x^ •3'-*- LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. -o LATE AND EARLY POEMS, WILLIAM B. TAPPAN. WORCESTER : PUBLISHED BY ERASTUS N. TUCKER, No. 96 Main Street. \ o- 75 2-^1 l3 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, bjr JONATHAN GROUT, JR., In the Clerlf's Office of tlie District Court of the District of Massacliusetts. STEREOTYPED AT THE BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY. •o DEDICATION, MY FATHER AND MOTHER IN HEAVEN. O- Late and Early Poems is an appendix to the series of my revised volumes, and completes my published Poetical "Works. W. B. T. 1849. -C INDEX TO PIRST LINES. Afflicted by the serpent's bite, 11 Ah, no ! Compassion, yet imploring, 208 "All hail the power of Jesus' name," 79 And thou liast fled, fair spirit, 170 A dark cloud sailed along the sky, 221 Admit her to the Union? Yes! 223 Beauteous blossom! welcome here, 228 Beautiful blossoms as ye seemed, my Boys, 198 Before me lies the troublous deep, 121 Behold the groups that cluster there, 162 Bring garlands ! Time shall heedless slip, 77 But lately, sire, you saw them stand, 89 By Hebrew wanderers bade to know, 115 Come hither, my sweet babes ! this is the hour, ...239 For California I and the streams 149 Go thou and mark the holy preacher's tones, 187 God ! while dusky Hindostan, 203 How many vegetate in idle life, 2C6 o- b INDEX TO FIRST LINES. 1 saw two dogs in open street, 23 I see ye towering, Genii of tlie North ! 197 I waliced out once from Buffalo 35 I do remember tiiee, transparent stream, 76 I wonder English bayonets, 101 1 gaze, and gaze, and willingly confess, 110 I cannot choose but think this noble lad, 159 T saw some workmen toil the other day, 211 If drums and bells and proud parade, 61 Idolater in darkness I we of light, 176 In this fair Sabbath sun, 9 In every line of this thy book, 226 Is it to spurn at Sorrow's child, 163 Just thirteen years, our eldest son, 209 Last words of Christ ! There are none such to him, 104 Leap from thy cradle to the seas, 128 Men meet as strangers, and as strangers part, 127 Merrily foams the dark blue sea, 216 Mount Auburn, as a miser gathers wealth, 95 No, there are gems transcending far, 58 Our Church surveys the field, and keeps, 243 Our fathers rose in peril's day, 237 Our fathers and mothers had ever enough, 91 O, say not the world deems but lightly of one, 16 O, why should care disturb thy breast ? 32 O, seek not comfort from the wine, 119 o- O ; O INDEX TO FIRST LINES. 7 O mother, in those college walls, 145 O, what is life, but some dark dream, 230 O, bring the peaceful banner nigh, ]84 O, who would not shun the hurrying din, 219 Of all the varied cheats in life, 178 Poets, emulous of glory, 180 Said to Christ the i)agan mother, 93 Since this ray couch, a battle-field, 71 Slio in whose bosom no reproof, 64 Shopard, a worthy of the olden time, 125 1'ax-gatherer ! scum and ofFal of the nation 1 255 Tidings from the sea! Its isles, 97 'Tis night. From beauteous Palestine, 33 'Tis well for giddy man to pause, 55 'Tis past, — the voyage of life is o'er, 195 'Tis well to gather from your street, 174 To free from chains a groaning land, 166 To be and not to be ! to live and ne'er to die, .. . .124 The Abbey Church to curious eyes, 247 The Pencil's art and Chisel's skill, 241 The wizard and the Pharisee, 53 The temple by thy servants trod, "". 81 The Bible speaks, that has spoken before, 140 The mother peacefully had passed away, 164 The temple of the Lord is still, 168 The golden days of Innocence, 27 Tiie squalid woman sat beside the bed, 29 INDEX TO FIRST LINES, The happy man is he whose youth, 30 The deaf and dumb! Tell me what heart, 106 The Bible, free as winds of heaven, 123 The Soul would wake, 13 ■ The minstrels of J.udah have gone to their rest,. . .235 There are many who fall on the fields of their fame, 134 They have built ye firmly, frowning walls, 201 Thou'st seen the boy in his bright glow, 69 Thou wast brought down by sickness, 190 Thou new-born year ! thou span yet undefined, ...131 Thus said Jehovah to the Jew, 19 'Tvvas in the old Cathedral, 22 Two items make of Furniture our store, 60 Up, and away for Palestine, 233 We, Lord, who on this Zion dwell,.* ICO We are too cold for those whose love, 231 We saw thee in thy gladness, 73 We see in life's wide wilderness, 108 What meaneth this great concourse ? 23 Who would be buried in a city? 66 Years many I've not seen, 83 Yes, life is but a waste, 112 Yes, march, ye forces, in array, 193 Yet on thy lovely robe of light, 200 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. IN THIS FAIR SABBATH SUN. In this fair Sabbath sun I see a golden light — Beams from the throne of glory won, To radiate my night. In this calm Sabbath hour A witching voice I hear — Tones, breathing from an angel's bower, To soothe my weary ear. 10 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. My heart, to catch that ray, Leaps upward from its clod, — Expatiates in the fields of day, And gladly soars to God. My soul, to join that song. At once from slumber springs, — And, tired of cares that lingered long. Takes her immortal wings ; And sees, outshining thrones, Her Lord-Redeemer's face ; — And sweeps a harp of loftier tones To Calvary and grace. How pales that orb of fire, Where beams celestial shine ! HoAv dies a loyal angel's lyre In company with mine ! ^o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 11 THE PARADOX. Afflicted by the serpent's bite, For Israel's help it came to pass That Moses lifted one in sight, And they were healed who looked on brass. Preposterous the behest, and blind To all philosophy of mind ! Preposterous — for the nervous will, In unison with Nature's laws, Of malady beguiles the ill By wise oblivion of the cause. Let thought, deceived, diverted, shun The subject, and the cure is won. Wounded by Satan's fiery fang, The bleeding, heliDless sinner lies ; 12 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. He -writhes and wrestles with the pang Of hell, and if unaided, dies. That aid the felon-cross can give ; — Look, dying sinner ! look, and live. Yes, rise from deepest depths, and claim A seat beyond the shining stars, By gazing on the tree of shame — By weeping o'er those dreadful scars. 'Tis wondrous ! yet God sees the cross His glory and the devil's loss. He takes not our inferior plan By Avhich to regulate his own ; Unfathomable is to man The justice of the Sovereign's throne; Yet brought to Truth's unerring light, It stands forever firm and right. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 13 NOT ALL A DREAM. The Soul would wake ; but Sleep O'erpowers and wraps her in his leaden arms; The slumbers of the spirit are so deep, No whispers break them, and no rude alarms. We sleep, and idly dream ; And we behold, as in a mirroring glass, Shadows of earth, that real seem. Before the eye in quick succession pass. Intangible, yet true, — They give impression, and they fashion mind ; As soon as seen — though vanishing from view — The flickering shapes their image print behind. o o 14 LATE A ^^ I) EARLY X- O E M S A joy, a sorrow, leaves Its silent footmark where it trails ; We may forget ; but what the Soul receives In charge to keep, to keep, she never fails. A thought which Childhood takes. Dropped carelessly, — a little wayside seed, — Through Manhood's soil in sturdy vigor breaks, A tree of leaves and fruits, or useless, baleful weed. The hymn and holy text, Spelt by the mother to her infant care — "Will soothe in future day the bosom, vext. Prompt heavenly toil, and edge the sword of prayer. A silly song or jest. Caught by the dreamer-boy, is lodged within ; o- o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 15 Till reappears the active winged pest, To plague old age and mock death's hour with sin. Thus far the Dream of Life ; — Ere long shall tutor Time resign his task, And learners will be masters in a strife "Where Wisdom holds the scale and Folly drops the mask. 'Tis something more, — O God, This awful influence is too true to seem ; — That which prepares for guilt a dreadful rod, For piety a crown, is not a dream ! All mortal visions fade ; — Their witchery dies, as dies at morn the night. One deed of mercy on the altar laid Through Heaven's unwasting Day shall grow more bright. — O 16 LATE AND EARIiY POEMS. THE UNNAMED. To the individual who lately rescued a fellow-beiii j from drown- ing', at the imminent hazard of his own life, and when requested to give his name, refused, saying, "It is vio mailer — nobody cares a copper for me." 0, SAY not the world deems but lightly of one "Who shows just the virtue it seeks to adore ; Or that, wedded to counterfeits only, 'twill shun The soul that is stamped of the genuine ore. I know not thy kin, whether beggars or czars ; Whether Fashion has chilled thee with meaningless smile ; Or Beauty bewildered with blaze of her stars, Or Folly has courted and won thee with wile. o LATE AND EAKLY POEMS. 17 I know not if thou wast by Falsehood be- guiled ; A wanderer full long ; perhaps loving to roam; I care not — thy action betrays thee a child "Whose thoughts are to goodness, whose heart is at home ! The liberal, the godlike, have every where claim In him who to pity is fearlessly true ; Humanity knows him. — Who says that liis name Is veiled in oblivion, or Whispered by few ? God knows and approves him — 'tis fitting he should ! Unselfish benevolence fills up the plan Whose outline and finish reveal: "Very Good" O 18 liATE AND EARLY POEMS. Inscribed on the best of his handy works, Man! Unnamed and yet knoAvn ! — not a speck in the crowd; No waif of the desert, no wreck of the sea; — A nobleman, purely from nature ! — I'm proud Of the race thou exaltest, thy country and thee! 1848. o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 19 GOD'S CARE FOR ALL. TO BOYS AND GIRLS. Deuteronomy, xxii. 6. Thus said Jehovah to the Jew, And thus, my boy, he says to you, — For in the ritual of his grace, Or penal law, hath pity place, — " If, loitering lad ! by welcome chance, Or purposely, thy searching glance Detect a bird's nest in the hedge. On tree-top, or the craggy ledge. And thou, for liberal waif, wouldst take The callow young, thou shalt not make The plundered parent-bird a prey, But let her, scathless, fly away. -o 20 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Contented with thy precipus gain, Give her no aggravated pain. Thou mayst not, in thine idleness Or pleasure, trifle with distress, But, sparing her the needless woe. In any wise shalt let her go. Thus, from unrighteous action free. It surely shall be well with thee ; And thou, in healthy virtue strong, Thy days in plenty shalt prolong." "What learn you from such petty care For helpless tenants of the air. In Him, whose sounding chariot-wheel Made Sinai to its centre reel — When he, in storm, and smoke, and flame. Named to the world his wondrous Name ? Ah, little boy ! whose crushing foot On harmless worm you sometimes put — O- o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 21 Ah, little girl ! whose eager eye "Watches on window-pane the fly, That you may rend its shining wing — It is to prove the smallest thing May in Creative Mercy share, And is within its love and care. Remember that no hateful sin So crusts the heart and eats within, As cruelty. None strikes its roots Like cruelty. None sooner shoots, Luxuriant, its detested fruits, Than cruelty — a loathsome spot On man ; on youth — O, name it not ! As you, in your extremest hour, Will mercy need, when judgments lower — As you, for Jesus' sake, will crave Exemption from an endless grave — The mercy which our Father gives. Show to the meanest thing that lives ! -O 22 LATE AND EARLY POEMS THE GAMBLERS. A FACT. 'TwAS in the old Cathedral, at midnight : Before the altar burned unwonted light, Which deepened darkness on the fretted wall. Where hung mysterious shadows, like a pall. Within the chancel sat men, void of shame, At the communion-table, deep in game. Three mocking wTetches impiously were Joined in the sacrilege. A fourth was there ! That fourth a ghastly corpse, Avhich had that day In the damp vault been laid with kindred clay. Now dragged by these blasphemers from its bed To help at cards. Uncoffined, the grim dead LA.TE AND EARLY POEMS. 23 Sat thus in chilling silence, while their noise Went on, nor heeded their infernal joys. FUNERAL OF BISHOP WHITE. What meaneth this great concourse ? Yet they come, Crowds gathering on crowds. It is not festi- val — It looketh not like mirth. Subdued and still Men range themselves, and every face doth wear Expression of deep grief. 'Tis scarce high noon, Yet is the daily hum of voices hushed ; Footsteps fall lightly, as 'twere holy time ; Labor doth pause, and Commerce rests his wheel ; O O 24 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The merchant 's not on 'Change ; the shop is shut Of artisan. Unwonted silence reigns ; — And hither on his journey comes the dead ! By reverend presbyters and fathers borne, By numerous footsteps of bereaved men, And by the blessings of a people followed, Full of ripe years and honors, to the tomb Goeth a good old man — the patriarch Of ninety winters. Is the Bishop deadf Yes, in his season, like a shock of corn. Ripe, fully, he is gathered. We may mourn That he no more is with us ; and yet tears Seldom are blended with so much of joy At recollection of departed worth. No more may he, in deep humility. Plead for his Master. Counsels, fraught with love, o o LA TE AND EARLY POEMS. 25 Shall from his lips, like dew, distil no more. No more that form, majestic, shall be seen, — Relic of by-gone days, — within our streets, Aweing the base, and gladdening the good. That form is in the dust. He hath laid by The mitre, to put on a heavenly crown, — The earthly lawn, to wear immortal robes. Go to thy grave, blest prelate ! there are few Lie down so peacefully. A church in tears Attests our love; the smiles of opening heaven Show for thee God's approval. Sainted one ! May we depart as happily, as safe. Philadelphia, 1836. 26 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. BRUTALITY. I SAW two dogs, in open street, one day, Fighting most madly. They were very strong, "Well shaped, and active; and they fiercely shook And bit each other, till their strength gave way. They were cheered on afresh by a vile throng Of men and vagrant boys, who idly took Sides in the battle ; betting, some on Dick, And some on generous Neptune. Sick At heart, and weary of my race, I said, " Which of the animals is noblest — he Whose savage cruelty is basely fed By pain and blood, and who is pleased to see LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 27 Flesh torn and quivering in eager fight, — Or he, the misna.Taed brute? " The brute, in reason's sight. INNOCENCE. The golden days of Innocence Were those when she the garden trod, — When Adam yielded will and sense, In sv/eet subjection to his God. How swiftly flew those white-winged hours, Each with some hue of heaven impressed ! How honored were those Eden-bowers, "Where some bright angel was a guest ! Yet Innocence may still be seen In Childhood's presence. Who can gaze. -O 28 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Unmoved, upon that brow, serene, That agile form, those -witching ways. That playfulness of tiny mirth, That lively joy — and not confess That Innocence, still found on earth, May nestle in a child's caress ? And, therefore, when the painter's art "Would sketch her charms in pleasant view. Revealing the unpractised heart, — He always shows a child to you. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 29 COMPASSION. The squalid woman sat beside the bed ; And on that tattered bed lay, in repose Of death, her husband, who had died that night. The room was cumbered with old furniture And dirt. Reclined upon a broken chest AVas the sick daughter, munching a poor crust. The corpse — the widow, rocking on her seat, In reverie of anguish — the wan child — The poverty — sent sickness to my heart. — Another yet was there ; a neighbor-girl, Who came with right good will and kindliness To aid these sufferers. She the woman soothed. And washed and fed the child, and decently Prepared the clay for its last narrow house. ) _— o o- 30 LATE AND EARLY POEMS THE HAPPY MAN. This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise, or tbar to fall ; Lord of himself, though not of lands ; And having nothing, yet hath all. Sir Henry Walton, 1590, The happy man is he, whose youth Is not in wasting pleasures spent ; In manhood strong, whose word of truth Still answers to its strict intent. Of humble wish, whose wish is met By kind response from Mercy's dower; "Whom disappointments ne'er can fret, And whom to harm, no ill hath power. "Who hath acquaintance ; yet a friend, In the true meaning of its name — ) o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 31 One who in absence will defend, — If needful, to his face will blame. Yet hath — all other charm above — That rose of sweet domestic bliss, Which, with sincere and modest love. Is, fresh and fragrant, bound with his ; — "Which sheds about his peaceful hearth Perfumes of Eden ; — light and life Of heaven do surely visit earth, "Where'er is*known the virtuous wife. "Who, hand in hand with him, from bloom Of youth, to age, will travel on — "With hearts and hopes where love hath room, Till — life's race o'er — the goal is won. With daughters who as olive plants Shall duly round his table be ; And sons to meet all grievous taunts, -~ His pride and crown continually. ) o 32 LATE AND EARLY POEMS, "Whose eye beyond the grave is fixed On the bright path by angels trod ; "Who goes to drink the chalice i^ixed Of wondrous joy, prepared by God. WHAT DOST THOU HERE? O, "WHY should care disturb thy breast. And anxious hopes invade ? These cares can never yield thee rest ; These brilliant hopes shall fade : Say, is this world to thee so dear ? Say, traveller, " What dost thou here ? " Why shouldst thou prize these fleeting joys, And build thy heaven on earth ? Ah, soon each false enjoyment cloys. And vain is empty mirth. o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 33 Say, cau tliey bring true pleasure near ? Immortal, say, " What dost thou here ? " "Why shouldst thou deem thy lot unkind, When sorrow's boisterous flood Has closed around thy darkened mind. But brought thee near to God ? Is He not all ? Is heaven not dear ? Say, weeping soul, " What dost thou here ? " THE VIGIL. 'Tis night. From beauteous Palestine The song and minstrelsy have flown. 'Tis night. The priest forsakes the shrine, The holy temple sits alone. Gone is the boasting Pharisee. Tlie prayer and daily alms are o'er. 34 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The unbelieving Sadducee Offends the sacred court no more. Hushed are the strains that bade rejoice; Silent the weary and oppressed ; Lost is the maid and matron's voice, — For Solyma hath sunk to rest. But where is Jesus ? — "Where is He, The man afflicted and forlorn, — Co-equal with the Deity, The object of rebuke and scorn ? No follower of the Lord is here ; For him no eyes their vigils keep ; They that have mingled tear with tear, Forget their woes in careless sleep. Closed is each ear to human moan. Save His, who wakes to bitter care ; Hushed is each grief, but His alone "Who weeps for man in midnight prayer. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 35 THE WALK FROM BUFFALO. All waste I no sign of life : No moon, no stars, — But behold, a fire ! Thalaba the Destroyer. 'Tis sweet to hear a brook, 'tis sweet To hear the Sabbath bell ; 'Tis sweet to hear them both at once, Deep in a woo'.ly dell. S. T. Coleridge. I WALKED out once from Buffalo, ■ 'Twas on a Sunday noon, — My friend and I, intending to Come back by rise of moon. I walked out on a Sunday — not To scorn my Maker's rule ; But holy time to keep, and see A village Sunday School. 36 LATE AND EAKLY POEMS. The winds were silent, and the Lake Lay tranquil to the eye ; The sky was bright, the glad fields wore The livery of July. I had with me a pleasant guide, And we had pleasant talk About the things that lawfully May cheer a Sunday walk. About the bless6d Sabbath, which Brought Life to Death again, When Christ passed through the prison's door, Where He three days had Irtin. And of the better Sabbath, lit By no terrestrial sun ; Whose songs are from eternity, — Whose songs have just begun ! — o LATE AND EARLY POEjNIS. 37 And thus we talked, and thus we walked Four miles, and something more ; And my friend stopped, and bade me look Along the sloping shore, And see the houses clustering, Like white doves, on a hill ; The tall hotel, the modest church, And farther on, the mill ; The gardens and their whitened pales ; The farms that lay without ; The cows, that idly chewed the cud ; The lambs, that frisked about. It was a very pleasant sight ; New York has many such ; It was a very pleasant sight ; My heart was gladdened much. I praised my Maker inwardly ; For all of goodness is O o 38 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. His work. Dear Lord ! the city's wealth. The villages are His. " It is a pleasant sight," my friend Quoth, sadly, unto rae ; *' But ill is there, as presently I will relate to thee. *' It is a very gracious sight, — An outward goodly show ; But much unquietness is there. As thou, my friend, shalt know. " Thou seest yonder steeple shine ; It marks the house of God ; 'Tis His, and yet by worshippers Its portals are not trod ! " The voice of music is not heard, In rising sweetness, there ; Nor is the knee, within its doors, Bowed lowly down in prayer. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 39 *' The man of God is heard not, now, Who there should plead with Heaven ; Nor pleads he there, with erring men, To seek their sin forgiven. " The babe is never, at that font, Presented, to be laved In water, token of the Bath By which it may be saved. *' The followers of Christ may ne'er Sit at the simple board, Where they, in tears of faith, behold Their slain and risen Lord. "The Holy Ghost, with heavenly wing, As at the Pentecost — Spreads out no wing of mercy there, O'ershadowing the lost. *' It is a fountain, shut and sealed ; And desolation dwells 40 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Where healing streams once issued from Salvation's living -wells," " And whence such fearful doom ? " said I ; " Its cause pray tell to me ; " My friend replied, " Few steps remain ; I'll tell it unto thee. " In prayer we laid the corner-stone ; In hope we raised the wall ; Right glad to think that here should some Obey the gospel's call. " The house was done, the house by prayer "Was dedicated ; then We looked for one who faithfully God's Bread should break to men ; "A shepherd, that would watch for souls, Most kindly, yet most bold ; And likewise caring for the lambs That bleat about the fold. O- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 41 " It was a Christian minister God sent us, and he came To break the Bread of Life, and teach In his dear Master's name. " A shepherd, that would watch for men, And kind he was, yet bold ; And likewise cared he for the lambs That bleat about the fold. "And, SAveetly, from his lips the words Of healing mercy went ; And warning, — for his soul was stirred, And he was truly sent. " And early taught he, late he taught, As one that loved his toil ; As one whose blessed head was oft Anointed with fresh oil. " His flock, as cedars of the Lord, Flourished beneath his care ; 42 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. And o'er the tender plants he watched, And wept in earnest prayer. ** The Sunday School, beneath his eye, Grew like a pleasant vine ; And many of its precious ones Did unto Christ incline. " He comforted the sin-sick child. Who wept for hurt within ; And showed the trembling penitent The Gilead for his sin. *' And when some from the bed of death "Were called, and could not stay, They faltered out sweet prayers, that God Would bless his toil alway." "You weep," said I, "and I, perforce. Keep down my rising pain." " I will proceed, and for your sake," Said he, "my tears refrain. O LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 43 " I will proceed, and tell to thee, How soon this fruitful field The devil entered, but to sow What only tares doth yield. " First, Christians leaned to indolence ; They went to hear the word ; But leaving prayer behind, 'twas nought But criticism heard. " Then faction rose, and jealousy, And secret whisperings came ; And serpent Slander set his tooth To blight our pastor's name. " The sinner waxed in unbelief. And brother hardened brother, — And met reproof by scoffing. — ' See ! How Christians love each other ! ' " Our minister, in secret, wept That this dear church again -O o 44 LATE AND EAKLY POEMS. Might rise, a Pillar of the Truth,— But wept and strove in vain. " He left us ; and with him the last Glad hope our village left : And since, we've lain beneath the curse Of those of grace bereft. " The ways of Zion mourn with us ; None to her feasts will go ; And scoffers, stumbling at the church, Go down, in crowds, to Avoe. "The temple's light withdrawn — the shrine At home is also dim ; Few prayers to God — feAV praises rise From families to Him. *' One little star-beam from the clouds Looks out, our hearts to cheer, — The pleasant Sunday School remains ! The Sunday School is here ! O- LATE AXD EARLY POEMS. 45 " Our children had on Sunday School Their young love strongly placed ; It lives, and thrives — an oasis Upon this desert waste ! " The mother left the hovise of God ; The father Him forgot ; But, praise to Christ ! though they could slight His love, the youth could not. *' The children would not be denied, — The Sunday School was theirs ! And they must go and learn their hymns, And say their simple prayers. " If erring mothers might cast ofl* Religion's priceless gem. They felt its worth, and this to lose Might never do for them. '' If sires no longer looked to God, In yonder house of prayer, ) o o 46 LATE AND EAllLY POEMS, Dear Lord ! the greater was tlie need That these Thy grace should share. '* So, every Sabbath, thus they met; Thou seest the school-house near ; — Denied God's house, that humble place To them, indeed, was dear. " Soon, one by one, the mothers came To see what 'twas about ; The tasks and hymns ; — the fathers too ; — And some came there to flout. " And presently the place was filled With old and with the young ; And when the teachers prayed, all prayed, — Sung when the children sung. ** ' Yet 'twas not toorship ! ' so they said, — They could not well agree To meet with God, upon His Day, In Christian harmony. LATE AND EAllLY POEMS. 47 " And still they met — and still they meet; And much of sad misrule Has fled, since parent and the child Go up to Sunday School. *' I've told my tale. Come ! dry your eyes, — Your eyes are almost dim, — And go with me, and see the school ; — I hear the children's hymn." The children's hymn ! — 'twas sweet to hear. The opened windows through ; I wept again, — for with the tones Strong voices mingled too. "We entered. — 'Twas a blessed scene ! The room was crowded, quite ; And each fair cherub-face had on A look of sweet delight. Delight, that in their hymn to God Each heart could here agree : -C 48 LATE AND EAKLY POEMS. Delight, because they loved, their School : 'Twas a blest company ! The serious parents knelt around ; In midst the children knelt ; I knelt with them, and as I prayed, His gracious presence felt. Prayer ended, some few words I spake For God, and did entreat As one whom they should see no more Till at the judgment seat ; — And counselled, that their only strife, Henceforth, for Heaven should be ; A numerous church, yet one — and keep The bonds of unity. And faltering grew my speech, till words My tears to me denied ; I bade farewell, for I must seek Ohio's silver tide. o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 49 Next morn, on Erie's billow borne, I traced my western way ; Yet pondered on that Sunday School, That Star which tokened day. And when in toils engaged, the thought Of parents, mingling there, With children, in sweet worship, caused Involuntary prayer. That soon. His House, no longer sealed By discord's dreadful sin. Again might lift its doors, and let The King of Glory in. O, wondrous grace ! The glorious King Came shortly down, to see If any wept and vowed, henceforth, They would His servants be. To me the heavenly tidings came — My spirit did rejoice, o — 50 LATE AND EARLY TOE 51 S. That those dear wanderers had returned, Called by a Sovereign Voice. And in His House, so desolate, Whose candle was so dim, Again was heard the solemn prayer, Again the holy hymn. And thus it was : The Sunday School, By child and parent trod, Each Sabbath, opened was to them, Though shut the House of God. And there they met ; and soon the hymn And soon the prayer had power To stir up kindly thoughts, and then It was a blessed hour ! It was a blessrd hour ! for soon The Holy Ghost, like dew. Came gently down, and youthful hearts "Were formed in Christ anew. O o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 51 And children wept for sin, and gave Themselves to Christ away ; The parents ! — how could they do less, Than weep, repent, and pray ? It was a joyful season ! — broke For aye was Sin's misrule ; All mingled tears, and thanks, for grace Shown to the Sunday School. It was a Christian minister God sent to them again ; He spake the truth in tenderness, — His word was not in vain. The flock were humbled, — much they wept, And wondered for the grace Thus shown to them, who willingly Had shunned their Shepherd's face. And round the blessed messenger They gathered in their love ; O o o 52 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. And He who binds the broken heart — The Everlasting Dove — Came down with healing in his wing ; To Christ his people were United, as unto the vine The clustering branches are. And now God's House, no longer sealed By discord's dreadful sin, Did lift its spacious doors, to let The King of Glory in ! I often think of Buffalo, And of my Sunday walk, — My pious friend — his holy zeal — Our profitable talk, — And of the pleasant village, saved From Satan's dire misrule ; And of God's instrument therein — His chosen Sunday School. 1835. o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 53 UNBELIEF. The wizard and the Pharisee, By Paul and Jesus taught, Repented ; but no Sadducee The same salvation sought. The Jordan to that leper sealed, Eternally unclean, He put aside the grace that healed A Saul and Magdalene. There's hope for one who's pandered all In thoughtlessness, to sin. That "Wisdom's monitory call The prodigal may win ; — But can we think the steely heart. Encased in unbelief, Will seek, in sweet repentance, part ? In Pardoning Love, relief ? -o 54: LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The pearl to buy, and never sell, Is traffic to endure ; With poverty and faith 'tis well; Sa?is faith, the rich is poor. Like him — Arabian story says — • The prince, who life had none, He sits amid his palaces Of stone, himself a stone. O moral man ! my spirit grieves For thee, to whom faith seems The cobweb of which fancy weaves Her unsubstantial dreams. O labyrinth-lost ! who scek'st the true, The living 'mid the dead — I've hope for thee — thou hast a clue, Though but a floating thread ! -o- o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 55 WISDOM FROxM ALL. My bed itself is like the grave; My sheets the wiiulinj sheet ; My clothes the mould which I must have To cover me most meet. The Good Night. 'Tis well for giddy man to pause Along his pilgrim way, And note what all things in the path In counsel to him say. For he may find a precept couched In every homely thing ; And household gear and nature's gifts May sure instruction bring. I wot the roof that shelters him, The table for his meat, ^ 6 o 56 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The summer's shade the winter's hearth May rich discourse repeat. I guess, if he attentive ear Lend to the peeping flower, The germ may to his patience read Lessons of truth and power. I guess, if to the full ripe corn He for direction look, The tasselled corn may show him good Not found in Dulness' book. The small bird in its cunning nest, The honey-bee in flight, May teach him ; yea, the groping mole May give his darkness light. The cradle, where his cries were hushed, The rattle, bells, and ball, — Mute playthings of his infant hours, — Have to his age a call. o— ■ o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 57 The brook by which his boyhood played, The hill that seemed so high, Are homilies, when scans he them "With manhood's sobered eye. And so — if pride no hinderance give — Food for all thought, profound, The wise in heart may always pluck From things that lie around. o 58 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. NEVINS'S SELECT REMAINS. ON READING THE ABOVE. Tlioii soul of God's best earthly mould I Thou happy soul I and can it be That thesG Are all that must remain of thee ? Wordsworth. No ! — there are gems transcending far These glowing thoughts that stream and shine, Each like a sudden sparkling star Of radiance, on this page of thine ; Gems which I scan with fond delight, More precious deemed at each survey — Beautiful in affliction's night, Undimmed in pleasure's prosperous day. What are they ? Worth, which well I knew ; Thy single, comprehensive heart, O — O LATE AND EARLY POEJMS. 59 Open to the discerning few, In whose warm pulse mankind had part ; Thy gentle spirit, foe to strife, That graced thy manhood, as thy youth ; Thy suavity in private life, Thy public boldness for the truth ; Thy piety and zeal for God, Humility, and holy care For souls ; submission to the rod, — Thy patience, watchfulness, and prayer ; — These, though confessed thy wisdom, wit, And eloquence of purest powers, Are thy Remains, where thou dost sit At Jesus' feet — would such were ours I o 60 LATE AND EAKLY POEMS, THE FURNITURE. • our cradles (o our coffins are. Drummond of HawOiornden, Two items make, of Furniture, our store, And choicest luxury need crave no more. They're ample for the rich ; of them possessed, Is poverty with full abundance blest. The Cradle, where is rocked our earliest cry ; The Coffin, where in death's last sleep we lie ; And all between is superfluity, Unworthy, mortal ! such regards of thee. Fix, then, thine eye on these, and let thy heart Seek for its Furniture the better part. Such as the lowly Mary chose ; nor let Inferior things thy noble spirit fret. Thus on ! till thou and I possess the land Whose palaces are decked by God's own hand. o o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 61 VERSES WRITTEN FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OP THE PHILADELPHIA EPISCOPAL RECORDER. If drums and bells and proud parade Announce to heaven a nation's day, And stars and stripes are all displayed For her, released from Britain's sway, — May tee not sing of victories gained By sovereign grace o'er sense and sin ? — Of WTeaths and realms, by Him obtained, Who wins alone, and still shall win ? On fashion's page, behold ! how blaze The gems of love, the wit of youth ! And may not here concentrate rays That freely flash from diamond Truth ? ) O o o 62 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. While Poetry her Aving cloth dip In other than Siloa's dews, Shall here the joyful heart and lip The song of gratitude refuse ? True, on our scroll, undying names Of royal robbers may not shine ; — The garland that ambition claims, To crown its crimes, we may not twine ; True, while their clarions sounded on. And men admired, we did not cease To shout the deeds " Good Will " hath done. To chant the angels' chorus, " Peace ! " Yet toe' re approved; and when, like dreams, Earth's gauds and gold are swept away, And battle's harp is hushed — our themes Shall live on lyres which God Avill play. Here pauseth, then, the Church, to raise Her Ebenezer high, and sing o LATE A X D E A K L Y P O E :\I S . 63 I Of all the strait and thorny ways Through which she 's journeyed to her King. She presses on ! Though clouds descend, And often veil her Pisgah now, Yet, strong in ancient Israel's Friend, Her feet shall find its topmost brow. Remembrance of the gall drank tip, And bitter herbs that earth hath given. She knows will sweeter spice the cup That crowns the bridal-board of heaven. Grace, Grace, aright to prompt the pen ! Grace ! skilful Grace ! aright to show How best may reach the hearts of men The polished shaft from Wisdom's bow. And pen and press, and tongue and powers. Impartial, true, and firm and free — Thy gifts, O God! — both we and ours Will consecrate again to Thee. o 64 LATE AND EARLY POEMS THE INTERCESSION. " Well," said Mr. Raikes, " you will be ruined and lost, if you do nol begin to be a good girl ; and if you will not humble yourself, I must humble myself, and make a beginning' for you." He then knelt down before the child's mother, and putting his hands together, like a penitent offender, asked her forgiveness. She, in whose bosom no reproof "Woke grief, nor chastening kindled fears ; "Who, in defiance, stood aloof From counsel, kindness, prayers, and tears ; Deep penitence was taught to feel ; For pardon willingly to sue. When meek philanthropy and zeal Wrought what a mother failed to do. Peace is restored ; and he whose love Thus spake this troubled household whole -c o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 65 Feels the rich peace of Heaven above Pass like a river o'er his soul. So shall it be with him, whose care Is to the weak and wandering shown ; The cruise, thus emptied for their share, Returns, unmeasured, for his own ! o 66 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. THE KITCHEN GARDEN IN A GRAVEYARD. Who would be buried in a city ? Who Would choose, life's labors done, to lay him down In the scant ground, assigned as resting-place, Where no grass grows ? Or in the sullen tomb. Loathsome, and sad, to be inurned ? or lodged 'Neath solemn church, where in the dusky aisles Are rows of vaults, on whose dark di-ipping doors Never falls sunbeam ? Sympathy dwells not In crowded towns ; — there Avarice hath its reign ; — Avarice, that reckoneth the very worth c- o o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 67 And nice proportion of each petty thing That can be coined to gold. "Why, I have seen, In this good city, a fair plot of earth — Two hundred years ago, by good men given, To this most sacred purpose consecrate — Where dust with dust might lie — a spot That opens to the sun, and shaded too By cheerful trees, that throw their shadow o'er The ancient graves — I've seen it girt with walls Towering to heaven, that seemed to covet e'en The niggard space allotted to the dead. And in one corner of this holy soil, "With thrift, a cunning Yankee had him made A kitchen garden ! Yes, I saw the graves Teeming with corn and greens. 'Twas sad to note The stalk o'ertop the monuments, and vines o 68 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Spreading and curling round the stones that Time Had spared for ages ; — spared to be thus mocked By calculating plodder, who would fain Eat vegetables gathered from the bones Of a dead father, and lick up the food Grown on a mother's dust! He that would gaze On such perversion, may himself betake To the King's Chapel burying-ground, and weep. Boston, July, 1839. -o- O Q LATE AND EAllLY POEMS. 69 THE HOUSE OF REFUGE. Thou'st seen the boy in his bright glow Of spring-like promising ; Thovi'st seen him in Guilt's vortex low, An unnamed, loveless thing ; And thou hast, Levite-like, passed on, Or given the fruitless sigh To hopes that budded and were gone, To promises that die. Shouldst thou not, parent, weep o'er him i Thou hast a darling boy ! 0, what if that pure ray were dim. Which lights up now thy joy ! Mother ! that closer to thy breast Pressest thy guileless son, O, what if thou shouldst deem her blest, The childless, stricken one ? 70 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. And he at that tribunal now, Was he not one to love ? Ay, on that early-troubled brow Sat meekness, like a dove ; And those sad eyes, in happiness. Gave once the laugh to care ; And that wan face wore cheerfulness, Which boyhood loves to wear. Is't fit that one so fair and young Should be cast out from men ? Be heedlessly to ruin flung. As though he ne'er had been ? Bethink thee, — Admonition's lip Might win him from that way ; And now, well warned, he would not sip The sweets where danger lay. O, save him ! — yes, I know thou wilt ; Thou canst not bid him dwell o 6 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 71 Companion, of abandoned Guilt — Within the felon's cell. The Refuge ! angels bless the plan That, while it holds the rod, Restores a fallen man to man^ A wanderer to God. A PSALM OF SICKNESS. But if 1 must afflicted be, To suit some wise design, Then man my soul witli firm resolve To bear, and not repine. Robert Burns. Since this, my couch, a battle-field Appointed is to me. May I all armed with holiness And kindly patience be. 72 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. "While noble spirits boldly make Strong onset on the foe, May I, in sufferance, draw the sword, And deal as sure a blow. If I shout not, where trump and drum The army's triumphs swell, In the soul's solitude I may Of equal victory tell. Not less may these, my passive pains, "With fortitude received. Speak honor to my Prince, than all High daring hath achieved. Not less my thankfulness for love, And sympathy's sweet voice. Than all their thunder-tones of praise, "When all the ranks rejoice. Then, Sickness, come ! and darting pains. That through this body fly — o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 73 For final ease, I welcome you, — To live, I gladly die. With Him who leads the glorious fray, "Whose favor gives renown, The lowliest bearer of the cross. If true, shall share the crown. We saw thee in thy gladness, When peace sat on thy brow ; The solacer of sadness. The faithful friend wast thou. To thee, in bounteous measure, The things below, to love, Were given, and yet thy treasure Was safely lodged above. ~o 74 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. We saw thee test the power Of confidence divine. To charm life's checkered hour With gentleness, was thine. And still, 'twas thy endeavor To take the lowly seat, And sit with Mary, ever At thy Redeemer's feet. We stood where thou wert lying In suffering, and so deep The holy calm, that dying Was seemingly to sleep. To sleep f — O, no ! the portal Thus gently rent away — Thou unto life immortal Did'st wake in perfect day. We knew that while were glooming O'er thee the shades of night, o- LATE AXD EARLY POEMS. 75 Thou saw'st, in vision blooming, The fields of living light. "We deemed — so sweetly given Was faith to cheer the heart, * Fareicell ! tee meet in heaven ' — 'Twas little pain to part. The grave hath closed around thee, And hidden what was fair ; But yesterday, upon thee AVe wept, and left thee there. Left'. — No ! the grave holds never What we have loved in thee : The spirit that forever Searcheth eternity. Farewell ! farewell ! in glory, — With thee for aye begun, — If thought of earth's brief story Yet lingers, blessed one — p 76 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Is't not the frequent glancing, The watch at gates of gold, That these, in bliss entrancing, Thy loved, thou mayst behold ? CHARLES RIVER. I DO remember thee, transparent stream ! And cause there is that I should often dwell Gratefully on the season loved so well — Glances of which, in fancy's witching dream, Come up in sober manhood — Childhood's hour! When, wasted with disease, my languid frame They plunged beneath thy waters. Newly came o- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 77 By oft-repeatecl trial, health and power To my unhopeful system. Strength of limb, And renovated life, didst thou restore To him so helpless and so dead before. For this, while I gaze on thee, unto Him Who scooped thy winding way, and fringed thy banks With drapery of green, I render joyful thanks. VERSES FOR A TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. * Bring garlands ! Time shall heedless slip In pleasure, while we wreaths entwine ; Bring goblets ! — as he flies, the lip We'll press unto the rosy wine. And we will laugh, for life's a dream, Its cares not worth a passing sigh ; ■O 78 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Be mirth and wine, to-day, our theme ; To-morrow we, perchance, may die ! " Such Avas the song the siren sung, Ten years ago, to thovightless men ; And such the fetters that she flung. Concealed in flowers, around them then. The song is hushed, or banished, now. To haunts by vile inebriates trod; To wine the wise no longer bow ; The chain is broke ; we thank thee, God ! Yes, ice are fhee ! — but Avho are these, The bloated, brutish, shackled crew. All night who tarry at the lees, With morning who the cup renew ? Ah ! they are meii, though sadly sold To death that stings beyond the grave ; Our brethren, — minds that thou didst mould, O God ! shall we not haste to save ? O- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 79 THE POWER AND LOVE OP CHRIST. A children's sabbath school HYMN IN THE COUNTRY. *' All hail the Power of Jesus' Name," In which the flag 's unfurled That beckons to exalted fame — The conquest of a world ! For on the pennon is revealed Of spear and nail the scar, — The stripes by which the sinner 's healed, And Mercy's guiding Star. All hail the Love of Jesus' Name, That, from a heavenly crown, Has stooped in blood, and tears, and shame. To bring salvation down ! Exchanging the immortal song For clamor's angry breath, — -O I LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The homage of a radiant throng For scourgings, bonds, and death. All hail ! — for He has died to save ; Away with careless sleep ! A world suspended o'er the grave Should rouse, repent, and weep. Let children's alleluias break The dream of unbelief, — Hosannas from the cradle wake To Him who bore our grief ! The matchless Power of Jesus' Name, That sways with gentle rule — The wondrous Love, that sheds its flame "Within the Sabbath School, These sylvan scenes shall magnify ! On groves, fields, flowers, we call, Yes, on the ransomed earth, to fly And crown Him Lord of All ! LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 81 HYMN WRITTEN FOR THE DEDICATION OF QUINCT SCHOOL- HOUSE. BOSTON, JUNE 26, 1848. The temple, by thy servants trod, Men consecrate to Thee, O God ! The aisle and altar, arch and shrine, Proud dome, and slender spire are Thine. The pomp of praise, the power of prayer, Ascend in sacred concert there ; The throb of joy, the tear of woe, In voices Thou art swift to know. No altars here are strown with flowers Of joy, flung down in Sabbath hours ; — -o 82 LATE AXD EARLY POEMS. No sighs, from hearts that weep alone, Will leave these precincts for the throne. Yet holiness around us waits, As in the temple's hallowed gates ; For where in peace the children meet, The gracious Savior has His seat. Though Sire of us and all, yet He, An Infant, " slept on Mary's knee ; " And loves with youth to linger still, To bless their good and soothe their ill. The vital spark that came from Him, Upon our early sky so dim, He feeds and fans, and bids to shine With light meridian and divine. He wisdom's treasures can unfold, Who teachers taught when twelve years old ; He, with His truth, can make us strong. Who moves the starry worlds along. o- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 83 Then, Lord, as precepts here shall fall Like gentle dew, may we the call Obey, and find Thy Presence, thus, Not far from every one of us ! NEW YEAR THOUGHTS. Years many I've not seen ; — experience With me is small and observation brief ; — Yet have I lived much in a little space. My aged friend, a reverend patriarch, who Is in the ripeness of a green old age, And has known many changes, tells me thus : That time, so pregnant with important deeds. And big with matter of high moment, he Has never seen, as the twelve months which now o 84 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Are ebbing out their last. " Has not the flood Borne to the narrow house illustrious names ; Men famed for arts and arms, who but just now Were here, and now are mingled with Eter- nity ? Has it not wafted to our ear the cry Of the stern rider, who hath in his hand Arrows of death, and who in haste came on. And swept our dwellings ? Have not warlike sounds Come o'er us — not from Britain or from Gaul — But from the bands of brethren in our midst ; Telling that fathers against sons have risen, And brothers to meet brothers buckle on The exterminating sword, to lay in dust The temple reared by the old warriors' toil. And unto Freedom consecrate with blood ? " O ( o LATE AND EARLY POEJIS. 85 This, and much more to sadden thought — and yet My friend rejoices, and to see his joy I marvelled; — till he told me, that God reigns, And will protect his own. The Church is safe! Bears not that flood glad tidings of the men AYho, counting the rich sweets of home but nought Compared with duty, cast them freely off, And haste to spend themselves for Christ, abroad, And take the Missionary's weary lot. And lay their bones in missionary ground ? Hear we not, too, that God's unchanging Word Is reaching nations, soon to bless the world With life and light, of which the Shepherds' Star, That rose on Bethlehem, was but the sign ? O- o o 6 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. That He who built the earth, and channelled out Its highways, the broad streams, has brought to light Their sources, that His word may have free scope ? Yes, that to every continent be sent Heralds of mercy, — and the distant isles, Teeming with millions, unredeemed, may soon Be visited with Love ? — And hark ! what melody Already rises on the ear ! O, different, far, From cries of woe, with which the slave too long Has vexed high Heaven, is that blessed song Of Africa, released, heard in her thousand tents Of prayer, and gladdening all her blooming wastes ! O- o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 87 And look we to our own beloved West — The West, whose mighty rivers and broad lands, Whose sons of energy, proclaim that here Is the fit stage of high and daring deed, Of mighty plans, of mighty conflict too. And to the combat, armed, the Church hath come ; Her panoply is sure, her hosts are out, And she hath her munitions gathered up. Behold them in the sanctuaries, where Flow the glad streams of life ! Behold them strown In her fair nurseries — the Sunday Schools That gem the prairies, and whose cheerful song Awakes the forest. See them in the halls Of holy Science, where the ready youth Are furnished to their work, and issue forth To tell of Jesus. Yes, the edifice of prayer, O — 00 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The Sunday School, the seminary, tell That soldiers of the Cross are rallying round Her standard, and the battle is begun. Which ceases not, till kingdoms of the earth Become the kingdoms of the risen Christ. The Church is safe ! Devils are unchained yet- The stormy world yet heaves ; men's lusts yet rage : Till Sin is vanquished, quite, it must be so. Roll on, impetuous tide ! thou canst not harm The Church, that, like a tower, lifts up on high Her everlasting walls. Built on the Rock, She looketh down, and seeth the troubled surge Dash idly at her feet. Cincinnati, January 1, 1833. LATE ANB EARLY POEMS. TO A FATHER. But lately, sire, you saw them stand, The four, on whom shone morning's sun, Where two assumed the silken band That bound two faithful hearts in one. But lately ! — short, indeed, the time ; Yet two, in youth and beauty's prime, Have dropped the garniture of night. And donned the robes of dazzling light. The first sweet seraph girded ^vings, And soared away from care and sin ; Her soul, unclogged with earthly things, Took heavenly joys and glories in. And often from the world of bliss. She bent celestial eyes on this, — To watch o'er those who shrined her love, And beckon them to bowers above. ) O 90 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. The next, a bride — a mother — fled From all that rendered being dear ; Nay, seek her not among the dead, — Your gatherefl treasures are not here. Yet, as from broken reeds you turn, The lesson by experience learn That he who nearest lives to God, In lowliest spirit takes the rod. "VVe may not ask why quickly fades The lovely flower, or sadly die The tints which, ere the evening shades. Like curtains fringe the western sky ; - The flowers we've planted in the tomb Shall flourish with perennial bloom ; The sunset tints, ere eve is born, Precede the saint's Immortal Morn. -O- O- o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 91 COCHITUATE WATER IN BOSTON. youth's temperance song for the 25th of OC- TOBER, 1848, WHEN THE COCHITUATE WATER WAS INTRODUCED INTO BOSTON. Our fathers and mothers had ever enough Of wheat in the garner, or corn in the rough ; By Providence favored, their water was sure ; But 0, it was stinted and terribly poor ! To-day, our good citizens, long in the dumps, Have vowed to be free from the chain of the pumps, — To wash and be clean, unconfined to a gill, — Nor scold us in future for drinking our fill ! Thank God for the Lake that is fed by the spring ! Its torrents sweep by with the rush of a king ; O o 92 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Ay, Alcohol's conqueror merrily comes To the shout of hurrahs and the music of drums. Thank God for pure Water that dashes or drips, That thunders in volume or glides to the lips : Flow on, crystal blessing ! the children shall see Their emblem of beauty and freshness in thee. Flow on through our Capital's breadth and its length ! Bear vigor to age, and to infancy strength ; Quench flames of destruction that glare at midnight. Be the seal of salvation in Baptism's rite. With sound of the trumpet and cannon and bell Our voices, in chorus, shall sing of The Well, O o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 93 Whose waters, unfailing, will rise to the brink, And ask, in sweet murmurs, a City to drink ! THE SYRO-PHCENICIAN. Said to Christ the pagan mother, " See my daughter wasting lie ; — Thou, to human ills a brother. Speak the mandate, lest she die." Jesus answered not a word ; Pity's pleading was unheard. Till, reminded of her sorrow. Cumbers He her hope with clogs ; — " Childi-en's bread we may not borrow, Casting it to Gentile dogs." Jesus at the wounded flings Arrows barbed with bitter stings. -o o 94 LATE AND EARLY POEM I Nothing daunted by the trial, Then the noble woman spake : " Truth, O Lord, yet no denial ! Thus thy argument I break : — When the plenteous banquet comes, Dogs may always eat the crumbs." This was faith's surprising power ; — Jesus could the woe dispel. And in mercy's healing hour, Send that devil back to hell. So he did — but 'twas his part Thus to prove a trusting heart. AND EARLY POEMS. 95 THOMAS GREEN FESSENDEN. On the appropriate marble mormment of this Poet, at Mount Auburn, is inscribed the following : — Thomas Green Fessenden, flietl Nov. 11, 1837, a^ed 65. This monument is erected by the Massachusetts Society ft)r promot- ing Agriculture — by the Horticultural Society of Massachusetts — and individuals, as a testimony of respect for the literary talents and acquirements of the deceased, and his untiring labors in pro- moting the objects of the above insii Mount Auburn, as a miser, gathers wealth From the world's heap, not artfully, by stealth, But shamelessly and open. Sits he now Alone in winter's drapery, his brow Circled by solemn trees, and contemplates His gains, and those to come with which the Fates Shall swell his hoard, already rich with store, We knew not how to part with. Yet one more ) ^ o 96 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Is added. Moral excellence and wit, Talents not idly hid, worth that would sit Gracefully on a king, the crown adorning, — These have been stolen ; this violence hath our mourning. Yet, Plunderer ! there's hidden in thy womb Nought but the casket, which, at trump of doom, Thou — saith the oracle of God — shalt render. The jewel lodged above — who'll tell its splendor ! LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 97 REVOLUTIONS. THE SANDWICH ISLANDS — FKANCE. ' Tidings, my lord the k!n.? ! " Cushi to Davids Tidings from the Sea ! its isles Centuries begirt in night, Burnished by the day-spring's smiles, Shine, the lovely pearls of light. Tidings ! tidings ! ocean's King, Who the islands in his hand Taketh, as a little thing. Speaks to sea and speaks to land. Startled from his ancient prey, Flies the vampyre, bird of blood ; 98 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Pe-le, vanquished, hastes to pay Holocausts alone to God. Tidings ! tidings ! fast and far, Winds and waters urge them on, From the occidental star, To the chambers of the sun. Weepers o'er the slain, rejoice, And new vigor strongly draw. Ye of Heaven-beseeching voice ; — Now the pagan waits his law. Where is gladness, God ! to view Mau-i sitting at thy feet ? Temple domes of 0-a-hu, Swelling over Satan's seat ? Broke the tabu's guilty power — Stilled the sacrificial drum — Christendom ! Jehovah's hour Seest thou, and art thou dumb ? LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 99 Tidings ! Gaul awakes at length ; In her thousands burns the flame, — And an injured realm, in strength, Rising, treads its foes to shame. Tidings ! tidings ! Freedom's cry Breaks forever Bourbon's trance ; And her broad tri-color, high, Streams above thy lilies, France ! Hymns to Orleans' dawning glory ! "Where the fleur-de-lis hath set ! Marble for the martyr's story ! Civic crowns for Lafayette ! Tidings thunder o'er the wave, " Despotism goads no more ! " And the story of the brave Rocks the transatlantic shore. Speak to France our noble coasts, Where congratulation waits, — -O o 100 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. And a shout, the shout of hosts, Rings through these United States ! Yet, O God, when sceptres fall, Empires down to dust are hurled — Thou wilt triumph — Lord of All, Throned above a ruined world. 1830. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 101 THE aUEEN IN THE DISTILLERY. The Glasgow Herald announces that the Q,ueen, while in Scot- land, visited the great distillery of Messrs. Begg.* I WONDER English bayonets Flash not their wrath on high and low, "When She, who rules their lightning, sets Her foot in fortress of a foe ; — A darker direr foe than vailed Its standard at the British call, "When Bonaparte's planet paled — "When fell down flat the Chinese wall. • " Every public house and gin-shop rings with the story of the Q,ueen's visit to the Lochnager Distillery; but no scribe has yet published all the facts of that visit. Each of the royal family was ofl'ered a glass of spirits. When Prince Albert was about to take a second mouthful, the dueen, taking hold of his arm, asked, ' Do you know what you are drinking, Albert ? ' On which he laid down the ' accursed thing.' When the Prince of Wales 102 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. I wonder, greatly, if not quails The mother's heart, and trembles lip, "When, merrily, the Prince of Wales Of fiery whiskey takes a sip ; — Or if, by wizard second-sight, She sees no horrid vision pass Of kingdoms crumbling in a night. Through princely Albert's second glass. I wonder if Victoria's peep At this audacious despot, will Show her what million subjects weep When Traffic arms to take and kill ; — And, if that vision may be seen. The noble Temperance flag unfurled, — tasted llie whiskey, he instantly sputtered it out of his mouth as if he had drank poison, emphatically inquiring', ' What's that, mamma?' — while no persuafion could induce the Princess Royal to taste the liquid fire. The dueen put the glass to her lips. But after all, the friend of morality and virtue will ever look upon this visit as an error iu judgment committed by the (iueen." — British Banner, 1848. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 103 Its followers marshalled by a Queen, For Caledonia and the world ! I wonder if my native land — A sleeping giantess — will act ; And bid republics, kingdoms, stand For Truth as one ; from vice intact ! She may, she should; — my friend, she will, When every freeman wakes " To Try; " Though feeble, yet to crush the Still Depends on such as you and I ! -O 104 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. LAST WORDS OF CHRIST. Last words of Christ! There are none such to him Who has accepted Christ. Whate'er his lot may be, Whate'er his trials, toil, and sorrowing On these low grounds, where pilgrims stay a while. He hears in all the animating voice Of the Redeemer, and it says to him : " Fear not ! for when thou passest through the fire, I, even I, am with thee." Yes, in death, Amid the tumult of the body's pain, That Voice is heard, telling the sufferer Of comfortings and of supportings, through Jordan's cold waters ; and its mellow tones O LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 105 Linger until the last, then break in all The ravishing, exulting airs of heaven. Yet to the lost, there are, indeed, last words Of Christ. The lost will ever think on these, And in the ages of eternity Will sharpened recollection call them up — Depart, ye cursed ! What last words are these, To dwell upon forever ! — to recall The melting melancholy tones of pity, Mixed with severity of God, in which The Son of Man pronounced eternal woe ! -O 106 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. THE DEAF AND DUMB. The Deaf and Dumb ! — Tell me -what heart Of human mould, beats not with some Kind throb, in which Heaven shares a part, Of feeling for the Deaf and Dumb ? The Deaf and Dumb ! "We ask no voice Of winning Eloquence, to plead In their behalf, to bid rejoice These innocents with pity's meed. The Deaf and Dumb alone shall speak In language that prompt nature knows ; — Shall bless you ; yes, while down the cheek Of tenderness the warm tear flows. Theu-s is a voiceless phrase, unknown To grosser sense — the glad repeat O- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 107 Of cherubs, round the shining throne, Hymning their love — is not more sweet. The eye, through which the soul is seen, The bosom pulse of hope and fear, The lamp of love, whose ray, serene, Kindles communion, holy, dear. Are theirs. — Sweet ones ! we pity not Your fate ; of bliss the real sum Is given to consecrate the lot Of Innocence, — the Deaf and Dumb ! o 108 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. THE THORN OF LIFE. TVe see, in life's wide wilderness, Some plants of fair and varied mien ; Love's rose springs here, while there, dis- tress The nightshade rank is seen. With choicest care we cull the flowers All redolent of fragrant morn ; But while their beauty charms the eye, "We feel the secret thorn. And who is free from sorrow's thorn ? — Joy's sparkling beverage dost thou sip ? Thou mayest ; but soon the poisonous dreg Shall blast thy quivering lip. Thy morning, gay, perhaps, hath shone. But hope too quickly plumed for flight ; 6- LATE AND EAKLY POEMS. 109 At noon, the stern destroyer came, "With disappointment's blight. Hast friends ? Thou hast ; yet the last sun That saw thy bliss, hath seen the dart Whose cruel fang shall pierce thy friend, And wring thy lonely heart. Thy -wife, thy offspring — whence that sigh ? Too well I trace the secret tear, — For thou, who wife and offspring knew, Hast wept upon their bier. Love hath its chill, and Mirth the sigh ; And who may boast a cloudless morn ? Mortal ! that cull'st the flowers of life Think not to shun the thorn. o 110 LATE AND EAKLY POEMS. DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES. ON SEEING A PICTURE REPRE- SENTING THE ABOVE. I GAZE, and gaze, and willingly confess The Pencil's triumph. Breathe not, daring Muse ! Nor language give to trooping thoughts that press For utterance. And methinks thou canst not choose But to be silent ; dreamingly to lose Thyself in witchery of the olden times, As Egypt's awful beauty, richly seen In morn's gray softness, rises, and the chimes Of feet, departing, ring — with joyous cries between. "While on the mighty caravan, the sheen Of royalty, the century-telling pyramid, O o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Ill And obelisk, and gods that frown in stone — Dumb in the tumult — gazing — Fancy, chid. Retires, to wonder and to weep alone. Yet it is noble thus to contemplate Almighty power. With what a majesty Is God encompassed, while are seen the hate Of wily priest, and -vvrath of tyranny. Impotent to forbid, when He ordains ! No implements of war, nor chariots armed Move the proud monarch. The same Voice that calmed Chaos to order, tells of One who reigns, — By whom kings reign ; and once more hath that voice Spoken to Pharaoh — and the first-born, dead, Have also spoken — " Let the people go ! " In songs of glad deliverance they rejoice, And by the rod of miracles forth led, Depart ; that pagan Egypt may Jehovah know. 112 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. LOVE. Yes, life is but a waste, A cheerless pathway, where No healthy fruit allures the taste, No flowerets balm the air, If Love, The wild rose, ne'er luxuriates there. Love is a guide, when lorn The wanderer is astray 'Mid dangers, and no star of dawn To smile upon his way ; 'Tis Love Burns on the cloud, the gem of day. Along Affliction's coast, Hard by Despair's grim shoal. She shines on him, the tempest-tost. O- -o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 113 The lighthouse of the soul ; And guides Where storms wake not nor oceans roll. thou Inspirer ! who Didst lull my infancy, And half life's rugged journey through Hast still attended me, I consecrate My all to thee, — to only thee ! "When pleasure's mellow note Allured me to her bowers, Tliou bad'st kind dreams of fancy float Along the white-winged hours ; Thy smile Did strew existence' path with flowers. The lightning crossed my way, Thou earnest, and in its scath 114 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. I but discerned the tempered ray Of Love around my path, — A pillar given "When all was tempest, night, and wrath. Be nigh at the dread hour Of nature's utmost need, "When unknown shadowy worlds appear, And unreal scenes recede. O, then the spirit cheer, And bid it on its passage speed ! o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 115 COMMON ORIGIN OF RELIGION. " Amonj the Greeks, during their nocturnal mysteries, youth- ful virETiiis, having baskets full of flowers, with serpents in them, ran about all night, calling on tlie name of our first mother, • Eva I Eva I ' " For, as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription. To the Unknown Gi>d. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. — Paul on Mars' Hill. By Hebrew wanderers bade to know, Instructed they of Heaven — The origin of human woe, The curse so early given — The Greek — such single glimmering shown — "Wove truth with fabling rite : A sunbeam, flashing from the throne Upon his pagan night. i- Yet not to his mythology "Was sacred lore confined — o- 116 LATE AND EARLY POEMS, The print of true Religion, we On other altars find. Wherever zeal had temples built To crown the idol-hill, Where flowers were laid, or blood was spilt, Were seen her tokens still. The Druid in his granite cave, The Egyptian in his hall, He to his Fetish god a slav€. And he in Veeshnoo's thrall — Each brought the firstling of his store ; Each, pressed by sense of sin, Must, darkly, Deity adore, For dimmed was light within. And where night wrapped the heathen shrines, His fealty to " The Unknow^n " The pagan Avrote in living lines Upon his altar stone ; -o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 117 To God, for wlionii misguided men Through ages vainly felt ; To God, unseen, yet worshipped, when In ignorance they knelt. O, that which points above the stars Wherever man has trod — To Him who shuts night, and unbars The morn — the very God, — And spells in beams above the sun The name of Deity — Is spirit, which can never shun Its Immortality. If Christendom, made rich indeed With knowledge of the Cross, To use it wisely gives not heed, How measureless her loss ! If stripes are his, who never saw Unfolded Mercy's plan. 118 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. How sorely visiteth the law Enlightened, guilty man ! In the distribution of bread and wine at this high festival, the orthodox Spaniards, who first came into the country, saw a striking resemblance to the Christian communion, as in the prac- tice of confession and loenance, which, in a most irregular form, indeed, seems to have been used by the Peruvians, they discerned a coincidence with another of the sacraments of the Church. One is astonished to find so close a resemblance between the in tiiuiion of the American Indian, the ancient Roman, and ihe modern Catholic! It is reasonable to refer such casual points of resemblance to the general constitution of man, and the neces- sities of his moral nature. — Prescott's IJlttory of the Con- quest of Peru. Q LATE AND EAELY POEMS. 119 VERSES WRITTEN IN THE COMMERCIAL PRESSURE OF 1837. O, SEEK not comfort from the Wine In this thy bitter grief; The mantling juices of the vine Can yield thee no relief. Nor seek, in thy extreme distress, Oblivion from the bowl ; Thou shalt not there remember less Thy agony of soul. O, seek not, in this troubled hour, The Gambler^s cursed den ; For once within his baleful power, And farewell virtue then ! Nor to the unholy feverish heat That gathers there, incline. 120 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. If thou wouldst not the burning beat Of a maddened pulse were thine. O, look not in gay Pleasure's lair In such a time as this ; The blaze, the beauty, song, are there, But not consoling bliss. Nor in the ball-room's witching wiles Nor place of glee have part, For there thine artificial smiles May veil a broken heart. Thy hopes are dark. — Across the land God hath a shadow thrown ; — Yet who'll rebuke the righteous Hand That only smites His own ? From Him come judgments on our path, From Him this grievous blow ; Yet rains not from his stores of wrath Man's self-infiicted woe. LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 121 Submit ! — there's sweetness in the thought That He in love doth chide ; For avarice He this ill hath wrought, Perhaps for foolish pride. Yet this, and more that Heaven can bring, 'Twere easier to bear. Than that which from remorse doth spring — The soul's unmixed despair ! BEFORE ME LIES THE TROUBLOUS DEEP. Before me lies the troublous deep. Life's ocean, heaved by many a storm ; Behind me, hushed, the billows sleep, Whose calm, wild winds no more deform. I tempted Childhood's sparkling wave. And careless toyed with danger nigh ; 122 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. I trod upon the gaping grave, And smiled at fear, yet knew not why. In Youth I sought a brighter path. Yet paused to gaze at Childhood's beam ; Fled was the angry lightning's scath, For peaceful is Love's early dream. What dangers press on Manhood's prow ! His bark is tossed by every gale, The shoals of folly thicken now. And perils rise and cares assail : Yet Manhood past — how slight appear The terrors strown on Manhood's way ! Night's cowering phantoms disappear, And bright to memory shines the day. Before me lies the troublous deep, The sea that angry waves deform ; Yet Faith shall bid the billow sleep, And Hope shall soar above the storm. LATE AND EAKLT POEMS. 123 THE BIBLE FORBIDDEN. The Bible, free as mnds of heaven, This age to all the world has given. To all the Word of Life ? Yes ! save The hordes that wear the name of Slave, And wear his bonds, and feel the rod. For this, wilt thou not judge, O God ? "Will not thy vengeance put to shame The followers of the equal cross, "Who glory in the Christian's name. Yet count a brother's soul as dross ? -O 124 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. THE FORGOTTEN. ' Of the delusions inciilent to ill heallh, old age, or mental aber- ration, many are wild and grotesque. Of (he former kind is an in- stance which we find recorded, that led to die sell-destniciion of a fomalc in Silesia. She had reached the age of one hundred years. All her family luiviiig successively been conveyed to the tomb, she labored under the idea that God had forgotten to call her out of the world ! " To BE, and not to be ! to live, anti ne'er to die ! How terrible an endless life below ! To be by Heaven forgotten, while rolls by Century after century ; and when The weary sojourner would gladly yield To long infirmity and fly the field, And humbly ask, blest boon, to perish — then To hear, upon his hope, stern answer, No ! Friend after friend to see departing ; deep Yawn the coy grave beneath, but not for him. Over dead friends and lovely ones to weep — -O LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 125 The beautiful, the young, the lithe of limb ; Yet he to linger still ; ay, watch yon sun Wax old and die, yet live — the sad forgotten one! THOMAS SHEPARD. " That gratious, sweete, and soule-ravishinsf minister, in whose soale tlie Lord shed abroad his love so abundantly, that thousands have cause to blesse God for him, even at this very day, who are the seale of his ministrey, and hee a man of a thousand, indued with abundance of true saving knowledge for himselfe and others ; founder of the Congregational Church of Christ in Cambridge, died August 25, 1649, and was honourably buried there at Cambridge in New England." Shepard — a worthy of the olden time. Skilled in the heavenly craft, and well in- clined To serve his Lord with substance, body, mind — -o I 126 LATE AND EARLY POEM I Passed from Old England to this virgin clime, Where he might freely breathe the breath of Life; And left behind the regions vexed with strife, To plant in peace the nursery that should rear A flock for heaven. — Shepard was pilgrim here ! And this fair spot he fertilized with tears ; And these green landscapes witnessed his retreat For wrestling prayer. Albeit, two hundred years On things that die have deeply writ their name, "While on Mount Zion beauteous are his feet : — Posterity revives and cherishes his fame. o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 127 THE BANDS OF PRAYER. Men meet as strangers, and as strangers part, In pleasure, or in mysteries of the mart Engaged. In politics they mix, and deem, In all, their comrades cold, and separate. Each in the other owning no esteem. The world, indeed, is but a barren state ! The plants of kindliness, exotic there. Grow languidly and perish. Yet we see Revealed from heaven, though not in heaven known — For songs and not requests are rife before the throne — A tie that binds Christ's brotherhood. They share. Herein initiated — though they be 128 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Strangers, yet thus well known — the willing knee ; And heart they bind to heart, in fellowship of Prayer. LAUNCH OF THE SHIP OF THE LINE PENNSYLVANIA, AT PHILADELPHIA. 1837. Leap from thy cradle to the seas, Ship of lofty name ! And toss upon thy native breeze The stars and stripes of fame ! And bear thy thunders o'er the deep, Where vaunting navies ride ! — Thou hast a nation's gems to keep — Her honor and her pride. O- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 129 O, sacred is the covenant made "With thee and us to-day ; — None from the compact shrinks afraid, No traitor utters, " Nay ! " — "We pledge our fervent love, and thou Thy glorious ribs of oak. Alive with men who cannot bov/ To kings, nor kiss the yoke ! Speed lightnings o'er the Carib Sea, "Which deeds of hell deform ; Then off! — for hands are spread to thee "\^'"here Afric's robbers swarm. Go ! lie upon the ^gean's breast, Where sparkle emerald isles ; Go ! seek the pirate Suliote's nest, And spoil his cruel wiles. And keep, where sail the merchant ships, Stern watch on their highway. . — o 130 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. And promptly through thine iron lips, "When urged, our tribute pay ; Yes, show thy bristling teeth of power, Wherever tyrants bind In pride of their OAvn little hour, A freeborn noble mind. Spread out those ample wings of thine ! — "While crime doth govern men, 'Tis fit such bulwark of the brine Should leave the shores of Penn ; For hid within thy giant strength Are germs of welcome Peace, And such as thou will cause at length Man's feverish strifes to cease. From every vale and mountain-crag, "Word of thy beauty 's passed ; And we are proud that Freedom's flag Streams from thy taper mast, — o- LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 131 Assured that in thy prowess, thou For her wilt win renown, "Whose sons can die, but know not how To strike that pennon down. TO THE NEW YEAR. Thou new-born Year ! thou span yet unde- fined, Portion of time unknown, I fain would greet Thy opening dawn with salutation kind. And would, reluctant, fleeting guest! en- treat "With us sojourning, yet a longer stay ; Or wilt thou, like thy parent, haste away ? Thou new-born Year ! why should the empty smile O „__-___^ O o 132 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Of foolish riot usher in thy name ? And why should dissipation e'er beguile The sons of men, when Reason would pro- claim "Life is a vapor ; hastening Time recedes ; Eternity is near with all its deeds ! " What art thou, passing shadow, but the note That speaks, though dumb, existence' sol- emn knell ? Thy warning strains, though they unheeded float Along our passage, to the traveller tell : "Depart, poor pilgrim; leave this vale, un- blessed ; Arise, ye giddy ; this is not your rest." Vision of future days, fair opening Year ! Thou evanescent ! soon, alas, thy flight Shall be the theme, for thou wilt disappear ; O o o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 133 Thou too wilt slumber in the iron night Of by-past ages, — on the hoary scroll Be chronicled, whose page none may unroll. Child of the past, — herald of years to come, I greet thy entrance, for thou tellest me In accent kind that soon my reckoned sum Of months will be fulfilled, and I shall be No more a wanderer in a sunless way. Where disappointment droops beneath the world's cold ray. o- o 134 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. THE LATE REV. J. P., OF PHILADELPHIA. There are many who fall on the fields of their fame, The warriors of Christ, that on earth have a name And a place in the glorious records on high, Who live in applause and in triumph who die, And sleep where their marbles to passengers tell How bravely they battled, how nobly they fell ; Yet none stir the depths of such feeling in me. As rise, holy man ! when I think upon thee. There are scribes, well instructed, that rightly divide The word, and choice leaders to teach and to guide ; LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 135 There are those in the service, like cedars, how tall And strong for the Lord, like the veteran Paul! With lips whence the music persuasively flows Of a mind that with fervor and eloquence glows, — And yet who would buy their renown with one tear That comes from the heart of the lowliest here ? I cannot forget, when but few or none cared For a soul in the web of sin's artifice snared, How kindly thou laboredst to free me — and now. Though a robe 's on thy form and a light on thy brow. And glory, where yesterday lingered decay, O- 136 LATE AND EARLY POEM I And wings plumed around thee that bear thee away From sickness and sorrow — I cannot but sigh That one needed to live should so speedily die. I knew thee to love thee ; but long ere I knew Thy faithfulness, goodness, and fellowship true, Thou didst follow my step while a stranger to both Thy God and thyself, and to holiness loath, — Didst watch me and warn me, and show me the way Whence youth, just as heedless, unguardedly stray — Nor wearied, till peace, driven far by the rod, I sought as one earnest, and found it in God. O ■ O LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 137 There are hearts — perhaps hundreds — where thou wast enshrined, That will bleed at this blow — to the Giver resigned, — There are thousands whom thou to the Shep- herd hast led, And comforted, chidden, wept over, and fed ; And some, thy first fruits, have their toils ended first, And some, in bereavement, kneel here by thy dust. And a flock thou hast blest, and by whom thou wert blest, A widow ! — the fatherless ! — tears tell the rest. "We muse on this trial, stern, grievous, and strange. And ask — while despondingly viewing the change 138 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Made where the death-angel has swept his wide wing — " Art angry, O Father ? " — Complainings we bring — "We plead in our trouble, " "Wilt Thou, too, depart ! The righteous man dies and none lay it to heart: " — Yet answer is given — " Away to his home I've taken him only from evil to come." "From evil to come!" — If the strength of Thy host Is broke, shall Thy cause not be counted as lost ? Yet no ! when the faithful is called from the field. We'll hear but Thy Voice, " Cease from man as your shield ! " And learning from him — who his sword has laid down • O LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 139 To take a new harp and receive a glad crown— "We'll watch for souls wandering, and lead them above, And spend and be spent, like Thy servant, in love. " I heard," uttered John, " and a voice spake from heaven. Blessed hence are the dead unto whom it is given To die in the Lord ! " O, the light is not dim, That beams in such blessedness now upon him, "Who, for trials through which he has sorrow- ing passed, Has honor and glory and beauty at last, — And for draughts often mingled with worm- wood below. The streams that from fountains of happiness flow. 1837. o o 140 LATE AND EARLY POEMS, SONG OF THE BIBLE. The Bible speaks, that has spoken before, Though men have heard in scorn ; It speaks to-day, as it spake of yore, To all of Adam born ; — " I am speaking yet, I am speaking yet, As I spake long years ago ; And I bring down light to those that sit In the shadows of death below. " The powers of Sin, they have leagued with men, To hinder my warning cry ; But in their dismay they have trembled, when My voice was lifted high. " The infidel rose in his zeal, unblest ; False philosophy deemed me a sham ; o- o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 141 And its leader wore upon his crest, * Ecrasez Vinfame.^ " To his phace has the scoffing infidel gone, With Shaftesbury and Voltaire ; I am speaking yet, — his wail goes on, — His wail of anguish — lohere! " I've broken the iron slumber of years Which the Papacy cast around me ; And I witness his tottering step and fears Whose traditions would have bound me. " I am speaking yet to Earth in sin With more than mortal lungs ; Already to her nations, in A hundred and fifty tongues. *' I'm found in the Eastern clime, where fast The Hindu holds his chain ; And I'm seen in the North as bread that's cast Abroad, to be gathered again. -O o 142 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. " I go down in the ships and cheer the men That traverse the mighty sea ; I go with the mission bands, and then The Pagan is glad for me. " To the dying fool who has bartered heaven, I speak, as he gasps for breath, Of gold that unto rust is given. When it cannot save from death. " To the poor and despised, yet rich in faith, "Whose love to Christ is much, I speak, and my word of promise saith That blessed for aye are such. " To the proud I say, ' Let those that think They stand, look, lest they fall,' — But the trembling soul that fears to sink, I raise above them all. " To those that in the Tempter's hour Have seen his dreadful shape, LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 143 I've said, * For this, my sovereign power Shall find some sure escape.* " I am speaking yet, I am speaking yet, — The secrets I've made known Have caused the wretch his grief to forget, And the king to forget his throne. " One word of mine has planted the thorn In the sinner's downy bed, — And cheered the dreams of the just, forlorn, "When a dungeon wrapt his head. *' I am speaking yet, — my words of Life Drop an immortal balm For mortals, grappling in the strife "With Death's omnipotent arm. " I soothe the father when distress Wrings damps out on his brow, — * Leave with thy God thy fatherless, Thy widow with him now.' o 144 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. " I speak to the fainting mother, when Her last look tries to dwell On all she loves and leaves ; and then How sweet is her farewell ! *' I speak as the innocent babe goes home, When it feels the icy touch, — * O, fear not, little one ! to come ; His kingdom is of such.' " I am speaking yet ! nor shall return My message, void in time ; Nor when the last day's sun shall burn, Or the stars' last hymn shall chime. " I am speaking yet, — and I shall speak When the heavens pass away ; And my foes will in their agony seek To hide from that fearful Day! " LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 145 ANNUAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR COL- LEGES. THE LAST THURSDAY OF FEBRUARY. MOTHER, in those college walls Thou hast a precious son, — A banqueter in Learning's halls, And yet by want undone. He sits like Dives at the board Where jewelled vessels shine ; — His dainties from the rarest hoard, — From eldest crj'pts the wine. "What boots it that his table groans With loads of classic wheat ? As well feast craving mind with stones, As only on this meat. What boots it on his robes are starred The gems and beaten gold, O- 10 o 146 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. If not to him may be unbarred The gates of wealth, untold ? — If not to him is oped the lid In ■which the soul may look, And gather wisdom, never hid Within the Sibyl's book ? O, why is Science racked to give Her buried stores to man, "While Truth, which teaches how to live, Is put beneath the ban ? That morn he left thee, far to roam On life's uncertain way. Far from a mother — far from home, What couldst thou do but pray ? Ay, prostrate on thy closet floor, What didst thou do but weep, And plead that God, for evermore, Thy student-boy would keep ? LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 147 Thou knewest the tossing ocean-world But little heeds his lot, Who to its storms has sail unfurled, And recks the danger not. Thou knewest that many a noble heart, As proud and glad as he, — The light of home, — has Folly quenched In that tumultuous sea. Ah ! little didst thou deem of feet That ever Ivu-k within The Muse's most secure retreat, To draw her sons to sin ; — Or of the outward twining flower, Or pearl within the cup. That wooes them at the unguarded hour To drink the poison up. To prayer ! to prayer ! — a teeming cloud Is on the land this hour ; 148 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 'Twill rise to heaven, and deep, not loud, Will be the plenteous shower. Wilt thou not haste with eager joy And in its blessings share ? Wilt thou not for thy perilled boy Entreat ? — To prayer ! To prayer ! Go ! for on moments of rich grace The world's high issues rest ; — Not only he may find the place Of mercy and be blest, But thousands, through the mighty word Thy herald-son will bear, Shall live for aye ! — Art thou not stirred ? To prayer ! this hour to prayer ! o o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 149 GOLD. WRITTEN WHILE THE CALIFORNIA GOLD FEVER WAS RAGING IN THE UNITED STATES 1849. For California ! and the streams Whose tides roll over sands of gold : — For riches, mocking Fancy's dreams, Go, empty hands, and spirits bold ! Yes, go, clay-worshippers ! and take This royal path to reach your god ; "What struggling beams around you break ! What splendors point to his abode ! Go from the shop, the quay, the field ; From loom and anvil, axe and awl ; Let Law, Religion, Physic, yield Their teachers at the earnest call. O- 150 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Go, ye Pizarros ! stout and true, — Ye cavaliers to plunder sold ; Go seek and sack a fresh Peru ! Go ravish virgin realms of Gold I Ay, ye are ready for the hunt ! Ye've aptly learned, on Mexic soil, In cruel siege and battle's brunt, To scent and take the shining spoil. And Heaven, for such tremendous wrong, Has launched no bolt of wrath untold, — But in its power and justice strong, Allures ye to your doom with Gold ! Pity ! the conquest is acquired Without one laurel snatched from Fame ; No armies routed ; cities fired ; No valiant deed of blood or shame. Yet onward ! onward ! — room is left For wrong and passion ; truth is sold ; o _ LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 151 And such as ye, perchance, bereft Of heart, may wade through crime for Gold. Seek Panama's resounding strand, "Where fainting wretches, on the way. Yearn to devour the promised land, And wait, and curse the long delay.* Onward for Gold ! — what coward feels One parting pang ? we give him scorn ! Onward for Gold ! a hundred keels Chafe ocean, eager for the " Horn." Yes, march, ye braves ! though drum and fife Are silent, and no starry fold Shall wrap the corse that falls in strife With Sickness, Anguish, Death — for Gold ! • Six thousand gold-hunters are at this moment said to be congregated in Panama, waiting for passages to San Prancisco. Several, who left the United States with ample funds, have returned home itripped of every dollar. January, 1849. o 152 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. From our free air, from home and heaven, All lost to pure contentment's bliss — Rejecting jewels, kindly given, Of Friendship's smile, and Woman's kiss- Go, slaves of pelf ! where tell wan lips, And eyes that gleam with hate and sin. The storms without that rack the ships Are calms to those that rage within ! Sail on ! sail on ! — the Southern Cross Is mirrored in Pacific's wave ; — For life or death, for gain or loss, For golden ingots, or a grave ! By instinct, disembowel earth, — Like angels, once to treason sold, — Who, led by Satan, lost their birth. And, falling, tore up hell for Gold ! * O : O LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 153 Dig deep ! trust none ! beware of men ! Those treasure-pits receive the dead ; Their depths shut out the curious ken ; — Who digs for Gold may kill for Bread ! * • A Gold- Dig ger''s Mercy. — The following incident of gold- digging on the Sacramento is related by a correspondent of the New York Courier and Enquirer at Monterey : " Provisions are very scarce, and to obtain them many murders have been com- milted, or the purchase of them, at exorbitant prices, has indirectly, but eventually, led to murder. One story, relating to an aftair of this kind, may deserve a place here. A man, who had what is called a good hole, had been digging incessantly for two days, when he was accosted by one carrying a bucket containing food of some hind. The whole of this the digger purchased for about one hundred dollars, in virgin gold; and, while devouring il, the man who had sold the provisions took possession of t.he hole. Alter finishing his repast, the gold-hunter ordered the fellow out; but, on his posiiively refusing to come, knocked his brains out with a pickaxe, took from his pockets the virgin gold that had pur- cliased a meal, and then, dragging the body out of the hole, himself continued the digging. This, I believe, is really true — just as I have told it." IinmoraliUj of Gold-Digs;ers. — The Washington Glolie has another interesting letter from San Francisco, confirming the motley, desperate, and careless character of those collected in the California gold region. One passage ui the letter we have read with much regret, which is : " Every man engaged in hunting o o 154 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Long days of weary woe and want Await ye in the dismal mine ; "Where Penury, Fear, and Famine, gaunt, Flit round you as ye Hope resign.* g-old, and every one that visits the s^old region, g'oes armed to the teeth. Scenes of violence occur; tliere is uo security for life and property," &c. Rapine and Murder in California. — PTiva.le letters received here from the gold mines of California are rather discouraa:ing to those about starting for that region. Tliey confirm the former reports as to the abundance of gold, but at the same time state that those who are in possession of the precious ore, in any quan- tities, are marked, and often soon after disappear. Even some that have attached themselves to trains leaving the mines have been robbed, and trains on their way there have been, plun- dered. — Boston Traveller. Is it strange, when the temptation is so great, that the robber and the assassin should be abroad among the mour.tains? Many roblierics, and some murders, are known already to have occurred ; but little attention is excited by these events where all are in the eager pursuit of wealth. No one can conjecture the extent of these outrages, for living witnesses are not at hand, and "dead men tell no tales." The strong and firm hand of government must be promptly extended to save the country from the most revolting acts of violence. — Ibid. ' Gold-Hunting in Old Times. — Washington Irving's "Co- lumbus," says the New York Observer, may be profitably looked , _ — o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 155 Still proving how reverts frail man To childhood, while the world grows old ; And that to interrupt God's plan Is in the power of sordid Gold ! into at the present times. The following passage is just in sea- son : "Before relating tlie return of Columbus to Hispaniola, it is proper to notice some of the principal occurrences in iliat island, which look place under the government of Ovando. A great crowd of adventurers, of various ranks, had thronged his fleet — eager speculators, credulous dreamers, and broken-down gentlemen of desperate fortunes ; all expecting to enrich themselves suddenly, ill an island where gold was to be picked up from the surface of the soil, or gathered from the mountain brooks. They had scarcely landetl, says Las Casas, who accompanied the expedition, when thi'y all harried otT to the mines, which were about eight leagues' distance. The roads swarmed like ant-hills, with adventurers of all classes. Every one had his knapsack stored with biscuit or flour, and his mining implements on his shoulders. Those hidal- gos, or gentlemen, who had no servants to c:\rry their burdens, bore them on their own backs, and lucky %vas he who had a liorse for the journey ; he would be able to bring back the greater load of treasure. They ajl set out in high spirits, eager who should first read) the golden land, thinking they had liut to arrive at the mines, and coll ct riches. ' For they fancied,' says Las Casas, • the gold was lo be gathered as easily and readily as fruit from the tp'es.' When they arrived, however, they discovered, to their dismay, that it was necessary to dig painfully into the bowels of 15 6 LATE AND EARLY POEMS. Then home, ye glutted few, return ! Pale spectres, o'er your gains to sigh, — Ye thousands, in whose bosoms burn Keen disappointment's fires — to die ! the earth, a labor to which most of them had never been accus- tomed ; that it required experience and sagacity to detect the veins of ore ; that in fact the whole process of mining was ex- ceedingly toilsome, demanding vast patience, much experience, and after all being full of uncertainty. They digged eagerly for a time, but found no ore. They grew hungry, threw by their implements, sat down to cat, and then returned to work. It was all in vain. ' Their labor,' says Las Casas, ' gave them a keen appetite and quick digestion, but no gold. They soon consumed their provisions, exhausted their patience, cursed their infatuation, and in eight days set oB' drearily on their return, along the roads they had lately trod so exnUingly. They arrived at San Do- mingo, without an ounce of gold, half famished, downcast, and despairing. Such is too often the case ot those who ignorantly engage in mining; of all speculations the most brilliant, promis- ing, and fallacious.' " Poverty soon fell upon these misguided men. They exhausted the little property they had brought from Spain. Alany suffered extremely from hunger, and were obliged to exchange even their apparel for bread. Some form.ed connections with the old set- tlers of the island, but the greater part were like men lost and bewildered, and just awakened from a dream. The miseries of (he mind, as usual, heightened, the sufl'criugs of the body. Some o LATE AND EARLY POEMS. 157 wasted away and died broken-hearted ; others were luirried otl' by rag-ing fevers, so that there soon perished upwards of a thousand men." Oold in California. — Mr. Benton, in his late speech in the Senate on the California Bill, speaking of tlie locations of gold washings in the gold regions, says, — " These washings are called in Spanish placer, from the Latin placere, to please ; because it is a pleasing thing to find the shining gold under one's feet. But it is a transient pleasure. There is no fee simple in it; there is not even a life estate in it — not even a lease for a year, a month, a week, or a day. The pleasure is soon gone. Exhausted placers now exist in New Mexico, formerly yielding much, now some twenty-five or fifty cents a day, and only pursued by the poorest Mexicans. Regular mining has followed there, and is now yielding considerable quan- tities. These washings of California are marvellously rich ; for we have to believe what is certified to us by so many witnesses ; b\it they are not the richest that ever were seen. Far from it. Those of Brazil, in the mountains back of Rio Janeiro, in the time of Lord Anson's voyage, say one hundred years ago, were far richer; and yet they have been exhausted so long that all memory of them is lost, and their history only lives in old books. Two millions sterling — ten millions of dollars — were annually sent to Europe, for years, from these washings. They were worked by slaves, who, to secure their fidelity and industry, were usually allowed by their masters all the proceeds of the day above a given amount ; and in that way many slaves became rich, purchased their free