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UBHARY of OONQRESS 
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 MAY 12 iyU5 
 
 Copyrt^m tinv> 
 
 UUASi»'^<u AAC. Not 
 
 COPY B. 
 
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 11* 
 
 Copyrighted, iQOS* 
 
 ELIZABETH MAY FOSTER. 
 
 All Rights Reserved. 
 
DEDICATION. 
 
 i^m\' O friends, both known, unknown, 
 ^L, whose spirits linked 
 
 With mine in kinship are, I dedi- 
 cate 
 These lowly strains of minstrelsy which soul 
 From life has caught in moments glad and 
 
 grave. 
 An intermingling 'tis of shade and sheen — 
 Pit type of Naure's moods; a reflex true 
 Of feelings which the inner life has stirred. 
 Nathless, this book a worthy mission has: 
 Good cheer for troubled hearts and sun- 
 beams bright 
 To radiate the homes where it abides. 
 Untouched its concepts are by artist hand ; 
 Too deep an impress did the Master give 
 To their great spontaneity of thought 
 For human tampering. Dear comrades true, 
 "What's writ is writ: would it were 
 worthier !" 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Southern Trinity 1 
 
 Immortal in Marble 5 
 
 Gone Forward 8 
 
 Robert E. Lee 10 
 
 Washington 11 
 
 Our Dead Chieftain 12 
 
 Ghosts 17 
 
 Since 18 
 
 My Bride 19 
 
 Tell Me That You Love Me! 20 
 
 Love Perfected 21 
 
 Love Is Immortal 22 
 
 I Love You So 23 
 
 Indescribable 25 
 
 Love's Hope 26 
 
 Perennial Love 28 
 
 The Magician 29 
 
 Poesy 30 
 
 Yearnings 31 
 
 Sometimes 32 
 
 Visions 34 
 
 Mother's Coming Home 35 
 
 In the Soul Garden 36 
 
 The Isles of Long Ago 37 
 
 The Defaulter's Wife 38 
 
 A Roundelay of Hope 39 
 
 Cupid's Caprice 40 
 
 Prospective 41 
 
 Love 42 
 
 Good-bye, Little Sweetheart 43 
 
vi Contents. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Love's Perplexities 44 
 
 Epithalamium 45 
 
 A Fancy 46 
 
 The Spirit's Pleading 47 
 
 Gold Sundered 49 
 
 A Warning 49 
 
 In Mid-Atlantic 53 
 
 A Scottish Sunset 55 
 
 Whisperings of Spring 5G 
 
 Bird Songs 57 
 
 The Snow Miracle 58 
 
 From Sea to Mountain 60 
 
 June 60 
 
 Spring 61 
 
 The Witchery of Spring 62 
 
 Nature's Gold 62 
 
 Gladness 64 
 
 Morning 64 
 
 Evolved 65 
 
 Nature's Largess 65 
 
 A Song of May 67 
 
 Autumn 68 
 
 The Winter Minstrel 69 
 
 Because 73 
 
 Jilted 74 
 
 A Woman's Answer 75 
 
 The Mosquitos 76 
 
 A Mousie's Fate 77 
 
 The Traveler 79 
 
 Maggie's Cogitations 81 
 
 Lewis 82 
 
 Just a Friend 87 
 
 The Cottage by the Rill 88 
 
 Not Satisfied 89 
 
 My Friend 91 
 
 Victoria * ... 92 
 
 The Wishing Tree 94 
 
 Invocation 97 
 
 Enshadowed 98 
 
 Memoria in Eterna 99 
 
Contents. vii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 My Mother , 100 
 
 The Answered Prayer 103 
 
 Memorials 105 
 
 Shakespeare 105 
 
 Deathless lOG 
 
 With the Immortals lv'7 
 
 St. Vincent's 108 
 
 His Presence 113 
 
 In the Gloaming 113 
 
 Live Thy Creed^ 114 
 
 Patience 115 
 
 To Pain 115 
 
 Called 116 
 
 He Knows 116 
 
 Silence 117 
 
 Be Cheery 118 
 
 The Mother's Farewell 118 
 
 Strength for the Weary 119 
 
 Joy Bells 120 
 
 Happiness 121 
 
 The Heavenly Call 122 
 
 Easter 123 
 
 Homeward 124 
 
 A Prayer 124 
 
 Into Thy Hands 125 
 
 October Eleventh 126 
 
 Translated 127 
 
 The Light of Life 128 
 
 The Transfiguration 129 
 
 Immortal 131 
 
 Thy Will Be Done 132 
 
 A Vision of Heaven 133 
 
 At Sunset 135 
 
 A Wish 135 
 
 A Twilight Supplication 136 
 
 Thankfulness 137 
 
 Beyond 138 
 
 Thanksgiving 13U 
 
 A Christmas Carol 140 
 
 Comfort 14] 
 
viii Contents. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 God Is with Us 142 
 
 Asleep 147 
 
 Hope Triumphant 148 
 
 Thyself 150 
 
 Conscience 150 
 
 Rallying Power 151 
 
 Hope 152 
 
 Only 152 
 
 Mutation 153 
 
 Needs 154 
 
 Dreamland 155 
 
 Whither? 155 
 
 In Darkest Hour 156 
 
 A Star in the Darkness 157 
 
 Success 157 
 
 Life's Golden Side 158 
 
 Cheerfulness 159 
 
 I Wonder 160 
 
 I Know 161 
 
 A Question Answered 163 
 
 Sympathy 165 
 
 Sleeping in the Dust 166 
 
 Transition 167 
 
 To My Books 168 
 
 Miserere 169 
 
 Death 170 
 
 Dissolution 173 
 
 My Life 174 
 
 Good-Niffht 175 
 
THE SOUTHERN TRINITY.* 
 
 ^^^ HERE'S deep pathos in the story, 
 ^^ Of the cause which men call 
 
 ^^Lost;" 
 Though our Southland was not vanquished, 
 Foeman won at fearful cost. 
 
 'Tis a theme for song and story, 
 
 Which will live for ages yet ; 
 'Tis replete with deeds of glory. 
 
 Soldiers brave can ne'er forget. 
 
 In the hearts of every Southron 
 
 Is enshrined a triune band, 
 And few other names can match them 
 
 In our own or foreign land. 
 
 On the roll of statesmen peerless 
 Stands the name of Davis true; 
 
 He, so gifted, so determined, 
 Wisdom had possessed by few. 
 
 * Written for the Confederate Veterans. 
 
POEMS. 
 
 Through those years of fearful carnage 
 Stood he at his nation's helm; 
 
 Stood like man among his fellows, 
 Though the loftiest in his realm. 
 
 There's a cell in Fortress Monroe, 
 That for years — some two or three — 
 
 Held the form of captive hero, 
 Matchless in humility. 
 
 Ah! we weep that noble leader 
 
 Should have suffered for our cause: 
 
 Thus his greatness was exalted — 
 Diamond brilliant without flaws. 
 
 Then, upon the roll of warriors, 
 Shines resi3lendent name of Lee, 
 
 He who led brave soldiers forward 
 To the van, our land to free. 
 
 We've been told there's cypress blended 
 With the laurels that he wore. 
 
 But we've never seen that cypress, — 
 Always laurels, evermore. 
 
POEMS 
 
 We can never hear the mention 
 
 Of brave hero such as he, 
 That we do not bow in homage 
 
 And thank God for Robert Lee. 
 
 Next upon the roll is Jackson — 
 
 "Stonewall," name he proudly bore, 
 
 And that name expressed him truly — 
 Name we Southerners adore. 
 
 Never soldier was more fearless 
 Than this hero so renowned, 
 
 For he fought for home and freedom, 
 This dear chieftain God had crowned. 
 
 In the Army of Virginia 
 
 He was always hope forlorn; 
 
 And when Stonewall's men were coming, 
 Courage fresh in souls was born. 
 
 But the brightness of the picture 
 
 Is obscured by falling tears. 
 For in moment of great victory 
 
 Our beloved disappears. 
 
POEMS. 
 
 All! it is a cruel story! 
 
 Shot down by his men in grey, 
 Hand upraised to God of battles, 
 
 As his wont was in each fray. 
 
 Dear "Lost Cause," thou art immortal ! 
 
 And thy heroes live for aye; 
 In our sunny Southland, Dixie, 
 
 Cause so sacred ne'er can die. 
 
 Years have thinned our ranks, dear com 
 rades, 
 
 And the time is coming fast, 
 When our banquets and reunions 
 
 Will all be forever past; 
 
 But when boatman pale shall row us 
 
 O'er the river, may we rest 
 'Neath the trees, Avith our loved leaders, 
 
 Each a welcome heavenly guest. 
 
POEMS. 
 
 IMMOETAL IN MARBLE. 
 
 (Dedicated to the Surviving Women of the Confederacy.) 
 
 fMMORTAL in memory for long years 
 they've been; 
 Immortal in marble, say Veterans 
 now. 
 Some sculptor inspired, far away from war's 
 din. 
 With this tender memorial the world must 
 endow. 
 
 Brave women were they, a true Spartan- 
 like band, 
 Who gave to their country so freely their 
 all, 
 Those women in "sixties," of sunny South- 
 land, 
 That gladly responded to section's loud 
 call. 
 
 Not lacking in love were those mothers of 
 ours. 
 For tenderer hearts never beat in warm 
 breast. 
 
POEMS 
 
 True patriots were they, wlio-d resist all the 
 pow'rs 
 Arrayed 'gainst the right, they most 
 proudly confessed. 
 
 'Mid throes of wild anguish they lent help- 
 ing hand; 
 Like Mother of Gracchi, their "jewels'' 
 they gave. 
 Ah! naught was too precious for dear na- 
 tive land; 
 For freedom they loved, and that land 
 they must save. 
 
 By war metamorphosed, protectors were 
 they 
 Of homes from which husbands and 
 fathers had sped 
 To fields red with carnage, envestured in 
 grey, 
 While bravely they fought 'neath a rain- 
 fall of lead. 
 
 Such planning they did, and such pray- 
 ing! ah, me! 
 
POEMS 
 
 Though hard to provide for a starving 
 
 home-band, 
 This blanched not the cheek like the thought 
 
 of might he 
 In battle to-morrow, with foe hand to 
 
 hand. 
 
 Blockaded were they, but could always de- 
 vise 
 Some comforts for home and for hospital, 
 too, 
 True lovers of country, they thought it un- 
 wise 
 In souls to despair, e'en though luxuries 
 were few. 
 
 Dear mothers I with reverence we bow at 
 
 your shrine, 
 
 For nothing impossible e'er was to you! 
 
 The holiest chambers of mem'ry are thine; 
 
 Heart incense we give you as chaste as 
 
 the dew. 
 
 Our women ! ah ! surely the guerdon they've 
 won 
 
POEMS 
 
 Of splendid memorial — a snowy shaft 
 
 rare — 
 Embodying their virtues, with deeds that 
 
 were done 
 For cause so heroic, whose honors they 
 
 share. 
 
 Like lily of Easter, this cenotaph pure 
 Will breathe forth a fragrance, though 
 only white stone; 
 And each Southron shall see, in words that 
 endure. 
 The name and the fame of his mother 
 alone. 
 
 GONE FOKWARD. 
 
 (Lines commemorating the death of the great Southern 
 fiero, General Robert E. Lee, President of Washing- 
 ton and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, and 
 written over thirty years after that event.) 
 
 BNTERED into rest! Passed from 
 earth's shadows 
 Into the radiance of the sinless 
 land. 
 Grone forward like a soldier loyal, 
 Eesponding to his officer's command. 
 
POEMS 
 
 Thus did our chieftain pass to heavenly 
 
 rest, 
 
 'Mid plaudits of his own and other lands, 
 
 Obeying Captain's order, without murmur, 
 
 To enter house not made with earthly 
 
 hands. 
 
 The Great Eternal planned this sacrifice; 
 And meekly, from the shining heights of 
 fame, 
 Our South's beloved bowed his laureled 
 
 head 
 
 i 
 
 Obediently at mention of his name. 
 
 Not death it is to die, when we have made 
 Earth better by our living, and have left 
 
 Sweet mem-ries blossoming in other hearts, 
 Like verdant ivy in the ruined cleft. 
 
 He is not dead ! for all earth's arches ring 
 
 With name and fame of this great, 
 
 Christ-like one. 
 
 Whose talents rare were given to mankind, 
 
 While soul serenely walked with God's 
 
 dear Son. 
 
lo POEMS. 
 
 EOBEKT E. LEE. 
 
 LL honor to Lee, our great chieftain. 
 So regal, so loyal, so brave! 
 Who foremost stood ever in battle 
 And strove our dear Southland to save. 
 
 H 
 
 Our Lee was a chivalric spirit, 
 
 Commanding the praise of the world. 
 
 In warfare he ever was dauntless; 
 For conscience his flag was unfurled. 
 
 But destiny called the great soldier 
 To sacrifice all he held dear; 
 
 Unvanquished he yielded his sabre, 
 But God his brave spirit did cheer. 
 
 The clang of the battle is over; 
 
 The Angel of Peace has long spread 
 Her white wings o'er fields that were gory; 
 
 Our hero now rests with the dead. 
 
 Immortal, he dwells with us ever, 
 Enshrined in the heart's Holy Place; 
 
 The cypress with laurel is blended; 
 No time can his mem'ry efface. 
 
POEMS. II 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 ^^^^IVINELY appointed, he came to 
 jj^ earth 
 
 With grander equipment than 
 royal birth, 
 For the Lord on that head His hand had 
 
 placed 
 To lead him forth through the wilderness 
 
 waste, 
 That, like Israel's leader in days of old. 
 His name might be writ in letters of gold 
 As hater of tyrant, lover of right, 
 Commander of hosts in Liberty's fight. 
 
 Though elect of God, he was free to choose, 
 But woe unto him should he dare refuse 
 The loud call of Jehovah to lead His band 
 Through the threat'ning sea to the Promised 
 
 Land. 
 Undaunted he stood when the timid quailed. 
 His faith unshaken, however assailed. 
 For Truth was his watchword. Duty his 
 
 guide. 
 And always there walked the Lord at his 
 
 side. 
 
12 POEMS 
 
 Ah ! that was the secret of his great name — 
 Trusting the Strong One, not seeking for 
 
 fame; 
 Doing the work that the Lord deemed best, 
 Fighting for country, whatever the test; 
 Sounding the cry that w^as Tyranny's doom, 
 Helping a nation emerge from its gloom ; 
 Glorious nation ! America free ! 
 Washington's first in thy grand Jubilee! 
 
 OUK DEAD CHIEFTAIN.* 
 
 BNWEAPPED in gloom our Nation is. 
 For its great chief has passed 
 away; 
 And with sad hearts and tolling bells. 
 We yield his form to earth to-day. 
 
 "No North, no South, no East, no West!" 
 We are a band of brothers true, 
 
 And mourn alike the loss of one 
 Whose virtues every section knew. 
 
 * President McKinley, September 19, 1901. 
 
POEMS. 13 
 
 With wise foresight, with noble aim, 
 He firmly for the right did stand, 
 
 And helped to make us what Ave are, 
 A prosperous, happy, peaceful land. 
 
 We see him stricken from the earth. 
 In prime of life, with honors rare, 
 
 And as a Nation stand aghast 
 
 That Anarchy could such crime dare. 
 
 "God's will is best !" Ah ! noble soul ! 
 
 With all earth's glories clustering 'round, 
 He bowed submissive to that will, 
 
 Attestino^ he True Love had found. 
 
 '& 
 
 In plaintive tones that dying prayer, 
 "Nearer, My God, to Thee," we sing, 
 
 'Mid muffled drums and funeral march 
 And vision of the one true King. 
 
 Unitedly our nation mourns 
 
 The loss of one so wise and pure, 
 
 And for his second, dearer self 
 
 Invokes the strength that can endure. 
 
14 POEMS. 
 
 A man 'moiig men, not soon shall we 
 Such kingly spirit see again! 
 
 To-day all evil thoughts are hushed — • 
 We feel he has not died in vain. 
 
 His soul was loyal to each trust; 
 
 Devotion in his heart was shrined; 
 And, grateful, we the tribute give : 
 
 McKinley lived to bless mankind! 
 
SENTIMENT. 
 
 (15) 
 
POEMS. 17 
 
 GHOSTS. 
 
 O you believe in ghosts?" you ask, 
 And cuddle at my side, 
 While I, with bated breath, reply. 
 As you your visage hide: 
 
 2) 
 
 "Oh! yes, my child, V\e seen them oft, 
 Those frightful, shadowy things. 
 
 Weird apparitions men call ghosts. 
 Which flit on unseen wings. 
 
 "Pale, haunting ghosts from out the past 
 
 Before me often rise — 
 The ghosts of cruel, mocking words. 
 
 Of love the sacrifice ; 
 
 "The ghosts of griefs I did not soothe, 
 
 Of tears I failed to dry, 
 Of sympathy I did not feel, 
 
 And woes that I passed by; 
 
 "The ghosts of kindly deeds unwrought, 
 
 Of gracious words unsaid. 
 Of passions that were unsubdued, 
 
 Of hearts uncomforted. 
 
i8 POEMS. 
 
 ^ 'These sliai^eless phantoms round me glide, 
 
 When deep in reverie, 
 Alone I sit in twilight gloom 
 
 A prey to memory. 
 
 "Would you such spectres ne'er behold 
 
 Let life, dear child, be free 
 From human Vv eaknesses like these, 
 
 And 'stead of ghosts, you'll see 
 Your thoughts and words and deeds come 
 back 
 
 In angel symmetry." 
 
 SINCE. 
 
 SINCE I've seen the starry shine 
 Of thy radiant eyes divine, 
 I've been walking in a dream, 
 And forever thou dost seem 
 
 To be wholly mine. 
 
 Since I've heard thy voice so low, 
 With its soothing, heavenly flow, 
 Nothing can dispel its tone. 
 For it speaks to me alone, 
 
 Never sajdng, "No." 
 
POEMS. 19 
 
 Since thou art a guileless dove 
 I will never from thee rove, 
 But forever we'll abide 
 xis the years shall onward glide, 
 
 Sweethearts bound by love. 
 
 B 
 
 MY BRIDE. 
 
 RRAYED in shimmering white, 
 A vision of delight, 
 
 Was mj bonny, bonny bride. 
 Orange blossoms in her hair. 
 Oh! how fair, how very fair. 
 Was life's angel at my side! 
 
 'Twas just six months ago! 
 My heart's now full of woe. 
 
 For there's no one at my side. 
 She is robed again in white. 
 As on that auspicious night. 
 
 But Death's claimed her as his bride. 
 
 My life is sore bereft; 
 In deepest grief I'm left 
 
 Since she vanished from my side; 
 
20 POEMS. 
 
 But sweet memory shell be 
 Till I cross the jasper sea 
 Where awaits mj angel bride. 
 
 TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME! 
 
 % 
 
 OVE is shining in your eyes, 
 It is vocal in your sighs, 
 But the heart within me cries 
 "Tell me that you love me I" 
 
 Symbols sweet are these, indeed, 
 Symbols that my heart doth need, 
 But for loving words I plead; 
 "Tell me that you love me!'' 
 
 Earthly griefs can ne'er depress 
 When thy whispered tenderness 
 Folds me like a soft caress. 
 "Tell me that you love me!" 
 
 All along life's rugged way 
 Spoken love will shed bright ray, 
 Therefore fervently I pray: 
 'TeLl me that you love me!'' 
 
POEMS. 21 
 
 LOVE PEKFECTED. 
 
 ^fl^n E have grown old in life's har- 
 VL%1% ^^^^ together, 
 
 My brave little wife and I; 
 From cheek and from lip the rose tint has 
 vanished, 
 But what care I — care I? 
 Love's ties have been welded by years that 
 
 have flown. 
 And she's ever and always my own, my own, 
 Despite of the charms that fly. 
 
 You may prate as you please of passion of 
 youth, 
 'Tis phantom, 'tis myth to mine; 
 The love of our years has been strengi:hened 
 by tears, 
 And, with arms that entwine. 
 At bridal and bier we have stood side by 
 
 side. 
 Seeing home's treasures away from us 
 glide,— 
 God's decree, we'll not repine. 
 
22 POEMS 
 
 The griefs that have come have intensified 
 love, — 
 A halo rests over all; 
 With faces turned homeward, two pilgrims 
 we are. 
 Awaiting the heavenly call; 
 Our constant petition, our deep, fervent 
 
 prayer, 
 Inaudible often, that we may both share 
 One grave when death's shadows fall. 
 
 LOVE IS IMMORTAL. 
 
 '^^HOUGH youth has departed, 
 ^^ We're never faint-hearted, 
 But bask in its ray; 
 For love is immortal, 
 And we at its portal 
 Are standing alway. 
 
 Bright hopes may have perished, 
 Fond ties still are cherished, 
 
 Which pass not away. 
 Love's pole-star is shining, 
 And hearts are enshrining 
 
 Its radiance for aye. 
 
POEMS. 23 
 
 There's naught that can sever 
 Souls welded forever 
 
 By love's magic bond. 
 True love is immortal, 
 And waves at life's portal 
 
 Its mystical wand. 
 
 I LOVE YOU SO. 
 
 SHE said it quite softly, she said it 
 quite low, 
 
 "I love you so, I love you so;'' 
 But the birds of the forest caught the low 
 
 sound. 
 And re-echoed it all through the woods 
 around, 
 "I love you so, I love you so." 
 
 Then she merrily sang on waters that flow, 
 
 "I love you so, I love you so;" 
 And the tiny wavelets that rippled along 
 Kepeated the words of her rapturous song, 
 "I love you so, I love you so." 
 
24 POEMS. 
 
 Anon came soft murmur, 'mid sunset's rich 
 glow, 
 "I love you so, I love you so;" 
 And the bright-tinted clouds, though so far 
 
 away. 
 Spelled those magical words in glitt'ring 
 array, 
 "I love you so, I love you so." 
 
 Then she lisped, as 'neath stars they roamed 
 to and fro, 
 "I love you so, I love you so;" 
 And like morning stars, which in olden 
 
 time sang, 
 Those stars with the maiden's glad melody 
 rang: 
 "I love you so, I love you so/' 
 
 Bewildered she said, blush suffusing the 
 snow, 
 
 "I love you so, I love you so; 
 To you alone have I told the sweet story, 
 But myriad voices echo its glory, 
 
 I love you so, I love you so. 
 
POEMS. 25 
 
 ''Why can't I on dear one those fond words 
 bestow, — 
 'I love yon so, I love you so,' — 
 Without such an echo in musical bars 
 Prom birds and from river, from clouds and 
 from stars, 
 'I love you so, I love you so.' 
 
 ''Ne'er again will I say, dear lover, I trow, 
 
 'I love you so, I love you so.' 
 That love is too sacred in chorus to flow; 
 In my heart 'tis chiming a blessed solo — 
 
 'I love you so, I love you so.' " 
 
 INDESOEIBABLE. 
 
 ^fj^ EAR heart, you ask me to describe 
 J5^ The love I feel for thee; 
 
 But subtle essence so divine 
 Eludes forever pen of mine; 
 I only know I love thee. 
 
 When birdling can describe its song, 
 The song that God has given; 
 
26 POEMS 
 
 When starlets bright know why they shine, 
 I will describe this love of mine— 
 This love allied to heaven. 
 
 When dainty blossom can define 
 
 The perfume in it dwelling; 
 When beauty understands the spell 
 Of witchery it weaves — ah, well! 
 
 My love I'll then be telling. 
 
 Divinity our souls has shaped, 
 
 And Love indwelleth there, 
 The child caressed by King of Kings; 
 And sweetest carol she e'er sings 
 
 This love you fondly share. 
 
 LOVE'S HOPE. 
 
 t 
 
 KNOW you do not love me, 
 But 'tis bliss to think of you ; 
 A magnet thou, my own sweetheart, 
 And T vour lover true. 
 
 You've said me "nay," my darling, 
 And you mean it now^, I know, 
 
 But lady fair Avas never won 
 By heart that's faint, I trow. 
 
POEMS. 27 
 
 So I'll keep ou a-loving, 
 
 And a-wooing, too, my dear, 
 For hope my soul is buoying — 
 
 It knowetb naught of fear. 
 
 My gifts you do not prize, love, 
 They are "trifles light as air''; 
 
 But the giving makes me happier; 
 For your thanks I do not care. 
 
 The world is brighter, darling, 
 
 For the shining of jour eyes. 
 Which ahvaj^s make me think, dear. 
 
 Of the land of Paradise. 
 
 Like melody in dreams, love, 
 
 Is the music of your voice ; 
 Could it pronounce a loving "yes," 
 
 My heart would then rejoice. 
 
 I know you do not love me. 
 
 Though 'tis bliss to think of you. 
 
 If another you should marry. 
 Life's thread would snap in two. 
 
2§ POEMS 
 
 PERENNIAL LOVE. 
 
 (To Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Fisher, of Norfolk, Va., 
 Commemorating their Silver Wedding, February 
 12, 1904.) 
 
 1 
 
 LOVED you in youth's hallowed time 
 When life was hope and gladness ; 
 I loved you in my manhood's prime, 
 Ere joy was dimmed by sadness. 
 
 And now the sere and yellow leaf 
 Finds love for you unchanging; 
 
 Thank God there's never been the grief 
 Of hearts that knew estranging. 
 
 Hand clasped in hand we're journeying, 
 dear, 
 
 A-down life's hill together; 
 True love in heart, w^e've naught to fear. 
 
 Since love's proof 'gainst all weather. 
 
 The snow and ice of winter time 
 Will ere long gather 'round us. 
 
 But Love Eternal thaws all rime; 
 And that love e'er surrounds us. 
 
lb 
 
 POEMS. 29 
 
 THE MAGICIAN. 
 
 E said that lie loved her, 
 He whispered it low, 
 But deep down in her soul, 
 She heard its soft flow. 
 
 The words chimed and echoed 
 With rhythmical sound; 
 
 Worlds inward and outward 
 Awoke with a bound. 
 
 The skies were more azure, 
 More verdant the grass. 
 
 The lover was happier, i 
 
 More joyous the lass. 
 
 The birds sang more sweetly, 
 The sunshine was gold; 
 
 Bright dreams of young lovers 
 Can never be told. 
 
 The odor of flowers 
 
 Distilled on the air 
 Was heaven's own perfume,^ 
 
 Love made it so rare. 
 
30 POEMS 
 
 Ah ! wondrous magician, 
 
 This Cupid we call, 
 That fills with such gladness 
 
 The lives of us all. 
 
 POESY. 
 
 HGIFT of the gods," said a 
 thoughtless one; 
 Nay! rather, say we, with rev- 
 erence meet, 
 A gift from the God to elevate thoug^ht 
 And give to life's prose a measure com- 
 plete. 
 
 Ah ! hard were our lot with rhythm left out, 
 And sweet lullabies and snatches of song 
 
 Forever destroyed by Reason's cold creed, 
 While treading life's ways a prosaic 
 throng. 
 
 How thrilled is our spirit, what rapture we 
 feel. 
 When Poesy, Child of the Muses divine, 
 
POEMS. 31 
 
 Writes thoughts in our heart that will be 
 to mankind 
 A sesame true to the souPs inner shrine. 
 
 Our Fatlier, we thank Thee for sentiment 
 pure, 
 Engraved as with diamond upon our own 
 heart 
 By poets baptized with Thine own living 
 fire, 
 For life's hallowed service by Thee set 
 apart. 
 
 •5 
 
 •ff 
 
 YEAKNINGS. 
 
 CARE not for laurels 
 
 That may deck my cold brow, 
 'Tis tender affection 
 
 I am craving just now. 
 
 I ask not for riches. 
 
 Which disquiet the mind; 
 I long for devotion 
 
 That in fond hearts we find. 
 
32 POEMS 
 
 I yearn not for pleasures 
 That so lead one astray; 
 
 I'm looking for sunshine 
 That will ne'er fade away. 
 
 I seek not position, 
 
 For "society's" vain; 
 'Tis true, earnest living 
 
 That I seek on earth's plane. 
 
 O friends ! not one flow'ret 
 Must you lay on my tomb; 
 
 Just give me Love's violets 
 In my heart here to bloom. 
 
 Oh! speak to me gently, 
 As a poor homeless dove; 
 
 Oh! think of me kindly, 
 Let me rest in your love. 
 
 n 
 
 SOMETIMES. 
 
 S 
 
 OMETIMES it is the simplest lays 
 That wake within the soul God's 
 praise ; 
 
POEMS. 33 
 
 Sometimes the humblest things have power 
 To cheer our hearts in gloom-fraught hour. 
 Sometimes, sometimes. 
 
 Sometimes when steeped in deep distress, 
 And earth seems one great wilderness, 
 A brown-winged bird will sweetly trill 
 A song that causes heart to thrill. 
 Sometimes, sometimes. 
 
 Sometimes when sun has ceased to shine, 
 And we forget that life's divine. 
 There's sudden rift, and blue appears — 
 This heavenly signal dries our tears. 
 Sometimes, sometimes. 
 
 Sometimes when lonely past all speech. 
 And faith cannot to great heights reach, 
 A pure thought dropped by little child 
 Has us of loneliness beguiled. 
 
 Sometimes, sometimes. 
 
 Sometimes we muse of coming days 
 Whose myst'ries souls of ours amaze; 
 Thought trembles on the brink of woe, 
 And then dissolves: God loves us so! 
 But not sometimes — always^ we know. 
 
34 POEMS. 
 
 VISIONS. 
 
 ^^^^AYS for visions have departed, 
 xf / Earth-born spirits say, 
 
 But the soul within us thrilleth 
 
 At their glimpse to-day 
 With the same ecstatic fervor 
 
 Felt in far-off yesterday. 
 
 Thoughts that fill with aspiration 
 
 For a higher life, 
 Beauteous scenes of royal Nature 
 
 Free from earth's vain strife, 
 Lives from selfishness divested, 
 
 Are with glorious visions rife. 
 
 Whatsoever tends to guide us 
 
 To bright realm above. 
 Whatsoever calls and woos us 
 
 To immortal love, 
 Is an angel sent from heaven, 
 
 Rapturous vision! peace- winged dove! 
 
POEMS. 35 
 
 MOTHER'S COMING HOME. 
 
 ymC OTHER'S coming home to-day!" 
 r^ jj J Joyfully the children say. 
 
 "Home has been a lonesome 
 spot, 
 Everyone has us forgot 
 
 Since mother went away. 
 
 "Mother's coming home to-day ! 
 Now we'll romp and dance and play. 
 She is used to girls and boys, 
 And she'll love to hear our noise, 
 For mother's been away. 
 
 "Mother's coming home to-day! 
 Coming back always to stay, 
 And the sun will shine once more, 
 As it shone for us before 
 
 Our mother went away. 
 
 "Mother's coming home to-day! 
 We'll be gayest of the gay, 
 For no children in our land 
 Have a mother half so grand — 
 
 Dear mother's been away!^ 
 
36 POEMS 
 
 ^'Mother's coming home to-day !'' 
 Words that shed a golden ray. 
 Mother's absence creates dearth, 
 And it shows her matchless worth. 
 She's coming home to stay! 
 
 IN THE SOUL GARDEN. 
 
 ♦ll^OSES and lilies and violets are 
 11^ blooming 
 
 In the soul garden, and I am pre- 
 suming 
 To interpret their virtues so rare, 
 And to tell you why each is so fair. 
 
 Blest innocence slumbers in rose that is 
 
 white, 
 Oblivious of vices that souls often blight. 
 Of sacrifice speaketh the rose that is red, 
 Like crimson flood pouring from heart that 
 
 has bled. 
 
 For chastity surely there's naught will com- 
 pare 
 With chalice of lily, so fragrant and fair. 
 
POEMS. 37 
 
 Humility type is of violet shy, 
 That shrinketh and hideth away from man's 
 eye. 
 
 Blossoms of loveliness fair that are bloom- 
 ing 
 Kiehly in garden of soul, I'm assuming, 
 Are as clear in their symbols to me 
 As the diamond's bright sparkle we see. 
 
 THE ISLES OF LONG AGO. 
 
 ^C IFE and Love have gone a-maying, 
 /S^ And delightedly are straying 
 
 'Mid Isles of Long Ago; 
 A beauteous land in which to stay, 
 Enchanted land of yesterday, 
 
 Sweet Isles of Long Ago! 
 
 Aladdin's palace pales beside 
 The castle grand in which abide 
 
 Dear friends of Long Ago. 
 With portraits true its walls are hung. 
 In echoing labyrinths songs are sung 
 
 Of happy Long Ago. 
 
38 POEMS 
 
 'Tis only in this castle rare, 
 'Tis only in these islands fair, 
 
 Dwell friends of Long Ago; 
 So Life and Love in this bright land 
 Will keep on Maying, hand in hand, 
 
 Through Isles of Long Ago. 
 
 THE DEFAULTEE'S WIFE. 
 
 s 
 
 UCH cruel, cruel rumors 
 
 As are floating on the air! 
 I stand aghast to hear them, 
 And am filled with wild despair. 
 
 "Defaulter," say the papers; 
 
 Ah! what wicked words they use! 
 My Harry was too noble 
 
 To men's confidence abuse. 
 
 "He's missing." Yes, he's missing; 
 
 Do you think he'd stay and hear 
 Untruths so basely flagrant 
 
 Heap«^d on name he holds so dear? 
 
POEMS. 39 
 
 You've driven him from his loved ones; 
 
 You've besmirched his honor fair; 
 Some other man is guilty — 
 
 How could he such crime dare! 
 
 My heart for him is pleading; 
 
 He's my husband pure and true; 
 God bless him and defend him — 
 
 In his imth sweet lilies strew. 
 
 K 
 A KOUNDELAY OF HOPE. 
 
 HEOUNDELAY I sing to-day 
 Of life so sweet, so all-complete, 
 When music rare shall float in air, 
 And joyous sound be all around; 
 On earth, in sky, beneath, on high. 
 Blest pleasures dwell no tongue can tell. — 
 Thought of such bliss were not amiss. 
 And so I'll rhyme of that good time 
 Which is most surely coming. 
 When naught can heart annoy, 
 When life has no alloy, 
 And all's millennial joy : 
 'Tis coming, coming, coming! 
 
40 POEMS. 
 
 'TL 
 
 CUPID'S CAPRICE. 
 
 WAS a fairy castle that we builded, 
 You and I ; 
 Soaring sunward, spreading east- 
 ward, westward, 
 Broad and high. 
 
 In that castle fair Love's god was dwelling, 
 
 Fond and free; 
 And on us he richly showered his blessings ; 
 
 Glad were we. 
 
 But, alas! that fairy castle crumbled 
 
 In a night; 
 Of caprice of Cupid we were victims,- 
 
 Doleful plight! 
 
 Wanton Love, that arch deceiver, suddenly 
 
 Took wing; 
 And thus you and I forever parted, 
 
 Sorrowing. 
 
 There's no fairy castle that can hold him; 
 
 He can fly! 
 So with blanched lips that quiver we say: 
 
 **'Good-bye ! Good-bye !" 
 
POEMS. 41 
 
 PKOSPECTIVE. 
 
 ♦IFN the radiant summer time 
 II When the bells most sweetly 
 chime, 
 And the sun will golden shine, 
 You'll be mine! You'll be mine! 
 
 Thought enrapturing to the soul, 
 Leading forth to life's true goal. 
 Heart's fair angel by my side, 
 We will ever thus abide. 
 
 Sweethearts true we'll always be—* 
 I to you and you to me; 
 Fonder, truer with each 3^ear, 
 Filling life with sweetest cheer. 
 
 Our bright honeymoon will last 
 Till life's latest sunset's past, 
 Then together we shall fly 
 To blest Home b<pyond the sky. 
 
42 POEMS 
 
 lb 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 E told her he loved her, 
 And sweet bells rang; 
 He told her he loved her, 
 Life's song-bird sang. 
 
 The bright sun is shining. 
 Cloudless the sky; 
 
 Fond hopes are entwining. 
 Shadows now fly. 
 
 All foes have evanished. 
 
 Angels encamp ; 
 The heart is a palace, 
 
 Lit by Love's lamp. 
 
 Such ecstatic living 
 
 Has Cupid bold 
 That bliss of true loving 
 
 Cannot be told. 
 
 Oh I sing and be joyful ; 
 
 Life is now May; 
 Attuned to rapture 
 
 Is Love's bright day. 
 
POEMS. 43 
 
 GOOD-BYE, LITTLE SWEETHEAKT. 
 
 (3 
 
 OOD-BYE to the life that is ended, 
 The beautiful life of love; 
 Good-bye to the sentiment blended 
 With that beautiful, beautiful love. 
 Good-bye, little sweetheart, good-bye! 
 
 Good-bye to the fondness we cherished 
 In that beautiful life of love; 
 
 Good-bye to the hopes that have perished 
 With the ebb of that beautiful love. 
 Good-bye, little sw^eetheart, good-bye! 
 
 Good-bye to the tenderness dw^elling 
 In that beautiful life of love; 
 
 Good-bye to the hearts that were welling 
 W^ith love, beautiful, beautiful love. 
 Good-bye, little sweetheart, good-bye! 
 
 A last good-bye, w-e say with a sigh, 
 To the beautiful life of love; 
 
 Why, oh ! why, must we say this good-bye 
 To that beautiful^ beautiful love? 
 Little sweetheart, forever good-bye! 
 
44 POEMS 
 
 LOVE'S PEKPLEXITIES. 
 
 SWEETHEART mine, you say you love 
 me; 
 Ah! I wonder if you do I 
 Could there be such painful discord 
 'Twixt the souls of lovers true? 
 
 Sometimes 'mid the sweetest music 
 Jarring notes are strangely heard; 
 
 B^t such music's not ideal — 
 'Tis not heard in song of bird. 
 
 True love's course, as poets tell us, 
 Does not always smoothly run; 
 
 But there must be tender loving. 
 E'en though lost is glint of sun. 
 
 Ah! I fear me, my own darling. 
 
 We don't understand aright 
 The deep tones our Father's gives 
 
 To immortal spirits bright. 
 
 Blended with the gold seraphic 
 
 There's too much of baser ore; 
 We were meant to be like angels, 
 
 But we've lost heaven's blessed lore. 
 
POEMS. 45 
 
 Oftentimes jou are sarcastic, 
 
 And YOU wound me so, dear heart, 
 
 That I feel I must say to you : 
 ^^Go! We'll now forever parti'' 
 
 But, my dear, we'll keep on loving; 
 
 Life asunder would be death. 
 God has joined our souls together-^ 
 
 They'll outlast this fleeting breath. 
 
 EPITHALAMIUM. 
 
 'f^' 0-DAY on you God hath bestowed 
 ^^ The richest gift of life; 
 
 To-day, with happy, trustful heart — 
 Red-letter day in Love's bright chart — 
 You take the name of wife. 
 
 In realin ideal you long have dwelt 
 
 And folded in your breast 
 The thought of what this day would be, 
 When full fruition you would see 
 
 Of love that God has blessed. 
 
46 POEMS 
 
 The radiant summertide is yours — 
 
 Its symbol this fair day; 
 Bright hope is arching your life sky, 
 Upheld by Love's god fond and shy, 
 
 As soft '^I will/^ you say. 
 
 1 
 It means so much to give yourself, 
 
 With tender soul within, 
 To keeping of a man beloved; 
 A union by our Lord approved, 
 
 And free from taint of sin. 
 
 And now my heartfelt wish I breathe. 
 
 As pure as stainless snow; 
 May you to him and he to you 
 Be ever kind, be ever true, 
 
 Till bliss of Heav'n you know! 
 
 A FANCY. 
 
 'VE a tender bit of faiacy 
 
 That IVe woven into song! 
 Far back in the misty epoch 
 That to childhood doth belong, 
 
 1 
 
POEMS. 47 
 
 I could see from starry concave 
 
 Ej-es of angels shining clear, 
 Bringing light that was seraphic 
 
 From their heaven to earthly sphere. 
 
 Darkness lighted by such fancy 
 
 Is not darkness that we fear, 
 For the souVs by it illumined — 
 
 Angels bright are ever near. 
 Childish fancies have departed 
 
 With the onward rush of time, 
 But those eyes I still see shining, 
 
 Beck'ning me to brighter clime. 
 
 THE SPIKIT'S PLEADING. 
 
 TIYfl "^^^ ^^^' ^^^^ friends, till I to 
 ^,^L^ dreamless rest am laid 
 
 Ere you with heavenly benedic- 
 tions crown my head; 
 Full well we know that famine of the human 
 
 heart 
 Is not assuaged by tender tributes paid the 
 dead; 
 
48 POEMS 
 
 So I entreat your praise 
 While yet I walk earth's ways. 
 
 Oh, speak the words that buoy the fainting 
 soul with hope, 
 While still these mortal bars my spirit 
 tightly hold. 
 Throw open wide your alabaster box of 
 love 
 And let its blessed fragrance my poor life 
 enfold 
 While I, my kindred dear, 
 
 Yet linger with you here. 
 
 -J 
 
 When I am gone no words of eulogy pro- 
 nounce. 
 No flowers of odorous breath heap on my 
 lowly mound, 
 Nor marble shaft uprear bespeaking virtues 
 rare; 
 Just let my life attuned be to rapturous 
 sound 
 Of love's sweet melody 
 Ere soul enthralled is free- 
 
B 
 
 POEMS. 49 
 
 GOLD SUNDERED. 
 
 BEINY tear within the eye, 
 From out the heart a gentle sigh ; 
 "Good-bye I good-bye !" 
 'Twas thus we parted, you and I, 
 One dreary day 'neath the murky sky. 
 
 To-day we met as strangers cold; 
 Your hand did not mine own enfold, 
 
 For gold — bright gold — 
 Had so obscured the love of old 
 That throbbing heart for it you'd sold. 
 
 n 
 A WARNING. 
 
 H 
 
 F my voice could ring outward all over 
 our land, 
 And reach listening ears of girls 
 everywhere, 
 It is this I would say with an unction di- 
 vine: 
 "Dear girls, in the matter of marriage 
 beware. 
 
so POEMS 
 
 "You've your freedom just now, don't re- 
 nounce it too soon; 
 Be sure that you love ere you pledge your 
 fond troth. 
 Love's illusions too often are rainbowed by 
 tears, 
 And girls are deluded, like poor candle- 
 moth. 
 
 "Not to all is apportioned a home life of 
 love; 
 Position and fortune can't ease the heart- 
 ache; 
 And no bondage there is that will ever com- 
 pare 
 With marriage that's loveless, which, 
 prithee, don't make. 
 
 "The allurements of Cupid oft lead girls 
 astray. 
 But Fancy to Reason should always give 
 heed; 
 And though life may be lonely, yet happy 
 'twill be 
 If useful, contented, you help the world's 
 need." 
 
NATURE. 
 
 (SI): 
 
ir 
 
 POEMS. 53 
 
 IN MID-ATLANTIC. 
 
 N mid- Atlantic ! Boundless waste 
 Of water all around; 
 Blue-bending arch of sky overhead, 
 But not a single sound 
 Save deep and thunderous breathings heard 
 Of ocean's fleet greyhound. 
 
 'Tis blue and green and gray alway 
 
 That greet our longing eyes; 
 No other colors e'er we see 
 
 Except in sunset skies, 
 Or when the vivid lightnings flash 
 
 A wild and dread surprise. 
 
 We miss the whir and whirl of land, 
 We miss the church bells' chime; 
 
 We long for sight of friends we love, 
 We long for olden time. 
 
 Dear motherland, thou'rt better far 
 Than any foreign clime! 
 
 We've been at sea for days and days; 
 
 We've heard old Neptune roar; 
 We've strained our eyes to catch one glimpse 
 
 Of native, well-loved shore; 
 
54 POEMS 
 
 And then, in wild despair, we've cried 
 "We'll see thee nevermore!" 
 
 Of mid-Atlantic's vast expanse 
 No pen can tell the tale; 
 
 So pitiful its record is — 
 So full of woe and wail! 
 
 How many ships gone do^^Tl at sea 
 Like crystal spheres so frail ! 
 
 The saddest sight in all the world 
 
 Is funeral held at sea. 
 Engulfing waters swallow^ up. 
 
 As their own precious fee. 
 The rigid canvassed form beloved, 
 
 With soul fore'er set free. 
 
 Abysmal depths! "Dear Lord," we cry, 
 
 "Our wounded spirits heal ! 
 Rich promises of Holy Writ 
 
 In faith's sore need reveal, 
 That ocean's deeps may tranquil be 
 
 Where Love has set his seal." 
 
POEMS. s^ 
 
 A SCOTTISH SUNSET.* 
 
 H SUNSET on old Scotia's coast, 
 Transfixed, I gazed upon; 
 A scene of matchless beauty 'twas — 
 Enchantment stam^Ded thereon. 
 
 Such glory thrilled my soul through it 
 
 That I in worship bowed 
 To God of Nature for such a gift, 
 
 And that He had allowed 
 A child of earth to catch those rays 
 That they fore'er might sound His praise. 
 
 O, artist friend, so genius-dowered. 
 
 Great glory thou didst catch 
 From scene resplendent with God's light — 
 
 A light which thou didst match — 
 And bring to our enraptured view 
 This pageant grand o'er ocean blue. 
 
 * Lines inspired by the map-nificent Isle of St. Kilda 
 painting, by Prof. Ambrose Maeneil. 
 
SG POEMS. 
 
 That sunset could not fade aw ay, 
 For God did thee appoint 
 
 To make it shine for other souls, 
 Since He did thee anoint 
 
 To do this blessed work of grace 
 
 Till thou shalt see Him face to face. 
 
 WHISPERINGS OF SPRING. 
 
 ^^ PRING is coming ! Sprim 
 
 ^m^ Birds are singing, bees are humming. 
 
 Cold of Ice King was benumbing, 
 But the blessed spring is coming. 
 
 Tuneful sounds are these, indeed. 
 Sounds of which our hearts have need, 
 So we cry: "Stern Winter, speed! 
 For we love Spring's living creed." 
 
 Tender blades of grass are springing; 
 Swallows now are homeward winging, — 
 To our lives sweet cheer they're bringing. 
 Setting bells of hope a-ringing. 
 
POEMS. 57 
 
 Quickened by the sun's warm rays, 
 Nature her rich tribute pa^^s; 
 And our souls are filled with praise 
 While God's wonders so amaze. 
 
 Resurrection's power is 'round us; 
 Gospel truths no more confound us; 
 Nature's spring doth e'er astound us; 
 We, with earth, cry : "Love hath found us !" 
 
 Spring is coming! Life will thrill 
 Over valley, meadow, hill. 
 O'er brown tw^ig and ice-locked rill ; 
 Blessed Spring, our hearts you fill! 
 
 a 
 
 BIRD SONGS. 
 
 ROM the meadow comes to me 
 Joyous song of blackbird free: 
 "I am happy! I am happy 
 As birdling e'er can be." 
 
 Floating down from upper air, 
 List to note of lark so fair : 
 "I'm free from care! free from care! 
 Won't you all my joy share?" 
 
POEMS 
 
 In dark depths of evergreen 
 Glint of redbird's wing is seen 
 As he trills of might have been 
 Had this world been free from sin. 
 
 Autumn's air is growing cold, 
 But we hear blithe robin bold 
 Chirruping upon the wold 
 Of sweet hope his heart doth hold. 
 
 Now with sifting flakes so bright 
 Blends a song of glad delight : 
 "Chick-a-dee I I'm happy quite 
 In this frozen world so white." 
 
 If our faith would brighter grow 
 Let us oft to birdland go ; 
 Songs of cheer will keep aglow 
 Fires God meant should ne'er burn low. 
 
 THE SNOW MIRACLE. 
 
 ma 
 
 HAT wonder-world is this that 
 bursts 
 Upon our sight to-day! 
 
POEMS. 59 
 
 This fair, white world, 
 
 This rare, bright world, 
 
 A-gleaming 'neath sun-ray. 
 
 Prom mountain peak to mountain peak 
 A brilliant realm of snow. 
 
 By man untrod, 
 
 Fresh from its God, 
 Is this fair world below. 
 
 The sages say 'tis Nature's work, 
 No mystery, they trow; 
 And all in vain 
 Strive to explain 
 This miracle of snow. 
 
 'Tis type of purity divine, 
 This world we see to-day. 
 Ah! could soul be 
 From sin thus free. 
 How blest were life alway! 
 
6o POEMS 
 
 FROM SEA TO MOUNTAIN. 
 
 BXTOL as you please the boundless 
 sea, 
 That matchless type of eternity, 
 Its broad expanse gives terror to me, 
 And soul speeds home to the mountains free. 
 
 Away from storm-swept billowy main, 
 With wreckage of hopes and worldly gain, 
 To bulwarks towering above earth's plain. 
 Sun-kissed and gleaming with golden grain. 
 
 Ah, mariner ! keep thy soul aloft. 
 
 Since sorrow there is on the sea full oft; 
 
 I go to the heights whose breezes soft 
 
 My life-pulse have quickened so oft, so oft. 
 
 I? 
 
 JUNE. 
 
 SWEET enchantress, I am kneeling 
 At thy feet in rapt delight, 
 For on all the face of Nature 
 Thou hast cast a shimmering light. 
 
POEMS. 6i 
 
 Surely earth was never fairer 
 
 Than in summershine to-day, 
 And no song was ever blither 
 
 Than this redbird's roundelay. 
 
 Myriad blossoms are distilling 
 
 Blest aroma everywhere, 
 And we feel the joy of living 
 
 As we quaff enchanted air. 
 
 Skies of azure, bright and cloudless, 
 
 Arch above a perfect earth; 
 And such scenes of living beauty 
 
 Give to life a nobler worth. 
 
 Queen of melody and perfume, 
 Queen of all the months art thou; 
 
 June the blessed, June the radiant, 
 At thy shrine to-day we bow! 
 
 Z 
 
 SPEING. 
 
 RE reign of tyrant Winter's o'er 
 The flow'rs distil a perfume rare. 
 And hill and vale with music ring ; 
 
62 POEMS 
 
 There's joy in every earthly thing, 
 And fresh significance has life 
 
 In this sweet season christened Spring. 
 
 THE WITCHEEY OF SPRING. 
 
 LOSSOMS now from buds are wak- 
 ing, 
 Fruits rich petals are down-shak- 
 
 3 
 
 Blithesome, witching Spring is here! 
 Matchless songs from thrush and robin 
 Blend with hopes in hearts a-throbbing; 
 Brightest time of all the year. 
 When earth's redolent of cheer, 
 And God seemeth very near. 
 
 % 
 
 NATURE'S GOLD. 
 
 IFE'S great struggle is for gold, 
 ^'Hard and yellow, bright and cold, 
 Price of many a crime untold." 
 
POEMS. 63 
 
 Better gold all may possess — 
 Gold of hope — of righteousness; 
 Gold of peace — of blessedness. 
 
 Gold God gives us without stint, 
 Gold that's coined in Nature's mint, 
 Gold unmixed with grime and flint. 
 
 Golden sunshine He doth give; 
 Golden grain, that we may live; 
 Golden grace, that says, "Forgive.^ 
 
 G<)ld in daffodils we see. 
 Gold in buttercups have we, 
 Gold in lily chalice, free. 
 
 Gold in skies that arch our way, 
 Gold that makes life's holiday. 
 Gold that shines whene'er we pray. 
 
 Nature's gold! 'Tis this we crave. 
 This the gold that makes soul brave — 
 Golden Love, that lights the grave. 
 
64 POEMS. 
 
 GLADNESS. 
 
 ^f74^ E'S singing a song of glad delight, 
 llo/ '^^^^ apple blossoms pink and 
 white ; 
 The perfume blends with the music rare, 
 His life is free from cumbering cara 
 
 Dear little bird in the apple tree, 
 Trilling thy song for me, for me ! 
 My heart was sad till I heard thee sing. 
 But joyous thoughts do now upspring. 
 
 Sweet lesson of cheer I'll learn from thee. 
 Blithe minstrel friend in the apple tree; 
 I'll banish grief from souls that are sad. 
 Thy gospel preach : "Be glad ! be glad !" 
 
 MOKNING. 
 
 XL 
 
 HE earth is awaking from sleep. 
 The angels are ceasing to keep 
 Vigil o'er slumbering hosts. 
 
 From darkness the daylight is bom. 
 From shadow comes roseate morn; 
 Mists vanish like ghosts. 
 
POEMS. 65 
 
 Sealed eyes are awaking to life, 
 All nature with action is rife; 
 
 The singing of birds is heard. 
 The sun in bright glory appears, 
 His radiance banishes fears — 
 
 "Let there be light !'' is God's word. 
 
 EVOLVED. 
 
 STARLIGHT gleams behind the cloud, 
 Sunbeams slant through showers; 
 Verdure rich springs from decay. 
 Tiny buds make flowers. 
 Thus doth joy from sorrow wake, 
 Thus doth life fresh vigor take 
 From the cloud that lowers. 
 
 NATURE'S LARGESS. 
 
 ^ 1^ OU wonder why your eyes are blue, 
 I ^ Dear child of heavenly birth; 
 
 ^^--^ It is because they caught the hue 
 Of radiant skies that you passed through 
 In transit to the earth. 
 
66 POEMS 
 
 A second wonder is your lips, 
 
 Those priceless ruby twins, 
 That came 'cross unknown seas in ships 
 From lands whose opulence outstrips 
 
 The gold that fancy spins. 
 
 You marvel, too, at roseate tint 
 
 In cheeks so lily pure; 
 But Nature beauty will not stint, 
 And from her choicest sea-shell mint 
 
 She gave you this, I'm sure. 
 
 Another largess richly rare 
 
 This Lady Bountiful 
 Bestowed — a wealth of golden hair, 
 To cro^Ti the head of lassie fair 
 
 And make her beautiful. 
 
 And now you know, my gleesome elf, 
 
 Whence came your tintings fine, 
 Which far transcend all worldly pelf, 
 And incarnate in your sweet self 
 The gems of Nature's mine. 
 
POEMS. 67 
 
 A SONG OF MAY. 
 
 HE woods are vocal with the songs 
 Of feathered warblers gay; 
 All nature is attuned to glee, 
 For 'tis the joyous May. 
 
 tr 
 
 The resurrective power of spring 
 
 Is throbbing in the air, 
 And underneath its magic spell 
 
 The world grows wondrous fair. 
 
 There's perfume in the lily bell; 
 
 A subtle odor rare 
 From rose and violet is distilled ;— 
 
 There's perfume everywhere. 
 
 I am quite sure Earth never wore 
 Garb of more splendid ray 
 
 Than that in which she now appears, 
 Apparelled as Queen May. 
 
 Bright days of yore come back again; 
 
 We've found the Wonderland ! 
 In Fount of Youth we blissful lave, 
 
 And seize enchanter's wand. 
 
68 POEMS. 
 
 The year is keeping holiday, 
 And we with fairies dance, 
 
 Laughing and singing merrily, 
 Since life is glad romance. 
 
 AUTUMN. 
 
 3 
 
 ATHED in beauty past describing 
 Is this autumn world to-day; 
 Eock-ribbed mountains, purple- 
 shadowed, 
 Outlined 'gainst skies of blue-gray, 
 Without speech are saying to us: 
 "Worship God alway." 
 
 Thrill of ecstasy we're feeling 
 In this beauteous world to-day; 
 
 Wonderland fires are brilliant gleaming, 
 Eeflex of the sun's bright ray, 
 
 And their radiance soul illumines 
 As we softly pray. 
 
 Heart of universe pulsateth 
 With sweet harmony to-day. 
 
POEMS. 69 
 
 And the inner world respondeth 
 To the outer world's glad lay, 
 
 As we twine for queenly autumn 
 Coronal of deathless bay. 
 
 •I 
 
 THE WINTER MINSTREL. 
 
 tr 
 
 HE feathered bards have flown 
 To sunny lands more fair; 
 Outside, the snow-drifts lie, 
 Within, so free from care, 
 The cricket's chirp is heard, 
 
 A tuneful roundelay. 
 That rivals nightingale's 
 In balmy month of May. 
 
 What matter moaning winds 
 
 Or frozen, leafless trees. 
 When in the heart of home 
 
 We've minstrels gay like these. 
 The outer world's forgot; 
 
 Aroma of sw^eet rose 
 Is mingled with each chirp 
 
 While summer sunshine glows. 
 
HUMOR. 
 
 (71) 
 
ma 
 
 POEMS. 73 
 
 BECAUSE. 
 
 HEN I ask why you love me 
 You archly reply, 
 'Twixt dimples and blushes, 
 "Because — that is why !" 
 
 Then to vary your answer, 
 
 You give a half sigh, 
 "I love you, I love you, 
 
 Because — that is why!" 
 
 'Tis a woman's sole reason; 
 
 Her wits always fly 
 When asked why she loves yon- 
 
 "Because — that is why !" 
 
 E'en the wisest of women 
 Will always thus pause, 
 
 And foolishly stammer: 
 "Because y love, because F^ 
 
 And if wise legislation 
 
 We Solons should try, 
 They'd still keep on saying: 
 
 "Because — that is why I'' 
 
74 POEMS 
 
 JILTED. 
 
 'M kinder sad, yet sorter glad 
 You answered with a nay; 
 It hurts my pride, but, that aside, 
 I'll thankful be some day. 
 
 1 
 
 Kind Proverdence removed you hence — j 
 
 This view I wisely take. | 
 
 I'll not renew my suit with you, 
 
 For there's too much at stake. a 
 
 A man's a fool to sigh and pule j 
 
 At woman's cruel nay ; j 
 
 He bears no scars from Cupid's wars, — j 
 
 Love's god don't fight that way. j 
 
 I'll go ahead, and leave unsaid i 
 
 Soft, sentermental things; \ 
 
 Rememberin' this, there ain't much bliss ' 
 
 In courtin' gals with wings. \ 
 
 Some day, perchance, I'll see askance ' 
 
 The woman Fate designed \ 
 
 To be my bride, and at her side J 
 
 I'll live, and be resigned. | 
 
POEMS. 75 
 
 Till fateful time when bells shall chime 
 
 On that millennial day, 
 I'll laugh and flirt but not get hurt, 
 
 For turn about's fair play. 
 
 A WOMAN'S ANSWER. 
 
 ^^^^O you love me? Sweetheart, say, 
 ^5^/ Do you love me?" — "Nay, nay, 
 
 nay! 
 I'm not loving any man ; 
 I am shaping my life's plan 
 By the guidance of True Love, 
 Seekino: His will Who's above. 
 
 ■^fe 
 
 "Love like this will not decay 
 Like the love encased in clay, 
 For it is a substance true, 
 Such as love like yours ne'er knew. 
 
 "Ah ! you think you love me well, 
 But I think that time will tell 
 It was caprice, that was all. 
 Nothing real — Fancy's call. 
 
76 POEMS. 
 
 "Love's illusions can't allure 
 
 From duty's path a heart that's pure; 
 
 So I bid you comfort find 1 
 
 In another more inclined 
 
 To have her life with yours entwined.^ j 
 
 THE MOSQUITOS, ' ' | 
 
 f DREAMED yester-night 
 The skeeters didn't bite, I 
 
 But when I awoke 
 Alas ! 'twas a joke. ; 
 
 My face in the light ! 
 
 Was in dolorous plight, 1 
 
 And all I could do 
 
 Was to wail and boo-hoo! ^ 
 
 I could not be seen I 
 
 By maid or by queen, j 
 
 And was forced to decline ! 
 
 An invitation to dine. ! 
 
 The soiree at eve \ 
 
 My spirit did grieve; 
 So a prisoner lone 
 In my room I made moan, 
 
POEMS. 77 
 
 The only redress 
 
 Mj marred face to press 
 
 With handkerchief steeped 
 
 In tears I did weep, 
 
 And to utter a prayer 
 
 That skeeters beware, 
 
 As dear Uncle Sam 
 
 Will soon banish them, 
 
 When no more we'll complain 
 
 Of malaria and pain. 
 
 The glad thought of that time 
 Is the source of this rhyme; 
 And we'll sound a Te Deum 
 When no more we shall see 'em. 
 
 MOUSIE'S FATE. 
 
 ©NE night, when the light had just 
 vanished, 
 I heard my trap click. 
 And then, very quick, 
 Came squealing of mouse that was fam- 
 ished. 
 
78 POEMS 
 
 That sound on the air ended my prayer, 
 
 For the S. P. C. A. 
 
 Would have something to say 
 Should cries continue and I not care. 
 
 'Twas not devout, but I hastened out 
 
 To relieve the woe 
 
 Of my tiny foe 
 Whose life was fleeting by steel-trap route. 
 
 "Dear mousie," I said, "you'll soon be dead ; 
 
 It does seem a shame, 
 
 But me do not blame 
 For blow impending upon your head. 
 
 "Could you not hear when I warned you, 
 dear, 
 Of trap I would set 
 For my little pet 
 Who scampered through rooms without 
 fear? 
 
 "I endured it long; it w^as so wTong 
 
 That you did not heed, 
 
 But for stomach's greed 
 Let my warning pass like soothless song. 
 
POEMS. 79 
 
 " 'Tis too late now, for Hannibars vow, 
 
 No Koman to spare, 
 
 Is one that I dare 
 To enforce at this moment, I trow!" 
 
 Do not ask how I fulfilled that vow, 
 
 But mousie was dead 
 
 And I in my bed, 
 With no mark of contrition on brow. 
 
 A robber was he from whom I'm free. 
 
 So I'll sleep till day, 
 
 For mice will not play 
 'Round corse of their mate to-night — he! he! 
 
 H 
 THE TRAVELER. 
 
 f'VE been a mighty traveler, 
 I've seen such wondrous 
 sights, 
 I've been among the Andes, 
 On Chimborazo's heights. 
 
 I've roamed through sunny Africa, 
 
 I've compassed icy Pole, 
 I've felt the breath of Simoon, 
 
 I've reached explorer's goal. 
 
8o POEMS. 
 
 I've sated my ambition 
 
 For lands beyond the seas; 
 
 Yet, notwithstanding all this, 
 I've traveled at my ease. 
 
 Most gladly I've partaken 
 Of plantain, bread fruit, yam; 
 
 There's nothing that's escaped me, 
 Not even date of palm. 
 
 On famous steed of Arab, 
 
 On ship of desert true, 
 On back of faithful llama, 
 
 I've had experience new. 
 
 I've had a feast of reason 
 
 In famous cities old ; 
 And in poor heathen India 
 
 I've seen gods made of gold. 
 
 Though traveling is expensive— 
 "The Paradise of fools"— 
 
 Yet travel such as mine's been 
 Is learned in modern schools. 
 
POEMS. 8i 
 
 My books were vade mecums, 
 
 My taste directed all, 
 And in imagination 
 
 I've roamed this terrene ball. 
 
 No bona fide traveler 
 
 Was e'er so free as I, 
 And if of true enjoyment 
 
 You'd taste, my method try. 
 
 MAGGIE'S COGITATIONS. 
 
 f'M always glad when Friday comes 
 For then I'm free till Monday. 
 Next day I'll roam and have good 
 time; 
 Then go to church on Sunday. 
 I'll sleep till ten, and then — and then — 
 
 I'll have a good warm dinner; 
 But, lack-a-day! at six they say: 
 
 "Come, Maggie, you young sinner, 
 Your mother's sick and can't get up, 
 
 The baby's roused the neighbors ; 
 You're needed here at once; get up!'' 
 So I begin my labors. 
 
82 POEMS 
 
 'Tis work, work, work — incessant work; 
 
 Oh, how I long for school time ! 
 For those bad children me distract, 
 
 And fill with thought of savage crime. 
 Ah! ne'er again will I complain, 
 
 Or call my school a prison. 
 An education's what I need. 
 
 For nursing's not my mission; 
 So I'll go back and be so good 
 
 My teacher'll hardly know me; 
 As student, I'll excel the class, 
 
 And wisdom true she'll show me. 
 
 LEWIS. 
 
 f'M my mother's special joy, 
 Just a little blue-eyed boy ; 
 Curls a-clust'ring 'round my neck, 
 And with cute tricks by the peck ; 
 Nicest boy you ever see — 
 Wonder what you fi^ik of me? 
 
 I'm a mighty fighter, too; 
 Beat my cousin black and blue 
 
POEMS. 83 
 
 When I went to visit him, 
 Little fellow, lithe and trim. 
 With his fists he'd bravely fight, 
 While I'd scratch and tear and bite 
 With the most intense delight; 
 Then, with tears a-flowing fast 
 We would hug and kiss at last^ 
 Clever boys in sorry plight! 
 
 Now my name you want to know — 
 Like sweet music hear it flow; 
 Don't you be in such a hurry ! 
 It is Lewis Barney Murray. 
 
MEMORIAL. 
 
 (85) 
 
Jf 
 
 POEMS. 87 
 
 JUST A FKIEND. 
 
 UST a friend whose heart was true, 
 Just a friend whose nature knew 
 Naught of guile — whose spirit drew 
 
 Upward to its God. 
 
 Just a friend whose life was pure, 
 One whose friendship was secure, 
 Who affliction did endure 
 With fortitude sublime. 
 
 Just a friend who could impart 
 Comfort to a soul distraught, 
 And who had the happy art 
 To soothe life's sorrows. 
 
 Just a friend whose softest tone, 
 Breathed into the ear of one 
 Whose lone heart was all a-moan. 
 Evoked sweet music. 
 
 Just a friend that you could trust, 
 One whose thoughts were ever just, 
 And who, sleeping in the dust. 
 We mourn most truly. 
 
88 POEMS 
 
 Just a friend ! What bitter pain 
 To lose such friend, for in vain 
 We seek to find his like again, 
 Since God hath called him. 
 
 THE COTTAGE BY THE RILL. 
 
 '^^ HERE'S a wailing in the wind, 
 ^^ There's a sadness undefined. 
 In the cottage by the rill; 
 For the best beloved of all 
 Has responded to God's call, 
 And the voice we loved is still. 
 
 She has found sweet rest in Him, 
 But our eyes with tears are dim 
 
 For the cottage by the rill 
 Can be home for us no more, 
 Since the one we did adore 
 
 Ne'er again life's niche can filL 
 
 Ah ! our soul is deeply wrought. 
 For there's anguish in the thought 
 That the cottage by the rill 
 
POEMS. 89 
 
 Nevermorell enshrine the band 
 Widely scattered o'er the land 
 With hearts estranged and chill. 
 
 Through the mists of mem'ry we, 
 Looking backward, radiant see 
 
 That blest cottage by the rill 
 With its old-time love and cheer, 
 Filled with recollections dear 
 
 That our hearts will ever thrill. 
 
 NOT SATISFIED.* 
 
 S 
 
 OMETHING was the matter 
 With our bright-faced child, 
 And for weeks together 
 She had seldom smiled. 
 
 "What's the trouble, darling?^ 
 
 Was my query bold. 
 And with sobs of anguish 
 
 She her story told. 
 
 * To Ada M.. Metuchen, N. J. 
 
90 POEMS 
 
 *'0h! I am not happy!" 
 
 And lier little frame 
 Was with grief a-quiver — 
 
 Grief without a name. 
 
 "I'm so afraid that I'll 
 
 Not be satisfied 
 When I get to Heaven !" 
 
 The wee maiden cried. 
 
 Outright I would have laughed 
 
 At grief so absurd, 
 Had not feeling tender 
 
 All my being stirred. 
 
 "Get there first, my darling; 
 
 Trust God for the rest, 
 For a loving Father 
 
 I Giveth what is best." 
 
 f 
 
 'Twas a real sorrow 
 
 That our wee one vexed; 
 
 Question deeper never 
 Our own soul perplexed. 
 
POEMS. 91 
 
 So strange to me it seemed, 
 
 In those bright days of yore, 
 Such odd query troubled 
 
 Little child of four. 
 
 "Satisfied with Heaven!" 
 
 Bliss beyond compare ! 
 We with saints and martyrs 
 
 Would that bright world share. 
 
 MY FKIEND. 
 
 ^'9'¥^HE words of cheer he spoke to me 
 wL Will ever live in memory; 
 
 How good it was to have a friend 
 Whose thoughts with mine did sweetly 
 blend. 
 
 The cordial grasp of his warm hand, 
 The generous gifts he freely planned, 
 The sympathy, almost divine — 
 Were gracious types of soul benign. 
 
 Measured by time it is not lon^ 
 
 Since he did join Heaven's holy throng, 
 
 But, oh! it seems so long to me 
 Since I did last that dear friend see. 
 
^1 POEMS 
 
 My heart is sick when I contrast 
 Those bright, fleet days from out the past 
 With these, so full of murk and care, 
 With no kind friend my grief to share. 
 
 They tell me that my friend is dead; 
 It is not so! He's only fled, 
 Like birds we've known in olden time, 
 To fairer land, more genial clime. 
 
 What bliss it is to know he's free 
 
 From all the woes that here we see! 
 
 We cast off self; we upward move. 
 
 With Faith's glad cry, '^Our God is Love !" 
 
 •5 
 
 1^ 
 
 VICTORIA. 
 
 ICTORIA Regina, the world weeps to- 
 day! 
 The nations are mourning; our 
 hearts tribute pay. 
 
 Illustrious ruler, proud Empress and 
 
 Queen, 
 Thy peer on the throne has but rarely been 
 
 seen. 
 
POEMS. 93 
 
 Thy counsels were ever for justice and 
 peace ; 
 
 Alas! that in warfare thy soul found re- 
 lease ! 
 
 Thy heart was enstamped with true woman- 
 hood's worth, 
 
 Far richer and nobler than came from thy 
 birth. 
 
 As daughter, as mother, as wife thou did'st 
 
 shine 
 With luster resplendent like gems of the 
 
 mine. 
 
 A lady of culture, with dignified mien, 
 Thou wast a fit type of the world's greatest 
 queen. 
 
 We read of thy home-life, so lovely and true, 
 And yield thee a homage vouchsafed to but 
 few. 
 
 The dear Lord was gracious to shield thee 
 
 from pain 
 For so many years of thy glorious reign. 
 
94 POEMS 
 
 We grieve that thy sunset was clouded with 
 
 woes, 
 That sorrow disturbed thy last earthly re- 
 
 j)ose. 
 
 From Osborne, from Windsor, from all thy 
 
 domain, 
 Thou hast passed to Heaven, thy guerdon to 
 
 gain; 
 
 And the Child of the King sits enthroned in 
 
 the skies. 
 Caught up from earth's tears into God's 
 
 Paradise. 
 
 THE WISHING TEEE.* 
 
 HNOTHEE dear landmark's a thing of 
 the past 
 That old wishing-tree that we loved 
 to the last. 
 How fondly we loved it we never can tell; 
 Each time we saw it was like chiming of 
 
 bell. 
 
 * The ffimous old live-oak that drooped over the stone- 
 wall enclosing the extensive grounds of Governor Taze- 
 well's home on Granby Street, Norfolk, Va. 
 
POEMS. 95 
 
 It spoke to our souls with mysterious sound; 
 With link cabalistic to it we were bound. 
 
 We never could pass 'neath its verdant 
 
 boughs 
 That we heard not the whisper of tender 
 
 vows. 
 It was only the echo of tones long fled, 
 For that tree was instinct with voice of the 
 
 dead; 
 But in twilight's calm, sweet communion 
 
 had we 
 With dear vanished friends through that 
 
 whispering tree. 
 
 'Mid its green branches fondly nestled the 
 
 dove; 
 To it were confided sweet stories of love. 
 'Twas true to all lovers who to it appealed; 
 Those wonderful secrets it never revealed. 
 Ah ! how much more faithful was that dear 
 
 old tree 
 Than we who are human, with whom secrets 
 
 are free. 
 
96 POEMS. 
 
 Such wishes were made by the young and 
 
 the fair! 
 So often they asked for life free from all 
 
 care; 
 But wishes like these find no answer on 
 
 earth, 
 Since care is our dower from moment of 
 
 birth. 
 Some wishes, no doubt had fulfillment most 
 
 sweet ; 
 Those coy young wishers happy wives now 
 
 we meet. 
 
 Thou dear Wishing Tree, spreading forth 
 
 like green bay, 
 The great giant Progress came striding thy 
 
 way; 
 Forthwith gave he order to uproot the tree 
 That God had appointed for soul's ministry. 
 "Why cumber the earth when town lots are 
 
 so dear? 
 For just on this spot shall appear Pioneer/' 
 
 No room in the city for sentiment sweet ; 
 'Tis business, that only, of which men can 
 treat; 
 
POEMS. 97 
 
 Fair Mammon's the idol, the shibboleth's 
 
 "gold"— 
 The beauties of nature too oft have been 
 
 told. 
 Away to the wildwood most gladly we'll 
 
 hie, 
 And live till we pass to "the Sweet By and 
 
 By." 
 
 INVOCATION. 
 ♦fl^OW can you be happy up there in the 
 
 WD ^^^^^ 
 
 When I am so lonely down here? 
 You always gave comfort when heart was 
 oppressed ; 
 Withhold not that comfort now, dear. 
 
 Your visible presence no more can I see, 
 But spirit with spirit may roam ; 
 
 And down in the dust I've entreated my 
 Lord 
 That thus you may enter our home. 
 
98 POEMS 
 
 Oh! I would not murmur that God called 
 you hence, — 
 For His way is ever the best, — 
 But, darling, my desolate heart you must 
 soothe 
 With some of your heavenly rest. 
 
 f 
 
 ENSHADOWED.* 
 
 T seems so strange, so very strange, 
 On this bright Christmas day. 
 To miss thee from our fold of love: 
 Earth's now so cold and gray. 
 
 Such mockery it seems to be 
 
 To smile or laugh to-day, i 
 
 Since thou, the dearest of our band, 
 Art sleeping -neath the clay. 
 
 Deep loneliness abides in hearts, 
 
 Thou wert with us alway; 
 No Christmas day we ever knew 
 
 With home's blest lamb astray. 
 
 * Tenderly inscribed to my friend, Mrs. S., of Nor- 
 folk, Va. 
 
POEMS. 99 
 
 We call aloud for thee, dear one, 
 
 And reverently we pray; 
 But echo is the sole response — 
 
 Like thee, God's far away. 
 
 Though hearts are breaking, dear, I know 
 
 Thou wouldst not have us say 
 That God is cruel or unkind, 
 
 Or Faith hath lost her way. 
 
 However desolate our lives 
 
 On this sad Christmas day, 
 We'll heavenward look, with faith renewed, 
 
 And trust our God for aye. 
 
 MEMORIA IN ETERNA. 
 
 ^T ONG months have sped since God 
 -^^ did lay 
 
 Upon thy heart His finger cold. 
 Bidding it pulse on earth no more. 
 But upward pass through gates of gold. 
 
 God claimed thy life ! Full long hadst thou 
 Known disappointment's cruel stings; 
 
 Too proud and sensitive thou wast 
 To longer cope with earthly things. 
 
 L 
 
loo POEMS. 
 
 Dear generous friend, with heart so true, 
 
 An inspiration to us all ! 
 A type of manhood's noblest worth, — 
 
 Gone far beyond our pleading call. 
 
 *^Thy will be done!" On bended knee 
 We say it oft, with soul that's brave, 
 
 But, oh, how hard it is to yield 
 Our best beloved to cruel grave! 
 
 We miss thee so! No time can dim 
 Thine image stamped upon our soul; 
 
 A crown thy martyrdom hast won. 
 While we still struggle for the goal. 
 
 MY MOTHER. 
 
 '(Obit September 4, 1895.)' 
 
 SHE gave me life, she gave me love, 
 She gave herself to me; 
 On fleshly tablet of the heart, 
 Engraved fore'er is she. 
 
 Sure never yet had anyone 
 
 A mother such as she; 
 God's own dear child in human guise, — 
 
 A captive now set free. 
 
POEMS. loi 
 
 Unsel fishy ali, word coined for her! 
 
 Of self she never thought. 
 A gentle, patient, suffering one, 
 
 Love's threads her life web wrought. 
 
 How wise was she! What lofty aims 
 
 Impressed she on our mind ! 
 Great thoughts had she, expressed with 
 force ; — 
 
 She left those thoughts behind! 
 
 Thou rarely gifted mother true! 
 
 As writer cogent, clear. 
 With voice of liquid melody, 
 
 That floats now on my ear. 
 
 No soul was ever higher keyed, 
 
 No life had nobler aim; 
 Ambition to be what God wished 
 
 Is linked with her dear name. 
 
 Deep sorrows gashed into her heart; 
 
 Her life was one of pain ; 
 "Perfect through suffering/' God decreed; 
 
 His grace did her sustain. 
 
102 POEMS. 
 
 "At evening time it shall be light," 
 
 Ah, promise sweetly true, 
 For when the convoy band she joined 
 
 Effulgent Light she knew. 
 
 For her sunshine, for me midnight; 
 
 Such anguish heart ne'er cleft. 
 "I want my mother !'' was the cry, 
 
 Like little child bereft. 
 
 "T can do nothing more for her!" 
 Throbbed forth with deepest pain; 
 
 The burthen of that anguished thought 
 Will be my life refrain. 
 
 Though frail and shadow^y she was, 
 Like phalanx grand stood she 
 
 'Twixt me and earth's embattled foes; 
 Secure was I and free. 
 
 That phalanx gone, a thousand spears 
 Came rushing at my heart; 
 
 And since God called her spirit home 
 From love I've felt apart. 
 
POEMS. 103 
 
 A homeless wand'rer here I roam, 
 
 Inspired by hope divine 
 That, when life's latest breath shall come, 
 
 In Heaven she will be mine. 
 
 THE ANSWERED PEAYER. 
 
 H DAINTY little maiden, 
 Arrayed in spotless white, 
 Most patiently was sewing; 
 Off slipped the needle bright. 
 
 The mystery of threading 
 Quite baffled her young mind. 
 
 "Pease wed my needle, 'ister, 
 For I am a'most blind." 
 
 But sister for companion 
 
 Had Little Fauntleroy, 
 And no ear had for wee one 
 
 In time of such great joy. 
 
 * To Aline M., Metuchen, N. J. 
 
I04 POEMS 
 
 The bright young face grew troubled; 
 
 "Hunny Bunny, tan't you heai'? 
 My needle's turn unwedded, 
 
 Pease wed it, 'ister dear.'' 
 
 Still sister sat unconscious, 
 For with such royal guest 
 
 She knew naught of the sorrow 
 Of little one sore pressed. 
 
 Now light flashed on the darkness, 
 For Faith was her strong shield, 
 
 And Aline's face grew radiant 
 Since faith could victory yield. 
 
 In attitude imploring, 
 
 With reverent, downcast eyes, 
 We hear her softly murmur 
 
 To Father in the skies: 
 
 "Pease wed my needle, 'ister,'' 
 For Twist's dear sake, Amen.'* 
 
 The prayer was quickly answered, 
 Aline was happy then. 
 
POEMS. 105 
 
 The deaf ears were unstopped, 
 
 The book was cast aside, 
 And of the Kingdom such are these, 
 
 Who shall with God abide. 
 
 MEMORIALS. 
 
 '^^^HE best memorial of a life that's 
 ^^^ ended 
 
 Is not graven on sepulchral stone, 
 But it is the gracious influence blended 
 
 With the lives that for that lost life moan, 
 And brave record of a holy faith defended — 
 
 Lacking which there's nothing will atone. 
 
 SHAKESPEARE. 
 
 fMMORTAL child of fame, 
 At mention of thy name 
 Impassioned thought doth rise, 
 Thou King in lowly guise. 
 
 Shakespeare, transcendent one! 
 
 Thou wondrous dowered soa 
 
 Of Drama and of Song 
 
 Who thrill 'st the world's vast throng. 
 
io6 POEMS 
 
 Shakespeare, thou ne'er canst die, 
 To soul thou wilt be nigh 
 While time's gold orb doth shin^^ 
 Thou King of bards divine! 
 
 H 
 
 DEATHLESS. 
 
 ^(In Memory of Nellie.) 
 
 ©N vital ray 
 Caught from life's golden Sun, 
 She winged away 
 To Heaven and Holy One. 
 
 The chrysalis 
 That shrined her spirit pure 
 
 Now broken is — 
 The cast-off garb she wore. 
 
 A seraph bright, 
 Earth's mission she fulfilled; 
 
 A flower of light, 
 An incense sweet distilled. 
 
POEMS. 107 
 
 In phantasy 
 Our darling one still lives, 
 
 For memory 
 Her vision deathless gives. 
 
 Enrapturing thought! 
 To enter Paradise 
 
 No change is wrought 
 In soul, life's one true prize! 
 
 WITH THE IMMORTALS. 
 
 (3 
 
 ONE to dwell with the immortals. 
 In that far-off, deathless land. 
 Gone to live with God forever 
 Is the dearest of our band. 
 
 Though our hearts are filled with sadness. 
 
 There's no shadow of despair. 
 For our missing one is dwelling 
 
 In God's home of love so fair. 
 
 Earth hath lost its rainbow splendor 
 Since thine eyes no longer shine. 
 
 And love's lute no more respondeth 
 To thy touch, dear father mine. 
 
io8 POEMS 
 
 Thy pure life was like the chalice 
 
 Of a lily, fragrant, white; 
 Its aroma still exhaleth 
 
 Though thy form is lost to sight. 
 
 We are living 'mongst the dying, 
 
 Thou in blest immortal land. 
 Where we hope, earth's sorrows ended, 
 
 We shall form united band. 
 
 H 
 ST. VINCENT'S. 
 
 (Norfolk, Va., 1901.) 
 
 •yj^fH[ ITH a pride we cannot measure, 
 ^^^^ With a love that's pure and 
 free. 
 We have seen 'thy redivivus 
 In our City by the Sea. 
 
 Glorious things of thee were spoken 
 
 In the days of Isadore, 
 And thy gracious work of healing 
 
 Was alike for rich and poor. 
 
POEMS. 109 
 
 God's own temple wast thou truly, 
 
 And like ministers divine 
 Were those white cornetted Sisters, 
 
 Gentle-voiced, with face benign. 
 
 To the calmness of thy temple 
 
 Bore we oft our holiest, 
 That with gentle ministrations 
 
 They might enter into rest. 
 
 Ah! those weary days of watching. 
 With their nights so full of pain. 
 
 And the anguish of those partings — 
 How they all come back again! 
 
 But that memory-haunted building 
 Has now vanished from our sight, 
 
 And from out its ashes rises, 
 Phcenix-like, thy vision bright. 
 
 In the freshness of thy splendor 
 
 Thou art lovely as a bride, 
 With great promises of service 
 
 That should quicken civic pride. 
 
no POEMS. 
 
 There is room in our fair city 
 For all works that are humane; 
 
 And when working for the Master 
 Let us lose the greed of gain. 
 
 Not with narrow creed of bigot 
 Are we dreading thy success, 
 
 But, with charity unbounded, 
 Bid God-speed thy usefulness. 
 
DEVOTIONAL. 
 
 '("ly 
 
POEMS. 113 
 
 HIS PRESENCE. 
 
 HY will be mine, my will be Thine," 
 With consecrated heart we sing- 
 When self is lost in life divine 
 And soul obeisance pays its King. 
 
 Z 
 
 The entrance of this royal Guest — • 
 Incarnate once as we are now — 
 
 Brings balm of hope to soul distressed. 
 And lifts us from despair's deep slough. 
 
 His presence maketh all things new; 
 
 There's blessed change without, within, 
 And sunbeams bright with lilies strew 
 
 The life-way darkened once by sin. 
 
 B 
 
 IN THE GLOAMING. 
 
 MID the deepening shadows. Lord, 
 We come to Thee, 
 For soul has found a resting place 
 Secure and free. 
 
114 POEMS. 
 
 The shadows are aglow with light 
 
 And Deity, 
 And the blest shining of Thy face 
 
 Makes darkness flee. 
 
 How sweet amid life's dissonance 
 
 To know Thy peace, 
 And that for earthly grief and care 
 
 There is surcease. 
 A pitying Lord doth hear our cries 
 
 And grant release, 
 When we in broken sobs of prayer 
 
 Implore His peace. 
 
 LIVE THY CKEED. 
 
 ^f IVE thy creed, O soul of mine! 
 /S^ Naught has worth that's not divine. 
 
 Words are valueless compared 
 With brave deeds for conscience dared; 
 Thought has great uplifting power, 
 But the living of each hour 
 Gives the grand immortal dower; 
 Therefore press toward heavenly goal, 
 Living out thy creed, O soul ! 
 
POEMS. 115 
 
 PATIENCE. 
 
 BE patient with thyself/' 
 Said Fenelon of old; 
 A kernel of sweet truth 
 These w^ords to us unfold. 
 
 To dwell in holy calm 
 
 With dual self within ; 
 To live without a clash 
 
 With our owm sacred twin — 
 
 Supernal virtue this, 
 
 A gem of ray serene; 
 Blest mystic bridge that links 
 
 This world with world unseen. 
 
 XT 
 
 TO PAIN. 
 
 RANSFOEMING power hast thou, O 
 Pain! 
 When's passed thine hour we sing 
 
 We're gladder then than e'er before, 
 And woeless men we pity more; 
 
ii6 POEMS 
 
 With eyes unholden, see God's way, 
 With faith emboldened, learn to pray. 
 Thou dost not rend our soul in vain; 
 Disguised friend art thou, O Pain! 
 
 CALLED. 
 
 y^ALLED into the grace of 
 
 ^^ Christy- 
 
 Called into the holy life, 
 Out of the darksome night, 
 To walk with Him in white, 
 
 Soul unspotted by earth's strife. 
 
 "Called into the grace of Christ" — 
 Inner peace for worldly din; 
 Heaven on earth begun. 
 Glorious victories won 
 After conflicts sharp with sin. 
 1^ 
 HE KNOWS. 
 
 (3 
 
 OD'S living gift within us, 
 
 The sacred soul that grows 
 By sweet communion wich Him, 
 Like Sharon's blooming Rose, 
 
POEMS. 117 
 
 Makes glad our arid nature 
 
 And calms with blest repose 
 The turbulence of passion 
 
 With thought, "He knows, He knows." 
 
 t 
 
 SILENCE. 
 
 N the stillness of the ocean 
 Is a silence that's sublime; 
 And the soul, released from moor* 
 
 Triumphs over sense and time. 
 
 In the misty blue of mountains 
 There's a silence that's profound; 
 
 And the spirit, rapt, communeth 
 With the God who's all around. 
 
 Ah, this silence! 'Tis like Heaven; 
 
 Blessed peace for worldly din ! 
 Silence! silence! rapturous silence! 
 
 Walk we softly — God's within! 
 
ii8 POEMS 
 
 BE CHEERY. | 
 
 \ 
 
 ♦|f;W EART of mine, why art thou dreary ' 
 
 II 1 When Wisdom says, "Be cheery"? I 
 
 Why shudder at the cold, ' 
 
 Why lose thy blessed hold 
 
 On loveliness and youth, ! 
 
 And cry in vain for Truth? 
 
 Be cheery, aye, be cheery! [ 
 
 Be glad, be glad, O heart of mine! 
 
 Sweet trust makes sun forever shine. ) 
 
 No vain and mocking show \ 
 
 Is this life here below; 
 
 'Tis full of wise intent, 
 
 God's w^ays beneficent. ■ 
 
 Let golden glint of trust be thine. j 
 
 ^ i 
 
 J 
 THE MOTHER'S FAREWELL. 
 
 ROM home life pure to sinful world 
 
 You go, my child, to-day; | 
 
 I fold my arms about yuu, dear, ^ 
 
 And fondly for you pray. j 
 
 ^ 
 
POEMS. 119 
 
 The panoply of Love Divine 
 
 Must shield you in the fray; 
 The holy power of mother's love 
 
 Must be your guiding ray. 
 
 Remember, child, how sacred is 
 
 The life you bear within ; 
 Remember this, — you'll victor be 
 
 In conflicts sharp with sin. 
 
 Be true to principles instilled, 
 
 Remembering you're akin 
 To Him, the tempted and the true; 
 
 And thus Life's crown you'll win. 
 
 STRENGTH FOR THE WEARY. 
 
 f'VE grown tired upon life's highway, 
 Limbs are trembling, heart's op- 
 pressed ; 
 I would turn to cooling byw^ay, 
 Seeking for my soul sweet rest. 
 
I20 POEMS 
 
 I am weary of the rushing 
 
 And the whir of business ; 
 All the better life they're crushing, 
 
 Filling soul with deep distress. 
 
 Wherefore all this tumult, riot, 
 Which on nerves and brain so jar, 
 
 When we're longing for the quiet 
 Of the Blessed Land afar? 
 
 O my soul! look upward ever, 
 
 Craving naught the Lord's denied; 
 
 There is strength in blest endeavor, — 
 Christ for us was crucified. 
 
 f 
 
 JOY BELLS. 
 
 'M glad I am alive to-day, 
 Such rapture spirit raises; 
 
 My heart doth sing, my soul doth 
 ring 
 With God's eternal praises. 
 
POEMS. 121 
 
 We've no time here for sigh or tear, 
 We should be brave in sorrow, 
 
 For rainbow arch, in our life march, 
 We see to-day, to-morrow. 
 
 With mercies sweet, with love complete, 
 
 My life is brimming over. 
 Some souls are sad, but mine is glad, 
 
 And angels o'er me hover. 
 
 The joy bells ring within my soul 
 
 Because I love to ponder 
 Of that blest time when they shall chime 
 
 In holy land up yonder. 
 
 HAPPINESS. 
 
 ^^ 0-DAY so bright and happy is 
 ^^ I cannot think of care; 
 
 I'm gliding to the music sweet 
 
 Of joys ecstatic, rare. 
 Glad sunshine gleams from darkest nook- 
 
 There's beauty everywhere; 
 My heart and soul are steeped in bliss, 
 
 And life's supremely fair. 
 
122 POEMS. 
 
 To-morrow's sun may fail to shine, 
 
 But I'll be happy now, — 
 Deep shadows fall athwart my sky, 
 
 I know not why nor how. 
 I'm in my Father's keeping true; 
 
 He'll guard from danger's slough; 
 In storm or shine He's ever mine — 
 
 My Pilot at the prow. 
 
 THE HEAVENLY CALL. 
 
 © 
 
 UE eyes are holden; to our sight 
 There is no glimpse of guiding 
 
 light;— 
 
 Our ears are deaf, and fail to hear 
 
 The heavenly host that's chanting near; 
 
 But spite of this, the light is there, 
 And music throbs on the ambient air. 
 Some day the scales from our eyes will fall, 
 Some day our ears hear the angels call. 
 
 It may not be while pulse is high 
 That soul will cleave the upper sky ; 
 But some sweet day a whisper low 
 Will call us home from world below. 
 
POEMS. 123 
 
 EASTER. 
 
 /iJJJ RIEF has lost its mournful tread, 
 ^Jfj Christ is risen from the dead! 
 And on this auspicious morn 
 Hope in sorrowing souls is born. 
 
 Glory shines throughout the skies, 
 
 Written 'tis in human eyes, 
 
 For to-day a tomb's unsealed, 
 
 And through earth glad tidings pealed. 
 
 Roman sentinel and steel 
 Powerless were to hold their seal; 
 For, though tombed in solid rock, 
 Christ arose, man's power to mock. 
 
 Mists of midnight disappear; 
 "Christ is risen !" greets the ear. 
 Doubt is vanished; holy trust 
 Springs triumphant from the dust. 
 
124 POEMS. 
 
 B 
 
 HOMEWAED. 
 
 VERY wave is charmed that bears 
 me homeward; 
 The port for which I steered is 
 now in sight; 
 Fear is gone; unharmed, I'm si)eeding on- 
 ward ; 
 Life's cruise well ended, now come Home — 
 delight ! 
 
 'A PRAYER. 
 
 ^^AVIOUR, more than life Thou art; 
 J^y Dwell forever in my heart! 
 
 Be Thou hope and strength to me, 
 Let me duty clearly see 
 Till from sin I am made free, 
 And safe anchorage shall find 
 In blest haven of mankind 
 Just across the shininsr sea. 
 
t 
 
 POEMS. 125 
 
 INTO THY HANDS. 
 
 NTO Thy hands, O Father! 
 We commit to-day 
 The loved one Thou art taking 
 From our home away. 
 
 Into Thy hands! We'll not grieve 
 
 Though we miss fore'er 
 The sunshine and the sparkle 
 
 That made life so fair. 
 
 Into Thy hands ! Blissful thought 
 That rainbows each tear, 
 
 And gives a silver lining 
 To grief's cloud so drear. 
 
 Into Thy hands we shall yield 
 The soul shrined in clay 
 
 When Thou for us shalt call 
 Some sweet, solemn day. 
 
126 POEMS. 
 
 m 
 
 OCTOBEE IITH. 
 
 NTHINKINGLY I wrote this date, 
 Then on my soul there rose 
 A vision of supreme delight 
 Which God to mortal shows. 
 
 The chains of worldliness fell off; j 
 
 To spirit was revealed j 
 
 The duties high of soul set free; j 
 
 To conscience they appealed. j 
 
 Asleep I'd been so many years, j 
 
 Like Kip Van Winkle old, j 
 
 But God awoke me with a kiss ; 
 
 To enter His dear fold. | 
 
 . \ 
 Such ecstasy divine I knew! ; 
 
 Its bliss I cannot tell, ' 
 
 For those bright days that came and went j 
 
 Had chime of Heaven's bell. : 
 
 Long years have glided by since then; i 
 
 TVe most unfaithful been; 
 To other souls I have not showed ! 
 
 That I was free from sin. ! 
 
POEMS. 127 
 
 To-day I stand convicted, Lord, 
 At court of conscience grave; 
 In deep humility I bow; 
 Thy mercy, pardon, crave. 
 n 
 TRANSLATED. 
 
 ♦H^^ AD ST Thou been here my brother 
 10 had not died!" 
 
 So oft this plaintive wail our 
 soul doth thrill 
 
 That God's eternal presence we forget. 
 
 His pitying love! It touched the fevered 
 brow 
 
 And quiv'ring nerves and heart so racked by 
 pain, 
 
 While underneath were Everlasting Arms. 
 
 "It is enough, dear child; thou'st suffered 
 long; 
 
 Come speed thee hence across the border- 
 land. 
 
 I'll lead thee safe to my blest home on high. 
 
 The house of many mansions, in which dwell 
 
 Thy loved ones gone before. Come, follow 
 me!'' 
 
128 POEMS. 
 
 We did not hear the Voice that lured him 
 
 forth, 
 For only once 'tis heard by mortal ear, 
 But quick response he gave to proffered 
 
 Guide, 
 And gladly sped to Home so bright and 
 
 fair, 
 While on the marble mold there was im- 
 pressed. 
 In sweetest smile, the kiss of Holy One 
 As soul bade long adieu to earthly thrall, 
 And upward winged its way to heavenly 
 
 rest. 
 Leaving earth desolate and hearts bereft. 
 
 THE LIGHT OF LIFE. 
 
 44g^ EFEAIN thy voice from weeping, 
 11% '^^^ refrain thine eyes from 
 
 tears," 
 Jehovah hath commanded;— 
 To the winds we give our fears. 
 
POEMS. 129 
 
 Loving kindness hath drawn us; 
 
 And, as shepherd doth his flock, 
 God will gather us and keep us 
 
 Underneath the sacred Rock. 
 
 The weary soul's refreshed, 
 
 Like a watered garden fair; 
 The life that erst was saddened, 
 
 Now has dropped its cross of care. 
 
 Arise on wings of gladness, 
 
 Sing from Zion's holy height 
 Of the love wherewith God's loved us 
 And of Christ, the world's true Light. 
 •I 
 THE TRANSFIGURATION. 
 
 HWAY on a great high mountain. 
 Apart from the rest of mankind, 
 Stood three disciples together, 
 With Jesus in centre enshrined. 
 
 Transfigured he stood before them. 
 The Master they loved so well. 
 
 With raiment as white as the snow 
 And love that no language could tell. 
 
130 POEMS 
 
 A light more brilliant than sunshine 
 Beamed forth from that heavenly face; 
 
 Impetuous Peter outspoke: 
 
 "It is good to be in this place!" 
 
 Elijah and Moses they saw, 
 
 And a Voice came out of the cloud; 
 Of Sonship of Jesus it told, 
 
 And low on the earth they bowed. 
 
 With fear their spirits were tortured, 
 For mortal and Immortal met 
 
 On summit of lonely mountain 
 Where sun ever rose or set. 
 
 Then tenderly Jesus touched them 
 With, "Arise, and be not afraid"; 
 
 And, lifting their eyes toward him, 
 No longer were they dismayed ; 
 
 For Jesus, their Friend and Master, 
 
 Alone did they see and hear. 
 And never in long communion 
 
 More loving did He appear. 
 
POEMS. 131 
 
 And so wlien mysteries enshroud us, 
 
 And our eyes are veiled from the light, 
 
 If upward we'd look we'd see Him, 
 Transfigured before our sight. 
 
 IMMOKTAL. 
 
 fMMORTAL till our work is done''— 
 How comforting is this belief! 
 At sunrise, noonday, set of sun, 
 What matter when comes death's relief 
 If our life's work is ended. 
 And hovering hosts descended, 
 To bear us home to God. 
 
 Immortal! Watched by angel band 
 No noisome pestilence can harm, 
 
 Nor dagger from assassin's hand 
 Can snap this tie of magic charm. 
 
 The pilgrim worn and hoary. 
 
 The babe enwrapped in glory, 
 Alike immortal are. 
 
132 POEMS 
 
 "Immortal till our work is done" — 
 
 This sweet assurance buoys the soul, 
 Helping earth's toilers, one b}^ one, 
 
 To reach the great eternal goal. 
 Robed in veil of life divine 
 We shall in God's likeness shine, 
 Forever — Forever ! 
 •I 
 
 THY WILL BE DONE. 
 
 (Affectionately inscribed to my friend, Mrs. 
 B. T. B., of Norfolk, Va.) 
 
 ^^O sorely stricken, Lord, am I 
 TJl I scarce can lift my voice to cry : 
 
 "Thy will be done, Thy will be 
 done!" 
 
 And yet, though heart be sore oppressed, 
 I yield to Thy divine behest, 
 
 Just strength to breathe: "Thy will be 
 done!" 
 
 Each idol of our household's gone. 
 And I, alas ! am all alone. 
 
 My plaintive wail : "Thy will be done t" 
 
POEMS. 133 
 
 There's naught of happy home now left 
 But haunting mem'ries, — I'm bereft, 
 
 And pleading cry : "Thy will be done !" 
 
 The years are speeding by so fast, 
 Why should I grieve that I'm the last? 
 Heed Thou my cry: "Thy will be 
 done !" 
 
 This chast'ning, Lord, hath needful been, 
 For peace, sweet peace, it's left within. 
 In faith I cry: "Thy will be done!" 
 
 And when Thou callest me on high. 
 My rev'rent soul will joyful cry : 
 
 "Thy will be done ! Thy will be done !" 
 
 A VISION OF HEAVEN. 
 
 f CLOSE mine eyes that outer light 
 May not affect the inner sight; 
 And then I dream, sweet waking 
 dream ! 
 Of beauteous land eye hath not seen 
 Of land of palms and lilies fair, 
 A land that's free from every care. 
 
134 POEMS. 
 
 The Kose of Sharon there I see 
 Beside life's everlasting tree; 
 And streets of gold and gates of pearl, 
 But no mad rush or giddy whirl, 
 Like that we see on earthly sphere, 
 Though myriad souls are dwelling there. 
 
 What dulcet strains mine ears salute! 
 
 Before such music I stand mute. 
 
 For never on this terrene sphere 
 
 Have I heard sounds so sweet and clear, 
 
 Exceeding chime of silver bells, 
 
 This symphony which rapture tells. 
 
 I see the friends I loved down here, 
 Translated from this land of fear 
 To dwell in realm of beauty there, 
 And love immortal ever share. 
 Ecstatic bliss! My spirits rise, 
 And how I yearn for Paradise! 
 
 To reach that land of living light 
 We do not pass through rayless night, 
 For Christ our heavenly Guide will be. 
 His halo bright fore'er we'll see. 
 Glad halleluiahs rend the air, 
 And then we're home in Heaven so fair. 
 
POEMS. 135 
 
 AT SUNSET. 
 
 «|r IFE'S sun is fast setting, 
 jy^ And I am forgetting 
 
 All earthly things beside. 
 I've no time for fretting, 
 But I am just letting 
 
 My thoughts with God's abide. 
 
 Life's day was oft clouded, 
 And fogs sometimes shrouded; 
 
 Now there's gold in the west. 
 Faith's sky is unclouded ; 
 The doubts that enshrouded, 
 
 yanished, have left soul rest. 
 
 •I 
 A WISH. 
 
 HN earnest wish within my soul abides; 
 'Tis this : that I may live so near to 
 Christ, 
 The One all-beautiful, that I may feel 
 The tender benediction of His love, 
 
136 POEMS. 
 
 And breathe with every breath His loving 
 
 life 
 Into mine own; and then, with spirit glad, 
 Diffuse to other souls the fragrance rare 
 Exhaled by life that hidden is in Him. 
 
 A TWILIGHT SUPPLICATION. 
 
 HBIDE with us ! The shades of even- 
 ing fall; 
 A hush is on the tumult of the 
 w^orld, 
 And faith in this pure silence craves for 
 
 Thee. 
 To us come in, O Spirit undefiled ! 
 Thy sacred presence give to welcoming 
 
 hearts, 
 That dwell in clayey tenements so rude. 
 Thou lowly Son of Man! Thou Triune 
 
 God! 
 Come in, and bless and break Thy bread 
 
 divine. 
 Our spirits hungered are by lasting long; 
 To inner life refreshment give, O Lord ! 
 
POEMS. 137 
 
 A benediction sweet this twilight hour, 
 Succeeding conflicts sharp with outer 
 
 world ; 
 A holy calm that folds us in with Thee, 
 Thou great indwelling Christ ! Thou Prince 
 
 of Peace! 
 Ere Thou shalt vanish, blest Invisible! 
 Grant us the spirit's boon — to be like Thee. 
 
 THANKFULNESS. 
 
 ^RflC Y heart bows down in thankfulness 
 X^II3 ^^^ mingled blessings, Lord, 
 
 For life with all its usefulness 
 Combined with music's chord; 
 For harmony that spirit wakes 
 
 At touch of Hand Divine, 
 For joyous thrill that stirs the heart 
 At sound of Voice like Thine. 
 
 Life's so replete with blessedness 
 
 That we should not repine 
 When lives that made our happiness 
 
 Fond hearts no more entwine. 
 
T38 POEMS 
 
 The splendors of our earthly way 
 
 Should not obscured be 
 By mysteries inscrutable; 
 
 In faith we bow to Thee. 
 
 BEYOND. 
 
 ♦H^EYOND the fair haunts of living 
 Jj^ men, 
 
 Beyond the far range of finite ken, 
 Our dearest vanish and come not again. 
 
 Beyond the pale of human endeavor, 
 Beyond the Now to the vast Forever 
 They speed ; but space fond hearts ne'er can 
 sever. 
 
 Beyond earth's vales to city unknown. 
 Beyond the clouds to the Father's throne. 
 Our loved ones pass, but are still our own. 
 
 Beyond! Blessed realm of infinite bliss! 
 Beyond! Bright Home that is fairer than 
 
 this! 
 The casket that shrines the heart gems we 
 
 miss ! 
 
POEMS. 139 
 
 THANKSGIVING. 
 
 T'lTHI ITHIN my heart's a tender thrill 
 ^^^^ Of happiness to-day, 
 
 For Thou dost, Lord, my whole 
 life fill 
 With thankfulness alway. 
 
 No home of love and care I know 
 
 On this Thanksgiving day ; 
 But tears of grief no longer flow 
 
 For loved ones far away. 
 
 For blessings of those years long sped, 
 
 Accept my thanks to-day; 
 For friends in Heaven the world calls dead 
 
 A tribute sad I pay. 
 
 Thou'st given me health and strength, dear 
 Lord, 
 
 Take Thou my thanks to-day; 
 A useful service dost accord. 
 
 Warm thanks I humbly say. 
 
140 POEMS 
 
 Thank offerings without surcease, 
 
 On this auspicious day, 
 I give for land of plenty, peace, 
 
 That worships Thee this way. 
 
 Deep gratitude comes welling up 
 
 On this Thanksgiving day 
 From heart that's filled from Mercy's cup 
 
 "Thank God !" I fervent say. 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 
 
 ® 
 
 H ! wonderful story. 
 
 This story of Love, 
 Which brought down from Glory 
 God's Heavenly Dove. 
 
 We sing it with fervor, 
 With rapture repeat 
 
 This story of Christ Child, 
 Amazingly sweet. 
 
 The love-life of Christmas, 
 That broods in the air 
 
 Should tender our spirits 
 And make us more fair. 
 
POEMS. 141 
 
 We'll love Him; we'll serve Him; 
 
 We'll kneel at His feet, 
 Like Magi of old time, 
 
 With homage complete. 
 
 And when God shall call us, 
 
 His praises we'll sing 
 For the world's great Redeemer, 
 
 Our Saviour and King. 
 
 COMFORT. 
 
 7^1 THl ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ 
 
 ^^^^\ From the eyes that were so 
 dear. 
 And we're groping in the shadows 
 
 Of a sorrow dark and drear, 
 Come these words in pitying accents: 
 "Child, I'm with thee; do not fear." 
 
 Words of tenderness and comfort 
 
 From the lips of God's own Son, 
 Who, while passing through these earth 
 
 scenes 
 
 Saw life's work sublimely done, 
 
142 POEMS. 
 
 And who gentle love and pity 
 Gave to every troubled one. 
 
 Aye! the deepest depths of sorrow 
 
 May be pinnacles of bliss 
 When we've found the loving favor 
 
 Of a Saviour such as this; 
 And with brave and loyal spirit 
 
 We shall pass to those we miss. 
 
 n 
 GOD IS WITH US. 
 
 >^TJ OD is with us !" Words of cheer 
 ^JlJ Sounding down the centuries 
 
 clear 
 From the lips of Wesley dear. 
 
 With us in our holy creed, 
 With us in our sorest need; 
 Yea, He is our God indeed! 
 
 Life would be a dreary world. 
 
 When we're spurned by loved ones cold 
 
 Did God's love not us enfold. 
 
POEMS. 143 
 
 Strongest bulwark is that love; 
 Pure and true like gentle dove — 
 Naught we'll fear when He's above. 
 
 ^'God is with us !" We'll not shrink 
 When we reach cold Jordan's brink, 
 For we'll livina- w^ater drink. 
 
 '& 
 
 Yes, God's with us. We'll not dread 
 To be numbered with the dead, 
 For our faith He's strengthened. 
 
 Going home, no more to die, 
 
 "God is with us!" let us cry, 
 
 Like Wesley true, w^ho dwells on high. 
 
RETROSPECTIVE. 
 
 (145), 
 
POEMS. 147 
 
 ASLEEP. 
 
 TTlVfl -^ have gazed and gazed, like one 
 ^^^^ entranced, 
 
 On the sleeping form of a 
 darling child. 
 And heard the low rhythm of life's strange 
 tide 
 While we dreamed sweet dreams for the 
 undefiled. 
 
 Again we have watched by some fragile 
 
 one, 
 
 And held onr breath with an inward awe, 
 
 For the current moved with such feeble 
 
 pulse 
 
 That the angel Death we thought we saw. 
 
 Ah, what semblance there is 'twixt life and 
 death ! 
 
 Like weary children we fall asleep. 
 Unconscious alike of both friend and foe, 
 
 Assured that God will our slumbers keep. 
 
148 POEMS 
 
 Asleep! Yes, sleeping to wake no more; 
 
 The loving clasp relaxed for a while 
 From the gleesome child that we so adored, 
 
 From the fair, sweet babe that knew no 
 guile. 
 
 The pure young bride, with her orange 
 wreath, 
 Asleep in the casket satin-lined. 
 And the strong, brave man, with the God- 
 like life. 
 Lost to the world and to hearts enshrined. 
 
 Passed from this fleeting, ephemeral life. 
 The smile of God enstamped on the brow ; 
 
 Awakened from swoon of mortality, 
 
 Victors through death, they are resting 
 now. 
 
 HOPE TKIUMPHANT. 
 
 (A Song of Youth.) 
 
 ^^^ 0-DAY in a woodland bower I sit 
 ^A^ With a heart that's free from care, 
 For 'tis the spring of both life and 
 year. 
 And the world is wondrous fair. 
 
POEMS. 149 
 
 In my bower of bliss I dream sweet dreams 
 
 Of yet happier time for me, 
 When all desire will fruition have, 
 
 And fortune's monarch I'll be. 
 
 By fortune I mean not gleaming gold, 
 
 But love with its holy power. 
 And fame which shall link my name with 
 thoughts 
 
 That soothe at the twilight hour. 
 
 The tide of young life w ill bear me on, 
 
 Yet dreaming I'll ever be 
 Of a happier time that's just ahead 
 
 Till the sunset hour I see. 
 
 Oh ! hope of youth, with thy radiant shriae, 
 
 A fortune thou art indeed. 
 For thy blest illusions buoy the heart, 
 
 Imparting a living creed. 
 
 So I sit to-day in bower of bliss 
 And future with present enlink ; 
 
 Thankful for life, more thankful for hope 
 Arching eternity's brink. 
 
I50 POEMS 
 
 THYSELF. 
 
 ♦||^ ESOLVE to be thyself ! Attain 
 llY The nobler life God meant for 
 thee. 
 Pine not for sphere of usefulness 
 
 Which thine was ne'er ordained to be. 
 Perform with joy the daily round 
 
 Of tasks which God appointed thee, 
 Nor look for other praise than His: 
 
 And thus thy spirit will be free, 
 And thou, indeed, wilt be thyself 
 
 For time and great Eternity. 
 
 CONSCIENCE. 
 
 STKONGER than law engraved on 
 stone, which God 
 To prophet gave on Sinai's awful 
 crest, 
 Is law that's written in the human breast, 
 This law of conscience — God's divine be- 
 quest. 
 
POEMS. 151 
 
 "Conscience makes cowards of us all," was 
 said 
 By peerless, wondrous dowered son of 
 song. 
 Who touched life's harp, and holds en- 
 tranced vast throng, 
 Which this strong monitor oft shields 
 from wrong. 
 
 EALLYING POWER. 
 *yi^f^ ITH clasped hands and downcast 
 V^\ eyes. 
 
 We mutely stand when sorrow 
 comes ; 
 Not even strength to think have we, 
 For grief, we know, e'en soul benumbs. 
 
 Though deep the impress sorrow makes 
 On heart and life when we're bereft, 
 
 We are not hopeless, God be thanked ! 
 Hope's never dead while reason's left. 
 
 Ah ! 'tis this blessed germ of hope 
 That keeps alive life's flame within, 
 
 And lifts the soul to God on high, 
 Inspiring faith to victory win. 
 
152 POEMS 
 
 HOPE. 
 
 COMMINGLED with life's bitterness 
 There always is some sweet; 
 And shining through our darkest 
 hour 
 Bright star of hope we greet. 
 And though our heart be filled with grief 
 
 There always is some room 
 For ray divine in it to shine, 
 To chase away the gloom. 
 
 ONLY. 
 
 NLY a mother crying 
 
 For her babe that's gone; 
 Only a maiden sighing 
 For the love that's flown. 
 
 © 
 
 Only an exile weeping 
 For a land denied; 
 
 Only a captive sleeping 
 With a name decried. 
 
POEMS. 153 
 
 Only a heart that's breaking 
 For kind words unsaid; 
 
 Only a mourner taking 
 Last look at the dead. 
 
 Only a treasure lying 
 
 Beneath the chill sod; 
 Only a soul that's hieing 
 
 Homeward to God. 
 
 MUTATION. 
 
 <y|^fH[ E form new ties, and w^e drift 
 V^^^ away 
 
 From the loving hearts of yes- 
 terday ; 
 Not cold nor unkind do we mean to be, 
 But the past is only a memory. 
 
 So natural 'tis to sever the ties, 
 That broken friendships should not sur- 
 prise ; 
 For tangible love is what we seek, 
 And of old-time love why should we speak? 
 
154 POEMS 
 
 Mutation is written on all things here, i 
 
 On hearts as well as on leaves grown sere ; j 
 
 'Tis Nature's decree, many contend — : 
 Then why grieve at loss of butterfly friend? 
 
 ^ i 
 
 NEEDS. i 
 
 STKENGTH for to-day, j 
 
 Strength for life's fray, I 
 
 Is what we are needing. i 
 Work, earnest work, 
 
 Work, patient work, i 
 
 Eegardless of feeling. \ 
 
 Action from thought, 
 
 Duty well wrought, ; 
 
 Is w^hat the world's needing. ; 
 
 Christ in our marts. 
 Heaven in our hearts, \ 
 
 Life's import revealing. I 
 
 Faith in ourself, 
 Less thought of pelf. 
 
 Sorely we are needing. 
 That we may win 
 Victory o'er sin, 
 
 For this we're appealing. 
 
POEMS. 155 
 
 DREAMLAND. 
 
 ®N the peaceful shores of Dreamland 
 We have anchored life's frail 
 bark, 
 And, protected by Divine One, 
 We shall rest till song of lark 
 Calls us forth to earnest duties 
 
 Which our lives must ever mark 
 Till, in port of Life Eternal, 
 We from frail ship disembark. 
 
 B 
 
 WHITHER? 
 
 FTER the storm comes the calm, 
 After pain's terror is balm, 
 
 And the heart sings glad refrain. 
 Ah, whither has fled the cloud, 
 And whither the haunting shroud 
 That we see them not again? 
 
 Earth lies under sunlit skies, 
 Joy beams in the patient's eyes, 
 For the wrathful conflicts o'er. 
 
15^ POEMS 
 
 And we'll know each why and where 
 In the land of love so fair 
 Just bejoad the jasper shore. 
 
 IN DARKEST HOUR. 
 
 SO bleak and cheerless is the day, 
 So long and lonely is the way, 
 That heart grows cold. 
 "There's blue sky somewhere," children 
 
 say; 
 But eyes can catch no far-off ray 
 Of sunshine's gold. 
 
 Deep shadows o'er life's dial lower; 
 Black clouds descend in copious shower; 
 
 Lost seems our goal ! 
 Then blessed Hope, in this dark hour, 
 Shines forth with glorious, heavenly power 
 
 And lights the soul. 
 
POEMS. 157 
 
 A STAR IN THE DARKNESS. 
 
 ^H^AN'S hold on bliss, as poet says, 
 XII3 -^^ ^^^^ *^ spider's fine-spun 
 
 thread 
 Which breaks, alas! at slightest breeze: 
 Life's thread breaks, too, and friends are 
 dead. 
 
 We dwell 'mid mem'ries of the past, 
 A past that makes us what we are; 
 
 And visions of our loved and lost 
 Light up our lives like shining star. 
 
 SUCCESS. 
 
 BITTER failure earth may bring us. 
 Creatures we of circumstance, 
 But success of highest order 
 Comes from God, and not by chance. 
 Virtue dwells in soul that's loyal, 
 Crowning life with crown that's royal, 
 And its watchword is, "Advance !" 
 
158 POEMS 
 
 LIFE'S GOLDEN SIDE. 
 
 n 
 
 O room there is for brooders 
 In the fellowship of man; 
 Avaunt with melancholy, 
 And be cheerful as you can. 
 
 Life's vicissitudes are many, 
 
 But they should not soul depress; 
 
 Give the all-hail of your voice 
 To your brother in distress. 
 
 Society has duties 
 
 That man cannot ignore; 
 Companionship and sunshine 
 
 Lift the pall from heart and door. 
 
 Not a sphere of isolation 
 
 Is the world in which we live, 
 But a human hive demanding 
 
 That to all we honey give. 
 
 Let us make of sad experience 
 Bonfire, in whose light we'll see 
 
 What we mourned was God's aiipointment- 
 Gold from dross by flame set free. 
 
POEMS. 159 
 
 Death and burial we've given 
 
 To the things that tortured soul; 
 
 Henceforth morning hope and radiance 
 Stimulate to nobler goal. 
 
 CHEERFULNESS. 
 
 UR lives are full of heart-break, 
 
 But with bright and cheerful air, 
 Respond w^e to each duty, 
 Casting off corroding care. 
 
 © 
 
 God made us to be sunbeams, 
 
 Shining forth from darkest cloud; 
 
 He bids us walk with patience, 
 Howe'er jostled by the crowd. 
 
 He meant us to be useful 
 
 In this life so strangely given, 
 
 And to reflect His glory 
 
 On our way from earth to heavem. 
 
 Like bird of forest, singing 
 
 In vale or on hilltop. 
 So neither grief nor gladness 
 
 Should make our music stop. 
 
i6o POEMS 
 
 Sometimes amid deep sorrows 
 Strong minor chords are heard, 
 
 But still the music's pealing, 
 And our hearts by it are stirred. 
 
 It is not easy always. 
 
 When we stand 'mid billows wild, 
 To smile upon the breakers; 
 
 But God guards His trusting child. 
 
 Thank God for cheerful spirits. 
 As we journey o'er life's way ; 
 
 Their sunshine sheds a glory 
 On the path to endless day. 
 
 I WONDER. 
 
 f WONDER why our Lord on high 
 Hath laid on me such sorrow, 
 And why He's veiled with such 
 pall 
 Each bright and happy morrow. 
 
 T wonder why all Nature's glad 
 When life's for me so dreary; 
 
 How birds can sing and bells can ring 
 While I am so a- weary. 
 
POEMS. i6i 
 
 I wonder why the sun's so bright, 
 
 Why earth is merry-making, 
 And tuneful souls are full of glee 
 
 While my poor heart is breaking. 
 
 I wonder why things clang and crash 
 
 So wildly all around me, 
 When I so yearn to be alone, 
 
 From every earthly sound free. 
 
 I wonder why — deep wonder this ! — 
 
 Grim Death should still heart's beating; 
 
 Why shroud and bier and hearse we see, 
 With Love and Hope so fleeting. 
 
 I wonder oft, I wonder much, 
 
 How all these things can be ; 
 But well I know in God's own time 
 
 That He will clear each mystery. 
 
 I KNOW. 
 
 fKNOW that under the winter snow, 
 Unseen by mortal eyes, 
 A magician is deftly working. 
 And will give glad surprise 
 When beautiful spring is dawning. 
 
i62 POEMS 
 
 I know the hoar frost and white, white 
 snow, 
 
 Though we shrink from them now, 
 Will end in a bountiful harvest, 
 
 For they richly endow 
 The forest and field of farmer. 
 
 I know that a block of senseless stone, 
 
 In hand of sculptor rare, 
 Springs forth into rapturous beauty, 
 
 Like fabled goddess fair 
 From the brain of creator Jove. 
 
 I know that rich diamonds are nothing 
 
 But bits of useless stone 
 Until they are chiselled to splendor 
 
 By skillful art of one 
 Who faithfully worketh alone. 
 
 I know there is nothing worth having 
 
 That is easily won; 
 For God e'er awardeth the guerdon 
 
 To the untiring one, 
 Who with patience of hope works on. 
 
POEMS. 163 
 
 I know that the souPs life is quickened 
 
 By sad discipline here, 
 And that after our toilful sowing 
 
 Comes rich fruitage of cheer, 
 To gladden hearts with its largess. 
 
 I know that when into God's keeping 
 We've giv'n our heart's desire. 
 
 And our eyes are cleared from their weep- 
 ing 
 By the punitive fire, 
 
 That life has a glory untold. 
 
 I know that cold, labor, and sorrow 
 
 Are blessings in disguise. 
 That God, our Father, has appointed 
 
 These means for us to rise 
 To hallowed heights of true living. 
 
 A QUESTION ANSWEKED. 
 
 ^ 
 
 OU ask, dear friend, why I am sad. 
 And why in minor key 
 The thought of soul's always ex- 
 pressed 
 Like moaning dove's soft plea. 
 
i64 POEMS 
 
 It is not hard to answer, dear, j 
 
 Your question, gentle, kind, 
 
 For life's so lone for me down here, | 
 
 Since no fond heart I find. i 
 
 The friends that made my life so bright 
 In days of Auld Lang Syne, 
 
 Have cleft Heaven's veil of ether blue; 
 For them I yearn and pine. 
 
 Sad thoughts Eolian strains evoke 
 
 From heart so much alone; 
 And plaintive note so oft I hear, 
 
 Is why I thus make moan. 
 
 The storms of life have wildly raged, , 
 
 But, oh! there's One above ] 
 
 Whose Hand's outstretched for me alway, — ! 
 
 The God of Life and Love. ; 
 
 J 
 i 
 Though I am sad, I'm happy, too, 
 
 For in my soul abides '. 
 
 A hope of blessedness beyond. 
 
 Worth all the world besides. 
 
POEMS. 165 
 
 SYMPATHY. 
 
 IVE thyself with thine alms, 
 Let thy soul attuned be 
 To the griefs of mankind, 
 To the sorrows we see. 
 
 (3 
 
 Souls are crying for bread 
 And we give them a stone, 
 
 They are pleading for love, 
 But we heed not their moan. 
 
 We dole out our pennies, 
 
 Which we lay in their palms, 
 
 Withholding things richer, — 
 In God's sight the true alms. 
 
 The world is a-hungered 
 For the love we can give, 
 
 For sympathy tender 
 
 Which in all souls should live. 
 
 If hearts have responded 
 To the cries we have heard. 
 
 And we've given that comfort 
 Which the soul can up-gird, 
 
i66 POEMS. 
 
 Ah ! soon will the shadows 
 
 That so checker life's path 
 Be lost in the sunshine 
 
 Of the great Aftermath. 
 
 SLEEPING IN THE DlTfeT. 
 
 •yi^f^ E grieve sometimes that Nature 
 
 No pitying thought 
 For those who sleeping are in dust. 
 The golden gleam of sunset skies 
 
 Doth mock'ry seem, 
 When we've interred beneath earth's crust 
 Life's brightest hopes, to sleep in dust. 
 
 No ray of splendor will be lost 
 
 From Nature's face. 
 When we are sleeping in the dust. 
 Like sweetest idyl, life will move 
 
 In measure true; 
 And souls will love without distrust, 
 When we are sleeping in the dust. 
 
POEMS. 167 
 
 Ah ! selfish is the grief that would 
 
 Exclude sunshine, 
 Though love be sleeping in the dust. 
 Let Nature's diapason grand, — 
 
 My last request, — 
 Ring forth a chorus of sweet trust, 
 When I am sleeping in the dust. 
 
 TRANSITION. 
 
 ♦||/^ O lamps of joy my heart now light, 
 11^ I For friendships sweet have taken 
 flight. 
 Like butterflies to blooms more bright, 
 And love is dead. 
 
 In life's drear inn I sit alone, 
 Quite desolate since love is flown. 
 And from tense lips escapes the moan : 
 "E'en hope is fled I" 
 
 But soul, which is our life's true king. 
 Asserts itself, and gloom takes wing; 
 Forthwith I hear the angels sing 
 Of God o'erhead. 
 
t68 poems. 
 
 Quick banished now is loneliness, 
 And I no more am comfortless; 
 Companioned by sweet thoughts that bless 
 I've naught to dread. 
 
 TO MY BOOKS. 
 
 S 
 
 WEET books of mine, ye do entwine 
 Your tendrils 'round my heart 
 With fond caress and lovingness 
 That say we ne'er can part. 
 
 Such loyal friends Heaven rarely sends 
 
 To cheer our onward way 
 As one's pure books, in quiet nooks. 
 
 That shine with lustrous ray. 
 
 In morning hour I feel your power, 
 
 As students did of old; 
 At evening, too, sip honeydew 
 
 From flowers ye do enfold; 
 
 But ye're most rife with light and life 
 
 At lonely midnight hour, 
 When, vital part of my own heart. 
 
 Ye breathe with godlike powder. 
 
POEMS. 169 
 
 MISERERE. 
 
 ^T^IVf^ ALK there 'mong us kingly 
 ^^^^ spirits, 
 
 But the earth-dust in our eyes 
 Blinds us to their full-orbed glory 
 Till they've passed into the skies. 
 
 Ah! how selfish are our gropings, 
 
 And how chary is our praise! 
 Could their ears but catch the music, 
 
 Loud the paeans we would raise. 
 
 Could we know while they are standing 
 At our side in life's fair prime, 
 
 That in such a little season 
 
 They will pass the bounds of Time, 
 
 Ah ! how tenderly we'd greet them, 
 
 And how reverently we'd deal 
 With the soul so near releasing, 
 
 With the heart that has death's seal. 
 
 On their tombs we lay fair emblems 
 
 Of the love we never told, 
 While our breaking hearts cry madly 
 
 For the friend beneath the mold. 
 
I70 POEMS 
 
 God has given us great treasures, 
 
 But how frail, alas! are they! 
 For the caskets that enshrine them, 
 
 Like our own, are made of clay. 
 
 Souls are starving for the manna 
 
 That we could so richly give 
 From the storehouse of affection 
 
 While we here together live. 
 
 Then, with true appreciation 
 Of the worth of friends so dear, 
 
 Let us love and cheer each other 
 Ere we stand beside the bier. 
 
 DEATH. 
 
 fN waxen calm a tiny babe lay, 
 Its violet eyes closed in dreamless 
 rest; 
 And with aching heart we turned away, 
 And faintly whispered: ^'God's will is 
 best; 
 But death is sad for this little one 
 Whose knowledge of earth had scarce be- 
 
POEMS. 171 
 
 In coffined beauty our darling smiled, 
 Not now a babe, but the household pet, 
 
 Such a dimpled, darling, winsome child. 
 That beholders all, with cheeks tear-wet, 
 
 Softly murmured: ^'How sad 'tis to die 
 
 And rend forever heart's tender tie!" 
 
 Again we behold the chiseled form 
 Of a maiden fair, a comely lass, 
 
 A dear one snatched from the raging storm, 
 A shivered life, like Venetian glass; 
 
 And tear-drops fall with the old-time sigh : 
 
 "In life's bright morn how sad 'tis to die!" 
 
 And now a bride in her last long sleep 
 We see in the casket satin-lined. 
 
 While orange blossoms and lilies keep 
 Their faithful vigil with love entwined, 
 
 As heart sobs blend with the bitter moan : 
 
 ^'O Death ! thou hast left me all alone !" 
 
 A mother sleeps in unwonted calm. 
 
 So white and mute, with her eyes shut 
 tight; 
 
 On her bosom lies the victor's palm. 
 Emblem of rest after hardest fight. 
 
172 POEMS 
 
 Motherless children cluster around, 
 And "Death is cruel !" Ave hear the sound. 
 
 Apollo's form we behold in death, 
 With stalwart figure and noble brow. 
 
 We weep that from him the fleeting breath 
 Has fled forever, and Love cries now: 
 
 "So useful he was, and so beloved; 
 
 How could you touch one the gods ap- 
 proved?" 
 
 An aged queen in her palace grand 
 
 In stateliness lay on flower-wreathed bier. 
 
 For wealth had no power to stay the hand 
 Of pitiless Death, or to dry the tear 
 
 Of royal mourners who weeping said: 
 
 "So sad is her fate when such life she led !" 
 
 It is ever thus: there is no time 
 
 When Death can claim those we fondly 
 love; 
 In youth or in age we hear the chime 
 
 Of love-bells soundings, like cooing dove, 
 And "sad'' or "cruel" we ever say 
 When loved ones are called from earth 
 away. 
 
xim 
 
 POEMS. 173 
 
 DISSOLUTION. 
 
 E call it death, that fearful thing, 
 That steals the breath and gives 
 soul wing. 
 
 "O Death!" we say, "why from us take 
 Love's holy ray, and leave heart-break?" 
 
 But vain appeal ! In armor clad, 
 With heart of steel, he seemeth glad 
 
 To rend the tie that binds to earth 
 A soul most high, of heavenly birth. 
 
 A house of clay is what he leaves; 
 
 It will decay — ah I thought that grieves ! 
 
 Life's vital spark from earth is gone; 
 A soaring lark, it's heavenward flown. 
 
174 POEMS 
 
 MY LIFE. 
 
 SOMETIMES I say, 'mid falling tears, 
 "My life's not worth the living; 
 For earth is full of earnest work, 
 And I'm so little giving." 
 
 While this is true beyond a doubt, 
 
 My life is in God's keeping; 
 And if I strive to do His will, 
 
 There is no need of weeping. 
 
 I'm well assured my Father has 
 
 Some purpose in my being. 
 For He has often brought me forth 
 
 From dangers past my seeing. 
 
 He hedges me about from harm, 
 
 And in my heart is sowing 
 Sweet seeds of trustfulness and love 
 
 Which day by day are growing. 
 
 I know I'm but an atom here. 
 In this great world of beauty, 
 
 But I've my field of usefulness, 
 A sphere of hallowed duty. 
 
POEMS. 175 
 
 And if my work is done aright, — 
 Ah ! how my heart is leaping ! — 
 
 These harvest fields like gold will shine, 
 And yield a gracious reaping. 
 
 •I 
 
 GOOD NIGHT. 
 
 ^f^ HE busy day is ended, 
 ^^ Bright stars are shining now; 
 
 By angels we're defended. 
 At Mercy Seat we bow ; 
 To friend and foe alike we say: 
 ^'Good night! May morrow bring good 
 day!" 
 
BOOKS YOU NVST HEAD 
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 Llewellyn 
 
 A NOVEL 
 
 By Hadley S. KiMBERLiNa 
 
 Cloth. $1.50. 
 5 Illustrations by S. Klarr. 
 
 Here is a story whose artistic realism will appeal to 
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 Saltan of the Modern World 
 
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 i2mo, cloth, h^andsomely produced. 
 
 $1.50. 
 
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 A Missourian*s Honor 
 
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 Cloth, i2mo. $1.00.. 
 
 3 Illustrations., 
 
POOKS YOV NVST READ 
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 Told &t Twilight 
 
 By Eva Browne. 
 
 ^A delightful collection of stories and poems.', 
 
 (Author's photo.) 
 
 $i.oo. 
 
 Job Trotter 
 
 By Sylvester Field. > 
 50c. 
 
 A ui^ique work, proving that the "earthly paradise" 
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 The Sin. of Ignorance 
 
 By Henrietta Siegel., 
 $1.00. 
 
 An exceedingly clever story, by a New York girl, who 
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 (4 special drauings.) 
 
BOOKS YOU MVST READ 
 SOONER. OR LATER 
 
 Mew Book by the Author of 
 
 A Girl and the Devil ! 
 
 We beg to announce for autumn a new novel from 
 the pen of Jeannette Llewellyn Edwards, entitled 
 
 LOVE IN THE TROPICS 
 
 The scene of Miss Edwards' new work is laid in 
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 " LOVE IN THE TROPICS" 
 
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 The New Womawnhood 
 
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BOOKS YOU MUST READ 
 SOONER OK LATER 
 
 Mdwrcelle 
 
 A Tale of the Revolution 
 
 i 
 
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 l2nio, cloth. Illustrated. 
 $i.oo. 
 
 A fascinating story of the Revolutionary period, in 
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 The Burton Manor 
 
 A NOVEL 
 
 By Rev. M. V. Brown. 
 'i2mo, cloth. $1.50. 
 
 A"most thoughtful, able and authoritative work in 
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BOOKS YOV MUST READ 
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 Ldwdy Century 
 
 By Mrs. A. G. KintzeUs 
 
 '4 Drawings by Hartman.i 
 
 Decorated cover in black, red and' gol3^ 
 
 $1.50. 
 
 Critics who have seen the book declare 'it superior to 
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 "Sparkling from cover to cover." 
 
 NAN & SUE 
 
 Stenographers 
 
 By Harriet C. Cullaton)) 
 $1.00. 
 
 You've no doubt heard of this book! "^It stan^s^ll 
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 Order now and join the procession oil the' autumn, 
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BOOKS YOV NVST READ 
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 The Instrument Tuned 
 
 By Rosa B. Hitt. 
 
 Attractive Binding, 75 cents: 
 
 Limited Edition in White and Gold, $1.00, 
 
 (Author's photo) 
 
 f An able and interesting work on a comparatively new 
 subject — Psycho-physical culture — of whose methods the 
 author has made successful application. The book is full 
 of common-sense suggestions and is admirably adapted 
 to the needs of humanity in general. 
 
 The chapter-captions will give an excellent idea of thcj 
 comprehensive and practical character of the work:] 
 
 Various Therapeutic Agents.^ 
 
 Influence of Mind. 
 
 Extravagant Emotions7\ 
 
 Insomnia. 
 
 Relaxation. 
 
 Harmony the Law of Nat'^3 
 
 Order J^ot^ 
 
 All of the books named in this magazine to be had 
 from any newsdealer, or 
 
BOOKS YOU MUST READ 
 SOONEH OR LATER 
 
 Whjr ffol Order J^oiv ? 
 
 Evelyn 
 
 lAiStory of the West and the Far' East.) 
 
 By Mrs. Ansel Opfe^heiu. 
 
 4 Illus. $1.50. 
 
 Limited edition in leather, $2.00. 
 
 jtW prew baa sjwken of tfcls book with unquallfled terms ot pralSJ, 
 
 The L&st of the Cave^liers 
 
 By N. J. Floyd. 
 
 9 "Drawings and Author's Photo. 
 
 $1.50. 
 
 /"No wiser or more brilliant pen has told the story of 
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MAY 12 1905 
 
LIBRARY. 0F_ CONGRESS 
 
 5