?DHD. tmm ■ON toWWMM LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©i^.Yb^iup^rtB]^ -^ Shelf. .ksS^Jh UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Lf^l .?C#4 XII frt* v/Vt(r lliin;^/ ;>^-*t „, A SB 22 1 883 ^ Derses, William S. I^drd, Tliese are but blossoms, doomed to fall When breathed upon by time. I would not ask foi- fruit from all Tlie flowers of my rhyme ; But I would be o'erjoyed to find, When come the harvest days. That time's rude blasts had once been kind And spared a few for praise. 22 1883 ,] CHICAGO : Press of Ad.vm Cr.vig ct Co. 1 8 ^^ 3 . .Li6C|\i^ TO MY ONE DEAREST FRIEND, WHOSE LIFE IS A DAILY BLESSING. AND WITHOUT WHOM MUCH OF THIS WORLD'S SUNSHINE WOULD BE MISSING, I DEDICA TE THIS LITTLE VOLUME OF VERSES, NOT WITHOUT A SAD SENSE OF THE UNWORTHINESS OF THE OFFERING. COPYRIGHT, 18S3, BY JOHN C. EVERETT. PAGE. Frontispiece - - Design of W. B. Alexander. Man's Heritage, - . . . . *) On a Fl,y-Leaf to Emerson's Poems, - - 11 A Puritan Maiden, . . . _ h The River of Knowledge, - - - - 12 The Hermit, ------ i:j Plato, ....... 14, The Sea-Gulls, - - . . _ 14 The Poet, - - - - - - -15 A Sunset. - - - . - k; A Midni(4ht Bell, - - - - - 17 " Come Children, Come, Bring Sweetest Flowers," 17 Love is Dead, - - - - - - 20 Unexplored, - - - - - 21 Written in the Woods, - - - - 23 Nellie, My Darling, . . . - 25 " If Her Sweet Lips My Love Should Take Away," 27 "Sometimes in the Stillness of Night," - 27 To A Rose, - - - - - - 28 Transition, ------ 29 Doubt, - - - - - . - 30 Loves Blossom, - - - . . 31 The Musician, - - - - - - 32 CONTENTS. " One Aftttmn as Nature went PLTTfKiNG the Flowers, - - - - - 33 "0 Fairest of my Springtime Friends,' - 35 " A(iAIN THE AtTUMN WiNDS ARE HeBE.'" - - 36 A Valentine. . . . . . 37 The Last Years Nest, - - - - 39 Three Circles, - - - - - - 40 A Rainy Day in Jine, - - - - 42 " Bweet Home." - - - - - - 43 A Dream, --..__ 44 To Age, - - - - - - - 46 Shadows. --.-.. 47 The Rivulet, - - - - - 47 A Shaft from Cupids Quiver, - - - 48 Serenade, ----.. 50 A Tress of Hair, - - - - - 52 ALBUM VERSES: "'Tis Meet that Thou Shouldst Seek to Find," - - ... 53 " Joy upon Joy Will be Thine," - - 53 " The Trusting Prayer that Mounts Above," 53 '' No Breast but Bears Some Hidden Sorrow," 54 " In an Albitm the Sunday Morning after President Garfield was Shot," - - 54 Hymn, ----... 55 To Mother, - - - - - - 56 To J B ON Her Wedding Day, - - 58 Blank Verse, Written on a Sunday Morning after THE First Snow- Storm of the Season, - 59 uei^ses. fiDan'e Ibciitaoc. TT H! wlio is he can say lie's poor; bereft jh\ An heritage to make him rich; or left Without a friendship of the better kind, Alone, the true and false of life to find? Myi'iad hosts of men have lived and died, Bequeathing to the world, at eventide. The lessons of their daily lives, in deeds. In thoughts, in words ; and these have sprung as seeds. Each day, through all the ages past Has added something to the last ; With hundred tongues each year has rung, And thousand-voiced have centuries sung. Each word, each act, each thought subhme Has served a step on which to climb To paths more near the lofty height Whence cometh knowledge and all hght. lo VERSES. The topmost of these paths are ours, To beautify with love and flowers. And unto us 'tis also given Tliat we should bear with us toward Heaven A i)lant from meaner walks below, And nourish it, that it may grow. For us was made the moon, the stars : Jupiter, Saturn, Yenus, Mars, Are ours to wonder at, and see Reflected there the Deity. And in our quest of better things O never may these truths take wings : The sick are ours, to nurse, to heal — And theirs the joy our touch to feel; The blind are ours to lead aright And kindly point the way to light; And ours the weak, to strongly aid Ere our own strength become decayed. Yes, all of tliese are ours, And ours to do. When each hath done his best He's summoned to his rest : This last the blessed gift — It iiito Heaven doth lift The weary one iVmong eternal flowers. VERSJiS. Ji ®n a 3ri\>^Xcaf to £incr50u'6 jpocin^. AKK! and music tliou shalt hear Waving from a distaiit spliere; Win the wisdom of a soul Wrapj)ing worlds from ])ole to pole ; Catch the whisper of the breeze ; Learn the language of the trees ; Shalt feel the heart-beat in the stone And know that never thou'rt alone : That every rock and tree's a brother While Nature is the only ni other. Dug no ore is from the earth Can compare w4th this in w^ortli ; Richest product of our land Though she fall yet this shall stand. a puritan nl^ai^cn. FOR A PICTUKK. P DEW-DROP in a lily's cup, Before the sun hath kissed it u]), That softly trembles as it lies Reflecting June's serenest skies, Is not more pure and fair confessed, Nor holds more heaven in its breast, Nor gives more joy, nor seems more good, More perfect, than thy maidenhood. J 'ERSES. Zbc IRivcr of 1krlowlc^i3e. I. 1 I fHE river of knowledge flows freely, ®J[fe unsealed, Its full fountains have broken away; All ungenerous feeling the world hath re- vealed It is washing, is washing away. II. Its fair banks are alluring with flower and with vine — They but woo the grand river to sleep ; And they catch the slow waters and softly entwine Them in meshes, more surely to keep. III. Let us sail this grand river, so broad and so deep, We will keep w^iere the current is strong, And the winds o'er our vessel may lustily sweep, They'll but hasten our voyage along. VERSES. ij IV. Every drop in the river was welled in the skies, And each drop in itself is a gem ; For each caught the reflection of fair angel- eyes As it slipped from some Heaven-grown stem. I Z\K Ibcnnit. PASSED a hermit's hut one day; I stopped to question him ; I asked him why he stole away To live a life so grim. A gentle smile lit uj) his face And heamed from out his eyes, In language full of lordly grace Thus si)ake the hermit wise : Who hath a friend in rock and stone May live a hermit not alone ; Who loveth flower and shrub and tree Lives with a various company. On every hand, in every clime, In winter and in summer-time, Com])anioned with these silent friends He finds enough to meet his ends. 14 VERSES. Plata Out of Plato come all things that are still written and debated amoni;- m BEAT snowy drifts flit overhead, \J^ Their edges fired a golden red ; The placid waters of the lake The colors of the sky i)artake, And sea-gulls, darting here and there, Swift-cutting through the tinted air, Turn downward in their headlong speed, And, diving in the liquid waste, They clutch their silvery prey, then haste 'Mid air again, as if new freed. VERSES. IS II. Fair silent Hopes,, with Joy tinged warm, Their journeys through Mind's realm per- form ; The deep pure w^aters of the Soul The soft tints of the Mind control, And swift-winged thoughts, that fly so fast With tidings from the fading past, Turn downward in their present need, And, sinking in the Soul's still w^ave. They find some living Truth, and brave The future with a nobler deed. ^hc jpoct. TT7HE poet dreams not idly, for his dream ® J^fe Is all a heavenly vision, softly set. The faces of bright Truths, some, eye- lid wet. Look through the veil his fancy weaves, and gleam Pure particles of that eternal beam, That hglits the dome of Heaven— Heaven's amulet, High Truth I No form of beauty ever yet But caught its life-spark from Truth's living stream. lb VERSES. And so, though some assure you that his ways Al'e simple iolhes, bringing forth no fruit ; All painful strivings for his fellows praise, And bid him silent keep his tuneful lute, Be not disheartened if you love his lays, But love them still, e'en though thy lips be mute. a Sunect. TT7HE sun withdrew, and passed the golden ®J[© gates That bar his eastern kingdoms from those west, With all the splendor of an hundred states In richest regal pomp and glory dressed. Behind him, on white steeds, came closely pressed His knights and ladies, and. their nearest mates, Each leaning on their charger's golden crest, And far behind they left their lengthening^ trail — A darkly- deepening diamond-studded veil. VERSES. H nf^i^niol:»t 'BcM rrrOLL, toll, okl bell, ^\j& And sadly tell The solemn midnio-ht hour. mournful s^Yell The days farewell From the belfry in the tower, Tell us a day Hath passed away And left its mark behind; That new-born breath And silent death Hath visited mankind. n '' Come (^biI^rcn, Come, l^xmcs Sweeteet flowere," I. aOME children, come, brini^' sweetest flowers To trim thy mother's grave ; Come quickly, ere the twilight hours Their chilling shadows wave. i8 I'ERSES. II. But one short year ago, my dears, She called you each by name, And comforted your childish fears As often as tliev came. III. And all the long, long winter through She watched you at your play ; Perhaps she wondered what you'd do When she had passed away. lY. All winter on a couch of pain She waited for the spring ; And longed for summer once again With all the sweets 'twould bring. V. Alas ! dear children, not for her The summer flowers bloom; The daisy scarce had nodded her Ere she was in her tomb. VERSES. tg VI. Your precious tears were all unsealed And then were quickly dried. Ah! children's saddest griefs are healed As soon as they have cried. VII. I wish that I could drown my grief In one full flood of tears. But no, my woe will find relief But in the flood of years. VIII. Now come, well visit that dear place Where her dear dust remains ; Well plant there flowers, the spot to grace, And pray for gentle rains. IX. Perhaps she'll watch us from above And know our tender care. While tears from her dear eyes of love Will bid them blossom there. VERSES. %o\fC i6 Dcab. m OAN ye winds, moan, oh moan, (Fog o' til' fen and salt o' th' sea) Toss ye the trees 'till they groan, (Fog o' th' fen and salt o' th' sea) Love is dead, Tears are shed, Hope has tied ; Dole ye a dirge with me. II. Where have they buried him winds? (Fog o' th' fen and salt 'o th' sea) Search through the world's confines, (Fog o' th' fen and salt o' th' sea) Now quick and now slow, Above and below, Away let us go ! Where he is buried lay me. VERSES. III. Gone is the sweet o' tli' rose, (Fog o' til' fen and salt o' th' sea) Where it is only he knows, (Fog o' th' fen and salt o' th' sea) The skies are not blue, Nor sparkles the dew, All hearts are untrue — Naueiit but the salt o' th' sea! IDincyplorc^. I. longer l)raves the storni-tossed un- known main f! The mariner, to gain New kingdoms for his king ; No longer do the sister-sirens sing, And hope the captive souls of men to bring To their cool ocean-caves, Where they shall list enchanted to the sound- in^r waves. VERSES. II. The worlds go singing on tlieir endless ways Eternal hymns of praise ; And watchers from our star Behold their countless courses from afar : A holy harmony which naught can mar, . AVhere song and service blend, And through the universe the love of beauty send. III. Yet there are nearer heavens and nearer shores Than these which man explores : The wide innnortal soul About our feet doth never ceasing roll, And binds us safely to the perfect whole ; And what therein is stored We wait the Angel Death that it may be explored. VERSES. ^3 Mrittcn in the Moo^6, SAX those who dwell among such scenes as these Continually, feel their sweet influence, As I feel now the soft and slumb'rous sounds That fill the air? () June, thou bring'st with thee Delightful odors of the full fresh grass; The fragrance of mild meadows, rich with gold ; The language of the living trees, that bend Their tops to catch thy gentle whisperings. And here am I ! and like a little child Who gazes at the starry lamps that light Tlie heavens, yet knows not what it sees. For all The voices that now come to me, are yet Unknown ; have never reached my ear till now. Z4 VERSES. I see the pliiuiage of the feathered tribe, And hear their songs ; now startled by some sound That breaks the stiUness of the sohtude, As some quick sob will break the quiet night. IS o sound escapes ; the very presence of The grass is felt, as if each blade had thrust Me through. To-day I'm like a vine that spreads Its lengtli upon the ground and feels the earth, And sun, and summer air, and questions not The ways they came, or whether they'll be gone. /s. 9^?^ -^^ VEKilES. 25 I. 'NELLIE, my darling, though I've loved / you not long, Yet a part of my being you seem to belong ; You are to me, darling, sweet girl whom I love, As dear as the blue to the heavens above. II. 'Tis months since I've gazed on the bright burning stars, As they swing through the heavens in their radiant cars, Without seeing through all the immeasur- able space, Your face, darling Nellie, your sweet loving face. III. Nor alone to the stars lends your counten- ance light, For I see in swift waters, that run clear and bright, Soft sparkles of sunshine, bringing quickly to mind Your eyes, darling Nellie, so tender and kind. 26 VERSES. lY. No rosebud ere blossomed, sweetly scenting the air, But 'twould add to its fragrance if entwined in your hair. Your rich raven tresses, that fall like the night — Like soft twilight shadow's, love, veiling the hght. Y. All Nature's loved voices that greet the still ear. But serve, darling Nellie, to make you more dear ; All tell in soft whispers the all you're to me — Dear heaven's so willed it, love, so let it be. YI. Yes, Nellie, my darling, though I've loved you not long, You a part of my being now seem to belong ; And often I dream — darling tell me 'tis true I — That you live for me, love, as I live for you. VEKSES. 27 IF her sweet lips my love should take away — Dear lips, that hold a cup of kisses chaste And sweet as nioriiiug zephyrs, as they play Around a field with fairest hlies graced — Where could I find, beneath the bending sky A breath as sweet as on her lips doth lie? OMETIMES in the stillness of night Conies a spirit as healing as balm; A radiant angel in white, And she wraps my sore spirit in calm. She breathes o'er the soul, as the wind On the tenderest, sweetest, harp's strings ; And a melody breaks there confined ; And sweet to its music she sings. J / 'ERSES. {To a 1R06C. GO, sweet flower, unto my love and let Her drink thy beauty in with her soft eyes, And with eacli breath, and fill her breast with sighs ; And if in her sweet thoughts thou should'st beget Of me, so that her lips should touch and wet Thee with their dewj rose, if thou art wise. And can by any subth^ art devise A way, tell her thy passion while as yet Thou wert a bud, unfolding to the sun And listless wandering winds thy spotless robe Of white, and all the sweetness thou liadst spun Within the circle of thy bursting globe ; Tell her, sweet, fair rose! that she may know The joy she brought to me a year ago. VERSES. 2g WITH ha aroi ^raneition. appy bands I formed a frame •oiind A dear, sweet face, and gazed into the eyes, Then- utmost, hidden depths of blue to sound, In search of those sweet springs of paradise Whereat the thirsting soul may satisfy Itself in pools of light and love and life. I thought I had discovered where do lie Those secret fountains, still, unstirred by strife ; When, suddenly, Death trailed her shadowy sliroud; My face grew grave and pale ; I loosed my hands, And, looking in Love's face, where, like a cloud Before the sun, stood Wonder, thought whose bands Would Death first loose, and prayed that hers first be And she be spared tiie pain of mourning me. so VERSES. Boubt. DOUBT, thou fell destroyer of all peace ; Dark murderer of Faith ; disturber of The heart's most holy passion, perfect love, From out my breast ! I grant no longer lease To thee, foul tenant! Hear! I l)id thee cease Stop whispering in mine ear that thou canst prove ! Thou liest, and mine heart canst never move Though thou thy ravings many times increase. those who harbor thee but once do rue The day : they live to curse thy progeny. Thrice blest is he whose arm of Faith, well built, Has had the strength to send bright sun- shafts through Thy hideous darkness, and been wholly free, Without a taint of thine abhorrent gnilt. VERSES. 31 WHEN first love's blossom burst within my heart I felt its beaiitj' was a priceless prize ; I thought the years, though brought from paradise, Could bring no flower so fair in every part. iVnd I in praise had sung " How fair thou art! How beautiful unto my spirit's eyes! Nor was, nor will be, flower more sweet than lies. So soft, unfolding in my trembling heart." But still the blossom grew each day more fair ; I said, many times ! " Lcjve's flower, at last, Is perfect," nor, till Sorrow came with tears That fell upon it, through the saddened air, The while it closed and held its fragrance fast — Till shone the sun — saw I the crown of years ! 32 VENSES. Z\)c riDueician. TT7HY haDcl kiiowst well the art to sweep ®|® the keys- Unchaining music from the instrument Until the soul is tilled with harmonies That seem from the celestial regions sent ; Thy hand dost draw the bow across tlie strings, And wakes a strain, ilik^ voiceless soul witlii]! ; It seems to hear the song some angel sings Move from the hollow of tliy violin. The strains are sadder than the sighing breeze ; And softer than the falling, summer rain ; They wake the soul to holier mysteries, And give unto the spirit life again ; And yet, dear heart, tliy hand, love-taught, just now Woke sweeter music, laid ui)on my brow. VERSES. 33 ''®ne Hutumn ae mature Ment Iplucf^iiuj tbe iflowcre." 0NE autumn as Nature went plucking the flowers She grew sad with pity for Earth; She knew she was bearing beyond reach of ours The most beautiful things that have birth. II. She bore in her bosom all Summer's fair race, And, ere she had quite stript the trees, Half turned to gaze after ; she scarce knew the place — All gone were the things that most please ! III. She considered some way — loss, to gain to convert, Unto Earth, whom she'd robbed of her smiles : So much of sweet beauty should never desert, At one season, this world full of trials ! 34 VERSES. IV. So she summoned the sisterhood fair, of the flowers, And asked if they'd sacrifice make By lending her, each, all their separate powers To bring forth something sweet, for Earth's sake. V. And every sweet flower in the Summer that blows. In valley, on mountain, or plain, From fairest Queen Lily to radiant Eose, Quickly offered her service and pain. YI. And thus was enabled, through Flora's sweet grace, Goddess Nature to make one so fair ; To fill with such sweetness and beauty one face. And stamp such a loveliness there. VEKSJiS. VII. ss And now goes dear Nature forth plucking the liowers, And her heart feels no pity for Earth, For she knows she has placed in this fair world of ours One being who holds all their worth. " © Jfaireet of tnv^ SpnnG==timc 0FAIEEST of my spring-time friends What wondrous virtue lies in thee ? A light from thy sweet soul descends And throws a radiance over me. The heart is like that common flower So lavish with its wealth of gold, That only knows the sun's sweet power Its close-clasped secrets to unfold. My sun thou art ! Beneath thy rays My heart unfolds its richest bloom ; Thou lendst the hght to fill my days ; Thy light, departing, leaves but gloom. 3(> VERSES. n again tbc Hutumn Min^6 arc Ibcre/' PGAIN the autumn winds are here ; Once more I see, alone, Them strew the leaves on Summer's bier And hear their mournful moaii. INow soon the wizard Frost will dress, With magic art, the woods In many colored gorgeousness, Eeflecting Nature's moods. And when the scene in royal hue Is decked, and suns shine clear, Again, my love, shall I see you, Your gentle voice I'll hear. And you will drive all gloom away ; Will change the fall to spring ; And night will seem as bright as day — Such is the joy you'll bring. VERSES. . j7 a IDalcntine. \ I /HEEE'S none on earth more heavenly (^|fe fair Than thee, dear love of mine, And I would send thee something rare In this my valentine. II. What shall it be ? A flower ? A gem ?— The rarest ever seen Would fail to grace thy diadem. My love, my heart's sweet queen! III. What couldst thou want of sapphire, pearl, Or coral from the sea, When nature to thee, dearest girl, Gave so abundantly. IV. The rainbow with its lovely hues ? — Alas ! they fade away. Melt into distant space, diffuse. And leave no single ray. JS VERSES. V. Dear heart, oh, could I! I would reach The polar star for thee, And bind it on thy brow to teach Thy lover's constancy. VI. When thou shalt look at that bright star I'd ever have thee know That as it guides the ship afar, My love would guide thee so. VII. may my love shine through thy night, And shine to comfort thee, may it be thy beacon-light, — My heart's deep constancy. VERSES. 39 (Tbc Xacit !J)ear'6 meet. rWENT fco the spot where the last yeai''s nest Once lay upon the ground, But not a trace of the last year's nest Remained there to be found. Gone to the winds, like the scent of the rose? where is the last year's nest? With its feathers and hair And its tree- twigs bare, where is the last year's nest? . Long had the tenants forsaken the place And left it alone in the wood, But once it was filled with a fair sweet face And a presence so perfectly good. That I thought all the grace in this world so fair. Was put in a body and bound up there In the last year's nest. 40 VERSES. ^brec Circles. PAIE winds ! soft skies ! Now a wild wind sighs And dark clouds are breaking And rain-drops are shaking. Dark skies of lead ! A fair wind hath sped And the dark clouds ride over And up springeth the clover. 11. Eyes glad and gay ! A rude word you say And sad tears are falling — Tears past all recalling. Eyes dimmed with tears ! Soft words sorrow fears, And the eyes that were crying In sw^eet joy are dying. VERSES. 41 III. Hands clasp ! Lips meet ! One moment sweet, And tender bonds breaking Leave loving hearts aching. Hands part and lips ! An age each hour slips, When heaven melts together Loving hearts, and forever! 42 J'ERSES. a IRain^ 2)a\> in June. WITHOUT, all sad, the sky is clad In dull cold garb of gray ; And hard the rain on window-pane Hath pattered all the day. The winds that blow will never go. Nor come the birds sweet song ; The month of June is out of tune To shivering come along ! But blow, ye winds ! and bring all kinds Of showers upon thy wings ! Thy bitter blast can't always last In spite of better things ; The skies will clear, and I shall hear From every wall and tree, Those songs again in glad refrain From songsters gav and free. VERSES. 43 *' Sweet Iboine." OFT was the song she sung ; Soft as the breeze among Tree-tops in June ; Out on the wind it swept, Into my heart it crept Pale as the moon. Sweet was the song she sung, Yes, sweet in every tongue Spoken below; Sweet as a mother's love, Sweet as the home above Whither we go. Still o'er my heart it threw Sadness, like summer dew Falling on flowers; For in her voice I heard Song of some stricken bird Kept from green bowers. VERSES. a H)rcam. I. rDKEAMED I lived a prince; My kingdom richly spread O'er hills and valleys fair As summer clouds ere fled, And in my kingdom dwelt With me a pretty lass, Whose cheeks had never felt A rude winds ruthless i3ass Unsheltered by my hand, Which ruled the land. II. And at tq.j call came forth From pleasant peaceful dells Where woodland fairies meet To weave their mystic spells, Like hounds at hunters call When eager for the chase. My simple subjects, all. To greet me face to face And bid me to command, Who ruled the land. T'£A'sy:s. 4s III. They gathered all about — Sweet 5'outlis and fairest maids,- And leaned agamst then- crooks Beneath the leafy shades. They knew the clearest brooks ; Where grew the sweetest grass ; Could name the coolest nooks Where summer days might pass As swiftty as an hour In Beautj^'s bower. IV. I spake and eagerly Each face met mine — so sweet I could not help but smile ; Then pointed at my feet, Where lay the little one I loved so well asleep, Her ringlets in the sun A cloth of gold to keep A poet's storj^ told When worlds are old. VERSES. OST tliou who bear three-score and ten Look longingly to that sweet time Of youth and early love? Time when Thy manhood set all things to rhyme, And made the blood to rush and leap, That now so sluggishly doth creep. Recollect thou, with fond, dear thought, The happy day when first thou laid In love's soft lap? Time when was brought The holy passion that hath made Thy long abiding here so sweet, And filled thee with a joy complete. I'E/^SES. 4j ILENTLY, slowly, the daylight fades As the sun sinks low in the West ; Softly and sweetly the evening shades Woo the mother bird back to the nest ; Tenderly, gently, the shadow persuades And the world seeks quiet and rest. (Tbc IRivulet TT7HE rivulet dances, and leaps, and skims, ®J[® As if it were gifted with nimblest limbs. It widens and narrows and wands and twines And ripples and gleams and brightly shines Bunning o'er sandy bed, Dashing in foam. By the Creator led Safe to its home. 48 VERSES. a Sbaft from Cupid's ^Suivcr. I. aUPID once, the truant archer! To the earth on mischief wended With his arch and arrows 'tended. Dropped he in a grove of hhes — Lihes tall and fair and stately, Blooming by a stream, sedately. Thought the master mischief maker : " What now should I with an arrow Drive a passage, neat and narrow. Through these tall and stately lilies Where each wdnd so soft and still is?" Scarce had thought the Prince of Mischief 'Fore his arrow met the bow-string. And he aimed it true : 'twould so bring But resistance from the fairest Of these lilies, all the rarest. VEA'SES. 49 II. Quick his bow-string snapped and fluttered, And the truant archer uttered Something hke a sigh of gladness. He's a cruel piece of madness Is this little son of Venus ! He cares not his shafts in falling Bring a grief that's past recalling; Not a care for those he's wounded For no care in him is grounded. III. Peering through the narrow shaft-way, (Only one who knows the craft may), Saw the shameless son of Venus, Far as is the space between us And the setting sun in summer, — Saw the little truant comer. Two fair forms — a youth — a maiden — Far apart — with shaft-stains laden. Yes ! the truant's shaft had broken Through two breasts as yet unspoken I so VERSES. 5crcna^c. 0THE stars shine bright With a twinkhng hght And the moon hath silvered o'er, For my dear love's gaze, With her mellow rays, All the stream from shore to shore. Where the oriole sung, Where the robin's call rung. Every wind is hushed and still, Save the cricket's shrill cry From the meadows close by, And the wail of the Whip-poor-will. In my bark of birch I have sailed in search Of thy haven of rest so fair ; And this glorious night. Filled with Love's soft light. Hath me guided wdth tender care. When I hunt by day, Though I'm far away. Thou art with me every hour ; In my dreams, asleep, Thou a watch dost keep — Tender guard of my lone bower! VERSES. And when skies are clear, In mine heart held dear, Shines thy face as none before ; And when mists arise — In thy bright black eyes Sparkles light that stars ne'er bore. May sweet dreams, my love, Fill thy sleep, above While the stars their vigils keep. And I'll watch below Till the moon sinks low, — Then I, too, will seek sweet sleep. Chorus : Fairest maiden, sleep above. Only maiden whom I love ; Sweetly sleep and dream of me While I tune my voice for thee ; While I sing njy song of love, Sweetly, maiden, sleep above. 51 32 VER6ES. a ITrcss of Ibair, BEFOEE me lies a tress of hair ; A dainty, dark, and shining snare That with my love my kisses share. O many a kiss is bound up there Within its wondrous meshes rare Where first her fingers, oh, so fair. Within it wound with tender care. And was it on her brow it laid While gentle zephyrs through it strayed? Or did it softly sweep her face To add a moment's witching grace, — To vainly mock me while T stayed And watched the teasing game it played? Or did it feel her temple's beat, Or twine about her ear so neat, Or laid it round her neck so fair This darkly-bright soft tress of hair? It matters not. It knew her care And bore a fragrance to the air. It brought a radiant glory there Upon her head. And now 'tis mine with her to share My kiss instead : A darkly-shining, heart-entwining, tress of hair. VERSES. jj album IDcrscs. ? rryiS meet that thou should'st seek to find ®J[fe The one who loves thee best; For worthier far, that one when found, Thy love than all the rest. joy upon joy will be thine Wilt thou keep but thy heart's fountain pure : Great blessings for ever will shine And love will forever endure. The trusting prayer that mounts above, And teaches heaven's worth, While filling most with heavenly love, Draws closer ties to earth. 54 VERSES. No breast but bears some silent sorrow No eyes but shed their secret tears ; Our joys from pain we ever borrow, And hope is built upon our fears. WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM THE SUNDAY MORNING AFTER PRESIDENT GARFIELD WAS SHOT. \ I /HE melancholy news ^Y® O'er all the land is sw^eeping, And strong, brave hearts are sad And tender hearts are weeping. Twice red with martyr's blood Our flag half mast is flying ; A mad assassin shot — The President is dying! Sweet sympathy for his From every breast is stealing ; In prayer devout for him The nation now is kneeling. V£/?SES. SS 0DEAE beloved land God with reproving hand Our Chief's laid low; Let us the lesson learn And from our errors turn — Let our sad hearts all yearn God's will to know. We love him dearly, all, And heaven's mercy call For strength to bear Sorrows by heaven sent In holy chastisement — Of our loved government Let us have care. God grant him health again ; Free him from every pain. We thee -beseech; Stop thou these tears that flow- Tears shed in bitter woe — And let us joyful go Thv will to teach. 56 VERSES. Zo motbcr. a LAS, we grow old and we think of the day When a gentle hand led us, and softened our way ; And we love many times and we're loved in return Ere the ever-proved love of our mother's we learn. Dear mother, think not that the heart of thy hoy Has never heen moved by the love you employ ; By the love you employ with a mother's sure art Till it sinks, like an arrow, deep into the heart. Other loves may be wrecked, like a ship on the shore, But the love of my mother is mine ever- more ; Misfortune would make me to her but more dear And move from its fountain sweet sym- pathy's tear. VERSES. 57 To-day is your birthday, and what shall I bring ? Not these poor little verses I tremblingly sing! They are not as dear as the soft nursery rhymes Where slumber lay hiding in infancy's times. no, 'tis not these that I bring you to-day But the love of my heart which no verses can say; No tongue has ere spoken the love that was felt, For love has a meaning no language has spelt. SS VERSES. IF each fleeting year comes laden, Laden with a friendship, maiden, That I hold as very dear, Will my memory gently turning, Turning with a silent yearning, Look with joy to this glad year : To the precious friends it brought me, To the lessons it hath taught me, To its days of rain and shine, To its hours of deepest gladness, Gladness all too near to sadness, — Who shall know what hours W' ere mine ? And if thou shoald'st still remember 'Midst thy joys so new and tender One so far away from thee, May'st thy thoughts be filled with kindness, — And with some of Cupid's blindness — For the faults that thou may'st see. VERSES. ^g Blank IDcrec. WRITTEN OX A SIXDAY MORNIXG AFTER THE FIRST SNOW-STORM (JF THE SEASON. Y\ LL night the angel architects have been ^^ At work, among the quarried stones in heaven, Creating for themselves more lovely forms Than ere the hand of Phidias wrought, or we In Fancy's flight conceive. The chippings from Their million chisels make a garment for The earth beyond man's art to imitate. Look at the trees ! Behold how every twig Upholds its utmost burden, while the winds Have hushed themselves — have held their breath in rapt Expectancy of some great wonder, and Enabled thus a miracle to be Performed. 6o VERSES. And the abodes of man! These rude Materials have undergone a strange And wond'rous transformation, draped with hnes Of beauty which the hands that shaped them dreamed Not of. 'Tis all the work of w^ondersmiths Invisible. No form to them appears Too rude for beauty. Sky-born wreaths adorn Each picket in the fence, and crown the stake Fast driven in the ground. A pile of earth Has now become a throne for proudest prince Or fairest queen to grace. Those sentinels, White capped, you see ? A year has passed since they Were stationed at the gate in their tall caps ; But at the first approach of Winter they Resume their former garb and warn mankind Not to pollute such perfect handiwork. Behold those hooded monks, knee-bent as if In prayer, upon each roof. They have no arms. VERSES. 6r Or hold them out of sight beneath then- gowns. But one I see to whom I lend my arms, And join the benediction that he seems To breathe upon the gentle spirits 'neath The roof, who dwell unconscious how he bends In prayerful watchfulness. And now, in shape Of boy, comes man. He fills the air with cries, Though not without the painful prompting of Dread poverty. To bring man news of man, With chronicles of horrid crimes, the poor Have lent their child. And see! his httle back Is bent beneath the weight of his dread load. And in the path he leaves behind him, see The painful record he has left, — a stain Upon the pure white snow, and two deep cuts No mortal can erase. But let us hope That his young soul is pure — as pure as is 62 VERSES. The snow; that any stain there may be there But came from contact with the world; that it Like snow beneath the sun's warm rays, returns Again to heaven, and leaves behind all earth's Imi)urities and stains. The snow has ceased To fall,^and still the winds have waited, soft, As if to know the miracle had grown Complete. But Nature never sleeps. She must Be working wonders, building beauty for Its own sweet sake. And so should man do works, Nor caring for the praise of man, nor fame ; But as the robin builds, and as the lark Pours forth its notes of melody, and as The river flows, and clouds their splendor wear. Become quite satisfied the storm-king's work Has been accomplished, softly steal the winds VERSES. ^3 To test the work. Tiiey sport about among The laden branches, in the mimic storm They make, dehghting. Now and then will launch Itself, 'mid air, a meteor of snow. And see ! as if the spirit wind itself. Embodied, hops a sparrow, in its garb Of Quaker-gray, from branch to branch, and looks With wonder at the changes it creates. w "•rSSHt" iftjfX .JuC umi p'f^^^ m