UC-NRLF ^B 573 177 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/centurydisobedieOOIambrich THE CENTURY, DISOBEDIENCE CURSED AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Together with a Brief Biography of the Author, JOHN LAMBIE, Oakland - - California. INDKX. Introductory— Preface— Remarks. pages Our Century 9*0 29 Our Nation's Flag _. 31 32 Disobedience Cursed: with Preface and Remarks 33 54 Montezuma Slough's Spotted Bob 55 56 Spotted, as Drunk 56 57 Spotted Bob as a Curio 5*^ 59 Solano's Simoon 60 62 George Washington 63 64 The Birds' Message 64 66 The I^incoln vStar 67 68 Robert Burns 68 69 California's Paradise 7° 72 May Rise from Rubbish 72 73 Discontentment Man's Normal Condition 74 76 Life's Ebbing Tide 77 78 Life and Hope 7S To My Sisters in Scotland 79 So A Widow's Tears Sr 82 Loved Ones are Waiting for Me 82 83 Ode to Friendship 83 84 Farewell to Dr. M. S. McMahan, Senior Warden F.& A. M. 85 86 Columbus 86 87 Mary in Heaven 88 89 A Poor Orphan's Funeral 89 The Sunbeams 9° Ode to the Spring 91 Good Templars' Saturday Night 92 Fred Warner's New Year 93 94 The Mirage of Life 95 Murphy's Gospel Temperance 96 My Ideal Angel 97 98 Is There No Balm for the Soul 98 99 Lovely Nell 100 Illustrious Spurgeon Deceased loi 102 Nellie I Spark'd on the Green 102 Why Should Not the Spirit of Mortals be Proud,.... 103 105 An Appeal to the Stillworm 105 107 Watching an Old Year out and New in 107 109 Tucson— San Augustine— Grand Fiesta 109 in Epistle to J. B 112 113 A Visit to Modern Eden 113 "6 or THE ^W/VER8/TY INTRODUCTORY. Thinking it not amiss, I here briefly, acquaint the reader with my life and circumstances, the better to enable him or them from their own point of reason what they might best ex- pect. I was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, on the twenty-fifth day of May, in 1829. My father died in February, 1832 ; and being a tradesman, left no means for my support ; only the industry of a good old mother, and what schooling I received, was previous to the latter part of my eighth year, being then put to work, and figuratively speak- ing, my nose has been on the grindstone ever since. I came to the United States in 1849 ; lived in Connecticut one year, and thence out west, and for forty-three j^ears have not seen a relative, chum, or living soul that lever knew in my boyhood ; and with feelings of grateful- ness, not for that but for this great and glorious country that adopted me, and those who have made it what it is, I thought t would like to say something in their praise, hence the Cen- tury ; and desirous to give Spotted Bob and Solano's Simoon a benefit, who, in m3^ absence. II INTRODUCTORY. robbed my family out of nine hundred and fifty dollars in cash and nine hundred more in prop- erty--statements that are God's truths — are the three circumstances thit prompted the exe- cution of this little work. Being- p^nnil ss bred a:id penniless born, I've s ruggled for life, junt holding my own, — Nothing to lose, independeiit's a lord. Ne'er cross the river till I'm at the ford, Nor bid deils good morning till they appear. Most of all troubles are borrovv'd from care, Multiplied freely from things are ahead, Or mishaps ne'er known to trouble my head ; Smiling on fate in th'e grasp of the knave, Help to the rescue wo aid come as w^e gave From what we had scattered, good and the bad. Mixing with others what comforts we had ; Ne'er envied the miser's illgotlen store, Itching with gold greed and scratching for more, Like vanity wrap'd in self and alone,— Real pleasures of Ufe they neither have kno\vn. Give me the chum who with kindness defends All of his fellows, but leans to his friends. Closely with help in their trouble or pain, With the spices of life harmonious reign. That's free from the fountain never runs lows Full flowing measure unto us bestow^ , Receiving and giving's joy of my pride. INTRODUCTORY. Ill Indulging and likewise love to be led, By kind words of cheer that often hath bless'd, When threat' nd with ruin sorely oppress'd, 'Mongst crosses and losses, cowards and knaves, Perfection was lost e'er that, there were graves, Waring and planing our neighbors to fleece. And will till millennium dawneth in peace, When harpers of heaven's melodious strains. Fill earth with their echoes welcome that brings Us facing our God, who sits on His throne, Forgiving and blessing, penitents come Receiveth the crown, adoreth the fair. In mercy, not justice, I hope to be there. The Author. PREFACE. 'Tis love that finds a calm repose, Within the bosom heaves, A glowing warmth that ripling flow\s, Life none but them receives, The oil of jo3^ as free bestows To needy silent breathes. The secret's borne wn'th tender care, No tongues can e'er express The troubled soul its soothings share, In patient tenderness. With charity doth long forbear, Imparts God's loveliness, To generous this pleasant charms, Affection never chill?. — Reveres the strong and weak from harm, Protects with cournge fills, The humane waits, the voice says come- 'Tis you the Master calls. Finds a genial, fond embrace, In ev'ry sphere and form. Hovels o'er in the palaces, — The cherish 'd smile of home, Infinite as its source we trace — The angels leadinp: on. Merit that's borne from ev'ry land. Beyond time's measur'd years. The pure who lends a helping hand. This living virtue bears, The light that lighteth all mankind, Our countrj' mutual shares. Ill REMARKS : Love is the germ of our government. 2. Prac- tical lessons. 3. The seeds sown and wonders derived. 4. Patriots' blood a purifier. 5. The magnanimty of man. 6. Peculiar ties that bind the free. 7. The absurdity- of one man usurp- ing power over another. 8-. Usurpers worth watching. 9. The rain drops blessed. 10. Prudence a safeguard. 11. Mother earth as a provider. 12. Eulogy- to the pioneers and phi- lanthropists of the Pacific, nd Carnegie of the Atlantic States, and lasth* the new star. or THE UNIVERSITY Qnv Centiu*i2. 'HE bless 'd and blessors hope relies, )Oii love for peaceful enterprise ; The silent guardian doth convey, In theory ne'er leads astray. Borne in the paths of happiness Which none but virtuous possess. The fearless courage braves life's storms. Bears the message of all reforms That elevate but ne'er destroys The genial ties of social joys. Unites these sympathies arouse, The impulse which our souls espouse. The promises mankind's* assured Analyzed from the light of God ; Within these homes supremely reigns, The secret which our course sustains. The mutual principles shall stand , Eternal as their truths defend. The inspiration breathed in sires, That liie unfurled the stripes and stars. A humane banner, world renowned. United stars that glories crowned With honors which reward the iust, lO OUR CENTURY. That's faithful to their inborn trust. From infancy who now appears The giant of one hundred j^ears, Who leads the vanguard of the free, Has reverence paid o'er ev'r}^ sea. Where'er the}^ float truths are instilled, Which by experience hath revealed, That merit in an honest cause. Will find reward from nature's laws. Love soothes the soul who hath respect For virtue, which finds like effect, In matter or in mental force — The general rule doth like produce; Imperfect walls built on a stream, To pressure gives, explains the theme, Whereby effect from cause destroys, That harmonj^ doth render joys. Flows from the fount — protects its own, With prudence in those pathways sown ; Imparting life that holds the sway, Those living thoughts which doth convey The equal balance holds mankind. Pure as the gold from dross refined. Triumphant leaves behind the curse. Long govern 'd earth by brutal force, Regardless of humane device. Within the grasp of avarice. Those victims of an easy prey, From usage bound by tyranny. Hard lessons taught beneath this rule, Who profits nought must be a fool : OUR CENTURY. II Or like an ass beneath their load, Men in the image of their God, Compulsive drove when can't be led. There generates the blush of shame, And leaves the man with but a name, — Protection craves from those who curse — Their natural rights receive like force, Till justice regulates their state. 'Neath 5'okes that bind, although a fit, Give manhood strength where weakness lies, And bring to light their wond'ring e3'es, Sees blessings spring from common sense, When brought to bear on men's defense. The antidote accepts with zeal. That cures the cause and strength 'ns the will, Developes reason, rule appears A joy, pregnates the atmosphere. Where they forsake their wretchedness. vSame application others bless In private, or collective, finds Results in love from prudent minds, — Controls the povv^'rs of moral force. As matter follows in the course. Consistent with these themes that bring » Rewards which unto virtue clings. From seeds been sown supports the free, Doth flourish as the green bay tree. The hand first caught the depth of sound, Along these shores Columbus found. That little germ doth circumvent The o;lorv of our continent : OUR CEJNTURY. Adorned with beauty, healthy, strong, This native plant moves right along. In harmony our strength derives The life by which our country thrives, Breath 'd breath i.i freemen with their birth, Conceived in Heaven to govern earth. The summit of men's hopes designed, Within our daily walks we fnd ; God's count 'nance smiles upon our clime, With show'rs of pleasures falls with time, Imparting joy within the cores. To us this Paradise restores, — Conformed the will to His command, Lawgivers blessed our fruitful land. Who drinks the freshening rippling rills, Nourish the vines each valley fills With sustenance in seasons rise, Those comforts virtuous satisfies ; Whose gratitude doth bow the knee To Him, the guardian of the free, Protects our weal within those homes. From industry b}' labor comes. Seen in the mountain's side unfold To brawny miners, wealth untold, Proceeds that's born with science greets The prtrdent which congratulates. Genius from slavish toil oppress 'd. United hath our country bless'd. With products of these bount'ous yields, Now covers seas with whiten 'd sails, Borne onward by that pow'r creates, OUR CENTURY. 1 3 B\' Steadfast faith man regulates ; With dignity and nianl}^ pride, Unfalt'ring leads where honors guide, In intercourse with ev'ry land In barter, sale, or what we lend, x\s heirs of sires who led the van. Exemplified the rights of man. From sire to son progression's wings, Conveys this source of joy that brings Contentment on our genial shores, The cherished boon that love adores ; Warmly rippling through the veins, Supports the cause our standard claims. No haughty lordling's vaunting pride, Of Adam's heirs shall e'er preside. Who measures right by force of arms, Poison of Eden's serpent charms. Leads on vainglorious, boasts of pow'r. Until the heavens their vengeance low'r. Destructive wars their hatred yield Carnage that strews the battle-field, With cause and cure that purifies Assaulter, and defiant lies Both mingling in one common cause, — X'ictims of passions, broken laws, By sacrifice found due reward. Obedience bought with patriots' blood, Mold'ring 'neath each little mound, — A mem'ry God of Battles crown'd With glory, wafts on ev'ry breeze. Fans the grateful bosoms, heaves 14 OUR CENTURY. A rev 'rent throb, reveres the dust. Oppression to oblivion cast, This cause whose sacred lives sustain 'd, With honors which this world's attain 'd ; The Strug 'ling victor}^ achieved, — The light has dawn'd, the bondsmen freed, Gazed on the smoke of battles rise. Revealed to men God's m^'steries, There conquered and conqueror stand, Embrace each other, hand in hand. Man's magnitude 'neath Heav'ns's light burn'd, The vanquish 'd hero's sword return 'd. B}^ noble acts what heart express 'd, The wounded foe the victor bless 'd. Unites their glory in one cause, To live and die by nature's laws, Burying deep the broad battle axe, To rise no more, Appotomax Witnessed this spirit, humanely flows, — The Goddess bless 'd 'neath war clouds rose, Unveiled these soul-inspiring scenes, For millions rose from 'neath their chains, Free as the God who gave them birth, As self-dependents on the earth. Emerged from darkness into light, Behold their freedom — sacred right, — Smiles on those bands whose teachings scorn. So long necessit}^ had worn. From jungles bound by light extends, Slavery's tutors proved their friends, Pruned well the wills obedience tau^'ht, OUR CENTURY. I 5 Plows free to all oft dearly bought Along the plane allotted man, In God's own fixed eternal plan. This loving Father holds the prize, For what is bless 'd, which lives or dies ; As truth itself from virtue springs, And hope to those fruition brings. Who bear these laurels justifies Rewards from schemes which men devise, Prompts the achievements of the brave, — Defends the homes their birthrights gave, — Examples since the world began, Has found response in hearts of man. Whose precepts fill the roll of fame's Bright lustre bear these cherished names, Of friends and foes whose deeds impart The impulse which forgiveness taught Peculiar ties that bind the free. Together act, though disagree ; E'en colored dames, with gratitude, Thank God each has the whitest blood. A theme protects, as well defends Uncouth, and also polish lends, To manly pride that dignifies, With self respect reliant rise Toward the bonds of brotherhood : As one unites for common good. In different spheres as each are led. Divines and wits are thoroughbred. Whose int 'rests by a special care, ] A genuine, mutual welfare share 1-6 OUR CRNTrRV. The panorama freemen fill, Obedient to their sovereign will. Mechanics and laborers subsist, Philosopher and philanthropist, Muscle and ingenious minds United blesseth paths, who finds The stores revealed from nature, flows To men, free as the wnnd that blows. Teach lessons springeth from these laws, Who reasons from effect to cause ; Applied in that congenial way, Produce results by which each weigh The contrasts who conclusions find , What's harmonious to their mind, — That moves mankind in what unveils The beauty God to them reveals, Within their own breast's happiness, In works which doth collective bless : My labor benefits 5'Our home. Your science digs from dephths that come, Those interests which uniteth man By magic's touch creations spun. That's borne b\^ universal love, This message of the spotless dove. From east to west on lightning's wings, From west to east the echo brings Joy from these homes have found release, Borne by these harbingers of peace. Where all men breathe same atmosphere — Same source of life all living share, Pregnates the winds with joys that's given. OUR CEXTURY. 1 7 Free on the earth as 'tis in Heaven. Who drink at those same sparkling springs, Inha'es same jo3'S their comfort brings ? Same rainbow 'round the earth entwines, Same faith unto the promise clings, Same beacon light still burns ahead, Successful vo3'agers courses guide O'er storms of life where break rs rise Are warnings unto them survnve. The dark ness of Pope governed homes, Whose priestcraft wrecks to westward roams, In hopes where rich possessions ie. On pastures new their flocks revive. Dogmatic rites and worn out rules Conceived by knaves to govern fools, 'Neath powers assumed support their themes, Must vanish 'neath those radient beams. Draws gasses of malaria rise, Whose poisons with the vapor flies ; Separates vigor men possess, Condolence outlived usefulness, Reality's the boon we ask. Creation's fitted for the task, Whose grandeur which our eyes behold, The mind by reason doth unfold ; To fellows are possessed with thought. Usurpers' schemes their dogmas taught. Pressed by the sword these prayers borne, Petitioning God, His reign might come, On earth to men whose dawn appears ; The answer shocks their ritual prayers. 1 8 OUR CENTURY. Who Struggling wane 'neath light of schools Foundation our Republic builds, The bulwark of a righteous theme, Acknowledge God alone supreme, AUwise guardian who doth control That manhood elevates the soul Above these levels which deceive Their victims. His forgiveness gives, Shrinks 'neath deception's curse, a cause. Where men are governed by these laws That spring from nature in this land, To whose Creator mankind bend In reverence due to His decree, Imparts our light by land and sea, The honors of that flag sustained. By sires was raised as freemen reigned, Whose glory conquered tyrants' will, As heat expands the hardest steel Minds by this impulse thus impressed. 'Tis them whose actions truly blessed In joys of mutual happiness. Unfettered rights this land possess. Those names whose precepts regulates Our government, as sovereign States ; Principles manhood dig iSes, — A course usurpers' power despise. The galling yoke our instinct scorns. Submissive borne 'neath Popes and thrones, Smoothed by the oily tongue's deceit, Or brutal tyranny complete. Might self secure, hold keys of hell ; OUR CENTURY. 1 9 Both fatten on their victims' toil. Things of chance hereditar}^, Are lost in their own categor}^ ; Placed upon the unerring scales, Where Godlike man on soil prevails, Applies these rules that keenly scan, The worth is rendered due to man. In spheres this rule to them impart, Truth never will their cause desert, Who are as one b}" nature born. Pure as the radiance of that sun, Scatters the fragrance earth receives. That's borne upon the morning breeze, Flows free to all, — tiat e'en the blind, — From this same law uoth pleasures find. In ripened age or j^outhful prim^. Sustains these jo3^s that spring with time, Borne on its wings with joy to hearis Of husbandmen or those in arts. The secrets which their comforts 3deld, Experimental works revealed . Statesmen with prudence scan their cause. Relieve opp.essed with humane laws. Relieved with gratefulness who leans Toward the'r be.efactor's themes, By which united effort brings The mutual interests of man , From sea to sea whose bound 'ries span, Where blooming fields rich fruits convey Good health, and wealth and harmony, Pleasures of friendship warms our cores 20 OUR CENTURY. With genial wit and well filled stores. Enjoying these let's re son well. While fortune's peaceful omens smile, Alike on all in their pursuits, As weeds 'mong flow'rs who spring from roots, Untilled but yet are health}^, strong, From moisture to the plants belong, The just may suffer 'neath a wrong. Whose credulence eas}^ still remains. While bigots' zeal persistent reigns. Fanned by ignorance, dormant state. Till reason bursts the bands of fate. With manly themes that prudence guides In cherished homes where free presides Who zealous watcheth power creates. Discordant germs pregnate the states, With lur kings of the soul's desires ; Rekindles easy these old fires, What policy hath laid at rest, That's fann'd still gently in ihe breast. These loyal si)arks consult the church. Their country's duties are to such, That proves the proverb proven true, Sa3'S serve one master, never two ; Beware of those who boast they can. Improve on works of Solomon. " The wisest man this world e'er saw," * And author of the mystic law. Applied to men the w^orking tools, To square their acts by virtue's :ules ; * Burns. OUR CENTURY. 21 Governs our country's busy hive, No tolerated drones e'er thrive, In sloth where energy selects These prudent servants who protects Our weal ; to them due rev'rence pay, Who practice precepts as the pra}- ; Virtues that's nourished by the wise. In peaceful joys that harmonize. Mankind whose beauties all appear, Who serves and sees them as thej^ are. Those live in wild romantic scenes. With nature as their cherished themes; 'Mongst mountain grandeur's quiet retreats, An inward joy each day repeats. That genial warmth their bosom fills, While they review these rippling rills Winding amongst the scraggy ferns. The verdure of these rugged glens, Supports the game their life sustains, Contented there in these domains. Who views the city life with dread, And looks upon their own with pride, While city marts in arts of trade, Some comforts find in ev^r}^ grade. The anvil or the spinning reel, Or those whose hands applies with zeal In merchandise, their fabrics worn With comforts or mankind adorn. While sailors glory flo its the main. And landsmen run the lightning train. Ingenious schemes that man designs, 22 OUR CENTURY. Gives vim to progress of the times, Wliose stays rest on these farmers turn Their furrows up to summer's sun. Whose rain and sunshine doth prepare The soil's rich laden burdens bear, To mankind joyous who bestows These blessings, fill ourbount'ous stores, The theme of love's on ev'ry breeze, Those wants to all so freely gives From dewdrops to the rippling burn. Whence multiplied to rivers turn ; Their channels wind into the sea Whose raging billowy majesty Of flooding grandeur heav'nward rise, In ebbing calmness lamblike lies, On bound 'ries of the ceaseless tide. The fertile land from seas divide, Still mutu'l int'rest each doth share, With nature's law love is borne there. By intercourse which seas sustain. With earth produceth golden grain, Provides the means of compromise. With sust' nance motive powers arise. Gives vigor which propels the will Of genius, who their works reveal By merit, what our hearts desired. Ofttimes rewards unsatisfied. In schemes whose greatest skill would look. Fell short of what they undertook. Failure, of course, was not in will, But lack of foresight to fulfill. OUR CENTURY. 23 The products spring from prudent brains, Their efforts harmony sustains ; The dilatory wait too long, Or short, material measured wrong, Or fancy might have multiplied, Till self conceit was satisfied. Wit never floats on wings of chance ; 'Tis polished, good, sound, common sense. Those self-important mortals boast, Who always know results and cost ; Who lay their plans for wond'rous schemes, Oft wrecks return from fancy's dreams, While nature kindly counteracts By furnishing the antidotes ; With cures that's found for every cause, To rectify the curse bestows. Governs the earth and mighty seas In harmony which both receives. The various channels each are borne, On same infinite axis turn. Who holds the grasp of destiny, Time fitteth for eternity ? To-day our future schemes are laid, To-morrow's in the balance weighed. Results do follow in their turn. With merit elevates the man. Who are supported by their pride, But kills where vanity's applied ? Collapse as doth air bubbles burst. Proceeds of earth hath nothing lost ; But man's relief from cause who mourns, OUR CENTURY. Corruption rectifies returns. To earth while virt'ous thoughts still live, In beaut}' as the light doth give Blessings that's blessed each honor 'd name, Soars on the wings of living fame ; Through generations worth}- sires, Memories kindle brilliant fires, Whose beacons burn from talents seen, In this fair land that lays between, That heaven's reached by manly test, In this God's vineyard worketh best. Where poor's content have nothing lost, — What more have those who riches boast ? But duty addeth to their call. To fill both measures brimming full. Till needful wants man satisfies, With stores from mother earth's supplies. The nature of her right'ous theme. To bless mankind hath taught supreme, That recompense is rendered due. To those who an honest course pursue. As seen in works our country bless. From efforts cleared the wilderness, Where nought but Indian savage trod, Unveiled the beauties of our God ; Imparts in man that cherished right. Within the breast that's borne by light ; Inspired the breath, gave freemen birth, Revealing treasures of the earth. Germs spring from truth that propagates. Manhood governs these sovereign states, OUR CENTURY. 25 Where millions find from faithfulness In happy homes collective bless, Our nation's welfare mutual share Those blessings, which their virtues bear. With nothing more or nothing less, Rewards that God hath promised bless. Nourish 'd beneath His loving hand, Obedient unto law's command. Whose glory's westward first began. With minds of genius now both span The continent, their joy extends. United interest effort lends. To enterprise by those are borne; In duty's paths, our land adorn, Sustains the fires of manly pride In homes where pioneers preside. Unites and lays foundations strong. The glories unto them belong. Whose genius with their generous acts As burden bearers, or of arts The proceeds of their usefulness. All tend toward men's happiness ; lycads thoughts to themes what love controls, Lays nearest unto patriots' souls ; That source our sanguine hope relies. Our nation's laws shall faultless rise Unto perfection ; who receive What others earn, as freely give In private life, whate'er is wise. Same rule to nation's weal applies. The secret of prosperity 26 OUR CENTURY. Is in mankind's integrity. That nothing costs in sire and sage, The bloom of 3^outh, or ripened age. 'Tis simple truth, whose fruit is known So beautiful, God calls His own. Pure as the fount from whence it springs, Tuition unto its precept brings Rewards as like its own, begets Those laws which nature regulates. In gravity to matter clings, The welfare of the governed hangs. Which neither binds or doth oppress The natural rights that men possess. What is nature, let prudence ask. While all within its radiance bask. It is existence of its own, Whose origin man's never known ; 'Tis life and light its own repays. All needful wants to us conveys ; While reason findeth God, Himself, Freely scatters health and wealth Within these homes ; His glorj^ beams, On prudent love our charge sustains. Borne along Atlantic's sea, The eastern bound 'ries of the free, Whose glor}^ with the westward sun Comprise this land by patriots won. Proclaimed the sacred rights of man, In God's own fixed eternal plan, Supports our honor's dignity. This guard of human liberty OUR CE^NTURY, 27 Within the rainbow's arch expand Circumference of this blessed land, — Atlantic to Pacific's sea, — A nation moves in harmony. The rising sun adorns our east, The evening landscape's beauty west, Beneath those scenes of rich bound hues The promises again renews. By loving omens 'round those cast, Protects their sacred given trust. Who in His folds was hither borne. Inherits this congenial home ; Unlocked these treasures which relieves Men's wants, unbounded measure gives ; Received with grateful thankfulness. None but God's noblemen possess ; Spirits, whose righteous work unfold, The secret of His laws are told ; So gently unto these imparts That love that governs gen'rous hearts. Ivike beauty blooms with youthful springs, Old age their rich rewards do bring ; From merit what those wills conveyed. By pioneers whom God portrayed. Opening up rich stores to man, One century's blessed those led the van. Congenial with their souls desires. Extends His smiles on sons from sires. Beneath that flag floats o'er the free, Their beacon leads by land and sea, Unloos'ning bands of bondage chains 28 OUR CENTURY. Where'er the tyrant's instinct reigns ; Their majesty no power assails, Their light enlightened nations had, Rend 'ring justice wherever due ; Their honored, onward course pursue. With hope that fires the faithful breast. In maiden modesty we boast Progression on our western coast. From Stanford's gift which IvIck's embrace With science. Universities ; Comprehends the natural laws. That reason from effect to cause. Those humane gifts, the gen'rous gives. Find cause for mankind's miseries, Producing life the spirit feels, Those sacred truths to them reveals, That penetrates most highest heights, And fathometh the lowest depths Of vice, finds balm that renders cure, By blessing rich and raising poor. Toward a haven of compromise, With light this little world survives The tyranny of bygone days. While western states their homage pays. The east have found from Scotland's braes, Light's glory springs from Carnegie's. Sires and grandsires centuries lies, Whose virtues with their mem'ries rise ; Mingling with God's own chosen race Within these homes where justice trace Their worths, free as the winds bestowed, — OUR CENTURY. 29 That brings men nearest to their God. Gifts their generous natures ga\^e, Eternal as the light shall live, Progressing with the honor'd names, When glory's crown'd the world with fame's lyuster, from precepts doth convey Joys, when all sorrow's passed away. Those themes I love to prophesy. Men's freed from sin-bound slavery, — Accepts the title of that birth. That breathes good will to all on earth, In bonds of mutual happiness. Both private and collective bless, — Pure from the fount each day that comes. That beaut}^ which adorns our homes. In blessings which the heavens disburse, Borne by those stars along their course. Unceasing as the ocean's wave, And steadfast as the God who gave. Our emblem circling with the sun, Proclaims the victory is won. On records marked this noted year. One century's bless'd and bids good cheer, With light that leads the milky way — From Stanford's University, With science, bears the junior's name, Rests on the pinnacle of fame, Where love and truth their course directs, Omnipotence their cause protects. ®ttr pattmt'0 $lcig^ The stars and stripes proudly floating on the breeze, Emblem of freemen has braved one hundred years ; Was raised by those sires who to manhood were true, Are borne by their sons who their precepts renew. Chorus. — Joy haileth that banner By sea and by land, Sustaineth their honor So freely doth find. Rewards flow from truth to the breeze are unfurled, The pride of ihe free and the hope of the world. From the shores of Atlantic, Columbia's land, With those of Pacific's in harmony blend. Sun riseth in beauty, adorns the east coast. And sets on fair Paradise bounding the west. Chorus.— While warships and merchants are plowing the main, From ocean to ocean whose glories sustain, The grateful emotions in veins of the tars. Who sail 'neath the standard unconquered in wars. Chorus. — The Goddess of love who unveils to our clime. Those virtues of heaven that's falling on time, Smiles on us with applause by land and by sea, Cheers hearts in these homes who are happy and free. Chorus.— 32 OUR nation's flag. While the grandeur of nature on us bestows, Rich soil bays and rivers with blessings that flows Free as wind unto all who are true to a cause. That trusteth in God and who lives by His laws. Chorus. — 'Neath that starry banner. With pride who are true. To precepts of fathers Their gloies renew. With those of the mother breathed love in the breast, Binds north with the east and the east with the west, The earth with the heavens from pole unto pole. Are the life's inspiration, enraptures the soul. Chorus. — PREFACE. Chaos the omnipotent, adorned. With man who wafted from embrace Of light, a perfect being formed With social ties for mutual bliss, First rising sun to him conveyed A law, defiant disobeyed. Through generations still we trace Defects of weakness which displays Rebellious full developed knaves. Inherent which inglorious fills Vain, pompoui, hearts as first begun, With time imparting instinct yields Misery across earth's fleeting span Whereby that death stained shadows fall On victims comprehends the whole, Beneath the curse in ruin hurls This world with envy, shame and crimes, Hells which from disobedience springs. Approves the tyrant conqueror rules Within deceptive channels borne. Schemes that are laid on pliant tools. Submissive 'neatli the yoke who mourns. Too proud to beg, won't work, must steal; Or may, perchance, try fortune's wheel, Are doomed to fate revolving turns II To win the chance a victim's charmed To lose, the chance another's damn'd. Enchanted inwove bands are cleft, Around them which will surely prove, Charms of eveiy joy bereft Or humane ties unites in love. Falls 'neath the verdict of the knave, That's lost to shame no heart to save, Their victims, tauntingly reprove, When penniless on pity live. P'rom what the generous givers give. The wrecks of helpless poor that fall In vice ot this degenerate race, Are .slaves unto the tempter's call, Robbed them of honest manliness, Who once the souls of honor's pride, Their neighbor's vvanis ne'er once denied, In unsuspecting confidence, Who smiled up(»n the luscious wine, Be wilder 'd them in shame and crime. Experience, bitter school, hath taught What youthful fancy dearly learned, 'Neath lurid charms in snares are caught Then ob'^ervation first discerned When on the world are helpless cast, Reap misery as the simoon's blast, Destruction in their pathways send. The ruined wrecks of happy homes, The curse with disobedience comes. Ill REMARKS: I. Man as he is. 2. As he was created. 3. Ingratitude first symptoms of his fallen na- ture. 4. Envy the seeds of all vice. 5. Ava- rice the result of its offspring, and rewards of the vvhole combination. 6. And lastly, two living specimens of the curse. Spotted Bob, and Solano's Simoon, who is a pal of Bob's, and like him, a cowardly, double-swiveled, irredeemable felon. ^ i^oGcbi c Hoe (Stir^eb. f'HERE boastful piide disdains to keep Creator's edicts, whirlwinds reap Rewards, since life was breath 'd in man, yS^ And war within himself began, ^ Vainglorious in his boasted pride, Who spurns the innate light to guide Along on time's mysterious course. Infinitude results produce On which the welfare all depends On mutual efforc, truth defends, Flows fret: to all, convej^ed by laws That reasons from effect to cause. The reck'nor by which matter weighs On balances, this rule obeys. Are happy walking in the light Of truth, first principal of right — The pride of manhood underlies, Those structures in God's image rise Harmonious, borne upon the wing Of time, whereby their precepts bring. From single acts collective borne. 38 DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. Brings joy or pain to every home, Whene'er the prompter's selfish zeal, Unmindful of their neighbors' weal, Bear well their mark this wide world o'er .The curse that disobedience bore. In bitter strifes hath left the scars, Of foreign and domestic wars That alienateth kith and kin, Cast God's own teachings to the wind ; What wrangling quarrels learn to hate, Hypocrisy tries to regulate ; With gilt pretense an outward cure. While hatred's raging in the core Conveys expressions to the eyes, All's left of man that never lies, Weakens with gnilt d'scerned in looks. When tongues will call the heavenly hosts To witness oaths that are well disguised. Hath heaven and powers of earth defied. With language, pains mankind with wounds, Pois'nous as stings of serpent tongues. Vibrate through ever}- channel, hurls Their destiny with sinking worlds, In their own vice most humbly tells. Protection hires to watch themselves, As freewill sov^ereigns do engage A guard, a jail, and iron cage, Unnat'ral as the child that's born, Whose mother's love denies her own. Let's reason well, live and be wise. From scenes transpired in Paiadise ; DISOBJiDU NCE CUKSED. 39 There from God's trestleboard review The past, while we our course pursue. To live and learns a common rule, Accepted from experience school, That man is miserable alone, ' ^'~ And social joys, his cherished boon. For which a partnership conceived. And for the enterprise bequeathed A rib, pure, unal'oyed, conveyed Part of himself, by which was made, A compact true, and twice refined In hippy bliss where he coul I find A mate, the weals and woes to share, That please 1 his God to thus prepare, A lord in His own image stood, With his helpmate thus approved, Complete, pronounced without a flaw, Guardian neir of all he saw, In wisdom Him lo represent Our race in form omnipotent ; No spies to watch or tongue dictate. Nor pain to jar this p -rfect state. Nor jealousy to intervene 'Twixt them in love's enraptured scene, 'Neath heaven's pure light this pair was bles'ed With all the comforts earth possessed. Eve smiled coquetish on her lord, Risponsively his ear was lowered, lyistening to her gentle voice, In charming tones taste and rejoice. From lips of pure simplicitude. 40 DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. He tried the fruit and found it good — Congenial with the palate's taste, Whose longing appetite's create In man, unlimited desires. The secret of her thought admires This combination in the plan ; And oft called spice long led the van. Six tliou>and years the records tell With this same seas'ning Adam fell. As now within the lapse of time, No change is felt since Anld Lang Syne. 'Tis well preserved, and always lays In beauty's paths the charm conveys, From mother's breast the impulse gave. Till dropped in our reluctant grave. Successive generations fall, And ev'ry heart those scenes recall. Memory that doth backward turn To blighted hopes cause man to mourn. For this same spice within us reigns. Those boastful powers our life retains. Can't make a world, can eat the fruit. In bitterness our acts compute, From Eden's sacred center rise. The forfeit of our Paradise. No happiness since then's been found, But has its bitter or a wound ; The curse is in a t reach 'rous sting, The cure doth come from virtue's spiing. Since good and evil first began, The race allotted unto m.an, DISOBEDIENCE CURSED, 4I In vice and virtue takes a part Of sires' and mothers' winning art, Which cause the strongest will obey, And leads them on, these paths convey Those charms doth softly scrutinize The tender chords which harmonize ; Mankind's chief happiness is still, In mutual interests moves their wnll. Whereby that motive power propels, Material furnish heaven or hells, Zeal addeth unto either case The curse of hate, or love's embrace, As- weeds spontaneous spring from soil, Virtues are the rewards of toil. The happy social germ that's bred In manhood's paths of honors led. Surmounts the summit on the wangs Of time, the genuine impulse brings Rewards, by which the bosom fires With present joys to futures rise, On loving themes are heav'nward borne , Fruition reaps from seeds been sown Prolific, blessed wheree'er we go. What genial seasons doth bestow Rewards that's borne on every breeze, Forgiveness loving souls receive, This balm that elevateth man. Though low in vice may rise again, Above the storms and wreck of worlds, Hails light, omnipotence unfolds The glories of a happy state, 42 DISOBEDIENCK CURSED. Without distinction, low or great, The rich and poor in this grand scene. Where rivers, lakes, and hills between, And mountains high above the sea, .All join in one grand harmony. Spring giving summer what it bore, While autumn gathers summer's store, vSubmits the whole unto the trust. Of thrift from -honry winter's frost, AH such succeeding blessings trace, The source of genuine happiness. Lessons that with our birthright rose, Now as of yore in Paradise. What cures will kill, improper used, Prudence extracts, the cure produced; E'en in the vines whose luscious choice, Richness that cause men's heart rejoice — Gives strength to weak again revives Those weary, worn, on God relies, Receives the gift as He doth bless The heirs of light this world possess. Youth, prime, and aged, beneath his care, A loving hand, sees everywhere 'Mongst flow'ry fields and leafy trees, That beauty in our bosom heaves A joy f cm draughts, the living springs To us their endless comfort brings, Sparkling with joy beneath the sun, 'Twixt banks, those winding streamlets run, From lofty heighths, o'er fertile plains ; Infinitude their course sustains, DISOBEDIHNCE CURSBD. 43 A source beyond the grasp of minds. Speechless thoughts no limit finds, The secret with which time began ; When Eden's beauty dawned on man, Where ingratitude first unveiled The low^ estate that instincts yield, When he and helpmate him to bless, His misery adds to her distress. Unmanliness to beg conceived His guilty conscience, there relieved With falsehood, who, as cowards, dare Betray their fellow^s' shelters there. From just contempt of God, as when Our race from Adam thus began, This nb was formed in mutual love, And happiness a thorn may prove. Well fitted 's matrimonial bliss, Misfitted, genuine wretchedness. Bones don't adhere, do generate, Pain in the flesh must terminate ; Like wars, where two extremes oppose, Sland'rous tongues greet kin as foes ; Adds spite to vice, to vice the keys. Whereby the secrets mysteries Unveils to us the cure, and cause Of mis'ry flows from broken laws. Where uncurb 'd passion boastful reigns O'er woman tongues adds to the flames, Ingredients which corrects a fool, Her lord becomes a pliant tool ; Revenge supports, the curse sustains 44 DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. Poisonous venom in the veins, With smold'ring curses each dictates, Hatred till ev'r}^ thought pregnates, The demon's vengeance multiplies, Till nothing's left can sympathize. Pain has become a chronic sore, When civil courts their cures restore, With antidotes that heal the breach, Restoreth peace and lessons teach ; Smiles on past wars and cools the fire Of hell, this blessed compromise, Forgives the past and sets aright. Each in life's paths again look bright. Rewards and penalties are paid From vice and virtue earth's been paved, As thistles from the seed that springs. The likeness of their nature brings Those lessons taught in Eden's school. 'Tis passions renders man a fool ; The maiden or the virt'ous wife Whose .'ex to him's the spice of life. Where e'er she roams his fancy strays. Expressions of her eye conveys, Joys that are borne with jealous care, In paths his soul's forbearance bear, A frown disturbs his fevered brow% A smile again, the cures bestow. Though conscious where his weakness lies ; When stumbling, falls, as often rise. Clings to the rib that's next the core. Governs the man this wide world o'er, DISOBEDIRNCK CURSED, 45 Those find their own are rendered bliss, Dovetailed in genuine happiness ; With mutual throbs of gratitude. The line from mankind brutes divide. Adds unto glory or remorse ; What brutes have gain'd 'tis honors lose, Unbridled, brutish power of hate, The lower species imitate. The instinct of the ox survives The mate he gored, that helpless lies, A symbol of a fallen race. Through disobedience channels trace. To envy parent — seed of vice — In secret bid there underlies. Waiting for youthful, sunny Spring, Propagates what the seasons bring. E'er yet beyond their mother's arms. The little ones adhere to charms, In rattles, bells, and childish plays ; First shooting sprouts the seed displays, Leanings of those desires that yearn For toys of some more favored brain. Perchance with age or rank, in fields Rich laden fruits of manhood yields, Those beauties which createth joys That satisfy their longing eyes ; The look that either brings release, Or shameful mis'ry's laden vice ; Spring blooms with foliage, autumn's ripe, The fruit from choice rew^ards our life. I'll modify seeds first are there, 46 DTSOBEDIENCK CURSED. The choice is in the gardner's care, Who trims and prunes with fond delight, The little tendrils, 'neath sun's light, Leads them around the parent vine. Whose genial warmth their thoughts incline Upward, until the vine's outgrown. Whose proceeds to the future's borne. Wills foimed propels a living louI, By their own works must rise or fall ; Uuconquered envy leads to death. Who hankers for their neighbor's wealth, Or wealthy 's grasping greed who longs For happiness to poor belongs. Those social comforts mankind fills. With jo^^ envious poison kills. E'en friends with socret stealth caress, And, Judas like, seals with a kiss. While lurkings of their bosom fires Them to reach the treach'rous prize. We see it in the marts of trade. Its brand's on shelves of ev'ry grade ; The baker and the grocer's weights, To live with others, regulates By customs of the present time, Commissions, dairymen in crime, To either rob two ounces each roll. Or lose two ounces and ease their soul. While milkmen think it no disgrace. With pumps and drugs to fill the place Of cows, the good, old fashioned way, When milk was make of roots and hay. DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. 47 These are but instances, of course, Whereby we see the blighting curse, Despised by men — no God to bless — Whose shadows fall on wretchedness, And links with neighbors ; oh, how nice — Ne'er findeth fault nor asketh price. But when you call to get your pay, She smiling says : *' Some other day." Another day doth never come, The bill is scratched from number one, And laid away back on the shelves ; Then grocer steals from someone else. Adds mis'ry unto mis'ry's cares. This hydro-monster who appears In Godlike circles, ofttimes sing That music comfort never bring ; 'Tis be ye warm, and be ye clad, Whose sickly souls to virtue's dead. Clings to a shadow with their faith's Starving prayers, but kindles vvrath. Insulting God by compromise, To grant what instinct satisfies. Primp'd modesty so smoothe, serene, Exposing wounds not yet been seen ; Rejoicing probe the weakest part In fellows as their strongest fort. Of virtue boasts and points with shame. Thanks God their laurels bear a name : Above those poor, afflicted mourn, Who those selfrighteous croakers spurn. Raising their eyes, ask Him to bless, 48 DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. Their souls ne'er felt His loveliness : Nor genuine pleasures ever known, Aie morbid, wrapt in self alone. No beauty sees in morning sun. Nor with the evening's sliades return, Nor sunset of the golden w^est. Awakes their cold, ungrateful breast ; Self-moddled lights whose lives destroy. The harmony of every joy. Exists alone on broken law^s. Find choicest feasts on others' flaws, Revolves t-reir pleasures with their cud, As oxen in their happy mood. Well filled, in shades, with full supply. Hypocrisy shelters envy, The petted parent seed of vice. Whose curs'd cap'd offspring, avarice. Opens the floodgates of distress O'er all the realms w^hich they possess, Whose boundaries no ej^es can reach ; Neither philosophy can teach What instincts greed can gratify. Or brutal force doth satisfy, Their vengeance with destruction comes, With njis'ry filling peaceful homes. The sacred rights of men destroys. And tears asunder human ties ; Boast of their mighty influence, Regardless truth or common sense. When measured by the ranks they hold, Nine times in ten 'tis bought and sold. DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. 49 Though not direct, but indirect, As decenc}^ claims some respect ; To ofFir bribes would i)^ inuilts. But bait will bring the same results ; As sometimes sweet will catch a fly, A nod will catch the willing e\-e, Respects what common practice yields From customs of the various fields. What custom's rule will gratify, Is what your means will justify ; Perhaps enough to bribe the clerk, While ye drive home the butcher's stirk ; The whole necessitates a course — Additions to the police force — Then policy froai circumstance, Protection seeks for their defense. Whose merit's staked sustains the pride, Defends the laws of those preside ; The lab'rer's sweat from toil's sustain, Those shysters who vainglorious reign. Through jealousy's perpetual broils, From heated passion that beguiles The unsuspecting who enlists, In schemes unheeded, generates. Knaves to nefarious schemes resort. Just shave the justice of the court, Casting all honors to the winds Of time, where ignorance likewise binds, As spiders weave their woofy cells — The snares of treach'ry's record tells. Men's'held till weakness can't resent, 50 DISOBEDIFNCE CLESED. From usage bound becomes content, 'Neath pretense of humanity. Oppression's their necessity, To govern those free sovereigns born, By strategy was from them torn, A helpless, aimless life su.vives; Bread their sinbition satisfies. Within the grasp of tyrainiy's Deceptive govern 'd dynasties. To czars' and emperors' subjects lend, The yokes where the snbmissive bend, Like beasts of burden 'neaih a load. Born in the image of their God, Supports decrees their cau^e hath damn'd. As cringing whelps who kiss the band. Beneath the curse of avarice yearns. To add unto illgotten realms Until they meet a rival foe, Wh(» calls a halt, no further go. Then tyrants meet on neutral ground, Where horrors of the wars are found. Undaunted death or vict'ry claim The laurels of a mighty name. By measured arms results bestow, Mis'ry doth inconsistent flow ; The death doom'd course injustice finds. Powders them oppress their cause defends, Rivets the chains, their manhood crushed. Together each are mutual curs'd. '. n death the victim lifeless lies, In life the victors live to lise, DISOBEDIi:NCR CURSED. 5I From bloody fields defies the light. Boasts of their powers that might is right. Ill darkness led to lowest depths Of vice, debauchery and thefts. Who heav'nly hos'.s and man defies, By efforts that are doomed, destroys, His glorious innate light betray 'd, Man who his maker disobey'd. Wandering still in this same course, Of precepts propagates remorse, Following instinct's deadly knells Unheeds what past experience tells , To heirs along the current glide, Where right from wrong our paths divide. Unmindful of a future state, Wiih feelings strange from love to hate, Like drift in eddies circling twines. Aimless flows and ebbs with time's Ceaseless river, receding low'rs. Receives the slum that onward flows, As subjects to the weather gauge — No pilots want nor none engage, Should storms the craft in anger snag, The crew can either steal or beg. The latter is the last resort Which either men or devils court, And is unpopular with the wise, Since David's problem men advise, In all his years yet never knew One righteous seed this course pursue. Fanning pride's last coloring gave , UNIVERSITY \ ^ OF 52 DISOBEDIENCE ^ttvsKD. To vanity, let's down the knave. Disgraced, behind the prison walls, Last shadow of their manhood falls ; Beneath indulgence, cruel fee, Now^ forced to drink the cup of woe. Distill'd from tongues of gall spake peace, r3elusive charms there sought release, But found Pope's iheme still to be bless'd In future, which their thoughts embrac'd. Within their hearts no guile suspects. Till crime their honest manhood wrecks. Those never learned decisive, no ! The gate to ruin millions go, Unguarded from the tempter where A mother's love or father's pra3'er. Or e'en allwise Creator dare. Till streaming tears the grassy sod Relieves the broken hearted load, O'er severed ties in youth that bloomed. Intemperance marks their sacred mound. Whose deadly gloom o'er earth is spread, Mingles the living with the dead. In mem'rys vivid scenes recall. Thoughts cause our bosom's throbs to fall lu tears, mourning o'er the earth. From blighted gems lies chilled in death, Nip'd by the passions avarice breathes. The poison cnrs'd this world that leaves It drench'd with human guiltless blood. Whence helpless millions still are led, That's multiplied by millions more. DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. 53 Extinguished germs that virtue bore, With mourning draped the bridal bed Rejoicing, sacrileged the dead, Hath suckling babes iVom mothers tor-i, Whose cries for mercv taunt with scorn, Gave lie to God's own Son from heav'n. Surrendered life with orture's -riv'.j. Inquisitions and the basrile tells The fiendish passions ruled these hells, By demon's secret powers sustaia, To-day is circling in the veins. Borne by the pa:^sive sentiments, Congregate peculiar elements. Beneath God' loving banner 's seen The saints and. wretch whose uniLul theme, Parental ties asunder torn ; Within their grasp, age, tott'rin >; o-*, Whose painful wounds of inward grief, To mother earth, there seeks r^l ef, From felons are matured in vi -e. Their instincts first and cherished choice, A crown of infamy prefers, That's worn on heads of perjurers To cover guilt, calls on their God To curse a brother whom they've rob'd. In shame their fallen shadow^s shrink. From hell receding on the brink. To leave behind illgotten gain, When sinking, grasps, but all in vain. Their power hath gone ne'er to re. urn. The earth again receives its own. 54 DISOBEDIENCE CUESED. Whose buried crimes a refuge finds, Aavarice scattered with the winds shelters behind those lost to shame, Who quietly fan these villains' flame. As winds and fires together rise, Until the whole in rnins lies. No conscience whispers, all is wel", The parinership hath gone to hell. Without one maik or' honor, time Blushes to place on record crime, The perjurer's deeds they have done. Are placed on record 's number one. The liar's surely their brief, Found no returns, but fawn'd the thief. Envious squirms beneath the truth, While avaricious silent blush For wi^hy-washy sycophants, Who pack'd the whole, get for their thanks. Borne disobedient to their God, Disgraced, the earth sinks them and load, A mingling mess corrupted lies. If men while here were in disguise. No virtue lived, none ever rise ; Charity kneels beside their bier, Who shrinks to call God's justice there, And wipes the curse off with a tear. MONTEZUMA SLOUGH'S SPOTTED BOB, Oakland, Cal , September, 1891. In eighteen hundred and eight}^ he took a n -te of a neighbor for five hundred dollars, se- cured by a mortgage on a crop of standing grain, paying two hundred dollars down and keeping three hundred to go toward defraying the ex- penses of cutting, threshing, and furnishing saclis for ']9% tons of wheat, which was stored in the' warehouse for twelve months, during which time the neighbor was in Arizona. Bob sold the grain, settled with the neighbor's wife, giving her an itemized bill of all she had re- ceived, carefully taking a receipt in full belong- ing to the $300 retained for the purpose, charg- ing her cutting, etc. In 1884 this neighbor was reported a common drunkard; he. Bob, volun- teers evidence to help convict, to the effect that this neighbor neglected to provide for liis fam- ily, and when report and evidence was brought to light, the lie evaporated like a white frost on a May morning. I know these statements to be as true as heat tiows from the sun. 56 DISOBEDIENCE CURSED. This demon dropped in my way at Denverton, at which time I drew a pen picture of him in the following verses : Spotted Bob. SPOTTED, AS DRUNK. An advocate of pure reform, With spirits lu tiie ntsh that's weak, By inspiration 'neath his chpim, No power to either set or speak. But hic't and hiccup'd ev'ry throb Proved life was still in Spotted Bob. The leopard spots turned lighter hues While racking pains the tub ferments. Disgust his soulless cauldron spews The hideous load of its contents, — Hie, IM be dam'd, hie, hic't ^loam, Bob tried to rise, but all in vain. With slavers trickling frae his mow. Half conscious on his elbow rose ; Again the floor from 'neaih him flew, And claret spurted frae the nose ;. Blood, pus, and guts there represent Bob's help' ess carcass lies content. Corruption there its level finds, In horrid scenes to us repeat The stillworm's pow'r, by which unwinds A putrid mess of curs'd deceit ; Hic't, and vvollowing in hic's vomit, Loudlv snored hic's hoggish sonnet. SPOTTED BOB. 57 L,oud and louder grew the rumpus — Deils, snakes, and adaers in his dreams Wound him up within the compass, There mem'r3''s hell pregnates his veins, Hic't and groaning vvoke in wonder. If hic's a man God made a blunder. In stupor gazed through bloodshot eyes, Returning to his normal state. Awakened, then seeks compromise, When justice, hie, doth reg^ulate. I blame m3^-elf, hie, 'tis too bad, The ways of the transgressor's hard. In penitence pleads, mercy. Lord, To villains means, like hie proposes. Who antidotes reserves for fraud, Hie, which I need in largest doses. To heal hic's broken, perjur'd trust. Of honor's sacred bonds I've burst. Hide me, O, Lord, from honest faces ; Who knows my spotted pedigree's Been hid in clover 'neath your graces, Those pleasant paths been cursed by me, Hypocris}^ at last is canght Without disguise a bloated sot. A conscious-stricken fiend undone. Has fallen from the favored few, A perjured, hic-ing, mother's son, Damn'd here on" earth with hell in view, For dollars greed, drunk, drown 'd in vice, Three hundred charg'd his neighbor twice. SPOTTED BOB AS A CURIO. Satire i Thou ^reat Supreme, I thank Thee while I plead Who marked the cowoid in the felon's deed, With serpent spots who surely brands the curse. And sneaking- countenance denotes their course. To careful watch the deadh' missile hurled. These fangs who sting from secret poison curled; Witliin this monster brute or ourang-outang. IfDarwin's sound from whence the specie sprang, Thy vengeance, 'tis no justice calls it mine; But works of mercy true, Lord, I am thine. Have seen the various traits of beas^ts and men, But this eclipseth all of human ken, From Noah's menagerie ot curios, To Wombweirs, Rice and Barnum's modern shows, Where Thou resolve Thy wonders to displaj^ Give me my witvS in my own modest w^ay. While sportive moods congenial scenes that pass. In feats of Jumbo to the sullen Ass, . Whose pedigree that smiles upon the dame. Extracts the grandeur of the horse's name. Unnat'ral, 'tis but once excepts the rule, What thou have curs'd produced a worthy mule, Pray, may I ask the kin of this uncomely freak. Naught only mules when least expected kick. To instinct true although are impolite, 'Tis will exemplified by brutal might ; Where virtue's gone the curses follow comes, SPOTTED BOB. 59 III seeile;s stags and mules' unrairrowed bunes, The pogeiiies Tln^ secrets doth unfold, Are far beyond the reach c-.f bribe vvitli gold : But slill in duty bound I'll represent The cause I diead frc^m bites of curs you sent, Who snarl and bark at heels of passing men. But wounds those tender feelings feminine, Whose ties arise from their inwoven joys, Are sacred, wrapt in well fare of their boys. As seen iu nature who defend their r-ights, The she bear for her cubs with courage fights Unto the death, bat bait wd!l ^-oothe the heart, When bruno's gone this monster doth extract Dregs of the damn'd their avocaiion plies. By stealing forage of paternal tie^. In Thy own folds are one these traits combine. Dog, monkey, serpent, mule, ths mare and sw^ine. In trough one foot, the head with stern to end, Goes the whole hog, this burlesque on mankind E'en have oeeiv known what causeth brutes to • shame. Through modesty, what here I dare na name. If 'tis Thy wail, O, Lord, in mercy lent, I'll burst this show j^ou have me represent, As servants true with masters sympathize. Forgive me once when duties realize The imposition which my feelings scorii, To show a rotten mess too mean to burn. I ask a rest from this unpleasant job, To kill, or cure those cursed spots on Bob. SOLANO'S SIMOON. As light from darkness sep'rate?, we behold Spurious metal from genuine are told, Tne diamond's beauty that's surpass'd b}- none; E'en modest ruby or the emerald stone's intrinsic value of what rank they hold. By jew'lers measures dail}^ bought and sold To fancy's fickle judge whose taste admires The gold as slandard's balance law requires, To build a mansion or to pull one dowu, To boom a cit}^ or to curse a town. 'T will laud a traitor with a giltedged name And whitewash God's unpsrdon'd heinous crime. Entangles virtue 'mongst their curs'd sown tares By felons wrapt in coward's guise appears ; This fork'd tongued Simoon who in ven- geance flies Behind the rainbow's arch w^hence hopes arise, Who desolates the helpless to defend. Beneath the shadow of this perjured hand, That's upward raised who auctions at the block, A father's remnant of his little flock. Not money, poets wisely term but trash, Nor galling tortures of the tyrant's lash. What rends the core's approved by compromise, This language that's express'd by willing eyes : Drop tears of tares press'd from maternal gall, Insure.'j success to cover bones that fall, Depress'd by usage of unenvied years. Gets tangled, chok'd, and sold by auctioneers; SOIvANO'S SIMOON. 6 1 Once, twice, thrice, and gone, highest bidder gets ; Regardles honor, strength, or beauty's tests, lUomen'd, writhes on ev'ry line we tiace ; This Roman nose protects a shameless face, Canspicuous center of this fiend belied, Emblems he wears who their cause crucified. Disguised in treach'ry dreads what justice bear. Not the shadow but virtues of the square. Weeps for vice perforates the model saint, And Holiest of God's most holy taint — Nostrils of the vulgar, and likewise term'd, Unpolish'd stones who never yet have learn 'd. Deceit becomes this hoopnosed jackall's paid To confidents, the victims of his trade, Assumes the right to steal, buy and sells. All that is dear t(' men, truths mirror tells. Recalling records echo's Lambie's tone, Hov'ring o'er his wreck, thank God. not his home , Points to felonious relics, finds no bound. Nor precedents e'er known on Holy ground. To virtue's God whose knees in rev'rence bend, Produce the trails this Judas cause defend ; Seal'd with kiss the tricks tuition teach. But this ungodly beak prevents the reach. Imparting poison's tainted touch distills. The essence of itself destruction yields. The appetites of hogs, whose stomachs turn. Surveys their treasures, but again return To work this relish o'er what they have stole — 62 Solano's simoon. Gratifies their greed, as this pulseless soul — If not a hog's, a glorious substitute. With qualities of this uncomely brute, The will depraved in vice, with instinct blends, A combination binds and robs his friends ; And while I speak as one who's truly blessM, May those w^ho fan this leper be impress'd. Time's a reck'ner, as tides that ebbs and flows. Within the grasp of Him who onty knows. The length of tether doth indulgence find, To damn this wretch and quitclaim all his kind, Produce results, a curs'd doom'd race expires, Dispose of fun'rals and cremating fires. By vvhich that science guarantees a cure. Ne'er troubles rich, but lattens on the poor ; Been curs'd, by ashes leave a stain of vice That's bred by greedy fiends in seeds of lice, From fingers' ends the money itch of strife. Let's cheat the hangman with the doctor's knife And all the tortures of the auction block, Whence pliant coverts 'round this monster flock, Receives approval with a heartless smile, Chills the earth, and echoes groans from hell, That's wove in mem'ries others yet ma}^ save — Shuns this vampire dreads an unforgiven grace, Where lifeless hope's a resurrecting God ; Will classify his acts with soulless blood, From which once justice can make no mistake, And pass the wretch for His own credit's sake. Recall the name and w^hat most, mankind dread, Disturbs the ashes of e'en this brute when dead. GEORGE WASHINGTON. As hopes arise with morning's sun, Toward perfection bears a name. Prompts us, and shall those yet unborn Guide in his counsels, fann'd the flame, In bosoms to be free, resolved — His fellows true to duty called ; Who bravely placed on record's fame That declaration, manhood's priie ; To independent victory led. Themes from his thoughts forever live, Are bless 'd beneath the Goddess' shrine, In honor raised, those emblems wave In grandeur o'er our western clime ; Enervates hearts whereby we trace The living issues renders bliss, As heiis of light, whose wills combine The elements that love sustains, Eternal as its source shall reign. Are set in jewels wove in wreaths, With stars adds luster one by one, Immortels shone one hundred years, More beautiful then first begun, Are pruned and nurtur'd b}^ those laws, That reason from effect to cau.se — Perpetuates the rights of man, 64 GEORGE WASHINGTON By sons of sires whose spirit lives, Receives this right as freeh^ gives. I^ike rivers centers in the sea ; Trulh struck the blow that crush'd the foes, Of patriots woo proclaim'd a free Republic oir tlieir ruins rose ; Results thar, follow inborn trust, Oppression to oblivion cast, Let's bow in rev'rence to tho?e Principles that in freemen burn. Immortal bears a Washington. THE BIRDS' MESSAGE. As seen rising from the trees on Sundav morning around Father Ackerley's Episcopal Church, corner of Grove and Eightli streets, Oakland, with Father King's Catholic Church on the opposite block ; both pastors- aged about four score years. The dew was sparkling on the 'flowers. While sacred tones were heard that calls, Faithful enjoy those social hours, When heavenl}^ manna on them falls. Around the altar centered there, THE "RTRD^ 'VTK^«^\a^. 65 Where young and old \n fervent prayer, Before their loving Master kneels, Who blesseth them with love divine Unites them with the living vine. The happy birds had kissed their m ites, Who greets the sun 01: aerial wings, To choirs of bliss that regulates Their music as tue angel sings ; Their key notes 1 lined — now see them come. A crimson drop on every tongue, Piuck'd from the Cross to Father King, Who bless'd his flock, and by the dove Transmits to Ackerley's same love. Then joyous hearts glad voices raised With Ackerley's sweetest anthem. Unite their efforts — God be praised — Bears to King's a hearty welcome , Partakes the living drops doth find Those messengers hath brought mankind Good tidings, that His will is dene, In truth, rituals supercedes, With love to men and not to creeds. Birds' panting breasts many bow'rs of green, Now resting heads hid iieath their wing ; 'Twnxt pray'rs and songs that intervene — Uistening to choristers who sing Their choisest known to music's chimes, 66 THiv biffs' mfss^gh. But lends enchantment to their themes, Till encores call'd; whose echoes ring With anojels their obeisance pay In tLis God blessed harmon}' . 'Neath smiles strene the sun well gone. To westward eacii iheir mates have found, Evening's last sons- -str;r'n'^d throttle's song, Their choisest o'^r this H0I3- ground. God's rich approval all receives. In bless'd doxologies that breathes A glory, ripen'd hairs have crown'd, With youth and pastors' mutual bliss, No human tongues can e'er express. I hear, as 'twas high in the trees, Beneath the light's last glim 'ring rays, And eager look, but nothing sees ; As higher np their voices raise Within the landscape. Oh, how fair. Beyond the horizon still hear Prayrs come from o'er Pacific's seas. In Holiest of Ho''es rise. Unite with joys in Paradise. THE I.INCOT,N STAR. A humane guide doth kindlv live, From precepts lean'd toward his foes, Unbiased held — the balance gav^ Freedom to millions who arose, With birthright sprang from that grand thought That "man's a man for a' tbat," Which God's infinite magnet draw\s To centers in Ci cation's span, Uni:es the mutual weals of men. How beautifal those themes convey. His stirring wit and o-enius found The moral courage dared to say : Cast off these yokes in slav'ry bound, Decrees to which a nation bow'd. True to their trust, by heav'ns vow'd, And sealed it with their blond that crown'd, The free, unspotted represent Our country's laws omnipotent. Protects the sacred rights of man — Ambition of the patriot's pride, Reveres those principles that burn In honest hearts, as rule and guide, On orbits led to victory. With equal rights to liberty, Regardless color sect or creed, A beacon to the world reveals God's given worth of sovereign wills. 68 THE LINCOLN STAK . This innate life that freemen find, On this, God's footstool, where each share Int'rests beneath that star hath learn'd The joys of love's peculiar care, Whose light electrified the earth, Sprung from modest western worth, Progression's tireless pioneer, — Unostentatious, placed on fame, Laurels that bear a Lincoln's name. ROBERT BURNS. The w^hisp'ring winds in mourning breathed The death dirge o'er the illustrious dead. Whose inspiration rights convey 'd 'Twixt man and man the vanguard led ; With rev'rence thrills the human breast, Esteeming rich, reveres the poor. As honest men and brothers meet, His genius breathes the world o'er. Ascenas the highest heights of fame. There's seen a star, in diadems Of truth, that bears the poet's name, Pressed pure from nature's choicest gemsy ROBERT BURNS. 69 Tones social circles where the theme Is 1 aught that generates a cause That men are lords with God supreme, To govern universal laws. His righteous verdict, justice weighs, Unbalanced on the balance poise. Those sentiments which love conveys. The spirit cause mankind rejoice, — In those melodious sorgs are sung. The Goddess' happiest moods unroll, In soothing strains, poetic sprang, On bonny Ayr inspired his soul. The glor}^ of her mission placed Life, light, and love that crown'd the muse, Wrapt in Her plaid while hawthorns graced The fragrant breeze with fresh'ning dews, 'Mongst' groves time honored scenes revives. Wafts over earth from her retreat, That ev'ry race and tongue inspires. With gratitude their grandeur greet. Those mem'ries from the streamlet rise. In vows eternal and sublime, To Highland Mary, love that fires The youth, and aged with thoughts divine, Re-echoes on Boon's rippling waves. From whence this heav'nborn glory runs To seas, eternity conveys, The immortal name of Robert Burns. CAUFORNIA'S PARADISE. As seen from Piedmout — with compliments to James Marvin. Through Oakland's dales, up winding trails, There Piedmont's, cosy 'mongst the trees ; On this plateau, where free inhales, Pacific's blessing fans her seas, Here on those rev'rent cloud-cap 'd hills, Uncov'ring kindly greetings pay The God of light to us unveils This morning grandeur 'round the bay. Graybeards in palaces retired, With health and wealth, wide world renown 'd In perfect peace are satisfied ; The giory of their efforts found. In lowing kin rejoice with man. And men 'neath God's own smiling face, Bless'd labor with a due return. Time's honored pleasures now embrace. The offspring of their vig'rous 3'ears, Among'st the foothills rock'd the child, Was christned there 'twixt hopes and fears. Prosperity who zealous toil'd With mother earth, ne'er yet forgot. From instinct well her own repays ; Rockers are steamboats now afloat, Pride of our rivers and our bavs. cai^ifornia's paradise. 71 This thrift)^ youth with enterprise, In science mingling with the world ; From chemist stacks and vulcan fires, Past darkness to oblivion hurl'd. With tyrants' power and fossil'd tools, No trace have left to curse Oakland ; 'Neath starry emblems o'er her schools. Imparts the moral lessons learn'd. Sierra's north 'ard time worn crown, Whose sparkling snowgems kiss the skies, From whence the chrystle streamlets run To valleys, mutual joys arise. Are welcom'd with a fond good cheer, Breathed by those modest blooming flow'rs. Adorns and fills the atmosphere With fragrance, charms these homes of ours. Adds beauty to the rainbow's blue Arch'd landscape tips the setting sun. While white- wing'd fleets are passing through The Golden Gate, majestic come, With merchandise from ev'ry shore, Exchange of products merchants greet. Those jolly tars, the same as yore. Their trophies lay at Ceres' feet. Protected safely in her arms. Are welcom'd as this noble queen Unfolds the beauty of her charms. In cereals, fruit, and pastures green ; This semi circle surely lends Enchantment to the artist's dreams, 72 California's paradise. Where Chtistian zeal on spires rscend, Leads noble thoughts to heav'nly themes. That man's immortal, he-e with time, Controls the flash of lightning fires, — Modern art with genius tome Like magic, moA^es the horseless cars, — Scenes hallow 'd by the warblers' songs ; Tones sweethearts, mothers, bairns ai d wives Well guarded by the angel throngs, Smiles on this earthly Paradise. MAY RISE FROM RUBBISH To a reformed youriii friend. Youth on the river's surface smoothe serene, Of life are unsuspecting onw^ard borne, Plucks flow'rs of beauty from the banks between Those lights and shades where fancy's chan- nels run, With papsions strong who yet untutor'd reign, Loves what their pride and manners doth sustain. Who, like itself, from thistles have been sown. Reap wrecks of manhood now indifferent lies, No hand to raise or friend to sympathize. Who sees hope springing where the blossoms lay 'Mongst thorny paths where they have care- less trod, MAY RISE FROM RTTT??^1SH. 73 Along- the banks where flow'rs again convey Life, nature hath so kindly all bestowed, Protects them from the blighting wintr> frost. Why not again man's sin-bound fetters burst, In bloom of manhoood thank a loving God ? With grateful hearts are open, heavenward spread, Like flow'rs from rubbish which lay long as dead. Finds life from morning sun, adorns the east, That whom all living hails with pure delight, The welcomed offerings which to them repeat Real joys of life succeeds the darkest night, Of troubles, w^here that reason's rule applies. By light of God in privilege with Him rise, Beneath His smiling face, Eternal bright. Illuminates the soul's unerring guide, In themes immortal sprang as from the dead. Are joyous borne across those transient scenes Of time with heaven's inspirations rose, Above these lessons bought from youthful dreams, Has found a happy home and lives with those Whose prudent precepts are the balm of life, Scorneth envy and conquerors of strife, — Fruition finds here, in this Paradise, Congenial with their faithful labor done, And patient waiting found God's kindness come. DISCONTENTMENT MAN'S NORMAL CONDITION. Eife's first scene a child appears, Safe in its mothers arms, Nursing, hopeful impulse cheers, The liv'ng, leading charms, — Through sorrow's lowest depth conveys, And highest heights to glory, raise Him onv\ard to the man's Estate, bears scenes 'twixt joy and pains, Chasing shadows he ne'er retains. In playful years the future's dream, From pastimes eager glide, Drifdng on to fancy's scene, Whose eyes their only guide,— To balls and bats — their cherished joys, Discard the cart and prattling toys No more their joy and pride, — Ambition seeks the furthest prize. Unseen, unguarded, hope's desire. Eongs to leave his mother's care, Toward some glimm'ring light ; Onward borne he reacheth there — Be3^ond is one more bright. Gossip in the rosy bower, DISCONTENTMENT. 75 Stops there and plucks the blooming flow'r. Soon vanished from his sight ; A moment's beauty bright that cheers, With rapt'rous J03' soon ends in tears. Youthful pleasures ever gone, Rewards their efforts bear, Struggling with the current borne 'Neath their peculiar care ; Following their own guiding star, That leads to peace or that of war. Decrees all mortals share. Which self-reliant man receives, The yoke of pain or laureled wreaths. Prudent zeal sure comforts find, While yet untutored, toss'd Through lurid scenes, where mankind's Confidence many's lost, — Where vice and virtues side by side. The latter 's seen the former's hid, Within the treach'rous breast, Concocting ruin to destroy Hopes of many a brilliant boy. Till experience realize. Important themes are taught, — Simple rules govern the wise. So often dearly bought. E'er learn 'd those manly lesson squares Their daily actions with the years. Obedient to their trust, 76 DISCONTENTMENT. Resolves to battle with the theme, That life is not an idle dream. Honest worth bears present care, And likewise future braves. Neither man nor devils fear The coward's boast or knaves. Impulse that moves the faithful breast. Must surely reach the summit's crest, Of honor's boon that craves The glorious standard of mankind, Within the Golden Rule's defined. Wher'er this germ's gen'rous cast. With years, fruition brings Golden harvests from the past, — Comes on the ceaseless wings That bears to each a recompense, Improv'd their gift of common sense. Who unto virtue clings, Ne'er addeth fuels unto strife. Nor wounds probe w^ith a poison 'd knife. But to the wounds a balm bestow 'd, These noble souls portray, Kindness of a loving God ; His right'ous laws obey. Imparting charity to all, As manna bless them on Him call. Naught else can satisfy Man's discontent from light's first rays, Till laid in their reluctant graves. LIFE'S EBBING TIDE. Inscribed to ]Mr. George Morrow, Sr., Temescal. Gone with the flood that's turned to ebb, Youth and vigor have pass'd awa3% With time unceasing, onward glide. We look on wrecks that helpless lay To leeward scenes recalling jo3^s, Wiih them as happy girls and boys When fancy led lis prone to stray. Those genial fellows charmed our lives, In s^ciil ties assnnder torn, With pain have drop'd them one by one. To youth, how long the space doth seem, To reach life's limits nature gave. With age the past is but a dream. As bubbles bursting on the w^ave ; Who rise and fall no more are seen, On this, our journey lays between, Flood and low ebb that fills the grave, With epitaphs of what we've been , On bound'ries raised a flower3^ mound, A moment's bloom no more is found. This siae the present measur'd link, Connects the future, with those scenes Of time, hope bears beyond the brink. Unto our Sov' reign Lord who leans, 78 life's ebbing tide. To merc}^ home hath call'd His own, Whv name it death? this change unknown, The faithful's light much brighter seems As life from faded flow'rs again Send their sweet fragrance to the skies. Where resurrected virtues rise. I LIFE AND HOPE. What's mankind at best but a passing glance, Controlled, bat ciu't control, as wings of chance Bears him in song and mourning of to-day, — But e'er auotiier san hath passed away. Who lo;igs for life, the moment satisfies, — Moves from flow'r to fiow'r, as May butterflies In search of what has never yet been found, — A happy thought but's mated with a wound. Still on pursues the dreamland's endless chace, With zeal enlists the fairest of our race, In paths of beauty borne with grand display, When reach'd the golden idols pass'd away ; Beyond our reach again the chase is giv'n, Fell back to earth, hope still seeks a h'^av'n, To which existence clings, believes a land Aw^aits, unseen, no reason's rule can find; But inward th' obs r.o mortals can control Moves the actions that animate the soul, While feasting w^orniS caress their lawful prize, Hope gmiles beyond and never, never dies. TO MY SISTERS IN SCOTI^AND, When 1 unwind the bygone 3-ears Of time, from mem'ry's roll, There impulse drives the trick'ling tears From thoughrs those scenes recall. When kneeling 'round the altar where Our young hearts together, Entwined in love when led in pray'r By a kind old mother. Trusted to him the secrets borne. Pure what the heart desires, Inhales that life flows from his throne, That mankind's bosom fires With love who tones the choicest song, Breath 'd in those days of yore, Music that flow'd from mother's tongue, I hear the wide world o'er. Through all the checker'd scenes of life, Her charms still lead me on. That bears around the paths of strife. Whose sweet, harmonious tones, 8o TO MY SISTEKS IN SCOTLAND. Echong, doth unerring guide, Through trials and in pain. Unwav'ring as the ceaseless tide, — You'll be my boy again. Beyond those fleeting years to share. Away where faith hath seen Joys answered to that mother's there, — Where we've united been. In tho&^e pure thoughts to us imparts, God's promises she gave, Rtceiv'd them with reluctant hearts, Now feel their pow'r to save. With this she breath'd her Master's theme, Wafts o'er Atlantic's sea, To this fair land that rules supreme With pride, aye, taught to me, Those scenes beneath the Wallace tree, Or barns of Ayr burns weal, Scots glorious spirit led the fee, With patriotic zeal. Who honors life in ev'ry grade, Thpse in their manhood fell, — Defending freedom, which the}^ paid Their life at country's call, Revolves with time within my soul, Those mem'ries thus sustains, A cause hath placed on sacred loU. Eternal truth defends. A WIDOW'S TEARS. In Tucson Cenneterj. Tears from the core, In trick'ling streams, From scenes of yore, That mem'ry brings. His genial smile the soul portra^-s, To me those joys of other days. Now cold in death, The needy 's friend To honors worth, In rev'rence bend. To one whose pulse affection found, For others' woas lies 'ueath this mound. My favor 'd spot In nightly dreams, Forget me not. Past pleasant scenes, Returns again with joys I share, Found where he rests thoughts ling'ring there Brings inward peace, That ling'ring voice My sorrows ease, That bids rejoice. O'ersev^er'd ties in mould'ring dust, • Saith God is love and ever just. 82 A WIDOW S TEARS. Gives us the link, Connecting binds Beyond time's brink, Souls mutual twines, Wth joys renewing those of yore. In tears I ask for nothing more. I^OVED ONES ARE WAITING FOR ME. Give me a glimpse as sun in the morning, Is peeping from eastward, nature to see ; Dress'd in her robes of beaut}' adorning, Pathways to lov'd ones are waiting for me. There 'neath the dew drops that sparkles with bliss, Falling on carpets that cover the lea, Pressing the rosebuds who ope with the kiss Of kindness from those remembering me. Joyfully fills my life with their blessing, Borne on the breezes so gently that fall O'er me, the veil with time that's progressing, Laden with balm as the life of my soul. Cheers me along, no anguish nor sorrow, — No darkness nor gloom to my joys e'er impart Stings of faithless to me, as the shadow Passing that absence hath taught to forget. LOVED ONES ARE WAITING FOR ME. 83 Gone, and forever, as warm wind that blows ; Cold wantr\^ torrents roll on to the sea, — Onward in spring echoes voices of those Who sleep in the valle}^ they're waiting for me. Press'd in the mirror of time that has led Me on my journey, till far in the west, Landscapes so beautiful smile on the dead, Leadeth me h^m^ward, t) tham are at rest. Slumbers in silence that's marked in the dews Of mem'ry's deep in my bosom preside, The hope of my future daily renews. There with them to i est and rise bv their side. ODE TO FRIENDSHIP. Whose charms do elevate the minds, This humane life imparts, A genial, social joy that finds What governs gen'rous hearts. It is the noblest gift of heav'n, To mankind e'er bestow'd, — Smiles on death and cheers the living, Free fr<.>m the founts of God. 84 ODE TO FRIENDSHIP. Sun risiug with tte morning light, Scatterint^ balm all day, Setting beneath the shades of night. Wraps all in harmony. And marks the highest heights of fame, A point to honor s due, That leaves behind a brilliant name, Fond memories pursue. With fietting time can ne'er erase W^hat'er its germs impress'd, — Along our journey where we trace Tneii home, its precepts bless'd. Beneath its gentle touch all sees, And feel within their breast, The glowing warmth of sympathies, With those w^ho are distress'd.- And still beyond time's limits bear To those are truly kr.own, Who trusted to its special care, The Father claims His own. Who takes them kimlly to their homes, As heirs protection claims. Pure, unalloyed, his chosen ones, This friendship heav'n sustains. FAREWELL TO DR. M. S. McMAHAN, Sknior Warden, F. & A. M. Adieu's, expression pains the heart, But pleasant 'tis when we review Those by-gone scenes to us impart, The charms of life their jo3's renew, Recalling times where oft we met, Working beneath that mystic light, Whose law, as brothers, men unite In virtue, craftsmen's chief delight. Where harmonious peace prevails. Each others mutual int'rest brings Around that allar, life inhales, Applied by rules the square sustains, That manly pride rewards beget, From piecepts in that circle twined, With compasses alike are set. Injustice unto all mankind. Those emblems which become divine. Try well the work done by the square, And pee their errors by the line Plumb'd by the Master's special care. Whose gavel imperfections break, And fitteth each a living stone, Wiihin that house heaven's architect, Designed His faithful workman's home. 86 FAREWELL TO DR. MCMAHAN. Polish 'd and fitted in their place, Approv'd and passed by rule sustains. Secrets we to the fountain trace, Where lii^ht and love eternal reigns, Toward this lei us still pursue, — Add virtue to those mem'ries rise. With setting sun recalls to you, When I to westward cast my e^es. COLUMBUS. He sought and found a world unknown, Reserv'd by God's mysterious law. Beneath the western horizon. By inspiration which he saw, True to the spirit whisp'ring led, The anchor weighed, the white wings spread Before the eastern winds that blew ; Those sea nymphs through the foam and spray, E'er next morn dawn'd, far on their way. With fearless hope o'er surging space, Heav'd on its bosom mountains high ; He paced the deck while leeward chase, Memories as the}' onward fly, — A fond adieu to foes and friends. His Master's cause their course defends ; By guardian angels hov'ring nigh, — COLUMBUS. 87 Their little fleet that bids good cheer, Columbus on to westward steer. Hold to the helm, there's surely homes Beyond this boundless sea in view. Brave hearts and true will ride the storms. Till warblers songs, their hope renews, Wills onh^ to the tar belongs, Welcom'd b}^ echoes of the crew's, Courage, a sea-bound shore's ahead, Wuose heaity cheers in heaven's heard. A signal's fired to shoreward sped, Ahoy is heard from Commodore ; To his brave boatswain heave the lead, — One fathom, sir, then rowboats low'r. In Mister's name have here retain'd 1 aradise, sanguine hope snstain'o, In disobedience lost of yore. The forfeit of perfection doom'd, As heirs restored have refuge found. 'Neath light on love's foundation stands On soil where never tjTant trod, Where truth that's unalloy'd defends, — Oppress 'd lays down their irksome load. Maria's deck receives the prize, In hopes none e'er apostacise. Men in the image of their God, — Guardian led to this new world, The banner of the free's unfurl 'd. MARY IN HEAVEN. Unmeasured jo3^s that mem'r}' brings, Are limitless as wind that blows, — I find them 'neath the angel wings That bears me to her calm repose. No marble token marks the scene, Nor leafless trees of winter mourns, Nor blighted hopes to intervene, 'Twixt there and her, now^ heav'n adorns. Impress'd our parting lispless kiss, In token of eternal love, — To meet again in happ}^ bliss, With her I know's in realms above. The morning's songsters lead me there, Returning wath their songs renew. Scenes fresh as in the days of yore, Whispering, Pa, I wait for 3'ou. The crimson sky to me portrays Her beauty in the setting sun's Last, paiting glimpse a smile conveys, Hope to ni}^ soul says follow on. MAKY IN HEAVEN. 89 Through changmg scenes led day by day, 'Neath noonday's sun or darkest night, Of gloom when friends their love betray, Her thoughts are still my soul's delight. Hnraptur'd here, to,2;ether cleft, In charms through life, in trouble driv'n, O'er storms of earth, the beacon light, She holds it at the throne of heav'n. A POOR ORPHAN'S FUNERAL. On a cold winter day in Iowa. Death's messenger on hither hies, Who hath his victim found, — Borne with the snowflake's drifting flies, Cold, chilly wdnter, doomed, The helpless orphan for the prize Was nip'd e'er she had bloom'd, — Follows the mother, mould'ring lies In yonder bur3'ing ground. Relentless storms of life are o'er, Anguish she bitter shared. Whose silent teardrops drop no more, Tnat rending grief convey 'd Expressions of the inward core ; Relieved from pain survives Life's trials, her and mother bore. Entombed toerether lies. THE SUNBEAMS. Written to my wife at the sixth death of our children. You see them gath'rins^ 'round the throne, Pure as the angels, God's delight, His little children bids them come. On sunbeams soaring in the light. To his embrace have reach 'a their home, Now smiles on 3^ou here on the earth In whisp'ring tones, why should you mourn ? We've joys you taught us from our birth. Now leadeth you toward the prize, Upon those rays connects the span, With darkness falls and light arise, To realms of bliss, none e'er return. Come to us, darlings, six are thine, Our welcome greets you everywhere. Borne on the fleeting wings of time, In bonds of love's peculiar care. You see us in the blooming fields, Who with the ripening summer rise. From blossoms springtime's beauty yields, The sunbeams beareth to the skies, And onward with those genial rays, That soar from earth with lov'd ones gone, To follow on your bosom heaves To meet us, beck'nins: Ma to come. ODE TO THE SPRING. We bail thy genial southern winds, — Bids all living fond good cheer, 'Neath smiles of youthful bloom that brings Joys, pregnate the atmosphere. Old mother's timeworn bosom heaves, Fondly kissing April's sun's Warm kindness wove in mutual wreathes. Hills and valleys her adorns. The shepards' inmost souls rejoice. Seeing frisky lambkins play. While bleating dams their voices raise, — Grateful o'er rich pastures stray. List'ning to feath'ry warblers' songs, Rising from the leafy trees, Charms cheeping chirpies free from storms, — Longs to mount the summer breeze . With little tiny rosebuds hid, Peeping through the crystal dues. Inhaling strength their leaves to spread Fragrance, which Thy love renews. So gen'rous, graceful, to me bring Whisp'rings near my heart doth say — God christen'd you the bonny spring, Prelude to heav'n leads the way. In precepts lessons learn to cheer. Pure that springs from modest worth. Life, truth, and love, the fairest fair, Falls and rise again from earth. GOOD TEMPLARvS' SATURDAY NIGHT. 'Round the social circles join, Mirthful, sprightly hearts and hands, Aged and youthful, how sublime. Happiness in temperance finds. ChoruS' — Never weary, ever cheery. When our weekl}^ toil is done I-ads and lassies see them rally, With the old unite as one. Lassies charm the laddies' hearts, Mothers glad their bairns to see, Honor'd sire- explain the parts Of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Long may these mottoes bind us Closer, while we older grow, Till all shall join the chorus, Making this a heav'n below. As light sep'rates from darkness, So let old time habits fall, — Rising free, taste with gladness, Joys illuminate the soul. Hope is the anchor given, Charity to'all mankind, F'aith leads without reflection, — Those who seek these comforts find. FRED WARNER'S NEW YEAR. With joy, all hail the New Year's sun, When rising o'er the free ; A welcome comes with her return, Bound for eternity. On records past the dies hath cast. To unseen future runs, — Let's mend our faults and let our trust Be in the Goddess' arms. To you amongst the favor 'd few, Beneath her winning smile, — She will again past joys renew. In good, old fashion'd style. When wit and song was manhood's pride. That fill'd the social strains, Then age and virtue side by side, Fired youth's ambitious veins. Those pleasant times your steps retrace, While fires of life grow dim. She'd find some comfort suits your case And keep you, aye. in trim. 94 FRKD WARNER S NEW VEAR. Who ne'er forgets the geii'rous brave, On them choice blessings strew, — To whom receiv'd as freely gave. Will aye, remember you. Soul's fiU'd with love, her cherish'd theme, Where'er that mortals dwell, Beneath her wings o'er ever}^ clime, They are protected well. Aye, kindly cared for as her own, Congenial, social hearts, Desires for peace who glides along, In precepts joy imparts. Hope, rising brightly in the east. Cause grateful feelings burn ; Who brings a clean, unspotted sheet, To virtue all may turn , Forgiveness on the records seal'd. Gone with the bygone year, Lessons learn'd that time's reveard,— Let's keep this clean and pure. Till your last earthly sands are run, The pendulum in your breast Is st«jp'd, a good man's labor's done, And gently laid at rest. With joyful pleasure made the best Of what came ev'ry day, — Ne'er kept revenge within your breast, Or needy turn'd away. THE MIRAGE OF LIFE., The mirage sanguine hopes sustain, Mankind, while they their course pursue, 'Mongst phantom scenes 'twixt joy and pain, Enchanted distance fills the view. Of nature's panorama's scene, Where fleeting visions doth adorn, There fancied charms to us are seen, When reach 'd the spot as shadow^s flown. Leads us along in youthful pride, Unmeasur'd prospects brightest seem, 'Mongst present joys to future glide. The whole unveil'd is but a dream, Borne on the wings of endless space, Joys we have pass'd, no more are seen ; Still longing sighs our mem'ries trace, Tuose vanish'd pleasures from the scene. Gems dearly lov'd, in thoughts sublime, To us congenial, all erased, — A glimpse us- borne on wings of time. We weary o'er the deserts chased. Toward the end of measur'd years, Sands of our life are well nigh run, A mirage ever still appears. Away beneath the setting sun. The desert's crossed, still ling'ring themes. Follows that light our journey led, Hope hoping still for happy scenes Beyond the city of the dead. MURPHY'S GOSPEL TEMPERANCE. Hapi>y's the father and mother where young, With love nnto all and malice to none, — The God giv'n gift to the faithful belong, Brings balm to the soul that's honor'd at home Where reason doth guide and prudence sustains, Those urinciples pure instill'd in the youth, God fanneth with help to friendship that reigns, Matureth in age the lovers of truth. Beaming with joy aie crown'd with the w^reaths Of virtue's reward, obedience find. On wdngs of progression's future that bears Eight comes wdth the morning leaves darkness behind. Where oft we have sip'd and deeply have dip,d, In bowls breeding mis'ry, follies of yore. With genial fellows, while mothers have wept For husbands and sons, tears press'd from the core. Dishonor'd, by social circles had flung, Distinction of rank on the balance's w^eigh, Receiptis bear the sweat of labor that's wrung From beautiful manhood falls by the way. Longing for Murphy's to render the stiain, Riseth to heav'n on wings of the dove, Returning to wives and bairns who rejoin, Happiness borne by their message of love. MY IDOL ANGEL. Wliose beauty's streak'd with silv'ry gray The brow God's chosen works adorn, — Language that her pure thoughts conve}', His living ripen'd virtue's borne, llluniinates my soul that feels The joyous impulse heavings swell, Around my heart fair fancy steals, Whisp'ring charms I dare na tell. The secret of my cherish 'd themes, Led by her vision night or day, joy gilds the edge of fleeting times, Guardian phantoms cheers the w^ay, In gait and manners thoughts arise, 'Neath smiles serene with beaming joy, Tones my most inward heart's desire, That tells of love without allo3^ Those modest locks so graceful hang, In truthful lines whereb}^ we trace, Perfection's mold the model flung On earth, the fairest of her race ; Congenial kind where'er she moves, As manna doth harmonious fall In circles that humanely proves, A social soul's belov'd bv all. 98 MY IDOL ANGEL. My charm that holds the living prize, In mutual rapture there be found Through life, and resurrected rise, To share those wreathes that virtue crown 'd. Alas, how vain, we should retain, Schemes borne 'neath fate — relentless foe, To prudent hopes, but addeth pain To disappointments — bitter woe. IS THERE NO BALM FOR THE SOUL ? [Mr. Newton, of Holiness Band fame, remarked in one of his discourses in Phoenix, A. T., that settlers on this coast were runaways from justice. Not being interested, I quietly walked out, when he called after me, more would want to leave before he got through.] O, where 's the healing balm that comes From Bethlehem's guiding star? Light for the lost Pacific scums, Thy servant says we are. In mercy. Thou, who rules supreme. Whose righteous judgement is the theme, To heal sins, wounded scar, Lord, shine on us, and kindly deal, — Place us a^ par and wish us weal. IS THERE NO BALM FOR THE SOUL? 99 There is Thy servant bold and strong, To nurse Thy feeble lambs, Who never yet did aught was wrong, Perfection's holy bands. Self-right'ous passions satisfies, What reason's radient rules despise. 'Neath Thy bright light that burns ; Leading hearts with joy Thou'st giv'n. On peaceful pathways reacheth heav'n. Lord, well Thou know'st how helpless we, F'ar from Thy precept strays, Th}^ servant all our faults can see, Like old time Pharisees. When faulty woman stood alone. Accusers dare not throw one stone, — Invited there by Thee ; This lesson let Th}^ servants learn. Best their own weakness first discern. Then they're approaching to their God, When each can bless their foe. And kindly ease their neighbor's load, With help they can bestow\ Needs nothing more or nothing less, Than what is given each to bless Mankind, doth freely flow From precepts of our Christ that came, Then Newton's kind will hide in shame. LOVELY NELL. Liii.i^'ring far across the sea, My thoughts on mem'ries dwell, Those happy days come to me, Were spent with lovely Nell. When blythely on the new mown swards, The glooming graceful flung, Their soothing. shades as sleeping birds, Songs still echoing rang. O'er hills and dales when trUvStfully Our hearts both warm and light. There in her plaid, wrap'd cosily, We'd spent the summer night. Those fleeting hours in this pure bliss, I never can forget, — The sweetness of her maiden kiss 'Neath smiles — I see them 3^et. On crimson cheeks in lilies set. White as the drifting snaw, Those scenes still 'round my soul are cleft, Though I've been long awa. And often wonder since Lang Syne, In thoughts 'twixt joy and pain. When we have cross'd the river Time, If I'll meet Nell again. When w^orldly cares no more are told, Pure joy to us conveys. Within heaven's gates ajar unfold Again those happy days. ILLUSTRIOUS SPURGEON DECEASED We mourn for him gone, who true to his trust, Sounded the sh)gan to millions while lost, Return, O, return, with jjladness was heard, — Come to the feast of his Master and Lord, Supplies of rich manna so freel}' he gave Strength to the feeble and coura^^e to the brave, Hope to the hopeless and sight to the blind, — Saw their loving Savior's promise and found, A friend to lowl}- and weary this rest, Filleth the faithful with joy in the breast, Flows from the fountain that never runs low. For penitents balm doth fieely bestow Assurance to doubting and freedom to those, Burst bondage of sin who have conquei 'd their foes, Smile on the christian precepts that came, Sheltering orphans and widows the same. Virtue to prudent in harmony reigns, Fruit of his teaching all living sustains , Wafts free with the winds on the aerial wingn, Those rich laden treasures joyful ness brings ; The comforts of hope enraptures the soul, With foretastes of heav'n uniting the whole. In grateful emotions to him bore the light, — A star in the firmament never will set. I02 ILLUSTRIOUS SPURGEON DECEASED. Till dreeping of Calvar3^'s blood shall restore Mankind to their God, the banner he bore, — Now sleeps in its folds till trumpets shall sound The revile's call — come home and be crown'd. NELIvIE I SPARK'D ON THE GREEN. Sweet as the rose and while as the lih% Nothing lovely to her could impart, — Graceful perfection, beautified Nellie, Joy of my youth and queen of my heart. Expressions of love's innocence beaming, Pure as sunlight her bonny blue e'en Sparkl'd all day with hope till the evening, Happy with Nellie spark'd on the green. Closely and fondly there wrap'd in her plaid. Shades of the eve'ning was breathing their charms Uniting our hearts in dreamland still leads Me to the spot with Nell in my arms. Present and future link'd like a vision, Seal'd with affections, sweet little mow, Raptures of love there wove in my bosom — Light of my life, aye, piov'd to me true. Wher'er that fortune or fate casts ni}- lot, Grandeur adorns those fanciful scenes — The pleasures of youth surrounding the spot, Faultless young Nellie's there in ni}^ dramas. WHY SHOULD NOT THE SPIRIT OF MORTALS BE PROUD? Why should not the spirit of mortals be proud ? Lords of the earth in the image of God, Who breath 'd in their nostrils life from the womb, Whose hope is eternal smiles on the tomb. From spingtime's 3'outhful ambitions began, To long for that glory's destined to man ; Surrounded by joys finds fame and renown, The prize he has reached by merit that won. Laurels e'er yet in meridian's prime, Surveys this Paiadise bounded by time, Pleasures and treasures the present receives, With fruitful fruition futurity weaves. Joys are recorded on wings of the past, That's borne us along from east to the west. Reviewing the grandeur that mem'ry's seal'd 'Neath the arch of the rainbow^'s promises fiU'd. Seasons of harmony where w^e do find, The earth restoriii"; to all of its kind, I04 THE SPIRIT OF MORTALS. Rewards for their works by which they are bless'd. With bountiful homes and quietness of rest. Poor, rich, and wear}^ drink at the same springs And also the peasants, as do the kings ; Contentment's the secret balm that is known. For happiness breathing life of same sun. Lighteth same pathways with warmth to main- tain Fruit with same sammers hlleth the grain, That's garner'd wiih eare by farmers for all's, — Happy's the Princes in banqueting halls. With wines and with songs that bear the refrain Charms which their glor3^ and comforts sustain, While poorest find jo}^ inhal'd on the breeze, Pure from the dewdrops distill'd on the leaves. Wafts o'er the earth on the life given wings, Hail'd by the linnets melodious sings, Songs of the morning so gracefully rise, With notes of rejoicings borne to the skies. Echoes returning soothe sorrows who bear The wrinkles of aged and tears of the fair. That's press 'd from faith doth silently fall, Bath'd in forgiveness, the balm af the soul. Gathered from love freely flows from the core, With virtues that rise on ruins of yore, Remodel'd in truth that's borne on the waves, By sea and by land cheers all to their graves. THE SPIRIT O^ MORTALS, IO5 Weary and worn on our journey are led, With kindness of friends who pillows our head. Hearing the portals our labors all done. The hands of the angels beckon us home. There on the beautiful banks of the shore, IvOv'd ones are waiting to welcome us o'er ; From death unto life's pure image of God, Who calls us His heirs, O, why not be proud ? AN APPEAL TO THE STIEEWORM. O. selfish worm had I the pow'r, Or influence that you possess, No barefoot bairns this wide world o'er, Would bide beneath a ragged dress, — Nor shame befall the blotted drags Of manhood drinks the cup of woe, Whose nerveless pulse with pity begs. From TIjou, his master and his foe. No mother's tears from bleeding hearts Would wet the cheeks with grief who mourn, For lov'd ones caus'd those silv'ry streaks Untimel}' on fair brows are worn, From wounds that crush 'd the inward core, B}^ those the nestled in their arms, — The pride of home to manhood bore. Now drag'd, degarded through the slums. I06 AN APPEAL TO THE STILLWORM, No iron bars would guard the cage, Prevents the tots from kissing Pa, Nor phantoms in their wildness rage, Delirious on those bairns would fa, Ivisp'd their sweet pray'rs God him might bless, With what they've neither felt or saw ; One smile to soothe their heart's distress, That's chill'd 'neath winter's blasts that blow Nor hear heart rending, piteous cries Of orphans cast upon the earth, — A cruel, selfish world dispise. The progeny that gave them birth. Poor, wand'ring waifs with cringing fear, Shrinks from mankind with innate sham, Whose trembling voice and trickling tear, Expresseth wants they dare n.i name. Nor heated passions overrate The boundaries of prudent hope, Results that find the hangman's fate, By their own weight have stretch 'd a rope, Ends their last earthly sands are run, But not the end of bitter strife, Whose helpless offsprings left to mourn. And shame befalls a murd'rers wife. Nor hear the sobs of angels we ^p, Hov'ring o'er the prison walls. Of their own sex refrains to keep Record of vice inhumane falls. I AN APPEAL TO THE STILLWORM. 1 07 From heaven's decree, a husband's pride, Bright as the polish'd emerald stone, Thy lurid charms decoy'd the bride, Whose ruin wreck'd a happy home. Thou'd stop this mad and wild career, So long thy fellow worm's oppress' d, Let them breathe God's pure atmosphere And drink from springs that he has bless'd, Then wives in dresses !:eat and braw. And sparkling eens proud of their names, Whose lisping pray'rs hath bless'd taem au, Dance on Pa's knee in happy homes. WATCHING AN OLD YEAR OUT AND NEW^ IN. Old year I'm loth to say adieu, And swap an old friend for a new. But long's I live I'll think of you, — 'Twixt joy and pain, A lot that's to all mortals due, O'er earth's domain. You bore me on your arial wings, With presidents, princes, lords and kings. Like me whose doom'd existence hangs Upon a thread, Till thy successor's pend'lum rings, — Another's dead. I08 AN OLD YEAR OUT — A NEW IN. And gone with thee at winter's call, While whiten 'd weeds the valle3'S fill, And sighing winds their plaintiff wail, From o'er the sea, 'Mongst shivering trees with ic}^ chill, All mourns for thee. Genial friend, e'en like a brother. We journey'd on our course together, Thy full storehouse open ever. With daily bread, To all your genrous hand deliver'd, In time o' need. Lean'd close to mortals, fortune snag'd, Drifting was beach'd while anchors drag'd. In storms of darkness were befog 'd,- — Drunk or sober, On your wings that never lag'd, Pack'd them o'er. And those who bore from other years, Troubles you dried their bitter tears. With kindness cured all doubts and fears, With their last breath, Drop'd their weary load of cares, Back to the earth. With lime's keen w^hittle nick'd the horn, Used e'er that you or I was born, To blast man's hopes caused millions mourn.. Poor, low and great. Without respect friends from us torn By fickle fate. AN OLD YE:AR out — A NEW IN. IO9 Mis'r}' where its course is bent, Unseen, no mortals can prevent ; Thy antedote, a3'e, freeh^ lent With special care, For happiness and sweet content, Closed th}^ career. TUCSON—SAN AUGUSTINE—GRAND FIESTA. What rustling, bustling — not a spot Of standing room, or vacant lot, For arts or relics here was brought. Direct from Spain, Of world's wonders almost forgot, Revived again. Our arcient pueblo all men hails Whose love and beauty never fails In drawing crowds by carts and rails, With busts and bustles — A mingling mess in song and tales. With well wet whistles. Natives on their rawhides screeching Same old tune suits joy or weeping, no TUCSON — SAN AUGUSTINK — :FIESTA. Put old Moses soundly sleeping, On Sinai's range, Still sends chills o'er rrortals creeping Without a change. Excited French uneasy sits, While stalwart Dutchman lager sips, The English tongue's the boast of wits, O'er creation, Yank guesses, bets, and calculates, — In speculation. Whose tickling straws have something new, That's known to but a favor'd few, Rais'd 'neath some spot the eagle flew Away down east, O'er basswood trees where nutmegs grew Trim'd with pufF paste. Breathes smoothly, confidential trust, Schemes whose secrets make or burst, Slyly whisp'ring, you're the first, — My strike I've told, Tenderfoot receives the rust And they the gold. Youth and aged, fools and the wise. Lame and athletes on trapeze. With senoritas thick as bees, Whose beaming eyes, Capture beaus amongst the boys With graceful ease. TUCSON — SAN AUGUSTINE — FIESTA. Ill Woman's charms they long have stood, Surviving storms of Noah's flood, As Jacob by Ma's crafty mood Got Esau's blessing, Exemplified by Paddy Wood,* His neighbors fleecing. Who loveth all but ne'er the core, The secrets novv as days of yore, Chance the excited charms adore — Theft is no shame. All buck to win and nothing more, — Deceit 's the game. These social times that banish care, Where jovial souls hav^e joys to share, No thirsty weary body's there Where boss Levine Rules supreme, that's bless'd with pray'rs Of San Augustine. * A faro dealer. EPISTLE TO J. B. My Montezuma friend — Written when not expected to live long, bu^, thank God, is now living and well. Your neighbor's pride among the hills, Whose gratitude with rev'rence fills, Weeping eyes with trickling rills On cheeks appear. Who realize the grip that chills, Life's blood's so near. Has borne your light across earth's span, A pattern after God's own plan. Unerring guides hath led the van Congenial flood In veins — a sympathy for man, Aye, free bestow'd. From impulse in your breast doth bear Weals and the woes with others share, Hath nurs'd with tenderness and care The mental wound, — A balm that healeth mortals here, That's seldom found. Pure which with your existence came, Infinitude first breathe j'our name. And lit the soul with truths proclaim. True to your God. And man in precepts leads the fame Wher'er you've trod. A journey virtue scattered seeds, Seen here and there from kindly deeds, EPIS^LK TO J. B. Marks well the course where honor leads Toward the borne, Shall bloom with time that propagates Your name when gone. Whose echo's through these hills shall ring In tones wafts from the virgin spring, On mem'ry's wings wdth joy shall bring Those happy scenes, While joyful children's birds shall sing Your cherish'd themes. Who found a ready helping hand, tJnbias'd justice w^ould defend, Ne'er turn'd your back upon a friend. Nor truth betray'd. Virtue's which with the gen'rous blend, Shall mark your head. A VISIT TO A MODERN EDEN. Written with compliments to my Denverton friend, Dr. S. K. N. The rising sun adorn 'd the east. Puts life and besom in the beast. And gratitude within the breast, Who reasons find. From light discern 'd that w^hich was best To suit their kind. 114 A VISIT TO A MODERN EDEN. I in that lovely garden stray 'd, The harmony of all survey 'd, While flow'rs in beauty's best array'd. The cooin::^ dove, — She mourn 'd for those who disobey 'd The God of love, A living gem supremely reigned. Whose gTciceful moiel charmed mankind, — Heaven's grandest effort well design 'd P'or happiness. In form and face fill'd soul and mind With perfect bliss- I, pond'ring o'er these scenes beguil'd, 'Neath winning ways, who softly smiled, Expressions of her thoughts unveil'd To me what seem'd, The charms of life I there beheld, Oft fancy dream 'd. Forbidden fruit was always best. Where strategy's called to the test. That smiles on trouble'^, soothes the breast, From risks that run The gauntlet, findeth peaceful rest Successful won. The weals and woes escapsth none, Since we our lace on earth begun, And love the impulse moved the man Born of woman, — A VISIT TO A MODERN EDEN. II5 In peace and war hath led the van, 'Tis weak, but human. IvUkewarm that leans to rules as binding, Hath no joys that 's worth the finding, Lifeless with the current dripping Of pleasures shorn, — Spend their time in troubles grinding Their neighbor's corn. Joj^s of life's not brought by measure, Worldly wealth or indolent leisure. But he whose soul hath found the pleasure Within the arms Of love's free flowing, hidden treasure. Bears woman's charms 'Tis not in gait or in the skin's Whiteness 'tis the expression finds, The impulse bears the woof that spins Life's purest gems. Congenial, mutual thought entwines These diadems. In worldly ways same course is run, Now as when Adam first begun, — An innate charm by will that's borne. Defiant rules. From laws are universal known, — Not taught in schools. Bears us along the mystic race, Wher eby the truthful wins the chase. Il6 A YISIT TO A MODERN ED:B^. Rich, blind and poor all find a place Where each admire, While old finds comfort suits their case, With little fire. Tottering on toward the brink, Renews joys in their hearts to think How they used to play and jink. In days of yore, — Now weary, worn, and soon must sink To rise no more. OF THE UNIVERSITY THE END. (>^ 'U I l^^b ^^^ 1% THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY