THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES tit 4 ^ttrratt. tt BY Jane Ann Hodgson. " O, while thus in elevated joy, The harp's enrapturing chords my hands employ ; While thus, 'mid anthems of eternal birth, I dream of immortality on earth; — O, let me never touch one guilty string, That pangs remorseful to my breast may bring When the last pulse is ebbing from my heart, And my rack'd soul is struggling to depart ! O, let it never be my wretched fate, In songs I sing or songs I meditate, To blast the hopes that christian spirits crave, And cause the just to curse me in my grave. But if I charm one sinful thought away, Or cheer one pious pilgrim's darksome day, The hearts that profit by my feeble strain, Perhaps shall say — " She hath not sung in vain." Knox. $rice £too £f)tUtnas anB Supcnrf. HALIFAX: T. AND W. BIRTWHISTLE, PRINTERS, NORTIIGATE. 1873. [ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL. J PR I TO THE REV. T. MOORF E K. K- -A. T -A. . Page 19, line 1. Read :— . " Emblem thou art of the true faith.' Page 25, line 3. For " Depen'st," read " Deepen'st." Page 32, line 7. For " tell," read " tells." Page 35, line 3. For " Crows," read " Crowds." Page 40, line 14. For " lamps," read " lamp " Page 41, line 9. For " desires," read " decrees." Page 61, line 13. For " roll," read " rolls." line 23. Read : — " Some, who are low, and toiling hard for bread. Page 65, line 5. For " I will," read " 1*11." Page 86, line t2. For:— . " Me thinks I Jiear his voice reply,- " Methinks I hear his voice reply." Pa CT e 141. To follow line 2 : — " And he no more alive was seen. Page 150, line 8. For " roll'd," read " well'd." Page 152, line 9. For " reck'd," read " guess'd." Page 164, line 4. For " bloom," read " blown." Page 165, line 4. Read: — " When we with thee shall to new life be born. 861892 PR TO THE REV. J. MOORE, (VICAR OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH, HALIFAX. THIS VOLUME OF OBIGINAL POETBY, is RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BT HIS SINCERE FRIEND, THE AUTHORESS. 861892 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. SUBSCRIBERS* Ackroyd, Mrs. Hampden Place Ainley, Mr. North Parade Allitt, Mrs., Akroydon Alexander, Mr., M.D., Blackwall Lodge Anderton, Miss, Corporation Street. . Appleyard Mrs., Clare Mall Appleyard, Mr., King Cross Street Asquith, Mr., Old Market Ash, Mrs., Barley Street Asquith, Mrs., Cromwell Street . . Atkinson, Miss, Rhodes Street Atkinson, Miss, Brinton Terrace . Bates, Miss, Craven Lodge Battinson, Mrs., Aked's Road Battinson, Mrs. J., Rhodes Street Battinson, Mrs., G., Savile Mount Baines, Miss, Alma Street Baines, Mrs., Mount pleasant .. Barrett, Mrs., Commercial Road Bairstow, Miss, Green Lane Bairstow, Mrs., Union Street, S. Batho, Miss, Rhodes Street coriES. 2 VI. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. COPIES. Balme, Mrs. J. W., West Croft Souse Berry, Mrs. G., Bond Street Beedles, Miss, Gerrard Street . . Biram, Miss, S a vile Grove Binns Mr., Bedford Street Binns Mrs., New Bond Street Bishop, Miss, Ward's Mid Bland, Miss, West Grove Terrace Blakey, Mrs., Savile Park Blackburn, Mr., Lister Lane Blagbrough, Mr., St. John's Lane. . Booker, Rev. C. F., Stanningley Rectory Booker, Mrs. „ ,, Bowman, Miss, George Street Boolh, Mrs., Prospect House Bottomley, Mrs., Lxghtcliffe Bolt, Mrs., Bedford Terrace Braithwaite, Mr., West Grove Terrace Bristow, Mrs., Barley Street Brayshaw, Mrs., Rhodes Street Brown, Mr., Corporation Street. . Butterfield, Miss, Oxford Terrace . . Burns, Mr. R., Rhodes Street . . Butler, Mr., Green Mount Terrace . . Brook, Mrs., Hampden Place Caw, Miss, Trinity Place Carter, Miss, Hipperhohn* Carter, Mrs., Milton Street LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Vll. Catherall, Miss, Sigh Street Cash, Mrs., Elm Field Terrace Charteris, Mr., M.D., Hippo-holme Charnock, Mrs., Hippcrholme Clark, Mrs., Milton Street Close, Mrs., Wentworth Terrace Clemence, Mrs., Gerrard Street Clayton, Mrs., Leeds Clark, Miss, Leeds Constantine, Mr., Brunswick Street Collier, Mrs., Milton Place Cook, Mrs., King Cross Street Collins, Mrs., North Parade Cooper, Mrs., West Field Crossley, Mrs., Change View Terrace Crossley, Miss, Br in ton Terrace Crossley, Mrs., Morton Street . . Crossley, Miss ,, Culpan, Mrs., Brunswick Street . . Cullingworth, Miss, New Bond Street COPIES. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Davis, Mr., Lister Lane Dacre, Mrs. Cromwell Street Dale, Mrs., Lord Street Dewhirst, Mrs., Mount Pleasant Dennison, Mr., Union Street, S. Dennis, Mr. C, Leivis Street Dennis, Mr. J. W. „ 6 1 1 I 1 1 1 Vlll. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Dean, Mrs., Milton Place Dincox, Mrs., Barley Street Dougles Miss, Ahroydon Dobson, Mrs., Stannary Rail Dolan, Mr. North Parade Dodd, Mrs., Allerton Place Drummond, Mrs., Raglan Street Drake, Miss, Lightcliffe . . Drake, Mrs., Bull Green Dyer, Mrs., Balmoral Place Dyson, Mr., Licddenden Foot Dyson, Miss, Ahroydon COPIES. 2 Earnshaw, Mrs., Cromwell Street Eastburn, Mrs., Gladstone Road Edwards, Lady, Pye Nest Ellison, Rev. J., Sotverby Bridgt Farrar, T. R. Esq., Savile House Farrar, Mr. A., Corporation Street Fawtbrop, Mrs., Milton Street . . Fawcett, Mrs , Melville Place Fell, Miss, St. James's Road Field, Mr., West Grove Finlay, Mr., Greenwood Street . . Firth, Miss, King Cross . . Fleming, Mrs., Carlton Street . . Fleming, Mrs., West Hill LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. IX. 80FIES. Fletcher, Mr. Upper Brunswick Street Fletcher, Mrs. E., Mipperholme Fletcher, Mrs. D., „ Fowler, Mrs., Union Street, S. Fox, Rev. S. W. D., Rhodes Street Fox, Mrs., Pellon Lane Foster, W. Esq., Ovenden Hall Foster, Mr. Crown Street Francis, Mrs., North Parade Friends, Six, Halifax .. . . 6 Gaunt, Mrs., Gibbet Street . . . . 1 Gibbs, Mr. Bedford Terrace . . . . 1 Gledhill, Mr. A., Upper Brunsivick Street . . 1 Gooder, Miss, Wenhcorth Terrace . . 1 Greenfield, Mr., Leeds ,. . . •• 1 Green, Mr. Cromwell Street .. •• 1 Green, Mr. F., Belle Uue Place .. . . 1 Greenwood, Mr. Pellon Lane . . . . 1 Greenwood, Mr. E., Hopwood Lane . . . . 1 Greaves, Mrs., Hampden Place. . . . 1 Greenwobd, Mrs., Carlton Place . . • • 1 Greenwood, Mr. J. T., Melville Place . . 1 Gunston, Mrs., Hipperholme . . • • 1 Hall, Rev. J. W., Durham University . . 4 Hall, Rev. Mr. Soicerby Bridg« . . . . 1 Hall, Mrs., Stump House . . . . 1 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. COPIES. Hanson, Mrs. L., North Parade. . Hanson, Mrs., Southgate Hanson, Mrs., Ilipperholme Hanson, Mrs., Lightcliffe Harper, Mrs., Rhodes Street Hardcastle, Mrs. J., Old Market Hardcastle, Miss, Smile Road . . Hainsworth, Mrs., Gladstone Road . . Hainsworth Mrs., Corporation Street Hargreaves, Mrs., Park Villas Hargrove, Mrs., Akroydon Harling, Mrs., South Parley Street . . Haley, Miss F , Shelf Haigh, Mrs., Ilipperholme Hanson, Mrs., New Pond Street Heginbottom Miss, Savile Grove Hebbletbwaite, Mrs., Cavendish Terrace Helliwell, Miss, West Hill Place Helliwell, Miss, Halifax Hemmingway, Mrs., Stone Lodge Highley, Mrs. T. S., Savile Crescent Hirst, Mrs., Allerton Place Hill, Mr. King Cross Street Hirst, Mr., Hipperholme Hinnings, Mrs., Stanninglcy Hodgson, Mr. „ Hodgson, Mr. Josb, ,, Hodgson, Miss „ LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XI COPIES. Horsfall, Mrs. C. F. L., Modes Street Horsfall, Mrs., South Barley Street . . Holroyd, Miss, Leeds Hodgson, Mrs., Bedford Street Hoyle, Misses, Brunswick Street Holds worth, Col., Green Boyd . . Holdsworth, J. Esq., Willow Field . . Holdsworth, Miss, Raglan Street Howorth, Mr. North Castle Street . . Howorth, Mrs., North Parade . . Howorth, Mrs. W. II., Hipperholme Holmes, Mrs., Northowram Holgate, Mr. Bull Green Hope, Rev. J., Holy Trinity Vicarage Horsfall, Miss, New Bond Street Horsfall, Mrs., Gladstone Road Hohson, Mrs., Baglan Street . . Holmes, Rev. C. 11 , All Souls' Vitarage Hustler, Mrs., Carlton Street Hutchinson, W. Esq., Rhodes Strett Illingworth, Mrs., Gladstone Road Irvine, Mrs., Hipperholme Jagger, Miss, Rhodes Street Jackson, Mrs., Eleho Place Jennins, Mrs., South Bank Jeakins, Miss, Hume Street Jeff, Mr., Northgate xu. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Johnson, Mrs., King Cross Street Judd, Mrs., West Parade .. Jubb, Mrs., Aked's Road Jukes, Mr., Rhodes Street COPIES. 1 Karran, Miss, Hipperholme Kenyon, Mrs., King Cross Kenyon, Mrs., Clare Road Lawton, Miss, Hampden Place . . Lambert, Jno., Esq., Parsley Lambert, Mr., Stanningley Lambert, Miss, South Parade Lee, Mrs., Hampden Place Lee, Mrs., Parian Top . . Lees, Mrs., Lister Lane Leach, Mr., King Cross Street Lister, Mrs., King Cross Street . . Lobley, Mrs., Brunswick Street Mackerill, Mrs., Park Terrace Martin, Miss, Kingston . . Marchant, Mr., „ Maude, Mrs., Akroydon Mallinson, Miss, Bombey Street Mason, Mr., West Grove Terrace McBryde, Mr. W., Bond Street McCullum, Mr., Savile Park LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Xlll. coriKs. McCaulay, Mr., Regent Street McKenzie, Mrs., New Bond Street .. McMaster, Miss S., Upper Brunswick Street Mitchell, Mrs., Hipperholme Midgley, Miss M. E., Coley Midgley, Mrs., Oxford Terrace Mooney, Mrs., AJced's Road Morton, Mrs., „ Moore, Rev. J., St. Mary's Vicarage . . 12 Moore, Mrs., Lister Lane Musther, Mr., Brunsivick Street .. Murgatroyd, Mrs., Raglan Street Murgatroyd, Mrs., Melville place McNess, Mr., Rodley McWilliams, Mr., Landon House Naylor, Mrs., Hanover Street Naylor, Mrs. J., ,, Nettleship, Mrs., Gibbet Street Nichol, Mrs., Wellington Place Norcliffe, Mrs., Hanson Lane North, Miss, Gerrard Street Ogden, Mrs., Brunswick Street Ogden, Mrs., Trinity Place Padget, Miss, Oxford Terrace Patchett, Mr. A., Rhodes Street XIV. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. COPIES. Parker, Mrs., Glad-stone Road Parker, Mrs., Cromwell Street Parkinson, Mr., A r etc Bond Street Peel, Mrs , Hampden Place Pearson, Mr. Thos., Hipperholme Philbrick, Mr., Rhodes Street Pickles, Mrs., Shelf Pilling, Mrs., Milton Place Pollard, Mrs., Shelf Pridie, Mr., Commercial Banking Company . . Preston, Mr., St. James's Street Priestley, Mrs., Wafer House Priestley, Mr., Wool shops Ramsden, Mr., Kingston .. Rawnsley, Mr., Hanson Lane . . Rawlings, Mrs. G. S. Akroydon Redman, Mrs., Gibbet Street Ripon, Right Rev. Lord Bishop of Richardson, Mrs., Harrison Road . , Rhodes, Mrs., Hampden Place Rhodes, Mrs., Saw-wood Hottse Ritchie, Mrs., Allerton Place Riley, Mrs. H., Lister Lane Riley, Mrs., Chatham Street Rothwell, Captain, Bull Close . . Roberts, Mrs., Brunswick Street Roberts, Mrs. South, Parley Street . , LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XV. COPIES. Robinson, Mr. J., Hipperholme .. .. 1 Eobinson, Miss, North Parade .. .. 1 Robinson, Mrs., Mount Pleasant ,. . . 1 Robertshaw, Mrs., North Parade . . 1 Robinson, Mrs., AkecVs Road .. .. 2 Ruahton, Mr. G., Hipperholme . . .. 1 Scbofield, Mrs., Oxford Terrace . . . . 1 Scarborough, Mrs J., Park Terrace . . 1 Shackleton, Mrs., Hipperholme .. .. 1 Sheard, Mrs., „ . . • . 1 Shepley, Miss, Bean Street . . . . 1 Sharp, Mrs,., Brunswick Street .. .. 1 Sheard, Mrs., Brunswick Street . . . . 1 Slack, Miss, Union Street, S. .. 1 Slater, Miss, Stanningley .. .. 1 Smith, Mrs., Holden Street . . .. 1 Smith, Mrs., Regent Street . . , . 1 Smeeton, Mrs., Savile Park .. .. 1 Smithies, Mrs., Bend Street . . . . 1 Smith, Miss, Hampden Place .. . • 1 Spencer, Mrs. „ . . . . 1 Spencer, Mrs., Alhrton Place . . . . 1 Spencer, Mrs., Hipperholme . . . . 1 Spencer, Miss ,, . . . . 1 Stavely, Mr., Cromicc/l Street .. .. I Stocks, Mrs., Clare Street . . . . 1 Stork Rev. J., Hipperholme Grammar School . . 1 VI LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. COPIES. Stone, Mr., Barley Street Stansfield Miss, Park House Stocks, Mrs., Hampden Place Stott, Miss, North Parade Sunderland, Mrs. T. S., Belmont Sugden, Mr., Trinity House Sutcliffe, Mrs., Milton Place Sutcliffe, Mrs., Haigh House Swift, Mrs., Union Street, S. Swallow, Mrs., Trinity Place Swallow, Mrs. J. H., Norfolk Place Sykes, Mrs., King Cross Street . . Taylor, Mrs., Lister Lane Tatham, Mrs., Hampden Place . . Thomas, Mrs. W., Rhodes Street Thomas, Mrs., Lister Lane Thorburn, MissZ., St. James's Street Thomas, Mr. A., Alma Street Tillotson, Mrs., Crow Nest Tinkler, Mrs., Pratt Street Tindal, Miss D., Milton Place Townsend, Mrs., Milton Street Turner, Mr., Parsley Tuley, Mrs., Hope Street Tylecote, Mr., Gerrard Street Ward, Mrs., South Boyd "Ward, Mr. C, Savilc Place LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XV11. Walshaw, Mrs., Hampden Plate Waterhouse, Mr., Sunny Bank Waterhouse, Mrs., Stanningley Wainhouse, Mrs., High Street Waller, Mr., St. James's Road . . Wade, Misses, Hunslet Wade, Mr. W., Bedford Street.. Waite, T. W. Esq., Farsley Watson, Mrs , Hampden Place . . Walsh, Mrs., New Bond Strut Wawn, Miss, Colcy Vicarage Wayman, Mrs., The Grove Waddington, Mr. M. II , SJcipion . . Watson Miss E., Lister Lane . . Whitworth, Mrs., New Road Whitehead, T. C. Esq., Park Villas Whitehead Mrs. S. Savile Crescent . . Whitehead, Mrs. Thomas, Melville Plate Whiteley, Mrs., King Cross Street Whiteley, Mrs Clare Road Whittaker, Mrs., Lister Lane Whoater, Miss, Stanningley Wilkinson, Mrs., Brunswick Street . . Wilkinson, Mr., Lister Lane Wilson, Mrs., West Bank Wilson, Mrs.,' Barum 'House Wilson, Mr. J. W., Gladstone Road Willis, Mr., Milton Place 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 XV111. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Wilson, Mrs. J., Gtrrard Street Wild, Miss, ,, Wilson, Mrs., Wellington Place Wilkinson, Mrs., Hilton Street Womersley, Mrs., Stanningley Youd, Miss J., Raglan Street ., CONTENTS. XIX. CONTENTS. POEMS ON NATUKE. PAGE. Bridal Wreath, The 12 Brooklet, The 17 Daisy, The 5 Flowers 21 Flowers, Lessons from 8 Nature 3 Southern Cross, The 18 Stars, The 15 Sunset 20 Water 13 POEMS ON THE SEASONS. Autumn 26 Spring 23 Summer 25 To June 29 Winter 27 XX. CONTENTS. SACRED TOEMS. PAGE. A Hymn for Children 38 Bible, The 31 Dedication of the Temple 35 Heaven 40 It is time to'seek the Lord 33 Resignation 41 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. A Castle in the Air 57 A Morning Walk 45 Annie Murray 98 An Epicedium 167 Better Land, The 102 Blind Man's Soliloquy, The 12G Bolton Woods 139 Butterfly, The 79 Church of England, The 52 Change, The 132 Dying Slave, The 55 Elegy on the death of the Rev. R. Judd, B.A.. . 164 Emigrant, The 63 Exile, The 123 CONTENTS. XXI. PAGE. First-born, The 112 Friendship 142 Happiness 93 Hill, The Ill Home of my Childhood, The 150 Last Evening at Home, The 117 Lines 144 Lines on a Visit to Bolton Abbey 137 Little Wandering Minstrel, The 121 My Cat 88 My First Love 48 My Sister 76 New Year's Eve 71 Night 74 Old Yew Tree, The 69 Parting, The 108 Poet, The 91 Rainbow, The , 122 Raising of Lazarus, The 156 Sea, The 129 Sister's Dream, The 43 Song 86 Song of the Winds 119 XX11. CONTENTS. TAGE. Stanzas on the removal of a friend to another town I 59 Stanzas addressed to Mr. G H. Lister 161 Stanzas addressed to Miss Whitehead 163 Sunday School, The 145 There's a Rap at the Door 89 To a Blind Girl 135 To a Deaf andDumb Boy 84 Twilight Hour, The 127 Unreciprocated Love 15° Vacant Chair, The 116 Voices and Images 153 Westminster Abbey 165 Woods in Summer I 4 ' PREFACE. My Dear Friends, It is with the greatest timidity that I make my debut in the Literary World. Perhaps it is my inexperience that makes me shrink to anticipate the criticisms to which this little volume will in all probability be subjected. I can only hope that critics will take into con- sideration my youth, and the fact that this is the first volume I have ever published, and not be too hasty or severe in their judgement. " A Leaf on The Current" is its title ; as a leaf I cast it upon a current which is ever chang- ing, a current that may bear it gently on to its destination, or hurl it to destruction. I would not climb ambition's lofty mountain ; the laurels won by others do not dazzle me as yet. My desire is, to be useful ; to do some good to my PREFACE. fellow-creatures ; to help some one on through the " Wilderness of this World" ; to confirm and strengthen the hopes already springing in the heart of some young Christian ; to beguile the thoughts of some afflicted one from the sufferings he is enduring, and bid him look up to the " God and Father of us all," placing the most implicit trust in His infinite mercy and wisdom, with a full assurance that " all things work together for good to them that love Him." To lead one erring soul aright. If it should succeed but in one case, I am amply rewarded for the labour I have bestowed upon this little book, which I now place in your hands. With many thanks to those who have so kindly and willingly assisted me in bringing my poems before the public, I beg to subscribe myself Their Humble Servant, JANE ANN HODGSON. Halifax, October 29, 1873. POEMS ON NATURE Hast thou studied Nature's Book t Didst thou e'er scan its pages o'er ? Full many a lesson doth it yield To one who for instruction seeks. O, pass it by no more ; Avail thyself of all its priceless lore ! NATURE. Oh, what a mind would be mine own, If all the beauties of this vast creation Left no impression there ! Upon the tablets of that mind are graven The images of Nature's fairest scenes, And for the Maker fills my soul with rev'rend awe. The sun at morn steps forth upon the heavens, And until eventide doth run his race. POEMS ON NATURE. Who can behold the sun, and not remember The God who made and plac'd it in the sky ? And as the twilight deepens, come the stars ; The diamond-field of heaven is spread abroad, For the admiring eyes of man to see. Rises the moon in all her queenly splendour, And with the stars through the long night she dance9, While falls the music which man never heareth — The harps of heaven, tun'd by angelic hands. Each bird that fiieth through the air doth warble A lesson sweet into the ear of man, Would he but listen to the free instruction. In every flower, bush, and " tufted tree" I see the hand of God, my own Creator. In every fountain, every sea, and river, Do I behold the wond'rous works of God. All glory, power, and honour, I ascribe Unto the Deity who gives these treasures. POEMS ON NATURE. THE DAISY. Oh, pretty little Daisy ! I love to see thee well ; Springing in the meadow ; In the pleasant dell ; On the sloping hill-side ; On the level plain ; ; Neath the giant oak-tree ; In the dusty lane. First of all the flowers, Little Daisy thou, After chilling winter, With his frost and snow. Thou wert snugly sleeping, Cherish'd in the earth, 'Till the spring's first sunbeam 'Waken'd thee to birth. Basking in the sunshine, Bathing in the rain, Kiss'd by all the breezes, Which health for thee contain. POEMS ON NATURE. Gently fall the dew-drops On thy little head, And deck like glit 'ring diamonds Thy green leafy bed. While the stars are shining, Thou art sleeping quiet, By God safely warded, Through the long, dark night. If God thus doth keep thee, Will not His kind care Keep me in my slumbers Safe from danger's snare ? Will not He thus guide me Through this world of pain ? Will not He be with me In sunshine and in rain % When in pain I languish When I droop and die — Will not He then take me To dwell with him on high ? POEMS ON NATURE. As when night is over Openest thou thine eye, So I'll wake from slumber, To immortality. As after stormy winter, Thou to life art born, So shall I awake to life, As breaks the eternal morn. 8 POEMS ON NATURE. LESSONS FROM FLOWERS. I thank thee Lord for flowers, Which Thou to us hast given, They're sent like angels on the earth, To raise our thoughts to heaven. As they spring up around us, Each one would us remind Of our duty to our Maker, And unto all mankind. The buttercup and daisy Which deck the verdant sod, Would teach me to look up each day To my creator — God. Meekly to do my duty, My humble office fill, And not to murmur, or repine, Against His Holy Will. The bashful violet growing In the secluded dell, As I admire, a lesson breathes Into my ear as well. POEMS ON NATURE. Virtue is ever bashful : It shuns allurements spread, And solitude prefers, as doth The voilet hide its head. The pure and spotless lily, Calls me to imitate Its bright and snowy whiteness, In my spiritual estate. To strive each day 'gainst sinning In word, in deed, or thought, And live as pure and holy, As every christian ought. The rose I next consider : This sweetly-scented flower Fulfils a purpose as it blooms In each luxuriant bower. As I inhale the perfume, Which all around it sheds, It teaches me a life to live, That when I'm lying dead, A sweet and kind remembrance Of deeds of mercy done, May keep my memory still alive, Though I from earth am gone. IO POEMS ON NATURE. That, as the rose when wither'd Its fragrance still retains, Once — barren hearts be fruitful made Through my undying name. The beautiful convolvolus Sweet flower of a day Before its eyes are closed Seems unto me to say : — "Waste not thy precious moments ! Short is thy life O man ! Soon in the cold earth thou must lie ; O ! do good whilst thou can." The yellow primrose blooming As sets the glorious sun Seems thus to warn the thoughtless :- " Soon will thy race be run ! O give thy heart to God now ; Work thou while it is light ; 'The evening is advancing ;' Soon comes the darksome night." POEMS ON NATURE. II As doth the ivy cling to The ruined tower I Would to old friends in their distress, Thus shew fidelity. The honeysuckle bids us Shew kindness to each other, And all our fellow-men to love And cherish as our brothers. Thou lovely Star-of-Bethlehem ! When'er I see thy face, I think upon the star that led The Magi to the place Where lay the lowly Saviour, God's own Incarnate Son, Who, for us sinful mortal men, Eternal life hath won. In every flower ihat bloometh A lesson sweet I see, Oh, grant that I as sinless And innocent may be ! If flowers on earth are lovely What will they be on high, Where, we are told, there is no curse, But bliss and purity. 13 POEMS ON NATURE. THE BRIDAL WREATH Flow'rets with their scented breath Bring to form the bridal wreath, E'en to bind the raven hair Of that joyous maiden fair. Bring for her the orange bloom, And honeysuckle's sweef perfume ; Cull the rose-bud 'ere 'tis blown, And the matron rose full-grown ; From the lone sequester'd spot, Bring the dear forget-me-not, With its leaves of palest blue — Emblem of affection true ! Bring for her the myrtle bough, And lily of the hue of snow ; Pluck the lowly voilet sweet Flow'ret for this virgin meet ! I'll for her these blossoms twine Emblems of the love divine ! POEMS ON NATURE. 1 3 WATER. Water ! oh, water so " copious and free," Tell me, oh, tell me whose hand hath made thee ? " The Hand that fashioned man of the clay ; The Hand that preserves him from day unto day ; The Hand that created the fowls of the air, And doth each day their food prepare, The Hand that made all thou hast seen, The valleys and the hills so green, The mountain, and the level plain, The seas, and all that they contain." Water ! that onward so swiftly doth flow, What Voice directeth thee whither to go ? " The Voice, at whose bidding, from chaos came forth The sphere that we move on — this beautiful earth — The Voice, at whose thunders, fled earth's darkest night And dawn'd on the waves the first ray of pure light ; 14 POEMS ON NATURE. The Voice, which on Sinai, 'mid vapour and flame, Did the Ten Commandments to Moses proclaim." Water ! oh water, how long dost thou flow ! " For ever ! For ever I onward do go ; Neither day nor night do I stay my career, 'Till the last trumpet's blast shall resound in mine ear." Water ! oh water, so pure, and so free, Would I were sinless and holy as thee ! " Would'st thou be pure and stainless as 1 1 Flee unto the Lamb, He awaits thee on high ; Plunge thou in the stream which for sinners doth flow, Thou then wilt be pure and unsullied as snow." ^ \> « *tffr* ^/ T POEMS ON NATURE. THE STARS, Oh ! how I admire Each resplendent star ! I am glad to see them Shining from afar. Peaceful they are shedding All their silvery light, Keeping guard o'er mortals, Through the silent night. Before our blest Redeemer Did descend to earth, When good and holy prophets Fore-told Messiah's birth. The simile they used "Was drawn from Heaven afar- " From Jacob comes a sceptre ; From Israel a star" A star the Magi guided In the desired way, Until they reach'd the manger Where our dear Saviour lay. J_ 15 1 6 POEMS ON NATURE. Stars ! so brightly shining, Shed your silvery beams Round me as I slumber, Wrapt in pleasant dreams. Sometimes dark clouds hide you, But I know you're there, Richly are ye spangling All the heaven so fair. Who knows but you're watching Every deed of mine ? Each act are recording As ye softly shine ? Stars ! ye all are formed By God's powerful Hand, And placed in the heavens, To fulfil His command. Oh ! ye can tell no falsehoods ; Your record will be true, Each act good or bad will be Correctly writ by you. Stars ! when I am lying Deep down in the ground, Throw, as wanes the daylight, Your bright beams around. POEMS ON NATURE. 17 THE BROOKLET Brooklet, say whence comest thou ; " I come from the mountain crown'd with snow, Down its rugged sides I make my way, Among the huge stones I frolic and play." Little Brooklet gently flowing, Tell, oh tell me where thou'rt going ? " I'm going this bright and sunny morn, To turn the mill, which grinds the corn." " By the ' moss-cover'd ruin" its foot to wash, Against its smooth stones to ripple and splash, Sprinkling the mosses with tiny drops bright, Which glisten like diamonds in the sun-light. " Through a gentleman's garden where roses grow, To make the soil fertile I cheerfully flow ; And then with the river I mix my small cup, 'Till at last in the ocean we're both swallow'd up." 1 8 POEMS ON NATURE. THE SOUTHERN CROSS Cross of the South ! at eventide To thee I turn my admiring eyes ; As I behold thy lode-stars burn, The thoughts of olden days arise. Of days when first my fathers trod Fearless the angry foaming main, And o'er it, as they onward sped, UnfurFd the standard of fair Spain. Shall I regret the land I left- While thus mine eyes behold thee shine ? My dear, my native land, where grows The olive and the clust'ring vine 1 My friends in Spain the Heavens may scan Admiring all which there they see, Each Constellation noting well, But they can never look on thee. POEMS ON NATURE. Emblem thou art of true faith, My fathers planted in this land, A faith which founded on a Rock Through storm and tempest sure shall stand. While I beneath New England's sky Upon thee fix mine eye at night, My soul fills with transcendant hopes, And visions all divinely bright. 20 POEMS ON NATURE. SUNSET How gorgeous are the sun's departing rays ! What beauteous clouds of richest crimson hue, He by his parting light to us displays Along the spacious firmament so blue ! Oh ! how it seems to tell of better days, When over all the earth God's light shall shine, The Sun of Righteousness shall shed His rays, And fill each longing heart with love divine ! POEMS ON NATURE. 21 FLOWERS. Come ye Zephyrs, gently breathe O'er the field and o'er the heath, Awaken every slumbering flower, Visit ye each garden bower. Blow ye breezes 'neath the skies, Kiss the flowers and bid them rise ! Awake thou Daisy ! ope' thine eye, Children's feet are passing by ; Awake ! forget the past night's dreams, The morning sun upon thee beams. Awake, thou beauteous damask Rose ! Why still seekest thou repose ! Go and deck the festal board, Where the ruby wine is pour'd ; Go and crown the fair May Queen Dancing on the village green. Lilies, in your bridal dress, Symbols of true holiness, Go and deck the altar where Hymen meets the youthful pair ; Strew the carpet, Lilies sweet, Strew the carpet 'neath their feet ! Primrose, child of early Spring 22 POEMS ON NATURE. Which she doth on the hill-side fling, Mourn thou over man's sad fate, Bid him turn 'ere 'tis too late. Sunflower with thy radiant grace, Turning to the sun thy face, Teach thou man to do the same, And seek for God instead of fame. SnoAvball dress'd in robe of white, Thou art like an angel bright, To man art for a season given To raise his thoughts to God and Heaven. Forget-me-not, who ope'st at morn Thy blue eyes 'mid the golden corn, For thee the happy lovers seek, Thou say'st far more than tongue can speak. Hawthorn, like a patch of snow Varying the green hedge-row, Go, and all thy fragrance shed, Around the Christian's dying bed. Willow, with thy drooping boughs, Go to the grave-yard, where repose, The friends unto our hearts so dear, For whom hath oft flow'd sorrow's tear ; But, while thou weep'st their loss from earth, The angelic host rejoice their birth. POEMS ON THE SEASONS. 23 SPRING. Welcome, merry laughing Spring, With thy honey-laden wing, Come, with all thy precious dower Of bright plants and brighter flowers. Come, to dress the naked trees ! Come, to scent the morning breeze ! Glad I hail thee vernal Spring ! Thou giv'st new life to everything. Thy return the Bee doth greet, With thy store of honey sweet, Pour thy richest treasures forth, Deck in emerald tints the earth. Walk the fields and gardens through Till thy shoes be wet with dew. Bid the little sky-lark soar ; Above the city's din and roar, Till he on joyful wing so high, Seems like a speck against the sky ; Till from our weak and dazzled sight, He melteth into " liquid light," Bid him all his sweetest song, I I 24 POEMS ON THE SEASONS. In Jehovah's ear prolong. Unlock every fount and spring, Bid the brooklet once more sing, As it threads its way among All the pebbles, its old song, Be the Naiads once more seen Sporting on its banks so green. Awake, ye hallow'd symphonies ! Awake creation's harmonies ! Tis the voice of vernal Spring ; Awake, ye choirs of earth, your anthems sing ! Lift up your voices, valleys, fields, and groves, Greet ye the Goddess through the earth which roves. Awake, awake, my soul ! and strike thy lyre, And let thy song mount up on " wings of fire" ! The brute creation own the voice of Spring, But thine it is her praises loud to sing. POEMS ON THE SEASONS. 2 5 SU MMER Summer, with thy flowing gown, Thou dost sweep the velvet lawn, Depen'st every hue and tint, Which thy predecessor lent. Rosy, blushing Summer, seen Dancing on the hill-tops green, O'er the earth thou now reign'st queen. Glad thy summons I'll obey, Through the woodlands haste away, By the rivulet will kneel, While on my cheek thy kiss I feel. Summer ! Summer how thy roses, Violets, and all thy posies Delight my admiring eye ! 26 POEMS ON THE SEASONS. AUTUMN Autumn with his sombre vest, Hath the woods in deeper colours dress'd. Garner'd is the golden corn Which on Summer's wings was borne. Fading are the Summer flowers, From our pleasant garden bowers. The russet apple now appears ; Upon the bough doth hang the "leathery pear." The Summer fruits are almost gather'd in, For soon will Winter's angry storms begin. Spring's emerald leaves are red and orange now, The tree's next robe will be the feathery snow. Farewell, ah Autumn ! thou art growing late ; Soon comes old Winter with his hoaiy pate. — -<*s4^®^^-= — POEMS ON THE SEASONS. 27 WINTER. Winter, with his icy hand, Sends a chill through all the land. The flowers which lately bloom'd so sweet, He trampleth beneath his feet. The trees he strips with hand unkind, The leaves are carried on the wind. At his rude blast they hurry by, With mournful voice and quiv'ring sigh. His cruel eye with malice gleams ; He breathes on all the pools and streams, And they are instantly congealed. This is surely winter-tide, Traversing field and forest wide. But Winter inside is a merry, merry, boy, To all who love his company He bringeth life and joy. Where social happiness abounds, Where the jocund laugh resounds, 28 POEMS ON THE SEASONS. Where within the banquet-hall Strains of music " rise and fall," Where " the maiden's eye is brightest," Where the maiden's heart is lightest, Where the household members meet, In peace their evening meal to eat, Where the faggot cracks and blazes, While upon't the mastiff gazes, And the sleek and drowsy cat, Sits beside him on the mat. Thus, indoors, Winter is a welcome guest, 'Though his countenance be sad sometimes, And sombre be his vest. POEMS ON THE SEASONS. 29 TO JUNE Welcome, welcome, lovely goddess, Laughing, singing merrily, Full of joy and buoyant spirits ; Doubly welcome thou shalt be ! May, thy predecessor's left us, Left us 'till another year ; But in thee, her lovely sister, All her beauties re-appear. May's the month when little birds Their treble voices all unite ; May's the month when flocks and herds Pasture on the grassy height May's the month when bees are sipping Honey sweet from every flower ; Thou, the month when lovers linger In the fields in twilight's hour. Thou, the month when little children Love to laugh, and dance, and play, While its perfume floats around them, 'Mid the rich and fragrant hay. 30 POEMS ON THE SEASONS. Fair and happy month ! when Nature Wears a deeper, richer hue ; If thy sister May is praised, Surely thou'rt praiseworthy too. Lovely June ! though half defrauded Of thy rights by earlier May, Her best joys by thee are shared, With a wealthier potency. I could be contented for thee, To remain with me for aye ; Say what other is more pleasant, Than a bright and warm June day ? SACRED POEMS. THE BIBLE. There is a Book, — a holy Book, By inspiration given, It is a priceless treasure, for It shews the way to Heaven. It cheers the lonely heart, it shews The blest abode of peace ; It tells us when our toils shall end, And all our troubles cease. Unto the weak and doubting heart Assurance it doth give ; It tells us, that in Heaven above, Our Saviour still doth live And to the mourner stricken down Unto the earth with grief, It proves a solace, for it gives Sweet comfort, kind relief. 32 SACRED POEMS. It tells the cure for sin's disease, It banishes our woe, It raises up the fainting heart, And stays the tears that flow. It shews God's matchless deeds of love, It shews His power and skill, It tell us what is the reward, If we obey His Will. Oh blessed Book ! oh holy Book ! By inspiration given, Teach us to shun the path to Hell, And climb the ascent to Heaven. IVXOI SACRED POEMS. 33 " IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD There is a time for everything ; A time to laugh, a time to sing, A time to sleep, a time to awake, A time to give, a time to take, A time to die, a time to be born, A time to rejoice, a time to mourn, A time to buy, a time to sell, A time to hear, a time to tell. And sinner ! there is a record Of a fix'd time to seek the Lord, Behold Salvation's day is here ! Behold the day of judgment near ! What is the life of puny man ? The psalmist answers — " But a span !" Oh ! sinner then make thou the best Of thy short life, 'ere thou shalt rest. Lock'd in the arms of stony death, 'Ere dies the flame, 'ere fails thy breath. 'Ere by one rude, one ruthless stroke, The golden bowl of life is broke ; Before the silver cord is loos'd, D 34 SACRED POEMS. 'Ere thy life is for ever clos'd, For in the grave, whither thou must Return unto thy kindred dust. There's no repentance, dost thou know ? To seek the Lord be thou not slow. Fall humbly on thy knees before Jehovah's footstool and adore Him who hath given to thee thy breath, Oh, flee from everlasting death ! If thou wilt lean on Jesu's arm, He will protect thee from all harm. For thee the Saviour's side was riven, For thee the Saviour's life was given, For thee the thorny crown was worn, For thee " the purple robe of scorn " For thee He drain'd the cup of gall, While all His foes to Pilate call — Oh crucify Him ! crucify ! This Man is worthy but to die ! Yes, he was worthy to be slain, He who in Heaven's high Courts doth reign, Worthy to bear the sinner's shame, Worthy to suffer in his name. This work no angel could have wrought : No saint salvation would have brought. Then, if thy Friend He thus has prov'd, Is He not worthy to be lov'd ? Would'st thou keep back the only part Acceptable with God — thy heart \ SACRED POEMS. J3 DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE. The lofty building now is quite complete, From workmen's hands behold it is set free ; Crows climb Moriah's heights with willing feet, The Temple built by Solomon to see. Great David's son doth to that spot repair Before them all in pomp he's borne along, He entereth the structure high and fair, While it re-echoes with a joyous song. How many spotless victims have to die To celebrate the great and glorious thing ! A savour sweet ascends up to the sky, The place with hymns of praise is made to ring- Now round and round its walls the priests have trod In robes of white ; emblems of purity — They consecrate the Temple unto God, And low before His Altar bow the knee. 36 SACRED POEMS. The choir in robes of white rise up and sing : — " Prais'd be the Lord, who reigns o'er earth and sky, Oh, let these arches with God's praises ring ; His mercy never fails who reigns on high." Behold ! a glory in the house appears, The Lord of Hosts beheld them from above ; For lo ! a golden cloud the temple nears, And on it rides the God of truth and love. On priests and people all the cloud is spread Solomon stands and poureth forth his pray'r And every one in rev'rence bows the head And every heart is fill'd with awful fear. He says : " Lord let Thine ever watchful eye Be day and night toward this Temple turn'd, Incline Thine ear unto the sinner's cry, Regard the offrings on this alter burn'd. " And if this people sin against Thee Lord, And unto other Gods their service give, If but one wanderer return to Thee, Hear Thou in Heav'n and when Thou hear'st forgive." SACRED POEMS. 37 Lo ! as he ceas'd the gracious answer came, Fire fell from Heav'n, devour'd the sacrifice, The brightness of that holy, heavenly flame, Dazzl'd both priests' and people's mortal eyes. In reverence the mighty concourse bows Again the prayer ascends up to the skies And now the music sweepeth through the walls As upright all the congregation rise. 38 SACRED POEMS. A HYMN FOR CHILDREN. Little children, joyous children, Raise your tuneful voices high ; Sing to Jesus, sing to Jesus, He who reigns above the sky. " We will sing, for Jesus loves us, For He left His throne in Heav'n, Suffer'd, bled, on Calvary's mountain, That our sins might be forgiv'n. " We will sweetly sing to Jesus, We have heard the story told How He blessed little children, Long ago in days of old. Salem's children were not loved More by Jesus than are we ; Jesus loves us as a father — Dearly, fondly, tenderly. SACRED POEMS. $9 " Jesus has gone up to Heaven, Mansions for us to prepare, And if we have truly lov'd Him, We shall see His glory there. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, Teachers, round our Saviour stand Golden crowns are on their foreheads, Palms of vict'ry in their hands. " We will gladly sing to Jesus, Loud Hosanna we will raise, For our Saviour's more than worthy To receive our feeble praise. We will serve Him, we will fear Him, And to do His will we'll try, Then, when He doth call, with gladness. We will meet Him in the sky." 40 SACRED POKMS. HEAVEN. There is a country bright and fair, Which human eye hath never seen ; There is a blissful region, where Have mortal footsteps never been. And never hath the poet or The painter shown so fair a land, Nor is it in the power of man, Its beauties yet to understand. His reas'ning powers fall far short, Of grasping Heaven's mysterious bliss, Nor can his eye portray that place, Where "pleasure in perfection is." The sun ne'er shines on those bright realms, Nor lights her lamps, the lady moon ; God is its sun : there is no night, But " sacred, high, eternal noon." And cooling breezes never blow Across its green and fertile plains : The heat is not oppressive there ; They never need refreshing rains. SACRED POEMS. 41 Fair land above the azure vault, Fain would I be at rest in thee, Fain would I leave this sinful earth, And all thy nameless beauties see ! RESIGNATION My God, when earthly joys decay And sorrow's darksome night comes on, Oh, teach me fervently to say — • " Thy will, my God, not mine be done " ! If by a pining sickness, I Within my chamber am confin'd ; When I could almost wish to die, Thy peace and rest in Heaven to find. Teach me to 'wait thy just desires. And patiently my suffring bear; Nor wish too soon to be with Thee, Nor give place to distracting tears. 42 SACRED POEMS. If by one rude and sudden stroke My earthly all be swept away, Let not my foolish heart be broke, With weeping for what must decay, But if all earthly joys do fade And poverty's dark day come on, Teach me with humble heart to say " Thy will my God, not mine be done ! _XSo>t§ MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 43 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. THE SISTER'S DREAM My brother, I have had a dream ; It makes me sad to-day, For I did dream that I was dead, And gone from earth away. My relatives around my bed Did stand with tearful eyes ; And so my spirit fled from earth, Amid their tears and sighs. But, when I reached Heaven's gate, I wept right heartily ; For God did bid me stand aside, Saying, '• Depart from Me." " Thou never wast a friend of mine ; I never knew thy name I" Then Oh ! my head was bow'd with grief, I felt oe'rwhelm'd with shame. 44 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS For I remember'd all my sins, Each wrongful act and lie, And wish'd I had repented them, Before I came to die. But wishing then avail'd me nought, My fearful doom was seaPd ; For unto neither tears nor prayers, Would Heav'n's great Sov'reign yield. " Thy penitence has come too late ! On earth thy heart was hard ; But now 'tis found to melt like wax, When out from Me thou'rt barr'd. " With sinners thou didst love to walk ; Then with them dwell for aye ! For thou so sin-stain'd, could'st not bear The light of Heav'n's pure day. " Were I e'en to admit thee now, Thou could'st not happy be ; The saints in Paradise, are not Fit company for thee." MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 45 Then I awoke : it was a dream ; But still my heart is sad ; I know that I am full of sin, That I am very bad. I have resolv'd, that from this day, A better life I'll live, For God to me in this my dream, A warning strong did give. And do not you forget to pray, That you may be forgiv'n, Lest at the great and solemn day, You are shut out of Heaven. A MORNING WALK Oh for a walk in the morning ; A walk in the morning so early, While the dew upon the " tender grass' Lieth in drops so pearly ! 46 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Oh for a walk in the morning When bright merry Spring roams abroad, When the Daisy and the Buttercup Are studding the verdant sod ! Oh for a walk in the morning, Before the sun has risen high, When the lark his lay is pouring 'Gainst the " etherial sky." When the Bee is gathering honey Within his favourite bower ; When the zephyrs are softly kissing Each opening bud and flower ! Oh for a walk in the morning When Summer doth reign o'er the earth, When the fleet-footed hare and the rabbit, Do gambol in innocent mirth ; When beautiful Roses are blooming In every garden so fair, And their richest perfume are shedding, Upon the pure morning air ! MISCELLANEOUS POEMS 47 THE MAIDEN'S REFUSAL Patrician noble, lofty, grand, Canst thou e'er stoop to wed The daughter of a working man — The lowly plebeian maid ? Alas ! alas ! it cannot be ; For I am no fit match for thee ! Go search for one more worthy, one Who boasts of gentler blood, And never waste another thought On her whom thou hast woo'd. Farewell to every thought of thee ! A nobler one thy bride must be ! My heart is smitten sore with grief, And every fibre torn, Yet I can ne'er forget the low Sphere in which I was born. Go, go for ever from my side ; For I can never be thy bride ! 48 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. MY FIRST LOVE Oh ! once I was a happy child, With heart so free from care, Upright myself, distrust could not Find any lodging there. Those golden days flew o'er my head, I reach'd maturity, Then one came to my side, and vow'd He truly loved me. And oh ! I ask'd not for his love, I was content to be As happy as I was before He spoke of love to me. He told me that it was his wish To make me his dear bride, And so I pledged my troth to him, As we walk'd side by side. I gave my fresh young heart to him, O'erflowing with warm .love, Nor did I in the least suspect, That he would faithless prove. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 49 But Oh ! the man who thus could speak, "Whom I had thought so true, The man who stole my heart away, Was false and fickle too ! E'en when he left his native land, And to return no more, He did renew his vow to me, As we stood on the shore. He said that he would soon come back, To claim me as his bride, And that reviv'd my drooping heart, When he had left my side. The years roll'd on, he never came, But news came o'er the sea, He'd married one of noble birth, Oh ! sad, sad news for me ! 5<5>°-^-- THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. Hail ! hallow'd day of peaceful rest, Hail ! day from toil and sorrow free. Sweet Sabbath ! how thy blest return Brings joy and comfort unto me. Unto the Temple I'll repair, To offer up my prayer and praise ; It is God's dwelling-place, and there The faithful do behold His face. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 53 How oft those hallow'd courts I've trod ! How oft in praise uprais'd my voice ! 'Twas there I learn'd for sin to weep, And there I learned to rejoice. Each Christian feels that Christ is there, In faith they see His dear face shine, As to His Table they draw near, And taste the mystic Bread and Wine. In faith they hear Him whispering, Like the low murm'ring of the dove : — "I know thy sorrows and thy cares, I know thy faith, I know thy love." " Be patient still thou faithful one, Unto My Will thine own resign, Then, when thy course is finish'd here, Thou shalt with Me in glory shine." " Thou shalt behold the crystal stream, Each jasper wall, each pearly gate, And know they were obtain'd for thee, Through Me, thine only Advocate." " There thou shalt never weary grow, Thou shalt be safe from sorrow's blast, 54 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. And dwell with Him thou lov'st so well, Long as Eternity shall last." How comforting it is to know, Our toils shall all rewarded be ; That if we bravely struggle on, Our Saviour's face we soon shall see ! Who then would throw his weapons down 1 Would shrink from sorrow, toil or pain, Since Christ has promis'd, that when all Is o'er we shall in glory reign ? MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 55 THE DYING SLAVE Within a wretched little hut Uncheer'd by light of day, Upon a filthy bed of straw, The dying negro lay. By him stood the physician By him his master stood With his clench'd fist uplifted high, And sware by his own blood, That when his slave recovered, He would revenged be, For the losses he'd sustained, Through that slave's obstinacy. Said he " you've got this illness from Yon missionary crew ; 'Tis all you get from following Them, but I will cure you. " I will not have you going there At night when work is o'er, To listen to their foolery ; No, you'll go there no more. " 56 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS " Tis all a parcel of black lies ; There's no such being as God ; When you get well again, now mind, I'll let you feel the rod." The physician remonstrates, His heart was wrung with pain, He said the slave was languishing, Nor here could long remain. As he spake these words, the negro Himself upright did raise, And with clasp'd hands said fervently : — " My Father Thee I praise !" " Lord Jesus Christ I thank Thee much For my sins all forgiven, Come down just now and take me, I Desire to enter Heaven." Then ceas'd his voice, his eyelids clos'd, And he sank back again ; They look'd, and lo ! a lifeless corpse, The slave was freed from pain. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 57 A CASTLE IN THE AIR. Within a small, and very humble cot, Quietly reposing, see the infant lie. Its tiny head upon a pillow rests ; That pillow is not soft, but white as snow. Its undevelop'd form is cover'd o'er With blanket coarse, and patch-work counter- pane ; But all these are the best that the small means Of a tender, loving mother could produce. And could that pillow have been stuffed with down, And the covering of the finest texture been, More soundly, that sweet babe could not have slept. The mother is bending o'er her treasur'd boy, She sees him smile, and smiles herself for joy That he is happy. The rosy dimpled cheeks, The chin so like her own, the forehead too, The nose so like the father's and the eyes, The ruby lips, half his, and half her own ; She thinks these features all combined make 58 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. A sweet face in a baby, so think I, And that they'd make a fine face in a man, For, Madame is nowise ill-looking, if Cheeks plump and rosy red with youth and health, And eyes of softest blue, lit by love's fire, And golden hair, be parts of what compose The pretty woman of the present day. The father is a well-proportion'd man ; Tall and stalwart, endow'd with a good share Of mental strength, and physical also. His brow is high, and framed in auburn hair, His kind brown eye beams with intelligence, His cheek unfurrow'd by distressing care ; His is a roman nose : his mouth shews much Determination and much kindness too, And over all Content her light does throw. The mother gazes on her cherub boy, And smiles a second time. Her thoughts run far away ; In fancy she stes the day When he no longer in the cot doth sleep, He's grown too big for that, and now his feet Follow her own where-ever they may tend, MISCELLANEOUS POEMS 59 Unconscious that she is his best and dearest friend. He tries to lisp the words he hears her say, And seems to gain intelligence each day, His form develops, and he stronger grows, But he the naughty disposition shews, To eat the plums provided for a pie, And if he may not have them, sobs and cries. But then, one word from mother dear will set Him right again, he doth no longer fret ; A lump of sparkling sugar him will please, And soon his little heart is quite at ease O'er some new toy, by father brought to soothe His ruffl'd temper, and make all run smooth. This period passes o'er, and boyhood comes, No longer doth he care for sugar or plums, But marbles, tops, and whips are now his toys, He tries to do what's done by other boys — To mount a horse's back, to climb a wall, Or join the boys in games of bat-and-ball. At school, he's busy with lesson-books all day, Then home he comes at night to romp and play. This period also passes quickly o'er ; Child-hood and boy-hood are with him no more, 60 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. He's now the tall and gentlemanly youth, With tender, loving heart, and lips of truth. Filial affection in his breast doth claim A place, and mother — how sweet to him that name ! How pleas'd is he to share a mothers love ! How anxious that 't should reciprocal prove ! Each little act that aught of pleasure affords — Of pleasure express'd in looks far more than words — How gladly 'tis perform'd by this lov'd son, And oh ! how happy feels he when 'tis done ! To see his mother-best of mother smile, The tear-drops glist'ning in her eyes meanwhile, And just one word let fall which makes him feel Her happiness essential to his weal. Oh, golden youth, what a pity thou should'st flee ! Man often wishes for return of thee, But all in vain, thou never canst come back, And he is speedily driven along the track, Toward old age, that pathway trampl'd o'er, By thousands who have travell'd on before. The hopeful youth has reached man's estate ; MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 6 1 The years for him as others will not wait, But onward to eternity they speed, The call of puny man they will not heed. The young man looks upon the world so fair, And sees — ah ! reader, say what sees he there 1 The gold for which men often crave and sigh ? Or honours pil'd on mortal shoulders high 1 The warrior's coat of mail? The statesman's chair? Not these just yet : he sees a maiden fair. These will come in their turn, but first of all A fair being holds the young man's heart in thrall. Onward time roll : the newly-wedded pair Are now installed in a mansion fair. The loving mother's hands have busy been, Her taste and skill in every room are seen. Riches and honours follow duly on, The highest pinnacle of ambition's won, When lo ! the mother 'wakes ; 'tis all a dream, And things are not so bright as they would seem. But of no thing impossible she hath thought, For human life with many a change is fraught ; Some are low and toiling hard for bread, 62 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. May one day with the proudest lift their head ; Others, whose station is exalted far, Seen by the humble as they see a star, May one day fall, and never missed be, From 'mong the host who shine so brilliantly. Then mother-fond young mother-ne'er despair ; Thy son in years to come may honours wear, But oh ! crave not for him these things alone. Teach him the proper duties of a son, Train thou thy child up in the proper path, If thou would'st have him to escape God's wrath. If thou do this, thou shalt rewarded be, In life — in death, — thy son shall honour thee. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 63 THE EMIGRANT. Farewell my friends ! I now must part from you, And I must cross the mighty rolling sea, I come to bid you all a last adieu, For I an emigrant am doom'd to be. Within yon cot I spent my youthful days, And often through the fields so green I've stroll'd, With lute and dog, and 'waked my sweetest notes, While at my feet the mighty river roll'd. I must relinquish all my youthful joys, From all my rural happiness I'm torn, My heart is sad, and it revolts against Leaving for aye the land where I was born. Farewell to you my lovely forest trees ! Farewell to thee my native sunny sky ! For I am going across the foaming main ; I speak to you, but ye cannot reply. \ 64 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Farewell, ye birds ! oft have I heard you sing As I have sat within this bower so fair, And watch'd you pass, on light and joyful wing ; Ye know no sorrow, and ye no care ! And you my lovely native hills so blue, I give a parting look before I go. Ye lovely mounts ! I bid yc all adieu, Soon will your heights be crown'd with winter snow. Here often in my childhood I did rest, 'Twas here I warbled forth my little lays, And watch'd the sun when setting in the West, In gorgeous red, and orange-colour'd rays. To thee my dog, I will not say adieu, Thou shalt my journey and adventures share, For I do know thou always lov'd me well, And I am never lonely when thou'rt near. My lute too, I will take, then I can play, And think of home when I am distant far, And watch the glorious sun's departing ray, And 'wait the appearance of the evening star. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 65 Then when the moon rides high in heaven so fair, And stars upon the earth do brightly shine, I will commend myself unto God's care, And o'er my lonely lot will not repine. And I will still trust in my dear Father's power, Though I shall be in a far distant land He'll guard me when the storm-clouds round me lour, And over me extend His guiding hand. Yet oft shall I in fancy wander through Each hallow'd scene ; and oft will mem'ry trace The joys which once were mine, now gone for aye, But still whose shadows time can not efface. Farewell my lovely cot ! farewell to thee ; Farewell unto the river's rushing stream ; Farewell unto the fragrant summer breeze, And fishes sporting in the sunny gleam. Farewell to thee my rich and lovely bower ; Farewell to thee my beauteous native sky ; Farewell to river, bird and tree and flower, But though I speak ye make me no reply. 66 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Adieu ! adieu to all ! I now go hence, Yet, while beneath yon strange and foreign skies I wander on and earn my daily bread, Will thoughts of home within my bosom rise ! WINTER SPORT. Come out with me this frosty day, Let us together go, We'll have some noble sport to day Upon the ice and snow. Skating upon the pure white snow, Skating upon the snow, Skating upon the big round pond, Upon the ice and snow. Let slates be laid aside awhile, Put lesson books away, Be quick my mate let us be gone, Well have some sport and play. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 67 Skating upon the pure white snow, Skating upon the snow, Skating upon the big round pond, Upon the ice and snow. Winter ! thou art a welcome friend, With frost and ice and snow, For then upon the water's face, A-skating we can go. Skating upon the snow, the snow, Skating upon the snow, Skating upon the big round pond, Upon the ice and snow. The Spring and Summer have their charms, Autumn's a pleasant time, But I love frost and snow the best, I love the Winter-time. Skating upon the pure white snow, Skating upon the snow, Skating upon the big round pond, Upon the ice and snow. 68 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Come haste my friend let us be gone, We'll go with merry pace, We'll have some jolly fun to day, Upon the water's face. Skating upon the snow, the snow Skating upon the snow, Skating upon the big round pond, Upon the ice and snow. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 69 THE OLD YEW TREE In one corner of a garden Where once I lov'd to be, When I was young and free from care, Stands the old yew tree. I priz'd it more than anything, It was belov'd by me ; In child-hood I have sported oft 'Neath that old yew tree. First did I hear sweet words of love That were address'd to me, As I, a blooming maiden, sat 'Neath that old yew tree. And there I heard the sad news, my Lover had ceas'd to be, A true and ever faithful friend, As he had vow'd to me. And now I hear strange children laugh, And sing so merrily, They sit where I have often sat — 'Neath the old yew tree. 70 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. My heart is pain'd to hear their laugh, I shudder when I see Those children gaily sport around That venerable tree. The ground was hallow'd where I trod When I from care was free ; But now by strangers 'tis profan'd, 'Neath the old yew tree. All my bright dreams are past and gone, It makes me sad to see The seat I once did occupy, 'Neath the old yew tree. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 71 NEW YEAR'S EVE. Soon will the old year be gone my mother dearest, Five minutes but remain and fast they fleet, I'm glad I have been spar'd to see its waning, I'm glad I live the good New Year to greet. The old year with its toil and pain and sadness, Its days of sorrow and its nights of woe ; I hope the morn will dawn with joy and gladness; I hope the sun his golden face will shew. How much I've done I know was very wrongful, But you'll forgive me now my mother clear ? And kiss me softly e're the old year goeth, I shall not see the close of another year ! List ! mother list ! what are those sounds so solemn 1 Ah ! now I know, it is the old church bell. Toll on, oh bell, in all thy mournful sadness, Toll on ! Toll on the departed year's death knell ! 72 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Open the casement just one moment mother, The bells do now ring out a merry peal, Let me but feel the New Year's air one minute, Upon my cheek in gentle breezes steal. Close it again, the air is cold and chilly, I think the merry peal is well nigh o'er, Resume your seat beside me, dearest parent, And in your gentle hand take mine once more. No more shall I behold the snowdrops peeping Above the earth, no more cull roses sweet, When they return, I shall be quietly sleeping Deep in the cold, damp ground beneath your feet. No more shall I in woods and valleys linger, When fades from Heaven the setting sun's last ray, No more shall I with joyous nimble fingers, Crown with bright flowers the happy Queen of May. You'll bury me, my fondest, dearest mother, In some secluded pleasant little spot, And plant above my head when comes the summer, The flower I love — the blue Forget-me-not. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 73 Nay, nay you must not sigh for me my mother, Nor bid for me dark sorrow's tear to flow, I'm not your only child ; you have another, He'll comfort you when from your side I go. If saints e'er come back from the beauteous Heaven, Mother I'll come and guard you here below, Then, when you too are from your kindred riven, Together through yon azure vault we'll go. Then in that blest abode for ever and ever, We two will love as we have lov'd on earth, And nothing more shall our glad spirits sever, While we resound a dying saviour's worth. Adieu ! Adieu ! but once more let me kiss you, Few moments more to me on earth are given, Sweet parent ! with my dying breath I bless you : I go to spend the " glad New Year" in Heaven. 74 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. NIGHT When the diamond stars are shining. When the lady moon is beaming, And her silver light is streaming On the couch where we're reclining, Then is the time for dreaming, dreaming, Then is the time for dreaming. Seraphic forms around our beds may hover, Angelic voices on our spirits call, But we their presence never may discover, Nor hear the sweet words from their lips that fall. Night is the season for repose ; Repose from toil and sorrow ; While wrapt in slumber so profound A light from Heaven we borrow. The mourner all her grief forgets And floats through scenes of pleasure, MISCELLANEOUS POEMS 75 Her brow is calm, she weeps no more O'er her departed treasure ; All is peace and tranquility T'ill she 'wakes^to the stern reality, Upon the morrow. The captive awhile forgets his chains, And the low and darksome cell ; In a fair abode mid flowers and trees In freedom he doth dwell ; Or his weary spirit wings its flight High o'er hill and dell, To the wife and child he left behind, In the home he loves so well. No fetters can his spirit restrain, His soul is bound by no rust-worn chain. Night is the time for thought ; For thoughts so chaste and holy ; The time for to review our deeds, And note each act of folly ; The time to resolve on better acts, That will bring to us less sorrow, And to commence our life anew, As rises the sun to-morrow. 76 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Night is the time when the poet loves To linger o'er his lyre, And trace on the " deathless page" the thoughts That glow in his heart like fire ; 'Tis then the muse best loves to try His skill in words that never die. * H- lll • I « : MY SISTER. She was a bright and happy girl The playmate of my youth, Her heart was tender, full of love, Sincerity and truth. Together through the fields we rov'd, At morn and eventide ; We lov'd to cull the flowers so fair, And sought them far and wide. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 77 We long'd to row a little boat Upon the river wide, And our indulgent parents left No wish ungratified. They gave the boat, we learn'd to row Upon the water clear, And every day the summer sun Found us two sisters there. Alas ! alas ! how shall I tell My sorrow so profound ? One morn — the boat capsized, and oh ! My sister dear was drown'd ! Her body was recovered, And her long golden hair Hung dripping o'er her shoulders smooth, Which like to marble were. Her brow was white as winter snow Unmark'd by time or care, And mortal eyes I think ne'er gaz'd Upon a face more fair. 78 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Her small whitehands were tightly clasp'd, Her once bright eye was clos'd, As motionless she lay, she look'd As though she but repos'd. Then deep down in the cold, damp ground, My sister dear was laid. And many friends stood weeping round. The grave of that fair maid. That boat I've never enter'd since, But as the sun goes down, I kneel upon my sister's grave, And in distress I moan. When Summer comes with all her flowers, There do I chaplets weave, And in the floral language tell My deep undying grief. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 79 THE BUTTERFLY. Butterfly of colours bright, Flaunting in the sun's warm ray, Emblem true of man thou art, Butterfly how short thy day ! Frail man's day is also short, " Swifter than a dart it flies." Man, who thinks himself so great, Man, who thinks himself so wise ! Man's as foolish quite as thou, He deck'd out in colours gay, Is like thee oh vainest fly ; Proud those colours to display. As thou hoverest round the blooms Drinking in their sweet perfumes, Sipping to thy heart's content, Honey for thy nourishment. 80 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS I think upon another trait, Which man often doth display, He in this vain world of ours, Hovers round the beauteous flowers. As he gaily flits around. He thinks true happiness is found, But — alas it should be so ! His happiness soon turns to woe ! Thou wert but a crawling worm, Till thy wings were given to thee, Then, thou scarcely movedst, but now, Thou canst flit from flower to tree. Thus changed, thou art a true type Of what man one day shall be, When he discards this " mortal coil," And puts on Immortality. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 8 1 DREAMLAND Hast thou been to Dreamland 1 Ah, 'tis a serene land ! Flowers and fruits grow there ; Their perfumes load the air. Thou canst walk in the shade Through many a forest glade. Thou canst walk on the banks of many a river Whose waters flow onward for ever and ever. Thou canst climb green hills, and cull the flowers, And sit in amaranthine bowers. It is a very curious place, Seen not at all by mortal eyes, ; Tis only when the spirit leaves The body, and then upward flies, That it can view that place so fair, And contemplate the beauties there. Then back to the dull earth wing its flight, Quite charm'd with the tra-nscendant sight. G 82 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. One night I lay upon my bed, No boding thoughts disturbed my head, I was just sinking into slumber, When spirits bright of countless number, Did fill my room. One who appear'd to be their queen Stepp'd forward, and held back the screen. That round my couch was drawn, And waving her small jewel'd hand, Said, " Come with me unto Dream-land." I left my couch, she took my hand, And led me through the " white-wing'd " band, Then with one stroke of her magic wand, Transported us all unto Dream-land. Such a wondrous place I ne'er saw before ; Each marble house had a crystal floor ; There were diamond knobs on each golden door; There were gardens with flowers of every hue, And there were hills and valley's too. On the river that flow'd through that land was afloat A most magnificent pearly boat, MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 83 It was fill'd with happy mortals like I, Who the silver oars did merrily ply. For the student, there are books, High on shelves, and low in nooks. For the poet there's a lyre, With flashing strings of fire. For would-be monarchs there are crowns, All set about with precious stones, There too, there is no lack of thrones, And badges of honour for ambition's sons. The mariner on sea can sail, For warriors there are coats of mail, And gorgeous robes, in which array'd, Paupers are into nobles made. The champion throws his gauntlet down, For would be champion's he looks round, And seeing one appear in sight, The two are soon engag'd to fight, And he who proves victorious, Wins a prize most glorious. You may wander on, till you reach the bound Of that land, then you must stop ; If you take a false step, you lose your ground, And back to earth you drop. 84 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. TO A DEAF AND DUMB BOY. My boy, what meaning have those tears Which on thy pallid face I see 1 Ah ! thou canst neither speak thyself, Nor hear what others say to thee ! Well may hot tears of grief run down ! The lay is sung for thee in vain An awful silence reigns around, Thy heart is smitten down with pain. A thousand little thoughts thou hast, Which thou canst never, never speak ; A thousand questions thou would'st ask, But pen and paper are to seek. Ah ! what a blessing then is speech, And hearing too, when we reflect ; But be not sad my dearest boy, Nor weep because of thy defect. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 85 Thou hast thine eyes, thou canst behold The trees, and flowers, and shining sun ; Then lift those eyes unto the skies, And thank the Lord, the Almighty One. That He was pleas'd to give those orbs, And bless thee with a perfect sight, That thou canst look around, nor live In a perpetual moonless night. But when in Heaven thou tak'st thy place, I know thy tongue shall loosen'd be. Thine ears shall hear the heavenly sounds, As now on earth thine eyes can see. 86 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. SONG. The pulse has ceas'd, the eye is clos'd, His voice no more I hear ! But still methinks I hear that voice, Whisp'ring into my ear — " Weep not for me thou faithful one, I am not dead but sleeping here." But how can I forbear to weep, When that stark form I see 'Twere sinful though to grieve so, what May he this moment be ? "A spotless saint in Heaven so high." Methinks I hear his voice reply. When I think upon the happy hours We spent beneath yon tree, When time flew by on " angel wings, " And we from care were free, My heart is full, I heave a sigh, A tear-drop glistens in my eye. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 87 But — glorious thought ! at the last day, The grave shall yield its dead, And the. soul be to the body join'd, From which it once had fled. Ah ! shall we meet when all is o'er, Upon that bright celestial shore ? I'll plant sweet flow'rets on his grave, And water them with tears, I'll linger there at eventide, Till the first star appears, Then when the "crescent moon" rides high, I'll leave his grave without a sigh. For it is better that he's gone, Though in life's morning ta'en, He's now at rest from earthly toil, From sorrow and from pain, And so I'll journey on in hope, Of meeting him again. 88 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. MY CAT. My cat she is dead ! oh ! as cold as ice, And laid quite stiff on the nursery floor ! How quickly she used to run after the mice, Or pop through the hole in the great stable-door ! My cat was fed night and morning with milk, Which I am quite sure she thought very good, She'd tap my hand with her paw soft as silk, As much as to say — "Please give me somefood." She'd pull at my gown when she wanted a run, As much as to say — " Why do you sit still ? Come put on your hat and let us be gone, And have a race to the top of the hill." On a long winter's evening she'd purr at my feet, Or lick my hands with her tongue rough and red, She remember'd the time when Sam brought the milk, For she knew that shortly she would be fed. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 89 My cat she is dead ! oh ! as cold as ice, And laid quite stiff on the nursery floor ! But though I lament her as long as I live, My dear pet will never come back to me more. * l-llhi THERE'S A RAP AT THE DOOR There's a rap at the door! how cheerful it sounds ! My friends are all here, my heart how it bounds To see the dear friends I in childhood lov'd , With whom through fields and gardens I've rov'd. There's a rap at the door! tis my play-mates dear, They have come to spend a few weeks with us here. How joyful are we when they're coming to stay ! But, how sad the parting when they go away ! 9<3 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. There's a rap at the door ! I hear it again ; 'Tis the cab to take my dear friends to the train, They return in the far Northern country to dwell, And with tearful eyes they bid me farewell, There's a rap at the door of the heart within ! Awakening it to a sense of it's sin ; At first He raps gently, and then He raps loud, And oft he raps hard at the heart of the proud. There's a rap at the door 'tis Death that I hear He's come for the patient one suffering here ; To bear him away from our arms he has come, To bear him away to a far better home. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 91 TH E P OET. Poet, what first awak'd the fire That glows thy breast within ? That impulse bade thee strike the lyre, And wield the magic pen ? " Affliction's cruel hand on me, Was long and sorely laid, Comfort and joy away did flee, And all things else did fade. " For happiness I look'd all round, But her I could not see, True happiness would not be found, At that sad time by me. " I then my pen and paper took, And did essay to write The lessons found in nature's book, And discontent took flight. 92 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS " I love to sit within my room, And trace upon the page Thoughts, which when I am dead and gone, May live from age to age. " Though poverty her mantle cast Around this form of mine, I can be safe from sorrow's blast, With joy my face can shine. " While tracing out the dreams so wild, Which float around my brain, Of gloomy care I am beguil'd, My heart's at ease again. " My cot may very humble be, Nor pictures gay adorn Its walls ; but I can dream all night, Until awa.kes the morn. " Of homes where poverty comes not, But all is bright and fair ; Or wander to some distant spot, And find enjoyment there. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 93 " No, not again shall discontent Come to this cot of mine ; He's sentenced to banishment, My home with peace shall shine. " Far happier am I, than when My life was in the morn ; For higher, nobler, thoughts, within My bosom now are born. " Above the vain world's din and roar, Above the mountains tall, My soul on eagle's wings can soar, Nought holdeth it in thrall." ^-'">— <°— =c- HAPPINESS. Say in what far distant place Dwells the oft-sought happiness ! I've travell'd all the globe around, But ne'er her dwelling-place have found, Q4 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. When I a curly-headed child Alone rov'd through die woods, so wild, I thought, " If I a playmate had, My heart would be content and glad." Soon I did a companion find, And one just suited to my mind, From mutual envy we were sure, For we alike were very poor. I saw ride past our house each day A little girl dress'd out so gay, And by her side a lady fair, Who seemed of her to take great care, My heart was sad ; I thought — " If I Could in a carriage gay ride by, And if I had a mother dear, Just like that lady sitting there, And such a little sister too, I think I never sad should grow. I never knew a mother's care, I ne'er a father's smile did share, I am a little orphan child, They shake their heads and call me wild, And say I never shall be tam'd, MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 95 But 'tis not I who should be blam'd, I have no home where I can be All day, and cheerful faces see ; At morn my Aunt sends me away, For she goes out to work all day, Nor until night her face I see, And then there is no smile for me. I have to beg my bread each day, And in the woods and lanes to play, Or when doth blow the winter wind, Some shelter'd corner try to find." The carriage passed by each day, And all the Summer roll'd away. I often saw that lady's eye Rest on me as she passed by ; And once she kindly on me smil'd, This cheer'd my heart so lone and wild. When Winter came with frost and snow, No fire within our house did glow All day ; but I was driven out, For shelter I must look about. One day the lady as she pass'd, Her carriage stopp'd, my name she ask'd, $6 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS And who my parents were, but I Wept as I render'd the reply, That they were dead long, long ago, And how that in the frost and snow I had to rove through lane and wood, And keep me warm as best I could. She said " poor child ! if you will come With me, I'll take you to my home ; My daughter shall your sister be, A mother you shall find in me. " Into the carriage then I stepp'd, And the kind-hearted lady wept, As on the carriage swiftly roll'd, I all my trifling troubles told ; The lady strok'd my curly head, And looking at me kindly said — "You've had some sad experience dear, But wipe from off your face each tear, You will no more such troubles know Within the home to which we go." The lady made me as her child, And tam'd the roving maiden wild, Within her " bright and tranquil home " MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 97 Did grief or sorrow never come ; I had all that my heart desir'd, While she caress'd me and admir'd : Her daughter too was fond of me, And hand in hand together we At morn walk'd through ihe gardens wide, And cull'd the flowers on every side. But child-hood hurried quickly o'er And childish ways I knew no more, I long'd to quit that spot so fair, And breathe the pure Italian air. My wish was quickly gratified ; With those two friends close at my side, I left this good old land of ours, For Italy's bright fruits and flowers, But still did baleful Discontent Follow me whereso'er I went. I long'd to visit other lands, And tread on song-renowned sands, But still, my spirit ne'er at ease, Soon wearied of such things as these, For Happiness I could not trace, Although I'd travell'd from place to place. H 98 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I back again to England came, Thirsting and panting for a name, I took my pen, the burning flame Within my bosom, gain'd me fame, ; Twas then that my heart was more eas'd, My longing had a little ceas'd, But happiness I could not gain, To search for her I find is vain, This world of ours I see is void Of happiness pure — unalloy'd ■ •~?=— "J- MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 121 THE LITTLE WANDERING MINSTREL. " I am a poor little street singer, No brother or sister have I, No father to love and caress me, No mother my tears to dry. " No kind friend to feed me when hungry, No comrade or playmate so dear, No home to retire to at evening, When the long, dark night draweth near. '' No soft downy couch to recline on, But out in the cold I must lie, With only a stone for my pillow, My canopy the angry sky. " I've wander'd far from my own country, I do not know where I must go, This cold winter's evening for shelter ; The ground is all cover'd with snow. 122 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. " If I sit down to rest a few moments, On the steps before some one's door, Policemen will bid me " move onward ; " They sympathize not with the poor. " Kind ladies, I pray you befriend me, Turn me not unreliev'd from your door ; Be kind to the little street singer, Christ bids you remember the poor." THE RAINBOW. Oh beautiful rainbow ! as wanders mine eye To the thickly beclouded and leaden-hued sky, And beholdeth thee as thou dost gracefully bend, Like an arch whereby we unto heaven might ascend, My soul is enraptur'd, for, rainbow, in thee As token of God's loving-kindness I see. For oh, never more shall the waters come down In such super-abundance, creation to drown ! MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 23 A pattern I note, as I gaze upon thee, Of what a true christian always should be. Dear bow, how thy colours most beautiful blend, So the christian's life, from begining to end, Composed should be of actions most kind, The fruit of a noble and virtuous mind. Each deed and each word blend as beautifully As the purple, the red, green, and orange, in thee When e'er thou bedeckest the heaven above, Fair pledge of Jehovah's unchangeable love ! — • — >=-°°!><5> o — =^~~' — — THE EXILE. " Father why is your brow so sad ? Why are your eyes be-dimm'd with tears ? A brighter warmer day than this, I think I have not seen this year. " The sun shines brilliantly ; I find In every bush and tree a voice ; All Nature seems with one accord, To call upon me to rejoice." 124 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS " 'Tis these which make me sad my boy, My grief thou understandest not, No real joy have I known since I left yon ivy-mantled cot. " Bright flow'rs within my garden bloom'd, The woodbine flourish'd round my door, And ever on my hearth was found Contentment, though my fare was poor. " The waving fields of golden corn, The grassy meadows fresh and green, And hills bedeck'd with virgin flowers, Were from my cottage window seen. " The brook flow'd on with purling sound, Which felt each little grief to soothe, I lov'd to listen to its song As it roll'd o'er the pebbles smooth. " But lost to me those beauties all ! To think upon them makes me sad, But mem'ry loves to linger round The scenes 'mid which I once was glad. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 125 " The fledgling taken from the nest And carried to a foreign land, Though of its native freedom robb'd, The change can never understand. " So thou canst never understand The nature of my sadness, boy ; Thou reared in a foreign land Know'st naught but happiness and joy. " I wish I were as glad as thee, I wish my heart was light as thine, Tears should no longer dim mine eyes, But they with joy should brightly shine." 126 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. THE BLIND MAN'S SOLILOQUY. My Jasper, art thou really dead ? They say thou art, my faithful brute ; But speak and tell me 'tis not so, Speak Jasper, why art thou so mute ? How cold and rigid are thy limbs ! Ah ! now I know thy life has fled. No more thou'lt lead me forth at morn, No more at night wilt guard my bed. My pleasures with thy life have gone, For no companion true have I, None to lead me along the road, And none to tell me when danger's nigh. My scanty pittance thou didst share, And with thy lot wert well content, Whilst thou wert near, I felt at ease, A pleasure to my life was lent. Oh could my darken'd eye-balls gaze But for one moment upon thee, And see the kind brown eyes which oft. Have gazed pityingly on me. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 127 I could consign thee to the earth, With one less pang of real grief, And patiently await the time, When death shall bring me kind relief. Bat now my life is dull and void, Tis overhung with clouds and gloom ; Blest be the day that brings me rest, And lays me in the silent tomb ! THE TWILIGHT HOUR Oh happy hour when sets the sun And the day's labour all is done ! Oh peaceful hour ! when daylight dies From off the "blue ethereal skies," How oft will mem'ry fondly rove Through field and garden, wood and grove, 128 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS O'er grassy heights, by water founts, Dear unto us as childhood's haunts ! How oft will pencil out before Our eyes, the scenes we know no more ! The shady lane, the lov'd retreat, Where we in bygone days did meet The friends who now have pass'd away, Whose ashes mingle with the clay. I love this hour, it is the best Of all the day, it brings me rest From worldly care and busy toil, Which doth the mind disturb and soil. I can look back upon the time When I was in my youthful prime, Each lovely scene, each peaceful shade Before my mind's eye is portray'd. I see the faces which I saw In those sweet days long, long ago ; I hear the voices which once made Music in every hallow'd shade. I join once more the merry throng, To which long since I did belong. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I2Q Or, T can gather round my knee Children with hearts so full of glee, And listen to. their artless tale, Until steps forth the moon so pale, And one by one the bright stars peep, Like sentinels their guard to keep. Welcome sweet hour of peaceful rest ! When " cankering cares" fill not the breast, When holy thoughts within us burn, And to our Maker we can turn, To thank for His protection lent, All through the day so lately spent. e^^m *«§ &5 THE SEA. Thou turbulent ocean never at rest ! What treasures hast thou lock'd safe in thy chest ? " I have in my caskets, gems brilliant and rare Which once ornamented the wealthy and fair. K 130 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. They now belong in all right unto me, Man's eye ne'er again their lustre shall see." But tell me, were are they, — the wealthy and fair, Who in days long ago those jewels did wear ? " Gone gone are they all, and their pomp and their pride Did vanish like smoke as they sank in my tide." Thou unrestrain'd ocean, so wild, and so green, Pray give an account of what thou hast seen. " Fierce battles between man and man have been Fought upon my breast, and mine eye hath seen The warrior lie dead, who in transport did cry E'er his breath cease'd " The battle is won ! I can die." " I have seen the gay vessel float my surface o'er, Nor reck what disasters for her were in store. I have seen in despair clinging close to the mast Of the ill-fated vessel, with faces aghast, The men who left home with hearts light and gay, And dream'd of a future in lands far away. But all their fond hopes and desires are crush'd, The loud voice of mirth in an instant is hush'd, Ah ! man and his works vanish quickly away ! I only am changeless, and free from decay." MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 131 Ocean, how sad the account thou dost give ! Do no noble acts in thy memory live ? " O yes I have seen many brave acts perform'd, When the sky frown'd darkly, and fierce was the storm. I have heard many blessings invok'd on [the head, Of some parent, by those who must shortly lie dead. I have heard many a prayer, that from I loly lips rose, The prayer for forgiveness to pitiless foes. I have seen the unearthly smile that hath dwelt, On many a face as in prayer they knelt." Then ocean so restless, so wild, and so green, The most beautiful sight under Heaven thou'st seen ! 132 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. THE CHANGE It was a damp, and darksome room, With only one deal chair In form of furniture, and foul And loathsome was the air. The fire-grate was red with rust, No fuel had it seen Since first the room was occupied By poor Nathaniel Green. His was a truly christian heart, Though in a humble guise, Though mock'd and ridicul'd by some, And generally dispis'd. He lay so sick upon his bed, And was about to die, But all through his long suffering, No neighbour came him nigh. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 33 Save one, a willing little girl, A grand-child whom he lov'd, Who unto him while he surviv'd, A nurse most tender proved. Yet this poor man afflicted thus, Was ne'er heard to repine, But on his worn, wan face, a smile Was ever seen to shine. He bore his' sufl'ring patiently, His Maker still he bless'd, And pray'd and waited a long time, For calm death's welcome rest. At last he came — the messenger — 'Twas on a Sabbath day ; And so, in peace the spirit of Nathaniel pass'd away. His spirit from the low damp room, Rose o'er the jostling crowds, Above Church-tower and pinnacle, Above the curling clouds. 134 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. And thus, amid the welcome chime Of many Sabbath bells, He enter'd into Heaven, where One anthem ever swells. His dirty, thread-bare beggar's garb, Straightway from off him falls ; The Father for the golden ring, And choicest raiment calls. " Place on his head a diadem, A harp within his hand ; He hath a faithful servant been, Before me he shall stand." Oh ! what a glorious change is this ! The beggar's tatter'd dress, To discard for a golden crown, And robes of righteousness. Thou, who when on the earth, was spurn'd, Art high exalted now ; Bright angels minister to thee ; Before thy face they bow. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I 35 Thou, who wert mock'd and ridicul'd, Art now for ever bless'd ; Thy weary pilgrimage is o'er, With Jesus thou shalt rest. Thou shalt no more of sorrow feel, Nor thirst nor hunger know ; God shall feed thee in pastures fair, By streams that gently flow. -^=-o<5> — <5>o-=i-, TO A BLIND GIRL, 'Tis gone ! 'tis gone ! for ever gone ! That precious sight of thine ; No more those once resplendent orbs With happiness shall shine ! The world is dark nor dawns the day, Nor shines the sun for thee ; The bright blue heavens spread out so wide, No more thine eyes shall see. I36 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. In vain for thee bloom fairest flowers, Thou canst not see their hue ; But thou'rt resign'd, for thou hast said To earthly joys " Adieu" ! 'Tis well for thee, afflicted one, That so thy mind is cast On things which never fade away, Nor fear the tempest's blast. Earth's brightest flowers will droop and fall, When wintry storms assail ; But, heavenly joys, such as thou know'st, Shall never, never fail. The sky may be o'ercast with clouds, The sun obscured be, But th' Sun of Righteousness, hides not His glorious face from thee. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 37 LINES ON A VISIT TO BOLTON ABBEY. Majestic pile ! thou partly ruin'd liest, But still how grand thou appearest in mine eyes, Thou wak'st again the thoughts of " Auld Lang Syne," And they whose footsteps mark'd those courts of thine, When knelt the monk in pray'rful attitude ; Where now the feet of curious folk intrude. Where now in rev'rend awe I wond'ring stand, The humble bard amid a little band. Hail! ancient walls ; though ye are crumbling fast 'Neath Times rude hand and "Winter's stormy blast, Yet, in your faultless robe of Ivy dress'd, Ye rouse, to life the thoughts which were at rest. Of holy rites perform'd in days of yore, Manners and customs which arc now no more ; 138 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Ye stand a sad memorial of the day When Wharfe's strong tide engulph'd young Romille. Hail ! arches from the columns vast which spring, The fowls of Heaven delight to sit and sing Above the spot whe e saintly feet have trod — Devoted worshippers of Abraham's God ! I too delight to linger there and gaze On thee, secure from old Sol's scorching blaze, Beneath one of those venerable trees, Whose waving branches hail the welcome breeze, And rock to sleep the young birds cradled there ; Frail offspring of the " citizens of air" ! One little thought doth steal into my head, As here I stand 'mong the unconscious dead ; How frail a thing at best is puny man ! The psalmist saith his life is but a span ; So tis ; but lo ! his handiwork doth last From age to age, defying Time's rough blast, Tossing its head, and laughing loud at all That maketh its weak builder shrink and fall. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I 39 BOLTON WOODS Of all the places where I've been, Of all the sights that I have seen, No scene hath better pleas'd mine eyes, Than which now before me lies. Fair Bolton Woods of sounding fame, The poet's admiration claim. How sweet to linger here all day, And dream the sunny hours away, While birds are carolling o'er head, In trees whose branches wide outspread, Have shelter'd oft in olden time, Scions of Clifford's noble line. While Wharfe just like a silver band, Along the valley doth expand. How sweet to linger in the shade, And call the muses to our aid, To conjure up the visions bright, In which our souls take great delight ; To see round us unearthly things, 140 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS And feel the flutter of airy wings. Here springing from the meadow green, The ancient Priory is seen, In ruins, save one little part, A chapel in the building's heart, Where like a happy family, Together meet each Sabbath day. Young folk and old from far and near, To offer up their praise and pray'r. We find a little further on The fifty-seven stepping stones ; And those who wish to cross the stream, May, easily, by means of them. Along the valley if we wend, We soon can reach the fatal Strid, Where Wharfe in narrow space confin'd, Is almost 'tween the grey rocks hid. And here it was at early morn, The noble " boy of Egremont." Had come with hawk and bound to leap From rock to rock, as was his wont. He leapt in all his boyish glee. Thinking to reach the other side, But the hound remained behind, and back MISCELLANEOUS POEMS- I41 Fell Romille into the tide Which flows the jagged rocks between, * ■::- * x % Then all along the river side, We keep the path, now strait, now wide, Till peeping through the thickets we descry The ruin'd Tower of Barden rising high, Where in retirement dwelt the " Shepherd Lord," Who study chose in pref rence to the sword Here in delicious solitude, Where worthless idlers ne'er intrude, In peace he spent his latter days, Secure from Fashion's dazzling blaze. He cared not for gaiety ; No sounds of midnight revelry E'er issu'd from those ancient halls, While he dwelt there. Within those walls, With lamp upon the table plac'd, And book before his anxious face, Of learning's fountain drank he deep, While all his household were asleep. But Death the foe we all must own, 142 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. With sharpen'd weapon struck him down. His body 'neath the ground was laid : His learning with his spirit fled. FRIENDSHIP How sweet it is to have a friend, To help us on through life's rough way ; A friend whom we can trust, and who Will ne'er our confidence betray. A friend, who with our stricken heart, Can sympathize in sorrow deep ; And oh ! how sweet it is upon The bosom of a friend to weep ! MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. x 43 How sweet to open sorrow's fount, The closed spring of grief unseal ; What a relief it is to know There's one who can our sorrows feel. And then again : when joy doth come, Who'd wish to lock it in the breast, Secure from every mortal eye, And let it there for ever rest ? No ; search the world, and you will find That few adopt so strange a plan ; As steel the magnet doth attract, So turns the heart of man to man. Our joys and griefs alike are best When we have one who helps to bear ; Oh ! then how sweet to have a friend, Who all our joys and griefs can share 1 ^N>> C^ ?XP ^Oy 144 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS The following verses were composed by the Author at the request of Mrs. Judd, widow of the late Rev. Richard Judd, of Halifax— an Elegy on whose death will be found at the end of this volume. The circumstances of the case are these : a little girl, three years of age, who was in my Sunday class, was in the habit of putting a half-penny into the Missionary Box every Sunday afternoon. After a time she was attacked by a fever, which proved fatal. During her illness the Rev. R. Judd visited her, and received from her a half-penny which she desired him to put into the Missionary Box for her on the following Sabbath, as she had been unable to attend on the previous one. Shortly after the reverend gentleman's death, the coin was found wrapped in paper, in the pocket of his coat. Mrs. Judd had it framed and the first three verses written on the margin. A short time ago, at her desire, it was hung over the mantel-piece, in Infants' Class- room, where it will remain, as a memento of his love towards the class of children who assemble there. LINES. " Dear Sir, I've not forgotten What I heard my teacher say- About the poor black people, Who live so far away ; MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 145 I've only got this half-penny, But I will give it you ; Please put it in the Box, Sir, When to the School you go." Thus spake an Infant Scholar Who lay on her death-bed ; And shortly to its Maker The youthful spirit fled, My husband took the half-penny, To do as she had said : I found it in the pocket Of his coat when he was dead ! THE SUNDAYSCHOOL Sweet School of the Sabbath ! I welcome the day When here we assemble to praise and to pray, And list while our Teacher in simplest words, Unfoldeth the Will of our Master and Lord. 146 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Sweet school of the Sabbath ! how good to be here ! To feel that our Father in mercy is near, To know he accepteth the homage we bring, And heareth our voice when His praises we sing. How happy we feel, as like soldiers we stand, All marshall'd in order- -our Lord's chosen band ! Our Captain is Jesus, who reigneth on high ; For Him we have liv'd, and with Him we will die. What sorrow and sadness it brought unto me, When I was compell'd to be absent from thee ! But, though my poor body, its place could not fill, My heart wander'd forth to my Sunday School still. Oh ! God of my Fathers ! look down from above ; Bless those who, in kindness and christian love, Brave toil and fatigue — never seeking reward — To feed hungry souls with the Bread of Thy Word. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 47 Oh Father ! Thy children behold from the sky ; Prepare for each one a fair mansion on high ; Superintendent and pastor endue with Thy grace, And, near to Thy throne, Lord, reserve them a place. -^C#3^- WOODS IN SUMMER Oh woods so fair and lovely, How sweet to wander here ! The vain world's roll and rattle Intrudes not on my ear. A holy calm is breathing, On me and all around ; I oft have sought for quietness, And now — oh joy ! 'tis found. 148 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Trees in majestic grandeur, Their branches wave on high, With bows, and smiles, and kisses, They greet the Summer sky. 'Tis here in all their beauty, That brightest flowers blow ; Their gorgeous mantles shining In Summer's richest glow. Here, like a pure, chaste virgin, The snowy rose is found, Embrac'd by honey-suckle, Whose fragrance floats around. The white and yellow daisy, Contented with its lot, Doth bloom in health and beauty, In this sequester'd spot. How lovely every feature, Oh Summer woods so fair ! The hum of busy insects That lightly skim the air. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 149 The rich green velvet carpet, That sinks beneath the tread ; The voices of the songsters, That carol over head. The brook, that pure as crystal, In peace doth glide along, Leaps gaily o'er the pebbles, And tunes its murm'ring song. Oh ! here I fain would linger From dawn of day 'till eve ; These shades afford me pleasures The outer world can't give ! 150 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. THE HOME OF MY CHILD-HOOD. The home of my child-hood, it is a bright spot, By me will its beauties be never forgot ; It stands in a garden so pleasant and fair ; The choicest of flowers are blossoming there. Sweet home of my youth ! How unhappy the day When first I left thee for a land far away, Tears roll'd to my eyes, as I took a last view Of my home, 'ere I bade it a long, long adieu. My heart was distress'd with the bitterest pain, When I thought I might ne'er see my lov'd home again ; But, thanks be to Him who doth our destiny guide, I have trodden in safety the ocean's rough tide. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 151 How lovely the aspect my old home doth wear, As it reareth its head in the warm summer air | The oak-crowned woodlands, o'er which I may roam, All smilingly welcome me back to my home. The flowers bloom brightly, the meadows are green, A carpet they are, rich enough for a queen ; The birds are rejoicing ; the bees hum a tune Which only they hum in the bright month of June. The Rose-tree I planted, is heavy with blooms, Which shed on the air their delicious perfumes, Outside all is lovely, and joyous, and fair, But inside, is all joy and happiness there ? Ah no ! Though a smile on each face may appear, 'Tis not one a light-hearted person would wear, The sable-hued garments, the cheeks thin and pale, At first sight, inform me that all is not well. I52 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. The arm-chair remains by the side of the fire Where once sat my aged and silver-hair'd sire ; But now it is vacant ; the secret I read — He's gone, and my relatives mourn him as dead. Last year, when I left them, though each one did weep, Hope shone like a star through the shadows so deep ; We reck'd not that 'ere my long voyage was done, The head of our household from earth would be gone. Yet sweet is my home, though afflictions rude blast Hath there left a scar. With my kindred at last, In peace I can dwell ; ne'er again will I roam, But comfort those dear ones who weep in my home. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 53 VOICES AND IMAGES It is not when the golden sun In splendour sheds his brilliant rays, That in my bosom are awak'd, The mem'ries of those happy days ; 'Tis not when noontide's sultry heat, On all surrounding things doth lie ; Beneath whose fierce and scorching breath, The fairest blossoms droop and die. But 'tis when daylight fadeth out, And shadows he along the lea, That voices whisper in my ear, And those beloved forms I see. 'Mid the green foliage of each tree, I see those little children bright, Whose merry sports, and childish glee, Once fill'd my bosom with delight. 154 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. No matter where my footsteps tend — On mountain side or wooded dell, They still are there — those Images Of children I once lov'd so well. When shine the stars in heaven's blue vault, And I in admiration gaze Upon them from the lowly earth, There I behold each youthful face. In every breeze that fans the earth, And stirs the branches of each tree, I hear the voices of those babes, Whisp'ring sweet words of love to me. In vain I call them to my side, They give no heed unto my voice. If I could kiss their cheeks once more, How would my longing heart rejoice ! But they will ne'er obey my call, And oft as I advance they flee. Why should I wish it could be so ? No earthly joy remains for me. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I 55 Those happy hours are past and gone, When in the meadows green and fair, With those two children by my side. In rosy morn's delicious air. I pluck'd the yellow buttercups, Because I knew it pleas' d them well, Yes, past that time ; those bonny babes No longer with their mother dwell ! Their home's above yon azure height. I know it is in love they come Each eve, to cheer my lonely heart, And try to coax my spirit home. 156 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS THE RAISING OF LAZARUS. Our Saviour went to Bethany — A place where did reside Two sisters, who did weep for one Who recently had died. When Mary did behold His face, In broken voice she cried : — c; Oh Lord, if Thou hadst but been here, My brother had not died ! " But Jesus, with a loving glance, Did stay the falling tear, And she was happy once again, For her dear Lord was near. He follow'd them unto the grave. Where Lazarus long had lain, And exercised His mighty power, To break the iron chain. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I 57 " Come forth !" Hecried : His mighty voice, Did rend the cave's deep gloom, And Lazarus the lov'd one, stepp'd In vigour from the tomb. Then Martha and her sister too, With gentle loving hands, Did all assistance give at once, To loose the linen bands, How happy he once more to live, Who in the silent tomb, In death's deep sleep four days had lain, Enwrapp'd in deepest gloom. And happy were his sisters too, Once more to see his face, And tears of joy and gratitude, Each other fondly trace. We all shall 'wake from death's long sleep When sounds the Archangel's blast And to the friends we once have lov'd Be join'd again at last. <5^o4^%-~ 158 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. UNRECIPROCATED LOVE. Droop oh mine eyes, let his not read The secret ye possess ; For unto me may never come, Such perfect happiness ! When he is walking by my side, How happy am I then ! But when we part, clouds hide my sun, Until we meet again. Whene'er his hand doth grasp my own- Whene'er I hear him speak — That pressure, and those manly tones, Bring blushes to my cheek. My earth is Heaven when he's near Bird, flower, tree and sky And everything both small and great Seem fairer when he's by. But cease thy beating oh my heart ! For he must never know The love that aye within thee doth Like living fire glow. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. I 59 STANZAS ON THE REMOVAL OF A FRIEND TO ANOTHER TOWN Respected friend ! we bid adieu To thee, but oh ! what tongue can tell The grief that doth our bosoms rend, As we pronounce the word "Farewell !" Farewell ! its ling'ring echoes touch A tender chord within the heart, And tear-drops glisten in our eyes, As thou preparest to depart. Farewell ! go forward from us now, In manhood's bright and smiling morn ; Go forth, some other place to fill — Some other circle to adorn. Farewell ! upon thy mission go, And prosper in Jehovah's power, He'll guide thy wand'ring steps aright, And guard thee when the storm clouds lour. l6o MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Farewell to thee, dear friend ! We may No more on earth thy features see, But kindly feelings we retain, And our best wishes go with thee. Farewell ! Farewell ! — but not for aye — We part, yet hope to meet again In that fair land beyond the sky, Where are no tears, no grief, nor pain. Farewell on earth ; but we in Heav'n Shall surely re-united be ; And if we first shall reach the shore, We'll tune our harps to welcome thee. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. l6l STANZAS Addressed to Mr, G. H. Lister on his partial recovery from a dangerous illness. Dear youth ! with sorrow at my heart, I view thy wasted form ; Tis like the wreck of some brave ship That's battled with a storm. Thy brow was once like marble smooth, Unmark'd by time or care ; But dire Disease, man's enemy, Hath left his impress there. Thine eye which from that noble arch Shone forth resplendently, Through sufi'ring hath its lustre lost ; Which makes me sad to see. M l62 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. The rose has vanish'd from thy cheek, Gone at the stern command Of fell Disease, who laid thee low With his destroying hand. Thy voice which once made music sweet, Hath lost its buoyant tone ; Thy gait is slow and faltering — Thy life had well nigh gone ! But, He who doth the ravens feed And hears their feeble cry, Did send His angel thee to guard, And bade thee not to die. Trust Him ! He can'those charms restore Which once thy form did grace ; 'Twas but to prove thy faith in Him That He did hide His face. Then consecrate thy self anew And a thank-offring give To Him who whisper'd in thine ear: — My son, arise and live ! " MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 63 STANZAS Addressed to Miss Whitehead on the death of her beloved Mother, who departed this life, September 22nd, 1873. Fair maiden mourn her not as dead, She hath but gone before, To those bright realms beyond the sky, Where sorrow is no more. Where Christ our Lord in glory reigns ; Where saints for ever dwell ; And ne'er is heard the doleful sound Of the sad passing bell. Where tears no longer dim the eye, Nor sighs the bosom swell ; Nor e'er with anguish is pronoune'd, The parting word — " Farewell ! " Look upward from this " vale of woe, " For when this life is o'er, A sweet re -union shall take place On that celestial shore. 164 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. The following Elegy on the death of the late lamented Vicar of St. Marj's Church, was first pub- lished on the day of the reverend gentleman's interment, April 25th, 1873 — and one thousand four hundred copies were sold in a remarkably short time. ELEGY On the Death of the Rev. R. JUDD, B.A., Late Vicar of St. Mary's Church, Halifax. Gone, gone art thou, ah friend by me belov'd ! Thou from our midst by Death hast been remov'd ! He came, and with his " sickle keen " cut down From 'mong the tender buds, the flower full bloom, Bore it in triumph from before our eyes, To bloom more brightly in God's Paradise. In many hearts re-echo'd is the knell Toll'd solemnly for thee upon the bell ; But wherefore should our heads be bowed with woe? And why should we bid sorrow's tear to flow ? MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 65 Clos'd is thine eye ; suspended is thy breath, But far too harsh a name for this is death ; Thou sleep'st until the Resurrection morn, When with thee shall to new life be born. Yet, when in dust we lay thine ashes low, Will mem'ry cause the burning tears to flow. How oft will fancy's " magic pencil " trace In lonely hours, thy well remember'd face, Will shew to us the holy calm that dwelt Upon thy brow, as in God's House thou knelt ! And when the sun shines on the altar fair, Where thou wast wont to offer up thy pray'r, Like incense sweet — a free-will offering, To be received by Heaven's Almighty King — Though by another shall the words be said, And thy remains lie in their earthy bed, 'Twill be thy voice that through each heart doth thrill, Unfolding to us God's Most Holy Will, Urging the thoughtless to abandon sin, And Christian warfare from that hour begin. And oh ! may she who still survives to feel Thy loss as she beside thy bier doth kneel, In faith lift up to Heaven her streaming eyes, 1 66 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Rememb'ring that, one day, beyond the skies, Ye shall, when the probation time is o'er, Be re-united, and shall never more Know grief or sickness, but for ever dwell In that bright land, where sounds] no funeral knell. Oh may we learn to profit by the loss ! To choose the gold, and cast away the dross ! May Heaven our never-failing store-house be, Where, we may hope one day thy face to see ! Where the redeem'd in countless myriads stand Crowns on their brows, and palms in either hand. Ah ! tread we in the path thy feet have trod ; True to our Sovereign ; loyal to our God ! MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 1 67 AN EPICEDIUM, On the death of the la?nejited Five who lost their lives by fire, at Wellington Mills, Halifax, on Thursday, Decet?rf>er 4th, 1873, and were buried in one grave, in Stoney Royd Cemetery, on Thursday, December nth, 1873. Awake awake ! oh every slumb'ring bell, In muffl'd tones the story sad to tell ! Awake, awake, oh every human heart That e'er hath felt keen sorrow's deadly smart Oh gentle eyes that o'er a sister's bier Have dropp'd the holy sympathetic tear, Forget not, on this memorable day, A tribute to the youthful dead to pay ! Five maidens from our arms are rudely torn ; The golden hopes of youths enchanted morn, Which erst on dove-like pinion soared high, Now, by death's cruel arrow shatter'd lie ! A sad procession winds along the street, And woe is stamp'd on every face we meet. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS- I 68 Ah ! follow in that train, ye weeping friends, Which to the burial-ground in silence wends — Spread softly o'er those charred limbs the clay, And hide them 'till the resurrection day. But oh ! while thus ye droop in deepest woe — While thus with bitter tears your eyes o'erflow — Your friends, in robes of spotless white, may stand With joy-lit faces mid yon holy band, Tune their bright harps, and join the immortal song, While ages, all unnumber'd roll along — While pain and suffering are banish'd far, Nor scorching flame shall e'er their beauty mar ! dft'ntg. T AND W. BIET WHISTLE, PRINTERS, HALIFAX. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below 10m-ll, '50(2555)470 UNIVERSITY L ™C$&jmW L 06 877 514 7 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY " III AA 000 370 372 5 1