teiwwww,iiwi)wiu»wii>ii.iiW"H'ri"iiii' n - ^ o w T [-( W 7 a o a O l^ E E N ESTHER, OTHER POEMS F K A N K C . Bliss. •1 ■9 NEWARK. N. J. : F. C. Bliss ^S: Co 1 88 1. 16 \m\ Copyright by. F. C. Buss & Co. Newark, N. J. 1881. All Rights Secured. L. J. Hardham, Printer, Newark, N. jf. f=l TO MY DAUGHTER, MRS. E. B. KENNEDY, OF BLOOMFIELD, N. J. , THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED, BY T H E A U T II O R . CONTENTS. PAGE. QUEEN ESTHER, - - - " II LESSONS OF LIFE, - - - ' - 105 IN MEMORIAM, - - - - " 183 THE miser's fate, - - - " - 191 MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY, 194 WESTMINSTER, - - - - - - 197 GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD, 200 REFLECTIONS, - - - - - - 203 LIFE AND DEATH, - - - " 205 CHRISTMAS HYMN, - - - - - 207 Queen Esther A TRAGIC POEM. PERSONS REPRESENTED. King Ahasuerus, - Monarch of the Persian Empire. Queen Vashti, - The First Queen of the Monarch. Queen Esther, • - The Last Queen of the Monarch. Haman, - - - - Chief Prince of the Empire. MORDECAI, - - - - One of the persecuted Jews. Carshena, I MemuCEN, I - - - - Princes of the Empire. Admatha, J Bigthan, ) Conspirators agaifist the King's Life. Teresh, \ Zeresh, __---- Wife of Ha/nan. Sylvania, - - - - Maid of Queen Vashti. Ophelia, ) - - - - Maids of Queen Esther. Bashmah, \ Hatach, Chamberlain — an attendant upon Queen Esther, MEHUMEN, ^ BiZTHA, I - The King's Chamberlains. HaRBONA AND OTHERS, J Queen Esther ACT I. Scene First — in the palace shushan. KING AHASUERUS. {To himself.) Three years upon my throne Have I now sat, conqueror, and ruler Of mighty provinces. Vast my Empire ! From Caspian Sea to Indian Ocean, — From India to Ethiopia It now extends. In riches, how exhaustless In arms, how powerful ! for all the powers Of Media and of Persia but do my B 11 12 Queen Esther, Bidding. 'Tis the Imperial Throne where sat The noble Cyrus, who Asia conquered, And with his fiery hosts pulled down the walls And towers of proud and haughty Babylon. In this my palace Shushan, the abode Of former Kings, 'tis fit I should announce The glory of my kingdom, — its riches And its power. No longer will I rest In proud, unsocial solitude, for Kings And Monarchs, like the great orb of day, will Shine in vain, if unseen — unhonored. I love dominion. Pride and power, and to my heart's content I'll use them ! Before me yet shall bow, As subjects and as slaves, one hundred petty Kings to learn their Master's will, — revolving Round me. like stars about the sun. Ho ! my attendants. (Enter Mehumen, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and others — the King 's Chamberlains — bowing,) MEHUMEN. What is our Sovereign's pleasure ? Queen Esther. 13 THE KING. Make instant preparations For a feast, sumptuous, princely, regal, Worthy of Earth's Imperial Monarch — One that will eclipse the dazzling, gorgeous Banquet of my famous predecessor. For our many guests, the gold and silver Beds prepare, and bring ye forth the royal Wines, with goblets, vases, and the thousand Vessels of purest gold, now lying dust- Covered in the secret closets. Burnish To dazzling brightness, the golden sceptre, And jeweled diadem ; with fresh flowers, With opening blossoms, with fragrant shrubbery Bedeck our hanging gardens— scatter round Arabia's sweet perfumes, her frankincense And myrrh — in halls and niches, have arranged Images of ivory, of ebony And gold, from conquered Ethiopia brought. In great abundance, gather the choicest Viands — the rare luxuries of the East, And for the space of one hundred, four score Days let the feast continue. Yea, more ! Send 14 Queen Esther. Forth the heralds, and let rulers, nobles. Princes, scattered throughout the provinces, At the feast appear— homage pay to him Whose word alone is law. TJic King coniDiands Their presence. MEHUMEN. ■ It shall be done, O King As thou commandest. THE KING. Let there be no delay ! If not well done, thine head shall pay the forfeit. But further I command ; when have expired These days of banqueting, another feast Be given in the great garden-court, next To our royal palace. Have it prepared ; Festooned about with hangings of crimson, White, green and blue, made fast to silver rings And marble pillars, by cords of purple Linen, finest in texture. Let there be Pavements reared, of red and blue, white and black Marble, and place thereon cushions of gold Queen Esther, 15 And silver, while in convenient corners, On golden tripods, set up the massive, Frosted basins — beside them precious ointments, And ewers richly embossed, with perfumed Waters filled. Our guests, dust-covered, traveling From afar, will find them useful. Twine everywhere around, Necklaces of choicest flowers, with wreaths And garlands of divers forms, and colors Variegated. Clusters of grapes, composed Of jewels, pearls, and precious stones, bring from Our Babylonian palace, and hang Them o'er our golden throne — let fountains play. Forth sending mist-like spray and sparkling streams, Cooling and most refreshing. Ten thousand Colored lights prepare, and thickly string them Out 'mong branches of the trees, in hanging Gardens, from palace windows, from every Marble pillar, and let those brilliants shine With dazzling brightness, making our palace Shushan, like the great city of the Sun, Beautiful and lovely. From highest mountain Tops, all round about, let fires be kindled, 1 6 Queen Esther. And to the GREAT SUPREME, who rules the spheres And the celestial planets we adore, Let sacrifice be offered. For seven long days and nights, Shall last this garden banquet. Hasten now And do my bidding, and at the proper Time, to this great second feast, invite both Great and small, for all shall come and homage Pay to me, their Sovereign. MEHUMEN. We go, most gracious Sovereign ! To perform thy will and purposes. [Exeunt attendants.) Scene Second— room in mordecai's dwelling. MO RDECAI. ( To himself.) From my birth, In mind — in spirit, I have worn the chains Of slavery. A freedman, some may say I am. 'Tis but an insult to our race. Queen Esther. 17 For what is freedom without human rights? Worse than a knavish beggar in the streets, I'm laughed at, mocked, derided, scorned. The words, "There goes the heathen Jew," in tones bitter And sarcastic, strike deep within my soul And make me sick at heart. But yesterday, A tinseled knave dancing about the Court, Dared utter words against our Jewish race. Which drove the blood, hot, boiling through my veins. And woke the Devil in me. I would have Struck him dead, though rack and gibbet should have Been my doom ; but my good angel Esther, — In thought, rose in my mind — my passions cooled And kept me quiet. For my adopted Daughter's sake, and to fulfill the solemn Pledge I gave my dear kinsman, her father On his death- bed — safely to guard, protect. Instruct her — hard though it be — to treatment Such as this, I must submit. How long, thou great Jehovah ! Must this heavy curse upon Thy chosen 1 8 Queen Esther. People rest ? 'Tis fourscore years since they were By proud Nebuchadnezzar, sent captive Into Babylon, who, in his fiendish Hate, destroyed Jerusalem — in pieces Breaking the golden vessels and burning Solomon's Temple, to Thee, dedicated ; Most just and righteous are Thy judgments. For we transgressed Thy law, and Judah's king Jeconiah, did, as his fathers did. Great evil in Thy sight, and Thou dids't send Him captive with us. Mercies, Thou hast shown, For which we bless Thee ! Our tyrant Master, In the plain of Dura, most impiously A golden statue raised, commanding all To bow and worship. Swift was Thy vengeance, For forth he went a raving maniac — With brutes he herded, till his hairs became Like eagles' feathers, and his nails like claws Of birds, and like an ox did he eat grass Yea, more ! the good and mighty Cyrus, Thou Did'st raise, an instrument to do Thy will Among the Nations of the Earth. Down he Came on boasting Babylon, resistless Queen Esther. 19 As the thunderbolt, and swift as Hghtning, E'en while Belshazzar, the licentious king, Was gazing with his midnight revelers At words, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," Written on the wall, by hand mysterious. Belshazzar fell, and with him, this harlot City. Then went there forth the just decree, Freedom to captive Jews. Had Cyrus lived, We should have been free indeed. Chains we wear Not, but still are slaves, for like serpents' fangs, This strong, cursed prejudice against our race Is poisoning its very life-blood. Like aged oak Rocked to and fro, by whirlwinds and by storms. So must these feeble limbs a few years more Withstand the scorn, and buffets of the world. For myself I care not, but for Esther, The fair and lovely maiden, whose many Virtues, winning, modest ways and gentle Manners, like cords have bound her to my heart, I fear and tremble, for should her matchless Charms and radiant loveliness, be, by some Heathen dog discovered, like a pet lamb, 20 Queen Esther, Innocent and guileless, she would be led To slaughter; yea, be sacrificed upon The altar of his passions. But hark! She comes ! (Enter Esther. ) ESTHER. Thou here ? I thought thee absent, Dearest of fathers ! Go not out to-day ! My heart with very joy doth throb, when thou Art present with me. MORDECAI. I would be always with thee If happiness it gave ; but life hath cares And stern necessities, which must not be Ignored. We must have food and raiment. And like the busy ant and bee, daily I labor to provide some future store. ESTHER. Have we not enough For years to keep us in our simple style Queen Esther. 21 Of living? To see thee toil and labor, Embrowned by blazing sun, brow seamed with care, And hands hardened in menial service, brings Sorrow to my heart, and casts a shadow O'er my soul. Could I but toil for thee, or had I wealth to scatter along thy pathway. How joyous my life ; for always with thee, I could watch thy slow, and faltering steps As wintry age came on, and for all wants Provide. MORDECAI. I doubt thee not, fair Daughter of a noble, but a misjudged Race. Kings cannot boast of blood more royal. Or more pure than that which courses through thy Veins, thou soul of Innocence — of women The most virtuous. ESTHER. Hast thou faith in dreams? MORDECAI. In nothing have I faith. Save God and thee. But wherefore ask? 22 Queen Esther. ESTHER, Last night I had a dream ; So strange, so real did it seem, that when I woke I could not drive it from my mind, And still it haunts me. Methought I wandered Forth, one bright and sunny day, to gather Violets and pale lilies from the fields, With which to deck our humble mansion. Joyous and thoughtless as the singing birds Around, onward I went o'er hill and vale. Through verdant meadow and up grassy slopes, Plucking the wild flowerets which seemed to smile Sweetly upon me. The lengthening shadows. And the sun far down the western slope, brought Back my thoughts and bade me hasten to return. Quickly I turned, my footsteps to retrace. But all had changed. Hill, vale, the green verdure. And music of the birds were gone. Alone 1 stood, in a vast, wild and trackless desert, 'Mid arid sands, while from afar still blazed The angry setting sun— seemed like the eye Of God, throwing His burning glances thwart A sinful world. Trembling, helpless, hopeless, Queen Esther, 23 Like some shipwrecked wretch cast on a barren Shore, I felt that I was lost. Oh ! how my Heart did throb and my pulse beat, as if some Raging fever burned within, while the brain Seemed bursting, from the hot blood that pressed it. Mine eyes I raised to heaven. And there a speck I saw, like tiny cloud Far distant in the air. Nearer to earth It came, circles describing of a large Extent. It was a monster bird, with wings Wide spread, and of prodigious size and strength. Now hovering o'er me, motionless it seemed, For I could see its cold, black eye gazing Serpent-like upon its prey, then circling Round with a wild screech, like fiend incarnate, Down it swooped upon me ; then skyward went The proud eagle, with its talons fastened In my dress, bearing me far distant 'bove The clouds, to high and rugged cliffs where foot Of man had never trod. Almost bereft of sense. In a great warm nest, among the eaglets I was laid, which cuddled with feathery 24 Qii'een Esther. Softness round n^le^seemingly delighted. And thus all night I lay^ith my head out 5¥f From 'neath the wings Wf the great, powerful Bird that brooded us, Upward gazing at The large convex of Chaldean sky, crowned With twinkling stars, which brightly shone till dimmed By the red streaks of morning light. Soon from The east up rose the giant Sun, and with His burning eye scanned the earth o'er till on The rugged cliff it rested, and on us The focus, like angry God, a stream he Hurled, of hot, burning, scorching rays of light, Like flame concentrated. We were consumed ; No ! not consumed ; but purified, transformed — Perhaps evolutionized. All, methought had changed. The eagle was a man, in kingly robes With crown and sceptre, and his word was law, While round his throne, as nobles and as lords, Were the young eaglets to perform his will. Your daughter Esther had become a queen, And on the throne beside the King she sat — Queen Esther. 2$ His loving wife, and sharer of his.joys And sorrows. Even the nest, my prison For one night, was like the Palace Shushan — Most beautiful and lovely. Yea ! I dreamed That power and riches I possessed, which Freely did I give to benefit our Race ; and you my father, were to honor Raised and greatly favored by the King. This was my dream, painful, yet delightful. What think you of it ? MORDECAI. Dreams are but visions Of the mind, which come and go like summer Clouds — mere phantoms of the brain, most vivid In conception, and varied in imagery. God never sleeps! Nor does the soul immortal, For while the passions rest, and senses sleep, The mind is ever active, wandering At will *mong by-gone days, and scenes long since Forgotten. It can no more rest, than can The heart, which ever throbs, driving the life- Blood through the system, or pulse, which ever 26 Queen Esther. Beats, so long as health and life continue. Most fearfully and wonderfully made Is the human frame. Both in its system Corporeal, and in its operations It is complex, and little do we know Respecting it. Forget thy dream, and blot It from your mind. ESTHER. I cannot ! It seems prophetic. MORDECAI. To me it seems like visions, spectres, Seen only by some hypochondriac. But Esther go not out unveiled ; thy charms Might catch the eye of noble, or of prince, Who gladly in thine ear would breathe the fou] Pollution of the Court ; besides, I hear That in the palace a sumptuous feast Is ordered, and the King his heralds sends Into the provinces, commanding all To come — prince, noble, ruler, and do him Homage for one hundred and fourscore days. Queen Esther. 27 ESTHER. I never go unveiled ! Our ancient custom, do I most strictly Follow. MORDECAI. Excuse me now ; for a little while Must I go forth — soon will return and seek Thy loved companionship. [Exeunt.) Scene Third— queen's apartments in the palace. Vashti the Queen, and Sylvania her maid. SYLVANIA. ( Entering. ) There have arrived The King's chamberlains, and outside await Your royal will. Permission they do ask, In person to present a message from Our sovereign. c 28 Queen EstJier. QUEEN VASHTI. What message can they have, And why so many sent, as if it were A ponderous load ? but hither bring my veil, And cast it o'er me ; — now bid them enter. {Enter Mehumen, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha — the King s chain berlains— bowing. ) VASHTI. A message from the King ? What is my sovereign's pleasure? MEHUMEN, 'Tis the seventh day Of the great garden-feast, and his majesty — Our sovereign, commands thy royal presence, And has sent us, thee to accompany With the crown royal. To lords and princes. And to all the people, he would exhibit Thy matchless beauty. This, his signet-ring Shows our authority, QUEEN VASHTI. The ring I recognize ; But most strange it is, that he such message Queen Esther, 29 Should have sent — commanding me, his Queen, Unveiled, uncovered, to appear before The motley crowd, now present at the feast. Surely, it cannot be ! MEHUMEN. Such was his command, And with it gave this ring, — bade us hasten Our departure, and with us bring the Queen. QUEEN VASHTI. What said the King? Give me his message, word by word. MEHUMEN. He was seated On his banquet throne, in the great palace Garden. Gathered there upon his right and left At feast reclining, were nobles, princes, Rulers, who had come from distant provinces With their attendants ; and of the lower Ranks, thousands were present. The King seemed flushed With wine, and midst the revelry, to his 30 Queen Esther, Presence called us. " Go to the Queen," said he, " Give her this signet-ring, and bid her come At once, and crown our banquet with her most Gracious smile, and matchless beauty. Hasten ! And with the crown royal bring her. The King Commands, — let her obey," — those were his words. QUEEN VASHTI. I am a Queen ! And in my veins flows royal blood. As Queen, Obedient have I ever been to him, My lord and sovereign ; — for nothing has he Asked unjust, improper. But now, all flushed With wine, the mistress of his throne he would Degrade, and on her brow would stamp gross shame And infamy ; I will not stoop to acts Base and ignoble in themselves, which blot Out modesty, virtue cheapen, and which The rules and customs of our land forbid. MEHUMEN. If I have grace of speech. Which oft has served my country, and my King, — And would serve you, most sacred majesty, Queen Esther. 31 Oh ! let me urge you to obey this stern, But royal mandate,— unjust, ungracious As it is. QUEEN VASHTI. It is impossible ! Custom forbids that we attend these feasts, Or before strangers stand unveiled. I am No slave polluted, for the tinseled throng To gaze at, nor before these licentious Princes of the court will I now debase My womanhood. MEHUMEN. Without you, we tremble to return. For the King's wrath is terrible. QUEEN VASHTI. Have no fears for me, for sooner Than obey this royal mandate, I will Cast the Crown from off my head, and trample It in the dust beneath my feet. Go ! tell The King, he wounds his honor, tarnishes His throne, degrades his manhood, when he seeks 32 Que €71 Esther. To make his Queen the gazing stock of those Vile, drunken revelers.— You can depart. [Exeunt chamherla'ms.) ( The Queen takes off her veil, and throws herself weeping upon a couch. Enters Sylvania.) SYLVAN I A. My Royal Mistress weeping ! What mean these tears, now coursing down thy cheeks ? — Sure heralds of a sorrowing heart. QUEEN VASHTI. I am sick at heart ! Would that I were dead, and in the cold grave Forgotten. SYLVANIA. Dead, and forgotten ! Remember whom Thou art, and who thy husband is, and then Dry up your tears. You are not unequal To the noblest task. QUEEN VASHTL Think not Sylvania, that without cause I weep, and seem so broken-hearted. Thou Hast been ever dear to me, and art still Queen Esther. 33 My loved companion, though thou dost perform The menial service of a maid. When crowned A Queen, unto myself I vowed in all Things to obey my sovereign's will,— conscience Permitting, — and well you know I have this Vow performed. The King has been a loving, Kind protector, and his commands have not Been disobeyed. But alas ! what fearful Change ; the sun-light of my heart is now puffed Out by the dark storm-cloud, and my summer- Days blasted, as if by winter's frosts. SYLVAN I A. What means my mistress — Thou art still Queen ? QUEEN VASHTI. I am, but to-morrow May not be. The King has pride, has power. And an imperious will. These harden Kings, insensibly to tyrants. Inflamed By wine, he bade me to appear unveiled Before him at the garden feast, and like A gew-gaw, there to be exhibited. 34 Queen Esther. SYLVANIA. What folly ! and what an insult To you my mistress ! QUEEN VASHTI. These men, — his chamberlains, he sent To bring the message, and be an escort To me ; I have refused to go — my blood Shall stop, and stagnate in my heart before I change my purpose. On my infant mind. My mother's hand traced the faint characters Of virtue and of modesty, which time Has deepened into strength, — so deep, that death Alone can blur them. But enough of this, — Come with me into the ante-chamber. [Exeunt.) ACT II. Scene First— the garden of the palace. [King, Lords, Nobles, and Princes at the feast.) KING. How fare my honored guests, And faithful subjects ? What can I do more To give you pleasure, and your hearts to fill With joy and gladness ? Let the cup-bearers Come, our goblets fill again with choicest Wine, — the sparkling juice of Egypt's grapes. 'Tis our last night of banqueting, and we Would have it pass in wildest merriment. The Queen will soon be here, and the last toast Shall be her health and happiness, — for ever Hath she been my most obedient subject. [Enter Mehunien, and other chatnberlains.) Where is the Queen ? Without her, why return ? 36 Queen Esther. MEHUMEN. Most mighty Sovereign ! Upon our bended knees, pardon we crave For our offence, if in thy sight offence It should appear, because we bring her not. KING. What ! comes she not ? By my soul, 'tis very strange ! — explain ! MEHUMEN. Obeying thy commands, We called upon her majesty, — showed her The signet-ring, and message gave, but she Refused here to appear, unveiled before The guests. We urged her strongly, but could not Change her purpose. Custom, she said, forbade Her to appear, as did her modesty, And virtue. KING. Such presumptuous virtue My pride provokes, and what is custom when My will opposes? Did she say no more? Queen Esther. 37 MEHUMEN. She blushed, and trembled, and grew pale. But with a voice clear and determined, said, "■ I will not stoop to acts, base and ignoble In themselves, nor before the licentious Princes of the court debase my womanhood. Go! tell the King, that manhood he degrades, Tarnishes his throne, and wounds his honor. When he seeks to make his Queen the laughing- stock of midnight revelers." KING. God of my fathers ! Was it to me, her monarch, that she sent This impious message. This virtuous, Modest hypocrite has roused a whirlwind In me, and for it she shall suffer. Go ! Bring her here before me — heed not her tears Or prayers ; bring her by force, if force should be Required. PRINCE CARSHENA. One thought, most gracious sovereign, We would suggest — Vashti is Queen, — as such, 38 Queen Esther. Should be respected. Let not force be used, To bring her here against her will, — manly, Or king-like it would not appear. KING. True ! true ! So long as she is Queen, she must Be free from violence. We will not send Again, but must here devise some proper Mode of punishment. Pray tell me, Princes, What shall be done with her, who wilfully Has disobeyed the mandate of the King, Insults our guests, and maligns the Princes Of our realm ? PRINCE MEMUCAN. It gives me pain, O King ! To freely speak my mind respecting this Domestic difficulty. Accomplished Is the Queen, most wondrous fair, and doubtless Is a noble lady, but like too many Of her sex, she lacks discretion. She hath A spirit, too, — which cannot brook control, — Wild and ungoverned, and thus the counsels Of the King she laughs to scorn, disobeys Queen Estlicr. 39 His will, refuses to comply with his Most just commands. The Sovereign's will is law, And the King's dignity is public wealth, In which all have an interest, and all Must see preserved. The Nation's fame and power Is founded on obedience, and he Who disobeys, must be at heart a traitor. Not thee alone, O King ! hath Vashti wronged, But all the nobles, princes and people Throughout the provinces, for when abroad 'Tis whispered that " King Ahasuerus Commanded Vashti the Queen, before him To appear, but she came not," all women Their husbands will despise, and tlTe ladies Of Media and Persia will likewise Do, as did the Queen, and to their husbands Show contempt. Therefore, if it please the King, Let a decree go forth, and be written Among the laws of Medes and Persians, — fixed. And unalterable, — that *' Queen Vashti Be dethroned, and to another, better Than she, be given her royal estate." 40 Queen Esther. Throughout the empire let it be published, That wives may honor give to those whose right It is to claim it. KING. Most capital idea ! Thy words Do greatly please me, and it shall be done Instanter. This proud Queen shall be dethroned, Forfeited her estates, and to-morrow's Sun shall see her crownless, kingless, banished From the presence of her lord and master. Yea ; more ! forthwith, into every province Letters shall be sent, commanding every Man to rule his household, and from his wife Honor, and obedience to receive. PRINCE ADMATHA. Most just and righteous, are the decrees Of our imperial master ; but who Will take the place of Vashti ? The Sun Must have its Venus, and the King his Queen. If it please thee, most mighty Sovereign ! Throughout the provinces let officers Be appointed, whose duty it shall be Queen Esther. 41 To gather unto Shusan, all virgins Fair and beautiful, and in the custody Of the King's chamberlain let them be given For purification. Let the King select Therefrom — The one most pleasing in his sight Shall then be Queen. KING. To me, Ahasuerus, Was bequeathed this mighty empire, by my Proud and noble ancestors. To preserve Its laws, its power and glory, ever Has been my strong desire, and though My word is law, always have I consulted The wishes of my people. Admatha's Words meet my approval. I could at will. Possess the wasting tenderness, the warm Embraces of a thousand contending Beauties ; but 'tis proper that a worthy Queen should be the sharer of my royal Throne, and as such my honored wife. At once. Officers will I appoint to gather From near and distant provinces^ virgins 42 Qiieefi Esther. Both beautiful and fair, and she who pleases Best, shall be my (jueen. The feast is ended. Let us retire. [Exetint.) Scene Second— in a glen, mordecai alone. M O RD E C A I . [To himself. ) How lonely, and how desolate It seems, since Esther, my dear daughter, has Become a Queen. But a few months have passed, And yet it seems an age, — so miserable, And so wretched have I been. I cannot At home remain, for there no sparkling eyes, No pleasant, joyous laughter, no loving Kiss now greets me, but cold, dreary, cheerless It appears, throwing a dark shadow thwart My soul. In this quiet spot, secluded And alone, — by loiterers undisturbed, I love to sit, and think of by-gone days ; Of Esther, as the little maid, unstained By courtly honors. Soon will she give me Audience, as twice before she has done — ■ Queen Esther. 43 Most secretly, for the King knows not as yet Her origin, or that she sprung from our Cursed, Jewish race. She promised secrecy, And I fear the anger of the King, should He that fact discover. What a strancre dream Was that she told me — which I laughed to scorn, And bade her to forget. — Dreamed she was lost. Seized by an eagle, carried to his nest. And 'mong the young eaglets brooded. All then Was changed — the eagle was the King, eaglets Were princes, the nest the palace Shushan, And she the Queen. All ! all ! has proved most true. Was it a vision of the future stamped Upon her soul ? did she not also dream Of blessings to our race, and I honored By the King ? But hark ! footsteps I hear ! And now I see approaching that villain Bigthan, who, dog-like, hangs about the court ; A chamberlain, keeper of the King's door, Who dared insult, — calling me a Jewish Beggar. I would not meet him here, lest one Should die, and on my hands I would not have D 44 Que €71 Esther. His blood. Within this hollow tree I will Secrete myself, for with shrubbery its Entrance is covered. {Crowds into the hollow tree.) {Enters Bigthan.) BIGTHAN. ( To himself.) Teresh not here ! 'Tis past the hour Of meeting ; on his promptness he always Prides himself. How still this place, and quiet ; 'Tis just the spot to lay our future plans. And hatch up mischief. But here, in hot haste He comes! like a blood-hound on its victim's Tracks. {Enter Teresh, miother of the King's chamberlains.) TERESH. You here before me ! It matters little Who came first, since we are here, away from All intruders. Look closely round, — be sure No lurking spies are near, then let us quick To business. BIGTHAN. My countenance is not villianous, Nor do I thirst without cause for blood, but Queen Esther. 45 When our brutal King so foully Vashti Wronged, as her near kinsman I vowed revenge, And oft I've felt inclined, into his breast To plunge my dagger to its very hilt, But my arm was stayed, for something whispered, '' Wait a more convenient tinted Die he must ! Soon will his pranks be ended, and Vashti Be avenged. — Bigthan has sworn it, and his Oath he holds inviolate. TERESH. Our vows are mutual, And oft I've felt like breaking o'er discretion's Bounds, and in his very tracks slaying him, Though for it my body in rusty chains Might rot, or dangle by the hangman's rope, Ignominiously from the gibbet. Done secretly however, we are spared All pain and degradation. Suggest some Plan, by which safely, but effectively. We can accomplish that we both desire. BIGTHAN. If the dethroned Queen He had restored to all her former rights. 4-6 Queen Esther. And privileges, most cheerfully would He have been forgiven. Esther he loves, And to this new-found Goddess, to our shame, Would sacrifice the glory of his throne, Yea ! the very life-blood of his loyal Subjects. Who she is, he knows not, neither Does he know her parentage, or lineage. From obscurity she sprung, and 'tis said She is a beggar's daughter, — whose pretty Face has thus bewitched the King. It will end In death, and that right speedily. You know The secret door opening into corridors. Dark and gloomy, leading to the narrow, ■Tortuous stair-case, into subterranean Vaults. In the farthest vault there can be found A spring, just in the middle of the floor; Firmly 'tis held by screws, but when unscrewed, Wide open throws a trap-door, under which Can be heard the rushing, surging, seething Waters, flowing into the great cess-pool Of the palace, and bottomless in depth. Of this secret door I have the key, and at a stated hour, Quee7i Esther. 47 Usually alone, the King passes it. Behind the great pillar, near this door, you Must be hid, with lasso all prepared. When He comes, in homage will I bow, with words " Your pardon, most mighty Sovereign," then quick As lightning you must throw — standing behind — The cord around his neck, thus stranq-lino; him. And speechless, noiseless, through the corridors, Down into the dark vaults, we'll drag him. And when upon his knees he begs, and prays For mercy, gently we'll slide his sacred Majesty through this trap-door, down into These fathomless waters, and like a dog Will drown him. TERESH. Your scheme is well concocted, And to the very letter it shall be Carried out. Experts we are, in business Such as this, and in this little play, — Let it be comedy or tragedy. Will act our parts most perfectly. When shall The deed be done? 48 Queen Esther. BIGTHAN. One week we give him yet to live. Within that time, you must prepare the noose, Made from the strongest cord, and 'twould be well To practice throwing it. The vaults I'll visit, And will have lights prepared, ready for use. When seized, he must be strangled instantly, — No groan, or cry escape him. When within The secret door, not Heaven, nor Hell can Save him. TERESH. 'Tis all arranged, — Let us depart, we may be missed from court. BIGTHAN. Agreed — Out of this place We must be silent as the grave. [Exeunt.) MORDECAI. [Coming otit of the tree.) Consummate villains ! What horrors would they perpetrate upon The King! Oh! how my blood ran cold, to hear Them lay their devilish plans, their fiendish schemes. Queen EstJier. 49 Monsters they are in human form ! In spirit, They are devils ! This moment I will go, Claim audience of Esther, and to her Disclose their schemes and purposes. The King Shall yet be saved by me — the poor Jewish Captive. ( Exit Mordecai. ) Scene Third— queen Esther's apartment in the palace. QUEEN ESTHER. {To herself .) Why are my spirits so depressed To-day, surrounded as I am with proofs Of tender love, and warmest sympathy % Affectionate and kind, the King has ever Been, — watching my footsteps with parental Care, while across my pathway he throws his Golden sunlight. Was my father with me, Most happy should I be, — the throne would shine More richly, and brighter sparkle the gems Within my coronet. Thrice only have we met Since I became a Queen. It seems an age Since I last saw him, — but for a moment, 50 Queen Esther. As spies, he said, were watching him, and 'twas Dangerous for both. Could I tell the King The story of my life, it might be well ; But this I cannot do, as faithfully Have I promised secrecy. Come, cheer up ! Soon will I see him, and perhaps he will Consent to what I may propose. {Enter Ophelia, maid to Esther.) OPHELIA. There is, my royal Mistress, In the ante-room, the man with whitened Locks, named Mordecai, who thrice before has Been admitted. He demands an audience With the Queen. QUEEN ESTHER. He is an old friend, — For years we have been acquainted. Show him All due respect whenever he shall call. Invite him in. [Exit Ophelia.) MORDECAI. [Entering, and embracing her.) Thank heaven ! again we meet ; What mean these tears ? Queen Esther. 51 QUEEN ESTHER. Tears flow from joy. As well as sorrow. I am so happy When I see you, that I must weep. But come, Sit down, for weary you appear. Is it Well with thee ? MORDECAI. Well as usual, But have come on business, — most imperative, And time must not be wasted. QUEEN ESTHER. You frighten me ! Your words forebode some evil. MORDECAI. How in the human breast do passions rage, When once let loose, and from their proper bounds Are free. How madly do they onward rush. Swift as the fierce tornado, up-rooting All those noble gifts, which God has planted In the soul. Dark, proud, suspicious, brooding O'er their hate, and by the basest passions Led, two chamberlains of the King, — on duty 52 Queen Esther. In the palace, have sworn to take his life, And schemes most villainous have they laid, to take Him unawares, and to a bottomless Pit consign him. QUEEN. What ! Murder the King ! It cannot, cannot be ! — still, you would not Deceive me thus? MORDECAI. Sooner would I take my life, Than cause a needless pang, or crush your heart, Pure and sensitive as it is, by words Too horrible to relate. — // is true. QUEEN ESTHER. As mist of morning shadows earth. So has my mind, by a dark' cloud, all day Been over-cast. It was inexplicable — Something I could not understand ; therefore I charged it to thine absence, and the want Of thy dear companionship, which I have Thought of, dreamed of, and anxiously desired. Queen Esther. 53 But hasten ! tell me of the plot, and who These blood-hounds are, who thirst for royal blood. MORDECAI. When Vashti was dethroned, To many it gave offence, 'mong whom were The two chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, Her kinsmen, and keepers of the palace Doors. This morning, as of late has been my Custom. I visited a quiet spot, — A glen, which lieth towards the east, to think Of thee, my Esther, for thou art ever Present in my mind. While there, Bigthan I saw approaching — the man whose insults I have borne — and, wishing to avoid him, Betook myself into a great hollow Tree, there standing. Soon Teresh came — his name Was spoken, and I knew his voice — and then They swore revenge, and laid their murderous plans To waylay, and destroy the King. I heard Them all, for near the tree they stood, wherein Concealed and undiscovered I remained. One week they spare the King, — Then all prepared, when he shall come alone. 54 Queen Esther. Passing the secret door, leading to vaults Beneath the palace, Bigthan is to bow, And say, " Your pardon, most mighty Sovereign," Thus gaining the attention of the King, While Teresh, secreted by the great pillar Standing near the door, as quick as lightning. From behind darts out, and throws a rope-noose Round the King's neck, thus strangling him, — then through The secret door, and corridors, they are To drag him down to the lowest, farthest Vault, and headlong cast him into waters, Deep, and bottomless. QUEEN ESTHER. Oh, horrible ! The thought is sickening! How shall we act To save the King, and give these human fiends Their just deserts? MORDECAI. You must obtain at once, An audience with the King: then tell him All. At a moment's notice, I shall be Ready to appear, and verify my Queen Esther. 55 Charges. But Esther, I forget I am A Jew, and that my word may not avail Against the oaths of villains, standing high In office. Tell him some strategy to use, — Some secret method, whereby my words may Be confirmed. Doubtless there is a secret Passage to the vaults, from inner chamber, — Through this the King might pass some chosen guards. And in the darkened corridors conceal Them. Let him have prepared, collar of steel To wear abo.ut his neck, and guards near by Secreted, to watch, and guard his person When they spring upon him. Great secrecy Should be used, lest they his plans discover. And adopt some other scheme, — failing In this. QUEEN ESTHER. Your counsels are most wise. And with the King, my influence I'll exert For their adoption. Now, fare thee well, my Best of fathers ! — but accept this little Token of your Esther's love. ( Offering- a purse. ) 56 Queen Esther. MORDECAI. No! No! — I need not gold, but seek alone My Esther's happiness. One kiss I'll take, And then depart. May Heaven guard thee, child ! And on thee, shower her richest blessings. [Exeunt.) ACT III. Scene First— haman in the outward court of the palace. HAM AN. [To himself.) Am I not Haman ! Respected by the King, and standing high Above all other princes of the reahii ? Am I not petted, toadied by the court, While servants bow, and do me reverence — As if to royalty? My rank is now Exalted, and next to the King I stand The idol of the people. With wishes Gratified, most proudly could I exult. Were I not scorned, despised by Mordecai, Who, sitting in the King's gate, throws on me A most contemptuous smile, and will not Bow, and do me homage. Not he alone, But the whole Jewish race, now imitate His clownish manners, which tend to blast my Honor, and traduce my fame. Mordecai 58 Queen Esther. Shall die ! — and with him, all the Jews throughout The provinces shall be destroyed ; none shall Be spared — not even the women, nor young And helpless children. I will see the King At once ; will before him lay this vital Matter, and press it to an issue. Here Comes the King's chamberlain. CHAMBERLAIN. His Majesty, the King, Bids you come in. HAMAN. {Enferlng the inner apartment, bo7Vs, and salutes the Ki7ig.) Health, and long life, Most gracious Sovereign. KING. What is the wish Of my most faithful servant ? HAMAN. In all the provinces of the kingdom. Imperial Master! — scattered among The people, are a race of Jews, head-strong, Envious, and bigoted, who glory Qjieen Esther. 59 In their shame, violating enactments Thou hast made, trampling on laws, and boldly Thy mandates disobeying. Their manners, Customs, laws, diverse from ours, will ever Urge them in the forbidden ways, which lead To rank disloyalty. We have done all That could be done, this evil to correct. But 'tis in vain ! Our words are treated With disdain, and hurled into our faces Back, with cold, contemptuous scorn. Actions Like these will tell on others. Flame, beg-ets Flame, so disloyalty begets her kind. If it please thee, O King ! let a decree Go forth for their destruction. — Accomplish This, then in the King's treasury I will Pay of silver, one thousand talents. KING. The silver To thee is given, the people also, — Do with them, as in thy sight seemeth good. Let the scribes be called, and writings at once Prepared, even as thou shall dictate. Let Them to governors and rulers be sent 6o Queen Esther. Throughout the provinces, and in all tongues And languages published — '' That on the thirteenth Day, of the twelfth month, all Jews of every Age and sex, women and little children. Old and young, shall be destroyed." Take this ring, And with it, seal the writings. — The King has Thus decreed, in his palace Shushan, (Gives the ring.) " HAMAN. It shall be done O King! their doom is sealed,— They die! This most presumptuous race, shall know There is a power supreme, that will enforce Obedience to thy will. — I hasten To do thy bidding. (Exeunt.) Scene Second. — the queen's apartment. Queen Esther — Ophelia and Bashmah her maids. OPHELIA. Pardon, my Royal Mistress! I permission crave, to speak of one whom Queen Esther. 6i You respect, and whom you bade me honor As your friend. QUEEN ESTHER. You have permission. Speak freely, for of my friends, I always Love to hear. OPHELIA. Tis of him called Mordecai ; For passing through the palace a moment Since, before the King's gate I saw him clothed In sackcloth, and with ashes covered. Loud, And bitter was the cry by him sent forth, As of some dire calamity. I know Not what it means, but surely some great grief Must be upon him. BASHMAH. Your Majesty will give me leave to say I also saw him, and others there were, Weeping and wailing, and like him were clothed \\\ sackcloth. 62 Queen Esther. QUEEN ESTHER. Mordecai, in sackcloth clothed ! God forbid, that on him any evil Should have fallen ! Hasten at once Ophelia ; Call my attendant Hatach, — bid him come Instantly to the Queen's presence. (Exit Ophelia.) What can have happened ? this doubt and painful Fear, pierces my very soul, and makes me Sick at heart. Oh ! how it throbs ! and the blood Seems rushing to my brain. BASHMAH. Fear not my Royal Mistress! — it may be For some friend lost, or for some other thing Which little concerns your majesty ; But here comes Hatach. (Hatach entering and bowing.) HATACH. The royal summons I obey. Pray tell me your commands. Queen Esther. 6"^ QUEEN ESTHER. Mordecai you know ? he, who sitteth AhTiost daily, in the King's gate. Before The gate you' 11 find him now, in sackcloth clothed, — Hasten at once, and to him say you have A message from the Queen; that she desires The sackcloth taken from him, and other Raiment has she sent in place thereof. Treat Him most gently, and no language use, harsh, Or impertinent. Yea, more ! say to him, '' The Queen desires to know the cause thereof. And why he weeps and wails, and putteth on This badge of mourning.'' Disclose to no one But myself the message he may send me. Now hasten quickly ! and I will count The moments of your absence. HATACH. Adieu ! my gracious Queen, — Nothing thou desirest, shall be left Undone. (ExitHatach.) 64 Queen Esther. QUEEN ESTHER. You can retire Ophelia, — You also Bashmah to the ante-room, As I would be alone. Show Hatach in, Soon as he returns. Have no delay. (Exeunt Ophelia and Bashmah.) QUEEN ESTHER. (To herself.) Most mysterious Are the ways of Providence ! — Yesterday, It was all sun-light, o'er my path; to-day, The storm-clouds gather, and darkness covers' Me. Some evil, like a thunder-bolt, has Fallen on my dear, kind father. What can It be? — Some matter serious, I fear; not for A trivial cause would he act thus. Music Is discord, and the blazing sun is dark When heart is clouded. None but a daughter's Heart can know a daughter's sorrows, when a loved Father suffers. The time I trust will come, When I can have him with me, to comfort. And to strengthen him. For this I daily Pray, and something whispers that my prayer will Queen Esther. 65 Yet be answered. God grant it may be so. Soon shall I know all ; my faithful Hatach Has a tender heart, and my father knows Full well how I esteem him. I must dry These tears Avhich have so freely flowed, must cleanse My eyes, so red from weeping, for Ilatach Soon will come, — to hear the worst, must be Prepared. OPHELIA. (Entering.) My Honored Mistress, — Hatach has arrived. Shall I admit him ? QUEEN ESTHER. Yes; bid him come in. HATACH. {Entering- and boiving.) My Sovereign Mistress ! Mordecai I found In sackcloth, and to him your message was Delivered. He told me all, how the King- By Haman influenced, had decreed the death Of all the Jews throughout the provinces, Sparing neither old nor young, women nor Little children. 'Tis on the thirteenth day, 66 Queen Esther. Of the twelfth month, that this evil will be Consummated. This writing, he bade me Give you, — 'tis a copy of the decree, Made by the King, in his palace Shushan. (Gives her the decree.) QUEEN ESTHER. Destroy the Jews, Sparing neither old nor young ! — Horrible ! What can it mean ? It is the King's decree, And bears his seal, but why such madness ? HATACH. Haman was wroth and envious, because Mordecai bowed not, nor did him homage As do others. Against the Jews, the King's Ear he poisoned, making them appear an Envious, bigoted, disloyal race. Who the laws violated, and at naught Set the King's commands. Strongly, he urged their Death, and silver offered — one thousand talents Into the King's treasury to be paid. When 'twas accomplished. Queen Esther. 67 QUEEN ESTHER. Most infamous Hainan ! Pride, envy, malice, and revengeful hate Against our Jewish race, doth fill his heart, Which, in the blood of Innocents he would Satiate. His chosen people, God has. And will preserve, spite of the ambitious Pride of him, who has disgraced the laurels By the King conferred. He is a traitor ! And deserves a traitor's fate. — But this dire Calamity ; how shall it be avoided ? HATACH. Mordecai advised. That you at once should go in unto the King, And supplication make in their behalf. Your prayers, and warm entreaties, might yet Avert the doom, now hanging o'er them. QUEEN ESTHER. To do this seems impossible. For thirty days last past, into the presence Of the King, have I not been called, and all 68 Queen Esther. The people know, that whosoever shall Come unto the King, within the inner Court uncalled, either man, or woman, shall Be put to death. Such is the law, and none x\re spared, excepting such, to whom the King Extends the golden sceptre. HATACH. Such is the law or Media and Persia. To Mordecai I stated it, who fully understands Its meaning, and its penalties. But yet He sent this message. " Go tell the Queen " said He, '' that if this evil comes upon the Jews, She must not think in the King's palace To escape. If she holds her peace, safety And deliverance to the Jews, surely Shall from another quarter come, but she, And all her father's house, shall be destroyed." QUEEN ESTHER. Did he say this? then will I go, let come What may. Hasten now, and to Mordecai Queen Esther. 69 Bear this message. " Go gather all the Jews In Shushan now residing, and with them Fast ye for me, and for three days, neither Eat nor drink. — I, with my maidens, hkewise Will fast, and then contrary to the law Will I go in unto the King ; and if I perish, — I perish." HATACH. Most faithfully, Thy message shall be delivered. {Exit Hatach.) QUEEN ESTHER. {To herself.) I wake, as from some frightful dream ! Vashti, for disobedience was dethroned, And for the same, I may be executed. O shame ! O infamy! this cursed envenom'd Malice, this proud insolence of Haman, Doth scald my eyes with tears, and in my soul, Opens new veins of torture.— But courage Take ! There is a po\ver unseen, that rules The destinies of nations, that will plunge From gulf to gulf,— from shame to deeper shame, JO Queen Esther. This incarnate fiend, who would our Jewish Race destroy. 'Tis the same power that closed The lion's mouth, and kept from harm our prophet Daniel, when in their frightful den, headlong He was thrown. — Prayer, I will offer. (She kneels and prays.) " O Thou ! great King of Kings, and Lord of Lords ! Omnipotent and Omnipresent ! Thou Dost ever hear the feeblest whisperings Of those, who put their trust in Thee. Before Thee bows Thine hand-maid, who, into Thine heart Of love, would pour her griefs and sorrows. Her Feeble mind, strengthen and support, and with A will, fixed and determined, let her Thy Purposes perform. When before the King Uncalled she goes, into her mouth put fit And proper words, that she may plainly, boldly Speak as doth become his Queen. Let her not Utterance give to thoughts which may displease. Or to him, seem presumptuous, or improper. Soften the King's heart, and toward Thine hand- maid, Queen Esther, yi Make it tender, that in his sight, she may Find favor. Above all things, O Thou, great Jehovah ! preserve thy chosen people, And to the King, disclose the vile designs Of proud Haman's heart, and the great evil Impending o'er our race. In Thee, we trust. And to Thy care, commit ourselves.^ — Amen." Scene Third. — inner court of king's palace. The Ki7ig upon his throne, and Esther waiting opposite him in the court. She is seen by the King; who extends to her his golden sceptre, thns inviting her to approach him — She obeys and advances. QUEEN ESTHER. [To herself .) Thank Heaven ! — With pleased, approving smile, the King doth look Upon me, and now his golden sceptre He extends, thus bidding me in safety To approach. I will at once advance. (She approaches the King, and touches the sceptre.) KING. As the dove flies to her nest, So comes my Queenly Esther to her liege 72 Queen Esther. Lord, who, a most hearty welcome gives her. Though absent, most frequently have I thought Of thee, and but a moment since, when free From the engrossing cares which try and vex The soul, my restless mind went wandering back To that bright-eyed Goddess, who has ever Warmed, and cheered my heart, even, when with clouds, And darkness 'twas o'ershadowed. To what kind Fortune do I owe this visit? — Esther Could not think I had forgotten, or had Desej-ted her, for oftimes have I said, "The King must not encroach too often on Her privacy." QUEEN ESTHER. Most fully does the Queen appreciate, The kind regards, and noble sentiments Of the King. Accept, most mighty Sovereign ! Your Esther's thanks, for the tender treatment, The warm love, you have ever manifested, — For the many blessings strewn so thickly Along her pathway, making her life- days. Queen Esther. 73 So joyous, and so happy. To preserve Thy throne, thy hfe, thy happiness, freely Would I sacrifice my own. KING. What ! is there some secret Plot against my Kingdom, or my life ? Once, I remember, thou didst such plot reveal. When Bigthan with Teresh foully conspired To seize, and strangle ; then, to the vaults consign Me. Caught in the act by timely warning. They from the gibbet swung. — Thou, Esther didst Save my life. QUEEN ESTHER. Another saved it ! — even Mordecai, The Jew. But enough of this ; no foul plot Against the King exists, for he is blessed Beyond the reach of fear. The Queen has come, Simply to crave a favor from the King. KING. What is thy wish Queen Esther? What wilt thou have? speak; for it shall be given, Even to the half of my Kingdom. 74 Queen Esther. QUEEN ESTHER. If in thy sight, O King ! Favor I have found, — if it shall please thee. To listen to my prayer, and my request Perform, then come to-morrow, and with you Bring Haman to the banquet, which I shall Have prepared, and then, and there, all the King Desires will I do, and to thee, present My humble petition. KING. 'Twill give us both great pleasure. To meet you at the banquet. — Most gladly I accept, and will be there with Haman. QUEEN ESTHER. The King is very kind ; — With a light heart I leave his presence, with Certaintv of meeting him to-morrow. Adieu, most gracious Sovereign ! — Heaven bless you ! KING. Heaven bless my lovely Queen, And may kind Angels guard, protect her. — Adieu ! (Exit Esther.) Queen Esther. 75 (To himself.) How charmingly she looked ! — what a sweet smile Lit up her features when gazing on me. As if to read my very soul. Innocent, And thoughtful she has ever been ; faultless, And free from guile. What is it she desires ? Something of moment, else within this court She would not have appeared. It matters not ;— Nothing I could refuse her. A message I will send at once to Haman, bidding Him to meet me at the banquet, for she Desires his presence. Perhaps for him, She'll ask some higher honor. Scene Fourth. — haman's residence- Haman, Zeresh his Wife and Friends. HAMAN. With fortune, and with honor. Have I been crowned. Next to the King I stand, And with him share all regal honors. From This high pinnacle of fame, on Princes, ^6 Queen Esther, And on petty Kings, can I look down, and bid Them come, and go, like abject slaves. The King Himself, my will performs; he daily comes, Consults me, takes my advice, and ever Does as I propose. In vain do malice. Envy, hate, attempt to tear the laurels From Haman's brow ;— above their blasting Reach, they will securely thrive and flourish. The King has ever been my warmest friend, And now the Queen seeks my companionship. From her a message I received, asking My presence at her banquet. To-morrow The King, and I alone attend.— Perhaps Some favor she would grant, or love itself May burn within her bosom, — if so, I will possess it. One thought however, Like a dagger pierces my heart, and drives Me to despair. Of what avail are wealth, And honors, so long as Mordecai the Jew Sitteth in the King's gate ?— with scorn, and cold Contempt, doth frown upon me as I pass. And will not bow, or do me reverence. Queen Esther. 'jy But to-day, this base, ungrateful, haughty Wretch, lost to all sense of shame and common Decency, did spit his vemon at me As I passed ; — like a huge reptile, did he Glare upon me. He would not move, or stir, But on me showered his insults, silent, but Most contemptible, and by all noticed. ZERESH. This insolent, audacious man, Perverse and obstinate, whose pride is past Endurance, should be taught, what others now Have learned — good manners to their superiors. Why not seize the wretch, and flay him publicly, 'Till on bended knees, he sues for mercy? HAMAN. Half inclined was 1 to do it. But something stayed me — street brawls I like not, But to myself I swore revenge. — My time Will come. A FRIEND. The time has come ! Delays are dangerous ; this vile Jewish 78 Queen Esther. Dog, should at once be taught to know his master, For give him but a chance, and he will add New insults to his hate. SECOND FRIEND. I would advise That he be strangled ; hung! Let it be done Publicly, — 'twill have on others, a good Effect. ZERESH. The thought is timely ; in a public spot Let gallows be erected : let it be In height some fifty cubits, and thereon Let Mordecai be hung. Speak to the King Concerniiig it, and then unto the banquet. Thou shalt go most merrily. HAMAN. Great satisfaction w^ould it give, And well does he deserve it. Orders will I give, and this very day, the gallows Fifty cubits high, shall be erected, — Not in a public place, but in the court Queen Esther. 79 Of mine own house, and as the King liveth, Mordecai shall hang thereon. To morrow, Early in the day, the Sovereign I will See, and his consent obtain ; then, without Delay shall he be executed. ZERESH. My lord most wisely speaks ; Let him proceed— the work complete. FRIEND. Of the plan proposed. Most fully we approve. This gross insult To our lord, in blood must be wiped out. HAMAN. More freely can I breathe, when he is dead. I know not how it is, but his destiny Seems linked with mine, and while living, I fear And hate him— when dead, my vengence will be Satisfied, and my joy and peace restored. But haste me !— let us lose no time, for we Must be prepared. [Exeimt.) ACT IV. Scene First— palace shushan- Private apartment of the King. KING. {To himself.) Something is wrong! — A sleepless night I've passed, tossing upon My bed like a frightened infant. What means This mystery, — this most strange behavior Of my senses, this mist that hangs about My soul? What means this power invisible; This mysterious influence that thrills My heart, and makes me shudder? Oh ! how I've Tossed and moaned in troubled sleep like a sick Child ! how slowly the hours have crept along; The night has seemed an age of misery. I feel, I must confess a sense of shame, And blush at my own weakness, so unlike My usual nature. Restless, timorous. Nervous, with no apparent cause, I saw Queen Esther. 8i Those airy shadows, spectral visions, which '' Like bubbles, big with emptiness alone, Burst and vanished into nothingness." Like Melting smoke that mingles with the sky, before Me they flitted for a moment, — then quickly Disappeared. One short dream I had, and on My mind it seems distinctly stamped. Methought A maiden kneeled before me ; beautiful She was, her shoulders covered o'er with her Disheveled tresses, and her large, lustrous Eyes suffused with tears. Li piteous tones She pleaded for her father's life, — a grey- Haired man, who kneeled beside her — told of his Wrongs and sufferings, and how by malice And revenge, to death he had been condemned. Most earnestly she pleaded— urged that he, In time gone by, had saved my life and crown, When against them traitors had conspired. She looked like Esther, So fair and beautiful — her large, black eyes Expressing her very thoughts. I was about To speak, and ask them who they were, but then Awoke, and all had vanished. Again, 82 Queen EsiJier. I dropped asleep, and frightful visions saw Of scaffolds, with all their gloomy trappings, And above them all, went towering one huge Gallows, beneath which, stood the grey-haired man. With rope about his neck, for execution. To save him, I started up ! but awoke To find myself alone, and the cold drops Of perspiration, covering my forehead. 'Tis morning now, And the bright sun has risen, dispelling Shadows and night-mists from the earth, but not The dream -clouds from my mind. May be Some great injustice has been done. Laid up In archives, are records of chronicles Made by my scribes; they shall be brought before Me, and thoroughly examined. Perhaps They will reveal the cause of my distress. Ho ! my attendants. [Enter Mehumen the chamberlain y boiving.) KING. Go, call my scribe, and with him bring The book of Records. — Make no delay. Queen Esther. S3 MEHUMEN. It shall be done, O King! As thou commandest. (Exit Mehumen.) KING. [To himself.) Ever, my thoughts revert to Esther; 'Tis to-day we banquet with her— my heart Should not be clouded, nor my mind perplexed. If in the Records, no strange thing is found, Then, at once I'll drive these fearful night-thoughts From my mind— with smiling face and joyous Heart, her banquet will attend— to her soul, I will not bring disquietude. {Enter Mehumen and scribe with book of Records ^, KING. {To the scribe.) Look o'er the Records, and see If can be found, a person, who has done Great service to the King, respecting whom, Some special mention, recently has been Made. 84 Queen Esther. SCRIBE. {Examining the Records. ) We find here written, most gracious Sovereign ! As follows : "In the sixth year, of the reign Of Ahasuerus, whose proud Empire Extendeth from India even unto Ethiopia, two chamberlains, servants Of the King, by name Bigthan and Teresh, Wilfully and maliciously conspired Against the Crown, Kingdom, and the King's life, And sought secretly, to seize and strangle Our mighty Sovereign, and to the lowest Vault consign him. Let it be remembered, That to one Mordecai, the Jew, the thing Became known, wdio, to the Queen the vile plot Disclosed, and she, to the King revealed it. By a strategem proposed by Mordecai, These villains in the very act were seized. Condemned, and on the gibbet executed. To Mordecai, the Jew, bclongeth honor." KING. For these most loyal acts, What honor, or what dignity has been Conferred on Mordecai ? Queen Esther. 85 MEHUMEN None whatever! — He still is sitting In the King's Gate. SCRIBE. No mention here is made Of anything, by which he was rewarded. KING. Go at once Mehumen ; — see whom you find Standing in the outward court. MEHUMEN. Haman alone is there, waiting For an audience with the King. KING. Bid him come in. (Exit Meh nmen . ) {Enter Hamait who had cotne to speak unto the King to hang Mordecai on the galloios prepared.) KING. {To Haman.) There is one, who unto us great service Hath performed, and on him, we would bestow 86 Queen Esther. Most royal favors. What shall now be done To him, whom the King delighteth to honor? HAM AN. ( Thinking the King referred to himself. ) I would not most mighty Sovereign ! Appear presumptuous ; but the man on whom Thou wouldst bestow Imperial honors, And in whose dignities thou dost delight Thyself, should be clothed, as might well become The King's favorite. Let be brought royal Apparel, thou hast worn ; the Niscan horse Brought from Armenia, — the favorite steed, Which the King rideth, — and the Crown Royal. Into the hands of noble Princes, let Them be delivered, to array the man Thus honored by the King, and through the streets or the city, let him be borne on horseback. With Princes in attendance, who before Him shall proclaim — " thus, shall be done to him, Whom the King delighteth to honor." KING. Well spoken Haman ! — make thee haste ; Take the apparel, crown, and horse, as thou Queen Esther. 87 Hast said, so do to Mordecai, the Jew, Who, at the King's gate, you will find sitting;— Of all thou hast spoken, let nothing fail; The King would honor him above all others. In person, do thou attend him, and make The proclamation. HAMAN. Thy Sovereign will must be obeyed, — I go, and do thy bidding. {Exit Haman.) Scene Second— queen Esther's private apartments. The King— Esther the Queen, and Haman at the banquet. KING. *Tis pleasant thus to throw off cares,— Vexatious cares, the wormwood and the gall, Which so embitter life. Like opiates In a fever, these social gatherings Quiet the nerves, and cool the heated Brain, inducing rest, and quietude Of mind. 88 Queen Esther. QUEEN ESTHER. Indeed ! great joy it gives, To know, that I have added to the King's Happiness. Ever would 1 fill his heart With pleasant, happy thoughts, as sky is filled With sunbeams, and earth with shining rivulets. KING. But Esther, of thine own happiness, Have you no thought? QUEEN ESTHER. Of myself, I have but little thought Except to serve my God, and please my King. Let them but smile upon me, I am as Happy as the joyous bird, which warbles Its notes of praise, when the bright sun sends forth Its laughing beams, at early dawn. KING. Of thy petition I would know, and thy request. Didst thou not Promise, at the banquet to present them ? Queen Esther. 89 I am now, as then, prepared to grant them. Even to the half of my Kingdom. QUEEN ESTHER. If in thy sight, O King ! Thine Esther hath favor found ; if it shall Please thee, to grant her prayer, know thou, O King! I am a Jezvess ! — one of the daughters Of that noble, but persecuted race, Who though despised, and trodden under foot, Are still most loyal subjects. We are sold ! — Myself, and people — not as bond-women. And bond-men, for then in silence would have Suffered, and no complaint have made, but we Are doomed to death — to be destroyed and slain, Guiltless and crimeless. Spare my life, and lives Of all my people ! — this, O King ! is my Petition. KING. Thy words are riddles ! What secret plot would you unravel? Lives There a wretch so base, as would desire Thy death, or even dream of thy destruction ? 90 Queen Esther. Who, and where is he, who in his inmost Heart, hath cherished such a thought ? QUEEN ESTHER. Now seated with us at the banquet, Is the vile plotter of this scheme for our Destruction. Look thou, O King ! on Haman, Sitting like senseless marble, — See his face O'erspread with ashy paleness ; the painful Terror in his eye ; his tongue suspended ; His trembling form, and guilt so strongly stamped On every feature of his countenance. He is the man ! — the enemy, who plots This evil 'gainst the Queen, and all her race. KING. 'Tis true ! the perjured slave ! the traitorous Villain, in every form and manner shows His guilt. Excuse me for a moment: into The garden I must retire, my heated Brain to cool, and thoughts collect. He shall have His just deserts. (Exit King.) Que en Esther. 91 HAMAN. (Rising up, and falling on his knees before the Queen, who was seated on a couch.) Here at thy feet, pardon I crave Most Honored Mistress! — O spurn me not! Have pity on a wretch, who now with shame, Doth make confession of his sins, and begs Thy kind forgiveness. Oh ! let these scalding Tears so freely flowing, wash out my crimes, And evil purposes, and ever will I be, your abject slave. QUEEN ESTHER. Touch me not! thou prince of villians! — By thy vile breath, I would not be foully Contaminated. HAMAN. Oh ! spare my life ! speak to the King, For there was evil in his eye, and death Will be my doom, unless thou dost secure My pardon. Do but this, and at thy feet, Worm-like Til ever crawl. — Make me thy slave. (He falls upon the couch by her side just as the King enters.) G 92 Queen Esther. KING. What do I see ! — Before me, In the palace, would he force the Queen? — Ho ! my attendants. {Enter Harbonah and other chamberlains.) Let him be covered, for to death he is Condemned. ( They cover Haman s face. ) HARBONAH. Most mighty Sovereign I In Haman's house There stands a gallows, in height some fifty Cubits. 'Twas made by Haman, and thereon He would have hung Mordecai, had the King Consented. 'Tis all prepared, with scaffold, And with trappings, and at a moment's notice Can be used. KING. Then seize the villain ! bear him hence, and like A dog hang him thereon! Upon his head Let fall, the mischief by him conceived. Queen Esther. 93 HARBONAH. It shall be done, O King ! — Quickly, as thou commandest. ( They seize Haman and bear him out to execution.) Scene Third — the queen's apartment in the palace. Queen Esther and Mordecai. QUEEN ESTHER. Welcome! thrice welcome to my heart and home, My dear, good father! Let me embrace thee, Kiss thee, as I was wont to do, when coming From your daily toil, I ran to meet you With a kiss of love — in your loving Arms so tenderly was held, while calling Me your " darling little pet!' How all has Changed, since in that humble, quiet home, we Lived together! all but our hearts — they will Always burn with love and pure affection, Will they not ? 94 Queen Esther. MORDECAI. As a little maid, thou wast my pride And joy ; and now the crown of womanhood, Which shines untarnished. With fond affection Thy welcome I return, and the parental Kiss, most willingly I give my Esther. Yes ! we have somewhat changed ; — you, from the young, Romping girl, who played among the flowers, And chased the butterflies, to the majestic Queen, and I, the despised and persecuted Jew, have now become the King's favorite, Wearing the royal robes, and classed Among his Nobles. Let me but go forth, On every side fawning, bowing, cringing. Are the fops and sycophants of court, who, like Dastard Knaves, would honor me as Master. I like them not, but scorn, despise them now. As they once did me. QUEEN ESTHER. When last you saw the King, What did he say? Queen Esther. 95 MORDECAI. I saw him but a moment since ; Said he, — "go in, and see the Queen, your daughter." I was about to speak, but he continued — " She has told me all, — go in, and I will Meet you there." His words were most ambiguous. But kindly spoken. But tell me Esther, Have you made known our near relationship. Or elsewhere has he learned it ? QUEEN ESTHER. I have told him all ! — To him, have I revealed the inmost secrets Of my heart. He knows your love and kindness To the poor orphan child, and the strong cords Of love, that bind our hearts together. He Even knows the dream you bid me to forget, But now, as fresh within my mind, as if But yesterday I dreamed it. MORDECAI. I do remember it ! — ^'Twas a strange dream ; Most marvelous it should have come to pass Just as it has. Esther, thou hast blest our 96 Queen Esther. Race, or rather thou hast been God's chosen Instrument to do it. To Jehovah, Our thanks are ever due ; to His Great Name, Be all the praise and glory.— But the King Cometh ! ( The Ki)ig enters. ) QUEEN ESTHER. Welcome, our gracious Sovereign ! — For thy royal presence, accept our thanks, And p-rateful homagre. Thou hast crowned our lives With gladness, and from our hearts hast driven Sorrow. Most precious in our sight, is the King's Life and happiness. KING. And in our lovely Queen, is the King's life Bound up. Thy happiness is mine, and all That is mine, is thine. But now to business. Haman, thine enemy is dead — his sons Are also dead, and to thee. Queen Esther Do I give his house, and vast possessions. They are thine ; use them as thou deemest best. I Queen Esther. 97 QUEEN ESTHER. Language cannot express, O King ! The feelings of my heart, for these continued Favors. The gift is precious — most precious, Since it comes from thee. KING. Some fit, and proper person You should select, who, in your name and place, Will have the charge and management of this House, and vast estate. — To my mind, no one So fit and suitable as your father, Mordecai. QUEEN ESTHER, You do surprise me, most agreeably ! Thanks, O King! for this thy wise selection. With thy kind permission, I do hereby Appoint my father, Mordecai, to rule This house of Haman, and over his lands And large possessions place him. May he be Wise, discreet, and ever live the faithful Servant of the king. 98 Queen Esther. MORDECAI. Accept most noble Sovereign, and you my Queen, the homage of your servant. The trusts To me confided, ever v/ill I hold Most sacred, and perform them to the best Of my ability. KING. To the place of Haman, we have advanced Thee, Mordecai. Next to the King, thou standest In authority. We would have thee clothed In royal robes of blue and white, with crown Of gold, and with garments of fine linen And purple, that the city of Shushan May rejoice and be glad. Now take this ring With royal seal — token of thy power, And with it seal the writings you may send In the King's name to all the Jews, scattered Throughout the provinces, even from India Unto Ethiopia, and to the rulers Thereof, commanding to gather themselves Together, armed and prepared to destroy And slay, all who may assault them. All legal Rights, thy Jewish people, hereafter must Queen Esther. 99 And shall enjoy, for no man can reverse These writings, in the King's name prepared, And with this ring sealed. Now go! let the scribes At once prepare writings you may dictate. And with all speed, let them be sent by posts On horseback, into the one hundred, twenty- Seven provinces of our Kingdom. MORDECAI. Thy Sovereign will, O King! shall be performed, And thy decrees, this very day shall be Sent forth throughout the Realm. Again accept My thanks and homage. {Exit Modecai bowing.) QUEEN ESTHER. [To the King.) Oh ! v/hat a royal heart Thou doth possess Heaven must have inspired These manly thoughts, induced thee to perform These noble acts, which, in the Chronicles Of Ages shall be recorded. Millions Yet unborn, shall to their children recount The virtues of the good King Ahasuerus. — lOO Queen EstJier. Yes ! posterity shall praise thee, and ages Yet to come, record thy goodness. KING. Heaven has greatly blessed, By giving me an angel for a Queen, And she has taught me goodness, if within It can be found. Like stars which shine forever, So shine thy virtues in the firmament Of my being, and if in future ages My name is mentioned, it will only be As linked with thine, my Esther. Fron> " Deniorest'f Weekly, LOVE AND TRUST. by permission. Lessons of Life A COLLOQUIAL POEM. Lessons of Life, SCENE I. SPIRIT FROM ANOTHER PLANET. ABOVE THE EARTH.— MORNING. SPIRIT. How beautiful the earth ! the rising Sun Like a huge fire-ball, reddens the eastern Sky, tinging the horizon as if with Burnished gold. Onward, he moves in glory ! Scattering from vale to mountain top, his Dazzling beams, to active duty calling Old and young — on all bestowing favors. Blest Almoner of the All Wise ! All Good ! All Powerful ! new life thou dost impart To all who feel thy presence ; the barren Rock now smiles, while for joy the hill-sides laugl Because thou deignest to stoop, and kiss them. 105 io5 Lessons of Life. The Air — conductor of all sounds— seems filled With music! In the great song of praise, which Ever rises to the Creative Throne, All voices seem to join, both animate And inanimate. The tiny bird, decked In rainbow colors, flashing from flower To flower, from rose-buds sipping nectar, Hums its little song; the lark rising from Clover-fields, pours forth a flood of joyous Music — still higher rising, back he sends A note of wild, and fitful melody. The bubbling fountain, babbling brook, vie with The running stream, —with surging ocean, which Hurls its crested wave high o'er the rocky Ledges, and whose deep bass notes like distant Thunder, seems as the voice of God. How young and fresh Appears this Temple, built for man ! God laid The corner stone, its pillars reared, its walls He frescoed, and its great dome He spangled O'er with countless stars. Mapped out before me, lie Snow-crowned mountains, ribboned o'er with shinin< Lessons of Life. 1^7 Rivulets, leaping along their rocky Sides, as lightning leaps from a gigantic Cloud ; rich vales and fertile lands, with granite Walls enclosed ; meadows, painted in crimson, Green and gold ; luxuriant fields, teeming With waving grain and ripening fruits. In one Encircling ken, I gaze on rivers, lakes And boundless oceans— on crystal glaziers, Coral reefs, and sun-lit isles, here and there Scattered upon her bosom, like smiling Stars in Heaven's blue firmament. Yea, more ! I see, what seems the work of human hands ; Clustering here, are piles of marble, stone. And brick in great variety, and most Symmetrically arranged, all sculptured. And nicely excavated, adapted Well as habitations for Earth's people. Rising in the midst, and pointing heavenward, Are turrets, towers and domes; the streets seem Paved, and filled with human beings, running To and fro, crowding, jostling, dodging each The other. How full of life, and active Duty ! each striving, doubtless, to perform io8 Lessons of Life, Some great and noble purpose — some holy Work, most worthy of a soul immortal. But scattered round, still other piles I see Mostly of wood, in form and model like The others — each stands alone, a garden Plot annexed, painted in white, with training Vines embowered, beautiful and useful; Fit home it seems for a contented mind. But hark ! what shrill and startling sound I hear, As of a cry of anguish — can it be The voice of the huge monster, which I see Dashing with lightning speed across the plains. To the very base of rocky heights? Fire, Steam and smoke, he belches from his nostrils. — Madly he rushes on ! now darts as does A serpent for his hole, and disappears Into the very bosom of the earth. Is it the Devil ? I have heard he roams The earth, taking a serpent's form, then, that Of angel. Lo ! far beyond the rocky Cliff, I see him dashing, flying onward O'er shining rails, and iron-roads, scattered Like net-work o'er earth's surface. Lessons of Life. 109 How peacefully upon The waters, move those other things of life ; Dancing along, the towering waves they mount, Then gently glide into the ocean's trough Only to rise again, more proudly than Before, scattering the spray in silvery Showers around. Some wingless seem, others Broad pinions have, of snowy whiteness. Can They be male and female? All living things, I hear are sub-divided thus ; all made For man, for him alone created. Now hie me on My mission ! and since to me permitted, ril take the human form, — will converse hold With this most favored race, and from them learn Their manners, customs, and the purposes And aim of life, for surely, exemplars They must be of holy living. H SCENE II. CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CIIY. — MORNING. SPIRIT. This then is Earth ! How bright and beautiful the pictured scene Which meets my vision ! rivulets. I see, Dancing in silver light ; lakelets, playing With sunbeams ; fountains, pearl drops scattering, Forming cascades and water-falls in miniature. Foot-paths, with evergreens embowered I see, Winding their tortuous way, midst quiet nooks. And rocky dells, through rich green lawns, and beds Of flowers ; forest trees, clothed with autumnal Leaves of varied hues ; these, with the structures Man has reared, make it indeed a lovely Spot,— almost enchanted ground. Here, in this Frescade, will I sit down, — with lingering Eye will gaze upon those laughing, joyous Lessons of Life. 1 1 Beings, now strolling round in happiness Before me. Here comes one ! bearing himself With dignity, and on his brow enthroned, Sits Intellect. His whitened locks, bespeak Great wisdom and experience, while his Pleasing eye and smiling face exhibit Most of all, a kind and humane heart. He, surely is the friend I seek ; to him, Will I declare myself, to him, reveal The object of my mission, and perchance All needed information will he give. [He speaks to him.) God's peace be with thee, friend ! If looks and form belie thee not, thou wilt Most willingly listen to a stranger's Voice, and give him audience. Come, sit thee Down beside me. In this pleasant spot, fanned By the cooling breeze, together we will Talk of God, and of his handiworks ; of earth, On which I gaze with pleasure ; of man, Respecting whom, most wondrous things abroad Are whispered. 1 1 2 Lessons of Life, REV. DR. WISEMAN. Whence, and who art thou ? Thy voice rings of the true metal, and thy Words are indices of a mind, both pure And virtuous. SPIRIT. I am no denizen of earth, but when The great orb of day goes down, and darkness Black as midni;4ht gathers round, I'll point you To a planet, which, then rising, will cast Its borrowed light upon the world, — a soft And pleasing light, lifiing the soul heavenward, Filling it with holy aspirations. There is my home! 'tis in the Moon. — the great Reflector, which at night throws sun ra}-s on The earth, and in turn the earth throws back The same upon the moon. In harmony, Each the other serves. DR. WISEMAN. Thou talkest nonsense, man ! Between these planets, lies immensity Lessons of Life. 1 1 3 Of space, crowded with sunbeams, as the sea With rain-drops. Didst thou cross this space, as thou Wouldst the ocean ? SPIRIT. With God, all things are possible ! Hast thou Not heard of Angels' visits ? of Spirits In the human form, who, having done what They were sent to do, vanished like shadows And were seen no more ? DR. WISEMAN. I am no Sadducee, Who contend there is no resurrection. Neither angel, spirit, devil ; in all I do believe, for 'tis a truth revealed By God, and in His Holy Word proclaimed. The soul will never die! It will exist When the frail body crumbles into dust ; Instinct with life, 'twill burst the bonds of Earth, And mounting up, will be enrolled among The disembodied Spirits, be they good 114 Lessons of Life. Or bad. See at your feet that crawling worm ! Seemingly it will die — perhaps to-day — If so, to-inorrow it appears decked out In rainbow colors, and on its golden Wings, mounts upward a gaudy butterfly. Thus the Immortal Soul, leavinir at lencth Its embryo state, unfettered, enters The Spirit land, with powers well suited For its new existence. Angels on earth In early times appeared— angels of light, On special missions sent, and for some wise Purposes, while spirits satanic, were Allowed in divers forms to roam the world. As tempters of mankind. In latter days, Like miracles they are not visible, For the Great Ruler executes His vast Designs, and purposes, by other means. And uses other agents. Each Age, has Had 'tis true, its own peculiar folly — Has had its wild chimera, phantasy, Or popular delusion, which, starting From the brain of some half-crazed fanatic, Lessons of Life, 115 Has swept like wildfire, gathering in its Course, both strength and fierceness. The great hobby Of one Age was the Crusades. The hermit Peter, Monk of Amiens, low of stature, And ill-favored, conceived in Palestine The grand idea of wresting from hands Of Musselmen, our Saviour's Sepulchre, And from infidel thralldom, rescuing The poor Christians of the East. In his dreams, Visions he saw, and forth he went upon A mule, barefooted and barearmed preaching To countless thousands. Into Italy, And France — thence into Germany he went, And under the banner of the Cross, millions Were enrolled. Then, as now, enthusiasm Was most contagious ! for, seized with frenzy, The lame, the halt and blind, with wives and children Crowding to the Holy Land, blocked up all Roads leading to Jerusalem. But few Returned ! by famine, by disease, by sword, Thousands, yea, millions fell, and Death did glut Itself with victims. ii6 Lessons of Life. Then came the Age Of Witchcraft, when evil Spirits roamed The earth, as was beHcved in divers forms. Demons and Witches were plenty in those Days ; — visible, invisible, and thick As summer flies. Aerial devils There were, living in air, causing tempests And whirl-winds ; terrestial, dwelling on earth, The timid frightening, and tormenting men. Witchcraft became' a mania. Fooh'sh, And absurd, this vile belief engendered Superstitions, which in their turn deluged The land with blood — with horrors, too terrible To relate. Learned and unlearned, old and young, The beautiful maiden and the toothless Hag, were all bewitched, and on the scaffold. Or at the stake they suffered. Was there time, I could relate of other ages most Strange delusions ; how thorough search was made For the Elixir Vitac, — thought to be Of death a sure preventative; of search For the Philosopher's Stone, which, if found Would turn all metals into gold, making Lessons of Life. \\j Men rich ; of Divination, Augury, Magnetism and Prophecy, till coming Down, a tale I could relate, of midnight Seances, moonlight materializations, And of dark circles, wherein spirits, white And black appear, exhibiting most strange And marvelous manifestations. Mysterious Is that influence, by which one mind can Sway another, as the will doth ever Sway the members of the body, making Them do its bidding ; more mysterious, The seeming willingness exhibited By some, in being blindly led, against Their judgment, reason, conscience, and against All common sense, into glaring errors, Adopting theories, and principles Pernicious in themselves, absurd, and most Destructive to society. God made The mind as He made stars, perfect ! and as In Nature's diadem He set those brilliants. So in the world of intellect. — His own Bright coronet — did He fix the mind, and gave ii8 Lessons of Life. It strength His glory to reflect, as moon Throws back the sun-rays. How sad to know that This, the noblest portion of our being, Which thinks, and wills, and reasons, — this gifted Reflex of the Deity, should comet-like Have broken from its sphere, o'er leaping bounds Fixed by the Almighty, and gone rambling Through space, casting but shadows. Ofttimes At night, while gazing on the stars twinkling So beautifully in the heavens, have I seen a meteor go flashing through The sky, earthward, then in black darkness Disappear. Thus man did fall from the high Estate in which he was created. SPIRIT. Indeed ! most marvelous Things thou dost relate, of thine own species. In yonder planet, peopled by a race Guiltless and sinless, something was whispered Of the fall of man, and of some special favor, Wherein was exercised an attribute Of Deity never before displayed, — Of mercy and forgiveness. More would we Lessons of Life. 1 19 Learn, and to this end it was permitted Me to visit earth, and in human form To sojourn for a while. Ambassador, Unheralded, and unannounced I come Upon this special mission ! no regal Pomp, no brilliant retinue attend my Footsteps; no boon companion will lend his Aid and presence, nor with me, share the work And honor of this my high vocation. Alone, I'll range through earth, observing man In public, social, and in private life ; Will note his actions, read his thoughts, and trace The inward workings of his mind. Thy words Cast shadows o'er my spirits, and drink up Pleasant thoughts, as darkness drinks up twilight. Surely 'mong God's favored ones, can be found A host of noble, just, and virtuous Men, whose every word, and thought, and act, must Harmonize with the Creative Mind ? DR. WISEMAN. I would not take One virtue from the human heart, nor add One pang to thine ; but if indeed thou art I20 Lessons of Life. A Spirit as thou dost say, and here have Come upon a holy mission, God speed Thy footsteps, and give thee strength thy duty To perform. Deceitful a'bove all things, And desperately wicked, is the heart Uncleansed and unredeemed. Go the world o'er, From Frost Land to the Burning Zone, from East To West, 'mong Christians, Pagans, civilized And uncivilized, and you will see dark Crimes committed, foul wrongs perpetrated, And fiery passions like fiends incarnate. Each striving for the mastery. Enough You'll see to give thee heart-throbs, driving The blood, hot, tingling through the veins. Among the masses of mankind, There have in every age been found good men, Whose characters like burnished gold, have shone Spotless and pure. Generous, unselfish, Full of faith and holy love, they have lived Not for themselves, but to promote the good Of others, and magnify the great name Of Him who governs all. Like Oases In a barren desert, so in the moral Lessons of Life. 121 World, where everything seems scorched, and shriveled Up by sin, such characters look fruitful And most refreshing. Unknown, unhonored They may be — on history's page their names May be unwritten ; it matters not ! for in The great Book of Life they are enrolled. Wouldst thou learn The story of our Race — its progress trace From the creation to the present time, Or know the human mind, and understand Its varied changes, from early infancy To age advanced — from cradle to the grave .^^ On history's page, sacred and profane 'Tis written ; the records of all ages Therein are treasured up; God's dealings with Our race, and all essential facts are there Spread out, like stars upon the firmament SPIRIT. How happens it. That for so many years these facts could be Remembered — the records how preserved } 122 Lessons of Life. DR. WISEMAN. The mind is ever active, either For good or evil. Now doth it wander, In day-dreams, fictions, and visions from place To place, by truth or reason unrestrained, — Then, will it gather facts, search out events. And by comparison, will discover The external relations they bear, each To the other. Most complex is the mind's Phenomena, for mingling together Like the ingredients of a compound. Are thoughts, sensations, and emotions, each Striving for the mastery, giving new Life and force to mental faculties. On Science, all Arts practical, are founded ; And what is science but the glorious Product of the mind, in comprehending The relationship of things, and tracing Effects back to their causes? Truly, This Age is an inventive one ! Li art, And science, most rapid progress has been Made, and marvelous things revealed during Lessons of Life. 123 The present century. The printing press By steam is driven, and books, a countless Number are scattered o'er the world. In Greek, Hebrew, Syraic, Arabic, — in French, German, English, — in poetry, and prose Are now recorded the past and present Of our race. In his great wisdom, God hath to us Revealed His Holy Will, — instructed us In matters pertaining to Himself, His Government, and of the grand scheme by Him Devised for man's redemption. Of all books. Most precious is the Bible ! It recounts The history of man from the creation To the present time ; the simple story Of the cross it tells — how God this guilty World so loved, as to give His only Son A sacrifice for sin, how willingly The Son did drink the bitter cup, thereby Perfecting man's redemption. Yea, more ! this blessed book. Filled with most glorious truths, and precious Promises, — with holy precepts and sweet 124 Lessons of Life, Messages of love, shines like a beacon Light, to guide the wandering soul into The haven of Eternal Rest. SPIRIT. And is this true ? Such love I cannot comprehend ! Why did Not God blast this sinful world, or make it Pure by his avenging lightnings? DR. WISEMAN. God is Love! and being such, lie freely did forgive, and gave I lis Son A ransom for our race. All can be saved Who will lepent in faith. — Not otherwise. SPIRIT. Did you say, that rapid progress now Was being made, in science and in art ? DR. WISEMAN. Like Ocean's crested waves, Years onward rush in the great sea of Time, Bringing to light the products of man's skill Lessons of Life. 125 And ingenuity. How quick years come And go, then vanish into ages, crowned With events and monuments stupendous ! Time was, when the frail body was enslaved And doomed to servile labor. The daily Bread by the brow's sweat was earned, and toiling Millions had no higher aim, or purpose, Than to get food and raiment. How little Did they know of mind, its giant powers, And God-like faculties ! For lonsj- acres It slept in fetters — barren and sterile As deserts' burning sands, but rousing up. At length it burst its bonds, and to the world Proclaimed its high prerogatives. Time works Its changes, and for two centuries past. Mind has been active, and the world has moved. Most rapid and universal is social Intercourse ; with lightning speed oceans are Traversed, deserts explored, and now being Fully developed is the philosophy Of uses. Most rapid strides have nations Made in science and in art — wind, water, Fire are harnessed up to do man's bidding, 126 Lessons of Life. And night and day they toil, driving those huge Machines, which now perform man's servile work. But see ! the evening cometh — The lengthening shadows and descending sun Bid us depart. Come to my home and see Domestic life. Before the Throne of Grace, With us unite in prayer and praise to Him, Who doth all things well. SCENE III. WALL STREET. — NOON. SPIRIT. Strange sight is this ! What means this human tide, this hurrying To and fro, this crowding, jostUng, dodging Each the other ? Feverish, excited They appear, but full of life and action Vigorous. Surely, some great and noble Purpose they must have, some worthy object ; Competitors perhaps, for the great prize,— The Crown of Glory, God has offered. DR. WISEMAN. In his dark cell, A felon, convicted and condemned, will Sometimes fall asleep, and a sweet, joyous Smile will play upon his countenance, while He dreams of home, of happy, boyhood days. And of a mother's love. I would not,— could 128 Lessons of Life. Not have the heart this dream-sketch to despoil, Or from his mind drive out this vision bright, For soon enough he'll wake to misery. Nor would I, were it not expedient, Wake you from day-dreams, or blur this vision Of your soul as to our race. 'Tis Mammon Worship you behold ! here sits the golden Calf enthroned, and at its most exacting Shrine, men offer incense. To rob, and cheat Seems their chief end, — their sought for siunimun bo num. The savage in his pride, points to the scalps Suspended from his person, as trophies Of his power; the purse-proud millionaire Exhibits gold, wrung from the poor man's brow. And calls it wealth ; yea ! the jeweled upstart. Who deals in stocks, and bonds, and money loans At most usurious rates, will rack his brain To take the bread from out his brother's mouth. Go in the " Broker's Board," or the " Exchange," And you will see how men like cats and dogs Will snarl and growl, one at the other. We Call them " Bulls and Bears,'' — fit names for those Lessons of Life. i2g Who prey upon each other. Thirsting for Gold, how demon-hke they act, and what vile Tricks they practice, to deceive and cheat their Fellows. 'Tis a School of Vice, wherein base Passions rule, and legalized is gambling. Here dissemblers meet, and here Do congregate a class of men, who pit Their brains against their hearts, and having left At home their consciences, will bring their bags Of yellow gold, and with them practice most Infernal arts. Here too, are seen the young And inexperienced. Led on by dazzling Dreams of wealth, and hopes delusive, they will Step by step, this whirlpool of corruption Enter, till they are fleeced and robbed of all Their honest earnings. Not content with this Deserved chastisement, manhood they barter. And their honor pledge as one would pawn His jewels, at most usurious rates. Cheating one's self is bad enough, but when 'Tis done, how easy to practice the same Game on others. By fraud, some men grow rich And others poor. This gambling legalized, 130 Lessons of Life. Petrifies the soul, — hath drank all goodness From the heart, as death will drink its life-blood. Well hath the poet said — '* In the street the tide of being, how it surges, how it rolls- God ! what base ignoble faces. God ! what bodies wanting souls.'' SPIRIT. Thy words indeed are terrible! Like drops of molten lead, into my heart They burn. Why does not God hurl forth his bolts. And blast them with his vengeance? why bestow On such as these, his gifts of love, or strew With flowers their pathway — scattering blessings On them like snow-flakes o'er the earth ? Is gold Man's only idol, and this the only Plague spot of the world, or at other shrines, And in other lands is incense offered ? DR. WISEMAN. Man's folly is proverbial ! How full of human blunders, ignorance, And crime is the historic page ! It tells Lessons of Life. 131 Of mad ambition, grasping avarice, And venal lust, of selfishness most base, Of tyranny most horrible. These are The idols, men everywhere do worship. Man delights in power, and when obtained How wrongfully he uses it ! The vile Pestilence which stalketh forth at noonday. Dragging its countless victims in its train, Is less destructive than the tyrant's will. Let elements combine, let all unite With the destroying angel in blotting God's image from the earth — yea! the Sea May lash herself to fury, volcanic Fires may rage, earthquakes may rock earth's centre. The fierce tornado hither and thither, Dash, wildly insane, — 'tis all in vain ! Elements their rest must take from such mad Efforts, and human wisdom will foresee, And guard against destruction. Not so with human passions ! For once inflamed, like fires of Hell, they burn, And burn forever. Tyrants are fiends In human form, — incarnate fiends ! who prey 132 Lessons of Life. Upon mankind, and glut themselves with blood. Man's bitter foe, is man, and they will feed Like carrion crows upon each other. This Age Is noted for its crimes, among those deemed Respectable. Scarcely a day doth pass. Without its breathing some gigantic fraud, Or startling defalcation, — not by the poor, And so-called vulgar class committed. But by those honored wretches who have lived In princely style, dazzling our eyes by means Of borrowed wealth, — perhaps by those whom we To power have raised, custodians made Of our great nation's treasures. Alas ; 'tis true ! The very air seems surcharged as with crime, The winds do whisper in our ears some truths. Which cause our hearts to throb, our cheeks with blood To crimson, and our eyes, hot, scalding tears To drop for very shame. How true as one Has said, " It matters not what men assume To be, or good, or bad, they are but what They are." Lessons of Life. 133 To rob, and cheat, and steal, Is a prerogative assumed by some, Who seek thereby to magnify themselves, And lord it over others. With costly Wines and sumptuous dinners, they attach A class of hungry sycophants, who dog-like Fawn upon their tinseled masters, — ready Stand to do their bidding, and to their every Word will say, Amen ! How rocket-like some Men with rushing sound, will rise above their Fellows, and to the gaping crowd throw off Most brilliant scintillations, — for a time In dazzling brightness they are seen, then all Is darkness ; yea ! like a charred stick they fall, — Are trampled on, by once admiring friends. Don't call this luck, or chance — No ! No ! but God, Whose great Omniscient eye beholdeth all Things, and Who the secrets of the inmost heart Doth read, may for a little while permit Such fools to glory in their shame, before He hurls them to destruction. I know one, And with his case we are all familiar, 1 34 Lessons of Life. Who, but yesterday was the " Grand Mogul " Of a powerful faction. Stalwart in frame, And schooled in politics, the central figure Was he in a Ring most infamous. He Was its Chief, its head, its front, and as such Was he worshipped. Daring, unscrupulous, A crafty trickster, and designing knave, He had an eye on plunder. Ambition Was the spur of all his actions ; — the God To which he sacrificed — what most he should Have guarded, — his honor and his manhood. In his enormous grasp, he seized what came Within his reach, — no matter whence it came. Or how ; it was his gold and wealth. The man, Who in public, or official duty Fails, on private virtue will disdainful Tread, as steps to raise him to some higher Purpose. Rogues who dread shame, to hide their guilt Will greater rogues become. Guilt once begun, Will fly to crime consummate to be safe. Rich and powerful had become this crafty Politician ; then followed in his train Lessons of Life. 1 3 5 A crowd of fawning sycophants, to whom His smile was life, and death his frown. Judges Were but his tools, and Legislators classed Among his warmest friends ; Courts he controlled And ballot box he stuffed ; Schools political, In which the vile and ignorant of earth Were gathered, to be trained his will to do, Were lavishly supported. Oh ! how like Summer insects, did these parasites bask Awhile in sunshine, and with gilded wings. Flutter about this tinseled lord. How fat And sleek they grew on stolen provender. Scattered so lavishly by the Boss's hand ; How every man at will did grind his axe, — And axes were plenty in those days — each. And all, some grinding needed on '' My Lord's" Great model grindstone,—" Corruption." In his Pride the Chief grew most presumptuous ! had he Lived on buttered thunder, and drank naught else But vivid lightnings, more gorgeous villainies He could not have displayed, to shock mankind. Oh ! how he piled up wrath, against the day 136 Lessons of Life. Of wrath, — his power supreme, he would snap His fingers in faces of honest men, And threaten them with vengeance. SPIRIT. Didst thou not say but yesterday, That brutes by instinct know their foes, and when To them superior strength is given, They use it for destruction ? Didst thou not Say the veriest worm when trampled on. Turns on its destroyer? Why then do men Endowed with reason — with powers of thought And action, — with determined will, tamely Submit to such ignoble acts? why not Crush out at once such human monsters? DR. WISEMAN. This man had sown the wind. And now the whirlwind of the people's wrath Must surely reap. Such potent instruments By them had been prepared, as would o'erturn This Idol of the hour, and dash him down By proofs invincible. The Ring of which He was the head and front, was broken up, And craven minions by guilty conscience Lessons of Life. 13;; Lashed, like chaff before the wind were scattered. Thank God ! the time had come when could be found A Jury who dared convict, — an honest Judge, who dared the penalty due to crime Inflict ; whom bribes did not affect, and who Firmly and justly the law administered. The great man was arrested, and his day Of glory set in darkest night. Justice This once had triumphed. Cold, pale and trembling, This helpless, shipwrecked wretch was made to stand In public ; with uncovered head received The sentence of the Court, — not death, but deep. Damning degradation. Honors and wealth, The intercourse with friends, comforts of home, Yea! the world itself must be abandoned, And thus for twelve long years, with shaven head. Wearing the garb of infamy and shame, Must he live and toil with convicts. Punishment Deserved ! How thick the thoughts did crowd upon His wearied brain, — scorpion-like, each one Did have its sting; the Future, Present, Past; 138 Lessons of Life. Oh ! how like molten lead they fell upon His smitten soul to weigh it down. By night, By day did guilty conscience like a fiend Torment him, and if perchance, upon his Hard, cold cot he fell asleep, of nightmare 'Twould take the form, and scare him till the flesh Seemed creeping from the bone and he woke up In misery. The galley-slave while tugging at the oar. Can feel no degradation if ignoble Born ; but he, who in the lap of luxury Is bred, whose every wish is gratified, Whose word is law, endowed with mental powers And with a mind most richly cultivated, — A millionaire, ranking among the noble Ones of earth. Oh ! he will feel like sinking Out of sight, his bonds will hang like mill-stones Round his neck to sink him to perdition. SPIRIT 'Tis a burning shame ! That men will train the passions, the vices Cultivate, will gloss misdeeds, and trifle With great truths. This love of power, — this lust Lessons of Life. 139 For gold must prostitute the soul, and make It ripe for infamy. DR. WISEMAN. * Alas ! tis true ; Like mildew, it will blast and shrivel up The good within us. The sordid Judas Did for paltry gold betray his Lord, And to the rabble, thirsting for His blood, The ambitious Pilate gave his Master. Enough of this. — Let us go hence. SCENE IV. BROADWAY. AFTERNOON. SPIRIT. Here do I breathe more freely. From my soul has passed a frightful vision, Like vapor from the earth. I seem to stand In sunlight, and the night-shadows of my Spirit, before the glory and grandeur Of this enchanted spot, have vanished. How young, and fresh, and beautiful appear The objects of my vision ! These marble Palaces, these marts of trade with crystal Fronts, filled with earth's choicest products ; these domes And spires ascending heavenward ; these laughing. Joyous faces, — lovely maidens, in form Angelic, and whose smiles, sweet as opening Rose-buds are showered upon us, — surely, These are true indices of a mind, pure, Happy and contented. Lessons of Life, 141 DR. WISEMAN. Like oxen yoked together, Science and Art their forces have combined, To beautify the world's great promenades. For miles extends this broad, paved thoroughfare. Lined with continuous freestone, granite and Marble, chiseled, sculptured and embellished With costly decorations, symmetrical And elaborate. Here too, ebbs and flows Unceasingly, the great tide of human Life, bearing upon its spacious bosom. People of every nation, clime, and tongue. Here side by side, are starving mendicants And purse-proud millionaires ; the virtuous Maidens and painted courtesans ; the man Of thought and action, and the brainless fop. Here, Votaries of Fashion you can see, Swarming these trade-temples, like bees about A hive, buzzing from store to store, feasting Their eyes on newest styles, and most recent Importations. Maidens, matrons, mothers In dressy toilets, vie with flaunting belles, In gathering tinseled gewgaws to bedeck 7 142 Lessons of Life. Their persons. Shopping, is but a habit, Most dangerous and expensive. It has Made kind husbands bankrupt, — to untimely Graves sent parents broken-hearted, — cheapened Virtue, and made the young both proud and vaiuj By dressing them hke puppets for a show. " Going-a-shopping," Is a phrase by the many used — by few Well understood. Not simply does it mean Comforts and necessities to purchase ; O, no!— It means to promenade the streets In gorgeous suits, or toilets elegant, — Seeing and being seen, — flirting with those With whom they come in contact, yea ! flirting With nice young men who ready stand to show Them due attention. It means absenting One's self from home, leaving the '* little ones," Perhaps an infant babe,— from morn till night To tender mercies of a cruel nurse ; — It means keeping one's self from " rusting out,"— Life's precious moments wasting in a whirl Continuous, of giddy dissipation. Lessons of Life. 143 SPIRIT. Speak not I pray thee, so bitterly Of v/oman ! whom God hath made beautiful As Venus, — pure and bright as morning star. Surel)% there are those whose lives of spotless Purity, like virgin gold are modest, And of intrinsic value. DR. WISEMAN. Thou speakest truly! At the creation, the great and crowning Work of God was woman — man's helpmate And companion. Most beautiful, most frail Was she created, and when tempted — fell ; Man also fell, and evil filled the world As brine doth fill the ocean. Redemption Came ! — Seed of the woman bruised the serpent's Head. The Virgin Mother bore a cherub Boy ; " Immanuel," He was called, — the '' Prince Of Peace,"— the "Saviour" of the world. Angels Might well rejoice, and Stars together sing, When in a humble manger Christ appeared, Born of a woman. Honored and redeemed She stands, exalted above all others. 144 Lessons of Life. Yes ! thousands there are In this great mammon city, whose home-Hfe Seems as sweet and cheerful as the placid Lake, shut in twixt mountainets. Woman's True empire is her home, and power she Hath, by influence and by example. To make, or mar domestic life. Modest, Cheerful, amiable, she wins her crown Of glory by noble acts, and being What she is, the crown and blessing of her Family. " What so beautiful on earth, As kindred love and family repose ? Home is a world in minature, with Sun And Moon, and galaxy of shining Stars, Moving in love and harmony. Filial Obedience and parental care go hand In hand, like two young loves, seeking each Others' happiness Here the fond mother Does her noblest work; in faith and joyous Hope, in prayers and tears, with constant care And deep solicitude, the characters Of her little ones she forms and daily Moulds, watering, and pruning these olive Lessons of Life. 145 Plants, 'round the parental board." Thus does she Gild a virtuous life, with brighest gold. SPIRIT. Thou showest me now, Summer and sunshine of domestic life, And should I here on earth remain, methinks 'Mong the fair daughters of the land, a wife I would select, — no tinseled fashionist ; No made-up manakin, or flirting belle. But one possessing reason, conscience, heart ; Whose gentle manners, and whose modest ways Like Autumn clouds upon the evening sky, Scatter their roseate hues of beauty And of love on all around. Pray tell me Sir, do all men marry? DR. WISEMAN. O, no ! for some there are, Whose hearts are cold as snow-drifts, sterile as Icelandic icebergs, who can no more love Than marble statue, chiseled to human Form. Selfish, phlegmatic, onward through life They grope their way, unloving and unloved. 146 Lessons of Life. Others there are, Habitues of gilded sample-rooms, oft Seen at places like the Cremorne, Mabille, And Bagnios — the fast young men, whose lives Are sensual, and wretched made by vice, And lowest dissipation ; such prefer A mistress to a wife ; a club or dance House, to a quiet fireside. Thus they grow Old in sin, and make a boast of single Blessedness. SPIRIT. Rather say They glory in their shame ! for shameless must They be, who to unbridled passions give The greatest latitude. It seems most strange. That the immortal mind can thus debase Its mortal tenement, — can blast the spring-buds Of its life, as the young plant is blasted By the early frost. Surely, with a cold Eye the world must frown upon them, and from Its presence drive these wretched sensualists. DR. WISEMAN. Not so ! In the great Play-house of the world, either in Comedy, Lessons of Life. 147 Or Tragedy, all take a part and each A chacter assumes, conspicuous Or humble. Before the blazing foot-lights, Folly and Fortune hand in hand appear, — Stars of the first magnitude in worldling's Eyes, who laud them to the skies and on them Shower repeated encores. Next Wisdom And Virtue — the twin-sisters come, bearing I'hemselves with grace and modesty; admired Indeed by few, but by the great masses Scorned and derided. Great is the power Of Wealth ! like charity it covereth A multitude of sins. The sensualist, However vile a vagabond, is dined And wined ; is petted, toadied and caressed Provided he is rich. 1 1 is wealth doth gild His character, as the dark angry cloud Ofttimes is gilded 'round with burnished Sun-rays. Gold gives position, sanctifies All vice, and into crystal lakes transforms These cesspools of corruption. 'Tis lunch time ! Our bodies frail, food, drink and rest require, 148 Lessons of Life. As the parched earth refreshing showers. Wilt Go with me ? SPIRIT. Most wiUingly do I accept Your hospitalities. Let us depart. SCENE V. FIFTH AVENUE.— MORNING. DR. WISEMAN. These are the abodes of men Who Hve in style, and roll in luxury. These stately, brown stone mansions, towering Skyward, ornate, elaborate, for miles Extend, and to the eye seem palaces In dream-land. Within these massive walls, fresh From the hands of artists and artizans, Are brilliant frescoes, and most beautiful Decorations. Here Parian busts are seen On golden tripods, and the costliest. Rarest statuary from pure marble Sculptured, stand singly or in groups. Alcoves, With crimson velvet hung; carpets of gobelin. Soft and luxuriant ; tables, inlaid With ivory and with pearl, bronzes, vases, And matchless paintings, are all reflected In the huge, polished mirrors, and combine 150 Lessons of Life. With the Parisian furniture to form A picture of gorgeous magnificence. Here Princes dwell, and here they exercise A glorious exclusiveness. From these Palatial homes, with scorn they look upon The honest laborer, who toils to earn His daily bread. The stately oak, towering- Above its fellows will bask in sunshine, And will toy with sunbeams playing among Its branches ; but no fruit it bears, except The stinted acorn, while on the fruitful Trees it looks with cold contempt, and o'er them Throws its darkened shadow. Thus with these men, Living a life of quietude and ease, Basking in sunlight of prosperity. Selfish, arrogant and proud, what care they For starving millions, or less fortunate Ones of earth, to whom they lend no helping Hand, but on them cast the cold, dark shadow Of contempt. SPIRIT. Thou dost call them Princes ; Are they descendants of a nobler race, Lessons of Life. 1 5 1 Or made of nobler blood than others? In Intellect, or powers of mind, do they Excel ? DR. WISEMAN. Appearances are Most deceitful. The tawdry sunflower, Upon its high and branchless stalk, will turn Itself in pride, keeping its yellow disk Looking sunward while in its shadow grows The modest violet, or fragrant rose. Most rare and beautiful. The noblest ones Of earth, live not in gilded palaces, Nor stand they high in the great world's opinion. *Tis on earth's surface barren rocks are seen, And bleak cold mountains lie— in her bosom, Silver and gold, and purest ores and gems Of priceless value lie concealed. These men Are shoddy princes ! from obscurity They sprung, like mushrooms from a dung hill. Here Comes one ! his paneled carriage drawn by well Groomed horses, driven by liveried servants. How like a Lord he seems, — looking at what He is — not what he was. Can yuu believe. 152 Lessons of Life. His father was but a common huckster, And his mother a vender of apples In the market ? Such they were, — a thrifty Couple on whom Dame Fortune smiled, and they Secured a competence. This son, crafty, Shrewd, unprincipled, grew up to manhood, Leading a shameful life of idleness. And dissipation. Somehow, or other — Rumor doth not tell — he floated into Politics; a wire-puller soon became, Leader of caucuses — of cliques and rings ; A power behind the throne, obtaining For himself and friends, offices yielding Perquisites immense, and rich, fat contracts — Those stupendous frauds— whereby the city Was defrauded, and he enriched. This self-made man — and that he made himself There is no doubt — is now a millionaire, Drives daily to his club, idling his time Away with men, as honest as himself. SPIRIT. Have they no noble purpose — No great end in view ? Powerful and rich. Lessons of Life. 153 How easily could they strew with flowers The pathway of the poor, pluck thorns from hearts Most deeply lacerated — comfort give To widows and the fatherless. DR. WISEMAN. Thou speakest nonsense ! Their souls are bound, as the Chinese do bind Their feet to make them small, and when old age Comes on, the heart all dried and shriveled up, Is but a lump of selfishness— a piece Of petrifaction, harder than adamant. Searching, scrambling for wealth is the great aim Of life, and miser-like they'll hug their gold, Even when tottering o'er their graves, and death Films make them sightless. Not of all I speak ! For there are those — exceptions to the rule — Who at the Judgment-Seat, will hear the words, " Well done thou good and faithful servant." SPIRIT. Have these most selfish men, no fear of death. Or the great future spreading out before Them, like a vast, trackless ocean? 154 Lessons of Life, DR. WISEMAN. Yes ! as the mariner dreads The typhoon, so they dread death — tliey hate it, As nature hates a vacuum. Feeling Within themselves a consciousness of life Immortal, they grasp it, as a drowning Man a straw, foolishly applying it, — Not to the soul, but to its frail, earthy Tenement. To them, the thought of endless Life — of infinite eternity on earth, Is most delightful. — Oh ! how they bask In sunshine, boasting of wealth and power; Hoarding their riches as the miser does His gold, and for a little time rehearse The parody on life — then beggar-like They die, and but a tomb stone tells the spot Where lie their fleshless bones; soon into dust Even this marble crumbles, and by howling Winds is swept away. Friends mourn a single D.iy, clothing themselves in sackcloth, and o'er Their graves will drop a tear, then like a pack Of hounds, will fight and squabble for a share Of the estate. Lessons of Life. 155 Grim Death to all will come ! Surely as the Winter's frosts, or Summer's Heat. The little cherub boy, with head all Covered o'er with clustering ringlets ; with cheeks Crimsoned with purest life-blood ; reclining On his mother's lap, his simple prayer Will lisp — then with a good night kiss will fall Sweetly asleep, dreaming of bright angels Even while Death, taking the form of croup, Noiselessly, stealthily appears and robs The lovely casket of its bright, jeweled Spirit. The full-grown man, most perfectly Developed, muscular and sinewy, May boast his health and strength, but ere the words ?Iave fallen from his lips, Death in the form Of apoplexy strikes him dead. The King Upon his throne must die, as in the street The beggar. As naked born, so naked Must we go from earth and be forgotten. Death is a leveler ! No wise distinctions Doth he make of caste, or color. Mankind He serves alike, and if on one he fixes His cold eye, that man will die, let him be 15^ Lessons of Life. Prince or beggar. For all, he hath prepared A common bed, and side by side, he lays The rich man with the poor — master with slave, And o'er them throws the same cold, earthy Mantle. O, Death ! thou art insatiable ! Thou dost come in w^ar, in peace, in earthquakes, Lightnings, storms ; in pestilential vapors, And cooling zephyrs. Merciless, bribeless. Pitiless — a dreaded vampire, thou dost Glut thyself with victims, and still remain Unsatisfied. SPIRIT. Thou speakest truly, but thy words Are full of sadness, weighing most heavily On my spirit. But see ! gathered before Us, a thronging multitude ; canst thou tell Its meaning ? DR. WISEMAN. In yonder spacious mansion lies A human form, lifeless and cold. The heart Throbs not, and the pulse has ceased its faintest Beating. Within the veins and arteries. Lessons of Life. 157 No life-blood flows, for like the rivulets Of Spring drank up by the parched summer's earth, So it has vanished ; while the brain wearied, And faint, has given up unfinished, its Life-engrossing business. The man is dead ! Within a gorgeous casket, embowered In loveliest flowers, lie the remains Of the so-called — '' Merchant Prince." He has gone Naked and alone, into the Spirit Land, leaving behind his vast estates, his Goods, chattels, lands, stocks, bonds ; his gold and all That could be gathered up in that short space Of time — ^that moment we call-" Life." How strange ! That men will toil — and rack the brain, and strain Their heart-strings, for no nobler purpose than To gather up the dross of earth. The dead To earth must be consigned, and friends have met Together, to perform the last, sad rite Of burial — a duty, the living Owe the dead. Let us depart. SCENE VI. THE BATTERY. — EVENING. SPIRIT. In every form God seems to bless Mankind, and watches them as tenderly, As a young mother does her first-born babe. To-night I feel His presence, for I see All scattered round about us, His handi- Works — expressions of His love, and warmest Sympathy. The moon shines in her glory, And smooth as glass, the waters of the bay, Unrippled by the cooling breeze wafted From the great sea beyond. The countless stars, Like eyes of Cherubim and Seraphim, Seem smiling on us, while nature, all clothed In queenly majesty, whispers to our Souls the words of peace and comfort. DR. WISEMAN. Thou speakest truly ! The sun, The moon, tlxe countless stars; with system piled Lessons of Life. 159 On system, and far beyond, other suns, And other systems — each in its order, Like clock-work moving — are but exhibits Of the handiwork of the Great Infinite, Whose love, boundless as space and durable As eternity, we all experience. On us, and on our race lie scatters blessings, like pearly dew-drops On the parched earth, for 'tis in Him we Live, and move, and have our being. God clothes, And feeds the lily of the field — teaches The sparrow how to build its nest, and rear Its young, and to everything created, Animal, and vegetable. He gives The most exquisite structure, and complete Organization. On all space we see God's footprints, and every mind bears imprint Of His Divinity. *Tis a lovely night ! Bright and beautiful every thing appears, Viewed from this quiet spot. Behind us lies This giant city, seemingly at rest, But full of life, — active and restless. i6o Lessons of Life. SPIRIT. Why do men labor thus? Must they ever toil — straining their sinews, And racking the brain, simply to obtain Earth's comforts and necessities ? DR. WISEMAN. On promises, or sympathizing words, Men cannot live. 'Tis true, the arid rock To the dry moss yields nutriment, but men. Machine-made slaves, must toil, and sweat, and trudge, From early dawn, to night's dark hours, simply To wring from stony hearts of their tyrant Masters, life's bare necessities ! Many such there are and ever Will be, so long as man's inhumanity To man continues ; not of these I speak, But of the masses seen in our crowded Thoroughfares, and theatres — in the haunts Of vice, and dens of infamy. 'Tis a wild, Thoughtless age, of gaming and extravagance. Men blaspheme God ! they worship sordid gold, Lessons of Life. i6i Which makes them selfish, arrogant and bold ; Gold gives position, sanctifies all vice. Freezes the life-blood, turns the heart to ice ; Our shoddy princes, neither toil, nor till, But spring like mushrooms, from the foul dunghill. SPIRIT. Men blaspheme God ! Surely, it cannot be ! Methinks the avenging Angel would have Struck them dead ! DR. WISEMAN. God's ways, are not as our ways, Nor His thoughts, as the thoughts of man. He strikes Not dead at once the ruthless villain, who. In cold blood, murders the sinless infant. Or who robs the widow, and fatherless Of their rights. Deceitful above all things. Is the human heart, and desperately Wicked, but of this thou knowest little. The ministerial robe should not be worn, To cover leprous rags of sin-polluted Wretch, or 'neath its folds, conceal a moral 1 62 Lessons of Life. Vagabond, though he can boast a giant's Intellect. Mind was created for high And noble purposes, but when depraved, 'Twill mask itself ofttimes in godliness, And preach most holy truths, with sin-polluted Lips. Men boast their love of country, but proud, Ambitious, full of self-conceit, will act As foolish, as did the Eastern King, who, Flushed with ambitious pride, proposed to strike The head from Jupiter's Statue, and place His own thereon. — Others will traitors prove ; For gold, will sell their country — their birthright, For a mess of pottage. Some thrive as villains thrive — by deeds So horrible as to startle nature, And alarm the world. Pride, envy, malice. Hate, engender stormy passions — make men Ambitious, rash and insolent. The man. Who casts aside, all duty and allegiance. Distorting truth, and trampling on all law — Who shackles reason, and spurns the whisperings Of his conscience, is a dangerous traitor, Wedded to his shame ; ever should he be Lessons of Life. 1 63 A mark of scorn, the world's derision ; while The stings of conscience, and bitter curses Of mankind, should make life hateful to him. 'Twas but last evening, In spacious hall, crowded with old and young, The thoughtless and the gay, a learned man. Ranking high among his fellows ; with gifts Rich and exhaustless ; with eloquence bold And persuasive, and with an oily tongue, Did willfully declare — "there is no God ! No Judgment! no Immortal Life!" Boldly, He scoffed at sacred things — blasphemed the name Of the Almighty, and in sarcastic, And defiant tones, cast base ridicule, And low contempt on God's most Holy Word. Like some destroying plague, Which carries in its train both misery And death, so were his words most contagious^ And poisonous to the vast crowd before Him, who by applause and encores oft made, Manifested their approval. O Shame ! Shame ! — God might then have hurled a thunder- bolt. 164 Lessons of Life. And struck them dead, or the arm have palsied And tongue have withered, of this rash and bold Blasphemer. Not so however ! sunlight Still, He throws athwart his pathway, gives him Health and strength, feeds and clothes his little ones, And blessings without number showers upon Him. Thus, He may continue, permitting This most ungrateful wretch, to pile up wrath Against the day of wrath. SPIRIT. 'Tis terrible to contemplate ! This vile scoffer of sacred things, whose breath Is in his nostrils, and who with scornful Steps, doth tread the path of life — standing with Duty and with Deity, in reckless, Bold defiance, must surely know that God Exists, and feel within himself Immortal Life. Can he honestly doubt it ? DR. WISEMAN. God made the mind To think, and will, and reason — on it stamped Lessons of Life. 165 Some Great First Truths, foundation of all our Reasoning. Is it not true, that every Event must have a cause — one adequate To the effect? and in vast Nature's works, Should we not infer the intelligence, The powers and attributes of the First Great Cause ? By laws fixed and uniform, all Natural things are governed. There, out upon The water, onward so swiftly gliding, Is a Steamship driven by machinery Most complicated — made, and designed by Man. See its changing course! moving hither And thither, 'mong the great fleet of anchored Vessels, and without colliding, passes Them. At the helm, a pilot stands, skilful And intelligent— his will and judgment Directs her course. Thus, was perfected and designed, The more complicated machinery Of the universe ; planets and systems Put in motion, and guided in their course, By a mind designing, and intelligent — One infinite in wisdom, boundless in 1 66 Lessons of Life. Power — self-existent and eternal. In the exquisite structure of my frame, Should I not see the power and wisdom Of my Creator? Who gave it the form, So well adapted for its purposes, Or caused the heart to beat, driving the life- Blood through the veins and arteries? Who made The air, the light, the elements of sight And sound, fitted, and so well adapted To the organs of this human frame-work? Who framed the economy of actual Things — gave Seasons their great variety. Heaven its glorious concave studded With its shining stars, back of which, in space Fathomless and unknown, are myriads Of other stars and systems of the first Magnitude? Who, but a real— living Architect, whose many works, so beauteous And beneficial, prove Him not only Skillful and intelligent, but also Good, merciful and kind. Man has within Himself a monitor — 'tis conscience! which Forces upon him the strong conviction Lessons of Life., i6y or a God, and beyond the grave, a life Immortal, and eternal. Bewildered in their sophistries, The Atheist, and Casuist may scoff And ridicule — it matters not ! reason And conscience — the small voice within — gives The lie to their senseless speculations. 'Tis true, our faculties are limited ; Except from Revelation, as little Do we know of life beyond, as the unborn Infant in its mother's womb, knows of the Present world. The soul confined, and fettered In its tenement of clay, sees only Objects external, but nothing discerns In the great Spirit Land. In His Holy Word, God has revealed some truths mysterious, And most precious. But the night advances ; Let us retire. SCENE VII. GREENWOOD CEMETERY. AFTERNOON. SPIRIT. How like some fairy dream-land Does this place appear, peaceful and lovely. The birds, how joyfully they sing ! how sweet The ripples of the little streams, running From bubbling fountains — the air, how fragrant ! Zephyrs are playing 'mong the forest trees Which cast their shadows everywhere, making It most delightful. But see the winding Paths ; these marble spires ; these domes and sculptured Statuary, towering sky-ward — mirror- Like, reflecting back the sun-rays. Tell me, Are these the relics of the past ? DR. WISEMAN. 'Tis indeed a peaceful place — This great City of the Dead. The empty Turmoil of the busy world — the jarring Sounds of human strife, and vices hideous Lessons of Life. 169 To behold, come not to this sacred spot, For 'tis enchanted ground. Here, oft I come When vexed and wearied with the cares of life, And 'mid these slopes and new-made graves, covered With moss and flowers, sprinkled and kept fresh By the mist-like spray of living fountains, My soul is hushed to peace, and my spirit Harmonizes with the soft, sweet music Of the little songsters, rippling brooklets, And sighing zephyrs. Here close communion Doth my spirit hold, with the dear Saviour Who did say *' Lo ! I am with you always ; " And then again, the presence of those loved Ones gone before, I seem to realize, And my wrapt soul seems vanishing from earth Into the spirit-land. Ofttimes my heart Turns back upon itself, and I review My life from childhood up. My mother's smile When first I lisped the little prayer she taught, Her loving precepts in my boyhood days, Upon my soul are photographed. How pure And innocent is childhood, when nurtured, I/O Lessons of Life. And rightly guided by a mother's love, And by a mother's prayers. These I enjoyed, And by them have been blessed. To a good old Age my mother lived, doing her Master's Will, and when she died, here, in this hallowed Spot we buried her. In this silent grave Her ashes sleep, but her spirit is with The just made perfect. Some one has written, " It must be sweet in childhood, to give back The spirit to its Maker, ere the heart Hath grown familiar with the paths of sin. And sown to garner up its bitter fruits." 'Tis true! but how much sweeter 'tis to die. And give one's spirit to its Author back, When life's great work, for which it was designed Has been accomplished. The aged Christian, Who for three score years and ten, has battled For his Master, avoiding sinful paths. And garnering up most precious fruits from plants Transplanted — who has lived an active life In doing good to others ; giving bread To starving thousands — to the afflicted A sympathising heart ; Oh ! such an one. Lessons of Life. I j i Matured in holiness, and strong in faith, Will in his dying moments, hear the voice — The still small voice, whispering in his ear, *' Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; " he Will see a crown of glory — the Victor's Crown suspended o'er his head, and Angels, All clothed in spotless white, waiting to waft Him to the skies. The good man dies, and falls Asleep in Jesus. To the memory Of the departed, these shrines and marble Slabs, sculptured and engraved, have been by friends Erected, while the graves from time to time, With rare flowers are strewn, fragrant and fresh. SPIRIT. Do disembodied spirits visit earth, Mingling with those who were their relatives And friends ? DR. WISEMAN. It may be so ; But the great secrets of the Spirit World, Are not to mortal eye revealed. We know All that is good for man to know— that God Exists, and fills immensity of space ; 1 72 Lessons of Life. That spirits from cherubim to lowest Angel, are but ministering servants, Sent forth on special missions to perform His will. Would it then be strange, that He, Who Feeds the sparrows — the lilies clothes, and counts Our silvery hairs, should now and then, permit The dear departed ones to visit earth. Whispering in our hearts sweet messages Of love, and with their presence encircling Us, as the rainbow girdles earth ? 'Tis sweet, Here in my favorite bower to sit Close by my mother's grave, for here, I've felt Her presence, and her arms of love were 'twined About me, while the maternal kiss seemed Pressed upon my cheek, as when a babe. SPIRIT. Perhaps a dream ? DR. WISEMAN. Dreams are a mystery ! I have read of those, who, obedient To the mysterious guidance of their Dreams, have the walls of old ruins clambered, Lessons of Life. ly^ Footing found along the edge of unguarded Battlements, forded streams, yes, clambered Dizzy heights, and then with fixed, unseeing Eyes to their beds return unharmed. I am No sceptic ! but how the mind can thus sway And guide the body, blindfolded, cannot Be explained. No ! I was not dreaming, but I seemed enraptured, or entranced. It was Mind acting on mind ; spirit communing With spirit ; the disinthralled and sinless, Sympathizing with a soul in fetters. With mine eyes wide, staring open, gazing Into space. Oh ! how I tried but a glimpse To catch of her ethereal form, but could Not — that was not permitted. SPIRIT. Most strange, and wonderful it is ! You must Have loved your mother ? DR. WISEiMAN. Loved ! I idolized — yea, almost Worshiped her. Pure, loving, truthful, she was A model of her sex — of womanhood L 174 Lessons of Life. My ideal. I but returned the love Bestowed on me. It was her strong desire To make her boy a preacher of God's word, And a fit instrument for doingr crood Among his fellow men. For this, she prayed And labored. From school I entered College, And having with high honors graduated, I studied for the ministry— was then Ordained, and for forty years have I preached The everlasting gospel, which I trust Has not been all in vain. A few years more Will end my stewardship. But come ! yonder Is a plot, which tells a fearful tale — wouldst Visit it, and hear the tragic story? SPIRIT Is it of one, who. Like a crushed, faded blossom, aside was Cast as worthless ? or of one, who, o'ercome By some great calamity, died broken- Hearted ? Let us go at once, and let me Hear what thou wouldst say of human Suffering. Lessons of Life. 175 DR. WISEMAN. Man's folly is proverbial ! How full Of human blunders, ignorance and crime Is the historic page ! Besmeared with blood, It tells of mad ambition, grasping avarice, And venal lust — of gold, the shining ore For which men pledge their souls —of cruel war With all its sick'ning horrors — of griping Want, and swollen gluttony. It recounts What tj^ranny has done by dungeons, racks, And tortures ; so terrible, as to freeze The blood within our veins, and stop the heart's Pulsations — of bloody persecutions. Whereby with human gore the very streest Were flooded, when old and young, like yellow Leaves from trees did fall — victims of the hour. Of these I speak not ; nor shall I tell Of pestilence and famine, which stalketh Forth at noon-day, dragging countless victims In their train — nor of the fierce tornado. Fearful earthquakes, or ravenous sea, which At times, fiend-like will swallow up those Resting on her bosom. Thou hast seen fire? \']6 Lessons of Life. A blessing, and a comfort to our race When kept in proper bounds and well controlled. Warmth it gives, and sustenance — generates The steam which propels our ocean steamships — Which drives huge trains of freight o'er our iron Roads with lightning speed, and in motion sets The complicated machinery of our Workshops. Once let loose, like human passions, It becomes frightful and destructive. In this great '' City of Churches," There was erected a massive building, To the Drama dedicated. Modern In style and architecture, it was built With circles, galleries, parquet, and with An orchestra whence issued most joyous Music, sweet and harmonious. The stage, On which the Actors played their parts, covered All o'er with scenes, draped and festooned, appeared When lighted up with brilliant gas lights, like Pictures in fairy land. Lovely it looked. One evening — seems but yesterday ; — the house Well filled with gay and thoughtless ones, with old And young, seemed " Pleasure's Temple," for here sat Lessons of Life, 177 Side by side, parents and children, brother And sister, lover and maid seemingly Entranced, as in wonder they gazed on scenes And actors, or listened to sweetest strains Of music. Little thought This vast assembly, that Death had stalked With them in by the open door, ready Stood to play his part in the great drama Of '' The Two Orphans." The play proceeded ! In the last intended act, the curtain Had just been raised, when Death, like an arrant Knave, stealthily and unseen breathed upon A jet light, driving its flickering flame Upon a drop scene, along which, creeping In silence, it leaped boldly on festooned Drapery, throwing out its red-forked tongues Of fire, like hissing serpents. One moment Only, and the red, lurid flames burst forth In one great mass of fire, unquenchable And resistless. Then came another wave Of black, dense smoke, rising from pit to dome ; Shut in by high, strong walls, it filled the house 178 Lessons of Life. With hot, sulphureous air, and vapors Most obnoxious. Here, there, and everywhere, Flitting shadows could be seen of half-crazed Men, fainting women, and frightened children, Jostling, crowding, crushing, each the other. As shrieking and panic-stricken, they rushed Headlong towards the exit. Others hurried To and fro, crying for help, but no one Heeded, It was a race for life ! each one Must save himself, and the hot brain was racked Till it became delirious. And still The fire most pitiless did rage, darting Its bright, burnished fangs into the faces Of its victims, gasping and suffocated From the smoke compressed. Nothing could avail ! And the great surging mass of human life, Together went through the broken flooring, Down into one common grave. Three hundred. Moth-like perished. O Death ! how merciless Thou art ! thou didst stand a cold skeleton. Heartless, fleshless, bloodless, gazing upon The work of thine own hand — upon this heap Lessons of Life. 179 Of mangled, torn, and scorched humanity. More cruel art thou than the Emperor Solyman, the heartless Turk, who killed his Favorite in his sleep, lest pain he should Inflict. Why not come, and take life gently. As do the Egyptains, who, criminals Destroy by asps— charming into quiet Sleep their senses ? Into ruins, crumbled This great fabric man had reared, and from its Smouldering embers, forth were borne, the charred Remains of many victims. In this spot. Fourscore and ten were buried ! Here they rest, In one great, common grave. SPIRIT. Thy words are heart-rending. I do not envy man, nor his estate, For Death like spectral shadow, seems ever On his track. DR. V^ISEMAN. True, all must die! But when, or how, we know not, for Death comes As doth a thief, and takes us unawares. i8o Lessons of Life. The great curse, '' Thou shalt surely die y' man brought Upon himself by wilful disobedience. God perfect is ! sinless and pure ! and so Was man ; but when temptation came he fell, And scattered evils, thickly as shells on Ocean's sands. Since it must come, it matters Little when we die, if but prepared. Dust Unto dust returns, but the Spirit unto God who gave it. Death loosens the silver Cord — breaks the golden bowl — into pieces Dashes the crystal urn. Like the pitcher Broken at the fountain, or wheel broken At the cistern, so our frail bodies, Worthless are cast aside. What matters it ! The soul unfettered will go up to God Pure as a snow-flake, and bright as evening Star, will shine forever and forever. In Memoriam In Memoriam.* Life is most mysterious ! What makes the heart to throb — the pulse to beat, And through the system drives the warm life-blood, Thence to the heart returns it ? What power Invisible starts this human time-piece, So fearfully and wonderfully made ? Whence comes the breath that makes the livingr- soul A soul, immortal and unchangeable ? 'Tis not by chance ! The same Almighty Power that fixed the laws, Absolute and eternal, which govern All shining worlds and countless stars, which has Thickly strewn infinity with grandeur, Created man — the noblest work of God ! Death, too, is most mysterious I What is death ? Is it a famished Vampire, A Spirit Fiend, heartless and invisible, 1S3 1 84 If^ Memoriarn. Which comes and goes at will, as blood-hounds Go, scenting the tracks of frightened victims? Will seize a King sitting upon his throne, Or beggar in the street, and to the same Cold grave consign them — crush the fair maiden Sauntering 'mong the flowers, or can kill The infant, innocent and beautiful, While smiling in his very face ? No, no ! This mysterious something we call Death, Is but the hand of God— of Him, whose great Omniscient eye gazes far down into The dark future, and doeth all things well. Grieve not, O mother ! for thy cherub boy, Whose cheek crimsoned with purest life-blood. And whose head covered all o'er with clustering Ringlets, was laid gently upon thy bosom, As lisping his simple prayer, he quickly Fell asleep, dreaming of white-robed Angels, Even while Death taking the form of croup,* Noiselessly, stealthily appeared, and from The lovely casket, took the bright jeweled Spirit. Grieve not ! for its brief work was done, And thus unfettered, it went up to God In Mentor iain. 185 Pure as a snow-flake, and bright as Evening Star, will shine forever and forever. Who has not lost a friend ? Or standing o'er the cold and silent grave. Has not watered it with gushing, scalding Tears, as memories of the past, crowded The burdened mind ? A few days since — but yesterday. We performed the last sad rite the living Owe the dead — the burial of our Father. Among the masses of mankind, There have in every age been found, good men, Whose characters like burnished gold, have shone Spotless and pure. Generous,, unselfish. Full of faith and holy love, they have lived Not for themselves, but to promote the good Of others, and magnify the Great Name Of Him who governs all. Like oases In a barren desert, so in the moral World, where everything seems scorched, and shriveled Up by sin, such characters look fruitful And most refreshing:. Unknown, unhonored 1 86 /;/ Meinoriavi. They may be — on history' s]page their names may Not be written —it matters not ! for in The great Book of Life, they are enrolled. Such was our father ! Venerable in years, rich in experience, Strong in faith, and with a heart most loving And sympathetic, he dwelt among us Encircled by God's presence, as rainbow Girdles earth. His life went out, as day ofttimes departs In glorious sunset, leaving all earthly Things arrayed in glory — adorned with tints Of purple, crimson, and of gold. Upon Its mother's bosom, the tender infant Nursed, petted and caressed, will smile and fall Asleep in happy innocence ; and thus This aged man, strong in his faith, and full Of love and holy zeal, did breathe his last, And without suffering or pain, sweetly Did fall asleep in Jesus. As forest leaves about to die, Put on their loveliest hues, thus did he die. With crest, and coat of arms upon his heart In Mentor iam. 187 And conscience stamped, while on his brow appeared The imprint of nobility. In light, And glory, as the old year went to its Grave, with all the autumnal glories In its train, so passed he away — not bound An unwilling captive, to the chariot Wheel of the all conquering Death, but went In a triumphal march, with victory Perched upon his banner, and to his Soul's Coronation. Four thousand times an hour, for ninety, and three Years, his faithful heart, night and day had throbbed, Keeping in motion the current of his Life blood ; but his work was done, and on God's Holy day, at early dawn, he rested From his labors. Rest thee, our father ! While the frail body crumbles into dust, The soul immortal has gone up to God, With powers well suited for the spirit world. * Mr. Elislia Bliss, of Hartford, Conn., ninety-three years of age, and with one exception, the oldest male resident of that city, died on Sunday morning, January 2, 1881. There had been a gathering of his children and grand children on New Year's night, and he had seemingly enjoyed himself very much, taking an active part in the social exercises and amusements of the evening. Bidding all good night, he retired about 10 o'clock. He was found dead in his bed the next morning, lying in his usual position and with the bed-clotlung undisturbed. His lamp of life had gone out, even without flickerinsr. Miscellaneous. M MISCELLANEOUS. THE MISER'S FATE. The Miser entereii his vile abode, Placed the cross-bar on the door, Examined the locks — examined the bolts, *' All safe," as ever before. No sunlight, or moonlight, or starlight, Entered that darkened cell ; But he lit his two-penny candle, Like a watchman, saying " all's well !" Then went he to one of the corners ; A corner under his cot, In the floor, a secret door opened, A door he never forgot. 192 Miscellaneous. His treasures of gold, and of silver, Upon the table he laid. All faded with age and covered with mould, A huge, massive pile they made. Thirsty, and supperless, down he sat, And spread out his hoarded store, He counted it once — he counted it twice, Three times he counted it o'er. 'Twas a terrible night ! so frosty and cold, The wind most viciously blew. It rocked the old hovel, rushed through the cracks. It chilled him through, and through. Still colder it grew ! the mercury fell Some twenty degrees below ; No fire on his hearth I no fuel ! no food ! Through each crevice sifted the snow. ■fc>* He laid himself down on his coverless bed. And clasped to his chilly breast, The God of his heart — his silver and gold. And sank to his cheerless rest. Miscellaneous, 193 Did they give him warmth ? those golden coins, Did they thaw out his freezing veins ? Did they nourish, and strengthen the physical man ^ Did they soothe and lessen his pains ? This man of rags — unshaven, unshorn, Next day was found on his bed, With a smile on his face, a ghastly smile — Still hugging his idols — but dead. Enshrouded in gold, he lay "in state," There was gold behind and before, There was gold at his head, and gold at his feet. To be counted by him — nevermore ! A spectral burglar had entered the door, 'Mid the storm, and hurricane's breath, And stole, not the gold, but the life, and the soul Of the wretch — tJiat burglar zuas Death. A MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY. Brutes know their foes by instinct, m\d if one Approaches, they will fly, or brace themselves For battle. The wren, the most diminutive Of all the feathered tribe, seeing a bird Of prey, will in some darkened corner, or In some quiet nook, its young secrete, and If there attacked — will to the last defend Them. The mother-fowl, instinctively broods Her little ones, and with her body makes A breast-work for their safety, ere the hawk, Poising himself in mid air, and swooping Down can reach them. The feeblest worm that crawls If trodden on, turns on its foe and seeks Revenge. Can man do less ? If ignobly Wronged, he will be avenged let come what may And if assaulted, will himself defend. Though he take life in doing it. Miscellaneous. 195 The sun had set.— The shades of night Were densely gathering, when I, a wearied Traveler, stopped at a village inn, in the Far West. 'Twas in the month of August, hot And sultry day, and not a breath of air To fan my feverish brain, as dust covered I alighted from my horse, and gave my Orders — both for man and beast. It was A quiet house ; the landlord, thoughtful man, Bestirred himself to do my bidding. 'Tis true, some idlers Could be seen, lounging about the bar-room — Rough-looking men, who with a smack drank down Vile whiskey, keeping however, an eye Upon the stranger as if bent on mischief. I retired to rest. And, wearied as I was, soon fell asleep ; Not soundly did I sleep, for nervousness Had made me restless. Soon midnight came, — dead Hour when good men are at rest, but ruffians Are abroad ; when fiends do yell, and crimes Are perpetrated. Little did I dream That even then, one of the lowest class. 196 Miscellaneous. A most inhuman wretch ! assassin-like — Armed to the teeth, was slyly creeping in Upon me ! Stealthily he came, and in My flesh his poisoned fangs he thrust, and with Gluttonous appetite — cannibal-like was Drinking up the life-blood of my being, And I woke up in agony. Oh ! how I started up — went bounding out of bed After my murderous foe, and having struck A light, I pressed him hotly, —to the wall I drove him, and obtained revenge. I killed Him there ! — the villainous mosquito. WESTMINSTER. READ AT THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF WESTMINSTER CHURCH, BLOOM- FIELD, N. J., HAVING BEEN ORGANIZED BY CERTAIN MEMBERS, WHO WITHDREW FOR THAT PURPOSE FROM THE FIRST PRESBY- TERIAN CHURCH. Once on a time, within my garden wall, In a quiet nook, where light and dew did fall, I had transplanted with the greatest care A little tiny twig — valued, and rare ; No tender infant at its mother's breast, With careful nursing, could have been more blest ; But yet, its fresh leaves drooped— and at my feet, Alone, in solitude it seemed to weep. I knew it would not die — that cherished flower — For it was watered by an April shower ; Refreshed, revived, it raised its drooping head, And kissed the sunbeams playing round the bed. From this time on, as if by magic power, It grew in strength — in beauty every hour; With pride I pruned its branches, shaped its form, Strengthened its roots, secured it from the storm. 198 Miscellaneous, Plve years had passed ! — the twig was then a tree, Mere sapHng it is true, but I could see Choice fruit suspended, which a lesson taught ; Our lives should active be — with good works fraught. Wide are its branches now, its roots are deep, A refuge from the storm — from Summer's heat; Rich in its fruits, with pleasure I recall This dear old tree, beside the garden wall. Once on a time, near by our village green, A neat and rustic chapel could be seen, In a quiet nook, 'mid the sunbeams fair, Our infant church has been transplanted there. This beauteous flower from it-s mother's breast So gently had we plucked, it seemed at rest ; This Heavenly plant, with zealous care and fears. Nourished in love, we watered with our tears; Around our hearts, its tendrils it did twine, In strength and beauty grew this fruitful vine ; First, blossoms came, then purple fruit it bore, By careful pruning it produced the more. Five years have passed ! This infant church is now A tower of strencrth, and on her matchless brow Miscellaneous, 199 Enthroned in innocence, is smiling Love, With her attendant Graces from above. How strong in faith ! in joyous hope, how bright ! Like rising sun, she scatters beams of light ; \x\ good works active, for the poor a care. Fervent in Spirit —diligent in prayer, Then onward in Faith ! for you now behold The buds and blossoms all fringed with gold ; The ripening fruit, with its foliage green, In various colors may be seen. Then onward in Hope ! your future is bright, The clear sun by day, the bright stars by night Will lighten your pathway — will cheer you on In the noble work, so well begun. Then onward in Love ! united and strong ! Build up what is right, discard what is wrong; Onward and upward, our motto shall be, For time, and through all Eternity. GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD. " Give us this day, our daily bread ; " How often asked — how thoughtless said, Bat 'tis a general term, you know, As used by mortals here below. *' Give us our daily bread " we pray, All use it rightly ; the same way. But 'tis a comprehensive prayer, Implying several kinds of v/are. One means a crust a bit of meat, An Irish stew, unfit to eat, Some cast-off clothing — hut of clay; His SUV 11 nil in bo mini, day by day. One means good, substantial food, (Meat once a day is understood) Milk for the children — space to roam, A rustic cottage — ^quiet home. 200 Miscellaneous. 201 One means more than a simple dish. For after soup, he wants his fish ; Then orders on the roast beef rare, Has just commenced his sumptuous fare, For on the side-board soon appear Pies, dumplings, puddings, coffee clear. Ices and cream — and in* the train Come sparkling wines, and choice champagne. The man of fashion — nice and prim, Thinks of new suits, " nobby " and trim ; His wife, of course, must have her share. She goes for silks and diamonds rare. The millionaire, with wealth untold, Clings to his bonds, and stocks, and gold, And prays for more — petition strains To take in profits, rents and gains. The politician as of yore, Means office, plunder, and a score Of other things — he ne'er forgets To call them "" Jwnest perquisites T 202 Miscellaneous. Our prayer should be, our daily bread, In peace, contentment to be fed ; If we have wealth — of goods a store, To make us Almoners to the poor. REFLECTIONS. ON THE DEATH OF A DEAR FRIEND. As Autumn leaves are dropping, Touched by an early frost, As sweetest flowers are blasted, And all their fragrance lost ; As evening shadows flitting, Will from our pathway glide, Like sunbeams which go dancing, Like ebb and flood of tide ; As wave upon the ocean, Dies on the sandy shore. Like ripple on the water, Which sinks for evermore ; As mighty ships are stranded. Beneath the maelstrom's sway. As midnight dreams most vivid, Do quickly pass away ; 204 Miscellaneous. Like bubble floating in the air, Like rainbow, changeable, but fair, Like pearl-drop in an infant's eye. Like snow-flake from an April's sky ; Thus Human Life is fleeting, A moment's space — no more ! To-day we live — to-morrow die, And our brief toil is o'er. Another light extinguished. Another spirit fled, Another form lies lifeless In its cold and silent bed. Another heart ceased throbbing. Another pulse is still, Another saint in glory Doing her Maker's will. With golden harp, with sceptre bright, All clothed in robes of dazzling light Her ransomed spirit now at rest. Forever with the Angels blest. LIFE AND DEATH Earth to earth, and dust to dust ! Gold will tarnish — steel will rust, Flowers will fade, and dazzling light Of brightest day, will change to night. Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; Storms will gather — bubbles burst, The sea will yawn — wild waters hiss. While wrecks go down in the abyss. Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; In human strength we cannot trust, Dreams will vanish — hopes decay. And noon-day glory fade away. Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; Die we may, and die we must, Joys will change to bitter sorrow — Life to-day — but death to-morrow. 2o6 Miscellaneous. Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; The rich, the poor, the vile, the just ; All will be changed— for all must die. Each in his narrow grave will lie. Earth to earth, and dust to dust ; What matters it ? — the Soul will burst Its shackles ! — free from earthy sod, 'Twill mount unfettered to its God. * CHRISTMAS HYMN. KKCITED ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BEFORE THE SABBATH SCHOOL OF WESTMINSTER CHURCH, BLOOMFIELD, N. J. Another year is past and gone, Another festive season come, With sparkling eyes — with joyous face We crowd this sacred, holy place. Westminster ! Endearing name ! She claims no titles, wealth or fame, No stately dome, no belfry high, No turrets pointing to the sky ; No ivory throne, no glorious nave, No sculptured figures of the brave, No groined roof — no tombs of Kings, No crumbling monuments she brings; 2o8 Miscellaneous. No images of saints in gold, No transepts, cloisters as of old, No high mass said — no low mass done, No Prelate's voice, " Dominus vobiscuin.'' Bedecked alone with fragrant flowers, Culled by fair hands from Nature's bowers, This young church stands, as she zv ill stand, A model from the Master's hand. Within these gates may Peace and Love, Bring richest blessings from above, Our songs of praise — our solemn prayer. Bespeak, O Lord ! thy presence here. To our loved Pastor, who has striven To lead our wandering souls to heaven, Our heartfelt thanks we give, and pray That God will bless him day by day. Our Superintendent's smiling face. Beaming with love and heavenly grace, Witli welcome hearts we ever greet, When in the Sabbath School we meet. Miscellaneous. 209 Teachers ! to you, our thanks we owe, For kindness — watchful care you show, For good works done, instruction given, Turning our thoughts from earth to heaven. God bless all worlds, God bless the earth, God bless the land that gave us birth — Our church, our school, this festive sight, God bless us all ! Good Night ! Good Night !