^^ o-«, -^o. >" ..^^•. "^^ P«=>' .?•. c'V^ ♦'^^^^ ^ A^ ^-0^9^' **\c:^-, ^^ "• "%./ =*J!^'v \/ .'^»". ■%./' ,♦. >^. •n*-. ^°-nK -^ c (0>.', ^c,^* .' \ \/' .'. .<^* . t ' . . ^5> POEMS BY Josiah Giberton English XENIA, OHIO 1888. ~eD £7 I Entered according to Act of C!ongress, in tlie year 1888, by 1 Josiah Giherton English. in tlie office of tlie Librarian of J Congress, at Washington. INDEX. In trod uctory 4 A Talk with Grandma 8 The Mullen Place 10 A Christmas Story 15 To the Memory of Mary Wenimons 32 Pig, Polk and Pop 34 Government Shot in the Ear 38 Nunnemaker 40 A Tribute to Lighttoot 43 Democracy 44 The Whip-poor-will Shoe 45 Where They Played when Boys near Felicity, Clermont County 46 Written on the Kingdoms — Animal and Veget- able 40 Learn to Condense 51 Ax at the Eoot of the Tree 51 Angelina 52 Joe Burnett 54 To the Memory of Albert Sidnej^ Johnson 02 The Gadite's Flight 04 The Deity Flower -. 06 Grammar for Children 08 Definition of Vibrate 100 One Fingered Tim 103 The Bonner Place 124 Unknown 136 Soul Immortal Flee Away 138 Sacred to the Memory of Eliza, Wife of the Author of this Book 138 Pollie and her Wheel 139 Love at First Sisht 141 3 When Youth Makes us Glad and Age Makes us Sad 142 The Wheel of Time 144 Commanding What is Eight and Prohibiting What is Wrong .. ^ 144 A Poet's Find 146 A Mother's Dream 147 Star, City, Babe 149 Tim's Soliloquy 151 Gambling Dispatches 153 Wearing a Doubt 154 Garibaldi and his Eider, Captain Thompson. ..156 INTRODUCTORY. A SKETCH OF THE HISTOEY OF JOSIAH GIBEETON ENGLISH, AUTHOR OF THIS POEM. I was born in Camden County ; - New Jerpey is my native State; November, eighteen thirty-three, Family record gives the date. Came I over hill and mountain ; Left I Jersey sand and shore ; Parted I witn pine and cedar ; Lost to ear the billows' roar. My coming here was not my choosing ; Mother led me by the hand. Father came some time before us. Viewing out the goodly land ; Eented he a farm of Parish, Provided well for us to come ; Poor man, his death was soon to follow, Breaking up our western home. One sweet ride I took with father — One sweet ride remembered still ; 'Twas when he drove old Jack to the wagon, Hauling grain to Pepper's mill. Soon after that I followed him To where was dug a long, deep grave ; Spake he not to his boy then, Or ever a time his hand he srave. to" I've often asked the world this question : "What shall I render to my God ? " Knowing well this mortal body Soon shall mold beneath the sod. The question first I asked of mother. (Father died when 1 a child) Could not then put words together, Could only know that lather smiled. Grrew out of the talk with mother and child All that's sacred to my soul ; Never I wore the priestly vestment; Never I drank from golden bowl. Holy prophets was I told of; Never they prophesied for me. But the ways that mother taught me Cast their lot for me to see. Learned I young to weigh misfortune In the balance of all truth ; Saw I plain the heavenly kingdom Should be taught in early youth. Began I then to lisp a prayer That God would lead me thro' this world And help me to escape the danger When Satan's darts were at me hurled. Grew 1 up to shun the evil ; Walked I in the path of right. Morning dawned quite fair upon me; Darkness came before 'twas night. The scenes of life grew thick of shadow, Denser cloud to plain of life ; Then I married fairest woman That to fancy made a wife. Still had God my heart estranged From the way of most of world ; Conscience clung to cross and banner In the hand of Christ unfurled. Something said, " Go preach the gospel; " Science said, " First go to school ; " Avarice said, " First make the riches; " Miser said, " Don't play the fool." Science comprised with learning. Learned I well to work a trade; Conscience smothered down her burning, And I at last a living made. Then there came a cry of war ; Then 1 'listed in the army; Fields of earth were soaked with gore ; Sea of life to mind was stormy. Sickness warned that man was frail ; Strength of mortals all must fail ; Then I buried Frank and Willie ; See the weeping, hear the wail ! Then I asked of Christ in prayer : " At Thy coming join us there." Earth is plucked of fairest flowers. Wife and children's beauty rare. Hard the burden to be borne; Crushed in spirit, heart strings torn ; No child alive but the first-born ; Wife a dying; friendless, shorn. Sad and lonely, dog the only Companion 'round the flre-side; Wept away is human pride ; Need I feelings try to hide? Seasons bring to heart no pleasure From toiling on — no hour's leisure ; Mind betakes to write a book To tell myself just how I look. Began it I — life's cold and drear ; What else will never in print appear ; Nor mortals know of human heart, The pains that make the feelings start. Possessed 1 was to angel wed, To break my sorrow for the dead ] God appeared and feelings cheered , I him obeyed, for God I feared ; And unto me was born a son To take my place in life to run ; And joy I in the little boy. Gave I him a pretty toy. Yet I wonder still the more What have I done when lite is o'er? Think I often what is said. Or thought of me when I am dead. Surrendered I my heart to heaven, All my sins have felt forgiven , Find I life is worth the living , God has blessed me in the giving. A TALK WITB GKANDMA. I often think of grandma, Who always proved my friend ; Who gave me cakes and candies And coppers for to spend. And sjrandma often told me How many long years ago, She wore a little hood and mits And loved to play in snow. And how teachers in those days Were not like teachers now ; The children that conformed to rule To teacher made a bow. And girls looked not so graceful In tow or linen dresses. Nov took the pains to fix their hair In wavey curls or tresses. Parents always taught the child To obey the teacher's rules. And those who could not learn at school Were counted simple fools. The teacher kept a long, slim stick Carefully smoked to make it tough ; A whipping then to make one mind Was not considered rough. Few painted houses were in sight ; The country all was new ; And silks were scarce and hard to get, And calico dresses few. From hackled flax, well scutched and bruised, We always spun the thread we used, And then we spun our carded wool, And wove and sent our cloth to full. With those who felt too short of means The process stopped with woolen jeans, And those who seldom dare be mincy Contented were with only linsey. We did not have the cook stove then ; Our fireplace was a great log pen. With sticks across from square of jam. Well daubed with clay to top of stem. And then we used an oven with lid. The things a cooking within were hid From hickory wood fire coals aglow. Applied and renewed above and below. And then we used a reflector of tin That baked the bread from shine within ; And learned it took a close inspector To govern the heat of a tin reflector. Sometimes we used a board alone To bake of meal a flapjack pone ; We hung the boiling pots on a crane. And covered them up to keep out the rain. With ox teams most of the ground was plowed ; From sleds the most of the hay was mowed ; 10 Honest toil for self and others Made neighbors seem the more like brothers. We all had something then to do ; Things of art were very few ; Stores were few and far between ; Yarn sold by reel and not by skein. Papers contained few novel tales ; The world was heard from through the mail ; Wages came at toil's command ; Money was saved to purchase land. We look through darksome future For what has come to pass ; I count those years upon my face While looking through the glass. THE MULLEN PLACE, Near Felicity, Clermont County, O. Through years I go back to glean, Fond memory contains the scene; My first home west of the mountains 1 scan, To bring up the pastas best I can. First comes the house, time-marked and old. And clay-chinked cracks to keep out the cold, And porch on the side, first left hj the sun, And facing its front the highway run. A plain batten door to the entrance I see, And string to raise the latch appears; The squeak of the hinge resounds to me, I step beyond the choke of years; n And spread to view is the poplar floor, And just to the left within the door, My mother rocks in the old brown chair; She then was young, her cheeks looked fair. To the right in a corner never lost to mind. Is the step where the stairs began their wind, Each morning would find me sitting there, With feet more brown than oaken stair: And Sis would come and sit beside me, Her clean check apron plain I see; Our thoughts were at play with pretty toy, Sweet sleep and a rest had increased our joy. We had come from estate to humbler abode; Our mother in grief was wearing the load, But little then felt by sister and me, As in after years we plainly see. Sweet morning of life, how tender the soul ! Through j^ears we go back in the evening stroll; Our fondness for pleasure still brightens the lea Upon which we again our infancy see. The house we had come to was worn and old, In which families of children had sheltered from cold. The last having left it before summer was gone; Some of their playthings lay on the lawn. How I see that sweet lawn that reached to the brook. And curve in the bank and spring-house nook; Eefreshed is my memory, enraptured my soul, I drink milk and cream from the deep earthen bowl, 12 The springs gushing water so crystal like bright To thirst giving cooling 1 see with delight. On the bank of the brook, in my vision I see, At the end ofthe lawn, the tall walnut tree, Whose height bent us backward its top to see, From where stood watching my sister and me. The fruit of the tree, with smooth brown hull, Would settle to rest when the wind would lull; Our pulse would increase with each gentle swell How glad were our hearts when a walnut fell ! Near by this tree were the white oak bars, Kemoved were most of the axmark scars, And care had been taken to get them out strong ; Their strength gave protection to the pretty green lawn. This way Sis and 1 often went to the field, For the purple red blossom the ironwoeds yield, In crossing the brook the soft willows fanned The shore and the drift of pebble and sand. For the pearly white stones we stopped on the way. And flowers forgot till late in the day; And later returned with the ironweed yield, Perfumed with the flowers we found in the field. INSPECTION. Two score and six are the years that have fled. The tree and the bars are taken away ; Is gone the old chair, my mother is dead; There's a hair on my head that is gray. 13 Stands the house asit stood, impression is plain Where id farmed around there about; Where went we to milk-house, went we to spring, Can eye yet follow the route. The highwaj^'s no more, yet wears the indent That the wheel and the load once made: Yet come they back there as sweet once they were, For to memory never they fade. Where was smoke-house and garden the weeds grow rank; The hollyhock too disappears. Hannah who grew them was glad once lo view them; 'Side the green that borders a bank. The marigold and pink and poppy, I think, Together with the chamomile bed, Stood near to the rose, 'side which a path goes That straight to a garden gate led. Have they gone? Yes, they have ; and the eye grows dim, Yet to memory they never can fade, 'Till verged to the brink where mind fails to think, And there is the sexton and spade. The orchard and apples all crimsoned like gold. Some bit by the pigs how again I behold ; And amber sweet that ran from the press, And the quaff with a grunt of dear brother Wess. Ah! sweeter, the gush that comes from the hill, Neath the broad shelving rock near the spark- ling rill; 1-:^ I ^ive up the cider, with its changes from sweet, For the spring and its shadows that rose at ray feet; For the faces I've seen in the water's pure deep, While I think do their memory now over me creep. For one bended o'er with sweet eyes of blue, Another caressed me for what I would do ; Heard'st gentle voices, "Don't play in the water;" 'Twas my angel mother and Hannah, her daugh- ter. And loved thej^ the child, as shying the heed. Pulled back for the springs as onward they lead, And my pulses are quickening, ascending the hill, While to memory is sparkling the spring and the rill. And never's the vanish that takes from the mind The path where the hillside sweeter declined; And though I may die from the scene far apart, Yet the lingerings of spring's brook strengthens my heart, That ever must feel its passion of love For the sister yet here and mother above. For Hannah still greets me as ever she done, As in days of my childhood, when she too was young ; And oft we recall the words ol our mother, In the name of her Christ, to love one another. July 8th, 1887. 15 A CHEISTMAS STOEY. Nell was happy as a girl could be ^ With the things in the world to see : She had heard of a city where boys were pretty, And there she longed to be. She looked in the glass as soon as she came Home from a rambling bee, And said with a whirl, as she tossed a curl, " There's none so pretty as me." "I've seen no girl with a tossing curl — Most curls hang down alike, But mine is fine and dressed to shine ; In town I'd make a strike." While thus soliloquized the maid, Her cheeks aglow with glee, Tom came in and said with a grin, " Here's a letter for you to see." Nell took the letter and ran to her mother, Wondering from whom it could be. She opened and read from a hand well bred : "Please come to a Christmas spree." " Eead it again ; " said Mrs. Frj?-, " It means a Christmas tree ! " But Nell, as she tried and often shied, Still read it a " Christmas spree." Nell , striving at a cipher, could not for the life of her, Make out who the writer could be ; She said, " If he's there and I find him to spare I'll hang him on the CbiMstmas tree." 16 Said Nell, " I can go and see for myself, 1 am just from a lively bee ; It matters not from whom I've got • A letter to come to a spree." iS'ellie's mother said, "I'd rather be dead Than have you go to a spree ; Still I think it's a tree you are going to see, And will end in a Christmas glee." Tom was crowned to enquire around Where the tree or the spree was to be ; He said, on return, " The letter now burn ; The tree's at the Bonny Bee." Nell's- mother, Mrs. Fry, had been to a tree, Told Nell of the things she would see. And said, " I believe it is mostly for me The people have thought of a tree." " I know I helped Mary and Sarah to search To find pretty things for one at the church, And old William Hyan was very well pleased, And turned off a laugh by trying to sneeze." " And I was standing where I stood before, And old Bishop Eyan back of me on the floor ; And I heard Bishop Eyan say to a man : ' Fll marry Mrs. Fry some day, it I can.' " " I did'nt run away ; I was'nt such a fool ; The Bishop talked on, I stuck to the stool; The stool and my height made me look tall. And if I'd a mind, could look over them all." "And the Bishop's no older (never was a scolder) Than me, so you see, will agree, and I'm his to be ; 17 So, of course, he'd wiint to know 'twas me; So I hung my bonnet on the Christmas tree." " And after I'd done it one said to me : ' Just look at the Bishop a hugging the tree ; ' Sallie did'nt know it; the Bishop was sly^- To slip it and hide it was in his eye." "And some day I'll hear what he has to say, For the Bishop's not fooling his time away; For the Bishop's my choice and I am his ; His word is the gospel and of course he means 'biz' Just then was heard the hackman's horn — Yes, " she's coming," was the tidings borne ; ]S'ell fairly danced when she said ''good-bye; " The fun of a frolic was in her eye. Soon reached was town with stores all lit, And pretty things to fancy fit — I'll try to make the story hit, With all my powers of ready wit. Great brown houses and steeples high, And twinkling clusters in the sk}^. Made Christmas night a grander scene Than could description ever mean. And Nell beheld the pretty girls. With hanging bangs and flowing curls; Ge»ulemen, with canes tipped off with gold, All wearing furs to keep out cold. Soon the wondrous towers of the grand old hall Make other structures all Look small ; Nell, looking out, could plainly see They were driving up to the Bonny Bee. 18 Soon she entered glad the throng, Nor had a thought of doing wrong; The scene within, to please the mind, Was such as poets rarely find. Old Bonny Bee was in array, All lighted up for Christmas day ; And in the center, first to see, To suit all hearts, a Christmas tree. And lit within was chandelier. So well arranged the tree appears, A thing of beauty to the taste, On every side the richness faced. On either side for length of hall Were cushioned seats along the wall ; The width of floor from side to side Serves as veil to features hide. At base of tree there sat two bards, And Bishop Ryan, receiving cards. And Nell sent hers inscribed thereon, "Aunt Pollie Frj^ has stayed t'home." When that card reached the clerical man He gave it a moment's careful scan ; Then turning it over he wrote on the back, " With Polly Sly, pray don't be slack," The recording bard soon copied its face, Then turned it over in search of place. Which soon he found as plain as print, In delicate hand — he took the hint. He asked his partner what to enter. And wrote the widow to strip the center; 19 As soon as cards had taken been, Then the tree was canvassed in, And left in charq;e of a wise committee To hang the presents, sorted fitty; Save injunction, go ye by The record, to widow, add fish to fry. Soon hung was store on limbs of tree; With card attached, "Who's this to be?" Then rose up Ryan from his chair And ran his fingers through his hair. And said, " My friends, your Lord is dead ; He, who for love my spirii wed. On Calvary was crucified. For ruined world, Christ Jesus died." " Must this grand tree be telt a rod Directly from the hand of God? Be careful that you thankful be — With these remarks, acquit is me." Then the Bishop read the names, And the poets ^-ead the drawing; All had to stand it, hit or miss. Without any hemming or hawing. ( The Drawing.) Some drew what brought contentment; Some drew what brought despair; Some drew a charming ringlet To help their tress of hair. Another drew a cj^clone, all pictured out in storm ; Another drew a corset to help her body's form ; One drew a cup and saacer and aloes mixed with tea; The same drew maids a quarreling, never to agree. One drew a jack o' lantern deceiving in the night, •And drew a ghost belie.ver about to take affright, Another drew a landscape, without a dot in view; Others drew a carriage, looking splinter new. Another drew a drummer, beaten on the head. And drew the one who beat him lying in a bed • Another drew a carpet made of cloth of cheese, And drew a man with snuff-box trying hard to sneeze. One drew a goose and gander, fastened in the fence, And a woman waiting to feed them, dying with suspense. One drew a keg of oysters, along with roasted pig, With eater, after blessing, around a looking big. Another drew a whip-lash with cracker on the end, Together with an liostler, waiting on a friend; Together with a plug hat, trimmed like a bonnet ; Together with a song verse, sweeter than a sonnet ; Togetner with a placard, '-mackerer' written on it; Then rose up Bishop Kj-an and said, •' Right her my friends, Just pay for the mackerel, or here the drawino- ends.'' ^ A widow has drawn the Jack of hearts With " mackerel " written on it ; No order in to purchase fish — The poets couldn't rhyme it. This announcement roared the hall ; Charity grappled with them all, 21 Till every one cast in their lot, With nothing left to be forgot. The scribes and Bishop commission framed, The power as wrought commiHsioners named To deliver the goods to the one intended, With this arranged, the drawing ended. Nell laughed to think a Christmas spree Had all turned out a Christmas tree, And joined the throng in promenade, Which ended in a masquerade. Soon round the grand old Christmas tree A bar and counter came to be ; With other things so present nigh In glittering shine to please the eye. Then cheering music summoned all Who wore a mask to join the ball ; And Nellie's heart grew glad as well, As quickened step the feelings tell. And how the feet of dancer Grrew nimble in the drill ; While pretty shying gestures Cause the heart to thrill. They danced a song to mermaids To raise them out of sea ; If they could see the masquerade How happy they would be. The players played the frost king, Touched by lovely spring, And played the joy to feelings That all the seasons bring. •>'? They played a song of training Pretty birds to fly ; Only seen their glances • From their pretty eye. Then they sang a wine song, Eound a Christmas tree ; With chorus seemed the time long, Keeping company. They sang, "Oh, aint the wine sweet. In pretty towns we see ; No difference what the pastime. So the church agree." Then they turned to dancing, Hugging one another ; Scarcely knowing partner From Johnny Bunyan's mother. Then came a time for speeches. All a feeling glad ; Did not see the use of churches Ever getting mad. Did not see the Bishop's trowsers Holding more than man. Of festivals in churches — Rather liked the plan. Did not favor half the crying Of Christians when in class, Nor stint the wine in sacrament When churches meet in mass. Kather thought the missions Paid the heathen well ; Had plenty of books to read, And plenty of books to sell. Then winding up on speeches They took each others' hand, And seemed to feel the greeting About the vital stand. • Turned they to the tables, Laden down with cake, Beside, to moisten pallet, A little wine they take. Then the music shrilled a strain Called '- Jubilator's Trotter, " The jumping up for dancing Made the tables totter. Slipped from Nellie's mask A very handsome curl ; Tom, the hostler, clipped it Unnoticed in the whirl. Now come in the candies, Countless in the size ; Some wrought in " Handy Andy's, With sweet and cunning eyes. Last of all the tea party, And selling marriage ring- Sure to be an April fool, Or wedding in the spring. One hundred pretty forms Standing on the floor, Are being sold to chance Supplied by fifty more. 24 As many tickets as were heads Bear in full a lady's name, And sold to any gentleman • Until the hundredth came. And then the hundred put in box And drawn out by name To see if any gentleman Would get again the same. And then for the hundred drawn, One hundred blanks, save one. Were drawn out by ladies Entitled to the fun. When each would draw a blank The rest her name would sing, Until the lucky lady Drew the wedding ring. The list of drawing then was read ; Some gentleman read the name Of her ^ho drew the wedding ring. To him belonged the same. The ring was then delivered To the gent who drew her name, And if she did not like him He tried his luck again. To his choice of one of the fifty The ring was offered next ; If she, too, refused His feelings then were vexed. Then the Bishop would take the ring And sell it out again. 25 Declaring those refusing it Had acted to their shame. And so explained the drawing ; We now proceed to say, So far as chance could marry, 'Twas Nellie's wedding day. The twenty score all wearing mask- Of course, none knew the man ; And he is left to future luck To do the best he can. All had assumed a name but Nell, And she had told the truth. The stylish gent who drew her Had signed himself, " The Youth. While every one was happy As can four hundred be. One said to Nell, a laughing, " How do you like the tree? " So mingled were the voices, vSo gorgeous the display ; Just who had asked the question Ventured none to say. But the voice had made impression. On many ears it fell ; Was many ventured guesses Who could be the "Nell." But hearing no response To how was liked the tree, The wits gave up the question Who the " Nell " could be, ^6 She was glad, for the ring she was wearing To future hopes it bore Some kind of friend's relation , Of wedding joys in store. The gentlemen had drawn by number; The ladies had drawn by name ; Whether suited to rights of friendship The holding was all the same. And Nell resolved to try for A feeling to make her content, With the man who tried to suit her The giving the ring had meant. Now strove a pretty question Of how it would be at home, When mother received the presents That from the tree had come. For well she knew the donors Had meant it most for fun, And reckoned on the chances Taking silent run. Mother's disappointment In what the Bishop meant, Might easily be discovered By the mackerel he had sent. Would phe help the solving Who had placed the ring; Blessing it till April, The second month of spring? And would there be a wedding, And she the one of two, To call herself the bride Of one she didn't know who? All these pretty questions Eesolving in her mind, Determined her to venture The hidden one to find. Soon the willing hackmen Blew aloud their horns; TheQ a mighty shuffling And tramping on of corns. Sing a song of traveler Groing from a spree; Sing a song of hostler Keeping company. Sing a song arrival Back to happy mother ; Sing a song of skipped-out, Hiding went the other. Sing a song of blessing And hugging with a kiss ; Sing a song of crying girl Tossing curl to miss. Sing a song of mother asking, ""Who came home with you?' Sing a song of answer, "Help me, wonder who? " Sing a song of enquiry What it came to be ; Sing a song of answer, •'Dancing, tree, and spree." 28 Sing a song of swooning mother, Slow a coming to; * Sing a song of daughter, Didn't know what to do. Sing a song of camphor Poured in mother's eye; Sing a song of jumping up A scolding Pollife Fry. Sing a song of calling Tom In from the stable; Sing a song his foot slfppcd And upset the table. Tom says but little. But grins a mighty sight; Sing a song, devil lo pay, Eun or have a fight. Sing a song of morning dawning And coming of a team; Sing a song of backing up With almost force ot steam. You'd better think unloading Astonished the Widow Fry; She stood and looked amazed With wonder in her eye. Near a ton of sundries Laid out upon the gi'ound; Preparing to skedaddle, The team was turning round. She caught her broom and out she went Raving, — "What's it mean?"' And broke the handle over the tongue In trying to stop the team. 29 The man whipped up his horses And vanished like a dream ; The woman fell a crying Loud as she could scream. Long she lay in anguish And wonderment of soul; "Was all this bought for mo," she tliought, Whi^e viewing mighty whole. "'Twill take the farm to pay it;" The woman began to scold , Never the like of this before . By tongue was ever told. To singleize the items, Arrive at amount of cost, Was careful to look for damage As accidental loss. Nell, in the room, from hiding, Ventured now to peep, And later out came creeping, Pretending half asleep. "We're ruined, Nell, sure as the world , In name of God I fought and cried." Nell, waking up on hearing this. Her parent's words quite all denied. "Why, all these things were sent to you B}' the Bishop in charge of a tree ! I'll prove it true by one who knew ; You wouldn't attend the spree. " "That would do if this could be Anything else but matching." This she said, with eyes both red, While at a label scratching. 30 Reader, I think I see 3^ou seeing From the corner of your eye; Lovel_y sonnet, pretty bonnet Send tlii.- fish lo PoUie Fry. Sing a song of mackerel Pickling in the brine. Sing a song of Bishop Having jolly time. Sing a song of whiplash Cracker on the end: Sing a song of coacliman Had no whip to lend. Sing a song of giving All the things to Nell; Sing a song of mother's present Pkased her mighty well. Sing a song of bell-sheej:). Turned clear out of church; Sing a song of clergy. All left in the lurch. Sing a song of bishop Feeling mighty queer; Sing a song of seer, Smiling lager beer. Sing a song of fifer, Playing for a drum; Sing a song of deacon, Tune about to hum. Sing a song, a little spree, To match the church o^ Piome; Sing a song of indulger, Stayed awake at home. 31 Sing a song of Tom gone Where no one just knew ; Sing a song, a couple Sitting in a pew. Sing a song a courting, Gentlen.an a coming ; Sing a song a stranger, Set the bees a humming. Sing a song of Nellie Pleased mighty well ; Sing a song with gentlemaii, Deep in love she fell. Sing a song he told her That, once upon a time , He signed a note in cypher That mothers could'nt rhyme. vSing a song a tea party Selling out a ring- Sing a song of April The second month offspring. Sing a song I want j'OU For to be my wife ; Sing a song she answered Yes, with all my life. Sing a song of handing Nell A soft and pretty curl ; Tom, the affianced, clipped it In cutting of a whirl. Sing a song of happy days, Them long ma}' we remember , Christmas comes but once a .year. And always in December. 32 (MORAL.) Wl.on the soul is sick with nno.ni.sh If we feel ourselves to blame ; If we feel our acts atoned for, Ma^V not others feel the same? TO THE MEiMOJ? V OF MA RV WEMMONS. How sweet 'tis to think of the dear dead anut in his hat; The rights of a country, a ])oor man's grave, The glut of a ])ocket and stomach his crave. 36 Old Ben liad religion, his love for the church Left deacons and members all in the lurch ; He would'nt <^\ve a cent, he would'nt pay for pew, To cheat them out of comfort was all he could do. He preferred to play games and spit on the floor; If it cost for scrubbing he'd go no more ; And thus changed around to spend winter nights, Half sleepiuLS half playing, kept up his delights. Old Ben had a dog he starved down lean ; Assigned for a cause the dog was mean ; Was given to the dog an unknown law, That a dog to his master must hold up a paw. But never remorsed by the look of the dog. Old Ben continued in sin, And denied the poor dog what he fed to a hog, And filled his cup to the brim. Of old Ben's sons, the way reason runs, They grew up proud, stiff men ; Will the}' ever )-eform, we mean no harm, But ask of our conscience, when? Deceitful, mean, selfish and cunning. Void of desire the better to do. Avaricious, unscrupulous in dealing. The most relentless I ever knew. But of will to do, and forever true, Aunt Poj> fills the reckoning to find one; The mother of four, Ben's children no more, And lKi})py to say no grandson. In a thousand lines 1 could say no more; In all things good, Aunt Pop made her score Constant in care, devotion and prayer. Of sweetness of temper the world over fair. 37 One evening old Ben came in from tlie field. And brought in his arms the popcorn yield. While lajing down the close grained ears, The best of a woman his wife appears. And smiling, said, "Suppose we pop The grains of an ear to see them hop;" "Agreed," said Ben ''and name the corn As the spirit did the gladness horn." Ben shelled the corn, blew out the chatf. And iound a grain that made him laugh; Its form's so large and yet the same Inspired thought to add a name. Aunt Pop picked out a grain of blue And wished a wish for whom it grew; Old Ben the same had sooner done, And then the popping corn begun. Old Ben went turning round and round; Aunt'Pop late acquaintance found; Old Ben jumped and turned clear over, Aunt Pop blushed like leaf of clover. Then Aunt Pop came out in white; Old Ben scorched, looked like a fright; Then all the rest Lurned inside out; Old Ben still is left in doubt. Strange to tell, it now was learned. None but Ben of the corn had burned. Which filled his mind with great concern, The cause of the burning yet to learn.' He ran his fingers through his hair ; His look was one of deep despair; For one all lost, he answered well; Hope was gone, hie «;ountenance fell. 38 The grain was now burn' to the shell. Then 8])oke the man froin out of .sjroans, And low liis voice in whisper moans, Anathema inaratiatha from his blue lips fell. Antl reason left but j^et to tell. Appearance is there, the size is there, But the ii;rain, alas, is gone to liell. Old Ben went crazy; some said he was lazy, When to nothing beseemed inclined; Not like a man of absent mind, But like a man lost mind to find. The hand of God was on the man, Say what you will of his ways; He remained insane, with none to blame, To the end of the rest of his days. GOVEENMENT SHOT IN THE EAR. 1861. Prom liberty's beautiful center summit, I cast a pen-point's leaden plummet; Reviewing some of my past life, When sun shone sweet on man and wife. Then 1, myself, was twenty-four; Then 1 marked all cares a score; Theu I rose at day's sweet dawn, Then my days went pleasant on. Not a thought of youth look shorn, Not a thought that man could mourn; Not a thought would set life's sun, For joys of life so sweetly run. Barque went or) life's river gliding, Tender hopes yet knew no chiding, 39 Spirt loved recess of hiding. Love in love went on confiding. Hark, I iiear some thunder echo; God, I wonder if 'tis woe ! Wonder can it be my conntr}-. Stakes its life on overthrow? What's this eye beholds in manner? What is this so wrote in banner? What is this, mv country's call, Exposing heart to cannon-ball? What's array? seven hundred hundred. Looked T again, and then 1 wondered; AVhat's the sequel, deep I pondered: War again fi-om cannon thundered. Then I enrolled at Cincinnati; Fift}^ dollars bounty got T; Then in saddle on charger sat L, And went to war, to live or die. Fields of strife were fields of earth; Purchased had they been for worth; Purchased again at cost of pain, Was what I heard among the slain. Incurred I stroke in joint and brain. Laid I out in storms of rain; Exposure had my eyes most blinded, Still my country's call I minded. When the cannon ceased to roar, Then I repaired to eastern shore; Thence to Cincinnati, lame. Cars I took, and home I came. 40 NUNNEMAKEK. The in and out of bank and stream, Is what I 8a\v of late in dream; Where lovers sat, and talked in the shade, The sun goinii^ 'round the tree-trunk made; On side of hill, in shad}' grovo Ot sugar trees that heai't could love. Sun's (/olden arrow, mild of beam, As fled the stars, fell on the stream , Cheerful nature waked from sleep. Did ou'; from tiny eyelids peep, And sang the bird to bright of day, Where sunlight kissed the night away. The flowers growing round about. Hugged with green to water's rout; Warbler's catching song's first note, Eechatted back with swell of throat. Harmon}' was 'till fell discord Amid the scene of loves afl^ord, . As felt of God to lover and friend, Tn sweetest tones to feelings blend. 'J'hen changed, and the brook sighed; Then darkened, and the birds shied; Then thundered, and storm arose, And nature feigned to find repose. To prove the mock of nature's feign, Held out the honeycup for rain, Then flashes came, revealing tears Like clouds have wept for countless years. And brook arose as if in dream, Wearing water-gates from up the stream; Then widening into torrent swept, Beyond where thunderclouds had wept. 41 Till ocean appeared in billow^' waves, Bethinkin*!; mind of monstei\i!^raves; Then siu'i^'ing tln'oiigli the farrowed dee]) The ship, Glad heart, smoothed waves to sleep But who were the lovers that sat in the shade? That vowed he'd never forsake her, Was vowed in return, his name she would learn To S])ell with her own - Nunnemaker. Never she said of the scene, ''There's a sweet." For her modesty talked no charms ; But left his heart free, herself to see, A beinii; born for his arms. He further did vow, though the billowy waves Smoothed not, yet never he'd once forsake hei*; But take her in arms and speak of her charms, And call her his sweet Nunnemaker. Were they married? No, not by the laws that find It better to speak of the ties that bind ; But the stronger of cord, to break if 3'ou try, Stood mutual of vow, till either should die. Was it Mary that smiled when the pattering rain Mingled plash with the tear in her eye? Was her ocean of soul a story untold, Compared to the ocean nigh? Yes, and the wept arose out of dream Of joys yet forever to be. Floodgates of dream were e^'elids of stream Of teai's, peaceful river to see. Yes, and she found she could not hide From the rain that soon overtakes her; From the eye if she try, the tears rain and cry 42 From the lover, the ^'oiith — Xunncmaker. She way w<^,pt tor, as well as she wept for anothor; And she married the never forsake.her; She ])arted with mother, with father and brother; And was added to Mary — Nuniiemaker. Had the ship s moot lied the wave, where was monster grave? It had, and beheld she a sweet ])lain ol life, And what had the ship become bnl a house, And she had become but a wiie. Again they assayed to sit in the shade The sun going round the tree-trunk made; For the sigh of the brook, there came Hshing hook. And they angled together by nook. Their love prgved an ocean, the sailing was sweet. For the twain that was one, who tished that day. Eternal would abide ihejr baroue's irentle irlide. -1- O O / Were the grave to mortals away But the wept human eye can't p;.ss the grave by, For it's given all mortals to die; We meet the waves monster, the ship and who launched her, Again, we hear the brook sigh. We weep, we think of the cold earthy inn; Or cavern of hill, or rocky bin; We liear tolling bell, we meet undeilaker, Here's gone U) their grave, sweelhearts, Nunnemaker, 48 ATKIBUTE TO LIGHTFOOT. Little Liii;litfoot in the morning When I bouglit him ran to me; lie was tlien a little p»l)p.y, Shortl)' after he could see. Lightfoot's mother, timid Jessie. ^-'at and looked so very meek, And when I took her child a walking, A tear ran down her little cheek. Several times 1 had returned him To his home in a bunch of hay; As often, Lightfoot's mother watched me, Till my footsteps led away. Lightloot had a little brother, Though not so pretty quite as he; So when I found I'd grieved the mother, Took the darker pup with me. And made for him a little bed In a crib that stood close by. Where he lay and seemed contei ted, Until he heard his mother cry. Soon his mother came and took him Back to Lightfoot in the hay ; Then she sat and looked triumphant, Watching me across tho way. Sad and lone I leigned to be, Nor looked at her so she could see; Every day was very caretui To never turn my steps that way. Bays went h\ till Jessie came Tlie little bed 'm the crib to see; Then brought the pup with three white teet. And gave her pretty child to me, 44 Then L went and brought the other That the two might be content; Strange to tell, soon came the mother And with the black one home she went. And every day for quite a while She came to see her Lightfoot child, But quit when the pup could run and plaj' And bark at her across the way. 1)EM0CEA(^Y. iSiothing so sweet as Democracy To man ever entered the mind ; 'Tis God and his truth inspiring youtl To strengthen the ties of its bind. Near's Deitj- and man in the ])ass, And life-giving jK)wer becomes The direction of chosen of state, While he to the congress runs. There met are all questions of state, As though they were blest to each man ; Seen is the beauty of this By the eye of executive scan. Grreat banner tree of our liberty, That hovers her chickens of sod ; Sweet congresa of loved America, Wearing smile like son of God. Is there a link less bright than sees it? Dare a shadow exist under sun, 45 Save the one of the vine and fig tree, Where the rivers of peace now run? God, we forget not to bless thee ; Christ of the bible be one That captions the song of our libert}', To the blossoming fields under sun. And as come they into relation ot state, May their circle of senate of states Ecmain to the Lord what our conscience afford, The checks and the balance of weights. And God cease not to the poets, To ever be found their life battle, That takes in the cradle, the spoon and the ladle, From the lipp to pronounce above prattle. AuiTUst, 1888. THE WHIP-POOR-WILL SHOE. In the land of sand, and shell, and flower, The green moss hung from wild-wood bower, Deep in its darkened shades I clung To solitude, when I was young. Alone with God, the nature sweet Grew up in cluster at my feet; And none was there to fancy fret, And felt the soul to God in debt. Near a babbling brook in the forest grew A charming flower called Whip-poor-will shoe ; 46 To me a child, the flower rare, Withdrew m}^ sight from others fair. Its form was like some wild bird's breast, With modest}' to give it zest; And j^ist within its tender fold Were hues and shades no tongue hath told. Embracing bosom formed the shoe, As if to hide itself from view; Described its nectarous curving bowl. The inner inness of the soul. Eyes have long with ardent fires. Looked and gazed to quench desires; And 3'et. remains, this shoe so huiug The human soul still seeks its wooing. The flower bore upon my mind, And taught my heart to seek to find, A mind that loved the shade and nook Where grew the flower, near the brook. Alone with Clod, in humble prayer, 1 asked him who the shoe could wear? The answer came, for whom it grew Was one who loved the sky in blue, Whose nature knew no Clod's defeat, When Whip-poor-will shoe, the gazes meet, Is seen in flower, the destiny That guided one, my wife to be. WHERE THEY PLAYED WHEN BOYS NEAE FELICITY^ CLERMOIS^T CO., OHIO. Coming down through a valley, old Indian creek Eipples b}^ the farms on either side; And passes the home of Becca and Russel, 47 To the joy of memories orlide. And just Where's a turn to follow the creek. Is a milk-house andsprino-, and the wall is thick; Is a shelving rock jutting out overhead, Immerged from its shadow, a foot-path led, And passed through an orchard and clump of briers. Where rabbits burrowed and bred in their lairs; Then changing to winde, bearing north from a gate, Past lilac in front, to pleasant rebate. "Where still stands the house, coved in by the hill; Where memory to fancy can lavish her fill; Where dwelt the two mentioned, a sister and brother. And guarding their years, a father and mother. I see young Russ waiting to welcome a friend, Who has come now, as then, a passtime to spend; And Becca, his sister, in spite of sweet shy. Moves sly to the cupboard, to bring a mince pie, For she well knew the boys would be off on a run; And would if she could have joined in the fun. As often as plate came round to a boy. He took some with smile that told of his joy ; Then stealing a glance at the dark cut of brows. Stole away with her brother to play m the mows. For the old barn near by, on a raise to the east, • Was stored with the products loved by the beast That stood in the stall and ate of the hay Fed from the mows where the boys went to play. Thus hid in a valle}^ environed by hill. Was the old house and barn, on road to the mill, 48 That Armacost kept, on the creek further down, And the only road used that led to the town. Southeast, past the barn, the creek makes a bend, There the waters of Indian creek and (Goodwin's creek blend ; To tho right of the bend, on the brow of a hill. Is an old burial place, off the road to the mill. And near it's a house constructed of logs. That fronts a lowland sunken with bogs ; Falls away to the westward dense forest and thin, And then Eeuben Wiley's and Kinney's come in. Which latter's a frame, and, shorn of trees. Stands out to the I'egion, exposed to the breeze; The former's a brick, of earlier day. Standing back to the north from main higliway. To see of, and talk of, folks of their day, Did the boys often ramble irom eastward away; But mealtime or shadow would find their brown feet In the cottage or cabin, boys ready to eat. Will those days be forgotten ? O answer me, pray i For the cares that ma}^ come to drive them away, For the boatman and barque, for the check-lines at play , For the hope that w^e have of a fjir better day. "Come back to us, boys," seem's coming from hill. From ripple of stream and whisper of rill ; "Come back to the fancies of childhood again, With the rapid decline of old Wiley's lane." 49 WKITTEK ON THE KINGDOMS— ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE. Where is dense to near the brink, Where is mind's commune to think, Is where 1 sit, amid the ^^reen. And try with pen to speak the scene. Looks nature ^-oung, "tis montii of June, And all is grand within the view ; A warbler sits on pinnacle, To echo catch from sky in blue. The twine of vine to where assigned. Relieved of winter, pleases mind. With fancies run, tlie feelings glide To silver tree, by cedar's side. Whispers fir — beyond we think — "Be careful vines, so near the brink, Where worms do fall to fish in school, Where steep is bank, where deep is pool." "Where are you ? " comes from grim and dark, Where ceaseless time has laid it-; mark. •'Clematis, thou hast left my face. To run with grape a rambling race. "Left all exposed to tempest squall, Insures the soon that I must fall. Higher than I, the trees to climb. Wilt thou not change and yet be mine ? " "Thou wall, ago by mortals sought. Who framed thy windows, pretty wrought ? Who, later left for fear of squalls, Admits of thee, thou crumbled walls? " "One greater than thou, thee doth pursue, Bitter's from o-round where seen is rue." 50 ''Yes, 'twas nunc," speaks grape in vine, "Long before was here thy twine." "Catch, cling and wed," green's cypress in red, "Clematis, I'm coming, from just out of bed. For my sake, cousin, do listen to rue, The bitter with sweet they always grew." 'Away with your green, your red, and your rue Away in this tree I know what to do. From olden wall to stoop to rue, To lose me all, is sweet to you. My cup is the flower that favors the sky, I'm affianced to silver , don't ask me why." 80 scrambling nature round about. Doth lead the mind to rambling rout ; That press the fancy through the trees That almost seem to try to please. Drunk with rain, or sweet with dew, From dus,ky mantle, all look new, And creeping things from in let pour. Peeps out to view the beauty o'er ; Sits bird on high the while to sing To breezes of Sei-aphic wing. Animalculae drinks of the same dew. And passes with its sweetness through, The porous veiij vouchsafed to drink. Which almost makes the vine to think ; For the little that's left of thought's refrain. Opens door to let in rain. Although minute, yet's given it brain. That leads to how it might restrain The flow of sap through part of vine That round the heart of tree would twine. May 5, 1888. 51 LEAEN TO CONDENSE. A little com III on sense Will stive 3'OLi much suspense, After writing what vou wait to see in print. Better save your wit, And stop and think a bit, Than compel a man to make you take the hint. If you want to write a book, (xo ahead on your own hook ; Not publish to the world you have a brain, For that we all suppose, If 3'ou know just when to close, And leave us pleased to have you come again. AX AT THE EOOT OF THE TREE. I hold in my hand the heart of an oak That fell by the ax of the woodman's stroke; And wept I, a boy, for its fall on a clump. And the breaking of heart in parting wi^h stump. When the dear parent tree was making the start, And the wail to the welkin was weeping the part. There was something like sighing of parent dying, When the boatman is near with his barque. And the ])ale that he wears in the long oar's dip Resembles the pale of the old oak's leaf. And remembers the care at the brink not to slij). Remembers the life that was brief! The sorrowing clump that we see through the wail Com])ares to the saplings the old tree broke. The difference seemt? only the one's sad and lonely. The other is felled by the stroke. I will frame a <'.ro8S of this heart, that it be f>2 A reminder of the felled of the tree, Of the parent and child, and dead, and who smiled At the ax at the root of the tree. ANGELINA. While the' dew of night was falling on thereof above my head, I lay, a boy, a sleeping on my little trndle be d, And I dreamed of Angelina, the girl that dropped the corn, She never ceased beside me till the beauty of the morn. I heard a voice then call me, a voice awake I knew III scrambling for my stockings I saw a little shoe. And I thought of Angelina, and thought to take a peep, As she lay beneath the covers, like an angel, fast asleep. I hurried down to mother, and asked that she would call The girl who wore the shoe I'd seen that looked so very small. I remember feeling bashful, tongue not ver}" glib, And ran to fill the baskets with seed-corn at the crib. I think I saw the other shoe; yes, I know I did, But back within a bonnet Angelina's face was hid ; And the girl dropped corn beside me, that is, in other row ; And the way went Angelina was just the way I'd go. While near farm hoes were riffing, of course we did not talk, 53 But dropped the corn in crosses as fast as we could walk ; And the farmers did not hear us after once we'd got ahead, That is, what all we talked about, if anything we said. Tell me if the spirit's wooing, played between the rows apart. Or did I feel the nearness of a girl of tender heart? For I felt I saw through bonnet tlie fairest beauty born. As I wandered far asunder of the place to drop the corn. You may have your thread of mystery all woven into woof, While I think of Angelina and the dew upon the roof; I want no spirit by me but the spirit of the boon, That welkin to my feelings, the starry blend of moon. That lay in face before me, when God said, "Let her sleep." I want no guide the better than from the pres- ence creep, I feel no chiding spirit for the guilt that knew no sm, As I vibrate to the memories that take the cabin in; And I echo to the fancy, that rhythm into rhyme, And bring the sweet to altar of the only heaven's shrine. We do to one another, when we play the better part 54 Of doing human credit to the feelings of the heart; For all along the journey that human feet have trod, We see beside our footsteps, blest of all, is God. April 25, 1888. JOE BURNETT. While John and Joe were quarreling. Their father came along. And soon resolved to whip the one He thought was in the wrong. Poor Joe was the one to catch the licks, And grievous were they to be borne ; For what they cost, then helped to fix The destiny that Joe had sworn. The fall out was about a hammer That John had found in Joseph's care ; Not half so much the use or wear. But only — John had found it there. "Never, father, while you live, Offense to John I'll ever give; And ho may have all mother's care, And see if he thinks that that is fair." Thus spoke the boy through choking sobs. While at his heart the tempter robs; The parent's eyes and John's then met, And Jonas Burnett ^elt regret. Like spirits, the three now move apart, And Joe was first to make the start; His sister, Bettie, sought at play. Was first to hear he'd go away. She felt Joe's hand about her arm. And went with him not fearing harm, And down by the brook and around the hill, 55 To the road that led 8traii>:ht to a mill. And on this road they walked and talked slow, The talk all about where Joe would go; Never a venture far from home, Never a thought that Joe would roam. In sight of a river's riffling trill, They both catch sight of the olden mill; And soon the mill-pond's threat'ning source Would lay within a bended course. And here the brother kissed a hand That went apart at his command, And only for the words ot the child, Could we ever know that Joe ihere smiled. 'Twas her little feet tracked back the way, That Joe's had gone that troubled day, To where her toys yet scattered lay; To parents not a word would say. Soon, lengthened shadows tell of night; And house lit up with candle-light, A numerous family take their place, Around the board, and wait lor grace. A pause is given, a glance goes round, But not the looked for one is found; Then bowed his head, and low his prayer From bleeding heart, for one not there. In sitting-room returned from meal, No one can tell how others feel, For tear, the course of tear would trace, When each beheld a vacant space. Could a mother's feelings be doubted by him, When full of tears her eyes now pwim? Could jealousy that brings a pout, Content John's mind with Joe left out? 56 Could love for child a mother doabt, When weeps the cliild for child left out? God then hear the mother's prayei*, To save to her the child she bear? if so, for whom does the mother pray? For child at home, or child away? We think we hear the Lord now say, "She prays for all with one away." For feeling child, though tar away, Is still with the children all at play. Each child was a child to feel her care, Before poor Joe was born to spare. When all are in arief, she asked for blessing, Seems but to one alone addressing, And faith in lively exercise Claims all that's asked so undisguised. Of one belief comes belief to all; The leaven sufficient, though it be small; And father bows to his consent, Just what she prayed his tears too meant. And none did dare to speak, through fear; It might increase the flow of tears. The strength oft sought, was found in child. And felt by all, when Bettie smiled. And told how Joe had kissed her hand, And how she stepped in soft wet sand, And told of the path along by the brook. And the big road came just after the crook. And toed the floor when she said^ "Joe said, Bettie, I wish that I were dead. And pointed away far off to a hill. And said, I go beyond the mill." The great tall clock against the wall, 57 Struck slow the hours that warn the small; And soon 'twas found that Bettie slept, While midnight's changes onward crept. One by one, all went to bed, Though hope to rest, had almost fled; The sleep was that of wakeful night, When troubled thought at ghost takes fright. The morning dawned, with no relief; The time at meal was very brief; Through some mistake, 'twas seen just there Where Joe had sat, an empty chair. Woods were thick and houses few; In valley, hawthorn densely grew, And buildings only on the hill, Could well be seen from flour mill; And from this oft sought grateful spot. Was watched one neighboring peasant's cot; They thought it was. that Joe might roam To height of hill, to see his home. But of this hope, no tidings came; And few there were who knew his name, And might quite easy be deceived, If boy on purpose parents grieved. Counsel stood to send a man To hunt the youth from land to land. Coast and shore not to to be spared; To stay away he well prepared. To aid this search the willing came, Devotees of faith of christian name, And all the m^ans they could command The neighbors gave with willing hand. Description of the one away Was tried to learn from day to dayj 58 Still, only beauty of the lad Was the description any had. To find the lost, the one to go. By height or mark the boy must know; How big he was, no one could tell, Nor find a boy to answer well. And John was called for what he knew, Who felt the shame, yet answered true, And said, "my brother wears no scar Than can, I think, his features mar'; •But over the temple, under the haif, There is a wound, I struck him there; I feel so sorry for the blow. For Joe would not let father know. He had my hammer hid away To crack some nuts on Sabbath day, And when I troubled in the find, Joe was not of yielding mind.' 'And when I found he tried to snatch it, 'Twas then I hit him with the hatchet; Along with you I wish to go, I think that 1 would brother know." Tnis resolved the sought to find, To take the youth of sorrowing mind, And they set out late in the day. And through the forest made their way. The country being wild and new, Highways were far between and lew, . And paths traversed by deer and bear, 'Twas hard to find Joe's footprint there. Although obstruction would defy, A little is left to practiced eye; The foot of a bear and that of a boy Are enough alike to serve cl§Qoy. 59 Slow and careful was the trace. Till reached was quite an open space; And here, by reason of a recent rain, In moistened earth the track was plain. Lytle and John then counselled wise, To wait for morninc^'s clearer skies, And made their bed in darker shade. Then shadowed the earth where track was made. The howl of wolf and panthei-soream Disturbed repose, and troubled dream; What thoughts arise of home and mother, In wilderness child in search of brother. Morning dawned, the day wasbrigh':, Encouraged mind forgot the night; John bent to earth to view the track, To heart it brought his brother back. It was not long till course of boy Was plainly found to heighten joy, And led them to a great highway That had been traveled on that day, Which lost the trail to hopeful mind; No track of Joe's could either find, For on this road, so mixed the travel, Or claim to track would thousands cavil. Another counsel served relief, And glad the thought it had been brief; To a city shore this highway led. Whereto the wandering youth had fled. And all the way, on either side, Are houses built where folks abide, Who might have seen poor barefoot Joe, For others might not like him go. Without a coat or vest or shoes. 60 To a city bound, would none excuse; Anl an anxious thought to know AViiich waythe boy was wont to go ; "Twas met by answer deep and slow, The cares of life contused me so, ^ Fi'oni whence he oame, or what his name. To nic nl. time wus all the same ; It struck me first, he's homeward bound After something sought was found. Just then lo ear there came a sound From whence a team in mud was bound ; 61 With one consent they all three go, Who further would the matter know. And soon 'twas learned that ox and goad Were not sufficient to move the load, Consisting most of iron and cotton, From a city house where it was gotten. Where teamster said he saw a boy Laborir g under the firm's emploj^ ; Described the pants and hat he wore, And said he worked on the second floor. Dillsworth and Stowe's, their number is twenty ; Take one of their cards, the same I have plenty ; '' A lift, if you please, at all the wheels," Continued the man in earnest appeals. All joined in the lift, the team pulled out; "I'm safe from the mud," came back with a shout; While Lytle and John, invited by friend, Went back with the man the night to spend. With him they ate the fat of ihe land, Dealt out to all by serving hand ; Comfort provided they spent a glad t ii2:ht. And arose in the morning by the time it was light. How beautiful is morning when sky is so clear That no cast but the blue of horizon appear! How at loss is the mind from the feeling employed Having nothing to do, all care destroyed ! So felt J*ohn and L5^tle on that summer morn, As they looked at the flowers that natureadorn For the lost to them found, or within their reach, A pleasant day's journej" would cure up the breach. So much n ore was thought engaged with the country, 62 To mention the bo}^ none could have the affron- tery ; The morning'3 repast had made them feel stJ-ong, And the journey ahead seemed not to them long. How frail is poor mortal, and sees not the end ; To squander a fortune misfortune will lend , And what is accomplished, or found in the end, Contains admonition, the kindness of friend. But while we enjoy the things that now be, The things to experience, we scarce ever see; Though oft of the like is the like so near told, That the venture beyond is a venture too bold: And I fear for a friend whose adventure is o'er; Unseen to that one, there is something more; And oh ! the regrets that trouble the mind, After fearless effort has lost in the find. Our Ly tie and John stepped out on the way, When theearih to the sun was making display; They should have gone on, not stayed over night. And have captured the hoy before it was light. The beauty of scene, most pleasing to eye. Is sometimes found where a city is nigh ; And so to thfc weary, it happened that day, Who feasted their souls at the close of day. Lytle was a man of true courage and bold ; There is much said of him that he never told ; But it fell from the pen of emint)nt men. And passes him through the dismal glen. How often has it happened, to indulge a boy, A man of exj)erience will lose his emj^loy , Chasing squirrels in the woods, or larks in the field, 63 If a boy long for this, one older will yield. And when a boy is tiivd, and nig-ht is coming on, Others will do, as did Lytle and John ; Dear-bought experience in fishing alone Is the cause of the turning ot many a stoiiC. Just ahead lay a town environed by hills, That echoed to valley, the voice of mills ; Beside it a stream bearing burdens of craft, Propelled by strong oarsmen, lore and alt. Lytle grew silent as he entered its streets ; There was more in his thoughts than the gazer meets ; He was treading over ground once trod on by feet Of the savage of prowl, he was then v>^ont to meet. Not far in advance, soon reached was a spot, Where once in a cabin, he lay on a cot, All wounded and mangled by Iritcbetand ball ; For the act of one Indian lie liated them all. And just where the river inlets to the hill, There sparkled and danced a sweet little rill ; And oft he remembered he di-ank from tlie stream That played from the hill to the charm of his dream. For the scenes of his youth coming back with a swell, Lost not of the cabin, where thoughi would fain dwell ; Though awake to his errand, yet he felt- that he dreamed ; There was nothing to sight, like at heart it seemed. Then Lytle to John began to relate, 64 The void of tiio wilds, before liiey were state ; They talked lill they entered an inn f r a meal, When the town elock struek the midnii;-ht ]ieal. Surpi'ised and at wonder how last the lime flew, Th(?i'e remained bnt one thini;' that either eoiild do, Retii'e for the night and breakfast m the morning, And leavo what follows for others a warning. How often a marksman talks about aim. To a friend that is nigh, in sight of the game; The thing seems so eas}' he thiid^s to do soon. He waits till he talks, and the game has then flown. Botli hungry and tired, they now go to bed , The yawning of ehasm would swallow the bed ; So passed the little of night that remained , Little knowledge of rest had either obtained. For others complained of being disturbed ; Of a rein somewiiere loosethat had better been curbed , But nevertheless^ f^^^,y were up betimes, And the landlord laughed when he raked in the dimes. Lyile then took the keeper aside. And told of his mission, in the height ol his pride, Who lent him, who sent him, and pressed him to go ; They'd put up at his house, Ue'd have him to know. "Now, my lord, please tell me where's Dillsworth and Stowe's; They are dealers in iron, and have great cotton mows;" 65 "Certainly, certainly, there is notliini^ to cheat. There stands the house just across tlie street.'' There's a tact and a turn in human thought, That overlooks some great thing wrougiit ; With deep intent to ancients' will. Seeks back to find when over the hill. A man to know when he is smart. Must prove his point by perfect ai't. And render nothing more to man, Thau doth his motive easy scan. So great the pressure on mind and heart; Lytle teels to back to make the start ; And John growls pale to think his mother Expects him soon to find his brother. Across the street, mounting up to sky, Is the great warehouse four stories high , And entrance doors thrown open wide To whirl of trade around outside. Slow the two made straight their way, Studying the while what first to say; Within the doorway stood a man Discussing some shrewd business plan. Few minutes walk till he w^as through, Determined mind just what to do ; To take the firm to top of stairs, As carpenters would, to make repairs. Soon Dillsworth lent a willing ear. And all their story bent to hear, And adding, too, said, "I've a plan , I'll lend you John my serving man." This arranged, four mount the stairs, All talking over snug repairs, As there's a doorway, but the door 66 Was taken for a lower floor ; And you may make one plain and strong; Winter is coming, it wo'nt be long; You may change the rail at top of stair, AiKi tit a piece to give it flare. A step, to open doorway space, Drew every eye to just that place; A head poked through, revealed a face Of youth and beautv's fluest trace. When gazer's eyes and gazers meet. Of hopes and fears can neither cheat ; John's thoughts abroad are better told Through chilling look of orbit's cold. And here I wish to say to you, The story'w true of one I knew ; Which makes my heart regret the tears That parents wept for flfty years. The head drew back, the four stood still. And Irozen hope lost mind to will. First Dills worth moved, then followed on The hunter, Lytle and John, and John. Thej" passed to space where Joe appeared ; To go beyond they almost feared. Lest boy might through the window leaj) To where below a roof was steep. A moment'.^ time could not be lo»\ Beyond the pause experience cost ; Dillsworth reckoned on the chance To nab the youth by quick advance. All followed him, because he knew Each vacant space, the house all tin^ough A careful search he instigated ; In nothing desired \t. compensated. 67 A pair of new shoes quite recently bought Were found about where Joe had wrought : Hung on a nail a summer hat; In haste to flee the boy left that. Tlie house being searched above and below, To river next, they all did go ; And seeing their haste the question, "Why," Was asked, "do these four men fl,y ?" And caused a numerous crowd to follow, To far beyond a Id 11 and hollow, To where a view of I'iver bend, All passing crait to eye would lend. There various boats could wejiltli emi)h)y, To push trom shore and catch the boy ; And of this truth might much avail Were not men borsi to wftcii fail. The craft they sought had just passed by ; The distance gained all oars .defy; And sorrowing group lor what they lack, Or being too kite, must travel baci-:. How grieved is man when trust reposed. Finds avenue to hope all closed ; When sunbeam's lost to human eye, And bkicl< cioud^ move across the sky, How dark and deep a river seems, When storm is felt to be close by. How cold to hoaii, is voice of man. When it contains no future plan. That makes us glad un'il the time When we shall reap of prospect fine. Lytic and John go back to hotel ; Over their minds a gloom then fell; One must soon return to his home, 68 The other far to westward roam. He sees a swift dark river Pursuing winding way ; Us waters for to mingle With ocean far away. And sees upon its bubbling swells, A skiif that all obstruction quells; And wonders that a mother's pride Should flee away from home to hid6. But so it is in youth's bright day, Though reared by care, forget the way, And after years can only tell, Whether or not they did as well. Hatless, coatless, without shoes he fled; Kest forgotten on trundle-bed, And home forsaken for other land, xlnd harder fare than love's command. What spirit to act doth look impart When promptings come from acking heart? Direction felt is more than signed; So Lytle felt to move his mind. No lightning's flash over wires speed, ^'or had a thought yet felt its need ; Slow and by horse the mails all went; Sealed without cover, letters were sent. Keel boats, flat boats, canoe and skiff; The latter moved b}; stroke most swift ; In other words, compelled to speed, The skiff would always take the lead ; Joe's selection of a craft, Was found to be with storage aft. With one to steer and one to row, The skiff though large would faster go. 69 Pursuit with thought to overtake, Was lost to hope as well as wake ; To follow slow had Lytle planned, And let the swifter vessel land. With this resolved, pushed out from shore Just far enough to use an oar; Though his progress would be slow. Those met or seen would something know. He thus obtained a quiet view Of places old and village new, And sometimes stopped to hunt and fish, Go on or sta}^, to suit his wish, At Louisville, a point of trade, He learned a purchase had been made. Of a cap and shoes, and knives and belts; Paid for were they in wild beast's pelts. The dealer well described two boys. The size a trapper oft employs. And said the boys well knew each other And thought the one was the other's brother. Some men engaged in building raft, Described a skiff with storage aft ; Said one of the two that manned the boat, They thought they noticed, wore no coat. And agreed the boat was painted gay, None like it before had gone that way; "I should rather say not," a by-stander said, "On the side near the stern was a turtle's head.' ^ever from load the boat must bed, Over the eyes of the turtle's head ; This precaution found in skill, Had wrought the boat to never fill. 70 Hope no loiio-er left in dark, Could now well follow piiinted mark; The hunter bowed his pleased consent, And after the turtle's head he went, Down the river, down the river. Far below the falls, Fearless dashed the bark of Lytle Met by tempest squalls. Da^'S and nights had passed, And Lytle's boat lay to at last ; For near the mouth of a valley stream, There lay the picture of a dream. Our hunter felt himself redressed, F(>r what the waves and wind distressed; A tree's broad branches shadowed the boat That Joseph Burnett left afloat. By foot-prints left close by in sand. Two persons of late had gone inland ; As their return might be quite late, Eesolved his mind return to wait. Lytle kindled a fire and cooked a meal, And ate till hunger lost appeal, And then hung iip to dry, a coat, And while it dried, a letter wrote. Informing wife and friends away, Of happenings from day to day; He wrote the past full up to date. Then folded the sheet to further wait. In a forest dense, the night comes soon. Before the shine of star or moon, And what we take for close of day, Has led the mind full hours astray. 71 Lytle drew on what pleased his pride , A peaked crowned cap of tanned otter hide; And wearing a jacket rolled up in front, He looked like a man rigged out for a hunt. The blue vault of sky, now set with a star, Through the curtains of night, seemed not very far ; For a hill took its height from distance to sky ; Looking over its brow, brought star very nigh. How beautiful is water lying hugged to shore Under tree's low bough, where shadows pour; The silver line whore shadow meets, The near mid stream, grand scene completes. How charmed is ear by nature's call, Or voice of stream in water's fall ; Over rock and pebble, glad its flow From rugged height to plain below. But ear had caught another sound Of falling teet upon the ground ; Approach to boat, contains to eyes, Two sprightly lads about of a size. Our hunter, the boys' surprise enjoys And greets them with, "Good evening, boj^s ; This country is wild and pretty and new ; I hope you'll let me stay with you. "I want to learn to hunt and trap ; I've bought myself a hunter's wrap ; And here's a hide made into cap. That cost an otter all his nap. And there's my boat tied up to shore ; Of things to eat I have a store ; . . I brought a bag of clothes to wear ; I tore my coat a hunting bear. 72 "And here's a i^un, it wants a flint ; I've a liundred of them, I need not stint ; That's all, except the stopped up vent, Tlie gun got wet, tlie ramrod's bent. 1 have four knives, I'll give you two ; •They cost me a pig, they're almost new ; I've lots of clothes too small for me, And blankets enough for all us three. "I've powder and lead in a very dry ])lace ; My rifle's ns good as ever went to your face ; I am glad for the luck you have had today, Hunting and trapping is nothing but piay. Please let me see the minks you have caught ; The fur looks as jrood as ever was bou^'ht" The boys now could talk, and telt not atraid ; Friends of them both the hunter had made. •'And here, boys, here are two pairs of boots, And tomorrow you shall see how the old gun shoots." Improving his time, he stirred up the fire And cooked them a meal to suit their desire ; And while they were eating, he skinned all the mink, Hung the hides up to dry before they could think ; And caught some nice fish and put them to soak ; To keep off mosquitoes, burned leaves of an 6hk ; The bo^'s were rejoiced, they thought he, was han(l>j- I To djl^i^vhat he said, was sweeter than candy. if ,-No;w^iwas the time to please them some more, f^ft'^^-^'^^^'^^^"^^'^^ of. tfli« things he had kept in store, ' ?!l^i|i'f ^^^^ ^^^ ^y^ ^^^ better^provided. i#* .\v.,- 73 With things they enjoyed, then Lytle divided. Of the lialf that he had, he had never told ; Consisting of garments to keep out the cold, And shoes for their feet, and stockings close Unit; Aston islied were they to get such a tit. Next, the boj's talked of the deer they had seen ; Joe asked the old hunter if his rifle cracked keen ; And told of a gun his father once had, That burst with a roar and hurt a man bad; That man was his father, though he kept it con- cealed, Save the strain on his feelings his sad face re- vealed. Tom Crossle}^, his partner, knew from his looks. With home and his people he was still keeping books. Those books were of memory never to fade, Though the head be in sleep on the pillow oft laid ; To the end of a life, doth memory hold out, Though oft while it sleeps is it held in doubt. No matter how obstructed, no matter the woe. Memory will follow wherever we go. Not a store-house of mind, as many have said, But a faculty of brain when store-house has fled. Tom was an orphan, his parents were dead ; Their memory to him had forever fled ; And he was a trapper by his uncle's consent, Who told him to go, before he went. In him the wild woods could no love destroy ; Persuasion secured, lost on either boy ; 74 Persistence in one to stay with the other. Had weakened the claim so felt by the mother. Tom's uncle was a wagon-maUer Well skilled in the trade, And Tom teased his uncle Till the big skiff he made. It hud stern, deck and hatches, To keep out the rain, And studied to be handy By a very careful brain. Lytle's answer was to Joe, "The rifle's crack is sharp, And trigger woi'ksas easy as ])laying on a harp" And said the hunter smiling, while shoving down the ball, "If luck and chance be mine to day, a deer must surely fall ;" With gun well primed the}' started out; The time they went was soon ; The hunter shot two deer and a coon Long before 'twas noon. And trapper Tom was twice made glad, For in one trap he found A large fat bear with jet black hair, ^ A lying on the ground. Soon a rifle's crack was heard, And sped a leaden ball. And bruin's ear no more could hear A hunter's gun or call, A smaller trap had caught a mink. And twenty were not sprung ; The hunter laughed, it made him tiiink 75 Of joy when he was young. Joe not there, was snug in camp, And dreamed while he was snoozing, Of another gun, and a crooked thumb. His father at home was using. For two to go, and one to stay, Had left Joe watchman for the day ; Awake all night had found daylight The time to sleep in place of night. When Joe roused up, to his surprise, With all his strength he could not rise ; Something weighty held him down And would not yield to frel or frown. Full wideawake, for sleep had fled. He pulled the blanket from his head, When to his horror, fear and dread, A monstrous bear lay in the bed. And what his effort had defied Was found to be the hear was tied. One paw below, and one above. As though the bear the boy would love. Joe never thought of kind caress. But screamed and hallooed in distress; We need not tell who planned tlie joke, But leave the world to laugh and choke. They all felt well the bear thev could sell At a town ten miles below, To where they repair, while the weather is fair, For soon would the Fall winds blow. The bear was soon sold for silver and gold, His fat helped on with the sale ; The oil of a bear being good for the hair. 76 Such inducement to buy couldn't fiiil. Before their return, Lytle finished his letter That told of his finding Joe ; Eequestinc reply through a passer-by, Shpuld any go down below. They found in town, while walking round, A man b}^ the name of Straff ; A merry man he appeared to be Enjoying a hearty laugh. Eeference to him had not been given. That 'hoy should seek long him to find, But rather curious to know somebody Of a jolh^ turn of mind. Straff told the hoys of a home in the south, Of a woods forever green. Of bear and (ieer and animals queer That many a time he'd seen. He told young Joe of a pretty little girl, 'Vh'Ai sang whan she went for the cows. And warmed her feet where the cows had lain Eene.ith lh(' piiu- tree'rs boughs. "And to tiiat land," said he, "I'll go \VluMi the Autumn time is here, Vov there, I know we'll have no snow At Clirisinias tirao of year. And now n y 1 oy- , when you come back To sell the game you've caught, Remember B-ll around the hill. Before m thing you've bought. "L'll tell you better w^hat 3'ou need, Than all you know yourself; On pone and cheese, I live at ease, 77 I've money on the shelf." The sun set clear in western sky, The time to leave was drawing ni.sih ; With Straff, the boys had made a trade Of hides for a kettle, ax and spade. All things ready, they left in the night, And rowed six miles belore daylight; And stopped to prospect countr}^ o'er. Upon a river's verdant shore. The scene in woods at break of day, Is mellow light and silv^er ray, And woodland washed by dew of night, Wears luster glorious to the sight. " There the soil was strong and now ; There the amaranth hugged to the rue, The two by strength combined, indue The bitter and sweet which together grew. The even size of body of tree, Helps the thoughts lo quick agree , When such is found there's depth of soil To yield reward to honest toil. A thousand acres in prospect lie, Declined and raised to please the eye; Two miles from shore, or back from river, Was coursed a stream by God tlie giver. And pleasant hill on either side. Raised a thought to pleasure's ))ride ; Enameled banks along its course, Led the mind to seek its source. Its bearings ran to south of ea^t ; When valley came, its width increased; And here and there the wild gra})es hung, Where tender vine to tree boui^hs clung. 78 And soapstono jilts ran into stream, To mini^le blue vvitli nun's bright beam ; And nhelving rock, where fishes hide In water deep, where stream is wide, Enticed the mind to longer dwell, Where scene increased to deepen spell; And reach recess of inner soul, And add to joy the golden bowl. 'Twas Sabbath day, and nature knew it; Disturb the quiet, and man would rue it; On sunny bank, behold the swirl Of water pool in infant whirl ; And murmuring voice as comes from brook, Seeks to mind, this favored nook ; The eye, in easy searchings, cull; Squirrel on tree the green nuts hull ; And spotted fawn cools thirst and stands, Beholding shadow and pearly sands; And bird iis bosom feathers flush In silent pool from waters rush. And seeking turtle finds a stone Heated by rays of sun alone, And warms its feet, and dries its shell : Its quietude its comforts tell. Persuasion hitherto in breast. Is now disturbed with great unrest , Experience knows so well of youth, The struggle is hard to smother truth. A river long and dark and swift, Con. pared to this the brighter gift, Could chill the mind and add despair, Forebode the worst and bide the fair. The hope that Tom or Joe would go 79 Was lost; foreseen iU overthrow; And future cost to mind appears, And styled the boyg the pioneers. The boys were ghid and talked of Bill, At the town below, around the hill ; And Lytle knew to Bill they'd go As soon as Autumn winds would blow. The day fast drawing to a close, The three with one consent arose, And soon were back to river side. Selecting spot their boats to hide. Then kindled a fire, and cooked to eat A pone of bread, with tender meat , And then lay down and went to sleep, And nothing knew till daylight's peep, Lytle called the boys and opened his mind, How he had come young Joe to find. And hinted deep, a mother's praj'er Was seeking God to bless them there. And told of his love for a boy at home That he never could think to spare ; The boy and his mother would wish him back, That very mornirg fair. And Fifer, the faithful dog, is looking, And howls for my return ; And Jim is pilinir on the chips, To make the fire burn. And Mary will say, ''If Tom were here, The morning is so fine, I'd have no fear he'd have a deer Before an hour's time." This day I'll start for home, boys, 80 I'm weary ot 8t{i3"ing here ; So fill' :iwuy, 1 cam ot stjiy, For all the bear and dt'n^v. And just before I reach the house, I'll Wiiistle for old Fife, And l»e will come with a livel}' bound ; For me he'd lose his life. And what shall I say to your mother, Joe? Come, thinu up somethinui twixt the jams from which we scringe. Leave out the door-way and the scringe, Ai.d never's the door upon its hinge. Intei'jection shows little or much sur])rise Wiien the exclamation is ah! how wise. In truth interjection is no less fitty When wo say, how lovel}^, O! how pretty. The interjection denotes surprise Beyond dispute of weak or wise. Tlui whole sums up nine par^s of speech Which reading and writing was made to teach. One part left out destroys the reach, And never the n an can mend the breach. June 9, 1888. 100 DEFINITION OF VIBRATE, OR THE VERB TRANSITIVE OR INTRAN SITIVE EXPLAINED. There's a vibrate moves the fancies, As feelings stir the lieart, With the absent of the memories That strove to get a start ; That strove to add to the comfort Of the old log house abode That stands where middle of field is, Away from public road. There's a moving of the watchers, There's a wake from fast asleep, There's a coming out of silence Of the dead to take a peep ; There's a coming back to memory Of the dreaded then alert. There's a strive to brave the heart there That never dartd lo shirk. There's a golden fall of sunlight, There's a beeiuty of the morn, There's a da}^ of toil before them, Who feel for children born ; The cattle-team from couching Have left off chewing their cud ; Have bowed under j^okes put on them. With all its weight of wood. The settler is quick and watchful, Between the house and pens ; There's a chatter among the guineas. There's cackle among the hens, 101 There's a taking down of the rifle, There's a step to look lor foe, There's a meeting witli a nelglibor And learning his tale of woo. The Indians had taken liis wife To wliere he inquired to know ; Had dealt the next to the yoiinge^L child. An almost fatal blow ; Had taken his liorse, Driven off his cow, And caused his head In grief to bow. 4 The wife who hears the trouble Is shivering as if with cold. For she knows her hardy hu^^band Will not his help withhold ; She knows a search will follow, Like hounds on the Indians' trail ; In parting with her husband She fears her strength will fail. How served this as a warning. That soon might be her lot, Exchanging, for the wild wood, The loved and sunnj^ spot That knew her first exertion, In maize that grew for home ; As she thought of this she shuddered For the one compelled to roam. There's an after retrospection That takes the cabin in, There's a harvest where was wildwood, There's a feeling of the din, 102 There's a care with circumspection, There's a breath that's soft and thin, There's a field's expanse to reason. That fleds away the sin. There's a told to the Creator, The bread was got by sweat, That cost each mortal body Its earn to pay the debt ; Where they died is left for others Who toil for wordly gain, Where's sheltered now the fleece flock Is cabin back from lane. Tliere's a nest inside a chimney, There's a swallow that flits in air; Ancestored with its history, Is the bird that built it there ; To the edges left of first nest, Was nest renewed again ; So was kept up all its hollow To the cabin back from lane. Ls drank from the same old springlet, Is drank from the silvery tide ; Is seen the gray of the crawfish Hugged to its rocky side ; Tlie feelings that come of refreshing, That cools the heated brow, Bi-ings back by the side of the water The soon of the then and now. But the olden mill — where is it, That stood just below the spring? Have they turned it into a smith's shop? Do I hear the anvil ring? 103 Go, cease the sound though 'tis music, While I listen for the voice of the ixrind. While I think of the meal he waits for ; Waits the settler of patient mind. Where's a stone that's rude from quarry, Is a grassplot out in the field ; There's a gee to the horse going round it, There's a haw for the stint in the yield. There's a boast as — I own every foot of it- No place for a graveyard here ; There's talk of removing to cemetry, — Still goes the talk each year. The hundred years that followed — The then of our early day — Has nigh forgot to the memory Just how the country lay ; Add fifty more and withers The heath beyond the welt, And nothing of the former By any man is felt. June, 1888. ONE FINGEEBD TIM. Pleasant the hour beneath the bower, When Susie's heart grew glad ; She thought ol a stream she'd seen in a dream Mixed up with a handsome lad. Susie's parent lived rich and grand, Had plenty of money at his command ; And Susie an artist tried to be, And often thought to paint the sea. The maid to the parlor came to sweep, 104 And Susie would not her company keep, And gathering up her paints and book, She sought a bowery little nook. While in thid sweet and quiet place. She thought to paint with better