PS 
 
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IN 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 ( PS SS'OS' 
 
 Chap.. Copyright No. 
 
 UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 
 
 
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 ^"^fiMl 
 
A. 
 
 PLEASANT THOUGHTS 
 
 . . BY 
 
 ELIZABETH FROUDE-CAMPBELL. 
 
 ^.^^^"^^1 
 
 
 Copyright applied for. 
 
 John H. Campbell, Publishef',****'*^?^ 
 Phenix, R. I. 
 
 :b 
 
 :/ 
 

THE COUNTRY'S PERIL OF 1896. 
 
 From the hill-tops and the valleys, 
 Where the Autumn leaves now fade ; 
 
 Was the clear voice of the Nation, 
 Heard calling loud for aid. 
 
 From those bright south sunny regions, 
 Where the sugar cane does grow : 
 
 To those deep and gushing rivers, 
 From the Rocky Mountains flow. 
 
 Back to the brave New England States. 
 
 As brave as when those years ; 
 They crushed the power of Tyranny, 
 
 And calmed the Nation's fears. 
 
 They rise and cry, " Our Country's ruined ! 
 
 If we submissive stand ; 
 And let this silver question pass 
 
 Its law throughout our land. 
 
 The truth they say, though crushed will rise, 
 Since, we struggle for the right ; 
 
 The Middle States with them have joined 
 To conquer in the fight. 
 
While every nation watch afar, 
 The country's threatening peril ; 
 
 And sees the reckless selfish darts, 
 Ambition at her hurl. 
 
 Though night around her mantle draws. 
 Yet thousands throng the street ; 
 
 And eagerly count the votes that may, 
 Tell of their defeat. 
 
 But God did then supremely reign. 
 All through these trying hours, 
 
 For morning rings the joyful news 
 The victory is ours. 
 
 TO NEX.LIE MAE HOPKINS, ON HER 13th 
 BIRTHDAY, PROVIDENCE, R. I. 
 
 When the lovely flowers were thronging, 
 Every vale and meadow here. 
 
 When the birds their songs were warbling, 
 Filling all the earth with cheer, 
 
In the balmy July weather, 
 
 When the rose is moist with dew ; 
 
 Come thy presence here to brighten 
 Hearts, to thee so fond and true. 
 
 Now, thy merry peals of laughter, 
 Often chase the gloom away ; 
 
 While the music which thou lovest. 
 Charms thy home from day to day. 
 
 Sweetest songs at times repeating 
 Making life to others dear ; 
 
 While affection weaves her garlands 
 As your birthday draweth near. 
 
 May it weave for you those blessings, 
 Which can never here decay ; 
 
 But will crown you in the future. 
 When this life has passed away. 
 
 As thy birthday now approaches, 
 O what joys around it cling ; 
 
 Parents', prayers, and fond caresses. 
 Friends, love's tokens to thee bring. 
 
Firm in all that's pure and noble, 
 
 Must each birthday, treasures bring ; 
 
 Drawing thee from steps of childhood. 
 Nearer to thy Saviour King. 
 
 Whose sweet love can truly crush, 
 
 Every thorn on life's way ; 
 May this ever be your portion. 
 
 As each birthday pass away. 
 
 THE POWER OF RIGHT. 
 
 Right is the thought that lives " 
 
 Foremost in the soul ; 
 Right is the hope that cheers, 
 
 When clouds do onward roll. 
 
 Right is the only joy 
 
 Tha,t fills the heart with song : 
 Right is the only seed, 
 
 Life's path with flowers will throng. 
 
Right is the only shield, 
 Here Satan's darts defy ; 
 
 Right is the banner bright, 
 
 That ever should wave on high, 
 
 Right is the power that leads 
 
 The soldier in the fight ; 
 Right is a star that shines, 
 
 Throughout Life's darkest night. 
 
 Right is the truest love 
 
 That hearts can here caress ; 
 
 Right is the onl}^ hand 
 
 That justice loves to press. 
 
 Right, in time will bring 
 Honor on every name : 
 
 Right is indeed a crown 
 Which honesty may claim. 
 
 Right is the only prayer 
 That soothes the dying bed 
 
 Right is known to live, 
 Years after we are dead. 
 
Right, at the throne of bliss, 
 Stands in a robe of white ; 
 
 Where through endless years. 
 Wrong will be changed to Right. 
 
 HOMES UPON THE HILL. 
 
 Go when the lovely Spring has come, 
 Where the farmer ploughs the soil ; 
 
 Where, songs of birds from tree-tops ring 
 Making light his toil. 
 
 Go when summer's joys appear, 
 
 When Nature comes to stay ; 
 And see the lambkins sporting then, 
 
 On the hillside far away. 
 
 Go where the harvest richly crowns. 
 The fields with golden grain ; 
 
 And watch the rosy hue of morn, 
 When the moon begins to wane. 
 
Now turn I pray to city life, 
 Where fashion with its vice ; 
 
 Some feeble souls and shallow hearts, 
 Along its road entice. 
 
 And to the den where liquor flows, 
 Which poor men's earnings win ; 
 
 We see the low degraded look. 
 From souls steeped in sin. 
 
 And further still the gambler's hall, 
 Where youths do often stray ; 
 
 Who come from homes unknown to vice, 
 But soon become a prey. 
 
 And in those lanes where squalor rise, 
 
 There temptation be ; 
 To stain sweet children's hearts with sin. 
 
 From which they should be free. 
 
 Now look again on C'->untry life. 
 And tell me if you will ; 
 
 Are not the purest things of life, 
 'Round homes upon the hill. 
 
lo 
 GIVE ME BEAUTIFUL SPRING. 
 
 O give me beautiful Spring, 
 When nature her gifts besto,w ; 
 
 When the lovely landscape here, 
 Is crowned with a verdant glow. 
 
 O give me beautiful Spring, 
 
 When the world seems bright and gay 
 When no shades of sorrow appear. 
 
 And ever seems passed away. 
 
 Then give me beautiful Spring, 
 There's joy in her song divine ; 
 
 For hope in the heart will ring, 
 When her light begins to shine. 
 
 '.Tis in the beautiful Spring, 
 
 When flowerets throng the glen ; 
 
 Then over the hills and meadows, 
 The robin will sing again. 
 
 These blessings God will send, 
 Who rules the seasons here ; 
 
 The beautiful Spring He'll give, 
 The life of all to cheer. 
 
11 
 WINTER. 
 
 Come winter, all are waiting here, 
 
 To feel thy piercing dart ; 
 And to see the joys you bring, 
 
 To crown each 3''outhful heart. 
 
 And hear of every laddie here, 
 
 And every lassie gay ; 
 Who'll sleighing go with jingling bells. 
 
 i.\long the snowy w^ay. 
 
 While over hills and hollows rides 
 
 The small boy on his sled : 
 Who thinks the joys of Winter come, 
 
 To crown his youthful head. 
 
 And so shall you, when in time. 
 Doth his smiling face appear ; 
 
 And hear his merry, merry shout. 
 Which echoes far and near. 
 
 His linger tips are cherry red. 
 
 And yet he answers still ; 
 " A boy you know is never cold, 
 
 While coasting down the hill," 
 
12 
 
 But now that summer's joys have fled, 
 And, I fail to see them more ; 
 
 They make me wish that you had sped 
 Off to some other shore. 
 
 Yet, I must make the most of you, 
 For, your course has now begun ; 
 
 Though bright within the heavens seems 
 The lovely, lovely Sun. 
 
 AN OLD TREE. 
 
 An old tree near my window stands, 
 
 Its course is almost run ; 
 And yet I like this dear old tree. 
 
 For the service it has done. 
 
 One day two little birdies came, 
 
 And sat upon this tree ; 
 If you listen I will tell to you 
 
 What these birdies told to rne, 
 
13 
 
 " 'Twas here, they said "dear mother sat, 
 
 On many a summer day ; 
 While we around her hopping went,. 
 
 Happy in our play." 
 
 And every nook and corner then, 
 In the dear old tree we knew ; 
 
 And when we saw some danger near, 
 Upon its branches flew. 
 
 Now, that it has grown old. 
 
 Why should we not cheer? 
 And brighten with our songs these days, 
 
 That it may linger here. 
 
 Can we forget, it once was young. 
 With beauty once did thrill I 
 
 Could we forsake it, now its old, 
 And going down life's hill? 
 
 Now children what the birdies said 
 They meant that you should hear ; 
 
 They thought your little hands were made 
 3ome life to brighten here, 
 
u 
 
 If father is no longer young 
 And mother has grown old 
 
 Think of the love they bear for you 
 The half has not been told. 
 
 Think of the time when they were younj 
 Like you vyere blight and gay 
 
 And try to make their lives sublime 
 'Till they have passed away. 
 
 LILY OF THE VALLEY 
 
 Oh sweet Lily of the Valley ! 
 
 Hast thou come on fairy's wing ; 
 To cheer us by thy presence, 
 
 In the lovely song of Spring. 
 
 To cheer us with the hope, 
 That adorns thee with grace ; 
 
 And leaves its radiant light upon, 
 Thy sweet and tiny face. 
 
15 
 
 Lightly o'er the earth now tripping, 
 Unassuming in thy power ; 
 
 Yet, thy footsteps wander. 
 
 Straight from heaven's bower. 
 
 Laden with a mission, 
 
 Hastening in thy flight : 
 This earth to crown with gladness, 
 
 In thy robe of white. 
 
 Now, tell us sweet, sweet Lily, 
 
 Have the angels said ; 
 Peace and joy await us, 
 
 When this life has fled. 
 
 A CHILD'S CONVERSATION WITH 
 THE FLOW^ERS. 
 
 Oh sweet Lily, won't you tell me 
 How you can be so pure 
 
 And live upon this earthh^ soil 
 And trials here endure. 
 
16 
 
 Was it an angel brought thee? 
 
 And put thee in this place? 
 To fili my life with gladness, 
 
 And crown it with thy grace? 
 
 " My heart is pure," the Lily said, 
 "And I have naught to fear ; 
 
 The hand which gave me life dear child, 
 Is ever, ever near. 
 
 I try to fill your life with joy. 
 
 All clad in gentle grace : 
 A life without a stain, dear one 
 
 As you read in my face." 
 
 "And you must tell to me sweet rose. 
 
 This lovely dewy morn. 
 Why, each fragrant petal of your head 
 
 Is guarded by a thorn? 
 
 And yet, there is no sweeter flower 
 
 Nor does to all impart 
 More tender thoughts or words of love 
 
 In every human heart?" 
 
17 
 
 " You see the gentle rose replied, 
 What you now call a thorn ; 
 
 Is but the weapon I received, 
 The moment I was born." 
 
 " And though I do, as you have said. 
 Both love and fragrance yield ; 
 
 Yet when unkindly I am touched, 
 I use it as my shield. 
 
 Yet, first upon my list of friends, 
 A nation great in power ; 
 
 Proclaims to all the world around, 
 I am her royal flower. 
 
 But still ray heart is free from pride. 
 
 For oft' I'm seen to roam 
 Beside the poor man's cottage door, 
 
 To cheer his humble home. 
 
 And though the joys which I bestow. 
 
 Do sometimes go to loss ; 
 Yet, all my life, dear child does tell, 
 
 No crown without a cross." 
 
18 
 
 "Then spoke the simple Daisy, 
 
 Though my dress does plain appear ; 
 
 Beside that of the Lily, 
 
 And the Rose which all love dear. 
 
 With the sweet Spring, to caress me, 
 And young hearts all full of glee ; 
 
 I will envy not the Lily, 
 
 Nor the Rose where'er they be. 
 
 For what can e'er be sweeter? 
 
 Than what I often meet ; 
 The dimpled hands of childhood r 
 
 And the patter of its feet? 
 
 "And, what say you sweet violet? 
 
 Does joy reign in your heart? 
 Or, does modesty forbid row? 
 
 To add to life a part? 
 
 'Nay I " the violet gently answered, 
 I, with love am truly blessed ; 
 
 For, to the hearts of ladies, 
 1 am often fondly pressed. 
 
19 
 
 " Then out sang all the flowers, 
 
 From each secluded spot ; 
 X^ead by the blue-bell, and the pansy, 
 
 And the sweet forget-me-not. 
 
 We are gifts sent here from Heaven, 
 And sweet Nature leads the way ; 
 
 All the kindness you may show us, 
 We will double now repa}'. 
 
 For the Hand which made creation, 
 
 Has to us given birth ; 
 And has sent us with this mission, 
 
 That we beautifv the earth. 
 
 And to lighten every sorrow. 
 Of every creed and race ; 
 
 This mission now has draped us, 
 In a trailing robe of grace. 
 
 So farewell dear little maiden. 
 The sweet flowers all replied : 
 
 Now put your trust alone in God 
 Who always will provide, 
 
20 
 
 And try like us, to make your life, 
 
 All free from every dross ; 
 So when your days on earth are passed, 
 
 Your friends, will mourn your loss." 
 
 LITTLE EDDIE AT THE BROOK. 
 
 Oh 3'ou pretty little fishes ! 
 
 I have only come to stay 
 A little while upon these banks. 
 
 To watch you at your play. 
 
 Indeed I have no rod or line, 
 Or bait to bring me gain. 
 
 Nor hook to put within your gills 
 To make you suffer pain. 
 
 How very sad your mother should 
 
 Feel within this brook, 
 If she saw her baby fish 
 
 Caught by a naughty hook. 
 
21 
 
 So please do not hide yourselves 
 
 For I am all alone 
 And never would I be so cruel 
 
 To take you from your home. 
 
 Which I know is filled with music, 
 That from the brooklet flow : 
 
 Guarding you from wicked things 
 That naughty children know. 
 
 And everywhere upon these banks, 
 Through all the summer hours 
 
 In dainty clusters, sweet and fresh 
 Bloom the lovely flowers. 
 
 Which will often bring me hither 
 
 When I can longer stay ; 
 And watch you from those mossy banks, 
 
 Happy in your play. 
 
22 
 
 LITTLE ELSIE'S DREAM. 
 
 Lo ! slumbering sweet among the flowers, 
 
 Young Elsie now is seen ; 
 Her motions tell some joyous scene, 
 
 Appears within the dream. 
 
 Her little hands are tightly clasped, 
 And this her smile betrays ; 
 
 That she in ecstasy does hear, 
 The music of the waves. 
 
 She looks upon the rolling waves, 
 As they dash upon the beach ; 
 
 One tiny hand she stretches now. 
 Their snowy foam to reach. 
 
 A cry of joy escapes her lips 
 For then to fair winds blew ; 
 
 The lovely sails of a stately ship, 
 Manned by a gallant crew. 
 
23 
 
 Her father now to sea had gone, 
 Twelve long months or more. 
 
 And daily little Elsie watched, 
 For his ship upon the shore. 
 
 Once to her his ship appears 
 On the raging billows tossed ; 
 
 Where many a wretched sailor in 
 That hurricane was lost. 
 
 Then she dreams that o'er the seas, 
 Came news from another strand ; 
 
 Where an uncle rich, a castle leaves, 
 To her in foreign land. 
 
 Now twice belore her slumbering eyes 
 This same sweet vision came ; 
 
 She woke, and fell asleep again 
 And still she dreamt the same. 
 
 While nearer drew the noble ship 
 At length it reached the shore 
 
 Two loving arn.s then her embraced 
 To never leave her more. 
 
24 
 
 Her father's loving words she hears 
 
 " No sea will ever part 
 Or make me leave my darling here 
 
 To break her tender heart." 
 
 WELCOMING THE WANDERER. 
 
 Oh see the angels standing 
 In those regions fair ; 
 
 Listening for some footsteps 
 Fast approaching there. 
 
 Hear the voice of Jesus, 
 Filled with tender love ; 
 
 Welcoming the wanderer 
 To the Home above. 
 
 " Here," He softly whispers, 
 " You are ever free ; 
 
 From those earthly crosses 
 That surrounded thee." 
 
25 
 
 Then the angels singelh 
 
 Marching round the throne ; 
 
 Welcome weary wanderer 
 Welcome, welcome home. 
 
 THE CHARMS OF THE SEA, 
 
 To a lover of the sea there can be uo more beautiful scenery 
 than that wh"ch the sea jiresents. 
 
 The sea can never fail to impress all who behold it, as a great 
 work formed by an all powerful hand. Its power and grand 
 uer become more deeply impressed upon our minds as we walk 
 its pebbled beach-shore on a summer's day, and watch the 
 lovely waves rush from its heaving bosom, and dash their 
 snowy sprays upon its sunny beach. 
 
 The sea is a part of nature and around it, more or less, the 
 works of nature love to cling. The rocks stand with their 
 hoary heads upraised, while the waves from the sea are seen to 
 come, and then in playful mood, dash against their sides or 
 send their sprays over them . 
 
 Grassy banks are seen to surround this grand body of water, 
 and charm it with their wild flowers. 
 
 To add to its charms, tiny barks, without sign of fear, with 
 sails spread, sail proudly over it, while larger vessels plough 
 
21) 
 
 through its deep waters, loaded with human freiglit, that have 
 come to enjoy the pleasure, which the sea holds for all. At 
 last the shades of evening fall. Then the sweet song of the 
 weaves for a time breaks the stillness. Soon a sad voice from 
 the past is heard to break in upon its melodj^, till we become 
 convinced they are : — 
 
 THE VOICES OF THE SEA. 
 
 While I gazed on the deep blue sea 
 
 Where the white-capped waves ?till roll ; 
 
 A voice I heard, I hear it now, 
 Its music fills mv soul. 
 
 This voice then whispered in mine ear, 
 Its tones were rich and rare ; 
 
 " Be thankful for life's blessings here," 
 Then died upon the air. 
 
 I listened and the voice came back, 
 
 And cried : " Behold thy Maker's hand ! 
 
 See all the wonders it has wrought. 
 On sea as well as land ! " 
 
Without His power no ship or bark 
 
 Their snowy sails could soar, 
 Across these restless tbaming waves, 
 
 That dash upon m}- shore. 
 
 Another voice then seemed to come 
 
 It rose from depths unknown ; 
 The music of the waves then ceased 
 
 'Neath its sad wailing moan. 
 
 Give back ! give back, the sad voice wailed, 
 
 To rest within life's bower : 
 Those loving hearts, those tears that fell 
 
 And sank beneath your power. 
 
 The sweet voice of the sea replied, 
 
 Wh}'' mourn still the past? 
 Why darken life's sweet sunshine here. 
 
 By sorrow's withering blast. 
 
 The past was never, never known. 
 
 To come again to stay ; 
 For life itself keeps rolling on, 
 
 And soon will pass away. 
 
28 
 
 In life, dark waves must sometimes roll, 
 
 They come and go at will, 
 Yet there's a Hand, their power can stay 
 
 Whose voice says, " Peace ! be still ! " 
 
 WILL THE ROBIN COME TO-DAY. 
 
 O mother will the Robin come 
 To-day from yonder hill ; 
 
 And take the tiny chunks I leave, 
 Upon the window sill? 
 
 Will it leave its warm nest 
 A while with me to stay? 
 
 And sit upon the oaken bough. 
 And sing its sweetest lay? 
 
 I love to hear his merry song 
 
 It is so full of cheer ; 
 It seems to say, with birds and flowers, 
 
 Spring is drawing near. 
 
29 
 
 Coming after winter's voice, 
 His tones sound rich and rare ; 
 
 They seem to burst like golden lights, 
 Upon the balmy air. 
 
 Then the bleating lambs will roam, 
 
 And frolic on the hill ; 
 And through the dells at eventide, 
 
 Will sing the Whip-poor-will. 
 
 Then, when nature is bestowing, 
 Those gifts to earth and men ; 
 
 Tell me ! tell me dearest mother ! 
 Will the Robin come again? 
 
 When the gentle voice of nature, 
 O'er this earth will lightly float 
 
 Waking every blade and leaflet, 
 By her soft and thrilling note. 
 
 Then, with beauty far surpassing, 
 Any work of painter's art, 
 
 Will those gems that she'll bestow, 
 Bring sweet hope to every heart. 
 
30 
 
 When these blessings gather round her, 
 And will follow in her train 
 
 Then my child, with songs to cheer us 
 Will the Robin come again. 
 
 WATERSPOUT OFF OAK BLUFFS, COT- 
 TAGE CITY, AUGUST 1896. 
 
 The glorious sun rose that morn, 
 
 O'er verdure hills and fields of corn ; 
 
 O'er placid lakes and woodlands green 
 Which lent enchantment to the scene. 
 
 The dimpled waves rolled on the shore, 
 And near was heard, each splashing oar 
 
 Of little crafts, whose boatmen guide. 
 Serenely o'er the restless tide. 
 
 But, when the hour of noon drew near, 
 , Lo ; strange scenes upon the sky appear ; 
 The birdies homeward swiftly flee. 
 The flowerlets droop upon the lea. 
 
31 
 
 For angry clouds are gathering fast, 
 
 And o'er the sun then- shadows cast ; 
 One cloud, a funnel-shape it seems 
 • Soon in various colors beams. 
 
 Each home is left with open door, 
 
 Inmates hasten to the shore ; 
 Old age and youth together plod 
 
 To see this glorious work of God. 
 
 Oh see the Waterspout I they cry. 
 
 The clouds are forming from the sky : 
 
 Their eyes at once the heavens seek, 
 To find, the firey fluids pointed streak. 
 
 The silent stars are watching near, 
 A little gleam of sun appear ; 
 
 And by its lovely golden ra}', 
 
 Is seen the ocean's working spray. 
 
 In this cloud, so soon to pass 
 
 Like many, o'er our lives are cast 
 
 To lead our thoughts to regions high, 
 To a fairer home beyond the sky. 
 
32 
 
 Why should our hearts now shrink with fear. 
 Our Father's hand is very near ; 
 
 Does He not rule each troubled wave? 
 And all our lives beyond the grave? 
 
 LIFE'S SECRETS. 
 
 'Tis not oft in marble halls, 
 
 Life's brightest smiles are seen ; 
 
 But often there on beds of down, 
 Lie troubled hearts I ween. 
 
 Nor always in some churches great 
 That purest prayers are said ; 
 
 But oft within some garret walls, 
 Beside the lowly bed. 
 
 'Tis not oft when riches come, 
 That hearts prove true as gold ; 
 
 But sometimes to their dearest friends. 
 Do suddenly grow cold, 
 
33 
 
 'Tis not oft in friendships smile, 
 That all seems pure and best ; 
 
 But often in the passing glance, 
 We see deception rest. 
 
 'Tis not oft in honeyed words 
 
 True thoughts from hearts are spoken; 
 But oft we see kind deeds express. 
 
 Through sweet affection's token. 
 
 'Tis sometime not in stations high 
 
 That Honor paves the road 
 But often in Life's lowly walks, 
 
 He takes up his abode. 
 
 Then till the sun shall rise no more 
 
 It is decreed to be ; 
 That life's secrets will their shadows cast 
 
 Out upon its sea. 
 
3-4 
 VISIT TO MT. HOPE. 
 
 Has no poet's eye ere sought, 
 
 The charms that nature here has wrought? 
 Upon this Mount where often sped 
 
 The Indian, in his snow-bound sled? 
 
 Have flowers through years bloomed here in vain, 
 
 And mingled not in poet's strain ? 
 Or spreading oaks whose goodly store, 
 
 Kept hunger from the Indian's door? 
 
 Where children sat, and laughed, and played, 
 
 Or by the lovely ocean strayed ; 
 Whose white capped waves still rolling be. 
 
 Nor lost through years, their melody. 
 
 Beneath the glorious skies of morn. 
 
 Now comes no sound of huntsman's horn : 
 
 No war-whoop cry is echoing there 
 Nor savage yell bursts on the air. 
 
 The summit reached, the eye may scan. 
 
 Each lovely work of nature's plan ; 
 'Tis here alone she reigns supreme 
 
 And well repays a poet's dream. 
 
35 
 
 No worthless place can here be found, 
 
 For nature tills no barren ground ; 
 The rocks with shrubs and flowerets meet, 
 
 And you in wild profusion greet. 
 
 But ah ! where is the light canoe. 
 
 That o'er the dashing waves once flew ; 
 
 With Indian Chief and maid who plight, 
 Their troth beneath the pale moon's light. 
 
 Oh Savage 'Chief, could'st thou not see I 
 No wigwam fires should burn for thee ; 
 
 Unless content to sow and plough 
 
 And earn bread by the sweat of thy brow. 
 
 Among those scattered woodlands green, 
 
 Where dried roots and moss-grown trunks are 
 seen, 
 
 And rocks that might to us relate 
 
 Of white men's council and savage fate. 
 
 Of whom there's none left now to tell, 
 
 Save a stone that marks where their chieftain 
 fell : 
 And Nature gave his tombstone here, 
 
 And decks his grave from year to year. 
 
36 
 
 Where liltle brooks, sweet murmurings flow 
 Which cheer the home of the fallen foe ; 
 
 O'er which the sun now seeks its flight, 
 And crowns Mt. Hope with a golden light. 
 
 AN OLD ARMCHAIR. 
 
 Perhaps you think as I have thought, 
 
 So many years ago ; 
 True happiness can only come. 
 
 Where wealth is known to flow. 
 
 True happiness is not a flower. 
 That wealth can e'er bestow ; 
 
 Unless the heart provides the soil. 
 Where it can live and grow. 
 
 The soil of life needs all our care, 
 And this we must expect ; 
 
 That thorns come instead of flowers, 
 If we its wants neglect. 
 
37 
 
 I, too, once thought my lot was hard, 
 That sorrow was my share, 
 
 But loving voices call me now 
 " The dear old armchair." 
 
 While a manly form beside me, 
 Express in tones that's low ; 
 
 'Twas here dear mother often sat 
 So many years ago. 
 
 I'm no longer loved for beauty. 
 For you never once could trace ; 
 
 A single line of talent 
 Upon my humble face. 
 
 Yet, why the tears should often gather. 
 
 In eyes that rest on me. 
 Is a puzzle I can't fathom 
 
 No matter where I be. 
 
 So I leave to you the secret, 
 
 And I know you'll judge it fair ; 
 
 Why such tender thoughts still hover, 
 Around a poor old arm chair? 
 
38 
 
 It may be for, I've safely kept 
 What Time alone has traced ; 
 
 The treasure that my master's hand, 
 Within my bosom placed. 
 
 Now, for this change so faithfully kept, 
 
 Affection raised a throne ; 
 Where I'm to rest and end my days 
 
 Within this dear old home. 
 
 Where I did neither pine nor fret. 
 
 But tried to do my share ; 
 And now 'tis said, " There's nothing like 
 
 The poor old armchair." 
 
 So take your burden in this lite 
 
 And bear it with a will. 
 And don't stand groaning at the foot. 
 
 But tr}^ to climb the hill. 
 
 And let each act, that rules your life. 
 
 With wisdom ever blend; 
 For naught can prove so good to you. 
 
 As being your own best friend. 
 
39 
 
 And claim your secrets all your own, 
 So none may judge unfair ; 
 
 Then some day you rnay find a friend, 
 Like the poor old armchair. 
 
 "How beautiful the appearance of au Autumn suuset is," 
 has often been said by the lovers of nature. 
 
 While looking towards the heavens, they see in the western 
 skies, the lovely declining rays of the sun, casting around 
 their golden hue. 
 
 The trees, whose leaves have ah-eady begun to change, ap- 
 pear to us more beautiful, 'neath the reflecting rays of the sun. 
 Clouds have cast their shadows over him, yet they have not 
 marred his beauty. 
 
 The last impression he leaves with us, is grand, and lasting. 
 Creation is indeed our life book of study. Through her w^e 
 see this wonderful work set in the heavens, which teaches 
 us that our course while on earth should be such that maj- 
 enable us to leave behind those impressions that will beautify 
 our whole lives. 
 
 AN AUTUMN SUNSET. 
 
 Lo I out upon the region west 
 The sun his power has spread 
 
 And tinged the sky like Autumn's leaves 
 When all their youth has fled. 
 
40 
 
 Yet, I would chide him for his flHght, 
 
 Or gladly bid him stay 
 And give him back this golden scene, 
 
 For one more brilliant ray. 
 
 But now I see, he hastens on. 
 Some other clime to cheer," 
 
 While now the gentle moon is nigh, 
 Her silver rays appear. 
 
 Yet, while the sun still lingered here 
 
 And rested on the skies, 
 A thought then spread within my soul. 
 
 Which I will dearly prize. 
 
 I thought then of my Saviour's home. 
 
 Whose light is ever near 
 To break away each threatening cloud. 
 
 That sometimes will appear. 
 
 Was e'er a dark cloud in the sky. 
 Long known with us to stay : 
 
 If from the sun there comes to us 
 One lovely golden ray. 
 
41 
 
 Look now upon the evening sky, 
 Where gather shades of night ; 
 
 His glorious power still, still remains. 
 Though he is lost to sight. 
 
 A VOICE FROM THE WEST. 
 
 Why seek to spend the summer hours, 
 
 Upon some foreign strand, 
 And leave those lovely scenes to fade : 
 
 In this fair western land? 
 
 Why now forsake each flowery dell. 
 Which decks this rock- bound shore 
 
 To seek those haunts where footsteps trod, 
 That never echo more? 
 
 Why traverse not the golden west. 
 Where sparkling fountains rise ; 
 
 Where precious gems still lie unsought 
 Beneath those lovely skies. 
 
4'}, 
 
 Are not the fields and mountains here 
 Crowned most charmingl}^ ; 
 
 With flowery vales where lovers roam, 
 As those across the sea? 
 
 Do not the P^ock}- Mountain scenes, 
 Surpass each rude-built tower : 
 
 Which stands erect on foreign lands 
 Enchanting in its power. 
 
 Yes ! Qvieen of Art is Nature still 
 
 Her power is ever blest 
 And long she loves to linger here 
 
 Around the lovelv West. 
 
 ON THE NEW YEAR MORN. 
 
 Oh see ! in the horizon, lar, far away 
 Light of this morn, dawn of a da}'^ 
 
 And footsteps coming so feather-like free, 
 Not even a shadow, mortal can see, 
 
 Arrayed in a garb, which mj^stery twine. 
 He bears to earth, his record of time, 
 
4;^ . 
 
 While trees with their icy plumes doth sway, 
 In harmony to the aspect of a wintry day ; 
 
 Who decked in a robe of spotless white 
 Awaits glad tidings of a new 3''ear bright ; 
 
 From some distant realm unknown, 
 Time has brought to fill his throne. 
 
 Lo ! the coming breeze hears the passing strain, 
 With rapture in silence is loath to remain : 
 
 Then wafts it aloft to far spreading climes, 
 
 Where the bright bud of Hope, around it entwine, 
 
 Like a cool sparkling spray, 
 
 From a fountain that falls, enriching the way. 
 
 While the bells are sending each clear note 
 
 Far over the crystal snow to float ; 
 Rending aside, night's lone dark cloud. 
 
 While each thrilling sound peals aloud 
 Ringing with hope, ringing out fear, 
 
 Ringing with joy for the coming new year. 
 
 Ring on ye bells with the endless praise, 
 Ring on with hope for future bright days. 
 
 Wring from sad hearts the tears they embrace 
 Swiftly, O swiftly bring joy in their place 
 
 And there ever remain, 
 
 Till death wjth his sickle, earth's fetters unchain, 
 
44 
 
 Ring out the shadows of life as they fall, 
 Smooth o'er the crosses, common to all ; 
 
 Ring to the world bright honor and fame. 
 Send to the fallen again a good name, 
 
 Crush temptation, shatter its snare 
 Banish forever, the look of despair. 
 
 Strengthen the hearts, that are noble and pure. 
 Ring away vices that always allure 
 
 Ring out from the world hatred and strife 
 
 Ring in sweet contentment, the blossom of life ; 
 
 Whose fragrance is sure, 
 
 The world's cold scorn here to endure. 
 
 Ring honor to cmwn each heart's plighted vow 
 Ring in pure virtue, to garland youth's brow. 
 
 Ring for the dying a soothing strain 
 
 Softly to slumber 'neath death's cruel pain, 
 
 So their souls in their flight, 
 
 May pass in peace to realms of light. 
 
 Ring on, ring ever in cheerful note. 
 While over life's restless sea we float ; 
 
 That every record on earth that land 
 
 Each message is sealed by God's own hand ; 
 
 Proclaim aloud in notes that's clear 
 Christ is Ruler of every new year, 
 
45 
 
 WHAT A LITTLE GIRE SAID ON SEEING 
 A WILD ROSE. 
 
 A little maid one morning 
 To a lovely wild rose said, 
 
 " I wish I was a flower like you 
 With dew-drops on my head." 
 
 " I really fink I envy you, 
 You look so good and sweet ; 
 
 In your pretty dress of pink and white, 
 And no lessons to repeat." 
 
 "I wish dear child," the rose replied, 
 " That I like you could say, 
 
 Some loving friend a tear would shed 
 When I have passed away." 
 
 " I am loved for grace and beauty. 
 They are my mission here ; 
 
 And yet each passing joy I'd give 
 For sweet Affection's tear." 
 
46 
 
 MOUNT KATHDIN'S STREAM. 
 
 Charming is this Httle brook, 
 
 Which down the mountain flows ; 
 
 Dancing round each crag and mound 
 Singing as it goes, 
 
 Speeding through some fairy dell 
 
 All alone at night, 
 Never seems to weary grow. 
 
 In its onward flight. 
 
 Well I know some mission, 
 
 It has here to do ; 
 And the flowers and meadows 
 
 Seem to know it too. 
 
 Oh how I am longing I 
 
 Upon its banks to lean : 
 And watch again those pretty fishes, 
 
 Swimming through its stream, 
 
While I listen to each note 
 The lark is sure to sin^^ ; 
 
 Till every vale and mountain near, 
 With music seems to rino-. 
 
 And there in winter weather, 
 While snow drifts yet remain ; 
 
 This little clear and sparkling stream 
 Is running just the same. 
 
 THE LITTLE MAIDENS' THOUGHTS. 
 
 Near a grand and stately mansion, 
 Stood two little maids one day ; 
 
 Looking then upon the terrace, 
 
 Through which nature's charms lay. 
 
 First stands peerless, dark-eyed Alvah, 
 Tall IS she lor summers nine ; 
 
 Telling of the various ways 
 She intends to pass her time. 
 
48 
 
 " I shall never when I'm older, 
 This dear Alice you will see : 
 
 Waste my time in tracts and missions, 
 On the road of Charity, 
 
 I will own silks and laces. 
 Prancing steeds shall be mine 
 
 Hunting, driving, paying visits. 
 Often I shall pass my time. 
 
 Then she added looking round her, 
 With a graceful haughty air ; 
 
 I shall dress in height of fashion, 
 Diamonds sparkling in my hair. 
 
 Now dear Alice, while you listened. 
 
 Unto all I had to say. 
 Don't you think, with such pleasures. 
 
 Time will quickly pass away." 
 
 " Then spoke gentle blue-eyed Alice, 
 W^ho a rose-bud sought to reach ; 
 
 Who was known to fondly cherish, 
 Things that Christ loved to teach. 
 
45) 
 
 I would rather not have riches, 
 It through it, I should grow vain 
 
 If I could not ieel for others, 
 A¥hen obliged to suffer pam. 
 
 I would rather help the orphan, 
 Who is left without a home ; 
 
 Than to waste m}^ time in pleasure, 
 When a ladv I am ffrown. 
 
 Than to own both silks and laces, 
 Or be decked in jewels fine ; 
 
 Rather crowned with deeds of kindness. 
 This is how I'll pass my time. 
 
 THE HAPPY BAREFOOT BOY 
 
 Plow can wealth bring every blessing? 
 
 Or obtain here every joy ! 
 When I find that pleasure springs. 
 
 From the heart of a barefoot boy. 
 
50 
 
 When I met him, he was trudging, 
 Whistling tunes he claimed his own ; 
 
 While across his youthful brow, 
 Scarce six summers yet had flown. 
 
 Yet the patches on his jacket, 
 Did not seem to crush his joy ; 
 
 Nor the old straw hat so tattered, 
 Told no wealth of the barefoot boy. 
 
 But the smile of sweet contentment. 
 Which of wealth claims no part 
 
 Yet, it led me to the chamber. 
 Of a pure and honest heart. 
 
 Close beside him, well I knew it ! 
 
 Stood his humble cottage home ; 
 Where the ivy and the mosses 
 
 Round it many years had grown. 
 
 Then I saw, still in the orchard 
 Resting near an apple tree. 
 
 The same ladder, rungs now missing 
 That had oft been climbed by me. 
 
51 
 
 Little man, I thus addressed him, 
 Can you afford to happy be? 
 
 While thy richer neighbors reap 
 Seeds they sowed of misery? 
 
 Sweet then came his childish answer, 
 While his eyes danced with joy ; 
 
 I'm grandpa's only comfort. 
 Though I am a barefoot boy. 
 
 O keep on dear child forever 
 In the path that you now tread, 
 
 Cheer those aged and weary footsteps, 
 'Till they are numbered with the dead. 
 
 Then, some day, may come those blessings. 
 Which may fill your life with joy ; 
 
 Ah ! tell me if you'r happier then. 
 When a whistling barefoot boy? 
 
■■,tv *^ 
 
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