UC-NRLF B i* SDD 712 feVSSELL JUBSON WATERS GIFT OF LYRIC ECHOES BY RUSSELL JUDSON WATERS AUTHOR OF LEGEND OF TAUQUITZ, PETER DUNDERHEAD PAPERS, A MAN FOR BREAKFAST, A PIONEER WOMAN, THE DUDE S HUNT, ETC. Times-Minor Printing and Binding House Los Angeles, California 1907 jpreface This volume "Lyric Echoes" was written in odd moments snatched from a busy and strenuous life during the past two years. To me, the time spent in the composition of these Poems has been such a change from the arduous duties of business, with all its cares and burdens, that the mental diversion and consequent rest has been a blessing for which I am truly grateful. This book is hereby lovingly dedicated to my dear children, in the hope that it may sometime while away an idle moment and carry with it the blessing of a loving father. Los Angeles, California, January 1st, 1907. orrr ?rr i O ?J tj J \J 3C Dashing and splashing white with foam It roars and tumbles wild and free; Over the rocks it hurries home Through woods and forests to the sea. Contents* Greeting . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sylvan Echoes .. .. . . .. . .. 10-11 The Simple Life .. .. .. .. .. 12 Summer s Invocation .. *. .. .. ..13 Nature s Tears . . . . . . . . . . 14 To El Paso .. .. .. .. . . .. 15 The Old Ruin .. .. .. .. .. 16 Maiden Memories .. .. ... .. ..17 The Dude .. .. .. .. .. .. 18 The Old Maid ... .. .. .. .. .. 19 The Musician .. .. .. .. .. 20 Our Traveller .. .. .. .. . . ..21 Naughty Fives . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Mabel . . .-. . . . . . . . . 24 Grandma . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Strike While the Iron Is Hot . . . . . . 26-27 Auf Wiedersehen .. .. .. . . .. 28 Sail On Together . . . . . . . . 29 Alone . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Our Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 March On .. . . . . . . .. 33 Easter Tide . . ... . . . . . . . . 34 Christmas Carol . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Old Fireside . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Decoration Day . . . . 3^ In Memoriam (Mrs. Eliza A. Otis) . . . . 39-41 The Old-Fashioned Grindstone . . . . . . 4^-43 Dolly s Sick .. .,-..- 44 Let Us Be Thankful . . . . . . . . 45 Long Ago . . . - 46 The Boy s Lament .. .. .. 47-5 Old Song .... .- 5 1 Invocation In Memoriam .... 53 Infinitude 54-55 Duty s Inspiration . . . . . . . . . . 56 Quo Animo .. .. .. .. .. .. 5/-H5 Nuestras Senoritas .. .. .. .. 116 Sunshine . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Lucky Jim .. .. .. .. .. 118-119 Scatter the Flowers . . . . . . . . . . 120 Bay Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Some Day . . . . . . . . . . . . 122-123 We ll Keep the Old Farm . . . . . . . . 124-125 Resurgam . . . . . . . . . . . . 126-127 Our Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Ping Pong .. .. .. .. .. .. 129 Our Mystic Life .. .. .. .. 130-131 Why . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Florence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 A Single Star .. .. .. .. .. 134-135 Don t Know, Don t Care . . . . . . . . 136-137 Farewell . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Out Without a Gun .. .. .. .. ..139 Don t . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Our Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Tempus Fugit . . . . . . . . . . 142 A Mother s Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Engaged . . 144-145 Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Shall We Meet Again .. .. .. .. 147 Tear Drops . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 The Old Mission . . . . . . . . . . 149 Know Thyself .. .. .. .. .. ..150 Youth s Arrogance , . .. .. .. .. 151 The Yuletide ... . . . . . . . . ..152 Somewhere . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Metaphysis .. .. .. .. .. 154-155 In the Twilight .. .. .. .. .. 156-157 Dearest . . . . . . . . . . 158 Myrtle . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Dreamland .. .. .. .. .. . . 160 Contentment . . . . . . . . . . 161 Good Night . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 RUSSELL JUDSON WATERS 9 (Erecting TIs pleasant to meet on the threshold of life Our friends to be, as our Journey begins, The pleasure of greeting when joy is rife Enhanced by friendship, thus happiness wins. Life marks our progress, there Is no ending What seeming as such transition enfolds In every fiber our soul is blending And striving for joy that the future holds. Accept this greeting, our hands now clasping We ll travel together on life s stony road Only youth on earth, our thoughts now grasping May brighten the way, and lighten our load. Then let this greeting all true hearts rejoice. All musical souls in harmony sing; Let the song of friendship attune our voice Till the ending of time full harmony bring. IO Silvan When earth and sky and sea were framed. And sun and moon and stars were born, When order out of chaos came And darkest niht ave place to morn When God first said, "Let there be li^ht," And sun s bright rays refulgent shone. And man. created by His miht, Stood forth on earth, and stood alone When beauty in her garb of reen O erspread the earth with mantle soft, Upspringin from the soil was seen Her crown of lory, raised aloft. Beneath the branches wide outspread The changing shadows soothe to rest The weary traveler, while his head Is pillowed on earth s cooling breast. The silver stream, the babbling brook Seek coolness in their leafy shade, And loiter here in every nook, Their lavish moisture full repaid. "Man, spare that tree," ls^ sounded forth, By nature s tocsin echoed wide, The sun-parched earth Is Justly wroth At v thouhtless man s destructive tide. s*- & 1 1 As well might we In truth expect To make our honey wHh no bees, As fruits or flowers to protect Without the shadow of out trees. Or children without laughter born, And song birds with no songs to sing. Nor misty eye, or dewy morn. Without the shade that forests bring. Let us replace what now is gone Or plant the shade that ne er was here. Rejoicing in our work well done With faith and hope and conscience clear. All hail to those the thought to give One day a year a tree to add. Till lofty forests around us live Whose use and beauty make us glad. All hail, then, to our "Arbor Day!" The harbinger of brighter morn, When earth stands forth in full array With stately forests to adorn. T 2 Simple TCife. The whispering of the summer breeze With lightsome trill of meadowlark, The shimmering leaves of forest trees And murmuring brook so green and dark, On mountain heights with light and shade Neath sunlit crags deep marked with strife. In song of birds of wood and glade These are the joys of simple life. Could we but live in sunny calm, And thus relax our social ties, Could we find rest in nature s bakn And thoughts sublime help us to rise, Could sunlit skies our souls uplift With babbling brooks to calm our strife, Thus with all nature we could drift Through happy days of simple life. Not all the love for hoarded wealth, Nor all the power that gold could bring, Not social life Nvith waste of health, Nor happiness from these could spring, No glittering gems do us adorn, Nor want of place in us is rife But close to nature we were born To this weiowe our simple life. In sunshine and in shade we rest, Breathing from nature and her joys. Serene in thought we live our best, Abjuring man and all his toys. Then we journey nothing daunted Towards that bourne which has no strife Calm and restful, nothing wanted We live today our simple life. Deep in the shade of sylvan park I saunter musing, at midday. Beneath its leaves so cool and dark Mv thoughts have wandered far away. 13 Summer s "Jitvocatiott. Earth, transcendent in her beauty, Charms us forth from every duty. Sunlit skies and summer haze Bring to us such happy days. Minstrels sang of pomp and splendor, Wealth "that strength and force could render But to me there s nothing seen Equal to earth s emerald green. Leaves with gold and green resplendent Shimmering on the trees dependent, Cooling shadows from whose wealth Nature brings to us our health. Sunny nooks with glades and grasses Swarm with joyous lads and lasses. Till their laughter fills the air- Glorious youth, so bright and fair. Feathered songsters fill with gladness, Driving put all thoughts of sadness, With their notes of joy and love Gathering shadows from above. The sleepy droning of the bees, Beneath the shadows of the trees. Birds in flight to their repose Proclaim that day Is near its close. Comes the night, so calm and restful, With its sleep so sound and peaceful, Till the early morning ray Brings to us another day. wsKSgjMEp^ wife* 14 Nature s No tendrils of the clinging vine On stately tree in wood or lane, Are softer than the baby touch Of rain upon the window pane. Like dew upon the verdant grass That sparkles with reflected light, They quicken all, and bring new life In renewed nature, to our sight. As tears of mourning wash away The sorrows which, we daily live, So rain drops, in their gentle way Fall softly, and new hope must give. Midst light and shade of passing clouds. The streamlets run enforced by showers. Till hill and vale in green are clothed And all the land is filled with flowers. In canyon deep with sombre hue- Winding its merry way alon A streamlet flashes into view, Joining its voice with birds of son. This streamlet on its journey goes; Through meadows and fields it winds its way, Refreshing life where er it flows; Making flowers so bright and ay. 15 TEl Birds of passage through this country, Fathom not thy future fate, Like thy state within the nation, Thou art destined to be great. Strong and rugged on thy hill sides. Like a diamond in the rough. Aught of nature thou art lacking, Thou canst claim without rebuff. Brave young giant nation s bulwark. Bordered by a foreign land. Can defend us, if the need be, Proud -^ we grasp thee by the hand. Who may hope to know thy future? Dressed in robes of vivid green. By the force of living waters, Youth and beauty may be seen. Onward march, thou giant city, Strong In youth and swift in stride. Blessed in sons of loyal courage, All may view thy growth with pr de. Thou hast built a sure foundation, On a rock thy firm feet stand, To endure to life eternal, As a beacon in our land. 016 Who around thy walls can linger / Where the sun s rays eastward dart Without thoughts of deeper sadnes.s That oppress the fondest heart? Hear we whispers from thy ruins The dead secrets of Its past, Aiding us thy shade to ponder And to know thy tale et last? Do Jhe {voices from thy portals, Echoes from the days gone by, e^ch /the heart, and drive to madness m whose life is but a sigh ? jtne roses still in blooming. Rivals of her cheeks so red, nd their perfume s incense heavenward To the spirit of the dead? May those worn and broken columns Echo happy days long past, Bring thus comfort to the living, To the weary, rest at last. Thus time s destructive tide hath laid Vain hand gainst this stately pile, j For age hath wrought aTiealing growth Of green vines and flowers that smile. Fountain of hope, our desert land Bids thee welcome to this shore, Thy limpid waters cool and rand Refresh our waste forever more. 17 Mlcmories. Why ask such pointed questions, mate. Of one who was your friend, Have you not learned in joyous phrase What was and is my fate? Those letters large from "him" so bold, By me so highly prized, No seer was sought, no questions asked. In those my life was told. That maiden blush and dimpled chin. Of which your memory speaks, Have long since passed, with fleeting years. To cheeks that are akir}. Other maidens have come to me, With smile and dimple fair, No words foretold 1 in language bold, Yet, fairer still, to see. My maiden blush the missives hid. That others might not see, But laughing eyes, and dancing girls Tell what they never did. Can you think who he can be This man alive? This young scion of our tree Just twenty-five? We have known him long and well Him we admife, His acquaintance as a swell We much desire. With sweet sound he does entrance Maidens so fair, Those t\e loves best in the dance Have dark brown hair. With their Belgian tresses straight Hung down their backs He plays coyly with their fate Then gives the sack. Tears and sighs do not avail He loves his pipe, For tears, sighs, and faces pale. He wants no type. Could he think as others do. Of damsels fair He might have another zoo Of damsel s hair. Thy feathery verdure delicate and li&ht In tropical lands greets ever our siht. 19 Old Say It not in Gath or Gaul, What they think is many years It has worn my hair away And increased my baldhead fears. My blond locks are growing gray As the dawn of early morn, Soon I fear they ll be so white, My head will with snow adorn.. Girlhood days are sweet in thought. Their return I dally pine: It is mournful to reflect That I m Just past forty-nine. Oh could I jvlth Aladdin s lamp, Bring back youth and all the boys, It would seem a heavenly boon With love and hope and all its Joys. Say it not> in Gath or Gaul, Where its echoes sound so bold. But I must confess to you, That I feel I m getting old. 2O Mluslctan Busy player With the horn Greatest blower Ever born. Cheeks distended With hot air Tones are blended- With his hair. Says he has not A dead cinch Must blow a horn With a pinch. Waiting people In amaze Listen to It With a craze. Piles of money He does get Makes the ladles On him bet. Happy blower With his horn Makes him glad That he was born. Asks the public To "hear him Busy people Laugh and jer him. Plods along His weacy way Dotes on music That don t pay. Made a killing With his horn The public glad That he was born. Pure and cold as a winding sheet It covers the ground with mantle white: Beneath its folds the Earth s heart-beat Awaits the kiss of the sun s warm liht. 21 Our traveler. Dedicated to Mabel Knowlton Waters I have journeyed far and wide, On land so brave and free From ocean to ocean side, It was my lot to be. From the great Pacific Ocean, To Atlantic s angry crest, It has been my daily portion, To enjoy and view the best. I ve traveled in the gloaming, I ve traveled in the light, I ve seen the billows foaming, And the dessert glow at night. When the sky was ovef clouded, The sun s rays shone so bright, When fog the mountain shrouded. It was a joyous sight. New England has her beauties, On rugged rockbound coast The brave and strong their duties. And virtues, they may boast. But give me the sunny West, Our dreamland and our home, Tis the fairest and the best, For me, it s shores to roam. 22 Of all the lads and lassies Who have walked these Norwood floors We rival former classes In our passage through these doons. As we pass within the whirl Of the town s resplendent glare. We expect, both boy and girl, To increase the good folk s stare. If we meet with sage or bard In our journey through the Earth We will crowd their honors hard, And contract their mental girth. There are others better read, (If you don t care what you say) But we ll pass them by a head, As we travel on our way. We know we ll have some trouble For the world will envious be, We ll beat them more than double. Just watch us, and you ll see. There s Enoch, Leslie and Jack, Three of a kind in the play, Daniel and Alex in the pack, Good hand to draw to, you ll say. Our girls: to name so many, It is hardly worth a smile, III bet a pretty penny They ll change them after a while. By some name where they may be, In the North, South, East or West, There ll be no trouble to see That they are the very best. Why it s thus Miss Moore we ve had, That s what s the matter with us. She held us taut, but we re glad, Because we now stand E plus. Mr. Fosdlck, a man of note, The head of our school, you see, In teaching us how to vote When we some older shall be. We know much by hook or crook Which we have absorbed this year, What we don t would fill a book So large t would throw a steer. Thanhs to teachers all so kind, Your help we cannot repay, Grateful thoughts we U have in mind, Loving praise shall be our lay. 24 Who s the girl who thinks she s some And does often beat the drum, Who s gray eyes and hair that s dark Leads us often on a lark? Gan you tell? Who s the girl that parlez-vous And so French with high heel shoes. That she s always -half in France And does lead us such a dance? Is she Belle ? Hablais usted espanol With her heart and all her soul Till the Spanish all do cry "She s a beauty! Oh, my eye!" Is it well ? To what church does she belong And eadh Sunday sings her song From her book she holds so high As the preacher s new necktie? Can you tell? Who s the lady that s so swell, With the dude she is the belle Who with every man is "it" And all other girls are "nit"? It s Mabel. The murmuring brooklet winds along Twixt banks of beauty seen It sins its lone but merry son Through meadows bright and reen. 25- <Bratt6ma Sitting in the old arm-chair, Dreaming of the days gone by, Age has sprinkled white her hair, Listen, do we hear a sigh ? Does she regret? Memories take her back, once more Prattling voices fill the air; Only these she has in store; Alf are gone, the young, the fafn Can she forget? By her side a manly form Stood erect and fair to see; From her life he s long since gdne In this world no more to be. Does she regret? Children came to bless their hearts, Youth and beauty all around, Mirth and sunshine played their parts, Life and Joy in every sound. Can she forget? Life began as bright for her As the young and blithe today; On her page of life no blur, Joyful as a morn in May. Does she regret? Piercing through the clouds apove, Hope is beckoning from afar, Voices clear in tones of love Call her to the gates ajar. Can she forget? 26 Strike Iron s Tfot Strike now while the iron s hot, Be your motto, as it may, Do Jt now or do it not In the safe and surest way. Strike while the iron s hot. Let the idler and the drone Dally with the thief of time, But let you, if you alone, Do the work that s in your line. Strike while the iron s hot. Old Procrastination stands To prevent your sawing wood, But his fish he seldom lands And his work is never ood. Strike while the iron s hot. State occasions seldom come, In this rim old world of ours. Fortune s luck will wait for none, For this life s no bed of flowers. Strike while the iron s hot. 27- Make your way with push and zest, Doln& manly work today, What is done Is the true test Of your power on your way. Strike while the Iron s hot. Nature s work oes on apace, In her sphere there s no delay, Time is "essence" in the race, With no faltering by the way. Strike while the iron s hot. Wait not for the morrow s sun, Do the work that s due today, Having both your work and fun, Neither one will brook delay. Strike while the Iron s hot 28 Hope s brightest rays illume our pathway, The spring of youth o erflows with pleasure Beckoning us on with illusions rare. Its font of joy our greatest treasure. With cheerful cadence in life s bright morn We meet and part, in naught regretting, In voice harmonious and tuneful sound Cheerfully echoes our daily parting Auf Wiedersehen. Life s .meridian, too, soon is reached, Our fond hopes are still creation s joy, Clouds and sunshine together mingle, No happiness comes without alloy. Ambition s summit we leave behind Less brightly shining upon our heart, The flickering rays of joys thus past In fast fading light we crying part Auf Wiedersehen. The shades of evening o ercast our lives In sombre hues and shadows lessening, We turn our eyes toward heavenward light And seek anew the longed-for blessing. With hopeful gaze intent is fixed Our sight upon that beauteous star And voices attuned in accents high Triumphant calling both wide and far Auf Wiedersehen. Lake and wood so restful here, On thy banks we have no fear, Neath thy shade replete with health Gain we thus what s more than wealth. 29- Sail On In voy ging on life s ocean wave O er peaceful vale or stormy sea, Returning to the One who gave Our barque, to bring back you and me, We sail together. Needing -something on our voyage, Something wanting in days gone by, Each the other to encourage, Finding, holding, that loving tie, We sail together. Heart to heart, trusting thoughts confide, Hand in hand, working as of yore, Never leaving the other s side, Traveling, towards that golden shore, We sail together., When at last our journey s ended, And together we reach that land. Ours with other voices blended. Joining the chorus of that band. Sail on forever- 30 -Alone Alone! We hear the word And shudder at the thought Of saddening stress that brings Our lives gainst that we fought. Is there a soul so dark In life s terrestrial way No human voice can reachf One chord, one brightening ray ? What is in life, well worth If not a word, a sigh, A touch of kindred love Before we say Good bye Is life worth living, then, Bereft of loving ties ; To miss the word, the smile, As every moment flies? Can e en our Joy of heaven Bring solace for such grief The lonesome life we live Made painful, if so brief. Commune with nature, thus We bring ourselves in touch With higher laws perhaps, But miss our kin o er much. Perchance this form could live At least exist hereon But joy of human kind The soul must live upon. Tears are the lot of those Whose loving natures cry For our affection s pride, And have those cherished die. 32- Our Glorious as the summer sun It floats so proudly in the air, Symbolic of our country s fame In freedom, we may do and dare. All hail that flag! the emblem high, Our nation s pride, the hero s might, It fills with courage, and inspires The brave, the noble, to do right. It thrills with joy the patriot bold Who fights for fireside and hearthtree, No slave may live in shackles bound, Beneath its folds he can be free. In foreign lands, we bow our heads .-<- Beneath the Stars and Stripes above. - And thankful, gaze upon its folds With grateful hearts, in joy and love. Let freedom then forever reign Reflected in cur flag on high, This emblem keep our courage strong, Defend if needs, and for it die. Product of a foreign clime We meet thee, Reared in our native soil We reet thee. 33 On March on, whatever may betide, .On life s highway; let others see Your helpful, cheerful, smiling face Uplifting all, their friend, their guide March on. If clouds o ercast another life That needs a helping hand from you, Grudge not kind word, and friendly look, Their cheer may help him through this strife- March on. Your future may be rough and drear, Its tangled web seem past your ken, But poorer, weaker souls must live, Your help may make their pathway clear- March on. March on, thou soldier of the age, Keep step to trumpet clear and strong, Thy courage lead to mountains high Of hope, and faith, your moral gauge- March on. 34 /(%-Tir^ Oh, what a glorious time of year The spring of Eastertide, The songs of robin, thrush, and lark Are echoed far and wide. Glittering rays of brightest light Add beauty to the scene. The dewy leafage sparkling glint Reflects its golden gleam. Fresh youth, new life, fond hopes are here To beckon us along, Delusive mirage each may be, But fill our hearts with song. Could life retain this joyous thrill Of hope so bright, but past, No sorrow need we ever fear As long as life shall last. Then let us sing a joyous song, Of happy days that glide, Renewing hope, and youth, and life In the new Eastertide. x Mil .DCELSJ; On thy fair bosom The stately pine reflects its sombre hue Thy peaceful borders, O erspread with verdant mead, glisten with dew 35- Carol With the twilight s evening shadows Christ was born in Bethlehem; In the voice of angels sinking Shepherds heard the Heavenly band. Echoes of this Heavenly music Fill the heart with thought divine, Blessings promised for tomorrow Are in store for thee and thine. Much of sorrow and of sadness Is on earth our lot to bear; Sounds of Christmas voices sinking. Lightens every thought and care. Memories past come surging o er us, Quickened by a sound so dear, Bring to us a wave of gladness, In those voices sweet and clear. Then may we with hearts rejoicing, Listen to those voices rare, Sure that we will Join the chorus When they greet us over there. -36- 016 When (he snovf is on the mountain And the ice is on the plain. When the frosty prisms glisten On the glowing wfndow pane, When the sleighbells* merry Jingle Mark the moments passing slow, Sitting by the cozy fireside I enjoy the warming glow. There are sleigh rides in the winter Wrapped in robes of fur so warm. Fun in skating on the glare ice With much glee to face the storm ; To my mind this recreation Which so many thus inspire, Is yet nothing to be thought of To a seat by cozy fire. When the rain falls on the roof tree And the wind blows fierce and strong With the sleet that chills our marrow Anci the gale bowls us along Then we think of home and comfort And of these we never tire, As we reach our journey s ending And are sitting by the fire. 37 Who ever can those days forget, The hearth in our dear old home. With the cider and the apples To refresh all those who come! All the faces bright and winsome, Merry laugh did never cease, In this loving family circle Round the fire of love and peace. Of the dear girl sitting by us, Rosy cheeked and bright of eye, Slyly glancing at her lover, Dreaming of the bye -and -bye; Many children playing happy By the mother and the sire Charming picture of contentment Round the hearth and cheerful fire. Oh, bring us back those happy days Those memories bright and fair The solace of our later years In bright days, so free from care, When beauty, health, and action free Raised youthful spirits higher, And mingled voices happy sound Soft, around the hearthstone fire. Under the sod we lay our dead, Scatter the flowers upon his bed, Lest we forget for what he fou&ht And the lesson to us was tau&ht Scatter the flowers. For the fla he suffered and died, In battle rim his soul was tried, Quickly he went at honor s call, Bravely he fought, only to fall- Scatter the flowers. The bu&le call he ll hear no more, t For him the strule of life is o er, Beneath the reen, peaceful he sleeps, Heaven s refuse the reward he reaps Scatter the flowers. Thy beauty s bloom, Sweet flower of liht, Where er you roam Is pure and white Hit . Jlt3a H. tis She has left us sadly mourning, Her white winded soul has gone before, Sweet music, her voice attuning With angels, on that other shore. Eternal life has opened wide Its portals, her soul to receive, Our loss, giving heaven a bride Rejoicing angels, though we grieve She sang, soothing the aching heart Bowed down with burdens, grief and care, On earth she bravely bore her part With all her strength, to do and dare Through ceaseless work in endless strife She cheered the toiler s weary way With echoes from a purer life, In songs of hope and brighter day The needy knew her generous hand. Uplifting, aiding, on life s road. Her love for all the toiling band. Assisted each to bear his load. Her thoughts surcease of sorrow brought To weary, heavy laden hearts, By muse, the way of life was taught. And list ning, each one knew his part. 40 Beaming with smiles of love she moved. Inspiring noble acts and deeds, As with her every word she proved Her right, in heavenly ways, to lead. Clear as the sky in summer morn, Bright as the sunbeam s early ray. Her verse repeating "Christ is born" Gave hope and courage by its lay. Wondrous words of joy, her song. Beauteous soul in faith so high, Scattering flowers her way along, Strengthening friendship s sacred tie. " She Is not dead, but gone before," Angels above will welcome one Into that rest hold wide the door For her, whose, work has been well done. Celestial music greets her ears With dulcet cadence sounding far, Its soothing strains allay her fears, Proclaiming thus the "Gates Ajar." Voices of angels welcome ring Resounding anthems sung on high, "Hosannas to our Heavenly King!" She joins the chorus in the sky. 41 What, then, to us In life is taught By precept from a heart so dear? What act evolved, what success wrought For ri&ht and justice without fear ? Have we not learned a lesson clear, Of hope, and faith, and Christian strife ? A soul one forth without one fear Has left its imprint on this life. 42 <&rin6stone Oh, don t you remember the days of your boyhood, When active as chore boy, upon the old farm, The big chips that you turned on which your bare feet stood, As the frost on the meadow you viewed with alarm ; The old family cutter the chickens would roost on, The sweet-scented barnyard the male cow did guard, The wide-spreading hayrack thrown down on the green lawn, And e en the old grindstone that stood in the yard The old-fashioned grindstone, the iron-cranked grindstone, -The back-breaking grindstone that stood in the yard. Say, don t you remember the old-fashioned grindstone, The straining your muscles to turn the old crank, The back-breaking process to move that old grindstone, The struggle to turn for the man lean and lank; The old flaring tin horn "that called you to dinner, Its sweet sound so dear to the heart of a. boy Who, starved for refreshments, could hardly get thinner, While turning the grindstone not wholly a joy The old-fashioned grindstone, the iron-cranked grindstone, The back-breaking grindstone that stood in the yard. Oh, don t you remember the knock of the broom, The start from your slumbers at dark hour of four, The shivers you felt as you rushed from your bedroom And voted the old cook to regions much lower; The cows in the stables must be milked and watered, The cattle in the yard be foddered with corn, The chores of the farm boy would stand if you loitered, And e en the old grindstone would wait thus forlorn The old-fashioned grindstone, the Iron-cranked grindstone, The back-breaking grindstone that stood in the yard. 43 Oh, don t you remember of sprouting potatoes, In cellar below, on a dark rainy day, The feeling of sadness when your neighbor s lad goes Fishing for suckers, while you re made to stay ; The dark, gloomy cellar, the lonesome lad in it, The feeling of despair, with heart like a stone, The strap of your father, the cane that stood nigh it, And e en the old grindstone that stood all alone * The old-fashioned grindstone, the iron-cranked grindstone, The back-breaking grindstone that stood in the yard. Oh, don t you remember your father s old woodshed, Replete with memories of the old leather strap, The sawbuck and axe, with the old-fashioned bob-sled, And every known torture to plague the small chap; The old open doorway, the swill-tub that stood by it, The pig-pen in sight with fragrant smell on guard, The sounds and the smells would make you want to diet, While turning the grindstone which stood in the yard The old-fashioned grindstone, the iron-cranked grindstone, The back-breaking grindstone that stood in the yard. 44 TDoll? s Sick Xittle Sltce My dolly s bery sick, I m Taid she doin to die, She s had the tummak ache Betause she telled a lie. I twy to make her dood And say her pwayers-at niht, She ticks her closes off And opes her eyeses wite. I m Taid she is so bad That Dod won t let her seep. When the room dits all dark Her eyeses won t dast to peep. My ma says she s teeny And &rowd folks spects too much, "Babies are such darlins We must em softly touch." Dood niht, baby buntin, Do sut your eyeses ti&ht, Be my little darlln And seep till mornin light. "Let rocks and rills thy works proclaim In beauteous wilds inscribe thy name. TUt ICs * Bbankful Let us give thanks for many, many things, At the present time and for the past, For what we have had, and what we ve missed, Not more for the first than for the last. We can be thankful, and should be, too, For clothes to wear, and our daily bread; It s as well that all should not forget, And be grateful that we are not dead. If you must still wear your last year s hat, And your neighbor next door has one new. Don t fret, but be thankful just the same That you don t wear a number six shoe. If a sealskin coat you cannot buy, And diamonds and jewels that are gay, Be content to think you re not a -fright With red hair, freckles, and nose retrousse. Be thankful for sunshine and for rain, For flowers that you see as you roam, And don t forget while ma^g the list To give thanks for the turkey at home. Perhaps, maybe, no turkey looms up, And your path with chicken may be paved, Don t murmur with grief at your hard luck, But rejoice for the money you ve saved. Rejoice with bees, and birds, and flowers With things inanimate, and that strive And if everything else should fail you, You may be thankful you are alive. Now boys and girls, come hither all, Till a story I recall Of the time we did the knitting Long ago. When a slice of bread and butter Did make our hearts to flutter; From the fence our legs did dangle- Long ago. When Nancy and I went sliding Down old Jones cellar siding, While our laughter rang out happy- Long ago. And we coasted on my bob-sled, Sending chills from feet to head, As the snow-spray e en our back felt- Long ago. When we waded in the puddle That made our clothes a muddle, As our bare legs gleamed in sunshine- Long ago. When together in the warm brook, Hid from sight, our bath we took In nature s garb, we were happy Long ago. Now Nancy s a stately lady. And my age s slightly shady, Tisn t proper for us to do as Long ago. As lady prim she cannot run, And we miss a lot of fun, As we never can get back to Long ago. A snow-capped peak uprising high For miles around a beacon light; The thirsty traveler with a sigh Turns from the desert at the sight. 47 s Camenf It kinder makes a feller mad, Say nothing what he goes to do, When he can never please his dad Or get one word from sister Sue. I ve run all day at beck and call, For dad, and Sue, and I ve run tight, (When I m not busy playing ball Or in the cupboard for a bite.) Dad allers says that I m no good, Sue says that I am a great pig, They use me s though I was a toad, And for my fun don t care a fig. My ma s the only one that s white, She treats me like a feller wants, If twant for her I d show em fight At sister s sass and daddy s taunts. Sue s got a beau what comes from town- A dude that lows he s mighty smart- He dasn t drive the oxen round, Nor hitch them in the old bull cart. He don t know nothin bout a cow Cept what I told him he s a chump He thinks the milk is pumped, I vowed Her tail the handle of the pump. A feller like that makes me sick, He just as well might been a girl. All Sue will get is just a stick, She says he s sweet you know a girl, Under the lounge I hid one niht, Just to see what was doing near, Twant a very good place for sight* But just a dandy place to hear 49 You ought to heard that dude remark Bout "angels," "wenusesj," and things; Oh, my, twas just a jolly lark To hear him say Sue s built for wings. I nearly giggled just right out At "lovely," "sylph," and "arrel" names- While sister isn t so awful stout She is an armful, just the same. Suspicious noises rose and sunk, Like a duck s foot pulled from the mud, When down the old lounge came, kerplunk, Nipping my fun just in the bud. I yelled, of course it hurt like sin- That loafer seemed to weigh a ton, (And sister isn t so very thin), With both on top I couldn t run. 50 Gee, whiz! but what a row we had! Sis cried; that measly beau he swore! But that was nothing to my dad, Who stamped the floor, and ripped and tore I don t know what I should have done, But ma came in and stopped the row, She saw it wasn t any fun, And sent me out to feed the cow. You bet I s glad to et away ! A feller never has no fun ; Having a sister doesn t pay, I d rather have a do and &un. By nature s wondrous hand And it alone Redeemed is desert land From sand and stone 016 Sons My girl is a fickle jade, She s broke more hearts than mine, But oh, how she d laugh, Could she but see me pine. Chorus : Oh ! Oh ! she s a fickle wild rose, Damask, cabbage, a china rose; Oh ! Oh ! she s a fickle wild rose. Damask, cabba&e, a china rose. If I were a pumpkin vine, I d strangle off to sea, But oh, how she d laugh That I a fish should be. Chorus. With a twinkle In her eye She makes my heart so glad, But oh, how she d laugh If I were ever sad. Chorus. I d hang" myself upon a tree If I thought twould make her cry. But oh, how she d laugh At me hung up to dry. Chorus. 52 invocation Our Father in Heaven, we come to Thee When trouble and grief fill our hearts with fear, Clear as the sky above, Thy face we see, Giving us faith, and hope, when Thou art near. Help us to bear the burdens of this life, As soldiers of the Cross, to march for Thee, And Thine armor bravely wear in this strife, From murmuring at our lot keep us free. Grant to us the spirit of love supreme, Endowing us with noble thoughts, and brave, By work, and act, and deed, our souls redeem, Reflecting thus the soul of Him who gave. Give us this day the saving grace we need To bear the daily load that is our task, Should we then shrink from duties that us lead, Give Thou us light and wisdom, help to ask. In our great weakness we live by Thy strength, Faint of heart, Thy presence our fears dispel; To the Cross with our might we cling at length, In Thy promise we trust and sin repel. May the blood of atonement make us pure As the waters of life, keep thus the. soul, To reflect our lives, making us secure In the sunshine of hope, for the heavenly goal Let Thy light shine upon our darkened way, Illumining thus our feet the path to find, Till doubt and darkness turn to brightest day, And hope eternal rests within the mind. Just as we are, receive us in Thy love; May Thy rich grace support us in Thy sight; When earth shall pass and heaven reign above, Receive us in Thy Kingdom, by Thy might. Thy stony path my feet hath trod, Through nature s randure thus I roam To view the glorious works of God In beauties of our earthly home. 53 To her, eternal life has opened, Though we are left in gloom; Oh, could she again be with us We would ask no other boon. Grant us, our Heavenly Father, The strength to bear our loss, She, we know, is in Thy presence, She has bravely borne the cross. May the darkness that surrounds us, Making life a living night, By her faith in life be banished And again be clear and bright. Such a life, so meek, so truthful, We can never hope to live; Yet the strength her life to follow Is with Thee, O Lord, to give. Let this world with all its sorrow With its gloom and heavy care Banished be from us tomorrow As we climb the golden stair. And again when we shall meet her Whom we now so deeply mourn, Her bright smile the first shall greet us As we reach that heavenly bourne. -54 Implanted in our souls, a thought, A hope, a wish unfilled. To be the sport of every changing view, from Time and thought distilled; Unless, perchance, we are to be something Beyond, above, intact Conscious of our present span, desiring Our future to oerfect. Is aught in nature, then, destroyed, or only Changed within our sight- Renewed by Him whose being, all in all, contains That power and might? Is it that wish is father to the thought But darkness is beyond? Or will the veil be raised and we behold What, half revealed, is found? Faith, through ages the anchor of our souls, Has saved us from despair; Has reason, then, no power to lead from darkness To regions fair? Life immortal planted in the mind, reason Saw without belief; Now reason dwells within the soul, and not In body weak and brief. 55 Soul, tenant of this form of clay, has thoughts And wishes unexpressed ; Our dormant senses while at rest stay not The mind with action blessed. Without our eyes we see with vision bri&ht And clear by inward siht, Without our ears we hear the mystic voices Calling us to liht. Has hope no anchor, then, which reason in her Wisdom can accept If mind doth know, through other source, what Nature, unrevealed, hath kept? Mind to mind our thoughts express -no words Are spoken, our lips are sealed- No world so far, no space so reat, but sou) To soul may thoughts reveal. Let conscience demand that reason, then, accept What hope has raised; With certitude and love we fix our thoughts on Him Whose name be praised. And let the lory of eternal faith In word, and deed, and strife, Be reflected in all our thoughts, our hearts. And every act of life, -56- s ^Inspiration Knowing sins and pitfalls lie about our feet As the day near spent is followed by the night, Doing and daring what to us may seem meet, Thinking of naught else but that which may be right. Church bells are to us as the voice of our God, Guiding our footsteps in paths of peace and love, The end we see is not in gloom, neath the sod, But joyous hope divine beckoning from above. Conscience needs not castle walls nor lofty tower When duty s enshrined within a heart of gold; Faith shines as bright within a lady s bower As in valiant deeds performed by warrior bold. We seek applause of naught but conscience given, Angels from heaven above, unknown, might take their flight* By duty well done may dark clouds be riven, And the bright star of hope cleave darkness to light. Truth s a tower of strength that confidence gives, Aiding him who strives the light of truth to find, Nothing daunted, by its brilliant light he lives, Seeking virtue s own reward in peace of mind. Something doing, something daring for the right, Life s tide ebbs without regret in thought or care; Striving for the noble, using all our might, Hope hears the rustling of a wing over there. Then may our footsteps in cheerful cadence sound, Hope, inspired by love, to cheer us on our way, Till "Time" with his sickle reach us on his round, And darkness of night gives place to brighter day. Neath sombre shade it wends its way Through quiet lade o er dashing rocks The wild has called, it brooks no stay, Untiring stream, at rest it mocks. 57 ^ Quo On the cold and bleak New England shore, Whose history runs in old folks lore, Where the robins wing* their southland flight Ere the snow reflects the northern light; Where mantles of snow, deep, cover the ground, And all nature sleeps a sleep profound, Rugged and rough for an infant s bed, Loyal and true was an infant bred. Pillowed in want and nurtured In cold, Cradled in the adamant days of old, Under the shadow of Bunker Hill, Within the tic-tac sound of the mill; Near where the pilgrims landed their flock On the bleak shore of old Plymouth rock, In poverty and want was made his bed, In poverty and want was laid his head. He grew and flourished with little care, Developing frame and soul so rare, That the sun s warm rays smiled on a face A noble child, of a hardy race. A sturdy boy at a thoughtless age. Was destined to write another page In life s day book, on a pure white leaf A strenuous life of jov or grief. Spring time came as the springtide of life, Filling him with hope armed for the strife, As bursting buds of the stately trees Pushed forth to the air their shimmering leaves i As imprisoned waters burst their cell, And icicles loosed from the roof tree fell- So, nature, in all her wakening might Threw off the sleep of a frozen night. The waves dashed high on old Atlantic shore, Autumn leaves the trees no longer bore, Birds of passage winged their southern flight, Short were the days, and dim grew the light. This good youth waxed strong, brave and bold, Like the sturdy oak of forest old. Till his manly form so lithe and free Resembled still more that stately tree. He grew thus apace, this cnild so fair, Loving the breezes of June so rare, Sporting in wood and dale and meadow, From early morn to evening shadow, Till the summer days began to wane And beach 1rees shed their leaves in the lane; This fair boy played and dreamed not of foe Till the tide of summer s sun was low. 59 Few leisure hours had this boy to roam, For toil and strife was his lot at home, Made better was he, for storms to be As the boat that s fashioned to the sea. True to his home in his heart and soul As the needle is true to the pole, His toilsome work was cheerfully done, In duty, he was bound as a son. Twas oft that his work was done in vain As his soul was hovering on the main, The nodding limbs in the bright green trees Invited as the flowers have the bees. Longing he gazed on the sun at noon In its warm rays repose passed so soon, But duty him called though harsh and hard And this song, he had sung like a bard. Season after season thus had done To youth, what to flowers had the sun, Nor soured was his nature, at such fate But sweet as the lilac of his state. He plodded his weary way along, Made happy by his wit, and his song. Both father and mother felt his care, And prized those traits, In youth so rare. Not free from sorrow was this strong lad, Whose history was both bright and sad, In his grief he bowed his youthful head To mourn in sadness a father dead; Care of his parent s invalid life Burdened his youth, made weary his strife, But his work seemed nothing in his fight, His grief was heavy all else was light. This vi/insome lad with musical soul, Who could play on the heart strings of all, Had a voice and touch, both pure and sweet, To charm every one he chanced to meet; ^ As blithsome as the mocking bird s song, Though his path was saddened all along, He sang for his mates in pure delight, But jtever forgot his daily fight. In village street, on the river bank, Where the buzz of the mill rose and sank, Stood the plaiii brown house, facing the morn,; Where this youth s poetic soul was born; It s often said, and the saying s grown, "A prophet in his country s unknown;" The advent of the lad in this place Marked only a soul, just one more face. 6i He woke one morn to the bugle call, Whose clarion tones pealed forth to all, And called to arms the patriot brave, By force of arms, the nation to save. A quick response, gave this lad so young, Whose heart and soul to his home had clung, Gainst sister s charm, and mother s cry, In duty s loud call, to do, or die. The sun shone bright as never before, As he lingered on the river shore, That silver stream flashed back dazzling rays Beside the paths of his boyhood days. Homesick at heart, feeling thus bereft, Sorrow, the lot of those to be left, The river s sheen, and the clear blue sky, Added only to sadness, a sigh. Of all the pomp of war s martial drill, His heart, to drums and music s dread thrill Could find no response in this young life, While the grief of the parting was rife; But duty s first call was of the kind In the heart of the soldier enshrined, To hold firm to his word and honor, While buckling on his sword and armor. 6; We hear the tramp of soldiers coming, The bugle~calls, be up; and be doing, The old flag waves high above the head, Protecting friends, and to foes a dread; To the front then march to meet the foe, Where the bullets fly the thickest, go; Where cannons roar and muskets rattle, This youth was found in smoke of battle. He fought in rank, always in the van, His sword flashed high as the enemy ran ; The demon courage was in his arm, His life was shielded from every, harm; No fear of danger entered his thought, In thick of battle was where he fought, His life being charmed from shot and shell, Before his charge the enemy fell. His stout heart quailed not at the sound, Nor at the sight of the dead all round, At the fierce strife, and clashing of arms, Nor the cannon s roar, or bugle s alarm; He fought like a brave man long and well, His sword struck hard whenever it fell; Charmed was his life in midst of the fight, He fought like a man fighting for right. -63- But when the curtains of light came down, And the shade of night was all around, He stood on battle field all alone, Listening to the wounded s fearful groan- When the stars looked down with pitying gaze And the silver moon shone through the haze, It was then he prayed to God above The dying to save, with His great love. W Twas then it dawned on his mental sight Power of strength was not always right; It was there and then, and not till then, Christ s words, "Peace and good will to all men, Came like a deluge filling his mind, Recalling His face, gentle and kind, Illuming the soul like flash of sight To those words of peace, with love and light. All night he stayed on this field of blood, Till the sun-beams came down in a flood, Picturing the wouncled lying all round And the silent dead covering the ground; All nature so serene and so bright, Would scarce reflect so cruel a sight, If the laws of God should be obeyed And the bloody hand of man be stayed. -64- And when the clear morning liht revealed To his vision all parts of the field, When each separate form lyin near Was brought to view of him with a tear; It was then he saw a pitiful siht That came to view by passage of niht - A little child lay, with pillowed head, On the breast of her father dead. Her lon tan&led locks of sunny hue Were wet and glistened with evening dew, And her fair face wore a placid smile As if from sweet sleep none could beguile The youth bent over the child and dead, With her golden locks and his ray head, Her smile in sleep ave his heart a thrill, But the father s heart in death was still. As he 6azed at the child in her sleep, His sorrow was both painful and deep, Traces of tears were still in her eyes, Only heaven had yet heard her cries, Now restless in her sleep she became, As by cool wave a chill shook her frame Then turning uneasy on her side Quick sat up, and her eyes opened wide -6 5 - Heaven s azure was scarcely more blue Than those eyes opened wide and so true, Her little baby hands reaching out, And her lips so ruby in a pout, Touched a spot in the heart of the lad, As a spring in the desert makes glad, 5o he clasped this young child in his arms Resolved then to protect her from harm. The memory of a sister at home Was as the glimpse of flowers in bloom, The softening touch of this fairy child Filled the vacant place of a sister mild; On the battle field, midst wounded men, Where destruction stalked and death had been This youth almost happy could be Possessing this child, lovely and wee. She came to him as a sunbeam goes, Like a dew drop on a parching rose, As the tender light comes from the eye, Or the morning breaks the darkened sky, Her coming thus made the day more bright, Her smiling face made his heart more light, The song birds sang in sweeter low notes, And ruffled in glee their little throat^. As he gazed around this bloody morn, this wicked old world seemed less forlorn. The baby head pillowed on his breast Cave htm the sense of peace, joy and rest. He wondered at his sweet thoughts so vain And he looked sadly round this field again, As he travelled o er the battle ground, He suddenly heard the bugle sound. First with Joy, he heard the coming feet, As rushed o er the plain the steed so fleet; But alas! he saw with quick dismay That his foes before had blocked his way. He looked to the front; to side to rear, And with his first sensation of fear; And as he looked far over the plain His heart sank lower, all hope seemed vain. On every side the fierce dashing steed Wide covered the ground. Far over the mead The glittering sabres flashing in air Surrounded as prisoners this loving pair. From all sides they gathered, this array, Horse and soldier looking brave and gay With surprise to see this child and lad, Wondering to hear the story so sad. -67- But stem duty, called this martial clan, Not one wished to be following the van. Ordering this youth and babe to ride, A soldier rode guard on either side. Far from the field to the enemy s sight Rode they to "camp by the star s dim light. Without complaint* this baby s head lay On the youth s broad breast all of the way. He awoke to hear the call to arm, The enemy s trumpet sounding alarm; He woke to recall this dreadful sin, Midst clashing of arms and fearful din. Forming of ranks in battle array, Whose sight suggests to destroy and slay, Brought to his mind his duty so clear, His work to kill, to fight without fear. Refreshed by food, and sleep of the night This child awoke by morn s early light Prattling she ran to the soldier youth Still sleeping the sleep of love and truth, Circling his head with her tiny arms, As though to protect him from all harm, He opened his eyes to broad daylight And to this babe so beautiful and -bright 68- He gazed around on this martial host Glittering with arms, each one at his post. Under the heavens with sky so blue Their business murder hardly seemed true. He thought of home on the village street, The place of his birth, loved ones to greet. And longed for the time dear ones to face On river bank, in the old home place In visions he saw the old stone church That stood near by the wide spreading birch The village school house white on the hill And fishing pond spread out by the mill ; Again he roamed in the forests wide With his happy school mates by his side. Gathering berries of wintergreen, As joyous youth as ever was seen III/ Iff /i /in/ He stood by the brook on the mountain And on village green by the fountain, He played with his mates in the stream. The present to him was but a dream; Again he walked by his mother s side To the old stone church with thronging tide Sweet anthems of praise were his to sing. From Heaven came the rustling of a wing. He woke from his reveries so deep As from a dream Irv a troubled sleep; The soldiers camp with its snowwhite tents Called back to earth his awakening sense. The happy, wee, child stood by his side Lauhin with glee as she saw them ride, And begged this youth to take her again For a dashing ride over the plain. 4 Again the stern order came to mount, And prisoners in the line to count. In close phalanx marched this mournful band To prison strong in a southern land. He blamed not Fate for this turn in life This or death, being the reward of strife, Nor could he expect that her decree Would favor htm now, and set htm free. They marched o er meadow, forest and hill, By the babbling brook that turned the mill. Through the sun s bright beams and sylvan shade, On the river bank, through forest glade; The roses bloom was as fair to see, Their dulcet drops as sweet to the bee. The song birds warbled their merriest song In musical time as they marched along. 70 Wide spread the fair earth in emerald hue, Its fresh robe sparkled with morning dew, The soft breeze played through the shimmering leaves Of the outspread limbs of shady trees; All nature vied with the heavens above For peace and good-will and earthly love. And those in suffering and in distress Felt the iron hand of fate the less. They marched for days to the sunny land A cheerful, if not a happy, band; By travel passing many a day In bright, pleasing converse on the wav. If not the thought of a prison cell Intruding their minds in every dell The days thus passed in this journey s ride. Would have had for them a happy side. None could complain of treatment unfair By guards at their side gentle and fair; The chivalry of the South, well known To all the prisoners, was daily shown; Every want by them was ,quick supplied By foraging soldiers far and wide, Each guard strove to furnish every need But safe to prison, them surely lead. \( Thus day by day through the balmy, air They traveled south through a country fair- While thoughts of prison were not a joy Beauty of travel gave Its alloy With some fatigue was the journey made, Through sunshine and storm of varying grade, Meeting with people of every hue, Seeing many, conversing with few march began by the sun s first light And ended by the coming of night; They thus approached their prison abode As together on the journey they rode. Each day they met in martial array The enemy s troops bound for the fray, In health they marched with spirits so high Yet many so soon in death to lie .Some were met who treated them with scorn, With haughty pride they named them low born. Yet others then sang a friendlier strain As they saw and passed that motley train. Soon the lights of a city ahead Marked the shadow of a prison so dread Sadly in silence they came in sight With heads bowed down and thoughts dark as night. 72 The prison doors closed with chilling clang Liberty s death-knell for this youth rang. And dark gloomy thoughts possessed his soul As with coming night he reached his goal. For days he pondered gloomy and sad In this prison with food that was bad. In his mind shone not a single ray Of hope that pictured the coming day. It was then he missed the air and light And lovely landscape both clear and bright, The song of the birds and hum of the bees With green velvet grass and waving trees. The fleecy clouds and the azure sky With shady forests and mountains high, All these he missed with a sigh of grief - Though his stay .in prison had been brief. But another trouble he must meet. And another sorrow he must greet In the sickness of that little child That set his great heart to beating wild. She sickened and pined on prison fare And missed the freshness of summer air. Her beautiful face grew pale and white Angels above might weep at the sight. 73- Day by day her malady grew worse, Day by day he was her faithful nurse, His restful arms were the sick child s bed, By his tender hand the child was fed. He earnestly prayed her life be spared As for his own so little he cared That her loss meant his happiness gone. Without her presence he d be alone. With loving patience she bore her cross, Air and sunshine marked her only loss, Every day now weaker grew her voice, Betwixt life and death there seemed no choice. Made desperate by the sinking child, This loving, faithful youth grew wild, Though he watched in fear her shortening breath, Yet he vowed to snatch her from grim death. His only hope lay in clear, fresh air, For the patient grown thus thin and fair, And his thoughts dwelt on escape from prison Before the time many suns had risen. To this plan he schemed and worked and thought, And for this end he dug, worked and wrought, Until there came a chance, leave to take, And from prison, dark and gloomy, break. 74 When not engaged at the sick girl s side He watched the ebb and flow of the tide That laved the foot of the prison gate And beckoned him on to tempt his fate. The gods are good to those who are brave. Who risk their lives, loving friends to save. And this brave youth determined to try This method to save the child, or die. He prayed a friend might send him a boat. Or one perchance be left in the moat, He pictured themselves on river wide Drifting gently seaward with the tide. He saw himself slowly homeward bound. With a living treasure by him found, And dreamed them happy once more in thought m a rescued life so dearly bought. He started, and gazed from the prison, The silver moon had just arisen And shed her rays far over the land, And close by on the river and strand. At first his sad thoughts were far away And not on objects which near by lay, But clearing vision fell on the moat. Seeing at anchor a tiny boat. 75 It rose and fell on the rippling wave A beacon of hope a life to save, {iis wistful gaze, was intent and long, besire of life and freedom were strong. But nothing in mind to him so great As his helpless charge and her sad fate. Accepting this sign as from above He resolved to save her by God s love. No sentinel watched outside the door, They knew the sick child was stricken sore, The care of these prisoners was relaxed As other duties the guard o ertaxed. By chance the gate stood open wide, The staunch boat rode gently on the tide; Wrapping the child in coverlets warm The youth, with boat, was speeding from harm. The shade of night was on the river, A cooling breeze fanned light the fever, The frail boat was drifting down the stream, Its shadowy form seemed but a dream. To him whose lode-star up-risen late, This fortunate move was more than fate, Kneeling he gave thanks to Him above Whose power could -save his baby love. -76- They drifted with the receding tide In the middle of the stream so wide. That from the shore It looked but a speck To sentinels In fort, and on the deck. The youth sailed now with his hopes raised high. But heartily wished that his boat could fly, That the moon go under darkening cloud Or the rippling of waves sound less loud. The night was calm and the moon shone bright, The stars twinkled with their radiant light, All nature serene In heavenly rest Reflected all that was pure and best. The birds of the air had winged their flight And beasts of the field retired for night. The fish In the deep were in repose, Even man retired at the short day s close. The evening dew refreshing the air, Cool and soothing for this errant pair, Revived the dormant and ailing child Sailing between banks of forest wild. She sat by the youth with eyes more bright, Watching with pleasure the glow worm s light And thinking of naught that might be sad, But dwelling on that which made her glad. 77 U Passing thje cities on either bank, As the smooth gliding boat rose and sank, They saw beaming lights reflected back On the surface of river now black. The time of passing by was late And danger of discovery so great That they sat in silence on their way, Looking for the dawn of another day. It came; the gray dawn of morning light O erspread the earth and vanquished night, The moon and stars fading from the sky Replaced by the sun s bright beams on high, Awoke to life the songsters of light Filling the air with music so bright, Through forest glade and shimme ring tree From mountain peak to murmuring sea. Will 1 All nature renewed by sleep and rest Appeared in sunshine brightest and best, Till storms and tempests almost were not And human knowledge them most forgot. It was then the youth of danger thought And turned his boat and the shore was sought, Hid, under a dense o erhanging tree, From enemies sight, felt s afe and free.v - 7 8- In branches green perched above them high, The oriole sang to her birdlings nigh, Each mocking bird sounding her refrain Through the forest that re-echoed again. Listening to this concert of the wild, Highly pleasing to the youth and the child, The day passed by and shadows of night Were brightened, then, by the moon s pale Twas then they resumed the seaward flight In the shadows of the coming night, With naught but the twinkling stars to guide And reflections dark on either side. The movements here o( the ebb and tide Proclaimed them near to the ocean wide, And, moving lightly like sailors true, Brought the grand old ocean to their view. With mingled feelings of Joy and dread. The ocean beneath, the sun o erhead, This youth with his precious load to save Rowed silently on with looks now grave. Although the day was both calm and bright And the forest shore was lust in sight, He knew his frail barque hardly could be Fitted to withstand the stormy sea. 79 The healthful look on the child s dear face Was answering prayer that had found grace, And the thankful heart of this brave lad Mid perils of ocean was made glad. And the thought of the course he must take Blending thought with the time he would make Sending the boat safe oveY the wave To some haven of rest, them to save. The dolphins sporting in this vast deep With the shining fish compelled to leap From the sea wolf s terrifying race Through the blue air for a safer place. The child amused* was watching the play In her baby eyes it seemed sg^ gay. The youth was rowing his tiny boat With straining look for a ship afloat. , :;. Long distance from shore the small bark made, The adverse winds its return forbade, Dark rolling waves dashed high and grand. Imposing, fearful, but guarding the land Caused the youth to feel his courage go As he saw in storm a deadly foe. He longed for the woods and fields again, Thq solid earth with sunshine and rain. Storm clouds gathered in the sky o erhe&d Made the youth anxious with fear and dread, The green ocean wave under his feet Lifted the boat high with strong heart beat._ The elements of earth and heaven By some power unseen were given To bring to them unpitylng tide Or to bright haven of safety guide. With straining arms long weary and worn And eyelids heavy and heart thus torn, Almost without hope and thought of life, He sturdily chose to continue the strife. No pitying angel seemed to be Guarding this struggling youth lost at sea, But with courage and hope almost gone, Against fate, for life he struggled on. Yet he rowed and struggled not in vain* For as he gazed wide over the main A dark cloud soon on his vision broke On crest of the waves he saw the smoke From a warship grim. It poured out dark Its steam and smoke and fiery spark. Till mingling with the clouds o erhead Was lost in the storm clouds as they sped. 8i This glimpse of succor so near at hand Of warship by friend or enemy manned that raised the spirits of youth too high Strengthening the hope of a loving tie, 1 " Was destined to fade and disappear For another ship was seen so near Clearing Its deck for a battle dread With ocean deep to receive their dead. Then came the clamor of arms so great. Steel against steel to decide their fate, That echo of battle far and near Resounding, was heard without fear. Friend or enemy, not one could say In terrible conflict who would slay, For with victory perched on either side Would desolation spread far and wide. Gathering in waters green and dark Around the ship, the man-eating shark Glided in silence, with dreadful greed On quivering flesh hastening to feed. Close watching the fight in their small boat The shuddering youth and child afloat, Bewildered, rose and sunk with the wave, Thinking of naught but the dead and brave. 82 The battle thundered, the cannon roared. Death and destruction rampant on board; The dead and dying were all around Deaf to the din of that fearful sound. Closer now drew the engines of war. Deeper on deck ran the human gore Till it seemed to. youth all must be lost By order of man and war s great cost. What was that sound that burst on the air? What terrible sight in view of this pair? The death knell of brave boat had sounded, A stately ship of war had foundered. Explosion s dread work had rent in twain And scattered the bulwarks o er the main Of the enefriies* death engine of fate, Once so proud, so noble, and so great. The battle ceased, the fight was ended. One gallant ship with green wave blended Beneath a mantle so dark and deep, Resting with the dead in peaceful sleep. It was then the stars and stripes were seen Floating high above old ocean green. In triumph waving o er sunken foe Deep down in darkness so far below. -8 3 - They lowered the boat down to the sea To save the lives of those In the lee. Surprise was shown by that weary crew At a barque so small, a sight so new. On ^he ocean broad, so far from land. With a stormy, sea so awful : grand. That tiny boat with youth and child Could ride on the waves so rough and wild. Courage and delight filled the proud heart Of youth who had bravely borne his part In his manly struggle for the right And the child of beauty in his sight. No forebodings for their future days Obscuring the joy of bright, dazzling rays Entered his mind as he stepped on board The dark-browed warship so near them moored. ___ _ _ But what a sickening sight met his view On deck of this warship with Its crew Sore wounded, and dying all around In great pain and sorrow to be found. The sympathy of this tender lad By a scene so pathetic and sad Was both painful and sad to behold In a youth always loyal and bold. -8 4 - Sleep sound, brave warriors. In your dark bed, Softly, undisturbed may lie your head. Your duty well done, though mistaken. Only with Him above, you reckon! And when Gabriel s last trump shall sound. The wakening dead stand forth all around. May your reward from Him be Iven In perfect life from Him in Heaven. Glad were the hands that welcomed the waif With lad on the ship where both were safe, Soon rested and refreshed now on deck They &azed on billows and floating wreck Sole evidence of untoward fate Of some that perished in battle &reat, Leaving those at home to mourn their loss With burdens of life, to bear the cross. Like a sunbeam her sweet presence ave Courage, the sick and wounded to save. Her baby smile so bright and cheery Touched the hearts of the sick and weary, And brought to their vision home and friend In love, joy and peace and all that blends With a peaceful life those blessings ive To one who a peaceful life would live. -8 5 - "X I Untiring was the work of the lad Whose efforts helped the wounded end sad. Cheering the forlorn with hope of life Renewed the struggle, continued the" strife, Until such labor from him, their guest, With health was fruitful and greatly blessed. And hope again had entered the mind Possessing their souls with ties that bind. The storm passed over that fateful band With prow of ship turned towards the land. As homeward bound it plowed through the main Carrying souls made jubilant again. Thus in sorrow from mourning refrain Only a passing tear for the slain We drop, as we rush feverishly by To love, to struggle, and then to die. Once again the sun shone dazzling, strong. As the noble ship ploughed bravely alortg, The sparkling rain drops hung from the mast Like tear drops In mourning for the past. The sheen of sun on the dark blue wave Like cloth of gold on the sailor s grave* Was enough to recall the sad fate And the burial place of each lost mate. 86 But homeward bound made the heart so glad Of all on board as well as the lad That the scenes of strife, struggle and death Were almost forgotten as soon as left. Sailor-soldiers, fight hearted and gay Danced and sang to music all the day And even the sore wounded forgot Their troubles, in the change of their lot. From Captain of this victorious ship To the jack tars who in briny surf dip Of the winsome child a favorite made With aJl on board and with every grede. The care of the wounded on the way j^ell largely to the youth on each day. Endeared him daily to every heart Regretting the day that they must part. They fished -for sharks in the water deep. And watched the sporting porpoise leap, They passed many days in pleasure bright From early morning to evening light. The giant form of the spouting whale Was seen afar in the moonlight pale, In phosphorescent light they listened To weird stories on waves that glistened. -8 7 - Of dangerous pirates brave and bold Who robbed the shippers of pelf and gold. The evenings so long were quickly passed In darksome tales spun before the mast. Of wondrous travels far. and wide, Beyond the ocean and country side, In foreign parts, on equator s line, Through tropical lands and varied clime. There were stories told of treasure great Buried on shore by pirates late While wandering over land and sea And robbing ships unable to flee. And caves full filled with Ingot? of gold Of value so great, almost untold. That tales of Aladdin s lamp relate No story of wealth one-half so great. Of giants that lived in forests wild A powerful being to every child When, bad they were pictured close at hand Ready to punish in every land; When good, protection was always sure To children whose lives were sweet and pure, Thus rewarded or punished, were all According to conduct, to rise or fall. The mystic tales of a sailor lad Delighted the hearts of good and bad And entered the realm of every sphere Of worlds and countries far and near. The nimble dance and songs that were sung Enjoyed by everyone, old or young Would give the thinking much food for thought Jhat wars and bloodshed had taught them naught. These scenes on board were destined to change When sailing ship came over the main. A signal gun was quickly sounded. The sailing ship was by that rounded. And orders were given transferring all Of those not subject to ship s roll call, Thus the battleship was left behind With all of those who had been so kind. The loving child with youth did mourn Sailing away to an unknown bourne. The kindest of friends they had .ever had In troubles and trials to make them ,glad. But other thoughts Intruded their minds With other troubles of different kinds. For tempest uprising bore them away Till hope had left not a single ray. The tempest broke o er devoted heads And raged with fury, awful and dread. Tearing the sails from the spars on high, Ploughing the waters deep, far and nigh. The great rolling billows swept the deck Till everything loose was bound to wreck. While several on board were washed away And lost in the foaming billows gray. Confusion terrible on deck now reigned And the fear of sailors was unfeigned As orders were given and recalled, So fierce a gale the captain appalled. "The ship Is lost" the captain shouted As through the sides the water spouted; -No hope was given the struggling lads, God only co uld help a fate so sad. The fiercest storm and the darkest night Came o er the ocean at close of light, Great, dashing waves swept athwart the deqk. Each moment threatening a total wreckl The trembling ship seemed a thing a^lve That hardly might the night survive. The puny power of helpless man Could scarcely withstand old ocean s can. Youth and child in the cabin were calm, Faith in his Maker was like a balm To the brave, unflinching soldier lad With the armor of his faith well clad. He felt that the brave old ship was doomed, Yet trust in a Greater Force hih loomed And brightly illumed this darksome hour, This hope and trust in a Higher Power. Praying, he asked guidance from above, Grace and power of sustaining love, To meet whatever fate had in store And in silence now His name adore. No power of man could stem the tide, Or to a haven of safety uide; With Him alone assistance must stand To brin them well and safely to land. All kneeling down in invocation cried "Save us by mercy of Him who died; Unworthy, sinful we have no claim, We corrie to Thee only In His name; In dire distress we cry unto Thee, Hear Thou our prayer, our tr ouble see, Help us, Thou, unworthy though we cry, Save us from death or teach us to die!" The youth sure founded in his belief, Extending solace for their .relief, Calming and soothing each sailor s fear Of death and destruction now so near; Pointing surely to the way of light Through repentance to Calvary s height, The Savior s image upon the cross Shining as gold amidst crumbling dross. 4 Day following night continued the storm, Hours passed like years till the comfng morn, Centuries could scarce drag so along, With rudder broken and compass wrong. As moments of suspense in the night Grew to days of commotion and fright, And nights of horror were endured = In suffering, by those not inured. It came! At midnight was heard the crash! Midst thunder s loud roar and lightning s flash She struck solid earth with crashing keel And trembled like aspen leaf to feel The death thrust of ragged point of rock That all airy life and symmetry mock, A thing of beauty with living freight By shivering road to a watery fate. 92 There were hurrying men and trampling feet, Midst quick preparation in rain and sleet To man the boats, in desperate strait Each thinking of naught but his own fate. All semblance of order disappeared Fully the spectre of death each feared; Thoughts of others scarce entered the mind. To other thoughts than self they were blind. Blindly they rushed to each launching boat Which filled to overflowing when afloat, Cut loose from the ship, was washed away Ne er again to see the light of day. Boat after boat, carrying living freight, Was launched to founder like other s mate, Till all disappeared o er the ship s side With neither stars or compass to guide. Alone on the stranded ship so^high With a single thought, a living tie, The youth and his charge together clung In fated ship on the sharp rocks hung. Not frenzied fear nor useless regret Possessed the soul or caused to forget The teachings of the youth s earlier years Whose influence allayed his present fears. 93- They slept refreshing sleep of the just, Placing in a Higher Power their trust. Dreaming day dreams of childhood away Till passing hours brought the morning gray. Once again the sun s rays were shining, The fleecy clouds wore silver lining, And buoyant youth now rebounding far Brought again the world without a star They stood on deck of the foundered boat Straining their gaze for wreckage afloat, Still waiting in hopes that some might live, That youth in his strength some help might give. But naught appeared on the surface bright Of old ocean waves with sheen of light: Sighing sorrowfully they turned away. Trials to meet of another day Turning they beheld another sight, Both landscape and mountains to the right. And hope s fruition seemed near at hand In the friendly promise of this land. But how to reach this haven of rest Without boat or sails to make the test Was a question whose answer the lad Quick thinking for both their hearts made glad, 94 Bright and beautiful as a brilliant star Everything seemed, as they looked afar Over the water and on the land With smiling ocean placid and grand. The sky was mirrored upon the deep, Awakening morning as from sleep. Till leaping fish and birds of the air Proclaimed a nature all free from care, The great raging storm seemed but a dream As ocean mirrored the bright sun beams; The memory of sailors who were lost Like a phantom of the past engrossed Every thought and vision of the lad, Mingling sunshine with thoughts yet sad, Marring his happiness and delight At the pleasure of a day so bright. But thoughts of safety were in his mind. If a land of promise he could find For the rescue of his loving charge By the building of a sailing barge. His spirits rose at the very thought, His heart was glad that he d been taught By manual training to do his best, And with brawny muscle he was blessed. -95 He worked and studied to build a boat. Or some other craft to keep afloat Till tide of the sea floating before Could reach the distant, beautiful shore. In laboring thus to reach the main He gazed through the glass both long and vain To discover signs of human form, Making their condition less forlorn. With infinite pains he built a craft, By labor intense he launched his raft, Which floated serene on ocean wave The devoted lad and charge to save. Quick gathered they all useful and good For a pioneer life in the wild wood, And, bravely leaving the stranded boat, Began their journey on waves afloat. The day continued both bright and clear As they sailed toward the shore with some fear, And soon the glistening snow-white beach Blended with ocean within their reach. The rippling waves kissed softly the shore As burdens on raft they quickly bore, Till things most useful were safely landed They saw from shore their ship that stranded. And now they viewed the beautiful land, The forest trees majestic and grand, With generous growth of tropic hue To eyes of these northland children new. The graceful tendril of clinging vine So tenderly with each other twine That, covering thick the forest glade, Made charming the grateful woodland shade. The foliage covering the ground was bright And drank of the sun s reflected light, Absorbing many and- varying tints In artist s eyes most wonderful glints. And rich in bloom, in fragrance, and growth As graceful maiden plighting her troth, And sweet in perfume s generous breath As flowers crushed and wounded to death. The feathered songsters in gladness sang Forests and glens with their music rang, Fine was their plumage, varied and gay, Flashing colors of the sun s bright ray. Oriole, lark and mocking-bird voice Trilling to others their mating choice, Till forest and vale rang with their song Awakening echoes both loud and long. 97 Listening to the sounds with thoughts intent. Forgetting time with the day far spent. Youth and child, seeing shadows appear. Were reminded thus that night was near. Partaking not of food nor of drink In toilsome work with scarce time to think. Tired and hungry themselves they fed. On the glowing sand they laid their heads Sleep well, ye children, tired and weary. Perchance your waking hours made dreary. Your unknown future s brightening sky May compense make in Fortune s eye. Dream dreams, peaceful as a summer s eve Your souls in youthful hope unspotted leave. Till morning light disturbing your rest Bring blessings of all of life that s best. Tired nature s sweet restorer sought, And dreamless sleep to these children brought. Unsheltered, without fear, they lay Until the light of another day. But such a day! enchanting to be Listening to birds sweet melody Which, never known in their northern home. Is only found by those who roam. -98- By day incessant they roamed to find Some living human being so kind- Thai care and converse lone hearts rejoice In the music of another voice. New beauties on land were daily seen In blooming flowers and evergreen. But though expectant of human kind These rays of joy were darkly lined. They lived, as Crusoe, to nature near, Healthful and happy, with little fear. Subsisting mostly on nature s food, With spirits high, in a hopeful mood. Friendly they met the denizens wild With treatment tender, human and mild, Till fear or terror of them unshown Made close the friendship before unknown They built an abode above the sea, High up in branches of rosewood tree, For better protection when they slept Nightly for rest to this nest they crept. The birds fluttered high above their heads And out of each hand they daily fed, Till the childish laugh so clear and long Mingled blithely with the birds sweet song. They visited once the stranded wreck And wandered lonely upon its deck. Thinking sadly of the dreadful past And faces of friends that they saw last. The memory of that fearful storm Made their faithful hearts beat cold and warm, And kneeling down on the lonely ship Returned thanks to God with heart and lip. Sailing again to the bright green shore They carried with them in part the store That was found in the store-room at hand Of things much needed in this strange land. They saw on board a most beautiful prize Their country s flag made their spirits rise- On tallest tree this banner was hung And to the breezes its folds were flung. Daily they ascended to that tree, If perchance a vessel they might see To take them from this enchanting place Again to behold a friendly face. Not unhappy was their present fate, Surrounded by fields of beauty great, If only some friends they might behold Their happiness then would be untold. -100 Grave bards may sing of a hermit lire To those unused to bustle and strife But Crusoe s world appeals to but few. Those only who this world would eschew. Our self cries out for kindred or friends, Enloyment of life their presence lends And thoughts of eternity spent alone Elicits from us only a groan In memory of the human race Poets have sung and given them place, On history s field, in lyric s sound, By music s delight and words profound. The sweetest exchange of human thought Makes clear to us what the world has wrought. And heart to heart in sympathy tied AD living souls with those who have died Jn civilized paths, where prone to walk, We at its trammels do sometimes mock. Not missing the thing which we possess;,. Oft wishing for those which serve us less. Restrained by our social ties that bind, To solace of human love we re blind. And* stumbling along in life s highway. O erlooking what s good, we miss that ray 101 To youth unthinking, this piciure gave Of glimpse historic to make him grave For the future welfare of his charge Growing dally healthier strong and large With loving nature she clung to him Her cup af |oy seemed full to the brim. No thoughts or regrets disturbed her mind- To worldly future an infant blind Nature s lesson book was open wide. Its fountain of truth was at her side. Picturing many and various scenes In earth and flowers and verdure green. But still the youth industriously sought Her mind to garnish with letters taught. Preparing her for a useful life Of bookish lore for contention rife Many books of learning he possessed. Taken from depths of the ship s sea chest A labor of love was his to give Instruction therein, and how to live Quick in mental sight und human wit This beautiful child to teach was tit Eager to please for instructor s sake Enabled her rapid progress to make 102 Thus days passed fb months and then to years. No ship came In sight to calm his fears. And the youth s buoyant nature lost hope Letting him in mental darkness grope Twas then the sympathy of the child. Grown to maidenhood, charming and mild. Was shown In every action and deed And comforted with every hope in his need Her Innocent charm was unrestrained. Each beauty of feature was retained. The brown, healthy look of sun kissed face Added piquant sweetness to her face Her willowy form, blithesome and free. Sporting in frolicksome waves with glee. Made a picture of dainty glr! health Unequaled in nature s matchless wealth The denizens of the forest wild Many of their leisure hours beguiled. Disporting In pleasure on each day Or adding life duties to such play So tame and friendly had they become That in such presence they loved to come Not fearing danger of any known kind Youth s rustic home with nestlings was lined 103 Another thought disturbed the youth, In love s dream scarce conscious of the truth. By affection s gentle reign undone And passion s exacting rule begun He fought incessantly gainst this feeling. Protection for the maid appealing To manhood s honor with love supreme. With chaste remembrance of childhood s dream. The fever ol fear entered his mind. Heightened to terror by words so kind From the maid with sympathy unsaid To a heart with misery so dread. For days he wandered over the land. Ignoring landscape and scenes so grand, That, barring a mind with fear distraught. All others by beauty would be caught. fear of evil saddened a mind, Noble as truthful and always kind. Till a feeling of doubt entered there. Distorting a soul loving and fair. Causing distress and Inward regret That this temptation his heart beset, Where only his reason should control And virtues of life his voice extol. 104 "How long," he questioned, "must this state last To efface the memories of the past; Banish the balance with right and wrong Save shadows only of old home song?" His father s advice and mother s prayer Given in love and affection rare Now keeping upright and free from dross The youth in his strength to bear his cross. Sunshine and shadows of many years, Passed in rotation with hope and fears In mental vision he ceased to roam But saw again his New England home. He struggled bravely with his sad lot But hope deferred maketh good or not As the yielding twig so forms the tree In action devious or straight and free. Reflection deep a picture portrayed Of action to the world, not afraid That conscience in distress could recall One single disgraceful deed or fall. Another thought intruded his mind. What to do in future with mankind If perchance their escape could be had And their loyal hearts in joy made glad. -105 No provision for return had been made By youth basking In sunshine and shade. And his thought turned surely to the da> When no longer In this land they stay His meridian of life was quite near. And. viewing his future with much fear. Determined the struggle to begin And a place in fortune s ranks to win He dived tn deep water for the pearl, The bivalve lying deep In the swirl Great success attending on his luck. Paying well the efforts of his pluck For months o strenuous life he had Encouraging thoughts and hopes made glad By living, buoyant, youthful hope With events successful life to cope The maiden eager her help him lent. She saw his heart on success was bent. And day by day her energy gave To secure the gems and help to save They toiled incessantly morn till night. Obtaining many both large and bright. Until fortune seemed not far away Bringing nearer to them that longed-for day io6 This toll and purpose for him was good, Defining the ground on which he stood, And clearing his mind of visions sad Which threatened at times to drive him mad. He worked more cheerfully, seeking wealth* With better feeling and better health, Until clearer seemed his mental sight And stronger became his sense of right. Learning long since their beautiful land Was an island a gem set in sand- Washed by the waves of a southern sea With foliage bright and fair to see, Yet far from commerce s industrial road; No white winged boats with their precious load Had been seen by eyes eager to mark A transport ship on which to embark. Watching and working from day to day, No idle thoughts to darken life s way, Busy and joyous all the day long, Cheering the way with laughter and son. Each to the one being all in all, Neither willing the other sHould fall, Hoping against hope all for the best, Thought for the other was love s sure test. ID; One purpose had made them heart and soul, Eagerly anxious to reach that goal Although their return seemed far away Only hope s Illusion shortened the stay Dame Fortune favors the brave tis said. Her votaries thus by them are led. Ar\d lucky youth s most fortunate hold A bright star of hope, of an optimist bold. Hope s fruition was surely to be By fortune s favor won from the sea. With sparkling pearls of value so great In civilized lands deciding fate Still working to pass the time away. While destined thus in this land to stay They eagerly watched from morn till nlht And earnestly hoped for a ship in sight The blessing of work had wrought a change Brightened his life and broadened the range Till youth, recovering his moral pose. Above temptation s whisperings rose With loving friends and home far awav Hope of returning had not a ray Yet buoyant nature and conscience clear Lent sunshine and love for his good cheer.. io8 If fortune s favors be named by wealth. And not by virtue, merit or health, Or measured by the standard of .gold By him whose fortunate acts are bold. Then now, in deed as well as in name. These stranded youths would be joined to The banner of fate its ifolds unfurl With stores of wealth in the modest pearl. Vast was the number and value great, Gathered- by the youth at rapid rate. And proud was he their fortune to make If only to cherish for her sake. Enough and more had he fathered in To fulfill the wants of all his kin, If good luck should favor his return And end the oeriod of his sojourn. Now the desire to return was strong, And join the ranks of the human throng. Exchanging subjects with whom they meet. Acquiring wisdom in converse sweet. Watching and waiting from morn till night By beacon fires until morning light, Hoping against hope almost seemed vain. While the silver moon should wax and wane. lop agaifi a ship was passing by. Coming within vision of the eye; Unnoticed, the waifs were left to mourn While the ship was sailing to Its bourne. Longer now they sought and delved for pearls. Beauty to adorn in social whirl. Bravely they bore disappointment great. Till time and fortune decide their fate, Dreaming of the future days to come. The blessings of happiness of home Driving from their youthful minds despair In cherished illusions bright and fair Dark clouds soon were banished from their hearts, Cheerfully together they bore their parts. Seeing clouds with a silver lining, Passed not the days in useless pining, Unbounded wealth they had by labor Beheld to no man for this favor Watching and praying for some relief Constant faith, losing not their belief Dally now they wandered o er the land From mountain s high peak to burning sand, Hand firm clasped in hand and heart to heart Together they roamed not wishing to part no .Many quaint and curious things were seen In wanderings sweet, through leafy green: Rare, singing birds winging high their flight With graceful motion and plumage bright. Corals of great beauty scattered round Crowning every rocky reef, were found, Each selected and garnered with care And saved with others, brilliant and rare. \> In earnest converse, they talked of home As through the land they happily roamed. Speaking of loved ones with bated breath Whether in life or peaceful in death. And thus the time wore slowly away With sunshine and shadow for each day, Thankful at heart for the other s life, Both courage gave to continue the strife. They talked of love, and their future plans, trials and hardships in other lands by the struggling and needy poor, Driven in poverty from friendly door Rejoicing that, plenty waiting here Provided a future without fear, Whenever the fates point out a day Homeward bound, happy, they sail away. Ill Wild-wood pets were ever in their thoughts. With baby tricks which each had been taught To while away many lonely days in cunning antics and loving ways. Till affection s grip upon the heart Too strong and lasting for them to part, Enlivening their life midst wlldwood bowers Filled their hearts like sunshine and flowers. Some talking parrots beguiled the hours, Brightening moments with linguist powers. Chattering and singing all day long With meaningless words and merry song. Birds of the air and beasts of the field In friendly actions their homage yield. Fearing no harm, together they came Like one family each loving the same. They roamed as lovers through forest glade Lingering In cooling leafy shade Enjoying with rapture unalloyed Love s sunny dream pensively enjoyed. In blissful quiet and confidence sure Affection s devotion so strong and pure. Gazing at night at the stars above Thinking of naught but each other s Jove. 112 Time s ceaseless motion had fluttered near When change so longed for would bring a tear To eyes accustomed to sylvan days And hearts grown warm in these wlldwood ways. When parting from scenes lovely and grand, Their Crusoe home in a tropical land, Which never again their sight might greet Where passed many days Joyous and sweet. Hoping against hope so dark and drear Away from kindred with growing fear Anxious longing for home, kin and friends Obscured the sorrow that parting lends Little dreamed they what feeling would be No more this beautiful land to see Where time serene and happy had passed And parting of ways must come at last. The sun rising clear with cloudless sky Disclosed on the main with sail set high A noble ship majestic In white Riding the waves beautiful and bright, A glorious sight to Joyous youth Answering wishes and prayerc in truth, Raising fond hopes with quickening sense In pictures of home and love intense. No doubt now entered their lhankful hearts In civrtized lands bear their parts, "Hope s fruition appeared with the sail Sent by Providence could scarcely fall To bring them home to fireside and friends Where home life begins, adventure ends A bhessing to all, where blessing s due Help to many, companions to few. And now as, the time for parting came To leave forever this home in name, They gazed from mountain to sea below Clothed In rare beauty and sunny glow, With looks of sadness mingled with Joy Feeling some happiness with some alloy At leaving this wildwood home to With only bright memories to grow. Up forest glade to snow-capped mountains From ocean broad, to sparkling fountains Midst blooming flowers and meadows green With glistening sands and ocean sheen They had rowed, and roamed, both Joyous and sad With feelings oppressed or hearts made glad They each reviewed In sorrow at last These blessings, that brightened as they passed. 114 Again they stood entranced, on a boat, A proud thing of life, a ship, afloat. Gazing shoreward with sad, straining eyes Parting at last with many fond sighs They saw the wreck that early stranded Though crushed, broken, -them safely landed All battered and torn on jagged rock That darksome night with Its fearful shock They gathered their treasures from the shore And brought them safe from the hidden store. The modest pearl with the coral gems From ocean tide to deep marshy fens Beautiful and bright they came on board And safely were in its strong box stored Till wealth and plenty their hands possessed With generous use, would make them blessed Other voices charming their hearing Other friends their brave ship was neanng Time and tide thus waiting for no man Shifted the scene and removed the ban The youth s wishes and longing of years Through buoyant hope and varying fears Seemed now destined in the briefest space To be fulfilled at his old home place "5 This beautiful* maid with face so felr With classical features and sunny hair Whose ravishing charms won every heart Unconscious, natural, bearing her part- Had eyes and looks for none but the youth Whose every act bore Imprint of truth Till eyes seeking tokens not In vain Answered eyes with love beaming again. Sailing away from the land of bloom With ship s prow pointed towards their home Traversing waters unknown before They sighted their old New England shore. Deep feelings thrilled at sight of the land So rugged, so beautiful and grand Hearts swelling with |oy without measure Viewed scenes with overflowing pleasure. Sing, O muse! rejoice that day is here With hearts united and nought to fear, Hope dawning clear In the morning light, Faith shining forth from darkness of night Hath brought the happy reward desired By truth and loving faith Inspired Till clear through mountain and woodland dells. Joyfully sound the merry wedding bells. \ 00 felllll Scnoritas The swish and swirl of petticoats Is heard on every side, In laughing chorus they are here At spring and summer tide Our Girls. With sparkling eyes and lightsome step And merry voices sounding Through room and hall in mirthful glee Their dancing feet are bounding Our Girls. Oh, time and tide stay now your hand And leave our present thus That we may keep in youthful hope These beings dear to us Our Girls. Sweet as nectar have I tasted Of thy fruit fit for the ods. 117 Sunshine The joy, the light, the soul of all. The very essence of our seeing. The glorious rays which on us fall Infuse new lite, renew our being. The birds awake at its caress And warble forth their songs above. In tuneful cadence thus to bless Its cheering, warmth and touch of love. All nature brightens by its light, The dewdrops sparkle at its. touch, Enhancing beauty In our sight Of all we see and love so much. Its brightness dbeers us on our way, And ad<ts Its blessing to our life, Bids us be foyful while we may, And cheerful In this world of strife. JDl TCuck? 3im Old Jim was born in early life And &rew up quick, and took a wife, His luck was with him all the way. His mother-in-law died that very day Lucky! Well, I should smile! Well, I should smile ; twixt you and me The luckiest cuss I ever see; No doon bloke in all the.camp To his old blouse could hold a lamp- Lucky! Well, I should smile! Lucky! well, that s the word, you bet; If ever luck hell-bent was set Twas towards "His Nibs," on any old day, In every game, In any old play- Lucky! Well, I should smile! There never was \a dog ffht round That Lucky Jim wasn t on the ground, And bet his last cent on the fiht, And won his bet with half a bite Lucky! Well, I should smile! The poker chips all fell his way, To hold four kings did nary pay. He d have four aces up his sleeve And shave you clean afore he d leave- Lucky! Well, I should smile! Talk about oil kins, and &et-rich-quicks., And all the wprld of lucky sticks, He kept the inside track of all, For luck with "mon" he had the call- Lucky! Well, I should smile! Blown from a rock, he struck pay dirt That panned out old from every hurt, And posed from Ihen as a man pf parts, With name well known in all the marts Lucky! Well, I should smile! 120 Scatter tl)* "Jlowcrs Under the sod we lay our dead, Scatter the flowers upon his bed Lest we forget for what he fought And the lesson to us was taught Scatter the flowers. 1 9 For the flag he suffered and died. In battle grim his soul was tried, Quickly he went at honor s call Bravely he fought only to faU Scatter the flowers. I / The bugle call he ll hear no more, For him the struggle of life Is o er Beneajh, the green peaceful he sleeps, Heaven s refuge the reward he reaps Scatter the flowers. On thy fair bosom, crystal lake, Reflects the forest and the wild. Thy silver surface mirrors make For deers sad eyes so clear and mild. 121 "Island Rising from a mirrowed surface A tiny gem uplifts its crest, To the earth not e en a preface In its compare could be so blessed At evening tide the glancing rays In shadows deep enfold its crest. Painting in crimson colored glaze The waters smooth in which it res*. The twinkling stars are laughing there In beauteous garb transcendent, "Like diamonds set on bosom fair They shine with a light resplendent And glorious In the morning light Viewed from this Island fair to The golden globe that shines so brlfch* Is pictured from this inland seeu 122 Some Some day, when life s bright youth has passed And lengthening days their shadows cast Our sun less bright, our sky less blue, And friends we make seem far less true, We then recall the missing heart And mourn the hour we thus did part- Some Day. Youth s thoughtless days pass in review And brin& a blush to the cheek anew For words repeat or thoughts unsaid Whose import touched the heart that bled And left an imprint on the mind Recalled as cruel and unkind A mother s smile illumed our way Her love so sure made bright the day Which min$lin& with each passing thought A gladness to each hour was brought To sweeten life and lighten care to us brightness rare- Some Day 123- We cherish most in word and thought Affection s care and precepts taught When life s meridian has been passed And duty s beacon shines at last To show us self and error s way, Correct our life, improve our stay- Some Day. Some day we ll see through gates ajar, The radiant light that shines afar A guidin$ star that led us there Revealing then the golden stair On which we set our weary feet To reach with Joy those realms so sweet- Some Day. 124 ttp Olb Tarm Daddy, I low we ll keep the place We ve camped here, you and me. Upon this tater patch of ourn Let s stay here where we be. You lowed I d likely sell it, onct, To Huntinton or Munn, And take the douh that we have saved And have some tos and fun ; To. 60. to live in An&elus And rub on oyster stew, To have an auto, rand, you bet. And spin the country through. I m feared our heads will o to swell \ As fast as autos $o, Pears like it doesn t come to me We ouht ter sell her so. I love the two-horned critter &reat, The chickens in the yard, The ducks, and eese, and hens about. And pis that squeal so hard. The bright yellow sunflowers round That blossom by the road To shelter In their shade so cool The lizard, snake and toad. 1 low tis broad as it is short This chicken coop and farm. Twill hold us tight together Pa And oughten of all harm. Our childers we have raised out Here, They r ve Crowed and gone away Cept one wee babe we laid to rest With her we re bound to stay. Pears like we cannot leave that spot Just over by the wood, With posies growing on the mound Near where the chestnut stood. I reckon we ll not sell the farm. Our home and old cow s moo. But comb the hayseed outn our hair And keep the old place through. 126- Think not thy soul In &loom Is lost Whose life is dimmed by earth s dark clay 5oul-strenth, to heal the fever tossed, Is &lven those who will obey. Christ healed the sick in days one by, His power made the blind to see. From mind to mind the sacred tie Cleansed them from sin and set tfiem free. Why think of earth when heaven s near, Transcendent in its holy calm To raise, aloft without one fear Our hearts, to feel its healing balm ? 127 Why lend our thoughts to darkening, shade, Obscure our paths with tear and sih, When upward looking, we are bade To seek our wisdom from on hi&h? Should not our mind in warm desire, Reflect its power on this frame, Till earth and heaven us Inspire To cure the sick, and heal the lame? What so beauteous as the liht That brightens darkness into day, Bringing happiness to the si&ht Of those whom death hath marked for prey ? Hope s fruition to us is &iven To banish doubt and lingering pain, Curtains of despair are riven In health, like sunshine after rain. 128 Our <&overnor Behold the man armed for the fiht, Stand forth arrayed in armor bri&ht; No blemish stains his coat of mail ; To conquer as our chief we hail Our Governor. "Stand for the riht!" his motto reads; All else Is naught where er he leads; To do or die for truth or liht His voice is raised, his word is mi&ht Our Governor. bulwarks &rand thv nenks have stood One streak of yellow and of white. A flashing pet quick out of sight. Now here, now there, now everywhere He comes and goes and fills with care Our Ping Pong Our neighbor s cat he trees alive And minds us not though much we strive To teach him else, and mend his ways, Change his habits, prolong His days Our Ping Pong. He takes a nip through trousers tight, Grocer and Ice men get a bite. He is impartial in his likes, He takes a nip and then he hikes Our Ping Pong. Our little Fox he loves us well, He goes not, comes not, at our yell, But pleading eyes, mild as a dove. Compel forgiveness and our love Our Ping Pong. 130 Our 3lt?stic TCife It is when In deep dejection That our thoughts In sad reflection Backwards glance with sorrow blending At the turning of the way When we, thorny paths are learning And for absent ones are yearning As life s storm clouds early father Over those so light and gay It is then with swift volition Goaded on by our ambition In the way our feet have chosen We accept our weal or woe. And we seek surcease ot sorrow In bright dreams of our tomorrow As that many tinted prism Lines our path with fragrant flowers When this semblance us beguiling Raises hopes and fosters smiling As the phantoms quickly conjured In this busy brain of ours Then we cease our constant roaming And reflect in evening gloaming On the mystic way of living Un revealed to human sight. Entering life without our choosing Every solace each refusing For the darkness thus surrounding Marks our helpless infancy Striving, struggling, for our being Life enduring without seeing Only hoping, working, praying For a lamp to light our way Many on this highway turning Student oil at midnight burning Puzzling over life s unfolding In the solving of the task. Darkening clouds are slowly drifting, Scenes of life are daily shifting What is mortal ever moving Moving constant, without rest? Doubtful still and still uncertain Powerless yet to raise the curtain, Plodding on and on forever Knowing not what would be best Still are hoping, still pursuing Daily fight and faith renewing Till the storm clouds at last breaking. Through the rift behold the sun. As a token steady shining Storm clouds have a silver lining Unperceived by human seeing It shines bright the other side Hope eternal never dying Cease our sadness, cease our sighing As the rift thus opens wider And reveals the spirit guide- Ever pointing, ever beckoning As our mortals lose our reckoning In the darkness that surrounds them Pointing to the star above. 132 Why in nature should we cherish What in human life must perish, Filling all our thoughts with sorrow Till the reat doom of tomorrow- Why? Why ambition s ceaseless strule, Why with life forever jule, Scheming, working, with thoughts intense,. When so soon we must o hence Why? Why must youth and strength be squandered Waiting future pleasures pondered, Till, ihe joys of life have vanished And &ray hairs our heads have garnished Why? Why should we mourn the fleeting days Or sadly on their twili&ht aze When life at most is but a span, Its measure taken as be&an Why? Lone sentinel of the plains Majestic and grand Beacon of faith and of hope In every land. 133 Thy ma&ic touch sweet sounds evolve Drawn from a mystic unknown sprite Where ether souls inspire resolve In beings born from mystic li&ht. Sweet music sounds thy tuneful worth, With dulcet tones it swells thy voice, In perfect accord from thy birth It dwells with thee its loving choice. Twice blest art thou with such a Iriend True, always true, from birth to death Its blessings brighten to the end Thy comfort, with thy fleeting breath. It wafts the spirit on its way, In life or death it dries our tears, Sweet cadence cheers in tuneful lay Our earliest breath, our latest years. 134 Single Star The shade of night in sombre hue O erspread the Earth In mantle dark,. Till evening light its curtains drew And hushed the song of meadowlark. The sky o ercast with darkening clouds Made deepest night intense in gloom, Till Nature in this mourning garb Presented Life a living tomb. A stranger traveling on his way, O ertaken by this dreary night, Footsore and sad, with heavy step Was plodding, weary, without light. Dark thoughts and bad his mind entombed- Fit emblem of the night o erhead But deeper was its shade of gloom. And darker were his hopes, near dead. He groped and stumbled on his way, Heedless, heartsick, and in despair, Till life s dread burdens seemed too hard For his sad soul, so weak, <o bear. 135 He stood on the banks of river dark With thoughts most deadly and unkin< Its sombre depths reflecting naught But peace inviting for the mind. How long, oh Saviour, must this last? Came from his lips despairing cry As upward turned his face to heaven And sought its guidance from on high. Out from a rift of blackened clouds Shone forth a beacon from afar And pierced the gloom with radiance bright, It was the gleam of a single star. This single star shone in his soul Illumed a mind that ceased to roam, Renewed his faith, his love, his joy, Turning his quickened steps toward home. It filled his heart with hope divine, It shone in answer to his prayer, From deep despond this single star Freed his dark soul from sordid care. -136- t 3fnow, t (Tare If at times you kriow not what to do, And burdens and cares obstruct your view, Don t fret, but find a shady grotto, And choose yourself this easy motto Don t know, don t care. When, in course of events, you see, In spite of your plans, you re up a tree, And your friends ask about your hoodoo. Your answer ive, like a stoic 5ioux Don t know, don t care. If asked by some scholar, sae, or bard. To perform what to you seems too hard, Don t storm, or swear, or donate a lie. But render them your qaick reply Don t know, don t care. 137 If things at times look black as a pall, And you lose some sawdust from your doll, Don t weep or wail till you get damp feet, But all your friends" with this motto greet Don t know, don t care. If down on your luck, and things look black, And your very best girl gives you the "sack, Don t rave, or sulk, or think things bad, But sweetly say as though you were glad- Don t know, don t care. If you would find the philosopher s stone, And through this- world would go it alone, Just make no moan, nor tell your woes, But "spiel" to those who step on your toes- Don t know, don t care. -138- And now we say a long farewell To time and to a mortal few Who have not heard the tolling bell Nor cau&ht a glimpse of life anew- Farewell. Farewell to scenes of childhood days 5o fresh In youth and health and Joy, The highest hopes, the brightest rays, Their imprint left without alloy- Farewell. Farewell ambition s harder road In mature life we followed thee Till heavy rew the weary load, In value it has ceased to be Farewell. And now we bid a last farewell To mourning friends and earthly strife, Time s clock has struck our parting knell That sounds for us another life- Farewell. In the garden of the ods" Thou art supreme T 39 Out Without a (Bun Isn t it strange what you can see When hunting around* for fun. On the earth or up a tree, When you re out without a gun? The dude struts upon the street And he thinks he weighs a ton, With his stare you r bound to meet When you re out without a gun. Mashers try to catch the eye Of each dimpled maid or nun As you pass them with a sigh That you re out without a gun. The funny man, too, is out Ready to Inflict his pun Upon every one about When you re out without a gun. The small bore gets your ear And informs you he s undone, Tells his troubles with a tear When you re out without a gun. Carry it sure every day If you re hunting on the run, Folks are getting much too gay When you re out without a gun. 140 Don t think you are the only thing With price so high that you must bring Until your measure you have had Outside the influence of your dad- Don t. Don t swell around with clothes so new And really think you are a few Till someone steps upon your corn And makes you wish you were not born Don t. Don t storm and scold when things go wrong Or sing all day a doleful song Till life a burden you can make And all your friendship thus you break- Oon t. Don t talk and talk and talk some more Till every living thing you bore To hear no thing but your own voice And give your friends no other choice Don t. Our beaufiful mountain home, Midst its forests and clifts we roam, Resting in its shady nooks Or wandering by its dashing brooks. 141 Our Hack Old sturdy, stubborn, honest JacK, Whose pedigree dates from way back, A Pu who came to us one day, Liked us so well he was bound to stay. And stay he did, and here he is, Attending strictly to his biz, To sleep and eat, and sleep aain, Through sunshine, heat, in cold and rain. He wants his way, and wants it bad, Won t bude an inch if he is mad. But never misses "three square meals, And to the cook for more appeals. Enjoy this life, our poor old Jack! Eat heartily let nothing lack For Mother Earth will be your bed, And you will be a lon& time dead. 1 4 2- On Time s fleeting magic wings Swiftly are we borne along. To the end It nearer brings Till we join the greater throng. Youth s high hopes and higher aims Brook no waiting or delay. All the present seems so tame But the future bright and gay. Onward, forward to the end, Youth makes joy and life so bright Speeding feet our fancy lends, Brighter grows the future light. Chasing fast the will-o -wisp By ambitions fevered fight. From the time of baby lisp Till our hair is snowy white. Retrospection we have none Till th^ end is brought too near Turning then, one star alone Bids us onward without fear. .Screened from our view the sad eyed doe Stood in hiding from fancied foe. 143 Mtofycr s Cove A mother s love so deep, so pure, In every home it shines so bright, Nothing on earth one half so sure, Affection s guide to virtue s might. In times ot stress it never fails, In arms secure through infant days. To sympathy that boyhood hails In mother s love and mother s gaze. Her loving life a blessing brings, Though many years she s passed and gone Bright halo round her memory clings An /echo of her cheery song. 144 Kind friends and neighbors, one and all, Wherever you may be, Extend we you our friendly call, Our lives that you may see. Warnings from you are somewhat late In our earthly venture Together we accept our fate, Please us do not censure. Your &ood will do we much desire On life s uncertain road, Your thoughts we very much admire To help us bear our load. 145 With snares and traps our way is strewn On which we think there s more, We ve learned from our kind friends the tune In modern old folks lore. Look then on us with kindly eyes, Weigh us not harsh measure, We ll sing to you in mournful sighs Thoughts that may give pleasure. Thanks for your book with thoughts replete Of things we had not known, Between its covers thoughts complete You tell us what we ve sown. -146- Home is where affection lies, On any land or sea. It is where the heart string ties. No matter where it be. Love in hovel makes our home When heart is warm and true It is anywhere we roam Or dwell with loving few. Not riches nor palace grand Can take affection s part, It rules the brave in every land When home is in the heart. The humble loving roof tree Is home in every place The heart beats loyal and free Throughout eternal space. Neath the wide spreading vine Where the tropic flowers bloom The tendril blossoms twine O er this devoted home. The romance of a life Was written neath its shade, Recording work and strife, In this beauty-bowered lade. t 147 After life s fever of physical unrest," Parting from living friends, loving and best, After earth s sunlight has faded from our eye And we ve severed forever all earthly ties, Shall we meet again ? Is the upward struggle that we have bravely made Through sorrow and disaster in every grade, From bright, hopeful youth to the confines of age. That happens to all, the pauper, bard or sage To end in despair? Can we not be sure when this life is ended That our living soul in future .is blended With a bright joyous life to live forever, Through eternity s unending endeavor, Is open to us? Let the craving of the heart in its desire. Give the answer supreme to that we aspire And the sweetness of life remain with us all, Till the trumpet of Gabriel sounds its last call, We shall meet again. 148 TDrops One summer s day on June s bright morn, Beneath the clouds on mountain crest, A tiny rivulet was born And started seaward with a zest. It gathered strength from every side As it rofled on toward ocean grand, Till puny brooklet was a tide That rushed In torrent o er the land. A dew drop rode upon its breast, Dropped from the petal of a flower, With sparkling rain drop as a guest In friendly converse In the shower Two tear drops, glistening, from above Together fell in waters sweep. One sighed for unrequited love As both went sailing towards the deep. Quoth one, "whence art thou, why that sigh, What trouble flee st thou so fast ? " " I m a tear drop from woman s eye Once shed for lover false alas." "For this grieve not, nor for her sigh That basely from her he tarried, For I m a tear drop from the eye Of the woman that he married.** Through meadow and vale This limpid streamlet oes By hillside and dale Its sparkling water flows. 149 O16 Solemn and stately thy massive structure stands Like a lone sentinel uardin surrounding lands, Venerable in years, thy solemn requiem tolls, We praise thee for what thou art to famished souls. Beneath thy shadow a&es have come and one, Brinin& to thy altars a worshipping throng To kneel, to praise and pray, and then to perish Leaving but a memory, friends to cherish. 150 TKnow One problem in life, the hardest to solve, And struggle severe this task to evolve, By efforts supreme that we must not shirk, Through study iricessant and sturdy work Thyself to know. Our acquaintance with great men may be small, With those in high places just none at all, Yet wisdom that counts in this "vale," forsooth, Is knowledge obtained by the way of truth Thyself to know. You may study events from morning till night, Absorb all the wisdom there is in sight, But always be sure there is one thing to do, Make knowledge complete thy task through and through .. Thyself to know. All other knowledge, though useful, tis true, May assist you to pass life s journey through, Yet no one thing can for a moment compare In wisdom acquired, with quality so rare Thyself to know. Filled with gold thy bosom expands To sate the greed of our demands. IS* Behold the rising sun of youth, Disdainful of maturer ae, Careless of knowledge, fact or truth, And greater than wise bard or sae. He liveth once, and only once, In ae self-confident and bold, From brilliant youth to stupid dunce He s seldom left out in the cold. Could nature better them endow The power to conquer each his fate Than plant within their bosom now This buoyant mood, this hopeful state. For&lve, then, arrant self-conceit, Or cover fault with charity s cloak. When only nature s laws repeat Youth s weapon for successful stroke. 152 In each of our lives, the ebb and flow Comes to us here, Sometimes a caress, sometimes a blow- Each brings a tear. The tide is moving, it will not wajt On our delay, The tick of a clock decides our fate- It brooks no stay. Our youthful hope the yuletide of life Is with us then, It passes us by in worldly strife We know not when. We still hear a rustling win ahead, It leads us on; So others will by its token be led When we are one. May youth and hope lon with you remain And Yule abide, Its sunshine and joy be your refrain A Christmas tide. These snow capped peaks That pierce the sky Are sturdy guards On mountain*; hi6h 153 Somewhere Somewhere or other, perhaps beyond present hu man sight, Or hidden from our view, unsought, through mental stress unknown- Obscure, almost forgotten by us, a lingering light Burns silently, like a twinkling star over tropic zone, Our beacon light. Somewhere, perhaps above the storm clouds under the shining Sun, Or buried beneath earth s cooling crest in fruition state, May opportunity meet us then in efforts begun, To reach* our de stiny yet unseen, tempting now our fate- In mortal sight. Somewhere, sometime, seeing from afar In wonder knowing, We have reached the parting of the ways in life s short story Where, meeting face to face, rejoicing with heart still glowing, Our destiny opens to our sight, a scene of glory Is here at last. 154 Could we with psychic gift bestowed Divine Inspection make, Unveiling curtained heavens around Celestial view to take- On backward turning, ages eon Eternity s cycle see Where pictured in heaven s starry light Past, present and future be There, listening, hear with bated breath The music of the spheres. Till harmony of sight and sound Dispel our earthly fears. Then visions dimmed by human touch Translucent ether seem And hidden mysteries of darksome Path in brightness beam. 155 Till life eternal for the soul In presence manifest, hs uidin star our way illumes And turns us to the best. What then behold with visions clear That we In darkness sought; What mystic tangle there unveiled Through knowledge here untaught? From doubting souls, midst earthly scenes* To worlds of dazzling llht, While myriad bright refulgent rays Flash splendor on our siht. Could we but know what then would show Our heritage from birth, We d sln& In rapturous melody Sweet son&s of joy and mirth. -156- In the twilight when the sombre shadows Lengthen neatly the trees And the ever flitting fireflies glimmer Through the trembling leaves When the feathered songsters, nesting, twitter Soft their good night trill, And the denizens of nature each Prepare a rest tranquil I have lingered In the twilight. Thinking sadly of the past, And recalled in musing memory Faces thronging thick and fast, As I pondered scenes of childhood Opened to my vision clear, And I saw as in a imirror Happy faces once so dear. Faces long since gone before us And in visions only seen, In affection s fond remembrance Loved ones keep that memory green; Faces smiling full in gladness, Faces with a sunny gleam, And those faces full of sadness Which the future may redeem.- 157- In my mother s smiling face Is seen, By memory s mystic sight, The radiant beam of simple life A tuned to mundane light - hear her charming voice rewound In harmony sweet and clear That carries me through reflection s way To scenes in memory dear And I long with sighs of sadness For the power them to recall, To efface each word of harshness And with love replace them all, F6r down low within my bosom, Where the heart throbs gently beat, Stern regret s slow poison pierces And its wound is long and deep. And the twilight shadows deepened As I mused in memory s light When the darkness of the shadow Warned me of approaching night, Then I thought of time before me And of all the time that s past Till my faith soared onward, upward. And reached its haven at last. -158- Do 1 love thee? Ask in vain If the flowers love the rain, And the echo from a heart That is broken when we part Sounds the answer strong and true That is &iven to but you. Do i love 1 thee? Ask aain If the sunshine and the rain Brin& the perfume all so sweet To the flowers at thy feet, And the answer is -to know That their sweetness tells thee so. Do I love thee? Let thy heart Give the echo as we part By affection s strongest tie That for thee was born on hl&h, And my love thou didst not sue, Dearest, take it, strong and true. Calm and peaceful is thy bower Neath the shade of forest trees, Bordered by both tree and flower. Gently kissed by summer breeze. 159 Sweet fragrance in the air Thy name suests, So beautiful and fair All must caress. Thy namesake fresh and reen In morning llht, Sn dainty robe I ween A charming siht. Though modest all admire Its dainty low. You only can aspire This charm to know. Sin then. O Muse, the name In dulcet son$, For it doth just the same To each belong. 160 Who in fancy has not wandered Through the silent dreamland maze, And In waking has not pondered On the scenes that met our gaze? Such discordant thoughts are roaming Through these wearied brains of ours, As we sleep within the gloaming, Dreamland taxing all our powers. Night dreams, chasing us in childhood, In fantastic garb appear, Day dreams, waiting us in manhood With their laughter, joys and tears. In all- countries and all ages We are dreaming time away, To the highest bards and sages Dreamland brings the brightest lays. Neath cooling shade of graceful palm Clothed in its verdure bright and reen. The sombre earth reposes calm, In tropic beauty nature s seen. (Tontctthnaitt "Man wants but little here below" A swell automobile, or so With a Rambler I d be content If nothing better to me is sent. Should nothing else present itself Plenty of "gelt" or other pelf Would answer my warm heart s desire Almost as well s a " Thomas Flyer." A "Lansing Yacht" should fill the wish With Sir Isaac s tackle for the fish To pass serene a summer s day And in the sunshine dreaming lay. The one sure thing that will content, And one on which my heart is bent, A motor airship in the sky In which with Betsy I could .fly. 162 Jin Hi i M J lk,i Good night, dear one, good night. We part till morning light Shall shine in brightning day By sun s refulgent ray. Good night. Good night, sweet heart of Joy, Pure gold without alloy, I keep thus, while we part, Thine image on my heart. Good night. i/) C r* c U.C.BERKELEY LIBRARIES 03458 355354 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY