LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 p 16 ' US ' a 7 
 
 Chap. Copyriglit No. 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
/T C-, /o. <xO KNrXsuL^ ^ 
 
CARMINA SACERDOTIS 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. JOHN H. DOOLEY 
 
 ^ 
 
 New York 
 WILLIAM H. YOUNG & COMPANY 
 
 27 BARCLAY STREET 
 1899 
 
^ COPIES RECEIVED. 
 
 Library cf Cengret&j^ 
 Office of the 
 
 DEC 8-18''-i 
 
 Register cf Copyrfghfg, 
 
 48571 
 
 COPYRinHT, 1899, 
 
 By JOHN H. DOOLEY. 
 
 SECOND copy. 
 
 
TO 
 
 MY DEAR FRIEND AND 
 
 COMPANION 
 
 THE REV. JOHN JOSEPH MALLON 
 
 THESE VERSES ARE 
 DEDICATED. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The life of the Catholic priest, espe- 
 cially if he is a secular, is so much occupied 
 with clerical duties, sick calls, office hours, 
 etc., not forgetting the large number of 
 social obligations, that it may seem not 
 incredible to say : '' He is indeed a mul- 
 tiplied being." Consequently, the fev/ 
 moments spared to ourselves are a price- 
 less boon. Some such moments have 
 given the writer an opportunity to put 
 together a few thoughts on various 
 matters, which he presents to his friends. 
 He hopes that if they show not the per- 
 fection seen in other books, at least they 
 will serve to bring back pleasant memories 
 and help to renew some noble affections 
 of heart and mind. 
 
 Respectfully in Christ, 
 The Author. 
 St. Ann's Rbctory, y^^w^, 1899. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Dedication i 
 
 The Salutation 2 
 
 The Presentation 3 
 
 Mary, Queen of Heaven 5 
 
 St. Anne 7 
 
 St. Joseph 9 
 
 St. Gabriel 11 
 
 Christmas Sonnet 13 
 
 Easter-Tide 15 
 
 " What Shall New Year's Bring .? " 16 
 
 In Lenten Time 18 
 
 The Holy Name 20 
 
 Sweetest Names 22 
 
 Faith 23 
 
 Hope 25 
 
 Love 27 
 
 Way of the Cross 29 
 
 The Church 34 
 
 *' The Chalice Them Accord " 36 
 
 Charity 38 
 
 The Vicar of Christ 39 
 
 " A Mother's Tears " 41 
 
 " Ordained " 43 
 
 Before Baptism 46 
 
 A Secret Prayer 4S 
 
 ill 
 
iv CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Mother 56 
 
 The Seminary Bells 57 
 
 A Picture 59 
 
 St. Augustine 60 
 
 Sentinel Silent 61 
 
 " Plow Came so Strange a Spell " 63 
 
 In Memoriam 65 
 
 Portrait of an Infidel 67 
 
 To a Bighop-Elect 68 
 
 The Orphanage 70 
 
 To Reverend W. A. O 72 
 
 Unheeded Cries 74 
 
 Symbol of Arbor Day 75 
 
 Consecration of Mgr. F 78 
 
 Dives 80 
 
 Farewell 81 
 
 Our Father 8^ 
 
 Queer Weather 88 
 
 March 89 
 
 A Summer's Night 90 
 
 Autumn 92 
 
 A Subtle Thief 94 
 
 Autumn is here 96 
 
 Winter 97 
 
 To the Departed Year 100 
 
 The Tri-States Rock 102 
 
 Our Nation's Flag 105 
 
 The Glorious Fourth loS 
 
 To the Knights of Columbus no 
 
 Our Dewey 112 
 
 The Statue of Liberty 115 
 
 Anarchy 118 
 
 At the Fair 1 20 
 
 Ingersollian 122 
 
CONTENTS. V 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Translation. (Ode from Horace) 124 
 
 A Betrothal 1 27 
 
 Others 1 29 
 
 English Version. (Horace, lib. iv.) 130 
 
 Arbor Day 132 
 
 Friendship's Pledge 135 
 
 The Spiritual Director. (To Rev. M. J. C.) 136 
 
 The Nurse Girl 138 
 
 Who is He ? ... 140 
 
 The Class of '98. (At P. J.) For a Friend 142 
 
 The Officious Man 144 
 
 Sunday Funerals 147 
 
 A Tramp's Song 1 49 
 
 Baby's Grief 151 
 
 To Addie 152 
 
 His Last Letter 154 
 
 Eugene Field. (In Memoriam.) 1 58 
 
 Class Song 160 
 
 Old Williamsbridge 161 
 
 Our Books 163 
 
 " Homeward " 164 
 
 Woodlawn 165 
 
 A Memory 1 67 
 
 School-Days (At Mosholn School) 169 
 
 Two Travellers 172 
 
 Erin 174 
 
 Lines to A H . (In Album) 178 
 
 The Vigilant. (Victor) 179 
 
 Good-Night : . . . 181 
 
 The Ocean 182 
 
 An Old Story 1S4 
 
CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 To the fairest of the fair. 
 
 To the Queen of night and day, 
 To a maiden, jewel rare, 
 
 My heart shall sing its lay. 
 To thee, Queen of Heaven, Mary 
 
 Mother dear, 
 0, teach my love forever to rise and 
 dare all fear. 
 
 In the Ang-el land on hiofh, 
 
 Where Thy Son doth dwell with 
 
 Thee 
 
 I would ask before I die 
 
 That Thou hear and answer me. 
 
 To Thee, Queen of Heaven ! Mary 
 
 Mother dear, 
 
 These lines are dedicated, by one who 
 
 would be near. 
 
 1 
 
CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE SALUTATION. 
 
 From Spirit land an Angel came 
 Seeking the fairest flower of earth ; 
 
 And many saw, but none compared 
 With the lily blooming on Juda's 
 
 hearth. 
 " Ave ! " spoke the Vision fair. 
 " Hail ! Thou Virgin lily rare, 
 Hail ! protectress of mankind, 
 Listen to my Angel prayer." 
 
 " Henceforth be Thou forever blest ! 
 Bearing within Thy Virgin's girth 
 
 A Son, "The Word of God/' made 
 flesh, 
 As the Lord had willed at Nature's 
 
 birth. 
 "• Hail ! Virgin of our race. 
 Thou alone art filled with grace, 
 Thou alone of womankind 
 Shall our mother Eve replace." 
 
THE PRESENTATION. 
 
 THE PRESENTATION. 
 
 Oh, sweetest, fairest maid, earth born. 
 In God's own temple thou must lead 
 Thy virgin soul ; and like the morn 
 Drive off dark Night, that binds men's 
 souls. 
 In thought, and word and vicious 
 deed. 
 
 0, Sacred Temple ! Holy Shrine, 
 Thou hast within a jewel rare; 
 According to the Will Divine 
 Thou art become an ano:el home 
 
 Where purest hopes shall rise in 
 prayer. 
 
 Ye parents ! Anne and Joachim, 
 
 Could we conceive your happy souls 
 Within our minds so dull and dim. 
 No sorrows dare our peace disturb ; 
 Thrice happy they whom God con- 
 doles ! 
 
4 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 To thee, most Heavenly Queen w© 
 pray, 
 
 In thine our heart to have a place. 
 Protect us, guide us, day by day, 
 That in Thy Presentation we 
 
 May learn to seek a Mother's grace. 
 
MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN. 
 
 MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN. 
 
 Where shall we turn when dire op- 
 pressed 
 By storms of life and feelings sad ; 
 And who will be our friend in need 
 To guide us right and make us glad ? 
 But Mary, Queen of Heaven. 
 
 No matter what our grievance be 
 
 Or great the load that weighs us down, 
 Let her but hear our plaintive cries 
 Then vanish fear and sig^h and 
 frown. 
 With Mary, Queen of Heaven. 
 
 She is the warmth that dries the tears, 
 Slow trickling from the mourner's 
 eye; ^ 
 She is the smile that breaks the frown, 
 She is the hope of all who die. 
 Our Mary Queen of Heaven. 
 
6 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Her soul bejewelled with the love 
 That God alone, her Son, can give 
 
 For us is ever brimming o'er 
 
 That we may love like her and live. 
 Like Mary, Queen of Heaven. 
 
 Our lives are spent in useless ways 
 And wasted on most sinful things ; 
 
 Oh, Mother Sweet ! correct us now, 
 And save us from the future's stings, 
 Oh, Mary, Queen of Heaven ! 
 
ST. ANNE. 
 
 ST. ANNE. 
 
 The wisest plans of men seem small, 
 If placed beside an Angel's task ; 
 While nothingness would 'pear their all 
 Should they in God's own sunshine 
 bask ; 
 
 So why explain, 
 Or why complain, 
 When unknown things our minds appall. 
 
 A woman born in royal blood 
 
 Through many years of marriage life, 
 Knew not the dreams of motherhood ; 
 Rebuked, forsooth as useless wife. 
 Yet God decreed 
 That from her seed, 
 To men would flow His grace — a flood. 
 
 When barrenness forever set 
 Its seal upon her human frame 
 
8 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Through grief her eyes were often Avet, 
 And bowed her head m very shame ; 
 Her soul was filled, 
 Her being thrilled, 
 To think that God w^ould bless her 
 name. 
 
 His miracle most surely wrought 
 
 A wondrous change in nature's plan, 
 Her life with blessings now is fraught, 
 Her story told from man to man. 
 Behold her child ! 
 God's Mother mild, 
 The gift of Heav'n to St. Anne. 
 
ST. JOSEPH. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH. 
 
 FEAST DAY, MARCH 19. 
 
 Blest hour ! that comes to us this festal 
 
 day, 
 That we might praise, in glad accord, 
 The foster-father of Our Lord. 
 That we might show by act and word 
 The love that moves the heart to pray. 
 
 How like the pearl before it meets the 
 
 gaze, 
 Thy saintly virtues hidden well 
 Beneath the rough unpolished shell 
 Of poverty, and simple life. 
 With Christ, Thou spent Thy earthly 
 
 days. 
 
 How like the star, at first unknown, 
 
 unseen. 
 Until with purest brilliant light. 
 
10 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Then other stars more pure more bright, 
 Thy hfe upon us grew, and now. 
 Appears alone to shme serene. 
 
 Hail ! saintly Joseph, let Thy soul 
 
 sublime 
 Untainted with the things of earth, 
 All pure and chaste from very birth, 
 Grow fonder of us, for Thou art 
 The Christian's patron for all time. 
 
ST. GABRIEL. U 
 
 ST. GABRIEL. 
 
 At the midoiglit hour, 
 When the land was hushed, 
 
 And Peace had settled everywhere, 
 An Angel came to a maiden pure 
 
 Kneeling alone in silent prayer. 
 
 A most beautiful sight, 
 Was the maiden rare. 
 
 With all her thoug^its on God above. 
 So that the Angel had to pause 
 
 Dreading to check her sighs of love. 
 
 When the prayer was o'er. 
 At her feet he bowed, 
 
 And told the message he'd to tell ; 
 And heard the sweet words from her 
 lips. 
 
 Precious more than gems they fell. 
 
12 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 With an Angel's grace, 
 From the maiden went 
 
 This messenger of God and man. 
 While slumbering mortals took their 
 rest 
 Knowing naught of the Master's 
 plan. 
 
CHRISTMAS SONNET. 13 
 
 CHRISTMAS SONNET. 
 
 What say the midnight bells to frost 
 and snow. 
 As peal on peal re-echo thro' the 
 
 night ? 
 Wherefore the joy that fills the 
 heavenly light 
 And sheaths in brighter lustre every 
 
 glow ? 
 The very winds seem crazed with glee, 
 and blow 
 Right merry whistling tunes o'er vale 
 
 and height. 
 It cannot be that Madness, nay, nor 
 Fight, 
 On wings ethereal, seek to welcome 
 Woe? 
 
 Hear thou ! 'Tis Love, in purest, holi- 
 est sense, 
 They, greeting give ; but unrestrained 
 and free, 
 
14 CARMINA SxVCERDOTIS. 
 
 Love's symbol Clirist, — forth from 
 whose might mimense, 
 In fond obedience to th' eterne decree 
 They've come. Let, then, their joy for- 
 ever hence 
 Live on and fill the world with jubilee. 
 
EASTER-TIDE. 15 
 
 EASTER-TIDE. 
 
 ^^ He risen is, He is not here." 
 O, words that come from angel lips, 
 That mean so much to those who hear, 
 And bring such hope to human souls, 
 To fill their lives, their efforts cheer. 
 
 Ha ! Death, thou Victor, vanquished 
 
 art. 
 No more a terror shalt thou have 
 For us, who love the Sacred Heart. 
 With Satan you may keep your place, 
 For in Christ's Hfe we have our part. 
 
16 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 ''WHAT SHALL NEW-YEAR'S 
 BRING?" 
 
 Yes! what shall New- Year's bring to 
 
 them 
 
 Unmindful of their neighbor's life, 
 
 Who give their talents, strength and 
 
 years 
 
 To hold first place in social strife ? 
 
 Who look on poverty as crime, 
 
 And scorn to meet the simpler folk, 
 While round them strew with sinful 
 hand 
 Oppressions worse than any slavery's 
 yoke. 
 
 And what shall New- Year's bring to 
 them 
 Like princes decked, for outward show. 
 Who inward are like noisome tombs 
 Where dead men's bones are resting 
 low? 
 
"WHAT SHALL NEW-YEAR'S BRING?" 17 
 
 To Y/liom king " Pleasure " means their 
 all, 
 And " empty show " their greatest 
 gain, 
 These are their idols ; what care they 
 About the world of want and pain I 
 
 Perhaps not much shall New- Year's 
 bring- 
 To these, and yet sufficient give^ 
 
 For nature bows to only One^ 
 Who tells us when to die or live. 
 
 And when He speaks, not soul alone 
 Shall answer to its Master's call. 
 
 Why, then, these vain pursuits of life 
 If finally v^e must lose all ? 
 
 O, what shall New- Year's bring to us ? 
 
 We cannot say. Yet this we know, 
 ^^ To love our God and neighbor well " 
 
 Will bring much joy on earth below. 
 
18 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 IN LENTEN TIME. 
 
 When loudest sound the merry bells of 
 time 
 111 keeping with the festal days at hand, 
 They gave the v/arning, fatal knells 
 that brand 
 With sorrow e'en the sweetness of their 
 chime, 
 If ill the heart too long allowed to 
 
 stand, 
 And dangers bring to souls through- 
 out the land, 
 Foro'ettino; God's decree : " Thou art 
 forever Mine." 
 
 They rang with merry peals of Christ- 
 mas joy, 
 To tell that Christ has come to us 
 again ; 
 
 Yet, though their grandest music would 
 employ 
 
IN LENTEN TIME. 19 
 
 Our love eternally ; we'll feel no pain, 
 When silent they, if we all sin destroy 
 In Lenten time, and with Our Lord re- 
 main. 
 
20 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE HOLY NAME. 
 
 Before the storm in mightiness ap- 
 pears 
 All nature seems to tremble as in 
 fright ; 
 Mad rushing of the leaves on high ; 
 the clouds 
 Of sand unnatural, take a skyward 
 flight, 
 Bewildered denizens of air in flocks 
 All scattered, rushing blindly here 
 and there, 
 Add more and more to mingled craze 
 and fear, 
 While clouds of night surround the 
 wind-tossed air. 
 At length, the blinding flash of light 
 doth rend 
 The frowning sky, — and smash the 
 mighty oak 
 
THE HOLY NAME. 21 
 
 Into a thousand bits. Like cannon's 
 
 roar 
 The thunders are that boom without 
 
 the smoke. 
 We, quaking in our fear at such dis- 
 play 
 Of mightiness and power, with profit 
 
 may 
 Consider well that this is nature's gift 
 From God. And only in another way 
 May danger come to justly strike the 
 
 one 
 Who, in contempt, reviles His 
 
 Saviour's name. 
 For on this earth, in heaven, and in 
 
 hell. 
 Must bend the knee in reverence or 
 
 in shame. 
 
22 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 SWEETEST NAMES. 
 
 Memory, within her precincts, holds in 
 
 veneration sweet, 
 Names that we are proud to utter, 
 
 names that we should oft repeat. 
 Jesus 'mong them first to greet us, 
 
 name of Him who set us free, 
 Name that angels, men and devils must 
 
 adore on bended knee. 
 Mary's name, of women sv/eetest, next 
 
 we love to hear expressed. 
 Name of Her by Angels honored. 
 
 Heaven's Queen, forever blest. 
 Joseph's, always brings the mem'ry of 
 
 the father gentle, poor, 
 Honest, faithful, pious, tender, loving, 
 
 dutiful and pure. 
 " Jesus," '' Mary," " Joseph " ever 
 
 with us precious names and dear. 
 They should be our constant watch- 
 word, in this vale of woe and fear. 
 
FAITH. 33 
 
 FAITH. 
 
 Away with falsehood and hypocrisy 
 When light more brilliant than the 
 
 high-noon sun 
 Shall greet the slave and all who are 
 undone 
 With magic force and might to make 
 
 them free. 
 Arise ! ye mourners, send your humble 
 plea 
 To Him, the Ruler, the Almighty 
 
 One. 
 And though no previous efforts were 
 begun 
 On your part, he will send real charity. 
 
 Confide in Him Who rules the Heavens 
 
 above, 
 E'en though your crimes outnumber 
 
 sands of sea 
 You will not want a friend in time of 
 
 need, 
 
24 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Nor seek in vain the most entrancing 
 love 
 Which comes in gushing torrent hap- 
 
 To wash away the dangers to our meed. 
 
HOPE. 25 
 
 HOPE. 
 
 With holy Job a portion let ns claim 
 Of that inheritance unknown to sin ; 
 'Twill be as sweetest music 'midst 
 the din 
 Of earthly discord; while its halcyon 
 
 flame 
 Illumination gives the honored name. 
 The loss of health, of friends, of 
 
 wealth, of kin 
 Shall serve to waken thoughts that 
 will have been 
 The highest, noblest thoughts the mind 
 can frame. 
 
 Our needs shall make our trust cling 
 
 closer still 
 With confidence in Him Who guides 
 
 the way. 
 The tender little buds of faith shall 
 
 grow 
 
26 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Into the blossoms that unnumbered fill 
 The tree of life, to make the close of 
 
 day 
 Full destined to return with grander 
 
 show. 
 
LOVE. 27 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 The gleam of sunlight flashing o'er the 
 
 sea. 
 The morning carols of the feathered 
 
 flocks ; 
 The creepers twining round the flinty 
 
 rocks, 
 The young brood romping o'er the ver- 
 dant lea, 
 The whispered hymn as passed from 
 
 tree to tree ; 
 The absent heart vv hose timid beating 
 
 knocks, 
 And wakes up feeling like the fearful 
 
 shock 
 Of force dynamic struggling to be free. 
 
 And yet all these the merest shadows 
 
 are 
 Of love, that stirs the universe and gives 
 All life and impetus to things terrene. 
 
28 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 The highest^ purest, greatest love by 
 far 
 
 Must come from God and in His essence 
 lives ; 
 
 He gave His life, His love, for love un- 
 seen. 
 
WAY OF THE CROSS. 29 
 
 WAY OF THE CROSS. 
 
 1 
 
 Jesus is condemned to die. 
 
 Saviour mine, as Thou dost go 
 Sad in heart and filled with woe, 
 I shall come and take my stand 
 Captive, too, by rabble band. 
 
 2 
 
 Jesus receives the cross. 
 
 I would fain become disgraced 
 Seeing on my shoulders placed 
 The cross of sin, that Thou must bear 
 Meek and lowly as your share. 
 
 Jesus falls the first time. 
 
 In Thy fall I see my own 
 Degradation, yet no moan 
 From Thy sacred lips reveal 
 Half the sorrow Thou must feel. 
 
30 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 4 
 Jesus meets His mother. 
 
 Look, Lord, Thy mother dear 
 Filled with anguish, pain and fear 
 Seeks Thee out, yet, I stand by, 
 An unmoved sinner, till I die. 
 
 5 
 Simon the Cyrenean helps carry the cross. 
 Unlike Simon shall I be 
 To relieve Thy misery ; 
 Quick to bear the cruel goad. 
 Quick to take Thy heavy load. 
 
 6 
 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. 
 Though my want of Love is shown, 
 Thou are not yet left alone ; 
 Veronica, Thy good friend, 
 Comes in pity to attend. 
 
 7 
 Jesus falls the second time. 
 Earth again receives Thy fall, 
 To remind us sinners all. 
 
WAY OF THE CROSS. 31 
 
 That, unless we live in Thee, 
 Useless is our human plea. 
 
 8 
 
 Jesus consoles the ivomen of Jerusalem. 
 
 Ne'er shall I forget Thy tones 
 Spoken to the heart-wrung* moans : — 
 " Women, weep ye, not for Me 
 For yourselves and children plea." 
 
 Jesus falls the third time. 
 
 At the foot of Calvary's Mount, 
 For the third time, they must count 
 Thee as dead, — yet not so. 
 Onward, upward. Thou wilt go. 
 
 10 
 
 Jesus is stripped of His garments. 
 
 Shameless, now, they leave Thee there 
 Naked, to the vulgar stare ; 
 Thus my crimes have branded me 
 " Sinner " — for Eternity. 
 
32 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 11 
 
 Jesus is nailed to the cross. 
 
 Cruel nails have pierced Thy flesh. 
 Starting all Thy wounds afresh ; 
 Tender Mother, turn thy face, 
 Look not on our last disgrace. 
 
 12 
 
 Jesus dies on the cross. 
 
 Let me hear that sad decree 
 Crying out my sins to me. 
 Let me look on that lone place, 
 See the death that saves my race. 
 
 13 
 
 Jesus is taken doivn from the cross. 
 
 Nicodemus, friend of God, 
 Rest Him 'neath this bloodstained sod. 
 Pray that I may come to Him 
 When the foe threats life or limb. 
 
WAY OF THE CROSS. 33 
 
 14 
 Jesus is laid in the sepulchre. 
 
 Near his tomb my lot is cast, 
 With His mother to the last. 
 Then no harm may reach my side; 
 Thy love, her love, will abide. 
 
34 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE CHURCH. 
 
 There it stands, 
 
 Raised up by hands 
 
 That would not shirk 
 
 The noble work 
 
 Of giving praise and glory unto God. 
 
 Firm and fast, 
 
 And unsurpassed, 
 
 It stems sin's tide, 
 
 The demon's pride, 
 
 Yet harbors sinners penitent within. 
 
 Day and night 
 
 For God and Right, 
 
 Through ages past. 
 
 From first to last, 
 
 The true defender, tender of mankind. 
 
 Even now. 
 All must allow, 
 
THE CHURCH. 35 
 
 Her strength remains, 
 
 And still retains 
 
 The ravagers and spoilers of the soul. 
 
 Years shall come 
 
 As troublesome, 
 
 But, Kke the past, 
 
 Shall speed as fast 
 
 Directed by her mightiness and zeal. 
 
 Church of Christ ! 
 Whose worth, unpriced, 
 Has made us all 
 Look on man's fall 
 
 As something that portrays our real 
 worth. 
 
 Dwell on for aye 
 'Mid us of clay ; 
 And teach alone. 
 E'er life has flown, 
 
 The doctrines and the lessons of Our 
 Lord. 
 
36 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 "THE CHALICE THEM ACCORD." 
 
 To My Class, June 25, '92. 
 
 What matter now the world's deceit or 
 
 praise ? 
 Henceforth are cast to reahns externe 
 
 of night 
 The baubles sought so madly in the 
 
 fight. 
 Along life's year-paved way, on duty 
 
 gaze 
 Until the signal comes, — that day of 
 
 days — 
 When God shall stand His faithful on 
 
 His Ridit. 
 
 CD 
 
 Such thoughts, youthful souls, shall 
 be your might, 
 
 Your shield 'gainst tempters to the sin- 
 ful ways. 
 
 And, to The Heart of hearts, — your 
 sole reward. 
 
"THE CHALICE THEM ACCORD." 3? 
 
 Let each day's off'ring bear within its 
 
 cup 
 Deeds of the purest love, 0, Gracious 
 
 Lord! 
 From Thy eternal throne, receive and 
 
 sup. 
 Reward their love ! Thy chalice them 
 
 accord, 
 Their virtues strengthen, and their 
 
 hopes lift up ! 
 
38 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 CHARITY. 
 
 One drop upon the parched lips, 
 One morsel to the starving poor, 
 
 One kindly word, one pleasant look, 
 Can mortals' pains and evils cure. 
 
 If we thro' life would only pause 
 To ponder well this fact so clear. 
 
 How much real good we all might do. 
 How many hearts and homesteads 
 cheer ! 
 
 Think, then, how much we'll give to 
 those 
 
 Poor slaves of ev'ry ill and woe ! 
 Think, how our merits are increased, 
 
 Like seed that in good ground we sow. 
 
THE VICAR OF CHRIST. 39 
 
 THE VICAR OF CHRIST. 
 
 As we mingle with men, as we study 
 
 their ways, 
 Many lessons we learn that will last all 
 
 our days, 
 That can never be taught in the lines of 
 
 a book, 
 Yet may be seen just as clear as the fish 
 
 in a brook. 
 
 To the priest who is proving example 
 
 for men, 
 To the laity struggling in vain as they 
 
 ken 
 The worldlings around them in Vanity 
 
 Fair, 
 Pause for a moment, and you will be 
 
 moved to declare 
 
 There is one whom all classes, all par- 
 ties, all creeds 
 
 Must admit is the man for the times and 
 the needs ; 
 
40 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Whose integrity proves him the far 
 
 o-reater saint 
 Simply because it's his goodness and 
 
 kindness, not paint. 
 
 He's at all times God-loving, obedient 
 
 and kind 
 The protector of Innocence, light for 
 
 the blind ; 
 The Good Shepherd of all, both the 
 
 young and the old, 
 0, may God grant many years to this 
 
 head of His fold. 
 
A MOTHER'S TEARS." 41 
 
 "A MOTHER'S TEARS." 
 
 Adown the pallid cheeks incessant flow 
 The burning tears ; they've flowed 
 
 for years the same ; 
 From depths unknown — a mother's 
 heart — they came^ 
 Then upward sweU to view, perhaps to 
 
 Forgotten. Have I said forgotten ? 
 No! 
 For heavenly eyes beheld, and, ere 
 
 the flame 
 That rifts the darksome cloudmass 
 comes, her fame 
 And tears were borne beyond the lands 
 of snow. 
 
 A priest the sacred chalice holds aloft, 
 Unknown to him his offering greater 
 grows 'j 
 
42 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A mother's tears are added, gentle, soft, 
 
 By angels, till it almost overflows. 
 Thy prayers, good mother, have been 
 heard, and oft 
 Thy priestly son shall bring thy soul 
 repose. 
 
ORDAINED." 43 
 
 " ORDAINED." 
 
 " The liglit of men, the salt of earth ; " 
 Than kings, the kingUest by birth, 
 More sterling, noble, wise and pure, 
 They stand in view. 
 
 In purest souls lies deep the will 
 To serve the Master, and fulfil 
 With voice, and heart, and strength, and 
 mind. 
 
 Their calling true. 
 
 See ! prostrate on earth they lie. 
 Their souls are soaring, dwelling high 
 Above the stars, to revel in 
 The feast of love. 
 
 By vow eternal — come what may — 
 Shall lead their steps up Calvary's way 
 To seek and serve th' Eternal King, 
 Our God above. 
 
44: CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 " Ordained ! " 0, who is there can tell 
 The countless thoughts that upward 
 
 swell 
 In humble praise and thanks to God — 
 The prayers untold ? 
 
 And who can hear the angels' song, 
 Thro' heavenly places waft along, 
 As round the snow-v/hite throne on 
 high 
 
 These joys unfold. 
 
 We, too, the wreaths of prayer now 
 
 bring, 
 " Te Deum" gladly shall we sing ; 
 Lord, direct them how to guard 
 And lead Thy flock ! 
 
 0, may they bear the sacred right 
 Of binding, loosing — Thy own might 1 
 Unsullied, faithful to the end, 
 And firm as rock. 
 
 Go forth, then priests of God ! go seek 
 The rich, the poor, the proud, the 
 meek, 
 
"ORDAINED." 45 
 
 And lead them ever by the hand, 
 As shepherds true. 
 
 Dispel their fears, relieve their woe^ 
 Protect them from the lurking foe, 
 And love them as your children, all. 
 For Christ loved you. 
 
46 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 BEFORE BAPTISM. 
 
 Nocturnal spirit of the dead, 
 Why came thou here, to torture life ? 
 Thy lot is cast upon the bed 
 Of slimy worms. 
 With earth of man, 
 Thy life began, 
 And on the life of him is fed ; 
 Hide then, 'neath earth, thy baleful 
 head. 
 
 What can'st thou give, O spirit vile ? 
 Since once you had and fully lost. 
 No ghostly hand may souls defile 
 Who live for good. 
 We fear thee not, 
 But deem the spot 
 Polluted, where thy crimes — a pile 
 Of infancy oft placed, the while. 
 
 Thy day hath come and now is past. 
 Thy power is linked to regions dark ; 
 
BEFORE BAPTISM. 47 
 
 'Tis said thou wilt forever last. 
 
 Where'er thou be, 
 
 Then keep thy plaoe, 
 
 Nor seek to trace 
 
 Thy mis-spent life where hopes are 
 
 cast, 
 Like serpents sting, or Satan's blast. 
 
48 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A SECRET PRAYER. 
 
 Bexeath the curling lashes, eyes of blue 
 
 Gaze upwards into mamma's face. 
 " How like an angel sent from heaven- 
 land" 
 Ran throuo^h the mother's thouohts 
 apace. 
 
 " 'Twere sad indeed," thought she, ^^if 
 baby mine 
 
 Should ever stain the beauteous soul 
 Those eyes reflect so faithfully to-day. 
 
 And wander far from life's true goal." 
 
 Then spoke the little one as though she 
 knew 
 What day-dreams, haunted mamma's 
 mind ; 
 " Won't you please tell me what I have 
 to say. 
 Dear mamma, so's to make God 
 kind?" 
 
A SECRET PRAYER. 49 
 
 A closer clasp, a longer kiss betray 
 The secret mother has to tell. 
 
 '^ My child, each day of life recite just one 
 Hail Mary, which you know so well." 
 
 A group of pretty maids surround a desk, 
 Their glowing cheeks and brilliant 
 eyes 
 Betraying true what burning fires of 
 'tense 
 Expectancy their anguish tries. 
 
 And one, most fair among the group, 
 
 behold ! 
 (As opes the choicest bud amid 
 Its charming sister flowers, and though 
 
 half seen, 
 More searching glances doth forbid), 
 
 Within her trembling hands a chaplet 
 rare 
 Of beads, the purest pearls, she holds. 
 Within her heart, a prayer, her mother 
 taught, 
 Her soul unto her God unfolds. 
 4 
 
50 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Amidst tlie din of many plauding hands 
 
 She walked to where her honors rest ; 
 
 The crowning wreath upon her head 
 
 was j)laeed 
 
 For God once more her prayer had 
 
 blessed. 
 
 A few years pass as flow the winter 
 streams 
 
 To lose themselves in deepest sloughs. 
 And like them, in the oceanic past 
 
 Have drifted many broken vows. 
 
 The smile on Summer's cheek a frown 
 becomes 
 As piercing winds pervade his frame ; 
 Still fail to chill the feverish heart of 
 one 
 About to toy with Fashion's flame. 
 
 Society, in festive garments clothed, 
 Perverts the hours of work and rest. 
 
 And holds the gilded halls — the sinful 
 piles 
 Of pleasures many — as the best. 
 
A SECRET PRAYER. 51 
 
 Among" the throng who worships at this 
 shrine, 
 Perhaps most eager to implore. 
 We learn that she who mamma's prayer 
 forgot 
 Is waiting at the outer door. 
 
 A grand triumphal greeting marks her 
 course 
 And turns her tliou«;hts to sinful 
 things 
 At times her conscience with a feeble 
 voice 
 Her prayer to failing mem'ry brings. 
 
 Away the hours speed into months and 
 years 
 For her, no longer happy ones. 
 Unmasked, her fatal tempter coolly 
 stands 
 He needs no guise to quell her fears. 
 
 Her once good heart, firm steeled to all 
 regret, 
 Reveals a nature sadly spoiled. 
 
52 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Now, only God can check her maddened 
 will, 
 All other efforts have been foiled. 
 
 At last ! the day has come with speeded 
 wing, 
 And found a woman blanched, and 
 worn, 
 Unknown, where Charity had placed a 
 bed 
 To rest the weary and forlorn. 
 
 And while the pains which years of 
 crime had brought 
 Upon her wan and sickly frame. 
 The thouafht of " Mother " smote her 
 ano'uished mind 
 With other thoughts of sin and shame. 
 
 Beside her stands a holy man, who 
 seeks 
 To comfort all whom dread disease 
 Had fastened on ; when human aid and 
 skill 
 The racking pains could not appease. 
 
A SECRET PRAYER. 53 
 
 He spoke to her in accents mild; about 
 The Home and Mother far away ; 
 
 Until his words sunk in her very heart. 
 Called on her will to try and pray. 
 
 An effort, such as only those can make 
 
 Whom gurgling waters close around, 
 
 Gave evidence that there was something 
 
 still 
 Which conscience tremblingly had 
 
 found. 
 
 That mother's little prayer so often 
 
 said 
 And then forgot so many times, 
 Comes struggling to her purple lips and 
 
 tongue 
 To take away the thought of crimes. 
 
 " 0, Holy Man ! " at length she spoke, 
 " My soul 
 
 Relief has found in one sweet prayer. 
 My mother taught me when in infancy ; 
 
 It made my heart as light as air. 
 
54 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 To God anew I shall return, and much 
 Repentance prove for all the wrong ; 
 And with thy kindly aid, good priest, I 
 
 shall 
 Return the love I've spurned so 
 
 long." 
 
 Again upon her lips the words so sweet. 
 
 Her mamma taught in years gone by. 
 
 The soothing words : " Hail, Mary, full 
 
 of grace," 
 
 Came back. She said : " If I should 
 
 die 
 
 I know the Virgin Mother whom I 
 prayed. 
 In youth, so fervently, will aid 
 My soul : and seek forgiveness from 
 her Son 
 Divine, for me, a wicked jade." 
 
 "Ah ! yes, dear child," the fathei* said : 
 " 'Tis true 
 The Lord is ready to forgive ; 
 
A SECRET PRAYER. 55 
 
 And no repentance will refuse from 
 those 
 Who would with Him forever live. 
 
 That little prayer, that brought so many 
 gifts 
 And favors in your younger days, 
 Once more repeat as often as you will. 
 Thus, with a new heart sound His 
 praise." 
 
 A quick convulsive shudder shook her 
 frame 
 Her eyes, with glassy stare, ope wide ; 
 And "Death" in all his ghastliness 
 arrayed, 
 Another claimed as his own bride. 
 
56 CARMINA SAOERDOTIS. 
 
 MOTHER. 
 
 As grows the lily from the earth, 
 
 All white with beauty rare, — 
 Which sends the sweetest perfume forth 
 
 An incense to the air, 
 Beloved by all who once behold, 
 
 So pure in every way. 
 No other flow'r in this wide world. 
 
 Can hold my heart for aye : 
 Thou art the lily, mother dear. 
 
 The truest one I know. 
 A radiance comes from thy sweet soul 
 
 Bright as a heavenly glow. 
 
THE SEMINARY BELLS. 57 
 
 THE SEMINARY BELLS. 
 
 The old has gone, forever gone ; 
 
 Its form withdrawn, fore'er with= 
 drawn. 
 To rest its aged tones, 
 To hush its saddening moans, 
 
 Its toll 
 
 Has ceased to dole 
 The matins of the morn. 
 The evening's vesper song. 
 
 Farewell ! 
 Let future glory tell 
 Thy praises, dear old beU, 
 
 Farewell, Farewell ! 
 
 The new is here ! the new is here ! 
 Is ringing clear, is ringing clear, 
 To call to work or rest. 
 To give its labors blest. 
 
 In song. 
 
 The whole day long ; 
 
58 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 To ring to God above 
 Our hopes and purest love. 
 
 All hail ! 
 NeAv bell. In cahn and gale 
 Cease not to tell your tale; 
 
 AU hail, aU hail ! 
 
A PICTURE. 59 
 
 A PICTURE. 
 
 There dwelt within my dreaming soul 
 
 A picture, holy, fair; 
 'Twas of the cross, the cross of life 
 
 Which all of us must bear. 
 
 Close to its base there nestled low 
 
 A symbol of God's love — 
 The pretty bird of innocence, 
 
 A gentle little dove. 
 
 Around it, wound in close embrace. 
 
 The roses bright and fair. 
 To show that man's eternal hope 
 
 Can only be found there. 
 
 And underneath in numbers great. 
 The thorns and rough stones lay ; 
 
 For thus is Heaven's path described 
 " A thorny, stony way." 
 
60 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 ST. AUGUSTINE. 
 
 Augustine, sad, and almost in despair. 
 One day, was seated 'neatli his favor- 
 ite tree. 
 A phantom voice, he heard, — a voice 
 of air, — 
 That begged him break Sin's fetters, 
 and be free. 
 
 He hstened well, he drank in every 
 thought. 
 The voice was God's, he knew it, and 
 obeyed. 
 From that day forth his life with good 
 was fraught 
 For truth, he lived a Champion un- 
 dismayed. 
 
SENTINEL SILENT. 61 
 
 SENTINEL SILENT. 
 
 Slow toll the bells ; all else seems 
 
 hushed ; 
 
 Meek passers-by, in earnest mood. 
 
 Walk onward towards the village 
 
 church, 
 
 And mingle there in brotherhood. 
 
 No words are spoken, save the few 
 That serve to greet and pay respect 
 
 To one whom all had known and loved ; 
 On whom no foe could e'er reflect. 
 
 Within the church, so sombre looks 
 The mourning scene, that from the 
 pews 
 
 A warning comes, to hold thy breath 
 Lest " Silence " its enchantment lose. 
 
 The service for departed souls 
 Unites the living with the dead ; 
 
 And, when 'tis o'er, one more last look 
 Shall say in act what can't be said. 
 
62 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Again the bells slow toll the grief 
 That all have felt, and still must feel ; 
 
 An open grave the only thing. 
 Seems eager to enjoy its peal. 
 
 The last sod laid, and " Death " resumes 
 His vigil o'er the lifeless clay ; 
 
 Adown the village street he peers, 
 Where sad friends walk, and counts 
 their day. 
 
HOW CAME SO STRANGE A SPELL?" 63 
 
 " HOW CAME SO STRANGE A 
 SPELL?" 
 
 When childhood days enwrapped me, 
 The fields around my home 
 
 Seemed bright Elysian pastures, 
 Where such as I might roam. 
 
 They were my little kingdoms 
 
 Whose buildings were the plants ; 
 
 My living, toiling subjects. 
 The beetles and the ants. 
 
 The daisies were f^iir castles. 
 With turrets painted gay ; 
 
 The bluebells and the cowslips 
 The home of sprite and fay. 
 
 The butterflies, great dragons, 
 Some speckled and some white ; 
 
 And thus, my childish notions 
 Went on from morn till night. 
 
64 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Those same fields still are resting 
 Where God once spread them down ; 
 
 But lo 1 the plants and flowers 
 Have grown into a town. 
 
 I've peered the broad streets over 
 And marked the built-up piles 
 
 Of hotels, houses, churches, 
 That stand around for miles. 
 
 I called once more in fancy, 
 On thoughts that used to dwell 
 
 Within my youthful noddle, — 
 How came so strange a spell ? 
 
 The answer ever whispers 
 In voice more fine than air ; 
 
 " The God Who made the flowers 
 Wished buildings to be there." 
 
 And so the daisies withered 
 
 The bluebells too, fell ill ; 
 While men threw up foundations 
 
 Where ants once raised a hill. 
 
IN MEMORIAM. 65 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 High on a hillside where the granite 
 shafts 
 At all times point like fingers to the 
 
 sky. 
 
 There stands a stone surmounted by a 
 cross 
 To mark where father and my 
 mother lie. 
 
 In silence and in depths of earth they 
 sleep, — 
 That sleep that ends where earthly 
 rest is o'er, — 
 To waken and behold the face of Him 
 Who once for us the heavy gibbet 
 bore. 
 
 Nor shall we living ones forget the 
 place 
 Wherein they lie. — A monument doth 
 give 
 5 
 
66 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A double sign : " Their place of earthly 
 rest/' 
 And where, " Eternally they hope to 
 live." 
 
 While life is sweet to us when it is ours, 
 Sometimes 'twould seem the better 
 part remains 
 With those who've passed away, and 
 rest beneath 
 The silent figures of the tomb-filled 
 plains. 
 
PORTRAIT OF AN INFIDEL. 67 
 
 PORTRAIT OF AN INFIDEL. 
 
 'Tis but a picture of a face, 
 
 That's all, and yet in clarion tones it 
 tells 
 Of hatred, pride and knowledge mixed. 
 Aye more, — how cursed within, a 
 poor soul dwells. 
 
 His was a mind with talents rare, 
 
 So like a mountain, should we try to 
 make 
 Comparison with other men 
 
 Their gifts, like little hills formation 
 take. 
 
 His love of power, his pride 
 
 Made naught of all the truths that 
 guide men's ways. 
 And so he lived his life and lied, — 
 And no one cared, when came to end 
 his days. 
 
68 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TO A BISHOP-ELECT. 
 
 TO VERY REV. HENRY GABRIELS. 
 
 In childhood deep were sown the 
 heavenly seeds. 
 His virgin soul so ardently admired, 
 In manhood still was there the soil 
 desired, 
 But richer grown and ripe for saintly 
 deeds. 
 
 With priesthood wisdom came and 
 plucked such weeds 
 As might retard the perfect yield re- 
 quired^ 
 And zeal, which filled his heart with 
 love untired. 
 Came too — a refuge for our many deeds. 
 
 And lo ! a o-olden harvest crowns his 
 days, 
 A bishop's rank and privilege shall be 
 
TO A BISHOP-ELECT. 69 
 
 His well deserved inheritance. The 
 rays 
 
 Of life's declining sun look on and see 
 A goodly life well spent in Godly ways. 
 
 0, may he garner in Eternity ! — 
 
70 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE ORPHANAGE. 
 
 'Tis an orphan home, but there, 
 By the saintly Sisters' care, 
 
 Want and hunger, sin and shame 
 Change thro' kindness e'en the name. 
 
 Little boys and smaller girls 
 Bigger boys and maids in curls, 
 
 Seek protection, seek a rest. 
 By affliction sorely pressed. 
 
 Come within the shelt'ring walls, 
 There to 'scape those woeful falls 
 
 That destroy the struggling soul 
 'Fore its God can have control. 
 
 There no drunken father raves 
 
 Maddened by that which he craves, 
 
 Cursing her to whom he gave 
 Nothing, — but an early grave. 
 
THE ORPHANAGE. 71 
 
 There, no mother, wrecked in life, 
 Feels the steel of sorrow's knife, 
 
 Weepings sighing all day long. 
 Wishing right, but doing wrong. 
 
 Thei-e, no heartless world beholds 
 All the faults the home unfolds, 
 
 Without pity, without care. 
 
 Leaving them the beggar's share 
 
 At the early close of day 
 
 Needles, slates and books away, 
 
 To each little snow-white bed 
 
 They retire when pray'rs are said. 
 
 Morning comes, and songs of birds 
 Echo but their prayerful words 
 
 Offered up, in praise of Him 
 
 Who will guard each life and limb. 
 
 Orphans, yes ! but angels too. 
 Human clad in form and hue 
 
 With garb of earth on which we 
 dwell 
 Yet, from God, no price can sell. 
 
72 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TO REV. W. A. O. 
 
 Some day, when the Father of man- 
 kind shall call 
 Away from the labor so dear to his 
 heart, 
 Our friend unpretentious, so clever and 
 good. 
 His worldly familiars will rouse with 
 a start. 
 
 They will see more distinctly that his 
 way has taught 
 True greatness in man must be found 
 in the meek. 
 That silent deportment and manners 
 genteel 
 Are the virtues that every true Chris- 
 tian should seek. 
 
 The deceit of the flatterer never was 
 known 
 To soil the sweet unction the heart 
 gave the mind, 
 
TO REVo W. A. O. 73 
 
 'Twas rare compensation to any who 
 claimed 
 To hold conversation with him or his 
 kind. 
 
 His friendship was loyal as ever was 
 born 
 From man to his fellows. To me he 
 has shown 
 
 That we, who would walk in The 
 Saviour's footsteps. 
 Should certainly make his Ideal 
 their own. 
 
74 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 UNHEEDED CRIES. 
 
 " Lost, lost, lost ! " sigh the falling 
 Autumn leaves, 
 
 " Forever 'neath the Winter's snows. 
 No sadder death can ever come 
 Than that abiding next our home, 
 
 Have pity, e'er all mercy goes." 
 
 " Lost, lost, lost ! " ever cry the mad- 
 dened souls 
 Who've wandered from their Mas- 
 ter's care. 
 0, who will listen and refuse ? 
 0, wdio'll his very life abuse, 
 
 A.nd change God's love for Satan's 
 snare ? 
 
SYMBOL OF ARBOR DAY. 75 
 
 SYMBOL OF ARBOR DAY. 
 
 Take the fairest plant and choicest^ 
 Fashion deep its bed of clay ; 
 
 Plant it firmly, straight and graceful, 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 Round it strew the rarest flowers, 
 Round it twine the fillets gay ; 
 
 Watch it, guard it, ! so tender. 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 'Tis the mark of coming greatness, 
 Like the day dawn's early ray. 
 
 Faintest gleam of midday grandeur, 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 In the small and tender limblets, 
 Hidden from the sight away, 
 
 Lives a giant force increscent. 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
76 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 As the tiny babe is nourished, 
 Care we ever, while we may. 
 
 For this sign to future peoples. 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 Thro' long years may w^ave its branches, 
 
 Far off be its life's decay ; 
 Such our prayers, our earnest wishes, 
 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 With it, too, we'll plant a token. 
 Greater, nobler every way. 
 
 In our hearts to grow forever. 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 Plant the hope of always doing, 
 (Whether young or old or gray), 
 
 Duty's bidding — God's decretals, 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
 That when comes the final summons 
 
 Truly all of us may say : 
 " We have made our best endeavors," 
 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
SYMBOL OF ARBOR DAY. 77 
 
 So together let us plant them 
 
 Trees of hope, 'long life's rough way. 
 
 Some on Earth and all in Heaven 
 Symbol of our Arbor Day. 
 
78 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 CONSECRATION OF MGR. P. 
 
 'Tis not within the power of men 
 To say sufficient nice things, when 
 
 The Plane! of Him above cloth guide. 
 But Uke the winds that gently blow 
 O'er flowers smiling, as they go, 
 
 Our praises scarcely reach thy side. 
 
 When David the anointed one 
 His Master's battles had begun, 
 
 A few were found to hail him King. 
 But not until Goliath fell 
 And Israel's foes were beaten well. 
 
 Did people round his standard cling. 
 
 What answer make, when by his birth 
 No princely court proclaimed his worth, 
 Yet, wondrous deeds should show his 
 power ? 
 His Ruler, Yf ho doth make and guide, 
 Saw grace within his soul abide, 
 
 From the true flock made him the 
 flower. 
 
CONSECRATION OF MGR. F. 79 
 
 Along the paths that men have worn 
 As trod they on, both night and morn, 
 
 Far, far beyond the thoughtful gaze, 
 That same is true. For He doth take 
 Of us a chosen one and make 
 
 A prelate honored all his days. 
 
 Thou art the one, friend so pure ! 
 Whom God hath chosen to insure 
 
 Him ofreater love from creatures all. 
 Thou art the David of our times, 
 Whom men of different creeds and 
 climes 
 
 Will truly God's anointed call. 
 
 We pray, " Thy reign be filled with 
 
 peace. 
 And blessings that may never cease, 
 
 From day to day, but greater grow. 
 And when night comes, in answer to 
 The Father's call, shall reckon you 
 
 Among the blest, forever go ! " 
 
80 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 DIVES. 
 
 With tear in eye, and doleful voice, 
 
 The sly old rascal vainly strives 
 To win our love and confidence. 
 
 And in his efforts fairly thrives. 
 Who is he ? What's his name ? you ask, 
 
 I don't suppose you'll risk your lives 
 In guessing. So I'll tell you then ; 
 
 To murder language, call him 
 " Divesr 
 
 And should you wish to be correct. 
 His name is " Dives " as of old. 
 
 Beware of his alluring tricks. 
 
 He'll give you brass instead of gold. 
 
FAREWELL! 81 
 
 FAREWELL ! 
 
 No sadder thought was e'er expressed, 
 No word more tender ever fell, 
 
 To touch the hearts of parting friends, 
 Than this one thought, one word, 
 " Farewell." 
 
 The sorrows of the human race, 
 Our miseries in pictures dwell ; 
 
 Still all our tests and sorrows deep 
 Are naught, when loved ones say 
 " Farewell." 
 
 Of death, of sickness, master minds 
 With pathos, have and oft will tell ; 
 
 Yet breaking hearts and tear-filled eyes. 
 Come often est when we say, "Fare- 
 well." 
 
 But why such grieving when we know, 
 
 That earthly ties can never dwell 
 6 
 
82 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Forever here. Is it because 
 
 All love shall cease with our " Fare- 
 well " ? 
 
 One reason only may be told : — 
 The future, like a dungeon cell, 
 
 No light permits the parting ones 
 Who must forever say : " Farewell." 
 
OUR FATHER. 83 
 
 OUR FATHER. 
 
 LINES TO A BISHOP-ELECT. 
 
 The Avails historic, of all times are 
 hung 
 With names of those who've carved 
 themselves a place 
 Within the hearts of men. Whose 
 deeds are sung 
 And lauded by our universal race. 
 
 Each age, with laurel wreaths, has 
 found its own. 
 And o'er their brows the diadem has 
 placed ; 
 So, on and on the many centuries 
 flown, 
 We too these walls with heroes' names 
 have graced. 
 
84 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 One more we add, in proof of love sin- 
 cere; 
 Perhaps the poorest emblem we can 
 give,— 
 For truest praises never seek the ear, 
 But heart wherein their secrets safe 
 may live. 
 
 We call him " Father/' deem it not too 
 strange ; 
 For such his sacerdotal life has 
 been 
 That those who know him well can 
 never change 
 That title, — even though a higher 
 soon begin. 
 
 The quadrant cycle spent within God's 
 halls 
 Proclaim for him a Father's love and 
 name. 
 Still, though ten thousand times ten 
 thousand walls 
 Divide us, he shall ever be the same ! 
 
OUR FATHER. 85 
 
 With children filial fondness never wears 
 The changed aspect older eyes con- 
 ceive. 
 To him we've been so many childish 
 cares 
 And we, in him, the father's right 
 perceive. 
 
 His will was fashioned but to please 
 his God 
 His life like saintly Mary's sought 
 alone 
 The one, the greater good, his Master's 
 nod. 
 To worldliness a pilgrim scarcely 
 known. 
 
 In such the purest chords of love are 
 found. 
 The brightest page in mankind's life 
 is planned ; 
 In such is Virtue's handmaid ever 
 crowned, 
 And Honor ever met with welcome 
 hand. 
 
86 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 In such a life no s^all nor wormwood 
 dwell, 
 To taint the sweetness of a Virgin 
 soul; 
 To such a one the Angels always 
 tell 
 The secrets of the last eternal roll. 
 
 Ah, truly if we but conform our ways 
 To that in which he steadfastly had 
 trod, 
 There need exist no fear but that our 
 days 
 Shall end lit up with sunshine sent 
 from God. 
 
 Soon shall we part; God calls him 
 nearer still : 
 'Tis his to fight a nobler, greater 
 fight ! 
 We cannot make resistance to that 
 Will 
 Nor stay the Hand Invisible in 
 Might. 
 
OUR FATHER. 87 
 
 And therefore Avlien shall come the 
 Holy Powers 
 Upon his soulj and form external 
 make 
 A bishop's rank his own, let it be ours 
 To say '^ God speed " for dear reli- 
 gion's sake. 
 
 To say " Farewell " and " Blessings 
 while he lives." 
 May dear St. Joseph ever give him 
 aid, 
 And Mary intercede with him Who 
 gives 
 Us life, for him her humble servant 
 made. 
 
 ! may no sorrows come to mar his 
 peace ! 
 And may the guerdon of his service be 
 These words, thrice joyful when this 
 life shall cease : 
 " Thou blessed of My Father, Come 
 to Me." 
 
88 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 QUEER WEATHER. 
 
 WINTER, '94. 
 
 In this the month of good St. Valen- 
 tine, 
 
 Come frost and snows, and just the 
 least sunshine. 
 
 But this year's " weather clerk " must 
 be deranged 
 
 Because our climate seems entirely 
 changed. 
 
 Instead of snows and cold and sleet and 
 
 rain. 
 With frosty frescoes on the window 
 
 pane. 
 He sends us sunny skies and zephyrs 
 
 fair. 
 All highly flavored with the tropic's 
 
 air. 
 
MARCH. 
 
 MARCH. 
 
 Thou rampant, blowing, noisy fellow ! 
 Tell us. Winter's henchman, tell, ! 
 Where have gone the peace and quiet 
 Winter's calm ? Come, cease thy riot ! 
 
 Soon we'll see the balmy showers. 
 Summer suns and lovely flowers. 
 Then, for shame, you must needs leave 
 
 us 
 Lest thy presence here may grieve us. 
 
 In vales, and on the highest places 
 Soon will smile the flow'ry faces ; 
 Soon the trees, the rocks, the meadows 
 Will salute us 'neath the shadows. 
 
 At once, then, if it please your highness' 
 Go ! and leave us and forever. 
 We are tired of windy dryness. 
 Go ! and let our friendship sever. 
 
90 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A SUMMER'S NIGHT. 
 
 When Heaven, from her starry height, 
 Looks smiling o'er our drowsy sphere, 
 When Luna, queen, transmits her 
 beams 
 Through azure fields, Olympus 
 near. 
 Midst fairy lights and chirping things 
 Let's linger, for the night is clear. 
 
 While sluggards lowly creep to bed, 
 With lightsome hearts and free from 
 care. 
 We'll greet the night, and, laughing, 
 go 
 Across the fields and streams all 
 fair. 
 Thro' woodlands dark and o'er the 
 hills 
 To breathe the sweetness of the air. 
 
A SUMMER'S NIGHT. 91 
 
 We'll view with love, the wondrous 
 scene 
 That God doth give when light is 
 pale. 
 We'll let our fancies run apace 
 
 In pictures of the hill and dale. 
 We'll thank Him, for His life and 
 light, 
 His goodness, that can never fail. 
 
92 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 AUTUMN. 
 
 The quiet calm of Autumn rests 
 On hill, on meadow and on vale, 
 
 A kindred calm within our souls 
 
 To peaceful nature sings : " All 
 hail ! " 
 
 We talk of Spring ; the Summer's 
 bloom ; 
 We hear of Winter's hoary frost ; 
 Within the calm of Autumn's eve 
 Their beauty and their joy seem 
 lost. 
 
 What hand can paint the mellow hght, 
 That dances o'er the ripened grain? 
 What tongue can sing e'en half so 
 sweet 
 As Autumn winds o'er tree and 
 plain. 
 
AUTUMN. 93 
 
 Its music comes from Nature's tongue 
 It paints on canvas Nature wrought; 
 
 It tells us, do we wish to know, 
 
 That God may everywhere be 
 sought. 
 
 ! favorite time of all the year, 
 We love thee with undying love ; 
 
 Our hearts attuned to thy sweet peace 
 That seems but given from above. 
 
94 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A SUBTLE THIEF. 
 
 A SUBTLE thief thou art, dying year, 
 
 The boldest, and the craftiest, I vow I 
 
 And though I'm not a prophet nor a 
 
 seer, 
 
 I'm sure you're dressed in rainbow 
 
 colors now. 
 
 Upon thy robes, — the trees and kindred 
 plants, — 
 Its yellow meets the eye ; upon thy 
 face, — 
 The glowing sky, — behold ! how down- 
 ward slants 
 As fair a red as could a rainbow grace. 
 
 Above the red, the purest blue is seen ; 
 Beneath it lies a sea of richest gold ; 
 And uppermost, — a crown fit for a 
 queen — 
 Its clouds of fleece full many cen- 
 turies old. 
 
A SUBTLE THIEF. 95 
 
 Thou art indeed a thief, Autumn 
 time ! 
 Your every vestige, hidden deeds be- 
 tray, 
 The patent proofs of thievery sublime 
 From rainbow precincts, follow every 
 day. 
 
06 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 AUTUMN IS HERE. 
 
 One glance at the heavens, tinted with 
 
 blue, 
 One look at the foliage, russet in hue, 
 Will tell us that Autumn is here. 
 
 All nature is quiet, as though in re}30se, 
 And lost from our view is the bloom of 
 the rose, 
 To tell us that Autumn is here. 
 
 The red-breasted robins are flitting 
 
 around 
 The fruits of the field with maturity 
 
 crowned 
 To tell us that Autumn is here. 
 
 These ever display to our mortal eye 
 Some of the charms of Our Maker on 
 high, 
 And tell us that Autumn is here. 
 
WINTER. 97 
 
 WINTER. 
 
 Locked close in cells half crystal and 
 half earth, 
 No longer glistening 'neath a melting 
 sky,— 
 Nor laughing, babbling, gurgling full 
 of mirth. 
 The waters, sad and darksome, coldly 
 lie. 
 
 But yesterday they rippled full of 
 smiles, 
 And showed reflected Nature all her 
 charms ; 
 To-day, the slaves of Boreas' force and 
 wiles 
 They lie clasped closely in his frigid 
 arms. 
 7 
 
98 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Perchance from out their prisons dark 
 they see 
 The old and young in mazy figures 
 glide 
 Above them spectre-like in forms, and 
 flee 
 As birds upon their silver-crested 
 tide. 
 
 Winter drear, a hoary hand you've 
 laid 
 Upon the mirrors of your fair abode. 
 Their gambols by your icy touch were 
 stayed, 
 You hushed their merry songs as on 
 they flowed. 
 
 Just so our souls, when in their Winter's 
 grasp, 
 Deprived of all their beauty, love and 
 grace. 
 Bereft of light, within that awful clasp 
 Must feel their woe, and see it face 
 to face. 
 
WINTER. 99 
 
 Yes, Winter of our souls, — in depths of 
 
 gloom, — 
 Abodes of sin, — you cast their purest 
 
 light. 
 Still there is hope to 'scape this fearful 
 
 doom. 
 Behold : " That Heart that shines from 
 
 Heaven's height." 
 
100 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TO THE DEPARTED YEAR. 
 
 With varying moods of time is seared 
 thy face, 
 And turned thy golden locks to frost, 
 No longer youthful strides thy move- 
 ments grace, 
 But in thy tottering steps are lost. 
 
 To me you're numbered 'mong departed 
 friends 
 
 None dearer — yet, are many less. 
 It is my wish to make you full amends, 
 
 Returning love and tenderness. 
 
 I sigh for thee ! passing, dying year ! 
 
 And wish thy days would come again 
 
 That I might see the forms I love so 
 
 dear, 
 
 And feel their joy, and share their 
 
 pam; 
 
TO THE DEPARTED YEAR. 101 
 
 That I my duty's unpaid debt might 
 fill, 
 And through my Lord erase the loss 
 Of precious time ; that I might pray 
 until 
 I've gained the glory of His cross. 
 
102 CARMINA SACERDOTIS, 
 
 THE TRI-STATES ROCK. 
 
 From distant hills they come, and 
 
 meet 
 Where lands on either side look down 
 
 and greet 
 The friendly waters merged in one 
 
 grand stream. 
 In Nature's bond their friendship tied 
 Two lovinof streams forever onward 
 
 glide, 
 Like happy lovers pictured in a 
 
 dream. 
 
 Where first they kiss is reared a stone, 
 A pledge of union more than proudly 
 
 known, 
 To mark the place where three states 
 
 join in one. 
 There Death, a silent witness, peers 
 
THE TRI-STATES ROCK. 103 
 
 From many graves upon their joined 
 careers 
 As though to watch until their Hves 
 are done. 
 
 Afar, where seen the height of land, 
 By eyes of men, in massive form and 
 grand 
 The wreathing breaths of toiling, 
 groaning fires 
 Betray upon the cloudless sky 
 A valley filled with thrifty souls, near by, 
 Possessed with energy that never 
 tires. 
 
 Opposed, still statelier lands arise 
 And point a barren finger to the skies. 
 To show that men are strangers still 
 up there. 
 While, far below, a peaceful vale 
 Its verdure lends to stamp with truth 
 a tale 
 Of thriftiness and happiness that's 
 rare. 
 
104 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 For many happy years gone by 
 
 The red man smoked his pipe of peace, 
 
 while sky 
 And earth combined to give him 
 
 every joy. 
 The " Minisinks," now, are no more, 
 Except in name, as told in common 
 
 lore; 
 The white men came : to live thev 
 
 must destroy ! 
 
 With that destruction grew a race 
 More noble ; fit e'en kingly thrones to 
 
 grace ! 
 They are the peaceful toilers in the 
 
 vale, 
 And like the streams their friendships 
 
 sealed, 
 A rock this pledge to mankind has 
 
 revealed. 
 may it never cease to tell the 
 
 tale! 
 
OUR NATION'S FLAG. 105 
 
 OUR NATION'S FLAG. 
 
 Air, " Row, Mariner, Row." 
 
 Blow, breezes, blow, breezes, blow ; 
 Blow, breezes, blow, unfurl our coun- 
 try's flag. 
 Blow, breezes, blow, blow, breezes, 
 blow; 
 Blow and greet our country's flag ! 
 Blow, blow, blow, blow. 
 
 Salute its stripes and stars, 
 Caress its folds so gently waving, 
 
 Salute its crimson bars. 
 Control with love its pinions straining ! 
 
 It is the banner of the free. 
 Who proudly mark its upward flight. 
 And watch it wave o'er land and 
 sea. 
 While fill their hearts with pure de- 
 light. 
 
106 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Hail, all hail, our beauteous flag. 
 All hail ! 
 
 Liberty's great and noble flag, 
 The glorious stripes and stars. 
 Second Time : 
 
 Hail, hail, hail, all hail. 
 Greeting for our heart to give, 
 Honor while we ever live 
 Our country's flag. 
 
 Blow, breezes, blow, blow, breezes, blow ; 
 
 Blow, breezes, blow, and bless our flag 
 on high. 
 Blow, breezes, blow, blow, breezes, blow ; 
 
 Blow and bless our flag on high ! 
 Blow, blow, blow, blow, 
 
 We love to see it wave. 
 And flash in glorious noonday splen- 
 dor ! 
 
 No nation ever gave 
 More ftune or could such glory render; 
 
 Around it dwells our earnest prayer, 
 
OUR NATION'S FLAG. 107 
 
 That it may never bear a stain, 
 Or trail dishonored anywhere 
 To bring the hearts of millions pain. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Hail, all hail, etc. 
 
108 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE GLORIOUS FOURTH. 
 
 The bang of the cracker is racking the 
 air, 
 The heart of the small boy is leaping. 
 A midday's sun is trying to scorch 
 Every vestige of nature in keeping, 
 Because the glorious fourth is here, 
 And we are beings strange to fear ; 
 We are men who love to see 
 Every human being free. 
 
 The sound of the trumpet, the beat of 
 the drum, 
 The cheers of our people ascending, — 
 As heroes and veterans are marching 
 along 
 Each trained in the art of defending. 
 Because the glorious fourth is here. 
 And we are beings strange to fear ; 
 We are men who love to see 
 Every human being free. 
 
THE GLORIOUS FOURTH. 109 
 
 The spirit of freedom is everywhere 
 seen^ 
 From God it is given most freely ; 
 And no man is ever deprived of its 
 good, 
 If at heart he's American really. 
 Because the glorious fourth is here, 
 And we are beings strange to fear ; 
 We are men who love to see 
 Every human being free. 
 
110 CAEMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TO THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. 
 
 Who says the days o£ chivalry are 
 past J 
 The days that gild the life of man, 
 
 and make 
 Him seem a God ? Whose glorious 
 deeds doth wake 
 The sluggish blood to flowing quick and 
 
 fast, 
 Who spurns the earthly gain, the fiery 
 blast. 
 To bring salvation, liberty to break 
 The galling chains of Ignorance at 
 last. 
 
 Our Knights have we, illustrious in 
 name 
 And deed ! Columbus like, who lead 
 the way 
 
TO THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. Ill 
 
 To realms of God, in purest charity. 
 As errants brave, their object and their 
 fame 
 To help the peerless spouse of God 
 
 allay 
 Our pain, our sorrow and our misery. 
 
112 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 OUR DEWEY. 
 
 In the far-off lands of the PhiHppines 
 Was sounded the War's alarming 
 blast : — 
 Like the folds of a loving mother's 
 cloak, 
 To protect the babe and hold it fast. 
 The Spanish nation sent its men 
 
 And ships to guard till danger passed. 
 
 During night and day was a vigil kept, 
 O'er seas upon which the strangers 
 sailed, 
 And their hearts were inspired with 
 glowing hope 
 That their armament had never 
 failed ; 
 That chivalry of years and years 
 
 Could not be jeered, much less as- 
 sailed. 
 
OUR DEWEY. 113 
 
 To tlieir great surprise and their horror 
 too, 
 Their dreams and their hopes were 
 rudely shocked, 
 As they gazed far across Manila's bay, 
 To behold our ships had not been 
 blocked, 
 And Dewey moving calmly towards 
 The spot where all their ships were 
 flocked. 
 
 In a moment boomed all the guns they 
 had 
 On land and sea to force him out — 
 All in vain ! for their ships were sunk 
 like lead 
 And their soldiers brave were put to 
 rout. 
 The sounds of battle fled away 
 
 And listened to the freeman's shout. 
 
 There awaits a people, in joy and 
 love, 
 
 To hail the return and welcome home 
 
 8 
 
114 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Their hero new, in distant lands, whose 
 name 
 They have placed in memory's great- 
 est tome. 
 Where future children oft may read 
 That brave men o'er this world yet 
 roam. 
 
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. I15 
 THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. 
 
 BEFORE ITS ERECTION. 
 
 Ye lovers of sweet freedom turn to me 
 And list ', for you were often told to 
 
 do 
 A something that concerns by no 
 means few. 
 Take measures now, that all the world 
 
 may see 
 Our glorious emblem of dear liberty. 
 You say : " My theme gives proof of 
 
 nothinof new," 
 'Tis well. — Come, then, Americans, 
 
 help through 
 The work to welcome mariners from 
 sea. 
 From every part, let all with heart and 
 hand 
 Unite, to make their very best en- 
 deavor, 
 
116 CAEMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 And build a statue that will never fall, 
 Which, standing in a free and glorious 
 land, 
 Will offer mankind, for us, and for- 
 ever 
 A home, protection, liberty to all. 
 
 AFTER ITS ERECTION. 
 
 Well done, ye sons and daughters of 
 the free, 
 Behold the new light in the firma- 
 ment ! 
 To sailors gazing landward you have 
 sent 
 God's rays to welcome home the ships 
 
 at sea, 
 And guide them safe, as strain the eye 
 to see 
 The way. — The wand'rer from his 
 
 native tent 
 Is greeted with a sign of welcome 
 blent 
 With safety. 0, may its good forever 
 be! 
 
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, II7 
 
 And from her heights our giant God- 
 dess^ fair, 
 Looks out with kindly eyes across the 
 deep. 
 
 By night her torch, by day her arm 
 outstretched, 
 
 Shall warning and a welcome give. 
 Her care 
 And love shall grow none less. Nor 
 rest, nor sleep 
 
 Shall ever cloud the halo round her 
 head. 
 
118 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 ANARCHY. 
 
 A STRANGER, passing through the gates 
 That closed a town from all the world, 
 
 Beheld, upon the rampart walls, 
 A banner to the wind unfurled. 
 
 No wrought device upon it gave 
 A sign to all who might behold, 
 
 But color red more loudly cried 
 That Anarchy had found a fold. 
 
 Within, where desolation heaped 
 Her ruins high in cumbrous piles. 
 
 Deserted homes, and ravaged lands 
 Proclaimed the curse for many miles. 
 
 There was a time, not long before. 
 When Plenty, Thrift and Love pre- 
 vailed ; 
 
 Then men grew jealous of the good. 
 And demon-like this peace assailed. 
 
ANARCHY. 119 
 
 At first, false doctrines, slyly spread, 
 Became foundations for the crimes 
 
 That later on, in boldness grown, 
 Would wreck the spirit of the times. 
 
 Alas ! too late the citizens 
 
 Awoke to see a serpent's head 
 
 Raised in their midst, and glaring 
 round 
 On victims soon to join the dead. 
 
 A vain attempt to crush the ill 
 
 Removed all barriers from the way, 
 
 And now the traitors' flag salutes 
 With stains of blood, the light of 
 day. 
 
120 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 AT THE FAIR. 
 
 ADAPTED TO MOORE. 
 
 Oh, joyous the hour when to this 
 
 charming bower 
 Of " sweet little fairies " with stout 
 hearts men came, 
 There, Beauty held sway 
 O'er the youths, rich and gay — 
 Who soon fell 'neath her charms, lit by 
 love's subtle flame. 
 
 0, sad was the hour, when, to this lovely 
 
 bower, 
 All unmindful of fate and their pockets 
 they went. 
 Midst a hundred bright eyes. 
 Midst a thousand soft sighs. 
 Every cent that they had at their sweet 
 wills, was spent. 
 
AT THE FAIR. 121 
 
 ! late was the hour when they left 
 
 this dear bower, 
 To seek consolation and quiet at home : 
 To think of bright eyes, 
 Of the soft, fatal sighs, 
 And how simple they were midst such 
 fairies to roam. 
 
 But 0, for the hour, when to this 
 
 pretty bower, 
 With lots of good cash and gaiete 
 they'll return. 
 They'll fear not their smiles. 
 Nor their thousand cute wiles. 
 And once they depart, the dear maids 
 will mourn. 
 
122 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 INGERSOLLIAN. 
 
 Say, Bob, the Church would have a queer 
 
 old time if you were made its Vicar. 
 You'd tell your jokes and wink your eye 
 
 to make the good folk snicker. 
 Dear brother R would blossom forth 
 
 a brand new coadjutor, 
 The mob of course not far behind as 
 
 " Sacerdotal hooter." 
 We folk outside no longer then could 
 
 cast our " vile reproaches," 
 For you would send us ofP as nice as 
 
 " paris green " the roaches. 
 To fellow men you'd stretch the hand 
 
 that bears the wand of blessing. 
 And those who wouldn't meet its clasp 
 
 you'd keep forever guessing. 
 The good old times would come again, 
 
 The pigs would live in clover. 
 And men would know e'en twice as 
 
 much as if they Hved life over. 
 
INGERSOLLIAN. 123 
 
 Admission price an absurd dream, " The 
 
 ten cents at the doorways/' 
 " A bit of memory of the past " would 
 
 be a sign on poor days. 
 Nor would they hear the " Star priced " 
 
 choir sing all alone on Sundays 
 All gone, Soj)ranos, Altos, Tenors, and 
 
 theB. ^^ profundis." 
 And not a soul to say a prayer or praise 
 
 the King of Nations, 
 For you alone their God would be on all 
 
 the state occasions. 
 
124 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 
 ODE FROM HORACE. 
 
 No ivory within my house, 
 
 Nor marble cohimns grand, 
 Cut in the wilds of Africa 
 
 And polished by its sand. 
 I'm not an heir of Attains 
 
 Who left his great estate ; 
 Nor do Laconic slaves weave wool 
 
 For me beside my grate. 
 But good faith is within my soul, 
 
 Genius and honesty ; 
 So having practised these good traits 
 
 The Poor and Rich seek me. 
 What more should I ask of the gods 
 
 Or of my kindest friend ? 
 I'll be content with my small farm 
 
 While each day seeks its end. 
 The new moon comes, the old moon 
 wanes. 
 
 Why are ye stealing land? 
 
TRANSLATION. 125 
 
 Do you not know that soon you'll go 
 
 To join Death's silent band ? 
 Forsooth ! you, careless of the tomb, 
 
 Extend your land the more, 
 Nor satisfied v/ith what you have 
 
 You move beyond the shore. 
 And why do you encroach upon 
 
 The landmarks of the poor ? 
 Their wives and their dear little babes 
 
 Must slowly starve, 'tis sure ; 
 But why do you continue so ? 
 
 To Hell you'll surely go, 
 And there you'll find the dungeon deep 
 
 That waits for you below. 
 The earth shuts in the rich and poor, 
 
 Both equalled in the shroud. 
 It lowered old Prometheus 
 
 And Tantalus the proud. 
 No gold can bribe the ferryman 
 
 Of Orcus's domains. 
 E'en kings' sons will have to stay 
 
 When once within its chains. 
 Death levels all ; but as a rest 
 
 Comes to release the one 
 
126 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Being poor, brings him his reward, 
 
 His labors being done. 
 It matters not who wishes it 
 
 Throughout the breadth of land, 
 No matter who refuses it, 
 
 It's always near at hand. 
 
A BETROTHAL. 127 
 
 A BETROTIIAL. 
 
 TO A FRIEND. 
 
 In distant lands, where life most sweet 
 doth lend 
 Abundant charms to all who chance 
 
 to dwell, 
 You came to pass the hours away and 
 tell 
 Your secrets, when returned, to some 
 
 dear friend. 
 'Tis right, but let me whisper while you 
 bend 
 The ear responsive, while you listen 
 
 well : — 
 " Recall the morn that church bells 
 rang the knell 
 Of sinners, as you went to see a friend. 
 Shall I betray the charming little scene ? 
 When, nestled close, you looked into 
 his eyes 
 
128 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 And let him sip the nectar from between 
 Your ruoy hidden pearls — those deep 
 drawn sighs, 
 That told in loudest words how strong 
 had been 
 Bold Cupid, yet he caused you no 
 surprise." 
 
OTHERS. 129 
 
 OTHERS. 
 
 Like mighty winds, all master minds 
 Can sway the thoughts of others, 
 
 In some is found the breath that saves, 
 In some the fume that smothers. 
 
 We lowly ones, who, wondering gaze, 
 Transfixed, amazed, astounded. 
 
 Can choose the true things by them 
 taught. 
 When by Christ's Church expounded. 
 
130 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 ENGLISH VERSION. 
 Horace, Lib. IV. 
 
 The Spring returns, Winter has gone, 
 
 Favonius comes, so good ; 
 The sailors drag their ships to sea 
 
 On rollers made of wood, 
 The flocks, by no means satisfied. 
 
 Must still in stalls abide. 
 The farmer, too, cares not to stay 
 
 And sit by his fireside. 
 No more are fields covered with frost, 
 
 And 'neath the silvery moon. 
 The Graces, and the lovely Nymphs, 
 
 Dance to a lively tune. 
 Old Vulcan, o^lowino^ at his trade 
 
 Regards not when he stops. 
 But blows his fires, and hammers hard 
 
 In the shop of the Cyclops. 
 And now we bind our shining heads 
 
 With myrtle green, and flowers 
 
ENGLISH VERSION. 131 
 
 That grow from earth just loosened 
 fresh 
 
 And flourished with its showers. 
 Let us sacrifice to " Favonius/' 
 
 A lamb if he may wish ; 
 Should he prefer a gentle kid 
 
 Why, let him have the dish ! 
 For pale old Death will come to all, 
 
 He may come soon or late ; 
 He'll call both at the lowly hut 
 
 And at the palace gate. 
 O, Dear Sestus, why should we hope 
 
 To stay so long down here ? 
 
 You know life's span is very short, 
 
 And death is always near. 
 And now night and the fabulous ghosts 
 
 Afar you do not see ; 
 Besides, there is old Pluto's den 
 
 That calmly waits for thee. 
 Nor can you at the dainty feast 
 
 Secure that place so fine 
 In throwing dice, to make yourself 
 
 The ruler of the wine. 
 
132 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 ARBOR DAY. 
 
 Along the steep hillside, down in the 
 
 dell, 
 Looking for ivy and the bluebell. 
 Laughing and chatting, eyes shining 
 
 clear, 
 Youths and sweet maidens, to mama's 
 
 so dear. 
 Seek the new flowers hiding to stay, 
 Safe from young headsmen, on Arbor 
 
 Day. 
 
 The poor little blossoms, timid and shy. 
 Soon are discovered by a quick eye ; 
 Fainting and shrinking each dying 
 
 plant 
 Borne from its kindred, while little 
 
 ones chant ; 
 Far from its loved home stolen away. 
 Borne by the children on Arbor Day. 
 
ARBOR DAY. 133 
 
 Beneath the tall shade trees in school- 
 yard 
 
 Strewn are their garlands; waiting to 
 guard 
 
 One little symbol telling of youth, 
 
 Telling of greatness and power for- 
 sooth, 
 
 Coming upon them when hairs turn to 
 gray, 
 
 Yet shall remind them of Arbor Day. 
 
 And though small and tender, this gen- 
 tle tree 
 
 Teaches a lesson to you and to me. 
 
 Pliant and yielding to God's command. 
 
 Strongly majestic in future shall stand ; 
 
 Strong from its training, grand from 
 the way 
 
 It had been planted on Arbor Day. 
 
 Together, dear children, let us all learn 
 From this occasion, that which should 
 
 burn 
 Deep in our hearts and ever remain. 
 
134 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Thought of and practised in joy and in 
 
 pain; 
 " Gentle and docile " let each child say, 
 "Such shall I be" from this Arbor 
 
 Day. 
 
FRIENDSHIPS PLEDGE. 135 
 
 FRIENDSHIP'S PLEDGE. 
 
 Can you not stay, sweet friends ? 
 Is there no way to 'void the fatal hand 
 That seeks to chill thy living form, and 
 
 brand 
 With cravings grim and 'ghast of 
 Death? 
 And must our Friendships end? 
 
 Thy memory brighter grows, 
 Becomes again a living, vivid thing, 
 That thrills and moves the faithful 
 
 heart to cling 
 Unshaken to an only hope, 
 
 A hope that ever glows. 
 
 One word, one look, a sigh, 
 give ! to bring surcease to my sad 
 
 soul; 
 Then, should the bells for thee in sad- 
 ness toU, 
 You'll be enshrined within my heart, 
 And never, never die. 
 
136 CARMINA SACERDOTIS, 
 
 THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR. 
 To Rev. M. J. C. 
 
 When home and comforts all were left, 
 And strangers took their place, 
 
 We boys met one m whom we found 
 The parents' love and grace. 
 
 We learned to prize him more and more, 
 Because his ways were kind, 
 
 And saintliness his manner gave 
 A sweetness undefined. 
 
 No matter what he said or did, 
 We saw when time had gone, 
 
 'Twould mark our future usefulness 
 With light as fair as dawn. 
 
 In him we found the human heart 
 
 Unselfish, pure and true. 
 The friend of God, the friend of men, 
 
 The friend of aU who knew. 
 
THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR. 137 
 
 No fear had he in doing right, 
 Nor feared he they who wrong, 
 
 His character might be the scroll 
 The saints would bear along. 
 
 To priesthood's sacred precincts he 
 Our f altering footsteps cheered : 
 
 God bless our dear director, who 
 Will ever be revered. 
 
138 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE NURSE GIRL. 
 
 Along the village street she wheels 
 
 The baby in its carriage, 
 Her thoughts perchance concerning 
 meals. 
 
 Or politics, or marriage. 
 
 Or else she ponders o'er the means 
 
 Of curing baby's teething. 
 For baby has a trying time, 
 
 So labored is his breathing. 
 
 She may be thinking of the days 
 
 When she was wrapped in swaddling, 
 
 When others bore her in their arms, 
 Because too small for toddling. 
 
 But no, 'tis otherwise : it seems 
 That on the near street corner 
 
 A winso:aie bluecoat smiles at her, 
 And feels she is no " scorner," 
 
THE NURSE GIRL. 139 
 
 She is simply thinking how to charm 
 
 The guardian of the city, 
 She wonders if the roundsman's near, — 
 
 He is, and that's a pity. 
 
 Oh, pshaw ! such little things as that 
 Cannot love's true course alter. 
 
 She wheels directly towards his post 
 Without a halt or falter. 
 
 And then behold her female tact 
 (Although her heart did flutter), 
 
 By some mischance, the babe upset 
 And both fell in the gutter. 
 
 Right gallantly the bluecoat came, 
 At once, to their assistance. 
 
 Within his arms she feels secure 
 And babe makes no resistance. 
 
 The roundsman saw the whole mishap, 
 The maid and child protected; 
 
 And, that it was by " mal-mtent^^ 
 He never once suspected. 
 
140 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 WHO IS HE? 
 
 Some folks call him " Statesman " be- 
 cause his great wealth 
 From the citizens' pockets hath come, 
 While to others he's known as the real 
 good friend 
 Who remember, he promised them 
 some. 
 
 " The honorable sir," is a title he loves 
 
 To behold when in print is his name. 
 
 Yet his henchman bend low as they 
 
 murmur 
 
 '^ The Boss," so enchanted are they 
 
 by his fame. 
 
 You cannot mistake him in thousands 
 of men. 
 From the style and cut of his clothes, 
 From the language he speaks, from his 
 jargon of words 
 And his euphonic (?) " dis " " dems " 
 and " doze," 
 
WHO IS HE? 141 
 
 He's statesman 'tis true, for he's always 
 in state 
 Just as long as the people are tools ; 
 He's their friend just so long as they 
 wish to 
 Believe all his promises given to 
 fools. 
 
 His honor can only be found in his 
 name, 
 Which a people misuse to apply ; 
 But he's boss, for he rules us with ada- 
 mant hand, 
 And will rule us, and rob till we die. 
 
142 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE CLASS OF '98. 
 (At p. J.) FOR A Friend. 
 
 Our school day work is o'er. 
 
 Our part in life begun, 
 The class room we shall leave 
 
 To greet Life's midday sun. 
 Yet the many happy hours 
 
 As we followed Learning's call 
 We shall always fondly look upon 
 
 As happiest times of all. 
 Our teachers, tried and true, 
 
 Have helped us all attain 
 The end that seemed so far. 
 
 So filled with work and pain. 
 They shall never be forgot 
 
 In the future's speeding years ; 
 For they have wholly won our hearts 
 
 And banished all our fears. 
 To please our friends we've tried 
 
 With efforts most sincere 
 
THE CLASS OF '98. I43 
 
 Now, the future shall disclose 
 
 Unto each his own career. 
 To our school friends, all, "good-bye," 
 
 And, ^^ good-bye " to each classmate, 
 May Our Lord look on and bless us, 
 
 The class of " Ninety-eight." 
 
144 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE OFFICIOUS MAN. 
 
 If ever a man is despised in this world, 
 And likened to him ^Yl^o from Heaven 
 
 was hurled, 
 'Tis the man who is busy with others' 
 
 affairs. 
 Though unasked by these people or 
 
 even their heirs. 
 
 He meets your friends boldly and 
 
 makes them his own. 
 And speaks, in your absence, as though 
 
 he had known 
 Them for years, and with flattery seeks 
 
 to destroy 
 The old friendships that started when 
 
 you were a boy. 
 
 His own work he'll drop to apppear in 
 yoiu' way, 
 
THE OFFICIOUS MAN. 145 
 
 Then tell you he's tired at the end of 
 
 the day ; 
 With mind always planning, though 
 
 shallow and sham, 
 In this trait it has grown like the point 
 
 of a ram. 
 
 His hand is outstretched in false friend- 
 ship, and though 
 
 From his lips the most flattering, 
 honeyed words flow. 
 
 He's a genuine hypocrite, making be- 
 lieve 
 
 He's in earnest, when really his heart's 
 on his sleeve. 
 
 To a stranger, I'm certain, unless he 
 
 was told. 
 Your labors, acquaintances, all that you 
 
 hold. 
 Would appear not your own ; but 
 
 thank God comes the time. 
 When this fribbler will sing to a far 
 
 different rhyme. 
 
 10 
 
146 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 His conceit will yet lead liim, to put on 
 the skin 
 
 Of the honest and upright, (although it 
 is thin) 
 
 Like the ass in the story, who, a lion 
 would play, 
 
 He'll spoil his own game with his asin- 
 ine bray. 
 
SUNDAY FUNERALS. 147 
 
 SUNDAY FUNERALS. 
 
 Some clergymen once at Old Pluto's 
 request, 
 
 At one who was nearly as bad, 
 Drew up resolutions to this, in effect, 
 
 " That no Sunday funerals be had." 
 
 " A dogma like that," the dear people 
 declared, 
 " They never had previously heard 
 About which, in Scriptures divinely in- 
 spired 
 Was not even written a word." 
 
 But surely 'twas clear that their much 
 loved divines 
 Knew all that related to God, 
 And would, without doubt, provide 
 them a time 
 For burial 'neath the green sod. 
 
148 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Still, lest disappointment, their hopes 
 might upset 
 They too formulated a plan — 
 To bounce each tired cleric as soon as 
 they could 
 And call on a more willing man. 
 
 (These lines written to recall to mind 
 a certain set of resolutions, drawn up 
 by several clergymen at Port Jervis, 
 Oct., '93.) 
 
A TRAMP'S SONG. 149 
 
 A TRAMP'S SONG. 
 
 Not one hundred years ago 
 I was born, as you may know. 
 
 In a land where freemen only, lived 
 and died. 
 To the village school I went. 
 There my childhood ways were spent 
 Till the thought of winning glory 
 touched my pride. 
 
 I succeeded all too well ; 
 And, ere long, like Satan fell. 
 
 Never more to clasp the phantom of 
 my life. 
 My success, sound reason racked, — 
 Friends and wine my household 
 sacked, — 
 Leaving nothing to my children and 
 my wife. 
 
 Often on the tiresome road, 
 
 I am passed by men who've owed 
 
150 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 All they ever had, long years ago, 
 to me. 
 They have coolly passed me hy, 
 Yes, have laughed to see me cry ; 
 Never dreaming who this sad-eyed 
 tramp might be. 
 
 There lives yet within my breast 
 One fond hope to be at rest, 
 
 Where poor tramps and their mis- 
 fortunes cease to be ; 
 To be laid beside my own 
 Wife and children, all alone. 
 
 In a little graveyard, nestled by the 
 sea. 
 
 Until then I'll plod along, 
 Teaching men my heart's sad song. 
 And remind them of the danger 
 that's ahead ; 
 They shall not forget the one 
 Who forever has passed on. 
 
 For their mem'ries will recall the 
 tramp that's dead. 
 
BABY'S GRIEF. 151 
 
 BABY'S GRIEF. 
 
 Ah, little one, sweet little one, 
 Come here, and tell me why 
 
 Such signs o£ grief have stained thy 
 cheeks ? 
 Come ! let those bad tears dry. 
 
 Two jeweled eyes on me are bent. 
 
 Two little arms are spread ; 
 Then fondly clasped upon my breast 
 
 She rests her curly head. 
 
 " Me mad ! cause dolly's gone a lost, 
 
 I don't know way to fine. 
 And Daud won't tell me w^hen I pway, 
 
 He's jes, He's jes unkine." 
 
 Her sorrow soon gave way to joy. 
 And God once more seemed fair ; 
 
 For though old dolly ne'er came back, 
 A new one claims her care. 
 
153 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TO ADDIE. 
 
 She's mamma's little Acldie, 
 
 Her eyes are black as night ; 
 The baby of the household 
 
 And everyone's delight. 
 
 Her smiles are like the morning. 
 So bright and clear are they; 
 
 An angel sent amongst us 
 To drive all cares away. 
 
 To me there's no one dearer, 
 For her my life I'd give 5 
 
 And if the Lord permitted, 
 For her I'd always live. 
 
 Her voice seems filled with music, 
 
 AngeHcal in tone ; 
 Her mind as pure as crystal. 
 
 Her soul a precious stone. 
 
TO ADDIE. 153 
 
 Her sweet face often haunts me. 
 
 While far away am I, 
 And quick dispels the storm-clouds 
 
 That dim my mental sky. 
 
 My prayers have e'er been offered, 
 These many, many years, — 
 
 That her fair life may never 
 Be stained by sorrow's tears. 
 
154 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 HIS LAST LETTER. 
 
 The morning light peeped thro' the 
 panes 
 
 And saw a mother, babe in arm, 
 Keclining on the snowy bed ; 
 
 As though to hide from wild alarm, 
 As though communing with the dead. 
 
 Beside them, stained with many tears, 
 Was placed a letter, open wide ; 
 
 Which told of Death and blighted life, 
 A husband's last and fatal ride. 
 
 An orphan child and widowed wife. 
 
 The bright sun of the previous day 
 Revealed, within that very room, 
 
 A glimpse of life far different than 
 The present sadness, grief, and 
 gloom, — 
 
 A happy wife, her child and man. 
 
HIS LAST LETTER. I55 
 
 They parted, after both their lips 
 Had unto each conveyed the joy 
 
 And love that daily grew between 
 Their trusting hearts. Their little boy 
 
 Tucked in his bed, slept on serene. 
 
 He to his engine wends his way, 
 To household duties she attends, 
 
 Their fondest hearts together rest; 
 A happy home this union blends. 
 
 And makes their lives seem more than 
 blest. 
 
 The letter came by special mail. 
 The last words of a dying man, 
 
 To tell her keep their baby " Jim," 
 Fulfil their education plan. 
 
 And mercy ask from God, for him. 
 
 A piercing cry awoke the babe. 
 Who saw his mother, fainting fall, 
 
 The neighbors came to help her bear 
 The load of sorrow ; and recall 
 
 How God, in trouble, takes our care. 
 
156 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 As daylight waned, the people talked 
 About " A frightful railroad crash/' 
 
 A hero new, the wreck had made. 
 Whose life, as sudden as a flash. 
 
 On Duty's altar lone was laid. 
 
 When chance was given to escape 
 The awful doom, and leap in time. 
 
 But, no ! too many souls placed trust 
 In him. " To save myself a crime," 
 
 He thought. " So let it come what 
 must ! " 
 
 Fearless ! as onward slid his train. 
 O'er slipp'ry rails, with brakes set 
 tight. 
 
 Into the fallen mass of rock. 
 
 He never left his post ; 'till right 
 
 Beneath his engine thrown, from shock. 
 
 A hundred grateful arms were held 
 To bear his mangled form away, 
 
 A hundred ears were turned to him 
 To list and hear what he might say. 
 
 As spoke he soft of "wife " and " Jim." 
 
HIS LAST LETTER. I57 
 
 Before he died they helped him write 
 One last, fond note to home, sweet, 
 home ; 
 
 And then they closed their hero's eyes, 
 And thanks gave God, to safely roam 
 
 While soared his brave soul to the skies. 
 
158 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 EUGENE FIELD. 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 From the mouths of babes and suck- 
 lings 
 
 No end of praises flow. 
 Singing rest to their loving poet. 
 
 Who ever from them must go. 
 
 For he was their great, great champion, 
 
 Who told in tales of rhyme 
 All the wonderful things of childhood, 
 
 That happened from time to time. 
 
 Who made known all their joys and 
 sorrows, 
 
 And filled their lives with glee ; 
 Making each one the happy guesser 
 
 Of what he would like to be. 
 
 Till his name, to households dearer 
 Than Santa's has become, 
 
EUGENE FIELD. 159 
 
 Till their dear little hearts loved 
 warmer 
 Than rays of the midday sun. 
 
 Now it seems the sprites and angels 
 Have learned to like him too, 
 
 And have suddenly swept him from us, 
 To sing them his songs anew. 
 
 Sweetest peace be thine, dear singer, 
 Where'er thou chance to be ! 
 
 May the joys of thy friendly innocents 
 Be your own eternally ! 
 
160 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 CLASS SONG. 
 
 Kind friends, the hour has come for us 
 To bid you aU " Farewell/' 
 
 To leave our books, our teachers dear, 
 'Mid other scenes to dwell. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 " Good-bye," and may the loving Lord 
 
 Direct and guide our way, 
 Reminds us daily that : — " Palma 
 
 Non sine pulvere." 
 
 For years we've studied day and night. 
 
 To gain the laurels won; 
 Yet, school work merely points the fact, 
 
 " Life's journey's just begun." 
 
 Once more we turn to say " Good-bye," 
 And hope the coming years 
 
 Will find each one steadfast to truth. 
 Unchanged by joys or fears. 
 
OLD WILLIAMSBRIDGE. 161 
 
 OLD WILLIAMSBRIDGE. 
 
 A QUAINT little town in a queer little 
 dell, 
 
 The funniest old place for mortals to 
 dwell ; 
 
 On one side a river, on the other a 
 ridge, 
 
 The name of the place was Williams- 
 bridge. 
 
 No palaces lorded its humble abodes, 
 Nor pavements, nor asphalt adorned its 
 
 mud roads. 
 With a battered old station and one 
 
 country store 
 Its people all prospered and never 
 
 wished more. 
 
 Just when the place started nobody can 
 
 say, 
 
 It may have grown suddenly — all in a 
 
 day. 
 II 
 
162 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Its manners and customs were strictly 
 
 its own 
 While its people remained. But alas ! 
 
 they have flown. 
 
 Now, a new generation is filling its 
 
 lands 
 Like the changeable hour-glass, when 
 
 shifting its sands. 
 The funny old landmarks are ripe in 
 
 decay, 
 And the dear folk that built them have 
 
 long passed away. 
 
OUR BOOKS. 163 
 
 OUR BOOKS. 
 
 Like mankind's life, our books and 
 notes 
 Their part have played, their time 
 have filled. 
 On mem'ry's tide their history floats, 
 And with the past their voice is 
 stilled. 
 
 But though no more they move among 
 The active beings of our age, 
 
 Their truths and teachings, ever young, 
 Live on, to grace some other page. 
 
 We say " adieu " but not " farewell," 
 For we shall oft in future meet ; 
 
 And then, dear books, we'll truly tell 
 Our mind and heart in accents sweet. 
 
164 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 "HOMEWARD." 
 
 Oh, who has felt the wanderer's joy, 
 
 Returning from some foreign place ? 
 Who can describe the loving look 
 
 He gives to every well-known face ? 
 Who would disdain the tender kiss 
 
 He gives his own, with gentle grace, 
 Who feel the pulse his manly heart 
 
 Gives forth, with every new embrace ? 
 
 Yes ! I would roam the world around, 
 
 Replacing all I hold most dear. 
 To feel just once the love I bear. 
 
 To shed just once the joyful tear ; 
 To bask amid the loving smiles. 
 
 To clasp again those ever near, 
 For moments such are worth far more 
 
 Than all the triumphs of a year. 
 
WOODLAWN. 165 
 
 WOODLAWN. 
 
 Within the bounds of our city grand, 
 On its northern border, quite alone, 
 
 There's another city silent, sad. 
 
 Yet most beautiful, and built of stone. 
 
 Its streets have never echoed the sones 
 Of the little folk who shout at play. 
 
 Only moaning winds breathe fitful sighs, 
 Or a whispered " hush " at close of 
 day. 
 
 In truth it has the little ones there, 
 With the older folk in numbers great. 
 
 They are all asleep in the sleep of Death 
 Far beneath the stones, with names 
 and date. 
 
 The loving souls that have felt their 
 loss 
 No expense have spared in keeping 
 neat, 
 
166 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Those most sacred precincts of their 
 dead, 
 With grand tombs, headstones and 
 flowers sweet. 
 
 The passer-by will be moved to feel 
 
 The Eternal truth God would instill, 
 " That thou are but dust," and our 
 
 life compares 
 To the simple croon of the whippoor- 
 
 wilL 
 
A MEMORY. 167 
 
 A MEMORY. 
 
 'TwAS years iigOy and I remember well, 
 How charmed I felt within your witch- 
 ing spell 
 Of beauty, innocence and goodness rare. 
 That seemed to waft an incense throuo^h 
 the air. 
 
 The childish prattle, and the silly things 
 You uttered have not taken on the 
 
 wings 
 With time and flown ; they Ve all re- 
 mained with me 
 To be as sunlight flashing o'er the sea. 
 Or chanted music stealing from the 
 
 past 
 To lull my restless soul asleep at last. 
 
 But you have changed and show the 
 
 mark of years. 
 The snows of time, the stains of many 
 
 tears, 
 
168 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 The strain of labors and the lines of 
 care ; 
 
 Oh ! can it be that death is near? Be- 
 ware ! 
 
 Let me recall those grandest days of 
 
 life, 
 To cheer your spirit to redoubled strife ; 
 To cast aside the mantle stained and 
 
 worn, 
 To reach again, and grasp youth's filled 
 
 up horn. 
 
SCHOOL DAYS. 169 
 
 SCHOOL DAYS. 
 
 AT MOSHOLN SCHOOL. 
 
 Sweet recollections, mem'ries rare 
 Of olden times, have oft returned 
 
 To greet the mind, and lighten care 
 With thoughts of those for whom 
 we mourned. 
 
 There may at times, perhaps there may 
 Be other thoughts as cheering too, — 
 
 But even though as bright as day. 
 They fail to leave such feelmgs true. 
 
 That little school beneath the hill 
 Where weeping willows bending low 
 
 Caress the elves, who swing at will 
 And rock the branches to and fro. 
 
 That noisy bell,— that scared away 
 The sombre crows trying to spy, — 
 
170 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A spirit woke which seemed to say, 
 " You have no time to idle by." 
 
 Within that school were faces bright 
 And beaming, with the smiles of 
 love ; 
 No place for Care, no place for Night, 
 There lambkin dwelt with gentle 
 dove. 
 
 Presiding o'er the general clan 
 
 Of boys and girls, in different shades, 
 
 A chieftain teacher — goodly man — 
 With gentler help — a dozen maids. 
 
 No purer hearts, no nobler souls. 
 Have e'er directed human minds. 
 
 Each year succeeding, onward rolls 
 And dearer, nearer each one finds. 
 
 Much would I give to see, as yore. 
 That dear old spot, and teachers all ; 
 
 But all are vanished, are no more. 
 The mind alone, must now recall. 
 
SCHOOL DAYS. 171 
 
 Sweet peace be to you, gentle guides ! 
 
 Eternal joys bless each loved soul ; 
 In life you walked where Hope abides, 
 
 In death, you found your love's true 
 goal. 
 
172 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 TWO TRAVELLERS. 
 
 Way down where the street and the 
 
 broad river met, 
 Where the soil was damp and the rocks 
 
 were wet, 
 Two little urchins went out to play. 
 Their clothes were tattered, and so 
 
 were their hats, 
 From tumbling in games on the rough 
 
 door-mats, 
 All the scorching summer's day. 
 
 'Twas evening; just as fast ebbing 
 
 tide 
 Ev'ry sign of danger endeavored to 
 
 hide. 
 Smiling and flashing in moonlight 
 
 gi'ay. 
 Nor feared the boys as they gazed long 
 
 upon 
 The treacherous waters as seaward they 
 
 run. 
 All the scorching summer's day. 
 
TWO TRAVELLERS. 173 
 
 Now two city homes in deep mourning 
 are cast, 
 
 And the two sweet urchins f ore'er have 
 passed 
 Silently from us, far, far away. 
 
 And no one thinks of the mothers for- 
 lorn. 
 
 Or sorrows with which their sad hearts 
 are torn, 
 All the scorching summer's day. 
 
 Still smiling, and rippling the river 
 
 flows on. 
 Nor seeming to care for the many lives 
 
 gone, 
 Watching for others, tempting its 
 
 way, 
 Whisp'ring "adieu," to the two Httle 
 
 graves 
 That silently point at the gHttering 
 
 waves. 
 All the scorching summer's day. 
 
174 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 ERIN. 
 
 Encircled by the wave-plougliecl deep; 
 Where ancient abbeys vigil keep, 
 Where relics of far better years, 
 Point out the graves sunk low with 
 
 tears, 
 Where sings the lark its morning trill, 
 And leaps the hare on fen and hill ; 
 Where — fairest plant to Nature wed. 
 The " Shamrock," rears its triune 
 
 head. 
 Behold ! poor Erin, bending low 
 In sorrow, while the hot tears flow. 
 Behold ! her wretched, woeful state. 
 Her loss of power ; the Briton's hate. 
 Look at her sons, worn out with care 
 And famine, stalking everywhere. 
 Her daughters begging daily bread ; 
 Herself and fierce starvation wed, 
 Her fields present the freshest green, 
 Her skies, no brighter can be seen, 
 
ERIN. 175 
 
 Her lakes, her shores, her hills and 
 
 vales, 
 Can rival any told in tales. 
 All useless, though kind Nature strives 
 To cheer her ; still her woe survives. 
 And why? Because oppressor, man. 
 Subverts his very Maker's plan. 
 Philanthropists ! Ye men of deeds. 
 Look round you, see this Nation's 
 
 needs ! 
 The monster sphinx has come again. 
 With greater puzzle for man's brain. 
 In truth, look where you will, or go. 
 You see the same unbounded woe. 
 And then you doubt, or mayhap fear 
 To reck, or think, how doubly dear 
 Must life be to her struggling sons. 
 Their wives and starving little ones, 
 How in their hearts must burn the hate 
 Of rule, the kind that fools would 
 
 prate. 
 Shall they be blamed for feeling so ? 
 Justice and pity cry out " No ! " 
 Does peace exist where war is rife. 
 
176 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Are faces calm in angry strife, 
 Does love beat warm within the breast 
 That never knew a kind behest ? 
 Perhaps, if they were made of steel, 
 Oppression's hand they would not feel. 
 When workmen give their lives away 
 To win the substance of a day, 
 When merchants sell their vital spark 
 To purchase passage in Life's bark. 
 Life surely then must have its worth, 
 And earth appears no more than earth. 
 Why should they toil and spin their 
 
 lives. 
 Like bees in building useless hives ? 
 Their all is lost when gain should show. 
 When strength is sapped and spirits 
 
 low; 
 At last, beneath the seeming curse 
 They die; while fills the plunderer's 
 
 purse. 
 Ah, Erin dear ! you truly know 
 What is affliction, what is woe. 
 Still, struggle on ! There comes the 
 
 day, 
 
ERIN. 17'J' 
 
 When trials, sufferings, fade away ; 
 And then dear Isle of heroes bold, 
 Of neroes in the Christian fold. 
 May God in justice touch your night 
 And change it into brighter light. 
 
 12 
 
178 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 LINES TO A H . 
 
 IN ALBUM. 
 
 May your years reach golden numbers, 
 
 May no sadness ever give 
 Deep regrets, to steal the sweetness 
 
 You should feel, while thus you live. 
 Hope on always in God's mercy, 
 
 And your life with good sustain ; 
 Safe from sin, your soul protected, 
 
 Never shall reflect a stain. 
 When at last your life is ended, 
 
 " Rest Eternal " be your gain. 
 
THE VIGILANT. I79 
 
 THE VIGILANT.* 
 
 VICTOE. 
 
 Fak from the realms of tEoIus, haste 
 The winds that blow our sailors' 
 fame, 
 
 A triple test, to truly show, 
 
 The other side — how fast we go. 
 
 Filled are thy pinions, with the winds 
 That came, propitious, to thy aid, 
 
 By Triton favored, thee alone 
 
 Shall win the honor, rightly paid. 
 
 Our Vigilant ! how like a dove 
 
 She skims the waves with wings out- 
 spread ; 
 
 And darts and poises on the swells 
 Regardless of the fear or dread. 
 
 * Recalling the International boat race between 
 our American yacht the Vigilant, and the 
 English yacht, the Valkyrie. 
 
180 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 The winds may howl and surges grow, 
 Still onward ever in her flight 
 
 She seems a living, haunted thing 
 That revels in her own delight. 
 
 Loud boom the guns, the whistles 
 shriek, 
 An ocean chorus swells on high. 
 As homeward flies our swift-winged 
 boat, 
 A Victor, lauded to the sky. 
 
GOOD NIGHT. 181 
 
 GOOD NIGHT. 
 
 The falling^ shades from out the west 
 Now slowly steal away the light ; 
 
 A silence new 
 
 Comes with the dew, 
 To bid the dying sun " Good night." 
 
 The fading years of human life 
 Like end of day must come to all ; 
 
 The silv'ry hair 
 
 And lines of care, 
 Are presages of Death's sure call. 
 
182 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 THE OCEAN. 
 
 Beside the mighty ocean, on its sands 
 I stood 
 
 Contemplative, and longing for my 
 brotherhood. 
 
 I watched the restless billows tumbling, 
 tossing in 
 
 Like massive mounds of seething wick- 
 edness and sin ; 
 
 They seemed to envy everything upon 
 the shore, 
 
 Their maddened fury ending in a pro- 
 longed roar. 
 
 As if in greed, they rushed toward me, 
 
 who stood in awe 
 Then broke — I looked again and only 
 
 bubbles saw. 
 My loneliness had made a fear steal 
 
 o'er my soul 
 When first I viewed the Ocean's majesty 
 
 and roll, 
 
THE OCEAN. 183 
 
 And heard the thunderous crash of 
 
 tons of whitened spray 
 That never seemed to cease or rest by 
 
 night or day. 
 
 So insignificant seemed all my vaunted 
 race 
 
 In presence of such power, massiveness 
 and space, 
 
 I dared not move ; in truth, I would not 
 if I couldj 
 
 For well I knew the quiet sands a bar- 
 rier would 
 
 Oppose, that waves, nor winds combined 
 could ever break. 
 
 And, holding fast, the beaten seas re- 
 treat would make. 
 
 'Tis thus with life ; at times we see the 
 dangers come 
 
 Like surging billows, sent to tear us far, 
 far from 
 
 Our brightest hopes. Then Faith op- 
 poses God's strong beach. 
 
 And, ere we know it, they have fled 
 beyond our reach. 
 
184 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 AN OLD STORY. 
 I. 
 
 THE ATTACK. 
 
 Amidst the shades of forests standino: 
 long 
 
 Before the earth gave life to human- 
 kind, 
 
 A solitary being moved and grieved — 
 
 Within himself, because of loss of 
 power. 
 
 His saddened thoughts went back to 
 that time when, 
 
 In splendor and in majesty, he held 
 
 Control o'er powers angelic ; none save 
 he 
 
 Responsible. Throughout the Heav- 
 enly Court, 
 
 From all, the gladdest greetings ever 
 o-iven 
 
 Became to him a daily homage ; whilst 
 
AN OLD STORY. 18o 
 
 The elements bowed low when passing 
 
 he 
 Amidst their serial palaces, as was 
 His wont. Nor could his will withstand 
 
 the strain 
 To curse the Maker of this teemino* 
 
 sphere 
 Because he saw what loss was his. As 
 
 each 
 Was passed in turn, and now would 
 
 give no sign 
 Of former friendship. Spirits he had 
 
 charmed 
 Refused to sing their songs, — all mute 
 
 as death. 
 The winds, that formerly did kiss his 
 
 cheek 
 And close around him cling, in moan- 
 
 ings sad, 
 Gave vent to sorrow and to fear, to see 
 Their former king so laden down with 
 
 shame. 
 The skies that loved to light his path 
 
 are filled 
 
186 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 With tears, and let the Darkness take 
 
 their light ; 
 Till he in blinding madness seized upon 
 The swelling mounds of land and hurled 
 
 them out 
 Across the barren lea. Then upward 
 
 strode 
 Upon the storm-puffed clouds to seek 
 
 the way 
 Forever lost, — his fury gaining pace 
 With ev'ry step, until the lightning bolts 
 Forth from his burning eyes the dark- 
 ness pierced. 
 Loud groans, and cries of desperation 
 
 came 
 With each emotion of his soul, as 
 
 though 
 The thunders of Olympus broke their 
 
 chains 
 To scatter desolation everywhere. 
 In bold defiance called he on the hosts 
 Of God, to charge with him and seize 
 
 the place. 
 No answer came to bring relief to him 
 
AN OLD STORY. 187 
 
 In anxious mood. And then he knew 
 
 full well 
 The friends, who once essayed to give 
 
 him help — 
 In horrible distress — were useless now. 
 And rather looked to him to bring then 
 
 aid 
 From tortures he had, through decep- 
 tion, brought 
 To them. Revenge, the only faculty 
 That guided him, suggested that he 
 
 seek 
 A garden spot whereon the King had 
 
 placed 
 New friends to live, and learn and 
 
 serve and love. 
 And there he might regain the pow'r 
 
 he lost. 
 If not it all, at least the greater part, 
 Which done, he could once more defy 
 
 the chief 
 So puissant, — tell him that : " As 
 
 Michael, he 
 Might fear the tempter as a foe unbent. 
 
188 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 Who would not rest until the firmament 
 Was torn, that shut hhn from his 
 
 former home." 
 Thus thinking, towards a far-off shaded 
 
 spot 
 He sped his maddened soul in greatest 
 
 haste. 
 
 II. 
 
 HAPPINESS. 
 
 Amidst the pomegranate trees, amidst 
 The choicest fruits, and herbs, and 
 
 plants, and flowers, 
 Surrounded by the noblest mounds of 
 
 land 
 And gladdened more by waters sweet 
 
 to drink. 
 The new friends lived in innocence and 
 
 peace. 
 Each day beside the Euphrates, they 
 
 spent 
 The happiest portion listening to Him 
 They called their " Rabba," filling up 
 
 their minds 
 
AN OLD STORY. 189 
 
 With choicest morsels of the law 
 
 divine. 
 And not as other mortals ever feel 
 The dragging wheels of time in spend- 
 ing out 
 Their lives. Each year served as a unit 
 
 made 
 To hold their crowded joys, present and 
 
 past. 
 Communion made them masters of the 
 
 laws 
 And secrets hidden deep, in Nature's 
 
 girth. 
 So that the others beings linked to them 
 In Nature's bondage sought them out 
 
 as kings ; 
 Besides, as part of their inheritance. 
 It was their right to know whatever 
 
 might 
 Concern the human welfare and to seek 
 The fulness of such equity. Nowhere 
 In all the broad domains of fertile lands 
 Could fairer spot be found than that in 
 
 which 
 
190 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 They livedo — and nowhere in the world 
 created 
 
 Seemed beauty centred with so much 
 richness 
 
 As was made manifest in their per- 
 sons. 
 
 The day enraptured, — Hngered long to 
 light 
 
 Their happy footsteps as they moved 
 from place 
 
 To place, and let no spot nor speck 
 escape 
 
 That might be lustred by its cheerful- 
 ness. 
 
 And when the night came stealing o'er 
 the land. 
 
 The philomel was lulling by its song, — 
 
 The golden floods of farewell sunshine 
 burst 
 
 Their bonds ethereal in fretful strain 
 
 To stay the gloomy mantel of the 
 night. 
 
 And when the day was gone, its rival 
 came 
 
AN OLD STORY. 191 
 
 To fascinate and charm as best it 
 could ; 
 
 With gentle sleep their eyelids touched, 
 and winds 
 
 From far off fragrant lands to capti- 
 vate 
 
 Their senses, while creation sang its 
 songs 
 
 Of love — the music of the heavenly 
 spheres. 
 
 Indeed ! the labors of the night were 
 not 
 
 In vain. 
 
 III. 
 
 THE TEMPTATION. 
 
 But greatest joy of earthly bliss 
 That came anon, was list'ning to the 
 
 voice 
 Of Him, they named their " Rabba " 
 
 when he called 
 To oifer them new gifts of happiness. 
 Like children seeking names of things,- 
 
 who run 
 
192 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 In breathless liaste, and petulance, wlio 
 
 grasp 
 The parent knee until then- mhicls are 
 
 filled, 
 So they, with thoughts perplexed 
 
 sought interview 
 Whenever, to them need of knowledge 
 
 came. 
 Their soul's metabasis as, oft com- 
 plete 
 As they, could in His Kingly presence 
 
 stand. 
 Protected, as they were, from all deceit, 
 Their minds grew more responsive to 
 
 His Will, 
 And hence their home became their 
 
 paradise. 
 One limit only were they bound to 
 
 keep ; 
 So small injunction, they in happiness 
 Rejoiced to full observe. A far off 
 
 tree 
 Remained to bear its fruit unnoticed. 
 
 In 
 
AN OLD STORY. 193 
 
 Obedience they would never dare to 
 
 tempt 
 The luscious yield it constantly dis- 
 played. 
 Afar beyond the massive peaks that 
 
 pierced 
 The firmament, the tempter posed to 
 
 scan 
 The cloistered home wherein the two 
 
 friends lived. 
 Though great the distance, saw he well, 
 
 because 
 No law of vision ever tied his will. 
 Except the law that placed foundation 
 
 in 
 Eternity. When all was clear to him 
 He sped, as swoops the eagle to 
 
 devour 
 Its prey, — in spiral course of headlong 
 
 rush, 
 But checked his eagerness when close 
 
 to earth. 
 Lest hastiness and judgment rash might 
 
 spoil 
 13 
 
194 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 The moment good to be revenged. — 
 
 Close by 
 The spot whereon " the tree of fate " 
 
 had grown, 
 He took his rest, but not until his 
 
 form 
 Assumed the reptile's skin. Then 
 
 waited he 
 Until the two friends came to interview 
 Their many subjects, who with joyous- 
 
 ness 
 Each day flocked round, and called the 
 
 stronger friend 
 Their Adam, and his mate was their 
 
 Lilith. 
 And she as true to daily custom spoke 
 In language full of unction, as she 
 
 moved 
 And nearer came to that place where 
 
 her pets 
 Flocked round ; — nor did she in her 
 
 faith suspect 
 The deep plot formed to catch her 
 
 trusting heart : 
 
AN OLD STORY. 195 
 
 So slyly did the tempter's words per- 
 vade 
 
 Her mind; a spell that might be 
 called, in name 
 
 " Oblivion/' made it appear no crime 
 
 To taste the fruit forbidden ; then to 
 seek 
 
 Her love and proffer him a share. For- 
 sooth, 
 
 So lasting strong and trusting had his 
 faith 
 
 Become, she needed no great argument 
 
 To gain the acquiescence of his mind. 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE FALL AND PUNISHMENT. 
 
 At once his eager hand reached forth 
 and took 
 
 The gracious off'ring. When to his 
 dismay 
 
 And horror, scarcely had he full en- 
 joyed 
 
 The humble pleasure, all his nature 
 changed. 
 
196 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 A new condition of the Soul his form 
 Enwrapped, and did his being so op- 
 press. 
 That streams of perspiration trickled 
 
 down 
 His limbs, all trembling, while his breath 
 
 in gasps 
 Betrayed an anguish never felt before. 
 So powerful was fear within his soul 
 He dared not speak. Then looked he 
 
 towards Lilith 
 And saw a shamefaced wretch alike to 
 
 him. 
 Above, below, around, strange voices 
 
 hissed 
 And spoke in tones that startled them 
 
 until 
 They hide, lest to their friends the birds, 
 
 the beasts, 
 The reptiles, all the moving, sentient 
 
 things. 
 Their shame be known. And yet the 
 
 deepest gloom 
 No solace gives to drive away the light 
 
AN OLD STORY. 197 
 
 Of conscience burning both with fiercest 
 flame. 
 
 Their fleeing forms are soon within the 
 maze 
 
 Of deepest foliage and brush, which 
 lash 
 
 And tear their skins until, from burn- 
 ing wounds 
 
 And bleeding limbs they halt. — Again, 
 they fear 
 
 Still greater woe, as list they both to 
 sounds 
 
 Of voices moaning dirges in such strains 
 
 Of sadness that they fall upon the 
 earth. 
 
 And weep from desolation of the soul. 
 
 Repentance too, doth fill their anguished 
 hearts. 
 
 So much so, that they beg " The Mas- 
 ter " come. 
 
 And take revenge. — They scarce had 
 made the wish 
 
 When ev'ry fibre in them seemed to 
 strain 
 
198 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 To listen to the voice they knew so 
 
 well. 
 It was their King, Who, in majestic 
 
 tones 
 Gave warning. He was come to them. 
 
 And now. 
 Would take away the happiness, the 
 
 love. 
 And innocence o£ former times, to leave 
 Them only labors, trials, sorrows, till 
 He called them finally. They hear in 
 
 shame 
 Their loss through act of perfidy, of 
 
 life 
 So sweet, and leave the place with hope 
 
 alone 
 To cheer them on ; for He had promised 
 
 them 
 To take revenge upon the serpent vile, 
 And at some future day to give them 
 
 hack 
 The joy of seeing Him again, — but not 
 Until His words prophetic came to pass. 
 So as they fled into the barren lands. 
 
AN OLD STORY. 109 
 
 They call to memory all the words they 
 
 heard. 
 Once more the tempter takes his place 
 
 beside 
 The burdened pair: — who look upon 
 
 his form 
 To hate him in their inmost hearts ; 
 
 they call 
 To him, " Begone ! and never seek us 
 
 more, 
 For such deception cannot be con- 
 doned," 
 Aud lo, an angel stood with flaming 
 
 sword 
 When backward glanced their eyes to 
 
 where they last 
 Beheld the tempter. — They would fain 
 
 return 
 But something in his awful majesty 
 Seemed to forbid, so on and on they fled, 
 His words portentous ringing in their 
 
 ears. — 
 " From north to south, shall shift your 
 
 tents, from east. 
 
200 CARMINA SACERDOTIS. 
 
 To west, obedient to tlie winds and 
 
 waves ; 
 In flocks, and groups, in tribes and 
 
 nations shall 
 Your children interchange through 
 
 coming years. 
 From warings, pestilences, famines, all. 
 You will be victims of the reaper 
 
 " Death:' 
 His law reactins: full against the fruit 
 Of His decree — "To multiply and be 
 As many as the sands of sea." You 
 
 seed 
 Shall never fail to know the parents' 
 
 wrono* 
 Until the last day fail to see its sun. 
 
 THE END. 
 
015 907 213