,m\mrm\M -^f^ff*:? !fiift LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ilap.t^-''- ®uii^i# :|ij.---. Slielf.-S-8.__- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. OEMS BY {^ Rev. F. Sclireiber. Second enlarged edition. MILWAUKEE: Hoffmann Brothers. //2./, % Copyright, 1876, by Rev. Francis Schreiber. Copyright, 1888, by Rev. Francis Schreib er. To The Eminent Divine, The Most Venerable Archbishop OF ST, LOUIS, PETER RICHARD KENRICK, Most Humbly Dedicated. THE REALMS OF SONG. I praise the land, where in melodious songs The love of God from ardent hearts • pours forth, And in the depth of mind religion longs To fill immortal souls with thoughts more worth Than all the transient treasures of this earth. Inconstant as the sunshine of the North. True piety reflects in holy mirth, Refreshing man on life's precarious stage; It modifies ambition, shields the hearth. Will science make of man a trusty sage? It is the truth of God in which we place Our hope and confidence in every age. O, let us build a temple of sweet lays Vibrating in true wisdom's wondrous light, Descending from above in golden rays ! Behold the springs of truth, the charming night With mystic stars, the god-like harmony In virgin-music and the chime's delight ! What brilliant gems adorn in modesty The church, enrapturing the pensive soul In her emotions on to ecstasy ! This be the poet's joy and this his goal ^eiK^ious #09^8. 11 — CHRISTMAS HYMN. I. Long centuries of hope have passed, The promise is fulfilled at last; Behold the Prince of peace is born, To save mankind, no more forlorn. He whom adore the skies, The Lord, Emmanuel, In a crib as Infant lies, The Pride of Israel. — 12 — In splendor beams the starry light, The shepherds keep their watch at night, When suddenly bright Angels sway In sweet accord their joyful lay: Glory to God on high And peace on earth to men, Who breathe a grateful sigh In holy zeal again ! 13 CHRISTMAS HYMN. II. Sweet Jesus, humble chilclj Meek and mild, Give me a heart like Thine, So full of love. That I may once with Thee above In glory shine ! 14 — Thy love makes life so bright With delight; The stable and the crib Admonish me, Of worldliness and vanity My soul to strip. A wisp of straw is spread For Thy bed; Yet in Thy smiles I see The happiness, Sweet innocence and love impress On Thee for me. 15 THANKSGIVING. O Jesus, my God and my Lord, How can I repay Thee Thy love ? By all my affections and word I never can thank Thee enough. I owe Thee my life and my soul For heaven by Thy death on the cross ; No hymn can duly extol The sympathy with all our loss. — 16 — Thy church is the token of love, Established for all that will cling- To Thee in Thy glory above, And gladly their hearts to Thee brin^ In warfare and combat and strife We look for the help of Thy grace ; Thou knowest the price of our life And offrest a crown for the race. 17 PRAYER. Direct, God, my tongue, that I may never Digress from truth nor stain my lips with words Which from Thy Heart my heaven-bound soul dissever! All nature worships Thee in grand ac- cords, The happy choirs of Angels sing forever Thy everlasting praises, Lord of lords; And should the anthems of my bosom's psalter Fail to ascend like incense from the altar? — 18 Thou art the Truth. Thy heavenly revela- tion Surpasses all the sages' gorgeous lore; No change has ever marred, no alteration, The wisdom Thou hast brought us heretofore; It is the heart's delight, the recreation Of mind, when it inspects the wonder- ous store; And all this splendor Thou to man hast given, To guide him with Thy light from earth to heaven. 19 — BEFORE COMMUNION. Jesus, come, O come to me, To take possession of my heart ! 1 feel so lonesome without Thee, O come, O come and never part I What happiness, to harbor Thee, My God and Saviour in my breast ! In Thee is joy and liberty. In Thee I find my peace and rest. — 22 — Send to widows coal and wood, Let them keep their cabins warm! Clothe the orphans, give them food And repel from them all harm ! Open all thy servants' eyes To inquire where need does dwell! Bless the pious, bless the wise, All who wish poor sufferers well! 23 LOVE OF GOD. Could I ever love my God As He loves and blesses me, While on earth I long and plod For a bright eternity? Who gave me my Jife and soul? What I own His hands bestowed. How may I all grace extol Which from Heaven upon me flowed? — 24 Lord, Thou art my hope and joy In this labyrmth of life; Save me from all sins alloy And refresh me in my strife ! "Blessed are the clean of heart," Thou hast said, let my soul From all vain allurements part And my passions all control ! 9n — HYMN. Sing, my soul, And extol The unfathomed love of God, Who was pleased. In our midst To establish his abode ! 26 0, admire His desire Ever here with us to be ! Come, adore And implore Him for grace and sanctity ! TO THE B. V. MARY. TRIOLET. 0, could I see thee with these mortal eyes In all thy charms, celestial bliss and light ! Thy image floats before my mind so bright, 0, could I see thee with these mortal eyes ! My heart thrills with delight, all trouble dies, Transmuted into rapture at that sight. 0, could I see thee with these mortal eyes In all thy charms, celestial bliss and light ! — 28 HYMN TO THE B. V. MARY. O, Virgin Mother, Queen of Heaven, By all the thoughtful world admired, Thou hast by Christ to us been given, Before He on the cross expired ! Thou art the glory of all mothers, The model of all woman kind; What virtues we may praise in others, In Thee we find them all combined. — 29 — Obtain for us remorse and pardon, When sin has marred our purity, Lest we in our confusion harden And lose the crown of victory ! 28 HYMN TO THE B. V. MARY. O, Virgin Mother, Queen of Heaven, By all the thoughtful world admired, Thou hast by Christ to us been given. Before He on the cross expired ! Thou art the glory of all mothers, The model of all woman kind; What virtues we may praise in others, In Thee we find them all combined. 29 Obtain for us remorse and pardon, When sin has marred our purity, Lest we in our confusion harden And lose the crown of victory ! 80 THE HOLY FAMILY. My testament Be at my end: Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! When death calls me, My last words be: Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! In pangs and pam, When sorrows reign, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! My heart imbue With love for you, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! 31 — When agony Oppresses me, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! Come to condole My weary soul, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! No time to waste To you I haste, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! For your embrace Brings peace and grace, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! Hear my request And grant me rest, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! — 32 — When life is o'er, Lead me ashore, Jesus, Mar}^ and Joseph ! To that bright home, Where Angels come, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! To meet the soul At her last goal, Jesus, Mary and Joseph ! — 33 — CRADLE SONG. I. Sleep, my darling, sleep ! Lo ! the Angels peep Through the sky, To descry. If thou with my wish comply. Since our Saviour's birth They are full of mirth, When a child, Undefiled, After them in truth is styled. — 34 — How they love to guard Their beloved ward From all taint And complaint By their succor and restraint ! Sleep, my darling, sleep, While the Angels peep From above At my love, Their regards for thee to prove ! Christ, too, was a child. O, how Mary smiled, When his arm Pressed her warm To his bosom fall of charm ! — 35 — Children were his choice. How they prized his voice, When, at rest, He them blessed At their mothers' kind request ! Children, he tells thee In his amity. Will enjoy Bliss and joy. Where they know no sad annoy. Sleep, my darling, sleep ! Would to God thou reap Thy full share Of due care By my ardent, sincere prayer ! 36 — CRADLE SONG. II. When I rock thee in thy cradle, Many thoughts pass through my mind. Could I but thy future settle, Happy I myself would find. Life would seem to thee a meadow . Gay with flowers of sweet perfume; No affliction nor a shadow Of dismay would cloud thy doom. But alas ! who will dissever From the future its drear gloom? When will to the mother ever Her dear infant's fate once loom ? Ah ! this world abounds in perils From the cradle to the grave; Faith alone and sacred morals Keep by practice mortals safe. What contentment it would give me, If I knew how thou wilt fare ! If by death I'm forced to leave thee, Ah ! who will of thee take care? — 38 Who will warn thee, who will guide thee, In the struggles of this life? May the angel stay beside thee, When thy foes thy fall contrive ! Bless, Lord, with thy sweet favors My dear child abundantly ! Life is charming, if it savors Of true peace and harmony. — 39 — CRADLE SONG. III. There is nothing on this earth I love more than thee, My sweet angel, since thy birth, In sincerity. When in sleep thy eyelids close On thy cosy bed, Many tears at thy repose For thy sake I shed. 40 O'er thee I my hands extend In my fervent plea For thy weal and happy end In eternity. 41 — EXCELSIOR. Early at the dawn of morning, When the firmament, adorning Crrove and glen with crimson light, Woke me from my cosy slumber, Birds sang, while I felt so sombre, In my garden sweet and bright: Excelsior. 42 On my knees I sank adoring, Whilst my soul in silence soaring To the Eternal's vast domain, Heard with awe the Angels singing, And the brilliant mansions ringing With the music of the strain: Excelsior. 0, this word resounds forever In my ear and woos to sever From the world my aching heart. Higher I must climb, still higher, Til the happy day draws nigher, Bringing me my sweet reward : Excelsior. 43 ANGELUS BELLS. At dawn of morn, When rosy hue And brilliant dew The world adorn, Sweet bells resound From towers around: Ave Maria. 44 — The lovely tune Thrills through the air So clear and fair Again at noon Vibrating high Up to the sky: Ave Maria. The day is spent, A last salute Steals o'er the mute, Enchanted bent Of hills and mounds In dormant sounds: Ave Maria. — 45 — The sweet accord Recalls to mind The Angel's word, Which to mankind Brought joy and grace In every place. Ave Maria ! §09<^5 of tl?^ (|easo95. — 49 SPRING. Sweet Spring has come, To fill our home With every pleasure At work and leisure, And wraps the night In full delight. 50 — Green grows the sod, And flowers bud Eelow the bushes, And 'twixt the brushes In fields and plains And lonely lanes. What fragrancy, And joy and glee In groves and gardens, "Where birds like wardens Inspect and sing Of lovely Spring ! - 51 -- LIFE IN SPRING. Gentle breezes wake Bush and brush and brake From then* sullen slumber And the various number Of wild flowers and herbs In their charming garbs. 52 From the tops of trees Gay birds sing their piece At the dawn of morning For the sleepers' warning, That their time at last For repose has passed. What displays of life, Throng with toil and strife ! Everyone seems busy; Who could take it easy, When all, young and old, Their good will unfold. 53 — Could we ever see Nature's destiny In more glorious splendor? Leas and fields engender Charm and joy and hope In a heavy crop. — 54 — AUTUMN. The flowers are gone, the groves stand bare Of all their foliage, all their charms; Whole nature mourns in deep despair. Cold glides the wind o'er fields and farms. Where are the birds that sang so gay On hedges and on lofty trees At morn and eve their merry lay, When crickets vied with humming bees? 55 — No verdure fascinates the eye, No fragrance recreates the breast, Clouds, full of gloom, beset the sky And lull the earth to sleep and rest. Such is the fate of all the fame And glory of the fleeting time, It seems to be a pleasant game. To vanish like the evening chime. 56 FALL. By degrees the leaves fall off From the trees, And the days grow short and rough By degrees. Thus my life resembles Autumn. Ah! it humbles Thus to see, how one by one All our days will soon be gone. — 57 THOUGHTS IN AUTUMN. Is it a dream or is it true, That I have seen the charms of nature? Did I enjoy the pleasant view Or did my fancy stamp the feature ? My ear rings from the thrilling lays, My eye rests yet on flowery meadows, On crystal lakes and golden rays, On hills and trees and murky shadows. 58 I smell the scent of fragrant flowers, And all the garden's balmy treasure; My heart recalls the happy hours, Which I have spent in cheer and pleasure. But now, alas ! the dreary sky Repeats to me the chilling message, That all the days of joy went by And left no vestige of their passage. In place of songs I hear the wind. With crowns of trees in mournful bustle . How sullen feels the pensive mind, When leaves from brush and bushes rustle ! 59 The world may seem a paradise And in her season thrive and flourish; One day suffices for surprise, To see all growth to die and perish. Death is the fine of Adam's fall, Which nature by its fruit induced, Now death must on each creature call, Because it was by sin infused. 60 — WINTER'S NIGHT. Clear and bright Shines the night; Countless stars proclaim the grandeur Of the heavens' refulgent splendor. Snow-beds shield Plain and field From the drift of chilly breezes, When the frost in frizzles freezes. — 61 Life is gone, Naught is done Any where by any creature, To enliven wretched nature. is(;ella9eou5 poe/T)8. — 65 - CANZONE. 1864. Annoy me not with idle talk and folly, Unworthy of a sound, immortal being! Our life is short and various obligations Demand our time for due improvements. Seeing The bustle of the world, who would not wholly 66 Devote himself to wholesome occupations, To sanction his relations To such affairs of welfare, as a member Of mankind ? Energy and perseverance Restrain antipathy and deep inherence Of sloth, plant self-esteem and stamp the temper, And ah ! what heartfelt jo}^, what satis- faction Rewards us for each task and noble action ! — 67 — PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE, Be circumspect and clever, In what you say or do, And never tarry, never, To paddle your own canoe. Love and respect your neighbor, If he is kind to you And helps you at your labor, But paddle your own canoe. — 68 In all your want and yearning, You'll find it to be true, It takes but little learning To paddle your own canoe. — 69 — 0, TELL ME! O, tell me, why through human heart So many hopes and wishes dart ! Is it, to keep our zeal alive ? Or idle phantoms to contrive ? Ah ! from his birth to his demise Man finds this world, to his surprise, The home of trouble and distress, And longs for peace and happiness. — 70 — Life is a warfare, hard and drear; No flag of truce will cheer us here; We have to fight and stand the blast, Until our soul from earth has passed. 71 THE BIBLE. What piles of works the world has seen, Since man began to write! What mixture ! what a mass to screen, To find in it delight ! There is a Book, full of advice, Of wisdom and of lore, It charms the heart with its sweet spice And ope's to faith the door. — 72 No human mind contrived the truth, So sacred and sublime; The Lord revealed his will to soothe Our heart, to guard from crime. — 73 — IN THE SWEAT OF THY FACE. "In the sweat of thy face Shalt thou eat bread." Is work a disgrace, When God has thus said ? Toil fosters the health, The sedulous fain Accumulate wealth, When idlers complain. — 74 For comfort and cheer No day is amiss; Oh ! every year Enhances^the bliss. The blessings of God Encourage the brave, Although they may plod For an early grave. - 75 TRIOLET. Learn to advance in thy career, It is the clue to all success, 'Though obstacles may interfere, Be not alarmed, look for redress, Learn to advance in thy career. Reverses hap in every sphere. Rebuffs may scare, be of good cheer. Reflect and master all thy fear, It is the clue to all success. If thought and toil bring happiness. 76 — The time will come, thy heart to bless, When by thy efforts all distress And gloom and sorrow disappear. Thy life is like a game of chess : Learn to advance in thy career, It is the clue to all success. — 77 HUMAN MIND. Motto : My minde to me a Kingdom is : Such perfect joy therein I flnde As farre exceeds all earthly blisse That God or Nature hath assignde. — WILLIAM BYRD. I do not pant for pomp or power, Nor do I yearn for pelf, I know, 'Though it like rain on me may shower; What do I care for transient show ? My only comfort rests on this : If there is cheer in human fame, I glory in an honest name, My mind to me a kingdom is. 78 May others sing more warbling lays, I fain extol the wondrous store Of grand conceptions and displays Of skill and wtII and taste and lore, And watch th' emotions of the blind, When the}'' disclose their inner light In thoughts so clear and w^ords so bright ; Such perfect joy therein I find. Whatever here my lot may be I'll find my way through storm and night, No malice or adversity Can mar my mirth nor blast my right. 79 — If providence for aye decrees, To keep my mind all hale and sound; Such cheery powers therein abound As far exceeds all earthly bliss. In all I do my aim shall be To work in concert with the best Of all the human family, Until I take my final rest. Where will and vigor work combined, No task is hard, no effort vain. The end of place and charge to gain That God or Nature has assigned. 80 — HELP YOURSELF. Help yourself to what you please, If the owner gives you leave; Kmdness sets your heart at ease. And indulgence brings relief. Help yourself ! The word is hard In your battle with this world, If you must be on your guard, To repel the missels hurled. •— 81 Help yourself! Can you expect Of your friends to guide your life, And your blunders to correct, If you're loath to sense and strife ? Help yourself! Is there a man. Who could better than yourself Know your skill and tact to plan Means and ways for fame and pelf? Help yourself ! Your weal and woe Implicate your energy; Dullness is your bitter foe, Fortitude your victory. — 82 — Help yourself! and God will help, Lest you might from pains recoil. Well may sluggards growl and yelp, Comfort is the fruit of toil. — 88 ADVICE. Behold the solemn firmament By day and night, Review the world from end to end In all its pride, And learn the writ, Which God in it For thee has hid. 84 — MAN'S CURE. There must be sad mishaps And misty days of trials, For bitter cups and vials Restore life's vital saps. — 85 WHAT RESEMBLES THE REWARD. What resembles the reward Which we reap from thought and toil, While our duties we regard And at art and fraud recoil ? No remorse will, no reproach, Steal from us our peace and cheer, For the sentiments we lodge In our hearts dispel all fear. 86 — In the days of storm and fright, Playmg with the coward's toys. We shall shield our plight and right, Facing all the boisterous noise. Friends may leave to join our foes In their villainous attacks, We shall ward aJl stabs and blows. Never swerving from our tracks. Trust in God. and energy Bless our efforts with success, And our active piety Ends in bliss and happiness. — 87 — WHAT IS MAN? What is man that he confide In the morrow ? Ah ! how hopes and haps collide To his sorrow ! Build your castles in the air, But remember, That your chance the fate will share Of December ! 88 Boast not of your strength and health ! Neither cherish Fondly comfort, fame and wealth ! All will perish. — 89 — MY WISH. I love to sing my lay as long As in my breast my heart beats warm ; There is such pleasure, there's such charm In music and in sacred song. I feel so merry, a pleasant mood Enthrals my quiet, wondering mind, How thoughts from it in verses wind As from the heart in veins the blood. 90 — AT LAST. When malice and affliction My hopes and prospects blast, I know my dereliction Will move the Lord at last. This life is full of trouble, Li which our lot is cast, But after all is bubble We'll sleep in peace at last. — 91 — Time wanders without ceasing, We grow in age so fast, And all the yearfe increasing Leads to the grave at last. 92 DANGERS OF THE WORLD. In this world full of delusion Many souls get in confusion Between wrong and right. Since they fondle their dear passions, Thinking of decoying fashions More than of their plight. — 93 — HOME. There is a love for home In every human breast, Where we in peace and rest Welcome the days to come. Wherever we may roam On lakes and seas and lands, Our restless heart demands Somewhere a spot for home. — 94 Behold a hut of loam And hear the inmates joy ! There's nothing to annoy, Because it is their home. May hostile nations foam And scold and scare and chase^ We'll shield and cheer the place, Where we have made a home. Why does the azure dome Inspire us with delight ? Beyond there shines so bright Our everlasting home. 95 — DEAR IS THE SOIL. Dear is the soil, where first the light Of heaven on us did mildly shine. And all the dreams of youth so bright Made of our mind a precious shrine ; The joy and praise Of early days Time don't from memory efface. — 96 — We saw the charm of ardent love ; We felt the sweets of fervent prayer ; Our soul proved simple as a dove ; What burden had our heart to bear ? We knew no care And seemed to fare In all the bliss that heaven could spare. Our life abounded in displays Of sports with comrades true and gay ; We listened to the thrilling lays Of birds, and mused at their array ; In merriment Our days we spent At work, at leisure, where we went. 97 With pleasure we recall to mind The happy years, when we with pride To learning and to lore inclined, To school in great ambition hied ; For, in our zeal, We thought our weal Depended quite on book and quill. Prepared for life's benighted road. We learned to earn our honest bread In steady hope and trust in God, That we may ne'er have harm to dread. We slept full sound On bed or ground, Where after labor we were found. 98 The world so wide, the world so far Invited us to try our chance ; A distant land shone like a star, Our luck and welfare to enhance. We hardly knew, How to pursue Our course, yet bid our friends adieu. Who will regret his pluck, and scorn, That he has crossed the stormy sea ? Must we then die, where^we were born ? The grave is sure, where we shall be. The star-lit dome Will bless our home, 'Though we have but a crust or crumb. 99 O glorious country, where the poor Find shelter, peace and liberty ! what attractions, to allure The wistfalmind, encompass thee ! On sea and lake Thy vessels rake, To keep thy trade and fame awake. What bays abound in oyster beds ? Which rivers swarm with richer fish ? What light on thee the prairie sheds By all its game, to change the dish ? What mountains hold Such mass of gold And coal and metal for the mould ? 100 blessed people ! — Who can sing The nation's wealth in all its charms ? How proudly to the soil we cling, That saves our heart from all alarms ! No caste nor guild Can raise the shield, To chase us from our common field. Free as the fishes in the lake, What may we fear in our pursuits ? He who in season keeps awake. Reaps his rewards without disputes. Luck never smiles On him who whiles His time away on airy isles. 101 — God bless the land, so rich and fair, The sweet home of the good and brave ! O may she prosper, may she bear Fresh laurels ! May her banner wave On every coast, • As friendly host, Of freedom and of might to boast ! 102 — GOD BLESS THE COUNTRY. God bless the country, where in peace And harmony the people rule, And justice brands and dungeons cool The riotous by sound decrees ! God bless the country, where true love Unites the hearts and cheers our life, Where talents, trade and traffic thrive And busy hands all grief remove ! — 103 God bless the country, where we found A pleasant home and generous friends ! 0, may it prosper, till time ends, And in its days in peace abound ! 104 — SONG. We glory in our liberty, Regained from unjust tyranny In days of yore. We know the price, the pledge and toil, When the fierce battles' heat the soil Imbrued with gore. — 105 Will natives, will those bound by oath, In their pursuits of life be loath To guard their home ? Will they not scorn all reprobates, And for their welfare shut the gates Against all slum ? Let this for aye be our parole — To welcome every loyal soul ; But never more By vagrants to be kept at bay ; Let all intruders henceforth stay Far from our shore. — toe A GOOD WORD. A good Avord, said in season, Will rarely be forgot ; It's wiser far to reason Than to contest and plot. Forgiveness and compassion Produce far sweeter fruits Than the unhallowed fashion Of duels and of suits. — 107 — DELUSiaN. Man, in his folly, yearns for fame, And worries to achieve a name ; But having cut the Gordian knot. He leaves the world and is forgot. 108 WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A MOTHER ? What is home without a mother, In this world of toil and care, Where ill-luck and troubles bother, And our happiness impair ? There is order, there is pleasure, Where a mother rules the house ; All her aims, at work and leisure. Proves the zeal which she avows. — 109 — Neat and nice are her apparels, Clean and cute her peaceful home ; Cheerful children sing their carols, Full of hope for years to come. In the morning, in the evening She kneels down with them to pray ; In her warning, in her reasoning All her words God's words convey. 'Though she be in learning lacking, Oh ! a mother's heart is sweet ; Who will ever see her backing Discontent and foul deceit ? no How she bears the awful pressure Of the duties to be done ! 'How she worries beyond measure, Day and night, to save her own ! She may of her tactics rue some. And regret the hasty rod, When the child clings to her bosom. Ah ! the child ! her flesh and blood. When proclivities engender Evil habits, fraught with harm, What else but a heart most tender Can correct without alarm ? Ill What a loss to lose a mother, Generous, honest and devout ! Never, never can another Fill the place and bear her out. — 112 WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A FATHER ? What is home without a father In this world of woes and wants, Where dark clouds around us gather, Ere we know their gloomy haunts. Disobedience and disorder Reign where once a heart so kind Knew to rule and yet to further Cheerfulness and pluck of mind. — 113 — Home is pleasant where a father, Honest, sober and devout, Steers the household, and would rather Die than rove and lounge about. In his efforts, his achievements, Sparkles his paternal care To provide for sad bereavements And the days so drear and bare. 114 THE BABY. What is home without a baby ? I hear often people say ; What it means, a bachelor, maybe, Is unfit the gist to weigh. Parents, certainly, appreciate Their dear offspring from their heart But I never could initiate In]the nursing on my part. 115 — O, this sobbing, O, this squalling, And this shrieking day and night ! Is it not for man appalling, And for maidens shocking fright ? I enjoy the smiles and tattling, But the serenades and such Lowing as that of a fatling, I did never fancy much. — 116 NEW YEAR. New Year has come ; Fresh hope and glee Fill heart and home, Where'er we be. All grief is gone ; We look with cheer At battles won In our career. 117 New zeal aspires To noble deeds, Which love admires And prudence heeds. « Mistakes we made In days gone by "We shall evade And rectify. may our time In all its spells Be like the chime Of festive bells ! 118 — THOUGHT. O, tell me, what is thought Which penetrates the heart ? Is it at random caught ? Where does it spring ? whence start ? Like lightning it pervades In trials human breast, And in its palmy shades All sorrow goes to rest. 119 — What joy and happiness A single news may bring, A dream, discourse, address, A hymn, so sweet to sing ! Thoughts are the soul's true friends. They are her bitter foes ; On them her peace depends, They are the cause of woes. They are the origin Of the sad avalanche Of wickedness and sin In every form and branch. — 120 — Eternity bewails The victims of ill-thought. Beware of all its trails, Until the fight is fought. — 121 OFFICE SEEKERS. What contest for a bite to eat, For office, spoils and fame, When friends like foes in battle meet, To win their aim or claim ! They have no rest nor day nor night. Their mind contrives new plans For victory o'er wrong or right Of their opponent clans. — 122 — There is no trick, no cunning plea, No art to justify The means and schemes and bribery, Which they disdain to try. Alas ! how bitter tastes the fruit ! What tears in vain are shed. When all affections, which imbued The heart with love, have fled ! What injury to lose a friend, Whoever he may be ! It's felt more keenly in the end. Than all indemnity. — 123 Success turns into sore defeat, And gain unveils the fraud ; The time has passed, but all deceit Remains henceforth abroad. 124 — WHAT DO WE CARE? What do we care for by-gone days ! Each age provides for its own wants, 'Though on the past we heap all praise, There's nothing which the present daunts. Times change by issues, heroes die, And yet the world moves safely on. Let come what may, it will pass by. And what is urgent will be done. — 125 — STUBBORN FACTS. Thoughts come and go, And words disperse ; All worldly show Commutes its course. But facts stand firm. Whoever heeds Them, lays the germ To noble deeds. — 126 — HUMAN LIFE. Life is but a journey To our final home ; 'Though the path be thorny, We must overcome All our passions, fraught With this worldly naught. Why should we in sorrow Spend our hasty days ? Ah ! perhaps the morrow Finishes our race. Faith and virtue guard Our divine reward. — 127 — SIMILITUDE. I heard the ticking of a clock At night ; The only noise which seemed to rock The tide. At once it stopped, and stillness took The lead, And all appeared to be a book To read. 128 — My heart grew sad ; for may it not Once, too, So rashly stop, and I my lot Then rue? 129 BEWARE. Beware of all attempts of men Who teach more than they ever learn ; What is above their reach and ken. The wistful mind will scorn and spurn Truth glares in proofs and arguments Diffusing from their parent sun, No laurels will be ever won, Where lore to unbelief assents. — 130 HONESTY. Be fair in all your dealings And scorn all tricks in trade ; Where fraud creates ill-feelings, All trust and prospects fade. There is on earth no treasure. To reach the honest name, It causes far more pleasure, Than luck and wealth and fame. — 131 ADVICE. Mock not the poor ! The day may come For you to beg for bread ; Mishaps destroy oft' hopes and home, While man sleeps somid in bed. Despise not the "unfortunate ; The lame, the deaf, the blind ! Is there no cause for your regret ? No threat or cloud to mind ? — 132 — Assist the needy, comfort all Who look to you for help ! But if you're loth to meet the call, Dare not to growl and yelp ! — 133 — FRIENDSHIP. We live with Mends in peace, 'Though we may sometimes tease And play them harmless tricks, For they will in return In restless humor burn, To get with us up sticks. — 134 What fibs they may contrive, There is no harm for life In all their pleasantness ; Time passes gently by, No tear bedews their eye, For love reveals its stress. 135 GHASEL. This world abounds in glittering vanity: Pomp, sport, and sprees evoke inanity. May crown and crosier ravish with delight, What good derives from fame humanity ? Pride longs for glor}^, avarice loves wealth. And insolence derides urbanity. Vain science leads in murky, lurking lore To silly topics and profanity. All beauty fades, and brilliancy of mind Eclipses sadly in insanity. — 136 TEARS. Natural tears betray no badness, They're to man a God-sent dew : 0. how thus from grief and madness Strangely peace and calm accrue ! What relief they yield to sadness ! Heart and soul feel fresh and new. I admire the tears of gladness, Ever merry, ever true. 137 — YOUTH. To squander in folly the wonderful days, When youth all its charms and enchant- ment displays, Call never enjoyment, no, call it disgrace. The spring of the year is the season to sow; What seed-corn is hid in the furrows below, Will sprout, and in time to maturity grow. — 138 SCENERY AT BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS. 1880. A sweet delight Charms me at night, When on the hill, So calm and still, I view the city, En wrapt in gloom, Now stern, now giddy, Yet drear as doom. — 139 — How strange ! What change ! Lo ! in the morning It seemed to be A grove, adorning For pleasantry The yonder slope With villas peeping Through foliage up And houses creeping The streets along, And farther up Right on the top Amidst the throng The court-house stood In pensive mood. — 140 How soon the sight Has vanished away And dreary night. Now in its sway, Spread out the shroud Of one dense cloud. Before my eyes A mountain lies, Dark and obscure, Ascending high Up to the sky ; The only lure Of pleasant light The lamp-posts yield, Strewn round about, 141 As in the field Sweet flowers sprout. Thus, as by spell, The gas-lights cluster About the lustre Of stars pell-mell. 'alladg. ^- — 145 — JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. On Christmas eve a stranger strolled Through London, while the wind blew cold ; Devoid of means, where could he spend The dreary night ? where find a friend? Revolving in his sullen mind. How strangely fate deals with mankind, He tried the causes to contrast, Why the rich may feast whilst the poor must fast. 146 — While sauntering on, his eyes perceived A Christmas-tree, as he believed. In a stately mansion, bright and fair, In verdure hue and starry glare. He heard the joy, he saw the charm. His heart beat in his bosom warm, When strains of music reached his ear. And words so sweet in sounds so clear : *'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble there's no place like home ! 147 — A charm from the skies seems to hallow us here ! Which, seek through the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere. 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 all ! Home ! home ! sweet, sweet home ! There's no place like home ! " 148 He stayed his walk, he felt so glad, And yet his heart grew cold and sad ; Alas ! the bard of " Home, sweet Home ! " Stood friendless there, and had no home. — 149 KATE SHELLY. Near sunset in their gloomy hue The heavens portrayed a dreadful view ; Through dismal clouds the lightning flashed, While thunder-claps through nature crashed. In piercing shrieks the tempest swept O'er land and lawn, o'er hill and depth,, Destroying on its mournful course Trees, barns and fences by its force. 150 In heavy streams the rain poured down, And Honey Creek perceived with frown How rashly to her quiet bed In floods the struggling waters sped. They heaved and shook in rapid course The trestle-bridge with raging force. Ah ! who was there the crush to heed, As the freight train came along in speed. On, on she rolled in her ascent, Headlong into the deep she went ; A crash, a splash, and all w^as o'er, For track and train were seen no more. — 151 Kate Shelly saw the dazzling light Dwindle away in the dismal night, And faintly heard with the fading flash Through all the storm the fearful crash. No love for mother nor for home, No fear or fright of instant doom Could keep her from the task she sought To search the fate the wreck had brought. She tied her rain-cloak 'round her waist And lit her lantern, and in haste She hurried to the spot of grief With aching heart for quick relief. 152 But ah ! where should the dauntless lass Pind through the dark a way to pass ? There was no land, there was a slough, Whichever course she could pursue.. What shall she do ? her steps retrace And from the danger turn her face ? The coward may from hazard turn, The hrave alone will praises earn. A moment there ^«he wistful spied. And swiftly to th' embankment hied ; Though steep and rough to her it seemed, Of going back she never dreamed. — 153 On, on she climbed without despair O'er pointed rocks without a care For bleeding hands and bruised knees, As on she pushed, her hold to seize. The track once won, she braved the gale, A heroine, so young and frail ; Onward she pressed upon the ridge With iron will, to reach the bridge. One part stood still all firm and straight, The rest had fallen with the freight, And terror filled the horrid gap. As dreary night concealed the trap. — 154 Fearless she crawled upon the track Along the rails to reach the wreck, Bent over, swung the light and cried *^ Is there yet life above the tide ? " One man survived the catastrophe, The answer came, " there's hope for me To stand the risk ; go, try to save The passenger from a watery grave ! " And back she crept her weary way. Combating with the tempest's sway. But ah ! there now ! shall she desist ? What will her friends say when she's missed ? — 155 — Five hundred feet of trestle-work ! On every side new dangers lurk. What ! if fatigue and dread at length On the Des Moines impair her strength. Naught could restrain her— on she drew Indifferent to her task in view, Although the gust turned her aside To sweep her with the roaring tide. Conclusively she flung her arm Around a beam without alarm, Whilst from her hand the lantern fell, As on she went her tale to tell. 156 — Up to the station her steps she bent To state the doleful accident ; And when she'd done and knew no more, She swooned, and reeled, and struck the floor. Now some made haste to bring relief. And some to save the train from grief ; Onward they rushed and swung their lamp, As on she came through gale and damp. The shrill sound of the whistle told The signals sight, as on she rolled Abating in her hasty speed. The warning of her risk to heed. — 157 Now ne'er was heard at the station yet More cheer and joy, more sad regret ; In crowds they thronged into the room, To greet the saviour of their doom. In silent awe, with bated breath, They watched her, fearful of her death, As on her couch she felt the strain For one so young in every vein. In gratitude they all agreed In recognition of her deed, To leave a purse for her reward As token of their high regard. 158 — Her praise went forth from mouth to mouth,- From East to West, from North to South ; And may it sound through times to come To every clime, to every home. •^©aFHpiipa £atma.^. — 161 EEVERENDISSIMO JOSEPHO MELCHER, Vicario General! Sancti Ludovici, primo prsesidi Soda- litatis sacerdotum dedicatum Anno Domini 1863« Crux. Salvatoris dulce signum, Quod jam mundum redemisti, Vere preciosum lignum, Quid solatii dedisti ! 162 In te salus sola restat, Per te auxilium paratur ; Quodvis onus quisquam gestat, Tuo adspectu mitigatur. Via coeli, stella lucis, Quam sodalis contemplatur, Si nos tu per mundum ducis, Pace vita recreatur. — 163 ORATIO Pro Unione Societatum Germanarum. 1865. O, Virgo potens, Mater Salvatoris, Quae diligis, qui vera fide gaudent, Due viros, qui instaurare impavidi audent, Quidquid cor poscat, plenum pii amoris ! 164 Jam lucet in amictu verni floris Ecclesia ; sed ut fideles laudent, Qua vi malignum spiritum defraudent, Infunde gratiam operse laboris. Durum est, tot desideria condire Applausa, quum penuria sancire Recuset, quod cor optat valde inire. Succurre, Mater, bonse voluntati, Ut pari studio jam penetrati Persolvant, quid possint desiderati ! — 165 Ad Notum mihi qiiendam. MISERICORDIA. Misericordia Benigni Dei Est confidentia Moerentis rei : Dat peccatori Spem venise, Si lacrimse Prosunt amori. — 166 — Quid prodest tarditas Conversionis, Quum mortis dirum fas Impendat bonis Et malis jugiter ! Proinde amove Onus et fove Mentem celeriter ! — 167 AD POETAM LOCUPLETEM. Felix poeta, Cujus moneta Arcet a fame ! Laurel rami Ventri non placent, Viscera nunqnam In eo tacent. 168 PRIMO DIE ANN! 1882. Vale, anne vetus ! Optima spe fretus, Unusquisque exclamat — Verbum cor inflammat : — Ave, pulcher juvenis, Adhuc plane Salve, sane, Ave, Ave bis, Anne nove ! Fave, fove Nos quotidie, Donee nostra spe Coelum nobis annuet ! — 169 NOTrKS. HOWARD PAYNE. The Lady's Bazaar, Vol. 5, No. 3, page 231, 1881. ^o song in tlie English language has been so popular or so widely known as Howard Payne's "Home, Sweet Home." It is one of those perennial metrical compositions that cannot die, for it addresses itself at once to the heart, even more so than to the imagination. And yet the man who wrote the immortal words had no home— no place he could say was his own — no hearth to comfort his body in his declining years. It is said of the author that, wandering penniless and unljnown through the streets of London, one cold night in January (?), he hap- pened near a splendid palace which was bril- liantly illuminated. He stood and watched the 170 mausion. Toward miduight, he heard, accom- panied by instrumental music, a magnificent voice singing his own melody. For the time he was transported out of his misery. It was, indeed, some compensation to hear, under such peculiar circumstances, his undying song. Payne wrote many melodies, but the only one that has survived him is, "Home, Sweet Home." Upon it his reputation as a poet rests. The government at Washington, probably, in ac- knowledgment of his gift as a poet, appointed him to the consulate at Algiers, which he held many years. The income derived from it was quite limited, but it sufficed him. He died some years ago, in Baltimore, ('^) we believe; but not until his death was he remembered by the world, which, when too late, as is the rule, deigned to recognize his merits. KATE SHELLY. Clipped from a paper 1887. An eastern paper says that Kate Shelly, the young girl who a couple of years ago saved a passenger train from destruction at a wrecked railroad bridge near Honey Creek, Iowa, is now visiting the east for the first time. Miss Shelly wears a massive gold medal, the gift of the Iowa state legislature, and enjoys, despite the inter-state commerce commission, a life pass on any railroad in the land. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS 0^4 T^E pit^ST EDITIO^«i. I read your poems with pleasure and wish to express my satisfaction at seeing you so laud- ably employ your leisure moments. t Peteb Richard Kenrick. Archb. of St. Louis - I am much pleased with the poems. t Q. J. Ryan, Archb. of Philadelphia. In the poems I have found many very beauti- ful passages. I must say that I like the latirt hymns best of all. GUSTAV KOERNER, Ex-Governor of Illinois. I have just received your book of beautiful poems and have read each poem with the greatest of interest. The piece you have written for me is very fine. I have numbers of pieces of poetry written about me, but none of them is as good as the piece you have written. Kate Shelly. Please accept my hearty congratulations ort your pronounced success as a poet of the higher order, whose mission it is to instruct as well as; to entertain, and whose elfforts are not solely di- rected to the mere jingling of rhymes. D. W. Smyth. I have occasionally had the honor to see and admire something from your pen, and it is ver^ gratifying to possess so large a portion of your work. L. May Heberling, the gifted poetess of Havana, in. <€ Index. ^- INDEX. The Realms of SoBg. 5 Christmas Hymn, 1 11 Christmas Hymn, II IS Thanksgiving 15 Prayer 17 Before Communion 19 Prayer in Winter 21 Love of God 23 Hymn A 25 To the B. V. Mary 27 Hymn to the B. V. Mary 28 The Holy Family 30 Cradle Song, 1 33 Cradle Song, II 36 Cradle Song, III 39 Excelsior 41 Angelus Bells 43 Spring 49 Life in Spring 51 Autumn 54 Fall 56 Thoughts in Autumn 57 Winter's Night 60 Canzone •••• 65 Paddle Your Own Canoe 67 O, Tell Me 69 The Bible 71 In the Sweat 73 Triolet 75 Human Mind 77 Hel^ Yourself 80 Advice 83 Man's Cure 84 What Resembles 85 What is Man 87 My Wish 89 At Last 90 Dangers of the World 92 Home 93 Dear is the Soil 95 God Bless the Country 102 Song 104 A Good Word 106 Delusion 107 What is Home Without a Mother? 108 What is Home Without a Father? 112 What is Home Without a Baby? 114 New Year 116 Thought 118 Office Seekers 121 What Do We Care? 124 Stubborn Facts 125 Humhn Life 126 Similitude 127 Beware 129 Honesty 130 Advice 131 Friendship. 133 Ghasel 135 Tears 136 Youth 137 Scenery 138 Howard Payne.. Ht Kate Shelly 149 Crux 161 Oratio 163 Misericordia 165 Ad Poetam 167 Primo Die 168 Notes 169 Extracts from Letters. \-! 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