Glass TRiij5 Rook S ( o'3 fopyi ight W COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. POETICAL FAVORITES POETICAL FAVORITES YOURS AND MINE COMPILED BY WARREN SNYDER NEW YORK WESSELS & BISSELL CO. 1910 Copyright, 1910, by WeSSELS & BiSSELL Co. Entered at Stationers' Hall, London All rights reserved THE . PLIMPTON • PRESS [W.D.O] KORWOOD . MASS • U . S . A ©CI.A278533 TO MY SISTERS WHO, EVER SINCE I WAS TEN YEARS OLD, HAVE LISTENED WITH SO MUCH PATIENCE TO MY RECITING OF POETRY A PERSONAL WORD It can be said with truth that this compilation was begun thirty years ago, or more; for some of the poems were taken from the compiler's scrap-book, where they have been his good friends and companions for fully that length of time. No effort has been made to make the collection exhaustive, for no one volume could possibly contain all the favorite poems. It is hoped, however, that between the covers of this little book there will be found enough of your favorites to justify its title. The compiler wishes to express his thanks to pub- lishers and authors who have so kindly permitted him to include a number of poems subject to Copyright. Thanks are also due to my young friend and business associate, Herbert H. Fletcher, of Philadelphia, for suggestions and assistance. The title was given to the collection by him. New York June, 1910. COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND PUBLISHERS' ACKNOWLEDGMENT All rights on poems in this work are reserved by the holders of copyright. The pubUshers named in the subjoined hst are the proprietors in their own right or as agents for the authors of the books and poems of which the authorship and titles are given respectively, and of which the ownership is thus specifically noted and is hereby acknowledged. The Publishers op "Poetical Favorites, Yours and Mine." By special permission of The Bobbs-Merrill Company, "The Old Swimmin'-Hole," from Neighborly Poems, by J. W. Riley, copyright 1891; "Little Orphant Annie," from Child Rhymes, by J. W. Riley, copyright 1898; "An Old Sweetheart of Mine," from Love Lyrics, by J. W. Riley, copyright 1898; "Old Fashioned Roses," from Farm Rhymes, by J. W. Riley, copyright 1901. By special permission of The Grafton Press "The Eyes of the Christ," from The Dream Child and other Verses, by N. B. Carson, copyright 1905. By special permission of Houghton, Mifflin Company, as authorized pubUshers of "The Angels of Buena Vista," "The Barefoot Boy," "Maud Muller," "In School-Days," by Whittier;"A Psalm of Life," "Suspiria," "Resignation," "The Village Blacksmith," "There is no Death," "The Arrow and the Song," "The Children's Hour," "God's Acre," by H. W. Longfellow; "Freedom," "The Heritage," "A Prayer," "A Requiem," "The Present Crisis," by J. R. Lowell; "The Kings," by L. I. Guiney; "Plain Language from Truthful James," "Miss Edith Helps Things Along with her Elder Sister's Beau," by Francis Bret Harte; "The Boys," "Old Ironsides," "The Height of the Ridiculous," "The Last Leaf," "The Voiceless," fix! POETICAL FAVORITES by O. W. Holmes; "Are the Children at Home," "Our Own," by M. E. Sangster. By special permission of John Lane Company, "Leetla Joe," from Carmina, by T. A. Daly. By special permission of Catholic Standard and Times Publishing Company, "The Song of the Thrush," from Canzoni, by T. A. Daly. By special permission of Charles Scribner's Sons, "Christmas at Sea," "The Departed Friend," from Poems, by R. L. Stevenson; "The Questioner," by Carl Werner, from Scribner's Magazine, copyright 1910; "Fiddle-Dee- Dee," "Jes' fore Christmas," from Love Songs of Child- hood, copyright 1894, by Eugene Field; " Little Boy Blue," "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod," from With Trumpet and Drum, copyright 1892, by Mary French Field. By special permission of Little, Brown & Company, "Lines on the Death of his Son Charles," by Daniel Webster, from Daniel Webster's Complete Works. By special permission of Longmans, Green & Company, "Outward," from Poems, by W. J. Cameron. By special permission of Edwin Markham, "Lincoln, the Man of the People." X] POETICAL FAVORITES RECOMPENSE BY EDWIN M. ABBOTT What is the price of manhood? What sale does honor bring? Does pure, untarnished character Count nought in Hfetime's ring? Do bauble scions rule us? Does riot, ruin reign The purest soul to trample down To crush, destroy, rend twain? Is there no truth or honor To cause mankind to stay The all-consuming thirst for lust That lures them far away? Does honest labor cheapen The mold wherein we're cast; Is black, corrupt impurity The flag flung from life's mast? Forget not. One is watching. Our actions, day by day, [1] POETICAL FAVORITES And riches gained at such a cost He surely will repay. For though mankind is judging Appearances, poor art, The God, the just the righteous Judge. Inspects our inmost heart. Condemn not, then, I pray thee, For thou, thyself, some day May seek for mercy from thy Judge, Whose verdict none can sway. And temper all thy judgments With love and common sense. The end well merits all 'twill bring; It serves full recompense. LEEDLE YAWCOB STRAUSS BY CHARLES FOLLEN ADAMS I haf got a leedle boy Vot gomes schust to my knee; Der queerest schap, der greatest rogue As efer you dit see; He runs and jumps, and smashes dings In all barts of der house — But vot of dot? he vas mine son, Mine leedle Yawcob Strauss. He get der measles und der mumbs, Unt eferyding dot's oud; He sbills mine glass of lager beer, Foots schnuff indo mine kraut; [21 POETICAL FAVORITES He fills my pipe mit Limburg cheese, — Dot vas der roughest chouse; I'd dake dot vrom no oder boy But leedle Yawcob Strauss. He dakes der milk ban for a dhrum, Und cuts mine cane in dwo To make der schticks to beat it mit — Mine cracious, dot vas drue! I dinks mine head vas schplit abart, He kicks oup sooch a touse — But nefer mind, der poys vas few Like dot young Yawcob Strauss. He asks me questions sooch as dese: Who baints mine nose so red? Who vas it cut dot schmoot blace out Vrom der hair ubon mine head? Und vhere der plaze goes vrom der lamp Vene'er der glim I douse — How gan I all dose dings eggsblain To dot shmall Yawcob Strauss? I somedimes dink I schall go vild Mit sooch a grazy poy, Und vish vonce more I gould haf rest Und beaceful dimes enshoy; But ven he was ashleep in ped So guiet as a mouse, I braj^s der Lord, "Dake any dings, But leaf dot Yawcob Strauss." [3] POETICAL FAVORITES MOTHER'S DOUGHNUTS El Dorado, 1851 BY CHARLES FOLLEN ADAMS I've just been down ter Thompson's, boys, 'N feelin' kind o' blue, I thought I'd look in at " The Ranch," Ter find out what wuz new; When I seed tliis sign a-hanging On a shanty by the lake : " Here's whar yer get your doughnuts Like yer mother used ter make." I've seen a grizzly show his teeth, I've seen Kentucky Pete Draw out his shooter, 'n advise A " tenderfoot " ter treat; But nuthin' ever tuk me down, 'N made my benders shake. Like that sign about the doughnuts That my mother used ter make. A sort o' mist shut out the ranch, 'N standin' thar instead, I seen an old, white farm-house, With its doors all painted red. A whiff came through the open door — Wuz I sleepin' or awake? The smell wuz that of doughnuts Like my mother used ter make. [41 POETICAL FAVORITES The bees wuz hummin' round the porch Wliar honeysuckles grew; A yellow dish of apple-sass Wuz settin' thar in view. 'N on the table, by the stove, An old-time " Johnny-cake," 'N a platter full of doughnuts Like my mother used ter make. A patient form I seemed ter see, In tidy dress of black, I almost thought I heard the words, " When will my boy come back? " 'N then — the old sign creaked : But now it was the boss who spake: " Here's whar yer gets yer doughnuts Like yer mother used ter make." Well, boys, that kind o' broke me up, 'N ez I've " struck pay gravel," I ruther think I'll pack my kit, Vamoose the ranch, 'n travel. I'll make the old folks jubilant, 'N if I don't mistake, I'll try some o' them doughnuts Like my mother used ter make. 5] POETICAL FAVORITES THE WANTS OF MAN BY JOHN QUINCY ADAMS " Man wants but little here below, Nor wants that little long." • 'T is not with me exactly so; But 't is so in the song. M]i wants are many and, if told, Would muster many a score; And were each wish a mint of gold, I still should long for more. What first I want is daily bread — And canvas-backs — and wine — And all the realms of nature spread Before me, when I dine. Four courses scared}^ can provide My appetite to quell ; With four choice cooks from France beside, To dress my dinner well. What next I want, at princely cost, Is elegant attire: Black sable furs for winter's frost, And silks for summer's fire, And Cashmere shawls, and Brussels lace My bosom's front to deck, — And diamond rings my hands to grace. And rubies for my neck. [6] POETICAL FAVORITES I want (who does not want?) a wife, — Affectionate and fair; To solace all the woes of life, And all its joys to share. Of temper sweet, of yielding will, Of firm, yet placid mind, — With all my faults to love me still With sentiment refined. And as Time's car incessant runs, And Fortune fills my store, I want of daughters and of sons From eight to half a score. I want (alas! can mortal dare Such bliss on earth to crave?) That all the girls be chaste and fair, The boys all wise and brave. I want a warm and faithful friend, To cheer the adverse hour; Who ne'er to flatter will descend. Nor bend the knee to power, — A friend to chide me when I'm wrong, My inmost soul to see; And that my friendship prove as strong For him as his for me. I want the seals of power and place. The ensigns of command ; Charged by the People's unbought grace To rule my native land. [7] POETICAL FAVORITES Nor crown nor sceptre would I ask But from my country's will, By day, by night, to ply the task Her cup of bliss to fill. I want the voice of honest praise To follow me behind, And to be thought in future days The friend of human kind, That after ages, as they rise, Exulting may proclaim In choral union to the skies Their blessings on my name. These are the Wants of mortal Man, I cannot want them long, For life itself is but a span, And earthly bliss — a song. My last great Want — absorbing all Is, when beneath the sod, And summoned to my final call, The Mercy of my God. ROCK ME TO SLEEP BY ELIZABETH ANN AKERS Backward, turn backward, Time, in your flight, Make me a child again just for to-night! Mother, come back from the echoless shore, Take me again to your heart as of yore; POETICAL FAVORITES Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care, Smooth the few silver threads out of my liair; Over my slumbers your loving watch keep ;— Rock me to sleep, mother, — rock me to sleep ! Backward, flow backward, tide of the years! I am so weary of toil and of tears, — Toil without recompense, tears all in vain, — Take them, and give me my childhood again! I have grown weary of dust and decay, — Weary of flinging my soul-wealth away; Weary of sowing for others to reap ; — Rock me to sleep, mother, — rock me to sleep! Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue, Mother, mother, my heart calls for you! Many a summer the grass has grown green. Blossomed, and faded our faces between. Yet with strong yearning and passionate pain Long I to-night for y6ur presence again. Come from the silence so long and so deep; — Rock me to sleep, mother, — ■ rock me to sleep! Over my heart, in the days that are flown. No love like mother-love ever has shone ; No other worship abides and endures, — Faitliful, unselfish, and patient like yours: None like a mother can charm away pain From the sick soul and the world-weary brain. Slumber's soft calms o'er my heavy lids creep ;- Rock me to sleep, mother, — rock me to sleep! [91 POETICAL FAVORITES Come, let your brown hair, just lighted with gold, Fall on yoiu" shoulders again as of old; Let it drop over my forehead to-night. Shading my faint eyes away from the light; For with its sunny-edged shadows once more Haply will throng the sweet vision of yore; Lovingly, softly, its bright billows sweep; — Rock me to sleep, mother, — rock me to sleep! Mother, dear mother, the years have been long Since I last listened your lullaby song: Sing, then, and unto my soul it shall seem Womanhood's years have been only a dream. Clasped to your heart in a loving embrace. With your light lashes just sweeping my face, Never hereafter to wake or to weep; — Rock me to sleep, mother, — rock me to sleep! THE SECRET OF DEATH BY EDWIN ARNOLD " She is dead! " they said to him; " come away; Kiss her and leave her, — thy love is clay! " They smoothed her tresses of dark brown hair; On her forehead of stone they laid it fair; Over her eyes that gazed too much They drew the lids with a gentle touch; With a tender touch they closed up well The sweet thin lips that had secrets to tell; [101 POETICAL FAVORITES About her brows and beautiful face They tied her veil and her marriage-lace, And drew on her white feet her white silk shoes — Which were the whitest no eye could choose! And over her bosom they crossed her hands. " Come away! " they said; " God understands! " And there was silence, and nothing there But silence, and scents of eglantere. And jasmine, and roses, and rosemary; And they said, "As a lady should lie, lies she." And they held their breath till they left the room, With a shudder, to glance at its stillness and gloom. But he who loved her too well to dread The sweet, the stately, the beautiful dead, He lit his lamp and took the key And turned it. Alone again — he and she! He and she; but she would not speak, Though he kissed, in the old place, the quiet cheek. He and she; yet she would not smile, Though he called her the name she loved erewhile. He and she; still she did not move To any one passionate whisper of love. [11] POETICAL FAVORITES Then he said: " Cold lips, and breasts -wathout breath, Is there no voice, no language of death, " Dumb to the ear and still to the sense, But to heart and to soul distinct, intense? " See now; I will Usten with soul, not ear; T\Tiat was the secret of djing, dear? " Was it the infinite wonder of all That you ever could let life's flower fall? " Or was it a greater mar\'el to feel The perfect calm o'er the agony steal? " Was the miracle greater to find how deep Beyond all di'eams sank downward that sleep? " Did life roU back its records, dear, And show, as they say it does, past things clear?" And was it the innermost heart of the bliss To find out so, what a wisdom love is? " perfect dead ! dead most dear, I hold the breath of my soul to hear! " I listen as deep as to horrible hell. As high as to heaven, and j'ou do not tell. " There must be pleasure in d3'ing, sweet. To make you so placid from head to feet! [121 POETICAL FAVORITES " I would tell you, darling, if I were dead, And 't were your hot tears upon my brow shed, — " I would say, though the angel of death had laid His sword on my lips to keep it unsaid. " You should not ask vainly, with streaming eyes, Which of all death's was the chief est surprise, " The very strangest and suddenest thing Of all the surprises that dying must bring." Ah, foolish world! 0, most kind dead! Though he told me, who will believe it was said? Who will believe that he heard her say, With a sweet, soft voice, in the dear old way: " The utmost wonder is this, — I hear, And see you, and love you, and kiss you, dear; " And am your angel, who was your bride. And know that, though dead, I have never died." WOMAN'S INCONSTANCY BY SIR ROBERT AYTON I loved thee once, I'll love no more, Thine be the grief as is the blame; Thou art not what thou wast before, What reason I should be the same? fl3 1 POETICAL FAVORITES He that can love unloved again, Hath better store of love than brain: God send me love my debts to pay, While unthrifts fool their love away. Nothing could have my love o'erthrown, If thou hadst still continued mine; Yea, if thou hadst remain'd thy own, I might perchance have yet been thine. But thou thy freedom did recall. That if thou might elsewhere in thrall; And then how could I but disdain A captive's captive to remain? When new desires had conquer'd thee, And changed the object of thy will, It had been lethargy in me. Not constancy, to love thee still. Yea, it had been a sin to go And prostitute affection so, Since we are taught no prayers to say To such as must to others pray. Yet do thou glory in thy choice. Thy choice of his good fortune boast; I'll neither grieve nor yet rejoice. To see him gain what I have lost; The height of my disdain shall be, To laugh at him, to blush for thee; To love thee still, but go no more A begging to a beggar's door. [14] POETICAL FAVORITES SCHOOL DAYS BY THE REV. DR. MALTBIE D. BABCOCK Lord, let me make this rule, To think of life as school, And try my best To stand each test. And do my work And nothing shirk. Should some one else outshine This dullard head of mine, Should I be sad? I will be glad. To do my best Is Thy behest. If weary with my book I cast a wistful look Where posies grow let me know That flowers within Are best to win. Dost take my book away Anon to let me play. And let me out To run about? 1 grateful bless Thee for recess. [15] POETICAL FAVORITES Then recess past, alack, I turn me slowly back. On my hard bench My hands to clench. And set my heart To learn my part. These lessons Thou dost give To teach me how to hve. To do, to bear, To get and share. To work and pray And trust alway. What though I may not ask To choose my daily task? Thou hast decreed To meet my need. What pleases Thee, That shall please me. Some day the bell will sound Some day my heart will bound. As with a shout That school is out And lessons done, I homeward run! 16] POETICAL FAVORITES LIFE "Animula, vagula, blandula." — Emperor Hadrian BY ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD Life! I know not what thou art, But know that thou and I must part; And when, or how, or where we met I own to me's a secret yet. But this I know, when thou art fled, Where'er they lay these Hmbs, this head, No clod so valueless shall be. As all that then remains of me. O, whither, whither dost thou fly. Where bend unseen thy trackless course, And in this strange divorce, Ah, tell where I must seek this compound I? To the vast ocean of empyreal flame, From whence thy essence came. Dost thou thy flight pursue, when freed From matter's base encumbering weed? Or dost thou, hid from sight. Wait, like some spell-bound knight. Through blank, oblivious years the appointed hour To break thy trance and reassume thy power? Yet canst thou, without thought or feeling be? 0, say what art thou, when no more thou 'rt thee? Life! we've been long together Through pleasant and through cloudy weather; 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear, — [17] POETICAL FAVORITES Perhaps 't will cost a sigh, a tear; Then steal away, give little warning, Choose thine own time; Say not Good Night, — but in some brighter clime Bid me Good Morning. THE NEW YEAR LEDGER BY AMELIA E. BARE I said one year ago, " I wonder, if I truly kept A list of days when life burnt low. Of days I smiled and days I wept, If good or bad would highest mount When I made up the year's account? " I took a ledger fair and fine, " And now," I said, " when days are glad, I'll write with bright red ink the line, And write with black when they are bad, So that they'll stand before my sight As clear apart as day and night. " I will not heed the changing skies, Nor if it shine nor if it rain; But if there comes some sweet surprise, Or friendship, love or honest gain. Why, then it shall be understood That day is written down as good. " Or if to any one I love A blessing meets them on the way, [18] POETICAL FAVORITES That will to me a pleasure prove: So it shall be a happy day; And if some day, I've cause to dread Pass harmless by, I'll write it red. When hands and brain stand labor's test, And I can do the thing I would Those days when I am at my best Shall all be traced as very good. And in ' red letter,' too, I'll write Those rare, strong hours when right is might. When first I meet in some grand book A noble soul that touches mine. And with this vision I can look Through some gate beautiful of time, That day such happiness will shed That golden-lined will seem the red. And when pure, holy thoughts have power To touch my heart and dim my eyes. And I in some diviner hour Can hold sweet converse with the skies, Ah! then my soul may safely write: ' This day has been most good and bright.' " What do I see on looking back? A red-lined book before me lies, With here and there a thread of black, That like a gloomy shadow flies, — A shadow it must be confessed, That often rose in my own breast. 119] POETICAL FAVORITES And I have found it good to note The blessing that is mine each day; For happiness is vainly sought In some dim future far away. Just try my ledger for a year, Then look with grateful wonder back, And you will find, there is no fear. The red days far exceed the black. THE QUESTIONS BY BYEON BEACH Ah, Life, what art thou. With thy smiles, and with thy fears? And what is Love, That kisses Youth, and lingers tlirough the years? And what is Death, That cliills each heart, and stills all troubling fears? Dost thou not know, thou wanderer of mine? Dost thou not barken to the breath of Spring And hopes that thrill and pine? Dost thou know enough, that Life is good; That Life is joy untold. As free and broad as sunset rav: A clay it is, for thine own hand to mold; To make or mar it — as you may. And what is Love? Ah, foolish child, to ask it in thy mood. What it is, thine own heart knows, [201 POETICAL FAVORITES And strives to do its bidding. It serves thee well and tenderly. What else it is, thou canst not know. And what is Death? Ah, child of mine, seek far and well Before you turn from me. A dream is but a rose's breath — so pure and free; And so is Death. 'Tis but a dream, A sleep — a tender kiss; A pillow for thy care and tear; — It is not, then, And what is Life? And what is Love? And what is Death? Seek, child, no more, nor worry with thy queries, For Life is Love; and Love is Death, And Death is peace and sweet, — Sweet rest for one who wearies. DIRGE FOR A SOLDIER On the death of General Philip Kearney at Chantilly, Va. BY GEORGE HENRY BOKER Close his eyes; his work is done! What to him is friend or foeman, Rise of moon or set of sun. Hand of man or kiss of woman? [211 POETICAL FAVORITES Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow! What cares he? he cannot know; Lay him low! As man may, he fought his fight, Proved his truth by his endeavor; Let him sleep in solemn night, Sleep forever and forever. Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow! What cares he? he cannot know; Lay him low! Fold him in his country's stars. Roll the drimi and fire the volley! What to him are all our wars? — What but death-bemocking folly? Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow! What cares he? he cannot know; Lay him low! Leave him to God's watching eye; Trust him to the hand that made him. Mortal love weeps idly by; God alone has power to aid him. Lay him low, lay him low, In the clover or the snow! What care he? he cannot know; Lay him low! [221 POETICAL FAVORITES LIGHT BY FRANCIS W. BOURDILLON The night has a thousand eyes, And the day but one; Yet the hght of the bright world dies, With the dying sun. The mind has a thousand eyes, And the heart but one; Yet the hght of a whole life dies, When love is done. LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM BY THE REV. DR. PHILLIPS BROOKS little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent hours go by; Yet in thy dark street shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wond'ring love; morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, [231 POETICAL FAVORITES And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. How silently, how silently. The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven; No ear may hear His coming. But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in. Holy Child of Bethlehem, Decend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in; Be born in us to-day; We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel. A COURT LADY BY ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Her hair was tawny with gold, her eyes with purple were dark. Her cheeks' pale opal burnt with a red and restless spark. Never was lady of Milan nobler in name and in race; Never was lady of Italy fairer to see in the face. [24] POETICAL FAVORITES Never was lady on earth more true as woman and wife, Larger in judgment and instinct, prouder in manners and life. She stood in the early morning, and said to her maidens, " Bring That silken robe made ready to wear at the court of the king. " Bring me the clasps of diamond, lucid, clear of the mote. Clasp me the large at the waist, and clasp me the small at the throat.* " Diamonds to fasten the hair, and diamonds to fasten the sleeves, Laces to drop from their rays, like a powder of snow from the eaves." Gorgeous she entered the sunlight which gathered her up in a flame. While straight, in her open carriage, she to the hospi- tal came. In she went at the door, and gazing, from end to end, " Many and low are the pallets, but each is the place of a friend." Up she passed through the wards, and stood at a young man's bed: [25] POETICAL FAVORITES Bloody the band on his brow, and hvid the droop of his head. " Art thou a Lombard, my brother? Happy art thou! " she cried, And smiled hke Italy on him: he dreamed in her face and died. Pale with his passing soul, she went on still to a second : He was a grave, hard man, whose years by dungeons were reckoned. Wounds in his body were sore, wounds in his life were sorer. " Art thou a Romagnole? " Her eyes drove light- nings before her. " Austrian and priest had joined to double and tighten the cord Able to bind thee, strong one, — free by the stroke of a sword. " Now be grave for the rest of us, using the life over- cast To ripen our wine of the present (too new) in glooms of the past." Down she stepped to a pallet where lay a face like a girl's, Young, and pathetic with dying, — a deep black hole in the curls. [26] POETICAL FAVORITES " Art thou from Tuscany, brother? and seest thou, dreaming in pain, Thy mother stand in the piazza, searching the list of the slain? " Kind as a mother herself, she touched his cheeks with her hands : " Blessed is she who has borne thee, although she should weep as she stands." On she passed to a Frenchman, his arm carried off by a ball : Kneeling, . . . "0 more than my brother! how shall I thank thee for ail? "Each of the heroes around us has fought for his land and line. But thou hast fought for a stranger, in hate of a wrong not thine. " Happy are all free peoples, too strong to be dis- But blessed are those among nations who dare to be strong for the rest! " Ever she passed on her way, and came to a couch where pined One with a face from Venetia, white with a hope out of mind. Long she stood and gazed, and twice she tried at the name, [27] POETICAL FAVORITES But two great crystal tears were all that faltered and came. Only a tear for Venice? — she turned as in passion and loss, And stooped to his forehead and kissed it, as if she were kissing the cross. Faint with that strain of heart, she moved on then to another. Stern and strong in his death. " And dost thou suffer, my brother? " Holding liis hands in hers: — " Out of the Piedmont Hon Cometh the sweetness of freedom! sweetest to live or to die on." Holding his cold, rough hands, — " Well, 0, well have j'^e done In noble, noble Piedmont, who would not be noble alone." Back he fell while she spoke. She rose to her feet with a spring, — " That was a Piedmontese! and this is the Court of the King." 28 POETICAL FAVORITES A WOMAN'S ANSWER BY ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Do you know you have asked for the costhest thing Ever made by the Hand above — A woman's heart and a woman's Ufe, And a woman's most wonderful love? Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing, As a child might ask for a toy? Demanding what others have died to win, With a reckless dash of a boy? You have written my lesson of duty out, Manlike you have questioned me — Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul Until I question thee. You require your mutton shall always be hot, Your socks and your sliirts shall be whole; I require your heart to be true as God's stars, And pure as heaven your soul. You require a cook for your mutton and beef; I require a far better thing: A seamstress you ask for stockings and shirt, I look for a man and a king. A king for a beautiful realm called home, And a man that the Maker, God, Shall look upon as he did the first. And say, " It is very good." [29] POETICAL FAVORITES I am fair and young, but the rose will fade From my soft young cheek one day; Will you love me then 'mid the falhng leaves, As you did 'mid the bloom of May? Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep I may launch my all on its tide? A loving woman finds heaven or hell On the day she is made a bride. I require all things that are grand and true, All things that man should be; If you give this all I would stake my life To be all you demand of me. If you cannot do this — a laundress and cook You can hire, with little to pay; But a woman's heart and a woman's life Are not to be won that way. EVELYN HOPE BY ROBERT BROWNING Beautiful Evelyn Hope is dead! Sit and watch by her side an hour. That is her book-shelf, this her bed; She plucked that piece of geranium-flower, Beginning to die too, in the glass. Little has yet been changed, I think; The shutters are shut, — no light may pass Save two long rays through the hinge's chink. [30] POETICAL FAVORITES Sixteen years old when she died! Perhaps she had scarcely heard my name, — It was not her time to love; beside, Her life had many a hope and aim, Duties enough and little cares; And now was quiet, now astir, — Till God's hand beckoned unawares. And the sweet white brow is all of her. Is it too late, then, Evelyn Hope? What! your soul was pure and true; The good stars met in your horoscope, Made you of spirit, fire, and dew; And just because I was thrice as old, And our paths in the world diverged so wide, Each was naught to each, must I be told? We were fellow-mortals, — naught beside? No, indeed! for God above Is great to grant as mighty to make. And creates the love to reward the love; I claijn you still, for my own love's sake! Delayed, it may be, for more hves yet. Through worlds I shall traverse, not a few; Much is to learn and much to forget Ere the time be come for taking you. But the time will come — at last it will — When, Evelyn Hope, what meant, I shall say, In the lower earth, — in the years long still, — That body and soul so pure and gay? [31] POETICAL FAVORITES Why your hair was amber I shall divine, And your mouth of your own geranium's red, — And what you would do with me, in fine. In the new life come in the old one's stead. I have lived, I shall say, so much since then, Given up myself so many times, Gained me the gains of various men, Ransacked the ages, spoiled the climes; Yet one thing — one — in my soul's full scope, Either I missed or itself missed me, — And I want and find you, Evelyn Hope! What is the issue? let us see! I loved you, Evelyn, all the while; My heart seemed full as it could hold, — There was place and to spare for the frank young smile. And the red young mouth, and the hair's young gold. So, hush! I will give you this leaf to keep; See, I shut it inside the sweet, cold hand. There, that is our secret! go to sleep; You will wake, and remember, and understand. THE DEATH OF THE FLOWERS BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT The melancholy days are come, the saddest of the year. Of wailing winds, and naked woods, and meadows brown and sere. [32] POETICAL FAVORITES Heap'd in the hollows of the grove, the autumn leaves lie dead; They rustle to the eddying gust, and to the rabbit's tread. The robin and the wren are flown, and from the shrubs the jay, And from the wood-top calls the crow through all the gloomy days. Where are the flowers, the fair young flowers, that lately sprang and stood In brighter light and softer airs, a beauteous sister- hood? Alas! they all are in their graves; the gentle race of flowers Are lying in their lowly beds with the fair and good of ours. The rain is falling where they lie; but the cold Novem- ber rain Calls not from out the gloomy earth the lovely ones again. The wind-flower and the violet, they perish'd long ago. And the brier-rose and the orchis died amid the sum- mer glow; But on the hill the golden-rod, and the aster in the wood. And the yeUow sunflower by the brook, in autumn beauty stood. Tin fell the frost from the clear cold heaven, as falls the plague on men, [331 POETICAL FAVORITES And the brightness of their smile was gone from up- land, glade, and glen. And now, when comes the calm mild day, as still such days will come, To call the squirrel and the bee from out their winter home; When the sound of dropping nuts is heard, though all the trees are still. And twinkle in the smoky light the waters of the rill. The south wind searches for the flowers whose fra- grance late he bore, And sighs to find them in the wood and by the stream no more. And then I think of one who in her youthful beauty died. The fair meek blossom that grew up and faded by my side. In the cold moist earth we laid her when the forest cast the leaf, And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief; Yet not unmeet it was that one, like that young friend of ours. So gentle and so beautiful, should perish with the flowers. [34 POETICAL FAVORITES AMERICA BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT mother of a mighty race, Yet lovely in thy youthful grace! The elder dames, thy haughty peers, Admire and hate thy blooming years; With words of shame And taunts of scorn they join thy name. For on thy cheeks the glow is spread That tints thy morning hills with red; Thy step, — the wild deer's rustling feet Within thy woods are not more fleet; Thy hopeful eye Is bright as thine own sunny sky. Ay, let them rail, those haughty ones, While safe thou dwellest with thy sons. They do not know how loved thou art, How many a fond and fearless heart Would rise to throw Its life between thee and the foe. They know not, in their hate and pride, What virtues with thy children bide, — How true, how good, thy graceful maids Make bright, like flowers, the valley shades; What generous men Spring, like thine oaks, by hill and glen; [35] POETICAL FAVORITES What cordial welcomes greet the guest By thy lone rivers of the west; How faith is kept, and truth revered, And man is loved, and God is feared, In woodland homes. And where the ocean border foams. There's freedom at thy gates, and rest For earth's down-trodden and opprest, A shelter for the hunted head. For the starved laborer toil and bread. Power, at thy bounds. Stops, and calls back his baffled hounds. fair young mother! on thy brow Shall sit a nobler grace than now. Deep in the brightness of thy skies, The thronging years in glory rise. And, as they fleet, Drop strength and riches at thy feet. Thine eye, with every coming hour, Shall brighten, and thy form shall tower; And when thy sisters, elder born, Would brand thy name with words of scorn. Before thine eye Upon their lips the taunt shall die. 36 POETICAL FAVORITES THE PLANTING OF THE APPLE-TREE BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT Come, let us plant the apple-tree. Cleave the tough greensward with the spade; Wide let its hollow bed be made; There gently lay the roots, and there Sift the dark mould with kindly care, And press it o'er them tenderly, As round the sleeping infant's feet We softly fold the cradle-sheet; So plant we the apple-tree. What plant we in this apple-tree? Buds, which the breath of summer days Shall lengthen into leafy sprays; Boughs where the thrush with crimson breast Shall haunt, and sing, and hide her nest; We plant, upon the sunny lea, A shadow for the noontide hour, A shelter from the summer shower, When we plant the apple-tree. What plant we in this apple-tree? Sweets for a hundred flowery springs To load the May-wind's restless wings, When, from the orchard row, he pours Its fragrance through our open doors; A world of blossoms for the bee, Flowers for the sick girl's silent room, For the glad infant sprigs of bloom, We plant with the apple-tree. [37] POETICAL FAVORITES What plant we in this apple-tree? Fruits that shall swell in sunny June, And redden in the August noon, And drop, when gentle airs come by. That fan the blue September sky, While children come, with cries of glee, And seek them where the fragrant grass Betrays their bed to those who pass, At the foot of the apple-tree. And when, above this apple-tree. The winter stars are quivering bright, And winds go howling through the night, Girls, whose young eyes o'erflow with mirth, Shall peel its fruit by cottage hearth. And guests in prouder homes shall see. Heaped with the grape of Cintra's vine And golden orange of the Line, The fruit of the apple-tree. The fruitage of this apple-tree Winds and our flag of stripe and star Shall bear to coasts that lie afar. Where men shall wonder at the view. And ask in what fair groves they grew; And sojourners beyond the sea Shall think of childhood's careless day And long, long hours of summer play. In the shade of the apple-tree. Each year shall give this apple-tree A broader flush of roseate bloom, [381 POETICAL FAVORITES A deeper maze of verdurous gloom, And loosen, when the frost-clouds lower, The crisp brown leaves in thicker shower. The years shall come and pass, but we Shall hear no longer, where we he. The summer's songs, the autumn's sigh, In the boughs of the apple-tree. And time shall waste this apple-tree. 0, when its aged branches throw Thin shadows on the ground below, Shall fraud and force and iron will Oppress the weak and helpless still? What shall the tasks of mercy be. Amid the toils, the strifes, the tears Of those who live when length of years Is wasting this apple-tree? " Who planted this old apple-tree? " The children of that distant day Thus to some aged man shall say; And, gazing on its mossy stem. The gray-haired man shall answer them : " A poet of the land was he, Born in the rude but good old times; 'Tis said he made some quaint old rhymes On planting the apple-tree." [39] POETICAL FAVORITES THANATOPSIS BY WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT " ' Thanatopsis ' appeared in the September number of the North American Review for 1817 [Bryant wrote it in 1812 at the age of 18], and proved to be not only the finest poem which had yet been pro- duced on this continent, but one of the most remarkable poems ever produced at such an early age. From the day this poem appeared, the name of its author was classed among the most cherished literary assets of the nation." — John Bigelow. To him who, in the love of Nature, holds Communion with her visible forms, she speaks A various language : for his gayer hours She has a voice of gladness, and a smile And eloquence of beauty; and she glides Into his darker musings with a mild And healing sympathy, that steals away Their sharpness, ere he is aware. When thoughts Of the last bitter hour come like a blight Over thy spirit, and sad images Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall, And breathless darkness, and the narrow house, Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart, Go forth under the open sky, and list To Nature's teachings, while from all around — Earth and her waters, and the depths of air — Comes a still voice: — Yet a few days, and thee The all-beholding sun shall see no more In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground, Where thy pale form was laid, with many tears, Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist Thy image. Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim [40] POETICAL FAVORITES Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again; And, lost each human trace, surrendering up Thine individual being, shalt thou go To mix forever with the elements; To be a brother to the insensible rock, And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould. Yet not to thine eternal resting-place Shalt thou retire alone, — nor couldst thou wish Couch more magnificent. Thou shalt lie down With patriarchs of the infant world, — with kings, The powerful of the earth, — the wise, the good, Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past, All in one mighty sepulchre. The hiUs, Rock-ribbed, and ancient as the sun; the vales Stretching in pensive quietness between; The venerable woods; rivers that move In majesty, and the complaining brooks. That make the meadows green; and, poured round all, Old ocean's gray and melancholy waste, — Are but the solemn decorations all Of the great tomb of man ! The golden sun, The planets, all the infinite host of heaven, Are shining on the sad abodes of death. Through the still lapse of ages. All that tread The globe are but a handful to the tribes That slumber in its bosom. Take the wings Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness. Or lose thyself in the continuous woods Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound [41] POETICAL FAVORITES Save his own dashings, — yet the dead are there! And miUions in those sohtudes, since first The flight of years began, have laid them down In their last sleep, — the dead reign there alone! So shalt thou rest; and what if thou withdraw In silence from the living, and no friend Take note of thy departure? All that breathe Will share thy destiny. The gay will laugh When thou art gone, the solemn brood of care Plod on, and each one, as before, will chase His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave Their mirth and their employments, and shall come And make their bed with thee. As the long train Of ages glide away, the sons of men — The youth in life's green spring, and he who goes In the full strength of years, matron and maid. And the sweet babe, and the gray-headed man — Shall, one by one, be gathered to thy side By those who in their turn shall follow them. So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan that moves To the pale realms of shade, where each shaU take His chamber in the silent halls of death. Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night. Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and Ues down to pleasant dreams. 42 POETICAL FAVORITES WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY BY WILLIAM C-ULLEN BRYANT Yet has no month a prouder day, Not even when the summer broods O'er meadows in their fresh array, Or autumn tints the glowing woods. For this chill season now again Brings in its annual rounds the morn When greatest of the sons of men, Our glorious Washington, was born. AULD LANG SYNE BY ROBERT BURNS Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min' ? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' lang syne? CHORUS For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet. For auld lang syne. We twa hae run about the braes, And pu'd the go wans fine; But we've wandered mony a weary foot Sin' auld lang syne. For auld, etc. [43] POETICAL FAVORITES We twa hae paidl't i' the bum, Frae mornin' sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roared Sin' auld lang syne. For auld, etc. And here's a hand, my trusty fiere, And gie's a hand o' thine; And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught For auld lang syne. For auld, etc. And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp, And surely I'll be mine; And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne. For auld, etc. HIGHLAND MARY BY KOBERT BURNS Ye banks, and braes, and streams around The castle o' Montgomery, Green be your woods, and fair your flowers, Your waters never drumlie! There simmer first unfauld her robes, And there the langest tarry; For there I took the last fareweel 0' my sweet Highland Mary. How sweetly bloom'd the gay green birk, How rich the hawthorn's blossom, [441 POETICAL FAVORITES As, underneath their fragrant shade, I clasp'd her to my bosom ! The golden hours, on angel wings, Flew o'er me and my dearie; For dear to me as light and life Was my sweet Highland Mary! Wi' mony a vow, and lock'd embrace. Our parting was fu' tender; And, pledging aft to meet again. We tore oursels asunder; But, oh, fell death's untimely frost. That nipp'd flower sae early! Now green's the sod, and cauld's the clay, That wraps my Highland Mary! Oh, pale, pale now, those rosy lips I aft ha'e kiss'd sae fondly! And closed for aye the sparkling glance That dwalt on me sae kindly! And mouldering now in silent dust That heart that lo'ed me dearly; But still within my bosom's core- Shall live my Higliland Mary I' [45] POETICAL FAVORITES MAN WAS MADE TO MOURN BY ROBERT BURNS Gilbert Burns, the brother of the poet, says: "He (Burns) used to remark to me that he could not well conceive a more mortifying picture of human life than a man seeking work. In casting about in his mind how this sentiment might be brought forward, the elegy, 'Man was Made to Mourn' was composed." When chill November's surly blast Made fields and forests bare, One evening, as I wandered forth Along the banks of Ayr, I spied a man whose aged step Seemed weary, worn with care; His face was furrowed o'er with years, And hoary was liis hair. " Young stranger, whither wanderest thou? " Began the reverend sage; " Does thirst of wealth thy step constrain, Or youthful pleasures rage? Or haply, prest with cares and woes, Too soon thou hast began To wander forth, with me, to mourn The miseries of man! " The sun that overhangs yon moors, Outspreading far and wide. Where hundreds labor to support A haughty lordling's pride, — I've seen yon weary winter sun Twice forty times return; [46] POETICAL FAVORITES And every time has added proofs That man was made to mourn. " man, while in thy early years, How prodigal of time! Misspending all thy precious hours, Thy glorious youthful prime! Alternate follies take the sway: Licentious passions burn; Which tenfold force gives Nature's law, That man was made to mourn. " Look not alone on youthful prime, Or manhood's active might; Man then is useful to his kind. Supported in his right; But see him on the edge of life, With cares and sorrows worn. Then age and want, ill-matched pair! Show man was made to mourn. " A few seem favorites of fate, In pleasure's lap carest; Yet think not all the rich and great Are likewise truly blest. But, 0, what crowds in every land Are wretched and forlorn! Through weary life this lesson learn, — That man was made to mourn. " Many and sharp the numerous ills, Inwoven with our frame! [47] POETICAL FAVORITES More pointed still we make ourselves, Regret, remorse, and shame! And man, whose heaven-erected face The smiles of love adorn, Man's inhumanity to man INIakes countless thousands mourn! " See yonder poor, o'erlabored wight, So abject, mean, and vile, "WTio begs a brother of the earth To give him leave to toil; And see his lordly fellow-worm The poor petition spurn, Unmindful, 'though a weeping wife And helpless offspring mourn. " If I'm designed yon lordling's slave, By Nature's law designed, — "VMiy was an independent wish E'er planted in my mind? If not, why am I subject to His cruelty or scorn? Or why has man the wnll and power To make his feUow mourn? " Yet let not this too much, my son, Disturb thy youtliful breast: Tliis partial view of humankind Is surely not the last! The poor, oppressed, honest man Had never, sure, been born, [481 POETICAL FAVORITES Had there not been some recompense To comfort those that mourn! " Death! the poor man's dearest friend, The kindest and the best! Welcome the hour my aged limbs Are laid with thee at rest! The great, the wealthy, fear thy blow, From pomp and pleasure torn; But 0, a blest rehef to those That weary-laden mourn! " FARE THEE WELL BY LORD BYRON Fare thee well! and if for ever, Still for ever, fare thee well : Even though unforgiving, never 'Gainst thee shall my heart rebel. Would that breast were bared before thee Where thy head so oft hath lain. While that placid sleep came o'er thee Which thou ne'er canst know again! Would that breast, by thee glanced over. Every inmost thought could show! Then thou wouldst at last discover 'Twas not well to spurn it so. Though the world for this commend thee,- Though it smile upon the blow, [491 POETICAL FAVORITES Even its praises must ofifend thee, Founded on another's woe : Though my many faults defaced me, Could no other arm be found, Than the one which once embraced me, To inflict a cureless wound? Yet, oh j-et, thyself deceive not: Love may sink by slow decay, But by sudden wrench, believe not Hearts can thus be torn away: Still thine own its life retaineth, — Still must mine, though bleeding, beat ; And the undying thought which paineth Is — that we no more may meet. These are words of deeper sorrow Than the wail above the dead; Both shall live, but every morrow Wake us from a widowed bed. And when thou wouldst solace gather, "WTien our child's first accents flow. Wilt thou teach her to say "Father!" Though his care she must forego? When her httle hands shall press thee, WTien her lip to thine is pressed, foOl POETICAL FAVORITES Think of him whose prayer shall bless thee, Think of him thy love had blessed! Should her lineaments resemble Those thou nevermore mayst see, Then thy heart will softly tremble With a pulse yet true to me. All my faults perchance thou knowest. All my madness none can know; All my hopes, where'er thou goest. Wither, yet with thee they go. Every feeling hath been shaken; Pride, which not a world could bow, Bows to- thee,— by thee forsaken, Even my soul forsakes me now: But 'tis done : all words are idle, — Words from me are vainer still; But the thoughts we cannot bridle Force their way without the will. Fare thee well! — thus disunited, Torn from every nearer tie. Seared in heart, and lone, and blighted. More than this I scarce can die. 51 POETICAL FAVORITES THE TEAR BY LORD BYRON " O lachrj-marum fons, tenero sacroa Ducentium ortus ex animo; quater Felix! in imo qui soatentem Pectore te, pia Nympha, sensit." — Gray. When Friendship or Love our sympathies move, When Truth in a glance should appear, The lips may beguile with a dimple or smile. But the test of affection's a Tear. Too oft is a smile but the hypocrite's \\ale. To mask detestation or fear; Give me the soft sigh, whilst the soul-telling eye Is dinmi'd for a time with a Tear. Mild Charity's glow, to us mortals below, Shows the soul from barbarity clear; Compassion will melt whore this virtue is felt. And its dew is diffused in a Tear. The man doom'd to sail with the blast of the gale, Through billows Atlantic to steer. As he bends o'er the wave which ma}^ soon be his grave. The green sparkles bright with a Tear. The soldier braves death for a fanciful \\Teath In Glory's romantic career; But he raises the foe when in battle laid low. And bathes every sound ^\ith a Tear. [521 POETICAL FAVORITES If with high-bounding pride he return to his bride, Renouncing the gore-crimson'd spear, All his toils are repaid when, embracing the maid, From her eyelid he kisses the Tear. Sweet scene of my youth! seat of Friendship and Truth, Where love chased each fast-fleeting year, Loth to leave thee, I mourn'd, for a last look I turn'd, But thy spire was scarce seen through a Tear. Though my vows I can pour to my Mary no more. My Mary to Love once so dear. In the shade of her bower I remember the hour She rewarded those vows with a Tear. By another possesst, may she live ever blest! Her name still my heart must revere: With a sigh I resign what I once thought was mine, And forgive her deceit with a Tear. Ye friends of my heart, ere from you I depart. This hope to my breast is most near; If again we shall meet in this rural retreat. May we meet, as we part, with a Tear. When my soul wings her flight to the regions of night, And my corse shall recline on its bier. As ye pass bj'- the tomb where my ashes consume, Oh! moisten their dust with a Tear. May no marble bestow the splendor of woe Which the children of vanity rear; No fiction of fame shall blazon my name, All I ask — all I wish — is a Tear. [531 POETICAL FAVORITES OUTWARD BY W. J. CAMERON The sun's high and the moon's high; The bay's a crescent of blue. The ships of the world go by without, But the great hill-gates stand round about, And only the waves come tlirough. The town sleeps and the bay sleeps. Tangled and golden brown, The seaweed drifts on a dreaming sea, Where anchored boats rock lazily, As the waves lap, up and down. The night comes and the wind comes; Landward the white crests ride. Hark to the voice in the wind that cries. As it drifts hke a bird 'twixt the sea and the skies, " There is one that will go with the tide! " The dawn's here and the day's here! The wind ebbs out, and the sea. The mists roll back and the hills are plain, But the great sea-gates are narrow in vain, For the sea-bird's out to the sea. [54] POETICAL FAVORITES LORD ULLIN'S DAUGHTER BY THOMAS CAMPBELL A chieftain, to the Highlands bound, Cries, " Boatman, do not tarry! And I'll give thee a silver pound. To row us o'er the ferry." " Now who be ye, would cross Lochgyle This dark and stormy water? " " 0, I'm the chief of Ulva's isle, And this Lord UUin's daughter. " And fast before her father's men Three days we've fled together, For should he find us in the glen. My blood would stain the heather. " Llis horsemen hard behind us ride; Should they our steps discover. Then who will cheer my bonny bride When they have slain her lover? " Out spoke the hardy Highland wight, " I'll go, my chief, — I'm ready: — It is not for your silver bright; But for your winsome lady : " And by my word! the bonny bird In danger shall not tarry: So, though the waves are raging white, I'll row you o'er the ferry." [55] POETICAL FAVORITES By this the storm grew loud apace, The water- wraith was slarieking; And in the scowl of heaven each face Grew dark as they were speaking. But still as wilder blew the wind, And as the night grew drearer, Ado^Ti the glen rode armed men, Their trampling sounded nearer. " 0, haste thee, haste! " the lady cries, " Though tempests round us gather; rU meet the raging of the skies. But not an angry father." The boat has left a stormy land, A stormy sea before her, — When, 0, too strong for human hand. The tempest gathered o'er her. And still they rowed amidst the roar Of waters fast prevailing: Lord UUin reached that fatal shore, His wrath was changed to wailing. For sore dismayed, through storm and shade, His child he did discover: One lovely hand she stretched for aid, And one was roimd her lover. " Come back! come back! " he cried in grief, " Across this stormy water: [56]. POETICAL FAVORITES And I'll forgive your Highland chief, My daughter! — my daughter! " 'T was vain; — the loud waves lashed the shore, Return or aid preventing; The waters wild went o'er his child, And he was left lamenting. SALLY IN OUR ALLEY BY HENRY CAREY Of all the girls that are so smart There's none like pretty Sally; She is the darling of my heart, And she lives in our alley. There is no lady in the land Is half so sweet as Sally; She is the darhng of my heart. And she lives in our alley. Her father he makes cabbage-nets, And through the streets does cry 'em; Her mother she sells laces long To such as please to buy 'em; But sure such folks could ne'er beget So sweet a girl as Sally! She is the darling of my heart, And she lives in our alley. When she is by I leave my work, I love her so sincerely; [571 POETICAL FAVORITES My master comes like any Turk, And bangs me most severely. But let him bang his bellj'ful, I'll bear it all for Sally; For she's the darling of my heart, And she lives in our alley. Of all the days that's in the week I dearly love but one day, And that's the day that comes betwixt The Saturday and Monday; For then Fm drest all in my best To walk abroad with Sally; She is the darling of my heart. And she lives in our alley. My master carries me to church. And often am I blamed Because I leave him in the lurch As soon as text is named : I leave the church in sermon-time, And slink away to Sally; She is the darling of my heart, And she lives in our alley. When Christmas comes about again, 0, then I shall have money! FU hoard it up, and box it all, And give it to my honey; I would it were ten thousand poimd! Fd give it all to Sally; [58] POETICAL FAVORITES She is the darUng of my heart, And she lives in our alley. My master and the neighbors all Make game of me and Sally, And, but for her, I'd better be A slave, and row a galley; But when my seven long years are out, O, then I'll marry Sally! And when we're wed, we'll bhthesome be, But not in our alley ! ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING BY NORMA BRIGHT CARSON Though frail of form, thou wert of spirit large and free, A living, burning flame, that spirit seemed to be. Enkindled from a spark of holy fire; To glorious expression did thy soul aspire; Close to the border-land of Heav'n, thou dwelt'st through life, Yet actively could stand for right in the world's strife. Great was the suffering set to be thy lot. But suffering, in Love's compensation was forgot; The Valley of the Shadow round thee grew. When valiant Love, the spectre Death o'erthrew. Ah! Life for fifteen years was the proud prize; Yes, so it is that Love all unkind force defies. Thy greatest gift to man does lie in this — [59] POETICAL FAVORITES The poet thou didst inspire; the bhss Thou perfected. No verse whate'er of thine Can bounds of mankind's gratitude to thee define, As does this fact of thy sweet woman's heart Which had in poet's growth so large a part. Yet, we must cherish thee for thy sweet song, Which has with nobler thoughts enriched the world for long; Let us not fail a tribute large to bring, For that thou from a pure and perfect heart didst sing. THE EYES OF THE CHRIST BY NORMA BRIGHT CARSON Pause now and let a lightsome world go by; Heed not the laughter frivolous, the sinwTought sigh; The music and the dance, the pride, the sham, the boast; What have you kin with all this selfish and this fool- ish host? Parade of affectation; self-sought joy; And sorrow, more self-seeking, false sympathies decoy. Turn from this tinselled army, in extravagance be- decked; Turn to where Calvary's Cross the ages long has becked. See where the Christ sits by Samaria's well. And gently rolls the sealing stone across the mouth of hell. [601 POETICAL FAVORITES See how his eyes in pity's tenderness do rest Where sin hath fixed its mark — the mark of passion's zest. No smile of grieved condoling — but a pardon full gives he, Though the great heart bleeds because of that the shadowed eyes did see. Down future years those eyes go travelling — pained, distressed, The while a prayer for mercy's kindness is addressed The Father's ear. That was the sacrifice of Christ, To see, to know the future and the past — To hear the voice of martyr loudly shrieking; To hear the ribald laughter, the rude speaking Of ungodly tongues. To see the crimson blood go flowing. Of these and all earth's sorrows always knowing. A torture this, not Dante even could portray With truth's reality; oh, brother, turn and pray. AN ORDER FOR A PICTURE BY ALICE GARY Oh, good painter, tell me true. Has your hand the cunning to draw Shapes of things that you never saw? Aye? Well, here is an order for you. [611 POETICAL FAVORITES Woods and corn fields, a little brown, — The picture must not be over-bright, — Yet all in the golden and gracious light Of a cloud, when the summer sun is down. Alway and alway, night and morn, Woods upon woods, with field of corn Lying between them, not quite sere, And not in the full, thick, leafy bloom, When the wind can hardly find breathing-room Under their tassels, — cattle near, Biting shorter the short green grass, And a hedge of sumach and sassafras, With bluebirds twittering all around, — (Ah, good painter, you can't paint sound !) — These, and the house where I was born, Low and little, and black and old. With children, many as it can hold, All at the windows, open wide, — Heads and shoulders clear outside, And fair young faces all ablush: Perhaps you may have seen, some day, Roses crowding the self-same way. Out of a wilding, wayside bush. Listen closer. When you have done With woods and corn fields and grazing herds, A lady, the loveliest ever the sun Looked down upon you must paint for me: Oh, if I only could make you see The clear blue eyes, the tender smile, The sovereign sweetness, the gentle grace, [62] POETICAL FAVORITES The woman's soul, and the angel's face That are beaming on me all the while, I need not speak these foolish words: Yet one word tells you all I would say, — She is my mother: you will agree That all the rest may be thrown away. Two little urchins at her knee You must paint, sir : one like me, — The other with a clearer brow, And the light of his adventurous eyes Flashing with boldest enterprise: At ten years old he went to sea, — God knoweth if he be Uving now, — He sailed in the good ship Commodore, Nobody ever crossed her track To bring us news, and she never came back. Ah, it is twenty long years and more Since that old ship went out of the bay With my great-hearted brother on her deck: I watched him till he shrank to a speck And his face was toward me all the way. Bright his hair was, a golden brown, The time we stood at our mother's knee: That beauteous head, if it did go down. Carried sunshine into the sea! Out in the fields one summer night We were together, half afraid Of the corn-leaves' rustling, and of the shade Of the high hills stretching so still and far, — [63] POETICAL FAVORITES Loitering till after the low little light Of the candle shone through the open door, And over the hay-stack's pointed top, All of a tremble and ready to drop The first half-hour, the great yellow star. That we, ^\^th staring, ignorant eyes. Had often and often watched to see Propped and held in its place in the skies By the fork of a tall red mulberry-tree, Which close in the edge of our flax field grew. Dead at the top, — just one branch full Of leaves, notched round, lined with wool. From which it tenderly shook the dew Over our heads, when we came to play In its hand-breadth of shadow, day after day. Afraid to go home, sir; for one of us bore A nest full of speckled and thin-shelled eggs, — The other, a bird, held fast by the legs, Not so big as a straw of wheat: The berries we gave her she wouldn't eat, But cried and cried, till we held her bill, So slim and shining, to keep her still. At last we stood at our mother's knee. Do you think, sir, if you try, You can paint the look of a He? If you can, pray have the grace To put it solely in the face Of the urchin that is likest me : I think 't was solely mine, indeed: But that's no matter, — paint it so; [64] POETICAL FAVORITES The eyes of our mother — (take good heed) — Looking not on the nestful of eggs, Nor the fluttering bird, held so fast by the legs, But straight through our faces down to our lies, And, oh, with such injured, reproachful surprise! I felt my heart bleed where that glance went, as though A sharp blade struck through it. You sir, know That you on the canvas are to repeat Things that are fairest, things most sweet, — Woods and corn fields and mulberry-tree, — The mother, — the lads, with their bird, at her knee: But, oh, that look of reproachful woe! High as the heavens your name I'll shout, If you paint me the picture, and leave that out. PICTURES OF MEMORY BY ALICE CARY Among the beautiful pictures That hang on Memory's wall Is one of a dim old forest. That seemeth best of all; Not for its gnarled oaks olden, Dark with the mistletoe; Not for the violets golden That sprinkle the vale below; Not for the milk-white lilies That lean from the fragrant ledge, [65] POETICAL FAVORITES Coquetting all day with the sunbeams, And stealing their golden edge; Not for the vines on the upland, Where the bright red berries rest. Nor the pinks, nor the pale sweet cowshp. It seemeth to me the best. I once had a little brother. With eyes that were dark and deep; In the lap of that old dim forest He lieth in peace asleep: Light as the down of the thistle, Free as the winds that blow, We roved there the beautiful summers, The summers of long ago; But his feet on the hills grew weary, And, one of the autumn eves, I made for my little brother A bed of the yellow leaves. Sweetly his pale arms folded My neck in a meek embrace. As the light of immortal beauty Silently covered his face; And when the arrows of sunset Lodged in the tree-tops bright, He fell, in his saint-like beauty, Asleep by the gates of light. Therefore, of all the pictures That hang on Memory's wall, The one of the dim old forest Seemeth the best of all. [661 POETICAL FAVORITES NEARER HOME BY PHCEBE GARY One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er; I'm nearer my home to-day Than I ever have been before; Nearer my Father's house, Where the many mansions be; Nearer the great white throne, Nearer the crystal sea ; Nearer the bound of life. Where we lay our burdens down Nearer leaving the cross, Nearer gaining the crown! But the waves of that silent sea Roll dark before my sight That brightly the other side Break on a shore of light. 0, if my mortal feet Have almost gained the brink; If it be I am nearer home Even to-day than I think, — Father, perfect my trust! Let my spirit feel, in death, That her feet are firmly set On the Rock of a living faith! [67] POETICAL FAVORITES THE MUSINGS OF ARROYO AL BY ARTHUR CHAPMAN It seems to me this life we lead Is jest like that in Cattle Land; A few wild critters will stampede A quiet and contented band; And find out what the trouble was! — And can't, because there ain't no cause. One bawlin' critter in the herd Kin do much damage on a drive; His locoed doin's is absurd. And at the market — man alive! — That critter that has scairt the bunch Don't fetch enough to buy a lunch. They has to be, it seems to me. These locoed steers and locoed men. But think how easy life'd be If, when they bawl and bawl again, The herd'd stand there, as it shud. And jest take fresh holt on its cud! SUNSET THOUGHTS BY MINNIE CONWAY To-night, as I sat by my window. As the west was all agleam With that strange and wonderful splendor That is fleeting as a dream, [68] POETICAL FAVORITES I thought that the hands of angels Had swung heaven's gateway wide, And I caught some glimpse of the glory From the hills on the other side. Is it not a beautiful fancy, This sunset thought of mine, That the gates of heaven are always Swung open at day's decline That those whose day is ended Of earthly woes and ills May pass to the morning of gladness That dwells on the heavenly hills? Perhaps while I sat there dreaming Of the gateway in the west, Some poor soul went through the portals To a long and endless rest. Went in through the sunset gateway To the city paved with gold, Passed in to the new life's gladness, To be no longer old. When for me the sunset gateway Shall at day's decline unclose. And I enter through its portals To a long and sweet repose, I know I shall remember In that land so fair and far My strange and beautiful fancy Of the sunset gates ajar. [69] POETICAL FAVORITES THE OLD ARM-CHAIR BY ELIZA COOK I love it, I love it! and who shall dare To chide me for loving that old arm-chair? I've treasured it long as a sainted prize, I've bedewed it with tears, I've embalmed it with sighs. 'T is bound by a thousand bands to my heart; Not a tie will break, not a link will start; Would you know the spell? — a mother sat there! And a sacred thing is that old arm-chair. In childhood's hour I lingered near The hallowed seat with Hstening ear; And gentle words that mother would give To fit me to die, and teach me to live. She told me that shame would never betide With Truth for my creed, and God for mj' guide; She taught me to lisp my earliest prayer, As I knelt beside that old arm-chair. I sat, and watched her many a day. When her eye grew dim, and her locks were gray; And I almost worshipped her when she smiled, And turned from her Bible to bless her child. Years rolled on, but the last one sped, — My idol was shattered, my earth-star fled! I learnt how much the heart can bear. When I saw her die in her old arm-chair. [70] POETICAL FAVORITES 'T is past, 't is past! but I gaze on it now, With quivering breath and throbbing brow: 'Twas there she nursed me, 'twas there she died, And memory flows with lava tide. Say it is folly, and deem me weak. Whilst scalding drops start down my cheek; But I love it, I love it, and cannot tear My soul from a mother's old arm-chair. ROSES UNDERNEATH THE SNOW BY GEORGE COOPER Summer groves may lose their gladness, Wintry winds may wander by; Cares may come and weary sadness, Must we then forever sigh? Brave the storm with firm endeavor, Let your vain repinings go ! Hopeful hearts will find forever Roses underneath the snow. One by one the links that bind us May be severed here on earth; But the sun will surely find us. Through the winter's gloomy dearth! Cheerful hearts around us beating, Wearing ever summer's glow, Ah ! we know you're always meeting Roses underneath the snow. Never joy that earth can send us, Can forever leave us here; [71] POETICAL FAVORITES Every flower that spring can lend us Bloom again another year. Cares may come, but never mind them; Joys may come and joys may go; Look around and you will find them, Roses underneath the snow. Brave the storm with firm endeavor, Let your vain repining go; Hopeful hearts will find forever Roses underneath the snow. VERSES SUPPOSED TO BE WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER SELKIRK DURING HIS SOLITARY ABODE IN THE ISL.\ND OP JUAN FERNANDEZ. BY WILLIAM COWPER I am monarch of all I survey; My right there is none to dispute; From the centre all round to the sea I am lord of the fowl and the brute. Solitude! where are the charms That sages have seen in thy face? Better dwell in the midst of alarms Than reign in this horrible place. 1 am out of humanity's reach; I must finish my journey alone; Never hear the sweet music of speech — I start at the sound of my own. [721 POETICAL FAVORITES The beasts that roam over the plain, My form with indifference see; They are so unacquainted with man, Their tameness is shocking to me. Society, Friendship, and Love, Divinely bestow' d upon man. Oh, had I the wings of a dove. How soon would I taste you again! My sorrows I then might assuage In the ways of religion and truth. Might learn from the wisdom of age, And be cheer'd by the sallies of youth. Religion! what treasure untold Resides in that heavenly word! More precious than silver and gold. Or all that this earth can afford. But the sound of the church-going bell These valleys and rocks never heard; Never sigh'd at the sound of a knell, Or smiled when a Sabbath appear'd. Ye winds that have made me your sport, Convey to this desolate shore Some cordial endearing report Of a land I shall visit no more : My friends, do they now and then send A wish or a thought after me? Oh, tell me I yet have a friend, Though a friend I am never to see. [73] POETICAL FA^-ORITES How fleet is the glance of the mind! Compared with the speed of its flight, The tempest itself lags behind, And the swift-wingfed arrows of light. When I think of my own native land. In a moment I seem to be there; But, alas! recollection at hand Soon hm-ries me back to despair. But the sea-fowl is gone to her nest, The beast is laid down in his lair; Even here is a season of rest. And I to my cabin repair. There's mercy in every place, And mercy — encouraging thought! - Gives even affliction a grace, And reconciles man to his lot. THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. BY WILLIAM COWPER John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown; A trainband captain eke was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear — " Tho' wedded we have been [74] POETICAL FAVORITES These twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen. " To-morrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair Unto the Bell at Edmonton All in a chaise and pair. " My sister and my sister's child, Myself and children three. Will fill the chaise; so you must ride On horseback after we." He soon replied, " I do admire Of womankind but one. And you are she, my dearest dear: Therefore it shall be done. " I am a linendraper bold. As all the world doth know; And my good friend, the calender, Will lend his horse to go." Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, " That's well said; And, for that wine is dear, We will be furnish'd with our own, Which is both bright and clear." John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. [751 POETICAL FAVORITES The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stay'd, Where they did all get in — Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheel Were never folks so glad; The stones did rattle underneath, As if Cheapside were mad. John Gilpin at his horse's side Seized fast the flowing mane, And up he got, in haste to ride — But soon came down again: For saddletree scarce reach'd had he, His journey to begin, When, turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. So down he came: for loss of time. Although it grieved him sore. Yet loss of pence, full well he knew, Would trouble him much more. 'Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind; [76] POETICAL FAVORITES When Betty, screaming, came down stairs — " The wine is left behind! " " Good lack! " quoth he — " yet bring it me, My leathern belt likewise. In which I bear my trusty sword When I do exercise." Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!) Had two stone bottles found, To hold the hquor that she loved, And keep it safe and sound. Each bottle had a curling ear, Through which the belt he drew, And hung a bottle on each side. To make his balance true. Then over all, that he might be Equipp'd from top to toe, His long red cloak, well brush'd and neat, He manfully did throw. Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed. Full slowly pacing o'er the stones. With caution and good heed. But finding soon a smoother road Beneath his well-shod feet, The snorting beast began to trot. Which gall'd him in his seat. [77] POETICAL FAVORITES So, " Fair and softly," John he cried, But John he cried in vain; That trot became a gallop soon, In spite of curb and rein. So stooping doAvn, as needs he must Who cannot sit upright, He grasp'd the mane with both his hands, And eke with all his might. His horse, who never in that sort Had handled been before, What thing upon his back had got Did wonder more and more. Away went Gilpin, neck or naught; Away went hat and wig; He little dreamt, when he set out. Of running such a rig. The wind did blow — the cloak did fly, Like streamer long and gay; Till, loop and button failing both. At last it flew away. Then might all people well discern The bottles he had slung — A bottle swinging at each side. As hath been said or sung. The dogs did bark, the children scream'd, Up flew the windows all; [78] POETICAL FAVORITES And every soul cried out, " Well done! " As loud as he could bawl . Away went Gilpin — who but he? His fame soon spread around — " He carries weight! he rides a race! 'Tis for a thousand pound! " And still as fast as he drew near, 'Twas wonderful to view How in a trice the turnpike men Their gates wide open threw. And now, as he went bowing down His reeking head full low. The bottles twain behind his back Were shatter'd at a blow. Down ran the wine into the road, Most piteous to be seen. Which made his horse's flanks to smoke As they had basted been. But still he seem'd to carry weight, With leathern girdle braced; For all might see the bottle-necks Still dangling at his waist. Thus all through merry Islington These gambols he did play. Until he came unto the Wash Of Edmonton so gay; [791 POETICAL FAVORITES And there he threw the wash about On both sides of the way, Just like unto a trundling mop, Or a wild goose at play. At Edmonton his loving wife From the balcony spied Her tender husband, wondering much To see how he did ride. " Stop, stop, John Gilpin! here's the house," They all at once did cry; " The dirmer waits, and we are tired: " Said Gilpin — " So am I! " But yet his horse was not a whit IncHned to tarry there; For why? — his owner had a house Full ten miles off, at Ware. So like an arrow swift he flew. Shot by an archer strong; . So did he fly — which brings me to The middle of my song. Away went Gilpin out of breath, And sore against his will, Till at his friend's the calender's His horse at last stood still. The calender, amazed to see His neighbor in such trim, [80] POETICAL FAVORITES Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate, And thus accosted him: " What news? what news? your tidings tell; Tell me you must and shall — Say why bareheaded you are come, Or why you come at all ? " Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit, And loved a timely joke; And thus unto the calender In merry guise he spoke: " I came because your horse .would come; And, if I well forbode. My hat and wig will soon be here, They are upon the road." The calender, right glad to find His friend in merry pin, Return'd him not a single word, But to the house went in; Whence straight he came with hat and wig, A wig that flow'd behind, A hat not much the worse for wear — Each comely in its kind. He held them up, and in his turn Thus show'd his ready wit — " My head is twice as big as yours. They therefore needs must fit. [81] POETICAL FAVORITES " But let me scrape the dirt away That hangs upon your face; And stop and eat, for well you may Be in a hungry case." Said John, " It is my wedding-day, And all the world would stare If wife should dine at Edmonton, And I should dine at Ware." So turning to his horse, he said, " I am in haste to dine; 'Twas for your pleasure you came here You shall go back for mine." Ah, luckless speech and bootless boast, For which he paid full dear! For, while he spake, a braying ass Did sing most loud and clear; Whereat his horse did snort, as he Had heard a lion roar. And gallop 'd off with all his might, As he had done before. Away went Gilpin, and away Went Gilpin's hat and wig: He lost them sooner than at first, For why? — they were too big. Now Mistress Gilpin, when she saw Her husband posting down [821 POETICAL FAVORITES Into the country far away, She puU'd out half a crown; And thus unto the youth she said That drove them to the Bell, " This shall be yours when you bring back My husband safe and well." The youth did ride, and soon did meet John coming back amain — Whom in a trice he tried to stop, By catching at his rein; But not performing what he meant. And gladly would have done, The frighted steed he frighted more, And made him faster run. Away went Gilpin, and away Went post-boy at his heels, The post-boy's horse right glad to miss The lumbering of the wheels. Six gentlemen upon the road. Thus seeing Gilpin fly. With post-boy scampering in the rear, They raised the hue and cry: " Stop thief! stop thief — a highwayman! " Not one of them was mute; And all and each that pass'd that way Did join in the pursuit. [831 POETICAL FAVORITES And now the turnpike-gates again Flew open in short space: The toll-men thinking as before, That Gilpin rode a race. And so he did, and won it too, For he got first to town; Nor stopp'd till where he had got up He did again get down. Now let us sing, Long hve the king! And Gilpin, long Hve he; And when he next doth ride abroad. May I be there to see! AN EXPERIENCE AND A MORAL BY FREDERICK SWARTWOUT COZZENS I lent my love a book one day; She brought it back; I laid it by: 'T was little either had to say, — She was so strange, and I so shy. But yet we loved indifferent things, — The sprouting buds, the birds in tune, — And Time stood still and wreathed his wings With rosy links from June to June. For her, what task to dare or do? What peril tempt? what hardship bear? But with her — ah! she never knew My heart, and what was hidden there! [84] POETICAL FAVORITES And she, with me, so cold and coy, Seemed a Httle maid bereft of sense; But in the crowd, all life and joy, And full of blushful impudence. She married, — well, — a woman needs A mate, her life and love to share, — And little cares sprang up like weeds And played around her elbow-chair. And years rolled by, — but I, content. Trimmed my own lamp, and kept it bright, Till age's touch my hair besprent With rays and gleams of silver light. And then it chanced I took the book Which she perused in days gone by; And as I read, such passion shook My soul, — I needs must curse or cry. For, here and there, her love was writ, In old, half-faded pencil-signs. As if she yielded — bit by bit — Her heart in dots and underlines. Ah, silvered fool, too late you look! I know it; let me here record This maxim: Lend no girl a book Unless you read it afterward! [85 POETICAL FAVORITES LEETLA JOE BY T. A. DALY Leetla Joe he always say: " Wen I am beeg man som' day, Eef so be I gona grow Strong an' fat so like my Pop, I weell go for be a cop, Mebbe so." Soocha talk for four-year-old! Dough he brag so beeg an' bold Een wan handa you could hold Leetla Joe. Leetla Joe he lay hees cheek On my breast w'en he ees seeck. Squeeze my arm an' tal me: "Oh! Pretta soon I gona gat Granda muscle lika dat. W'en I grow Like my Pop how proud I be! Justa wait an' you weell see." Ah! so sweet to hug to me Leetla Joe! But, bay cause I'm 'fraid dat he Wan day would be 'shame' of me, — 'Shame' for call me " Pop " an' know, W'en he's fina 'Merican, I'm so poor old Dagoman — W'en I go POETICAL FAVORITES Where hees grave ees on da heell, Dere ees joy for me to feel Dat my heart can keep heem steell Leetla Joe. THE SONG OF THE THRUSH BY T. A. DALY Ah! the May was grand this mornin'! Sure, how could I feel forlorn in Such a land, when tree and flower tossed their kisses to the breeze? Could an Irish heart be quiet While the Spring was runnin' riot. An' the birds of free America were singin' in the trees? In the songs that they were singin' No familiar note was ringin', But I strove to imitate them an' I whistled Uke a lad. 0! my heart was warm to love them For the very newness of them — For the ould songs that they helped me to forget — an' I was glad. So I mocked the feathered choir To my hungry heart's desire. An' I gloried in the comradeship that made their joy my own, Till a new note sounded, stillin' [871 POETICAL FAVORITES All the rest. A thrush was trillin'! Ah! the thrush I left behind me in the fields about Athlone! Where, upon the whitethorn swayin', He was minstrel of the Mayin', In my days of love an' laughter that the years have laid at rest; Here again his notes were ringin' ! But I'd lost the heart for singin' — Ah! the song I could not answer was the one I knew the best. BURIED TREASURE BY EVA DEAN God buried in a woman's soul A treasure rare For His safekeeping, till the day That he to whom it was bequeathed Should, by some look, or whisper breathed, Beseech his birthright hid away. She kept it long, for safety locked Deep in her heart, And there it grew more fair, more bright; But no one brought the magic key That claimed the treasure held in fee : So, de'eper still, she buried it from sight. [88] POETICAL FAVORITES At last the donor spoke and said : " Give lavishly To all you meet from out your store; A heart of love, like purse of gold, Unspent, but curses those who hold." Yet as she gave, the hoard but grew the more! THE IVY GREEN BY CHARLES DICKENS 0, a dainty plant is the ivy green. That creepeth o'er ruins old! Of right choice food are his meals, I ween, In his cell so lone and cold. The walls must be crumbled, the stones decayed, To pleasure his dainty whim; And the mouldering dust that years have made. Is a merry meal for him. Creeping where no life is seen, A rare old plant is the Ivy green. Fast he steal eth on, though he wears no wings. And a staunch old heart has he! How closely he twineth, how tight he clings To his friend, the huge oak-tree! And slyly he traileth along the ground. And his leaves he gently waves. And he joyously twines and hugs around The rich mould of dead men's graves. Creeping where grim death has been, A rare old plant is the Ivy green. [89] POETICAL FAVORITES Whole ages have fled, and their works decayed, And nations have scattered been; But the stout old ivy shall never fade From its hale and hearty green. The brave old plant in its lonely days Shall fatten upon the past; For the stateliest building man can raise Is the ivy's food at last. Creeping on where Time has been, A rare old plant is the Ivy green. THE LEGEND OF THE ORGAN-BUILDER BY JULIA C. R. DORR Day by day the Organ-Builder in his lonely chamber wrought; Day by day the soft air trembled to the music of his thought; Till at last the work was ended, and no organ voice so grand Ever yet had soared responsive to the master's magic hand. Ay, so rarely was it builded that whenever groom or bride Who in God's sight were well-pleasing in the church stood side by side, Without touch or breath the organ of itself began to play, And the very airs of heaven through the soft gloom seemed to stray. [90] POETICAL FAVORITES He was young, the Organ-Builder, and o'er all the land his fame Ran with fleet and eager footsteps, like a swiftly- rushing flame. All the maidens heard the story; all the maidens blushed and smiled, By his youth and wondrous beauty and his great renown beguiled. So he sought and won the fairest, and the wedding day was set : Happy day — the brightest jewel in the glad year's coronet! But when they the portal entered, he forgot his lovely bride — Forgot his love, forgot his God, and his heart swelled high with pride. " Ah! " thought he, " how great a master am I! When the organ plays. How the vast cathedral arches wiU re-echo with my praise ! Up the aisle the gay procession moved. The altar shone afar. With its every candle gleaming through soft shadows like a star. But he listened, listened, listened, with no thought of love or prayer. For the swelling notes of triumph from the organ standing there. [911 POETICAL FAVORITES All was silent. Nothing heard he save the priest's low monotone, And the bride's robe trailing softly o'er the floor of fretted stone. Then his lips grew white with anger. Surely God was pleased with him Who had built the wondrous organ for His temple vast and dim? Whose the fault, then? Hers — the maiden stand- ing meekly at his side ! Flamed his jealous rage, maintaining she was false to him — his bride. Vain were all her protestations, vain her innocence and truth; On that very night he left her to her anguish and her ruth. Far he wandered to a country wherein no man knew his name. For ten weary years he dwelt there, nursing still his wrath and shame. Then his haughty heart grew softer, and he thought by night and day Of the bride he had deserted till he hardly dared to pray — Thought of her, a spotless maiden, fair and beautiful and good; [921 POETICAL FAVORITES Thought of his relentless anger that had cursed her womanhood ; Till his yearning grief and penitence at last were all complete, And he longed, with bitter longing, just to fall down at her feet. Ah! how throbbed his heart when, after many a weary day and night. Rose his native towers before him, with the sunset glow alight! Through the gates into the city on he pressed with eager tread; There he met a long procession — mourners following the dead. " Now why weep ye so, good people? and whom bury ye to-day? Why do yonder sorrowing maidens scatter flowers along the way? " Has some saint gone up to Heaven? " " Yes," they answered, weeping sore : " For the Organ-Builder's saintly wife our eyes shall see no more; " And because her days were given to the service of God's poor, [93] POETICAL FAVORITES From His church we mean to bury her. See! yonder is the door." No one knew him; no one wondered when he cried out, white with pain; No one questioned when, with paUid hps, he poured his tears like rain. " 'Tis some one whom she has comforted who mourns with us," they said, As he made his way unchallenged, and bore the coffin's head. Bore it through the open portal, bore it up the echoing aisle, Set it down before the altar, where the lights burned clear the while: When, oh, hark! the wondrous organ of itself began to play. Strains of rare, unearthly sweetness never heard until that day! All the vaulted arches rang with the music sweet and clear; All the air was filled with glory, as of angels hovering near; And ere yet the strain was ended, he who bore the coffin's head, [94] POETICAL FAVORITES With the smile of one forgiven, gently sank beside it — dead. They who raised the body knew him, and they laid him by his bride; Down the aisle and o'er the threshold they were carried side by side; While the organ played a dirge that no man ever heard before. And then softly sank to silence — silence kept for evermore. ANNIE LAURIE BY WILLIAM DOUGLAS Maxwelton banks are bonnie, Where early fa's the dew; Where me and Annie Laurie Made up the promise true; Made up the promise true, And never forget will I; And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'll lay me down and die. She's backit like the peacock. She's breistit like the swan. She's jimp about the middle, Her waist ye weel micht span; Her waist ye weel micht span. And she has a rolling eye; And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'll lay me down and die. [951 POETICAL FAVORITES THE OLD STORY BY FANNY DOWNING It chanced that once a Persian maid Into a sacred forest strayed, And roving on in restless mood, Half frightened at the solitude, Within the greenwood's depths profound, Awestruck, a marble idol found. So well the chiselled stone was wrought, So truly Nature's features caught, That, as the girl in wonder gazed, In glorious majesty it blazed, And grandly glistened on the sod, — No image, but an actual god. Bold by degrees, she faltering stepped, Close and more closely still up crept. And as one sees in Eastern land. An instant into bloom expand The buds by tropic sunshine nursed. So in her heart love full blown burst. She tears the clinging vines away That hide her treasure from the day. Of lotos flowers and campac leaves, With jasmine buds rich garlands weaves, And makes their dewy splendors climb About the brow she calls sublime. [96] POETICAL FAVORITES Her snowy arms around it pressed, With glowing cheeks and heaving breast, To warm the marble into life And wake it up to passion's strife By every artless art she strove, TiU it should give her love for love. But strove in vain ! No answering tone Sends back an echo to her own, Until at last with footsteps slow And tear-blind eyes and voice of woe. The young life chilled with bitter pain, She hastens to her home again. 'Tis thus with women! We enshrine A human love we deem divine, To it in admiration cling, Round it our heart's best treasures fling, Exalt our idol on its throne, And find it but a senseless stone. THE AMERICAN FLAG BY JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE When Freedom, from her mountain height, Unfurled her standard to the air. She tore the azure robe of night, And set the stars of glory there! She mingled with its gorgeous dyes The milky baldric of the skies, [971 POETICAL FAVORITES And striped its pure, celestial white With streakings of the morning light; Then, from his mansion in the sun, She called her eagle-bearer down. And gave. into his mighty hand The symbol of her chosen land ! Majestic monarch of the cloud! Who rear'st aloft thy regal form, To hear the tempest trumping loud, And see the lightning lances driven. When strive the warriors of the storm, And rolls the thunder-drum of heaven, — Child of the Sun! to thee 't is given To guard the banner of the free. To hover in the sulphur smoke. To ward away the battle-stroke. And bid its blendings shine afar, Like rainbows on the cloud of war, The harbingers of victory! Flag of the brave! thy folds shall fly. The sign of hope and triumph high! When speaks the signal-trumpet tone. And the long line comes gleaming on. Ere yet the life-blood, warm and wet. Has dimmed the glistening bayonet, Each soldier's eye shall brightly turn To where thy sky-born glories burn, And, as his springing steps advance. Catch war and vengeance from the glance. [98] POETICAL FAVORITES And when the cannon-mouthings loud Heave in wild wreaths the battle shroud, And gory sabres rise and fall Like shoots of flame on midnight's pall, Then shall thy meteor glances glow. And cowering foes shall shrink beneath Each gallant arm that strikes below That lovely messenger of death. Flag of the seas! on ocean wave Thy stars shall glitter o'er the brave; When death, careering on the gale, Sweeps darkly round the bellied sail. And frighted waves rush wildly back Before the broadside's reeling rack. Each dying wanderer of the sea Shall look at once to heaven and thee, And smile to see thy splendors fly In triumph o'er his closing eye. Flag of the free heart's hope and home, By angel hands to valor given ! Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, And all thy hues were born in heaven. Forever float that standard sheet! Where breathes the foe but falls before us. With Freedom's soil beneath our feet, And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us! 99 POETICAL FAVORITES LAMENT OF THE IRISH EMIGRANT BY HELEN SELINA SHERIDAN, LADY DUFFERIN I'm sittin' on the stile, Mary, Where we sat side by side On a bright May mornin' long ago, When first you were my bride; The corn was springin' fresh and green, And the lark sang loud and high; And the red was on your lip, Mary, And the love-light in your eye. The place is little changed, Mary; The day is bright as then; The lark's loud song is in my ear. And the corn is green again; But I miss the soft clasp of your hand. And your breath, warm on my cheek; And I still keep list'nin' for the words You nevermore will speak. 'Tis but a step down yonder lane. And the little church stands near, — The church where we were wed, Mary; I see the spire from here. But the graveyard lies between, Mary, And my step might break your rest, — For I've laid you, darling, down to sleep, With your baby on your breast. [100] POETICAL FAVORITES I'm very lonely now, Mary, For the poor make no new friends; But, O, they love the better still The few our Father sends! And you were all I had, Mary, — My blessin' and my pride; There's nothing left to care for now, Since my poor Mary died. Yours was the good, brave heart, Mary, That still kept hoping on. When the trust in God had left my soul, And my arm's young strength was gone; There was comfort ever on your lip, And the kind look on your brow, — I bless you, Mary, for that same, Though you cannot hear me now. I thank you for the patient smile When your heart was fit to break, — When the hunger-pain was gnawin' there. And you hid it for my sake; I bless you for the pleasant word, When your heart was sad and sore, — 0, Fm thankful you are gone, Mary, Where grief can't reach you more! Fm biddin' you a long farewell, My Mary — kind and true! But FU not forget you, darling, In the land I'm goin' to; [1011 POETICAL FAVORITES Thoy say tlioro's bread and work for all, And the sun shines always there, — But I'll not forget old Ireland, Were it fifty times as fair! And often in those grand old woods I'll sit, and shut my eyes, And my heart will travel baek again To the place where INIary lies; And I'll think I see the little stile Where we sat side by side, And the springin' corn, and the bright May morn. When first you were my bride. TRUE REST BY JOHN SULLIVAN DWIGHT Sweet is the pleasure Itself cannot spoil! Is not true leisure One with true toil? Thou that wouldst taste it. Still do thy best; Use it, not waste it, ^- Else 't is no rest. Wouldst behold beauty Near thee? all round? Only hath duty Such a sight found. [102] POETICAL FAVORITES Rest is not quitting The busy career; Rest is the fitting Of self to its sphere. 'T is the brook's motion, Clear without strife, Fleeing to ocean After its life. Deeper devotion Nowhere hath knelt; Fuller emotion Heart never felt. 'T is loving and serving The highest and best; 'T is onwards! unswerving, — And that is true rest. 0, MAY I JOIN THE CHOIR INVISIBLE! BY GEORGE ELIOT 0, may I join the choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live again In minds made better by their presence; live In pulses stirred to generosity, In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn Of miserable aims that end with self, In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, And with their mild persistence urge men's minds [1031 POETICAL FAVORITES To vaster issues. So to live is heaven: To make undying music in the world, Breathing a beauteous order, that controls With growing sway the growing life of man. So we inherit that sweet purity For which we struggled, failed, and agonized With widening retrospect that bred despair. Rebellious flesh that would not be subdued, A vicious parent shaming still its child. Poor anxious penitence, is quick dissolved; Its discords quenched by meeting harmonies, Die in the large and charitable air. And all our rarer, better, truer self. That sobbed religiously in yearning song. That watched to ease the burden of the world. Laboriously tracing what must be. And what may yet be better, — saw within A worthier image for the sanctuary, And shaped it forth before the multitude, Divinely human, raising worship so To higher reverence more mixed with love, That better self shall live till human Time Shall fold its eyelids, and the human sky Be gathered like a scroll within the tomb, Unread forever. This is life to come, Which martyred men have made more glorious For us, who strive to follow. May I reach That purest heaven, — be to other souls [104 1 POETICAL FAVORITES The cup of strength in some great agony, Enkindle generous ardor, feed pure love. Beget the smiles that have no cruelty. Be the sweet presence of a good diffused, And in diffusion ever more intense ! So shall I join the choir invisible. Whose music is the gladness of the world. TO THE HUMBLEBEE BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON Burly, dozing humblebee! Where thou art is clime for me; Let them sail for Porto Rique, Far-off heats through seas to seek, I will follow thee alone, Thou animated torrid zone! Zigzag steerer, desert cheerer. Let me chase thy waving lines; Keep me nearer, me thy hearer. Singing over shrubs and vines. Insect lover of the sun, Joy of thy dominion! Sailor of the atmosphere ; Swimmer through the waves of air, Voyager of light and noon. Epicurean of June! Wait, I prithee, till I come Within earshot of thy hum, — All without is martyrdom. [105] POETICAL FAVORITES When the south-wind, in May days, With a net of shining haze Silvers the horizon wall; And, with softness touching all, Tints the human countenance With the color of romance; And infusing subtle heats Turns the sod to violets, — Thou in sunny solitudes, Rover of the underwoods. The green silence dost displace With thy mellow breezy bass. Hot midsummer's petted crone. Sweet to me thy drowsy tone Tells of countless sunny hours, Long days, and solid banks of flowers; Of gulfs of sweetness without bound, In Indian wildernesses found; Of Syrian peace, immortal leisure. Firmest cheer, and birdlike pleasure. Aught unsavory or unclean Hath my insect never seen; But violets, and bilberry bells. Maple sap, and daffodels, Grass with green flag half-mast high, Succory to match the sky. Columbine with horn of honey. Scented fern, and agrimony. Clover, catchfly, adder's-tongue, [106] POETICAL FAVORITES And brier-roses, dwelt among: All beside was unknown waste, All was picture as he passed. Wiser far than human seer. Yellow-breeched philosopher. Seeing only what is fair, Sipping only what is sweet, Thou dost mock at fate and care, Leave the chaff and take the wheat. When the fierce northwestern blast Cools sea and land so far and fast, — Thou already slumberest deep; Woe and want thou canst outsleep; Want and woe, which torture us, Thy sleep makes ridiculous. ODE BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON [Sung in the Town Hall, Concord, July 4, 1857] tenderly the haughty day Fills his blue urn with fire; One morn is in the mighty heaven, And one in our desire. The cannon booms from town to town. Our pulses beat not less, The joy-bells chime their tidings down, Which children's voices bless. 107 POETICAL FAVORITES For He that flung the broad blue fold O'er-mantUng land and sea, One-third part of the sky unrolled For the banner of the free. The men are ripe of Saxon kind To buUd an equal state, — To take the statute from the mind And make of duty fate. United States! the ages plead, — Present and Past in under-song, — Go put your creed into your deed, Nor speak with double tongue. For sea and land don't understand Nor skies without a frown See rights for which the one hand fights By the other cloven down. Be just at home; then write j'our scroll Of honor o'er the sea, And bid the broad Atlantic roll A ferry of the free. And henceforth there shall be no chain, Save underneath the sea The wires shall murmur through the main Sweet songs of liberty. The conscious stars accord above, The waters wild below, [108] POETICAL FAVORITES And under, through the cable wove, Her fiery errands go. For He that worketh high and wise, Nor pauses in his plan, Will take the sun out of the skies Ere freedom out of man. PEACE BY CORA FABRI God spoke to her, and so she fell asleep, I laid a white fair lily on her heart, And when I saw her face I could not weep. It had the peace Death only understands; And when I knew she would not wake on earth I laid my heart between her folded hands. God spoke to her so softly, saying " Rest! " And when she wakes in Heaven she will find My lily and my heart upon her breast. THE LAST HYMN BY MARIANNE FARNINGHAM The Sabbath day was ending, in a' village by the sea, The uttered benediction touched the people tenderly, And they rose to face the sunset in the glowing, lighted west. And then hastened to their dwellings for God's blessed boon of rest. f 1091 POETICAL FAVORITES But they looked across the waters, and a storm was raging there : A fierce spirit moved above them — the wild spirit of the air — And it lashed, and shook, and tore them, till they thundered, groaned, and boomed. And, alas! for any vessel in their yawning gulfs en- tombed. Very anxious were the people on that rocky coast of Wales Lest the dawns of coming morrows should be tcUing awful tales. When the sea had spent its passion, and should cast upon the shore Bits of wreck, and swollen victims, as it had done heretofore. With the rough winds blowing round her, a brave woman strained her eyes. And she saw along the billows a large vessel fall and rise. Oh! it did not need a prophet to tell what the end must be. For no ship could ride in safety near that shore on such a sfea. Then the pitying people hurried from their homes and thronged the beach. Oh! for the power to cross the waters and the perish- ing to reach! fiioi POETICAL FAVORITES Helpless hands were wrung for sorrow, tender hearts grew cold with dread, And the ship, urged by the tempest, to the fatal rock- shore sped. " She has parted in the middle! Oh! the half of her goes down! God have mercy! Is His heaven far to seek for those who drowTi? " Lo, when next the white, shocked faces looked with terror on the sea, Only one last clinging figure on the spar was seen to be. Nearer the trembling watchers came the wreck tossed by the wave, And the man still clung and floated, though no power on earth could save. " Could we send him a short message? Here's a trum- pet. Shout away! " 'Twas the preacher's hand that took it, and he won- dered what to say. Any memory of his sermon? Firstly? Secondly? Ah, no! There was but one thing to utter in the awful hour of woe; So he shouted through the trumpet, " Look to Jesus! Can you hear? " And " Ay, ay, sir! " rang the answer o'er the waters loud and clear. [Ill] POETICAL FAVORITES Then they hstened. He is singing! "Jesus, lover of my soul"; And the winds brought back the echo, " while the nearer waters roll"; Strange, indeed, it was to hear him, " till the storm of life is past," Singing bravely from the waters, " Oh, receive my soul at last." He could have no other refuge! " Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, oh, leave me not." — The singer dropped at last into the sea. And the watchers, looking homeward, through their eyes with tears made dim, Said, " He passed to be with Jesus in the singing of the hymn." FIDDLE-DEE-DEE BY EUGENE FIELD There once was a bird that lived up in a tree And all he could whistle was Fiddle-dee-dee — A very provoking, unmusical song For one to be whistling the Summer day long! Yet always contented and busy was he With that vocal recurrence of Fiddle-dee-dee! Hard by lived a brave little soldier of four. That weird iteration repented him sore; [1121 POETICAL FAVORITES " I pri'thee, Dear-Mother-Mine! fetch me my gun, For, by our St. Didy, the deed must be done That shall presently rid all creation and me Of that ominous bird and his Fiddle-dee-dee! " Then out came Dear-Mother-Mine, bringing her son His awfully truculent little red gun. The stock was of pine and the barrel of tin. The " bang " it came out where the bullet went in — The right kind of weapon, I think you'll agree, For slaying all fowl that go Fiddle-dee-dee! The brave little soldier quoth never a word, But he up and he drew a straight bead on that bird; And, while that vain creature provokingly sang, The gun went off with a terrible bang! Then loud laughed the youth — "By my Bottle," cried he, " Fve put a quietus on Fiddle-dee-dee! " Out then came Dear-Mother-Mine, saying: " My son, Right well have you wrought with your little red gun! Hereafter no evil at all need I fear, With such a brave soldier as You-My-Love here! " She kissed the dear boy. (The bird in the tree Continued to whistle his Fiddle-dee-dee! ) 113] POETICAL FAVORITES JES' FORE CHRISTMAS BY EUGENE FIELD Father calls me William, sister calls me Will, Mother calls me Willie — but the fellers call me Bill! Mighty glad I ain't a girl — ruther be a boy Without them sashes, curls, an' things that's worn by Fauntleroy! Love to chawnk green apples an' go swimmin' in the - lake — Hate to take the castor-oil they give f'r stomach-ache! Most all the time the hull year roun' there ain't no flies on me. But jes' fore Christmas I'm as good as I kin.be! Got a yaller dog named Sport — sick 'im on the cat; Fust thing she knows she doesn't know where she's at! Got a clipper-sled, an' when us boys goes out to slide 'Long comes the grocery cart, an' we all hook a ride! But, sometimes, when the grocery man is worrited an' cross, He reaches at me with his whip an' larrups up his hoss; An' then I laff an' hoUer: " Oh, you never teched me! " But jes' 'fore Christmas I'm as good as I kin be! Gran'ma says she hopes that when I git to be a man I'll be a missionerer like her oldes' brother Dan As wuz et up by the cannib'ls that hves in Ceylon's isle! [114] POETICAL FAVORITES Where ev'ry prospeck pleases an' only man is vile. But gran'ma she had never been to see a Wild West show, Or read the life uv Daniel Boone, or else I guess she'd know That Buffalo Bill an' cowboys is good enough f'r me — Excep' jes' 'fore Christmas, when I'm good as I kin be! Then ol' Sport, he hangs around, so sollum-like an' still — His eyes they seem a-sayin' : " What's the matter, little Bill? " The cat she sneaks down off her perch, a-wonderin' what's become Uv them two enemies uv hern that uster make things hum! But I am so perlite an' stick so earnest-hke to biz That mother says to father: " How improved our Willie is! " But father, havin' been a boy hisself, suspicions me When, jes' 'fore Christmas, I'm as good as I kin be! For Cliristmas, with its lots and lots uv candies, cakes, an' toys, Wuz made, they say, f'r proper kids, an' not f'r naughty boys! So wash yer face, an' bresh yer hair, an' mind yer p's and q's. An' don't bust out yer pantaloons, an' don't wear out yer shoes; [115] POETICAL FAVORITES Say " yessum " to the ladies, an' " yessir " to the men, An' when they's company don't pass yer plate f'r pie again; But, thinkin' uv the things you'd like to see upon that tree, Jes' 'fore Christmas be as good as you kin be! LITTLE BOY BLUE BY EUGENE FIELD The little toy dog is covered with dust, But sturdy and stanch he stands; And the little toy soldier is red with rust, And his musket moulds in his hands. Time was when the little toy dog was new. And the soldier was passing fair; And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue Kissed them and put them there. " Now, don't you go till I come," he said, " And don't you make any noise! " So, toddling off to his trundle-bed. He dreamt of his pretty toys; And, as he was dreaming, an angel song Awakened our Little Boy Blue — Oh! the years are many, the years are long, But the little toy friends are true! Ay, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand. Each in the same old place — [1161 POETICAL FAVORITES Awaiting the touch of a little hand, The smile of a little face; And they wonder, as waiting the long years through In the dust of that little chair, What has become of our Little Boy Blue, Since he kissed them and put them there. WYNKEN, BLYNKEN, AND NOD BY EUGENE FIELD Wynken, Blynkcn, and Nod, one night, Sailed off in a wooden shoe. Sailed on a river of misty light Into a sea of dew; " Where are you going and what do you wish? " The old man asked the three. " We have come to fish for the herring fish. That live in this beautiful sea; Nets of gold and silver have we," Said Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. The old man laughed and sung a song, As they rock'd in the wooden shoe, The wind that sped them all night along Ruffled the waves of dew; The little stars were the herring fish That lived in the beautiful sea. " Now cast your nets where' ver you wish, But never af eared are we"; So cried the stars to the fishermen tliree, Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. [1171 POETICAL FAVORITES All night long their nets they threw, For the fish in the twinkling foam; Down from the sky came the wooden shoe, Bringing the fishermen home. 'T was all so pretty; a sail, it seemed As if it could not be; And some folks tho't 't was a dream they dream'd. Of sailing that beautiful sea; But I shall name you the fishermen three, Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. Wynken and Blynken are two eyes. And Nod is a little head, The wooden shoe that sail'd the skies Is a wee one's trundle bed; So shut your eyes while mother sings Of wonderful sights that be; And you shall see the beautiful things, As you rock on the misty sea. Where the old shoe rock'd the fishermen three, Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. THE TEMPEST BY JAMES THOMAS FIELDS We were crowded in the cabin. Not a soul would dare to sleep, — It was midnight on the waters And a storm was on the deep. 'T is a fearful thing in winter To be shattered by the blast, [1181 POETICAL FAVORITES And to hear the ratthng trumpet Thunder, " Cut away the mast! " So we shuddered there in silence, — For the stoutest held his breath, While the hungry sea was roaring, And the breakers talked with Death As thus we sat in darkness, Each one busy in his prayers, " We are lost! " the captain shouted As he staggered down the stairs. But his little daughter whispered. As she took his icy hand, " Is n't God upon the ocean Just the same as on the land? " Then we kissed the little maiden. And we spoke in better cheer. And we anchored safe in harbor When the morn was shining clear. 119 POETICAL FAVORITES THE BLUE AND THE GRAY BY FRANCIS MILES FINCH [Written in honor of women of Columbus, Mississippi, who, in 1867, when decorating soldiers' graves, strewed flowers " alike for the friend and the foe." Northern soldiers' graves were as lovingly dec- orated as were Southern soldiers' graves — blossoms bloomed for all.] By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver, Asleep are the ranks of the dead: — Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the one, the Blue, Under the other, the Gray, These in the robings of glory. Those in the gloom of defeat, All with the battle-blood gory. In the dusk of eternity meet: — Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the laurel, the Blue, Under the willow, the Gray. From the silence of sorrowful hours. The desolate mourners go. Lovingly laden with flowers. Alike for the friend and the foe : — Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the roses, the Blue, Under the lilies, the Gray. [1201 POETICAL FAVORITES So, with an equal splendor, The morning sun-rays fall, With a touch impartially tender, On the blossoms blooming for all; — Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Broidered with gold, the Blue, Mellowed with gold, the Gray. So, when the summer calleth On forest and field of grain. With equal murmur falleth The cooling drip of the rain : — Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Wet with the rain, the Blue, Wet with the rain, the Gray. Sadly, but not with upbraiding, The generous deed was done; In the storm of the years that are fading, ' No braver battle was won : — Under the sod and the dew. Waiting the judgment-day; Under the blossoms, the Blue, Under the garlands, the Gray. No more shall the war-cry sever. Or the winding rivers be red; They banish our anger forever When they laurel the graves of our dead : fl211 POETICAL FAVORITES Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the Gray. THE CALF-PATH BY SAM WALTER FOSS One day through the primeval wood A calf walked home as good calves should, But made a trail all bent askew, A crooked trail as all calves do. Since then two hundred years have fled. And, I infer, the calf is dead. But still he left behind his trail. And thereby hangs my moral tale. The trail was taken up next day By a lone dog that passed that way; And then a wise bell-wether sheep Pursued the trail o'er vale and steep. And drew the flock behind him, too, As good bell-wethers always do. f 122 1 POETICAL FAVORITES And from that day o'er hill and glade Through those old woods a path was made, III And many men wound in and out, And dodged and turned and bent about, And uttered words of righteous wrath Because 'twas such a crooked path; But still they followed — do not laugh — The first migrations of that calf, And through this winding w^ood-way stalked Because he wobbled when he walked. IV This forest path became a lane That bent and turned and turned again: This crooked lane became a road Where many a poor horse with his load, Toiled on beneath the burning sun, And travelled some three miles in one. And thus a century and a half They trod the footsteps of that calf. V The years passed on in swiftness fleet, The road became a village street, [123 1 POETICAL FAVORITES And this, before men were aware, A city's crowded thoroughfare. And soon the central street was this Of a renowned metropolis; And men two centuries and a half Trod in the footsteps of that calf. VI Each day a hundred thousand rout Followed this zigzag calf about; And o'er his crooked journey went The traffic of a continent. A hundred thousand men were led By one calf near three centuries dead. They followed still his crooked way And lost one hundred years a day. For thus such reverence is lent To well-established precedent. VII A moral lesson this might teach Were I ordained and called to preach. For men are prone to go it blind Along the calf paths of the mind; [124] POETICAL FAVORITES And work away from sun to sun To do what other men have done. They follow in the beaten track, And out and in, and forth and back, And still their devious course pursue To keep the path that others do. They keep the path a sacred groove Along which all their lives they move; But how the wise old wood-gods laugh, Who saw the first primeval calf. Ah, many things this tale might teach — But I am not ordained to preach. THE VOLUNTEER ORGANIST BY SAM WALTER FOSS The gret big church wuz crowded full uv broadcloth and uv silk, An' satins rich as cream thet grows on our ol' brindle's milk ; Shined boots, biled shirts, stiff dickeys, an' stovepipe hats were there, An' doods 'ith trouserloons so tight they couldn't kneel down in prayer. The elder in his poolpit high said, as he slowly riz: " Our organist is kep' to hum, laid up 'ith roomatiz, [125] POETICAL FAVORITES An' as we hev no substitoot, as Brother Moore ain' here, Will some 'un in the congregation be so kind's to volun- teer? " An' then a red-nosed, drunken tramp of low-toned rowdy style Give an interductory hiccup, an' then staggered up the aisle; ^ Then thro' thet holy atmosphere there crep' a sense er sin. An' thro' thet air of sanctity the odor uv ol' gin. Then Deacon Purington he yelled, his teeth all sot on edge: " This man purfancs the house of God! Wy, this is sacrilege! " The tramp didn' hear a word he said, but slouched 'ith stumblin' feet, An' sprawled an' staggered up the steps, an' gained the organ seat. He then went pawin' through the keys, an' soon there rose a strain Thet seemed to jest bulge out the heart, an' 'lectrify the brain; An' then he slapped down on the thing 'ith hands an' head an' knees. He slam-dashed his hull body down 'kerflop upon the keys. The organ roared, the music flood went sweepin' high and dry, [1261 POETICAL FAVORITES It swelled into the rafters and bulged out into the sky. The ol' church shook an' staggered, an' seemed to reel an' sway, An' the elder shouted " Glory! " an' I yelled out " Hooray! " An' then he tried a tender strain that melted in our ears, Thet brought up blessed memories an' drenched 'em down 'ith tears; An' we dreamed of ol' time kitchens, 'ith Tabby on the mat, Uv home an' luv an' baby days, an' mother an' all that! An' then he struck a streak uv hope — a song from souls forgiven — Thet burst from prison bars uv sin, an' stormed the gates of heaven; The mornin' stars they sung together — no soul was left alone — We felt the universe wuz safe, an' God wuz on his throne ! An' then a wail uv deep despair an' darkness come again. An' long black crape hung on the doors uv all the homes uv men; No luv, no light, no joy, no hope, no songs uv glad delight. An' then — the tramp he staggered down an' reeled into the night! [1271 POETICAL FAVORITES But we knew he'd tol' his story, tho' he never spoke a word An' it wuz the saddest story thet our ears had ever heard ! He hed tol' his own hfe history, an' no eye \vuz dry thet day, Wen the elder rose and simply said: " My brethren, let us pray." MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STEPHEN COLLINS FOSTER The sun shines bright in our old Kentucky home; 'Tis summer, the darkeys are gay; The corn top's ripe and the meadows in the bloom, While the birds make music all the day; The young folks roll on the little cabin floor. All merry, all happy, all bright; By'm by hard times comes a-knockin' at the door, — Then, my old Kentucky home, good-night! Weep no more, my lady; 0, weep no more to-day! We'll sing one song for the old Kentucky home, For our old Kentucky home far away. They hunt no more for the possum and the coon On the meadow, the hill, and the shore; They sing no more by the glimmer of the moon On the bench by the old cabin door; The day goes by, like a shadow o'er the heart, With sorrow where all was delight; The time has come when the darkeys have to part, [128] POETICAL FAVORITES Then my old Kentucky home, good-night! Weep no more, my lady; 0, weep no more to-day! We'll sing one song for the old Kentucky home, For our old Kentucky home far away. The head must bow, and the back will have to bend, Wherever the darkey may go; A few more days, and the troubles all will end, In the field where the sugar-canes grow; A few more days to tote the weary load. No matter, it will never be light; A few more days till we totter on the road, Then, my old Kentucky home, good-night! Weep no more my lady; 0, weep no more to-day! We'll sing one song for the old Kentucky home, For our old Kentucky home far away. PALMETTO AND PINE BY L. VIRGINIA FRENCH After reading the debate on amnesty in the United States Con- gress, an accomplished Tennessee lady, Mrs. L. Virginia French, wrote this poem for the Nashville American. It is an impassioned plea for peace, and more than peace, for affectionate brotherhood and the revival of friendly memories older than the late civil strife. They planted them together — our gallant sires of old — Though one was crowned with crystal snow, and one with solar gold; They planted them together — on the world's ma- jestic height, [1291 POETICAL FAVORITES At Saratoga's deathless charge, at Eutaw's stubborn fight. At midnight on the dark redoubt, 'mid plunging shot and shell — At noontide gasping in the crush of battle's bloody- swell — With gory hands and reeking brows, amid the mighty fray, Which surged and swelled around them on that mem- orable day, When they planted Independence, as a s3Txibol and a sign. They struck deep soil and planted the Palmetto and the Pine! They planted them together — by the river of the Years — Watered with our fathers' hearts' blood, watered with our mothers' tears; In the strong, rich soil of Freedom, with a bounteous benison From their Prophet, Priest, and Pioneer — our Father, Washington! Above them floated echoes of the ruin and the wreck. Like " drums that beat at Louisburg and thundered at Quebec; " But the old lights sank in darkness as the new stars rose to shine O'er those emblems of the sections — the Palmetto and the Pine. [1301 POETICAL FAVORITES And we'll plant them still together — for 'tis yet the selfsame soil Our fathers' valor won for us by victory and toil; In Florida's fair everglades, by bold Ontario's flood, And thro' them send electric life as leaps the kindred blood! For thus it is they taught us, who for Freedom lived and died, The Eternal law of justice must and shall be justi- fied — That God has joined together by a fiat all divine The destinies of dwellers 'neath the Palm tree and the Pine. A5'e ! we'll plant them yet together — though the cloud is on their brows. And winds antagonistic writhe and wrench the stal- wart boughs; Driving winds that drift the nations into gaping gulfs of gloom. Sweeping ages, cycles, systems, into vortices of doom; Though the waves of faction rolling in triumphant to the shore, Are breaking down our bulwarks with their sullen rage and roar; Serried armaments of ocean filing in line after line. Washing up the deep foundations of Palmetto and of Pine. Shall this, the soil of Freedom, from their roots be washed away [131] POETICAL F A N' O K I T E S By tlio chnnciing oi (ho billows aiul (ho broakinj;- of the spray? No! the llaiul whioh rules the vortex whioh is surging now before us, Above its *' hell of waters " sots the bow of promise o'er us — And the time will oonie when Disoord shall bo buried in the past. The oritlanuno of Love shall wave above the breaoh at last, \\\d beneath that starry banner — type of unity divine — Shall stand those stately signals — the Pahnotto and the Tine. Shall the old vietorious Eagle from their boughs be wrenehed away By the double-headed \'ulture of Disunion ami De- cay? Forbid it, Heaven! Columbia, guanl (liino emblems gathered here, To grace the brilliant dawning of (his grand Cen- tennial year, And bear them as thou marohost on with gonfalons unfurled. With thy foot upon the fetter, for (he freeing of the world ! And guard thy Holy SepuK'hre — ?iIount \'ernon's sacred shrine — For this is Fi-eedom's Holy Land — her promised Palestine. [1321 POETICAL FAVORITES Oh! thou voice of (jod outflowing from the lips of holy Peace, Soothe the turmoil and the tumult — bid this strife and sorrow cease! O'er savannahs steeped in sunshine, over mountains dark with rain, Send the glad and thrilling tidings in thy sweetly solemn strain — Let snowy North and sunny South send up the shout, "All's well!" And the music of thy coming strike our heartstrings with its swell, (As to Jessie Brown at Lucknow struck the air of " Auld Lang Sync," From the Highland pipes of Havelock) — Save the Palm and save the Pine! God plant them still together! let them flourish side by side. In the halls of our Centennial — mailed in more than marble pride; With kindly deeds and noble names we'll grave them o'er and o'er, With brave historic legends of the glorious days of yore; While the clear, exultant chorus, rising from united bands. The echo of our triumph peals to earth's remotest lands — While " Faith, Fraternity and Love " shall joyfully entwine [1331 POETICAL FAVORITES Around our chosen Emblems — the Pahnetto and the Pine. " Together! " shouts Niagara his thunder-toned de- cree — " Together! " echo back the waves upon the Mexic Sea — " Together! " sing the sylvan hills where old Atlantic roars — " Together! " boom the breakers on the wild Pacific shores — " Together! " cry the People and " together " it shall be, An everlasting charter-bond forever for the free; Of Liberty the signet-seal — the one eternal sign Be those united emblems — the Palmetto and the Pine! ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF A MAD DOG BY OLIVER GOLDSMITH Good people all, of every sort. Give ear unto my song; And if you find it wondrous short, It cannot hold you long. In Islington there was a man Of whom the world might say, That still a godly race he ran — Whene'er he went to pray. [1341 POETICAL FAVORITES A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes: The naked every day he clad — When he put on his clothes. And in that town a dog was found, As many dogs there be, Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree. This dog and man at first were friends; But when a pique began, The dog, to gain his private ends. Went mad, and bit the man. Around from all the neighboring streets The wondering neighbors ran. And swore the dog had lost his wits, To bite so good a man! The wound it seemed both sore and sad To every Christian eye: And while they swore the dog was mad, They swore the man would die. But soon a wonder came to light, That showed the rogues they lied : — The man recovered of the bite. The dog it was that died! 135 POETICAL FAVORITES ELEGY ON MADAM BLAIZE BY OLIVER GOLDSMITH Good people all, with one accord, Lament for Madam Blaize; Who never wanted a good word — From those who spoke her praise. The needy seldom passed her door, And always found her kind; She freely lent to all the poor — Who left a pledge behind. She strove the neighborhood to please, With manner wondrous winning; She never followed wicked ways — Unless when she was sinning. At church, in silk and satins new. With hoop of monstrous size, She never slumbered in her pew — But when she shut her eyes. Her love was sought, I do aver. By twenty beaux, or more ; The king himself has followed her — When she has walked before. But now, her wealth and finery fled, Her hangers-on cut short all, [136] POETICAL FAVORITES Her doctors found, when she was dead — Her last disorder mortal. Let us lament, in sorrow sore; For Kent Street well may say, That, had she lived a twelvemonth more — She had not died to-day. THE PHILOSOPHIC BEGGAR BY BLAKENEY GRAY In a city stamped with plenty, Full of dolce far niente, I observed a beggarman upon the way; And, by Jove, the chap was smiling In a fashion most beguiling. And he seemed the happiest man I'd seen that day. I had little time for chinning, But I asked him: " Why this grinning? Are j^our rags and tatters then a merry joke? Is this hunger you've been vaunting. And these'pennies you've been wanting. Just a sort of passing whim that ends in smoke? " " Not a bit! " he said, instanter. " My hard luck is far from banter; But the thought has just now flashed across my mind That I really should not hanker For to be a worried banker Who must find the cash he gives his womenkind. [137] POETICAL FAVORITES " I don't have to buy rich sables, Motor-cars, and pearls in cables, For to keep my wife a-smiling all the while; And I do not have to worry, Nor to hurry, or to scurry, For the cash to dress my daughters up in style. " I can win a smiling dimple With a present that is simple. And a dollar's all I need to meet the call, So I think upon the whole, sir — Yes, I do, upon my soul, sir — That I'm better off than others, after all! " And that is how it came to be He got a dollar out of me ! ELEGY WRITTEN IN A COUNTRY CHURCHYARD BY THOMAS GRAY The curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The lowing herd winds slowly o'er the lea. The ploughman homeward plods his weary way. And leaves the world to darkness and to me. Now fades the glimmering landscape on the sight. And all the air a solemn stillness holds, Save where the beetle wheels his droning flight, And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds: [138] POETICAL FAVORITES Save that from yonder ivy-mantled tower The moping owl does to the moon complain Of such as, wandering near her secret bower, Molest her ancient solitary reign. Beneath those rugged elms, that yew tree's shade, Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell for ever laid. The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep. The breezy call of incense-breathing morn. The swallow twittering from the straw-built shed, The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn. No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed. For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn Or busy housewife ply her evening care : No children run to lisp their sire's return, Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share. Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield. Their forrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke; How jocund did they drive their team afield! How bow'd the woods beneath their sturdy stroke! Let not Ambition mock their useful toil. Their homely joys, and destiny obscure; Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile The short and simple annals of the poor. The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power. And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, [139] POETICAL FAVORITES Await alike th' inevitable hour: — The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Nor you, ye proud, impute to these the fault If Memory o'er their tomb no trophies raise. Where through the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault The pealing anthem swells the note of praise. Can storied urn or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath? Can Honor's voice provoke the silent dust, Or Flattery soothe the dull cold ear of Death? Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire; Hands, that the rod of empire might have sway'd, Or waked to ecstasy the living lyre : But Knowledge to their eyes her ample page Rich with the spoils of time did ne'er unroll; Chill Penury repress'd their noble rage, And froze the genial current of the soul. Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen. And waste its sweetness on the desert air. Some village Hampden, that with dauntless breast The little t>Tant of his fields withstood. Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest. Some Cromwell, guiltless of his country's blood. [1401 POETICAL FAVORITES Th' applause of list'ning senates to command, The threats of pain and ruin to despise, To scatter plenty o'er a smiling land And read their history in a nation's eyes. Their lot forbade: nor circumscribed alone Their growing virtues, but their crimes confined; Forbade to wade through slaughter to a throne, And shut the gates of mercy on mankind; The struggling pangs of conscious truth to hide, To quench the blushes of ingenuous shame. Or heap the shrine of Luxury and Pride With incense kindled at the Muse's flame. Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. Yet e'en these bones from insult to protect Some frail memorial still erected nigh, With uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture deck'd. Implores the passing tribute of a sigh. Their name, their years, spelt by th' unletter'd Muse, The place of fame and elegy supply: And many a holy text around she strews That teach the rustic moralist to die. For who, to dumb forgetfulness a prey. This pleasing anxious being e'er resign'd, [141] POETICAL FAVORITES Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, Nor cast one longing lingering look behind? On some fond breast the parting soul relies, Some pious drops the closing eye requires; E'en from the tomb the voice of Nature cries, E'en in our ashes live their wonted fires. For thee, who, mindful of th' unhonor'd dead, Dost in these lines their artless tale relate, If chance, by lonely Contemplation led. Some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate, — Haply some hoary-headed swain may say, " Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn Brushing with hasty steps the dews away. To meet the sun upon the upland lawn; "There at the foot of yonder nodding beech That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high. His listless length at noontide would he stretch. And pore upon the brook that babbles by. "Hard by yon wood, now smiling as in scorn, Muttering his wayward fancies he would rove; Now drooping, woeful-wan, like one forlorn, Or crazed with care, or cross'd in hopeless love. "One morn I miss'd him on the 'custom'd hill, Along the heath, and near his favorite tree; Another came, nor yet beside the rill. Nor up the lawn, nor at the wood was he; [1421 POETICAL FAVORITES "The next with dirges due in sad array • Slow through the church way path we saw him borne; Approach and read (for thou canst read) the lay Graved on the stone beneath yon aged thorn." THE EPITAPH Here rests his head upon the lap of Earth A youth, to fortune and to fame unknown; Fair Science frown'd not on his humble birth, And Melancholy mark'd him for her o^n. Large was liis bounty, and his soul sincere; Heaven did a recompense as largely send: He gave to Misery all he had, — a tear. He gain'd from Heaven — 'twas all he wish'd — a friend. No farther seek his merits to disclose, Or draw his frailties from their dread abode (There they alike in trembling hope repose), The bosom of his Father and his God. THE BARON'S LAST BANQUET BY ALBERT G. GREENE O'er a low couch the setting sun Had thrown its latest ray. Where in his last strong agony A dying warrior lay, — [1431 POETICAL FAVORITES The stern old Baron Rudiger, Whose frame had ne'er been bent By wasting pain, till time and toil Its iron strength had spent. " They come around me here, and say My days of life are o'er, That I shall mount my noble steed And lead my band no more; They come, and to my beard they dare To tell me now, that I, Their own liege lord and master born, — That I — ha! ha! — must die. " And what is Death? I've dared him oft Before the Paynim spear, — Think ye he's entered at my gate, Has come to seek me here? I've met him, faced him, scorned him, When the fight was raging hot, — I'll try his might — I'll brave his power; Defy, and fear him not. " Ho! sound the tocsin from my tower, — And fire the culverin, — Bid each retainer arm with speed, — Call every vassal in; Up with my banner on the wall, — The banquet-board prepare, — Throw wide the portal of my hall, And bring my armor there! " [144 1 POETICAL FAVORITES A hundred hands were busy then, — The banquet forth was spread, — And rung the heavy oaken floor With many a martial tread, While from the rich, dark tracery Along the vaulted wall, Lights gleamed on harness, plume, and spear, O'er the proud old Gothic hall. Fast hurrying through the outer gate, The mailed retainers poured. On through the portal's frowning arch, And thronged around the board. While at its head, within his dark, Carved oaken chair of state, Armed cap-a-pie, stern Rudiger, With girded falchion, sate. " Fill every beaker up, my men. Pour forth the cheering wine; There's life and strength in every drop, — Thanksgiving to the vine! Are ye all there, my vassals true? — Mine eyes are waxing dim ; — Fill round, my tried and fearless ones, Each goblet to the brim. " Ye're there, but yet I see ye not. Draw forth each trusty sword, — And let me hear your faithful steel Clash once around my board: [1451 POETICAL FAVORITES I hear it faintly : — Louder yet ! — What clogs my heavy breath? Up, all, — and shout for Rudiger, 'Defiance unto Death! ' " Bowl rang to bowl, steel clanged to steel, And rose a deafening cry That made the torches flare around, And shook the flags on high : — ''Ho! cravens, do ye fear him? — Slaves, traitors! have ye flown? Ho! cowards, have ye left me To meet him here alone? " But? defy him: — let him come! " Down rang the massy cup. While from its sheath the ready blade Came flashing half-way up; And, with the black and heavy plumes Scarce trembling on his head. There, in his dark, carved, oaken chair, Old Rudiger sat, dead. OLD GRIMES BY ALBERT G. GREENE Old Grimes is dead, that good old man. We ne'er shall see him more; He used to wear a long black coat, All buttoned down before. [1461 POETICAL FAVORITES His heart was open as the day, His feehngs all were true; His hair was some inclined to gray, — He wore it in a queue. Whene'er he heard the voice of pain, His breast with pity burned; The large round head upon his cane From ivory was turned. Kind words he ever had for all; He knew no base design; His eyes were dark and rather small, His nose was aquihne. He lived at peace with all mankind, In friendship he was true; His coat had pocket-holes behind. His pantaloons were blue. Unharmed, the sin which earth pollutes He passed securely o'er, — And never wore a pair of boots For thirty years or more. But good Old Grimes is now at rest. Nor fears misfortune's frown; He wore a double-breasted vest, — The stripes ran up and down. He modest merit sought to find. And pay it its desert; [1471 POETICAL FAVORITES He had no malice in his mind, No ruffles on his shirt. His neighbors he did not abuse, — Was sociable and gay; He wore large buckles on his shoes. And changed them every day. His knowledge, hid from public gaze He did not bring to view, Nor make a noise, town-meeting days, As many people do. His worldly goods he never threw In trust to fortune's chances, But lived (as all his brothers do) In easy circumstances. Thus undisturbed by anxious cares His peaceful moments ran; And everybody said he was A fine old gentleman. THE KINGS BY LOUISE IMOGEN GUINEY A man said unto his Angel : " My spirits are fallen low. And I cannot carry this battle: brother! where might I go? [148] POETICAL FAVORITES " The terrible Kings are on me With spears that are deadly bright, Against me so from the cradle Do fate and my fathers fight." Then said to the man his Angel : " Thou wavering, witless soul, Back to the ranks! What matter To win or to lose the whole, " As judged by the little judges Who hearken not well, nor see? Not thus, by the outer issue. The Wise shall interpret thee. " Thy will is the sovereign measure And only event of things : The puniest heart, defying. Were stronger than all these Kings. " Though out of the past they gather, Mind's Doubt, and Bodily Pain, And pallid Thirst of the Spirit That is kin to the other twain; " And Grief, in a cloud of banners, And ringletted Vain Desires, And Vice, with spoils upon him Of thee and thy beaten sires, — " While Kings of eternal evil Yet darken the hills about, [149] POETICAL FAVORITES Thy part is with broken sabre To rise on the last redoubt; " To fear not sensible failure, Nor covet the game at all, But fighting, fighting, fighting, Die, driven against the wall." JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE DIED IN NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER, 1820 BY FITZ-GREENE HALLECK Green be the turf above thee. Friend of my better days! None knew thee but to love thee, Nor named thee but to praise. Tears fell, when thou wert dying, From eyes unused to weep. And long, where thou art lying. Will tears the cold turf steep. When hearts, whose truth was proven, Like thine, are laid in earth. There should a wreath be woven To tell the world their worth; And I, who woke each morrow To clasp thy hand in mine, 11501 POETICAL FAVORITES Who shared thy joy and sorrow, Whose weal and woe were thine, It should be mine to braid it Around thy faded brow. But I've in vain essayed it. And feel I cannot now. While memory bids me weep thee. Nor thoughts nor words are free, The grief is fixed too deeply That mourns a man like thee. MARCO BOZZARIS BY FITZ-GREENE HALLECK Marco Bozzaris, the Epaminondas of modern Greece, fell in a night attack upon the Turkish camp at Laspi, the site of the ancient Platsea, August 20, 1823, and expired in the moment of victory. His last words were: "To die for liberty is a pleasure, and not a pain." At midnight, in his guarded tent, The Turk was dreaming of the hour When Greece, her knee in suppliance bent, Should tremble at his power. In dreams, through camp and court, he bore The trophies of a conqueror; In dreams his song of triumph heard; Then wore his monarch's signet-ring, Then pressed that monarch's throne — a king; As wild his thoughts, and gay of wing, As Eden's garden bird. [1511 POETICAL FAVORITES At midnight, in the forest shades, Bozzaris ranged his SuHote band, — True as the steel of their tried blades, Heroes in heart and hand. Tiiere had the Persian's thousands stood, There had the glad earth drunk their blood, On old Plataea's day; And now there breathed that haunted air The sons of sires who conquered there, With arm to strike, and soul to dare, As quick, as far, as tliey. An hour passed on, the Turk awoke: That bright dream was his last; He woke — to hear his sentries shriek, "To arms! they come! the Greek! the Greek! " He woke — to die midst flame, and smoke, And shout, and groan, and sabre-stroke. And death-shots falling thick and fast As hghtnings from the mountain-cloud; And heard, with voice as trumpet loud, Bozzaris cheer his band: " Strike — till the last armed foe expires; Strike — for your altars and your fires; Strike — for the green graves of your sires, God, and your native land! " They fought — like brave men, long and well; They piled that ground with Moslem slain: They conquered — but Bozzaris fell, Bleeding at every vein. [152] POETICAL FAVORITES His few surviving comrades saw His smile when rang their proud hurrah, And the red field was won; Then saw in death his eyelids close Calmly, as to a night's repose, Like flowers at set of sun. Come to the bridal chamber, Death, Come to the mother, when she feels, For the first time, her first-born's breath; Come when the blessed seals That close the pestilence are broke. And crowded cities wail its stroke; Come in consumption's ghastly form, The earthquake shock, the ocean storm; Come when the heart beats high and warm, With banquet song and dance and wine,- And thou art terrible; the tear. The groan, the knell, the pall, the bier. And all we know, or dream, or fear Of agony, are thine. But to the hero, when his sword Has won the battle for the free. Thy voice sounds like a prophet's word, And in its hollow tones are heard The thanks of millions yet to be. Come when his task of fame is wrought; Come with her laurel-leaf, blood-bought; Come in her crowning hour, — and then Thy sunken eye's unearthly light [153] POETICAL FAVORITES To him is welcome as the sight Of sky and stars to prisoned men; Thy grasp is welcome as the hand Of brother in a foreign land; Thy summons welcome as the cry That told the Indian isles were nigh To the world-seeking Genoese, When the land-wind, from woods of palm, And orange-groves, and fields of balm, Blew o'er the Haytian seas. Bozzaris! with the storied brave Greece nurtured in her glory's time, Rest thee; there is no prouder grave, Even in her own proud clime. She wore no funeral weeds for thee, Nor bade the dark hearse wave its plume, Like torn branch from death's leafless tree, In sorrow's pomp and pageantry, The heartless luxury of the tomb. But she remembers thee as one Long loved, and for a season gone. For thee her poet's lyre is wreathed. Her marble wrought, her music breathed; For thee she rings the birthday bells; Of thee her babes' first lisping tells; For thine her evening prayer is said At palace couch and cottage bed. Her soldier, closing with the foe. Gives for thy sake a deadlier blow; His plighted maiden, when she fears [154] POETICAL FAVORITES For him, the joy of her young years, Thinks of thy fate, and checks her tears. And she, the mother of thy boys, Though in her eye and faded cheek Is read the grief she will not speak, The memory of her bm'ied joys, — And even she who gave thee birth, — Will, by her pilgrim-circled hearth. Talk of thy doom without a sigh; For thou art freedom's now, and fame's, One of the few, the immortal names That were not born to die. PLAIN LANGUAGE FROM TRUTHFUL JAMES POPULARLY KNOWN AS " THE HEATHEN CHINEE " BY FRANCIS BRET HARTE Which I wish to remark — And my language is plain — That for ways that are dark And for tricks that are vain. The heathen Chinee is peculiar: Which the same I would rise to explain. Ah Sin was his name; And I shall not deny In regard to the same What that name might imply; But his smile it was pensive and childlike, As I frequent remarked to Bill Nye. [1551 POETICAL FAVORITES It was August the third, And quite soft was the skies, Which it might be inferred That Ah Sin was Ukewise; Yet he played it that day upon William And me in a way I despise. Which we had a small game, And Ah Sin took a hand : It was euchre. The same He did not understand, But he smiled, as he sat bj'^ the table. With the smile that was cliildlike and bland. Yet the cards they were stocked In a way that I grieve. And my feelings were shocked At the state of Nye's sleeve. Which was stuffed full of aces and bowers, And the same with intent to deceive. But the hands that were played By that heathen Chinee, And the points that he made. Were quite frightful to see, — Till at last he put down a right bower. Which the same Nye had dealt unto me. Then I looked up at Nye, And he gazed upon me; And he rose with a sigh, [156] POETICAL FAVORITES And said, " Can this be? We are ruined by Chinese cheap labor," — And he went for that heathen Chinee. In the scene that ensued I did not take a hand, But the floor it was strewed, Like the leaves on the strand, With the cards that Ah Sin had been hiding In the game " he did not understand." In his sleeves, which were long. He had twenty-four jacks, — Which was coining it strong, Yet I state but the facts. And we found on his nails, which were taper, What is frequent in tapers, — that's wax. Which is why I remark. And my language is plain, That for ways that are dark, And for tricks that are vain. The heathen Chinee is peculiar, — Which the same I am free to maintain. 157 POETICAL FAVORITES MISS EDITH HELPS THINGS ALONG WITH HER ELDER SISTER'S BEAU BY FRANCIS BRET HARTE " My sister'U be down in a minute, and says for you to wait if you i)lease. And says I might stay till she came, if I'd promise never to tease, Nor speak till you spoke to me first. But that's nonsense; for how would you know What she told me to say if I didn't? Don't you really and truly think so? " And then you'd feel strange here alone. And you wouldn't know where to sit, For that chair isn't strong on its legs, and we never use it a bit. We keep it to match with the sofa; but Jack says it would be like you To flop yourself right down on it and knock out the very last screw. Suppose you try? I won't tell. You're afraid to! Oh! you're afraid they would think^it was mean. Well, then, there's the album; that's pretty, if you're sure that your fingers are clean. For sister says, sometimes I daub it; but she only says that when she's cross. There's her picture, you know it? It's like her; but she ain't as good looking, of course. [158] POETICAL FAVORITES " This is ME. It's the best of 'cm all. Now, tell me you'd never have thought That once I was little as that. It's the only one that could be bought; For that was the message to pa from the photograph man where I sat — That he wouldn't print off any more till he first got the money for that. " What? Maybe you're tired of waiting. Why, often she's longer than this. There's all her back hair to do up, and all her front curls to friz. But it's nice to be sitting here and talking like grown people, just you and me! Do you think you'll be coming here often? Oh, do! But don't come hke Tom Lee. — " Tom Lee's her last beau. Why, my gracious he used to be here day and night, Till the folks thought he'd be her husband; and Jack says that gave him a fright. You won't run away then as he did; for you're not a rich man they say. Pa says you're poor as a church mouse. Now are you? And how poor are they? " Ain't you glad that you met me? Well, I am, for I know now your hair isn't red. But what there is left of it's mousy, and not what that naughty Jack said. [1591 POETICAL FAVORITES But there, I must go; sister's coming; But I wish I could wait, just to see If she ran up to you, and kissed you in the way she used to kiss Tom Lee! "' THE ENCHANTED SHIRT BY JOHN HAY The king was sick. His cheek was red. And his eye was clear and bright; He ate and drank with a kingly zest, And peacefully snored at night. But he said he was sick — and a king should know; And doctors came by the score; They did not cure him. He cut off their heads, And sent to the schools for more. At last two famous doctors came, And one was poor as a rat ; He had passed liis life in studious toil And never found time to grow fat. The other had never looked in a book; His patients gave liim no trouble; If they recovered, they paid liim well, If they died, their heirs paid double. Together they looked at the royal tongue. As the king on his couch reclined ; In succession they thimiped his august chest, But no trace^of disease could find. [1601 POETICAL FAVORITES The old sage said, " You're as sound as a nut." " Hang him up! " roared the king, in a gale, In a ten-knot gale of royal rage; The other grew a shadow pale; But he pensively rubbed his sagacious nose. And thus his prescription ran: " The king will be well if he sleeps one night In the shirt of a happy man." Wide o'er the realm the couriers rode, And fast their horses ran, And many they saw, and to many they spake. But they found no happy man. They found poor men who would fain be rich And rich who thought they were poor; And men who twisted their waists in stays And women that short hose wore. They saw two men by the roadside sit. And both bemoaned their lot; For one had buried his wife he said. And the other one had not. At last they came to a village gate; A beggar lay whistling there; He whistled and sang and laughed, and rolled On the grass in the soft June air. The weary couriers paused and looked At the scamp so blithe and gay, [161] POETICAL FAVORITES And one of them said, " Heaven save you, friend, You seem to be happy to-day." " Oh yes, fair sirs," the rascal laughed, And his voice rang free and glad; " An idle man has so much to do That he never has time to be sad." " This is our man," the courier said, " Our luck has led us aright. I will give you a hundred ducats, friend, For the loan of your shirt to-night." The merry blackguard lay back on the grass And laughed till his face was black; " I would do it, God wot," and he roared with fun, " But I haven't a shirt to my back." Each day to the king the reports came in Of his unsuccessful spies. And the sad panorama of human woes Passed daily under his eyes. And he grew ashamed of his useless life. And his maladies hatched in gloom; He opened the windows, and let in the air Of the free heaven into his room; And out he went in the world, and toiled In his own appointed way, And the people blessed him, the land was glad, And the king was well and gay. [1621 POETICAL FAVORITES INVOCATION BY JOHN HAY Lord, from far several climes we come, To meet at last in Thee, our home. Thou who hast been our guide and guard. Be still our hope, our rich reward. Defend us, Lord, from every ill. Strengthen our hearts to do Thy will, In all we plan, and all we do. Still keep us to Thy service true. let us hear the inspiring word Which they of old at Horeb heard; Breathe to our hearts the high command, " Go onward and possess the land! " Thou who art light, shine on each soul, Thou who art truth, each mind control. Open our eyes, and make us see The path which leads to Heaven and Thee. JIM BLUDSO BY JOHN HAY Wall, no, I can't tell whar he lives, Because he don't live, you see; Leastways, he's got out of the habit Of livin' like you and me. [163] POETICAL FAVORITES Whar have you been for the last three year, That you haven't heard folks tell How Jimmy Bludso passed in his checks The night of the Prairie Belle f He weren't no saint — them engineers Is all pretty much alike — One wife in Natchez-under-the-Hill, And another one here in Pike. A keerless man in his talk was Jim, And an awkward hand in a row; But he never flunked and he never lied — I reckon he never knowed how. And this was all the religion he had — To treat his engine well; Never be passed on the river; To mind the pilot's bell; And if ever the Prairie Belle took fire — A thousand times he swore He'd hold her nozzle ag'in' the bank Till the last soul got ashore. All boats has their day on the Mississip', And her day come at last. The Movastar was a better boat, But the Belle she wouldn't be passed. And so she came tearin' along that night — The oldest craft on the line — With a nigger squat on her safety-valve. And her furnace crammed — rosin and pine. [164] POETICAL FAVORITES The fire burst out as she cl'ared the bar, And burnt a hole in the night, And, quick as a flash, she turned and made For that wilier bank on the right. There was runnin' and cussin', but Jim yelled out, Over all the infernal roar: I'll hold the nozzle ag'in the bank Till the last galoot's ashore! " Through the hot, black breath of the burnin' boat Jim Bludso's voice was heard, And they all had trust in his cussedness, And knowed he would keep his word. And, sure's you're born, they all got off Afore the smoke-stack fell; And Bludso's ghost went up alone In the smoke of the Prairie Belle. He weren't no saint, but at Jedgment I'd run my chance with Jim 'Longside of some pious gentlemen That wouldn't shook hands with him. He seen his duty — a dead sure thing — And went for it thar and then; And Christ ain't a-goin' to be too hard On a man that died for men. 165 POETICAL FAVORITES THE LANDING OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS IN NEW ENGLAND BY FELICIA HEMANS The breaking waves dashed high On a stern and rock-bound coast, And the woods against a stormy sky Their giant branches tossed; And the heavy night hung dark The hills and waters o'er, When a band of exiles moored their bark On the wild New England shore. Not as the conquerer comes, They, the true-hearted, came; Not with the roll of the stirring drums, And the trumpet that sings of fame: Not as the flying come. In silence and in fear; — They shook the depths of the desert gloom With their hymns of lofty cheer. Amidst the storm they sang, And the stars heard, and the sea; And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang To the anthem of the tree, The ocean eagle soared From his nest by the white wave's foam, [1661 POETICAL FAVORITES And the rocking pines of the forest roared, — This was their welcome home. There were men with hoary hair Amidst that pilgrim-band: Why had they come to wither there, Away from their childhood's land? There was woman's fearless eye. Lit by her deep love's truth; There was manhood's brow serenely high. And the fiery heart of youth. What sought they thus afar? Bright jewels of the mine? The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? — They sought a faith's pure shrine! Ay, call it holy ground. The soil where first they trod; They have left unstained what there they found. Freedom to worship God. THE BOYS BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Has there any old fellow got mixed with the boys? If there has, take him out, without making a noise. Hang the Almanac's cheat and the Catalogue's spite! Old Time is a liar! We're twenty to-night! [167] POETICAL FAVORITES We're twenty! We're twenty! Who says we are more? He's tipsy, — young jackanapes! — show him the door! "Gray temples at twenty?" — Yes! white, if we please; Where the snow-flakes fall thickest there's nothing can freeze! Was it snowing I spoke of? Excuse the mistake! Look close, — you will see not a sign of a flake! We want some new garlands for those we have shed, — And these are white roses in place of the red. We've a trick, we young fellows, j^ou may have been told. Of talking (in public) as if we were old: That boy we call " Doctor," and this we call "Judge;" — It's a neat little fiction, — of course it's all fudge. That fellow's the " Speaker," — the one on the right; " Mr. Mayor," my young one, how are you to-night? That's our " Member of Congress," we say when we chaff; There's the " Reverend " What's his name? — don't make me laugh! That boy with the grave mathematical look Made believe he had written a wonderful book. And the Royal Society thought it was true ! So they chose him right in, — a good joke it was too! [1681 POETICAL FAVORITES There's a boy, we pretend, with a three-decker brain, That could harness a team with a logical chain; When he spoke for our manhood in syllabled fire. We called him " The Justice," but now he's " The Squire." And there's a nice youngster of excellent pith, — Fate tried to conceal him by naming him Smith, But he shouted a song for the brave and the free, — Just read on his medal, " My country," " of thee! " You hear that boy laughing? — You think he's all fun; But the angels laugh, too, at the good he has done; The children laugh loud as they troop to his call. And the poor man that knows him laughs loudest of aU! Yes, we're boys, — always playing with tongue or with pen ; And I sometimes have asked. Shall we ever be men? Shall we always be j^outhful, and laughing, and gay, Till the last dear companion drop smiling away? Then here's to our boyhood, its gold and its gray! The stars of its winter, the dews of its May! And when we have done with our life-lasting toys, Dear Father, take care of thy children, The Boys. 169 POETICAL FAVORITES "OLD IRONSIDES" [Written with reference to the proposed breaking up of famous U. S. frigate " Constitution."] BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky; Beneath it rung the battle-shout, And burst the cannon's roar: The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more! Her deck, once red with heroes' blood. Where knelt the vanquished foe, When winds were hurrying o'er the flood And waves were white below. No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquered knee : The harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea! O better that her shattered hulk Should sink beneath the wave! Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave: Nail to the mast her holy flag. Set every threadbare sail. And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! [170] POETICAL FAVORITES THE HEIGHT OF THE RIDICULOUS BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES I wrote some lines once on a time In wondrous merry mood, And thought, as usual, men would say They were exceeding good. They were so queer, so very queer, I laughed as I would die; Albeit, in the general way, A sober man am I. I called my servant, and he came; How kind it was of him. To mind a slender man like me, He of the mighty limb! " These to the printer," I exclaimed, And, in my humorous way, I added (as a trifling jest), " There'll be the devil to pay." He took the paper, and I watched, And saw him peep within; At the first hne he read, his face Was all upon the grin. He read the next; the grin grew broad, And shot from ear to ear; He read the third; a chuckling noise I now began to hear. [1711 POETICAL FAVORITES The fourth; he broke into a roar; The fifth; his waistband spUt; The sixth; he burst five buttons off, And tumbled in a fit. Ten days and nights, with sleepless eye, I watched that wi-etched man, And since, I never dare to write As funny as I can. THE LAST LEAF BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES I saw him once before, As he passed by the door; And again The pavement-stones resound As he totters o'er the ground With his cane. They say that in his prime, Ere the pruning-knife of time Cut him down, Not a better man was found By the crier on his round Through the town. But now he walks the streets. And he looks at all he meets « So forlorn; [172] POETICAL FAVORITES And he shakes his feeble head, That it seems as if he said, " They are gone." The mossy marbles rest On the lips that he has pressed In their bloom; And the names he loved to hear Have been carved for many a year On the tomb. My grandmamma has said — Poor old lady! she is dead Long ago — That he had a Roman nose, And his cheek was like a rose In the snow. But now his nose is thin, And it rests upon his chin Like a staff; And a crook is in his back, And a melancholy crack In his laugh. I know it is a sin For me to sit and grin At him here, But the old three-cornered hat, And the breeches, — and all that. Are so queer! [173] POETICAL FAVORITES And if I should live to be The last leaf upon the tree In the spring, Let them smile, as I do now, At the old forsaken bough Where I cling. THE VOICELESS BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES We count the broken lyres that rest Where the sweet wailing singers slumber, But o'er their silent sister's breast The wild-flowers who %vill stoop to number? A few can touch the magic string, And noisy Fame is proud to win them: — Alas for those that never sing. But die with all their music in them! Nay, grieve not for the dead alone Whose song has told their hearts' sad story,— Weep for the voiceless, who have known The cross without the crown of glory! Not where Leucadian breezes sweep O'er Sappho's memory-haunted billow, But where the glistening night-dews weep On nameless sorrow's churchyard pillow. hearts that break and give no sign Save whitening lip and fading tresses, Till Death pours out his cordial wine Slow-dropp'd from Misery's crushing presses, - [174] POETICAL FAVORITES If singing breath or echoing chord To every hidden pang were given, What endless melodies were pour'd, As sad as earth, as sweet as heaven! THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS BY THOMAS HOOD "Drowned! Drowned!" — Hamlet. One more unfortunate, Weary of breath, Rashly importunate. Gone to her death! Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care! Fashioned so slenderly, Young, and so fair! Look at her garments Clinging like cerements, Whilst the wave constantly Drips from her clothing; Take her up instantly. Loving, not loathing! Touch her not scornfully! Think of her mournfully, Gently and humanly, — Not of the stains of her; All that remains of her Now is pure womanly. [175] POETICAL FAVORITES Make no deep scrutiny Into her mutiny, Rash and undutiful; Past all dishonor, Death has left on her Only the beautiful. Still, for all slips of hers, — One of Eve's family, — Wipe those poor lips of hers, Oozing so clammily. Loop up her tresses Escaped from the comb, — Her fair auburn tresses, — Whilst wonderment guesses Where was her home? Who was her father? Who was her mother? Had she a sister? Had she a brother? Or was there a dearer one Still, and a nearer one Yet, than all other? Alas! for the rarity Of Christian charity Under the sun! 0, it was pitiful ! Near a whole city full, Home she had none. fl761 POETICAL FAVORITES Sisterly, brotherly, Fatherly, motherly Feelings had changed, — Love, by harsh evidence. Thrown from its eminence; Even God's providence Seeming estranged. Where the lamps quiver So far in the river. With many a light From window and casement, From garret to basement. She stood, with amazement. Houseless by night. The bleak wind of March Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch, Or the black flowing river; Mad from life's history. Glad to death's mystery, Swift to be hurled — Anywhere, anywhere Out of the world ! In she plunged boldly, — No matter how coldly The rough river ran — Over the brink of it! Picture it — think of it, Dissolute man! [177] POETICAL FAVORITE Lave in it, drink of it, Then, if you can! Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care! Fashioned so slenderly, Young, and so fair! Ere her limbs, frigidly. Stiffen too rigidly. Decently, kindly, Smooth and compose them! And her eyes, close them. Staring so blindly! Dreadfully staring Through muddy impurity, As when with the daring Last look of despairing Fixed on futurity. Perishing gloomily. Spurred by contumely. Cold inhumanity. Burning insanity. Into her rest! Cross her hands humbly. As if praying dumbly, Over her breast! Owing her weakness. Her evil behavior. And leaving, with meekness. Her sins to her Saviour! [1781 POETICAL FAVORITES FAITHLESS NELLY GRAY A PATHETIC BALLAD BY THOMAS HOOD Ben Battle was a soldier bold, And used to war's alarms; But a cannon-ball took off his legs, So he laid down his arms. Now as they bore him off the field, Said he, " Let others shoot; For here I leave my second leg, And the Forty-second Foot." The army-surgeons made him limbs: Said he, " They're only pegs; But there's as wooden members quite. As represent my legs." Now Ben he loved a pretty maid, — Her name was Nellie Gray; So he went to pay her his devours, When he devoured his pay. But when he called on Nelly Gray, She made him quite a scoff; And when she saw his wooden legs. Began to take them off. " Nelly Gray! Nelly Gray! Is this your love so warm? [179] POETICAL FAVORITES The love that loves a scarlet coat Should be more uniform." Said she, " I loved a soldier once, For he was blithe and brave; But I will never have a man With both legs in the grave. " Before you had those timber toes Your love I did allow; But then, you know, you stand upon Another footing now." " NeUy Gray! O Nelly Gray! For all your jeering speeches, At duty's call I left my legs In Badajos's breaches." " Why, then," said she, " you've lost the feet Of legs in war's alarms. And now you cannot wear your shoes Upon your feats of arms! " "0 false and fickle Nelly Gray! I know why you refuse: Though Fve no feet, some other man Is standing in my shoes. " I wish I ne'er had seen your face; But, now, a long farewell! For you will be my death; — alas! You will not be my Nell! " [180] POETICAL FAVORITES Now when he went from Nelly Gray His heart so heavy got, And life was such a burden grown, It made him take a knot. So round his melancholy neck A rope he did entwine, And, for his second time in life, Enlisted in the Line. One end he tied around a beam. And then removed his pegs; And, as his legs were off, — of course He soon was off his legs. And there he hung till he was dead As any nail in town ; For, though distress had cut him up, It could not cut him down. A dozen men sat on his corpse, To find out why he died, — And they buried Ben in four cross-roads, With a stake in his inside. I REMEMBER, I REMEMBER BY THOMAS HOOD I remember, I remember The house where I was born. The little window where the sun Came peeping in at morn. [1811 POETICAL FAVORITES He never came a wink too soon, Nor brought too long a day; But now I often wish the night Had borne my breath away! I remember, I remember The roses, red and white. The violets, and the lily-cups, — Those flowers made of light! The lilacs where the robin built, And where my brother set The laburnum on his birthday, — The tree is living yet! I remember, I remember Where I was used to swing, And thought the air must rush as fresh To swallows on the wing; My spirit flew in feathers then, That is so heavy now, And summer pools could hardly cool The fever on my brow! I remember, I remember The fir-trees dark and high; I used to think their slender tops Were close against the sky. It was a childish ignorance, But now 't is little joy To know I'm farther off from heaven Than when I was a boy. fl82] POETICAL FAVORITES THE SONG OF THE SHIRT BY THOMAS HOOD With fingers weary and worn, With eyeUds heavy and red, A woman sat, in unwomanly rags, Plying her needle and thread, — Stitch! stitch! stitch! In poverty, hunger, and dirt; And still with a voice of dolorous pitch She sang the " Song of the Shirt"! "Work! work! work While the cock is crowing aloof! And work — work — work Till the stars shine through the roof. It's, 0, to be a slave Along with the barbarous Turk, Where woman has never a soul to save, If this is Christian work! " Work — work — work Till the brain begins to swim! Work — work — work Till the eyes are heavy and dim! Seam, and gusset, and band, Band, and gusset, and seam, — Till over the buttons I fall asleep. And sew them on in a dream! [183] POETICAL FAVORITES "0 men with sisters dear! O men with mothers and wives! It is not linen you're wearing out, But human creatures' Uves! Stitch — stitch — stitch, In poverty, hunger, and dirt, — Sewing at once, with a double thread, A shroud as well as a shirt! "But why do I talk of death,- — That phantom of grisly bone? I hardly fear his terrible shape. It seems so like my own, — It seems so lilve my own Because of the fasts I keep; O God! that bread should be so dear, And flesh and blood so cheap! " Work — work — work! My labor never flags; And what are its wages? A bed of straw, A crust of bread — and rags, That shattered roof — and this naked floor A table — a broken chair — And a wall so blank my shadow I thank For sometimes falling there! " Work — work — work From weary chime to chime! Work — work — work As prisoners work for crime! [184] POETICAL FAVORITES Band, and gusset, and seam, Seam, and gusset, and band, — Till the heart is sick and the brain benumbed, As well as the weary hand. " Work — work — work In the dull December light! And work • — work — work When the weather is warm and bright! While underneath the eaves The brooding swallows cling. As if to show me their sunny backs, And twit me with the Spring. " 0, but to breathe the breath Of the cowslip and primrose sweet, — With the sky above my head, And the grass beneath my feet! For only one short hour To feel as I used to feel. Before I knew the woes of want And the walk that costs a meal! "O, but for one short hour, — A respite, however brief! No blessed leisure for love or hope, But only time for grief! A little weeping would ease my heart; But in their briny bed My tears must stop, for every drop Hinders needle and thread! " [1851 POETICAL FAVORITES With fingers weary and worn, With eyelids heavy and red, A woman sat, in unwomanly rags, Plying her needle and thread, — Stitch! stitch! stitch! In poverty, hunger, and dirt; And still with a voice of dolorous pitch — Would that its tone could reach the rich! — She sang this " Song of the Shirt! " HOME, WOODBARROW FARM ■ When all the world is young, lad, and all the trees are green, And ev'ry goose a swan, lad, and ev'ry lass a queen; Then hey for boot and horse, lad, and ride the world away. Young blood must have its course, lad, and ev'ry dog his day. When all the world is old, lad, and all the trees are brown, And all the sport is stale, lad, and all the wheels run down; Creep home, and take thy place there, thy early friends among, God grant you find one face there, you loved when all was young." 186 POETICAL FAVORITES BATTLE-HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC BY JULIA WARD HOWE Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword. His truth is marching on. I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps. His day is marching on. I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel : "As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal; Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel. Since God is marching on." He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat: [187] POETICAL FAVORITES 0, be swift, my soul, to answer him! be jubilantmy feet! Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on. ABOU BEN ADHEM BY LEIGH HUNT Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw within the moonlight in his room. Making it rich and like a lily in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold : Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold. And to the presence in the room he said, " What writest thou? " The vision raised its head. And, with a look made of all sweet accord. Answered, " The names of those who love the Lord." " And is mine one? " said Abou. " Nay, not so," Rephed the angel. Abou spoke more low. But cheerly still; and said, " I pray thee, then, Write me as one that loves his fellow-men." [188] POETICAL FAVORITES The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again, with a great wakening hght. And showed the names whom love of God had blessed, And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest! OUR FAME BY JOHN A. JOYCE A thousand years of glory- Shall immortalize our fame — With a tale in song and story To keep green the hallowed name, Of the victor and the vanquished On the land and on the sea, A band of noble brothers Led by gallant Grant and Lee. And the tears of beaming beauty Shall freshen every flower — In the May-time of our duty, Through the sunlit, fleeting hour. Then we'll strew the rarest roses O'er the graves we bless to-day. And we'll pluck the purest posies To enwreath the " Blue " and " Gray," And down the circling ages. From the father to the son. We'll tell on golden pages How the field was lost and won; And how a band of brothers Fought each other hard and true To bind the Union arches [ 189 1 POETICAL FAVORITES O'er the " Gray " and o'er the " Blue," And rearing a lasting temple So complete in every plan, To justice, truth, and mercy And the hberty of man! FANCY BY JOHN KEATS Ever let the Fancy roam. Pleasure never is at home: At a touch sweet Pleasure melteth, Like to bubbles when rain pelteth; Then let winged Fancy wander Through the thought still spread beyond her: Open wide the mind's cage-door, She'll dart forth, and cloudward soar. sweet Fancy! let her loose; Summer's joys are spoilt by use. And the enjoying of the Spring Fades as does its blossoming. Autumn's red-lipped fruitage too, Blushing through the mist and dew, Cloys with tasting. What do then? Sit thee by the ingle, when The sear fagot blazes bright, Spirit of a winter's night; When the soundless earth is muffled, And the caked snow is shuffled From the ploughboy's heavy shoon; [190] POETICAL FAVORITES When the Night doth meet the Noon In a dark conspiracy To banish Even from her sky. — Sit thee there, and send abroad With a mind self-overawed Fancy, high-commissioned: — send her I She has vassals to attend her; She wiU bring, in spite of frost, Beauties that the earth hath lost; She will bring thee, all together, All delights of smnmer weather; All the buds and bells of May From dewy sward or thorny spray; All the heaped Autumn's wealth, With a still, mysterious stealth; She will mix these pleasures up Like three fit wines in a cup. And thou shalt quaff it; — thou shalt heai Distant harvest-carols clear; Rustle of the reaped corn; Sweet birds antheming the morn; And in the same moment — hark! 'T is the early April lark. Or the rooks, with busy caw, Foraging for sticks and straw. Thou shalt, at one glance, behold The daisy and the marigold; White-plumed lilies, and the first Hedge-grown primrose that hath burst; Shaded hyacinth, alway fl911 POETICAL FAVORITES Sappliire queen of the mid-^Iay; And every leaf, and eA'ery flower Pearled with the self-same shower. Thou shalt see the field-mouse peep Meagre from its celled sleep; And the snake all winter-tliin Cast on sunny bank its skin; Freckled nest-eggs thou shalt see Hatcliing in the hawthorn tree, When the hen-bu'd's whig doth rest Quiet on her mossy nest ; Then the hurry and alarm "VMien the bee-hive casts its swarm; Acorns ripe down-pattering While the autumn breezes sing. O sweet Fancy! let her loose; Even,i:hing is spoilt by use : "\\Tiere's the cheek that doth not fade, Too much gazed at? Where's the maid Wliose lip mature is ever new? Where's the eye, however blue. Doth not weary? Where's the face One would meet in every place? Where's the voice, however soft, One would hear so very oft? At a touch sweet Pleasure melteth Like to bubbles when rain pelteth. Let then winged Fancy find Thee a mistress to th^^ mind: Dulcet-eyed as Ceres' daughter, [1921 POETICAL FAVORITES Ere the god of torment taught her How to frown and how to chide; With a waist and with a side White as Hebe's, when her zone Slipt its golden clasp, and down Fell her kirtle to her feet While she held the goblet sweet. And Jove grew languid. — Break the mesh Of the Fancy's silken leash; Quickly break her prison-string, And such joys as these she'll bring: — Let the winged Fancy roam, Pleasui'e never is at home. ON DEATH BY JOHN KEATS Can death be sleep, when life is but a dream, And scenes of bliss pass as a phantom by? The transient pleasures as a vision seem, And yet we think the greatest pain's to die. How strange it is that man on earth should roam, And lead a life of woe, but not forsake His rugged path; nor dare he view alone His future doom, which is but to awake. 193 POETICAL FAVORITES THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER BY FRANCIS SCOTT KEY say, can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleam- ing? - Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thi-ough the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On that shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream; 'T is the star-spangled banner! 0, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. [194] POETICAL FAVORITES No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave; And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. And this be our motto, " In God is our trust"; And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. RECESSIONAL BY RUDYARD KIPLING God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle line — Beneath whose awful hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine — Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget — lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies — The Captains and the Kings depart — Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice. An humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget — lest we forget! [1951 POETICAL FAVORITES Far-called our navies melt away — On dune and headland sinks the fire — Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget — lest we forget! If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe ■ Such boasting as the Gentiles use, Or lesser breeds without the Law — Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget — lest we forget! For heathen heart that puts her trust In reeking tube and iron shard — All valiant dust that builds on dust, And guarding calls not Thee to guard. For frantic boast and foolish word, Thy mercy on Thy People, Lord! AMEN. 196 POETICAL FAVORITES 0, WHY SHOULD THE SPIRIT OF MORTAL BE PROUD? BY WILLIAM KNOX The following poem was a particular favorite with Abraham Lin- coln. It was first shown to him when a young man by a friend, and afterwards he cut it from a newspaper and learned it by heart. He said to a friend, "I would give a great deal to know who wrote it, but have never been able to ascertain." He did afterwards learn the name of the author. 0, why should the spirit of mortal be proud ? Like a swift-fleeting meteor, a fast-fljdng cloud, A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, He passeth from life to his rest in the grave. The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade, Be scattered around, and together be laid; As the young and the old, the low and the high, Shall crumble to dust and together shall lie. The infant a mother attended and loved. The mother that infant's affection who proved. The father that mother and infant who blest, — Each, all, are away to that dwelling of rest. The maid on whose brow, on whose cheek, in whose eye, Shone beauty and pleasure, — her triumphs are by; And alike from the minds of the living erased Are the memories of mortals who loved her and praised. The head of the king, that the sceptre hath borne; The brow of the priest, that the mitre hath worn; [197] POETICAL FAVORITES The eye of the sage, and the heart of the brave, — Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap; The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep; The beggar, who wandered in search of his bread, — Have faded away like the grass that we tread. So the multitude goes, like the flower or weed, That withers away to let others succeed; So the multitude comes, even those we behold. To repeat every tale that has often been told. For we are the same our fathers have been; We see the same sights our fathers have seen; We drink the same stream, we see the same sun, And run the same course our fathers have run. The thoughts we are thinking our fathers did think; From the death we are shrinking our fathers did shrink; To the life we are clinging our fathers did cling. But it speeds from us all like the bird on the wing. They loved, — but the story we cannot unfold; They scorned, — but the heart of the haughty is cold; They grieved, — but no wail from their slumbers will come; They joyed, — but the tongue of their gladness is dumb. [198] POETICAL FAVORITES They died, — ah! they died; — we, things that are now, That walk on the turf that Hes over their brow, And make in their dwelUng a transient abode, Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. Yea, hope and despondency, pleasure and pain. Are mingled together in sunshine and rain : And the smile and the tear, and the song and the dirge. Still follow each other like surge upon surge. 'T is the wink of an eye; 't is the draught of a breath From the blossom of health to the paleness of death, From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud; 0, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES BY CHARLES LAMB I have had playmates, I have had companions, In my days of childhood, in my joyful schooldays; All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. I have been laughing, I have been carousing. Drinking late, sitting late, with my bosom cronies; AE, all are gone, the old familiar faces. I loved a Love once, fairest among women: Closed are her doors on me, I must not see her, — All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. [1991 POETICAL FAVORITES I have a friend, a kinder friend has no man Like an ingrate, I left my friend abruptly; Left him, to muse on the old familiar faces. Ghost-like I paced round the haunts of my childhood, Earth seemed a desert I was bound to traverse, Seeking to find the old familiar faces. Friend of my bosom, thou more than a brother. Why wert not thou born in my father's dwelling? So might we talk of the old familiar faces. How some they have died, and some they have left me, And some are taken from me; all are departed; All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. THE ARROW AND THE SONG BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW I shot an arrow into the air. It fell to earth, I knew not where; For, so swiftly it flew, the sight Could not follow it in its flight. I breathed a song into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where; For who has sight so keen and strong. That it can follow the flight of song? Long, long afterward, in an oak I found the arrow, still unbroke; And the song, from beginning to end, I found again in the heart of a friend. [200] POETICAL FAVORITES THE CHILDREN'S HOUR BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Between the dark and the dayhght, When night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day's occupations, That is known as the children's hour. I hear in the chamber above me The patter of little feet, The sound of a door that is opened, And voices soft and sweet. From my study I see in the lamplight, Descending the broad hall stair, Grave Alice and laughing Allegra, And Edith with golden hair. A whisper and then a silence. Yet I know by their merry eyes They are plotting and planning together To take me by surprise. A sudden rush from the stairway, A sudden raid from the hall, By three doors left unguarded. They enter my castle wall. They climb up into my turret, O'er the arms and back of my chair; If I try to escape, they surround me: They seem to be everywhere. [201] POETICAL FAVORITES They almost devour me with kisses, Their arms about me intwine, Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine. Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti, Because you have scaled the wall. Such an old mustache as I am Is not a match for you all ? I have you fast in my fortress. And will not let you depart, But put you into the dungeon In the round-tower of my heart. And there wiU I keep you forever, Yes, forever and a day, Till the walls shall crumble to ruin. And moulder in dust away. GOD'S-ACRE BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW I like that ancient Saxon phrase which calls The burial-ground God's-Acre! It is just; It consecrates each grave within its walls. And breathes a benison o'er the sleeping dust. God's-Acre! Yes, that blessed name imparts Comfort to those who in the grave have sown The seed that they had garnered in their hearts. Their bread of life, alas! no more their own. [202] POETICAL FAVORITES Into its furrows shall we all be cast, In the sure faith that we shall rise again At the great harvest, when the archangel's blast Shall winnow, like a fan, the chaff and grain. Then shall the good stand in immortal bloom. In the fair gardens of that second birth; And each bright blossom mingle its perfume With that of flowers which never bloomed on earth, With thy rude ploughshare, Death, turn up the sod. And spread the furrow for the seed we sow; This is the field and Acre of our God, This is the place where human harvests grow ! A PSALM OF LIFE BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Tell me not, in mournful numbers. Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers. And things are not what they seem. Life is real ! Life is earnest ! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest. Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day. [2031 POETICAL FAVORITES Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave. In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act, — act in the living Present! Heart within, and Godo'erhead! Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime. And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; — Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait. 204 POETICAL FAVORITES RESIGNATION BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW There is no flock, however watched and tended, But one dead lamb is there! There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended, But has one vacant chair! The air is full of farewells to the dying. And mournings for the dead; The heart of Rachel, for her children crying. Will not be comforted! Let us be patient! These severe afflictions Not from the ground arise. But oftentimes celestial benedictions Assume this dark disguise. We see but dimly through the mists and vapors; Amid these earthly damps What seem to us but sad, funereal tapers May be heaven's distant lamps. There is no Death! What seems so is transition: This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of the life elysian, Whose portal we call Death. She is not dead, — the child of our affection, — But gone into that school Where she no longer needs our poor protection, And Christ himself doth rule. [2051 POETICAL FAVORITES In that great cloister's stillness and seclusion. By guardian angels led, Safe from temptation, safe from sin's pollution, She lives whom we call dead. Day after day we think what she is doing In those bright realms of air; Year after year, her tender steps pursuing. Behold her grown more fair. Thus do we walk with her, and keep unbroken The bond which nature gives, Thinking that our remembrance, though unspoken, May reach her where she lives. Not as a child shall we again behold her; For when with raptures wild In our embraces we again enfold her. She will not be a child : But a fair maiden, in her Father's mansion. Clothed with celestial grace; And beautiful with all the soul's expansion Shall we behold her face. And though, at times, impetuous with emotion And anguish long suppressed. The swelling heart heaves moaning like the ocean, That cannot be at rest, — We will be patient, and assuage the feeling We may not wholly stay; By silence sanctifying, not concealing, The grief that must have way. [2061 POETICAL FAVORITES THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Under a spreading chestnut-tree The village smithy stands; The smith, a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands; And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands. His hair is crisp and black and long; His face is like the tan; His brow is wet with honest sweat, — He earns whate'er he can. And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man. Week in, week out, from morn till night, You can hear his bellows blow; You can hear him swing his heav}^ sledge With measured beat and slow. Like a sexton ringing the village bell, When the evening sun is low. And children coming home from school, Look in at the open door; They love to see the flaming forge. And hear the bellows roar. And catch the burning sparks that fly Like chaff from the threshing-floor. [2071 POETICAL FAVORITES He goes on Sunday to the church, And sits among his boj^s; He hears the parson pray and preach; He hears his daughter's voice, Singing in the village choir, And it makes his heart rejoice. It sounds to him like her mother's voice, Singing in Paradise! He needs must think of her once more. How in the grave she lies; And with his hard, rough hand he wipes A tear out of his eyes. Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing. Onward through life he goes; Each morning sees some task begun, Each evening sees it close; Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night's repose. Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend, For the lesson thou hast taught! Thus at the flaming forge of Life Our fortunes must be wrought, Thus on its sounding anvil shaped Each burning deed and thought. 208 POETICAL FAVORITES SUSPIRIA BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Take them, Death! and bear away Whatever thou canst call thine own! Thine image, stamped upon this clay, Doth give thee that, but that alone! Take them, Grave! and let them lie Folded upon thy narrow shelves, As garments by the soul laid by. And precious only to ourselves! Take them, great Eternity! Our little life is but a gust That bends the branches of thj-^ tree, And trails its blossoms in the dust! FREEDOM BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Are we, then, wholly fallen? Can it be That thou. North wind, that from thy mountains bringest Their spirit to our plains, and thou, blue sea, Who on our rocks thy wreaths of freedom flingest, As on an altar, — can it be that ye Have wasted inspiration on dead ears, Dulled with the too familiar clank of chains? The people's heart is like a harp for years Hung where some petrifying torrent rains [2091 POETICAL FAVORITES Its slow-incrusting spray: the stiffened chords Faint and more faint ma^e answer to the tears That drip upon them: idle are all words; Only a silver plectrum wakes the tone Deep buried 'neath that ever-thickening stone. We are not free: Freedom doth not consist In musing with our faces toward the Past, WhUe petty cares and crawling interests twist Their spider-tlu-eads about us, which at last Grow strong as iron chains to cramp and bind In formal narrowness heart, soul, and mind. Freedom is recreated year by year. In hearts wide open on the Godward side. In souls calm-cadenced as the whirling sphere, In minds that sway thy future Uke a tide. No broadest creeds can hold her, and no codes; She chooses men for her august abodes. Building them fair and fronting to the dawn; Yet, when we seek her, we but find a few Light footprints, leading morn- ward through the dew; Before the day had risen, she was gone. And we must follow: swiftly runs she on. And, if our steps should slacken in despair. Half turns her face, half smiles through golden hair. Forever yielding, never wholly won: That is not love which pauses in the race Two close-linked names on fleeting sand to trace; Freedom gained yesterday is no more ours; Men gather but dry seeds of last year's flowers: [2101 POETICAL FAVORITES Still there's a charm ungranted, still a grace, Still rosy Hope, the free, the unattained. Makes us Possession's languid hand let fall; 'T is but a fragment of ourselves is gained, — The Future brings us more, but never all. And, as the finder of some unknown realm, Mounting a summit whence he thinks to see On either side of him the imprisoning sea. Beholds, above the clouds that overwhelm The valley-land, peak after snowy peak Stretch out of sight, each like a silver helm Beneath its plume of smoke, sublime and bleak. And what he thought an island finds to be A continent to him first oped, — so we Can from our height of Freedom look along A boundless future, ours if we be strong; Or if we shrink, better remount our ships And, fleeing God's express design, trace back The hero-freighted Mayflower's prophet-track To Europe, entering her blood-red eclipse. THE HERITAGE BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL The rich man's son inherits lands. And piles of brick, and stone, and gold; And he inherits soft white hands. And tender flesh, that fears the cold. Nor dares to wear a garment old; A heritage, it seems to me. One scarce would wish to hold in fee. [211] POETICAL FAVORITES The rich man's son inherits cares: The bank may break, the factory burn, A breath may burst his bubble shares, And soft white hands could hardly earn A living that would serve his turn; A heritage, it seems to me, One scarce would wish to hold in fee. The rich man's son inherits wants. His stomach craves for dainty fare; With sated heart he hears the pants Of toiling hinds with brown arms bare, And wearies in his easy-chair; A heritage, it seems to me, One scarce would wish to hold in fee. What doth the poor man's son inherit? Stout muscles and a sinewy heart, A hardy frame, a hardier spirit; King of two hands, he does his part In every useful toil and art; A heritage, it seems to me, A king might wish to hold in fee. What doth the poor man's son inherit? Wishes o'erjoyed with humble things, A rank adjudged with toil- won merit. Content that from emplojonent springs, A heart that in his labor sings; A heritage, it seems to me, A king might wish to hold in fee. [212] POETICAL FAVORITES What doth the poor man's son inherit? A patience learn'd of being poor, Courage, if sorrow come, to bear it, A fellow-feeling that is sure To make the outcast bless his door; A heritage, it seems to me, A king might wish to hold in fee. rich man's son! there is a toil That with all others level stands: Large charity doth never soil, But only whiten, soft white hands,— This is the best crop from thy lands; A heritage, it seems to me, Worth being rich to hold in fee. poor man's son! scorn not thy state; There is worse weariness than thine — In merely being rich and great : Toil only gives the soul to shine. And makes rest fragrant and benign, - A heritage, it seems to me, Worth being poor to hold in fee. Both, heirs to some six feet of sod, Are equal in the earth at last: Both, children of the same dear God, Prove title to your heirship vast By record of a well-fill'd past; A heritage, it seems to me. Well worth a life to hold in fee. [213] POETICAL FAVORITES A PRAYER BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL God! do not let my loved one die, But rather wait until the time That I am grown in purity Enough to enter thy pure clime; Then take me, I will gladly go. So that my love remain below! 0, let her stay! She is by birth What I through death must learn to be, We need her more on our poor earth, Than thou canst need in heaven with thee : She hath her wings already, I Must burst this earth-shell ere I fly. Then, God, take me! We shall be near. More near than ever, each to each : Her angel ears will find more clear My heavenly than my earthly speech; And still, as I draw nigh to thee. Her soul and mine shall closer be. A REQUIEM BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Ay, pale and silent maiden, Cold as thou liest there. Thine was the sunniest nature That ever drew the air, [2141 POETICAL FAVORITES The wildest and most wayward, And yet so gently kind, Thou seemedst but to body A breath of summer wind. Into the eternal shadow That girds our life around, Into the infinite silence Wherewith Death's shore is bound. Thou hast gone forth, beloved! And I were mean to weep. That thou hast left Life's shallows, And dost possess the Deep. Thou liest low and silent, Thy heart is cold and still. Thine eyes are shut forever. And Death hath had his will; He loved and would have taken, I loved and would have kept. We strove, — and he was stronger. And I have never wept. Let him possess thy body, Thy soul is still with me. More sunny and more gladsome Than it was wont to be: Thy body was a fetter That bound me to the flesh. Thank God that it is broken, And now I live afresh! [2151 POETICAL FAVORITES Now I can see thee clearly; The dusky cloud of clay, That hid thy starry spirit, Is rent and blown away: To earth I give thy body, Thy spirit to the sky, I saw its bright wings growing, And knew that thou must fly. Now I can love thee truly, For nothing comes between The senses and the spirit. The seen and the unseen; Lifts the eternal shadow. The silence bursts apart. And the soul's boundless future Is present in my heart. THE PRESENT CRISIS BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL When a deed is done for Freedom, through the broad earth's aching breast Runs a thrUl of joy prophetic, trembling on from east to west. And the slave, where'er he cowers, feels the soul within him climb To the awful verge of manhood, as the energy sublime Of a century bursts full-blossomed on the thorny stem of Time. F2161 POETICAL FAVORITES Through the walls of hut and palace shoots the instan- taneous throe, When the travail of the Ages wrings earth's systems to and fro; At the birth of each new Era, with a recognizing start, Nation wildly looks at nation, standing with mute lips apart. And glad Truth's yet mightier inan-child leaps beneath the Future's heart. So the Evil's triumph sendeth, with a terror and a chill. Under continent to continent, the sense of coming ill. And the slave, where'er he cowers, feels his sympathies with God, In hot tear-drops ebbing earthward, to be drunk up by the sod, Till a corpse crawls round unburied, delving in the nobler clod. For mankind are one in spirit, and an instinct bears along. Round the earth's electric circle, the swift flush of right or wrong; Whether conscious or unconscious, yet Humanity's vast frame Through its ocean-sundered fibres feels the gush of joy or shame; — In the gain or loss of one race all the rest have equal claim, [2171 POETICAL FAVORITES Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side; Some great causes, God's new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight. Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right. And the choice goes by forever 'twixt that darkness and that light. Hast thou chosen, my people, on whose party thou shalt stand. Ere the Doom from its worn sandals shakes the dust against our land? Though the cause of Evil prosper, yet 'tis Truth alone is strong. And, albeit she wander outcast now, I see around her throng Troops of beautiful, tall angels, to enshield her from all wrong. Backward look across the ages and the beacon-moments see, That, like peaks of some sunk continent, jut through Oblivion's sea; Not an ear in court or market for the low foreboding cry Of those Crises, God's stern winnowers, from whose feet earth's chaff must fly; Never shows the choice momentous till the judgment hath passed by. [2181 POETICAL FAVORITES Careless seems the great Avenger; history's pages but record One death-grapple in the darkness 'twixt old system and the Word; Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne — Yet that scaffold sways the Future, and, behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own. We see dimly in the Present what is smaU and what is great. Slow of faith, how weak an arm may turn the iron helm of fate. But the soul is still oracular; amid the market's din, List the ominous stern whisper from the Delphic cave within,— "They enslave their children's children who make compromise with sin." Slavery, the earthborn Cyclops, fellest of the giant brood. Sons of brutish Force and Darkness, who have drenched the earth with blood. Famished in his self-made desert, blinded by our purer day. Gropes in yet unblasted regions for his miserable prey; — Shall we guide his gory fingers where our helpless chil- dren play? [219] POETICAL FAVORITES Then to side with Truth is noble when we share her wretched crust, Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and 't is prosper- ous to be just; Then it is the brave man chooses, while the coward stands aside. Doubting in his abject spirit, till his Lord is crucified, And the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied. Count me o'er earth's chosen heroes, — they were souls that stood alone. While the men they agonized for hurled the contume- lious stone. Stood serene, and down the future saw the golden beam incline To the side of perfect justice, mastered by their faith divine, By one man's plain truth to manhood and to God's supreme design. By the light of burning heretics Christ's bleeding feet I track, Toiling up new Calvaries ever with the cross that turns not back. And these mounts of anguish number how each genera- tion learned One new word of that grand Credo which in prophet- hearts hath burned Since the first man stood God-conquered with his face to heaven upturned. [220] POETICAL FAVORITES For Humanity sweeps onward: where to-day the martyr stands, On the morrow crouches Judas with the silver in his hands; Far in front the cross stands ready and the crackling fagots burn, While the hooting mob of yesterday in silent awe return To glean up the scattered ashes into History's golden urn. 'T is as easy to be heroes as to sit the idle slaves Of a legendary virtue carved upon our fathers' graves, Worshippers of light ancestral make the present light a crime; — Was the Mayflower launched by cowards, steered by men behind their time? Turn those tracks toward Past or Future, that make Plymouth rock sublime? They were men of present valor, stalwart old icono- clasts, Unconvinced by axe or gibbet that all virtue was the Past's; But we make their truth our falsehood, thinking that hath made us free, Hoarding it in mouldy parchments, while our tender spirits flee The rude grasp of that great Impulse which drove them across the sea. [221] POETICAL FAVORITES They have rights who dare maintain them; we are traitors to our sires, Smothering in their holy ashes Freedom's new-Ht altar-fires ; Shall we make their creed our jailer? Shall we, in our haste to slay, From the tombs of the old prophets steal the funeral lamps away To light up the martyr-fagots round the prophets of to-day? New occasions teach new duties; Time makes ancient good uncouth; They must upward still, and onward, who would keep abreast of Truth; Lo, before us gleam her camp-fires! we ourselves must Pilgrims be, Launch our Mayflower, and steer boldly through the desperate winter sea. Nor attempt the Future's portal with the Past's blood- rusted key. TOO LATE BY FITZ HUGH LUDLOW There sat an old man on a rock. And unceasing bewailed him of Fate — That concern where we all must take stock. Though our vote has no bearing or weight; And the old man sang him an old, old song, Never sang voice so clear and strong That could drown the old man's song, For he sang the song, "Too late! too late." [222] POETICAL FAVORITES When we want, we have for our pains The promise that if we but wait Till the want has burned out of our brains, Every means shall be present to sate; While we send for the napkin the soup grows cold, While the bonnet is trimming the face grows old. When we've matched our buttons the pattern is sold. And everything comes too late — too late. When strawberries seemed like red heavens, Terrapin stew a wild dream. When my brain was at sixes and sevens, If my mother had "foUvs" and ice cream, Then I gazed with a lickerish hunger At the restaurant man and fruit monger, But, 0, how I wished I were younger When the goodies all came in a stream — in a stream. I've a splendid blood-horse, and a liver That it jars into torture to trot; My row-boat's the gem of the river — Gout made every knuckle a knot! I can buy boundless credits in Paris and Rome, But no palate for menus, no eyes for a dome — Those belong to the youth who must tarry at home, When no home but an attic he'd got — he'd got. How I longed, in that lonest of garrets. Where the tiles baked 1113^ brain all July, [ 223 ] POETICAL FAVORITES For the ground to grow two pecks of carrots, Two pigs of my own in a sty, A rosebush — a little thatched cottage — Two spoons — love — a basin of pottage! Now in freestone I sit — and my dotage — With a woman's chair empty close by — close by! Ah! now, though I sit on a rock, I have shared one seat with the great; I have sat — knowing naught of the clock — On Love's high throne of state; But the lips that kissed and the arms that caressed. To a mouth grown stern with delay were pressed, And circled a breast that their clasp had blessed Had they only not come too late — too late. ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA BY WILLIAM HAINES LYTLE I am dying, Egypt, dying. Ebbs the crimson life-tide fast, And the dark Plutonian shadows Gather on the evening blast; Let thine arms, O Queen, enfold me, Hush thy sobs and bow thine ear; Listen to the great heart-secrets, Thou, and thou alone, must hear. Though my scarr'd and veteran legions Bear their eagles high no more. And my wreck'd and scatter'd galleys [ 224 ] POETICAL FAVORITES Strew dark Actium's fatal shore, Though no glittering guards surround me, Prompt to do their master's will, I must perish like a Roman, Die the great Triumvir still. Let not Caesar's servile minions Mock the lion thus laid low; 'Twas no foeman's arm that fell'd him, 'Twas his own that struck the blow; His who, pillow'd on thy bosom, Turn'd aside from glory's ray. His who, drunk with thy caresses, Madly threw a world away. Should the base plebeian rabble Dare assail my name at Rome, Where my noble spouse, Octavia, Weeps within her widow'd home, Seek her; say the gods bear witness — Altars, augurs, circling wings — That her blood, with mine commingled, Yet shall mount the throne of kings. As for thee, star-eyed Egyptian, Glorious sorceress of the Nile, Light the path to Stygian horrors With the splendors of thy smile. Give the Caesar crowns and arches. Let his brow the laurel twine; I can scorn the Senate's triumphs. Triumphing in love like thine. [2251 POETICAL FAVORITES I am dying, Egypt, dying; Hark! the insulting foeman's cry. They are coming! quick, my falchion, Let me front them ere I die. Ah! no more amid the battle Shall my heart exulting swell; Isis and Osiris guard thee ! Cleopatra, Rome, farewell! THE WATER MILL BY DANIEL CRAIG MC CALLUM In a copy of thia poem presented to the editor, the author inserted the word "again" in the last line of each verse, and in the third verse substituted "thy kindness sow broadcast" for "true love alone will last." Oh! listen to the Water-Mill, through all the livelong day. As the clicking of the wheel wears hour by hour away; How languidly the Autumn wind doth stir the withered leaves. As on the field the reapers sing, while binding up the sheaves. A solemn proverb strikes my mind, and as a spell is cast, " The mill will never grind again with water that is past." Soft summer winds revive no more, leaves strewn o'er earth and main, [226] POETICAL FAVORITES The sickle nevermore will reap the yellow-garnered grain; The rippling stream flows ever on, aye tranquil, deep and still. But never glideth back again, to busy Water-Mill. The solemn proverb speaks to all, with meaning deep and vast. " The mill will never grind again with water that is past." Oh! clasp the proverb to thy soul, dear loving heart and true, For golden years are fleeting by, and youth is passing too. Ah! learn to make the most of life, nor lose one happy day, For time will ne'er return sweet joys, neglected, thrown away. Nor leave one tender word unsaid, thy kindness sow broadcast, " The mill will never grind again with water that is past." Oh! the wasted hours of life, that have swiftly drifted by; Alas! the good we might have done, all gone without a sigh; Love that we might once have saved, by a single kindly word, Thoughts conceived but ne'er expressed, perishing unpenned, unheard. [227 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Oh! take the lesson to thy soul, forever clasp it fast, " The mill will never grind again with water that is past." Work on while yet the sun doth shine, thou man of strength and will, The streamlet ne'er doth useless glide by clicking water-mill; Nor wait until to-morrow's light, beams brightly on thy way, For all that thou can'st call thine own, lies in the phrase to-day. Possessions, power, and blooming health must all be lost at last, " The mill will never grind again with water that is past." Oh! love thy God and fellow men, thyself consider last. For come it will when thou must scan dark errors of the past. Soon will this fight of life be o'er, and earth recede from view, And Heaven in all its glory shine, where all is pure and true. Ah! then thou'lt see more clearly still, the proverb deep and vast, " The mill will never grind again with water that is past." 228 POETICAL FAVORITES WHOM GOD HATH JOINED BY T. G. MCCLAUGHRY We have sipped the cup of sorrow, Thou and I; We have waited a to-morrow, Thou and I; We have watched beside a bed. Bending o'er a Uttle head. Crushed beneath a weight of dread, Thou and I. We have owned our helplessness. Thou and I; We have sought God in distress. Thou and I; We have shed a common tear When no other help was near, Prayed together in our fear. Thou and I. Shall we break the ties that bind us. Thou and I? Shall we put those days behind us. Thou and I? God has wed with grief and pain. Shall we prove that union vain. Shall we go our ways again, Thou and I? 229 POETICAL FAVORITES OPPORTUNITY BY WALTER MALONE They do me wrong who say I come no more When once I knock and fail to find you in; For every day I stand outside your door, And bid you wake and rise to fight and win. Wail not for precious chances passed away, Weep not for golden ages on the wane; Each night I burn the records of the day, At sunrise every soul is born again. Laugh like a boy at splendors that have sped, To vanished joys be blind and deaf and dumb; My judgments seal the dead past with its dead. But never bind a moment yet to come. Though deep in mire, wring not your hands and weep, I lend my arm to all who say: " I can; " No shamefaced outcast ever sank so deep But he might rise and be again a man. LINCOLN, THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE BY EDWIN MARKHAM When the Norn Mother saw the Whirlwind Hour Greatening and darkening as it hurried on, She left the Heaven of Heroes and came down To make a man to meet the mortal need. She took the tried clay of the common road — Clay warm yet with the ancient heat of Earth, Dashed tlirough it all a strain of prophecy; [230] POETICAL FAVORITES Tempered the heap with thrill of human tears; Then mixed a laughter with the serious stuff. Into the shape she breathed a flame to light That tender, tragic, ever-changing face. Here was a man to hold against the world, A man to match the mountains and the sea. The color of the ground was in him, the red earth; The smack and tang of elemental things: The rectitude and patience of the cliff; The good-will of the rain that loves all leaves; The friendly welcome of the wayside well; The courage of the bird that dares the sea; The gladness of the wind that shakes the corn; The mercy of the snow that hides aU scars; The secrecy of streams that make their way Beneath the mountain to the rifted rock ; The undelaying justice of the light That gives as freely to the shrinking flower As to the great oak flaring to the wind — To the grave's low hill as to the Matterhorn That shoulders out the sky. Sprung from the West, The strength of virgin forests braced his mind, The hush of spacious prairies stilled his soul. Up from log cabin to the Capitol, One fire was on his spirit, one resolve — To send the keen axe to the root of wrong, Clearing a free way for the feet of God. And evermore he burned to do his deed [2311 POETICAL FAVORITES With the fine stroke and gesture of a king: He built the rail-pile as he built the State, Pouring his splendid strength through every blow, The conscience of him testing every stroke. To make his deed the measure of a man. So came the Captain with the thinking heart; And when the judgment thunders split the house, Wrenching the rafters from their ancient rest. He held the ridgepole up, and spiked again The rafters of the Home. He held his place — Held the long purpose like a growing tree — Held on through blame and faltered not at praise. And when he fell in whirlwind, he went down As when a lordly cedar, green with boughs, Goes down with a great shout upon the hills, And leaves a lonesome place against the sky. 0, LAY THY HAND IN MINE, DEAR BY GERALD MASSEY 0, lay thy hand in mine, dear! We're growing old; But Time hath brought no sign, dear. That hearts grow cold. 'T is long, long since our new love Made life divine; But age enricheth true love. Like noble wine. [232] POETICAL FAVORITES And lay thy cheek to mine, dear, And take thy rest; Mine arms around thee twine, dear, And make thy nest. A many cares are pressing On this dear head; But Sorrow's hands in blessing Are surely laid. 0, lean thy life on mine, dear! 'T will shelter thee. Thou wert a winsome vine, dear, On my young tree: And so, till boughs are leafless, And songbirds flown, We'll twine, then lay us, griefless, Together down. ON HIS BLINDNESS BY JOHN MILTON When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide. And that one talent, which is death to hide. Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide; " Doth God exact day-labor, light denied? " I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies, " God doth not need Either man's work or his own gifts; who best [233] POETICAL FAVORITES Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best : his state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed, And post o'er land and ocean without rest; They also serve who only stand and wait." A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS BY CLEMENT C. MOORE 'T was the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a moiise; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, — When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash. Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave a lustre of midday to objects below; When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name : " Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! [2341 POETICAL FAVORITES On, Comet! on, Cupid! on. Bonder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall! Now dash away, dash away, dash away all! " As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly. When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew. With the sleigh full of toys, — and St. Nicholas too. And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each httle hoof. As I drew in mj^ head, and was turning around, DoTVTi the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot. And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry; His droll little mouth was drawTi up like a bow. And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a httle round belly That shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, — a right jolly old elf; And I laughed, when I saw him, in spite of myself. A -wdnk of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a w-ord, but went straight to his work. And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk. And Ia>dng his finger aside of his nose. And gi^'ing a nod, up the chimney he rose. [235] POETICAL FAVORITES He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle; But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, " Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night! " COME, REST IN THIS BOSOM BY THOMAS MOORE Come, rest in this bosom, my own stricken deer, Though the herd have fled from thee, thy home is still here; Here still is the smile, that no cloud can o'ercast, And a heart and a hand all thy own to the last. Oh! what was love made for, if 't is not the same Through joy and through torment, through glory and shame? I know not, I ask not, if guilt's in that heart, I but know that I love thee, whatever thou art. Thou hast called me thy Angel in moments of bliss. And thy Angel I'll be, mid the horrors of this, Through the furnace, unshrinking, thy steps to pur- sue, And shield thee, and save thee, — or perish there too! FAREWELL! BUT WHENEVER BY THOMAS MOORE Farewell ! — but whenever you welcome the horn- That awakens the night-song of mirth in your bower, Then think of the friend who once welcomed it too, ' And forgot his own griefs, to be happy with you. [236] POETICAL FAVORITES His griefs may return — not a hope may remain Of the few that have brightened his pathway of pain — But he ne'er can forget the short vision that threw Its enchantment around him while Ungering with you! And still on that evening when Pleasure fills up To the highest top sparkle each heart and each cup, Where'er my path hes, be it gloomy or bright, My soul, happy friends! will be with you that night; Shall join in your revels, your sports, and your wiles, And return to me, beaming all o'er with your smiles — Too blest if it tell me that, mid the gay cheer. Some kind voice has murmured, " I wish he were here! " Let Fate do her worst, there are relics of joy. Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy; Which come, m the night-time of sorrow and care, And bring back the features which joy used to wear. Long, long be my heart with such memories filled! Like the vase in wliich roses have once been distilled — You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will. But the scent of the roses will hang round it still. GO WHERE GLORY WAITS THEE BY THOMAS MOORE Go where glory waits thee. But, while fame elates thee, 0, still remember me! When the praise thou meetest To thine ear is sweetest, [2371 POETICAL FAVORITES 0, then remember me! Other arms may press thee, Dearer friends caress thee, All the joys that bless thee, Sweeter far may be ; But when friends are nearest. And when joys are dearest, 0, then remember me! When at eve thou rovest By the star thou lovest, 0, then remember me ! Think, when home returning, Bright we've seen it burning, 0, thus remember me! Oft as summer closes. On its lingering roses. Once so loved by thee, Think of her who wove them. Her who made thee love them, 0, then remember me! When, around thee dying, Autumn leaves are lying, O, then remember me! And, at night, when gazing On the gay hearth blazing, 0, still remember me! Then should music, stealing All the soul of feeling, To thy heart appealing, [238] POETICAL FAVORITES Draw one tear from thee; Then let memory bring thee Strains I used to sing thee, — O, then remember me! OFT IN THE STILLY NIGHT BY THOMAS MOORE Oft in the stilly night, Ere slumber's chain has bound me, Fond Memory brings the light Of other days around me : The smiles, the tears. Of boyhood's years. The words of love then spoken; The eyes that shone. Now dimmed and gone, The cheerful hearts now broken. Thus in the stilly night. Ere slumber's chain has bound me, Sad Memory brings the light Of other days around me. When I remember all The friends so linked together I've seen around me fall. Like leaves in wintry weather, I feel like one Who. treads alone Some banquet-hall deserted, Whose lights are fled, f 239 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Whose garlands dead, And all but he departed. Thus in the stilly night, Ere slumber's chain has bound me, Sad Memory brings the light Of other days around me. THOSE EVENING BELLS BY THOMAS MOORE Those evening bells! those evening bells! How many a tale their music tells Of youth, and home, and that sweet time When last I heard their soothing chime! Those joyous hours are passed away; And many a heart that then was gay Within the tomb now darkly dwells. And hears no more those evening bells. And so 't will be when I am gone, — That tuneful peal will still ring on; While other bards shall walk these dells. And sing your praise, sweet evening bells. MY MOTHER'S BIBLE BY GEORGE P. MORRIS This book is all that's left me now! Tears will unbidden start, — With faltering lip and throbbing brow I press it to my heart. [2401 POETICAL FAVORITES For many generations past, Here is our family tree: My mother's hand this Bible clasped; She, dying, gave it me. Ah! well do I remember those Whose names these records bear, Who round the hearthstone used to close After the evening prayer. And speak of what these pages said, In tones my heart would thrill! Though they are with the silent dead, Here are they living still! My father read this holy book To brothers, sisters, dear; How calm was my poor mother's look, Who leaned God's word to hear. Her angel-face — I see it yet! What thronging memories come! Again that little group is met Within the halls of home! Thou truest friend man ever knew, Thy constancy I've tried; Where all were false I found thee true, My counsellor and guide. The mines of earth no treasure give That could this volume buy: In teaching me the way to live. It taught me how to die. [2411 POETICAL FAVORITES WOODMAN, SPARE THAT TREE BY GEORGE P. MORRIS " One day I was driving in the vicinity of New York with George Morris, the American poet," says Henry Russell, the English musi- cal composer. "We turned into Bloomfield Road, then a woodland lane of great natural beauty, to view a stately old tree which had been planted by the poet's grandfather. As we neared the homely cottage that had once housed the Morris family, we saw an old man, evidently the occupant of the cottage, sharpening an axe. "What are you going to do ? ' asked the poet, with a tremor of apprehen- sion; 'you surely do not intend to cut down that tree?' 'Yes, sirree,' was the blunt reply of the old man; 'I need it for firewood!' Morris paid him ten dollars to buy firewood, and the daughter of the woodman pledged her word that the tree should stand as long as she lived. On my suggestion Morris wrote the now well-known poem, ' Oh, Woodman, Spare that Tree,' which I immediately set to music." Woodman, spare that tree! Touch not a single bough! In youth it sheltered me, And I'll protect it now. 'T was my forefather's hand That placed it near his cot; There, woodman, let it stand, Thy axe shall harm it not! That old familiar tree. Whose glory and renown Are spread o'er land and sea. And wouldst thou hew it down? Woodman, forbear thy stroke ! Cut not its earth-bound ties; O, spare that aged oak, Now towering to the skies! [2421 POETICAL FAVORITES When but an idle boy I sought its grateful shade; In all their gushing joy Here too my sisters played. My mother kissed me here; My father pressed my hand — Forgive this foolish tear, But let that old oak stand! My heart-strings round thee cling, Close as thy bark, old friend! Here shall the wild-bird sing, And still thy branches bend. Old tree! the storm still brave! And, woodman, leave the spot; While I've a hand to save. Thy axe shall hurt it not. NEAR THE LAKE BY GEORGE P. MORRIS Near the lake where drooped the willow, Long time ago! — Where the rock threw back the billow, Brighter than snow — Dwelt a maid, beloved and cherished By high and low ; But wath autumn's leaf she perished, Long time ago ! [243] POETICAL FAVORITES Rock and tree and flowing water, Long time ago! — Bee and bird and blossom taught her Love's spell to know! While to my fond words she listened, Murmuring low, Tenderly her dove-eyes glistened, Long time ago! Mingled were our hearts for ever, Long time ago! Can I now forget her? — Never! No — lost one — no! To her grave these tears are given, Ever to flow : She's the star I missed from heaven. Long time ago! THE LAND 0' THE LEAL BY CAROLINA, BARONESS NAIRNE I'm wearing awa', Jean, Like snaw when it's thaw, Jean; I'm wearing awa' To the land o' the leal. There's nae sorrow there, Jean, There's neither cauld nor care, Jean, The day is aye fair In the land o' the leal. [244] POETICAL FAVORITES Ye were aye leal and true, Jean; Your task's ended noo, Jean, And I'll welcome you To the land o' the leal. Our bonnie bairn's there, Jean, She was baith guid and fair, Jean: 0, we grudged her right sair To the land o' the leal! Then dry that tearfu' e'e, Jean, My soul langs to be free, Jean, And angels wait on me To the land o' the leal! Now fare ye weel, my ain Jean, This warld's care is vain, Jean; We'll meet and aye be fain In the land o' the leal. BINGEN ON THE RHINE BY MRS. CAROLINE E. S. NORTON A soldier of the Legion lay dying in Algiers, There was lack of woman's nursing, there was dearth of woman's tears; But a comrade stood beside him, while his lifeblood ebbed away. And bent, with pitying glances, to hear what he might say. The dying soldier faltered, and he took that comrade's hand. 245] POETICAL FAVORITES And he said, " I nevermore shall see my own, my native land; Take a message and a token to some distant friends of mine. For I was born at Bingen, — at Bingen on the Rhine. " Tell my brothers and companions, when they meet and crowd around, To hear my mournful story, in the pleasant vineyard ground. That we fought the battle bravely, and when the day was done. Full many a corse lay ghastly pale beneath the setting sun; And, mid the dead and dying, were some grown old in wars, — The death-wound on their gallant breasts, the last of many scars; And some were young, and suddenly beheld life's morn decline, — And one had come from Bingen, — fair Bingen on the Rhine. " Tell my mother that her other son shall comfort her old age; For I was still a truant bird, that thought his home a cage. For my father was a soldier, and even as a child My heart leaped forth to hear him tell of struggles fierce and wild; And when he died, and left us to divide his scanty hoard, [2461 POETICAL FAVORITES I let them take whate'er they would, — but kept my father's sword; And with boyish love I hung it where the bright light used to shine, On the cottage wall at Bingen, — calm Bingen on the Rhine. " Tell my sister not to weep for me, and sob with drooping head, When the troops come marching home again with glad and gallant tread. But to look upon them proudly, with a calm and stead- fast eye. For her brother was a soldier too, and not afraid to die; And if a comrade seek her love, I ask her in my name To listen to him kindly, without regret or shame, And to hang the old sword in its place (my father's sword and mine) For the honor of old Bingen, — dear Bingen on the Rhine. " There's another, — not a sister; in the happy days gone by You'd have known her by the merriment that sparkled in her eye; Too innocent for coquetry, — too fond for idle scorn- ing, — O friend! I fear the lightest heart makes sometimes heaviest mourning! Tell her the last night of my life (for, ere the moon be risen, [2471 POETICAL FAVORITES My body will be out of pain, my soul be out of prison), — I dreamed I stood with her, and saw the yellow sun- light shine On the vine-clad hills of Bingen, — fair Bingen on the Rhine. " I saw the blue Rhine sweep along, — I heard, or seemed to hear. The German songs we used to sing in chorus sweet and clear; And down the pleasant river, and up the slanting hill. The echoing chorus sounded, through the evening calm and still; And her glad blue eyes were on me, as we passed, with friendly talk, Down many a path beloved of yore, and well-remem- bered walk! And her little hand lay lightly, confidingly in mine, — But we'll meet no more at Bingen, — loved Bingen on the Rhine." His trembling voice grew faint and hoarse, — his grasp was childish weak, — His eyes put on a dying look, — he sighed and ceased to speak; His comrade bent to lift him, but the spark of life had fled, — The soldier of the Legion in a foreign land is dead! And the soft moon rose up slowly, and calmly she looked down [ 248 1 POETICAL FAVORITES On the red sand of the battle-field, with bloody corses strewn; Yes, calmly on that dreadful scene her pale light seemed to shine. As it shone on distant Bingen, — fair Bingen on the Rhine. THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD BY THEODORE o'hARA The muffled drum's sad roll has beat The soldier's last tattoo; No more on life's parade shall meet That brave and fallen few. On Fame's eternal camping-ground Their silent tents are spread. And glory guards with solemn sound The bivouac of the dead. No rumor of the foe's advance Now swells upon the wind, No troubled thought at midnight haunts Of loved ones left behind; No vision of the tnorrow's strife The warrior's dream alarms, No braying horn or screaming fife At dawn shall call to arms. Their shivered swords are red with rust. Their plumed heads are bowed, Their haughty banner trailed in dust Is now their martial shroud — And plenteous funeral tears have washed [2491 POETICAL FAVORITES The red stains from each brow, And the proud forms by battle gashed Are free from anguish now. The neighing troop, the flashing blade, The bugle's stirring blast. The charge, the dreadful cannonade, The din and shout are passed — Nor war's wild note, nor glorj^'s peal. Shall thrill with fierce delight Those breasts that never more may feel The rapture of the fight. Like the fierce northern hurricane That sweeps his great plateau. Flushed with the triumph yet to gain Came down the serried foe — Who heard the thunder of the fray Break o'er the field beneath, Knew well the watchword of that day Was \actor3'^ or death. Full many a mother's breath hath swept O'er Angostura's plain. And long the pitying sky has wept Above its moulder'd slain. The raven's scream or eagle's flight. Or shepherd's pensive lay, Alone now wake each solemn height That frowned o'er that dread fray. Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground, Ye must not slumber there. Where stranger steps and tongues resound Along the heedless air! [250] POETICAL FAVORITES Your own proud land's heroic soil Shall be your fitter grave; She claims from war its richest spoil — The ashes of her brave. Thus 'neath their parent turf they rest, Far from the gory field, Borne to a Spartan mother's breast On many a bloody shield. The sunshine of their native sky Shines sadly on them here, And kindred eyes and hearts watch by The heroes' sepulchre. Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead! Dead as the blood ye gave; No impious footsteps here shall tread The herbage of your grave! Nor shall your glory be forgot While Fame her record keeps. Or Honor points the hallowed spot Where Valor proudly sleeps. Yon marble minstrel's voiceless stone In deathless song shall tell, When many a vanished year hath flowTi, The story how ye fell ; Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight. Nor time's remorseless doom. Can dim one ray of holy light That gilds your glorious tomb. 251] POETICAL FAVORITES HOME, SWEET HOME FROM THE OPERA OF " CLARI, THE MAID OF MILAN." BY JOHN HOWARD PAYNE Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble there's no place like home! A charm from the sky seems to hallow us there, Which, seek through the world, is ne'er met with else- where. Home! home! sweet, sweet home! There's no place like home! An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain: 0, give me my lowly thatched cottage again! The birds singing gayly that came at my call; — Give me them, — and the peace of mind dearer than aU! Home! home! sweet, sweet home! There's no place like home! WARREN'S ADDRESS BY JOHN PIERPONT Stand! the ground's your own, my braves! Will ye give it up to slaves ? Will ye look for greener graves ? Hope ye mercy still ? What's the mercy despots feel ? Hear it in that battle-peal! Read it on yon bristling steel! Ask it, — ye who will. [252] POETICAL FAVORITES Fear ye foes who kill for hire ? Will ye to your homes retire ? Look behind you ! — they're afire ! And, before you, see Who have done it ! From the vale On they come! — and will ye quail? Leaden rain and iron hail Let their welcome be! In the God of battles trust! Die we may, — and die we must : But, 0, where can dust to dust Be consigned so well, As where heaven its dews shall shed On the martyred patriot's bed. And the rocks shall raise their head, Of his deeds to tell ? THE BELLS BY EDGAR ALLAN POE Hear the sledges with the bells — Silver bells! What a world of merriment their melody foretells! How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, In the icy air of night! While the stars that oversprinkle All the heavens seem to twinkle With a crystalline delight, — Keeping time, time, time. In a sort of Runic rhyme, [2531 POETICAL FAVORITES To the tintinnabulation that so musically wells From the bells, bells, bells, bells, BcUs, bells, beUs, — From the jingling and the tinkling of the bells. Hear the mellow wedding bells — Golden beUs! What a world of happiness their harmony foretells! Through the balm}' air of night How they ring out their delight! From the molten-golden notes, And all in tune. What a liquid ditty floats To the turtle-dove that listens, while she gloats On the moon! 0, from out the sounding cells, What a gush of euphony voluminously wells! How it swells! How it dwells On the Future! how it tells Of the rapture that impels To the swinging and the ringing Of the bcils, bells, beUs, Of the bells, bells, bells bells, Bells, bells, bells, — To the rh^-ming and the chiming of the bells. Hear the loud alarum bells — Brazen bells! What a tale of terror, now, their turbulency tells! In the startled ear of night [254] POETICAL FAVORITES How they scream out their affright! Too much horrified to speak, They can only shriek, shriek, Out of tune. In the clamorous appeahng to the mercy of the fire. In a mad expostulation with the deaf and frantic fire Leaping higher, higher, higher, With a desperate desire, And a resolute endeavor. Now — now to sit, or never. By the side of the pale-faced moon . the bells, bells, bells, What a tale their terror tells Hear the tolling of the bells — Iron bells! What a world of solemn thought their monody compels! In the silence of the night, How we shiver with affright At the melancholy menace of their tone! For every sound that floats From the rust within their throats Is a groan. And the people — ah, the people — They that dwell up in the steeple. All alone. And who tolling, tolling, tolling. In that muffled monotone. Feel a glory in so rolling On the human heart a stone, — They are neither man nor woman, — They are neither brute nor human, — [255] POETICAL FAVORITES They are ghouls: And their king it is who tolls; And he rolls, rolls, rolls, RoUs, A paean from the bells! And his merry bosom swells With the paean of the bells! And he dances and he yells; Keeping time, time, time, In a sort of Runic rhyme. To the psean of the bells, — Of the bells: Keeping time, time, time, In a sort of Runic rhyme. To the throbbing of the bells, — Of the bells, bells, bells, — To the sobbing of the bells; Keeping time, time, time. As he knells, knells, knells. In a happy Runic rhyme, To the rolling of the bells, — Of the bells, bells, bells, — To the tolling of the bells. Of the bells, bells, bells, bells — Bells, bells, bells, — To the moaning and the groaning of the bells. 256 POETICAL FAVORITES THE RAVEN BY EDGAR ALLEN POE In the Evening Mirror, January 29, 1845, "The Raven" was pubUshed with a highly commendatory card from N. P. Willis, the editor, and a few days later The American Whig Review for Febru- ary, from the advance sheets of which this poem had been copied, was the prey of editorial scissors throughout the country. In the magazine the author was masked under the pseudonym " Quarles," but in this journal he had been named as E. A. Poe. No great poem ever established itself so immediately, so widely, and so imper- ishably in men's minds. " The Raven " became in some sort a national bird, and its author the most notorious American of the hour. — George E. Woodbury. Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, — While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping. As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. " 'T is some visitor," I muttered, " tapping at my chamber door; Only this, and nothing more." Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak Decem- ber, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had sought to borrow [257] POETICAL FAVORITES From my books surcease of sorrow, — sorrow for the lost Lenore, — For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore, — Nameless here forevermore. And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me, — filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating, " 'T is some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door, — Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; That it is, and nothing more." Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer, " Sir," said I, " or madam, truly your forgiveness I implore; But the fact is, I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my cham- ber door, That I scarce was sure I heard you " — Here I opened wide the door; Darkness there, and nothing more. Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, [258] POETICAL FAVORITES Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token, And the only word there spoken was the whispered word " Lenore! " This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word " Lenore! " Merely this, and nothing more. Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning, Soon again I heard a tapping, something louder than before : " Surely," said I, " surely that is something at my window-lattice; Let me see then what thereat is, and this mystery explore, — Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore; — 'T is the wind, and nothing more." Open then I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter. In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore. Not the least obeisance made he; not an instant stopped or stayed he; But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door, — f 259 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Perched upon a bust of Pallas, just above my chamber door, — Perched, and sat, and nothing more. Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling. By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore, " Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, " art sure no craven; Ghastly, grim, and ancient raven, wandering from the nightly shore. Tell me what thy lordly name is on the night's Plu- tonian shore? " Quoth the raven, " Nevermore! " Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly, Though its answer little meaning, little relevancy bore; For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his cham- ber door. Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door. With such name as " Nevermore! " But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. [2601 POETICAL FAVORITES Nothing further then he uttered, — not a feather then he fluttered, — Till I scarcely more than muttered, " Other friends have flown before, — On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before." Then the bird said, " Nevermore! " Startled at the stillness, broken by reply so aptly spoken, " Doubtless," said I, " what it utters is its only stock and store. Caught from some unhappy master, whom unmerciful disaster Followed fast and followed faster, till his song one burden bore. Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore, — Of ' Nevermore, — nevermore!'" But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling. Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door. Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore — What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore — Meant in croaking " Nevermore! " [2611 POETICAL FAVORITES This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable ex- pressing To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core; This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o'er, But whose velvet violet lining, with the lamplight gloating o'er, She shall press — ah! nevermore! Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer, Swung by seraphim, whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor. " Wretch," I cried, " thy God hath lent thee, — by these angels he hath sent thee Respite, — respite and nepenthe from the memories of Lenore! Quaff, 0, quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore! " Quoth the raven, " Nevermore! " "Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! — prophet still, if bird or devil! Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore. Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land en- chanted, — On this home by horror haunted, — tell me truly, I implore, — [262] POETICAL FAVORITES Is there — is there balm in Gilead ? — tell me, — tell me, I implore! " Quoth the raven, " Nevermore! " "Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! — prophet still, if bird or devil! By that heaven that bends above us, — by that God we both adore. Tell this soul with sorrow laden, if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden, whom the angels name Lenore, Clasp a fair and radiant maiden, whom the angels name Lenore! " Quoth the raven, " Nevermore! " "Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!" I shrieked, upstarting, — " Get thee back into the tempest and the night's Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken! Leave my loneliness unbroken! — quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door! " Quoth the raven, " Nevermore! " And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas, just above my chamber door; [2631 POETICAL FAVORITES And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming, And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted — nevermore ! OVER THE RIVER BY NANCY WOODBURY PRIEST Over the river they beckon to me, Loved ones who've crossed to the farther side, The gleam of their snowy robes I see. But their voices are lost in the dashing tide. There's one with ringlets of sunny gold. And eyes the reflection of heaven's own blue; He crossed in the twilight gray and cold, And the pale mist hid him from mortal view. We saw not the angels who met him there, The gates of the city we could not see: Over the river, over the river, My brother stands waiting to welcome me. Over the river the boatman pale Carried another, the household pet; Her brown curls waved in the gentle gale, Darling Minnie! I see her yet. She crossed on her bosom her dimpled hands, And fearlessly entered the phantom bark; We felt it glide from the silver sands, [2641 POETICAL FAVORITES And all our sunshine grew strangely dark; We know she is safe on the farther side, Where all the ransomed and angels be : Over the river, the mystic river. My childhood's idol is waiting for me. For none return from those quiet shores. Who cross with the boatman cold and pale; We hear the dip of the golden oars. And catch a gleam of the snowy sail; And lo ! they have passed from our yearning hearts, They cross the stream and are gone for aye. We may not sunder the veil apart That hides from our vision the gates of day; We only know that their barks no more May sail with us o'er life's stormy sea; Yet somewhere, I know, on the unseen shore. They watch, and beckon, and wait for me. And I sit and tliink, when the sunset's gold Is flusliing river and hill and shore, I shall one day stand by the water cold, And list for the sound of the boatman's oar; I shall watch for a gleam of the flapping sail, I shall hear the boat as it gains the strand, I shall pass from sight with the boatman pale. To the better shore of the spirit land. I shall know the loved who have gone before, And joyfully sweet will the meeting be, When over the river, the peaceful river, The angel of death shall carry me. [265] POETICAL FAVORITES A LOST CHORD BY ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Seated one day at the organ, I was weary and ill at ease, And my fingers wandered idly Over the noisy keys. I do not know what I was playing, Or what I was dreaming then, But I struck one chord of music. Like the sound of a great Amen. It flooded the crimson twilight, Like the close of an angel's psalm, And it lay on my fevered spirit. With a touch of infinite calm. It quieted pain and sorrow, Like love overcoming strife; It seemed the harmonious echo From our discordant life. It finked aU perplexed meanings Into one perfect peace. And trembled away into silence, As if it were loath to cease. I have sought, but I seek it vainly. That one lost chord divine, That came from the soul of the organ, And entered into mine. [266] POETICAL FAVORITES It may be that Death's bright angel Will speak in that chord again; It may be that only in heaven I shall hear that grand Amen. A WOMAN'S QUESTION BY ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Before I trust my fate to thee, Or place my hand in thine, Before I let thy future give Color and form to mine, Before I peril all for thee, Question thy soul to-night for me. I break all slighter bonds, nor feel A shadow of regret: Is there one link within the past That holds thy spirit yet? Or is thy faith as clear and free As that which I can pledge to thee? Does there within thy dimmest dreams A possible future shine, Wherein thy life could henceforth breathe. Untouched, unshared by mine? If so, at any pain or cost, O, tell me before all is lost! Look deeper still : if thou canst feel. Within thy inmost soul, [2671 POETICAL FAVORITES That thou hast kept a portion back, While I have staked the whole, Let no false pity spare the blow, But in true mercy tell me so. Is there within thy heart a need That mine cannot fulfil? One chord that any other hand Could better wake or still? Speak now, lest at some future day My whole life wither and decay. Lives there within thy nature hid The demon-spirit, change, Shedding a passing glory still On all things new and strange ? It may not be thy fault alone, — But shield my heart against thine own. Couldst thou withdraw thy hand one day And answer to my claim, That fate, and that to-day's mistake, — Not thou, — had been to blame ? Some soothe their conscience thus; but thou Wilt surely warn and save me now. Ay, answer not, — I dare not hear; The words would come too late; Yet I would spare thee all remorse, So comfort thee, my fate : Whatever on my heart may fall, Remember, I would risk it all! [268] POETICAL FAVORITES IN THE OLD CHURCH CHOIR BY LOWELL OTUS REESE The world was young in those days of ours. The world was so young and new, All builded of birds and of sweet spring flowers, And to-morrow fresh wonders grew; But the world rolled back and love reigned instead And smote on a magic lyre — For Someone sat in the seat ahead When we sang in the old church choir. Someone with eyes of the downcast brown. And lips that were wondrous rare; Dark waves of glory that tumbled down From the crimson " tam " set there At a rakish slant. Oh, that pure delight! Life! grant me but one desire — To see and feel as I felt that night When we sang in the old church choir! The Preacher prayed with a will. And when He prayed for " those near and dear," The deacons shouted a loud " Amen! " And I felt that the Lord was near. The Preacher preached of the bleeding Lamb, And his words were as words of fire; But I worshipped the girl with the crimson tam When we sang in the old church choir. The church is gone, and the Preacher long In the land that he loved so well. [269] POETICAL FAVORITES Hark! out of the new church, deep and strong, Hear the great pipes joyous swell! I sit and dream and contented am, For Someone is by my fire, Sweet as in the days of the crimson tam. When we sang in the old church choir. THE OLD SWIMMIN'-HOLE BY JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Oh! the old swimmin'-hole! whare the crick so still and deep Looked like a bab^'^-river that was lying half asleep, And the gurgle of the worter round the drift jest below Sounded like the laugh of sometliing we onc't ust to know Before we could remember anything but the eyes Of the angels lookin' out as we left Paradise; But the merry days of youth is beyond our controle, And it's hard to part ferever with the old swimmin'- hole. Oh! the old swimmin'-hole! In the happy days of yore. When I ust to lean above it on the old sickamore, Oh! it showed me a face in its warm sunny tide That gazed back at me so gay and glorified. It made me love myself, as I leaped to caress My shadder smilin' up at me 'wnth sich tenderness. But them days is past and gone, and old Time's tuck his toll From the old man come back to the old swimmin'- hole. [270] POETICAL FAVORITES Oh! the old SAvimmin'-hole! In the long, lazy days When the hum-drum of school made so many run-a- ways, How pleasant was the jurney down the old dusty lane, Whare the tracks of our bare feet was all printed so piano You could tell by the dent of the heel and the sole They was lots o' fun on hand at the old swimmin'- hole. But the lost joys is past! Let your tears in sorrow roll Like the rain that ust to dapple up the old swimmin'- hole. Thare the bulrushes growed, and the cattails so tall, And the sunshine and shadder fell over it all; And it mottled the worter with amber and gold Tel the glad lilies rocked in the ripples that rolled; And the snake-feeder's four gauzy wings fluttered by Like the ghost of a daisy dropped out of the sky. Or a wownded apple-blossom in the breeze's controle As it cut acrost some orchurd to'rds the old swimmin'- hole. Oh! the old swimmin'-hole! When I last saw the place. The scenes was all changed, like the change in my face; The bridge of the railroad now crosses the spot Whare the old divin'-log lays sunk and fergot. And I stray down the banks whare the trees ust to be — But never again will theyr shade shelter me! And I wish in my sorrow I could strip to the soul. And dive off in my grave like the old swimmin'-hole. [2711 POETICAL FAVORITES LITTLE ORPHANT ANNIE BY JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Little Orphant Annie's come to our house to stay, An' wash the cups an' saucers up, an' brush the crumbs away, An' shoo the chickens off the porch, an' dust the hearth, an' sweep, An' make the fire, an' bake the bread, an' earn her board-an'-keep; An' all us other children, when the supper things is done. We set around the kitchen fire an' has the mostest fun A-list'nin' to the witch-tales 'at Annie tells about, An' the Gobble-uns 'at gits you Ef you Don't Watch Out! Onc't they was a Uttle boy wouldn't say his prayers, — So when he went to bed at night, away up stairs, His Mammy heerd him holler, an' his Daddy heerd him bawl, An' when they turn't the kivvers down, he wasn't there at all! An' they seeked him in the rafter-room, an' cubby- hole, an' press. An' seeked him up the chimbly-flue, an' ever'wheres, I guess; But all they ever found was thist his pants an' rounda- bout: — [272] POETICAL FAVORITES An' the Gobble-uns'U git you Ef you Don't Watch Out! An' one time a little girl 'ud alius laugh an' grin, An' make fun of ever'one, an' all her blood an' kin; An' onc't, when they was "company," an' ole folks was there, She mocked'em an' shocked 'em, an' said she didn't care! An' thist as she kicked her heels, an' turn't to run an' hide. They was two great big Black Things a-standin' by her side. An' they snatched her through the ceilin' 'fore she knowed what she's about! An' the Gobble-uns'U git you Ef you Don't Watch Out! An' little Orphant Annie says when the blaze is blue, An' the lamp-wick sputters, an' the wind goes woo-oo! An' you hear the crickets quit, an' the moon is gray. An' the lightnin'-bugs in dew is all squenched away, — You better mind yer parents, an' yer teachers fond an' dear. An' churish them 'at loves you, an' dry the orphant's tear, [ 273 ] POETICAL FAVORITES An' he'p the pore an' needy ones 'at clusters all about, Er the Gobble-uns'U git you Ef you Don't Watch Out! AN OLD SWEETHEART OF MINE BY JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY As one who cons at evening o'er an album all alone, And muses on the faces of the friends that he has known, So I turn the leaves of fancy till, in shadowy design, I find the smiling features of an old sweetheart of mine. The lamplight seems to glimmer with a flicker of sur- prise. As I turn it low to rest me of the dazzle in my eyes. And light my pipe in silence, save a sigh that seems to yoke Its fate with my tobacco and to vanish with the smoke. 'Tis a fragrant retrospection — for the loving thoughts that start Into being are like perfume from the blossom of the heart; And to dream the old dreams over is a luxury divine — When my truant fancy wanders with that old sweet- heart of mine. Though I hear, beneath my study, like a fluttering of wings, [274] POETICAL FAVORITES The voices of my children, and the mother as she sings, I feel no twinge of conscience to deny me any theme When Care has cast her anchor in the harbor of a dream. In fact, to speak in earnest, I believe it adds a charm To spice the good a trifle with a little dust of harm — For I find an extra flavor in Memory's mellow wine That makes me drink the deeper to that old sweetheart of mine. A face of lily-beauty, with a form of airy grace. Floats out of my tobacco as the genii from the vase; And I thrill beneath the glances of a pair of azure eyes As glowing as the summer and as tender as the skies. I can see the pink sunbonnet and the little checkered dress She wore when first I kissed her and she answered the caress With the written declaration that "as surely as the vine Grew round the stump " she loved me — that old sweetheart of mine. And again I feel the pressure of her slender little hand As we used to talk together of the future we had planned — • When I should be a poet, and with nothing else to do But write the tender verses that she set the music to: [275] POETICAL FAVORITES When we should live together in a cozy little cot Hid in a nest of roses, with a fairy garden-spot, Where the vines were ever fruited, and the weather ever fine. And the birds were ever singing for that old sweetheart of mine: When I should be her lover forever and a day, And she my faithful sweetheart till the golden hair was gray; And we should be so happy that when cither's lips were dumb They would not smile in Heaven till the other's kiss had come. But, ah! my dream is broken by a step upon the stair, And the door is softly opened, and — my wife is stand- ing there; Yet with eagerness and rapture all my visions I resign To greet the living presence of that old sweetheart of mine. OLD-FASHIONED ROSES BY JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY They ain't no style about 'em, And the're sort o' pale and faded; Yit the doorway here, without 'em, Would be lonesomer, and shaded [2761 POETICAL FAVORITES With a good deal blacker shadder Than the mornin '-glories makes, And the sunshine would look sadder For their good old-fashioned sakes. I like 'em 'cause they kind o' Sort o' make a feller like 'em; And I tell you, when you find a Bunch out whur the sun kin strike 'em, It alius sets me thinkin' 0' the ones 'at used to grow. And peek in thro' the chinkin' 0' the cabin, don't you know. And then I think o' mother. And how she used to love 'em. When they wuzn't any other, 'Less she found 'em up above 'em, And her eyes, afore she shut 'em. Whispered with a smile, and said. We must pluck a bunch and put 'em In her hand when she wuz dead. But, as I wuz a-sayin'. They ain't no style about 'em Very gaudy or displayin', But I wouldn't be without 'em, 'Cause I'm happier in these posies And the hoUyhawks and sich Than the hummin'-bird 'at noses In the roses of the rich. [2771 POETICAL FAVORITES THE LITTLE WHITE HEARSE BY JAMES WHITCOMB KILEY As the little white hearse went glimmering by — The man on the coal cart jerked his lines, And smutted the lid of either eye, And turned and stared at the business signs; And the street-car driver stopped and beat His hands on his shoulders and gazed up street Till his eye on the long track reached the sky — As the little white hearse went glimmering by. As the little white hearse went glimmering by — A stranger petted a ragged child In the crowded walk, and she knew not why. But he gave her a coin for the way she smiled; And a bootblack thrilled with a pleasure strange As a customer put back his change With a kindly hand and a grateful sigh — As the little white hearse went glimmering by. As the little white hearse went glimmering by — A man looked out of a window dim. And his cheeks were wet and his heart was dry — For a dead child even were dear to him! And he thought of his empty life and said: " Loveless alive and loveless dead. Nor wife nor child in earth or sky! " — As the little white hearse went glimmering by. 278 POETICAL FAVORITES GINEVRA BY SAMUEL ROGERS If thou shouldst ever come by choice or chance To Modena, where still religiously Among her ancient trophies is preserved Bologna's bucket (in its chain it hangs Within that reverend tower, the Guirlandina), Stop at a palace near the Reggio gate, Dwelt in of old by one of the Orsini. Its noble gardens, terrace above terrace, And rich in fountains, statues, cypresses. Will long detain thee; through their arched walks. Dim at noonday, discovering many a glimpse Of knights and dames, such as in old romance, And lovers, such as in heroic song, Perhaps the two, for groves were their delight. That in the spring-time, as alone they sat, Venturing together on a tale of love. Read only part that day. — A summer sun Sets ere one half is seen; but ere thou go. Enter the house — prythee, forget it not — And look awhile upon a picture there. 'T is of a Lady in her earliest youth, The last of that illustrious race; Done by Zampieri — but I care not whom. He who observes it, ere he passes on, Gazes his fill, and comes and comes again. That he may call it up when far away. [2791 POETICAL FAVORITES She sits inclining forward as to speak, Her lips half open, and her finger up. As though she said " Beware! " her vest of gold Broidered with flowers, and clasped from head to foot, An emerald stone in every golden clasp; And on her brow, fairer than alabaster, A coronet of pearls. But then her face. So lovely, yet so arch, so full of mirth. The overflowings of an innocent heart, — It haunts me still, though many a year has fled, Like some wild melody! Alone it hangs Over a mouldering heirloom, its companion, An oaken chest, half eaten by the worm. But richly carved by Antony of Trent With Scripture stories from the life of Christ; A chest that came from Venice, and had held The ducal robes of some old Ancestor, That, by the way — it may be true or false — But don't forget the picture; and thou wilt not When thou hast heard the tale they told me there. # She was an only child; from infancy The joy, the pride, of an indulgent Sire; Her Mother dying of the gift she gave, That precious gift, what else remained to him? The young Ginevra was his all in life. Still as she grew, for ever in his sight; And in her fifteenth year became a bride. Marrying an only son, Francesco Doria, Her playmate from her birth, and her first love. f 280 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Just as she looks there in her bridal dress, She was all gentleness, all gayety, Her pranks the favorite theme of every tongue. But now the day was come, the day, the hour; Now, frowning, smiling, for the hundredth time, The nurse, that ancient lady, preached decorum; And, in the lustre of her youth, she gave Her hand, with her heart in it, to Francesco. Great was the joy; but at the Bridal-feast, When all sate down, the bride was wanting there. Nor was she to be found! Her Father cried, " 'T is but to make a trial of our love! " And filled his glass to all; but his hand shook, And soon from guest to guest the panic spread. 'T was but that instant she had left Francesco, Laughing and looking back, and flying still. Her ivory tooth imprinted on his finger. But now, alas, she was not to be found; Nor from that hour could anything be guessed, But that she was not! Weary of his life, Francesco flew to Venice, and, forthwith. Flung it away in battle with the Turk. Orsini lived, — and long mightst thou have seen An old man wandering as in quest of something. Something he could not find, he knew not what. When he was gone, the house remained awhile Silent and tenantless, — then went to strangers. Full fifty years were past, and all forgot, When, on an idle day, a day of search [2811 POETICAL FAVORITES Mid the old lumber in the Gallery, That mouldering chest was noticed; and 't was said By one as young, as thoughtless as Ginevra, " Why not remove it from its lurking-place? " 'T was done as soon as said; but on the way It burst, it fell; and lo, a skeleton. With here and there a pearl, an emerald stone, A golden clasp, clasping a shred of gold! All else had perished, — save a nuptial-ring, And a small seal, her mother's legacy, Engraven with a name, the name of both, " Ginevra." There then had she found a grave! Within that chest had she concealed herself. Fluttering with joy, the happiest of the happy; When a spring-lock, that lay in ambush there, Fastened her down for ever! SONG OF THE MYSTIC BY FATHER ABRAM JOSEPH RYAN I walk down the Valley of Silence — Down the dim, voiceless valley — alone! And I hear not the fall of a footstep Around me, save God's and my own; And the hush of my heart is as holy As hovers where angels have flown ! Long ago was I weary of voices Whose music my heart could not win; Long ago was I weary of noises [2821 POETICAL FAVORITES That fretted my soul with their din; Long ago was I weary of places Where I met but the human — and sin. I walked in the world with the worldly; I craved what the world never gave; And I said: " In the world each Ideal, That shines like a star on life's wave, Is wrecked on the shores of the Real, And sleeps like a dream in a grave." And still did I pine for the Perfect, And still found the False with the True; I sought 'mid the Human for Heaven, But caught a mere glimpse of its Blue. And I wept when the clouds of the Mortal Veiled even that glimpse from my view. And I toiled on, heart-tired of the Human; And I moaned 'mid the mazes of men; Till I knelt, long ago, at an altar And I heard a voice call me : — since then I walk down the Valley of Silence That lies far beyond mortal ken. Do you ask what I found in the Valley? 'T is my Trysting Place with the Divine. And I fell at the feet of the Holy, And above me a voice said: " Be mine." And there arose from the depths of my spirit An echo — " My heart shall be thine." [283] POETICAL FAVORITES Do you ask how I live in the Valley? I weep — and I dream — and I pray. But my tears are as sweet as the dewdrops That fall on the roses in May; And my prayer, like a perfume from Censers, Ascendeth to God night and day. In the hush of the Valley of Silence I dream all the songs that I sing; And the music floats down the dim Valley, Till each finds a word for a wing, That to hearts, like the Dove of the Deluge, A message of Peace they may bring. But far on the deep there are billows That never shall break on the beach; And I have heard songs in the Silence, That never shall float into speech; And I have had dreams in the Valley, Too lofty for language to reach. And I have seen Thoughts in the Valley — Ah! me, how my spirit was stirred! And they wear holy veils on their faces, Their footsteps can scarcely be heard : They pass through the Valley like Virgins, Too pure for the touch of a word! Do you ask me the place of the Valley? Ye hearts that are harrowed by Care? It lieth afar between mountains, [284] POETICAL FAVORITES And God and His angels are there: And one is the dark mount of Sorrow, And one the bright mountain of Prayer! ARE THE CHILDREN AT HOME? BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER Each day, when the glow of sunset Fades in the western sky. And the wee ones, tired of playing, Go tripping lightly by, I steal away from my husband, Asleep in his easy-chair. And watch from the open doorway Their faces fresh and fair. Alone in the dear old homestead That once was full of life, Ringing with girlish laughter, Echoing boyish strife. We two are waiting together; And oft, as the shadows come. With tremulous voice he calls me, " It is night! are the children home? " " Yes, love! " I answer him gently, " They're all home long ago "; And I sing, in my quivering treble, A song so soft and low, Till the old man drops to slumber, With his head upon his hand, [285] POETICAL FAVORITES And I tell to myself the number At home in the better land. At home, where never a sorrow Shall dim their eyes with tears! Where the smile of God is on them ' Through all the summer years! I know, — yet my arms are empty, That fondly folded seven. And the mother heart within me Is almost starved for heaven. Sometimes, in the dusk of evening, I only shut my eyes, And the children are all about me, A vision from the skies : The babes whose dimpled fingers Lost the way to my breast. And the beautiful ones, the angels, Passed to the world of the blest. With never a cloud upon them, I see their radiant brows; My boys that I gave to freedom, — The red sword sealed their vows! In a tangled Southern forest. Twin brothers bold and brave. They fell ; and the flag they died for, Thank God! floats over their grave. A breath, and the vision is lifted Away on wings of Ught, [2861 POETICAL FAVORITES And again we two are together, All alone in the night. They tell me his mind is failing, But I smile at idle fears; He is only back with the children. In the dear and peaceful years. And still, as the summer sunset Fades away in the west, And the wee ones, tired of playing, Go trooping home to rest, My husband calls from his corner, " Say, love, have the children come? And I answer, with eyes uplifted, " Yes, dear, they are all at home." IRENE BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER [Written on the death of a young friend.] In sweetest blush of maiden bloom, A flower so rare in tint and line. The Gardener lifts thee to illume Some chosen place in realms divine. And deep must be the shadow here, Where thy fair presence ever made (So gentle wert thou, and so dear) A sunshine in the darkest shade. No memory of thy life is sad, We think of thee, with pure delight, [2871 POETICAL FAVORITES As alway making others glad, And ever speaking for the right. Like music set to tender words, Thy duties moved through quiet days. And still thy voice, like morning birds. Was only heard in tones of praise. While yet the dew was on the leaf, Thy heart was given to Christ the King; We dreamed not then that all too brief Would seem thy life, who saw- thee bring Sweet gifts, the gold of sacrifice. The myrrh of never doubting love. And all thou hadst of worth or price To offer to the Lord above. Our fair Irene! Our child of peace. Our hearts are rent with grief and pain. But thou of pain hast now surcease. Thou shalt not taste its draught again. Thy bitterness is over now, The Cross no more on thee shall press. No fear shall ever veil thy brow. Or sorrow give thy soul distress. Thou art with Him who loved thee more Than earthly friends, than nearest kin; We wait like watchers on the shore. But thou, to port, hath entered in. [2881 POETICAL FAVORITES And there, beyond the storm and strife, Beyond these tides with ebb and flow. Serene, in heaven's immortal hfe. Thy place is safe till we shall go. As one by one, we all must cross The stream so deep and dark and cold, Which leads us, far from mortal loss, To dwell within the gates of gold. 0! mourning ones! through tears and dread Of lonely days, this comfort glean. Your darling sleeps. She is not dead. With Clirist she lives! your blessed Irene. OUR OWN BY MARGARET E. SANGSTER If I had known, in the morning. How wearily all the day The words unkind would trouble my mind That I said when you went away, I had been more careful, darling. Nor given you needless pain; But — we vex our own with look and tone We might never take back again. For though in the quiet evening You may give me the kiss of peace. Yet it well might be that never for me The pain of the heart should cease; [2891 POETICAL FAVORITES How many go forth at morning Who never come home at night, And hearts have broken for harsh words spoke That sorrow can ne'er set right. We have careful thought for the stranger, And smiles for the sometime guest, But oft for our own the bitter tone, Though we love our own the best. Ah, lip with the curve impatient. Ah, brow with the shade of scorn, 'T were a cruel fate were the night too late To undo the work of morn. A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE BY EPES SARGENT A life on the ocean wave, A home on the rolling deep; Where the scatter'd waters rave. And the winds their revels keep! Like an eagle caged I pine On this dull, unchanging shore: Oh, give me the flashing brine. The spray and the tempest's roar! Once more on the deck I stand. Of my o^Ti swift-gliding craft: Set sail! farewell to the land; The gale follows fair abaft. [2901 POETICAL FAVORITES We shoot through the sparkUng foam, Like an ocean-bird set free, — Like the ocean-bird, our home We'll find far out on the sea. The land is no longer in view, The clouds have begun to frown; But with a stout vessel and crew, We'll say, Let the storm come down! And the song of our hearts shall be, While the winds and the waters rave, A home on the rolling sea! A life on the ocean wave! TREASURE IN HEAVEN BY JOHN GODFREY SAXE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO GEORGE PEABODY, ESQ. " What I spent, I had; what I left, I lost; what I gave, I have! " OLD EPITAPH Every coin of earthly treasure We have lavished, upon earth. For our simple worldly pleasure, May be reckoned something worth; For the spending was not losing, Though the purchase were but small; It has perished with the using: We have had it, — that is all! [2911 POETICAL FAVORITES All the gold we leave behind us When we turn to dust again (Though our avarice may blind us), We have gathered quite in vain; Since we neither can direct it, B3' the winds of fortune tossed, Nor in other worlds expect it: What we hoarded, we have lost. But each mercifid oblation — (Seed of pity wisely sown). What we gave in self-negation, We may safely call our own; For the treasiu-e freely given Is the treasure that we hoard, Since the angels keep in Heaven What is lent unto the Lord! THE OLD MAN'S MOTTO BY JOHN GODFREY SAXE "Give me a motto!" said a j'outh To one whom years had rendered wise; "Some pleasant thought, or weighty truth. That briefest syllables comprise; Some word of warning or of cheer To grave upon my signet here. "And, reverend father," said the boy, "Since life, thej^ say, is ever made A mingled web of grief and joy; [292] POETICAL FAVORITES Since cares may come and pleasures fade, Pray, let the motto have a range Of meaning matching every change." "Sooth!" said the sire, "methinks you ask A labor something over-nice. That well a finer brain might task. What think you, lad, of this device (Older than I, though I am gray), 'T is simple, — ' This will pass away ' ? "When wafted on by Fortune's breeze. In endless peace thou seem'st to glide. Prepare betimes for rougher seas. And check the boast of foolish pride; Though smiling joy is thine to-day. Remember, 'This will pass away!' "When all the sky is draped in black, And, beaten by tempestuous gales. Thy shuddering ship seems all a-wrack, Then trim again thy tattered sails; To grim Despair be not a prey; Bethink thee, 'This will pass away!' "Thus, my son, be not o'er-proud. Nor yet cast down; judge thou aright; When skies are clear, expect the cloud; In darkness, wait the coming light; Whatever be thy fate to-day. Remember, 'This will pass away!'" [293] POETICAL FAVORITES THE SUPERFLUOUS MAN BY JOHN GODFREY SAXE "It is ascertained by inspection of the registers of many countries, that the uniform proportion of male to female births is as 21 to 20: accordingly, in respect to marriage, every 21st man is natuially superfluous." — Treatise on Population. I long have been puzzled to guess, And so I have frequently said, What the reason could really be That I never have happened to wed; But now it is perfectly clear, I am under a natural ban; The girls are already assigned, — And I'm a superfluous man! Those clever statistical chaps Declare the numerical run Of women and men in the world. Is Twenty to Twenty-and-one; And hence in the pairing, you see. Since wooing and wedding began. For every connubial score, They've got a superfluous man! By twenties and twenties thej' go. And giddily rush to their fate, For none of the number, of course, Can fail of a conjugal mate; But while they are yielding in scores To Nature's inflexible plan. There's never a woman for me, — For I'm a superfluous man! [294] POETICAL FAVORITES It is n't that I am a churl, To solitude over-inclined; It isn't that I am at fault In morals or manner or mind; Then what is the reason, you ask, I'm still with the bachelor-clan? I merely was numbered amiss, — And I'm a superfluous man! It isn't that I am in want Of personal beauty or grace, For many a man with a wife Is uglier far in the face; Indeed, among elegant men I fancy myself in the van; But what is the value of that, When I'm a superfluous man? Although I am fond of the girls, For aught I could ever discern The tender emotion I feel Is one that they never return; 'T is idle to quarrel with fate. For, struggle as hard as I can. They're mated already, you know, — And I'm a superfluous man! No wonder I grumble at times. With women so pretty and plent}', To know that I never was born To figure as one of the Twenty; [2951 POETICAL FAVORITES But yet, when the average lot With critical vision I scan, I think it may be for the best That I'm a superfluous man! BREATHES THERE THE MAN BY SIR WALTER SCOTT [From "The Lay of the Last Minstrel," Canto VI.] Breathes there the man with soul so dead Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land! Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned, As home his footsteps he hath turned From wandering on a foreign strand ? If such there breathe, go, mark him well; For him no minstrel raptures swell; High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim, Despite those titles, power, and pelf, The wretch, concentred aU in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown. And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonored, and unsung. [296 POETICAL FAVORITES THE FOOL'S PRAYER BY EDWARD ROWLAND SILL The royal feast was done; the king Sought some new sport to banish care, And to his jester cried: "Sir Fool, Kneel now, and make for us a prayer!" The jester doffed his cap and bells, And stood the mocking court before: They could not see the bitter smile Behind the painted grin he wore. He bowed his head, and bent his knee Upon the monarch's silken stool; His pleading voice arose, "0 Lord, Be merciful to me, a fool! " No pity, Lord, could change the heart From red with wrong to white as wool; The rod must heal the sin; but. Lord, Be merciful to me, a fool! " 'Tis not by guilt the onward sweep Of truth and right, Lord, we stay; 'Tis by our follies that so long We hold the earth from heaven away. "These clumsy feet still in the mire, Go crushing blossoms without end; These hard, well-meaning hands we thrust Among the heartstrings of a friend. [297] POETICAL FAVORITES " The ill-timed truth we might have kept, — Who knows how sharp it pierced and stung ? The word we had not sense to say, — Who knows how grandly it had rung ? "Our faults no tenderness should ask. The chastening stripes must cleanse them all; But for our blunders, — oh, in shame Before the eyes of heaven we fall. "Earth bears no balsam for mistakes; Men crown the knave, and scourge the tool That did his will; but Thou, Lord, Be merciful to me, a fool! " The room was hushed; in silence rose The king, and sought his gardens cool, And walked apart, and murmured low: " Be merciful to me, a fool! " IF I SHOULD DIE TO-NIGHT BY ARABELLE E. SMITH If I should die to-night, My friends would look upon my quiet face Before they laid it in its resting-place. And deem that death had left it almost fair; And, laying snow-white flowers against my hair, Would smooth it down with tearful tenderness. And fold my hands with lingering caress, — Poor hands, so empty and so cold to-night! [298] POETICAL FAVORITES If I should die to-night, My friends would call to mind, with loving thought, Some kindly deed the icy hands had wrought; Some gentle word the frozen lips had said; Errands on which the willing feet had sped; The memory of my selfishness and pride, My hasty words, would all be put aside, And so I should be loved and mourned to-night. If I should die to-night, Even hearts estranged would turn once more to me, Recalling other days remorsefully; The eyes that chill me with averted glance Would look upon me as of yore, perchance, And soften, in the old familiar way; For who could war with dumb, unconscious clay! So I might rest, forgiven of all, to-night. Oh, friends, I pray to-night. Keep not your kisses for my dead, cold brow — The way is lonely, let me feel them now. Think gently of me; I am travel- worn; My faltering feet are pierced with many a thorn. Forgive, oh, hearts estranged, forgive, I plead! When dreamless rest is mine I shall not need The tenderness for which I long to-night. 299 POETICAL FAVORITES AMERICA BY SAMUEL F. SMITH My country, 't is of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain-side Let freedom ring. My native country, thee — Land of the noble, free — Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills. Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze. And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song: Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, — The sound prolong. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty. To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King. [3001 POETICAL FAVORITES THE PAUPER'S DEATH-BED BY CAROLINE ANNE BOWLES SOUTHEY Tread softly, — bow the head, — In reverent silence bow, — No passing-bell doth toll, Yet an immortal soul Is passing now. Stranger! however great. With lowly reverence bow; There's one in that poor shed — One by that paltry bed — Greater than thou. Beneath that beggar's roof, Lo! Death doth keep his state. Enter, no crowds attend; Enter, no guards defend This palace gate. That pavement, damp and cold, No smihng courtiers tread; One silent woman stands, Lifting with meagre hands A dying head. No mingling voices sound, — An infant wail alone; A sob suppressed, — again That short deep gasp, and then — The parting groan. [301] POETICAL FAVORITES change! wondrous change! Burst are the prison bars, — This moment, there, so low, So agonized, and now, — Beyond the stars. change! stupendous change! There hes the soulless clod; The sun eternal breaks. The new immortal wakes, — Wakes with his God! THE BOYS THAT RUN THE FURROW BY FRANK L. STANTON You can write it down as gospel. With the flags of peace unfurled. The boys that run the furrow Are the boys that rule the world! It is written on the hilltops, In the fields where blossoms blend: Prosperity is ending Where the furrow has an end! The glory of the battle. Of clashing swords blood-red, Is nothing to the warfare Of the battle-hosts of bread! The waving banners of the fields O'er the broad land unfurled — The boys that run the furrow Are the boys that rule the world! [302] POETICAL FAVORITES A LITTLE HAND BY FRANK L. STANTON Perhaps there are tenderer, sweeter things Somewhere in tills sun-bright land; But I thank the Lord for His blessing, And the clasp of a little hand. A Uttle hand that softly stole Into my own that day. When I needed the touch that I loved so much, To strengthen me on the way. Softer it seemed than the softest down On the breast of the gentlest dove; But its timid press and its faint caress Were strong in the strength of love! It seemed to say in a strange, sweet way, " I love you and understand," And calmed my fears as my hot heart tears Fell over that little hand. Perhaps there are tenderer, sweeter things Somewhere in this sun-bright land; But I thank the Lord for His blessing, And the clasp of a little hand. 303 POETICAL FAVORITES THE DOORSTEP BY EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN The conference-meeting through at last, We boys around the vestry waited To see the girls come tripping past Like snowbirds willing to be mated. Not braver he that leaps the wall By level musket-flashes litten, Than I, who stepped before them all, Who longed to see me get the mitten. But no; she blushed and took my arm! We let the old folks have the highway, And started towards the Maple Farm Along a kind of lovers' by-way. I can't remember what we said, 'Twas nothing worth a song or story; Yet that rude path by which we sped Seemed all transformed and in a glory. The snow was crisp beneath our feet, The moon was full, the fields were gleaming; By hood and tippet sheltered sweet. Her face with youth and health was beaming. The little hand outside her muff — sculptor, if you could but mould it! So lightly touched my jacket-cuff. To keep it warm I had to hold it. [3041 POETICAL FAVORITES To have her with me there alone, — 'T was love and fear and triumph blended. At last we reached the foot-worn stone Where that delicious journey ended. The old folks, too, were almost home; Her dimpled hand the latches fingered; We heard the voices nearer come, Yet on the doorstep still we lingered. She took her ringlets from her hood. And with a " Thank you, Ned," dissembled; But yet I knew she understood With what a daring wish I trembled. A cloud past kindly overhead. The moon was slyly peeping through it, Yet hid its face, as if it said, " Come, now or never! do it! do it! " My lips till then had only known The kiss of mother and of sister. But somehow full upon her own Sweet, rosy, darhng mouth — I kissed her! Perhaps 'twas boyish love, yet still, O, listless woman! weary lover! To feel once more that fresh, wild thrill I'd give — but who can live youth over? 305 POETICAL FAVORITES CHRISTMAS AT SEA BY EGBERT LOUTS STEVENSON The sheets were frozen hard, and they cut the naked hand; The decks were hke a sUde, where a seaman scarce could stand; The wind was a nor'wester, blowing squally off the sea; And cliffs and spouting breakers were the only things a-lee. They heard the surf a-roaring before the break of day; But 'twas only with the peep of light we saw how ill we lay. We tumbled every hand on deck instanter, with a shout, And we gave her the maintops'l, and stood by to go about. All day we tacked and tacked between the South Head and the North ; All day we hauled the frozen sheets, and got no further forth; All day as cold as charity, in bitter pain and dread. For very life and nature we tacked from head to head. We gave the South a wider berth, for there the tide- race roared; But every tack we made we brought the North Head close aboard: [3061 POETICAL FAVORITES So's we saw the cliffs and houses, and the breakers running high, And the coastguard in his garden, with his glass against his eye. The frost was on the village roofs as white as ocean foam; The good red fires were burning bright in every 'long- shore home; The windows sparkled clear, and the chimneys volleyed out; And I vow we sniffed the victuals as the vessel went about. The bells upon the church were rung with a mighty jovial cheer; For it's just that I should tell you how (of all days in the year) This day of our adversity was blessed Christmas morn, And the house above the coastguard's was the house where I was born. well I saw the pleasant room, the pleasant faces there, My mother's silver spectacles, my father's silver hair; And well I saw the firelight, like a flight of homely elves, Go dancing round the china-plates that stand upon the shelves. » And well I knew the talk they had, the talk that was of me, [307] POETICAL FAVORITES Of the shadow on the household and the son that went to sea; And the wicked fool I seemed, in every kind of way, To be here and hauling frozen ropes on blessed Christ- mas Day. They lit the high sea-light, and the dark began to fall. "All hands to loose topgallant sails," I heard the cap- tain call. "By the Lord, she'll never stand it," our first mate, Jackson, cried. "It's the one way or the other, Mr. Jackson," he replied. She staggered to her bearings, but the sails were new and good. And the ship smelt up to windward just as though she understood. As the winter's day was ending, in the entry of the night. We cleared the weary headland, and passed below the light. And they heaved a mighty breath, every soul on board but me. As they saw her nose again pointing handsome out to sea; But all that I could think of, in the darkness and the cold, Was just that I was leaving home a*id my folks were growing old. [308] POETICAL FAVORITES THE DEPARTED FRIEND BY EGBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Though he that ever kind and true Kept stoutly step by step with you, Your whole long, gusty lifetime through, Be gone a while before — Be now a moment gone before. Yet doubt not; anon the seasons shall restore Your friend to you. He has but turned a corner — still He pushes on with right good will Through mire and marsh, by heugh and hill, That self-same arduous way — That self-same upland hopeful way That you and he through many a doubtful day Attempted still. He is not dead, this friend — not dead, But in the path we mortals tread Got some few, trifling steps ahead And nearer to the end. So that you, too, once past the bend, Shall meet again, as face to face, this friend You fancy dead. Push gayly on, strong heart; the while You travel forward mile by mile, He loiters with a backward smile Till you can overtake, And strains his eyes to search his wake. Or, whistling, as he sees you through the brake, Waits on a stile. [3091 POETICAL FAVORITES BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF YEARS BY ALGEKNON CHARLES SWINBURNE Before the beginning of years There came to the making of man Time, with a gift of tears; Grief, with a glass that ran; Pleasure, with pain for leaven; Summer, with flowers that fell; Remembrance, fallen from heaven; And madness risen from hell; Strength, without hands to smite; Love, that endures for a breath; Night, the shadow of light. And life, the shadow of death. And the high gods took in hand Fire, and the falling of tears. And a measure of sliding sand From under the feet of the years; And froth and drift of the sea; And dust of the laboring earth; And bodies of things to be In the houses of death and of birth; And wrought with weeping and laughter, And fashion'd with loathing and love. With life before and after. And death beneath and above. For a day and a night and a morrow. That his strength might endure for a span With travail and heavy sorrow, The holy spirit of man. [3101 POETICAL FAVORITES From the winds of the north and the south They gather'd as unto strife; They breathed upon his mouth, They fill'd his body with life; Eyesight and speech they ^Tought For the veils of the soul therein, A time for labor and thought, A time to serve and to sin; They gave him light m his ways, And love, and a space for delight. And beauty and length of days, And night, and sleep in the night. His speech is a burning fire; With his lips he travaileth; In his heart is a blind desire. In his eyes foreknowledge of death; He weaves, and is clothed with derision; Sows, and he shall not reap; His life is a watch or a vision Between a sleep and a sleep. THE SONG OF THE CAMP BY BAYARD TAYLOR " Give us a song! " the soldiers cried. The outer trenches guarding. When the heated guns of the camps aUied Grew weary of bombarding. The dark Redan, in silent scoff. Lay grim and threatening under; [311] POETICAL FAVORITES And the tawny mound of the Malakoff No longer belch'd its thunder. There was a pause. A guardsman said : " We storm the forts to-morrow; Sing while we may, another day Will bring enough of sorrow." They lay along the battery's side, Below the smoking cannon: Brave hearts from Severn and from Clyde, And from the banks of Shannon. They sang of love, and not of fame; Forgot was Britain's glory: Each heart recaU'd a different name, But aU sang " Annie Laurie." Voice after voice caught up the song. Until its tender passion Rose like an anthem, rich and strong, — Their battle-eve confession. Dear girl, her name he dared not speak. But as the song grew louder. Something upon the soldier's cheek Wash'd off the stains of powder. Beyond the darkening ocean burn'd The bloody sunset's embers. While the Crimean valleys learn'd How English love remembers. [312] POETICAL FAVORITES And once again a fire of hell Rain'd on the Russian quarters, With scream of shot, and burst of shell, And bellowing of the mortars! And Irish Nora's eyes are dim; For a singer dumb and gory; And English Mary mourns for him Who sang of " Annie Laurie." Sleep, soldiers! still in honor 'd rest Your truth and valor wearing: The bravest are the tenderest, — The loving are the daring. BREAK, BREAK, BREAK BY ALFRED TENNYSON Break, break, break, On thy cold gray stones, sea! And I would that my tongue could utter The thoughts that arise in me. well for the fisherman's boy That he shouts with his sister at play! well for the sailor lad That he sings in his boat on the bay! And the stately ships go on. To the haven under the hill; [313] POETICAL FAVORITES But for the touch of a vanished hand, And the sound of a voice that is still! Break, break, break, At the foot of thy crags, sea! But the tender grace of a day that is dead Will never come back to me. THE BUGLE BY ALFRED TENNYSON [From " The Princess."] The splendor falls on castle walls And snowy summits old in story: The long hght shakes across the lakes, And the wild cataract leaps in glory. Blow, bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying, Blow, bugle; answer, echoes, dying, dying, dying. O hark! hear! how thin and clear. And thinner, clearer, farther going! sweet and far, from cliff and scar. The horns of Elfland faintly blowing! Blow, let us hear the purple glens replying: Blow, bugle; answer, echoes, dying, dying, dying. O love, they die in yon rich sky. They faint on hill or field or river; Our echoes roll from soul to soul. And grow forever and forever. Blow, bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying. And answer, echoes, answer, dying, dying, dying. [314] POETICAL FAVORITES CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE BY ALFRED TENNYSON Half a league, half a league. Half a league onward, All in the vaUey of Death Rode the six hundred. " Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns! " he said; Into the valley of Death Rode the sLx hundred. " Forward, the Light Brigade! " Was there a man dismayed ? Not though the soldier knew Some one had blundered: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them. Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well; Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell, Rode the six hundred. [315] POETICAL FAVORITES Flashed all their sabres bare, Flashed as they turned in air, Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wondered: Plunged in the battery-smoke. Right through the line they broke: Cossack and Russian Reeled from the sabre-stroke, Shattered and sundered. Then they rode back, but not — Not the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them. Cannon behind them Volleyed and thundered: Stormed at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell. They that had fought so well Came through the jaws of Death Back from the mouth of Hell, — All that was left of them. Left of six hundred. When can their glory fade? the wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honor the charge they made! Honor the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred! [3161 POETICAL FAVORITES CROSSING THE BAR BY ALFRED TENNYSON Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. LADY CLARA VERE DE VERE BY ALFRED TENNYSON Lady Clara Vere de Vere, Of me you shall not win renown; You thought to break a country heart For pastime, ere you went to town. [3171 POETICAL FAVORITES At me you smiled, but unbeguiled I saw the snare, and I retired: The daughter of a hundred Earls, You are not one to be desired. Lady Clara Vere de Vere, I know you proud to bear your name ; Your pride is yet no mate for mine, Too proud to care from whence I came. Nor would I break for your sweet sake A heart that dotes on truer charms. A simple maiden in her flower Is worth a hundred coats-of-arms. Lady Clara Vere de Vere, Some meeker pupil you must find, For were you queen of all that is, I could not stoop to such a mind. You sought to prove how I could love, And my disdain is my reply. The lion on your old stone gates Is not more cold to you than I. Lady Clara Vere de Vere, You put strange memories in my head. Not thrice your branching limes have blown Since I beheld young Laurence dead. your sweet eyes, your low replies: A great enchantress you may be; But there was that across his throat Which you had hardly cared to see. [3181 POETICAL FAVORITES Lady Clara Vere de Vere, When thus he met his mother's view, She had the passions of her kind, She spake some certain truths of you. Indeed I heard one bitter word That scarce is fit for you to hear; Her manners had not that repose Which stamps the caste of Vere de Vere. Lady Clara Vere de Vere, There stands a spectre in your hall : The guilt of blood is at your door: You changed a wholesome heart to gall. You held your course without remorse. To make him trust his modest worth, And, last, you fixed a vacant stare. And slew him with your noble birth. Trust me, Clara Vere de Vere, From yon blue heavens above us bent The grand old gardener and his wife Smile at the claims of long descent. Howe'er it be, it seems to me, 'T is only noble to be good. Kind hearts are more than coronets, And simple faith than Norman blood. I know you, Clara Vere de Vere : You pine among your halls and towers: The languid light of your proud eyes Is wearied of the rolling hours. [319] POETICAL FAVORITES In glowing health, with boundless wealth. But sickening of a vague disease, You know so ill to deal with time, You needs must play such pranks as these. Clara, Clara Vere de Vere, If Time be heavy on your hands, Are there no beggars at your gate. Nor any poor about your lands ? Oh! teach the orphan-boy to read, Or teach the orphan-girl to sew. Pray Heaven for a human heart. And let the foolish yeoman go. LADY CLARE BY ALFRED TENNYSON It was the time when lilies blow, And clouds are highest up in air. Lord Ronald brought a hly-white doe To give his cousin, Lady Clare. I trow they did not part in scorn: Lovers long betroth 'd were they: They two wiU wed the morrow morn: God's blessing on the day! " He does not love me for my birth, Nor for my lands so broad and fair; He loves me for my own true worth, And that is well," said Lady Clare. [3201 POETICAL FAVORITES In there came old Alice the nurse, Said, " Who was this that went from thee ? " " It was my cousin," said Lady Clare, " To-morrow he weds with me." " Oh, God be thank'd! " said Alice the nurse, " That all comes round so just and fair: Lord Ronald is heir of all your lands, And you are not the Lady Clare." " Are ye out of your mind, my nurse, my nurse ? ' Said Lady Clare, " that ye speak so wild?" " As God's above," said Alice the nurse, " I speak the truth: you are my child. The old earl's daughter died at my breast; I speak the truth, as I live by bread! I buried her like my own sweet child, And put my child m her stead." " Falsely, falsely have ye done, mother," she said, " if this be true, To keep the best man under the sun So many years from his due." " Nay now, my child," said Alice the nurse, " But keep the secret for your life. And all you have will be Lord Ronald's, When you are man and wife." " If I'm a beggar born," she said, " I will speak out, for I dare not lie. [3211 POETICAL FAVORITES Pull off, pull off the brooch of gold, And fling the diamond necklace by." " Nay now, my child," said Alice the nurse, " But keep the secret all ye can." She said, " Not so: but I will know If there be any faith in man." " Nay now, what faith ? " said Alice the nurse, " The man will cleave unto his right." " And he shall have it," the lady rephed, " Though I should die to-night." " Yet give one kiss to your mother, dear! ' Alas, my child, I sinn'd for thee." " mother, mother, mother," she said, " So strange it seems to me! " Yet here's a kiss for my mother dear, My mother dear, if this be so, And lay your hand upon my head, And bless me, mother, ere I go." She clad herself in a russet gown. She was no longer Lady Clare: She went by dale, and she went by down, With a single rose in her hair. The lily-white doe Lord Ronald had brought Leapt up from where she lay, Dropp'd her head in the maiden's hand. And foUow'd her all the way. [322] POETICAL FAVORITES Down stepp'd Lord Ronald from his tower: " Lady Clare, you shame your worth! Why come you dress'd like a village maid, That are the flower of the earth ? " " If I come dress'd like a village maid, I am but as my fortunes arc : I am a beggar born," she said, " And not the Lady Clare." " Play me no tricks," said Lord Ronald, " For I am yours in word and in deed. Play me no tricks," said Lord Ronald, " Your riddle is hard to read." Oh, and proudly stood she up! Her heart within her did not fail: She look'd into Lord Ronald's eyes. And told him all her nurse's tale. He laugh'd a laugh of merry scorn: He turn'd and kiss'd her where she stood: " If you are not the heiress born, And I," said he, " the next in blood — " If you are not the heiress born. And I," said he, " the lawful heir, We two will wed to-morrow morn, And you shall still be Lady Clare." 323 POETICAL FAVORITES THE MAY QUEEN BY ALFRED TENNYSON You must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear; To-morrow '11 be the happiest time of all the glad new-year, — Of all the glad new-year, mother, the maddest, merri- est day; For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. There's many a black, black eye, they say, but none so bright as mine; There's Margaret and Mary, there's Kate and Caro- line; But none so fair as little Alice in all the land, they say: So I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. I sleep so sound all night, mother, that I shall never wake, If you do not call me loud when the day begins to break; But I must gather knots of flowers and buds, and garlands gay; For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. As I came up the valley, whom think ye should I see But Robin leaning on the bridge beneath the hazel- tree? [3241 POETICAL FAVORITES He thought of that sharp look, mother, I gave him yesterday, — But I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. He thought I was a ghost, mother, for I was all in white ; And I ran by him without speaking, hke a flash of light. They call me cruel-hearted, but I care not what they say, For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. They say he's dying all for love, — but that can never be; They say his heart is breaking, mother, — what is that to me ? There's many a bolder lad '11 woo me any summer day; And I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. Little Effie shall go with me to-morrow to the green. And you'll be there, too, mother, to see me made the Queen; For the shepherd lads on every side '11 come from far away; And I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. [ 325 ] POETICAL FAVORITES The honeysuckle round the porch has woven its wavy- bowers, And by the meadow-trenches blow the faint sweet cuckoo-flowers; And the wild marsh-marigold shines like fire in swamps and hollows gray; And I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. The night-winds come and go, mother, upon the meadow-grass, And the happy stars above them seem to brighten as they pass; There will not be a drop of rain the whole of the live- long day; And I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. All the vaUey, mother, '11 be fresh and green and stiU, And the cowslip and the crowfoot are over all the hill, And the rivulet in the flowery dale 'U merrily glance and play, For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. So you must wake and caU me early, call me early, mother dear; To-morrow '11 be the happiest time of all the glad new-year; [326] POETICAL FAVORITES To-morrow '11 be of all the year the maddest, merriest day, For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. new-year's eve If you're waking, call me early, call me early, mother dear, For I would see the sun rise upon the glad new-year. It is the last new-year that I shall ever see, — Then you may lay me low i' the mould, and think no more of me. To-night I saw the sun set, — he set and left behind The good old year, the dear old time, and all my peace of mind; And the new-year's coming up, mother; but I shall never see The blossom on the blackthorn, the leaf upon the tree. Last May we made a crown of flowers; we had a merry day, — Beneath the hawthorn on the green they made me Queen of May; And we danced about the May-pole and in the hazel copse. Till Charles's Wain came out above the tall wliite chimney-tops. There's not a flower on all the hiUs, — the frost is on the pane; I only wish to live till the snowdrops come again. [327] POETICAL FAVORITES I wish the snow would melt and the sun come out on high, — I long to see a flower so before the day I die. The building rook '11 caw from the windy tall elm-tree, And the tufted plover pipe along the fallow lea, And the swallow '11 come back again with sunamer o'er the wave, But I shall lie alone, mother, within the mouldering grave. Upon the chancel-casement, and upon that grave of mine. In the early, early morning the summer sun '11 shine Before the red cock crows from the farm upon the hiU,— When you are warm-asleep mother, and all the world is still. When the flowers come again, mother, beneath the waning light You'll never see me more in the long gray fields at night; When from the dry dark wold the summer airs blow cool On the oat-grass and the sword-grass, and the bulrush in the pool. You'll bury me, my mother, just beneath the hawthorn shade, And you'll come sometimes and see me where I am lowly laid. [328] POETICAL FAVORITES I shall not forget you, mother; I shall hear you when you pass, With your feet above my head in the long and pleasant I have been wild and wayward, but you'll forgive me now; You'll kiss me, my own mother, upon my cheek and brow; Nay, nay, you must not weep, nor let your grief be wild; You should not fret for me, mother — you have another child. If I can, I'll come again, mother, from out my resting- place; Though you'll not see me, mother, I shall look upon your face; Though I cannot speak a word, I shall hearken what you say. And be often, often with you when you think I'm far away. Good night! good night! when I have said good night forevermore, And you see me carried out from the threshold of the door, Don't let Effie come to see me till my grave be growing green, — She'll be a better child to you then ever I have been. [329] POETICAL FAVORITES She'll find my garden tools upon the granary floor. Let her take 'em — they are hers; I shall never garden more. But tell her, when I'm gone, to train the rosebush that I set About the parlor window and the box of mignonette. Good night, sweet mother! Call me before the day is born. All night I lie awake, but I fall asleep at morn ; But I would see the sun rise upon the glad new- year, — So, if you're waking, call me, call me early, mother dear. CONCLUSION I thought to pass away before, and yet alive I am; And in the fields all round I hear the bleating of the lamb. How sadly, I remember, rose the morning of the j^ar! To die before the snowdrop came, and now the violet's here. 0, sweet is the new \\o\e\, that comes beneath the skies; And sweeter is the young lamb's voice to me that camiot rise; And sweet is all the land about, and all the flowers that blow; And sweeter far is death than life, to me that long to go. [330] POETICAL FAVORITES It seemed so hard at first, mother, to leave the blessed sun, And now it seems as hard to stay; and yet, His will be done! But still I think it can't be long before I find release; And that good man, the clergyman, has told me words of peace. O, blessings on his kindly voice, and on his silver hair! And blessings on his whole life long, until he meet me there ! 0, blessings on his kindly heart and on liis silver head! A thousand times I blest him, as he knelt beside my bed. He taught me all the mercy, for he showed me all the sin; Now, though my lamp was hghted late, there's One will let me in. Nor would I now be well, mother, again, if that could be; For my desire is but to pass to Him that died for me. I did not hear the dog howl, mother, or the death- watch beat, — There came a sweeter token when the night and morn- ing meet; But sit beside my bed, mother, and put your hand in mine, And EflBe on the other side, and I will tell the sign. [3311 POETICAL FAVORITES All in the wild March-morning I heard the angels call, — It was when the moon was setting, and the dark was over all; The trees began to whisper, and the wind began to roll, And in the wild March-morning I heard them call my soul. For, lying broad awake, I thought of you and Effie dear; I saw you sitting in the house, and I no longer here; With all my strength I prayed for both, — and so I felt resigned, And up the valley came a swell of music on the wind. I thought that it was fancy, and I listened in my bed; And then did something speak to me, — I know not what was said; For great delight and shuddering took hold of all my mind. And up the valley came again the music on the wind. But you were sleeping; and I said, " It's not for them, — it's mine"; And if it comes three times, I thought, I take it for a sign. And once again it came, and close beside the window- bars; Then seemed to go right up to heaven and die among the stars. [3321 POETICAL FAVORITES So now I think my time is near; I trust it is. I know The blessed music went that way my soul will have to go. And for myself, indeed, I care not if I go to-day; But Effie, you must comfort her when I am past away. And say to Robin a kind word, and tell him not to fret; There's many a worthier than I, would make him happy yet. If I had lived — I cannot tell — I might have been his wife; But all these things have ceased to be, with my desire of life. O, look ! the sun begins to rise! the heavens are in a glow; He shines upon a hundred fields, and all of them I know. And there I move no longer now, and there his light may shine, — Wild flowers in the valley for other hands than mine. O, sweet and strange it seems to me, that ere this day is done The voice that now is speaking may be beyond the sun, — Forever and forever with those just souls and true, — And what is life, that we should moan? why make we such ado ? [3331 POETICAL FAVORITES Forever and forever, all in a blessed home, And there to wait a little while till you and Effie come, — To lie within the light of God, as I lie upon your breast, — And the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. TO-MORROW BY ALFKED TENNYSON Her that yer Honor was spakin' to ? Whin, yer Honor ? last year — Standin' here be the bridge, whin last yer Honor was here; An', yer Honor, ye gev her the top o' the mornin'; " To-morra," says she. What did they call her, yer Honor? They call'd her Molly Magee. An' yer Honor's the thrue ould blood that always manes to be kind, But there's rason in all things, yer Honor, for Molly was out o' her mind. Shure, an' meself remimbers wan night comin' down be the sthrame, An' it seems to me now like a bit o' yistherday in a dhrame — Here where yer Honor seen her — there was but a slip of a moon. But I hard thim — Molly Magee wid her batchelor, Danny O'Roon — [334] POETICAL FAVORITES " You've been takin' a dhrop o' the crathur," and Danny says, " Troth, an' I been Dhrinkin' yer health wid Shamus O'Shea at Katty's shebeen; * But I must be lavin' ye soon." " Ochone, are ye goin' away ? " " Goin' to cut the Sassenach whate," he says, " over the say " — " An' whin will ye meet me agin? " An' I hard him, " Molly asthore, " I'll meet ye agin to-morra," says he, " be the chapel- door." " And whin' are ye goin' to lave me ? " " Oh, Mon- day mornin'," says he; "An' shure, thin, ye'll meet me to-morra?" "To- morra, to-morra, machree! " Thin Molly's ould mother, yer Honor, that had no likin' for Dan, Call'd from her cabin an' tould her to come away from the man ; An' Molly Magee kem flyin' acrass me, as light as a lark. An' Dan stood there for a minute, an' thin wint into the dark. But wirrah ! the storm that night — the tundher, and rain that fell. An* the sthrames runnin' dovvoi at the back o' the glin 'ud 'a' dhrownded hell. * Grog-shop. [335] POETICAL FAVORITES But airth was at pace nixt mornin', an' hivin in its glory smiled, As the Holy Mother o' Glory that smiles at her sleepin' child — Ethen — she stept an the chapel-green, an' she turn'd herself roun', Wid a diamond dhrop in her eye, for Danny was not to be foun' ; An' many's the time that I watch'd her at mass, lettin' down the tear, For the divil a Danny was there, yer Honor, for forty year. Och, Molly Magee, wid the red o' the rose an' the white o' the May, An' yer hair as black as the night, an' yer eyes as bright as the day! Achora, yer laste little whishioer was sweet as the lilt of a bird! Acuslila, ye set me heart batin' to music wid ivery word! An' sorra the queen wid her sceptre in sich an illigant han', An' the fall o' yer foot in the dance was as light as snow an the Ian'. An' the sun kem out of a cloud whiniver ye walkt in the shtreet. An' Shamus O'Shea was yer shadda, an' laid himself undher yer feet; [3361 POETICAL FAVORITES An' I loved ye meself wid a heart an' a half, me darlin', an' he 'Ud 'a' shot his own soul for a kiss o' ye, Molly Magee. But shure we wor betther frinds whin I cracked his skull for her sake. An' he ped me back wid the best he could give at ould Donovan's wake — For the boys wor about her agin, whin Dan didn't come to the fore, An' Shamus along wid the rest, but she put thim all to the door. An', afther, I thried her meself, av the bird 'ud come to me call. But MoUy, begorrah, 'ud listen to naither at all, at all. An' her nabours an' frinds 'ud consowl an' condowl wid her, airly an' late. " Your Danny," they says, " niver crasst over say to the Sassenach whate ; He's gone to the States, aroon, an' he's married another wife. An' ye'U niver set eyes on the face of the thraithur agin in life! An' to dhrame of a married man, death alive, is a mortial sin." But MoUy says, " I'd his hand-promise, an' shure he'll meet me agin." An' afther her parints had inter'd glory, an' both in wan day, [3371 POETICAL FAVORITES She began to spake to herself, the crathur, an' whish- per, an' say, " To-morra, to-morra! " An' Father Molowny he tuk her in han', " Molly, ye're manin'," he says, " me dear, av I und- herstan', Then ye'U meet yer parints agin an' yer Danny O'Roon afore God, Wid His blessed marthyrs an' saints"; an' she gev him a frindly nod, " To-morra, to-morra," she says, an' she didn't intind to desave. But her wits wor dead, an' her hair was as white as the snow an a grave. Arrah, now, here last month they wor diggin' the bog, an' they foun', Dhrownded in black bog-wather, a corp' lyin' un- dher groun'. Arrah, thin, they laid this body they foun' an the grass Be the chapel-door, an' the people 'ud see it that wint into mass — But a frish gineration had riz, an' most o' the ould was few. An' I didn't know him meself, an' none o' the parish knew. But Molly kem limpin' up wid her stick — she was lamed iv a knee. Thin a slip of a gossoon call'd, " Div ye know him, Molly Magee ? " [338] POETICAL FAVORITES An' she stood up straight as the queen o' the world, — she hfted her head — " He said he would meet me to-morra! " an' dhropt down dead an the dead. Och, Molly, we thought, machree, ye would start back agin into life. Whin we laid 5^62 aich be aich, at yer wake, like hus- ban' an' wife. Sorra the dhry eye thin but was wet for the frinds that was gone! Sorra the silent tliroat but we hard it cryin' " Ochone! " An' Shamus O'Shea, that has now ten childer, han'- some an' tall. Him an' his childer wor keenin' as if he had lost thim all. Thin his Riverence buried thim both in wan grave be the elder-tree. The young man, Danny O'Roon, wid his ould woman, Molly Magee. May all the flowers o' Jeroosilim blossom an' spring from the grass, Imbrashin' an' kissin' aich other — as ye did — over yer Crass ! An' the lark fly out o' the flowers wid his song to the sun an' the moon, An' tell thim in hivin about Molly Magee an' her Danny O'Roon, Till holy St. Pether gets up wid his kays an' opens the 339 POETICAL FAVORITES An' shure, be the Crass, that's betther nor cuttin' the Sassenach whate, To be there wid the Blessed Mother, an' samts an' marthyrs galore, An' singin' yer " aves " an' " pathers " foriver an' ivermore. LITTLE BILLEE BY WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY There were three sailors of Bristol City Who took a boat and went to sea. But first with beef and captain's biscuits And pickled pork they loaded she. There was gorging Jack, and guzzling Jimmy, And the youngest he was little Billee; Now when they'd got as far as the Equator, They'd nothing left but one split pea. Says gorging Jack to guzzling Jimmy, " I am extremely hungaree." To gorging Jack says guzzling Jimmy, " We've nothing left, us must eat we." Says gorging Jack to guzzling Jimmy, " With one another we shouldn't agree! Ther's little Bill, he's young and tender, We're old and tough, so let's eat he." " Billy! we're going to kill and eat you, So undo the button of your chemie." [340] POETICAL FAVORITES When Bill received this information, He used his pocket-handkerchie. " First let me say my catechism Which my poor mother taught to me." " Make haste! make haste! " says guzzling Jimmy, While Jack pulled out his snickersnee. Billy went up to the main-top-gallant mast, And down he fell on his bended knee, He scarce had come to the Twelfth Commandment When up he jumps — " There's land I see! " Jerusalem and Madagascar And North and South Amerikee, There's the British flag a riding at anchor, With Admiral Napier, K. C. B." So when they got aboard of the Admiral's, He hanged fat Jack and flogged Jimmee, But as for little Bill he made him The Captain of a Seventy-tliree. THE MAHOGANY-TREE BY WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY Christmas is here; Winds whistle shrill, Icy and chill. Little care we; [3411 POETICAL FAVORITES Little we fear Weather without, Sheltered about The mahogany-tree. Once on the boughs Birds of rare plume Sang, in its bloom; Night-birds are we; Here we carouse, Singing, like them, Perched round the stem Of the jolly old tree. Here let us sport. Boys, as we sit, — Laughter and wit Flashing so free. Life is but short, — When we are gone, Let them sing on, Round the old tree. Evenings we knew, Happy as this; Faces we miss. Pleasant to see. Kind hearts and true. Gentle and just, Peace to your dust! We sing round the tree. [342] POETICAL FAVORITES Care, like a dun, Lurks at the gate: Let the dog wait; Happy we'll be! Drink, every one; Pile up the coals; Fill the red bowls. Round the old tree! Drain we the cup. — Friend, art afraid? Spirits are laid In the Red Sea. Mantle it up; Empty it yet; Let us forget, Round the old tree! Sorrows, begone! Life and its ills, Duns and their bills. Bid we to flee. Come with the dawn, Blue-devil sprite; Leave us to-night. Round the old tree! 343 POETICAL FAVORITES THE VANISHING ARMY — G. A. R. BY ARTHUR LEWIS TUBBS From the wave-washed strand of the Golden Land To the shores of the Eastern sea; From the mountains that fringe the frozen North To the Soutliland's flowery lea, Comes the tramp of feet to the drummer's beat, And the fife with its martial lay, For the soldier boys are marching again, To keep Memorial Day. They were heroes all when the trumpet's call Was heard in the days gone by; For their hearts were brave and their hearts were true, When they heard their country's cry. But now, as they come to the fife and drum, 'Tis a loving tribute to pay. And a path of flowers for these heroes of ours Is spread on Memorial Day. For the Stripes and Stars and the gleaming bars To a nation of peace belong, And a friendly cheer is all they hear, Or the children's voices in song. The weapons are rusted and silent now That once they used in the fray; They have only to bear the flowers fair, As they march on Memorial Day. The ranks grow thinner, the marchers fev/, And to-day the grasses grow [3441 POETICAL FAVORITES On many a mound that was not found But one short year ago. Whether they sleep the dreamless sleep, Or a little longer stay, We'll never forget the boundless debt The nation can never pay. Let Northern blossoms and Southern blooms Their tendrils intertwine: A token of peace that years increase And love hath made divine. And whether the heroes wore the blue. Or whether they wore the gray, We own them ours and scatter the flowers For all, on Memorial Day. WHEN BABY LAUGHS BY A. J. WATERHOUSE I wonder what she's dreaming 'bout, 'Long some time in the night. When of a sudden she laughs out In infantile delight. I guess some angel from above, Swift winging to and fro, Doth pause to whisper to my love Such words as babies know. And when she laughs I guess he flies Straight where God's hosts rejoice. And bears beyond the bending skies The music of her voice. [345] POETICAL FAVORITES Then, through the mighty anthem's swell Her laughter striketh clear, Sweeter than tone of any bell, And angels pause to hear. For what hath Heaven compared with this; The laughter of a child, Who still the note of pain doth miss, By dreams of night beguiled ? There beat so many voices here Of anguish and despair. What wonder if they hold it dear, The laugh that hides no care ? So when my baby's laugh rings out, I watch her fleeting smile. And say, " Some angel is about," And listen for a while To try to catch the whisper, too, In vain, in vain I try; For angels heed what babies do. But pass their elders by. THE HOLY CITY BY F. E. WEATHERLY Last night I lay a sleeping, There came a dream so fair, I stood in old Jerusalem Beside the temple there. I heard the children singing, [346] POETICAL FAVORITES And ever as they sang, Methought the voice of Angels From Heav'n in answer rang; Methought the voice of Angels From Heav'n in answer rang. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King! And then methought my dream was chang'd, The streets no longer rang, Hush'd were the glad Hosannas The little children sang. The sun grew dark with mystery, The morn was cold and chiU As the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill. As the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Hark ! how the Angels sing, Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna to your King. And once again the scene was chang'd, New earth there seem'd to be, I saw the Holy City Beside the tideless sea; The light of God was on its streets, The gates were open wide, And aU who would might enter, And no one was denied. [3471 POETICAL FAVORITES No need of moon or stars by night, Or sun to shine by day, It was the new Jerusalem That would not pass away, It was the new Jerusalem That would not pass away. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Sing for the night is o'er! Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna for evermore! Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna for evermore! THE QUESTIONER BY CARL WERNER I called the boy to my knee one day, And I said: "You're just past four; Will you laugh in that same light-hearted way When you're turned, say, thirty more?" Then I thought of a past I'd fain erase — More clouded skies than blue — And I anxiously peered in his upturned face For it seemed to say: "Did you?" I touched my lips to his tiny own And I said to the boy : "Heigh, ho! Those lips are as sweet as the hay, new-mown ; Will you keep them always so ?" Then back from those years came a rakish song [3481 POETICAL FAVORITES With a ribald jest or two — And I gazed at the child who knew no wrong, And I thought he asked: "Did you?" I looked in his eyes, big, brown and clear, And I cried: "Oh, boy of mine! Will you keep them true in the after-year ? Will you leave no heart to pine?" Then out of the past came another's eyes — Sad eyes of tear-dimmed blue — Did he know they were not his mother's eyes ? For he answered me: "Did you?" LINES ON THE DEATH OF HIS SON CHARLES BY DANIEL WEBSTER My son, thou wast my heart's delight, Thy morn of life was gay and cheery; That morn has rushed to sudden night, Thy father's house is sad and dreary. I held thee on my knee, my son! And kissed thee laughing, kissed thee weeping. But ah! thy little day is done, Thou'rt with thy angel sister sleeping. The staff, on which my years should lean, Is broken, ere those years come o'er me; My funeral rites thou shouldst have seen, But thou art in the tomb before me. [349] POETICAL FAVORITES Thou rear'st to me no filial stone, No parent's grave with tears beholdest; Thou art my ancestor, my son! And stand in Heaven's account the oldest. On earth my lot was soonest cast, Thy generation after mine. Thou hast thy predecessors past; Earlier eternity is thine. I should have set before thine eyes The road to Heaven, and showed it clear; But thou untaught spring'st to the skies, And leav'st thy teacher lingering here. Sweet Seraph, I would learn of thee, And hasten to partake thy bliss! And oh! to thy world welcome me. As first I welcomed thee to this. Dear Angel, thou art safe in Heaven; No prayers for thee need more be made; Oh! let thy prayers for those be given Who oft have blessed thy infant head. My Father! I beheld thee born And led thy tottering steps with care; Before me risen to Heaven's bright morn, My son! My Father! guide me there. 350 POETICAL FAVORITES THE ANGELS OF BUENA VISTA JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Speak and tell us, our Ximena, looking northward far away, O'er the camp of the invaders, o'er the Mexican array, Who is losing? who is ^vinning? are they far or come they near ? Look abroad, and tell us, sister, whither rolls the storm we hear. "Down the hills of Angostura still the storm of battle roUs; Blood is flowing, men are dying; God have mercy on their souls!" Who is losing? who is winning? — "Over hill and over plain, I see but smoke of cannon clouding tlirough the moun- tain rain." Holy Mother! keep our brothers! Look, Ximena, look once more. "Still I see the fearful whirlwind roUing darkly as before. Bearing on, in strange confusion, friend and foeman, foot and horse. Like some wild and troubled torrent sweeping down its mountain-course." 351 POETICAL FAVORITES Look forth once more, Ximena! "Ah! the smoke has roll'd away; And I see the Northern rifles gleaming down the ranks of gray. Hark! that sudden blast of bugles! there the troop of Minon wheels; There the Northern horses thunder, with the cannon at their heels. "Jesu, pity! how it thickens! now retreat and now advance! Right against the blazing cannon shivers Puebla's charging lance! Down they go, the brave young riders; horse and foot together fall : Like a ploughshare in the fallow, through them ploughs the Northern ball." Nearer came the storm, and nearer, rolling fast and frightful on: Speak, Ximena, speak and tell us, who has lost, and who has won ? "Alas! alas! I know not; friend and foe together fall. O'er the dying rush the living; pray, my sisters, for them all! "Lo! the wind the smoke is lifting: Blessed Mother, save my brain! I can see the wounded crawling slowly out from heaps of slain. [352] POETICAL FAVORITES Now they stagger, blind and bleeding; now they fall, and strive to rise; Hasten, sisters, haste and save them, lest they die before our eyes! "0 my heart's love! my dear one! lay thy poor head on my knee: Dost thou know the lips that kiss thee ? Canst thou hear me ? canst thou see ? my husband, brave and gentle! my Bernal, look once more On the blessed cross before thee! Mercy! mercy! all is o'er!" Dry thy tears, my poor Ximena; lay thy dear one down to rest; Let his hands be meekly folded, lay the cross upon his breast; Let his dirge be sung hereafter, and his funeral masses said; To-day, thou poor bereaved one, the living ask thy aid. Close beside her, faintly moaning, fair and young, a soldier lay. Torn with shot and pierced with lances, bleeding slow his life away; But, as tenderly before him the lorn Ximena knelt. She saw the Northern eagle shining on his pistol- belt. [3531 POETICAL FAVORITES With a stifled cry of horror straight she turn'd away her head; With a sad and bitter feeling look'd she back upon her dead; But she heard the youth's low moaning, and his struggling breath of pain, And she raised the cooling water to his parching lips again. Whispered low the dying soldier, press'd her hand and faintly smiled : Was that pitying face Iiis mother's ? did she watch beside her child ? All his stranger words with meaning her woman's heart supplied; With her kiss upon his forehead, "Mother!" mur- mured he and died! "A bitter curse upon them, poor boy, who led thee forth. From some gentle sad-eyed mother, weeping, lonely, in the North!" Spake the mournful Mexic woman, as she laid him with her dead. And turn'd to soothe the living, and bind the wounds which bled. Look forth once more, Ximena! "Like a cloud before the wind Rolls the battle down the mountain, leaving blood and death behind; [3541 POETICAL FAVORITES Ah! they plead in vain for mercy; in the dust the wounded strive; Hide your faces, holy angels! thou Christ of God, forgive!" Sink, night, among thy mountains! let the cool gray shadows fall; Dying brothers, fighting demons, drop thy curtain over all! Through the thickening winter twilight, wide apart the battle roU'd, In its sheath the sabre rested, and the cannon's lips grew cold. But the noble Mexic women still their holy task pur- sued. Through that long, dark night of sorrow, worn and faint and lacking food; Over weak and suffering brothers, with a tender care they hung. And the dying foeman bless'd them in a strange and Northern tongue. Not wholly lost, Father! is this evil world of ours; Upward, through its blood and ashes, spring afresh the Eden flowers; From its smoking hell of battle. Love and Pity send their prayer. And still thy white-wing'd angels hover dimly in our 355] POETICAL FAVORITES THE BAREFOOT BOY BY JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Blessings on thee, little man, Barefoot boy, with cheek of tan! With thy turned-up pantaloons. And thy merry whistled tunes; With thy red lip, redder still Kissed by strawberries on the hill; With the sunshine on thy face, Through thy torn brim's jaunty grace; From my heart I give thee joy, — I was once a barefoot boy! Prince thou art, — the grown-up man Only is republican. Let the million-dollared ride ! Barefoot, trudging at his side, Thou hast more than he can buy In the reach of ear and eye, — Outward sunshine, inward joy: Blessings on thee, barefoot boy! for boyhood's painless play, Sleep that wakes in laughing day. Health that mocks the doctor's rules, Knowledge never learned of schools. Of the wild bee's morning chase, Of the wild-flower's time and place, Fhght of fowl and habitude Of the tenants of the wood ; How the tortoise bears his shell, [3561 POETICAL FAVORITES How the woodchuck digs his cell, And the ground-mole sinks his well; How the robin feeds her young, How the oriole's nest is hung; Where the whitest lilies blow, Where the freshest berries grow, Where the ground-nut trails its vine, Where the wood-grape's clusters shine; Of the black wasp's cunning way. Mason of his walls of clay, And the architectural plans Of gray hornet artisans! — For, eschewing books and tasks, Nature answers all he asks; Hand in hand with her he walks, Face to face with her he talks, Part and parcel of her joy, — Blessings on the barefoot boy! for boyhood's time of June, Crowding years in one brief moon. When all things I heard or saw, Me, their master, waited for. I was rich in flowers and trees. Humming-birds and honey-bees; For my sport the squirrel played, Plied the snouted mole his spade; For my taste the blackberry cone Purpled over hedge and stone; Laughed the brook for my delight Through the day and through the night [3571 POETICAL FAVORITES Whispering at the garden wall, Talked with me from fall to fall; Mine the sand-rimmed pickerel pond, Mine the walnut slopes beyond, Mine, on bending orchard trees. Apples of Hesperides! Still as my horizon grew, Larger grew my riches too; All the world I saw or knew Seemed a complex Chinese toy, Fashioned for a barefoot boy! for festal dainties spread. Like my bowl of milk and bread, — Pewter spoon and bowl of wood, On the door-stone, gray and rude! O'er me, like a regal tent. Cloudy-ribbed, the sunset bent. Purple-curtained, fringed with gold. Looped in many a wind-swung fold; While for music came the play Of the pied frogs' orchestra; And, to light the noisy choir, Lit the fly his lamp of fire. I was monarch: pomp and joy Waited on the barefoot boy! Cheerly, then, my little man. Live and laugh, as boyhood can! Though the flinty slopes be hard. Stubble-speared the new-mown sward, [358] POETICAL FAVORITES Every morn shall lead thee through Fresh baptisms of the dew; Every evening from thy feet Shall the cool wind kiss the heat. All too soon these feet must hide In the prison cells of pride, Lose the freedom of the sod, Like a colt's for work be shod, Made to tread the mills of toil, Up and down in ceaseless moil: Happy if their track be found Never on forbidden ground; Happy if they sink not in Quick and treacherous sands of sin. Ah! that thou couldst know thy joy. Ere it passes, barefoot boy! IN SCHOOL-DAYS BY JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Still sits the school-house by the road, A ragged beggar smining; Around it still the sumachs grow, And blackberry-vines are running. Within, the master's desk is seen, Deep scarred by raps official; The warping floor, the battered seats, The jack-knife's carved initial; The charcoal frescos on its wall; Its door's worn sill, betraying [359] POETICAL FAVORITES The feet that, creeping slow to school, Went storming out to pla3dng! Long years ago a winter sun Shone over it at setting; Lit up its western window-panes, And low eaves' icy fretting. It touched the tangled golden curls, And brown eyes full of grieving, Of one who still her steps delayed When all the school were leaving. For near her stood the little boy Her childish favor singled; His cap pulled low upon a face Where pride and shame were mingled. Pushing with restless feet the snow To right and left, he hngered; — As restlessly her tiny hands The blue-checked apron fingered. He saw her lift her eyes; he felt The soft hand's light caressing, And heard the tremble of her voice, As if a fault confessing. I'm sorry that I spelt the word: I hate to go above you, Because," — the brown eyes lower fell, — " Because, you see, I love you! " [360] POETICAL FAVORITES Still memory to a gray-haired man That sweet child-face is showing. Dear girl! the grasses on her grave Have forty years been growing! He lives to learn, in life's hard school, How few who pass above him Lament their triumph and his loss. Like her, — because they love him. MAUD MULLER BY JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Maud Muller, on a summer's day. Raked the meadow sweet with hay. Beneath her torn hat glowed the wealth Of simple beauty and rustic health. Singing, she wrought, and her merry glee The mock-bird echoed from his tree. But, when she glanced to the far-off town, White from its hill-slope looking down. The sweet song died, and a vague unrest And a nameless longing filled her breast, — A wish, that she hardly dared to own. For something better than she had known. [361] POETICAL FAVORITES The Judge rode slowly down the lane, Smoothing his horse's chestnut mane. He drew his bridle in the shade Of the apple-trees, to greet the maid. And ask a draught from the spring that flowed Through the meadow, across the road. She stooped where the cool spring bubbled up, And filled for him her small tin cup, And blushed as she gave it, looking down On her feet so bare, and her tattered gown. Thanks! " said the Judge, " a sweeter draught From a fairer hand was never quaffed." He spoke of the grass and flowers and trees. Of the singing birds and the humming bees; Then talked of the haying, and wondered whether The cloud in the west would bring foul weather. And Maud forgot her brier-torn gown, And her graceful ankles, bare and brown, And listened, while a pleased surprise Looked from her long-lashed hazel eyes. At last, hke one who for delay Seeks a vain excuse, he rode away. [362] POETICAL FAVORITES Maud MuUer looked and sighed: " Ah me! That I the Judge's bride might be! " He would dress me up in silks so fine, And praise and toast me at his wine. " My father should wear a broadcloth coat, My brother should sail a painted boat. " I'd dress my mother so grand and gay, And the baby should have a new toy each day. " And I'd feed the hungry and clothe the poor, And all should bless me who left our door." The Judge looked back as he climbed the hill, And saw Maud Muller standing still : " A form more fair, a face more sweet. Ne'er hath it been my lot to meet. " And her modest answer and graceful air Show her wise and good as she is fair. " Would she were mine, and I to-day. Like her, a harvester of hay. " No doubtful balance of rights and wrongs, Nor weary lawyers with endless tongues, " But low of cattle, and song of birds, And health, and quiet, and loving words." [363] POETICAL FAVORITES But he thought of his sister, proud and cold, And his mother, vain of her rank and gold. So, closing his heart, the Judge rode on, And Maud was left in the field alone. But the lawyers smiled that afternoon. When he hunmied in court an old love tune; And the young girl mused beside the well, Till the rain on the unraked clover fell. He wedded a wife of richest dower, Who lived for fashion, as he for power. Yet oft, in his marble hearth's bright glow, He watched a picture come and go : And sweet Maud MuUer's hazel eyes Looked out in their innocent surprise. Oft, when the wine in his glass was red. He longed for the wayside well instead. And closed his eyes on his garnished rooms, To dream of meadows and clover blooms; And the proud man sighed with a secret pain, " Ah, that I were free again! " Free as when I rode that day Where the barefoot maiden raked the hay." [364] POETICAL FAVORITES She wedded a man unlearned and poor, And many children played round her door. But care and sorrow, and child-birth pain. Left their traces on heart and brain. And oft, when the summer sun shone hot On the new-mown hay in the meadow lot, And she heard the little spring brook fall Over the roadside, tlirough the wall. In the shade of the apple-tree again She saw a rider draw his rein. And, gazing down with a timid grace. She felt his pleased eyes read her face. Sometimes her narrow kitchen walls Stretched away into stately halls; The weary wheel to a spinnet turned, The tallow candle an astral burned; And for him who sat by the chimney lug, Dozing and grumbling o'er pipe and mug, A manly form at her side she saw, And joy was duty and love was law. Then she took up her burden of life again, Saying only, " It might have been." [365] POETICAL FAVORITES Alas for maiden, alas for judge, For rich repiner and household drudge! God pity them both! and pity us all, Who vainly the dreams of youth recall; For of all sad words of tongue or pen. The saddest are these: " It might have been! Ah, well! for us all some sweet hope lies Deeply buried from human eyes; And, in the hereafter, angels may Roll the stone from its grave away! THE SHEPHERD'S RESOLUTION BY GEORGE WITHER Shall I, wasting in despair. Die because a woman's fair ? Or make pale my cheeks with care 'Cause another's rosy are ? Be she fairer than the day. Or the flowery meads in May, — If she be not so to me. What care I how fair she be ? Shall my foolish heart be pined 'Cause I see a woman kind ? Or a well-disposed nature Joined with a lovely feature ? [3661 POETICAL FAVORITES Be she meeker, kinder than The turtle-dove or pehcan, — If she be not so to me, What care I how kind she be ? Shall a woman's virtues move Me to perish for her love ? Or, her well deservings known, Make me quite forget mine own ? Be she with that goodness blest Which may merit name of best, — If she be not such to me, What care I how good she be ? 'Cause her fortune seems too high, Shall I play the fool and die ? Those that bear a noble mind Where they want of riches find, Think what with them they would do That without them dare to woo: And unless that mind I see. What care I how great she be ? Great, or good, or kind, or fair, I will ne'er the more despair: If she love me, this believe, — I will die ere she shall grieve. If she slight me when I woo, I can scorn and let her go ; — For if she be not for me. What care I for whom she be ? [367] POETICAL FAVORITES BURIAL OF SIR JOHN MOORE BY CHARLES WOLFE Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note, As his corse to the rampart we hurried; Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot O'er the grave where our hero we buried. We buried him darkly, at dead of night. The sods with our bayonets turning; By the struggling moonbeams' misty light, And the lantern dimly burning. No useless coffin enclosed his breast, Not in sheet or in shroud we wound him; But he lay, like a warrior taking his rest. With his martial cloak around him, Few and short were the prayers we said, And we spoke not a word of sorrow; But we steadfastly gazed on the face of the dead. And we bitterly thought of the morrow. We thought, as we hollowed his narrow bed, And smoothed down his lonely pillow, That the foe and the stranger would tread o'er his head. And we far away on the billow! Lightly they'll talk of the spirit that's gone, And o'er his cold ashes upbraid him; But little he'll reck, if they let him sleep on In the grave where a Briton has laid him! [368] POETICAL FAVORITES But half of our heavy task was done, When the clock struck the hour for retiring; And we heard the distant and random gun That the foe was suddenly firing. Slowly and sadly we laid him down, From the field of his fame fresh and gory! We carved not a line, and we raised not a stone, But we left him alone with his glory. IF I HAD THOUGHT THOU COULDST HAVE DIED BY CHARLES WOLFE If I had thought thou couldst have died, I might not weep for thee; But I forgot, when by thy side. That thou couldst mortal be! It never through my mind had passed. The time would e'er be o'er, — And I on thee should look my last, And thou shouldst smile no more ! And stiU upon that face I look, And think 'twill smile again ; And still the thought I will not brook That I must look in vain! But when I speak, thou dost not say What thou ne'er left'st unsaid; And now I feel, as well I may. Sweet Mary! thou art dead! [3691 POETICAL FAVORITES If thou wouldst stay, e'en as thou art, All cold and all serene, — I still might press thy silent heart, And where thy smiles have been! While e'en thy chill, bleak corse I have, Thou seemest still mine own; But then I lay thee in thy grave, — And I am now alone! I do not think, where'er thou art, Thou hast forgotten me; And I, perhaps, may soothe this heart. In thinking too of thee: Yet there was round thee such a dawn Of light ne'er seen before, — As fancy never could have drawn, And never can restore! THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET BY SAMUEL WOODWORTH How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood, When fond recollection presents them to view! The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wildwood. And every loved spot which my infancy knew; The wide-spreading pond, and the mill which stood by it. The bridge, and the rock where the cataract fell; The cot of my father, the dairy-house nigh it, And e'en the rude bucket which hung in the well, — The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket. The moss-covered bucket which hung in the well. [370] POETICAL FAVORITES That moss-covered vessel I hail as a treasure; For often, at noon, when returned from the field, I found it the source of an exquisite pleasure. The purest and sweetest that nature can yield. How ardent I seized it, with hands that were glowing! And quick to the white-pebbled bottom it fell; Then soon, with the emblem of truth overflowing. And dripping with coolness, it rose from the well, — The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket. The moss-covered bucket, arose from the well. How sweet from the green mossy brim to receive it, As, poised on the curb, it inclined to my lips! Not a full blushing goblet could tempt me to leave it, Though filled with the nectar that Jupiter sips. And now, far removed from the loved situation, The tear of regret will intrusively swell. As fancy reverts to my father's plantation. And sighs for the bucket which hangs in the well, — The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket. The moss-covered bucket which hangs in the well. WE ARE SEVEN BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH A simple child. That lightly draws its breath. And feels its life in every limb. What should it know of death? I met a little cottage girl : She was eight years old, she said; [ 371 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Her hair was thick with many a curl That clustered round her' head. She had a rustic, woodland air, And she was wildly clad; Her eyes were fair, and very fair; — Her beauty made me glad. " Sisters and brothers, little maid, How many may you be ? " " How many? Seven in all," she said, And wondering looked at me. " And where are they ? I pray you tell. She answered, " Seven are we; And two of us at Conway dwell, And two are gone to sea; " Two of us in the churchyard lie, My sister and my brother; And, in the churchyard cottage, I Dwell near them with my mother." " You say that two at Conway dwell,. And two are gone to sea, Yet ye are seven! I pray you tell. Sweet maid, how this may be." Then did the little maid reply, " Seven boys and girls are we; Two of us in the churchyard lie Beneath the churchyard tree." [372] POETICAL FAVORITES " You run about, my little maid; Your limbs they are alive; If two are in the churchyard laid, Then ye are only five." " Their graves are green, they may be seen," The little maid replied : " Twelve steps or more from my mother's door, And they are side by side. " My stockings there I often knit, My kerchief there I hem; And there upon the ground I sit, And sing a song to them. " And often after sunset, sir, When it is light and fair, I take my little porringer And eat my supper there. " The first that died was Sister Jane; In bed she moaning lay, Till God released her of her pain; And then she went away. " So in the churchyard she was laid; And, when the grass was dry. Together round her grave we played. My brother John and I. " And when the ground was white with snow, And I could run and slide, [3731 POETICAL FAVORITES My brother John was forced to go, And he hes by her side." " How many are you, then," said I, " If they two are in heaven ? " Quick was the Httle maid's reply! " Master! we are seven." " But they are dead; those two are dead! Their spirits are in heaven! " 'T was throwing words away; for still The little maid would have her will, And said, " Nay, we are seven." THE BEAUTIFUL GATE AUTHOR UNKNOWN When mysterious whispers are floating about, And voices that will not be still Shall summon me hence from the slippery shore To the waves that are silent and still; When I look with changed eyes at the home of the blest, Far out of the reach of the sea, Will any one stand at that beautiful gate Waiting and watching for me ? There are friendless and suffering strangers around, There are tempted and poor I must meet; There are dear ones at home I may bless with my love. There are wretched ones pacing the street; [374] POETICAL FAVORITES There are many unthought of, whom, happy and blest, In the land of the good I shall see: Will any of these at the beautiful gate Be waiting and watching for me ? There are old and forsaken, who Unger awhile In the homes which their dearest have left. And an action of love and a few gentle words Might cheer the sad spirit bereft; But the reaper is near to the long-standing corn, The weary shall soon be set free; Will any of these at the beautiful gate Be waiting and watching for me ? There are little ones glancing about on my path In need of a friend or a guide; There are dim little eyes looking up into mine, Whose tears could be easily dried; But Jesus may beckon the children away In the midst of their grief or their glee: Win any of them at the beautiful gate Be waiting and watching for me ? I may be brought there by the manifold grace Of the Saviour who loved to forgive, Though I bless not the hungry ones near to my side. Only pray for myself while I live; But I think I should mourn o'er my selfish neglect, If sorrow in heaven can be, If no one should stand at that beautiful gate Waiting and watching for me! [3751 POETICAL FAVORITES BLUE AND GRAY AUTHOR UNKNOWN " mother! what do they mean by blue? And what do they mean by gray ? " Was heard from the hps of a httle child, As she bounded in from play. The mother's eyes filled up with tears: She turned to her darling fair, And smoothed away from the sunny brow Its treasures of golden hair. " Why, mother's eyes are blue, my sweet, And grandpa's hair is gray; And the love we bear our darling child, Grows stronger every day." " But what did they mean? " persisted the child: " For I saw two cripples to-day; And one of them said he fought for the blue; The other, he fought for the gray. " Now, he of the blue had lost a leg; The other had but one arm: And both seemed worn and weary and sad; Yet their greeting was kind and warm. They told of battles in days gone by. Till it made my young blood thrill : The leg was lost in the Wilderness fight; And the arm, on Malvern Hill. " They sat on the stones by the farm-yard gate, And talked for an hour or more, [ 376 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Till their eyes grew bright, and their hearts seemed warm, With fighting their battles o'er. And parting at last with a friendly grasp, In a kindly, brotherly way, Each called on God to speed the time Uniting the blue and the gray." Then the mother thought of other days, — Two stalwart boys from her riven; How they knelt at her side, and, lisping, prayed, — " Our Father which art in heaven"; How one wore the gray, and the other the blue; How they passed away from sight. And had gone to the land where gray and blue Are merged in colors of light. And she answered her darling with golden hair, — While her heart was sadly \\Tung With the thoughts awakened in that sad hour By her innocent, prattling tongue, — " The blue and the gray are the colors of God: They are seen in the sky at even; And many a noble, gallant soul Has found them passports to heaven." 377 POETICAL FAVORITES' CONGRESSMAN JONES BY AN UNKNOWN AUTHOR IN THE CHICAGO RECORD-HERALD When Jones left Badger's Corners he was racked by doubt and fear, And a weight was on his shoulders as he heard his neighbors cheer; He was going where great statesmen with majestic brows would stand, In the halls of marble, wisely making statutes for the land. In his heart Jones knew how little he excelled the common ones, Who were sending him to mingle with and challenge the "big gims"; In his fancy he could plainly see himseK unnoticed there, Where the splendid statesmen towered and with wisdom filled the air. Jones was awed when he beheld them and first heard them called by name; Still the glamour was upon them, he was dazzled by their fame. And he watched them, full of wonder, yet a httle sadly, too. For in searching out the giants he found very, very few. Day by day he saw and heard them, day by day his awe decreased; [378] POETICAL FAVORITES He had feared and he had doubted, but at length his trembling ceased; He had learned at last that greatness is but being stationed where Almost any one might dazzle if the fates had set him there. DO YE THINK OF THE DAYS THAT ARE GONE? AUTHOR UNKNOWN " Do ye think of the days that are gone, Jeanie, As ye sit by your fire at night ? Do ye wish that the morn would bring back the time When your heart and your step were so light ? " " I think of the days that are gone, Robin,_ And of all that I joyed in then; But the brightest that ever rose on me I have never wished back again! " " Do ye think of the hopes that are gone, Jeanie, As ye sit by your fire at night ? Do ye gather them up as they faded fast. Like buds with an early blight ? " " I think of the hopes that are gone, Robin, And I mourn not their stay was fleet; For they fell as the leaves of the red rose fall, And were even in falling sweet! " " Do ye think of the friends that are gone, Jeanie, As ye sit by your fire at night ? Do ye wish they were round you again once more, [379] POETICAL FAVORITES By the hearth that they made so bright? " " I think of the friends that are gone, Robin, They are dear to my heart as then; But the best and the dearest among them all I have never wished back again! " THE GOOD OLD WAY AUTHOR UNKNOWN John Mann had a wife who was kind and true, - A wife who loved him well; She cared for the house and their only child; But if I the truth must tell. She fretted and pined because John was poor And his business was slow to pay; But he only said, when she talked of change, " We'll stick to the good old way! " She saw her neighbors were growing rich And dwelling in houses grand; That she was living in poverty, With wealth upon every hand; And she urged her husband to speculate, To risk his earnings at play; But he only said, " My dearest wife. We'll stick to the good old way." For he knew that the money that's quickly got Is the money that's quickly lost; And the money that stays is the money earned At honest endeavor's cost. [3801 POETICAL FAVORITES So he plodded along in his honest style, And he bettered himself each day, And he only said to his fretful wife, " We'll stick to the good old way." And at last there came a terrible crash. When beggary, want, and shame Came down on the homes of their wealthy friends, While John's remained the same; For he had no debts and he gave no trust, " My motto is this," he'd say, — " It's a charm against panics of every kind, — 'Tis stick to the good old way! " And his wife looked round on the little house That was every nail their own. And she asked forgiveness of honest John For the peevish mistrust she had shown; But he only said, as her tearful face Upon his shoulder lay, " The good old way is the best way, wife; We'll stick to the good old way." THE INDIAN'S PRAYER AUTHOR UNKNOWN " Let me go to my home in the far distant west. To the scenes of my childhood in innocence blest; Where the tall cedars wave and the bright waters flow, Where my fathers repose — let me go ! Let me go ! [381] POETICAL FAVORITES " Let me go to the spot where the cataract plays, Where oft I have sported in boyhood's bright days; And greet my poor mother, whose heart will o'erflow At the sight of her child — let me go! Let me go! " Let me go to my sire, by whose battle-scarred side I have sported so oft in the morn of my pride; And exulted to conquer the insolent foe — To my father, the chief, let me go! Let me go! " And, oh! let me go to my flashing-eyed maid, Who taught me to love 'neath the green willow's shade, Whose heart, like the fawn's, leaps as pure as the snow To the bosom it loves — let me go! Let me go! " And oh! let me go to my wild forest home — No more from its life-cheering pleasures to roam: 'Neath the groves of the glen let my ashes lie low — To my home in the woods let me go! Let nje go! " JOHN HOWARD PAYNE AUTHOR UNKNOWN This poem was published in a Washington, D.C, paper in an article on " The Nation's Song," without the name of the author and without a title. 'T was Christmas night in Paris, Rainy and dark and drear; But within one gilded mansion Was happy Christmas cheer. [382] POETICAL FAVORITES Merrily in the perfumed air The Christmas carols rung; Then softly, slowly, sweetly, Dear " Home, Sweet Home " was sung. Without, against the window sill, To shield him from the rain, With streaming eyes and breaking heart, Crouched lonely Howard Payne. " My song," he cried in anguish deep, " Is sung in every home. While I, without a single friend, A homeless wand'rer roam, " Yes, it was on this self-same spot, Without a crust of bread. With not one place to call my own, Nowhere to rest my head, " I sat me down and wrote that song, That o'er the world doth ring: They little think who's hstening now — Those happy ones that sing." 'Twas true; before that window once. Friendless amid the throng, And yearning for the joys of home, He wrote his world-famed song. 383 POETICAL FAVORITES LAMENT FOR LAFAYETTE AUTHOR UNKNOWN All lonely and cold, in the sepulchre slumbers The giant of freedom, the chosen of fame ! Too high in the theme for my harp's lowly numbers; Yet fain would I twine me a wreath for that name Which proudly shines forth in the tablet of glory, Unsullied by faction, untarnished by guile; The loftiest theme for the bard's raptured story; The name by which freemen met death with a smile. Then arise, ye proud bards! give our hearts' mighty sadness A voice not unworthy a theme so sublime. For him, the bright day-star of freedom and gladness, Whose memory will glow through the far flight of time! He is gone, and forever! the pride of our nation. That bright sun of freedom in glory hath set; The heroes who bled for our country's salvation Now joy in thy presence, O brave Lafayette! Thou camest to our shore when the day-star of freedom Was proudly dispelling dark tyranny's night, When millions awoke to the rank she decreed them. And the millions of despots were scattered in flight; When the star-spangled banner waves sheen in the morning The heart of the freeman will bound at thy name; Thou champion of freedom ! fell tyranny scorning. One world was too small for the blaze of thy fame! [3841 POETICAL FAVORITES Bright, bright is the path thou hast left of thy glory, Amid the world's darkness, which ne'er shall decline. For the light of thy fame on the ages before thee, With splendor unsullied, forever will shine; When freedom's bright fabric lay blackened in ruin. While bloodthirsty tyrants usurped the dread sway At the roots of the proud tree of liberty hewing. All hopes for the land of thy love died away. Thou art gone! thy pure soul on its voyage hath started; From its ashes the phcenix of freedom hath flown. To join the bright phalanx of heroes departed, Who dwell in the light of a fame like thine own. Farewell, thou last star of that bright constellation Of heroes whose glory can never depart; Thy fame hath no limit of kindred or nation; Thy name is enshrined in each patriot's heart. With Washington's blended, for ever the glory Shall form the proud theme of our bard's burning lays. While the banner of freedom shall proudly wave o'er thee, Thou mighty departed! thou light of our days; But still! my wild harp, all in vain we lament him; His praise must be sung by some loftier Ijo-e; Let the soul-raptured bard use the gift heaven hath lent him, And weave for our hero a requiem of fire! 385 POETICAL FAVORITES LINES ON THE DEATH OF BABY B. H. One little bud the less, In nature's garden grows. One tiny voice more, liush'd In death's deep calm repose. Th' prattling birdie sleeps. Sleeps quietly alone. While o'er his form th' wind A requiem low doth moan. In Paradise will bloom And beauteously grow Th' bud cut short and chill'd By piercing winds below. Close in his Maker's arms The httle one is press'd, His playmates seraphim, A cherub 'mong the bless'd. LOOK AHEAD AUTHOR UNKNOWN Whatever you do in this wonderful world, In business, in church, or at play; Whatever of gain or of loss you have met With the others who go your way, Keep out of the past From the first to the last, [386] POETICAL FAVORITES And away from its worries stay; The present has wealth you would never suspect, If prudent you are, and wisely elect To live in the light of to-day. The things that are past did very well once; To-day they are rusty and stale. That trouble you had with your fellow man — Did you struggle in vain and fail ? What of it, indeed ? There is aU the more need That you start on a different trail. Don't take to the woods whatever you do, Just look right ahead; there's a fortune for you In keeping a weU-trimmed saU. So cramped can we be in our mental states. So burdened with might-have-beens, That life will become a woful waste For its many outs and ins. But stop and reflect You will never be wrecked By your own or another's sins. If the past you will keep in its proper place And meet what is yours with a candid face — 'Tis the man of to-day who wins. 387 POETICAL FAVORITES MOTHER'S FOOL AUTHOR UNKNOWN " 'Tis plain to see," said a farmer's wife, " These boys will make their mark in hfe; They were never made to handle a hoe. And at once to a college ought to go; There's Fred, he's little better than a fool. But John and Henry must go to school." " Well, really, wife," quoth Farmer Brown, As he sat his mug of cider down, " Fred does more work in a day for me Than both his brothers do in three. Book larnin' will never plant one's corn, Nor hoe potatoes, sure's you're born. Nor mend a rod of broken fence — For my part give me common sense." But his wife was bound the roost to rule. And John and Henry were sent to school. While Fred, of course, was left behind Because his mother said he had no mind. Five years at school the students spent; Then into business each one went. John learned to play the flute and fiddle, And parted his hair, of course, in the middle; While his brother looked rather higher than he, And hung out a sign, " H. Brown, M. D," [3881 POETICAL FAVORITES Meanwhile, at home, their brother Fred Had taken a notion into his head; But he quietly trimmed his apple trees, And weeded onions and planted peas. While somehow or other, by hook or crook, He managed to read full many a book. Until at last his father said He was getting " book larnin' " into his head; " But for all that," added Farmer Brown, " He's the smartest boy there is in town." The war broke out and Captain Fred A hundred men to battle led. And when the rebel flag came down, Went marching home as General Brown. But he went to work on the farm again. And planted corn and sowed his grain; He shingled the barn and mended the fence. Till people declared he had common sense. Now, common sense was very rare. And the State House needed a portion there; And his brothers, who went to the city school. Came home to live with " mother's fool." 389 POETICAL FAVORITES NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP AUTHOR UNKNOWN [Found in the knapsack of a soldier of tlie Civil War after he had been slain in battle.] , Near the camp-fire's flickering light, In my blanket bed I lie, Gazing through the shades of night And the twinkling stars on high; O'er me spirits in the air Silent vigils seem to keep, As I breathe my childhood's prayer, " Now I lay me down to sleep." Sadly sings the whip-poor-will In the boughs of yonder tree; Laughingly the dancing rill Swells the midnight melody. Foemen may be lurking near, In the canon dark and deep; Low I breathe in Jesus' ear: " I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep." 'Mid those stars one face I see — One the Saviour turned away — Mother, who in infancy Taught my baby lips to pray; Her sweet spirit hovers near In this lonely mountain-brake. Take me to her Saviour dear " If I should die before I wake." [3901 POETICAL FAVORITES Fainter grows the flickering light, As each ember slowly dies; Plaintively the birds of night Fill the air with sad'ning cries; Over me they seem to cry : " You may never more awake." Low I lisp: " If I should die, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take." Now I lay me dow^n to sleep; I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take. THE OLD SONGS AUTHOR UNKNOWN These ragtime songs they're singin' now may be the proper thing. But they don't hit me like the songs us youngsters used to sing. I never hear no ragtime songs, no matter where I roam. Kin makes the heartstrings quiver like "My Old Kentucky Home." "Lorena" was another song that aU our heartstrings wrung Around at social gatherin's when us old folks was young. We'd "Wait Fer the Wagon," an' we'd tell of "Nellie Gray," [ 391 1 POETICAL FAVORITES An' "Oh, Susannah" 'd get her turn, an' likewise "Old Dog Tray"; An' "Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground," we'd sing that by the hour. Then, feelin' sad, we'd finish with "A Little Faded Flower." Them were the songs that 'round our hearts the spell o' music flung, Them were the songs that people sang when us old folks was young. We knowed some operatic songs as well as these, b'gee! "The Heart Bowed Down," likewise its mate, "Then You'll Remember Me." An' when we tired of opery and simpler things we'd try An' make the rafters fairly ring with "Comin' Thro' the Rye." Oh, you kin have your ragtime songs; gimme the songs they sung Around at social gatherin's when us old folks was young. ROCK OF AGES AUTHOR UNKNOWN " Rock of ages, cleft for me," Thoughtlessly the maiden sung, Fell the words unconsciously From her girlish, gleeful tongue; Sang as little children sing; Sang as sing the birds of June: r 392 1 POETICAL FAVORITES Fell the words like light leaves down, On the current of the tune — " Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee." " Rock of ages, cleft for me," 'Twas a woman sung them now, Pleadingly and prayerfully, Every word her heart did know; Rose the song as storm-tossed bird Beats with weary wing the air, Every note with sorrow stirred, Every syllable a prayer — " Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee." " Rock of ages, cleft for me," Lips grown aged sung the hymn Trustingly and tenderly. Voice grown weak and eyes grown dim, " Let me hide myself in thee." Trembling though the voice, and low, Rose the sweet strain peacefully, Like a river in its flow; Sung as only they can sing Who life's thorny path have passed; Sung as only they can sing Who behold the promised rest — " Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide m.yself in thee. " [393] POETICAL FAVORITES " Rock of ages, cleft for me," Sung above a coffin Ud; I'^nderneath, all restfuUy, All life's joys and sorrows hid. Nevermore, oh storm-tossed soul, Nevermore from wind or tide. Never more from billow's roll Wilt thou need thyself to hide. Could the sightless, sunken eyes, Closed beneath the soft gray hair, Could the mute and stiffened lips Move again in pleading prayer, Still, aye still, the words would be — " Let me hide myself in thee." "SING US A SONG" AUTHOR UNKNOWN " Come, sing us a song — a hot one, too! (And fill each glass again,) And, merry and bright, we'll pass the night In the joys of manly men. " What care we for a woman's tears, Or childhood's frightened cry? Come, tickle the harp! Let critics carp, And long-haired cynics sigh." The harper swept, with an airy touch, Each true and trusted string. And the bitter tears of other years To his notes seemed answering: [3941 POETICAL FAVORITES " I romped in the meadows, Made love in the shadows; I waded the eddying streams, I basked in the glory Of youth's bright story And sweet was the joy of my dreams — Oh, Sweet was the joy of my dreams. " Song birds were singing, Yoimg hope was springing — But, sweetest of music to me, Was that voice in the gloaming, When, weary with roaming, I knelt at my mother's knee — Oh, I knelt at my mother's knee " " Ah, bosh on your sentimental drone! (Fill the glasses up again!) Away with the grave, but sing us a stave For the laughter of merry men! " But the harper tenderly swept the strings And his soft voice fell once more Like an elfin strain, borne o'er the plain. Or a sigh from a distant shore: Though loyalty fadeth, Though envy upbraideth, The years bring the solace to me — [3951 POETICAL FAVORITES There's a friendship unshaken, A friend ne'er forsaken I met at my mother's knee — Oh, I met at my mother's knee " " Come, cheer our hearts with a hveher song (No, boys, that wasn't a tear; It was only the fleck of a tiny speck From the top of the foaming beer). " But the air seems close, and foul, and hot, And the drinks have bitter grown — And I feel the thought in my brain inwrought Of a mother, at home — alone. " So, harper, give us the song once more — Those same sweet words again — For it fills the air with a mother's pray'r, And makes us holier men." THE TEACHER'S DIADEM AUTHOR UNKNOWN Sitting 'mid the gathering shadows, weary with the Sabbath's care; Weary with the Sabbath's burdens, that she dearly loves to bear; For she sees a shining pathway, and she gladly presses 396 POETICAL FAVORITES 'Tis the first Great Teacher's footprints — it will lead where He has gone; With a hand that's never faltered, with a love that's ne'er grown dim, Long and faithfully she's labored, to His fold the lambs to bring. But to-night her soul grows heavy; through the closed lids fall the tears. As the children pass before her, that she's taught these many years; And she cries in bitter anguish: " Shall not one to me be given. To shine upon my coronet amid the hosts of heaven! Hear my prayer to-night, my Saviour, in Thy glorious home above; Give to me some little token — some approval of Thy love." Ere the words were scarcely uttered, banishing the evening gloom, Came a soft and shining radiance, brightening all within the room; And an angel in white raiment, brighter than the morn-' ing sun, Stood before her, pointing upward, while he softly whispered, " Come." As he paused, she heard the rustle of his starry pinions bright. And she quickly rose and followed, out into the stilly night; [397] POETICAL FAVORITES Up above the dim blue ether; up above the silver stars; On, beyond the golden portals; through the open pearly doors; Far across the sea of crystal, to the shining sapphire Tlirone, Where she heard amid the chorus, " Welcome, child; thy work's well done." Surely 'tis her Saviour speaking; 'tis His hands, aye, 'tis His feet; And she cries: " Enough! I've seen Him; all my joys are now complete." All forgot earth's care and sorrow; all forgot the starry crown; 'Twas enough e'en to be near Him; to behold Him on His Throne. " Not enough," the Saviour answered; " thou wouldst know through all these years. If in vain has been thy teaching, all thy labor and thy prayers; That from thee the end was hidden, did thy faith in me grow less ? Thou hast asked some little token, I will grant thee thy request." From out a golden casket, inlaid with many a gem. He took — glist'ning with countless jewels — a regal diadem; Bright a name shone in each jewel, names of many scholars dear, [398] POETICAL FAVORITES Who she thought had passed unheeded all her earnest thought and care. " But," she asked, " how came these names here — names I never saw before ? " And the Saviour smiling answered, " 'Tis the fruit thy teachings bore; " 'Tis the seed thy love hath planted, tended by my faithful hand; Though unseen by thee, it's budded, blossoming in many lands. Here are names from darkened Egypt, names from Afric's desert sands; Names from isles amid the ocean, names from India's sunny strands; Some from Greenland's frozen mountains, some from burning tropic plains; From where'er man's found a dwelling, here you'll find some chosen name. When thine eartlily mission's ended, that in love to thee was given, This is the crown of thy rejoicing, that awaits thee here in heaven." Suddenly the bright light faded; all was dark within the room; And she sat amid the shadows of the Sabbath evening gloom; But a peaceful, holy incense rested on her soul like dew; Though the end from her was hidden, to her Master she'd be true; [399] POETICAL FAVORITES Sowing seed at morn and even, pausing not to count the gain; If her bread was on the waters, God would give it back again; If the harvest she had toiled for other hands than hers should reap, He'd repay her for her labor, who had bade her, " Feed my sheep." ALTRUISM AUTHOR UNKNOWN This poem was discovered by Mr. George Morgan, of the bank- ing firm of Morgan, Drexel & Co., in a country newspaper. He carried it in his pocket for five years, occasionally reading it to hia friends. Inquiries for copies of it were so frequent that he finally had it printed for distribution. If you have a friend worth loving, Love him. Yes, and let him know That you love him, ere life's evening Tinge his brow with sunset glow. Why should good words ne'er be said Of a friend tUl he is dead ? If you hear a song that thrills you, Sung by any child of song. Praise it. Do not let the singer Wait deserved praises long. Why should one who thrills your heart Lack the joy you may impart ? If you hear a prayer that moves you By its humble, pleading tone, [400] POETICAL FAVORITES Join it. Do not let the seeker Bow before its God alone. Why should not your brother share The strength of " two or three " in prayer? If you see the hot tears falling From a brother's weeping eyes, Share them. And by kindly sharing Own our kinship in the skies. Why should any one be glad When a brother's heart is sad ? If a silvery laugh goes rippling Through the sunshine on his face, Share it. 'Tis the wise man's saying — For both grief and joy a place. There's health and goodness in the mirth In which an honest laugh has birth. If your work is made more easy By a friendly, helping hand. Say so. Speak out brave and truly Ere the darkness veil the land. Should a brother workman dear Falter for a word of cheer ? Scatter thus your seeds of kindness All enriching as you go — Leave them. Trust the Harvest Giver; He will make each seed to grow. So, until the happy end. Your life shall never lack a friend. [4011 POETICAL FAVORITES AN ANGRY ANARCHIST BY AN UNKNOWN AUTHOR IN LONDON TIT-BITS Oh, he preached it from the housetops and he whispered it by stealth; He wrote whole miles of stuff against the awful curse of wealth. He shouted for the poor man, and he called the rich man down; He roasted every king and queen who dared to wear a crown. He clamored for rebellion, and he said he'd lead a band To exterminate the millionaires and sweep them from the land. He yelled against monopolists, their power he'd defy. And swore he'd be an anarchist and blow them to the sky. He stormed, he fumed, and ranted, till he made the rich men wince, But an uncle left him money, and he hasn't shouted since. 402 A CONDENSED BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF AUTHORS REPRESENTED A CONDENSED BIOGRAPHICAL DIC- TIONARY OF AUTHORS REPRESENTED ADAMS, CHARLES FOLLEN (1842). Born at Dor- chester, Massachusetts. He was graduated from the common schools into the stern curriculum of war, serv- ing as a soldier in the 13th Massachusetts Infantry. In 1872 he began contributing to various periodicals humor- ous poems in the German dialect. These poems he after- ward collected and published in various books, the first of which was Leedle Yawcob Strauss, and Other Poems. ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY (1767-1848). Born at Braintree, Massachusetts, the son of John Adams, second President of the United States. He was graduated from Harvard in 1787 and, after admission to the bar, entered into Government service and after three years' incumbency of a professorship at Harvard in rhetoric and belles- lettres was appointed Minister to Russia, and then Min- ister to Great Britain. Returning to America he became Secretary of State under President Monroe, and succeeded him in the Presidency. AKERS, ELIZABETH ANN (1832). Born in Strong, Maine. At the age of fifteen she began to con- tribute articles to the press under the name of Florence Percy. Later, her work appeared in the Atlantic Monthly; in 1874 she became literary editor of the Daily Advertiser of Portland, Maine. Her fame rests on the poem "Rock Me to Sleep, Mother," which was first pubUshed in the [405] POETICAL FAVORITES Saturday Evening Post of Philadelphia. It immediately became popular, and there were many claimants to its authorship. ARNOLD, (SIR) EDWIN (1832-1904). Born at Gravesend, Sussex, England. He received a most thor- ough education at King's College, London, and at Oxford University, where he won the Newdigate Prize for poetry. In 1856 he was appointed Principal of the Government Deccan College, Poona, India, where he came to know the East, which was to form the subject of his later work. In 1861 he returned to England and turned his attention to journaUsm, in which he was very successful, becoming the editor of the London Telegraph. His best known works are The Light of Asia (1879), Pearls of the Faith (1883), The Light of the World (1891), and The Tenth Muse (1895). His work achieved immediate and widespread popularity, securing him a permanent place among Eng- Ush poets. AYTON, SIR ROBERT (1570-1638). A Scottish poet and courtier, knighted by James I. Dry den pro- nounced his verses "some of the best of his age." BABCOCK, MALTBIE DAVENPORT (1858-1901). Born at Syracuse, New York. He was graduated from Syracuse University with the highest honors. Entering the Presbyterian ministry he quickly achieved a reputa- tion for oratory. He wrote a number of fugitive poems, of Emersonian quality, and several hymns of unusual spiritual beauty. BARBAULD, ANNA LETITIA AIKEN (1743-1825). Born in Leicestershire, England. She wrote a number [4061 POETICAL FAVORITES of books in verse and prose, of which Poems, published in 1773, was the first, and her Hymns in Rhyme, pubUshed long after her death, was the best. BARR, AMELIA EDITH (HUDDLESTON) (1831). Bom at Ulverston, Lancashire, England, and educated at Glasgow High School. Upon her marriage in 1850 to Robert Barr, she moved to Texas, where her husband and three sons died of yellow fever in 1867. In 1869 she gave her attention to fiction. She has written more than thirty novels, the first being Jan Vedder's Wife. She has also written a number of poems which have achieved a popularity scarcely less than that of her fiction, BOKER, GEORGE HENRY (182.3-1890). Ameri- can diplomat. Wrote several dramas and several volumes of poems. His dramas combine poetic merit with adap- tability for acting. BROOKS, PHILLIPS (1835-1893). Born in Bos- ton, Massachusetts. After graduating from Harvard he entered the EpiscopaMan ministry. He was rector suc- cessively of two churches in Philadelphia, and of Trinity Church, Boston, where, until his death, he enjoyed the reputation of being the most eloquent and influential divine in his denomination. He wrote a number of books fitted with the inspirational quality which distinguished his sermons, and one poem, that which appears in this volume, which is beloved by Christians of all denomina- tions. BROWNING, ELIZABETH BARRETT (1806- 1861). Born at Coxhoe Hall, Durham. She received a very thorough education at home, especially in the [4071 POETICAL FAVORITES classics, a deep love for which is very evident in her poems. While still very young she received an injury to her spine from which she never fully recovered. As early as 1826 she began to publish poems, at first anonymously, but later under her own name. In 1845 she met Robert Browning, whom she later married, living in Italy for the remaining years of her life. Her best poems are "The Sonnets from the Portuguese," which are for the most part a revelation of her own love story, and "Aurora Leigh," a love romance in verse. Mrs. Bro^vning is gen- erally considered the greatest of English poetesses, her works being tender and delicate, yet strong and deep in thought. BROWNING, ROBERT (1812-1889). Born at Camberwell, England. Both of his parents, being people of education, encouraged their son from his earliest years in intellectual pursuits. At the age of twelve he had already written some poems, though these were not pub- lished. His first real work was " Pauline," which appeared anonymously in 1833. Recognition came but slowly despite his many works, his subjects being too recondite and his manner of treatment too intricate to interest the great number of readers. He wrote several dramas, none of which, excepting "A Blot on the 'Scutcheon" (1843), ever enjoyed any success on the stage. Browning is most generally known for a few of his shorter poems, as "Evelyn Hope," "A Death in the Desert," and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." He received many distinctions dur- ing his lifetime, and on his death was buried in West- minster Abbey. BRYANT, WILLIAM CULLEN (1794-1878). Born at Cummington, Massachusetts, of old Puritan stock. He spent one year at Williams College. In 1817 his poem [4081 POETICAL FAVORITES "Thanatopsis," written at the age of nineteen, appeared in the North American Review, and was greeted as the first truly great American poem. He led a very active life, being a successful lawyer, and later gained fame as a journalist in New York, becoming the editor of the Evening Post. Bryant's best known poems are "To a Water Fowl," "The Rivulet," "The West Wind," and "The Forest Hymn." His translations of the "Iliad" and "Odyssey" into blank verse are considered among the best renditions of Homer. BURNS, ROBERT (1759-1796). Born of Scotch peasant stock near Ayr. His father was unfortunate in all his business enterprises, and upon his death, the poet experienced similar difficulties. When in desperation he was on the point of leaving Scotland for the West Indies, some friends dissuaded him, and suggested he publish his poems. These appeared in 1786, but, although very suc- cessful, the poet gained little from them financially. On several occasions he was offered remunerative positions, but refused as he did not wish to leave his native country- side. Burns is to-day the most widely read of all British and American poets. He excelled in short lyrical flights of song, which ring so sincere as to touch every heart. "Other poets," says Alfred Austin, "may be the favorites of a class or clique; Bums is the favorite of the whole world." The secret of this universal favor is to be found in the fact that he was born in a lowly condition of life, close to our mother earth, and gave utterance to the rudi- mentary sentiments, the abiding sorrows, and the con- stant yearnings of human nature. BYRON, GEORGE GORDON, 6th LORD (1788- 1824) . Born in London. He received a thorough education, [ 409 1 POETICAL FAVORITES culminating with the Master of Arts degree received after three years' study at Cambridge. He travelled exten- sively for two years in the Mediterranean countries, and, returning to London, wove the impressions of his tour into an heroic poem called "Childe Harold." He married in 1815, and, a year later, after the birth of a daughter, was separated from his wife. He lived much abroad, writing voluminously: dramatic, narrative, descriptive, and lyrical poems; notably, "Don Juan," "The Corsair," and "Manfred." He espoused the cause of Greek liberty, raising troops and leading them against the Turks. He died of fever at Missolonghi, Greece. CAMPBELL, THOMAS (1777-1844). Born at Glasgow, Scotland, and educated at Glasgow University. While still a student he published his first poem, "The Pleasures of Hope," which achieved a great success. Although he wrote several other longer poems his fame does not rest on these, but on his patriotic and war lyrics, such as "Ye Mariners of England," " Hohenlinden, " and "The Battle of the Baltic." Campbell also gained fame as a distinguished literary critic. CAREY, HENRY (1685 or 1692-1743). Birthplace unknown. He died in London. He is said to have been the natural son of George Savile, Marquis of HaUfax. He wrote many musical dramas and over one hundred musical ballads which were popular in their time. Of the ballads "Sally in our Alley" is the most famous. His son George Savile Carey claimed that Henry Carey com- posed "God Save the King," the national air of the British Empire, but the melody is probably older than his time. He probably arranged and altered it, singing it for the first time in pubUc. [410] POETICAL FAVORITES CARSON, NORMA BRIGHT (1883). Born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and educated in the public schools of that city. Married Robert Carson in 1906. Published The Dream Child and Other Poems and From Irish Castles to French Chateaux. CARY, ALICE (1820-1871). Born near Cincinnati, Ohio. When quite young she began writing poems and sketches for the press. In 1850 she and her sister Phoebe published a volume of their poems. In 1852 the sisters removed to New York City, where they lived the rest of their lives. AUce also published a number of novels. CARY, PHCEBE (1824-1871). Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and died in Newport, Rhode Island (see biography of Alice Cary, her sister). COOPER, GEORGE (1840). Born in New York City and educated in its public schools. After prac- tising law a brief time, he abandoned it for the pursuit of literature, contributing to the leading magazines. His poems, especially those for children, were widely admired for their pure sentiment and felicitous expression. He has written much verse for music. COWPER, WILLIAM (1731-1800). Born at Great Berkhampstead Rectory, England, the son of a clergyman. Educated at Westminster School. He studied law and was appointed Commissioner of Bankrupts. Weakly from a child, he had in manhood periodical attacks of insanity. He died and was buried in Dereham, Norfolk. He wrote much verse, "The Task" being his longest poem. He also translated the "lUad" and "Odyssey" of Homer. COZZENS, FREDERICK SWARTWOUT (1818- 1869). Born in New York City, the son of a prosperous [4111 POETICAL FAVORITES merchant, who gave him an excellent education. He adopted literature as a pastime and soon became noted as a humorist, both in prose and verse. His sketches, pub- lished in book form under the title of The Sparrowgrass Papers, had an enormous circulation. He died suddenly in Brooklyn. DALY, THOMAS AUGUSTINE (1871). Born at Philadelphia, educated at Villanova College and Fordham University. Since 1908 General Manager Catholic Stand- ard and Times. Has published two books of verse, Can- zoni and Carmina. DICKENS, CHARLES (1812-1870). Born at Landport, Portsea, England. His father was unsuccess- ful in business, being arrested for debt when Charles was ten years of age, and the boy's education was sadly neglected. He worked at small jobs, teaching himself shorthand at night, and at the age of nineteen became Parliamentary reporter for a newspaper. Two years later he began contributing papers to various periodicals; these attracted considerable attention and were collected and published under the title of Sketches of Boz. Boz being a family soubriquet derived from the pet name of Mose or Moses. Pickwick Papers, his first extended work, was published in 1837 and established his reputa- tion as a writer of a new order of fiction, whose distinguish- ing characteristic was delineation of unique characters. In almost yearly succession until his death he produced the novels which remain to-day the most popular works of English fiction. He twice visited America, in 1842 and in 1867, giving readings from his works, which were even more popular here than at home. He also wrote a number of successful plays, and founded two magazines of great [4121 POETICAL FAVORITES popularity — Household Words and All the Year Round. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. DORR, JULIA CAROLINE (RIPLEY) (1825). Born at Charleston, South Carolina. Becoming motherless in infancy, her father took her to Vermont, where she was educated. She married Seneca M. Dorr of New York. Subsequent to his death in 1884 she removed to Ver- mont, where she now resides. She is the author of a number of novels and books of verse. DOWNING, FANNIE (MURDAUGH) (1835-1894). In 1851 she married Charles W. Downing, secretary of the State of Florida. She wrote several volumes of verse under her own name and the pseudonyms of "Viola" and Frank Dashmore. Her poems show power, combined with scholarship. DRAKE, JOSEPH RODMAN (1795-1820). Born at New York. He received a purely scientific education and became a physician. He published one volume of poems which was very popular, especially the poems "The Culprit Fay" and "The American Flag." His early death was caused by consumption. He was buried at Hunt's Point, now in the Borough of the Bronx, New York City. DUFFERIN, HELEN SELENA (SHERIDAN), COUNTESS OF (1807-1867) . Granddaughter of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She shared the family talent and wrote a good deal of verse, her best known piece being perhaps "The Lament of the Irish Emigrant," which is included in this volume. DWIGHT, JOHN SULLIVAN (1813-1893). Born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was educated at Harvard University and prepared for the ministry at the Harvard [413] POETICAL FAVORITES Divinitj' School. Leaving the ministry, he joined the Brook Farm community. Here he edited the musical department of the Harbinger, the organ of the community. Upon the failure of the experiment, he continued his work as musical critic in Boston. He wrote verse, as well as composed music, with facility and grace. ELIOT, GEORGE, pseudonym of Mrs. Mary Ann (Evans) Cross (1819-1880). Born near Nuneaton, War- wickshire, England, and lived quietly at home until her father's death in 1849. She began her hterary career with translations and various short articles in the Westminster Review. She later became an assistant editor of this paper, in which capacity she was thrown into the society of George Henry Lewes, a prominent journahst and philosopher, with whom she entered into an irregular connection because by a legal technicality he was prohibited from divorcing his wife, though she had eloped with another man. En- couraged by Lewes she began to write fiction, and her first novel, The Sad Fortunes of the Rev. Amos Barton, appeared in 1857. Many others followed, of which the best known are Adam Bede, Silas Marner, Middlemarch, and Daniel Deronda. Her poetical works are "The Spanish Gipsy," "Agatha," "The Legend of Jubal," and "Armgart." Mr. Lewes died in 1878, and in 1880 George Eliot married John Walter Cross. She died eight months afterward, in the same year. George Ehot was more successful in fiction than in verse. Edmund Clarence Stedman said: "A little poem in blank verse, entitled 'O May I Join the Choir Invisible ! ' and setting forth her conception of the religion of humanity, is worth all the rest of her poetry, for it is the outburst of an exalted soul foregoing personal immortality and compensated by a vision of the growth and happiness of the human race." [4141 POETICAL FAVORITES EMERSON, RALPH WALDO (1803-1882). Born at Boston, Massachusetts. He entered Harvard University in 1817 and, after passing through the usual course there, studied for the ministry, to which he was ordained in 1827. He resigned from the ministry in 1832 and visited Europe, where he met many eminent men and formed a Ufe-Iong friendship with Carlyle. On his return in 1834 he settled at Concord and took up lecturing. He was regarded as the leader of the transcendentalists and was one of the chief contributors to their organ The Dial. In 1847 he paid a second visit to England and dehvered a course of lectures in England and Scotland on "Representative Men" which he subsequently published. His works were collected in eleven volumes and include Essays (two series). Conduct of Life, Society and Solitude, Natural History of Intellect, and Poems. He was a man of singular elevation and purity of character. FIELD, EUGENE (1850-1895). Born at St. Louis, Missouri. After a varied experience as a journalist in the Far West, he settled down to newspaper work in Chicago. By his poems and tales in the press of that city, especially those relating to children, he achieved national fame. He was also very happy in his translations and travesties of Horace. Of him William Cranston Lawton says, in his Intro- duction to the Study of American Literature: "Field utters the very heart secrets of boyhood as not even Riley or Stevenson can do. Wynken, Blynken and Nod became long ago a kindergarten classic. His echoes of Horace are not mere irreverent travesties, but seize the very essence of the thought, and render it in the most start- lingly up-to-date English, spiced both with current slang and with Field's own invented idioms." [415] POETICAL FAVORITES FIELDS, JAMES THOMAS (1816-1881). Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He became a pubUsher and editor, being one of the founders of the firm of Osgood, Ticknor, Fields and Company, and the editor of the Atlantic Monthly. He published a number of volumes of biography and criticism, and of original verse, and edited, with Edwin P. Whipple, the critic The Family Library of British Poetry. FINCH, FRANCIS MILES (1827-1907). Born at Ithaca, New York. He was graduated with honors from Yale, where he had achieved a reputation as a writer of college songs. He promoted the establishment of Cornell University at Ithaca. His most noted poem is "The Blue and the Gray," published in 1867 in the Atlantic Monthly. FOSS, SAM WALTER (1858). Born at Candia, New Hampshire. After his graduation from Brown University he became an editor and a contributor to magazines, chiefly of humorous verse, tinged with philosophy. FOSTER, STEPHEN COLLINS (1826-1864). Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Educated at Cannons- burg College, Pennsylvania. He taught himself music and, at the age of seventeen, while in employment at Louisville, Kentucky, began publishing songs, which speedily became popular all over the country. In 1854 he married, and removed to New York City, where, in rapid succession, he published the songs which made him world famous; such as, "Old Kentucky Home," "Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground," and "Way Down upon the Swanee River." Altogether he wrote about one hundred and fifty songs, one-fourth of which were negro melodies. In 1861 he wrote his last song, "Old Black Joe." [416] POETICAL FAVORITES FRENCH, L. VIRGINIA (SMITH) (1830-1881). Born in Frederick County, Virginia. She received an ex- cellent education, and established a school in Memphis, Tennessee. Under the name of "L'Inconnue" [the un- known] she contributed articles to various magazines, which won for her a literary reputation. In 1852 she became associate editor of the Southern Ladies^ Book of New Orleans. In 1856 Mrs. French published her poems under the title of Wind Whispers. She also wrote a series of metrical Legends of the South, and a tragedy. Later she became editor of The Crusader of Atlanta, Georgia. GOLDSMITH, OLIVER (1728-1774). Born at Pallasmore, Longford, Ireland. He received an excellent education, and he studied for several professions, but never followed any, being rejected as a clergyman, and failing as a physician. He led a rather wild and vagrant life, travelling extensively. In 1757, after a long trip abroad on the continent, he went to London, where he remained during the rest of his life. While here he became associated with the famous circle of which Samuel Johnson was the dictator. Goldsmith has treated every field of literature, history, drama, fiction, essays, and verse. The four great works for which he is famous are She Stoops to Conquer, a comedy; The Vicar of Wakefield, a novel; and The Traveller and The Deserted Village, poems. GRAY, THOMAS (1716-1771). Born in London. Educated at Eton and Cambridge, in which university he spent his life as a Fellow-Commoner and Professor, teaching history and the modern languages. He died at Cambridge, and was buried at Stoke-Pogis in the grave- yard which has therefore been identified with the "Coun- try Churchyard" of his famous elegy. General Wolfe, [4171 POETICAL FAVORITES on the evening before the battle of Quebec, repeated the poem to his ofRcers, and, as he concluded, said: "I would prefer being the author of that poem to the glory of beat- ing the French to-morrow." GREENE, ALBERT GORTON (1802-1868). Born in Providence, Rhode Island. Upon graduation from Brown University, he studied law. He took a great interest in hterature, in particular making a collection of American poetry, which formed the nucleus of the great collection on that subject now in Brown Univer- sity. His own poems, of which he wrote a number and which became popular selections for recitation, were never pubUshed in collected form. GUINEY, LOUISE IMOGEN (1861). Bom at Bos- ton, Massachusetts. After receiving an excellent educa- tion, she began contributing to various magazines. She is the author of a number of volumes of verse and prose and the editor of several critical works. She resides in Oxford, England. HALLECK, FITZ-GREENE (1790-1867). Born at Guilford, Connecticut. In collaboration with Joseph Rodman Drake he wrote The Crocker Papers (1819). A few years later he visited Europe, and the traces of this visit are discernible in his subsequent poems. Hal- leck's works were very popular during his lifetime, but with a few exceptions are now little read. HARTE, FRANCIS BRET (1839-1902). Born at Albany, New York. While still a boy he went to Cali- fornia, where he had a rather checkered career as a teacher, miner, and journalist. Later he became a United States consul, first at Crefeld, Germany, and then at Glasgow, [4181 POETICAL FAVORITES Scotland. In 1885 he went to London, and supported himself by his pen until his death. Harte is best known for his realistic and striking stories of Western Ufe. His poems have enjoyed great popularity because of their rich vein of humor. Edmund Clarence Stedman, in his Poets of America, said of Harte's verse: "Like the rhyming of his master, Thackeray, it is the overflow of a rare genius, whose work must be counted among the treasures of the language. Mr. Harte may be termed the founder, and thus far has been the most briUiant exemplar, of our transcontinental school." HAY, JOHN (1838-1905). Born at Salem, Indiana. Graduated from Brown University. Shortly after his admission to the bar he became private secretary to President Lincoln, whose life he later wrote in conjunction with John G. Nicolay, another secretary of the President. He entered into the diplomatic service, becoming in time Ambassador to England. He was Secretary of State under President McKinley and President Roosevelt. His most notable literary work is Pike County Ballads, a Uttle book of Western dialect verse, all of which was written within a week. HEMANS, FELICIA DOROTHEA (BROWNE) (1793-1835). Born at Liverpool, England. She was very precocious, pubUshing a volume of verse at the age of fifteen. She married Captain Hemans in 1812, and, after an unhappy union, was separated from him six years later. She lived most of her life in Wales, removing thence to Liverpool and Dublin. Her work was wholly in verse, and very voluminous. HOLMES, OLIVER WENDELL (1809-1894). Born at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He studied medicine [419] POETICAL FAVORITES and practised in his native town until appointed Pro- fessor of Anatomy and Physiology at Dartmouth College. Later he occupied a sirnilar chair at Harvard University. Until 1857 he did little hterary work, but in that year he became the principal contributor to the Atlantic Monthly. In this magazine appeared his best known works, The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, The Professor at the Breakfast Table, and The Poet at the Breakfast Table. The best of his poems are embodied in these books. William Morton Payne, in his Little Leaders, says of Holmes: "We have no other so expert in personal and occasional verse, no other who could so distill the very quintessence of Yankee humor, or of the other and finer quahties of the New England intellect, into the most limpid of song. And when he was entirely serious, how exquisite was his touch, how pure his pathos, how clear his ethical sense! Let ' The Voiceless,' ' Under tjje Violets,' and 'The Chambered Nautilus' bear witness." HOOD, THOMAS (1799-1845). Born at London, England. His father being a bookseller Hood was from the first interested in books and thrown in contact with literary people. His first pubhcation, Odes and Addresses to Great People, 1825, was a great success, and encouraged he wrote several other works humorous and serious. He is best known to-day for his serious, pathetic poems, of which "The Song of the Shirt" and "The Bridge of Sighs" are the best examples. HOWE, JULIA (WARD) (1819-1910). Born in New York City. She received an excellent education, becom- ing proficient in ancient and modern languages and in music. At the age of seventeen she began her literary career with contributions to the New York Magazine. [4201 POETICAL FAVORITES At the age of twenty-four she married Samuel G. Howe, the philanthropist; after a trip abroad they settled in Boston, where their home became a centre of culture and good works. She has written several volumes of verse. Her most noted poem is "The Battle Hymn of the Repub- lic," which was written in beleaguered Washington in the dark days of 1861, and published in the Atlantic Monthly in February, 1862, the air being the one to which the Union soldiers had marched to the front — "John Brown's Body," or, "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" HUNT, JAMES HENRY LEIGH (1784-1859). Born at Southgate, England. Educated at Christ's Hospital School. He early became a contributor to the magazines, and so slipped into the editorial profession. He was one of the most voluminous writers of his times, treating of a wide variety of subjects in Hght, discursive style. It is, however, in his poems that he achieved his most lasting success. JOYCE, JOHN ALEXANDER (1842). Born at Shraugh, Ireland. Reared and educated in Kentucky. Served in Union army during the Civil War. After war practised law. Author of a number of books in prose and verse. KEATS, JOHN (1795-1821). Born in London. He was sent to school at Enfield, and having meantime become an orphan was in 1810 apprenticed to a surgeon. In 1815 he went to London to walk the hospitals; he was not, how- ever, at all enthusiastic in his profession, and having be- come acquainted with Leigh Hunt, Hazhtt, Shelley, and others he gave himself more and more to literature. His first work — some sonnets — came out in 1817. Endy- [421] POETICAL FAVORITES mion appeared in 1818 and was savagely attacked by the reviews. In 1820 he pubUshed Lamia and Other Poems. His health had by this time completely given away and in 1821 he set out on a journey to Italy from which he never returned. KEY, FRANCIS SCOTT (1780-1843). Born in Frederick County, Maryland. After his graduation from St. John's College, he studied law. He began practice in Fredericktown, Maryland, but soon removed to Washing- ton, where he became District Attorney of the District of Columbia. He was known among his friends as a grace- ful and facile poet. During the War of 1812 he was a spectator from a vessel of the bombardment of Fort McHenry, one of the defences of Baltimore, by the British, and he immediately drafted the song "The Star-Spangled Banner." Sung to the tune of "Anacreon in Heaven" it became popular at once, and has since become the rival of "America" as the national hymn of the country, KIPLING, R. (1865). Born in Bombay, India, and educated in England. When but seventeen he returned to India and took up rough and ready journalistic work. He turned out a number of short stories and poems, Bar- rack-Room Ballads, Departmental Ditties, Soldiers Three, which were quickly caught up by the press, followed by several novels, notably Captains Courageous (1897), and two wonderful series of animal fables. The Jungle Books, which placed him in the front rank of English novelists and poets of the present day. KNOX, WILLIAM (1789-1825). Born at Firth, Roxburghshire, Scotland. Failing as a farmer, he went to Edinburgh, and became a journalist. He wrote sev- eral books of verse. [ 422 ] POETICAL FAVORITES LAMB, CHARLES (1775-1834). Born in London, England, and educated there in Christ's Hospital School. At the age of twenty-three he contributed to a volume of verse by S. T. Coleridge, Charles Lloyd, and himself. In 1802 he published John Woodvil, a drama. It was as an essayist, however, that he achieved his greatest fame, liis Essays of Elia being one of the world's greatest works in this form of Uterature. LONGFELLOW, HENRY WADSWORTH (1807- 1882). Born at Portland, Maine. Was educated at Bowdoin College, where, upon graduation, he was ap- pointed to the chair of modern languages. Later he accepted a similar chair at Harvard. He travelled exten- sively abroad, being received with honor after he had gained recognition as a poet. Longfellow was essentially American, choosing the legends and scenes of his native country for the subjects of his poems. Besides his shorter lyrical poems and sonnets he is known as the author of The Golden Legend, Hiawatha, Evangeline, and The Court- ship of Miles Standish. His work was greatly beloved in England, where he was almost the only American poet known to the common people. Yet he was essentially American. As Prof. Brander Matthews says: "He had acquired the culture of all lands, but he understood also the message of his own country. He was a true American, not only in his stalwart patriotism in the hour of trial, but in his loving acceptance of the doctrine of human equality, and in his belief and trust in his fellow man." LOWELL, JAMES RUSSELL (1819-1891). Born at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was educated at Harvard, and began active life as a lawyer, but soon abandoned business and devoted himself to literature. In 1841 he [423] POETICAL FAVORITES published a volume of poems, A Year's Life, and in 1843 a second book of verses appeared. Other volumes followed and in 1855 he was appointed Professor of Modern Lan- guages at Harvard. In 1877 he was appointed United States Minister to Spain and held a similar appointment in England in 1880-1885. LUDLOW, FITZ-HUGH (1836-1870). Born in New York and educated at Union College. Admitted to the bar, he shortly returned to journalism, becoming well known as a writer of short stories, poems, and dra- matic, musical, and art criticism. He wrote several books, the most noted being The Hasheesh Eater and The Opium Habit. LYTLE, W. H. (1826-1863). Born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Studied law and began practice. He volunteered at the beginning of the Mexican War and served through the war. At the beginning of the Civil War he was com- missioned colonel of the 10th Ohio Regiment. He served with distinction, and was killed leading a charge of his brigade at Chickamauga. General Lytle was a poet of much merit, but no collection of his verses has been pub- lished. McCALLUM, DANIEL CRAIG (1815-1878). Born in Johnstown, Renfrewshire, Scotland. His parents settled in Rochester, New York, while he was young and there he became architect and builder. In 1862 was appointed military director and superintendent of rail- roads in the United States, with the rank of colonel, and "for faithful and meritorious service" was brevetted brigadier-general and major-general of volunteers. MALONE, WALTER (1866). Born in De Soto County, Mississippi, and educated at the University of [424] POETICAL FAVORITES Mississippi. After practising law for several years at Memphis, Tennessee, he went to New York and engaged in authorship, his work chiefly consisting of poetical con- tributions to the magazines. Later he returned to his law practice in Memphis. MARKHAM, EDWIN (1852). Born at Oregon City, Oregon. His parents removed, during his childhood, to California. By working at farm labor, blacksmithing, and herding, he earned his way through normal school and Santa Rosa College, and prepared himself as a teacher. He contributed poetry to the best Eastern magazines, and finally, in 1898, received world-wide recognition as a poet of the first order with his "The Man with the Hoe." In 1899 he removed to New York City and devoted himself to literature. Mr. Markham's poem on "Lincoln" is thought by some superior to his "The Man with the Hoe." It is here presented, specially revised by the author. MASSEY, GERALD (1828-1907). Born near Tring, Herts, England. When he was fifteen he came to London, where he was taken up by Maurice and Engsley. A selection from his poems was published in 1889 under the title "My Lyrical Life." Later he wrote and lectured on spiritualism. MILTON, JOHN (1608-1674). Born in London, the son of a scrivener and teacher and composer of music, who destined Milton from his youth to become a man of letters, sending him to St. Paul's School, and afterward to Cambridge. For six years after leaving the university Milton devoted himself to study in his father's house, and then travelled for fifteen months on the continent, being everywhere received with honor for his scholarship [4251 POETICAL FAVORITES by noblemen and authors. Returning to London in 1639 he began teaching. He took active part in the ecclesiasti- cal controversies of the time, supporting the Puritan side. In 1643 he married Mary Powell; the union was unhappy, and they separated, but became reconciled in 1645. In 1649 Milton was appointed Latin Secretary in Cromwell's government. He became blind one year later. In 1652 his wife died; four years later he married Catherine Wood- cock; she died in 1658, and in 1663 he married Elizabeth Minshull, who survived him. During the Restoration he was imprisoned for treasonable publications, but was shortly released. He died in 1674 in London and was buried in St. Giles's Churchyard. Milton's fame rests on Paradise Lost, the greatest by far of English epic poems. Nevertheless, had he not written it, his sonnets and lyrics would entitle him to a high place among poets. Said George WiUiam Curtis: "While yet a youth he wrote those minor poems which have the simple perfection of productions of nature; and in the ripeness of his wisdom and power he turned his blind eyes to heaven, and sang the lofty song which has given him a twin glory with Shakespeare in English MOORE, CLEMENT CLARKE (1779-1863). Born in New York City. He prepared for the ministry, but was never ordained, preferring to devote himself to the study of Hebrew and the classics. The Hebrew- English Lexicon (1809) gave him title to be considered the pioneer American lexicographer. He wrote much on religious subjects, and became Professor of Oriental and Greek Literature in the General Theological Seminary of New York. He published a volume of poems, of which "A Visit from St. Nicholas" is the most famous. [ 426 1 POETICAL FAVORITES MOORE, THOMAS (1779-1852). Born in Dublin, Ireland. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin. Law student at Middle Temple, London. Appointed to a government position in Bermuda, which he held for eight months; then, leaving the office in charge of a deputy, he travelled in the United States, after which he returned to England and began contributing to the Edinburgh Review. He wrote many books of verse, the ffrst under the pseudonym of Thomas Little. He also wrote a His- tory of Ireland, and translated and imitated Anacreon. His songs were set to exquisite melodies, and this com- bined with the intrinsic merit of his verse to render him the favorite poet of his generation. In the height of his fame he received the following encomium of Edgar A. Poe; "A vivid fancy, an epigrammatic spirit, a fine taste, vivacity, dexterity, and a musical ear have made him what he is, the most popular poet now living, if not the most popular that ever Hved." MORRIS, GEORGE POPE (1802-1864). Born at Philadelphia. Entering into journalism he established with Samuel Woodworth the Neiv York Mirror in 1823, and, on its discontinuance, with N. P. Willis the New Mirror in 1843, this shortly afterwards taking the name of the Evening Mirror. In 1845 he founded the Home Journal, which he edited jointly with Willis till shortly before his death. He wrote one novel, Briardiff, and edited two collections of American verse. He is best known by his two poems, "My Mother's Bible" and "Woodman, Spare that Tree." NAIRNE, BARONESS (CAROLINA OLIPHANT) (1766-1845). Born at Cask, Perthshire, Scotland. Mar- ried at the age of forty Major (subsequently Lord) Nairne. [4271 POETICAL FAVORITES They settled at Edinburgh. Upon her husband's death Lady Nairne removed to Ireland, and afterwards to the continent. Of her eighty-seven songs, four at least are immortal: "The Land o' the Leal," "Caller Herrin," "The Laird o' Cockpen," and "The Auld House." NORTON, CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH (SHERIDAN), LADY STIRLING-MAXWELL (1808- 1877). Born in London, the daughter of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the dramatist. She displayed precocious Uter- ary abiUty. She wrote books upon the position of women, especially in relation to marriage, several novels, and a number of volumes of verse. O'HARA, THEODORE (1822-1867). Born at Danville, Kentucky, of Irish parentage. Educated at St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Kentucky. He enlisted in the army during the Mexican War, and was brevetted major for gallant service. Subsequently he fought for the liberation of Cuba, and went with Walker on his filibustering expedition to Central America. Returning, he embarked in journalism, becoming noted as one of the most briUiant of Southern editors. At the outbreak of the Civil War he joined the Confederacy and performed efficient service as staff officer under Gen. A. S. Johnston and Gen. John C. Breckinridge. He wrote very Httle; however, his Bivouac of the Dead is sufficient to immortal- ize his name. It was written to commemorate his com- rades who fell in the Mexican War and who were buried in a lot set apart for them in the Frankfort, Kentucky, ceme- tery, where his own body now lies among them. PAYNE, JOHN HOWARD (1792-1852). Born at New York. He appeared on the New York stage at the [4281 POETICAL FAVORITES age of seventeen and played abroad as well as through- out America, being known as "The American Juvenile Wonder." He retired from the stage in 1832 and devoted himself to playwriting, being the author and adapter of more than sixty plays and operas. He was American Consul in Tunis from 1843 to 1845, and from 1851 to his death in 1852. He lives in fame as the author of "Home, Sweet Home," a song in his opera "Clari, the Maid of Milan." The melody he adapted from the song of an unknown Italian street singer. PIERPONT, JOHN (1785-1866). Born in Litchfield, Connecticut. Educated at Yale. After studying law he went into business in Baltimore. Becoming bank- rupt, he studied theology at Harvard and was ordained as a Congregational pastor in Boston; later he became a Unitarian. He wrote a volume of verse entitled Airs of Palestine and a number of patriotic lyrics, which, says James L. Onderdonk, in his History of American Verse, are "among the best and most spirited in our literature." POE, EDGAR ALLAN (1809-1849). Born at Boston, of theatrical parentage. Being left an orphan at an early age, he was adopted by a Mr. Allan of Vir- ginia. He received a broken, unfinished education at the University of Virginia and West Point. Poe is known as a short-story writer, poet, and literary critic, his work in each branch being memorable. His first volume of poems appeared in 1829; others followed in 1831 and 1845. He had a morbid mind, prone to dwell on the horrors of death and insanity. Afflicted with poverty, and grieved by the death of his young wife (in Fordham, near New York, 1847), he resorted in the last years of his life to drink, and death came to him, as the result of a [4291 POETICAL FAVORITES debauch, in Baltimore, as he was returning to New York from a visit to his old home in Richmond, Virginia. PROCTER, ADELAIDE ANNE (1825-1864). Born in London, the daughter of Bryan Waller Procter (Barry Cornwall), the poet. As a young woman she contributed poems to Charles Dickens' magazine. House- hold Words, under the pseudonym of Mary Berwick. She became a Roman Catholic and engaged in charitable work, writing a volume, A Chaplet of Verses, for the benefit of homeless women in London. Her best known poem, "A Lost Chord," was set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan. RILEY, JAMES WHITCOMB (1853). Born at Greenfield, Indiana, and educated in the common schools. Since 1873 his work has been appearing, at first in maga- zines, then in book form. He is popularly known as the "Hoosier Poet," his verse being for the most part in that dialect. Among his best known poems are "The Old Swimmin' Hole," "An Old Sweetheart of Mine," and "Out to Old Aunt Mary's." ROGERS, SAMUEL (1763-1855). Born at Stoke- Newington, England. He was educated there and at Hackney. He entered his father's bank at the age of twelve, and succeeding his father, continued in this busi- ness until his death; travel, the pursuit of literature, and the study of the fine arts being his recreations. He wrote several volumes of verse, the chief being Pleasures of Memory and a book of Recollections pubhshed after his death. RYAN, ABRAM JOSEPH (1839-1886). Born at Norfolk, Virginia. A Roman Catholic, he entered the [430] POETICAL FAVORITES priesthood, and served as chaplain in the Confederate army. Shortly after Lee's surrender he wrote a poem entitled "The Conquered Banner," which was received with praise in the North as well as in the South. He published three volumes of verse. At the time of his death, which took place in Louisville, Kentucky, he was on a Lije oj Christ. SANGSTER, MARGARET ELIZABETH (MUN- SON) (1838). Born in New Rochelle, New York, and educated privately in New York City. Soon after her marriage to George Sangster in 1858, she began con- tributing to the magazines. She has held a number of editorial positions, and published quite an array of volumes in both prose and verse. Her muse is religious and domes- tic, causing her to be one of the most popular household poets of the day in America. SAXE, JOHN GODFREY (1816-1887). Bom in Highgate, Vermont; educated at Wesleyan University and Middlebury. He practised law with success, but his fondness for literature led him into journaUsm and in 1850 he purchased the Burlington Sentinel. Settling in New York he devoted himself to Uterature and lectured until 1872, when he moved to Albany and became editor of the Evening Journal. He contributed to the leading magazines of his day and achieved great reputation by his poetry, numerous collections of which have been pubUshed. SCOTT, SIR WALTER (1771-1832). Born in Edin- burgh, Scotland; was connected through both parents with several old border families. As a child he began to follow the irresistible bent which ultimately led to such brilliant results in a course of insatiable reading of ballads [4311 POETICAL FAVORITES and romances. He studied for the bar, to which he was called in 1792. The year 1802 saw the publication of Scott's first work of real importance, The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. In 1805 he produced his first great original work, The Lay of the Last Minstrel, which was received with great favor, and decided that hterature was thenceforth to be the main work of his life. The Waverley Novels were pubUshed between 1814 and 1831, and on these his chief fame rests. Scott was ruined by the fail- ure of the Ballantynes in 1826 and devoted the rest of his Hfe to clearing off his debt. Scott's overworked body at last gave way and he died at Abbotsford in 1832. SILL, EDWARD ROWLAND (1841-1887). Born in Windsor, Connecticut. He was educated at Yale. He studied for the ministry, but shortly abandoned his pur- pose and engaged in teaching, marrying and setthng in Brooklyn, New York. In 1871 he went to California and, in 1874, became Professor of English Literature in the University of California, doing much for the development of original literature in that State. In 1883 he returned East and devoted himself until his death exclusively to writing. SMITH, SAMUEL FRANCIS (1808-1905). Born in Boston. He attended the Boston Latin School and was graduated at Harvard and at Andover Theological Semi- nary. He was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist Church in 1834. Dr. Smith has done a large amount of literary work, mainly in the line of hymnology, his most noted poem being the national hymn, wliich was written while he was a theological student and first sung at a children's cele- bration in the Park Street Church, Boston, July 4, 1832. [4321 POETICAL FAVORITES SOUTHEY, CAROLINE ANNE (BOWLES) (1787- 1854). Born in Hampshire, England, the daughter of a retired officer. She remained at home till her literary work, consisting of poems, tales, and sketches, published in the magazines, brought her into pubhc notice. She formed a warm personal friendship with Robert Southey, the Poet Laureate, and married him two years after the death of his wife. They wrote a number of poems in collaboration. STANTON, FRANK LEBBY (1857). Born in Charleston, South CaroUna. Educated in the common schools; he served an apprenticeship as a printer, thence rising into the plane of journalism. He is now connected with the Atlanta Constitution, in which his songs appear almost daily, being quoted by the newspapers all over the country. He has gathered the choicest of his verse into several volumes. STEDMAN, EDMUND CLARENCE (1833-1908). Born in Hartford, Connecticut. Educated at Yale, from which he was dismissed for a boyish prank, although he afterward received his degree from his Alma Mater, proud of his reputation as a man of letters. He entered journalism and, during the Civil War, served as war- correspondent for the New York World. After the war he became a Wall Street broker, holding a position upon the exchange until 1900. He wrote a number of books upon poetry and edited, with Ellen M. Hutchinson, a large anthology of American literature. At the time of his death he was regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." STEVENSON, ROBERT LOUIS (1850-1894). Born at Edinburgh, coming from a distinguished family [4331 POETICAL FAVORITES of Scotch engineers. His delicate health made a thorough education impossible. He read extensively and so fitted himself for a hterary career. This he began in 1871 with contributions to various magazines. He reached dis- tinction as a short-story writer, novelist, essayist, and poet. Among his works may be especially noted The Merry Men — a collection of short stories, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Treasure Island, and Kidnapped. His poetical works are A Child's Garden of Verse, 1885, and Underwoods, 1887. He died in Samoa in the South Seas, where he had settled in a vain attempt to regain his health. SWINBURNE, ALGERNON CHARLES (1837- 1909). Born in London, England. Received his early education in France and was at Eton and Oxford, where he attracted the attention of Jowett. In his earher days Swinburne was closely associated with the Rossettis, Mere- dith, and Burne-Jones. His first two plays, The Queen Mother and Rosamund, made no impression on the pubUc, but the appearance in 1865 of Atalanta in Calydon led to his immediate recogni- tion as a poet of the first order. Poems and Ballads, pub- lished in 1866, created a profound sensation alike among the critics and the general body of readers by its daring departure from recognized standards. As a master of metre Swinburne's is hardly excelled by any of our poets. TAYLOR, BAYARD (1825-1878). Born in Penn- sylvania, of Quaker descent. He began to write by the time he was twelve. He travelled extensively in Europe. After his return joined the stafT of the New York Tribune and published several books on travel and poetry, among which are Views Afoot (1846). His translation of [4341 POETICAL FAVORITES Goethe's Faust is perhaps his best work. He was ap- pointed to the German Embassy and died in BerUn in 1879. TENNYSON, ALFRED BARON) TENNYSON OF ALDWORTH) (1809-1892). Born at Somersby, Lin- colnshire, England, the son of the rector of the parish. His education, which was completed at Trinity College, Cambridge, brought him in contact with many gifted men whose influence was most valuable. Although his first volume of poems had appeared in 1827, he received no general recognition until 1842, when his fourth collection of poems appeared. From this time on his fame grew apace. His greatest poem is the elegy on the death of his dear friend Arthur Hallam, In Memoriam, which appeared in 1850. This same year, on the death of Wordsworth, he succeeded to the Laureateship. Tenny- son also turned his attention to the drama, achieving some success, especially with Beckct, 1884. He was raised to the peerage in that year. The poet's life, which had been tranquil and uneventful, received a great shock at the death of his younger son, and from this blow he never recovered. He died in his eighty-fourth year, and receiving a public funeral, was buried in Westminster Abbey. "Truly," said Sir Edwin Arnold, "the echoes of Lord Tennyson's song will live forever and forever, and roll from soul to soul. Beyond all dispute he is the repre- sentative singer of the great reign of Victoria." THACKERAY, WILLIAM MAKEPEACE (1811- 1863). Born at Calcutta, India. At the age of five, on the death of his father, he came to London to receive his education at Charterhouse School. He was intended for [435] POETICAL FAVORITES the law, but, having no hking for that profession, turned his attention to journahsm, in which business he lost his fortune. He studied art, but finding his talent limited, turned to literature as a means of livelihood. Thackeray is best known as a novelist, his greatest works being Henry Esmond (1832) and Vanity Fair (1848). He also achieved success as an essayist. He wrote but little verse, and that largely in light and humorous vein. ^ TUBES, ARTHUR LEWIS (1867). Born at Glens Falls, New York, and educated there in the high school. Studied music, entered into journalism. He is now the dramatic and musical critic of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. He has written a number of plays and many poems and short stories. WEBSTER, DANIEL (1782-1852). Born at Water- ford, New Hampshire, of old New England stock. Studied law and was a member of the United States Senate and Secretary of State. He was one of the greatest orators America has produced. His place in literature rests on his published speeches. WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF (1807-1892). Born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, coming of Quaker stock. His youth was passed on a farm; later he became interested in journalism. He was active in local pohtics, being a strong champion of the anti-slavery cause. In 1836 he began to publish his poems, many volumes appear- ing in the following years. Edmund Gosse, the English critic, said of Whittier: "He is filled with moral enthusiasm as a trumpet is filled with the breath of him who blows it. His Quaker quietism concentrates itself until it breaks into a real passion- r4361 POETICAL FAVORITES storm of humanity, and when Whittier is roused he sings with the thriUing sweetness of a woodthrush." WITHER, GEORGE (1588-1667). Born at Bent- worth, Hants, England. Entered Oxford, but left it after three years, and studied law at Lincoln's Inn, London. In the Civil War he served as a major-general on the Parliamentary side. His writings are many, consisting for the greater part of poems and political tracts. WOLFE, CHARLES (1791-1823). Born in Dublin, Ireland. Educated at Dublin University. He became an Anglican clergyman. He suffered from ill-health during his last years, and died at the age of thirty-two. His most famous poem is The Burial oj Sir John Moore, which gave title to his only volume of verse. WOODWORTH, SAMUEL (1785-1842). Born at Scituate, Massachusetts. He received a scant educa- tion in the miserable common schools of the day and region, but some juvenile verses that he wrote attracted the atten- tion of the village clergyman, who taught him the classics. In 1823 he and George P. Morris founded the New York Mirror. He wrote operatic pieces and a number of popular songs, of which "The Old Oaken Bucket" is by far the best. WORDSWORTH, WILLIAM (1770-1850). Born at Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. Educated at Cambridge. He travelled abroad and then returned to live with his sister. They resided in various parts of England, finally settling at Grasmere, among the Cum- berland lakes. Wordsworth was the centre of a group of poets, including Coleridge and Southey, and called the [437] POETICAL FAVORITES "Lake Poets." Wordsworth succeeded Southey as Poet Laureate. With the exception of a few books descriptive of natural scenery, Wordsworth's works are poetical. By some of the greatest minds of the age Wordsworth is revered as the greatest English poet since Shakespeare and Milton. John Burroughs, the naturalist, gives the following reason for this worship : " He stands for a particu- lar phase of human thought and experience and his ser- vice to certain minds is like an initiation into a new order of mysteries. He is not, and can never be, the world's poet, but the poet of those who love solitude and solitary communion with nature." 438 INDEX OF TITLES PAGE Abou Ben Adhem L. Hunt 188 Altruism Anon. 400 America W. C. Bnjant 35 America ; S. F. Smith 300 American Flag, The J. R. Drake 97 Angels of Buena Vista, The J. G. Whittier 351 Angry Anarcliist, An Anon. 402 Annie Laurie W. Douglas 95 An Old Sweetheart of Mine J.W. Riley 274 An Order for a Picture A. Cary 61 Antony and Cleopatra W. H. Lytle 224 Are the Children at Home ? M.E. Sangster 285 Arrow and the Song, The H.W. Longfellow 200 Auld Lang S3Tie R. Burns 43 Barefoot Boy, The J.G. Whittier 356 Baron's Last Banquet, The A. G. Greene 143 Battle-Hymn of the Republic J.W. Howe 187 Beautiful Gate, The Anon. 374 Before the Beginning of Years A. C. Swinburne 310 Bells, The E. A. Poe 253 Bingen on the Rhine C. E. S. Norton 245 Bivouac of the Dead, The T. O'Hara 249 Blue and Gray Anon. 376 Blue and the Gray, The F. M. Finch 120 Boys, The O.W. Holmes 167 Boys That Run the Furrow, The F. L. Stanton 302 Break, Break, Break A. Tennyson 313 Breathes There the Man W. Scott 296 [4391 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Bridge of Sighs, The T. Hood 175 Bugle, The A. Tennyson 314 Burial of Sir John Moore C. Wolfe 368 Buried Treasure E. Dean 88 Calf Path, The S.W. Foss 122 Charge of the Light Brigade, The A. Tennyson 315 Children's Hour, The H. W. Longfellow 201 Christmas at Sea R. L. Stevenson 306 Come, Rest in This Bosom T. Moore 236 Congressman Jones Anon. 378 Court Lady, A E. B. Browning 24 Crossing the Bar A. Tennyson 317 Death of the Flowers, The W. C. Bryant 32 Departed Friend, The R. L. Stevenson 309 Dirge for a Soldier G.H. Boker 21 Diverting History of John Gilpin, The . . .W. Cowper 74 Doorstep, The E. C. Stedrnan 304 Do Ye Think of the Days That Are Gone ? . .Anon. 379 Elegy on Madam Blaize 0. Goldsmith 136 Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog. . . .0. Goldsmith 134 Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard . . . .T. Gray 138 EUzabeth Barrett Browning N. B. Carson 59 Enchanted Shirt, The J. Hay 160 Evelyn Hope R. Browning 30 Experience and a Moral, An F. S. Cozzens 84 Eyes of the Christ, The N. B. Carson 60 Faithless Nelly Gray T. Hood 179 Fancy J. Keats 190 Fare Thee Well Byron 49 [ 440 ] POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Farewell! But Whenever T. Moore 236 Fiddle-Dee-Dee E. Field 112 Fool's Prayer, The E.R. Sill 297 Freedom J. R. Lowell 209 Ginevra S. Rogers 279 God's- Acre H. W. Longfellow 202 Good Old Way, The Ano7i 380 Go Where Glory Waits Thee T. Moore 237 Height of the Ridiculous, The O.W. Holmes 171 Heritage, The J. R. Lowell 211 Highland Mary R. Burns 44 Holy City, The F. E. Weatherby 346 Home, Sweet Home J. H. Payne 252 Home, Woodbarrow Farm A. E. Housnian 186 Humblebee, To the R.W. Emerson 105 If I Had Thought Thou Couldst Have Died. C. Wolfe 369 If I Should Die To-night A.E. Smith 298 Indian's Prayer, The Anon. 381 In School-Days J.G. Whittier 359 In the Old Church Choir L. 0. Reese 269 Invocation J. Hay 163 I Remember, I Remember T. Hood 181 Irene M.E. Sangster 287 Ivy Green, The C. Dickens 89 Jes' Fore Christmas E. Field 114 Jim Bludso J- Hay 163 John Howard Payne Anon. 382 Joseph Rodman Drake F. G. Halleck 150 [441] POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Kings, The L.I. Guiney 148 Lady Clara Vere de Vere A. Tennyson 317 Lady Clare A. Tennyson 320 Lament for Lafayette Anon. 384 Lament of the Irish Emigrant Lady Dufferin 100 Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, The . . . .F. Hemans 166 Land o' the Leal, The C. Nairne 244 Last Hymn, The M. Farningham 109 Last Leaf, The O.W. Holmes 172 Leedle Yawcob Strauss C. F. Adams 2 Leetla Joe T. A. Daly 86 Legend of the Organ-Builder, The J.C.R. Dorr 90 Life A. L. Barbauld 17 Life on the Ocean Wave, A E. Sargent 290 Light F.W. Bourdillon 23 Lincoln, the Man of the People E. Markham 230 Line on the Death of a Baby Anon. 386 Lines on the Death of his Son Charles ...£). Webster 349 Little Billie W. M. Thackeray 340 Little Boy Blue E. Field 116 Little Hand, A F. L. Stanton 303 Little Orphant Annie J. W. Riley Til Little White Hearse, The J. W. Riley 278 Look Ahead Anon. 386 Lord Ullin's Daughter T. Campbell 55 Lost Chord, A A. A. Procter 266 Mahogany Tree, The W. M. Thackeray 341 Man Was Made to Mourn R. Burns 46 Marco Bozzaris F. G. Halleck 151 Maud Muller J.G. Whittier 361 May Queen, The A. Tennyson 324 [4421 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Miss Edith Helps Things Along F. B. Harte 158 Mother's Doughnuts C. F. Adams 4 Mother's Fool Ayion. 388 Musings of Arroyo Al, The A. Chapman 68 My Mother's Bible G. P. Morris 240 My Old Kentucky Home *S. C. Foster 128 Nearer Home P. Gary 67 Near the Lake G.P. Morris 243 New Year Ledger, The A. E. Barr 18 Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Anon. 390 Ode R.W. Emerson 107 Oft in the Stilly Night T. Moore 239 O, Lay Thy Hand in Mine, Dear! G. Massey 232 O Little Town of Bethlehem P. Brooks 23 O May I Join the Choir Invisible! G. Eliot 103 O Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be Proud? W. Knox 197 Old Arm-Chair, The E. Cook 70 Old Familiar Faces, The C. Lamb 199 Old-Fashioned Roses J.W. Riley 276 Old Grimes A.G. Greene 146 Old Ironsides O.W. Holmes 170 Old Man's Motto, The J. G. Saxe 292 Old Oaken Bucket, The S. Woodworth 370 Old Songs, The Anon. 391 Old Story, The F. Downing 96 Old Swimmin'-Hole, The J.W. Riley 270 On Death J. Keats 193 On His Blindness J. Milton 233 Opportunity W. Malone 230 Order for a Picture A. Gary 61 [4431 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Our Fame /. A. Joyce 189 Our Own M. E. Sangster 289 Outward W.J. Cameron 54 Over the River N.W. Priest 264 Palmetto and Pine L.V. French 129 Pauper's Death-Bed, The C.A.B. Southey 301 Peace C. Fabri 109 Philosophic Beggar, The B. Gray 137 Pictures of Memory A. Cary 65 Plain Language from Truthful James . . F. B. Harte 155 Planting of the Apple-Tree, The W.C. Bnjant 37 Prayer, A J. R. Lowell 214 Present Crisis, The J. R. Lowell 216 Psalm of Life, A H. W. Longfellow 203 Questioner, The C. Werner 348 Questions, The B. Beach 20 Raven, The E.A.Poe 257 Recessional R. Kipling 195 Recompense E. M. Abbott 1 Requiem J. R. Lowell 214 Resignation H.W. Longfellow 205 Rock of Ages Anon. 392 Rock Me to Sleep E.A. Ahers 8 Roses Underneath the Snow G. Cooper 71 Sally in Our Ally H. Carey 57 School Days M. D. Babcock 15 Secret of Death, The . .E. Arnold 10 Shepherd's Resolution, The .G. Wither 366 Sing Us a Song Anon. 394 [4441 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Song of the Camp, The B. Taylor 311 Song of the Mj'stic A. J. Ryan 282 Song of the Shirt, The T. Hood 183 Song of the Thrush, The T. A. Daly 87 Star-Spangled Banner, The F. S. Key 194 Sunset Thoughts M. Conway 68 Superfluous Man, The J.G. Saxe 294 Suspiria H.W. Longfellow 209 Teacher's Diadem, The Anon. 396 Tear, The Byron 52 Tempest, The J.T. Field 118 Thanatopsis W. C. Brtjant 40 Those Evening Bells T. Moore 240 To the Humblebee R.W. Emerson 105 To-morrow A. Tennyson 334 Too Late F.H. Ludlow 222 Treasure in Heaven J.G. Saxe 291 True Rest /. S. Dwight 102 Vanishing Army, The A. L. Tubbs 344 Verses by Alexander Selkirk W. Cowper 72 Village Blacksmith, The H.W. Longfellow 207 Visit from St. Nicholas, A C. C. Moore 234 Voiceless, The 0. W. Holmes 174 Volunteer Organist, The S. W. Foss 125 Wants of Man, The J.Q. Adams 6 Warren's Address J. Pierpont 252 Washington's Birthday W. C. Bryant 43 Water Mill, The D.C. McCallum 226 We Are Seven W. Wordsworth 371 When Baby Laughs A. J. Waterhouse 345 [4451 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Whom God Hath Joined J. G. McClaughry 229 Woman's Answer, A E. B. Browning 29 Woman's Inconstancy R. Ayton 13 Woman's Question, A A. A. Procter 267 Woodman, Spare That Tree G.P. Morris 242 Wynken, Blynken and Nod E. Field 117 446] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) . . . 188 A cWeftain, to the Highland bound 55 A life on the ocean wave 290 A man said unto his Angel 148 A simple child 371 A soldier of the Legion lay dying in Algiers . . . 245 A thousand years of glory 189 Ah, Life, what art thou 20 Ah! the May was grand this mornin'l .... 87 All lonely and cold, in the sepulchre slumber . . 384 Among the beautiful pictures 65 Are we, then, wholly fallen? Can it be ... 209 As one who cons at evening o'er an album all alone. 274 As the little white hearse went glimmering by . . 278 At midnight in his guarded tent 151 Ay, pale and silent maiden 214 Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! 170 Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight . 8 Beautiful Evelyn Hope is dead! 30 Before I trust my fate to thee 267 Before the beginning of years 310 Ben Battle was a soldier bold 179 Between the dark and the daylight 201 Blessings on thee, httle man 356 Break, break, break 313 Breathes there the man with soul so dead . . . 296 [447] POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Burly, dozing bumblebee! 105 By the flow of the inland river 120 Can death be sleep, when Ufe is but a dream . . 193 Christmas is here 341 Close his eyes; his work is done! 21 Come, let us plant the apple-tree 37 Come, rest in this bosom, my own stricken deer . 236 Come, sing us a song — a hot one, too ! . . . . 394 Day by day the Organ-Builder in his lonely chamber wrought 90 Do ye think of the days that are gone, Jeanie . . 379 Do you know you have asked for the costUest thing 29 Each day, when the glow of sunset 285 Ever let the Fancy roam 190 Every coin of earthly treasure 291 Fare thee well! and if for ever 49 Farewell! — but whenever you welcome the hour . 236 Father calls me William, sister calls me Will . . . 114 From the wave- washed strand of the Golden Land. 344 "Give me a motto!" said a youth 292 "Give us a song!" the soldiers cried .... 311 God buried in a woman's soul 88 God! do not let my loved one die 214 God of our fathers, known of old 195 God spoke to her, and so she fell asleep .... 109 Good people all, of every sort . 134 Good people all, with one accord 136 Go where glory waits thee 237 Green be the turf above thee 150 [4481 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Half a league, half a league 315 Has there any old fellow got mixed with the boys? . 167 Hear the sledges with the bells 253 Her hair was tawny with gold, her eyes with purple were dark 24 Her that yer Honor was spakin' to? Whin, yer Honor? last year 334 How dear to this heart are the scenes of my child- hood 370 I am djang, Egypt, dying 224 I am monarch of all I survey 72 I called the boy to my knee one day 348 I haf got a leedle boy 2 I have had playmates, I have had companions . 199 I lent my love a book one day 84 I hke that ancient Saxon phrase which calls . . 202 I long have been puzzled to guess 294 I love it, I love it! and who shall dare .... 70 I loved thee once, I'll love no more 13 I remember, I remember 181 I said one year ago 18 I saw him once before 172 I shot an arrow into the air 200 I walk down the Valley of Silence 282 I wonder what she's dreaming 'bout 345 I wrote some lines once on a time 171 If I had known, in the morning 289 If I had thought thou couldst have died . . . 369 If I should die to-night . ■ 298 If thou shouldst ever come by choice or chance . 279 If you have a friend worth loving 400 I'm sittin' on the stile, Mary 100 [4491 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE I'm wearing awa', Jean 244 In a city stamped with plenty 137 In sweetest blush of maiden bloom 287 It chanced that once a Persian maid 96 It seems to me this Hfe we lead 68 It was the time when lilies blow 320 I've just been down ter Thompson's, boys ... 4 John Gilpin was a citizen 74 John Mann had a wife who was kind and true . . 380 Lady Clara Vere de Vere 317 Last night I lay a sleeping 346 Leetla Joe he always say 86 Let me go to my home in the far distant west . . 381 Life! I know not what thou art 17 Little Orphant Annie's come to our house to stay . 272 Lord, from far several climes we come .... 163 Lord, let me make this rule 15 Man wants but little here below 6 Maud Muller, on a summer's day 361 Maxwelton banks are bonnie 95 Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam . 252 Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord! 187 My Country, 'tis of thee 300 My sister'U be down in a minute, and says for you to wait if you please 158 My son, thou wast my heart's delight .... 349 Near the camp-fire's flickering Ught 390 Near the lake where drooped the willow .... 243 Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note . . . 368 [450] POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE O, a dainty plant is the ivy green 89 O, lay thy hand in mine, dear! 232 O little town of Bethlehem 23 O, may I join the choir invisible 103 O mother of a mighty race 35 O mother! what do they mean by blue? . . 376 O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light . 194 O tenderly the haughty day 107 O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? . . 197 O'er a low couch the setting sun 143 Of all the girls that are so smart 57 Oft in the stilly night 239 Oh, good painter, tell me true 61 Oh, he preached it from the housetops and he whis- pered it by stealth 402 Oh! listen to the Water-Mill, through all the livelong day 226 Oh! the old swimmin'-hole! whare the crick so still and deep 270 Old Grimes is dead, that good old man . . . 146 Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary 257 One day through the primeval wood . . . . 122 One little bud the less 386 One more unfortunate 175 One sweetly solemn thought 67 Over the river they beckon to me 264 Pause now and let a hghtsome world go by . . . 60 Perhaps there are tenderer, sweeter things . . . 303 "Rock of ages, cleft for me" 392 [451] POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE Seated one day at the organ 266 Shall I, wasting in despair 366 "She is dead!" they said to him; "come away . 10 Should auld acquaintance be forgot 43 Sitting 'mid the gathering shadows, weary with the Sabbath's care 396 Speak and tell us, our Ximena, looking northward far away 351 Stand! the ground's your own, my braves! . . . 252 Still sits the school-house by the road 359 Summer groves may lose their gladness .... 71 Sunset and evening star 317 Sweet is the pleasure 102 Take them, O Death! and bear away .... 209 Tell me not, in mournful numbers 203 The breaking waves dashed high 166 The conference-meeting through at last .... 304 The curfew tolls the knell of parting day . . . 138 The gret big church wuz crowded full uv broadcloth and uv silk . 125 The king was sick. His cheek was red .... 160 The little toy dog is covered with dust . . . . 116 The melancholy days are come, the saddest of the year 32 The muffled drum's sad roll has beat .... 249 The night has a thousand eyes 23 The rich man's son inherits lands 211 The royal feast was done; the king 297 The Sabbath day was ending, in a village by the sea 109 The sheets were frozen hard, and they cut the naked hand 306 The splendor falls on castle walls 314 [4521 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE The sun shines bright in our old Kentucky home . 128 The sun's high and the moon's high 54 The world was young in those days of ours . . . 269 There is no flock, however watched and tended . . 205 There once was a bird that Uved up in a tree . . 112 There sat an old man on a rock 222 There were three sailors of Bristol City .... 340 These ragtime songs they're singin' now may be the proper thing 391 They aint no style about 'em 276 They do me wrong who say I come no more . . 230 They planted them together — our gallant sires of old 129 This book is all that's left me now! 240 Those evening bells! those evening bells! . . . 240 Though frail of form, thou wert of spirit large and free 59 Though he that ever kind and true 309 '"Tis plain to see," said a farmer's wife .... 388 To him who, in the love of Nature, holds ... 40 To-night, as I sat by my window 68 Tread softly, — bow the head 301 'Twas Christmas night in Paris 382 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house 234 Under a spreading chestnut-tree 207 Wall, no, I can't tell whar he lives 163 We count the broken lyres that rest 174 We have sipped the cup of sorrow 229 We were crowded in the cabin 118 What is the price of manhood? 1 Whatever you do in this wonderful world . . . 386 [4531 POETICAL FAVORITES PAGE When a deed is done for Freedom, through the broad earth's aching breast 216 When all the world is young, lad, and all the trees are green 186 When chill November's surly blast 46 When Freedom, from her mountain height ... 97 When Friendship or Love our sympathies move . 52 When I consider how my Ught is spent . . . 233 When Jones left Badger's Corners he was racked by doubt and fear 378 When mysterious whispers are floating about . . 374 When the Norn Mother saw the Whirlwind Hour . 230 Which I wish to remark 155 With fingers weary and worn 183 Woodman, spare that tree! 242 Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, one night . . . . 117 Ye banks, and braes, and streams around ... 44 Yet has no month a prouder day 43 You can write it down as gospel 302 You must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear 324 454 >-V £.f I^IV One copy del. to Cat. Div. 014 013 925 7