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Books of special value and gift books, when the giver wishes it, are not allowed to circulate. • — ""■ Readers are asked to re- j port all cases of books marked or mutilated. Do not doface books by marks and writing. Cornell University Library PR 5677.T9L2 1888 The language of flowers, in verse, and o 3 1924 013 564 798 Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book 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/cu31924013564798 »V^!5»<*-» IN VERSE, Third Edition Enlarged /VnD other ]pOEMS, MAJOR TRIST, OF TRISTFORD. DEDICATED IN ALL LOVE TO HIS DEAR ONES AT HOME. A.D. 1885. " Fair " means — all that are beautiful— lovely— and bright- No t only the Golden — the Red— and the Light ! " How oft' dolh an emblem-bud silently tell, What language, could never, speak half so well." Miss Twanley. "Affection's tribute, - " With silent eloquence, more rich than words." TOTNES i PRINTED AT THE "TIMES" AND "WESTERN GUARDIAN" OFFICES, ' 1888. .-a FK -T-fL A4to|55.0 TPE hWmm^i 6F Fl£0WE^. Especially Published for the Blind Asylum Bazaar, held in Plymouth, gth May, i8'/2. My object is to benefit The poor — the helpless — Blind, And much I hope, they'll many friends With hearts, and money, find ! These, happ'ly oft' together go — Tho' oft' it doth befall Alas ! that those, of riches full, Have got no hearts at all ! May all remember, that 'tis writ In God's most Holy Word, " For whoso giveth to the poor " "He lendeth to the Lord ! " Mark well, the promise made by One Who never spake in vain, •' And look, that what he layeth out " " Shall be paid him again!" " They, who are rich in this world's goods," " And pity poor man's strife" " With poverty — Foundation good " '• Lay for Eternal Life ! " P^EPHOE m -THE gEOQND EDITieN. " Music hath charms, to sooth the savage beast " — The charms of Poetry ! A soothing feast To those who understand — appreciate — Its sweet, sweet sounds, with feeHngs adequate! I am not vain enough, to think that aught Compos'd by me, will teach the yet untaught To love, or care for it, a bit the more — Or treasure in their hearts, the valu'd store Of much that's beautiful — of much that's good — For if they've hitherto, its charms withstood They'll do so still — Still know not what they lose — For that is — can be — only known to those Who can — and do — as I do — love it much ! I love to read — to cull from others — such As strikes my fancy— then to re-arrange — Presumption 'tis I know ! Yet still the change Strikes me, as having, sweet poetic sound. This may be vanity — still all (cullings) are found In works of others — scarce can I tell where, I've read, and cull'd, so much about the Fair ! What sweeter subject, can a Poet's pen Delight to dwell on ? None sure that I ken ! So, liken all who differ— without dole — To " Man that hath not music in his soul," " And is not mov'd, by concord of sweet sounds " — He, only fit for all that feeling wounds ! I — with this Poet — add (as much disgust'd) Beware of such ! " Let no such man be trust'd ! " Pl^EPHCE W I^HE JPHII^D EDITI0N- Scene. A TENNIS GROUND SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF TOTNES. A MATCH IS BEING PLAYED. Actresses. A groupe of "Fair Ones," stand watching the players, when suddenly a fresh arrival — a very excited " Fair One " — rushes on the scene, clapping her hands and exclaiming Oh Girls ! Oh Girls ! I've suc/i good news ! The Third Edition's out ! TAe " Fair Groupe " altogetlier. What Third Edition ! quickly tell ! What is this fuss about ? The very excited " Fair One." Well ! All I hnow is. I've been told That someone, somewhere heard, From someone else, that someone said, He had brought out his Third ! " The Fair Groupe." What third ! What some one ! Who s the he That causes all this stir ! Do pray calm down a little bit And say, without demur ! " The very excited Fair One." Well ! who the he is,. I can say, I know that without doubt ! He is that " very vain old man " Who brought his " Second " out Sometime ago — and who presumes To think he somehow can Write verses sweet, in praise of us. " The Fair Groupe" (^slightly conceited.) Oh ' What a vain old man, (Exclaim the " Fair Groupe" with one voice) To think that he can write A single word in praise of ns That could give us delight ! He must be very vain indeed. To think that he can raise Within us e'en ■d. gleam of joy ! \Vc are beyond all praise ! ! ! (Here their pretty little noses attain a great elevation.) 9 " TAe very excited Fair One." Oh girls ! oh girls ! what do you mean ! You know you like to read What's written by him — and tho' old, I'm sure naught can exceed The admiration great he feels ! He calls us " The sweet Fair " ! 'Tis pity that he is so old Because you know — Well ! — There ! " The Fair Groupe " put their heads together — (in other words consult), and after a short, but very sweet, consideration of so interesting and important a matter, say Well ! now you talk of him like that, We are inclin'd to think Hes not so bad — He says, we hear. We are the very pink Of all that's graceful — beautiful — So are dispos'd to say Zf^ might do worse than write 'bout us But do his writings pay ? to " The very excited Fair One." No! No! I'm certain they do not, Except in one great thing ! He wishes — tries — to please us all. That does sweet payment bring To him, when he succeeds, I know ! His books, I'm sure, betray His feehngs t' wards us — and I've heard Some people somewhere say That of the hundreds, he's brought out He (Poor stupid old thing) Has giv'n them all away ! * " The Fair Groupe." Oh ! What a stupid, poor old thing ! He might his fortune make If he would sell, instead of give ! His books would surely take Amongst "The Fair" throughout the land Each would a copy buy ! Still — speaking selfishly — we think To sell, he'd best not try ! II AND " The very excited Fair One rushes frantically off the ground, crying out Oh ! I do so hope he will give me one ! " The Fair Groupe " join in the cry. And so do we ! — so do we ! The Author here, begs leave to say, that it will give him the greatest possible pleasure, so to do, when he discovers who they all are ! * This " FAIR ONE " owing, doubtless, to the GREAT — BUT PARDONABLE — STATE OF EXCITEMENT, SHE IS IN, HERE MAKES A SLIGHT MISTAKE. NEARLY 200 COPIES OF THE " FiRST EDITION " WERE SOLD AT — AND FOR— THE " BLIND ASYLUM BAZAAR," 1872. Tristford, iSt/i June, 18S8. ^loTOcr^ and fl)ctr §mhlcm^. Flowers — sweet flowers ! — oft our thoughts express. Our hopes sometimes — on these I'll lay no stress. For hopes, like flow'rs, oft' fade, and wither too — Become things of the past — dead — lost to view. Thought lives for ever, so may well compare To " Everlasting " flower, bright and fair ! " Remembrance never ceasing" is its type — What joy, when thought, with " Lasting pleasure's " ripe ! The drooping " Snowdrop," " Hope " itself implies. Hope — that oft' like the Snowdrop — droops and dies ! The bright " Forget me not," its own tale tells. How sweet, when we can feel that this thought dwells, In th' Aear^s of those we love— And comfort great To think, in mem'ry, 'tis not mixed with hate! The "Violet blue"— a flow'r — gentle— sweet — Of " Faithfulness," expressive is— replete With charms— and happy, are all those who feel Their friends are faithful — be't in woe or weal ! The " Heliotrope," " Devotion great," denotes— In thought — its sight— its scent— this e'er promotes. Who that has felt its force, can e'er forget ? Its loss a/l—who have felt— must e'er regret. H The " Lily of the Valley " — sweetest flow'r ! " Return of happiness " implies — its pow'r O'er sense and feeling, must be great for ever, Tho' the return be slow — Aye, often never! The " Myrtle " soars, almost at thought above — It tells a tale of " Deep and lasting love," To those who understand its language sweet. Such folk are rare — with them we seldom meet ! " You occupy my thoughts," the " Heart's ease," says — And so, the thoughts of many oft' betrays. " Ease " — " occupy '' — are words that plainly prove The thoughts are pleasing, that the feelings move. Sweet " Mignionette" all gloomy thought disarms — It says, "Your qualities, surpass your charms" — The charms it means, must be exceeding fair! The qualities, of course, exceeding rare ! Tho' some there be, combine the twain in one — Each equal to the other — they alone Compare to the " Camelia," in the sense It gives, of " Unpretending excellence." The Rose — the " White rose wild " doth much contain — It tells of " Pleasure, mingl'd e'er with pain." Each held in mem'ry's chain for ever fast — Mingl'd in thought together, e'er must last. Tho' joyous 'tis, when pleasure, past pain kills — Friendship restor'd ! the heart with gladness thrills — Feels more than tongue can tell — from pen can flow — And lights up friendship's torch, with brightest glow ! the " Peony " and " Marvel of Peru," " Timidity " and " Bashfulness " endue All those with, who — like me — these feelings know, And like the " White rose," " Silence " ever show In floral language sweet — and ever try To prove like " Bush Vetch," they are very shy ! The vetch in bush, tries to its charms conceal. Its inward twining, clearly doth reveal Its " Shyness " — and with " Lily White " will vie As emblematical of " Modesty " ! The " Fern," the lovely fern, is emblem bright Of deep " Sincerity," and sheds a light Of " Fascination " round the hearts of those. Thro' whose hearts, love and friendship, ever flows ! The " Ivy " twines, and round most closely clings Whate'er it takes to — hence its compare springs To sweet " Fidelity " — to " Friendship " dear — What greater charms, requir'd the heart to cheer ! The " Moss "—the " Sorrel "—children of the Wood— " Parental love " declare ! All understood By those who read the language of sweet flow'rs In Nature's book, for joy it o'er them show'rs. Bright book indeed ! the brightest e'er was writ — The clearest and the sweetest — ever it Truthful appears! so thro' the heart must run. And with this happy thought I'll end Part 1. With pleasure great, I now my path pursue — Bright — joyous path ! More flowers on't I'll strew. I've trod one part — and many a flow'r sweet Have pluck'd from out my little book's retreat The meaning of — in humble strain — to try And illustrate zh prose, in Poetry. Flow'r, fruit, or plant — whichever in my mind, Poetical appears, is true, or kind, I cull — Tho' this to do is work of time, I pick them, as I find, they suit my rhyme. And hope that those I write for will approve The emblems, that I pick, of truth and love — Select from, when they wish the hearts to cheer. Of those they love, and hold for ever dear. May't pleasure give them ! It does me to look At much contain'd in my dear little book — Reminding me, of much that's past and gone — " Of days long vanish'd, never to return ! " I'm old and odd — my blooming days are o'er — E'en if I would — I can't — my youth restore ! The " Lily of the Field," is emblem sweet Of great " Humility " — 'Tis e'er a treat To find this charm, in those we would respect. Sometimes we find it, where we least expect ! Emblem of me — poor me 1 — Herein I shine! Tho' some may think, io say so, is no sign. 17 The " Filbert " speaks of " Reconciliation." The " Flax " expresses " Sense of obligation." The one, a sweet charm, when our friends are dear ! The other, feeling deep, which naught can tear From out the hearts of those, who e'er love well Their friends — whom in their hearts, none can excel. " I share your sentiments," is well "express'd By " Garden daisy " — and to all address'd. All those, who, in their thoughts can realise The sentiments of those they love, and prize. " Participation " in one sense must flow Through th' hearts of all, whose e'er with pleasure glow At sight of Spring's bright flow'rs — Spring best of Times, When all that's bright, with Nature ever chimes ! The "Vari'gated Tulip" e'er implies That sweet charm in the Fair, " Beautiful eyes." To look on either doth much joy impart — Both, bright and beautiful, to ev'ry heart That is not cold to all that's rich and rare In Nature's lovely garden — Sweet and fair ! The " Cowslip " of our fields, with " Grace " doth shine. Th' "American," with "Beauty" most "Divine." The "Milk Vetch" cries, "Your presence softens pain," The " Pink Geranium," " Preference " quite plain. So, " You are perfect," says the "Pine Apple." " Constancy's " told by " Canterbury Bell." The "Cranberry" a "Cure for heart ache" gives. " Affectionate remembrance " ever lives i8 In " Rosemary." And " Austrian Rose " exclaims " You're very lovely " — so, with " Moss Rose " aims At that " Superior merit " which we see Emblemiz'd in the " Garden Strawberry." This cries aloud " Perfection "—" Love "—" Es- teem " ! Like " Rosebud red " doth " Pure and lovely " beam. That "You please all," the " Bunch of Currants" tells. With " Tender recollections," ever swells In thought, the " Periwinkle white," or " Red." From " Damask rose " sweet " Bashful love " is shed. "Scarlet Geranium," "Comforting" appears, And " Mugwort " — type of " Happiness " e'er cheers. Sweet " Consolation," gives, the " Poppy red." With " Mutual love," " Ambrosia " rears its head. " Delicate Beauty's," " Flower of an hour." The " Crown Imperial " is type of " Pow'r." The " Spear Mint " speaks of " Warmth of Senti- ment." And " Indian Jasmine " of " Great Attachment." Each lend to friendship's store a pleasing charm. Each prove the thoughts and feelings e'er beat warm. " Delicate pleasure " doth " Sweet Pea " exclaim. The " Tulip tree " is typical of " Fame." In flow'rs sweet voice — so in a floral sense — The " Cyclamen " is type of " Diffidence." And much it charms me, in the " Broom " to find " Humility " and " Neatness " are combined ! 19 " I am your Captive " cries aloud Sweet " Blossom of the Peach " ! And thus to all, its emblem of Sweet slavery, doth teach. The " Aconite leav'd Crowfoot " E'er beams with " Brilliancy." And " Lustre," is another type. That in this plant we see. The " Ethiopian Calla," " Magnifcent beauty " sheds. " Gold Amaranth," " Unfading love " Around most brightly spreads. Its symbol too, " Unchangeable " Is charming to the sense. " Hepatica " — sweet little flow'r ! Abounds in " Confidence." The " Cactus " tells of "Warmth in love.' And it is very sure That " Balm of Gilead " gives " Relief," Sometimes a perfect " Cure " ! " Love sweet, and secret's," emblemiz'd By " Honey flower," bright. And " Mother wort," " Concealed love " Exclaims with all its might ! The " Mountain Pink," " Aspiring love," With no wish to be free. " Conjugal love " expressed is. By " Lime," or " Linden tree." " Unfading," " Lasting beauty " shows The " Stock," and " Gilly-flow'r." 20 " Amethystea," " Admiration," With all its floral pow'r. " Attachment — deep — devoted " — is Another emblem giv'n By that sweet flow'r, the " Heliotrope," In thought, akin to Heav'n ! It is so sweet — it charms the sense — Its sentiment must prove We owe it to bright Heav'n above, And here, to those we love ! How joyous 'tis, when in this world Of misery, and woe, We have the pow'r, the will, the heart, T 'wards those we love, to show By aught approaching aught that's kind. In thought, in deed, in word. How much we do appreciate The pleasure they afford To us — when on us — they their smiles Bestow — and let us find That we remember'd are, by them, With feelings ever kind ! I know no language can express More forcibly — so well — More gently, sweetly, truthfully, The thoughts that in us dwell. Than that sweet language of sweet flow'rs. For ever blooming bright — For e'en a flow'r, tho' wither' d — dead — Recalls to thought, the light It shed in us — once on a time — Thoughts full of joy and glee — Tho' these be dead, like little flow'r, They live in memory ! 22 So as I am in rhyming mood, I'll e'en resume my task, And in my darling little book's Sweet bed of flow'rs will bask. Will go on plucking emblems sweet, Prove, what I pen, is true, Tho' I abound, in that express'd By " Marvel of Peru " !— The " Arbor Vitae "—tree of life— With living truth, doth bloom — " Unchanging friendship," says. And so, dispels all thought of gloom, With " Gratitude " for ev'ry boon, The " White bell flower " shines. The "Myrrh" with "Gladness"— "Passion flow'r" In " Faith "— " Belief "—e'er twines. " You are rich in attractions," cries The bright " Ranunculus." Bound in loves '' Bonds " — in sweet " Repose," The fair " Convolvulus." " You're always lovely," sweetly doth Exclaim the " Indian pink " — And naught can more expressive be Of Beauty bright, I think ! " Grace," " Elegance," are typifi'd By " Yellow Jasmine " sweet. " Simplicity," and " Beauty," in " Burgundy rose," we meet. With " Splendour " shines " Nasturtium," The " Scarlet," of its kind. 23 And "Ardour" in the " Cuckoo plant "— Love's ardour sweet — we find. All charms — sweet charms !— that in the Fair, It joys us much to see, And those we love, we e'er endue With charms that cannot flee ! With " Lustre " great, with lustre bright, Shines the " Fair Maid of France." (The Fair, with lustre ever shine. And e'er our hearts entrance !) But fair as be, " Fair Maid of France " — A type of all that's sweet In floral sense — Naught can afford To us, so rich a treat, As dwelling on the charms of those Sweet flow'rs in Human form. Who, ever by their brightness cheer. Our hearts with gladness warm ! — Old England's Fair one's bear the palm From all the world away ! And of these, Devon's fair daughters sweet. Shine out in bright array ! As first — as best — none can come near — ■ To them none can compare — They are so bright ! they are so sweet ! They are so wondrotis fair ! ! ! — The " Double red pink "—" Woman's love!' Is of all types, the best ! Without it — What would this world be ? On what could poor Man rest ? H 'Tis greatest blessing — comfort — joy !• By Providence is giv'n To cheer man, on his weary way — 'Tis next best gift, to Heav'n ! And here I will conclude Part III. I naught more sweet can find In book or out, expressive of That running in my mind ! A Fair conclusion — that with joy My thoughts, and feeling bind ! — The " Saffron Crocus," " Mirth " implies. The " Dafifodil," " Regard." The "Goose foot," "Goodness"— "Daily rose" Doth e'er " A Smile," award. The " Musk rose " says, it " Charming " is. The " Coreopsis " fair. Is " Always cheerful " — Makes the heart Feel light as balmy air ! The " Red leav'd rose " with " Beauty " sweet. Blooms ever to the sight, And beaming with " Prosperity " Must ever bloom most bright ! " Rose Campion " — a lovely rose ! Doth lovely type express. It tells of that we joy to see, Sweet, charming, " Gentleness," A charm indeed ! and one we like In those we love to prove — Combin'd with grace and beauty Should be " Gentleness," and love ! The " Sultan sweet " is charming type Of sweet " Felicity." " Veronica," with " Ivy " vies In deep "Fidelity." 26 The " Heliotrope Peruvian " — Of flow'rs, a lovely treasure ! " Intoxicated " emblem gives, Quite overcome, " with pleasure." The "Coronella," hopeful is. "Success your wishes crown" It says to all the Fair — the dark — The red — the white — the brown ! — " Truth's " emblemiz'd by two odd flow'rs — In name — there can't be doubt ! The " Night Shade," and the " Bitter Sweet " This truth, most plain, cry out. 'Tis said, that Truth, is only found At " bottom of a Well " ! This must be wrong — My little book In truth doth much excel. And tells me truths, I joy to pick From out its little page — Truths that have cheer'd — will cheer for e'er — For they my thoughts engage. " Chrysanthemum^" the " Chinese " sort, Abounds in emblems queer ! Gives "I love truth," with "Slighted love," And is a type of cheer. " Cheerfulness in Adversity " — A charming thing indeed ! But mix'd up with sad, " Slighted love," Is curious to read. The " Honey suckle," twining sweet, Divinely doth address 27 Itself unto the wedded, in " Domestic happiness." But this can only be attain'd, And brought to high perfection. By feeling strong its other type, " Devoted — sweet — Affection ! " " Affection deep, beyond the grave," The " Locust plants,'' revive. The " Mulb'ry tree " the " Black " exclaims " You I shall not survive ! " The " Daisy wild " — wild tho' it be — Sweet " Innocence " reveals. The " Dock "—tho" I can not tell why— With " Patience" o'er us steals — Had " Perseverance," been its type, There could have been no doubt 1 For " Dock," once rooted in the earth, Is puzzling to get out. The emblem of this quality Is by " Canary Grass," Impli'd — 'tis a good quality — And few can it surpass. It leads to fame — in floral sense It means we must be bold — " Faint heart, ne'er won a lady fair ! So, says the proverb old ! — The " Holy herb "— what'er it be— " Enchantment " gives as type. With " Bashful modesty," the plant Yclep'd " Sensitive," is ripe. " Thoughts " is another emblem giv'n By " Pansy " or " Heart's ease." The " Ivy sprig with tendrils," is "Assiduous to please." '* Beneficence " the " Marsh mallow." " All spice," " Benevolence." " Love in a mist," " Embarrassment." The " Lotus," " Eloquence." Eloquence in love's language sweet ! The language of sweet flow'rs Which " Eglantine " or " Briar sweet," In " Poetry " round show'rs On us, at times impressively — Tries to its charms impose — These dwell more sweetly on our thoughts In poetry, than prose. As I will try to illustrate In language of sweet love — Pluck from my darling little book Each emblem — and so prove 29 That love is sweet, where e'er it grows, Where ever it is found, And verifi's the old old song, " Love makes the world go round!" The blooming "Lilac" emblem is Of " Love's first sweet emotion," Which when first felt, sure in the heart E'er causes sweet commotion ! Commotion new — and pleasing — strange — We wish 'twould last for ever — We feel, as we ne'er felt before — Hope, nothing will it sever ! The " Yellow Iris " is a type Of " Love " itself, most lasting — Vies with the " Myrtle " in its depth — Joy ever o'er us casting. The " Tulip red," of love — sweet love ! Tells plainly " Declaration " — Declares itself, in what of all Is sweetest exclamation — "I do so love you ! " softly cries — So, leaves a sweet impression On ev'ry heart that ever lov'd — Sweet — Aye — past all expression ! The " Bridal rose " of " Happy love " Is emblem bright — sweet — dear ! " Acacia " gives " Platonic love," Free from all thought of fear. The "White rose bud," sweet "Girlhood" shows. Cries, " I'm too young to love ! " 30 Tho' all those must be very young Who, love's sweet pow'r can't prove ! The " Woodbine " tells of home's sweet ties, Is type of " Love fraternal." The " Moss " — sweet flower of the Wood Charms with dear " Love maternal." The " Carolina rose " impli's That " Love is dang'rous " — Why ? " Pretended love " it sure must mean ! Its emblem, the " Catch fly," Love lasting long — love true and firm — Would shield the lov'd from harm — Prove itself strong, by word and deed, And could cause no alarm. " Lively and pure love's," emblemiz'd By little " Red pink " bright. The " Love of Nature " — Nature sweet ! Must in each sense delight. As does its type " Magnolia," Which o'er the senses steals As something very sweet indeed. And much thereby reveals — Tells us of Nature's lovely flowr's In Human form Divine ! So fair — so sweet — so exquisite — So bright — they ever shine ! Tells us again of all that's writ Besides in Nature's book — Bright book indeed — and one on which It charms us e'er to look ! 3i " Difficulties to be o'ercome " The " Mistletoe " expresses. Love's difficulties it must mean, And so itself addresses To all who troubl'd are with love That does not smoothly run. May they soon find their love shine clear, So, difficulties shun ! — I've come to th' end of emblems, that Of Love, my book contains — And will proceed to illustrate What e'er that's bright remains. Once more my pen I take in hand — My little book looks bright, And tells me that on flowers sweet, 'Twill shed some further light. I'll search its pages — search out all It promises to show — And pick them as I find they will In rhyme, and reason flow. To finish that I've enter'd on I must pluck very quick, And to complete my joyous task Must strew them very thick — For old time flies — and fly it will — Sad — sad tho' it may be ! All earthly joys must have an end ! 'Tis sad fate's, sad decree ! I'll pluck then first " Mezereon " Which gives " Desire to please " As emblem bright — 'Tis my desire — I therefore on it seize To start afresh with on my path, And hope I may succeed In giving pleasure to the few, Who'll my poor efforts read ! 35 I've done with love — my book's I mean — Sure, love's not done with me ! For I shall go on loving still However old I be ! The love, I would, by this express Is that we seldom see — 'Tis greatest gift ! Would all had more ! The " Gift of Charity !" But I must back go to my book. Which has done most sweet duty, And I'll e'en try to pluck from it Whate'er remains of beauty. " Musk rose," " Capricious beauty " of Is clearly typical. 'Tis not a pleasing beauty this — Tho' fair — 'tis whimsical ! The " Wither'd rose bud " plainly tells Of " Fleeting beauty " in Each — all the beautiful — for it's Not deeper than the skin — That is, the outward beauty, which We joy so much to find ! How doubly joyous 'tis when join'd To beauty of the mind ! A treasure great, that cannot fleet ! Which lasts — Aye — last for ever ! Thanks be, we very often find Them sweetly link'd together ! In those we love, they must appear, Or love we should noi JeeL 34 That would become of fleeting kind — This we could not conceal. " 111 natur'd beauty " — painful sound ! One that grates on the ear ! Agrees so ill, with all that's sweet In Nature — bright and fair ! The " Citron " tells it — fitting type Of beauty sharp and sour ! To look at, beautiful indeed ! But fill'd with cutting pow'r. " Neglected beauty " — sad indeed That such should ever be ! I fear it oft' neglected is, Tho' pitiful to see! Want of bright money — want of taste — Want of some feeling fine — Are causes, that Alas, oft' make Neglected beauty pine ! The " Throat wort " is the flow'r that gives This emblem — and it shows That " Beauty," bright as oft' it buds, " Neglected " often blows ! " French honey suckle " flower sweet! As " Rustic beauty " shines. A charming emblem of a flow'r That charming ever twines ! " Your sole attraction, beauty is," The " Rose Japan " cries out ! Attraction, beautiful and sweet, To look at, there's no doubt! 35 Beauty is ever sweet and fair, But should, as I have shown, Combine itself with other charms, Not be, the only one ! I've done with beauty now — and it Has also done with me. The only beauty I have left Is sweet humility ! " Indeed— hum— hah ! cry " One and All," " This fact you'll widely spread," " And it is very clear to us " " Vour trumpeter is dead"! Yea — dead and gone — poor fellow — he Tried once to loudly show. How he could sound my praises forth — Alas ! 'twas his last blow ! ^^jp^ Again do I resume my pen, Again my path of flow'rs I humbly tread — their fragrance sweet Again invokes my pow'rs Of telling truly how they bloom, In soft and plaintiff strain ! My best I'll do, their types to show. May they not bloom in vain, But bright thoughts give to some who read ! Call back the happy past ! Show some the future ! Some — Alas, By gones too sweet to last ! For flowers tell to each — to all — Of much that's past and gone — Of much to come — of hopes and fears — And oft', for much atone ! "Quicksightedness" the "Hawk Weed" shows — This emblem I require, To gather from my floral store. Much that must me inspire Quickly ! At sight ! or else I fail T' accomplish my sweet task. If fail I do, in spite of this. Indulgence I must ask. Z7 The "Hawthorn" blooms with "Hope"— sweet hope! The stay to some of life. Others there are, for whom hope's fled, They, weary of the strife. Hope on — hope ever ! is the cry Of many a hopeful one — And blest are they who so can hope ! 'Tis much to live upon — And for — for when all hope is dead Of peace — of joy — of bliss — What's left of life, but misery ? Why linger on in this ? In contrast to such dreary thought, The " Hazel's " exclamation Dawns on my sight — it cries aloud " Peace ! " " Reconciliation ! " And then the reed — the " Flow' ring reed " — Utters its soothing cry. Saying in words which e'er must cheer — " On Providence rely ! " Two emblems that delight my heart, " Friendship," — " Platonic love," — Are shown by the " Acacia " — And charming ever prove ! Sweet friendship ever hath great charms. For those sincere and true, Tho' falsehood, joined to fickleness. Oft' make us friendship rue ! The plants and flow'rs that these express, I'll not yet pluck — for they 38 Are aught but sweet — show aught but love— And therefore with my lay Of love and light, must mingle not, For sure they'd cast a gloom On it — so I will them reserve, Tho' 'tis my hapless doom To pen them — for I should not be Truthful, as I'd appear. Did I not tell, of all they tell, Without a thought of fear ! " Fidelity in Friendship " is " Veronica's " sweet sign, " Faithfulness in adversity," The " Wall flow'r " doth enshrine. Sweet scented flow'r — with emblem sweet ! And by it's ever prov'd, The true from false — the good from bad — We learn how much we're lov'd ! The " Pyramidal bell flower," With " Constancy " shines clear. Sweet charm to think on — feel — and know — When friends are very dear ! With "Joys to come" blooms ever sweet The " Lesser Celandine." And " Fleur de luce" with " Flame and fire Of love," doth brightly shine. " Fidelity in Love's " express'd By " Lemon blossom's " dart. Whilst the sweet " Water lily white " Gives " Purity of heart." 30 Sweet " Confidence " in those we love Doth " Liver wort " endear. " Rock rose " exclaims " Security " ! The " Pink "— " Love pure "— " Sincere " ! " Osmunda " tells of " Dreams " — No dreams But love's sweet dreams can't mean ! We gather sweets, with lovely flow'rs — Love's language from them glean. And sweet the gleaning — sweet to me ! Tho' sour to some it seem — " There's nothing half so sweet in life " " As love's young (sweetest) dream ! " The " Rhododendron " cries " Beware " — So " Danger " signal blows ! And " Maidenhair " says " Secrecy " — Why should this be ? Who knows ! 'Tis lovely Fern ! hast sweetest name ! And Maidens Hair should be As her sweet love — pure — open — bright — Not wrapp'd in mystery ! The way, I think, it may apply Rightly — and no way else — Is when — Alas, such e'er should be ! A Maidens hair is false. w O/INO With " Glorious beauty " ever shines The " Glory flower " — true. The " China rose " most sweetly says " Your beauty's always new." In " Party coloured daisy," I Sweet " Simple beauty " find. Whilst the sweet trailing " Clematis," Gives " Beauty of the mind." " Laburnum " — drooping — lovely type ! Doth " Pensive beauty " show'r. " Hibiscus " — " Beauty delicate " — Like " Flower of an hour." " Your qualities are like your charms Unequall'd " cries the " Peach " ! " Yours charms are 'graven on my heart," The " Spindle Tree " doth teach. " Your loveliness is equall'd by Your purity of heart, Each unsurpassd " — this clearly means Each hath no counterpart ! What flow'rs, so well, could this express As those, that these charms show ? Sweet "Orange blossoms" — lovely — bright — Enchanting — pure as snow ! 41 "You are the sweet perfection of All female loveliness," Is shown by bright " Justicia," And sure great happiness Such should bestow, on all who feel There's justice in the cry — As each must feel, when utter'd 'tis With sweet sincerity ! And here some explanation is I'm sure, requir'd of me, For I begin with singular. And end with more than three. In plural as — each — all — express. I mean by my reflection. That we — poor men folk — rich in this — Have each, our " Sweet perfection " — And well 'tis so — full right it is — When we with love are ripe — The one, each loves, should ever be Of " loveliness " the type ! " We," say I ! " You "—all else beside Exclaim in wonder great ! " What can you have to do with love ! " " 'Tis surely much too late " "For you to think of! feel its force!" " You should not have said we \ " " None could love you, be very sure I " — I cry — Alas, poor me ! But never mind ! it pleases me To tell from whence love sprung 42 In its sweet language ! On I go ! I'm writing for the young — And will proceed to show how love, When / was young did rend The heart — the feeling — from the first — Unto the very end — Hoping that naught I think, and pen. Will in the least offend. But that some true, and friendly hearts. Will my poor lay commend ! " Angelica " most brightly beams With love's sweet " Inspiration." The " Gooseberry's" the fruit that gives Its bright " Anticipation." "Anemone" and "Zephyr flow'r" Are full of " Expectation." The " Dwarf Sun flower " openly Expresses " Adoration," And the " Cacalia " abounds With charming " Adulation," Without the " Morning Glory's " type The slightest " Affectation," But with true " Honesty" exclaims Aloud its " Fascination ! " Then " Pimpernel " most plainly makes The happy "Assignation," When " Marjoram " with " Blushes" sweet Utters the soft " Confession," Which the "Moss rose bud" typifies. How sweet the soft impression 43 It leaves on all true loving hearts, And causes " Agitation ! " The "Shaking Saintfoin" — "Moving plant" — Hath this signification — And then the " Cornel Cherry tree " Prays for love's long " Duration." " Virginia Jasmine," that true love May know no " Separation " — This comes — Alas, must often come ! Tho' 'tis some " Consolation " As giv'n by the bright " Poppy red," When all's not desolation, And " Persecaria " assures A happy " Restoration " — Not like the trembling " Aspen tree," Causing deep " Lamentation." The rest with " Lupine," I will leave To the " Imagination," Hoping that love, like " Lotus leaf," Blooms not, with " Recantation." The "Jonquil" — sweet and lovely flow'r ! With love doth ever burn — It says, " Of my affection, I Desire a return ! " "Your frown will Kill me," — " Currant " says, " To thy smile I aspire," The " Daily rose " in accents sweet, Exclaims as its desire ! The " Four leav'd Crocus " hopeful is That love may brightly shine, 44 And prays its pray'r, most tenderly — " Be mine " — dear one — " Be mine " ! I think to make this quite complete The " Cedar leaf" must give Its sweet reply, in true love's voice — "I'm thine!"— "For thee I live!"— With this, Part VIII., I here will close — Naught gloomy must I write — I've done my best to prove how Love And Beauty should unite. Part IX. will show the other side — How — oft from cause unknown — They're rended — torn apart — and so Are left to pine alone ! — " I am consum'd by love " — " I pine " — Pathetic'ly exclaims The "Syrian Mallow"! Sad the cry! Expressive of love's flames Burning without a gleam of hope ! Consuming life, by grief ! Filling the heart with misery ! A void — without relief! " I'm trembling with anxiety" Is given as the sign (Mingling together, hope and fear — ) Of the " Red Columbine." The " Creeping Willow " th' emblem gives Of sad, "Forsaken love" — This, ever sad, where love is warm, And must the heart e'er move With pity, that such e'er should be I — Yet, such doth oft' betide — Is proof of fickleness — makes plain Love's only on one side. "Alas — Alas — for my poor heart" Moans the deep " Red Carnation I " A plaintive cry — one deeply felt — A touching exclamation ! 46 The " Coral Honeysuckle " gives The " Colour of my fate." And " Basil " shows that misery, Is wrought by its type " Hate." That — " My regrets will follow you " Aye — follow " to the grave ! " The " Asphodel " in mournful tone, Must surely pity crave ! The " Crimson Polyanthus " speaks Of " The heart's mystery." There's scarce a heart that ever beat But has some history Attaching to it ! Only known To it — what e'er it be ! Show me the one that's free from this ! I'd like, such one, to see ! Some flow'rs are shown with counter — types. Blowing both cold and hot. " Burdock " with " Importunity," Cries also " Touch me not ! " Love's importunity is sweet When urg'd with confidence That 'tis not hateful — but felt with Aught but " Indifference," Impli'd by " Candy tuft "! And here Love's — sweet love's ! — secret lies— Objects not to be importun'd. But " I'm too happy " cries With *' Jasmine Cape "—Not " touch me not " Which means the counterpart 47 To love's sweet importunity, When coming from the heart ! And when it can show " Love return'd "- (" Ambrosia's " lovely type — ) 'Tis sweet to feel — 'tis sweet to know — And hath no prototype ! All importunity is bad When ting'd with " Flattery " — Which nothing means — is empty sound — Hath no sincerity ! And " Flatt'ry's " type reflected is By " Venus' looking glass " — I may not moralise on this. So I'll e'en let it pass — Making in passing, one remark — Which may cause some to stare Who read — yet 'tis most kindly meant — Of " Flattery," beware ! 'Tis noisome weed, 'mongstlove's sweet flow'rs- Hath no abiding root — A trap th' unwary to ensnare — Truth cannot from it shoot ! " Butterfly weed " cries " Let me go " — " Leave me alone," I pray ! This given, simply means — " To you '* I nothing wish to say ! " Be off! Your importunity's " Not welcome sound to me — " Your presence hateful ! I again " Your face ne'er wish to see ! " The " Thrift " expresses " Sympathy's " sweet tie — A tie so sweet, that naught can with it vie ! In love — in joy — what happiness is fraught, When those we love, assimilate in thought ! In sorrow too — how soothing 'tis to know We're felt for by them — that their thoughts o'erflow With sorrow at our sadness — at our pain — 'Tis comfort great, and ne'er bestow'd in vain ! Grateful we feel — or should, is very sure ! It makes us ever love our friends the more ! The "Weeping Willow," "Sorrow" doth denote. The "Yew" of " Sadness " speaks — the antidote — If such can be — to all must be most clear — Is sympathy from those, we hold most dear ! " I feel your kindness,'' doth the " Flax " express. " I feel my obligation," with sweet stress " Lint " utters softly — and with " Gratitude " — The "Small white Bell flower's" similitude. " Sweet William " ever blooms with " Gallantry." The "Rocket" plainly shows, love's "Rivalry." " If you love me. You'll quickly find it out," Is sign of "Maiden blush rose" without doubt! " Only deserve my love," the plaintive cry Of " Campion rose " ! and " With me, with me fly " Is utter'd by the "Venus' Car," most clear! The " Lady's slipper — "Win me and me wear." 49 " I'll think of it," by " Daisy wild " is meant. And " I partake of your sweet sentiment " The " Double China Aster " sweetly says. " Vervain " love's sweet " Enchantment " e'er displays ! " Female fidelity," — a charm indeed ! Hath type in " Speedwell " — and can none exceed. The " Blue bell " shines with love's sweet " Con- stancy " — A charm that fills the heart with ecstacy ! Constant to friendship, and to love e'er true, Are emblems, that each heart, must e'er endue With love and constancy ! the dearest charms Express'd by flow'rs ! When known, all love's alarms Are vanquish'd ! then, the heart e'er beats with joy ! All fears are dead ! all bloom without alloy ! o :- " Gum Cistus " cries " Soon I shall die," In plaintive, mournful breath! The " Bay leaf" murmurs truthfully " I change, but not 'till death ! " The " Hare bell's " type, is sorrowful — "Deep grief" it ever shows. "Mourning," "Despair," and lastly "Death"— From " Cypress " ever flows. " If I neglected am, I die," Says the fair "Laurestine ! " The implication — " If I'm not. Most brightly I will shine ! " — 50 It gives as well another sign — 'Tis emblem of " A token " — And " Melancholy '' sits most deep On ev'ry heart that's broken ! The which, I find, is symboliz'd Dismally, by " Dead leaves " — And " Dark Geranium " gloomily Also unto it cleaves. " Hopeless " and o'er " Desertion " " Love lies bleeding " weeps. With all " Extinguish'd hope " " Convolv'lus Major " creeps. " My happy days are over," " Meadow Saffron " saith ! And " Hemlock," sadly moans out " You will cause my death ! " "Crowfoot" teems with "Ingratitude" — A quality most base ! " Foxglove," with " Insincerity" — Or, smile before the face, With "Baseness" — "Meanness" — in the heart Shown by the "Dodder plant." "Deceit" in "Dog's bane"— " Fickleness "— (Deem me not ungallant, In naming aught affects the Fair, My book's to blame — not I ! — ) " The Lady's slipper " — is the type Of this bad quality ! Conclusion. Thus far I've gone — I've cull'd the best My little book contains — (The best of flow'rs, I mean, of course !) Still, much therein remains That I might cull, had I the time. And patience sweet, to spare — In mercy to myself, I'll stop ! — In mercy to the Fair ! — " Indeed " ! — they cry — " How kind you are " " To think about us so ! " "As if we car'd, for what you write ! "As if we did not know " 'Tis your excessive vanity " That makes you write at all ! " Tho' you pretend, 'tis to please us ! " We'll give your pride a fall " And tell you, that we think you are " A " very vain old man ! " " Tho' — all the same — we do believe " You've done the best you can — " Bad as that is — to pleasure give " To us — and to us show, " The meaning of those sweet sweet flow'rs, " That in this bright world grow ! " Well ! after this, what can / say ! My pride has had a fall ! Puff'd up, I may have felt before ! I now feel very small ! " Second edition ! " — Oh ! — How grand I thought 'twould surely sound ! I thought the Fair, would think my " First" In beauty must abound ! But now — Alas ! — they tell me that No beauty can they see In " First or Second ! " Sad it is That my humility Should — after all the pains I've ta'en — Be ruthlessly ignord! They say, 'tis naught but vanity ! They say, they all are bor'df But I don't mind ! They'd best take care ! (Tho' it may sound absurd) To spite them, I will do my worst And will bring out a Third! And — Oh my ! — Won't I be severe ! Won't I, them, some truths tell They've not yet learnt ! — At least from me — They'll wish— I'll not fortell What 'tis they'll wish — but let them find That out, for their sweet selves — I fear they'll find, my worst, means best, About such charming Elves ! — Dear me ! What fun ! Methinks I see Them struck with wonder, dumb ! Methinks I hear, each asking each, "What further is to come ? !" I've rais'd their curiosity — That's clear ! — to its full height — They long to see my " Third " in print To read, what I may write ! I'll only beg them, patience have — Feel sure they'll ne'er regret it — Politely — humbly — add — Oh ! — Dont They wish, that they, may get it ! — iisriDiEiss: TO gt(oiDcr)5 anb fi)eir gntblems. Everlasting Everlasting Pea Snowdrop Forget me not Blue Violet Heliotrope Lily of the Valley Myrtle Heart's ease Mignionette Camelia Wild white rose Peony Marvel of Peru White rose Bush Vetch White Lily Fern Ivy Moss Sorrel PART I. Remembrance never ceasing Lasting pleasure Hope Forget me not Faithfulness Great devotion Return of happiness Deep and lasting love You occupy my thoughts Your qualities surpass your charms Unpretending excellence Pleasure mingled with pain Bashfulness Timidity Silence Shyness Modesty Sincerity and Fascination Fidelity and Friendship Parental love Parental love 56 PART II. jflotDfrs;. €mhltm&. Field Lily Humility Filbert Reconciliation Flax Sense of obligation Garden Daisy- I share your sentiments — Parti cipation Variegated Tulip Beautiful eyes Cowslip Grace American Cowslip Divine beauty Milk Vetch Your presence softens pain Pink (Jeranium Preference Pine Apple You are perfect Canterbury Bell Constancy Cranbury Cure for heart ache Rosemary Affectionate remembrance Austrian Rose You are very lovely Moss Rose Superior merit Garden Strawberry Perfection — Love— Esteem Red Rosebud Pure and lovely Bunch of Currants You please all White or Red Perriwinkle Tender recollections Damask Rose Bashful love Scarlet Geranium Comforting Mugwort Happiness Red Poppy Consolation Ambrosia Mutual love Flower of an hour Dehcate beauty 57 jTIohjers. Crown Imperial Spearmint Indian Jasmine Sweet Pea Tulip Tree Cyclamen Broom Peach Blossom Aconite-leaved Crowfoot Ethiopian Calla Gold Amaranth Hepatica Cactus Balm of Gilead Honey Flower Mother Wort Mountain Pink Lime or Linden Tree Stock Gilly Flower Amethystea Heliotrope dSmblemsi. Power Warmth of Sentiment Great attachment Delicate pleasure Fame Diffidence Humility — Neatness I am your Captive Brilliancy — Lustre Magnificent beauty Unfading love — Unchangeable Confidence Warmth in love Relief — Cure Love sweet and secret Concealed love Aspiring love Conjugal love Unfading beauty Lasting beauty Admiration Devoted attachment 58 PART III. jTIoiiiersi. emblems. Arbor Vitse Unchanging friendship White Bell Flower Gratitude Myrrh Gladness Passion Flower Faith— Belief Ranunculus You are rich in attractic Convolvulus Bonds — Repose Indian Pink You are always lovely Yellow Jasmine Grace — Elegance Burgundy Rose Simplicity — Beauty Scarlet Nasturtium Splendour Cuckoo Plant Ardour Fair Maid of France Lustre Double Red Pink Woman's love 59 PART IV. jTIotoersi. Saffron Crocus Daffodil Goosefoot Daily Rose Musk Rose Coreopsis Red-leaved Rose Rose Campion Sweet Sultan Veroaica Peruvian Heliotrope Coronella Night Shade— Bitter Sweet Chinese Chrysanthemum Honey Suckle Locust Plant Black Mulberry Tree Wild Daisy Dock Canary Grass Emblems. Mirth Regard Goodness A smile Charming Always Cheerful Beauty — Prosperity Gentleness Felicity Fidelity Intoxicated with pleasure Success crown your wishes Truth I love truth — Slighted love- Cheerfulness in adversity Domestic happiness affection Devoted Affection beyond the grave I shall not survive you Innocence Patience Perseverance 6o PART V. Holy Herb Sensitive plant Pansy or Heart's Ease Ivy Sprig with Tendrils Marsh Mallow All Spice Love in a Mist Lotus Eglantine or Sweet Briar Lilac Yellow Iris Red Tulip Bridal Rose Acacia White Rose Bud Woodbine Moss Carolina Rose Catch Fly Red Pink Magnolia Misseltoe Enchantment Bashful modesty Thoughts Assiduous to please Beneficence Benevolence Embarrassment Eloquence Poetry First emotion of love Love Declaration of love — I do so love you Happy love Platonic love Girlhood — I'm too young to love Fraternal love Maternal love Love is dangerous Pretended love Lively and pure love Love of nature Difficulties to be overcome 6i jTIotoersi. Mezereon Musk Rose Withered Rose Bud Citron Throat Wort French Honey Suckle Japan Rose PART VI. Desire to please Capricious beauty Fleeting beauty 111 natured beauty Neglected beauty Rustic beauty Beauty is your only attraction 62 flowers- Hawkweed Hawthorn Hazel Flowering Reed Acacia Veronica Wall Flower Pyramidal Bell Flower Lesser Celandine Fleur de luce Lemon Blossom White Water Lily Liver-wort Rock Rose Pink Osmunda Rhododendron Maidenhair PART VII. fmblems. Quicksightedness Hope Peace — Reconciliation On Providence rely Friendship — Platonic love Fidelity in friendship Faithfulness in adversity Constancy Joys to come Flame and fire of love Fidelity in love Purity of heart Confidence Security Pure and sincere love Dreams Beware — Danger Secrecy 63 Glory Flower China Rose Party-coloured Daisy Clematis Laburnum Hibiscus Peach Spindle Tree Orange Blossom Justicia PART VIII. §xnblems. Glorious beauty Your beauty is always new Simple beauty Beauty of the mind Pensive beauty Delicate beauty Your qualities are like your charms, unequalled Your charms are engraven on my heart Your loveliness is equalled by your purity of heart, each unsur- passed You are the sweet perfection of all female loveliness Angelica Gooseberry Anemone and Zephyr Flower Dwarf Sun Flower Cacalia Morning Glory Honesty Pimpernel Marjoram Moss Rose-bud Inspiration Anticipation Expectation Adoration Adulation Affectation Fascination Assignation Blushes Confession 64 SflottJcrs. Shaking Saint-foin or Moving Plant Cornel Cherry Tree Virginia Jasmine Red Poppy Persecaria Aspen Tree Lupine Lotus Leaf Jonquil Currant Daily Rose Four-leaved Crocus Cedar Leaf §mblems. Agitation Duration Separation Consolation Restoration Lamentation Imagination Recantation I desire my affection returned Your frown will kill me I aspire to your smile Be mine I am thine — For thee I live 65 Syrian Mallow Red Columbine Creeping Willow Red Carnation Coral Honeysuckle Basil Asphodel Crimson Polyanthus Burdock Candy Tuft Cape Jasmine Ambrosia Venus' Looking-glass PART IX. §mhlems- I am consumed by love — I pine I am trembling with anxiety Forsaken love Alas, for my poor heart Colour of my fate Hate My regrets will follow you to the grave Heart's mystery Importunity — Touch me not Indifference I am too happy Love returned Flattery 66 Thrift Weeping Willow Yew Flax Lint Small White Bell Flower Sweet William Rocket Maiden Blush Rose Campion Rose Venus' Car Lady's Slipper Wild Daisy Double China Aster Vervain Speedwell Blue Bell Gum Cistus Bayleaf Hare Bell Cypress PART X. §mblextts. Sympathy Sorrow Sadness I feel your kindness I feel my obligation Gratitude Gallantry Rivalry If you love me you will soon find it out Only deserve my love Fly with me Win and wear me I will think of it I partake of your sentiment Enchantment Female Fidelity Constancy I shall die soon I change not until death Deep grief Mourning — Despair — Death 67 Laurestine Dead Leaves Dark Geranium Love lies bleeding Major Convolvulus Meadow Saffron Hemlock Crowfoot Foxglove Dodder Plant Dog's Bane Lady's Slipper §mblems I die if I am neglected — A token Melancholy Melancholy Hopeless — Desertion Hope extinguished My happy days are over You will cause my death Ingratitude Insincerity Baseness — Meanness Deceit Fickleness END OF THE FIRST EDITION. COMPARATIVE LINES BETWEEN STARS, WHICH SHINE SO BRIGHT ABOVE AND THOSE THAT GLEAM ON EARTH, MOST HUMBLY AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE FAIR SEX, BY A " GREAT BEAR ! " INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMICAL COMPARISONS. " Comparisons are odious" Is said — I don't agree — For oft' by them much truth we learn — Much goodness — wisdom see — And therefore I will try to prove That what I say is true — Proceed to compare, Stars on earth With those, in sky, we view — And how can such a compare be Aught but a charming task To me, who in the rays of each It ever joys to bask ! How can't be odious ? Hateful word, To mix with all that's sweet To sight, and feeling ! Each bestow'd As Nature's richest treat. In their abodes of earth and sky ! Tho' here, they're wide apart, Their brightness, purity, and light. Enable me, in heart. To compare make — appreciate — I ever dwell with joy Upon the charms, each in their sphere Display — without alloy Save, when a passing cloud Obscures, their light, by night — by day — Yet like the cloud, the gloom that's cast Must ever pass away ! Astronomer I am — at least I think I am ! I see How stars and charms can compare make, In others — not in me — I've shone! Alas, my shining's o'er! It does my heart strings tear To feel, that now, I'm only like A grizzly — grim — " Great Bear!" Signs of the Zodiac. " Leo." " Leo, the lion " — noble beast ! Noble in look, I mean — Handsome and noble e'er would look. Did not oft' intervene Anger on brow — which makes us fear And tremble to approach Near to — for fear he'd bite and scratch, And growl — tho' sans reproche We might come near, if he would act As noble, as he looks — I, earthly Lion, here describe — Not " Leo" of the books Of those well learned in the stars— Their " Leo " is most mild. As should be all fair stars on earth- By ^kem, we are beguil'd ! 74 They shine so bright ! Like " Leo," they Shed joy, whenever seen ! His brilHancy must ever please — From theirs we pleasure glean ! And thus do L with them compare Bright " Leo " of the skies — Each charms our sight ! Each gives delight ! So — each with other — vies ! — ■ " Cancer." " Cancer, the Crab" — 'bout such a groupe As this — what can I write ? They shine, 'tis sure I but then they cross Each other as in spite. And so compare to earthly stars Who — "cross as any crab" — Quite verify this saying old. And by their crossness stab. 'Tis odd — 'tis very odd ! but then 'Tis true, as I'm alive, 'Twixt Cancer's claws, appears a star Well known as the? " Bee Hive." That Crab and Bee, together should Be mix'd in starry sky, Seems typical of two complaints " Fair earthly Stars " should try To shun— for "Crab," sure crossness means! And 'tis a funny thing That " Bee " tho' comfortably hiv'd, Always suggests a sting ! 75 And so, I can compare all those, Who pleasure great derive, From stinging crossness, t' wards their friends, With, " Cancer," and " Bee Hive!"— " Virgo." "Virgo, the Virgin" — saintly sound! A sound all hearts must cheer — It sounds of all that's pure and good ! That to us must endear All stars above — all stars below — That shining ever bright Shed on us holy — Heav'nly rays I Shed on us earthly light ! — " Pisces." " Pisces, the fishes " — Puzzle this I Pm very much put out. That's brilliant sign of Zodiac There cannot be a doubt ! But how I can a compare make 'Twixt it, and earthly star. Is more than I know ! Still I'll try, And not let e'en this mar My effort at comparing all That shine so bright above, With those that shine on earth below — The shining stars I love ! That numerous they are, I grant ! But so, are those on high ! 76 And I love them as well— for both Delight my sense — my eye — And compare make, with " Pisces " bright, Those who gleam — flash along — With graceful swim — with brilliant shine — As do those, of my song. " Libra." " Libra, the balance " — here I feel Less puzzled than before. Tho' slightly difficult it is. When thinking how much more I have to pen, to make complete That I have enter'd on — Striking a balance 'twixt the stars In sky — and earth upon ! The balance, that in thought, doth run Is charming — bright — and fair ! If I could weigh, the stars below With those, that high in air Float — (sky, I should say — but I want The word to suit my rhyme,) I think I should be puzzled quite — Be put out of all time. To know, which in my heart, weigh'd most This may seem very queer ! But dear as are the stars above, The stars below are dear To my old heart — and why should they Not be ? Who can me show ? Is't not far better to feel love T'wards those we happ'ly know Than aught besides ! What are we told ! " As thyself thou shalt love " "Thy neighbour" — Well! I surely feel And sure oft' try to prove That — selfish though it may be thought — Of self, I'm very fond, And therefore try t' extend my love To others — far beyond My miserable self! I know — And happ'ly feel, that I Do feel, that of God's blessed gifts, " Best gift is Charity ! " A word so little understood By many ! most, in fact ! They know not " Charity " means " Love," Or otherwise would act ! " Libra," howe'er's, a brilliant sign! Its lustre naught assails — So. shine the Fair ! with equal light They balance well the scales In justice — and it is most just To mete them out their due ! For what can we, more beautiful Than earth's fair stars, e'er view ! 7B " Sagittarius." " The Archer, Sagittarius " Is easy to compare — He shoots his brilHant rays about, As do the charming Fair ! He shoots — they shoot — bright light around- And I'll proceed to show, That "Archer" is suggestive of, A shot, from Cupid's bow ! This little God — so he is call'd By some — nay all ! takes part In earthly joys, and often sends An arrow through the heart — His arrow, some think, he'd best keep Unto himself — for he Is 'oft a little stupid God — Is blind — so cannot see The mischief that his little bow In hearts, sometimes creates — I, nothing know of this, of course ! I, only know the Fates Say, he is very mischievous, And often does much harm — I hope, howe'er, that none who read These lines, will take alarm, And shun the naughty little man ! He is a little dear ! Created to give us delight, Our hearts, to warm, and cheer ! 19 He's not the one. to cast a chill, I f he shoots straight and right ! 'Tis only when he crooked shoots — And this — from want of sight — His arrow flying right, ne'er chills, Or causes e'en a shiver — Most know him well — He goes about Arm'd with a bow and quiver. And like a little Cherub looks — He's call'd "The God of love" He's certainly an Archer bold, And shines like he above. " Aries." " The ram " — the star yclep'd " Aries " — Except in shining clear, I know not what to say about ! I cannot come more near In compare, than to say it sheds Above— in sky — much light — In brightness can alone with vie Stars, who on earth shine bright ! " Taurus," Scorpio," Capricgrnus," and " Aquarius " — "Taurus, the bull" — and "Scorpio" — With " Capricornus," too — " Aquarius, the Water man " — Are puzzling things to do Aught with, in compare with the Fair ! Save in one sense — that they 8o Shine clear and bright, as earthly Stars ! Oh, that they ever may- Shine bright on me ! poor wretched me, Whose shining days are o'er ! I feel I'd like to shine again — But shall light up no more. Alas ! 'twould be a sad, sad day For me, should they withdraw Their shining light, from off my heart ! Their warmth — their kindness thaw ! " Taurus," of course, I can't compare Save, in the one nam'd thing. The " Scorpion," Alas, I can In two ! in light, and sting ! The Fair — sometimes — tho' shining bright, Act much the stinging part. The Scorpions the body hurts — Theirs pierce the very heart ! And sharper pierce, when there's no cause Their venom forth should range — No cause except their fickleness — Their strong desire for change ! " The Goat," and " Water bearer," I With " Taurus " class in light. May those, I compare with, in this, Shine ever in my Sight ! 8i " Gemini." " The "Gemini," or "Twins," remain Shining as bright as when They with their light first bless'd the world, And only now and then Obscur'd become, by passing clouds — But this no fault of theirs ! Above the clouds, they're fix'd and firm. And always shine in pairs. Some earthly " Gemini " (Stars) do not Alas, compare with these ! But hide their light — as one star does In lovely " Pleiades — Why ! wherefore ! All I know is this They will not — do not beam ! None know the cause, thatclouds their light ! Why, bright they should not seem ! But sure, it is great happiness To know — to feel — that some Are like the Heav'nly " Gemini," So fix'd, they cannot roam. But firm to friendship's claims remain — Lighting up friendship's torch With light that charms, and cheers the heart! Not that, does burn, or scorch ! I've reach'd the end of " Zodiac " — Think, 'Ive not done amiss ! Tho' some may think — " more silly stuff "We've never read, than this " ! 82 / do not envy them their thoughts ! Such thoughts, to me would show, That shine as bright as 'bove they may, They'll ne'er shine here below ! To me — but then I queer one am — It gives extreme delight, To pen my thoughts, which flow so quick. Which shed a little light Around me sometimes — causing smiles On faces sweet, of those It joys me happy e'er to see ! This gives me, sweet repose. I must not further dwell on this, Or I shall never come To Constellations bright — to them I now must try to roam — And try, if I cannot compare Some of the brilliant lot. With " Earthly Stars " — together bind Them in a starry knot ! " Pleiades " In Constellation " Pleiades " — " The seven sisters " — there Is something clouding quite from view One of the sisters fair ! What 'tis — none know — but hope remains The power of the star Will pierce the gloom, e'er long — and not In aught, the others mar. 83 Why should she ? Well ! 'tis not for us Poor mortals to say, why ! That's only known, to One above. The King of earth, and sky ! He made the stars ! He made them shine ! He plac'd them, where they are ! And He alone, can tell the cause Why this one — singular Should be, to the bright groupe that glow With Heav'nly light on us ! I'll here a compare try to make Tho' slightly mischievous. And try to show that " Stars " on earth Should not their light conceal As does their sister in the sky — From her gloom, no appeal ! T'wards those who value them, all " Stars " Who in this wide world dwell Should carefully abstain from aught That makes the heart, ache, swell With bitterness sometimes — and grief That such should ever be, As 'tis oft' times, most mortals know. For 'tis no mystery, And often shows, how fickle — false — Fair " Earthly Stars," can prove. Casting aside old friends, for new ! This feeling from above Can't come — that's sure! and sad it is To think, that here below 84 Such e'er should dwell in th' hearts of those Who kindly should bestow On us — who love them — all they can Of joyousness, and light, To show us, that without their smiles All must be dark as night ! And dark indeed 'twould be — if all Their light from us withdrew ! Most happ'ly this, is not the case — For many beam — bedew — And lighten up this hard dark world — So, by their light redeem Us, from that gloom — which of all glooms Is far the most extreme In starry sense ! but gloom or not, All glory in some light — And hope exists, the light will pierce All clouds — and e'er shine bright ! Compare with lovely " Pleiades," In brilliancy of glare. As do all those, that in my sight Shine lovely — bright — and fair! " Orion." " Orion," rather puzzles me — He's fam'd for " Sword and Belt " ! The sword in sharpness, will apply To that I oft' have felt, So keen — so cutting — cold as steel ! The belt — the better part — 85 For that is binding, as are bound My stars, round my old heart — Stars that will shine, I trust for e'er ! Stars that will on me shed Their light, as does " Orion " bright, And not by aught be led To quench their light ! but like the stars In Constellation bright, Look brilliantly sometimes on me — And my old heart delight ! So — ever shining — ever clear — My verse will not belie ! To me, a sweet comparison, 'Twixt them — and stars on high ! "The Milky Way." " The Milky Way," a riddle this ! At least I've made it one — Or made one of it, I should say — And this — the way it's done. I ask then — why are " Earthly Stars " " The Milky Way " much like ? And very much should like to know Who can the answer strike ! 'Tis this--'cause they — the "Earthly Stars" — Composed are of charms Innumerable! Those in "Way" All chance of count disarms ! Each charm a star — each star a charm — Sq — each to each compare — 86 Each shine most bright —each shed sweet light — And each are wondrous fair ! And each, the other, does excel In all that's bright and good — Each have their sphere, in which they dwell — All bonds of sisterhood ! Astronomers are wont to use When looking up, on high, A telescope — or star gazer — My gazer, is my eye, And better one, can not be found ! 'Tis powerful, thanks be ! Enabling me to view so much It joys my heart to see Above — below — in sky — on earth — May long be — long the time — 'Ere I shall cease to gaze with joy On all that in my rhyme I've tri'd to render beautiful ! I've tri'd to render bright! I've tri'd to render due praise to ! I've tri'd — and tri'd aright — At least I think so ! and the thought Is charming to my mind — For what more bright — more beautiful — Could I, in Nature find. Than stars — which shine so bright above ! Than " Stars " — who shine on earth ! Each in their sphere, shed light and joy ! To each, God gave, bright birth ! — REMINISCENCES. VERYAN FRIENDLY CLUB. PIC-NIC TO NEWQUAY, WITH FALLING STARS. BALL AT PLYMOUTH. 1/1/ hit-Monday at l/eryan, 1st June, 1863. " Vicar— The Rev. Samuel Peter John Tiist. The 'Squire " — Major-General Aylmer, R.A., acting for Mrs. Gwatkin {nee Trist), of Behan Pare* On Monday — Whit — at Veryan Gay doings were going on — The " Friendly Club " assembled there- And on them, the sun shone — The Village look'd most beautiful — The Villagers, they smil'd — The scene it was so very bright, That none of them seem'd ril'd ! — The custom Is — for members of This very " Friendly Club," T' assemble in the village — when They've had their morning grub — They then form in procession — Are headed by a band — And marching to the 'Squire's house, Look most uncommon grand ! On reaching this — " The Family " Receive them very kind — And speeches make unto them, which I hope they always mind 1 * The seat of the Trist family in Cornwall. §0 As soon as these are over, they Most quickly disappear — First giving for " The Family ' A lusty Cornish cheer ! They then march to the Vicarage — And here, they e'er receive A welcome warm — Warm as their hearts Can possibly conceive ! They love their Vicar — " One and all," And well indeed they may ! — He with — and for — them ceases not. Most earnestly to pray. The Village Church receives them next— That lovely — hallow'd spot ! The truths they learn within those walls, I trust are ne'er forgot. It is a spot endear'd to me In mem'ry's fondest chain — I, there was made "A Child of God" — May I. ne'er lose the claim 1 The service o'er — they then proceed To feed the inner man, At Mistress Webb's — who welcomes them And does the best she can To satisty their appetites — This done — the punch goes round — And speeches flow from many there — Speeches and punch abound ! 91 The punch and speeches, at an end — The Members once more form — Again the 'Squire's visit — and Again are welcom'd warm — Again address'd in friendly tones, By those who wish them well — The Band then plays right merrily. Their airs, few can excel ! This happy Club! they then disperse — In games their time employ — The 'Squire's grounds, are open thrown, Which adds much to their joy — I'll only add— May " One and All " Of " Club " and " Family," Spend many such bright, happy days. And bless'd, may they all be ! — June, 1868. LINES COMMEMORATIVE OF A PIC-NIC TO NEWQUAY. Whither T went accompanied by Thirteen Young Ladies ! viz. : The Misses K, C, and A. H. , M. and B. H J. T , D. and M. B ,my nieces Effie, Minnie, Annie, and Florrie Carlyon, with my own dear Fanny. E. T. Cailyon, his wife, and H. Hockin were also of the party 'Twas in October — sev'nty one — The thirtieth— the date — A pic-nic was propos'd, altho' The season was so late — And starting forth, from Truro town, An ancient son of Mars, To Newquay went, accompani'd By thirteen shining Stars, In girl's sweet form — and bright they shone ! A secret I'll impart — I am inform'd their smiles and joy. Quite won this Ancient's heart. They shone so brightly — " One and All," — On him they shed their light — What greater charm to banish care, Than seeing youth look bright ! None known to him — so I am told — But howe'er this may be, I fancy he — this Warrior bold — Join'd in their mirth and glee. 94 And — foolishly I make no doubt — His ancient feelings strung To pitch of joy and happiness, He (stupid old fellow) thought that he was young! I've heard him say, when talking of Himself, among the many — That young and gay, as were his troupe. He felt as young as any. A 'bus was hired — 'twas a 'bus — Of 'busses 'twas the best ! For on it, all the Stars, save two — Found ample room to rest — And in it comfortably pack'd This shining pair much grac'd Old friends who valu'd them — there too The provender was plac'd. A team of four, drew this fam'd bus — A team, so brisk and merry ! One — the most lazy of the lot — Rejoic'd in name of " Jerry ; " — And Jerry was the pet of all, — His laziness the cause — None seem'd to think the drive too long — All joy'd in Jerry's pause — And pause he did — and lik'd to turn Around and take a view — Astronomer he doubtless was — He felt 'twas Stars he drew ! At Newquay all arriv'd at last — The day was passing fair — 9$ The troupe, at once to Towan Head Went, to enjoy the air, And for their dinners, try to gain An appetite — AUay'd By eating pasties, on the road — Best pasties, e'er were made ! En route to Towan, that they might Not think themselves too safe, The weather office clerk sent down A shower, them to chafe, But he, considering that they Were for a day of joy, Determin'd that no more should fall Their pleasure to alloy — So no more fell — the day prov'd fine — The waves roU'd in most grand — A daring few, thought they would try Their fury to withstand, And stand they did, 'till waves thought they Presumpt'ous seem'd to be, And then most plainly said — " How dare " " You, brave our Majesty ! " " Canute the bold, once said to us " "No further shalt thou come " — " We very soon made him much wish " " That he was safe at home " — "His impudence astonish'd us " — " Had he but dar'd to stay," " We should without the slightest doubt " " Have wash'd him all away " ! 96 This o'er, the troupe, then bent their steps. To Newquay's fam'd Hotel, Where good cheer ready was — prepar'd By those who lov'd them well — And all sat round the jovial board — Jollity seem'd to run Throughout the troupe — no one felt more Than " Mars' " most jolly Son ! I may be wrong in saying this — As it was told to me I tell the tale — but don't tell him. E'en if you do agree With me in this, for he might say I had no earthly right To tell his thoughts — his feelings — joy — Altho' so very bright ! The dinner done ; the waiting maid, Astonish'd seem'd to be — And well she might — for one was there Who order'd cups of tea To be got ready instantly — The poor maid could but stare, When in addition, she was told That she was to prepare At half-past sev'n, the board again, With more tea — cream — and bread- Treacle as well was to abound — Jams — cakes — make up the spread. "A hungry lot, this wondrous troupe!" The poor maid thought, no doubt. 07 In thinking so, was not far wrong- She very soon found out That healthful air, and happy hearts, Appetites much increase — No better sign desir'd to show That all within is peace ! When after-dinner-tea was o'er — Tea proper, soon to come — The troupe set out the beach to tread — The Village through to roam — The Villagers were much surpris'd. And one — a wise man he ! Said — " See ! There goes a ladies' school "- " In order good they be"! And orderly and good they were — None better — far or near ! The " Son of Mars " — with pipe in mouth — And joy in heart — the rear Brought up — and kept a watchful eye On those he had in charge — And happy sure, he must have felt, At having troupe so large To care for — Aye, and stuh a troupe ! A troupe, of troupes the pink ! This he told me in secrecy, And that he thus — did think. The beach was reach'd — the tide was in — The stars above shone bright — The thirteen Stars that shone below, Rivall'd them in their light. 98 The waves roll'd on — the Hghtning flash' d — The sun had sunk to rest — The brilliant moon rose calm and clear — All Nature did its best, To joyous make the ''Earthly Stars" — It was a charming night ! At least so said the " Son of Mars " — He view'd it with delight. The tide itself compassion took, And did not rise too high, But left a portion of the beach For them to sport on — dry — And sport they did — and danc'd and sang — Laugh'd — chaff' d — most merrily — Vi'd with each other in their mirth — The time pass'd cheerily — But old Times flies, and fly it will, Sad, sad though it may be ! All earthly joys must have an end, 'Tis sad fate's sad decree ! Their sporting, dancing, singing o'er— Again they wend their way Through village, back to Hostelry, And found — I heard some say — A cheerful room — a fire bright — A welcome warm from those Who'd stay'd behind — for they preferr'd To gambols — calm repose. The table spread — the kettle steam'd — Two teapots grac'd the board — 99 The tea was excellent — 'twas made By one who much abhorr'd Tea weak and washy — so 'twas good — And smooth, and soft as silk — One of the troupe most gracefully Requested little milk — Compli'd with quick, was her request As sure each one would be By one, who views with much regard, The ''Charming Sisters" three! Well ! tea was over — restless sprites ! They could not quiet stay, But out they went — and down they went — The harbour to survey. The moon shone brightly on them still — So joyous did all seem, That moon and stars a pleasure took, Brightly on them to beam. / question, whether moon or stars. E'er beam'd on brighter groupe Than that night shone on Newquay's quay ! Oh may the happy troupe Oft' shine again — as shine they did On that same favour'd spot ! I fancy the old " Son of Mars," Thinks 'tis his happy lot, To cause more shining e're he's done — E'er he, from hence departs — To him — I know 'tis pleasure great, To pleasure youthful hearts ! 100 The time, at last, came round, that all T'wards home their way must wend — The 'bus was order'd — horses in — On Jerry all depend For not going fast — so fine the night, That none wish'd the drive o'er — The " Son of Mars " — I've heard him say — Could drive for evermore On such a 'bus — with such a troupe — Most transcendently pack'd He, — planet like — in midst of Stars — One " Special Star" wellback'd. When all secure was — off they went — Regrets the day was past Flow'd from them, but like other things. It would not, could not, last ! Most steadily the driver drove — Jerry, in pace quite shone — The other three did all the work — He simply trotted on — Seeming to know that if he pull'd The 'bus would faster go — That he'd please best, the Stars on top. By going uncommon slow — And wise he was — and true he thought — I'm sure — if think he did — If not — he seem'd to feel that he Should do as he was bid And slowly go — this was the cry — " Jerry, don't go too fast," — lOI " We joyous feel — we happy are " — " We wish the drive to last ! " And Jerry answer'd to their call, Most slowly mov'd along, The troupe — I think will with one voice Cry out for Jerry strong When next they place their precious selves, Under this Ancient's care — That such may happen soon again He — does not much despair. At nine — or thereabouts— the 'bus Pack'd much as 'twas before, Outside and in — here I am wrong — For sure the out-bound store Of provender had much decreas'd — Nay, vanish'd out of sight ! The lighten'd hampers — dishes clear' d — Gave — ^joyous to indite — Substantial proof, that " Earthly Stars" — However bright the lights That proceed from them — don't possess Ethereal appetites ! And well they should not — as I've writ Before — I write again — 'Tis sign the best of happy health, And freedom from all pain ! But to go on, — for if I stay To moralize much more, I ne'er shall Truro reach — be dubb'd A most tremendous bore ! I02 Still I must first a tribute pay, To th' ancient " Son of Mars," Who seem'd to think, that he too shone Amongst the " Shining Stars " — And this, the tribute that I pay — His shining I compare, To that — of that most ugly brute, A surly-grim " Great Bear." Whilst tribute paying I'm about, " Surly " says I should mar Much I have penn'd, did I forget To name a " Shooting Star," That 'mongst the groupe shot cheerfully — Doing his best for all — Good nature shining in his heart — Responding to the call Of each, when aught requir'd was — Nought did his kindness scorn — And when he'd nothing else to do, He loudly blew the horn. My team I've started twice before. But I can't get them on — I mean on paper — for my thoughts Joy much to dwell upon All I was told of that bright day, By the young ancient man — When he told me — it seem'd to me — As though his feelings ran As does my pen — by this I mean As joyous, and as quick — 103 I'll now go on, and end my lay — At nothing will I stick ! Now off they go, the village through At sober, gentle pace. 'Twould not be well the villagers Should think they ran a race With aught, or any — simple folk ! How little could they know The race of joy, that through the hearts Of " One and All " did flow ! Folk simple though they were, no doubt, I think from what I've heard, The jolly row made by the troupe In passing through, disturb'd Their quiet — sleep — et cetera — Here I must pause — 'tis said That of the " Stars " one on the top, To this result much led — For she, rejoicing in a row, Most lustily did blow — Tri'd all she could, to beat the one That blew so loud below. In journeying on — 'twas very nice! — All sorts of songs were sang — With all that could most jolly be, The air most loudly rang — "God Save the Queen" — the first — the last — The best — sure none can show A better ! Still the chorus was, " Oh ! weal may the keel row ! " 104 The sounds proceeding from the troupe So brimming o'er with sweets, Made e'en the Httle hedge birds, pop Their heads, from out their seats Of rest — astonish'd they were quite At the sweet sounds they heard — Tho' no one sang that charming song, " I would I were a bird ! The reason — I think — must have been — None felt desire to pledge, Themselves, to leave, their happy roost. To nestle in a hedge. On, on they go — all danger's past — The lights of Truro gleam — Tho' dimi indeed they were — I'm told — To those that cast a beam Of light around — where e'er they went E'en singly, or in troupe — No matter which ! the Ancient said Each was a shining groupe Of charms ! but whether he's a judge, I'll others leave to guess — I only know 'tis what he felt, And did with warmth express ! Truro alas ! is reach'd at last — The town clock, told the hour — Elev'n fifteen was pointed at, By clock hands, on that tower — The 'bus was stopp'd — Stars shoot from it, Shining as bright as e'er I05 They had done tho' this happy day, Which, like them, prov'd so fair ! And here, I must bring to an end, My theme — my lay — my rhyme — Call't which or what you will — I'm sure 'Twill dwell throughout all time. In th' heart of one, who spent that day Amongst that shining groupe Of shining stars — the thirteen Fair — That constitute his troupe ! He tells me that I must take leave Of them, for him — I'll try — He would do it himself, I know. But that, he's wondrous shy — So for him here, I bid adieu To " One and all " that shed On him so joyously their charms — Their light, so brightly spread ! He tells me too, that I must add His earnest hope, that all Will hold themselves in readiness To answer to his call, When next he visits Truro town — That they will not refrain, From shedding further light on him and On Newquay shine again ! ON FALLING STARS IN GENERAL, AND ON A PARTICULAR "FALLING STAR." MOST SPECIALLY DEDICATED TO A falling star ! What's it ? None know ! My notion may be vain — 'Tis of a world, that's shone too long. And ne'er may shine again ! I've often thought — I think so still — That we — a planet small In Heav'n's bright space — presumptuous are To think we can be all Th' Almighty God takes notice of ! The He in pow'r Divine Made us alone ! Why should not we As star on others shine ? We're told — I know — that made for tis Were Stars — and Moon— and Sun — Still this does not my notion change — Were not the only one Inhabited ! For who can say The rest, have not the same Been told, by One, whose might Divine, We, dare not — cannot — name ! 'Tis true we're fix'd ! Great comfort this ! For we can ne'er become I07 A " falling star," in common sense — Ne'er leave our starry home, 'Till th' end shall come for us — till we Shall vanish out of space ! 'Till vi^e become a " falling star" — A star, that's ran its race ! Two thousand years ago — and more — A Comet brightly shone On those who then dwelt on this earth ! A short time since upon Us, it shed its most brilliant light — Taking this time to come Back to the spot, it erst appear'd ! How little we become When thinking of the mighty space Thro' which its course had run At rate incomprehensible To us ! Its rate must stun With wonder — Aye ! with wonder great All — who that on't at all Dwell — ponder — for it shows most plain That we — as world — are small ! — A falling star, what's not — I know. Or should be very dull ! I know its neither goose, or duck — I know its not a gull ! Nor goose, nor duck, float high in air — Yet gull, seen from afar With sun's bright gleam upon its wing, Looks like a falling star ! io8 And so — once on a time — was thought To be— by one who saw From Newquay's rocks, this brilliant sight, And filled was with awe ! A falling star, in midst of day. Would be indeed a sight ! Could only possibly be seen By one — who ever bright In all she sees — in all she says — In all she does — In fact Makes all — and each — around her shine And each and all attract ! Let not this Fair one, flatter'd feel ! It is most truly meant ! Flatt'ry is mean — I never pen Aught as a compliment ! I write my thoughts — I could not write Aught that I did not feel— And when in writing mood I am My thoughts, I can't conceal ! You've brought this on yourself, you know ! I thank you very much For giving me the pleasure great Of penning ! and for touch Of feeling, that I was remiss Not to allude before, To what — of all that's wonderful — Must dwell in mem'ry's store ! October, i8yi. REMINISCENCES OF A BHIili HT PDYM®aTH GIVEN BY THE OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL ARTILLERY, STATIONED AT PLYMOUTH, ijth SEPTEMBER, 1885. I^EMINIgOENCEg. 'Twas in September, eighty-five, Th' eleventh, was the date — Th' Artill'ry Royal gave a Ball, And 'twas my happy fate, To take a party of sweet girls, To Plymouth's famous town Where, station'd werfe these gallant men- Resolv'd were they to crown Their triumphs ere they left the place, And well did they succeed — For 'twas of Balls, the sweetest Ball — And nothing could exceed The kindness shown by them to all Who'd favour'd been by them ! Some got their tickets, straight and right- Some by sweet stratagem — For each and all most anxious were To see the splendid sight — Full well they knew, the dance would be One of supreme delight. I went— accompani'd by three Sweet flow'rs in human form — Two were my own — the other was With mine, most uniform — -r;.im^:-m-^ 112 That is, in sweetness — beauty — grace ! I here, must careful be, Or I shall be accused of Strong partiality And told, that I ought not to praise Those, that to me belong — That to praise them's to praise myself, And all self praise is wrong ! But never mind ! I do not care ! I but record the truth ! Why should I not? They cheer me with Their brightness, and their youth ! Old tho' I am, I much delight, In being with the young — With joy in seeing — hearing — them — My feelings oft are strung ! "Your feelings" — quoth they — "What are they" " To us ? We do not care !" " As long as you, us pleasure give," " Your feelings we don't share ! " " We like the young — the free — the bright" — "We leave you in the cold" — " With you we have no sympathy " — ■'' You a7'e so very old ! " But I must on go, with my tale — My readers' patience save — And tell them ev'rything I can About the Fair and Brave, That met together at the Ball — How they enjoy'd the dance — 113 The scene — the music — what was done Their pleasure to enhance ! Well, off we go then ! I and mine, Started from hence at three For Totnes Station, which we reach'd Hoping that we should see Three friends, most fair, awaiting us, (In us include my son) But we were disappointed, for We found there, only one ! But she was fair — and sweet — and bright — And when the tale was told We learnt one had preceded us — The other had been sold ! She'd had a ticket promis'd her — Alas, it never came ! To disappoint so sweet a girl, Was sure, a crying shame ! I hope, howe'er, she did not cry, Or tear her lovely locks Out by the roots — 'twould pity be ! And cause one of those shocks We always feel when we behold A sweet girl in deep grief! In this case sure, 'twas of no use ! Naught could give her relief. For 'twas too late ! the last chance gone ! No ticket by the post ! She'd hop'd for this — and when this fail'd, She felt all hope was lost, ji4 So sat her down — Here I must stop ! All else from me is hid ! I was not there ! I only know I know not, what she did ! ! ! At length the train came slowly in — We quickly took our seats, Regretting our sweet friend should lose One of the richest treats We felt sure was in store for us — As sure it prov'd to be — But I must first to Plymouth get, That sweet town by the sea ! The cry of " Tickets please " soon told Us, that we had arriv'd. As soon as could be, we got out. And pleasure great deriv'd. From walking to our lodgings nice, On Windsor Terrace fair — Finding both butter'd bread, and tea. Awaiting us, when there — These had been kindly order'd by Our sweet young friend who had Preceded us — It was most kind. And made our hearts most glad ! Tea over — out we go to see The beauties of the Town, And show to all the Plymouth folk What beauties we had grown ! Most of us that is — One there was Had never Plymouth seen — 115 'Twas Plymouth's loss I for sweeter one, Had ne'er to Plymouth been ! " We " — quickly cry out all the lot — " Foil, surely do not mean " " The Plymouth folk — or any one " — " Had ever, in you seen " " Beauty ! or aught approaching it ! " " Vou should have left out JVe " " And said instead — The sweet ones that ' " Were pleas'd to come with me " I Well ! Never mind ! Be calm I pray ! Your mercy here I woo. And say — What beauty / possess'd Reflected was by you When I was walking with you all ! How could I else but shine ! When sweet stars shed their light on me, Their beauty then is mine ! At least, as long, as they their light, Shed on me — That withdrawn, I self become — plain — gloomy — dark As night, before the dawn ! And here I must request that you Will not again be rude — And interrupt in such a way — Your thoughts on me intrude! J^or, if you do, I never shall Get with you, to the Ball — - And, if you do, I never will Go with you there at all ! ii6 Well ! after we had seen the town, Its people, and its shops — We went back to our lodgings — where We had some mutton chops Et cetera — And after this Proceeded to prepare To make ourselves look beautiful ! I here must take great care, Or I shall interrupted be, With other rude remark About my beauty ! Never mind ! I'm up to any lark, So rattle on — I do not care To keep them in suspense, Or they will say — my beauty is, Like me — a mean pretence — But here I find, that I have fail'd To state a sad event That happen' d — and I had no pow'r This sad thing to prevent. One of the sweet Fair, who had come With me to Plymouth town, Engaged was to Stonehouse go (A place of great renown !) And dine, and stay with other friends — Friends who had been most kind — For they'd a ticket got for her, And so, reliev'd her mind. One comfort had we, in our grief At parting — 'Twas not small ! 117 For we were soon again to meet, And see her, at the Ball. She'd promis'd to take care of us — Methinks I hear this Elf Exclaim aloud — " You're old enough " "To take care of yourself!" " And ugly too ! Now Sir, you know " What you are in my view ! " " Take care indeed ! I'd like to see " " Who'd run away with you " ! " I promis'd that I'd chaperon " " Your darling daughters fair," " And their sweet friend ! but as for you," " I'd have you, to beware " " How thus you take my name in vain " "In saying that I would " " Take care of you indeed ! know this " ! " I would not, if I could ! "— Dear me ! dear me ! Unlucky me ! I, surely not am fit To write 'bout dances ! I e're am Putting my foot in it, And saying something that offends, Some of the charming Four ! I sorry am ! I promise not To do so any more ! At least 'till next time — when I may P'rhaps some event disclose, Will make — of these sweet girls — each one Turn up her pretty nose ! ii8 But to proceed — I left off where 'Twas time to go to dress, And decorate their forms most fair ! So, their kind Hosts impress With awe, and admiration great, At seeing sucA a Three Enter the room ! This room the scene Of a grand Jubilee ! At last they ready were — Two cabs Were waiting at the door, To take us to the scene of joy. One, never had before Been to a Military Ball— Of Balls, the very best ! — For 'tis most gay — The Uniforms Make this most manifest. The blue coats — red — the lace of gold — The lace of silver too — Can sure not fail to charm the eye, So smart are they to view ! Soon were we seated in the cabs — Soon rattled thro' the street To the fam'd room, where we much hop'd Our sweet young friend to meet. The one, who'd promis'd to take care Of — I'd almost written us ! But puU'd up short — for fear there'd be Another little fuss, And that I should again be told — Well ! What, I won't repeat ! 11^ I'll merely say — Tho' sour 'twas, 'Twas utter'd by, A Sweet ! We reach'd the room — Th' Assembly room Of the most grand Hotel — The " Hotel Royal," it is call'd. And suits its title well — For it is grand — and Royal too — In name most certainly — For oft' times it's been honour'd by The Royal Family ! We reach'd the room — I ' m wrong — We must The entrance first behold. Which when we did — an officer Clad in dark blue and gold Awaited us — to welcome us — And help us from the cabs — I don't mean me — I mean of course My Phena, and my Babs, As well as, our sweet young friend ! He gave his hand to each. In turn you know — not all at once ! No don't begin to preach, And say — " We're wise enough to know " " One hand could not take three," " At once to help !" — I know you're wise I Alas — poor stupid me ! I'm always saying something wrong To make your tempers rise In anger at me ! Yet I say It ought not to surprise t2o You now you know ! You know me now For an old stupid So pity me ! I'll do my best, To keep your tempers cool In future — and will now proceed To make you understand What was said, by this officer — This officer so grand ! A big man was he — gallant — tall — And somewhat stout to view — When asked what time the cabs should come He shouted — " Half past two ! " My three Fair, no doubt, thought it was Too soon to come away — " 'Till daylight doth appear — We're sure " " We should much like to stay ! " " But as this officer — so grand ! " " Says when we all must go," " We s'pose we must — Tho' sad it is," " And fills our hearts with woe ! " — Now this is what, I think, they thought, And said, within their minds. 'Tis natural ! I don't complain ! One really seldom finds That other Fair, have other thoughts, To those I have express' d — I fancy they all think alike, When they are smartly dress'd, And ready for a jolly dance. Oh my ! I must take care l2l Or shall be ask'd — " What know you 'bout " "The sweet thoughts of the Fair?" " How can you guess, at what we think?" " We'd have you, sir, to know," " We think you most impertinent," " And plainly tell you so ! " — Dear me again ! Once more have I Caus'd them to take offence ! 'Tis all my folly — not my fault That I've so little sense ! I cannot help it ! Blame me not ! I won't do so again ! I'll do my little utmost to From impudence refrain. We never shall get in the room, I'm certain sure of that, If they will go on scolding so, And this I tell them pat. However I will try to get With them, up the broad stairs — And when we're up — leave them to mind Each one, her own affairs ! Well ! up we go then, to the room Prepar'd for Lady guests To leave their cloaks in — and their wraps — And pass their little jests Each other with — My son and I Waited for them outside — Ready to offer them our arms. Their footsteps up to guide. i2i Soon out they came ! 'Twas glorious sight ! They were dress'd out so fine, And look'd so charming, that I felt None there, could them outshine ! And I was right ! But further on I'll tell all that I think, And thought then — merely saying now, They were the very pink Of all that was most bright and sweet ! Most beautiful they look'd ! If I'd been young — and single too — I'd surely have been hook'd ! Our sweet young friend then took my arm- My son, the other two Look'd after — They — his sisters fair ! — And without more ado We mounted to the landing, where The gallant Colonel stood — The Colonel of the gallant Corps That had done so much good To all, who had invited been By them, to their sweet Ball, And share their hospitality, Which was most great to all ! A soldier waited to announce Our names, as we produc'd Our vouchers — this done, on we pass'd, And thus were introduc'd — Trist Major ! No ! 'Twas " Major Trist," "And" (charming) "Miss Giffard ! " 123 Then— ^' Mn and the Misses Trist !" Of course, all star'd most hard At hearing — then at seeing such A very brilliant lot ! Here, I again, must careful be Or, I shall get it hot ! The Colonel of the gallant band, Was standing at the door Of the sweet room — the dancing room — Surrounded by a score Of gallant men in uniform — The Colonel bow'd — and took The hand of each — most cordially The hand of each he shook Politely saying — " I am glad " " To see you here to-night ! " We bow'd — said "Thanks" — and on we went To see the splendid sight. It was a splendid sight indeed ! Flags — mottoes — did abound — Most tastefully were plac'd — and then We'd time to look around — For tho' 9.30 was the time Nam'd by these gallant men — We found they'd alter'd it — the Ball Did not begin 'till Ten. Impatiently we waited on, Our sweet young friend to see — The one, who was to care for us ! I mean, for all but me ! 124 Meantime their cards, were getting fill'd — Names into them did flow — 'Twas Colonel This — and Major That — And Captain So and So I Of Misters sure, that were no end — Of ev'ry colour too — Some were in black — and some in red- And some in Navy blue — For of this gallant service, there Were many to behold Of ev'ry grade — From Admiral, To Mid — in blue and gold. Most brightly shone the uniforms, So vari'd in their hue — Right gallantly did " One and All " Their pleasing duty do — And pleasing duty, sure it was, The charming Fair to please ! 'Twas so, I know, when I was young — Oft' I was prone to tease When asking some Fair, for a dance She'd say — " I am engag'd ! " I've felt I could her partner slay, I did get so enrag'd ! But there ! Alas ! My time is o'er ! If I were now to pull My courage up, to asking point. She'd say—" My card is full ! "— Thus, turn me off, with gentle snub, And so get rid of me! 125 'Twas ever so ! and sad to state It so, will ever be ! "Well, what else, sir, can. you expect?" I hear some Fair one cry — "You don't suppose, I'd dance with you!" " I've other fish to fry ! " " My partners I, can pick and choose ! " " At least— I ilAm^ I can ! " "At any rate, they'll not be o/d/" " I like a nice young man ! " There ! that's the way they'd speak to me, Did I ask for a dance ! I'm far too old — and far too wise To give them such a chance ! 'Twould gratify them far too much To- give them pow'r to say " He ask'd me — poor old stupid thing ! " " Of course, I said him Nay!" — Well ! 'fore we went into the dance We had a cup of tea — 'Twas laid out in the ante-room — The table — sweet to see ! Cakes — bread and butter — did abound — In fact, all that was nice. But we'd to wait, 'till dance began 'Fore they produc'd the ice. At length from clock tow'r toll'd the hour — The witching hour of Ten, Look'd forward to so eagerly By all that waited ! Then 126 The Band struck up — Oh, 'twas a Band ! A Band past all compare ! It made me feel — Well ! mine had been A dance most rich and rare, And so I did not gratify Them, to this high extent ! After their rude remarks, I felt, 'Twould be improvident ! This band ! I here must say a word — Another word — in praise Of it — and the most gallant corps, That took the pains to raise, A band so exquisite to see ! So exquisite to hear ! Band, of that splendid band of men, That know not name of fear ! This corps is one of England's best ! Right loyal to their Queen ! (Right " Royal " they !) She loves them well I In ev'ry fighting scene " By sea, by land " — (their motto this !) They bravely fight for Her ! And to think of their gallant deeds Does in my old heart stir Up admiration, past express ! I here, must name, their name, " Marines "—with prefix — " Royal " — they A corps, well known to fame ! Now, though I love this gallant corps. Who honour — pluck — combine — ■ 127 1 also love with equal warmth " Th' ArtiU'ry " and '•' The Line "— "The Cavalry," and "Engineers" I equally admire — Each good and true — Each e'er prepar'd To face the Foemen's fire ! " The Royal Indian Army," too ! " Militia " ! " Volunteers ! " (In these two first, I've loyally My country serv'd for years. Abroad — at home — I've serv'd with joy The very best, I ween. That ever sat on any Throne — My lov'd ! my Empress — Queen ! Two sons of mine from early youth Their Queen much long'd to serve. I gave them up — full well I knew They would Her Rights preserve As far as in their power lay ! Of these lov'd sons of mine One, " The ArtiU'ry Royal " join'd, The other, join'd " The Line"— And proud was I — and proud were they Of their Professsion grand ! Alas ! they're now no more ! they lie Each, in^a foreign land — And sad — most sad ! — tho' this to me, Sad pride it from me draws To feel — that they — my gallant sons — Died in their country's cause !) 128 All gallant men ! All England's sons ! All willing — glad to show That " ev'rywhere " they ready are To meet old England's foe ! " Ready — Aye — Ready ! " is the cry Utter'd by one and all Of these brave men — quick to respond To their dear country's call When wanted to encounter foes — Where e'er these foes may be It matters not to them ! They'll fight On either land or sea ! Hip ! Hip ! Hurrah ! Let's give three cheers For them ! — That being done. Wish them good luck ! Long life t' enjoy The honours they have won ! And 'tis indeed an honour great In either branch to serve So good a Queen ! Old England's Pride ! WHOM-MAY GOD LONG PRESERVE ! " We never did ! Upon our words ! " I hear my Fair exclaim In anger at me — 'cause I choose Men's praises to proclaim ! "It is too bad ! It really is ! " " What next, we wonder, sir," " Will you be saying ! you've no right " Our anger thus to stir ! " " You started, Sir, by praising us ! " " What business had you then " " To leave us in the lurch so long," " And praise the dreadful men ! " " We like to hear our praises sung ! " " We like to hear you say " t2!9 " That we are Angels — fair and sweet ! " " Bright as the sun by day ! " " And brighter than the lovely stars " " Which shine so sweet, by night ! " " When you go on like this — sweet sir ! " " You give us great delight ! " "Yet would we have you understand" " We are, by no means, vain ! " " We like the truth from you, Dear Sir," "Altho' you are so plain!" "So go on praising, if you please!" " Praise each, and all, of us ! " " But for one moment don't suppose " "We are the least jealous" — " Or fancy for one moment, that " " We do not you believe!" " We know you very truthful are," " And would not us, deceive ! " Dear me ! Dear me ! Why what a fuss About a little praise Bestow'd on others ! One would think It did their own erase. But 'tis not so ! They know it's not ! They know I do not mean To say aught, to disparage them ! They jealous are, I ween, And think that they're, the only ones That should employ my pen In setting down the praises of! They're right! — I say Amen! — • 130 And on go with my pleasing task — Why ! where did I leave off ? For this sad lack of memory, Pray do not at me scoff — It dawns upon me suddenly — I left off where the Band Had just struck up a glorious valse ! The couples — hand in hand — (Or arm in arm, I should have said. But wanted "hand" for rhyme — ) • Off started for a jolly dance — The music in sweet time Delighted them ! — They danc'd away ! When lo ! a vision sweet, Appear'd within the crowded room — To see her, was a treat I We long had been expecting her — We wanted much her care — We felt so young and frisky — She Was lovely — staid — and fair ! She join'd us — us, I say again ! I — who was heretofore In plural — now was singular ! My sad fate to deplore Was left alone, until she came — Then all to me was bright ! She was most kind — she piti'd me — That is — if I think right ! — Within that room — altho' so full — I could not find a mate — A friend, I mean, to chatter to — What would have been my fate If she had not, her kindness shown — Permitted me to talk To her, when she not dancing was. Or led out for a walk Around the room — I really don't Know, what I should have done ! Again I say — she was most kind — And brightly, on me shone ! I saw so little of the rest — The other charming three ! One — she the smallest — asked me once To come and have some tea ! — I went with her — full soon there came A gallant partner gay, To whom a dance she'd promised — He took her right away And I was left alone again. In a most doleful plight, As oft' I was — poor dismal me ! On that eventful night. 'Tis said — " there is to ev'ry cloud " " A silver lining " bright ! Most true in my case, sure it was ! For when most dark — a light Flash'd on me — o'er me — and around — The light of that sweet Fair Before referr'd to in my rhyme ; She, sav'd me from despair ! 132 Another of the charming Three I think came to me twice — And kindly ask'd me — " How I was ?" And — " Whether 'twasn't nice !" Of course I said — Oh ! Awfully ! For worlds, I'd not have said " I dare say 'tis, for you, my dear !" " / wish, / was in bed !" To say this might have cast a gloom On her sweet — happy face. She was my own ! a darling one ! I would not that a trace Of sorrow, should rest on her brow, Or pang within her heart ! I don't suppose they would you know ! I simply here impart My feelings — and leave her to say Which feeling is the right ! Whiche'er it is — she's still to me A darling little sprite ! For, one more Sweet, I must account — Tho' know not what to say ! She flash'd by often in the dance, But had not time to stay And speak a word ! — Oft' as she pass'd I scarce could catch her eye — She was so very much engag'd In mirth and jollity. Enjoy'd herself most thoroughly ! As did my other two. 133 I will not say another word. For fear they should turn blue ! The clock struck twelve — The supper hour! Away most went in pairs — To reach the lovely supper room They - had to go down stairs, And when they reach'd it — 'twas a sight ! At least I think it must Have been at first — When I went down Sure many a broken crust Was strewn about — I went alone — A solitary man ! No Fair one ask'd me ! I, no Fair Could to take down, trepan ! Three times I walk'd around that room — The dancing room I mean — To ask a Fair to honor me ! She was not to be seen. At length I sighted her— And said " To take you down to Sup " " May I the honour have ? " she said "I've only just come up ? " " I've had my supper — Sorry am " " You did not ask before " — " 'Twas very nice — but really I " " Cannot eat any more ! " — My last — my only chance was gone! I, then alone went down — Feeling — I won't say hoiv I felt — Save that I felt, done brown ! 134 I enter'd — look'd about — and saw Her, who so oft' had cheer 'd Me, thro' the night — She'd come down with My Son — A son endear'd To me — No better son can be, Or is, on earth, I'm sure! I do not want to make him blush. So won't say any more. I saw them sitting — eating too — I ventur'd to approach — A vacant place, was by her side — I'd not have dar'd encroach On her — had she not sweetly smil'd. And motion'd with her hand For me to take the vacant seat — It was a sweet command, So I did not dare disobey, And down I humbly sat — No appetite before had I — When I began to chat To her, I grew quite raveneous ! Eat Crab and Lobster too ! — Considering the time of night 'Twas dang'rous thing to do ! — No matter tho' ! I much enjoy'd The good things on that board — And here a secret I'll impart — Her plate, had been well stor'd With good things too ! — And clear it was That she — this charming Sprite ! This fairy form ! possess'd not an Ethereal appetite ! " Oh my ! You rude old man ! How dare !" " You ev'rybody tell ! " " How much I eat ! How do you know ! " "It is all very well " " For you to talk — You'd best take care " " Or you may make most sure " " I'll tell 'bout you ! I ne'er saw such ! " " A greedy thing before ! " Now don't ! please don't! I meant not to You, in the least offend — But for you, I'd not touch'd a thing — On that, you may depend ! It was your presence brighten'd me ! Your presence made me eat ! I eat a lot, I must confess ! TAe whole —to me a treat ! All eat most, when they hapyy are ! Few can eat, when in gloom ! The first I was — the last I felt — When I came in that room. There ! now I have apologiz'd ! Hope I've made all things right ! So will go on — Relate all else That happen'd on that night. Well ! supper over — up we went The Ball-room to regain — All there, was going on as before — No one there, could Gomplain— 136 Of supper dances, there were four — On programme, twenty-two — Grand total twenty-six — and more ! The last — a perfect do For me — for I'd made up my mind To go before the last — At the end of the one before — And told mine — when 'twas past — To come to me— they answer'd " Yes ! " " We ready, shall be then." / thought they meant it ! stupid me ! So was dumb-founded, when A gallant officer in blue — A Major — he — in rank — Came up, and took my breath away 1 He was so very frank ! " Another extra, there will be " — " I hope, Sir, you will stay !" I quick repli'd — " I'm much oblig'd," " But I must go away !" Again up spoke this officer — Said — " I'm engag'd " — most kind ! " To dance it with your daughter — Sir"— "I hope you will not mind" — "You will remain! I'm sure you will!" I here must make no boasts — So merely said — "I can't refuse" " One of our gallant hosts " — " But pray, Sir, let it be the last I" " I will not stay for more !" " I really cannot ! My " poor feet " " Are feeling very sore ! " — At last 'twas over ! The sweet band Struck up — " God Save the Queen ! " I thought the time was beautiful — The time for me I mean To go — for it was four o'clock ! Not far from day-light's hour ! I'd done the utmost that I could — No more, was in my pow'r ! Before we left they had some soup To freshen — give them strength — By them, I mean all the sweet Fair Throughout the breadth, and length Of that sweet room, who'd dancing been — (Let me no feelings hurt — ) Those equally requir'd it Who'd gone in strong for flirt- ing — on this happy — ^joyous night! More pleasing 'twas I s'pose ! / really don't know what , it means ! If flower — Is't a rose ? Or what! I've often heard — "a rose " " By any other name " " Would smell as sweet !" — I wonder much Would flirting do the same ! "It all depends, on what it is — Not knowing — I can't say ! Is't music ? or is't empty sound ? And does it ever pay ? OS I really shall be much oblig'd, If I may kindness earn, By being told — Be very sure I'm not too old to learn ! — Let's see ! Where was I ! Going down With many a kind adieu From gallant hosts — and other friends We hop'd we might renew Our friendship with — some other time — And sure I hope we may ! So do the utmost that we can, Their kindness to repay ! At length the robing room was reach'd — My three put on their wraps Before proceeding to the cabs Awaiting us — Perhaps Regretting that the Ball was o'er, So joyous had it been ! It was without compare — the best Each one had ever seen ! May each one, many more enjoy ! Each one be thought the best ! Youth is the time for jollity ! Age is the time for rest ! As / discDver'd on this night. Discomfort through me shoots — For all my body's blood had gone Right down, into my boots — And made my "poor feet" ache and swell- No wonder it was so ! 139 I'd stood five hours out of six — Enough to make blood flow Downwards — For mind I did not dance Or skip— or flirt — or aught To make the warm blood circulate ! I was a Unit ! Naught ! — The wraps were on — when out they came- My son and I took charge Of them, to see them to our cabs — I need not here enlarge On our drive home — Three went in one — The three, young charming Fair I My son and I desir'd to smoke — Would not pollute the air I n that one cab, that held the Three ! We went into the other — And so, we safely, all reach'd home. Sans, any further bother ! One thing, I have omitted that I should have told before — Our sweet young Chaperon ! She went (Which was a horrid bore To us) to Stonehouse back again, But to relieve our sorrow, She promis'd she would come and lunch With us, on the sweet 'morrow — To morrow ! Day it should have been ! To day, the most correct — For it was close on four o'clock ! And with all due respect 140 I'll say, its time for me to stop — I'm sure they've had enough — " Enough" — say they — "Too much by far" " Of such poor trashy stuff! " " How dare you think, great minds, like ours " " Could ever be amus'd " " By reading aught, that you could write ! " " Pray Sir, be disabus'd " "And quickly too! We'll let you know" " What we think of you, and " " Will soon make your blood circulate," " Your hair on end quite stand ! " " Your blood shall soon leave your " poor feet " " And rush into your head," " With fear and trembl'ing at our wrath ! " " We'll pity you instead ! " " Compassion take on you, tho' you " " Are very, very vain " " To think you can amuse us so/" " Pray don't do so again ! " Well I Well ! I won't ! I only thought I might p'rhaps, you amuse A little \ But I won't again As you so me abuse. Let me conclude, with this remark. I hope I've nothing said. To give offence to any one ! Good night ! I'm off to bed ! ! ! Tristford, September, 188^. POETRY. ON A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS. H -1 lo l«g Scar "^tfc. A wife ! A being far beyond Aught, that I can compare To aught — if she be that she ought Such beings are not rare — And therefore I this tribute pen To wife of mine most dear ! Who by her truth — her faithfulness— My heart must ever cheer. A wife ! my wife ! the best of all That ever lov'd on earth ! The truest — best — that ever liv'd ! That ever God gave birth To — in affection — care — and love For me — for all the flock Of tender one's bestow'd by God On us ! 'T would be a mock Of all — and ev'ry thing that's good Did I but 'tempt to try To think — or feel — that mortal e'er Could be more bless'd than I ! — Plymouth, Novembei; i86g. 144 Jlcrostic, ON "p;qNNY j;^NE DEYQN^HIRE mW," ELDEST DAUGHTER OF MAJOR TRIST, of TRISTFORD, Composed by him at Plymouth, in October, 1870. F anny — to thee, my precious sprite ! A verse or two, I will indite — N o difificulties here exist — N o thoughts, but must my muse assist — Y our charms to pen, I can't resist ! J oyous and happy — loving — kind — A re those that first rush on my mind. N o child so dove like — none so bright — E 'en as thyself — my precious sprite ! D evon's fair daughters — not more fair! E yes — beauteous blue — and nut brown hair — V ines with their clusters, lovely shine ! f charms in clusters, such to thine — N e'er can compare ! can ne'er come near ! S o sweet thou art ! so soft and clear ! H ow much I love thee, none can tell ! 1 n my old heart — 'tis sure — must dwell, R egard — affection — deep — sincere — E ver for thee — my ever dear! — T hen Oh— reward thy father's love ! R epay with tenderness — and prove I n thought — in word — in act — in deed — S o good — so true — that none exceed T hyself— in all a Father need ! — us Jlcro^tic, o^f SECOND DAUGHTER OF MAJOR TRIST, of TRISTFORD, Composed by him at Teistford, 28th of November, 1885. T ryphena darling ! born to please and cheer ! R eceive from me, a passing tribute dear. Y ou are to me, a very precious child — P erfect in charms, and in your temper mild. H ow dear you are, I ever try to prove — E ver you're thought of by me, withmuch love. N one can but happy be, when you are near — A 11 those who love you, know you are sincere. T ruthful and loving ! these your sweetest charms, R ich as you are in others ! no alarms I n my heart dwell, that other you will be, S o sure, am I, of your fidelity — T hus show my love in all sincerity ! 146 Jlcrostic, ON "EVELilN E ir^I^iTi," THIRD DAUGHTER OF MAJOR TRIST, of TRISTFORD, Composed by him at Tristford, 28th of November, 1885. E ve, to thee my pet, what can I say ! V ain will the effort be, to half convey E ach thought of love for thee, that in me dwells — L ove that no time can quench ! It ever swells I n heart of mine, for thou art very dear ! N aught will thou ever do, to cause me fear — E ver to me, must true and sweet appear ! T hy charms are numberless, my little Pet ! R ecite them I can not — I could not get I n the small space I have, the half I know — S o many inward are — so many show — T hey all with love, and sweetness overflow ! 147 TO MY NIECE, fannu SHza Rarltion, ON SENDING HER MY " ASTRONOMICAL COMPARISONS." In return for your lines, which deh'ghted me much, I send you a Poem — and I'm sure never such Was composed before ! or will e'er be again ! " Oh, how can you be so uncommonly vain ! " Is exclaimed by you with your nose in the air — Never mind ! for you know, you are one of the Fair I've endeavour'd to please in my Poem so sweet. As it must be to all, who with Stars can compete. For what can be more beautiful — near or afar — Than a lov'd, loving girl ! and a lovely bright Star ! December, 1872. 148 OH, MEET ME IN THE WOOD, OR REMEMBER ME. Co7nposed in i86g. Set to Music Expressly by Charles Blamphin o Oh meet me in the Wood, When the sun shines bright ! Oh, meet ! Oh meet me there Or the gloom of night, Will not be half so dark, as Will be my great fear for thee, That thou in other joys, hast At length forgotten me ! I pray thee then remember me ! Thoughts happy, reaching ecstasy. Will in my heart for ever be, If thou'lt remember me. Oh, meet me in the Wood, And there let me say, That the gloom of night is naught When the bright ray, Of thy sweet form appears, which Must for ever, ever cheer, The hearts of those who love thee ! Oh quell ! Oh, quench my fear ! I pray thee then remember me ! 149 Oh meet me in the Wood, There let my fear end ! I'd be for ever thought of As a friend, Who'd shield thee from all alarm, And whose ever trusty arm. Would protect thee — would defend thee- From aught could do thee harm. I pray thee then remember me ! Oh, meet me in the Wood, Spring, the best of times ! When the trees put on their bloom, And all nature shines. Bright and clear, as e'er art thee ! 'Tis from thy sweet memory. Whatever may betide I, would ne'er discarded be ! I pray thee then remember me ! Thoughts happy, reaching ecstasy, Will in my heart for ever be. If thou'lt remember me. I50 ^n ^omatt. Of all created in this world Naught does — or can — excel Sweet woman's form ! Her beauty — grace- Cast on mankind a spell — A spell of joy ! a blisful spell ! Bright — charming to the eye — The heart — the feeling — She alone With Angel fair, can vie ! — ■ |o a Joung Jriend, ON HEARING OF HER ENGAGEMENT. A pearl of price ! A priceless pearl Is what you will be found ! Pure, bright, and clear as noon-day Sun — And when in wed-lock bound To him you've bless'd with your sweet love. With him the world to roam, May each the other's value prove ! May Heaven be your home ! t5t gmprontpfu, O'R BEING PRESENTED BY A YOUNG FRIEND WITH SOME BLUE VIOLETS. My muse inspir'd by thy sweet gift, Of Violets blue — my thoughts I'll sift To thank thee, in most humble strain For that — I hope may soon again My senses charm — my eyes delight — As ever does, thy own sweet sight ! Let me my feelings thus express, I do not doubt, thy *" Faithfulness." *Emblem of Blue Violet. Jlnot^cr, ON BEING PRESENTED WITH SOME LILIES OF THE VALLEY. Bright as her form — and lovely as the day — Lilies in sweetness, do that form portray — Her heart — that treasure ! sure could do no less Than promise a *" Return of happiness " ! ♦Emblem of Lily of the Valley. 152 gmprompiu, To a young friend who sent me her Photo with— written on the back of it — " Do you remark the turn'd up nose, or as some call it, Pug ? " — Thanks for your photo ! I remark The turn'd up nose — as you say ! Not that — nor pug— is my reply, But — sweetly — Nez retrousse ! On being told by some young friends, that none approved of their Photographs. They say, their photos none approve. I answer, none know how to love. For ev'ry feature — ev'ry line — Of their sweet forms — to endless time — Are printed on this heart of mine ! impromptu. " I am so sorry," coming from the heart Of one we love, is welcome sound — when sad! Yet coming from the lips, I've often heard " I am so sorry," when the heart was glad ! i53 Jo an ^bdent poung Tho' absent — yet not out of mind — My thoughts of thee, are ever kuid- Ever will be — however long It pleases God, life to prolong ! ^5c fo " "g^Tcmorg." Oh memory ! Sweet memory ! Thou tell'st of days long past. Days, that in my heart's inmost core I would for e'er could last ! Days of unclouded happiness ! Days of supreme delight ! Days that in mem'ry e'er must shine Bright as the stars of night ! But then, alas ! thou tell'st again Of days that cast a gloom In mem'ry's chain — and sadden thought. To all is this the doom ! Thou tell'st of dear departed ones Gone to their happy rest. Lov'd — deeply lov'd — whilst with us here Now, shining 'mongst the Blest. T54 Again thou tell'st of those, who once Shed joy, whenever seen. Of friends — dear friends! Now cold and chang'd! Their great unkindness — keen Cuts to the heart ! Few — few there are, But know, and feel the pain Caus'd by the falsehood — fickleness — Of those they've lov'd in vain ! Oh mem'ry, thou a tyrant art ! Thou tell'st of joy and grief. Joy, that can ne'er return again Sad 'tis to feel ! Relief Thou giv'st not — for in thy dark chain It lives — and e'er must live Long as life lasts — and then the grave Freedom from thee will give ! The grave 1 what folly thus to write ! The grave gives no such joy ! The body dead — the spirit lives — And mem'ry will annoy — And persecute — and blast for e'er All happiness — Its cries Will not be heard — this is its Hell! " The worm that never dies." That is — if memory is not What it should be — of good— [wrought — Good thoughts — good words — good actions All evil deeds withstood. 155 Alas ! how few there are, who will (Comparatively few !) Attain the bliss, that's promised To all, who thus can show A spotless memory ! All ills Pardon'd 'ere they depart From out this world of misery So trying to the heart ! Of griefs thou tell'st, oh memory ! Of griefs long past — and gone From all but thy dread scrutiny ! Thou can'st recall alone, And by thy pow'r, most wretched make Most mortals here below — For who is there, would not forget Much that thy pow'r doth show ! I — wretched mortal, that I am — ("Of sinners, I'm the chief !) Would — could I — Oh, I would I could From mem'ry get relief! Lov'd ones departed — lov'd one here — Each to the mem'ry dear, Tho' sad alas ! and sadness is The cause of many a tear. The lost we wish with us again — We feel we'd kinder be — Could we but them recall to life, No sorrow should they see ! 156 To lov'd ones here, we kindness show — Oft' 'tis repaid with wrong — Ingratitude and faithlessness Become impressed strong On memory, and make us feel T'would happier be, could we Forget all such ! But memory Tells us, such ne'er can be ! And on we go — remembering Joy— sorrow — bitter ill — The two last nam'd, do most abound — Most hearts with sadness fill. Those, that have any hearts at all ! For some without there are — That naught affects that naught can move — And they are happier far — Far happier in their wretched selves, Than those whose hearts are warm ! Whose mem'ry'sgood — whose feelings must With love, and friendship, swarm ! Oh ! in this wretched world of ours, Whilst life and mem'ry last, Could each for each such kindness feel And ne'er a blight would cast On memory ! How happy all Life's journey through might hie. Remembering who wrote these words, " Best gift is Charity ! " — 157 Alas, this ne'er will be ! This gift Is that, least practis'd here — Experience must teach all this truth — Daily it doth appear — Faith — Hope — abound ! or seem t' abound- Yet cannot give relief, From everlasting misery Wiikout—oi g\ks — the chief! — This world of ours, a mixture is To all, of joy and grief — The latter most predominates Thro' life — however brief — " Time healeth all things " — So 'tis said ! In this, those can't agree Who feel — some griefs there are— A'^^ time Can drag from memory ! And sad tho' memory may be, I envy not the one, Who casts from mind and memory All that's been said and done ! 158 the gil^ of the ^allct^. Of all the flow'rs on earth that grow, To me, none can compare. To that sweet flower of the Vale Which ever blooms so fair. Sweet Lily of the Valley ! Sweet To sight — in scent — in all — Sweet mem'ries of the happy past It ever doth recall ! Its emblem too hath sweetest sound — " Return of happiness " Is what its sweetness, sweetly says — What greater blessedness Can it imply, to those who love Their friends with love sincere ! After a storm, will come a calm Like soothing balm — to cheer. So " happiness " — when for a time It doth not brightly burn Is all the sweeter — brighter— when The " Lily " says " Return " ! " Return of happiness " — Sweet sound When coming from the heart ! 'Tis Lily's emblem — Lily's cry — And e'er must joy impart ! Composed at the Totnes Station, when waiting for the train on the 2 1st January, iSyj. 159 m Piddle on an it. What's z'^^that having — I have not ? Have had — but ne'er have got ! In my Den found — yet 'tis not there ! I'm told I gave it to a Fair Who — tho' she had it — could not keep — This mystery is very deep ! For other Fair, would wish to own — And yet another — one alone Refuses — says she'd rather not Possess, that having — I have not ! What's z^ ? I'll give it never fear, If 't can be found — be 't cheap or dear ! And gladly give, to those who'll take It — that I have not — for my sake. Old tho' I am — I'm very kind To give away, that I can't find In Den or out ! Yet I'll be bound 'Tis there I have it safe and sound, Tho' ever lose, as soon as found ! I've had it — have it — have it not ! What's it ? 'tis curious thing I wot ! Is't sweet or sour! cold or hot ? When told — I'll ?'/? — in mem'ry dot ! i6o Qn giqht. Night is my time to write — 'Tis sweet — when slumbers close The eyes of all — around — about — In silence to compose. Night is my time to think — My thoughts come freely then — Flow quickly through my mind — flow on As does my nimble pen. Night is my sleepless time — I'm like the desert owl Which screams at night, Its dismal scream — I joy — at night — to growl. Night quickly follows night — Too quick alas, for me ! Time will roll on — time cannot stay — Its shadows I foresee ! i6i inothcr on Siqht. Night in my lonely Den, \s pleasant time to me — 'Tis there, I think, on those I love — Fill'd with sweet memory ! Night in my lonely Den, Has ever a sweet charm For me — for then in silence sweet Sweet mem'ries o'er me swarm ! Night in my lonely Den, Recalls to thought the past — Past times — past scenes — of happiness^- Sweet mem'ries unsurpast ! Night in my lonely Den, When thought is free from pain, And days long vanish'd, fill my heart — I live them o'er again ! And 'till grim Death's dark night. Shall close for e'er o'er me — Thoughts of the past — sweet, happy past ! — Will live in memory ! — 162 |ood Hiqht. The clock tow'r tolls the witching houf When — 'tis said — Witches show their might And roam the world — In slumber sweet All's well with thee, I pray ! Good night ! For tho' thou art a Witch — like Fan — And e'en like her, a restless sprite — Thou hast no pow'r to roam as they, As Witches of the gloomy night ! Thy pow'r's reserv'd for sweeter ends ! They roam to frighten — thou to charm — And brighten e'en the sun's bright rays — With magic pow'r, all fears disarm. Witches like thee, and darling Fan, Are happ'ly doom'd, with us to stay — As happ'ly those of gloomy night On broom-sticks fly, far far away ! So, let them fly, if thou but stay, And cheer and charm us in thy might ! Thy power's great, this to effect ! Again dear girl ! Again Good night ! Composed at Midnight. 163 good Jije. I have oft', very often dear, wish'd thee " Good night." — Now another sensation I'll try. And instead of " Good night," will begin with "Good day," And e'en end with a very "Good bye!" Tho' " Good morning" comes first, yet the day follows soon. And both promise to be very bright — They will compare with thee dear, in all that is good. For — like thee — the sun sheds a sweet light. " Good morning" I say then ! " Good day " when it comes ! By that time this will be in the post — But before you receive it, the day will have wan'd, And " Good night," in my thoughts uppermost ! Good day, is a sweet sound, that comes sweet on the ear, When we know that it comes from the heart Of the one that salutes us — then much it should cheer — To be wish'd good, joy e'er must impart ! And "Good night" is a sound most expressive and sweet — Oh, I wish it may last good for Aye, For thee and for thine ! and for all of us dear ! It sounds sweeter, I think, than " Good bye ! " 164 "Good morning!" "Good day!" and "Good night !"- all are thine, And each, well with the other will vie In the good that I wish thee — I now must conclude- And will say for this time then, " Good bye ! " Composed early Morning. Jarewell. Accept my salutation sweet ! Sweet it should be forsooth, As coming from so old a friend, In years — in act — in truth. Accept my salutation then — Fare well 'till next I write ! My cry is ever " Fare thee well ! " May nothing e'er thee blight ! Let me salute thee e'en once more — 'Tis offer'd with delight As from my heart — old tho' it be ! Accept my sweet Good night ! And oh, as night must follow night, May each to thee be blest ! No pains, or sorrows cause thee grief! No cares, disturb thy rest ! — Fare well then, 'till I write again ! Fare well until we meet I Fare well ! and may'st thou ever be With ev'ry good replete ! i65 idicu. Adieu ! Adieu ! word full of thought", For oft' 'tis full of pain ! Yet, oft' with pleasure it is fraught, If hopes, in th' heart remain That friends — dear friends — (none else have aught To do with this, my strain) Tho' parted for a time are wrought To hope, they'll meet again. i66 P.3.-NB. The lines at first alluded to — I mean those I have cull'd From many other Poets sweet — herein are all annull'd. I have reserv'd the whole of them, for some bright future time — That is to say, should I again indulge in making rhyme, And tempted should be, e'en once more, to try how far my skill Would go in composition, and another volume fill. " Your skill indeed !" — I hear some say — "Why any fool could do " " What you have done, and better far, in rhyme, and reason too ! " No doubt he could ! I don't dispute what "any fool" may say ! I'll only ask the "fool" to try, and his own skill display ! — And if he can do "better far," I'll own that he is right — But if he cant, I'll say he is— Well ! What, I'll not indite — 'Tis possible that he might say, I was not too polite ! Tristford, 31st May, 1886. END OF THE SECOND EDITION. CULLINGS. LINES AND SENTENCES TAKEN FROM DIFFERENT P @ E T S, AND RE-ARRANGED ACCORDING TO FANCY AS APPLYING TO VARIOUS "^AIE 0HKS." 169 DEgC^IPWIVE CaiililNS^. " Friends had I then " — " I felt their gentle influence round me cling," " Like bloom of flowers — like flow'ry glance of Spring "- " And tho' the pledges, sweet as these " " Of friendship are no more " — " Time cannot drag them, cannot seize," " From mem'ry's richest store." — " No more their forms glide thro' the flowery vales " — " No more their voices sweet the ear assails " — " Forms which once seen, the heart may ne'er forget " — " Voices once heard — hush'd now — leave deep regret " — " In mem'ry's dream-like-hall, they linger yet." " Divinely fair " — " A sweet and lovely beauty " — "She is the abstract of all excellence," " And scorns a parallel." " She gave it with a smile." " A smile that glow'd " " Like lightning in a winter's night," "And shows a moment's dav." \76 " And this sweet Angel 'mong the rest," " Rais'd like one beatified " " Her eyes — whose light, seem'd rather given " " To be ador'd, than to adore "— " Such eyes as may have look'd from Heaven," " But ne'er were rais'd to it before " — "And proud she was — bright creature — proud" " Beyond what e'en most queenly stirs" " In woman's heart — nor would have bow'd " " That beautiful young brow of her's,"' " To aught beneath the First above." " Angels are painted fair " " To look like her " — " There's in her much, that we believe of Heaven,' " Amazing brightness ! " " She with soft smiles, and salutation sweet," " Beyond expression charms " — "She is so charming"! " Fair as the summer beauty of the fields" — " Brighter — far brighter — than a summer's morn " — "The pride of nature— and the joy of sense" — " Is she not more than painters can express?" 171 " 'Tis joy to look upon those eyes " — " Stronger charms " " Dwell in those speaking eyes " — " And on that brow " " More sweetness, than the painters can allow " " To their best pieces." " By all the Graces, temper'd and refin'd," " The fairest of earth's fairest woman — kind "— "Her form, the beauties of her mind express "— " A form so made to be beloved." " A beauty sweeter, and more fair," " Than the new blossoms " " When the morning air " " Blows gently on them." " Fresh as the wind, and as the morning fair," " Adown her shoulder fell her length of hair " — " That hair — from under whose bright veil " " The snowy neck, like a white sail " " At moonlight seen, 'twixt wave and wave," " Shone out by gleams." I'JI " That Curl ! that tendril like had grown " " Out of the Sun "— " To that most precious curl — between " " Whose golden cluster, the sweet wind" " Of Paradise so late hath been." " To that most sunny lock that curl'd " " Down her white shoulder " — " So beautiful in form — so sweet — " " The wreathed pride of that bright curl " " Tho' forc'd aside " " By its sweet contact, cannot hide." " She is " " With all the attractive charms " " Of beauty grac'd " — " Charms that to my transported heart," " A sense of joy, unfelt before, impart " " From their great brightness ! " " Oft' have I long'd to meet thee " — " Oft' to receive the bliss " " Thy charming tongue " " Gives to the happy ear " " Of him who drinks thy language ! " REMINISCENCES OF A GRAND TENNIS TOURNAMENT, AND OF AN EQUALLY GRAND CRICKET MATCH, (BATS VERSUS BROOM-STICKS,) WHICH WERE PLAYED W NEW^Q^Y, ON THE 13th, 14th, 1 6th, and ijth of August, 1886. ^75 Jeminidcenced of Je^arquatj. IN RHYME. At Newquay — once upon a time — Let's see ! What was the date ? Oh ! 'twas in August — Eighty-six ! And to commemorate Two great events that then came off I'll do my very best — And hope I may succeed ! for they Are on my mind imprest. It was in August's second week, The first event occurr'd — The Friday, and the Saturday — Two days, upon my word, I'm sure will well remember'd be By all who took a part In making each a great success ! How I will now impart. It was a Tennis Tournament — A Tournament most grand ! A novel Tournament ! for it Was play'd upon the sand ! The entries — they were numerous — The players — all first rate — So, was the play most excellent ! 176 I do not hesitate To say that further you might go And far worse might behold ! Worse ! worse by far ! for better scarce Could be ! kSo I was told ! And tho' I do not play myself, I much enjoy'd the sight — I've seen the game play'd frequently, And ever with delight — Thus do I constitute myself A judge — in some degree — And say — I never better saw — Or ever wish to see ! The first day — Friday — it was wet — The rain no mercy had — Still this did not their ardour damp — It rather made them glad, And kept them cool — They play'd away Tho' they were all wet through — Until the tide most plainly said " I cannot wait for you ! " " Be off ! To-morrow come again " " And finish out your game ! " " Come early ! or be very sure " " I'll serve you just the same ! " — Receiving this most gentle hint From the fierce, rolling tide, Theysoon dispers'd — tho' loath were they — But did howe'er decide To meet again, at half-past ten, 177 On the next coming day, And fight their battles — do their best — To show off their best play. They met — they fought — they did their best — But their play was so good They could not finish — One event Alone, was understood — The " Ladies Doubles " settled was — The contest was most fierce — They fought for prizes given by A Visitor — to pierce His feelings, would be difficult ! So joyous — I am told — Were they ! He truly happy felt, Altho' he is so old \ — Two ladies — young — and passing fair ! First prizes fairly won ! Of these two — One in name was sad. CTrist) In nature not ! And one In name and nature both, was bright ! *Tis true — and not absurd — In nature — she — a bright young girl ! In name — she was a bird! (Sparrow) And very bird-like too was she ! When playing — hopp'd about ! When speaking — very sweetly chirp'd ! ^Tis likeness — past all doubt ! — The second prizes too, were won As fairly as the first — Each play'd so K/^//~'twould puzzle be t78 To Say, which play'd the worst ! One of these Fair, beli'd her name, As can be clearly shown ! In nature — she was bright and fair ! Tho' she — in name — was " Brown"! The other of this charming pair Reminded me of Spring ! The sweetest season in the year ! Sweet mem'ries round me cling When thinking on't ! I hope that I May be allow'd to say This sweet girl — and this season sweet — Bear the sweet name of " May " ! Two other fair, and sweet young girls, Competed with the rest — Alas ! All cannot win ! Some must In all games be the best Tho' all be good ! As was the case In this most gallant fight ! Miss "Stephenson," for partner drew A darling little sprite ! Darling to me, she e'er must be, Tho' she in name is sad! (E. Trist) She's like her sister fair, in this — Is not— Well ! Not half bad ! ! ! But to go on — 'Bout two o'clock The tide came up so high They were compell'd again to stop — ■ And settled they would try Their luck once more, on Monday morn — • 179 Hopes that it would prove fine Were oft' express'd — They long'd again On Newquay's beach to shine ! Well ! Monday morn came round — of course ! Again all wend their way To that sweet beach — all eager were There to resume their play — Much — very much — had to be done — One match alone complete ! The "Ladies' Doubles "—" Ladies fair" Had now all to compete For " Ladies' Singles " — Lovely match ! Fourteen names on the list ! The Misses " Rickard "— " Stephenson "— Two sad young girls call'd " Trist " — The Misses " Lewis "— " Elliot "— " Shaw"— Miss "Man," with prefix " Bridge"— (" Bridge- (I'm in 2. fix, without the "pre" — man") Feel standing on a ridge Of doubt — for she may think that I Am sporting with her name — I'm sorry ! but I wish I could With others, do the same !) — Next comes the young Fair, "like a bird" — Then fair young springy " May " — The Misses " Evans " — M. and G. — Miss " Mitchell " too— I say Miss " Collins " most unwisely scratch'd For she'd have surely won ! A one-er she ! I'll further on i8o Relate where she won One ! This makes the number up — Each did The best that she could do — Until at length, all beaten were Except the Winning Two ! And then indeed, the fight began ! 'Twas which, should be the first — They play'd — they fought most gracefully — For sometime no one durst Say which would win — they play'd so well — Uniil at length Miss " May," Miss " Lewis " conquer'd — Tho' so good Both could not win the day ! I mean the first prize — I am told Two offer'd were for this, So that you see, the conquer'd one Did not do much amiss ! These prizes given were, 'tis said, By the 'fore nam'd old man — I know he loves the young to please — Do for them all he can To make them joyous — see a smile — List to a fair young tongue — And I am sure, he ne'er forgets That he too, once was young ! — The "Doubles" and the "Singles" o'er— (Those play'd by Ladies fair — ) I must proceed to give the names Of others, who were there — As well as tell, what further games i8i Were play'd by all the lot Of Gentlemen and Ladies too — Tho' difficult — I wot ! I have recorded two events — And now begin my troubles — I scarce know what to say about The " Gents' and Ladies' Doubles " — Twelve Ladies fair — twelve Gentlemen — Enter'd the lists, and pair'd — The names were drawn — they had no choice- And this is hoio they far'd ! — Miss " Rickard " pair'd with " Ferryman " Miss " E. Trist " with a " Maw "— (I here, was anything but pleas'd With what I heard and saw !) Miss " Bridgeman " with " S. Mitchell " play'd- Miss " Mitchell " with " G. Hicks "— Miss " Stephenson " a " Garrett " drew— I'm getting in a fix ! For sure it is a puzzle great So many names to glide Into my rhyme ! especially When they will not divide ! I'll try again — Will do my best — Hope none will think me rude — If I don't play a little bit, I never shall conclude ! — The bird-like girl — the " Sparrow " fair, A " Baker " had to trust- In ev'ry sense a Gentleman, l82 Without a scrap of crust ! Or crusty manner I should say — He was polite and kind — Gave confidence his partner to — This, we don't always find. "Browse Trist" was pair'd with "Mrs Hicks"- " Evans " with " Sister fair "— Miss "Evans G." "A Hervey " took— And to Miss '• Maxfield's " share Fell fairly, young " Pendarves Trist " — These last make up a score, (20) And to complete my number, I Have left, the winning Four ! Miss "Trist " was shelter'd by a " Wood " — Shelter'd in play — for he Most gallantly did all he could To cheer her — and to free Her, from as much of the hard work As he could fairly take — Both did their very best to make Their foes with terror shake ! — Such howe'er, was not to be done ! This pair, were full of fight ! Determin'd were, to win the game, So play'd with all their might ! Miss " Elliott," was well car'd for — She A Doctor had in hand — A full blown Physic-man was he. And did well understand His business — both in Tennis — and In the cure of all ills ! If she'd requir'd them — he would Have dos'd her well with Pills ! His name — " Carlyon " — fitting name For one who fought so well ! Car, means a Castle — Tow'r of Strength ! A Lion, few can quell ! Yet notwithstanding i/ns, the pair Were beaten ! Still they won The second prizes ! So, I hope Were pleas'd with what they'd done—' It follows as a thing of course. The first nam'd twenty were Defeated ! and again, of course In prizes could not share ! Yet all play'd well — all bravely fought — Each — all deserv'd a prize — But sad to state, the funds were low. And onfy four could rise ! I've finish'd now, with all in which The " Ladies " were concern'd — Naught I could say, would half convey, The praise they justly earn'd. ! The "Gentlemen" their "Doubles" then Play'd with a right good will — Fought bravely — ^fiercely — splendidly — Show'd much superior skill ! Their "Singles" too contested were With really splendid play ! I doubt me much, if anywhere i84 (Whatever some may say, Taking the Players—" One and All ") Aught better could be found — 'Twas a right gallant Tournament ! And e'er will be renown'd ! I here must say 'twas Tuesday morn 'Fore the last games were play'd — On Tuesday afternoon, the whole Far difl'rent skill display'd A novel — interesting match Was played in a " Forth " field — A Cricket Match ! " When Ladies fair " Their bats did nobly wield ! Of " Ladies," there were twenty tivo ! Each arm'd was with a Bat ! Eleven "Gentlemen" oppos'd, And were determin'd that They'd not be beaten — tho' they were With Broom-sticks only arm'd ! Poor Fellows ! Little did they think They'd get so soon alarm'd ! Of course, the " Ladies " went in first ! Of coursu, that was but right ! To watch their splendid play, of course Was a most splendid sight ! Some scores were high — some scores werelow- And some made none at all ! But then, in Cricket Matches grand, The like, does oft' befall ! The names of these " fair Ladies," I 1^5 Will try to here record — And hope, in doing so, I may Some pleasure them afford ! Miss "Scott" made nought (o), Miss " Rick- ard (F.)" two (2)— Miss "King" indulg'd in sev'n (7) — Miss " D. G. Scott " «accomplish'd four (4) — Miss " Maxfield " nearly 'leven (10) — Miss " Brown " scor'd nought (o) — Miss " Sparrow " five (5) Miss Captain " Phena Trist " With score of eight (8) play'd gallantly ! Was second on the list — Miss " Rickard W. " made one (i) — Miss " Lang " went out at four (4) Let's see ! Where am I ? Let me count ! I've settled half a score (10) ! And so go on ! Miss " Rose " made nought (o) — Miss "Richards" too (o)— Miss "Wood"— Miss "Stephenson" — Miss "Lanyon" — In equal numbers stood (o) ! — Miss "Bridgeman" and Miss "Mitchell" are Put down for number five (5) — Miss " Lanyon " made four (4) I see — And sure as I'm alive I've got into a mess — for I Have made a blunder great ! I've said Miss Captain "Phena Trist" Was second with her eight (8) Whereas I find, she had io this J 86 A fair Competitor ! Miss " Elliott " also number'd eight (8) — So, equal Conqueror ! Miss "Hicks" scor'd nought (o) — "Carlyon" (Miss F.) one (i)— And now to tell the tale Of how the game was Von dy One (i) ! How One did thus prevail ! The " Ladies " score — all told — was great ! It number'd — sev'nty six (76) ! The " Gentlemen " — they made one less, And so, were in a fix For they were beaten ! gallantly ! The Bats, the Broom-sticks slew ! This, plainly shows, what " Ladies fair," When they've a mind — can do ! And now to show who won the One, That won this glorious game ! This " Fair one " play'd most fearlessly ! (" H. Collins," is her name !) She did the utmost that she could ! Proudly defi'd the foe ! Until at length, she got well stump'd, And told was — Out to s^o ! But not before she'd done the deed, And made the mighty One That made her foes all colours turn ! For they — by One — were done ! The " Byes " and " Wides "—they number'd Two little boys made four (4) [sev'n (7) — i87 And this completes the sev'nty-six (76) — The total of their score ! Here some may say — " Two boys indeed ! " " What business had they there ? " 'Tis very clear indeed to us," " The game was not play'd fair ! " " How can you say, the " Ladies " won " " When help'd by little boys ? " " Without their scores, the men had won," " And so sav'd all this noise ! " " 'Twixt " Ladies fair," and " Gentlemen," " We thought the match had been ! " " And we feel very sure indeed," " Boys, should not have been seen ! " You're right ! whoever you may be That make such sharp remarks ! The " Ladies " could have nobly done — Without these little sparks ! The match arrang'd was — " Ladies fair " — In number, " Twenty-two " — Against Eleven " Gentlemen" — But this, was broken thro' — For of the latter, there were twelve — One more, than in the plan ! And so, you see, the little boys, Were balanc'd — by a man \ To my mind they (the Ladies) have fairly won, A page in history ! They fought — they did not bleed— yet 'twas A glorious victory ! ! ! — i88 And now the " Gentlemen " went in, And the best fun began ! They bore their broom-sticks gallantly ! Determin'd to a man To show " The Fair," what they could do ! How they, the balls could hit, Altho' the sticks — without the brooms — For Cricket were not fit ! 'Twas all bravado ! Soon they found Their wickets tumbl'ing down — ['till Were bowl'd out — stump'd out — caught out — They quak'd for their renown ! The "Ladies" fielded splendidly I They ran — they skipp'd— they jump'd — So eager were they in the game. That some of them, down plump' d! Were up as quick as they went down — Lost no time on the ground — So light and active were these " Fair," They seem'd but to rebound ! At last, the last two men were in — 'Twas a most anxious time ! They must have very nervous felt. For sure 'twould be a crime To be defeated by " The Fair ! " The time for " Women's Rights " Had not yet come ! and so they (the men) Me7t should win all the fights ! [thought 'Twas not to be ! the " Bowlers fair " That in this last round bowl'd i89 Bowl'd fiercely — show'd most clearly, they By naught could be cajol'd ! Into their foes, they terror struck, 'Till they (the foes) began to frown — The gallant Captain of the band (Baker) Knock'd his own wickets down ! So frighten'd was he, that he scarce Knew what he was about ! And when his nervous fit was o'er He found that he was out ! Then — then their scores were added up — Then was the tale soon told — The " Men " had made but seventy-five ! (75) So were completely sold ! By One were beaten ! Glorious One That one, was won, by One ! Before referr'd to — Proud must she Have felt so to have won ! This brought the Cricket to a close — A game remarkable I A game unique ! in other words. Without a parallel ! No prizes for it offer'd were — But when the game was o'er The prizes for the Tournament Were brought well to the fore — And then the President was ask'd To offer them to those Who'd nobly won them — He— of course — This wish could not oppose ! 1 90 Of course, the " Ladies fair," came first ! Of course, they looJid most bright ! Of course, he told them, that he gave Them (the prizes) with extreme delight ! And I am sure, he meant it too ! I know him fairly well, So, I can speak with confidence — Tho' p'rhaps, ought not to tell ! These given — the brave " Gentlemen," Their prizes offer'd were — The names of all who prizes won Recorded are elsewhere. And so, I need not here repeat How, they in order came — The fact, that they recorded are Must give them endless fame ! Now to conclude ! I've done my best To give a fair report Of two events, which really were Novel — and splendid sport ! For very seldom can you see Tennis play'd on the sand — And still less seldom can behold So sweet and fair a band Of "Ladies fair" — sweet ''twenty-two'' — Together sweetly meet To show their prowess — and with bats " Men," arm'd with broom-sticks, beat ! Aye ! beat them soundly ! crush'd their pride Brought them to their sweet feet 191 As conquer'd foes — who humbly begg'd T' acknowledge their defeat ! So it is ever! The sweet "Fair" Must ever Conq'rors be ! Men must succumb to their sweet charms ! Musi ever bow the knee Before them — and acknowledge that Naught can at all compare To — that we all (men-folk) must reverence — THE SWEET GHARMS OF THE " FAIR " ! Ee\i/'qua5 T And now — oh Newquay ! let me say A word in praise of thee ! I love thee Newquay ! thou'rt a place Much — much endear'd to me ! For forty years I've known thee well — And so, it doth betide I knew thee in thy Infancy ! I know thee in thy pride ! (comparative) When first I knew thee Newquay dear! Thou — as a place — wast small — Few people — fewer houses still — And well can I recall 102 To memory — the scarcity Of good things to be found ! We had to roam from Farm to Farm For many miles around To buy our butter — poultry — eggs — Naught but milk — bread — and meat — Could we procure in thee — but these Were ever good and sweet ! One Butcher only — one alone Within thy precincts dwelt — So all within thee — as of course ! — With this one Butcher dealt. His meat was excellent — and then Comparatively cheap ! Whene'er he heard, we coming were He kill'd an extra sheep ! For we a num'rous party were ! Each year increas'd our store ! When we arriv'd, the people cri'd " See ! here s one baby more ! " Soy it went on for many years ! We annually came To spend the summer holidays — Watch'd thy increase in fame ! And here let me condole with thee On one most sad event ! Thy pilchards Newquay ! Where are they ? Gone — 'tis most evident ! Well ! well can I remember when Thy cellars were well stor'd m With fish, that brought thee treasure great Now — much to be deplor'd — They empty are ! No more thy boats Take out their stalwart crews ! No more they cast their nets ! No more Profit to thee accrues ! 'Tis sad ! 'Tis very sad ! Yet still Much to thee doth remain ! Thy native beauties are intact — These, thou must e'er retain ! Naught can change them ! thy native charms Seem ever new — and dear — The broad " Atlantic," one of these ! Its breezes ever cheer ! Thy cliffs — thy rocks — thy caverns deep — Thy lovely beach — thy sands — Few rivals have, Old England in. Or e'en in foreign lands ! No better bathing can be found — Each day some hundreds lave In thy sweet sea — so clear — so pure — To watch each bounding wave Bound o'er the bathers is delight — They much enjoy the fun ! Machines are plentiful — and have Much commendation won. Two head-lands near, adorn thy coast — Each well repay a walk — From them life-giving air is breath'd — Their beauties — common talk ! i94 " Pentire point " and " Towan Head," Th' " Atlantic Ocean " face— 'Tis sight most grand in calm, or storm. To view its boundless space ! Huge ships — huge steamers — oft' are seen On its horizon clear — Some floating off to distant lands — Some home-ward bound — Too near To thee — Oh Newquay ! they daren't come — No refuge canst thou give — Thy rock bound shores, most dang'rous are — No ships can near thee live When storms arise — Then 'tis a sight Magnificent to see ! The broad "Atlantic" in a rage. Is grand to a degree ! The more thou'rt known — Oh Newquay dear ! The more thou must be lov'd ! People from far, flock to thy shores — Are ever, ever mov'd With admiration at thy charms ! Repeat them to each friend — This makes each long to visit thee — So they their footsteps wend To thy sweet shores ! Thy healthful air Much pleasure gives to all — For all much benefit receive — Aye all! both great and small ! The sick soon find their health improve ! The weak increase in strength ! 195 For children, I know no such place Throughout the breadth and length Of this fair Isle ! Thy miles of beach ! Safe — firm — dry — splendid sand ! The little ones, they revel on't ! It is indeed most grand ! Thy shops are now most excellent ! With all good things abound ! Within them — amongst other things — Kindness is ever found ! I love thy people — Newquay dear ! Have ever lov'd them well ! For kindness and civility None sure, can them excel! I speak from long experience — And must — before I've done — Say, I believe them all to be Honest, as noon-day's sun ! Before I finally conclude Let me wish thee success ! May ev'ry good attend thee ! and May my few words impress On others thy sweet charms ! May they Be thus induc'd to roam And view thy charms ! SO LOVING THEE, MA V OFT TO SEE THEE COME ! P.S. On Two other Events which occurred on the 23rd and 26th of August, 1886. I'm told I ought— to make complete My interesting (?) rhyme — To place on record, two things more, That happen'd at the time — And as I'm most obedient — E'er do what I am told — To please " The Fair," I'll try how I Can, these two things, unfold. The first then, was another match 'Twixt "Ladies fair" and " Men "— The latter most indignant were At their defeat — And when They had recover'd — with revenge They all began to burn. And challeng'd their fair " Conquerors," To give them " a return. !" The challenge — had it written been. Would have been in these words — "You've beaten us — "Ye Ladies fair!" "No doubt, this, you affords " " Great satisfaction to — but we " " Determin'd are to show " " That we — " Creation's Lords " — cannot ' 198 " Submit to such a blow !" " And so, we challenge you, to meet " '' Us, once more in the field," " When we will prove, what we can do," "And make you — trembling — yield!" The " Ladies fair," at once repli'd "Your challenge we accept!" " Once more will we, our prowess show ! " " Naught now shall intercept " " Us, in the way, in which we will " " Another vict'ry gain ! " " The world shall see " Creation's Lords ! " "Your boasting's all in vain !" " That as we conquer, in all else" "In Cricket too, we will," " And thus — ye poor defeated ones ! " — " In you, our pow'r instil!" — The challenge given — and received In this most plucky way — The only thing to settle it Was to meet — and to play — They met accordingly — The teams Were much as those before — With two or three exceptions p'rhaps The same appearance wore — Miss " E. Trist," took the place of one, And well the place she fiU'd ! Miss " Bazeley," also took a part — Show'd, she too, well was skill'd ! The rival " Captains," toss'd for place — i99 The " Lady Captain " won — She put the " Gentlemen " in first — Thought 'twould be greater fun ! And sure it was ! The " Gentlemen " Had their legs firmly ti'd — Oh, how they hobbled ! Monkey like, Could not run if they tri'd ! Moreover they dar'd only catch The balls with their left hands — If they transgress'd, the '' Captain " cried " You've broken my commands ! " "That does not count — Please try again"— " And see that you obey " ' ' The rules laid down ! for if you don't " "We'll up stumps — and away!" — This frighten'd the poor " Gentlemen " — Made them most careful be — They found the " Ladies fair " had eyes — Aye ! eyes most fair to see ! Not only fair, were their sweet 'eyes. But sharp as needle's point ! Could see at once, if anything The least was out of joint ! And so, the " Men," play'd on, until The last two were bowl'd out — And then the " Ladies fair " went in, Encourag'd by a shout. Of welcome from all those who were Watching the gallant fight — The " Gallant Fair "—bats well in hand i66 About to show their might ! — They fielded well — they batted well — Made up a splendid score ! Again the " Broom-sticks " beaten were — Beaten — to fight no more ! — They humbled were, down to the ground — Their poor heads could not hold [men) Up, 'fore their " Conquerors ! " They now (the Were anything but bold ! For all their boasting was upset — The " Ladies' " prophecy That they — " Creation's Lords " — should fall And at their fair feet lie Was verifi'd ! They said they would Another victory gain, And well they won it ! Well they prov'd They did not boast in vain ! ! ! The " Ladies " prizes offer'd were By one who watch'd the game With int'rest great ! So sure he felt They would preserve their fame ! The first prize given was — for her Who made the highest score — Miss " Edith Elliott " won this prize — Some eighteen made — or more ! — She really batted splendidly ! Ran like a little Deer! Applauded was tremendously ! This tended much to cheer Her in her play — Her foes did all ^6t They knew to get her out — She puzzled them — show'd them that she Knew what she was about ! At length the " Men " got in a rage — Felt they were "Muffs!" and ought To rid themselves of her — and then Alas ! she was out caught ! She prov'd herself the Heroine Of this eventful day ! And once more shew'd, " The Fair " with bats Could (should and ever would) " Men " with broom-sticks slay ! The match was o'er — the " President " Then stood upon his cart And ask'd Miss "Elliott" to advance That hQ might do his part — A part most pleasing 'twas to him ! — At least so he told me — And I am sure, had you been there His happy face to see, You would have said, he truly meant Each word that he then spoke — I've heard him call'd " A Humhug," But that must have been in joke ! For I — who've known him many years — ' Know his love for " The Fair," And as he's very very old, To love them he may dare ! I'm certain he's no humbug — so Could never humbug them) 202 And I'll conclude this paragraph Ejaculating — Hem ! ! ! But what am I about ! I've left Miss " Elliott " in the lurch ! And for the place, where I left her Must diligently search — I've found it ! T'was where she was going The first prize to receive, And to be told, when on't she look'd She'd ne'er fail to perceive Something most charming ! Sure am I The " President " was right ! When sweet girls, in their mirrors look. They must see a sweet sight ! And mirrors were the prize she won — May she long live to see Herself in them — and so behold A very charming She ! ! ! Two other prizes then were giv'n — The " President," some fun Meant to make out of them — but found It was not to be done — For when " The Fair ones," stood in line That each might have a chance, By drawing lots — they look'd most grave, So quench'd the utterance Of aught that comic was — and he Made up his little mind, That, if again, he prizes gave Some other way he'd find ! 203 They look'd so grave — as if they thought It was a silly whim ! And these grave looks — I've heard him say — Took all fun out of him ! This brought «// Cricket to an end — And I must now allude Briefly to the " Athletic Sports " — With ^Aem, my rhyme conclude. They follow'd the next day but two To that, on which was play'd The 'fore nam'd Cricket match— and they Could not be well delay'd — For many Visitors were going To Newquay leave — and so They somewhat hasten'd were — that all Might see the splendid show. The programme was most excellent ! The field was well arrang'd ! The Races very numerous ! The weather happ'ly chang'd From fog to fine — so pleasant 'twas ! All much enjoy'd the fun, And " One and all " cri'd heartily " Ye Visitors— Well done ! " For 'twas the. " Newquay Visitors " That started all the sports — And of these " Newquay Visitors " I see from the reports That given are — Some three or four Work'd heartily and well 204 To make all things go merrily, And did in all excel ! [" Trist " The Messieurs " Baker "—" Garrett "— As a Committee, fram'd The Rules and games — assisted by A Secretary — nam'd " Carlyon " — the same Physic-man Alluded to before — So that, had they been taken weak He could their- strength restore! They had a dummy " President " Who did the talkee game — Tho' how a talker could be dumb I'll others leave to name ! The sports were very spirited — All sorts of races ran The •' Donkey race " was p'rhaps the best — 'Twas " Donkey " versus " Man ! " That is to say, each man tri'd hard To make his Donkey go — " Man " versus " Donkey " this would be ! 'Tis very puzzling ! So I'll say, each 'gainst the other was ! Men tri'd persuasive arts — Gave gentle hints the Donkeys to — And so by fits and starts They got them off— the. next thing was To try and get them on — But this was difficult — for they — The Donkeys — look'd upon 205 The Men as Donkeys ! So 'twas clear They did not quite agree 'Bout which was which ! Je-ru-sa-lem ! 'Twas jolly fun to see ! A " Baker " won this splendid race ! 'Twixt you and me — 'tis said His Donkey was cajol'd to go By th' offer of some bread ! But whether 'tis the case or not I'll leave him to decide — / only know, he's aught but *stale, And pluckily did ride ! The other races I must leave For others to report — I'm sorry ! My excuse must be That time is getting short, And I am very very sure My reader's patience too ! So, let me from my inmost heart, Bid " One and All," Adieu ! But not for ever / No ! that thought Would give me too much pain ! Whate'er their hopes may be — / HOPE TO MEET THEM OFT AGAIN I * " Lost the power of pleasing " — Dr. Ogilvie. 206 And beg most humbly to remain, As long as I exist, Their (the Ladies) most obedient and true OLD FRIEND, J. FINCHER TRIST. Newquay, August and September, 1886. i09 AN IMA'GJHiL^R'Y" SHIP "WRE'CE. DEDICATED TO IPHE GREW ©P THE NEW@a;q¥ IjIPE-B0;gir. " A wreck ! a wreck ! " This fearful cry Is heard above the storm. " Man ! Man the Life Boat !— Haste— Away "- "And gallant deeds perform ! " A ship has struck upon the rocks — To pieces she must go — The roaring billows o'er her dash — The winds most fiercely blow ! The waves are rolling mountains high — The noble ship is doom'd — On shore the cry is — " Save the crew " " Lest they should be entomb'd ! " The Life Boat's launch'd right speedily, As quickly is she mann'd, Most fearlessly they breast the waves, A strong determin'd band ! 210 " See — see her signals of distress ! " — " See — see her rockets fly ! " — They say — as plain as words could speak- " Oh ! save us, or we die ! " The crew have taken to the masts — Their only refuge left — The raging waters sweep her deck — Of hope. — all seem bereft ! " Cling fast my lads," — their Captain cries- " And trust to ONE ON HIGH ! " " HE won't desert us in our need, If we on HIM rely ! "— As if in answer to the pray'r, The Life Boat soon is seen — They hail her with a shout of joy ! On hope — they once more lean. High on the crest of a huge wave The noble boat appears — ■ Mann'd by a crew of gallant men Who laugh to scorn all fears ! They — splendid fellows ! — do not know The meaning of the word — Fear — who dare feel it, when the cry Of " Man the boat " is heard ! 211 They near the wreck — One fear alone Does each man's heart enthral, The fear that they may be too late ! The fear the masts may fall ! Should that occur, the hapless crew Would to a man be lost ! No earthly pow'r could save them then ! By boiling billows tost Upon the rocks, they perish must ! " Pull on ! pull on my men ! " — The coxswain cries, — " We near them now ! Prepare the rope, and when I give the word, with lusty arm On board let it be cast ! " Now ! — Now ! — 'Tis done ! — Tis caught ! — Thank God ! — They will be sav'd at last ! " — " Keep off — keep off — haul taut the rope And on our anchor bear ! The surf's so very strong and high We dare not go too near ! As each man drops into the waves, We'll haul him safe on board. And each shall be — PLEASE GOD ABOVE r— To his dear friends restor'd ! " 212 Thus the most gallant coxswain speaks ! With pride — I could not smother — I'd hail each man of that brave crew, As GALLANT FRIEND AND BROTHER ! J. FINCHER TRISL Newquay, 17th September, 1887. LIFE mm inm^umm' GRAND September gth, 1887. AN APPEAL To the Inhabitants of Newquay for support in " The Good Cause." Composed by MAJOR TRIST. All ye who dwell in Newquay, come To this our Concert Grand ! 'Tis in aid of Newquay's Life Boat, So lend a ready hand ! A ready hand, to open wide Your purses with a will, And show " The Cause " does your good hearts With admiration fill ! 214 'Tis a noble Institution! Deserves your warm support ! We hope thro' your kind patronage To give a good report, That thus we may enabled be The proceeds so to view, That we may feel we've help'd " The Boat," And her most gallant Crew ! We will do our best to please you ! Will try to you amuse ! Should we unhapp'ly fail in this, Do not us much abuse ! We're simple Amateurs, you know ! — That being understood — We're proud to do our very best To help " a Cause " so good ! Help, too, to aid the noble Crew That does the " Life Boat " man ! All gallant souls ! who risk their lives. And do the best they can, When ships are wreck'd on Newquay's shores. Their hapless crews to save ! The " Life Boat " men deserve all praise As " Bravest of the Brave ! " 215 Come — come then to our " Concert Grand ! " 'Twill cause you no regret ! For — tho' you mayn't be pleas'd with us — You'll satisfaction get From feeling that you've help'd to do Some good to those who save The lives of shipwreck'd mariners From out a wat'ry grave ! Let us, then — the Performers — hope The Newquay folk won't fail To patronize our efforts poor, That good may thus prevail ! GOOD TO THE NOBLE. GALLANT CREW OF NEWQUAY'S SPLENDID BOAT ! GOOD TO " THE CAUSE " THAT MUST HA VE FUNDS ■ TO KEEP THAT BOAT AFLOAT! The proceeds of this Concert amounted tO;^23 3s. gd., one- third of which, viz., ;^7 14s yd, was given to the Newquay Life Boat Fund, and the remaining two-thirds ,viz., £,i<^ 9s. 2d., is to be divided between the Crew of the Boat, engaged in the next life-saving expedition. /,Ll:jy^ i-.-A TO I]SI fI©N0a^ 0P HEl^ jaBIIiEB DM, 20th. JUNE, 1887. From one of Her most loyal subjects, 217 All hail to thee, VICTORIA, Our much lov'd EMPRESS— QUEEN ! Thou art the best that ever reign'd ! The best the world hath seen ! This day completes thy JUBILEE! Thy subjects — far and near — Unite in showing thee the love They feel for One so dear ! All hail— all hail— VICTORIA ! GOD'S blessing on the rest ! That HE may guide thee, and protect, We earnestly obtest ! Long may'st thou live — long may'st thou reign O'er us — whose hearts are true ! May Traitors all confounded be! Their treason made to rue ! For thou, "THE LORD'S ANOINTED "art HIS vengeance, HE will bring To bear on those who " FEAR HIM " not. And " HONOUR" not "THE KING!" All good — all true — all loyal hearts — This day, with one voice, cry [QUEEN. GOD SAVE THEE-NOBLE-GRACIOUS GOD BLESS THY MAJESTY ! Amen ! **^>«R*^i^^^»^