Class __T£Sj__3^Q'3 
 
 Book , • 
 
 Copyright^ — 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
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Whispers 
 
 -BY- 
 « — -«~* •• *-**« 
 
 "Tis pleasant sure, to see one's name 
 in print; 
 
 A book's a book, although there's 
 nothing int. 
 
 — Byron. 
 
 ^-<^ — ^" ^ D ■ 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. G, 1905- 
 COPYRIGHTED. 
 
0OPI6S tlC , 
 
 OCT.. 81 S^Oc 
 
 a. M 
 copy & 
 
 
Index. 
 
 Now *S 
 
 Food-Friends • • • 16 
 
 Where The Sweet Wild Clover Grows... 17 
 
 
 Don't Scold The Cook 19 
 
 Love's Message 20 
 
 Acrostic Sonnet— To My Baby 21 
 
 Duty 22 
 
 To The Odor Of New Mown Hay 23 
 
 To Ikie— Come To Me 24 
 
 Sometime 25 
 
 'Twas Only One Little Word 26 
 
 To Mrs-. Ada Craig Michaels, On Her Sil- 
 ver Wedding Day 27 
 
 A Valentine 29 
 
 The Queen Of Night 3° 
 
To D. M. A.— Friendship's Ideal 32 
 
 The Two Chimneys 33 
 
 Monody On The Death of Hopewell Braine 36 
 
 To W. P. H.—What I Delight In 43 
 
 Sunset On The Atlantic 44 
 
 To My Daughter — Bella Rosa Barry — On 
 
 Commencement Day . . 45 
 
 Disconsolate — Sonnet 46 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs, E. S. Morse — Autumn 
 
 Whispers 47 
 
 How Do I Love Thee 4a 
 
 To I. E. B.— Linger Near 49 
 
 Language Of The Eyes 5a 
 
 Only Gone Before— To Mr. and Mrs. Al- 
 fred Jackson 51 
 
 My Father's Clock 52 
 
In May 53 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. E. N. Parham On Their 
 Golden Wedding Day 55 
 
 Inconsistency 58 
 
 Sonnet— To My Mother 59 
 
 To My Uncle, Mr. J. P. R.— On the Death 
 Of His Wife 60 
 
 My Dream Story 61 
 
 Who Can Tell 64 
 
 Childhood— Sonnet To Sister Emma 65 
 
 As We Go Along 66 
 
 The Wandering Boy 6j 
 
 To Boston 71 
 
 When I Am Dead 72 
 
 Nature And Art— To Mrs. J. E. Lutz . . . 73 
 
 Central Park, New York 74 
 
 To Sister Mattie— Epithalamium 75 
 
Easter Thoughtlets 77 
 
 To Mrs. Asa Hazen — Pass Them On 79 
 
 Lines On The Death Of Little Frank Sooy 82 
 
 To B. R. B.— -Since You Came 85 
 
 Ever Thus 86 
 
 To A Little B©ok 87 
 
 Baby's Welcome — To Little Lizzie, Daugh- 
 ter Of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Taylor 89 
 
 Impressions 91 
 
 To My Friend, Mary E Welcker— Life's 
 Gold 93 
 
 Nature And I 95 
 
 Life's Index 96 
 
 To I. E. B.— When You Come 97 
 
 Like A Good Samaritan 98 
 
 The Day You Went Away 100 
 
Things To Be Thankful For 101 
 
 To A Departed Friend 102 
 
 Our Drive — To Nellie And Gertrude Lutz.103 
 
 To A. L. B.— Easter Chicks 105 
 
 Will It Come True? 107 
 
 Never Again ? 108 
 
 Country Sounds , 109 
 
 Lines To Mrs. M. E. Lloyd On The Death 
 Of Her Little Son in 
 
 My Choice 112 
 
 Autumn On The Tennessee 113 
 
 Easter 115 
 
 My Star 117 
 
 Will You Come ? 119 
 
 To J. T. R.— Gbod Words 121 
 
 To A Pessimist 123 
 
Whispers 125 
 
 Medley 126 
 
 A D'ream 127 
 
 To W. R. H.— Snowballs 128 
 
 A Prayer 129 
 
 Sonnet — Idleness 131 
 
 What I Would Do 132 
 
 Evil's Shadow 132 
 
 To My Boy— Thoughtlets 133 
 
 The Prize Music Box 134 
 
 The Prize Doll 137 
 
 Santa Claus has Come 139 
 
 Christmas In Knoxville, Tenn 141 
 
 Anticipation 142 
 
^=^ r l»-A%—^' 
 
 =^ 
 
 Of love and lovely things I write, 
 
 Birds, bees, and Easter flowers; 
 
 Of childhood, home, and Nature bright, 
 
 Snow, frost, and April showers. 
 
 B. B. B 
 
 m 
 
 ^ 
 
- NOW. 
 If for me you have a flower, 
 
 Give it now ! 
 Give it while life's pulse is beating 
 To the tune of Time fast fleeting, 
 Give it with a life-time greeting — 
 
 Give it now! 
 
 If for me kind word you have, 
 
 Say it now! 
 Say it while my ear can hear it, 
 While I've memory to review it, 
 Say it gently — do not fear it — 
 Say it now! 
 
 If for me a visit have you, 
 
 Pay it now! 
 While with joy I gladly meet you, 
 While mine eyes may fondly greet you r 
 Before death comes to defeat you — 
 
 Pay it now ! 
 
 If for me some love you cherish, 
 
 Show it now! 
 Show it while my heart doth need it, 
 In kind actions let me read it, 
 While my soul is hungry, feed it — 
 
 Love me now ! 
 
l6 WHISPERS 
 
 FOOD-FRIENDS. 
 In many ways are friends like food, 
 More pleasure find we in the good; 
 The various kinds we all may claim, 
 But like our soul-friends best to name. 
 
 The one who brings us happy hour, 
 By cheery and magnetic power, 
 Our Fruit-friend we will gladly call 
 Ahd welcome give him, one and all. 
 
 On one who carries tale of woe, 
 Not one of us doth love bestow; 
 Our poor old Lemon-friend is he 
 Whose acid frowns destroy our glee. 
 
 Our Coffee-friend doth stimulate 
 Life's latent powers; reciprocate 
 Our secret thought in wittiest way, 
 The! friend we love and need each day. 
 
 Our Dessert-friend makes little show, 
 Of him we're seldom proud to know; 
 A figure sometimes he may prove 
 In numbering those whom least we love. 
 
 Our Bread-friend is the staff of life, 
 Whose voice and touch with peace are 
 
 rife ; 
 He gives, by noble thought and deed, 
 The soul-life food we daily need. 
 
WHISPERS 17 
 
 WHERE THE SWEET WILD 
 CLOVER GROWS. 
 
 At golden setting of the sun 
 When all the work of day is done, 
 Much I enjoy a little run 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 As I inhale their fragrant breath, 
 Sweet charm for me it ever hath. 
 As trip I down the winding path, 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 A tale to me of joy they tell, 
 Of childhood mine e'er loved so well, 
 In country's verdant mossy dell, 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 I live again that happiest time, 
 Glad days of childhood's mirthful rhyme, 
 In my country home's bright clime 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 To me they whisper of wild flowers, 
 Oft by me plucked the selfsame hours r 
 Underneath the fragrant bowers, 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
1 8 whispers 
 
 Sweet odors tell of bonnie bird, 
 Whose clearest warbling song was heard 
 Whene'er her leafy nest was stirred, 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 They music bring of bubbling spring, 
 Where oft when weary did I fling 
 Myself beneath the oak's broad wing 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 To me they speak of earthly father, 
 And my own clear loving mother, 
 They — who loved me as no other — 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
 Of two sisters who did wander 
 By my side in meadows yonder, 
 As our youthful minds did ponder, 
 Where the sw r eet wild clover grows. 
 
 My daily life these memories warm, 
 While round my heart is wreathed a 
 
 charm 
 Which guides my soul from sin's alarm, 
 Where the sweet wild clover grows. 
 
WHISPERS 19 
 
 DON'T SCOLD THE COOK. 
 There are never two minds exactly the 
 same, 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 If pies are not browned — suppress your 
 harsh blame — 
 
 Don't scold the cock! 
 
 If you find the biscuits a little "sad," 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 They'll taste the worse — if you rave like 
 mad — 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 If the steak is old and raw and tough, 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 Of hunger perhaps you haven't enough, 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 If coffee lacks flavor of Mocha superb, 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 Ill temper will sure your digestion dis- 
 turb, 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 If toast fails to suit your exquisite taste, 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 Though made of bread-scraps, better 
 save than to waste, 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
20 WHISPERS 
 
 If the cake is too new, too flat, or too 
 stale, 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 Better taste and commend than at any- 
 thing rail, 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 Scolding's worst torments fall pat on 
 the scolder, 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 With forbearing instruction sustain and 
 uphold her, 
 
 Don't scold the cook! 
 
 LOVE'S MESSAGE. 
 
 A Christmas thought for thee, 
 Thy thought for me tho' fled; 
 
 A little love for thee, 
 
 Tho' love of thine be dead ! 
 
 A little gift for thee, 
 To hold thy bills secure ; 
 
 As bills you fold remember me, 
 One thought for me endure. 
 
WHISPERS 21 
 
 ACROSTIC SONNET. 
 To my Baby. 
 
 Bright angel dropped from heaven's ex- 
 alted sphere, 
 
 Earthward, to dwell with us awhile be- 
 low; 
 
 ■Like sungleam, when it comes with glor- 
 ious glow, 
 
 Lighting dim earth, comes now thy 
 smile to cheer 
 
 And gladden loving hearts! O, may 
 each year 
 
 Revolving, bring thee all life can bestow 
 On mortals here — health, wealth — and 
 
 beauty, so 
 Supreme that not one rival shall appear! 
 All that on history's page hath been of 
 
 old 
 
 Bestowed, of bliss on women of renown. 
 
 All good — their woes and evils all un- 
 known, 
 
 Round thee by God's all loving hand con- 
 trolled, 
 
 Rest like a heavenly halo, without frown 
 Your sky beclouding — earth and heaven 
 your own. 
 
22 W HI SPURS 
 
 \ 
 
 DUTY. 
 
 Duty's paths lie all about us 
 If our eyes are trained to see, 
 
 If God's work could do without us 
 In this world we would not be ! 
 
 Duty's bells are ever ringing 
 With a summons for each one, 
 
 To He up and doing; bringing 
 Sheaves our hands have won ! 
 
 Duty calls that all may hearken, 
 
 Let us lend a listening ear, 
 Let us cheer the souls that darken 
 
 In the paths of sin each year! 
 
 Duty whispers, "come and meet me, — - 
 Let us travel hand in hand," 
 
 Duty says, "with joy I greet thee, — 
 As we journey through this land." 
 
 Duty bids me speak in kindness 
 To the weak and sick and sore, 
 
 To the one bowed down in blindness 
 To the humble of Christ's poor! 
 
 Conscience clear is heir of Duty, 
 And when freely she has sway, 
 
 Conscience lends a soulful beauty; 
 Let us then her calls obey! 
 
WHISPERS 23 
 
 TO THE ODOR OF NEW MOWN 
 HAY. 
 
 O delicate, daintiest new mown hay, 
 Thou cheery sweet charmer of chival- 
 rous May, 
 Sweet breath of the dale where we used 
 to play! 
 
 As rapidly rollicking days did pass — 
 With little feet bare playing hide in the 
 
 grass, 
 As reaper e'er rolleth the ripening mass! 
 
 O breeze overladen with Ether's rich 
 
 worth, 
 Come waft o'er my senses thine amorous 
 
 mirth, 
 Breathe a kiss on my cheek swift to joy 
 
 giving birth ! 
 
 Quaint essence of perfume, come serve 
 
 thou my will, 
 Come linger thou long letting nature 
 
 take fill 
 Of health-giving fragrance my being to 
 
 thrill ! 
 
24 WHISPERS 
 
 TO IKIE. 
 COME TO ME. 
 Come to me when ills betide thee, 
 
 When life clouds lower; 
 Come to me when comrades chide thee, 
 
 When heart showers pour; 
 When the spring of life is frosted 
 
 And summer beauties fade away, 
 Then come when weary are thou, 
 
 Come to me and stay ! 
 
 Come to me when lonely are thou, 
 
 When life reveals the dark; 
 Come to me when drooping brow 
 
 Tells of Hope's waning spark; 
 When winter of life is dawning, 
 
 And earth friends seem but few, 
 Oh linger near me, darling, 
 
 Let my heart prove true. 
 
 One loving heart will beat for thee 
 
 When other hearts forsake, 
 One gentle voice will speak to thee 
 
 When heart of thine shall ache. 
 Then dearest one oh come to me, 
 
 Be of my life a part, 
 Yes, come and be my life star, 
 
 And dwell within my heart. 
 
\ 
 
 WHISPERS 25 
 
 SOMETIME. 
 It may be when the forest trees 
 
 Are called upon to say farewell 
 To Autumn tints ; and Winter sees 
 His dazzling white— I cannot tell. 
 But Hope bids me stay, 
 While thoughts fly away 
 To the meeting that may 
 Be sometime. 
 
 It may be when Spring's wondrous 
 dreams 
 Wrap soul in sweet romance's spell, 
 And earth one bright elysium seems — 
 I cannot tell! I cannot tell. 
 But Hope bids me stay, 
 While thoughts sail away 
 
 To that glorious day 
 
 In the sometime. 
 It may be in proud Summer's hours, 
 When vague and dreamy heart-hopes 
 swell, 
 And bloom the beauteous, fragrant 
 flowers, 
 I cannot tell! Oh, cannot tell! 
 But Hope bids me stay, 
 While thoughts flee away, 
 And a soft voice doth say 
 Yes — sometime. 
 
2,6 WHISPERS 
 
 It may not be till earth is done, 
 
 And like a star above we dwell 
 In the high realms our souls have won, 
 I cannot tell ! I cannot tell ! 
 But Hope says to me 
 His face shalt thou see, 
 In pure bliss soon to be, 
 In sweet sometime. 
 
 'TWAS ONLY ONE LITTLE WORD 
 Sometimes, dearest, the world goes 
 
 wrong, 
 For God gives grief with his gift of 
 
 song ; 
 And so it happened the other eve 
 When you uttered words my heart to 
 
 grieve ! 
 
 'Twas onlv a word vou said, mv dear, 
 "Twas only one little word, 
 But suddenly my heart lost cheer, 
 As grief in my soul was stirred ! 
 
 "Twas only a word you said, dear one,. 
 You whispered it soft and low; 
 But with it came joy's setting sun, 
 And a twilight filled with woe ! 
 
WHISPERS 2? 
 
 TO MRS. ADA CRAIG MICHAELS, 
 
 ON HER SILVER WEDDING 
 
 DAY. 
 
 O, come with the heart of thy girlhood 
 now, 
 Let memory's sweet bells ring ; 
 While schoolmates and friends before 
 you bow. 
 As gifts of silver they b/ing. 
 
 Let memory's bells ring loud and long, 
 This Silver Wedding Day; 
 
 Whose rhythmic measure's silver song 
 Makes blithe each heart 2nd gay. 
 
 And as we come of joy possessed, 
 Our greetings glad we bring; 
 
 With hearts o'erflowing in the zest 
 Of friendship's offering. 
 
 May these two lives now in their prime.. 
 
 Recall in tenderest way, 
 The happy year and joyous time, 
 
 Their youthful wedding day. 
 
 Let memory's power now serve them 
 well, 
 
 Tn numbering blessings past ; 
 But never pause on ills to dwell. 
 
 Lest joys be overcast. 
 
28 WHISPERS 
 
 Let days and joyous years be thine, 
 While fondest hope and trust 
 
 Two lives shall seal in love divine, 
 Till dust returns to dust. 
 
 May thorns be few among the flowers 
 
 That deck thy future life, 
 May sunshine follow fragrant showers, 
 
 Life's garden to make rife. 
 
 Let thy return from o'er the deep 
 A silver thought in memory be, 
 
 So long as Time his guard shall keep, 
 Sweet token of God's love to thee. 
 
 Of Switzerland and Italy, 
 
 May dreams of thine be full and 
 sweet ; 
 As sailest thou o'er azure sea, 
 
 Italian friends to greet. 
 
 Oft wilt thou glide on calmest night, 
 O'er Venice waters cool and clear, 
 
 'Neath silver Luna's full-orbed light, 
 Gondola's music sweet to hear. 
 
 May son of thine at manhood's age, 
 Develop all good seed thou'st sown, 
 
 Without a blot upon life's page, 
 
 With every evil thought outgrown. 
 
WHISPERS 29 
 
 May he in future be thy stay, 
 A comfort and companion true, 
 
 Whose noble life from day to day, 
 Shall prove his love for you. 
 
 May Mother dear of thine possessed, 
 With richest gifts of earth, 
 
 Feel in her children nobly blest, 
 Ajs each shall prove his worth. 
 
 When loosed by Time are earthly ties, 
 In heaven united may you be; 
 
 Where father thine in Paradise, 
 Awaits his family. 
 
 A VALENTINE. 
 
 Accept, my dear, this valentine, 
 
 As love most true from heart of mine; 
 
 And when you're sad, please think of 
 
 me, 
 The blue-eyed girl who loveth thee. 
 
 Wear these little flowers for me, 
 They will show who thinks of thee ; 
 lyet no others take their place — 
 They — thy noble form will grace. 
 
30 WHISPERS 
 
 THE QUEEN OF NIGHT. 
 
 When the moon is grandly risen 
 
 In the cloudless Eastern sky, 
 And from day's illumined prison 
 
 Burst the stars forth proud and high, 
 When the dew is gently falling 
 
 On the tender leaflets green, 
 Oh, 'tis then I love to wander 
 
 O'er the moonlit fairy scene. 
 
 When athwart the crystal waters 
 
 Gleams the moon's pure silvery light, 
 Making glad the farmer's daughters 
 
 With serene and pure delight, 
 Oft along that footpath yonder 
 
 Walk thev where their feet of old 
 Free from care did blissful wander 
 
 Through enchanted region strolled. 
 
 When the farmer after supper 
 Accoutered as a hunter born, 
 
 Calls up Bravo, Nip and Tupper, 
 With the voice of hunter's horn — 
 
 When their hearts aglow with rapture 
 Gather friends the sport to share, 
 
 Then o'er hill and dale they capture 
 Came beneath the moon's full o-lare. 
 
WHISPERS 31 
 
 When the traveler, worn and weary, 
 
 On his journey sad and slow, 
 Halts not through the long night dreary 
 
 Forced by fateful need to go, 
 To his heart some joy is given 
 
 When his gaze to zenith flies, 
 Where the clouds by Luna riven 
 
 Show her queen of all the skies. 
 
 When the mariner discovers 
 Signs of fearful storm at sea, 
 
 As the gathering storm-cloud hovers — ■ 
 Lost the sailor's reckless glee, 
 
 If above the wild waves raging- 
 Peeks the moon with beams of cheer 
 
 Quick the light — their fears assuaging. 
 Tells of safety drawing near. 
 
 From the hearts of peasants lowly, 
 
 From high hearts of queens and kings, 
 Oh, proud Moon, thus grand and slowly 
 
 Marching o'er terrestrial things, 
 Thou shalt win fond admiration 
 
 Until Time shall be no more, 
 Until by some sweet translation 
 
 Thou shalt light that other shore. 
 
32 WHISPERS 
 
 TO D. M. A. 
 FRIENDSHIP'S IDEAL. 
 
 Some persons we love for their beauty. 
 And some for their noble birth, 
 
 While others we love from a duty, 
 And a few for their manly worth. 
 
 The "worth'' friend is more my ideal, 
 
 I love him on whom I depend, 
 Whose friendship is constantly real, 
 Who — kindly attentions — will lend. 
 
 Who considers not ever his pleasure, 
 But sometimes to me gives a thought ; 
 
 Such friend to my soul is a treasure, 
 Whose friendship from me can't be 
 bought. 
 
 His presence is glorious sunlight, 
 His voice is sweet melody's tone; 
 
 His smile lends a halo to midnight, 
 I long for his step when he's gone. 
 
 Not beauty, position, nor money, 
 But soul of my soul do I crave ; 
 
 Let the life of my own soul be sunny, 
 What matter things else I may have.. 
 
wHisriiRS 33 
 
 THE TWO CHIMNEYS. 
 
 Like dear old sentinels towering there, 
 To guard the spot where home hath 
 
 been ; 
 My childhood home — where once were 
 
 seen 
 Sweet forms of loved ones lingering near, 
 Our lives from ill to screen. 
 
 O, let me view thee as thou art, 
 
 Grand and most nobly strong; 
 
 Dear remnant, cherished of my home so 
 
 long, 
 While holiest awe doth fill my heart, 
 Once glad in childlike song. 
 
 I seem to see thee as the soul 
 
 Of house much loved, where once I 
 
 dwelt ; 
 Imperishing! Thou it was ne'er felt 
 The scorching breath of Fire's control, 
 Nor to his bidding knelt. 
 
 O, guard thee well that precious spot. 
 Familiar once to pattering feet 
 Of mine ; who there did meet 
 Kind parents dear; now one is hot, 
 May we in Heaven him greet. 
 
34 WHISPERS 
 
 Though winds may come and bear away 
 The ashes 'round thee cast, 
 O, may each breeze but be the blast 
 To strengthen thee and make thee stay 
 So long as time shall last. 
 
 Yes, upward point thee, as of yore 
 Did parents once who dwelt below, 
 Unto our youthful lives bestow 
 Bright star of Hope forevermore, 
 Bidding us upward go. 
 
 Though hours and days and weeks have 
 
 passed, 
 And months now many years have made, 
 Since I, with sisters, 'neath thee played — 
 Yet love of mine for thee doth last, 
 By thee was ne'er betrayed. 
 
 While memory sad doth lend a charm 
 To fairest scene — this far-off day, 
 I see us cross o'er gravelled way, 
 Ripe berries red to pluck from farm, 
 In sweetest month of May. 
 
 Quite safe, hearts young, did joyous feel 
 With towering monitors in view — 
 Us home to guide, when evening drew 
 Her curtains round, night to reveal — 
 Bedecked w r ith glittering dew. 
 
whispers 35 
 
 And thou fair Honeysuckle wild, 
 And Ferns designed by Maker's power, 
 Which I have plucked hour after hour — 
 Feeling myself kind Nature's child, 
 In love with field and flower. 
 
 Oh, could you speak, you'd tell a tale 
 Of sisters, happy, blithe and gay, 
 Who over hills of moss did stray, 
 Home chimneys peering o'er the vale — 
 Us guarding on our way. 
 
 And rippling streams whose waters flow 
 Long meadows through o'er rocks and 
 
 moss, 
 Meandering near and far across 
 The cresses green as on you go — ■ 
 O, hear me as you pass. 
 
 Could you in rhythmic voice but tell 
 Of Summers past and twilight dear, 
 Methinks my spirit would draw near 
 To list the story loved so well, 
 Of childhood sweet to hear. 
 
 Ye oaken trees whose branches wide, 
 Oft me did screen from sun's warm rays, 
 In Summer's long and dreamy days, 
 Oh, could ye now a speech provide — 
 Would jov mv soul alwavs. 
 
$6 WHISPERS 
 
 In truthful whisperings would you say 
 That dear was life in home rich blest, 
 With Father, Mother, Sisters, best ; 
 Would such a home might last alway- 
 And Chimneys — like, defy decay. 
 
 MONODY ON THE DEATH OF 
 HOPEWELL BRAINE. 
 
 O, why was the beautiful soul thus giv- 
 en 
 But a few brief years to its home of 
 clay — 
 
 O, why from that house so swiftly r« v - 
 en — 
 And borne from our sorrowing sigfet 
 away ? 
 
 The Blue Sky answers — "why was it 
 given ?" 
 
 O, why was he suffered to linger here 
 To lift from friends still longer the 
 gloom, 
 That now groweth deeper year after 
 year, 
 Since hidden he is in the darksome 
 tomb ? - 
 But the wild March winds no message 
 will bear. 
 
WHISPERS 37 
 
 O, why did he walk by our gladdened 
 side, 
 In his glory of goodness and beauty 
 of soul, 
 
 Till our heartstrings are breaking be- 
 cause he hath died, 
 And the oceans of grief irrepressibly 
 roll? 
 
 The answer' will come when we've 
 crossed o'er the tide. 
 
 O loved and lamented apostle of 
 thought, 
 O dearest exemplar of labors ne'er 
 done, 
 Thine actions of kindness terrestrial 
 wrought, 
 Thy loftier crow r n in Heaven begun, 
 While expands the sweet love thy gen- 
 tleness taught. 
 
 G, why was the smile that his lips ever 
 wore, 
 Like the flushing of sunlight when 
 day is far spent? 
 
 Though friends gladly greeted his cross- 
 ing the door, 
 Hearts throbbed the more sadly when- 
 ever he went ; 
 
 This thought sadly lingered : we'll see 
 him no more. 
 
38 WHISPERS 
 
 Now hushed, hushed the voice of sil- 
 very notes 
 That brightened fond hearts with a 
 magical power; 
 
 But its tones with the music angelic now 
 floats 
 Where the music of Heaven in mel- 
 ody's shower, 
 
 Peals forth from the choicest of heav- 
 enly throats. 
 
 O, why is the hand that so helpful on 
 earth, 
 Gave vigor to strong men and cour- 
 age to weak, 
 
 Now lifeless to labor *or goodness and 
 worth ? 
 "Ask not," says the South Wind that 
 smote my wet cheek, 
 
 The answer will come with our heaven- 
 ly birth. 
 
 O, hushed is that voice forever, I cry 
 In my anguish of spirit; but ever in 
 vain 
 I seek from the source of all wisdom on 
 high, 
 Why his young soul of beauty should 
 leave us in pain 
 And be taken to dwell in the realms of 
 the sky. 
 
WHISPERS 39 
 
 Why that kind recognition that daily he 
 gave 
 To friends whom he loved — now 
 quenched e'er in death, 
 
 Now slumbering in depths of the dark- 
 some grave 
 Unwaked by the balmy mornings's 
 breath ; 
 
 This sleep is dreamless from which 
 worlds cannot save. 
 
 In vain, oh in vain, we questioning seek 
 Solution from earth of enigma so 
 vast ; 
 None of earth, or earth's sages pro- 
 phetic can speak 
 One comforting word to woes darkly 
 cast 
 Across our sad hearts that are praying 
 to break. 
 
 But calming the billowy soul on the seas, 
 Where shipwrecking grief and de- 
 spair brood apace, 
 Comes the lull that is born in the skies 
 — the aweet peace 
 That beams from the radiance of 
 God's holy face — 
 And our souls from deep sorrow at last 
 have release. 
 
40 WHISPERS 
 
 Sweet comfort will come — for wrongful 
 we know 
 Is harrowing grief for the sainted who 
 soar 
 
 To realms of the blest from this valley 
 of woe, 
 And are waiting us there on the beau- 
 tiful shore, 
 
 While our journey is governed by Time 
 here below. 
 
 His grave on this earth ! Let us deck it 
 with flowers, 
 This earthy with earth's sweetest em- 
 blem in bloom — 
 
 Tho' fading to dust in a few fleeting 
 hours — 
 And wasted on air in their loving per- 
 fume; 
 
 They are offerings to him, and the King 
 of all powers. 
 
 And soft through the sky, as I sit by his 
 sod, 
 Darting down on the sunbeam that 
 rests o'er his head, 
 
 Comes a comforting voice, a sweet whis- 
 per from God, 
 Saying: "Grieve not, oh grieve not, 
 for he is not dead — 
 
 He but sleepeth on earth, where he 
 wearily trod." 
 
WHISPERS 41 
 
 For realms higher, purer, prepare well 
 thy feet 
 For journey he made this narrow 
 house through; 
 
 For soon our beloved we sweetly shall 
 greet, 
 And forever the friendship of earth 
 there renew, 
 
 And unspeakable joys in heaven's re- 
 treat. 
 
 He hath gone from the sorrows of earth, 
 
 and no more 
 Would he wish to inhabit its shores 
 
 of unrest; 
 But he looks, often looks on this deso- 
 late shore, 
 And lovingly leans on his Savior's 
 
 fond breast, 
 Beseeching his aid that we march 
 
 safely o'er. 
 
 O, go not astray, falter not in this life, 
 All ye whom he loveth ; who loved 
 him below — 
 Cling close to the Savior through dan- 
 ger and strife; 
 Re happy on earth, then happier grow 
 In joy of the kind glorious heaven is 
 rife. 
 
42 WHISPERS 
 
 Ask no more oh weak heart, why his 
 life here is ended, 
 And sorrowing friends mourned so 
 soon his young grave; 
 The Almighty his life gave— that life 
 gently tended— 
 Then took him to glory — -fond others 
 to save; 
 D, let us submit on our knees meekly 
 bended. 
 
 Let our hearts learn the lesson over- 
 whelmingly taught, 
 Let us keep closer union in God's holy 
 will, 
 
 And drink from the waters so bounte- 
 ously bought 
 With Jesus' sw r eet mercy, our thirst- 
 ing to fill 
 
 From Salvation's fount, he most surely 
 hath wrought. 
 
 O, may we grow wiser, and better, and 
 
 purer, 
 Because our young friend hath 
 
 stepped on before, 
 To land of the blest with step firmer, 
 
 surer, 
 s\nd there let us meet at the brigkt 
 
 crystal door, 
 By his noble example won trom woe tlie 
 
 securer. 
 
WHISFERS 43 
 
 TO W. P. H. 
 WHAT I DELIGHT IN. 
 
 I delight in each ray of sunshine, 
 When hearts bud forth anew, 
 
 When gentle Spring with peace divine 
 Gives us love both sweet and true. 
 
 I love the first little wild flower 
 
 That peeps through the leaves long 
 dead, 
 And happy I ponder and think of the 
 power 
 Lying hidden in one little bed. 
 
 I love the glad notes of the innocent dove, 
 Whose meek voice is heard on the 
 breeze ; 
 
 It tells me of patience, purity, love, 
 When perched in the old elm trees. 
 
 I love, oh I love the sparkling stream. 
 As it flows over pebbles and moss, 
 
 Where fowls in bathing all utter a 
 scream, 
 As its waters we venture to cross. 
 
 I love, fondly love a quiet bower, 
 
 With only my dog and my book ; 
 While there I may read from hour tO 
 hour, 
 
 And at Nature's grand beauties look. 
 
•44 WHISPERS 
 
 I enjoy, much enjoy a horseback ride, 
 And I seek for a lonely path, 
 
 For when riding there, my thoughts doth 
 glide 
 O'er the wonders this old world hattu 
 
 I like to wander at eventide 
 
 When the lamps of heaven are seen ; 
 
 They light us and guide us, and often 
 provide 
 Other joys that may intervene. 
 
 I like to sit on the river's brink 
 And ponder the rolling wave; 
 
 I love to study, I love to think, 
 
 While knowledge, sweet soul-light I 
 crave. 
 
 SUNSET ON THE ATLANTIC. 
 August 8th, 1904. 
 W^ drink in the grandeur of ocean 
 
 As vessel o'er wave doth glide, 
 And filled are our souls with emotion,, 
 
 Now ebbing and flowing with tide. 
 
 As water and sky meet in rapture, 
 And they on proud mission agree — 
 
 The beauties of twilight we capture 
 With sunset's gold kiss on the sea. 
 
TO MY DAUGHTER- 
 BELLA ROSA BARRY— 
 
 ON COMMENCEMENT DAY 
 
 Remember, dearest one, life's part choose 
 
 well, 
 That clays of thine on earth be wisely 
 
 spent. 
 If in realms of knowledge thou wouldst 
 
 dwell, 
 Rest not thou here with idle mind 
 
 content, 
 But cultivate thy powers ; cease not to 
 
 swell 
 Thy soul's capacity, but know thou art 
 
 sent 
 By Him whose love divine to thee will 
 
 tell 
 If worthy art thou — "Thou doest all 
 
 things well." 
 
 Some day, perhaps, some far off day, my 
 
 dear, 
 You'll understand all I have felt for 
 
 thee ; 
 The love, anxiety, the hope and fear, 
 My prayer that thou in life's sweet pur- 
 
 ity, 
 May live thy days for good, with heaven 
 
 near, 
 To guard and keep thee in security 
 From sin's temptations, with bright faith 
 
 to cheer 
 Thine onward steps to God's eternity. 
 
4) WHISPERS 
 
 DISCONSOLATE— SONNET. 
 
 Disconsolate — small word of meaning 
 large, 
 
 Fain would I pierce the realms where 
 e'er thou art; 
 
 To drag thee from each sorrowing 
 wounded heart, 
 
 And launch instead sweet pleasure's 
 blithesome barge — 
 
 Freighted with all of glorious pleasure's 
 charge. 
 
 Oil, earth, thy realms heaven's richest 
 bliss impart, 
 
 While still unfelt rude sorrow's re- 
 nowned dart, 
 
 Hurled far aside by youth's resistless 
 targe. 
 
 But still incessant speed the rushing 
 
 years- 
 Hope's gallant warriors perish one by 
 one, 
 
 Time traitor turns, and all our joys as- 
 sails, 
 
 And leads his hostile force of countless 
 cares 
 
 In ceaseless charges, till life's fort is won 
 
 And the victorious grave at last pre- 
 vails ! 
 
TO MR. AND MRS. E. S. MORSE. 
 
 AUTUMN WHISPERS. 
 In Rock Creek Park, Washington, Oct. 
 
 9th, 1904. 
 In golden glint and telltale tint 
 Of Oak and Dogwood tree, 
 Whose leaves of brownr, now tumble 
 down 
 In Autumn's ecstasy. 
 
 Ripe season heard in song of bird, 
 Now Southward on the wing, 
 
 Whose song of cheer no more we'll 
 hear, 
 'Till comes the verdant Spring, 
 
 We feel it rare, on soft blue air 
 Of Indian "Summer breeze, 
 
 'Neath sky of gray our footsteps stray, 
 To climb the chestnut trees. 
 
 Persimmons sweet, our eyes doth 
 greet, 
 
 In dropping from the tree — 
 In country field — where children yield 
 
 To Nature's rustic glee. 
 Autumn is here, in soothing cheer, 
 
 All Nature lulls to rest, 
 'Neath gentle gleam of Winter's 
 dream, 
 
 With hope of Springtime blest. 
 
48 WHISfERS 
 
 HOW DO I LOVE THEE. 
 
 Ask, dear one, the fragrant flower 
 If it loves tlie Summer hour, 
 Laden with refreshing shower, 
 That is how I love thee. 
 
 Like the honeybee loves clover, 
 As it hums red blossoms over, 
 Sweetest nectar to discover, 
 
 That is how I love thee. 
 
 Loves the snowdrop crystal dew, 
 Permeating leaflets through, 
 Admiration keen to woo? 
 
 That is how I love thee. 
 
 Loves the thirsty one to dwell 
 In the verdant, vineclad del!, 
 Quenching thirst from ice-cold well? 
 That is how I love thee. 
 
 Like nature artist loves the green 
 After golden sunset scene, 
 As twilight beauties intervene, 
 That is how I love tihee. 
 
 Like dream-poet loves the ocean. 
 As its musical commotion 
 Thrills his soul with rapture's notion, 
 That is how I love thee. 
 
whispers 49 
 
 TO I. E. B. 
 LINGER NEAR. 
 
 Whether near or whether far, 
 To my life thou art a star, 
 Brightly beaming rays of cheer, 
 Linger near me — linger near. 
 
 In dark night or fairest day. 
 To my heart — come find thy way; 
 For I have a place for thee, 
 Thine to claim eternally. 
 
 Come, dear one — for balm I keep 
 Thee to heal — when thou dost weep ; 
 When you're glad — let others know- 
 But when sad — tell me your woe. 
 
 Take my heart each day and year, 
 Whether far away or near — 
 Take my love — yes, everywhere, 
 While I breathe thy name in prayer, 
 
50 WHISPERS 
 
 LANGUAGE OF THE EYES. 
 
 O, beautiful eyes! 
 Thou art my charming skies, 
 
 Which hold for me both rain and sun 
 Frown — and joy within me dies, 
 
 Smile — and peace is just begun. 
 
 Kind, lovely eyes ! 
 Thou art my twinkling star, 
 
 That brightly wakes when day is dead ; 
 That speaks to me of worlds afar, 
 
 And tells me earth and sky are wed. 
 
 Sweet, soulful eyes t 
 Thou art my silver moon, 
 
 My soothing light at evening hour; 
 Thou givest me the happy boon 
 
 Of love's dear light around my bower. 
 
 Pure, heavenly eyes ! 
 Thou art my heart's warm sun ; 
 
 Lend to my life thy golden beams, 
 Thou windows of the soul of one 
 
 Whose fond face lingers in my 
 dreams. 
 
WHISPERS 51 
 
 ONLY GONE BEFORE. 
 
 (To Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Jackson,) 
 Your tiny rosebuds sweet and fair, 
 
 Ha,ve only been transplanted, 
 By Him whose will it is to share 
 The lives He to you granted. 
 
 Dead? Ah no, but gone before you, 
 To that world to sin unknown; 
 
 There to dwell and there to greet you, 
 When your earthly work is done. 
 
 Happy now and free from sorrow, 
 Are those little cherubs dear, 
 
 Waiting for the bright tomorrow, 
 When kind parents shall draw near. 
 
 Memory gathers round the hearthstone, 
 Baby voices soft and sweet, 
 
 Hall and porch and stairway echoes 
 Speak the tread of tiny feet. 
 
 Voices gentle and sonorous, 
 Faintly fall on memory's ear, 
 
 Sound still louder in the chorus 
 Of the high immortal sphere. 
 
52 WHISPERS 
 
 Lips touch thine in loving presence, 
 Lips of passionless pure love, 
 
 Breathing whisperings of the essence 
 From the bliss that reigns above. 
 
 Not alone, oh earth, thy treasure 
 Rich in jewels cloth consist; 
 
 Thine is Heaven's exhaustless measure, 
 In the walls of amethyst. 
 
 MY FATHER'S CLOCK. 
 Thou Sentinel of Time, whose constant 
 
 stroke 
 Oft called together at thy command, 
 Our number five in family band — • 
 Father, Mother, Sisters three — until 
 
 spoke 
 Our Heavenly Father — whore call broke 
 Our family circle — taking by the hand 
 Father, then Mother, to His heavenly 
 
 land. 
 'Twas then our souls awoke 
 To our great loss — for God above 
 Our parents called to go before, 
 That we, their children, whom they love, 
 Shall live as they did evermore, 
 While on this earth — till souls remove 
 To kindred spirits in Heaven to soar. 
 
WHISPERS 53 
 
 IN MAY. 
 
 The sunny day in storm is ended, 
 And night in double gloom is brood- 
 ing; 
 Where lately Heaven's cerulean bended, 
 And sunlight all the earth was flood- 
 ing. 
 
 The lightning flash just now illumines 
 The tempest vexed and raging river, 
 
 And thunder's voice, like maddened hu- 
 man's, 
 Jars on the ear with angry quiver. 
 
 Young maple leaves, all green and ten- 
 der, 
 
 In whitened masses wave inverted ; 
 And startled wild birds seek to render 
 
 Aid to their birdlings disconcerted. 
 
 Quick — quicker, come the blinding 
 
 flashes, 
 While thunder peals are mingling mad- 
 
 ly; 
 
 And o'er the house-roof wildly dashes 
 Rain's roaring voice exulting gladly. 
 
54 WHISPERS 
 
 Faint— fainter now, the tempest's end- 
 ing, 
 In slow approaches, cometh surely ; 
 Like blessings, Heaven in sometimes 
 sending 
 More slowly, sends the more secure- 
 
 Along the Western hilltops quiet 
 
 Is full restored, and stars are peeping 
 
 In timid faintness, and rude riot 
 
 Is locked in Order's kingly keeping. 
 
 Lo! New on yonder earth is gleaming 
 Pale Sinus; and in swift succession, 
 
 Heaven's starry hosts, with banners 
 streaming, 
 Resume their visible procession. 
 
 And when the nitrht's mysterious cur- 
 tain 
 Shall lifted be, the sunlight's glory 
 Shall come, and with a history certain 
 Repeat today's brief sunshine story. 
 
whispers 55 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. E. N. Parham on 
 their Golden Wedding Day. 
 
 The heavens themselves were shedding 
 joyous tears, 
 
 At contemplating bliss for fifty years 
 
 Of happiest mortals twain, whose Au- 
 tumn golden, 
 
 Has crowned with bliss each glorious 
 yearning olden. 
 
 O, spring of love, O, summer-time of 
 joys— 
 
 O, autumn raptures age not yet 
 destroys, 
 
 Vain here your potent oftentime en- 
 deavor, 
 
 Bliss from the pure, the true, the good 
 to sever. 
 
 These lives no longer sparkle in the sun, 
 
 As streamlets, dashing down the hill- 
 side, run ; 
 
 Youth's gay exuberance gradually "nath 
 subsided, 
 
 The rill twixt mightier shores at last 
 hath glided. 
 
.~, > WHISPERS 
 
 Upon the shores no springtime flowerets 
 bloom, 
 
 But clay's resplendent evening doth il- 
 lume, 
 
 Calm, broad, deep-flowing current on 
 whose glowing 
 
 Are seen two freighted lives to glory 
 going. 
 
 O, let us watch them as they grandly 
 sweep 
 
 On — onward toward the everlasting 
 deep, 
 
 Towards which our youthful crafts on 
 earth are tending, 
 
 Unto the spacious shore of life unend- 
 ing. 
 
 Their's, grand exemplars ! Not one 
 
 channel missed ! 
 No fatal shoals encountered in life's list ; 
 No fierce tornado of excess destroying, 
 Or life's most pure and noble instincts 
 
 cloying. 
 
WHISPERS 57 
 
 The happy mean — the temperance in all 
 things, 
 
 Preached by the Apostle of the King of 
 kings ; 
 
 The fear and love of God — like Aegis 
 guarding, 
 
 Two lives in one — see now this eve's re- 
 warding. 
 
 So, these the happy offspring, children 
 loving. 
 
 And children's children, each one nobly 
 proving 
 
 The force of good exemplars, here dis- 
 playing 
 
 Lives with just pride these hearts most 
 noble swaying. 
 
 Thank God that good hath sometime 
 such reward 
 
 On this sad world where sore and bat- 
 tle-scarred, 
 
 The just and upright oftimes fight in 
 vain, 
 
 Not joys of earth, but bliss of heaven to 
 gain. 
 
$8 WHISPERS 
 
 And now we part! Alas, such other 
 
 meeting 
 Shall no more come in this existence 
 
 fleeting ; 
 But on the shore where parting is not 
 
 known, 
 O, let us meet in bliss around God's 
 
 throne. 
 
 INCONSISTENCY. 
 
 Dead — but still he's living, 
 Gone — but yet he's here ; 
 
 Sweet — although another 
 Now doth call him dear. 
 
 Grand — although he sccrn me, 
 Noble — but unkind; 
 Handsome — though he spurn me, 
 As one of weaker mind. 
 
 Brave — while he doth wound me, 
 Rich — in mental store; 
 
 Kind to those who love him not, 
 Neglecting-— who love more. 
 
 Affectionate, when self demands 
 Come pulsing through his heart, 
 
 But icy-cold when loving hands 
 Doth open for a part. 
 
whispers 59 
 
 SONNET. 
 
 (To My Mother.) 
 
 Oh ! Dearest one and best, whose fond 
 love taught 
 
 My tottering feet to walk at thy dear 
 side — 
 
 And all my thoughts in embryo did 
 guide 
 
 To childish utterance, and whose cease- 
 less thought 
 
 Was ever with my highest welfare 
 fraught — 
 
 Who, for my good had suffered, yea. 
 had died 
 
 As martyr burnt at stake, or crucified — 
 Oh take this tribute my heart's love hath 
 brought, 
 
 Know, dearest one, the love to thee I 
 owe. 
 
 All bankrupt though I am, I do repav 
 
 With a devotion endless as my soul ; 
 
 For thy dear sake all ills would under- 
 go, 
 
 All perils brave; and foes though thev 
 might slay, 
 
 Could not my deathless love for thee 
 control. 
 
60 WHISPERS 
 
 TO MY UNCLE, MR. J. P. R. 
 
 ON THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE. 
 
 Dear Uncle, though thy lot be lone, 
 Consider, God knows best— 
 
 Who took thy loved to be his own 
 In mansions of the blest. 
 
 Though happy days of earthly, joy 
 Have crowned your mutual past, 
 
 Remember well, without alloy 
 Gold brightest cannot last. 
 
 Hope — like a star, still guides the 
 heart 
 
 O'er life's tempestuous sea, 
 And leads with kind paternal art 
 
 Our souls from sorrow free. 
 
 Then brighter glows, when dawns the 
 day 
 
 To bring the loved one home, 
 Dear blessed hope, whose fondest ray 
 
 Is always yet to come. 
 
 But most of all its welcome light 
 Fills hearts like thine with peace, 
 
 And bids thee go where is no night, 
 Where joy knows no surcease. 
 
WHISPERS 01 
 
 MY DREAM STORY. 
 Lea Springs, Tenn. 
 The lonely path, o'erhung with trees, 
 
 Was decked with pebbles white ; 
 The grand old oaks sent forth a breeze, 
 The leaves were green and bright. 
 
 The gathering clouds were black and 
 low, 
 
 And thunder came with mighty roar; 
 The lightning showed me how to go, 
 
 The heavy rain did on me pour. 
 
 I was all alone — the distance long, 
 A;nd as I travelled thinly clad, 
 
 I knew complaint would be but wrong, 
 So silently I journeyed sad. 
 
 The storm kept raging, but at last 
 A little hut fell on my view ; 
 I planned to stop, till storm had passed, 
 And then my journey Pd renew. 
 
 The well-strapped gate I tried to ope, 
 The leather new was firm and tight ; 
 
 I could not slip it, but came Hope, 
 The hope was this : some one else 
 might ! 
 
6 j whispers 
 
 And so I called aloud for aid, 
 And as the door flew open wide, 
 
 The voice of some one kindly said: 
 "I'll soon be, dearest, at your side!" 
 
 Whose voice was this? It soothed my 
 heart ; 
 
 Its tone was gentle, kind, and sweet, 
 And from its power I could not part, 
 
 Until his face my eyes should greet. 
 
 He came to me through blinding mist, 
 He ope'd the gate and drew me in— 
 
 And pressed me to him, while he kissed 
 My cheeks where late the tears had 
 been. 
 
 I know him now ; his manly form — 
 His kindly smile — his eyes of gray — 
 All, all for me doth have a charm 
 To while the long sad hours away, 
 
 He, like myself, this cabin spied, 
 When overtaken by the rain ; 
 
 A shelter now it did provide, 
 
 Where two friends true had met 
 again. 
 
WHISPERS 63 
 
 We dined and very well did fare 
 Upon the plain, substantial food 
 
 The peasant woman did prepare 
 For us in friendly, gentle mood. 
 
 When we had eaten, and the storm 
 Had passed, out came the sun, 
 
 Whose rays our beings now did warm, 
 And happy hearts did beat as one. 
 
 Most tender care he gave to me. 
 And in his carriage I was seated; 
 
 Ail trouble soon was past — for he — 
 His kindness now repeated. 
 
 He drove me home ; I bade him stay, 
 An hour he lingered near; 
 
 That hour too short, soon sped away, 
 But friendship left more dear. 
 
 Hope now is mine — for well I know 
 
 His face again I'll greet; 
 Far — far away, where spirits go, 
 
 Where friends and loved ones inert. 
 
(•4 WHISPERS 
 
 WHO CAN TELL. 
 
 Ah, who can tell who is a friend, 
 Soft word and sweetest smile, 
 
 Too often with deception blend, 
 True friendship to beguile. 
 
 Sometimes the tender heart is sad, 
 By deeds of those we love ; 
 
 Whose gentle touch once made us glad, 
 Whose voice the soul did move. 
 
 When bruised the heart, all things 
 around 
 
 Doth borrow from the gloom, 
 Until the breezes e'er resound 
 
 A wail from pleasure's tomb. 
 
 Deceived by friend whom we hold 
 dear, 
 Would wound the inmost soul ; 
 Would banish all the heart's -bright 
 cheer, 
 And blight the life in whole. 
 
WHISl'KRS 65 
 
 TO SISTER EMMA. 
 CHILDHOOD. 
 
 Sweet memories of dear departed days, 
 Are crowding with such force into my 
 
 mind, 
 That words of worthy power no tongue 
 
 can find 
 To give them fit embodiment. O, rays 
 Like those of yonder glorious sunset's 
 
 blaze, 
 Soon must ye fade and leave no trace 
 
 behind ; 
 And all your splendors to decay re- 
 signed, 
 Shall sink into the past's obscurist haze. 
 But in the realm eternal, they shall be 
 Fixed and secure like mansions of de- 
 light, 
 For our enjoyment in that higher 
 
 sphere ; 
 In that most blissful immortality, 
 Whose joy exalted shall for aye requite 
 Those who have done the Master's bid- 
 ding here. 
 
66 WHISPKRS 
 
 AS WE GO ALONG. 
 Let's learn to laugh as we go along, 
 And sometimes sing a merry song; 
 Let's talk of the good and forget the 
 wrong, 
 
 As we go along. 
 
 Let's cultivate the Christlike art, 
 And gentle words of love impart; 
 Let's daily speak to some aching heart, 
 As we go along, 
 
 Tho' people are many and close friends 
 
 few, 
 Let's do unto all as we'd have them do ; 
 And make the world bright as we pass 
 
 through, 
 
 As we go along. 
 
 Let's heartfelt sympathy bestow, 
 As smile of ours drives out the woe 
 Of burdened hearts where e'er we go — 
 As we go along. 
 
WHISPERS 67 
 
 THE WANDERING BOY. 
 
 Some three score years ago or more 
 Lived one who Nature did adore ; 
 Impetuous, young, both brave and jolly, 
 Unknown his heart to melancholy. 
 
 His childhood had no clouded skies, 
 No tears bedimmed his joyous eyes, 
 And all the wide domain of earth 
 But echoed tones of joyous mirth. 
 
 From earthly dawn the twin of "Time" 
 Hath e'er been "Change" in every clime ; 
 And as with other mortals — so 
 To him came cares and blasts and woe ! 
 
 His heart with buoyancy elate, 
 
 Was crushed with sorrow's leaden 
 
 weight — 
 Black sorrow's awful weight of sin, 
 And pardon's prize he sought to win. 
 
 To Nature's God lie did incline, 
 The breezes spoke of peace divine; 
 The flowrets told of higher birth 
 Than e'er they find in Mother Earth. 
 
6$ WHISPERS 
 
 Stood not ajar the door for naught, 
 Heaven's breeze his soul despondent 
 
 caught ; 
 While wafted on fond angel's breath 
 The tidings — "One more saved from 
 
 Death !" 
 
 Now happy, hopeful, Christian he, 
 In life desires much more to be; 
 For work his restless heart now soars. 
 To preach God's word he now implores. 
 
 Now called of God he feels that he 
 His faithful minister must be; 
 His motto — "Onward" — now he tries 
 To gain of knowledge what is wise. 
 
 But strange! Opposing forces rose 
 From friends and not from wicked foes ; 
 His parents stood as bulwarks stern, 
 Him from his chosen path to turn. 
 
 This sure salvation to attain, 
 They deem an object well to gain, 
 But deprecate the toils we give 
 To make poor wandering sinners live. 
 
WHISPERS 69 
 
 With deep discouragement distraught, 
 His sweetest hopes now turned to naught, 
 To Tarshish — Jona-like — he sails 
 O'er dangerous waves, through perils 
 gales. 
 
 And like the whale, comes evil power 
 Which doth his soul in sin devour; 
 'Till heaven's high hopes, all lost to sigh 
 Are sunk in sin's o'erwhelming night. 
 
 But these — how on his heart did fall 
 Their fiery pleasures, until all 
 Above, below, both east and west, 
 Nowhere but torturings and unrest. 
 
 A prodigal from home afar, 
 Unfriended, and with God at war — 
 His spirit sickens nigh to death, 
 And scarcely heard his thickened breath. 
 
 Oh, heart despairing, yield not yet, 
 Thy woes with healing shall be met; 
 Repentance shall thy soul yet bring 
 To heavenly joy's exhaustless spring. 
 
7# WHISPERS 
 
 Though tempest tossed for many an hour, 
 The ship at last by mighty power 
 Found anchor, proving thus to him 
 His lamp alive — though burning dim. 
 
 But ere he fully gained the light, 
 While dawn was dim with shades of 
 
 night, 
 Dread voices spoke in accents low 
 Of dangers that he yet must know. 
 
 But prayer came to his tortured soul, 
 And soft in whispers upward stole — 
 That fears and dangers might not win 
 His soul to realms of endless sin. 
 
 And there he w r restled with his might, 
 As he of old — for help and light ; 
 Desperate he struggled for many an hour 
 For glorious Salvation's power. 
 
 Then lo! As from that region bright 
 
 Came wondrous peace — -and dismal 
 
 night 
 Rolled far away — while sunshine blest 
 Brought to his panting spirit, rest. 
 
WHISFERS 71 
 
 And oh, since that auspicious day. 
 Clouds, darkness, sin's accurst array- 
 Confined in wisdom's way — lie soars 
 On heavenly wings to golden shores. 
 
 No loitering in the pathway high, 
 On heaven is fixed his longing eye ; 
 And fain efforts would now diffuse 
 That fellowmen his path may choose. 
 
 The North and South-— the East and 
 
 West- 
 Are all by his grand sermons blest ; 
 And hundreds turning every day 
 Beneath his sceptre's mighty sway. 
 
 TO BOSTON. 
 On visiting Bunker Hill Monument. 
 
 O, city stately ! Proud in historic fame, 
 Speaking through Bunker Hill in loud 
 
 acclaim — 
 Of victory won through cannon's roar, 
 By virtue of brave men who soar 
 To history's page through valor sought; 
 Thy towering dome tells valiant deeds 
 
 they wrought. 
 
72 WHISPERS 
 
 WHEN I AM DEAD. 
 
 When Time shall bid my soul depart 
 To higher realms, and mortal heart 
 Hath beating ceased, oh, who will come 
 A rose to plant upon my tomb? 
 
 When loving friends shall linger round 
 And deck with flowers my little mound, 
 If tender word some one would say 
 Of me — on that memorial day — 
 
 One small request I now would make, 
 And know you'll keep it for my sake, 
 Because my spirit dwells above. 
 Helpless to things on earth I love. 
 
 Say not of me when I am dead 
 Words sweeter than in life you said; 
 For it hath ever been my prayer 
 Kind words to sav when others share. 
 
 Earth-life is open to love-deeds, 
 So day by day let's sow good seeds 
 Of purest thought our souls may know, 
 Ripe fruit of which in heaven will grow. 
 
WHISPERS 73 
 
 NATURE AND ART. 
 
 To Mrs. J. E. Lutz. 
 
 Admire your lilies, your pinks, your 
 phlox, 
 But give rne the queenly rose, 
 That in springtime, whether in mound 
 or box, 
 Its velvety leaves unclose. 
 
 Admire the fragrance of rich perfume — 
 Though costilier far it may be — 
 
 Than lovely white rose I keep in my 
 room, 
 Whose sweet rented beauty I see. 
 
 Let others the wonders of Art enjoy, 
 While I in true Nature behold 
 
 Earth's beauties most grand and free 
 from alloy— 
 They — to me — can never grow old. 
 
 Let others admire the landscape in 
 frame, 
 Which mortal hand hath made, 
 But give me the grand old hills — the 
 same 
 I mav tread in sunshine cr shade. 
 
74 WHISPERS 
 
 While others to grateful actors give 
 
 praise, 
 In play-yard I'll join the sweet song, 
 Where children their gladsome voices 
 
 raise, 
 
 And Nature's sweet drama prolong. 
 While others the fashion of city so love, 
 
 Give me the beautiful green 
 Of wheat field and meadow, where- 
 robin and dove 
 From dawn until twilight are seen. 
 When others applaud the gas-lighted 
 street, 
 Through path in the wildwood I'll 
 roam, 
 Where Luna in glory most gentle and 
 sweet, 
 Will guide me to loved ones at home. 
 
 CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK. 
 Q, thou fond, fertile, fresh-air home, 
 Where Nature's children daily come 
 To drink from Ether's glistening spring, 
 Gleaming 'neath the oak's cool wing; 
 Mating birds in springtime glee, 
 Filled with amorous ecstasy! 
 Thou sweet home of bee and flower 
 Hath lent my soul poetic power.. 
 
WHISWSRS 75 
 
 EPITHALAMIUM 
 
 TO SISTER MATTIE 
 May these two lives in deathless bliss 
 united, 
 Like crystal streams that in the valley 
 meet, 
 Flow gladlier on, by every rapture light- 
 ed, 
 And every hope of friends fulfilled, 
 complete — 
 Long life, health, wealth, friends change- 
 less ; still higher, 
 May He who rules the universe un- 
 ending, 
 Grant to these hearts each glorious pure 
 desire — 
 That in these breasts may flow with 
 purpose blending ! 
 O, sister ever loved, and loved most 
 dearly — 
 O, brother newly found and fondly 
 cherished — 
 As wheels the earth her mightiest jour- 
 ney yearly, 
 Kr*aul hopes must fail, and fair sweet 
 dreams be perished ; 
 But scarce can I conceive your future 
 other 
 
j6 WHISPERS 
 
 Than one long Summers day of light 
 and glory, 
 Where clouding cares and soul-perplex- 
 ing bother 
 Make up the sum of life's old sorrow- 
 ing story. 
 
 May these young lives now seen in joint 
 uprising, 
 Be like the cloudless sun far Eastward 
 beaming, 
 Whose splendors o'er the earth in bright 
 baptizing, 
 Spread light, from darkness all Earth's 
 face redeeming; 
 Not for one little hour, but through day's 
 stages, 
 Through noon, and afternoon, with 
 days unceasing, 
 Like some grand book that glows through 
 all its pages, 
 With interest ever deepening and in- 
 creasing. 
 
 And should some clouds across your sky 
 come floating, 
 (), may they bear no fierce tornado's 
 terrors, 
 But by their fertilizing showers denoting 
 That good of which God's loved arc 
 ever sharers : 
 
WHISPERS 77 
 
 And may the sunshine near in rainbow 
 token, 
 Tell of God's covenant with you, Mat- 
 tie dearest — 
 And love of her whose love by death un- 
 broken, 
 Shall dwell with you ever truest, near- 
 est. 
 
 EASTER THOUGHTEETS. 
 
 Easter beauties now w f e see, 
 Mind — the compass of degree; 
 Rosy dawn and sky of blue, 
 Verdant lawn and diamond dew ! 
 
 Tonic pure in sweet spring air, 
 Soothing comfort everywhere; 
 Singing bird in every tree 
 Nature's springtime ecstasy! 
 
 Odor rare on Easter bloom, 
 As the Christ-flower leaves the tomb 
 Fragrant breeze of ether mild, 
 Wafts o'er trees to Nature's child! 
 
 Touch life's harp with spirit wand, 
 Quickly find love will respond ; 
 Essence sweet the life to fill, 
 Beyond compare the soul to thrill! 
 
7'6 WHISPERS 
 
 God is our environment — 
 Easter blessings hath He sent ; 
 Harmony of heaven is here, 
 When in silence we draw near! 
 
 Prayers are not the words w r e say, 
 But life we live from day to day ; 
 Right thinking is to health the key, 
 Wrong thinking bringeth misery! 
 
 Our spirit image let us seek, 
 Of good in others let us speak ! 
 Thoughts are we of love Divine, 
 Souls are we from spirit shrine. 
 
 Easter glow on blade of green, 
 Divinity in Nature seen; 
 All these treasures we may hold, 
 When our soul-life we unfold. 
 
WHISPERS 7V ; 
 
 TO MRS. ASA HAZEN. 
 PASS THEM ON. 
 Have you heard a gentle word? 
 Is your soul by kindness stirred? 
 Let these things be ever heard — 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 Let's not miss our work in life 
 By engaging in the strife. 
 But let noble deeds be rife, 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 
 Think of many girls and boys, 
 Without homes and without toys, 
 Whose little hearts are void of joys, 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 Search the play-room and the garret, 
 For some toy — your child can spare it; 
 Let a little orphan share it, 
 
 Pass it on! 
 
 The rusty train, the broken sled, 
 
 The doll without a perfect head, 
 
 On Christmas day much joy may shed, 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 The rubber ball that now is old, 
 The little ring of shining gold 
 They have outgrown — don't let them 
 mold, 
 
 I 'ass them on ! 
 
&Q WHISPERS 
 
 Stop and think, and look around — 
 In your home small things abound 
 That a childish grief might drown — 
 
 Pass them on! 
 Let no tear on Christmas day 
 Come to little eyes to stay, 
 Unless from joy it pass this way — 
 
 Pass it on! 
 
 Bring scraps of brightest blue and red, 
 Make marble bags for Tom and Ned, 
 And sew them up with fancy thread — 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 These bags will precious marbles hold, 
 Worth more than so much solid gold 
 To little boys just five years old — 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 
 Don't say you have no time for this, 
 Far your own heart a joy will miss, 
 While others are denied a bliss, 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 Don't be stingy now and sigh, 
 Don't cling to every toy you spy, 
 Don't say — -"I cannot" — only try; 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 
WHISPERS 8l 
 
 It may be your child is dead, 
 Then find a life to sorrow wed, 
 And soften thou its little bed, 
 
 Pass it on ! 
 We, who plenty have in store, 
 Think too seldom of the poor; 
 Let us open wide our door 
 
 Pass it on! 
 
 God to us hath mercy shown, 
 Joys weren't meant for us alone; 
 Sit not down and idly moan — 
 
 Pass them on! 
 The nuts and candies Santa brings, 
 Ripe fruits and flowers and other 
 
 things, 
 Divide them now, ere Time's swift 
 
 wings 
 
 Pass you on! 
 
 O, countless joys, both rich and rare. 
 Bring charming hours beyond compare, 
 When we these things with others share, 
 
 Pass them on ! 
 When rightly used they are God-given, 
 While many a heart-ache may be riven, 
 By such a sweet foretaste of Heaven- 
 Pass them on ! 
 
82 WHISPERS 
 
 LINES ON THE DEATH OF LIT- 
 TLE FRANK SOOY. 
 
 There never was an earthly dream 
 
 Of beauty and delight, 
 That mingled not too soon with cloudi 
 
 As sun rays with the night. 
 
 That faded not from that fond heart, 
 Where once it loved to stay, 
 
 And left that heart more desolate 
 For having felt its sway. 
 
 When our hearts are full of pleasure, 
 And our souls are filled with peace, 
 
 Then it is we taste life's treasure, 
 Then we bid all sorrows cease. 
 
 When our lives are full of gladness, 
 And our minds are filled with love, 
 
 Grief to us seems but a madness 
 That our hearts could never move. 
 
WHISPERS 8 J 
 
 But a change comes quickly o'er us, 
 When we meet a heartfelt grief; 
 
 All life's beauties fade before us, 
 While we vainly seek relief. 
 
 One loved form has faded from us, 
 Childlike form so young and pure; 
 
 That our hearts were but the radius 
 Round which it passed in love each 
 year. 
 
 One bright face hath left our vision, 
 race of innocence and mirth; 
 
 Gone to shine in sweet Elysian, 
 Brighter far than when on earth. 
 
 One loving voice to us hath spoken 
 The last sweet words our hearts to 
 cheer, 
 While fondest hearts, though well nigh 
 broken, 
 Oft think that voice is whispering 
 near. 
 
84 WHISPERS 
 
 Tiie last fond smile that beamed upon 
 us, 
 
 And lighted up his face so white, 
 Shall be a golden link to draw us 
 
 Unto his side in Heaven so bright. 
 
 Where his spirit freed from weakness,, 
 Enters rest where is no pain; 
 
 Where his precious form in meekness, 
 Bows in praise with God to reign. 
 
 Hear the darling child now singing- 
 Songs he loved while with us here; 
 
 See the angel cherubs bringing 
 Peace and love his soul to cheer. 
 
 Banish now all tears of sorrow, 
 
 Let our hope but grow more bright; 
 
 We shall see Frank on the morrow, 
 In the realms of perfect light. 
 
WHISKERS S6 
 
 TO B. R. B. 
 SINCE YOU CAME. 
 
 Since you came life's ills are fewer, 
 Work in life is grander, newer; 
 All my friends to me are truer, 
 Since you came! 
 
 Dreary days to me are fleeter, 
 Music to my ear far sweeter; 
 Joy doth come — I go to meet her, 
 Since you came! 
 
 In purling stream I hear a voice, 
 To me most dear — by Nature's choice; 
 Whose rhythmic tones my heart rejoice, 
 Since you came! 
 
 To me the flowrets speak of thee, 
 While folded in each bud I see 
 Loved emblem fair of purity, 
 vSince you came ! 
 
 Faces erstwhile shedding gloom, 
 Show now in feature Eden's bloom. 
 My heart to fill with sweet perfume, 
 Since vou came! 
 
86 WHISPERS 
 
 In firelight shadows now I read 
 Kind words of hope each life doth need, 
 On which my longing soul doth feed. 
 Since you came ! 
 
 Earth problems now to me are clearer, 
 Making life-work sweeter, dearer, 
 To my soul is Heaven nearer, 
 Since you came! 
 
 Since you came to me, my dear, 
 Angelic voices hover near, 
 To lend my heart-song royal cheer, 
 Since vou came! 
 
 EVER THUS. 
 Know thyself! Study thine own soul! 
 Thy friends judge not, who daily stroll 
 In thine environment; but ever know 
 God, who all made, will justice show. 
 Learn then thine own self to control ! 
 
 Good is in all ! Let's find it now. 
 Wait not till sad we mourning bow 
 Our grief beneat'h, to find in others 
 
 naught but good, 
 But be ourselves and friends so kindly 
 
 understood 
 No evil shall we find, then others will 
 
 learn how. 
 
WHISPERS 87 
 
 TO A LITTLE BOOK. 
 
 Let mc press you to my heart, 
 For of life you form a part ; 
 Let me keep you ever near 
 When my heart is sad to cheer! 
 
 Let me from each charming line, 
 Thoughts of rarest beauty twine 
 Round my own small mental store, 
 While I o'er thy pages pore. 
 
 Words of thine doth me inspire 
 With a noble, grand desire ; 
 Though a stranger doth repeat 
 Words of thine to me, how sweet! 
 
 Why is this? Ah, who can tell? 
 None but her who knoweth well 
 That the charm is not thine own, 
 Though by author widely known. 
 
 Some years ago there was an hour 
 When you, dear book, had such a pow- 
 er, 
 As magnet hath o'er troubled waves — 
 O'er a mind which knowledge craves. 
 
88 WHISPERS ■ 
 
 A look at you my heart would thrill. 
 To touch you would my being fill 
 With wild desire to understand 
 The contents there so richly planned. 
 
 book that brought my heart a smile, 
 As story calmed my soul the while 
 
 1 sat beneath thy soothing spell 
 And drank from Inspiration's well. 
 
 Some years have passed since spirk 
 
 sought 
 That kindred spirit — all for naught — 
 But like earth's aspirations, must 
 Be sadly trampled in the dust. 
 
 And though we live, how much we miss 
 Of rarest, purest, sweetest bliss, 
 That rightly used is but God-given,. 
 And just a faint foretaste of Heaven. 
 
 O, cherished book, stay near me now, 
 And drive the shadows from my brow; 
 Bring me a gentle word or look, 
 From him who made thee mv own book. 
 
WH1SPKRS 89 
 
 BABY'S WELCOME. 
 
 (To Little Lizzie, daughter of Mr. and 
 
 Mrs. E. A. Taylor.) 
 O, welcome, welcome, thy blest coming 
 here 
 From angels' home above; 
 A sunbeam thou, fond, noble, hearts to 
 cheer, 
 A home to fill with love, 
 O, precious dove. 
 
 To hearts still nearer, dearer, to thine 
 own 
 Than that which prompts this line, 
 Thou art a queen, whose proud, im- 
 perial throne 
 Is ruled by right divine, 
 In grasp of thine. 
 
 Thy father's grateful, pure, and noble 
 soul, 
 Thy mother's melting heart, 
 Thou swayest now with mightiest con- 
 trol, 
 And play'st a sovereign's part 
 With regal art. 
 
90 WHISPERS 
 
 And when by years instead of lengthen- 
 ing days, 
 Thy little life is known — 
 O, may thy brothers' gentle, virtuous 
 ways 
 Be fruit from seed thou'st sown, 
 To harvest grown. 
 
 Rule ever well — and may'st thou nobly 
 wear 
 Beyond thy kindred sphere, 
 The grace of her whose honored name 
 you bear, 
 Thy Grandma sweet and dear, 
 Fond hearts to cheer. 
 
 Now dearest, precious little Lizzie T., 
 When God shall bid thee come — 
 
 May this old earth forever better be, 
 That thou through it did'st roam 
 To Heaven, thy home. 
 
WHISPERS 91 
 
 IMPRESSIONS. 
 
 'Tvvas near the sweet month of Septem- 
 ber, 
 
 And a beautiful Sabbath day, 
 When I met one I kindly remember — 
 
 What was his name? Shall I say? 
 
 The lengthening" shadows were creeping 
 O'er hillside and valley and mear, 
 
 While my heart sweetest music was 
 keeping, 
 To the voice of a friend sitting near. 
 
 Was he friend? When Time in his 
 glory 
 Mad marked our communion by hours, 
 Can it be that old but sweet story 
 Of heart to heart bringing Love's 
 flowers ? 
 
 (.), dear to my *>oul is the meeting, 
 
 When spirits congenial find 
 A comrade whose friendliest greeting 
 Doth heart to heart tenderly bind. 
 
92 WHISPERS 
 
 No joy to my heart gives more pleasure 
 Than communion with one I can love, 
 
 Of treasures, this one is the treasure, 
 And such doth my soul ever move. 
 
 When hand answers hand by that pres- 
 sure, 
 
 Whose meaning we know very well, 
 There's infinite joy in that measure 
 
 Of bliss which we dare never tell. 
 
 When voice answers voice with a feel- 
 ing 
 
 Of something we cannot express, 
 That something is but the revealing 
 
 Of emotions we cannot suppress. 
 
 When eye answers eye in that yearning 
 For friendship intensely more sweet, 
 
 Then desire fills the soul with a burning 
 That again each the other shall meet. 
 
WHISPERS 93 
 
 TO MY FRIEND MA&Y E. 
 WELCKER. 
 
 UFE J S GOLD. 
 Tlie gx>ld of life is the good of life, 
 
 One's name the stamp of its worth; 
 When the heart's aglow from virtue" 
 rife, 
 This gold is the best of earth. 
 
 The royal mint where this gold is cast 
 Is the noble and Christlike mind, 
 
 And heart from which sin's dross hath 
 passed, 
 Showing only true gold refined. 
 
 The coiners at work in this mint of 
 gold. 
 Are Faith and Hope and Love — 
 These three, 'tis said in the book of 
 old, 
 The heart of the world may move. 
 
 This gold doth differ from metal of 
 earth, 
 
 By needing no government seal; 
 But the least of us may show his worth 
 
 When this gold our stamps reveal. 
 
94 WHISPERS 
 
 It differs yet in another mode, 
 All countries alike may possess, 
 
 Bearing no change of form or code, 
 Rut valued by nations no less. 
 
 Both rich and poor this gold may share, 
 
 To all it comes the same; 
 While deed of title the owner must bear 
 
 Is found in life's golden name. 
 
 Its dollars are stamped with a kindly 
 act, 
 On its quarters a smile doth gleam ; 
 As it changeth hands in friendly con- 
 tact, 
 The heart's golden lustre will beam. 
 
 The dimes are the gentle words of love, 
 Low whispered to sick and dis- 
 tressed ; 
 The pennies are touches the soul doth 
 move 
 By hand of sympathy pressed. 
 
 Let us keep these dollars and dimes in 
 store, 
 That our assets in future may be 
 Found equal to — or possibly more — 
 Than life's liability. 
 
WHISPERS 95 
 
 NATURE AND I. 
 In Franklin Park, Washington, 
 May 4th, 1904. 
 Sweet breath of Hope now dawns on 
 me 
 From bluest sky and sunniest day, 
 While flower and leaf-bud swell the 
 glee 
 Of quaintest, queen liest May. 
 
 Bright pansy bed in Franklin Park, 
 My charming rendezvous now is ; 
 
 While Chinese sweet magnolias mark 
 My rustic seat of springtime bliss. 
 
 From apple blossom's beauty bough 
 Rare perfume Ether's breezes blow, 
 
 My soul to fill with rapture now 
 Of Inspiration's gladsome glow. 
 
 Red robin's song is in the air, 
 Low hum of bee on honey flower ; 
 
 Dear lilac bloom is fragrant, fair, 
 As dream I 'neath its purple bower. 
 
 Green woods for me fresh beauty hath, 
 As eye doth scan the landscape o'er; 
 And bluebells gather near the path. 
 Where cattle trend the winding shore. 
 
96 WHISPERS 
 
 I follow Nature day by day, 
 For best of chums are we; 
 
 Beside Potomac^ bank I stray, 
 
 And fondly drink earth's minstrelsy, 
 
 LIFE'S INDEX. 
 
 O, who hath seen the woman and man 
 Whose life is what they desire? 
 
 But we do our part in God's intricate 
 plan 
 When to noble things we aspire. 
 
 'Tis not because a fine home we have, 
 With rich furnishings placed therein ; 
 
 'Tis not the amount of money we save 
 Nor plaudits of earth we win. 
 
 'Tis not the kind of dainties we eat 
 Nor drinks that quench our thirst, 
 
 For these alone fail to make life sweety 
 From duty well done joys burst. 
 
 We cannot give out what we haven't 
 within, 
 
 Life is the index of heart; 
 True character is what we have been, 
 
 The player is known by his part. 
 
whispers 97 
 
 TO I. E. B. 
 WHEN YOU COME. 
 
 Sweet incense from the flowers will rise > 
 And lend its fragrance to life's skies, 
 While Nature sings in glad surprise, 
 When you come. 
 
 Proud memory bells will softly chime 
 Amid the towers of childhood's time, 
 While heart to heart our beings rhyme, 
 When you come. 
 
 The festal board complete will be, 
 As tear gives way to mirthful glee. 
 And soul to soul speaks merrily, 
 When you come. 
 
 'Twill be sweet springtime in my soul, 
 The spirit life will reach its goal, 
 The joy of hope will then be whole, 
 When you come. 
 
98 WHISPERS 
 
 LIKE A GOOD SAMARITAN. 
 
 As journey we up life's steep hill, 
 O, let us work with zealous will, 
 Sore empty hearts with joy to fill. 
 
 And first of all let parents find 
 Our eyes to all their failings blind, 
 Our hearts beyond conception kind. 
 
 Our sisters and our brothers, too— 
 O, let our loving steps pursue— 
 Life's ever-changing journey through. 
 
 And when o'erhead the sky is drear 
 That spreads above our friends most 
 
 dear, 
 O, be our love at hand to cheer. 
 
 And let no swift immortal day 
 
 Fly to the Past's grand realms away 
 
 Without some good on earth to stay. 
 
 Some little word in kindness said, 
 Some dart defensive swiftly sped— 
 To lay some cruel error dead. 
 
 O, let us careful be to do 
 To others every duty due 
 As Christians to our maxims true. 
 
WHISPERS 99 
 
 By precept and example both, 
 O, let us lead youth's steps though loth 
 Through scenes of noblest virtue's 
 growth. 
 
 To him misguided, lost his way, 
 Be ours the glory while we may, 
 To lead him back to light of day. 
 
 The faint wayfarer, feeble grown 
 On life sore journey all alone— 
 Oh, let us soothe his piteous moan. 
 
 And some sweet comfort there unfold, 
 As kind Samaritan of old, 
 In PI My Writ so aptly told. 
 
 Ajnd do with fervency and truth 
 Our work as did the loyal Ruth, 
 Nor quit our humblest friend, forsooth. 
 
 If beggars at our door ask meat, 
 Let's think of Him who once did eat 
 With sinners, and did wash their feet. 
 
 Who — though all good — did bless the 
 
 bad, 
 And with the sorrowful was sad — 
 While with the happ) He was glad. 
 
 LOFC. 
 
ICO WHISPERS 
 
 O, like Him may we ever show 
 True kindness here on earth below, 
 And loving acts former bestow. 
 
 As well to peasants as to kings, 
 
 For all alike on Time's swift wings — 
 
 Soon pass from transitory things. 
 
 Now let us work with heart and hand 
 To gain the bright immortal land — 
 And in our Master's presence stand. 
 
 THE D^Y YOU WENT AWAY. 
 
 ■TMe clouds were dark, my heart was 
 
 drear, 
 No thought of joy my soul did cheer, 
 
 The day you went away. 
 
 Once bonny bird-song, then was sad, 
 My soul in gloom's dark picture clad, 
 The day you went away. 
 
 The breezes wafted lonely sigh, 
 In constant prayer I wished you nigh, 
 The day you went away. 
 
 My heart then suffered poignant grief, 
 
 Naught dear, but thee, could give relief, 
 
 The day you went away. 
 
WHISPERS IOI 
 
 THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR. 
 For a home in this sweet world of beauty 
 
 For loved ones our fireside around, 
 Whose smiles daily brighten life's duty, 
 
 Whose hearts e'er with true love 
 abound. 
 
 For eyes which show us the sunlight, 
 And the grandeur of hill and plain, 
 
 The tints of Autumn, the moonlight, 
 The snowflakes and welcome rain. 
 
 For ears to receive the fond rapture 
 
 Of joyous music's refrain, 
 Whose melody quickly doth capture 
 
 Every soul with ecstatic domain. 
 
 For raiment with texture to warm us 
 When cold blast of Winter is nigh, 
 
 For heaven's soft ether to charm us 
 'Neath starlight and moonlight and 
 sky. 
 
 For every day our daily bread 
 In nutriment fresh and sweet 
 
 To inner man when wisely fed, 
 His daily strength to meet. 
 
102 WHISPERS 
 
 For noblest work to enlarge us 
 In body and mind and heart, 
 
 Lest evil of idleness charge us 
 
 With disease that may never depart. 
 
 For books which comfort and brighten 
 Our pathway in life's daily tread. 
 
 Our mind-food, the burdens to lighten, 
 What we crave when the soul must be 
 fed; 
 
 For trials that come not unto us, 
 For evils that pass quickly by, 
 
 For temptations that fail to allure us, 
 For victories recorded on high. 
 
 TO A DEPARTED FRIEND. 
 
 One face hath withdrawn from my 
 vision, 
 And with it bright sunbeams are fled ; 
 Leaving days that were once sweet 
 elysian, 
 Now clouded and dismal and dead. 
 
 Kind voice to my heart once elating 
 Hath left me but memory's tone ; 
 
 While pensive and lonely I'm waiting 
 For the smile and the song that are 
 gone. — 
 
WHISPERS 103 
 
 OUR DRIVE. 
 
 TO NELLIE AND GERTRUDE 
 
 LUTZ. 
 
 Two bonny girls with loving care 
 For us the coziest seats prepare, 
 
 That pleasure's trap with them we share. 
 The month July, two hours till dark. 
 
 When we four drove through Rock 
 Creek Park 
 With hearts as gay as meadow lark. 
 
 Old Monte's feet glad music made, 
 As traveled he down hillside grade 
 
 O'er graveled road in twilight shade. 
 O glorious place of Nature's birth, 
 
 Whose rustic scenes lend soul's rich 
 worth 
 To animation's pleasing mirth. 
 
 Whose towering rock and babbling 
 brook, 
 With spicy scented, mossgrown nook. 
 Whose winding road o'er hill we took 
 When driving gay with Lutz girls 
 dear. 
 Through creek, o'er dale, and grassy 
 mear, 
 As breathed we Inspiration's cheer 
 
104 WHISPERS 
 
 The sunset glorious was and gold, 
 As clouds pink lining* did unfold 
 
 Whose afterglow new beauties told ; 
 Dear mountain road love we so well 
 
 As peek we down the mossy dell 
 To list the insect chorus swell. 
 
 Sweet honeysuckle's beauty bower 
 
 Overhangs the roadside every hour, 
 Distilling perfume's princely power. 
 Breeze fragrant now from Ether 
 blows, 
 New life to give as on it goes, 
 
 While minds are soothed by eve's re- 
 pose. 
 
 Romantic bridge that spans the creek 
 We cross, and Nature's beauties seek. 
 
 While thoughts poetic now we speak. 
 
 Calm country echoes fall on ear, 
 While earth and sky seem drawing near 
 
 To help us God's great globe revere. 
 
 Washington, D. C, July 26, 1905. 
 
WHISPERS 105 
 
 TO A. L. B. 
 EAiSTER CHICKS. 
 How often in childhood I rushed to 
 the hen-yard, 
 Eggs fresh to collect after cock*' 
 shrill alarm; 
 Mjy basket soon filling, then turning 
 steps homeward, 
 To give them to mother while vet 
 they were warm. 
 
 Still dear to my mind is the image of 
 Brownie, 
 Whose chickens — one dozen, some 
 black and some white, 
 With soft little bodies warm covered 
 with downie — 
 Gave cheer to my eyes when they 
 came first to sight. 
 
 Oft Easter time chicks are the Sum- 
 mers first frying, 
 Now housed with their mother in 
 coziest pen ; 
 Lest Easter breeze frosty leave downy 
 chicks crying. 
 Deferred now the sun-rays for 
 warmth of the hen. 
 
I06 WHISPERS 
 
 And well I remember .the patient old 
 
 setter, 
 'Twas Speckle we called her, all hens 
 
 having names, 
 On nest would she sit full two months 
 
 if we let her, 
 In the end sad to find her poor eggs 
 
 had no claims. 
 
 l%a red bird and robin were loved in 
 my child-days, 
 As sang- they from treetop or picked 
 blade of green, 
 Hut sound of the cackle of Brownie 
 will always 
 Bring joy to my mind. of that Eas- 
 ter chick scene. 
 
WHISPERS 10/ 
 
 WILL IT COME TRUE? 
 
 You ask me — -"Is it coming true?" 
 The wish I made one day with you ; 
 You ask me now — what shall I say, 
 My noble friend so far away? 
 
 Could look mine eyes into your own 
 And find the love that once was sown, 
 Could I but feel your beating heart 
 Throb now as when we turned apart — 
 
 G>uld I thy gentle voice now hear 
 Again as speaking words of cheer, 
 Those loving words that deeply burn 
 As incense in ray heart's fond urn — 
 
 Could I but feel the thrilling touch 
 That magnetized and moved, how much, 
 When in thine own my hand you pressed, 
 Procrastination were not best. 
 
 Could I but see thy welcome smile 
 Beam gently on me, and the whiL 
 f felt its radiance, I might tell 
 The answer that I feel too well. 
 
 O, if some little bird would come 
 And linger near me, from thy home— 
 And in its language now repeat 
 The words once uttered !>v you, Sweet — 
 
108 WHISPERS 
 
 I then my answer might confide, 
 For thus in safety could I hide 
 Beneath its wings a message there 
 That human ear were glad to hear. 
 
 Thou joyous Winter ! Bring to me 
 My cherished friend, that he shall be 
 The one to see, and hear, and know, 
 The words my pen dare not bestow ! 
 
 NEVER AGAIN? 
 
 Ye whistling wands with sad refrain, 
 
 Pray tell me this, or my life is vain — 
 
 Shall my eyes behold his form again? 
 
 Never again ? 
 
 Shall sunny day and starry night 
 But hide him farther from my sight. 
 Shall I no more his steps invite? 
 No more invite? 
 
 Shall never again his gentle tone 
 Speak to me sbftly and sweetly alone, 
 Shall I his absence forever moan? 
 Vainly moan? 
 
 Shall I feel no more the tender thrill 
 That pierced my heart without the will 
 When he held my hand in his so still ? 
 Sweetlv still? 
 
WHISPERS 109 
 
 COUNTRY SOUNDS. 
 
 Happy, hopeful, glad are we, 
 Slowly strolling o'er the lea; 
 Nature's animation found, 
 Drinking in each country sound. 
 
 Much we love the cowbell's tingle, 
 Music making with its jingle, 
 As she nips the clover sweet, 
 Fragrant growing 'neath her feet. 
 
 Hark! Old Bravo's bark I hear, 
 Resonant with bow-wow cheer, 
 Home and friends he loves to guard, 
 Sentinel-like patrols the yard. 
 
 Chirping cricket perched in grass, 
 Gently calling as we pass, 
 Telling in domestic tone, 
 One more summer day is gone. 
 
 Rooster's note now clear and shrill, 
 Rings through ether soft and still — 
 Helping hens of every hue 
 In barn-yard work they find to do. 
 
 The kind old farmer's gee and whoa, 
 Oft we hear as on we go, 
 While he ploughs his furrows deep, 
 Where the grains of corn shall sleep. 
 
110 WHISPERS 
 
 When he calls his loud pig-ou-y, 
 Pigs come near, and he says sou-y 
 As he gives them milk to »,rink, 
 Trough well filling to the brink. 
 
 List, the katydid of June, 
 Merrily peal forth her tune, 
 Insects leading in her lay, 
 Suited to the twilight gray. 
 
 Hear we now the old pond-frog, 
 Leaping on his moss-grown log, 
 Beating loud his queer tattoo, 
 As we tramp the meadow through 
 
 Hoot! The owl sends forth his call, 
 
 Quaintly telling one and all 
 
 He is roosting near the nest, 
 
 Where young ch:cks he may infest. 
 
 Now we hear the whippooiwiH 
 Piping clear o'er forest hill, 
 How I love her plaintive round, 
 Sadly, soothing country south!. 
 
WHISPERS III 
 
 LINES 
 To Mrs. M. E. Lloyd on the death of 
 
 her little son. 
 Take cheer, sad heart, in splendors 
 bright, 
 Thy lost, with welcome sweet, 
 Awaits where is no sorrow's night, 
 Thy loving form to greet. 
 
 LTnstained by sin, the all-wise Power, 
 With mercy's tenderest thought, 
 
 Removed this pure and cherished flower 
 To realms where sin is not. 
 
 Oh, dread the blow that severs ties 
 Of parent's love, like thine! 
 
 But gained the joys of Paradise — 
 Should these thy child resign? 
 
 Grieve not, but let us all, all aim 
 
 The lost to follow, where 
 An equal bliss omr souls shall claim 
 
 In that immortal sphere. 
 
 Let Hope, bright Mope now be the star 
 
 To guide your voyage o'er 
 Life's troubled waves, to re^t afar 
 
 With Oner, evermore. 
 
112 WHISPERS 
 
 MY CHOICE. 
 
 Written upon the reception of a poem 
 entitled "If I Were the Light of the 
 Brightest Star." 
 
 Thou art the light of the brightest star 
 That beams in the zenith to me ; 
 
 Then fumble down from thy home afar 
 And bring thy kiss with tliee. 
 
 Thou art the breath of a fragrant flower, 
 The most fragrant one to me ; 
 
 Then float away from the fairest bower 
 And live for Belle B. B. 
 
 Thou art the soul of bewitching song, 
 With a moving, melting tone; 
 
 Then steal from the gay and thoughtless 
 throng, 
 Atid soothe my love alone. 
 
 Thou art a charm by a fairy wrought, 
 Then constant prove and kind; 
 
 And never let a gloomy thought 
 O'er our bright future shine. 
 
 Thou art a memory past alloy, 
 
 Then let us never part ; 
 Thou art the soul of constant joy, 
 
 Then nestle in my heart. 
 
WHISPERS IIJ 
 
 AUTUMN ON THE TENNESSEE. 
 Upon Ukelah's rugged height I see 
 The tints of Autumn's gorgeousness 
 unrolled ; 
 In varying splendor decked, each sep- 
 arate tree, 
 Pale crimson, red and yellowest hues 
 of gold. 
 
 And but as yesterday — brief seems the 
 space, 
 Since Spring's unfolding touches 
 there I saw, 
 When from the leafless branches burst 
 apace 
 The f resigning green impelled by Na- 
 ture's law. 
 
 Brief — yet moons have waxed and 
 waned, and Change 
 Hath busy been with human destiny; 
 With human souls immortal — not less 
 strange — ■ 
 Than foliage fading which mine eye 
 doth see. 
 
 Fresh leaves of high resolve all young 
 and bright, 
 The soul put forth but late, now 
 stricken, sere, 
 Are fading from irresolution's blight, 
 And droop along the stagnant atmos- 
 phere. 
 
And germs of evil — then but faintly 
 seen, 
 Now in widespreading branches fill 
 the air 
 Of all the soul, like deadly evergreen, 
 With rootlets shooting downward to 
 despair. 
 And hopes of things all beautiful and 
 good, 
 Whose young leaves budded forth in 
 gladness then, 
 Are faded now, like folly's changeling 
 brood, 
 No more to flourish on this earth 
 again. 
 Oh, thou Almighty — keep within our 
 souls 
 Unfading hues' of immortality; 
 All changeless when in mighty changes 
 rolls 
 The fluctuating tide of life's dark 
 sea. 
 And autumnless, oh let our glorious 
 lives 
 Immortal flourish, fadeless from de- 
 cay — 
 Where spirit — earth and earth's decay — 
 survives, 
 And joyous lives throughout unend- 
 ing day. 
 
WHISPERS 115 
 
 EASTER. 
 
 Hail, all hail this glad first year 
 
 In Twentieth Century's Christian cheer, 
 
 Whose Easter day now dawneth here. 
 
 Hail, Easter morn! Sweet Easter 
 
 morn, 
 Whose coming shows a Savior born 
 From out the tomb — cold death to scorn. 
 
 God's emblem fair of hope and love, 
 Who left His Father's home above 
 Eternal sorrows to remove. 
 
 'Twas thus He turned from heavenly 
 
 sway, 
 And came below on earth to stay 
 For thirty years in simplest way. 
 
 This day of all the year should be 
 Second to Christmas day, when He 
 First came to earth our life to free. 
 
 Yes, all for us His life was given, 
 That we from Nature's sin be riven — 
 To find a peaceful home in heaven. 
 
 Let us this day a copy see 
 
 Of one long years ago, when He 
 
 Burst from the tomb to liberty. 
 
Il6 WHISPERS 
 
 Our liberty He did assume, 
 Behind Him left the darkened tomb, 
 His loved ones e'er to free from gloom. 
 
 The gloom of everlasting sin, 
 
 That we by Him sweet peace may win, 
 
 And heaven's portals enter in. 
 
 Let purest thought and kindest word 
 On this most glorious day be heard ; 
 Let all our hearts with joy be stirred. 
 
 Bring flowers fragrant, fresh, and fair, 
 God's altars deck with loving care — 
 Let Earth her best with Heaven share. 
 
 Let sacred songs from hearts of love, 
 Unite with angel songs above — 
 All sin and sorrow to remove. 
 
 O, turn our lives from sinful scorn 
 Into the Christ-life firmly born, 
 This century's first bright Easter morn, 
 
WHISPERS 117 
 
 MY STAR. 
 When thou wert gone— soon midnight's 
 hour 
 In dreams did wrap my soul — 
 And shadows came., whose gloomy pow- 
 er 
 My sad heart did control. 
 
 Around was darkness : — and on high 
 A deeper blackness reigned — 
 
 'Till one bright star flamed in the sky — 
 Then joy my heart attained. 
 
 Oh i Blessed Star ! My gloom was gone, 
 
 In gladness and delight 
 My hand was clasped by Caileon, 
 
 Night was no longer night. 
 
 I dreamed you took me all alone 
 Out driving — both were gay — 
 
 Beneath each brow warm passion 
 shone, 
 While iled dull care away. 
 
 And lower in the firmament 
 
 Came other fainter stars, 
 And fluctuating radiance lent 
 
 Pale Saturn and red Mars. 
 
Il8 WHISPERS 
 
 But golden Glory overhead 
 Grew bright and brighter still, 
 
 'Till darkness died and daylight spread 
 O'er town and tower and hill. 
 
 While round my steps thy gladdening 
 beams, 
 More brilliant than elsewhere, 
 Poured on my heart Hope's richest 
 streams 
 Asid all my soul did cheer. 
 
 And thus in ecstasy I lay 
 
 'Till cruel waking came; 
 The glorious vision would not stay, 
 
 But only left thy name, 
 
 O! Star of Friendship! Comforter — 
 Withdraw not from my sight, 
 
 But be, as in my dreams, still near 
 With thy celestial light. 
 
WHISPERS 119 
 
 WILL YOU COME? 
 
 When Clematis blooms again, 
 
 Will you come? 
 In the sunshine or the rain 
 
 Will you come? 
 I would have you now remember 
 You've a faithful friend and tender, 
 Waiting kindness you to render, 
 
 When you come. 
 
 When the leaves begin to fall, 
 
 Will you come? 
 When the whipporwill doth call, 
 
 Will you come? 
 When the wheat fields ripe are growing, 
 When the clover hay is mowing, 
 When the sailor lad is rowing, 
 
 Will you come? 
 
 When the snowflakes are flying, 
 
 Will you come? 
 When the little birds are crying, 
 
 Will you come? 
 Oh, come when sleighbells jingle, 
 Yes, come with old Kriss Kringle— 
 Let once more our voices mingle, 
 
 Will you come? 
 
120 WHISPERS 
 
 When sweet Springtime comes again, 
 
 Will you come? 
 We shall roam o'er hill and plain 
 
 When you come. 
 Come, clear one, and banish sadness, 
 Come and bring to me true gladness, 
 Fill my heart with passion's madness, 
 
 When you come ! 
 
 The evening breeze is ringing 
 
 He will come, 
 And my longing heart is singing 
 
 He will come! 
 Then my life will know its pleasure, 
 Joy will come in fullest measure, 
 When my heart hath found its treasure, 
 
 He will come! 
 
WX1ISPKRS 12 I 
 
 TO. J. T. R. 
 GOOD WORDS. 
 The gray snowclouds overspread the 
 
 sky, 
 And thick the white flakes did descend; 
 Almost to earth heaven seemed to bend 
 And clasp the snowy vaults on high. 
 
 J Twas New Year's day and as I dined, 
 My wishes warm did swiftly go 
 To her, my friend, the child of woe, 
 Whose frame, disease's victim pined. 
 
 With step alert through snowdrift deep, 
 Leaving my cheerful fireside warm, 
 I made my way ; oh wondrous charm 
 The tender heart from love may reap. 
 
 I found her in her home alone, 
 Scant w r ere the comforts there dis- 
 played ; 
 But peace with God her presence made 
 Royal as monarch on his throne. 
 
 Her joyous greeting met mine own, 
 We called up memories of the past, 
 Of small rewards to wishes vast, 
 Our hopes in early life had sown. 
 
T32 WHISPERS 
 
 Some dainties from rny table's store, 
 Brought through the snow by mine own 
 
 hand, 
 To genial glow her spirit fanned, 
 Recalled our happy days of yore. 
 
 Thus passed an hour; I left her there, 
 Pale victim of disease and pain, 
 Who in this world can ne'er again 
 Health's roseate cheeks of beauty weatv 
 
 But as her lips I parting pressed, 
 She bade me mindful be of Him 
 Whose ways to mortal vision dim, 
 Give to the suffering faithful rest. 
 
 And homeward through the blinding 
 
 snows, 
 I made my way and learned to keep 
 This lesson in my heart's well deep, 
 That she who trusts God's goodness, 
 
 knows — 
 
 Joy earth cannot take or give, 
 Which anchored in the sky 
 Eternal ne'er can die, 
 But will through trial glorious live. 
 
WHISPERS 123 
 
 TO A PESSIMIST. 
 
 He says the world is to him ever cold, 
 And friends are few on earth below; 
 
 Oh, why then seek to draw into his fold 
 Those who true friendship would 
 bestow ? 
 
 Though sad the task, resolve most firm 
 is taken, 
 My presence nevermore, as in the 
 past — 
 By act or word or thought shall waken 
 Within his heart one joy to blast. 
 
 May he in future have no fear to meet 
 me, 
 
 As days and years shall come and go, 
 I'll never ask him thus to greet me 
 
 As in glad days once we did know. 
 
 One little wish, oh let me now request 
 
 And pray sincerely it mav not grow 
 
 dim, 
 
 And this it is — that I may e'er be blest 
 
 In friendly confidence bestowed in 
 
 him. 
 
124 WHISPERS 
 
 To think one moment that it were not 
 so, 
 Would on my weary soul such sor- 
 row cast 
 That all the pleasure in this world be- 
 low 
 For me, would then be counted in 
 the past. 
 
 How shall I know that he to me is true, 
 That confidence will never be be- 
 trayed, 
 How shall I know that what soe'er we 
 do 
 In loyal truth his vows to me were 
 made? 
 
WHISPERS 125 
 
 WHISPERS. 
 
 There's a ringing — constant ringing in 
 my ear, 
 And its sound low and gentle, makes 
 me sad; 
 "Pfe the secret of a friend to me dear, 
 Of a friend whose coming makes me 
 glad. 
 
 There's an echo — trembling echo in my 
 heart, 
 And the word I hear it saying is 
 "Farewell"— 
 Is it true, friend ? Tell me, must we 
 part? 
 Shall we ever meet again? Who can 
 tell? 
 
 There's a sighing — mournful sighing 
 'mong the trees, 
 Whose tidings to my heart bring a 
 balm — 
 Which is wafted on the gentle flowing 
 breeze- 
 Till my sadly aching heart groweth 
 calm. 
 
126 WHISPERS 
 
 There's a whisper — softest whisper in 
 my mind, 
 And "Sometime" is the word I seem 
 to hear; 
 Let me hear it ! Let me grasp it I Let 
 me find 
 In the comfort that it gives — naught 
 to fear. 
 
 There's a vow — secret vow I could tell 
 To my friend going far away from 
 me — 
 But I cannot! But I must not, so fare- 
 well — 
 But my heart's best wishes take with 
 
 thee. 
 
 MEDLEY. 
 Yes, oftentimes we cast away 
 
 An old friend for a new, 
 And when the new friend has his day 
 
 We find the old more trie. 
 Th^ heart is changeful as the sky, 
 
 And some days filled with mirth* 
 While other days find weeping eye 
 To which the smile gave birth. 
 
 Castle building is a pleasure, 
 Lending vigor to the brain ; 
 
 Anticipation is a treasure 
 
 We may link to memory's chain. 
 
WHISPERS 127 
 
 A DREAM. 
 When night more pleasing than the day 
 Gives fancy all for which I pray, 
 My soul would linger thus alway. 
 
 In all I'm pleased, but most in best, 
 The last joy sweeter than the rest 
 Is love's divinest, surest test. 
 
 Now come and place your hand in mine, 
 Speak to my soul sweet words divine, 
 Feed me with my life's best wine. 
 
 O, let my breath but fan thy cheek, 
 As sliell-like ear my lips doth seek, 
 And loving, lingering words I speak. 
 
 I breathe thy fragrance — feel thee near, 
 My world is symbol of thee dear, 
 O, bring thou to my soul new cheer. 
 
 Yes, speak thou tenderly once more, 
 Into my ear words gentle pour, 
 O, kiss me as in days of yore. 
 
 Help thou my soul to truth incline, 
 
 As eyes of brown upon me shine 
 
 In friendship pure for which T pine. 
 
128 WHISPERS 
 
 Now come to thine own friend the best, 
 Take once again upon thy breast 
 My weary head in peaceful rest. 
 
 Come linger near! The world defy — 
 Thy touch wilt calm this doleful sigh: 
 Come, dearest one, and satisfy. 
 
 TO W. R. H. 
 SNOWBALLS. 
 
 Sweet snowballs fair and fresh and 
 pure, 
 Which to me came last night, 
 Unto my mind brought Nature's cure, 
 
 Turned loneliness to light- 
 Each leaflet green conveys a line 
 Of friendship's tenderest thought; 
 
 a petal white from Nature's shrine, 
 A touch of love hath brought. 
 
 Paint odor fresh from beauty ball 
 Cheers now my cozy bower, 
 
 While leaves of verdure fondlv call 
 To mind dear friendship's hour. 
 
 Bright bouquet bonny linger near, 
 My life with fragrance fill; 
 
 Lend Inspiration's soulful cheer, 
 Sweet joy of Hope distil. 
 
WHISPERS 129 
 
 A PRAYER. 
 While on Thy footstool here we hum- 
 bly dwell, 
 Oh may our words and actions prove 
 to be 
 Our heart's desire is e'er to do things 
 well, 
 That in eternity we may dw r ell with 
 Thee. 
 
 Though Satan oft may tempt us and 
 despise 
 The little good within us, oh wilt 
 Thou 
 Protect that little with all powerful 
 Eyes, 
 And may we daily at Thy footstool 
 bow. 
 
 While Nature's coat from green to 
 gold is turning, 
 May we in mind grow richer every 
 year; 
 And while life's lamp is pale and paler 
 burning, 
 O, let us rest with angels hovering 
 near. 
 
130 WHISPERS 
 
 Blest morn, when all who've lived, and 
 loved and fought 
 For right, have captain Him who, 
 while on earth, 
 So blessed the little children to Him 
 brought, 
 That holy e'er they were from His 
 rich worth. 
 
 Should those we love persist in evil 
 doing, 
 Oh may we chide them gently and 
 with care 
 Bestow such tender words that! kindly 
 wooing 
 Them, may lead to fervent fruits of 
 prayer. 
 
WHISPERS 131 
 
 SONNET— IDLENESS. 
 
 Had youthful minds prophetic power to 
 read 
 
 The sorrows many sprung from idle 
 days, 
 
 Oh, then would hotly burn bright 
 'effort's blaze, 
 
 To melt the ores of knowledge and with 
 speed 
 
 Extract the precious metals which they 
 need! 
 
 Then would each travel o'er life's de- 
 vious ways, 
 
 Not as some pauper, but as one who 
 pays 
 
 Each just demand, and grandly doth 
 succeed. 
 
 Oh, rouse thee, Samson-soul ! Thy fet- 
 ters rend I 
 
 Pull down Sloth's mighty pillars to the 
 dust, 
 
 And drive Philistia's hosts of vice en- 
 snaring, 
 
 To sore defeat and ignominious end! 
 
 Proud victory win ! Awake, thou shalt 
 and must 
 
 Win glorious crown by thy heroic dar- 
 ing! 
 
132 WHISPERS 
 
 WHAT I WOULD DO. 
 
 It 1 were a bee and thou a flower, 
 Forever I'd hum around thy bower, 
 On wing I'd bring thee passion's power. 
 
 If I were a bird and thou a tree, 
 My nest Pd build close up on thee 
 And soul join soul in ecstasy. 
 
 If I were a rose and t!hou a thorn, 
 
 My fragrance rare you would not scorn 
 
 In darkest night or sunniest morn. 
 
 Ti thou wert an ocean and I a boat, 
 Swift to thine arms of rest I'd float, 
 My life and love to the devote. 
 
 If I were a cloud and thou the sky, 
 
 Daily I'd come floating by 
 
 To clasp thee, love thee, satisfy. 
 
 EVIL'S SHADOW. 
 
 Evil's shadow ! Pause lest danger 
 Hid beneath in colors gray, 
 
 Shall beguile the heart, and stranger 
 Make it to the light of day. 
 
 Go beyond the shadow? Never — 
 Young and old long ages past 
 
 Heaven hath lost and peace forever 
 By the Shadow's fear o'ercast. 
 
WHISPERS 133 
 
 Though the ear with music's rapture 
 Oft is charmed beyond control, 
 
 Music oft the heart doth capture 
 With the promise of the soul. 
 
 May our life-boat find the haven 
 Known as safe from shadows past, 
 
 Then hearts filled with sorrow raven 
 Rest shall find — sweet rest at last. 
 
 TO MY BOY. 
 THOUGHTLETS. 
 
 Somehow to-day I feel in rhyme, 
 
 With glorious, gala, sweet May-time; 
 
 New joy within my soul doth dwell, 
 
 I've been with him long loved so well. 
 
 O, day the happiest and the best, 
 When breast breathes love on other 
 
 breast, 
 When sigh is answered by love's sigh, 
 'Tis then old Time doth swiftly fly. 
 
 When hearts' warm blood is pulsing 
 
 fast, 
 When each one wishes joy could last, 
 When kiss is answered by love's kiss, 
 Tis truest, puret, sweetest bliss. 
 
134 WHISPERS 
 
 THE PRIZE MUSIC BOX. 
 Our hearts pant for music — yes, music 
 divine, 
 Our souls are athirst as a dying flow- 
 er; 
 We drink in its sounds like enchanted 
 wine, 
 What soul doth not yield to its mag- 
 netic power ? 
 Piano's sweet music doth oft charm the 
 ear, 
 But to make it requireth the touch 
 Of fingers well trained, that year after 
 year, 
 Hath swept o'er the keyboard much. 
 The strong tone of organ we ever ad- 
 mire, 
 When guided by much tutored hand ; 
 But producing this music doth often re- 
 . quire 
 More strength than we have at com- 
 mand. 
 Guitar's gentle melody ever doth thrill 
 Our ears as we listen — our souls as 
 we sigh — 
 Who is not charmed by this music until 
 To his mind comes the question, why 
 is this, why? 
 
WHISPERS 135 
 
 The silvery notes of the brilliant Cornet 
 Now bring to our hearts looks and 
 tones that are gone; 
 We sigh as we listen, and fain would 
 forget — 
 But memories sad and this music are 
 one. 
 
 Piano and Organ, Cornet and Guitar, 
 Melodious are, we very well know, 
 
 But music surpassingly sweeter by far, 
 Is found at I. E. Barry's & Co. 
 
 This music most gentle, enchanting, and 
 free, 
 
 Is as perfectly made by the untutored 
 
 hand, 
 
 As it is by person professing to be 
 
 Weil cultured in music of every land. 
 
 All ye who desire the reason to know 
 Will follow directions that here shall 
 be found ; 
 Just call on I. E. Barry & Co., 
 
 <Ajnd music-box see when looking 
 around. 
 
136 WHISPERS 
 
 If you like it and want it on terms that 
 are low, 
 Just trade fifty cents worth and ticket 
 receive, 
 And your chance is as good, you may 
 very well know, 
 As his who spends dollars before he 
 doth leave. 
 
 Just think what a bargain, a gift that 
 hath cost 
 Seventy-five dollars — for only five 
 dimes ; 
 So come one and all, ere your chance 
 shall be lost, 
 Ere your heart is made sad by regret 
 many times. 
 
WHISPERS 137 
 
 THE PRIZE DOLL. 
 
 Dear Christmas time again is here, 
 Old Santa comes with words of cheer — 
 Sweet words we hear but once each 
 year. 
 
 He spends his summers in the East, 
 Preparing" for each child a feast, 
 While of himself he thinks the least. 
 
 The little ones their voices mingle, 
 As they talk of Old Kriss Kringle, 
 And his merry sleighbells' jingle. 
 
 The wee one ponders in his mind 
 How dear Santa Claus so kind, 
 Can for all a present find. 
 
 But all these little wonders go, 
 And childish minds are made to know 
 When visiting I. E. Barry & Co. 
 
 Yes, I. E. Barry's is the store, 
 Where Santa meets us at the door, 
 And shows his toys now by the score. 
 
 All kinds of toys, both big and small, 
 Whose prices range to suit each call ; 
 So come and see us one and all. 
 
I38 WHISPERS 
 
 And when you come, just note the 
 
 place 
 Where Prize Doll stands with beau- 
 teous face, 
 To* welcome you from her glass case. 
 
 She has eyes of blue and golden hair, 
 With rosy cheeks and brow most fair, 
 And lovely form beyond compare. 
 
 Her dimpled hands and teeth of pearl,, 
 Al*e fairest found in all the world; 
 In fact, she's just a darling girl. 
 
 Now if this beauty you would win, 
 With laces, silks, and diamond pin, 
 Til tell you how you can begin. 
 
 Spend but five dimes each time you go 
 To the store of I. E. Barry & Co., 
 And a ticket get, your chance to show. 
 
WHISPERS 139 
 
 SANTA! CLAUS HAS COME. 
 
 "Oh, Mary, tell me, have you been 
 Where nicest, cheapest goods are seen ? 
 If not, come now, and we will go 
 To the store of I. E. Barry & Co. 
 
 I was there last week, and of all the 
 
 toys 
 I saw them there — dolls, girls and 
 
 boys — 
 Just any size — from large to small — 
 The blonde, brunettie, and crying doll. 
 
 Of chinaware, they have on hand 
 The choicest pieces in the land ; 
 While mugs of every shape and price, 
 Our childish hearts doth e'er entice. 
 
 'Mongst sugar toys we there can find 
 An animal of every kind; 
 And as we look, we surely see 
 Cole's miniature menagerie. 
 
 But yesterday my Mamma said 
 She liked the candy best they made, 
 At store of I. E. Barry & Co., 
 Than at any other store we go. 
 
140 WHISPERS 
 
 The Butter-Sjcotch, both rich and 
 
 sweet, 
 Is good enough for King to eat; 
 While "Long-chaw" sticks now sell 
 
 so fast — 
 We wish the "chaw" would longer 
 
 last. 
 
 Old Santa Claus is also there, 
 I saw his curling, long gray hair; 
 While Christmas goods he was select- 
 ing, 
 I, his dignity, was inspecting. 
 
 I heard him say — 'In a day or so, 
 I'll buy of I. E. Barry & Co., 
 Enough of goods to fill my train, 
 And in '93 Til call again/ " 
 
WHISPERS I4 L 
 
 CHRISTMAS IN KNOXVILLE, 
 
 TENN. 
 
 Sweet Christmas time again draws 
 
 near, 
 Our anxious, waiting hearts to cheer; 
 With treasures gay and most alluring, 
 Whose joys we find are long enduring. 
 
 Though earth is brown and trees are 
 
 bare, 
 These dreary days do but prepare 
 Us to enjoy the days most jolly, 
 When fled are days of melancholy. 
 
 The jolly days are when we go 
 To the store of I. E. Barry & Co., 
 Where Santa stops for holly season, 
 With choicest gifts and price in reason. 
 
 The old and young, the big and small, 
 The rich and poor, the low and tall, 
 Have learned that here they always find 
 Most lovely toys of every kind. 
 
 A| Christmas tree w r e find up-stairs, 
 With laden boughs, whose top one 
 
 wears 
 Old Santa's life-size photograph — 
 With mouth extended for a laugh. 
 
142 WHISPERS 
 
 Now why he laughs — if you would 
 
 know, 
 Just call on I. E. Barry & Co. — 
 Where latest news you can obtain, 
 While you inspect his wondrous train. 
 
 In ninety-three — one year ago — 
 He stopped with I. E. Barry & Co., 
 Where presents cheap he did obtain — 
 And this is why he calls again. 
 
 ANTICIPATION. 
 
 She wonders if her friend will come 
 To see her in her pleasant home; 
 If so just let the hour be nine, 
 And she'll be sitting neath the vine 
 With gentle thought and hope most high, 
 That Time may bring his footstep nigh! 
 
 Don't disappoint, but let her hear 
 
 If Fate forbids him coming near! 
 
 To look in vain her heart doth try, 
 
 Let word from him keep off the sigh! 
 
 Let her not lonely be and sad, 
 
 But hasten near and make her glad! 
 
OCT. 21 1905 
 
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