(SorneU Hmoeraity Slibrarg Jtl?aca, Nen ^ork WORDSWORTH COLLECTION MADE BY CYNTHIA MORGAN ST. JOHN ITHACA. N. Y. ^^B ^•^ " " ■^^BSV^^^:^'=^^=:^^^^^I ^r£r^^=^3Kt ^^s ^^^H fc-A^'i_: ^Jl**^-*- ^SEi' Hpupyx^yu^^^ Co. y[)i rtf'^ ''^ Cornell University Library \ The original of tinis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104001502 LEAFLETS Along the Pathway of Life. BY Mrs. CARRIE L. FISHER WELLINGTON. COLLECTED AND DEDICATED TO HER FRIENDS AS A TRIBUTE OF SISTERLY AFFECTION BY SARAH C. FISHER. FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION, BOSTON: Mills, Knight & Co., Printers, 115 Congress Strekt. Copyrighted by A ustm C. JVellhigton^ 1883. ^--s ^TT^T^ ^.(oO A / o u> \A: CONTENTS. MISCELLANEOUS. PAGE. Aspirations. Written at the age of sixteen years 6 Blind 12 Early Morning . i6 Fading 10 Four-Score. To C. R. D . 24 Genius 4 God's Messenger 22 Husks . 6 Ideals. Suggested by the Greek Tragedies 3 Inspiration ........ 4 In the Woods. — A Mood II Lily of the Valley 9 Lines suggested on seeing Henry Dexter's bust of a beautiful young lady • 13 My Old Home • IS New Version of an Old Prose Poem . 8 Prophetic Impulses before Death . . . • 23 School Books . • IS 14 Snow Flakes iS Sunrise 15 The New Year 17 ' 19 Visions 21 IV CONTENTS. SPRING NOTES. Love ill Spring-time Song of Spring Spring Birds . Spring Life . Trailing Arbutus . SONNETS. A Dream And what do we mean by true friendship ? . Anguish ......... A poet seized his lute A Thought At the Ocean ........ A Twilight Ramble Brahm's Second Symphony in D, Opus 73 . Euterpe Fragmentary Improvisation. — It is the twilight hour . Friendship ......... Goethe . Immortality ......... I read it in thy tender, anxious words . . . . John G. Whittier ........ John Keats ......... Joy .......... Liebe verfliegt in ihrem eignem element. — Bettinfe to Goethe ........ Life 's but the ante-chamber of that grand perfection Longfellow ......... Love .......... Michael Angelo Mounted . Mrs. E. B. Browning My boy of twelve My Love ......... PAGE. J- 31 32 53 52 59 57 53 55 61 48 48 66 5^ 38 68 5S 40 42 59 66 64 39 58 37 49 43 64 62 CONTENTS. V On the Beach. Suggested by Ernest Longfellow's Painting Percy Bysche Shelley. Poet of Love and Fancy Percy Bysche Shelley. Poet of Nature and Imagination Robert Browning . Shakspeare . Sister .... The Betrothal -The Browning-Poets The Conflict . The Rose The strokes rang out so loud and clear The throbbing spirit urges ever — write — . The Widowed Indian . . . To Celia Thaxter ...... To Henry Dexter ...... To Lucy Larcom ...... To my Love . Twilight Thoughts ..... Walter Savage Landor .... What will I do, you ask, when you're no more ? When do I think of thee ? . Wordsworth PAGE. 54 42 41 44 38 65 60 44 SO SI 6^ 55 56 46 47 46 63 67 45 56 61 40 ■^ SEA-SHORE. A Spell — A Sea Idyl At the Sea-shore ....... Lines suggested by W. E. Norton's Marine Painting, Eastport Harbor ...... The Sea-shell To the Ocean MUSIC. Corinne — The Improvisatore. Dedicated to Theresa C. H 74 72 71 73 74 82 VI CONTENTS. Extracts from a letter \ ^^ ^^^^^^^g ^^"^^^^^ ^; . * , ] '' " Handel's "Messiah' Haydn's Symphony in D . Mendelssohn ....... Music's Child. 1863. Raff's Lenore Symphony ..... Reminiscences of Mendelssohn's Overtm'e to a '* Mid- summer Night's Dream " . Schumann's Second Symphony in C . SONGS. A bit of nature from the glen Air Castles An ecstasy is my love .... An Episode An Idyl — Gates Ajar .... A Thrill A Tribute to Erato .... Bright as a star is thy face . Christmas Song. Music by Madame Rude Color-blind ...... Deep in my heart a happy song . Do you think me happy ? , , . Forget-me-nots ..... How oft at twilight's tranquil hour j? If I should know that ne'er on earth . II Bacio I live for love ..... Invisible ...... Invocation ...... Life's Seasons, Music by Carl Zerrahn Listlessly fell the fingers on the keys . Love sings : — 'T is day when thou art near Love's Rhymes ..... May Song PAGE. 83 83 81 79 84 82 rsdorff 79 80 123 114 118 III 92 97 lOI 122 89 109 118 121 93 91 120 loS 96 107 105 90 112 94 99 106 CONTENTS. Vll u My little bird of love goes singing My Poem Pansies ...... Rosemary Remembrance — Imprompt Sequel to " Violets "... She kissed me ! Such rapture ! . Sometime — Somewhere Song of the Rose The beautiful violets faded away . Theory and Practice The Tryst ..... Thinking of thee in the twilight . Thoughts Exhaled from a Carnation Thy beauty resistless . To keep for him e'er my life's best love Violets We drifted out upon life's restless sea Whisper, dear friend, that you love me Why? FRAGMENTS. A Fragment. — Poetry 's the dainty pollen . A Fragment. Suggested by the picture " Naissance de Venus " Art Good morrow ! graceful blossoms Heartless ! If this dread, mortal agony brings peace It dawns upon me like a flash Oft I review the happy life .... So vivid the link of our love-life . Sparkling as the wavelet .... The moonbeams laughed in the rippling waves The soft, falling snow The spirits talked to us last night PAGE. 95 13 03 12 IS 23 04 93 22 21 10 17 00 20 21 IS 16 17 19 28 27 31. 30 29 31 30 31 30 30 28 31 Vlll CONTENTS, The wings of memory waft me o'er the sea 'T was but a glimpse I caught of you . Twilight Thoughts FRIENDSHIP. A Welcome to A. C. W. Birthday Greeting .... Birthday Greeting. To A. C. W. 1867. Birthday Greeting. To A. C. W. 1868. Birthday Offering. To M. A. E. 187 1. Fiftieth Birthday Anniversary. To S. P. T Friendship. — A Retrospect . Lines in Cousin Fannie's Album . Lines on the Birthday of a Friend. To M. A. E Lines suggested by the advent of a young man to his " prime *' Nature in Friendship .... Suggested by Cousin John's Eighteenth Birthday To Cousin Katie G. F. To E. D. B To H. A. C. . To J. M. D To Uncle J. F. on his birthday. Music by T. C. H. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Another Morning ....... A Rainy Day. — With Three Morals . Autumn Scene at Fallulah, Fitchburg . Chestnutting ....... Family Reunion, Cambridge, February, 1872 Finette's Letter Down South .... Inscribed to the Fourth Battalion. October, 1875 Inspection or Election } . . Meeting with Whittier PAGE. 129 130 129 136 143 138 140 148 142 145 146 137 136 144 145 149 150 143 ^51 141 200 197 179 iSi 189 195 206 207 155 CONTENTS. IX PAGE. Military Lines. The ''Old Man" and his "Three Hounds " 2oS Muster Field, Camp of Fourth Battalion, M. V. M. August 7, 1875 Our Home Christmas Tree. 1872 Reading Club. Extra Meeting, March 11, 1874 Reply to " Wanted "... g for the Shakspeare Club Festival. April, 187S Shakspeare Club. Sung at closing meetin season, April 23, 1867 Shakspeare Festival Hymn, April 23, 1S70 Shakspeare Reunion. November, 187S Shakspearian Vision. Festival, April 23, 1875 Six and a half o'clock A. M. Snow-storm of April 4, 1876 Sunset at Pearlville . . ... Tenth Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. R The Old High School-house in Amory St., Cambridge Mass To Co. D, Fourth Battalion, M. V. M. To J. M. N. . To Little Emma F To Mrs. C. x\. S To Rev. and Mrs. M. J. Savage, on the occasion of their Crystal Wedding Twelfth Night Festival, 1875 Twilight Fancies. To A. C. W. . Upon receiving a Rose-bud, with the remark that it cost Five Cents ...... 202 194 159 188 168 156 172 164 199 182 178 184 176 210 186 185 183 162 201 187 PATRIOTIC. Anniversary Hymn, Co. F, 38th Massachusetts Vol- unteer Association 224 Decoration Day, 1877 -24 X CONTENTS. Dedication Hymn, Encampment Wm. H. Smart, Post 30, G. A. R., Cambridge, Mass., February 16, 1870 Dedication Hymn, Memorial Monument for Cam- bridge Revolutionary Patriots, November 3, 1870 Free Land ........ Invocation ......... Lines dedicated to Boston Light Infantry, February 22, 1872 Lines suggested by the Departure of the Three Cam- bridge Companies to join the 38th Massachusetts Regiment, 1862 ........ Peace through War ....... Peace versus War ....... The Memorial Stone ....... Third Reunion, Co. F, 38th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, July 13, 186S . ' . Your Country Calls ....... IN MEMORIAM. A Memory. Our Eliza and Willie Gone Before. In Miss Anna A. Whitney's Memory '' He Giveth His Beloved Sleep." Miss Mary Alden In Memoriam. Little Eennie Whittemore . . Marcus Ehiier Bennett Mrs. Sarah H. Davies Our Eliza ..... Our Willie ..... In Memory of Edwin Stanton Cummings . Lines on the death of Elias Howe, jr., Inventor of the Sewing Machine ...... Lines on the death of Miss Mary L. James Lines on the death of Mr. J. Harris . Lines on the death of Mrs. Lucy Bosworth Lines on the death of Mrs. Nehemiah Wellington Lines suggested by the death of Mr. Caleb Thompson In Memoriam. In Memoriam. In Memoriam. In Memoriam. PAGE. 227 222 216 221 228 219 217 223 225 218 240 249 261 246 245 -5S 244 244 257 CONTENTS, XI Little Gertie Butterfield . . . . . Little Harry W. Woodward. In Memoriam Lottie and Josie. In Memory of Charlotte E. and Ella Josephine Fiske ..... Memorial Lines ....... Memorial Lines suggested by Conservatory Concert My Angel. Our Eliza ...... Our Charlie. Lines to Mrs. Robert N. R. . Our Pet. Little Tommie Barri .... She loved much. In memory of Mrs. Gertrude McEntee The Bright Hereafter. Mrs. Mary E. P. . The Days glide on. In memory of Edward A. Teele To Mrs. Mary Howe. January i, i86S Twilight Memories ...... Wild Flowers. In memory of Sister Eliza . TRANSLATIONS. From Emanuel Geibel. I. June Song ...... 11. O Maiden, why sleepest .^ . . . " . From Goethe. I. Gegenwart ...... II. Nahe des Geliebten .... HI. An die Entfernte From Heine. The Rose and Lily From Schiller. Spring-time ....... From the German. My Star Ins Mondlicht am Meere From the Italian of PetRx\rch. Love. — Sonnet . . PAGE. 260 243 235 237 256 262 250 255 242 252 241 238 . 271 . 271 . 267 . 26S . 269 . 270 . 269 . 272 • 273 • 273 MISCELLANEOUS. MISCELLANEOUS. IDEALS. SUGGESTED BY THE GREEK TRAGEDIES. Should we but shape our lives to high Ideals, Not paralyzed by sibyl-leaves of Fate, Or trifling with our talents consecrate To lofty aims — how grand would be the Reals We should transfuse into our nation's life ! The gifted Greeks by dreary Fate oppressed, — A Fate which alien was to happ}^ rest, — To ruthless Destiny opposed no strife. But bowed before the tyrant auguries And horoscope's inexorable law, Decreed by proud Olympus' haughty power. We of this age, born under gentler skies. Should sway our destiny by higher law, That grander than of old our lives may tower, Not as mere beautiful, abstract Ideals^ But nobly-fought and bravely-won true Reals. Published in ^^ Christian Register,'''' Jaiuiary i\^ 1879. MISCEL L A NE O US. INSPIRATION. As soughs the breeze these gray November days So wails a chord, a sobbing monotone, Coloring my life Avith gloomy undertone ; The cold, dark future's melancholy haze Confines a fearful phantom at my heart ; I yield, and of life's bitter potion drink. And gloating over my sad fortunes think ; I feel myself from men a thing apart. Humanity repels my morbid mind. Nowhere my heart will rest and comfort find. .\A, AL. A^ ^ A^ J^ if^ ^ -7^ T^ "TT TV" Suddenly hopeful strains fall on mine ear, The artist plays, the mist dissolves away. No more I shudder at the future drear. Sing on, sweet friend, and ever with me stay. Play, as did David, Saul's dark mood away. I'll keep \\\^ present ever with me bright ; No future e'er shall dawn upon my sight. It shall be always /r^J*tj'^^ 1S78. 40 SONNETS. JOHN G. WHITTIER. He strikes the chords upon the harp of life, And inner light he wakes to consciousness, Bathed in the air of loving blessedness. A psalm of faith his life contemplative — The lover's ardor keen inspires his muse To sing of Nature ; so has Wordsworth sung Of happiness her woods and hills among. And ye, — O poets twain, — your love infused To lead the deaf, prosaic hearts of men Back to Dame Nature's spiritual ken. When he with fervor swept the patriot's lyre. His lyrics stirred the soul's heroic fire. Cherished our Quaker-poet's fame will be Within this home of Freedom sacredly. February y 1879. WORDSWORTH. When I reflect upon the wondrous mind. The wealth of thought and happy imagery. How much of grandeur and of harmony In life's intensity we with thee find ! How through thy love of nature and of man. Thy poet-instinct, thy benignant soul. Thy reverent insight in creation's whole. Thou mak'st of life a revelation grand ! SONNETS. 41 I think to write a sonnet in thy praise. As oft I've conned thy sober verse and bright, Embodying of nature every phase, So oft thou flashest on my inner sight Thine artist-presence, — semblance of a dream, — And yet as loving as a warm day-beam. December J 1878. PERCY BYSCHE SHELLEY. POET OF NATURE AND IMAGINATION. Keen thine artist vision, Shelley, poet, — Nature's ardent forces magnetizing, All her powers vocal melodizing, Gifted necromancer, picture-poet, — Passionating all thy sights and insights By thy tow'ring Genius' potent magic, — How thou interfusest all the tragic Of thy fiery nature into soul-flights ! Mind and fancy soaring on bright pinions Into far Utopian dominions, — Grandeur intellectual thine offspring, — Imagery Promethean, alluring Thy prophetic star to dreams Elysian, — Was it not a consecrated vision 1 December^ 1878. 42 SONNETS. PERCY BYSCHE SHELLEY. POET OF LOVE AND FANCY. The Poet's poet with thy melody, — Thou art a spirit dwelling far above, Where essences ethereal do move, That gently fan the poet's fervency To picturesque and glowing fantasy. A rare love-dream, again a brilliant thought Are ever with thy lofty flights inwrought. Anon a wonderful sweet harmony Lulls dreamy listeners to thy Genius' song Into enchanted sleep ; we float along Over the wave, spell-bound ; the siren strain Echoes in gentle murmurs thy refrain. 'Mid this poetic, dazzling ecstasy We love, and live a dream, — Intensity. 1878. JOHN KEATS. Pictorial webs, — O Poet, — thou hast woven. Rare picturesqueness, thou, — O Limner, — wrought From thine impassioned sense and soul of art. Nature to thee has wondrous fancies o:iven : Poesy, beauty, fill thy highest heaven. With Mercury thou strik'st the trem'lous lyre, And soaring, catch the proud Olympic fire. SONNETS. 43 Weaving enchantments, for which vain have striven The Muses' vot'ries toiling quick to climb Parnassus' jagged slopes. A luxury And wealth of grace lurks in thy brilliancy, Dazzling the pictures of thy gorgeous rhyme. Had time but blossomed this imperial flower ! Genius, — why tarry thou but a fleeting hour ? 1878. MRS. E. E. BROWNING. Woman intense, and poet exquisite In all the glowing realms of ideal art, — Whose lyre-strains sweet and solemn move the heart To recognition of the grandeur infinite Of soul-life, love-life, which thy wand endues With meaning magical. Poetic ken Oft vibrates to the fervent sense of men Some wondrous melodies, the Parnassian muse Has wrought so lightly on her harp divine ; It only falls upon the poet's ear. Such is the mission of thy rhythmic life. Thou poet-mediator, loving mind, — To touch thy lute-strings that we all may hear Glad tidings from the grander spirit-life. 1878. 44 SONNETS. ROBERT BROWNING. Titanic vagueness ! Poet for the few ! What is a poet ? A poet's mission ? What does he see ? His wonderful vision, Probing the old for quick'ning of the new. Pierces the realms of full-orbed mightiness. What thine intent, fledgling of mystery ? Thou look'st on life and all its secresy, Delving in love, its bliss, its sacredness, Culling a blossom here, a flower there, Breathing a fancy to the circling air. And gathering all for pictures, in thy verse. Too few thy rays of sunshine, — shadows dark Fall on our souls as we thy thoughts rehearse ; Rare sings a happy orizon thy lark. jfamcaryj 1879. THE BROWNING-POETS. A MYSTIC union, — two impassioned souls, — Poetic marriage, — love idealized. In passion's purity anew baptized. Of two rare beings formed a perfect whole. Venus, — the Muses, lurking hand in hand. Have wrought a wondrous idyl for our verse ; Two poets shall their sweet love-tales rehearse. And live a poem in a dream so grand. SONNETS. 45 Her graceful rhyme has touched his sterner heart, And ideal happiness we glimpse on earth In this mysterious, poetic birth. His moon of poets no more sings apart; But what sad sweetness must this life exhale, — Is earth for him more than a lonely vale ? February, iSjQ' WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR. The giant mind poured from its boundless wealth A multitude of thoughts and images Reflected from the lore of ancient sages. And garnered from thine own rich mental breath. Thou alchemist, — transmuting vastnesses By thy poetic, thy magician's wand. And the fond touch of thy skilled, mighty hand Which ne'er was daunted by stupendousness. Into such beauty and such grace of thought We feel that to thy crucible were brought Gifts, to inflame thine ardent, innate fire, From every Muse that sweeps the magic lyre, Making thee great in thine intensity. And towering in thy thought-majesty. December y 1878. 46 SONNETS. TO CELIA THAXTER. I READ thy graceful and melodious verse To find the earnest woman underneath. Thy poet-thought doth tender music breathe, Like notes in which the birds their loves rehearse. I catch aroma of the wild flower bright, Which from thy verse such perfumes rich exhale. Thy sea-girt isle wafts not a balmier gale Than that which brings the melody and light Of thy heart-life, which I so gladly trace In the sweet measure and the rhythmic grace Of thy poetic thought. I eager list And sense the murmur of the dashing sea. Its pathos is a messenger to me From thy rare spirit, through the twilight mist. Published iJi ''''Boston Traiiscript^^"^ jfuly 2^, ^^77' TO LUCY LARCOM. Lovingly mem'ry wanders o'er past days. Thinking of many pleasant, happy hours When thou didst gather with poetic flowers Rarest exotics, sweet and tender lays, To gladden and enrich our happiness. Truly thy presence and thy poet-loves Wove a bright web into life's sober prose, As graceful lily, violet and rose SONNETS, 47 Whisper sweet tales of fairest lands above, — A perfect fairy world of loveliness. We learned to read with thy poetic eyes What thy glad genius did interpret wise. But what's the secret of thy poetry ? Whence all thy bright and rhythmic imagery 1 1S78. TO HENRY DEXTER. WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO MR. DEXTER's POETICAL AC- KNOWLEDGMENT OF VERSES (signed *) SUGGESTED BY ONE OF HIS SUPERIOR WORKS OF ART — A MARBLE BUST. In heaven's blue firmament, ethereal film, My feeble light content I've been to shine, Nor dared to hope 'mid talent's galaxy To win one jewel for a crown of time. Thy plaudits delicate, — O genius bright, — Such sustenance as poets oft do crave, And in this world of substance seek in vain Gave to my soul, and did most gently lave And soothe my sense, my circlet e'en distend, As with it softly thy tiara-gift did blend. My tiny offering at thine artist-shrine, A jet of pure delight at sight of grace. While subtile thrills of joy from this arose, The recognition kind thy poet's hand did trace. PiiblisJied i7i " Cambridge Chro7iicle,^^ March 28, 1864. 48 SONNETS. EUTERPE'. Dim was my sight, while surged the waves of sound In billowy freshness on the listening ear. 'T was neither thought nor feeling hovered near, But e'en a sense transported from all sound Within a vapor ; an aerial wing Wafted soft breezes which had been baptized In sweetness and beauty of Paradise. The ether of the gods is vibrating ; Or is 't a messenger from fairy land ? Or echoes from the lyre of Mercury Which he has quickened with immortal wand ? They call it Music, this glad mystery, — Yet I must feel that some rare spirit's smile Is rippling tunefully in air the while. 1879. Picblished 171^'' Boston Tra7iscript, BRAHM'S SECOND SYMPHONY IN D, OPUS 73. Nebulous cloudland ! I pine for beauty, color, form. And all that classic substance gives to thought. Touches of feeling shade upon the ear. Subtly and sweetly steals the melody ; Then sobs the tremulous Adagio^ SONNE TS. 49 Refined to delicate, sweet tenderness. Allegretto. Is this an ecstasy of rhythmic grace, A torrent of emotions exquisite ? Reaching in Allegro a climax schon, Impassioned whirlwind of vivacit}", Fantastic shapes of sound and harmony, A quiet tale of ideal happiness ; Again an outburst of wild gaiety Engulfs the thoughts' excited overflow. Boston Music Hall^ Harvard SynnpJiojiy Cojicert^ Febr^iary 27, 1S79. MOUNTED. SUGGESTED BY PICTURE OF GEN. W. W. 13. AND HIS STEED ** DIXIE." The gallant General on his fiery steed Dashes along. What does he glimpse afar ? Would he fain hear the signal for the war ? Eager for some heroic, daring deed ? Ah, no ! methinks he 's but on pleasure bent; No martial thoughts ruffle his brow serene, The welcome breeze gives freshness to his mien. Senses the steed the master's gay intent, And prances on, seeming to spurn the ground; We feel the thrill of the magnetic chord 50 SONNETS. By which the horse and rider brave are bound. Anon, as manly as he wields the sword, With thought and pen in service of the law He cudgels friends and foes in figurative war. Boston, February J 1879. THE CONFLICT. Impatience avaunt ! I call to my aid Thy rival Patience. Ha ! thou look'st dismayed, And well thou may'st, for hast not thou essayed. Nay, more, — for many a day, my passions swayed And steeped full oft in thy most potent drug ; My sense with false caress thou didst most closely hug. What would'st thou more ? To vanquish full my soul ? Thou shalt not, traitor, vacillate my will, That it shall bow obsequiously, and mould Its pith to tyrants, — but the right fulfil. Goodness of heart is earnest pledge of strength; Virtue gives power ; vice its unwieldy length Drags slowly from the vantage ground, relucts to yield. And e'en when scorned, contemned, turns eyes askance the field. 1S64. SONNETS. 51 THE ROSE. I WATCH the creamy petals fade away, And think of one who brought the bud to me. The sun glides swift below the Western bound; The twilight sheds a witchery around ; The perfume of the flower enchantment throws ; The dainty loveliness of this sweet rose Floods all my sense with exquisite delight, And conjures up a panorama bright. How friendship prizes these sweet links of love ! The leaflets fade — our friends must pass above. But fading is not sadly typical. The tangible becomes intangible, And friendship budding in this earthly day Will blossom in our immortality. FRIENDSHIP. Yes ! we write our lives deep on the sands of time. But far deeper yet in the hearts of our friends. We smile with them, talk with them, say them good-bye. And hug the affection they leave as we part. Our friendship but fragmentary may be, 'tis true, But precious, if brief, this exchange of good-will. Of spirit-life, heart-life, with both at our best. And the soul talks with soul, though the lips oft may jest. 52 SONNETS. You may earnestly talk of the love that you .feel, But your face is more eloquent, friend, than your words. You 're the beautiful jDoem I love best to read. The thoughts your face tell-tales, I only would heed. Your eyes are the touchstone that quickens each sense ; Your love is the magnet that captive me holds. Published m *^ Ca77ihridge Press,'''' Jaiuiary 8, 1S76. And what do we mean by true friendship ? The heart-thrill responding to heart-throb ; Soul echoing soul's ardent longings For happiness this world vouchsafes not. If fair seem our dear earthly friendships. If sweet are these friendly communions. Where thought quickens thought in each other, Makes life here a bright joyous Eden, Rejoicing each one in his friend's joy, And grieving when sorrow overtakes him ; Ah! think of the blissful hereafter. When true life will strengthen these friendships, And our exquisite aspirations Shall flower in loveliest blossom. Published i?i ^'' Cambridsre Press y SONNETS. 53 A DREAM. I DREAMED of thee, last night, my dearest friend ; The picture long will in my mem'ry dwell. Thou by unjust decree wast doomed to die, While I, a frantic witness of thy fate This awful consummation must await. I sat as one in trance, and saw approach The dreaded executioner. Then thou, — Mine idol, — thou so wildly loved, — Didst follow close upon his hated tread. I saw the struggle in thy soulful face, And knew thy loving heart with anguish rent. I could not live without thy sheltering love. And flew to share this cruel death with thee, Then woke to find the horror all a dream. Published 171 ^^Cauihridge Press ^'''' January i, 1876. A THOUGHT. My love doth day and night encompass thee. My thoughts do shape themselves to fervent prayers Breathed for the loved one's safety, wheresoe'er Stern duty calls him far from love and me. Whether the future sad or joyous be. Whether the birds exultingly shall sing Down in my heart, and joy and gladness bring. 54 SONNETS, Or grieve must I at life's intensity, Yet e'er I '11 know that I have had this love. Such rare delight, — foretaste of bliss above. Tears, when I think of thee ? No, ever smiles Chase them away as happy dreams beguile My loving fancy to take airy flight. And weave a radiant future-picture bright. ON THE BEACH. SUGGESTED DY ERNEST LONGFELLOW'S PAINTING. Two figures pacing up and down the strand, Two hearts that beat as one, as loiteringly They wander on, while ebbs the sluggish tide, Thinking, when side by side their days will glide. How tenderness will bless their pilgrimage. Affection lightens life of drear}^ care. As lovingly they mutual burdens bear. Life is idealized in love's young dream. Which casts a brilliant halo round their days, So that they glimpse e'en here a Paradise. A touch, a glance, a thrill, 'twas all ; and yet This mystic language eloquently chords With love's emotion, as with tearful gaze She reads, '' Dearest, thou 'rt all the world to me." Published hi '' Cambridge ChroJiicle^'^'^ January ii, 1S76. SONNETS, 55 AT THE OCEAN. Happiness — Love — is there no other word To tell this wondrous life now dawns on me ? A bliss, a rapture, aye, an ecstasy Sing sweeter songs than mortal ever heard. Idyls of love — a radiant inner glow Suffuses life. Divinest harmony Strikes the key-note of my heart-symphony. Which surges like the ocean's ebb and flow. Grandly, tumultuously, triumphantly. Eager I catch the rippling melody. Quick to interpret softest murmurings, And sense the sweet and tender whisperings Which love has sped across the ocean's foam. Zephyrs are harbingers when lovers roam. The throbbing spirit urges ever — write, — How can I this great love externalize ? How can I tell the story for strange eyes To glance at carelessly, when day and night I feed this mystic flame of holy light With waves of boundless love, with smiles and tears ? Dear love, — thou mirror of my hojDCs and fears, — Glad omens of our happy future bright I find in nature's beauty ; every tree And flower, aye, every singing wave 56 SONNETS. Better interpret my heart's melody, Than words can give this sacred song expression. Ah ! who would voice the heart-life's full con- fession ? I would this wondrous Idyl's secret save. What will I do, you ask, when you 're no more ? What will I say when you have kissed and gone .^ Darling — I shall not live to weep and mourn; I am no Spartan matron ; that she bore Dazzles me not ; I live for love and thee. I care not for earth's honors, smiles and gold. If one I love is lying still and cold. What will the rarest pastime be to me ? Can I not win thee back to love and health ? Can I not lavish all this untold wealth Of the heart's best affection ? If not so. And all I love on earth must lie so low, I '11 pray for death to keep me still thy bride. And smile in sweet contentment at thy side. The widowed Indian braves the funeral pile. And dies — aye — blissfully, her lover near. I should forget the dread, thy voice to hear ; I could not see the flames, should'st thou but smile. The thought that thou wert near me all the while SOjVNETS. 57 Would exorcise the torture and the fear. Ah ! without thee, how dark the days — how drear The future which thy love did not beguile ! Lift me to thy pure, spiritual height, That I may grow e'en fairer in thy sight. Aspiring ever to be worthier thee, I find on earth an Immortality, A presage of the higher happiness Divinely-sanctioned, powerful to bless. A POET seized his lute to sing his love, — He deemed no lyric fitly could rehearse The loveliness, the beauty which his verse Would quick reflect, e'en as his fancy wove. Petrarch and Spenser, — theirs were feeble flames ^ When seen from his impassioned, ardent height ; They fashioned rhymes with beauteous tissues bright. Other grand poets, too, had lofty aims In their love-verse ; but all were fancies dim When he essayed a song, — a rare love-hymn. His loving secret he would whisper fain Till angels list and catch the happy strain ; Then back again the echoes come on wings, — A happy prophecy the seraph sings. 58 SONNETS. I READ it in thy tender, anxious words That thou wouldst grieve were I to pass before Thee — say good-bye — through the celestial door. But, dearest, since those loving words I heard. My spirit has been quickened to new birth. My life renewed, and deep affection's bonds Exhilarated by this pressure fond. And I would gladly tarry on the earth. My heart, a prisoner longer in the thrall Of thy love-tenure, lifts itself to thee. Look at me — so — and love me, that is all That saves me, with thy kiss, from vanity Of hoping my great pain would soon be o'er. And I could love thee on the brighter shore. LOVE. How do I love thee ? Each thought is steeped in tenderness for thee ; Each breath but drawn to give me strength to love And live for thee, beloved, — Each aspiration but to make me pure For thee, my loved one, who art all to me ; To love is life, and 't is to love we live. 'T is bliss for me when I but see thy face ; And when thou 'rt absent, life would be a blank. Were 't not for thought which revels in thy love. SONNETS. 59 I fear and tremble oft lest thou lov'st not As I do ; yet I cannot tell thee all I feel for thee. Eternity alone Can sanction this great love of my fond heart. ANGUISH, Alas ! in bitter thought I 'm steeped, and dazed, When I think thou canst ne'er be all mine own. I cannot love thee more than for thee die. Would she whom thou wilt wed do more for thee ? My heart must feed in secret on this love, Which thou must not mistrust by word or deed. I '11 take thee and thy fair bride by the hand Thy nuptial hour, and gaily wish thee bliss. She 's young and fair, and loves thee in her pride, May she be all to thee, thy bonny bride. May you ne'er miss in her sweet idyl-life The tenderness of thy once betrothed wife. I '11 bid my poor heart to suppress its moan. 'T was all a dream. The waking, will it come ? JOY. Not wed her ? Not love her ? Be still my heart ! Canst thou not bear this sudden happiness ? A passing fancy 'i And he loves me still ? Break forth my heart in peals of frantic joy! But can I trust him .^ Peace, thou doubting heart ! 60 SONNETS. I '11 have no murmurs, no reproach, but love To flood him with its warm ecstatic glow. He e'er shall find, my love for him so true Grows with the years, and strengthens with my strength, Circling him 'round with its great earnestness, Making an Eden of this world so fair. He comes, my love, — to find me all his own. He ne'er shall know my mood of dark despair. 'Twas all a dream, — now comes the waking fair. Pzihlished in '' Cambridge Press ^"^^ Deceinber 4, 1875. THE BETROTHAL. The magic of thy voice, thy loving glance. Thy bright and happy presence are the spells That to my waiting spirit music tells, That every pulse within me seems to dance. As spray on wavelets. When I look on thee, . And think upon our sweetly-plighted vows, My heart in reverent homage lowly bows, Reechoing blissfully thy love for me. My life dates only from that glad, sweet hour When I could call thee friend ; the years before Are but cloud-mists of days succeeding days. Nor thought nor wish to penetrate the haze Has mem'ry ; for the joyful, present time Seems a bright idyl lived in happy days. P^iblisJied ill ^^Bosio7i Tra?iscriJ>ij'^^ April 27, 1878. SONNETS. 6 1 A TWILIGHT ramble ! When the soul with soul, As thought with thought communing, feels the touch Of gentle spirit-zeph3^rs, teeming full Of choice ambrosia for our waiting sense. The glory of the sunset's afterglow Responds to all this longing of our hearts. Presaging glimpses of the " Bright Beyond," Vistas whose mystery 't were vain to probe. These rapture-moments find us at our best ; These hours aesthetic each to each reveal The wealth which friendship gives congenial hearts. This torture exquisite, — this longed-for boon, — What is this ardent longing which I feel ? That, dearest, thou wilt love me evermore. When do I think of thee .^ When morning's rosy fingers rend the veil That clouds our sense in mystery profound. As day wings blithely on her joyous flight, Time but intensifies sweet thoughts of thee, And as the day-star sinks 'mid radiant clouds. My thought concentrates all in one great throb For thee, my loved one, and for only thee. 'Tis my life's poetry, this dream of thee ; Without it life were but existence drear. 62 SONNETS. But now its fulness is ineffable, So thrilled am I with love's intensity. Thou'rt omnipresent, if I wake or sleep. Ah ! when do I think not of thee, my life ? P7cblis7ied in " Cambridge Press,^^ Decernber i8, 1875. MY LOVE. I NEED no spoken message of thy love, For 'tis so sweetly written in my life. Whatever the griei or pain this mortal strife Shall weave for me, its sting shall fail to move My trusting heart, which ever looks above For strength and comfort for itself and thee. A dream will bring my absent friend to me. A faith in our affection's pledge of love Mirrors thy truth to my devotedness. Foreshadowing our radiant happiness. I'll steep my soul in beauty, hope and love. That from me thou mayst such a welcome win, That thou shalt feel the Paradise above The loving depths of thy glad heart within. SONNE 7'S. 63 TO MY LOVE. Go blushing rose and modest violet sweet, Go tripping with your noiseless fairy feet, And tell my darling, from these blossoms fair My love exhales. Yes — let these petals rare Breathe such a tale of love from this fond heart As beauty ever should of love impart. So fair this world, so rich, so wonderful. When love has decked his palace beautiful With rose and violet tints, and blended e'en With countless fairy flowers' lustrous sheen. Nature reflects in her own loveliness My simple adoration for the grace Of my fair sweetheart ; she who holds my love Invokes the truest blessings from above. The strokes rang out so loud and clear. The year had passed, and thou wert here To keep the vigil, friend, with me. Hand clasped with wish how happily The new year thoughts upon us dawned. As noiselessly the year was born. Sweetly the midnight chimes peal on, — Softly, dreamily thought flows on, — Straying down shadowy vistas, filled With air-castles which bright fancies build. 64 SONNETS. Fain would I read thy thoughts, friend, to- night — Thy face softly flushed with a luminous light Responds to the chime bells resounding so clear, Like the sweet harp aeolian full on mine ear. Life's but the ante-chamber of that grand Perfection into which our love will bloom, As blossom flowers indued with rich perfume. Love is the perfume which the breeze has fanned Into our hearts, making our life t' expand And orb its spirit in one soulful tune. A wondrous harmony doth thus illume And poetize and fructify the band Of hopes and longings sweetly sanctified By thy bethrothal kiss. Thou first revealed Me to a happy self. Till then, fast sealed My deep affections and emotions flow. Then first I felt this sacred inner glow Sweep o'er my being — a baptismal tide. My boy of twelve, — I 've kissed thy roguish face As imaged in thy picture o'er and o'er. I love thy childish features more and more Since thou hast grown to manhood's proud estate. They speak to me of boyish sports and grace, Of pleasant years and happy mem'ries past. SONNETS. 65 When thou to mother's love clung firm and fast. . While now another clamis the foremost place In thy glad heart. And yet 't is ever so; The mother tenderly the loved one rears, Her heart distract 'twixt loving hopes and fears ; With trembling fondness speeds him, bids him go To brave the world's vicissitudes and plan A grand development for noble man. SISTER. Her genius was for song, her life a psalm Of goodness, sweetness to each loving heart That came within her potent influence. A word of comfort to the heart bereaved, — A word of courage to the stricken soul, — A happy counsel to the doubting one, — These, with a smile of quiet thoughtfulness, She gave as freely as she lavished song. Art was to her a sacred gift, divine. The inner radiance of th' illumined soul. With heartfelt love and joy she gave her song To consecrate the fervor that impelled The beauty of her life to voice its high And glowing aspirations tunefully. 1878. 66 SONNETS. FRAGMENTARY IMPROVISATION. It is the twilight hour, — The mystery of life steals Softly in on flowing tide. E'en to ourselves we scarcely dare reveal Th' inspiring life that oft within us glows. A heavenly ardor, holy calm we feel, A fervent transport of intense repose ; Our secret inner life, ah ! who shall sing ? It trembles on the spiritual wing of aspiration. E'en as through rifted clouds the sun we view, Our bright ideal of life we glimpse afar ; The gracious presence lures us like a star. And does our glowing impulses renew. We float in dreamy ether blissfully. Septe77ibery 1877. "LIEBE VERFLIEGT IN IHREM EIGNEM ELEMENT; HAR- MONIE 1ST IHR ELEMENT." Bettine to Goethe, Thou only hast the key of my heart, friend, — And enter when thou wilt, thou e'er shalt find A welcome warm and true. Both heart and mind Flow on in sweet accord to the same end Of loving thee. All my ambitions tend. As clinging ivy 'round the oak-tree twined, To thee. My thoughts I e'er in garland wind SONNETS. 6y For thy glance loving. And dost thou com- mend My song, my pencilled sketch, my simple rhyme, Thy look so glorifies my inner life, Absorbs my individuality Into one aspiration for all time. As makes the love shared in our earthly life, A prelude of our immortality. TWILIGHT THOUGHTS. IN SISTER ELIZA'S MEMORY. A HALO bright of voiceless melody Invests the sunset's rich and radiant glow, While to thee lovingly my thoughts do flow On wings invisible of harmony. The deepening shade doth crown a lullaby. That clouds my sense to all that 's tuned below The heights supernal, whither thought doth flow. My dear and absent one, — in search of thee. Dost thou look down from those elysian fields. And know our loving hearts, sweet sister fair ? The beauty of thy life, fond memory yields And floods my heart with pictures rich and rare. Is not the sunset's wondrous imagery A symbol of thine immortality ? 68 SONNETS. IMMORTALITY. SUGGESTED BY A SERMON PREACHED BY REV. J. G. BROOKS, OF BOSTON HIGHLANDS. The chiselled marble breathes the soulful life, — The mind inspired embalmed beneath the stone. The genius of the master-mind alone Could warm this sculptured poem into life, Such glowing fancies are within him rife. The very essence of intensity, — A glimpse of blessed immortality, — A spark of that diviner, higher life Whence all our grandest inspiration springs. This '' frozen music ^' which the earnest soul In fervent, tuneful adoration sings, — Prelude of that harmonious, perfect whole Our life will sometime be ; can this live e'er. And not the mind that fashioned it so fair ? Published i7i ''''Boston Trajiscript^'''' December 2%^ 1877. SEA-SHORE SEA-SHORE. LINES SUGGESTED BY W. E. NORTON'S MARINE PAINTING, EASTPORT HARBOR. The sunset flashed a gleam upon the waves, A flush that made the canvas all aglow. So vivid was the ocean-sparkle bright, It seemed a bit of nature, not an art And inspiration of the genius-soul. The clouds roll on ; the ship speeds merrily ; Hark to the dash of spray upon the rock ! It cannot be but an illusive sketch. The water breathes of beauty and of life, So real the witchery of spray and wave. And yet 't is but a picture, — passing strange ! While poets mirror forth in graceful verse The thought that rarely trembles on the tongue. The artist sings his fancies to the brush Which crystallizes his most deep intent ; As poet-thoughts exhale sweet music rare. So throbs an atmosphere in cloud and wave ; E'en nature smiles to greet her fair twin self, And lo ! 't is but a picture, — yet how grand ! Published 171 '' Cambridge Chronicle,'''' February 3, 1877. J 2 SEA-SHORE, AT THE SEA-SHORE. How dumb the eloquence of man's best speech Before this symphony of mightiness ! The majesty of sea and sky invoked solemnity. Spell-bound we sat, and all of human kind Are hushed by twilight's deepening shade. Life seems a grand poetic thrill ; man lives And thinks and loves, but all 's subordinate To deep emotions which throb out a wild, Tumultuous echo to the heaving sea. Intensest feeling oft-times like a flood Well-nigh o'erwhelms us. As the ocean swells Unceasing from these seething, soulful depths, I turn to her so quiet at my side. Her countenance illumined was so bright She seemed transfigured. The beauty and the grandeur of the scene Were mirrowed in her glance, transmuted there By the soft radiance of her inner life. By agency invisible, her thoughts Were to my sense unuttered, yet revealed, And tidal witchery and fairy grace Of spray which now our rocky seat surrounds. Were blended in my thoughts with her sweet life, — Her earnest life that to all good inspires. So friendship soothes the grand and surging mass, The soul, — as fast the ebbing tide recedes. SEA-SHORE, 73 THE SEA-SHELL. While musing on the beach one day, A beauteous shell thus whispered me : — " What wilt thou give if thy sweet love I win by magic back to thee ? " My heart beat high, I murmured soft : — " O bring him back, I conjure thee, And I will give thee half my life. When my dear love returns to me." The tide slow ebbed ; sad were my thoughts, My love and I had parted wroth. Ah ! why will loving hearts thus rend The ties that tender fancies wrought 'i But hark ! methinks a voice I hear ; Ah, no ! 't was but the dashing wave Wooing sweet sounds from pebbly shore. Music, — a true melodious wave, Which harmonized my grieving thoughts ; I breathed a soulful, throbbing prayer : — " Sweet love, I fain would die for thee ; Our hasty words did wound me sore.'' I felt a presence dimly seen^ For blinding tears were falling fast. 'T was sure a touch, a kiss, a thrill. My dream of sorrows quickly past. 74 SEA-SHORE. ^' We '11 keep the shell/' he softly said, ^^ Sweet messenger of love from thee ; But, dearest, — more than half thy life, I claim thy life and love for me." TO THE OCEAN. Soft harmonies and grandeur infinite Pour like a flood in my receptive soul. As musing by the gladsome cheery sea, I open wide my heart to thought and thee. Sunshine and shadow flit across thy face In ripples playful, earnest, happy, bright; And thus in blissful reverie I muse Upon the strand. The billows dart and roar, Echo the waves of feeling in my heart. And quicken this intensity of thought. Which love enriches and excites in me. Ke 7i7iehinkport. A SPELL — A Sea Idyl. My Love and I Stood at the water's edg:e. Glad tales of joy the hurrying eddies brought. The foamy spray came rippling on the beach And stirred a happy ripple in our thought. SEA-SHORE. 75 My Love and I, — ^ We listened as entranced. What music more sublime than ocean's roar ! This grand majestic poem, ages old, Seemed to intensify our love the more. My Love and I Sat silent, dreaming o'er The rhythmic fancies which the billows stirred ; And then she rhymed to music, sweeter lays Than any ever trilled by singing bird. The sea was full, — The rushing tidal wave Flowed in upon our happy reverie. We sauntered home ; the ocean spell remained ; We 'd ne'er dispel this tidal witchery, — My Love and L MUSIC. MUSIC. MENDELSSOHN. Artist soul ! embalmed in music, — Mendelssohn, a gift divine ! Lent, — to bless with his effulgence, Lent, — emotions to refine. [The name of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy has always been to me a synonym for everything beautiful, fervent and inspiring in music] Published 171 '^ Cambridge Chro7iicle^'''' Aiigiist 22, 1866. REMINISCENCES OF MENDELSSOHN'S OVERTURE TO A ^^ MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM." 'TwAS midnight! o'er our senses steal Soft, witching strains of melody. As gaily on the greensward turf The fairies join in revelry. A glorious background to our dream, The fair moon beaming brightly. As tripping light, the elf-shapes whirl In weird-like measure sprightly. 80 MUSIC. A mystic dance — Midsummer Eve, — Ambrosial dews celestial, — Grateful suffusion of choice sweets, Around this scene so festal. The strains enhance in mirthful peal. The airy welkin ringing. While sprites, — a bevy gay, — approach, Their vocal off'rings bringing. Loud swells fantastic harmony, Echo the valleys tuneful. Odd whims, caprice of vapory sounds, Strange visions fanciful. SCHUMANN'S SECOND SYMPHONY IN C. Introduction, Courage and strength it whispered soft to me. From out the undertone of agony The bird of hope triumphant soared in air And carolled joyfully ^^ Hoffnung is there." So springs exultantly the soul on wings. No more a wail, but strains of joy she sings. Sche7'zo, Like rushing wind or brook the music pours Its richness, sweetness on the ear entranced. MUSIC. 8 1 Whimsical, whirring, weird, capriceful sounds, Melody rippling sportive, chasing tone. Till breathless we are filled with sparkling joy. Adagio, A transformation schon ! Pastoral scene, — Sunny and peaceful, mid-day in the vale, Simply the shepherd voices to his love His tale of sweetness ; while the distant horn Disturbs them not, telling of hunters gay. The little lambs are bleating on the hills. All nature is in tranquil, happy mood. Bosto7i Micsic Hall^ Harvard Sy euphony Concert^ January 30, 1879. HAYDN'S SYMPHONY IN D. Brilliant and jocund, lightly on the ear Fell blithesome strains. — The air is sparkling with bright melody. Anon more slowly, o'er the sense it steals. A rapture delicate, a songful web Of lustrous harmony, dazzling yet soft. Melting so trippingly to minuet, It carols merriment in every strain. Now comes the climax of rich harmony, Exuberance of gaiety, — vivace true. Boston Music Hall^ March 13, 1879. 82 MUSIC, RAFF'S LENORE SYMPHONY. The music spell is on me as I write. — The witching Lenore Symphony by Raff. Ah ! did the Gods on Mount Olympus' height More exquisite elixir ever quaff ? The thrilling story of the fair Lenore Would move to grief who never wept before. Boston Music Hallj Symphony Concert ^ December ii, 1875. CORINNE— THE IMPROVISATORE. DEDICATED TO THERESA C. H. Thine artist-soul seems to caress the chords That breathe the inner life to our glad ken. Are spirits talking with thee ? Dost thou hear What to the soul less subtle is denied ? Is Ocean whispering intonings grand, Interpreting its majesty to thee ? Do Nature's rustlings in the autumn woods Rouse thy fine sense of inner harmonies 'i Tell us, Corinne, — the secret of thy charm. Tell us the spell of witchery that weaves Such visions bright, in thy blithe, soulful strains, Tender or gay, as suits the mood and hour. Published in ^^ Boston Transcripts''^ Decejnber 21, 1877. MUSIC. 83 EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER. Have heard the great Remenyi since you're gone, His violin would move a heart of stone. Delicate, beautiful his moving strain, Long, memory will hear it o'er again. Its pathos so like an ethereal wail. It nearly wrung the heart to hear the tale. Again a tripping, winsome song of joy Floated from the strings so tremulously, He seemed a wizard in his special realm. Now fairies dance And witches prance Over the strings. Telling strange things Of wonderland. Now gone the strain ; Yet quick again The glad refrain Falls on our ears. He 's sure inspired By spirits strange. Who wildly range, Playing odd pranks. w^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ■TT "Tv "VV" TV" "TV" And then another pleasure of the week Was hearing " The Messiah's " Christmas strains. " I know that my Redeemer lives," rung out 84 MUSIC. And made me feel how grand it is to know We are but children of one Father Great, Who watches o'er us all on land or sea. MUSIC'S CHILD. 1863. — DAVID ZERRAHN. Beauteous babe, — thy smile presaging Inner grace surpassing sweet. — Our dear Saviour's choicest blessing For thy innocence is meet. Happy childhood, — noblest birthright That the wish of man may claim. Winsome childhood, — Blithest season, — Mirth is fit to be thy aim. Hush ! thy mother fond is touching The key note of thy sole grief, — Chords so sweetly, sadly plaintive, — Thou in tears must find relief. See those eyes, brightly ethereal, Welling up with soulful tears, — Eloquent of love angelic. Sure preclusion of all fears. MUSIC. 8 5 Music's child, — engaging infant, — Balmy breezes waft thy fate. Heaven's ambrosia be thy portion, Perfect thee in man's estate. Fain would we all sunshine wish thee, Gladly shield thee from all harm ; But in living and o'ercoming, Lies the magic, aye, — the charm. Child, adieu ! may angels guard thee. Fold thee in their fond embrace ; In the blest hereafter greet thee ; — Welcome, thrice, — well run thy race ! Note. — Suggested by his mother's touching a tender chord in her little son's nature while yet in his infancy, as she played a succession of sad, minor chords. PtihlhJied in " Cambridge Chronicle. 1") SONGS. SONGS. CHRISTMAS SONG— 1878. A TWILIGHT whisper, A happy thought, A loving message Glad spirits brought. A Christmas carol, — A New Year's song, — Was on the snow flakes Wafted along From Paradise. What says the whisper. What breathes the thought, What tells the message, Glad spirits brought ? Ah ! these harbingers Ethereal, Have given us thoughts Ineffable 0£ Paradise. 90 SONGS. The grandest poem, — The truest word, — By mortal ears Was never heard. The bird that carols The sweet refrain. Can never equal The wondrous strain From Paradise. Ptcblished hi '' Ca77ihridge Chronicled Set to Music by MadaiJie E. Rndersdorff. LIFE'S SEASONS. Youth is full of happy musings, Thoughts replete with visions fair; Haunts of care it passeth gaily, Vaulteth lightly up in air. Merry, blithesome, gleeful childhood. Gathering sunbeams all the day ; Life's glad spring-time, nought of sorrow, Sunlight brightens all the way. Scenic fancies lightly flitting. Softly blend with year's mature ; Youth's bright, flowery season fleeteth, Hopes of gay romance are o'er. SONGS. 91 Panoplied in manly armor, For life's battle fierce and long ; Faith his frail bark's trusty oarsman, Zealous, earnest manhood strong. Hazy mists steal o'er the landscape, Autumn-tints suffuse the scene ; Wintry age and hoary tresses Temper youth and manhood's sheen. Retrospect for age hath pleasures. Life's brief span he museth o'er ; Calmly down the stream he glideth, Soon will reach the promised shore, — Blissful haven, — placid shore. PziblisJied in '' Cambridge Chronicle ^"^"^ Atignst 10, 1863. Set to Ml I sic by Carl Zerrahn. How oft at twilight's tranquil hour My mind with rapture thrills! With sweet delights my heart o'erflows And joy my bosom fills. My soul caressing thee in thought In sweet flight wings to thee ; While memory tunes her harp divine To songful melody. Sung to ^^Manoah." CJiamps Elysies, Paris , July , 1876. Published i?i ^^ Boston Trartscript^'''' Ju7te <^y 1877. 92 SONGS. SONG OF THE ROSE. A SPRITE peeped out from the heart of the rose, An elf danced over each leaf, — We have come to tell you of rose-land sweet, And our stay can be but brief. For the fading petal 's no home for us, We hie to our fairy queen ; A symbol of love from the floral home Is the rose's blushing sheen. Our queen was wooed by the fairy king Whose court is the home of the flowers, 'T is there that we dance, sing and sport all the day In the rose-queen's perfumed bowers. Come, mortal, — and list to the voice of the May, Its echoes in wood and in dale ; Come follow where beauty is singing her lay In our wonderful, flowery vale. An Idyl— gates AJAR. Hark ! the sweet melody, (Echo) Beautiful melody. Telling of Spring-time, Glad, blithesome Springtime. SOA'GS. 93 Ah ! how my pulses thrill, — Joy all my bosom fills, Free as the birclling wild. Trill I my lay. Love is the guerdon bright. Teaching my heart so light To trill its lay. jL/a, la, la, la. Trilling its lay. FoRGET-ME-NOTS, — Forget-me-nots, — Sweet Love's immortal flowers, — I '11 wear them next my aching heart These long and weary hours. He wore them, too, my sailor lad, Far o'er the dark, bright sea ; He plucked them at our last, sweet tryst And gave with love to me. " When next I come," he whispered soft, " My bonny bride thou 'It be. And I will be thy knight, as in The days of chivalry." He left me with his plighted troth. My brave, young, sailor lad ; My heart went sailing with my love. This heart, alas ! so sad. 94 SONGS. For time rolls on its ceaseless flow, But ne'er brings smiles for me. My laughter-loving, sailor knight Shall roam no more the sea. In dreams I see his happy face, And feel the clasp of hand. And hear the music of his voice, A song from spirit-land. And so his mem'ry hovers near, A picture of the past, — A tender dream of bliss, too bright, Too beautiful to last. I chide my weak and murmuring heart, And bid it patient wait, Till reunited with my love. We share the heavenly state. P^iblished ill ^^ Meteor,^'' February 28, 1S79. Love sings : — 'T is day when thou art near; I see thy face. Feel thy caress ; 'T is brightest day. SOJVGS. 95 Love wails : — 'T is night when thou art far, The brightness fades, Deepens the shade To darkest night. Love longs To sing and part no more. Haste bridal sweet On winged feet With love and song ! Published m ^^Bosto7i Trajtscript^^'' April ^^ 1878. My little bird of love Goes singing, singing on; Its sweet, ecstatic strains Singing. My little bird of love. That still goes singing on, — Art thou a myth, a dream Singing 'i This little bird of love That e'er goes singing on, Thou art my heart's sweet love •mgmg. 96 SONGS. As love to me is life, (My heart goes singirig on,) So life to me is love Singing. Dear little bird of love So sweetly singing on, I '11 cherish thee fore'er Singing. Ptiblishedin ^^ Cauihridge Chronicle^'''' April 15, 1876. I LIVE for love, I live for love. So sings the bird alway ; And I must echo the glad strain Forever and for aye. I live for song, I live for song, So trills the birdling sweet ; And I must find for my true love A joyous rhyme as meet. I live for thee, I live for thee. Yes, dearest love, — for thee. No other fair, no other smile So winsome is to me. And at thy feet Thy lover sighs. SONGS. 97 O bonny, bonny lass, — Till thou shalt flash upon his love, One smile from thy dear face. One more sweet boon I crave from thee. My bonny, winsome lass, — A taste of heaven to mortals given, A loving, sweet caress. A THRILL. Satisfied with friendship? Never Utter more those chilling sounds. Token thrilling as an iceberg, — Mourner cold o'er heart's deep wounds. Nay, not so, — entreats the maiden, — 'T is no vain, dissembling boon, Can'st thou spurn an honest offering. Gift sincere — nay pause ! — which soon Stay ! But rashly has he flitted From the presence-chamber bright. Heedless of his fair one's wishes To dispel the cheerless night. Into which his rage had plunged him, Veiling wilfully the light. On dit^ absence fond ties strengthens. Subtly binds when far from sight Is the object of affection. 8 98 SONGS, Ha ! bright maiden, — wherefore weep ? Wherefore tears suffuse thine eyelids ? Far away wings bahny sleep. What ! wast trifling with thy lover ? Scorn'st the love he proffered thee ? Nay, not so, — replies the maiden, Fain I' d truthful, honest be. Then she whispered soft, " I love him, Feel for him my life-blood thrill ; But alas ! friendship's rejected. Think you he will love me still ? Wh}^ his absence all unnerves me ? Is it love ? '' Conviction cold, Quick revokes the granted friendship. Says, 't is love. — Nay ! say not bold Is the maiden to confess it, Reck not lightly, choicely bless it. Many a heart its impulse checking, Wastes and withers, — bloom decays, Livelong sorrow broodeth darkly O'er the remnant of their days. . Blast not life's sweet joys forever. Shatter not, but fond hopes buoy. Fill thy heart with precious tributes. Love sincere, without alloy. SO^VGS. 99 Many months the maiden waited, Love's bright taper ne'er grown dim, Soon we find them re-united, Bliss, a sparkle to the brim. Softened now life's bitter trials ; Griefs when shared soon melt away ; Happiness overtakes the lovers. Brightly dawns the ^'prosperous day." Pitblished hi '^ Cajjihridge Chronicle^'''' 1S64. LOVE'S RHYMES. My Love, — enwrapped in dreams of bliss and thee My heart goes rhyming on. With love the ideal of ite poetry, It still rhymes on. Unmindful of the winged flight of time. Its chords are tuned to such impassioned rhyme. It rhymes of life and love and all sweet things Which in the poet's heart must ever sing. Noble and grand and beautiful to me All I've idealized, my love, in thee. My heart rhymed on in the gathering mist. As I sat by the shore while the wavelets kissed My feet as they tossed the feathery spray. And moistened love's blush, as they seemed to say, 100 SONGS. "We carried thy love far over the sea, And soon we will bring him back gaily to thee. )? I sat and gazed at the twilight sea, My heart still rhyming on. Bright Fancy stole in with her imagery, And built me an Eden, where throned on high A prince and a princess sat, Love and I. On those lofty heights in a blissful trance, Our hearts went rhyming on, And rhymed themselves so to each other's glance Both hearts did beat as one. Earth melted away at our feet, sweet love, — As we went rhyming on, And naught but our heart-life remained for love To rhyme forever on. THOUGHTS EXHALED FROM A CARNATION. In quiet mood I muse awhile, Till well-known footsteps near me tread. I turn to read the tell-tale glance. Caresses light are on my head. My rev'rie 's quickly laid aside To read from Love's entrancing page, The " old, old story," conned anew. Doth eye and lip and heart engage. SONGS. 1 01 This night the rich carnation weaves An all-enchanting loveliness ; Its blush so bright, its perfume pure, Its language, mon cher^ canst thou guess ? It tells the tale of ^^ woman's love," Of which the half remains untold. Such love exalts its object's grace. Is 't always prized as purest gold ? Canst fathom such affection's wealth ? On thee she fain would lavish all ; This off'ring, will it thee content, Journeying on, whate'er befall ? In sickness, sorrow, health and joy. Whatever troubles may betide, Hast love, will trials sore survive. And prove thee faithful, true and tried ? Published in ' ^ Ca nibridge Ch ron icle , " 1867. A TRIBUTE TO ERATO. Love wings on rosy pinions, And scatters heav'nly dew O'er souls of kindred feeling. Friends precious, — aye, — and few. 1 02 SONGS. Her off'rings breathe ambrosia, Her glance reveals the charm That makes of earth an Eden, Pure friendship true and warm. Affection's bonds cemented By ties intangible. Interpret in a language So soft, unspeakable. Let reason guide devotion, And breathe her vows sincere, — She '11 yield a bounteous harvest Of happiness, — ne'er fear ! But passion's surging dictates Resound in hollow waves. And shell-like, bubbling, satiate Too soon her willing slaves. Purest is love when friendship quickens Glowing aspirations bright ; Fountains whose lucid jets are yielding Inexhaustible delight. PiihlisJied i7i ^^ Cainhridge Chronicle^'''' Blarch 7, 1864. SONGS. 103 PANSIES. Too tired to guide the pen I send a friend A pansy in a letter ; full of thought The flower is fraught. Will it plead eloquent ? Its sentiment Is just a happy thought From friend to friend ; As such I send. A fair epitome Thou art to me, — Thy tell-tale face, — of Nature's loveliness In simple dress. Within thy flower-heart I have the art To read those pensive depths And find a smile, A loving wile, Which tells my wistful gaze Another phase Of love-life, lurking in The hidden thought With thee inwrought. " Will he keep faith with me ? " I ask of thee. Thy perfume echoes, " Love, 104 SONGS. I too, have love With me inwove." Go then, dear flower, and tell My love, how well My passion pleads in thy Sweet, smiling face, Perfmne and dress. Somewhere I 'm sure to meet thee, dearest friend, Perchance not ere life's pilgrimage shall end; I shall not speak, so great will be the thrill Of rapture, which shall all sensation fill, Sometime, — somewhere. I shall but smile and clasp thee as mine own. So deep affection has for thee, love, grown, I 'd know nor thought nor hope apart from thee, Each impulse is inwrought so tenderly With thy sweet life. And though decree of fate Has drifted us apart, we '11 meet, if late. Sometime, — somewhere. I tried to crush this longing, tried to still Emotion's tide, — it would not list my will. The passionate, wild heart sobbed out its pain. Rebelling at the wave of fate in vain. Sadly I've learned to show a studied calm. Buoyed by the hope, we'll meet — O blessed balm, — Sometime, — somewhere. SONGS. 105 In the sweet sometime, in the glad somewhere, We '11 drop our earth-born, weary load of care. No grief, all joy in the celestial home. We all shall know each one as he is known, Sometime, — somewhere. INVOCATION. The twilight steals a deepening shade While fancies flit around ; The clouds coquetting with the hills Just tint the landscape's bound. The fascinating after-glow Has faded quite away; My sad heart moans at day's decline, " My love has sailed away." My love has sailed o'er distant seas, My heart it saileth too ; A carrier dove on wings of love, Far o'er the wave it flew, To greet my love upon the sea. And bear a message back to me. The storm raged high; the angry wind Did echo in my heart. " Give back my love, O sea ! " I cried ; "Why, why did he depart ? " I06 SONGS. Then speed his barque upon the wave, Thou Power Supreme, and raging sea, — Protect it from the angry wind, — And waft it safely back to me. Ptihlished i7t '^ Boston Trtce Flag,'''' April 14, 1877. MAY SONG. A-Maying, Roaming with my love, Sweet May, I plucked the lovely blossoms fresh and fair, And wove them for her sunny, golden hair. Till she my Flora-Queen was wondrous fair. A-Maying, Roaming with my fair, Sweet May, — I whispered to the flowers my tale of love Till angels echoed it in joy above, And softly sang it to my own dear love. A-Maying, Roaming with my joy, Sweet Mav, — I caught the secret of the birdling's lay And told it to my love this glad May-Day, While'she, as happy, gave her heart away, Sweet May. Published hi ^^ Cambridge Chronicle,^'' I\ lay 26, 1S77. Sefjo Music by J. C. Jl^arren. SONGS. 1 07 INVISIBLE. Thou'rt far away, yet still art near, O paradox most strange, yet clear, — While glim'ring shadows o'er me steal, Thy spirit's presence still I feel. My heart, ignoring time and space. Leaps up with hope, and wins the race. Sweet faith, proud conqueror of vain fears. Wells up, and gently checks our tears. The halos fading melt away^ Dawn ushers in the light of day. Angels in blissful choirs above Can sing of rapturous, soul-felt love. Those ties invisible, unseen. Of friendship that ne'er dies, I ween, Unsevered, tend from mortal joy To heavenly bliss without alloy. Fair temples of ethereal build. Which oft our teeming fancies filled. Resplendent, dazzling, glorious shine. Exhaling perfumes e'en divine, Published ill " Cambridge Chronicles'' April 12, 1864. I08 SONGS. IL BACIO. It thrills me now, that imprint fond, Sweet token of affection, — Blest sanction of a higher power To loving inclination. 'T is love, a pure and holy fire. That earthly feelings purges, And all our happiness below Into one " sparkle " merges. A ray of sunlight in our lives, A beam of joy to mortals, — Who fain life's mystery would pierce. Peer though celestial portals. It quickens all our impulses, It softens all our sorrow. We tune our lyres to ardent lays. And wist not of the morrow. .SL. .^ ^ * >^ "^ -TT "TV" "TV* -TV TT Ah, yes ! methinks 't is sweet to live When life 's suffused with love ; Duty we reck, but sweeter far To live for those we love. Published in ^'' Cambridge Chronicle^'''' August 20^ 1866. SOATGS. COLOR-BLIND. 109 What color her eyes ? That I surely can't tell, — But I know that a well of deep feeling is there, And volumes I read In the eyes of my love. The hue of her hair ? Nor that can I tell, — But I know that no sunbeam more brightly e'er glows Or opaline tint, Than the hair of my love. Does she love me ? you ask, — That I surely can tell, For the blush on her cheek, and the smile on her lips. Intensify both At the footstep of love. Is this but a dream. This rare bliss of love ? Ah, no ! that sweet kiss and that fervent caress, 'Tis the story oft told, — 'T is the rapture of love. Piiblished 1)1 ^' Cambridge Press, ^'' Jamtary 8, 1S76. no SONGS. THE TRYST. I WANDERED to the trysting, It was the fav'rite hour, Just as the sun was sinking Within his rosy bower. I tried to find the beauty Of this rare twilight scene ; This imagery so gorgeous, This lustrous sunset sheen. A lake of molten splendor, The sky flushed ruby bright, Like opal's wondrous beauty Flashing in radiant light. But what to me this mag:ic ? Thou wert not at the tryst, — I could not see the brightness With eyes whose gathering mist Obscured my sense to beauty, And all that 's fair to see. Alone I 'm at the trysting Where thou wert e'er with me. Published i7i '' Bosio7i True Flag,^'' April 21 , 1877. SONGS. I I I AN EPISODE. A SPRIGHTLY youth of tender years Once loved a maiden fair. Her eyes were brown as hazel-nuts. And sunny was her hair. She sang as sweetly as a bird, And oh, — how blest were they While pledging mutual, loving vows Of constancy for aye. But lo ! whence comes this threatening cloud Affection to dispel ? 'T is the old story : they did love Not wisely, as I tell, — Too sudden had their fancy grown. Estrangement came as soon ; For love needs ifime and depfA t^ expand. Else like the changing moon. It gives forth all its brilliant light. Then dim and dimmer grows, — Comes the sad, faded vanishing Like petals from a rose. I I 2 SONGS. Listlessly fell the fingers on the keys ; No music came but dull, uncertain chords Which lacked thy inspiration, dearest friend, — To flash the strains by inner harmonies. Responding thought to thought's intensest glow. Thy subtle presence is life's deepest charm. Thy smile the sweetest poetry to me. Come to me, dearest, — let me feel the tide Of life, which e'er thy coming brings to me. No clouds, no shadows where thy sunshine falls, Nought but a flow of such intensity I scarce can s]3eak. Thy voice is more to me Than e'en the sweetest music ever heard ; Thy touch, a thrill of ecstasy. My heart then fills with joy unspeakable ; All space is filled with airy messages, And all things breathe of thee. ROSEMARY REMEMBRANCE— Impromptu. Why should I write to my love, my sweet love ? Why should I guide the pen ? A flower shall whisper my secret to her Over and over again. SONGS. 113 Why should I sing for my love, my sweet love ? Why should I tune the voice ? The zephyrs shall breathe my caressing thoughts, Each breeze with my love rejoice. Why should I talk of my love, my sweet love, Who wandered far away ? The billowy ocean will ripple my sighs In a twilight roundelay. Wast thou never thrilled by magical speech, The written-word and the song? Then I will write to, and talk of my love, And sing of her all the day long. MY POEM. Till I met thee, mine own beloved. My deepest nature ne'er was stirred. I'd worshipped oft at beauty's shrine, And of love's idyl often heard. New joys have flashed upon my life Since first I saw thy happy face. To me so fair, — surpassing sweet, — And full of such a nameless grace. 114 SONGS. It floated into my heart-life As steals a sweet, midsummer dream. I basked in sunshine, thou wert near, And bright for me its radiance gleamed. Love ripplesyfri*/ like sportive waves Tossing in air their feathery spray ; Then lo ! the unfailing, tidal wave Floods in upon our heart some day. AIR CASTLES. 'Tis days since I have seen thy dear, loved face. And yet the ardent longing ne'er shall cease. I've longed to be a flower whose simple grace Should breathe a tender atmosphere of peace And sweet aromas round thy life's pathway. Or fain I 'd be a bird or woodland fay. To carol thee some gay or plaintive lay, And lightly hover near thee all the day. But since such boons the Fates to me deny, Why can't I be a golden, little star To twinkle at thee from my home on high And be to thee " so near and yet so far " } The sweet-voiced warblers usher in the day. And I must rise from happy dreams of thee. My heart forever sings a roundelay, — From morn till latest eve aspires to thee. SONGS, I I 5 VIOLETS. Violets Culled for thee, darling, - Sparkling with dew-pearls Fresh from the morninof. t5 Violets, — Constancy's offering, — Texture ethereal, — Love in its dawning. Violets, — Harbingers heavenly, — Whisper thy secrets Elysian to me. Modest, blue violets, — Chaste smile of Nature, Dainty, sweet flowerets, — Violets. Published in '^ Catnhridge Chronicle.'^'^ SEQUEL TO ^^ VIOLETS.'' Only some fading violets Lying there, — But ah ! they exhale a fragrance Rich and rare. Memories loving and tender, I I 6 SOJVGS. Friendship dear. A voice of musical rhythm Greets my ear Like the fall of a lute's sweet cadence, Soft and clear. True, they are fading violets, Too fair to last ; But yet they whisper fond secrets Of days long past. And every hour they grow dearer Friend, to me ; Each leaflet exquisite, fraught with Sweet thoughts of thee. 1876. We drifted out upon life's restless sea. Our barque containing but my love and me ; Such happiness intense, it scarce could seem Else than an exquisite and blissful dream. The sun was struggling through the summer haze, Dreamy we caught the glimmer of chance rays. I asked no other sun than thy dear smile The shadows to dispel, which for a while The twilight brings. What need of speech when thought responsive flows ? In thy dear presence there 's a glad repose. SONGS, 117 We fathom music in the rhythmic plash Of waves, which 'gainst our little boat quick dash. We feel the kindling of poetic life. No more the tumult and prosaic strife Which worldly duty brings. This gladsome, sum- mer day We bid but love of beauty with us stay. Whisper, dear friend, that you love me, — Whisper again and again, — The heart is ne'er weary of hearing The tender and loving refrain. Sing me in sweetest harp-measure The song of thy love o'er and o'er, — It lightens the heart of its sorrow, It easeth the grieving so sore, To know when our dear ones have left us, Fond hearts are still tender and true ; Dear loves that are linked by the story, So sweet and so old, yet so new. Published (71'''' Boston True Flag', ''^ Jajuiary 2jy iSyj. Thinking of thee in the twilight As the fingers swept o'er the keys, The spirit of happiness hovered. And melodized all my heart's ease. I 1 8 SONGS. My secret I breathed in the music, — A tremulous, passionate strain, — And ever could hear in the twilight Soft echoes renew it again. Which the harp in the air softly whispers, Enchanted by love's magic wand. A halo of rapturous feeling Encircles thy mem'ry so fond. An ecstasy is my love, Of sadness and of joy. When thou'rt away, 'tis sadness, When near me — ah, what joy ! Sun, moon and stars I envy, And e'en the common air Which ever can surround thee With their unceasing care. While I all else forgetting. Can only dream of thee And those dear, rapturous moments When I my love shall see. Deep in my heart a happy song- Is ever sweetly singing. As memory lightly sweeps her lyre. The chords are softly ringing. SOJVGS. Though fain to touch the strings, I fear Lest their vibrations pealing Should tell the secret of the joy, The sweet emotions stealing O'er this glad heart, so happy in Its tremulous revealing Of love and friendship linked with thee,- A rapturous, sacred feeling. 119 WHY ? I HARDLY know wlicu 't was I loved her. So long, long ago it seemed, — This blissful emotion stole o'er me, — A happy, ecstatic heart-dream. And if thou shouldst ask why I love her. My answer: — go ask the fair flower Why it opens its petals so sweetly And sheddeth perfume in the bower. Or question the merry wood-songster Who trills tender lays to his mate. As the birdlings I yield to such bondage, And gladly accept my heart-fate. 1 20 SONGS. If I should know that ne'er on earth My love I 'd meet again, This world, its friendships and its joys, All, all to me were vain. My life would ebb, my heart would break, And rend the links of life, As breaks the sun through rifts of clouds, And death should end the strife. For what were life of love bereft ? A blank, a void to me. With thee to live, 't were Heaven on earth Shad'wing eternity. Thy beauty resistless, Thy loveliness peerless Would make e'en an angel In love with thee. Mute in thy atmosphere. Love must give way to fear Lest thou sigh'st not, m}^ dear, — As I for thee. Grief alone charmeth me. Weeping I think of thee. Sweeter than joy to me The constant tear. SOJ\rGS. 121 Do you think me happy, darling, Without the morning kiss ? Do you think I am not wretched. The caress I did not miss ? I was weak and somewhat angered. And I dared not meet your face ; But I 'd give my life this instant That weak moment to efface. For I love you so, my darling, — That the thought I cannot brook, That we e'er the spell should weaken By feeling, word or look. THEORY AND PRACTICE. I SAID last night : — and I believed The folly then, — " Dear, love like mine Can wait and trust and not be grieved Though it should miss responsive sign." But when the w^eek its circle ran. And brought me not a word from you, Then dear, my foolish heart began To grieve and prove my words untrue. To KEEP for him e'er my life's best love. Ah! I needed no vow to give ; Each thought will ever be true to him. Aye ! so long as we both shall live. 122 SONGS. j 'Twas no sudden feeling that bound us, No whimsical fancy of love, But a thought that ennobled our growth And linked with the life above. Bright as a star is thy face, love, When radiantly beaming on me Hardly I dare to confess, love. This rapturous transport for thee. Fathomless deep in my heart, love, It surges this grand mystery. Last night " my darling " thou saidst, love, — My heart beat responsive to thee. Every one 's somebody's darling, Else what a sad world this would be. The beautiful violets faded away. And I thought of thy sorrow, love, sacred to me. The flowerets wither, and so will thy grief, love, When true love shall kiss all thy sadness away. No longer thine eyelids be wet with deep anguish. No longer with agony rent thy fond heart. For thy true love is coming with hope and caresses. To stifle the tempest, deep down in thy heart. The tide of sweet happiness, ere long returning. Shall soothe with its billows thine agonized soul. SONGS. 123 A BIT of nature from the glen, A promise that sometmie, — ah, when ? — I may this spot enchanted see. Will you be there, love, too, with me ? For I its beauty ne'er should see Were you not there, sweet love, with me ; For happiness with love 's enhanced. Ah ! when with thee, time seems to dance. She kissed me ! Such rapture ! I thought it was heaven Transported to earth. I heard the flowers whisper Mysterious secrets In magical language. Whose sweet music Gave forth enchantment, — She kissed me ! FRAGMENTS FRAGMENTS. A FRAGMENT. SyOGESTED BY THE PICTURE " NAISSANCE DE VENUS.'' Sweet Goddess, — radiant queen of grace and love, — Daintily origined 'neath spray and wave, — The mystic rites of thy mysterious birth Have shed a halo o^er thy loveliness. Investing with a chaste, romantic glow Thy beauty peerless and thy witching grace. Imagination pictures thee too bright For artist-inspiration e'er to trace. Adjudged the fairest on Olympian heights. Thy wondrous gifts beyond our mortal ken. What cunning tracery, what fairy hand Can weave a web so deftly delicate. As to enchant our spirit's imagery. And thus evoke from some fine artist-sense A picture meet of this rare Goddess Queen ? Ptiblished in ^^ Boston Transcript,''^ November 2.2, 1876. 128 FRAGMENTS. A FRAGMENT. Poetry 's the dainty pollen Falling from the flowers fair ; Poetry 's the flow'ry essence Bright'ning many hours of care, Melodizing prosy moments O'er our senses soft it steals, Lulling care to gentle slumber ; Who can pen the joy he feels When some rich, poetic measure Thrills the soul with ecstasy ? 'Tis the glad regeneration Shad'wing immortality. PuhlisJiedin " Cambridge Chronicle.'''' The soft, falling snow, — Poet of Nature, — Moving us ensconsed in-doors, to feel How sweet the poetry of home-life ! Friends, books and music. Simple, household joys Absorb our minds from thoughts of out-door life Which sunshine tempts us to enjoy full well. And too, it is a merry sight to see The boys and girls in happy, laughing glee. Coasting adown the hill right merrily. FRAGMENTS. 129 TWILIGHT THOUGHTS. Come, friend, and have a twilight talk with me, Of friendship, music, art and poetry ; Ever the sunset hour induces me To happy, sweet, '^ enchanted reverie ; " Inspiring is the twilight after-glow. The wings of memory waft me on the sea, Freighted with many loving thoughts to thee. I stood in Westminster's old Abbey gray ; The grand, old nave, The cloisters shadow}^, dim. The marble piles, — Breathed thoughts of ^^ passing day." HEARTLESS ! ^^ Marry for love ? " she scornfully said ; " For position alone marry I, — Let maids sentimental sigh for love, — For wealth and a home marry I." She gracefully toyed with the satins And the silks that lay heaped royally. lO 130 FRA GMENTS. It dawns upon me like a flash, — It cannot be so here, But in the grand hereafter Shall we know each other With a fulness life does not vouchsafe here. The moonbeams laughed in the rippling waves. As I stood by the water's edge, And I said, ^^ Go tell my own true love I am here where I gave my pledge." 'TwAS but a glimpse I caught of you, 'Twas but a pressure of the hand; And yet since that sweet time, I am The happiest lady in the land. Sparkling as the wavelet Dancing merrily. Flashing in the sunlight Sings my love to thee. Good morrow ! graceful blossoms Into my window peeping; Your fairy morning-greeting Reproaches me for sleeping. FRAGMENTS. 131 If this dread, mortal agony brings peace, Content I am mitil the soul's release ; A tmnult, passion, fire within me glows, I 'm wracked with pain, scarce know a day's repose. Oft I review the happy life. Days that have past so blissfull}^, The precious hours I Ve spent with thee. As time goes calmly on, sweet wife. So vivid the link of our love-life, Its tenure will last forever, . So subtle the web and the woof. The spirits talked to us last night, And left their fairy work Sculptured upon the window jDanes. Art is an externalization of our inner feelings, — But the deepest feelings elude this crystallization. FRIENDSH IP. FRIENDSHIP. FRIENDSHIP.— A Retrospect. We live each day a double life in one, — Our sterner side must jostle with the world, For daily friction gives life ebb and flow, And rouses all our powers to manly growth. But what were this without the tenderness And love that blends in friendship's sweetest joys? We seem to drift into each other's lives. But wiser hands than chance have cast our fate ; Why, — but that each may to the other give The fragrance which true friendship sheds on life ? Our happiness doth come of little things. A word, a look, a thought, perhaps a tear. The clasp of hand, the kiss, the faded flower, The story or the poem read one day. The song of pathos or the joyful lay. The walk together at the close of day, Such is our friendship ; Delicious compound of sweet memories. And priceless in each precious retrospect. Whatever is or has been, all will be Linked with thy friend in happy memory. 136 FRIENDSHIP. NATURE IN FRIENDSHIP. Art thou a woody sprite, dear friend, That ever comes bringing to me Some rare bit of nature, a picture or flower Suggestive of beauty and thee ? And thus my friendship with thee, friend, Is so interwoven with flowers. And nature's cloud-frescoes soft-pencilled in sky, And music in May's lovely bowers, Which myriads of merry, Spring birds Are trilling from gay, little throats. While hearts full of happiness beat in response. And echo the bright, joyous notes. And thus life sweetly fleets, friend. With fond reminiscence of thee ; And roaming 'mid beauty by wave or in wood I' m minded of nature and thee. A WELCOME TO A. C. W. ON MIS RETURN FROM THREE YEARS* SERVICE IN THE 3STH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. — SUNG AT RECEP- TION. With kindly greetings, one and all. We here together come. To welcome one who Freedom's call Obeyed, and left his home ; FRIENDSHIP. Left friends and home and kindred dear, To battle for the right ; Remembrance of those friends sincere Has kept his honor bright. In camp, or on the bloody field, He never left his post, Resolved he 'd ne'er to traitors yield The cause he loved the most. And now to peace once more restored, Our country wholly free. We welcome him with one accord To Home and Liberty. Cambridge J 1865. 137 LINES SUGGESTED BY THE ADVENT OF A YOUNG FRIEND TO HIS "PRIME." A s now you shall enter your twenty-first year, U nfurl the bright banner of truth ! S tand firm in the right, — resolve without fear T o cherish the lessons of youth ! I f the far, distant future at times shall look drear, N ever falter, — for He that hath made you is near. 1^8 FRIENDSHIP, J C ull every fair flower ere they fade from the sight, L et them emblemize youth's lovely spring, — A nd onward press nobly while yet it is light, R emember, the day is not always so bright, — K eep thought ever fresh on the wing ! W ave the Star Spangled Banner o'er Freedom's own land, — E agle bold, let it " fillip the stars ! " L ive ever as one of a brave, faithful band ! L et your loyal heart proudly and truly e'er stand! I f Oppression shall desecrate Liberty's shrine, N ew courage and vigor then quickly combine, G ive a death-blow to infamous Mars ! T hen traitors beware ! do not dare to defy ! O ur own youthful patriots, conquer or die ! N ever yield up our stripes and our stars ! Ca^nhridgeport ^ Jtily 17. BIRTHDAY GREETING. TO A. C. W. Noiselessly winging on bright, rosy pinions. Fleetly and happily speed the glad hours. Soft bells are pealing, their joyous chimes ringing. Bidding our presence in gay, festal bowers. FRIENDSHIP. 139 't>J List to the echoes resounding so clearly, Welcoming, greeting our friend's natal day. Hark to the fair3^-winged messengers, bearing Tokens of friendship, in festal array. Fain would we wish for thee sunshine unendino* But there 's no happiness without alloy. Ah ! life's elixir is choicest and purest Quaffed from the fountain of God's book of joy. Priceless its precepts, and loving its spirit ; Cherished, revered are its chapters of truth ; Images bright of a blissful hereafter Charm the impressible nature of youth. Retrospect wafts lively scenes to our vision, Mystery hazes the future from view, Airily gliding through memory's chambers. Swift flits the past, while obscuring its hue. Proudly the present asserts its dominion, Telling us, life is no vain, empty dream ; Bidding us choose for our watchword, the pres- ent, — High on our banners this watchword shall gleam. Published 171 '' Cauibridge Chronicley July 17, 1867. 140 FRIENDSHIP, BIRTHDAY GREETING. TO A. C. W. Birthdays, — happy, glad occasions — Thoughts crowd thickly for my lay. Out of past days, fancy fashions Shapes of rare imagery. Memory opes her magic storehouse, Shows her treasures garnered there ; Lovingly we will unshelve them. Count the pictures choice and fair. Fancy threads her subtle needle With the clustering pearls of time. We '11 unstring these tiny globules. String them up again in rhyme. Foremost in the panorama Youth glides merrily along ; Dreaming oft of manhood's advent, Pealing forth a gladsome song. Manhood, — noble season, — cometh. Love should e'er with duty blend, Alway to the faithful, hopeful, Heav'n will richest blessings send. Life's vicissitudes are many, Web and woof, how intricate, — FRIENDSHIP. Mortal fingers, too unskilful, Cannot ravel threads of Fate. Joys and sorrows weave our life scenes, Dot the human landscape o'er ; But with love to sweeten sadness. Dear friend, — could we ask for more ? Piercing through the clouds of darkness, Love the silver lining finds, Fresh shall be our heart-life ever. As each day more closely binds. Published in ^' Cambridge Chronicled Jnly 17, 1868. 141 TO UNCLE J. F. ON HIS BIRTHDAY. It floateth a vague and a nebulous mist. This song I would now fain be singing ; Heart wishes of joy on the friend's natal day The chimes of the sunset are ringing. 'Tis only a memory sweet of the past. This song I would now fain be singing, — A lay true and tender of love and of jo}^. While the soft, twilight chimes are ringing. Fitchburg^ April ^o^ 1S7S. Set to Mzisic by T. C. H . 142 FRIENDSHIP. FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY. TO S. P. T. 'Tis fifty years ago, Uncle, Since you came into space ; And may it be as many more That we shall see thy face ; If thou canst happy be, Uncle, When four-score years are given, To life prolong full twenty more Ere earthly ties are riven. Life has been fair to you, I ween. You Ve had your ups and downs As ev'ry mortal has on earth, — For fortune smiles and frowns Alternately, on toiling man. Bringing both joy and grief ; But when life's pilgrimage is run, The season seems but brief. And may the rest of life. Uncle, Fleet pleasantly away, 'Mid family and loving friends To glad your mortal day ; And then when these bright scenes are o'er. Above we all shall meet, Where many that are gone before Are waiting us to greet. Pjcblished in *' Ca77ibridge Chronicle. '^'^ April i^ 1S70. FRIENDSHIP. 143 BIRTHDAY GREETING. SENT WITH AN AUTOGRAPH ALBUM FROM THE COUSINS. J ETS of limpid dew from heaven, O n thy pathway sparkle clear. H appy youth thus ripples gently N ear the goal of pleasure dear. M any friends will on these pages A mor's tokens fond indite, S catter founts of kind affection, — it a word is Friendship's mite, N imble thoughts will scale the future, D own the spiral gaily spring, A iry castles rear in Fancy, — V agaries their flight soon wing. 1 n the blessed regions of sweet bliss immortal, S unny are the skies where angels guard the portal. October 5, 1863. TO J. M. D. Blissful day, thrice blest occasion, Happy, joyous, festal day, — Let affection be our watchword, — Love, the burden of our lay. 144 FRIENDSHIP, Seventeen years, a hajDpy season, Seventeen summers on the wing. Standing on life's eighteenth threshold, Hear the past in echoes ring. Fancy's rich domain is glowing. Fain we'd rive the veil for light. Gladly pierce the hidden future, Wisely veiled from mortal sight. October 5. SUGGESTED BY COUSIN JOHN'S EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY. Pause and retrospect a moment. Lightly glance o'er mem'r3'^'s page ; Ah ! how fleet Youth's gladsome moments, - Scarce a step from Youth to Age. Ne'er forget that festive season, Let it gladden manhood's day, — Trivial scenes enhance in import, Cast their flow'rs on life's pathwa}^ Noble manhood dawns upon 3^ou, See its op'ning portals gleam. Gird on fast the manly armor. Life is no vain, empty dream. FRIENDSHIP, 145 E'er remember whence the blessings Day and night to us unfold. Ever guard life's precious casket, Priceless jewel of the soul. Cambridge, October 5. LINES IN COUSIN FANNIE'S ALBUM, Dear Cousin, — many a word of love Will here be breathed to thee ; And as its pages oft you scan And offerings kind shall see, Remember that true friendship wears A spotless purity ; While artless maiden's fairest garb Is chaste simplicity. TO COUSIN KATIE G. F. A GLAD '' good-morning greeting " Your flowers to me have brought, The dainty, fragrant petals, — The brilliant sunshine caught. While breezes softly wafted The sweetly-perfumed thought Of friendship's pleasant mem'ries With which the flowers are fraught. II 146 • FRIENDSHIP, Though soon the lovely blossoms Must droop and fade away, Yet sentiments so kindly Shall linger many a day. Boston, May i, 1879. LINES ON THE BIRTHDAY OF A FRIEND. TO M. A. E. Wreathe white rosebuds, love's fond emblems, Radiant with pure, heavenly light ; Twine them with affection's tendrils, Fashion flowery garlands bright. As thou shalt, demurring, trembling. Fain the future dim to trace, Don maturity's tiara, — Crowning gem of woman's grace, May heaven's drops from purling fountains Shed upon thy brow soft dew, Halos of rich sunlight glowing. Tints oft-changing, ever new. Shad'wy pictures of the future, Decked with vague, ideal fringe. Float before thy fancy's vision. Wraiths of time, — of neutral tinge. FRIENDSHIP. 1 47 Life's kaleidoscope is moving ; Airy castles flit away, Form the brightest, meetest shading For this happy, glad birthday. Earnest life is now the watchword, But the heart, forever young. Tunes its lyre to dulcet music. Warbling forth the strain unsung. Youth with womanhood is blending ; Softened now the childish grace ; Happiness from higher fountains Writes its lines upon the face. Faith shall purify life's current, Calm the wild, uneasy flow ; Peace that passeth understanding Cause contentment here below. Daily flowing, aye, and ebbing, Human life, so intricate, — Hastens to the glad hereafter, Blissful Eden, — blessed state. SL, .SL, J£. JA. Jt- Tf- TV" tT -Tr n^ Bright-eyed nymphs, — bring choicest tokens, — Shower them on our dear friend's way, — Flow'rets, emblems beatific Of a joyful, glad birthday. Ptiblished ui '' Cambridge Chro7iicle I") 1 48 FRIENDSHIP. BIRTHDAY OFFERING. TO M. A. E. Looking back o'er days of by-gone, Mem'ry weaves a web for me. Pictures crowd to fill my thought-land, Pleasant days I Ve spent with thee. Birthdays are the flow'ry link-days, Buds exhaling poetry, Yearly blooming in life's garden, — Sweet but voiceless melody. Life has many fleeting pleasures. But true happiness she gives, Full of zealous thought and action To the soul that earnest lives. Culture breathes a subtle gladness, ^Tis a spell, enchanting e'en ; O'er her devotees she weaveth Lustrous, intellectual sheen. Life can ne'er be full of sorrow When the heart's replete with love,' And the mind with sweet contentment Shadows forth the joys above. FRIENDSHIP, In this plenitude of sunshine, Life shall swiftly glide away, — And our pilgrimage, here ended. We shall hail th' immortal day. Ptiblished in " Cajiibridge Chronicle.'''' January 24, 1871. 149 TO E. D. B. What shall I offer to the friend, so dear ? How shall I tell her all the loving thoughts And blessings I would shower upon her days ? Since the sweet dream of love has made so bright The tender romance of thy glad heart-life, I breathe so inany kindly wishes, friend, I cannot crystallize them into words. I come not bringing flowers — too soon they fade ; Dainty and beautiful, they are not typical Of love's unfading, ever-growing strength; And yet, 'tis true, the leaflets only fade ; Deep in the floral heart, the germ of life Lies thirsty only for the light and warmth To quicken to new birth. So may the fulness of the sun of love Surround thee with a halo bright and fair. That life may be a symphony so grand. It seems an echo from the better land. I 5 O FRIENDSHIP. TO H. A. C. They tell me 'twill thy birthday be When morrow breaks the day. Life's pathway may it be for thee A bright and joyous May, my dea?% A peaceful, happy way. May loving friendships link the chain Of thy sweet, happy life, And fairy footsteps smooth the path Of this bright, gladsome life, 7ny dea?% Thy loving, joyous life. Fair maiden, tenderly we 'd lift The veil from thy fond dream. Trusting that through thy tranquil life Warm sunshine e'er may gleam, my dear^ Then true will come thv dream. Life may be always beautiful When happy is the heart ; A panorama ever new, — Glad thoughts and happy hearts, my dea7% Let us ne'er from them part. September 5, 1873. FRIENDSHIP. I 5 I TO L. S. C. In my garden bloomed a lily, Fresh and fair for many a year, Like thy pure and lovely namesake, May thy life bloom, Lillie, dear. Written in Albtifn, April 17, 1877. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. MEETING WITH WHITTIER. One day, — was 't not the day of days? A bright day in my calendar, — When riding on the Eastern road I met the poet Whittier. The car quite full, with quiet grace One moved, his seat with me to share ; Hurried compliance I vouchsafed, Not deeming here was Whittier. Till venturing on second glance I recognized the soulful face, Whose picture I so oft had conned Ne'er from my mind could aught efface. Careless I turned my book leaves o'er ; That friendly tome I'll long prefer, Since it this interview procured, — A pleasant talk with Whittier. J? 156 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. For when upon my lap the book Lay open quite at Landor's face, The poet leaned a trifle near, Those features fine to better trace. ^'Landor ! " he said, ^^ at ripe, old age. And ah ! his face beamed joyously, While kindly of this genius grand Discoursed the poet royally. The pearls of thought, in sequence rich. Flowed from his lips ; ah ! chaste they were. Emerson, Browning, many more, Extolled the poet Whittier. Alas ! that hour's bliss ended soon, But mem'ry loves to linger e'er Upon so choice an episode, — This meeting chance with Whittier. Published ill ''^Cambridge Chronicle ^^'^ April 2^, 1S75. SHAKSPEARE CLUB. SUNG AT CLOSING MEETING FOR THE SEASON. Air — ''Ai^aby's Daughter,''^ 'Mid scenes of the future, how sweetly will linger Glad thoughts of our youth and its bright, hal- cyon days. Whose radiant fancies illumined our pathway As lightly we warbled youth's gay, ardent lays. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 57 And fondly will linger in memory's chamber, As softly the echoes resound through the hall, Our '^ Shaks^Deare's " glad meetings, those gath- erings enlivening. And fain will our hearts these fair pictures recall. The genius of Shakspeare, the bond of our union, Our chorus of voices in rapture proclaim. The precepts of wisdom his teachings exhaling, Conspire to extol his illustrious name. Then loud in his honor we'll sound our 2:lad paeans, — Let transports of praise ring from heart and from voice ! We'll crown his bright genius with laurels un- fading. While all shall with jubilant utterance rejoice. How tender the memories soft zephyrs will waft us Of friendships and joys in this happiest of bands, Ere swift-gliding moments and fleetly-wing'd ages Had scattered these ties over far, distant lands. The varying scenes of our life's panorama. When winters have tempered youth's first ar- dent glow. Will furnish in retrospect pleasures unending. To happily muse on the days '^ Long Ago." Ca7nhr{dge^ Alass., April 2.^^^ 1867. 158 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. SHAKSPEARE FESTIVAL HYMN. Air — ''Leaf by Leafy Here we meet with friendly cheer. Spirits glad pervade our throng. ^T is our yearly festival, We give utt'rance glad in song. Festive thoughts our hearts unite, As our joyful notes we blend ; To our friends and guests to-night Welcome kindly we extend. Here we meet, etc. To the wondrous poet-soul Happy memories we bring; To his noble genius bright. We a grateful paean sing. 'T was his genius did inspire To convene our pleasant band, And may many gladsome Springs Smile upon our festal band. Here we meet, etc. April 23, 1S70. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 59 READING CLUB. Extra Meeting, March it, 1874. One morning last month at our breakfast quite late, Where we were discussing, not questions of state I assure you — but weightier topics by far, Such as music, the drama and gay opera ; Such as ^'what shall we eat, drink, cook, buy and wear ? " And ''what shall we twine for the ball in our hair? " And those myriad subjects which these things suggest, And with which le ?nonde thinks ladies' minds are impressed Past redemption; well such, as I've just said before. Was our state ; when there came a loud ring at the door ; And lo ! the good postman a letter me gave. At the reading of which my face grew quite grave. A poem to write, it did me invite ; Methought a peremptory no I 'd indite To the fair ''Swan "-like member who sent the invite In behalf of the Ladies' Committee so bright ; And then I bethought of that terrible clause Embodied in one of our rigid by-laws, lOO PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, That all members should take the parts them as- signed, So I thought to my fate I must be resigned. But no grand, epic poem I offer you, friends, A la Milton or Homer, or similar men, But a weak flow of rhymes built of chance odds and ends. ^ji^ U, ^\^ .AL, ^u "TT "Tv" ^ TT ^ But what bodes the meeting where this shall be read ? 'Tis a secret, — so whisper it softly, lest Fred And Walter and Henry and Benjamin hear, For this secret 's not meant for a gentleman's ear. But, alas ! our poor sex proverbially weak For keeping a secret; — not more than a week Had elapsed, when to most every brave benedict His wife has imparted this secret so strict ; But Rufus and Thomas and Dana can 't know This secret momentous ; what damsel dare show Such weak minds to these three fortunate youths. Who, 'mid the club maidens can 't tell which to choose ? There's the Doctor's fair daughter; the black- eyed Miss E., And the songstress who often goes up to high C ; Miss Helen, the dauntless ; the maids who to-night Played Miss Minnie Daze and Miss Bess Star- bright ; PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. l6l Then Tiger's fair mistress ; another one still, Who can better among us the characters fill Of Shakspeare's proud queens. Yet one more on my list Is awaiting emolument, — our bright poetess Who 's enlivened our festivals oft with rich rhyme And sentiment woven in excellent time. Two fair maids have come our circle to swell. All know their names, so I '11 not need to tell. One source of festivity, each coming year. Which enlivens us much, is the Twelfth Night good cheer. Two knights of the ring we Ve already declared; But alas ! not discovered the ^' woman who dared'' To challenge the first gallant knight of the ring; Fair maids, without doubt, think it not just the thing. Our Club's seen a decade, and now has just ta'en A fresh lease of life ; for what else could it prove Than a long-lived, permanent, firm institution ? That to break it, amend it, or aught of such nature, Would require the tact sure of magician or satyr. And now, before I close, one thought I 'd bring To that bright spirit that inspires our Club When at its best: — Shakspeare, thou glorious mind ! I laurels twine for thee Of thoughts and aspirations breathed in me 12 1 62 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. By sweet reflection on thy works superb. Spirit so dazzling ! I would fain disturb Thy dreams immortal, thy most spacious brow to crown, But visions beatific blind me, and T needs must bow In simple admiration of thy gift sublime. TWELFTH NIGHT FESTIVAL. If ever committee have labored, dear friends, To find an original something To amuse and instruct for this festival night, 'T is we, I assure you, 'pon honor. We Ve moused among libraries ; Shaksperean lore Have conned o'er again and again. And yet must acknowledge with deepest chagrin. That nothing original have we discovered. Not even origmal sin. We have questioned friends, teachers, professors, and such As are thought to possess of learning so much That no subject 's supposed to escape observation. From a fanciful flight to the truths of creation. Or a subject to rouse the concern of the nation. Political strife or soft-money salvation ; But this question about the Twelfth Night cele- bration Has seemed to defy their acute penetration. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 1 63 So, thrown on our wits, A grave body we sat. Almost scared into fits O'er this and o'er that, When we thought that our Club might laugh in derision. To think we should come to the same old de- cision, — To read from Twelfth Night and to have a fine cake, In which, as of yore, a ring shall be baked. So we cudgelled our brains. And found for our pains. That instead of 07ie ring. And that sort of thing, We could have circlets iwo^ As there were but a few To whom fate had assigned The mystical ring. Besides 't was a custom Of old, we have found, To elect Twelfth Night king And queen by the ring ; So here let it be As the minstrel shall sins" ! 1875. 164 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. SHAKSPEAREAN VISION. WRITTEN FOR SHAKSPEARE FESTIVAL, APRIL 23, 1875. Amid the mountains was my fancy wrought, Regions so teeming, full of glowing thought, Their lofty grandeur oft had tempted me To sit me down in careless reverie. That day the picture was a fairy scene, . Or one just tempered with fantastic sheen. Methought those distant mountains parted quite, And quick revealed to my astonished sight A dazzling realm, fairer than mortal ken Could ever fashion 'mid the haunts of men. When my weak vision 'customed to the blaze Of splendor was, which first my sight did daze, I saw amid this beautv rich and rare Beck'ning me on, a maiden chaste and fair. Her lovely presence quick with trust inspired My wondering reason, and I soon inquired ''Whither away, my fair and beauteous guide? Full confidence impels me to thy side ; But I would discover who thou art That thus would'st wile away my trusting heart. ''Ariel," she said, "messenger of the realm Where our beloved Shakspeare guides the helm ; Wouldst view the court of spirits where he reigns, Thou'st but to follow me o'er these fair plains." PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, I 65 Far down the lovely vistas was I led Like Dante to the regions of the dead. Soon as we 'd crossed this level space entire, Methought I heard some wood-nymph's tuneful lyre, And following close my swift-paced, fairy guide, We entered quick a wood ; a brook beside, Reposing with his dear philosophy. The melancholy Jacques there did lie. Musing upon life's chances and its changes, His morbid mind o'er his fond subjects ranges. Inveighs he still 'gainst love, yet lingers near Where congregate these bands of lovers dear ; For in a grove, not many rods afar, Romeo is straying with his lovely star ; Rosalind and Orlando follow near ; Jessica and Lorenzo no more fear A father's grave displeasure and his ire, For he 's transported to the regions dire. Neighbors to the Macbeths ; King Richard, too. Is found in this most tragic company ; For villainy, lago there is chief. And Goneril and Regan are the belles. Fain did we linger long the lovers near. Behold brave Ferdinand and Miranda fair ; Hermia and Lysander, Helena; Demetrius no more followed from afar By saucy Puck, confuser of their loves. I 66 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Katherine and Petruchio next we meet, Both bright as ever and much more discreet. Anon we flit ; a gay laugh greets our ear ; 'Tis Beatrice and Benedick anear, And sharp'ning their wits on whom, think you. But that extravagant Malvolio ? Mercutio joins them, and a merrier three One scarce could find for lively repartee. Not far away the Lady Portia goes. Attended by her Lord Bassanio ; They leave the lovers gay, comfort to give To those who in the vale of sadness live ; Hoping by gentle influence to lure These grieving hearts their sorrow to forget. Othello soothes his gentle lady fair ; Cordelia solaces the saddened Lear ; Katherine, Constance, oft their tales rehearse, And sweet Ophelia sings her griefs in verse. But Hamlet's queen, who never can forget Her tale of woes, is plunged in deep despair. Anon we reach a shining, limpid stream, Where musing spirits e'er would love to dream. A skiff is moored; but quick as Ariel gave The sign, we 're wafted o'er the sparkling wave. The helmsman full of humor is with us. For he 's no other than Polonius. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 6/ As lightly skim we o'er the wave, Familiar strains us greet. ^^A pickaxe and a spade, a spade For and a shrouding sheet." And as we land upon the farther shore We see these grave-diggers and many more Who constitute a merry company. And here we find the learned Dogberry, Quince, Bottom, Clowns in great variety ; Sir Andrew and Sir Toby e'en must laugh At witticisms of stout Jack Falstaff. The rustic Audrey with her beaming face ^^ Trips" with her Touchstone and her wonted grace. ^ ^ ^ .At, ^ "TV" "Tv* •VT -TT -TT We hie along — what's here ? a human form Found in this spirit-land. He turns ; we think 'Tis Darwin, and he 's found his missing link In Caliban, the creature nondescript. Ah ! what a triumph for the scientist ! His face with rapture glows ; he now can prove His theories beyond a word of doubt. Next Hecate and her compeers do we meet. Their occupation 's gone ; disconsolate They wander in the suburbs of the grove Where dainty fairies merrily do rove ; Titania, Oberon and their fairy train, — Gladly they welcome Ariel again. 1 68 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, ^^I fain would see the ruler of this land," I said ; and quickly this aerial band Marshalled me where a snowy canopy O'erhung a couch whereon there did recline The poet of the world, the master mind ; Near him, King Hamlet, in his bearing grand, Talking with young Lord Hamlet, hand in hand. Majestic Prospero near the twain did stand ; Happy to bask in their Creator's smiles Came other noble characters, off'ring Sincerest homage to their gracious King. SHAKSPEARE CLUB FESTIVAL. Historic Club ! once more we come together To celebrate our Shakspeare festal night. Year after year his memory we Ve honored. And hope for many years his genius bright May prove the watchword of our glad reunions. Far down we glimpse into the shad'wy future. And pictures many, crowd to fill the canvas Limned for posterity's most loving study. How shall we sketch the noted men and women Who 've met in conclave all these happy winters, And do them justice for their children's children.'^ We could not hope to do 't, e'en could we dip PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 1 69 Our brush in Raphael's tmts or Rembrandt's subtle hues. And so, alas ! when only commonplace The colors and materials at our command, What can we do ? Heaven help us in our work ! Oft I bethink me of the pleasant number Who met to organize these famous gatherings. One gentle, loving spirit at whose summons Our Club was started on its pleasant journey. Loving and loved while yet he lingered with us. Life was to him a sunny flow of music ; And now he leads the higher life immortal ; A life so full of beautiful ideals. That we poor mortals scarce can e'en conceive of. Perhaps he 's told great Shakspeare of our wor- ship. Of how much inspiration he has given us While studying his glorious creations. Who are the heroes of this Club distinguished ? Who are the Hamlets, Henrys, Richards, Lears, That have intertwined in our memories Their personations of these roles so famous, With the word-magic of the supreme poet ? Is their name legion t Is there not one only, Lear the doting, stricken father. One villainous lago, one pious Othello } 170 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES,- Brutus and Cassius too, — this twain have given us, Our fair and gentle Desdemona, she The same, sweet Katherine to the princely Henry. Have we a Hamlet, thoughtful, subtle, sombre, O'er whom psychology so loving lingers ? Have we, or have we not ? That is the question ! We ask Marcellus, whose dramatic essays The Club remembers with a thrill of pleasure. Then there's Micawber, he who also plays Orlando, Romeo and Antony, And all the lovers of poetic fame ; Petruchio too, whose bonny Katherine Our hearts acknowledged one of our comedy queens ; The others — you can easy guess them, friends. We have a Falstaff and a Dogberry, A Shylock and a singing Ariel ; So we might retrospect ad i?i/i?iitu?n ; Many there are who need historic mention, But time would fail to tell of all the talent That has developed in our winter readings. Lady Macbeths, Macbeths, Malvolios, Coriolanus, Henry 's Cardinal, Sir Tobys, Andrews, Clowns of every hue, Rosalind, Beatrice and livelv Benedick, — Each role suggests a trembling voice and form, That has essayed to dispel fear in language. ^ PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. IJ I Was ever story in the realms of love So graceful, picturesque and sorrowful As of the noble lovers of Verona? Who has forgotten when 'twas played by ladies, Mercutio, Juliet, Romeo, all fair ones ? And then again, one memorable festival, Three gentlemen, as it was done of yore ; The costume, grace and beauty blent Of Juliet, Romeo and the fluent muse ; Not to forget the noisy, gallery gods Who commented and lunched in old-time custom. But why particularize when all have clone their duty ? Directors, Readers, Secretaries, Committees, Each could a tale unfold would harrow up our souls. Freeze our young blood, and make each particular hair tQ stand on end like quills, etc. But they forbear ; we all have been there often, And know full well, "the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men, gang aft agley." And many an evening has been finely programmed, Which must be altered at the latest moment. Hamlet was sick, Macbeth was in New York, Portia was absent, Richard had the mumps. Poetry's very well for lovers aesthetic; But business men, mothers and housekeepers Find duties paramount to Shakspeare e'en. 1/2 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, Yet notwithstanding all their homely rivals, Our Club has kept along its even tenor For twelve good years, its numbers rarely chang- And as to-night we gather round the festal board, We give this toast : — Here ^s to your health and your family's ! May you live long and prosper ! April, 1878. SHAKSPEARE REUNION. Sauntering leisurely these Autumn days, Sweet influences hovered in the air ; Mysterious agencies seemed fashioning A thought to bring unto our festival. November breezes blew my hurrying thought. And fast I sped to catch the airy waif, - Imprison it, where it might chance attract More willing compeers to make glad my heart, So rashly tempted into promises To furnish something for our festival. But, true, it is an easy task to say A word of welcome to this company. Assembled year by year, these thirteen years ; Almost the same distinguished folk That constituted our first rendezvous. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 73 How long we 've lived and loved the fabled lives Of Shakspeare's beauteous heroines and kings ! So oft we Ve personated them, until we feel No living actor speaks with fuller heart The burning thoughts this master-mind hath writ. To-night to Shakspeare will our minds be led By scenes which we have often conned before ; Richard, the dreadful Gloucester, first we view Gloating o'er crimes just springing into birth, To culminate in monstrous villainies By which he gained a kingdom and a crown, But found his pillow stuffed with sharpest thorns. Not e'en his subtlest treacheries, no, not His cunning plans and reasonings could bring Him happiness, so steeped his guilty soul In wickedness, and thoughts for others' woe. How strange his wooing of the Lady Queen ! Was ever woman in such humor wooed ? Was ever woman in such humor won ? It is not nature, but a scene of great Dramatic force and awful potency. We women cannot own it simple truth, This scene full of dramatic imagery; Too highly-wrought ! our natures all rebel At scenes so strange, dread and unnatural. From things of such dread moment, glad we turn To scenes of gentle mirth and fancies weird. 1/4 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 'T was midnight ! o'er our senses steal 'Soft, witching strains of melody, As gaily on the greensward turf The fairies join in revelr3^ A glorious background to our dream The fair moon beaming brightly, As tripping light, the elf-shapes whirl In w^eird-like measure sprightly. A mystic dance — Midsummer Eve Ambrosial dews celestial — Grateful suffusion of choice sweets Around this scene so festal. The strains enhance in mirthful peal The airy welkin ringing, While sprites — a bevy gay — approach, Their vocal oft''rings bringing. Loud swells fantastic harmony, Echo the vallevs tuneful, Odd whims, caprice of vapory sounds, Strange visions fanciful. Yet even here a comic tragedy Suspends awhile the general content. Gay Puck confuses so Cupid's intent. The threads are tangled in an ugly twist. A medley queer, of song and play and dance. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 75 The honest men of Athens' simple play Enhances the gay, marriage revelry, Till finally the tragic disappears, And sprites and earthlings all rejoicing go ; A grand denouement of great happiness. Anon advancing on the waiting scene Two Kings disputing for the majesty. Mars girds his armor on for warlike deeds, Which come to naught 'fore Venus' mighty power. A peace is gained, but not by deeds of arms ; A marriage must compensate for the loss Of doughty acts and martial trumpets' sounds. Exit King John and the betrothed pair. Yet scarce declared this consummation fair. When Constance tells the story of her wrongs; One woe upon another fast doth press ; The Pope excites the Con'frence by his threats ; The newly-formed alliance quick is o'er. And everything resounds, to arms ! to arms ! And so it is in life, dear friends. We have our ups and downs. Alternately for toiling way, Fortune has smiles and frowns. But strains discordant shall some day Resolve to grandest harmony. As sunlight melts the pearls of dew, So Faith absorbs the mystery. Canihridgey November ^ 1878. 176 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. THE OLD HIGH SCHOOL-HOUSE IN AMORY ST., CAMBRIDGE, MASS. Senses steeped in choice narcoctics, Dreaming one fair summer's day. Out of past days, fancy fashioned - Shapes of rare imagery. Foremost in the panorama Rose that ancient structure quaint, Naught cared we, if eloquently Walls were pleading for fresh paint. Now they have a new, grand school-house ; But we doubt if in its halls Can be found more solid comfort Than enjoyed within those walls. Panoramic scenes are flitting, Mem'ry dots the landscape o'er ; High School days, — they flit before me. Bright and halcyon days of yore. Fancy threads her subtle needle With the clust'ring pearls of time ; We'll unstring these tiny pearl-drops, Thread them up again in rhyme. Mem'ry opes her magic store-house. Shows her treasures garnered there ; Lovingly we will unshelve them — Count the pictures choice and rare. PERSONAL REMINISCEXCES. I// 'Tis a precious picture gallery I would fain reveal to thee ; Pictures, many wrought in sorrow, Others still brimful of glee. Some were framed in tearful sadness, Teachers, scholars, cherished here, Passed away to realms immortal ; E'er their mem'ries we revere. Could that ancient architecture Breathe the story of its life. Much 'twould tell of wondrous talent Blossoming 'mid mental strife ; Tell of poets whose blithe measures Were matured and fashioned there ; Tell of artists whose bright palettes Yield them pictured stories rare. Lawyers, honest, not litigious. Found their early training there ; Litigators, we '11 disown them. They were never fostered there. Ministers and doctors manv, Merchants constitute a host ; Where they gleaned their small beginnings E'er will be their pride and boast. Published in ^^Carjibridge Chronicle ,'' Marchy 1S75. 13 1/8 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. SUNSET AT PEARLVILLE. Didst send thy heavenly messengers Father Divine, to earth, With this rare, radiant, autumn night ? A beauteous gift, divinely fair, — This happy, festal night Our hearts overflow with grateful love. Our spirits light rebound From Nature's quick'ning, glad'ning touch. Echoing Earth's songsters' gleeful strains, Tuning our hearts' delight. 'Tis loveliness replete with joy, 'T is beauty crowned with hope, 'T is all the fancy conjures fair Of ideal Paradise. Bliss waits, e'en here, on loving hearts, And Eden makes of home ; Love's beacon light shines bright and clear, Suffusing hallowed joys, Shedding an occult influence. Aye ! blending Earth and Heaven. Ah ! Nature, peerless, beaming, bright, Control our wayward hearts. Breathe holy aspirations down On harps aeolian ! Reveal to us thy precepts fair, Temper our earthly mould. Till born of nobler, purer joys, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. IJC) Joys that thy book divine unfold, We wake to bliss above. A heav'nly exaltation bears Our spirits far away, Grants one bright glimpse, 'tis all ; then draws The veil of endless day. Recalled to twilight's graceful scene. Which grateful homage claims. Our mental vistas fade away, A peaceful calm remains. Fitchbitrg^ September i, 1S65. AUTUMN SCENE AT FALLULAH, FITCHBURG. Flashing waters, sparkling brooklet — Laughing, bright and joyous stream Sunlight ripples o'er thy mirror — Autumn tints reflected gleam. Gay leaves toying on thy surface Tell that Summer's reign is done ; Blooming satellites of Autumn Grant their presence one by one. l80 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. OrizoDS, fair, sylvan goddess, On thy banks we offer thee ; Picturesque thy rocky beauty, Dear these leafy haunts to me. Far from city strife and bustle Glide thou on thy sprightly way, Glad'ning with thy rural presence. With thy dashing, woody lay. 'Mid this loveliness autumnal. Fain we 'd dream the hours awav, Here we pay our court to Nature, Happy all the livelong day. T/ior?is sown e'en by speciclatio?i Drift adown the livelv flow. Cares we toss to ev'ry whirlpool, Tiny cascades, see them glow. Naught here blooms but sweet contentment, Love 's the dainty pollen fair, High resolves nerve every impulse. Learn we how to do and dare. Glad Fallulah — Fairest vision That the heart of man can know, Haste thee on thy happy mission, Murm'ring tales of long ago. October 22, 1S66. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. l8l CHESTNUTING. "One by one " the nuts are falling, '' One by one " they patter down On the pied, Autumnal carpet, Fallen leaves so sere and brown, Nuts and leaves, and " Nothing more." Haste ye nimbly from your pastimes — Lads and lasses, quickly run Ere the agile, little squirrels Win the race and spoil our fun. Fun and nuts, and '' Nothing more." Chestnut burrs lie thick around us. Peep into their inner store — See reposing, nestling cosy. Three brown nuts, and ''nothing more." Only this, and " Nothing more." Squirrel's nest ! Come quick, my comrades ! How our 3^outhful hearts do quake, For \ve Ve surel}^ found the entrance ; Lo ! a scream ! a snake ! ! a snake ! ! ! Merely this, and " Nothing more." I 82 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Quick we call a consultation, August body — children four ; After due deliberation, All decide we '11 nut no more. Quoth one lassie, '^ Nevermore." Thus doth end my chestnut story. For, with one voice, all conclude. That the One who made the squirrels. Formed the chestnuts for their food Simply this, and ^^ Nothing more." Fltchbjtrg., 1867. Piihlished in ' ^ Ca inhridge CJi ran tele . ' ' SNOW-STORM OF TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 1876 I SLEPT one fickle April day. And dreamed I was in fairy-land. I woke and — transformation strange — A crystal wonder-w^orld so grand. The earth bore trace of fairy tread And sweet, immaculate caress. For Nature had her charms arrayed In delicate and snowy dress. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, I 83 A sceptre of enchantment wields The old Snow-King with bearing grand ; He conjures with his sorcery A spell of magic o'er the land. Published ill '' Cambridge Chro7iicley'' April '^, 1S76. TO REV. AND MRS. M. J. SAVAGE, ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR CRYSTAL WEDDING. The tidal wave of feeling floods This joyous, happy day; Our hearts sing gladdest orizons In this our festal lay. Good wishes for your festival We Ve crystallized in flowers ; We found them eager for your fete In Nature's rural bowers. So beautiful — so typical — These darlings of the grove — Of friendship ; may we not say more, And offer you our love 1 At Ferry Beach, Saco, August 29, 1879. 184 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES: TENTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF MR. AND MRS. H. C. R. Air — " Aidd Laiig Syne''' Our festal off 'rings here we bring, On this auspicious eve ; And kindly greetings, one and all, With friendly cheer we weave. A retrospect of ^' Auld Lang Syne " These glad occasions brings While onward through fair Hope's domain, Our thoughts speed on the wing. May happiness attend our host And hostess ever dear, — Prosperity and friends so kind Be mingled with their cheer. Their household cherubs folded in A Father's fond embrace ; Heaven bless these fairest buds of earth, And grant celestial grace. Adown the crystal stream of Time We drift from youth to age. While brightest visions, fairest scenes. Fleet o'er Life's hurried stao:e. Then may we, joyous pilgrims here, \ So tread our earthly way. As meet for all the precious gifts Of an immortal day. Cambridge ^ J amtary 16, 1S66. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 85 TO MRS. C. A. S. SUNG BY HER SUNDAY-SCHOOL CLASS. Air — ** Home^ Szueet Homey Loved teacher — we meet thee in gladness to-day, With happiness greet thee, in joyous array; Assembled, a gay, happy band, at thy call. Light-hearted we Ve come, full of love, one and all. School-mates, ever dear. To meet our kind teacher, we 've come one and all. An offering we bring thee, youth's token of love. For thy teachings blest of the sweet home above ; Our heart's daily utt'rance in thankfulness bring, Heav'n's blessings attend thee — let all gladly sing ! School-mates, ever dear, ''God bless our kind teacher!" in gladness we '11 sing. Cambridge, Febriiary i, 1S65. TO J. M. N. Ah ! where is brave, young Siegfried, Whom we have looked for long ? Still roaming in the Rhineland With beauty and with song. I 86 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, He sends the sweet, young Lora His greeting fair to bring ; And many an old Rhine legend May she be spared to sing. iS77- # TO LITTLE EMMA F. Where go you, little Emma, Tripping along so gay ? I love to see your sunny face Passing every day. It tells of gleeful childhood. Full of laughter and fun ; There is music in your skipping, And laughter in your run. Your pretty, little ringlets Are glistening in the sun. May all the clouds in your sweet life Be fleecy as the one That binds your lovely tresses, As you skip down the street, With such happy, winning childhood, Enchanting all you meet. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 8/ First you call in at Grandma's, Then speed away to school, Where I wonder if you always Obey the teacher's rule. A blessing to your parents, And all who love you dear, May you be spared to loving hearts Many, many a year! Bosto7ij Febr7iaryj 1870. Pichlished ill '''' Cainhridge Chronicle.'''' UPON RECEIVING A ROSE-BUD, WITH THE REMARK THAT IT COST FIVE CENTS. I LOVED a beauteous rose-bud, Which did such charms dispense. You nearly broke my heart, friend. With murmur of five cents. This lovely, sweet, moss rose-bud, 'Twas music to my sense, How could you be so cruel. And smile, and sdij five cents ? I 88 PERSON AIL REMINISCENCES. Utility's the watchword; This age of common sense Just looks upon a rose-bud As simply worth five cents. REPLY TO " WANTED." "Lone Bach," I hope thou'st not forgot, When asking for " perfection," Thy " loving mate " might wish in thee No blemish or defection. Thy hair must be a chestnut brown, Thy nose a manly Roman ; Thine eyes the keen and thoughtful gray. In politics — a Freeman. Neither too gay, nor yet too grave, Ignorant nor pedantic. You must be plain and practical, And yet a bit romantic. If thou canst these requirements meet, I trust you'll find your equal ; But poetic advertisements Can't haste my maiden sequel. Published in " CaiJibridge Chro7iicIe. >) PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I 89 To build the lofty rhyme, clear friends, To-night I Ve no intention. But as a welcome to you all, I've brought a bit of jingle. Which to your minds shall chance recall Some visions of your by-gones. A family, by name of T .... , Well-known in days of yore. Was famous for its children seven. Three boys and sisters four. They lived near Alewive River bright, And on that lively stream Oft rowed the boat to Wildcat Hill ; Ah ! how their eyes would gleam With fear ; and pit-a-pat would go Their palpitating hearts. Till past that dreadful Hole Onward they'd safely dart. Sarah and Lorenzo were the pets. The youngest of the band; Of course each wish was gratified By all on every hand. Oh ! but the girls were gay, I ween. Their escapades I know Were such as now their daughters dear- Are told — '^ munna do so ! " Which was it of the sisters fair 190 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Fell in the stone-pit deep ? Hannah methinks ; and Kate with her The secret long did keep; And Dickson's pasture oft did tempt The sisters out to roam. Eleanor, Hannah, Caroline Would call at cousin's home ; '' Lucretia ! come a barb'rying, Lucindy too ! Maria Of course will go." (Lord Lovell's song I find rhymes her w^ith higher, When speaking of the rose-bushes For lovers to admire-ire-ire.) One of the sisters loved to ride Upon the bare-back steed, And dashed about devoid of fear O'er meadow, dale and mead. But when the teacher she did spy, Doubtless she looked aghast. And flew along, John Gilpin speed. Till she 'd the window passed. What splendid toast did mother make ! What fun the children had Choosing the three-legged skillet queer, In which the toast was made ! Pierce did the oftenest secure This trophy of the toast. U T ? PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I9I That friendl}^ skillet ; where think you It has so long been lost ? The children oft to town did walk, Where toll they used to pay. I'll pay him at the other end/' One sister once did say. This sister did the strong box keep, One July Fourth she gave Four pennies to the younger girl, Cautioning her to save Whate'er she bought ; and she obeyed ; And, without pocket, brought The melted sugar in her hand, Which she as candy 'd bought. The days of bright romance approached, The beaux came on the stage. Ah ! flutter now the maidens' hearts As they do come of age. J B brave a box did make. And to C, T. did send ; The maid, indignant, but one glance Unto his gift did lend ; ^' Cats' Tails " she murmured, then consigned The box unto the flames ; The mother quick recovered it As at the coal she aims. 192 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. The choir rehearsals, singing school, Oft made the vestry ring, As with the grand, old psalmody, Old '^ Lischer" they would sing. The clarionet and violin Did blend their notes among The harmony ; bass viol too. And flute played as they sung. And now and then a lecture fine, Variety did give. Some of those times you '11 ne'er forget So long as you shall live. Brass bands they had, too, in those days. And Massachusetts Guards ; And boldly did the members brave Defend their homes and yards. But one by one the boys and girls Left the paternal roof. To weave a separate romance With their own warp and woof. And soon around each hearth-stone bright, Appeared gay, little flocks ; And merrily ma knits her love Into the baby socks. A second generation — w^e Appear upon the stage. Brave youths and maidens, not a few, Of every year in age. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, 1 93 Some of us, too, our mates have ta'en, And on life's journey gone ; While others still are fancy free, By no means hence forlorn ; Remembering the adage trite — A quaint, expressive thought — , There 's e'en as good fish in the sea As ever yet was caught. Amid our festive throng to-night We miss some of our band; One member with his family Sought home in Western land. Another, few miles out of town Purchased suburban home. Whence, friends and relatives to see, They now and then do come. And often do we love to think Of him, our soldier brave, Who, fired with patriotic zeal His country's weal to save. Left home and friends and all for her, And nobly passed away, Where lovingly he '11 welcome us In our immortal day. To-night, a welcome cordial, we Extend to all who meet. 14 194 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. And quick responsive to the call, Have come, their friends to greet. As vot'ries of the Muses, we Have gathered here to-night, Thalia and Euterpe gay. Comedy, Music bright. And more good times we mean to have In some one else's home. So look out, all who 're here to-night, We're coming and right soon. And here I end my text. Who 's ready for the next ? Cajnbridge, February^ 1872. This Christmas tree Which here you see. Is hung with gifts for you and me. It feasts the eyes, Gives glad surprise To many pairs of wond'ring eyes. The candles bright Shed radiant light Upon this lovely, Christmas sight ; While popped corn fair Festooning there. Contributes to the general glare. We wonder how These presents now PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, 1 95 Got on this Christmas tree so fine. Why ! Santa Claus, With teeming paws, Comes down the chimney by moonshine, And presents brings, And cheery sings, While gaily o'er the tree he flings His wondrous budget — Books and things. Dressing-gown, games, perhaps a ring. 1872. FINETTFS LETTER DOWN SOUTH. SUPPOSED TO BE DICTATED BY A PET ITALIAN GREYHOUND. I IS a little dog, I was, I Ve got four little paws, And when I bark, you know, mamma, I opens wide my jaws. Now, Muzzer dear, I want to tell My secrets in your ear ; And do n't you, please now, ever let The Major's wife them hear. For she don't give me much to eat Since you have been away; And yet I manage to keep fat With what I get each day. 196 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I do not like our striped cat, She spits at me alway; And when she 's round, I dare not eat. But have to run away. I like the sugar-cane so sweet, Which you sent home one day. Can't I go South and stay with you. And have some every day? I 'm just as pretty as I was Before you went down South, And should be happy, if I had More food put in my mouth. "What beautiful, brown eyes, Finette!" Our company all say; And that they look like A. D. B.'s — Who is he, mamma, pray? I wear a little ribbon blue. Until it gets quite gray ; Now should you not think, mamma, dear, They'd change it every day? I keep the big dogs all away By barking when they pass, And robbers do not dar-e to come, I 'm such ?i fiery lass. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 1 9/ Good-bye ! I now must take a nap ; That 's all I have to do, Except to bark and eat and run, And think, mamma, of you. Fehrtiary^ 1876. A RAINY DAY.— With Three Morals. One day, in gentle patter The rain was falling down, Finette with Auntie started On errand in the town. They raised the old umbrella — The Major owned the thing — And off the two then started Quickly upon the wing. Scarce minutes two they travelled, When stopped the twain aghast ; Mein Himmel ! the umbrella Which Auntie held so fast. Was now a mass of rubbish, Of cloth and whalebone, too. And soaring up aloft there ; What could the females do ? ^^I say. Miss ! " quoth a gamin, '^ Gin me the umbrella stick ! " Most gladly she relinquished The thing; and on they pick 198 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Their slippery way; for snowy And icy was the day. Waterproof nor umbrella Finette had to protect ; Auntie's waterproof and hat She thought none would detect Under a broad umbrella, But quite exposed to sight Since ^ow the shield had vanished. Behold their shabby plight ! They laughed and laughed and laughed, And gaily plodded on, Despite of rain-drops falling. Until the goal was won. MORALS. No. I. Ne'er use a frail umbrella. Which does not you belong ; If Zephyr should destroy it. You '11 sing a woeful song. No. 2. Without her waterproof cape No maid should walking go, So liable the climate To sudden rain and snow. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. IQQ No. 3. Pedestrians, take warning ! To walk if you are able, Ne'er don an old, street costume, Not wholly presentable. SIX AND A HALF O'CLOCK, A. M. I WONDER if any good friends Are up at this early dawn ; Husband has taken his breakfast And hied him away to town. While I at the clouds sit gazing ; Magnificent, Eastern skies ! Whence soon in his regal splendor Old Sol's expected to rise. Not even a mouse is stirring ; The family mansion 's still ; These interesting relatives. Of sleep are getting their fill. Sleep on ! happy, blue-eyed dreamers, And take just one doze for me. Who before the sun doth salute us Do rise and breakfast with he. 200 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, 'Tis a lively, inspiring hour, The gaslight burning so dim, While he quite ghastly smiles at me, And I quite ditto at him. But the good time 's coming right soon When day will early be up, And it will not seem at breakfast So much like a sleepy sup. ANOTHER MORNING. The morning's darker than ever, Though nature in snowy wrap Is welcoming graceful snowflakes Into her virgin lap. Thou feathery, ^'beautiful snow," Be-rhymed thou hast been fore'er, So I '11 kindly let thee alone To float about in the air. The genial Holmes, — the bright Doctor,- Says : any one sure can rhyme. However, the early morning Is not an enthusing time. For ideas — granted we have them — Are fast asleep, shelved away ; PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 201 And can 't be cajoled, coaxed or bribed To give me thought to my lay. So lazily limping along, With nothings I crowd this verse ; Sure Shakspeare, of airy nothings Says something, I think, quite terse. Aurora at last is at hand. Ushering in the gray dawn ; The household is fairly astir. So I will bid you good morn. Cambridge. TWILIGHT FANCIES. TO A. C. W. With the highest regard for the geological strata which forms the ground-work of his calling. So many, many years ago. The mind can scarce comprend the times, The carboniferous age began To store its treasures vast, in mines. Mysterious transformation scene — Imprisoned sunlight — Poetry Crystallized in this wondrous ore So grandly, so mysteriously ! The flame now bursts its prison doors 202 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, And tells the story and its joy, As I before the grate-fire sit Dreamily rocking, — flashing, coy It tells of mammoth plants and trees, Of vegetation's richest phase In ages past, before the earth Could penetrate the cloudy haze. The densities of time and space Investing that primeval day. So time rolled on, in myriad years, And brought us to this blooming May. While musing here, bright Fancy flits And leads us through a brilliant maze. How magical the potency Diffusing from this dreamy blaze ! Boston J J7ine, 1879. ^* ^' -^' ^' MUSTER-FIELD — CAMP OF FOURTH BATTALION. Muse who inspired the ancient bards To build the lofty rhyme, Vouchsafe thy kindly patronage Unto these lines of mine. A lone quartette, three he-s, one she, Mused o'er the battle field ; On their devoted heads, the sun Poured down his rays ; no shield PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 203 The friendly tents afforded them, For they were stricken down. The troops had all departed thence, And silence reigned profound. Who were these interesting four That thus did linger long ? Does history record their names, Or are they writ in song ? No ! 'tis for me the tale to tell Of how they wrought that day ; The gallant deeds of those few hours Shall furnish me my lay. An elegant young Sergeant, one Well-versed in '^ detail " lore, A Commissary quite so fine I ne'er have seen before. What were his duties, who can tell 1 They were so multiform ; He carried floors and pitched the tents. Despite of heat or storm. His hand was where 'twas needed most. And then, his duties done. He 'd take the ladies on parade From morn till setting sun. 204 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. And oh ! a rare escort he made, So soldierly his mien, And just the daintiest, jaunty cap That on the field was seen. Next came the Quartermaster D. A. B. Ah ! how our hearts would quail When his stentorian accents oft Were launched upon the gale. Yet still we '11 not dispute the fact. Though much he 'd scold and frown,- Whatever he undertakes, he's sure To do it up quite Brown, The other two of this quartette Were really only one. The Major stayed for Avork ; his wife I ween, to see the fun. They worked and talked and laughed and joked This memorable day. And nought but watermelons had To keep their spirits gay. Young Henry and the Major's wife The Major's trunk did pack, And finished as the little man On his gray steed dashed back. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 205 Then order from this chaos rose ; The piles were quickly laid. They all worked with a hearty will ; Ne'er shall their laurels fade. That sacred box — Battalion chest, What did it not contain ? A heterogeneous mass indeed, To analyze 'twere vain. Full two months there the lemons stayed, Left to their lone, sad fate ; Until it moved one Sergeant Leth — E'en to investigate. Well ! everything must have an end, And so did this bright day ; The quartette bade a sad farewell. And each one went his way. Viva the Fourth Battalion brave ! The ^^ Staff" especially; ^^And when they next do ride abroad, May I be there to see." August 7, 1875. 206 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. INSCRIBED TO THE FOURTH BATTALION. The Mayor was in ecstasy Of frenzy alarming ; Constituents were fearing, lest He 'd do something harming. What was the cause of this sad state Threat 'ning insanity ? Well ! thereby hangs the tale I '11 try To tell with brevity. A deposit of gravel fresh Laid on the roads that day Necessitated rolling sure ; But now economy Controls the sages in debate ; So one the motion made To ask the Fourth Battalion^ out And have a street parade. They're splendid walkers, ''Staff" and all; The Major '11 sure be round ; That famous trio too, I think, L and N and B . They came and marched ; and since that day The streets have been so fine, * Represented on this occasion by Co. B, Cambridge. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, That we conclude that no such men Were ever formed in line. Lastly the social banquet came, And genial flow of soul, Where nothing of the ardent sort ' Teems in the flowing bowl. What would the world do, if this Fourth Battalion should disband ? Sure anarchy would then prevail ; What misery for the land ! October^ 187 5* 207 Is it Inspection or is it Election? Pray, tell me ! I surely forget, (They crowd on each other so thick and so fast,) Which one for to-night sure is set. 'T is lucky, indeed! that the most of the " staff" Are Bachelors, though in their prime ; For their wives ^' must be angels " t^ allow the Battalion To monopolize so much of their time. And yet if the safety of nations demands it. The sacrifice gladly they ^11 make ; Nor would they be happy this sweet tie fraternal 'Twixt the '' Staff'' and the Major to break. 208 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. So Adjutant, Paymaster and new Sergeant-Major, And Quartermaster the hungry, so-called. With Quartermaster-Sergeant and Hospital Steward, Stand by your brave Major, not G — 1! There was an " old man " and he had three ^' hounds," Three famous hounds had he, had he ; The first he was tall and thin and lean, And hungry, brown orbs had he, had he. And oh ! how he loved at the Muster to " boss " His corps of assistants, did he, did he. The second, a rogue of blushing 3^ears, And full of the soldier was he, was he ; Full of practical jokes was this tender youth, And leader of fun was he, was he. The third was a curly-haired, blue-eyed lad. And quick with the pencil was he, was he ; On parade with the Adjutant, he could form a good line. And caricature all things would he, w^ould he. This " old man " went hunting one day with his ^'hounds," And trespassing truly was he, was he. On the grounds of a good-natured Colonel M., Who indulges these boys, does he, does he ; PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, 2O9 When he picked up a bell with a ringing tongue, And threw at a rabbit, did he, did he ; And so crippled the creature with dents in his head, • That the man and his ^^ hounds " were quite star- tled with fright, And thought they had done quite enough for one night. Let's ponder the moral of this thrilling tale, — For moral there sure must be one, — Go home, you ^' four boys," at the close of each day, And retire at the set of the sun ! For if you are cosily tucked up in bed, You can't aim a bell at a poor, old man's head, For though but a comedy this time it proved, A tragedy next it might truly be. No more at Boylston Hall resounds The lively tread or the merry bark Of those three festive, sweet, pet ^^ hounds." The master, too, is now no more, His military reign is o'er ; The ^'old man" and his dear, pet ^Miounds," Make music now on other grounds. 15 \ 210 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. TO CO. D, FOURTH BATTALION, M.V. M. The " Citizen Soldier " reports thus : The Medical Staff was responded to by Dr. O. H. Marion, who read the follow- ing poem, the offering of a lady friend : — Two quick, successful years have passed, my friends, Since your official life was ushered in. Your brief existence makes a record fair Of earnest, military discipline. To peaceful scenes you Ve served apprenticeship ; No warlike deeds your country's service claimed. And may necessity exact from you None but the muster-field's short, five day's fame. The chief excitement you have known, my friends, Was e'en last summer, when, to reduce the expense. And also the efficiency to increase, Of Massachusett's proud militia. Your Major doffed his shoulder-straps and sword. All for the general, military good. Down went the staff's. The Generals, where were they ? Scarce sooner asked than answered ; For quick a roster new displaced the old. And with the new regime — the chaos dire — PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 211 (Which did so naturally then ensue To the enforced and severe inspection, Which did necessitate much dejection, When the crowned heads received their rejection, And far and wide did spread the fierce infection, Until results were told of new elections. Then all subside to set their fresh affections Upon their new commanders.) The chaos dire did disappear, And to the Fourth Battalion came A Major new, and yet so like The old, you'd say 'twas e'en the same. The former " staff " was shattered quite ; Just half were taken, half were left. The General gave the watchword more (Moore), Then pounced, and left your staif bereft. The heroes three, whom he has won To this increase of glory. We trust they '11 ever keep in mind The Fourth Battalion's story. Then to this staunch, young company, We give a stirring three times three ! Long live the Fourth Battalion ! And long live Company '^ D " ! DecetJiher^ 1876. PATRIOTIC. PATRIOTIC. PEACE VERSUS WAR. Changed now the joyous scene, Changed all my peaceful dream, No more with thoughts serene Tune I my lyre. \Martial spirit — Recitative.] War with its train dims the fair horizon, Shrilly the bugles crush my dream supernal ; \Passio7iately?\ Parted from all my heart deems bliss on earth ; \ReverentiaUy?\^ Prayerful my heart inclines to the Father. \Prayer?\ Tenderly shield them, O Gracious Father; Fold them most lovingly in Thy dear arm ; On their hearts faithful, shed balm celestial. Shield and protect them, and save from all harm. 2l6 PATRIOTIC, FREE LAND. Ring out glad peals of rejoicing and gladness, for Liberty's banner so proudly unfurled ; Hail, happy day ! when in brightness so glorious^ Freedom's star dawned on this fair, Western world. Rapturous tidings the breezes are wafting us, Long, hill and valley shall echo our joy. See our bright flag gaily waving 'mid Heaven's azure, Free from dark taint, our escutcheon so fair, Freedom and Justice forever victorious — Paeans triumphant shall long rend the air. Jubilant chant we our hearts' joyful utterance. Merrily hymn we our transports of cheer. Soft our exultings wild, mellow to sorrow's dirge, Trembling with pathos, our carollings float Over the mounds where our soldiers in slumber sweet Heed not the call of the clarion note. Peacefully sleep ye, in honored graves, fearless ones. Thine be the victory, thine be the gain. Published in '^ Cambridge Chronicle y"^ February 6, 1865. PATRIOTIC, 217 PEACE THROUGH WAR. Columbia, the fairest and the best Of nations — the land of the free — Thy banner still floats to the breeze, Proud emblem o'er land and o'er sea. Defiance to traitors we hurl. As proudly our flag we unfurl, And faithful to gallant, old Mars, We'll die for the Stripes and the Stars. Then rall}^, Columbia's brave sons ! Come quick to the standard of Right, Brave champions of Liberty's cause ! Our flag's starry folds, stainless, bright. Shall wave 'mid a halo of light. Proud manhood comes quick to the strife. His armor all burnished and bright ; And pledges his honor, in faith. To freedom, and justice and right. The sky of our nation's o'ercast; But soon shall the clouds, floating past. Reveal our dear Red, White and Blue, So welcome to loyal and true. Then rally, Columbia's brave sons ! Come quick to the standard of Right, Brave champions of Liberty's cause ! Our flag's starry folds, stainless, bright, Shall wave 'mid a halo of light. 2l8 PATRIOTIC, Then welcome, thrice welcome the day When Union and Concord shall reign ! Of nations we '11 lead in the van, And follow in Liberty's train. The shackles of bondage no more Shall gird our fair Liberty's shore ; But Freedom, the watchword for all. Shall rouse our brave men at her call. Then rally, Columbia's brave sons ! Come quick to the standard of Right, Brave champions of Liberty's cause ! Our flag's starry folds, stainless, bright, Shall wave 'mid a halo of light. YOUR COUNTRY CALLS. Up and away to the contest, ye brave ! Why sit ye dallying here ? Will ye not strive our proud banner to save. Homes, friends and loved ones so dear ? Our flag shall ne'er be disgracefully furled By traitors' unfeeling hands. Long may it wave in the e3^es of the world, O'er true and united lands ! PATRIOTIC. 219 Leave happy homes in your country's just cause ! Buckle your armor so bright ! Long live our noble, old veteran,^^ whose laws Our soldiers obey with delight. Peace to his ashes, when low he shall lie In a hero's well-earned grave ; Who nobly has lived and bravely will die, Determined his country to save. Published i7i ^' Cambridge Chronicle,^'' Jtdy 31, j86i. LINES SUGGESTED BY THE DEPARTURE OF THE THREE CAM- BRIDGE COMPANIES, TO JOIN THE THIRTY-EIGHTH MASSA- CHUSETTS REGIMENT. Our banner is floating o'er land and o'er sea; Hurrah ! boys, hurrah ! 'tis the flag of the free. While we live, it shall ne'er be furled from our sight, But wave it shall ever for freedom and right. We 'er sure that our Cambridge boys ne'er will betray What bravely and proudly they've sworn to obey. God bless and restore them safe home, one and all ! No stain on their honor, whate'er may befall. * General Scott. 220 PATRIOTIC. Methinks I can see in the far future bright, This dark cloud and murky, fade fast from the sight ; While Hope, with her anchor, the helmsman of fate, Shall moor her frail vessel to our ship of state. Sail on ! despair never ! Hope merrily cries ; Sombre clouds shall darken ne'ermore our bright skies ; Our watchword is Union and Freedom to all ; Then let us maintain it, whate'er may befall. Oh ! many the hearts that beat sadly to-day. As nobly they give their best life's blood away; Remember the mission they all have in view ; Encourage them onward with vigor anew. Forget not their earnest, which sure they '11 fulfil So long as remain their stout heart and strong will ; For Justice and Union they '11, fight, one and all, Defend their loved country whate'er may befall. May God bless you, brave hearts, so valiant and true ! A maid's choicest blessings we '11 daily give you ; And though we with brave ones the sword can't unsheathe, While wielding the needle, our love we can breathe. PATRIOTIC. 221 Our country and homes now to you we entrust ; Our eagle let fall not, from stars clown to dust ; Then proudly we '11 welcome you home, one and all, And still clami your friendship, whatever may befall. Published ill '' Cajnhridge Chronicle^'*'' A icgtist 26 y 1S62. INVOCATION. Blow ye gentle breezes gaily, — Waft ye balmy gales of spring Cheerful tokens to the brave ones, — Speed ye cheery on the wing. Haste ye on your happy mission. Tiny missives, penned in love. Winds from home, no laggards prove ye ; Blessings whisper from above. Home, sweet home is to the soldier Talisman so dear and sweet ; Holy mem'ries oft awakened. Lamps shall be unto their feet. Cheer up, faint heart, — waver never. We are near that blessed shore Where we '11 hear glad proclamations, War shall now be waged no more. 222 PATRIOTIC. Hark ye to the blissful summons, Come ye all at His behest. Hear ye not the angels whisper Peace, beloved, here find rest? Published in ^' Cajuhridge Chronicle^'''' May 9, 1863. DEDICATION HYMN. SUNG AT THE EXERCISES OF THE MEMORIAL MONUMENT FOR CAMBRIDGE REVOLUTIONARY PATRIOTS, NOVEMBER 3, 1870. Air — " Calm on the Listening Ear of Night. ^"^ Borne on the ear in accents low From recollections tide, Thought wafts us scenes of early days Which courage beautified. In solemn consecration met, We tune our melody, Grateful petitions we would raise. And lift our hearts on high In mem'ry of that beauteous crown, A patriot's just reward ; Prized be the fair inheritance Bequeathed to us to guard. PATRIOTIC. Our fathers fought the glorious fight At Liberty's dear shrine ; Affection's tendrils lovingly About this spot shall twine. PtiblisJud m ^' Cambridge Chronicled 223 THE MEMORIAL STONE. With flag and pennon waving high Our fathers marched to victory ; With freemen's love of holy truth Their patriotic souls imbued, And Independence was their cry ; Nobly they rallied at the call. We bless their memories, heroes brave, — Who died, and country's honor saved ; Their martial valor we revere. Their gallant purposes sincere. For Independence was their cry ; Nobly they rallied at the call. This monumental shaft shall tell Of how they fought and bravely fell ; Their valiant deeds of daring done, A glorious heritage they won. Let Independence be our cry ! Nobly we '11 rally at the call. Published i?i " Cambridge Chro7iicley 224 PATRIOTIC. DECORATION DAY. May flowers for our heroes, — strew them gently, Tenderly lay them in the greenery, — Scatter with reverence the early bloom, A loving offering at their earthly tomb. Flowers are heaven's smiles, the dewdrops are the tears That mingle in our hearts, this lapse of years, With love for the dear, noble patriot-band. That died for honor and their native land. Flowers for the brave ones — Hallowed ever be Thoughts of their deeds so bright in memory. Published hi ^^ Cambridge Chronicle^'''' Jiitie 2. , 1877. ANNIVERSARY HYMN. RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO CO. F, 3STH MASSACHU- SETTS VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION. A SONG for country, home and friends, 'Mid festive cheer we sing; We '11 quick respond to '' Union " calls ; Loud let our welcomes ring ! CHORUS. Then comrades, as we meet to-night, For auld lang syne. We fain the hand of friendship press. For auld lang syne. PATRIOTIC, 225 Fond recollections come to all, When, country saved once more. We gladly sang of ^' Home Sweet Home," And left the hostile shore. Then comrades, etc. Amid life's changing scenes, we '11 oft Recur to days of yore, When brothers all, we shared our joys, And many trials sore. Then comrades, etc. And tenderly the song we '11 raise. In mem'ry of our brave. Who died an honored, glorious death, Their country's flag to save. Then comrades, etc. Jjily 13, 1S67. THIRD REUNION. Co. F, 38TH Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Air — " Once again.^^ Scattered links once more united Harmonize our ^^ Army" chain ; Heart to heart responds fraternal. Voices blend in joyful strain. 16 226 PATRIOTIC. Consecrate to country's honor, Ties once severed, linger near, Quick rekindle at each impulse, As to-night we gather here. While we hymn our word of welcome. Clasping hand in hand once more. Thought reverts to scenes of danger Shared so oft on hostile shore. Memory's pictures flit before us. Captivate our earnest gaze ; Army life in retrospection Has full many a pleasant phase. Dimmer grow the canvas pictures, Fade away from happy view ; Scenes with sadder moment freighted. Pass more slowly in review. Comrades brave we left behind us. And our hearts with sorrow prest. Turn to distant graves, and murmur, ^^ Peace, beloved ones, happy rest! " July 13, 1S68. PATRIOTIC, 227 DEDICATION HYMN. Encampment Wm. H. Smart, Post 30, G. A. R., Wel- lington Hall, Cambridge. Air — ''Auld Lang Sy?ie.^^ With loyal spirits tried and true, Through war's discordant strife, We cheerfully assume anew The cares of peaceful life ; May manhood's banner e'er unfurled, Our firm allegiance claim. While faithful to our trust, we '11 win An honorable fame. Our interests fraternal linked, A charitable band, Our bounties gladly we '11 dispense With free and gen'rous hand ; Our institution to subserve We consecrate this Hall ; And may this union spirit e'er Call us within its walls. Then comrades, as we meet to-night. Our Hall to dedicate, We '11 pledge the purpose of our band To keep inviolate. 228 PATRIOTIC. Fraternity and loyalty, With charity, the ties And watchwords of our order fair. As we did organize. February i6, 1870. LINES DEDICATED TO BOSTON LIGHT INFANTRY. Air — ** Bomiie DoonJ^^ A RETROSPECT fond mem'ry wreathes, With many glittering links entwined, And wafts us back to earlier scenes. Those pictures of the mind. An ancient tie is this that binds Our company fraternally ; Late members, — past ones, — all to-night, We welcome you right cordially. Our company since first create Hath many noble souls enrolled; Nor peaceful haunts alone engaged Those valiant hearts, intrepid, bold. A glorious record we unroll Of patriots' gallant, fearless deeds ; Imbued with manly, lofty zeal. They left all for their country's needs. PATRIOTIC, 229 And many of those heroes brave Returned not, when the war was o'er. A tear unto their mem'ries bright, Whom we on earth shall meet no more. While we 'mid scenes pacific dwell, Let noble thoughts our mind engage, As down life's river tranquilly We guide our barque from youth to age. Fehrtiary 22, 1872. • IN MEMORIAM. IN MEMORIAM. MEMORIAL LINES. OUR SISTER. She left us in the joyous bloom of youth ; She took our captive hearts away from earth, Far from this agonizing, crushing grief, And laid them on the altar fair of hope. Hope, that her fresh, young and aspiring life Would blossom in the radiant spirit-world. This wail of anguish from our stricken hearts. Before the lofty Majesty on high, Translates itself into a pearl of faith. That shines so lustrous for humanity. Faith that sustains our wavering sight alway. And bids us feel that His decree is just ; Why should rebellious murmurs cloud this ray ? Can we not say, ^'Our Father's will be done ? " She was our joy and pride, this loving one. A sunbeam on life's pathway, bright she beamed ; Rejoicing when her friends were of good cheer. And grieving when the rod had smitten them. 234 ^^ ME MORI AM. Her life was like a fairy wand to bless, And conjure up a solace for all pain ; She lived a life of love ; little of self Intruded on her gentle, kindly thoughts. Her days exhaled the sweetness of a song, Like the dear flowers she loved devotedly. The petals of her soul unfolding here. Amid affection's tender influence. Have soared on wings divine to fairer realms Of immortality, in bliss to bloom. Her blessed spirit purer made our lives; She magically charmed away life's cares. Her cheery ways, her tuneful life and voice Could exorcise all clouds. A child of song. She revelled in its witching atmosphere. She loved the beautful, the good, the true ; Life's prose, transformed she into poetry. Life was a foretaste of her heavenly home, Unconsciously foreshadowing the life Immaculate, which she so soon must lead. Invisible, angelic agencies Refined and perfected her mortal state ; And is not death for her a higher life ? hi memory of Eliza B. Fisher. Published 171 ''''Cambridge Chronicle^'''' December iS, 1875. IN ME MORI AM. 235 MEMORIAL LINES. SUGGESTED BY CONSERVATORY CONCERT. The air was filled with sweetest strains That singing maidens ever sang, — Where is the dear familiar voice, The voice that gladdest ever rang ? It sings in Paradise. And will its brightness nevermore Enchant us as in days of yore t Since that loved voice was hushed for aye, It sings a sweeter, lovelier lay — The joys of Paradise. Life has a pathos deeper far Since she has gone. And yet, dear heart, She left the pearly gates ajar That we may hear her beauteous song She sings in Paradise. In Sister Eliza' s memory. Published hi ^^ Cambridge Chronicle,'''' February 19, 1876. IN MEMORIAM. OUR ELIZA. I FEEL her sunny presence ever near, Those joyful accents trilling wondrous clear. How sweetly fall they on my spirit's ear, — Sweet sister mine. 236 IN ME MORI AM. Precious the books she read, the songs she sang; Here are the flowers her dear, caressing hands Tended so lovingly ; Sweet sister mine. Wreathe the dear harp her graceful fingers swept, Sacred memorial ever to be kept Of song, and love for thee, Sweet sister mine. I take her brush, unfinished leaves to trace. My grief is hushed as gentle whispers come, ^^ Finish my work in memory of me." Sweet sister mine. Yes, we live on without thy dear, sweet face. Trying to be submissive to His grace. Reminded ever of thy vacant place. Sweet sister mine. And yet, since last we kissed those mute, cold lips. She seems a guardian-angel hovering near ; As lingers her mild, loving influence. Sweet sister mine. Published 171 '' Cambridge Chronicle j'^'' Ja7ma7y 15, 1S76. IN MEMORIAM. 23/ MY ANGEL. OUR ELIZA. She comes to me with sunshine to brighten all my days, She comes to me at twilight with her sweet and winning ways, She comes with spirits bounding and her heart brimful of love, And sings in strains, which echoes seem, from angel choirs above. Her music is her happiness, — and happiness is life ; Her notes ring with the joyousness which floods her daily life. Her face one beam of sunshine, her heart one ray of love, — Her eyes do mirror forth the bliss of happy hearts above. I see her in a vision, this angel friend of mine, I hear her gentle accents as she singeth ^' sister mine." I know not if this darling one is with me, or a dream. Or if I must learn the story, that things are not what they seem. 238 IN ME MORI AM. Through our joys must sadness ripple ; to our loves we say good bye ; Yet they hover ever near us, though their pres- ence is not nigh ; For the spirit-essence lingers as a strain of music sweet, And like soft and fairy whispers is the nestle of their feet. WILD FLOWERS. What 's lovelier^ what daintier Than sweet. Spring flowers ? So shyly peeping from the grass In vernal bowers. She loved them, how she loved them,- These early flowers ; These woody darlings once did bring Such happy hours. But grieve not for our loved one These May-sweet hours ; She gathers in Elysian fields Her fav'rite flowers. I71 Dieinory of Sister Eliza. IN ME MORI AM. 239 > IN MEMORIAM. OUR WILLIE. A MERRY youth Stole in our life, And won our loving hearts away ; His cheery voice and ready smile, Made glad and joyous all the day. The merry youth has passed, before His lyre perfected half its song ; The ripple of its dying notes Is borne upon the breeze along. The amethyst and emerald bright. Dimples the lovely lake sheen o'er, And symbolized the happy life. Which here on earth he lives no more. His lamp went out so peacefully. Love scarcely knew his smile had flown ; Our hearts are heavy with the grief Which chants a weary, sad, sad moan. Till solace breathes from this sweet thought, The angel-sister's saintly song Has won him from our earthly loves. To share her grand, immortal song. In incniory of George William Fisher. Lake Neiichatel, Switzerlaitd, August i, 1876. Published i7i " Ca^nbridge Chroiticle^^'' Noverjtber 5, 1876. 240 IN ME MORI AM. A MEMORY. We muse on life, we muse on death, And sit in the twilight shade ; Our seasons like Nature's, come and go ; We all as the leaf must fade. What is life, we ask, as we play With the twilight sands on the beach ? Ripples of sorrow, love and joy And longings beyond our reach. And as we muse in the waning light And list to the ocean's roar, We feel the flow and ebb of life And how soon all must be o'er. We would not cloud the brightest life With visions gloomy and sad, But to-day the dear hand beckons, And my heart cannot be glad. Life ne'er can seem the same to me With those bright, young hearts away; I seem to float in twilight mist Where once 't was the fairest day. We gather the choicest memories And garner for sorrow's balm, And try to suppress the grieving, While singing the joyful psalm. IN ME MORI AM. 24 1 But we mourn the early taken, The maiden so loved, so fair, And the brilliant son of promise. Hark ! on the tremulous air, Music is dreamily floating. Soft on the listening ear ; Echoes of rapture elysian, Voices seraphic we hear. In tnemory of our Eliza and Willie. Pzchlished i7i ^^ Cambridge Chronicle ^'''^ July 21^ '^^77' TWILIGHT MEMORIES. A SWEET and holy calm, At twilight's tranquil hour, Steals o'er our reverie. As shadows gently lower. The cloudy canopy Is dotted o'er with stars. Bright mysteries divine, A shadowy dream afar. A group of loving friends Though absent and unseen. We feel them hover near, This twilight hour serene. 17 242 IN ME MORI AM. A subtle influence Around our hearts is shed, As thus in sweet commune We greet our silent dead. Published in ^' Ca7nhridge Chronicle,'''^ March 24, 1877. THE DAYS GLIDE ON. Our loved ones go. Each takes his turn In sorrow — and the days glide on. We grieve, we're crushed with heart-aches keen, And still the days glide on. We cannot see the sun for tears, And yet its brightness e'en shines on. How shall we fill this aching void ? As still the days glide on : And though our loved one's voice is hushed, The birds still sing their sweetest lays. Yesterday gay — to-day we 're dumb — And still glide on the days. God will these hearts bereaved sustain And comfort as the days glide on. If we but lean on His dear love While still the days glide on. IN ME MORI AM. 243 Time eases sorrow of its pangs ; If we but think our loved ones gone To an immortal, higher life, Calmly the days glide on. In memory of Edward A. Teele. Piiblisked in ''^Cambridge Chronicle y'' April %^ 1876. LOTTIE AND JOSIE. DEDICATED TO MRS. E. G. F. A BEAUTEOUS bud of promise, — A bright and lovely flower, — They came to bless your household ; How brief their mortal hour ! The tendrils of affection So closely them had bound. Death loves the fairest blossoms. And reaping, when he found These loved and loving sisters. He mourned their mortal pain. And tenderly transplanted To their immortal gain. Parents and loving kindred. These pledges choice and bright, To sanctify our earth-loves Are lent to mortal sight. 244 ^^ ME MORI AM. Though hearts well-nigh are breaking, Trustfully, Holy One, — Looking to Thee for comfort. We '11 say ^'Thy will be done." In memory of Charlotte E. a7id Ella Josephine Fiske. P^ihlished in '^ CaDibridge Chronicle^'''' March i, 1873. LINES ON THE DEATH OF MRS. NEHE- MIAH WELLINGTON, Of Lexington, at the Age of Ninety-One Years. Ripe for the harvest, dear heart, — Hast flown to thy rest above. Grandmother, — mother, — sweet words, — Will linger long in our love. Tender the mem'ry thou'st left; Joyous thy nature and fond. Blessing all hearts with thy love, Thou'st gone to the ^'Bright Beyond." July 2, 1S71. LINES ON THE DEATH OF MRS. LUCY BOSWORTH, At the Age of Seventy-One Years. Ah! who would wish her back again. To suffer o'er those hours of pain } Grateful her spirit found release In those sweet realms of endless peace. October 21 f 1871. IN ME MORI AM. 245 IN MEMORY OF EDWIN STANTON CUMMINGS. Sweet chimes are echoing from the shore, Glad voices ring out wealth of song, Celestial love is beckoning To dwell those happy souls among. Gently his spirit found release, This loving one that flitted far. He wears the saintly manhood's crown. And vesture shining as a star. Two radiant souls just passed before, His heart held in sweet friendship here. Are guiding him amid the bliss And wonders of the heavenly sphere. The life that blossomed here below. In strength and beauty there shall grow, Perfected 'mid the glorious truths Which we on earth can never know. Life seems a strange, sad mystery. When minor chords so subtly steal Upon the rhythmic flow of joy We in our happiest moments feel. 246 IN MEMORIAM, But strains discordant shall some day Resolve to grandest harmony ; As Sunlight melts the pearls of dew, So Faith absorbs the mystery. Cambridge J February^ 1877. IN MEMORIAM. MARCUS ELMER BENNETT. Not Death, O stricken one, — but blissful life Awaits on high our dear, departed friend, His loving mission here has found an end. 'T is o'er ; the weary, painful, fleshly strife Which jarred the sweet, aeolian chords of life. Dear heart bereaved, — thy love, by grief refined, Linking itself with his immortal mind. Must shadow forth the higher, better life. Thine anguish is not utter desolate ; A common sorrow o'er man's common fate Binds grieving hearts to thee in sympathy. These cadences of life's sad monody Voice, underneath the mournful music's wail. Strains of immortal joy. The sweet improvisations which his life And gentle, tender, noble nature breathed At home's dear altar, where affection wreathed Garlands of love and peace — a rare heart-life. IN ME MORI A 31, 24/ Blossomed 'mid music's choicest atmosphere, Have left soft echoes for your sorrow's balm ; So flows from sacred grief a blessed calm. His life on earth was ever to asjDire To grandest thoughts and truths. Sweet the communion with his chosen friends ; Hearts to affection's home-life consecrate, And to all lofty aims glorious and great. But friendship plays upon his lyre no more ; The murmur from the broken strings is o'er. Published in '' Ca7nbridge Chronicle^'''' Jajiicary 13, 1877. GONE BEFORE. DEATH OF MISS ANNA A. WHITNEY, APRIL 26, 1864. Gone from scenes of fairest promise, Gone to blissful realms above ; Nought to weeping friends remaineth Save the boon of thy fond love. Legacy so rich it proveth, Priceless boon, a gift sincere. Blest religion, felt and practised In thy life of goodness here. Faith in works, — that blessed vision Of thy Saviour's loving face. Peaceful made thy parting moments, Conscious of thy Master's grace. 248 IN ME MORI AM, " Maiden come ! " His finger beckons To the happy land of light ; . '' What thou couldst, thy hand has finished, Welcome to our home so bright ! " Fain thy classmates long would linger O'er those happy school-days past, Gladdened by thy loving presence, We a joyous band made fast. Earthly scenes no more shall claim thee, Angel-maiden, — long we '11 mourn ; Our dear circle now infracted; Loving hearts with anguish torn. Gone, yet still art hov'ring near us ; We thy sweet lyre seem to hear; Fancy hears thy angel pinions Rustling in the ether near. Thought consoling, blest assurance ; Mourner, hush thy wail of grief. Anna has but gone before thee. Lent but for a season brief. Long we '11 cherish fond remembrance Of her virtues manifold ; Strive to emulate the graces Of her true and earnest soul. PuhlisJied in ^^Cainhridge Chrofiicle^^'^ April i-]^ 1864. IN ME MORI AM. 249 "HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP." ON THE DEATH OF A CLASSMATE, MISS MARY ALDEN, OF EAST CAMBRIDGE, MAY 24, 1865. Sweet child of Poesy, — hast winged thy flight To purer, sunnier realms, fair, cloudless, bright ? Celestial canopies, more fitting far Than earth's chill climes thy genius' heav'nly star. Thy gentle, winning ways, thy happy smile, Thy loving heart, so tender, void of guile, Thy sweet angelic presence, blessed life. Which God transfers far from all earthly strife, May hover near,^to exorcise all ill. And teach submission to His sov'reign will. The reaper. Death, with his relentless hand. Hath entered twice our happy, joyous band, Two spirits choice, transplanted to his sphere. Leaving sad hearts to chant a requiem here. Those bright and halcyon days of school-life sweet, When Learning's walls echoed to willing feet. Will in our mem'ries hallowed ever be Linked with thy presence, Child of Poesy. Thou bear'st our captive hearts to joys above, To lay them on the throne where God is Love. 250 IN MEMORIAM. Parents bereaved, — classmates and friends so dear, — Pause as ye weep o'er loving Mary's bier. Think how ye deemed her, saint in earthly guise, Lent for a time to gladden human eyes ; Goodness and loveliness just ta'en their flight ; Think of her now, an angel bathed in light, Tuning her lyre to hymns of praise above, Joining the choir around the throne of love. Sweet sister spirits in that blissful home. Fold and protect her — e'er with them to roam. Ptiblished iji '' Carnhridge Chronicled SHE LOVED MUCH. My heart goes out with tender, warm embrace, And loving lingers with the friends bereaved, — Mindful that she, whose gentle spirit breathed Sweetness and love, — while o'er her happy face Shed a soft halo, as if light divine Beamed a reflection of her inner life, — She, the glad spirit, that made bright your life Has gone before. But still her love is thine. Herself, her radiance, her great, loving heart. Her joyous nature, her im7nortal part^ Linger still with you, while they soar above. And flood you with the sunshine of her love. (» m ME MORI AM, 2^1 I saw her one brief moment, but fore'er Fondly will mem'ry prize that happy hour ; Her gracious presence seemed to charm the air Like the sweet, subtle meaning of the flower. Her thought smiled a caress, her speech was song, They are immortal now. We must grieve, We will be glad. In me^nory of Mrs. Gertrude McEntee^ October 14, 1878. LINES ON THE DEATH OF MR. J. HARRIS. How peacefully winged his spirit Far from the suffering of earth. ^' Come thou," the good Father whispers, " Come to thy Heavenly birth." Blessed the mem'ries he left you, A nature genial and kind ; Happy through long, painful illness, Alway the same cheerful mind. Death was a kindly deliv'rer, Easing his anguish and pain ; Thought ever fraught with sad comfort. What is your loss is his gain. 252 IN ME MORI AM, Weary his body was sorely, Bright, calm and hopeful his soul, Ah ! what a blissful fruition He reaps in that heav'nly goal. Boston y Aprils 1870. Published m *' Ca-nthridge Chro7iicley TO MRS. MARY HOWE, IN HER RECENT BEREAVEMENT. "he is not dead, but sleepeth." Our Father's will be done on earth As e'en in Heaven 'tis surely done. Thy friend has left the shad'wy vale. His mortal course on earth is run. Thy loved companion's voice no more Will fall upon thy listening ear ; From earthly loves he 's passed away. No more we '11 greet his presence here. To fairer scenes, prepared for all Who love His name, he 's gone before ; For thee and those he loved ovl earth, He 's waiting on that shining shore. And others of thy angel band Are turning earthward their fond gaze ; IN ME MORI AM. 253 Our mortal vision fain would pierce Those vistas hidden by the haze. We none can know how soon may come The summons calling us away To share the joys of Heaven above, The bliss of Immortality. Published in ''^Cambridge Chronicle j"*^ Jajiuary^ 1^6^. ON THE DEATH OF ELIAS HOWE, Jr. INVENTOR OF THE SEWING MACHINE. Genius has flown, but not its light ; That lingers with us bright and clear, A parting gift to all mankind, — Blest oif'ring of the heart and mind. An ornament to manhood proud, Thou'st winged thy flight to fairer lands, Hast.^oared away from earthly ties To realms ne'er seen by mortal eyes. Crowned with the laurel wreath of fame, But better still, a loving heart, Thou 'It rise to grand, immortal heights, And tune thy soul to blissful sights. 254 ^^ ME MORI AM, A blessed mem'ry thou hast left To father, mother, wife and kin ; We '11 all think of thee tenderly Transferred to Immortality. And bless thy faithfulness on earth, Which now receives its meet reward, "Welcome, bright spirit, tried and true, A crown of glory waits for you." October 7, 1867. Picblished in *' Cainhrids^e Chronicled IN MEMORIAM OF MRS. SARAH H. DAVIES. She has left you, parents, brothers. Friends, and all who found her dear. Would ye call her back a moment ? Never, — dry the bitter tear. Hark and hear her angel spirit. As it wings its heavenward flight. Hush ! the angel voices whisper Welcome to their land so bright. In the land of bliss immortal She is with the angel throng ; And ere long your summons cometh. Pilgrim stay, — 't will not be long. Published in ' ' Cambridge Chronicle ^ ' ' July 31, 1 863 . IN MEMORIAM, 255 THE BRIGHT HEREAFTER. Tender and beauteous spirit, Thou leavest earth's decay, Happiness to find above Which never shall decay. In the Bright Hereafter. List ! mourning, stricken ones, — How wondrously she sings 'Mid sweet, seraphic music. Which she with angels sings In the Bright Hereafter. Fair was she, loved and loving. Oh ! hard 't is to resign Such gladsome, winning blossoms, E'en though we them resign To the Bright Hereafter. Her earthly ties were many. And fain she 'd with you stay. But pain her lot was ever. And could ye bid her stay From the Bright Hereafter? Our gracious Father won her To His divine abode. Where lovingly He shields her In that blissful abode. In the Bright Hereafter. 256 IN ME MORI AM, There, husband, child and parents She soon will meet again. Where never come sad partings; We all shall meet again In the Bright Hereafter. On the death of Mrs. Mary E. P. Published in the ^^Cavibridge Chronicle,'''' Fehrttary, 1870. OUR CHARLIE. LINES TO MRS. ROBERT N. R . . ., IN HER RECENT BEREAVEMENT. He has passed away from loving earth-friends, And entered the beautiful world above ; In your sad affliction, list, bereaved ones. To the tender, consoling words of love Which the dear departed whispers to 5^ou From that beautiful spirit-land above. He tells of ineffable happiness In that fair and beautiful spirit-land ; He whispers of dear friends who welcomed him To join his presence with their angel-band; Freed from all pain in that blissful abode. Bright world of happiness, blest spirit-land. IN ME MORI AM, 2^ J A cheerful, glad, genial spirit on earth, He bequeathed a most blessed memory To the parents, brothers and friends who now Must rejoice at his immortality, His accession to all the joys above, The joys of a blest immortality. Ptiblished in ^''Camhridge Chronicle ^"^^ February y 1S70. LINES SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF MR. CALEB THOMPSON. TO AUNT P. • Toll the bell slowly, there's death in the house, Drop the tear softly, a spirit has flown Far from the pleasures and sorrows of earth. Seeking for joy in our Father's bright home. Heaven, — 't is a blessed place promised to all ; Meekly the erring implores divine grace. God is too good to withhold His blest love From even the humblest children of earth. Happy the thought that our loved ones we '11 meet, All who have passed to that immortal shore, Never our days will with sorrow be crossed, All will be bright in our Father's glad home. Published in ^^ Cambridge Chronicled i8 258 IN ME MORI AM, LINES ON THE DEATH OF MISS MARY L. JAMES. And thou hast fled, bright spirit, Passed to that happier sphere ; Heav'n will shield thee from the winds That chill so rudely here. Drooping with leaves of Autumn, Death woo'd thee to thy rest, Devotion soothed thy suffering. Death was thy wedding guest. Thy loveliness endeared thee To many friendly hearts Who miss thy cheerful presence. And mourn thou must depart. But pain at last had weaned thee To sever earthly loves, And join the host of seraphs Around the throne above ; Where tenderly they greet thee. That loving, kindred band. That welcomes thee so fondly To the blest spirit-land. November iS, 1S70. Published ill ''''Cambridge ChroJiicIe.^^ IN ME MORI AM. 259 LITTLE HARRY W. WOODWARD. DEDICATED TO MRS. HATTIE B. W. The twilight comes and goes, and mourning hearts Crushed 'neath the anguish of bereavement sit. The clear, cold beauties of the star-lit sky To grieving hearts seem like a mockery. And so 'twould be, if earthly life were all ; Happy for us that this dark, shadowy pall. Of death, but veils from us the future bright. Which a wise Father clouds from mortal sight. Ah ! once the twilight was so dear to thee ; Thy darling's head reposing on thy knee. Weary with play which had absorbed the day. He lisped sweet numbers, plaintive strains and gay. List ! bereaved one, and hear his rustling wings. List ! he with choirs of lovely seraphs sings. Hark ! his sweet voice falls softly on mine ear, *' Mother, dear mother," thus I seem to hear, " Grieve not for me who have but gone before To welcome thee upon this happy shore. Joy — no more pain within this Eden lies ; You told me oft, mamma, of Paradise." Earth has no happiness without alloy. This earthly treasure, this thy darling boy. 260 IN ME MORI AM. With all his pretty, sweet and winning ways. And dear caresses which made glad thy days, A heavenly messenger was lent to thee, To shadow forth the grand infinity Of life upon that blissful shore. Where our dear friends have only gone before. In Meinoriam. Ptiblished i7i '' Cainbridge Chrofiicley'' Febr2iary 12, 1876. LITTLE GERTIE BUTTERFIELD. DEDICATED TO MRS. G. A. B. He has ta'en our precious, little sunbeam, He, the Father, gracious in His wisdom. To perfect her sweet and loving nature, 'Mid the bright rays of soft, heavenly sunlight. Angels culled the sweetest, little blossom E'er had bloomed to gladden mother-yearning ; Called their darling, little angel-sister To their sports celestial round the portals Of the happy kingdom. Yet she was so dear to our affections. That we scarce can see our bud of promise In the beautiful Heav'n-Kindergarten. For our eyes are dimmed with earthly weakness ; And our agony, so keen and bitter. Cries for faith, and help, and loving comfort To sustain our hearts so weak and 2:rievino:. IN ME MORI AM. 26 I Now the festive days once more returning, — Days to many hearts so happy, joyous, — Rushes o'er our mem'ry grief's fresh tumult. Breaks like raging seas beyond controlling, Bursts the stormy flood of deep emotion, — Hush ! We e'en forget in our bereavement That long-promised, bright and sunny '' sometime " Where our dear ones that have passed before us Are so happy in their beauteous haven ; And their radiant spirit-life's so blissful, That could we but wake from our sad dreamings, And this mystery could solve so painful. We should gaze with rapture on the dear ones. And w^ith eyes now smiling, — once so tearful, — See with happy calm their joys immortal. Published in ^' Cambridge Chronicle^'''' December 30, 1876. ' IN MEMORIAM. LITTLE BENNIE WHITTEMORE, AGED SEVEN YEARS. Choice and beauteous buds God gives us For our fondest care and love ; But, when full of fairest promise. Bears them tenderly above. 262 IN ME MORI AM. While our hearts are well-nigh breaking O'er the vict'ry Death has won, Faith, our balm in sore bereavement. Bids us say, '^ Thy will be done." Ptiblished i7i '^ Cavibridge Chronicle.'^'' OUR PET. — LITTLE TOMMIE BARRL DEDICATED TO MRS. MARY H . . . AND MRS. FANNY B . . . . He passed away, like a sweet zephyr breeze, Bud of affection — in loveliness bright. Angels of Death your darling transported Gently to regions of angelic light. List ye, to happy chorals seraphic, — Hymns of rejoicing, — for one little soul Joins the bright band of cherubs celestial, Wingeth his flight at the matin bells toll. Grandmother, weep not, — Mother, why mourn ye ? Over the river, on that blissful shore Spirits, with love winged, stand beck'ning to thee. Souls of thy loved ones — dear ones gone before. Lo ! the veil parteth, — vistas revealing Bliss, immortality, quick to our sight ; Glories ineffable, visions transporting, Rapturous, beaming, resplendent and bright. IN ME MORI AM. 263 Radiant, soft halos circle your dear one, Lightly he bounded from earthly decay ; Spirits like his, too lovely for earthlings, Form one sweet link with the friends passed away. Tender endearments nurtured your loved one, Cherished and sheltered from danger and ill, Earth-buds, — Heav'n's blossoms, — gently from Eden Waft their balm earthward, our lives to fill. Published in " Ca^nhridge Chronicle.''^ TRANSLATIONS TRANSLATIONS. GEGENWART. FROM THE GERMAN OF GOETHE. All things are speaking of thee. When shining the sun in his glory, Thou 'It follow soon, shall I hope ? Thou seekest the garden's bloom, So art thou the queen of the roses, Lily of lilies so fair, — Dost move in the graceful dance, So circle the stars in their splendor In dazzling orbit with thee. Does darkness its wings outspread, The silvery light of the moonbeams Is ever eclipsed by thee. Thy wondrous grace hath bewitched The sun, moon and stars with the flowers To adoration of thee. Sun of my happiness, thou The queen of my bliss, and my love-life For time and eternity. 268 TRA NSL A TIONS. NAHE DES GELIEBTEN. — Of Thee. FROM THE GERMAN OF GOETHE. Of thee my thoughts when sunny, dazzling shimmer From ocean gleams, I dream of thee when moonlight's silvery glimmer Sheds her soft beams. I see thee e'er, when whirlwind oft enshroudeth The distant ridge. When pilgrims pause, as darkest night becloudeth The narrow bridge. The voice of love is ever of thee speaking. When billows roar ; And when the stillness broodeth o'er the meadows, And day is o'er. My spirit hovers over thee adoring. And ever near. The twilight deepens, — now the stars are glowing, — Wert thou but here. TRA NSLA TIONS, 260 AN DIE ENTFERNTE. — To the Absent. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF GOETHE. And shall I never more behold thee ? Wilt leave me darling thus alone t Yet haunts me like the sweetest fancy, Thine every word, thine every tone. And as the wanderer's glance at morning Would search heav'n's arching canopy, And greet the lark so cheery, singing Its orizon of poesy ^^ So would my restless heart discover My love in grove, in bush and tree ; The burden of my song is ever, ^^O come, beloved one, back to me ! " SPRING-TIME. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF SCHILLER. Fair Springtime, — Nature's rapture, — Welcome o'er hill and dale. Thy thousand fairy blossoms Are smiling in the vale. 2 70 TRA NSLA TIONS. We hail thy advent yearly, With mild refreshing showers ; Thou bring'st the reign of Flora In verdant, lovely bowers. With soft, melodious accents, As birds each other greet. My beauteous maid comes tripping. Her lover fond to greet. Wilt grant, O blooming Nature, A boon unto my fair ? For I would fain a garland Twine in her flowing hair. Fair Springtime, — Nature's rapture, — Welcome o'er hill and dale, — Thy thousand fairy blossoms Are smiling in the vale. Published in ^^ Boston Wonian^sJour^taU^'^ May 11 y J875. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF HEINE. The rose and the lily, the dove and the sunshine, Once loved I with rapture in glad, summer time. I love them no more, my heart's highest heaven Thou art, O my fair one, to whom my troth's given. Thou only the flower of all love. Art rose, dove and lily, and bright sun above. TRA NSLA TIONS. 2J\ JUNE SONG. — Be Courageous. TRANSLATION FROM THE GERMAN OF EMANUEL GEIBEL. Be courageous, — cheerful, — quickly Then will speed youth's hour away. Hast thou yet in thee discovered What unaltered, brightens day ? Canst thou striving, rightly picture What the spirit freely gives ? Canst in verse-lore subtly render t — Loving worker truly lives. Never now the winged canvas Spread I in the distant sea. Unless force of law accused me. Constrained me from love to flee ; Every wonder which I sought for. Far-off, tightens love's fond ties ; And so bless I happy fortune ; And so praise I still, my lot. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF EMANUEL GEIBEL. O MAIDEN, why sleepest ? Come hither to me, For the glad hour now cometh When I wander with thee. 2/2 TRA NSLA TIONS. O tarry no longer, Come quick to my side. Through sparkling, bright waters Our gay bark shall glide, Guadalquiver's blue waters ^ Our gay bark shall glide. Music by Jeftse7i. MY STAR. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN. Now veils the night, the balmy. Spring night, All the world in enchantment so dreamy. Long, long ago my heart thrilled with delight, ^Mid soft, hazy twilight hours, love, with thee. Alone now I 'm roaming in meadow and grove, Of thee ever thinking with longing and love, For thou art my rapture, my dream afar, Thou art mine idol, my radiant star. For thou art my rapture, my dream afar, Thou art mine idol, thou art my star. Spring now is come with blossom and song, Joyous notes the sweet warbler singeth. Autumn steals softly in summer's bower. But ne'er aught of sadness it bringeth. TRA NSLA TIONS, 2/3 I carry the Spring ever fresh in my heart, And ne'er from my life shall its gladness depart, For thou art mine idol, my radiant star, For thou art my rapture, my dream afar, Thou art mine idol, thou art my star. Music by Cooper. INS MONDLICHT AM MEERE. Lustrously the billows sparkle In the moonbeam's wondrous light. Angels hov'ring, softly whisper To my love a fond good-night. Radiantly the stars are peeping. Bringing dreams of my dear love, And my heart its tale of rapture Prayerful sings to Him above. Heavenly Father, guard and save him While he wanders far from home. Whispers Hope, my love is coming. Never more from me to roam ; Sleep my darling, now good-night. LOVE.— Sonnet. TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN OF PETRARCH. If 't is not love, what then is this I feel ? Or if 't is love, pray heaven, define it clear ! 2/4 TRANSLATIONS. If bliss, whence this intensity of pain ? If guilt, why, every torment, art so sweet ? If willingly I glow, whence this lament ? And wherefore sighs, if it must bring me woe ? O counterpart of death, — Torture most dear, - Can'st work unconsciously in me thy will ? Or if with my consent, in vain I grieve. Amid tempestuous winds, in fragile bark. Tossed rudderless upon the mountain waves. Groping so blindly, led by error's rule. That I can scarce interpret mine own will. Midsummer chills, while winter me inflames. Piiblished 171 ^^ Ca7nbrido;-e Press ^'''^ Janicary 1876.