[PS 3525 E685 rs6 '1893 [Copy 1 ; Songs of the H^lderberg. BY MAGDALENE I. LA GRANGE. V LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. •y SasaS — ^ — (|]^p. itijaing]^ ^u* UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. "5^ . / Magdalene I. La Grange. Songs of the Helderberg POEMS BY ^i^YXa- MAGDALENE I. LA GRANGE ALBANY, N. Y. BOYD'S AI^BANY PRINTING CO. • 1893. Copyright, 1892 By Magdalene I. La Grange '^nbkaiiori. TO MY MOTHER, THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, AS AN EXPRESSION OF RESPECT AND AFFECTION. M. I. La grange. Guilderland, Feb. SSrd, 1893. INDEX. PAOE COMING HOME 15 THE MOTHER 20 WHAT LIES BEYOND 22 TRUST IN GOD 23 BE TRUE TO YOURSELF 25 BLUE-BIRDS 27 I AM CONTENT 29 WORK 31 PRAISE 32 REST 33 ICH DIEN 34 LIFE'S STRIVINGS 35 IGNORANCE 37 EVIL SPEAKING 38 THE DRILL 40 MY BEACON 57 THE TRIED AND TRUE 58 STANLEY, 1890 61 SAYWA'S SPEECH 62 THE WEST WIND 65 THE SOUTH WIND 68 THE EAST WIND 70 THE NORTH WIND 71 MARCH 73 SUMMER RAIN 74 THE WILD BIRD'S LOVE 75 NATURE'S VOICES 77 INDEX. PAGE. ARBUTUS 79 THE HOUND 82 THE BUTTERFLY 83 THE WHIP-POOR-WILL 84 VOICES OF FALL 85 TO A GIRL 88 THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW 89 DEMETER'S DAUGHTER 90 TOLD A LIE 96 WHOM LOVEST THOU THE MOST 97 A BACKWARD LOOK 99 MY LADY (TO R. B. S.) 100 HER FACE 101 TO POLLY 102 QUARTRANIS 103 LOVE 105 LOVE'S CHIDINGS 106 ONCE 107 TO THEE 108 SOME DAY 109 IN MAY 110 TO WAIT 112 BROKEN LIGHT 114 SIMPLE DEEDS 116 WHICH WAY 118 ON THE STREET 121 WHEN CHURCH BELLS RING 123 AT REST 124 REPENTANCE 125 BEYOND 126 POEMS. COMING HOME. Over the ocean the east winds steal, Over the Atlantic's foam, They kiss the waters that wash the keel Of a steamer coming home. A steamer hastening on its way, A vessel trusty and true, And from morn till night each livelong day One watches the waters' hue. He watches and murmurs soft and low, — " We are one day nearer the shore, Aye, blow us along, strong east wind, blow. Till I see my loved once more. 16 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBG. Long I have wandered afar from home, Through lands that are old in fame. But at last my feet have tired to roam, And home is the sweetest name. The old grey farm-house where I was born Stands up in an ivy glen, Does its gabled roof still greet the morn. As cheerily now as then ? Its front windows faced the rising sun. And glistened like burnished gold, When after the milking had all been done, We came up the path so old. Ben milked old Brindle and Mollie Brown, And I milked the mully cow ; Her coat was black and as soft as down. With a white spot on her brow. We could smell the scent of the garden pinks. And the phlox so brave and tall. And Ben would say, " How that sun-flower winks Out there by the garden wall." The grass was 'most always damp and wet, The cows all covered with dew. And Ben and I would forever bet, Just how swift the swallows flew. SONGJS OF THE HELDERBERG. 17 They'd sail around in a perfect stream, Through the crisp pure morning air; The sun on their shining wings would gleam Like jewels glistening there. We could hear the song of the bob-o-link, And the turtle-dove's sad note; Then again brave Lincoln's sweet * tink-tink, ' Would float from his happy throat. Mother would stand in the old south door, With the vines above her head; And her shadow felFon the yellow floor. As she called,'/ Come'^Ben ! come Ned^! ' My mother ! her wavey dark brown hair Was lighted with strands of gold. And her beautiful face so calm and fair Shone out with a love untold. And while we were trudging up the path, With our milk palls briming o'er; 'Twas music to us to hear her laugh, As she stood there in the door. She would laugh so gay in the brightest days. And 'twas always like a song; And I've heard her too, when troubles maze. Had trundled grim care along. 18 SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. My mother ! 'tis years since I've seen her face, Her hair must be silver now; I wonder if sorrow has left a trace On her high unwrinkled brow. But little Lena, with flaxen hair. Has passed to the better land; How often I've seen her standing there, Holding fast to mother's hand. And father ! grand old noble-man. How my heart flies out to you; Your years now number three-score-and-ten, And every one has been true. Aye, saintly and pure has been your life. The life of a man all through; And many a tangled knot of strife Has been straightened out by you. The dear old folks must be feeble now, And they looked so strong that day, When they sadly watched a vessel's prow That went sailing down the bay. The vessel that bore me out to sea, In the early morning light; And I saw them wave their hands to me Till I faded from their sight. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 19 Yes, I left the happy home of my youth, Left the scenes I loved so well; And out on life I started in truth When I said to them, * Farewell ! " But Ben has stayed with them all this while — Ben with the bonnie blue eyes; And his honest, frank and winning smile, And a heart both true and wise. We were always chums, were Ben and I, We shared each others joys; And the days with a magic spell flew by. When Bennie and I were boys. Ah, yes, we had many happy times, Out there on the old home farm; I've since seen the joys of many climes. But not one had such a charm. So blow us along, strong east wind, blow. And hasten me quickly home; For my heart is aching and longing so. And my feet have tired to roam. " 30 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. THE MOTHER. I see her every Sunday morning Standing in the old church door, With her bonnie little daughter, And a bright boy aged four; She is young and very winning. And I always watch to see How her gray eyes dance and sparkle. When she smiles and bows to me. Up the isle she moves so quiet, And with gracious gentle mien. Leads her rosy little children. As she slowly walks between; Ah, this world has many treasures But their's not one half so fair. As that dear devoted mother With her children sitting there. And there's not a gem that glistens Half as bright as in her shines. Nor yet gold that can out-weigh her In the deepest of all mines; For she shows the highest wisdom In her tender mother love. When she leads her precious children To adore that from above. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERO, 21 And some day when we have drifted, Into that great untried sea, And have reached the farther haven Where the ransomed mortals be; Mother's praises will be chanted, By the whole enraptured throng, And the sky's of Heaven will echo With the gladness of the song. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. WHAT LIES BEYOND. Oft when a child I used to rove Among the meadows fair, And dreamily my fancies wove Bright castles in the air, Beyond the blue rimmed mountains I Transported seemed to be, And other lands and other climes Were open unto me. Bat now when all those visions fair Have come to me in truth, Still dream I on of other lands Just as I did in youth; These wonderous scenes that come and go Before my longing eyes, Are not of places known on earth — They are of Paradise. SONGiS OF THE HELDERBERG. 23 TRUST IN GOD. Trust in God: You can see his kind face beaming, A bright radience from it streaming, If you turn to him when troubles o'er you roll; For he watches near you ever, And his love will fail you never, He will comfort, soothe, and strengthen your tried soul. Trust in God: Do not look to earth for healing Of the wounds you feel are stealing In, and all around your heart with nameless woe; For though friends are a rich blessing. And the need for help is pressing, 'Tis safest to go where life's healing fountains flow. Trust in God: Do not chafe if clouds still hover. With their dark and dreary cover. So near they almost touch your bowed and droop- ing head; For behind God's love is shining, Where it makes a silver lining. And in due time all its beauty will be on you shed. 34 JSONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. Trust in God: Give him praise and true thanksgiving — Give him your best love while living — Give him thanks for blessings past when present joys are gone, For his tender heart is bleeding, That so many are not heeding, The hope Jesus gave to men upon that Easter dawn. Trust in God: So that when your life is ended, And the shades of death are blended. With the beauty and glory that flows from out the throne, He will come himself to meet you. And his loving voice will greet you. With the message that eternal joys are all your own. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 25 BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. Friend, give not up your noble purpose, Cling to it good and strong. For after the hard and well fought struggle Will come the victor's song; What if the outlook seemeth dreary ? What if the way be dark ? Cannot God guide to harbor in safety The lightest and frailest bark ? No man yet hath lived well and truly Whose aim was to weak to win, And the soul that coldly gives up its purpose, Committeth the greater sin; Easy it is to float with the current, A struggle to stem the tide. And not much trouble for a life's existence, For the world is great and wide. But oh, for the soul that sees above it A beautiful prize to win. And eagerly hopes for the bow of promise When the darkness of doubt shuts in; God sees, and He bends in tender mercy To strengthen the weary heart, For lo while the tears may still be falling The darkness and clouds depart. 26 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG, So friend keep true to your noble purpose, God hears and will heed your prayer, To even the smallest bird that liveth Is watched by the father's care; And the hope of your soul is known and treasured By one who careth for you. And he will help you to win and wear it. If you keep to it firm and true. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. 27 BLUE-BIRDS. Oh the blue-birds have come again, And the sun shines bright in the sky, And the alders bend by the old stone wall As the wind rustles softly by; And a blue-bird flutters among, Like a bit of heaven on wings. And I wonder if ever the angels hark To the blithsome note he sings. A white cloud floats in the sky, And a white swan floats on the lake. And a long white seam on the other side Where the rippling wavelets break; And over and above it all Flows the birds glad melody, Till the echoes repeat on the soft spring air Its music again to me. O my soul, if the blue-bird's note Speaks a heart in love with the earth. Hast thou not a voice that can gladly tell The raptures of heavenly birth; Of the peace of eternal spring, When the soul feels the hand of God Stretching out over all life's joys andwoes His blessed comforting rod. 28 SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBQ. When the heart grows so white and true That it weeps for the wrongs of men, And loves with a love that is all divine The weakest and poorest of them; And its tender words of faith, And its tender song of love, Will soar like the blue-bird's happy strain To the heavenly courts above. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 29 I AM CONTENT. I am content. Whatever shadow clouds my earthly way, As darkness of the night excludes the light of day, I am content. I see God's will in everything; I see it in the winds that blow, the birds that sing; I see it in the changing seasons as they come and go, The heat of summer and the chill of winter's snow. The glorious wonders of the sky That hold the attention of the mortal's eye, Are but the workings of the mighty will, That bade the storm-tossed sea, "be still," The mountain heights whose heads, sublime, Are lifted in the face of time, Are statues built by the same hand That doth alone deal out life's sand. The f amime and the direful flood, — The thoughts of which can chill the blood — Are but the prophecies of the past. The will of God, while earth shall' last. 30 SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. I see the life of Christ again Reflected in the lives of men; I see their great achievements rise Like mighty wonders to the eyes; I see the will of God in new-born babes — I see it in the mounds of new-made graves — I see it in the rush of mortal life, The wearing pain, the struggle and the strife; For in the faces that I meet, Along the busy street, I see the self-same conflicts that are mine, And thus I know that it is will of thine, And rest content. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 31 WORK. How well God knew the needs of mortals here, When work was the decree He sternly gave The disobedient pair, whom He did save, Despite their awful crime and lack of fear; Yet that command proves He but held them dear — For from man's birth until he fills the grave, His sweetest hours are when the sweat-drops lave The brow, and he doth know success is near. For work and labor all through life is sweet. And harvest that returns is sweeter still; But drones can never know the joy those meet, Who do complete, the maker's given will; Nor earth, nor life, nor heaven were half so dear. If work were less the lot of mortals here. SONGJS OF THE HELDERBERO. PRAISE. Friend, stint not praise to the deserving one — For it thrills the soul with a warm desire To nobly strive for heights that are higher, — When praise is given for a deed well done. Success for a greater is half-way won. For the soul mounts up with a lofty fire To scorn mean, petty, things that are life's mire. As it aims for truth, while its race is run. And a few loving words will cost you naught. But will bring you instead a sense of bliss, For true praise is something that is not bought, And such is the kind heart's oftenest miss; Oh whenever you can, gladly speak praise. For oft you may thereby cheer saddened ways. SONGS OF THE SELDEBBERG. 33 REST. Oh how I long for rest — a peaceful rest — Free from the sting of pain and cankering care — Free from the dread of evil and its snare — Instead of this great load that weighs my breast ; I would find sweet unconsciousness, so blest. And calmly wait in quiet places where Naught comes but what is calm, and goodj^and fair, For such a realm my soul makes earnest quest. For then this saddened, weary, heart of mine Would seek new, higher, aims of truth and|bliss ; And revel in a love that is divine. While my few present joys I would not miss ; Such is the rest for which my soul doth pray. And trusts will come to it at some glad day. 34 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. ICH DIEN. Aye, Father, God, I serve, nor question why, My labors seem sometimes so much in vain ; For far beyond the disappointing pain I see the laborer's reward, since I, O Father, trust in thee, and sole rely On thy sure promises ; thou hath the gain Of service mete, and if there still remain Work for my hands, I serve, since thou art nigh ; Since thou art nigh to bless, and help, and cheer, And smile and lead me on to fields anew ; To plant in me a faith that knows no fear, Altho' the way be dark, nor dangers few ; Ich dien ! aye Father, lead me ! lead me ! till In Heaven I further may perform thy will ! SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 35 LIFE'S STRIVINGS. I. Away. Avaunt ye horrid darksome shape, away ! Your awful presence bringeth gloom and fear ; Woes, sorrows, troop around when thou art near ; Satan thy name, ye turn to night the day. And shroud the night in an infernal way With ghostly fancies, till it seems more drear Than e'en the tomb, and when thy face doth leer Above the dark, ye tempt weak souls to lay Rash hands upon the flesh, if so they may 'Scape from thy power ; despair doth thou bestow — Vile thoughts, vile acts, — one doth himself betray Who dares to tend the seed that thou doth sow ; For Heaven turns e'n blacker than thy power, O Satan, when one takes for theirs thy dower. II. Come. Come Peace, come Holy Spirit, dove of rest, And shed thy perfect calm upon my soul, For faith hath caused the clouds of doubt to roll In one grand sweep away, leaving my breast A place mete for thy presence, gracious guest ; Come joy divine, come foretaste of the whole 36 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. Bliss that awaits to crown faith's final goal, In God's immortal kingdom of the blest ; The day grows brighter for thy presence here, The night more beautiful, more calm and still ; And life becomes so wonderfully dear. That death is quite forgot to do God's will : Oh peace, thou peace of God, no tongue can tell How blessed is the heart where thou doth dwell. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERQ. 37 IGNORANCE. Did Satan, when he fell from that high state, Reserve for man somewhat of his own self Other than that of awful deviltry, And crimes, and wickedness, beyond compare — Except in those hot regions where he reigns — That ignorance fell on poor mortals here, Black Ignorance, that silliest of crimes ? Methinks 'tis but the cloak that he had worn, And 'twas its work alone that made him wise To see the sorrow it had wrought for him ; And then he hated it the worst of all, And cherished it until the mortal race Were formed to know the beauties of the earth ; His rage that he might never know its joys Could know no bounds, and then that cloak of his Was thrown with devilish cunning on to men. 38 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. EVIL SPEAKING. Only a word ! but the meaning fell With the coldness and weight of a stone ; And nothing more was there need to tell, For the seeds of distrust were sown ; But the sweets of one life's undertone Was cruelly scared by that malice, For sad as death comes the bitter groan, When a soul must drink such a chalice. The crushed may rise in their might and tell By a life of purity alone, That the one who lied, was the one who fell. The one from whom honor had flown. But the soul has never yet outgrown, Though it dwells in cottage or palace, The scar that burned with the broken moan — When it drained hate's bitter chalice. The world goes on ; we may buy and sell. While our blossoms of pleasure full blown. Will grow to fruit where the magic spell Of prosperities sunlight has shone. But there comes sometimes a somber tone, — And we sigh for the wrong of malice. When the scar is felt that came with the groan Through the dregs of that bitter chalice. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 39 ENVOY. The tongues that mortals bear are their own ; If charity ruled them, not malice, Would not the lips more fitly be grown To drink from the Heavenly chalice. 40 SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. THE DRILL. To Rev. W. W. Belden, D. D. Dear Sir: — This effort of mine to tell in verse the simple yet beautiful custom am^ong our country folks, of the still more beauti- ful Normanskill Valley, and its dedication to you, I trust, most honored sir, will be accepted by you in the spirit in which it is tendered : that of gratitude and esteem for the kindly and true friendship you have always shown me. I am conscious that by inscribing this poem to you I can add no luster to your already spotless reputation and life, but rather find myself truly humble that I can thus associate myself with your name. Grateful for your counsels which have always proved kind and judicious, I am respectfully and sincerely yours, Magdalene I. La Gkanqe. THE DRILL. 'Twas in May, " May fair, in the fair month of May."— And the sun was shinino^ most brightly that day — A pair of young folks (not very young, I know. But so they are termed, I will let the phrase go). Were merrily chatting in manner most gay. Of people and things, 'twas a late holiday ;* The place was a grave-yard, ye gods ! save the mark ! That people can tread in that most sacred park. With never a thought how that some day they, too. Will lie cold and stark 'neath the cypress and yew ; And little they think as they act out their spites, ♦Memorial Day SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. 41 That soon in the future when came the dark nights — The dark nights and dark hours that come to all hearts When trouble, and sickness, and sorrow and smarts, Come near to themselves, they'll look back with regret, On the days when they loved to worry and fret. Someone who had never, in thought, word, or deed. The least injured them — but had kept for their creed — " Do unto others as they would be done by" — And who never the least had acted a lie. II. Well, these young folks (the title I decry it !) But then you don't know them — 'twould do not a bit Of good were I now to tell what their age is; But she I am sure is the younger, while his Must certainly tell him that mid-life is near. That is past now that point to which we all stear — That one great turning point in these lives of ours That tells if the rest will be spent in sweet bowers. Sweet bowers of peace, proof 'gainst the storm clouds of life, 43 SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. Peace, that follows a conscience removed from strife — A life filled with deeds of charity and love, A life such as only is given from above. Or that point too, it tells, ah, the other side, Once turned from the right little good can abide, Oh the world it may please and charm for a day, But the time will come when they'd glad turn away. Away from the darkness and sorrow and sin, And delusions that bring them but achings within; And their wasted lives, they will groan and regret, Times when they turned the spirit away. Forget ? Can they ever forget how with them it had pleaded In tones sweet and mild, ah, had they but heeded. Instead of their vain' and useless repineing, A calm sweet and pure around their souls twine- Would tell them their lives had been useful to some. And glad would they hear the dear Saviour say "Come, Come, enter the rest I have prepared for thee, Come, enter this heaven and dwell here with me !" SONGS OF THE llELDERBERG. 4i III. Now for the story, if I can keep to it, (O for the brains of a Homer to brew it !) Well, as these young people looked up with sur- prise. Before them a maid stood, whose flashing gray eyes Spoke plainly her great love of mischief and fun. But, when she made blunders seemed never undone. This would she answer when questioned upon it — " Why, what were the use if, when trying my wit, I often made blunders and seem to stumble On things that should make a person "most humble ; What then were the use to show plainly my fright, And is it not better to keep from their sight. The thrill of horror and desire to tear^ Right straight out by its roots, my glory, my hair?" And thus, as you see very plainly no doubt. Her wit and her mischief will surely creep out, E'en in the presence of persons of honor. Who cannot the least cast an awe upon her. Where is the person, either prophet or sage, Who are living to-day, or who in the past age, Thrilled with awe sublime, with their wonderful minds, The nations and kingdoms, and e'en to-day binds Our souls to their thoughts which will live for ages; 44 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. Is the name of that one writ on time's pages, That one who in life never made a mistake, Save the Lord ? but then you know his life did partake Of Divine — while we all the rest are mortal — E'en though we may enter at the same portal, The same portal of Heaven that He entered in. Yet all through this life we feel deep, deep, within, Our great lack of faith and our many grave faults, That sets us far back with such heartrending halts, But then at such times if we cheerfully go Ask comfort of Jesus, He will neper say, " No ;" — He will never refuse to aid and to cheer Us, His children ! Ah, no. He holds us too dear ! IV. Well this girl, when mutual greetings were over, Sat herself down on the ground like a rover ; And these were a part of the words that she said: — (Strange conversation in the home of the dead !) *'0h, say, are you going to-night to the Drill? You know its to be held at French's old mill. Where twelve nice young ladies, with brooms in their hands, SONOS OF THE HELDERBERG. 45 Dust caps on their heads, on their backs their dust pans, Will prove to the tolks that altho' they can sweep And do other housework, they also can keep As good time in marching as real soldiers do, Whether dressed in gray or dressed in the blue. There's Nellie, the tallest, a beautiful girl. She will march ahead and she'll make her broom whirl, While the rest follow on, Flora, Effie, Lou, With their brooms and their dust-pans so bright and so new ; Anna, and Lillie, who is the smallest one. Will march at the end with her broom for a gun. The rest of the girls I've not time to mention, But certain I am they'll draw strict attention From the crowds that are always sure to be there, For our girls are noted for being most fair." And what was this Drill she was talking about ? I think if we go there we will surely find out. So away to old French's hollow we go. But as Hearing the place we drive very slow. For it looks like a bit of enchanted land, With its rushing of waters and air so bland, 46 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. While the few lowly cottages quiet air Make us think some elves must surely dwell there ; The steep rugged banks that o'erhang the stream Are covered with spruce; at their roots softly gleam The rich splendor of moss, and the dainty fern, While far up the stream we hear the mill-wheel turn ; We follow the sound till we stand at the door, And listen to its song as it calls for more — More, more, O Miller, I'm like the sands of life. Going, going, going. In pleasure or in strife. Going — never stopping — Except by thy hand. Sands of life stop flowing At the Divine command. More, more, O Miller, More of the golden grain, Fling it down in the hopper, While I crush it again, again ; For I am here to do the work. To make the finest flour, While yours the hand, O Miller, To guide my awful power. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBG. 47 More, more, O Miller, It matters not to me. Whether coarse or fine the gage is If it only pleases thee; The coarse corn meal must needs be ground, As well as flour fine, And thine the hand to fix the gage. Thine, O Miller, thine. More, more, O Miller, The waters rush along, I hear their roar like thunder, And their never ending song: Miller, once past they ne'er return, Oh, use them while you may, Hark! hear their call so loud and strong As they swiftly pass away. More, more, O Miller, I must not stop to rest. And do not let the grain run low, To keep it full is best; The precious moments of to-day. Like waters pass away. And then, my Miller, ah, you know, They are gone indeed for aye!" 48 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. VI. Oh, Normanskill, sweet gurgling stream, How often thy banks have I trod with delight, How often have watched the clear moonlight gleam On thy waters, when Cynthia reigned over the night. There, too, on thy banks on a fair spring-time day, When the sun was full shining with splendor of May, Loves sweet olden story then learned I full well, The fullness of which no one ever could tell; Oh, the gladness, the sweetness, the joy, the content. Oh, the exquisite pleasure that from Heaven is sent, When two souls in unison bind heart unto heart. Two souls that through life will ne'er again part ! Oh, Normanskill, on thy banks divine. This joy, this bliss, this gladness was mine. And we'll love through life, aye, love till death. Love as long as God lendeth us breath. Should a mountain of fate in its cruelty rise. And take thee away from the light of my eyes; Then love in its power shall triumph full well, And weave firmly then its own magical spell; Heart will say unto heart — "where are you dear ?" And quickly the answer will come "I am here !" For love such as ours equals Heavens own powers. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBG. 49 VII. And old factory, three stories high, a basement below. (They built them so a hundred years ago.) Made entire of brick, it firmly withstands The ravage of time's relentless hands; The color once red, is nearly gone. At the front and sides is a smooth green lawn; While at the back the Normanskill, Rushes swiftly along with its musical trill; 'Twas to this place the merry crowd, "With boisterous shouts and laughter loud. Were wont to gather on Holidays. For social chats and merry plays. The basement held the different rigs. The staid old wagons and fancy gigs. The graceful "side -bars", then the style. From which the beaux's with many a smile Had helped their sweet-heart to alight, For all came there on a festive night. The lower floor was cleanly swept For there the eatables were kept, The long rough tables made of boards Were laden with the house-wife's hoards, And busy matrons, knife in hand. Cut cakes and pies, with smiles so bland, 50 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. They almost tempted one to snatch A goodie from that bounteous batch. At dusk the girls, with nimble feet, Commenced to set the table neat. The linen was so pure and white They covered the tables with that night, It almost lightened up the room, So big and broad in its dusky gloom. Same dear old lady with heart so large. She held the whole town in her charge. Had sent some dishes that her mother. It may be, indeed, 'twas her grand mother — At any rate, they were on an heir-loom, She safely cherished in her home. The sandwiches, biscuits, pie and ham, The cake, the preserves, the jelly and jam, The pickles and crullers, the coffee and tea, Were good enough for a king or me. There was plenty, too, for all the crowd and more. That boisterously clamored at the door. VIII. Away back of the mill, and along the race-way Is a spot where the shadows stay all the long day. For the banks on each side are a hundred feet high, And they seem oftentimes to reach to the sky /SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBG. 51 As you stand on the ground and look up from below, Where the lillies, and ferns and the soft mosses grow, Here too, are the willows, the wild birch, and grapevine That grows through their tops, where its branches close twine; Oh this spot is so lovely it seems like a dream As we pass up the path in the twilight's soft sheen. And the notes of the sad and mourning dove Comes softly to us from the tree-tops above. While the fall of the water comes sweeter, comes clearer, That silent night draws its vail nearer and nearer To welcome the song of the sweet nightengale. That floods with its rapture the hill and the dale. And its notes it prolongs as it sings loud and long. Until all the valley re-echoes the song; While the murmur of water that sounds through the gloaming Calls many birds to come in from their roaming To seek near its banks a place for their sleeping Where Normanskill watch all the night will be keeping. The enchantment grows on, and we wander along. Until of a sudden we find daylight is gone. 53 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. So then we turn back, and we grope through the gloom, To the friends that we left in the festival room, But reaching the building we find there a change And it looks to us now so weirdly strange That we pause in our wonder, and gaze with delight, On the place now all bathed in the moons fair light. The windows are open, the lamps lighted within, And out on the night comes the mirth and the din From the crowds who are taking their fill of the pleasure That comes to them here without stint, without measure. IX. We climb the stairs to the second floor And pause a moment at the door, For the sight that meets the astonished eye Is far too quaint to pass quickly by. Fastened to the rafters the lanterns glow And shed their light on the scene below. It seems like a hall both deep and wide. With curtainless windows at either side. At the farther end is an open door. Through which we hear the waters roar. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 53 A crowd passes idly to and fro While along the wall straight in a row, The benches stand to invite to restl Those wearied with walking and laughter and jest. There is a fair young mother with babe asleep — A corner where lovers their tryst can keep, An old grandfather with hair like snow, And strong young men in their primes ripe glow — There are little maids rigged out in fancy style And young men sporting their first silk tile — There are jolly old maids-who buzz around And the shyest old bachelors that ever were found. But taken as a whole, they seem to be A pretty good looking company. In one corner is stationed a cornet band. And the leader with a smile most bland Beckons to his men to start up a tune, And soon the strains of "Bonnie Doon," Quiets the noise of the merry throng And some would fain join in the song. X. Twelve young ladies dressed in white Composed the drill we saw that night. Each dress was trimmed with a little red And a dust cap crowned each bonnie head. 54 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. To their backs was strapped their bright dust pans And brooms they held up in their hands ; The tall sweet leaders name was Nell. And of all the girls she was the belle. Her eyes were large and soft and blue, And as clear as a summer sky's bright hue, Her hair was a bright and wavey brown, And her cheeks were as soft as a peaches down. While her clear cut lips and modest chin, Showed a sweet and saintly soul within, Tall and slender with a languid grace, Her figure matched her angel face. The one who marched behind sweet Nell, Was the kind of a girl ne'er known full well Large and dark and brown were her eyes, That never gave forth a gleam of surprise. Straight and thin was her well shaped nose, And her face ever showed a calm repose. There was the minister's daughter, starry eyed Lou, Big Ada, little Ada, and Ceressa, too. Flora, Edna, Etta and Lill, Laura and Ida, and they marched with a will. They were as sweet and pretty and fair a band, As could be found in this broad land. Not a miss-step in their marching was made. Nor could old soldiers have looked more staid. Then did these girls in their broom brigade. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBQ. 55 XI. Sweet girls, dear girls, in the springtime of life, Little of sorrow and little of strife, Presses hard on the heart at that happy age When the leaves of lifes book turning page after page. Seem to them but a myth, so lightly they turn, So swift pass the days, that they eagerly yearn For the time when woman-hood's seal crowns the brow, And oft they forget the true saying that, now. Now, is the time to know pleasure or pain, Now, is the time to feel losses or gain. Now, not in the future must duties be done. In the future come honors that now must be won. O, how yearns the heart for the days of our youth. Those days of such gladness, such peace and such truth, The burdens of life that so heavily roll Seem like billows of ocean to wash out the soul. To wash out the sin that has entered each heart With its cruel, its treacherous, its poisonous dart; Yes, glad would we turn to those days that have fled. And feel once again the old peace that is dead, For no thought of sin then could give us one sorrow. 56 SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. Or one dream of sinning a fear tor the morrow, So glad was tiiat time so sweet and so pure, Alas, why was it, it could not endure ! iSONGS OF THE HELDERBERQ. 57 MY BEACON. I have a star, It shines for me Through a mystery, Afar. It shines for me At lonesome times, And when sunny climes I see. It glows alway — My one bright star! * I see though afar Its ray. And it doth know All my fond love, Though so far above It glows. My one bright star ! No more afar, When there comes to me Life's bar! 58 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. THE TRIED AND TRUE. Eead before M. H. Barckley Post, No. 198. G. A. R., on Memorial Day, 1890, at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland, New York. We come to-day remembering the loved, the tried, and true. To deck the place, where lie in pace, the boys who wore the blue; Our boys who died that we might live in rest and peace to-day, Who shouldered arms at war's alarms and marched to join the fray, They saw the dreadful bayonets, they heard the can- nons roar. They fought like brave our land to save — and they marched home no more; They died, — they rest in tranquil peace — and we our tributes pay, The flowers fair we place with care o'er where our soldiers lay, We love those heroes, every-one, they well deserve our praise. Nor can be said of our dear dead enough of thank- ful lays; They bore the sublime part of life and duties call obeyed. They knew the end but did not bend when their resolve was made; SONCS OF THE HELDEBBERG. 59 'Tis well that we remember now, and give all honor due, For as to-day we bend to pray, our hearts are made more true. But, friends, there lives to-day somewhere, it may be at your side, A hero true who wears the blue — a heart both brave and tried — For oft the path of human life that upward leads to God, Is danger bound more than the ground our dear loved soldiers trod; They knew the fray would not be long, the battle soon be o'er, Eternal life would crown the strife if they returned no more; But, oh, the ones who war to-day, their lives a battle field, 'Gainst sin are they to fight and pray nor ever dare to yield; And all through life the strife remains, on guard they ever stand. Nor pause to rest till they are blest in the eternal land. Oh, shed sweet flow'rs on those who live, the flow'rs of love and praise. 60 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBQ. Though heroes, they when in the fray find many darkened days; Yes, praise the living, tried and true, they stand on every side. Their battle call the ones who fall, their field the whole world wide; And then at last when we are called to answer heaven's roll, The echo clear, "aye ! I am here !" will roll from soul to soul. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 61 STANLEY. 1890. His hair is silvered now — white as the snow That caps the wonderous mountains of the Moon, Nor has his crown of glory come too soon — For men will turn wherever he may go, And watch this one who in his prime's ripe glow. Gave up a home and all its joys and bloom. To save his brothers from a dreadful doom. While in his soul un-numbered blessings flow. For through those dark untrodden, awful ways. When hid from sight was e'en the sky's bright face, Jehovah's presence led him thro' the maze. And stamped on him a saintly look of grace : And now when ope'd are all those paths untrod. His lips pour praises to his faithful God. 63 SONGS OF THE EELDERBEBG. SAYWA'S SPEECH. An incident in the Stanley expedition of 1887. Another man had disobeyed, the bravest of them all, And must the penalty be paid, must bold Uledi fall ? He who had saved a hundred lives, their leader's with the rest, And could that grateful hand be raised to hush Uledi's breast, Behind, the awful solitudes; dangers unknown ahead; Ah, could they live to fight them through with brave Uledi dead ? "Come, men," their leader's voice was sad, "council with me to-day. Uledi heard my stern decree, he chose to disobey, But he is noble, good and kind, and true as he is brave. Can other punishment be found, Uledi's life to save? I cannot still the faithful heart that beats so loyally, Nor can I bid you to perform a task too hard for me; What shall it be ? Come, men, decide. I leave it to your will. What e'er it is, I promise you your wishes to fulfill." SONGS OF THE HELDERBERQ. 68 Then silently the vote was cast, while through the dreadful hush The words were spoke, " He must be flogged." Ah, could an Arab blush ? The whip was brought and there before the council gathered round, Uledi waited for the blows, while crouching on the ground. When one whose life he'd bravely saved, stepped from the group alone, " Master, give half the blows to me," he spake in tremling tone. And then another, while the tears started and quickly fell, Said faintly, "master, may I speak?" he gently answered "well !" He came and knelt by Uledi, and raised his tearful eyes Up to that kind face looking down, "dear master, thou art wise. All that has been thou know'st well, but naught is known to me. Much of what passed but yesterday, has slipped my memory; But thou hast writ it in a book, the record of each day. SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. Let thy slave, master, fetch the book, to find what it will say! May be some words of Uledi is written somewhere there, May be 'twill tell how Zaidi he saved from dark death's snare. He saved Ben Ali, Mabruki and Koni-kusi, too, How many more I do not know, no one can know but you. But worthier than any three of us poor slaves is he. He listens for thy every word and flies so swift for thee; We are but poor black slaves of thine, while master thou art white, Whatever thou dost do or say we know is always right. Aye, master, look now in the book, and if the blows must be. Then Shumari will take one-half, and give the rest to me." Ah, god-like were the Arab's words, and Stanley's eyes grew dim, While gazing on the dusky face meekly upraised to* him. And threw away the knotted cord, while "Uledi is free. And Shumari and Saywa both are pardoned now by me." SONGS OF THE HELDERBEBG. 65 THE WEST WIND. What is it comes tripping the meadows over, Sweeping the butterfly's golden wings, Nodding the heads of the deep purple clover, Catching the perfume the lily flings: Sweet and shy From the sky. Mellowly floating through the air, Unseen, unheard, yet everywhere; 'Tis the west wind. The timothy slowly rises and falls. And an ox-eyed daisy lifts its head. To welcome the gray-bird that gently calls Its nestlings down in their soft warm bed; Faint they peep. Grasses deep Bending over the lowly nest, Sigh and swell like a mother's breast In the west wind. A gray falcon soars afar in the sky; No motion quivers his great wide wings; He gracefully moves and he seems to fly As easily as a light cloud swings; Slow he sweeps — Still he keeps 66 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. Motionless up in the empty air, And the unseen power that holds him there Is the west wind. The turtle-dove coos from the orchard's green, Softy and mellow her plantive notes; And her shining robe like a silver sheen, Among the sweet blossoms gently floats; Bird of love, Turtle-dove ! Frail and light is her dainty nest ; Of all the birds she is loved the best By the west wind. Two lovers are wading the meadows over — Two bonnie lovers happy and gay; And they tread the sweets from the purple clover, That tangles over the fragrant way; Happy pair Young 'and fair, Nobody knows the bliss they feel, Nobody saw their love's sweet seal But the west wind. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBG. 67 A cloud hangs gracefully up in the sky, As pure and white as a drift of snow; It quivers and moves, then seems to fly As easily as the waters flow; Ah, away ! Who can say What sends it floating thro' the air Airily, lightly, gaily there But the west wind. The orioles gaily warble and sing, And the meadow-lark trills its blithsome note; While down where the waterfall jewels fling, A little dip floats a dancing note; There is song, All day long, Out in the meadow where birds are, And all the birds from near and far Love the west wind. The air is rare like a beautiful dream, The violets shed their rich perfume. And shining o'er all is the sun's bright .beam, Weaving a web from his golden loom; Soft the light Warm and bright Over the meadow, sweet and fair. But the sweetest thing that lingers there Is the west wind. 68 SONGS OF THE EELDEBBERQ. THE SOUTH WIND. Oh, the beautiful world ! the beautiful world ! My soul with rapture thrills, As I gaze on the calm and clear blue sky. And the dark green lasting hills. The meadows stretch far and are dotted o'er With the dasies so pure and fair; And a meadow-lark trills his gladsome note As he floats through the balmy air. The soft south wind with gentle touch, Ruffles the tops of the trees; And it seems some-way, as I watch the sight, There's a magic hand in the breeze. Life, it is real but 'tis sad enough, E'en when our duty we do; When least expected, sweets turn to gall. And naught in life seems true. Oh tell me ye soft and murmuring winds The secret I long to hear; And as I listen now with bated breath. These words seem breathed in my ear,— SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 69 "Nature to-day seems glad and gay, As the sun so brightly shines; Blessing with light that seems divine, The fields and the solemn pines; But think you now is it always so, Is it always so calm and still ? Are there never storms to darken the sky. Storms that come at the Maker's will ? So when troubles come and your heart is wrung. If your faith is sadly weak, Turn to the lesson that nature teaches. And not in vain will you seek; For after the storm has passed away, Is not the sky more clear ? And does the sun less brightly shine. Because of the storm so drear ? So all through life it is just the same, Now clouds then sunshine clear; And after your sighs and your tears are spent, The Lord will be more dear." The whispers cease, and in vain I look For a sight of the angel band; Thou hast borne them away thou sad south wind, Away to the better land ! 70 SONGS OF THE HELDEBBEBG. THE EAST WIND. Oh, east wind ! cruel sleet, how harsh ye blew On that November day when a frail one, A human flower whose life had but begun, Chilled with thy breath left earth for regions new; Cold is your touch, ye hide the sky's own blue With a thick mantle of a dreary dun; Ye love no pleasant things, not e'en the sun, But revel o'er the graves of those ye slew. For life cannot withstand thy cold embrace. The buds that promise fruit blast at thy touch; And wreck and ruin, leave a lonesome trace. Where you have passed and grimly laughed too much; Blow less, ye dreadful, cruel, cold east wind. Or else henceforth, I pray thee blow more kind. SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. 71 THE NORTH WIND. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Bring the storm, the cold and the sleet. Wrap the lakes in an icy sheet, Send beautiful snow to fall at our feet — Blow, north wind, blow. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Waft the jolly old king along. The king of laughter, mirth and song — The king who bids sorrow and care begone, Blow, north wind, blow. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Sweep o'er the rabbits' soft warm nest, Go with the partridge in her quest — • Lead her to berries the ripest and best, Blow, north wind, blow. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! The hunter seeks his baying hound. Who springs away with joyous bound. To follow the fox's trail he has found — Blow, north wind, blow. 73 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Blow o'er the snow-bound meadows drear — Blow with the gust of winter's cheer. Old winter, whose head is silvered and sere — Blow, north wind, blow. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Sweep the sound of the bells afar, — Bells that ring with the evening star; How happy the hearts of the lovers are ! Blow, north wind, blow. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Whistle around the chimnies tall — Flicker the shadows on the wall. Bring frolicking mirth to the great and small — Blow, north. wind, blow. Blow, blow, blow, wind of the north, blow ! Stay with us yet a little while. Spring will the gray old king beguile — She will melt the snow with her sunny smile. Blow, north wind, blow. SONGS OF THE HELDEBBERG. 73 MARCH. It snows and it blows ! But the spring is coming, my darling, And even now the flowers fair. That fill with perfume the sweet spring air. Are beginning to grow under the snow. 10 74 SONGS OF THE HELDERBERG. SUMMER RAIN. Thank God, even our God for the rain ! The gladdening rain that falls so gently, Filling the air with a fragrance sweet. As it falls on the flowers, These wonderful showers. That pass through the air so quick and fleet. SONG