CHOES CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT OF George B. Wakeley Cornell University Library PS 1102.B62C5 CHy. sounds „and,rural^^^^^^^ fs (li/]yt^ £/(- 2>^^'t^_ ^ /^;^f Cornell University Library The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022008464 ^Y so Ui^ -A ND- — t-BT-!— M. STRICKLAND BLACKLOCK. 'a^ Wlo-eltr: ®^' cgn PUBLISHED BY J, MARCUS STEVENSON, AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY'S BUILDING, 119 & 121 Nassau Street. 1874. Entered according to Act of CongreBS, 5n the year 1874, Bt J, iviAKcrs Stevenpon, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. BiiHtiell Brotherw, Primers, 17, 19 21, 23 KoBe Strt-ct. MARTIN BURNS, Esq., OF NEWARK, N. J., THIS WOEK IS mSCRIBED AS A TOKEN OF THE AUTHOR'S MOST SINCKRB RESPECT AND ESTEEM. CONTEJNTS. • •• Columbia 5 The Italian Giel 1 Battle of Chantillt 10 Across the Sea 12 A Mat Song 13 Love's 'Welcome 15 Reasoning by Analogy 16 Rose Adaib 20 Eliza 22 Sweet Thoughts 24 To MT WlTE. 26 Peggy Bawn 28 The Dying Child 31 The Human Face 35 A New Tear's Call 37 Dreams 40 On S00LA.L Reform 42 The "Wager : 44 The Absent One 48 Clarissa 50 To Bttle , 54 The "Watch Dog 55 The Farmer op Maine , 68 The Maid to "Win Mt Lote ^ 60 iy CONTENTS. PAGE. Adieu, Faik City 62 Humble Life 64 Come, Sing me a Song, Little May 66 Blue Bted Maky 68 Sweet Eglantine 69 Soft Sighs the "Wind YO The Widotv and her Sons 71 Little May 13 Sweet Kathleen 74 Love and Envy 76 Bessie 78 The Sailor Boy 80 To Philanthropists 82 Charge of the Lancers 84 Lines Written on the Death of Marie Louise Butler, Sister OP ONE of the Author's most esteemed friends 86 An Address to a Skull 89 To Mary 90 Song 91 The Humane Society 92 Sonnet 94 Margaret 95 The Fern 96 Cemetery Hill 97 Addenda 103 PRE FACE " Some said, ' John, print it ;' others said, ' not bo :' Some said, ' it might do good ;' others said ' no.' To prove then who advised for the best Thus I thought fit to put it to the test." — Bunyrni. I N introdiicing this little woric to the public the author is actuated In/ the hope that the favorable anticipa- tions of those friends who advised its publication may be realized, in so far that it may be productive of some good, were it but to consist in an hour of innocent entertainment; though he feels it to be his duty to offer an apology for the somewhat crude condition in which he has been induced to present the same, owing to the very brief space of tims which has elapsed since its inception. He trusts, however, to meet with that generous forbearance usually accorded by a discerning public to the first attempt of those who ha/ve conscientiously laboredto earn its approbation. ^i'rEEMEN 1 with united voicc/^ Let us sing our country's praise, To the land of Freedom's choice The soul-thrilling anthem raise; Let it sound through all the land, Echo throughout ev'ry State, Eoll along each wave-washed strand, Empire City, Golden Gate ; From the placid land-locked seas To Florida's everglades, O'er far spreading prairies To primeval forest shades ; To reverberating skies Let the joyous anthem rise I Where the eagle proudly soars O'er the Kocky Mountain cloud, Where Niagara deep roars, Like the thunder, hoarse and loud ; O'er the mountain, o'er the plain, Where the buffalo doth roam ; CITY SOUNDS AND EUEAL ECSOES. O'er the meadows rich with grain, To the red man's distant home ; Where, leviathan and grand, Mighty Mississippi flows. Making fertile all the land, Spreading commerce as she goes : There let Freedom's anthem rise. Flaunt her banner to the skies. Hark ! oh, hark ! the loud refrain, Borne upon the ambient air. O'er old Ocean's wide domain, Sung by freemen everywhere ; O'er each turret old and gray, Dreary bastiles frowning grim, Thrones that crumble to decay Silent cloisters dark and dim — See, the sun of Freedom glares ; Tyrants count their numbered hours Pride and splendor past were theirs. The glorious future ours. Then march, Columbia I the free, March onward to thy destiny ! CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. \)[t |[lalmn |)trl <{\ (Q? S from my window, one December day, I watched the dark clouds gather o'er the bay. Where, stretching out afar from strand to strand, Kode stately vessels from each distant land, At anchor straining, or close moored to dock. The pendant ice impearling sheet and block, Disgorging treasures gleaned from ev'ry zone, Until the weighted wharves, o'erburdened, groan ; And constant roars the mighty human tide, And onward press the teams on ev'ry side, Still grinding, crushing, churning, as they go, Obstructing heaps of foul, polluted snow. Such is the bustle and the constant strife Of the great Empire City's daily life ; It scanty time affordeth to bestow One kindly thought or glance on human wue. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. One moment turning from the frosted pane, My ear caught up the low and feeble strain Of some sweet, simple, sad'ning childlike song. So faintly borne by frozen winds along. I looked once more from out my lone retreat. And spied, amidst the snow and drifting sleet, A child from the bright land of golden skies. With pale, sad face, and wistful wondrous eyes : Such eyes as once on mighty Tasso gleamed. As, pining in his dungeon cold, he dreamed. And pictured forth, in visions bright and fair, Modena's maiden, in the humid air. Ah 1 sad it was, to see that face so pale. Those tattered garments, and that form so frail. As vain she strove to pierce surrounding din With feeble voice and shattered violin. And slowly her blue hand the greasy bow Moves with spasmodic effort to and fro. Hard blows and hunger, cold, and constant strife Have crushed all joy from out her infant life. I threw a coin down to the lonely maid. As her black eyes up to my lattice strayed With their sad, mournful gleam and silent plea : A waif from far off sunny Italy. CIT¥ SOUNDS AND BURAL EGHOES. 9 Hard hearted taskmasters, how do you dare To still with slavery pollute the air Of proud Columbia's free, happy shore, ' Which, we have sworn, a slave shall tread no more? Oh 1 was it but for this our land must weep O'er blood-stained fields, where noble heroes sleep ; That ye revive again that cursed stain, The torments vile of slav'ry — ^lash and chain ? 1* 10 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL EGBOES. \)mMi, Fierce and loud the thunder broke ^ O'er the field of Chantilly, Then the dying echoes woke To the cannon's hoarse reply. On, by Stonewall Jackson led, Like a torrent o'er a rock, Leaping from its mountain bed, Sprang the Eebels to the shock. And no granite, mortised fast In the mountain's rugged side, Could more firmly brave the blast Or repel the raging tide. Than that weary, gallant few. In their close and stern array. To their stainless colors true, On that drear September day. Fiercer now the lightnings flash. Louder yet the thunders peal. Heard above the cannon's crash And the ring of deadly steel ; CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 11 Now amidst the thickest fray Plunging* fiercely, sword in hand, To decide the bloody day. Gallant Kearney leads his band ; Charging with exulting yell O'er that dark and blood-stained field ; Then the shades of darkness fell, And the stricken Rebels reeled — Reeled and broke in wild dismay. As the victors, sweeping on. Now the starry flag display On the field their valor 'd won. Now, alas 1 a fatal ball From a vengeful rifle sped, Pierced the bravest heart of all — Laid the gallant Kearney dead ! Thus this noble hero fell On the field of Chantilly. Man and Nature sound his knell. Thunders shake both earth and sky ! 12 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL EGBOES. /& HE Spring time comes fraught with dtlight, When blooming flowers glad the sight ; No chill winds blow, no snows oppress, And Nature wears her brightest dress. Yet, sweeter than the Spring to me My love, that comes across the sea. Two long, long years of toil are past Since I beheld my darling last. And I have saved a little store To welcome to Columbia's shore She, far more dear than life to me. My love, that comes across the sea. With joy the merchant's heart may burn To see his treasure ships return ; The miner's eyes may sparkle bright When golden nuggets greet his sight ; More joyous still mj' heart will be When Bessie coincs ' across the sea. CITY SOUNDS AND BUBAL ECHOES. ]3 on0. 'HE song birds warble forth with glee, L The squirrels spring from tree to tree ; Sweet fragrance floats upon the gale, Joy, peace and harmony prevail. Oh I tell me, song birds,, why so gay ? Their dactyls answered : May, sweet May 1 The bright sun, from each leaf and flower Woos forth, to strut their little hour In beams of his refulgent gold, Antenniferous forms untold. Whose blithesome movements seem to say We too rejoice : 'Tis May, sweet May I The timid lev'ret crouches nigh, Where the brook goes murmuring by. The butterfly and wild white rose Their beauties each to each disclose, Whilst round them flits the nimble fay ; Kapt Nature murmurs : May, sweet May ! 14 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Then why, my heart, should'st thou feel sore, When earth itself seems young onoe more ? Why pinest thou midst scenes so fair? Ah ! silent anguish broodeth there ; The hopes that fled one dismal day Can bloom no more in May, sweet May ! Joy is to me an empty sound. My heart lies cold beneath the ground ; Though time may bring surcease of pain. Yet I can never smile again Until I wake, in endless day. To joys exceeding thine, sweet May ! CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 15 S,HINE, thou sun, with splendor, y And let thy brightest ray On yon sweet valley beam. Whose queen returns to-day. Zephyrs from the southland, From golden orange grove. Come with spices laden And breathe upon my love. Rivers from the mountain. Clear founts, that sparkling gleam. Greet with joyous murmurs The Naiad of the stream. Ye sweet woodland songsters And birds of plumage gay, Warble notes of welcome For her who comes to-day. Peonies and pansies, Pure lilies of the plain With smiles and perfume greet Your queen, returned again. 16 CITY SOUNDS AND BUBAL ECHOES. ][ea^onin0 bg Inaloflg. LEAENED professor of the healing art Once in a rural village played his part ; And, as his years increased, his practice grew — At length he thought 'twas work enough for two. To this effect having made up his mind, He looked around the needed aid to find — Some youth genteel, one who had a notion How to make a pill or mix a potion. Now, all these qualities appeared combined. And many more besides, in Joseph Hind ; He for two years had labored, con amore, Behind the counter of a druggist store, And knew the names of all those potent drugs Which slay the sick or rid the house of bugs^- He had, moreover, long recommendations From several of the doctors — near relations. Now, who to claims like these could prove resistant ? Soon Joe became a medical assistant. And now, unto his somewhat lengthy stride, The paths of fame and honor open wide ; He trudges with the doctor on his rounds, To all he says attention pays profound, CITY SOUNDS AKD RURAL ECHOES. ]7 And treasures up for future imitation Each sage remark, each eloquent oration. This prefatory. Now my tale begins : A milkman's wife was brought to bed of twins ; The little cherubs seemed to thrive apace, Though with the mother this was not the case ; Although attended by a skilful nurse. She daily seemed to go from bad to worse. - Sometimes for suffering there's no prevention I The lady, doubtless, had the best attention. One morn the doctor, standing by her bed, Asked how she was ? She slowly shook her head ; Thus intimating, with a heavy sigh, "I really thought, last night, that I should die !" " Then," says the doctor, " How can you expect Aught better, when my orders you neglect ? Of oysters you have eaten quite a dish. Though I forbade you ev'ry kind of fish. Now, take this medicine as I direct it ; Eat no more fish or I shall sure detect it ; And for the present (though you'll think it cruel) Your diet must consist of water gruel." With this advice she promised to comply ; The doctor took his hat and said, " Good-bye 1" This visit ended business for the day.; Now homeward he and Joseph wend their way. 18 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL E OBOES. And, when the twain had left the house behind, Joseph expressed the wonder of his mind How the great doctor, by his hidden lore, Knew what the woman ate the night before. Eeplies the doctor : " Why, you stupid head ! I saw the oyster shells beneath the bed." Now Joseph mentally put down this fact, Thinking in future he'd know how to act. And ascertain on what each patient fed From things deposited beneath the bed. It happened, near this time, the doctor had A patient, who'd the colic very bad ; And who, being rich — it is as well to mention — Eequired from the doctor great attention. Being thus engaged, he ordered Joe, one day, A visit to the milkman's wife to pay. Well pleased, Joe started forth on his commission, Quite conscious of his dignified position ; The distance short, he soon was at the place, A look of wisdom beaming on his face ; With loud ran-tan he scares the timid nurse. Then through the milky way he takes his course To where the patient lay, so low and weak. It was with much ado that she could speak. He felt surprised, and now, without dela^-. Beneath the bed he took a sly survey. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 19 The only object wliich appeared to view Joe took to be a saddle, nearly new ; He eyed the patient with distrustful gaze, And thus accosted her, in measured phrase : " Madam 1 'tis no wonder you are worse — A woman in your state to eat a horse I To your disease you are but adding fuel, The only diet fit for you is gruel ; Now, all your sufferings are your own infliction — A fact so plain admits no contradiction." With these remarks fast down the stairs he flics, And leaves the woman speechless with surprise. Next we behold him, flushed with honest pride, Standing respectfully at the doctor's side. The latter pushed away a ponderous book And greeted Joseph with inquiring look. Saying: " Well, young man, how does the patient thrive V " But very poorly, sir ; she's just alive ; Her fever has increased, a thing of couroc — Since last you saw her she has eat a horse." " Eat a horse ! come, sir, no jests I pray, I'm not in any jesting mood to-day." Quoth Joseph : " Sir, I meant not to offend, That what I state is true I still contend — The proof is plain, and cannot be gainsaid — I saw the saddle underneath the bed." 20 CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. wt \h\x. m H I Rose Adair, so pure and fair, I love thee 1 love thee to despair. Words cannot tell the vrild unrest Thy glance awakens in my breast. Yet, fair one, though thy slave I be, Worlds could not tempt me to be free ; Enough, if I may sit and dream, And sun me in thine eye's soft beam : Those azure eyes, that sparkle bright One moment, then in deepest night 'Neath ebon lashes hide away. And veil their love-inspiring ray. No fairer form than thine, sweet maid. Hath poet's fancy ere portrayed ; Yet, 'twas the gem the casket bore Enslaved niy heart for evermore. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 2] Thy soul, that with celestial light Beams from thine eyes, so pure and bright, Where virtue, love and truth abide ; No room for envy, hate, or pride. Thy heart, so tender, kind and true, So quick to aid and raise anew Those trodden down by want or pain, And teach them how to smile again. Oh I were I in this world of tears Ordained to live a thousand years In Titan rocks, of amber rare, My heart would treasure Kose Adair ! 22 CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECROES. \Xm. 'is weet to roam the pleasant fields, When, at the birth of day, The joyous sunbeams light the corn And kiss the dews away, •Whilst the high soaring lark's wild song Kings out o'er hill and dale. And fragrance, from the woodbine sweet, Perfumes the southern gale. 'Tis sweet in cool and shady grot To sit at hot noontide. And view the busy haymakers That throng the meadow side, And blithely toss the fragrant grass. Or rake it here and there, Or pausing, wipe their honest brows, The nut brown ale to share. But, oh ! 'tis sweeter far to roam, When, for the distant west The sun forsakes the harvest field And lofty mountain's crest ; CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 23 Then other -rays shall light my path, Fresh music greet mine ear : Thy beaming eyes and tuneful voice, My own Eliza, dear I 24 CITY SOUNDS AND RUHAL ECHOES. ui^it I^ItoujglitB. 'he cherished hopes of youth are gone, , Its pleasures faded one by one, The sweets that we had hoped to sip Have turned to ashes on the lip ; Yet still bright recollection cheers Our lonely and declining years ; Sweet thoughts come like flowers that bloom Over the tomb, over the tomb. Over the tomb of joys and fears. Pains and pleasures of by-gone years ; Friends that were false, love that was sold ; Friendship and love, more pure than gold ; Fairy tales, that could once beguile Home, endeared by a mother's smile. Sweet thoughts, sweet thoughts, forever bloom Over the tomb, over the tomb. Over the tomb of the faded past; Over the tomb that will close at last; O'er the still heart, whose pulse hath ceased — The weary brain from care released. CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECEOES. 25 Doubt not the faithful soul shall live ; Our God hath spoken, men believe. Sweet thoughts, sweet thoughts, dispel thy gloom, And light the tomb, and light the tomb. 26 CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. i mg I^EAK WIPE, put on thy brightest looks to-day, Let chill December wear the smile of May ; Then bid each care and sorrow stand aside : This day, ten years ago, thou wert a bride. One long decade has passed of changeful years Since forth I led thee, smiling through thy tears, Through hosts of friends, who round us fondly press'd. And prayed our union might be long and blest. Ten years of joy, yet not unmixed with pain ; These friends are scattered, ne'er to meet again This side the tomb ; yet still our hearts revere And dwell upon them with a silent tear. One heavenly blossom, too, that bloomed awhile, And shone upon us with an angel's smile, Has faded from us into realms more bright, Where sin can enter not, nor sorrow blight. Then let us join our hands and hearts anew, Still to our duties and each other true ; Our angel's face shall smile upon our love. And light our feet with joy to realms above. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 21 Then, Father of all mercy, guide us still ; Teach us to live obedient to Thy will ; So still our lives harmoniously shall blend, To live by Thee and for Thee to the end. 28 CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. i ^0gg lauin. |iH 1 tell me, have you seen her 7 Broken is my rest ; The fairest, sweetest creature E'er came from the west ; Until her blue eyes smote my Heart, it knew no care, 'Tis now enslaved forever By thee, Peggy fair. Her brow like soft peach blossom. Cheeks like leaf of rose. Long, shining, golden ringlets. Waving as she goes. As she goes blithely singing At the early dawn. Whilst tripping through the flowers- Charming Peggy bawn. A form of fairy lightness. Eyes of soft, deep blue, Whose bright and merry glances Sparkle like the dew. CITY SOUNDS AND RUEAL ECEOES. 29 Small teeth of pearly whiteness, Heart as light as air ; Oh 1 tell me, have you seen her, Seen my Peggy fair? Oh I tell me, have you seen her. When her list'ning ear Is greeted by the music That she loves so dear? She'll 'tread the joyous measure O'er the sunny lawn. With heart brimful of pleasure, Lovely Peggy bawn. Oh ! tell me, have you seen her. When the aged and poor, With years and sorrow laden. Stand around the door. As she bestows her bounty With fond, anxious care? No angel could look kinder Than doth Peggy fair. Though many swains have sought her, Handsome, young and gay. Still sweet, winsome Peggy Always answered nay ; 30 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. She'd still be free and careless As the mountain fawn, Beloved by all who know her, Charming Peggy bawn. GITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 31 \M jj2^^^0 l^htll C?^BCURELY slumbering in midnight gloom ^ The mighty city sleeps, unmindful of The wintry winds that rave, the beating rain ; The virtuous and happy calm repose. Their inner peace enhanced by outward storms. Tet there are some astir e'en such a night : The crouching thief, that tiger-like doth lurk To spring upon his unsuspecting prey ; And houseless, homeless wretches, thinly clad, Are seen like spectres gliding through the gloom. Amidst the wailing, wailing, wintry winds, Beneath the falling, falling, ruthless rain. Now by the feeble flicker of the lamps. In vain contending with the murky mist, A careworn form is seen to breast the storm. Unheeding perils which, above, below. Do threaten those who wander such a night. Her sorrows all her mind and heart absorb ; The rain beats constant on her burning brow, Which throbs with sad forebodings, anxious thought, 32 CITT SOUNDS AND BURAL ECHOES. Lest she should miss or haply find too late One skilled to save a life fast fading out, Amidst the wailing, wailing, wintry winds. Beneath the falling, falling, ruthless rain. Ah I who that mother's feelings can depict ? Two of her little ones just fever slain. The third and sole remaining one now lies Delirious beneath the dreaded scourge. Cared by a neighbor, poor, but warm of heart. The husband and the father, far away Upon the bosom of the billows, seeks The wherewithal to buy his dear ones bread. Ah I little dreameth he the bitter blight His home hath suffered, of his wife's despair Amidst the wailing, wailing, wintry winds, Beneath the falling, falling, ruthless rain. At length the mother pauses at the front Of a large mansion of pretentious size. Then rings, and in low, eager tone inquires : " Can I the doctor see, as life and death Bang in the balance, which his skill may turn ?" The menial, in cold and heartless tones, Through the half open door, gives for reply The stereotyped lie, "He's not at home." CITY SOUNDS AND BUBAL ECHOES. 33 Oh ! what a pang strikes through the mother's breast 1 Her failing limbs can scarce sustain her now Amidst the wailing, wailing, wintry winds. Beneath the falling, falling, ruthless rain. In vain she pleads, the massive door is closed, Closed the last avenue of earthly hope. " Father in heaven I look upon my woe, Pour healing balm upon the fevered brow ; Oh I grant Thine aid !" fihe wretched mother prayed, " Leave me not utterly bereft of all." She turns, retracing now her weary steps Towards her stricken home and dying child ; Poor, little creature 1 she is conscious now,. And feebly lisps, " Will mother soon be here ?" Amidst tho wailing, wailing, wintry winds. Beneath the falling, falling, ruthless rain. The words scarce uttered, till the op'ning door Reveals the loving mother's careworn form. She sees the stamp of death on that fair face, Knows, by the glassing eye, the end is near ; She threw herself upon the couch, and sobbed, " Oh 1 husband, darling, if you were but here ; How will he bear this bitter, bitter blow. Which scatters all his earthly hopes to dust ?" 2* 34 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. The child, with dying effort, raised her head And twined her thin arms round her mother's neck> Amidst the wailing, wailing, wintry wind?, And constant falling, falling, ruthless rain. Then spoke the child in accents sweet and low. And with that wonderful precocious tact Which those possess foredoomed so young to die : " Oh 1 why, dear mother, do you grieve so much That I must leave you for that happy land Where there can be no pain or trouble more ? Where my dear sisters, borne by fair, bright wings. Shall meet and lead me to my Saviour's throne ; See 1 see ! they beckon me, as when at play." She ceased. The stainless soul had passed away Amidst the wailing, wailing, wintry winds. Beneath the falling, falling, ruthless rain. CITY SOUNDS ANB RURAL ECHOES. 35 uma "I at^ ^^;ZHAT a study human features, J^fy^ Where celestial glories shine ! God, alone of all his creatures. Hath stamped on man's fair face divine. Here a smile of angel sweetness Beams bright with rays of love and trust ; Here a brow of Jove-like greatness Towereth high above the dust ; Here a visage coarse and bloated Doth mark the base, ignoble mind ; Here by brow and eye denoted Grovelling vice and luat we find- Sin and ignorance depicted. Deception, avarice and greed ; 'Pore the world we stand convicted, 'Tis wrote in letters each may read. 36 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Then may we for the future strive To keep those glorious tablets clear, And from heart and conscience drive All sins that sully, thoughts that sear. Let us earnestly endeavor To keep our passions in control. For the human face is ever The mirror'd reflex of the soul. CITY SOUNDS AND EUEAL ECHOES. St I |etti \nr% |all v||^'D a visitor lately — a gentleman queer — (^ Having just celebrated the incoming year, And imbibed rather freely of whiskey and beer, Felt a stranger to fear, and as soon will appear, For of this there's no doubt, my perceptions were clear, As I tumbled to bed in my room at the rear. It was scarcely an hour till I woke from my nap, As I heard at my room door a terrible rap ; It flew open instanter, with a loud clap. And there stood by my bedside a dapper old chap, Whose hand gave my shoulder a terrible slap As I dodged 'neath the quilt and pulled down my nightcap ; Then saluted me thus, " Come, friend, let us be plain, I've a few words to say, and my time's on the wane; If you heed my advice it may save you much pain : I wish you from one little thing to refrain — Never mix any beer with your whiskey again ; Mind, I speak as a friend, as you'll soon ascertain." 38 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. " Who the devil are you ?" I said, after a while — As I felt myself quite reassured by his smile — "By what right do you thrust yourself here lathis style? I think, my dear sir, you've assurance a pile. And I wish you away, at the least a full mile.'' He replied, " Pray beware ! lest the devil you'll rile." " The devil !" quoth I. " The devil," quoth he. "Now see; I intend you no ill ; but pray listen to me : I say whiskey and lager can never agree. Drink either or neither, drink them ever so fr^e. Drink strong brandy, champagne, sherry wine, sangaree; But remember my words when you go on a spree." Then he vanished away in a moment of time To a warmer, if not to a sunnier clime. As the last stroke of one died away on the chime, Leaving odors of kerosene, brimstone and lime. 'As you may not have seen him, I think it no crime With a sketch of his figure to finish my rhyme. Now I very minutely his features did scan. And I think, for his years, he looks quite a young man. And in. stature he's built on the medium plan. His complexion being marred with somewhat of a tan. Which approximates close to the color of bran. Though 'twere easy to find a much worse looking man. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 39 That he follows the fashion I can vouch for that, For he wore on his head Knox's new style of hat, Whilst his breast was adorned with a splendid cravat, And a diamond pin of a thousand carat, Which was pure, I feel sure, for the devil's no flat. P. S. — The rest of his wardrobe I could not get at. 40 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. P r^ams. A.Y is past, its toils completed ; Sleep enshrouds me like a pall; Par away my soul hath fleeted, Like a school-boy freed from thrall. Par beyond earth's utmost border Into worlds mysterious, strange ; Fleeter than the fleetest norther My soul on volant wings doth range. Angel guarded portals passing, To her native heaven she flies, And 'midst saints the throne compassing. Seeks her loved kindred in the skies. O'er what strange lands she doth travel ! What wondrous scenes she passes through 'Tis a web we can't unravel. Nor separate the false from true. CITY SOUNDS AND RUEAL ECBOES. 41 Can the skie& contain aught grander, Or hell more dismal terrors own, Than the soul sees, which doth wander Trembling through the dread unknown ? Vast themes for investigation Philosophy in dreams will find, Strange and deep hallucination. Wondrous mirage of the mind. 42 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. |)n Social ][efojim. I'K^'^O, dreary snow ; pass, weary winter long, ^^ And with ye take all sorrows ; leave behiad No fretful clouds, no shades of godless wrong. Come, gentle spring 1 with joy to all mankind. Back through the hazy mist we gaze With sorrow for the misspent days ; Eegretting we have lacked to praise God, who to us hath given The blessings past, the cheering rays Of promised joys in heaven. Intemperance and vice, with powerful wand Have lured, alas ! full many souls to death. Spread desolation o'er a smiling land. Impeding progress with their baleful breath. We slept; might took the place of right; We wake, and, lo ! the radiant light Of fairest morn — whose beams so bright Each humble roof illume — Succeeds the shadows of the night And banishes the gloom. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL EGEOES. 43 Then come, ye hardy toilers of the land, Assert the rights your country gives to you ; Come forward like true men, and take your stand. To hold in check the vile, rapacious crew. Each one of you a birthright owns Too precious far to leave to drones. Who slight your wishes or your moans, Who freemen would enthral. No vassals ye of tyrant thrones, A sov'reign people all 1 Oh 1 read aright the lesson of the past. Let blatant demagogues no more mislead ; And should the sky again be overcast. Ye shall have something stored for time of need ; Shun follies tending to abase. Take in the ranks your proper place. Strive hate and discord to efface. Till, wheresoe'er we roam, Sweet peace and smiling plenty grace Our free and happy home. 44 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. |k ajg^r. (EAR Dublin City there did once reside A gentleman of means, wlio took a pride In boundless hospitality and cheer, For which his name was famous far and near. A fearless hunter, be each cover knew, And kept a pack of hounds, both staunch and true ; And none like he o'er hedge and ditch could go, Eesponsive to the hearty " view hallo 1" Now in the Squire's employment was a boy Who'd seen some forty summers, named McCoy — A lean, lank efBgy of skin and bone; Throughout the country Pat McCoy was known, For he was never absent from the chase — Each hound and huntsman knew his kindly face ; O'er fence and stream he'd dash, through mud and mire, Long limbed and barefoot, naught his zeal could tire. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 45 Yet though a very Nimrod of the west, 'Twas not on deeds of chase his fame did rest, For he with greatest ease could masticate More food than any five men of his weight. Now, as it chanced, there came a trusty friend To the old hall, a week or two to spend — A boon companion, one who loved a jest, A bottle, too, as must be here confest. It chanced one day, whilst looking round the place, The visitor caught sight of Pat's lean face As it protruded o'er the wicket, where The glossy hunters neighed and pawed the air. Then he the Squire's attention next did draw To Pat's enormous amplitude of jaw ; Says he, "Whatever ails that fellow there? He seems to me like one who lived on air." The Squire made answer, with a roguish look, " Friend, never by the cover judge the book ; That chap could stow in his capacious maw Pull half as much as any ass could draw. "You doubt my word? 'Tis true, though you may laugh; I'll bet that Pat McCoy can eat a calf." "Well," quoth his friend, "I like a little fun ; I'll stake a hundred on 't, what say you?" "Done 1" 46 CITY SOUNDS AND BUEAL ECEOES. A servant was despatched the calf to kill, Next day the cook prepared the same with skill ; She made it up into delicious pics, Of which there were a dozen vast in size. When Pat returned from the chase next day- He straightway to the kitchen made his way, To take a lunch, just something to abate His hunger, fearing dinner might be late. Now, when the cook saw Pat come striding in. Her ruddy face expanded in a grin. And to his satisfaction and surprise She set before him one of the huge pies. Then sent a messenger the Squire to call, Who all his guests soon mustered in the hall ; Bold Pat regarded not their looks the least, But fell to work at his enormous feast : Through the brown crust his knife made mighty rents, Dish after dish he cleared of their contents. Yet still kept on, with unabated fire ; Not for one moment did he seem to tire. The guests were mute with wonder and amaze. As now the twelfth and last one he essays ; Yet this he vanquished too, without a pause, And the last morsel vanished 'tween his jaws. CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 47 Now bis collation over, Pat once more Rose up, well pleased, and moved towards the door, When one accosted him, with roguish eye, Saying, " Pat, won't you a little pudding try ?" "Well, thank you, not at present, sir," said Pat, " ril take a little walk now — after that I must keep quiet or I'll lose the bet — I have a calf ■ to eat for master yetl" 48 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. i Vt \\i%t\\i |)n«. ly^/TE mourn thee as one dead, for o'er the sea ^^l^l. There cometh word nor sign to tell of thee ; It cannot be that thou could'stlive and hold Our hearts in drear suspense by silence cold ; We know too well the love thy bosom bore Thy only sister, on a far-oflf shore ; A love so pure and holy changeth not, But lives till all things earthly are forgot. The Summer past, now Autumn's leaves are fled, Another year is numbered with the dead ; Still of the absent one no tidings come — To earnest pleadings ev'ry voice is dumb. Oh, fell suspense I uncertainty how drear ; The ills we meet are naught to those we fear. Tell me, ye winds from England's distant shore, Shall we behold her face in life no more ? No voice replies, the throbbing, heaving main Eolls on, unmindful of man's woe or pain ; His hidden secrets he will ne'er reveal Till the archangel breaks the final seal. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 49 Speak then, ye winds, since others will not hear, Have ye no tidings of my sister dear ? Ye winds that o'er the wild Atlantic rave, Lives she, or sleeps she in the silent grave? 50 CITY souNvs Axi) hural echoes. Il antisa. V'T/'VE been thinking of daj-s gone by (^ When thou wert the pride of the ball ; Though beauty with beauty did v-ie, Yet thou wcrt the fairest of all. The scions of wealth and fashion Still strutted about in thy train, AVhilst I, a slave to love's passion, Endured all in silence my pain. At length through clouds broke the brightest Of sunbeams that e'er came to nie. As with a heart none the lightest I roamed by the cliffs near the sea ; I watched, from the crags wild and steep, The seagulls that skimmed o'er tile bay ; Sad murmurs arose from the deep, Receding reluctant away; CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 51 Aud I wondered if she could divine The feelings that wounded my rest, Perceive, by no token or sign. The depth of my love unconfest. And thus, as I mused in despair. The storm clouds were gathering fast. When over the heath wild and bare Came cries of distress on the blast. Even now I tremble to think Of the sight that greeted my eyes, x\s near the dark precipice brink I turned, at those wild, piercing cries ! A maiden for succor appeals, As borne by mad horses away. With crashing and dashing of wheels ; I thought of her fate with dismay. Away o'er the wild, barren heath, To where the dread precipice lies. Away to destruction and death The swiftly borne chariot flies. The driver he struggles in vain To check their impulsive career. No bridle or bit can restrain, They know no control but their fear. 52 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. One wheel now collides with a rock, The driver is hurled, with a bound, All bleeding and stunned by the shock. Far out on the hard, flinty ground. 'Tis time now to act, not to think : I draw forth a pistol and fire. And within twenty yards of the brink A steed now rolls dead in the mire ; The other, with wild, streaming mane, And flanks with dank foam thickly strewn, Now plunges and struggles in vain ; The maiden lies wrapt in a swoon. Oh 1 think of my rapture and glee. As that pale, drooping lily I raised. To find 'twas my loved one; 'twas she, Clarissa ; now Heaven be praised 1 Unhurt, but unconscious from fear, I watched her intently to see Those sweet violet eyes reappear And shed their bright lustre on me. Her hair had escaped from its fold And mantled her shoulders and mine In masses of pale yellow gold, As she lay on my bosom supine. CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 63 I longed to her lips, ruby red, One deep, fervent kiss to impart, As she her fair, beautiful head Reposed on my wild, throbbing heart. To her mansion I bore her away. My lovely and fair stricken dove ; I saw her full oft from that day. And gratitude warmed into love. And now thou art loved and revered As none other, my beautiful wife, And each day to me more endeared, Clarissa, my darling, my life. 54 CITY SOUNDS AND RUIiAL ECHOES. |o ftfit. VE o'er the land soft dews hatli sprptit, The song birds nestward flee, The gold impurpled fleecy ' clouds Incline towards the sea. E'en so this faithful heart, my love, Shall still incline to thee. The home illumed by thy sweet smilp. Earth holds no spot so fair ; Vast schemes may dwell in other minds:. Each thought of mine is there. Nature and art may still present Sweet objects to my view. Oh ! still believe me, Ettie dear, None seem so fair as you ! CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 55 \Xt |atrl| |o0. ~^IS now some time since I .the works did con Of tlie renowned naturalist, Buffon ; Though, should my memory not somewhat clog, 'Tis thus, I think, that he describes the dog : "An animal of most sagacious mind, And docile temper, faithful to mankind." Now, this with my own views did coincide. And oft I'd pat brave Neptune's glossy side. Ride on his back, or with him romp and play In happy childhood, for the livelong day. In boyhood, too, he was my chief delight ; From school was o'er he seldom left my siglit. And oft I'd stand upon the bank and throw A stick far out into the stream below ; Then in he'd plunge, and bravely 'gainst the tide Returning, shake the bright spray either side. Now, this was all I ever had to do With dogs of any kind, or shape, or hue, Until a friend of mine, from Brooklyn town, Who owned a long-haired puppy, small and brown. 56 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Called at my house one day — it chanced to rain — Dragging the cur behind him with a chain ; And when he'd brought him full into my view, Says he to me, " I've brought this dog for you ; I have removed, and where I'm living now They will not let one keep a poor bow-wow. He is a splendid creature, look him o'er ; Besides, yon want a dog to watch the store. You'll find him very useful round the house. Which he will keep quite clear of rat or mouse." This was indeed a pleasure — a surprise — And tears of gratitude stood in my eyes, As from his band I took the chain and tied Him near the fire until bis coat had dried ; And from that moment until his decease I never knew one hour of rest or peace. When tied, he'd bark and yelp, both night and day; If loose, he'd rend and smash all in his way. Demolish all that he could pounce upon ; One day he swallowed up my wife's chignon ; Now this sad conduct made me oft irate, Yet still I hoped the nuisance would abate. When he grew older he'd be more sedate ; But this, alas I was not to be his fate ; It chanced I placed my watch and guard, one day. Upon a table, under which he lay. The chain, perchance, was hanging somewhat o'er, CIT7 SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 57 He seized and dragged it down upon the floor, And ev'ry rillanous device employed Until the watch and chain he had destroyed, The dial smashed, each wheel torn from its place. And like a nutmeg grater left the case ; The chain dissevered, and the jewels lost. The hands and works around the place were toss'd. When I perceived the havoc he had wrought, I sat some time absorbed in anxious thought. Concerning the most expeditious way To rid me of that " dog who'd had his day ;" I thought of poison, pistols, clubs and twine, B'lt mercy bade me alter my design ; I hired a boy to take him to the pound. The cruel urchin went, and had him drowned. Some months elapsed before I saw friend Jolin. He kindly asked me " How the dog came on — Were he quite well, and had I got him yet?" His countenance I never shall forget As I his wicked conduct did relate, And sadly told him of his dismal fate. "What, drowned!" quoth he; "that is a mighty pity — He was the greatest watch dog in the city 1" Sajjs I, " My friend, that's true unto the letter ; Still, one much worse would answer me much better. Though he might watch until his eyes grew dim, I found it too much trouble watching him." 3* 58 CITY SOUNDS AND BUBAL ECHOES. |«| apq oj mmt FARMER, who dwelt in the State of Maine, Was walking, one morning, down a lane ; The morning was cold, the farmer was old. And he lost his wallet, well filled with gold. Now, he was a greedy, surly old chap. Who ne'er for aught but his gold cared a rap ; He had never a wife, yet plenty of strife — He never had had a friend in his life. A poor woman, chancing to pass that way Early at morn of the very same day, Spied out with pleasure the golden treasure, And took it home to count at her leisure ; She scanned it with mingled delight and fear — Such wealth she'd not seen in many a year ; To keep it she burned, yet the thought she spurned. She would know no peace till it was returned. But who was the owner 1 That must be seen ; She inquired, and found it was farmer Green, And this surly old churl he did reside In an old farm house by a bleak hill side. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 59 At length she found him, and stated the case ; The farmer received her with surly face. He counted the money, stowed it ^way, Then turned from the finder and said " Good dayl" Says she to the farmer, '"Tis mighty hard To turn me away without some reward ; Had one less honest found that in the lane You'd never have seen it more, that's plain." Says he, " Your story is framed to deceive ; Your honest intentions I don't believe ; 'Twas God who sent you the gold, you old goose ! Of which dread of the devil deprived you the use." Moral. In our journey through life, amidst sunshine and rain, We may meet many men like this farme'r of Maine, Who will never give others the credit to own Any attributes which they themselves have not shown. 60 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. OII£. i COULD not link my fate with one, ) However fair she be, Who could not give the first free love Of her young heart to me ; I could not on that breast recline That other love had known, Nor press those ruby lips to mine That were not all my own. Although her voice were low and sweet As silver bells at eve, It never round this heart of mine The spells of love could weave ; Her eyes might hold the sunbeams chained Within their liquid spheres, Yet they, perchance, more brightly beamed With love in by-gone years. The maid to win my love must be As guileless, fresh and free As the first snow drop of the spring That bloometh on the lea : CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 61 And she must have a loving heart To throb for me alone, And coral lips, whose warm, soft kiss No lips but mine have known. If such sweet maiden e'er incline To tread life's path with me. How happy and supremely blest My lot would seem to be I With shelt'ring arms I'd shield my love From ev'ry stormy blast. And soothe her in my fond embrace When skies were overcast. Oh 1 we would live in peace and love Until, life's journey o'er, We'd part, to meet in realms above, Where love can die no more. If such fair gem I fail to find, I'll travel on alone. For I shall never wed with one Whose heart is not my own. GITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. % (lip, lair |;tg. .DIBU, fair city, spreading wide — I take my leave of thee ; I follow yonder setting sun To western forests free ; No more your pent up air I'll brcatlic, Your streets bewild'ring roam — Far from your pleasures and your snares I'll build my future home. And when the wintry winds shall leave The forest monarchs bare, ^My sturdy axe and cheerful song Shall wake the echoes there ; At eve, when healthful toil is done, I'll hasten home with glee. Whence forth my little ones shall run And cluster round my kace. There spread before them Nature's book Forever, open, fair ; Their young minds shall expand with ti-utli, And vice can spread no snare. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 63 Adieu, great city, once again, Whate'er my lot may be, I ne'er shall find, 'mid forests wild, A wilderness like thee. 64 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. wMt |ife. fHI son of toil, deem not thy fate, Though humbly cast, more hard to boar Than that of some who sit in state In council halls or palace fair. No earthly riches bring content. No wealth can purchase peace of mind Like his, whose useful life is spent In harmony with all mankind. Though it was never human lot To pass through life exempt from pain. Yet we court ills that seek us not. And Sorrow treads in Folly's train. How many a great, heroic name Hath graced a humble lot like tliino; And brows engarlanded by fame With never fading laurels shine. CITT SOUNDS AND SURAL ECHOES. 65 For talents rare, and sterling worth, Mark often men of humble birth ; Whilst rice obscures the halo thrown Round scepter'd king and royal throne. 60 CITY SOUXDS AAW BUBAL ECHOES. i flinc, ling lie it long, iitl, atJ. OME, sing me a song, little May ! I Nay, blush not and look so demure; My heart is as blithesome to-day As thine is unsullied and pure. Well, bliish as thou wilt, lovely Jlay ! Thy bright blooming cheeks, ray sweet girl. Contrast with thy brow, and display Sweet roses, endamasked on pearl. Come, sing me one song, little Miy ! This bower, with ivy o'ergrown, Excludeth the sun's piercing ray, And shuts out all eyes save our own. Oh 1 memories precious as gold Are linked with this old rustic shade; 'Twas here first my fond love I told. And won thy consent, my. sweet maid! CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Then sing me a song, little May, And nestle thee close to my side; Oh ! joyous and light be the lay. To-morrow, I'll hail thee my bride. Oh! sweet is thy song, gentle May! Soft south winds shall murmur it o'er. And song birds shall steal it away To sing to their loves evermore. 68 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. /ONG years have passed, my love, since that sad day I When from my aching sight you sailed away. How deep my grief I how bitter was the pain As the tall vessel faded o'er the mainl Till then I knew not I had loved so well My blue eyed Mary, of the flow'ry dell. Ah, Fate 1 'twas hard between my love and mo To place those sev'ring leagues of land and sea; Her blooming cheeks 'neath tropic suns will pale, Her bright eyes languish in the sultry gale. Thou loved and lost one I still I own thy spell, My blue eyed Mary, of tliie flow'ry dell. Yet Hope still whispers, at no distant time Thou wilt return unto thy native clime, To roam with me once more by crystal rills. And breathe the healthful breezes of the hills — Return, sweet love 1 return with me to dwell, My blue eyed Mary, of the flow'ry dell. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 69 mti plantiiwj. |WEET Eglantine I Sweet Eglantine I f\ My love is like to thee ; She's Nature's child, and bloometh wild In maiden purity. Around her cot thy branches twine, And its fair porch en wreath : Thy fragrant perfume mingles with The air my love doth breathe. At morn the golden sunbeams pierce Her lattice with their sheen ; Oh I might I with those sunbeams glide. And kiss my love unseen 1 If I could share that cot with her, What heavenly bliss were mine ! My Bessie's arms around me thrown, And thine, sweet Eglantine. TO CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL -ECHOES. 10^ the ^J^OPT sighs the wind adown the verdant glade, j^) And thrills the op'ning blossoms, white and red, And sways the primrose on its lowly bed : I wait thee, maiden, in the cool leaved shade. The oriole in pendant, nest doth quake. And scan my motions with a jealous eye ; The bright plumed jay flits timorously by. And sun winged swallows skim the placid lake. Now tremulous with joy my blood doth tide. Unheeded all the flowers at my feet. The wafted fragrance of the wild thyme sweet. One fairer, sweeter, standeth at my side ; No voice of bird wild warbling through the glade Can charm like thine, Elmira's lovely maid ! CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 11 I h ilidoui and hx %m%. M RAISE be to Thee, oli God ! whose mercy kind " To the shorn lamb doth temper the rude wind ;" Whose arms- make light the cross that all must bear, To fit them for Thy heavenly mansion fair. When Thou so will'd it, in Thy allwise ways, To call the partner of my youthful days, Thy tender eye did pity my distress. And spared my darling sons to cheer and bless. Then earnestly I prayed for aid from Thee, To well discharge the trust reposed in me. To shield from perils "which environ youth. And teach them to revere Thy name and truth. And Thou saw fit to grant my heartfelt prayer, And to reward a mother's anxious care. I view them now with tears of joy and pride. Like stately pillars standing side by side. My first born, John, so silent and reserved. In thee thy father's image is preserved ; His virtues, which my admiration won. Fell, like the prophet's robe, on thee, my son. 72 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. And there's no kinder, lighter heart on earth Than thine, dear George, which overflows with mirth. Thy pleasant fancies like bright sunbeams come And shed a lustre round our happy home. Our happy home! where love and peace Teside, With filial duty and maternal pride. For which I thank Thee, Lord! through all my days, Thine are the gifts 1 be Thine alone the praise ! CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECEOES. .Y3 liih jlag. ^^OULDS'T know, dear wife, the pwcrtcst sound «iL>> This earth contains for me? It is to hear her lisp my name Who sits upon thy knee. Though storms without may rudely rave, Soft sunbeams ever play Around the pretty rosebud mouth Of our sweet little May ; And with each bright and golden curl They seem to kiss and toy. Or peep from out the dimples in Her cheeks, enwreathed with joy ; And, oh 1 it glads my heart when she. With innocent delight, Doth try to force her rosy lips To lisp, " Papa, gaod night !" U CITY SOUNDS AND SURAL ECHOES. uied galltk^n. Sweet Kathleen, on thy grave I kneel ; ^ The chill wind round me sighs. Vain all my efforts to conceal The tears that dim mine eyes. No more with thee I'll pace the grove, No more thy lips I'll press ; The memory of thy faithful love Is all I now possess. And that, sweet Kathleen, evermore In this true heart of mine Shall live, until, its throbbing o'er, It lies as cold as thine. Oh ! sweet and pure beyond compare! In life's first op'ning bloom. With ev'ry prospect smiling fair. How sad hath been thy doom 1 CITY SOUNDS AND BUBAL EOEOES. 16 Since first the hand of Death did wield The life-destroying dart, It never smote a fairer form Or chilled a warmer heart. My gentle Kathleen, for thy fond, Deep love of early years, I naught can offer thee beyond This tribute of my tears. 76 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. l^m mi jpi. [RED. Dear Clara, I'd a pleasant cliat With Flora' Grey to-day. Claka. I'm glad of that, she seldom has A single word to say. Fred. How sylph-like is her lovely form, How neat and small her waist \ Clara. Why, I should not seem half her size Were I as tightly laced. Feed. She shone like some fair lily at The ball the other night. Clara. Some say she wears too many airs And too much Paris white. Fred. I love to see those glossy curls Around her shoulders thrown. Clara. Well, yes, they would be very nice If they were but her own ! CITT SOUNDS AND RXTRAL ECHOES. n Fred. My charming Flora's just sixteen, Her temper sweet and mild. Clara. Why, I am nearly eighteen, and She nursed me when a child. Fred. Well, that she has got lovely teeth I'm sure you can't deny. Claea. Well, that is so. Yet some of them I went with her to buy. 18 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. \tun. COME, sweet Bessie, roam with me- Fair nature sinks to rest. The glories of the setting sun Are over all the west. The river, like a thread of gold, Glides smoothly on its way — Oh, ne'er was seen a brighter close To lovely summer day. The birds, in their sweet even song. Forever seem to sing ■Thy name, sweet Bessie, o'er and o'er, Till all the woodlands ring. Ah ! dearest, more than all the earth I prize thy love for me ; The bleakest desert shore would seem Emparadised by thee. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECEOES. 79 The clouds now hover by the hills, Night's shadows o'er us creep ; The birds grow mute, the stars peep out, The flow'rets softly sleep. Now lovely Bessie roams with me Along the river side, And pledges her fair faith to be My bonnie blooming bride. 80 GITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECBOES. \^\[t Sailor I og. .DIEU ! my mother, fond and kind ; Our gallant bark must soon away ; Her swan-like bosom woos the wind, And I no longer can delay. Oh 1 stay, my son, you little know Those treach'rous waves, that calmly lie — How wild and fierce those winds can blow That now so softly seem to sigh. I reck not, mother, how they rave — I love them in their wild mood best, And long to see the mountain wave When lurid lightnings cleave its crest ; To cruise along the Spanish shore. Where stern Gibraltar lifteth high Its frowning summits, stern and hoar, Majestically to the sky ; CITY SOUNDS AND BUBAL ECHOES. 81 To see, beneath the jasper foam, Bright ruby reefs of coral glow ; And crystal caves, where mermaids comb Their golden locks o'er breasts of snow ; To bask in tropic sunshine, where, Like em'ralds set in sapphire seas. The spice isles of Malaysia fair With balmy odors flood the breeze ; Or tread at eve the citrus grove, Where bright plumed paradisea Sip nectar from the flowers they love — Sweet amaranths that bloom for aye. Then, mother darling, do not weep ; I yet, perchance, may win a name Like these great heroes of the deep Who live in everlasting fame. And He-, who rules both sea and land, Will still protect your sailor boy. The winds shall cease at His command, The wild waves wear a smile of joy. Then, mother dear, once more adieu I Give me your blessing ere we part ; My ev'ry thought shall cling to you. And ev'ry fond wish of my heart. 44> 82 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL EGBOES. \j> |o j]l|ihnlI^ropiHl!3. 'IKOM tlie palace studded highway, k From the np-rrow, crooked by-way Comes the sound of bitter weeping, Which the slothful Christian, sleeping, Heedeth not. From the heart of the great city Comes a cry for aid and pity, Like the dismal night wind sighing, From the feeble and the dying, From the poor. Hear the orphan's plaintive pleading. As the crowd goes by unheeding ; See the pallid drunkard reeling, And the fallen woman kneeling In despair. List to youths, of child-like seeming, The Creator's name blaspheming ; Drifting blindly in their folly — None to warn — 'tis melancholy To behold. CIT7 SOVNBS AND RURAL EOEOES. 83 In their squalor and dejection They appeal for your protection. Ye gay votaries of pleasure, Who are blessed with wealth and leisure, Seek and save. There are names that live in story, Crowned with what the world calls glory ; Yet the voice of praise is heard not, And the hero's dust is stirred not In the grave. But the noble Christian, caring For the hungry, the despairing. For the helpless and the lowly. Shall fulfil a mission holy And sublime. Theirs a crown, decay defying, Theirs a glory, never dying ; They, from Heavenly founts outwelling, Shall drink deep of bliss, excelling Human joys. 84 CITY SOUNDS AND KUEAL ECHOES. \)m%t 4 ^^^ |anj^4i*». fN they sweep, with pennons streaming, Bright plumes waving, lances gleamiiii! Sabres clanging, war steeds ]orancing : Lancers to the charge advancing 1 Like the hurricane, that crasheth Through the forest pines, and dasheth Down before it, as it rages. Trees that braved the storm for ages, So rush they ! 'mid bullets pouring, Loud mouthed cannon hoarsely roaring, As throughout the valley gory Kings their war cry, "Death or glory!" Forward ! till their thin'd ranks scatter'd, Eent and riven, crushed and shatter'd, Then the steel girt squares receive them, Iron bolts and bullets cleave them ; Horse and rider fall together Prone upon the crimson heather. CITY SOUNDS AND BUEAL ECHOES. 85 Lances couched, no danger fearing, O'er the bloody course careering, On those fierce volcanoes rushing With a force resistless, crushing, Spear and sabre reeking, gory : Thus they rode to death or glory ! Shrouded by the cloud of battle, Louder grows the din and rattle Of the fiery host contending ; Sword on bayonet descending, And the blood-stained lances, whirling, Death on ev'ry side are hurling, Till the squares are sever'd, flying, And the heaps of dead and dying 'Neath the chargers' hoofs are trodden On the red turf, dank and sodden. Now the deadly work is done ; Yours the field, the battle's won. Heroes ! it shall live in story How ye rode to death or glory ! 86 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. I mu WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF MARIE LOUISE BUTLER, SISTER OF ONE OF THE AUTHOR's HOST ESTEEMED FRIENDS. tnE[!v TYRANT Death ! whose undisputed swav S^) All trembling nature owneth with dismaj- ; Whose fell, subduing shaft alike doth bow The mighty monarch and the peasant low ; Whose stern caprice oft palsied age doth spare To crush the op'ning flower, just budding fair — The first fruit of our love, the dearest, best, Thou seemest still to smite before the rest. Yet here thy cruel mercy thou dost show ; They little heed the terrors of thy blow. The pure and innocent have naught to fear — Thou can'st but guide to a more blissful sphere. Thy frowns all harmless on the Christian fall — Beyond thy realms he hears his Master's call ; Strong faith sustains his weak and falt'ring heart ; He bares his breast to thy destroying dart. And feels thy present triumph will but be The prelude of his greater victory ! CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL EOSOES. SY That he shall live when thou, at God's command, Shall yield the sceptre from thy withered hand — Thy once dread spear, no more thou'lt wield it now — The crown of terror from thy fleshless brow. He, clothed in light, emergeth from the tomb ; Thou, Death, enchained in everlasting gloom ! II. When, by some cruel sportsman's missile torn, The sweet voiced mavis, singing blithe at morn. Flies on weak pinions to her well loved nest. To dew it with' the life-blood from her breast. E'en so, when shattered by disease and pain, Our darling sought her native home again. Her loving kindred, friends of happy yore. Went forth with glee to welcome her on shore. Alas ! alas 1 how little did they know How soon their joy would end in utter woe. Scarce had their kindly greetings died away Till here they laid thee, in the cold damp clay ! Now, Marie, darling, on thy early tomb The first fair snowdrops of the spring time bloom ; In their fresh beauty they appear to me Sweet emblems of thy youth and purity. Oh ! thou wert ever lovely in thy life— A^faithful daughter, sister, friend and wife — A steadfast Christian, humble and resigned. We mourn thy loss, thou pearl of woman kind 1 3 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Pain would we kiss the rod that dealt the blow, Yet oft our tears will all unbidden flow. Vain strive we to restrain our selfish sighs — Our love doth e'en begrudge thee to the skies. Yet grief is idle, for ere long the grave O'er us may close, the solemn cypress wave. Par better from thy meek example learn All sinful thoughts and foolish pride to spurn, That through Death's portals we may gaze, like thei With hopeful joy upon eternity 1 'CITY SOUNDS AND EUEAL ECE0E8. 89 Uum to a Skll. ^MaD wreck of a once noble mansion thou ! ,^ Despoiled of all thy pristine glory now. Eelentless foes have scattered far and wide The sculpture that adorned thee in thy pride. Ah 1 who, now looking on thy fallen state, Would think that once from out thy pearly gate Eang peals of laughter — that thy windows shone With festive light, in happy days long gone ? Abandoned by thy tenant, then, alas 1 To mouldering ruin thou did quickly pass. Still one hath said that there shall come a day Thy Architect will raise thee from the clay — Thy former occupant to thee restore, And thou shalt shine in beauty evermore. 90 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. I arg. fHERE is music ia thy name, ^_^ Mary, lovely Mary, Sweeter than the breath of fame, Mary, lovely Mary ; Sweeter far than song of bird, Mary, lovely Mary ; Or the lute by zephyrs stirred, Mary, lovely Mary. How it made the earth rejoice, Mary, lovely j\Iary. When the herald angel's voice Called thy name,* dear Jlary. CITT SOXTNDS.AND RURAL EOEOES. 91 ion0. fET us haste to that vale, far away from the throng, And environed by verdant and sheltering hills, Where the mocking bird mingles its syren-like song With the musical murmurs of clear sparkling rills. There the sunbeams at morn will look on our bliss, As they glow on the landscape with splendor and sheen, And salute the blushed cheek of the rose with a kiss Such as fair village maid might receive from a queen. Here doth Love dwell forever — unable to fly O'er the heather clad hills, towering lofty and bold — Here the sweetest birds sing and the softest winds sigh' 'Neath light gossamer cloudlets of purple and gold. There are dear friends to welcome with joy and delight My fair bride to her own smiling home in the vale ; And my love shall be true as thy beauty is bright. And my bosom shall shield thee from every gale. Then away, love, away 1 'tis the sweet month of May, And the meadows are decked with a carpet of flowers ; They might tempt with their beauty an angel to stay — Oh, then think, lovely Mary, what bliss will be ours I 92 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL EGBOES. i Vt luman^ locietg. C"^/XAVE girt Manhattari, well mayest thou be proud ^^3! Of thy vast commerce and thy high renown, Thy parks and avenues broad, palace lined. Thy stores full laden with the wealth of worlds, And what is greater, nobler far than these. Thy charity and liberality. Yea, in thy great compassion thou hast cared Not for the suff'ring human race alone But for the patient beast, that toils away Its life in faithful service to mankind. And all those humble creatures that were wont To suffer for the wanton sport of man. How beautiful is mercy when bestowed Upon the suppliant who craves a boon 1 Yet more so when it soothes the tortures dire Of the poor dumb and helpless brute, that writhes In needless pain and cruel agony. Unable to express the pang it feels, Or to resist its senseless tyrant's wrath. CITT SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 93 01 noble hand of true philanthropists, May all success on your endeavors smile, And all our sympathy be yours the while ; And God speed all your efforts, we exclaim — Your noble institute and gen'rous aim. 94 CITY SOUNDS AND RTJEAL ECHOES. onn^t. OW fair the fancies of our youthful days ! How bright the landscape opens to the view ! Sweet smiling paths, all tinged with rosy hue, Where love still loiters and where pleasure strays, And summer sunshine seems to dwell always. O'erhead a canopy of liquid blue, Beneath, a flowery carpet, gem'd with dew, Undim'd by neutral shades or sober greys. Here would I halt the chariot -of time, To dwell upon the picture long and long — The myrtle glades, the groves of golden lime, Till all my joy, unpent, outwelling, strong, Aglow with rapture, like a silv'ry chime, Eolled heavenward in a melody of song. CITY SOUNDS AND RVEAL ECEOES. 95 |[ar0ar^t. ^JOVELT Margaret, fair was thy face, (^ And dark as the night was thy liair, Ev'ry feature and motion was grace — No maiden with thee could compare. As I gazed in thy clear azure eyes Fond love in their depths seemed to shine. And a saint in his home in the skies Might envy the bliss that was mine. Lovely Margaret, false was thy heart. Thy lips .were as truthless as sweet — Now alone and unpitied I smart In grief for thy cruel deceit. Can'st thou '^ dream what a wreck thou hast made. What ruin thy falsehood hath wrought — From thy mind can thy broken vows fade, Or gold stifle every thought ? Now I peer through the mist of the past. And pensively ponder and sigh, As I think of thy tears flowing fast. Thy kiss, and thy tender good-by. 96 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Lovely Margaret, never again Can peace to this bosom be known, For, alas ! naught but ashes remain Of the heart once so truly thine own. I he %tn\. /fUS fHE bitter blast is from the Norland blowing, With sullen roar the swollen stream is flowing The regal rose is on its cold couch lying, The lovely lily fading, drooping, dying ; Where, then, for grace and beauty shall we sock ? Par in the wooded vale, there, low and meek, The fairy-fibred, delicately woven fern Its multiform, autumnal tinted leaves upturn, Eevealing to the eager, prying student still A wonderful display of nature's matchless tikill. CITY SOlftflDS AilD EVRAL ECSOES. \^\m\kxi lill. .S when, with deep and solemn feeling fraught, Within the precincts of some sacred shrine, The pilgrim pauseth, wrapt in pensive thought. And yields his soul to influence divine. So, midst thy calm and silent solitude. As sank the golden sun towards the west. With patriotic reverence imbued, I stood upon thy monumental crest ; And, lonely musing, o'er my fancy came The stirring memories of other days, When Gettysburg achieved her dreadful fame In three fierce fought and long contested frays. There, o'er the mould'ring ashes of the brave, I view once more the terrors of the fight ; On ev'ry side the battle banners wave. The serried columns burst upon the sight. 98 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. Where blooms the peach in yonder orchard fair, Past form the dread artillery in line ; Their guns unlimber and for strife prepare — Three mighty States their thunders here combine. Scarce by the waving foliage concealed, Stands Thompson, breasted by an iron wall ; Here Biglow beareth Massachusett's shield, Whilst Hart, with York's fair maidens, opes the ball. And loudly now the deep-mouthed cannon boom — The rifles answer with a storm of lead — Volcanic fires flash through the murky gloom. And light the ghastly features of the dead. The dreadful clangour rends the vaulted sky. The sun looms red, with lurid clouds o'ercast. The shriek of shell, the dying soldier's cry, The charging yell — all mingle in the blast. Now fast the foe with dauntless front draws near. Across the plain his countless legions pour, And, in response to their exulting cheer, A hundred cannon from the Round Top roar. There on the summit stood the gallant Third, And bravely the unequal fight maintained ; The Pennsylvanians rose at Crawford's word, And from their rifles deadly volleys rained. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 99 Then through the stifling clouds of battle smoke The glitter of advancing hosts is seen, And Sedgwick, with the Sixth, upon them broke. And hurled their columns down the dark ravine. Another day — eve of our nation's birth — The July sun illumes the field of death. Suspense and silence hung upon the earth, And brave men spoke not, save with bated breath. The noon had passed when, ominous and dread, . From Benner's brow the signal gun doth blare ; The firm ground trembles 'neath the martial tread ; The bugle's notes float on the troubled air. Where Longstreet points there Pickett leads the way ; With him the flower of all the Southern bands ; As juftgle tigers spring upon their prey. So headlong plunge they on the reeking brands. Once more the ridge is wrapt in smoke and fire, Stormed by the fury of the Southern shook. Which, like a sea lashed by the tempest's ire. Wastes its wild vengeance on the stubborn rock. Then Howard greets them from the cannon's mouth, And Gibbon welcomes them with shot and shell — Vain all the dauntless valor of the South — Down drave and ^hatter'd by that fire of hell. 100 CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 'Tis past ! the airy vision now hath fled ; E'en so may all our nation's soarow fade ; Where bitter strife hath marred fair nature's bed It blooms again, in wealth of flowers arrayed. Again the woods are green, the streams are clear, Sweet blossoms tremble in the summer's breath ; No trace of war's wild ravages appear On thee, Golgotha — field of hlood and death. There stands above your shroudless forms, ye brave, A nation's token of her grief sincere ; Each friend of freedom o'er your silent grave Doth ponder with a sympathetic tear. Here may ye sleep in undisturbed repose. Till louder din than shockM your dying sense Bespeaks creation's last escpiring throes, And ushers in eternity immense. Till" then shall live the story of your might, Deep graven on yaur nation's memory — That nation ye supported in the right — That nation which your courage render'd free. Now peace reigns o'er our reunited land ; One people, 'neath one banner we remain, And in the van of progress, hand in hand, Columbia's sons press forward once again. CITY SOUNDS AND RURAL ECHOES. 101 And long, long may our children view with pride, And with a valor like to yours defend That starry flag, beneath whose folds ye died, And hold its honor stainless to the end 1 ADDENDA, As some of my readers may notice an incongruity between the title of this work and several of the pieces it contains, I beg to inform them that such pieces were written after the first part of the work had gone to press, and, consequently, the original title has appeared, although the intended character of the work has been somewhat changed. Author ERRATA. Page 11. For dark, read dank. " 19. Respectfully, read- respectful. '• 25. Thy gloom, the gloom. " 29. Aged, age'd.