^^ I'Ji'v 1 1 I Songs after Sunset /^/ ms'fo ^f//^Ff The date shows when this volume was taken. All books not in use for instruction or re- search are limited to four weeks to all bor- rowers. Periodicals of a gen- feral character should be returned as soon as possible ; when needed beyond two weeks a special request should be made. tiXi. student borrow- ers are limited to two weeks, with renewal prl-vifeges, when the book is not needed by others. Books not needed during recess periods should be returned to the library, or arrange'- ments made for their return during borrow- er's absence, if wanted. Books needed by more than one person belong on the reserve list. Cornell University Library PR 5470.S9S6 Songs after sunset. •X 1Q94 nir? RR.T 163 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/cu31924013553163 SONGS AFTER SUNSET. BY WILLIAM STANILAND. " Nor mine the sweetness or the skill, But mine the love that will not tire, And, bom of love, the vague desire That spurs an imitative wilL" Tennyson— /» Memoriam, C. ex. LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. 1884. [All Rights Reserved. "l A.\nis^o TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD TENNYSON, POET LAUREATE, D.C.L., ETC., ETC., THIS VOLUME, BY PERMISSION, AS A SLIGHT TOKEN OF MY APPRECIATION OF HIS TRANSCENDENT GENIUS, BY HIS LORDSHIP'S MUCH OBLIGED AND OBEDIENT SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. WOULD, my Lord, this garland could express The heart's emotion, and my love to thee ; For these poor lips are mute with ecstacy ; Language and love alike are powerless. Stoop, mighty monarch of the Muse, and take These flowers, gathered in the eventide ; Some in the valley, others from the side Of running streamlet, or 'mid thorny brake. O that it were a wreath which I could place On thy majestic brow ! For though its worth Be slight, the ardent love which called it forth Will never wither ; nor shall time efface The grateful record of a dignity Conferred on one who gives his all to thee. CONTENTS. PAGfi DEDICATION - - - - iii PROLOGUE— TO THE CRITIC ... iv THE BETRAYAL - I A RURAL RAMBLE - - 59 TO MUSIC - .... 69 ELEGY - - 74 EUPHEMUS .... - 79 GIVE ONE THOUGHT TO ME - - 83 A LOVE THOUGHT - 85 THE robin's COMPLAINT - - 87 jEGLES ... . 91 MORNING 94 EVENTIDE - - - - 95 THE VALEDICTION - - - 97 THE SEA - .... 100 THE SWALLOW ..... 105 BEETHOVEN'S GRAVE - - - - - I07 ADDRESS TO A LIFEBOAT - I08 FAITHLESS - - . - - IIO vi • .CONTENTS. PAGE THE CLIMBER ... - Il6 RESIGNATION - H7 MELANCHOLY - - - - Il8 HEREAFTER - - - II9 TO KATE - - - 124 A REVERIE - - 126 YEARNING - - - 1 29 HYMN - - 130 HYMN - - 132 THE OPEN DOOR - 134 EPITAPHS 13s A MIDDAY VISION - - - - I36 STANZAS - - 149 THE LAY OF CHALMORE LOCK - - - 1 51 AUTUMN - - - - - - - IS4 LINES TO MR. AND MRS. FRASER ON THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING - - - - - 156 THE TWO IDEALS : — PART I. THE BEAUTIFUL - - 1 59 „ PART II. THE REPULSIVE - 181 CHRISTMASTIDE - - - - 2o6 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW - - - 209 ARCANA - ... 211 RELIEVE GUARD - - "213 EPILOGUE - - 215 P ROLOGUE. To THE Critic. [ITH many a faltering step, my simple muse Has climbed this arduous hill, and rest- ing views The thorny path through which the jour- ney lay, And all the painful past in dread array ! Oft have my footsteps slipped upon the road. And sighed my heart beneath the heavy load ; But, pressing forward with a trembling pace. At length I meet thee. Critic, face to face. Nor do I fear that thy forbidding look Will seek to crush my unpretending book. 'Tis but a trifle ; yet didst thou but know The struggling fountains whence these fancies flow, Methinks 'twould make thee pause and lay aside The caustic pen, unwilling to deride These laboured efforts of my early years ; Penned by Adversity, with Sorrow's tears ! viii Prologue. They are but ordinary thoughts, I know — The common property of high and low ; And some may greet them with a scornful hiss, Look wise, and say, "What commonplace is this !" But were th6y otherwise, did they but rear Their crests ambitious in a higher sphere, Where dwells the light ethereally pure. They would be called unmeaning and obscure ! Desiring but the praise of honest men, I do not seek to paralyze thy pen. There may be moments wherein Fancy halts. And Rhythm hesitates ; but these are faults. Should they not meet with an untimely fate. Experience may mend, or Time eradicate. Be quick not to condemn, perchance thou'lt find E'en superficial lines have thoughts behind. I would not shun thy censure done in truth ; But recollect thou dealest with a youth ; And that no sapling, wheresoe'er it grows. Can yield the fruit it afterwards bestows. No man is pleased to see his all despised ; This is my all, and consequently prized. Shouldst thou elect to crush the stripling down. What profit will it yield thee — what renown ? THE BETRAYAL. PART I. SYNOPSIS. Invocation — Origin of the Plot — Satan's address to his Emis- sary — His departure — The attempt on Peter — Repulsed and foiled — The Fiend discomfited — His retreat — Satan's recep- tion of the disaster — A new commission — Judas alone — The guardian' of the poor — The Fiend's approach — The attack — The motive — The incentive — The Fiend's final conquest and flight — Soliloquy of Judas — With the priests — Plot, and counterplot ^ The covenant — The reward — Soliloquy of Judas. THE BETRAYAL. GRACIOUS Muse, from that dread mystery Of perjured friendship and of blighted troth, Whereby the Man of Sorrows was betrayed Into the hand of sinners, draw the veil. Unfold the motives of Iscariot, Who lifted up his heel against his Lord. I sing of the Betrayal, and of him Whose name for ever will be handed down. Through the successive ages, infamous ; As of a Traitor, whose perfidious act Filled Heaven with amazement. Earth with shame, And Hell itself with blasphemous applause ! O great Illuminator, at Whose feet In reverent humility I bow. 4 The Betrayal. Vouchsafe to shed across the wilderness Of this my path Thine own benignant smile ; And, from the heavenly treasury, bestow Such holy contemplation, that my soul, Irradiated with Thy look of love, May draw from Thee, the only Source of truth, Sustaining power, so that every thought Shall to the glory of my God redound. Say in whose mind that cruel plot conceived Fast ripened to maturity. In man Or fiend ? In both ; for in the weaker one The stronger wrought with superhuman force A thirsting lust for gold, and fanned the flame To a consuming fire. At its approach All tenderness and sympathetic love Withdrew, reluctant, and the empty house, New swept and garnished, other tenants find. For in the regions of eternal night The mighty Prince of Evil had decreed A giant spirit, of whose prowess he Himself was well assured, to report As soon as full surrender had been made. And thus the Prince dismissed his officer : " For thy distinguished service in the past. The Betrayal. Conspicuous in strategy, and wrought With skill consummate, I commission thee To this important mission. Do thy work With loyal readiness, as to a friend ; For private motives cannot be ignored. And, though I be forbidden to molest His sacred person, yet our ancient feud Perchance may to my dart such venom yield That I may pierce Him by a traitor's heart ! Among His chosen band of followers Is one of bold impetuosity Whom I have long marked out as capable. Could we but gain his ardent sympathies, Of working this our will ; Peter his name. Direct thy ingenuity to find His weakest point, for he is credulous. And in his eagerness may lend an ear Unto thy sophistries. Be cautious here ; For he is ever at the Master's side ; Who, over-sensitive for his concern, Did once perceive myself, when, in disguise, I through the portals of his lips emerged In friendly protestation. Could I gain Admittance to his heart my ardent hope 6 The Betrayal. May yet be consummated ; and to sift, E'en as the chaff is sifted from the wheat, His very principles, and alienate His love and veneration from his Lord, Would fill me with peculiar delight. But shouldst thou be confronted and repulsed In this endeavour, though repeated oft, There yet is one among that chosen band Fast ripening beneath my influence To this intrigue ; surnamed Iscariot. Go, foster in his mind that love of greed I have implanted, for he hath the bag Intended for the poor. Unscrupulous, His itching palm would pilfer its contents For self-aggrandizement. Look well to this ; Herein alone, as in a fertile soil. The seed of our success implanted lies." He ended ; and, with instantaneous flight, The spirit through the open doors of Hell Urged his impetuous way, invested now With that supreme command, which, hitherto. In undertakings of less magnitude. Had been unknown to those of kindred rank. Swift to obey as one who fain would show The Betrayal. Himself as not unworthy of the trust Now in his tact reposed, straightway he steered Towards Capernaum ; and by the sea Beheld the object of his quest engaged With hook and line, the which he dexterously Employed as one accustomed to the art. Approaching the apostle he observed The consummation of the angler's aim ; And, from its native element withdrawn, Low at his feet the finny creature lay ; While from its mouth with an experienced hand The fisherman extracts the piercing barb, Behold the coin of promise stood revealed. Whereat the evil spirit, drawing near. Thus the disciple instantly addressed : " Art thou that Galilean who of late Hast, by thy mercy and beneficence. Relieved the sufferings of the multitude ? Thy fame throughout the land is spread abroad ; And yet, methinks, thy raiment doth proclaim Thyself to be among the poorer kind Thy bounty has befriended. If thy heart Be so enlarged towards thy fellow-man. How canst thou hope to satisfy the claims 8 The Betrayal. Which yet may be demanded ? Eager crowds Will throng thee ; and perchance when unprepared, Or on the mountain-side or in the glen Solicit thy assistance, having heard From past recipients, of thy renown. That gracious fish was sent to minister To thy philanthropy ; and there are yet. Beneath the surface of the placid wave, Swarms similarly freighted, all alike Upon thy just demands expectant wait. Cast in thy hook again, and poverty Shall disappear before advancing wealth ; And when the Master next inquires of thee, ' Where shall we buy that everyone may eat ?' Thou wilt be ready with a prompt reply. And all the glory will belong to thee." But the disciple fearlessly replied : " Not unto me is aught of merit due ; I but obey the Lord's divine command ; Likewise the fish. To satisfy the law Decreed by Caesar is the tribute brought. That now accomplished, I return to Him, Who found me by the Sea of Galilee A lowly fisherman. At His command The Betrayal. I rose and followed, and my mission now Henceforth is to be fisher among men." To which the evil spirit answer made : " Methinks thou art too ready thus to yield The great prerogative of liberty To one thou knowest not. What thy reward ? Has thou surrendered all thy livelihood, Forsaken everything to follow Him Who may, perchance, in time relinquish all And every claim thou hast upon His love, Leaving thee impoverished when age Comes creeping on and will not be denied ? Stood I in jeopardy akin to this It would be mine to ask security, Or find it for myself in such success As now attended on thy hook and line. Be warned ; for it is whispered even now Among those upright men the Pharisees That He is an impostor ; and, ere long, Will be unmasked before the Sanhedrim." As one who is confronted with a new And startling proposition hesitates. Unwilling to ignore, and unprepared At once to acquiesce, although inclined lo The Betrayal. To think the subject worthy of research, So the disciple, musing for a while On this new theory, stood unresolved. But finally his mind an answer framed : " Wherefore shouldst thou, a stranger, rhanifest Such grave concern for one who, until now. Has never seen thy face ? What canst thou know Of Him Who is the Father's well-beloved And only Son ; to Whose authority Beelzebub, the Prince of darkness, yields The sceptre of dominion ? Hast thou heard The gracious words of love and purity Fall from His lips as manna from the skies ? Confess thou hast not ; for to hear His voice. And look upon His face, is joy and peace ; Sure guarantees of love. True I have left All that I called my own to follow Him In Whom my soul delighteth, and to wait On His command is ample recompense." Eager for answer thus the spirit spake : " Did not He furnish thee with argument For this provision when He late declared The labourer was worthy of his hire ? Where is thy memory, or faithfulness The Betrayal. ii To His behest Whose word is thy command, If thou neglect to profit as He said ?" But the disciple speedily rejoined : " Those were His words ; and, should occasion rise When, privately, I may inquire of Him What my reward shall be for this denial On His behalf. He doubtless will concede A gracious answer. Didst thou also hear His exhortation to the multitude To lay up for themselves, not on the earth. The treasures that they gather, but in Heaven, Where no corruption is nor thief invades ? Consider well His doctrine, and compare With that enunciated by the Scribe, And if thy judgment be impartial, thou Canst not forbear to own Him Christ the Lord." He ended : and the spirit as that name Fell on his ears at once confounded fled. Back to the yawning gulf his darksome way Discomfited he held, nor looked behind Till he alighted with unwearied wings Before the gloomy gates whence he emerged. Anon he stood in presence of the Prince, Whose dominating rule was paramount 12 The Betrayal. In that domain, and thus addressed his lord : " O mighty Prince, this bold adventure hath Been fraught throughout with danger, and at length Is with disaster ended. No avail With him thou callest Peter is disguise. Methought he heard approvingly, and seemed To favour the suggestions for his gain Which I expounded ; but he is content. As he avers, to live in poverty ; Surrendering in all simplicity Whate'er he hath to Him of Galilee. But suffer me my powers to essay On him who may, perchance, to these attacks More vulnerable prove. Moreover thou Hast there preceded me, and left thy mark Indelibly impressed upon his heart To guarantee success. For unto thee, Should I succeed, the honour will belong." Concluding thus, into the Pripce's face He stedfast looked as one who asks a boon. Anon the Prince replied : " Be not dismayed ; This expedition was to prove thy zeal ; Its failure was foreseen. This Nazarene, Whom they call Rabbi, in my presence once The Betrayal. 13 Declared His impotence to counteract The mighty influence which I possess Upon the minds of men ; for He affirmed That He had prayed the Father for His aid To shield this same disciple. But for him Who is the object of this second quest Such help is unsolicited. Go then ; For thou canst penetrate hypocrisy, Thyself a hypocrite of wondrous skill. Prepare the way for me, for I have sworn To undertake the final act alone ; And when thy mission is accomplished, I Will take possession of the tenement." Careering through the air, which in dismay Divided as the enemy approached, The spirit hastened to his new emprise. The Autumn was departing, and the sun. With face suffused with tears, slowly sank Reluctant to its rest. The gentle breeze Murmured its melody along the banks Of Jordan's wide expanse ; and through the copse Around Gethsemane a sigh subdued Fell on the listening ear ; while Olivet, Bathed in the crimson flush of golden eve, 14 The Betrayal. Looked on the city lying at its feet. Beneath an alder Judas sat alone Disconsolate, as one who counts his gains With avaricious fingers, yet withal Finds them inadequate to his demands. What though the bitter cry of poverty Ring in his ears there is no sympathy Within his heart. Entrenched and fortified Against the mute appeal of a glance, Albeit mighty in its eloquence. He views without emotion. Ye who love The glittering syren gold, oblivious To all save its acquirement, pause awhile. And hearken to the pleadings of the poor. Like as an over-freighted vessel moves, Oppressed and groaning mid the watery waste. And strives in vain, beneath the crushing load To breast the billows, so the destitute. Launched on an adverse sea of circumstance Go struggling on. List to the voice of One Who was Himself the poorest of the poor ; And had not where to lay His sacred head : " Easier for a camel to go through A needle's eye it is, than for a man The Betrayal. 1 5 Rich in this world's possessions to partake Of Heaven's blessing." Guardians of the poor ! Ye who dispense the charities as though It were a crime to lend a helping hand To one already down, and grudgingly Give from the public fund, to which, perchance, Yourselves have not contributed a mite, To him who stands in need, consider this ; Ye gormandizers at another's cost ! Ye winebibbers who prostitute the purse Intended for the destitute, reflect ! Ye do but imitate Iscariot ! While Judas pondered, lo, the evil one Approached with wary footstep ; and anon To the disciple thus adroitly spake : " Methinks the time when stars unveil themselves To contemplation suited ; and the spot Thyself hast chosen, 'neath the leafy roof Transpierced with lunar glory which illumes The path ubiquitous, adapted well. For does it not recall within the mind The days of our prosperity, alas ! Departed long ago ! For 'neath the yoke Of foreign despots languishing we groan ; 1 6 The Betrayal. Beyond the hope of remedy, unless The Nazarene should take the government. What thinkest thou ? For surely thou hast heard What has been publicly proclaimed, to wit. That He is King of Israel ?" Ending thus. The spirit waited as with itching ears For the rejoinder. Judas spSke at length. " Thou sayest truly that we groan beneath The tyranny of Caesar, who, forsooth, Is clamorous for tribute, and demands The utmost farthing. Rich and poor alike Without distinction his corrupted court Contribute to maintain, while He, Whose own The Kingdom is, looks on with unconcern." To which the spirit, after silence due. Responded : " Wherefore should the King delay ? Is not the populace at His command, And the occasion ripe ? He hath with Him Men capable, if rumour be correct As to their skilful cure of maladies Both physical and mental, to perform This national recovery of the State. For this procrastination furnishes With argument the sceptic's venomed tongue. The Betrayal. if Emboldened and encouraged by the Scribes. Could one arise of patriotic zeal, And, nobly earnest for his country's cause, Command with eloquence the public ear, The consummation of this enterprise To expedite, what honour would be his ! What riches and what glory would belong To him who, on the pedestal of fame, Would justly be accounted by the world A public benefactor to his race !" He paused abruptly ; and, amid the shade Of that secluded spot looked in the face Of his companion with earnest glance ; As if to stamp upon his very heart The seal of his success. Already there The poisoned seed had fallen ; taken root In his apostate mind as in a soil Adapted to its growth. But wary yet. As one who fears lest his own resolve Should be anticipated, this reply The Traitor rendered : " Thinkest thou the scheme Gives promise of acquirement ? He who thus Would bring himself before the public gaze Must needs have some, filled with a like desire, r8 The Betrayal. With whom he may confer ; and capable Of influencing others." Straight rejoined The spirit : "In the Priests this guarantee, Couldst thou withdraw the mantle of reserve Imposed by Roman tolerance, exists. For 'neath the peaceful sway of Israel's King They would enjoy their ancient privilege ; And magnify the service of the Lord. Moreover they anticipate the King The prophets promised, and impatient grow For His blest advent ; while the influence They exercise upon the public mind I am assured by one, himself a priest. Is at the service of a loyal heart For this desired end." Then Judas spake Without the cloak of caution ; and his words Fell pleasantly upon the ear of him Who fathomed all their deep significance : " This task, unaided, would, I apprehend. Too mighty prove for ordinary men, Of mind however sanguine. But the time Of this grand restoration is foretold With such minuteness as to indicate The fulness of the times in which we live. The Betrayal. 19 Myself have heard the Master oft declare His day to be at hand, wherein He will The Father glorify ; and He Himself Be glorified of Him He glorifies; Wherefore, methinks, as thou hast rightly urged, It were an act beneficent in one Desirous to emancipate his race To hasten this revival. Be it mine This coveted renown alone to win ; And to the tribe of Judah will belong Imperishable fame from me derived." He ended ; and across the face of Heaven A meteor shot, like to a messenger With doleful tidings laden ; while a cloud The rising moon obscured. Retiring then. The spirit moving slowly out of sight Was instantly transformed, and sped away To render an account of his success. Meanwhile the recreant disciple mused : " With such a mighty enterprise in view As this but now propounded, solitude Affords the fittest preparation. I recall Full many kindred aspirations built Upon this fundamental basis. Strange 2—2 20 The Betrayal. That One Himself a King should thus elect To live in such dependent poverty : Regarding with indifference the hope Of the enthusiastic multitude Who would receive Him gladly. Of a truth The leaders of the people hitherto No zeal have manifested, but, perchance, Could I arouse them from their lethargy. Assuring them that their own interest Was to this restoration so allied As to secure prosperity, their aid Might be conceded. And, moreover, He To unanimity may acquiesce. If by such argument I win the rich. The poor I have already ; for this bag. Whose mouth is closed or opened at my will. Can purchase their approval. To consult In secret with the sons of Levi first My work demands ; and be it mine this night This duty to perform ; that I alone May introduce this wondrous argument." As Judas wended his disastrous way Towards the city, Priests and Rulers met With one accord in secret to debate The Betrayal. 21 Their course of action. How they might secure, Without incurring the opprobrium Of public scorn, the person of the Lord. Said one : " He will be here upon the Feast As others who, obedient to the law, Will worship in the Temple ; and a trap May be devised to catch Him in His words." " Nay, not upon the Feast-day," one replied ; " Lest we come in collision with the crowd Who blindly follow Him, and would resent Our influence tumultuously. For lo ! The world is gone out after Him, and we Are powerless." So every scheme devised Was met with opposition ; and, although Unanimous as to the final end, They were divided in the use of means. And thus the wicked plot against the just For his destruction. Gnashing with their teeth, Implacable in hatred, while they say, " Where is His God that He should take account ? The Most High, hath He knowledge ?" The council rose, as Judas was announced ; Whereat a look of mute significance Was interchanged with those conspirators. 22 The Betrayal. That indicated every mind partook Of one idea simultaneously. Anon the Traitor entered ; and, abashed, Before the awful presence of the Priests Stood, conscious of inferiority. As one bereft of speech. Until at length One of the learned Rabbins him addressed : " What motive prompts thee to this interview At this hour of the night ? Thy looks presage Some inward conflict, to unburden which Is doubtless thy intention. Rest awhile ; Until thy mental difficulties flee, And thou art calm. Our holy mission is To render such assistance unto those In kindred circumstances, as to raise The spirit of the weary from the dust." Then, after due reserve, Judas replied : " Conflicting thoughts have troubled me of late. And I have been as one who, in a dream. Perceives a hidden mystery revealed ; Yet realizes how inadequate Is language to convey its full import. Wherefore I seek that wisdom which alone Presides o'er the assemblies of the learned. The Betrayal. 23 Solicitous the nation to release From Caesar's thraldom, and to elevate And magnify the office of the Priests, My mission now. Ye often have proclaimed The coming of Messiah, Who shall reign Among His people ; and declared the time To wait on His appearing. And ye know The Nazarene, Whose follower I am. Doth claim this privilege His own, while some Look with distrust upon this arrogance. Now therefore what shall hinder on the Feast, Which the assembled multitude will keep With holy reverence, to question Him On this same declaration, and demand By whose authority He claims to be The King of Israel ? Wherefore should the Jews, The seed of Abraham, the chosen race. Be subject to the hateful sovereignty Of alien princes, when the royal Son Of David lives to sit upon the Throne ?" Straightway one answered, and his eager look Betokened inward pleasure ill-concealed : " Thou ^ast displayed much wisdom to consult With those who, like thyself, would hail the day 24 The Betrayal. When, to anoint Messiah as the King, Long promised, though delayed, would fill the heart With unalloyed delight. But thinkest thou He would submit Himself to argument ? As His disciple, doubtless thou hast heard Of his pretensions often. We would hear From thee the substance thereof. Does He speak As one Who holds authority, or one Swayed by some powerful delusion, which Is ever and anon within His mind ?" '* Nay," the apostate answered, " not as one Desirous to attain this eminence, But rather the reverse ; for He refused. What time the populace was thronging Him, With the intent to crown Him as their King; Whereat I greatly marvelled. Loyal hearts, Enthusiastic in their sympathy, Were met with that indifference which chills The first-fruits of affection, and congeals The new-awakened resolution. This Is policy disastrous ; and, perforce, Must alienate from Him those hitherto Disposed to look with favour on His cause." To him then one upon whose forehead age The Betrayal. 25 Had carved the record of its victory, Anon replied : " Thou hast a ready tongue ; And doubtless from the fulness of thy heart Its utterance is prompted. Hast thou not Acknowledged that thou art a follower Of this same Galilean ? Surely then, For thy integrity and faithfulness. Thou hast received some promise of reward ; Perchance some high position in the State When He shall reign supreme. To recognise Thus tardily the services of those Whose talents qualify them for a place Of social distinction were unwise, If not ungrateful. Thy proposal meets With our unanimous approval, since We languish for the advent of the King Who shall deliver Israel. Be it ours To labour on in unison ; and thou Shalt be rewarded with that dignity Thy genius proclaims thee worthy of. But for the present secrecy preserve ; And condescend to work in harmony With our expressed desire. Art thou assured The King Himself will come up to the Feast 26 The Betrayal. According to His custom, for thereon Our hopes and thy reward alike depend ?" As he concluded, Judas looked around On that assembled council, and observed The marks of acquiescence and assent In every face, and thus his answer framed : " That He will keep the Feast myself have heard His fixed intention to His followers Full oft declared, against the will expressed Of some who would dissuade Him. And I know His resolution final. If I aid In this important matter my reward Must be determined by a covenant, Securing merited emolument Both present and perspective." Straight replied The aged Priest : " Thou dost anticipate What is our wish. Behold, the Treasury Could to no better purpose furnish funds. Than that whose object is the public good. Wherefore we do agree and covenant To give thee money for thy services. Albeit not alone in this contained Is ample recompense. When He is crowned. Amid the acclamations of the crowd. The Betrayal. 27 Thy deed shall be remembered. Eager hands Will minister to him who has released His race, as did the holy patriarch ; And riches, honour, glory will be his. But this new King must first to Caiaphas Give evidence of His direct descent From David's royal seed, and unto us Prove his capacity for government. How shall this be accomplished ? For, methinks, He hath with subtlety evaded us. Like unto one desirous to command The full surrender of the faculties To His philosophy, and yet withal Would fain avoid impartial scrutiny. Wherefore to clear the atmosphere of doubt Which hovers o'er His mission, we, perforce. Must make such overtures as He Himself Should rightly institute. For even now It hath been urged, by some, our silence is A tacit recognition of His claims. But there are obstacles, and our approach Is fraught with difficulty, for we fear The anger of the people. Canst thou then, With that amazing ingenuity 28 The Betrayal. Thou hast of late displayed, achieve for us This Kingly audience ?" He ceased, and lo. The language of suppressed approval passed From lip to lip in mute acknowledgment That he correctly gauged their sentiments. And was an accurate interpreter. Then Judas, conscious of the influence Which he possessed in that assembly, said : " Methinks this hesitation is a sign Indicative of modesty, not fear. Which must be overcome. If He refuse, As I presume He will, the overtures Ye have in contemplation, there is yet Another method, certain of success — To seize upon Him unawares, and force The subject to a crisis ; for suspense Is strained beyond due limits, and delay Henceforth is dangerous. The former plan Is only possible, the latter sure ; For I will pledge my honour to reveal Where He may be discovered. But the bond Declaring my reward into these hands Must be delivered first." And ending thus. He looked as one who held the destiny The Betrayal, 29 Of nations in his grasp, and could impart, Or at his will retain, that which alone Could elevate humanity. And soon The guilty covenant was ratified, Whereby it was decreed the Treasury Should thirty pieces of the current coin To Judas give as present recompense In silver ; and to promise furthermore A prominent position in the State, To be determined by the King's command. The council then dissolved, and secretly. With varied feelings, each conspirator. Beneath the sable canopy of night. Departed ; leaving Judas to his thoughts. Uncertain and abstracted, as a man Who wanders with an object undefined, Albeit urgent, walking, thus he mused : " Methinks they lacked that loyal interest Which should possess their minds towards the State ; Evincing more alacrity to gain. For some mysterious purpose, understood To them alone, possession of Himself. But have I been a witness of His power, Alike upon the living and the dead. 30 The Betrayal. And yet in abject ignorance remain Of His divinity ? And heard I not The awful voice of Majesty attest His Sonship when beside the grave of one Whose absence He, with human sympathy, Regretfully regarded ? Swiftly came The answer to His iilial appeal ! What injury can He sustain, although. By means circuitous and sinister. Their object be accomplished ? At one word Behold the very devils disappear ; And these accursed priests whom I abhor Shall His command obey, and lick the dust, Low grovelling at His feet ; while I rejoice At their humiliation. And my love Towards the poor will furnish argument For this adventure, and the wealth acquired Shall demonstrate the motive to be good." END OF PART I. THE BETRAYAL. PART II. SYNOPSIS. Advancing shadows— The world's night— The promise, "At eventide it shall be light " — The upper room— The heart's desire — Beginning of the conflict — '' Verily one of you" — The consternation — Suspense — "Is it I?"— The question — Its answer — Satan's approach — The new Kingdom — The dissen- sion — The Lord's rejoinder — Its effect on Satan — His entry, and recognition — " That thou doest " — ^Judas with the Priests — Resistance — Compliance — The sign — Peter's zeal — The Garden — The agony — His supplication — Unregarded — The broken vessel — Heavenlysympathy — Resignation — The seizure — Effect on Judas — His agitation — Fears and hopes — His return to the city — Pilate vacillates — Admonition of his wife — The alternative — The cry for blood — Christ led away — Judas soliloquizes — His terror, and repentance — Final visit to the Priests — Innocent blood — The sneer — The money returned— Rage and departure — Soliloquy — The manner of his death. THE BETRAYAL. [EHOLD the evening of the world had thrown The shadow of advancing night. The path Of life was starless, and the gloom Of death and dark disaster fell around, As in the former days when he, who is The great forefather of our fallen race, Encountered- sin and fell beneath its power; When o'er his happiness the frown of night Eclipsed his purity, and lowering eve Beclouded all his hope. Lo ! then a voice. Of mercy mindful, though in righteous wrath, Declared : " At eventide it shall be light." Light of the world, amid the darksome hues Of the Almighty vengeance. Light of life And love ineffable. The Son of God ! The image of His Father ; and in Whom, 34 The Betrayal. Although rejected and despised of men, Dwell all the attributes of God Himself, For our salvation human. He who came And took upon Him our depravity. That He might raise us by His poverty To riches inexhaustible and sure. Within an upper chamber, far remote From jarring discords of the multitude Which kept the passover, the Saviour sat. Surrounded by His faithful followers. Behold what grace and meekness in His face ! The holy calm of purity and love ! Self-sacrificing Martyr of the world ; Emmanuel, maligned, misunderstood. The chief among ten thousand He, And altogether lovely. To His own He came, and they received Him not ; could see In Him no form nor comeliness to raise The spirit of desire. An alien Among His brethren. Solitary root Out of the barren ground of earth's despair ! Behold Him, while the weight of human sin. The overwhelming burden of the world Lies heavily upon Him ! Not to those The Betrayal. 35 "Who know Him best is this great mystery As yet revealed. That small community, Assembled to observe the Passover Within a chamber due to charity, Is all oblivious of the certainty They will not meet again in manner like ; Nor look again on His humanity United all. They look upon His face, Nor deem it possible that very night The Lord will smite the Shepherd, and the flock Be straightway scattered. But the clouds of night Have gathered round His heart, though in His face The, placid look of sympathizing love Conceals the surging agonies within. So does the peaceful bosom of the sea Veil the commotion of internal throes. But that enduring love was manifest When, yearning with the tenderness of one Now cognizant of the approaching end. His gracious lips conveyed His heart's desire For that eventful gathering, and told How great had been His longing for that day, When, finally, He would observe the Feast With His disciples, not again on earth 3—2 36 The Betrayal. To be renewed. O mighty mystery ! Himself the Passover to expiate The world's iniquity ! Transcendent love ! Despising ignominy and the shame Of blasphemous revilings, to secure The reconciliation of the soul With the offended majesty of God ! They heard His words, but understood them not ; They took the bread, the symbol of His flesh ; They drank the wine, blest emblem of His blood ; But that new Kingdom was the distant goal Of all their aspirations. As He spake Of that great consummation of His love, When He would drink the wine as Lord and King, Their hearts were moved with keen expectancy And smouldering ambition. But anon The surging billows burst their barriers, And from His overburdened heart there comes The herald of the conflict, and His words Fill them with consternation and dismay : " Verily I say that one of you. Even he that eateth with Me now,. Shall Me betray. The Son of Man indeed, As it hath been determined, goeth ; but The Betrayal. 37 Woe unto that man through whom the Son Of Man betrayed is." A sudden fear Invested every mind ! Each looked on each As if to read the index that should point To some solution of the mystery ! What self-examination followed then, Recalling instances of waywardness ; Of doubts and fears which He had rebuked ! How frequent had " O ye of little faith," In sorrowful remonstrance, been addressed To their interrogations ! " Is it I ?" The solemn question struck into the mind, Swift as an arrow with a mighty blow, And paralyzed the feelings. Till at length. With supplicating agitation, John Looked in the Master's face and, faltering, said " Lord, is it I ?" And thereupon they all, With fear and trembling, lest the dreaded look Of affirmation be their portion, said, " Lord, is it I ?" And their suspense was such. That Peter, laden with anxiety. Solicited the help of one whose head Reclined upon the bosom of the Lord In loving sympathy, to ask of Him 38 The Betrayal. The all-momentous question. Real love, The undefiled outpouring of the heart, Alone can reach the depths of human woe. And lead the sufferer into the light Of sympathetic unity. And thus The loving look, and the intensity Of the appeal, from His anguished heart Evoked the sorrowful reply : " To whom. When I have dipped it, I shall give a sop, 'Tis he !" And the absorbing interest Waxed tenfold in intensity. Anon The faithful follower beheld his Lord Prepare the sop, then hand it unto him Whose surname was Iscariot, who at once His guilty silence broke with " Is it I ?" And He who heard it, answered, " Thou hast said !" Meanwhile from his caliginous abode, That dread abyss, unfathomable, rose Apollyon, the author of our woe. And prince of perjury. His eager eye His fiendish exultation signified. Awhile he stood, and the horizon scanned ; Then swiftly, as the shadow of a cloud Glides o'er the standing corn, his darksome flight The Betrayal. 39 Alone towards Jerusalem he held ; And presently appeared among the throng As one who would observe the sacred Feast* Then, with unerring instinct, he approached On stealthy footstep to that upper room Wherein the Saviour, in communion With His disciples, kept the Passover. Upon the threshold of that holy place Stood Satan ; and the voices of dispute Fell on his ear,. He listened ; and anon The theme of their ambitious rivalry Was manifest ; and, with a bitter smile. He heard the keen contention as to who Should be the greatest when the King should reign All glorious in His dominion. He marked the exhortation of the Lord ; And, filled with fury, in an instant changed His outward form ; and, entering the room, Flew, like a bat long absent from its nest, Into the heart of Judas. Fateful flight 1 Observed by One alone. Whose piercing glance On Judas rested ; and the stern command, " Do quickly that thou doest !" followed swift Upon the recognition. Straight arose 40 The Betrayal. The Traitor and departed : never more To linger in that loved society. But, hurried on by him who held his will, Lest he repent ere the accomplishment Of this adventure. Forthwith to the priests. Already gathered and impatient grown For his arrival, he was urged ; and soon Imparted his design. Then from the bag The covenant withdrew, to bring to mind The promise of his recompense. Elate At his recital, and the confidence He manifested in the certainty Of absolute success, they asked a sign Whereby to guarantee immunity From Traitor's treachery, afraid lest he Who, faithless unto One, should also be In their behalf alike unscrupulous. With indignation Judas made reply To these misgivings : " Have I told you where He may be captured, and the very hour When, in the garden of Gethsemane, Ye may surprise Him, and, not yet content With my disclosures, must I go myself To point Him out ?" A murmur of assent The Betrayal. 41 Arose from those conspirators. Judas, At length persuaded that retreat was vain. And open to the charge of cowardice From his associates ; and, furthermore, Was destitute of all emolument, Consented to accompany as guide The expedition. " Be it understood," The Traitor stipulated, " that my task Shall be accomplished when I signify The object of your quest. Whom I shall kiss The same is He ; see that ye hold Him fast." Now gathered in that court a motley throng, Commissioned by the Priests to lie in wait With swords and staves, lest there be work to do. Or with the populace, or those attached In bonds of fellowship to Christ Himself. Meanwhile in that secluded upper room The bruised reed of our humanity. In tones of utmost tenderness and grief. His sorrowing disciples thus addressed : " Because of Me this night ye all shall be Offended. It is written, I will smite The Shepherd, and the sheep shall scattered be. But after I am risen I will go 42 The Betrayal. Before you into Galilee." At once, Impetuous and eager, Peter rose ; And thus imprudently unto his Lord His zealous love declared : " Although all men Should be offended, I will never be !" O self-reliance ! O courageous heart !. As yet untutored to the sacrifice Demanded of thy faithfulness. As yet Undisciplined alone to undergo The trial of temptation which awaits, And threatens to engulf thy very soul With all its gush of fond devotedness To thy dear Lord ! Alas, too soon forgot Is that foreboding circumstance when late The billows of the lake on which the Lord Meandered in security refused A firm foundation for thy faltering feet ! So shall it be this night ; the angry floods O'er which the Saviour walks with dignity And passive majesty shall overwhelm Thy strongest resolution. Gird the sword Upon thy ardent thigh, the hour is come When the sequestered glades of Olivet Invite the Master's feet ! Ye shades of night The Betrayal. 43 Shield His defenceless head ! Gethsemane ! Thou lesser Eden, to thy shelter comes The second Adam ! Lo, in this retreat How often, in the stillness of the night, Has that sweet voice been lifted up in prayer ! Now unto those who are unable yet To drink that bitter cup whereof He drinks, He spake, with sorrow laden : "Sit ye here While I go yonder and pray." And, leaving them, Our Elder Brother, going forth alone, Fell prostrate on His face in agony, And trod the winepress of the wrath of God Unaided. O Almighty Substitute ! Was there no other way to expiate The guilt of our rebellion, but through The mighty waters of that whelming gulf Of righteous indignation ? O my soul. Come, hearken to that supplicating cry ! " Take this cup from Me ! All things unto Thee Are possible !" And that unanswered plea, Wrung from His anguishing humanity. Went up on thy behalf ! Behold, and see If there be any sorrow like to His ! The pulse of Nature beats in harmony ; 44 The Betrayal. The gentle breezes blow with bated breath, As sobbing ; while the sombre hues of night Are unalleviated by the ray Of heaven's jewels ! His majestic face, Marred more than any man's, cleaves to the dust ; And, though He look for human sympathy And earthly comforters, there is no man To render consolation. All alone He bears the burden of iniquity, Himself immaculate ! Too deep for tears That poignant agony ! Through every pore The crimson fluid throbbed and stood aghast With quivering emotion ! Sinner, come. Witness thy work ; for lo. He steps between Thy punishment and thee ; and on Him falls The awful penalty. O wondrous love ! Unchanged in its devotion to fulfil The grand atonement, yet withal reviled And contradicted daily. Laughed to scorn In moments of supremest mercy. Meek, Compassionate and tender. Lavishing That consolation to the mourning heart To Him, in His extremity, denied. Where shall He look for pity ? Unto whom The Betrayal. 45 Shall He for comfort go but unto those Who late protested their allegiance, Though it be unto death ? The favoured three Heard not His footsteps. On their eyelids sleep Sat heavily ; and when at length He gazed On their recumbent figures, tenderly, As one who yearns in sickness for the sense Of conscious company, did He release The eyes that were imprisoned. And anon, Recalling to their minds the recent vow Of voluntary self-surrender, said To him whose ardour had excessive been : " What, Simon ! Sleepest thou ? Couldst not thou watch With Me one hour ? The spirit willing is Indeed, but weak the flesh is. Watch and pray Lest ye into temptation enter." Wave Succeeding wave swept o'er His anguished heart. The iron penetrated to His soul ! The throes of that fierce agony o'erwhelmed And bowed Him to the earth ; and that same plea. Rebounding from the adamantine rock Inflexible, no ray of mercy brought. The sanguinary fountains burst afresh ! 46 The Betrayal. There is no standing in the filthy mire Of our corruption, into which He sinks. Like to a broken vessel ! What avails That supplication to the living God In that dread moment when His heart and flesh Together fail ? Will He exonerate, Acquit, and spare the guilty at the cry Of mere humanity ? His word forbids Inexorable Justice to forego Her righteous indignation ! Though on earth No solace be extended to the Man With grief acquainted, in the realms above The angels look with mute astonishment On His exhaustion ; and, on wings of love. With instant flight a mighty messenger Alighted humbly at Emmanuel's feet. O blessed sympathizer ! unto thee Our gratitude belongs. Thou didst impart That spiritual strength whereof the Lord Stood in such need. Ah ! who can tell the bliss Which thrilled thy heart when, in His loving look. The strength of resignation stood displayed ! Now Cometh He again to those who slept ; And, realizing that the help of man The Betrayal. 47 Is altogether vain, He bids them sleep. The moment has arrived when, unto Him, Their sleeping or awaking is alike Of no importance. But on their behalf, And for their safety now concerned. He saith : " Let us be going ; rise ; he is at hand That doth betray Me !" Even while He spake A multitude approached, all merciless ; With that perfidious pilot at their head. Who straight advancing, to the Master said : " Hail, Master !" and upon His placid face A kiss imprinted. Sacred seal of love, How art thou prostituted ! Honour weeps That her own emblem of its purity Should thus be ravished, and with infamy And treachery unwillingly allied ! The Lord with dignity surveyed the scene ; And, unreprovingly, to Judas said : " Betrayest with a kiss the Son of Man !" And then He turned Him to the multitude. Inquiring whom they sought. The answer came : " Jesus of Nazareth." The majesty Of the rejoinder " I am He " on them Fell, as the thunderings of Sinai 48 The Betrayal. On the astonished Israehtes of old ; And prostrate, not as suppHants, to earth The rabble hurled. The Traitor saw, and fled ; Self-satisfied that this was but a sign Of their complete annihilation. Swift And eager was his flight, but when he turned And saw the flaming torches move away He grew bewildered ; and, at length, inquired Of one who passed him, though unrecognised As of the twelve, whither that cavalcade Of midnight roysterers was hastening. A brief reply : " To Caiaphas they lead Jesus the Nazarene " smote on his ears, And filled him with misgiving and dismay. All through the night, as one beneath the sway Of some appalling doubt he would suppress. The Traitor wandered. Longing for the day. Yet dreading its appearance. In his heart A fleeting fancy ever and anon Came to the surface ; as in stagnant pools When, in its turbid bed, the restless eel Uneasily meanders, airy globes Haste from the charnel-house, and straight explode. Rejoicing in a purer life. The hope The Betrayal. 49. That, even in the hall of Caiaphas, The Master might display His majesty, And Samson's memorable feat be dimmed By His almighty prowess, filled his mind. Full oft his eyes the sacred hall surveyed, Expectant of its downfall. He who waits For some decision of iniportance grave. Acutely feels the horror of suspense ; Yet grasps at every moment which prolongs His agony, as radiant with hope. Albeit scouted with relentless fear. So on the Traitor's ear the clarion Of day's shrill harbinger invading smote ; And, like a modest maiden, morning came With melancholy mien and face all veiled. Then Judas rose, and, clasping to his heart The wages of his villainy, traversed The Potter's Field, as one who feared to meet Advancing day. At length a mighty shout Went up as from assembled multitudes, With undefined significance ; whereat His pulse accelerated ; and his heart Suggested a solution. Yet again The shout ascended, and the dread suspense 50 The Betrayal. Was more than he could bear. Towards the gate With hasty steps he hied, and lost himself Among the populace to learn the cause. Forcing his way through the excited crowd, At length he stood before the Judgment Hall ; Where he beheld, surrounded by the Priests, The anxious face of Pilate, who in vain Essayed the angry tumult to assuage. Desirous to appease, and yet withal His dignity retain, the Governor said : " Ye have a custom that, upon the Feast, I should release a prisoner. Declare Which of the twain your favour shall enjoy ; Barabbas, or shall Jesus called the Christ ?" An instantaneous and exultant cry — " Not this Man, but Barabbas let it be." Then Pilate, recognising in that shout The tones of envy and of hatred, said : " What shall I do with Christ, Who is your King ?" Then, as the voice of mighty hurricane, Appalling in crescendo, there arose The cry for blood : " Let Him be crucified ! We have no King but Csesar ; and if thou Wilt let Him go, thou art not Caesar's friend. The Betrayal. 51 Let Him be crucified, be crucified ! His blood on us and on our children be !" As one who feared to thwart the multitude, Whose loyalty to Caesar was avowed Thus openly, while his had been impeached In no uncertain language, Pilate stood With purpose unresolved ; while memory Recalled the admonition of his wife But late expressed ; how, in a dream, herself Had been perplexed, and suffered many things Because of that just man. The people saw His indecision ; and the tumult rose With magnified vehemence ; while the cry " Let Him be crucified !" incessantly Burst from that now infuriated throng, And Pilate's hesitation stood resolved. Well pleased he had propitiated one Whose enmity had been too keenly felt, He would conciliate the multitude ; And prove himself at once a worthy friend, And mindful of the popular demand. Then to the Priests, and those around, he said " Behold, this day ye are my witnesses That I asseverate my innocence 4—2 52 The Betrayal. Of this just person's blood. I find no fault In Him demanding death. As ye declare, His blood on ye and on your children be. Of this transaction, lo, I wash my hands ; Ye are His judges, see to it yourselves !" This the Apostate heard ; and, presently, Beheld the meek and uncomplaining Lord Scourged in the presence of that cruel crowd ; A clinging crown of thorns upon His brow. The passive object of foul blasphemy ! He fled the ghastly scene as one pursued By some foul fiend ; and hid himself among The unfrequented groves, where long he lay Transfixed with terror, while upon his ears Discordant voices fell and died away, To be reiterated. O'er his head The voice of Nature whispered " Treachery !" And every falling leaf evaded him ; While at his feet, at every gentle breeze, The foliage turned away and murmured " Hiss !" The flocks at his approach looked up and fled. Though all around was fair, yet, in his mind Darkness and horror reigned ; and hellish shapes Before his vision danced with revelry. The Betrayal. 53 At length he rose ; and, with a vacant stare, Surveyed the scene, and thus soHloquized : " O guilty heart ! O hellish counsellor ! To what depths have I fallen ! "Woe is me ! I have betrayed the Father's only Son To those abandoned Priests, whose enmity Was never undisguised. Alas ! too late My memory recalls the vain attempts They made to catch the Master in His words ! No longer needed : all accomplished now By reason of my perfidy* For what ! For vengeance ? For accumulated wrongs By patience long forborne, but which, at last, Burst like an avalanche against the will And wish of Him who suffered ? Nay, the love Which He bestowed was no exacting force, Demanding full surrender of the mind Without discrimination. Was I blind To His appealing glance, or did His words.> With dignity expressed, upon my ears Fall otherwise than gracious ? Wherefore then Should this accursed duplicity be mine ? O greed abominable ! Discontent Is thy relentless parent, prompting lust 54 The Betrayal. For that beyond the reach. Henceforth on thee May unalleviated curses fall. Ah ! now Deception's hideous disguise Falls, and discloses to my naked mind Ecclesiastic craftiness too late ! Did not He say that they would kill the Son, That the inheritance may be their own ? Damned dastards, whose designing flattery Bought my adjuvancy with foul intent. And I, too willing, in that fatal hour Deceived myself, and then deceived my Lord ! Hence, loathed money ! Price of innocence ! The purchase filth of infamy and guilt, Which, but for thee, perchance, had never dared To lift its head ! Back to their coffers go ! At once will I dissolve the hated bond That yet unites us ! I can face them now ! And though all hell be ranged upon their side. Yet will I hurl the wages in their teeth ! I have surrendered to their fury One Who was my Lord and Master ; in Whose mouth No guile was ever found ; Whose tenderness Was manifested towards me to the end ; For with His latest breath He called me friend." The Betrayal. 55 Forthwith, by routes circuitous, and filled His mind with bitterness and keen remorse, The Traitor swiftly towards the city moved With that determination which despair Imparted to his actions. And anon, Within the shadow of the Temple, he Withdrew the bag which lurked beneath his cloak And, holding it outstretched at arm's full length. Like some accursed reptile, entered quick The sacred precincts. Apathetic now To all its limitations ; and, impelled By forces uncontrollable, he burst At once upon the Rabbins, unannounced. And stood with glaring eyes and panting breath Undaunted in their midst. His hand aloft With agitation quivered ; while the weight Within the bag, alike with tremor seized. Set each particular coin at variance. And straight arose discordant, jangling sounds. Then to the Priests, who in amazement looked Upon his livid face, the Traitor said. With no uncertain language : " I have sinned ; In that I have betrayed the Innocent !" Whereat a scornful glance was interchanged 56 The Betrayal. With mutual significance among Those arch-conspirators. And one replied : "What matters that to us ? See thou to that !" Stung to the quick by that indifference, The Traitor set his teeth in frenzied rage, And hurled the bag, with all its cursed freight. To the repellent pavement. Turning then On his impatient heel, and muttering A torrent of anathemas, he left. Pursuing his abstracted way, he passed Beyond the city walls, nor looked behind On its deserted streets ; from whence emerged A second exodus of Israelites To sacrifice the living Passover ! Biting his perjured lips until the blood Coursed down his flesh and mingled with his beard. The Traitor wandered, careless of his way Amid the thorny brake, which, as he passed, Carved furrows in his face. The frowning hill Spurned his approach. The precipice askant Viewed him with keen desire. The alder-tree, Where erst he sat and dreamed ambitiously Of future greatness, urged its former claims ; And Judas fell beneath its grateful shade. The Betrayal. 57 O what a hell was there within his heart ! Despair and Rage strove for the mastery ! Trembling he lay, as though some mighty hand Shook all his nerves with vengeful violence ! At length he rose, and, looking o'er the brink Of that steep precipice into the vale. Unclasped the girdle which, around his waist Hung loosely ; and, with that experience In early life acquired, a running noose Was speedily adjusted. Throwing then The knot across an overhanging bough. He made the other end alike secure. And held the noose in his determined grasp. Before his glaring eyes those hellish forms Filled all the air and beckoned him away ; Drew near his forehead, where the clammy dews Of exudation mingled with his blood. Then Judas, drawing up to his full height, Placed o'er his head with his impatient hands The fatal noose ; and from his gory lips A wail of agony escaped : " O grave ! Open thy gaping mouth and let me in ! Unbar thy gates, O hell, the Traitor comes !" Then, staggering towards the yawnin gulf. 58 The Betrayal. Straightway he launched himself upon the air ! The alder stedfast proved ; the girdle weak Long hesitated ; but in that delay Death came, and snatched away the spark of life And stamped it under foot. Then, overstrained, The girdle broke ; and that accursed corpse, Careering through the air, smote on the earth ; And in the plain eviscerated lay. A RURAL RAMBLE, |0 now, escaping from the toil and strife, I seek the pleasures of a country life ; Where Nature's choicest attributes abound ; Where quiet and retirement may be found ; And where, at every forward step I take, Some new attractions on the senses break. Who sees retreating Night relax her hold ; Who views the curtains of the morn unfold ; The sun advancing with majestic mien ; Nor feels within the grandeur of the scene ! Now every flower elevates its head ; And each ambitious lark forsakes his bed — As if a humble lesson to suggest, A song of praise is first to Heaven address'd Now sturdy cultivators of the soil Go whistling onward to their daily toil ; 6o A Rural Ramble. With bulky bundles which, I may infer, Contain within the daily provender. And when at sultry noon we meet again, And watch him drive the team with gentle rein, My interest on him instinctive turns ; — This boy may be a Bloomfield or a Burns ! The folds of Genius may his mind enwrap. And possibly, beneath that russet cap. The purest flights of Imagery exist ; That need but Contemplation to assist The latent Thought to quicken dazzling light. And worlds shall stand enraptured at the sight. E'en as I pass, by country custom led. He looks at me and nods his shaggy head ! And now, exhilarating exercise, The hill my further travelling defies ; And, deeming me intruder, rudely turns At my approach, and each endeavour spurns. But when the lofty summit I attain Disdain relents, and we are friends again. Could he, who, in the close and stifled room His senses drowns with alcoholic fume ; Or he, possessor of the hectic flush. On whom Disease and its attendants rush A Rural Ramble. 6i With fearful energy their claims to urge — Could they from pestilential dens emerge, And climb this hill, with what enraptured gaze Would they behold the picture it displays ! Far as the straining vision can extend I see the rugged with the graceful blend ; The sloping hillock and the winding lane ; The sunlight dancing o'er the verdant plain. In yonder little copse, the timid hare Enjoys security within her lair ; Nor ventures forth, except at eventide When craving hunger must be satisfied. Or when the bugles, with discordant sounds. Announce the brutal huntsman with his hounds ; Who, cowardly rejoicing in his might. Beholds her pangs with evident delight. O vile injustice to the harmless done When fifty-two are set to worry one ! Beyond those poplars, lifting to the skies Their haughty crests, the little hamlet lies ; Ah ! well remembered is that quiet spot ! Too deeply carved thy name to be forgot. No more across my heart a shadow cast. And in the present I forgive the past. 62 A Rural Ramble. O Warborough ! Thy paths to me are sweet, And friendly seems thy solitary street ; But unfamiliar faces come and go, For Time has laid full many a victim low Since last I looked upon it ! Now, alas ! Unrecognised the simple rustics pass ; And Memory alone is left to trace The recollections Time cannot efface ! Amid these shades a rural poet dwelt, Whose caustic lines encircled like a belt The village green, which formed his simple lay And kept the boasting Philistines at bay. Oft have I watched his form, eccentric, move Or on his fav'rite lawn or in the grove ; But Tubb no longer warbles o'er the scene ; Wrapt in impenetrable shade, serene In yonder grave he sleeps ! Oft have I trod With reverent footstep o'er that sacred sod ; Where rich and poor, possessing equal right. In common brotherhood their dust unite ! Upon this hill the great Protector stood And viewed his brave battalions. Yonder wood, Where grow the stately elm and sturdy oak With deaf 'ning clamour of artillery woke ; A Rural Ramble. 63 And many a gallant horse and rider fell, Who nobly strove oppression to repel. Upon these grassy mounds, so fair to day. The mangled corses of the vanquished lay ! And yonder ruined castle in the vale, Where erst the warriors in coats of piail Were wont to gather in disordered throngs And rouse the night with revelry and songs — Alas ! neglected, in confusion cast, It stands a reminiscence of the past ! Lo ! how the nestling, from his dizzy height. Weighs the soft wing, but trembles to alight ; He yearns to skim along the sylvan green, But views askance the aching void between. Parental counsels fall upon his ear ; Inflame his courage, and allay his fear ; Until at length, forgetful of his fright. His quivering pinions take their virgin flight. E'en so, my Muse, begin the grateful lay. And to thy early friend the tribute pay. O Atkinson ! whose songs gush from the heart In graceful melody, accept in part The debt I owe to thee. Thou didst infuse Some of thy fire into my early Muse ; 64 A Rural Ramble. Which, embryotic, in the laboured line With vain ambition emulated thine. My youthful numbers to thy friendship owed Encouragement unselfishly bestowed ; And whatsoever moves witl^neasured pace Amid my periods to thee I trace. Methinks I see thee wend thy devious way, When evening breezes kiss the parting day, Beside the crystal lake, whose waters meet In Mongewell's silent groves. Beloved retreat ! Here have I watched the moon with silver sheen Look down enamoured of the peaceful scene ! Here bounteous Nature prodigal displays Her varied charms to the enraptured gaze ; And, eloquently mute, directs above Her grateful homage to the God of love. 'Twas not enough for thee in polished verse The praises of thy Maker to rehearse. But, yearning to assuage the human woe, Thyself devoted to His work below. May He support thee under every trial ; Upon thy earnest, eiforts be His smile ; Until the message bids thee go up higher, To join the anthem of the heavenly choir. A Rural Ramble. 65 Accept the thanks these simple lines convey : Stoop to the efforts of my youthful lay ; My Muse looks up to thee, and comfort draws, Contented but to win thy just applause. Now sultry day gives place to smiling eve ; The workmen in the field prepare to leave ; And every rustic wears a social smile, From day released and all its arduous toil. No more is heard the grating of the plough ; The sun, fatigued, has wiped his heated brow ; And faithful clouds, illumined by his ray. Envelop and escort him on his way. The glowing orb now sheds across the sky His panoramic splendour. Far and nigh Across the firmament, in light and shade, Upon the heavenly canvas is displayed His wondrous master-hand. Effulgent rays, Kaleidoscopic, wend their various ways. Oblique, direct, across the face of eve. Who warms at the embrace. Now to receive The final message of declining day The gentle breezes come, and silent play Around his drowsy form, while one bright cloud. Aloof from all the rest — a gilded shroud — 5 66 A Rural Ramble. Awaits the fleeting moment ; till at length The sun exerts his last remaining strength, And paints the vault of heaven rich in gold. Tier on tier of clouds, and fold on fold, Like massive steps lead upward to the gate Of heaven's Paradise and terminate — This is the way the dying moments trod, Straightway into the presence of their God. And now the wily angler 'gins prepare His base allurements, and the subtle snare ; For harmless fish designed, the harmful hook Shall drag him struggling from his native brook. The village hum is hushed, and all is still, Except the muffled music of the mill. The weary cotter strives to be polite, And as he passes breathes a soft " Good-night." While o'er my head, with countenance serene, The moon looks down and glistens on the scene ; Now shining clear, anon with sombre shade Portentous figures glide along the glade. Lo ! from the womb of Guilt emerges now Inexorable Fear ! Upon his brow The clammy dews of perspiration stand. His reign begun, o'er the benighted land A Rural Ramble. 67 Straightway he strides ; the while his glaring eyes, Whose look the glance reciprocal defies. Nor genial aid of stars nor moon require, Flash from themselves the phosphorescent fire ! Offspring of Guilt, the guilty are his kin ; But woe unto that mind which lets him in ! Forth from the belfry's ivy-mantled tower In solemn warning, goes the midnight hour ; The season now for walking phantoms made ; And simple rustics stop their ears, afraid ; And, rushing past the churchyard, close their eyes. Lest at each step some yelling ghost arise ! But wherefore should the calm and silent night The bosom rend with superstitious fright ? Behold the feathered tribe securely sleeps ; Save where the owl her watchful vigil keeps ; Or Philomel, whose voice along the gale With thrilling cadence penetrates the vale. When Nature, wearied, lulls herself to rest. Shall fears alone the human heart infest ? While every living creature gives Him praise, On man alone the guilty burden lays ; Refusing to obey His just commands. Before His awful throne condemned he stands ! =;— 2 68 A Rural Ramble. Extinguishing the taper's waning light, Now look I through the casement at the night, And close the curtains ; while the evening prayer Goes up to God to thank Him for His care. Anon Aurora comes with all her train ; Draws back the bolts of slumber once again ; Unlocks the fettered eyes with dainty hand. And on the threshold of the Day I stand ! TO MUSIC. USIC ! methinks I love thy strain ; And yet I scarcely know ; Thou art so changeful, and I fain Would have thee in one path remain, And tread with footstep slow. That thou wouldst swell with cadence sweet In melancholy's note ; Nor let thy brazen tongues, complete In one vast army, burst to meet The solitary throat. For those who love thy clamour, pour The tumult in their ears ; And let the sounds engage in war. While all around the cannons roar And trumpet's noise careers. 70 To Music. For me reserve the plaintive chord And sweet adagio ; Where all the gems that lay enstored In soothing minor notes afford Sweet comfort as they flow. For then, methinks, a voice I hear Above thy motirnful sound ; Whose trembling accents soft and clear, Now far away and now so near. Hold me in rapture bound. Anon it ceases. Yet again Its flowing note I hear ; It courses through my every vein, And seems to rend my heart in twain, To bid me shed a tear. But when the plaintive voice has ceased The melancholy strain, My heart, as from a spell released^ Would fain once more renew the feast, And hear its lay again ! To Music. yi Thou dwellest in the sacred ground ; And when, by Fancy led, I linger near some grassy mound, Thy swelling strains that float around Inspire my heart with dread. Oft have my footsteps turned aside At day's declining hour, To hear thy pleasing murmurs ride, With thrilling cadence beautified. Around the old church tower. And when within the chancel's shade I walk in dreamy mood. Thy flowing tones my ear invade. And sounds of distant cannonade Break on the solitude. Thy mournful voice can solace me In hours of mental pain ; When, cast upon a troubled sea, I strive and struggle hopelessly My freedom to obtain. 72 To Music. give me then the plaintive lay In long-resounding key ; Those chords that inward grief betray With stately counterpoint array In solemn elegy. For then, although Misfortune's mark, And filled my heart with care ; Methinks if thou but strike a spark My path shall not be always dark. Nor blinded with Despair ! 1 hear thee soon as day is born ; As I my pathway take Amid the fields of smiling corn, That as I pass them bow in scorn, And pleasing murmur make. And when the burning sun doth steer His passage through the sky At sultry noon, thy voice I hear Fall sweetly, as in wild career The brook goes babbling by. To Music. 73, At eve, when silence reigns profound, Again I hear thy lay ; 'Tis then with joy that knows no bound I listen to thy mournful sound, And on thy beauty prey. And in the dead of night I hear Thy solitary voice ; As if in accents strong and clear Thou wouldst my wearied spirit cheer, And bid my heart rejoice. Then tune for me the mournful note, And melancholy string ; For in their voices as they float Around my heart with sorrow smote, I find the surest antidote Against Misfortune's sting ! ELEGY. SOUGHT the little porch with weary feet When shadows lengthen o'er the sacred sod; And sat me down to watch the day retreat, Beside the portals of the house of God. My anxious heart was restless, and I knew What soothing power solitude could give, When sought amid the cypress and the yew, And where alone among the dead I live. Though cast myself upon a sea of doubt, The dupe of real or imagined fear, I marked the holy peace that reigned without. And thought, What broken vessels anchor here ! Ehgy. 75 They rest in calm and undisturbed repose, Serenely moored within the narrow creek ; And whatsoever path in life they chose, Though faint the trace, yet, being dead, they speak. No longer buffeted by cruel storms. Such as the human heart alone can know, But sheltered from that crushing care which forms The staple portion of our lot below. Hard by I noted how the ivy hung. Grasping the flinty face of that old church ; Recalling to my mind how closely clung That anxious care which baffled all my search. The distant footfall smote upon my ear And filled me with a sense of sudden dread Lest, when at length the passenger drew near, I be confronted with the recent dead. And what availed the' knowledge though I knew There was no pathway from the silent land. When, notwithstanding, I believed it true By some conviction I could not withstand ? 76 'Elegy. For how, if in the flesh our souls respond, Albeit separated by the force Of circumstances, can Death rend the bond ? It is a spiritual intercourse. And Death is but as one who keeps a gate, Where every passenger must pay the toll ; And what he claims is but the cumb'rous weight Of mortal flesh ; he venerates the soul. E'en though the body die, the soul shall live, Dissevered from the ashes and the dust ; To slay the soul is God's prerogative, And He is ever merciful and just. This will not be my resting-place, and yet. When I am summoned from this earthly sphere, Methinks I could resign without regret. And lay my head to rest contented here. In some sequestered nook beneath the yew Where, as in life, unnoticed and exempt From adulation I may pass from view, Beyond the reach of envy and contempt. Elegy. yy That is a journey I must take alone, And all unaided cross the chilly flood ; mighty transformation to be known, And never, as on earth, misunderstood ! But wherefore should I hesitate and shrink At this reflection, since I came alone ; This present life is the connecting link Of two eternities, alike unknown. Ah ! could I penetrate the gathering clouds. And so anticipate that perfect day. Perchance the murky mist which now enshrouds And weighs my spirit down would flee away ! But night approached ; I marked the stealthy pace, The veiled countenance, the saddened mien ; 1 felt her balmy breath upon my face. And slowly rising left the hallowed scene. Meandering in meditative mood Across the meadows on my homeward way There fell upon my ear, in tones subdued. The prelude to the nightingale's sweet lay. 78 Elegy. Like one who bows the knee in reverence Before the Throne of Grace with godly fear, And breathes a prayer with fervent eloquence And humble voice into the Father's ear. Anon I stood, and while the coppice rang All jubilant with that wild rhapsody, Methought it was the voice of one who sang In spite of darkness and obscurity. I heard the modulations of that voice, Untutored, save by Nature, with delight ; So free and flowing, yet withal so choice, I longed to read its eloquence aright. Fain would I learn that song that I might sing. Alike in winter flood and summer drought. The praises of the Everlasting King, And rise superior to every, doubt. EUPHEMUS. PON the new-mown grass A huge balloon lay in a tangled mass. Like a wounded steed on the field of death. And gasped in vain for breath. Its fairy form was set In the firm embrace of a massive net, Whose delicate meshes were gently wove In tender pledge of love. The aeronaut stood there. His forces gathering to subdue the air ; Intent that giant agencies, though dumb, Shall Nature overcome. So Euphemus. From her resources vast The potent breath eliminating, fast Inflates the languid lung, expanding large With its life-giving charge. An unseen awful power, Unfelt and noiseless, each succeeding hour Pours an insidious flood — a burden light. But terrible in might ! A ponderous weight of sand. Velocity too eager to withstand. Or to accelerate when power flags. Goes heavenward in bags. Lo, now erect it stands. Held firmly to the earth by sturdy hands : Gigantic forces all their efforts lend In struggles to ascend. Now with a mighty bound The ambitious monster spurns the yielding ground ; And borne with lightning-speed along the wind, Leaves not a trace behind. Euphemus. 81 Up with terrific force, The unresisting air assists its course ; And on it travels till the aching sight No longer views its flight. Reflect, O weary soul ; There is a sweet assurance to console ; Although the mortal clay surrounds thee now, God's handiwork art thou ! Confined as yet to earth. Associated with the ties of birth. Thou wilt, when every human instinct dies, StraightMvay to heaven rise. Majestically ride, "When every weighty sin is laid aside. And heavenly grace within shall reign alone. Up to the great white Throne. Then shall thy way be traced In humble virtues ne'er to be effaced ; And trembling souls who struggle on with pain Shall take heart once again. 6 82 Euphemus. Now give to Him the praise, Who came to earth the fallen one to raise ; Rehearse below the Saviour's dying love. And siiig the strain above. GIVE ONE THOUGHT TO ME. [jY lips can hardly say the word, The parting word to you ; Filled is my heart with silent grief To bid the long adieu. But take my blessing ere you go, And grant my only plea ; Look back upon the past sometimes, And give onie thought to me ! When brighter skies aboVe you spread, And gentler winds caress ; And others grasp you by the hand Aifection to profess ; If in your mind one thought remain. Of friendship's constancy, Let bygone days the tribute claim, And give that thought to me ! 84 Give One Thought to Me. And when dark clouds of trouble rise, To shade your anxious heart ; And friends who once were true enough Forget to act their part ; Look upward with the eye of faith ; Soon shall your trouble flee ; And in this hour of anguish drear O give one thought to me ! In life, where'er your path may be, There shall my blessing go ; To cheer your heart upon the way ; 'Tis all I can bestow. And when amid the Valley's gloom Kind friends beloved you see ; Though I am absent from your side, O give one thought to me ! A LOVE THOUGHT. MOON, whose countenance benign, With soft effulgence looks on mine, Smile through my lady's lattice now, And breathe a kiss upon her brow ! Tell her the ivy to the tree Does not cling more tenaciously. Than my affections cleave to her Who holds my heart a prisoner. Tell her the parched and drooping flowers Yearn not so much for genial showers As my heart sits alone and sighs For her sweet smiles and beaming eyes. 86 A Love Thought. Tell her the bee rejoices less Extracting sweets from loveliness Than my lips when, in ecstasy, To hers they cling convulsively. Tell her I long to call her mine By virtue of the right divine ; For even now her presence seems To haunt me in my very dreams ! THE ROBIN'S COMPLAINT. lERCINGLY cold was the air; Hard as a flint was the ground ; Trees were deserted and bare ; Thick lay the snow all around. Flowers, alas ! were all gone ; Cisterns and brooks were congealed ; Laurels and hollies alone Traces of verdure revealed. Wrapt in contemplative mood, Held as it were by a spell, Near to the window I stood Watchins- the snow as it fell. •88 The RobirCs Complaint. Now on a rose-tree close by, Comes a poor Robin to me, Looking with eloquent eye : Thus did he warble his plea : " Bitterly cold it is here ! Do let me look at your fire ; Bleak is the copse and so drear, Nothing is left on the briar ! " There in the dell is my home, Covered all over with snow ; Hunger has forced me to come, Give me a crumb ere I go. " Look how my pinions hang ! Weary I am, and so poor ; O may the poverty pang Long keep aloof frorti your door " Hard have I striven all day Hoping a berry to find ; But they have vanished away Leaving no vestige behind ! The Robin's Complaint. 89 " Death has embraced in its arms Those who have many a time Made this grove ring with their charms — Frozen to death in their prime ! " Chaffinch and blackbird are ther^ ; Never were songsters so loud ; Now the same pillow they share ; Draped in one beautiful shroud ! " God has been gracious to you ; All your home comforts He gave ; I am content with a few, Only a morsel I crave. " Drive me not hence from the door ; Give me what you can afford ; He that shall give to the poor Lendeth the same to the Lord. " He is your Father and mine ; Both in His praise should unite ; His goodness how great, how benign ; Mercy is His chief delight ! go The Robitis Complaint. " By His beneficent hand All that we gather is found ; Not till He gives the command Sparrows may fall to the ground. " What could your sorrow allay, If, when your table is spread Ere the full dawn of the day. You should discover me dead ! " As you would mercy receive Scatter the seed as you go ; Striving the poor to relieve, Then shall you reap what you sow. " Should I live on till the Spring My little voice you shall hear ; I will come hither and sing ; Grateful for all your good cheer," ^GLES. [FT in my pensive walk at night Along the silent street, I've marked, as I approached the light. My shadow glide with rapid iiight Beneath my moving feet. Swift in its course along the ground As thoughts within the mind ; Farther ahead at every bound, Till presently I turn me round. And lo ! it lags behind. Midway between the radiant beams That gUnt athwart the way. Where darkness links the two extremes. My shadow stands appalled, and seems To vanish in dismay ! Emboldened by the amber ray Of elevated light, With step impatient of delay, Ambitious now to lead the way. As if to guide me right. To point the road where beacons burn. Your eagerness I mark ; But, fickle shadow, I would learn Or why or wherefore you should turn Because the way is dark ? Ah ! those reflections are the same That flit across the mind ; Until illumined by the flame Of light revealed, the single aim Is vague and undefined ! The daily strife we undergo ; The wounds that burst afresh ; Are not explained because we know That while we sojourn here below The Spirit thwarts the flesh. JSgles. 93 O that my spirit now were free ; Unfettered by the clay ; Emancipated would I be From all the struggles which I see Before my journey lay. Be still, my soul, and humbly bow ; The comfort lies in this : That every bitter conflict now Will be a gem upon a brow Crowned with immortal bliss. So will I all my faith confide In Him who died for me ; That, when He calls me to His side, My soul, beneath His smile, may glide Into eternity. MORNING. OW pleasant in the morning air In nature's home to stray ; When everything so bright and fair Rises to greet the day ! For then, methinks, 'tis mine to see •The glorious sun appear ; Lifting his proud crest haughtily, With countenance austere ! To watch him struggle up the hill Of heaven's expansive arch ; And feel his genial influence, till The end of his long march. If in the gloomy paths of life The sun be on my side ; However long and hard the strife I'll rest me satisfied. EVENTIDE. HE sun goes down with heated brow ; His day's hard task is done ; The day is fast declining ; now The reign of eve begun. O how I love to see the sun Gird up his loins to leave ; How eagerly when day is done I greet the coming eve ! For Solitude, my early friend, Comes whispering to me ; And to our loved retreat we wend Our way in company. Then Melancholy joins, and sweet. Gray evening closes round ; Ah ! where could joy be more complete, For this is hallowed ground ! 96 Eventide. Oft as I walk in thought, and see The night unfurl her scroll ; A sigh goes forth unconsciously, And terror fills my soul ! THE VALEDICTION. THE BURNING LETTERS. fAREWELL, my bonny gems ! The day is spent When leaped my heart your mission , to receive ; When, with a trembling hand, your seal I rent, And set you free my spirit to relieve. When my too eager hand first turned you round, And my expectant heart your language read ; Ah ! those were happy hours, and joy profound Seemed like a field of pasture for me spread ! Farewell, my bonny gems ! Your end is meet ; For that you did impart unto my mind The fleeting pleasure which was incomplete. Your end, which is complete, now straightway find. 7 98 The Valediction. Oft, when I gazed upon you, has my heart, Rejoicing in the thought that you were nigh. Endured the pain that now is but a smart. And vented forth its feelings in a sigh ! Farewell, my bonny gems ! The hand of Time That bore you hither — placed you in my hand — Has brought you unto this ; what is the crime ? That you enkindled fire, and daily fanned The glowing embers to a mighty flame That knew no bounds, but burnt the livelong day ; Then swift and suddenly the whirlwind came ; The fire extinguished, took my soul away ! Farewell, my bonny gems ! This is the end Of everything whose aim is to deceive ; And when we find the good and evil blend, Which shall we cling to, which shall we believe ? When Fancy, buoying up a ready heart. Strikes one decisive and effective blow. She changes what was sweet into a smart. And what was once a friend into a foe ! Missing Page THE SEA. |ESCEND, ye Nine ! Great weavers of the brain ; My fancies need your guidance once again; Collect the scattered fibres of the mind, And bid each particle a mission find. Ye great commanders of the myriad thought Assert your right, and let each one be fraught With pure intentions. It is my desire, Illumined by your soft poetic fire. To sing the Sea ; and if my heart should leap, Should deem the path too rough, the hill too steep, Then take me by the hand and lead the way, It will dispel my fear and calm dismay. Here, with the sea in front, the rocks behind, Methinks the poet Gray's colossal mind Would seek repose, and find a language sweet, The Sea. loi Conversing with the waves beneath his feet. Here would I pass the meditative hour, And feel the influence of the Muse's power In solitude. The dizzy atmosphere Of vain society has sent me here, And to this quiet spot away from friends Too ripe for my acquaintance, evening lends A charm beyond compare ! Enchanting Sea ! Thyself unfettered, joyous, ever free. Hast bound my heart with chains of love to thiee. Say, can I call thee old ? Since worlds began To form a part of the Creator's plan Hast thou been here, but sportive then as now ; Old Time can plough no furrows on thy brow ! Let us converse ; no human form is near. No curious eye shall see, nor listener hear ; Speak out some secrets, set my heart aglow ; What thou canst teach me, that I yearn to know ! What dreadful portion was to thee assigned In that dread flood which swallowed up mankind ? Didst bear the ark of mercy on thy back, Or leap in anger forth to the attack? If thou didst see the ark, its size attest, That I may set theologists at rest- I02 The Sea. Since then, O Sea, what have thy movements been. What joys hast thou beheld, what anguish seen ? Disclose thy vast menagerie to my sight. And fill my heart with rapturous delight ; Show me the whale where Jonah lay concealed ; And found beneath the wave a sun and shield ; Where, slighting God, he could His mercy prove, Thrust there in anger but restored in love ! Where is that fish, too, the Disciple caught, Which to Imperial Csesar tribute brought, Obedient to the summons of the Lord ? Is it near me now, or was it not restored ? Why art thou silent, when thou canst relieve My longing heart, and bid it cease to grieve ? Thou wilt not answer in thy peaceful hours ; But in thine anger who can stay thy powers ? Here all is quiet where my outward eyes Can see thee ; farther than the sea-gull flies My inward eye can follow thee, and there Methinks I hear the cry of dire despair ! What means this ceaseless swaying to and fro ? Is it remorse ? Is it the pain to know That in thy strength, impelled by coward aid. Full many a glowing face has felt thy shade. The Sea. 103 Full many a broken heart has looked at thee And called thee father, O thou treacherous Sea ? Where are the London and the Normandy, With all the souls entrusted unto thee ? Thy smiling face bade timorous hearts be brave ; And promises to anxious mothers gave . That thou wouldst bear their darlings safe to shore ; But, like a craven coward, smiling, wore A sting beneath thy base deceitful mask. Like as the powder in a polished flask ! What man so vile as to deceive his friend With promises where truth and falsehood blend ! None but the villain who, though fair to sight. Conceals a heart as black as starless night ! Yet hast thou done all this, deceitful Sea, Hast turned thy back on those who trusted thee ; And those who hopefully essayed to sow. Have reaped their harvest in the bitterest woe. But thou art kind to some who know thee well ; Who on thy breast and in thy favour dwell ; These are thy friends, companions, and as such Are not the victims of the icy touch, Save when, too blind with fury to behold, Thy fearful arms alike the friend enfold 1 I04 The Sea. But thou art kind to me, for thou dost chase The languid look of wanness from my face ; Hast made my frame, at one time nearly wrecked, To beam with pleasure, and to stand erect ; For this I love thee well, and ere the sun Shall pause to gild thy brow when day is done, My steps shall tread this spot, my heart convey The thanks to thee which my lips cannot say. And in my thoughts and visions shalt thou be When I am absent from thy side, O Sea ! So will I take thy blessing ere I go, To seal the debt of gratitude I owe ; Should we not meet again — it may be so, In my last hours it will be bliss to know That I have seen thy face, long, long ago ! THE SWALLOW. HEN the genial summer weather Fhngs its radiance everywhere, Weighing each ambitious feather, Lo I cleave the ambient air. Over sea and lake I wander ; Woods and fields with beauty fraught ; I am here, and I am yonder. In a moment, quick as thought. O'er the surface of the river I meander with delight ; Oft descending with a quiver Just to kiss him in my flight. If you ask me why I twitter. And what constitutes my theme, 'Tis to see the graceful glitter Of my plumage in the stream. io6 The Swallow. Southern skies I know are blander, Genial beyond compare ; Italy and Greece are grander, ■ But assassins linger there.* Cruel men who, by profession, Love and venerate the good, Abominate and curse oppression, Yet enacting deeds of blood. Lands replete with classic story. Echoing the long ago, Shorn of all their ancient glory Are to me but lands of woe ! Would 'twere always summer weather In this land of liberty. Where the rich and poor together Have a kindly word for me ! Though the sky be seldom cloudless I am happy and content ; For my sojourn here is shroudless, Unattended with lament. * The Italians and Greeks commit great depredations among the swallows. — Graphic. BEE THO VEN S GRA VE. |H ! rest thee here, thou poor neglected heart ; No more shall sorrow shade thy anxious brow ; Though fickle friends forgot to act their part, No touch of cold disdain can reach thee now. The storms of life have broken o'er thy head. And overwhelmed thee in one chilly wave ; So onward in its arms hast thou been sped To that last home of genius — the grave. Hard was the struggle, bitter was the pain ; No fostering care was thine amid the gloom ; That peace the world denied thee now attain Within the silent precincts of the tomb ! Ah ! rest thee here, thou poor neglected heart ; No more shall sorrow shade thy anxious brow ; Though fickle friends forgot to act their part. No touch of cold disdain can reach thee now ! ADDRESS TO A LIFEBOAT. [jMBASSADOR of Charity ! a noble mission thine ! Benevolent in nature and expansive in design ; Hov^r modest thy demeanour in the work thou hast to do, Unassuming as the bravery which animates thy crew. Methinks I see thee lifted high upon the angry wave ; The impetus of life to thee — to some a watery grave ; Urged onward, nothing daunted, while the angry billows roll ; Thy hand outstretched in tenderness to save some sinking soul. I see thy progress baffled by the fury of the storm ; I view aghast the dread abyss receive thy slender form; Address to a Lifeboat. 109 And sinks my heart within me till, emerging once again, I watch thee, nobly earnest, cleaving through the mighty main. O, blissful source of comfort to the weary and per- plexed ; The only link of life and love 'tween this world and the next ! By all the hearts unbroken by thy generous relief; By all the tears arrested in the first deep flood of grief; By all the glowing gratitude which fires the sea- man's breast, Though mute his lips with ecstasy which cannot be expressed ; By all that is courageous and merciful on earth, I lay my praises at thy feet, a tribute to thy worth. FAITHLESS! IS not so long ago since first we met, And now we meet no more ; The sun that joyous rose, alas, is set, Ere the glad day is o'er ! And now I feel the many hours we spent Together in the shade Were never for the happy future meant, But for the present made. O may his heart who is the chosen one The changing love retain ; And may he cherish it as I have done, But never so again ! Faithless ! li i All through the journey of life's weary way May you a pathway take, On which may frown no dark or cloudy day Nor sad to-morrow break ! The thought that now for ever we must part Brings with it no regret ; The only painful feeling in my heart Is that we ever met. Beware, O false and fickle one, beware ! For who is there can tell ? Perchance he may, as you have done, ensnare ! Beware ! and fare thee well ! TEARS! j' EN on the threshold of our early years A voice proclaims, the prelude to our fears: " This earthly life is but a vale of tears !" Tears are the infant's utterings of life ; With tears too is childhood ever rife, The signs of yielding the unequal strife. Tears are the lover's solace, when alone Sad disappointment comes and claims her own, And all the golden hopes are overthrown ! Tears are the poet's portion as he feels The lightest shaft which cold indifference deals ; Although his lofty soul the wound conceals. Tears ! 113 And in mid manhood's conflict with the world, When fond ambition from her height is hurled The tear's sable banner is unfurled ! , And when the aged, full of years and grief, Await the sickle as a full ripe sheaf The tears glisten on the fading leaf ! This is the weight that hangs upon the min That tears are the lot of humankind I But can the Christian no comfort find ? A gentle voice responds " I am the Way ; Thy strength shall be according to thy day ; In Heaven alone are tears wiped away." REST. ^ EST for the weary frame ; Refreshing rest ! On the border of defeat ; When the burden and the heat Of the day's relentless toil Have demanded all the strength ; And the taper's light at length Fitful grows for lack of oil. Then repose is sweet, but O ! It is the toil that makes it so. Refreshing rest ! How worthy of the name ! Rest for the harassed mind ; Refreshing rest ! When the early bud is nipped ; When the tears stand equipped, Rest. 115 Merging 'neath the quivering lid ! When the heart o'erwhelmed with care Is almost ready to despair, But that Faith and Hope forbid. Welcome then is that repose Grateful sleep alone bestows ! Refreshing rest ! The heart forgets its care, resigned ! Rest for the longing soul ; Eternal rest ! In the realms of endless day ; When the tears are wiped away. And the toilsome journey ends. Where unceasing praises ring To the Everlasting King ; Whither too our prayer ascends. Tribulation, toil, and care Never find an entrance there. Eternal rest ! 1 While the ages onward roll ! 8—2 THE CLIMBER. Sonnet. |H ! climb aloft, my pretty little friend ; And to the highest window beauty lend ; I would not have thee stay below to bloom, But rise, and Kate shall share thy sweet perfume. And gaze upon thy splendour. I would see Thy stars, like stars of heaven, shine on me From yonder height, and looking, smiling down. Chase far away Misfortune's angry frown. If in this world of struggles I can rise Up to thy elevation, and can shine As brightly in the light of other eyes As thou, my pretty jasmine, dost in mine. Then shall I hope to win the costly prize Of Sympathy the human and divine ! RESIGNATION. Sonnet. [S it an easy thing to be designed When matters into revolution turn ; When everything to pain you is de- signed, And trouble seeks your very soul to biirn? How often, ah ! how often do I seek To find sweet Resignation, but in vain ! Methinks I saw her once, and longed to speak, But could liot, and I saw her not again ! Alas ; when Hope is withered in the bud, And Resignation is not to be found ; Dismay and Desolation teign around. And pour into my heart a swelling flood ! When heavy is my heart and filled with care What is before me ? Failure and Despair ! TO MELANCHOLY. [|OME, soother of my troubled spirit, come; Compose my aching heart ; To Pleasure's poisoned dart And luring smile forbid it to succumb. • Come, let us hold sweet converse, while the wind Drives hard against the pane In fitful gusts, the rain ; And smooth each troubled wave upon my mind. Thou art the only solace of my woes ; And sole companion of my walk at eve ; What wonder, then, I ask thee to compose My weary soul, and unto thee should cleave With strange affection ? And when one bestows Consoling power like thine, can he deceive ? HEREAFTER. ITH hearts weighed down with grief, And filled with secret dread, We look for some relief Towards that little bed ' A father's hopes lie there ; And all a mother's love ; Alas ! with all our care. Winging their way above ! A little while he smiled Upon our pathway here ; Affection's early child, A treasure, O how dear ! Now through the livelong night We watch his every breath ; And any hope, though slight, Retards the hand of death. [20 Hereafter. O bursting heart be calm ! The rising flood subdue ; There is a heaUng balm In Gilead for you ! Mark how the ready tear Stands in her loving eye ! One look of anguish drear, One sympathetic sigh, Her every hope would crush With overwhelming force ! ;alding tears would rush etuous from their source ! ight without is calm ; ike my weary mind ; ke a holy psalm, sighing of the wind. 1 within is gloom ; Our watching nears its close; Fit prelude to the tomb, Whither our darling goes ! Hereafter. 1 2 1 Lo now a radiant light Comes softly beaming through ! A heavenly vision bright Appears to our view ! Instinctive as we see, Our hands together pressed, In awe we bow the knee — An angel is our guest ! And now his fair young face A heavenly aspect wears ; A smile of earthly grace Celestial glory shares ! Softly we breathe his name ; But night is changed to day ! One glorious angel came^ But two have passed away ! Amid the blinding tears, We kiss the marble face ; Ah ! this is grief that years Never can efface! 122 Hereafter. Come, let us bend the knee, And offer up a prayer ; Perchance our child and plea May meet together there. O Lord, Thou wert the giver ; We yield Thee but Thine own ; And now he lives for ever, Singing round Thy throne ! What, Lord, Thou doest now. To us is sealed up ; To Thy behest we bow ; And drain the bitter cup. Hereafter we shall know The purpose of Thy grace ; When, vanquished every foe, We view Thee face to face. Then will we bless the hand That smites, and kiss the rod ; And know it all was planned To lead us up to God. Hereafter. 123 May this same angel come, When it is Thy decree, And our poor tongues are dumb, To lead us back to Thee. Meanwhile our thanks we bring ; Though simple now our lays ; Then will we loudly sing Thy everlasting praise. TO KATE. JHESE lines, my love, to thee I dedicate ; My best affections all to thee incline ; The highest efforts of my heart are thine ; And thine the source from which they emanate. Rich in thy wealth of love, the rugged road Which we together travel hand-in-hand Shall smooth become, till, like the yielding sand, O'er which the heaving wave has lately flowed, No trace remain to mark the weary way. There was a time our path was strewed with flowers; Dost thou remember how the fragrant showers Fell at our feet upon our wedding day ? 'Twas but a moment ! Ah ! too transient ray — And yet the recollection haunts me still ! Although our journey since has been up hill. And each to-morrow comes but as to-day ! To Kate. 125 Thy sympathizing smile is ever mine ; However dark the future may appear, The way of life cannot be always drear When loving lustrous eyes upon it shine. Come sit beside me, love, I'll not repine ; Jehovah Jireh bids me cease to fear ; Away with every doubt — back ! trembling tear ! Come poverty, come sorrow, thou art mine ! A REVERIE. HEN the soft mantle of the night is spread Over the sleeping town, I sit alone [j Within the little room I call my own, And hold communion with the mighty dead. Guests ever welcome in my snug retreat, They take me by the hand and lead me back Into the Past, whose well remembered track Still bears the faithful impress of their feet. I share with Homer's warriors at Troy The contest of that sanguinary field ; And when at length the hardy foemen yield I hear the shouts of victory and joy. A Reverie. 127 My love would rival that of Romeo ■ For his fair Juliet as he pleads with her ; But soon, alas ! I view the sepulchre, And sighs my heart with its dread weight of woe ! I follow Hamlet round the castle walls Upon his mission in the dead of night ; And all my nerves are paralysed with fright- — His awful visitor my soul appals ! I hear the voice of that fair advocate ; And see old Shylock with his knife and scales ; Anon before her eloquence he quails, And howls with fury in his fiendish hate. I see the loving pilgrims on their way Together breast the river's swollen tide ; And when the gates of Heaven open wide I long to enter in as well as they ! Transfixed with wonder as with dreadful spell, The shade of mighty Dante I behold ! And passing on through terrors manifold I tread with him the labyrinths of Hell ! 128 A Reverie. I soar with Milton through ethereal space, And sorrow for the loss of Paradise ; Then, contemplating Christ the Sacrifice, Prostrate I fall before the Throne of Grace. Upon the Sofa now reclining calm. Anon with Byron wrecked and cast away ; But mid the desolation and dismay Comes In Memoriam like a soothing psalm. I linger long o'er loved Evangeline, Till Hawthorne, weird and silent, passes by ; Then Lytton calls me hence to Pompeii To gaze upon that agonising scene ! Some humbler Poet then perchance may sweep His trembling lyre, and charm me with his voice ; And thus I joy with them that do rejoice, Refraining not to weep with those who weep. And then I turn me to that Book Divine, That tells me of the Lamb for Sinners slain ; And read that gracious message once again : " Fear not, I have redeemed thee ; thou art mine." YEARNING. II HEN doubts and fears come in like a flood, And spiritual darkness fills my soul, O drown my doubts in Thy atoning blood, Thou Lord of life, and ev'ry fear control ! Within my heart, with dark foreboding torn, Do Thou, O Rose of Sharon, deign to bloom ; And give me grace this Resurrection morn To view the precincts of Thy empty Tomb ! HYMN. GOD, equip me for the race ; And let my faith be strong, That on the journey I may trace Thy mercy and Thy sovereign grace. To help my soul along. On Thee, O Lord, my hope rehes ; Assist me so to run. That every weighty sin, vi^hich lies So near me as to close my eyes To heaven, I may shun. O give me patience too, I pray ; That I may run right well ; And do Thou all my fears allay, And chase my every doubt away. And worldly thoughts dispel. Hymn. 1 3 f When Thou in mercy dost proclaim The time is come for rest, May I find mercy in His name Who bore the cross, despised the shame, And be for ever blest. 9—2 HYMN. GOD, the way is very dark, And heavy is the load ; In mercy, Lord, direct a spark To Hght me on the road ; Fain would I feel Thy love divine, O take my feeble hand in Thine ! My heart is heavy, and my mind With anxious thought depressed ; It is in Thee alone I find My comfort and my rest ; Do Thou appear, O Saviour mine, And take my feeble hand in Thine ! The waters come into my soul ; My feet sink in the mire ; Hymn. 133 But yet I see the distant goal, The aim of my desire. It is the distance I repine ; O take my feeble hand in Thine ! Shine, I beseech Thee, through the night, And let me feel Thee near ; Then shall I find my true delight, And cease to doubt and fear. My all I would to Thee resign ; O take my feeble hand in Thine ! THE OPEN DOOR. EHOLD a door before thee ; Enter in to-day : Beyond it there is glory, Jesus is the Way. Waste not thy time by saying There are years in store ; While thou art delaying " Time may be no more. Draw nigh without delay ; Christ is at the door ; And will on that dread day Shut for evermore ! EPITAPHS. FOR A CHILD. [E heard not, but a voice came in the night ; The gentle voice of the atoning Lamb Calling our darling hence, and swift in flight, The willing spirit answered, " Here I am." What though we hover round this sacred spot, We know the narrow prison holds him not ; Earth had no power to claim him as her own. His Httle voice is heard around the throne. Ah ! early lost, thou little tender flower ; We watched thy opening from day to day ; And when we loved thee best, in that same hour The Gardener came, and bore thee hence away ! A MID-DAY VISION. ILIGHTING on a cool retreat One sultry summer's day, I sat me on a rustic seat To while the time away. With blushing face the sun looked down On fields of ripening wheat ; And the narrow streets of the little town Were white with noonday heat. The river flowed with stately grace, 'Mid banks of velvet green ; The swallow slackened in his pace To view the peaceful scene. Above my head a leafy roof, Below a valley deep ; I sat from worldly din aloof Upon the castle-keep. A Mid-day Vision. 137 The mighty trees like monarchs stood, And whispered of the past ; What time the valley ran with blood, Amid the battle's blast. Musing on war and all its fruits In melancholy tones ; For down below their massive roots Grasped the warriors' bones ! The portals of a dungeon frowned Upon their simple lays ; As if abhorrent of the sound, Desiring darker days. And while I sat in welcome shade, My fancy took me back To when the ravaging Danes arrayed Their hosts for the attack. And all around me heaved and swelled With deafening din of war ; Until with terror I beheld The dungeon-door ajar ! 138 A Mid-day Vision. I saw the aperture expand Slowly and stealthily ; And then a form with mailed hand Aloft, stood facing me ! Awhile he stood, nor uttered sound ; But looking anxiously Upon the scenery around. Drew nearer still to me. His ponderous frame could once command Submission in the lists ; But now his eyes were mildewed, and His breath like evening mists. At length his lips their fetters break : " I do not seek renown ; But this I do for her sweet sake," And flung his gauntlet down. " Seek not to know whence I have come To break thy reverie ; Nor let thy heart to fear succumb, The sequel thou shalt see. A Mid-day Vision. 139 " But let thy sight be keen and strong To pierce the long ago, And thou shalt live and move among The Normans — friend and foe." E'en as he spake before my view Straightway a castle rose, Whose massive towers grew and grew. Like as a mushroom grows. I heard the warder's heavy tread Going his martial way, Watching the gloom of night which fled Before the coming day. Anon his stalwart form drew near Till, passing close to me. He softly whispered in my ear Of Norman chivalry. His hair was as the sloe ; his face Like Autumn in its glow ; . He moved majestic in his pace Unwearied to and fro. 140 A Mid-day Vision. At length from castle and redoubt I heard the signal drum ; And then arose a mighty shout, " The Conqueror is come !" Forth issued from the castle-gate, A lordly cavalcade ; Wigod with all the pomp of state Invested and arrayed. Beside him rode a gallant knight. Whose form above the rest Resembled Saul's superior height, Puissant, manifest. Grandly rode the Saxon lord, And gaily rode the knight, To meet the Norman at the ford And vi^elcome him aright. Anon I saw the mighty King With all his retinue. The shouts of joy acknowledging, Move up the avenue. A Mid-day Vision. 141 Before the castle gateway stood The Archbishop Stigand ; And, one in rank and brotherhood, The nobles of the land. And as the Conqueror drew near, Each one on bended knee Swore all his precepts to revere. And gave him fealty. A banquet now I saw prepared Magnificently grand ; And heard the Conqueror declared The King of all the land. And then one universal cry That made the rafters ring — Each brimming goblet lifted high — " Long live the mighty King !" So at the banquet side by side The warriors of both The Saxon and the Norman pride Plighted eternal troth. 142 A Mid-day Vision. And beauty heightened and increased The glory of the scene ; For Wigod's daughter graced the feast, And she was Beauty's queen. The gallant knight had long adored, Albeit in despair, The daughter of the Saxon lord ; For she was wondrous fair. At length amid the mazy dance I saw, with countenance bland, A Norman General advance, And kiss the maiden's hand. Whereat the valorous Saxon knight, Blushing with smothered ire. Grasped his sword-hilt fiercely tight, And flashed his eyes like fire. Now changed the scene, and ere the sun Had banished night away. Or had himself his reign begun, The castle-yard was gay. A Mid-day Vision. 143 And from the keep, with one consent, The warders as they passed, Sent up a shout — " The tournament !" And blew a shrilling blast. Forthwith adown the grassy slope My feet were urged along ; And half in fear, half in hope, I followed with the throng. With bated breath I saw the dash Of charger and of knight ; And heard the rival lances clash In their stupendous might. But there was one of Norman blood Who, 'gainst the potent shock Of Norman or of Saxon, stood Immovable as rock. Among that host of valiant men None could his skill withstand ; Unchallenged now he sat, as when He kissed the maiden's hand. 144 ^ Mid-day Vision. Anon I saw the Saxon knight, With dignity and grace, Ride forth to meet the man of might, Till they were face to face. And thus unto his foe he spake, " I do not seek renown ; But this I do for her sweet sake," And flung his gauntlet down. I saw the General advance To where the gauntlet lay. And strike it with his trusty lance ; Then turn his steed away. The marshals blew a blast robust ; Each lance was firmly set ; And then amid a cloud of dust .The rival chargers met. In that collision fiercely fleet. Although each rider reeled. Yet neither left a vacant seat — Alone the lances yield. A Mid- day Vision. 145 A breathless pause, and each rode back Into the friendly glade ; Equipped again for the attack In silence, undismayed. The heart of every Saxon smote Excited in its cell ; And straightway from each lusty throat Repeated plaudits swell. Again the marshals' blast was heard ; And every lip was hushed ; Each noble charger, keenly spurred, Forth to the conflict rushed. Like some stupendous hurricane. Increasing in its might, With lance in air that dauntless twain Sped forward to unite ! Then followed an appalling crash ; And both steeds, staggering, fell ; — For neither aim was weak nor rash, Alas ! it was too well ! 10 146 A Mid-day Vision. Hurled from his seat, the Saxon knight Fell headlong to the ground ; And though uninjured in the fight, Nor moved nor uttered sound. The charger's overwhelming weight Fell on the rider thrown ; And he, so powerful of late, Expired without a groan ! Awhile the Norman lay as dead ; All colourless his face ; His jet-black eyes, all lustre fled. Fixed, staring into space ! At length recovering, he rose ; And, with unsteady gait. Moved feebly forward, joining those Who mourned the Saxon's fate. The scene now varied, and, amazed. Above my head I find Upon the keep two standards raised. Wooing the languid wind. A Mid-day Vision. 147 Forthwith I to the chapel took My visionary way ; I saw the prelate take the book, And heard him read and pray. And there, before the altar rail. The bridegroom at her side, All blushing 'neath her snowy veil I saw a lovely bride. And he who kissed the maiden's hand Did now that act eclipse ; For in the presence of Stigand He kissed her ruby lips. Thus did the archbishop combine And bless upon that day The Norman with the Saxon line — May it be so for aye ! A shout of joy smote on my ear And broke my reverie ; — I saw the castle disappear, Leaving the keep to me. 10— 2 148 A Mid-day Vision. My face the cooling breezes fanned ; I saw the dungeon there ; But he who raised that mailed hand Had gone — I knew not where ! STANZAS. H ! yonder is the plot of ground Where little Alice lies ; She sleeps beneath that grassy mound- For ever closed her eyes ! Myself was but a bruised reed When she was laid to rest ; And thoughts that I should soon proceed To follow filled my breast. I know my earthly voice alone Answered the minister's ; ■ Up to the region of the throne My spirit followed hers. 1 50 Stanzas. She loved to take me by surprise, And oftentimes would dart Into my room in some disguise, And laugh to see me start. The meadow where she used to stray In childhood's happy hours. The same as when she went away. Is beautiful with flowers. Her step is now no longer heard ; Hushed is her joyous mirth ; And never to another word Will those dear lips give birth ! This is affliction's heavy blow ; But why should I demur ? She will not come to me I know. But I shall go to her. THE LAY OF CHALMORE LOCK. I ME was when I was young, And feared no foe ; When my huge arms were swung Laboured and slow ; And mighty waters flung Back at one blow. My life the year throughout Was one of joy ; In either flood or drought I found employ ; And loved the hearty shout Of " Lock ahoy !" 152 The Lay of Chalmore Lock. I was respected then, All must allow ; Alas ! all boating men Eschew me now ; — At least not one in ten Cares, anyhow ! Sometimes a lordly roach Or bold or vain. Would hazard to encroach On my domain. And, on his near approach. Was cleft in twain ! No longer sensitive The fish advance ; Pass through my jaws and live Without mischance ; Nor even deign to give A passing glance. The Lay of Chalmore Lock. 153 I have my duty done ; Who will deny ? Now that my sand has run, O let me die ! But let my death be one Worthy a sigh. O ye who seek for fame, Learn by my fate To modify your aim — That hope abate, For you will find the same Evaporate. But rather strive to do Your very best ; Be to your mission true ; And, when depressed. Remember, some day, you Will enter rest. AUTUMN. |BOVE my head the rooks are calling, call- ing; The wind comes sighing up the avenue ; Low at my feet dead leaves are falling, falling ; And dying flowers breathe a long adieu. Alas for Heaven's choristers ! the scene Is full of dark foreshadowings for them ; And flitting past with melancholy mien They chant the dying season's requiem ! I saw the golden harvest shaken, shaken ; The luscious fruitage severed from the tree ; Whose boughs, when all their wealth was taken, taken, To earth were bowed in bitter agony ! Autumn. 155 The sap of life retreated in dismay. Far down into the faithful parent's heart ; Until the snows of Winter pass away, And all its freezing influence depart. O my desponding soul is weary, weary ! The painful Present echoes but the Past ; The Future lies before me dreary, dreary ; I view it all ; and viewing, stand aghast ; All things below are but of passing worth ; The blossom and the fruit decline and fall ; And, till the voice of Spring shall call it forth, The seed lies buried 'neath the Wintry pall ! Ah ! wherefore then, my heart, this sighing, sighing, This contemplation of the buried Past ? What though thy fondest hopes be dying, dying ? Lift up thyself and be not overcast ! These fading hopes are but decaying leaves ; The light afflictions of the chastening rod. The mortal frame alone the grave receives ; The soul, enfranchised, wings its way to God. LINES INSCRIBED TO MR. AND MRS. ERASER ON THE ■ OCCASION 01 THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING. ROM far and near on this festal morn Will tender messages of love be borne, Commemorative of that union Which linked two sympathetic hearts ir one. My muse would mingle with the throng, although In part a stranger, yet not wholly so ; It ne'er has been my happiness to see Your kindly faces — loss enough for me. Yet know I Mongewell. Ah ! beloved retreat ! Her every grove familiar to my feet ; She fanned the poet's embryotic fires In early youth ; and even now .inspires. Lines. 157 There's not a thicket, nor a shady dell, Nor tree colossal but I know it well ; Alas ! that many in their pride should be So soon laid low, and taught humility ! If, in meandering amid the scene So truly picturesque, your minds have been Enriched from those serener springs divine, They must have been in sympathy with mine. And thus, O august pair ! I come to-day, Though uninvited, with my simple lay ; To visit once again my loved retreat And place this stammering tribute at your feet. When you were wed full fifty years ago There was no place for me ; nor could you know That, from the generation yet unborn. One should arise to bless that happy morn ! And yet, unfathomable mystery ! This pleasing duty has devolved on me ; Me, who am distant by as many miles As years have graced your wedding-day with smiles ! But your beneficence to all around On this your golden wedding knows no bound ; And evidences, destitute of doubt. Your kindly charity to all without. 158 Lines. Like as the autumn sun in golden glow Enamoured, looks upon the fruit below, So may the glorious Sun of Righteousness Look down upon your joy, and own, and bless. Submit your aspirations and desires Unto the will of Him, Whose cleansing fires Will purify them from all earthly dross, And point the mighty mercy of the Cross. I come not as a shadow on your joy ; I knew these glades a visionary boy ; And I have come to bless this happy day ; Now silently and slowly steal away ! For why should I, as though you knew it not. Remind you that this is no common lot ?• — How many who were with you on this day Just fifty years ago have passed away ! But O remember that His guiding hand Is leading you towards the border land ; And in the hour of death may you behold The heavenly city which is paved with gold. TWO IDEALS. I. THE BEAUTIFUL. lELDING up his stern dominion Far away had Winter fled ; Far away on mighty pinion, And the Spring reigned in his stead. Casting now his glance obhquely, Radiant and undefiled, The King of day, enamoured, meekly Kissed the earth, and Nature smiled. Ev'ry icy band dissolving At the warmth of his embrace ; While each tender plant, evolving. Yearned to look upon his face. i6o Two Ideals. Iron-hearted Care, benumbing, To his iniluence must yield ; And, rejoicing at his coming. Brighter caskets are unsealed. Night retires before his splendour ; One by one night's fetters break : All the lamps of heaven surrender When he bids the Day awake. Now his glorious beams effulgent Hover round the sleeper's head ; But the laggard, too indulgent, Hesitates to leave his bed. Through the unresisting curtain Beauteous rays of amber flow, Casting shadows, dim, uncertain, Round an artist's studio. All alone among his treasures Sat the painter wrapped in thought ; Like an architect who measures Superstructures lately wrought. Filled his mind with keen ambition ; How he longed to carve his name In the loftiest position On the monument of Fame ! Two Ideals. i6i And his heart beats all the faster, While his bosom glows with pride, As he contemplates the master Who the hammer laid aside. He who crushed the forge's fuel, Responsive to the tender flame ; And earned at once affection's jewel And imperishable fame. "In my love and fervour equal May I not his skill attain, If to gain so grand a sequel Be not altogether vain ?" Thus in solitude he ponders. Now desponding, now elate ; While amid the past he wanders Hopes and fears alternate. " Could my pregnant mind, conceiving. Give one noble image birth ; Offspring of affection's weaving. Purer than the thoughts of earth, " What ecstatic thrills of pleasure Round my ravished heart would play; Bounty's overflowing measure, Beckoning my fears away !" tx 1 62 Two Ideals. Now with majesty advancing, Lo, the sun with visage fair On his mental vision glancing, Leaves a grand idea there. From its bondage extricated Leaps his mind with ardent glee ; Like a slave emancipated After long captivity. " I will paint my own ideal Of the Beautiful ; enshrined Within my heart, an image real, Faithful mirror of the mind. " Nature graciously enhances The enraptured poet's dream ; Looking with enamoured glances, Prompting the exalted theme. " In the gloaming as he wanders By the lake or in the grove, Though in solitude he ponders She attends his steps in love. " O'er the senator's oration She presides with regal grace ; Metaphor and illustration At her bidding interlace. Two Ideals. 163 " When his lips with indecision From the lofty flight forbear, She bends the bow with swift precision, Winging the shaft that quivers there ! " From the heart of yonder mountain Issues the pellucid stream ; And from Nature as a fountain SparkUng fancies ever gleam. " Ne'er as yet to fond admirer Have her counsels been denied ; As the artist's true inspirer She will be my faithful guide." From his studio emerging Radiant with hopeful mind, Onward now his footsteps urging, Lo, he leaves the town behind. Past the churchyard — peaceful haven Where the tempest-tossed find rest — Scene indelibly engraven Long ago within his breast ! Now amid the sweet immersion Of the avenue's soft shade ; And anon with much exertion. Up the hill a way is made. II— 2 164 Two Ideals. Through the copse where in profusion Violet and primrose smile ; Now, enchanted with seclusion, Resting on the rustic stile. From that lofty elevation Nature's treasures meet his view ; Moved with fervent admiration Fancy's floodgates burst anew ! At his feet the grand old river Glistens like a silver streak ; While with Love's ecstatic quiver Graceful willows kiss his cheek. Up from his moist nest now springing Goes the lark to meet the day ; Joyously his journey winging. Carolling his morning lay. Loud and long with rapture thrilling Loves he to expatiate ; Till, his last cadenza trilling. He drops, with sweetness satiate. Now ambitious fancies thronging In the painter's eager mind Fill him with a sense of longing Such as cannot be defined. Two Ideals. 165 To the God of all creation Gratefully his praise ascends ; And, with reverent adoration, Down the hill his way he wends. Threading through the quiet mazes Of the vale's enchanted ground. Ever and anon he gazes On the beauties all around. Through the wood his way pursuing, Lo, a contrast he perceives ! O'er his head the buds renewing, At his feet the faded leaves. Buried hopes ; . yet Hope upspringing — Token surely this for good ! To this buoyant fancy clinging Now he passes through the ^yood. While the trees stretch out in shadow Half their height upon the green He meanders mid the meadow. With a. sad and pensive mien. In his mind a like reflection Hovers in and round about ; Every hope and expectation In its turn foreshadows doubt. 1 66 Two Ideals. To himself in secret talking As in dreamy reverie, Though aweary with his walking Hope has yet the mastery, " O my art," he sadly muses, " Have I lived and loved in vain ; I have sought thee in recluses. Shall I see thee once again ? " Nature has in wild profusion At my feet her treasures cast — Am I under some delusion. Shall I win success at last ? " Though my flesh be weak, my spirit Willing is, shall it avail ? I will yield thee all the merit. Guide me now, nor let me fail !" Ere the birds begin their vespers. Or the sun has said good-night. Borne along in gentle whispers Counsel and reproof unite : " Forward to thy task, relying Not on merit of thy own ; Cease the vain regret, the sighing ; Hope has not entirely flown. Two Ideals. 167 " Canst thou tell what pangs the poet In his lofty pride conceals ? Canst thou see it, feel and know it, Canst thou feel it as he feels ? " When his vessel is dismasted — Cleft asunder at one stroke, And his rising hope is blasted As the lightning smites the oak ! " When of every friendly token Every comfort all bereft ; When his heart is well-nigh broken — Life alone — a remnant — left, . " Canst thou paint his mental anguish And the conflict of his brain — When the Reason 'gins to languish, Cognizant that all is vain ; " Canst thou picture this ? and further. When the mind vacates her throne. Realize the dreadful murther Of that brain to atoms blown ? " Sacrifices of this nature Have not yet been asked of thee ; Man at best is but a creature. Creator he cannot be. 1 68 Two Ideah. " Forward to thy task, relying On no merit of thy own ; Cease for ever this vain sighing, Hope has not entirely flown !" When the seaman, worn with waiting For the tardy breeze to blow, Views at last the sails inflating. How his heart begins to glow ! Radiant beyond expression He is working fore and aft. Urging onward the progression Of his gallant little craft. But the artist's joy is deeper As he sees the smoke ascend From the cottage of the keeper — Thitherward his footsteps tend. Passing through the little garden He perceives the keeper's hound Standing, like a faithful warden. Jealous of his master's ground. Soon his voice is heard resounding Through the stillness of the air ; And the frenzy of his bounding Bids the trespasser beware ! Two Ideals. 169 Desirous to advance, but fearing, To retreat his heart is loth ; Till a stalwart form appearing Confidence extends to both. Long accustomed to seclusion, Now the keeper 'gins to doubt ; Caring not for this intrusion From the busy world without. He surveys this new encroacher On his rights with some disdain. As he would a single poacher On a pilfering campaign. But the artist, calm, collected, Tells the object of his quest ; How his plans have been rejected. How his bosom is depressed. And the keeper stood and listened As he told his simple tale ; Marking how his sad eyes glistened, And his face how wan and pale. As a man whose daily duty Lies 'mid nature's loveliness Gradually finds its beauty To himself grow less and less, 170 Two Ideals. Till a friendly coalition With some stranger at his door, Displays to his astonished vision Features never marked before, So this rough and rugged ranger Felt a tender chord vibrate With sympathy towards the stranger — String too long inanimate. Here he passed his whole existence, With his wife and only child ; While the village in the distance Served to make him more exiled. In his nature superstitious, Unacquainted with his kind, He grew more and more suspicious. And his spirit more confined. Filled with pride at the endurance Which the artist had displayed. And his diffident assurance Of a prosperous crusade, Through his mental portals flowing Tender thoughts began to steal — The hand of brotherhood bestowing, He bids him share the evening meal. Two Ideals. 171 Undervalue not the greeting Though it long procrastinate ! Vessels that are swift in meeting Swifter are to separate. Fervent love may linger longer Than desirable appears ; But its buoyancy is stronger, Developing in after years. The keeper's wife, with looks complacent, Lays before her famished guest Viands from the woods adjacent, Discovered in the morning quest. And her bosom beams with pleasure When the meal has been prepared. To observe him at her leisure — Oft inquiring how he fared. Freely flows the conversation ; All have something to relate ; But the host in his narration Tells of struggles desperate. Conflicts not imaginary, Aiming only to excite, But-encounters sanguinary 'Mid the darkness of the night. 172 Two Ideals. Till at length for their inspection Modestly the guest displayed Studies from his choice collection, Marvellous in light and shade : Unaffectedly delighted, Oft their pleasure was expressed ; Till the tapers were ignited. And they alljretired to rest. Peacefully he lies and dreaming ; While the moon with queenly grace, Through the casement softly beaming. Reveals a smile upon his face. When the sable night, retiring. Yields her sceptre to the day ; And the feathered songsters, choiring, Thrill the air with grateful lay ; When with nectar overflowing, Muffled in the morning mist, Flowers modestly are showing Petals by Aurora kissed ; When the sun in all his splendour Rises o'er the distant hill. Sleep's dull bolts will not surrender, But the artist slumbers still. Two Ideals, 173 Anon the glorious reflection Through the Httle window breaks, Shining full on his complexion, And the slumberer awakes ! Looking out upon the morning He beheld the meadows clad With the garb of Spring's adorning. And his heart within was glad. Then he saw the vapours stealing Slowly, silently away ; But a sympathetic feeling Speaks to him of yesterday. Speaks of projects incompleted. And of many a baffled aim ; Till he feels his own defeated — That he must return with shame. When at length the sunlight clear Dissipates the cloudy dews, All the dark mysterious fear Stands aloof, and Hope renews. Long he gazes, sighing after Golden opportunity ; Till the sound of rippling laughter Breaks upon his reverie. 174 Two Ideals. Stimulates to earnest action AH his latent love of fame ; Bids him seek some new attraction, Fans his ardour to a flame. Now a little lithesome figure Hastens to the field hard by ; Full of hope and youthful vigour, Pursuing an early butterfly. Simple scene, yet how enchanting ! — Long and eager is the chase ; Till he yields at length, and panting, Shows the flush upon his face ! Gracefully, though in confusion, All his golden wealth of hair Lay around, in wild profusion. Shoulders beautifully fair. Impatient now of their caresses, ' Hastily himself he frees ; And, thrusting back the wayward tresses. Bares his bosom to the breeze. Now the sun his warmth diffuses O'er the boy's impassioned face ; While the artist stands and muses. Moving back a little space. Two Ideals. i75 He recalls those tender voices, Lowly, meek and eloquent ; And his throbbing heart rejoices, Full of sweet encouragement. For the grand solution longing. He would hear them once again ; While the teeming thoughts are thronging Through the channels of his brain. O'er his fervid contemplation. As the dew upon the fleece, Comes a lofty inspiration, Like a messenger of peace. " Would a man his honour cherish, Yet to God-no glory give ? He is like the beasts that perish ; He is dead although he live. " Hast thou seen the bud unfolding, Fresh from the Creator's hand — Ev'ry flower its petal holding To the dew, nor understand ? " Hast thou heard the forest ringing With the melody of birds — While the very leaves are singing, If thou couldst but learn the words ? 176 Two Ideals. " Ev'ry plant the strain upraises To the God of all the earth ; Rendering its grateful praises Unto Him Who gave it birth. " Shall inanimate creation So transcend the human race In the zeal of its oblation As to hold the foremost place ? " Let not Fame be thy ambition, It is valueless and vain ; Thine should be a nobler mission — To assuage the human pain. "Seeking out some bruised brother, Pouring -in the oil and wine ; Sympathy for one another Most resembles that divine. " Some in youth may bear the burden ; Others all their journey through, Having for their only guerdon Poverty and sorrow too ! " Has thy heart ne'er been directed To the charms of infancy, Ere the mind has been affected By the world's great malady ? Two Ideals. 177 " Unaware of sin and" sorrow, All unconscious of decay. Waking up with each to-morrow As a part of yesterday, " Childhood is a faint reflection Of the life beyond the skies ; The earthly summit of perfection Since the loss of Paradise. " Childhood made not that confession, ' Woman gave me of the tree ;' Those who wrought the first transgression Had nor youth nor infancy. " He who now would enter heaven Must to God be reconciled ; But this grace alone is given As unto a little child. " While all things of earth are earthy, Marred by sin and misery Infancy alone is worthy Of the name of purity. " Thy research may now be ended ; All anxieties may cease ; In that child is comprehended What shall prove thy masterpiece. 12 178 Two Ideals. " Let not Fame be thy ambition 'Tis a summit few attain : He who wins the first position Finds it valueless and vain. " Rather let thy love be fervent, And thy faithfulness be strong ; Prove thyself a worthy servant, Aid the right, and crush the wrong. " Though on earth no praise be given. Be not weary nor despair ; Look for thy reward in heaven, Thou wilt surely find it there." Friendly words have often righted. By a little aid bestowed. Weary travellers benighted On an unfamiliar road. O'er the heart when doubts obscuring Hold their undisputed sway. Hopeful words are reassuring, Shedding light along the way. So the artist, as he travelled O'er the future in his mind. Saw its mysteries unravelled. And the task to him assigned. Two Ideals. 179 While the Spring was in her beauty With peculiar delight He pursued the path of duty. And his pains were infinite. Lovely landscapes on his vision Fell enamoured, but in vain ; In the valley of decision Hope had made his mission plain. Every morn some new attraction Filled his bosom with delight ; Evening brought sweet satisfaction, Softly merging into night. Day by day the sun advancing Gave him promise of success ; Smiled upon the work, enhancing All its grace and loveliness. 'Till at length each doubt retreated. Vanquished by his skilful hand ; The mighty picture stood completed, Wondrous, comprehensive, grand ! As one jewel in a cluster. Soaring high above the rest In the glory of its lustre. Excellence will manifest, 12—2 i8o Two Ideals. So the painter's earnest labours Admiration won apace ; And among his artist neighbours He obtained a foremost place. From his study walls suspended Hung the mirror of his mind ; He had done what he intended- Finished was the task assigned. II. THE REPULSIVE. WENTY years, shipwrecked and rifted, Yielding to the bitter blast. Like abandoned ships have drifted Towards the harbour of the past. Joined the vast armada riding Undisturbed at anchor there — Thitherwards all things are gliding, All save misery and care. These, alas ! are ever present ; Hovering, on stealthy wing. O'er the cottage of the peasant And the palace of the king; Since our great forerunner^ tempted, Heedless hastened to his fall^ None have been from care exempted ; He bequeathed it unto all. i82 Two Ideals. Every creature under heaven Must acknowledge its control ; Proving that a little leaven Speedily affects the whole. For in Spring the shoots are tender ; Soon in Summer's garb arrayed ; Autumn gilds them with his splendour ; Winter comes, and lo ! they fade. And from childhood's early morning Youth to manhood presses on, Till, without a word of warning, Unobserved the day has gone ! Winter, stern and unrelenting. Holds once more his potent sway ; Into solid rock cementing Minute particles of spray. The strength of north and east uniting — Guardians of the frigid zone ; From whose portals, shrewd and biting, Winter's messages are blown. O'er the city now descending. Enemy to life and breath, Fog and smoke in venom blending, , Like a. humid pall of death. Two I deals i 183 Filled the mansions of the wealthy, Filled the hovels of the poor ; Weak alike to ward the stealthy Fiendlike footstep froni the door ! Filled the study of the painter ; Strove that picture to conceal ; Till its form grew fainter, fainter. Looking hazy and unreal. Near a solitary taper, Which across the chamber shed Feeble light amid the vapour. Sat the artist as he read. From the fire a faint reflection Frequent fell upon his face, Lighting up his whole complexion With a calm and tender grace. Ever and anon his features. Like an index of the mind. Pointed to some plan of Nature's Which as yet was undefined. Shadows flitting hither, thither. On the ceiling, on the walls ; Vanishing he knew not whither. As a vagrant fancy falls. 184 Two Ideals. Now approaching, now receding, To his mood adapted well ; For, the great Italian leading, He traversed the paths of Hell \ All absorbed, the painter yielded Up his mind to him who led ; Though the mighty power he wielded Filled the reader's heart with dread. Sighs and tears unavailing, Horrid shrieks and blasphemies. Despairing cries and woeful wailing. All became realities ! Till his keen imagination. Wandering through Stygian dens. Clothed each one with animation As it were a mighty lens. And within that chamber, lighted By the taper's feeble rays. Spectral phantoms, uninvited. His astonished look surveys ! Starting up with apprehension. On that face his vision fell ; And intensified the tension Which had linked his mind with Hell. Two Ideals. 185 Through the vapour, half beclouded, To his mind the face appeared As it had been newly shrouded With a death-like pallor, weird. Turning from the scene, and gazing Out upon the street below. He beheld the lurid, blazing. Fire-brands carried to and fro. By their aid his straining vision Could but indistinctly trace, Moving on with indecision. Phantoms at funereal pace. But that vapour, so destructive With its pestilential dart Was designed to be productive Of a masterpiece in art. For the painter was impulsive ; And was filled with a desire To embody the revulsive E'en as Nature should inspire. That the rivals by contesting Which the higher palm shall bear May succeed in manifesting Beauties they distinctly share. 1 86 Two Ideals. Through the streets of that vast city Strode the artist in his quest ; Viewing much that claimed his pity, But his crayons lay at rest. Though he saw the drunkard reeling, To the verge of madness brought. He could not resist the feeling, That was not the subject sought. But anon a sad procession Met him on his pensive way ; One who fain Would yield possession Of his tenement the clay. In his conflict with starvation He had struggled hard and long ; Weakened by emaciation, He surrendered to the strong. Reason left her seat for ever ; Cursing then his hour of birth, Lo, he raised his hand to sever All that bound him. to the earth ! Motionless upon a litter, While his life-blood ebbed away, He, whose lot had been so bitter. In his anguish, groaning, lay. Two Ideals. 187 Long the artist stood reflecting On the subject pro and con ; But he ended by rejecting, And, though half convinced, passed on. In the midst of indecision He observed the angry frown Of the dismal county prison Looking pitilessly down. Swiftly, as by inspiration, Came at once a glowing thought ; Laden with anticipation — " Herein find what thou hast sought." " Safe within my ward and keeping All the dregs of human kind, Fruits of early vice are reaping. Each in solitude confined." Sighed the artist as he entered At the portals dark and grim ; And his thoughts were straightway centred On the scene confronting him. Bolts and massive bars presenting AH, the marks of misery ; Sternness swift and unrelenting, Bordering on cruelty. 1 88 Two Ideals. After modest hesitation, To the warder he confessed In the course of conversation AH the details of his quest. Focussed in a fellow-being. By the law condemned to die ; In embryo achieved by seeing, Though his was no curious eye. Then the warder led him straightway Past an avenue of cells, Underneath a ponderous gateway Where eternal darkness dwells. As each bolt in turn surrendered, And in turn was left behind. Solemn were the thoughts engendered In the painter's vivid niind. Till at length the warder mutely Signified the journey o'er ; And, anon, he resolutely Paused before a grated door. Then the artist felt a shrinking That his strength could not withstand ; He experienced a sinking At his heart, and was unmanned. Two Ideals. 189 As he gazed upon the portals Of that solitary cell, Fancy saw those lines to mortals Written on the doors of Hell. Engraved upon the very centre, Easy to be understood, " Hope abandon ye who enter," As it were in words of blood ! And the tear of pity started At the prospect of his doom ; As the painter, heavy hearted, Looked into that living tomb ! Is there no redeeming feature In a man condemned to die ? He is still a fellow creature And his death demands a sigh. Wherefore dost thou, man of science, Rail at sympathy and love ? Cast aside that self reliance, Scorning that thou canst not prove. Thinkest thou that God Almighty, Ever since the world began Has not felt, however slightly, Love and sympathy to man ? I go Two Ideals. Is it in thy creed suggested That the Saviour of mankind In the love He manifested Towards hysteria inclined ? Verily thy life thou owest To maternal love and care ; And within thy heart thou knowest No hysteria was there ! Thine is but a poor resistance, Destitute of manliness, Since thou owest thy existence To affection's soft caress. Had thy mother disregarded All the claims to Nature due. Thou perchance hadst been discarded When the light first met thy view. At one glance, keen, penetrating. All the horrors of that cell. As he stood before that grating. On the painter's vision fell ! Near a window, barred and bolted, He could indistinctly scan One who had for years revolted 'Gainst the laws of God and man. Two Ideals. 191 When the warder saw him standing Where the rays of light reflect, He, in stern tones and commanding, Bade the culprit stand erect. Straightway he whose crime atrocious Now its retribution bore, With a flint-like face, ferocious. Turned towards that grated door. And in all that crowded city There was nought that could subdue, Or melt the sternest heart to pity As the sight which met his view. All uncared-for and uncaring In that chamber stood a youth. With a fierce defiant bearing On the portals of his mouth. When the interview was ended And at length they turned away. On the artist's mind attended Desolation and dismay ! Back in sadness, slow and pensive. For a while of speech bereft. Often looking apprehensive Towards the cell so lately left. 192 Two Ideals. Lest by dint of perseverance, And desire of liberty. The murderer make his appearance Daring all things to be free. As they journeyed through the prison To the warder he confessed What a ghastly thought had risen Paramount within his breast. Said the warder, as the clanging Keys against each other smote : " The chance of his escaping hanging Is, to say the least, reniote. " There's no thought of their reprieving Such a hardened wretch as he ; If he thinks so 'tis deceiving To himself, but not to. me." Then his voice grew somewhat fainter Until, in an undertone. He almost whispered to the painter : " Shall be glad when he is gone. " He has given us all some trouble — But of that I will not speak ; For his life is but a bubble That will burst to-morrow week. Two Ideals. 193 " While I was attending warder There was one tl\e convict knew Came, and, with a governor's order. Pleaded for an interview. " So I took him as directed, Listening to every word ; But a scene quite unexpected At that interview occurred. " 'Twas his father, brokenhearted, Stood outside the iron rails ; When he saw his son he started ! — He was all unused to gaols. " But no sooner did that hell-hound See his father in the place, Stupefied with grief, and spellbound. Than he cursed him to his face ! " Told him it was all his doin' All because of his neglect ; He had hastened him to ruin. And was glad to see him wrecked ! *' Had you seen the savage bearing He assumed when in the dock ; Heard him muttering and swearing You might well sustain a shock ! 13 i94 ^^^ Ideals. " Counsel for the prosecution When he opened out the case Said the points for their solution He would seriatim trace. " In the course of his oration He said, other things among, That the prisoner's dissipation Showedrfitself when very young. " And one thing, said he, was striking ; Prisoner was an only son. And had always shown a liking For a pistol or a gun. " Nursed and tended with affection. Humoured as an only child. Unconscious of the least correction. He grew wayward, selfwilled, wild. " But he early lost his mother ; A bereavement much deplored ; Though his father brought another. And the loss was soon restored. " The effect of this addition, So acceptable to some. Only soured his disposition ; He was rarely found at home. Two Ideals. 195 *' At length he got associated With a rough and lawless crew ; Men who nightly congregated Near some coverts that he knew. " But his nature was suspicious. And they did not long agree ; They were timid, he ambitious, So they parted company. " And from thence his course of error Downward sped, nor brooked delay; He became the midnight terror Of Her Majesty's highway. " Naturally shrewd and cunning. Though at times severely pressed, He succeeded long in shunning Every plan for his arrest. " But the lane that has no turning Is exceptionally long ; Truth of equal weight concerning Avenues of right and wrong. " Daring men who, animated, By a love of enterprise, Made nocturnal tours, and waited Near some rendezvous, as spies. 13—3 196 Two Ideals. " Be it to their praise recorded That these champions of right Persevered, though unrewarded In their vigils of the night. " But it chanced as two were riding Over Hounslow Heath abreast That they found one road dividing, As it were, from east to west. " Which of these lent most assistance E'en the finger-post was mute ; When a horseman in the distance Soon decided the dispute. " For a while they hesitated As to what should be their mode ; But at length they separated, Choosing each a different road. " Soon, unconscious of his danger, Drawing nearer to the scout, Came the solitary stranger. Passed him, and then turned about. " As it were an apparition. This foul fiend in human shape, Reined his horse into position, Lest his victim should escape, Two Ideals. 197 " Swiftly a revolver placing Perilously near the head Of his prey as if menacing E'en his very life, he said : " ' My demands brook no refusing, But select which it shall be ; So you be not long in choosing — Loss of life or property.' " Feigning fear and agitation At the threat which this implied, Without the slightest hesitation Instantly the scout complied.- " That a man should be so willing As to part with all he had. Even to the final shilling. Seemed to make that villain glad. " And upon his victim gazing He, with patronizing tone. Congratulated him in praising The sound judgment he had shown. " Taken off his guard completely By the readiness displayed. The prisoner somewhat indiscreetly Suffered vigilance to fade. 1 98 Two Ideals. " Swiftly as a meteor falling With a momentary glow, Fell at once with force appalling On that arm a fearful blow ! " This transition so surprising Filled the villain with alarm. For the moment pkralyzing All the power in that arm. " Seized at once with desperation, On his adversary's head Muttering an imprecation, Lo, he turned and would have fled. " But that act was soon averted, For the scout remaining there, By a signal preconcerted Fired a shot into the air. " Riding at a furious canter As the sounds reverberate. From a group of trees instanter Came the scout's associate ! " Caught at once in flank and rear, With no exit either way. Prisoner as his foes drew near Turned about, and stood at bay ! Two Ideals. 199 " When Adversity is frowning Spurns Necessity the law, As a man in fear of drowning ■ Grasps at every passing straw. " When a nation's foes surround her^ Who may pause to count the cost ? In a ship about to founder, He who hesitates is lost ! " Many were his straits and various, Victor oft in such a scene ; But in such a plight precarious Prisoner had never been. " Delay was dangerous ; already Was the wretch severely pressed ; When a shot both sure and steady Pierced the new arrival's breast. " That foul murder consummated Fired his sanguinary thirst ; His hand again was elevated. But this time the scout was first ! " And his shot was well delivered, For, with an appalling yell. As his shoulder-bone was shivered The assassin reeled and fell ! 200 Two Ideals. " At this juncture help was needed. For the scheme so ably planned Had but partially succeeded — Aid, however, was at hand. " For two officers returning From a supper of champagne Came upon the scene ; and learning The event, drew eager rein., " So his capture was effected ; And the guardians of the Crown Led him, by the scout directed, Straightway to the nearest town. " And with indignation regal, All unconscious of delay. Justice, like a mighty eagle, Fell at once upon her prey." So the warder's story ended ; And, desirous of retreat. He who heard it now descended Well-known steps into the street. For a while he stood astounded At the ghastly narrative ; Till the heavy door resounded, Thundering forth the fact : You live ! Two Ideals. 201 Then with pace accelerated Through the city wrapt in gloom Strode the artist, agitated,. Back again unto his room. Though it be no longer lighted By the taper's feeble glare, Better than that prison, blighted, And that, warder's stony stare ! From the iire that faint reflection Brought the selfsame shadows back To his vivid, recollection, But attired in dqpper black. Nature's laws are violated When the mind is forced to span Distances uncontemplated By the faculties of man. And the blow is all the keener If the mind is left alone ; Only in the changed demeanour Is the devastation known. There are floods which must be waded, Conflicts which no heart can shun ; He who conquers them unaided Has a mighty victory won. 202 Two Ideals. Difficult of recognition, God is working for the best ; Though, by His divine permission, Good and evil walk abreast. For the enemy is going Up and down with stealthy feet ; Is insidiously sowing Tares among the virgin wheat. Side by side their heads uplifting To the sun which called them forth, Both await the final sifting That shall estimate their worth. So the painter viewed his mission, Though with difficulty fraught, Worthy of his high ambition. As a true disciple ought. Conscious that the work demanded All the powers he possessed, Every day his hopes expanded. And became more manifest. Quickened into animation. Labouring harmoniously, His copious imagination Magnified his mernory. Two Ideals. 203 Ev'ry moment spent in leisure Ultimately was retrieved ; And the artist viewed with pleasure Day by day the work achieved. That bullet-head's exact proportions, Sensuous mouth and furtive eye, That face's hideous contortions It was his to amplify. After labour long protracted, Months of mingled joy and care. Stood the work at last enacted Marvellous beyond compare ! Though in its approach retarded. Every patient worker knows Honest labour is rewarded By a season of repose. Even so the artist rested As he gazed with modest pride On the beauties manifested ; Each distinct, yet all allied. And with eyes diverging never. Albeit in every place, Those two portraits looked for ever Each into the other's face. 204 Two Ideals. Summer's peaceful reign was ended ; And, with pleading eloquence, She to Autumn's care commended All her late magnificence. But that despot, overbearing, Listened with averted head ; Till the lofty elm, despairing, Trembled as with very dread. Stormy winds with exultation Bear his messages away ; And a wail of desolation Tells disaster and dismay. Fled across the face of heaven Clouds, portentous, multiform. Like affrighted phantoms driven By the fury of the storm. Round the keeper's humble dwelling Swept the mighty hurricane ; Through the doors and windows yelling As a sudden cry of pain. Through that little casement sighing Came the blast with bated breath ; Where the stalwart keeper lying. Waited for the stroke of death ! Two Ideals. 205 His majestic form was crumbling 'Neath a fever's potent sway ; While his busy brain was stumbling — Groping its benighted way. Starting from his bed affrighted, " Look !" he cried, " I see him there ! He in whom my heart delighted. Spare him, I implore you, spare ! " See that cruel crowd collected — Hark at that appalling yell ! Like some pestilence ejected Through the open doors of hell ! " Give me back the son I tended With a more — than father's care ; Come, my boy — the past is mended — I the punishment will — bear ! " Stand aside-^I hear him calling ! There he is — look — all alone ; Save him — warder ! He is falling — Mercy on me — he is gone !" 2o6 Two I(Uals. Long before the storm abated — Long before the night had fled, The keeper's soul had been translated, And he lay among the dead. CHRISTMASTIDE. MAY this Christmas come with smiles to you; Such as true friendship can alone bestow ; ly all the heart's best flood-gates hurst anew ; \nd every fount of pleasure overflow. ly this bright festive mornihg fill your mind With pleasing recollections of the past ; d each succeeding Christmas may you find [n sympathy and love eclipse the last ! May every tender cord faithful friendship, and devoted love, 3und your heart this day be gently wove, And sweet delight afford. 2o8 Christmastide. May every pleasure blend In social intercourse and harmony ; And may your Christmas joy the earnest be Of bliss that shall not end. May every Christmas be to thee and thine A time of pure hilarity ; When mirth and merriment and joy combine With faith and hope and charity. But may each annual festival increase Thy joys with true celerity ; And may the blessings of a life of peace Be thine in all sincerity. O brightest season of the closing year, When all without is cold, and all within Yearns for some softening influence to cheer Amid the harass of the worldly din ! O Christmas ! we are glad that thou art here ! Thy hand outstretched to claim our brotherhood. Give us a heart like unto thine — sincere, A hand munificent for other's good ! THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW. [HE Old Year stands, without a friend, upon the verge of time ; His heart is bowed with sorrow as he hears the distant chime ; le feels the world's inconstancy ! A year ago this night Those very bells his advent hailed with rapturous dehght ; 5ut now he stands, a king deposed, his kingdom overthrown, Lnd wraps his cloak around him as he stands there all alone ; lis work on earth is ended — one lingering look, and see ! le totters o'er the frontier of dread Eternity ! 14 2IO The Old Year and the New. Forth issues from his chamber now the new-born Year of grace. And through the dust of centuries his chariot moves apace ; A smile of triumph on his face, a laurel on his brow. Before his presence every moment all things meekly bow. His promises are manifold, and seem to be sincere ; But hope raised thus is transient, and soon will dis- appear ; And when at length his youthful ardour grows a little cold, Alas ! it will be said of him, " How very like the old !" ARCANA. JNE evening in the summer-time I wandered forth to seek a rhyme Amid the shades I love ; Not deeming that an enemy, Awaiting opportunity, Lurked in that lovely grove. But while I mused, distinct and clear, There fell a sound upon my ear Like a dissentient hiss ; Methought there was a time my feet Were welcomed in that loved retreat. And has it come to this ! But soon I saw a sinuous shape. Meandering o'er the path, escape 14—2 212 Arcana. Towards the river's brink ; And then I marvelled much that he Who, in his venom, hissed at me, Should from my presence shrink. Then I resumed my vi^alk and found. Thrown like a seed upon the ground. The simple rhyme I sought ; And planted it within my heart. That, in due season, it might start And bloom into a thought. If then the sky be overcast. And criticism's venomed blast My flower overtake. The scornful hiss, the stolid sneer Will fall familiar on my ear. And call to mind the snake. RELIEVE GUARD! HE Old Year, like an aged sentinel, Retains his post, and everything is well ; And like a warrior, his work achieved. With martial bearing waits to be relieved. Who goes there ? Speak ! Art thou a friend or foe? ^or step is heard, nor answer made, but lo ! Across the path of midnight, through the storm, \ figure slowly moves in uniform ! W^ith stately step a young recruit draws near ; The hoary sentry whispers in his ear ! \.h ! who can tell what on that whisper hangs ? vVhat thrills of pleasure, or what bitter pangs ! 214 Relieve Guard! O thou New Year, our hopes lie at thy feet ; We know thou canst not make the bitter sweet ; We know that to the future we must bow ; But speak a word of comfort to" us now ! EPILOGUE. To THE Reader. [NE moment. Reader ! Ere the genial light of your last look Withdraws its radiance from my little book ; Before the echo of these quivering strings Is hurried hence upon the wayward wings Of Time into the unremembered Past. 'Tis our jBrst meeting, and may be our last ; Give me your hand, and look me in the face, I crave your clemency, and, in this case, Am special pleader. With hand unskilful. If I have struck one sympathetic chord Within your heart, or said a soothing word Which from your mind reluctantly will fade, It is enough for me : I am repaid.