ERKELEY 
 
 'BRARY 
 
 I'VERSITY OF 
 ALIFORNIA . 
 
LAYS OF HEARTH AND HOME 
 
jrM{/i^. 
 
 L 
 
 A \ S 
 
 OF 
 
 
 ARTH 
 
 AND 
 
 HOME 
 
 E. 
 
 BY 
 
 T). (}. 
 
 
 Head from some Iminble poet. 
 Whose sonsis su^^i^J from Iiis lie.-u-t 
 As showers from the clouds of siuiim 
 Or tenrs from tlie eyi'-liils start : 
 
 --■^v 
 
 
 AMSTERDAM, 
 C. M. VAN G O (; H. 
 
 1 8 C 2. 
 
I'riiitccl tiv BINLiKH liKuTHEKS, Aiiistunlnm. 
 
A F F E T I N A T E L Y D E D I C A T E D 
 
 MY DEARLY-BELOVED FATHER 
 
 THE CHERISHED MEMORY 
 
 MY SAINTED MOTHER. 
 
 466 
 
^53 
 1 4a? 
 
 P R E !•' A V K. 
 
 In i)ul)lisliiii^ this little voluiup, I feci it necessary tu chiiiii the 
 kind indulgence of the Reader for these unpretending poems whicli have 
 so essentially been written for my own home-circle. I am well aware tliat 
 they can, critically speaking, boast of no poetic merit, and only be of value 
 to those kindred spirits that may have thrilled to the same emotions, and 
 may find in these verses an echo of their own feelings and impressions. If 
 a glance into my little book can brighten an hour of weariness, or soothe 
 a moment of suffering; if but one fainting heart can find in its pages a 
 word of comfort or encouragement, then indeed will my aim be attained, 
 and God's blessing rest on these simple strains! 
 
 In the sixth verse of the poem entitled » Graziella's Dying Farewell" 
 (pag. 32) a mistake has occurred in the first four lines which I must beg 
 the Reader to change thus : 
 
 Thou fiast not been all that my heart had deemed thee, 
 
 Thou hast not loved so faithfully as I ; 
 Thou wouldst not then so lifjhtly have esteemed me. 
 
 And left me thus in lonely grief to die. 
 
 I have now only to entreat the Reader's indulgence for any eri'ors 
 which may have escaped my attention in this little volume which has had 
 the disadvantage of being ])rinted in a foreign language. 
 
 Amsterdam, May ll^(i2. E. D. G. 
 
c o ^ T e: N T B. 
 
 Pagf 
 
 A Farewell to The Old Year and a Welcome to The New One 1 
 
 On a Mother's Birth-day 3 
 
 Thoughts on The Sufferings and Death of Our Lord Jesus Clirist 5 
 
 To a dear Friend on her Birth-day 7 
 
 The Breath of Spring ^ 
 
 The Bird's Message 10 
 
 The Saddened Birth-day H 
 
 The Old Man's Treasure 13 
 
 To a Child 16 
 
 The Forsaken One 18 
 
 Come Away 19 
 
 The Orphan's Call 20 
 
 Yellow Leaves 23 
 
 My Mother's Voice 25 
 
 To a Sister on her Wedding-day 28 
 
 The Struggles of Life 30 
 
 Graziella's Dying Farewell 32 
 
 Oh! Touch It Not' 3.5 
 
 The Mother's Death-bed 37 
 
 The Last Appeal 39 
 
 The Gathered Flower 41 
 
 Of What I Think' 42 
 
 Don Ramiro 44 
 
X CO N T i; N r s. 
 
 Page 
 
 A Moilicr'> Agony •'>' 
 
 An Ott-tuld Tiile 53 
 
 Cliildliood's Joys 55 
 
 Stanzas 56 
 
 Des])air 58 
 
 The Babe's Release 5<J 
 
 Enconrageinent 61 
 
 Oh! if Thou diest tirst, my Love! 62 
 
 My Flowers 63 
 
 Lines written during Illness 66 
 
 The Anniversary. . . 68 
 
 Visions 70 
 
 My Mother 72 
 
 Lost Love 74 
 
 A Prayer on Old Year's Eve 75 
 
 Oh! Golden Hair! 76 
 
 Too Late! 78 
 
 The Dying Child SO 
 
 A Mother's Prayers 81 
 
 To the Memory of a dear and valued Brother-in-Law 82 
 
 My Darling 84 
 
 My Love is Young, My Love is Fair ! 87 
 
 Stanza 89 
 
 The Song of Love !)0 
 
 The Wife 91 
 
 To the Bereaved 92 
 
 The Watcr-Lily 94 
 
 The Cricket on the Hearth. . " 9.") 
 
 Spring- Yearnings 97 
 
 Evening Prayer 99 
 
A F A li K W ELL TO T II E OLD Y E A R 
 
 WELCOME TO THE NEW ONE. 
 
 X HE last day of the year....! how much is in these words enshrined, 
 Leaving a still and solemn hush upon the trembling mind, 
 As with a feeling — half of hope — and half of boding fear 
 We hail, in its advancing course, the newly-opening year! 
 
 And Thou! what art thou bearing hence on thy retiring waves, 
 Thou passing Year, that led'st us on still nearer to our graves. 
 Still nearer to our final rest, our day of victory. 
 When months and years are all swept by in Life's eternity! 
 
 What shipwrecked hopes, what vain desires for ever unfulfilled, 
 What ne'er-to-be-forffotten dreams not e'en by Sorrow stilled, 
 What cravings for a happiness which never may be ours. 
 On which we fix our bosom's thoughts and bend our spirit's powers? 
 
What glimpses of a Future bright arising on tlio soul, 
 In soft fantastic hues and forms too mighty to control, 
 Drawing the heart still furtlier on, in that fair land of dreams, 
 Where what we love our love returns and fond aifection beams! 
 
 AVhat voiceless yearnings gushing forth from the deep spirit's store. 
 And doomed to find in kindred hearts a sweet response no more, 
 What cruel crushings of the heart borne in retiring woe, 
 And hiding from the scornful world the wounded feeling's glow! 
 
 What young eyes opened painfully to Life's realities. 
 And writhing 'neath the aching sense of burd'ning memories. 
 What breaking of the dearest ties that human heart may know 
 Are borne on thy last solemn knell, so mournful, sad and low! 
 
 What dost Thou bear us on thy wings, thou just beginning Year, 
 And what prophetic badge is thine? a smile? a sigh? a tear? 
 Shedding a brightness on our life? or dimly shadowing o'er 
 The coming days of wintry void for weary hearts in store? 
 
 What message bear'st thou to my heart, the feverish, hope-o'erfraught, 
 The struggling fluttering soul, not e'en by disappointment taught, 
 For ever striving to be free, to burst its earthly chain. 
 Which checks its kindling light'ning flight and high aspirings vain! 
 
 Whate'er thy task, oh! be it blessed by Dim who knows my need. 
 Whose pitying hand with love sustains the fragile drooping reed! 
 And if, in thy fieet course, my soul by suflf'ring must be taught 
 To lay aside its l)uriiin<'- dreams witli unludief o"erfraui;lit — 
 
 ^ 
 
To turn my too coiificling trust from idols made of clay 
 AMiicli never mve us back the love we pour on them away! 
 Wasting on frail mortality the noble powers divine 
 More fitly laid, oh God of love! upon Thy holy shrine! — 
 
 Oh! then indeed in Life's record thy mem'ry will be blest, 
 And long remembered in the heart — the tranquil home of rest! 
 Brighfning with gleams of Heavenly light the unknown Futurity, 
 And training our aspiring souls for immortality! 
 
 OX A MOTHEirS BIRTH-DAY 
 
 „Tliy God hatli commanded thy strength!" 
 Fs. LXVni, 28. 
 
 IVLany blessings, dearest Mother! from thy Father's hand be shed, 
 
 Best and holiest, and lasting on thy well-beloved head; 
 
 Raising in affliction's hour deep within thy soul the shrine 
 
 Of a love wliich will not fail thee with its strength'ning power divine! 
 
 SufF'rine: makes thee but the dearer to the hearts which share thy pain! 
 
 Every trial brings its blessing — surely ours is not in vain ! 
 
 And we learn to prize thee better on thy bed of silent woe, 
 
 Whence such words of heaven-taui2;lit calmness and of soft sulmiission flo\v ! 
 
Dearest Mother! He who bought thee with His holy precious life, 
 He whose mighty arm sustains thee in the long and weary strife, 
 Sliall not He fulfil the promise jjSuffrer, put thy trust in me. 
 In thine hour of pain and anguish I will make thy bed for thee!"" 
 
 He has heard the many prayers blended in the tones of love. 
 Which for thee, our dearest treasure! mounted to His throne above, 
 And His voice of pitying mercy, to our humble sighs replied, 
 Waking in our weary bosoms hopes which ever shall abide : 
 
 ,,Know ye not the love I bear her, 
 Her, my own, my ransomed child, 
 On her Saviour's breast reclining 
 Cleansed and bright and undefiled! 
 
 Can ye, in your human folly, 
 Question e'en the ways I take? 
 Can ye think a wise Creator 
 Would His chosen vessel break? 
 
 „Ling''ring pain is sent to teach her 
 Deeper knowledge of my love, 
 For the God whose hand afflicts her 
 Wins her- soul to joys above! 
 
 „With a precious price I bought her. 
 Nought can harm her — she is mine, 
 And by earthly trials chastened 
 In mv crown of love will sliine!'" 
 
And our hearts have learned the lesson in these soothing words implied, 
 While within our souls a Avhisper half imploring still replied : 
 ,, Saviour! to Thy love and mercy we commend our Mother's lot 
 ,,But if we for her can suffer — pity her and spare us not!"' 
 
 THOUGHTS ON THE SUFFERINGS AND DEATH 
 OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 With His stripes ive are healed." 
 Imaih LHI, 5. 
 
 V^N the steep hill of Calvary the heavy cross He bore. 
 
 And from His bruised and trembling head blood gushed at every pore; 
 
 But still He meekly drank the cup prepared by human sin, 
 
 And bowed to suffering and shame, His murderers' lives to win; 
 
 Oh Son of God, who bled'st for us! the Father's only child! 
 
 We crowned Thy holy head with thorns, thou Victim undefiled! 
 
 We bound Thee to th'accursed tree, we pierced Thy hands and feet, 
 
 We gave Thee vinegar and gall Thy suff'rings to complete, 
 
 We mock'd Thy work of love divine and bade Thee scornfully: 
 
 ,,If Thine the power and might of God, come down and make Thee free!" 
 
 But Thou, Avhose ev'ry thought was love, e'en at the approach of death, 
 
 Thou prayd'st for them who brought Thee there, with Thy last fainting breath! 
 
6 
 
 Oh Saviour! ])ert'eet in Tliv lite of suff'riiig and of woe! 
 
 And holy in the agony of that last hour below! 
 
 Thou who with dying lips bestowed"st a pardon bought by Thee, 
 
 Which sounded to the sinner's ear as Heavenly melody, 
 
 Thine is the power to break the chain which binds mv heart to sin, 
 
 Thine are the words of peace and love to end the strife within! 
 
 Or is it that I will not hear when Jesus calls above, 
 And to the husks of earth I cling with too much human love? 
 And sadly my young heart rebels against the chast"ning rod, 
 Though sent as messenger of grace to lead me to my God? 
 I know not Father! what it is that keeps my heart from Thee, 
 But well I know 't is vain to hope far from Thy face to flee! 
 
 The thorn V crown, the heaw cross, the vinegar and irall. 
 
 For me these pangs, and woes were borne, for me these sutf'rings all, 
 
 And I for whom that blood was shed, that holy head reviled. 
 
 Should I refuse to bow me down as a repentant child. 
 
 And clinging to thy gracious feet, bedewing them with tears 
 
 Implore a pardon for my sins, soothing my heart's deep fears? 
 
 Oh Jesus! let Thy yoke be mine, and bend this stubborn heart, 
 As Mary to sit meekly down and choose the better part! 
 For happy they whom Thou wilt guide to seek the narrow way. 
 And bright will be, when night is past, their glorious dawn of day. 
 Stretch out Thy hand of love, dear Lord! and bid the Avearv come. 
 To find beneatli Thv slielt'rinir wiiiir a refuire and a home! 
 
TO A DEx\R FRIEND ON HER BIRTII-DAY. 
 
 (8. J. II.) 
 
 X OUR birth-day! in the glorious time when summer gifts are sent 
 To cheer, to brighten and to rouse the hearts by sorrow bent, 
 When the azure of the cloudless sky records God's faithfulness, 
 And lifts our hearts in love to Him, whose is the power to bless! 
 
 Your birth day! — Many a year ago life smiled on the infant-cliild 
 Who entered in its op'ning dawn, by Earth still undefiled. 
 But bearing, in her youthful mind, the germ of every sin, 
 Which later, in temptation's hour, the mastery might win. 
 
 Not so! an ever faithful Eye was watching from above, 
 The banner raised above that child bore the sweet name of Love, 
 And Jesus knew her as His own, e'er her young spirit's eyes 
 Had learned to turn their raptured glance to bliss beyond the skies. 
 
 Then hail thee! happy, happy soul, to whom each coming year 
 Unfolds new mysteries of love — perchance bought by a tear; 
 But what are trials, shared by Him whose eyes for Laz"rus wept, 
 But proofs that in tin's dreary Avorld our portion is not kept? 
 
A better treasure is ])rc'pare(l witliin our t^^lorious lioine, 
 Thougli in this Eartlily vale of ti'ars our jiiloriui-tbotsteps roam, 
 We feel the rapture of sueh hope as foretastes sweetly given 
 To chase the sigh of weariness, and gild the path to Heaven! 
 
 Heaven, where the Saviour's wondrous love will be our thrilling tlienie! 
 Heaven, where our hearts will find fulfill'd each ha})py hallowed dream, 
 Heaven, where the Lamb will be our Sun — our endless Source of bliss! 
 Heaven, where we'll meet tlie precious ones wlioin sadly here we miss! 
 
 Heaven! "t is the watch-word of our hearts, the sound of melody, 
 
 Which sheds a holy blessed spell to bid Earth's sorrows flee! 
 Then three times hail! thou happy soul, whose every coming Year 
 Brings thee to thy bright Home above — to Life — and Heaven more near! 
 
 THE BREATH OF SPRING. 
 
 VV HAT music wak'st thou in the heart, thou fitful breeze of spring? 
 What mighty spells and yearnings deep are borne upon tliy wing? 
 What hidden memories of the Past long buried in the lieart 
 Are called again to life by thee as by a magic art? 
 Away! away! Thou rushing Voice! within our bosom-cells 
 Too deep an answer to thy tones wildly-mvsterious dwells! 
 
Briglit buds and Howevs and verdant loaves are waving in the breeze, 
 Tlie wood-dove's plaintive, thrilling notes break from the forest trees, 
 And many scents and odours sweet, burst from a lowly flower, 
 Are strewn upon the passing gale, her bosom's priceless dower, 
 And rich soft swells, all deep with love and passion's ardent glow, 
 From little nests, by verdure hid, in sudden gushes flow. 
 
 Oh! tliou hast voices, lovely Spring! which strike the inmost soul, 
 With somethhig too divinely strange — beyond the heart's control! 
 With fore-tastes of a melody which once shall greet our ears, 
 When ended is the weary strife — when dried the burning tears! — 
 The rippling stream — the sighing breeze are fraught with myst'ries deep. 
 Which wake the chords of sympathy, within our breast asleep! 
 
 And still thou hast no power, oh Spring! to bring us back again 
 
 The crushed affections, vanished hopes our souls must mourn in vam! 
 
 Thou can'st not from the mighty Past recall the days gone by 
 
 In calm forgetfulness of grief, which seem'd too bright to fly, 
 
 Of which if by our heart's warm blood one hour we might ensure 
 
 "Twould not be bought too dear by ought our bosoms could endure. 
 
 Away then! do not haunt us still with what may ne'er be ours! 
 
 We may not waste on such vain dreams our soul's immortal powers ! 
 
 For a higher and a nobler aim thy warning voice was sent, 
 
 With many a message of God's love and gracious promise blent, 
 
 To waft our thoughts and yearnings deep far through the clouds above. 
 
 To brighter realms, uid^nown to Change, th'abodes of endless Love! 
 
THE BIIIDS :\[ESSAGE. 
 
 T 
 
 he green leaves of the ha-wthorn-tree are burstino- into lio-ht. 
 And tlu'ongh the verdant foliage steals a glorious sunbeam bright, 
 All glad to pierce the veil of clouds and shed its cheering ray 
 On all the buds, and leaves, and flowers which love the glow of day; 
 And i)i niy heart its radiance wakes a happy sense of spring. 
 And lifts my youtliful soul above on Thought's exultant wing! 
 
 And thou, too, joyous little bird! art come to make me glad. 
 
 For wliile thy A-oice is full of praise, how could my heart l)e sad ? 
 
 So many blessings still are mine — so many gifts of love 
 
 In mercy shed upon my way from Jesu's throne above — 
 
 And Jfe, without Avhose mighty will no harm may come to thee, 
 
 Is watching Avith far greater \o\e and faithfulness o'er me! 
 
 AVhy is it that thy charmed voice awakes within my heart 
 
 So many a memory of the past whicli Time had liid depart, 
 
 And l)rings before me voices fled and eyes so soft antl kind, 
 
 And moments fllh'd with E^-iendsliip's joys, long treasured in the mind 
 
 Thy e\erv deep and thrilHng tone is whispering in my ear 
 
 A name — a genth- [)reci(ius name - so h)\('(l and truly (h'ar! 
 
ll 
 
 Mv ()(la! 'tis thy voicn; that speaks in that iinj)assi(med strain, 
 And bids me -wait in patient trust — fur we shall meet again! 
 Oar hearts are knit in a firm 1)ond ■which Time cannot destroy, 
 And the hour of meeting -svill be fraught with many a heart-felt joy! 
 These thoughts of confidence and hope are whispered by the voice 
 Of this sweet minstrel of the woods which bids me still rejoice! 
 
 But thou wilt leave me, little bird! and bear to other hearts 
 
 The cheering messages of joy thy gentle song imparts ; 
 
 Light are the wings which bear thee hence upon the summer breeze, 
 
 Which woos thee back to fairer spots and greener haunts than these; 
 
 Oh! if thou visit in thy course my Oda's happy home, 
 
 Then brine; her Nancy's faithful love and bid her ouicklv come! 
 
 THE SADDENED BIRTH- DAY. 
 
 JL HY birth-day dawns as bright and fair, as e'er it used to be, 
 With wishes and Avith fondest prayers to Jesus breathed for thee, 
 But oh! the smile which seemed most sweet, the blessing whispered low, 
 They never can return again on any day below! 
 
 Thou youngest, gentle child of her whom many sadly miss, 
 The first one in this Year, deprived of lier sweet birth-day kiss, 
 Oh! wlio shall make this dav as bright as love would ha^e it be? 
 And fill a mother's holy task (if fondest syni})athy? 
 
12 
 
 Nay! seek it not below — that love! its earthly trace has tied, 
 And still it has not left thy side, it is not with the dead, 
 But lift thine eye, in child-like trust, to Heaven's blue canopy, 
 And feel, if it be true indeed, that she remembers thee! 
 
 Hearst thou no voice of sAveetest tone, Avhose whisj^er thrills thy soul, 
 So pure, so holy seems its soft and spirit-like control. 
 That the anguish of thy youthful heart dies silently away. 
 And every pang is lulled to rest beneath the lieaAenly sway! 
 
 „ Child of ni}' tender anxious love. 
 
 Still, still mine own! 
 Deem not thy lot to me above 
 
 Must be unknown! 
 
 ,,Thy mother's earthly task is done, 
 
 Her sorrows past. 
 The palm of holy victory won 
 
 Through Death at last! 
 
 ..But tliouo;h her soul has left the sijhere 
 
 Of human woe. 
 And from her eyes is wiped the tear 
 
 Oft wept below! — 
 
 „0h! doubt not from her Heavenly Home 
 
 All tenderly 
 Where'er thy ste])s on earth may roam 
 
 She'll smile on thee! 
 
13 
 
 „I bless tliee, oh! iiiiiR' orplinii-child! 
 
 Still, still iniiie own! 
 May Jesus keep thee undefiled, 
 
 And His atotieP^ 
 
 Oh! Mother-Spirit! hovering near! oh! Angel-Mother's voice! 
 Thy thrilling words have nerved our hearts, tho' weeping, to rejoice! 
 Be thou our sister's guardian still, and lead her heart to Him 
 Whose love Earth's troubles cannot shake — nor Sorrow ever dim! 
 
 THE OLD MAN'S TREASURE. 
 
 XjLow is it that to-day my heart throbs anxiously for thee? 
 
 Thou dearest and thou best beloved of all God's gifts to me! 
 
 Thou sunshine on the weary path which nought but thee illumes. 
 
 Thou only flow'ret sent to him who lives 'neath thy perfumes! 
 
 Thou gladsome visionary thing, all varying light and shade, 
 
 Whose smile my humble little home in brightness has arrayed! 
 
 Thy sunny brow was never known to wear a shade so sad, 
 
 When all around thee sings with glee, and rings with laughter glad; 
 
 When spring peeps forth in wild delight from every brake and dell, 
 
 And flowers bedeck the lovely groves whose shades we love so well, 
 
 And even the tiniest little leaf unfolding to the light, 
 
 Speaks wonders of the beauteous world which (Jod has made so bright! 
 
14 
 
 What mys'try lies beneath the lash of thy deep inournt'ul eye, 
 
 Loathe e'en to meet the glorious hues of yon unclouded sky? 
 
 Thou Avert not wont, thou sunny one! to wander thus alone, 
 
 With anguish written on thy brow, and thrilling in thy tone, 
 
 With thy bright locks all wildly worn, thy head all lowly bent. 
 
 As if thy soul with all its hopes and loveliest visions blent, 
 
 Clung to the smiling verdant Earth whose syren-accents sweet 
 
 Lead us unconscious to the abyss which yawns beneath our feet. 
 
 Where all our Spring-time's sunny dreams are scattered in the dust 
 
 And unfulfilled a yearning heart weeps o'er its broken trust! 
 
 Oh! be not this thy mournful lot, thou who wert made to be 
 
 A messenger of Heavenly love, a soul all pure and free, 
 
 The lark of morn whose joyous tones the Old Man's heart rejoice. 
 
 When God speaks words of healing peace through thy endearing voice! 
 
 Is not this humble dwelling blessed because of thee, my child! 
 
 Whose happy soul so early sought a treasure undefiled! 
 
 It must have been of such as thee our holy Saviour said, 
 
 While gently on each infant head His loving hands He spread: 
 
 „Unless ye be like one of these, as humble and as meek, 
 
 „The Kingdom never can be yours, which e'en these babes may. seek!" 
 
 Oh! thou who from thy infant years didst learn thy God to love. 
 
 Whose stamm'ring lips were taught to frame thy Father's name above, 
 
 Whose little heart, with childlike trust, the Saviour's words received, 
 
 And early o'er its many sins in secret deeply grieved, 
 
 Weeping — while thy sweet infant head on Jesu's breast was laid — 
 
 That so much unremitting love, so ill should be repaid! 
 
 Shouklst thou despair because on earth one fickle heart has cast 
 
 Thy little freight of first young love upon the swee])ing blast, 
 
 Jk'cause a soul which has not lenfiuMl true lo^e at .lesus feet 
 
If) 
 
 In reckless mood lias Hung aside tlie honds once deemed so sweet, 
 
 And God, who saw tJiee turn thy heart in worshi]) to tlie dust, 
 
 Knew that to win tliv love astrayed its idol must be crushed? 
 
 Oh! droop not, child of so much prayer, of so much fondest love, 
 
 AVhile from thine earthly father's heart the pleadings rise above. 
 
 And sweeter accents, born of Heaven, call to their peaceful home 
 
 The wearv yearnings of a heart which sought in vain to roam ; 
 
 Whose deep affections on this earth could find no ans^ver true, 
 
 Because they bore the stamp of Heaven — the soul's unsullied dew! 
 
 Oh! might /but for thee, my child! this heavy sorrow bear, 
 
 How o-ladly would this silvered head bend 'neath the load of care! 
 
 For thou art all too bright and fair to droop 'neath anxious pain, 
 
 Wearino- thv glad free youth away in wild repinings vain! 
 
 Oh! all around thee shares the woe which shrouds thy smile's rich light, 
 
 It seems as if our home's sweet bird had suddenly ta'en flight. 
 
 And carried to some distant spot the breezy strains that flowed 
 
 In bursts of stirring melody forth from our blessed abode! 
 
 Oh! call that music back again to our neglected hearth. 
 
 Lone, hushed, and chill as if it ne'er had known the tones of mirth! 
 
 And if still oft within thy heart the strife too hopeless seem, 
 
 AVhen visions of wdiat might have been through thy sad fancy gleam, 
 
 Then we will kneel and pray, my child ! thy young hand clasped in mine. 
 
 While both shall seek, with trusting hearts, the Comforter divine; 
 
 And if thy tears still wildly flow- upon thy father's breast. 
 
 We'll leave them to lie gently dried by Him who loves thee liest! 
 
T O A C H I L D. 
 
 C, 
 
 ^Hir-T)! Avitliin wliose laughing eyes 
 Sucli a world of gladness lies, 
 Briglit^ning with their sparkling rays 
 All that meets their radiant gaze, — 
 Meekly joyous, gently bright, 
 With their Heaven-reflected light! 
 Few are fair and loved as thou, 
 May God bless that sunny brow! 
 
 Tell me, little fairy Queen! 
 Where thy roving steps have been? 
 Hast thou trod the lonesome woods 
 Where the gentle ring-dove broods? 
 Where the modest violets grow. 
 Hiding from the sun's rich glow? 
 And upon the rippling stream 
 The ])ale water-lilies gleam. — 
 
 Hast thou challenged in thv glee 
 K\'(M'v passing busy bee? 
 
1 
 
 Or tlie roviiio- l)urterHy 
 
 AVhose bright wings can soar so high? 
 
 As thy airy figure passed, 
 
 Flitting by so wondrous fast. 
 
 Have not bird and stream and flower 
 
 Felt thy bright and glad'ning power! 
 
 Child! niethinks an angel-band 
 Leads thee gently by the hand, 
 With their mighty pinions spread, 
 Round thy young and beauteous head, 
 With their arms around thee twined 
 And their glances soft and kind 
 Shielding thee from aught of woe 
 AVhich thy infant years might knoAv! 
 
 Bright One! many a pray'rful sigh 
 Pleads for thee when none are nigh. 
 That thy fair and tender form. 
 Ne'er may bend "neath passion's storm, 
 Xor thy clear and truthful brow 
 To the workVs cold hifluence bow! 
 May the Saviour undefiled 
 Bless and keep thee pure, my chikl! 
 
T PI E F O H S A K E X ONE. 
 
 JlIast thou ever dreamed, thou lone One! that one heart might throb for thee? 
 One true heart by nothing daunted that might make its choice less free? 
 Always "with thee, ahvays near thee, as thy guardian on the wav, 
 Dreaming of thee in its slumbers, watching o'er thee in the day? 
 Trusting, while all others chide thee, to the voice of lo^'e within, 
 Which proclaims thee best and dearest, worth the noblest heart to win! 
 
 Tell me not in silent language through those touching eyes of thine, 
 Wliich have power intense to move me when in tearful light they shine ; 
 Tell me not 'twere vain to love thee Avhom no other dares to love, 
 Who has none to share her sorrows but her only Friend above ; 
 Spare me, oh! the pang to see thee, heart-sick, anxious, and forlorn, 
 Striving to bear unprotected all the world's unfeeling scorn! 
 
 I have known and I have loved tliee, while false voices whisp"ring near, 
 With tlie stress of cruel malice breathed thy name into my ear ; 
 I have seen them turn and shun thee as thy white robe floated by, 
 Pure and fair as she who wore it, droo})ing low her dove-like eye; 
 I have dreamed the world witliout thee, and have found it void and drear: 
 Life is (nd\- blessed and earnest Avlien thv snn'le of lioht is near! 
 
19 
 
 Let me love thee, sad and wearied, and forsaken as thou art, 
 
 Let nie raise thy broken tendrils to this strong protecting heart, 
 
 Let me chase the world's dark image from the soul which it despised. 
 
 But by me, through suff'ring chastened, doubly and more deeply prized. 
 
 And in ;n// deep love forgetting every harsh and cruel slight 
 
 May thy heart to mine united, know no fond atfection's blight! 
 
 C O I\[ E A W A Y. 
 
 Vy'OME away! come away! with thy white wings spread, 
 For all thy young sisters before thee have fled! 
 They call thee, their loved one, in whisperings low, 
 From this Avorld with its sorrow its sin and its woe; 
 Thy Mother aAvaits thee in regions of bliss — 
 Oh why, drooping child! shouldst thou linger in this! 
 
 The blue vault of Heaven, is smiling and still, 
 
 And the moon's mellow light floods the valley and hill; 
 
 Thro' the summer-air thrilling the nightingale's song, 
 
 Is borne by the breeze as rich incense along; 
 
 But this Earth and its glory are passing away. 
 
 While thy Home is eternal and knows not decay. 
 
20 
 
 Has tliy spirit so long in tliis world been detained 
 Without feeling the thrall -which its soarings enchained? 
 Without shrinking away from the storm and the blast 
 Which darken the Present, and ruined the Past; 
 The tremblings, the anguish, the waste, the decay, 
 Oh! leave all this to Earth! and come hither, away! 
 
 White-robed are the angels who'll welcome thee home! 
 Thou wearied One! destined no lonoer to roam! 
 As a babe sleeps in peace on its Mother's fond breast, 
 So shall Death bear thee gently along to tin- rest, 
 From the struggles of life to those mansions on high 
 Where grief may not enter and love cannot die! 
 
 THE OKPHAN'S CALL. 
 
 A 
 
 voice is calling from the grave: „Come home, my weary chikl! 
 Peace to tliv anxious struo-gles and to tliv Aearnini-s wild! 
 Peace to the endless cravino-s within tliv vouthful soul, 
 Which e'en the world's cold reasonings were useless to control, 
 Peace to the burning wisli for love which Earth might not fulfil. 
 Peace to thy rwvy tlirolt of woe! j)uor aciiing heart l)e still!* 
 
21 
 
 Oil Mother! is it not thy voice which whispers thus of rest, 
 Sent as a breeze from Heavenly shores to bid my soul be blest, 
 To silence every sound of Earth, each troubled thought of Avoe 
 Which makes me feel a stranger-guest in this bleak world below? 
 Oh! vet again! once more my heart would dwell upon those words 
 Which fall as drops of softest balm upon its shattered chords! 
 
 It is so very long ago that I have ceased to feel 
 That other hearts could care for me, my sorrow, or my weal; 
 So long since any words of love in softly murmured tone, 
 Have made me feel the void within, less hopeless or less lone; 
 'Tis hard to bear this bitter thought through ev'ry pang of life, 
 For I had need to be sustained through tlfanguish and the strife! 
 
 Since thou art gone, thou gentlest One! whose love was all to me. 
 
 Since life is altered for the heart which only lived through thee, 
 
 Oh! since those blessed days of yore, so passionately dear, 
 
 The world's touch has been on thy child, and still its grasp is near; 
 
 1 never had a frosty heart, thou know'st it well, mine Own! 
 
 But at that contact dread and cold my dream of love is Hown! 
 
 I know it that no other heart could love me half so well 
 
 As thine in which a Mother's pride so tenderly did dwell; 
 
 And when thy fingers gently smoothed my clusfring curls of hair, 
 
 While thy soft breath passed o'er my head, loaded with love and prayer, 
 
 Oh! then I prized that love wdiich bore with all my faults and sin — 
 
 But now I've learned how hard it is the strano;er"s heart to win! 
 
99 
 
 So much of pure and calm delight was to my childhood given, 
 
 Brightened with hues which seemed to speak far less of Earth than Heaven ; 
 
 So much of tenderness and love and soft indulgent care 
 
 Made life a joyous dream of hope, with nought of ill to bear; 
 
 And though I often heard thee Avarn agamst the world's cold blight, 
 
 I felt that while thy love was near my burden must be light! 
 
 But now the vision is destroyed and all my dreams are vain, 
 Illusions of a youthful heart which ne'er return again ; 
 The sunny hues which coloured life with thy sweet self are tied. 
 Since 't was thy faithful love alone whose light such radiance shed; 
 And every weary day is spent in brooding o'er the Past, 
 And shrinking from the present gloom in A\hich my lot is cast! 
 
 • 
 
 Oh call me hence, thou Angel- Voice! oh! call me to my home! 
 
 It is so long since I was left alone on earth to roam; 
 
 My heart is weary of its load, bid the sweet calm be given 
 
 Which stills the sense of hopeless woe, and Avafts the soul to Heaven, 
 
 I teel thee near! oh! happy thought! to be restored to thee. 
 
 Thou long-lost treasure of my soul, mine for Eternity!" 
 
 That evening, with the sun's last beams, the lonely Orphan died. 
 And she Avas laid, the Avearied One, at her sAveet Mother's side; 
 Xo marble graced her lowly grave, by human love forgot. 
 But many a loA-ely floAv'ret bloomed upon the liallowed s})ot: 
 And though no gentle mourner Avej)t 1)eside that funeral stone. 
 There Avas a song of joy aboA-e that Heaven had claimed its Own! 
 
Y K L L O ^^' L E A V E S. 
 
 \Jii sered and withered leaflets! so sadly streAvn around, 
 All shrivelled and decaying upon the chilly ground, 
 So mournfully and wildly ye seek your destined tomb, 
 As if "t were vain to linger since ye have lost your bloom ; 
 Your freshness has departed, your easy task is done, 
 And with the summer-glory, ye die, while we live on! 
 
 Y^e have a voice, ye Sad Ones! ye have a touching voice 
 Which wakes no answering echoes in bosoms which rejoice; 
 But ye touch the key of suflf'ring in many a sinking heart 
 From which joy's gladsome dreamings with sunny Youth depart; 
 And your dirge-like tones of sadness as ye rush swiftly by 
 Call from the soul's deep yearnings a sorrowful reply! 
 
 Oh! tell me, gentle Mourners! the burden of your song 
 As one by one ye folloAv your sisters' hopeless throng? 
 For I would learn a lesson from ev'ry falling leaf, 
 And nu;se upon their fading, not as a thought of grief; 
 But as a voice of warning which speaks of life's decay 
 And teaches ns, Avith wisdom, to munt each fleeting day! 
 
24 
 
 ..Oil ])irv us not, gentle (laughter of earth, 
 ..For we pass not away in tlie season of mirth, 
 ..Aiul Ave leave not the sunshine and glory of May 
 ,,To sink in th'embrace of an early decay! 
 
 ,,AVhile the earth was all bright and the sky all serene, 
 ..And sweet Nature was decked as a bride or a queen, 
 .AYe Avere fairest of all that enchanted the eye, 
 ,.And we thought not so soon we should Avither and die! 
 
 „0h! "tAvas glorious to bask in the sun's melloAv ray, 
 ,,And to dance in the breeze Avhich around us did play, 
 ,.And 'tAvas SAveeter to hide 'neath our shade Avy green 
 ,,The frail nest AAdiich so oft loA-e's sAveet dAvelling has been! 
 
 ,,Tt Avere hard to depart from this world of delight, 
 ,,And to die in the midst of its beauty and light: 
 ..But the A'oice Avhich has called us aAvay to our rest 
 ,, Bears a summons all Avelcome, a message all blest! 
 
 „AVhile ye, child'ren of Earth, meet dread Winter's stern reign 
 ,,We are sleeping, secure from all danger and pain; 
 „We haA'e lived and have bloomed thro' the long summer-day, 
 ,.But from Winter's dread poAver Ave hasten aAvay! 
 
 „The task is achicA-ed Avhich 'twas ours to perform, 
 ..And God calls us aAvay from the frost and the storm, 
 .,Thus fear not, thou trembler! condemned still to roam, 
 ..TliA- SaAionr knows hrst wluMi to summon thee homo! 
 
Ti) 
 
 Oh! sweet 1ms been tliy lesson, thou fragile sunnner-leaf, 
 And to the heart o'erburdened its words have brou^'ht relief, 
 For they speak of God who made thee so beautiful and brij^ht, 
 Decked Avith hope's vernal colours to cheer our bounded sight; 
 And it bids me trust my future to the hands of Him above 
 Who never will deny me the sunshine of His love! 
 
 And therefore, child of autumn ! thou hast not come in vain, 
 
 And I will keep thee near me till spring returns again ; 
 
 And every with'ring leaflet shall bear the self-same tale 
 
 Till I myself resemble a withered flower so pale, 
 
 And I lay me down o'erwearied to rest within the tomb 
 
 Till tlie hour of my awaking, 'midst Heaven's immortal bloom! 
 
 MY MOTHER'S V O I E. 
 
 3Xy Mother's Voice! oh! never more it meets my longing ear! 
 In vain I pine to catch one note of those sweet tones so dear; 
 Their echoes only, faint and low, are borne on Memory's wings, 
 And mournfully within my heart, their bree/e-like cadence rings, 
 So softly and so gently fraught with tones of holy love, 
 The struggles of th" imprisoned bird that pines to soar above! 
 
2fi 
 
 How often have I lowly knelt beside my Mother's chair, 
 
 My face half-l)uried in her lap, sweetly-rcclinino- there; 
 
 Her small white hand so tenderly reposing in mine own. 
 
 And th' other arm around my neck with anxious fondness thrown: 
 
 And then those sono-s of olden times came thrilling; o'er m\ soul. 
 
 And my whole being rapt in hers bowed to the sweet control! 
 
 Oh! even from my earliest days I felt the soothing spell 
 
 Borne in the accents of that voice — the voice I loved so well. 
 
 Once — I was then a little child — a pleasure was denied, 
 
 And sadly did I feel the grief \vhicli thus my patience tried, 
 
 (For I had yet to learn of life that hopes deceived and crushed, 
 
 Are placed as " safe-guards on our paths, to turn our earth-born trust). 
 
 But she whose ever-watchful eye the sadning cloud espied 
 
 Spoke words of gentle soothing power which soon my tear-drops dried, 
 
 And tlien she led me kindly forth into a favourite bower 
 
 Where we sat down upon the grass 'midst many a shrub and flower. 
 
 And she poured forth her touching strains till all within me thrilled. 
 
 And many a feeling deej) and strange my infant bosom filled. 
 
 1 felt as if that quivring voice which called forth all my love 
 
 Were speaking a new tale of bliss which it had learned above; 
 
 As if some Angel-Spirit moved in that sweet Mother's form 
 
 Guarding her frail a\n\ trembHng child frcjui every earth-felt storm, 
 
 And from tlie de};ths of my young heart gushed such a tenderness. 
 
 It seemed the fhitterinii,' chords must break 'neath so much loves excess! 
 
21 
 
 And that same ev'iiiiig when I knelt beside my little bed, 
 
 Many an anxious burning tear in deep distress was shed, 
 
 For my young Mother seemed too sweet to linger in this world 
 
 And I felt as if her soul's bright wings ere long might be unfurled, 
 
 AVliile my sad prayer with anguish fraught went forth to God above, 
 
 That He might spare me longer still a Mother's precious love! 
 
 But now oh! now that childhood's dreams with all its joys are fled, 
 
 And she, our loved and treasured One is numbered with the dead, 
 Those tones of sweet remembered davs come floatino" o"er mv mind 
 Leaving as they pass wildly by a mournful void behind, 
 And when with trembling voice I sing those melodies so dear 
 Their very sound seems strangely changed and jars upon mine ear. 
 
 Oh! while I weep to think on earth I'll hear it not again, 
 'Tis sweet to know my Mother's voice joins in a Heavenly strain. 
 That those dear tones once raised in prayer for those she left below. 
 Are sounding noAv the hymn of praise, untouched by human Avoe, 
 And that, when once my yearning soul shall take her homeward flight. 
 My Mother's voice shall welcome me to realms of love and light! 
 
TO A SISTER ON HER WEDDING-DAY 
 
 J- HOU RT lea\'iiig us, thou gentlest One ! thou rt bearing hence awa\- 
 The happy links of sympathy which joined us many a day, 
 Thy sunny smile, thy' pleasant voice far from our home depart. 
 And we shall find no trace of thee, but deep within the heart — 
 The heart that keeps its memories, sweet records of the past. 
 And broods with ling'ring tenderness o"er joys that might not last! 
 
 One link of our sweet household band by Death alas! was riven 
 
 When to our best-beloved on earth an ano-eVs winos were m^en. 
 
 And we have mourned above her grave, tho' not in hopeless woe 
 
 As those whose bazeless sympathies are only fixed below, 
 
 But meekly in the hour of grief we leaned on Jesu's breast 
 
 And learned to prize the happy thought that she we loved was blest! 
 
 Oh! may the memory of those days be kept within the heart 
 
 As a sweet influence of peace thence never to depart; 
 
 And — if in life's all-^•nrying scene our ])atli-wavs must divide 
 
 And others leave theii- childhood's home as thou now, sweetest bride! 
 
 Tlien may we think with hallowed joy of those dear bonds of love 
 
 Which link us through the soleiini prayers sh(> bveathcd for us al)()^■e! 
 
Alul if ill tin' lu'w sunny hoine, thy heart sliould foiull}- dwell 
 On the renieinbrance of that Past which we have loved so well; 
 If, all our gladsome dreams of Youth, the memories of yore 
 Arise aoajn before thv mind more prized then e'er before — 
 Then may those thoughts within thy soul speak witli a faithful ^■oice 
 Of those who, though they fear to part, still for tliy sake rejoice! 
 
 And he, to whose de\-oted loAe thy future we confide, 
 
 AVho takes thee to his manly heart, to shelter and to guide, 
 
 Oh! may he prize thee, cherished One! and make thee bless the vow 
 
 Which bids thee leave to follow him, all thou hast loved till now! 
 
 Then life will seem a sunny path and earth a pleasant spot. 
 
 And, joined by God, your happy souls through Death be parted not! 
 
 If ardent prayers might mould thy lot, the fairest it should be, 
 For who would not, thou lovely bride! wish all that's bright to thee? 
 And surely, in thy sister's heart a deep affection dwells 
 AVliich in this mournful parting-hour ev'n unto anguish swells! 
 Then, fare thee well! and may that God, whose aid for thee w^e claim, 
 Teach thee the secret of true love, and bless thee in His name! 
 
THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE. 
 
 i.T_LouRNFUi., — and wearv of life, and its dreams, 
 
 Of brooding o'er all that it is and it seems, 
 
 Of trusting to hopes which were born to decay, 
 
 In their bloom and their freshness all passing away, 
 
 When I turn to this heart which is throbbing with })ain, 
 
 I hear nought but one echo: „In vain!... oh! in vain!'" 
 
 Oh heart full of mysfry, of anguish and fear! 
 
 Was that voice of deep suft^'ring which thrilled on mine ear, 
 
 Was it born of thy struggles, thy tempests, thy woes 
 
 AVhich follow like phantoms denying repose? 
 
 Thou hast touched in thy wildness the key-note of pain 
 
 Which has rung as the death-knell of hope through the brain ! 
 
 (an it be that tiiese ho])es, and these dreams and this trust 
 Should be fostered awhile and then tramjiled and crushed ? 
 That this sunshine of life which oft gladdens my dreams 
 lias in trutli, nought on me to bestow of its gleams. 
 That this heart whicli lias felt all its wants and its powei", 
 Should i'(H>ci\(^ hur ;i Ul.-nik mid a a oid lor its dower? 
 
31 
 
 Can it be tliat this Earth wliich I once deemed so fair 
 Bears but bliglit in its bosom and grief in its air? 
 That the sun and the flowers and the song of the bird 
 AVere but sweet Avhen the soul of my chiklhood they stirred, 
 That their beauty and brightness have faded away 
 With tlie halo which once used around them to play? 
 
 I could Aveep for my childhood, its gladness and mirth, 
 With its freshness of feeling, now crushed to the earth, 
 With the power of its hopes, and its visions of joy. 
 Which no cloud though it threatened could dim or destroy, 
 With it§ simple repose and its unshaken trust, 
 Which the struggles of life have laid low in the dust. 
 
 I could weep for the thoughts which come back from the Past 
 
 As sweet echoes swept nigh in the voice of the blast; 
 
 I could close my sad eyes and live over again 
 
 All those years of enchantment when life was no pain, 
 
 When the tear-drop was shed for so trifling an ill. 
 
 That a kiss from mv Mother the suflfring could still! 
 
 When her accents of lo^'e fell like dew on the lieart 
 Which had learned all its griefs to her care to impart: 
 When the touch of her hand, softly laid on my liead, 
 Cer the tempest within a strange magic could shed; 
 And the sanctified love Avhich shone forth from lier eye, 
 Seemed a safe-guard, a Idessing, sent down from tlie sky! 
 
Since I l<»st that art'ection, the truest, the liest! 
 Since \uy head on her bosom no hniger may rest ; 
 Since mv lieart felt its loneliness, never to cease, 
 And no other, like her, knows to whisper of peace, 
 I have striA'cn to still the deep voice of my i)ain 
 And to dream vet of love... but 'tis vain! oh! 'tis \ain! 
 
 'Tis vain! oh! "tis vain to hope ever to know 
 
 An affection so sweet as her heart could best()^^•! 
 
 'Tis vain to be dreaming of hope and of joy, 
 
 For reality would but the vision destroy. 
 
 But one hope still is mine, which can never prove vain, 
 
 *T is that we two, sweet Mother! sliall soon meet again! 
 
 GRAZIELLA'S DYING FAKKWELL. 
 
 JLXast thou forgot me in thy far-off dwelling? 
 Hast thou forgot those thrilling days of yore, 
 A\'hen lu'fore thee this heart with anguish swelling 
 Bowed wihlly down all trembling — to adore! 
 
 For llic <tiiiv iif (irii/,icll:i ^cc ilc LiiiiKirtiiio ,,MKMOil!s nr mv Y(M rii ' 
 
When I forgot the pride of Woinaii"s feeling 
 AVhich shrinks to love where love is all in vain, 
 And at thv feet in phrensied suflf'ring kneeling, 
 Mv sours deep cry burst forth with mad'ning pain! 
 
 "Tis sad to love thee with such fearful power! 
 Such creature worship is but cause for woe, 
 I felt ray doom rush on me in that hour; 
 The hand I loved must deal the heaviest bk)w! 
 1 knew ev"n then when thy strong spirit sliaken 
 By passion's voice liad caught the answ'ring tone, 
 That once — ahns! — neglected and forsaken 
 This weary heart should meet its fate alone! 
 
 I hear it still — the music sweetly flowing 
 From those bright lips which knew the soothing spell, 
 I see thine eyes my down-cast glances wooing. 
 While on my cheek the burning tear-drops fell: 
 I feel thine arm still gently round me twining, 
 While my faint head was sheltered on thy breast, 
 And, softly there, as a fond child reclining, 
 I felt — alas! — too rapturously blest! 
 
 Oh! haunt me not!... my heart is weak and broken, 
 
 I cannot bear those memories of the Past ! 
 
 Each word by thee in former kindness spoken 
 
 Sounds in my soul as a funereal blast! 
 
 If I could die to spare thee pain and anguish, 
 
 How joyfully 'twere done for thee, mine Own ! 
 
34 
 
 Hut far from tliee to sickiMi imd to hmguish, 
 
 This (loom — (lods knows — I ciiimot hear alone! 
 
 Thhie eye's deep fervour, with its li<^ht of gUi(hieijs 
 80 sweetly wielding an entrancing })ower, 
 Thy chiselled face, pensive, with nought of sadness, 
 Return u})on me in this last dread hour! 
 1 cannot die with this Ijright vision beaming 
 "NA'ith haunting fondness o'er my memory's sight. 
 It dims tlie radiance which is softly streaming 
 Cer my worn spirit from the shores of light! 
 
 Thou hast not been all that my heart has dreamt thee, 
 Thou hast not loved so faithfully as I, 
 Thou couldst not then so cruelly have deemed me 
 Fit for a moment's thought — then left to die! 
 And yet my soul clings to thee, wildly yearning, 
 My life's bright idol! ev'n in death most dear! 
 And while within the feverish pain is burning, 
 1 bless thee still! and vainly call thee near! 
 
 A few short days will end this tale of sorrow, 
 
 And lay me low beneath the grassy sod; 
 
 If this sad life knew not a better morrow. 
 
 Well might my heart deny a pitying God! 
 
 But all is well, since those bright tlreanis of gladness, 
 
 Crushed in their bloom, have weaned my thoughts from life. 
 
 And jjard'ning mercy through this chast'nlug sadness 
 
 Points to those realms whore iMids oui' eart]d\- strife! 
 
dr> 
 
 I would not, dearest! in this solenui hour 
 That thou shoukUst think ought bitter filk'd my heart; 
 For this deep love, touched by a hallowing power, 
 Shall ne'er from thee, not ev'n through Death, depart! 
 For all thou gav'st me of thy souks rich treasure, 
 For all the joy that was so shortly mine! — 
 Though I die lonely while thou liv'st in pleasure, 
 Mayst thou receive a blessing all divine! 
 
 Then fare thee well! Beloved! and ne'er forsaken! 
 In life's last hour this heart is still thine own! 
 And by the intenseness of its passion shaken. 
 Bursts the frail bonds, too weak and powerless grown! 
 jNIy spirit, freed from its vain load of sorrow. 
 Around thy path with fearless lo^'e shall dwell. 
 Until for thee, too, dawn that happier morrow, 
 AVhich knows not tir aniiuisli of this Earth's farewell ! 
 
 OH! TOUCH IT NOT! 
 
 FKEtl.Y TKA.NSI.ATEI) FliO.Al THE GICK.MAN OF E.M.MAiMEL GeIUKI., 
 
 w, 
 
 iip:n softly glows a heart with love, 
 Oh touch it not! thy touch were death! 
 The s})ark thus kindled from on high 
 Must not be quenched by mortal breath. 
 
m 
 
 If in this world ;i single spot 
 
 He luiUowed by a sacred feeling-, 
 
 "Tis where within a human breast 
 
 Young love has blushed its first revealing. 
 
 ( )h ! tiini*; no shade on that brio'ht dream 
 Where all is budding wondrous fair, 
 Ye know not what a heavenly hope 
 Can thus be changed to unite despair! 
 
 So many a strong high heart is broken 
 Because its love was Avrenched away, 
 And those who braved life's bittrest an>>uish 
 Died when they found their idol clay. 
 
 And others closed their bleeding bosom, 
 To every tone but pleasure's call. 
 And by the world's dust wildly blinded. 
 They lost their hope, their aim, their all! 
 
 And then ye weep with self-upbraiding; 
 But if your tears flowed ever more, 
 Ye could not heal the rose-stalk broken, 
 Nor a dead heart to life restore! 
 
THE MOTHER'S D E A T H - li E D. 
 
 \_/h child, whose golden cherub head lies pillowed on my breast, 
 Would that thy yearning Mother's soul could prove a moment's rest; 
 But as I hear the voice of death ringing its solemn knell, 
 And nearer comes with ev'ry hour the moment of farewell, 
 While thou art slumbVing in my arms, so fondly nestling there. 
 The thought that we ere long must part is more than I can bear! 
 
 When thou awak'st, my darling one! I greet thee with a kiss. 
 How many a time when 1 am gone this sweet caress thou'lt miss! 
 No hand will smooth thy infant brow, nor dry thy infant tears, 
 No voice will soothe thy little griefs, nor hush thy childish fears; 
 And thou wilt be a thing unloved, with none to guide and save — 
 Oh might I but come back to thee from my forgotten grave! 
 
 I know that when this world's last scene shall sadly close for me. 
 No heart will bleed, no tear will flow, no voice will pity thee, 
 For we have been, my babe and I, so hopeless and forlorn, 
 No look of joy but mine, my boy ! did smile when thou wert born ; 
 And he whose heart had vowed to love can see me fade away 
 Without n kindlv look (u- word to soothe my dying day! 
 
.')S 
 
 And thus I go, unsought, unloved. This lieart ;it last must I)roak, 
 Though I would gladly suffer on, and linger for tliy sake! 
 But e"er thou cam'st, my precious child! to soothe thy Mothers heart, 
 I felt the lieaAcnly summons nigh which bids me hence depart, 
 And when they laid thee in my arms, a boon so bright, so blest, 
 I knew, ere thou could'st prize my love, I should have sunk to rest! 
 
 And thou must be alone, my boy! and none will care for thee, 
 
 But oh ! if love can conquer death thy guardian still I'll be ; 
 
 ril watch beside thy cradle-bed. Til guide thy soul to God, 
 
 And He will lead thee safe through life the patli thy Mother trod; 
 
 For Jesus whom my heart has sought M'ith anxious prayers for thee. 
 
 Has bid me bring my little child. His own sweet lamb to be! 
 
 He gives me laith to part from thee with firm and trusting soul. 
 
 Though tears along these faded cheeks still yearningly will roll; 
 
 Oh! if but once thy tiny arms could fondly round me cling, 
 
 If from thy rosy little lips one word of lo^'e could spring! 
 
 But when thy tongue shall learn to speak thou wilt not lisp my name. 
 
 And I shall never hear thy voice, for all too late it came! 
 
 Farewell ! farewell ! my hour is come, I feel tlie struggle near, 
 And still I scarce can bear to part from all on earth most dear! 
 My child! upon thine infant head my dying hand I lay, 
 And may the blessing which I breathe, from thee ne'er pass away! 
 I fold thee to this tlirobl)ing heart, aching with life's last pain. 
 Sure that when thy brief tale is told, we two shall meet again! 
 
T HE LAS T A P P K A L. 
 
 W„, 
 
 [EN I am numbered with the dead, 
 
 Then thou shalt love me ; 
 When silently thy foot shall tread 
 
 The turf above me, 
 When from the tomb a still small voice 
 
 Shall soothe thy sorrow, 
 Bidding thee hopefully rejoice 
 
 In life's to-morrow. 
 
 When I am gently laid to rest 
 
 So worn and weary. 
 Then shall the void in thy sad breast 
 
 Be deep and dreary ; 
 And often in the niglit's deep gloom 
 
 Thou'lt feel the yearning. 
 For her who dwells within the tomb. 
 
 No more returning. 
 
 While I am living at thy side, 
 Striving for gladness. 
 
40 
 
 The love, which 1 must learn to hide, 
 Brings nought but sadness; 
 
 1 know thy heart is not for nie, 
 Thou canst not love me, 
 
 God knows 1 only dream of thee 
 As far above me! 
 
 But when my voice and step depart 
 
 From thy lone dwelling. 
 And thoughts of anguish fill tin- heart 
 
 'Gainst life rebelling; 
 When thou shalt miss the fond caress 
 
 And gentle soothing, 
 With words of sweetest tenderness 
 
 Life's path-way smoothing, — 
 
 Then come thou to the ]jeacei'ul spot 
 
 Where I am sleeping, 
 For there the Love which slumbereth not 
 
 Its watch is keeping; 
 And He whose smiles in sorrow shine, 
 
 Will brino- thee healin"'. 
 E'en by the loss of' love as mine 
 
 His own revealino-- 
 
THE GATHERED FLOWER. 
 
 Ohe was too bright for Earth, too fair 
 To mix with ought that lingers there ; 
 Too soft the smile upon her face, 
 Too wondrous sweet her childlike grace; 
 E[er deep and soul-illumined eyes 
 Spoke of her home beyond the skies! 
 
 'Tis hard to feel she was not ours, 
 Lent but as Earth's most transient flowers, 
 But sweet the memories left behind 
 As perfumes lingering on the wind; 
 Though all those dear remembered joys 
 Be scattered as Hope's broken toys. 
 
 Yxe seen her in her little bed 
 With Death's pale halo round Jior shed, 
 And while T watched her peaceful face 
 Where pain had left a hallowing trace, 
 I thought of all the sin and woe 
 That mio-ht have been lier lot below.. 
 
42 
 
 And then my soul went out to God 
 Bowing before the chastening rod; 
 And while I gave her up to Him, 
 With streaming eyes and spirit dim, 
 A voice seemed whispering tenderly : 
 „Let little children come to me!" 
 
 Yes! she is thine, thou Saviour dear! 
 Yes! Thou hast called thy loved One near 
 And she has found on Thy fond breast 
 A home of joy and perfect rest! 
 O! teach us. Lord! to love Thv will, 
 And thus adoring, to be still! 
 
 OF WHAT I T H I N K? 
 
 FRF.EI.Y TKAXSl.ATF.D iliOM Gf.TBEI.. 
 
 \_/F what I think? I think of life's bright morning, 
 When yet so calm this youthful heart did beat, 
 When hope's first beams tliis earthly vale adorning, 
 As a sweet sunshine danced before my feet ; 
 When to each thought the wings of power were given 
 And all b'fo's roses sooniod to sponk of HcaA'cn. 
 
oil! then I lingered in the evening hour 
 Fearing no storm or rain, by nought distressed, 
 'Neath the small window decked by many a flower 
 Where I had seen a passing shadow rest. 
 How sweet it was while in my rose-bush hiding 
 To meet her eye, so full of gentle chiding! 
 
 While from the lily's cup sweet scents were flowing 
 Methought a silent prayer was borne on high, 
 And my rapt soul, with love and fervour glowing, 
 Joined in the hymn ascending to the sky; 
 I heard sweet songs in the wave's cadence swelling, 
 And my heart answered on their import dwelling. 
 
 Yes! I was purer in my soid's believing, 
 I trusted more, and dreamed less of deceit. 
 With proud concern their misery relieving, 
 The struggling multitude my soul could meet; 
 And I could scorn the petty cares and toiling, 
 In this dark world so many heart-dreams foiling. 
 
 But now alas! I've seen and known. With sorrow 
 I've found the bud turned ashes in my hand. 
 Each dream is false, each promise of to-morrow 
 Gives less of joys Avhich yet our hearts demand ! 
 And reaching manhood, all I won for striving 
 Were a few songs, and longings still reviving! 
 
44 
 
 And that bright time when I was idly musino-, 
 And deemed this world so very wide and fair, 
 Its hopes are fled their spells on air diffusing, 
 And I have half forgotten Avhat they were. 
 But oft, when in my room the moon comes stealing, 
 Her face returns, as in a dream's revealing. 
 
 DON R A M I E O. 
 
 A J3AI.LA1). 
 
 ,,-L^ONNA Clara! donna Clara! 
 „Canst thou then so soon forget? 
 „Has thy heart to death condemned me 
 „Without pity or regret? 
 
 ,, Donna Clara! donna Clara! 
 „Lovely is this world forsooth! 
 „Mournful must it be to leave it 
 „In the spring-time of our youth. 
 
45 
 
 „Donna Clara! whom to-morrow 
 „Don Fernando calls his oAvn, 
 „Wilt thou ask me to thy wedding 
 „For the sake of days long flown?" 
 
 „Don Ramiro! don Ramiro! 
 „Spare me oh! these words of pain, 
 „For against our fate rebelling 
 „We would strive alas! in vain. 
 
 „Don Ramiro! don Ramiro! 
 „Be a man, subdue thy grief; 
 „Other loving lips will teach thee 
 „To forget this dream so brief. 
 
 „Don Ramiro! child of glory! 
 „Thou whose sword of deathless fame, 
 „With the Moslem's life-blood' dripping, 
 „Made them shudder at thy name; 
 
 „Nobler task is now before thee, 
 „Nobler victory may be thine — 
 „Come, I sue thee, to my wedding 
 „And my warmest thanks are thine." — 
 
 „Donna Clara! donna Clara! 
 „I shall come, thy pleadings cease; 
 , At the bridal-dance 111 meet thee, 
 „Hear me swear it!.... Sleep in peace!" 
 
4(5 
 
 As he spoke she closed the window 
 But Ramiro lingered yet, 
 Till at last the youth departed 
 Bowed by sorrow and regret. 
 
 Night was spent, and, brightly smiling, 
 Dawned the glorious summer-day, 
 In Toledo's flowery gardens 
 Sweetly did the breezes play. 
 
 Stately buildings sun-illumined 
 Gleamed and glittered in the air. 
 While the palace-dome seemed bathing 
 In the floods of sunbeams fair. 
 
 AVafted on the summer breezes 
 Chime on chime the joybells ring, 
 While within the holy minster 
 Crowds of gazers pray and sing. 
 
 By the porch and in the entry 
 Multitudes are swayed along; 
 And each moment swells the number 
 Of the bold and curious throng. 
 
 Noble knights and lovely maidens 
 Kneel around the Avedded pair; 
 Ne'er was bridal-train so gorgeous, 
 Ne'er were brides-maids half so fair! 
 
47 
 
 Now the marriage-rites are ended, 
 And the bride-groom, glad and proud, 
 Leads his bride, so sweet and blushing. 
 Through the rapt admiring crowd. 
 
 To the bride-groom's sumptuous palace 
 All the bridal-train repairs; 
 In the feasting and rejoicing 
 Half Toledo gladly shares. 
 
 Banquets, tournaments and music 
 Fill the fleeting hours of day; 
 Evening comes with new-born pleasures, 
 Thrilhng dance and merry play. 
 
 In the festive hall assembled 
 Knights and damsels young and bright, 
 Sport and dance in jewelled dresses 
 Sparkling in the floods of light. 
 
 On a raised seat of velvet 
 Sit the newly-married pair; 
 Donna Clara, don Fernando, 
 Jest and laugh with gladsome air. 
 
 All is joy and love and radiance 
 
 As the dazzling couples pass. 
 
 While the trumpet's notes are sounding 
 
 Mingled with the drum's deep bass. 
 
4.S 
 
 ,,Tell me sweetest!" quoth tlie bride-oToom, 
 AVitli a blank astonislied look : 
 „Wliy so oft thy glance is roving 
 ,,To that shadowy window-nook?" 
 
 ,,Seest thou not at that low casement 
 „Yon proud form so black and tall?'' 
 Quoth Fernando: , .Child! thou dreamest, 
 ..Tis a shadow on the wall!" 
 
 But the sable form approaches; 
 As he greets her, bending low 
 Clara knows 't is don Ramiro, 
 And her cheeks with blushes glow. 
 
 AVildly are the dancers Avhirling 
 Still unwearied as before, 
 Lightly tripping, gaily swinging, 
 Smiling couples tread the floor. 
 
 .,Yes, I follow, don Eamiro! 
 ..For I love the dance so gay; 
 ..But thy mantle dark and flowing 
 ..Is no dress for bridal-day!"'' 
 
 Cold arc don Ramiro's glances. 
 And his touch is strange and chill, 
 As with hollow voice he whispers ; 
 j.Thou hast ask(Ml nic. 'tis thy will !" 
 
49 
 
 And tliev Wy and bound too-other 
 Through the movino; luiman mass, 
 To the trumpet's sth'ring music, 
 To the drum's unchanging bass, 
 
 „Thou art pale as ne'er I saw thee!"' 
 Murmurs Clara rapt and still; 
 Strangely sounds Kamiro's answer: 
 „Thou hast asked me, "tis thv will!" 
 
 Brightly gleam the flickering tapers 
 While the whirling couples pass, 
 Dancing to the trumpet's music. 
 To the drum's unchanging bass. 
 
 „Death-like feels thy hand!" cries Clara, 
 Fearful thoughts her bosom fill; 
 But he answers, wildly dancing: 
 ..Thou hast asked me, "tis thy will!"" — 
 
 „Woe me! for thy breath is killing!"" 
 And she totters faint and chill, 
 But in frigid tones he whispers: 
 ,,Thou hast asked me, "tis thy will!"' 
 
 Festive music still inviting- 
 Bids the young be glad and gay, 
 Bounding, whirling, floating, swinging. 
 To the music's stirring play. 
 
:)(» 
 
 ..Leave nie! let ine go! Ramirc/" 
 Shrieks the bride Avith tear opjn'essed, 
 But he hokls lier pale and swooning 
 To his cold and pulseless breast. 
 
 ,,In God's name I bid thee leave me!""' 
 As she speaks that holy name 
 Don Kamiro's form has vanished 
 In tlie air from whicli it came! 
 
 In her veins the blood seems frozen, 
 AVildly does she gaze around, 
 Mighty shadows gather o'er her, 
 And she sinks upon the ground. 
 
 As remembrance is returning 
 To her weak and weai'v head, 
 Speechless wonder overwhelms lier 
 And she deems her senses fled. 
 
 For she still sits near Fernando 
 And has never stirred froni thence, 
 All has been a hideous vision, 
 Ghastly dream with power intense. 
 
 ,,Tell me why so pale and fluttering?"'"' 
 Asks the bridegroom tenderly, 
 „And Ramiro?"'" falters Clara, 
 TivMnbling still bis form to sec. 
 
51 
 
 And the bridegrooin's hrow o"ersh;idows, 
 While his voice sounds stern and deej) : 
 „Don Ramiro has been murdered 
 „This fair morning, in his sleep!'" 
 
 'IV;iil'>];iliil iViiIll llci\l 
 
 A M O T H E K ' S A G O X Y 
 
 _L HEY 've laid thee in the grave, my child! my loved and only one! 
 Thy few short days of life are spent, thy little course is run. 
 And while to Avelcome thee in Heaven the angeFs harps are strung 
 Thy mother wildly weeps and mourns, Avith all her heart-strings wrun^ 
 
 I cannot bear it yet, my child! this is not life to me, 
 And with a piercing voice of pain my soul cries out for thee! 
 The little ewe-lamb which I loved, Avhich in my bosom la}-, 
 Oh God! it was my only one and it was called away! 
 
 Even when my child was still unborn how gladsome was the thought 
 That it should soon be all mine own, although by sufferings bought; 
 And when the hour of anguish past, they laid him on my breast 
 No queen upon her proudest day could feel more deeply blest! 
 
-Vnd as I gazed upon liis face, each day more brightly fair, 
 yiy heart clung to his cradle-bed and made sweet music tliere; 
 AVith baby nestling in my arms, j^ressed to my loving heart, 
 I asked no more of joy on earth, nor dreamed that we must part! 
 
 And still I've seen my little one sicken, and droop and die, 
 A glory seemed to lit his face and shine forth from his eye. 
 And while each hour it seemed more hard to see my loved one go 
 We watched his little soul expand, and saw his bright wings grow. 
 
 Once, w'hen my heart with sorrow tilled could no more bear its pain, 
 And burning tears of agony fell on my child like rain, 
 
 He fixed on me his earnest eyes with pitying tear-drops wet 
 
 God bless thee, darling! for that look I never shall forget! 
 
 Those eyes of his so sweet and blue they haunt me night and day ! 
 I feel as if his little voice were calling me away; 
 And I can say with humble trust, as David in his woe : 
 „Thougli he return no more to me, my soul to him shall go!" 
 
 Oh God! give strength, give faith and peace to this poor breaking heart! 
 And teach me still with trusting love from Thy best gifts to part! 
 For, though within our childless home my soul A\itli sorrow dwell, 
 I've given my baby-boy to Thee, and know that „all is well!"' 
 
AN O F T - T O L D T A L E. 
 
 FKEELY TRANSLATED FROM THE GkKMAN. 
 
 _L HEY said: ,,He loves thee not, he mocks thee, sinipk^ child!' 
 And then she bowed her head, while sad and hopeless tears 
 Coursed down her lily-cheeks in anguish deep and wild; 
 O had she but repulsed those cruel doubts and fears! — 
 And when he came again, and found his loved one cold. 
 Distressed by withering doubts, not smiling as of old. 
 He shut his wounded heart, and scornful gaiety feigned, 
 Shedding proud tears by night when pitying darkness reigned. 
 
 And in the midnight hour her guardian-angel came. 
 Whispering unto her liearti sweet words of calm and peace: 
 „rear not! his love is thine, his heart is still the same, 
 „0 be thou faithful too! and bid these doubtings cease!'' 
 And he too heard a voice which bade his pride beware : 
 „Her heart is all thine own! thou must forgive and spar?, 
 ,,For is she not thy love, thy prized and beauteous one!'' 
 They met — their love was deep — but pride the victory won. 
 
54 
 
 And so they parted. . . . Tims, dies the pale altar-light 
 Beneath the minstrel-dome; first fades the trembling ray, 
 Then, flickering into life Avith radiance clear and bright 
 It sinks at last in gloom. Thus passed their love away. 
 First wept o'er yearningly, and then it seemed forgot, 
 As if it ne'er had been, and e'en remembered not! 
 
 But sometimes in the night when on their pillowed heads 
 The moon her pale sweet beams in chastened radiance sheds, 
 They wake from a wild sleep with face bedewed with tears — 
 They dreamt.... I know not what.... a dream of love and fears. 
 And then the Past returns full of upbraiding grief 
 And even the cry of woe is vain to bring relief! 
 
 For in that solenni hour when all is hushed and still 
 The angel of Remorse enters their lonely hearts. 
 It speaks of love betrayed and of a stubborn will. 
 And of the parting pang Avliose sting no more departs. 
 And now that hope is A'ain, how can thy bear to live 
 Thus desolate and lone? Oh God! those two forgive! 
 
C H I L D H O C) I) ' S JO Y S 
 
 vJii! let me dream of Childhoocrs joys and sunny memories 
 Returning gently on my soul as kindly melodies, 
 As music faintly sweeping by, as whisperings Ioav and sweet, 
 Or glances from those loying eyes I neyer more shall meet. 
 
 Of my first home, my Childhood's home so loyed and unforgot. 
 Where softly as a stream of joy sped on my gladsome lot, 
 Where words and looks and thoughts of love shed on my path like dew, 
 Woye round my heart a thousand links, allsweet and kind and true! 
 
 My mother with her loying eye leading our simple plays, 
 
 Or teaching us each eyening-hour our infant prayers to raise, 
 
 My father smiling, fond and glad at eyery task achieyed. 
 
 And dreaming, such proud dreams of us — by time alas! deceiyed. 
 
 Our happy home so full of loye of sunshine and of flowers. 
 With sisters" yoices ringing sweet in garden walks and bowers, 
 With sisters' hearts to share our joys and help us bear our grief, 
 A mother's breast to hide our tears, her kiss to bring relief! 
 
oil! that tliis all be but a dream, a vision of the Past 
 On ■which in mournful after-hours a saddened glance we cast, 
 That never more that bliss be ours, undimmed by worldly cares, 
 And ne'er again our weary hearts soothed by a mother's prayers ! 
 
 And now the World's cold looks and tones liave fallen on my heart, 
 And one by one youth's visions fair grow dimmer and depart, 
 And those on whom our yearning loA^e its deep devotion shed, 
 The bright, the sweet, the beautiful sleep with the silent Dead! 
 
 Away! to mansions in the sky where sorrow may not dwell. 
 Where Earth's despairing voice of woe ne'er breathed the word „farewell!' 
 Where flowers upon our bosoms nursed fade not at end of day, 
 And all our loved ones. Heaven-restored, are no more called awav! 
 
 STANZAS. 
 
 _Ln this same dwelling liast thou lived and moved, 
 Thy beauteous foot has trod these garden-bowers. 
 Through these dark boughs thy glances oft have r<n-ed 
 On moon-lit eve or in bright summer-hours. 
 
At tliat low window oft by sorrow crushed 
 Thy weary heart has stilled its pain with weeping, 
 And thy sweet form by no soft slumber hushed 
 Upon this couch its vigils has been keeping. 
 
 Now that th}- smile hast left this joyless home 
 Know we not well our angel is departed? 
 And I — condemned still wiklly here to roam 
 I sing of thee ... I sing, though broken-hearted ! 
 
 Oft-times I feel as if these walls could tell 
 Sweet things of thee, thy hidden life revealing, 
 The very woods which thou hast loved so well 
 Seem tilled by thee with a mysterious feeling. 
 
 Could I but know the secret which they keep 
 Perchance this heart might lose its load of sorrow, 
 And these sad eyes fevered with want of sleep 
 iMight close perhaps until a better morrow. 
 
 O but to know this one deep mystery 
 
 Which wears my heart and dims each glimpse of Heaven. 
 
 This only ... if thou still rememberest me 
 
 And if thou dost... whether I be fora;iveii! 
 
 l-roiii till- (ii 
 
I) K S I^ A I K. 
 
 X HERE is a voice within my Lreast, 
 A yearning heart-sick tone, 
 
 Which would trouble even tliis long-sought rest 
 With its ever-haunting moan. 
 It wails o'er youth's glad life laid low, 
 Its harp-strings rudely shattered, 
 Thrilling yet with a cry of woe 
 Ei'e its last sounds be scattered. 
 
 Life's dream is past — the conflict o'er — 
 
 My heart must now be strong. 
 
 Thy coldness touches me no more 
 
 It cannot torture long; 
 
 The days are past when I could live 
 
 Thus near thee though forgot. 
 
 If God can pity and forgive 
 
 Li\e on.... and iniss me not! 
 
 And tlioii! believe, remember not 
 Tliat I lia\o loved tlun- well. 
 
59 
 
 'Tis better this should be f'oroot 
 
 In the moment of farewell; 
 
 111 nerve my tearless eyes to scorn 
 
 While gazing upon thee, 
 
 Hut may be that before next morn 
 
 Thou'It shed one tear for me! 
 
 The wind's sad notes come floating by 
 
 And sigh 'midst the long damp reeds, 
 
 They Avill murmur o'er me as I lie 
 
 Where the river- wavelet speeds; 
 
 A broken heart and a broken life, 
 
 Oh! where should they rest in peace, 
 
 But where Death hath ended the weary strife, 
 
 And the wicked from troublino- cease ? 
 
 THE BAB E 'S K E L E A S E. 
 
 Hush.... ! within the room is reigning Death's dread influence cold and still, 
 And the mother checks her weeping, bending o'er that form so chill; 
 Cease ye all those tones of sorrow, trouble not his happy flight! 
 Let God take mv beauteous angel to the blessed shores of light! 
 
00 
 
 Slower come the laboured breathings, colder grows the sculptured face, 
 ]?ut the eyes are lifted Heavenward seeking there the promised place — 
 Once more noAV his glance is wandering for a last and long farewell, 
 Peace ve mourners! he 's departing in a better world to dwell! 
 
 Mother, by thy baby kneeling, with thy heart so wildly torn, 
 
 Canst thou realise tlie feeling that thy child for Heaven was born? 
 
 Some more struggles and the victory for that little soul is won! 
 
 The Good Shepherd's voice is calling : ..Bring ye home that ransomed One!" 
 
 Angel-bands are hovering near him, angel-voices whisper })eace ; 
 From his face the pain is passing, all his earthly sufferings cease. 
 While the mother broken-hearted takes a last impassioned kiss 
 Baby's soul is gently soaring to its noAv-found home of bliss! 
 
 Strike your harps, ye glorious angels! sing the song which none ma}' sing, 
 But the few in spotless raiments who are following Sion's king. 
 Teach the happy little stranger how to join the hymn of praise. 
 Which for ever ncAv and thrillino; everlastino;lv ve raise! 
 
 Mother! see thy lost one standing near the Saviour's radiant throne! 
 See how Jesu"'s arms are opened to receive and bless His own! 
 On his forehead now is written the new name of perfect Love, 
 AVhich is theirs whom Earth defiled not, early called to live above! 
 
 Days have fled, and of my darling even the trace has passed away. 
 
 And no longer on my bosom rests that little form of clay 
 
 ,, Earth to earth'' God's voice hath spoken, and my little white-leaved flower 
 \AMtli liis kindred's dust is sleeping till the Resurrection hour! 
 
6J 
 
 All around is dark and lonely, every where I nuss my child, 
 And too oft my grief is uttered in repinings wrong and wild! 
 Thou who on my shrinking shoulders such a weight of woe hast laid. 
 From this agony of yearning save me, Father! send me aid! 
 
 Still I would not, happy angel! call thee back to earth again. 
 
 For the love wherewith I love thee triumphs o'er weak nature's pain! 
 
 And while weeping lonely-hearted near thy empty cradle-bed, 
 
 I have felt it sweetly hallowed ])y Heaven's radiance o'er it shed! 
 
 E N C O U II A G E M E N T. 
 
 vJh! soul so heavy laden, there is a blessed rest 
 For all thy toil and sorrows upon thy Saviour's breast; 
 Oh eyes so dim with weeping, there is a pitying hand 
 That dries the tears of anguish wept in this stranger-land ; 
 There is a Home above thee, poor yearning child of God, 
 Where thou ere long shalt enter, led by the chastening rod! 
 
 There is a host of angels watching thee on the way, 
 
 And when thy strife is hardest, behold! for thee they pray! 
 
 And know'st thou not, pale Mourner! amongst that Heavenly throng 
 
 Some voices soft and holy, that join the glorious song? 
 
 And near the blessed Saviour see'st thou not, throned in light, 
 
 Those whom t])v heart held dearest even when they fled from sight? 
 
{\2 
 
 There is si love around thee that follows day and nigiit, 
 Thy God-appointed guardians, two angels sweet and bright; 
 One with her long wings folded o'er the white robes divine; 
 Oh! see thy childhood's Mother in deathless beauty shine! 
 And near her, sweetly smiling, from sin and sorrow free 
 A ransomed heir of Heaven, the child once born of thee! 
 
 Then cease thy wild repinings, and grasp thy staff anew 
 To hasten on that journey whose aim is safe and true; 
 Come with thy weight of anguish, thy weary pangs and cares. 
 And lay them on that bosom which all our sufferings shares; 
 Sure that our many trials which now may seem so sore, 
 Shall move us once in Heaven to praise for evermore! 
 
 Oil! IF THOU DIEST FIRST, :\IY LOVE! 
 
 \_/h! if thou diest first, my love 
 I'll leave thee not alone, 
 ril sit and watch beside thy couch. 
 And call thee still mine Own! 
 
 I'll kiss thy pale and marble cheek. 
 Thy pure and noble brow. 
 Thy hand on which the simplest ring 
 Records the holiest xow . 
 
(i;-i 
 
 And wluMi tlu'V Ix'iir tlioc to tile' ii'i'avo, 
 I'll t'olloAv j);il(' and cliill : 
 Ami when all leave thee, 1 will stay 
 To keep my love-watch still. 
 
 And soon, right soon, my dearest love! 
 ni slnmlier on thy breast, 
 And thou wilt have me by thy side 
 Ev"n in thy last deep rest. 
 
 M Y F L O W E K S. 
 
 .In the gardens of my friends 
 Many a floAv'ret grows, — 
 
 Some were born in summer-hours 
 Some in winter-snows. 
 
 In the garden of my love 
 One jiale rose-bud grew : 
 
 Such a lovely little Hower 
 lilooms for Aer\' few! 
 
r.4 
 
 ^^"lt]\ the sunny smiles of May 
 
 Did tliat bud appear, 
 It seemed so wondrous white and pure 
 
 To be growing here ! 
 
 Often for my bud 1 feared 
 (Watching night and morn) 
 
 That its wliiteness might be soiled 
 Or its leaflets torn. 
 
 E\'erv day it sweeter seemed 
 
 And 1 loved it more, 
 Though its little stalk grew frail 
 
 Frailer than before. 
 
 Till that fairest bud of love 
 
 Faded here away, 
 To re-bloom in deathless l)owers, 
 
 Knowing no decay! 
 
 Oh! my pure white bud of May! 
 
 (irod has loved thee best! 
 And thy tender Mother's heart 
 
 Would not break thy rest! 
 
 ^*ever shalt thou, sweetest child! 
 
 Un remembered be, 
 First-born blessing! gift of (lod 
 
 Kept in TTeaven for me I 
 
(55 
 
 Wearv moutlis li:ul pnssed nway 
 
 In my garden lone, 
 When the Gardener's pitying eye 
 
 Rested on His own! 
 
 Pie who took my loved One hence 
 
 From my acliing sight, 
 Called another flower to life 
 
 Sweet as new-l)orn light! 
 
 Second little rose-bnd mine! 
 
 Lovely antnmn-child ! 
 How my heart liath called on thee 
 
 With its longings wild! 
 
 Of thy brother's little form 
 
 Thou hast all the grace! 
 But his look unearthly sweet 
 
 Dwells not on thy face! 
 
 In thy sunny locks of gold. 
 
 In thine eyes so blue, 
 I have found thy brother back 
 
 And love you lx)th, my two! 
 
 One sweet bud in Heaven with God. 
 
 Safe at Home for e'er. 
 One bright flower with love to train 
 
 For God's glorv here! 
 
LINES W KITTEN DUlMNCi ILLNES. 
 
 lYxY God! liow would it be, if I were all alone 
 
 To tread the dreary path where Thou art leading me, 
 
 If Thy consoling voice stilled not th' impatient moan, 
 
 If to Thy sheltering arms my soul could never flee — 
 
 If in my hours of pain Thou wert not ever near. 
 
 The drooping heart to soothe, the yearning ])rayer to hear! 
 
 But blessed is my lot, oh Saviour ever mine! 
 Since I have humbly learned to trust it to Thy hands. 
 Since Thou wilt teach mv soul its life-dreams to resio;n, 
 And seek more lasting joys in Thy divine commands; 
 Since I, poor child of earth, am called to walk Avith Thee 
 'Till Thou wilt take me Home for all eternity! 
 
 How sweet it is to know each morn as I anake 
 
 That Thy j)rotecting love surrounds me with its care, 
 
 To feel that strength renewed which for my Saviour's sakc^ 
 
 Makes every ill of life an easy load to bear, 
 
 For, though upon our ways a shado\\' may be cast 
 
 For those whom He has hned, such chirkness cannot hist! 
 
Iluw ot'ti'ii, oh my (iocl! Tve heard -Thy tender \<)ice 
 
 CaUiiig upon tliy child to come to Thee For rest; 
 
 r>ut in its hopes of Earth my heart would still rejoice, 
 
 And yearnings deep and wild were struggling in my breast; 
 
 The wish for human bliss, the cry for human love, 
 
 In passionate appeals went forth to Thee above! 
 
 Poor lieart! that sought on earth what earth could never give, 
 And strove to fill its void with things that pass away, 
 With blessings vainly sought, with joys that might not live, 
 Born, as all else on earth, to wither and decay! — 
 Oh! in its search for bliss th' immortal spirit pined. 
 To weariness a prey — to sutfering unresigned! 
 
 Thus Lord! 1 felt Thy love in daily blessings pro\'ed. 
 
 But turned my heart from Thee and fixed it still below. 
 
 Pouring its tenderness on those so deeply loved, 
 
 Until that worship vain became the source of woe ; 
 
 For He at whose command we hold this fleeting breath 
 
 Sent forth His Messeno-er.... and th" Antrel's name was — Death 
 
 He took them one by one — those who made life so dear. 
 The mother whom I loved with yearning tenderness, — 
 The babe, my only one, watched o'er with trembling fear, 
 My idols, worshipped both with passionate excess. — 
 Death came, and as His breath chilled those fair forms of (day 
 It touched this stony heart and taught it how to ])ray! 
 
My God! 't was tlteii thy child rushed wiklly to Thy breast, 
 All bruised and sorrow-bowed she weeping came to Thee, 
 And in that hour of woe she found the home of rest 
 Bought by that Holy One who bore our miser} ; 
 And since that day, dear Lord! this heart is all Thine uwn, 
 Oh! mould it to Thy will, and reign there all alone! 
 
 And therefore is my life a happy song of praise, 
 Though oft my faith be tried by sickness and by pain, 
 For Thou art by my couch in long and trying days, 
 And in my sleepless nights I seek Thee not in vain ! 
 Oh Jesus! Saviour mine! in life and death the same! 
 All that within me is blesses Thy holy Name! 
 
 THE ANNIVERSARY, 
 
 C 
 
 ^Jod's mighty love be near thee 
 Dearest! upon this day, 
 For, though we've learnt to trust II im, 
 Sad seems our darkened way! 
 The memory of the blessing 
 Given and reclaimed this year, 
 Seems in this hour revi\ing 
 AVitb main' a buniiiiu tear. 
 
(5t> 
 
 Last vear I had a dream, lovo! 
 A dream of tliis glad day, 
 AVlieii proudly on thy bosom 
 Our baby-boy I'd lay! 
 I thought how new and tender 
 Would seem our marriage-tie 
 By that wee hand held closer, 
 Watched by that infant eye! 
 
 I never lo^ed thee better 
 Than when I sought to trace, 
 Thv looks and inward being 
 In our sweet darling's face; 
 But now that we are mourning 
 CTer hopes all dead and chill, 
 That little grave between us 
 Unites us closer still! 
 
 Oh may that memory hallow 
 
 The weary pangs of life, 
 
 Strengthening our prayerful struggles 
 
 To conquer in the strife. 
 
 And may the love that binds us. 
 
 And watches o'er his tomb, 
 
 Still sweeter and more holy 
 
 Our future path illume! 
 
V I S 1 () Ts' S. 
 
 _L'vE listened to thy songs, my bird! 
 Thy sweet tones all untauoht, 
 Till many a memory softly stirred 
 Plas wrapt my soul in thought; 
 And far away my musings fled 
 In dreamland bright and fair, 
 AVhere all are mine, the lost, the dead, 
 Restored and living there! 
 
 I seemed to lie in mossy shade 
 
 Fanned by a gentle air, 
 
 Bright sunbeams dancing in the glade 
 
 And kissing flowerrets fair. 
 
 While from green boughs half hid from sight 
 
 Glad anthems seemed to swell, 
 
 As wingt'd voices taking Hight 
 
 In worlds of hno to dwell. 
 
 And tlien methought l)etween the trees 
 I s;n\ sweet faces iileani, 
 
71 
 
 T know them all, tlie lost oiu's these 
 
 Wliosi^ footsteps ^■a^islled seem ; 
 
 Hut oft In retrospective hours 
 
 These visions float along, 
 
 Touching, not crushing earthly tlowers, 
 
 A white and lieauteous throng. 
 
 They too are singing notes divine, 
 
 Their tones the foliage thrill. 
 
 And seem to make this spot a shrine 
 
 For worship deep and still ; 
 
 And o'er my listening heart lias passed 
 
 God's whisper soft and sweet, 
 
 Oh! may I hear that to the last 
 
 A child at Jesu's feet! 
 
 And now, my bird! thy song has ceased 
 
 And now my dream is fled, 
 
 But I can feel my faith increased 
 
 By converse with the dead. 
 
 Oh may those witnesses unseen, 
 
 Stand between me and sin ; 
 
 And knowing what tlieir strife has been 
 
 Mav I like victory win! 
 
M Y j\[ () T II K R. 
 
 v/h Mother! 't is a wean time 
 
 Since last I gazed on thee ; 
 
 Methinks I'd give a world of joy 
 
 Thy lovely face to see! 
 
 No smile was ever half so sweet, 
 
 So beautiful as thine, 
 
 No eyes so deep, so true, so soft. 
 
 So full of light divine ! 
 
 No hand has ever wiped my tears 
 
 So softly as thine own. 
 
 No heart has loved me half so well, 
 
 Or half thy kindness shown ; 
 
 I've mourned for thee these ten long years 
 
 Seeing thy face by night 
 
 In happy dreams all full of thee. 
 
 Thou gentlest One and bright! 
 
 But though I bear thee in ni\ heart 
 With <lee))est tcMiderost lo\e, 
 
73 
 
 Still thou art all too tar awny 
 
 In thy bright Home above; 
 
 I would not call thee back on earth 
 
 To share our struggling life, 
 
 But oh! my soul doth pine for thee 
 
 Amidst the daily strife! 
 
 Since thou hast left me, Mother dear! 
 
 My heart has formed new ties, 
 
 And love has beamed upon my path 
 
 From radiant infant eyes; 
 
 A manly arm sustains my steps, 
 
 A true heart beats for me. 
 
 And infant lips give me that name 
 
 Which once I gave to thee! 
 
 But still within mine inmost soul 
 
 Thy place was never filled, 
 
 And 'midst the dearest joys of life 
 
 My vearnings are not stilled! 
 
 While in my arms a bright fair heatl 
 
 Is softly lulled to rest, 
 
 I mourn for those sweet days when I 
 
 Was sheltered on tlty breast! 
 
 And oft I muse upon thy love, 
 Thine influence strong and j)ure, 
 Which nerves me still, each day anew. 
 To strive and to endure; 
 
74 
 
 And while I bless that memory dear 
 My holy safe-guard still, 
 I humbly pray that for my child 
 Such task I may fulfil! 
 
 Oil! may the (iod whom thou hast sought 
 
 Be near me night and day, 
 
 That I may lead my child to Him 
 
 The Life, the Truth, the AVay! 
 
 And when the hour of parting comes 
 
 AVhen she will mourn for me, 
 
 May then my memory, blessed as thine, 
 
 As sweet and hallowed be! 
 
 LOST LOVE. 
 
 F 
 
 ROM the garden-wall is swaying 
 One small bough still green and thriving 
 While my heart on anguish preying 
 Vainly with its ()ain is striving. 
 
75 
 
 Hardly can I l)ear this sorrow, 
 Yet I find that (.'uch to-morrow 
 
 Brings me keener misery; 
 And I moan, all sad and weary, 
 Feeling that my life is dreary. 
 Weeping that thon canst not hear me, 
 Thou whose love is lost to me! 
 
 Knuii I 111' Gcnnai 
 
 A PKAYEK ON OLD YEAK'S EVK 
 
 J_J()Kd! oive me thus to follow Thee 
 That once my works may follow me 
 
 When I am laid to rest, 
 Give me that wisdom from above, 
 All peace, and gentleness and lo-\'e. 
 
 Wherewith Thine Own are blessed I 
 
 Give me to dwell within that light 
 
 Which makes Thy children's path so bright. 
 
 And leads them gladly on. 
 Which beams forth sweetly from their eyes 
 Reflected from th' Eternal skies, 
 
 Whence all their joys are won. 
 
715 
 
 Teach iiiL- to l)wir each liumaii ill 
 AVitli meek subniissiAeness of will, 
 
 Rejoicing evermore; 
 For Howers entwine each daih' cross, 
 And that which seems on Earth a loss 
 
 Adds to our Heavenly store! 
 
 Thus guide me, Father! day by day 
 Upon thine own appointed way 
 
 Which leads me to my rest; 
 And teach my feeble lips Thy praise, 
 Until a perfect song I raise, 
 
 Safe-sheltered on Thy breast! 
 
 OH! GOLDEN HAIK! 
 
 vJh! sunny lock! oh! golden hair! 
 
 Tve gazed on thee 
 Till my bright Past so dear and fair 
 
 Revives for me! 
 Till visions of a little head 
 
 Have filled my breast, 
 Of a sweet form, in mossy bed 
 
 >sow laid to rest! 
 
77 
 
 « 
 
 Till in my arms I seem to hold, 
 
 With yearnings wild, 
 And closely to my heart to fold 
 
 My first-born child! 
 Till thought renews those rapturous days 
 
 Those days long tlown, 
 And mournfully my lone heart prays : 
 
 „Come back mine Own I"' 
 
 My Child! I cannot live without 
 
 Thy bonnie sight, 
 Thy baby-ways, thy baby-shout. 
 
 Thy glance so bright! 
 The bosom where thy head has lain 
 
 Feels cold and chill! 
 1 miss thee, baby! come again 
 
 This pain to still! 
 
 IVe loved thee with a love so deep, 
 
 My dearest Joy! 
 But this poor love was born to weep, 
 
 Sweet baby-boy! 
 I called thee mine some summer-hours 
 
 Fleeting as breath, 
 Ere autumn withered Earth's tair flowers 
 
 Mine slept in death! 
 
 Oh! welcome day, when we shall meet 
 Mv babe and I! 
 
7.i 
 
 The strife is Imrd, Init life is Heet, 
 
 And when I die 
 I'll keep thee on this sinking heart 
 
 Sweet lock so fair! 
 And nought from thee shall bid me part, 
 
 Oh! golden hair! 
 
 TOO LA T E! 
 
 (Gka/.iella. 
 
 X feel it, I am sinking fast, 
 
 And soon the hour will come 
 When God will bid my sufferings cease, 
 
 And gently take me Home. 
 Then thou wilt know what pain it is 
 
 To miss a love like mine. 
 And for its sweetest blessing tlo"\\n 
 
 Thy heart will vainly pine! 
 
 Oh then thou'lt seek the lonely couch 
 On which with chiselled face. 
 
 Unconscious of thy new-born kne, 
 I'll lie in Death's ciubnicc. 
 
79 
 
 And tlioii wilt weejj to miss the o-lance 
 
 So fond and true of yore, 
 And from the pale and speechless lips 
 
 One word thou wilt implore! 
 
 Oh! could they speak they'd whisper still 
 
 Of all my love for thee, 
 Of all my fond devoted trust, 
 
 My l;)lind idolatry ; 
 Thy slumbering conscience will awake 
 
 With deep avenging pain. 
 And thou wilt call thy lost One back 
 
 In vain, alas! in ^'ain! 
 
 Oh! thou wilt love me wildly then 
 
 As ne'er thou didst before. 
 Wishing with agonii^ing tears 
 
 That thou hadst loved me more! 
 But from the chill and silent tomb 
 
 The lost have ne'er returned, 
 And it will come too late, too late, 
 
 The love for which I yearned! 
 
THE DYING C H I L D, 
 
 XiusHED on its Mother's bosom 
 
 The baby lies; 
 It knows nought of her anguish, 
 
 Her tears, her sighs; 
 Light and life are forsaking, 
 Its blue eyes breaking. 
 
 All faint and dim; 
 And while it smiles so sweetly, 
 Most sweetly 
 
 Death kisses him ! 
 
 From tilt- G<'niiaii. 
 
A I^rOTHER'S PRAYERS. 
 
 TO Ada. 
 
 c 
 
 OME thou, my little Ono ! 
 Ere thy short day be done, 
 
 Come thou to me; 
 Here in my quiet room. 
 Darkened by twilight gloom, 
 
 Bend thou the knee! 
 
 Tell thou each little sin, 
 All that is wrong within 
 
 Thy Saviour tell; 
 Early seek Jesu's face, 
 That He may give thee grace 
 
 To love Him well! 
 
 When on thy gladsome eyes 
 Slumber's soft shadow lies, 
 
 Veiling their rays — 
 Then by thy little bed. 
 Close to thy pillowed head 
 
 Thy Mother prays! 
 
82 
 
 May be wlieii I am gone, 
 And thou must meet alone. 
 
 Life's tempest wild, 
 That thou wilt love this room, 
 Where, in the twilight gloom, 
 
 I blessed my child! 
 
 And those deep prayers for thee, 
 Pleading so ferAently 
 
 With God above, 
 Will be thy safe-guard yet, 
 PTen though thou couldst forget 
 
 Thy Mother's love! 
 
 TO THE MEMORY 
 OF A DEAR AND VALUED BROTHER-IN-LAW 
 
 JL iiEKES one of our dear household-band 
 
 One loving, true and kind. 
 Whose soul has sought the deathless land, 
 
 And left us sad behind. 
 A guih>k\ss heart of solid gold, 
 
 Eii(h)\ve(l with noblest powers, 
 'I'bough formetl in nature's gentlest mould 
 
 And sim]ih^ as tlio Howers. 
 
83 
 
 A child in evil ; One of those 
 
 Who have the gift of love, 
 Not as in this cold world it grows 
 
 But as it blooms above. 
 Love, brooding not o'er ill or sligiit, 
 
 Calm in its own pure trust, 
 Walking in Heaven's perfect light, 
 
 Unsoiled by earthly dust! 
 
 A man in all that's good and high, 
 
 With many a pure aspiring, 
 A poets heart, an artist's eye 
 
 The Beautiful admiring! 
 A loving child at Jesu's feet, 
 
 'Midst trials richly blessed, 
 And on His bosom calm and sweet, 
 
 Even as a babe at rest! 
 
 And now that he has found his Home 
 
 What ails us that we weep? 
 In this sad world again to roam 
 
 Would we rouse him from his sleep? 
 Ah no! pure heart and noble mind! 
 
 Thy task on Earth is done! 
 We weep for her who's left behind, 
 
 Whose sorrows are begun! 
 
 We weep to watch her homeless heart. 
 By heavy grief oppressed. 
 
<S4 
 
 Loth from its lit'e-dreains yet to part 
 And finding no where rest. 
 
 Haunted by joys no more to be, 
 Because to Earth they bound her, 
 
 And yearning for that sympatliy 
 Which shed its light around her I 
 
 Oh Saviour! be thou all in all 
 
 To her whose life is dreary, 
 Unless at Thy dear Cross she fall. 
 
 With heart all bruised and weary; 
 Unless upon her widowed hand 
 
 Thou press Thy marriage-ring, 
 Thou Bridegroom from a better Land, 
 
 Hei- Master and her Kino! 
 
 j\r Y I) A n L I N (x. 
 
 ■IT-Ly beautiful! my darling! 
 
 My sweetest joy on earth, 
 ►Sent, 'midst our tears and sadness. 
 As a bright ray of gladness 
 
 To cheer our lonely hearth! 
 How welcome was tliv comini'' 
 
85 
 
 Wished for as Howxm's and liii;lit, 
 As water in tlie desert, 
 
 Or as the stars at night. 
 Oh! rapture ne'er forgotten, 
 
 When, after hours of pain, 
 Mine infant's accents thrilled nie 
 
 As joy returned again! 
 I clasped thee wildly, wildly 
 
 My babe! in close embrace; 
 But oh! what pangs came o'er nie, 
 
 While gazing on thy face! 
 
 Was I haunted, oh! my darling! 
 
 By the memories of yore? 
 Or had a beauteous vision, 
 From its little grave arisen 
 
 To be mine Own once more? 
 That little form lamented. 
 
 So early called away, 
 Borne to its last lone dwelling 
 
 One warm bright summer-day; 
 Oh! was it now returning, 
 
 With its features small and lair, 
 With its blue eyes full of meaning. 
 
 Its threads of sunny hair? 
 
 HoAv 1 loved thee, oh! my darling! 
 
 When I realized the joy. 
 That the little face before me 
 
Sh 
 
 Would faithfully restore nie 
 
 The image of my Ijoy! 
 And more than form or feature 
 
 Have I found back in thee, 
 For thy little baby doings 
 
 Spoke all of him to me. 
 Thou art a gift of Heaven, 
 
 A flower upon his grave. 
 From hopeless human sorrow 
 
 Our aching hearts to save! 
 
 There's nought like thee, my darling! 
 
 In this wide world of ours. 
 Nought for my hopes to cling to. 
 Nought for my heart to sing to, 
 
 In its exulting hours! 
 No voice like thine to soothe me 
 
 With its sweet thrilling sound, 
 No eyes like thine to cheer me 
 
 And make all glad around. 
 Upon my couch of sickness, 
 
 I thank thee, oh mine Own! 
 For all thine artless fondness, 
 
 Thy love so early shown. 
 
 Were I to lose thee, darling! 
 
 How would my bosom swell, 
 With the anguish of its yearning, 
 For the blessiny; ne'er ivturuiii^ 
 
.S7 
 
 Within our home to dwell. 
 Life'a hopes would all be blighted, 
 
 And the music in the air, 
 Would change its notes of gladness 
 
 To wailings of despair! 
 But oh! may He who gave me 
 
 This clinging human heart, 
 Spare me thy love's sweet sunshine 
 
 Until from Earth I part! 
 
 MY LOVE IS YOUNG, MY LOVE IS FAIR! 
 
 IVxy love is young, my love is fair. 
 
 Fair as the smiles of May! 
 The rich curls of her auburn hair 
 
 Around her sweet face play ; — 
 The light within her dear brown eyes, 
 
 Those eyes so soft and kind. 
 Is cloudless as th'unchanging skies 
 
 And guileless as her mind! 
 
 My love is simple as a child, 
 And merry as a bird, 
 
«<s 
 
 llcv song's glad music, sweet and wild, 
 
 May all day long be heard! 
 As sunshine bringing joy and mirth, 
 
 So seems her presence bright, 
 'Tis pleasant on this dim old Earth 
 
 To see such fresh delight! 
 
 My love is true and white and pure 
 
 As a snowflake in the air, 
 I know not what I might endure 
 
 If she were false as fair! 
 But sooner would the lily bend 
 
 Her proud stalk to the ground, 
 Than would my l-5eauty condescend 
 
 To smile on all around. 
 
 My loA-e is lovely as the rose, 
 
 The wild rose all untrained, 
 Which in its own bright beaut}' grows. 
 
 By glance or touch unstained. 
 Through summer-shine, through summer-shower, 
 
 Unconscious of her Avorth, 
 She l)looms, my fair and chosen flower. 
 
 Sweetest of all on earth! 
 
 My love is all that love can be, 
 
 And oh! Til ])ri/.e her well! 
 While she will bless my home for me, 
 
 My cottage in the dell : 
 
89 
 
 My heart is lier's with fondest trust, 
 Bent 'neath her soft control, 
 
 Until my frame return to dust, 
 And God receive my soul! 
 
 STANZA. 
 
 V/H wouldst thou bear me in thy heart 
 
 With everlasting love? 
 Then lock me in, and pray that (irod 
 
 May keep the key above! 
 
 Ffiiivi the Gcniini 
 
THE SO KG OF LOVE. 
 
 JTjLs if he were a nightingale, 
 
 Love, sat in balmy bowers, 
 
 And poured his song o'er hill and vale, 
 
 A song of youth and flowers. 
 
 And as the music filled the air, 
 Sweet roses, night-arrayed. 
 Re-opened all their leaflets fair 
 With wlilch the breezes j^laved. 
 
 The brooklets ceased their babl)ling flo^\ 
 Li rapture at the sound, 
 The startled deer seemed loath to 2:0 
 From that enchanted ground. 
 
 As lengthening shadows veiled the ])lain, 
 And all around lay hushed, 
 Those notes as soft as summer-rain 
 From Love's full bosom o-ushod. 
 
1)1 
 
 While floating in the night ah^ng, 
 The strain in beantv grew; 
 Oh! since that hour uiy every song 
 Re-echoes it anew! 
 
 From the Gcrniiiii. 
 
 T H K W I F E. 
 
 KlJEEl.Y TKANS1,ATK1) KKOM PHK GlCKMAN OK SvhlVH STVliM. 
 
 X () i)rove the worth of that true wife. 
 So fondly loved in days of yore, 
 
 Wait till thou treniblest for her life, 
 AVith anguish never felt before! 
 
 To know how dear she still can be, 
 How doubly dear in hours of pain, 
 
 W^atch thou her death-bed agony, 
 
 With breaking heart and reeling brain! 
 
 To feel how oft ^^'ith word unkind, 
 
 Thy lips have Avronged her gentle heart, 
 
 Thou must be left alone behind. 
 
 To love her tluis — and thus to part! 
 
T O THE BEREAVE D. 
 
 vJh, yi 
 
 ye bereaved Ones! sad and weary-hearted! 
 Earth's pale and sorrowing band, 
 Mourning for those whose footsteps have departed 
 Into tlie silent Land. 
 
 Ye heavy-laden, bending 'neath the anguish 
 
 Of Earth's humanity, 
 Whose suffering hearts in ceaseless cravings languish 
 
 To be released and free; 
 
 With Muttering wings against the boundaries beating 
 
 Of this frail tent of cla}', 
 And vainly, though so fervently, entreating 
 
 To lui\e your own blind way ! 
 
 Oh, feHow-niourners! duty still is calling. 
 
 Ye havt." not done with life ; 
 Let not the sliadow o"er your Present falling, 
 
 Unner\e \ou fur the strife. 
 
Bc'tbiv the tree can yield its golden treasure 
 
 The siK)wy blossoms die : 
 And ere the heart can yield its fruit's full measure 
 
 Low must its idols lie ! 
 
 And e'en the loved Ones first in Canaan landing, 
 
 Beckon us sweetl} on ; 
 For to be once amongst them, radiant standing, 
 
 Our strife must be well done. 
 
 Nay! never more taint-hearted and repining 
 
 Should we bewail our Dead; 
 But let us rather, all vain grief resigning, 
 
 In their blest foot-prints tread. 
 
 Upward, still upward is our path-way wending, 
 
 Between the graves we love. 
 And battling still, while higher yet ascending, 
 
 Our souls aspire above! 
 
T II E W A T E R - L I I. Y 
 
 T„, 
 
 [E queenly water-lily 
 Blooms where sweet streamlets How, 
 Her leaves are fresh and dewy, 
 Her cup is white as snow. 
 
 The moon's soft rays are beaminj^ 
 In the still mid-night hour, 
 With mellow light o'erstreaming 
 The pale and beauteous flower. 
 
 Upon the placid waters 
 
 A swan is borne along. 
 
 He gazes at the lily 
 
 And sings his last sweet song. 
 
 And sweeth , wondrous sweetly, 
 He sings, the while he floats, 
 Oil, lily! snow-white lily, 
 What say tliose (|ui\enng notes? 
 
 Idlll (iciltc 
 
THE ('KICKKT ()\ TIIK II KA in II. 
 
 L 
 
 ITTI.E cricket ! sinoini'- 
 In tlie evening gloom, 
 Life and comfort bringing, 
 To my darkened room ; 
 See, my fire is burning, 
 To awake thy mirth; 
 But my heart is yearning 
 At my lonely hearth ! 
 
 When I was no higher 
 Than my cradle-bed, 
 And around the fire 
 Thronged sweet forms now fled, 
 Wlien the wild wind thrilled me, 
 Whispering mournfully, 
 Then thy song has stilled me, 
 On my Mothers knee! 
 
 Sixteen times returning. 
 Winter found thee here, 
 
And the fire-light huniiug, 
 Loving hearts to cheer. 
 Now the hearth is lonely, 
 Lonely evermore, 
 And my shadow only 
 Flits upon the Hoor! 
 
 Listening to thy singing, 
 
 Sit I Jiere in pain, 
 
 While my heart is bringing 
 
 Back its lost again, 
 
 Till they all surround me, 
 
 Beautiful and dear. 
 
 With their arms around me 
 
 And their love so near! 
 
 Nought remains of gladness 
 In thine altered song. 
 Dost thou bear my sadness 
 In thy tones along? 
 Has my soul's deep sorrow 
 Found a voice in thee, 
 Singing night and morrow 
 Of its misery y 
 
 Oh! let others listen 
 To the nightingale. 
 Beauty's eye-lids glisten 
 At her touchini!.' tide ; 
 
From the Frencli. 
 
 97 
 
 But thy voice is dearer, 
 Dearer far to me, 
 For tlie Past seems nearer, 
 While I list to thee! 
 
 S P R I N Ct- Y E A R N I N G S. 
 
 Oh! from this bed of languor 
 "Twere passing sweet to rise, 
 And, free from pain, to revel 
 Beneath the sunny skies; 
 To wander in the green lanes, 
 Where happy children play, 
 And where, upon the hedgerows. 
 Sing the sweet birds of iSIay. 
 
 ()n fragrant moss reposing, 
 Or stretched on floAvery grass. 
 To watch the birds and insects 
 As merrily they pass; 
 To hear the young leaves rustling. 
 Stirred l^y the Western breeze. 
 Shaking the pearly blossoms, 
 As snow-flakes from the trees. 
 
 13 
 
i)« 
 
 To roam nniid the j/me-woods, 
 Where solemn silence dwells, 
 Whei-e, with mysterious feelings, 
 The awe-struck bosom swells; 
 To breathe the Spring's sweet odours, 
 To bask in streams of light, — 
 But no! awake, fond dreamer! 
 Mocked by these visions bright. 
 
 By Summer-yearnings haunted, 
 
 I close my weary eyes. 
 
 And sweet as fairy dreamland 
 
 Green spots before me I'ise. 
 
 Oh! hopes of Youth and gladness. 
 
 Borne on the summer-air, 
 
 Pass by the Sick One-s dwelling. 
 
 Ye are too wondrous fair I 
 
E V E N I N G P K A Y E K. 
 
 Xhe night is come, the day is spent 
 
 With all its gifts and treasures lent, 
 
 And humbly at its close we pray: 
 
 Oh! Father! wipe its sins away! 
 
 How sweetly do th}- children feel 
 
 That Thou art with them whilst they kneel, 
 
 And that, in daily ill or pain. 
 
 Thy help is never sought in vain! 
 
 If 'midst the varying scenes of Earth, 
 Some days seem full of joy and mirth: 
 When life is bright and love is sweet. 
 And high our gladsome pulses beat; 
 When all our hopes and dreams are fair. 
 And sunshine fills the balmy air; 
 Then teach us. Lord! to watch and pray, 
 Lest pleasure lead our hearts astray! 
 
 I)ut if Thou send'st us days of pain, 
 When dearest hoi)cs iiave all proved ^•ain, 
 
100 
 
 When sweetest joys, tor which we yearned, 
 Have in our hands to ashes turned, 
 When warmest hearts seem all estranged, 
 And those we loved are lost or changed. 
 Then, Father! at the close of day. 
 Soothe Thou our anguish whilst we pray! 
 
 And give us thus to live for Thee, 
 That, when at eve we bend the knee. 
 We each may say with truthful word : 
 ,,I and my house will serve the Lord; 
 „ Amidst the smiles and tears of life, 
 ,, Amidst the trouble and the strife, 
 „Until with pure and holy love 
 ,.We serve Him better still above!"" 
 
 FINIS. 
 
E 11 R A T A. 
 
 Page 5 line 8 instead of: Isaaili, read: Isaiali. 
 
 3-2 „ 9 „ „ hope, „ 'ore. 
 
 33 __ 6 „ „ creature icorxhip, „ creature-worship. 
 
 65 „ 10 ., „ antumn-chUd, „ autumn-child. 
 
 71 „ 12 „ „ flowcrrels, „ flowerets. 
 
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/" 
 
^'^siaass 
 
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