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Sweetheai^t and Wife 
 
 In ^^oetrg ant» Song 
 
 By 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON NIMS 
 
 'Author of "A Keepsake More Precious than Klondike Gold," "Golden 
 
 Lines of Wisdom for the Young," "Uncle Reuben's Adventures 
 
 Abroad," ''Ninnis's Humorous Question Book," "The Deserted 
 
 Farm," "Forsaken by the World," "The Nineteenth Century," 
 
 "Mother, in Poetry and Song," "The Quartrain Instructor 
 
 of Youth," "Nims's Humorous Epitaphs," "Mammon 
 
 in Verseland," "Human Nature in Public and 
 
 Private Life," "The Counselor of Youth and 
 
 Friend to Old Age," "The Declining 
 
 Village," etc., etc. 
 
 
 BOSTON, MASS. 
 THE WHITE PRESS, INDIA STREET 
 
 I 906 
 

 USi^ARY of CONaRESS 
 Two CoDies Received 
 
 AUG la^ 1906 
 
 >^ Copyrig>it Entry 
 CLASS^^ XKc. No. 
 
 1 
 
 \ 
 
 Copyright, 1906 
 G. W. NiMS 
 

 ^ Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 I WED THEE IN THE GOLDEN SUMMER-TIME. 
 
 I wed thee in the golden summer-time, 
 
 Some fifty years ago, 
 When thou wert in thy girlhood's rosy prime, 
 
 Down where the hawthorns grow ; 
 Down in a cot, where twining ivy bloomed, 
 
 When birds were bright and gay. 
 And everything to me so pleasing seemed 
 
 Upon our wedding day. 
 Chorus: 
 I wed thee in the golden summer-time. 
 
 Some fifty years ago. 
 When thou wert beautiful and fair, my love, 
 
 Down where the hawthorns grow; 
 Down in a cosy cot I love so well, 
 
 Where children oft would play. 
 And rural nature seemed to bloom more fair 
 
 Upon our wedding-day. 
 
 I wed thee in the golden sunmier-time, 
 
 Some fifty years ago. 
 One bright and lovely morn in balmy June, 
 
 When roses were in blow. 
 When fragrant breezes kissed thy golden hair, 
 
 And beauty smiled at thee ; 
 When thou wert like the morning glories fair 
 
 And beautiful to me. 
 
 Now thou art growing old and gray, my dear. 
 
 The love I bear for thee 
 More firmly grows, as months and years roll by — 
 
 More sunny seems to me . 
 Through all our wedded life, my happy love, 
 
 I 've ne 'er forgot — I know 
 I wed thee in the golden summer-time, 
 
 Some fifty years ago. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 MY LOWLAND MARY. 
 
 'T was in the poets' charming May, 
 
 In bright entrancing spring, 
 When hill and dale with verdure blooms 
 
 And birds so sweetly sing, 
 That I first saw my heart's true love — 
 
 My Mary kind and true, 
 Down in a flowery meadow, where 
 
 The sweetest violets grew. 
 Chorus : 
 
 'T was in the sweet May-time I met 
 
 My Lowland Mary dear, 
 Down in a flowery meadow, green, 
 
 One morning bright and clear. 
 When wandering by a murmuring brook, 
 
 Whose banks with blossoms smiled. 
 When I with love and pleasure roamed 
 
 Among the flowers wild. 
 
 One lovel)^ morn, my Lowland lass. 
 
 For beauty's self I took, 
 When carelessly I saw her stroll 
 
 Down by a winding brook 
 That murmuring flowed through fields, so green, 
 
 Near by a little cot, 
 O'er which the ivy used to twine, 
 
 That never '11 be forgot; 
 
 For in that cot, now mossy grown, 
 
 My Lowland Mary died — 
 Who 'll never from my memory fade, 
 
 Or cease to be my pride ; 
 But when I roam through meadows fair, 
 
 And hear the sweet refrain 
 Of warblers gay, I'll think of one 
 
 I long to see again. 
 
 Though years have flown, since that fair morn, 
 
 And much of life I've seen, 
 I've ne'er forgot the lass I met 
 
 Down in a meadow green — 
 The rose to me so beautiful 
 
 And fair, so bright and gay, 
 When, in the spring-time of my youth. 
 
 My feet were wont to stray. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 WHERE IS MY LOVE THIS FEARFUL NIGHT? 
 
 Where is my love this fearful night, 
 
 When madly drifts the snow 
 Around her childhood's genial home? 
 
 How I would like to know ! 
 Where is my love with eyes so blue, 
 
 And dimpled cheeks so rare, 
 That so enchanted me upon 
 
 A face so sweet and fair? 
 Chorus : 
 Where is my love this fearful night, 
 
 When angry blasts I hear 
 Howl fiercely 'round the little cot 
 
 To recollection dear? 
 Far, far away she 's dwelling now, 
 
 Far from her country home, 
 Where oft, when we were young and gay. 
 
 We dearly loved to roam. 
 
 Where is my love this fearful night. 
 
 When winter's blasts blow wild 
 Along the vales and o'er the hills 
 
 She loved so when a child? 
 Where is my love ? Alas! where is 
 
 Her humble dwelling-place, 
 That I again may fondly gaze 
 
 Upon her charming face? 
 
 Where is my love this fearful night — 
 
 The treasure of my heart — 
 Who often vowed upon the green 
 
 That we should never part? 
 Where is my love? Where can she be? — 
 
 The lass I love so well — 
 To-night, how I should like to know 
 
 Where she is wont to dwell. 
 
 MY MARY DEAR, I'M THINKING NOW OF YOU. 
 
 My Mary dear, I 'm thinking now of you ; 
 
 And with sweet fancy's aid. 
 Once more I view the scenes that never'U from 
 
 My recollection fade; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 As I, in thought, my dear, live o'er again 
 
 The golden days of yore, 
 When love and happiness for you and I 
 
 Their sweetest blossoms bore. • 
 Chorus: 
 My Mary dear, I 'm thinking now of you, 
 
 Of one I love so well — 
 So faithful, loving, kind and true — with whom 
 
 I would forever dwell. 
 
 When round about me roar life's freezing gales, 
 
 And trials hover near, 
 Oh! then to me how sweet your loving smiles 
 
 And words of hope and cheer! 
 When fiercely frowns the cold, unfeeling world, 
 
 And cruel want annoys, 
 When heartless envy and misfortune strive 
 
 To poison all my joys. 
 
 At Franklin Park and Crescent Beach so gay — 
 
 No matter where to me — 
 I always bright and happy feel whene'er 
 
 Your cheery face I see ; 
 When lovingly at you I calmly gaze. 
 
 And kindly words I hear — 
 For you are all this world to me — my own, 
 
 My darling Mary dear. 
 
 So, come what may, as thoughtless time rolls on- 
 
 Whate'er my fate may be — 
 The same true friend and loving wife, my dear. 
 
 You'll e 'er remain to me. 
 So this dear wish I'll fondly cherish, till 
 
 With earthly scenes I'm through. 
 That it may be my favored lot, at last, 
 
 To dwell in Heaven with you. 
 
 SWEET MADELEINE. 
 
 Upon this starry eve, so bright and mild, 
 I love to be with thee, sweet Madeleine, 
 
 When down an old familiar stream we glide, 
 
 While night birds sing above the meadows green. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife J 
 
 When never-fading scenes of youth return, 
 
 And gaily shine the twinkling stars, we know, 
 Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 
 
 The roses that were blooming long ago. 
 Chorus. 
 Upon this starry eve, sweet Madeleine, 
 
 When night birds sing and balmy breezes blow, 
 Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 
 
 The roses that were blooming long ago. 
 
 Now when we sail beneath the silvery moon, 
 
 By hill and dale, the flowery meadows through. 
 When memory bids youth's sunny hours return. 
 
 Sweet Madeleine — so good, so kind and true ; 
 When two fond hearts in loving union beat, 
 
 And we would naught but love and pleasure know, 
 Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 
 
 The roses that were blooming long ago. 
 
 Now when we live life's rosy days again, 
 
 And golden seasons of the past return, 
 When fond remembrance, by-gone scenes reviews, 
 
 And, in our hearts love's brightest embers burn; 
 Upon a summer eve, so beautiful, 
 
 Sweet Madeleine, when gentle moonbeams glow. 
 Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 
 
 The roses that were blooming long ago. 
 
 Now we recall the pleasures of the past, 
 
 And with delight the songs of childhood sing, 
 As we, in contemplation, live again 
 
 The brightest season of life's verdant spring; 
 When care and trouble dwelt far, far away, 
 
 And seeds of happiness we loved to sow. 
 Around thy brow, oh! let me twine again 
 
 The roses that were blooming long ago. 
 
 MY OWN TRUE LOVE. 
 
 In fancy, now, I hear a voice 
 That oft enchanted me, 
 
 The voice of one — my own true love 
 I never more shall see; 
 
8 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Methinks again her winsome smiles 
 Bid care and trouble roam, 
 
 As when, at eve, we used to stroll 
 Down by her happy home 
 Chorus : 
 
 My own true love now gently sleeps. 
 From all the world unseen, 
 
 Down in a grave by loving hands 
 In summer-time kept green. 
 
 Her rosy cheeks I seem to see — 
 
 The fairest of the fair — 
 Her locks of gold, so beautiful. 
 
 She loved so well to wear. 
 A thousand joys I now recall, 
 
 As I in fancy roam 
 From scenes of care and busy thought 
 
 Back to my childhood's home ; 
 
 Back to the hallowed scenes I love 
 
 To often ponder o'er. 
 To careless days of long ago 
 
 That we shall live no more; 
 To where sweet memory wafts me near 
 
 A httle grave so green, 
 Where my true love is sleeping now, 
 
 By all the world unseen. 
 
 WHEN FIRST WE MET. 
 
 When first we met, how beautiful 
 
 The flowers of summer bloomed! 
 How brightly shone the morning sun 
 
 Where love and beauty roomed! 
 How sweetly sang the robin then 
 
 Beside the old barn-door! 
 How softly blew the balmy breeze 
 
 From nature's fragrant store! 
 
 Chorus : 
 
 When first we met how beautiful. 
 How lovely then wert thou 
 
 When garlands gay I used to bind 
 Around thy fair young brow! 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 How gaily beamed the rich green fields, 
 
 Bedecked with blossoms gay, 
 Where many a winsome lassie loved 
 
 To while the time away ! 
 How fair thou wert when first I met 
 
 The jewel of my heart, 
 When first affection's vow we pledged, 
 
 That death alone can part! 
 
 How often since I've blest the morn 
 
 When nature seemed so gay. 
 When first I saw with gladsome eyes 
 
 The sweetest flowers of May! 
 My love, how happy then were we 
 
 Upon that summer day, 
 When busy care and trouble roamed 
 
 From us far, far away! 
 
 Though far fromchildhood's hallowed scenes 
 
 It is our lot to dwell, 
 My mind with pleasure wanders back 
 
 To scenes I love so well — 
 Back to your childhood's sunny home 
 
 That I shall ne 'er forget 
 While I, in fancy, can recall 
 
 The time when first we met. 
 
 MY MARY'S RESTING-PLACE. 
 
 Beneath a willow gray, my Mary lies, 
 Near where the morning sun the dew-drop dries, 
 Where woodland songsters love to chirp and sing 
 As sweetly as the fairest birds of spring; 
 And thoughtful children come to visit here 
 Where I so oft have shed affection's tear. 
 When summer charms and roses brightly bloom. 
 And I with garlands fair bedeck her tomb. 
 
 Chorus : 
 Beneath a willow gray, my Mary rests, 
 Where, in sweet summer-time, the robin nests. 
 Where I delight to be when roses bloom — 
 To ponder and to pray beside thy tomb. 
 
10 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 My dearest wish — long may this treat be mine — 
 Love's laurels on thy grave to fondly twine ; 
 And when the storms of life shall beat no more, 
 To meet again on Heaven's immortal shore. 
 
 Sweet flower of home 1 two years ago to-day 
 My loving bride, so happy and so gay, 
 How little then I thought that we should part, 
 That I would lose the sunlight of my heart ; 
 That cold in death, thy lovely form wouldst lie 
 Ere half the budding spring had glided by ; 
 That one I thought more dear than gold to me. 
 Should for a season charm, then cease to be. 
 
 Alas! no tongue can tell how sad I feel 
 Whene 'er beside thy little mound I kneel,^ 
 How I desire to see thy face again, 
 That smiled so sweetly when we used to train, 
 When o'er thy resting-place fair blossoms smile, 
 And balmy breezes moan and sigh the while — 
 Lamenting o 'er the fate of one so dear 
 Who faded in the spring-time of the year. 
 
 When worldly cares have long oppressed my mind 
 Refreshing is the peace that here I find, 
 Whene 'er I can^ my love, commune with thee. 
 Oh, then what joy and comfort 'tis to me ! 
 Though I cannot discern thy smiling face. 
 In fancy, still I can thy spirit trace. 
 When I in meditation gently kneel 
 Beneath the willow's shade, to deeply feel. 
 
 SWEET MEMORIES OF THEE, MY MARY DEAR. 
 
 Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 
 
 Will never from my mind depart — 
 The joyous seasons I have spent with thee 
 
 Will live forever in my heart ; 
 The little hamlet by the mountain-side. 
 
 The pleasing scenes we loved so well, 
 When we together chose to fondly stray, 
 
 And near each other used to dwell. 
 
Sweetheart and Wije ii 
 
 Chorus: 
 Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 
 
 Will dwell forever in my heart 
 While memory lives and I can think of thee, 
 
 And never from my mind depart ; 
 As through the winding vales of life, I roam. 
 
 My dearest pride will ever be. 
 In sunshine and in storm, my sweetest joy 
 
 To think, my Mary dear, of thee. 
 
 Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 
 
 Will never moulder or decay. 
 And objects that we used to treasure so 
 
 Will never from my memory stray; 
 The old red school-house and the rural church, 
 
 The cot with ivy twining o'er. 
 The flowery fields we loved to wander through 
 
 When summer bloomed on hill and moor. 
 
 Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear. 
 
 Will daily grow more bright and green, 
 While back to golden days of yore I roam, 
 
 To many an old famiUar scene ; 
 When I, in fancy, see thy genial face. 
 
 Thy sparkhng eyes, so bright and blue, 
 When I recall the love and faithfulness 
 
 Of thy fond heart, so tried and true. 
 
 Sweet memories of thee, my Mary dear, 
 
 Will never from my memory fade, 
 The old associations of our youth. 
 
 The haunts where oft we sang and played ; 
 Though far from thee I dwell, though far away 
 
 In foreign lands I long may roam, 
 In thought, I '11 often wander back to thee. 
 
 Whene'er I think of home, sweet home. 
 
 MY BONNIE BESSIE. 
 
 How Tapidly, my Bessie dear. 
 Have sped the hours of time 
 
 The sweetest hours I ever knew 
 And happiest of my prime 
 
12 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Since' last I saw thy brown eyes beam, 
 > « * So brilliant and so gay, 
 When on thee grace and beauty smiled 
 Sweet as the blooms of May. 
 
 So fair thou art, so bright and mild, 
 
 No flower e 'er bloomed so sweet, 
 No summer morn so beautiful, 
 
 Didst e'er a lover greet. 
 Oh! wilt thou, Bessie, e'er be mine — 
 
 Whom I have loved so long, 
 Of whom I've often wrote and sung 
 
 So many a pleasing song? 
 
 Shall lips so red and cheeks so fair 
 
 E'er feel another's kiss? — 
 The lips so fair to look upon 
 
 Deny to me such bliss? — 
 Nay! nay! while we hold dear the pledge 
 
 We vowed one summer's day, 
 In yonder blooming field, my love. 
 
 Beside the new-mown hay. 
 
 Wilt thou, sweet Bessie, e'er be mine? 
 
 How much, I'd give to know, 
 If I could win thy tender heart — 
 
 For it would please me so; 
 But I must wait, sweet Bessie, wait, 
 
 Time only can reveal 
 What I so earnestly desire — 
 
 The depth of love I feel. 
 
 I'LL NE'ER FORGET MY MARY JANE. 
 
 I '11 ne 'er forget my Mary Jane, 
 
 My sweetheart long ago. 
 When youthful hopes so brightly beamed 
 
 And she was pure as snow; 
 The village-green where oft we sat 
 
 Beneath the silvery moon. 
 When stilly night enrapt the scene 
 
 And sped, alas! too soon; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ij 
 
 Refrain: 
 
 I'll ne'er forget my Mary Jane, 
 
 My sweetheart long ago, 
 When youthful hopes so brightly beamed 
 
 And she was pure as snow. 
 
 The hill-side where we often strolled 
 
 On many a lovely day, 
 When birds and bees and flowers teemed, 
 
 And everything looked gay; 
 Where gentle pleasure oft we wooed, 
 
 In seasons long gone by, 
 When hope and expectation ruled 
 
 Two loving hearts so shy ; 
 
 The village where we used to dwell. 
 
 When beauty smiled so free, 
 When in the summer-shaded grove 
 
 She sang so sweet to me ; 
 The httle cot, so fondly dear. 
 
 Where she was lowly born, 
 When on her cheeks the roses shone 
 
 As fair as golden morn. 
 
 Now can it be, a change has come. 
 
 That we no longer meet 
 Where we in childhood used to play 
 
 And she could smile so sweet? 
 Ah, yes ! a youth of noble mien 
 
 Made love to Mary Jane, 
 Then from me stole the bonnie lass 
 
 I '11 never see again. 
 
 MY COUNTRY SWEETHEART. 
 
 Do you remember still, my love, 
 
 The happy seasons passed 
 Upon the dairy farm, where you 
 
 And I have sweetly basked? 
 
 When roaming through the fragrant fields 
 
 In search of flowers gay, 
 Where, when mild evening came, we chose 
 
 To pass the time away? 
 
14 Sweetheart and Wif^ 
 
 When on your cheeks the roses shone 
 Bright as the noon-day sun, 
 
 Beneath the loveliest orbs of blue 
 That beamed in Bloomington? 
 
 When with your golden tresses played 
 Full many a welcome breeze, 
 
 And many a woodland songster sang 
 Among the rich green trees? 
 
 The sylvan grove where lovers swung 
 
 Beside the valley pool, 
 Where oft in sportive glee you loved 
 
 To gaily romp and fool? 
 
 When beautiful I thought you were — 
 
 The fairest of the fair — 
 And smiling plenty treated us 
 
 Lo, with the tenderest care? 
 
 The shady lawn, where oft we spent 
 
 So many a pleasing hour, 
 Which seemed in dusky twilight-time 
 
 Like an enchanted bower? 
 
 Oh, no! you never can forget 
 
 Such hallowed scenes as these, 
 
 Such calm retreats from worldly care, 
 Which used so oft to please. 
 
 Wherever you may roam, look back 
 You will — howe 'er forlorn — 
 
 Through memory's eye, with fond delight 
 To scenes where you were bom. 
 
 MY OWN SWEET KATIE DEAR. 
 
 Oh! how I long to see again 
 
 My own sweet Katie dear — 
 For whom fond recollection sheds 
 
 Affection's sweetest tear — 
 Upon her face so beautiful, 
 
 To fondly gaze once more. 
 And look into her orbs, so brown, 
 
 And her fair charms adore. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 15 
 
 Chorus: 
 Oh ! how I long to meet again 
 
 My own sweet Katie dear — 
 The girl I love so tenderly, 
 
 The maiden I revere. 
 
 The joy and comfort of my life, 
 
 I long to see again — 
 The friend I love and cherish so,— - 
 
 With whom I often train ; 
 Who makes my life more cheery seem, 
 
 And sunshine to me brings, 
 Who fills my mind with tender thoughts 
 
 When love's gay songs she sings. 
 
 I'm lonely now, I cannot see 
 
 My Katie bright and fair — 
 The girl I love and treasure so, 
 
 With rosy cheeks so rare ; 
 For she is all that I desire — 
 
 The darling of my heart — 
 From whom, could I forever live, 
 
 I'd never wish to part. 
 
 My Katie 's coming home again — 
 
 How happy then, I'll be. 
 When I embrace, once more, the girl 
 
 I love so tenderly! 
 For I am sad and lonely now, 
 
 When she is far away ; 
 Ay, when I rove through meadows green. 
 
 Where we were wont to stray. 
 
 LOVE'S LAST FAREWELL. 
 
 How brightly beamed the rising sun — 
 
 Whose rays outdazzled burnished gold 
 How lovely seemed the summer morn, 
 
 Can ne 'er by poet's pen be told ; 
 The mom we met for the last time 
 
 How sweetly smiled thy azure eyes! 
 How fair the roses on thy cheeks! — 
 
 More pleasing than the lily's hue. 
 
i6 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Chonis: 
 Farewell my love ! farewell to thee ! — 
 
 I'll ne'er forget our parting vow 
 We made beneath the ha"^i;horn tree, 
 
 When garlands decked thy fair young brow. 
 
 What hopes we builded on that day — 
 
 Sweet joys that never were to be — 
 Of charming scenes and pleasures dear, 
 
 We longed for and we prayed to see !• 
 When kneeling side by side we gently vowed 
 
 To meet when summer bloomed again 
 Upon the self-same plot of green, 
 
 Where we in childhood loved to train. 
 
 Oh, how deceived we were, my love ! — 
 
 In all our calculations blind — 
 When on the wings of hope we soared, 
 
 When on the light, green turf we signed; 
 Consumption came and smote thee down 
 
 Ere half the coming year had flown — 
 Then passed away the brightest gem 
 
 Ajid sweetest flower I've ever known. 
 
 In foreign lands, and far away, 
 
 The -wiU of fate caused me to be, 
 I've ne 'er forgot our parting vow 
 
 We made beneath the hawthorn tree ; 
 Thy fascinating smiles, so sweet. 
 
 Thy lo\ing heart so fond and true, 
 Live in my mind and ever will. 
 
 Till I am with life's journey through. 
 
 FORGIVE ME NOW, MY HUSBAND DEAR. 
 
 Forgive me now, my husband dear. 
 
 And I'U be true to you, 
 And in the future, as I ought, 
 
 My duty gladly do ; 
 That you and I may happy feel, 
 
 And cease to sigh and grieve — 
 For I, alas! our humble home, 
 
 Again, vAM never leave. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ly 
 
 Forgive me now, my husband dear. 
 
 And I in future '11 be 
 The same dear friend and loving wife 
 
 I know you love to see ; 
 And I shall strive again to please 
 
 And live, as I ought too, 
 And never wander from your side, 
 
 Or faithless prove to you. 
 
 Forgive me now, my husband dear, 
 
 And I again mil be 
 To you the same sweet Annie dear 
 
 You always love to see, 
 And, with the same sweet loving smiles 
 
 I'll greet you as of yore. 
 And show again, how I love you, 
 
 As I have done before. 
 
 Forgive me now, my husband dear, 
 
 And I will by you stand 
 Through dark and sunny hours to come, 
 
 And lend a helping hand; 
 For I am thinking of our long 
 
 And pleasant wedded life — 
 So full of joy and happiness 
 
 So free from sinful strife. 
 
 Forgive me now, my husband dear, 
 
 That I may cease to weep, 
 So, by your side I may again 
 
 Lie down to sweetly sleep; 
 For you are more than life to me — 
 
 The sunshine of my heart — 
 With whom I love to dwell — from whom 
 
 Again I'll ne'er depart. 
 
 Forgive me now, my husband dear, 
 
 That I ^dth you may live, 
 And never with another roam 
 
 Or wish my love to give ; 
 Then my sad heart wdll brighter seem 
 
 And peace return to me ; 
 Then you and I will happy feel. 
 
 And life worth living be. 
 
i8 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 MY BLACK-EYED NELL. 
 
 My black-eyed Nell, in fancy, now, 
 
 I see my native green 
 Where you and I so often played 
 
 From busy care unseen ; 
 The maple grove and flowery dell. 
 
 Where loving vows we made, 
 When twilight bade the sky-lark sing 
 
 Above the heathy glade. 
 
 Refrain: 
 
 My black-eyed Nell, in fancj'^, now, 
 
 I see my native green, 
 Where you and I so often played 
 
 From busy care unseen. 
 
 I see the cot that sheltered you 
 
 In happy years gone by. 
 Where oft at eve we lingered long 
 
 When love was hovering nigh ; 
 The roses on your cheeks again 
 
 In all their beauty bloom. 
 As lovely as the year before 
 
 We laid you in the tomb. 
 
 I see your black eyes beaming now. 
 
 Which smiled so oft at me. 
 When o'er the hills and through the vales 
 
 Your charms I used to see ; 
 When youth and beauty once were yours 
 
 And your young heart was gay, 
 When 'neath the twinkling stars at night 
 
 We whiled the hours away. 
 
 I see you pluck with lily hands 
 
 The hill-side roses wild, 
 And listening hear the robin sing 
 
 Its notes so soft and mild; 
 As I recall sweet days of yore 
 
 When on the village-green 
 I saw you gaily dance and sing 
 
 In many a lively scene. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 ^9 
 
 WHEN FIRST THE MORNING GLORIES WERE IN 
 
 To-night, through childhood's haunts again I roam 
 
 Down ^^?f^ ^^i^?^'^ ^^^ l^g-^^bin hor^e 
 13own on the old plantation as of yore 
 My careless feet so often wandered o'er 
 
 Si t^^T.l^T^^ ^^^ happiness was mine, 
 And 1 among the lassies used to shine : 
 Where first I met my sweetheart on the green 
 When she was beautiful fair Bessie Deln- 
 Where once we wooed, ere aught we knew'of doom 
 When first the morning glories were in bloom. ^ ' 
 
 To-night I hear the darkies sing again — 
 Now by the cotton-fields I dance and train - 
 As 1, in fancy, live those happy hours 
 When we so sweetly sang in shady bowers ; 
 When life and rosy hope before me lay 
 And cold misfortune dwelt far, far away 
 J^re cruel changes came, or sorrow tried 
 Tnrf w^ ^^f''''^^ carelessly through acres wide, 
 
 Whp^S ."^/if "^ "'^''?^^' ^^^^ by the flume, ' 
 When first the mormng glories were in bloom. 
 
 To-night, down in our cabin home, I see 
 feweet faces, once so fond and dear to me • 
 1 see again the reverend pastor there ' 
 Ihe eve she looked so lovely and so fkir 
 
 Sk ^^% ^T^ ^^\ blithesome nightingale 
 W^ ^"ghtly beained the stars o'er hill and vale • 
 When, hand in hand, we vowed we 'd faithfulbe ' 
 Though fortune smiled or frowned adversity ' 
 mirfT 7^ P^^dg^d, as loving bride and groom 
 When first the mormng glories were in bloom. 
 
 Now from these hallowed scenes, though far I dwell 
 Far from the shady haunts we love so well 
 Our old log-cabm home we 've ne 'er forgot' 
 Where first my sweetheart's hand I sought' 
 And hfe with all its charms before me lay 
 When she was beautiful as vernal May 
 When o er Its walls the woodbine softly crept. 
 And love and peace and fond contentment slept • 
 mf nV^.^ll^' ^^dipck's wiles we met our doom' 
 When firet the morning glories were in bloom ' 
 
20 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 WHEN DAISIES BRIGHTLY BLOOM. 
 
 On this fair summer day, my love, 
 
 With you, I long to be, 
 So, if you will, we '11 wander to 
 
 A meadow by the sea ; 
 For my sad heart is sick and sore, 
 
 And you can make it well, 
 If you, when daisies brightly bloom, 
 
 To-day, your secret tell. 
 
 Refrain: 
 
 For my sad heart is sick and sore, 
 But you can make it well, 
 
 If you, when daisies brightly bloom, 
 To-day, your secret tell. 
 
 As I no longer wish to wait, 
 
 To-day, I hope to know, 
 When nature's charms so fascinate 
 
 And bahny breezes blow; 
 For, from my mind, perplexing doubts 
 
 I can't too soon dispel; 
 So, when the daisies brightly bloom. 
 
 To-day, your secret tell. 
 
 Many admirers now, you claim, 
 
 And lovers not a few, 
 Who o'er the ground you daily tread 
 
 Love's blossoms thickly strew; 
 So can you wonder why, my love, 
 
 That I with peace can't dwell? 
 So, when the daisies brightly bloom, 
 
 To-day, your secret tell. 
 
 Well, well, my dear, I now confess 
 
 The one I love is you. 
 From whom I '11 never stray — the one 
 
 To whom I will be true — 
 With whom I trust some day 't will be 
 
 My happy lot to dwell; 
 So, when the daisies brightly bloom, 
 
 I did my secret tell. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 21 
 
 MY LOVE! WILL YOU BE TRUE TO ME? 
 
 To-night beside my cheery hearth, 
 
 Our happy childhood knew, 
 My sweetheart, dear, some questions I 
 
 Will frankly ask of you — 
 The questions dearest to my heart — 
 
 If you would be my bride ? 
 If you through life, will live with me. 
 
 And journey by my side? 
 
 Refrain: 
 
 To-night beside our cheery hearth, 
 Our happy childhood knew, 
 
 My sweetheart, dear, some questions I 
 Will frankly ask of you. 
 
 When trials come, that try the soul, 
 
 And sorrow wounds the heart. 
 Will you love me, as now, or from 
 
 My side long to depart? 
 When those more handsome tempt you to 
 
 Your marriage vows forget? 
 When those with more of this world's goods 
 
 Ask you to be their "pet"? 
 
 Should trouble often visit you 
 
 And pleasure quickly flee? 
 Should tribulations deeply wound 
 
 And peace be prone to flee? 
 Should sad misfortune bid you oft 
 
 To sigh for happiness. 
 And sunshine seldom care your lot 
 
 In life to cheer or bless? 
 
 Should poverty our lot be gloom U 
 
 Or cruel want bedim 
 Our happiness? or we be cursed 
 
 With dark afflictions, grim? 
 Should old acquaintances, from me, 
 
 Advise you to depart, 
 Will you be true, and I still be 
 
 As precious to your heart? 
 
22 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 MUST MY DEAR MARY DIE? 
 
 Alas ! must my dear Mary die — 
 My all beneath the cold sod lie — 
 Who 's been to me so kind and dear, 
 So true through many a golden year? 
 
 Oh ! must her gentle spirit leave 
 
 To cause my anxious heart to grieve ? 
 
 All that I love — must it decay 
 
 Like summer blooms and pass away? 
 
 Must I be early left to mourn? 
 From one I love must I be torn? 
 Shall fond acquaintance weep and die, 
 And hallowed friendship lowly lie? 
 
 Nay! nay! my Mary '11 not depart, 
 
 But still delight and bless my heart ; 
 
 Still please in sad and cheerj^ hours 
 
 And charm like spring-time's fragrant flowers'. 
 
 The paleness on her cheeks will pine 
 And roses on them brightly shine, 
 And her pale lips their rubies gain 
 With jovial health — now on the wane. 
 
 Her mild blue eyes mil charm's before 
 And beam, as in bright days of yore ; 
 Her gentle voice will soothe my ear 
 Like plaintive airs, so sweet to hear. 
 
 A season more I long to save 
 The dearest boon kind nature gave — 
 My own true wife, my Mary kind, 
 Who is so pleasing to my mind. 
 
 So blest with virtues that endear, 
 With a good heart, so kind — sincere ; 
 So pure, affectionate and true, 
 Her loving smiles seem ever new; 
 
 Ay, she '11 be spared to bless me still. 
 And oft my heart with sunshine fill; 
 For many a year, oh ! may it be 
 She '11 live to cheer and comfort me. 
 
Sweetheart and Wije 2j 
 
 She cannot die ! Pale death shall wait, 
 Ere it decides my Mary's fate ; 
 Good health must come to banish pain 
 And make her seem herself again. 
 
 FAREWELL, DEAR EMMA. 
 
 Farewell, dear Emma! now, farewell 
 
 To every hallowed scene, 
 For I am going far away 
 
 From my dear native green, 
 Where dreary winter cometh not 
 
 To blight fair nature's blooms. 
 But summer smiles the 5''ear around 
 
 And health and plenty rooms. 
 
 Refrain. 
 
 Farewell, dear Emma! now, farewell 
 To every hallowed scene, 
 
 For I am going far away 
 
 From my dear native green. 
 
 Now I must leave my native land 
 
 And those I love so well. 
 And far across the ocean wide 
 
 Make up my mind to dwell; 
 Far, far from friends, so tried and true, 
 
 From those so dear to me ; 
 Still, roam where'er I will, I'll ne 'er 
 
 Forget to think of thee ; 
 
 For we have known each other long 
 
 And loved each other well, 
 So, back to thee, my thoughts will rove 
 
 Where 'er thou mayest dwell. 
 Forget me not, and faithful prove 
 
 By night as well's by day. 
 And think of none but me, my love 
 
 When I am far away. 
 
24 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 MOTHER, SHE'S FAIREST OF THE DALE. 
 
 Mother, my Tilly is a primrose, sweet, 
 
 She is so graceful and so fair — 
 The sweetest flower in all the world to me, 
 
 With charming locks of golden hair. 
 
 Mother, she is a blonde of rosy hue, 
 With a complexion like the lily; 
 
 So beautiful — whom I so much admire — 
 My own dear love — my bonnie Tilly. 
 
 Mother, she 's fairest of the fair, I claim, 
 
 To whose sweet charms none can be blind; 
 
 Possessing such a tender loving heart, 
 With such a pure and noble mind. 
 
 Mother, I've many a handsome lassie seen, 
 
 But none, like her, have chanced to meet; 
 
 So bright and fair, I can with justice say. 
 So amiable, so kind and sweet. 
 
 Mother, because her beauty charms me so — 
 Making me feel so young again — 
 
 Don't fear, while virtue crowns her lovely brow 
 And noble worth inspires her train. 
 
 Mother, I know you love my Tilly, well. 
 As you her beauty must admire. 
 
 When 'tis entrancing as a cooling breeze, 
 As love around a winter fire. 
 
 Mother, sometime, you'll bless the hour we met — 
 
 The happiest hour I ever knew, 
 And gladly say, "She 's worthy of our praise. 
 
 Who's been so upright and so true." 
 
 Mother, I've gazed at beauty oft before, 
 On tresses bright 's the noon-day sun, 
 
 On brilliant orbs of loveliest hue, but none 
 So fair's my love's of Irvington. 
 
 Mother, she 's blest with beauty of the mind — 
 More lasting than the human form — 
 
 With a pure spirit, gentle as a lamb. 
 
 With love that weathers every storm. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 25 
 
 Mother, I'm pleased, because my choice is made ; 
 
 The world seems lovely to me now, 
 Lo, when my Tilly greets me with a smile 
 
 And I to pure afifection, bow. 
 
 Mother, salute me with approval's kiss. 
 Uphold my cause and deem me wise ; 
 
 Say with me now, "She's fairest of the dale. 
 Its sweetest flower and dearest prize." 
 
 MY DEAR DEPARTED WIFE. 
 
 How sad it seems now, in our home 
 
 I can no longer see 
 Thy genial face and loving smiles, 
 
 So fondly dear to me ; 
 Now sorrow finds a welcome warm. 
 
 Where once affection smiled. 
 And joy and fond contentment oft 
 
 Life's passing hours beguiled! 
 
 To say "farewell," how hard, indeed! 
 
 To bid adieu to thee. 
 My sweetest friend, when daily thou 
 
 More lovely seemed to me; 
 Who e 'er in sunshine and in storm 
 
 Stood firmly by my side, 
 A true and worthy helpmate and 
 
 A kind and loving bride. 
 
 Beneath the cold unfeeling sod, 
 
 I dreaded so to place 
 Thy loved remains — but yesterday 
 
 So full of love and grace ; 
 To know that home could never seem 
 
 The same dear spot to me. 
 When thy fond smiles and winning ways 
 
 I nevermore should see. 
 
 Alas! how little did I know 
 
 Of how I 'd miss thee, dear. 
 
 Till cruel death one hapless morn 
 Smote me with gnef and fear; 
 
26 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Till on thy dying bed, at last, 
 I knew that we must part, 
 
 How sad I'd feel for one who was 
 The sunshine of my heart. 
 
 The bright and cheering hope, that I 
 
 May some day live again 
 In endless love with thee, my dear. 
 
 Allays my grief and pain; 
 The thought that thou art dwelling now 
 
 Where pleasures never end. 
 Where love and joy and happiness 
 
 Delight, inspire, befriend. 
 
 But oh! thy memory '11 be kept green. 
 
 My dear departed wife. 
 For how, oh, how can I forget 
 
 The comfort of my life ? 
 The friend of friends and love of loves 
 
 Thou 'It ever be to me — 
 For time or absence never '11 quench 
 
 The love I bear for thee. 
 
 SWEET ANNIE'S TOMB. 
 To-day, my own sweet Annie dear 
 
 Is sleeping gently in the tomb, 
 Down by a clover field, so near, 
 
 Where daisies nod and brightly bloom. 
 
 Her cheeks, so fair, and eyes, so blue, 
 
 Now charm no more my wishful gaze, 
 
 As they, of yore, were wont to do 
 
 When in our loving youthful days. 
 
 Her kindly voice is silent now — 
 
 The voice so gentle and so sweet 
 
 When garlands decked her fair young brow, 
 And we in childhood loved to meet. 
 
 To-day the grass is growing green 
 
 And aU around the crickets sing, 
 
 While I, with tender thoughts serene, 
 Fond recollection's tokens bring. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 2y 
 
 Still, lonely seems her resting-place, 
 
 Though decked with many a cherished flower, 
 With twining vines, I love to trace, 
 
 Bedewed with many a welcome shower; 
 
 Though birds sing o'er her little mound, 
 
 While careless youth tread thoughtless by, 
 
 And flowers fair bloom o'er ground 
 Between my Annie dear and I. 
 
 Refrain: 
 
 To-day, the flowers are in bloom 
 
 And birds are singing o'er the lea, 
 
 Above my Annie in the tomb 
 
 Who I in childhood loved to see. 
 
 THE MODEL WIFE. 
 
 The wife who dost her husband love 
 
 And treats respectfully; 
 Who never breaks her marriage vows 
 
 And is from meanness free ; 
 Who for her children loves to do. 
 
 To sacrifice and plead; 
 Who through the paths of righteousness 
 
 Delights to daily lead ; 
 
 Who on vain gossiping looks down, 
 
 Like saints on sinfulness; 
 Who in her home and family 
 
 Dost comfort, cheer and bless; 
 Who in the footsteps of the good 
 
 Desires to daily walk; 
 Who with the noble-minded loves 
 
 Lo, sensibly to talk; 
 
 Who strives her husband lo, to please 
 
 And caters to his weal, 
 Who trusts in God and trains her young 
 
 At goodness' shrine to kneel; 
 Who in her home breeds harmony 
 
 And bids contention cease ; 
 Who is in league with happiness, 
 
 Contentment, love and peace; 
 
28 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Who trains her children to be kind, 
 
 Unselfish and upright; 
 Who never calls them vulgar names, 
 
 Or would their prospects blight; 
 Who by her family is loved. 
 
 Respected and revered; 
 Who through her kindly words and deeds 
 
 Hath made her name endeared ; 
 
 Who knows her place, and when to act, 
 
 And how to mischief shun ; 
 Who wrangling dreads, and aught that drives 
 
 From home good nature's sun; 
 Who values time and noble deeds. 
 
 And loves to useful be ; 
 Who calmly bears the icy blasts 
 
 Of cold adversity; 
 
 Who loves to be of service to 
 
 The members of her home ; 
 Who from its loved and hallowed charms 
 
 Has no desire to roam; 
 Who weighs her words and fairly acts. 
 
 And lady-like appears; 
 Who in the time of sorrow sheds 
 
 Kind sympathy's blest tears. 
 
 I MISS THEE, NOW THE SPRING-TIME'S COME 
 
 AGAIN. 
 
 I miss thee, now the spring-time's come again. 
 
 When in the orchards sing the blue-birds clear. 
 And on the garden fence the robin pipes 
 
 The notes which fall so softly on my ear; 
 Now, on the meadow green, the violets 
 
 JBloom as of yore, as beautiful and sweet, 
 Down by the silvery brook, that flows so still. 
 
 Where oft the thrushes notes I used to greet. 
 
 Now, when the daffodils so brightly bloom 
 
 And 'neath the old barn eaves the swallow's seen. 
 
 What would I give, if we could meet again 
 
 To ramble through the budding fields, so green! 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 2g 
 
 And sit beneath the maple's leafy shade, 
 
 Now, on the wing, the bright and busy bee 
 
 Plucks from the fragrant flowers, the livelong day. 
 Their honeyed sweets — so pleasing once to thee. 
 
 I miss thee, now the butter-fly is wont 
 
 To rove among the fairest buds of spring, 
 When fragrant gales perfume thy favorite haunts 
 
 And on the green, at eve, the lassies sing; 
 When o'er the cottage of thy youth, I see 
 
 The woodbine leafing as of yore. 
 And, as of old, down by the village mill, 
 
 Again I hear the foaming waters roar. 
 
 Now buoyant spring, so beautiful and fair. 
 
 Recalls so many scenes, so full of glee, 
 Which fond remembrance treasures with delight, 
 
 It makes me long to be again with thee ; 
 Now, when the trees are clothed with verdure green. 
 
 To linger in the grove and on the lawn, 
 When I, in fancy, feel so young again 
 
 And spring so sweetly blooms where we were born 
 
 YOU ARE THE WIFE FOR ME, SWEET MAMIE! 
 
 You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 
 
 So loving and so true. 
 With such a form, so neat and trim. 
 
 And eyes so bright and blue ; 
 For though I should, as time rolls on. 
 
 More handsome faces see, 
 With forms more beautiful, still they'd 
 
 Not seem the same to me. 
 
 Chorus : 
 
 You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! — 
 
 The dearest of the dear — 
 The pride and comfort of my heart. 
 
 Whom I love to be near; 
 Whose loving smiles make life more dear 
 
 More pleasing far to me ; 
 Whom I shall never cease to love 
 
 Wherever I may be. 
 
^0 Sweetheart and Wije 
 
 You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 
 
 Because you please me so, 
 Because another one Hke you 
 
 I'll never find, I know; 
 For I have traveled far, and those 
 
 More beautiful have seen, 
 But none, oh! none that can or will 
 
 My love for 3^ou e 'er wean. 
 
 You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 
 
 So good, so kind and fair — 
 The sweetheart that I love so well. 
 
 For whom I fondly care ; 
 Since none so pleasing seem to me. 
 
 No matter where I roam, 
 Lo! none, however fair, with whom 
 
 I feel so much at home. 
 
 You are the wife for me, sweet Mamie ! 
 
 With whom I love to be. 
 Whose winning ways and pleasant smiles 
 
 I dearly love to see ; 
 So, good it seems, to think that you 
 
 Are still my joy and pride, 
 That we, together, love to dwell 
 
 And journey side by side. 
 
 WEEP NOT FOR ME, MY HUSBAND DEAR. 
 
 Weep not for me, my husband dear. 
 
 Because I love another now, 
 Grieve not your life away for me 
 
 Because I broke my marriage vow; 
 But on life's bright and pleasing side 
 
 Resolve that you will daily dwell, 
 And think, as rarely as you can, 
 
 Of one you long have loved so well. 
 
 With my new home, I'm satisfied, 
 
 With my new friend, I happy feel; 
 
 For he is rich and you are poor, 
 
 And I at plenty's altars kneel; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ji 
 
 So, do not worry now for me, 
 
 But rather think 'tis for the best 
 
 That from a faithless spouse, you 're free, 
 And bid your mind to be at rest. 
 
 I left you for another man 
 
 Whom I love better now, I know. 
 So useless tears ne 'er shed for me, 
 
 Or wonder why I acted so ; 
 Because I never shall return. 
 
 Or be to you a wife again ; 
 Still, in my heart, I sorry feel. 
 
 As I dislike to cause you pain. 
 
 Why grieve for me, my husband dear, 
 
 While marriage is a lottery? 
 When many faithless prove, you know, 
 
 Why break your heart for such as me ? 
 For, had I acted as I ought. 
 
 And been to you a faithful bride, 
 I might be still your loving spouse. 
 
 Because I was your joy and pride. 
 
 MY SWEETHEART BEFORE THE BALL. 
 
 To-night, beside my cottage fire, 
 
 I'm longing for my love again. 
 For golden hours and pleasures gay 
 
 When I loved so my Lilly Jane ; 
 When she so charming seemed to me — 
 
 The girl I loved the best of all, 
 Ere tears and pleadings were in vain, 
 
 Long years ago, before the ball. 
 
 To-night, my sweetheart may I see. 
 
 By genial fancy's kindly aid — 
 The blossom that I treasure so. 
 
 Who from my memory never '11 fade ; 
 May I once more my love behold — 
 
 The girl I loved the best of all, 
 When life so pleasing seemed to me. 
 
 Long years ago, before the ball. 
 
j2 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 To-night, oh! bring me back again 
 
 To my sweetheart, when I believed 
 Her faithful, innocent and pure. 
 
 Ere I her tender heart had grieved; 
 Ere I her hopes betrayed — back to 
 
 The girl I loved the best of all 
 When we were happy, young and free, 
 
 Long years ago, before the ball. 
 
 To-night, oh ! let me live again 
 
 The pleasing scenes so dear to me. 
 When my sweetheart was young and fair 
 
 And beautiful as she could be ; 
 Ay ! ay ! once more let me caress 
 
 The girl I loved the best of all. 
 Ere I her trusting heart deceived. 
 
 Long years ago, before the ball. 
 
 MY CHARMING BLUE-EYED MAY 
 
 This morn, I'm thinking of my dear, 
 
 My charming blue-eyed May, 
 Who long, long years ago from me 
 
 Was carried far away. 
 When in her native ville appeared 
 
 A youth of wealth and fame, 
 Who early won her tender heart 
 
 And changed her maiden name. 
 
 Oh ! how I long to tell again 
 
 My charming blue-eyed May 
 How sad and lonely I have felt 
 
 E'er since she went away ! 
 How I have missed a friend, so dear, 
 
 My childhood loved so well, 
 How I have hoped and prayed that I 
 
 With her might some day dwell. 
 
 Though years have flown since last I saw 
 My charming blue-eyed May, 
 
 Yet, in my mind, she still remains 
 The same sweet girl to-day; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife jj 
 
 For time or absence never '11 blot 
 Her image from my heart — 
 
 Whate 'er my fate, 'twill never from 
 My recollection part. 
 
 WITH MY SWEETHEART, PLEADINGS WERE 
 VAIN. 
 
 This eve, I 'm thinking of sweet days gone by, 
 
 Of a sequestered hamlet by the sea, 
 Where my sweetheart and I were born and reared, 
 
 Long, long ago when life was dear to me ; 
 Ere on the main I wished to widely roam, 
 
 When my sweetheart's longing for me was o 'er. 
 And my sad heart was breaking with regret ; 
 
 Ere first I wandered from my native shore. 
 Ere I had learned with anguish and with pain 
 
 That with my sweetheart, pleadings were in vain. 
 
 How happy I might feel, if I could see 
 
 My loving sweetheart of the long ago, 
 When I was worthy, kind and true, and she 
 
 Was fairer than the buds that brightest blow! 
 If I could feel as I did then, when she 
 
 Loved me and in my heart she ruled supreme ; 
 When I called her the queen among the fair, 
 
 And life to me seemed like a golden dream, 
 Ere I had learned with anguish and with pain 
 
 That with my sweetheart, pleadings were in vain. 
 
 In hallowed seasons of the past, I live, 
 
 When I, in fancy with my sweetheart roam. 
 Ere I in foreign lands nad widely strayed. 
 
 Far, far beyond our dear old sea-side home ; 
 When on the summer side of life, I dwelt. 
 
 Near by my sweetheart beautiful and fair, 
 When we were loving schoolmates fond of play. 
 
 And love and pleasure banished every care, 
 Ere I had learned with anguish and with pain 
 
 That with my sweetheart pleadings were in vain. 
 
 Now in my old arm-chair, I love so well, 
 
 To check the falling tears, I strive in vain ; 
 
 For my sad heart in fancy wanders back. 
 Back to a lovely summer's eve again. 
 
j4 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 When to my sweetheart I unfaithful proved ; 
 
 So this is why a wanderer I have been 
 Since she returned our old engagement-ring, 
 
 Since last I saw my own dear native green, 
 Where first I learned with anguish and with pain 
 
 That with my sweetheart, pleadings were in vain. 
 
 AFTER OUR HONEY-MOON WAS OVER 
 
 One morning, I awoke to find 
 
 My heart with grief was running o 'er, 
 That I had lost my peace of mind 
 
 By wedding handsome Daisy Moore; 
 Learning with pain, with anguish keen. 
 
 That I no longer dwelt in clover ; 
 For wedded bliss I sought, in vain. 
 
 After our honey-moon was over. 
 
 When in "the swim," I quickly learned 
 
 How sadly I'd been taken in, 
 When I knew well, that love was blind. 
 
 And maidens gay were prone to sin ; 
 When from me happiness had flown 
 
 And I no longer dwelt in clover. 
 Wishing that I was free again. 
 
 After our honey-moon was over; 
 
 For to my sorrow and dismay, 
 
 I found she wed me for my gold — 
 For that which charms the young and gay — 
 
 So love was left out in the cold ; 
 Making me feel as though I 'd like 
 
 To be in Hackensack or Dover — 
 And when too late, I sighed in vain. 
 
 After our honey-moon was over. 
 
 So men, be careful what you do! 
 
 Beware of those who wed for gold! 
 Of maidens who care naught for you. 
 
 Or you may pine out in the cold ; 
 Lest you begin to sigh, in vain, 
 
 When you no longer dwell in clover 
 For single-blessedness again, 
 
 After your honey-moon is over. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife oc 
 
 THAT CRANKY WIFE OF MINE. 
 
 Today, I have a wife — oh! such a wife — 
 That I am sick and tired of wedded life, 
 roi\ night and day, I seek for peace in vain, 
 And sigh for single-blessedness again; 
 Since I can't live, unless she has her way 
 Do what I will, she's bound to have her say 
 Just to find fault and be dissatisfied, ' 
 
 Regardless of my feelings and my pride ; 
 So I dislike that cranky wife of mine 
 Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and|wine. 
 
 When in my ears her vexing clatter rings 
 I wish that I was dancing ''Highland flings" • 
 When sue contends and cries for the last word 
 And my poor nerves are fluttering like a bird • 
 When from their sockets start her dagger eyes 
 Ajid her untiring tongue like lightning flies 
 Tis then I long forever to depart, ' 
 
 To seek for peace and ease my troubled heart ; 
 So 1 dislike that cranky wife of mine 
 Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and wine. 
 
 Sometimes, I wish that I had ne'er been born 
 That, in my youth, to some fair clime I'd gone 
 Where scolds, in petticoats, are never seen, ' 
 And grass the year around is always green ' 
 For my cross wife my peace of mind upsets. 
 Making me feel like one who piles up debts; 
 Like one who is to woe and misery wed 
 From whom the brilliant star of hope has fled • 
 So I dislike that cranky wife of mine ' 
 
 Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and wine. 
 
 Now! now! let others sing of "home sweet home •" 
 Around this wide, wide world, I'd rather roam,' 
 
 Than to dwell with a scold who drives me mad 
 
 That to look well must powder, paint and pad — 
 
 Who thinner grows, the more she frets and stews 
 
 The more she pouts and stands up for the blues • ' 
 
 With whom I never cease to be at war, 
 
 She loves so well to snarl, to snap and jaw; 
 
 So I dislike that cranky wife of mine 
 
 Who temperance talks, yet sips her ale and wine. 
 
j6 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 WE PARTED JUST BEFORE THE BALL 
 
 Lo! just before the ball began, 
 
 One autumn eve, long, long ago, 
 I met my love for the last time — 
 
 The fair young girl that I love so — 
 To learn she loved another more 
 
 That I had courted — but in vain — 
 A maiden bonnie, bright and fair. 
 
 Who I shall never meet again. 
 
 Chorus : 
 We parted just before the ball, — 
 
 Before the music was entrancing — 
 To meet and love on earth no more. 
 
 Ere maidens fair were gaily dancing; 
 When sweetly smiled the twinkling stars 
 
 Ere' the bright-lights were softly beaming, 
 Upon a golden twilight eve 
 
 When pearls and diamonds were gleaming. 
 
 The maiden I so longed to win. 
 
 Whom I have praised in many a song. 
 Upon a bright and stilly eve 
 
 Resolved she would her lover wrong. 
 Since then, I've often thought of her. 
 
 Of her sad fate and early fall, 
 Of the regretful reason why 
 
 We parted just before the ball. 
 
 I have another sweetheart now, 
 
 Who I have tried and proven true. 
 Who never from me longs to stray — 
 
 Though dark the sky, though bright or blue ; 
 So, for my love before the ball, 
 
 Alas ! again I '11 never care, 
 Or e 'er forget the autumn eve 
 
 I found her faithless — unaware. 
 
 GOOD WIVES. 
 
 Toward a good wife, I never would 
 The part of tyrant play, 
 
 Or think that I, in everything, 
 Should always have my way. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife jy 
 
 Lo! a helpmate to goodness wed 
 I never would ill-treat, 
 
 But, everywhere, be always glad 
 Her smiling face to greet. 
 
 A helpmate who was never vain 
 Or a blind slave to dress, 
 
 I would strive hard to please and love 
 To daily kindly bless. 
 
 To one who to her vows was true, 
 
 I would be kind indeed. 
 And love to lend a helping hand 
 
 Lo ! in the hour of need. 
 
 To one, who for her children cares, 
 And labors for their weal, 
 
 I would do naught to cause dire pain. 
 But for her love to feel. 
 
 Ay, one that justice recommends- 
 And honor loves to praise, 
 
 I v/ould with pleasure, crown her brow 
 With gratitude's fair bays. 
 
 Lo ! to a wife that 's good and true, 
 I would be always kind — 
 
 Knowing full well that I, her like, 
 Not every day can find. 
 
 TILL YOU ARE DEAD TO HONOR. 
 
 A wife-beater you '11 never be — 
 
 No matter where you dwell — 
 E 'en though your home should sometimes seem 
 
 Lo, like an earthly hell — 
 
 Till you are dead to honor. 
 
 You '11 never dare to cruelly beat 
 
 The helpmate you have wed, 
 But wish to act a manly part. 
 
 Whatever may be said — 
 
 Till you are dead to honor. 
 
j8 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 To strike the partner of your choice 
 Naught could induce you too — 
 
 E 'en though, alas ! she may have been 
 To wedlock's vows untrue — 
 Till you are dead to honor. 
 
 Whate 'er your lot in life may be, 
 Your wife, you'll not abuse. 
 
 Or, to please righteousness and worth, 
 To kindly act refuse — 
 Till you are dead to honor. 
 
 However mad you may become, 
 So long as you are sane 
 
 Your wedded spouse, you'll never harm, 
 Or cause her needless pain — 
 Till you are dead to honor. 
 
 THE WIFE THAT I ADMIRE. 
 
 The wife for me, I now confess. 
 
 Is gentle, kind and true, 
 And oft along life's winding paths 
 
 The flowers of love doth strew ; 
 Who takes an interest in the young 
 
 And for her husband feels. 
 And at the shrine of faithfulness. 
 
 With honor, daily kneels. 
 
 The wife for me ne 'er rudely acts 
 
 Or frowns on modesty, 
 But from what is unladylike 
 
 Is not ashamed to flee; 
 Who cherishes ideals that tell 
 
 For truth and righteousness. 
 And, in her home, her family 
 
 Delights to cheer and bless. 
 
 The wife for me is never proud 
 
 Or favors vanity. 
 And with the haughty and the mean 
 
 Hasl^no desire to be; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife jg 
 
 Who loves to mind her own affairs 
 And treat her neighbors well ; 
 
 And with the upright and the wise 
 Hopes she will always dwell. 
 
 The wife for me in God believes — 
 
 And in a future life — 
 And never, needlessly, foments 
 
 Unjust and heartless strife ; 
 Who is to gossiping a foe, 
 
 And from back biting free ; 
 And who, wherever she abides, 
 
 With cheerfulness would be. 
 
 The wife for me extravagance 
 
 Is never known to praise, 
 And through the gloomy paths that lead 
 
 To scandal never strays; 
 Who knows her place, and rules her tongue, 
 
 And lives as kindness would, 
 Loving to follow in the steps 
 
 Of those who oft do good. 
 
 The wife for me makes home a place 
 
 Where peace and love abide, 
 And wrangling and contention find 
 
 They must remain outside ; 
 Who looks on the bright side of life, 
 
 And, in her family, 
 Her sweetest comfort finds — where all 
 
 From discontent are free. 
 
 A GOOD WIFE. 
 
 Of a good wife, I sing to-day, 
 
 Of one I love so well. 
 Whose qualities of mind and heart 
 
 For worth and honor tell: 
 T\Tio I have never ceased to prize 
 
 Since she became my bride, 
 With whom I trust, while life is mine, 
 
 In peace and love to bide. 
 
^0 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Chorus : 
 Of a good wife, to-day I sing, 
 
 Of one to me so dear. 
 With whom hfe always sunny seems 
 
 And never dark and drear ; 
 Who loves to make me happy feel — 
 
 No matter where we dwell — 
 Because the virtues of her mind 
 
 For love and goodness tell. 
 
 For single-blessedness, I've never longed 
 
 Since she stood by my side, 
 A damsel fair, when lo ! as now. 
 
 She was my joy and pride ; 
 But as the years glide calmly by 
 
 To me she dearer seems — 
 The ideal of my waking hours, 
 
 And angel of my dreams. 
 
 From her I know I '11 never part 
 
 And with another dwell, 
 From one so true, who I have loved 
 
 For many a year, so well; 
 So come what will, by her I '11 stand 
 
 While goodness I revere, 
 And thankful ever be for one 
 
 To me so fondly dear. 
 
 WHEN YOU ARE GROWING OLD. 
 
 When you are growing old, my dear, 
 
 And your fair locks are gray. 
 My love for you will never wane — 
 
 Remember what I say — 
 As in your girlhood's golden prime 
 
 I will attentive be, 
 Though we with cheerful plenty dine 
 
 Or sup with poverty. 
 
 When your fair charms begin to fade 
 And signs of age appear. 
 
 That then, there'll be a change in me. 
 You never need to fear; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ^j 
 
 For through your nobleness of mind 
 
 And kindliness of heart, 
 You can, as in the past, from you 
 
 Make me ne 'er wish to part. 
 
 When your bright eyes are growing dim 
 
 And wrinkles mar your face. 
 Do not imagine that, I'll then 
 
 My worthy name disgrace, 
 By leaving one, whom I have loved 
 
 So long and tenderly. 
 Because, in you, the charms of youth 
 
 I can no longer see. 
 
 When your sweet Ups their color lose, 
 
 And your complexion, rare. 
 Less pleasing seems to view, by those 
 
 Who deem it wondrous fair; 
 Oh ! then ne 'er doubt that I shall still 
 
 As fondly care for you. 
 And in your pathway gratitude's 
 
 Sweet flowers delight to strew. 
 
 When you are growing old, my vow 
 
 To by you stand, I'll keep. 
 In sunshine and when life's rough storms 
 
 Do madly howl and beat; 
 For you are all this world to me — 
 
 Of whom I never tire, 
 But, as the years roll softly by. 
 
 Will more and more admire. 
 Quartrain : 
 The wife who'd rather gossip than 
 
 To mind her own affairs. 
 Brings needless troubles home 
 
 And adds unto her cares. 
 
 THE WIFE THAT WISDOM SHUNS. 
 
 The wife that wisdom shuns is fond 
 
 Of idle gossiping; 
 And night or day, base scandal's dirt. 
 
 Is not afraid to fling; 
 
42 Siueetheart and Wife 
 
 Who in her home no interest takes, 
 And to her young is cross, 
 
 Because she wears the pants and her 
 Meek husband loves to boss. 
 
 The wife who can the ''growler" rush 
 
 From early morn till night, 
 That with her neighbors, feels at home, 
 
 When she with them can fight ; 
 Who of another's business knows 
 
 Much more than of her own. 
 Who loves to multiply her sins, 
 
 But never to atone. 
 
 The wife who loves to be untrue 
 
 And idle time away, 
 And flirt, whene 'er she pleases, with 
 
 The thoughtless and the gay ; 
 Who loves to live beyond her means. 
 
 And put on silly airs. 
 And for her husband needlessly 
 
 To multiply vain cares. 
 
 The wife who grins at those who toil 
 
 And on the poor looks down. 
 Who on what ladies always do. 
 
 Is not inclined to frown, 
 Who thinks no lady ought to work, 
 
 And lightly values home, 
 And, where the wise and good dare not, 
 
 Is not ashamed to roam. 
 
 The wife who is indifferent to 
 
 The welfare of the young, 
 Who rather than uprightly walk 
 
 Prefers to use her tongue; 
 Who to her husband is a thorn 
 
 And not a helpmate, true, 
 But one, alas ! who would make e 'en 
 
 The sunny-hearted blue. 
 
Sweetheart and Wije 43 
 
 TO-DAY, I'M THINKING OF A COT. 
 
 To-day, my true and loving wife, 
 
 I'm thinking of a cot 
 Where first we met long years ago, 
 
 That's never been forgot; 
 Of how you looked on that fair eve, 
 
 So tranquil, bright and clear, 
 When I was introduced to you 
 
 By a fond mother, dear. 
 
 Again the roses on your cheeks 
 
 I can distinctly see, 
 As when you in your girlhood's prime 
 
 So charming seemed to me ; 
 Once more your graceful form beside 
 
 Me stands, and in your eyes 
 So sweet, I read the signs of love — 
 
 That I so highly prize. 
 
 I seem to hear my mother speak 
 
 The words that bless and guide, 
 That teach one to uprightly live 
 
 And with the good to bide ; 
 While funny jokes my father cracked 
 
 On that delightful eve, 
 Return — the jokes that never cause 
 
 The heart to sigh or grieve. 
 
 I 'm thinking of the vow I made 
 
 In this peace-loving cot, 
 When in sweet Cupid's silken net 
 
 My heart was fairly caught; 
 The vow that I would some day wed, 
 
 That you should be my bride, 
 That, come what might, to never long 
 
 To wander from your side. 
 
 The vow I made has been fulfilled. 
 
 And you and I are one, 
 And in the home we love so well, 
 
 Shines happiness' fair sun ; 
 Because it was my lot to meet, 
 
 One stilly eve of yore, 
 With you, my dear, who is to-day 
 
 The wife that I adore. 
 
44 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 Long, long ago, fierce flames destroyed 
 
 The cot I treasure so, 
 That sheltered those I love, who now 
 
 Sleep where the daisies blow; 
 But one so precious to my heart — 
 
 E 'en you, my loving wife — 
 I'm pleased to know is still the joy 
 
 And comfort of my life. 
 
 I'VE NE'ER FORGOT THAT BRIGHT MAY MORN 
 
 I 've not forgot that bright May morn, 
 
 Some twenty years ago, 
 When the remains of one I loved 
 
 Was laid the turf below; 
 When the good wife, so dear to me, 
 
 Was buried out of sight. 
 While birds were singing and fair flowers 
 
 Were blooming in the light. 
 
 When, in the fields around, I heard 
 
 The humming of the bee. 
 And balmy breezes gently blew 
 
 Through many a rich green tree ; 
 When nature's varied charms would please — 
 
 And e 'en the dullest mind — 
 And lovers of the beautiful 
 
 Could charming prospects find. 
 
 Now sweet May-time, I dread to see, 
 
 Because my heart's so sad. 
 Since it recalls my greatest loss — 
 
 That nearly drove me mad ; 
 For I have ne'er another loved 
 
 Since she was laid to rest, 
 One sunny morn in flowery May, 
 
 When I was so distrest. 
 
 So long as goodness I revere 
 
 And faithfulness uphold, 
 The memory of one so true, 
 
 Will never, never mould; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ^5 
 
 But till I breathe my latest breath, 
 
 That bright May morn of yore 
 I '11 not forget or her who I 
 
 On earth shall see no more. 
 
 SEEKING IN VAIN. 
 
 Sometime ago I strove to find 
 A maid who had with wisdom dined, 
 Who would make me a worthy wife, 
 And be a foe to wedded strife ; 
 
 For one who wished to nobly live 
 And not to sin, her honor give ; 
 Who in her home would never fret, 
 Or, to please show, dare run in det)t ; 
 
 Who would a kindly helpmate be. 
 And sunshine to her family; 
 Who would to scandal be a foe 
 And seeds of gossiping ne 'er sow ; 
 
 Who would not talk about her neighbors, 
 Or sneer at one who daily labors ; 
 Who would to fashion be no slave 
 Or one who likes to scold and rave ; 
 
 Who would e 'en to her foes be kind, 
 And court contentedness of mind ; 
 Who, to please pride, would never act 
 Like one devoid of sense and tact ; 
 
 Who could at home act sensibly 
 And from extravagance be free ; 
 Who dares with righteousness to walk 
 And, arms with honor, loves to lock ; 
 
 Alas ! I fear I '11 never find 
 The ideal of my heart and mind. 
 Since, to perfection none attain, 
 I know that I shall seek in vain. 
 
46 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 SWEET ANNIE IS THE WIFE FOR ME. 
 
 Sweet Annie is the wife for me — 
 No matter where — on land or sea, 
 Who makes my life more sunny seem — 
 Her heart with goodness doth so teem — 
 For I have traveled far and near ; 
 But never found a friend, so dear; 
 In whose good qualities of mind 
 I could such joy and comfort find. 
 
 Chorus : 
 
 Sweet Annie is the wife for me, 
 With whom I love so well to be ; 
 Who is the sunshine of my heart, 
 From whom I never long to part. 
 
 Many fair maidens, I have known, 
 And seeds of love with pleasure sown ; 
 And beauty's fairest buds, I 've seen, 
 In drawing-rooms and on the green; 
 But none like Annie, I have met, 
 Whom I so loved to court and pet ; 
 Whose charms so fascinated me, 
 And made me long with her to be. 
 
 Now, home with love and sunshine teems, 
 And life to me worth living seems — 
 For with the wife I love so well 
 'Tis heaven indeed for me to dwell — 
 Who, come what may, will by me stand 
 And gladly lend a helping hand ; 
 And, till my journey here is o'er. 
 Will be the friend that I adore. 
 
 WEDDING FOR GOLD. 
 Why I was born I cannot tell. 
 Unless it was to live in hell, 
 For, since I entered wedlock's gate 
 With one I since have learned to hate, 
 I feel as though I 'd like to drown, 
 Or a large dose of strychnine down ; 
 Now life to me seems burdensome 
 And I to happiness am dumb. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ^7 
 
 Chorus : 
 Why I was born I cannot tell, 
 Unless it was to live in hell, 
 For, since I wed Susanna DiU, 
 From misery's cup I've drank my fill, 
 
 I wed for gold — like many more — 
 And now my happiness is o'er; 
 If I had wed for love I'm sure 
 Such misery now, I 'd not endure ; 
 For sunshine I would surely see 
 And from unhappiness be free ; 
 But now, what am I living for. 
 When troubles at my vitals gnaw? 
 
 For single-blessedness, I sigh, 
 Now I don't care how soon I die. 
 How soon I leave a cheerless home 
 And with celestial beings roam ; 
 Now, when too late, I plainly see 
 The sad mistake that ruined me — 
 That robbed me of the joys of life. 
 And wed me to unholy strife. 
 
 YOU NEVER CAN TOO KINDLY TREAT. 
 
 You never can too kindly treat 
 
 The wife who cares for you, 
 Whatever be your lot in life, 
 
 No matter what you do ; 
 The wife who keeps her marriage vows 
 
 And wisely loves to walk. 
 And with those who court high ideals 
 
 Desires to freely talk. 
 
 The wife who for her children cares, 
 
 And for their welfare feels. 
 Who lauds the cause of righteousness, 
 
 But steps on meanness' heels; 
 Who sacrifices for the good 
 
 Aye, of her family, 
 And, in the haunts of faithlessness, 
 
 Has no desire to be. 
 
48 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 The wife who ne 'er neglects her home 
 
 For idle gossip's sake, 
 And needless trouble lo, for you, 
 
 Is never known to make; 
 Who rears her young, as justice would, 
 
 And teaches them to walk 
 In virtue's pleasant paths, and in 
 
 The chairs of truth to rock. 
 
 The wife who loves none else but you, 
 
 And ne'er from honor strays, 
 Who lives on earth a model life. 
 
 You ought indeed to praise; 
 The faithful wife, that righteousness 
 
 And worth are pleased to greet, 
 I 'm sure you never can, while life 
 
 Is yours, too kindly treat. 
 
 HE DROVE ME TO DIVORCE. 
 
 I had a husband once, I own. 
 
 Who called himself "a man," 
 But 'twas a sad mistake — since he 
 
 So often '' rushed the can;" 
 Causing his love for me to cool 
 
 Like sausages on ice. 
 And forcing me to often dine 
 
 On Carolina rice. 
 
 I thought, into a beer-keg, he 
 
 Would some day surely turn. 
 And every rule of decency 
 
 Be not ashamed to spurn; 
 When on the floor I saw him lie. 
 
 Too muddled to get up — 
 So fond was he, alas ! of the 
 
 Intoxicating cup. 
 
 For years, alas! I bore with him, 
 
 Until I longed to die. 
 And 'neath the cold unfeeling sod 
 
 In peace, at last, to lie; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ^q 
 
 As I had been to him a wife, 
 
 And a helpmate, indeed'; 
 Getting ill-treatment in return 
 
 That caused my heart to bleed. 
 
 At last, he drove me to divorce, 
 
 So worthless he became. 
 So brutal, carnal and unkind. 
 
 So dead to right and shame ; 
 Now the best man that ever lived, 
 
 To wed, I never would. 
 As I have had more than my share 
 
 Of matrimony's food. 
 
 THE MAIDEN I ADORE. 
 
 The maiden who has golden hair 
 
 And eyes of azure blue. 
 Who is affectionate and kind 
 
 And pleasing, just and true; 
 Who frowns on vanity and pride. 
 
 That she may wisely walk. 
 And with the upright and the good 
 
 Is pleased to daily talk. 
 
 The maiden who has pearly teeth 
 
 And Hps so ruby red. 
 Who highly values modesty 
 
 And is to virtue wed; 
 Who harmless flirting ne 'er berates. 
 
 Or wedlock would despise ; 
 Who never "puts on airs," but thoughts 
 
 More worthy dares to prize. 
 
 The maiden whose fair skin can with 
 
 The brightest lily vie. 
 Whose shapely form and rosy cheeks 
 
 Can charm the critic's eye; 
 Who cherishes ideals that tell 
 
 For character and worth. 
 And dines with cheerfulness and feels 
 
 At home with jovial mirth. 
 
jo Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 The maiden whom good-nature courts, 
 
 And kindly, loves to act, 
 Whom generous nature has endowed 
 
 With gumption sense and tact; 
 Who strives to live from day to day 
 
 A blameless life, and be 
 A friend to what upbuilds at home 
 
 And in society. 
 
 I MIGHT HAVE BEEN A MODEL WIFE. 
 
 I might have been a model wife. 
 
 If I'd a husband had — 
 Deserving of the name — who shunned 
 
 Aught that was bad; 
 If he had kindly treated me 
 
 As love and justice would, 
 And walked lo, in the paths of those 
 
 Who labor to do good. 
 
 If he had not so cruel been 
 
 And ne'er neglected me, 
 I know I never would have longed 
 
 From him lo, to be free ; 
 If he had strove to fairly act 
 
 And from bad habits flown. 
 And not, alas! so recklessly 
 
 The seeds of folly sown. 
 
 If he had not so oft abused 
 
 Or tried to half starve me, 
 If he had been more generous 
 
 And not so miserly; 
 If he had not made home indeed 
 
 An unattractive place, 
 And smiled at acts of cruelty, 
 
 That injure and disgrace. 
 
 If he had kept his marriage vows 
 
 And for my welfare cared. 
 If he had not indifferent been 
 
 To how I daily fared; 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 5/ 
 
 I should have been a model wife 
 
 Of whom he might feel prouci, 
 bmce I with goodly qualities 
 
 Was naturally endowed. 
 
 SINCE WE WERE WED, MY MARY DEAR. 
 
 Since we were wed, my Mary dear, 
 
 Ttru ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ Sood to me, 
 When cheerful plenty sweetly smiled 
 
 And in adversity; 
 A fond companion you have been 
 
 Through many a passing year — 
 The joy and sunshine of my life 
 
 The one to me so dear. 
 
 Chorus : 
 Since we were wed, my Mary dear, 
 
 You have been good to me — 
 The joy and sunshine of my life. 
 
 No matter where I be. 
 
 No other friend, hke you, I've found 
 
 Smce mother last I met, 
 Who for my weal so deeply feels — 
 
 -9^ whom my hopes are set ; 
 No friend so loving, kind and true 
 
 I can with justice say, ' 
 
 Has been so dear to me since I 
 
 In childhood, used to play. 
 
 Of you, I love to treasure so, 
 
 How sweet it seems to sing 
 Of one who to my grateful heart 
 
 So many comforts bring; 
 Of you, my own sweet Mary dear 
 
 Who smiles so oft at me, ' 
 Whose kmd and loving heart makes care 
 
 And trouble quickly flee! 
 
 Our long and happy wedded' life 
 
 Reminds me oft of you, 
 Of one more dear than life to me, 
 
 Who's never proved untrue;' 
 
52 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 So, till life's setting sun appears, 
 I will to you be kind, 
 
 And, in your company, the joys 
 Of love and comfort find. 
 
 IF YOU HAVE A GOOD WIFE. 
 
 If you have a good wife, 
 
 Then thankful be, 
 If you the light of love 
 
 Desire to see; 
 And treat her as you ought, 
 
 From day to day. 
 And never from her side 
 
 Be prone to stray. 
 
 If you have a good wife. 
 
 Do all you can 
 In her behalf, and act 
 
 Like a true man; 
 If you love faithfulness 
 
 And worth esteem, 
 And in your brain the seeds 
 
 Of justice teem. 
 
 If you have a good wife, 
 
 Be kind to her, 
 And ne'er her feelings wound 
 
 Or wish to slur ; 
 What e 'er your lot in life, 
 
 Though bright or drear, 
 And ne'er cause her to shed 
 
 A needless tear. 
 
 If you have a good wife. 
 
 Attentive be, 
 And you, at home, will more 
 
 Of sunshine see; 
 Forgetting not to please, 
 
 Lo, one so true, 
 Who ever cares and loves 
 
 And feels for you. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife 53 
 
 OH, SOFTLY SLEEP! 
 
 Oh! softly sleep, my long-lost wife, 
 
 Where zephyrs gently blow, 
 In yonder cemetery green 
 
 Where daisies love to grow; 
 Where birds in summer sweetly sing 
 
 And through the woodlands fly 
 And loved ones, that I'll ne'er forget, 
 
 In silence calmly lie! 
 
 Chorus : 
 
 Oh! sweetly sleep, my long-lost wife. 
 Where zephyrs gently blow, 
 
 In yonder cemetery green, 
 
 Where daisies love to grow ; 
 
 Where, when the flowers of summer bloom, 
 And nature's charms I see, 
 
 Lo, to your resting-place I roam, 
 To one so dear to me ! 
 
 So kind and good thou wert to me. 
 
 Thy memory I revere, 
 And, oft beside th}'- little mound, 
 
 I shed affection's tear; 
 When I, in fancy, think I see 
 
 Thy loving face again. 
 As in fair seasons past, when thou 
 
 Wert free from want and pain. 
 
 Long, may it be my happy lot 
 
 To visit here, when spring 
 With beauties teem and summer smiles, 
 
 And birds are on the wing; 
 To meditate when kneeling by 
 
 Thy grave, so dear to me, 
 And, as I muse, to often long 
 
 To be again with thee. 
 
54 Sweetheart and Wife 
 
 THE LIGHT OF MY HOME. 
 
 Now home less pleasing seems to me 
 
 Since you, my darling died, 
 Since in the cold and cheerless grave 
 
 Was laid my joy and pride; 
 For no fair face so sunny seemed 
 
 'Mong all the friends I knew — 
 For how could I expect to find 
 
 A friend so dear as you? 
 
 Your loving smiles, I sadly miss, 
 
 That I so loved to see, 
 The genial smiles with kindness fraught — 
 
 So comforting to me — 
 When by our old fireside I set, 
 
 Where oft, in converse meet. 
 We whiled mild evening's hours away 
 
 With love and peace, so sweet. 
 
 When at your vacant chair, I gaze. 
 
 How lonely then I feel. 
 When at fond recollection's shrine 
 
 I venture lo, to kneel; 
 Because you were the light of home, 
 
 When life was dear to me, 
 But now how changed! how lonely seems 
 
 The home you loved to see! 
 
 However sad my heart may be, 
 
 I still can think of you. 
 And oft recall the sunny past 
 
 When you were kind and true ; 
 Though home now dreary seems, one thought 
 
 Is comforting to me 
 That you, until my journey's end. 
 
 Will ne'er forgotten be. 
 
Sweetheart and Wife ^^ 
 
 A WORTHY WIFE. 
 
 I love to see you smile, my dear, 
 
 And hear you kindly talk 
 While in contentment's easy chair 
 
 It is my lot to rock; 
 For one with such a loving heart 
 
 Who can too kindly treat, 
 Or e'er too thankful be for one 
 
 With such a disposition, sweet? 
 
 My pride and joy, you long have been — 
 
 The sunshine of my heart — 
 From whom I ne'er have longed to roam 
 
 Or wished to ever part ; 
 For how can I do otherwise 
 
 Than to speak well of you, 
 Who never strays from duty's paths 
 
 But to your vows are true? 
 
 A worthy wife indeed, yoii are, 
 
 And one who loves to please. 
 To sing the notes of cheerfulness 
 
 Like birds in summer trees; 
 Howe'er uphill your lot may be. 
 
 You look on the bright side. 
 And with contentedness and love 
 
 Forever would abide. 
 
 So, doubly fortunate I am 
 
 For having such a wife 
 As you, my dear, who praises peace 
 
 And shuns domestic strife; 
 Who never from my side will stray 
 
 While I my part act well. 
 But in our humble cottage home 
 
 Be always pleased to dwell. 
 
^6 Sweetheart and Wije 
 
 THE SWEETHEART I DESIRE. 
 
 You are so charming and so sweet, 
 
 So beautiful and fair, 
 My Lillian, that I love you, 
 
 As only lovers dare; 
 Because you are my heart's ideal — 
 
 The maiden I admire — 
 The flower so beautiful to me. 
 
 The sweetheart I desire. 
 
 Refrain : 
 
 Because you are my heart's ideal — 
 The maiden I admire — 
 
 The flower so beautiful to me. 
 The sweetheart I desire. 
 
 So graceful and so very neat. 
 
 So pleasing to my sight, 
 So satisfying to my heart 
 
 So genial and so bright ; 
 How can I find another love. 
 
 No matter where I roam. 
 Who would my life, so bless, or be 
 
 So kind and good at home? 
 
 The fairest of the fair, to me. 
 
 Oh! may you ever seem. 
 While in your sparkling eyes, so blue, 
 
 The signs of love do gleam ; 
 For when you smile or kindly speak 
 
 I long with you to dwell — 
 With you, my fair, fair Lillian, 
 
 Who now I love so well. 
 
 If you'll be mine, sweet Lillian, 
 
 Then happy I shall be. 
 If you will some day promise that 
 
 You '11 love none else but me ; 
 If we shall wed — and to be kind. 
 
 Content and true, aspire; 
 If I shall sometime live lo, with 
 
 The sweetheart I desire. 
 
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