LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DQOOETSbabA • ' c ° " ^ -» ^ :^ y^v. 'i^-i- ^'\ S. That boy of mine V Why did the angels leave ajar The gates, to beckon him, my star-f One week ago, the roses blushed With perfumed power, But he, my fragrant rose, was crushed In one brief hour ; The leaves were gathered from the skies To bloom anew in paradise. LOVE. Love is a passion flower that needs All tenderness and care ; It cannot thrive where rankest weeds Grow round it everywhere. It must have space and fragrdnt air, And gentle spirits too. To faithful watch with gentlest care Mid Heaven's unchanging blue. Love is a passion flower that would Grow strangely bright and fair ; if all around were pure and good ' Twould blossom everywhere. Love is a passion flower that twines Around the human heart ; Its tendrils, like a thousand vines, Bleed as they're torn apart. Love is a passion flower, and yet How many pass it by ; How many, many do forget That it was born on high. PLEASANT WORDS. J^ THE TOOTH-ACHE. Of all the pains that flesh is heir, There's naught that giveth the despair Of teeth, that grumble hard or ache : Making the rosy blush forsake Our cheek, and plal'e as drifted snow, We pass the harbinger of woe. Our eyes are sorrowful to see ; We speak through them our nisery. Deeply veiled the shadows lie Beneath the fringes of the eye That once were bright as jewels flung Amid the luster of the sun. Our voice is changed from low to loud, We angry speak amid a crowd When we so plausible and kind Are ever to the ones we find, In company or any place, Our tooth has changed for us the case. Unto our friends that cluster near, How cold and cheerless we appear ; Half robbing them of peace and joy Which by our grumbling we destroy — A_bout the madness and the pain VV ishing our quiet to regain. Of all the ills I know of none. Provoking more beneath the sun ; The time when they will ever cease — The pain acute and give release To wearied nerve so sensative, Is more than any one can give. 16 PLEASANT WORDS. I pity all where'er they be, Who feels the tooth-ache misery. They may have wisdom, wealth and fame, Portion, too, an honest name. It matters not in any spot, The tooth-ache cannot be forgot. WINE IS POISON. Wine is poison ! Touch it not. Oh, my friend, beware ! Bring to mind the drunkard's lot, And the dark despair That must settle o'er his soul When the shades of death shall roll. Wine is poison ! Though it glowa With a ruby light, Dark destruction through it flows. Touch it not at night. Or when rosy morn appears ; It will deluge yoU' with tears. Wine is poison ! Though its gl Charm the weary eye ; Death is nearing, though it seem You would never die. Oh, a poisoned shaft is there ; It will bring you to despair. Wine is poison ! Handle not ; Gaze not on its glow ; Hasten quickly from the spot, Ere the brink of woe You may quickly, swiftly tread. And be numbered with the. dead. PLEASANT WORDS. 17 Wine is poison ! Aye, the still Will not this deny, Will you, then, the wine-cup fill, But to drink and die, Or be temperate, true and brave, Shunning thus a drunkard's grave * PROFESSOR MORSE. From the glorious constellation That revolve in space, And the light of every nation, Was the welcome face Of Professor Morse, who stood. High among the great and good, Acting, working, planning, musing, How in life to be pursuing Something useful in 'invention ; Hoping thus to aid the nation. As yon star that rises slowly O'er the sea. So Professor Morse, as surely, Came to see Every European nation, Giving tokens of distinction, For the well-deserving merit. Which he really did inherit ; But to aid and bless mankind, Seemed to be this masters mind. Long the life and bright the mission. Of this noble of the land. And I'd speak with your permission, How he gave with his own hand Pleasant words, that swept like fate, 18 PlifiASANT WORDS. To each city in the state ; As in eighteen seventy-one, They to honor him had come, Wilth his statue in New York, To unveil in Central Park. He has gone ! a weeping nation Bows in silent grief her head, As she thinkSjWith true devotion, On the knowledge that he spread O'er the ocean vast and grand, And the faithful sun swept land. Honor gave the nations, truly, But the angels loved him dearly ; 80 with sunny smiles they bore Him across the other shore. TO AN ABSENT FRIEND. Though hill and valley, brightly green. Lie between, Yet how often in my dream Thou dost seem To speak tenderly and low, As in days of long ago. Then thy words as music came Through my name ; Aye, thou kindledst there a flame—- Could I blame ? Ask the violet so blue, As it drinks the diamond dew. Sunny smiles so sweet and rare, That were there, Drove away the constant care tOiEASANT WORDS. Unaware, And my soul a larger scope Seemed to take with a new hope. And expanding as a flower, In a bower, With the sun and silver shower, Thou hadst power O'er my heart to hold and bind All thy excellence of mind. And more glorious and , true Do I view Truth, which ever seemeth new, In its hue — With a lovliness of .form That defieth every storm. Thou art absent, yet how near Doth appear ; For thy word of constant cheer Oft 1 hear As the music in my dreams Farthcrest off when nearest seems. Id FAREWELL The crimson clouds were fading from the sky, Upon the silent sea a sad sound fell-- JStirring the waves to sadness, like a sigh Which seemed to say, '* Farewell I" In the soft sky the silver stars came out. And whispered, sweetly, like a 20 PLEASANT WORDS. clear- voiced bell ; I listened closely, and there was no doubt They sadly sighed, * ' Farewell. " The warm south wind the sleep- ing roses stirred-— And they awoke, and from their sweet lips fell The saddest sounds the human heart hath heard, ** Farewell, farewell, farewell !" The sweet night birds to sudden singing turned. And they had just the same sad song lo tell ; My hushed heart sighed to find the birds had learned That solemn song, " Farewell." ''Farewell, " I sighed, there is no other theme. And all who live must each this chorus swell ™ Save those, the blest; who see the golden gleam Of heaven, hear not, "Farewell. " i^LEASANT WORDS. ^1 'THEY SAY." **They sat" is a very hard mortal indeed, Will succeed In gaining the ear with the closest attention Of some, though their names I never will mention, Who try to be living And constantly giving Their candid opinion about this or that. *' They say " then all business is stop- ped in a wink I)o you think ? While eyes that were weary will^sud- denly brighten, And cheeks which were rosy will quietly whiten And ask, can it be That this mystery Has never been solved for a moment 'till now ? ** They say" when a maiden has step- ped in a door, Or before : Have you heard the terrible gossip that's flying, How some have been out with a par- ty and 'spying The lovely Lenore Not far from the shore, A stranger beside her and sailing away I 22 PLEASAKT WORDS. *'They say" young D — , so poof and so proud, Has allowed A farthing he never will ask of an- other : He'll go through college in spite of his brother, And work his own way. None never shall say He ne'er was dependent on any for bread. "They say" v/idow H. , for once, has decided, And confided Her all to the man who came oVet* the ocean ; To think she would give him her earnest devotion, Who's long been coquetting And ever upsetting The hopes of so many young men of the town. "They say" should be slighted by persons of sense. In defense Of the many pure hearts with an- earnest endeavor ; Who wish to be living, both now and forever Lives without blame ; Not merely in name. But pure as a lily that's draped in the dew. PLEASANT WOBDS. , 33 GENTLENESS. How full of tender joyous aess Would be our world, aad happiness Would glorify the heart, If we this rule would only make : To speak in tenderness, and take All evil from the heart. If*we woulriad stars a radiance sends Over the earth's broad breast. Soft purple clouds in silence sleep, Dreaming of peace and rest ; The waves upon the ocean keep Night's silence, on her breast. The sacred hush of twilight falls Slowly over the vale. From bights afar, the swallow's call Comes on the evening gale. The dew-filled flowers softly close ; The swans go sailing by With waveless wings in their repose, Under the calmest sky. The boy goes whistling to his home ; The milk- maid sweetly sings ; PLEASANT WORDS, The cottagers care not to roam ™ Peace ia their covering. NOW IS TH^ TIMB. Now's the time be up and doing, Something useful be pursuing : Think thou not on stern tomorrow, It may yield thee only sorrow. Work my friend wliile it is day ; Ere the moments flee away. Now's the time for earnest thinking, And for laurels worth the winning ; Step out boldly do not falter ; Poverty can never alter Truth, integrity and soul, And the mind that's in control. Now's the time there is no other ; Be thou faithful then, my brother To the right where'er thou find it ; Pleasanter 'twill be to mind it When thy life wears to a close, As a dying fragrant rose. Now's the time to be improving In your worthy labor-loving ; Aid the fallen who are blindly Going downward, ask them kindly To return, where peace and rest May invite them as a guest. Now's the time that truth should ever Be the foremost, and endeavor To awake the soul that slumbers PLEASANT WORDS. In deceptive chains for numbers, Think not deeply of the sin, When in falsehood they begin. PRESIDENT LINCOLN. Ow the rolling prairie of the distant west Smiled, amid the flov/erts, the bright- est and the best — Tangled locks of auburn, eyes so blue and mild : Oh, wasn't it delightful to watch the sinless child Gathering the roses. So beautiful and fair, Twining there a garland To rest upon the hair Of a loving mother, in yonder shady cot. Smiling 'neath the roses and the blu? forget-me-not. Tall and very stately grew this slen- der youth. None in all the prairie with eye so full of truth. In the leafy wild wood he often could be seen Splitting rails, for hours upon the shady green,-— Where the sunlight glimmered Through the shining mist. And the whispering breezes Often stoop to kiss Fragile dooping lily — sweet, divine^ , PLEASANT WORDS. 87 and fatr, Or blushed upon the roses amid the stilly air. Thus he grew to manhood, in west- ern Illinois ; Naught there were around him that ever could destroy That high tone of moral, that shone through all his life, 'Mid poverty, or darkness, or wealtl^ or nation's strife. He, the soul of honor. So true and brave and good. Soon, through all the nation, How well they understood : They sweetly smiled upon him, and ere he was aware-— The highest seat of honor for him they placed a chair. Four years he acted nobly amid the nation's strife : Those were times when brothers met brothers in this life. He often wept in secret — aye, wept with bitter tears, To think a dark rebellion should burst upon his ears. Oh, the anguish of the moment When heart from heart, was torn, To meet upon the battle field, Aye, never lo return. Oh, agony to fearful ! the angels muat have wept When o'er the noble faces the dark- en^ed shadows crept. 3 PLEASANT WORDS. Again they smiled upon him, and ere he was aware-— The highest seat of honor for him they placed a chair. The nations almost trembled for one so pure and good ; That traitors gathered 'round him, ah ! well they understood-- - In Washington city. ( Can any one forget The time, the very hour ) ? It haunts my spirit yet. To think that heartless traitors should ciuelly destroy The brave true-hearted Lincoln, of western Illinois. From the crowded hall they bore him with weeping friends beside Unto the stately Capitol ; but soon alas he died. A shining angel hover'd — I seem to see him yet — With eyes so calm and holy, I never would forget ; A smile almost seraphic Shone soon upon his face. 'Twas sweet, almost in anguish, To think that no disgrace Had ever o'er him rested — aye, never could destroy The brave and noble Lincoln, of western Illinois. The anguish of the nations, when swift the tidings flew From sunny France to India, to PLEASANT WORDS. 3! Europe and Peru,-— Much more the loving sisters who quietly had slept In harmony to gether, until a shadow crept ; But mournfully the sorrow Was bourn upon the breeze, From northern hill and city To southern sunny seas. Each wept ! but still in memory time never can destroy The uear-beloved Lincoln, of western Illinois. THE DEC^ISION. Thou, false and fickle one, I bid thee go ! turn not thy face again, But keep thee on, thy onward course, Until thy race is run. Thy way seems Bright, and music low and sweet Falls on thy ear ; the way-side flowers Spring up around thy path, and with Their sweetest incense seek thy smile. The pale sweet lily and the modest Violet speak of thy many virtues : They think from thy high brow and Modest mean there must be truth ; And, from the mirrored depths of Their pure souls, no thoughts of Evil come— - The after thought. And thouuh I bid thee go, I wish thee Well in the lone dark corner Of thy callous heart, I wish np 40 PLEASANT WORDS. . Sad regret ; and when sweet Slumber steals upon thy soul, may All thy thoughts of earth flee swift away; And, may He draw the misty veil Aside and let thy dreamy gaze rest on Ethereal forms-— so pure, so fair, that Earth may lose its charms : and may They linger long around thy couch, And with their seraph smiles so much Of heaven stir deep the inmost fountains Of thy soul. And when the rosy dawn Steals on thy couch, may its fair Beams rest on a holier shrine : A soul made pure by God's own Love— his burning love so deep, so Unfathomable. BE TRUE. Be true, Oh be true, to the purest emotion, First found in the depths of thy inno- cent heart, Hold closely the germ born of love and devotion, So that it3 sweet fragrance may nev- er depart. Be true, Oh be true, to the soul that is yearning For deeper communion with Nature's fair face. Gaze thou on her beauties while from her learning Sweet lessons of virtue, of patience and grace. S'LEASANT WORDS. 41 Be true, Oh be true, to the love that abideth In hearts that are weary and closely confined ; None so degraded but yet there re- maineth Some v/orth in the heart, or soul both combined. Be true, Oh be true, in thy earnest endeavor To lighten each sorrow, and banish each tear, And may thy life -labor, both now and forever. Be the joy of the morning, the fair evening cheer. Be true, Oh be true, to thyself, which is only A part of our Father, who gave thee thy breath. And the love which He gave, ah, is it not holy ? And could you, ah, would you, be false unto death ? Be tiue. Oh be true ; let the wind which is kissing The rose on thy cheek, at the close of the day. Bear upward this message, as thy soul is singing I'll be true, Oh my Father, help thou me, to pray. 42 PLEASANT WOUbS. THOUGHTS OF THE PAST. Memory, bring back the brightness Of the dearest, dimpled face, And the bird-like voice of gladness By gone } ears cannot efface : When the moments winged with pleasure Passed so swiftly as we strolled — Gathering some fragrant treasure- Gemmed with crimson or with gold. Near the stream, th£lt softly singing, Mirrored lovely shadows back From the rosy clouds, soft rolling. In the heaven's extended track. We were sisters, not by nature. But in sympathy were such ; For we loved alike each creature And the brute creation much. For as farmer's daughters roaming In the country— -fancy— f^ee, Oft we wandered 'til the gloaming Touched the forest— field- -the sea ; In the distance, dimly lying As a sheet of silver lay, Mov'd the singing waves— soft sighing — Grandly to departing day. Memory her veil is raising. And another form is here ; One who stood by Lena praising 'Til her blushes bright appear. Aye, he filled her soul with gladness When he lingered by her side ; But alas ! the tears of sadness From her eves no more were dried — • . PLEASANT WORDS. 43 For he sought another maiden In the city's busy din, Who with worldly wealth was laden, And she gave her hand to him. Soon from Lena's cheeks the roses* •Silently stole soft away ; And her dimpled foiin reposes Longer on her couch each day, — But the smile of sweetness lingers Just the same about her lips, Though her pale, transparent fingers Long have lost their losy tips ; But she murmurs not when meeting, All alone, some faithful friend. For her lips are oft repeating-— "What I ueedeth, He will send !" But to me the change of seasons Brings some fragrant flowers fair ; For my happy heart hath reasons Why it knoweth not despair ; For the music of another Bringeth sunbeams all around — Dearer love than that of brother Is the love my life hath crowned : And the moments, softly blending Into dim, delicious bliss,— Make my spirit go outsending Texiuer words of thankfulness. 44: PLEASANT Words. MY FATHER GIVE THY HAKD. It is late ; the hills grow higher And I scarce can see the way, And my restless feet they tire Climbing rocks so cold and gray ; Stretch thy hand afar, O Father ! Let me clasp it in mine own, I am weak and faint my Father ; It is haxd to walk alone ! Mountains in the distance lying And their brows are crowned with snow ; And I hear the ocean sighing Sadly near the plains below ;-— But I am afai*, my Father^ From my kindred— -give thy hand t Ere I falling faint, dear Father, On this barren, burning sand. Now the clouds—they shadow o'er me, And the darkness it is drear ; Help ! O Father, I implore thee. For the wind is wild, severe ; For no hand of thine is stealing O'er me as a sacred psalm. And no voice divine is stilling This wild tumult to a calm. xlow the wrathful fires are flashing — Lighting up this night of woe ; And the thunder chains are crashing 'Mid the rain-drops falling flow- But a voice of sweetness speaketh, PLEASANT WORDS. 45 '* I am near, be not afraid :" . And a hand I feel that seeketh Mine, for whom I long had prayed. And the clouds are dark no longer, And the hills no more are steep, And I feel my feet grow stronger, And I do no longer weep ; For the hand I love is leading, And I faint no more, or pine, For my heart His love is sealing With a tenderness divine. SYMPATHY. How sweet to feel another heart In sympathy is near. Though distant many miles apart, Remembered words of cheer Linger around, a charm to throw- To beautify where'er we go. The darkest clouds that may appear Cannot the soul affright. We feel the sunshine draweth near, And soon will burst in sight Bidding all shadov/s pass away As mist before the sun's pure ray. The flowers, so beautiful and fair, Are lovelier in hue ; The summer skies, the fragrant air, Brings tenderly to view The sunny past — the pleasant words Sweeter than melody of birds. .Jk 46 PLEASAIJT WORDS. Our lives flow pleasanter, to know One friend, at least, can feel True sympathy for ev'ry woe That through our bosoms steal : Half robbing us of our distress — Bidding a shade of happiness. The sunny smiles of constant friend A joyous fount may prove. Then let us tenderly defend The rights of those we love, — Showing by tenderness, the while, How we appreciate their smile. LITTLE DELL. In the firelight, sadly musing, Thinking of the dreary past— Of the ones I loved so fondly , Aye, and will love to the last ; Asking why the angels took him Far away from me to dwell. For my little brother's sleeping 'Neath the green grave in the dell : But the clover Gems him over — Gems the grave of little Dell. Sighing that no childish footstep Lightly to me ne'er can come. And no rosy lips can ever Touch mine own as his hath done ; And no soft hand ne'er can lead me To the flowers he loved so well, — For my angel brother's sleeping JSSt TliEASANT WORDS. 47 'Neath the green grave in the dell : But the clover Gems him over- Gems the grave of little Dell. Sadly still, I'm lonely thinking Of his little form so dear, And his childish merry laughter That can never greet mc here ; For his bright blue eyes are folded. That we all did love so well. And my little brother's sleeping 'Neath the green grave in the dell : But the clover Gems him over- -- Gems the grave of litile Dell. Softly now I hear a whisper. Faintly echoed 'round me here, That the angels only took him — So our treasures are not here ; And I brushed the sparkling tear-drops Which from memory had fell, For I knew my angel brother Truly now in heaven did dwell : But the clover Gems him over — Gems the grave of little Dell. 4b pleasant wo&ds. PROFESSOR WELLS. The warm south wind passed softly by his door, And sadly sighed to see he was no more ; For cold and pale upon his couch, he lay, Just as the morn was blushing into day. Near and dear friends with sadened faces stood Around his bier ; for he was brave and good— - Brave to defend the helpless and the weak, Good in the largeness of his heart to speak. Professor Wells was widely, kindly known : His writings show his heart was not of stone, But truly throbbed with sympathy for those Who walked the paths his better judgment chose. In early youth to medicine he turn- ed ; Phrenology soon after he discern- ed To be a blessing, and his genius gave Him power to aid who are their pas- sion's slave. PLEASANT WORDS. 4$ He deeply drank from science's sa- cred lake ; He asked mankind to come with him and slake Their thirst, and learn the better way to find, And fadeless stars upon their brows to bind. His busy brain is very quiet now— - Death's solemn seal is on his stain- less brow ; Nautfht can disturb the sweetness of his rest ; No thoughts of earth will ever him molest. i^arewell, beloved friend, farewell- farewell ! In solemn tones chimed out the sad- voiced bell. And many hearts sang soft the sad refrain-— Farewell, dear friend, in heaven we'll meet again. bO PLEASANT W0EI)6. WHAT WE MAY DO. We may deal justly, and do as we would Wish others to do in our place. If wo could Make pillows seem softer, or charm away pain, Dear friend ! would our life, then, be wasted in vain ? We may be pleasant to any we meet. In country, or city, av'nue or street ; Hearts have a tenderness, somewhere within-— We, from a sorrow, some spirit may win. We may give wealth if we have it to give— - If not, we may try as long as we live To make others happy by doing our best To lessen a burden, on some broth- er's breast. We may speak softly in love's gentle tone. To those who are drooping in sad- ness, and lone — Bereft of their kindred— no warm words of cheer Hath fallen to soothe them, their sor- rows severe. Pleasant words. 51 We may make pleasant, some hills, which are steep— - Sowing life's roses for others to reap ; We may deal kindly, and justly, and true To those whom we meet in life's journey through. TO LORA Come nearer, dear Lora, and hold My hand— -it is growing so cold ; The touch of the shadow of death I felt for a moment- -my breath Seems borne on invisible wings ; To leave you I cannot— it clings-— To the dove, so devoted, who brought The warmth which my sympathy sought. Dear Lora, look eastward— behold ! The banners of scarlet and gold Which wave in the soft sighing breezu, — Borne in by the Goddess of day Ere sunset her crown put away. Which glitter and gleam till the stream A thousand gems brilliant doth seem. Loved Lora, your presence is sweet ; Now, time rolleth backward— we meet One morning in sweet sunny June When humming you were a soft tune, That came with the healing of balm : My hushed heart awoke with a psalm Of praises— to think we had met, How well I remember it yet. h2 PLEASANT WORDS. You came as a vision of light Wlien darkness had hovered me quite. When breath of the slanderer stirred His venom, you heard not a word- But trusting forever my truth, You came, in your innocent youth, And gave me the wealth of your love To bear up in heaven above. The mountains so dimly that stand Afar in the distance and grand, Soft kissing the loveliest sky, No more I shall see with my eye ; Yet Lora, beloved and true, I often shall linger by you To chase away sorrow and gloom, And biiug purest joy in the room. Still nearer, dear Lora ; I mies Your lips and their sealing of bliss ; So sweet is your balm bearing breath I see not the shadow of death. Adieu ! do not weep ; we must part. Not long will we linger apart, The room is a flood now of light ; The angels are waiting-— good night ! PI.EASANT WORDS. 53 THE TERRIBLE TALKER. This terrible talker is a nuisance al beet, She'll come in the morning, she'll give yon no rest Until you have heard all the news of the (lay, And the sly silly speeches ithat other one's say About you and others, And some who arc lovers, Requesting you never to mention a word. She seems to be posted on ev'ry thing 'round ; She knows if a maid on a lover has frowned. She will mention some words they passed at the ball. How the maiden grew angry and turned from the hall And left him to ponder And others to wonder About the proceeding for many a day. She'll speak of the clergyman over the hill, And mention his living his coffers to fill ; How his wife and his children ap- pear very fine, And what he is thinking, this nyor- thy divine 14 PLEASAiJT WOBD8. About matters and things And machines that have wings Awaiting at Auburn a journey to take. She mentions the College just over the way, And students who pass'd examina- tion day ; And speaks what she thinks of their intellect, too. And wonders what they are intend- ing to do When they move from the place To commence the life race, And if they will prosper in business or not. This terrible talker she speaks of the times : How scarcer by far than the jingle of rhymes Is finance which few in the country can get, As no one is willing his money to let. And this she will mention And say her intention Is never to utter a thing that she hears. iPtiEASANT WORDS. 65 MUSIC. I HBAB delicious music through the trees In this soft summer eve ; The bright birds, sleeping 'neath the dew-damp leaves, The power of praise receive — Which echoes clearly, sweet, and long, In love's deep, rich, and varied song. Tiie stars smile sweetly as they meek- ly move To strains divinely sweet. And roses, resting in this wild-wood giove, The sacred song repeat ;* And I with hushed heart look to see Whence comes these notes so heavenly. Brightly, the ocean in the distance gleams — Its watchful waves are stirr'd To softest sighs ;-— the pine 3till pen- sive leans To list to music heard, In solmn strains so softly sweet : They merely muse — the angels meet. A holiness seems resting ev'ry where On bird, and flower, and bee ; Then is it strange that ev'ry thing in prayer Looks upward. Lord, to Thee — Thou gracious giver of all good-— Divinest singer of the wood; €6 PLEASANT WORDS. BRUISED AND BROKEN. I AM weary, mother, darling — Come thou nearer, give me rest For awhile upon the sweetness Of thy fondly cherished breast. Life to me hath been so dreary In the darkly flowing years. And the heart I loved— -a shadow Changing all my joys to to tears. It was bitter to awaken From love's sweet delusive dream ; Sad it is to learn so early Friends are seldom what they seem. Press your loving lips still nearer ; Oh, how sweet it is to feel All the love warmth of your kisses Softly through my bosom ste^l. But the bitter past hath faded ; Cold and chill can never bring To my heart, a single sorrow 'Neath the shadow of your wing. Let the wild winds blow as harshly As they please about your door,-— In your presence pure and lovely, They can never harm me moce. I am growing colder, mother ; Can it be that death is nigh With her dim and dark unfolding, ^d a. .message from the sky 1? PLEASANT WORDS. 67 Turn thou not away, dear mother — List ! i hear an angel sing With rich melody afloating 'Mid tlie rustle of her wing. Ah, e'en now, my soul is thrilling With the music sweet and low ; Weep thou not for me, dear mother, Kiss me quickly ere I go. GOD'S WAYS, God's ways are different from ours And past our finding out. As shining dew-drops touch the flowers, To fling their perfume out, So He doth chasten, but to blend Hi.3 loving spirit which doth tend To purify our heart from sin, That His rich love may enter in. At times, we do not see why He Should let the shadows fall-- So dense and dark we cannot see, Nor hear at His sweet call. Who speaks in accents soft and low : ** Why do you wander too and fro ? Come home, it is thy Father's voice ! There's bread for tiiee, my son, rejoice 1" 0od's ways are intricate to some ; * But if we clearly read, We see much good to ev'ry one Is surely to proceed From worthy acts— tho' long the day ; Yet, in His own appointed way. Some rich reward, unthought, unknown, Will come through Him in love alon§. 58 P1.EA8ANT WORIDS. God's ways are mysteries — complete •.; We cannot pierce, or solve. We know He hath a language sweet, To which the worlds revolve In happy harmony and ease, Doing His will and that to please The One who fashioned them and hung, Before whom angels long have sung. God's ways are different-— divine, And past our finding out : Then should we not on Him recline, That His strong love about Our hearts, so tender firm and true. Should cause in us to take a view Of our past lives, and then depend Our all on Him — our truest friend. TO ONE BELOVED. I AM weary, weary, weary, Give me rest. Let me drink again the sweetness Of thy breast. Let me see again the splendor Of thy smile. Gazing in thine eyes so tender For awhile. Like a fragrant bunch of roses Fresh and bright. Is thy form as it reposes, Calm and white PLEASANT WORDS. 59 In my dreams I catch a glimmer Of thy hair, Bearing me on high forever, From despair. On yon star that rises slowly O'er the sea. Gaze I oft, as it is lovely-— Pure as thee. Would thy rosy palm might hover Near to mine, Can'st thou be a faithful lover ? I am thine. There's a mystic something ever Telling me-— Our hearts shall yet be one forever, Happy, free. ALWAYS MUCH TO DO. There is much for us to do. Would we idly sit or stand, Leaving many things in view. For some others in the land ! Should we not with shoulders strong Bear our burden right along, To encourage and to bless. With our smiles of happiness. Tho' to us our little sphere Seems so very small, that we Could not dry a single tear. Yet the ocean, grand and free. 60 PLEASAKT WORDS. Wiih its ceaseless ebb and flow, Is composed as ye all know, With its crystal drops so fair. Making music on the air. If we'd only think, and try With a word, a thought, or smile To revive the fainting nigh ; Who are fading all the while For a sympathetic touch Of a friend, whose power is such To erase the dark despair Which had settled unaware. Would that we with earnest thought, Might some consolation give To the weary, who have sought Long, and patiently to live With a heart half crushed with woe^ Which was hidden long ago, As a worm in roses found, Gnawing deep the heart around. Oh ! to have a soul to feel Deeply, tenderly and true, And the sympathy to heal All the fading flowers in view. And, to point them to the sky, Where the roses never die, And with ever fragrant breath, Not be conquered o'er by death. PLEASANT WORDS. 61 THE EELEASE. The stars unveiled their faces, and the moon. Resplendent in her beauty, shone With streams of silver softly bright. The hushed earth 'woke to calm delight ; He mused in thought alone. How changed the heart ; the v(«ce is strangely chill ; The smile of sunlight bursts no more With love to crown the rosy lips. More sweet than when the dew drop drips From roses perfumed o'er. Since, many times we've met to leave a pain Unseen ; but in my breast acute Life hath no charms ! I walk about As one bereft of sense ; and doubt Maketh my sad lips mute. Where is thy fragrance summer, and the bloom That grandly touched the wild -wood grove, While sweet a seraph smiled and 'woke To brighter beauty as she spoke The summer skies above ? The mocking bird that sweetly sang is changed ; No more her voice falls soft and low. The roses blushing at my feet, %2 PLEASANT W6b5§. Their perfume rare I cannot meet— - Why summer is this so ? This very seat where once the ttiofes- es clung Seemed as a throne— -herself the queen : How changed is all. I had not wealth- Only an honest heart and health— - Why should he come between ? An angbl, from her silver throne, look'd down And calmed the troubled heart to peace. The lucid moonbeams softly shone Upon thfe pallid lips alone. He found at last release. tWiLIGHt *Tis twilight : and the sun has gone Unto his dreamy rest ; His golden beams have faded long, And sunk upon his breast. The dew like trembling teardrops fall On tiny leaf and spray ; And silvery voices seem to call Me from my dreams away. The winding river at my feet Keflects the clouds below — Like rolling billows, pure and sweet, Adrift with sunset glow; t'LBASANT WORt)S. 63 1 gaze upon the mountain's brow, Bedecked with living green ; An eagle wheeling near its brow In gathering mist is seen. The crimson rose has fell asleep Upon the lily's breast, And quietly the shadows creep Around the eaglets' nest. I gai^e ! when low a trembling 6ta,lf Aiises faint and pale ; It sfeems to speak from me afar, tJpon the rising gale* I catch the burning thoughts i and then i know no more of earth ; I seem to live with flim again — The One who gave me birth. I'm borne upon an angel's wing Through waving seas of bliss ; I list to hear the angel's sing. And thrill beneath their kiss. Around a crystal throne of light \ see a smiling band— - With starry crowns and robes of white, Seated at God's right hand. But soon — alas I the vision passed, And shadows, sad and drear, Their darkness o'er my spirit cast, That I alone was here. <>4 PLEASANT WORDS. VALEDICTION. Oh, why did you hasten so swift in your flight, That we for the last should assemble to night To meet nevermore ;— -ah ! can it be true That we for the last must bid each adieu ? Oh haste from my bosom ye sad thoughts away ; For in memory's halls thou'lt never decay-— For time cannot take all the joys of the past If we but on men: ory our glances will cast. Ah, the music of footsteps will echo no more ; And some, far away on some distant shore, Will recall all the scenes of the beau- tiful past To the joys that were fleeting, too transient to last. This school has been pleasant—of this you'll agree— And there is none other that's dearer to me : For love is the rule that casteth out fear, And such is the kind that we ever have here. PLEASANT WORDS. 65 But often their patience methinks we have tasked O'er lessons unlearned and the ques- tions we've asked : But kindly and calmly they ever ap- pear, And this is the reason I think them 80 dear. Oh sweet are the hours in which we have met, And bright are the faces I would not forget ; I shall see them in sunshine, I shall see them in gloom, Methinks \ may see Lhem beyond the dark tomb. These halls will be vacant, and never no more We shall hear the same snatches of song, as of yore : The kind word of greeting we never may hear I'rom the lips of the students or teachers so dear. My thanks to the teachers. Oh ! could I express In words which are fitted to honor and bless ; For praises too many I could not be- stow, For worthy they are as any I know. Dear teachers and students, I now bid adieu, 66 PLEASANT WORDS. And hope that I often may meet each of you. Our paths are divided, I hope there will be A mansion in heaven awating for thee. SUNSET DREAMS. The sun sank dreamily and low The western hills beyond, leaving his Crimson brightness on the forest trees, That stately stood shading a placid Lake whose clearness seemed a sleeping Mirror ; and the soft bright clouds Reflected in its depths, like shadowy Forms we see sometimes in dreams. Softly a star came forth ; then others Came ; and soon a countless throng, In silvery brightness, gleamed Upon the calm fair brow of Heaven. The sumnler heats had Passed September's cool delicious Coolness — stirred the soft night dir Until the bended blossoms gavd Their odorous breath, so much like Hers, the faultless flower who pensive Gazed in dreamy calmness on the Star-filled sky ; for she had learned The movements of the stars, and They to her had grown familiar. How fair she seemed ; her soul-filled Eyes as diamonds were — Except the softness in their Clear calm depths. And this Fair flower had learned to love PLisAsANT Words. 6^ Jkiy preseuce, and to draw me Up to her by the keen force of Sympathetic souls ; and it was Heaven to me to hold her hand, And feel the odorous dew Of lips as rose leaves soft, And feel that I henceforth the Seal of happiness should wear. AUTUMN VOICES. Autumn leaves are falling ; Spirit voices calling, Soft and low : ** To be true and tender, Carefully remember Where you go. " And the words you've spoken ; And the hearts you've broken Try and cheer. Raise the lily tender And the eyes of splendor Will appear. Autumn dews are falling ; Silvery voices calling, Sad and sweet : "Live, and be appearing As you are, and fearing Dark deceit. " And the west winds, sweeping, Bear along repeating : " Faithful )3e. " i}% PLEASANT WOilfiS. As the sweets of roses — Life will be when closes Peacefully. And thfe stars in glory- Will repeat your story, As you move : Fair an angel shining O'er you may be chiming - **God is love. " MY SINGING BIRD. I HEARD a sweet bird singing — I listened to his lay, 'Twas when the clouds were flinging Some shadows o'er my way ; Scon the sweetness and the clearness Of his sunny song Made the roses seem in nearness, And my fainting spirit strong. This bonny bird is brightest Of any in the the town : His wings are of the whitest™- His bosom softest down ; And the star of hope is gleaming Brightly on his breast, Oft he 'wakens me by singing As he rises from his nest. His silver song is clearer Than any I have heard ; His meek brown eyes are brighter Than thrush or mocking bird. Oft he comes when I am saddest—' How soon the shadows flee, JPLEASAN* WORDS. 69 For he makes my heart the gladdest Singing sweetest songs to me. The cares of life are fleeting — They swiftly pass away- Alone, I am repeating The song he sang one day. And now \ know no sorrow To cloud my happy lot, No trouble need I borrow ; His song I've not forgot. WOMAN'S SPHERE. Woman helps to mould the mind ; And may she be true and kind- True to viitue and to truth. Teaching to the tender youth By example and by deeds. How to sow the sacred seeds. Sow them in the early day ; They may turn by your delay Where the voice of pleasure calls, In the gaily lighted halls ; Where the wine is burning red And the brows of virtue fled. Make your happy homes more bright Than the gems of flashing light, — Glittering on brow and wrist, Or in curls of silken twist, Falling on the enow that lies Stainless, only in disguise. Woman, watcher of the young, ^0 tLEASAI^T W03a£>S. See no wrathful words are flung Near enough to shade the light From the childish faces bright ; Let their atmosphere be love—- See they early gaze above. And, O woman ! try to make Human hearts no more partake Forms of falsehood and of pride ; But from each of these decide To exert, and try to lead Upward by some worthy deed. Noble it is thus to make ; If you can some mind forsake Darkened paths,-— 'tis yours to win All you can from stain of sin ; By your sympathy of heart You may bid some cloud depart. Woman's work is vast and grand ; And, thro' love she may command Weeping hearts to weep no more, By her tenderness in store. Making light and love a throne In the center of her home. ^LEASANf WORDS. 71 A MOTHER'S LOVE. A MOTHEil's love, how very sweet it seemeth When sorrow sings to us her mourn- ful song ; The shadows pass, her smile of sweet- ness gleameth. When we are free from ev'ry thought of wrong. Her voice we hear as in the days of childhood That came to charm oUr little griefs away ;— - Though years have set their seal up- on our manhood. We cannot help but yearn for her to pray. Her tender tones at midnight oft we heareth When we apart from all the world commune ; The wand'ring wind sweeps onward and appeareth To softly touch her harp to love's low tune,-- - So strangely sweet for memories ii bringeth Of home made sacred by her presence pure; — Roll backward years — our lips to hers still clingeth Knowing the sweetness of her lips we'ie sure. 72 PLEASANT WORDS. For she, at least, will feel for all our sorrows When we are chilled by coldness or neglect ; Our Father sees the falling of the sparrows, And so may she our hidden griefs detect : Though we smile sweetly and make no complaining — Her tender heart some buried pain may read ; And strangely proud, we sometimes, turn disdaining The symt:athy, for which we so much need. And when alone in far oif lands we wander. And stranger's faces meet on ev'ry side,-— We have our hours in which we love to ponder Of one we'll meet no more in this world wide ; But strangely sweet her spirit seems to hover-— Giving the sweetness that we fail to find ; She changes not, as fickle friend or lover Her mother's heart is ever warm and kind. pleAsakt wokds. 73 IN THE SPRING. Let us with the robins sing In the Spring ! For the sun in glory shineth. And the clematis soft climeth 'Mid the roses rare and twineth O'er our door— -fragrance pour Perfume of ten-thousand censors tiichly flooding ev'ry room> with per- fume. Rosy children laugh and sing In the Spring. Sunbeams softly now are sifting Through the leaves-— the Zephyr lifting Golden curls on bosom drifting — White as snow, pure as snow ; Blue eyes wander to the westward For a tender heart and warm, manly form. Merry maiden let us sing In the Spring ! You have given in life's morning, Stainless heart to him adoring, And life's duties soon performing — As you see— -you will be — You will make more bright his cottage By the softly singing sea, shining sea. Sing ye fainting flowers, sing In the Spring I For the bloom is on the clover, And the summer snow is over u PLEASAKT WORDS. Wooing tree, where maid and lover Often strayed— -long delayed — And the sly mischievous cupid In the silence hurl'd a dart, to each heart. Let the world in gladness sing In the Spring ! May the heart in joy awaken For the pains that He has taken, For Spring's beauty is a token Of his love — wondrous love ; In the bright celestial city He doth wait to welcome givcj that we live. BEAUTIES OF NATURE. How beautiful is earth ! I see In ev'ry leaf, and spray, and tree, The impress of His hand. I note where last His pencil drew The stems, so delicate and true, Which He in fairest fragrance threw Upon the land. I hear the language of His love In songs of birds, that sing above My lonely lattice door. The butterfly, with silken wings. Seems murmuring of hidden things ; I look beyond to Him who sings — Whom I adore. And silver stars that softly roll Night after night, at His control, Is beautiful to see. iPLEASANT WORDS. 75 I watch them as they move in space Around the splendor of His face, Receiving each an added grace Of majesty. The wondrous beauty, He has made To mingle in the rainbow's shade, Delights the saddest eye. They calmly read His constant care— And not the language of despair. And therefore trust Him unaware. Without a sigh. All things are beautiful to those Who love the beauty of a rose He touched with fingers fair ; E'en so the humble flower that lies Beneath the broad and burning skies ; As well our mortal hands should prize. He placed them tliere ! WHO WILL THINK OF ME. Who will come, when I am lying, Where the palest roses wave ? Who will whisper, sadly sighing, Let me kneel above thy grave ? For thy heart was true, and tender-— Stainless, blameless, and as white As the lily's star-lit splendor Is upon this soft Spring night. Who will smile no more, as sweetly, Since they lay me down to rest With my white hands folded meekly ^6 pleasaItt wobDs. On my patient, pulseless breast ? Who will feel the wild winds blowing Colder, colder, ev'ry day — Since my shadowy bark were rowiilg, Soft o'er soundless waters gray ? Who will hear the roses, sighing, With their crimson lips apart ? iFpward looking, softly trying, Then, to speak about a heart ; Who had loved them long and dearly- Dreaming they were half divine ? And who came to twine them early In her silken tresses shine ? Who will bow above me, kindly. While the night-birds sweetly sing f Who will murmur low and fondly — Love, wherfe art thou wandering ? Does the white-winged seraphs hover Pressing purest lips to thine ? Dost thou muse upon another Who is kneeling at thy shrine ? Who will sigh when I am sleeping 'Neath the daisies snowy bloom ? Who will kneel in silence — weeping-" 'Mid the violet's perfume ? Who will whisper — I no longer Dream about the other shore, For, infaith, I'm growing stronger— - Angels bear my spirit o'er. 'HI 6 %1 ^-..^^ ^^ ^o«o i^^ •^- .«, .^-^S^fefe*^. ^^ A*^ .^^^^/l,^ ^. V <. ^'TIT' •^Ao« * aV -^ • HECKMAN BINDERY INC. |§| ^^ DEC 88 ^!^^ N. MANCHESTER, ^*=^ INDIANA 46962