE CHAPEL OF THE CATACOMBS. 63 A ghastly face appeared, and terror seized The silent company. Messenger* : " Ye are betrayed. The gates of Rome are closed to yon forever, The festival of peace is ended, and Sentinels at all the city's gates Are ^vatchino; vonr return." Worshippers : "Then ^ve are exiles?" rfffe&L Is p^^^ "^