': - '^, ''^'^^^^^ ■..^^>^-W" or TIR¥irH, II T ai^^/ G/taumati tc/. RUDD & CARLETON, 130 GRAND STREET. MDCCCLXI. ^ f^ ty.^P^J Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by In the Clerk's Office o* the District Court of the United States fcr the Southern District of New York. 2 3S~S 3 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. €>miuU. Advanced in Life 30 Admiration 30 Acquaintance 32 Advice 34 As Gently Falls 44 As Age Entwines 45 Admonition 57 A Night Thought 59 Adieu 65 An Interrogation Point 69 All is for Thee 74 All Is for the Best 75 As Soars the Eagle 79 Be Thou as Kind 22 Beware 38 Bereavement 40 Before Marriage 55 Bridal Q5 Blasted Hopes Q5 Bre vis ~ 72 Christian Eesignation 22 Consolation 27 Constancy 35 Contentment 52 Coquetry 55 Charity 57 Cupid and the Rose 62 Christian Duty 84 Delight [. 24 Dedication 27 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Deceived 28 Despair 35 Dost Love .' 36 Dedication 37 Departure 45 Dedication 47 Dear Wife 51 Dedication 57 Disappointed Love 64 Dedication 67 Dear Sister 71 Dedication 77 Dark Thoughts 83 Eloquence of Silence 19 Eternal Bliss 22 Ecstacy 46 Experience 61 Eloquent Eyes 61 Espoused 73 Esteem 78 Furled 39 Friendship 42 Friendship Mutable 56 Friendship's Reward 58 Friendship Unfathomable 62 For Thou Dear Friend 72 Forget Me 79 For Thy Sake 83 First Love S6 Grief 29 Gladden Her Path 56 Give Me A Friend 78 Go Forth 86 How Sad It Is 20 Have Pity 24 Honor 35 Hope and Truth 41 How I Would Die 76 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Home 82 Happy He 85 Impromptu 18 I've Dwelt 21 I Ask Thee Not 21 I'll Not Forget 23 I Know Thee Not 23 Infinite Love 29 Important 29 If I Should Say 33 Invalid 43 In Sadness 52 If Thou Hast A Friend 55 I Think of Thee 59 I Cannot Say More 60 I Am Your Friend 72 Impending Strife 74 Influence 78 Indisposition 79 Just Hint Reproof 26 Judge Me 38 Justice 66 Judge Thou 82 Kind Wishes 41 Kalos 58 Love 17 Love's Influence 18 Love's Resurrection , 20 Let Friendship Pure 23 Love Doubted 28 Life Is Short 50 Look Not Back 61 Love Desired 70 Lingering Sweets 84 Life A Mystery 85 'Mid Toil and Care 36 Music 37 My Daughter 46 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Maternal Bereavement 81 May Every Joy 85 Not Beautiful 26 No Tender Thought 68 Neglect 71 Not Joy but Strife 83 Nuptial 84 Oh, Would That 1 36 Our Youth Has Fled 70 Peace Be Thine 32 Past Delight 38 Proposal 45 Prove That You Take It 48 Parental 48 Promise - 53 Pure Woman's Love 53 Prayer 53 Parting Words 59 Pen, Ink and Paper 68 Prayer for Health 76 Prove True 80 Quodlibet 24 Quip 25 Reciprosity , 30 Eejoioe 37 Rapture 44 Regret 47 Remembrance 56 Retirement 69 Rejected Love 75 Sympathy Is Joy 19 Still True 27 Slighted Friendship 28 Swerve Not 39 So Live 40 Scholastic 43 Secret Thought 47 Sweet Bondage 50 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Sympathy 63 Sadness 66 Saddn'd Joy 67 So Does Thy Voice 70 Seeking A Friend 71 Sacrifice , 73 Such Bliss as Oar's 74 Sad Thoughts 77 Sweet Memories 77 Summon A Tear 80 Secret Hope 81 So Love Thou Me 82 'Tis Bliss to Have 18 Through Joy and Grief 5>6 Then Pause and Think 31 Thy Will Be Done 33 The Wife 34 Though to Another 39 Think of Me 41 Three Words 48 Tell Me 49 There is An Hour. 50 The Double State 51 Thouglits of the Past 54 Trace One Thought 60 That Power is God 62 Tired of Life 64 Two Wishes 64 'Tis Well at Times 66 Thy Voice 75 Time 80 Think Not of Me 82 Utopian 49 Unknown 62 Virtue and Truth 25 Virulence 76 What I Bring 19 Well Be It So 20 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. What the Muse Said 2 Woman's Smile 31 What is the Use 31 When Death Assails 32 Where and What Is It 40 Will Constant Wear 43 Which Proves 46 When Mind Denies 49 Wait 54 We May Be Friends 58 Waiting 73 Why So Sad 81 Xeros 21 Xanthippe 69 Years Have Past 44 Yield to Me 60 Your Smile To Me 67 Zealotry ,,,,,,,, 86 Pi^rielliiiwiii^* Introduction 9 Origin of the Album 10 " Ten Commandments" to be Observed in Album- Writing . 12 Hints ]3 W:' GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. iiite0*wi^tl0ji. ) N presenting this rolume to his patrons, the author feels confident, that he has supplied a need, long felt in the social circle, as it is obvious, that an Album Writer has now become an indispensable necessity among young people, which has never yet, to his knowledge, been met in any form whatever , and in consequence, the many who are at times so urgently requested by their friends, to " write in my Album," find themselves at fault, and many often compelled to select merely an ordinary poem — having no relation whatever to the writer, or the one to whom it is addressed, — simply because none other, more suitable, could just then be found. It is in view of these facts, that this collection of " gems" have been prepared with the utmost care, that every conceivable disposition, and condition of person may be suited ; a task far more difficult, and of greater magnitude than would at first glance appear, and in- volving, to a certain degree, a reiteration of sentiment, differing to all appearance, only in language or metrical construction, which cannot be avoided. This fact the critic should remem- ber, and not review this work as he would an epic, or even a collection of miscellaneous poems, in which versatility is at least expected, and anything like a repetition of thought, sen- timent, or imagery, is to be carefully avoided ; for this is no such collection of poems, and therefore must not be condemned, for a marked peculiarity, which he, who reads to select, will the most commend. With these few necessary remarks, the work is submitted, without further hesitation, to all those who feel interested, " May their name be Legion !" GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. #rtgitj of tto gvlljum. ) CCORDING to Brand, the Album originated among the Romans, and almost coeval with their earliest history. It appears to have been a custom among them, to record the edics of the Praetor — or Magistrate,— on a ivhite board, or slab ofs/one, called the " PRiETOR's Album" — derived from Albus, meaning white, — for the information of the public functionaries, and thus promulgated to the people, who held its precepts in almost as much reverence as we do those of the Bible. It afterwards became a sort of Register, on which the names of all public oflficials, and all government documents were recorded and preserved. Thisof course was anterior to the most primitive form of printing. This custom seems to have been then in- troduced by them into other countries^ and thus descended to the Gauls, and so in the course of time adopted by several European powers as a *' Court Register" in which the auto- graphs of all foreigners of distinction, and celebrated persons who were admitted to Sovereign presence, were with all due formality entered, as in our public institutions of the present day. This was when the white boards, and slabs of stone were en- tirely interdicted, and the Album had become a noble volume of vellum, bound in carved board covers, beautifully ornamented and secured with clasps of gold. Like all other fashions and forms countenanced by Royal favor, this of the Album soon became a source of individual gratification and emulation, though confined to the several Courts of Europe. Immense sums were at times expended upon it ; and thus was it presented to the noble visitors and friends to receive their GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. autographs, to which the writer sometimes appended a few brief words of gratulatioD, or perhaps some gracious compliment in the shape of a couplet, if the writer chanced to be a poet, or the friend of a poet, it did not matter which, so long as the owner of the autograph received the credit, which was always the case. And thus it passed from the Court, to the nobility in general, until these latter days, when we find it, from being a means of disseminating magistral edicts, and the primeval form of public record, the receptacle cf kind words of" Love, Friendship, Sympathy, and Truth," from the Relative, the Friend, or the Lover, as it chance may be, and the favorite casket of the ladies of all nations — none more than our own, who hold it almost as sacred, as the Romans did tleir " Pr&ior Album," GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. ^ HINKING it may not be out of place, a few Rules and Hints, are herewith given, for general observance. The rules have been suggested in the preparation of this volume, as also by the fact, that they are almost invar- iably neglected by Album Writers, who seem to consider them of secondary importance. The hints, are such, as have been found to meet general approval. Allow none but your best friends to contribute. Be brief and perspicuous in all you write. Care should be taken with the punctuation. Do not fail to use quotation points (see p. 40,) where the con- tribution is not original. Emphasize all particular paragraphs or words, by drawing one or two lines beneath them. Fail not to Dedicate the Album — on the first page — before you present it. Give strict attention to the rule, that what you write is written with the greatest possible skill, and beyond all question grammatical. Hold the Album no longer in your possession than is ab- solutely necessary to insert your contribution. In no case extend the privilege of contributing to your friends, without the express consent, or at the request of the owner. Judicious selection — that what you write is only applicable to yourself or the one to whom it is addressed — is of the first importance. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM mu. PRESSED leaf or flower, if of pa~(icular interest, is sometimes inserted, by making two orifices in the pafi:e, and neatly inserting the stem. Clusters of cards are usually drawn on several pages, for autographs, designed according to taste. Specimens of skill with the pencil are often contributed, as meraontos by the skillful. Small photographs, prepared by an artist for the purpose, are now sometimes inserted, over the article or autograph con- tributed. A drop of mucilage will keep them in place. These hints form graceful additions to the Album, on'y when followed with discretion. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 17 §nt. And such is woman's love, That when once 'rousGd within her trusting heart, It knows no bounds in pleasure, or in pain ; She f jels such gratitude to him she loves, That any sacrifice is none too great For her to make, before this shrine of worth, By her erected, and by her preserved / Her rich imagination first depicts, In colors bright, a form so beautiful, With attributes so high, that soon her soul Unconsciously of it an idol makes, And low before it bows in ceaseless praise, And adoration so exalted, that She loses all of self— aye, e'en forgets The sin committed 'gainst the Lord, who saith : — " No other God before me shall thou havCf N'or any graven image shalf thou make, That is in heaven above, or earth beneath ; Nor shalt thou bow thyself before them down, To serve Ihcm, or to worship them, as Me /" In the great fulness of her love, She seeks, and finds it in her ev'ry joy, The object and completion of her life, The grand perfection of her better self. And for the consummation of this end, She, without murmuring will patient bear, More than her measure of what ive call woe. And laugh at obstacles, which would appal The stoutest heart of man — the type of strength — Because she suffers for the one she loves ! 18 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. An unseen pow'r there is, that binds The tendrils of the human heart, Thus souls in silence oft commune, Tho' space may hold them far apart ; So let it be, with thou, and I, Though fate perchance may sever ; That unseen tie, shall faithful bind My heart to thine, for ever. A place in thy mem'ry, A prayer in thy heart, A smile at our greeting, A tear when we part ; Is all that I ask — or, A true friend can give ; These, thou shalt have ever, So long as I live. 'Tis bliss, to have a dear loved friend, One whom the heart doth choose. To whom we can disclose the soul. And in whose joys, our woes we lose : 'Tis sweeter still to have him near, When life seems worthless, vain, and cold, That he may to his strong true heart, Our aching brow in comfort fold. Such friend be thou, my future share. Be thine my joy ! — and mine thy care I GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 19 Thy sympathy is joy : — thy friendship a treasure, Both yield to existence celestial pleasure, Thy smib so alluring, with sweets overflowing, While it adds to thy charms, new joy is bestowing. Ah ! happy is he, who this treasure possesses. It makes glad the heart, while the soul it caresses. Gives tone to each tho't, when the mind is most fet'r'd ; In fine — by thy presence, my whole being is bet'r'd ! mux i irtB0. Some bring you flowers to adorn, Your bosom and your hair ; While others tender brilliant gems. More valuable than fair : I bring no gem by lucre bought, Nor bud from Nature's bower. But fjivc you, Friendship pure and strong. Worth more than gem, or flower ! Oft' when the heart would tell the most. The tongue lies dumb and still ; Yet with vain flattery ai.d boast, Huge tomes, the fool might fill ! Thus dumb am I : — for though my mind. And heart are deeply stirr'd. With tender scenes— and thoughts of thee, I can not write a word. Let silence then, plead my sweet cause, I wait thine answer, and — here pause. 20 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Wtll i* it jg«. Well, be it so : — no more shall I, Seek to distress thee with my woe ; Our plighted troth, thou'lt soon forget, And on the past, no thought bestow. I ne'er can love again, my hearts too true To thee, whom I once deemed so fair, Possessed of soul 'twould patient bear, My woes — and joys as gladly share, E'en all eternity through : — Alas ! I was deceived, and now must sever Our love . — Farewell, we part for ever I Ah ! well it all at length is o'er, The pang of dissolution now is past. But why, in pity, hath not God ordained, That love, a resurrection too should know ? For then, how glad would be the soothing tho't, That I, through all eternity might live, And quaff again the bliss thy smile once gave. i«rw M& it M»- How sad it is, at eve to sit, And watch the twilight coming on ; And mark the shadows as they flit. But a short time and then are gone : So like to friends in childhood met, Who flutter in life's early day; So like to them — they soon forget, And pass as ev'ning shades away ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 21 Thou art on memory a blot, Which mu t each act of mine control, In losing thee, I've lost my life, And may, perchance, lose mere — wy soul! Would thou hadst taught me but to hate, Had taught my heart /him own disdain^ Had turned its warmest tide to ice, As thou hast turned each joy^ to pain. i %%i mu i0t. I ask thee not for words of love, By fond affection taught, For they, alas ! have ceased to please, And to me now are naught. For I am old — my pulse beat slow. My blood can ne'er regain. The warmth of youth — nor e'er be stir'd By passions wilful flame : Be thou to me, a dear loved child, All innocence and truth, And I'll assume a father's charge. And bless thy joyous youth. W^t J writ I've dwelt in many a foreign clime, And sailed o'er many a sea ; I've won from pouting lips a smile, While fond eyes beamed on me, But naught hath proved so blissful e'er, As one fond word from thee, my dear. 22 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. God gave man gems and jewels rare, He gave him light, he gave him air, And ail that earth possesses lair, To cheer life's fleeting hour : But Lone so sweet, ol'all he gave. For which the soi .1 of man doth crave, As Friendship's hallow'd po-Aer: Be thou as kind as God, and bless Me with thy frie..dshiy's fond caress ! Ah ! may your life, fair maiden, be A dream, from care and sorrow free ; May ev'ry joy that love can yield, Be to guiless heart revealed ; May faith, and nope, and wisdom lead, While o'er life's trackless tide you speed, Until the voyage of life is done, And you eternal bliss have won I Who can this weary life enjoy. Where all is griet and endless woe? Where all is cons ant care and strife, A I d fear of death — man's dreaded foe? To me 'tis sweet to contemplate. My pending flight from earth to heav'n, Where peace, and joy, my soul awaits, And endless life, through Christ is giv'n ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 23 i ia»M> mu lot. I know thee not, yet gladly drop, An ink-gem on this pure white sheet, So that if Me, in future years, Should ever chance, as friends, to meet, May know each other, by the sign, I now in candor give to thee, May St thou he happy, till we greety Be that hut in eternity, g'll §01 lufflrt. We all have moments when the heart, From life, turns with disdain ; And in communings sweet with self. Forgets each worldly pain ; Remembers only friends, and scenes, Forever from us fled. Like jewels precious, long since lost. Or hopes laid with the dead, — O'er which we drop a silent tear. Of sorrow and regret, At such a moment, think of me, For I'll not thee forget. Let Friendship pure, with magic might. Wield o'er your soul its sweet delight, And be your guiding star : For of life's charms, it is the best, 'Twill cheer, and sooth your heart to rest. No matter where you are. 24 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. The flowrets fair, are prized by thee, While blooming', dear, in Juno ; Thou lovest their bright velvet folds, And gladdening perfume, E'en so do I, them highly prize. Still, of all flowrets bright, Thou art the fairest lo ray gaze, My soul's endear 'd delight. They say I am graceful, Accomplished, and fair ; But why possess beauty, Which no one will share ? My voice too — they flatter, Is charming and clear, But I'm weary of singing, When no beaux are near ! Will no one have pity On this poor lone ' ' dear F" Thou badest me live, when Health's fair hand With ruddy color ting'd thy cheek. When youth was thine, and impulse high From lip, and eye, did ever .speak ; And live I will, for thee, and lo^e, While ambition prompts me to dare All — even death — that I may win, A name, most fating thee to wear. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM 25 0! Muse, Of all tlie themes that ever swept thy lyre, And filled the poet's soul with metred fire. There's none, so all important as this last, Which chance, upon its golden strings hath cast I I've called the oft' unto mine humble aid. And sweet petitions 'fore thy presence laid, Presenting always, for thy tunesome lyre, Such themes as only poet's heart inspire, All worthy of thy favor, and thy care. Because pathetic, joyous, grand, or fair ; Yet ne'er before — this I most sagely vow — Was ever Muse, so honored, as art thou, By this, my last appeal, which to be brief, Is to indite a gem, upon this leaf. There, that's the boon : — now, say what shall it be, Muse speaks, dear friend, and says : vi prmjer J or thee P Prize thou thy virtue, and thy truth, More than thou doest the bloom of youth ; For beauty's bloom must soon decay. While truth, and virtue, live for aye ! To those who may chance o'er these pages to glancg, I would say, mistake not the aim. Of the cat, whose poor paw, was once used to draw, The hot nuts from out cf the flame, That's just my case. 26 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Pray keep rmj merrCry green, oh ! Lordj Such is my constant prayer ; I'd have not e'en one green leaf fade. That blooming once was there , Oh! let it as the am'ranth be, E'er blooming fresh and gay, 'Till my mortality hath ceased. And past, my soul a a ay. For so would I, remember thee, dear friend. Through joy and sorrow, ever to the end. ist iaittlJttl. Thou hast not beauty, hast not grace, To win the world to thee, But thou hast intellect supreme, And sweet simplicity : Which proves, thou canst to love impart A spellf that wins both head and heart. Mmt lilt iiepr00l Wilt recollect me should despair My heart distress, — When every hope I once had known. Has to some other bosom flown, To cheer and bless ? Wilt then, pretend to doubi my love^ And stand aloof? And where you now so kindly laud. For sorrows shared, and joys restored, Just hint reproof ? GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. iielliai;ti0i. Within, perhaps, you'll find a gem, That may emotion wake, But should you find much less to move. Esteem all for the sake, — Of those, who have in years long gone, Laid thus, their heart all bare. In words of love, of hope, and joy, Or breathed for thee a prayer ! If thus you'll view their crude attempts^ Their faults as kind excuse, I'll Dedicate, without a sigh, This Book, to thee, and Muse. Dear friend, I'd whisper to thy soul, A word of consolation sweet, Thus drive the canker from thy heart, Made but for Love's, and Joy's retreat; 'Tis this : — I'd tell thee that thou hast, More friends who dearly love thee now, Than what thou hadst, before with grief, Thy soul was made thus low to bow ! mm iw*. Though thy pure heart may be anothers, Though mine, thou now canst never be, Still I will love thee, fond and truly, Aiud my last prayer be said for thee. My life is now a " desert drear," Which was all bliss, while thou wert near ! 28 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Oil ! friendship pure, alas ! how oft art thou, Tho' fixed by intent — ay, and seal'd by vow, Like flowers blooming, which we pluck to-da To be to-morrow cast unmourned away. '§mt §mWL Me' thought I once had won thy love, Which to me was divine, But now, when 'pon thy brow I gaze, I fear no more tis mine ; For sadness is imprinted where. Pure love for me, should beam. Ay, e'en thy voice and glance declare, Our love to be a dream, — A dream, which hath delusive prov'd, For oh ! my heart doth feel, The waking anguish of that state, I now, am sure, is real ! Were it not better, then to rend The bond, so false and flee Each others hate ? — I spurn the heart That loves — as Loved thou me I 1 never more could love thee now, Tho' Beauty with her trancing art, Arrayed thee in the fairest charms, That ev3r won a faithful heart. Yonr heart, of all, the best may tell. Why I now take this last — Farewell ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM 29 Away — away ye senseless calls of life, Ye sordid passions, cease now to torment, That I may fit myself for this great task, 'Pon which my mind, with energy is bent ! Oh ! Mammon now bow down your humble head, And thou, oh ! Mars, forgo thy bloody might, Let all the world astounded gaze, while I — Beneath these lines, my honor'd name indite ! (&tkL There is, in grief, a secret source of bliss, That bids one suffer with content. It sooths the soul, and heals the wounds, More than kind words of good intent. From it there emanates a secret pleasure, Which soothes the heart, beyond all measure. So bid me not dispel, the deep'ning gloom, E'en though by it I am controird; I do not murmur at my portion here. Imposed by Heav'n, in wisdom manifold. Though call thou it — "■ deep gloomy sorrow," I'd change it not, for thy false joy to-morrow. Sound thou the well of thy deep-thinking, Gird the boundless space of mind, And a precious store of wisdom, There secreted thou wilt find ; Search thou the heart, as mind, and tho't, abore, And in it thou wilt find — Infinite Love, 30 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. The Crown of Beauty decks tliy brow, And Chastity dwells in thy breast , Before such charms, who would not bow, And deem thee of all others blest ? Let man seek lucre if he will, But I, before thee, worship still ! Support thyself upon me love. Our morn of life fore'er is past ; No more will the bright sun of youth, Its rays upon our life-way cast ; Our forms that once stood proud erect, Are now bow'd down with age and care, Thy brow is wrinkled that was once. So intellectual, and fair. Thine eyes that too were then so bright, Are sadly dim'd, tho' they still beam The love-light of our early youth. When thou so beautiful did seem. I knew my form like thine hath changed. For " weight of years " doth on me press ; Yet beauty gone, nor age, nor care, Can ever make our love the less. Share my Friendship — share my Fortune, Half of my Joy alike is yours, For I ask no sweeter portion, Than bliss, which such a gift ensures 1 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 31 What is the use of sighing thus, While others constant smile ? They too, like thee, have felt life's ills, Its anguish, and its guile I So sigh no more, but firmly vow, To be for ever glad ; For tho' thy fate is drear — e'en that Of others, is as bad ! Hast seen the sun's refulgent rays, In gorg'ous halos shining through, Deep banks of clouds, while storm and rain, Hath drenched the earth, to bright renew Its teeming beauty, and revive Thy drooping form, and soft beguile Thy listless mind ? Such then to me, Is charming woman's love-lit smile 1 'Tis this, in thee, which draws me to thy side, And makes me wish, there evermore to bide. W%m ^MM §^n& ilitefe. In happy moments, when thy heart, From grief, and care is free, When all seems beautiful and bright, Then pause, and think of me. For as the fragrance of the rose, Floats on the breath of morn, So will each joy thy spirit feels. To mine, be sweetly borne. 32 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. If I had better known thy worth, By intimate connection, I could far better here indite, A hi art-gleam of affection ; But as that pleasure is denied, By circumstances dire, I may, at least, mark here my name, Thus intimate desire : — This not forbid, I will e'en wish. That thy fond heart may never, Know e'en one pang of fell regret, And bliss, be thine, for ever ! May peace be thine, and heart-felt gladness, Lume thy pathway here below. And may thy soul no pang of sadness. Ever know : May many friends beloved, and cherished, Bound thy hearthstone ever be, Still, prove they false, when joy hath vanished, Think of me. When death assails some dear lov'd friend, ^ And eye to light doth close, When tongue lies silent and denies, The last wish to disclose :— So on those hasty lines gaze, From one, wlw knew thee hut to praise. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM, 33 "ilM Will i« i««." May ev'ry joy of earth be thine, May peace, and plenty, both combine, To cheer thee on thy way, Along life's toilsome rugged path, Where all, of woe, art doom'd to quaff, Till free'd of mortal clay : May faith supreme, thy course attend, And 'mid life's darkness ever lend. Thy soul its cheering light ; For through the anguish and the gloom, Which clouds our pathway to the tomb, 'Twill lead thee ever right : And in the end, may cherish 'd hope Yield thee its joys, as spring buds 'ope Beneath a warming sun , Till when the hour of death draws nigh, Thy lips will breathe no ling'ring sigh, But say *' Thy will be done.'^ m If I should say — 7 dearly lovcd^ Of truth, Idlell but part; Yet if I said — I did not love, I would belie my heart : 1 love, and yet, I do not love, With thee it must all rest, / can be cold — if thou art cold, And blest — if thou art blest ; My heart, my life, my all is thine, If thou'lt but say — Thy love is mine. 34 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM What tho' your youtli — what tho' your youth, Dear wife, from you has fled, And beauty — which before adorned, Is now for ever dead ? For your dark eyes yet clear retain, The light I loved so well ; Which proves that in your bosom, still Love's holy promptings dwell : What need we care — what need we care, That passion's sway is o'er, For in its place there now presides, This truth : / love thee more I E'en as night is succeeded, By bright gladsome day, So will ev'ry trouble, Pass from thee away : And fortune will greet thee, Desponder once more, Whilst joy, in thy sad heart, Its lucid streams pour ; For while ghastly despair. Stares thee in the face, Hope stands close beside thee, Waiting thy embrace; So welcome smiling Hope, And turn from Despair ; Thou 'It then find consolation, And a joy for each care. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 35 Yeild forth, oh ! dormant brain thy praise, Inspire me heaven to give vent, In language sweet, to this pure thought, Which in my bosom now lies pent : Alas ! the task is more than I, Can ever hope to thus fulfil ; For language only now supplies These wovds,— Dear one £ love thee still' While in my silent room I sit, And muse with growing dread, Upon the past and coming years, Whence ev'ry hope hath fled, — I feel that it were best to die, Thus flee this world of grief; Oh ! friend, in mercy pity me — Oh ! God, give me relief! — Oh ! give me Hope— oh ! give me Joy, Lest grief, and w^oe, my soul destroy. 'Tis not the Sword that 'lone confers. Real Honor on the good and brave ; For it, at best, can only give To man a Tide, or a — Grave / To honored be, is — he vpright, No matter what thy cdl may be ; To have a heart with justice armed. And soul, from sneaking malice free ! 36 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. I'll think of thee, 'mid toil and care, 'Mid pleasure, and 'mid gain ; I'll think of thee — the thought gives joy- When all else yields me pain. For when my weeping spirit turns, From sorrow deep, to thee, Then over Woe, my soul proclaims A blissful victory 1 Oh ! would that I were dead, like namely Or that we ne'er had met. That my sad heart for e'er [ihename]f Thy image might forget ; For just so long as mind retains. One ling'ring thought of thee, My faithful sou], will lie in bonds While thine, alas ! art free — Thro' life to act, as best thou may. Forgetting always — Me ! Dost love, when silent midnight close About thy chamber windows draw Its sable folds, dost love to hear, Sweet music's strains into them pour, — To lull thy soul to calm repose, Or make thy saddened heart grow light ? Well, if thou dost, thou too must love. Fair woman^s smite — my soul's delight ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 37 This Book, and all it may contain, To thee, I dedicate ; May ev'ry word, and ev'ry line. Thy heart tend to elate I What more could mortal ask or need, To make a heav'n of earth, Than this, best gift of God to man. When Minstrel's song had birth? But when its pathos touch the soul. Thro' woman's trancing pow'r, Then do we live an age of bliss, In one sweet vocal hour. Oh ! Queen of Song 1 thy pensive tones. Have touched my being's core. In memory I hear thee now, And hear, but to adore I Praised be the Being high, who gave To thee, that 'trancing pow'r, Which makes me live an age of bliss. In one sweet vocal hour. Hail ye with joy, acknowledged queen. Our queen of innocence and beauty ; Low at thy feet, we bow in praise. And there allege unceasing duty : Low bow each knee, in rapture raise each voice. Hail ye, oh ! queen, — exalted soul rejoice I 33 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Oh ! fond loved friend,— oh ! happy hours. Canst never more return. To chase regret from out my heart, And dry the tears that burn E'en now, upon my grief-seared cheek, Whilst pass the hours of night ? Oh ! reason sleep ! — and bless me Heav'n With dreams of past delight ! Judge thou of ray friendship, vs^hSn care consumes,* Each hope that now dwells in my breast , Then watch thou my actions — my voice — my look, By each a true judgment's expressed j Judge thou thus of thyself. In that judgment confide, 'Twill declare to thee that. Which the heart Jain would hide. strange are the many ways of God, And strange the fearful might. With which He wields correction's rod. To make the wrong go right. So have a care, Oh ! pray, beware. While seeking Heaven's goal. You lose not sight. Of what is right. And tho' gaining wealth — lose soul. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 39 3wmt i0t. Walk thou with bold and wprignt step, Along life's rugged path of woe ; Thus thou wilt shun its dreaded strife, And to no yoke of mis'ry bow : Thy friends will greet thee with a smile, Thine enemies will fear to frown, While if ihou swerve^ all will unite, To thwart thy aim, and crush thee down I "JartM." If thou hast a mind, admiration to win, Let cv'ry body know it. Hide not thy talent beneath a napkin, But lift the rag, and show it ; So says the world I But if no mind thou dost possess, A still tongue may conceal it, While open mouth, and poor address, Will 'suredly reveal it I So keep it "/wr/erf." WUmb S0 gV»0ttot Though to another thou art given, Though thou but list to his loved voice, Still shall my heart thy mem'ry cherish. And dearly prize its gem so choice ; Though I thro' life alone may wander, Though some fond heart I chance may meet. Still shall thine image hallow" d linger. Around my heart, in mem'ry sweet I 40 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 3o itof. " So live that when thou'rt called to die, Thy soul may soar away, Beyond the starry worlds on high, Where re gns eternal day." Thus shouldst thou keep the soul which God, Hath to thee, dear friend, given ; Exalt thy nature while on earth, And reap reward in Heaven- WMu, m& WMt Ms it. Pure Friendship where, and what is it? From what great motive doth it S]Dring ? In my drear heart wnll it o"er dwell, And ihere, with all its pleasures cling? Oh! will it ne'er my soul inspire. With thoughts that cheer, and words that live ? Or must it thus so quick depart. And leave the Sling, w'hich scorn doth give? Help me, all whom these lines see, To solve, for e'er, this mystery I Amid the bliss of tranquil heav'n. Thy Husband now i.i peace doth dwell; . Why weep for one, whose happiness, Doth all that mind conceives, excel ? 'Tis selfish thus to grieve for him. Who now can have but one carlh-'praycr, Which \5—T'iat thou wilt hasten on, To share his hliss, and rapture there ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 41 §;0])$ Mil inU&» Prize then the present, grasp each joy That greets thee in thy early youth, Let no sad influence destroy, Thy early Hope, thy carhj Truth t When I am gone, oh ! sometimes givo A passing thought to me, For it were joy e'en thus to live In thy dear memory. Think of the mar.y peaceful hours, We have together past. Which were too holy for this earth, Too blissful long to last. Thus will I think of thee, dear friend, When fate our destinies shall rend. If fate would grant my dearest wish, 'Mid this life of joy, and woe, I'd wish that Hope, might ever light Thy pathway here— below. I'd wish that Peace, would ever smile On thee — on thine — on all, Whom thy sweet smile, and winning grace, May constant round thee call ; I'd wish that when the trying hour, Of death approached thee nigh ; That Faith may mitigate thy woe, And soothe thy parting sigh I 42 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. If man could know his better friend, By the extended hand, or pleasant smile, That oft his comin,^ greets, and parting seals, How blest would be his lot; but th.n, alas! This world is full of pleasant smiles,- And such fond fervent grasping hands, yet friends Are few, and e'en when found, too seldom prized^ Had I a frien I, in whom I could repose The secret working of my inmost soul, Whose high regard Td prize beyond all else, Whose joys I'd share, and of whose anguish I Could take a part, what inflae'jce of life, Could then, our blissful bondage rend ? Ah ! none. For to his breast I'd nestle close, And there reflect each smile that fitfal beam'd From his loved countenance: — his sigh soul-felt Would pierce my heart, and thus to life be giv'n. While close about us we would wrap the mantle Of undefiled aJSection pure, and so Unselfish, that we could on earth but know One inlcrest, one desire, and one design ; So on thro' life in harmony proceeding. Consoling each, and both self-sacrificing, 'Till individuality distinct Had ceased to be by us e'en felt, or by Unthinking man discerned : thus to the grave With firm bold step, would we rejoicing wend Our way, hand link'd in hand, heart join'd with heart, And with the blest conviction satisfied. That Friendship such as our's, which had defied The subtle toils, and vain conceits of life. O'er death, as surely would iriumphanl he 1 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 43 Knowledge means — constant labor^ If thou wouldst excel, In the higher attainments, Of wisdom's deep well : In thy thirst thus for knowledge, Hard labor will bring, The draughts cool and refreshing, From wisdom's clear spring. Wilt constant wear upon thy lip, For me — for me, love's trancing smile, Which from thy rosy mouth I'd sip, And thus our moments sweet beguile? Nay, hide not from my wistful gaze, Those pearls — those pearls in garnet set, For they but make thy winning smile, A heart-gem dearer to me yet ; Look up — look up, into mine eyes. Gaze deep within my 'raptured heart, Eead there — read there, the tender thought, Which human tongue can ne^er impart ! They tell me with a saddened smile, Disease will me consume. If I leave not thy fire-side, And thus Health's garb resume ; Yet sooner would I die — aye, here decay. Than seek some foreign clime, to pass away. 44 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Oft do I search sweet mem'ry's tablets tbrough, To find of life, the moment most endeared, And oh ! believe me, — it is but thy due — That moment [place for name] with thee was shared : Thus thou, each joy my life hath known, might claim, When man says '' Rapture;' he but breathes thy name. law iwit ias^ei. Long years hare past, since first we met, 'Mid life's gay festive band, And there with hearts unscathed by woe, Grasped each, the other's hand. Then ah ! what joy, what hallow'd hope, Made glad the sunlit way, That led from mid those scenes of youth, To the sorro^YS of to-day : Aye sorrows drear ! for when compared Is the Prescn', with the Fastj And judged are friends, now gone — forgot, My soul in gloom is cast ! As gently falls the morning dew, Upon the slumb'ring rose, To add fresh beauty to each leaf, And wake it from repose — ■ So may the cares of austere life, Fall lightly on thy Heart, And joy, like dew, from heav'n descend, *Fon iheCf where e'er thou art. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 45 As close about thee Age entwines, Its drear and irksome toils; Oh ! may thy heart be light as now, Thy lips still wreath youth's smiles; Then death will lose its bitter sting, The grave its victory, While that which tears to others bring, Will bliss ensure to thee. Wilt share with me — wilt share with me, Fair maid, mine humble fate ? Ah ! if thou wilt, then full of bliss, Will be thy earthly state i Into thy heart I will infuse, Content without alloy. And 'twine about thy guileless brow, A wreath of deathless joy. Oh ! say then wilt — nay, look not sad, But place thy hand in mine, And / will fiu thy moments glad, With bliss, well-nigh divine I §t^Mxm. When I -depart, will 1 e'er find A home so loved as this ? Will i e'er find so soft a couch? So much domestic bliss ? Alas! I fear, it will ne'er be my lot. To find abroad SO endeared a cot. 40 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. The tear-drops of Sympathy, From thy heart often flow, ^Vhich tell me, that Friendship, Can abide in thy breast; So on me thy Friendship, And Sympathy bestow ; Then my grief will be joy, And my Life truly blest. I bow — I bow, oh ! sage most learned, Of letters, and of art, Yet all your wisdom, never taught You how to win a heart: Thro' musty page, 1 11 dare engage, You never found one line, So full of truth, And grace of youth, As is my love, divine I Dauohter, may your years be many, Blest by Heaven's kindest care, May you know but little sorrow, And be yours' life's best of fare ; May your future years discover Bliss, before to you unknown ; May my love, when I've departed, Still 'lumine your bright hearthstone. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 47 iiilt^iiltoi. Then mine the joyous duty is, - To dedicate in rhyme, This volume prized, tc you, dear friend, With all its gems sublime : No words of mine, can e'er convey A thought, the work to suit ; So I shall prove my sense, at lea^t. By frankly pleading — mute ! 'Tis best to view in mind thy life. Recall its pleasures, pass each care : Thus from the bowl sip all the sweets, But leave the bitter dregs still there : Thon mayst at timos perforce recall Past momenlF whicli will make thee weep, Then of thy heart a cradle make, And rock t e babe R grct to sleep : Rock it to sleep — and smile again, For thus to sigh and weep is vain ! To thee, fair leaf, I would entrust, A secret though: for \_the name'' si heart ; Yet soon, perchance, thou'lt go abroad. And thus to all my thought impart i I fear to trust thee— yet, woulc say, — Should these crude lines, meet other eyes. That tho' I'm blest wi h many friends, None more than [the name ] do I prize. 48 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Dear friend of mine :— wouldst happy be, On earth, where mis'ry dwells, And evil stalks abroad by day, And all that's vain excels ? Oh ! if thou wouldst, three words will teach Thee how, that bliss to find ; Lend me thine ear: — Those three words are, A pure, — contented, — mind ! ^tmt iSEt %m Wul^ it. You ask advice : — that I will try to give, Prove that you take it, by the way you live. To be Agreeable, is not alone an art, But is a gift of nature, and the heart ; The gift of nature, is — to have a tongue, To suit the taste of those whom you among May ever chance be cast- — That of the heart, Seem ever to be phased, what e'er the part. You may be called to play in lifers drama. Be it with Sceptre— Pen^Ol Hammer ! A mother's smile doth constant hover. O'er thee like an angel guide, To protect thee from the errors, Which the course of youth betide. While a watchful father stretches. Forth his hand, to shield from harm ; Oh ! repay their care, dear Daughter, And relieve their love-alarm. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 49 Oh ! tell me, wilt thou e'er forget Thy early friend ? Should fate present another form, With soul less true, and heart less warm, With thine to blend ? Oh I will I be forgotten when, Thy troubles flee ? When fortune crowns thy noble brow, And grief no more thy soul doth bow, Wilt think of me ? Thou art a statue — cold as stone — An image graven, which I prize. Yet dread to love, for fear thy heart, Instead of loving, may despise. So thought in sorrow turns from thee, To other scenes, where thou art not ; But oh ! I ne'er can thee forget, Though I, by thee, may be forgot. ■ W%m WM iiito. I think of thee, when mind denies Its power to fulfil, I think of thee, when other thoughts Should sway my wayward will. Yet earth, and heaven, mind, and man. Can give to life no thought, In which thau dost not raise supreme. Or hast not some way wrought. 50 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. fife i^ Mml Seize thou each humble moment, E'er it doth fly, Least fortune with that moment, Passeth thee by : For one moment, thus wasted, Will never again Return, when most wanted, Whatever thy claim. Aye, e'en prize thou each second, Life is but short. Then with pleasure thou' It cherish. The good thou hast wrought. Let Friendship's might, for ever be. The bond, that binds thy heart, to me There is an hour, when the immortal soul. Turns sad and weary from the scenes of time, And soars beyond the body's base control. To muse upon the Hidden and Sublime, That hour is eve : — ^just as the sun's soft light, With splendor tints each summer fleecy cloud, When at the measured tread of coming night. All Nature seem^ in silent worship bow'd. For then, the soul is led to scan with care. Each hoar of pleasure, and each year of strife. To weigh each action, and each thought compare. And judge — Wkat claims for it Eternal Life I GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 51 You ask me, fair one, to indite, For you a line — well, that is right, To it, I no objection mak^', Because, I know your heart would break, Should I, thus even intimate That I, this "Album-writing" hate ! Except — I now exception take — Except, it be for thy dear sake ! With this " preface," I'll now endeavor, To scribble something really clever. Now let me think : — what shall it be — A Wish ? — ah ! yes — but let me see, I am e'en now as much perplexed. As I above seemed, to be vexed, Because, forsooth, I cannot bring, My heart to wish a single thing, For single things I know you hate, Therefore, I wish you " Double Slate " To which each maiden must submit. And, so must you I — The line is *'writ.^' §mx WitL All that I prize — all I hold dear, Is centered love in you, Now that I claim you as my own. With heart so pure and true : What else need I now ask on earth ? — From Heaven claim as mine ? For all the purer gifts of both, In you, dear wife, combine ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. My heart to night is sad, dear one, My heart is sad to-night, And ev'ry thought is dark and drear ; Without the hallow'd light— Of thy loved presence, pure, serene. Life seems worthless — base — and mean. Though I'm a stranger to thee lady, Though thus unknown, I must remain, Still on my heart thy form is graven, And there, in majesty must reign ! Though thou canst never love the stranger, Though thy fair hand, he ne'er can claim, Still shall his heart cling to thee iiearer, And lov thee evermore, the same. But if, years hence, thou shouldst discover, Him whose love thou wouldst reject, Think then, of him, as a fond brother^ And let that thought^ our hearts connect I Oh ! when your heart is deep distressed. By circumstances dire ; Or when your spirit is oppressed. And evil doth conspire. To make your lot on earth seem drear, And thwart your best intent, Then come to me, and I will sooth. Your heart with sweet content ! GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 63 When laying down at night to rest, With spirit light, or heart oppress' d, Give up thy sou tc silent prayer, Thy grief, ind joy, alike declare, To God the Father— Christ the Son— And Holy Ghost : — whose will be done I That man was made for happiness, All human kind believe ; But still, his bliss was not complete, Til , God, created Eve, And gave him her to share his joys. His grief help him to shun, Said God : — " I made you separate. Yet have designed you one. So, be thou, man, this woman's mate, Ee thou her guide, and stay ; She's weak, and fragile, fond, and true, More beautiful than day. I've giv'n thee blessings rich and rare. All from my realms above, Yet none exceeds, in worth, my last, Best gift ; — Pure womans^s love /" Thy joy shall be my only thought. Thy excellence my pride, Thy faith, for e'er, shall be my faith, If thou wilt be my bride. 54 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. A tribute to thee, dear friend, I would pay, A memento of Friendship most dear ; I'd speali of the joys together we've known, I would speak of each hope, of each fear, — That gladden'd our souls, in moments noAV past, Or humbled our young hearts with woe. As the pathway of life we wearily trod, 'Mid the friends, we have met here — below I I'd speak of the hours together we've spent, Around our " sweet home's " cheerful hearth ; I'd speak of the grief together we've known, And the tears to which grief giveth birth. What pea, or what tongue could ever relate. The sorrow together we've met ? But why pause thus now — why dwell on the sad, And thus our ev'ry heart- joy forget ? I'd speak of the blessings our Maker sent, Of the hope, which has cheered our dark way, While Trouble's stern brow upon us was bent, And chilled our young hearts with dismay ! But 'tis now, that my soul feels most sad, And my heart silent weeps in despair. To think that we're parted in life's latter day, And no joy now, nor sorrow can share ! Walt. If thou would'st be joyous and gay Seek not to penetrate, The vail before thee hung by God, On which is written — " Wait ! " GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. If thou hast a friend, by thee held most dear, Weigh every word lest thou mayst ofi'end ; Trust not to vain show, to wealth, nor to worth, But on vir/ue, and im/h, most depend, Thou mayst speak of his faults, in passionless voice May advise, or direct, or inform. But be careful thou go'st not abroad to proclaim The follies, which may Friendship deform. Wilt constant keep, in thy dark eyes, For me^for me, the light of truth Which I, dear one, must ever prize, Beyond the artless grace of youth ? Nay, blush not, love, because 1 tell To thee — to thee, my thought divinr, While rests thy head upon my breast. And clings thy throbbing form to mine. My thought, is that, 1 love thee now, More than the human tongue can how. ^^^M\t^. Pretty coquette — charming coquette. Dost thou think with me to fool ? Dost thou think that 1 desire. Love cut out, and sold by rule ? Nay, I do not — soul distresses, For I do not deem thee worth, Half the risk that I'd be running, For a fancy piece of earth ! 56 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. m»Mm iw iatft. Kindly grant, gracious heaven, In mercy supreme, Whence emanates every good, And all pure joys spring, — That fiom this fleeting hour, Of youth's gleesome morn, [The name's] life may be all sunshine, Unclouded by storm ! — That sweet flowers may gladden. Her path with their bloom, And drooping, weep fragrant tears Of regret, o'er her tomb. How soon the flowers of friendship bloom,. How quickly they decay : They seem the type of lasting life, Yet are, mere things of clay. Amid the sunlit days of youth, When hope, my heart doth screen, I ask thee. Lord, with sparkling eye. Pray keep my mem'ry green ; For then, I wish to fondly store, Each gladsome scene and face, I knew and loved in those sweet hours ; Let time, not them efface ! Let me, no cherished friend ncgled, Nor mind, their forms fail to reflect. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. May purity of purpose, And candor of heart, Prompt all who on these pages, Seek to ii.iipart, — Some fond word of endearment, Of love, or esteem, Which will gladden [ike naine^s'] soul, And make her eyes beam, — E'en when youth has departed, And life's care and guile, May have rob'd her of beauty, Giv'n a tear for each smile ! May charity prompt thy soul aright, When woe to thee addresses, Its suppliant cry, of anguish deep, Which some sad heart distresses. g^to0»itl0jj. Queer are the many ways of life, An J queer the busy throng, Who mingle in the noisy strife. Devising right, and wrong ; If this be true. Why then should you, Thus with the crowd go ever. When laws divine, Make thy place mine, And gained thy object — Never ? 58 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. As man prepares the summer's garnered seed, With glad anticipations of the grain, So pen I now these lines, with the fond hope, That I hare toiled, and treasured noi in vain: That I may yet, be blessed with my reward — Thy friendship, and thy love, my soul's adored. Although I ne'er beheld thy charms. And do but know thy name — But still, I'll use a page, which I'll engage. With truth, and love, and joy, to fill. •* Oh, pshaw !" methinks I hear thee say, As on this leaf you gaze — Eut why. For doing this, should you insist, With virulence to pass it by ? For here I would express a wish. With promised hope to teem — But then, You might think light, of what I write, Or criticise my unskilled pen : — My wish is that, your heart may be, From every care, and sorrow free, 'Till we each other's hand can shake, And I, another fond wish make. We may be friends in mind, and heart. Through correspondence — blessed art, — For space, which separates mankind, Can sever not, the heart, or mind. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. 59 I think of thee, at early dawD, And at the day's decline ; I think of thee, as mortal fair, As angel most divine : I think of thee, when other thoughts, Fail to engross my soul ; Which turns from all, again to Ihce, To woo thy sweet control. Oh I when my form lies still in death. Low in the tomb, Wilt e'er thy knee imprint the sod, Wilt drop a tear fur him who trod With thee, life's gloom ? Ah I test alone, dear friend, can solve That question right : Yet, oh ! believe me, time will show, My soul upon thee did bestow Its gem : — Good night ! Thou art a shadow on my heart, The sign of grief upon my brow ; Thy presence which once gave delight, The deepest sorrow yields me now : I strive to know thee as thou wert, So beautiful, and kind, and true. But mind, as oft with grief recalls, Thy parting words :—our last ''Adieu P 60 GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. I am your Jriend : Were I to write, from morn till dewy eve, And thus continue writing through all time, I never could say more — except, that I Too happy far shall ever be to prove. To thee how lasting is my just regard. Wilt yield to me — wilt yield to me. Fair maid the sweet delight, Which in thy heart I've found enshriLed, A jewel, pure and bright ? Oh ! to my keeping give the gem, Let me, its value test. And I will prove, that we may be By its refulgence blest : Its light sha'l lead, tho' there be gloom, Our feet along life's way. Thro' walks bedecked with vernal bloom, To heavn's eternal day ! As on this page my pen inscribes, A word of truth to thee ; So on a blank page of thy heart. Trace thou one thought of vie : There let it be, till death shall claim Thy form, by Beauty blest ; And when they lay thee in the tomb, With thee, there let it rest. GEMS FOR THE ALBUM. Gl Aye— Poetry is loved by me, — When from thy guileless heart ; For nothing else, could give to life, The love thou would 'st impart : But oh ! how weakened is its might, How meek, its promptings high, When likened to the eloquence, Of thy soul speaking eye ! Oh ! thou, my aching heart, subside Into thy wonted rest. Lay calm, e'en 'mid the troubles great, Which rend this wretched breast I So cry I oft, dear friend, in grief, And crying so, oft find relief, For firm resolve, my heart sustains, And thus o'er grief a triumph gains ! By my experience he taught, Then sorrow, will to thee be naught. i0i ' ■'•■a M J,, - ■ X'3'.yJt-' ■■Jifi. * ?f4i^t^ ■mh ;i4i£e»sbL'::-i..^'^atiM^,