1^: %A ^^ tm ^55 t^SJi: ^-^^^r^c S^^'^ •^w^ if LIBRARY OF CONGRESS,!, \ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, \ f £f ^:^ ■r« %% nw ^Vc 1^ 1 Vr^i r^f^ Jl^ ^ ctt Cctt tt ^-^i^^^?^ ^^-_^ '^•^-;$^L-_ .^iMW^^^-a^^^''^ WiL.. Ck'^.' ^tk_ CSjCIZI ''^^H^^d.^^r^:- ' -^t_l_ cXZ ^^-^£SSt'tt— ^ i,.v ^CT" CZ V._ • ((?; (( gE^' ^'6-/11/,/^^ jaUSJlt: AN APO^HE(D838 A^D (DlUHER PiD'£3¥l8 iCatharine A. Uan Buren 'A6am$, NEW YORK. /5 7o /S7o Entered according to act^of Congress, in the year 1S71, by Catharine A. Van Buren Adams, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. D'£D3i:AIC3iDN. ?«? lo tSc (Brf[tt Jlkslci' of Jlu?ir, (S. JllcrcQilantc, ipfio kfoiinis lo lEc lOorfd and {o nff lime. Honored Sir and Master : I, a stranger, and a woman, and utterly unknown to you or to fame, take the liberty of dedicating to you the following little Poems, my first, and it may be my last effusions, — in that or any other department of literature. I am emboldened to this course because of the high reverence and love which I have long felt for you. Sir, as the greatest of all living Musical Composers, and the most brilliant of all players. When I am dead and gone, your name will he emblazoned upon the page of immortality, as the chief est man of your age, and zcorthy of the profoundest in- tellectual homage oj mankind. Honored Sir and Master, I am now and ever yours, THE AUTHOR. JRliS3ir ^^ EHOVAH ! music dwelt in Thee ,^^^ Through all the past eternity, J^-^m ^^for^ the world had moved to time Or chaos could produce a chime : Yet reason, held in depths profound, Embr}'oed every earthly sound, 'Till God this power first awoke, As nature's rapturous spirit broke The awful silence ages knew. And burst forth in broad notes that drew An everlasting song of praise, While oceans did their choral raise To join the tenor earth swells out With strangely variating tones, From the great rushing wind that moans, Or softly moving grass and trees When slowly stirs the evening breeze, jVI 11 s i e . To cataracts of mighty roar — Thus falHng grandly evermore — Resounding over hill and plain While echoes far prolong forevermore the strain. In every sound throughout the whole There's trinity to form the soul, Resembling all the rays of light That made the day from out the night : For God hath ever founded laws To correspond from wondrous cause ; Which, yielding strangely one effect, Appear the same though we inspect The governing force that underlies, Binding by all the chainlike ties, Dispensing order everywhere With Heaven's universal care. Alike reflect thus sound and light, One thus returning rays so bright, While bodies, having nature's power To give again from hill and tower The noise that can awake the plain And add a charm by echo's strain. Will teach the truth of all that's said, 'Till greater proofs the soul hath led In vaster fields of hidden lore To any traveled heretofore. M la s i G . W'Tien man shall crave a higher aim Below, than flattered earthly frame, A purer love of science, art, Will find a place within the heart : This, forms a fane of holy trust That onward works when we are dust ; Making the grandest acts of life, Surmounting endless worldly strife, Amid this sphere where sin and death But mingle doubt with every breath. 'Tis fond affection guides the way To laurels for the mortal clay, And only Heaven's sacred fire Could ever lofty thoughts inspire. Creating words that never die — Thus linking earth by golden tie, With realms of wisdom, wit and song. Where genius rightly takes his throng. While truth rekindles first his torch That leads to understanding's porch. Illuminating myriad cells That otherwise resemble hells, 'Till good can generate anew. Unloosening chains black and untrue, As light descends with focal power To claim for righteousness a deathless dower. 3^11 s i c . Then Cxod doth ilhistrate the plan Of joining Heaven to worthless man. The world of matter hath a sphere Beyond our home of beauty here, And earth by governing laws will wed This "summer land," the sage hath said, Exists through past or future age, While order writes ui)on the page Or always finds her book to be. The globe revealing harmony So long as life inflowing gives Impetus first to all that lives. Then lasting bonds of diademed force Yet, will unite influxent love — To nature adding still a course, Reflecting only power above As soul and body both agree — Thus weaving wondrous melody. So substance bears to spirit, too, A correspondence grand as true : And peasant, prince or savant old, An age of wisdom did unfold When men imbibed the lessons taught That science yields for living thought. Creation's code was often read. While minds discover'd facts that led — The proof of strong resemblance found jVf ia s i e . In every law — to those that bound A vast eternity around. Then see efifects from truth's great hght And even sound, to lend insight, To show results to be the same By governing force of similar reign. This rule of action seems alike, Though here a mystery invite The search for deeper mental gain, I fear than man can e'er attain. The world's a handiwork of art, Perfect beyond conception's power To godly sons who dwell in heart, Amid inspired dreams that tower Above the things of litde worth. And seek prolific heavenly birth Where greatness, beauty can enshrine, A casket endlessly divine. There love angelic wamily burns. While life, then dual, often yearns To higher flights approaching near The seat of glory made to rear An altar, held inmostly pure By souls thus founded, shall endure With chaste affection, made to soar On pinions higher evermore. I o j\;€ u s i e . 'Till clay finited seems to break A limited, weak human fate, And rend the curtain half atwain That keeps the vision dark below. And glimpses catch, though scarcely plain,, Of systems, linking all, we know. In lasting unity of parts. I'd say of those in sinful marts. Who live in gross external sense, . Or feel delight from fire intense. Which can inflame a filthy lust — They seem as snakes that crawl in dust. Alas ! such low, immoral state Discolors truth oft to relate, The falsity that still accords With any picture vice affords. If wisdom is obscure in minds That only dwell in thoughts of self, Or pleasure see in way that binds, From raging thirst of power and pelf Humanity beneath control. Also, they aim to rule the whole Of God's dominion here below. And then to other worlds would go To teach that slavery, a woe. Is wealth to poverty unclad. Though fettered life is ever sad. 3Vf 11 s i e . 11 If genius can perceive with strength, Beyond the throng who fill the waste Of matter's mighty breadth or length, Or even those that would deface The universe of law and art, And strive to quench the noble heart In all impulse that leads the true, 'Till evil shall refound anew. Enticing porticos for hell : Nor those who feign desire to dwell In endless activeness of use. Though moulded not in brain to be, As soil that never will refuse Abundant growth of prodigy — Yet often hold an honored place, Dispensing good among the race : Such are the people made for thought, That taste for those ideas caught, To lose impressions gi^and and pure. Their souls no harvest will insure. With dreams seraphic, phantom-like. That fancy clothes with rosy light. As all they see or feel beneath The canopy that hides the wreath, Crowning anew with truth in bliss Our sphere by Heaven's happiness. Hath clad itself with sombre hues ; 12 jVf 11 s i e . And added dull content doth keep, A vision lost in power to reap The lessons nature will infuse By spirit hid in outward clay, Awakening mind through bright array In many dyes and endless change That matter will assume in range Of metamorphose known to earth. To teach how wisdom had a birth. We learn that some an image bear, Revealing splendors great and rare, Displaying God's benignant gifts Through everything that strongly lifts A being free from states impure, Who reaches far with jealous aim^ Obtaining joys that will endure In sentiments that ever came. Reflecting Deity forth in man — To strike out holy sparks that fan With life the soul's diviner glow, Whose scintillations often show The brilliancy of native worth. Yet spirit fertile, rich with thought Of keen perceptive faculties, In searching after truths is taught To feel that reason only sees In narrowed limits like our own, jVf "la s i e . 13 How little e'en the wise have known — While Heaven a boundary doth make, And flights beyond we dare not take. Alas ! for ideas must assume The correspondence bound to be A type of frail mortality, Though artist-genius seeks a doom That seems controlled by higher laws, Thus proving intellect the cause In guarding germs that form the mind, Budding in use to teach mankind The Holy Father's truth revealed Through mediums that nature sealed For art, or any scheme sublime, To shed a glory o'er the clime Where wisdom, stars and beauties chime ; And those who link eternity With things of space will ever catch A glimpse from strange futurity, WTiose faintly glimmering light doth Hash On senses piercing far above This globe that holds in bondage here, The spirit quivering oft to steer, Athwart the sky to yonder home Of joy celestial, there to roam. Such are the meteors seen to Hy Across the vault that arched the world. 14 jM^ u s i G . Whose blazing spheres oft daze the eye To which the misty dome unfurled A symbol picturing forth with care, In prodigies that some deify, Or halo all the dazzling fate That leads to fame's immortal gate. And still the mind that can outvie In knowledge even the human race, While frailties often might deface The grander tone of every thought, When even those who often sought To be Heaven-influenced by thee. As one who yields his inmost heart To inspiration's power to see. The everlasting laws of art. Hath found in earth a master-piece With forms and tints that never cease In vast variety of shape. Hence changing hues from hill to caj)e, The model made by hands sublime That will not lose through future time The first impress creation chose, .. As mountains out of seas arose, Producing landscapes vast and wild, Where glories ever brightly smiled On men endowed to give again. The charms that gild the distant plain. :M 11 s i e . Yet genius has a lowly place To copy closely nature's gifts, And find they only can retrace The giant picture God uplifts ; A panorama made to show All rudiments for highest art Of every kind the mind can know, From architecture taught by trees, Whose branches arch as window eaves, In Gothic style or simpler shape, That doth by beauty taste awake To love of chaster purity. And sculpture here we often see In myriad forms throughout the world. From chisel marks to tresses curled On tender vines that cling and crawl O'er turret old or ivy wall, Relieving gloom by waving sheen, Through myriad leaves of brilliant green. These tendrils coil as ringlets fair As any seen in marble rare. Presenting youth with sunny locks To win spectators on their way. Who loiter near, or watching, stay,, Beholding sentiment in rocks — The dimpled cheek and silvery note That seems from infant lips to fioat. i6 jVd: u s i e . They wait as tlioiigli to hear the sound Re-echo through the room around ; But all is still save tram])ling feet That break the solitude we meet. In galleries where gems of art Display the power in every part, Of painter, sculptor, dreamer wild — There on the canvass all is aisled, Recording touches fine or bold, That endless ages will unfold. Then Painting, too, doth recreate The outer world with wondrous skill That's shown by those who imitate Our vast creation made to fill A mind all strongly taught to trace The objects oft adorning space, That shed their splendor forth with care, Which Heaven's unbounded loves prepare To lead the soul with deep delight. By landscapes mirrored on the sight, 'Till animated fond desire Shall move the hand that would produce Again the scenes that can inspire The touch to high artistic use, As nature lives once more in art. And copied worlds to view upstart In pictures lithographed from earth. jVi ii s i c . 17 There every region finds a birth, However savage, grand or wild. To lonely vales where summer smiled And paths the Indian has trod, Where beauties reign alone for God, To mountains towering ever high, That seem the wooers of the sky. With emerald sides or rocks of gray. Where bears and panthers wildly play. Beneath the boulders darkly frown. While foliage's neutral-tinted crown The hills with rosy splendor down. All this is photographed by man, With truth to local hues and forms. And still is but a colored plan. That represents the ocean's storms, Or views that stir the painter's heart, -Shown to develope power through art. Amid the Alps a scene might lay. Or any place where mind may stay. Enchanted, lingering long with joy, Jhat brush or pencil would employ — His hour devoted to portray The vision, haunting night and day, Charming his soul to Heaven away. So, song of birds and insects heard, Whose hum and stir, at evening time. 1 8 jVf ^'^ s i- e, . Into a sultry, arid clime, Subtly resemble every word That's given man, expressing thought, Or feeling in his being wrought. Hence animals afford a mode. For speech in sounds that ever showed Their inner spirits natural life, Exhibiting tragedies of strife. Through some impassioned acts or strain Of foaming rage or writhing pain That in a turbulent discord floats, 'Till others answer back the notes. And hundreds join the choral strong, Echoing through the woods along. Such sounds are hints to artist-ears, So mingled up with hopes or fears. For composition oft is made, From nature's language sternly grand. This was a basis music laid — A basis in vast breadth arrayed — To gather gems throughout the land For all that forms a master-piece. That God's own lyre thus might show What harmonies from Heaven flow. And studious men will only find How little fills the human mind, How scanty is the largest store jVf u s i c . 19 Of truth that opens wisdom's door, While highest genius imitates The works the Ahnighty One originates. I. O, the harp that is hung in the sky Can extend to each world thus on high ; "V^Tiich in space has a starry abode, To this home where the hearts in a chime Are a drum with its beats to the chime That the feet in their dances would give While such revels extatic may live. II. Each breeze thus forevermore tells Of a spirit that inwardly dwells, Where the planets in mystery move To the wispering voices that prove That yon spheres in their midst have a soul, E'en on heights where in unison roll All the stars that creation bestows To illumine this earth in her woes. III. For a speech from the thunder is heard. Or from zephyrs each murmuring word Is expressive of some thing within, 20 3^ 11 s i e . Which is breathed when a tune shall begin From the music that nature unfolds, Since our God is the fountain that holds ; Hence the notes that reveal thus all life, And but utter its eternal strife. IV. Then the globe is a circle we know In which noises from bright Heaven flow To display there the wonders of tone, By the songs that enrich every zone : For the sea will resound on the shore With his murmurous ode as before. While the forest and hills still renew Thus an anthem they ever pursue. Musicians often may acquire The themes for works we can admire, From voices heard o'er this vast ball, That would arouse or strongly call A mind from deep repose to hear All tunes that fall upon the ear, Which represent the scale sublime To form the varied range thus found Of notes that in the spheres abound. This gamut great Jehovah made As rudiments so wisely laid jVf "11 s i c . 2 1 For every masterpiece of art. This first composer will impart The rules for weaving any bar, By lessons given from afar, Through Him who gave the evening star Or clad the morning brighter still That Beauty might her goblet fill : Thus harmony or time and tune. Were caught as music's rarest boon. To mould a language strong and fine, So melody might be divine. Conveying passion's holy fire. By sentiments that could inspire , The power to breathe our deepest soul In song the muses would control. Flowing from men who seem to be But instruments for minstrelsy. Surely at first from tones were caught An alphabet for nature's tongue From hymns the land and sea have taught Where endless mysteries are sung. As notes united weave a strain That echoed softly o'er the plain, - Or yielded chords that ever chime Harmonious in mighty bass. That through the universe we trace. So sentences were formed for speech .22 3^ U S i- G . By words combined the linguists teach, And syllables but represent The sounds in music made to give Expression as in language found, That causes inmost thoughts to live, Or utter all that may abound Within the souls by wisdom lent, To cheer this globe through social law, By systems oft that outward draw The highest mental powers we see, Endowing poor mortality, So that divinity might find A pleasure in the human kind. So truth from God would always flow, If men pervert not Heaven's good, Though sin and lust that can inclose The spirit wed to self on earth. That never craves a sweet re})ose, Then evil is the only food To nourish falsities at their birth. And hinder reason to perceive The light descending here below, Revealing tears may cease to flow. While Terror breaks her mighty chain. That through all darkness held her reign : For pain no longer need afliict, With manacles that bind and tear, jVf -a s i e. All whom the world will contradict In precious aims of those most rare, Who would in mind and act aspire To gain the whole they can acquire, Though often struggling for the way That leads to yon celestial day. When science, art, shall first impart The facts that every Christian heart. Which ages teach have long been known By sages great in every zone ; Or found a voice amid the dead, Where spiritual truths were fled, Which kindled only life that's true. This God thus always will renew. In choosing from the race a few, Who preach religion from the spheres Where He substantially uprears A living picture to behold. By types displayed that can enfold That highest moral lessons taught. All through the universe are wrought : For sensuous men could only learn From matter in its various forms, What mysteries they can discern, Amid the earth with all her storms, And nature writes forevermore A history as she did before. 24 3\^ 11 s i e . The lights and shadows softly blend From east to west and never end, While oceans wrestle just the same As when from Heaven's hand they came : And subject planets move to law, That endless time through ages saw. So vast creation e'er shall teach. By changes made to find a speech. Hence man with powers to imitate, Began to copy what he heard While in a happy natural state, And soon there echoed forth a word, Developed first from grosser sound, That filled the universe around. Then ideas of construction taught The ancients rules that plainly wrought A tongue thus suited to convey The changing thought of any mind : And living animals inclined, By cries and tones too oft display. An utterance that seems to be A language crudely formed to show What vast desires w^ere forced to flow In lower objects blessed with life. That gave in nature's endless strife, A grand conception how to raise The powers colloquial which may please, 3^4 la s i e . 25: Through eloquence that's sure to seize Control o'er Passion's maddening blaze, And from the outward world produce All conversation fit for use. Then earth's elysium early knew, When wisdom into beauty grew. For everything was pure and true, Ere Courts and Judges held their sway, Corrupting those who near them stay, WTiere avarice, a monster strong, Rapine creates and rape and wrong. . Then newborn souls had never fanned The flame of evil in the land, For God their only sovereign reigned. Hence first progression ever ruled, When men alone in truth were schooled.. Not an improvement is attained. If low and sensual beings try To found a monarchy for power. Where sin or crime at random tower, Like fortresses that charm the eye. Though virtue perish evermore, And discord rank on land and shore^ Claims a black future's sad control. Then sorrows like a simoom roll. Upon a people formed to keep 26 jVf u s i e . Our Father's image, meek yet bright, That from the inmost sent out hght. So arts that otherwise might grow, Diffusing greatness on a race, Thus scarcely have a life to throw, A grandeur forth when all embrace Such sentiments as darken light, And stifle truths that would invite The soul to feast on knowledge rare. Which kind creations so prepare, For those who live in natural good. And choose the law of God as food. To nourish daily every act, By principles that will attract The craving spirit's highest use. While purest maxims will infuse Their inmost souls with love divine, Bestowing wisdom that will shine, ' And aids the mind aright to climb. And find an atmosphere sublime. Where harmonies forever chime : And virtues soothe the troubled breast, That never knew before a rest, While Heaven hath a record found. Replete with innocences crowned ; The being born anew like this. Shall revel in its happiness. Then science, art, and moral worth. Can build an altar on the earth, WTiere all may worship Him who gave The elements for every tongue, In varied sounds, acute or grave. That form the light and shade among All tones of language that bestow, The charms of feeling oft that flow. With words that shed a living glow, And give a power strong to thought. As though within the depths were wrought, Where mind and passion will conspire, To utter forth whate'er desire Is kindled by the brain and heart The gift to yield, and thus impart The changes passing o'er the soul. That find expression true and grand. Through speech the God of nature planned To mirror life amid the whole Of choral spheres that march on high. And make the wonder of the sky. So doth man correspond to all Upon this vast artistic ball, That Deity hath made beneath Yon angel's pure abode of love, Where eloquences. ever wreathe. All lips that breathe ideas above. 3V4 ii s i c . The song of birds, the tramp of beasts, In symphonies are oft jDroduced ; E'en insects tiuttering and confused, From twilight's dance the soul they feast : For sounds may imitate with skill. The cries of animals that fill Our distant hills or sunny plains, To where the snow-clad mountain chains, Create for Museus her fanes. There echo melodies divine, Where solitude and light entwine In one embrace of loneliness : Still Fauna-mutt' rings ever bless The earth with a full happiness ; And Flora, too, her censer swings In forests wafting sweet perfume, While flowers chant soft tunes and bloom The finny tribes in pebbly brooks. Then sing to Naiads in their nooks. You raise your bow, great God of Song, To touch the sound of ages long. And then your viol softly breaks Forth pastoral splendor as it takes A flight o'er nature's vast domain. Where bower and beauty gladly reign, And language of the world is heard. The eloquence of Deity, It speaks to thee in melody, Where icicles hang from every tree, As towers start to view and show Majestic castles built of snow, And men go prowling o'er the glass Where ice for ages makes a mass ; All clad in fur, like bears they seem, While rainbow tints around them gleam, And fairy chateaux glow with light. That often daze the traveler's sight. But all is still — the land of death ! It kills with its own frozen breath, The warmest heart and truest breast, Or grandest bird that builds its nest Where cold upon its life can prey, Beyond the home where reindeers stray. No joyous sound is often heard, Save when from stranger's lips a word May there float o'er an icy plain, And cause the thoughtful still more pain Than a deep, holy solitude. The blast of winter, strong and rude. Can beat alone the icebergs high, And breathe to heaven their lonely sio-h. Amid the storms in that far North. No sounds from thrashing limbs go forth. 29 30 M 11 s i e . For ice will h6ld in tense embrace, The boughs that we would gladly trace ; Yes, dead seems every tree and man, When glassy seas the eyes but span. O, come where nature clothes in green Through the whole year the forest grand ! There life in myriad forms is seen. Amid swart Afric's desert land The insects ever swarm and grow, While rivers full of reptiles flow. Unearthly sounds are heard from beasts. Through all their joys or ravenous feasts : Nocturnal orgies oft alarm Naturalists though they feel no harm. Here, in the home of sun and flower, Can music show her greatest power, The animals a chorus make, Then some sweet voice a flight will take,. Expressing soft maternal love. While war-like tones will upward float. Creating harshness far above The female's tender dulcet note. As beauty will conspire with song, And give the soul a power strong, Like daughters of a fairy-land. So nature's grandeur surely fan'd jVf u s i G . The genius, mid a burning sun ; For Egypt, Italy, Greece begun, With all the greatness we have sung. The bells of endless ages rung All dormant intellect awake, And bids us now aspire to be, As these vast tniths we homeward take, — A sanctified humanity. Great civilization, let it float. Yes, on the flag staft' of each boat ! Be thou stamped firm in every soul, As ages through all changes roll ! Tis art that leads to higher life, Refines the mind in deepest strife, And forms a germ but fit for Heaven. This is a holy, glorious leaven, Resembling piety that can give The only laws by which to live ; For beauty guides us on to truth, And stately acts in age or youth. The artists find in Heaven a clime. Adapted to their state sublime, For they are born with native worth. Regenerated from their birth, Not moulded of the common earth, But qualified to be and shine A vessel for the Lord Divine, 31 32 ^i\i si c. O'erflowing with a love most pure, Such as in angels must endure : For they delight in wisdom, too, Like holy spirits that imbue All knowledge flowing from the stream That our Jehovah makes supreme ; And in affection they appear, As suns celestial blazing near. A house for God they will uprear, By setting aglow with light. That radiance dispels the night Of any dark, immoral age ; For art has power to assuage The false and teach some who may see A language from divinity, In works of beauty that impart All ideas which uplift the heart, To intellectual heights that find The nearer sunshine to the sky, To bask in mysteries that lie Beyond the vulgar soul and eye ; For men of genius here are sent As messengers of love and peace. So earth yet could herself release From ignorance and doubt that chain By superstition's ; ■ oomy reign, Full myriads of the human race jVf 11 s i e . 33 In errors that we hate to trace, So that the natural laws are hid When freedom is, alas ! forbid To speech and thought or any view That can give lessons which diffuse All heavenly knowledge to renew The fallen man and fit for use A being lost to good before — Destroying evil evermore. But this can ne'er be understood By those indulging ways unjust, Because it will oppose their lust, And show how vile they must appear W'lien tiaith in judgment will make clear Their sensual state from which proceed All doctrines false that bear a seed To poison principles divine. And render goodness ever mute. This will the righteousness uproot, That garlands eartli and would entwine A Paradise where peace should hold His golden sceptre and be bold. So upward genius soars to thee, Thou wonderful eternity ! And finds not rest where men are bound By dark corruption all around. jVJ U S !• C . They bear Thine image, Lord ! on high : Though men, they beam with mental fire, Unmarked by any coarse desire, And are conjoined before they die. To angel life that will begin With them in this sad world of sin : For e'en chaste loves that are divine, Shall in each feature brightly shine. A common race delights to stain The glory of a spirit pure. But truth with power shall endure. Although they know a martyr's pain ; For men of intellect soon see, Thus every inmost quality That may adorn the minds they meet : For heart though veiled will clearly beat With good or evil that shall bear Its marks upon the visage fair ; And also acts can often show, If truth's influxes inward flow. 'Tis from the will and love proceed, Thus every clean or filthy deed. The names that time hath on his page, Through any clime or distant age, From Jesus Christ to some poor sage Who could a lesson still impart. To change aiid beautify the heart, 3V4 11 s i e . 35 Have been maligned and tortured, too, In dungeons or in many ways, That shortened oft the fleeting days, Allowed to men who only knew What joy can spring from those who live A life of charity, and give The bliss they feel and thoughts that flow, To bear the soul from depths below, Leading us on to Heaven's shore Where truth is read for evermore. The world despised and loved to hate E'en Dante, Bacon, all the great : But who is honored by the good ? What yields to students daily food ? And hence the monuments are seen, Where poets, patriots often lean Tn deepest reverie and keep A silent watch o'er those who sleep. 'Tis godlike men who ever shine, And shed a lustre to enshrine The mind by wisdom made divine. There's music ringing in the soul, When Heaven's commandments hold control, To teach the heart a simple way That leads unto God's brighter day. O, peace is written on the brow, 36 j\;f u s i c . Like some pure maid's who made a vow To live alone for truth in Thee, Jehovah in Eternity ! Chastity fair and bright, O, sing with me to-night ! Thy voice is tender love, And ring^ through spheres above. The moon's pale light is there Upon thy golden hair, And splendor decks thy face. As softened light I trace. III. Then, angel, strike thy lyre ! Let evil's flame expire, . And by sweet music's sound Scatter chaste thoughts around. IV. O, touch one heavenly note ! Thy harp's strange tones will float, Expressing all you feel. And must on mortals steal. 3V4 li s i e . 37 Let maidens blush and cry with shame, To sell for gold or worldly fame, The glory of a virtuous name : Still worse to try by wedlock's seal, To cover infamy and steal All impress of divinity In matrimony's holy law. But such are oft the noblesse grand. The rulers of our native land. Who think that wealth will homage draw ; And money lovers, craving power. Will vend themselves for some small dower, And say they've made a happy hit, When such rich miser they can knit — This, this they call morality ! It is but base insanity To think that unions will endure. From w^hich spring forth the human race, If founded not by motives pure. The characters of two make one, Wlien heaven's marriage is begun ; A sameness then will mark the pair. That was in each, while separate — To be like sounds that float in air Has ever been the sex's fate, For woman's pianissimo. Thus softly moving through all time. 38 jVf H s i c . And men 2is Jorte in music grow Th' image of strength in any clime, While bass and tenor form a scale Complete in order not to fail, In being able to produce The chords and melodies for use. Some like to teach all doctrines wrong That to the word of God belong, So wicked passions might have sway To mould a drama for the day, When devils hold their jubilee. Rejoicing over evil's reign. They quench the torch that truth would burn, While angels weep and sadly yearn For love to smile or yet return. With arms that can the world enfold When all are dead and icy cold. Let goodness heat us as a sun. That warms the earth in summer time, And cause a glow of higher worth To show man's is celestial birth ; So every act and thought may chime In concord, making soul sublime. And the bright face be as a star. That with bright rays may touch afar The spirits lost of any sphere, Then bring the power of Heaven near. jVf m s > c . Where human love is gross desire, Creating there a sacred fire To make the couch of marriage chaste, So none by demon hist should haste To form a viperous race for hell. O, Venus, thy fair children tell Of those who in the forest dwell, And woo to find a simple heart That only is of them a part. When traits of character thus blend, We're sure to find a happy end. All know that certain tones agree In making truest harmony, So male and female shall portray In ever mingled notes that play. And fomi a perfect sweet accord The wedlock ordered by the Lord. \^^henever thus two hearts unite. What splendor reigns in Heaven's sight ! They're like the columns of an arch, As onward through this life they march : They are one act that will diftuse A lovely power that's never found Where family discords shall abound. Go ask the ancients, if you can, When their first nuptial hours began. While arbors a sweet Eden spread 39 40 jVf 11 ? i e . Bright floral network over head, And whispering winds glad poems wrought,. By thus true wedded children caught. Before a teacher ever grew Into the happy home they knew. Our God was king while nature showed The wisdom her great laws bestowed, And woman was enshrined and dwelt On man's high pinnacle of love. Both hoping for a life above. Then at truth's altar calmly knelt The early fathers who thus strove To join themselves in heart to thee^ And never from thy wisdom rove. But worship only Deity. What beauty fell from every word, That through the wilderness was heard ! As songs of lovers could arise. Perfumed by passion to the skies, As operas spoke from all their eyes, And soft emotion would invade. Each face until some fiercer shade Might set the visage all aglow, With every feeling that we know. To emanate from holy loves. Yes, tender as the mournful dove's. Were heard the songs of maidens fair^ jVf Ti s i c . That broke with sweetness in the air. Diaphanous in beauty shone, Each countenance with good alone. No trace of sin on them was found, For wisdom in such hearts abound. I would not blacken now this page By coming to the present age : For only some God's light receive. And others into darkness leave. O, hope for a far brighter day ! O, nobly work and weep and pray ! The forest breathes its evening hymn, As day forsakes the earth's gray rim, And night takes up her greater power. The moon ascends o'er hill and bower, And woman's nerves are all awake. To' silvery sheen or notes that take A flight from hill to lonely vale. Oft touching ears that cannot fail To vibrate all they feel again, E'en though it often be in pain, For one who never will return The love with which her heart can burn : But she alone will sit and pine, And often watch a trembling vine. Then stirred by evening's tender breeze ; 41 42 jVt u s i e . Or listen to the distant trees. The soul will utter a deep song That sounds with all her feelings strong. Inspired by moon and midnight hour, She'll chant amid a listening bower ! I. Whispering wind, what wilt thou say When my love is far away, While I watch the stars at night, In their lone and weary flight. And the breeze o'er hill and vale, Breathes to me a gladsome tale ? II. Will soft zephyrs touch my brow, Often burdened with a vow, Filling all my senses keen, With past pleasure that I've seen,, When the lips I crave were near. Lisping music in my ear ? III. Bring, on morning's pinions free, Visions of the one I'd see, In kind messages to tell "Where thy faithful heart may dwell Soon dark even clothes with gray, For awhile earth's cheerless way. ^ u s i G . 43 rv. Still the winds their harps will sound, Though the world seems locked around, Like some prison of despair : Yet a voice from thee is there, Singing ever at my side, For I am thy spirit bride. The peasant is inspired with song, By scenery that may please his mind, And oft to language will belong, New words where different views we find. The mountaineers their phrases found, And even in valleys men abound. Who add still more to their own tongue. Why then should not sweet songs be sung. And years on with their cycles roll, Oft chiming in a saddening toll, Or merry peals that lift the soul To where our God with glory lights The future dim or adds to time A sunny, sweet and rose-wreathed clime. Then Heaven comes with blessings bright. Where'er religion holds her reign, There art will feel her brilliant power. Destroying oft her holy fame On building up for God a tower. 44 3^ u s i e . The Catholic Church with masses grand, Upholds the drama in our land ; From sacred pjays the lyric stage Hath formed its beauty for each age ; The painter, poet, actor, lend Their equal powers that attend, The opera made to charm the mind And mould a work that none can find Surpassed within the world of art. That charms the brain and steals the heart. Old Ireland's songs the world would span' With friendship's very warmest glow : And with her poets first began This flame and power of God to know ; And Scotia, where young Burns was bred, With ballads hath the nations fed. Her simple strains the heart can reach, And all her feelings ever teach. Great England, too, hath joined the train Of nations causing art to reign. She honors science, and behold What glory proudly she'll unfold, To sons of genius and high worth. However humble was their birth. Westminster Abbey marks a place. Where to the dead respect we trace. There heroes, poets, all the grand. 3\!f "II s i e . 45 Have one spot holy in the land. America, in time will rise With commerce, and uplift her eyes To higher spheres than earth beneath, And seek a crown that yet will wreathe Her beauteous face but iron brow, That too much worships mammon now. Great God ! her poets sing alone. And in their wretchedness may moan, While young musicians can not find The even tenor of their mind. Republics are the death of art : They search and wither up the heart Of artists who aspire to be An honor to a country free. Go to the home where Mozart's birth Added a link to art on earth, For Crermany with operas grand Sees Italy a sister-land. She has long fostered with warm care, A genius strong and bright and rare ; The peasant and the noble proud. Around the glorious music crowd. The love of hamiony has a power Over this land of sun, vine, flower. Here science with rose-diademed art, Now reigns as king in every mart ; 4^ jVf 11 s i c . Her towering masters all adore, None have surpassed on any shore ; And MusEUS will still inspire This country's sons with her own lire. O, Italy, thou'rt glory crowned ! Here, art a sacred place has found. To build her temple granite-bound, "And since old Greece, there ne'er can be Another land to charm like thee !" The artists shout harmoniously, And never from her sky would roam. For there they find their natural home. She is the Mecca sought by all, Who at art's altar proudly fall To pay an homage of the soul. Thy greatness hoary time will toll, As onward through old space we roll. The world seems aged, dim and gray : An artist scarcely sees his way — Then to his score he madly Hies, And adds to music till he dies. His bow has fallen to the ground : Who then will thrill the notes around ? The fire that lit his soul has fled ; Alas ! a master great is dead. O, death will grin with "two cross bones," To finish up the ins])ired tones. jVf u s i c . 47 O, God, ope wide thy spheres of might. And let him catch of Heaven a sight ! He'll join the grand orchestra made Of sons from every tribe and land, Who have a strong and plastic hand. And sounds, like beauty, ne'er shall fade In you, eternity of bliss. O, list, seraphic happiness Will break upon his si)iritual cars. For real Heaven tirst appears. Hear Beethoven most sublime ! From dear Italia's sunnier clime. Thousands shall also join the choir. While great Rossini sweeps the lyre. Mendelssohn* with lovely mien, On the arm of Bach will lean. And his face will glow divine — For all good must through it shine. Mozart, sunlike, must ai)pear, P^or he brought new ages near, Caught young wisdom from the sky, Rearing works that never die. * Mendelssohn most nobly gave concerts to' raise funds for a monument to ii ilorious brother in music, Bach. 4S 3Vf u sie . Chopin, touch a viol holy, For you sing of heaven solely ! Shout her joys and social feeling, That through all her courts are stealing Handel prays for yonder nation, In his anthem of Creation ; Haydn joins him thus delighted, Far from stars and earth benighted I Hark ! the gloria is sounding ! Every soul with love is bounding ! And the laurel-crowned of glory Chant on high a new-found stor}' ! "Hallelujah !" great hosts thunder : God and spheres are still a wonder : Central space heaves with emotion. Like the roll of a mid ocean — All is music and devotion ! PiDEJFlS. you tell me to Joget the Hour. ^ OU tell me to forget the hour When all my dreams were bright and true, ^fei^Ahd say that darkness soon may lower On every pleasure that I knew ; For youth and ardor must depart When shadows fall upon our way, And sorrow chills the warmest heart If withered ere it should decay. That memory, too, alas ! will tell Its tale whate'er my fate may be, And often breathe a saddening spell, Ere it will give a joy to me, 5o P o eT]f\s . As woe will always haunt the soul O'er which it once has held control, To cloud the thoughts that feign would rise In sunlight splendor to the skies. What though eternal misery flow Into the bliss of life we know, Or drear affliction cast a gloom On hopes that strive and strive to bloom. If only highest truth is found In wisdom linking earth around, To Heaven's own supernal shore Then peace is found though lost before. P o e 11^ 9 . 51 A Serenabe. Hear thou who chanteth, Where fairy haunteth In richest bowers Entwined with flowers ! So, ope' thy portal, Sweet, queenly mortal, While beauty's flowing With moonlight glowing. Thy smiles can soften My wild thoughts often 1 Through this sad ditty, Mad passion pity ! O, why stay longer ? This heart beats stronger, For life's most fleeting When lips are meeting. '-^(|)^ 2- P e -Rfi Hhe House of the i5oo5 Shepherb. Charit}-'s temple, let it stand, A glory- to our native land : There is a home for even- race, AMien persons shall this life deface. If hideous crimes close out all day, Then in this refuge such may stay : The Cross with hope shall Heaven the breast So wTapt, at last, by holy rest. The Sisters show a friendship true, That out of goodness only grew. And blush not. soothing thus the brow Of anv \-ictim sufferinoj now. Here in the pesthouse we shall see The power of Christianity, That holds the Xun a willing slave. Though vile diseases toss and rave. The sinner thus she may reclaim. Not caring for mere earthly fame : With pleasure laboring she elate. New uses makes for mortal state. ¥ o eTt\s . Many their consciences must feel, As for the Sacrament they kneel. There's prayer from lips no more profane God and his Heaven yet shall reign. Lo ! incense now around them floats : Hark ! music breathes her holiest notes ; The Priest with sacred words is near — Thus all can worship without fear. Jehovah's stronghold let it last, WTiile sunlight on the world is cast, So here the sinful soul can find Treatment that is by angels shrined. '^A -^^^^^ 54 P o e fix s . Ihe Heroes Haue iBone to the Piel6» The heroes have gone to the field, Regardless of buckler and shield, Adorned with the badge of the true, That's shining — the Red, White and Blue For Liberty's crest, They falter not now as they move, For courageous they ever shall prove : Then firmly they stride mid the dead, .And halt not though warm blood is shed From their country's sons. But they will return with wreaths won. And captives ere battles are done. What though they fight or they pray, If victory crowns the great day, And Peace lights the land ' 3P e Ef \ s . 55 Still Knooi 3^m Deuoteb. O, love, when we part, if stern anger is shading The brow as dark clouds that would cover the sea^ When sunlight's soft rays from fair nature is fading, And earth seems forsaken by beauty and thee, I'll breathe then my grief with all hope ever broken, To learn we must sever, woe's flame in my heart ; Though nothing but kindness by thee had been spoken. Still, still is this parting fierce agony's dart. Yet sigh not in soHtude's gloom with mad weeping, And think ne'er of time that with pleasure has fled. But gladly remember the one who is weeping Thy image in memory till he is dead. When years on each face their deep lines have written, And youth with its charms has deserted thy form. Ah, know I'm devoted though life is all smitten. By deepest misfortune in wrong's raging storm. 56 P eK\s 1606'$ Jflercy. O, God, and shall it even be, That they who wander far from Thee In ways of sin and mantling woe, Shall never to yon Heaven go ? What, though the hungry wretches sure The tempter long can not endure, And through distress to wrong may yield, Wilt Thou no more be their great shield ? Wilt Thou not love and pity show. If tears of penitence shall flow, Or shed a light to guide the way By truth that leads us on to-day ? Yes, mercy, vast as all the space Where star or moon hath found a place, Must hold the vilest sinner dear. The humblest being ever cheer ! -^r^f*^ F © e Ef\ s . 57 Ihe JFlusician's Dream, At eve, when yonder silver moon Inspired my soul with love's own tune, I sat and reveled in each dream, That on my fancy seemed to gleam. I saw the deepest shades that fell In every path or darkest dell. Till massive forests dark and bold, Oft did my mind in reverie hold. All tender beauty of the night Imagination robed in light, WTiile nature's soft hymns soothed to rest This ever restless, weary breast. Then visions o'er my spirit came. With endless charms of youth and fame, While one fair form appeared to be Perfection of humanity. Her brow was beauteous as a star, That in mild radiance shone afar, And her rapt eyes did warmly glow With mad delight on mine below. ^8 P o e -Rfi, s . And infants all my own did bless This bright conjugal happiness, P^or I had found the being sought, That reason often strangely wrought. Methought these joys could not be real. For sin on man has stamped his seal : As morning's ray illumed my bed, I found this ideal, too, had fled. O, those who live in beauty's sphere, Oft hear the tread of angels near, For they have visitings of thought That seem by Heavenly beings wrought ! 3P o e -Rfx s . 59. Ihat uiorb TareuielL Not e'en the billow's saddest moan Can give to life so wild a tone, Or pierce the soul with deeper pain Than when it fell upon my brain — That word — Farewell > The golden light as on that day, Though years may bear my life away, Will quicken with creative power The feeling of a parting hour, And make me woe. For oft the very air and sky Will seem to echo back a sigh. And nature wear a graver hue As memory pictures still anew The moment past. But never in the world of time Can I forget that voice of thine, Which uttered forth the sacred sound Filling my heart and space around — It was — Farewell ! 6o P o e Tri^ s . Solbiers' Drinhing Song. O, wit and passion always glow, When strongest wines in goblets flow ; Then fill the glass And let it pass, Or these warm hearts might chill and find No charm electric for the mind. So drink, and make the pulses keep Sweet tune with music ere we sleep : Still take the cup, 'Till time is up. O, joy's elixir lights the souls Of those w^ho quaft' the red wreathed bowls ! *' One bumper yet !" we thus all shout — It is for woman ! none can doubt The love we bear For maidens fair, Winning the laurels from their praise, Or glorious dying while they gaze. Now to the bottom drink each flask ! All in the patriot's pleasures bask. While mounting fires Flash brave desires To cmsh the foemen who would tread Our banners floating o'er our dead ! P O e Ti\ s . 61 An iDftering to iBenius. A soul held sacred to his use. Fair Museus would fain induce Me here to touch a page once pure, So ardent friendship might endure, By thus inscribing on her shrine A simple song which may entwine The heart with memories that live To bind us oft to days that give, But shadows of the joys that shed A haloed light from moments fled. One who is eloquent in sound Doth in the universe abound, And lists to mutterings that flow. Expressing language made to flow With all- that deity would tell. I joy to sing for those who dwell On inspiration's mount and see Perfected art in minstrelsy : So, young composer quickly turn From words that with less power burn Than notes that from thy viol float, Or those thy pen so ably wrote. And in your mind but sigh, or crave The hours that now have found a grave ! July 30TH, 1869. 62 ¥&em.s jffly 36eal When thy life to woe is wed, And thy friends grow cold and dead, Child of Song ! I am with thee in thy wrong. When the storms have tossed thee high, And the sea-birds round thee fly, ■ Child of Genius ! I am nigh. When the feast of pleasure spreads, And thy heart is bounding high, Child of Pleasure ! I am nigh. When thy soul for love is mad, And thy songs are wild and sad. Learn to know I am with thee in thy woe ! ^«4a-5 P o e TTx s . 63 A TFlaiben's Jflemories. The joys of my life have departed, The morning hath dwindled to noon, And now I am left broken-hearted, Like roses that wither in June. The glorious transport I tasted. With beauty that wooed me to stay. Like dreams of the past have been wasted, Or fled as the brightness of day. O, why is this soul now benighted ! Or tossed on some dark, stormy wave ? For Hope's is the torch that is lighted, Although the great billows may rave. O, where is the one that divided The pleasure and torment that came ? Where the barque of the hero that glided, Upon the bright bosom of Fame ? The wish of his life has been granted. And all that his nature hath sought, Nor yet by some shadow is haunted, Of darkness through which he has fought. 64 P © e Tr\ s . As friends that to me seem devoted, Are all now by their jealousy fled, So he upon whom I have doated, Still stranger, by passion is led. I sigh for the one who enchanted My soul with the lovely and true, For the spirit that angels enchanted, In rapport with only the few. With songs and with thoughts she delighted, My being to rapture and truth, Before my misfortunes had blighted, Or shadows had clouded my youth. Alas ! the dear name that I treasured, Emblazoned on marble is seen. As there by the cypress is measured A place for the mourner to lean. Away, as the vision has vanished. That once to this spirit was dear,, Let all of my phantoms he banished, And give to the past but a tear. t^ e ifi^ s . 65 Tfly Loue an6 the Tftoon. O, beautiful Moon so symbolic of peace, My soul from its sorrow wilt thou release ? Is there no boon for a child of this earth, Who is o'ershadowed and free from all mirth ? By thy soft, silver radiance what shall I leani ? Will they speak of a mountain where fond hearts may burn With health and with love from the morning till night, And where they can revel in every delight ? Now bring here my own love and let me yet see Brilliant, sweet summer bowers in soft melody. That floats through the woodland and ripples the lake : 1 would then wander on and his hand gently take. Yes, dearest, remember the lone little nook, Where lilies and violets near us were shook. And breezes played tricks with your full sunny hair As I gazed at you musing so tenderly there. O, darling, know what a bright pleasure is this. True love thus so felt with such soul-thrilling bliss. While thoughts blending ever flow on in one stream As two rivers unite in a rainbow-curled dream. 66 j?^ to e Bf\ s . O, the world is reborn in pearled beauty and joy, And an Eden is found that no fiend dare annoy : There is extasy wrapping the heart and the brain, Over all only Heaven's own blest marriage-reign. This earth's but a cloud-spot to each other globe, .For she still is enclosed in the old sin-wo\^ robe, Bearing evermore traces of crime and of aeath. While pestilence tortures and slays in her breath. Then call us to thee, O, thou glorious Moon ; Where our God's law and order make sweet, perfect tune Thy full tender light is an index to show. The Paradise-life that thy people must know. FCICt.KR, PRIVTRR, 4n FrTT.m-vJ ST., W V r^-C wt ms ^ '.