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 ALFRED QUJ 
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 COBOUGHT DEPOSE 
 
SELECTIONS 
 
 FROM THE WRITINGS OF 
 
 Atfrrti <$ trontaj 
 
 MANCHESTEK, N.?H. 
 
 7 & 
 
 MAECH, 1918 
 

 MANCHESTER, N. H. 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN B. CLARKE COMPANY 
 
 1918 
 
 may -i is;a 
 
 ©CI.A494832 
 I 
 
ALFRED QUIMBY 
 
ABIGAIL W. QUIMBY 
 
The Author of this book 
 
 was a gifted composer, born in Bow, N. H., August 21, 1834, 
 son of Charles and Harriett U. Quimby. Married Abigail W. 
 Colby, daughter of Alvah and Lucind H. Colby of Hooksett, 
 January 19, 1858. 
 
 We lived a life of peaceful joy 
 
 For all those fifty seven years, 
 Then death came and claimed her 
 
 And left me here in tears. 
 But her light will come again 
 
 That I now so often see ; 
 When I go and meet her there, 
 
 She'll have that smile for me. 
 
9*ltrtuitt0 from % Writings of Aifrrtu ^ltimtrg. 
 
 HUMAN LIFE. 
 
 Like the last rose of summer, 
 
 Its beauty will soon fade away 
 And leave the marks of foliage, 
 
 Which will soon droop and decay. 
 In the springtime of life 
 
 We all are young and gay, 
 But the love which fills each heart, 
 
 Like the rose, must soon pass away. 
 
 Through the early scenes of life 
 
 We all have objects then in view 
 Which cheer the heart of many 
 
 While on their journey through. . 
 But sadness blights the rose of time, 
 
 Which causes many to drop a tear. 
 That carries away the love of beauty 
 
 And leaves the heart cold and drear. 
 
 The way of life is very clear, 
 
 As we all have much to do 
 To cast aside all our evil thoughts 
 
 And let our hearts of love renew. 
 That will drive away our many sorrows 
 
 Which have caused the heart to pain, 
 And watch for scenes of the morrow 
 
 With that love resting on the brain. 
 
 As the beauty of the summer rose 
 
 And its sweetness must fade away, 
 But the love of the human heart 
 
 Should never like the rose decay. 
 As the rose will lose its sweetness, 
 
 And its foliage will soon pass away, 
 But the purity of the human heart 
 
 Will be lasting until the judgment day. 
 
PEACEFUL. REST. 
 
 There is a picture on the wall 
 
 Which I can see every day, 
 But the form of its likeness — 
 
 They have carried it away, 
 Where it now rests in peace, 
 
 Waiting there for the summons call, 
 Which will end all our sorrow — 
 
 Young and old, great and small. 
 
 I'm now waiting here with patience, 
 
 When I'll be called to go 
 To take my rest with her, 
 
 Which awaits us all we know, 
 And bid farewell to earth — 
 
 While we will be resting there 
 With our earth-work well done, 
 
 And leave one more vacant chair. 
 
 It's but a brief space of time, 
 
 Not long have we to stay 
 Before some kind friend of ours 
 
 Will then lay us away — 
 Where all will take their rest 
 
 And pass to that shining shore, 
 Among the good and blest, 
 
 And live in peace forevermore. 
 
 In that silent, peaceful rest, 
 
 With her smiles, once so dear, 
 And hands across her peaceful breast — 
 
 When her soul had disappeared, 
 To greet me with her smiles, 
 
 And let the truth be known — 
 The secret of her loving heart, 
 
 Before that bright and dazzling throne. 
 
 A STAR. 
 
 There was once a bright evening star 
 That shone for me day and night, 
 
 But now it has faded away 
 And passed from out my sight. 
 
 6 
 
But the reflection brings joy to me 
 From that sphere yet unknown, 
 
 Though its light again will shine 
 
 To greet me before that dazzling throne. 
 
 When my heart shall cease to beat, 
 
 And my form is laid away. 
 That it will grow brighter then, 
 
 As we near the judgment day 
 And find peace on our way, 
 
 By the aid of the guiding star, 
 Which then will be bright as day, 
 
 Through the gate that stands ajar. 
 
 With that starlight turned to day, 
 
 Which will be brightly shining then, 
 To cheer each and every soul 
 
 Whom on its light they will depend. 
 With no cause then to weep 
 
 For that lone and vacant chair, 
 Or cause the soul to mourn 
 
 When we meet again over there. 
 
 There to live forever in perfect peace! 
 
 Where each and every soul will share 
 The joys of life with no death — 
 
 'In those bright realms over there. 
 With all the joys of true love 
 
 For each and every one afar 
 Who have gained an entrance in 
 
 By the way of the guiding star. 
 
 MORNING LIGHT. 
 
 In the morning of our lives, 
 
 Like a bright, sunshiny day, 
 Brings forth its many charms, 
 
 But alas they soon fade away. 
 As the sun now rises higher, 
 
 To open and adawn the day, 
 Likewise the same with man, 
 
 As his hair is turning grey. 
 
 With all the joys of life 
 
 We may receive, day by day, 
 
 It's but a mere fleeting show, 
 As it must soon pass away. 
 
Then like the fast setting sun, 
 Which sends forth its noble glow, 
 
 But carries not his worldly treasure 
 When he is called to go. 
 
 Which leaves but the reflection of life, 
 
 That none will ever outgrow; 
 Which once their noble heart achieved — 
 
 Keflects back as the sunset glow 
 At the close of our lives, 
 
 Like the sunset in the west; 
 Will find peace within each heart, 
 
 With the abundance of eternal rest. 
 
 Which must be a shining light, f 
 
 With no sorrow or mingled woe, 
 But always bright and forever shining — 
 
 As a brilliant light or sunset glow. 
 Which will light us on our way, 
 
 And leave no shadow of gloom 
 As our body takes its rest 
 
 In that silent and lonely tomb. 
 
 A VISIT. 
 
 I visited that little quiet spot 
 
 Wherein now my companion lay, 
 But the sorrow in my lone heart 
 
 Still lingers with me day by day. 
 Quietly now she is resting there, 
 
 Beneath that little green covered sward, 
 Taking her long and peaceful sleep, 
 
 While her soul has returned to God. 
 
 With no sound of her kind voice 
 
 Which can penetrate my lonely ear, 
 Or smiles from her peaceful lips, 
 
 Which have often brought me cheer. 
 Silently she now is resting there; 
 
 In her quiet bed within the tomb, 
 As I stand beside that lonely spot 
 
 My heart is filled with saddened gloom. 
 
No more again will I see her, 
 
 Or press her care-worn cheek, 
 Which once greeted me with smiles — 
 
 For now she has ceased to speak. 
 While her form is now resting there, 
 
 And her soul has been set free. 
 With those peaceful smiles, now above, 
 
 She'll be beckoning there for me. 
 
 Not long will she have to wait 
 
 'Ere I'll go to meet her there, 
 With those smiles upon her cheeks — 
 
 Then there'll be two vacant chairs. 
 Ou souls then can rest in peace, 
 
 Away from all our earthly care : 
 With those loving smiles for each — 
 
 Of which we both can share. 
 
 WHY WE WEEP. 
 
 There's a cause why we weep 
 
 Of which we can not explain, 
 While at times our troubled thoughts 
 
 Eest heavily on the brain. 
 It's the opposite of gleeful mirth 
 
 Given to that of human kind, 
 Which creates the fluid of nature 
 
 Into teardrops or weakened brine. 
 
 It's the thoughts of our sorrow; 
 
 Which often rests on the brain 
 Like a cloud in a sunny day 
 
 Which brings a shower of rain. 
 Or the secret of a sorrowful heart, 
 
 Which gathers the mist, though small, 
 On the foliage of the treetops — 
 
 Which will cause dewdrops to fall. 
 
 Then comes a bright, sunny day, 
 
 Which leaves the mind again serene, 
 Like foliage on the treetops — 
 
 Once more beautiful, fresh and green. 
 'Which brings back the beauty of nature, 
 
 Until the frost of Time's chilly air, 
 Which strips the forest of its beauty — 
 
 That leaves the trees stern and bare 
 
 9 
 
Through the cold months of winter, 
 
 "Which to all are Heaven's gain, 
 And will bring cheer to each heart, 
 
 As the foliage after the rain. 
 Which is the springtime of life 
 
 In that bright haven of love, 
 Where no sorrow can enter in 
 
 And disturb our peace there above. 
 
 THE DEPARTED. 
 
 The days and weeks now roll by, 
 
 But there is that lack of cheer, 
 As I miss her once loving smiles 
 
 When she was with me here. 
 But her Saviour has called her home — 
 
 To dwell with Him in the skies, 
 And enjoy that eternal peaceful love, 
 
 Where her soul is well supplied. 
 
 There is lack of that home cheer 
 
 In my lonely heart day by day — 
 Of which none but me can tell — 
 
 Since her form was laid away, 
 Where it now rests in peaceful sleep, 
 
 Waiting there in that now quiet slumber, 
 While my heart can have no rest, 
 
 As it seeks to join that number. 
 
 Some say grief will never wear awajr. 
 
 But with me that isn't so, 
 As my heart remains just the same, 
 
 Which is filled with grief and woe. 
 The sun now will shine by day, 
 
 The moon and stars by night, 
 But my grief wears not away 
 
 Since her peaceful form passed from my sight. 
 
 That grief some time will wear away, 
 
 Which will cause new light to shine, 
 When this earthly gloom shall pass 
 
 And I ;then can call her mine. 
 Like a new-born babe or innocent child, 
 
 When we meet on that looked for shore, 
 To behold her loving smiles again 
 
 Which will bring peace forevermore. 
 
 10 
 
I AM HERE. 
 
 I am here, my Abbie, dear, 
 
 Which is the holy Sabbath day. 
 Some think it queer why I am here — 
 
 It's three months since you passed away. 
 My sadness, dear, is why I am here, 
 
 While you take your quiet rest ; 
 I drop a tear while I am here, 
 
 As you are among the blessed. 
 
 I bring this rose and thus compose 
 
 While I take my needed rest, 
 Knowing full well angels could tell 
 
 That you are among the blest. 
 Although I weep as you sleep, 
 
 I am but my mother's child, 
 Which grieves my heart thus to part — 
 
 But I will not forget your smile. 
 
 While here I weep and you are asleep, 
 
 But my thoughts rest on high, 
 In those realms above where all is love, 
 
 I'll come and meet you by and by. 
 With no disgrace we'll meet face to face 
 
 In those realms above there on high ; 
 Now I am old, and have a soul 
 
 Which will be with you by and by. 
 
 There to rest among the blest, 
 
 Free from all this earthly pain; 
 Then as a child I'll see your smile — 
 
 As we meet no more to part again. 
 Childlike to live, our sins forgive 
 
 On that bright and shinging shore 
 With joy and peace our love will increase, 
 
 And there we'll dwell forevermore. 
 
 PARTING SCENE. 
 
 I held her soft hand in mine 
 
 As she stood by my side. 
 When we commenced our wedded life, 
 
 Which we kept until she died. 
 Without a thought of mingled sorrow — 
 
 Which we both held most dear, 
 Through all those years of wedded life 
 
 Until death, that caused me tears. 
 
 11 
 
When I sat, her hand in mine, 
 
 As when first she were my bride, 
 And that holy promise I had kept — 
 
 As she lay silent by my side ; 
 Which caused many tears to flow, 
 
 And filled my heart with pain, 
 With that thought I saw her go — 
 
 She never could be my bride again. 
 
 The smiles remained upon her face : 
 
 Then I pressed her care-worn cheek, 
 As life had left her quiet form — 
 
 For she had thus gone to sleep. 
 I then pressed her quiet brow, 
 
 As my eyes were filled with tears 
 With the thought, she's left me now, 
 
 After all those many years. 
 
 That sadness remains with me now; 
 
 For her love all those many years 
 And her loving smiles will now remain 
 
 Until I pass beyond this vail of tears, 
 Where the day is bright and fair, 
 
 And the sun will forever shine. 
 Then we'll join hearts together there — 
 
 As when I first called her mine. 
 
 INNOCENT. 
 
 Innocent as a new-born babe, 
 
 May our lives pass peacefully away, 
 With no grief or mingled sorrow — 
 
 That awaits us the judgment day. 
 With perfect hearts of love and joy, 
 
 Which will let the sunlight shine, 
 And cheer the hearts of every one — 
 
 As did she, who once was mine. 
 
 With all her kind and loving words, 
 
 Which then brought cheer to my heart. 
 But now I am sad and lonely, 
 
 Since death has called us to part. 
 But some day I'll be with her, 
 
 Then from tears I will refrain, 
 And clasp her in that love embrace 
 
 As we meet to part no more again. 
 
 12 
 
As our lives on earth were sweet, 
 
 But there it will be sweeter still, 
 As the promised life before us, 
 
 Which was given by our Maker's will. 
 To live there in peace and love, 
 
 When our trials on earth are o'er, 
 There to meet our many loving friends — 
 
 On that bright and looked-for shore. 
 
 With but one bright, eternal day, 
 
 Where the sun will forever shine, 
 As that love will again appear, 
 
 As when I first called her mine. 
 With no sorrow on either hand 
 
 Which will disturb our peaceful brain. 
 Or ere again will we part, 
 
 As I behold those loving smiles again. 
 
 SUMMER TIME. 
 
 In the summer time of our lives, 
 
 When I had nothing else to do, 
 I have sat and watched the stars 
 
 While I've been waiting here for you. 
 As you were my heart-felt treasure, 
 
 For your words were always true, 
 And with my loving, throbbing heart — 
 
 I've sat and watched here for you. 
 
 I often saw you coming up the hill, 
 
 While all nature bloomed by your side, 
 With your loving smiles upon your cheeks, 
 
 When first you were my bride. 
 The choice of our youthful days, 
 
 Which drove sorrow from each heart, 
 In those years we've lived together — 
 
 Until death caused us to part. 
 
 Our lives were well spent together, 
 
 Which are pleasing now to tell 
 Before the world now at large — 
 
 And Him, who doeth all things well. 
 With no cause for evil shame 
 
 Which could once blight either heart, 
 As we strove to live in peace 
 
 Until death, then we had to part. 
 
 13 
 
With the future well in view, 
 
 Of that high and honored name, 
 Which carries with it no sorrow — 
 
 The love of God, which we claim. 
 Sweeter, then the flowers of earth, 
 
 More brilliant then the height of fame, 
 To relieve the sadness of the heart — 
 
 Which we now hope to obtain. 
 
 NOT FORGOTTEN. 
 
 Fifty seven years of wedded life, 
 
 Which has now drawn to a close. 
 That brings sorrow to my heart, 
 
 And leaves me here ill disposed. 
 When I think of the past 
 
 And the happy days gone by, 
 With our love well linked together, 
 
 I then heave a long-drawn sigh. 
 
 And in my deeper mental sorrow, 
 
 From tears it's hard to refrain, 
 For that sorrow blights my heart, 
 
 And sends discomfort to the brain. 
 While many of my loving friends 
 
 Strive hard to give me cheer, 
 But I lack her loving smiles, 
 
 And often wish she were here. 
 
 As the days and weeks roll by, 
 
 There comes flashing back upon the screen- 
 Her pure, loving smiles there again 
 
 Before my eyes are plainly seen, 
 Which tells me her spirit lives, 
 And it comes to give me cheer, 
 That she is not so far away, 
 
 And her smiles are with me here. 
 
 The shadow of her form is here, 
 
 If she could now but only speak, 
 And bring back those loving smiles 
 
 She wore upon her faded cheeks. 
 Soon my heart will lose its sorrow, 
 
 My body be free from pain, 
 When that robe of white is given, 
 
 Then I'll see her loving smiles again. 
 
 14 
 
TWO PICTURES. 
 
 Those two pictures that are hanging there, 
 
 Facing each other, on the wall, 
 Once were true-hearted lovers, 
 
 Joined together when they were small ; 
 Which have long lived together, 
 
 Until they both have grown grey, 
 And will soon rest there together, 
 
 As one now is laid away. 
 
 While they have thus lived together 
 
 In all those many, many years, 
 With many loving smiles to please, 
 
 Instead of frowns and floods of tears ; 
 With their hearts well linked together, 
 
 With purest metal, lovers' chain, 
 And strove with their love combined 
 
 To relieve each heart of pain. 
 
 But now she's been laid away, 
 
 Her body is free from pain, 
 And her spirit will flit about 
 
 Until we both shall meet again. 
 Where the ties of loving smiles — 
 
 Which bound our hearts so true — 
 Again will bind our hearts together, 
 
 And the joys of life again renew. 
 
 Those pictures that are hanging there, 
 
 Like ourselves, will never grow grey, 
 But will speak of our love together 
 
 After we both have been laid away. 
 And let the tuth then be known, 
 
 That our hearts are free from pain, 
 And our lives before that dazzling throne — 
 
 We shall enjoy each other's smiles again. 
 
 MX MOTHER. 
 
 My mother lies upon her couch, 
 For she's feeble and getting old, 
 
 And the winter is coming on — 
 Tells me she's been getting cold. 
 
 15 
 
And her eyes are less brilliant, 
 And bleak winter is coming on, 
 
 While her voice is now more feeble, 
 And her lungs they are not strong. 
 
 Once her steps were full of force, 
 
 Her eyes they sparkled with delight, 
 Now she has many feeble ways, 
 
 And her eyes they are losing sight. 
 But her heart is full of love, 
 
 And her mind is just as clear 
 As when I were a little child, 
 
 And my mother is just as dear. 
 
 She has been my kind, loving mother, 
 
 Of her love I've had my share, 
 And sorrow must be my lot 
 
 When I behold her vacant chair. 
 But when she has been laid away, 
 
 To take her last and final rest, 
 We'll all have this much to say — 
 
 She's gone home to be blessed. 
 
 Though her voice then will be still, 
 
 Her love then will still remain 
 To soothe and comfort each our hearts 
 
 Until we shall meet her there again, 
 Where the sun will be brightly shinging, 
 
 In that glorious, bright heavenly sphere, 
 Where we'll enjoy that heavenly rest, 
 
 And receive the smiles of mother dear. 
 
 CLASPED HANDS. 
 
 Once her hand was clasped in mine 
 
 When the bloom was on her cheeks, 
 Now she's closed her eyes in peace, 
 
 Where now she rests in peaceful sleep ; 
 While her spirit now flits about 
 
 In those sparkling lights I see, 
 To give my heart her loving cheer, 
 
 Which brings much comfort back to me. 
 
 I now miss her, night and day, 
 With no smiles to give me cheer, 
 
 As in those happy days gone by, 
 When she was with me here. 
 
 16 
 
With no loving smiles to greet me, 
 Which years ago I could share, 
 
 Now fills my haert with gloom 
 When I see her vacant chair. 
 
 Those many loving smiles are gone, 
 
 But her spirit now is free, 
 Which comes in those sparkling lights, 
 
 Bringing her smiles back to me. 
 But her voice now is still, 
 
 Not a sound can I hear, 
 But the thought of her smiles 
 
 To me are just as dear. 
 
 As the days and nights pass away, 
 
 Though my heart must suffer pain, 
 There's a bright hope in the future — 
 
 That we both will soon meet again. 
 Where those sparkling lights will disappear, 
 
 And the bright sun will shine 
 As when in our younger days — 
 
 When first I called her mine. 
 
 THE DUDE. 
 
 In the springtime of life 
 
 First, we are young and gay, 
 Like many a loving child 
 
 Who seeks his daily play — 
 Knowing not the cares of life 
 
 While resting on its mother's knee, 
 Watching for the break of day, 
 
 The city sights there to see. 
 
 Then cast aside their childish ways, 
 
 Thinking they must be shrewd, 
 And strut about the streets 
 
 Independent as many a dude. 
 Who will wear their fine clothes 
 
 With Piccadilly necktie collar, 
 Which tells the young and old 
 
 They're like a counterfeit old dollar. 
 
 17 
 
Thus we see many on the street 
 
 Who will pass their time away, 
 Then in old age cry out 
 
 I have no place now to stay. 
 But fortune will smile on those 
 
 Who had rather work than play 
 And furnish a cot, snug and warm — 
 
 With a snug little home to stay. 
 
 It may be too late to repent, 
 
 After they have thrown their time away. 
 And crouch beneath its heavy load 
 
 For the want of a place to stay; 
 Then reap the harvest they have sown 
 
 When they though themselves so shrewd, 
 While wearing their Piccadilly standing collar 
 
 For the sake of being a dude. 
 
 FEEBLE AND GRAY. 
 
 There are times when people are feeble, 
 
 When their hair has turned grey, 
 As they associate with young people, 
 
 Often are in some one's way; 
 While coming in contact with the young, 
 
 But just you mind what I say, 
 Always speak kind words to the feeble, 
 
 Then you'll never regret when you are grey. 
 
 We all once were supposed to be young; 
 
 And many times we were gay, 
 But were brought up with good habits — 
 
 To never get in anyone's way. 
 While the young may grow feeble, 
 
 Like others who have become grey, 
 Please take a little of my advice, 
 
 And never stand in anyone's way. 
 
 It's getting to be quite common — 
 
 We will all see it some day, 
 When the sports with their fine autos 
 
 Will toot, toot, get out of my way. 
 And should they bump up against you, 
 
 And you ask them kindly to pay, 
 Oh, no! I owe you nothing, 
 
 You were standing right in my way. 
 
 18 
 
When we meet in high society, 
 
 Since we have grown old and grey, 
 We often feel like a worthless cur — 
 
 And wish we had stayed away. 
 Society with many seems to be noble, 
 
 But no place for one who is grey. 
 And with such society, for one 
 
 I will choose to stay away. 
 
 HER LAST NIGHT. 
 
 The sun had set behind the hills, 
 
 The day had been bright and clear, 
 And the smile was on her lips, 
 
 Not knowing that death was so near. 
 I then sat by her bedside, 
 
 And watched till the dawn of day, 
 While her pulse grew more feeble — 
 
 As she slept her life away. 
 
 Not a word escaped her lips, 
 
 No teardrops were in her eyes, 
 As she was calmly sleeping — 
 
 With a smile that said good-bye. 
 We laid her quiet form to rest, 
 
 Where now the beautiful flowers grow, 
 To bask in the morning dew, 
 
 And watch for the sunset glow. 
 
 Now I lack her loving smiles, 
 
 And kind words which gave me cheer, 
 Through all those days we lived together 
 
 When she was with me here. 
 The tide of life has ebbed and flowed, 
 
 For those many, many years, 
 But death came and took her away — 
 
 And now I am left in tears. 
 
 I too must go with the tide 
 
 Of those many, many years 
 That we have walked side by side, 
 
 Which brought us love and cheer. 
 But that coming light will shine again, 
 
 Which will lessen all my fears, 
 And land me safe across the bar — 
 
 Where there will be no tears. 
 
 19 
 
LONELY NOW. 
 
 I am lonely now while I am thinking 
 
 Of the happy days gone by, 
 When the bloom was on her cheeks — 
 
 But alas, she must die. 
 Now she has passed and gone, 
 
 And I breathe a long-drawn sigh 
 As I think of those many happy days 
 
 With that love-light in her eye. 
 
 And the smile that she bore 
 
 The day that she died — 
 That smile I never will forget, 
 
 Or those happy days gone by, 
 As I held her hand in mine, 
 
 Waiting with many a long-drawn sigh, 
 For some kind and parting word 
 
 Which would come from her lips — good bye. 
 
 I miss the soft clasp of her hand, 
 
 And her breath warm on my cheek; 
 But no parting word there came — 
 
 For she had ceased to speak. 
 She wore many a smile for me 
 
 That was pleasing, day by day, 
 But I never will forget the smile 
 
 On her lips when she was laid away. 
 
 Now in peace she is resting there, 
 
 While my heart has lost its cheer, 
 As I miss her many loving smiles, 
 
 And her voice I do not hear. 
 In the kitchen, pantry, or sitting room 
 
 Her smiles now I can not see, 
 But if she could but only speak — 
 
 Would say she is waiting there for me. 
 
 THE BEST FRIEND. 
 
 I once had a kind, loving friend, 
 Who took good care of me, 
 
 With as good a kind, loving heart 
 As any one would wish to see. 
 
 20 
 
Who always lent her helping- hand 
 
 In whatever it might be, 
 Which made both our lives happy, 
 
 As she was always kind to me. 
 
 But now I am left broken hearted, 
 
 For my home is lonely here 
 Without her loving smiles to greet me, 
 
 And her voice to give me cheer. 
 As I sit writing at the table, 
 
 There are none to give me cheer 
 With her words and loving smiles, 
 
 As when she were with me here. 
 
 Now there is but a silent whisper 
 
 Coming back to me at night, 
 Beyond those silent and mysterious vapors, 
 
 Clothed in those bright, sparkling lights. 
 Which speak of the near coming future 
 
 That tells me she is with me here, 
 Which helps subdue my saddened gloom, 
 
 And gives my heart its cheer. 
 
 Those spirits now are sent to me, 
 
 They come with those sparkling lights, 
 Which tell me they are here, 
 
 As they come to me at night. 
 Which takes away my saddened gloom 
 
 In those dark shades of night 
 While their bodies rest within the tomb. 
 
 But God himself sends the light. 
 
 EARLY CHILDHOOD. 
 
 Back in my young, youthful childhood, 
 
 When I was but a small child, 
 I knew a mother with her babe 
 
 Who always wore a pleasing smile. 
 And was pleasing to look upon 
 
 While she was on her mother's knee, 
 But then little did I think 
 
 That child was meant for me. 
 
 21 
 
That child grew up to womanhood, 
 
 And when she was in her teens, 
 There was love in my youthful heart — 
 
 For her, and none that stood between. 
 She was fair then to look upon, 
 
 1 knew her from a little child, 
 Our love soon ripened into flame, 
 
 For she always wore a pleasant smile. 
 
 I married her, just then past sixteen, 
 
 Who proved to me a precious prize, 
 With that love within our hearts 
 
 That none should ever once despise. 
 With one daughter and one son, 
 
 Who now are looking after me, 
 While I miss her loving smiles 
 
 That on earth I nevermore will see. 
 
 All those fifty seven short years 
 
 There was love we both could share, 
 Now my eyes carry floods of tears 
 
 When I see her lone, vacant chair. 
 With no smiles now to greet me 
 
 Which once gave my heart its cheer, 
 With none of her once loving smiles — 
 
 As when she were with me here. 
 
 BOYHOOD DAYS. 
 
 I have wandered o'er the many hills, 
 
 Where many pinks and lilies grow, 
 And watched the sparkling brooks, 
 
 Where their crystal waters flow, 
 In the springtime of my life ; 
 
 But there are few left to know 
 That I once traveled o'er those hills 
 
 Through the big drifts of snow. 
 
 Where now stands the farmhouse 
 
 Of those many, many years ago, 
 While being rocked in the cradle 
 
 By my mother, to and fro. 
 Then the sparkling lights of life 
 
 Were first known to me, 
 Then I roamed through the valleys 
 
 Where then grew the chestnut tree. 
 
 22 
 
And there labored early and late, 
 
 And watched the rising and setting sun, 
 While some have grown old and grey — 
 
 Who have passed over one by one. 
 Where oft our young voices rang, 
 
 Which gave many hearts their cheer, 
 Now are left there in lone silence — 
 
 Through the winters cold and drear. 
 
 Where that farmhouse now stands 
 
 My eyes first saw the light of day ; 
 With no voice now to cheer, 
 
 Are now standing there to waste away. 
 Those buildings there I helped build, 
 
 And, like those, I am old and grey ; 
 Not many suns will rise and set — 
 
 When we'll drop to earth and decay. 
 
 IN THE PARLOR. 
 
 I am sitting in the parlor chair, 
 
 Where her picture hangs on the wall, 
 With her eyes fixed upon me — 
 
 While my lonely teardrops fall, 
 Which fills my heart with sorrow, 
 
 For her voice I do not hear, 
 As when, in our former days, 
 
 Or her smiles to give me cheer. 
 
 But I seem to think she's calling, 
 In those flickering lights I see, 
 
 Just beyond those gloomy vapors, saying- 
 Come here and live with me. 
 
 Those sparkling lights will light my way, 
 I'll be sure and find her there, 
 
 With that smile she left for me 
 Beside her lone, vacant chair. 
 
 It's but a step down the valley, 
 
 And those lights will light my way, 
 Then we will meet face to face — 
 
 There in peace and love to stay. 
 My thoughts then will have cheer, 
 
 As all gloom will then pass away, 
 For there will be no sparkling lights — 
 
 All will be one bright eternal day. 
 
 23 
 
With no sadness that we must part, 
 
 And no more there to suffer pain, 
 By the grief of my lonely heart, 
 
 For I shall see her smiles again. 
 Pure as her first love with mine, 
 
 When there were no clouds to interfere, 
 Which would cause a thought of sorrow 
 
 Between her loving heart and mine. 
 
 WINTER HAS GONE. 
 
 We are glad when winter's gone 
 
 And to hear the birds commence to sing, 
 
 But we soon forget the frosty morn 
 And look for the harbinger of spring. 
 
 For we then can take a stroll 
 O'er the hills and o'er the plain, 
 
 To watch the birds build their nest, 
 And see the farm sow his grain. 
 
 Then we know that spring is here, 
 For the grass is growing green 
 
 And the violets, here and there, 
 
 And the mayflowers will soon be seen. 
 
 With their fragrance in the air, 
 
 It's then ho city life for me. 
 I'll take my wheel and ride with care 
 
 To hunt and watch the honey bee. 
 
 And breathe again the fresh pure air 
 While watching the busy honey bee. 
 
 It is then I seem to think, 
 What is a city life for me? 
 
 THE BRIGHT SIDE. 
 
 Look on the bright side, that is the best way ; 
 
 To look on the dark side, that never will pay. 
 While looking on the dark side, it fills us with dismay, 
 
 If we look on the bright side we are happy and gay. 
 
 24 
 
Never wear a downcast look from day to day, 
 
 We must be lively as a child at its play. 
 If we do right our conscience then will be clear, 
 
 And looking on the bright side we have nothing to fear. 
 
 Look on the bright side, if you wish to win, 
 Hold up your head and let the sunshine in; 
 
 Don't be cast down, bid such thoughts to depart, 
 It will build up the brain and cheer up the heart. 
 
 As the years roll around be cheerful day by day, 
 
 For I am bound to if I can have my way. 
 Now just look at the flowers, they look blooming and gay, 
 
 They always look at the sun on a bright summer day. 
 
 Now be upright in all tnat we may do or say, 
 And be more like the summer flowers, day by day, 
 
 For they always look at the bright side, for that's their way 
 Just as long as they live, then droop and decay. 
 
 A MYSTERY. 
 
 Oftentimes when we enter a cemetery, 
 As the sun is beginning to lower, 
 
 We often seem to feel a pall, 
 And we feel it more and more. 
 
 As we linger there in the twilight, 
 With the stars shining o'er our heads, 
 
 We seem to feel the presence of angels, 
 As though with a message from the dead. 
 
 We wish we could guess their meaning, 
 As we tread the pathway with care, 
 
 For we can almost see them, 
 They seem to be everywhere. 
 
 In the soft flutter of the trees, 
 
 Still we like to linger there 
 So as to catch some message 
 
 That they might have to bare. 
 
 It may be the angels of heaven 
 That have come to greet us there, 
 
 And to help to soothe our woes 
 
 That were left in their protecting care. 
 
 25 
 
THE CUCKOO. 
 
 The cuckoo is a prophet bird, 
 
 If we judge him by his word. 
 
 When he's nothing- else to do 
 
 He will commence and sing, cuckoo. 
 
 When the weather is fine and gay, 
 
 He'll commence and sing, for that's his way 
 
 Cuckoo, cuckoo, nothing else to do, 
 
 But sit and sing, cuckoo, cuckoo. 
 
 When singing on the hill, cuckoo; 
 There'll be water at the mill, cuckoo ; 
 When singing in the hollow, cuckoo, 
 It will be fair tomorrow, cuckoo. 
 
 So you see he is a prophet bird, 
 For we'll take him at his word. 
 Sometimes he says water, water, too, 
 Bring water for the little cuckoo. 
 
 Now this is the best that I can do, 
 I think I'd better stop, don't you? 
 If not, I may become a cuckoo, too, 
 Cuckoo, cuckoo, blessed little cuckoo. 
 
 THE SEWER. 
 
 John Foster, who lives in Gloster, 
 
 One day says he to his daughter, 
 I have a plan to build me a dam 
 
 For to hold back the water. 
 
 So he took a spade and piled up the grade, 
 
 To him it was not much bother, 
 But in the spring, it was another thing, 
 
 How to draw off the water. 
 
 Now, Mike, what do you say is the best way 
 
 For us to draw off the water? 
 Then Mike took a survey, for that was his way, 
 
 Says he, I have it, for it is not much bother. 
 
 I tell you what I'll do, just put a sewer through, 
 And then we'll get rid of the water. 
 
 Now in the morning I'll give you warning 
 And we'll get ready to mix up the mortar. 
 
 26 
 
Now Patrick take a spade and dig out the grade, 
 
 While I go and fetch some water. 
 Jamey, you up the ladder climb and bring a bit of lime 
 
 Then we'll soon mix up the mortar. 
 
 Now take a log and place it in the bog, 
 
 For it will act as a skewer ; 
 Then I'll take the brick and lay them quick, 
 
 Then we'll soon have a sewer. 
 
 Now stand on the bog and pull out the log, 
 
 Then we'll see if the thing is tight; 
 Now take a pole and make a hole, 
 
 While I'll be a lighting me pipe. 
 
 So he took a pole and made a hole, 
 
 Then the water rushed through. 
 Look you here, Pat, give me a brickbat ! 
 
 What do you think we had better do? 
 
 Upon my soul, we must stop that hole. 
 
 Just you take your hat, Mike ; 
 Put it in the hole, I'll hand you a pole, 
 
 And that will make it tight. 
 
 To be sure it won't, you'll have to jump. 
 
 No, catch holt of that 'er limb ! 
 By the holy josey ! blessed Moses ! 
 
 I think we had better learn to swim. 
 
 THE FARMER BOY. 
 
 I was brought up on a sidehill farm, 
 And was taught to guide the plow. 
 
 They thought me too young to use my pen; 
 It's just why I use it now. 
 
 It was my lot, when I was young, 
 
 To have six weeks of school to attend. 
 
 They thought me more fit to work upon the farm 
 Than for me to use my pen. 
 
 Then I toiled upon my father's farm, 
 
 Day by day, with heated brow. 
 I was too young to know it then, 
 
 But I think I know it now. 
 
 27 
 
It's very pleasing now to go upon the hill 
 And feel free from all earthly care ; 
 
 To while away an hour or two 
 
 And breathe once more the good fresh air. 
 
 Now I am almost seventy years of age, 
 And have some leisure moments now. 
 
 I find it more easy to use my pen 
 Than it was to guide the plow. 
 
 ADVICE. 
 
 Young man, what are you going to do? 
 Earn some money, then rush it through, 
 Or try and save a few dimes every day 
 To help support you, surely, it will pay. 
 
 If you will start a little bank account, 
 Try it ten years, just see the amount ; 
 Deny yourself of cigars, peanuts and candy, 
 Perhaps now and then a little nip of brandy. 
 
 It is little by little the snowflakes fall, 
 One by one, although they are so small. 
 Now see the drifts, how high they mount — 
 That's the way with the bank account. 
 
 When you earn your money lay some by. 
 You can save some, just you try; 
 For you can dress as other people do, 
 Supply your wants and save some money, too. 
 
 Now, young man, this advice is for you, 
 Although not sought, yet it is true. 
 Now just you try it once in your life, 
 Then you may be able to support a wife. 
 
 NIGHT BLOOMING CEREUS. 
 
 Thou noble night blooming cereus, 
 That we have watched with care, 
 
 Has been loosed from thy bonds 
 To mingle thy fragrance in the air. 
 
 28 
 
And with thy bountiful fragTance 
 
 That cheers each of our hearts, 
 While its memories will be lasting, 
 
 Although its fragrance will soon depart. 
 
 Oh, thy beautiful, beautiful fragrance ! 
 
 When thou hast gone how we shall miss 
 Thy beautiful fragrance, as a child 
 
 Will miss its fond mother's kiss. 
 
 But alas, your work is well done ; 
 
 We will all now bid you adieu, 
 And may the memory of your fragrance be lasting 
 
 As we all have a preference for you. 
 
 Your life with us has been short, 
 
 But we hope our strength will renew 
 
 By your beautiful, loving fragrance, 
 As we must now bid you adieu. 
 
 A BLOCK OF MARBLE. 
 
 I am but a block of marble, 
 
 Quarried from high up the mountain side, 
 Chiseled by the hand of the sculptor 
 
 To suit the fancy of human pride. 
 
 I am often seen as a headstone, 
 
 Where a sculptor, by his perfect eye, 
 
 Has chiseled the form of a hand, 
 With a finger pointing to the sky. 
 
 I have been seen to represent angels 
 
 With a maiden standing by 
 And holding a dove in her hand 
 
 As though just ready to fly. 
 
 I have been seen as a young maiden, 
 Kneeling as though engaged in prayer, 
 
 With Time standing behind her 
 Unfolding the ringlets of her hair. 
 
 I have been seen to represent the crucifix, 
 Where our Lord and Master was slain 
 
 To take away all of our sorrows 
 And free us from all sin and shame. 
 
 29 
 
I am often found in the parlor, 
 
 As a mantel or table top stand, 
 Carved into circles and placed 
 
 According to architect builder's plan. 
 
 I have represented some ferocious beast 
 Upon some high castle tower, 
 
 As though waiting and watching for prey- 
 That I may soon have to devour. 
 
 I am much sought for by all nations, 
 
 Both here and across the sea, 
 Therefore I can not resist the sculptor's chisel, 
 
 Although he does apply it to me. 
 
 I have no feeling for the rich or poor, 
 1 am but a block of marble, that is all, 
 
 When fitted, by the hand of the sculptor, 
 To be placed on some castle wall. 
 
 When once removed from my mountain bed, 
 And the chisel of the sculptor applied, 
 
 Then I am raised to some conspicuous place 
 Where I must for centuries reside. 
 
 HOTEL FIRE. 
 
 When we were leaving the theatre, 
 As we neared the broad hall stair, 
 
 The sound of the fire bell 
 
 Bang out on the midnight air. 
 
 There were a hush of voices, 
 
 As the bell rang one, two, three; 
 
 One, two, three, sure, there's a fire! 
 And now where can it be? 
 
 As we made our exit from the hall 
 Our eyes met the fierce glare, 
 
 For the new Arlington Hotel, 
 To be sure, was then on fire ! 
 
 Hear the approaching engines, 
 
 As they rattle o'er the stony street, 
 
 With their gongs, ding, ding, 
 The whole department complete. 
 
 30 
 
See the people rush by the windows 
 To gain the broad hall stairs; 
 
 Some in their nightclothes, 
 
 Tumbling o'er tables and chairs. 
 
 The occupants are now all out 
 
 Excepting those in the north wing. 
 
 Quick, with your aerial truck, 
 And your ladders to bring. 
 
 See the flames shoot upwards 
 Through the elevator shaft; 
 
 All egress is now cut off, 
 The hotel is doomed at last. 
 
 What is that? A woman's voice 
 
 That rang out on the air ! 
 Save me from this dreadful doom ! 
 
 Save me ! Save me from the fire ! 
 
 A ladder has been run up, 
 She is now free from harm. 
 
 See ! A fireman has her now, 
 Bringing her down in his arms. 
 
 My child ! Asleep in the cradle, 
 
 On the fourth floor of the north wing 
 
 Who will go for its rescue, 
 And my darling to bring? 
 
 The aerial is now brought into use, 
 And run up as quick as a flash; 
 
 And the north end window 
 Has gone in with a crash. 
 
 A fireman enters the window 
 
 And gropes his way there, 
 While the mother wrings her hands 
 
 And is engaged in prayer. 
 
 O God! stay the frightful flames! 
 
 Spare my child and its rescuer there ; 
 That he may bring to my arms 
 
 My darling ! This was her prayer. 
 
 He snatched the babe from its cradle 
 
 And bore it into the air, 
 While a multitude of voices 
 
 Went up — Saved from the fire ! 
 
 31 
 
He returned with the little treasure 
 Which he saved from all harm, 
 
 With a mother's God bless you ! 
 As he placed it in her arms. 
 
 THE YOUNG SAELOR. 
 
 A young sailor lay within his berth 
 
 With heated brow and fevered brain, 
 And thinking of the scenes of earth 
 
 While his body racked with pain ; 
 He thought of home, a port of love, 
 
 Then he breathed a fervent prayer 
 To Him who rules the skies above : 
 
 Tell my mother I will meet her there. 
 
 For weeks and months and years 
 
 I have roamed upon the ocean deep, 
 With hope above, I have no fears 
 
 If my form beneath its waters sleeps. 
 In the home of my Eedeemer 
 
 I shall be free from every care ; 
 Tell my mother, when you greet her, 
 
 That her son will meet her there. 
 
 Tell my brothers and sisters, too, 
 
 I now bid them all farewell; 
 My grave will be the ocean blue, 
 
 My body will lie beneath its swell; 
 While my soul will join the hosts above 
 
 And be free from earthly care, 
 To live forever in peace and love, 
 
 When I meet them and mother there. 
 
 There is one more, I loved most dear, 
 
 She knew the secret of my heart; 
 For her, I often drop a tear 
 
 To think how we must part. 
 Now sad and lonely she will be, 
 
 While my love she can not share 
 Until her soul has been set free 
 
 To join me and mother there. 
 
 32 
 
The pangs of death will soon be o'er, 
 
 And the ocean my winding sheet; 
 The loved ones of earth I'll see no more, 
 
 But in heaven we hope to meet. 
 God's promise He will forever keep, 
 
 For his love I have a share. 
 Tell my mother not to weep, 
 
 I will surely meet her there. 
 
 KIND NEIGHBOR. 
 
 When flowers are brought into the sick room 
 By kind neighbors, we have not words to express, 
 
 For their comforting fragrance is like a boon, 
 To the heart and mind it gives rest. 
 
 And the donor we never will forget, 
 For they come like a love magic spell, 
 
 But one thing we have to regret, 
 That words with us can never tell. 
 
 How pleasant are the passing hours, 
 
 And our strength it does renew 
 To receive a gift of fragrant flowers 
 
 From a neighbor so kind and true. 
 
 They were always kind and true, 
 
 And our memory will linger there, 
 For their gifts have not been few, 
 
 As we all have received our share. 
 
 Now long may they live, those generous souls, 
 Which will be a comfort to the people; 
 
 And to whatever church they may go, 
 They do not worship alone the steeple. 
 
 THE CHINAMAN. 
 
 I am a Hongkong Chinaman, 
 And am now just twenty-four, 
 
 I will leave de Hongkong city 
 
 And strike for the Melican shore. 
 
 33 
 
From China to the Amelica 
 is a long- way across the sea, 
 
 But a plenty of work for Chinaman 
 For to washee Melican shirtee. 
 
 When I get into the Amelica 
 
 I will tie cue top my head, 
 And find some Melican gal, 
 
 Then her I soon will wed. 
 
 I went into a Melican's house, 
 The Melican man was away; 
 
 I see the young Melican gal 
 And she no want me to stay. 
 
 The Melican man, he came in; 
 
 He catches me right by the cue ; 
 I soon found myself in the air, 
 
 His footee under my frock-tail blue. 
 
 Then I go to a shopecary pop 
 
 To get sumting to ease my pain ;' 
 
 On one leg I have to hop, 
 
 You don't catch me dere again. 
 
 They say Melican no like Chinaman, 
 For Chinaman cue up his hair ; 
 
 But Melican no foolee man; 
 
 I be glad when able to set in chair. 
 
 Chinaman say Melican have no courage, 
 Just you try one then you see ; 
 
 Let him catch you by pigtail, 
 Just same as he catchee me. 
 
 I tell you now, Melican am smart; 
 
 Catchee you by pigtail, he don't care, 
 With his footee under frock-tail, 
 
 Histee you high up in the air. 
 
 THE CREATOR. 
 
 Who knows the power of our Creator, 
 Or the works of the Holy one, 
 
 Who created all things here below 
 
 And governs the rising and setting sun? 
 
 34 
 
It is not for man to know, 
 
 Not even the number of our days; 
 
 It is enough for us to know 
 
 That we are governed by His ways. 
 
 We know there is an overruling power, 
 For He holds all things in His hands, 
 
 And the good He would have us do 
 Comes by the way of His command. 
 
 He gave us life, as we understand; 
 
 It's for the good of mankind, 
 That we may improve all our moments 
 
 And treasure up good for the mind. 
 
 If we try and obey his commands, 
 We are sure then to be blessed, 
 
 And receive the promise He has given, 
 That the weary shall then find rest. 
 
 CASTAWAYS. 
 
 Tom and Jed, two little lads, 
 Took it into their heads one day 
 
 To build them a little raft— 
 They went about it, as play. 
 
 While building their frail little raft 
 A question then between them arose — 
 
 To what part of the world they'd go 
 I tell you ! we'll go to Barbadoes. 
 
 Now the boat is nearly complete, 
 Nothing lacking but mast and sail ; 
 
 And a few articles of clothing — 
 
 Oh ! we must remember our dinner pail. 
 
 They lived by a small river, 
 With an island about midway; 
 
 They sailed for that very island, 
 And they soon became castaways. 
 
 They neglected to moor their raft, 
 While on the island, happy and gay; 
 
 Lo and behold ! to their great surprise 
 The frail little thing floated away. 
 
 35 
 
They being alarmed, commenced to shout; 
 
 Then neighbors, seeing the raft afloat, 
 Went for those two young lads, 
 
 And brought them back in a boat. 
 
 This to you I hope is a lesson : 
 
 Suppose you were on the high seas 
 
 To roam this wide world over, 
 
 And think you can do as you please? 
 
 Now young lads take my advice — 
 Never venture out on a frail raft; 
 
 And get the advice of your friends, 
 Or have a more substantial craft. 
 
 There are many like those little boys, 
 Who seldom ever stop to think 
 
 What lies in the path before them 
 When they, too, commence to sink. 
 
 There is many a frail thing — 
 Some will consider it but dross ; 
 
 If we should trust to its strength 
 We, too, might be forever lost. 
 
 IN THE WILDWOOD. 
 
 The loveliest scenes of our childhood 
 Are after they have passed away : 
 
 To think of the scenes in the wildwood 
 When we were hunting the grays. 
 
 Or if we chance to be after the fox 
 On some high snow-capped hill, 
 
 Crouched down by the side of a rock, 
 Waiting until our blood is chilled. 
 
 When we hear the baying of the hound 
 On the opposite side of the hill, 
 
 Then Reynard comes with a bound, 
 And we have his blood spilled. 
 
 But the scenes of my childhood — 
 How like vapor they pass away 
 
 As I am approaching old manhood, 
 For my hair is now getting grey. 
 
 36 
 
Although the scenes of my childhood 
 Have long- since passed away, 
 
 I feel like being in the wildwood 
 
 In the morn of a bright autumn day. 
 
 PINE GROVE CEMETERY. 
 
 In Pine Grove Cemetery, on Kiverside lawn, 
 Stands a monument with compass and square, 
 
 With the dates when they were born; 
 And some time we will be resting there. 
 
 On the north part of the lawn, 
 
 Where the glories of the setting sun 
 
 Will ever cast its beautiful rays, 
 As we are laid there, one by one. 
 
 Our bodies will rest there in peace, 
 When the soul has taken its flight, 
 
 Where pain and sorrow will ever cease, 
 In a home that is beautiful and bright. 
 
 Those who go there, if they must weep, 
 Should dry their tears and not despair. 
 
 Call on Him, who will ever keep, 
 For you, too, may be resting there. 
 
 It's but a reminder to the passer-by, 
 
 Where lie the forms of the dead; 
 For their souls have returned on high 
 
 With Him, who have suffered and bled. 
 
 THE ANGEI/S VOICE. 
 
 Listen to the angel's voice 
 We hear, or seem to hear, 
 
 The saints of heaven now rejoice — 
 To us how sweet and clear. 
 
 We'll listen to those noble strains 
 
 That vibrate in the air; 
 Those songs we used to sing 
 
 When at the house of prayer. 
 
 37 
 
Soft and gentle as a whisper, 
 
 As a voice from the dead, 
 From a brother or a sister 
 
 Comes hovering o'er our bed. 
 
 How oft we feel their presence 
 
 As they flit softly by ; 
 With outstretched wings content, 
 
 Without a murmur or a sigh. 
 
 Those voices, how like a whisper 
 
 That comes from the heavenly land ; 
 
 Like the voice of a sister 
 
 With a golden harp in hand; 
 
 With the touch of her gentle finger 
 
 On the bright silver cord, 
 Will cause the sound to linger 
 
 In the presence of our Lord. 
 
 How soft its melodious sound, 
 To help guide us here below, 
 
 And fit us for the crown, 
 To whom He will bestow. 
 
 Just the other side the gate, 
 
 We hear the sacred song; 
 Not long for us to wait 
 
 Before we join that happy throng. 
 
 As the secrets of the heart 
 
 To Him now are known ; 
 To some He will say depart, 
 
 While others He will own. 
 
 With a harp of a thousand strings 
 
 Will softly vibrate there, 
 With the chorus that we sing 
 
 While under His protecting care. 
 
 HAPPY THOUGHT. 
 
 As I wander I will ponder 
 On a happy by-and-by; 
 
 Of a summer over yonder, 
 
 Fraught with joy to you and I, 
 
 38 
 
Do not borrow grief or sorrow 
 In the hours that yet remain; 
 
 We shall know a glad tomorrow 
 If we seek for Heaven's gain. 
 
 Like a dream to me it seems, 
 As my thoughts soar on high; 
 
 For it's only across the stream, 
 When we come to die. 
 
 We need no gold when in the fold, 
 
 None to lose or gain ; 
 No sorrow or grief to borrow 
 
 While in heaven we remain. 
 
 When we are there, in His care, 
 There'll be no deaf or dumb, 
 
 No lame or blind shall we find 
 In the world to come. 
 
 AS WE SEE IT. 
 
 I have come out before you 
 
 To sing you a litle song; 
 It's all about the times 
 
 That are happening right along. 
 Now do not be surprised 
 
 While you listen to my lay, 
 I'll try and tell some truths 
 
 About the people of today. 
 
 We'll commence with the boys, 
 
 For they are smart as a rule ; 
 But maybe somewhat mischievous 
 
 When penned up in school. 
 The girls are very polite 
 
 When you meet them on the street. 
 But skating now is their delight, 
 
 For they dress fine and neat. 
 
 The young men are very smart, 
 But some appear like a dude, 
 
 And think there's none their equal 
 Or even half as shrewd. 
 
 39 
 
The young ladies soon find them out 
 And would not marry such a one, 
 
 To wait upon or be a drudge, 
 Or marry them for fun. 
 
 The doctor he is very quiet 
 
 When he deals out his pills ; 
 Sure to make you many calls 
 
 And then present his bill. 
 The undertaker has his trials 
 
 Amid the sobs and sighing : 
 One comfort he has then — 
 
 He lives by others dying. 
 
 From the cradle to the casket, 
 
 Whether we are lost or saved, 
 Ends a life however spent: 
 
 The form laid in the grave, 
 There to mould and slumber 
 
 We know not for how long. 
 Now good-bye, my friends, 
 
 For this ends my song. 
 
 UPS AND DOWNS. 
 
 There are many ups and downs 
 
 Upon this globe or sphere, 
 But many pleasures are to be found 
 
 In each succeeding year. 
 If we are brave and true 
 
 And act well the manly part, 
 We find a plenty then to do 
 
 That brings comfort to the heart. 
 
 There are many pleasing ways for all 
 
 If they will accept the right : 
 No reason they why we should fall 
 
 And become as the orange blight. 
 A tree is known by its fruit 
 
 When it first commences to bear. 
 Nourished from a tender shoot 
 
 In sunshine, rain and air. 
 
 There are many who come to naught 
 By idling their time away; 
 
 Like the fruit that chances to drop 
 And go to ruin and decaj r . 
 
 40 
 
MOTHER'S REST. 
 
 My mother's form is resting- there, 
 
 Her voice I know is still; 
 I am now listening* to her prayer 
 
 For I know it was her will. 
 She taught me in my early days 
 
 While I sat upon her knee, 
 If I shun all vice and sinful ways 
 
 What an honor it would be. 
 
 That I should always bear in mind 
 
 The advice she so freely gave: 
 That true hearts will then combine 
 
 Ere we slumber in the grave : 
 I seem to hear that gentle whisper 
 
 Come hovering o'er my bed; 
 How gladly would I have kissed her, 
 
 But I knew that she was dead. 
 
 A mother once so kind and true — 
 
 Her blessings I used to share : 
 She has gone, no more work to do, 
 
 And left to me her vacant chair. 
 I often think I hear her gentle voice ; 
 
 It now lingers in my ear ; 
 But it was the good Our Father's choice 
 
 To take from me my mother dear. 
 
 I miss my mother at my bed; 
 
 I miss her when in the hall ; 
 The many tears that I have shed 
 
 In the kitchen are the most of all. 
 She taught me to dust and sweep, 
 
 And mop the kitchen floor 
 It's in the kitchen I must weep 
 
 For I miss her more and more. 
 
 I look beyond and imagine I see 
 
 Her face now bright and fair, 
 Waiting and watching there for me 
 
 When I climb the golden stair. 
 We'll meet beneath that sparkling throne 
 
 Where no sins are to be found : 
 And beneath that dazzling dome 
 
 Forever to wear the crown. 
 
 41 
 
THE VIOLIN. 
 
 The violin, how pleasant are those sounds 
 
 That vibrate on our ear ; 
 As it seems to sooth our pain 
 
 And drive away our fear. 
 
 Drawn from those bright silver chords 
 With fingers pressed upon the strings, 
 
 And a gentle pressure on the bow, 
 Brings forth that melody we sing. 
 
 It brings to mind the long ago — 
 
 When I was but a child, 
 Walking with the girls to and fro, 
 
 When our faces wore a pleasant smile. 
 
 It was then but childish sport, 
 With our hearts full of glee, 
 
 To sing the sacred song of love 
 As the chorus used to be. 
 
 The violin, how sacred now its tone, 
 
 As 1 listen to its strain. 
 It is sacred to my heart, 
 
 As it lingers on my brain. 
 
 FROM DARK TO LIGHT. 
 
 We are passing down the lane, 
 
 We are nearing the setting sun: 
 Some in the height of earthly fame 
 
 Are passing off one by one ; 
 For this life is but a span, 
 
 And our earth work is nearly done, 
 For long has it been our Maker's plan 
 
 That we pass over one by one. 
 
 There to behold that shining shore, 
 
 Where love and peace forever reign ; 
 When our earthly toil is o'er 
 
 It's there we'll meet once again. 
 And with that robe of spotless white, 
 
 Shining forth as the dazzling sun, 
 Darkness will then turn to light, 
 
 When we pass over one by one. 
 
 42 
 
Our bodies rest in that quiet slumber 
 Beneath the shadows of the setting sun 
 
 We'll be reckoned with that number 
 That has passed over, one by one. 
 
 THE CHARLES RIVER. 
 
 Beautiful stream, that is silently winding 
 
 Through the meadows bright and free, 
 No rest wilt thou be finding 
 
 Till in the bottom of the sea. 
 For many years of mingled feeling, 
 
 Half at rest and half in strife, 
 Thou hast passed onward daily, winding, 
 
 Like the daily stream of life. 
 
 Thou hast taught me, silent stream, 
 
 Many a lesson deep and long; 
 That has flashed on many a screen, 
 
 Which I now convert into song. 
 Oft in sadness, and in weakness 
 
 I have watched thy streamlet glide, 
 Till the beauty of its fullness 
 
 Entered the broad ocean's tide. 
 
 There to roll in mighty billows, 
 
 Pressing onward side by side ; 
 The bottom rock will be thy pillow, 
 
 In the depth of the ocean wide. 
 While ships driven by the tempest, 
 
 With a ruling agent for a guide, 
 As a fond mother with her infant 
 
 Nestles it more snugly by her side. 
 
 More than this, thy name reminds me 
 
 Of many friends all true and tried ; 
 And thy name like magic binds thee 
 
 When flowing onward by my side. 
 Of friends my soul with joy remembers- 
 
 How like quivering flames they start, 
 As I fan the living embers 
 
 On the hearthstone of my heart. 
 
 43 
 
WHO IS THE HONEST MAN? 
 
 The world is moving on and on, 
 
 And with us all we have a plan, 
 But two rights will never mend a wrong, 
 
 As we must now all understand; 
 But we will take a wide survey, 
 
 As far as the eye can scan, 
 Then let our vision have a rest 
 
 When we have found an honest man. 
 
 There are those who will promise fair, 
 
 And we will believe just what they say, 
 No sooner when our back be turned — 
 
 Now let us see you get your pay. 
 We must all hope for the best, 
 
 Be wise and lay well our plan, 
 For among the rich and poor depressed, 
 
 We often find an honest man. 
 
 Among the schemers of the present day 
 
 We may think they've money to burn, 
 But their wealth will soon pass away, 
 
 For it's not money they have earned. 
 We must be sure and size them up, 
 
 And give them then to understand 
 Their words are vain and corrupt, 
 
 Like those of a dishonest man. 
 
 We search among the rich and poor, 
 
 And cast an eye on every hand ; 
 What can't be helped we must endure, 
 
 The same as in some foreign land. 
 Some strive for art, wealth, and treasure, 
 
 While many seek to till the land ; 
 But the noblest part of earthly pleasure 
 
 Is to live like an honest man. 
 
 BIRDS AND FASHION. 
 
 Oh, listen to that humming bird 
 
 While it gathers food from the flower; 
 
 See how its tiny wings pierce the air — 
 Buzz, buzz, while searching in the bower. 
 
 44 
 
It hangs its nest upon some tiny branch, 
 All lined with choicest down within; 
 
 Wherewith to lay her tiny eggs, 
 And then her sitting will begin. 
 
 Now listen to its tiny little wings 
 
 While they are cutting through the air; 
 With its many shades of velvet plumage — 
 
 To the eye there's nothing can compare. 
 Then with its long and slender beak, 
 
 For one moment resting in a flower, 
 Then darting here and there, buzz, buzz, 
 
 As it swiftly leaves the bower. 
 
 We know oftimes that fashions change 
 
 While some may say, What of that? 
 And have no pity for that beauty bird 
 
 That adorns the crown of her hat. 
 Then whip her poor little kitty dear, 
 
 And threaten her life — oh, how absurd — 
 If such a thing she'd ever do again 
 
 As to catch and kill that pretty bird. 
 
 Now, ladies, when the fashions change, 
 
 And the world is filled with pride, 
 That for the sake of frivolous fashion, 
 
 How many harmless birds have died ; 
 With all the fashions in our land, 
 
 How many stop to think of that? 
 Now for one I'll wear flowers and pearls, 
 
 Instead of birds on my hat. 
 
 WARNING THE FLY. 
 
 You must not come into our parlor, 
 
 Said the housemaid to the fly; 
 For surely you will bring disease, 
 
 Which may cause someone to die. 
 And you often soil our table linen 
 
 While searching for the sugar bowl, 
 Which tries my patience and goodne 
 
 How my mistress then will scold. 
 
 Now please heed just what I say, 
 For no other warning will I give, 
 
 The first one I chance to see 
 L am bound he shall not live. 
 
 45 
 
1 am bound to run this whole household 
 And every nook and corner scan, 
 
 Now dare not you be so bold, 
 As I have a fly bat in my hand. 
 
 I lay fly paper on the stand, 
 
 All covered o'er with goody sweet, 
 Be wise now, and shun my plan, 
 
 Or you will have sticky feet. 
 And if you enter in my room, 
 
 Just you walk upon the floor, 
 And watch the coming of the broom, 
 
 Then hasten for the door. 
 
 I will harm you not, Mr. Fly, 
 
 If you will just keep away, 
 For I labor hard and always try 
 
 To please my mistress day by day. 
 But she thought me rude and naughty 
 
 When I asked her for more pay. 
 She shook her head spiteful, haughty, 
 
 Then turned and walked away. 
 
 CORPORATION TAX. 
 
 I was answering calls at the telephone, 
 
 My sister she was washing dishes, 
 Brother Will was in the shed sawing wood, 
 
 And mother was mending father's breeches. 
 Father he had gone right into politics 
 
 And left the mining camps, 
 Knowing well he could learn their tricks — 
 
 How to fool and bribe the tramps. 
 
 The times were hard for us all, 
 
 As mother plied her needle taking stitches 
 And thinking how we all were small, 
 
 In her heart she wished for riches. 
 Father's heart then was full of joy, 
 
 He was bound to win the day; 
 As politics were well mixed with alloy, 
 
 He knew he could make it pay. 
 
 Then father took the state to stump, 
 And told the people what he'd do ; 
 
 That kept his friends on the jump 
 Until the election day was through. 
 
 46 
 
To the senate ! he has gained the day 
 And gave his friends many thanks, 
 
 Besides the honor, he will make it pay 
 And have wealth a plenty in the banks. 
 
 He has a scheme, it is something new, 
 
 Which they all can work like wax, 
 Frame a bill, and rush it through, 
 
 And at once secure a Corporation Tax. 
 They know there's wealth enough in store, 
 
 And money is what people are driving at, 
 It will reduce the valuation millions or more 
 
 By thus creating a Corporation Tax. 
 
 TENTING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND. 
 
 Tenting tonight on the old camp ground, 
 
 Give us a word to cheer 
 Our weary hearts, a word from home 
 
 And friends we love so dear. 
 Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, 
 
 Looking for the war to cease ; 
 Which would cheer each heart with delight 
 
 To see the dawn of peace. 
 
 Weary of the war on the old camp ground, 
 
 Waiting for the war to cease ; 
 While many a loved mother is sadly weeping 
 
 And now praying for peace, 
 That her dear loved one may return again, 
 
 Whom she may fondly caress, 
 While those that have suffered and died 
 
 May find a haven of rest. 
 
 We've been fighting today on the old camp ground, 
 
 And many are lying near ; 
 Some are dead and some are dying, 
 
 While many are in tears. 
 Dying tonight on the old camp ground, 
 
 Then their suffering will cease ; 
 While many comrades are kneeling around, 
 
 Offering up prayers for peace. 
 
 We're tenting tonight on the old camp ground, 
 
 Thinking of days gone by, 
 And of the loved ones we left at home, 
 
 Who often heave a sigh. 
 
 47 
 
Knowing full well by the sound of shot and shell 
 
 Someone must die ; 
 When borne from the battlefield we hear their moan, 
 
 With a faint good-bye. 
 
 Tenting tonight on the cold, damp ground — 
 
 Waiting for other volunteers ; 
 While our mothers are sobbing at home, 
 
 Through their dread and fears 
 While we are tenting tonight on the cold, damp ground 
 
 Waiting for the war to cease, 
 Oh give us once more that noble sound, 
 
 That we have a union of peace. 
 
 THE CHILD'S REQUEST. 
 
 Mama, hang my little dresses in the closet, 
 
 They'll do some day for Betty; she can wear, 
 And my little shoes I'll need them not, 
 
 While my little feet pass up the golden stair. 
 Tell my little sister when I am gone 
 
 That I'm not so very far away, 
 But the months and years may seem long, 
 
 While with me it is but a day. 
 
 Mama, I shall wait and watch for you, 
 
 And of sister you must take good care, 
 And when your life on earth is through 
 
 I'll meet you, coming up the golden stair ; 
 And sing the song you used to sing 
 
 While in my little cradle after prayer, 
 Of the pure litle angels dressed in white, 
 
 As they are passing up the golden stair. 
 
 Take my little hand in yours, dear mama, 
 
 And kiss me on my faded cheek, 
 Then lay me in my soft little cot, 
 
 And say your prayers, and I will repeat. 
 Now sing the hymn you used to sing 
 
 After we had said our evening prayer, 
 How the angel's voice will forever ring 
 
 While passing up the golden stair. 
 
 48 
 
Kiss for me my dear little sister, mamma ; 
 
 What for, now why must you weep? 
 I'm now in my soft little bed, 
 
 And feel I want to go to sleep. 
 My darling now is at rest, she's sleeping; 
 
 Her soul has taken its flight, over there ; 
 Among the angels she'll be watching 
 
 To meet me on the golden stair. 
 
 We must lay our darling now to rest, 
 
 For her soul has taken on its flight, 
 Where all is joy and none can molest, 
 
 When she has passed from our sight. 
 We shall miss her darling little footsteps, 
 
 And the soft curls she used to wear, 
 But with smiles again we shall meet her 
 
 While we are passing up the golden stair. 
 
 THE SOLDIER. 
 
 Come now, my brave young lads, 
 
 It's just the time for you 
 To gird on your war armor 
 
 And fight for the red, white and blue 
 Your fathers and uncles were brave, 
 
 Which made our country free, 
 And left it in your care 
 
 For the care of others, you see. 
 
 By the saddened hearts of your mothers 
 
 Which made our noble country free, 
 And kept secure our independence, 
 
 Which pledged it then to thee. 
 Now put on your war armor, 
 
 It's the time now for you, 
 And rally around our noble banner, 
 
 Which is the red, white and blue. 
 
 For it's our star spangled banner, 
 
 And long will it ever wave, 
 Independent of all nations, 
 
 And the banner of the brave. 
 Now let your brave voices ring, 
 
 For your uncles they were brave, 
 And prepare for the coming battles 
 
 Wherever old glory may wave. 
 
 49 
 
It's the duty of each noble heart — 
 
 A duty now left for you; 
 Gird on well your war armor 
 
 And bear forth the red, white and blue. 
 Then rally around our standard bearer, 
 
 With brave, noble hearts so true, 
 In honor of our dear native country 
 
 And bear forth the red, white and blue. 
 
 DEPARTED FRIENDS. 
 
 When we lay our friends away 
 
 It will cause a mourning sigh, 
 But our joy will come again 
 
 When we meet them, by-and-by. 
 This world is not our home, 
 
 It's but a place where we stay 
 And prepare for that future life 
 
 When we are thus laid away. 
 
 The scenes of this life here 
 
 Oft will cause tears to flow, 
 When our friends are laid away, 
 
 There to receive the sunset glow. 
 But their souls return to God, 
 
 Free from all this earthly pain. 
 Where the righteous will ever dwell — 
 
 It is there we will meet again. 
 
 Where that bright light will shine 
 
 When we have crossed the bar, 
 And find our many friends waiting 
 
 By the gate that stands ajar. 
 With their glowing light of peace. 
 
 As their crowns are sparkling there. 
 To invite us on our way, 
 
 Which they wish us to share. 
 
 There are many now waiting there 
 
 Who send their lights to me : 
 The light of their peaceful joy 
 
 Are those lights I often see. 
 Which cheer me on my way ; 
 
 Where their souls now are free 
 And quiet in their loving peace, 
 
 As they send their smiles to me. 
 50 
 
THE SUMMER TIME. 
 
 We are like the lily of the valley — 
 
 When young how noble and sublime. 
 We put on our noble beauty 
 
 As the flowers in summer time, 
 But in age frost will appear, 
 
 Our beauty then will fade away 
 Like the lily of the valley, 
 
 That will soon droop and decay. 
 
 Our life here is not lasting, 
 
 It's but for a space of time. 
 Then we'll pass to that beyond 
 
 Where the sun will always shine. 
 Then our souls will bloom again 
 
 On that bright and shining shore, 
 Where we'll enjoy that loving peace 
 
 Which will endure forevermore. 
 
 In all its peaceful, loving splendor, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine, ' 
 We'll put on our joyful beauty, 
 
 Like the blossoms in summer time. 
 Pure as the bright morning rose 
 
 Our souls will be flitting there, 
 Clothed in the light of love, 
 
 Which we all then will share. 
 
 There our songs will blend together, 
 
 Free from all sin and woes, 
 In all our peaceful shining beauty, 
 
 Which are stamped upon the rose. 
 There we'll find our peaceful rest, 
 
 In that bright and fairy clime, 
 As the flowers that bloom in spring 
 
 But will not fade in summer time. 
 
 FIRST AND LAST. 
 
 When I go down that peaceful valley 
 
 She will come and meet me there, 
 With her kind and loving smile, 
 
 And those ringlets of her hair. 
 In all her childlike beauty 
 
 Which she then had for me. 
 Pure as a bright morning lily, 
 
 While resting on her mother's knee. 
 
 51 
 
"Which then cheered my youthful heart 
 
 With her smiles then I see, 
 Not knowing of the coming future 
 
 That she was meant for me. 
 In our young and tender years 
 
 We often walked side by side, 
 Then Cupid smiled on us both, 
 
 Saying she'll make a noble bride. 
 
 He knew the secret of each heart, 
 
 That her love was for me, 
 And placed that smile on her cheek 
 
 While resting on her mother's knee. 
 Which lent sunshine to my heart 
 
 More lasting than the fragrant rose, 
 And more beautiful in its splendor — 
 
 That was why : then I did propose. 
 
 But now her life has passed away, 
 
 Which fills my eyes with gloom, 
 As her form is resting there, 
 
 In that lone and silent tomb. 
 And her smiles have passed beyond, 
 
 Where again I soon will see 
 In all its lifelike beauty — 
 
 As when on her mother's knee. 
 
 MOTHER OF LIFE. 
 
 Nature is the mother of life — 
 
 We can see it every day : 
 The buds and flowers come forth 
 
 Then drop to earth and decay. 
 It's the same with mortal man : 
 
 We have our work to do, 
 As the flowers of mortal earth, 
 
 Then our journey will be through. 
 
 We rise from the tender branch 
 
 And sparkle in the morning dew, 
 With the sunshine in our hearts, 
 
 Until our journey then is through. 
 Like the forest leaves of earth, 
 
 When we are old and grey, 
 Look forth for that sunny side, 
 
 When our forms are laid away. 
 
 52 
 
We'll go forth in noble splendor, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine, 
 And cast aside our earthly gloom 
 
 In that bright and fairy clime ; 
 Where our love will bloom again, 
 
 More lasting than our earthly rose, 
 Which blights and falls to earth, 
 
 Where it rests in calm repose. 
 
 Where that bright light will shine 
 
 Through that long and endless day, 
 Will be no drooping, fragrant flowers 
 
 Which will wither and fade away. 
 In that life of peaceful rest 
 
 The secret of all will be known, 
 With no hardship there to molest, 
 
 While He sits on the throne. 
 
 A GIFT. 
 
 It's a gift which came to me 
 
 From that yet unknown sea, 
 Where its peaceful waters sparkle 
 
 As the dewdrops upon the trees ; 
 Which sends its light of peace, 
 
 While I am left here alone, 
 Which carries my thoughts far away 
 
 To that peaceful joy yet unknown. 
 
 While I wait here I often wonder 
 
 For what are those light I see — 
 Are they the light of eternal life, 
 
 Which are sent here to me 
 To cheer up my lonely heart — 
 
 For what else can it be? 
 That we may know their loving cheer 
 
 While they beckon there for me. 
 
 On that bright and shining shore, 
 
 Where the weary will find rest 
 When this mortal toil is o'er, 
 
 With none there which will molest : 
 On that sunny side of life, 
 
 Free from all this earthly pain, 
 Where our joy will be lasting. 
 
 Free from all sin and shame. 
 
 53 
 
To share that life of peace 
 
 When our forms are laid away, 
 Which will then be everlasting — 
 
 Through that long and eternal day. 
 Where those songs of loving cheer 
 
 Will vibrate through the air, 
 Which will cast aside this earthly gloom 
 
 Of our lone and vacant chair. 
 
 MY MOTHER. 
 
 We know not the love of a mother, 
 
 With her kind and tender heart, 
 Or her thoughts in our early childhood 
 
 Until we are called to part. 
 It all returns to us again 
 
 When our locks have grown grey, 
 As we view that silent spot 
 
 Where she has been laid away. 
 
 Our thoughts go back to childhood, 
 
 Of the scenes of years ago ; 
 When the smile was on her cheek 
 
 x4s she rocked us to and fro. 
 With her kind and loving smile, 
 
 Which clung to her careworn cheek, 
 While we strayed into dreamland 
 
 And were then soon fast asleep. 
 
 Free from the cares of life, 
 
 To struggle on our lifehood plain, 
 Whatsoever we may sow or reap, 
 
 We nevermore will do again. 
 Then cast aside this mortal form 
 
 And rest beside our mother there, 
 To join again her purer love, 
 
 Which we all again will share. 
 
 Where there'll be no cruel wars, 
 
 No hearts that will suffer pain, 
 While we are resting peacefully there, 
 
 Free from all guilt and shame. 
 Where the sun will be shining 
 
 When we greet that mother there. 
 With those smiles on her cheeks, 
 
 And the ringlets of her hair. 
 
 .VI 
 
WILLIE. 
 
 Willie, the warcry now is sounding, 
 
 And you've made no reply 
 To the cause of our noble country — 
 
 As her words sparkled in his eye. 
 My noble, loving, black-eyed Susan, 
 
 Do you think I am insane, 
 Or lack that manhood courage, 
 
 Why you should thus proclaim? 
 
 My love now is with you — 
 
 The flush rose to his cheeks : 
 I lack not that manhood courage 
 
 Of which you now doth speak. 
 I will now prepare for war, 
 
 My heart is brave and true, 
 And lack not that moral courage — 
 
 I honor the red, white and blue. 
 
 He then girded on the war armor, 
 
 His eyes flushed with manly hue : 
 Here's my hand, my true love, 
 
 I will now bid you adieu. 
 With that pressure of his hand 
 
 Her eyes they filled with tears, 
 Which she knew would be lasting 
 
 For the space of untold years. 
 
 She tried to smile as they parted, 
 
 Saying I will often think of you, 
 Though I may be broken hearted, 
 
 While you are brave and true. 
 May your smiles rest on your cheeks, 
 
 With the confidence I have in you, 
 That your life will be spared 
 
 While you bear the red, white and blue. 
 
 OLD AGE. 
 
 I am eighty three years of age — 
 
 It all returns now to me 
 On the leaves of memory page, 
 
 When I rested on my mother's knee. 
 
 55 
 
From early childhood to manhood 
 I struggled on, early and late, 
 
 Then in the shade of twilight 
 
 I found my sweetheart at the gate. 
 
 With her smiles on her cheeks, 
 
 Which she always had for me 
 From the time I first saw her, 
 
 When resting on her mother's knee. 
 Fair as a fresh blooming lily, 
 
 Her cheeks like the morning rose, 
 While her hair hung in ringlets — 
 
 To her I then did propose. 
 
 She proved the joy of my life 
 
 Through all our fifty seven years, 
 Then our Heavenly Father called her 
 
 And left me here in tears. 
 She oft returns with her vision 
 
 From that vapor which I see, 
 And brings to me her smiles 
 
 As when on her mother's knee. 
 
 I will watch the silent stars above, 
 
 She must be somewhere there, 
 With a smile as on her mother's knee, 
 
 Which she wishes me to share. 
 When I go down that peaceful valley 
 
 She will come and meet me there, 
 With her kind and loving smile, 
 
 And those ringlets of her hair. 
 
 ANXIOUS MOTHER. 
 
 There are hearts now growing weary 
 
 For loved ones in the east, 
 Who are now in sorrow weeping, 
 
 While praying for the dawn of peace. 
 By some kind and loving mother— 
 
 For her son that's far away, 
 Who has crossed the briny ocean, 
 
 And there must forever stay. 
 
 56 
 
Bright hopes are with her now 
 
 That this cruel war may cease, 
 And bring back his loving smiles 
 
 With that bright dawn of peace. 
 Thus she must weep in sorrow 
 
 As each day will roll by, 
 For those now engaged in battle — 
 
 Who she now knows must die. 
 
 While she must thus be weeping 
 And dreaming o'er the battle cry, 
 
 Some brave and noble mother's son 
 Will be left there to die, 
 
 With no fond mother's caresses : 
 But by that All-Seeing Eye 
 
 Who has given in His word — 
 
 It's for all once to die 
 
 And pass to that haven of rest 
 
 Where there'll be no wars to cease. 
 All governed by that pure love, 
 
 In that paradise of loving peace. 
 With no heartfelt, sorrowing pain 
 
 O'er that kind, loving mother's son 
 Naught but love, joy and peace 
 
 As we pass over one by one. 
 
 LOVE AT SIGHT. 
 
 As we were walking in the meadow 
 
 Her lovelight came to me, 
 With that smile on her cheek, 
 
 While she sat on my knee. 
 Our hearts were full of joy, 
 
 Which made our love more sublime, 
 But many rugged hills in future 
 
 We both would have to climb. 
 
 But beyond those high, lofty peaks 
 
 We'll find there a fertile plain, 
 Which will enrich the hearts of lovers 
 
 And brighten up their lover's chain. 
 We then joined heart and hand, 
 
 And traveled to that fertile plain, 
 Where the sun was brightly shining, 
 
 Without the slightest fear of shame. 
 
 57 
 
Where the virtues of life will abide, 
 
 And reap the golden harvest there 
 Which brings back that loving smile 
 
 That we all again may share. 
 That loving life of pure delight, 
 
 On that bright and shining plain, 
 Where we'll rest in peaceful love, 
 
 Surrounded by our lover's chain. 
 
 Where our joy will be lasting, 
 
 Beyond that western sunset glow, 
 Together in that peaceful sunshine, 
 
 Free from all our sin and woe. 
 Where the light of life is shining 
 
 All clouds will then disappear, 
 And leave us the sunny side 
 
 With no winters cold and drear. 
 
 DREAMS. 
 
 Why do we so often dream? 
 
 It's the wandering of the mind, 
 Which carries our thoughts far away, 
 
 To that yet fair unknown clime ; 
 As a visionary thought of peace, 
 
 Which is cheering to the mind 
 And paints the way of life, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine. 
 
 We can not comprehend its meaning, 
 
 It's not for us yet to know ; 
 It may be a visionary thought 
 
 Which reflects as the sunset glow 
 Of that pure life to come 
 
 Beyond that sparkling vapor there, 
 Where our joy will be lasting, 
 
 As none on earth can compare. 
 
 It is but our human thought, 
 
 Which is from God to man, 
 To guide us on our way, 
 
 Where we will the better understand 
 The ways of life in the future, 
 
 Beyond that dark cloud we see, 
 Where that light will always shine — 
 
 There'll be a place for me. 
 
Where our thoughts will ever dwell 
 
 In love and peace forever there, 
 With no thought of earthly gloom — 
 
 O'er a lone and vacant chair ; 
 But be as one in perfect love, 
 
 With no sorrow, pain or woe ; 
 Which will reflect back to earth 
 
 As that of the sunset glow. 
 
 PLEASING WIFE. 
 
 My wife, who now is dead and gone, 
 
 Was as pleasing as could be 
 From the time I first saw her 
 
 When resting on her mother's knee. 
 She carried that smile of joy, 
 
 Which pleased many then to see, 
 And in her last dying moments 
 
 She then left a smile for me. 
 
 There were days of peaceful joy, 
 
 Her cheeks were like the rose, 
 And her smiles would ease my pain 
 
 When disheartened or ill disposed. 
 Her eyes sparkled in the twilight — 
 
 She was noble, she was brave, 
 Doing whatso'er was right, 
 
 And many deeds of kindness gave. 
 
 Prudent in her household duties. 
 
 That nothing should go to waste, 
 Which made life that peaceful joy ; 
 
 With that smile upon her face 
 Which I never will forget 
 
 While here on earth I stay, 
 Or the smile she left for me 
 
 The day that they laid her away. 
 
 When I shall leave this world, 
 
 She will come and meet me there. 
 With that same kind, loving smile 
 
 And those ringlets of her hair; 
 Pure as that once bridal rose, 
 
 With no hearts that will pain, 
 Beyond this cruel world of woe 
 
 I'll enjoy her cheerful smiles again. 
 
 59 
 
THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER. 
 
 The last rose of summer, 
 
 As it slowly fades away, 
 Brings back the memory of youth — 
 
 When we were young and gay. 
 Of the joy of its beauty, 
 
 Which must soon droop and decay — 
 And lose all its beauty, 
 
 Like man when growing grey. 
 
 And as the sparkling dewdrop, 
 
 Which we recall to mind, 
 How it soon fades away 
 
 W T hen the sun begins to shine. 
 For it is not long lasting 
 
 On a bright summer morn : 
 It's the same likewise with man, 
 
 A few years after being born. 
 
 Through all our childhood loneliness, 
 
 W T hich must soon fade away, 
 And cheer up the hope of manhood, 
 
 Although we now are growing grey 
 We'll leave the wake of our goodness 
 
 For many a livelong day, 
 For the reflection of others 
 
 After we've been laid away. 
 
 The last rose of summer, 
 
 W T hich seems the most sublime — ■ 
 We appreciate not its goodness 
 
 Until life has ceased to shine ; 
 Or the voice of aged parents, 
 
 Although they now are grey, 
 May not be missed by others 
 
 Until they've been laid away. 
 
 THE HEREAFTER. 
 
 We'll be resting here below 
 
 Until the storms are o'er. 
 Then we'll embark on our journey 
 
 Which leads to that shining shore. 
 
 60 
 
The vessel is new, it's ever true, 
 What would we ask for more? 
 
 It has landed many a thousand, 
 It's able to land many more. 
 
 Every billow tells as we mount its swell, 
 
 While we watch for that shining" shore, 
 Where peace and love will ever dwell, 
 
 And sin shall be no more. 
 Though the distance may be great, 
 
 We are sure to cross the bar, 
 Where we'll find all pure in waiting — 
 
 Inside the gate that stands ajar. 
 
 Without sorrow, dread or fear, 
 
 We will watch the pearly gate, 
 Where myriads have gone before ; 
 
 With anxious hearts we'll wait 
 The summons of the Master's call ; 
 
 With joy and peace we'll enter in 
 To the paradise prepared for all 
 
 Who are freed then from their sin. 
 
 Where joy and peace will never end, 
 
 Or sorrow enter the heart. 
 While forever all our loving friends 
 
 Will never again be called to part. 
 For joy there reigns supreme — 
 
 And there'll be no cause to mourn 
 While we view the scenes above, 
 
 Before that bright and dazzling throne. 
 
 THE BROKEN LINK. 
 
 There's a broken link somewhere; 
 
 One part has now flown away, 
 Which once bound two noble hearts together 
 
 Until they both were old and grey. 
 That link was then well worn, 
 
 For it was one of our bridal chain, 
 But alas ! now it is parted, 
 
 We'll never need it more again. 
 
 That link was of that fine old stock 
 We've oft heard the people tell, 
 
 When they wore their homespun frock, 
 While the wooden bucket hung in the well. 
 
 61 
 
Long before many railroads were built, 
 Or many of the present cotton mills, 
 
 While that time has gone and past, 
 Its memory remains with me still. 
 
 That link has always stood the test, 
 
 And a long time been true, I see, 
 While the part that has flown away, 
 
 Will be waiting there for me. 
 Just across that shining river 
 
 That link again I'll see, 
 Now inside those pearly gates, 
 
 Where now it's waiting for me. 
 
 Free from all its earthly care, 
 
 And blooming as a bridal rose, 
 With no hardship now on earth, 
 
 Or ills to obstruct or oppose. 
 That link will grow brighter and brighter still, 
 
 Inside of that wide open door, 
 Where peace and love will ever reign 
 
 Until time with all shall be no more. 
 
 QUIET HOME. 
 
 I am sitting in my quiet home, 
 
 Watching the days go by ; 
 And thinking of the days of my youth, 
 
 Of its many scenes and heave a sigh. 
 From the cradle to that of manhood 
 
 Every day brings to light something new, 
 Which carries my thoughts on and onward, 
 
 And I find something I can do — 
 
 Which brings back that vigor of life, 
 
 And lends strength to the sluggish brain, 
 That cheers the thought of my childhood, 
 
 Which I nevermore will see again. 
 But I'll watch for the sunny side, 
 
 Though our winter may be cold and drear, 
 Which may cause life's light to shine, 
 
 And give to the heart good cheer. 
 
 While we are on the sunny side 
 There'll be no lack of good cheer. 
 
 As the brain is full of love — 
 We have nothing to fear. 
 
 62 
 
While the spark of life is shining, 
 It will help pass our time away. 
 
 And leave no cause for our repining 
 At the close of each sunshiny day. 
 
 As it builds up the vigor of life, 
 
 And takes away our aches and pains, 
 Which leaves our hearts full of joy, 
 
 That we'll see the morning light again. 
 As I now approach my nearing end 
 
 This much now I have to say, 
 Through all my long journey of life — 
 
 I have not thrown my time away. 
 
 ONE WHOM I LOVE. 
 
 There's but one that I ever loved, 
 
 And she is with me here today. 
 And that love has been ever true, 
 
 Which shall remain until we are laid away. 
 She's been the lover of my heart, 
 
 And I know she loves me still, 
 As down the declining hill of life 
 
 To forget it I know she never will. 
 
 We've had our ups and downs in life, 
 
 Now we are on the level plain, 
 Watching for the western sunset glow, 
 
 Never to retrace our footsteps again. 
 Now we'll watch for the rising sun, 
 
 While it speeds on toward the west, 
 And rest our thoughts on its beauty, 
 
 Until we are called home to rest. 
 
 We'll count the days and weeks go by, 
 
 And watch the western sunset glow, 
 With peace and love toward every one — 
 
 Until we are called to go. 
 Then we'll pass over that shining river, 
 
 Watching well its incoming tide, 
 Which will float us across the bar. 
 
 And land us safe on the other side. 
 
 63 
 
And leave this dreary world here below, 
 
 While we watch the guiding star, 
 Which will bring peace to us all, 
 
 While being guided by that light afar. 
 As we watch each western sunset glow, 
 
 Which reflects from that distance afar, 
 Mingled with that glorious light now shining 
 
 Through the gate that stands ajar. 
 
 THE EASTERN STAR. 
 
 We'll watch that star in the east, 
 
 Which is to light us from afar ; 
 In honor of Him who brought us peace, 
 
 And is guide to the gate ajar. 
 In the soft twilight of the evening, 
 
 As we watch the sunset glow, 
 Which carries our thoughts far away, 
 
 To the place we soon must go. 
 
 As through all the many years gone by 
 
 The past now seems but a dream, 
 But the future lies just in sight, 
 
 When we must pass over the stream, 
 And leave behind us all worldly care, 
 
 For a brighter place to us unknown, 
 As we watch that bright guiding star, 
 
 That reflects from that dazzling throne. 
 
 As we watch for the sunset glow, 
 
 Then will appear the evening star, 
 Which by our faith we may know, 
 
 Will be our guide to the gate ajar. 
 In that short space of the evening, 
 
 When the clouds all pass away, 
 And our hearts are free from pain, 
 
 We'll know we've not long to stay. 
 
 We'll watch the light in the distance, 
 
 Where that star will then appear, 
 That will guide us all on our way, 
 
 And leave this world, cold and drear. 
 We'll watch that star of the evening, 
 
 As it travels on its way to the east, 
 Where our reward will then be given, 
 
 Which will be the dawn of peace. 
 
 64 
 
LIFE. 
 
 Life is but a single day, 
 
 Compare it with the sun, 
 While our journey on this earth 
 
 From morn till night our work is done. 
 In the morn of life we rise, 
 
 And search the broad heavens through, 
 Amid the scenes of love and joy 
 
 We find enough on earth to do. 
 
 Like the sun, life has its way, 
 
 Oft obscured by mist or cloud, 
 Then shines forth in noble spendor 
 
 Until it sets within its shroud; 
 And reflects back to earth its splendor 
 
 Of that life, as the sunset glow 
 Sends back its love of eternal peace, 
 
 Whereby we all may know. 
 
 Life with many shows not its splendor, 
 
 As they have much to endure 
 Which makes life but a dreary waste 
 
 As they remain, thus making life obscure; 
 While the sunshine of their noble heart 
 
 Sending not forth its shining rays, 
 May cause many thus to part, 
 
 And drift away in misty haze. 
 
 At the close of life, or sunset, 
 
 Which reflects back to earth its glow. 
 Let it be all grief or sunshine, 
 
 We must all be prepared to go. 
 Whether life beams with pure sunshine, 
 
 Or be it o'ertaken with gloom, 
 All at last must then become silent, 
 
 While the body rests in the tomb. 
 
 WAITING AND WATCHING. 
 
 Many moons will rise and set, 
 After we are both laid away, 
 
 There's one thing we'll not forget, 
 Many another's hair is turning grey. 
 
 65 
 
Though our steps now are feeble, 
 
 Our minds yet are clear, 
 Of the future now in store, 
 
 We'll have nothing then to fear. 
 
 The sunlight now is shining, 
 
 Which bids us welcome here, 
 No cause for us repining, 
 
 Among friends we love so dear. 
 Sometimes the day may look gloomy, 
 
 But the sun will again appear, 
 Which brings comfort to the heart, 
 
 That tells us we are welcome here. 
 
 Now is the sunny side of life, 
 
 Though the winters are cold and drear, 
 We'll try to shun all worldly strife, 
 
 And be content while we are here. 
 Many moons may rise and set, 
 
 While our forms are laid away, 
 Though the time may now be set 
 
 For us to rise — the judgment day. 
 
 We are waiting for time to pass away, 
 
 The day or hour none will know, 
 Therefore we'll wait in silent thought, 
 
 Until we'll be called to go. 
 We'll now watch for the setting sun, 
 
 Which reflects back its sunset glow, 
 And wait with patience one by one, 
 
 Until we are called to go. 
 
 WHY I LOVED. 
 
 You ask why I love you — 
 
 Go ask the creeping vine 
 Why it loves the forest trees 
 
 Where it now seeks to climb. 
 Ask the birds of the forest, 
 
 They all will tell you true, 
 It's the way of their nature — 
 
 That's why I love you. 
 
 66 
 
Ask the wild flowers in blossom 
 
 Why they put forth their charms 
 It's the same with our nature — 
 
 Why we clasp each other's arms. 
 It's a gift from God to man, 
 
 And we both know it's true, 
 The honey-bee seeks the flower, 
 
 That's why I embrace you. 
 
 Nature is kind to all the world, 
 
 It feeds the rich and poor, 
 And places flowers on the earth, 
 
 That they in time will mature. 
 It is thus with my love, 
 
 I must now tell you true, 
 When all nature is in bloom 
 
 I will come and marry you. 
 
 Then like the flowers and vines, 
 
 We both must have our day, 
 Until the frost of death appears, 
 
 Then we must be laid away. 
 Thus life with all is short, 
 
 Each one has its given day, 
 Then droop and fall to earth, 
 
 And there slowly pass away. 
 
 HER LAST WORDS. 
 
 I'll never forget her last moments, 
 
 With that silent teardrop in her eye, 
 As she struggled to reach my hand 
 
 And utter her last good-bye. 
 As the smile which remained on her cheek, 
 
 Which caused me to heave a sigh, 
 Though she nevermore can speak, 
 
 What a relief to me could I but die. 
 
 Those kind words she nevermore can speak, 
 
 As death's dewdrop is in her eye, 
 Aiid her slow, loving, smiling words 
 
 Which came from the heart good-bye. 
 I must be sad and lonely now 
 
 Without those kind, loving smiles on her cheek, 
 While I'll oft sit listening for those words 
 
 Which she nevermore can speak. 
 
 67 
 
That smile is now with me still ; 
 
 Though her form has been laid away, 
 Which brings cheer to my lone heart, 
 
 Were the last words I heard her say. 
 Though life's loving chord now is broken, 
 
 And by the thought I oft heave a sigh, 
 As through my wandering dreams at night 
 
 I hear her last smiling word — good-bye. 
 
 There's love and joy in many a heart, 
 
 But in sorrow we oft heave a sight, 
 As the chord of life must be severed, 
 
 We look for the last word, good-bye. 
 In death we should look for love and cheer ; 
 
 While farewell with a long drawn sigh, 
 Will never take the place in our thoughts 
 
 Like that last spoken word, good-bye. 
 
 OUR HOME. 
 
 Our home is bright and fair, 
 
 It's been a life of cheer, 
 With all the joy we have seen, 
 
 We feel we are welcome here 
 By friends that are kind and true, 
 
 Who often lend a helping hand, 
 To assist in time of need, 
 
 In our own household band. 
 
 Which makes life on our part 
 
 Full of love, joy and peace; 
 While on this earth we dwell 
 
 May our joy continue to increase. 
 WTiich brings comfort within our hearts 
 
 To know we've won a prize, 
 Well laid up now in future, 
 
 As a part of our paradise. 
 
 There's joy and peace on earth, 
 
 With many a kind, loving friend, 
 Which carries our thoughts afar, 
 
 To where there'll be no end. 
 With no winter's cold and chill 
 
 To fill our hearts with pain, 
 But look forth with honest thoughts — 
 
 Why should we for once complain? 
 
 68 
 
While we have the best of care, 
 
 With a home snug and warm, 
 And breathe the fresh, pure air, 
 
 Well sheltered from each coming storm, 
 We'll enjoy life while we can, 
 
 Though the winter is cold and chill ; 
 Knowing full well our Maker's plan — 
 
 We will abide by His will. 
 
 THE WILD FLOWER. 
 
 There's a wild flower blooms in the forest, 
 
 Down by a gentle flowing stream, 
 Where the nightingale pipes its plaintiff notes 
 
 As I slumber in my midnight dream, 
 Which relieves my heart of sorrow 
 
 And quickens the blood in my veins 
 With the love of my fond mother 
 
 Whom I never more shall see again. 
 
 Beneath the shades of a starlight night, 
 
 Where the gentle dewdrops must fall 
 To nourish each flower and branch, 
 
 Though they be many, great or small. 
 It brings delight to many a thought 
 
 Which once filled my heart with pain, 
 For the lack of a kind loving mother 
 
 That I shall never more see again. 
 
 Those flowers that bloom in the forest, 
 
 My mother once worshipped for years, 
 And as I inhale their loving fragrance — 
 
 Often bring to my eyes floods of tears. 
 When I think of the smiles on her lips 
 
 It sends that love to my brain ; 
 Of those smiles that are past and gone 
 
 That I'll never see on earth again. 
 
 Those flowers that bloom in the forest, 
 
 By the frost will soon be carried away, 
 Like all the bloom of our nature, 
 
 Which will drop to earth and decay. 
 That will relieve our hearts of sorrow 
 
 And all our former aches and pains. 
 To meet my mother there on high 
 
 And see her loving smiles again. 
 
 69 
 
MY MOTHER. 
 
 My mother who is dead and gone, 
 
 And been carried away from me, 
 In the light of the resurrection morn 
 
 Will be beckoning then to me 
 With outstretched arms of peaceful love, 
 
 And free from all earthly pain, 
 To guide me through the lonely valley, 
 
 Where we shall meet once again. 
 
 To fold me in her arms, 
 
 And receive once more her smiles, 
 That once greeted me on earth, 
 
 When I was but a feeble child 
 And knew not the ways of life, 
 
 Which were laid up in store — 
 That leads to happiness and peace, 
 
 On that bright and shining shore. 
 
 Oh ! those pleasant visions haunt me, 
 
 As I view those heavenly scenes, 
 In the distance, across the valley, 
 
 Which reflects to me in my dreams 
 Of that bright and shining shore, 
 
 Where peace and love forever reign; 
 Which brings for me a paradise — 
 
 To meet my mother once again. 
 
 And live forever in peaceful bliss 
 
 In the realms in yonder sky, 
 Where none again will ere molest 
 
 Or we be called upon to die. 
 When we leave this vain world, 
 
 Our earth work will be done, 
 Then we'll share in the future 
 
 By passing over one by one. 
 
 LIFE'S PICTURE. 
 
 Here is a good life-size picture 
 
 That has journeyed across the plain, 
 
 Which once bore the mark of health, 
 Of which we now must explain : 
 
 70 
 
Were a couple sixteen and twenty three, 
 I'll not give to you their names, 
 
 That have worked their way along, 
 
 With slight education for fortune's gain. 
 
 It's a picture of love and joy 
 
 Which flashes back upon the screen, 
 From twenty three to eighty years, 
 
 Which have passed as a happy dream. 
 Without the lack of that will power 
 
 That many often seek to obtain, 
 Which would force the beating heart 
 
 To come in contact with the brain. 
 
 Satisfied with their daily walks in life, 
 
 As they labored hard day by day 
 To gain a foothold on the heights 
 
 Ere their hair was growing grey; 
 With the future then well in view, 
 
 To lay aside what they could spare 
 For the sake of friends they knew, 
 
 Of which each must have a share. 
 
 It has been a life of peaceful joy, 
 
 Though they lack the art of fame, 
 But with honest, upright, cheerful hearts, 
 
 Will leave behind an honored name, 
 Which is worth more in this world 
 
 Than wealth by ill-gotten gain, 
 And bring cheer to each their hearts 
 
 To leave a good, righteous name. 
 
 I MISS HER. 
 
 She has been my companion 
 
 All those fifty seven years, 
 I wish I was laid beside her 
 
 Instead of my shedding tears. 
 I never could miss her then, 
 
 If her lot I could share, 
 To live in peace and love, 
 
 And leave two vacant chairs. 
 
 May we meet in yonder realms, 
 That are bright and fair, 
 
 To clasp hands once more again, 
 And pass up the golden stair. 
 
 71 
 
There'll be no tears there to shed, 
 In those bright realms over there, 
 
 As our former love will extend, 
 And each will have its share. 
 
 I'm lonely now in my home, 
 
 With the sorrow I must bear, 
 For her form I will now see, 
 
 Where she left her vacant chair. 
 But her fond love will remain, 
 
 Which will linger in my heart, 
 While we both have lived together 
 
 Until death caused us to part. 
 
 In my sorrow as I weep 
 
 Her love remains with me still, 
 Which will cheer my lone heart, 
 
 For it was her Maker's will. 
 While Eer form is resting there, 
 
 It will suffer no more pain, 
 For her soul has gone home 
 
 Waiting there till we meet again. 
 
 HER LAST HOUR. 
 
 I held her hand in mine, 
 
 As her life slowly ebbed away. 
 With that grief within my heart, 
 
 But no word could she say. 
 Then the thought came to me, 
 
 When she stood by my side, 
 With our hands clasped together, 
 
 As she promised to be my bride. 
 
 While we promised to love and obey, 
 
 With that love within each heart, 
 Through all those many years, 
 
 Until death should us part. 
 With her hand clasped in mine, 
 
 Though unconscious as she lay, 
 I made my promise purely true, 
 
 As her life slowly ebbed away, 
 
 Though sadness will linger o'er me 
 
 While we thus must part, 
 That bright hope in the future 
 
 Is a relief to my lone heart. 
 
 72 
 
But that sadness will turn to joy, 
 And from it we must refrain, 
 
 With that promise of the future 
 That we sure will meet again. 
 
 While her body rests in the tomb, 
 
 Her soul will hover o'er me, 
 To give my lone heart cheer, 
 
 Though her form I can not see. 
 While in her new paradise home, 
 
 Since her soul is now free, 
 Which was given by our Eedeemer, 
 
 There in peace she waits for me. 
 
 HER PICTURE. 
 
 I often view her picture there, 
 
 Which gives my heart good cheer, 
 And think of her loving smiles 
 
 As though she was with me here. 
 It helps buoy up my lonely sorrow, 
 
 Which frees my heart from pain, 
 With the happy thought of mine — 
 
 That we shall soon meet again. 
 
 There's something brings comfort to my heart, 
 
 Which dries up my many tears, 
 While her kind and loving words, 
 
 Now linger in my ears. 
 For her smiles were always pleasing, 
 
 In her kind and loving way, 
 Which thus relieved my fevered brain, 
 
 Until the close of my dying day. 
 
 Then I'll go home to meet her, 
 
 With many of my loving friends, 
 And will cast aside all my grief, 
 
 In that life which never will end. 
 There again I'll behold her loving smiles, 
 
 And we'll part nevermore, 
 But live again a happy life 
 
 On that bright and looked-for shore. 
 
 73 
 
OLD FRIENDS. 
 
 (A Reply to John Austin's Congratulations on our 
 Fifty-seventh Wedding Anniversary.) 
 
 Though we now are old and grey, 
 
 Yet there is happiness in store 
 For all who accept the virtues of life — 
 
 What should we ask for more? 
 For we have kind friends on earth, 
 
 As well as when on Hackett hill ; 
 But it's no secret in our hearts 
 
 We love our old neighbors still. 
 
 We are happy now in old age, 
 
 Although we'll not be young again, 
 The past is gone and past, 
 
 And on earth we still remain; 
 With loving friends to cheer our hearts, 
 
 Which brings joy to us every day, 
 Whether young or growing old — 
 
 May it last till we are laid away. 
 
 Many of our old friends are gone, 
 
 Still we have left a very few, 
 Who with their love lend us cheer, 
 
 And help our strength to renew. 
 As by their kind and loving thoughts 
 
 We extend our thanks to you, 
 For we'll not discard the old 
 
 For the friendship of the new. 
 
 Life with us will soon be o'er, 
 
 It's long since our wedding day, 
 But we'll watch for that guiding star 
 
 Which will light us on our way. 
 It's now near the close of day, 
 
 And we'll watch for the setting sun, 
 With cheerful hearts for the future, 
 
 Then we'll pass over one by one. 
 
 DREAMLAND. 
 
 We'll walk along our dreary way, 
 With want and sorrow on each hand, 
 
 And ever dream of better times 
 In some far off distant land. 
 
 74 
 
Sometimes we'll find our dreams 
 Better far than e'er we knew, 
 
 As our cherished knowledge slips away, 
 All our fondest dreams come true. 
 
 Ask me not, dear friends, to wait 
 
 While heaven may dawn upon my view, 
 
 But listen to my anxious, throbbing heart, 
 And help make my dreams come true. 
 
 On our couch we often dream, 
 
 And our strength will then renew, 
 
 With brighter hopes upon the scene 
 Should our dreams be ever true. 
 
 SIIiBNT THOUGHT. 
 
 As pure as the dewdrop in meadow, 
 As light as the foam of the sea, 
 
 As warm as the kiss of the summer sun, 
 Is the thought I am sending to thee. 
 
 As bright as the rose-tipped summer morn, 
 As sweet as the nectar of honey bee, 
 
 As swift as the lightning may flash, 
 Is the thought I am sending to thee. 
 
 As strong as the rush of the tempest, 
 As fair as the moon o'er the lee, 
 
 As precious as gold of the miser, 
 
 Is that thought I am sending to thee. 
 
 As bright as the stars in the heaven, 
 Your lasting mem'ry to me will be, 
 
 And none but the breakers of ocean 
 Will pass 'twixt you and me. 
 
 As pure as the primrose of summer, 
 May your heart be united to me, 
 
 That our hopes may never be blighted, 
 When you shall return from the sea. 
 
 75 
 
GOING HOME. 
 
 We'll look beyond this weary waste 
 And view that bright, shining shore, 
 
 Where will end our adamic race 
 When all our earthly toil is o'er. 
 
 We'll view the scenes of purest love, 
 For there'll be no falling tears 
 
 In that fair haven there above — 
 The countless time of many years. 
 
 We'll journey on through endless space, 
 Where hosts before have trod, 
 
 And found there a resting place — 
 In the home of our dear Lord. 
 
 And view that bright, dazzling throne, 
 Which will then outshine the sun, 
 
 Those for whom Christ hath atoned, 
 And found a place for every one. 
 
 CHILDREN'S WAYS. 
 
 My mother was rather stingy, 
 But father had the bills to pay ; 
 
 And we'd make molasses candy 
 When mother would go away. 
 
 Ofttimes we'd have a treat 
 
 When father would say we may; 
 
 And ask our playmates in, 
 
 While mother would be away. 
 
 She kept us hard at work, 
 
 For there were many bills to pay; 
 But children often love to shirk 
 
 When their mothers have gone away. 
 
 And we like many other children 
 Loved to skip, hop and play, 
 
 And make some molasses candy, 
 When mother would go away. 
 
 Father and mother were very good, 
 But mother was stingy, they say — 
 
 Was why we went in for a time 
 When our mother would go away. 
 
 7G 
 
Sometimes mother was sort of fussy 
 
 And fretful all the day; 
 And made me rock the cradle — 
 
 I did wish the baby'd stayed away ! 
 
 Hush-a-by, my little darling, 
 Sometime you'll join our play, 
 
 Then we'll make molasses candy — 
 When mother's gone away. 
 
 Baby must not fret or fuss — 
 Now listen, darling, what I say; 
 
 We'll make some molasses candy 
 As soon as mama goes away. 
 
 LOVERS' EVE. 
 
 We hear the lark in the meadow, 
 Where the grass is fresh and green, 
 
 While we make love here together 
 On this beautiful moonlit stream. 
 
 We'll share our love now together, 
 
 As one in a happy dream 
 Which will join our hearts forever — 
 
 While we float down the stream. 
 
 There are breakers now ahead, 
 
 Which we have not foreseen, 
 That will try the strength we have 
 
 To paddle back up the stream. 
 
 We both must now ply the oar, 
 For it's not all that lovers seem; 
 
 There's much to do to reach the shore — 
 It's not all a lover's happy dream. 
 
 Pull well together now, my love, 
 And make it what love may seem; 
 
 To gain those clifts there above 
 We'll make our way up the stream. 
 
 77 
 
AFTER DEATH. 
 
 Though darkness shall come o'er us, 
 
 And we be laid away, 
 Yet again we shall see the light 
 
 In the future, some bright day. 
 
 We'll then view the scenes above, 
 
 The glory of the skies, 
 Where no death shall enter in, 
 
 For it's appointed once to die. 
 
 Then the soul will take its flight 
 And pass beyond these short years, 
 
 As earthly scenes pass from sight, 
 But we've nothing then to fear. 
 
 Besting there — while we are resting there, 
 Though our form may waste away, 
 
 We'll then behold the morning light 
 In the future, some bright day. 
 
 SADNESS. 
 
 I miss my darling in the twilight, 
 
 Yes, I miss her all the day; 
 Though the moon and stars shine bright — 
 
 But alas! they have carried her away. 
 
 And left me in my lonely home, 
 
 While her form now rests within the tomb, 
 Which gives me no rest where'er I roam, 
 
 With a saddened heart, now full of gloom. 
 
 The future once was fair and bright, 
 But sadness now must end the day; 
 
 For I am left as a leaf to blight, 
 Since they have carried her away. 
 
 I will look beyond this sudden blight, 
 When we'll meet beyond the tomb, 
 
 And there behold her smiles as bright 
 As the primrose of sunny June. 
 
 78 
 
ELECTRIC CAR. 
 
 When you get aboard the electric car, 
 If you are very plump and fat, 
 
 Eemember they start with a jerk or a jar, 
 Then you must catch hold of the strap. 
 
 Don't take seat behind for fear, 
 
 Be sure and take hold of the strap : 
 
 I once knew a man who felt so queer, 
 When a plump lady sat down in his lap. 
 
 Oh, don't take a seat now behind, 
 There's plenty of room in front, dear; 
 
 Oh, why are you careless or blind? 
 We all know corns are most severe. 
 
 Isn't the walk there wide enough? 
 
 Why do you tread on my toes? 
 Now come, don't put up a bluff — 
 
 Can't you see the length of your nose? 
 
 We all suffer pain more or less, 
 
 Whether we be handsome, lean or fat ; 
 
 A little caution to you and the rest 
 Will be catch hold of the strap. 
 
 MY NEW HAT. 
 
 It was now nearly Christmas, you see, 
 
 And I went from store to store, 
 But no hat could I find to suit me 
 
 Like the one that my grandmother wore. 
 
 I searched the city for a long while, 
 And of my mother then did implore ; 
 
 For red ribbons with bows were all the style — 
 A hat like my grandmother wore. 
 
 Now you may smile, I hunted a while, 
 I am telling you the truth, nothing more ; 
 
 Ked ribbons and bows are all the style 
 On a hat like my grandmother wore. 
 
 I bought a hat that fitted my face 
 As well as any you'll find in a store ; 
 
 Then trimmed it myself, which was no disgrace- 
 A hat like my grandmother wore. 
 
 79 
 
My advice to all who live in this place: 
 Don't be indebted to a milliner's store 
 
 When you can trim a hat to your taste — 
 Like the one that my grandmother wore. 
 
 THE COTTAGE ON THE HELL. 
 
 We oft listened to the song birds 
 Whose notes were loud and shrill, 
 
 Which brought that peace and comfort 
 In that cottage on the hill. 
 
 We both were young and happy, 
 And now we are happy still 
 
 Since we left that quiet home, 
 That little cottage on the hill. 
 
 When beneath the old apple tree, 
 Where we sat and ate our fill 
 
 Of the choicest fruit that ever grew, 
 Near that cottage on the hill. 
 
 Where years before my young hands 
 Helped that cottage then to build, 
 
 And strove hard to till the soil 
 Around that cottage on the hill. 
 
 We now miss those early scenes, 
 And the voice of the whip-poor-will 
 
 That sang beneath the apple tree 
 By the cottage on the hill. 
 
 In the winters of years ago 
 The winds blew cold and chill, 
 
 While we were snug and warm 
 In the cottage on the hill. 
 
 Those scenes have now passed away, 
 But its memory haunts me still, 
 
 Where as children we did play 
 By the cottage on the hill. 
 
 And she who crossed its threshold — 
 Her smiles are with me still, 
 
 For we always had a share 
 In the cottage on the hill. 
 
 80 
 
A LOVER'S GOOD-BYE. 
 
 I pressed her hand then gently, 
 While the tears were in her eye, 
 
 And the flush rose to her cheek 
 As I gently said good-bye. 
 
 Good-bye, my lover, good-bye 
 I'm going to leave you now ; 
 
 Until we meet again, my love, 
 My heart is yours, good-bye. 
 
 There was sorrow in my heart, 
 And she heaved a long drawn sigh, 
 
 Since you and I must part, 
 Here is my hand — good-bye. 
 
 We'll watch the stars above us 
 In that distant arch of blue, 
 
 And listen for that message 
 I'll be sending then to you. 
 
 It's there our eyes will meet 
 And test our hearts so true ; 
 
 As my thoughts will be the message 
 That I'll be sending then to you. 
 
 BRIGHTER DAYS. 
 
 There are brighter days coming, 
 
 No matter what they say : 
 If beneath the snows of winter 
 
 The violets may fade away ; 
 And sometime in the future, 
 
 In the golden years to come, 
 There'll be blossoms in the desert, 
 
 From which the bee will hum. 
 
 The bright days they are coming, 
 
 There's a spark of light 
 In the cloud that spreads its shadow 
 
 On the star-lit night. 
 And sometime in the future, 
 
 When the clouds drift afar, 
 The sun will greet the morning 
 
 And the night will claim a star. 
 
 81 
 
The brighter days are coming 
 
 When the chill of winter's through. 
 And there's a whisper of its music 
 
 Left on the morning dew; 
 That will tell of its departure 
 
 By the foliage of the trees, 
 While the song-birds flit about 
 
 And enjoy the summer breeze. 
 
 Brighter days will then be here 
 
 For those who note it down, 
 As the morning of the golden yeai 
 
 For those who wear the crown; 
 And sometime in the future, 
 
 When the skies are blending bhw\ 
 There'll be angels at the windows, 
 
 Who'll be beckoning then to you. 
 
 MOONLIGHT DRIVE. 
 
 When I was young and in my teens 
 
 I was bound to cut a swell : 
 I took a team and little dreamed 
 
 I had a story thus to tell. 
 The moon was bright that winter night, 
 
 While many teams I'd pass by ; 
 Ere they were aware we left them there, 
 
 And away went Eliza Jane and I. 
 
 The horse was free, which suited me, 
 
 As I drew the reins o'er its back ; 
 The moon was low and the drifts of snow 
 
 Caused the horse to leave the track; 
 I was more surprised than otherwise 
 
 To think that horse should shy; 
 I felt the strain and clutched the rein, 
 
 But over went Eliza Jane and I. 
 
 I was dragged through the snow, I had to go, 
 
 While clinging tightly to the rein, 
 And our wraps that lay upon our laps 
 
 Were left behind with Eliza Jane; 
 When once more at her father's door, 
 
 She breathed a long-drawn sigh. 
 For that parting scene was like a dream 
 
 For Eliza Jane and I. 
 
 82 
 
We have no fears, now old in years, 
 
 Of the truth which I relate : 
 It was even so, those drifts of snow 
 
 Were the cause of our fate, 
 We'll condescend to be her friend 
 
 Until the day Ave die, 
 As now you know those drifts of snow 
 
 Overturned Eliza Jane and I. 
 
 WAITING AND WATCHING. 
 
 I'll sit down by the gentle flowing- stream 
 
 And wait for his coming there, 
 And listen to the songs of the birds, 
 
 As their notes ring out on the air; 
 It is there I'll be waiting and watching, 
 
 For he has promised to come unto me, 
 Where oft as true lovers we have met, 
 
 Beneath the shade of that wide-spreading tree. 
 
 Then we will join with the song-birds 
 
 While their notes are blending the air, 
 We will talk of our little cottage home 
 
 On the vine-clad hill over there : 
 Where in the sunshine of each summer morn 
 
 We'll pluck the wild flowers on the lee, 
 And sit and weave them into garlands, 
 
 In the shade of the wide-spreading tree, 
 
 We'll drink from the clear running fountain. 
 
 And gather white pebbles from stream ; 
 As our hearts are well joined together. 
 
 Life will then be but a happy dream; 
 We'll walk in the shade of the forests, 
 
 And enjoy the fresh summer breeze, 
 While we listen to the many song-birds 
 
 That nest in the limbs of the trees. 
 
 There's a little plot o'erlooking the meadow, 
 
 Where the white rose and daisies grow ; 
 WTiile time now waits for one or the other, 
 
 In winter will be covered with snow; 
 We have passed many sunny days without sorrow, 
 
 And are now watching for what may be ; 
 When our eyes will behold that bright flowing river, 
 
 Our forms rest beneath the wide-spreading tree. 
 
 83 
 
THE ORPHAN. 
 
 I ani lonely now since mother went away, 
 
 There's none other her place to fill, 
 But I've a playmate, she's but a child, 
 
 Who tells me mother will love me still ; 
 She pats me on my dimpled cheeks, 
 
 And tells me it was God's own will 
 That she should rest in quiet sleep: 
 
 But your mother will love you still. 
 
 I listen while I'm in my lonely bed 
 
 As the tears roll down my cheeks, 
 For a whisper as from my mother dear, 
 
 Just such words as the angels speak; 
 A flash of light then crosses my brow, 
 
 And in dream-land I know His will, 
 As that gentle whisper comes to me — 
 
 Thy mother will love thee still. 
 
 I wander in my midnight dream, 
 
 And a bright and fairy land I see, 
 Where all are clothed in purest white, 
 
 And mother's waiting there for me : 
 To clasp me in her loving arms, 
 
 A place in her heart to fill, 
 And when I press a kiss on her brow 
 
 My mother will love me still. 
 
 I'll look beyond this darkened gloom 
 
 To that high and lofty plane, 
 And listen for the voice of mother dear — 
 
 When she'll be calling me again; 
 It's there we shall live forevermore, 
 
 And His promise He will fulfill, 
 Where we may wear the crown at last — 
 
 And my mother will love me still. 
 
 MIDNIGHT DREAMS. 
 
 Can it be that I've been dreaming 
 
 Of the happy days gone by, 
 When the smile was on her cheek, 
 
 And the love-light in her eye? 
 For I seem to see her now, 
 
 With her kind ways so fair, 
 And the smile on her cheek, 
 
 With those ring-lets of her hair. 
 
 84 
 
She now comes back to me 
 
 In my lonely midnight dreams, 
 With her pure and sparkling lights, 
 
 From those quiet, loving scenes ; 
 Which tells me of her peaceful rest 
 
 That I, too, soon will share, 
 In her quiet, peaceful home, 
 
 When we meet together there. 
 
 Where our joy will be lasting, 
 
 With none of earth's parting scenes, 
 Which will cause tears to flow 
 
 As in my midnight dreams ; 
 With no thought of cruel wars 
 
 Which will cause sin and shame, 
 All the work of a treacherous ruler 
 
 Seeking only power and fame. 
 
 Where our life-light will shine 
 
 As those pure lights I see, 
 With our love all well combined 
 
 There'll be many smiles for me : 
 Beyond that cloud-like vapor there, 
 
 Free from all our worldly scenes, 
 In paradise of peaceful love, 
 
 With no teardrops in my dreams. 
 
 AUTUMN LEAVES. 
 
 The autumn leaves fall to earth 
 
 And there will slowly waste away, 
 While the life in the branches 
 
 Will remain till some future day; 
 Then put on their bloom again, 
 
 To bask in the morning sun, 
 Like that of our human race, 
 
 In eternity which is just begun. 
 
 And wait for new foliage again, 
 
 As we wait the judgment day, 
 For other leaves again to fall, 
 
 Which like us must waste away ; 
 Like those autumn leaves that fall, 
 
 We all must soon pass away, 
 And there rest in peaceful sleep 
 
 As we wait the judgment day. 
 
 85 
 
Like as the gay, lovely flower 
 
 Filled with its pure, rich perfume, 
 Like man who must waste away 
 
 While resting- quiet in the tomb, 
 Waiting for the summons call 
 
 To rise as the morning sun, 
 Then we'll come forth again 
 
 And be judged one by one. 
 
 Then as the new-born child, 
 
 Pure and lovely as the rose, 
 Which will bind our love together, 
 
 Free from earthly sin and woes ; 
 Where the righteous will forever dwell, 
 
 On that bright and shining shore 
 Where we'll take our eternal rest, 
 
 Which will be lasting evermore. 
 
 LAST KISS. 
 
 Print a kiss upon 1113- forehead, 
 
 And breathe forth a fervent praj'er 
 When you lay my form away, 
 
 Then I'll meet your mother there ; 
 And lay my form beside her, 
 
 Beneath that arch of heavenly blue, 
 Then our souls will be rejoicing, 
 
 While we are waiting there for you. 
 
 Let not your teardrops now 
 
 While we are quietly resting there, 
 But oft look to Him above, 
 
 With a fervent hope in prayer ; 
 And when you think of me 
 
 Wipe the tears from your eye, 
 And let your smiles come again 
 
 For we'll meet again by-and-by. 
 
 This world is not our home, 
 
 It's but a place where we stay, 
 While we have our work to do, 
 
 Then we must be laid away 
 And pass beyond this dreary waste, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine ; 
 And gather in its pleasing beauty 
 
 In those realms which are sublime. 
 
 86 
 
That home will be of peaceful joy, 
 
 Where our life-light will shine, 
 With no parting- of loving friends, 
 
 As those we leave here behind; 
 And our joy will be lasting, 
 
 As we'll have nothing to fear, 
 Where our love-light will shine 
 
 Among our friends once so dear. 
 
 PASSING OVER. 
 
 Our friends now are passing over, 
 
 It's but once we have to die, 
 But there's a promise in His word 
 
 That we will meet by-and-by ; 
 Beyond that river of time, 
 
 Where the peaceful waters flow, 
 When our earthly toil is o'er 
 
 Then we'll be called to go. 
 
 Like the forest leaves of autumn, 
 
 We come forth beautiful and gay, 
 And bathe in each morning dew 
 
 Till we droop and fade away ; 
 Then back to earth, there to rest, 
 
 Withered there by the daily sun, 
 Waiting there for others to fall, 
 
 Which will be one by one. ' 
 
 Then will come our final rest, 
 
 And waste away beneath the rod, 
 As our souls will flit above 
 
 In presence of our Maker God ; 
 Where we'll reap our peaceful joy 
 
 In that fair and noble clime, 
 Where peace will forever reign — 
 
 And the sun will always shine. 
 
 There our lives will bloom again, 
 
 Pure as the lily or the rose, 
 In all its peaceful, quiet beauty, 
 
 Free from all our sin and woes ; 
 Joining in the songs of love, 
 
 Which will vibrate in the air, 
 With our peaceful, loving cheer, 
 
 Which we all then can share. 
 
 87 
 
DEATH. 
 
 Death is but a change in life, 
 
 Which has caused us many tears, 
 But there's something lies beyond 
 
 In the future of untold years ; 
 There'll be joy in that life, 
 
 Yet unknown to mortal man, 
 Which will be forever lasting, 
 
 That we now can't understand. 
 
 The fold of death will pass away, 
 
 Then that bright light will shine, 
 To light us on our way 
 
 To that more distant, fairer clime ; 
 "Where we shall live once again 
 
 A life of those untold years — 
 Free from all our earthly pain, 
 
 Which has caused our flowing tears. 
 
 Our sorrow will change to gladness 
 
 Amid those lights that I've seen, 
 And will bind our love together 
 
 Far better than my midnight dream ; 
 And will be far more lasting 
 
 Than those flashing lights I see, 
 Which cheered me for that moment, 
 
 As her smile sent to me. 
 
 The light there will always shine, 
 
 And no vapor will stand between, 
 As the gloom of mortal earth, 
 
 While passing down the stream ; 
 There our joy will be lasting, 
 
 When we meet together there, 
 And receive their many smiles. 
 
 Which we all then will share. 
 
 THE WAR. 
 
 When the war is over, mother. 
 
 Then I'll be coming home. 
 Now I send you cheering word, 
 
 Then you'll not be alone; 
 Now send me a smile, mother, 
 
 For it will give me cheer, 
 Though you may love your child, 
 
 Please wipe away the flowing tear 
 
 88 
 
My life on the battle-field, mother; 
 
 Is not that easy life at home, 
 When I went where I pleased, 
 
 And through the forest roamed; 
 For I've no kind mother here, 
 
 To give my heart its cheer, 
 For I now miss your smiles, 
 
 As when at home a volunteer. 
 
 I must obey the bugle call, mother, 
 
 For we are not fighting in vain, 
 Amid many shots and shells, 
 
 We expect to bear much pain ; 
 Now I'm here I'll do my duty, 
 
 And will force through my claim 
 And behold your smiles again, 
 
 Unless it be that I am slain. 
 
 There are many brave-hearted mothers 
 
 Who must weep o'er sorrowing pain 
 For loved ones who fall in battle, 
 
 And never see their smiles again; 
 If I never reach my dear mother, 
 
 There'll be honor left for you, 
 To know your son once fought bravely 
 
 For the red, white and blue. 
 
 GLOOM OF LIFE. 
 
 My heart is filled with gloom 
 
 Since my love was laid away, 
 But that light will come again 
 
 At the future judgment day; 
 Then the silent stars will cease, 
 
 For there'll be no night there, 
 As the sun will always shine 
 
 And there'll be no vacant chair. 
 
 Our love-light again will shine, 
 And there'll be no gloom by tears, 
 
 For our love there will be sublime 
 Through all those untold years; 
 
 89 
 
For there'll be no hearts repining 
 Through all those untold years. 
 
 While our love-light is shining 
 There'll be no gloom of tears. 
 
 The gloom of this mortal earth 
 
 Will have no place over there, 
 While the songs of loved ones 
 
 Will be vibrating through the air; 
 Which will bring forth their smiles, 
 
 Far more beautiful than the rose, 
 Which is the choice of nature, 
 
 Or the blooming lily that grows. 
 
 For they'll soon lose their fragrance 
 
 And droop to earth and fade away, 
 While our songs of loving gladness 
 
 Will cheer many on their way ; 
 And bring smiles as their chorus 
 
 Which will vibrate through the air, 
 As we pass through the gate 
 
 Which leads up the golden stair. 
 
 DREAM OF PARADISE. 
 
 Those strange, beautiful wild flowers 
 
 Which I gathered in the forest glade, 
 Amid those tiny shining dewdrops 
 
 Which sparkled in the sunshine and shade, 
 Sent a thrill of loving cheer 
 
 To my then throbbing brain, 
 Of the joy which now awaits us 
 
 When I'll behold her smiles again. 
 
 She came and met me there, 
 
 Far more beautiful than the forest flower, 
 Which grew on the forest trees 
 
 That sheltered us as our bower ; 
 A species of some golden pheasants 
 
 Were in groups together there, 
 Which would sparkle like the diamond, 
 
 When flying through the air. 
 
 90 
 
A child-like, blooming flower 
 
 In the folds of love I see, 
 With its exquisite, loving beauty, 
 
 Then it all occurred to me — 
 Of that little child years ago 
 
 That rested on its mother's knee, 
 With her young, child-like beauty — 
 
 And gave that smile to me. 
 
 Paradise must be full of flowers 
 
 From the mountain top to the sea, 
 As my dream of the forest flowers 
 
 Which then were there with me ; 
 When I go down that peaceful valley 
 
 There'll be one there I will see, 
 Lifelike in all her beauty, 
 
 As when she gave her smile to me. 
 
 SILENT WHISPER. 
 
 Soft and low she speaks to me 
 
 In the stillness of the night, 
 It comes as a pleasing whisper, 
 
 Though her form is not in sight ; 
 Which carries my thoughts far away, 
 
 To where those lights are that I see, 
 With the image of her smiles, 
 
 While she waits there for me. 
 
 She seems to come to me 
 
 In her genial, smiling way, 
 With no voice but a whisper — 
 
 I am with you here every day ; 
 Soft and low in her smiling way, 
 
 Which says, Grieve not your heart, 
 We shall soon meet here again, 
 
 Where we nevermore will part. 
 
 There'll be joy when we meet 
 
 With that noble, life-giving Son ; 
 Who gave His life for all, 
 
 As we pass o'er one by one, 
 To meet our friends over there, 
 
 On that bright and shining shore, 
 Where the sun will always shine — 
 
 Which will be lasting forevermore. 
 
 91 
 
The happiness in that new life 
 
 Which we all then will see, 
 Will bring to light her smiles 
 
 When resting on her mother's knee; 
 Which lingers in my lone heart, 
 
 The first on earth I ever see, 
 And the one in her casket, 
 
 Which she left there for me. 
 
 DEATH VALLEY. 
 
 Peaceful and quiet down the valley 
 
 Our spark of life flits away, 
 There to lend its light again, 
 
 At the coming judgment day ; 
 While it's flitting there, flitting there, 
 
 With its bright wandering light, 
 In silent tones as a whisper, 
 
 Keturns their thoughts good-night. 
 
 Down that peaceful, quiet valley 
 
 We'll pass through the twilight 
 To that long and peaceful home 
 
 Where there will be no night ; 
 Silent through that flickering vapor, 
 
 Behold again we'll see the light 
 Of that never ending day, 
 
 Where there will be no night. 
 
 Down that quiet, peaceful valley 
 
 As in our midnight dream, 
 Where that light will come again 
 
 And no darkness will stand between ; 
 Gathered in that home of peace, 
 
 Where there is no setting sun, 
 After passing down that valley, 
 
 Step by step and one by one. 
 
 Beyond the scenes of earthly gloom, 
 
 Caused by a lone, vacant chair, 
 But a life of eternal loving bliss 
 
 Which we all then can share; 
 Joyful then will our meeting be, 
 
 Beyond that flickering vapor there, 
 To behold the smiles of our friends 
 
 Who have left their vacant chair. 
 
 92 
 
WAR SONG. 
 
 Our hearts now are sad and gloomy, 
 
 Thinking of the war in the east, 
 Of the brave and true who left their homes 
 
 To fight 'till the dawn of peace; 
 Those noble lads have left their mothers, 
 
 Who to them were kind and true, 
 To join the ranks as a soldier, 
 
 Bearing forth the red, white and blue. 
 
 The bravest hearts on earth will not falter 
 
 Though they may suffer the severest pain, 
 When they are called to do their duty 
 
 To support our noble country's fame ; 
 Though the mother's heart may be sad, 
 
 She must be very proud of you, 
 Having the honor of such a noble son, 
 
 Who bore forth the red, white and blue. 
 
 If they all will do their brave duty, 
 
 Peace will be sure to come again, 
 Though their mothers long may be weeping, 
 
 For their sons that have been slain ; 
 Now look on our star spangled banner, 
 
 With noble hearts brave and true, 
 Which must bring peace to the world, 
 
 In honor of the red, white and blue. 
 
 We with noble hearts should join with mothers 
 
 And pray for the dawn of peace, 
 That this cruel war will soon be o'er, 
 
 Which now is raging in the east ; 
 That our peaceful song will be 
 
 Sung by others as well as you, 
 And blend with that noble, peaceful smile — 
 
 For those bearing the red, white and blue. 
 
 PAST AND FUTURE. 
 
 I love to climb those granite hills, 
 
 Where oft I roamed when a boy, 
 And with vigor my heart did thrill, 
 
 Which brought to me much joy; 
 But how changed now the scenes, 
 
 As I once more view the fertile land, 
 And how laborious to me it seems — 
 
 I almost need a helping hand. 
 
 93 
 
But the same old rocks are there, 
 
 And many of the old, old trees, 
 Though some are stern and bare, 
 
 Where once I enjoyed the summer breeze 
 But what a change on memories page, 
 
 To bring about this noble plan, 
 For we now respect the aged, 
 
 And lend them a helping hand. 
 
 To support the weak and help along 
 
 Others in their declining years, 
 Which now is the pride of sacred song 
 
 And helps lessen all our fears. 
 It may bring sunshine to the heart 
 
 If we make this our plan, 
 With those we meet ere we part — 
 
 To lend them a helping hand. 
 
 Grudge not whatever we may do, 
 
 But do it with a willing hand, 
 Their smiles will then return to you, 
 
 While in that loved and happy band; 
 The spark of love will ever shine 
 
 From that loved and looked for band, 
 As our hearts again will then entwine 
 
 Where we have lent a helping hand. 
 
 Lead us along, keep our feet aright, 
 
 Down by the waters smooth and still, 
 The river there is just in sight. 
 
 Its waters there seem cold and chill; 
 Guide us o'er by Thy kind light, 
 
 Where we may see the promised land, 
 The golden gate is just in sight — 
 
 It's there we'll need a helping hand. 
 
 FADING LOVE. 
 
 Why now did I love thee? 
 
 Ask of the creeping vine 
 Why it loves the tree 
 
 On which it loves to climb. 
 When it encircles the heart, 
 
 If found there kind and true. 
 Then we should never part : 
 
 It is why that I loved you. 
 
 94 
 
All nature must be bright 
 
 When there's none to oppose, 
 As the fragrant lily white 
 
 Or the crimson morning rose ; 
 It was no lack of love but fear, 
 
 I will now tell you true : 
 The words you speak, my dear, 
 
 Is why that I love you. 
 
 Ask the foliage of the trees, 
 
 Where the robin builds her nest, 
 Why it loves to catch the breeze 
 
 And fold it near its breast ; 
 With nature all has its charms, 
 
 To none we'll bid adieu; 
 When clasped gently in your arms — 
 
 It's then that I love you. 
 
 Ask of the ripening corn 
 
 Why the kernels on the ears 
 So love the dewy morn, 
 
 And sigh when it disappears ; 
 Waiting all the day and watching there 
 
 For a harvester kind and true 
 To bring it within their care, 
 
 As I've been waiting here for you. 
 
 Ask of the tiny dewdrop 
 
 Why it puts on its shining rays, 
 While in some lofty treetop 
 
 Disdains to meet the sunny days ; 
 Soon to vanish out of sight 
 
 As the early morning dew, 
 My love once fair and bright, 
 
 That now fades awav from you. 
 
 LOVERS' HOMESTEAD. 
 
 While the morning light is brightly shining, 
 
 With a sigh for home I wander by the shore ; 
 For a loved one years ago my heart is pining, 
 
 And I long to see her lovely face once more ; 
 In my dream I can hear her softly calling, 
 
 By the garden gate I see her waiting still, 
 As upon her cheeks scalding tears were falling 
 
 When I left her by the homestead on the hill. 
 
 95 
 
Far away from iny loved one I have been roaming, 
 
 Night and day my thoughts to her will often stray ; 
 And I can not forget that parting in the gloaming, 
 
 When I kissed her lips, then sadly went away. 
 Oft as I sit alone in silence dreaming, 
 
 I can see her once more passing down the lane ; 
 And like the stars above, her eyes are gleaming, 
 
 As they often tell me how she loves me still. 
 
 In my thoughts I often find myself a-roaming 
 Down the silent path that leads me to the mill ; 
 
 With heart full of pain and eyes a-gleaming, 
 Near that grand old homestead on the hill. 
 
 I MISS THEE. 
 
 I miss thee in my quiet home 
 
 As the days roll by, 
 And for thy presence here 
 
 I often heave a sigh. 
 I then look from room to room, 
 
 But do not find you there, 
 And in that unhappy mood — 
 
 Find only the vacant chair. 
 
 It speaks of days passed and gone, 
 
 Which were the pride of years; 
 Its memory reflects back to me, 
 
 And fills my eyes with tears, 
 That brings sadness to my heart 
 
 Which I alone must bear; 
 While one so kind and true 
 
 Has left that vacant chair. 
 
 Sorrow came as the shades of night, 
 
 And brought this darkened gloom, 
 Which took you from my home, 
 
 And sealed your earthly doom; 
 Now I listen for that voice again, 
 
 I see not your presence there, 
 Since you've passed far away, 
 
 There's but a vacant chair. 
 
 96 
 
The scenes of earth will pass away, 
 
 While our sorrow we must bear 
 And look for that shining- ray 
 
 When we climb the golden stair; 
 There to live in love and peace, 
 
 Amid the scenes of heaven there, 
 That will fulfill His promise given, 
 
 Where there'll be no vacant chair. 
 
 With sadness in my aching heart, 
 
 None but Him alone can tell 
 How long we must remain apart 
 
 Or on this earth may dwell ; 
 We'll press again that friendly hand 
 
 When we climb the golden stairs, 
 And leave behind all our sorrow, 
 
 With those two vacant chairs. 
 
 LOVER OF MUSIC. 
 
 Oh! how I loved that music 
 
 My mother once sang to me 
 That brought such solid comfort 
 
 While I was sitting on her knee ; 
 Such soothing words I'll ne'er forget, 
 
 Which would oft ease my pain, 
 And I seem to hear it yet 
 
 As it lingers on my brain. 
 
 When she'd pat my dimpled cheek, 
 
 Which caused me then to smile, 
 As she sang that good old song 
 
 That I was her darling child; 
 Then put me in my quiet bed, 
 
 And sung a lullaby to sleep, 
 While no tears then were shed — 
 
 The angels their watch did keep. 
 
 And in the land of dreams 
 
 I hear her softly calling, 
 Hush-a-by, lie still and sleep 
 
 And wake in early morning; 
 But her form I can not see, 
 
 Which now lies cold and chill — 
 Something whispers now to me 
 
 My mother calls me still. 
 
 97 
 
Then my eyes they get glooming, 
 
 For I miss my mother dear, 
 And all the early morning 
 
 My eyes are filled with tears; 
 Would I could hear that lovely music 
 
 My mother sang to me, 
 That pacified my heart so quickly 
 
 When I climbed upon her knee. 
 
 Oh ! how I loved those songs 
 
 My mother sang to me. 
 If I meet her up in heaven 
 
 How happy then we'll be ; 
 For we'll sing those songs together 
 
 When we meet over there, 
 Where there'll be no more parting — 
 
 Up above the golden stair. 
 
 THE HOME FARM BESIDE THE HILL. 
 
 I am sitting today in my old arm-chair, 
 My thoughts roam about in various ways, 
 
 For the loved ones with whom I had to share, 
 That are gone since my boyhood days. 
 
 Some in the shop and some in the mill, 
 And the last one now to move away, 
 
 And leave the farm I once helped to till, 
 While the buildings are going to decay. 
 
 From the chimney top some bricks are gone, 
 And the shingles may soon blow away, 
 
 But the leaves of the maple trees on the lawn- 
 Are fast changing their colors so gay. 
 
 While the pear trees on the brow of the hill, 
 Which have stood there for many a year, 
 
 Where we oft have met and eaten our fill, 
 Now old with age, will soon disappear. 
 
 How changed now the scenes on the farm 
 Since our parents have passed away, 
 
 That a house and forty by eighty foot barn 
 Should be left to ruin and decay. 
 
 98 
 
I often visit the old farm on the hill, 
 
 And always have found a wide open door, 
 
 With those ready to greet me still, 
 As they always have a plenty in store. 
 
 We sadly miss those that are passed and gone, 
 But in our memory they linger still, 
 
 And the headstones telling when they were born, 
 Stand side by side on the hill. 
 
 Where the plaintive notes of the song-bird, 
 Or the shrill voice of the whip-poor-will, 
 
 Bring me back to my childhood as a dirge 
 When I visit those graves on the hill. 
 
 Where the spring bird often sits and sings 
 On the golden russet tree in the bower, 
 
 While the busy honey-bee conies and brings 
 Its burden of honey from the flower. 
 
 While the bodies rest silent in the tomb, 
 
 Under the rosebush and green covered sward, 
 
 Waiting the summons which will seal their doom 
 When they must appear before their God. 
 
 WHERE WILL YOU STAY TONIGHT? 
 
 I am leaving the old farm today, mother, 
 
 And I will now tell you why : 
 The crops are now all in, mother, 
 
 There's not enough for father, brother, you and I, 
 I will leave it with my younger brother, 
 
 He will do for you what is right: 
 Then the trembling voice of my mother — 
 
 Willie, where will you stay tonight? 
 
 Beneath that bright starlit dome, mother, 
 
 Where'er I may chance to be ; 
 It is there I'll make my bed — 
 
 Perhaps far out on the sea, 
 Where the sparkling waters flow, mother, 
 
 And the moon bathes in its crimson light, 
 Which will keep my heart all aglow — 
 
 It is where I may stay tonight. 
 
 99 
 
And whatever my duty may be, mother, 
 
 You may count on that for sure, 
 I'll give one half to that and the other, 
 
 For I never go back on the poor ; 
 Or forget your last words, mother, 
 
 As I pass from out of your sight, 
 Or the sad looks of father and brother — 
 
 Willie, where will you stay tonight? 
 
 It may be on some stately ship, mother, 
 
 Wherever that may be, 
 While you will have father and brother 
 
 For a comfort instead of me ; 
 I think I'll hear your gentle voice, mother, 
 
 Between the dark and the daylight, 
 As you whisper to father and brother — 
 
 Where will Willie stay tonight? 
 
 The heart that once was sad, mother, 
 
 And caused us then to weep, 
 Has changed; now I am glad 
 
 To return home from the deep ; 
 And the swell of each succeeding billow, mother, 
 
 Brings our cottage nearer in sight, 
 Where once I found a soft pillow — 
 
 It is where I shall stay tonight. 
 
 HINTS ON THE FARM IN 1840. 
 
 The scenes of my early childhood 
 Are nearly all past and gone, 
 
 Except the pasture, fields and highway, 
 And the cottage where I was born. 
 
 Those scenes once I hailed as a treasure, 
 As my bare feet patted the lawn, 
 
 When given a few moments for pleasure 
 After the shades of night came on. 
 
 Sometimes by the bright moonlight, 
 Which helped to lengthen the day, 
 
 And strengthen our likes and dislikes 
 While we were busy at play. 
 
 100 
 
We were not indebted to the shoemaker, 
 For no shoes then did we wear, 
 
 Only those given by our Creator, 
 A much more durable pair. 
 
 We were not brought up as idle sports, 
 As the boys of the present day, 
 
 But had to work reaping rye and oats, 
 And gathering in the new-mown hay. 
 
 With no machine, all done by hand, 
 While trying a few dollars to save, 
 
 Cutting wood and clearing up land, 
 And working like an African slave. 
 
 Our education was very limited then, 
 
 To some it may look queer, 
 In a country schoolhouse twice eight by ten, 
 
 With eight weeks of schooling a year. 
 
 And such teachers then as we had, 
 
 Would be a sight to behold — 
 To drive a scholar into the shed, 
 
 And make him sit on a pole. 
 
 Those scenes now have all passed away, 
 That happened when I was a boy, 
 
 And the schoolhouse has gone to decay, 
 Which brings to the heart much joy. 
 
 It was a hard road to travel, 
 That kept us right on the jump, 
 
 And we often had to scratch gravel 
 Among the rocks and the stumps. 
 
 LOOKING BEYOND. 
 
 We are sitting by the river 
 
 And watching the other shore, 
 While the pilot is bearing down, 
 
 He will come and take us o'er; 
 We hear the rowlocks sounding, 
 
 As he now nears the shore, 
 To receive us as his foundling, 
 
 And will come and take us o'er. 
 
 101 
 
We've watched long beside the river 
 
 Where there's treasure now in store, 
 And peace will come to us 
 
 When all the storms are o'er; 
 It's but the brittle thread of life 
 
 That keeps us on the shore, 
 Then He'll cast off our mantle 
 
 And shut our cabin door. 
 
 We'll step on board that little craft, 
 
 And the boatman will row us o'er, 
 Where we shall find a home at last 
 
 On that bright and looked-for shore; 
 And leave behind its many scenes, 
 
 As our earth work will then be o'er ; 
 And close our eyes in happy dreams, 
 
 And leave forever our cabin door. 
 
 While we shall pass far beyond 
 
 This port of sin and shame, 
 And reap the harvest of the past, 
 
 Where none will suffer pain ; 
 But live in peace and love 
 
 When on that blissful shore, 
 Amid the saints there above, 
 
 When they close our cabin door. 
 
 MY MOTHER'S DARLING. 
 
 My mother called me her little darling, 
 
 I don't see how that can be, 
 For every time she heard me bawling 
 
 She'd take me across her knee. 
 
 Oh, then she spanks me dreadful hard, 
 Which causes me to suffer pain 
 
 That puts me right on my guard — 
 That I must not do it again. 
 
 Sometimes I'd forget and not remember, 
 But I'd catch it just the same, 
 
 For sixteen times last December — 
 Wasn't that a horrid shame ! 
 
 102 
 
1 had a little brother Johnny — 
 
 He was next to big as me, 
 I always thought it was so funny 
 
 He never came across my mother's knee. 
 
 I think he must be her darling, 
 Just the way she is using me — 
 
 Tying me with a bit of marline, 
 And bringing me across her knee. 
 
 OLD HOMESTEAD. 
 
 When the busy day's work is over, 
 With its anxious hopes and fears, 
 
 And the cowbell stops its tinkling 
 . As the lark soon disappears : 
 
 With a sigh of relief I lean back 
 In my broad arm-chair, 
 
 And my thoughts go back to childhood, 
 When my mother was sitting there. 
 
 I do love that dear old homestead, 
 
 With its green foliage on the trees, 
 And the row of rustic benches 
 
 Where we sat to catch the breeze : 
 Where we could see the barn and horses 
 
 And the pasture on the hill, 
 Dotted here and there with sheep 
 
 That were roaming at their will. 
 
 And the green fields of clover, 
 
 Sending forth its rich perfume, 
 While the bee, that busy rover, 
 
 Culled the sweets of sunny June : 
 When my thoughts go back to childhood, 
 
 As I'm sitting in my chair, 
 Oh, how changed now the scenes, 
 
 We have no father or mother there. 
 
 But still I love the old homestead, 
 
 With its meadows fresh and green, 
 And the happy thoughts of childhood 
 
 When cast upon memory's screen : 
 And now I'd give a little fortune, 
 
 Could I have it now to spare, 
 To roam the fields and highways, 
 
 With my parents sitting there. 
 
 103 
 
But time will soon pass away 
 
 Like the dewdrop from the flower, 
 While all must then go to decay, 
 
 As we count each fleeting hour: 
 And with it the scenes of childhood, 
 
 Pass into the shades of night, 
 Where all will then be forgotten, 
 
 And pass from our sight. 
 
 JUDGE NOT. 
 
 Too oft we judge another's faults 
 
 Before we know the truth, 
 And set the brand of guilt 
 
 Upon some poor and blameless youth: 
 When we should wait until we heard 
 
 The whole thing through and through, 
 For just behind your own back 
 
 The same may be said of you. 
 
 Should one make a slight mistake 
 
 And think they were not to blame, 
 Some others might, who judgment lack, 
 
 Say, Oh what a horrid shame! 
 We often see the faults of others 
 
 In whatever they may do or say, 
 But forget that we too may err 
 
 And become as heedless as they. 
 
 Too oft we judge another's acts 
 
 Before we know the right, 
 Which causes the world to scoff 
 
 And turn his day to darkest night: 
 Now we should be more merciful, 
 
 For each may have gone astray ; 
 And where's the man that does not sin 
 
 Against his God some day? 
 
 THE DEWDROP. 
 
 It's but a tiny dewdrop 
 Which gathers on the grass, 
 
 And reflects its golden hue 
 That glitters as we pass. 
 
 104 
 
It brightens all our hopes 
 While on earth we dwell, 
 
 A timely lesson then to all — 
 It's but a magic spell. 
 
 Now we like the dewdrop 
 At the early dawn of day, 
 
 That brightens all our thoughts 
 Ere it must pass away. 
 
 And leave behind its parting rays 
 In the bright morning sun : 
 
 As silent as the dewdrop 
 We pass away, one by one. 
 
 While others then our places fill, 
 And we like the dew arise, 
 
 To vanish out of sight 
 And dwell in paradise. 
 
 SADDENED BY DEATH. 
 
 Like a swift falling star, 
 
 Or a flash from distant cloud, 
 
 We are snatched from our homes 
 And wrapped within our shroud. 
 
 Like a fast gliding boat, 
 Then the cataract's roar, 
 
 We plunge beneath its waters 
 And are seen no more. 
 
 Just a foresight of joy, 
 Enraptured in our hearts : 
 
 When overtaken then by death; 
 And in sadness we must part. 
 
 But the sunlight of faith, 
 
 Fastened well within the breast^ 
 
 Helps to quell all our fears 
 And find a place of rest. 
 
 Just across that flowing stream, 
 Though the way be not far, 
 
 Our eyes will behold the scene 
 As the gate stands ajar. 
 
 105 
 
THE LOST BOY. 
 
 Mother, have you seen our little Willie? 
 
 He has gone and left his play, 
 And perhaps those ugly gypsies 
 
 May have taken him away. 
 It's just like them — those horrid gypsies : 
 
 When I was down in Maine 
 They teased my Aunt Hepzibah 
 
 To let them have her Tilda Jane. 
 
 I'll bet you they've taken little Willie, 
 
 They've been gone an hour or so; 
 Now Ben hitch up and follow them, 
 
 For it looks that way ; I almost know : 
 Those good for nothing horrid gypsies ! 
 
 If I could only have my way 
 They'd be brought before the court, 
 
 You bet, and be made to pay. 
 
 Let us search the fields and the forest ; 
 
 It may be a panther I most fear, 
 Or some other ferocious monster 
 
 That has taken our darling Willie dear. 
 The mother grew wild with fright, 
 
 And clutched into her hair, 
 For the loss of her dear Willie 
 
 Was more than she could bear. 
 
 They hastened out in the twilight 
 
 With one anxious hope of joy, 
 And listened to the rushing cataract, 
 
 But no tidings of her boy. 
 She searched the low land forest 
 
 And called her Willie then by name; 
 Nothing but the echo of her voice 
 
 Came back to her again. 
 
 She rushed back to the cottage, 
 
 Where he was wont to play ; 
 Aud sure enough ! with his little kitty, 
 
 Asleep upon a mound of hay. 
 She clasped him in her arms 
 
 And called him her darling boy ; 
 Then her anxious heart o'erflowed 
 
 While she shed tears of joy. 
 
 106 
 
LOST MOTHER. 
 
 I know we'll miss our mother dear 
 
 And the last words we heard her speak, 
 
 But we must be brave and smile 
 
 While the tears roll down our cheeks. 
 
 We mourn the loss of our dear mother 
 Who has been with us for many years, 
 
 But must strive to overcome our sorrow 
 And smile through our falling tears. 
 
 She was a kind and loving mother, 
 
 With a heart that brought good cheer; 
 
 When the smile was upon her face 
 We had nothing then to fear. 
 
 We miss the soft clasp of her hand, 
 
 And the smile on her once blooming cheek 
 
 But she has joined that noble band — 
 It's why she has ceased to speak. 
 
 That smile now rests upon her loving face, 
 For she has passed all earthly pain 
 
 And awaits that promised coming morn, 
 While our loss will be her gain. 
 
 DELAYED PROMISE. 
 
 There is a quaint little spot 
 
 At the foot of the hill ; 
 In that vacant little lot 
 
 Where stands your uncle's old mill. 
 I often see you there in my dream, 
 
 And hope your words may prove true, 
 As I scan the woodland stream 
 
 While waiting and watching for you. 
 
 And pluck wild flowers by the shore, 
 
 Between the moss-covered hills. 
 I wait and listen once more ; 
 
 No sound but the rattling old mill. 
 Where little robin redbreast sang, 
 
 And joined us in our lay; 
 But the sweetest music rang 
 
 With it — your promise that day. 
 
 107 
 
Years ago, now like a dream, 
 
 When we were together — can it be? 
 You can not forget those sporting scenes 
 
 While under that old pine tree ; 
 Or the ripening corn on the hill, 
 
 By being disappointed in such a way, 
 But will hold that promise until 
 
 We meet on some future day. 
 
 I now see your pleasant smiles 
 
 And your shy, anxious look, 
 Though separated by many miles, 
 
 As we watch the clear-running brook. 
 While we ramble up and down, 
 
 And pluck blossoms on our way: 
 And that promise you are bound 
 
 To make good some future day. 
 
 Let it be upon the hill, 
 
 Where the grass is fresh and green, 
 Just above the rickety old mill 
 
 We'll meet by the woodland stream, 
 And enjoy the moments there 
 
 That await us, you and me ; 
 And drink from that fountain where 
 
 We drank beneath the old pine tree. 
 
 DISTANT LOVERS. 
 
 Behind the morning twilight the sun is shining, 
 Which will drive away the morning dew; 
 
 Then my lonely heart will cease its pining — 
 Filled with the love I owe to you. 
 
 I'll watch the stars in the early twilight, 
 
 As I tramp the meadows through and through, 
 
 And when I lie down in my dreary tent 
 My thoughts will ever be with you. 
 
 Distance now lends a loving chain 
 Across the wide space of ocean blue, 
 
 Where lovers' hearts may still blend together 
 As the lily sips the morning dew. 
 
 I'll watch the bright, twinkling little stars, 
 And remember your words kind and true, 
 
 While you watch for some loving message 
 That they may be sending then to you. 
 
 108 
 
The stillness of the night, while dreaming, 
 Will shorten the distance between us two; 
 
 As my burning tears now are falling, 
 While a silent message I send to you. 
 
 My lonely sorrow hath no charm for me, 
 As my eyes are moistened like the dew, 
 
 While I watch those bright little orbs that shine 
 With a message I'm sending now to you. 
 
 I'm now listening with that attentive ear 
 From those far off orbs that shine ; 
 
 That will send that message soft and clear — 
 And I can once more call you mine. 
 
 When the moon behind the cloud is dreaming, 
 And the meadows are decked with dew; 
 
 My lonely heart will cease its pining 
 And renew the love I owe to you. 
 
 THE LOVERS' SECRET. 
 
 There's a secret in each lover's heart, 
 Where nothing but love should dwell; 
 
 Now why should they remain apart 
 And break that magnetic spell? 
 
 Some jealous hearts of evil mind, 
 
 Who run from door to door — 
 And tattle this and that they find, 
 
 And guess at one half or more. 
 
 There's a lot of mischief makers nowadays, 
 Who race about to get the news 
 
 And spend their time in various ways 
 Among the tattlers whom they choose. 
 
 And strive to do their level best 
 
 To make mischief where'er they go; 
 
 While their hearts throb and can not rest — 
 For the reason they have no beau. 
 
 That secret lies within each lover's breast — 
 And of outside gossip I disdain. 
 
 Now give the gossipers a time to rest — 
 Or they will have gossip on the brain. 
 
 100 
 
Which is very contagious on the street, 
 And will kindle up a dazzling flame 
 
 That water will be hard to reach — 
 To cool the gossip on the brain. 
 
 The secret of each lover's heart 
 Is to bind that magnetic spell 
 
 That they should ne'er drift apart — 
 From the cottage wherein they dwell. 
 
 And greet each other with a smile 
 That will suppress the flowing tears 
 
 And cher up the lonely child 
 
 Through all its remaining years. 
 
 THE GRAPHOPHONE. 
 
 There is lots of music in the graphophone, 
 
 And should baby wake and commence to tease, 
 Just set the machine then to work — 
 
 And see how quickly it doth please. 
 Get the music my mother used to sing, 
 
 The good old tune : darling baby must not cry ; 
 And watch the little kittens on the floor — 
 
 For mother is coming by and by. 
 
 Should you leave the baby with its elder sister, 
 
 The fact you'll never know until you try : 
 It is the greatest thing on earth to please 
 
 And pacify a child, should it commence to cry. 
 It will remind it of its loving mother, 
 
 With those gentle words : mother's darling mustn't cry. 
 It is then those gentle words check their tears 
 
 For they know mother is coming by and by. 
 
 Once you were young and so was I, 
 
 And we may have been hard to please. 
 And like the graphophone we may have sung, 
 
 While we lay across our mother's knee. 
 But how different now it seems to me, 
 
 And in my lonely pastime I often heave a sigh 
 When I listen to the strains of that graphophone 
 
 That tells them mother is coming by and by. 
 
 110 
 
Now if you are that kind, loving mother, 
 
 Get the music ere your child may die. 
 Then set the graphophone upon the table — 
 
 Turn the crank and give it a try. 
 It lessens labor for its loving mother, 
 
 Should baby need its food and commence to cry; 
 The graphophone speaks in kind and loving words 
 
 That mother is coming by and by. 
 
 The graphophone, like a true and loving mother, 
 
 Will speak words of comfort to the child, 
 And set those little feet and hands in motion 
 
 While its dimpled cheeks will force a smile 
 Which will please that fond, loving mother. 
 
 You may guess, or I can tell you why ; 
 It is the voice of that splendid graphophone 
 
 Saying, mother is coming by and by. 
 
 WHY DO I LOVE THEE? 
 
 Why do I love thee? Ask the morning flower 
 That grows by the woodland stream 
 
 Why it loves to bask in the sunshine 
 And catch each golden beam. 
 
 Ask of the tiny buttercup on the meadow, 
 In the light of each succeeding day, 
 
 Why it folds the dewdrop to its breast 
 And droops when it has passed away. 
 
 Ask why the moonbeams rest on the sea, 
 Why the beautiful flowers love the rain, 
 
 And rest through the cool shades of night, 
 Waiting for the sunshine again. 
 
 Ask if the stars in the skies 
 
 Shine forth with their sparkling light, 
 
 That brought your words, kind and true — 
 Have kept you near in sight. 
 
 Ask why robin redbreast loves its mate ; 
 
 Why the buttercup down on the lea ; 
 All nature will explain to you 
 
 Why thou art dear to me. 
 
 Ill 
 
PLEASING THOUGHT. 
 
 How oft we hear that gentle voice 
 That comes from the spirit land, 
 
 Where saints immortal there rejoice, 
 Amid those in that happy band. 
 
 We hear once again that gentle whisper, 
 And how it lingers on our ear : 
 
 As from some brother there, or sister 
 Whom we once loved most dear. 
 
 We often mourn for them as lost, 
 And miss the pressure of their hand ; 
 
 But rather we should now rejoice 
 As they are with that happy band. 
 
 We soon shall meet them once again, 
 
 We'll know their features bright and fair 
 
 Then we'll cease to suffer pain 
 When we meet them over there. 
 
 STRUGGLE OF LIFE. 
 
 Years ago we have heard our grandparents tell 
 The way they were brought up, and lived so well, 
 For they were content and what could they ask more, 
 While they lived in a log house with only one door. 
 
 Back in the woods where no one could do them any harm, 
 
 And then go to work and clear them up a farm, 
 
 Where they raised up a family of eight or ten : 
 
 Although they had not much schooling they were good men. 
 
 They were very prosperous, and ever ready to do right ; 
 And in the Kevolutionary war were ready to fight 
 To gain their independence, but not theirs alone, 
 But for us and our children and their homes. 
 
 Then we will honor our flag, that floats on the air, 
 And will protect it while it is under our care; 
 That no enemy shall attempt to pull it down 
 As long as we Americans are anywhere to be found. 
 
 112 
 
In revolutionary times the women had a place to fill, 
 While their husbands and brothers were out on drill ; 
 They did the work in the house, and also on the farm. 
 If they hoed potatoes or raked hay they thought it no harm. 
 
 The flag of our nation, we may feel proud of it then, 
 For it was bought by the blood of our patriotic men. 
 We will honor that flag ever under our care, 
 And will protect and float it in free air. 
 
 THE SEASONS. 
 
 The spring time is coming, and will soon be here, 
 When the buds will open and the blossoms appear ; 
 Then we will inhale their fragrance while they are here 
 For we well know they come but once a year. 
 
 Then after a week or two the blossoms fade and fall, 
 And then the fruit will appear, although very small, 
 Then with the aid of sun and rain it all stands to reason, 
 That we shall have the fruit in God's own time and season — 
 
 To nourish our bodies, for it was given to us for our good ; 
 Then we will partake of it and eat and live as we should. 
 After the fruit is gathered, the leaves of the tree fade and fall ; 
 That tells us summer is over for it will be just so with us all. 
 
 Then we will select our fruit from the choicest and best, 
 For when we do right we are sure to be blest ; 
 And while we journey here, if we will travel in the right path, 
 We need not fear for we shall reach home at last. 
 
 Then in old age we, like the leaves, wither, fade and fall. 
 Our good deeds will be left for others to know, that will be all ; 
 Then our work will be done and we be laid to rest, 
 Our souls be in heaven among the good and blest. 
 
 SPRING. 
 
 The drifting snow has disappeared, the spring songsters will 
 
 soon be here 
 To search the ground for food, and likewise give us cheer. 
 We will welcome those little birds that sing so sweet and clear, 
 For it is their first notes that are so attractive to the ear. 
 
 113 
 
Those little birds that hop about from branch to branch, then 
 
 stop to rest, 
 Each one seems to be on the lookout for a place to build her nest, 
 To lay her eggs and rear her young, and have a place to stay; 
 Then we should not disturb the little birds for fear they'll go 
 
 away. 
 
 And we, like the little birds, should let our voices ring, 
 
 And join in their chorus as they warble forth their songs of 
 
 spring, 
 When they flit about their nests and sing their songs so gay, 
 We fell glad that spring has come and winter has gone away. 
 
 For in the springtime of life we are full of joy and glee, 
 And when summer comes with us, then happy we shall be. 
 Our days of summer, like the birds', with us will soon be o'er, 
 Then we shall leave our childhood home to return no more. 
 
 Then by the tree of life like the birds we shall be, 
 To sing the songs of love while we are full of glee, 
 For one long eternal day that God to us has given 
 That we might sing his praise in our home in heaven. 
 
 SAILOR BOY. 
 
 When I was a babe in the cradle my mother rocked me to sleep, 
 
 When I was five years old she an eye on me would keep; 
 
 To school I must go in rain or snow, wherever I might be at 
 
 play, 
 For it would be wrong, you know, to ask her to stay away. 
 
 To school I went to my heart's content, a jolly boy to be, 
 At the age of seventeen to sea I went, a sailor on the deep, 
 The ocean then my cradle was, as you will plainly see, 
 For the ocean was my mother then, she rocked me to sleep. 
 
 A whaling voyage I went, a three years' cruise to be, 
 
 To the f oretop sail I went a sailor boy to be, 
 
 The captain was a pleasant man, the mate was rather wild, 
 
 The ocean was my mother then, and I was her child. 
 
 The captain he would say, go aloft, aloft, to me. 
 I always obeyed him you see, for a sailor boy I was to be ; 
 The sailors all were very good while we were on the deep, 
 The ocean was my my mother then, she rocked me to sleep. 
 
 114 
 
Sometimes we had to go aloft; in rough weather it would be, 
 
 It would try the strength of the sailor, you see; 
 
 In storm or calm, was all the same to me, 
 
 I was my mother's boy then, and a sailor boy to be. 
 
 While we cruised o'er the deep to raise a whale, my lads, 
 
 An eye out we had to keep ; there she blows — it made us glad ; 
 
 The boat is lowered, and away we glide, harpoon in hand, over 
 
 the deep, 
 We rowed o'er the billows then but they could not rock me to 
 
 sleep. 
 
 The sea was wild and rough, while every man plied his oar; 
 Going for the whale was very tough, some to return no more ; 
 Up to the whale they go, every man as true as steel, 
 The harpoon causes blood to flow, the whale begins to reel. 
 
 Down he goes into the deep, the line is most paid out, 
 Every man in silence keeps, at last there is a shout — 
 Up he comes among the foam, again down he goes into the deep, 
 It makes every man think of home and in breathless silence keep. 
 
 Underneath the boat, up he comes once again, 
 
 The boat is in pieces, and where are the men? 
 
 The rest of the ship's crew send out another boat then ; 
 
 It's the best they can do, but it's too late to save the men. 
 
 His mother for her son may she never weep, 
 But look on the ocean that rocked him to sleep, 
 The poor sailor boys under the billows ever keep, 
 For mother ocean's cradle rocked them to sleep. 
 
 THE DYING SOLDIER. 
 
 On the field of battle a soldier lay, 
 
 By the enemy shot through the breast. 
 
 A comrade stooped to hear what he might say- 
 Pick me up, put me with the rest. 
 
 I picked him up and carried him away, 
 Says he, Tell my mother not to weep 
 
 When she hears that I am dead, 
 
 And here is my ring I send for her to keep. 
 
 When I was among the dead and dying, , 
 Tell my mother I remembered what she said, 
 
 Tell my sister to look up and cease crying 
 For her soldier brother who is dead. 
 
 115 
 
Tell my father to keep from sighing, 
 When he hears of me among the blest, 
 
 For his son was a soldier, and was lying 
 On the battle-field at the point of death. 
 
 Tell my brave comrades that are left, 
 
 It does not strike me with dread 
 When I think it was for my country 
 
 That I have fought and bled. 
 
 That night when we picked up the dead 
 
 I was on duty, and came to him, 
 I did not forget what he said. 
 
 We picked him up when the stars were dim — 
 
 And closed his eyes for he was dead ; 
 
 We folded his arms across his breast 
 And by the starlight a prayer was said — 
 
 Then his brother comrades laid him to rest. 
 
 It was just by the edge of the woods, 
 
 Underneath one lonely pine, 
 In the very best place that we could 
 
 And it will be easy to find. 
 
 Should you come where this tree stood 
 
 You will find the mark, it will stay, 
 For we buried him by starlight close by the woods, 
 
 Just before the break of day. 
 
 He was shot down in the daylight, 
 
 He has gone to be with the blest, 
 And that night by the starlight 
 
 We laid our brave comrade to rest. 
 
 OTT/T OF LIFE. 
 
 In youth we have nothing to look out for, they say ; 
 I tell you it is not so, for children must run and play. 
 I remember when I was young I never could have my say, 
 If I had the hammer and looking-glass they would take them 
 away. 
 
 But as I approached into manhood, I imagined a hill far away, 
 It was the hill of life, which is hard to climb they say. 
 I started for its summit and found no time for play, 
 I found it very slow and tiresome on the way. 
 
 116 
 
Our limbs and muscles grow stronger while on the way, 
 Therefore we take courage as we travel day by day, 
 We know it is up hill, and it takes time you know, 
 There are obstacles to get over on the way as we go. 
 
 Therefore never look back, but hold up your head 
 As up the hill of life on our journey you tread, 
 If we improve our time as we think it best, 
 When we get up the hill of life we shall find rest. 
 
 From the toil of our journey through life day by day, 
 By trying to help and encourage others on the way, 
 It will be a comfort to all of us then 
 To know that we have tried to assist our fellowmen. 
 
 Then we will stop one moment on the top of the hill 
 To look over the surroundings, and our castles to build. 
 We have gained the summit and have accomplished our will 
 Still we have something to do for we can not stand still. 
 
 There is work for us to do, if we will only do it then, 
 To assist one another and help our fellowmen 
 By giving them courage and doing away with strife, 
 While they are traveling up the rugged hill of life. 
 
 Some will strain their muscles while working for them. 
 And others will assist by only using their pen, 
 Some will be discouraged and idle away their time, 
 While others will go ahead and up the hill climb. 
 
 If you wish to succeed you must commence with a will, 
 
 For it is hard to struggle all the way up hill. 
 
 When you go to work you must not stand still, 
 
 For it is only by perseverance that we get up the hill. 
 
 What we find to do, try and do it the best way, 
 If we do it right we think it is sure to pay. 
 We must make up our mind to work with a will, 
 For it is step by step that we get up hill. 
 
 ACROSS THE RIVER. 
 
 It's but a step across the river, 
 And the time, it seemeth near; 
 
 It is only a little way for us 
 Should death to us appear. 
 
 117 
 
For we have got most there, 
 
 And we are all on the way, 
 For the road is very smooth, 
 
 And the prospects are bright as day. 
 
 Then we need not have any fear, 
 
 While we are traveling on the way; 
 
 For when we get over the river 
 It will be a happy place to stay. 
 
 We are down by the river bank, 
 And we can see the other side ; 
 
 When God sends his angels 
 We shall over the river glide. 
 
 When we get on the other shore, 
 There the book will be open wide, 
 
 And if our names are written there 
 We shall be happy on the other side. 
 
 Then all will be clothed in white, 
 For there will be none in disguise. 
 
 We all will wear our robes so bright 
 While we are journeying in the skies. 
 
 THE BIBLE. 
 
 When we take up the Bible 
 
 And its pages commence to look, 
 
 Then we must consider its meaning, 
 For it is the book of books. 
 
 It is full of instructions for us, 
 If we will its lessons learn, 
 
 Then study well its meaning 
 While its pages we turn. 
 
 It is a complete history 
 
 Way back in the times of old, 
 
 If we will study its meaning 
 Its truths to us will unfold. 
 
 It gives us a history of Him, 
 
 Of whom all of us are concerned, 
 
 And if we will study its pages 
 Of Christ we shall learn. 
 
 118 
 
God is the giver of all things 
 From its pages we have learned, 
 
 All that we have is his gift, 
 
 It is not anything we have earned. 
 
 Then let us look to him 
 
 For he always has enough in store, 
 If we will call on Him 
 
 He will feed the hungry and poor. 
 
 Then what more could we ask 
 
 Of a being that is so good, 
 Than to follow his precepts 
 
 And try to live as we should. 
 
 He placed us on this earth, 
 Where his feet long have trod, 
 
 And gave it strict in charge 
 For us to obey the will of God. 
 
 We know while we are on this earth 
 We are liable to go astray, 
 
 By not studying his precepts 
 We wander far out of the way. 
 
 But when we take up the Bible 
 And by reading we soon learn, 
 
 Although we are a wanderer, 
 To Him we may return. 
 
 When God saw that Adam had sinned 
 And from Him had gone astray, 
 
 He took him out of the garden 
 Of Eden and sent him away. 
 
 When He saw the sins of the world, 
 The Bible tells us what was done : 
 
 To redeem us all from sin 
 
 He gave his only begotten Son. 
 
 That we might have Him for our guide 
 And help, while we are on the way, 
 
 For he knows all of our thoughts 
 And every word that we say. 
 
 If anything with us goes wrong 
 We can look up to Him, and plead, 
 
 For we know He is a friend to us 
 In every time of need. 
 
 119 
 
The Bible teaches us how to live, 
 
 That we may find grace, 
 To prepare us for heaven, 
 
 Where we shall meet God face to face. 
 
 There to give Him an account 
 
 Of the way we have lived while here ; 
 
 Then if we have lived as we should 
 We shall have nothing to fear. 
 
 If we live up to His teachings 
 
 Then we are sure to be blest 
 Among the pure and good 
 
 In that place of eternal rest. 
 
 Then we shall be all of one mind 
 
 When we shall be gathered into the fold, 
 
 For there will be no contention, 
 All will be joy and peace to the soul. 
 
 MEMORIAL DAY. 
 
 The government appointed the thirtieth day of May, 
 That we might respect the soldiers that are dead, 
 
 For it was for the good of our country 
 That they fought, suffered and bled. 
 
 As our thoughts go back into the past 
 
 To the soldiers that were true and tried, 
 
 We see they fought for their country 
 
 And on the battle-field suffered and died. 
 
 And now in memory of the soldiers 
 
 We will respect their ashes wherever they lay, 
 
 For they fought for their flag bravely, 
 As their brothers are fighting today. 
 
 For it was the flag of our union 
 
 That the brave soldiers fought to save, 
 
 And it will be an emblem and a token 
 That we place on every soldier's grave. 
 
 Now as we look at those little flags, 
 
 Placed there on the soldiers' graves, 
 They tell of their patriotic love 
 
 For they fought their country to save. 
 120 
 
As they stand there disturb them not, 
 But in the breeze may they wave 
 
 In honor of the brave soldier boys 
 
 That now lie slumbering in their graves. 
 
 Now to the young: remember your duty 
 To your country, which others have served, 
 
 And if you are called to battle 
 
 Eemember the flag and union to preserve. 
 
 And stand by the flag of our union, 
 
 For our soldiers did just the same way, 
 
 For which we decorate their untimely graves 
 With our flags on this Memorial Day. 
 
 THE POT OF BAKED BEANS. 
 
 Back in my early boyhood days, 
 
 And all of the improvements we've seen 
 
 In the way of cooking, nothing will compare 
 With the old-fashioned pot of baked beans. 
 
 For they were cooked in the old brick oven, 
 That was made in the chimney, as you've seen, 
 
 And would be hot and ready for breakfast — 
 That good old way of cooking baked beans. 
 
 There was the old-fashioned Indian pudding, 
 
 Which we thought was the best that ever was seen, 
 
 For it suited our appetites when we were hungry 
 Especially when served with sugar and cream. 
 
 For when we sat down at the table, 
 
 If we were not hungry, to me it did seem 
 
 Our appetites would soon come to us 
 
 When we thought of the pudding and beans. 
 
 Now if I were back in my boyhood days, 
 And my appetite was as good as I've seen, 
 
 I would not ask for any improvements 
 On the old-fashioned pot of baked beans. 
 
 121 
 
DREAM OR VISION. 
 
 I dreamed, or thought I dreamed, 
 
 Or was it a vision one Sabbath morn ; 
 
 I thought I awoke in a new country 
 That was all in a crystal form. 
 
 Nature seemed to be clothed in crystals, 
 Every shrub and leaf to me seemed bright 
 
 With its silvery lustre instead of green, 
 And myriads of people were in sight. 
 
 Arid all over the land, as far as I could see, 
 Seemed to be in that crystal form; 
 
 And what can it be likened unto 
 But the future resurrection morn. 
 
 The trees seemed to be arched over 
 And were hung with crystal flowers, 
 
 And the paths had crystal carpets 
 All beneath those crystal bowers. 
 
 And as I looked at its dazzling rays, 
 
 To me it looked like the sun's rays on ice ; 
 
 And what more could this be 
 
 Than the beautiful future paradise. 
 
 There were the arched crystal bowers 
 That were hanging over the streets, 
 
 While myriads were traveling with delight 
 On those beautiful crystals under their feet. 
 
 All seemed to me to be young and happy, 
 With a look that was full of grace, 
 
 And when you met them on the street 
 They gave you a smile that never will deface. 
 
 There was a river, its waters clear as crystal, 
 That flowed so smooth and gently by 
 
 Underneath the crystal bowers 
 Without a murmur or a sigh. 
 
 There were songs of joy and gladness 
 Sung by the myriads in the streets, 
 
 While all joined in the chorus 
 
 That made the music sound so sweet. 
 
 122 
 
Those songs of gladness rent the air 
 And were wafted to the skies ; 
 
 Now what more can it be 
 
 But that glorious future paradise? 
 
 SHIP ABOUND THE WORLD. 
 
 See that ship that has just hove in sight, 
 
 With her yard and spars and sails so white, 
 
 She is nearing this port, perhaps she is coming in — 
 
 It comes nearer and nearer, she sails like the wind. 
 
 What is she — a merchant or a man-of-war? 
 
 I should say it was the merchant with Captain Shaw; 
 
 I should say she was a whaler, if I can tell, 
 
 See how fast she comes, she mounts every swell. 
 
 She is coming in, perhaps for some repairs, 
 
 Or it may be to dispose of some of its wares. 
 
 I can see some of the crew as on the deck they stand, 
 
 It looks like the whaler that left this port with Captain Man. 
 
 It's that grand ship Conqueror, that sailed from this port, 
 With a crew of forty-five men, among whom was Captain Worth, 
 Who was ever ready to meet with other nations, sails unfurled, 
 While he and his jolly sailors were sailing around the world. 
 
 NATURE OF MFE. 
 
 Why are we like the beautiful flowers of spring? 
 First like the buds, we are tender little things, 
 Then when we are fully developed we are gay; 
 In old age we, like the flowers, soon pass away. 
 
 And like the buds of spring we need more care, 
 We are nourished with wholesome food and much pure air 
 To strengthen our muscles and improve our bones, 
 Therefore we have to creep before we can go alone. 
 
 Then to school we must go, ourselves to prepare 
 For the future in manhood, we soon shall be there; 
 Then step to the front, there'll be work for you, 
 And waste no time, it's the best we can do. 
 
 123 
 
Some will branch out for money and others for fame, 
 And those that are just will obtain a good name ; 
 Some will go ahead and others will turn aside, 
 For the road to fortune has branches far and wide. 
 
 Then look ahead, each one his own place to fill, 
 Whether it be on a farm or in a cotton mill. 
 Much will be accomplished by a single hand's turn, 
 If we will take care of the money we've earned. 
 
 Some are always in want for this very reason, 
 For they don't commence their work till out of season ; 
 Then they oftentimes lay around in the shade, 
 And for their pay they must in poverty wade. 
 
 Poverty, when caused by poor health is no shame, 
 But when brought on by idleness we are to blame. 
 In your account remember and keep debt and credit, 
 Never spend your money until you have earned it. 
 
 Now with my advice we hope you will be wise 
 
 And profit by the same, that you may receive a prize ; 
 
 Then when you get to be old and infirm 
 
 You can live on the money that you have earned. 
 
 Now we can see that the sun shines for all, 
 On the high and low, and the great and small ; 
 Now we all have the same chance, as you see, 
 To choose for ourselves what our business may be. 
 
 Alas, as it were in the space of an hour, 
 We pass from childhood to manhood as did the flower 
 From the bud to the blossom, as it were for a day, 
 For our time has been short as we now pass away. 
 
 A FOOLISH HABIT. 
 
 When I was young, scarcely twenty-one, 
 I tried a chew of tobacco just for fun. 
 When I chewed it I soon found 
 It made me sick, my head whirled around. 
 
 I took it out and threw it away, 
 But I tried it again another day. 
 Then it did not taste quite so bad — 
 To throw that away I wish I had. 
 
 124 
 
Somehow or other, it was my plan, 
 If I smoked and chewed I'd be a man. 
 I was not alone, there were others too, 
 Who learned with me to smoke and chew. 
 
 I chewed tobacco just for fun, 
 
 And this is the way I first begun. 
 
 If I had thrown the first chew away 
 
 I would be worth thousands more today. 
 
 I kept on using more or less 
 
 For thirty-five years, I should guess ; 
 
 I smoked for fifteen years, I should say, 
 
 Then thought I would lay my pipe away. 
 
 Now in the cities and country towns 
 There are plenty of boys to be found ; 
 If that would make them a man 
 They would chew tobacco by the hand. 
 
 To such I will say, try some other plan 
 It costs so much that way to make a man. 
 Now when you want to smoke and chew 
 Ask yourself what you had better do. 
 
 I've left the habit off and now can say 
 I care not for tobacco in any way. 
 Now take my advice, believe me if you can, 
 Touch it not ; it will not make a man. 
 
 Is there anything more debase 
 Than to have tobacco juice on your face; 
 If you should chance to speak or grin 
 Away goes tobacco juice down your chin. 
 
 Now my friends do not touch the weed, 
 For they say the Devil sowed the seed. 
 I don't know, let that be as it may, 
 If anyone offers you a chew turn away. 
 
 DOWN THE RIVER OF LIFE. 
 
 We have watched the sparkling waters flow 
 From our early childhood to the sea, 
 
 And cast our hopes upon its waters, 
 
 Which made none more happy than me. 
 
 125 
 
Our boat has sailed its waters pure, 
 Since we launched upon its tide ; 
 
 And hope we'll land on its shore, 
 
 Where our forms will rest side by side. 
 
 We have floated down that pleasant stream, 
 
 Which have no breakers on either shore, 
 With no storms to disturb our peace, 
 
 Which must be lasting, forevermore. 
 The sun has lighted well our pathway, 
 
 While we both have plied the oar 
 That filled our anxious hearts with pleasure — 
 
 Why now should we ask for more? 
 
 We'll watch that gentle flowing river, 
 
 With flowery bank on either side, 
 Until we feel the spray of the breaker, 
 
 Forced back by the incoming tide, 
 Which will cleanse each our joyful hearts; 
 
 Since she became my true, lawful bride, 
 And view the mighty rocks of ages 
 
 That are forcing back the flowing tide. 
 
 We'll mingle with the sparkling water 
 
 Until our souls will be set free ; 
 Then we'll sing of the rocks of ages 
 
 That have long been cleft for me ; 
 And we'll watch those dazzling lights 
 
 On that bright and looked-for shore, 
 Where loving friends again we'll meet — 
 
 To dwell in peace forevermore. 
 
 THE FLAG. 
 
 The flag of our glorious union 
 
 We have just flung to the breeze, 
 In honor of our brave soldiers 
 
 Who fought o'er land and seas. 
 Long may it wave in peace, 
 
 And have no cause for war, 
 Or ever in our noble constitution 
 
 Ever find a rend or a flaw. 
 
 And may God forever protect us 
 
 And spare us from hardship and pain; 
 
 That peace may reign through the world 
 And have no more wars again. 
 
 126 
 
We will honor that glorious flag — 
 Our emblem of the free; 
 
 And will protect its folds of honor 
 While it floats o'er land and sea. 
 
 MY MOTHER'S CALMNG. 
 
 How oft in my early childhood 
 
 My mother's call came to me — 
 Willie! Willie! where art thou Willie, 
 
 Shall I nevermore my Willie see? 
 I took to roving when but a lad 
 
 And went away from home to sea ; 
 And many a dreary night her call 
 
 Came soft and low to me. 
 
 I hear it on every wave of the deep, 
 
 I hear it in the troughs of the sea — 
 Willie! Willie! where art thou Willie? 
 
 Come, Willie, come home to me. 
 1 now hear my mother softly calling, 
 
 Though I am far away on the sea, 
 And amid those wild foaming breakers 
 
 Her voice is calling now for me. 
 
 Those words, though soft I hear them, 
 
 Even when I am fast asleep; 
 While she may be lonely, dreaming 
 
 Of her Willie, now on the deep. 
 I hear her sweet and tender voice 
 
 Saying Willie come home to me, 
 And no more leave your dear mother, 
 
 But bid farewell to the rolling sea. 
 
 I will go to my loving mother dear, 
 
 Who has that kind love for me ; 
 And spend my last days on earth 
 
 With mother, then happy we shall be ; 
 And listen to the kind, loving voice 
 
 Of mother, for I hear her say 
 My Willie is at home again with me, 
 
 And he has come home to stay. 
 
 127 
 
THE HTLL OF LIFE. 
 
 We have traveled the rugged hills of life, 
 
 Seeking kind fortunes there to find ; 
 With our hearts ever kind and true, 
 
 She being the first lover of mine. 
 We have strove hard to win the race, 
 
 And on our way found a friend 
 Who cheers each heart at every pace, 
 
 And will guide us to the end. 
 
 Fortunes will smile on those who seek, 
 
 11 they watch with a watchful eye, 
 And be sure to gain the highest peak 
 
 If they'll have the courage to try. 
 There are many winding ways in life 
 
 For those who reach the height of fame, 
 There are those who idle their time away — 
 
 Then wish for wealth; who's to blame? 
 
 They who wait and watch for wealth alone, 
 
 Thinking they can live at their ease, 
 May often have a cause then to repent, 
 
 While crawling on their hands and knees 
 And waiting for some looked-for fortunes, 
 
 While others are climbing up the hill, 
 May have a long time to wait ; 
 
 And now may be waiting still. 
 
 Some think there's a way well provided 
 
 For the weak, the lame, and lazy, 
 Which may break their once noble heart 
 
 Or cause them to become violently crazy. 
 Those who choose to idle their time away 
 
 With all sorts of sports and games, 
 But one question need they ever ask — 
 
 Who was the one most to blame? 
 
 THE SCHEMERS. 
 
 The world is filling up with schemers, 
 Of whom we all should be aware, 
 
 For they will contrive and tease you 
 Until they get you in their snare. 
 
 128 
 
When once they gain your confidence 
 They will put on that pleasant smile, 
 
 For they know they have you sure, 
 Which was their intent all the while. 
 
 They will contrive and take you unaware, 
 
 With their bold truth-telling tongue; 
 And rob you of your hard-earned money, 
 
 As by others they have often done. 
 While you count on your future wealth, 
 
 Feeling in your heart much pleased, 
 They will attack your next door neighbor 
 
 And fleece you both at their ease. 
 
 The schemers have no heart or pity, 
 
 While they are using their flattering tongue ; 
 If they can gain their desired point 
 
 They care not how quick it is done. 
 And when they have accomplished their desire, 
 
 By putting on their long-drawn face, 
 Let it be right, or be it wrong — 
 
 What care they for what has taken place? 
 
 The schemers are the worst of all, 
 
 For they will contrive to get your cash 
 And beat you whenever they can, 
 
 With a promise of their worthless trash. 
 If you will deal with the schemers, 
 
 You can count yourself near insane, 
 And the second time you greet them 
 
 It is yourself who'll be to blame. 
 
 MY WIFE AND I. 
 
 I loved a nice young girl, 
 
 And found she loved me too, 
 
 And since then we've always loved; 
 Now what better could we do? 
 
 She was fair as the morning lily, 
 Her lips were like the rose, 
 
 And she always wore a pleasant smile- 
 Was why to her I did propose. 
 
 She was then but sweet sixteen, 
 To me she was lovely, fair, 
 
 The noblest girl I'd ever seen, 
 And she had bright auburn hair. 
 
 129 
 
Her voice was sweet and tender, 
 Her eyes the sun would outshine, 
 
 And her smiles I'll ne'er forget, 
 While I can call her mine. 
 
 We have traveled in wedlock together 
 
 For upwards of fifty years, 
 And now enjoy the love of each other, 
 
 Which banishes all thoughts of fears. 
 We've watched the sun rise and set, 
 
 Which cheers us both on our way 
 Without sorrow ; we ne'er will forget 
 
 Until the close of our dying day. 
 
 With her tender words and loving smiles, 
 
 None other her place could fill ; 
 Now, as when she was a child, 
 
 That love is with us still. 
 We are now both feeble with age, 
 
 Our steps are less lightly than then, 
 But our love is a well written page 
 
 And will endure until the end. 
 
 MY MOTHER. 
 
 I had a loving mother years ago, 
 
 Who taught me the ways of life, 
 And by her love and gentle ways 
 
 I learned to do away with strife ; 
 Many times her heart was pained, 
 
 But she did not let me know; 
 For she was very fond of me, 
 
 Was why she never told me so. 
 
 She sang songs of love to me, 
 
 When I was sitting by her side, 
 That kept our hearts well linked together, 
 
 Which was my loving mother's pride. 
 While at home, if I felt discontent 
 
 And teased her to let me go, 
 She often in her sorrow would repent, 
 
 With, I ought to have told you so. 
 
 She did what was pleasing then to me, 
 For I was her only, loving child ; 
 
 And what she said I knew was true, 
 As it brought forth a loving smile ; 
 
 130 
 
And that smile I never shall forget, 
 Though it was years and years ago, 
 
 And what she said I know was true, 
 For my mother told me so. 
 
 Those loving smiles I never shall forget, 
 
 They are well stamped on memory's page, 
 As I have nothing now to regret 
 
 For one of my present age. 
 Her sweet words and loving smiles, 
 
 They came from the heart, I know. 
 And what she said, I believed it, 
 
 For my mother told me so. 
 
 OUR NATIONAL FLAG. 
 
 We are a band of different nations, 
 
 Which have hearts that beat so true, 
 And may we always stand together, 
 
 That our strength may then renew. 
 Now rally around our national banner, 
 
 While we all have a work to do, 
 Beneath the folds of our starry banner 
 
 That bears the red, white and blue. 
 
 Who says our flag is not sacred 
 
 When it is flung to the breeze, 
 Under Almighty God and His angels, 
 
 While floating o'er land and seas? 
 We will honor our noble, glorious flag, 
 
 Those stripes and stars in the field, 
 And will die to protect its folds 
 
 Ere once to our enemy we'll yield. 
 
 The flag of our most noble union, 
 
 To the breeze which we now unfurl, 
 With a solemn vow to protect it, 
 
 As the noblest pride of the world. 
 It's the pride of our loyal nation, 
 
 The banner of the land and sea, 
 And we will guard and protect it — 
 
 The banner which has made us free. 
 
 131 
 
We'll rally around our national flag, 
 
 And keep the stars and stripes in view ; 
 The glorious emblem of our native country, 
 
 Which bears the red, white and blue. 
 We'll conquer all that lies before us, 
 
 And all our enemies we will subdue, 
 And keep the honor of old glory, 
 
 Which bears the red, white and blue. 
 
 GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK. 
 
 This is your grandfather's old clock 
 
 That has served him for many years; 
 If it should chance to stop, 
 
 I beg of you to shed no tears. 
 And when he is dead and gone, 
 
 Though it has not yet turned gray, 
 Wind it up at night or morn 
 
 And let it have its own way. 
 
 It now keeps time for him faithful, 
 
 It has run upwards of fifty years, 
 And now keeps time just as true, 
 
 With the smooth workings of its gears. 
 And its pendulum vibrates to and fro, 
 
 Which has ticked for many a year, 
 And if it could but now talk 
 
 I think it would say, I'm here. 
 
 But they say time rots the diamond, 
 
 Though they are beautiful and gay; 
 But we shall all pass through a change, 
 
 After which we must be laid away. 
 This old clock first began to talk 
 
 In the year eighteen fifty-nine, 
 Before Lizzie had begun to walk — 
 
 Who cheered this old heart of mine. 
 
 If the old clock could but speak, 
 
 What would you think it would say? 
 Like poor old grandfather, I'm getting weak, 
 
 Why not lay us both away? 
 For we have long kept time faithful 
 
 During all those many long years, 
 But when we both shall become silent, 
 
 Let us rest and have no fears. 
 
 132 
 
CAUTION. 
 
 The dark clouds now are forming, 
 
 Which shuts out the clear, blue sky 
 And gives us all a timely warning 
 
 That rain is coming by-and-by. 
 Now put on your rubber boots, 
 
 For you must avoid the chill, 
 With your long raincoat suit, 
 
 And take along your green "umbrill." 
 
 Oh, never mind your rubber boots, 
 
 Or raincoat covering up your frills; 
 It's beyond your pride you should look, 
 
 And save many a doctor's bill. 
 We should all preserve our health 
 
 By looking out for a stormy day, 
 Which is sure to take our health, 
 
 For the many doctor's bills we pay. 
 
 Eemember, pride is the worst of all, 
 
 Which may cause us to suffer pain, 
 Though the cause may be small, 
 
 We should reckon the loss and gain. 
 While the doctor is filling his purse, 
 
 You are the one who suffers pain. 
 We should be thankful it's no worse, 
 
 And strive to avoid the rain. 
 
 Some doctors are worse than scoundrels, 
 
 Who try to scheme their way, 
 And tell you what they'll do 
 
 If you'll but advance their pay. 
 We style a doctor a gentleman, 
 
 Who does prescribe for many ills, 
 And doesn't let his conscience stretch 
 
 While he's making out his bills. 
 
 WHO WILL MISS US? 
 
 Some day we shall be missed 
 From out this household band 
 
 By those whom we once caressed 
 And gave them a welcome hand. 
 
 133 
 
Though scenes of loving friendship, 
 
 Like the rose, must fade away, 
 And leave its withered foliage there 
 
 To drop to earth and then decay. 
 
 Like the blossoming of the morning rose, 
 
 We each have had our day, 
 With many a heart-loving friend 
 
 Who has long since passed away 
 And left our once household band 
 
 To join the myriads over there, 
 Which severed the ties of friendship 
 
 And left behind their vacant chair. 
 
 Life itself is but human birth, 
 
 Which will nourish like the morning rose ; 
 Then be consigned again to earth, 
 
 To rest there in sweet repose. 
 If the blooming rose in paradise 
 
 Is watered with such friendly care, 
 Though our loss on earth be sad, 
 
 Some other must fill our vacant chair. 
 
 True friendship will never, never die. 
 
 It's more lasting than the rose, 
 For its beauty will soon fade away 
 
 And rest in silent, sweet repose. 
 Our friends were kind and well disposed, 
 
 Which made life pleasant everywnere. 
 Those thoughts are but a smiling rose, 
 
 Which must fill our vacant chair. 
 
 MYSTERIES IN LIFE. 
 
 When mysteries to us shall appear, 
 
 Then turn not your thoughts away, 
 Though strange to us they seem, 
 
 They happened in our grandfather's day; 
 For we have often heard it said, 
 
 Though in that strange, mysterious way, 
 If a man be poor and depressed, 
 
 That it's always the darkest just before day. 
 
 Some are bowed o'er by toil 
 And command but very small pay, 
 
 While others strive for big fortunes — 
 It was so in my grandfather's day. 
 
 134 
 
While money then wasn't as plenty, 
 When we view it in a financial way, 
 
 But I know by my sad experience 
 It was the darkest just before day. 
 
 Those who are looking for large fortunes 
 
 May look in that lone, mysterious way, 
 And with a sigh when they reflect — 
 
 It was not so in their grandfather's day. 
 There are many who are in need, 
 
 And have many bills to pay. 
 They must cheer up with the thought 
 
 That it's the darkest just before day. 
 
 The mystery which we wish to solve 
 
 Now casts a shadow on its way. 
 When people are reared as idle sports — 
 
 It wasn't so in my grandfather's day. 
 While the sun may continue to shine 
 
 For those who are sporting that way; 
 Must just remember when you are destitute 
 
 That it's the darkest just before day. 
 
 A SMILING FACE. 
 
 We have not idled our time away, 
 
 Or left things to go to waste, 
 But always kept our work a-booming, 
 
 With everything in its proper place. 
 It cheers the heart now we are old 
 
 To think what was then taking place ; 
 And the loveliest scene we now behold 
 
 Is a friend's kind and smiling face. 
 
 When the heart is cold and chilled, 
 
 The mind is never at its ease, 
 Which carries our gloomy thoughts far away 
 
 And leaves no smiling face to please. 
 Thus those dreary thoughts of life itself 
 
 Would be to us one barren waste; 
 But how changed those sober, weary thoughts 
 
 When greeted with a loving, smiling face. 
 
 It cheers the heart of all mankind, 
 
 And fills the heart full of cheer, 
 To be greeted by a loving smile 
 
 From kind friends we hold most dear. 
 
 135 
 
It will take away those downcast thoughts, 
 Which burden the minds of Adam's race, 
 
 And give to all that joyful gladness, 
 To be met with a smiling face. 
 
 The secret lies within all our hearts, 
 
 If we'll but lend a listening ear, 
 And profit by those many loving thoughts 
 
 Which bring to all that friendly cheer : 
 Strive well to master this simple secret, 
 
 And let no time go to waste, 
 Buf enjoy the remainder of your lives 
 
 With many a kind, smiling face. 
 
 THANKSGIVING DAY. 
 
 We have met many times together here, 
 
 With hearts that were just and true ; 
 And may we live in the future, 
 
 And the joy of our hearts yet renew. 
 This is Thanksgiving Day for all, 
 
 Which comes around once a year. 
 For the old, the great, and small — 
 
 That shows that we are welcome here. 
 
 Thankful we are here this very day, 
 
 And that our bodies are free from pain, 
 With those bright hopes of the future — 
 
 That we may all live to meet again; 
 And have for each a pleasant smile, 
 
 Which will bring pleasure to us all, 
 As we greet those two little tots, 
 
 Which remind us when we were small. 
 
 I well remember when I was small, 
 
 Of the Thanksgiving Day which brought us cheer ; 
 As we looked upon that table spread — 
 
 It caused our appetite again to appear, 
 For there was all that one could wish, 
 
 And it filled my heart with joy 
 As I looked upon each round-up dish — 
 
 How can I? I am but a boy. 
 
 Those many years ago I never dreamed 
 
 Of what takes place here today — 
 That I should ever be a great-grandfather, 
 
 With hair white and whiskers grey. 
 
 136 
 
As I now look upon life's scenes 
 It fills my heart with much joy, 
 
 But back in my midnight dreams, 
 I ne'er again would be a boy. 
 
 Though I now am old and grey, 
 
 I care not for many earthly scenes 
 Which brings to light the many cares 
 
 As I am floating down the stream. 
 But I feel not sad and lonely, 
 
 As I claim so many loving friends, 
 Who stand ready to assist us both 
 
 Should our lives on them depend. 
 
 Yes, truly thankful, why not we be? 
 
 It makes the light of nature shine, 
 Which fills the dormant brain with cheer 
 
 And quickens this old heart of mine. 
 And as I listen to those voices 
 
 Which bring to light such loving cheer 
 Of the days when I was young — 
 
 Is why I am glad I am here. 
 
 ON THE SUNNY SIDE. 
 
 On the sunny side we all should look, 
 
 When we are searching for a bride, 
 For they can read you like a book, 
 
 While you'll be looking on the sunny side. 
 Then have compassion on their anxious look, 
 
 With both your eyes open wide, 
 And view the kitchen, pantry, every nook 
 
 Which brings to light the sunny side. 
 
 Love will go wherever it is sent ; 
 
 That may fill the heart with pride 
 Which will cause you then to repent, 
 
 But you must look on the sunny side, 
 The sun now shines for us all, 
 
 No matter where we may seek a bride ; 
 If she should prove unkind to you 
 
 Just you look on the sunny side. 
 
 137 
 
There are ups and downs in life, 
 
 Like the movements of the tide, 
 And winds that set our boat afloat 
 
 Taught us to look on the sunny side. 
 Then the clouds will soon pass away 
 
 And relieve our thoughts of selfish pride, 
 That it will better fit the eye 
 
 While they look for the sunny side. 
 
 If the mind ever gets despondent 
 
 When you are waiting for the tide 
 You should weigh the matter well 
 
 And just look on the sunny side. 
 It keeps the mind steadfast and clear, 
 
 And does away with our selfish pride ; 
 And prepares the way in future life 
 
 For a happy eventide. 
 
 CHRISTMAS. 
 
 Eing the sweet bells of heaven, 
 
 Which fill every heart with cheer; 
 For Christ is our standard bearer, 
 
 And came forth as a volunteer — 
 Who gave his life for all nations, 
 
 Which has saved many a fallen tear, 
 Then ring the bells of heaven 
 
 Until Christ again will appear. 
 
 King the sweet bells of heaven 
 
 From early morn until late at night, 
 For Christ was meek and holy, 
 
 And for us all He won the fight ; 
 For God, our holy, loving Father, gave 
 
 His only precious, loving Son 
 To die upon that cruel cross 
 
 For the sins of every one. 
 
 Then ring the sweet bells of heaven, 
 
 And let every heart now rejoice, 
 For it was our Holy Father's gift, 
 
 Who gave His Son as His choice — 
 To die upon that cruel cross, 
 
 And suffered all in tortured pain 
 For the sins of each and all, 
 
 That we may each share the gain. 
 
 138 
 
Yes, ring the sweet bells of heaven 
 
 For each and every coming year, 
 And cast off our every evil thought 
 
 Until Christ again shall appear. 
 Watch well for His promised coming; 
 
 Each and every one must be wise, 
 And will rejoice when we greet Him 
 
 As He descends from the skies. 
 
 THE PACING MARE. 
 
 She is as smooth as a button ; 
 
 They say you can trust her anywhere. 
 You will find her just and true, 
 
 A good, honest, upright pacing mare. 
 They say she has speedy record, 
 
 And you may trust her anywhere ; 
 Leave her on the street without a hitch, 
 
 You can be shure to find her there. 
 
 She's good for a mile inside two-thirty, 
 
 On the road, track, or anywhere ; 
 And is as fearless as they make them — 
 
 Just one upright little pacing mare. 
 You may count her honest deal, 
 
 While you are passing through the air, 
 And do it to perfection you may bet, 
 
 For she does it fair and square. 
 
 She never idles her time away 
 
 When speeding the course at the fair, 
 Which attracts the enthusiastic person — 
 
 Look ! see that little pacing mare ! 
 Two to one, I'll bet she'll win, 
 
 For she does not dwell in the air, 
 And she always holds a noble record; 
 
 I've seen her at the fair. 
 
 She has no flinch in her strides, 
 
 She's always ready to do and dare, 
 And in that quiet, easy going way, 
 
 Gained the name of little pacing mare. 
 I won't say she can't be beat, 
 
 But this much I now will declare ; 
 She is a right up-to-date — 
 
 A thoroughbred pacing mare. 
 
 139 
 
LIFE. 
 
 We have watched the days and months go by, 
 
 We have oft suffered aches and pains, 
 And have watched the stars in the sky ; 
 
 Therefore, why should we now complain. 
 It's but one life on earth to live, 
 
 When it's over we'll be free from pain; 
 Then with that promise our Heavenly Father gave 
 
 Are the bright hopes of heaven's gain. 
 
 We' were placed here, we know not why, 
 
 For we all have a work to do, 
 Then we'll join our friends in the sky, 
 
 When our work on earth is through. 
 But the scenes of life will soon be o'er, 
 
 As we have not much longer here to stay ; 
 Then some one will close our earthly door 
 
 And silently we must be laid away. 
 
 From the first dawn of our early life 
 
 We have each struggled from sun to sun 
 And strove hard to overcome our daily strife, 
 
 That we may live in peace with every one. 
 But the ways of life sometimes were hard, 
 
 For many were hard for us to please 
 As we must keep on our earthly guard, 
 
 And look out for our butter and cheese. 
 
 There were many ups and downs in life, 
 
 Which we both have strove hard to subdue, 
 But to avoid all of earthly strife 
 
 Was one thing we ne'er could do ; 
 As the parting words to our many friends, 
 
 When we must bid you all adieu. 
 In all our weak faults we make amends 
 
 And pass on when our earthly journey's through. 
 
 HOME LIFE. 
 
 I'm sitting tonight in my quiet home, 
 With a heart that is full of cheer, 
 
 While my thoughts rest on many loving friends- 
 Some I have not seen for years ; 
 
 140 
 
But while my thoughts thus go astray, 
 
 My mind is in unison as then ; 
 And each throb of my beating heart 
 
 Will help me to use my pen. 
 
 Some are dead and some are far away, 
 
 But their love lingers with me still, 
 Which brings the sunlight within our door, 
 
 Though the nights are cold and chill. 
 While in my dreams I see them, 
 
 Which will help pass my time away, 
 And bring new life within my heart, 
 
 As when in my more youthful days. 
 
 Absence will often right many a wrong, 
 
 Which is the way we should live, 
 As the sight of a churchyard mound 
 
 Will bring the thought we must forgive. 
 Thus with life, both far and near, 
 
 We oft have looked for absent friends 
 Through all our journey, far and wide, 
 
 But may find them when the journey ends. 
 
 To join once more the friendly hand, 
 
 And talk again of the land afar, 
 And look well for the journey's end, 
 
 To find the gate that stands ajar. 
 There to rest in peace f orevermore, 
 
 Without that fear of sin and shame, 
 As the life on earth once we bore 
 
 With all our hardships, aches and pains. 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 There's an old oak tree on the hill, 
 
 It is much older today than we; 
 I well remember the gate that swung 
 
 From the trunk of that old oak tree ; 
 Which served those that passed that way 
 
 And paused to sit in the shade 
 Of those then low-spreading branches, 
 
 Where oft in our childhood we played. 
 
 141 
 
Its branches now spread far and wide, 
 
 And with its foliage casts a shade 
 O'er that little plot across the way 
 
 Where some of my ancestors were laid. 
 Many years are now passed and gone, 
 
 Where in my youth I used to play; 
 But now I heave a lonely sigh 
 
 O'er the mounds where my kin were laid. 
 
 In my yearly wanderings to that plot, 
 
 My feet as they now often stray, 
 To labor and care for that lot 
 
 By cutting and raking away the hay; 
 And view those monumental headstones, 
 
 Carries my thoughts back to the day 
 That our silent teardrops fell 
 
 When we thus laid them away. 
 
 Time with us all now travels on ; 
 
 The old oak tree casts its shade, 
 Which stood there before I was born, 
 
 As a mark where my ancestors were laid. 
 We two must soon join that number, 
 
 And then we will be resting there 
 In that sweet, blessed, quiet slumber, 
 
 No more burdened by earthly care. 
 
 THE LOVERS' DELIGHT. 
 
 We are happy tonight, my love, 
 
 While watching the stars in the sky, 
 And we'll wait for coming morn, 
 
 Then watch the larks as they fly; 
 Then join with them in their chorus, 
 
 As they bathe in the morning dew, 
 And listen to the whip-poor-will's plaintive note 
 
 That brings the charm of love anew. 
 
 We can now enjoy the loving breeze, 
 
 With the fragrance of bright, sunny June, 
 Which are the happiest moments in life — 
 
 Watching the stars passing around the moon, 
 Where the meadows are fresh and green 
 
 With clusters of wild flowers in bloom, 
 Which brings delight to each our hearts 
 
 As we inhale the air's rich perfume. 
 
 148 
 
Then watch the dewdrops while they sparkle 
 
 In the sunlight as they fade away, 
 They carry with it the loving fragrance, 
 
 Where true lovers are wont to stay. 
 We've had a night watching the stars 
 
 In the pleasant month of June, 
 Where take their midnight lark 
 
 And not return again until noon. 
 
 With happy days that lie before us, 
 
 In all our walks we must share ; 
 And let our lives be ever true 
 
 In whatever we must do or bear, 
 Like those stars that shone so bright 
 
 And the voice of the whip-poor-will, 
 Where we took our midnight lark, 
 
 Down by that creeking old mill. 
 
 THE CHEERFUL HEART. 
 
 When our hearts beat in unison, 
 
 There'll be peace within the mind, 
 Which brings new life to all 
 
 And causes life's light to shine, 
 Which casts aside our wearied thoughts 
 
 The better that we may live 
 And brave the storms of life 
 
 With loving hearts that will forgive. 
 
 A saddened heart bereft of joy 
 
 Will suffer much dread and fear 
 That carries the mind far away 
 
 And brings forth the falling tear ; 
 But gentle words, when kindly spoken, 
 
 Will relieve the heart of pain 
 And renew our strength in life 
 
 That we may not err again. 
 
 If we watch the blooming flowers 
 
 And gather in their rich perfume 
 It will make life then as sweet 
 
 As the fragrant rose of June, 
 And leave no mark of sorrow 
 
 Or tear stain on our sallow cheek, 
 But create many a loving smile 
 
 From every word that we speak. 
 
 143 
 
The joyful heart seeks no pain, 
 
 While beating in an honest breast, 
 But carries our thoughts far away 
 
 To that place of endless rest. 
 On the sunny side of life 
 
 Our hearts give us good cheer 
 And cast aside all evil thoughts, 
 
 Which leaves nothing then to fear. 
 
 FUNERAL ODE. 
 
 When death shall come 
 
 Why must we weep, 
 Passing over one by one 
 
 To that peaceful sleep? 
 Besting there, resting there, 
 
 With our work well done ; 
 Free from all earthly care, 
 
 Passing over one by one. 
 
 Life is like the rising sun, 
 
 It will soon be o'er ; 
 Then behold the Holy One 
 
 On that looked-for shore. 
 One by one, one by one — 
 
 To behold that shining shore 
 With our work well done, 
 
 There to rest forevermore. 
 
 In that home of peace, 
 
 Like the last setting sun, 
 With our wants well supplied, 
 
 Passing over, one by one — 
 Resting there, resting there ; 
 
 Their last work is done ; 
 No sorrow then to bear, 
 
 Passing over one by one. 
 
 Death is the setting sun ; 
 
 It will shine forevermore, 
 Guided by the Holy One 
 
 On that bright, shining shore. 
 No fleeting years to roll away, 
 
 Or rising and setting sun ; 
 One everlasting shining day, 
 
 When we pass over one by one. 
 
 144 
 
CONTENTED THOUGHT. 
 
 What thought from fortune's lavish bounty? 
 
 No mighty treasure we possess ; 
 We'll find within our pittance plenty, 
 
 And be content without excess. 
 Still in each kind, returning season, 
 
 There are those we should forgive ; 
 To live well a life of reason, 
 
 Which is the only life to live. 
 
 Through youth and age in love divine 
 
 We'll hand in hand together tread, 
 Sweet smiling peace shall crown our dwelling 
 
 And sweet comfort soften well our bed. 
 We'll cast aside all glooming fear 
 
 And wear a loving, pleasant smile, 
 Which may greet the household band 
 
 And be a comfort to every child. 
 
 With welcome hearts of peace and joy 
 
 For the child upon its mother's breast, 
 When they cast aside their earthly toys, 
 
 In peace may they ever rest. 
 And pass beyond that childhood age, 
 
 As they watch each setting sun, 
 Leaving a well written page 
 
 Of a life when it is done. 
 
 Like the summer sunshine, may it be 
 
 Full of love that brings good cheer, 
 Which must fill each loving heart 
 
 And be thankful we are here. 
 With no blight of weeping sorrow 
 
 For all those many, many years ; 
 As we pass on and onward — 
 
 Dear friends, dry your falling tears. 
 
 OUR FLAG. 
 
 The flag of our noble nation, 
 Where'er it floats today — 
 
 O'er our land, the nation's land, 
 And half the world far away. 
 
 145 
 
Eose red and blood red, 
 
 With stars that will forever gleam; 
 Snow white and soul white, 
 
 Forever now will be seen. 
 
 The glorious guardian of the day, 
 
 And lo ! how much it holds — 
 Your land, and my land, 
 
 Secured now within its folds. 
 Your heart and my heart 
 
 Beats quicker at its sight ; 
 Sun kissed and wind tossed, 
 
 The red, blue and white. 
 
 The one flag, the greatest flag ; 
 
 The flag for you and me, 
 Which now floats o'er our land 
 
 And far away o'er the sea. 
 With a star for every state, 
 
 In that glorious field of blue, 
 Which is the joy of each heart 
 
 That our strength will yet renew. 
 
 With those beautiful stripes and stars 
 
 That now protect our land and sea, 
 The emblem of the United States, 
 
 The glorious land of the free. 
 The one flag, the only flag, 
 
 For our nation, me and you; 
 Now what more could we ask 
 
 Than the red, white and blue. 
 
 HIS LAST GOOD-BYE. 
 
 Many hearts are weary tonight, mother, 
 
 And wishing for the war to cease, 
 Which brings sadness to many a home, 
 
 While their mothers are praying for peace. 
 And those loved ones, while she's weeping, 
 
 Know full well their mothers now are sighing 
 For some dear young soldier boy 
 
 Who may be on the battlefield dying. 
 
 146 
 
Sadness can but fill the thought 
 
 Of mothers who were left weeping here, 
 As in many battles now being fought 
 
 The soldier misses a mother's care. 
 I'll never forget the tears that were shed, 
 
 Or my mother's long-drawn sigh 
 As I pressed her cheek to my lips 
 
 And gave her my last good-bye. 
 
 Many a mother at home now is weeping, 
 
 Knowing the sound of battle cry, 
 With no thought to comfort her sobs 
 
 As she well knows many must die. 
 While her thoughts thus wander far away, 
 
 In her bosom she then heaves a sigh, 
 As she reflects on that sad day 
 
 When her son said his last good-bye. 
 
 Many a mother will long be weeping 
 
 O'er the thought of fierce battle cry, 
 As she knows not where he's sleeping, 
 
 When she thinks of his last good-bye. 
 That last good-bye she'll never hear again, 
 
 Which came from the lips of her son. 
 Or where their forms must forever rest, 
 
 Who have passed over one by one. 
 
 YOUTH AND AGE. 
 
 The scenes through all our life 
 
 Must now soon pass away, 
 Like the flowers of spring, 
 
 Which droop to earth and decay. 
 The infant, the youth of tender years ; 
 
 Then bright hopes of manhood shine, 
 Which carries our hope far away 
 
 To a port that's more sublime. 
 
 Life with many now is sweet, 
 
 Who have passed their tender years ; 
 While in memory of the past 
 
 They have no cause for tears. 
 For a life that's passed and gone 
 
 Can never again return 
 To blight the hope in future 
 
 Of the noble deeds they've earned. 
 
 147 
 
Sorrow will blight the noble heart, 
 
 Who lives in dread and fear, 
 And the dawn of early morn, 
 
 Will often bring floods of tears ; 
 While a life filled with joy 
 
 Will cast aside all earthly gloom, 
 And the body rests more secure 
 
 In that lone and silent tomb. 
 
 But the joy we have on earth 
 
 Compares not with the joy above, 
 Where no secret thought ever abounds, 
 
 But a continuance of sacred love. 
 Where peace and joy will never end, 
 
 As we behold the guiding star 
 That leads to that blest abode 
 
 Where we'll find the gates ajar. 
 
 MY WIFE. 
 
 Just one year ago today 
 
 My wife was with me here, 
 But little did I then think 
 
 That death was standing near ; 
 We went up street that day, 
 
 She was then full of cheer, 
 But now my heart is grieved, 
 
 As she's not with me here. 
 
 Her picture hangs upon the wall, 
 
 And is looking straight at me 
 In her kind and loving way — 
 
 But her smiles I do not see. 
 No word escapes her silent lips 
 
 As I sit here day by day, 
 Nor her smiles do I see, 
 
 As her last smile was laid away. 
 
 When death shall come for me, 
 
 That will tell my whole story — 
 Her smiles again I will see, 
 
 With no thought that will worry. 
 Then I can meet her there, 
 
 Without this dark, saddened gloom, 
 As our bodies will rest side by side 
 
 In that quiet and silent tomb. 
 
 148 
 
Then our souls will reunite, 
 
 With no hearts that will pain, 
 While we'll soar above on high 
 
 To enjoy each other's smiles again. 
 In our new life of endless joy, 
 
 Where no death was ever known, 
 With that endless life to live, 
 
 Before that bright and dazzling throne. 
 
 DREAM OR VISION. 
 
 I dreamed of entering a valley 
 
 *At the early coming of twilight, 
 When the sun was sinking low — 
 
 But there were no stars in sight. 
 Among the many rocks and rills 
 
 There were old drifts of snow, 
 While passing along the road 
 
 I watched well the sunset glow. 
 
 I kept in the traveled road, 
 
 Amid the beauties of the night, 
 As the stars then lit my way, 
 
 Soon the sun came in sight. 
 In the sparkling dew of early morn, 
 
 As I traveled on and on, 
 And watched the rising sun — 
 
 Pure as the babe just born. 
 
 The flowering blossoms then came forth, 
 
 Which gave my heart its cheer. 
 Among the dandelions were violets, 
 
 And soon on vines fruit appeared. 
 That dream like a famous vision 
 
 Sent its beauty to my eyes, 
 And the fruiting blossom then appeared, 
 
 Which made a home of paradise. 
 
 The loving fruit of peaceful pleasure, 
 
 What could there be more divine? 
 With those luscious fruits and berries 
 
 Which hung from all the vines. 
 The fragrance of such wondrous beauty 
 
 Now cheers this heart of mine. 
 That in the near coming future 
 
 I'll share the fruit of every vine. 
 
 149 
 
DOWN THE VALLEY. 
 
 We'll soon float down that quiet valley 
 
 Where there's no guilt or shame, 
 And land safe across the bar — 
 
 To be received in Jesus' name. 
 Then all clouds will pass away, 
 
 That have filled our hearts with gloom, 
 Our spirit will be free to roam — 
 
 While our bodies rest in the tomb. 
 
 The trials of life will then be o'er, 
 
 And there'll be no setting sun, 
 With no grief then to bear 
 
 As we pass over, one by one, 
 Down that peaceful stream with gladness, 
 
 Till we reach the other side, 
 Where peace and joy will prevail 
 
 While we are floating with the tide. 
 
 Then we'll see the rock of ages, 
 
 Which is the looked-for shore, 
 Where our journey then will end 
 
 In peace and joy forevermore. 
 Where there'll be no saddened gloom, 
 
 All will be bright and fair. 
 With our bodies resting in the tomb, 
 
 And we mourn o'er a vacant chair. 
 
 For there'll be no night there, 
 
 Just one long eternal day, 
 Which will cheer each our hearts, 
 
 While we journey on our way. 
 Naught but love there will we find, 
 
 With no bodies to cause us pain, 
 With that love and peaceful joy 
 
 Forevermore there we will remain. 
 
 PASSING OVER. 
 
 The days are nearly gone with many, 
 
 It's now near the set of sun, 
 Whatever we find to do, 
 
 We must pass over one by one. 
 Burdened with the sheaves of harvest, 
 
 Well ripened by the noonday sun, 
 Which will cheer us on our way — 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 
 150 
 
One by one, one by one, 
 
 Now your time must surely come, 
 Make haste, there is no delay, 
 
 When we pass over, one by one. 
 We'll find peace on our way, 
 
 Fair as the last setting sun, 
 Bright as has been the day, 
 
 We'll now pass over, one by one. 
 
 It's just beyond that sparkling vapor 
 
 We'll see the never-setting sun; 
 Where we'll behold our Creator, 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 Bearing with us our harvest sheaves 
 
 Of our noble work well done ; 
 There to rest our weary souls, 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 
 With joyful greeting then for me, 
 
 Beneath that never-setting sun, 
 Where their smiles will again appear 
 
 When we pass over, one by one. 
 Night will be turned into day, 
 
 For there'll be no setting sun. 
 Nothing there to impede the way, 
 
 While passing over, one by one. 
 
 CRYSTALLIZED THOUGHT. 
 
 My writing is not a secret, 
 
 It comes to me from the spirit land; 
 It's a pleasure, not alone for myself, 
 
 But that others may better understand. 
 It's a free gift, given to me, 
 
 Of the cares of life to know, 
 Which reflects on my mind, 
 
 Like that of the sunset glow. 
 
 It may be some crystallized thought 
 
 Which is imbedded in the mind, 
 From some remote and quiet sphere, 
 
 Where their thoughts are more divine. 
 It all comes as a free gift, 
 
 Not by my own thoughts alone, 
 It's given by some heavenly spirit 
 
 Who now enjoys that dazzling throne. 
 
 151 
 
It all now comes to me, 
 
 And is given me to understand, 
 That life here on earth alone 
 
 Was not our Heavenly Maker's plan. 
 Here it is but a seed time, 
 
 The fruit of harvest will be known, 
 When our sheaves are well ripened, 
 
 And presented before that dazzling throne 
 
 Life there will be no dreary waste, 
 
 As our Maker has made His plan; 
 Why the people of earth waste away 
 
 To become the food of the land. 
 While we live on this earth, 
 
 Which was given to mortal man, 
 The soul reverts to Him again, 
 
 Which were subjects of His plan. 
 
 GOOD-BYE. 
 
 Use not the word or thought farewell 
 
 When I shall come to die, 
 But give me your cheerful greeting, 
 
 Which comes from the heart — good-bye. 
 Though sorrow may rest on your brow, 
 
 While tears flow from your eye, 
 Just think the sun will shine again 
 
 When we've said our last good-bye. 
 
 The cares of life must fade away, 
 
 Like the dewdrop in the sun, 
 And mortal man must be laid away 
 
 As they pass over, one by one. 
 To reap that harvest now in store 
 
 In those realms of the sky, 
 When time on earth is no more 
 
 To those who've said their last good-bye. 
 
 We are passing over to meet again 
 
 Our many friends who dwell on high, 
 Where the soul will there remain 
 
 Of those who've said their last good-bye. 
 With no cause for shedding tears, 
 
 Or their bosoms to heave a sigh, 
 With the thought of a farewell kiss, 
 
 Or a peaceful, loving good-bye. 
 
 152 
 
Our bodies must rest here below, 
 
 While the soul will flit on high, 
 Tog-ether in its beautiful harvest 
 
 In those realms of the sky. 
 Where no more tears will be shed, 
 
 Or bosoms heave a sigh, 
 O'er loved ones laid away — 
 
 That have said their last good-bye. 
 
 SPEAK WELL. 
 
 Speak well of your kind, loving father, 
 
 When he becomes feeble and grey, 
 Always give him words of cheer, 
 
 And never once turn him away. 
 Though he may seem child-like, 
 
 He once had a heart that was brave, 
 And cared for each little one 
 
 Who may lay him in the grave. 
 
 He once was young like you, 
 
 And strove hard his pennies to save, 
 That they might benefit many a one 
 
 After he's been laid in his grave. 
 Where the stars will watch by night, 
 
 Till the bright dawn of day, 
 Where the sun again will shine, 
 
 As when you laid him away. 
 
 Silent as the dewdrops may appear, 
 
 After the rays of the sunset glow, 
 Besting in peace, side by side, 
 
 Waiting the flakes of drifting snow. 
 With no cares of this mortal life, 
 
 As we'll be out of bodily pain, 
 And our spirits will flit about, 
 
 No more to suffer on earth again. 
 
 I'll now wait here with patience, 
 
 And watch for the sunset glow, 
 Where our spirits will flit about 
 
 And watch the scenes here below. 
 With no sorrow there to bear, 
 
 Beneath that never-setting sun, 
 Where all will have their share, 
 
 As they pass over, one by one. 
 
 153 
 
NO NIGHT THERE. 
 
 The days on earth soon pass away, 
 
 While we are burdened with care, 
 But bright will be that eternal day, 
 
 For there will be no night there. 
 No night there, no night there, 
 
 And there'll be no grief to bear 
 Through that long and eternal day, 
 
 For there'll be no night there. 
 
 Christ himself will lead the way, 
 
 His mercy we all can share, 
 And bright will be the day, 
 
 For there'll be no night there. 
 The righteous there will be known 
 
 With no more sins to bear ; 
 While we flit around that dazzling throne 
 
 There will be no night there. 
 
 Happy again will be our meeting, 
 
 When we meet together there, 
 With our thoughts free from sin, 
 
 Which we all then can share ; 
 With all its purity well refined, 
 
 Through all time we can share, 
 Of that bright and glorious day, 
 
 As there'll be no night there. 
 
 No night there, no night there, 
 
 With no more sorrow then to bear; 
 Among all our many loving friends 
 
 With whom we all can share. 
 With our thoughts good and true, 
 
 And no more hardship to bear, 
 All our love then Will return, 
 
 While there is no night there. 
 
 HER SMILES. 
 
 Time can never bring back those smiles 
 
 And kind words of cheer 
 Which oft escaped her loving lips 
 
 When she was with me here. 
 
 154 
 
But the thought of those many scenes 
 As I do not see her with me here, 
 
 Brings sadness to my lone heart, 
 Instead of her words of cheer. 
 
 But her smiles I never will forget, 
 
 Till my last and dying day, 
 Or the smile on her pale cheek 
 
 The day they laid her form away. 
 It was her last smile on earth, 
 
 Of her I evermore will see, 
 Which now cheers my lone heart, 
 
 For she left that smile for me. 
 
 I often think of those happy scenes 
 
 Through all those many, many years, 
 When we were young and gay ; 
 
 But now it brings forth many tears, 
 In silent awe I often wonder 
 
 What are those flashing lights I see, 
 Are they some peaceful, loving message 
 
 She wishes to send back to me? 
 
 If I could but know the meaning, 
 
 Of those flashing lights I see, 
 I would gladly accept a message 
 
 If she had one for me. 
 It would give my heart much joy, 
 
 If her form I could only see, 
 That would fill my heart with cheer, 
 
 If she'd send a smile to me. 
 
 IiAST GOOD-NIGHT. 
 
 When I am called from earth away 
 
 I hope there'll be no clouds in sight, 
 That I may see the sunny side, 
 
 Then I can bid you all good-night. 
 And at the break of the new day, 
 
 There will be no stars in sight, 
 As the clouds will pass away, 
 
 Then to all I can say good-night. 
 
 155 
 
There'll be none to meet me on the way, 
 
 When the shades of night appear, 
 There may be stars in sight, 
 
 But the day will dawn bright and clear 
 As the gloom will soon pass away, 
 
 And the sun will be in sight, 
 When I hail the bright new day, 
 
 And then bid you all good-night. 
 
 The sun will be brightly shining, 
 
 And our pathway bright and clear, 
 Which will be pleasing to my heart, 
 
 And its sadness will then disappear. 
 It will relieve my saddened gloom, 
 
 And there'll be no stars in sight, 
 But there will be joy for me 
 
 When I say my last good-night. 
 
 Then there will be no earthly sorrow, 
 
 No hearts that will ever pain, 
 The joy of life will there remain 
 
 In my heart, to see her smile again. 
 And dwell with her forevermore, 
 
 Where there will be no flickering lights, 
 As our bodies will rest in the tomb, 
 
 When we've said our last good-night. 
 
 I WONDER. 
 
 I often wonder, then I ponder : 
 
 What are those lights I see? 
 Is it from the spirit land 
 
 As a message sent to me? 
 It comes to me I plainly see, 
 
 It's not like a passing dream — 
 It's more like the moving picture, 
 
 When flashed upon the screen. 
 
 I know not its real meaning, 
 
 Neither can I understand 
 Why those lights appear to me 
 
 From that quiet spirit land. 
 I often see many human faces, 
 
 As though seated in a hall, 
 Well lighted up in splendid beauty, 
 
 With all ages, great and small. 
 
 156 
 
Those evening lights come and go, 
 
 And lend their cheer to me, 
 Which tell me of the coming future 
 
 That has been prepared for me. 
 It cheers up my lone heart 
 
 When I see those faces there, 
 That some day in the future 
 
 I too will have my share — 
 
 To enjoy that spiritual life, 
 
 Among those lights I see, 
 Where the weary may find rest 
 
 I claim there's a place for me. 
 Where we'll behold our loving friends, 
 
 And their smiles again I'll see 
 As when on this dreary earth — 
 
 Then she'll have a smile for me. 
 
 THERE'S SOMETHING. 
 
 There's something tells me of the coming future 
 
 By those sparkling lights I see, 
 That she is now waiting there, 
 
 With that smile she has for me. 
 If she could but only whisper, 
 
 This much I think she would say — 
 While my form is resting there, 
 
 My spirit is not far away. 
 
 For I come here to greet you, 
 
 With my love, that you may share 
 The glowing light of my Eedeemer, 
 
 Which reflects from the golden stair. 
 To cheer you on your lonely way, 
 
 Where there'll be no heart to pain, 
 Free from all that earthly sorrow, 
 
 Where in peace we shall live again. 
 
 Such cheering thoughts I often feel, 
 
 Many things it seems to explain — 
 That my sorrow will all pass away 
 
 When I shall see her face again, 
 With our love of those former years, 
 
 Which caused love's light to shine, 
 With no sadness or flowing tears 
 
 To disturb this heart of mine. 
 
 157 
 
Where those lights will be shining 
 
 Bright as those I often see, 
 Which carry my thoughts afar — 
 
 That there'll be one for me. 
 To guide me on my way, 
 
 To those realms bright and fair, 
 And cast aside my earthly gloom 
 
 By those loving friends over there. 
 
 LIFE A DAY. 
 
 There's a thought comes to me — 
 
 In all our many, many years, 
 Why our friends must pass away 
 
 And leave our eyes filled with tears 
 When we know well its meaning — 
 
 Life with all, like the setting sun, 
 Which must end the day of life, 
 
 And we pass over, one by one. 
 
 The morn of life may be fair, 
 
 With no clouds then to interfere, 
 And bright may be the day, 
 
 Then the night must soon appear. 
 Then our life's day will be o'er, 
 
 As we watch the last setting sun ; 
 With no more work to do — 
 
 We'll pass over, one by one. 
 
 In the day of life with many 
 
 There will be clouds to interfere, 
 And mar the beauty of their life 
 
 By beating storms, cold and drear. 
 While some are clothed in sunshine, 
 
 And bask in the noonday sun, 
 And cast aside all earthly gloom 
 
 While passing over, one by one. 
 
 Let the morn of life be bright, 
 
 Then rich will be the setting sun, 
 With no gloom to fade away 
 
 When our last work is done. 
 All then will be bright and fair, 
 
 When we near the setting sun, 
 Then peace will end the day, 
 
 When we pass over, one by one. 
 
 158 
 
DREAMLAND. 
 
 There's a place we'll call dreamland, 
 
 Which extends far beyond the sea, 
 And is broad as our universe, 
 
 Which must be the place for me. 
 Where there'll be no cruel wars, 
 
 As love and peace will be free, 
 To gather in our peaceful harvest — 
 
 Then she'll have a smile for me. 
 
 It now would cheer my lone heart, 
 
 And bring back her smiles to me, 
 Which are flashed upon the screen 
 
 By those bright lights I often see. 
 Which brings gladness to my lone heart, 
 
 And removes my earthly saddened gloom 
 While her spirit dwells there in peace, 
 
 Her form now rests there in the tomb. 
 
 Where their silent thought speaks of joy 
 
 Which has been flashed to me, 
 By the beauty of those flashing lights, 
 
 Where that peace and love are free. 
 Breathing forth their songs of gladness, 
 
 In that quiet land of the free, 
 Which will remove all my sadness — 
 
 Will be that dreamland for me. 
 
 With no thought of earthly sorrow, 
 
 Or heart that will ever pain, 
 While we repeat those songs together — 
 
 The trials of earth were heaven's gain. 
 Among our peaceful, loving friends, 
 
 Without a thought of sin and shame, 
 Which will fill our thoughts with joy 
 
 When we see their smiles again. 
 
 SORROW. 
 
 The heart that knows no sorrow 
 Will have no grief to lend, 
 
 O'er a grave of the coming future 
 Of some noble, loving friend. 
 
 159 
 
They have no sense of feeling 
 
 Of what they do, or care, 
 While they are free from pain, 
 
 What others are forced to bear. 
 
 It's but that self-loving pride 
 
 That hath no love to lend 
 To some kind, loving heart 
 
 Who would need a constant friend. 
 We will all need some loving friend, 
 
 When we shall come to die, 
 To listen to our many wants, 
 
 Ere we say our last good-bye. 
 
 It's a love of human nature 
 
 For those ripened well in years, 
 To have that kind, loving sympathy 
 
 For those we see in tears. 
 But there are kind, loving friends 
 
 Who are not far off, I see, 
 Who lend their kind, helping hand 
 
 That are in sympathy with me. 
 
 They have hearts kind and true, 
 
 As their love to me extends, 
 Which carries my thoughts far above 
 
 To Him on whom we depend. 
 Where the joy of life is lasting, 
 
 And no cause for shedding tears 
 While we live together there 
 
 For the space of untold years. 
 
 FOOTSTEPS. 
 
 I often listen for coming footsteps 
 
 With which to give me cheer, 
 For sadness dwells in my heart, 
 
 As I do not see her here. 
 Silent as the evening dewdrops fall 
 
 On each returning day, 
 No sound of her loving footsteps 
 
 Since they laid her away. 
 
 Where she rests in peaceful slumber, 
 As the many days now roll by, 
 
 Her soul in that glorious light 
 
 Which flashes from the distant sky. 
 
 160 
 
To pacify my sad, lone heart 
 By those flashing lights I see, 
 
 Which tell me of the coming future, 
 While she beckons there for me. 
 
 No sound of her footsteps, 
 
 Or voice now can I hear, 
 Silent in the evening twilight — 
 
 No voice to give me cheer. 
 The moon and stars lend their light, 
 
 But there's lack of her loving cheer, 
 Of those many, many years ago, 
 
 When she was with me here. 
 
 I often see her silent picture there, 
 
 Which now hangs on the wall, 
 With no voice or a smile — 
 
 Which causes tears then to fall. 
 But there's a bright day coming, 
 
 When my heart will cease its pain 
 When my life on earth is done 
 
 I shall see her smiles again. 
 
 CAUTION. 
 
 A few words now of caution, 
 
 As true now as you live, 
 Are those of my free advice 
 
 Which I am willing to give. 
 The new and rising generation, 
 
 Now heed well what I say, 
 Never contract more bills ahead 
 
 Than you'll be able to pay. 
 
 Many a one has been ruined, 
 
 In their foolish financial way, 
 Then drag along all their lives, 
 
 Till they are old and grey. 
 A better way, learn to be prudent 
 
 In all you may do or say, 
 Then your creditors will confide in you 
 
 Till you are able to pay. 
 
 161 
 
Never be too free with your money, 
 
 Save up a few pennies each day, 
 As little by little laid aside 
 
 Will help you then to pay. 
 Many seem to be foolish, 
 
 Who spend their money each day, 
 Then begrudge others their wealth, 
 
 When they are old and grey. 
 
 Remember the sun shines for all, 
 
 Though clouds sometimes may appear, 
 And dishearten the thoughts of youth, 
 
 Of the coming winter, cold and drear. 
 Which deprives them of their comfort, 
 
 As they must labor every day, 
 To keep the wolf from their door, 
 
 Should they live to be old and grey. 
 
 MEET ME. 
 
 Will she come to meet me 
 
 On my journey over there, 
 In her bright, sparkling robe, 
 
 And those ringlets in her hair 
 Which nature gave her noble form, 
 
 When her love I used to share? 
 Yes, she will come and meet me, 
 
 And I'll know her over there. 
 
 She will come and meet me 
 
 At the gate that stands ajar, 
 With that smile upon her cheek, 
 
 That she always seemed to wear. 
 She will come to meet me, 
 
 As when a peaceful, loving child, 
 That knows no earthly sorrow — 
 
 She'll meet me with her smile. 
 
 Which will then be everlasting, 
 
 That each and all may share, 
 Around that dazzling throne on high 
 
 That leads up the golden stair. 
 May that love be as pure 
 
 As when we stood at the gate, 
 With our love-cooing there — 
 
 As the gentle dove loved its mate. 
 
 162 
 
In that one bright, eternal day, 
 
 Beneath that bright never setting sun, 
 Where peace must forever dwell, 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 Yes, she will meet me there, 
 
 As in those lights I see, 
 And again her love I'll share, 
 
 With her smiles again for me. 
 
 FRUIT OF LIFE. 
 
 The choicest fruit of life 
 
 Has not long here to stay, 
 Brought forth by its mother branch, 
 
 It will soon fade away. 
 Nature now speaks and tells us 
 
 That by His all-seeing eye, 
 In the future, now before us, 
 
 We must prepare here to die. 
 
 We, like the foliage of spring, 
 
 Have much here to do 
 To bring forth the joy of life — 
 
 Then our journey will be through. 
 The flowers of earth in spring-time 
 
 Have not long to stay, 
 Before their life on earth is done, 
 
 Then they must slowly pass away. 
 
 We once, like those flowers of spring, 
 
 In the spring-time of youth, fond and gay, 
 Were joined, two loving hearts together, 
 
 But now one's been laid away, 
 Where it rests in silent peace, 
 
 As her work was well done. 
 She's now waiting there for me, 
 
 To pass over, one by one. 
 
 Like the fruit of our lives, 
 
 From the bud of youthful age, 
 To that of the present time, 
 
 Brings forth a well written page. 
 When our souls are set free, 
 
 Before our God's Only Son, 
 There we will find loving peace — 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 
 163 
 
GOOD-NIGHT. 
 
 Though darkness has closed around me, 
 
 Yet again I shall see the light 
 When my form is set free 
 
 From the cold chills of night. 
 Down the valley, down the valley, 
 
 Beyond the tomb we'll see the light; 
 Passing o'er the river, down the valley — 
 
 Good-night ! good-night ! 
 
 Gone home ; no more work to do ; 
 
 My time on earth is past. 
 Now waiting there to meet you 
 
 We'll wear the crown at last. 
 Asleep in Jesus resting there — 
 
 It's God who gives the light. 
 Jesus is ready our sins to bear ; 
 
 Good-night ! good-night ! 
 
 Gone home to take my rest; 
 
 The throne will be in sight 
 Among the good and blest, 
 
 When we pass through the night. 
 I'll be waiting there for you, 
 
 The pearly gate will be in sight, 
 The golden streets we'll then pass through. 
 
 Good-night ! good-night ! 
 
 Within the dark, silent tomb — 
 
 My form will be resting there, 
 For He hath sealed my doom. 
 
 Besting from all earthly care ; 
 Besting there; resting there; 
 
 Waiting for the morning light, 
 While I'll be resting there. 
 
 Good-night ! good-night ! 
 
 THE MOTHER. 
 
 The mother's heart o'erflows with sorrow 
 When her child is laid away, 
 
 As she does not hear its footsteps 
 On the floor while at play. 
 
 164 
 
And when she opens the bureau drawer 
 
 She looks at its clothing there, 
 Her heart o'erflows with sorrow 
 And she weeps on in lone despair. 
 
 She often listens for its footsteps, 
 
 But no sound does she hear, 
 With the quiver of her lips 
 
 Then teardrops will appear. 
 For she misses her little darling 
 
 More than a mother can tell, 
 Then she raises her eyes to heaven, 
 
 Where her angel child now dwells. 
 
 Silent there it will flit about 
 
 Among those little angels there, 
 And will enjoy that peaceful home 
 
 Without that mother's tender care. 
 If that mother could but look 
 
 Through that flashing vapor there, 
 And see their bright, shining smiles — 
 
 She would wish its lot to share. 
 
 Silent now in the evening twilight 
 
 It is flitting through the air ; 
 While its mother is peacefully sleeping, 
 
 It will hover o'er her with care 
 And bring her many joyful greetings, 
 
 That she may not be alone, 
 While gathering in its mother's thoughts 
 
 Which are wafted to the throne. 
 
 PAST AND GONE. 
 
 She can never come back to me, 
 
 But I will go and meet her there, 
 Where our joy will be lasting, 
 
 As .we reach the golden stair. 
 Then her smiles will come again, 
 
 Bright as those lights I see — 
 Free from all sorrowing pain, 
 
 While she's been waiting for me. 
 
 165 
 
Where our light will blend together 
 
 Through the space of untold years, 
 And there'll be no earthly trials 
 
 Which will cause floods of tears. 
 Amid those bright and shining lights, 
 
 Which she now reflects to me, 
 In her joyful and quiet home 
 
 Her smiles there again I'll see. 
 
 Our friends must be waiting there, 
 
 And are conversant now with me, 
 In their way of loving light, 
 
 For what else can it be 
 Which guides my thoughts over there 
 
 By those lights that I see, 
 As the movement of our lips 
 
 Sends a whisper here to me? 
 
 As the electric spark of earth 
 
 Conveys its meaning here to me, 
 By that unknown power above 
 
 Are those lights that I see 
 Which bring us their peaceful joy — 
 
 With no moving lip I see, 
 But a flashing thought or whisper 
 
 That they now send to me. 
 
 OUR MOTHER. 
 
 Who can remember their mother's lullaby 
 
 When she rocked sister to sleep; 
 And with her kind, loving smile — 
 
 "George, see how still you can keep." 
 Then with mop or broom in hand 
 
 She would clean up the kitchen floor, 
 And lay well her household plan 
 
 To mend the clothes that we wore. 
 
 That mother now has been laid away. 
 Her eyes are closed in peaceful sleep, 
 
 And as we view that silent spot 
 Where she now rests we must weep. 
 
 166 
 
As the memory of her returns again, 
 
 When she rocked us to and fro, 
 While she sang her sweet lullaby, 
 
 Then off to sleep we would go. 
 
 The fleeting years of time glide along, 
 
 And my earth work is nearly done. 
 Then I'll pass down that quiet valley, 
 
 As the light of the setting sun; 
 To rise again at the coming morn, 
 
 And watch for others as they come, 
 That we may greet them with smiles 
 
 As they pass over, one by one. 
 
 In that pure and bright sunshine, 
 
 Somewhere in that arch of heavenly blue, 
 You will behold those shining lights 
 
 Where I'm waiting there for you. 
 Then we will be again together there, 
 
 In those bright realms on high, 
 Where our light will forever shine 
 
 Until then here's my last good-bye. 
 
 A DREAM. 
 
 I dreamed she came and sat beside me, 
 
 As fondly as in all those many years, 
 With my arm around her peaceful form, 
 
 Which brought back again our loving cheer. 
 She wore that kind and peaceful smile 
 
 Which had greeted me all those many years, 
 But when I awoke from that pleasant dream 
 
 My eyes soon filled with burning tears. 
 
 She returns to me with her smiling cheer 
 
 Amid those sparkling lights that I see, 
 And greets me with the peaceful smile 
 
 Which she always had for me. 
 Those smiles are like a pleasing whisper, 
 
 Though I hear not her silent tone, 
 It gives my heart a moment of cheer 
 
 To think I'm not here all alone. 
 
 167 
 
Silent as the dewdrops may fall 
 
 Will appear those lights that I see, 
 Which lie just beyond that vapor there, 
 
 And come as a message to me. 
 My light for you now is shining, 
 
 If you'll watch, your way'll be clear, 
 And your pathway will grow brighter — 
 
 That is why I am with you here. 
 
 Our thoughts go beyond a passing dream 
 
 Where there's secrets we wish to know, 
 As the sparkling lights of pebbles, 
 
 Where the crystal waters chance to flow — 
 Like my dream, or that vapor there, 
 
 And her features which I often see 
 Amid those many bright, sparkling lights, 
 
 Will remain a mystery now to me. 
 
 MEDITATING. 
 
 I am sitting here alone, not dreaming, 
 
 But thinking of the days gone by, 
 When the smile was on her cheek 
 
 And the lovelight in her eye. 
 Now she has been laid away 
 
 No more of her smiles will I see, 
 But I nevermore now will forget 
 
 The one she left here for me. 
 
 I turned to her form sitting there, 
 
 With her smile she had for me 
 Amid those ringlets of her hair, 
 
 But now no smiles do I see. 
 She's now passed into that vapor 
 
 From whence those lights are I see, 
 In that new life of joyful greeting 
 
 She sends her smiles back to me. 
 
 When my form is thus laid away 
 
 Those flashing lights there I'll see, 
 Which speak words of peaceful joy — 
 
 That she has flashed here to me. 
 Which will be there forever lasting 
 
 Through that space of untold years, 
 Where our smiles will greet each other 
 
 Instead of those many flowing tears. 
 
 168 
 
Though silent in the shades of night 
 
 She beckons back here to me 
 With her peaceful, smiling light, 
 
 Which she wishes me to see. 
 With her soft tone of lovelight 
 
 Which I now so often see, 
 Will be more lasting than on earth, 
 
 While she's waiting there for me. 
 
 MOTHER'S MUSIC. 
 
 I heard sweet music, soft and low, 
 
 Which oft penetrates my lonely ear, 
 In silent tones of peaceful love 
 
 Which fill my thoughts with cheer. 
 From that not far bright haven, 
 
 Which brings a message soft and clear, 
 From that once loving, peaceful mother 
 
 Who once lent her loving cheer. 
 
 I had a message to send to her 
 
 So tender and true and sweet, 
 I longed for an angel to bear it, 
 
 And lay it down at her feet. 
 I placed it one bright summer's evening 
 
 On a little bright cloud's breast 
 Where it soon vanished in golden splendor 
 
 Then passed onward to the west. 
 
 That music pierced my ear once more, 
 
 Oh, so far away from my ear, 
 It was vain to speak to my mother, 
 
 Who to my heart was so dear. 
 I cried in my passionate longing, 
 
 Has the earth no angel friend 
 Wno will carry my mother the message 
 
 Which my heart desires to send? 
 
 Then I heard a strain of music 
 
 So mighty and sweet, so dear 
 That sorrow then was silent, 
 
 And no sound reached my ear. 
 It had rose in harmony as sunshine 
 
 In silence I was standing alone, 
 And I tenderly laid my message away, 
 
 As the music of my mother had flown. 
 
 169 
 
GOING HOME. 
 
 I will soon be going home, 
 
 I'm now waiting for the time 
 To take my journey over there, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine. 
 Those lights will light my way 
 
 While I'm on life's road decline, 
 And I'll land safe across the bar 
 
 In that port there more sublime. 
 
 When we meet together over there 
 
 We'll have no hearts to pain, 
 But live in that pure delight — 
 
 For we'll never part again. 
 Where the life of light is shining — 
 
 There'll be no gloom over there, 
 No tears there will be shed 
 
 O'er a lone and vacant chair. 
 
 Life there again will be sweet; 
 
 As on earth nothing can compare 
 With the joys of that heavenly light — 
 
 Of which we'll all have a share. 
 In that bright and glorious light 
 
 In our everlasting home, 
 With no sorrow or sparkling lights, 
 
 Before that bright, dazzling throne. 
 
 With the sound of heavenly music, 
 
 Which will vibrate through the air, 
 And bring joy to every soul 
 
 Which flits around the golden stair. 
 Beyond the reach of earthly gloom, 
 
 Which has caused sorrow and despair 
 Of those resting in the tomb — 
 
 For their spirits flit in the air. 
 
 DUTY. 
 
 I have a cause to write, 
 
 It is not just for fun, 
 It's a duty to my Maker — 
 
 The most Supreme and Holy One. 
 
 170 
 
I write not for earthly fame, 
 
 It is given now to me 
 From those realms now over there — 
 
 By those sparkling- lights I see. 
 
 There is something guides my pen, 
 
 Which is a gift to me. 
 As a light of heavenly love 
 
 In those lights that I see, 
 Which are just beyond that vapor, 
 
 That tells me her spirit's free, 
 And flits o'er my lonely bed, 
 
 With her loving smiles for me. 
 
 Which brings joy to my lonely heart, 
 
 And relieves it of its pain, 
 That sometime in the future 
 
 We surely will meet again — 
 Where the sun is brightly shining, 
 
 In a world that's bright and fair, 
 Through that long and eternal day, 
 
 For there is no night there. 
 
 And she comes to tell me 
 
 Of her joy now over there, 
 With her kind and loving smiles, 
 
 Which she wishes me to share. 
 That is why she gives me light, 
 
 To give my heart its cheer. 
 By those mysterious, sparkling lights 
 
 I know she's with me here. 
 
 NIGHT MESSAGE. 
 
 When I awake in the night 
 
 My thoughts will often overflow, 
 And pass to that fairer land — 
 
 Like that of the sunset glow. 
 Then I will commence to write, 
 
 Words will then come to me, 
 Which are given through my brain 
 
 As those sparkling lights I see. 
 
 171 
 
It's a gift to human nature ; 
 
 I know not why it comes to me 
 Unless it's a gift of God to man, 
 
 As those many lights I see. 
 Which carries my thoughts far above, 
 
 From whence those lights I see, 
 For there is some one there 
 
 Who is now beckoning there for me. 
 
 While she is now waiting there, 
 
 Which is just beyond that screen, 
 That tells me of her former love, 
 
 By those sparkling lights I've seen. 
 It's there we will meet again, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine, 
 With that of our purest love — 
 
 Which makes our love more refined. 
 
 With those smiles on her cheeks, 
 
 And lovelight in her eye, 
 With those words, if she could speak — 
 
 It's but once we have to die. 
 Then the soul is out of reach, 
 
 And nevermore will suffer pain, 
 But flit about with joyful love, 
 
 With our many loving friends again. 
 
 THE BAR. 
 
 Peace and love will come to me, 
 
 Bright as shines the evening star, 
 And those loving scenes will be, 
 
 After we have crossed the bar. 
 The light of life we then will see, 
 
 Which will be the guiding star 
 That will guide us safely over 
 
 To where the gate stands ajar. 
 
 Happy forever there we'll be, 
 
 To meet our friends over there, 
 When from sin we are free, 
 
 Inside the gate that stands ajar. 
 Bright forever the day will be 
 
 Which we all then can share, 
 Christ Himself will lead the way — 
 
 Up the bright, golden stair. 
 
 172 
 
Where the songs of peaceful gladness 
 
 Will vibrate back to the bar. 
 While many others pass peacefully over 
 
 Toward the gate that stands ajar. 
 While the tide of life flows on 
 
 Christ for all there will atone, 
 Where the sun is brightly shining 
 
 On that bright, dazzling throne. 
 
 With that peaceful life of joy 
 
 We'll have no hearts to pain, 
 While our souls will flit about, 
 
 Made free from sin and shame. 
 With no trials of earthly life 
 
 Which will cause grief or shame, 
 In that paradise of peaceful love — 
 
 We'll behold their loving smiles again. 
 
 AIR CASTIiES. 
 
 Some think themselves very wise 
 
 And have air castles to build. 
 But mental castles never rise 
 
 And will never force a load up hill. 
 Therefore what we find to do 
 
 We should rush it with a will, 
 And put our shoulders to the wheel — 
 
 Then we surely will clime the hill. 
 
 The wise may lack in wisdom, 
 
 And may hold places they do not fill ; 
 The weakest man who ever lived 
 
 Can easily slide down the hill. 
 But those who wish to succeed 
 
 Must not idle their time away, 
 Or they'll land in some poorhouse, 
 
 Or suffer when they are grey. 
 
 Wealth will never come by idle sport — 
 
 Now it's left for all to say ; 
 As the sun is brightly shining, 
 
 Now's the time to make your hay. 
 Pride is the mother of fashion, 
 
 Which comes here not to stay; 
 But death will be the same, 
 
 And our forms will sure decay. 
 
 173 
 
Life is but that freedom air, 
 
 Given by the Supreme and Holy One. 
 That we may all have a share, 
 
 Before we pass over, one by one. 
 There to rest from our sorrow, 
 
 As promised to those who have won- 
 To share the smiles of loving friends 
 
 Who have passed over, one by one. 
 
 DEATH SCENE. 
 
 I held her hand clasped in mine 
 
 While she breathed her life away, 
 With friends standing there around, 
 
 But not a word did she say. 
 That peaceful joy was on her face, 
 
 No frown there did we see, 
 And in her last sweet repose 
 
 She there left a smile for me. 
 
 She is now resting over there, 
 
 Amid those sparkling lights I see, 
 With her smiles upon her cheeks, 
 
 Which she always had for me. 
 She knows my heart is lonely, 
 
 As her form I can not see, 
 And in her peaceful, loving joy 
 
 She sends her smiles to me. 
 
 In those bright realms over there 
 
 She now is waiting there for me, 
 In her robe of sparkling light 
 
 Which I now so often see. 
 To cheer my sad, lonely heart, 
 
 While her spirit now is free, 
 And by that bright, heavenly light 
 
 She sends her smiles to me. 
 
 With her crown of shining light, 
 
 She now beckons there for me, 
 And in that joyful heavenly light 
 
 With her I soon will be. 
 In that pure heaven of rest, 
 
 No hardship will we ever see, 
 In our bright and shining robes, 
 
 She will wear her smile for me. 
 
 174 
 
SONG OF PEACE. 
 
 Sing some song of loving peace 
 
 When I must cross the bar, 
 Which will guide my soul aright 
 
 Where the gate now stands ajar. 
 Which will cheer me on my way, 
 
 That my labor be not in vain, 
 To behold my true, loving friends 
 
 With their many smiles again. 
 
 Thee's a kind light now leading me, 
 
 For she is waiting over there 
 To light me on my way 
 
 That I may safely cross the bar. 
 Those lights. are but heavenly lights 
 
 Which I do so often see, 
 The light of her peaceful joy, 
 
 Which she sends back to me. 
 
 That light which shines for me 
 
 I will now leave for you, 
 It may guide you on your way 
 
 And will surely help you through. 
 That vapor which lies before me, 
 
 And those flashing lights I see 
 Will vanish out of my sight 
 
 When her smiles return to me. 
 
 While I must now linger here, 
 
 As my work is nearly done. 
 And I must soon pass away, 
 
 Let it be as the setting sun. 
 Which will reflect back to earth, 
 
 True as that never-setting sun, 
 Which will cheer all on their way — 
 
 As they pass over, one by one. 
 
 CHILDHOOD DAYS. 
 
 My thoughts go back to childhood, 
 When we had a mother there. 
 
 Now there's none left to tell — 
 Only their lone, vacant chair. 
 
 175 
 
Silent now the days go by, 
 No sound of voices do I hear, 
 
 Which once cheered our hearts 
 As the songs of mother dear. 
 
 As I think of my former days, 
 
 With the pleasure we had then, 
 Now I am old and grey 
 
 And approaching my final end; 
 My heart is full of sorrow, 
 
 For loved ones now laid away, 
 But the sun will shine again, 
 
 As back in my mother's day. 
 
 There are many waiting over there, 
 
 In their kind and loving ways, 
 But there's none to cheer my heart 
 
 As those in my former days. 
 For the choice of my lone heart 
 
 On earth I nevermore will see, 
 But beyond that flashing vapor 
 
 She has a smile for me. 
 
 I often think of our loving mothers, 
 
 And her who was my bride to be, 
 Back in her youthful days, 
 
 When she lay on her mother's knee. 
 Those scenes are passed and gone, 
 
 Which fill my heart with pain, 
 But not long must I wait 
 
 Ere I'll see her smiles again. 
 
 GOLDEN HARVEST. 
 
 Many thoughts of glooming sadness 
 
 Will escape lips from afar, 
 That will turn to songs of gladness 
 
 After they have crossed the bar. 
 With thought of the coming future — 
 
 When they land safe across the bar, 
 The sun again will be shining, 
 
 And they'll find the gates ajar. 
 
 176 
 
It's a message from God 
 
 Which the people should not abhor 
 Go till the soil, turning the sod — 
 
 And dispense with cruel war. 
 For life with many is sweet, 
 
 He gave this world to till, 
 Which will make His word complete 
 
 If we strive to do His will. 
 
 Harmony will avoid many a sin: 
 
 It was so in Christ's day, 
 As peace and love will surely win, 
 
 And drive all evil thoughts away. 
 Which will cause new light to shine, 
 
 And relieve the heart of pain, 
 When they gather in the harvest 
 
 Of the field of rich golden grain. 
 
 Waiting there, not so far away, 
 
 And beckoning now for me, 
 At some bright future day. 
 
 Then her smiles again I'll see. 
 Where the light of life will shine, 
 
 When we have crossed the bar, 
 And claim her again as mine, 
 
 Inside the gate that stands ajar. 
 
 SUNNY SIDE. 
 
 Those who will sport and drink, 
 
 And for pleasure must ride. 
 Should stop a moment and Ihiuk 
 
 There is but one sunny side. 
 Life on earth is for all, 
 
 Whether we sport, work, or ride, 
 And every one, great and small, 
 
 Must look for the sunny side. 
 
 No matter how gay we may look, 
 
 It is left for us to decide — 
 There's a path in every nook 
 
 Which leads to the sunny side. 
 In the morn of life with many 
 
 It's hard for them to decide, 
 So they throw away their last penny, 
 
 Then they have no sunny side. 
 
 177 
 
This world is for us all, 
 
 The truth to you I'll speak, 
 There are people, great and small, 
 
 But some are childish and weak. 
 The road that leads to fame 
 
 With many is hard to decide, 
 And sometimes they forfeit their claim- 
 
 And lose that sunny side. 
 
 There will be a sunny side 
 
 Brighter than our sunset glow 
 When we go with the tide 
 
 Free from all sin and woe. 
 Where our wise, Supreme Architect 
 
 For us all there will provide; 
 Whom we there will respect 
 
 While we rest on the sunny side. 
 
 MORN OF LIFE. 
 
 When the Lord calls for us 
 
 We must leave a vacant chair, 
 But how many then can say 
 
 1 will surely meet you there. 
 My work on earth is nearly done, 
 
 Others my lot soon will share, 
 As they pass over, one by one, 
 
 Who can say "I'll meet you there?" 
 
 In the gayety of early youth, 
 
 Or the richness of the morning air, 
 Throw not your precious moments away; 
 
 For the light of heaven now prepare. 
 While the morning light is shining, 
 
 With no clouds to impede the way, 
 While the heart is young and tender, 
 
 Make haste and no more delay. 
 
 Before the storm-clouds shall arise, 
 
 And the peals of thunder roll, 
 Gather in for that sacred harvest, 
 
 Which is prepared for the soul. 
 While the light of life is shining, 
 
 And no clouds are in the way, 
 To cast a shadow o'er the hear, 
 
 Which may cause a long delay. 
 
 178 
 
We hope there are braver hearts 
 
 Who my lot then can share, 
 And say when we must part 
 
 I am ready to meet you there. 
 Where the sun will forever shine, 
 
 With no evening's sparkling dew, 
 And claim again our loving friends — 
 
 While I wait and watch for you. 
 
 WAITING THERE. 
 
 When I am done with earth 
 
 I will find her waiting there, 
 With her love just as true, 
 
 Which we both then can share. 
 With that bright and shining light, 
 
 With all its joy and love combined, 
 Without sorrow but love and peace, 
 
 Where the sun will always shine. 
 
 With no sparkling lights or vapor 
 
 Which will disturb our loving peace, 
 In the presence of our Creator 
 
 Our joy will forever there increase. 
 When we behold that dazzling throne 
 
 That each and all may share, 
 Then Christ will call His own 
 
 To enjoy that peace forever there. 
 
 Then like a new-born babe 
 
 That knows no sin or woe, 
 With their robes of sparkling white — 
 
 White as the flakes of falling snow; 
 But the joy of that heavenly light, 
 
 Will let their merry voices ring, 
 And to their loving Saviour 
 
 Their praises they will sing. 
 
 And they'll bring their richest gems 
 
 As an offering of their love, 
 And will then present their gift 
 
 To Him who now rules above, 
 And guides the light of life 
 
 That reflects back across the bar, 
 To guide those on their way, 
 
 Where they'll find the gates ajar. 
 
 179 
 
PEACEFUL REST. 
 
 Between the dark and the daylight 
 
 There is vapor that stands between, 
 Which shuts off our lives 
 
 From all our worldly scenes. 
 Beyond that cloud-like vapor there, 
 
 We will meet our many friends, 
 Who have left their vacant chair, 
 
 For that home that hath no end. 
 
 Just beyond that vapor there 
 
 Are those lights that I see, 
 Where she stands with outstretched arms, 
 
 While she beckons there for me. 
 Full of her peaceful, loving joy, 
 
 Which she sends back to me, 
 To cheer my sad, lonely heart — 
 
 Are those flashing lights I see. 
 
 Death hath not a farewell end — 
 
 It is but a change of clime, 
 Where the needy find their rest, 
 
 And the sun will always shine 
 To cheer their souls at rest, 
 
 Amid those lights that I see, 
 With nothing that e'er will molest, 
 
 From seeing her smiles for me. 
 
 Her light has long been shining 
 
 To cheer me on my way, 
 Where there will be no repining, 
 
 Through that long and eternal day. 
 Nothing but loving words of cheer, 
 
 Amid that sparkling vapor there, 
 Where the sun is always shining, 
 
 And there'll be no vacant chair. 
 
 BOYHOOD. 
 
 When we once were boys together, 
 
 We had no time for play, 
 There were old folks and young folks, 
 
 The same as there are today. 
 
 180 
 
We were taught our first lesson — 
 Not to throw our time away, 
 
 And believe in the holy scripture — 
 
 Which taught us our parents to obey. 
 
 So we cast aside our wearied thoughts 
 
 As each day then rolled by, 
 While the old folks and young folks — 
 
 Were getting in the ripened rye. 
 From the bright dawn of day 
 
 Until its close, or setting sun, 
 Which cheered us on our way 
 
 When our day's work was done. 
 
 With the thought of the future, 
 
 Where there'll be no setting sun 
 For the old folks, the young folks 
 
 Who have passed over, one by one. 
 Who had oft strove there together, 
 
 Laboring hard day after day, 
 But now are dead and gone 
 
 For they lived their appointed day. 
 
 On that old side-hill farm 
 
 Where we then made the hay, 
 The old folks, the young folks 
 
 Are now dead and laid away. 
 The buildings now are standing, 
 
 Soon to fall and then decay, 
 As the old folks and young folks, 
 
 Who now slumber — it's God's way. 
 
 THE FARMER'S WELL. 
 
 Back in my early boyhood days — 
 
 I have a story now to tell, 
 We then lived on a farm, 
 
 And father dug him a well, 
 Which was by the roadside, 
 
 And gave us a good supply 
 For the whole of the family 
 
 And was never known to be dry. 
 
 We commenced to cut the forest away, 
 But the well gave a good supply, 
 
 Our neighbors were kind and good, 
 Still the well never went dry. 
 
 181 
 
There was a city growing fast, 
 And there were teams going by, 
 
 But we never gave it a thought 
 That the well would go dry. 
 
 On many a hot, sultry day 
 
 There were people passing by 
 Who would sip from its bucket 
 
 To appease their thirst when dry. 
 The old bucket can tell its story 
 
 Of the many thirsty passers-by, 
 In all those many long years — 
 
 But the well never went dry. 
 
 The beautiful scenery around it 
 
 Was attractive to the eye, 
 It's water quenched the thirst of many 
 
 Of the townspeople passing by. 
 But when the city milk teams came 
 
 Then the old gent felt rather shy, 
 Lest its source would feel the drain 
 
 And his well would soon go dry. 
 
 PEACEFUL VALLEY. 
 
 Down that low, peaceful valley, 
 
 Where the waters cease to flow, 
 The light will come again 
 
 Which will banish all my woe. 
 Gathering in its quiet beauty, 
 
 Which will come on the tide, 
 And cheer the hearts of many 
 
 As they reach the other side. 
 
 As we pass down life's stream, 
 
 Where its bright crystal waters flow, 
 We'll find that calm looked-for peace, 
 
 Bright as the sunset glow. 
 Where the weary will find rest, 
 
 Beneath that never setting sun, 
 There to behold its glowing light 
 
 While passing over, one by one. 
 
 182 
 
As we go down that valley, 
 
 We'll have no hearts to pain, 
 While we are resting side by side, 
 
 For new light to come again. 
 Which will be the light of life, 
 
 And will give us good cheer, 
 As we hear the sounding trumpet, 
 
 Come forth from earth and reappear. 
 
 We will know not our labor, 
 
 Until we are assembled there, 
 Dressed as the forms of angels, 
 
 While they flit through the air. 
 Singing songs of heavenly peace, 
 
 When we meet together there, 
 With joy, love, and peace — 
 
 Which we all then can share. 
 
 THE WAR DOGS. 
 
 The war dogs keep on their howling, 
 
 Which annoys each passer-by, 
 While the American eagle now is scowling, 
 
 With its fearless and tranquil eye. 
 Seeking not to disturb the peace 
 
 With other nations far and near, 
 Eather with an eye of pity, 
 
 Instead of lust, dread or fear. 
 
 The American eagle scans our country 
 
 With its wonderfully piercing eye. 
 Eeady to spread its wings of beauty 
 
 In a good, righteous cause or die. 
 On some high mountain top it stands, 
 
 Bold and fearless, surveying our land, 
 With the slightest cause of insurrection 
 
 It will spread its wings of command. 
 
 As on the banner of America, 
 
 Which we now rightfully own, 
 Bearing the emblem of peace, 
 
 With no malice toward the throne. 
 On the highest peaks of America 
 
 As that of the all-seeing eye. 
 Which now calls for love and peace 
 
 Rather than that of a ferocious spy. 
 
 183 
 
"With joy to greet all nations, 
 
 As that of the All-Seeing Eye. 
 With the love of His purity, 
 
 Which can never fail if we try. 
 With pride we honor our American flag, 
 
 Its precepts we never will disown, 
 Which is the emblem of peace, 
 
 With no discomfort to the throne. 
 
 SOLDIER'S MOTHER. 
 
 I'm going to enlist, kind mother, 
 
 For that fair land in the east, 
 Where duty calls me, dear mother, 
 
 And fight for the dawn of peace. 
 To cheer other kind, loving mothers, 
 
 Whose sons now have gone away, 
 With bright hopes in the future 
 
 Of the coming dawn of day. 
 
 There's something within my heart 
 
 Which seems to cheer me on, 
 Now brothers and sisters, be brave, 
 
 And shed no tears when I am gone. 
 There are many kind, loving mothers 
 
 Who have sons younger than I; 
 With one clasp of your hand, mother, 
 
 As I must bid you good-bye. 
 
 The soldier's heart may grow weary 
 
 When he hears the bugle call 
 In sight of his loving mother 
 
 Which may cause tears to fall ; 
 But my silent thoughts tell me 
 
 My duty — I must be brave, 
 For other kind and loving mothers — 
 
 Their home country there to save. 
 
 We'll watch for the coming peace, 
 
 And all nations' flags they fly, 
 With hearts to subdue them 
 
 By force, or we will die. 
 I hear the bugle calling, mother, 
 
 But I'll leave you without a sigh, 
 With a heart that's brave and true, 
 
 Here, mother, is my last good-bye. 
 
 184 
 
FLASHING LIGHTS. 
 
 They come to me as a vision 
 
 As I now have often seen, 
 And sparkle in the twilight, 
 
 Behind that cloud-like vapor screen. 
 They cast no gloom of thought 
 
 O'er the objects that I see, 
 It's but her kind, helpful love, 
 
 Which she now sends to me. 
 
 Of her peaceful love and joy, 
 
 Which she wishes me to see, 
 Which takes away my earthly gloom 
 
 And brings comfort back to me. 
 As the star of Bethlehem 
 
 Was given in Christ's day 
 For a guide to the prophets 
 
 That they should not miss the way. 
 
 Now her peace and love serene 
 
 She sends back to me, 
 Which cheers my sad, lone heart, 
 
 By those lights that I see. 
 As she wishes me to know 
 
 That she is now waiting there 
 In her robe of sparkling light, 
 
 That soon I shall share. 
 
 I'll share that joy with her, 
 
 Amid those lights that I see, 
 Which will bring her smiles again, 
 
 That she wore here for me. 
 Where the light doth always shine, 
 
 As a bright and glittering star, 
 To light us on our way 
 
 Unto the gate that stands ajar. 
 
 LOVING MOTHER. 
 
 Where's the kind and loving mother 
 
 Who watched o'er her child many years, 
 
 When in the bloom of health, 
 
 Then laid away with falling tears. 
 
 185 
 
It's the nature of all mankind — 
 It affects the sinews of the heart, 
 
 And brings forth the flowing tears, 
 When we are forced to part. 
 
 It's the nature of our Creator, 
 
 On whom we must now depend, 
 For Christ, our beloved Saviour 
 
 Shed tears o'er His loving friend, 
 Which was an emblem of His purity, 
 
 Given us while here we stay, 
 That our loving tears be shed 
 
 When our friends are laid away. 
 
 Our tears of love and friendship 
 
 Are like little drops of rain, 
 Which nourish the growing plant, 
 
 Likewise is soothing to the brain. 
 And carries off our earthly gloom, 
 
 That the sun again may shine 
 With that same bright, loving cheer 
 
 As the rain invigorates the vine. 
 
 It will bring back that love 
 
 Which rested once on the brain, 
 Of that kind and loving mother, 
 
 Whose teardrops fall like rain. 
 If she'll look to Him above 
 
 It will ease her heart of pain, 
 Then there'll be no tears to shed 
 
 When they meet together again. 
 
 COMING MORN. 
 
 I'm looking for the coming morn, 
 
 When my soul will be free, 
 Then bright will be the dawn 
 
 Of life again there for me. 
 With no vapor before my eyes, 
 
 As those that I often see, 
 Flashing there in the twilight, 
 
 Between those bright realms and me. 
 
 186 
 
When we lay our friends away, 
 
 We'll trust to the Holy One 
 For life will soon come again — 
 
 As that of the setting sun. 
 To rise again the judgment day, 
 
 As the rising of the sun 
 For all who've had their rest, 
 
 And passed over, one by one. 
 
 To take their silent, peaceful rest, 
 
 Where our friends lay us away, 
 And go through that final test, 
 
 Then come forth the judgment day. 
 To share the profits of earth, 
 
 Which is ours then to be, 
 Promised by our Creator, by birth, 
 
 Which bears a claim for me. 
 
 In light of that new day, 
 
 On that bright and shining shore, 
 We'll be gathered, there to stay 
 
 In love and peace forevermore. 
 To enjoy that long, peaceful rest, 
 
 Free from all sin and shame, 
 With none there who will molest 
 
 Of forfeit our pure, righteous claim. 
 
 THAT BEYOND. 
 
 We'll soon pass to that beyond, 
 
 Where there'll be no morning sigh, 
 All will be a bright good-morning, 
 
 With no sad word — good-bye. 
 All then will be loving cheer, f^7) 
 
 For there will be none to die, o ^ 
 
 But wear that kind, loving smile — ^ 
 
 With no sorrowing word — good-bye. > > 
 
 There'll be no thoughts of sorrow there, 
 
 Where our wants are well supplied, 
 Which we all then may share, 
 
 As we reach the other side. 
 We'll clasp the hands of loving friends, 
 
 With no teardrops in the eye, 
 Which will give a smiling cheer 
 
 Instead of that sad word — good-bye. 
 
 187 
 
Good-morning will be our greeting 
 
 And many smiles will I see, 
 From her who now is waiting, 
 
 With that loving smile for me. 
 Amid that peaceful, loving throng 
 
 We will hear no mourning sigh, 
 Among the scenes of peaceful joy, 
 
 There'll be no sad word — good-bye. 
 
 In that beautiful world of light, 
 
 We'll have nothing then to fear ; 
 Beyond that cloud-like vapor there 
 
 The sun is bright and clear. 
 With no toiling hardship to endure, 
 
 That will cause a long-drawn sigh, 
 And fill our eyes with gloom, 
 
 As the parting word good-bye. 
 
 PEACE AT LAST. 
 
 When the bells of heaven ring, 
 
 Our trials of life will be o'er, 
 As the saints of heaven sing, 
 
 We'll hear of war no more. 
 The light of peace will shine, 
 
 On that bright and looked-for shore, 
 Where sainted souls will combine, 
 
 With peace laid up in store. 
 
 God will give us that peace, 
 
 He will furnish us with light, 
 There'll be no wars to cease, 
 
 None will ever appear in sight. 
 For love there will always rule, 
 
 With none to ever gainsay, 
 As heaven is His own footstool, 
 
 Which is governed in His way. 
 
 When we reach our home over there 
 
 All wars of life will cease, 
 That victory we all can share, 
 
 Which is the home of peace. 
 Gathered in as our earthly harvest, 
 
 Which we all here have sown, 
 That will then stand the test 
 
 Before Him who rules the throne. 
 
 188 
 
Beyond that cloud-like vapor there, 
 
 There'll be that peace for me, 
 With my friends I'll claim a share, 
 
 Amid those lights that I see. 
 Where I'll find my peaceful rest, 
 
 Free from all sin and shame, 
 With no wars that will molest, 
 
 Or hearts that will suffer pain. 
 
 COMING NIGHT. 
 
 I am sad, lone, and weary 
 
 When comes the shades of night, 
 But there's something that tells me 
 
 I will soon see the light 
 Of that bright and peaceful day, 
 
 Where there will be no night, 
 Just beyond that flashing vapor there, 
 
 Where I often see those lights. 
 
 On that bright and shining shore, 
 
 There'll be one long, eternal day, 
 Where we'll meet our many friends 
 
 Who've long since passed away; 
 And are now quietly waiting there 
 
 To meet us with loving cheer, 
 And again their love we'll share, 
 
 With greeting smiles most dear. 
 
 Though darkness now impedes the way, 
 
 There will be a light for me, 
 Which will shine brighter still 
 
 Than those that I often see. 
 With all their quiet, loving beauty, 
 
 Which I behold there, in sight, 
 That tell me in the future 
 
 I shall see the coming light. 
 
 Which will nevermore fade away — 
 
 Where there is no setting sun, 
 Just one bright eternal day, 
 
 When we pass over, one by one. 
 Happy in that fair, noble clime, 
 
 With no burdens then to bear, 
 All is love, peace, and joy — 
 
 Where each will have their share. 
 
 189 
 
HOME FARM. 
 
 I often wonder as I gaze 
 
 From the brow of the hill, 
 Of the years, months, and days 
 
 Where we labored its soil to till, 
 With the sound of many voices, 
 
 Which were piercing, loud, and shrill- 
 Now are hushed in sweet repose, 
 
 With no echo from the hill. 
 
 The pear trees and cherry trees — 
 
 Of their fruit we ate at will — 
 Have now all passed away, 
 
 From the brow of the hill. 
 Which leaves it a barren waste, 
 
 That carries to my brain a chill, 
 As I think of the merry voices 
 
 Which once echoed from the hill. 
 
 The grapevines are ruined now, 
 
 And the well that stands near by, 
 Where we oft quenched our thirst, 
 
 Never was known to go dry. 
 But the old bucket has gone, 
 
 Like many scenes have passed away, 
 Yet its memory will be lasting, 
 
 Until the close of my dying day. 
 
 The scenes of earth are not lasting, 
 
 They all have their day, 
 Like those once noble farm buildings, 
 
 Which are doomed now to decay. 
 And those now silent voices, 
 
 Which cheered each other day by day, 
 With no sound of their footsteps, 
 
 In silent peace are laid away. 
 
 THE SOLDIER. 
 
 My love has gone for a soldier, 
 
 And left his worldly cares with me, 
 
 And my eyes are red with weeping, 
 While he's on the dark blue sea. 
 
 190 
 
As she spoke the lightning- flashed 
 And loud peals of thunder roared, 
 
 Which then quickened the heart-throbs, 
 And she wished the war was o'er. 
 
 Her heart longed for loving peace, 
 
 Which would seal each cannon's roar, 
 That all wars should forever cease, 
 
 And free the fields of bloody gore. 
 Ere she slept the lightning flashed, 
 
 But hushed was the thunder's roar, 
 Then she clasped her hands in prayer, 
 
 That the war would soon be o'er. 
 
 While she slept came the dawn of peace, 
 
 She had dreamed the war was o'er, 
 That her loved one had returned 
 
 From all harm to her once more. 
 Her heart was filled with joy, 
 
 Which quickened the blood in the veins, 
 She saw in the near-coming future 
 
 She would press his hand again. 
 
 The weeks and months rolled by, 
 
 With fond hopes of coming years, 
 That the war soon would cease, 
 
 As she brushed away her tears. 
 Then came shouts of her joy, 
 
 Her heart was freed from pain, 
 As her loved one had returned 
 
 And clasped her in his arms again. 
 
 HONEST FARMER. 
 
 Despise not the honest farmer, 
 
 Who labors hard every day, 
 Lest you may go hungry 
 
 When you are old and grey; 
 The farmer on whom we depend 
 
 Takes no time for sport or play, 
 But must struggle on through life, 
 
 With honest hearts, day by day. 
 
 191 
 
The farmer lacks moral courage 
 
 When sports take his rights away, 
 By making many sporting laws, 
 
 Which they now must all obey. 
 There are restrictions on the farmer, 
 
 On the land he rightfully owns, 
 Which gives the city's sporting man 
 
 What is the farmer's if let alone. 
 
 The farmer once owned his land, 
 
 And proved it by warrantee deed, 
 Which now is trampled under foot 
 
 By that element of sporting greed, 
 Who have the right to hunt and fish, 
 
 And pilfer the farmer's game, 
 Which wrongs the hard-worked farmer 
 
 By their selfish, ill-gotten gain. 
 
 Something must be done for the farmer, 
 
 While city sports live at ease, 
 Of lack for their garden product, 
 
 Which we'll call beans and peas. 
 And other grain of the farmer, 
 
 Which nature gives to please, 
 Wherewith to feed their stock — 
 
 That furnishes them butter and cheese. 
 
 NATURE'S VOICE. 
 
 I listen to the voice of nature, 
 
 Which seems to come in the air, 
 Like some divine and sacred music, 
 
 Or the words of silent prayer, 
 Which is like a vapor cloud, 
 
 Nothing more then do I see, 
 Which will linger in memory 
 
 As a message sent to me. 
 
 In soft tones or secret thoughts, 
 
 It seems to come to me, 
 As though from a departed friend, 
 
 Amid those lights that I see. 
 It carries my thoughts far away 
 
 To that port of love divine, 
 Where now rests that peaceful soul 
 
 Who on earth I claimed as mine. 
 
 192 
 
Like a thought or flashing light, 
 
 She now oft appears to me, 
 And brings me the loving tiding 
 
 That her soul now is free. 
 It hovers o'er my lonely home 
 
 And relieves my heart of pain, 
 For it tells me in the future 
 
 We will soon meet there again. 
 
 Where our life-light will shine, 
 
 Beyond that cloud like vapor there, 
 Where the righteous will ever dwell, 
 
 And all will have their share 
 Of the joy and peaceful love, 
 
 When we meet again over there, 
 In that true and loving light 
 
 Which now surrounds the golden stair. 
 
 A VISION. 
 
 Last night she came to me, 
 
 I saw her plainly sitting there, 
 With that smile on her cheek 
 
 And the ringlets of her hair. 
 She's just beyond that vapor there, 
 
 Where those lights are that I see, 
 Quietly she is now resting there, 
 
 With her pleasing smile for me. 
 
 Though silent she is resting there, 
 
 For her spirit now is free, 
 As an angel of pure love 
 
 When resting on her mother's knee. 
 Her life on earth was pleasing, 
 
 With a voice sweet and clear, 
 Kind in all her smiling ways, 
 
 Which made our home most dear. 
 
 She is just beyond that vapor there, 
 
 Childlike as on her mother's knee, 
 With her true and loving smiles 
 
 Which she now sends to me. 
 With her joy and peaceful greeting, 
 
 While she is now flitting there, 
 Beckoning with her loving lights, 
 
 Which she wishes me to share. 
 
 193 
 
The beauty of that coming paradise, 
 
 Which we together will share, 
 With no more of earthly gloom, 
 
 Or tears o'er a vacant chair; 
 Where our love-light will shine, 
 
 Above that arch of heavenly blue, 
 Where we'll be of one mind 
 
 While we wait there for you. 
 
 SILENT VOICE. 
 
 I seem to hear a silent voice 
 
 Which now lingers in my ear, 
 And says in quiet, loving tone, 
 
 I am now with you here. 
 I come to you day and night, 
 
 My thoughts are with you here, 
 To watch o'er your lonely path 
 
 With smiling words of cheer. 
 
 It is not a passing dream, 
 
 It's that silent voice I hear, 
 Which comes with those sparkling lights, 
 
 That so often now appear. 
 At the dawn of early twilight 
 
 They often appear to me 
 And carry my thoughts far away, 
 
 They tell me her soul is free. 
 
 Soft and low like a gentle whisper, 
 
 Her thoughts return here to me, 
 Which give my life its cheer, 
 
 Though her form I do not see. 
 Silent as the stars of heaven, 
 
 Or the western sunset glow, 
 Which now linger in my ear, 
 
 And help to lessen my woe. 
 
 The thought of her peaceful rest, 
 
 As I see her vacant chair 
 Tells me I'm nearing the west — 
 
 That her lot I soon will share. 
 Those scenes of pure delight, 
 
 As in those lights I see, 
 Tell our joy will be lasting, 
 
 With her smiles again for me. 
 
 194 
 
UNDERSTAND. 
 
 Who can tell of the coming future, 
 
 Of events that are passing by, 
 Beneath the billows of the sea 
 
 And the realm of the sky? 
 That is a secret yet unknown, 
 
 Which baffles the art of man, 
 But when given by our Creator, 
 
 We then may better understand. 
 
 The ways of life while here — 
 
 Those secrets may not be known, 
 All things are governed by Him 
 
 Who now sits on the throne. 
 It's the power of God alone, 
 
 Not for that mortal man, 
 Until we pass farther on — 
 
 Perhaps then we'll better understand. 
 
 He guides me with my pen, 
 
 It comes as the sunset glow, 
 To cheer my sad, lonely heart, 
 
 While I am left here below. 
 Like the voice of unknown spirits, 
 
 Which come from the spirit land, 
 That carry my thoughts far away, 
 
 And in time I will understand. 
 
 It's a gift that's sent to me 
 
 As from some kind, loving friend, 
 Which comes along in cheerful silence — 
 
 It's then I will use my pen. 
 To pacify my sad, lonely heart, 
 
 Which once was full of cheer, 
 But her smiles I do not see, 
 
 As when she was with me here. 
 
 SILENT WHISPER. 
 
 There's a silent voice speaks to me, 
 It comes to me soft and low, 
 
 Amid the scenes of earth — 
 Silent as the sunset glow. 
 
 195 
 
Weep no more it seems to say, 
 Strive to be of good cheer ; 
 
 Though your heart is lonely now, 
 My thoughts are with you here. 
 
 Though your burden is hard to bear, 
 
 The way for all now is clear, 
 Where the sun will always shine, 
 
 With no clouds to interfere. 
 Where the joy of life will be, 
 
 Free from all sin and woe, 
 And peaceful as a gentle dove, 
 
 That seeks no treasure here below. 
 
 Her love-light now is shining, 
 
 Which gives my heart its cheer, 
 For not long must I wait, 
 
 Before I'll go home to see her. 
 In that spirit land over there, 
 
 Amid those lights that I see, 
 Then our joy will come again, 
 
 With her smiles again for me. 
 
 Our love there will be lasting, 
 
 With no hearts that will pain, 
 As her lovelight will always shine 
 
 With her smiles for me again. 
 Amid those bright and shining rays, 
 
 For there'll be no night there, 
 All will be lovelight and praise, 
 
 Which we all then can share. 
 
 WATCHED FOR HER. 
 
 I oft have watched for her coming 
 
 In those years now gone by, 
 When the bloom was on her cheeks 
 
 And the lovelight in her eye. 
 Now she has been laid away 
 
 I am left alone to sigh 
 But there is comfort in the thought 
 
 That I'll meet her by-and-by. 
 
 As my thoughts now go back 
 
 Through all those many long years, 
 
 There comes a gloom of sorrow, 
 Which fills my eyes with tears. 
 
 196 
 
Her soft tones in the twilight, 
 Which she oft reflects to me, 
 
 And her kind and loving smiles, 
 Which she wishes me to see. 
 
 Though years and months have passed, 
 
 It now comes — her funeral day, 
 Which I nevermore will forget, 
 
 Her smile as they laid her away. 
 Now soft and low as a whisper, 
 
 In that vapor there I see, 
 The forms of those many faces, 
 
 And one has a smile for me. 
 
 Time now tells on my brow, 
 
 While she has been waiting there, 
 Of the many loving scenes 
 
 Which she wishes me to share. 
 Which come not as a dream, 
 
 But from that vapor which I see, 
 Which tells me of her silent joy, 
 
 With her smile again for me. 
 
 RAY OF LIGHT. 
 
 I seemed to see a ray of light 
 
 Passing down the valley in my dream, 
 Which carried my thoughts far away 
 
 Of what may be the coming scenes. 
 That light for me is not far, 
 
 And I'll sbon pass down that stream, 
 Where I'll find the gates ajar, 
 
 Which will be no passing dream. 
 
 Like those lights which I often see, 
 
 Amid that cloud-like vapor there, 
 Where our friends now are waiting, 
 
 Whose lot they wish me to share. 
 Where our joy will then come again, 
 
 As their smiles again I'll see, 
 Free from hardship, sorrow and pain, 
 
 With their many smiles for me. 
 
 197 
 
That ray of light gives me cheer, 
 
 It seems to come here to me, 
 And lights my pathway yonder, 
 
 Where those lights are that I see — 
 Which tells me of the coming future, 
 
 Where our lovelight again will shine, 
 As in our young and youthful days, 
 
 When first I called her mine. 
 
 When we meet again together there, 
 
 We'll have no hearts to pain, 
 Amid those ringlets of her hair, 
 
 I'll see her loving smiles again ; 
 Which will be a life of joy 
 
 Instead of a life of pain, 
 Caused by our many cruel wars, 
 
 And alone of wealth and fame. 
 
 COMB HOME. 
 
 Will she come home tonight 
 
 In those sparkling lights I see, 
 To give my heart its cheer 
 
 By bringing back her smiles to me? 
 As I see those sparkling lights, 
 
 I feel that she is with me here, 
 And comes to relieve my pain — 
 
 Which fills my heart with cheer. 
 
 She must know I am lonely, 
 
 After we've lived together all those years, 
 With her kind and loving smiles, 
 
 And a heart full of cheer. 
 It's why she brings those ehavenly lights, 
 
 That I may know she is here, 
 Which cheers my downcast heart, 
 
 With her once smiling cheer. 
 
 I miss her kind and gentle ways, 
 
 And none other her place can fill, 
 And it's hard to be reconciled — 
 
 But it was her Maker's will. 
 With her crown of sparkling lights, 
 
 She now comes back to me, 
 Beautiful are those loving scenes, 
 
 In those sparkling lights I see. 
 
 198 
 
As I watch those flickering vapors, 
 
 Since I've been left here alone, 
 Something tells me she is there, 
 
 Just in sight of that dazzling throne. 
 Where the weary can find rest, 
 
 With no heart that will pain, 
 While I must wait and watch 
 
 Until I see her smiles again. 
 
 ALL COMES BACK. 
 
 It's just one year ago today, 
 
 It now all comes back to me, 
 With all that grief and sorrow 
 
 No smiles now can I see. 
 I then held her hand in mine, 
 
 On that last dreaded day, 
 Watching her kind and peaceful look 
 
 While she breathed her life away. 
 
 With no struggle, all was peaceful sleep, 
 
 For her spirit then had flown, 
 To receive that promised rich reward 
 
 Which is given to His own, 
 But those scenes which passed on earth, 
 
 They all linger with me still, 
 But His secret was His own, 
 
 He called her when He willed. 
 
 Our once peaceful joy on earth 
 
 It now lingers with me still, 
 But that joy which is to be 
 
 Our Maker will fulfill. 
 Though my tears now are falling, 
 
 With my heart full of pain, 
 I see by faith the coming future, 
 
 Where we'll soon meet again. 
 
 Then the joy of that new life 
 
 Will be as the rising sun, 
 Which will gladden each our hearts 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 With no burdens then to bear, 
 
 Beneath that never setting sun, 
 To enjoy that new life with all 
 
 Who have passed over, one by one. 
 
 199 
 
RIGHTEOUS FAITH. 
 
 Lack not in that righteous faith 
 
 When we near the last setting sun, 
 For the sun will sure shine again 
 
 When we pass over, one by one. 
 The secret of each heart is kept, 
 
 And the work we have nobly done, 
 We must not lack in faith, 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 
 God gave this world our birthplace, 
 
 Which was given by His will, 
 That we turn our thoughts on Him, 
 
 Then His promise He'll fulfill. 
 This world is all in His power, 
 
 He controls the rising and setting sun, 
 And calls His own to himself, 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 
 The choicest work of His creation 
 
 Is that of us, mortal man, 
 That we must pass through this life, 
 
 Which we all now must understand. 
 As we watch the days go by, 
 
 And behold the bright setting sun, 
 Life on earth must pass away, 
 
 And we pass over, one by one. 
 
 One by one, one by one, yes, 
 
 He gave His only begotten Son 
 To all who believe on Him, 
 
 Before passing over, one by one. 
 He redeemed this world from sin, 
 
 By the gift of His only Son 
 To prepare the way for us all, 
 
 As we pass over, one by one. 
 
 200 
 
END OF MFE. 
 
 Our days of life while here on earth 
 
 Are marked by each setting sun, 
 Then we'll enter that paradise above 
 
 To greet our friends one by one ; 
 Where rest our many loving friends 
 
 With no teardrop in their eye, 
 Who have left this our mortal earth, 
 
 And said their last good-bye. 
 
 With this high, fearless, noble thought 
 
 I now will soon be resting there, 
 With those kind and loving friends, 
 
 Their peaceful smiles again to share. 
 The beauty of their bright, shining light 
 
 Amid that vapor there that I see, 
 And enjoy that quiet and peaceful rest 
 
 Which has long been prepared for me. 
 
 That home is just beyond that vapor, 
 
 Where rests those flashing lights I see, 
 Which bring to earth their loving smiles 
 
 That they now send here to me. 
 All my joy on earth now is passed, 
 
 This work here I leave with thee, 
 And as you pursue its gifted pages 
 
 Let your thoughts return again to me. 
 
 I will leave you now my many thanks, 
 
 Without a murmer or a sigh, 
 And cross that looked-for, placid river 
 
 Which lies between here and on high. 
 Then my form will take its rest, 
 
 My soul will arise again on high, 
 Where the joy of life is free, 
 
 And leave you all my last good-bye. 
 
 201 
 
INDEX TO POEMS. 
 
 
 Page 
 
 
 Page 
 
 Human Life, 
 
 5 
 
 Castaways, 
 
 35 
 
 Peaceful Rest, 
 
 6 
 
 In the Wildwood, 
 
 36 
 
 A Star, 
 
 6 
 
 Pine Grove Cemetery, 
 
 37 
 
 Morning" Light, 
 
 7 
 
 The Angel's Voice, 
 
 37 
 
 A Visit, 
 
 8 
 
 Happy Thought, 
 
 38 
 
 Why We Weep, 
 
 9 
 
 As We See It, 
 
 39 
 
 The Departed, 
 
 10 
 
 Ups and Downs, 
 
 40 
 
 I Am Here, 
 
 11 
 
 Mother's Best, 
 
 41 
 
 Parting- Scene, 
 
 11 
 
 The Violin, 
 
 42 
 
 Innocent, 
 
 12 
 
 From Dark to Light, 
 
 42 
 
 Summer Time, 
 
 13 
 
 The Charles Biver, 
 
 43 
 
 Not Forgotten, 
 
 14 
 
 Who Is the Honest Man? 
 
 44 
 
 Two Pictures, 
 
 15 
 
 Birds and Fashion, 
 
 44 
 
 My Mother, 
 
 15 
 
 Warning the Fly, 
 
 45 
 
 Clasped Hands, 
 
 16 
 
 Corporation Tax, 
 
 46 
 
 The Dude, 
 
 17 
 
 Tenting- on the Old Camp 
 
 
 Feeble and Grey, 
 
 18 
 
 Ground, 
 
 47 
 
 Her Last Night, 
 
 19 
 
 The Child's Request, 
 
 48 
 
 Lonely Now, 
 
 20 
 
 The Soldier, 
 
 49 
 
 The Best Friend, 
 
 20 
 
 Departed Friends, 
 
 50 
 
 Early Childhood, 
 
 21 
 
 The Summer Time, 
 
 51 
 
 Boyhood Days, 
 
 22 
 
 First and Last, 
 
 51 
 
 In the Parlor, 
 
 23 
 
 Mother of Life, 
 
 52 
 
 Winter Has Gone, 
 
 24 
 
 A Gift, 
 
 53 
 
 The Bright Side, 
 
 24 
 
 My Mother, 
 
 54 
 
 A Mystery, 
 
 25 
 
 Willie, 
 
 55 
 
 The Cuckoo, 
 
 26 
 
 Old Age, 
 
 55 
 
 The Sewer, 
 
 26 
 
 Anxious Mother, 
 
 56 
 
 The Farmer Boy, 
 
 27 
 
 Love at Sight, 
 
 57 
 
 Advice, 
 
 28 
 
 Dreams, 
 
 58 
 
 Night Blooming- Cereus, 
 
 28 
 
 Pleasing Wife, 
 
 59 
 
 A Block of Marble, 
 
 29 
 
 The Last Rose of Summer, 
 
 60 
 
 Hotel Fire, 
 
 30 
 
 The Hereafter, 
 
 60 
 
 The Young Sailor, 
 
 32 
 
 The Broken Link, 
 
 61 
 
 Kind Neighbor, 
 
 33 
 
 Quiet Home, 
 
 62 
 
 The Chinaman, 
 
 33 
 
 One Whom I Love, 
 
 63 
 
 The Creator, 
 
 34 
 
 The Eastern Star, 
 
 64 
 
 203 
 

 Page 
 
 
 Page 
 
 Life, 
 
 65 
 
 Hints on the Farm in 1840, 
 
 100 
 
 Waiting and Watching, 
 
 65 
 
 Looking Beyond, 
 
 101 
 
 Why I Loved, 
 
 66 
 
 My Mother's Darling, 
 
 102 
 
 Her Last Words, 
 
 67 
 
 Old Homestead, 
 
 103 
 
 Our Home, 
 
 68 
 
 Judge Not, 
 
 104 
 
 The Wild Flower, 
 
 69 
 
 The Dewdrop, 
 
 104 
 
 My Mother, 
 
 70 
 
 Saddened by Death, 
 
 105 
 
 Life's Picture, 
 
 70 
 
 The Lost Boy, 
 
 106 
 
 I Miss Her, 
 
 71 
 
 Lost Mother, 
 
 107 
 
 Her Last Hour, 
 
 72 
 
 Delayed Promise, 
 
 107 
 
 Her Picture, 
 
 73 
 
 Distant Lovers, 
 
 108 
 
 Old Friends, 
 
 74 
 
 The Lover's Secret, 
 
 109 
 
 Dreamland, 
 
 74 
 
 The Graphophone, 
 
 110 
 
 Silent Thought, 
 
 75 
 
 Why Do I Love Thee, 
 
 111 
 
 Going Home, 
 
 76 
 
 Pleasing Thought, 
 
 112 
 
 Children's Ways, 
 
 76 
 
 Struggle of Life, 
 
 112 
 
 Lovers' Eve, 
 
 77 
 
 The Seasons, 
 
 113 
 
 After Death, 
 
 78 
 
 Spring, 
 
 113 
 
 Sadness, 
 
 78 
 
 Sailor Boy, 
 
 114 
 
 Electric Car, 
 
 79 
 
 The Dying Soldier, 
 
 115 
 
 My New Hat, 
 
 79 
 
 Hill of Life, 
 
 116 
 
 The Cottage on the Hill, 
 
 80 
 
 Across the Eiver, 
 
 117 
 
 A Lover's Good-Bye, 
 
 81 
 
 The Bible, 
 
 118 
 
 Brighter Days, 
 
 81 
 
 Memorial Day, 
 
 120 
 
 Moonlight Drive, 
 
 82 
 
 The Pot of Baked Beans, 
 
 121 
 
 Waiting and Watching, 
 
 83 
 
 Dream or Vision, 
 
 122 
 
 The Orphan, 
 
 84 
 
 Ship Around the World, 
 
 123 
 
 Midnight Dreams, 
 
 84 
 
 Nature of Life, 
 
 123 
 
 Autumn Leaves, 
 
 85 
 
 A Foolish Habit, 
 
 124 
 
 Last Kiss, 
 
 86 
 
 Down the Eiver of Life, 
 
 125 
 
 Passing Over, 
 
 87 
 
 The Flag, 
 
 126 
 
 Death, 
 
 88 
 
 My Mother's Calling, 
 
 127 
 
 The War, 
 
 88 
 
 The Hill of Life, 
 
 128 
 
 Gloom of Life, 
 
 89 
 
 The Schemers, 
 
 128 
 
 Dream of Paradise, 
 
 90 
 
 My Wife and I, 
 
 129 
 
 Silent Whisper, 
 
 91 
 
 My Mother, 
 
 130 
 
 Death Valley, 
 
 92 
 
 Our National Flag, 
 
 131 
 
 War Song, 
 
 93 
 
 Grandfather's Clock, 
 
 132 
 
 Past and Future, 
 
 93 
 
 Caution, 
 
 133 
 
 Fading Love, 
 
 94 
 
 Who Will Miss Us? 
 
 133 
 
 Lovers' Homestead, 
 
 95 
 
 Mysteries in Life, 
 
 134 
 
 I Miss Thee, 
 
 96 
 
 A Smiling Face, 
 
 135 
 
 Lover of Music, 
 
 97 
 
 Thanksgiving Day, 
 
 136 
 
 The Home Farm Beside the 
 
 
 On the Sunny Side, 
 
 137 
 
 Hill, 
 
 98 
 
 Christmas, 
 
 138 
 
 Where Will You Stay To- 
 
 
 The Pacing Mare, 
 
 139 
 
 night? 
 
 99 
 
 Life, 
 204 
 
 140 
 

 Page 
 
 
 Page 
 
 Home Life, 
 
 140 
 
 Night Message, 
 
 171 
 
 Past and Present, 
 
 141 
 
 The Bar, 
 
 172 
 
 The Lovers' Delight, 
 
 142 
 
 Air Castles, 
 
 173 
 
 The Cheerful Heart, 
 
 143 
 
 Death Scene, 
 
 174 
 
 Funeral Ode, 
 
 144 
 
 Song of Peace, 
 
 175 
 
 Contented Thought, 
 
 145 
 
 Childhood Days, 
 
 175 
 
 Our Mag, 
 
 145 
 
 Golden Harvest, 
 
 176 
 
 His Last Good-Bye, 
 
 146 
 
 Sunny Side, 
 
 177 
 
 Youth and Age, 
 
 147 
 
 Morn of Life, 
 
 178 
 
 My Wife, 
 
 148 
 
 Waiting There, 
 
 179 
 
 Dream or Vision, 
 
 149 
 
 Peaceful Best, 
 
 180 
 
 Down the Valley, 
 
 150 
 
 Boyhood, 
 
 180 
 
 Passing Over, 
 
 150 
 
 The Farmer's Well, 
 
 181 
 
 Crystallized Thought, 
 
 151 
 
 Peaceful Valley, 
 
 182 
 
 Good-Bye, 
 
 152 
 
 The War Dogs, 
 
 183 
 
 Speak Well, 
 
 153 
 
 Soldier's Mother, 
 
 184 
 
 No Night There, 
 
 154 
 
 Flashing Lights, 
 
 185 
 
 Her Smiles, 
 
 154 
 
 Loving Mother, 
 
 185 
 
 Last Good-Night, 
 
 155 
 
 Coming Morn, 
 
 186 
 
 I Wonder, 
 
 156 
 
 That Beyond, 
 
 187 
 
 There's Something, 
 
 157 
 
 Peace at Last, 
 
 188 
 
 Life a Day, 
 
 158 
 
 Coming Night, 
 
 189 
 
 Dreamland, 
 
 159 
 
 Home Farm, 
 
 190 
 
 Sorrow, 
 
 159 
 
 The Soldier, 
 
 190 
 
 Footsteps, 
 
 160 
 
 Honest Farmer, 
 
 191 
 
 Caution, 
 
 161 
 
 Nature's Voice, 
 
 192 
 
 Meet Me, 
 
 162 
 
 A Vision, 
 
 193 
 
 Fruit of Life, 
 
 163 
 
 Silent Voice, 
 
 194 
 
 Good-Night, 
 
 164 
 
 Understand, 
 
 195 
 
 The Mother, 
 
 164 
 
 Silent Whisper, 
 
 195 
 
 Past and Gone, 
 
 165 
 
 Watched for Her, 
 
 196 
 
 Our Mother, 
 
 166 
 
 Bay of Light, 
 
 197 
 
 A Dream, 
 
 167 
 
 Come Home, 
 
 198 
 
 Meditating, 
 
 168 
 
 All Comes Back, 
 
 199 
 
 Mother's Music, 
 
 169 
 
 Bighteous Faith, 
 
 200 
 
 Going Home, 
 
 170 
 
 End of Life, 
 
 201 
 
 Duty, 
 
 170 
 
 
 
 205 
 
Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
 Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
 Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 
 
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