LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Cliuj/ Copyright No. Shell'..«..33 3 ^ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. APR 18 18b4 PINE NEEDLES SONNETS AND SONGS iJ^ HELOISE DURANT G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS NEW YORK : 27 & 29 WEST 23D STREET LONDON : 25 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN A8S4 b"^ ty COPYRIGHT BY G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS Press of G. F. Putnam's Sous New York CONTENTS. DEDICATION PINE NEEDLES THE FEW TO A. H. L. . AVRILE A PARTING ANAXARETE TO A. SCHULZ A GHOST MY STAR TO ALFRED TENNYSON LOVE SLAIN . TO A. C. L. B. ON A NEST FULL OF SNOW- UNCHANGED TO THE REV. j * * * * k LORRAINE " NAPOLEON IV " . ON A PICTURE OF MRS. D * * BY CHARLES INGHAM ON A PICTURE OF JEANNE d'aRC BY BASTIEN LE PAGE * % -» PACE iii I 5 6 7 8 9 lO 1 1 12 13 15 17 iS 19 20 21 o ■-> CONTENTS. HOTEL DIEU .... . • 23 Dante's mask .... . . 24 ON rubenstein's tower of babel . 25 TO L. D. A . 26 to L. D. A . 27 TO L. D. A . 28 ginevra . 29 OASIS , . . . . • 30 LATE BLOSSOMS. TO H. C. G. • 31 VICTORIA TO MRS. GARFIELD ■ 32 MARGARET ..... zz MARGARET IN CHURCH ■ 35 PUT OFF THINE SHOON 36 ON A LETTER FROM LONGFELLOW 37 TIDAL WAVES .... • 3S OHIME 39 A SUNSET 40 NO ! 41 HINC ILL/E LACRYM.E 42 " CONSOLAZIONE " ... 43 CHE FARO SENZA EURYDICE . 44 AMOR TYRANNUS 45 PARTED ? 46 THEN .'.... 47 THY VALEDICTION 48 A WISH 49 lO NON POSSO ! 50 CONTENTS. THE MOON AND THE SEA JEALOUSY .... LOSS OR GAIN . . MISUNDERSTANDINGS A VALENTINE BLIND ! . ON THE THRESHOLD UNWORTHY .... LIFE ..... IN TRINITY. TO THE REV. M ■■■"' ' ON ! ON ! CRUCIFIED ! . . . • EASTER-TIDE PECCAVI .... REST • . - . SONG HERALDS .... death's SIMILITUDES TO KATE NOT LOST . . . ■ FLOWERS AND FACE DESERTED .... TO .... A child's FAITH . SOMETIMES, (in ANSWER TO " ALWAYS " CY Catherine's violet .... FALL, O FLEECY FLAKES OF SNOW ! s.) 51 52 53 '54 55 56 57 5S 60 6r 63 64 65 66 69 73 75 76 78 80 81 82 84 85 88 90 95 Vlll CONTENTS. TAGU SKAKtl'.I.D 99 WAllING lOl INDIAN LULLAIIY 104 SI', valentine's SONG ........ lOO TO W. W . M. . ....... 107 K.AQUETTE lOy "the stars AKi: ■nil'. Ki'.viioii.s ok iii;avkn, and Till ANGELS KKll' lllK Kl-.Vs" I I 2 THE I'OET's ANSW 1 I^ 114 HANDS (.M.ASl'Kl) IN I'KAYER . . . . . 115 OUR AUTUMN 116 NEMESIS. (e.VUSI' ON " WAI.l'UKOlS-NACHT ") 'I7 HVOIEA ......... i:;o lU'.VOND .... . . . . 122 UNCEIM'AIN'I'V 1-4 WllA r 1 .... 125 A LOVE .... . 126 THOU AND I ... 128 nk;u r I'ALi.s, o\ sleev, i'.elovi'.d SLEEP, (suggested EY A NOC'l'UKNE liV A. SCllUL.'^) . 130 SCA ri'ERED SUNSHINE . i^i EEAK AND EAll'll . 132 A soul's MESSAGE > 134 STANZAS .... . 13(3 SONG ^U SONG . 139 ONLY . 141 CONTENTS. IX " UMSDNST " . ' . PAGE CANZONET. (SUGOKSTKI) :Y A PICTURE I!Y J. KENEVRl .r) • 144 IMPROMPTU 146 HIUK MY SECRET WELL 147 STANZAS . 149 I LOVE THEE 150 LIFE, DEATH, AND LOVE • 152 FRHsNDS ? . . . 153 SONG .... THREE ROSES 155 '.S^^ COME ! . GUARDIAN ANGEL 157 i5« THOU ! ... 160 PINE NEEDLES. As summer breeze with swift, light-winged feet, Touching and dimpUng silent Silver Lake, Climbs stately pines that watchful and awake Stand guardians to the forest's dark retreat, Till from the feathery tree-tops, soft and fleet, The needles sinking to the ground, scarce break The silence with their fall, or when storms slake Their raging fury in the winds that beat Against the tall, dark pines, shedding in pain Like forced tears their slight smooth darts below. So dropt these poem-fancies from my brain. By sudden gusts of passion or of woe. Anon by love's sweet stirring breath o'ertaken, Thoughts from my heart to trembling words were shaken. THE FEW. My words are for the few, not for the mass ; For crowds contain more fools and knaves than wise And good ; mostly the common herd despise The thoughts above their ken. So let me pass These lower natures by, till reached a class Apart from those who never let their eyes Above the range of sensual pleasures rise, Or hear aught else than chink of gold alas ! — I speak unto the few whose lives must be A web of many tints, a mystery Of light and shade, of joy and pain, whose rhyme The angels know, — to men, who live above In larger spheres; while battledores of Time Toss shuttle souls below, these rest in Love. TO A. H. L. O ! I^'ricnd across the sea — may peace be thine : May love surround thee with the bhss it brings ; May sorrow cross thy path with folded wings, And as it pass but touch with shade divine ; May joy keep offering thee its sparkling wine, While in thine cars sweet songs it gayly sings ; May every evil thought, thy heart that stings, From want of nourishment wax faint and pine. While holier aims increase; mayst thou be blest With health throughout thy days ; Heaven brighter grow As to thy fading sight earth's lights burn low And angels summon thee to endless rest. — These are the wishes, Friend across the sea. That lovingly I think and waft to thee. ...rH- " Sweet wayward Avrile, opal of the year." 4 AVRILK. Sweet wayward Avrilc, opal of the year, Trippini; lialf in tlie ]ii;ht, lialf in the shade, Briglitening the brooklet's bank and forest glade; Upon thy lips a smile, in eyes a tear, While mingled with thy carolling we hear Some lingering tones of sadness. Art afraid To trust spring's joyous tale? Have March winds made Thy promised blossoms bloom too late ? Ne'er fear The months behind with May before. — O! days Of dewy freshness, when sweet new life creeps Through chilled veins. O ! Avrilc, time of lays, Fit month for poet, who too laughs and weeps, And opal-like has poesy's thousand gleams To color all his life and love and dreams. A j'AirriNG. (Suggested by a picture in the Cottiiry.) Black piiU's, and jnir[)lc jicaks 'q;ainst golden skies,, An aiitiinin c'\c in loxcl)' western kind. Twc) fii^iires, man aiul maick in silence stand: She <;azinL;" up with tender, pleading eyes In which a world of weary anguish lies: lie, holding fast each trembling little haml, Looks down into sweet troubleil face — " Commanc ]\Ie as }H)ii will — to gx) or sta\'," he cries ; And she — " For others I am pleading — go." The rising night wind stirs her shining hair ; He draws her to him with a mute despair : " For love's dear sake I bear this bitter woe ; We meet in Ciod's good time." Lips touch for one Sweet moment — then — 'mid pines he stood alone. ANAXARETE. Coquettes, who like the Cyprus maid of yore Would let sad Iphis burn his heart in vain Out on Love's altar, and see the sighing swain Despairing die, despite life hopes, before The portals of their cold heart's closed door, And still not suffer pity wash this stain From soul with tender tears : (eyes' heavenly rain), Shall share the fate of maid in fabled lore. And turn to stone. What if their bodies live, Their hearts and souls in icy s(j]itude Shut secretly, can joys no longer give To earthly days ; drear frosts within exclude All hopes of warmth from Love's reviving fires, As music 's mute forever in brokc:n lyres. TO A. SCIIULZ. As when on some spring dew-impearled bush, (Growing beside a long-forgotten moat, Reflecting patches of blue,) there comes from throat Of some wild songster, blithesome lark or thrush, A burst of melody, and then a hush, And in the silence echoes still a note Unearthly in its sweetness, that has smote Hearts listening with sweet pain, while memories rush Back from old days. — So with thy melodies When played, and all the sweet tones mute, my hands Still fondly linger o'er the responsive keys, While fast my thoughts are seeking other lands, And greeting thee till joys with sadness blends. I love thy strains, but fain would see thee, Friend. A GHOST. Yea, I have seen a ghost, my blood ran cold, A ghastly pallor stole the ruddy right From cheek and lips, while with the sudden fright My heart stood still, and knees could scarce uphold My trembling frame : yet naught of church-yard mold. Clung to its robe, that gleamed not ghostly white. But dainty blue, and neither did the light Burn dim, but lit up hair of browned gold, Bright hazel eyes, and laughing mouth, the while A hand was stretched out for me to touch. Oh ! pain of finding what we prize too much. Lost utterly to us. The joyous smile. Which others saw, fell on my soul like lead, For all this dear ghost's love for me was dead. MY STAR. Amid the silver beacons of the night, That twinkle truths into man's doubting breast, And shed sweet peace upon this world's unrest, One shining star that glimmered purely bright My seeking soul chose for its guiding light ; l^eneath its beams my heart its sins con f est, Learning to love the highest and the best. But suddenly gray clouds obscured my sight And hid ni)' star. My light is gone! and yet, This heavy darkness is not sent in vain ; ' My star still shines, to me alone 't is set. And One can lead me to its light again, Though I may wait till death's cold flood be crost Ere I can greet my star that is not lost. lO TO ALFRED TENNYSON. As holding off some poorly printed page, Where half the type is black and half is pale, Eyes quickly read the darkest words, but fail To mark the rest : so standing on life's stage And casting back a glance on days that age Shall never steal from me or ever stale ; Amid uneven lettering of youth's tale, I see the moments passed beside thee, sage And tender poet ! stand out in bold relief, Engraved on my heart too deep to fade, As one great joy will outlive many a grief. Prizing thy sayings all, but O ! the chief Were simple words of welcome that have made A lasting memory of sweet hours too brief. LOVE SLAIN. " Come, maidens, weep with mc, for Love is slain ; Close down sweet eyelids — straighten out white limbs. The ruddy beauty of cheeks, lips, death dims ; The nerveless hands rest o'er a bow in twain ; The roses fall from ambrosial locks ; a strain Of low, sweet music fills the air, and hymns Are sung by tender voices. Each maid trims Her silver lamp, chanting in bitter pain : " How came Love slain ? the god-like form lies white And free from wound. There came a sinful breath That slew Amor in all his strength and might — A breath of passion, more terrible than death. Alas ! desire's touch turns day to night, Love's rosy crown to death's dark cypress wreath." TO A. C. T.. B. As morning sun the rebel mists disperse That hide Apollo's royal countenance, Till doubting dawn, as waking from a trance, Flies day, that smiling o'er the universe In one great flood of light doth earth immerse ; So did thy liberal nature in advance Dispel the sullen mists of ignorance, And swift the scorching sands of doubt traverse, Beyond, above, till reached thy soul the height Whence nobler minds look down on toiling men, Cheering their darkness with a steady light. Uplifting bruised hearts, and waiting then For their own day to end without regret, Knowing the sun then seen will never set. 13 ■' The white-filled nest now hangs an empty thing." 14 ON A NEST FULL OF SNOW. I. On leafless limb an empty nest is left, — Sweet home of singing-life in summer-time, — But restless wings waft swift to milder clime The chirps and songs of which the tree's bereft. Then winter comes ; the frost with fingers deft Fills full with snow the lone, deserted nest, And clothes the naked bough with shining vest. A mad March wind swept through the woodland cleft That laid the ice-bound branches bare again, And made a whirlwind of the drifted snow ; But 'gainst the tiny nest it beat in vain, Nor shook from out its depths its load below, So proudly to the skies the tree held up Its frozen wine in moss and twig-built cup. II. Of nature's quiet beauty or wildest mood, — Of all that charms or startles us, — we find A reflect somewhere in the human mind, Unless we dull our sight with self's thick hood. The empty nest within the wintry wood Is like a lonely heart in womankind, Where joy once nesting, made ears deaf, eyes blind ; With songs it sang, beneath the glorious flood Of light from Love — the sun of woman's heaven. But memories haunt the heart when joy has flown ; Sad solace thus to sighing soul is given. Which by life's keenest blast is not o'erthrown, But deep within the woman's aching breast Lies nested through her winter of unrest. III. The slowest season wears away at last ; The wildest wind of March dies in a shower Of April's tears, who o'er her earliest flower Weeps joyously, as when a mother fast Within her arms her first-born clasps. Then Spring Gayly begins her dress to gem with green. The white-filled nest now hangs an empty thing, And woman, see true Parsee that she is, Lowly adoring, welcomes back her sun. All frozen griefs are gone beneath the bliss Of lost Love's light. Ah ! there is One ' Who may bring back the birds to their old nest, And jcn^ again unto the woman's breast. 16 UNCHANGED. Since Nature first beheld the sun's bright beam, How altered are her lineaments, as clime The race of man has changed by art or crime, Till Adam, if returned to earth, would deem Him hardly kin ; so doth creation seem Changed utterly by years of heat and rime. But He, of worlds, and stars, and suns, sublime Creator, immutable remains past Time ; And in His temples of the human heart The fires of hope, faith, love, still purely burn, As when God-lighted first. So sins still start To life from smouldering passions. Time may turn And change man's outer self, but good and ill, From Eden's heir to thine, the same are still. 17 TO THE REV. j * * * * k * -X- ■■<- -X- * Brave heart that toiHng ever for the Master's sake Bears uncomplainingly oft-heavy cross, Counting as gain all personal ill or loss If in His cause. E'er watchful and awake, With lamp well trimmed, how does thy hot zeal make More slothful souls ashamed of their souls' moss ! To thee, unless well used all gold is dross; Life but a battle, where each heart must take Its stand and fight unto the bitter end. True, faithful, pure, what matter if thy creed Is not as mine ? we worship both One Word, One Christ ; His light we seek. O ! may He send Peace, joy, and blessing for thine every need, Till earned the rest of those who love the Lord ! LORRAINE. Oh, little feet that patter by my door ; Sweet laughing voice, still echoing in my ear ; Soft ruddy lips that lisp : " I love you, dear ' " White dimpled hands, that clinging more and more Teach me the simple magic of love's lore. Why must ye bring me happiness so near. And then depart without a thought or fear. Lest all thy sweetness might leave sorrow sore ? This soft caress is but for an hour mine ; Thy little life f^lls full another's. Might That I too o'er thy witcheries had right ; Could keep thy blue eyes by me still to shine. Like sapphire stars through darkest days, and light My heart with chilhood's innocence divine. "NAPOLEN IV." Did stars shine cold and dim when thou wert born, O Prince ! whose generous heart-blood vainly wet Hot Afric's sands, that thus thy sun should set, Leaving fond hearts thy early loss to mourn ? Did no wild wind foretell thy fate forlorn On natal day ? In month of violet Thou cam'st to earth, like that fair floweret. Tasting spring's sweets alone : the rose and thorn Of youth's short summer, the fruitful hoard Of manhood's autumn, ne'er to thee were given. Perchance all good thou lost on earth was stored By loving angels' hands in future heaven — So after troubled days, 'mid spirits blest, Thou findest life for aye of peace and rest. ON A PICTURE OF MRS. D * * BY CHARLES INGHAM, There spoke the artist in the charming pose, The skilful painting of the bright young face, Lit with vivacity and tender grace. Oh, but to listen when those lips unclose ! And gazing still, this portrait grows and grows More beautiful to watching eyes that trace The sweet, calm dignity of high-born race In girlish, queenly bearing. Oh, that woes Could ne'er assail a brow so fair and pure ! But life to loveliest of God's creatures brings Oft grief. Away oils, brush, the artist flings, Well knowing this work of his will fame ensure, But she who wins it for him must endure What Azrael shadows forth from outspread wings. 21 ON A PICTURE OF JEANNE D'ARC BY BASTIEN LE PAGE. Awed by the solemn voices in the air, She listens till low whispers round her rise To loud commands. " Obey," thus swiftly cries. Her heart, " and save thy king." The sun lights fair Young face, modest, yet brave enow to dare For duty, life unsexed ; the pure blue eyes Looking beyond the present to where lies God's peace in golden future, nor mark nor care The flaming prophesy in heaven. — Above, Seeking in mysteries of sacred love An answer to her prayers, she reads the skies. Rapt in blest vision, lost to all on earth, With full heart speaking tho' her lips be dumb.. So once through life, God's light we recognize, That burned for us since first weak hour of birth, And know His message to our souls has come. HOTEL DIEU! A house of shelter for the stricken poor, A house of mercy for the saddened breast, A house of heahng where the weary rest. Here can one learn with patience to bridge o'er Long hours of pain, here sanctify the lore Of leechcraft, watched and watcher both being blest, As each is taught his daily lesson best. Here words of faith can whisper of bright shore Beyond the bitter waters of death's tide, While hope sings to sore hearts sweet songs, and love The sick and well in friendship bind. Within These walls, ills, blessings turn, and duties glide To acts of joy, since " God's guests," sufferers prove. Who soul and body sick come to " God's Lin." 23 DANTIVS MASK. And this is all now left of thco — ii mask Of grave, worn features, still so proud in death. No bitter jest can wound thcc b}' a breath, Nor idle mocker now in scoffinL:^ ask Th}' mission here. Completed all thy task. And won for over the immortal wreath ; WHiile saddest of sad brows rests still beneath, Heart tempest-tost doth now in God's light bask. Pale image of great poet and brave man, Thou art to me as monitor and friend. When those sad lips and sunken eyes I scan, I see the lines of will that naught could rend ; Dauntless to death, still free tho' Florence ban, Proving tin* strenulh. endurance to the end. 24 ON rui5I':ns'i1':]N's 'it)WI'J^: op- i',ai'.i:l. (J man ambitious! Niiiii'()(l of an Iioiir, Who with proud (h;c(l and ])oni])oiis-vc;,Li(l iiii;.'Jit I)uil(l.s u[) vvitli can,- Ijcyoud llic hiiinaii i.i^dit A sclf-cnslirinin^^, costly, stately tower, Seeking thereby t(j reach <>{ povvei:, the I'ower, Wliich by man's puerile mind is ofl<:n hivht Love, j^old, <)r fame, or heart of adamit(,-. Beware! clouds ^.^ather and the tem[;ests lower. Thy tower 's a wreck, thy lujpcs arc scattered wide And wander where? Know now no peace nor resl. h'rom One thou scfjrn'dst O ! vainly strive to hide! I'Vjrth must thou wanrler still for aye unblesl. Till in the desert 'neath ihe wild ni^'lit wind, At last JI(jave-n's voice thou 'It lie-ar, and <'iod lliou 'It find. 25 TO L. D. A. Beauty is good, sweet TViend, e'en though it sit Upon the peasant's brow 'stead queen's ; we arm Our hearts in vain against its spells, for warm The blood will course through veins at sight of it. But better beauty of the mind ; bright wit Like summer lightning flashing not to harm ; Sweet fancies, scented flower-words that charm The senses with their loveliness, and flit Like winge^d seedlets to and fro ; strong thought Deeper than the fathomless sapphire sea. Higher than snow peaks. lUit the best must be Beauty of soul where charity is wrought With purity into the very spirit. And thine these beauties three, our love to merit. 26 TO L. J). A. Fain would I tell, dear Heart, which I like best; To see thee look like Louis' hapless queen. With powdered hair, brocade, and stately mien. Moving as if all men must do tliy best; Or when as peasant from Italia drest. With kerchief red against thy dark hair's sheen, In boddice gay, twirling the tambourine With dancing step, sweet smile, and laughing jest; Or when with gentle care and tender eyes Forgetting self for hours in sick friend's room, Like very sunbeam scattering pain and gloom, A ministering spirit in most sweet disguise ; Or when in reverent j^rayer upon thy knees; — Which way now art thou best ? Why, each of these. 27 TO L. D. A. Can the black scratches of a faltering pen Express how much I love thee ? Can lips tell With halting speech and broken words how well I love thee ? fashion forth my soul's amen To thy life's prayer? How can the knowledge then Of all thy worth to me be thine ? O ! spell The unwritten, unspoken words that dwell Within my heart, and find (as in some glen A lover scrawls on rocks his mistress' name,) " Lucile," and still " Lucile," engraved there. O ! true, sweet friend, honest, wise, and fair, I'd like a thousand tongues to give thee fame ! Sweet Sister of my soul — I find in thee All that as perfect woman one would be. 28 GINEVRA. O ! couldst thou stand so ever it were best : A beauteous vision robed in sheeny white, Dreaming last girlish dreams on bridal night. Half doubting if thy lord would like the jest, Yet coyly longing eager love to test. Drop not the curtain with a laugh so light, 'T is but a pall thy wifehood hopes to blight. O ! take thy hand from off that fatal chest ! And pause, while life and love are thine ! Yet fate Doth bitterer deaths than thine on some bestow. Thy closed eyes ne'er ope to waking woe Of buried trust and hope, thou 'It never wait To watch sweet wedded love droop low and die. Better than that to lie where thou wilt lie. 29 OASIS. As wearied traveller o'er the burning sands Sees distant haven in a speck of green, Knowing what cooling springs those branches screen, Hastes laggard feet until he gladly stands Within the palm's sweet shade, while eager hands Seek welcome streams, amid the restful scene His drooping heart revives. — (What if between This spot and home lie tracks of desert lands? The present joy is his to take and keep.) So in our wandering o'er the " sands of Time," When wearied, sick at heart, we blindly weep, A tender word, a smile, sweet strain, pure rhyme, Will give us blessed rest awhile, and let Our souls for once their bitterness forget. 30 LATE BLOSSOMS. To H. C. G. First dainty bud in spring finds welcome warm From nature's heart, with its sweet prophecy Of fuller blooms, as proem in poesy. Yet when the fresh buds fade and wee wings swarm Li deeper shade, and June is near, a charm (Not only felt in dreamer's fantasy) Surrounds late blossoms, 't is no heresy To nature's creed, can neither stint nor harm The love we bear to summer, but the last Of fair May's fleeting gems we treasure fast. So, Child, since thou late visitant hast told To loving hearts God's messages again. Around thy budding life fresh hopes unfold. More welcome now as sprung from faith and pain. .31 VICTORIA vo Mks. (;aiv1'1i:li). " \Voiils I'.uinot express the deep sympathy 1 fi-ol with ymi at tliis tcnllili iiioiiunt. May doil support ami comfort you us llo alone can ! " — TUK (JlKl'N. A)'c ! ^\'0|■^ls aiT want iiiq;, speech too wwik aiul wiin To luMt" the \\eis.;lit ot syiiipathw i^xpress To stiieki'ii w ill' the w ide woiKl's sore ihstress, That oite more Maiiti'K-ss \ietim shotiKl he shiiii ; Auel (.loil aK>ne e.iii soothe this i_;reat ihil! pain. \'et all our nation's re\erent teuilerness, The (low ei-st lew n tiaek, iineo\\ieil heails. help hless. Tite motiininL;" soul. Siuh lo\ e is not iit \ain. Anil "mill the tributes to the noMe ileail, A (^iieen senils lo\ ini; words across the sea, Anil as her heart ilsell has sailly hleil. Remeniherini; now those ila)'S ot ani;iiish, she Speaks not so ro)Mll\' as pnrel)' human, Willow to willow — w oman unto woman. 32 MAKC.ARIVW Sad Margaret, thy story, throu^'ji llic must And mists of ages, shines as one sees liglit Of falh'ng star thronjdi tcar-brinnru'd eyes ; the lu.ijdit From which thy j)iire soul fill llnoiifdi loving' trust ]s out of reach beyond the tliou"_lils of lust. And as the watched slai's in their downward flight, Ne'er touch the- earth, hut vani ,h from our sight, So sank thy spirit ; not to lie in dust, liut to he cau;.dit by anr,;(l Iiands mid-air. And wafted hack to h('aven whence it came. Thy golden hair, blue eyes, love, sin, despair, J'Vamc picture sad as lasting, giving name To griefs most dumb — thy moans articulate Mute histories of hearts who learn t(jo late. 3.3 ♦ * * O ! sore unrest Give way to peace before this sacred shrine. 34 MARGARET IN CHURCH. I feel their gaze upon me — evil eyes Spy out my secret guilt. O ! Lord, forgive What human hearts will not. If tears could shrive. My burdened soul, wash stain away,— despise, Scoff on at will, ye righteous ! Lo ! I rise Repentant and forgiven, now can live A higher life. Vain hope and fugitive ! These searing drops but water grief that lies Too deep for utterance, O ! sore unrest Give way to peace before this sacred shrine- Have mercy, Saviour! Could my heart divine Sin came with love I deemed but pure and blest ? O ! hear me ; in my agony I cry For help. Forgive me, God, and let me die ! 35 PUT OFV TIITNE SIIOON. " Tut off thine shocMi, O careless Christian cloay written by thy hand before nn'iie eyes, 'J'hen swift our bitte^r lo:,s to memory came. Oh ! words encouraging, which now I ]>rize Beyond the telling. Ah ! thy kind thoughts gav .• Comfort while here, and still do from the grave. 37 riDAl, WAVI'.S. As waves beat restlessly against tlu- shore, 'I'hroui'h witchinL;- moon and stitMu;tluiiiiit; sims, yrl lu.iki- No mij',lil\' eli,iin;i- of eoast, saw that tlu)' hieak ( )'i'r shift iiii;' saiuls sonu^ rods, now less, now more, (living or acKliiu;' to the oei-an's slort-. Till ;;u(Klenl\- some ruthU-ss morn men wake To liiid (he Sim's pent passions roused to tala; A moirsti'ous loiin of \\a\i' ; with sullen loar It sweeps o'cv bi-aeh and l)aid^, o'er lane and burn. Till 'lU'ath its fatal eoursi- a landscape lies. — So minoi' jo)s and griefs, in our lives turn but hairbreadths passicm's boundarii-s, but rise I'loui out of luarls the tidal-\\a\i' ol 1 -ovo, beneath its whelmiui'; llood we lulpK-ss pitive. oiiiivrr^:. Would llial llioLi or 1 were (\v.:ii\, OliiriKj — This stru^i^lc would be eiuU'il tlieii, at peace The lon^-wagcd war betwixt us twain. ( ) ! cease Tormenting thoughts relentlessly that slay My inner life, — my garned strength's away Whene'er we meet and ]jart. O! Lord, increase My sorrows so my ]>ainful 111 lie lease Of life be run — or if I must obey i lealth's laws and live, then give me joy again, (iive ransomed friendshij) for this mockery That forced social ties require- the strain Grows daily harder — O ! sad sorcery Of I'^ate dividing paths that crossed each day — Losl ! each soul to each on earth, Ohim6, 39 A SUNSET. A shelving beach, behind a bank grass-grown, Before us stretching wide tlie sparkhng sea, Beyond the red sun sinks in radianc}'. Swift to inviting bhie hke ruby thrown In sapphire cup — the lapping waves have grown Bolder and amorously creep near where we, Lost in a strange and sweet necromancy Of time and place, sit silent, lest the crown Of passing joy be stolen from each again, To shine on other brows. Here bliss and pain Mingle as sands with sea, when waves shores kiss In days to come, apart, I seek in vain Such scene once more — O ! for that sunset glow, With God above — just Thou and I below ! 40 NO In sorrow still my trembling lips must frame. This bitter answer, tho' mine eyes be wet. And heart be filled with tender, true regret, That thou hadst dreamt of giving me thy name. To wake and find that thou couldst never claim More than my friendship. If thou canst forget I have a being, haste great heart to set The seal of thy pure love elsewhere, inflame Another nobler soul than mine with love. Somewhere for thee she sits and waits apart. Ready a loving, faithful wife to prove, If thou but fold her to thy honest heart. But I, with my scant love, would bring thee woe So for thine own dear sake must say thee no I 41 lllNi III I I Ai K\M.l':. 1 '..iw (', •(' st.ilitl IhI'.mc \\\r •,( let* liili;; \\ iiU" riiinc ,iii\i'. It' t l.i'l' inr !.• lli\ l.iillilul lur.ist. riiv ilr.ii i\ f. '.oip'lil mmr own iii miitr iii(iu'st, As triiil(il\ liitMi ilnwi'.t iMi- to tli\' '.iilc; W'lllli- llXUl (ll\ lll>-. ImII'.I I. Mill a p.l- MOIU'.! (nil- i )| li>\ 111;; w I'l.l'. ti> '.oi'l 111- iii\ SiHC unrest, Aihl oil iii\ liiow Will- luiiiiiii;; kisses jMcst, 111! I niiilijiii;', .Ml lli\ I>UM'.( iii\ l.u .■ I lii.K'. I luiikiu'; " l''.'i »MU I- \\r I'.u h li.Ui' -.luili luil Iumu i.itc Owe jUlUit ll.MU, lull of SWl'l-t ll.l|«|Mn(,"SS, lieu- lit ir. lilt oiii -.oiils .il)o\i- 111. in'-, li.iti-, Aiiil '.toil- oiii !'..im .IS nu inoi\ to Mi-.s Soiui- lutiiii- lioiii ol p. Ill ill;;." (M exes Wffp, I w .ikr lo luiil I '..iw thii' ImiI 111 ■.li'r[). 4a " C()N'.\( )l. A/ION I'.." I'. iIktc no way, di-ar fii< nd, ilui f < .m '.Iiarr 'I liy sorrow ? Mii'il I mN nl •,]! .iikII.movv A( lilli;'_ ill)' In. lit Willi iiiH I iiii| iLiiiiiiii; woe, And sllili li no lovili;; li.iiid lo li< \\, IIkc jicir 'lliy pKMiil (jO',',? ( oiild '.yiiip.il liy hill d.iic To lake the sli.i|)<- il li',1, 'I would ui;;' nn ('ij, Swiftly lo !,ciil '.lill IIk ■.\t.\(f |)( lwN. Oil cw (if h.itlli^ oft a youlhlul knii;ht W'oulil t.ikc oil l)riuU'(l kiux" tlu' Imc-.uI ,iiul W'iiio, I'luis siH'kiii;'; lu'lp ,iinl ^;| i i'iii',1 h tiom l.o\i- ilixiiu' '\\^ tkiuiit K',';s nuHi his tors with hr.i\rnl\- luiiMil. I lu- iM>ilsiu-i-il oil th\' hps iMi'w s.uiid rilr. 1 ast r\ o w hi-n prisoiu-il in tli\' li.iiul kiy niiiu^ ; A s,u r.mu'iil.il hoI\- hopr lo shiiu" rhnni;;h liouliK'd hours ol son o\\ 's d.iikt'st nii;hl ; A shi'iuMh lor t.iiiiliiu' hcarl aiul ilioopiiu; souk W luMi throui^h a mist ot' siaiii' i(.-st taiuoil trars. Mine i-\ is ImiI dan'il to sMaiUi- toward lutuir i;oak So lh\' woiils niu'll nw iK>ul)ts aiul looHsh iiMis, Aiul lu'lp mo l>ia\oI\- l.u-o iii\- liatlK- lu'Kk riial with l ioiks i'laco ma\' stainless kuircls \iokl. 48 A WISH. In w.ilc'liiii!.; llic<', dcir I'liciid, I <|iii( l.l\' liiid VVIiat move;, lliii' niii'.l llic I'lic.l p.illi ., llir :.c;i, I >lii(- ;iii(l 1)1 iiiikIIc'.', in il ', nnnn n.il)' ; Sw'cc! ill) in in;', ( ,11 IciK (■; I li.il ( li.n in I In- nnm I ; All n.itiiK', .111, willi l)c.iiily i.irc ( < inihincd, I' illin;; I lie w < >i li I in w idr diver. il)' ; All I ,ili-nl , |,;cniii., I.iil li, and | unit \' ; All Innn.in :,\'ni| i.il liii-, lli.il suMly wind 'I'licniscI vrs al)( iiii llic Iccliii;'^ Inail, wlnii llic.c 1)1 in!', '. will l)ii;;lil Icais nnlo lliim- caiiK,! eyes, I Inn (or lli)' di-ar ;,al-.c, Lovr, lain vvoidd I Ix- l'"airc-:.l <>( Ixanl ic,, :,\vccl c:,! ol niclodic,, j'nrcsl ()( pnic, niD.l learned 'mid the wise So I loo nn'.'lil l)e |)li-aMnc inilolliee. 49 10 NON POSSO! And wouldst thou have me close Love's lesson learnt By thy sweet self, with my heart's sickle glean Fresh harvests from fair fields of Love, so wean My soul from thine? Can we unsay words said, Forget sweet spell of voice and touch, or tread At will beneath irreverent feet, Love's sheen That crowns men gods the earthly worms between, And play while living that we both are dead ? No, — no — the tome we scanned together lies Still open, see my hand rests on the page That taught me how to love thee ; Time and Age Will fail to steal that truth from heart and eyes. Ah ! just the trying to unlearn Love's lore But teaches me to love thee more and more. 50 THE MOON AND THE SEA. We sat together watching the glorious scene : No sound disturbed the stillness round us save When broke against the sand a crested wave ; A great white moon from snowy clouds serene Smiled calmly down like ivory-throned queen. The listening spray-gemmed grasses heard us rave O'er this one perfect night. Then growing grave We spoke of absent friends, while silver sheen Tipping the billows lay like shining band, A pathway to some hidden mystery, A road inviting us to fairy land. Yet our hearts' secrets still stayed under key, And if each longed to touch the other's hand, 'T was only known to Moon and sobbing Sea. 51 )1'..\T,()USY. Swifli'i- 111, 111 lip;lilniiir;--ll.isli steals jt-alcMisy, 'I'd (l()iil)liii;; lu'.nls, lli.il tioiihUd wildly l)i'at, ( "onsiiuiiil with a more than lever's Ju-at. Si diiliiiu', liesli lui|)i'.-;, iK>strc))'inj;" constancy, ( 'tiiijui ill;'. (U\ ils out ol laiitasy, Who oiui' admittid to tlir heart's retreat Will i>iin-sl, stioii!H-.st tiiisl ami laith unseat, (ii\iiu;' hell's pain lor heaxi'ii's i-estas)', 'I'urnin^ io\'e's lU'iiar into hitiiij; j'.all, I )immin;'; kei'ii si;',ht with loiil ami poisoned mist, (,',111 we, () lat,il powii, tli\' spells resist ? ()r must w f, lo\ in;;, li\e to be thy thrall ? Not il we \ali.iiit at the outset ]tr(n'e, .\iul lirml\- tread tode.ith In.'. I dt)ubt ol lo\'o. 5" LOSS OR GAIN. 7\.s Kvc when yicldiii;; lo In r ;,lr(»ii:', desire, I'oiiikI ill llie joy loihiddeii fniil li.id lirmi'dil More ill. Ill Ikt .ii'deiil dreams had ever soii;dil, lint wilh it, iiieiiaccd death and sword of lire, ShiiL ^alcs of luU;n, and the Master's in: ; So when k)vc's lemptiii;; fruit my fancy tanjdit, lis laslc ])roved hit ler-svvcc.-l, its ]-.nowIc:(l''_e fraujdiL With lender pain. I.ifc seems an un:,l rim;', I>'re, 'lliou^h new rare Jiarmoiiies invited nie 'I'o " set my soiil unto a .sweeter hey," In one sad hour I l-:new vvh.at 1 mi(.dit h)se. As learnin!^" wh.it it w.is to love. ( ) p.iin ! ■O ecsta.sy ! ht:tvveen liow dai-t- 1 choose? O love ! whieJi dost thou hrinv me — hjss or j'.iin ? 53 MlSl'Nl)I-.USr.\Ni)IN(iS. \\'\\y mii'.l tlicic Itc Ititwcfii lis iiullcss iliiikI ( )| |,ll '. .Mill I I I I '., W ll\ W ,11)1 1 111 U .I'.t I- (i| W ll And criss-rioss fire »>! woids tli.il '.li.iiplN hit To liMV'c Ix'luilil ,1 lilllc Mil.illill;; Wtvilild? Why I .111 w r iu'\'(i iiiiil (Ml rtiiimitMi ;'i<>iiii(l ? Al.uk ! I he \ .mil \ I'i w i.hiii;; it. .A woiil 111 M> .mil then uioii hkc .'.1\' spiihi siilttly wiMVi'S A \\i I) (il (huihts oiii \iiy liiitlis to taiii'lr, .And ho|>f''; .swccl soil;;-; .is (hstords niih'ly i.iiiidc, W lull' si»rni!''s luids in oiii h.iiids scciii hut ili-.id Icivcs, .And iiic.iiiiii;',s Liisc !;ro\\ out ol wonh look, toiii h. .Ml \\\w ? I'cn li.iiu f hcr.iusc wi- lo\r too mm li. 5 1 A VALENTINE. Ah ! couldst thou rcul the truth writ in mine eyes Gazin<^' in thine, thou vvouldst find vvaitiny; there A wilhng answer to thine every prayer. lUit not by words canst thou this trutli surprise ; In love, a lie to honest lips will rise That else would scorn untruth ; we women dare To temi)t the Deil himself, lest unaware The world should know whose love we most would prize. So in my heart, stored silently, I keep What thou wouldst fain have whispered thee I trow. But till thou pass thy Rubicon and vow In tender tones thy faith in me, asleep My passion lies ; not shall this lay be reatl Till thou hast "yea " for every " nay" I said. 55 BLIND! The delving mole beneath the ploughed field ; The sightless beggar that betimes we meet, Doffing a rimless hat for pence in street ; The scoffing sinner that will gladly yield To each temptation, using strength as shield For further vices, — these will never greet God's light, feeling but dust about their feet, Blind to the glory dropt from hands that wield Sunbeams as well as thunder-bolts. Alas! Blind as these are. Beloved, thou art more ; Thine earnest eyes scanned rightly all before ; But now like shadow silent I must pass Out of thy reach, and thou wilt never know I might have been thy joy, 'stead thou my woe ! 56 ON THE THRESHOLD. And dost thou wonder wjiy I cannot speak — Or why my bearing seems constrained and cold ? Wouldst have me overstep reserve, unfold A budding love? Alas! our hearts are weak, We women dare not meet the love we seek ; Lest all our longing make us over-bold, And in too swift surrender lose the hold O'er souls we love. So silent still and meek. True to my maidenhood I stand and wait For thee to come to me, nor dare advance One single step, nor lift my downcast glance, Fearing my eyes might love's disguise translate. The space between us, thou must tread alone — My heart comes not to thee as gift, but won. 57 UNWORTHY. I am not worthy, e'en to lift mine eyes Unto thy honest face, and all thy praise As condemnation falls on me ; thy gaze So keen and true would sadden with surprise If read my soul ; for thoughts thou wouldst despise I 've thought, done deeds thou'lt scorn, trod dangerous ways, Through life's mire oft forgetting robe to raise. Let small sins stick to me like burrs, yet lies I too have scorned, so cannot win thy trust Through seeming truer than I am, and must Confess my faults, asking for pardon still. Hoping thou wilt yet say to me : " Dear friend, I love thee as thou art for good and ill." Then^shall my heart be thine until life end. 58 ■-=-/^^ i i .iii M k'*' r^^-^ "Life, solemn riddle of grim Sphinx Time." 59 LIFE. Life, solemn riddle of the grim sphinx Time, Thrust on us toiling o'er the world's rough ground, Where can a wandering CEdipus be found, To solve thy eternal mystery sublime ? Death's key but opes the gate to fairer clime Where, beatified by angelic sight and sound, Life melts into the Light and Love around The heavenly throne — is changed by death's rude rhyme Not solved. . , . But Love, that, like the magic Flute Of old, bears souls safe through temptation's fire Despair's deep flood, or like brave Orpheus' lute Redeems from hell of hate ; Love may aspire To be our Qidipus and tell us why We live our little life, and how to die ! 60 , IN TRINITY. I. TO THE REV. M***** D**. Preacher ! thy words fall on the listening crowds Like rain on thirsty soil — thou sowest seed For future crop of goodly thought and deed. Fearless and wise, as if with power endowed From heaven itself, thou standest proven, vowed Truth's champion ; daily teaching purest creed,. The love of God and man ; and all in need, The wretched, wicked, independent proud. With all their sins and sorrows, wants and pride. Thou showest Christ, to help and healing find. O Teacher ! ears to deaf, and eyes to blind. Art thou, with great calm soul, heart open wide To suffering. Seeking through life no praise, 'T is thine unto our children's children's days. 6i II. TO THE REV. M***** D**. Upon thy altar, o'er thy vestments white, Through stained glass, the sunshine streams in flood Of gold and purple — there thou silent stood, (Ere Bread and Wine with Holiest unite By God's great grace, finite to infinite. This sacred mystery of His Flesh and Blood, Our soul's sure strength, our spirit's blessed food,) Like imaged saint before the holy rite. Haloed by God's own light, as if His love Clung closely round thy high pure life, to prove Thee chosen for His work, and His alone. O ! joy of watching such a life as thine, Where truth and earnestness great good have done. And will do still through influence divine. 62 ON ! ON ! (Suggested by a sermon preached by the Rev. (i * "w * D * * * * * *.) On with the great work, on ! 'T is Time that whips This world-top spinning through eternal space. Awake ye to its hum. Up — up — embrace Work fittest for ye — ere weird sister clips Your life's light thread, or precious love-cup slips Through hands, untasted, spilt ere drunk. May grace From heaven help ye find your work apace. If death stays eager hands and feet, numbs lips Ere all be done, ye have not failed e'en then, God takes the noble work begun, in time He turns the halting verse to tuneful rhyme. Your incompleteness will through later men Become perfected. Pass the standard on ! Our aims still live, tho' we fall one by one. 63 CRUCIFIED! Crucified ! yea Lord, this bitter sin and shame Is ours eternally — for we denied Thee Prophet, Priest, and King, Saviour who died So we should live — our souls must bear the blame That sacrified is linked to Holiest name, By Angel tongues now ever magnified. Though the sad knowledge of Thy pierced side, Thorn-crowned Head, can contrite sorrow claim, Yet stays it nor one sinful act nor thought. O ! guilty souls forgetting price that bought Their ransom — Christ ! how infinite Thy love That daily seeks our errors, sins to hide, Till humbled hearts, at last, repentant prove Though tender mercy — O ! Thou Crucified ! 64 EASTER-TIDE. After the cruel nails and crown of thorn, The shining garb and diadem of light ; After the Friday's gloom and bitter night, The blessed peace of that first Easter-morn. After His sinless death, our peace was born. After the daily struggles for the right, Against fierce passions armed with devil's might ; After the partings when the heart is torn With agony almost too great to bear ; After the yearning for what cannot be, With faint faith wrestling 'gainst a mute despair ; After long waitings here at last we see, Out of our woes and passions crucified, Dawning for us a glorious Easter-tide. 65 rix\:.\vi! vXbovc 111!.' (.MI \ rn RcMc-iK^s morose The stainC'il w iiulows. w licro the A[>osllos' i^rcct riir o\c in rohos o\ \Miicil colors moii. In midst our S.uiour stands, th' oli^-tn.il woes ( ")f all huin.inil\- aioiuul llim oloso. rit\' di\iiu', shint.-s ftoni 1 1 is looks icitlclc W ith lo\c, boin of a saciil'icc coni[ilctc, I.o\o. connucrini;" sin. o'ciconiini;" sharp tloath's throes. The anthcni swolls, tlio ori;an's rich notes ring ThrouL^hont the jgrand old chnreh. See, swift a bird I'lits In" the window on wide-stietehed wini;", riuouidi hendini; Itr.inehes .uiil le.ives. the bree/.ehas stirred. The son^slci's shadow .uul the waving" green Are 'gainst the tinted glass beneath C^hrist seen. 00 11. Swifter than sparrow's nii;ht, my sore sins pass Before my saiUlened gaze ; they seem to reach From infancN' to tiiese hist days, and teach A lesson inUo c.irlhlx" piitle alas ! 'riu'ir length)' nnmhcrs dusk the glowing" glass, And contrite humbleness in silence preach, O sick and hungering soul ! the Holy Leech Who fed the wearied thousands on the grass Ak>ne can satisf\-th}' longings wikl, J>lot (Hit the memories of thy sins and pains. Methinks 1 hear the tentler wonls : " My child, (uve me th\' heart." i\nd haste to hi}' ni}' stains (^f heart and send, and errors deemed sweet, In trembling hope and love at Christ's pure feet. 67 In Tiinilv. 68 REST. O Angel! miscalled of darkness, in thy flight Pause near my threshold, spread thy pinions o'er My drooping head. I need thy mercies sore. Thou art to me as distant friendly light Hailed on a pitchy night's lone tramp, and white Thy dusky garments gleam to me from shore Of untried waters, which o'ertake all lore, — All love, — all life at last. Angel of might, Surer than hope, as strong as faith and love. Come to me. Joy's goblet through weak fingers slips ; Lay thy cool touch upon my fevered lips ; Let thy soft shadow my sweet solace prove ; Oh ! let me lay my head upon thy breast ; Wearied, I long for thee, Angel of Rest. 69 Ne'er ask me to be mirthful and then rhyme, The pearls of song drop not from lips the time They jest. As bird with seared eye and clipped wing Finds sweeter note — so we through suffering Sing best. 71 SONG. The clouds are drifting, The sunhght sifting Adown between. The birches quiver Beside the river, Silvery green. The West is burning, In silence turning The skies red-gold ; The river catches The glowing patches On ripples cold. The birds cease winging, And close their singing Fast one by one. 73 Sweet chirps betraying, Each songster sa}'ing His orison. The dews are falhng ; The zephyrs caUing To flowers, good-night ; The frogs 'gin croaking As if evoking Famihar sprite. The twihght 's creeping O'er blue hills sleeping ; The birds are dumb ; The stars are sighting^ The glow-worms lighting Their lamps. — Night 's come. 74 HERALDS. All works of God his heralds arc To other acts more rare, so came Creation's darkness to first star As herald. What we chaos name Turned Nature's order in all things So chrysalis heralds liutterfly, And nightingale sweet melody. So winters heralds are to springs, And herald, weary worldly strife To future peace and sins forgiven. While death still heralds newer life, And love — is herald but to heaven ! 75 ^ DEATH'S SIMILITUDES. Death — is like a chrysalis, I'^'oin which white and soft, Butterflies will soar aloft As souls to bliss. 76 Death — is like the winter long, Wlierc, from silence cold, Beauteous tints and sccnte unfold^ And bursts oi song. Death — is like a prison grim, Where from want and night Souls escape to joy and light When freed by Him ! 77 TO KATE. And thou wouldst have thy fortune told, To learn thy future fate — Wouldst see thy budding life unfold, My bonnie, brown-eyed Kate ! To read thy destiny aright, To fix each distant date, Is out of reach of human might. My bonnie, brown-eyed Kate ! But as from bud we guess the flower, Tho' it may blossom late, As threatening clouds foretell the showers, My bonnie, brown-eyed Kate, .So in thy earnest, loving eyes J read thy future fate. 78 A woman's weal before thee lies, My bonnie, brown-eyed Kate. I know not if thy love through life Will seek an earthly mate ; But battling with the daily strife, My bonnie, brown-eyed Kate, Thy faith and trust in God will prove A shield 'gainst every fate. And sanctify thy woman's love. My bonnie brown-eyed Kate ! 79 NOT LOST. Ave the colors lost from the glowini^ skies When the sunset fades and the daylight dies? And the licjuid tones from the wild bird's throat, Are they lost as through twilight's hush they float? And the loving thoughts in hearts of gold, Are they lost when mixed with ehurch}-ard mould? 7\11 the earth's best tints gleam on angel's wing, All the sweetest music the angels sing. All the love wc prized and lost shall arise To give us fair welcome in Paradise. 80 FLOWERS AND 1