LIBRAR ' OF CONGRESS. 
 
 Slap! 
 
 lopijrigjfi ^o- 
 
 Shelf 
 
 .,¥&! 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
QKMS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 FIELD OF THOUGHT, 
 
 GLIMPSE INTO MUTE LIFE; 
 
 / 
 
 BY MISS EMELINE L. KNOX. 
 
 7>H Y 
 
 UTICA, N. Y. 
 
 T. J. GRIFFITHS, PRINTER, 131 GENESEE ST, 
 
 1891. 
 

 \\\ 
 
 K^ 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by 
 
 MISS EMELINE L. KNOX, 
 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Miss Emeline L. Knox, the authoress, has re- 
 quested me to write a preface to this book of 
 poems, not that I am a critic of poetry, but be- 
 cause I am well acquainted with the authoress. 
 
 I am confident that this book will fill a place in 
 the literary world before unoccupied. 
 
 It comes to us as a voice from the mute 
 world, for its author is a mute, and one that has 
 never had a day's schooling since she was five 
 years old. "When she was five, she had scarlet 
 fever, and it left her deaf and dumb, and she has 
 never regained speech or hearing. 
 
 This book thence comes to us as a link between 
 the silent world of the mute and the world of 
 speech and hearing. 
 
 No one can read the book with a knowledge of 
 the facts that this preface designs to give, without 
 being edified, enlightened and instructed, for it 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 reveals to us how the beauties of nature, the vi- 
 cissitudes of life and God's providences appear to 
 and affect the life of a mute ; and also shows us 
 how God can, and does, endow these afflicted 
 children with beautiful and poetic thoughts, wor- 
 thy to be compared with the best thoughts of the 
 master minds of the present age. 
 
 Rev. Arthur A. Pierce, 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Life's Mission 9 
 
 Lines Affectionately Inscribed to my Mother. . 9 
 
 My Wish 11 
 
 Our Country and its Traitors 13 
 
 Our Country's Volunteers 32 
 
 Decoration Day 34 
 
 Angels in Heaven 36 
 
 Hope 37 
 
 My Early Friend 38 
 
 Musings 42 
 
 The Little Birds 43 
 
 Welcome to Spring 44 
 
 The Beautiful Flowers 45 
 
 Moonlight 46 
 
 Mary's Wedding 47 
 
 The Homeless Boy 49 
 
 Aim Straight 51 
 
 Song to Little Frankie Simpson, Aged Four 
 
 Years, in Beply to " Why Don't you Sing ?" 52 
 
 The Mother's Treasure 53 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 Come Back, Little Birdlings 54 
 
 We Miss Thee, Brother 56 
 
 Willie's Birthday 59 
 
 Flowers in Autumn 60 
 
 To Florence 61 
 
 On the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Marriage of 
 
 Mr. ami Mrs. Samuel Chapin 64 
 
 Lines on the Death of Eugene, Mary and Geo. 
 
 Parkill 65 
 
 Little George 67 
 
 Ine Belle Blakeslee 70 
 
 Death of Dr. Mason 70 
 
 In Memoriam, on the Death of Hattie A. 
 
 Bailey 72 
 
 In Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth F. Haner 73 
 
 In Memory of Mrs. Harriet A. Simpson 75 
 
 Affectionately Inscribed to Mrs. D. J. M., on 
 
 the Death of her Husband 77 
 
 Open the Door a Little Wider 78 
 
 Our Lost Ones 80 
 
 The Motherless Babe 80 
 
 To my Brother George 82 
 
 Brother, Come Home 83- 
 
 Birthday Thoughts— To Mrs. A. J. C 84 
 
CONTENTS. Vll 
 
 Little Earl 85 
 
 To a Friend 86 
 
 To Mrs. Frank W. S., on her Marriage 87 
 
 To S. A. G 89 
 
 The Mother and her Babe 90 
 
 To Kittie P 91 
 
 Little Allie 93 
 
 A Brilliant Comet 93 
 
 The Bible 95 
 
 Typical of the First Glad Christmas — An 
 
 Acrostic 98 
 
 Sermons of T. DeWitt Talmage 99 
 
 Little Susie 101 
 
 Christmas Day 102 
 
 Forgiveness 104 
 
 In my Father's House are man}- Mansions . . . 106 
 
 The Little Songster 107 
 
 The Little Girls and the Eagle 108 
 
 The Young Aspirant 109 
 
 Music 11^ 
 
 Little Hattie 115 
 
 What is Charity? 116 
 
 The Balloon 117 
 
Gems from the Field sf Taught 
 
 LIFE'S MISSION. 
 
 There is no thought but finds its source, 
 
 No earnest wish that comes, 
 But seeks life's mission to fulfill 
 
 Within afflicted homes ; 
 Those ears now sealed, those voices mute, 
 
 Scattered o'er all the land, 
 Shall know God doeth all things well, 
 
 And owq his ruling hand. 
 
 LINES AFFECTIONATELY INSORLBED 
 TO MY MOTHER. 
 
 Mother, I bring this little book 
 
 And lay it at your feet, 
 I gathered from the field of thought.. 
 
 To make each page complete. 
 
 And, mother, you shall never want 
 
 Long as you have me here, 
 Although I never could attain 
 
 A higher, grander sphere ,. 
 2 
 
10 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 For when I was a little child, 
 
 There came a grief unknown, 
 And hushed for me the song of birds, 
 
 And hushed each gentle tone, 
 
 Yet left me but one tiny ray 
 
 By which I hung upon, 
 . And broadening as the light of day 
 It led me on, and on, 
 
 Until I rose above my grief, 
 
 And sought the cause to know, 
 'Then found at last that Source of Good 
 Whence living streams do flow. 
 
 I saw the sadness on thy face 
 That grief had pictured there, 
 
 And wondered why I was the most 
 Thy watchful love and care. 
 
 But, mother, I was quick to learn 
 
 And quick to know it all ; 
 The cause of all thy anxiety 
 
 Those memories do recall. 
 
 And life seemed brightening at the thought, 
 
 I'll give a helping hand, 
 And lift the burden of thy care, 
 
 So noble and so grand. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 11 
 
 Mother, there is no sweeter name, 
 
 And as the years increase, 
 The memory of thy tender love 
 
 Shall never, never cease. 
 
 •So after all those struggling years 
 
 Thy weary feet have trod, 
 I bring this little gift to thee, 
 
 Led by the hand of God. 
 
 MY WISH. 
 
 Oh, there is nought I crave so much 
 As knowledge rich and rare, 
 
 That I may be like many such 
 Who store the mind with care. 
 
 At two years old I went to school 
 
 To learn my ABC, 
 And then I learned to love the rule 
 
 That taught me what to be. 
 
 They told me that I was intent, 
 And learned my lessons well ; 
 
 Thanks, for my parents kindly sent 
 Me there to read and spell. 
 
 The little knowledge there I gained 
 
 I prized above all things, 
 For with that little I retained 
 
 What education brings. 
 
12 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT, 
 
 Then I was scarcely six years old, 
 And knew not half the pain 
 
 It caused my parents when they told 
 I could not go again. 
 
 I could not go again, they said, 
 I asked them why 't was so, 
 
 What is the cause ? I am afraid 
 You will not let me know. 
 
 They told me that I could not hear, 
 And then I felt the change ; 
 
 No well known voice came to my ear,, 
 Forgotten — all seemed strange. 
 
 Since then I never studied more 
 With scholars older grown ; 
 
 With me those joyous days were o'er,. 
 And ail with childhood flown. 
 
 I could not drink at learning's fount, 
 
 Lit with scholastic rays, 
 Yet I may draw a large amount 
 
 From wisdom's pleasant ways. 
 
 For there is much of learning's lore 
 That yet may be unsealed ; 
 
 The studious mind may scan before 
 Its lessons are revealed. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 13 
 
 I would not study to be rich, 
 
 And seek to entertain, 
 When there are gems that may enrich 
 
 The mind and heart, to gain. 
 
 The world, with all its wealth and power, 
 
 Its boasted pomp and show, 
 Is nothing to a simple flower, 
 
 Where richer beauties glow. 
 
 For like the flower earth's joys will fade, 
 
 And quickly pass away, 
 And all the works that man hath made, 
 
 Will not forever stay. 
 
 But wisdom ever shall endure 
 
 Beyond all earthly care, 
 Ennobling heart and life, I'm sure, 
 
 And leave its impress there. 
 
 OUR COUNTRY AND ITS TRAITORS. 
 
 High on a towering summit, 
 
 With fancy close I stand, 
 And gazing all around me 
 
 Upon this favored land, 
 
 I look back through the vanished years, 
 
 Recalling all the past, 
 Our country struggling to be free, 
 
 And victorious at last. 
 
14 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 I see a great Republic 
 
 Arising in its strength, 
 Grand armies concentrating, 
 
 Through all its breadth and length. 
 
 From North to South, from East to West 5 
 
 The messengers of war 
 Were busy when at last they heard 
 
 The battle cry afar. 
 
 For here and there a traitor 
 
 Was lurking to destroy 
 The noblest, freest government 
 
 That man can well enjoy. 
 
 Across this vast continent, 
 
 Far as the eye can reach, 
 I view the distant rampart 
 
 Where sprung the fearful breach, 
 
 Where they inaugurated 
 
 Rebellion's fearful sway, 
 Secession and disunion 
 
 Soon followed in the way, 
 
 Widening the breach of discord 
 That spread from shore to shore,. 
 
 Involving all our country 
 In gloom of war once more. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 15 
 
 While Liberty sat weeping 
 
 With sad and plaintive moan, 
 Defending through the onset 
 
 The name of Washington, 
 
 Who made this glorious Union 
 
 The fairest heritage, 
 A tireless independence 
 
 Through every coming age, 
 
 And to us as a nation 
 
 Bequeathed in sacred trust 
 This monument perpetual 
 
 Of freedom pure and just. 
 
 He taught us to remember 
 
 Through deeds of other days, 
 In every field of action, 
 
 The great and noble ways, 
 
 By which he led us onward, 
 
 And made this country free, 
 In one grand consummation 
 
 Of peace and unity, 
 
 Then dying, set example, 
 
 Declared his own slaves free, 
 And so aw r oke the era 
 
 And dawn of liberty, 
 
16 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Adding a greater lustre 
 Unto the page of fame, 
 
 As with a pen of diamond, 
 Our Washington's fair name. 
 
 But rebel hordes contriving 
 Under a strange disguise 
 
 To win themselves a monarch, 
 Against the good and wise, 
 
 Were chiefly bent on slavery, 
 Breaking God's law divine, 
 
 Bringing this happy country 
 Into a slow decline, 
 
 As they became oppressors 
 
 Of Africa's dark race, 
 Bobbing them of their freedom, 
 
 The nation to disgrace. 
 
 But truth and justice quickly, 
 
 Ever on the alert, 
 Soon brought to light their treason, 
 
 The danger to avert, 
 
 Till they who sought by malice 
 Our country to o'erthrow, 
 
 Saw but the fruit of folly, 
 In bitterness and woe. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 17 
 
 When war's dread cloud o'ertook them, 
 
 Each treacherous foeman felt 
 The sword and fire of vengeance 
 
 Where long oppression dwelt. 
 
 And when the chief of traitors, 
 
 Driven to sad despair, 
 Beheld his seeming stronghold 
 
 A castle in the air, 
 
 So surely, swiftly falling, 
 
 A scheme of deep distrust, 
 Rebellion's treacherous fabric 
 
 Soon crumbled to the dust. 
 
 But when they captured Richmond, 
 
 Finding his chances slim, 
 He donned the garb of woman, 
 
 And sought the woodland dim. 
 
 If to escape from justice, 
 
 Or to escape defeat, 
 No one could tell the meaning 
 
 Of such a strange retreat. 
 
 But then the Union armies 
 
 Encamping all around, 
 Espied the lonely woman 
 
 Pacing her way around. 
 
18 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT, 
 
 When lo, disguise betrayed him, 
 
 Under a stately tree, 
 They caught the rebel traitor, 
 
 And won the victory. 
 
 So ere a man pursueth, 
 How oft the foe will rlee, 
 
 Fearing to face the chances, 
 Defeat or victory. 
 
 There is an ancient story 
 Founded on Bible truth, 
 
 How hosts of mighty warriors fled 
 Before a stripling } T outh. 
 
 In Israel's land a giant 
 Of stature tall and great, 
 
 Boasted no man could slay him 
 In battle's fiercest heat. 
 
 And he was very wicked, 
 As he was great and tall, 
 
 He feared not God before him. 
 Who watcheth over all. 
 
 While in the face of Israel 
 He challenged to the tight 
 
 The man that could beside him 
 With equal strength unite. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 19 
 
 But there was'not injlsrael 
 
 A man who could be found 
 That dared to meet in combat 
 
 Upon the battle ground. 
 
 For he God's living armies 
 
 With boldness did defy, 
 As night and morning, forty days, 
 
 He stubbornly drew nigh. 
 
 But there was one, young David, 
 
 Who kept his father's flock, 
 A steady youthful Christian, 
 
 Nor feared the battle shock. 
 
 While all his elder brothers 
 
 In Israel's army were, 
 David, the last and youngest, 
 
 His father could not spare. 
 
 They kuew not there lay hidden 
 
 Within that shepherd boy 
 A deed of noble valor, 
 
 The giant to destroy, 
 
 Or thought that God would aid him 
 
 To set all Israel free, 
 And break up all the ramparts 
 
 Of bold complicity. 
 
20 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 One day his father bade him, 
 Within the keeper's care, 
 
 Leave all the flock and hasten 
 To see his brothers there. 
 
 And take them some provisions, 
 With food enough to eat, 
 
 That they might have sustenance 
 Through all the battle's heat. 
 
 Young David took the order 
 With willing heart and hand, 
 
 And hastened quickly to obey 
 His father's kind command. 
 
 He met them near the trenches, 
 Just as he came in sight, 
 
 With army against army, 
 Upon the point to fight. 
 
 And as he stood conversing, 
 He saw the powerful man 
 
 Whose height did measure upward 
 Six cubits and a span. 
 
 Then suddenly reflecting 
 In that important hour 
 
 How God could save his people 
 By his all-Sovereign power, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 21 
 
 "Wisdom gave place to courage 
 
 And bravery at the thought, 
 To go before all Israel 
 
 And fight the foe unsought. 
 
 Let not a man's heart fail him, 
 
 This youthful hero said, 
 And I will go and fight him, 
 
 For they were sore afraid. 
 
 Astonished at the language 
 That came from one so young, 
 
 They saw a high-born spirit 
 More than a boastful tongue. 
 
 They asked him why he trusted 
 
 To fight the haughty foe, 
 And why he took the challenge 
 
 Before all Israel so. 
 
 He told them how he conquered 
 
 A lion and a bear 
 That came into the sheep-fold 
 
 And took a lamb from there, 
 
 And how he did rescue it 
 
 From out the lion's jaw, 
 And how the Lord preserved him 
 
 From bear and lion's paw. 
 
22 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 This little speech of bravery 
 Made Israel's army glad — 
 
 Such unexampled courage 
 Possessed the noble lad. 
 
 They donned him with an armor, 
 And sought his heart to please, 
 
 But then he told them, saying, 
 I cannot go with these, 
 
 For he had not yet proved them, 
 And they would useless be, 
 
 When to exert his powers 
 He would be lithe and free. 
 
 Thus, instead of an armor 
 To rank him with the great, 
 
 And all those vain equipments 
 That speak a man of state, 
 
 He placed within his shepherd bag- 
 Five pebbles from the brook, 
 
 And in his hand for weapon 
 A simple sling he took. 
 
 Then when he had consulted, 
 He hastened to the field, 
 
 With nought of battle armor 
 His sprightly form to shield. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 23 
 
 Goliath came to meet him, 
 
 But viewing with disdain 
 The youth of ruddy countenance, 
 
 To arts of war untrained, 
 
 Approaching only with a staff, 
 
 A sling within his hand 
 To light before all Israel 
 
 This giant and his band, 
 
 Turned with a bold defiance, 
 
 And with a haughty tread, 
 I'll give your flesh unto the fowls, 
 
 He to young David said. 
 
 But filled with truth and wisdom 
 
 The youthful chieftain stood. 
 And said God would deliver him, 
 
 And He would make it good. 
 
 He placed a stone within the sling, 
 
 Then faced the mighty foe, 
 And slew the giant through the head, 
 
 But at a single throw. 
 
 Then quickly running to him, 
 Captured his sword and shield, 
 
 And brought the giant's lifeless head 
 A trophy from the field. 
 
24 (IEM8 FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT; 
 
 The hosts that saw the contest 
 Beheld their champion dead, 
 
 And filled with fear, affrighted 
 Before the victor fled. 
 
 So slavery, like that giant, 
 
 Corrupting this fair land, 
 Was swiftly coming to its fate, 
 
 Before a loyal band. 
 
 While he who reigns above us, 
 
 Kuler of earth and sky, 
 To our unhappy country 
 
 Soon brought deliverance nigh. 
 
 When Justice, Truth and Freedom 
 Were battling for the right, 
 
 Knowledge, progress and reason 
 Held forth a beacon light. 
 
 Discriminating clearly 
 
 Between the right and wrong, 
 Til] Freedom views her children 
 
 The heights of knowledge throng, 
 
 In search of all those blessings 
 Hidden so long from view, 
 
 The barriers of slavery 
 
 Broke down to bad them through. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 25 
 
 And the unhappy bondmen 
 
 Can talk of home and heaven 
 As freely as their masters, 
 
 Who had against them striven. 
 
 For they in bondage groaning, 
 
 Were calling loudly there 
 For some great power to free them, 
 
 And save them from despair. 
 
 Torn with conflicting anguish, 
 
 Deprived of every right 
 To heaven's choicest blessings 
 
 That could afford delight 
 
 They passed their days unaided 
 
 Without a ray to cheer 
 Life's pathway from the cradle 
 
 Down to the silent bier. 
 
 With man created equal, 
 
 Had they no right to be 
 Avenged for wrongs of slavery 
 
 Against humanity ? 
 
 For life is what we make it 
 Just on this side the grave, 
 
 When God made this grand universe 
 He never made a slave. 
 3 
 
26 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Is this the land of freedom 
 
 When man chains fellow man ? 
 
 No, no, the curse of slavery 
 That lengthened treason's clan, 
 
 Caused them to madly, blindly, 
 Rush into bloody strife, 
 
 But they shall meet destruction. 
 Who seek the nation's life. 
 
 When Lincoln gave the signal 
 That broke each galling chain. 
 
 And Freedom's doors flew open 
 O'er all the Southern plain, 
 
 There dawned a brighter epoch 
 Above the fiercest gloom, 
 
 And done away with bondage 
 When slavery met its doom. 
 
 Civilization conquered 
 
 Each cruel tyrany, 
 And planted by each hearthstone 
 
 The staff of liberty, 
 
 While many a thousand bondmen 
 Stood on life's threshold free, 
 
 Awaiting but the passport 
 To a new destiny, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 27 
 
 Beleased from degradation 
 
 Unto a higher plane 
 Of social life and feeling, 
 
 Forever to remain. 
 
 Like those in Egyptian darkness, 
 
 Led forth by Moses' hand, 
 And brought into possession 
 
 Of a more peaceful land. 
 
 So let them live and prosper, 
 
 The cause that set them free, 
 Will save this great republic, 
 
 And its defenders be. 
 
 The whipping-post and slave-pen 
 
 Give place to homes of thrift, 
 With each the rich possessor 
 
 Of freedom's precious gift. 
 
 'Neath their own vine and fig-tree, 
 
 To rest in peace and quite, 
 And reap the fruit of honest toil, 
 
 Making life's pathway bright, 
 
 Enjoying all those blessings 
 
 That God has freely given, 
 And learning from compassion's life 
 
 The way that leads to heaven. 
 
28 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 While Liberty's fair dwelling, 
 The home of men renowned, 
 
 Towers above the conflict, 
 
 With peace and plenty crowned. 
 
 Brave Washington and Lincoln, 
 With Grant and Garfield too, 
 
 Stand written in enduring fame 
 Upon its arches true. 
 
 And names of countless heroes 
 Who bravely fought and fell, 
 
 Are treasured, in its archives, 
 Crowned with a golden bell, 
 
 To sound alarm when traitors 
 
 Invade, or foes unite, 
 And so awaken Justice 
 
 With all its power and might. 
 
 In every time of danger, 
 
 In every time of need, 
 The memory of our fallen brave 
 
 Will for their country plead. 
 
 But see our nation's banner 
 Still floating to the breeze, 
 
 A pledge of future greatness, 
 That with the years increase, 
 
OEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 29 
 
 Upheld by million freemen, 
 
 And borne from shore to shore, 
 
 Unconqnered by the traitors, 
 Amidst the cannon's roar. 
 
 Its silken folds still gleaming, 
 
 And on its field of bine 
 The stars, each State a linking 
 
 In union firm and true. 
 
 Standard of our forefathers 
 
 A hundred years and more 
 Since first 'twas flung unto the breeze, 
 
 Aye, float it evermore, 
 
 And let in wave in triumph 
 
 O'er all this beauteous land, 
 From isle to isle, from shore to shore, 
 
 A nation great and grand. 
 
 Oh, then this favored country, 
 
 That gave to freedom birth, 
 There is no fairer land, I ween, 
 
 O'er all this broad green earth. 
 
 Full of unmeasured greatness, 
 
 Richer in mines of wealth, 
 With a united people 
 
 In one great commonwealth. 
 
30 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT, 
 
 While all the charms of nature, 
 
 So pleasing to the eye, 
 Spread out one grand panorama 
 
 In air, and earth, and sky. 
 
 Pictures of liquid silver 
 Her mighty lakes appear, 
 
 And flowing to the ocean, 
 Deep rivers broad and clear. 
 
 Her hills and valleys teeming 
 
 With wild fertility, 
 Her mountains towering upward 
 
 In solemn rivalry, 
 
 While cataracts tremendous, 
 
 In nature's solitude, 
 O'er craggy rocks go thundering, 
 
 Singing a grand prelude 
 
 And richly waving forests. 
 Like isles of emerald green. 
 
 Dotting this broad continent, 
 On every hand are seen. 
 
 But a more charming picture, 
 
 So picturesquely fair, 
 Are villages and cities 
 
 That nestle here and there. 
 
GEMS PROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 31 
 
 Alive with teeming millions, 
 
 And thronging to and fro, 
 Building the nation's greatness, 
 
 That future years will show. 
 
 Great thoroughfares of industry, 
 
 The march of labor strong, 
 In every branch of business, 
 
 Pushing the world along. 
 
 With boundless opportunities 
 
 And boundless aims for good, 
 To benefit its people 
 
 When rightly understood. 
 
 80 here I caught my fancy 
 
 To draw a picture true 
 Of this our glorious country, 
 
 Spread out to open view, 
 
 The pride of loyal freemen, 
 
 Of all on earth beside, 
 This grand, unequaled Union 
 
 No tyrant can divide. 
 
 And from the heights of freedom, 
 
 As fancy led me on, 
 I read in glittering diamonds 
 
 The name of Washington. 
 
32 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Surrounded by an army 
 Of heroes brave and true, 
 
 Who fought our country's battles, 
 And led the nation through. 
 
 Majestic as the river 
 
 That pours its mighty flood, 
 
 Progress is onward rolling 
 And forming all that's good. 
 
 OUR COUNTRY'S VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 Where are the brave who in their youthful ardor 
 Went forth to heed their country's earnest call, 
 
 And in the brightness of their early manhood 
 Stood on the battle-field to peril all ? 
 
 E'en life so dear, with all its hopes and pleasures, 
 Was all resigned to meet its fearful strife, 
 
 Bidding adieu to home, to friends and kindred, 
 And all that was so dear to them in life. 
 
 Brave soldiers hastening on to save their country, 
 When to maintain its honor and its laws, 
 
 They volunteered their lives but to defend it, 
 And felt that they were in a righteous cause. 
 
 While many a mother's heart in sorrow breaking, 
 Oe'r buried hopes and youthful forms laid low, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 33 
 
 Felt keenest anguish o'er their bosom stealing 
 As thoughts of loved ones caused the tears to flow. 
 
 But then to see our country's hopes frustrated, 
 Our country's nag lie trailing in the dust, 
 
 Torn down by rebel hands, first blow of treason, 
 Extending wide the nation's deep distrust. 
 
 All this did fire their hearts with indignation, 
 And they would fight for liberty or die, 
 
 That Washington's great name be not dishonored, 
 Who formed a nation's grandest destiny. 
 
 And so to free this glorious land from treason 
 America's brave sons went forth to war 
 
 To crush the traitors who with wild disunion 
 Disturbed its borders, though they perished 
 there. 
 
 Aye, though they perished far on scene of battle, 
 And fields lay covered with heroic dead, 
 
 Bravely they fell, for truth and right discerning, 
 Our nation's heroes, for their country bled. 
 
 Under the stars and stripes God sped our armies, 
 Until the slave in bondage was made free, 
 
 And to dark Africa's wronged sons and daughters 
 Proclaimed at last a glorious victory. 
 
34 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Then let sweet peace again crown every dwelling,. 
 
 And war's dread tumult cease, that waken fear, 
 Brothers, be brothers, and this costly Union 
 
 Remain unbroken through each rolling year. 
 
 DECORA TTON DA Y, 
 
 ORIGINATED BY JOHN A. LOGAN. 
 
 We come from every city, 
 From every hill and dale, 
 
 From every busy thoroughfare,. 
 Unto each lowly vale, 
 
 Bearing the nag of freedom, 
 This smiling month of May, 
 
 To wave in sweet remembrance 
 O'er where our soldiers lay. 
 
 And while we think with sorrow 
 Upon our soldiers brave, 
 
 Who sav<ul their country's honor, 
 Yet found an early grave, 
 
 Who poured out all their treasure, 
 On Freedom's altar laid, 
 
 And with their lives a sacrifice 
 The hand of treason staved. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 35 
 
 What is there more befitting 
 
 Than to remembered be 
 With every budding spring-time 
 
 By one vast company ? 
 
 And groups of little children 
 
 All drest in snowy white, 
 Sweet innocence and beauty 
 
 Like angel forms of light, 
 
 Gathering choicest flowers 
 
 Wherever they are found, 
 And come each grand memorial day 
 
 To deck each lowly mound. 
 
 Oh, soldiers of our country, 
 
 You have not died in vain, 
 Within the hearts of countrymen 
 
 You ever live again. 
 
 'rV 
 
 But there's a brighter laurel 
 Upon the page of fame, 
 
 A wreath of immortelles 
 Encircling every name. 
 
 '!-• 
 
 And at the resurrection morn, 
 May they as conquerors stand, 
 
 And inarch beneath God's banner 
 Into the better land. 
 
36 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 ANGELS IN HEAVEN 
 
 How beautiful they are, 
 Unseen by mortal eyes, 
 
 Those angels bright and fair 
 That dwell above the skies 
 
 And shall I ever be 
 
 An angel clad in white ? 
 
 Is there no place for me 
 Amid the angels bright ? 
 
 Did Jesus die for me, 
 
 To save my soul from hell ? 
 
 Is there a home for me, 
 With him above to dwell? 
 
 Then let me live to love 
 
 That God so good and kind, 
 
 Till safe with him above 
 That endless bliss I find. 
 
 Oh, how divinely sweet 
 
 The blissful thought of heaven, 
 
 Where saints and angels meet, 
 And friends no more are riven. 
 
 With joy we'll ever sing- 
 When that bright day is come, 
 
 When with our God and King 
 We ever dwell at home. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 37 
 
 HOPE. 
 
 Hope is ever beaming 
 
 Brightly from afar, 
 I see its radiance streaming, 
 
 Amid the rifts of care, 
 
 Behind the clouds of sorrow, 
 
 That o'er our being roll, 
 Picturing the bright to-morrow 
 
 The future may unroll. 
 
 And all life's heavy burdens 
 
 Lighter grow the while, 
 When hope is ever beaming 
 
 With a benignant smile. 
 
 It soothes each troubled nature 
 When doubts and fears assail,.. 
 
 And points us to the future 
 The coming years unveil. 
 
 Ever and anon cheering 
 
 The lonely heart awhile, 
 But after disappearing, 
 
 To dawn again and smile. 
 
 Whate'er of joy and sadness, 
 
 Whate'er of weal or woe, 
 Whate'er is fraught with gladness, . 
 
 Is not for us to know. 
 
-38 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 But one thing oft assures us, 
 Amid life's toil and care, 
 
 There's nothing good denied us 
 That's sought by faith and prayer 
 
 An all-wise Power above us, 
 And one bright ray afar, 
 
 That still above the billows 
 Shines out a guiding star, 
 
 Will help us ever onward, 
 Until life's goal is won, 
 
 Will guide us ever upward 
 To God's eternal throne. 
 
 Then, with life's conflict ended, 
 A sense of grateful joy 
 
 Will, with our being blended, 
 Praise to our God employ. 
 
 MY EARLY FRIEND. 
 
 I think of thee, my early friend, 
 
 As in the days agone, 
 But thoughts of sadness often blend 
 
 Whene'er I muse alone. 
 
 Thy tender voice I could not hear, 
 'T would fill the heart with grief, 
 
 Hearing — sweet, precious gift, so dear, 
 Once mine — but Oh, how brief. 
 
>GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 39 
 
 I think of girlhood's early years, 
 When all I loved seemed flown, 
 
 My sad heart filled with hopes and fears, 
 I felt unloved, alone. 
 
 The scenes of joy that once were mine 
 
 Seemed faded from my view, 
 As sunset clouds at eve's decline, 
 
 Pictured so strange and new. 
 
 Sometimes I turned away to weep, 
 From playmates good and kind, 
 
 Until I cried myself to sleep, 
 I was so far behind, 
 
 Because I could not join in play, 
 
 Nor hear them call my name, 
 As in the days that passed away 
 
 Ere sorrow to me came. 
 
 When waywardness my heart beguiled, 
 
 And I was then untaught, 
 Thy beaming eyes upon me smiled 
 
 With generous feeling fraught. 
 
 Oh, then I loved thy gentleness, 
 That round my pathway flung 
 
 Its halo, when all happiness 
 
 From my young heart seemed wrung. 
 
40 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 When loneliness came creeping o'er, 
 Nought with thy smile could vie, 
 
 Whene'er I met thee as before 
 With love -light in thine eye, 
 
 'Twas that alone that cheered me oft, 
 And made life's pathway bright, 
 
 Like as love's touches kind and soft 
 I felt its power andfmight. 
 
 But there was one that came to thee 
 And turned thy thoughts aside, 
 
 I thought too soon that it would be 
 To claim thee for his bride, 
 
 And thou wouidst leave^thy girlhood's home, 
 Where sped youth's happy hours, 
 
 That joy andfhappiness*)night come 
 And strew thy path with flowers. 
 
 I thought I would ^forgotten be, 
 
 And thou go far away, 
 Though I might sometimes think of thee, 
 
 And wish th} r longer stay. 
 
 For then it seemed so' hard to part 
 
 When childhood early loved, 
 Unconscious of the bitter smart 
 
 That parting oft hath proved. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 41 
 
 And when at last thy bridal day 
 
 Came with its happy throng, 
 You asked me, with the group away, 
 
 Yet I was not among, 
 
 For it was timidness that kept 
 
 My feet from going there, 
 And all that night I scarcely slept, 
 
 Thinking of thee, so fair. 
 
 While many years have passed between, 
 
 Sweet memories linger yet, 
 As I recall each varied scene 
 
 I may not soon forget. 
 
 Oh, loved one of my early days, 
 
 The first to memory dear, 
 I see hope dawn with brighter rays — 
 
 Would thou wert ever near. 
 
 And should the future years e'er bring 
 
 Some joy in store for me, 
 Or shadows round my pathway fling, 
 
 I may remember thee. 
 
 God bless thee, generous, loving friend, 
 
 Feeling for others' woe, 
 From joy and happiness apart, 
 
 Amid life's scenes below. 
 4 
 
42 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 For thee my heart shall breathe a prayer. 
 
 Whene'er I take my rest, 
 That Ave in heaven at last may share 
 
 A home among the blest. 
 
 MUSINGS. 
 
 Brightly the moonbeams in my room 
 
 Shed a soft silvery light 
 As I am sitting here alone, 
 
 Musing awhile to-night. 
 
 The stars look bright and beautiful, 
 
 And all around is fair, 
 While many a light and snowy cloud 
 
 Is floating in the air. 
 
 And here I love to sit awhile 
 
 When oft the evening sky 
 Is decked with many a starry gem, 
 
 To muse on days gone by. 
 
 For then within my lonely hours, 
 
 When all around is glad, 
 And kind friends oft are sometimes near, 
 
 Then I alone am sad, 
 
 Thinking I'll never hear again 
 
 Each kind and gentle tone, 
 Music so charming to the ear, 
 
 I cannot call my own. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 43 
 
 And flitting by, those happy scenes, 
 
 When in my childhood's day 
 I heard the merry, joyous tones 
 
 Of school-mates at their play. 
 
 But Oh, how changeful is this life, 
 
 How varied every scene, 
 For when the heart is filled with joy 
 
 Dark clouds will intervene. 
 
 And I may never hear again 
 
 The voice of those I love, 
 But one sweet thought comes to me oft, 
 
 I'll hear again above. 
 
 And yet I love them all, the while, 
 
 Though no kind gentle tone 
 Can ever fall upon my ear, 
 
 And other joys have flown. 
 
 THE LITTLE BIRDS. 
 
 Happy songsters on the boughs, 
 Tell me why you sing so free ; 
 
 Do you think that I can hear you ? 
 Tell me. do you sing for me ? 
 
 While you make the woodland vocal 
 With your songs the livelong day, 
 
 Would that I could hear your music 
 Ere you take your flight away. 
 
44 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 With jour tiny wings outspreading, 
 There you perch on yonder tree, 
 
 And begin again to warble 
 
 Your sweet songs so wild and free. 
 
 Happy birds, I love to see you, 
 Though I cannot hear you sing 
 
 As you perch upon the tree-tops, 
 Making the deep woodland ring. 
 
 Do you bid farewell to summer ? 
 
 Do you seek a warmer clime, 
 Where the cold chill winds of winter 
 
 Will not mar your merry chime ? 
 
 Will yon come again in spring-time ? 
 
 Will you come when winter 's o'er ? 
 Let me see you on the branches 
 
 Of the maple boughs once more. 
 
 WELCOME TO SPRING, 
 
 Oh, welcome to the joyous spring, 
 
 The seed-time of the year, 
 Teeming with life, and joy and song, 
 
 And sunny skies so clear. 
 
 The ploughman tills the mellow soil 
 
 That a rich harvest yields 
 When summer's ripe and golden grain 
 
 Is sweeping o'er the fields. 
 
GEMS FBOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 45 
 
 Soon will the bright and fragrant flowers 
 
 Give forth a sweet perfume, 
 When May, the queen of all the year, 
 
 Is in its brightest bloom. 
 
 THE BE A UTIFUL FLO WEBS. 
 
 The flowers, the beautiful flowers, 
 I love them, I love them for aye, 
 
 I love them with dew-drops o'erladen, 
 That sunbeams at morn kiss away. 
 
 I love*them bestrewing life's pathway, 
 While many a sweet lingering thought 
 
 Will wake in my bosom the passion 
 For beauty with loveliness fraught. 
 
 Ye speak of the all-wise Creator 
 
 Who watcheth o'er all he hath made, 
 
 And colors each beautiful flower 
 
 That blossoms in sunshine and shade. 
 
 Ye speak of God's beautiful dwelling, 
 A link 'twixt the earth and the sky, 
 
 Where pleasures and joys are immortal, 
 And no lovely blossom can die. 
 
 And while my thoughts heavenward turning, 
 Would linger mid beauty and worth, 
 
 I think of the home of the angels, 
 
 And loved ones gone thither from earth. 
 
46 (JEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 How while they lay coldly enshrouded, 
 Your beauty enlivened the gloom, 
 
 And bade me louk hopefully upward 
 To heaven, bright Eden of bloom. 
 
 Like them 'neath the sod ye are lying, 
 And blighted by winter so cold, 
 
 We wait but the breath of the spring-time. 
 Again your rich bloom to behold. 
 
 MOONLIGHT. 
 
 Who does not love to linger 
 
 At evening's holy hour, 
 When earthly care and labor 
 
 Sweet rest can overpower. 
 
 To picture all the beauty, 
 And gather gems of thought 
 
 From the beautiful in nature 
 A God of love hath wrought, 
 
 We see the moonlight streaming 
 O'er valley, hill and dale, 
 
 A flood of light and splendor 
 At which the stars grow pale. 
 
 While many a quivering moonbeam 
 
 In winsome frolic plays, 
 Under the leafy maples, 
 
 Shot forth by silver rays. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 47 
 
 Oh, beautiful the moonlight, 
 
 That lingers o'er the plain,. 
 While jewels in the dew-drop 
 
 Eeflect it back again. 
 
 Giving unto each aspect 
 
 A strange and heavenly lights 
 
 Making all things in nature 
 So beautiful and bright. 
 
 We draw aside the curtain 
 
 To let the moonbeams in, 
 We throw the blinds wide open 
 
 To light the gloom within, 
 
 While thoughts we scarce can utter 
 
 Will fill the mind with awe, 
 As from the great Creator, 
 
 We inspiration draw. 
 
 MAEY'S WEDDING. 
 
 The air was cold and chill without 
 
 But there was cheer within 
 The farmer's mansion on that night 
 
 The guests were gathering in. 
 
 The lights from every window gleamed, 
 
 And shone across the lea, 
 The tables spread a dainty feast 
 
 With smoking cups of tea. 
 
48 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 And I was there among the group, 
 Each heart Avas light and gay, 
 
 But who was happiest of them all 
 Is not for me to say. 
 
 Perchance it was the youthful pair, 
 
 At sight of wedded joy, 
 The heart to heart, the hand in hand, 
 
 Life's blessings to enjoy. 
 
 For then they told me on that night 
 That Reuben should be wed, 
 
 When there I saw the youthful bride 
 He to the altar led. 
 
 They stood before the holy man 
 
 In pure unsullied truth, 
 Two youthful hearts in life's bright morn, 
 
 Fresh from the ranks of youth. 
 
 And who could blame them as they stood, 
 Or think them yet too young, 
 
 If round each heart in silent joy, 
 Such pure affection clung. 
 
 One stepping into manhood's prime, 
 
 Life's duties understood, 
 The other budding in the bloom 
 
 Of blushing womanhood. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 49 
 
 It was a bright and tender scene 
 
 That other lives might own, 
 Not for the sake of being wed, 
 
 With folly overgrown. 
 
 For there are many hearts, 'tis true, 
 Ne'er felt love's kindling flame, 
 
 And for the sake of gain or wealth, 
 Are married but in name. 
 
 The comfort of a happy home, 
 Where true love wears its gem, 
 
 Is richer far to loving hearts 
 Than kingly diadem. 
 
 Be this the joy of those young hearts 
 
 Just entering into life, 
 That she has found a husband true, 
 
 And he a loving wife. 
 
 THE HOMELESS BOY. 
 
 Although you were a homeless boy, 
 
 A waif upon life's sea, 
 And gathered in by friendly hands 
 
 That made a home for thee, 
 
 There is no cause that you should grieve 
 
 For lack of that which falls 
 To favored ones in happy homes, 
 
 Where love and duty calls. 
 
50 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT.. 
 
 For God, who watcheth every one, 
 And notes the sparrow's fall, 
 
 And numbers every hair, will not 
 Forget his children small. 
 
 As little drops of water fill 
 The ocean broad and grand, 
 
 And littl'3 grains of sand and dust 
 Make up* the pleasant land, 
 
 So every one hath aims in life 
 
 That lead to good or ill, 
 And each must reap as he has sown,. 
 
 And gather to his fill. 
 
 The path of virtue opens wide 
 To fields of grand success, 
 
 Where lie the treasures of the heart 
 That God delights to bless. 
 
 Which of these paths do you prefer, 
 Oh, ponder well with care, 
 
 Of the one that leads to ill, 
 Oh, homeless boy, beware. 
 
 Let perseverance pave the way 
 That leads to wealth and gain, 
 
 All those gifts for which you sigh, 
 You surely will attain.. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 51 
 
 ATM STRAIGHT. 
 
 Would you rise to wealth and station, 
 Be independent, true as steel, 
 
 While you have the strength and sinew, 
 Put your shoulder to the wheel. 
 
 You will then become successful, 
 
 Blessed by wealth a bounteous store, 
 
 God will smile and crown your efforts 
 All along life's pathway more. 
 
 Idle ones are never wanted, 
 Working hands are in demand, 
 
 They who never shirk a duty 
 Are the favored of the land. 
 
 But if all this wealth and station, 
 
 You, young men, should wish to own,. 
 
 First, integrity in business 
 
 Is the grand foundation stone. 
 
 Have a high and noble purpose, 
 
 Be ambitious, firm and true, 
 And the best of earthly blessings 
 
 Heart can wish will come to you. 
 
 Thus amidst life's best endeavors 
 
 'T will be yours for which you crave, 
 
 Love and home, and joy and heaven, 
 All through life be manly, brave. 
 
52 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 SONG 
 
 TO LITTLE FRANKIE SIMPSON, AGED FOUR YEARS, IN 
 REPLY TO " WHY DON'T YOU SING ?" 
 
 I live within a world of song, 
 
 And yet I cannot sing, 
 Dear Frankie, how thy artless words 
 
 Will tender memories bring. 
 
 The sweetest gift God ever gave 
 My childhood years have known, 
 
 Bnt with those years, so briefly lent, 
 It hath forever flown. 
 
 The music of each well-known voice, 
 
 So full and sweet, and clear, 
 As if it was but yesterday, 
 
 I seem again to hear. 
 
 Like thee I sang the livelong day, 
 And heard them call my name, 
 
 Or joined with school-mates at their play, 
 Ere sorrow to me came. 
 
 You ask me why I do not sing, 
 
 Alas, I cannot tell ; 
 I cannot train my voice to join 
 
 In song I loved so well. 
 
 For sickness came and stole away 
 The gift that God had given, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 53 
 
 I woke to life and consciousness, 
 But found a voiceless prison. 
 
 Those blue eyes looking in my own, 
 
 A depth of meaning bring, 
 Alas, I cannot hear again 
 
 Alas, I cannot sing. 
 
 And I have learned to feel for those 
 
 Whose life is sad and lone, 
 When disappointments round them close, 
 
 As I have felt my own. 
 
 But I have learned to trust in Him 
 
 Who gave and took away ; 
 He will restore the gift he gave, 
 
 In his good time and way. 
 
 And, Frankie, I may hear again 
 
 A sweeter, holier song ; 
 I hope to sing with thee in heaven, 
 
 Amid the angel throng. 
 
 THE MOTHERS TREASURE:. 
 
 Joy to thee now, fond mother, 
 
 Thou hast a jewel rare, 
 Thou hast a fair young daughter 
 
 Folded so closely there.. 
 
54 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Nestling upon thy bosom, 
 Bringing such joy and light, 
 
 Thy youngest, fairest blossom, 
 Will make thy home more bright. 
 
 God gave to thee thy daughter, 
 Whom life to thee endears, 
 
 To cheer, perchance, the future 
 Of thy declining years. 
 
 A sunbeam in thy pathway, 
 
 Is lent to thee awhile, 
 To chase thy earthly cares away, 
 
 And weary hours beguile. 
 
 Each brother hath a sister, 
 A gift from heaven above, 
 
 To soften each rough nature, 
 And link their hearts in love. 
 
 That little household treasure 
 Will round each heart entwine, 
 
 A spell of love and beauty, 
 May joy be theirs and thine." 
 
 COME BA CK, LITTLE BLRD LINGS. 
 
 Come back, little birdlings, 
 
 Come back to the North, 
 The warm sun is melting 
 
 The snows from the earth. 
 
OEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 The springtime is coming, 
 With warm sunny skies, 
 
 Come back, little birdlings, 
 And gladden our eyes. 
 
 Come back to the old haunts 
 
 Made vocal by song, 
 Where perfume of flowers 
 
 Is wafted along. 
 
 The maple boughs spread out 
 Their bright robes of green, 
 
 To shelter thy nestlings, 
 A beautiful screen. 
 
 All nature looks fairer 
 
 And brighter for thee, 
 As you twitter and carol 
 
 From tree unto tree. 
 
 The winter mists passing, 
 
 Unveil the blue sky, 
 We welcome you, birdlings, 
 
 For summer is nigh. 
 
 But Ah, happy songsters, 
 
 I hear not your song, 
 Floating so soft, 
 
 The bright summer long. 
 
56 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 My ears are sealed 
 To harmonious sound. 
 
 Yet I love all the beauty 
 Of nature around. 
 
 God made no mistake 
 
 When he closed up my ears, 
 
 For what he withholds, 
 In the future appears. 
 
 And I shall hear sometime 
 
 A far sweeter song 
 Than carol of birdlings, 
 
 Mid heaven's bright throng. 
 
 WE MISS THEE, BROTHER. 
 
 Where art thou now, dear brother, 
 Far o'er the distant sea ? 
 
 We miss thee — miss thee ever, 
 Whene'er we think of thee. 
 
 We miss thee, for 'tis lonely 
 
 In thinking of thy stay, 
 And all the days of summer 
 
 Have nearly passed away. 
 
 The flowers thy mother planted. 
 
 Are guarded well with care, 
 And oft we wait to welcome 
 
 Thy coming from afar. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 57 
 
 Ob, 'brother, come, forget not, 
 
 'Tis long since we have met, 
 Our home -band is unbroken, 
 
 But thou art absent yet. 
 
 Those weary years, now passed, 
 
 Have come in joy and pain, 
 And we have feared so often 
 
 We might not meet again. 
 
 Oh, why not send some token, 
 
 Some memento of thee, 
 To gladden parents waiting 
 
 80 long to hear from thee ? 
 
 Methinks I see thee roaming 
 
 Upon some foreign strand, 
 Where other scenes surround thee,. 
 
 Within a stranger land. 
 
 But tell me, Ah, dear brother, 
 
 Hast thou forgotten yet 
 The loved ones and the loving, 
 
 That may not thee forget ? 
 
 Fond memory lingers ever 
 
 Around the years gone by, 
 When eame the kindly greeting,. 
 
 And then the last good-bye. 
 
58 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 We thought not that between us, 
 When love could so control, 
 
 That ere again we meet thee, 
 
 Such long, long years would roll. 
 
 Oh, through those years in sadness 
 
 Is it not hard to part, 
 When disappointment ever 
 
 Bids hope of thee depart ? 
 
 And thou from early boyhood 
 To mature years have grown, 
 
 And gone to seek thy fortune 
 Out in the world alone. 
 
 Far, far from those that love thee, 
 From those that held thee dear, 
 
 Upon life's trackless ocean, 
 Thy bark alone to steer. 
 
 Oh, we have waited ever, 
 Have waited long for thee, 
 
 Until the shadows gather 
 
 Thick o'er life's troubled sea. 
 
 A mother's prayers go with thee, 
 A father's blessing too, 
 
 But shall we never meet thee 
 Again no more below ? 
 
OEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 59 
 
 Then upward look, clear brother, 
 
 And seek the better land, 
 And we again may meet thee 
 
 At last at God's right hand. 
 
 WILLIE'S BIRTHDAY. 
 
 Just six years old to-day, Willie, 
 
 And on this joyous day 
 A bright and happy little boy 
 
 Whether at work or play. 
 
 In view of all God's tender care 
 Throughout thy infant years, 
 
 Doubtless thy mother breathed a prayer. 
 Mingled with hopes and fears, 
 
 Before she laid her down to die, 
 That God would keep her boy, 
 
 And bring him safe to meet her there, 
 In a world of peace and joy. 
 
 Eor there is but a lowly mound 
 That marks her resting place, 
 
 A mother dear, whose deathless love 
 Held thee in close embrace. 
 
 In memory of that mother's love, 
 
 In memory of a prayer, 
 Xiet thy young heart the token keep, 
 
 To bud and blossom there. 
 
60 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 God shield thee from the world's rude storm.. 
 
 That when you are a man 
 You can look back with pleasure on 
 
 Thy boyhood's golden span. 
 
 Many pleasant returns of the day, Willie, 
 
 Many returns to thee, 
 And may you be owner of the golden ship 
 
 Sailing upon life's sea, 
 
 Freighted with many a loving friend 
 That God to thee hath given, 
 
 And sailing on, anchor at last 
 Safe at the port of heaven. 
 
 FLOWERS IN AUTUMN. 
 
 Fair flowers, that bloom so sweetly 
 
 Beside the garden wall 
 In innocence and beauty, 
 
 I love, I love you all. 
 
 You speak to us of heaven, 
 
 Where flowers of fadeless bloom 
 
 Feel no cold blast of autumn, 
 Nor chilling winds can come. 
 
 You make this earth look brighter, 
 
 And like a paradise, 
 Where'er we meet your blossoms 
 
 You point us to the skies. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 61 
 
 But autumn, cold and dreary, 
 
 Hath blighted with its frost, 
 And stole away your beauty, 
 
 Alas, you all are lost. 
 
 And soon the coming winter 
 Will with a robe of snow 
 Enshroud your tiny petals, 
 And hide them all below. 
 
 But we shall see you blooming 
 
 Again in early spring, 
 Called forth by the warm showers, 
 
 What gladness will you bring. 
 
 Then farewell, lovely blossoms, 
 
 We welcome you again, 
 When spring-time in its beauty 
 
 Shall deck the field and plain. 
 
 TO FLORENCE. 
 
 How beautiful each happy home, 
 Where flowers of every varied hue 
 
 Breathe on the air a sweet perfume, 
 And sparkle with the pearly dew. 
 
 The birds sing sweetest where they bloom, 
 And you, my friend, can hear them sing, 
 
 They carol too around my home, 
 
 I catch the gladness which they bring. 
 
62 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Each morning 'mong the budding trees 
 They tell me there is music sweet, 
 
 As wild-birds and the humming bees 
 
 Once more the joyous spring-time greet. 
 
 But flowers I love, the fair sweet flowers, 
 They have so many charms for me, 
 
 Those children of the April showers, 
 Wrapped in infinite mystery. 
 
 I've found them 'neath the green trees'^shade, 
 The first that Bloomed in early spring, 
 
 And gathered them where oft I*strayed, 
 Where'er I found them blossoming. 
 
 And violets, yellow, white and blue, 
 Were blooming in their mossy bed, 
 
 And other flowers of every hue, 
 
 Where the tall trees their branches spread. 
 
 Dear Florence, plant them, let them bloom, 
 So beautiful, the fair sweet flowers, 
 
 In loveliness around your home, 
 To charm away the summer hours. 
 
 Etta will love to see them grow, 
 
 And watch the dew-drops shine like pearls, 
 And you will place them on her^brow, 
 
 And twine them 'mong her clustering curls. 
 
GEMS FEOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 63 
 
 She searched for them in every place, 
 Ere winter came, she loved them so, 
 
 But found them not, while on her face 
 There was a shade of sadness too. 
 
 I gave her some, the last I found, 
 
 And told her they would bloom in spring, 
 
 Though lying withering all around, 
 She soon would see them blossoming. 
 
 And now returning spring has come 
 
 With all its wealth of buds and flowers, 
 
 Yielding the sweetest of perfume, 
 
 Made fragrant by the summer showers. 
 
 Oh, earth would be an Eden fair 
 
 If every one would cultivate 
 Those gems of beauty every where 
 
 Among the lowly and the great. 
 
 I've seen the eyes of little ones 
 
 Just sparkle at the sight of flowers, 
 
 And open wide with innocence, 
 
 Like something fresh from Eden's bowers. 
 
 As grasping every tiny bud 
 
 That grow and blossom in the way, 
 
 We see them happy every where, 
 Among the daisies hard at play. 
 
64 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Yes, life bath something beautiful, 
 If we would only make it known, 
 
 By placing in the reach of all 
 
 The brightest things that God hath shown. 
 
 And study nature as it is, 
 
 To find in every gift a good, 
 So full of future happiness, 
 
 Its every meaning understood. 
 
 Flowers, how beautiful they are, 
 And by our heavenly father given, 
 
 Making the earth look brighter far, 
 
 Emblems of fadeless flowers in heaven. 
 
 Then, Florence, plant them, let them bloom, 
 'Twould waken mirth and joy around 
 
 The threshold of thy happy home 
 When Etta hath her treasures found. 
 
 ON THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY 
 
 OF|THE MARRIAGE OF MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL CHAPIN. 
 
 1830—1890. 
 
 Let us play the wedding march 
 
 On this lovely day, 
 Scatter roses sweet and fair 
 
 All along the way. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 65 
 
 Wedding bells their music ringing 
 
 Down the slope of time, 
 Sixty years of wedded life 
 
 Crowned with joy sublime. 
 
 Every blessing heaven sends, 
 
 Filled their cup of bliss 
 With the sunshine and the shadow 
 
 Of a world like this. 
 
 Bravely borne life's toil and burden 
 
 At the start begun, 
 Every joy and every sorrow 
 
 Mingled into one. 
 
 While their footsteps faint and falter, 
 
 Near the journey's end 
 With the weight of years increasing, 
 
 God will succor send. 
 
 Just across the narrow river 
 
 Lie the fields of bloom, 
 May their love be consummated 
 
 In a fairer home. 
 
 LINES 
 
 'ON THE DEATH OF EUGENE, MARY AND GEORGE PARKILL. 
 
 Mourn not, fond parents, for those loved and lost 
 ones, 
 
 They left thee for a brighter home above, 
 
66 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Mourn not that death hath entered in thy circle,, 
 And torn them from thy fond endearing love. 
 
 I saw that lovely group of children round thee, 
 The eldest and the youngest they were there, 
 
 And one bright little bud of infant beauty 
 Was nestling in its cradle, sweet and fair. 
 
 But now in one short year, alas, how changed,. 
 
 Death took the fairest, loveliest of them all, 
 And o'er that loved home, once so bright and 
 joyous, 
 
 Hath cast the gloom and darkness of its pall. 
 
 Oh, now how sad, how desolate and broken, 
 That fair young babe was first to pass away, 
 
 When its sweet infant life was just unfolding, 
 It closed its blue eyes to the light of day. 
 
 Then little Mary missed her baby brother, 
 
 And wished she too might lay her bright young; 
 head 
 
 Beside that of the little infant sleeper, 
 Reposing sweetly in its cold clay bed. 
 
 An angel heard her wish, and Mary drooped, 
 Death came and touched her, and her life^was 
 o'er, 
 
 And then she met her little angel brother, 
 Far, far away upon the shining shore. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 67 
 
 Oh, heavily the blow that fell upon thee, 
 And dashed away the cup of earthly joy, 
 
 When sickness came again into thy circle 
 And laid his hand upon thy eldest boy. 
 
 Dear Eugene, thou art gone, thy parents' solace, 
 When just emerging into manhood's prime, 
 
 When thy young heart with life's bright hopes 
 beat highest, 
 They saw thee perish in thy youth's spring-time. 
 
 Thy chair is vacant, and the joylight faded 
 
 From out that stricken home when thou wert 
 dead, 
 Sad were the anguished hearts that mourned in 
 silence, 
 When with those two sweet blossoms thou wert 
 laid. 
 
 Oh, weep no more, fond parents, for those children, 
 They're gathered from a world of grief and care, 
 
 Look upward and behold them all in heaven, 
 And each one crowned a white-robed angel there. 
 
 LITTLE GEORGE. 
 
 Oh, tiny infant blossom, 
 
 How sad are they that mourn, 
 
 As with slow step and aching heart 
 They bear thee to the bourne. 
 
68 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 "With thee the sunlight faded, 
 Thy home is cheerless now, 
 
 Thy parents' hearts are lonely, 
 There's sorrow on thy brow. 
 
 Pure as the snow-flakes falling, 
 Upon thy new-made grave, 
 
 Guileless in infant beauty, 
 
 Thou art gone to Him that gave. 
 
 But now, sweet little sleeper, 
 
 Thou art not all alone, 
 Another grave's beside thee, 
 
 Another little one, 
 
 Upon the cold earth pillow 
 
 Hath laid her bright young head, 
 
 And with thee, too, is numbered 
 Among the early dead. 
 
 Dear Mary missed thee sadly, 
 And faded day by day, 
 
 Until some pitying angel 
 Had kissed her life away. 
 
 And then she met thee, Georgie, 
 A harp within thy hand, 
 
 And thou a fair sweet cherub 
 Among the angel band. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 69> 
 
 And Mary, too, an angel, 
 
 Of whom she loved to sing, 
 Now strikes her harp among them, 
 
 To praise the Heavenly king. 
 
 But a few weeks have passed, 
 
 Dear loved ones gone before, 
 And Eugene, too, hath met thee 
 
 At heaven's golden door. 
 
 While anguished ones were weeping 
 
 Within that stricken home, 
 Ye stood at heaven's portal, 
 
 And beckoned him to come. 
 
 Oh, sweetly sang those children 
 
 Ere sickness came within 
 That bright and joyous circle 
 
 Of heaven, so free from sin. 
 
 (" I want to be an angel, 
 
 And with the angels stand, 
 A crown upon my forehead, 
 A harp within my hand.") 
 
 And so some of those children 
 
 Have left earth for the skies, 
 And gone to be an angel 
 
 At home in Paradise. 
 
70 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 INE BELLE BLAKESLEE. 
 
 Ine sleeps in peaceful slumber, 
 
 Pure and holy is her rest, 
 Brief her life, full of fruition — 
 
 Jesus called her to his breast. 
 
 One by one our loved ones leave us, 
 One by one they pass away, 
 
 One by one they cross death's river, 
 To the light of endless day, 
 
 On into a life immortal, 
 
 Scarce we know that they are gone, 
 Scarcely catch the faintest whisper 
 
 Ere their work on earth is done. 
 
 Though sad hearts may bleed in anguish, 
 Who could wish her back again 
 
 To a world of sin and sorrow, 
 To a world of toil and pain ? 
 
 Oh, 'tis sweet to die like Ine, 
 
 Fearless when the summons came, 
 
 Everlasting arms beneath us, 
 Jesus calling, Welcome home. 
 
 DEATH OF DR. MASON. 
 
 Calm as the closing of a summer day, 
 
 He lay upon his couch in dreamless rest, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 71 
 
 Peacefulry from the earth he passed away, 
 Just as the sun was sinking in the west. 
 
 The flush of life and health was on his brow 
 But a few moments ere he closed his eyes, 
 
 How could it be that he was dying now, 
 
 With some bright angel calling from the skies ? 
 
 Weary at twilight's hour he sought his couch, 
 For quiet repose after the toil of day, 
 
 When suddenly he felt the chilling touch 
 Of death come stealing o'er him as he lay. 
 
 '" I'm dying !" were the only words he said, 
 
 " I'm dying !" — how it filled each heart with grief, 
 
 And then from earth the immortal spirit fled, 
 Death shook the citadel of life how brief. 
 
 No lingering sickness racked his frame with pain, 
 Around where loved ones tireless vigils keep, 
 
 No more he'll wake to earthly toil again, 
 Life's conflict o'er, he fell asleep. 
 
 Asleep at last — is it not sweet to die 
 
 After a life well spent, in hope of heaven, 
 
 And Jesus opes the portals of the sky, 
 
 To every ransomed soul an entrance given. 
 
 Oh, mourners, crushed beneath a weight of grief, 
 Look upward, where the heavenly anthems swell, 
 
72 GEMS FKOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 He lives to die no more — a sweet relief 
 Comes to the weary spirit — all is well. 
 
 But Ob, may this a friendly warning give, 
 
 That death will come, e'en in an unseen hour, 
 
 Watch ye therefore, to Jesus look and live, 
 Who can protect us by his gracious power. 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 ON THE DEATH OF HATTIE A. BAILEY. 
 
 Soft be thy pillow, Hattie dear, 
 And sweet thy slumber's peaceful rest, 
 
 As innocent as the pure flowers 
 Around thy pillow prest. 
 
 So lovingly each tender hand 
 
 Hath scattered them around thy bier, 
 
 The sweetest tribute love could bring, 
 And watered them with falling tear. 
 
 I looked upon thy silent form 
 
 From whence the vital spark had fled, 
 
 And felt with those that miss thee now, 
 Dear Hattie, thou art dead. 
 
 Death broke the circle of thy home, 
 
 And robbed it of its only joy, 
 A mother's love, 'twas hard to die 
 
 And leave thy infant boy. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 73' 
 
 An aching void, a husband's grief 
 At loss of thee, in life's fresh bloom, 
 
 God will it otherwise when He 
 Saw fit to call thee home. 
 
 The murmur of a dying prayer, 
 Between a whisper and a breath, 
 
 As baby's name she faintly called, 
 Then closed her eyes in death. 
 
 Just as the twilight shadows fell, 
 And day was drawing to a close, 
 
 So lingered her young life away, 
 And sank in sweet repose. 
 
 May God protect her darling boy 
 
 Safe with his sheltering care, 
 And bring each loved one to his fold 
 
 In answer to her prayer. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 MRS. ELIZABETH F. HANER. 
 
 When shall we walk the golden streets, 
 
 Within a world of bliss, 
 Forever free from sin and pain, 
 
 Foretaste of happiness ? 
 6 
 
74 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 When shall we walk the golden streets, 
 
 So said a dying one, 
 As life was ebbing fast away, 
 
 She felt her life-work done. 
 
 Submissive on a couch of pain, 
 Each lingering hope was past, 
 
 She felt she could not rise again, 
 And so she spoke at last, 
 
 Be faithful, Oh, my husband kind, 
 For I would meet you there ; 
 
 Be faithful, I must leave you now, 
 It was her earnest prayer. 
 
 And the dear loved ones of our home, 
 I leave them both with you, 
 
 " Oh yes," she said with dying breath, 
 "May they be faithful too." 
 
 And then she calmly passed away, 
 Sinking in slumbars sweet, 
 
 At morning upward winged her flight 
 To walk the golden street. 
 
 The memory of those tender words 
 Will cheer life's weary hours, 
 
 And linger round each sorrowing one 
 Like dew upon the flowers. 
 
OEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 75 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 HARRIET A., WIFE OF REY. J. W. SIMPSON. 
 
 I feel the pressure of a hand, 
 
 And warm lips kiss my own, 
 A good-bye — we shall meet again, 
 
 Said in an under tone, 
 
 As we stood at the gate one day, 
 
 Without a thought of pain, 
 Nor dreamed that it would be the last, 
 
 We should not meet again. 
 
 For in that bright and joyous face, 
 
 And in that healthful form, 
 I seemed to see a length of j^ears 
 
 Life's mission to perform. 
 
 Dear loved one — mother, sister, friend, 
 
 Companion, all in one, 
 Oh, can it be that thou art gone ? 
 
 So soon thy life-work done ? 
 
 And Frankie, is she motherless ? 
 
 With Ida in her grief ? 
 And Edward, missing mother dear, 
 
 Oh, what can bring relief ? 
 
 The light and life of home went out 
 When that loved mother died ; 
 
76 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 The father felt the blow when death 
 Removed her from his side. 
 
 But far upon the other shore 
 Two happy children stood, 
 
 And struck their harps of gold anew 
 When mother crossed death's flood. 
 
 How beautiful the life just closed, 
 To those who held her dear, 
 
 But who can stay the hand of death, 
 Or check the falling tear ? 
 
 God doth not willingly afflict, 
 For when He calls his own 
 
 He calls them from a world of sin 
 To dwell around his throne. 
 
 It needs must be, we all must die, 
 
 As one by one we go, 
 What now we know not, in the great 
 
 Hereafter we shall know. 
 
 But we shall meet them all again 
 In the sweet bye and bye, 
 
 When Jesus calls, we too shall go, 
 And upward cleave the sky. 
 
 With faith in God, unwavering still, 
 We pass through life along, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 77 
 
 Till hand clasp hand at last in heaven 
 In one grand holy song. 
 
 AFFECTIONA TEL Y INSCRIBED 
 
 TO MRS. D. J. M., ON THE DEATH OF HER HUSBAND, 
 
 I stood beside a new- made grave, 
 
 And paused awhile to think 
 Of one who in the walks of life 
 
 Scarce seemed near death's cold brink. 
 
 So well, so strong, so full of life, 
 
 Of health and happiness, 
 The picture of contentment's self, 
 
 And perfect consciousness. 
 
 Surrounded by a joyous group, 
 
 Within a happy home, 
 When in its circle unperceived, 
 
 Another guest had come, 
 
 And claimed their close attention now, 
 
 As with a gentle hand 
 He chose the centre of that group 
 
 To join the angel band. 
 
 Oh, hour of sadness and of grief 
 
 That cast its shadowy gloom 
 When they beheld him borne away, 
 
 And laid within the lomb. 
 
78 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 The husband and the father kind, 
 Death stilled his peaceful breast, 
 
 I saw upon his humble grave 
 Love's sweetest words, At Rest. 
 
 While in the bitterness of grief 
 
 His dear companion stole 
 Aside to pour upon his grave 
 
 The anguish of her soul. 
 
 Oh, sorrowing hearts, fresh courage take, 
 
 Still tread the path he trod, 
 He hath but crossed the shining way 
 
 That leads us up to God. 
 
 OPEN THE DOOR A LITTLE WIDEB. 
 
 A DYING FATHER'S WISH. 
 
 Open the door a little wider, 
 
 A dying father said, 
 As parting from a loved one 
 
 He feebly raised his head. 
 
 Open the door a little wider, 
 
 I want to see you all I can, 
 Oh, thrilling words so quickly said 
 
 At the closing of life's span. 
 
 Open the door a little wider, 
 I cannot long remain, 
 
GEMS FKOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 79 
 
 I fee! that I am almost gone 
 
 We may not meet again. 
 
 r>' 
 
 They threw the door wide open. 
 
 He gave a lingering look, 
 At the loved one before him, 
 
 The last farewell he took 
 
 And when another Sabbath dawned, 
 Ere the loved one's return, 
 
 That father closed his eyes to earth, 
 Life's lamp had ceased to burn. 
 
 And he could only place his hand 
 
 Upon the clay-cold brow, 
 And wee]) above the lifeless form, 
 
 All that was left him now. 
 
 Open the door a litle wider, 
 
 Oh, holy meaning sweet, 
 We meet no more in this cold world, 
 
 Till Ave meet at Jesus feet. 
 
 And now methinks that father stands 
 
 At heaven's open door 
 Watching the loved ones left behind, 
 
 Nearing that fairer shore. 
 
80 GEMS FKOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 OUR LOST ONES. 
 
 We miss the loved and loving, 
 Yet feel their presence near, 
 
 While standing by each lowly mound 
 That hold their forms so dear. 
 
 But there's a ray of beauty 
 That penetrates the gloom, 
 
 And points to endless life beyond 
 The portals of the tomb. 
 
 They are not dead, but sleeping, 
 Not lost, but gone before, 
 
 Within the fold of Jesus, 
 Upon a fairer shore. 
 
 We miss them, but we'll greet them 
 
 In a far happier home, 
 And hand clasp hand with joy again 
 
 In youth's immortal bloom. 
 
 THE MOTHERLESS BABE. 
 
 A year hath passed, that lovely babe 
 
 Is now a fair sweet boy, 
 With bright blue eyes and golden hair, 
 
 A father's pride and joy. 
 
 The sunlight of his happy home, 
 Though she hath passed away 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 81 
 
 Who loved him with a mother's love, 
 But could no longer stay. 
 
 I saw her as she calmly lay, 
 
 But turned away to weep, 
 To think that one so young and fair 
 
 In the cold grave could sleep. 
 
 And so that mother, held so dear, 
 
 Was laid away to rest 
 Within the cold and silent tomb, 
 
 The dearest and the best. 
 
 But Oh, to leave her own sweet babe, 
 
 So soon to close her eyes, 
 As it came her earthly home to bless, 
 
 A cherub from the skies. 
 
 And lovingly it nestled there, 
 
 Close to her bosom prest, 
 Printing a soft kiss on its cheek, 
 
 She gently sank to rest. 
 
 An angel mother hovers near, 
 
 And whispers to each heart, 
 Be gentle to my little boy, 
 
 And act the mother's part. 
 
82 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 TO MY BROTHER GEORGE. 
 
 I think of the 3 at the sunset hour 
 
 When the twilight shadows fall, 
 When the little birds seek each bower, 
 
 And darkness creeps o'er all. 
 
 I think of thee when the beautiful moon 
 Looks down on the earth so bright, 
 
 Chasing the darkness away so soon, 
 With its soft and silvery light. 
 
 Oh, then I recall thy image dear, 
 
 Under the starlit sky, 
 And feel down my cheek the falling tear,. 
 
 Upheaved by the inward sigh. 
 
 For thou art away, away, away, 
 
 Over the rolling sea, 
 Dear brother, how long hath seemed thy stay,. 
 
 Whenever we think of thee. 
 
 Thou comest not when the beautiful spring 
 
 Is decked in flowery bloom, 
 Thou comest not when the summer birds sing, 
 
 And the air is filled with perfume. 
 
 Thou comest not when the autumn is near, 
 
 Nipping the beautiful flowers, 
 Thou comest not when the winter drear 
 
 Hath stripped the leaves from the bowers.. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 83 
 
 Thou cdmest not, all the weary round, 
 
 As each rolling year goes by, 
 And yet no tidings of thee is found, 
 
 How then can our eyes be dry ? 
 
 Oh, can it be that thy life is o'er, 
 
 And thou hath ceased to be ? 
 Oh, can it be that thou art no more, 
 
 When we hear no more of thee ? 
 
 Oh, can it be, in a distant land, 
 Ere thy life hath gained its noon ? 
 
 Oh, can it be that some stranger hand 
 Hath made thy grave so soon ? 
 
 And yet where'er thy footsteps roam, 
 
 Whatever our thoughts of the 
 
 &' 
 
 >e, 
 
 There's a lingering hope thou wilt return 
 To the loved ones waiting for thee. 
 
 II ROT HER, (X) ME HOME. 
 
 Come home, come home, dear brother, 
 We've waited long for thee, 
 
 Why do thy footsteps linger 
 Afar from home and me ? 
 
 Come home, come home, dear brother 
 The flowers are blooming now, 
 
84 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Oh, come before they wither, 
 And earth is white with snow. 
 
 Come home, come home, dear brother, 
 The years have seemed so long 
 
 Since last Ave met, and mother, 
 
 'Twonld make her well and strong, 
 
 To see thy face, dear brother, 
 Now in thy manhood's prime, 
 
 Her eldest boy — her other 
 
 Grown through the lapse of time. 
 
 Come home, come home, dear brother, 
 Each loved one waits to greet 
 
 Thy coming, brother, sister 
 Will place for thee a seat. 
 
 So come, come home, dear brother, 
 Come to the hearts that wait 
 
 With mingled joy and pleasure 
 Thy entrance at the gate. 
 
 BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. 
 
 TO MRS. A. J. C. 
 
 Lilies of the valley, 
 Blue forget-me-not, 
 
 Roses sweet and lovely 
 Have a charming spot, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 85 
 
 Where our thoughts will cluster, 
 
 Where our loves appear, 
 80 be this thy birthday, 
 
 Happiest of the year, 
 
 Bringing thoughts of heaven, 
 
 One year nearer home, 
 One year nearer singing 
 
 In fields of endless bloom. 
 
 LITTLE EARL 
 
 Sweet little bud of promise rare, 
 
 How sad were the hearts that mourn, 
 
 As death hushed the music of thy voice 
 That beautiful Sabbath morn. 
 
 But sadder still, the father kind, 
 As he hastened the wear} r way, 
 
 Only to find the sweet life gone 
 Where the empty casket lay. 
 
 Mute the loved ones, in silent grief, 
 
 Under the shadow that fell 
 Over a bright and happy home, 
 
 For the child they loved, so well. 
 
 fVhen June, with its wealth of roses, came. 
 
 Oat from its threshold fair, 
 The mother Avent with her darling boy 
 
 To visit friends afar. 
 
86 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 But sickness came at the journey's end, 
 The little one drooped at even, 
 
 At morn like dewdrop on the rose 
 Exhaled, went back to heaven. 
 
 Dear little Earl, with laughing eye, 
 And dimpled smile so sweet, 
 
 Sorely and sadly they miss thee now, 
 And the patter of little feet. 
 
 But all resigned to a Father's will, 
 Those stricken ones can say, 
 
 Our darling is safe, we shall meet again 
 In the light of an endless day. 
 
 TO A FRIEND. 
 
 Oh, summer days, bright summer days, 
 That come and go in wide arrange 
 
 Of rain and shine, of heat and cold, 
 The seasons' interchange. 
 
 The verdure of the meadows fair, 
 The foliage of the forest green, 
 
 The hills and valleys, birds and flowers 
 Present a charming scene, 
 
 As here I sit with pen in hand, 
 And look afar in distant view, 
 
 And wonder if the city grand 
 Holds me a friend so true. 
 
OEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 87 
 
 ' TO MRS. FRANK W. S., 
 
 ON THE OCCASION OF HER MARRIAGE. 
 
 Why is it that I miss thee now, 
 
 And thou so far away ? 
 Yes, miss thee now, a loving friend, 
 
 Grown dearer day by day. 
 
 When friendship wove its brightest wreath 
 
 Those joyous summer hours 
 That hath so sadly sped away 
 
 With all its birds and liowers. 
 
 But then the promise long deferred 
 
 I could not well fulfill, 
 To tread with thee those lowly mounds 
 
 That dot the graveyard hill. 
 
 For other duties called away, 
 
 And occupied each thought, 
 While round thy heart a golden chain 
 
 Love's magic ringers wrought. 
 
 I saw the lovelight in thine eye, 
 
 The blushes on thy cheek, 
 Perchance it was because thy heart 
 
 Was then too full to speak. 
 
 I knew not that another love 
 Had won thy heart away, 
 
88 GEMS FKOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 And thou wouldst be a happy bride 
 On an approaching day. 
 
 I knew not that I soon should stand 
 Among thy chosen friends, 
 
 And witness there the marriage vow 
 That love in union blends. 
 
 Thy father's home, close by my own, 
 Hath lost its brightest gem, 
 
 In thee, the last and only one, 
 Plucked from the parent stem. 
 
 There came on that September morn 
 
 A shadow o'er thy home, 
 And there were cloudlets in the air, 
 
 That veiled the heavens' blue dome. 
 
 Thy father clasped thee to his breast, 
 While scarce an eye was dry, 
 
 As struggling hard to give thee up, 
 He spoke the last good-bye. 
 
 Though full of joy and happiness 
 When the last kiss was given, 
 
 He made thine eyes o'erflow with tears, 
 As home's sweet ties were riven. 
 
 And he could only breathe a prayer 
 That God would shield from harm, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT". 89 
 
 And keep thee 'neath his watchful care, 
 His all-protecting arm. 
 
 Then may thy path be strewed with flowers 
 
 Where'er thy footsteps roam, 
 And may love crown thy happier hours 
 
 Now in thy Western home.. 
 
 TO S. A. G. 
 
 'Tis hard to part from those we love, 
 And leave the friends we hold so dear,. 
 
 As they to distant climes remove, 
 And we are left to linger here. 
 
 'Tis hard to take the parting hand, 
 And feel that we no more may meet, 
 
 Then let us seek that better land 
 
 Where we again our friends shall greet.. 
 
 For when this changeful life is o'er, 
 We know there is a brighter home 
 
 Where we shall live to die no more, 
 And pain nor parting cannot come. 
 
 In that blest world of peace and joy, 
 Far, far above the heavens' blue dome, 
 
 Aye, we shall know each other there, 
 Where white-robed angels love to roam. 
 
 7 
 
90 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF 1HOUGHT. 
 
 And those who live for God shall dwell 
 In that bright world beyond the sky ; 
 
 Its endless joys we cannot tell 
 Till earth is closed to mortal eye. 
 
 Then think of this when far away, 
 Remembered at a throne of grace,. 
 
 Whatever trials cross life's way, 
 
 Our Father's guiding hand we trace. 
 
 THE MOTHER AND HER BABE. 
 
 I saw a fair and lovely sight, 
 
 A mother with her babe, 
 Walk forth bright as the morning light, 
 
 Bathed in its sunlit wave. 
 
 A sweet young babe of winning grace, 
 
 With laughing eyes of blue 
 Lay nestling on her loving breast, 
 
 A picture fair and true. 
 
 And as 1 saw its dimpled smile, 
 
 So pure and undeiiled, 
 I thought heaven had one cherub less, 
 
 And earth an angel child. 
 
 The mother's heart beat high with joy 
 
 Within her happy home, 
 As she beheld the infant bud 
 
 Unfolding into bloom. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 91 
 
 Baby's first look, baby's first word, 
 
 Baby's first step the while, 
 Approaching with a tender kiss, 
 
 That loving hearts beguile. 
 
 And in that mother, in that babe, 
 
 An inward beauty gleams, 
 A glimpse into heaven's fairer home, 
 
 Where love immortal blooms. 
 
 And so one happy year ago, 
 
 One bright October day, 
 When trees were decked in red and gold, 
 
 Louisa came this way. 
 
 TO KITTLE P. 
 
 Kittie, I seem to tell thy thoughts, 
 
 And know you feel for me, 
 Because I cannot hear thy voice, 
 
 Nor music glad and free. 
 
 But look beyondjthis'vale of tears 
 
 Upon the shining^plain, 
 Up where the*heavenly anthems swell, 
 
 I'm sure I'll hear again. 
 
 The world is bright and beautiful, 
 Enough to cheer the heart, 
 
 But Oh, I love that happy home 
 Where we shall never part. 
 
92 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT- 
 
 My heart is just as light and free, 
 
 As joyous as thine own, 
 Although I cannot even hear 
 
 Thy kind and gentle tone. 
 
 I am contented with my lot, 
 
 Whatever it may be, 
 Just as my Heavenly Father wills 
 
 Is wise and best for me. 
 
 I cannot train my voice to join 
 With thine in songs of praise, 
 
 As to God's house we oft repair 
 Those holy Sabbath days. 
 
 And thinking of the hour of prayer, 
 Where Christians love to meet, 
 
 I long to know those joys that make 
 The Christian's life complete. 
 
 The joy of joining heart and voice 
 
 In unison with those 
 That gather round the mercy seat, 
 
 At Jesus' feet so close. 
 
 'Twould seem so sweet to linger there, 
 
 And for each other pray, 
 And talk of all those heavenly joys 
 
 That brighter make life's way. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 "Will Jesus love me just as well, 
 
 Bid me, a wanderer, come, 
 Though I can never hear them tell 
 
 Of that bright heavenly home ? 
 
 For I'm afraid to live alone, 
 
 Without my Father, God, 
 When*such a beacon light hath shone 
 
 In the path the Saviour trod. 
 
 Dear Kittie, bear me on your heart, 
 While at the throne of grace, 
 
 And pray that we may meet in heaven. 
 And see our Father's face. 
 
 93 
 
 LITTLE ALL//:. 
 
 Sweet girl, sweet little Allie, 
 Ah me, what joy 'twould bring 
 
 To hear, but no, no never, 
 Until in heaven we sing. 
 
 Brimful of love those blue eyes 
 That look into my own, 
 
 Like some fair angel of the skies 
 That down to earth hath flown. 
 
 A BELLLIANT COMET. 
 
 Curious comet, what are yon ? — 
 Pleasing to the eye ; 
 
94 GEMS from the field of thought.. 
 
 What your mission, I would know, 
 What your sphere on high ? 
 
 Men of learning and renown 
 Search with steady gaze 
 
 As you journey nearer earth 
 In a brilliant maze. 
 
 Springing from some unknown depth 
 
 Of the vaulted sky, 
 Starry gems that cluster round 
 
 Doth your light outvie. 
 
 Wonder of the universe, 
 
 The Creator's power 
 Is displayed, while all his works 
 
 Praise him every hour. 
 
 As the future years increase, 
 
 Greater things unfold, 
 But you've vanished from the sight,. 
 
 And your tale is told. 
 
 PART SECOND. 
 
 God made the canopy above, 
 
 And numbers every star, 
 He formed the comet in its place, 
 
 That we behold afar. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 95 
 
 Lengthening out among the stars, 
 
 Harbinger of good or ill, 
 Or roaming like a fiery car, 
 
 Free as the air, at will. 
 
 A mystery for studious thought, 
 
 Remaining for awhile, 
 Then disappearing far beyond 
 
 Where only God can smile. 
 
 Flashing out upon the sky, 
 
 Then flashing into space, 
 Surely God has placed it there, 
 
 And bade it run its race. 
 
 THE BIBLE. 
 
 Oh, what a elepth of wisdom 
 Lies in that holy book, 
 
 A key unto a kingdom, 
 Its mysteries to unlock. 
 
 Full of profoundest knowledge 
 Unstudied ancient lore, 
 
 Philosophers acknowledge, 
 Laid up a golden store. 
 
 O'er all this vast creation 
 We see God's ruling hand 
 
 Pictured by revelation 
 At his express command, 
 
96 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 That speaks with holy meaning, 
 And sets the heart aglow 
 
 In reverence for that Being 
 Who formed all things below. 
 
 It leads us through the ages 
 Back to the scenes of old, 
 
 Through time's eventful changes 
 That light and truth unfold. 
 
 Till we behold with wonder 
 The mighty works of God, 
 
 Performed in all the grandeur 
 Of countless things abroad. 
 
 While in the great beginning 
 
 Our origin we behold, 
 Ere man had fell by sinning, 
 
 And lost the heavenly fold. 
 
 It tells man was created 
 And then in Eden placed, 
 
 A garden cultivated 
 
 With loveliness and grace. 
 
 Before a sin had blighted, 
 
 Or tears of sorrow fell, 
 It tells how God delighted 
 
 In that loved bower to dwell. 
 
OEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 97 
 
 Arfd in that blissful Eden, 
 Heaven's choicest gift to man, 
 
 Enclosed by the Creator 
 
 From all earth's wide domain, 
 
 Of unsurpassing beauty, 
 
 By our first parents trod, 
 Its temples high, and arches, 
 
 Lit by the smile of God, 
 
 Fitted for their enjoyment, 
 
 Made in God's image fair, 
 And graced by angels' presence, 
 
 Enchanting every where, 
 
 Until the cruel tempter, 
 
 With malice in his breast, 
 Envied those beauteous beings 
 
 Whom God had made so blest. 
 
 And then to mar the beauty 
 
 Of that delightful scene, 
 Turned them from God and duty, 
 
 Till darkness came between. 
 
 Oh, what a train of evil 
 
 His track hath left behind, 
 That still adown the ages 
 
 Imprisons all mankind. 
 
 So our first parents, Eden, 
 With its vast world of good, 
 
98 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 That in primeval beauty 
 Close by God's river' stood, 
 
 Was lost to them forever, 
 Guarded by naming sword, 
 
 Because of disobedience 
 Unto their maker, Lord. 
 
 When God drove them to battle 
 With life, and toil and sweat, 
 
 That all along life's pathway 
 In sorrow lingers yet. 
 
 TYPICAL OF THE FIRST GLAD CHRIST- 
 MAS.— A CROSTIC 
 
 Mercy, pleading at God's throne, 
 Encircled heaven and earth, 
 Bound her form love's halo shone 
 Beplete of holier birth, 
 Yearning for our fallen race, 
 
 Cries to God for grace, free grace, 
 Heaven's pure light shone o'er the scene, 
 Bighteousness, midst earthborn sin, 
 Inward strove our souls to win, 
 Should Christ die our souls to save, 
 Through him victor o'er the grave, 
 Mercy conquered, Jesus came, 
 Angels sing, earth caught the flame, 
 Spreading the wondrous story. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 99 
 
 SEBMONS 
 
 OF T. DEWITT TALMAGE. 
 
 He draws the world to Jesus 
 
 By love's all-conquering power ; 
 Through Him, the great Invisible, 
 
 Is speaking every hour. 
 
 'Tis easy to step out of sin 
 
 Into the light of life ; 
 'Tis easy to stand up for God 
 
 Amidst a world of strife. 
 
 If men would only but obey, 
 
 And to the Saviour come, 
 The bugle blast would roll around 
 
 And shout the harvest home. 
 
 The wondrous power of Gospel grace 
 
 Progressing full and free, 
 The glorious teachings of God's love 
 
 On every hand we see, 
 
 Transforming, with its mellow light, 
 
 Each page of life is turned, 
 A healing balm for every wound, 
 
 Where sin and sorrow burned. 
 
 Sermons so rich, so full of good, 
 So wholesome to the soul, 
 
100 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 So easy to be understood, 
 
 That mark life's highest goal. 
 
 Why eves so blind, why ears so deaf, 
 To these rich teachings given ? 
 
 Instruments in the hand of God 
 That point us up to heaven. 
 
 Such tender pathos, burning zeal, 
 Like ripe wheat tinged with gold, 
 
 Is meat and drink to every one 
 Now hungering from the fold. 
 
 The hand of Mercy beckons on 
 
 While it is called to-day ; 
 Catch hold of the sweet manna now 
 
 That falls across thy way. 
 
 Life is uncertain at the most; 
 
 God bids us look, and live ; 
 No sweeter sound to mortal ear 
 
 Than Christ's sweet word — Forgive. 
 
 From wind and storm, from heat and cold, 
 
 He waits to take us in 
 The Rock of Ages, doubly blest, 
 
 Forever saved from sin. 
 
 For here we have no resting place ; 
 Sin -stained, and yet forgiven ; 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 101 
 
 This world it but the school of Christ, 
 To train us up for heaven. 
 
 Heaven, Oh blest, abiding place, 
 
 Its streets all paved with gold, 
 The Tree of Life, sweet fields of bloom ; 
 
 Oh, come to Jesus' fold. 
 
 LITTLE SUSLE. 
 
 Like an opening rosebud 
 
 In love's diadem, 
 Drinking in the sunshine, 
 
 Sparkling like a gem, 
 
 Is sweet little Susie, 
 "With her eyes of blue, 
 
 With her merry laughter, 
 Cheeks of pinkest hue, 
 
 As she comes on tiptoe 
 Close beside my chair, 
 
 With her mouth wide open. 
 Whispering sugar. 
 
 Winsome little Susie, 
 Just four summers old ; 
 
 No, I would not spoil her, 
 No, I could not scold. 
 
102 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 'Tis a dainty morsel, 
 And she loves it, too ; 
 
 But I must be cautious, 
 Lest I overdo. 
 
 Let her love the sunshine, 
 Let her drink the dew 
 
 Of a happy childhood, 
 Ever pure and true. 
 
 CHRISTMAS DAI. 
 
 Children, sing a Christmas carol, 
 'Tis our Master's natal day, 
 
 Gather round in happy numbers, 
 Leave the cares of earth away. 
 
 On this joyous Christmas morning 
 All God's loving mercies scan, 
 
 With it came the greatest blessing 
 God ever conferred on man. 
 
 When those strains of richest music, 
 Floating downward from the sky, 
 
 Brought a train of angels singing, 
 Earthward from their home on high, 
 
 Bearing news of holy meaning, 
 Penetrating sin's dark night 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 103 
 
 With a ray of heavenly splendor, 
 Springing up to life and light. 
 
 For to us was born a Saviour, 
 
 Full of wondrous love and power, 
 
 And He broke our earthly shackles ; 
 With Him came redemption's hour. 
 
 Heaven rejoicing, mortals waken 
 
 At our great .Redeemer's birth ; 
 When He left his Father's glory, 
 
 For our sakes came down to earth. 
 
 Son of God — Oh ! love surpassing, 
 Who can fathom love like this ? 
 
 Fountain head of every blessing, 
 Leading upward unto bliss, 
 
 To a home of joy and gladness, 
 
 Love prepares for you and me, 
 Through our glorious Mediator, 
 
 When from earth and sin we're free. 
 
 Oh, those happy, happy tidings : 
 
 Peace on earth, good will toward men, 
 
 Still ring out throughout the ages ; 
 Let our hearts respond Amen. 
 
 Christmas, crowned with every blessing, 
 Joys that prompt our hearts to sing, 
 
104 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Speak our Heavenly Father's goodness. 
 .Praise to heaven's Eternal King. 
 
 Of all gifts the Father prizes, 
 Of all things our love to prove, 
 
 Let us give our hearts to Jesus 
 For this gift of Jesus love. 
 
 FORGIVENESS. 
 
 Oh, life is fair and beautiful, 
 If we would make it so ; 
 
 And there is much of happiness 
 To learn the secret, too. 
 
 'Midst every earthly trial, 
 Let not thy courage fail, 
 
 But practice self-denial, 
 Thou surely wilt prevail. 
 
 Should slander aim its weapon, 
 And try to bring thee shame, 
 
 And enemies through malice 
 Kindle its deadly flame, 
 
 Virtue will hold its vigils 
 O'er thy defenseless head, 
 
 And speed the bitter slander 
 Back to from whence it sped.^ 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 105 
 
 Contentment hath its dwelling 
 
 In a forgiving breast, 
 But slander, oft revengeful, 
 
 Is of no peace possest. 
 
 Let not your heart be troubled 
 
 Amid the world's proud scorn, 
 The child that lives for Jesus 
 
 Is a true victor born. 
 
 Faith draws the spirit upward 
 
 To Him that reigns above, 
 "Whose every dispensation 
 
 Is perfected in love. 
 
 Through trials and temptations 
 
 He ever leads us through, 
 And by his Holy Word instructs,. 
 
 And tells us what to do. 
 
 And in that glorious volume, 
 
 Gift of a Father's love, 
 That points poor erring mortal 
 
 Safe to a home above, 
 
 We find life's sweetest lessons, 
 When we have learned to read, 
 
 How Jesus left his Father's throne^ 
 For such to intercede. 
 
 8 
 
106 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 It tells us how the Saviour 
 
 His enemies forgave, 
 The dearest, sweetest token 
 
 That mortal heart can crave. 
 
 Then let us heed the lesson, 
 
 To Jesus look and live, 
 And find amidst life's trials 
 
 'Twis sweeter to forgive. 
 
 ■•IN MY FATHERS HOUSE ARE MANY 
 
 MANSIONS:'— St. John 14 : 2. 
 
 I'm thinking of my Father's home, 
 
 And of those mansions bright, 
 Of Jesus and the white robed-throng 
 
 Within a world of light. 
 
 I'm thinking of the pearly gates 
 Where loved ones enter through, 
 
 And of the Saviour's pleading voice, 
 That welcomes me and you. 
 
 I'm thinking of the city fair, 
 
 Its streets o'erlaid with gold, 
 The tree of life, the crystal stream, 
 
 So beautous to behold. 
 
 I'm thinking of the bleeding Lamb, 
 Who bought that priceless home, 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 107 
 
 jRedeemed us by his precious blood, 
 Safe from the wrath to come, 
 
 That now awaits us in the sky, 
 
 If we but look and live ; 
 Eepent, believe, a crown of life 
 
 To every one he'll give. 
 
 Oh, glorious hope, Oh, blissful thought, 
 
 To think there is a home 
 Forever free from sin and death, 
 
 Bright with immortal bloom. 
 
 Come unto me, I'll give you rest, 
 
 I hear the Saviour call, 
 Ye weary, heavy laden, come ; 
 
 The message is to all. 
 
 THE LITTLE SONGSTER. 
 
 Carol sweetly, little bird, 
 
 On yonder tree ; 
 Other ears your songs have heard, 
 
 But not me. 
 
 For, alas, I cannot hear 
 
 Your sweet note, so soft and clear ; 
 It falls not upon my ear 
 
 Glad and free. 
 
108 GEMS FEOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 THE LITTLE GIRLS AND THE EAGLE. 
 
 At Sylvan Beach, two little girls, 
 May Downing and Pearl Klock, 
 
 Went sailing on the lake one day, 
 Where wild waves sometimes rock. 
 
 The beauty of the scenery, 
 
 With nature's charms en wrought, 
 
 As playfully they plied each oar, 
 Engrossed their every thought. 
 
 When suddenly an eagle bold 
 Came swooping o'er their head, 
 
 Frightening the little one's away, 
 Filling each heart with dread. 
 
 Forgetting everything, they sprang 
 
 Into the water cold, 
 And waded quickly to escape 
 
 The eagle's stronger hold. 
 
 They reached the beach in safety, but 
 Their garments soiled and wet, 
 
 That marred the pleasures of the day, 
 Occasioned some regret. 
 
 Under a clump of bushes near 
 They hid themselves from view, 
 
 Fearing again to venture forth, 
 Again their sail renew. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 109 
 
 Their little boat deserted lay, 
 
 And from a distance seen, 
 The father near his cottage door 
 
 Felt apprehension keen. 
 
 As he no trace of them could find, 
 
 Where could the children be ? 
 Or was their little boat capsized, 
 
 And hushed their mirthful glee ? 
 
 While many a troubled thought of ill 
 Was crossing through his mind, 
 
 Prompted by fear hastened round 
 The little ones to find. 
 
 They heard the music of his voice, 
 
 And, answering to his call, 
 Emerged from out their hiding place, 
 
 And told their story all. 
 
 THE YOUNG ASPIRANT. 
 
 A TRUE STORY. 
 
 Upon Virginia's mountains grand 
 Once roamed a barefoot boy 
 
 Of earnest thought and steady aim, 
 So full of life and ioy. 
 
110 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 He grew in rustic loveliness, 
 
 For nature made him fair, 
 Bright as the daisied blossoms round,, 
 
 Or birds in summer air. 
 
 And this young lad of Runnymead 
 
 Went whistling at his plow 
 More than a score of years ago, 
 
 Close at the mountain's brow. 
 
 The sun shone on his flaxen hair, 
 
 And lit it up with gold, 
 He carried in his youthful breast 
 
 A gem of worth untold. 
 
 Although his home was humble then 
 His heart was light and free, 
 
 He loved to scale those mountains grand 
 In boyish pride and glee. 
 
 They called him Apple-pie Ridger 
 
 Because of courage bold, 
 In every hazardous attempt 
 
 He never lost his hold. 
 
 For somewhere near his boyhood's home,. 
 
 'Mid scenes he loved so well, 
 There was an Apple-pie Ridge known, 
 
 Named by some magic spell. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. Ill 
 
 The sturdy yeoman of that day 
 They loved this mountain child, 
 
 True to himself, he oft confessed 
 That he was wayward wild. 
 
 And in the picture of that boy 
 
 We see the future man, 
 Curbing his will to run life's race, 
 
 And every battle scan. 
 
 His was the brow of genius rare, 
 
 Endowed with golden thought, 
 That won the prize in after years 
 
 In richer colors wrought. 
 
 As with a touch of youthf al pride 
 
 He pictured well the day 
 When he would rise to wealth and fame 
 
 In grand America. 
 
 Or climbing up life's rugged steep, 
 
 Sledge hammer in his hand, 
 He hewed away each stumbling block 
 
 To build a fortune grand. 
 
 But when at manhood's early dawn 
 
 He on life's threshold stood, 
 And sought in life's broad arena 
 
 The meed of future good, 
 
112 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Adversities came thick and fast, 
 And strewed his path with thorns, 
 
 He shrank not frum the withering blast 
 That proud ambition scans. 
 
 With nerve and plnck and energy 
 
 He mastered every ill, 
 And with heroic strength o'ercame 
 
 Life's duties to fulfil. 
 
 And when misfortune swept away 
 
 The little all he had, 
 And humiliation filled his breast, 
 
 It could not make him sad. 
 
 Undaunted, with a high resolve, 
 
 He rose above the tide, 
 And won a name, and wealth and fame, 
 
 Safe on the other side. 
 
 Was there not something beautiful 
 
 About this noble youth, 
 Imbued with early principles, 
 
 A love of home and truth. 
 
 Assiduous to his parents clear, 
 The joy that manhood gives, 
 
 He well repaid in filial fear, 
 And loved their peerless lives. 
 
GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 113 
 
 A father's pride, a mother's joy, 
 
 They taught him lessons true, 
 That in the rugged walks of life 
 
 Would lead him victor through. 
 
 That father lies beneath the sod, 
 
 That mother later on 
 Passed peacefully from earth away 
 
 With blessings on her son. 
 
 But God, who calls each loved one home, 
 From earth, storm tempest driven, 
 
 Comforts his sorrowing children with 
 The future bliss of heaven. 
 
 Beneath mount Hebron's daisied slope 
 
 Those honored parents lie, 
 Their lives the fairest monument, 
 
 Whose virtues never die. 
 
 And Parson Fries, who taught in school 
 
 Those ringing words, Do right ! 
 Beholds him now in after years, 
 
 And crowned with honor bright. 
 
 So there he stands in manly strength, 
 
 Of what hard work can do, 
 Blended with love and temperance, 
 
 And kindly nature too. 
 
114 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 Ambition is the richest tree 
 On which industry grows, 
 
 And, watered by the sweat of years, 
 At last with wealth o'erflows. 
 
 Then would you know this little boy 
 Now grown to man's estate, 
 
 And wonder at the good success 
 That made him good and great. 
 
 Go to the great metropolis 
 You'll see a vast warehouse, 
 
 Its enterprising owner once 
 Was little Charlie Rouss. 
 
 MUSIC. 
 
 The music others love to hear 
 
 I cannot call my own, 
 For no loved voices greet my ear, 
 
 And no kind gentle tone, 
 
 Waken soft echoes to my heart, 
 That seems so long forgot, 
 
 But memories linger round me still 
 That time can never blot. 
 
 The inner chambers of the soul 
 O'erflow with songful thought, 
 
GEMS FKOM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 115 
 
 And reaching far beyond control 
 Have richer music wrought. 
 
 But then, there is no outlet through 
 
 Those avenues so strong 
 Pent up within the heart and mind 
 
 That fain would burst in song. 
 
 Sweet memories of the long ago 
 
 Will bring the silent tear, 
 I was so happy then, but now 
 
 No voices greet my ear. 
 
 It seems so much like solitude, 
 
 Each passing day to feel, 
 No music in its gentle strains 
 
 Over my spirit steal. 
 
 LITTLE II A TTIE. 
 
 With the first April flowers 
 Dear Hattie passed away, 
 
 To dwell within the sunlight 
 Of an eternal day. 
 
 A bud of rarest promise 
 
 Unfolding into bloom, 
 'Twas hard for them to see her die, 
 
 The light and joy of home. 
 
116 GEMS FROM THE FIELD OF THOUGHT. 
 
 WHAT IS CHARITY? 
 
 OR A LESSON TO BEGGARS. 
 
 Charity dwells in the bosom of love, 
 Heaven's sweet gift to the children of men, 
 Armed with shield of forgiveness and peace, 
 EeachiDg its hands to the helpless and lame, 
 Lifting the weakest of toilers, and then 
 Entering the homes of sick and sorrowing, 
 Scattering sunshine with gifts of its own. 
 
 But there's a limit that idlers should know, 
 Eoaming the streets for a cent or a dime, 
 Over the city and country they go 
 Asking for aid, oft considered a crime ; 
 Driven by idleness to poverty's shame, 
 Wishing for that which would tarnish a name, 
 Aimless and shiftless, a beggarly show, 
 Yet not a gift will good fortune bestow. 
 
 Riches must come by the sweat of the brow r , 
 Order and neatness and labor will win 
 Under the guidance of industry's hand. 
 Such are life's lessons that idlers should heed, 
 Seeking for money when sorely in need. 
 
GEMS FROM THEFIELD OF THOUGHT. 117 
 
 THE BALLOON. 
 
 Floating on its serial voyage, 
 
 Like a speck high in the air, 
 Million faces upward turning 
 
 To behold the wonder there. 
 
 Who could dream of man's invention 
 Traveling through the realms of space ? 
 
 Who could dream Miss Nellie Thurston 
 Should attain so high a place ? 
 
 Higher than the highest mountains, 
 Higher than the clouds that float, 
 
 Magnanimous in its structure, 
 Sailing like a tiny boat. 
 
 Man unskilled is skilled by wisdom, 
 
 Wonderful to human view, 
 Delving in the depths of knowledge 
 
 For some trophy strange and new. 
 
 Wonderful to human vision 
 
 Of the wisdom God doth give, 
 Prophetic of future greatness 
 
 That the humblest can achieve.