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 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
EUTHANASIA 
 
 AND 
 
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 BY 
 
 Layinia J, Lawrence, 
 
 "^^^f^^o"^ 
 
 
 / 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 TURNER & CO., 
 
 NO. 808 CHESTNUT STREET. 
 
PS 
 
 ^ A. *3 i^ 
 
 L^E 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by 
 
 LAVINIA J. LAWRENOE, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern 
 District of Pennsylvania. 
 
 VERNON & COOPER, Steam Power Book and Job Printers, Media, Pa. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Euthanasia, 7 
 
 Thoughts on Spring, 11 
 
 Gideon's Band, 15 
 
 The Seasons, 18 
 
 The American Flag 23 
 
 The African Pilot, 26 
 
 Alexander Von Humholdt, 30 
 
 Knitting for the Soldier, 34 
 
 An Ap peal, 37 
 
 Josephine, Empress of France, 40 
 
 The Volunteer, 45 
 
 Lines, 49 
 
 An Incident of the New York Riot, 52 
 
 Stanzas, 56 
 
 The Hero of New Orleans, 59 
 
 Evening Meditations, 62 
 
 The Response • 66 
 
 A Lamt nt, : 70 
 
 The Silver Lining, 73 
 
 Press Forward, 77 
 
 To my Father, 80 
 
 Absent Friends, 84 
 
 Thoughts beside the Sea, 88 
 
 The Statue of Freedom, 92 
 
 The Landscape, 95 
 
 Redeemed, 99 
 
 The Spirit of Winter, 102 
 
 The Birth-Uay of Liberty 106 
 
 In Memorv of Abraham Lincoln 109 
 
 The Household, 112 
 
 Retrospection, 119 
 
 Sunset in Autumn, 123 
 
 Libertv, 126 
 
 The Veto, 132 
 
 The Reaper, 135 
 
 A Sabbath Memory, 140 
 
 Sabbath at Niagara, 144 
 
 The Age of Progress, 148 
 
TO MY <hEA(R AUMT, 
 ^m\^ h. $immans, 
 
 This volufne is affectionately inscribed. 
 
E V T H A N A S I A . 
 
 ^ I^^NTLY, gently close the casement, 
 'Gainst the tide of wind and storm, 
 That the midnight air intrusive 
 
 May not chill the wasting form. 
 Closer draw the warmest mantle 
 
 'Round the frame in deep decay, 
 Where the liie-blood slowl)' ebbing 
 
 Leaves its domain wan as clay. 
 
 lUit no warmth Vv-ili come, no feeling 
 To the surface still and cold, 
 
 Human efforts unavailing- 
 Mark I he truth too plainly told. 
 
 Death will conic, disease will conquer, 
 Though the spirit may rebel, 
 
EUTHANASIA. 
 
 And the vital spark will vanish, 
 How or when, one scarce can tell. 
 
 She had been, that noble image 
 
 Of God's pure creative power, 
 Weeks and months in hope delusive, 
 
 Warding off the dying hour. 
 Time was when the brightest ■ talents 
 
 Beamed forth from those speaking eyes. 
 When the world applauded wisdom 
 
 That inspired truth implies. 
 
 When with voice and pen contending 
 
 For humanity's just claims, 
 'Twas her spirit thrilled responsive, 
 
 To the iiiumphs justice gains. 
 But Consumption claims its victim, 
 
 And the hectic flush appeared, — 
 Friends have watched and still are watching 
 
 O'er the form that love endeared. 
 
EUTHANASIA. 
 
 Scarce three months since angel voices 
 
 Called her widowed mother home, 
 Save the golden chain of friendship, 
 
 Was the sufierer left alone. 
 There she lies — the youthful maiden, 
 
 Death's cold damp is gathering now, 
 Night without — within the brightness 
 
 That illumes the Christian's brow ! ~" 
 
 Pain — no pain intrudes ; but calmly, 
 
 With no heavy labored breath, 
 Sinks the soul to rest ; revealing 
 
 But a passive, easy death. 
 Silently approach, unbeliever, 
 
 Tremble for the promised boon, "" — 
 (iod is here — repent, acknowledge, 
 
 Lest thy summons come too soon. 
 
 Lo ! a light is gently breaking 
 
 O'er the placid, dying face, 
 Listen ! as ansfelic voices 
 
JO EUTHANASIA. 
 
 Whisper of God's power and grace. 
 Hark ! in gentle, rippling murmurs. 
 
 She proclaims that Heaven is won : 
 "Music, oh, delightful music, — 
 
 "Mother — dear — I come ! — I come ! 
 
 Gone ! the golden gates are opened, 
 
 To admit an angel there, 
 And the life that knew no shadow, 
 
 Now fulfills the Christian's prayer, 
 (lone ! oh. Death, what solemn warnings. 
 
 Hast thou untc mortals given — 
 What a world of priceless treasures, 
 
 Karth has vielded unto Heaven ! 
 
THOUGHTS ON SPRING. 
 
 "^^7 INTER departs — in classic beauty set, 
 
 Nature's fresh garlands crown the brow of day. 
 Spring time returns without one sad regret, 
 
 The icy monarch yields his wonted sway. 
 Soft notes of sylvan music fill the air, 
 
 Unbounded power the mountain zephyrs claim, 
 The songster's lay re-echoes everywhere, 
 
 And Draba Verna decks the sandy plain. • 
 All ihat is lovely is contained within 
 The glorious advent of etherial Spring. 
 
 No sophistry on vernal breezes borne, 
 To lead the weary wanderer astray, 
 
 No thickening vapors dim the cloudless morn — 
 Remnants of Winter's reign are swept away. 
 
 IT 
 
12 THOUGHTS ON SPRING. 
 
 The mellow tint of yonder azure sky, 
 
 The robin perched upon the lattice bower, 
 
 Warblin^;- in silver notes' sweet lullaby, 
 
 Bring- mirth and gladness to the passing hour. 
 
 From rippling stream, from meadow and from brake. 
 
 Comes the soft summons, nature awake ! awake ! 
 
 Responsive springs the clover from the sod. 
 
 The moss-grown rocks a verdant tint disj^lay, 
 Each blade of grass gives homage unto God, 
 
 For nature's works admit of no delay. 
 Mild waves of ether floating noiselessly, 
 
 Are redolent Avith incense-breathing flowers, 
 Lifting their modest forms from marshy lea. 
 
 Regaled by sunbeams and by tepid showers. 
 Thus while successive seasons onward roll, 
 Are there not greater changes of the soul ? 
 
 Oh, wanderer, searching for the inward light, 
 
 Canst thou not reap a harvest of ideas 
 From nature's meek obedience — conquering strife — 
 
THOUGHTS ON SPRIXCI. 1^ 
 
 To lift the burden of advancing years ? 
 Art thou so bHnd, creative wisdom fails 
 
 To make impression on thy sordid mind ? 
 Art thou so deaf, that in refreshing gales, 
 
 And warbling brooks, no. comfort thou canst 
 find ? 
 If so, what subtle power of inward strife 
 Obscures with clouds the day-star of thy life. 
 
 Perhaps, in one brief, fleeting season, thou 
 
 Hast ofiered treasures at thy country's shrine, 
 And grief's dark pall has settled on thy brow, — 
 
 Check not the tear — such weeping is sublime ! 
 Oh, may religion through life's mazes lead 
 
 Thy spirit rejoicing to the promised goal. 
 Not by the force of outward prayer or creed. 
 
 But the pure inward current of the soul. 
 Then to the breezes all life's trials fling, 
 (lO forth stout-hearted with the early Spring. 
 
 I would not martyr graves, sunk and time-worn, 
 
!4 THOUGHTS ON SPRING. 
 
 Be e'er forgot in Spring's effulgent bliss, 
 Hut sound the requiem — let the stranger's form 
 
 Tread gently, gently ; hallowed soil is this. 
 'Mid loyal graves the deep-dyed traitor cowers, 
 
 And gathering incense fills the air around. 
 While nature in profusion scatters flowers, 
 
 Wi^h growing verdure decks the sacred mound. 
 Above them let the star-gemmcd banner wave, 
 No mausoleum need the laUen brave ! 
 
 Relentless Winter I fare thee well, no more 
 
 Dark gathering tempests haunt the sailor's l^raui, 
 A holy calm extends from shore to shore. 
 
 O'er earth's green surface as across the main. 
 And as the waters of coji tending strife. 
 
 Receding leave the Nation purified, 
 Living a brighter, truer, nobler life, 
 
 The olive branch of peace spread far and wide ; 
 Thus as we cease relentless war to mourn, 
 In ]3eace and joy another Spring is born I 
 
• 
 
 LINES DEDICATED TO "GIDEONS 
 BAND," 124TH REGIMENT, P. V., 
 
 September 5TP1, 1862. 
 
 /^N, soldiers, on ! let your watchword ever be 
 
 **The home of the brave, the land of the free!" 
 Tossed o'er the waters of war's crimson tide, 
 Traitors may boast and your courage deride, 
 Yet above all, through the unequal strife, 
 Rises the triumpet-call, "God and the Right!" 
 While the swift meteors of thought may reveal 
 Seasons of doubt 'midst the glittering steel ; 
 Yet as the flashes of lightning appear, 
 Fade o'er the horizon gloomy and drear. 
 Thus the brief moments of hopeless despair 
 Vanish for aye ! 'midst the battle's red glare. 
 On, soldiers, on ! like the Spartans of old, 
 
 J5 
 
1 6 (IIDEONS' BANb. 
 
 Rush to the rescue determined and bold ! 
 
 Though the strong battlements yield to the foe, 
 
 Wisdom and bravery may weaken the blow. ^% 
 
 For as the Israelites fled in dismay, 
 
 F'aith in the Savior yet opened the way. 
 
 Faith in Jehovah the waters divide, 
 
 Our brave "Israelites" pass o'er the tide. 
 
 Through the fierce conflict the noble and brave, 
 
 May irresistible destiny save. 
 
 Oh ! may the breezes still faithful and true, 
 
 Waft o'er the Northern hills blessings to you. 
 
 Blessings from anxious hearts sad and forlorn, 
 
 Prayers that the laurels ot glory adorn. 
 
 Manhood's strong effort the nation to save, 
 
 From that oblivion which follows the grave. 
 
 On, soldiers, on ! yield not to the foe. 
 
 Though unpropitious the breezes may blow ; 
 
 Trustful reliance on God and the Right, 
 
 Softens the spirit of discord and strife. 
 
 When by unchanging faith freedom is won. 
 
 When the bright lustre of liberty's sun. 
 
GIDEONS I5AND. 
 
 Dims the blind sophism oppression may raise, 
 Send forth the anthems of prayer and of praise. 
 Yet will our banner triumphantly wave, 
 History record the acts of the brave ; 
 Then may the tidings descend through the land, 
 " Bravest of the brave " was "Gideon's Band." 
 
THE SEASONS. 
 
 A S the orb of day reflecting the celestial beams 
 
 of light, 
 Clothes the world with life and gladness, pictures 
 
 heaven to our sight ; 
 As the modest w^ayside flower wafts its incense 
 
 on the air, 
 
 Cheers the traveller's lonely passage, soothes his 
 
 senses free from care ; * 
 
 So the harbinger of beauty, followed by her 
 
 fairy train, 
 Brightening many clouds of sorrow, gentle Spring 
 
 returns again. 
 Azure sky and verdant meadows, leafy woods and 
 
 budding flowers, 
 
 i8 
 
19 THE SEASONS. 
 
 Glitter brightly through the sunshine that is 
 dimmed by morning showers. -, 
 
 So the balmy zephyrs moving in their silent 
 onward way, 
 
 Call the birds from warmer regions, wake to life 
 the songsters ga}^ 
 
 As we trace life's destined passage from the cradle 
 to the bier, 
 
 May we not compare youth's beauty to the 
 Spring-time of the year. 
 
 How the child, like spring's fair flowers roving in 
 his childish glee, 
 
 How the bud of promise opens, bursting forth 
 
 half timidly. 
 But not long the Great Jehovah deemed that 
 
 Spring should reign supreme, 
 Summer dawns in all her glory, and " a* change 
 
 comes o'er my dream." 
 How a thousand memories cluster 'round the 
 
 farmer's busy brain, 
 
2o THE SEASONS. 
 
 As he views his store increasing, gleans the 
 
 briG:ht and sfolden grain. 
 Thus how beautiful the season that completes the 
 
 works of Spring, 
 As all animated nature aid the praise of God 
 
 to sing. 
 So wdth human life — for Summer representing 
 
 manhood's prime, 
 When we look with hope increasing down the 
 
 misty vale of Time, 
 Little dreaming that the future, Autumn or de- 
 cline of life, 
 Soon may change our happy prospects, seai our 
 
 hearts with mortal strife. 
 All our aspirations rosy, bearing impress half 
 
 divine, 
 We forget the soul is kneeling to a mortal 
 
 human shrine. 
 Autumn comes — and slowly, surely Summer's works 
 
 decline, decay, 
 P^or the woods, the vales, the mountains lay their 
 
THE SEASONS. 21 
 
 emerald robes away. 
 As the herbage, yellow-tinted, rustling borne 
 
 upon the breeze, 
 Floats upon the crystal waters, and among the 
 
 forest trees. 
 For our Heavenly Father ordered that the forests 
 
 decked with green. 
 Should be stripped of Summer's foliage, represent 
 
 another scene. 
 Thus the buoyancy of manhood, thus does 
 
 human life decline. 
 Age and adverse winds of fortune change the 
 
 current of the mind. 
 Winter next, with hasty footstep, with a brow of 
 
 hope bereft, 
 Gathers up with mournful visage, all the remnants 
 
 that are left. 
 How the birds seek warmer regions soaring 
 
 proudly through the sky, 
 How each leaf and tendril drooping, in their 
 
 beauty sicken, die. 
 
THE SEASONS. 22 
 
 Nature dons her wintry garments, change is 
 
 marked upon her form. 
 As the snow-flakes chase each other in ihe fury 
 
 of the storm. 
 Just so transient man's existence, life that's 
 
 blooming bright to-day, 
 Ere to-morrow's sun has risen, leaves its domain 
 
 wan as clay. 
 Wonderful, Almighty Father,- are these earthly 
 
 works ol Thine, 
 Making closer the alliance of the simple and 
 
 sublime. 
 Death may still the trembling accents, as the 
 
 spirit roams above. 
 Yet the wild winds 'midst our mourning gently 
 
 whisper " God is love ! '" 
 
THE AMERICAN FLAG. 
 
 VI7 AVE ON ! thou emblem of the free, 
 
 A nation owns thy power divine, 
 Life was not lost in vain for thee, 
 
 For yet thy starry jewels shine. 
 Responding to the trumpet'^ sound, 
 
 Thousands rush forw^ard to defend, 
 Nobly and well they gather 'round 
 
 That honored flag which traitors rend. 
 
 Wave on ! in memory of the brave, 
 
 The youthful heart beats warm and high, 
 
 The noble spirit flies to save — 
 To strike the blow, to do or die. 
 
 The organ's mystic notes proclaim 
 The soul's devotion unto thee, 
 
 23 
 
24 THE AMERICAN FLAG. 
 
 And every voice with one acclaim, 
 Joins in the chorus of the free. 
 
 Wave on ! our cause is just and right, 
 
 Though wrong may triumph for a time, 
 Though dreary clouds may dim the sight, 
 
 The dawn of light will be sublime. 
 That golden heritage of love 
 
 Bequeathed by patriots of yore, 
 That glorious tribute from above, 
 
 Calls us to arms, to speed the war. 
 
 Wave on ! oppression's hand has swayed 
 
 The iron rod, alas ! too long, 
 And Freedom though oppressed, obeyed, 
 
 But now she combats with the wrong. 
 Though great the sacrifice may be. 
 
 Though brave and noble men may fall, 
 Yet waves the banner of the free, 
 
 Freedom will triumph over all. 
 
THE AMERICAN FLAG. 
 
 Wave on ! for God is with tlie right, 
 
 Let the brave spirit watch and pra}-, 
 He will dispel the clouds of night, 
 
 Give to the just eternal day. 
 Beneath the beams of freedom's sun, 
 
 Oppression finds an earlv grave, 
 For freedom's victory will be won, 
 
 Our honored flag forever wave ! 
 
THE AFRICAN PILOT. 
 
 A /FAY we not, whose minds are centered on 
 
 the dark eventful days, 
 Which have passed in quick succession 'neath the 
 
 sunhght's fading rays. 
 Trace the yet unwritten history of the deeds of 
 
 valor won 
 By a noble-hearted hero, Africa's untutored son. 
 Anchored in a southern harbor, the majestic 
 
 " Planter " lay, 
 As her dark-skinned pilot waited breathlessly for 
 
 dawn of day. 
 As the Orient light was breaking o'er the dark 
 
 imprisoned sky, 
 Nature waking from her reverie, the Palmetto 
 
 floating fiigh ; 
 
THE AFRICAN PILOT. 2/ 
 
 Silently she left the harbor, while the rebel guns 
 
 were mute, 
 For the brave and skillful pilot boldly gave the 
 
 wild salute. 
 Onward past the forts she glided, softly o'er the 
 
 dark blue sea. 
 
 Nearer and still nearer wending to the shore of 
 
 liberty. 
 Past the rebel forts — how quickly was the white 
 
 flag hoisted high, 
 
 Till its white folds calmly waving seemed to 
 
 reach the azure sky. 
 And a prayer of mute thanksgiving rose above 
 
 that grateful crew, 
 Aye ! a thousand times more touching and a 
 
 thousand times more true, 
 Than the empty-hearted blessings which so oft 
 
 ascend above, 
 FaUing without thought or purpose on the throne 
 
 of heavenly love. 
 
28 THE AFRICAN PILOT. 
 
 Instinct taiigbt thee, noble pilot, and the deed 
 was bravely done ; 
 
 It is thine to wear unblushing all the laurels 
 
 richly won. 
 It is thine \Yhen evening shadows usher in the 
 
 star-gemmed night, 
 Or at dawn of day reflecting beams of clear and 
 
 lucid light, 
 To enjoy the boon of freedom to thy injured 
 
 race denied. 
 Still the land is draped in mourning, still flows 
 
 on the crimson tide, 
 For an unseen spirit reigneth to whose dictates 
 
 all must bow, 
 'And an unseen hand is weaving garlands for the 
 
 captive's brow. 
 After months of anxious waiting, years of unre- 
 quited toil. 
 The expanding bud of promise crushed beneath 
 
 the serpent's coil ; 
 
THE AFRICAN PILOT. 
 
 29 
 
 Thou hast gained the full fruition in thy man- 
 hood's early prime, 
 As the glorious light of freedom dawns in heauty 
 
 half divine. 
 There are those whose barks are floating on life's 
 
 dark and stormy sea, 
 Tossed upon the billowy waters, who will shape 
 
 our destiny. 
 Aye ! too true — the storm is raging "fiercely o'er 
 
 the white man's home, 
 But a great mysterious Being hears the captive's 
 
 pleading tone, 
 And if man is blind to duty, to the still small 
 
 voice within, 
 We may place this land's redemption 'midst the 
 
 things which might have been. 
 
ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT 
 
 I^^AN we not as gliding onward, 
 
 Down the mazy path of Time, 
 By the souls who have departed 
 
 To that ** undiscovered clime," 
 Learn a task of mild submission, 
 
 To the ills that may betide, 
 Drink from out the cup of wisdom 
 
 By a spirit sanctified. 
 
 Thus where nature clothed in beauty, 
 Charms the senses, cheers the day. 
 
 Where the happy, chirping songster 
 Chaunts his solemn evening's lay ; 
 
 There beside the murmuring streamlet. 
 
 Where the air is pure an^ mild, 
 30 
 
ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 3 1 
 
 Free from all the world's contagion ; 
 Roved Von Humboldt as a child. 
 
 Born into this world of Science, • 
 
 Thou wast still the guiding star, 
 Spreading thy immortal knowledge 
 
 O'er the selfish world afar. 
 Thou hast crossed the broad Atlantic, 
 
 Stemmed the current of Life's tide. 
 Thou in foreign lands hast wandered, 
 
 O'er the rugged mountain's side. 
 
 While ascending Chimborazo, 
 
 Sick at heart and tempest tossed, 
 'Mid the hail and drifting snow-storm, 
 
 'Mid the cold and bleaching frost, 
 Suddenty the vapor parted, 
 
 Thus in vain thou didst not roam, 
 In the distance rose before thee, 
 
 Chimborazo's snow-capped dome. 
 
32 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 
 
 Nearer and still nearer wending, 
 Farther from the earth below, 
 
 But, alas ! when Hope is strongest, 
 • Oft appears the cup of woe ; 
 
 For thy joyous expectation 
 Soon to stand upon the dome, 
 
 Vanished as a fearful chasm 
 Bade thee not to longer roam. 
 
 Even age did not diminish, 
 
 Change the current of thy mind. 
 Through the frosts of many winters. 
 
 Thou wast gentle, loving, kind. 
 As the foe of stern oppression. 
 
 As the friend of Truth and Right, 
 Thou hast found the narrow passage 
 
 Leading to Eternal Life. 
 
 Brave old man ! now fairy music 
 
 Lulls thy weary soul to rest, 
 With a diadem of glory, 
 
ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 33 
 
 Golden laurels thou art blest, 
 And thy '' Kosmos." full of beauty. 
 
 Charms the world with power divine. 
 Leads the thoughts from airy visions. 
 
 From the simple to sublime. 
 
 As a lamp when dimly burning 
 
 Did thy new existence dawn. 
 Fainter and still fainter gleaming, 
 
 'Till the spark of life was gone. 
 Then thy spirit wafted homeward, 
 
 Borne unto that happy land, 
 While a smile of recognition 
 
 Shone around the angel band. 
 
KNITTING FOR THE SOLDIER 
 
 /^^ATHERED 'round the blazing embers, 
 
 When the Winter day is o'er, - 
 Sit our aged sires relating 
 
 Deed of noble sons of yore. 
 How they fought and won the victory — 
 
 Wading through a crimson sea, 
 How they fought and how they conquered, 
 
 For a land of Liberty. 
 
 While the child and youthful maiden. 
 Quick to catch the thrilling sound, 
 
 Quick to bless the names of heroes 
 Who are lain beneath the mound. 
 
 Cluster near with mind attentive, 
 As the grey yarn they transform 
 
 34 
 
KNITTING l^OR THE SOLDIER. 35 
 
 From a thread of various texture, 
 To grey stockings nice and warm. 
 
 Swiftly fly the knitting needles, 
 
 As the shrill wind whistles low, 
 While grandmother in the corner, 
 
 Pictures scenes of '* long • ago." 
 How the ''girls" of seventy-six — 
 
 '* Ladies " were unknown then — 
 Worked from mourn till eve incessant, 
 
 For the patriotic men. 
 
 '' Little dreamed they when the British 
 
 Fled before brave Washington, 
 That alas ! dark clouds would gather 
 
 In the year of* sixty-one. 
 Yet how deeply erred our fathers, 
 
 In our country's early life. 
 Fostering here oppression's power, 
 
 Source of all our mortal strife ! " 
 
^6 KITTING FOR THE SOLDIER. 
 
 '' But, my dear," unto the youngest 
 
 Of that happy knitting band, 
 " You may live to see triumphant, 
 
 See redeemed our native land. 
 So knit on ; the weary soldier 
 
 Through the fierce and raging storm, 
 Will not fail to bless the donor 
 
 Of grey stockings nice and warm." 
 
 As she ceased the blazing embers 
 
 Having lost their vital power. 
 While the clock as if impatient 
 
 Tolled the solemn midnight hour ; 
 One by one the band of knitters 
 
 Whispered soft the fond "good-night.' 
 Many a prayer and many a blessing, 
 
 For the brave who fought for right. 
 
A N A P P E A L . 
 
 ** Theirs was the singular fortune to go to their first 
 battle under a cloud of reproach, though blameless, 
 and to return from it victorious, to the punishment re- 
 served for the gravest military offences." — Mrs. Fre- 
 nionfs ''Story of the Guard!' 
 
 /^ZAR of the North, the South, the East and 
 
 West ! 
 Whose power contending factions make supreme, 
 Let not the deeds of honest merit rest. 
 Naught but the bright illusion of a dream. 
 
 Ruler of State ! the true and brave demand 
 
 Some recompense that they alone may claim, 
 
 Some confirmation spread throughout the land. 
 
 That o'er the nation Truth and Justice reign. 
 
 37 
 
38 AN APPEAL. 
 
 Thou who Ambition's feeble race hast run, 
 
 Send forth those words of cheer the troopers 
 crave, 
 
 Let not the wisdom human valor won, 
 
 Sink to the dark oblivion of the grave ! « 
 
 Then may the world as ceaseless ages roll, 
 In retrospection, bless thy honored name, 
 
 As one who bravely reached the promised goal ! 
 And Heaven-directed trod the path of fame! 
 
 And ye now clothed with Legislative power, 
 Whose voices bold through Senate halls have 
 rung. 
 
 As duty prompts improve the passing hour, 
 While time records . the deeds of justice done. 
 
 Look on the blood-stained valleys of the West ! 
 
 Mute witnesses of bravery grand but rare. 
 How many blossoms faded on her breast. 
 
 How many cherished hopes are buried there ! 
 
AN APPEAL. 39 
 
 None but that unseen power, at whose command 
 The boon of Freedom may be lost or won. 
 
 Can know the trials of that patriot band, 
 
 From conquest borne, '' unhonored and unsung.'" 
 
 Yet will impartial history justly trace 
 
 Those scenes eclipsed by naught that virtue 
 claims, 
 
 Those deeds that time alone cannot efface. 
 More brilliant still the gallant Guard remains. 
 
 To those who dyed the Western hills with gore, 
 
 A haven theirs of life, and hope, and song, 
 But for the mortal, we with faith in^!)lore 
 
 M day of promise for a night of wron 
 
JOSEPHINE, EMPRESS OF 
 FRANCE. 
 
 A 
 
 S we trace the simple record, mark the pro- 
 
 gress of the great, 
 
 In the march of human wisdom note the hero's 
 Hfe and fate ; 
 
 How unto the mental vision, reverence for the 
 true and brave 
 
 Rises like the ocean's current, swells with each 
 succee^ng wave. 
 
 On that isle renowned for beauty, verdant valWs, 
 warm her plains, 
 
 Where the sea-breeze cools her homesteads, na- 
 ture paints her mountain chains ; 
 
 Martinique her crystal fountains, charming with a 
 
 potent power, * 
 
 40 
 
JOSEPHINE, EMPRESS OF FRANCE. 4I 
 
 Forests yielding health and beauty, fascinate each 
 
 passing hour ; 
 Josephine, the loved, the cherished, where con- 
 tentment reigned supreme. 
 Opened first her eyes to glory, smiled on nature's 
 
 lovely scene. 
 As the years of childhood flitted, child of nature, 
 
 pure and good, 
 Strengthened by thy forest rambles, blossomed 
 
 into womanhood. 
 The old Sibyl's strange prediction, thou as Queen 
 
 of France would reign, 
 Wield the rod of truth and justice o'er the 
 
 mazy path of fame ; 
 
 Fell upon thy youthful spirit, lit with purity and 
 
 love, 
 As a ray of worthless wisdom, not a message 
 
 from above. 
 
 Years rolled on : that simple lesson taught by a^ 
 magician's art, 
 
42 JOSEPHINE, EMPRESS OF FRANCE. 
 
 Fills thy soul with truth undoubting, claims a 
 
 sanctum in thy heart. 
 Crowned within the lordly presence as Napoleon's 
 
 queenly bride, 
 Yet retaining truth and virtue conquered not by 
 
 human pride. 
 But those halcyon months of pleasure soon, alas^ 
 
 must disappear, 
 Be replaced by days of sadness, nights of sorrow 
 
 long and drear. 
 But the heart that could so rudely, for ambition 
 
 slumbering there. 
 Break the tendrils of affection, change thy hopes 
 
 to mute despair, 
 Must possess an unknown power, hard as ada- 
 mant must be. 
 Thus to turn his thoughts like magic, far away 
 
 from love and thee. 
 Child of Destiny ! thy answer to Napoleon's stern 
 * command. 
 
 Yet demands a passing tribute from some poet's 
 
JOSEPHINE, EMPRESS OF FRANCE. 43 
 
 skillful hand. 
 Pointing to a star of promise in the firmament 
 
 above ; 
 " See ! that star of promise brightens as it shines 
 
 upon our love ; 
 "It is mine — proclaiming power, certain victory to 
 
 thee, 
 " If I share the joys and sorrows that will mark 
 
 thy destiny. 
 *' Leave me — and thy honors fading on ambition's 
 
 gilded throne, 
 •' As that star of promise fadeth, thou wilt die 
 
 obscure, unknown. 
 " Yield this phantom ! search for wisdom in the 
 
 vales of happy France, 
 '* Sweet retirement soon will banish all these 
 
 visions from thy glance." 
 As these words, this gentle counsel seemed to 
 
 check the Emperor's frown. 
 Yet the voice of France did conquer — honor 
 
 yielded to renown. 
 
44 JOSEPHINE, EMPRESS OF FRANCE. 
 
 With that stem, resistless power that had marked 
 his former years. 
 
 Did Napoleon sign the death-warrant of thy 
 cherished hopes and fears. 
 
 Thus thy spirit,, noble woman, by the storms of 
 life was driven. 
 
 As thy bark moved gently onward to a peaceful 
 rest in Heaven. 
 
 It is not the Kings, the Princes, those the world 
 style noble birth, 
 
 Who alone proclaim thy virtue, mourning for de- 
 parted worth ; 
 
 But the poor, the weak, the lowly, aid the com- 
 mon human tide, 
 
 Heaven now embalms thy image with the love 
 that Earth denied. . 
 
THE VOLUNTEER. 
 
 \ CROSS the wide expanse of 
 
 The trumpet-call re-echoed soft and clear, 
 O'er Northern hill with firm determined mien, 
 And soul responding, walked the volunteer. 
 
 The last sweet accents of a mother's love, 
 A father's and a sister's last farewell, 
 
 The gentle words of faith in Heaven above, 
 The silent tear, which though forbidden fell ; 
 
 Marked the deep conflict of the soul within. 
 And left thei'r impress on his manly heart, 
 
 That years of absence through this vale of sin. 
 Leave unimpaired what faith and love impart. 
 
 45 
 
46 THE VOLUNTEER. 
 
 The moon-lit sky, the clear and frosty air, 
 The jeweled firmament above revealed 
 
 Unto his saddened spirit, rest is there, 
 
 Though storm-clouds oft those golden orbs 
 concealed. 
 
 Into the guarded tent the warrior came. 
 While restless sleepers all around him lay, 
 
 Their anxious looks in fitting words proclaim, 
 The foe's expected march at dawn of day. 
 
 The countersign by manly lips was given. 
 In easy slumber sank the weary band, 
 
 While memory pictured scenes — an earthly heaven, 
 When peace triumphant dawns upon the land ! 
 
 Aye ! who may know what fitful visions break 
 The peaceful slumber of the warrior brave ? 
 
 Aye ! who may know what sweet illusions wake 
 The tender blessings home so freely gave ? 
 
THE VOLUNTEER. 47 
 
 As tints of grey proclaim the early morn, 
 The eastern sky in silver jewels set, 
 
 And bugle-notes by trembling zephyrs borne, 
 The warrior clasps his trusty bayonet. 
 
 Next we behold him on the battle-field, 
 
 His comrades faltering 'neath the cruel steel, 
 
 But, " courage ! courage ! boys, the foe must 
 yield ! " 
 Rose from those manly lips in firm appeal. 
 
 Like magic formed the broken ranks again, 
 
 With one bold charge the battle-field was won ! 
 
 But, oh, America ! thy victory then 
 
 Lost half its worth — when fell thy noblest son. 
 
 His comrades bore him from the gory scene, 
 
 And v/ept in silence o'er that form so dear, 
 
 While wayward fancy — sweet delusion's dream, 
 
 Cheered the last moments of the volunteer. 
 
 6 
 
48 THE VOLUNTEER, 
 
 Oh, there are those whose noble instincts bear 
 Divine impression language fails to paint, 
 
 While every impulse — every feeble prayer. 
 
 Breathe the pure feelings of the martyr saint ! 
 
 At morn in triumph rose the golden sun, 
 
 As conquest crowned with blessings freedom's 
 race. 
 
 At eve the grave's stern victory was won, 
 
 As sank the mortal frame in death's embrace. 
 
 « 
 
LINES. 
 
 Suggested by the death of William P. Lawrence, 
 who departed this life, February I6th, 1862. 
 
 " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!' 
 
 As the golden tint of sunset mantling o'er the 
 
 distant west, 
 Fades before the march of evening o'er the 
 
 ocean's jewelled breast, 
 And the beauty of the landscape tinted with 
 
 celestial dye, 
 Sinks beneath the darkened vision as the evening 
 
 hour draws nigh. 
 Thus the forms we love and cherish, blighted by 
 
 the frosts of time. 
 Seek a home among the blessed, in that happier, 
 
 holier clime. 
 
 Aye, another tie is broken — tears have flowed in 
 lava tide, 
 
 49 
 
50 • LINES. 
 
 Yet how vain the words thus spoken o'er a spirit 
 sanctified. 
 
 Thought, deep thought was firmly centered in thy 
 ever tranquil mind, 
 
 To a higher field of labor in response thy soul 
 inclined. 
 
 When the mind was weak and feeble, reason 
 tottered on her throne, 
 
 Yet thy spirit did not wander through the path 
 of life alone. 
 
 For that all-sustaining wisdom which the Christ- 
 ian soul may see, 
 
 An undying, never-changing faith in immortality 
 
 Buoyed thee up beyond the changes that contend- 
 ing life may yield, 
 
 Marked a noble sphere of action on a broad ex- 
 pansive field. 
 
 To this world of pain and pleasure, to this ever- 
 changing clime. 
 
 Would we call thee back from glory, call thee 
 from that home divine ? * 
 
LINES. 5 1 
 
 No ! oh no ! though ties are severed and the 
 
 trembUng feet may stray, 
 Yet a truer hfe is dawning on the resurrection 
 
 day. 
 Angel hands now weave the garlands which adorn 
 
 thy placid brow, 
 And the friends who knew and loved thee feel 
 
 thy heavenly presence now, 
 Making closer the connection, of the living and 
 
 the dead, 
 Though in lonely contemplation the unconscious 
 
 tears are shed. 
 But a little while we linger, drinking of the 
 
 Treasured love, 
 For the vital spark is weaker as we near the 
 
 heavenly shore. 
 When the "angel bridegroom" cometh as a sweet 
 
 release from sin, 
 May our ' lamps be trimmed and burning, as we 
 
 feel that thine has been. 
 
AN INCIDENT OF THE NEWYORK 
 RIOT. 
 
 " Mother they may kill the body but they cannot 
 touch the soul ! " 
 
 Peaceful o'er the placid waters rose the radiant 
 
 summer's sun, 
 Loyal voices shouted anthems o'er the conquest 
 
 bravely won. 
 For the walls of Vicksburg yielded to the Union 
 
 shot and shell, 
 While Port Hudson trembling waited but a clearer 
 
 tale to tell. 
 Yet, alas ! day's golden image scarce had left its 
 
 impress there, 
 
 When above a Northern city rose the sounds of 
 
 wild despair. 
 52 
 
AN INCIDENT OF THE NEW YORK RIOT. 53 
 
 Fiends and demons yet unnumbered rallied forth 
 
 in bold array, 
 Deeds of darkness, scenes of carnage marked the 
 
 traitors' onward way. 
 Blind to feeling, deaf to mercy, who may judge 
 
 the depth of crime ; 
 None but God may know the misery traced upon 
 
 the book of Time. 
 'Tis enough that sinking manhood, with consump- 
 tion's hectic glow. 
 Fell a prey to ruffian anger — sank beneath a 
 
 coward's blow. 
 Brutish force conveyed the "loved one" from that 
 
 widowed mother's side, 
 While her groans of mortal anguish echoed back 
 
 intensified. 
 But the God of races lifted up the mantle of 
 
 despair, 
 And revealed the crown of glory that her dying 
 
 son would wear. 
 
54 AN INCIDENT OF THE NEW YORK RIOT. 
 
 While upon that lucid countenance sin had left 
 no bitter trace, 
 
 But 'a look of earnest meaning lit the dying 
 hero's face. 
 
 Whispering words of cheer and comfort as he 
 neared the promised goal, 
 
 *' Mother, they may kill the body, but they can- 
 not touch the soul." 
 
 What a world of earnest meaning do these words 
 of faith convey, 
 
 As religion sheds its lustre brilliant as the light 
 of day. 
 
 What a stern rebuke to madness, could the faith- 
 less soul believe. 
 
 Ages of self-abnegation, years of prayer can scarce 
 retrieve. 
 
 Aye ! humanity may envy Abraham Franklin's 
 peaceful grave, 
 
 While the hearts of unborn millions will his 
 heavenly advent crave. 
 
AN INCIDENT OF THE NEW YORK RIOT. 55 
 
 And those simple words of feeling bid the waves 
 of thought to roll, 
 
 " Mother they may kill the body, but they can- 
 not touch the soul." 
 
 Vainly may we search in history what the bar- 
 barous ages tell, 
 
 St. Batholomew's dark record scarcely seems a 
 parallel. 
 
 Yet the day of triple vengeance hastens forth 
 on nimble wing, 
 
 And the time of true repentance proves the fact 
 that God is King. 
 
 But those foes to reigning justice never can the 
 past restore, 
 
 Though that widowed mother's image haunts their 
 days forevermore. 
 
 As a monument of glory faithfully these words 
 enroll, 
 
 " Mother, they may kill the body, but they can- 
 not touch the soul ! " 
 
STANZAS, 
 
 DEDICATED TO MRS. E. K. S. 
 
 T SAW thee when the joys of maidenhood, 
 
 Held spell-bound every thought of grief and 
 pain ; 
 Upon thy brow the virgin's wreathlet stood, 
 Upon thy soul temptation left no stain. 
 
 While inspiration lit thy inner shrine, 
 
 Illuming o'er the secret wells of thought, 
 
 The Poet's talent, though not wholly thine. 
 With potent spell a nobler spirit wrought. 
 
 We met as only friends congenial meet, 
 Upon the threshold of unbounded love, 
 
 56 
 
STANZAS. 57 
 
 And drank with rapture from the fountain deep, 
 The choicest blessing issuing from above. 
 
 While thou, the senior — both with purpose brave, 
 With mutual thoughts and aspirations high, 
 
 We bounded lightly o'er life's billowy wave — 
 Years of communion passing swiftly by. 
 
 One phase in life I may not yet reveal, 
 'Tis held as sacred as the stars above ! 
 
 Aye, sad indeed those hearts that blindly reel, 
 Clasping the phantom — unrequited love. 
 
 Time passed : I met thee on thy bridal eve, 
 Affection's wreath adorned thy placid brow, 
 
 While tender hands the verdant garlands wreathe, 
 Thou, ever faithful, spoke the marriage vow. 
 
 Strange ! while the hearts of mortals throb with 
 
 joy. 
 
58 STANZAS, 
 
 A doubtful shadow flits across the brain, ^ 
 
 Lest future prospects prove a base alloy, 
 Too fleble to support thm trembling frame. 
 
 Lest woman's love, so nobly, truly given. 
 Be fostered only to be rudely spurned. 
 
 While his dominion is her earthly Heaven, 
 His smiles the Paradise to which she turned. 
 
 Again I saw thee in thy happiest hours. 
 Parental smiles fell o'er thy infant boy, 
 
 For destiny has strewn thy path with flowers. 
 And each pulsation seems a world of joy. 
 
 I leave thee here ; life's golden wreath is thine ! 
 
 May Heaven e'er smile so lovingly on thee! 
 And may the choicest gifts of hoary Time, 
 
 Gladden thy pathway o'er life's troubled sea ! 
 
THE HERO OF NEW ORLEANS, 
 
 pjAIL! noble Chief! fair fortune claims for thee, 
 
 The richest crown artistic skill may form, 
 An emblem of tbat cherished liberty, 
 
 Choice heritage to millions yet unborn ! 
 Thy deeds immortal crowd the human gaze, . 
 And shine more brilliant through the darkening 
 haze. 
 
 When o'er "the Crescent City dimly shone 
 The half extinguished sun of freedom's race, 
 
 From watching souls, in touching, piteous tone, 
 Arose a prayer unto the throne of Grace, 
 
 That some bright spirit from the martial field, 
 
 Should clasp the wand oppression dared to wield! 
 
 59 
 
60 THE HERO OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 The summons came : unflinchingly there stood 
 The form of Butler ;^ 'midst the rebel bands- 
 
 Thou bid defiance to the multitude, 
 
 Sent forth inflexibly thy just commands. 
 
 Aye, even so, the cannon's fearful roar, 
 
 Brought life and hope to that unhappy shore ! 
 
 Yet prejudice, the scorn of future time. 
 
 Still bade thee with a lenient hand control, 
 
 And sway the sceptre in that southern clime. 
 With all the impulse of a generous soul. 
 
 But soon the die was cast — the dawn of day- 
 
 When Mlimford tore the starry flag away ! 
 
 • 
 
 Thy soul, indignant, laid the traitor low, 
 Threw off the garb of lenity and love ! 
 
 Flung to the breeze the ensign of the foe, 
 Obedient to the stern command above ! 
 
 Soon rampant Treason sunk his hydra head. 
 
 While soon the rod of Justice ruled instead ! 
 
THE HERO OF NEW ORLEANS. 6 1 
 
 And loyalty, whatever hue the skin, 
 
 Obtained the patriot's reward from thee, 
 
 Exulting under thy protecting wing. 
 
 Waved forth the glorious banner of the free ! 
 
 No bright anticipations bathed in tears, 
 
 No blooming hopes dissolved in idle fears. 
 
 ThoJfe halcyon months of unalloyed repose, " 
 When manhood, felt the bonds of faith secure, 
 
 When Justice triumphed o'er disdainful foes. 
 Shall live so long as memory may endure. 
 
 And priceless blessings for thee still remain, 
 
 Recalled when in the zenith of thy fame. 
 
 The freedman's heart pulsates in unison 
 
 And thrills with gratitude and love to thee ; 
 
 A foretaste of the life yet scarce begun, 
 
 He sounds thy praises o'er the land and sea ! 
 
 Of all brave deeds the patient eye may scan. 
 
 Brave-hearted Butler carries off the palm ! 
 
EVENING MEDITATIONS. 
 
 'npHE day is o'er; the source of light and Ufe, 
 
 Hath sunk to rest, and darkness shrouds the 
 earth, 
 Expressive silence 'neath the shades of night. 
 
 To things terrestial gives a holy birth. 
 I gaze delighted on the Heavens above, 
 'Till life seems sweet — one joyous round of love. 
 
 On yon pale crescent — yonder starry spheres. 
 The eye of faith in wayward fancy turns, 
 
 Bright memories quench the lava-tide of tears. 
 With greater lustre latent passion burns. 
 
 The languid spirits now uplifted high, 
 
 Drink from the treasures mirrored on the sky. 
 
 62 
 
EVENING MEDITATIONS. 63 
 
 In vain my vision strives to pierce the veil 
 That shrouds the future from our anxious gaze; 
 
 With each brave effort gloomy doubts assail, 
 Darker and deeper grows the thickening haze. 
 
 'Till thought oppressed the spirit learns to trust, 
 
 Howe'er mysterious, all God's ways are just. 
 
 * 
 
 The moonbeams resting on the glassy lake 
 Reflect the glory of a brighter world, 
 
 While passing clouds a fairer semblance take, 
 Appear in all their magic power unfurled. 
 
 The distant planets now harmoniously 
 
 Revolve, in all their separate actions free. 
 
 What stream of lucid fire illumes the earth } 
 Darting with lightning speed across the sky, 
 
 Wasting the splendor of a heavenly birth, 
 Passing almost unnoticed quickly by ? 
 
 The flashing meteor's still reflected glow 
 
 Beams on the sight — and all is bright below! 
 
 8 
 
64 EVENING MEDITATION. 
 
 Celestial beauty charms with potent power, 
 As heavenward the thoughtful vision glides, 
 
 While peace and beauty rule the passing hour, 
 On one pale star the thankful eye abides. 
 
 Shining with grandeur now almost alone, 
 
 A beacon-light to guide the wanderer home/ 
 
 « 
 
 What Star is this ? The bondman's hope and joy, 
 His only birthright 'neath the boundless skies 
 
 The oppressor's strong desire cannot destroy, 
 It twinkles on and everv ill defies. 
 
 Emitting peaceful rays though distant far, 
 
 Shineth sublimely still the Northern star ! 
 
 But why attempt description that must fail. 
 Why try, oh, God ! to fathom the beyond ? 
 
 To all excited fancy dares to hail. 
 
 Thy wonder-working mandates quick respond. 
 
 Enough thy bounteous blessings now to share. 
 
 Enough to know thy presence everywhere. 
 
EVENING MEDITATION, 65 
 
 The midnight hour draws nigh. My senses feel 
 A new, a strange delight ; and hope is gay, 
 
 While faithful memory happy scenes reveal, 
 Faith lends to idle fears the brightest ray. 
 
 To pleasing contemplation ever true, 
 
 To scenes of blissful reverie, adieu! 
 
THE RESPONSE. 
 
 WRITTEN AFTER THE ELECTION OF GOV. CURTIN, 1 863. 
 
 C ACR^D home of Penn and Freedom ! 
 
 Anchored on the troubled sea, 
 Shall storm-clouds and surging billows 
 
 Gather o'er futurity ? 
 Voices of the brave and daring 
 
 Blended with the just and true, 
 Shall they cease still all unheeded, 
 
 Mourned but by the loyal few .? 
 
 Yet again the graves of heroes 
 
 Mantled with the verdant sod, 
 Do they not though dumb and speechless 
 
 Point to Justice and to God ? 
 66 
 
THE RESPONSE. 6/ 
 
 All the earnest hopes of manhood 
 
 Mirrored on the azure sky, 
 While prophetic of the future, 
 
 Shall they pass unnoticed by i* 
 
 The respoSse thrills through the nation, 
 
 As electric sparks of fire! 
 Brightening every latent feeling. 
 
 Tuning fresh the Poet's lyre ! 
 Day advances — night is waning — 
 
 While we find what justice claims, 
 Traced upon the scroll of honor, 
 
 Fifteen thousand loyal names ! 
 
 Would ye know the joyful throbbings 
 
 All across the mighty main ? 
 Ask of those whose dearest treasures 
 
 Rest upon the battle plain. 
 For again our standard-bearer 
 
 Clasps the trusty helm of State, 
 
68 THE RESPONSE. 
 
 While the Ship with air defiant, 
 Bids the storm of war abate. 
 
 • 
 Saved : the nation's heart beats wildly, 
 
 As redeemed the Keystone stands ! 
 While the subtle flame of treason, 
 
 Is obscured by loyal hands. 
 Saved : one shout of ardent feeling 
 
 Bursts upon the gladdened ear ! 
 From unbroken ranks of freemen 
 
 Issues forth cheer after cheer ! 
 
 While along the distant hillside, 
 
 Through the valleys rich and fair, 
 Float around soul-stirring anthems — - 
 
 Treason yields to mute despair. 
 Faith and Hope again enkindled. 
 
 Stronger grow the mystic ties, 
 While the voice of Right and Power, 
 
 Rock-walled battlements defies ! 
 
THE RESPONSE. 69 
 
 Greater far this moral conquest, 
 
 Binding with a potent power, 
 Crushing treason's lurking image, 
 
 In this final crisis-hour, 
 Than those meteoric flashes 
 
 Through the battle's blackening smoke, 
 Or the bayonet's reckless charges, 
 
 Or the sabre's cruel stroke. 
 
 For with talismanic influence. 
 
 Bursting forth in vital flame, 
 Deeds of conscience as of valor, 
 
 Do a nation's homage claim. 
 Challenging the foes of freedom. 
 
 With an impulse undenied, 
 Down the current of progression 
 
 Sweeps humanity's broad tide! 
 
A LAMENT. 
 
 T^EAD ! oh, ye mystic wanderers of night, 
 
 Stars of the first great magnitude above ! 
 Where are the bright etherial realms of Hght ? 
 Where hope and faith as guardian spirits rove? 
 
 Those midnight messengers of Hght still roam, 
 Twinkling in solemn grandeur. Aye ! but now, 
 
 No marvellous sibyl's voice with magic tone, 
 Chases away the clouds upon my brow. 
 
 Dead! oh, brother, this world is drear and lone, 
 Clouded with waves of dark adversity. 
 
 Yet those who mid the din of battle roam, 
 Fear not the stern decrees of destiny. 
 
 70 
 
A LAMENT. 7 1 
 
 Such was thy fate ; lost on the southern shore, 
 Virginia ! weep above thy fallen foe, • 
 
 The golden scenes of blissful life are o'er, 
 While oracles of truth speak soft and low. 
 
 The silver wand of fame allured thee on, 
 
 Still is the life-pulse — calm the fevered brow, 
 
 Beneath the gorgeous beams of freedom's sun. 
 Thy star of promise set in grandeur now. 
 
 Dead! while the moon's pale beams serenely fall 
 Upon the bosom of the dark blue sea, 
 
 Thy voice no more re-echoes through the hall, 
 But all is veiled in one dread mystery. 
 
 Before thy vision faithful memory brings, 
 Those evanescent scenes of days gone by, 
 
 When at the dewy morn, the woodlark sings 
 His mournful requiem 'neath the azure sky. 
 
72 A LAMENT. 
 
 But one is absent ; one whose presence lent 
 A charm unknown, save when the curtain fell 
 
 Upon my wounded heart with sorrow rent, 
 ' Hope and joy faded with the funeral knell. 
 
 Oh, War ! thou hast thy scenes of wild dehght, 
 When o'er the conqueror's brow the wreath of 
 Bay 
 
 Twines its soft tendrils, joyful is the sight, 
 A counterpart of Heaven's eternal day. 
 
 Again thy fearful moments of despair, 
 
 The vanquished hero fills a martyr's grave, 
 
 As the sad anthems swell the mountain air. 
 O'er one who died his cherished land to save. 
 
 Yet 'mid this world of dark and causeless strife. 
 One precious boon to human mortals given, 
 
 One ray of hope — the guiding star of life. 
 
 This sweet reflection, there is rest in Heaven ! 
 
THE SILVER LINING. 
 
 np HE Ice-King reigned — the winter blast swept 
 
 by, 
 
 Triumphantly the moonlight clear and bright, 
 Reflected all the glory of the sky, 
 
 And crowned with garlands gay the brow of 
 night. 
 
 Without was peace. Within a maiden fair 
 Knelt faithfully her lonely couch beside, 
 
 Breathing the silent accents of a prayer. 
 To Him in whom all faith and hope abide. 
 
 9 
 
 The impress of a sad and deep despair, 
 Has left upon her brow a bitter trace, 
 
 73 
 
74 THE SILVER LINING. 
 
 Grief had displayed his sable mantle there, 
 And clouded over that once smiUng face. 
 
 She loved : aye ! loved as all true women love, 
 The strongest passion of a virtuous heart ; 
 
 Sacred the thought — inspired from above 
 With all the zeal that angels may impart. 
 
 Not hers to know an unrequited flame, 
 
 And sigh o'er brightest virtues rudely spurned, 
 
 Not hers to weep — to mourn another's gain. 
 For mutually affection's fire burned. 
 
 He loved : the glance of pure affection stole . 
 
 Unconsciously across a noble brow, 
 And honor crowned a proud and lofty soul 
 
 With nfore of worth than human words allow. 
 
 How oft when brightest beams the morning sun. 
 Obscured the noonday lustre may appear; 
 
THE SILVER LINING. 75 
 
 How oft persuasive eloquence is dumb 
 
 To quell the passions — check the faUing tear. 
 
 Aye, there are seasons when a demon power 
 Controls the actions of the strongest mind, 
 
 Shrouds in perpetual gloom the passing hour, 
 To pity deaf — to noble instinct blind. 
 
 Then comes the deep remorse which follows sin, 
 Closed is each avenue of pure content ; 
 
 Wrecked all the glowing hopes that might have 
 been. 
 And every moment seems but idly spent 
 
 While thus diverted by impassioned thought, 
 
 The youthful maiden rose with measured gait. 
 And at the open casement trusting sought, 
 
 To trace upon the Heavens her future fate. 
 
 She gazed ; a dark portentous cloud concealed 
 From human view the glorious orb of night. 
 
'j6 THE SILVER LINING 
 
 Beyond a deep reflection clear revealed 
 
 The silver lining to her tear-dimmed sight. 
 
 Quick as the flash of meteor, latent hope 
 
 Revived, " thank God ! my heavy heart is gay," 
 
 **The long dark night of sad despair," she spoke, 
 " Will be succeeded by perpetual day !" 
 
PRESS FORWARD. 
 
 RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 
 MARCH QTH, 1 864. 
 
 pRESS forward! honored Chieftian of the land, 
 
 The nation's proudest hopes abide in thee, 
 Firm and unyielding still sublimely stand 
 God's instrument to perfect destiny. 
 
 But one bold stroke — one word divinely given, 
 Renders immortal thy unspotted name. 
 
 Revered on earth and doubly blessed by heaven. 
 The crisis-hour, and shall we ask in vain ? 
 
 Press forward ! legions follow in thy rear, 
 
 Devoted patriots to a righteous cause. 
 
 With holy purpose ever broad and clear — 
 
 The maintenance of duty's sacred laws. 
 
 77 
 
7S PRESS FORWARD. 
 
 Mark thou a policy so well defined 
 
 In simple words that never can decay, 
 
 While all the powers of evil yet combined 
 Will fail to cloud the straight unbroken way. 
 
 Press forward ! mandates never premature, 
 
 Uttered by him who holds the needed power, 
 
 Make perfect right and justice more secure, 
 And hasten on the conflict's final hour. 
 
 Speak but one word — one firm but just command; 
 
 A proclamation in Jehovah's name. 
 The power that will redeem our native land — 
 
 Withhold it — the Republic dies in shame. 
 
 Press forward ! time sufficient yet remains, 
 For Progress has unbounded faith in thee ; 
 
 While loyalty wherever found exclaims, 
 
 "The Republic's true deliverer thou wilt be." 
 
PRESS FORWARD. 79 
 
 Give to the nation all the age requires, 
 A master-stroke of wisdom at thy hands, 
 
 Words whose grave import patriotism inspires, 
 And challenges the faith of foreign lands. 
 
 Press forward ! Congress falters in the Right, 
 Then trust not in the legislative power ; 
 
 But, Heaven sustained, remove the cause of strife, 
 The time for action now — the trial hour. 
 
 Let Freedom's flag be truthfully unfurled ! 
 
 Break every chain that clouds the perfect day. 
 Do this — thou stands't the idol of the world. 
 
 The Alexander of America ! 
 
 10 
 
8o 
 
 TO MY FATHER. 
 
 IV/TY Father, oh, my Father! 
 
 While the flame of memory burns, 
 To the scenes of early childhood, 
 
 Wayward fancy gladly turns. 
 Days that passed in quick succession. 
 
 Bright and buoyant, gay and free, 
 Through the distant, buried seasons, 
 
 Every pulse beats true to thee. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father ! 
 
 Fancy wove a golden chain. 
 Linked together richer garlands 
 
 Than the monarch dares to claim. 
 Day-built visions rose before me, 
 
 Easy seemed life's flowing tide, 
 
TO MY FATHER. " 8[ 
 
 Deep eclipsed each ray of sorrow — 
 Ever}^ joy was magnified. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father!. 
 
 Not alone o'er marshy lea 
 Fanned by myriad tropic breezes 
 
 Did I wander drearily. 
 But thy gentle presence. Father, 
 
 Taught my youthful teet to stray 
 Fearlessly o'er verdant herbage. 
 
 Through the straight and certain way. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father! 
 
 Not in vain thy fostering care, 
 As thy daughter's raven tresses 
 
 Floated in the silent air. 
 We have gone where rays of sunshine 
 
 Kiss the briny ocean's breast, • 
 Viewed together golden landscapes 
 
 Sinking in the distant West. 
 
82 • TO MY FATHER. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father ! 
 
 Floats the mountain air the same, 
 And the lark, the morning singer, 
 
 Chaunts anew his sweet refrain. 
 Yet, alas ! deep, sad forebodings 
 
 Cloud the spirit's sweet repose, 
 Hours of silent contemplation 
 
 Sacred memories disclose. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father ! 
 
 When disease his mantle threw 
 O'er thy form — sad, sad the picture 
 
 My excited fancy drew. 
 Can it be ? Sweet Heaven, in mercy 
 
 Let the flush of health return. 
 Crown that brow with fresher chaplets- 
 
 Bid the vital spark to burn. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father ! 
 
 When earth's joys are dim to thee, 
 
TO MY FATHER. 83 
 
 Leafy woods and budding flowers 
 Lose their brightness then to me. 
 
 Yet my heart is wisely hoping, 
 For a holy faith is mine, 
 
 That the stars now dimmed in glory. 
 Shall in truer grandeur shine. 
 
 My Father, oh, my Father ! 
 
 All the laurels I may win, 
 Crown a brow whose richest blessings, 
 
 From thy gentle counsel spring*. 
 Oh, may some mysterious power 
 
 Turn the shaft of destiny, 
 Lift the sombre veil of sadness — 
 
 Heaven grant this boon to me ! 
 
ABSENT FRIENDS. 
 
 npHE landscape tinted with celestial dye 
 
 Has faded with the sun's expiring ray, 
 While lengthened shadows gathering 'neath the sky, 
 .Denote the close of day. 
 
 Time of sweet converse — season of repose. 
 
 When arduous labors with the eve expire, 
 While nature rests secure from mortal foes 
 I tune my feeble lyre. 
 
 Strung not by hand of art, my simple lay 
 
 Is but the measure of divided thought ; 
 I sing of those who tread the thorny way. 
 
 The southern chme have sought. 
 84 
 
ABSENT FRIENDS. 85 
 
 For with exalted purpose, teeming far 
 
 Beyond the narrow boundaries of life, 
 Shining with brilliance as the evening star, 
 They joined the mortal strife. 
 
 Three brothers in the pride of manhood's hour. 
 
 Vigorous and buoyant, with the glow of youth. 
 Launched their barks against despotic power, 
 Nobly to strike for truth. 
 
 Home, with the fond endearments clustering near, 
 Freighted with all the joy that love may claim, 
 Fails to allure when burns with* fervor clear, 
 The subtle, inward flame. 
 
 For patriotism knows not of that despair 
 
 Which forms the barrier to progression's tide, 
 But upward, onward, noble spirits dare, 
 Frail hopes are magnified. 
 
86 ABSENT FRIENDS. 
 
 One roams on Fernandina's hapless strand, 
 
 A glittering jewel in the diadems 
 Offered upon the altar of the land — 
 One of earth's priceless gems. 
 
 Two others near Potomac's wave-washed shore, 
 
 All sensual delights they freely give ; 
 Wealth, talent, all that manhood has in store, 
 That loyalty may live. 
 
 Gone forth unspotted, in God's fairy train, 
 
 Gone forth to struggle, manfully and brave, 
 That loss of life and treasure yet may gain 
 Freedom for every slave ! 
 
 Oh ! may some guardian angel, hovering 'round 
 
 The scene of carnage, bid the storm abate ; 
 May spectral hands, in mystery profound. 
 Ward off the blow of fate ! 
 
ABSENT FRIENDS. 87 
 
 May the strong hand of Omnipresent power 
 
 Shiver to atoms all the cause of war, 
 To home and friends, tho' clouds still darkly lower 
 The absent yet restore ! 
 
 11 
 
THOUGHTS BESIDE THE SEA. 
 
 j\ WAY ! enchanting memories of the past, 
 
 That fill . the measure of the thoughtless throng, 
 Rest for a season ere the winter blast 
 
 Brings with its advent gayer scenes along. 
 Let nature revelling in pure delight, 
 Exalt the soul to higher deeds of right. 
 
 How every impulse of the human heart 
 Bows in submission to Divine appeal, 
 
 When sober reason forms the counterpart 
 Of truth — the ideal blended with the real. 
 
 With reverence, Holy Father, unto Thee, 
 
 I muse in happy thought beside the sea. 
 
 88 
 
THOUGHTS BESIDE THE SEA. 89 
 
 Above, the firmament of azure hue, 
 
 Below, foam-crested billows ceaseless roll, « 
 
 Majestic ! grand ! as far as human view 
 Extends, sublimity enshrouds the soul ! 
 
 The orb of day reflects his glorious beams, 
 
 From briny surf a holy beauty gleams. 
 
 Far in the distance— o'er the wide expanse, 
 
 Floats with the breeze the vessel's bleaching 
 • sail ; 
 
 Around her smaller satellites advance, 
 Bidding defiance to the sea-born gale. 
 
 Regardless whether friendly wind or tide, 
 
 She plows the deep in all her conscious pride. 
 
 Ah! who may know, though cloudless sets the sun, 
 What unseen dangers she may yet endure ; 
 
 God grant propitious breezes waft her on 
 To foreign climes protected and secure. 
 
go THOUGHTS BESIDE THE SEA. 
 
 Success attend the mariner so brave, 
 
 And golden laurels thine beyond the grave ! 
 
 While bright-eyed fancy hovers o'er the scene, 
 And paints the unfading glory of the hour. 
 
 The evening shadows gather 'round serene. 
 
 And star-gemmed night asserts her wonted 
 power, 
 
 In awful grandeur still the billows roll, ^ 
 
 Eternal harmony pervades the whole! 
 
 Come forth ! oh Athiest, on the wave-washed 
 strand. 
 
 And view the mighty wonders of the sea ; 
 Then dare assert less than Almighty hand, 
 
 Controls the tempest — rules thy destiny ! 
 Strike off the fetters to a blind belief. 
 And thus afford thy better thoughts relief 
 
THOUGHTS BESIDE THE SEA. 9 1 
 
 If thou can'st stand a living witness here, 
 To God's creative wisdom, and be bhnd, — 
 
 Sad, sad the thought a heart so dumb and sear. 
 And lost to truth with such a poisoned mind, 
 
 Oh, Great Jehovah ! these the base, untrue, 
 
 " Forgive them, for they know not what they do!" 
 
 Aye, thus the dazzUng splendor of the main, 
 Thrills through the deepest recess of the soul, 
 
 Inspiring homage for Jehovah's name. 
 
 Through countless ages dark blue oceans roll ! 
 
 Charmed by thy potent power, oh, rolling sea, 
 
 Life is sublime alone with God and thee ! 
 
THE STATUE OF FREEDOM. 
 
 '* We have placed over the edifice in which our laws 
 are to be enacted the effigy of Freedom. We have 
 put it there in token of our acknowledgment that, in 
 the sight of Justice, no man is born a Master, and no 
 man is born a Slave !" — Tribune. 
 
 TTPON thy dome, proud temple of the State! 
 
 Moulding with wisdom the decrees of fate, 
 Through the vast space of ether safely borne, 
 Freedom's Colossus rears her bronzed form. 
 While with supremest power her silver wand 
 Brings peace and plenty to a foreign land ; 
 Unites again ties of fraternal love. 
 Springing spontaneous from the founts above ! 
 
 Proud monument of truth and moral worth ! 
 We hail with joy the Nation's Christian .birth. 
 92 
 
THE STATUE OF FREEDOM. 93 
 
 Ages of darkness 'neath thy power fade, 
 
 As leaves of Autumn lose their verdant shade. 
 
 The fiery missies despotism hurled, 
 
 Stand twice condemned before a generous world. 
 
 Two revolutions sweep the surface clear, 
 
 And Freedom triumphs o'er the silent bier ! 
 
 Before thy shrine the guiltless humbly bow, 
 Millions of sable worshippers hast thou ! 
 Ideal aspirations now are real. 
 
 Though yet unsheathed remains the glittering steel. 
 For with thy noble image beckoning on, 
 Beneath the glitter of the noon-day sun, 
 The throes ot agony which shake the world, 
 Will be to dark oblivion fiercely hurled. 
 
 Colossal Statue ! no frail spirits moan 
 
 In suppliant accents at thy polished throne. 
 
 No dark skinned mother trembling with despair, 
 
 Sees borne from sight her infant bright and fair. 
 
94 THE STATUE OF FREEDOM. 
 
 No youthful quadroon supplicates in vain 
 That bartered charms may be her own again. 
 No sable brother with uplifted eyes, 
 Frantic with misery, curses man and dies. 
 
 For from the fertile valleys of the North, 
 The sun of Freedom brilliantly beams forth, 
 Reflected by the statue wisdom rears 
 O'er Southern pines to quell the captive's fears. 
 Vermillion-dyed the stream of conflict flows, 
 Man reaps the whirlwind when he blindly sows ; 
 Yet stands the form of Liberty sublime. 
 Just representative of truth divine. 
 
 While England's taunt she sent across the wave, 
 " America's no refuge for the slave !" 
 From whence it came we hurl defiantly. 
 And mock her for the basest treachery. 
 Aye, once again the soil the Pilgrims trod, 
 Is consecrated by the hand of God ! 
 Artistic skill in lands beyond the sea, 
 Goddess of Freedom is eclipsed by thee ! 
 
THE LANDSCAPE. 
 
 XXTOOED beyond life's troubled waters, 
 
 By a strange mysterious power, 
 Deep unfathomed thought in silence, 
 
 Traces what enchants the hour. 
 Distant far the glowing sunset 
 
 Holds the thoughts with spell divine, 
 To increase the magic splendor, 
 
 All the rainbow tints combine. 
 
 See ! now bright and still more brightly 
 
 Orange-tinted clouds appear, 
 Clothing all the pure horizon 
 
 With a beauty soft and clear. 
 
 Peacefully the hills and valleys 
 
 Still their verdant robes retain, 
 
 95 
 
 12 
 
96 THE LANDSCAPE. 
 
 Save where in exalted contrast, 
 Waves o'er-ripe the golden grain, 
 
 Through the meadow rich in herbage, 
 Glides the rippling stream away, 
 
 Mirrored on its glassy surface, 
 Bush and tree reflected lay. 
 
 Song of birds — the swallows twittering 
 
 'Round the prickly hedge of thorn, 
 
 Through all animated nature, 
 
 t 
 Flows the life-blood rich and warm. 
 
 Yet again the eye delighted, 
 
 Scans a field of growing maize, 
 Picturing scenes of busy labor, 
 
 In the future autumn days. 
 Flowers, incense-breathing flowers. 
 
 With the cooing of the dove — 
 Gifted nature's choicest blessings, 
 
 Heaven's messengers of love ! 
 
THE LANDSCAPE. 97 
 
 Look beyond yon circling cedars ! 
 
 Moves the lowing herd along, 
 Urg#i by instinct true and earnest, 
 
 By a purpose firm and strong. 
 Once again the dewy clover 
 
 Yields beneath their steady feet, 
 Once again the twilight shadows 
 
 Gather 'round my lone retreat. 
 
 Homeward bound the weary reaper 
 
 Feels a secret sense of joy, 
 As he notes his gathered treasures — 
 
 Peace, sweet peace, without alloy. 
 Thine is rest to wealth unknown, 
 
 Thine is pleasure's earnest thrill. 
 Filling up the greatest measure 
 
 Of our Heavenly Father's will. 
 
 Through the floating waves of ether, 
 
 Redolent with summer blooms. 
 Fade the deeper tints of sunset, 
 
 'Neath the shroud that night assumes. 
 
THE LANDSCAPE. 
 
 Aye, the world may boast of wisdom, 
 In her stately halls of pride, 
 
 But the holiest founts of feeling, « 
 There remain ungratified. 
 
 Would ye know the deep impressions 
 
 That creative power reveals ? 
 Go to where enchanting nature. 
 
 Bitter scenes of life conceals. 
 Talent brightens when enraptured. 
 
 As the human pulses beat. 
 When upon life's troubled surface. 
 
 Hearts congenial chance to meet. 
 
 There are secret wells of feeling, 
 
 Secret throbs of joy and pain, 
 That impassioned thought endeavors 
 
 To control, but all in vain. 
 There are scenes of happy romance. 
 
 Making bright this changeful clime, 
 In the far out-stretching landscape. 
 
 Great Jehovah ! all are Thine ! 
 
 • 
 
REDEEMED: JANUARY 31 st, 1865. 
 
 yJTAND forth brave nation, cleansed and 
 
 purified, 
 Upon thy soil to consecration given 
 Flows on in grandeur the exhaustless tide 
 
 Of Progress, 'neath the sweetest smiles of 
 Heaven. 
 
 Divinely shaped thy destiny unfolds. 
 
 Redeemed when in the zenith of thy fame ! 
 
 As unseen power the future wisely moulds, 
 
 Through war and carnage breaks the captive's 
 chain. 
 
 Aye ! not in rain the crimson tide has flowed, 
 
 Or brightest hopes been wrecked upon the 
 
 strand, 
 
 99 
 
loo REDEEMED. 
 
 The choicest blessing Heaven has e'er bestowed, 
 Now stands pre-eminent — subhmely grand. 
 
 The loyal heart beats strong and firm to-day, 
 With renewed courage joins the mortal strifer 
 
 While truth and justice chase the clouds away, 
 The captive falters, thanks to Heaven, for Ufe ! 
 
 Ye honored few ! who, reared in Southern climes 
 Amid oppressions pestilential power, 
 
 Raised your right hands to crush the nation's 
 crimes, 
 Are doubly blessed in this our trial-hour. 
 
 No eulogy those noble names require, 
 Whose voices heard in Legislative halls. 
 
 Were actuated by the grand desire 
 
 To follow when the voice of duty calls. 
 
REDEEMED. lOl 
 
 Immortalized the scroll of honor stands ! 
 
 A mausoleum Time can ne'er efface, 
 A solid column formed by loyal hands, 
 
 Upon whose refcord stands no bitter trace. 
 
 Soon will oblivion bury in the past, 
 The time-worn relics despotism formed. 
 
 And Freedom reign triumphantly at last, 
 Above the citadel oppression stormed ! 
 
 Soon boasted chivalry will fade away 
 
 As Autumn leaves 'neath winter's chilly breath, 
 Exultingly we hail the glorious day, 
 
 Of Freedom's birth and stern oppression's death! 
 
 For brighter skies and calmer seas of strife, 
 For this the greatest, grandest victory, 
 
 And conquests bold that saved the nation's life. 
 Though dearly bought, Jehovah ! thanks to Thee! 
 
THE SPIRIT OF WINTER. 
 
 OHRILL winds wail o'er the barren hills. 
 
 The spirit of winter is brave, 
 Silent the voice of the ice-bound rills, 
 
 That a clearer passage crave. 
 Mute the warblings of many birds, 
 
 Absent their musical strains, 
 Housed from tempest the grazing herds — 
 
 Through the wood float wild refrains. 
 
 Icy the breath of the passing breeze. 
 
 On the frosted window pane. 
 Swayed by the storm, the leafless trees 
 
 Bend their proud forms in disdain. 
 Leaf-tongues are silent, but louder notes 
 
 Swell with the gathering storm. 
 
 I02 
 
THE SPIRIT OF WINTER. IO3 
 
 Mandates of Summer, Winter revokes, 
 Leaving her domain forlorn. 
 
 Soon the pure white snow-flakes appear, 
 
 Robing with ermine the earth. 
 Scenes of sorrow fade on their bier. 
 
 Leaving but sunshine and mirth; 
 Shadows of evening gather 'round, 
 
 Pure is the current of dehght, 
 Filled is the air with musical sound, 
 
 Charmed is the sensual sight. 
 
 Ye, who would blight the joys of youth, 
 
 'Neath religion's mistaken vow. 
 Voices of nature will teach the truth, 
 
 As to her ye humbly bow. 
 Then let the voices of childhood raise 
 
 To God their anthems of love, 
 Beneath the snow, with notes of praise ! 
 
 And the azure sky above ! 
 
 Thou who assumeth the saintly shroud, 
 
 And walketh from the world apart, 
 13 
 
104 THE SPIRIT OF WINTER. 
 
 With saintly look and bearing proud, 
 God does not dwell in thy heart ! 
 
 But take the child — the maiden fair, 
 Or age with the chastening rod, 
 
 Where truth prevails the silver hair 
 Reveals the image of God ! 
 
 But once again divided thought 
 
 Resumes the rested lyre of praise, 
 Oh ! scenes of winter gaily sought. 
 
 Too rapid the fleeting days. 
 Yon forest trees that bravely grow, 
 
 With verdant foliage waved, 
 Now bend beneath the virgin snow. 
 
 And bless the hand that saved ! 
 
 Prismatic colors of rainbow dye, 
 The clearness of sunlight reveal, 
 
 The spangled boughs — the azure sky — 
 The bliss of Heaven conceal. 
 
THE SPIRIT OF WINTER. IO5 
 
 Forces of nature strangely blend, 
 To brighten the pathway of life, 
 
 While all the works of Creation lend 
 True rays of wisdom and light ! 
 
 Hail ! ye winds, ye clouds, and ye storms ! 
 
 Ye vapors so heavy and grim ! 
 Emblems of Winter — spirit forms, 
 
 Exalting the soul to Him ! 
 But from the destitute, mournful tones, 
 
 Seasons of misery untold, 
 Many weep as the North wind moans, 
 
 Sigh, '' I am cold, oh ! so cold !" 
 
 Father of all ! from thy Throne of Grace ! 
 
 Shield the deserted and sad. 
 Scatter thy' blessings — sorrow erase. 
 
 Make their hearts peaceful and glad ! 
 Spirit of Winter ! thanks to thee, 
 
 For leading us nearer to God, 
 May thy revealings ever be free, 
 
 'Till we rest beneath the sod ! 
 
THE BIRTH-DAY OF LIBERTY. 
 
 T^AY dawns: the darkened shades of night 
 
 have fled, 
 While tranquil nature hushed o'er land and sea, 
 Awakes with murmured blessing o'er the dead, 
 And whispers soft the magic words — "Be Free !" 
 
 The southern pines take up the joyful strain, 
 And waft their greeting to an injured race. 
 
 While o'er the lofty granite hills of Maine, 
 
 The New Year wears a bright and smihng face. 
 
 Aye, every heart where Truth and Right prevail. 
 
 Beats warm and high, on Freedom's natal day. 
 
 And every voice however weak and frail. 
 
 In trembling accents joins the cheerful lay. 
 1 06 
 
THE BIRTH-DAY OF LIBERTY. lO/ 
 
 The tyrant's rod has lost its fatal power, 
 The boon of Freedom God in justice gave, 
 
 The ruling feeling of the day and hour 
 
 Like perfumed zephyrs, floats above the slave ! 
 
 No more our dusky brothers toil in vain, 
 But every thought to noble purpose given, 
 
 The joyful cadence of their wild refrain, 
 
 Ascends with praise the peaceful dome of 
 Heaven. 
 
 Then bless the man who raised his voice on high, 
 In firm obedience to Divine appeal, 
 
 Who with a purpose crowned the battle-cry ! 
 And stern, unyielding, broke oppression's seal ! 
 
 Aye, haughty Southron, bold, defiant still, 
 
 The chains of death by iron hands are riven. 
 
 While Justice claims with an undaunted will. 
 This day to holy consecration given ! 
 
I08 THE BIRTH-DAY OF LIBERTY, 
 
 Ye Poets ! who in fantasy abide, 
 
 Invoke the Muses to inspired zeal, 
 And let your influence swell the common tide. 
 
 Until to Justice human beings kneel ! 
 
 Ye gifted Authors ! tune your lyres anew. 
 And be not loitering in the hour of need, 
 
 The friends of human progress look to you, 
 For words of cheer, an earnest, firm, "God 
 speed ! " 
 
 4 
 
 We mourn as only hearts afflicted, mourn, 
 O'er those who float upon a crimson sea, 
 
 But Justice firmly answers through the storm, 
 " Cease not till every human soul is free ! " 
 
 It comes ! the bright millenium o'er the earth, 
 Not distant far when sin and sorrow cease. 
 
 Then hail ! all hail ! the day of Freedom's birth, 
 The glorious harbinger of lasting peace ! 
 
IN MEMORY OF ABRAHAM 
 LINCOLN. 
 
 "THUS HATH THE RIGHTEOUS FALLEN!" 
 
 /^ H weep, Columbia ! weep in anguish deep, 
 
 "VVeep tears of blood above a martyr's grave, 
 Sound the sad requiem — midnight vigils keep, 
 In deepest mourning let our Banner wave ! 
 
 The deadening pressure of this trial hour, 
 
 The words of agony on breezes borne, 
 
 The loss, oh hero, of thy conscious power, 
 
 Has left the nation sad, bereft, forlorn. 
 
 The senses reel beneath this stunning blow. 
 
 Extinguished seems the glorious light of day, 
 
 Exultant triumphs o'er a vanquished foe. 
 
 Are dead to thought — and glory fades away. 
 
 109 
 
no IN MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
 
 The nation's heart with feeble pulses beats, 
 And dumb with sorrow now prostrated lies, 
 
 Thy welcome voice no more our victories greets. 
 Deep lamentations on the air arise. 
 
 We do not mourn thy advent to that sphere. 
 Where life eternal blesses such as thou, 
 
 But, oh ! we sadly miss thy presence here — 
 Yet to Divine permission humbly bow. 
 
 Historic page will glitter with thy name, 
 Though dimly now shines Freedom's radiant sun. 
 
 For though thy mortal life we cannot claim, 
 Champion of Right ! thy soul is marching on ! 
 
 With bonds of steel thy blood cements this land, 
 Freedom's sure triumph with thy latest breath, 
 
 Grief bids defiance to the coward hand, 
 
 Who dared to wield the instrument of death ! 
 
IN MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. I I I 
 
 Come Retribution ! come, in all thy power, 
 
 Annihilating with the tyrant's rod, 
 Revenge and death ! the watchword of the hour — 
 
 And leave the rest to Justice and to God. 
 
 Oh, Great Jehovah ! humbly do we kneel, 
 And supplicate before Thy righteous Throne, 
 
 For blighted hopes and prospects thou canst heal — 
 We cannot tread the thorny way alone. 
 
 Oh, Great Preserver ! guide the ship aright ! 
 
 Our faithful helmsman sleeps in death's embrace, 
 In deep humility we pray for light, 
 
 And trust repose upon Thy pardoning grace. 
 
 Rest, modest hero ! rest in peace profound ! 
 
 Free from the scenes of strife this world of sin- 
 We seem to hear the ever welcome sound : 
 
 " Well done, and faithful servant, enter in ! " 
 
 14 
 
THE HOUSEHOLD. 
 
 \ MONG the emerald hills in rustic ease, 
 
 The homestead stands, within the maple shade 
 The songster tunes his joyful lay to please 
 Dame nature in her grandest style arrayed. 
 
 Without is all enchantment and repose, 
 
 The soul's ideal of eternal rest, 
 The beautiful in fairest type compose 
 
 A rural scene by highest power blest. 
 
 Beyond the threshold active forms appear, 
 Congenial with God's approved design, 
 
 Filling the measure in this lower sphere. 
 
 Of human worth, where faith and hope combine- 
 
 112 
 
THE HOUSEHOLD. II3 
 
 One, the dear Father of the household band, 
 A man of books, from all the world apart 
 
 Save from the pure, home-circle ; his command 
 Comes from the promptings of an earnest heart. 
 
 Silence his watchword ! yet with speaking eyes, 
 That glow with untold worth — a world of thought 
 
 Concealed from human view, his soul denies 
 The truth of much the sorrow life has wrought. 
 
 Too unbelieving, too gentle for a man, 
 Presuming not enough to make the way 
 
 Of life easy and sure ; the social ban 
 Thus understood dims the light of day. 
 
 A worshipper at nature's shrine, the stars 
 Beam through his vision with a purer light, 
 
 Nothing around, above, below that mars 
 The perfect form of scientific sight. 
 
114 ^^^ HOUSEHOLD. 
 
 Learned yet unlearned, knowing of treasured love 
 Contained upon the printed page, yet blind 
 
 To human frailty — and believing more 
 
 In words than actions as regards mankind. 
 
 His partner through the ills that may betide, 
 A worthy woman fills her perfect sphere ; 
 
 A dear, loved Mother sits the board beside, 
 And lends her presence to the sweet home-cheer- 
 
 First, when the voice of duty prompts the way, 
 Benevolent in all her thoughts and deeds, 
 
 Cheering the prospects of the darkest day — 
 Foremost in all life's duties and life's needs. 
 
 Help to the poor her generous hand extends; 
 
 Quick of perception, in expression free. 
 Candor with pure intentions grandly blends 
 
 And forms the basis of maturity. 
 
THE HOUSEHOLD. 115 
 
 Long ere the public mind was near prepared 
 To plead the cause of liberty and right, 
 
 Her heart the misery of the captive shared, 
 And ached to view the nation's blinded sight. 
 
 O genial soul ! though streaks of grey are seen 
 To mingle with the darkly shaded hair, 
 
 May life prolonged be ever bright and green, 
 A foretaste of that world the good may share, 
 
 Next a fond daughter on the scene appears, 
 The harbinger that God vouchsafed to send 
 
 To cheer the pathway of declining years. 
 And to the present added comfort lend. 
 
 Something of talent beams upon her brow. 
 Enough to gladden life's appointed way — 
 
 Enough a higher nature to endow. 
 
 And to her spirit better thoughts convey. 
 
I l6 THE HOUSEHOLD. 
 
 Astray her youthful feet how oft are led 
 By impulses perhaps too quick obeyed ; 
 
 An earnest nature — and if rightly read 
 The critic finds his censure oft delayed. 
 
 One whose convictions seem to lead her on 
 Beyond the standard public thought approved — 
 
 A moralist whose highest hopes are won, 
 When evil through conviction is removed. 
 
 Another form uniting strength of hope, 
 Firmness of purpose and devotion true, 
 
 A nature grasping for a wider scope — 
 
 Completes the picture memory brings to view. 
 
 Light of the household, what a treasure there ! 
 
 A happy being moves the world among ; 
 Age, adverse fortune will not cause despair,' 
 
 Vivacious thought will make her always young. 
 
J THE HOUSEHOLD. 11^ 
 
 How laughter-loving does her face appear 
 A God-send to the heart in mental strife, 
 
 So much of vital force the world to cheer, 
 Enjoying every particle of life. 
 
 Oft times, when summer zephyrs soft and pure. 
 Invite the wanderer from the city's din, 
 
 From stifled air the feeble frame allure, 
 Back to its home the vital current win ; 
 
 'Tis then a gentle Aunt may linger near. 
 Companion in the household's busy scene — 
 
 Loveliest of the lovely, ever dear. 
 Angelical in spirit, true, serene. 
 
 How much of all that honest merit claims. 
 Is stamped upon • the brow of human worth. 
 
 How much mature and peaceful age retains 
 Of youth's bright promise — of celestial birth. 
 
Il8 THE HOUSEHOLD. 
 
 O, noble heart ! may Heaven guide thee on, 
 With garlands crown the path of life serene, 
 
 Until the bright and blissful shore is won, 
 Thy sun of promise sets in peace supreme ! 
 
 Such is the household ; — 'tis no fancy view ; 
 
 Distinctly marked the page of memory, — 
 They move, they breathe, the heart's impulses true, 
 
 These human beings, 'midst infinity. 
 
RETROSPECTION. 
 
 CjILENTLY, on unseen pinions, 
 
 Thought a higher standard gains, 
 Linking bright or sad emotions, 
 
 Fancy weaves her perfect chains. 
 Backward, past the buried seasons, 
 
 Through the dim, uncertain Hght 
 View we now the nation's trials. 
 
 Moments dark as endless night. 
 
 Time was when with fear and trembling 
 
 Stood our dear, beloved land, 
 On the verge of certain ruin, 
 
 Crushed beneath the tyrant's hand. 
 
 Weeks and months the deep vibrations 
 
 Of the cannon's fearful sound, 
 
 119 
 15 
 
1 20 RETROSPECTION. 
 
 Spoke in immistaken accents, 
 Pointed to the battle ground. 
 
 As those hopes so bUndly cherished 
 
 By defeat began to wane, 
 'Round his limbs the rude oppressor 
 
 Closer drew the captive's chain. 
 Patriot zeal in Southern dungeons. 
 
 Blighted by starvation's power, 
 Brutish force alone created 
 
 All the misery of that hour. 
 
 But in vain : our sainted ruler 
 
 Struck the motive power of Right ! 
 Raising from those swarthy heroes. 
 
 Noble allies for the strife. 
 Time passed on : four years of anguish — 
 
 'Tis the oft repeated tale, 
 Broken households — widows mourning 
 
 Mingled wtih the orphan's wail. 
 
RETROSPECTION. 1 2 1 
 
 • 
 
 But at last the clouds divided 
 
 And the glorious sunlight came ; 
 Rest for all, the promise given, 
 
 To the slave a broken chain. 
 Was this all ? Did treason slumber 
 
 After rounds of sad defeat ? 
 Yielding up in silent wisdom 
 
 To the conqueror's steady beat ? 
 
 No ! not so ; oh sickening vision, 
 
 See a nation blind with tears, 
 Strong men bowed as if decHning 
 
 'Neath the sudden weight of years. 
 Dimmed the stars on Freedom's banner, 
 
 When the dreadful tidings burst 
 On the air, ''Our Chief has fallen!" 
 
 Treason did indeed its worst. 
 
 But enough. The heart is saddened 
 By this weary waste of years ; 
 
122 RETROSPECTION. 
 
 Gladly draw we close the curtain 
 That conceals abiding fears. 
 
 Once again the wheels of power, 
 Re-anointed work anew, 
 
 Sending forth fraternal greeting 
 To the truly loyal few. 
 
 Warrior, rest ! thy crown of glory, 
 
 Is with brightest jewels set, 
 Sheathe the sword in trust forever- 
 
 Bravely hast thou paid thy debt. 
 Thanks to God ! perpetual freedom 
 
 Brings to all a sweet release. 
 Thanks to God! the nation liveth 
 
 Blessed with a perpetual Peace! 
 
SUNSET IN AUTUMN. 
 
 T INFOLDS the landscape to the gazer's view, 
 
 The Sun's declining rays dim shadows cast, 
 Rich with autumnal tints of varied hue. 
 Nature repeats the changes of the past. 
 
 Behold ! yon forest dipped in choicest dye, 
 Garnet and gold in rich profusion blent, 
 
 Reflected by the splendor of the sky. 
 In bold relief upon the firmament. 
 
 Pause : there is room for contemplation here, 
 
 With light and shade, sunshine and clouds 
 
 combined, 
 
 With rainbow tints — the silence of the bier — 
 
 The elements in truest sense defined. 
 
 123 
 
124 SUNSET IN AUTUMN. 
 
 Look to the West ! a cloud obscures the sun 
 But for one moment — bursting forth in flame, 
 
 Illuming earth and heaven — the portal won 
 That opes to human sight celestial gain. 
 
 Streaks of bright crimson, waves of burnished gold, 
 Ridge above ridge of many shades of dye, 
 
 With orange-tinted cloud fold upon fold, 
 Appear upon the western waste of sky. 
 
 Beholding this, glance to the distant scene, 
 Magnificent with colored autumn leaves. 
 
 Intensified by rays of sunlight gleam, 
 
 On the rapt sight the stately forest trees. 
 
 Painter of Athens ! bring your easel here, 
 Spread the broad canvas ! inspiration true 
 
 Will make the line of beauty bold and clear 
 To blunted vision — and fair fame for you. 
 
SUNSET IN AUTUMN. 125 
 
 None, there are none can paint a scene like this, 
 'Tis far beyond the claim of gifted man, 
 
 The harbinger of rhat Eternal bliss. 
 Soul-satisfying, that the few may scan. 
 
 Ye ! who unmindful of the passing view. 
 Deem ye this but a flight of fancy? Go 
 
 With thought unbiased, mark with motive true, ? 
 Autuminal change — the sunset's ruddy glow. 
 
 So much of light divine, of hope and joy 
 Is mirrored on the calm, clear azure sky, 
 
 So much of Heaven is stamped without alloy 
 On nature's brow, to prove the skeptic's lie. 
 
 Sinks in the West the glorious orb of day! 
 
 Fadeth from view the clear and tranquil sight, 
 While gently o'er kind nature's grand display, 
 
 In peace supreme descend the shades of night! 
 
LIBERTY. 
 
 TT AIL ! Heaven-born heritage of Right ! 
 
 Developed with life's earliest breath, 
 
 ^ For love of thee brave millions dare 
 'J 
 
 To cross the boundary line of death. 
 For love of thee the human heart 
 
 Impassioned, pulsates deep and strong, 
 And every life-strung nerve secure, 
 
 With firmer tension combats wrong. 
 
 For thee, the patient captive waits, 
 And breathes his last sigh on the air, 
 
 For thee, the bond-mother dares to take 
 The life of innocence so fair, 
 
 And as she notes the parting breath 
 
 Of her sweet babe from bondage free, 
 126 
 
LIBERTY. 1 27 
 
 One prayer to God — her sacrifice 
 Upon thy throne, O Liberty ! 
 
 Columbus tracked the ocean's waste, 
 
 And landed on the wave-washed shore, 
 The ebbing tide of hope returned, 
 
 And all the air a freshness bore. 
 Still later in the tide of years, 
 
 The Mayflower crossed the surging sea — 
 Jehovah clothed with potency, 
 
 These harbingers of Liberty. 
 
 Anon the landscape dotted o'er 
 
 With scenes that thrilled the anxious sight. 
 While Justice dared to wield the rod, 
 
 And touch the mystic spring of Right ! 
 Brave, stalwart frames with voice and arm, 
 
 Responsive rose in freedom's line, 
 
 Oppression paused — recoiled before 
 
 The dawn of Liberty divine ! 
 16 
 
128 LIBERTY. 
 
 Almost a century of light 
 
 And shade has passed away ; this hour 
 The Orient light of early morn 
 
 Is dimmed by treachery's power. 
 Although the landscape lies before, 
 
 Arrayed with every purpose grand, 
 With scarce a trace of buried worth 
 
 To mark a free and rescued land. 
 
 « 
 Night in America ! four years 
 
 Of darkness and of anguish borne, 
 Until a master-spirit broke 
 
 The captive's chains and quelled the storm. 
 From southern pines rose shouts of joy. 
 
 That thrilled the main from sea to sea — 
 From dark, impending clouds broke forth 
 
 The brilliant rays of Liberty ! 
 
 Light on the beacon-land ! afar 
 Is mirrored on the azure sky, 
 
LIBERTY. 129 
 
 The alien reaches forth his hands, 
 And bids his native home good-bye! 
 
 He braves the dangers of the deep, 
 To die upon the stormy wave, 
 
 Rather than bear oppression's wrongs. 
 And Hve to be an Emperor's slave ! 
 
 Great Garibaldi silent weeps — 
 
 But who can fathom massive thought ? 
 Though vanquished now, what deep designs, 
 
 In silent wisdom may be wrought? 
 Fair Italy ! though slumbering now 
 
 Beneath an imbecile's rude sway. 
 The light will come — thy promised hopes 
 
 Shall bloom on Freedom's natal day ! 
 
 Crush if you will the budding flower, 
 
 But still the root unbidden lives, 
 And ere the watchful eye desires 
 
 Springs forth and richer fragrance gives. 
 
130 LIBERTY. 
 
 Away, beyond the ocean's tide, 
 
 Exultant floated from afar 
 Sweet strains of Liberty and Peace, 
 
 While millions bless the Russian Czar ! 
 
 Thus are the elements of Right 
 
 Triumphant even unto death ; 
 Thus in progression's steady march, 
 
 You cannot stifle Freedom's breath ! 
 For manhood scorns the proffered aid 
 
 Of treachery, and dares to do, 
 Though compassed 'round with adverse fate, 
 
 All that is generous, just and true. 
 
 Check if you will the current strong 
 That sweeps humanity's broad tide, 
 
 By recreant votes in Senate Halls, 
 Forget the cause death sanctified ; 
 
 Spread if you will the world afar. 
 The emblems of despotic zeal, 
 
LIBERTY. 1 3 1 
 
 And from the man that power makes slave, 
 All his just rights in triumph steal ; — 
 
 Still will the flame of Justice burn, 
 
 Still will the soul, uplifted high, 
 Drink from the treasures mirrored there 
 
 And the base tyrant's threats defy. 
 Still will the flag of Freedom wave ! 
 
 In all its potent power unfurled, 
 Blessing with every purpose fjee, 
 
 One God, one Nation, and one World ! 
 
THE VETO. 
 
 Written after the veto of the Civil Rights Bill by 
 President Johnson, 1866. 
 
 ^'T'lS done! the cruel deed of shame is done! 
 
 And will the nation yield in mute despair 
 To one weak man ? with half the conquest won 
 While tones of anguish fill the trembling air ? 
 
 Will justice slumber 'neath the burden laid 
 By coward hands on Progress far and wide? 
 
 And will our noble patriots thus betrayed 
 Yield in submission to the weaker side ? 
 
 Will Congress paralyzed withhold her right 
 
 To act, despite the heavy weight of power ? 
 132 
 
THE VETO. 133 
 
 And self-sustaining lift the cloud of night 
 Which hovers o'er the duties of the hour? 
 
 Are all the sighs, the groans, the bitter tears, 
 The smothered accents of a grief sublime, 
 
 The blood-stained record of the last four years, 
 But naught to expiate the nation's crime ? 
 
 Shall all the prayers ascending to Thy throne, 
 From that dejected and unfortunate race 
 
 Reap no reward ? but must they walk alone, 
 With nothing in the future bright to trace ? 
 
 It cannot be : the balm of every age, 
 That all sustaining faith in God and Right, 
 
 Buoys up the soul of patriot and sage. 
 
 Dispells the darkness that obscures the light ! 
 
 Oh ! sainted Lincoln ! to all races true, 
 
 Well may our sable brethern mourn in vain, 
 
134 THE VETO. 
 
 When all was bright — the promised day in view, 
 Those sad eyes closed — and all was dark again. 
 
 Oh ! burdened race ! where is your Moses now ? 
 
 On whom may ye your earnest trust bestow ? 
 Not to the nation's Ruler need ye bow, 
 
 He who should lead is freedom's treacherous foe! 
 
 Then freemen ! rally to the work once more 
 In Congress still the world may proudly trust, 
 
 And though conflicting tides we may deplore. 
 An unseen power whispers, " God is just ! " 
 
THE REAPERS. 
 
 /^ALM and lovely lies the landscape 
 
 'Neath the glorious summer sun, 
 Hope and joy with light and gladness, 
 
 Blend harmonious into one. 
 All the air with incense laden, 
 
 Wafts the breath of new-mown, hay, 
 Until dews of evening gather. 
 
 Until night succeeds the day. 
 
 Early dawn allures the reaper 
 From his easy couch of rest, 
 
 With inviting smiles of nature — 
 Labor that is truly blest. 
 
 Happy in the thought, that gathered 
 Ere to-morrow's setting sun, 
 
 17 
 
 135 
 
136 THE REAPERS. 
 
 All the products of the season, 
 Will by toil be richly won. 
 
 Look beyond yon marshy meadow, 
 
 Still beyond the forest trees, 
 See ! the golden grain is waving 
 
 To the sighing of the breeze. 
 O'er the hills a happy trio 
 
 Move their steady pace along, 
 To the quiet thrill of pleasure. 
 
 To the reaper's triumph song. 
 
 As their stalwart ' forms are bending 
 
 O'er the golden-headed grain. 
 Manhood reaps a proud addition 
 
 To the knowledge he may gain. 
 Soon the proudly waving acres, 
 
 God's high mandate thus obeyed, 
 One by one now lie prostrated, 
 
 Yielding to the whetted blade. 
 
THE REAPERS. 1 37 
 
 There is music on the waters, 
 
 There is music on the land, 
 Joy upon the trackless ocean, 
 
 Pleasure on the wave-washed strand. 
 But the sweetest note of music 
 
 Is the sickle's accolade, 
 And the highest scene of transport, 
 
 That which honest toil has made. 
 
 High above the clear horizon. 
 
 Casts the sun his scorching beams, 
 In the zenith of his power, 
 
 Heaven's brightness through him gleams. 
 Hark ! away, away in distance. 
 
 Sounds the gong's repeated beat, 
 And the harvesters exulting 
 
 Find but half their task complete. 
 
 Homeward, to a home made lovely 
 By the daughters of the soil. 
 
13^ THE REAPERS. 
 
 Choicest food for him who hungers, 
 Rest from heat and daily toil. 
 
 Pure and clear the crystal water, 
 Quaffed by thirsty lips the while, 
 
 Free from alcoholic poison. 
 
 Blessed by Heaven's grateful smile ! 
 
 But not long the reapers tarry, 
 
 Soon their temporal wants supplied, 
 When again the grain-field labor 
 
 They resume with conscious pride. 
 Now the sheaves are being gathered. 
 
 Now the trusty team in view. 
 Busy hands complete the labor, 
 
 Bolder efforts now renew. 
 
 Soon the last sheaf upward lifted, 
 Shouts of triumph on the breeze. 
 
 Echo from the distant mountain. 
 And re-echo through the trees. 
 
THE REAPERS. I39 
 
 Home again ! oh, joyous moments, 
 
 Freighted with celestial bloom, 
 Home again ! the Eternal reaper. 
 
 Scarce can call the good too soon. 
 
 Calm and lovely lies the landscape 
 
 'Neath the glorious setting sun. 
 Day departing, unseen spirits 
 
 Whisper softly, "bravely done ! " 
 Blessed by God in every treasure. 
 
 Thankful for this sweet release. 
 Deep in thought and high in purpose, 
 
 Rest ! ye harvesters, in peace ! 
 
A SABBATH MEMORY. 
 
 A LL the air is richly laden with the fragrant 
 
 breath of Spring, 
 
 Tones harmonious sweetly blending through earth's 
 joyous portals ring. 
 
 Bearing thus a strong resemblance to that mourn- 
 ful Sabbath morn, 
 
 When into promised heaven was a master-spirit 
 born. 
 
 Full twelve months of light and shadow have 
 their annual circle run. 
 
 Full twelve months since treason vanquished free- 
 dom's era was begun. 
 
 As the stormy waves of conflict still receded 
 
 from the shore, 
 140 
 
A SABBATH MEMORY. I4I 
 
 Brightly glowed the pure horizon that was clouded 
 o'er before. 
 
 Richmond fallen ! oh, what visions of a blissful 
 
 future rise, 
 Truth triumphant, swell the chorus 'neath the 
 
 blue and arching skies. 
 Could we paint a purer picture : leading childhood 
 
 by the hand, 
 Thus into the conquered City walked the Moses 
 
 of our land ! 
 
 Youth and age, untutored manhood one spontane- 
 ous homage gave 
 
 To the master-mind who meekly, heaven-directed 
 came to save. 
 
 Happy seemed the dark assemblage "touching 
 but his garment's hem," 
 
 Came from thousands thus delivered in response 
 the deep " Amen ! " 
 
142 A SABBATH MEMORY. 
 
 Sabbath dawns. What strange transition wraps 
 
 the continent in gloom, 
 Did the blooms of early spring-time premature 
 
 advance too soon ? 
 Sabbath dawns. Why all this mourning, plaintive 
 
 sobs and stifled moan, 
 Has some fearful epidemic stricken one from 
 
 every home ? 
 
 Let the mourning millions answer, for poetic 
 
 efforts fail 
 Calmly to portray the sorrow or rehearse the 
 
 burdened tale. 
 Time may soothe the aching spirit, but it never 
 
 can efface, 
 What has been the saddest record that historic 
 
 pen can trace. 
 
 One has gained Eternal glory — one now fills the 
 vacant chair. 
 
A SABBATH MEMORY. 1 43 
 
 To the first a nation's homage — to the last a 
 
 nation's care. 
 Twice condemned, superior wisdom still to loyalty 
 
 is true, 
 Strike again thou modern Pharoah ! it is all that 
 
 thou canst do. 
 
 Vividly does faithful memory freighted with a tale 
 of woe. 
 
 Picture in their onward progress what has dark- 
 ened all below. 
 
 Lincoln dead ! the choicest blessing snatched from 
 mortal diadem. 
 
 Earth has yielded up the treasure, Heaven holds 
 the priceless gem ! 
 
 18 
 
SABBATH AT NIAGARA. 
 
 A LONE beside Niagara's swelling tide, 
 
 Behold, the splendor of the Orient light 
 That ushers in the Sabbath morn ! Beside 
 
 This classic stream enraptured human sight 
 Through nature's revelations lifts the soul 
 Beyond external life to virtue's goal. 
 
 Upon this mighty flood do thousands gaze. 
 Youth, age and childhood come but to revere 
 
 Jehovah's name ; the artist and the sage 
 Renew their efforts to portray in clear 
 
 And fervid style ; 'tis the oft-told tale — 
 
 The pencil and acquired wisdom fail. 
 
 144 
 
SABBATH AT NIAGARA. 1 45 
 
 The muse of poetry may try her skill, 
 
 As yet vacuity her task succeeds, 
 In each successive effort of the will, 
 
 The grand phenomenon in triumph leads. 
 With all the worth that literature contains, 
 A vacuum in human words remains. 
 
 We need no dogmas here, enough to feel 
 The present power of supreme decree 
 
 Enough to know as silently we kneel, 
 
 God hears the appeal though mute the lips 
 may be. 
 
 Oh ! the sweet solace of a secret prayer, 
 
 Firm in the faith that never can despair. 
 
 No chime of jells — no organ's melody 
 
 Breaks the sweet, holy charm ; but grander far 
 
 Is the incessant roar of waters ; free 
 
 From creeds that oppress, no superstitions mar 
 
 The Heavenly influence, but alone with God, 
 
 Do contrite spirits kiss the chastening rod ! 
 
146 SABBATH AT NIAGARA. 
 
 No artist work of angels on the wing, 
 No gilded ornament adorns the dome, 
 
 No golden cross, to which the few may cling 
 With fear and trembling, call the sinner home. 
 
 Naught but the deep blue firmament above. 
 
 The sea of air, enduring as God's love. 
 
 Our faltering feet no velvet surface tread, 
 Indicative of fashion, wealth and pride; 
 
 We bow the knee by custom's power led, 
 
 To meet no cushioned seat — what then beside ? 
 
 Naught but a rock of ages stand we on, 
 
 And feel the truest way to Heaven is won ! 
 
 Ye proselytes ! exacting in your creed. 
 
 Who clothe Religion with a sombre shroud, 
 
 And fancy you discern what all may need 
 To find God's presence, your exhortings loud 
 
 Fall on unheeding ears, for reason's light 
 
 Will guide the wanderer through the clouds of 
 night. 
 
SABBATH AT NIAGARA. I47 
 
 Thus inconsistency is virtue's bane, 
 
 But, oh ! Niagara, on this Sabbath morn, 
 
 We worship God through thee, yet make no claim 
 Superior to what is human born. 
 
 Our sacrament — the triumphs over sin, 
 
 'Tis thus we pledge our fealty to Him. 
 
 Majestic flood ! in all thy power flow on, 
 Superior mandates in thy course fulfil. 
 
 The greatest wonder 'neath the glorious sun ! 
 The grandest triumph of Almighty will ! 
 
 We gaze entranced, and feel with thought sincere, 
 
 Freer from sin — nearer to Heaven when here. 
 
THE AGE OF PROGRESS. 
 
 /^NE century. In retrospective view 
 
 The vanished years return ; reflected Hght 
 Illumes the record ever brave and true 
 
 That demonstrates progressive thought and sight, 
 We move through space eternal as the sun, 
 Yet find the age of wisdom scarce begun. 
 
 Time was when dull, uneducated thought 
 
 Repelled the advance of Science and of Right, 
 
 The voice of Progress braver spirits sought, 
 To work unceasing in this world of light ; 
 
 That far and near the restless soul may find 
 
 An antidote — a shield for all mankind. 
 
 148 
 
THE AGE OF PROGRESS. 149 
 
 When Franklin drew the lightning from the sky» 
 Men doubted, almost scorned ihe brave attempt, 
 
 As infidel to Him who rules on high — 
 
 Thus for a season knowledge seemed content. 
 
 'Twas left for other hands to pave the way, 
 
 And lead from darkness to the perfect day ! 
 
 It came ; the light of Science beamed anew ! 
 
 Quick to respond the field of thought was won, 
 When Morse revealed the inspiration true. 
 
 And sent the electric current fllashing on ! 
 Amid the ceaseless tide of modern craft, 
 God bless the inventor of the Telegraph ! 
 
 With new accessions to ambition's throne. 
 The grand advance of art and science came ; 
 
 The eventful past abounds with deeds alone, 
 Of thrilling import and of vital claim. 
 
 As years rolled on the aching vision traced 
 
 A glorious record not to be erased. 
 
150 THE AGE OF PROGRESS. 
 
 The mighty ocean at the summons lends 
 
 Its potent influence to futurity, 
 As continent to continent extends 
 
 Fraternal greeting 'neath the rolling sea. 
 Protected by superior skill beside, 
 The Atlantic Cable stems the seething tide ! 
 
 When first a message passed beneath the wave, 
 How reckless every thought of triumph seemed, 
 
 Devoid of that which doubting beings crave, 
 No ray of sunshine through the darkness beamed. 
 
 But soon the race that leads to light was run — 
 
 Thus ignorance rebelled but knowledge won. 
 
 With all the triumphs Progress dared to claim. 
 
 And all the efforts Science did display, 
 
 America concealed the deadly bane 
 
 Of permanent renown, and lost the day. 
 
 How strange ! when much was won that nation's 
 
 seek, 
 This country in her proudest hour was weak. 
 
THE AGE OF PROGRESS. I5] 
 
 Strange ! aye, perhaps it was to unskilled art, ' 
 In things pertaining to the human will, 
 
 The earnest throbbings of the human heart 
 For Justice, would not, dared not to be still. 
 
 Five years ago the war for freedom ceased, 
 
 And in response prosperity increased. 
 
 As slavery died, the incubus destroyed. 
 
 That dimmed the lustre of our country's fame. 
 
 Upward the star of promise rose ! annoyed 
 By no vile tempter to consume the gain. 
 
 But steadily it shone with added light. 
 
 Day follows and conceals the long, dark night. 
 
 Niffht : — with the bondman from the cruel foe, 
 Concealed within malarious swamps to die ; 
 
 Night :— with the bondmother s frantic wail of woe, 
 Nerving her spirit for the last " good bye !" 
 
 Night :— with the groaning of the wounded brave, 
 
 Denied the drink his dying thirst might crave. 
 
 19 
 
152 THE AGE OF PROGRESS. 
 
 Oh ! there are visions of the past so clear 
 And yet so sad, we gladly turn the page 
 
 Of history to welcome better cheer, 
 
 That still excels in this progressive age. 
 
 Lo ! how the forces of success unite 
 
 In worshipping before the throne of Right ! 
 
 To-day the life-blood ol the nation flows 
 In stronger current ; far across the land 
 
 Glad tidings come ; the artizan bestows 
 
 His measure of the work — the iron band : 
 
 Thus do we view with earnest hearts content, 
 
 The iron track across the continent. 
 
 Onward ! flow onward, generous tide of years, 
 While man to greater wisdom may attain, 
 
 Gifted beyond conception ; talent rears 
 
 The promised goal of earthly hope and fame. 
 
 Onward ! press onward, ye whose mental sight, 
 
 Eternal beams with Heaven's reflected light ! 
 
THE AGE OF PROGRESS. 1 53 
 
 Hark ! to the distant echoes ; why despair, 
 While contemplating all the world has won ? 
 
 Hark ! to the distant echoes : on the air 
 Prophetic voices thus exulting come : 
 
 ** Knowledge for all nations, Freedom's birthright ! 
 
 Progression for oppression — day for night !"