IlIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I Wn |w¥'il" I ^ ^ I UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. | WIND FLOWERS BY J. LuELLA DowD Smith AUTHOR OF WAYSIDE LEAVES -^ OF CO/Vg^>, CHICAGO CHARLES H. KERR & COMPANY 175 Dearborn Street 1887 T5 ^^^V, Copyright, 1887 By lyUELLA D, Smith *rO MY MOTHER, WHO HAS FOUND WER RKST AMID THE FADE:i,KSS FLOWERS OF HEAVEN, I DEDICATE THIS HANDFUL OF THE RUE ANEMONE, FRAIL BLOSSOMS, THAT OPENED TO THE WINDS OF EARTH. CONTENTS January— The Mother's Prayer 11 Edelweiss, Translated from Nanette Stengel . . 13 The Broken Home 14 Home 15 Arius 16 The Fakir 17 The Call 19 "My Times are in Thy Hand" 22 A Voice from Heaven. Translated from Luise Hensel 24 February— The Rebel's Death. Translated from C. H. SchnaufEer 29 The Guitar Song of the Herdsman. Translated from Nanette Stengel 31 In the Grass. Translated from Justinius Kerner . 33 Refuge. Translated from Nikolaus Lenau ... 34 The Dower of Love. Translated from Ferdinand Frei- ligrath 35 The Home Coming. Translated from Agnes Kayser- Langerhanuss 37 Thine is the Blessing "Without Measure. Translated from Wilhelm Duncker ...... 38 Disturb it Not. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . 40 On the Water. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . 42 Morning Wandering. Translated from Emaiiuel Geibel 44 The Beautiful Days are Gone. Translated from Otto Roquette 46 Silver and Gold 47 Love-Song. Translated from Otto Roquette . . 49 Golden-Wedding Greetings 50 March — March 53 Blessed Outcome. Translated from Julius Sturm . 54 Along the Way 55 General Gordon, 1885 57 Love and Die. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . . 59 My Angel Care for Thee. Translated from Wilhelm Hertz 60 Learned Late. After the German of Karl E. Ebert . 61 5 CONTENTS April— April 65 Easter Morning. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . 66 The Miracle of Spring 69 The Warning 71 Against the Sky 73 The Sunny Land. In Memory of Jennie Boardman . 74 The Mourners. Translated from Hoffman von Fallens- leben 76 May— May 79 Fungus 80 The Voice of the Wind 82 The Meaning of tlie Spring 84 A Wreath for Memory , 85 Now is the Time of the Bloom and the Gold. Trans- lated from Otto Roquette 87 Dost Thou Know? Translated from Otto Eoquette . 88 Resurrection. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . 90 A Fragment. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . . 91 From theWood. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . 92 Glad Tidings. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . . 95 By-Gones. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . . 96 Life's May. Translated from Emanuel Geibel . . 98 Decoration Day 99 Youth 101 June — June 105 The Song of the Knoll 106 Half-Way ' .... 108 The Trio 109 Greeting Song 110 The White Veil 113 The Rosebud of the Heather. Translated from Goethe 116 July— To My Friend 121 The Serenade. Translated from Uhland ... 122 The Water-Lilies 123 Sowing 126 The Humming-Bird 127 Gain With Loss 128 The Evening Calls to Rest. Translated from Friedrich Gull 129 CONTENTS August— The Heart's Treasures 133 One Step o . . 134 Sister Emma's Birthday 136 In the Morning 137 In the Evening 138 The Sea 139 The Infinite 141 Stranded 143 The Last Wish 144 September— September 149 My Lost Ideal 150 The Larger Gift 151 Across tlie Years 152 Love Ditty 153 Earthward and Heavenward 154 In Tenebris 155 Nirvana. Translated from E, A. Gieseler . . . 156 The " Still, Small Voice " 158 A Glimpse 159 Be True to the Dreams of Thy Youth . . . .160 "I Will Give You Rest" 161 October— October 165 The Year is Old 166 My Mother's Birthday 167 Gained 171 Missed 171 November— November 175 The Autumn Heart. Translated from Emanuel Geibel 176 How Fair is the Rhine. Translated from C. H. SchnaufEer 178 The Way of Thorn 180 Sorrows 1^2 Right and Left 183 The Love of God 184 Autumn Lessons 186 So Quickly Falls the Night 187 The First Snow. Translated from Moritz Hartmann . 189 The Evil Genii 190 The Good Genii 198 My Castle 205 CONTENTS December— To My Brother 209 Near and Far 210 " Your House is Left Unto You Desolate " . . .212 Visum Retrorsum 213 The Beautiful Past . 215 " There Fell a Great Star from Heaven " ... 216 Flitting 218 ACordeAdCor 220 A Birthday Thought 223 Christmas Eve 224 A Prayer 226 The Old Year 228 The Berkshire Hills 230 My Year 233 Between Two Years 234 JANUARY THE MOTHER'S PRAYER Holy virgin, Vesta sweet, See me kneeling at thy feet; Holy goddess, meek and mild, Come in love to kiss my child! Kiss his lips that, lisping sweet, Precious words they may repeat: Saved from cruelty and guile. Won to heaven by thy smile. Kiss his eyes, that never night Fall upon their spirit-sight: Saved from darkling, fruitless quest. Won by thee to peace and rest. Kiss his forehead, broad and fair, Give him wealth of learning rare: Saved from ignorance and dread, Won to wisdom's ways instead. 12 THE MOTHER'S PRAYER Kiss his hands and make him great In the deeds that consecrate: Saved from earthly works that fall, Won to build his castle tall. Kiss his feet that they may climb Up the hills of God sublime: Saved from wandering astray, Won to keep the upward way. Vesta, goddess, hear my prayer, Take my child in loving care. ' ' Thus a mother, bending low. Prayed to Vesta, long ago. Then the goddess kissed him sweet, Till his heart had ceased to beat: Saved him from a world of nights, lycd him to the Heavenly heights. But the mother wept with woe For her prayer of long ago, Heeding not that answer given Made her darling sure of Heaven. EDELWEISS Translated from the German oE Nanette Stengeiv Upon the Switzer's mountain, Bedecked with snow and ice, There blooms a little floweret, One calls it Edelweiss. It blooms, concealed in shadows, A blossom soft and weak. With dewy pearls it glistens — The wan, white flow^er we seek. If thou wouldst find the floweret, Of toil be not afraid, Fear not the steeps of highlands, Where bridge was never laid. And hast thou gladly found it ? Then gather it with care, 'Twill nod for thee as friendl}^ Adown the valley there. THE BROKEN HOME Thus, as this noble floweret Will tenderly be won, So is it with thy true love, Sweet blossom of the sun. The flower will never wither, Thou pluckest from the ice; And thus it is thy true love Is like the Edelweiss. THE BROKEN HOME Broken home, and no return! Earthly home too frail to last! Now no more thy hearth-fires burn: All thy story now is past. Lonely hearts and hands are weak, Years have dimmed the aged eyes, Earthly home no more they seek. But the mansions of the skies. HOME Without, the storms are beating fast And clouds obscure the day, Within, is shelter from the blast, And tears are wiped away. The dove without, in storm and dark, Upon the waters cast, Turns for her safety to the ark And finds her home at last. Return, O weary child of earth, Where light and rest are given; He calls thee back who sent thee forth, Thine only home is Heaven. May our eyes so dim with tears Have a glimpse of Heavenly peace! May the sorrows of our years In eternal morning cease! May our living here be sweet. Filled with kindly deed and true, Till in higher life we meet. There to live and love anew! 15 ARIUS lyONG years he lives alone, apart, But keeps God's worship in his heart; No more on churchly books enrolled ^ He joins the sheep of other fold. The years go by. The church at last Regrets the action of her past. From Constantine the call is heard, " Return, with us to praise the lyord." At last! At last! Communion then May bring him rest and peace again. The crowds collect to welcome him Within the cloistered silence dim. Too late! A higher call he heard — He takes communion with his Lord. He who was banished and alone Has found a welcome bj^ the Throne. I6 THE FAKIR In the ashes lowly bent, He is praying, penitent, Through the years. Only through the grated door, Checkering the marble floor. Light appears. Sweeps the ground the matted hair, And the face is worn with care, Waiting long. From afar there presses round, Crowding near the hallowed ground, India's throng. They revere this holy man, Who, withstanding nature's plan. Suffers ill. Patient through the days of heat, Looking on the dusty street. Waiting still! 17 THE FAKIR Upward holds his weary palm, As who says a prayer or psalm, Heaven to win! Will his nights of weary pain, Will his loss of earthly gain, Shrive his sin ? 'T was a vow of penance made When his soul was sore afraid, In the past. God above, who understands. See these weak, uplifted hands Droop at last! Nearer Thee, perchance, this day Are these seekers far away. Groping still, Than who live in lands of light, Swendng from the path of right, Doing ill. THE CALL * ' CoMK up higher, My desire, Come up higher ! ' ' Oh, I cannot! Hells invade. All my heart is sore afraid. Tongues of flame have hedged me in, Where I feel the doom of sin. **Be not afraid, I give thee aid, Be not afraid." Hell itself has given way, I behold the gleam of day, I am Ufted from that place, Angel hands have brought me grace. ' ' Come up higher, My desire. Come up higher ! ' ' Oh, I cannot! I have sold All my life for yellow gold; Poison of earth's sordid breath Has condemned my soul to death. 19 20 THE CALL ' ' If thou wouldst fain Unloose thy chain, Death's self is slain.'* Bindings of the earth are past, I can upward soar at last. Souls from lower aims are free, Who have heard and trusted thee. ' ' Come up higher, My desire, Come up higher!" Oh, I cannot! Varying breeze Sweeps me to the utmost seas. Ocean has his hosts arrayed, All my mind is sore afraid. ' ' Be not afraid, I give thee aid, Be not afraid." Calm of Christ is on the sea — Voice of Christ, ''Come unto me." I have turned from wreck and wrack To the sunbeam's brighter track. THE CALL 21 * ' Come up higher, My desire, Come up higher!" Oh, I cannot! In the air I have met the foes that scare; Hand of Jove I dare not clasp, Holding lightnings in its grasp. ' * Come unto me, I died for thee — Come unto me. ' ' Now the rainbow's light appears, Arching o'er the vale of tears. Powers of sin are downward hurled, He who called, has saved his world. "MY TIMES ARK IN THY HAND" *' This day shall be for Rest," I cried; ' ' Sweet Rest from dawn till eventide, ' ' But carping Care was by my side. ' ' I have my Work to do to-day — My earnest Work shall live for aye. ' ' Ah, me! a giant hedged my way. ' ' This day belongs to Joy, ' ' I said, *' By sweetest pleasures am I led." Before the sunset, Joy was dead. ''This day belongs to Hope," said I; ' ' I read the future through her eye. ' ' Alas! that Hope should droop and die! "This day is Friendship's — true and tried, My friends with me for aye abide. ' ' Ah! some have changed, and some have died. " This day is given to Love, my own; My heart will never more be lone. ' * Love to the summer-land is flown. - BIY TIMES ARE IN THYHAND^' 23 This day I dedicate to Grief: In tears my woes shall find relief." The sunshine flitted fair and brief. Another day to Heaven I gave, In thoughts that went beyond death' s wave . Yet life seemed boiinded by a grave. At last I chose a day for God: Flowers bloomed above the graveyard sod And Comfort came where Grief had trod. Ah, days so full of light and shade! I cannot hinder, cannot aid. Your cycles God alone hath made. Ah, checkered life! God knoweth best; All come and go at His behest, And they who trust His love are blest. A VOICE FROM HEAVEN TRANSI.ATED FROM THE GERMAN OF LUISE HENSEIv O, do not weep! I am not dead by dying. A blessed, endless life has dawned for me. Be comforted, my dear one, cease thy crying, Thou wouldst rejoice couldst thou my glory see. Here dwelleth peace; here shines eternal light; No more the darkness falls, no more the night. O, do not weep! O, do not weep! Why should I longer tarry In darksome land where death and sin affright? A nobler prize in this blest home I carry; My palm is green. I wear the robes of light. Why should thy tears bedew the graveyard sod? Mine eyes behold with joy the faue of God. O, do not weep! A VOICE FROM HE A VEN 25 O, do not weep! See how the years are fleeting. Soon will thy angel bring thee also o'er. Among the blessed will I give thee greeting, Forever mine, where death can part no more. Then raise thy tearful eyes from graveyard sod; O, dearest! trustful, lift thine eyes to God, And do not weep! FEBRUARY THE REBEL'S DEATH Translated from the German OF C. H. Schnauffer In deep, dark shadow lying, Where dense the forests were, A weary man was dying In grove of solemn fir. He wandered there to languish, Far from the battle's din, Alone to bear his anguish While darkness closed him in. He lifts his eyes in token Of hope of Heavenly Day — His earthly life is broken, His life-blood ebbs away. The wound is large and deadly, The wound is deep and wide, The stream of life pours redly From out his wounded side. 29 30 THE REBEL'S DEATH One hand above is resting, The other on his breast! In tender mosses nestling, — The warrior is at rest. No bell for him is tolling. So early passed away; But woodbirds' notes are rolling His funeral songs to-day. No cross for him is showing, But fir trees stand around. And by his sword is growing Young ivy from the ground. No laurels wave above him, But roses, where he fell, Wild roses droop to love him. What wouldst thou more, rebel? THE GUITAR SONG OF THE HERDSMAN Transi/ATEd from thk German OF Nanette Stengeiv Around the herdsman's cottage Night resteth deep and still; I 've gathered home my cattle And safely housed from ill. I am so lonely always, No voice is toned for me; And what is sad or joyful, I trust, guitar, to thee. In thy dear tones of music My pain of spirit dies, And from thy strings' vibrations I see sweet peace arise. And when the shining moonlight On Alpine highlands gleams. And at my feet lies quiet The whole, round world of dreams, 31 32 THE HERDSMAN'S SONG I sing of love and feasting, And praise my native land, And evermore to guard it I pray a strong right hand. Far from my Alpine cottage Resounds my music fine; My song has roused the echoes, The whole, round world is mine. IN THE GRASS TransIvATEd from the German OF JUSTINUS KERNER WhKN one is resting on the grass Where fragrant flowers are growing, Where happy birds above him pass And airs of heaven are blowing, Ah, truly, then it cannot seem That he must soon be lying Shut deep away from song and gleam In darkness 'midst the dying. He .only thinks upon the skies, The birds that fly to heaven — Thinks God so gracious is and wise This also will be given. REFUGE Translated from the German OF NIKOI.AUS IvENAU Stricken deer in woodland hying, Wounded by the arrow, flying, Seek the place amid the rushes Where the crystal river gushes. It will save thy heart from breaking, Calm its terrors, cure its aching. Man, when struck by sorrow's dart, Seek the kindest hand's caressing, Seek the purest fount of blessing: Flee unto the mother-heart. Soon the wearied mothers sleep. Sleeps thy mother without waking, While thy stricken heart is breaking, Fly unto the woods and weep. 34 THE DOWER OF LOVE TransivATEd from the German OE I^ERDINAND FrEIWCRATH Oh, love so long as thou canst love; Oh, love with true affection deep! The hour draws near — the hour draws near When thou must stand by grave and weep. Take care, while love's sweet bliss is thine, To cherish it and guard it well. As long as yet another heart The words of love can hear or tell. And when one opes his soul to thee, Oh, heal for him his sorrow's smart. Make every hour to him a joy. And bring no sadness to his heart. Guard well thy tongue, that speaks so fast; Oh, do not say that bitter word! God knows it was not badly meant — It broke the loving heart that heard. 35 36 THE DOWER OF LOVE Oh, love so long as thou canst love; Oh, love with true affection deep! The hour draws near — the hour draws near When thou must stand by grave and weep. Then wilt thou lowly kneel by grave. Upon the long, damp graveyard grass, And hide thy troubled, tear-filled eyes — Thine eyes that cannot see him pass. Then wilt thou say, *' lyook down on me. Whose eyes for grief have wept their fill, Forgive that I have troubled thee, God knows I did not mean it ill." But then he hears and heeds thee not. Comes not with comfort for thy woe; The lips that kissed thee cannot say, ''Love, I forgave thee long ago." Ay, he forgave thee long ago, Yet many a bitter tear he shed For thee and for thy bitter word. He weeps no more — among the dead. THE HOME COMING 37 Oh, love so long as thou canst love: Oh, love with true aiFection deep! The hour draws near — the hour draws near When thou wilt stand by grave and weep. THK HOME COMING Transi^ated from the German OF Agnes Kayser-Langerhannss I CAMK from weary journey Again to my home-door; Yet found I at my coming But graves alone, before. Then felt I that the stranger So homeless cannot be As he who is forgotten Anear his own hearth-tree. THINK IS THE BLESSING WITHOUT MEASURE TrANSI^ATED from THE) GERMAN OF WlI^HFIyM DUNCKFR Oh, if thou hast a happy home, Wherein thy weary heart may rest, If there a soul is all thine own, To care for thee and love thee best; And if the grief which frets thy heart Another heart may also reach; And if the love which fills thy heart Another heart may also teach: How is thy blessing without stint! How rich art thou beyond compare! Yea, all the good the world can give Is dross beside thy golden share. If this fair blessing is thine own, Protect it as of Heaven's own grace, Within thy heart this love enthrone And give to her the only place. 38 THINE IS THE BLESSING 39 For, were the goods of all the earth Thine own, and were th}^ true love lost, How poor wert thou with all thy gold, How small thy realm at such a cost! Full many a life has longed for love, That half a world has held of treasure: Oh, know, thrice honored, happy heart. Thine is the blessing without measure! DISTURB IT NOT Transi^ated from thk German OF E)manuei< GEIBEIv WhKRE) yet a heart glows bright with love» Extinguish not its hopeful beam; It were not well that sacred fire Should lose the glory of its gleam. If e'er within earth's circling orb There is a place like Heaven above, It is where trusting human hearts First feel the holy joys of love. Envy them not this dream of spring, Before the blossoms feel the frost; You do not know what Paradise With this fair dream of love is lost. For oft the strong man's heart has quailed When one has snatched away his fair; And oft the gentle soul has failed When hope has yielded to despair. DISTURB IT NOT 41 And some cry loudly in their need, Whose hearts, for love's sweet sake, have bled; They leaned upon a broken reed: Alas! the God in them is dead. Remorseful tears but fall in vain; In vain you weep and make ado. The withered rose blooms not again; The dead of heart wake not anew. ON THE WATKR TrANSIvATED li^ROM THEJ GERMAN OF Emanuei. GEIBKI/ Now will the mount and valle}^ bloom anew: The winds are rustling all the treetops through, The day's loud tones grow faint in evening red: I would be joyful, but my heart is dead. My friends row fast and strong before the night, Their furrows sparkle in the starry light; The zither sweetly sounds where boats are led: I would be joyful, but my heart is dead. The moon comes up: with added mirth and zest The joyful songs outpour from every breast. Along the shore the castle-lights grow red: I would be joyful, but my heart is dead. 42 ON THE WATER 43 And should my love arise from out her grave, And give me all the vows which once she gave, And say again the loving words she said: In vain! for past is past and dead is dead. MORNING WANDERING Transi^ day anew discloses Summer's gifts beyond compare. Pink azalea's reign is fleeting. Brightening all the woodlands green. Soon the modest wild flowers, greeting. Welcome laurel as their queen. By the road-side blooms the daisy, Buttercups reveal their gold. In the evening, gray and hazy, Primrose petals bright unfold. Now the bees are humming over Farmers' fields of purest white, Finding honey in the clover, Burnished with the pollen bright. I06 THE SONG OF THE KNOLL Sweet forget-me-nots are lifting Wondrous gems of heavenly blue, Summer clouds above are drifting, Golden sunbeams shining through. In these days of love and duty, lyife is rounding to its noon, Full of strength and full of beauty. In the perfect light of June. THE SONG OF THE KNOLIv HkrK the sunlight shimmers. Here the moonlight glimmers Through the branches green. Harsher sounds are stilling, Nature's voice is thrilling Through the woodland sheen. THE SONG OF THE KNOLL 107 Here the way of beauty Is the path of duty Dear to nature's heart. Roses give their sweetness, Summer brings completeness, Crowns the work of art. lyisten to the whirring, I^isten to the stirring In the branches fair. 'Tis the fairies' dwelHng, And their songs are swelHng, Sweet beyond compare. Flocks of clouds are sailing — Fleecy masses paling Where the sun shines through. Far above is given Glimpse of dome of heaven With its wondrous blue. HAI.F-WAY As half-way up the hill I stand The flowers are fading in my hand. Behind, are da3^s of childhood sweet, The hours of youth, with flying feet. Before, are days of manhood's prime. The toiling and the harvest time, The summit lying in the sun. The Master' s words of cheer — ' ' Well-done ! Above, the light of heaven is bright, The sun dispels the mists of night, Around, the summer hills are green, And peaceful are the graves between. A smile for friends and comrades tried! A tear for dear ones who have died! A prayer of trust to God most high! We journey upward to the sky! io8 THE TRIO In the April month beginning All the buds were opening white. Earth her fairy robe was winning, April days were full of light. May, the queen, her throne preparing. Fair with blossom, sweet with song, All her wealth of beauty wearing, Led her merry hours along. June comes next upon us beaming. Fair and sweet with sunny skies. Every day with brightness teeming, Every day a new surprise. 109 GREETING SONG W. S. N. S., June, 1883 WhkrK we gathered in our youth Stores of wisdom and of truth, Listen! . Listen! Hear the call! ' Come, my children, welcome all." [chorus] ' Answer, children, answer me With the songs of Jubilee. ' ' Glad we come to haunts of old, Live again the age of gold, When we gained instruction, sweet Alma Mater, at thy feet. [chorus] We have come to answer thee With the songs of Jubilee. GREETING SONG m We are one, in heart and aim; We have kept thy vestal flame. Over mountain, field and stream, All thy watchfires brightly gleam. [chorus] Strike the chorus; swell the song, ''We are met, though parted long." Meeting! greeting! after years, Smiles of welcome answer tears. For the missing, memory sweet Makes the broken links complete. [chorus] Strike the chorus; swell the song. We shall meet, though parted long. Some there are whose sheaves are white, Garnered in celestial light, Sing for them triumphant strain. They have reaped the golden grain. [chorus] We shall meet beyond the sea. Sing the songs of Jubilee. 112 GREETING SONG Meeting! greeting! mother true, Karly vows we here renew. Thou hast blessed us, and we pray Choicest gifts for thee to-day. [chorus] Choicest gifts we wish for thee In thy year of Jubilee. Drawn to thee by loving ties, May thy thousand children rise, Bless thee by their deeds, that shine With the light that is divine! [chorus] Strike the chords at thy decree, Swell the songs of Jubilee. THE WHITE VEII. Translated from the German of MoRiTz Hartmann TherK lies condemned, bound fast in prison, A Magyar Count of high degree. He was a slave, with slaves uprisen, To make himself and his country free; He has met his fate and her stern decree. This Magyar Count of twenty years Is near — O, woful cause for tears! — Not death alone, but shameful dying. Where birds of prey in wait are flying. What! Sleeps he peaceful on his straw, A careless child in clutch of law! The youth has wept on his mother's breast: O, mother, see, thy child returns. How soon his hope to ashes bums! How soon his name of high behest Is wrapped in death's disgraceful night. I bravely fought in many a fight; "3 114 '^^^^ WHITE VEIL I laid my life on my country's altar; But to-morrow, O, mother! to-morrow I falter." But the mother said, " Tremble not, my son., I will kneel me down at the Kaiser's throne. Though his heart were turned to stone, indeed, He must relent at a mother's need. At last, when the gloomy train goes by, I will stand on my highest balcony; If then I wear black weeds of woe, My only child to his death must go. Yet, go, my child, with unfaltering pace, For thou dost belong to the Magyar race. My son, if I wear my snow-white veil. Thy pardon is granted. Banish thy sad- ness, Receive the Emperor's grace with glad- ness. The powers of death shall not prevail." THE WHITE VEIL II5 Because of this hope the Count can keep This night, that is called his last, in sleep. In his dreams comes his mother's smiling face, Enwrapped for him in the snowy lace. The hour has struck; and on the street The wheels of death are slowly rolling; The bells above are sadly tolling. He walks in the midst of the tramping feet, The flowers and the tears for him are fall- ing. And maidens' voices of woe are calling, But he heeds them not. He looks on high Where his mother stands on her balcony. O, joy ! For she wears her snow-white veil. Now firm is his bearing, nor falters his tread. He will not tremble. His strength will not fail. Unflinching he comes to the funeral pile, Unflinching meets death with a trusting smile. Il6 THE ROSEBUD OF THE HEATHER And the snow-white veil? O, deceit for the dead! The mother's heart, breaking, feigned hope for her boy. That he go to his doom with courage and joy, And his name with the praise of a hero be said. THE ROSEBUD OK THE HEATHER TRANSI.ATED FROM THE GE^RMAN OF GOFTHB Once there bloomed a rosebud sweet, Rosebud of the heather. Came a boy with flying feet. Must the lovely rosebud greet In the sunny weather. Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red — Rosebud of the heather! THE ROSEBUD OF THE HEATHER II7 Said the boy— " I'll gather thee, Rosebud, of the heather. ' ' Said the rosebud — '' I am free— I have thorns to punish thee In the fickle weather. ' ' Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red — Rosebud of the heather! Foolish boy to break apart Rosebud from the heather! Now he suffers endless smart. Naught can heal his aching heart, All is cloudy weather. Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red — Rosebud of the heather! JULY TO MY FRIEND Not when the merry feast is spread, And youthful hearts with hope beat high! A happier face, a brighter eye Be with thee when glad moments fly! When laughing words are gaily said- Come not to me — my friend. Not when the pulse of morn beats fast, And youth's bewildering dreams are thine! Choose then some soul less sad than mine, To taste with thee life's royal wine — And while thy joys unbroken last Come not to me — my friend. Come when the happy feasters go, And leave vain echoes in the hall. Come when no other voices call — Come when the evening shadows fall. And all the Hghts of life bum low. Come then to me — my friend. 122 THE SERENADE Come when the dreams of youth are broken When thou hast failed to meet thy mark, And all thy life is in the dark, My heart of love shall be thine ark — Thy grief the call, although unspoken, To come to me — my friend. THE SERENADE From thk German of Uhi^and * ' What blessed music toning sweet, From slumber wakens me? O, mother, see, in this late hour Who may the singers be! " "I nothing hear; I nothing see; O, slumber on so mild; For no one sings this night for thee, My poor, sick little child. ' ' ' * It is not earthly melody That moves me with its might, The angel-choirs are calling me. O, Mother dear, good-night! " THE WATER-I.II.IES "Consider the IvIwes" Tun lilies are pure ; their white, Untainted by spot, Unsullied by blot, Most clearly reflects the heavenly light. There's nothing more pure than their petals of snow, Whose silvery gleams on the waters glow. The lilies are sweet; their speech. Perfuming the air With incense rare, Embraces the earth and the sky in its reach. There's nothing more sweet than the fra- grance they give, Which makes the world purer wherever they live. 123 124 THE WATER-LILIES The lilies have trust; to the sky- Opens each flower In the morning hour, Then closes in rest when the sun rises high. When comes on the lake the wind and the rain, It humbly awaits the sunbeams again. The lilies have peace; though the wave In anger is high, And black is the sky, And their home grows as dark and as sad as the grave; They peacefully float on the lake's throbbing breast, Their anchorage sure, and their heritage, rest. The lilies have beauty; and well Such whiteness is given As emblem of heaven. Their fragrance is speech of goodness to tell; THE WATER-LILIES 125 Their beauty is type of heavenly things, And their white is as fair as an angel's wings. The lilies are teachers to show What living is meet, What dying is sweet; For bowing their heads the waters below. They peacefully fold each petal in place. As they lived in their beauty, they die in their grace. The lilies are risen — behold! In hearts grown lighter, In lives made whiter. Their petals unstained, and their stamens of gold. The lilies! the lilies! In deeds may they rise, And waft their sweet incense of prayer to the skies. SOWING "In the Morning Sow thy Seed, and in THE Evening Withhoi^d not Thine Hand " Farmkr, sow thy seed with lavish hand, Though the harvest not by thee is planned; Nor knowest thou which falls in vain, And which will render like again; Or what, with blessings yet untold, Will yield for thee a hundred-fold. Teacher, often tried, and sore withstood, Faint not; scatter still the seeds of good. Though some may fail, yet others sweet, Will yield the harvest that is meet. And some, with powers of grace untold, Will bloom forever — manifold. 126 THE HUMMING-BIRD Flowers of the blood-red hue Bright on the window-sill, Fresh with the morning dew, Balmy, spicy and still! Tokens of fairy things, Glimpses of gold and green! Flutter and whirr of wings. Prettiest ever seen! Held in a delicate poise, Sipping the sweet of a flower, Fleet at the thought of noise. Gone to his fairy bower! See! He returns to the sweet, Hovers in perfect delight; Folded his delicate feet, Only his wings in sight! 127 128 GAIN WITH LOSS Less for the earth than for heaven, Tenant of boundless space, Bodily dream that is given, Flitting from heavenly place! My flowers have a royal guest To greet their banners of red. They gave to the world of their best, And receive this presence instead. And thus, saith a helpful creed. Shall souls who give of their best, Receive royal gifts as their meed. And harbor a heavenly guest. GAIN WITH I,OSS For every door That opes before The fates, unkind, Close one behind. THE EVENING CALLS TO REST From the German of Friedrich Gui.1. The evening bells are calling The weary day to rest. The evening shades are falling. The birds are in their nest. The flowers of fairest seeming Have closed their weary eyes; In silence they are dreaming Beneath the starry skies. The ships wait for the morrow, In haven by the shore. Rest thou from care and sorrow, And grieve thy heart no more. But trust thy father's keeping. Who holds the stars in sight, His care will guard thy sleeping, And give thee peace at night. 129 AUGUST THE HEART'S TREASURES SOMK treasures we but hold in pride, Calling the world to come and gaze— Our ornaments we wear for praise, Because they shine in sunny days, And with us in our joy abide. The years go on. Our jewels, fine, Have something lost of beauty, bright; A shadow falls upon their light, Forerunner of the coming night, When none will see how fair they shine. The years go on. Our white pearl, given For purity; and ruby, red, For love; and diamonds' truth; shall shed Their richness when the nights are fled. And be our treasures still in heaven. 133 ONE STEP Oh, rest not now, thou toiler bold, Thou who hast climbed all day with pain, To pause to-night makes labor vain. One step, the summit to attain! Thou toiler bold, Pause not for ease or gold. Oh, rest not now, thou student deep. Thou who hast studied through the night, The sought- for goal is just in sight. Oh, do not miss fair learning's height. Thou student deep, Pause not for idle sleep. Oh, rest not now, thou valiant knight. Thou who hast fought an unseen foe. Soon shalt thou lay the traitor low. Then seize thine arms and string thy bow. Thou valiant knight. Pause not, but win the fight. 134 ONE STEP 135 Oh, rest not now, thou pilgrim gray— Although thy sun of youth is set, Still falter not, nor weary yet. One step will lead beyond regret. Thou pilgrim gray, Pause not, but keep thy way. Oh, toiler, student, knight and pilgrim gray- One step — the summit is thine own — One step — and wisdom's grace is shone; One step — thy foes are overthrown; One step — then rest before the throne. Oh, pilgrim gray. For such achievement, pray! SISTER EMMA'S BIRTHDAY August 4, SwKKT sister mine, In life divine, We greet thee over there, Our love becomes a prayer. Remember on thy natal day The earth-life that has passed away. Give lis a thought from out that sphere. Our hearts reach up to love thee, dear. 136 IN THE MORNING SiivKNT as in darkest night, Yet with prophecies of light, All the stars in quiet deep, IvOok upon the world of sleep. Holy calm and silence well Hold the earth within their spell, Peaceful watching overhead Till the day shall dawn instead — Busy day That shall drive the dreams away, Or shall weave them by his might Into light. There is silence in the heart, Where the world can have no part- Morning quiet in the soul, Where the life is pure and whole. 137 138 IN THE EVENING Ere the busy hours begin Pray they may be free from sin, And that guardian angels may Aid thee in the work of day — Angels may Aid thee in the work of day, And thy dreams in deeds as sweet Be complete. IN THE EVENING S11.KNT hours come down apace, And the weary leave the race. All the stars in quiet deep Welcome to the world of sleep. Heavier the fragrance shed — Darker wings of night are spread. There is weeping overhead, There is weeping for the dead. Setting sun Shows the work of day is done. And the seal of silence set Resteth yet. THE SEA 139 Silent tears have left their trace On the quiet, aged face, But the pleading of the eyes Well may stand for prophecies. From this side the verge of night, Looking out with spirit-sight. Where beyond our earthly skies Those celestial visions rise, Seen afar By the wise who watch the star. Promising eternal light After night. THE SEA Whkn wilt thou rest, O sea! Thou of the restless heart, Grand in thy majesty. Wailing thy lost, apart! Thy sorrows will not cease, There is no rest for thee, No one to speak thee peace, As Christ to Galilee. I40 THE SEA Ah! thou hast heard when time Shall be henceforth no more, In the celestial clime No ocean-surge will roar. Thou, who art now so fair, With crested wave in sun, Thou, with the heart of care, Forever more undone! Mighty, and grand and strong, Majestic, wild and free, Can an eternal song Be perfect without thee! THE INFINITE High up the craggy mountain steep, Where pines are towering on high, Where mighty earth-born tempests sweep, Where close the restful cloud-realms lie; We look around with trembling gaze, We cannot bear the dizzy sight. We hide our eyes in our amaze. And shut us wearied from the light. Hushed on the shore of mighty sea. Where wave on wave rolls out afar. Where silence reigns, and mystery. Where night and stars and spirits are; We look beyond with fearsome awe. We cannot understand the sign, We wonder at the power of law. We question of the love divine. 141 [42 THE INFINITE The human soul ascends the skies, And dares to try the realms untrod, And through the Universe descries The impress and the thought of God. Amazed, abashed, she turns aside; How can she bear the wondrous sight! Too far she ventured in her pride, Where angels walk the fields of light. The human soul from earthly shore, Descrying far the boundless sea, Repeats her watchword o'er and o'er, Infinity ! Infinity ! She looks till time shall be no more, Till countless worlds shall cease to be; Her Father's hand unlocks the door. Eternity! Eternity! STRANDED Thk ships with silver sails go by, They seek the far-off golden isle, Their spars gleam bright against the sky, But one is stranded here the while. She is not wrecked or marred or torn, But strong and beautiful and fair, Yet by the shore she waits forlorn. Nor hopes the ocean-life to share. The breezes kiss her brow in vain. The waves woo gently at her feet. There is no answering pulse again. No longing for a life more sweet. Too late ! There is a death in life As sad as wrecks in seas gone down. Thus souls are stranded from the strife Who bear no cross and win no crown. 143 THE I.AST WISH TRANSI.ATED FROM TH^ GERMAN OF E. A. GIESEI.ER Onck, in shade of home-roof olden, With my gray-haired friend was I — Through the treetops saw the golden Evening glowing in the sky. " All that we in life are trying," Hear the old man, musing, say — * ' Evening sees it lightly dying As the lovely summer-day. '' See! our wishes dead are lying; Youthful strength has passed away. For one gift alone I'm sighing. Ere is gone my summer- day — ' ' Once to yonder mountain fleeing, (Where in boyhood oft I lay, In the distance faintly seeing I^ong and lovely summer-day — THE LAST WISH 145 *' Thence to note on meadow streaming, Where the brooklet glides away, On the village yonder gleaming Wondrous light of summer day. " Once again might I but listen To the thrushes' distant lay, See upon the home-woods glisten Long and lovely summer-day! ** Once again might I but hearken, lyearning what the shadows say. Till at length the land shall darken After one long summer-day! " And at last when I am thinking Evening shades have come to stay — Deepest peace may I be drinking After my long summer-day! " SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER CouNTi^KSS sunny golden-rods, Milkweed with its silken pods, All the asters purple-eyed, Royal in their regal pride, Gentian blue with trustful eye, I^ooking up to meet the sky, Here a touch of gold and red, Where the squirrel makes its bed. There the snow-white thistle bloom, And an air of sweet perfume. Purple grape and fruitage rare, Apple, peach and plum and pear. All unite of summer's best, Making early autumn blest. 149 MY LOST IDEAL I WORSHIPED an idol, bending low, For goodness and beauty I loved him so, I thought the gift of the hand divine Was his fair life beloved of mine. Death has not touched my hero blest, I hold him still my heart's fond guest; No other of all is like to him, Yet how is the finest gold grown dim! For earth has claimed him, and her trace Has dimmed the brightness of his face. The spirit-life no more I know, I weep for my idol, bending low. A little cloud, but it hides the sun! A token of night ere day is done! A touch of earth on the beauty rare Has marred God's perfect image there. 150 THE LARGER GIFT Merry child, so rich in treasure, Rosebuds red and lilies sweet, Blessings given without measure Make your life with joy complete. But a richer gift is offered, lyarger life the future brings. For the higher treasure proffered Put away your childish things. Busy man, though much is given, When you hear the higher call, Losing earth, make choice of heaven, Which shall recompense for all. 151 ACROSS THE YEARS A HAND of love at length appears, A hand reached out across the years, To bring me youthful treasure green, Unmindful of the graves between. Alas! It cannot be. The past Its wrecks around our feet has cast. Of those whose paths together led. Ere youthful hopes and dreams were dead, Some wander far in lands unknown, Where they have learned to live alone. Some lie at rest, with cold hands pressed Above the quiet of their breast. Is life the same ? Can we forget ? Will youth's sun rise when it has set? lyife's lesson then can we unlearn, And to the eastern glory turn? Will buried love arise at length. Again rejoicing in his strength? 152 LOVE DITTY 153 Ah! no, my friend. Yet thee I greet With pleasant memories and sweet. We clasp our hands in peace at last Across the gulf of sorrows past, And looking upward through our tears We gain a glimpse of heavenly years. LOYB DITTY For you I wish: for you I wish Sweetest words of any tongue. Sweetest words or said or sung — Ich liebe dich. Ich Hebe dich. For sweeter ne'er: for sweeter ne'er Ever fall on willing ear, You their melody will hear — Je t'aime, ma chere. Je t'aime, ma chere. For you I know: for you I know. Who will soon my lines repeat, Who will speak the words so sweet — Sed te amo. Sed te amo. EARTHWARD AND HEAVENWARD Looking down, you see the olden Highway decked with grasses green, Gleaming buttercups of golden, Shine of sun and shade between. Narrow landscape! yet it teaches More than you may comprehend, And its lowliest grass blade reaches Unto marvels without end. Looking up, you see the arbor Of the branches, million-leaved, Where, the happy birds to harbor. Thick the reddened vines are wreathed. Higher still the stars are gleaming. Far within the sky's deep blue. All your soul is filled with dreaming. All the worlds have talked with you. Looking down, you see your labor, Care of love and recompense. Duties owed to friend and neighbor, All the active present tense ; 154 IN TENEBRIS 155 Seems it narrow, yet so glows it, With the light supernal given, And eternity so shows it, It will beautify your heaven. lyooking up, you see the glory Of the life with Christ divine, Read the meaning of the story Where the sacred beacons shine. Higher still beyond your reading, In the realms you cannot see. Thither life for you is leading. And it means — eternity. IN TENEBRIS Shadow of a lowl}^ grave, Lying sad and lying deep, Where the purest lilies wave. Where the human lilies sleep! Solemn shadow, Lying still and lying deep. Where we laid our loved to sleep NIRVANA TransIvATed from the German of B. A. GlESEIvER WhkrK far the light, blue billow of Narandschana flows, Where deep within the woodland the magic flower grows, There sits within the shadow upon a moss-grown stone Siddartha, son of Maya, in earnest thought alone. Far from the human nations, alone with nature's heart, He sought to read life's problem, so deeply hid by art; And as the wavelet murmuring around his footsteps broke. He upward looked, and lightly unto him- self he spoke. 156 NIRVANA 157 ' As yonder restless billows on billows leave no trace, And as one pathway cometh another to efface, So races follow races, and one by one do we Sink down within the trackless; the deep, eternal sea. "The stream rolls on forever. We in an instant die. We sink away in silence as fast the waves goby, lyike them we gleam in splendor within the sun's short light; In nothingness then sinking, we vanish from the sight. ' THE ''STILL, SMALL VOICE" Our joys make haste in glad array- To fill with smiles the happy day. On every side the voices call; We have not time to heed them all. What wonder that sometimes we miss The tones that speak of better bliss! O, wondrous voice, so low and sweet, Thy words of love and peace repeat! The years grow sad. The voices wail. A sob is heard in every gale. Now all the happy past is gray; The world to ashes turned to-day. Along the line of hopeless years The voices sadly blend with tears. In wayward grief we scarcely know The tones that call us from our woe. 15S A GLIMPSE 159 There comes a silence in our heart, Where worldly cares no more have part. Ah! dim and dead, and far away Are all that made earth's little day. Alone! Alone! where none may reach. Is vaster thought than findeth speech, Where weary feet the heights have trod, And waiting souls have talked with God. A GLIMPSE Wb have seen the " Promised Land,' Beautiful and fair and grand. In our dreaming had a vision Of eternal fields — elysian. But the mystery is unread. Till by Sleep's sad brother led. All our dreamland yields instead To the kingdom of the dead. BE TRUE TO THE DREAMS OF THY YOUTH Skiks are black, in place of blue, And the world has lost its truth, Yet, O man! be true, be true To the visions of thy youth. 'Twixt the light behind, before, Walking in the midst of strife; Though the glory comes no more, Patient, live a noble life. All the work that comes to yon, Do in earnestness and truth. All thy life, O man! be true To the dreamings of thy youth. i6o **I WILL GIVE YOU REST" SwBKTKR words were never spoken — From the Master — precious token — Balm for hearts by sorrow broken — Gift of rest! Earthly joys, alas! are fleeting, Parting follows every greeting. Weary hearts with restless beating Long for rest. Seeker, tired of worldly pleasure — Here is peace beyond earth's measure; Here is found the heavenly treasure; Here is rest. i6i OCTOBER OCTOBKR Th^ queen of autumn comes apace, A lovely queen, and full of grace. The leaves grow bright beneath her tread. A golden glory gilds her head. But summer's blossoms, bright and sweet. Are fading now beneath her feet. The willow-leaves adown the rills; The yellow maples on the hills; The tawny oaks of darker hue, With rays of sunlight gleaming through; Five-finger vines of brightest red, Where richest glow of sun is shed; The green of pines, where Nature's song Makes music when the night is long; The red-hued berries, bitter-sweet, Of human hearts the emblem meet; Among the leaves the chestnuts brown, Now slowly, softly dropping down; All these in mellow, dreamy haze Give welcome to October days. 165 THE YEAR IS OIvD The) year is old: the springtime hours Have vanished with the Mayday flowers, When fleecy clouds were overhead, And underneath bright petals spread. The year is old: the summer grain Is garnered from the autumn rain; And all the perfect autumn store Of fruitage now is seen no more. The year is old: the glorious crown Of maple leaves is floating down; And all the dreamy autumn haze Has vanished with October days. The year is old: its work is done; It rests beneath a setting sun. The winds will wail its requiem sweet; The snows will weave its winding sheet. i66 MY MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY Sunday, October 4, October, queen of autumn, breathes The fragrance of her garnered sheaves, As o'er her favored hills she wreathes Her many-colored crown of leaves. Through woodland rifts the sunbeams shine, The gentian hfts its eyes of blue. The Indian pipe beneath the pine Shows silver-white with paUid hue. The * ' ladies' tresses ' ' in the grass, And in the sun the golden-rod, Nod greetings to us as we pass. The star-flowers beckon from the sod. 167 1 68 Air MO THER'S BIR THDA Y The purple asters hold their sway- In royal colors richly dressed. The world is very fair to-day, Adorned as at a king's behest. Soon must the beauteous flowers lie low; The heart beat faint within their breast Soon will the winding-sheet of snow Enfold them in their wintry rest. When rest is o'er, the birds will sing, The chain of ice will melt away; Then will there dawn another spring; The flowers will bloom another da}^ So run the seasons round and round, The work, the rest, the beauty given — And through their changes men have found A symbol sweet of things of heaven. If one who breathes celestial air Should count the earthly seasons still, And, looking down, behold how fair Our earth remains in spite of ill, MY MO THER'S BIR THDA Y 1 69 Perhaps this world might claim her yet, This one bright day of leaves and flowers, Her birthday here — in memory set Amidst the jewels of earth's hours. Oh, come to-day from heights of heaven To see the woods and hills again! This holy day of all the seven The angels best may walk with men. Our hearts would gladly greet thee now; To-day exchange thy world for this. Come with heaven's light upon thy brow, And earth shall sadden not thy bliss. Come, see thy home beloved of yore; Smile by the graves v/here thou hast wept. Karth's bitter tears are thine no more; Thou and thy mourned alike have slept; Alike have waked in other spheres Beyond our power of thought or sight, Where, looking back o' er " vanished years, ' ' They see the ways of God are right. lyo MV MOTHER'S BIRTHDA Y We cannot bring our gifts to-day — Our symbols of remembrance sweet, Yet for thee still we dare to pray That God will make th}^ joy complete: That when our saflds of life are run, And earth has faded from our sight, We too may meet beyond the sun Where God's own presence giveth light. GAINED Treasure gladly gained Fading soon away, By a touch profaned, Pleasure of a day, Ruined in our grasp Like a broken toy; Dead within our clasp. Frail and fleeting joy! MISSED Treasure never given, Only promised good, Perfected in heaven, Here misunderstood, Gleaming in the night, When the day is o'er, With a starry light, Fadeless evermore! 171 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER Thb rustling leaves beneath our tread; A royal carpet richly spread; Bare twigs that rest against the sky; Brown hills afar where shadows lie; A slanting sun across the field, Where late was gleaned the harvest yield; A sky of mingled blue and gray, That melts in peaceful white away; A line of light above the hill; A frost on meadow gleaming chill; Slow falling of the Autumn rain; And fairy tracings on the pane; By all these tokens is it shown November comes to claim her own. 175 THE AUTUMN HEART TransIvATEd from the German of EmanueIv Geibei* WouivD it were only cheeks that fade When Autumn- time anears! Alas! the blight is deeper made; The heart grows old with years. Alas! when noisy youth is still, When sight grows sad and cold, The heart forgets the eager will, Forgets the love of old. Although the gems of wit may flow From lips grown wise and bold, It is as when the grasses grow Above the graveyard mold. 176 THE A UTUMN HEAR T 177 The nights are come, of darkened years The idle glimmers die. Our heart is seeking now for tears. The fount of tears is dry. We are so poor; so wearied now, We scarce know why. We only seem To feel the withered heart and brow. Our joy was but a dream. HOW FAIR IS THK RHINE TRANSI.ATED FROM THK GERMAN OF C H. SCHNAUFFER Though praises the Tyrol His Tyrol so well, To me is left only The Rhineland to tell. O, splendid and noble The mountain -peaks shine; But friendly and loving And fair is the Rhine. The torrent there washes The earth from the flowers: Here waters the vineyards And blesses the bowers. Where gushes so' sparkling A river as mine ? How friendly and loving And fair is the Rhine! Though yonder with cattle The mountain-maids roam; 178 HOW FAIR IS THE RHINE 179 Yet here are the maidens Of love and of home. Here sweetly love whispers " I always am thine! " How friendly and loving And fair is the Rhine! The herdsman is singing Afar on the hill. Here freedom is ringing, Inspiring us still. The people are learning At liberty's shrine. How friendly and loving And fair is the Rhine! For me, I love only The Rhineland so well; I leave to the Tyrol Its praises to tell. For splendid and noble Its mountain-peaks shine, But friendly and loving And fair is the Rhine. THE WAY OF THORN Whkr:^ flowers are blooming sweet About the pilgrim's feet, And sunshine fills the road To the divine abode, Is that thy path, my friend? The way I choose for thee In prayer on bended knee? I dare not choose, my friend. Where shadows darkly fall And sorrow's voices call, Where darkness fills the way That leads to perfect day, Is that thy path, my friend? It is the way of thorn That leadeth to the morn. I dare not choose, my friend. Afar in sunset's rift The heavenly hills uplift, The gates of God unfold Upon the streets of gold. I So THE WAY OF THORN l8i They stand in white array Who came by thorny way, Led forth by Christ, their King, Through holy suffering. I dare not choose, my friend, I dare not choose, and yet — Could I but see the light Beyond these vales of night, Have but a glimpse before, When "Time shall be no more *' — The hardest lesson set Within the book of life; Of sorrow, toil and strife: Because I love thee best Might be my heart's request. It is the way of thorn That leadeth to the morn, lyose not that morn, my friend! When paths of grief we tread, And mourn beside our dead, God give us grace, my friend! SORROWS THINE) Think to mourn the early dead! Wilt tliou not be comforted ? Faded from the sky its light, When that face of waxen white, Having lost its rosy bloom, Rested in the silent tomb! MINK Mink to mourn who in his youth Left the way of right and truth — Happ3^ had he fallen asleep, Kre he missed the angels' keep! Friend, the lilies wreathe thy cross; Mine is an eternal loss ! 182 RIGHT AND LEFT On thy right the waters still Flowing from the heavenly hill! On thy right the pastures green, Where the tree of life is seen ! On thy right the narrow way Leading upward to the day! 'Tis the path where mountains rise Till their summits reach the skies. On thy left the poison glade, With its gloom}' , dreadful shade! On thy left the deadly air Blighting all the fruitage fair! On thy left the downward slope Leading from the hills of hope! 'Tis the path that openeth Broadly to the gates of death. Choose the right, and be thou blest. Choose the right, and iind thy rest. Tempted one, look up to heaven, Where the help of God is given. 183 i84 THE LOVE OF GOD Shun the flowers of poison breath; Shun the road that leads to death. Seek the better way divine Where celestial glories shine. THE I.OVB OF GOD Or joy, or grief, whate'er betide Within His heart our cares abide. He gives us peace. He gives us rest, And in His love our souls are blest. We bless Him, crown Him, love Him now: In deepest reverence lowly bow, And raise our hearts to Him above. Who holds the worlds within His love. His love will never change or wane; It is the joy of heaven's refrain; It moves all hearts the years along To join the everlasting song. THE LOVE OF GOD 185 The golden heights of heaven resound, And all the depths of space profound Forever bless the king of might, Encircled by eternal light. We offer now our lowly part — The incense of a grateful heart; It rises to His heart above, And we are kept in lasting love. AUTUMN I.ESSONS Thk mists arise and float away Beneath the morning's light. How fair, this glory of a day That fadeth in a night! Late blooming flowers of blue awake To meet the sun's slant rays; To whisper hope for human sake, And die with autumn days. The flowers must die. The good they taught In human hearts survives. The blue must fade. The trust it brought Will bloom in better lives. The leaves must fall. Their lessons sweet For winter months are given. The autumn's fairest days are fleet, Yet give a glimpse of heaven. i86 so QUICKLY FALLS THE NIGHT So fast the shadows fall! So quickly comes the night With clouds that shut out all The glad day's vanished light! And we with work undone, And idle hands at rest, Mourn vainly for the sun That vanished in the west. So quickly falls the night! We thought to fill our day With noble deeds and bright, Before it passed away. We thought we would be wise, On golden fruitage feed, Win favor in their eyes Who all the nations lead. 187 1 88 SO QUICKL Y FALLS THE NIGHT We thought to climb on high Above the dusty street, To live anear the sky . In peace and calm complete. We built our castles tall, In distant, sunny Spain — Fair castles doomed to fall And ne'er to rise again! So quickly Comes the night! We sit with folded hands And wait for other light To shine on other lands. We wait with goal unwon, The night comes down apace. So soon withdraws the sun The glory of his face! Come, Death, from out thy hiding-place And tell us — Have we lost the race? THE FIRST SNOW TRANSI.ATED FROM THE GERMAN OF MORITZ HARTMANN WhkrB the early snow is lying Trees were decked with emerald rare; Where the early dreams are dying, Hearts were filled with fancies fair. Snows must melt, the power revealing Of the sunshine, bright and strong. Ah! bright angel, come with healing For the wounds of woe and wrong. 189 THK EVII. GENII I WANDERKD in the gloomy woods alone; The ghosts of sin arose about my way. My soul was filled with dread; I could not pray. I, fearful, asked their names and dread intent. One gave reply: "We are the lost of heaven, The rulers of the depths of hell below. Our names were written once in lines of light, But darkened now with brand of sin and death. Our leaders ? We are known as Vice and Pride, And Envy, Malice, Hate — the friends of war — The hosts of hell. In numbers we outrun The yellow sands along the shining shores. 190 THE EVIL GENII 191 We hate our rulers, but we love to rule. We conquer man, and drive him down the deeps. What didst thou say! He will not go! But see The fighting crowds that fill the broad- ening path! Man hastens to his doom as to a feast. He is beguiled by pleasure's soft deceits, Or lure of gold, or fatal thirst for drink, Enticing fruitage of the tree forbidden. 'He questions not. He is a ready victim. Ah! We can weave bright garlands for our chosen. We teach our slaves to wear their chains like crowns. We take the guise of angels when we will. We play their harps; we wear their robes of white. Man does not miss the soul of joy within Until the outraged heavens are lead above, And prayers and tears alike are unavail- ing. 192 THE EVIL GENII * ' Man does not fear the heart of ashes, hid Within the fruit of gold. He does not heed The vipers crawhng slow beneath the vines. He breathes the poison-flowers, whose breath is blight. He thinks their fragrancy a charm against Their blasting. Grapes grow purpling in the sun, From which we press the juices bright and red. For every draught we mingle, man shall pay In drops of life-blood. He shall drink and die. ' We turn all blessings into curses — all Fair things to foul, and heaven itself to hell. A fell unrest still drives us through the earth. The man we bind shall never rest again. His smile is but a mask henceforth. His bloom THE EVIL GENII 193 Of innocence is gone. Our touch is blight. We hate mankind — the dupes — the would- be knaves, The fools with devil-hearts and idiot- heads! "We chain them down to sordid earth, and make Them love their fetters well. They cul- ture weeds, And fling their flowers upon the dusty street. They build them hovels for their souls, and burn The palaces that were their ancient birth- right. They tear God's image from their hearts of sin, And offer incense to the priests of hell. *'We sow the wrong; man waters it with tears, And reaps the harv-^est through eternal years. 194 ^-^^ ^K//. GENII He barters love for hate, and right for wrong, And crowns for chains and heaven itself for hell. His use of freedom sets the worlds aghast. The devils tremble and the angels weep. Ah! How we joy to see the angels weep! A3'e! let them weep through all the ages; for Their tears can never quench the fires of hell." • Man shall be warned," I cried, " you have confessed The woful wrong, and I will tell him all. ' ' The woods re-echoed with satanic mirth. 'Thou simple one! Of what avail thy words, Where the celestial powers have warned in vain! Man's very nature warns him, for his soul Was made too high to sin and not to suf- fer. THE EVIL GENII 195 "He goes unheeding, not unwarned, to death. He casts his gifts upon the stream of time, And lets them float for aye beyond his reach. His sin, for which he cannot hope forgive- ness, Is that he will not listen to the voices That call from mounts of blessing and of cursing. For even God has striven with man in vain. And prayed him to be saved. What can He more ? ' But look adown the tide of years for warn- ings Among the wrecks that strew the shores of time. See hopes that burn to ashes; bitter hearts; The dead by drink; the nations slain by sin; Remorse that stalks amidst eternal ruins, ig6 THE EVIL GENII "But few the ships that sink on hidden shoals! The buoys are thickly set where souls went down. The saintly ones beseech and beg and pray The sin-sick but to lift their eyes for heal- ing. God's mercy pleads; but dying eyes are dim. The darkness falls. The sinning souls are ours. *' Has man found sin so sweet? In sooth, I know not. When we were fallen from heaven we held ourselves The veriest fools of all the universe. But then there were no men on earth — poor men — Clay-made, to harden in the fires of hell." At this the dreadful voice of doom was drowned In shrieks of hideous laughter through the woods. THE EVIL GENII 197 The thunder pealed above. The floods outpoured. The night was full of terrors. Fiery gleams Athwart the sky showed slippery paths of pride, Down which the shining angels fell from heaven. When next I saw again the homes of men Alight with joy and love, I marvelled much; If God could not redeem His souls from doom. He did not strike the world that once was His, And make a darkness 'midst the lamps of heaven. THK GOOD GENII Thk sun was sending light adown the slope. The trees were shining with their pearls of dew. The air was filled with breath of flowers and song. I watched the sunbeams gliding through the shades, Until my eyes were opened, and I saw The angel-forms that filled the place with light. Their regal -beauty was not born of earth. The joy of heaven and her glorious days Have made them fair above all earthly things. My soul was moved to love this heavenly beauty, To see that highest good of which this glory 198 THE GOOD GENII 199 Was but the seal and sign. I hid my face In my amaze, and sank abashed to earth. I felt a touch that was a benediction. I heard a voice revealing hoi}' things. "We bear the light of heaven. It is so near We have but crossed its shining threshold o'er — ■ The messengers of God, to lead this earth, That fell astra}^ — back to the paths of day Where God's fair angels walk in white array. **Our leaders — Love and Life — guide well our steps. We are their chosen band. Men call us Peace And Charity, Philanthropy and Good And Meekness, that shall win the earth at last For God. We are in numbers more than drops That fill the hoary seas with shining pearls. 200 THE GOOD GENII ' ' Man has been tempted from his first estate. We come with loving hearts and helping hands To lift him from the ways of sin and death. We bring the branch of healing and the palm Of victory. For sin and death shall die. 'Tis only attributes of God can live Throughout the ages, shining like His suns. "We pity man who sins and suffers much. Already much is lost. But we are come To lift him up, to save him from his sin, That he may see his loved and lost again. May yet redeem his treasure from its grave. May trample evil down, and choose the right. May live a loyal life for good and God. ' ' We come to tell how God, the father, loves; To plead with man; to tear his idols down; To lead him by all beauty and delight; THE GOOD GENII 2oi To lead him by all grief that purifies His heart and opens wide its doors toward heaven. "We win our way but slowly on the earth, Yet we are sure that right shall reign at last. Our harps at last shall strike the chorus glad, And all creation's hosts shall join the song. There comes at last the golden age of good, Revolving with its thousand years of peace. "We cannot fail. Mankind is ours, and we Are Christ's and Christ is God's. The world is His. He made it. He redeemed it from its sin. And He will keep it through the countless years. "The light is more than darkness. Love is more 202 THE GOOD GENII Than hate. The hosts of heaven are stronger than The ranks of hell. The good is more than ill. The right has innate strength to conquer wrong. Our God is greater than the puny arms That try to raise against Him, strength He gave. ' ' Shall God be conquered ? Shall He lose His own ? Thrice His already! By creative might That framed them — By redeeming love that saved, And by the holy power that moves their hearts, Which never rest except they rest in Him! "We sing of 'Peace on earth, good will to men.' All war shall cease. The ranks of wrong shall die. THE GOOD GENII 203 The world is God's. He comes to claim His own. Ah! Happy world, attuned again to song! Again the morning-stars shall sing to- gether. Again the lights of heaven shall shine undimmed; When earth, redeemed from sin, and called of God, Shall take her place among the shining spheres. ' O, world of woe, so fair, though fallen low. What wilt thou be when God hath cleansed thy sin ? Baptized thee with the Holy Ghost and fire? Thou shalt be worthy of thy place in heaven, When on thy forehead thy new name is written. Thy holy name, known but to thee and God. 204 THE GOOD GENII For thou art heir of kingdoms through His grace. ' ' When wilt thou take thy grand inheri- tance ? When wilt thou take the proffered love of Him Who loved thee first and best, and always, whom The angel-hosts adore — thy Father — God? Then will the universe rejoice — and He Who called thee from the void, will look again Upon His work and see that it is * good,' His image formed complete in every soul! All gathered blessed by the tree of life That blooms within the paradise of God! ' ' A thousand happy echoes caught the words. White wings were moving fair along the sky. Then heaven was opened and the angels passed Beyond my sight within the gates of gold. MY CASTLE 205 When next I saw again the homes of men, Ahght with joy and love, I raised to God A prayer of praise for all the gifts He gives; And most of all for hope of holiness. Immortal life and blessedness, and love That leaves no darkness 'midst the lamps of heaven. MY CASTLE I BUILT my castle tall and strong. I built to last the ages long. I said— " Such love as this of mine Is perfect as the love divine." My tower has crumbled in a day; Its broken pillars strew the way. I built on ashes, sand and dust; I built for earth. Its bloom is rust. DECEMBER TO MY BROTHER December 4 — My brother, in the heavenly spheres, Where time is counted not by 3^ears; Behold our world that turning round Thy day of birth again hath found. We count the time from sun to sun. As seasons in their cycles run. With thee it is eternal light. Thy day can never yield to night. My brother, thou wilt not forget This orb with da3'S and seasons set. Our light leads on through countless space. Thine is the loving Father's face. 2IO NEAR AND FAR We count the years that make tis old, While heavenly joys to thee unfold. Eternal youth to thee is given; Eternal love is thine in heaven. . We also, brother, have a share Of blessing and of answered prayer, In love that knows nor space nor age; In heaven — our common heritage. NEAR AND FAR Dear heart, what is there but love While the seas moan out in the night ? And the stars encircling above Send arrowy gleams of light? Sit closer, my dear one, my own ' Neath shadows of night and of cloud. Nor tremble, though billows may moan. And the waves rage fiercely and loud. NEAR AND FAR 21 1 My dear one, my heart is glad. I hold you so close to my breast — But you — you are sighing and sad. I offer you love's own rest. His name! Why, my precious, I thought — Did he follow you over the seas ? Love's jewels can never be bought, Nor slighted love's lightest decrees. Time and space are between you, I know. They are naught. I must understand. You are his, w^herever he go. It is I who am lone in the land. Yet, darling, his jewel, his star— I've suffered so much — do you hear? The arms that enfold you are far. The heart that you long for is near. Did you think I would keep you from him ? I love you too well. Though I die, I will not 5^our happiness dim. I love you and leave you — good-bye. **YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT UNTO YOU DESOI.ATE" Yka, desolate! The rooms are still Whence merry tones are fled Where phantoms all the chambers fill, And wander at their own sweet will, Were borne away my dead. I watch and wait, with tables spread, And all the doors I ope. I listen for a coming tread. It cannot bring me back my dead. It bears away my hope. My heart is as my house — alone; Its mirth and hope have fled. It hears no answer from its own; Its singing-birds of youth have flown; Its loves are with the dead. VISUM RE TRORSUM 2 1 3 The welcome waits — the love- feast spread, Poor foolish heart — in vain! In vain your tears of grief are shed. There is no waking for your dead. The soul of love is slain. VISUM RKTRORSUM Bring back those dreams of mine, All rosy-tinted in the light. Bring back the love that seemed divine, Yet faded in the night. Bring back the joys of youth, When all the world was fair to see. Bring back my early faith in truth And immortality. The blue of skies was near. Sweet were the flowers and mossy beach. The world was new and bright and dear, And heaven within my reach. 214 VISUM RE TROSUM Now all is written o'er With lines of pain and loss and blight, With sorrow for what comes no more, With terror of the night. What if one came to say, As one who knows — " I bring thee cheer. The night but ushers in the day. God leads thee. Have no fear! " From slope of Olivet, Where God did not withhold his best, Across the ages echoes yet — ' ' Come unto me — and rest. ' ' THK BEAUTIFUL PAST Its sorrows are melting away, Though our hearts were broken one day. The Healer has come to stay. In the mists they are fading at last — The griefs of the beautiful past. O, thou wonderful, charmed shore, Where is learned joy's mystical lore, And we laugh at the troubles of yore! The shadows are transient. The sunshine must last, For this is the way with the beautiful past. 215 "THERE FKLIy A GREAT STAR FROM HEAVEN" I SAW a falling star Shoot downward from the sky, The heavenly glories far, The gleaming radiance die. A starry path of light! A darkened way before ! Down sinking in the night. Its time of beauty o'er! Alas! for falling star, Ivight fading on its track! No glory from afar Can call the wanderer back. I saw a human soul, Made in God's image bright, That spurned His wise control And fell into the night. THE BE A UTIFUL PAST 2 1 7 It missed the golden gate; It did not run its race; Yet, groping now, too late — Its pathway would retrace. Alas! for human soul; Were not a helper given, The while the ages roll To lead thee back to heaven! FI^ITTING Birds come flitting, flitting by, Swift of wing and sweet of song. lyights are changing as they fly — Birds that will not linger long. What are they but fancies sweet, Visions flitting in a dream! Rainbow bubbles dancing fleet Down life's dark and wayward stream? Many colors brightly gleam, Wings of blue across the sky ! Rays of golden light that stream From the glory throned on high! Snatches here and glimpses there! Songs that vanish up the height! Colors woven in the air, Fading darkly in the night! FLITTING 219 Slow and trembling is our tread. Shadows lie within the vale. We have laid away our dead. We have heard the mourners wail. Though we w^alk a darkened way, May these glimpses of the light Guide us to the better day In the land that knows no night! May we trust our visions sweet, Symbols proving to the wise Prophecies of life complete. And of love that never dies! A CORDB AD COR Do you listen to me, dear, Calling night and day ? In the silence can you hear Thoughts I do not say ? Read the words I cannot speak, Have no need of sign. Be for me a seer to seek Marks of love divine ? Nature's voices call the seer, With their joy and grief. With devotion let him hear; Other ears are deaf. Every leaf of Nature's book Shineth bright for him. With devotion let him look; Other eyes a^e dim. A CORDE AD COR 22: Let him live in Nature's heart. She hath made him wise, Shown to him her healing art, Oped his spirit-eyes. Are we seers that we should know What this Wisdom saith ? Love doth teach us as we go By the gates of death. Grief hath schooled us, and we read Eyes beyond our sight. Hearts that answer to our need, Love beyond our night. We shall hear, although the strife Filleth all the air. We shall read the inner Hfe, Know the secrets there. We shall see, although the land Raise its weight between. We shall meet and understand In the sunset sheen. 222 A CORDE AD COR Can I miss you in the race, Near the goal at last ? Can I lose you in that place Where the earth is past ? As face answers unto face, When our hearts are whole, Thus beyond in heavenly space Soul responds to soul. A BIRTHDAY THOUGHT FivEKTKR, fleeter fly the years, Close the mile-stones line the way ; And the path before appears On the hills that meet the day. Fading leaves lie on the track Where the roses once were red; And the shadows gather black Where of old the feasts were spread. Yet, perchance, the good is caught Upward' by immortal strength. And the work that man has wrought Shall bear golden fruit at length. Higher, higher, towards the skies, Trusting, blessed, let us climb Where earth's happy mountains rise To the heavenly heights sublime. 223 CHRISTMAS KVK Transi^ated from thk German oe c. h. schnaufeer Oni.y hour left free of burden And an evening sweet of rest — Once a year I take thy guerdon. Welcome thjou, and be thou blest! Now a cup of fairest seeming, Strewn with pearls my heart to bless, I am drinking. I am dreaming, And I drink to happiness. Flames are dancing like an ocean, Sending fiery billows here, And with laughing, graceful motion Drawing many dear ones near. 224 CHRISTMAS E VE 225 On the walls the shadows flying, Chase themselves so quickly by — Lightly each with other vying — Fain to hold, I vainly try. Not from earthly dwellings fleeting Come these messengers of love; Come to give me friendly greeting Gentle vSpirits from above. See my friend of promise rarest, One who in the struggle fell. Yielding up earth's best and fairest, With a patience none can tell. See the faces, pure and holy. With the myrtle-wreath caressed — My two sisters, sweet and lowly, With the spring-flowers on their breast. It- Who this day comes to me mildly, Loving looks me in the eye, Draws my heart to him so kindly ? For his sake I fain would die. 226 A PRAYER 'Tis my father. O, this vision, Heart in heart and life in Hfe! 'Tis the star of gates elysian I/Cads my soul above the strife. I^et me rest. O, leave me dreaming! 'Tis to me a blessed truth That in flames I see the seeming Of the happy days of youth. A PRAYKR Our Father, for the good and sweet In the dear year that dies to-night. For all the blessings we shall greet, When comes to us the morning's light. We thank thee. All by thee are given- The years of earth, the hopes of heaven. A PRAYER 227 So swiftly fly the rapid years, With shine and shade, with smiles and tears, So short is life — so poor are we! The night draws on. We cannot see. Dear God, unite the here and there. Bind earth and heaven with words of prayer. O, give us life abundantly! Oj give us love eternally! Give us our own — beyond the sea — Our loved and lost who live with Thee. Give us Thyself, Thy grace, Thine aid. God help us: We are sore afraid. Give us the word of truth — God saith — And make us conquerors of Death. THE OLD YEAR WhiTK falls the moonlight on the snow That lies so cold and still below. One dies to-night, and breezes sweet Will weave for him a winding-sheet. Who dies? A way-worn, deep-eyed man Who, since the early months began, Has walked with us through light and shade, A constant friend and undismayed. For us he lived; for us he wrought, And gave his treasure free, unsought. And now he dies; but hear him bless The child he holds in his caress. •'I leave thee all my wealth to-night, My harvestings of shade and light, The golden deeds that upward tend, , " The spirit-stairs where men ascend: 228 THE OLD YEAR 229 "The seasons, with their fruitage fair; The sky, the sea, the earth, the air, The loss that meaneth more than gain; The heritage that comes with pain. **Kach kindly word, each loving smile. Each heart that worships, free from guile, All noble deeds that help and bless, And fill the world with righteousness. ' ' O, child, before thy feet is cast The garnered wealth of all the past. Receive thy gift of grace and power. To make men better be thy dower! * ' Leave lilies on the graveyard sod. Teach human souls the love of God." He ceased. His last adieux are said. The clock strikes twelve. The year is dead. THE BERKSHIRE HII.I,S December, 1880 "I HAVK seen my last of the Berkshire Hills," And he turned away and wept: While there murmured afar the mountain- rills, And the shadows downward crept. He had wandered far from his childhood's land, When the hopes of youth were high. He had come but to meet a broken band, And in childhood's home to die. "I have seen my last of the Berkshire Hills," Was his heart's low, sad refrain. ''I have listened long to the mountain- rills That I shall not hear again. THE BERKSHIRE HHLS 231 I have seen the mountains, towering grand, That were stately in their pride. When the beauteous Springtime decked the land As a lover decks his bride. I have seen them wrapped in the wildest flame, As Sinai's mount, so dread, Till the fires to the summit gleaming came, And the pines I loved were dead. I have seen them when shadows gathered near. And swept down the mountain-side. When the thunder filled all my soul with fear, And the rain with the whirlwind vied. I have seen them again, when the storm was past, As the summer moved along, And the fleecy clouds their shadows cast, While the woods were filled with song. 232 THE BERKSHIRE HHLS ' * I have seen them crowned with the red and gold, In the people's harvest-hour, While the wealth of the summer-suns untold, Was theirs in a glorious dower. "I have seen them in Winter's frosty light, As they smiled to meet the sun. With the snow on their brow as cold and white As the moon when day is done. **Ihave listened at night, when shadows dim Have softened their rugged brow. And have heard as a grand Cathedral H3ann The music I long for now. ' ' Unresting, I looked to the restful height Till it brought me peace at length. From the graves where the shadows fell at night, I looked to the hills for strength. MV YEAR 233 ' The Berkshire Hills, in their beauty and power, With a loving heart I greet, And am blessed anew in my dying hour By their benediction sweet." MY YKAR I H01.D the year within my hands. And helpless watch its drifting sands- Its sober sands of neutral tint That glowed erewhile with diamond glint; Adown Time's rapid river rolled, While yet remained the age of gold. Old year, thou wert as bright, with plan To aid the cause of God and man. Within the dust thy roses lie. Within my heart thy dreamings die. The light grows dim on many a shrine Where once I thought the fires divine. 234 BETWEEN TWO YEARS What may it mean — this 3'ear of mine ? What soul of it remains divine ? May hand of Sybil wise uplift The scattered leaves of life that drift ? Vain questions, outward bound, I fling, And wait to hear the prophet sing. BETWEEN TWO YEARS The: old year passes far to-night, A shadow midst the fields of white. The dear, old year, with drooping head. Beyond the western hills is sped. The bells of midnight slowly toll — May God have mercy on his soul! Within his arms he bears away Our fairest idols, turned to clay. Yet have we kept bright blessings given, He left us on his way to heaven. We thank him for the gifts he brought; We love him for the good he wrought. BETWEEN TWO YEARS 235 And for the rest; the fair and dead, For whom the midnight tears are shed, He but obeyed a high behest; He gave and took, as God saw best New Year, we greet thee, coming fleet Athwart the East with ^y\\\^ feet. Whate'er thou give! Whate'er thou take! We trust thee good for Christ's dear sake. illillllllllllllllllii* 015 762 984 \^\ \\