Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/poemsfortimesdevOOrowl 2-32.^ u ¥ POEMS FOE THE TIM^ES DEVOTED TO WOMAN'S RIGHTS, TEMPERANCE, ETC. BY MRS. FRANCES A. ROWLEY. f)edicafed io the Many Great Workei's in the Cause of Seform. CINCINNATI: MIAMI PRINTING AND PUBLISHING CO. 1871. 7' ■ Copyright secured September 29, 1870, by MB. & MRS. C. H. ROWLEY. ,' MIAMI PRINTING COMPANY. Printers, Stereotypers, and Binders, WEST EIQHTH ST., NBAR MAIM. /\ 'j'"' p Introduction. ^N presenting this work to the public, I have endeav- ored to take a practical view of the surroundings of all at the present time, and have tried to express my thoughts and ideas in plain and simple language, bring- ing them down to the capacity even of children. I have chosen this form of giving you my thoughts on the various subjects so frequently discussed at the present day, because I have felt it the best mode for me to pursue. I have tried to touch upon the most, if not all of the great evils of the day, and have placed the language in poetic form, thinking that perhaps in this way I might reach the minds of those of my sex that would not be as well pleased with practicabilities in prose ; though I may, perhaps, at some future day, come before you again in that form. The greatest desi e I have is, that this may be the cause of accomplishing some good, and my labors will not be entirely fruitless. If there are errors, you will consider that to err is human. With merely this, I leave it with you to decide whether or not this will fulfill my wishes ; and all of you who may think the book of sufficient interest for your perusal, will secure the heart-felt thanks and best wishes of THE AUTHOE. Contents PAGE. Address to Woman, 7 Woman's Work, 10 Musing, 11 Fifteenth Amendment, 13 Manners on the Street, 15 Nature's Lesson, 18 Labor, 20 Controversy, 24 Song of a Christian, 34 The Golden Age, • . . 35 Light, . . . . .37 Cheek, 41 Decoration of Soldiers' Graves, 45 A Scene, 47 My Bower, 49 Prayer for the People against Monopoly, ..... 62 The Scourge of War, 55 The Rose, 58 Clara, . • .... 60 The S,tripes and Stars, 61 Try to do What's Right, 63 Peace, 64 Now and Then, . 67 To my Dear Father, 70 The Dying Outcast, 72 Shadows, 74 Ode to Charles Dickens, 76 Midsummer Day, 78 Every Bitter hath its Sweet, . . 82 Love of Nature, 84 Two Pairs of Eyes, 86 The Mother-in-law, • 89 This Age, 94 A Hint, 95 Creation, • .96 (V) vi Contents. PAGE. Prayer for the Young Republic, . . ... • . 105 Question, . 106 My Childhood Days, ......... 108 The Unfortunate, HO Arabel Lee, 112 A Vision, . . . • • • •11'' The Little Rag-Picker, 119 Religion, 122 My Childhood Home, 124 Why, 126 The Eastern Star, , 130 Redeemed, • • 1^2 Restored Once More, 13^ Our Goddess, Liberty, . . . . . • • • -140 To My Grandmother, 142 Where there 's a Will there 's a Way, 145 True Love, 14' The School-Teacher, 150 The Happy Pair, 1^3 The Sublime and the Ridiculous, . 154 The Mother's Prayer, 156 The Cataract, 158 We Work for Liberty, 160 To the Waters, • 164 Music, 167 The Unhappy Pair, 170 Faith Without Works is Dead, . 172 Hope is an Anchor to the Soul, ........ 175 Charity Sufifereth Long, and is Kind, 177 The Lone Funeral Train, 180 Joys and Sorrows, 182 To My Mother, 183 The Letter, 185 Kind Words, * 187 Satan's Proclamation, 189 Time, 195 Wronged, . 200 The Doomed Murderer, 203 Laugh, -• • • • • 205 Where is God, 207 Our Nation, 209 The Widow, . 213 Contents. Vll PAGE. Prayer for the Drunkard's Family and the Rum-seller, . . 215 Doomed Innocence, 218 The Soul, 221 Affectation, 230 The Seasons, 232 Christian Love, 237 The Seamstress, 240 The Parting, . 242 The Father-in-law, 244 Story of the South Wind, . 247 Independence Day, 2'oO The Eain-storm, 252 Delirium Tremens, 255 The Old Tree, 257 The Clouds are Silver Lined, 260 Truth, 263 To-day and To-morrow, 267 The Old Oak Tree, 269 Work for Good, 271 The Little Mound, 273 My Garden, 275 The Wind, 277 Prayer of a Step-mother, 279 The Pale Boatman, 281 The Era, 283 What is the Cause, 285 Life and Eternity, 289 Night, . . . , . . 293 Jennie and I, 295 Little Children, 297 The Weed, 300 The World is Growing Better, ....... 302 The Moneyless man, 306 Onr Social, 308 Watching, 311 Thought, 314 Valedictory, • . . . • 315 Poems for the Times. — ~-sVA^O0O" g^liW^ t0 W0WM- 5|t: WOMAN! live to aid thy sex! fflp^ And lead her gently on ! ' And strive to do your all, to bless And teach them to grow strong! O, woman, you 've not known your place — Your power has ne'er been felt ! O, come at once! come fill that space That vacant has been left! Do n't say you have no mission here — Do n't longer be a tool, But take your place upon this sphere, And learn from Wisdom's school. The field is wide, the harvest ripe. Then why thus waste your time? Behold! the grain already white, Why stand ye and repine? (^oems for the Times. Look all around — on every side — Beliold the sin and shame ! See vice stalk openly and wide O'er all this earthly plain. With such a picture here spread out, Can you remain at ease, And see your sisters all about Subject to man's caprice? You may have plenty at your hand. If so, do all you can To help the fallen in our land Caused by our brother, man. O, let us strive, by work and toil, The outcast to redeem ; And never fear our hands to soil Making the filthy clean. If we but keep our motive right. Pure thoughts we have within ; We'll never fear the darkest sight. Or drink with them in sin. How glorious the work to save Our fallen sister here! 'T will bless us onward to the grave, And after us appear We Ve worked but slowly, in the past. But ere long shall we find That fierce and hard Avill blow the blast. E'en harder than the wind. Address to Woman. When we shall take our place marked out Beside our brother, man, Then will we raise one long, loud shout, With ballot in our hand. O, glorious time! we see the dawn Of that most glorious day! We ^11 hail, with joy, the welcome morn That takes all bars away ! Then let us, sisters, stand up fi^ee — Equal with brother man; Then will our minds unfold to see What ^s needed at our hands. O, let us never, while we live, Remain contended here — Until our rights to us they '11 give — Until we gain our sphere. Our brother, too, will feel our power. In all our great reforms; Intemperance meets its doom the hour The franchise to us comes. Then can we sit with ease, and say, "W"e Ve all the rights we want?'' We '11 see our work before us lay. And pray for ignorance? O, God! forbid that this should be! But let us rise, with might — Stand up — be noble, and be/r^e. And battle for our rights. 10 (Poems for the Times. mmm'% If 0*. ^ CAN we now describe it — our great work ? 3P Our pen we find inadequate the task, ^ The magnitude so great. We ne'er commence, Ere we soon find no words can half describe What comes before our eyes. No Poet, Sage, Or Prince of high degree, can ever pen The language to express the thought so grand, Brought forth to light, to live far, far beyond, To all eternity. No work of man Can ever vie with that of woman-kind. Man reaches out. The great and mighty laws Of the Supreme — has watched the lightning's play Within the heavens — and, with his puny hand. Has intellectual laurels won. From depths Almost unknown, he will supply the wants Of all humanity. With one foot on The sea, the mighty depths of ocean span. He can withdraw the forces of the wind. And with the law of gravitation, find Two worlds in one. But is his great, broad mind Now equal to the task that woman has? She, toiling, daily, hourly, with so small Reward? Her work stands out in bold relief. Man's work, as in the future, let us see. O, take a peep ! Where do we see the works Of man? All going to die, and that so soon. We see here written, or engraved upon The tablets of the mind of man, these words — *' Passing away^ Is this what we behold Musing. . 11 When e'er our gaze is fixed on woman's work ? Methinks when e'er we view her labor great, Although in silence to be wrought, we find Endurance there — the great and noble work Of woman. Who can tell if she may do it wisely, or how well? It lives beyond. Beyond, to all eternity. Then can Her brother man compete with her? She molds The human soul, for weal or woe. Then let Her place be made befitting for the great Responsibility that she must bear. We have the men of state, that carry forth This great and powerful nation with success ; But view the molding — thought — embodied in Those great and noble sires — the work, so grand, Of mothers, who may thus transmit to earth Those minds, so rich with knowledge, good and true. Then let the mother stand beside her son : Then can she work ; you '11 find her work well done. J^|Y mind has been wandering now for awhile, My thoughts seem so sad this bright morn, I 'm thinking of those that I knew, when a child. That played by my side on the lawn. How happy were we, how little we thought What a future in store had for us ; So blithsome and gay in our sport, we had nought But to live in the future, and trust. II ~ (Poems for the Times. But some have gone down to the cold, silent grave, And others stand out for the right, And others have fought for their country so brave, And others — O ! spare me the sight. The rum-shop has led down to sorrow and tears One that j list comes to my mind ; She bore it so nobly, these many long years, With a heart so good, loving, and kind. She gave to that man so noble, so brave, Her hand and her heart, long ago : He fell, — and now sleeps in the cold, gloomy grave. And she is just waiting to go. Her hopes are all blasted, her form is now crushed. She is dying of care and of grief; Although his poor form lies low in the dust, She finds here no rest, no relief. God pity that woman ! O help her to bear Her lot, so unhappy, so sad ! O, Father ! just show her that thou hast a care For all. It ne'er matters how bad. O when will destruction be swept from our land ! O when will man learn to be wise ! O help in this hour ! Show thy strong, mighty hand ! Help, Lord, these poor mortals to rise ! Speak out with thy thunders, O break every yoke ! The captive forever set free! Show forth to the people, that they may take note : Thy power, O Lord, may they see ! Tlie Fifteenth Amendment. 13 %%t §SXtm\\ %mmMt%t {JljHE Fifteenth Amendment ! liurrah ! hurrah ! M[ Sound it aloud o'er the earth afar ! ^ Right takes the place of the tyrant's wrong And makes our great nation more firm and strong. From Atlantic's coast to Pacific's shore Slavery's chain can be heard no more; The clanking of iron, the clashing of steel, No more will the colored man e'er feel. He is free ! he is free ! we repeat it again ! Can tread o'er God's earth, as other men, — Can seek for employment every-where. Nor think he a master's burden must bear. The war brought to light this blessing true, That made the poor colored men citizens too; — It gave them a right their all to control, Pertaining to both their body and soul. America, dearer thy name sounds to me, Since all of thy sons forever are free. We bless thee for all this improvement so great, That for the poor slave hath opened the gate. Now, that Africa's sons can stand up and be free, My country's name sounds all the sweeter to me ; Yet more would I wish of freedom of mind For the woman, — Ay, more than we will now find. 14 (^oems for the Times. Another amendment^ O give to us now ! To lift off the weight from woman's fair brow, And place her beside and equal with man, And aid in unfolding our great Maker's plan. Freer and freer, each day we become, Giving more rights to every one : Soon may we hail with rapturous delight. An amendment that gives to woman her right. God bless our Republic ! O may it e'er stand Like a bright beacon light to all other lands! May despotic governments, over the seas, Behold with delight this land of the free. May tyrants all tremble upon their grand thrones ; May freedom e'er rule, and freedom alone Be the all-ruling power henceforth in our world ; May all that will crush down forever be hurled. Come forward, accept what is given to thee; ^ Henceforth let the world behold thou art free. Show forth to the people, wherever they stand, That Sambo the ballot hereafter commands. O, sisters, remember what I do here say, The time surely comes — O, hasten the day ! That we can live up to our mission so true. And show an anaendment in our favor too. I had hoped, before Sambo, we 'd open the gate ; But no — we could not, we must still stand and wait. But the Fifteenth is passed — the colored man's/ree: The Sixteenth must come, if last it must be. Manners on the Street. 15 All hail the Fifteenth Amendment^ then! That places the African beside other men. In prospect, we hail the Sixteenth, too , That places the woman right there beside you. O, liberty ! sweet does that word sound to me ! The watchword of truth must thou ever be I The Fifteenth Amendment we hailwith delight ! Enjoy what it brings, O sons of the night! Piwr^ m tft.e Mxut fO into any town of size, And note what meets your wandering eyes ;- What habits, customs, will you meet, As you pass along the street. See vanity displayed in dress. And sense — but little some possess — Vulgarity stares you in the face In every corner of that place. Perhaps you take a walk, — you turn Toward the house of God, to learn Of truth and wisdom, given to man; And of our Father^s great commands. Stepping before you there, not far. Walk two young men, puffing cigars; The smoke is blown into your face, Your olfactories feel disgraced. IG ^oems for the Times. By coming riglit in contact there, With odors that pollute the air; You feel a suifocating smell, In what way you can scarcely tell. One thing is sure : you would not wish To cause others to feel like this, If you cared aught for others' rights, And had not lost your manners quite. If this is manners on the street, I think that persons are n't replete With true politeness, that control Is Each one that seeks for good of whole. The odor of tobacco flies. And fills the air where'er it rise; We breathe the breath, polluted — filled, And through our clothes is it instilled. If young men — old men — all who smoke Would not our sense of smell provoke, Please put the filthy thing away As you are treading our highway. Do n't trouble others in the street That follow, or perhaps you meet; Do n't punish them by this — your vice ; But show your manners, — Mind advice. Another, and a careless thing. Which I before young men must bring. Is this — 'Tis seen from time to time, I think it not a worthy sign: ■ Manners on the Street 17 Of studied manners quite complete, Those chaps that ladies often meet, Are standing on the corner there, Making remarks about the fair. As passing on quite leisurely. She runs the gauntlet patiently; On either side, filed right and left, A steady column there is kept. It is disgusting to the mind Of ladies, who may feel inclined To take their exit through our street, — These idle men they all must meet. Some of those dandies feel quite smart, People oft call them small upstarts : Upon the corners of our streets This class we often have to meet. They 're evidently standing there In observation to take share, — To make remarks on those who pass — A lady, young, old, or a lass. Manners like this is not genteel, And many, many persons feel Chagrined, while passing, as they see Eyes fixed on them in scrutiny. Don't loaf around the corners there, If of politeness you have care; But go about some business, not Be loafing, like some drunken sot. 2 18 ^ 067ns for the Times. O ! doii^t disgust those you may meet, By impoliteness on the street; But try, like sensible young men, And not repeat the like again. Much more we might at this time say, But will defer till another day; But don't these practices repeat While you are tcalking on the street ^WEET notes the little songters carrol, In their beautiful retreat ; Their little hearts are light and happy, Their little voices, O how sweet ! Free to go where'er they listeth. Free to choose from life their part. Teaching us each day a lesson That should bless each human heart. Birds and flowers are Nature's offspring. By a Being, good and wise. Teaching us through all earth's suffering To listen to the feeble cry. Every bird, and plant, and being Hath a place upon our sphere, — Every child of earth that 's living Has a place allotted here. JSlature's Lesson. 19 Those that have great talents given, Much of them will be required ; All below will be receiving Of these powers we must divide. Thus the chain will be completed ; — We humanity reclaim, By becoming thus connected Through the mighty human chain. Let us strive to do our duty, Acting well on earth our part ; We will show to all true beauty, That adorns the noble heart. Let us strive to give our brother What to us is freely given ; Teaching love to one another. Thus to wjork our way toward heaven. .' If we find a feeble brother, Or a fallen sister, we Should be willing hard to labor Till we set the captive free. Then we '11 fill the place allotted. As the birds and flowers have done; — Then we '11 leave a life unspotted. And our God will say, "Well done." Look to Nature for example. Striving always to be wise ; Here we find conditions ample, • If we open wide our eyes. 20 (Poems for the Times. Ants, and bees, and birds, and flowers, Teach dependence from above : If we work, and use our powers, God will guide us by his love. ''"IE look abroad, o'er all our land Where God has planted, with his hand, Tall trees, the oak, the lofty pine, And made the sun on them to shine. Flowers, too, that grow beyond the hill. The spring, the smoothly running rill, The birds, the bees that fill the air Are objects of our Father's care. And when we read from Nature's book. And o'er this great creation look. There we behold the great and small, — And our great Maker made them all. He loves to work for us in love, He sends us blessings from above. With all the gifts he 's given to man Labor, a blessing, fills the plan. Our Father labors for our good, And gives to all our brotherhood Whate'er their nature stands in need : Why will we not his lessons heed ? Labor. 21 If you, my brother, work for me, Then I must labor here for thee; Then this will fill our Father^s plan, — Each one to help his brother man. If we enjoy God's blessing here, And wish in good health to appear, Then must we labor for our bread. And not have others in our stead. For exercise we all must take If in the future we would make These bodies healthy, firm, and strong, Or wish to future life prolong. All have to labor with us here, Both great and small, upon our sphere. The little ant, from day to day. Toils on to store his food away. All nature labors, morn and night, And thus unfolds to us the sight So beautiful, so charming here, As day by day it does appear. The birds, the bees, the flowers that live, And unto us rich blessings give. All labor faithfully and well ; And doth each day a story tell. Then will we shun this blessing given. And strive to make our way to heaven? — We ne'er can reach the longed-for goal Without we strive good to unfold. 22 ^oems for The Times. Within our being here on earth We show, in truth, our real worth ; With laboring hands — no other way Can we go forth to light and day. If we would wish to gain the rest Among the happy and the blest, Then let us do what good we can To help our erring brother man. We '11 labor hard, dear Father, here, That we before thee may appear. With garment spotless, pure, and white. And hear thee say, " Thou 'st done aright.^' We '11 take the erring by the hand. And point them to the better land ; We '11 labor with God's creatures here While we remain upon this sphere. We '11 strive the drunkard to reclaim. The outcast, all the poor, the maimed. All, all with us shall share a part : We '11 work for all^ with hand and heart. It matters not how low they 're trod, They hold the image of their God ; They have a place upon this ball, — God is the father of us all. If we stand higher in the scale. We neither bad or good bewail ; But let us thank our Father — God — That we are not beneath the rod. Labor. 23 That we are not as others here — No thanks we give ourselves, 't is clear ; But all depends upon our state ; For some, we know, meet a sad fate. If others placed in higher sphere, Look down upon their brothers here And scorn him, as we often see, — How foolish such an one must be. Your place has fitted you to work, And clear away the dross and dirt That ^round thy brother oft is seen — That makes him look to thee so mean. Then work to elevate thy race ; You never will yourself disgrace By striving thus the lost to save ; But stand up firm, — be truly brave. Within thy bosom thou shalt see Work has a blessing been to thee. Bright stars within thy diadem Will tell of what thy deeds have been. (Poems for the Times. MAN. a '^ WOMAN to vote? Pray tell me, my friend, CT Where all of this spouting, in future, will end? '^ Where all of this speech-making, writing, and talk, Will end? It^s all nonsense — a meaningless moch. You know, if she votes, of course she iiaustfightf For in no other way will her voting be right. Then let her sit down, and forever keep still. As she has not all power to enforce her own will. If a law, for herself, she should happen to make. To enforce it she'd try, and then find her mistake; For, as Grant once did say, in regard to our laws, ^ If they can 't be enforced, why, what are they good for.' '' WOMAN. "Now brother, we have just one word here to say. Let me speak now, right here, for I deem it fair play. There are many who vote, are not able to fight. And many, there are, if they would fight they might. Now, how do these brothers get rid of their part? We '11 tell you, right here, ('t is a weakness at heart,) They furnish a substitute then, in their place. O, the loss of a tooth, or an eye from their face, Or a finger or two — they disabled have been. For a very long time — as can plainly be seen. Do n't talk about fighting, preparing to vote, We think this objection scarce worthy of note, Controversy. 25 So study away, for one better than this, And soon let me know just what other there is. Though the women did go, many times, in disguise. And fought by the men ; husbands fought by their wives. But what was then done when they found out the case; Without pay they were sent, and dismissed in disgrace. ^Don^t talk ixhoiit fighting/ we women now say, 'Until you have given these women their pay.^ We will tell you that woman, through all the past wars, Has ever done much for the dear ' Stripes and Stars.' Her great, noble heart must find something to do. To her country, you '11 find she '11 ever prove true. In all great reforms, you ever will find She is always at work with her strong, noble mind," MAN. "What good will it do for a w^oman to vote?'' WOMAN. "This question we hear from persons of note. We answer this question as others oft do, ' What good,' we here ask, ' does the ballot do you f ' My brother, the vote helps you nurture your plans, Much good has it done to you, brother man. You regulate all the great questions, you see. That come betw^een you and your own liberty. If questions of WTong come, at once you will take The ballot, and try this wrong right to make. The ballot gives power and force to the mind; This power we ne'er find in the woman-kind. The reason of this we already see, Because, unlike you, no ballot have we; 2 26 (Boems for the Times. You make us dependent^ and then keep us so, And think we 're inferior beings, you know, Without any power to decide for ourselves, Like a toy or a plaything that lies on the shelf. This is the coiidition that often we find The women here placed, as society binds. Her fetters upon her, no wonder she '11 say I '11 dress up in ohignon, I '11 flounce and be gay ; You make her think this, 't is her business to please You men in the nation, that live at your ease. Then think not that all the great and strong minds Are satisfied here, when the true case they find; They see what has given their dear brother man, This power over all on the earth, here, we scan; And feeling their lonely condition in life, He has made woman rise, take a part in the strife. Then give her the ballot, and soon you will see She will right all her wrongs, and help to right thee. She will work, then, in all of the fields of reform. And all of the rum-shops she '11 take as by storm. This all of our hope for the future, you see. For our great temperance cause — the hope of the free; For woman has suffered through all the past years. From this great moral evil, we see very clear, O give her the ballot, and stand by her side. And work for each other with honor and pride. Now, brother, we think we have answered you here ; The question of good, for the ballot, is clear. Now ask you another, if still you have one. For we think — we believe that these others are, some." Controversy. 27 MAN. "Dear sister, wilt thou thy sister unsex? This is a great question which makes me perplexed, To think that an angel, so lovely as thou. From thine own dear position should willingly bow. To mingle with politics here, in this life. And mingle with filth, in political strife. Wilt go to elections, and mingle in here, With drinking and smoking, and get thy clothes smeared With juice of tobacco, ejected from men. At all our elections, as always have been ? '^ WOMAN. " Dear brother, you never have need to be vexed, For never, on earth, can we be unsexed. Our great heavenly Father has made us to be A woman forever to stand beside thee. He gave you to us, he gave us to you, We must work out his plans, and ever be true. He made me a woman. He made you a man. We never can change our great Father's plan. Do n't worry one moment; ^Our Father is good/ And all of his works are well understood. About tending elections, where men go that drink, No trouble you need to have, o'er it, we think, For time will unfold, in tha future, we think, From future elections they banish the drink. When wives, sisters, mothers, their place occupy. And the ballot to them, you can not deny ; Our brother will feel, then, their presence will tell As in church, or at socials, in election as well ; 28 C^oems for the Times. In the use of tobacco they careful will be, To not smear o'er the dress of the lady, you see. Her presence her brother will help to refine, Wherever she goes, she thus lets her light shine; The place will be made befitting, you see — A clean place to vote, both for you and for me. Then do n't feel so bad about our stooping down. Do n't look with suspicion — do n't cast such a frown. Let us strive for the good of each other in life ; What you have, here below, is as good for your wife. Go on with your questions, let 's hear what you say — Object to our voting, we do n't care what way, We '11 answer all questions you see fit to make, So now, go ahead — your questions here state." MAN". What, then, will become of the children at home, When the mother a citizen then shall become? She will leave the dear baby at home — it Avill cry — When she goes to election, she lays her work by. O tell us, we pray thee! what will then be done Whenever this day to the woman shall come — What then is in store, in the future, for manf She will shirk all her duties in life, if she can; She ne'er will a mother be ever again. Unless, as she now is, she still will remain ; For when she will mingle with us in the strife, She '11 ne'er be a mother again in her life." WOMAN. ^' O do not feel bad about what you will do. The future, in time, unfolds here to you; Controversy. 29 That your wife, to elections can go, just the same, As she went to her church, before her vote came. She can leave her dear babe for awhile, you well know, And to church or a lecture, with you, she can go. Or if she, perchance, should be gone half a day, She does that now often, you tell her she may. Then can she not go out an hour or so when The franchise she has., beside the dear men. You need never fear for the future in life. When you go there to vote by the side of your wife; But go like a man, and a brother, indeed. And stand by our women — their cause nobly plead; Respect their true rights, and they ^11 respect you, In this you, my brother, will prove yourself true. Be willing to give what you 're willing to take. And soon you will find that the wrong, right will make. Go on with objections, as fast as you can, "We '11 answer them quickly to you, brother man.'' MAN. " Supposing my wife should vote different from me, 'T would bring discord and tumult at home, do n't you see? No harmony here in our household should dwell, Our heavenly home would soon be a hell. I never could give my consent for my wife To take, here, the opposite part in the strife ; She should vote as I did, and told her to do, If not, we 'd go singly all life's journey through: And a house that itself is divided, you know, Such can not long stand, on the earth, here below. Such discord and misery we '11 see in this life, This ballot will bring 'twixt a man and his wife. 30 (Poems for the Times. O never! no never! may dawn sucli a day, To take from our homes this pleasure away. Do n^t take such a step, if you do, we must think, That all of our people dark waters must drink/^ WOMAN. "Dear brother, methinks you do vote as you please, If you could not, methinks your voting would cease; Or you would at once stand up for the right. And we would look on, v/ith joy, at the sight. Do you love that dear wife, as any man should? If so, would you force her, that is, if you could, To do just what you, in your wisdom, thought best? Or say, ^let your judgment, my dear, be the test Of what your own actions in politics are. We ^11 study all points, and both vote with care.' No marriage ought ever to be, on this land. Where woman's own views are controlled by the man ; Our great, all-wise Father has made them to be Two beings on earth, with two minds, do n't you see ? In matters pertaining to mutual afiairs. Let the husband and wdfe both join in each share; Let them act here in concert, in temporal things. But each should be careful — not try to be hing. Let the man be obliging and good to his wife, No matter in what, or how hard the strife : Let the wife to the husband act noble and good. And, generally, then, you '11 be well understood. Let her go to the church where 'er she likes best. You may do just the same, or at home stay and rest. How many are there now, who now stand apart In churches, and feelings regarding the heart; Controversy. 31 We hear no contention, concerning tlie case, Of where each should go, what church or what place. Why could not each vote as their concience tells how, And not strive to make the other one bow ; But willing both be, to both disagree. And not be a tyrant, as some that we see. Now, brother, if you can feel thus in this life, All right, but if not, you should not get a wife. If you wish to control — to tyrannize here. And prove to your wife, like some, so severe, God pity the woman ! wherever she stands ; She's in bondage, obeying a tyrant's commands. She 's nought of herself, but merely a toolj And that is where some of our women ave fools. You keep them dependent — their rights take away, And then they will try and another part play. If you meet with some trouble when women do vote, Just look at the past. Your conduct then note ; And see what you 've done to make things so sad, And not go and tell the women they 're bad. If you will do right, and act right, you see, Yoilr home to you, then, will a paradise be. The ballot will never retract from your home, But you '11 both vote together, or each go alone. Act wisely and manly, and always act true. And we hope that your wife will act sensibly too. Now go on with objections, as fast as you can, We think we can answer for most any man.'' MAN. "Well, madam, the laides, I M have you to know, Can do nothing, know nothing, but how to get beaux; 32 ^oems for the' Timss. They have not been posted in matters like this, If to voting they come, their work they will miss. They never know any thing as to the needs Of a nation like ours — they never will read — They are not informed with regard to our laws, If they do go to vote, they won't know what for, ''^ WOMAN. "You have men that now vote, that do n't understand The laws, or the working throughout our fair land ; And many can 't read, I would have you to know, But all such can vote — to election they go. You will find as much intellect here, let me say, With the women, as men, if you give them fair play, They will read, and will tell you what they 're going to do, And understand matters as well, then, as you. Some women there are who now understand Concerning your country, as well as the man, And many there are, that sooner can see The wrong that is done, much sooner than he. You talk of their trying to get 'round the men, We '11 say now, just here, and over again. She 's no other way to get what she needs. Without she works strategy — that is to plead With man in some way — so she knows his weak points And then goes to work, so cute and adroit. You make her a citizen — give her the vote And her actions will change very soon, you can note. We think we have answered this great objection. And soon may we hope we have had the last one. Go on, never mind if we weary or tire. We hope we may help you all out of the mire; Controversy. 33 So where is another^ we may just as well Answer objections^ or time will soon tell/^ MAN. " The whole effect here, of this voting will be To demoralize woman in future, you ^11 see And this is the whole amount of the plan, Deny this great truth — now try if you can. WOMAN. " Then you say that the ballot will cause us to be Demoralized here — just what we shall see. We would answer the man that would say to us this : That if woman was coming to this, we shall miss ; But you see that if she was becoming thus doomed, She had, in the past of her life, plenty room. She 's mixed with the men, all through her dear life ; She is mother, and sister, and housemaid, and wife, If this, the result of the ballot would be, I should think we M now sadly demoralized be. Ah, no ! brother man, we know what you mean. You do n't want them to have their rights — this is seen. You think she would strive to live for herself. And all that she needed she 'd get — nothing else. You want her to live, (and this is no joke,) Like the ivy, to twine 'round the great, mighty oak ; But this will not always her wants here supply. For sometimes the oak falls down and must die. She must stand up — be free, her own wants supply — Upon her own merits must ever rely. Go help her, and try, as a good brother should. And not kick her down, or try, if you could. 34 (Poems for the Times. Oj give her thy hand, as a brother in life, O, let her stand by you through all of the strife; Let ^s council together, and work for the good, Until all humanity are well understood. Then, truly, we ^11 stand up and say we are free, Great good for each other henceforth we may see. Oar Father will bless us — all over the land. As we go, heart to heart, and work hand to hand. Then will we all do what we see, with our might. Then you — and then I — and then all — will have rights.''^ 4| SING of the love of the Christian true, M As he labors in sorrow or grief: ^ His life shows to all, that he is imbued With love that will prompt to relief. He gives of his treasures with freedom and cheer — He ever speaks kindly to all; He lives to do good to all on this sphere, And listens to Charity's call. Though others may differ in many regards, From him they may turn with such scorn. He cares not for that; he knows the reward — The crown that his brow shall adorn. He thinks of what good he may do while he lives ; All sorrows that come to his lot Fall lightly upon him, — he is ready to give Kind words to the poor, wretched sot. The Golden Age. 35 These small minor questions ne'er puzzle his brain — He marks well the path he must go ; And if once he 's wrong, ne'er goes there again — He willmakea friend out of a foe. He may live in a church, or may not, if he please, His heart will to him be the same ; He feels that his conscience is always at ease; He cares not very much about name. Then give me the Christian that 's true at his heart — That stands for true principles here; That never will act the hypocrite's part, But is always just what he appears. (JEHE age of gold ! O tell us where Ujl Our eye may look to scan it; ^^ The present, past, or future, there Show us the age of merit. In ages long ago we find True sages, seers, and prophets. Men who had great and noble minds. That taught us lessons of profit. A Socrates stood out a light To gladden every nation; He firmly stood and taught the right ; He filled his place and station. 36 (P'oems for the Times. But in that age his life he gave — Great truths he here defended; - He drank the hemlock, sought his grave — His teachings never ended. Plato, another, v/ise and true, Stood firm with words of love ; True spiritual thoughts and views That come from God above. He suffered in his age, we find. To show his teachings forth ; His works were noble and sublime; He 's given real worth. His place he filled while dwelling here, — He^s passed away with time; The truths he taught upon our sphere Sank deep within our minds. That age was truly golden with Those teachings, good and wise : We speak with reverence when we lisp The names of those great sires. But later, we behold an age That truth brought forth to view : Grand, noble, good, marks every page That comes to us so true. And Gallileo — noble sire — Brought forth this truth to all : The earth is round and swings in air. And turns like a great ball. Light. 37 He suffered persecution too, (As other great minds had For truth revealed in might to you,) And made earth's children glad. A Newton, Morse, and Fulton came m In latter days and ages; Truths shine through their great, noble names, Are given through their life's pages. All — all are golden ages, giving Great truths to mortals here. That banish clouds upon mind riven, And show the truth so clear. O ages — golden ages, blest Are all thy truths we find That make man free : those great behests Thou givest to all mankind. ^LASHING forth in splendor, gleams If Those rays supremely bright; ^ Upon our earth, in golden streams. The sun sheds dazzling light. All o'er are seen these brilliant beams So beauteous to the sight; They cast o'er earth a glorious sheen, And make all Nature bright. 38 (^oewis for the Times. This the god of day we view, That ^s over head enthroned-; He gives all light — both false and true — But stands not there alone. > When'er his face is veiled from sight A lesser light is seen; The silver moon sails on at night, And casts its radient beams. Assisted, now, by planets — stars — In myriads springing forth — Lighting the heavens, near and far, From south-pole to the north. Our physical — this earthly plain — Requires light from this source. To aid in bringing forth the grain, Unfolding all through course. Light is the blending of the rays From distant bodies sent. To answer all our Father's ways, And teach all what is meant. This earthly plain is crowned with light- Bright beams are pouring forth. To give to life a beauteous sight, And bring out all their worth. But in the moral world we hear This cry : " More light ! more light ! O, shine — dispel this gloom and fear, Scatter these clouds of night ! " Light. 39 The cry is heard in distant lands, Where ignorance now blights; Man now is slaying brother man — We hear the cry : " More light V^ We hear this voice — ^this plaintive sound — Far out upon the sea, Where man upon his brother frowns, ^^ More light, O give to me/^ The Hindoo at his idol bowed, Cries out, with power and might. In voice, though still, to us seems loud — "Father, O give more light!" Within the borders of our home, Our eyes behold a sight Of sin, and misery forlorn. Which saith to us, "More light!" The light of Wisdom^s glorious star, O brightly let it shine. Till Nature's children, near and far, May claim that power divine ^^ That truth and love will shed abroad O ^er all earth's sorrowing ones, Casting away all crime and fraud, And make earth's children one. That light divine that Jesus shed Throughout his pilgrimage — ' That all his life, his footsteps led, And shines out in this age. 40 (^oems for the Times. Light marks the history of the past — The light of genius rare, Brought forth in works that stand out, fast, And treasured up with care ; Yet still, "More light!" is all the cry — The moral light of heaven: To all the beings here that try To work may light be given. The light of wisdom true, O give The sisters in our land; Help them to labor, while they live. With head, and heart, and hand. Bestow that light upon earth^s sons, O let it shine out clear! That they may bid their sisters come And stand beside them here. Shine thou, O Wisdom^s truthful light. In every secret nook; Quicken the mind — help every sight To read from thy great book Of Nature, noble, grand and true. Each line upon each page. Till every child on earth we view May live up to the age ; May live and do to brother man According as he would That he should do to him again — Just as a brother should. Cheek. 41 Then will our Master's golden rule Be lived by all on eartL; Then Wisdom's light will truly school All here to find true worth. Light, physical, and mental, too, Now shines out bright and clear; And Wisdom's light, that shines so true, Begins now to appear. The more we have the beauteous sight Of Wisdom's light so true. Our cry will be for light — more light — ■ Its brightness may we view. The cry of all will soon be made, In all their strength and might — In every nook, in every glade, O give us — give us light. ' '|HILE humanity we're viewing, ^ No two here alike we meet; But of all that we may mention Are those who will put on cheek. There's the doctor, with his bottles, As his patients he now greets; Takes this pulse and notes the throbbing- See him, as he puts on cheek. 42 (Poems for the Times. There ^s the lawyer — now is pleading For his client. Talks so sweet — Right or wrong — he cares for nothing : He must surely put on cheeh. Then the minister is standing In the pulpit sacred there, As he pleads for human beings, Puts on cheeh in humble prayer. There 's the banker in his office, Looks all smiles from head to feet, • As he counts out all his interest See him ! Do n't he put on cheeh ? Then the editor so plaintive; He sends forth his weekly sheet — Talks "hard times'' — of children many- Tell me, don't he put on cheeh f Then the tradesman, always cunning, Now his trade here to complete; As his customer stands counting, Does his best to put on cheeh. Now our statesmen ; see them striving. As they office try to seek Every Avay, while they are running; See them — see them put on cheeh ! The wire-pullers of our nation. Talk so iOud in every speech; Tell me, can you find a being Work so hard to put on cheeh f Cheek. 43 There's the miss, with scarce a shilling, Tries conditions to secrete ; Puts on ruffles, lace and flounces, Paints her face to put on cheek. And the dandy in tight trowsers. Steps so genteel on the street, AYith no money in his pockets; Now just see him put on cheek. Now look at that whisky-seller. As behind that screen we peep; As he sells that cursed poison. Now puts on an aivful cheek. Then the drinker takes his brandy — Now must go that wife to meet — (Takes a clove to stop its smelling;) Don't you think he puts on cheek f Now the lover talks so nicely. In a tone so low and sweet; Tells his sweetheart she is pretty — She can't see he puts on cheek. There's the milkman slowly riding; Now he drives into the creek. Dips the water in his milk-can. Sells it all — and puts on cheek. Now the farmer if you ask him, If great harvest he will reap — Just before 'tis time for shipping, Says 'tis small — and puts on cheek. 44 ^oems for The Times. See the shoemaker, now fitting The best leather to your feet — One is good, the other damaged — So, you see, he puts on cheeh. The milliner will make your bonnet. So very small, but yet complete; The prices rise as hats grow smaller: Who says she does n't put on cheeh f Every trade, to be successful. That with others must compete; All that carry on a business — Every one — must put on cheek. All we see have got their failings — Try to cover them complete. That, to give a good impression, All work hard to put on cheek. If a person is accomplished. And we chance of them to speak — We at once will call them silly. If they can not put on cheek. 'Tis the fashion in this nation. When we may each other meet. And we give a salutation. To stand up and put on cheek. (Decoration of Soldiers' Graves, 45 (jPHEY came out so bravely^ in power and might — Ul Fought nobly for truth and national right — ^ Gave their lives to sustain this country of ours In the days of rebellion, that horrible hour. They stood up for us firmly, in manhood so true — Those brave, gallant boys, all dressed up in blue — Gave themselves as a sacrifice here, to the shrine Of the great cause of freedom, here in our fair clime. Kebellion came now, within our dear land, — Our brothers, in part, raised a treasonable hand, — Tore down our own flag, the dear Stripes and Stars, And raised in its place the Stars and the Bars. Divided stood we in that terrible hour — We saw we had foes now invested with power, That were trying to crush beneath tyrants' heels, All freedom, and force us forever to yield. Then up came our armies of volunteers true — For freedom they stood — those brave " boys in blue,^' Gave freely their lives — were dyed all in gore : Such a sight our dear country had ne'er seen before. Within all our borders was nothing but strife ; And many a soldier gave up his dear life ; And many a heart in deep sorrow hath bled When they heard of hard battles, and brothers shot dead. 46 ^oems for the Tifnes. Mothers, sisters, and wives in great agony cried "When brothers, and husbands, and sons had there died : Naught could then console, in their hour of distress. Bat the great " God of all/^ He brought them redress. Our land is now blessed with the angel of peace : From war's cruel scourge we have now found release, But where are those noble and brave boys in blue. That fought the hard battles and conquered the foe ? Some have reached their homes, and friends that they love; Many others have gone to that blest home above ; Some are buried in groups — their forms are laid low On the broad field of battle where fought they the foe. This day will we meet, and a tribute we '11 pay To the brave, who fought hard for this glorious day, When we, as a nation, united can stand Here under our flag — in Freedom's bright land. Let us strew, then, bright garlands of beautiful flowers — - Bouquets that are gathered from Nature's own bowers : Bright wreaths will we give to the venerable heads Of the brave, faithful soldiers whose forms are now dead. Come one, come all, to the hallowed spot Of the mortals now gone, but that are not forgot We will scatter the flowers o'er each lonely bed : This tribute we '11 pay to our honorable dead. As we march to the spot where their forms are laid low — The forms of those ones that fought battles below — We say. May their spirits behold with delight, This tribute we pay to defenders of right. A Scene. 47 Rest peacefully there, thy labors are done ; Great battles thou 'st fought — great victories won : We crown thee with laurels. We place on thy bed These emblems of love for thee, brave, gallant dead. ^ 'IHAT sound is that which greets my ear At this dread hour of night ?- Those moans so pitiful to hear- This horror-sickening sight ! What can it mean ? — can some one tell Why all this hurrying strife? — I ^m sure some evil has befell Its victim, here in life. A stranger passed. Said I, kind friend, Please tell me what this means, That all my queries here may end : What causes this sad scene ? — Have you not heard the news so sad — The fate of one beloved ? A brother's form lies yonder, clad For his last rest below. Intemperance dealt the fatal blow, And caused this dreadful crime. And caused these hearts to mourning go Throughout all future time. 48 ^oems for the Times. A brother man^ whose brain was fired By demon alcohol ; The work we see, is his desire : He works the same with all. That brother had a noble heart When he was in command ; Stood ready, here, to do his part Where'er the suffering stand. He feels in sorrow, deep and strong, The aAvful deed he 's done — The crushing weight of this great wrong— The murder of his son. The father o'er that form now stands, In sorrow, deep and wild : With streaming eyes he wrings his hands, Crying, " My child ! my child V Why was my only help that 's left In years of tottering age. Snatched from my side, and I bereft Of this, my last dotage. Father, just take a step or so — Just look within those walls : You 've just a step or two to go. To find the cause of all. Look at thy brother man, and see What he is dealing out : That 's what has caused this misery. And crushed that form so stout. My (Bower. . 49 This work is going on, each day Some heart is made to bleed ; And we are passing on our way, Paying but little heed. O, many, many hearts now ache Through this accursed means ! Many an one has met a fate Like this one we Ve just seen. ll'M seated in this quiet bower p ,jB^ This calm and sweet retreat. Feelings of pleasure at this hour My soul doth now replete. Here have I sat, ah ! many times. And listened to the strain Of the sweet nestlings' warbling chimes, As oft it gently came. When sadness o'er my soul was cast. Like some dark, mournful cloud, Here have I oft my Maker asked For courage, while thus bowed. How many plans for future life. Hath here, beneath thy shade, Been ripened, ready for the strife, And carefully been laved. 3 50 (Poems for the Times. How many yearnings of the lieart, Beneath this arching here, Hath oft been felt, when friends must part, That brought the bitter tear ! How much of joy within my soul Have I enjoyed within This arbor, which I now behold, Joy unalloyed with sin. How many secrets have I here Confided to thy care ! Nor breathed to any mortal ear — None with me hath a share. How many castles have been built In this secluded spot ! How many thoughts of sin and guilt — Of this part I know not. Yea, many, many often sit "Within this arbor fair, With merry laughter, fun, and wit, To all that gathered there. How many blighted vows have been Eepeated o^er and o'er ! How many lovers tried to win The maiden's love of yore ! How many hours, at quiet eve. Have I spent 'neath thy roof, Turning God's Book from leaf to leaf. Finding there much reproof! jVly (Bower 51 How many stories have I read Within this leafy bower ! Nor started e^er with fear or dread At an approaching shower ! And letters from dear friends away Have oft been read by me, And in my heart how much I 'd say Those friends I wished to see ! The forms of some that used to meet Within that quiet place, On earth we never more shall greet, Or see their smiling face ! For Death hath claimed them for his own, — They Ve gone to their long home ! The thought now comes, my heart feels lone ; Thinking of them, I mourn. Cold, blasting winds are blowing fast, Ere long this verdure green. All crisped, will on the ground be cast, No freshness will be seen. The chill of frost hath turned thy leaves A color bright, like gold; My heart within me seems to grieve At thy last story told. But change marks all our walks of life. From infancy to age : We can prepare for mortal strife. And pass to our dotage. ■ 52 (Poems for the Tiri'ies. I leave thee now^ dear bower fair, To fill another place ; In other labors take a share, And other scenes to trace. I hope ere long, some future day. To sit beneath thy shade ; For now I go far, far away From where I long have staid. But time unfolds, each day and hour. New objects and new scenes; Yet shall I long for thee, sweet bower, And thy bright leaves of green ! "gxm^tt im lit iwpto m^lml W^mu^^l^. fATHER in heaven, O touch the hearts Of those within our land ! That of their bounty they impart Of what they may command. O, give them light ! that they may see The suffering ones of earth. And feel for poor humanity, That, o'er our land had birth. Those men of wealth, that wish to hold. Within their mighty grasp — That struggle on, so fierce and bold. Are gaining ground so fast — Grayer for the (People against Monopoly. 5* That hold the lands within this sphere, Monopolize the whole, And keep the poor ones poorer here — That sell their all for gold. O, God ! show them that in an hour Whene'er they least may think, That thou, in might, will show thy power O, help them. Lord, to think ! Our congressmen, within our halls — The men that make our laws — Ere thy great power may on them fall, O, help them, Lord, to pause ! Lord, show thyself in latter days, As when in olden times ; And may injustice flee away. And all be good and kind. O ! help the weak ! may each one see Some one beside himself; And may each, for humanity. Some good do with his wealth. Then will the poor — the trodden down Stand up in manhood's might, All tyranny that o'er us frowned Shall flee away from sight. Then wdll Thy kingdom come on earth Just as it is in heaven ; Our sorrow then will turn to mirth. True wisdom will be given. 54 (Poems for the Times. And, Father, help the sick, the weak, The feeble lambs that cry ; O, make them patient, mild and meek, And feel that Thou art nigh. With eye of faith, make them to see The mighty God doth reign. To see their want and poverty. And noteth every pain. O, may they put their trust in Thee! For, in Thy power and might, The future will unfold ; we ^11 see That Thou doest all things right. If through the path of bloody strife The children must be brought. To teach thy laws, all good and right, Then let them thus be taught. The iron chains of slavery , Were sundered by Thy power, Now may this aristocracy E^er wait that fearful hour. When Thou in thunderous tones shall speak- *^ My people must be free,'' I '11 break the chains that bind the weak All o'er this country. The Scourge of War. 55 iHY is it lawful, if we kill ^^^ Our brother man to show our skill? Why is it man must war with brother- Demolish and destroy each other? O, is there not some other way To make things right without this fray? Here we behold, in every land, Man against man will raise his hand, And slaughter, in a single day. Thousands, whose lives are thrown away; And thousands more are coming on — Another day finds them all gone. Then the distress — the misery That 's brought to every family ; Heart-rending grief, and blasted hope To mortals left with life to cope. The widow is bereft — forlorn. And orphan children left to mourn. Brothers all taken — all — all gone! Sisters are weeping o'er their forms ; Fathers here tottering with old age, Have lost the son — the last dotage; Mothers that can not be consoled For loss of that dear son, so bold. Behold destruction all around — Poverty and wretchedness abound 56 (Poefns for the Times. All through this scourge of cruel war, That ^s sanctioned and sustained by law. Levitical, or Jewish times, Keep up these sad and mournful crimes. It seems as though some other way Might be devised, without this fray; An arbitration of some kind. By different governments combined : Take peaceable and friendly means; Then might we stop these dreadful scenes A nation has a \\i\].Q jpique, They think revenge is very sweet, Will study, (that ^s the ruler great,) Some way neutrality to break. Then will declare to this, her brother. That they ^11 turn out and kill each other. Now, if a trouble should arise, And nations learn to be thus wise; They 'd call an arbitration there Of peaceful nations — choose with care; Those men of power should willing be To leave to this decision free. Adjust the ways and cease the woe That cruel war brings where it goes. Give satisfaction on all sides, And mend the breach, however wide : Act wisely — nobly, like the man — The image of our Maker's hand. The Scourge of War. 5-7 Why keep the old Levitical law? And with each other be at war ; When Jesus brought a neio era, Of love to all where'er they are. Then let us walk beside our guide, Then by his theachings we '11 abide. All things, he saith, I make anew — Old customs, let them pass from view. If thou art smitten on one side, Turn thou the other one with pride; And if they take thy cloak away. Give thou thy coat to him, I pray. You say, perhaps, that this was meant For individuals, and was sent ; 'T was given to people, that they might Teach love to all, and what is right; But nations are a different thing. They must have war sometimes within. Nations are made, as you may see, Of individuals that agree To choose a ruler T)'er the whole, And officers to hold control. The many people on the land Together, in one nation band. Why can 't the rule of love abound Where many, as where /ew, are found? Why not have international law. That does away with cruel war? 68 (^oems for the Times. And difficulties all to settle Without the use of any metal. When will our Master's words come true? When will this time be brought to view? When " spears are bent to pruning-hooks, And swords to plow-shares will be crooked," And peace shall be proclaimed afar, And men shall have no scourge of war. SWEET flower of earth, we love 1^ To look upon thy form. A gift from God above. Thy life has been through storm. Thy perfume, O how sweet ! As quietly thou givest Thy fragrance forth, to meet All other forms that liveth. Divinely art thou made — With what diversity ; Though growing in the shade, Which teaches modesty. I take thee by the stem. And view thee o'er and o'er : I pluck thy leaves, and then Thy fragrance is no more. The (Rose. 59 Beyond this earthly sphere Thy beauty now has fled. Thy life is finished here, For now thy form is dead. We learn from thee, dear flower, That life comes from the dark; Beneath us, every hour, Lies hidden life's bright spark. We learn that if we strive To do what good we can, We shed abroad in life That good to brother man. And when old age shall come, And we must pass away. Our race will then be run, And we have had our day. Like thee, sweet, fragrant flower, We lay us down to die, And pass to other bowers — To realms beyond the sky. O let us, like the rose. Shed goodness all around. And go to our repose With stars upon our crown. ^;0s (Poems for the Times. ii'(i% MA, may I go? The bell is now ringing, JJ^ And soon my dear school will have a beginning — Wash my face, comb my hair ; I want to look neat; As the teacher looks ^round, I will be in my seat. ^' My lessons are hard, so quickly I '11 rmi To get there and study, ere school is begun. Those fractions do bother my brain all the time; Not a moment can I keep them out of my mind. " You know I must study if I want to rise. For, ma, don't you see, we all want the prize; And I tell you, mamma, how glad I shall be If ever I get through that old rule of three. ^' I wish I was big as a woman, like you, I tell you, dear ma, great things I would do; I 'd show all the scholars that I would be first, If I studied so hard that my head would most burst." Little Clara said this that I have been telling ; And her brave little heart in her bosom was swelling. Those beautiful orbs so brightly were shining As she stood by my side, her arm round me twining. A brave little girl, was this Clara so sweet; Off to school did she go, so clean and so neat ; There trying to solve those problems with care. And store away knowledge for life to prepare. The Stripes and Stars. (31 She grew to a womaiij so firm and so true; She tried in her pathway sweet flowers to strew. She patiently labored herself to prepare^ Grew wise in her childhood, escaped every snare. See that noble and true, that womanly mind, Looking out on the erring where'er she may find ; Speaking words that may guide them in pathway of right, And working for good — she labors in might. Kesj)ected by all, by many beloved, She's doing the work of her Father above. Ere long she will be taken within the great fold ; Her work is well done — she will reach the great goal. Then study your duty to do while here, That out in the future your light may shine clear ; IS^o matter how hard the problem to solve, Or difficult task on you may devolve. True courage will work all great problems in life; Prepare every one for great tumult and strife. Like Clara, the child, be cheerful at work, And never in life your task try t^) shirk. MnSIGN of freedom hung aloft, ^ The glorious Stripes and Stars ! "^All nations honor pay to thee. O'er lands and seas afar ! 62 (Poems for the Times. Our fathers fought through darkest storms This banner to defend ; Through many fierce and bloody fights Its course has often been. Millions can point with glorious pride Up to the Stripes and Stars, And shouts of freedom — loud huzzas Are given for stars and bars ! No slavish power can rest beneath Our nation's flag to-day ; All bands are broken — all set free, To do whatever they may. We see thy folds now floating out Since eighteen seventy-six ; All nations honor thee to-day, We ask, now, why is this ? Methinks I hear thee now reply : " They see and feel my power," Our chains are broken — we are free Since that rebellious hour. Nations are looking now to thee, And years will then unfold That all the nations of the earth Will strike for freedom bold. A model nation we now stand Beneath the Stripes and Stars, Freedom the tocsin sounds aloud Across the seas so far ! Try to (bo What's (Right. O, noble banner ! thou art mine ! My country, dear, I love ; No despot^s power can hold its sway — No Lord but God above. Within my home help me to work To drive away all wrong ; O, may my land still better be, And grow more firm and strong. May all that tends to crush its sons Be driven far away, And all that holds its daughters down Take from us. Lord, we pray ! O, may our glorious land become So great, so good and free, That all the world will raise the shout, " Hail, glorious liberty V Ensign of freedom, hung aloft, "We hail thee from afar ! Forever let thy folds float out — These glorious Stripes and Stars ! 63 I|0 matter where our lot be cast. Or what our trials are. Life's crosses will not always last, We all must have our share. ^^ ^oems for the Times. Through all conditions, let us strive To get a ray of light ; With steadfast purpose, let us rise And try to do what ^s right. Though friends prove false and foes assail, Still let us keep in view That 7'ight must triumph and prevail, Then let us all be true ; If Wisdom's banner we would win. Let 's struggle with our might ; We '11 keep our motives pure within. And try to do what 's right. Our Father knows what sore distress His children must pass through. And he will guide us for the best, And tell us what to do. Then let us thank our Father,. God, - Who leads us through the night. And patiently we '11 bear the rod. And try to do what 's right. o^c IHOU angel of love, O ! take thy seat And dwell with mortal man : Reign thou through all this land complete,- Cast forth thy powerful Avand. C^eace. 65 May mortals cease this Avar and strife — This carnage seen around — Scatter thy blessings — stop the blight Of discord^s wasting sound. Give man to see his brother man Stand near beside him here : Show him that 't is a murderous hand That deals with blows severe. If must needs be that man will cast This pearly so richly wrought^ Before the fierce and bloody blast Of selfishness thus sought, Then wilt thou let thy mighty voice Be heard in thunderous tones, Delivering the weak from forms of vice — Saying, -^ Let them alone!' v> O ! may this be as God thinks best : May vice be driven far down, And man rise up — be truly blest — And " peace on earth " be found. Sweet bird of promise, perch thyself Upon those lofty domes : Sit quietly, as some small elf. Within each cottage home. Thy law of love within each heart Implant so firm and strong ; Give hope in weakness — faith impart, And make the feeble strong. 6Q (Poems for the Times. Teach men that love will truly give New life and light to all : Teach them that hate can only live As man may downward fall. O ! glorious messenger, draw near — Stand out in bold relief: To all the world wilt thou appear, — Dispel all gloom and grief. Prosperity must mark thy path, — And industry abound — Hope lifts from thee the power of wrath, Where glorious "peace is found. Long may this glorious land of ours Sing this sweet song of peace : And other warring, foreign powers Be led this scourge to cease. Soon let thy banner be unfurled And float from shore to shore : This war away be ever hurled — Be unknown evermore. May all grow wdse in future time, And try to others please ; And act the true and noble mind, And try to live in peace. J^ow and Then. 67 'SN our grandmother's days, we often would find ^ A sweet, youthful lass with a sensible mind. ^ She would wear her large apron, so clean and so neat, And help her mamma till the work was complete. She would spin and would weave, with a very good grace, And never once thought this could her disgrace; She is dressed in " home-spun,'^ with apron of check, With nothing to hide the bare rounded neck. AYith roses her cheek would be blooming all day — With spirits as light as the nightingale gay That sings at his task from morning till night — With a fairy-like form, and a step quick and light. With eyes sparkling bright, these lasses would go To school through the winter, thro' cold and thro' snow. A mile — perhaps iiGo — would these daughters trudge on, Nor think it a very long way they had gone. Happiness beams from their faces so fair, By walking this distance, and breathing pure air. Health sat as a diadem on the fair brow — But a vast change we see from that time till now. A lass could then help in the kitchen, you know, And milk Sunday eve's, if she did have a heau. She 'd wash all the dishes — the children undress. And when all was finished, sit quiet and rest. She would wear plainer garments — she plainly would twir; Her hair up behind, or, perhaps it might curl 6S ^oems for the Tinges. Around the fair head^ and oft was it said As a romp on the green^ the children she led. How different now — in these new, modern times ! Girls now have large heads, but very small minds. The most of the head is the chignon so large, She carries it well, though a troublesome charge. In flounces she dresses, from her head to her feet. With pannier and bustle, to make all complete. The elaborate dress of the modern young lass, That she in society may decently pass. High heels to her boots, in the center are placed, That she may step forth with a beautiful grace. She must stoop, for eifect, a charm it will lend ; Of necessity now, she puts on the bend. Her hat, but a phantom^ is perched on her head, She is small at the waist, as has often been said ; Her care is about whatever she shall w^ear. And " pow^der ^^ completes her complexion so fair. Disgraced is she now, if she ^s caught at her work, Her hand must ne'er suffer, or soiled be with dirt. She must learn to talk German or French, at her --ichool, For this Avill accomplish this beauty to rule. No part w^ould she take in the hushiess of life. Prepared she is not to face the sad strife. She hopes in the future to find a gay man. That has means to support her in style that is grand. No labor is given for this one to do, Prepared for great labors she is n't, that 's true. J*? I ^m feeling sad and lonely while thinking o'er the past, "Which comes before my vision so very, very fast. When we were little children, and living on the farm. We used to romp upon the hay, within my father's barn, Or go to gather hazel-nuts down by the roadside there : O, happy, happy children — so free from every care! A merry little group were we — numbered children seven ; And while we all were little ones, mother went to heaven : She left us in our childhood, but ten years old was I, And when she went away from us, I felt that I must die. I was the eldest of them all — they all looked up to me ; The youngest was a babe, but ten days old, you see. A little helpless brood were we, without a mother's care, Nor could w^e think a moment what burden I must bear. Our father was as kind as most of fathers are. But many times his temper would get a little jar; But this is human nature, and often it has been Of other mortal beings, the same with other men. We lived as best we could — all lived together there — I had to take the head, the mother's part to bear. The little ones below me I loved with all my heart; And always, like a mother, I took the children's part. My Childhood (Days. 109 I think we lived as well as one e'er could expect; For you must know that children but little can effect. We stood for one another (as mother oft had told Us that we ever ought, if we were young or old.) At fourteen years of age, my father took a wife. Ah ! then, how changed the scene — how different my life ! I then must go away from brothers, sisters, dear. And take my place with others, within another sphere. I left the dear old home to dwell in a strange land ; The labors of my life must be at strangers' hands. I prayed God, my Father, would kindly lead me through, And guide my wandering footsteps — show me what to do. And many, many friends I found, where'er I went ; And many kindly blessings upon my head were sent. I tried to do my duty where'er my lot was cast. And, trusting in the future, 'twould come out right at last. Five years of toil and hardships have passed away and gone, And still I miss dear mother, who left me so forlorn. O, more and more I feel that if I had her near, I 'd pillow on her bosom my head without a fear. I loved my gentle mother far more than did the rest ; For I, the oldest, knew her — the good, the pure, the blest. These words she said unto me: My child, remember me. O, watch these little children — a mother you must be. O, mother ! loving mother ! I tried to do for them Just as I tho't you wished, dear mother, might have been ; And always, through my life, will I remember you. And to myself and others I ever will prove true. 110 (^oems for the Times. ©HE came to me there, with her sorrowing heart ; ^ The tears to her eyes, unbidden, did start; ^ Sad, sad and forsaken was wandering o'er, To ask for a morsel at every door. The cold winter winds with piercing blast, All over her shivering form did cast A mantle of sorrow, on this gloomy night, As she paused to look 'round her, in her hasty flight. "I' m starving!" she said, "O pity, not blame! In mercy consider for what I here came! A morsel to keep me from dying out here, From the cold chilling winds of this winter severe. "Do n't turn me away in the pitiless cold, But the hand of charity out to me hold : O, give me — -just give me a bit in my hand, For I am a wanderer over the land !" " What brought you to poverty ?" said I to her : She answered, "I '11 tell you my story kind sir: Death came and bereft me of all my kind friends — All, all that I had from me has been rent. "Alone in ih.Q world, I have tried to get work. But thus far my efforts have all been deterred ; I have nothing to do — I 've no friends — I 've no home ; I 've been wandering many a day all alone. " O, many are there who on me would smile — My steps in the ways of sin would beguile; The Unfortunate, 111 To supply all my wants have I yielded to sin, O, pity my feelings ! I 'm so sad within. ^^Men came to me, then, and rewarded me well. When I gave them my virtue — my honor did sell ; They lavished upon me those luxuries grand, And gave what I wished with a liberal hand. ^^But soon, ah, how soon, did I fall low, low down, To the depths of such low degradation. I found Myself driven out in the pitiless cold, With no one to care for me — no mortal soul. "O, pity me, sir! O, give me, I pray! Do n't drive me thus famishing, far, far away, Just give me a little, for soon must I die. And then will this poor, famished form low down lie. ^^Kind sir, if that man that has led me astray Had been a protector, I 'd ne'er seen this day. If he 'd stood like a brother, and helped me along, I 'd never have been found in this state so forlorn. " My heart beats so faintly — I know I '11 soon go Beyond this affliction, and all this sad woe; I can not be placed in conditions much worse. For me there is nothing but sad, sad reverse." I gave her the morsel she thus craved from me. And said : " My dear girl, to you will I be A friend. I will try, and see what I can do, Perhaps I can get a situation for you." I sought out a place for the unfortunate one — Encouragement gave — as one ought to have done; 112 (Poems for the Times. Kind words did I give to this being so drear, Which seemed at that moment her sad heart to cheer. I watched all her movements on, from time to time, And lessons of goodness instilled in her mind; I bade her to go in the pathway of right : Told her I ^d defend her through all the dark night. Time passed — she reformed — stood up in her pride : She is married, and makes a kind-hearted bride. Her duties in life are faithfully discharged, And her circle of friends at present is large. Who tells me the fallen can not be reformed? True worth, within all can be found, will adorn The low and the vile — if you help them to rise, You will see in the future, you Ve brought out a prize. Go thou and do likewise — go shelter the weak, Help those that may come assistance to seek ; Speak kindly, if nothing on them you bestow, In this a kind feeling to them you will show. There are many all over this beautiful land, That need a kind word ; O, lend them a hand I Do n't lead into vice, but stand as a brother, Though no sister of yours, she may be of another. ?||N a small, humble cot, away on the lea, ^ Lived a dear little girl, named Arabel Lee; ^' Her eyes were as blue as the violets low, That down by the side of the garden-wall grow. At ah el Lee. 113 Her hair shone so bright, the profusion of curls Decked the head and the shoulders of the little girl ; Those features so sweet and so innocent, too ; She talked with those orbs of rich azure blue. At six years of age she was left here to mourn The loss of her father, who left her forlorn, With a sister and brother; these children, the three, All lived with their mother, way down by the sea. The mother felt sad. To her children she said : " My darlings, how can I provide you with bread ? In this country ^tis hard for a widow like me To provide for the wants of my children, you see.^' This is a cold world for poor Arabel Lee, With no shoes on her feet, must go barefoot, you see ; While her mother would labor from morning till eve To keep them from starving, these children, all three. The daughters of Erin work early and late — Those women that live in poverty^s state — And that was the case (as often we see) Of the mother of sweet little Arabel Lee. Her mother would say to that dear little girl : " Now go wash your face and fix up your curls. Then come and take care of the baby for me. And see what a good little girl you can be. " Take care of dear brother as well as you can ; Perhaps he, some day, may grow up a man. And if you will try, do the best you aan do. Perhaps he will, some day, take care of you." 114 (Poems for the Times. Their mother would leave them the whole livelong day A washing she 'd go, as all the folks say ; Arabel would do all that was left her to do-^ She would take care of baby and do her work, too. Her mother came home so weary, at eve — Her head would oft ache, and her heart did oft grieve, When she thought of her labors from rising of sun, And how she came home with a very small sum. How often she thought: ^^How I wish I could see Americans shores, the land of the free ; If myself and my birdies were over the main, I never would come here — no, never again.'^ And as she was thinking and studying, too. Of what she had heard and what she might do, She heard of a chance to cross the broad sea. She could go, and could take her children, all three. A gentleman there, an American, too. Had seen little ArabePs eyes, soft and blue ; He noted her face and her bright, shining curls, And asked the poor mother for this little girl. "As for parting with my little girl, I can not; Although, to supply all her wants, I have naught; But, sir, if you ^11 help me to go with all three, I ^11 let her stay with you, if near I may be. " I will pay you all back, as fast as I can, When once I may reach that glorious land ; But do n^t ask me to part with either the three, For I can ^^," said the mother of Arabel Lee. Arahel Lee. 115 This man was kind-hearted — benevolent, too ; He worked for the cause of humanity, true. He paid her way over the billowy sea, She stepped on the shore of the " land of the free." She at once went to work with a hearty good-will ; And this friend found a place she knew she could fill ; She saved all the means in her power to command, And with it she bought a small piece of land. Her son soon grew up to a good, noble man. And helped her to clear and fence up her land ; And Arabel grew to a woman so fair, And still she possessed that rich, curly hair. The sister a teacher in school had become — For this is the way that the story did run : She well filled her place, with womanly pride Was she loved by the children who stood by her side. Mr. Horton, the friend of Arabel Lee, Had a son, who was now about twenty -three. He saw this fair damsel, and loved her full well, And she found in her heart that his image did dwell. Little Arabel Lee Mrs. Horton became ; Although she was changed, it was only in name. She lives in a mansion, so happy and free, This poor little Irish giid, Arabel Lee. With plenty around her, she thinks of the poor, That often, as beggars, she finds at her door. She does all she can for the suffering ones, She thinks of the time she was sad, weak, and ione. 116 ^oef]n,s for the Times. Her mother is happy. Surrounded in life With blessings and comforts obtained by hard strife. Her children around her, and grandchildren, too — She thinks of the time when dark clouds she passed thro'. When she kneels before God, in deep, earnest prayer. She thinks of the poor ; and is willing to share Her bounty with those who are suffering bere. And their sorrow will bring to her eyes many tears. She thinks of dear friends, who aided her so As she struggled, and waded through grief and thro' woe. And always will try to help those in need — A friend in suah moments a friend is indeed. This moral we glean from Arabel Lee : That in all of our lives, wherever we see Our work is made known, to do it with cheer. If the task should be hard, or e'er so severe. Our Father well knows of our sad, helpless state ; And if sickness, or want, or death be our fate, Let us struggle along, live true to the end ; He always will bless us, and give us dear friends. Then let us be patient through all we may pass. We surely will come off victorious at last : Be kind and obliging, wherever we be. Like this daughter of Erin — sweet Arabel Lee. A Vision. 117 Hum. 'H ONCE had a vision, like one as of old, m A lesson I learned that was better than gold. ^ I '11 give it to you. May you try here to scan, The worth of this vision I give, if you can. I saw a bright cloud — as of bright shining gold. And, as it was passing, began to unfold. Till it spread away out, from the shore to the sliore- I never had seen such a sight eVr before. And soon I caught sound of a musical chime. It fell on my ear, and it soothed my sad mind; The notes, as they through all the heavens did ring, I knew 't was the voice of the angles that sing. The song was a song, as a welcome 't was given. To a weary, sick soul as it soared up to heaven ; Each note that I heard made my soul e'er so rife, With the joys of the blest in the beautiful life. I longed to see into those white pearly gates ; I felt that I never could linger or wait. O, give me a sight of those walls yet unseen ! O, let me but have just one glance now within! I felt, as I listened to those mellow tones. As on the cool zephyrs to me they were borne. And as I was longing these wonders to see, A beautiful angel came then unto me. She said to me : ^' Mortal, come here unto me If this heavenly choir you wish now to see. 118 (Poems for the Times. The path we must go is not long, neither wide — To that beautiful land where the angels abide.'' She opened the gate and invited me in To the heavenly land, so free from all sin ; And there did I see that heavenly band : The sight was magnificent — O, it was grand ! A beautiful wreath 'round each head was entwind, And stars that shone bright as the stars that now shine. All through these bright wreaths did this dazzling light Give unto my vision a beautiful sight. While gazing I stood, in that heavenly place, I suddenly saw a familiar, dear face. 'T was mother, dear mother, that left me, you know, To weep here on earth, a long time ago. She had in her arms a sweet little child. It seemed to be happy, contented, and mild. Contentment was seen there in every face : O I longed then to stay in that heavenly place. Then mother came to me — she said, '^ My dear child. Every mortal that comes, must come here through toil — Through labors on earth, in trials and care — You are fitted to come wath the angels to share. "These beings you see, all, all have have once been The weary, down-trodden of earth's sons of men, That labored in earnest — hard burdens did bear. And fitted themselves with the angels to share. "And many of these came through poverty's door; These, never know want on this beautiful shore : The Little Ckag=(^icker. 119 And others have fought in the battles of life, And the crown on each head tells well of the strife. "The rich, selfish miser can never come here, Nor those that monopolize all in your sphere : No room for such beings we give in our land, They never can join with the heavenly band. " Not now, can you come to live with us here ; Go back and prepare — go live in earth's sphere: Show forth in your labors while you 're dwelling there, That to come here and dwell you will try to prepare.'' She left me ! the sight quickly vanished away ; But a lesson I learned from the vision that day : I am willing to labor as hard as I can. That I, in the future, may live in that land. ^N a lonely alley in the city wide, ^ We find a little child, ^'With a sack or basket by her side. Picking where dirt is piled. Those tiny hands, e'er soiled, defaced, With contact with that heap — Traces are seen upon that face. Disfiguring features sweet. Her tattered garments were all rent. No shoes upon her feet ; Bareheaded, too, the sun's rays bend Its force on her complete. 120 (Poems for the Times. Picking away, from morn till night, She goes from heap to heap, And presents to us a sickening sight, Is seen in that retreat. Toil hard she did, with patience mild, The basket she filled up — That innocent, unhappy child. Drinking from Sorrow's cup. Wan were her features, pinched with want- Toiling to earn her mite — To feed that little form so gaunt, That feels this piercing blight. „ Poor little one ! no friendly hand To w^ash and make you clean ; In this, our glorious Christian land, "With many churches seen. None care for thee, thou friendless one ; Sorrow has marked thy path : No smiling friend to bid thee come. All grief away to cast. But angels pity thee, dear child. And o'er that little head Are speaking forth, in tones so mild, Saying, ^^ You '11 soon have bread." Death will unlock the wicket-gate, And bid you enter in; You ne'er will then stand out and wait, But welcome find within. The Litde Ckag=C^icker, 121 God loves the rag-picker as well As one that dresses j&ne ; He feels for you — no tongue can tell His sympathizing mind. Ere long thy form, distressed while here, By poverty and want, Enough will have in other spheres ; Nor wilt thou look so gaunt. Conditions that surround thee here Make this, thy lot, so sad ; Injustice lays her hand severe. And keeps thy pathway bad. When more enlightened all become, Then all will be cared for — E'en every ragged, dirty one; For them we'll make a law. To educate and help refine. And rear them in this life;. Enlighten all poor, feeble minds, Prepare them for earth's strife. How many children through our towns And cities do we meet — We cast a glance and then a frown, W^hile passing through the street. Scenes often to our vision came Of children, pinched, distressed. While other fortunate, happy ones Appear beside, well dressed. 122 (Poems for the Times. If all would have a little care For those oppressed and wronged, And each would try with them to share, Such sights would ne'er last long. O, Father, hasten soon the time When each feels for another; And 'round each heart wilt thou entwine. Bonds linking to each other. Drive all that helps to crush away, By thine ejffulgent rays : Help the unfortunate, we pray. And show them brighter days. SS it to bow the knee in prayer, ^And of all sinners to beware ? ^ And all the ritual 'tend with care, Your purse to open free ? From all the vile to keep away. And give to God your heart away. And daily on your knees to pray. You can a Christian be? Go, ask the one who goes to mass; And after all his care, alas! He '11 hardly able be to pass Into the kingdom given. (Religion. 123 Each morn we find him on his knees, Striving an angry God to please ; The priest locks heaven, and holds the keys, And he away is driven. Unless he gives, from out his store. And from his cofPers often pours. Will he — the priest — unlock the door And sins e^er be forgiven. Then he, absolved from all his sin, Will be permitted to pass in. And be a Christian now with him : He 's on his way to heaven. The woman says : Go, seek your wives, And to the kingdom you may rise : Religion makes you pay your tithes Of all that you possess. Brigham will tell them what to do. And show them what is good and true. If they wdll follow him they ^11 view The courts of promised rest. We ask : Is this religion true, That makes humanity to do Such acts as these we often view Within our lower sphere ? Is this the way our Savior said, When he the multitude there fed. Or stood beside the widow^s dead, In deeds of kindness here? 124 (Poems for the Times. " Do good to all.'' Be kind and true, As you 'd have others be to you, "When grief or sorrow you pass through, Is what our Master taught. It matters not how mean or low, If we are needed, we should go, Jesus, our pattern, told us so: And many such were brought* Religion makes us truly kind To all — the sick, the halt, the blind ; And bids us all their wants to bind — And help up brother man. It gives to all a generous heart : They with their bounty here will part ; Gives sympathy for others' smarts. And does what good it can. Then let us strive to gain it here. And do some good upon this sphere ; And let what light we have shine clear, To other mortals 'round. Religion is an earthly school ; The Scripture says the wise or fools Can learn this blessed ^^ golden rule " — In deeds of love he found. VISIT the cot of my childhood days. And over the place I roam. Where I lived with my innocent, childish ways- The place of my early home. My Childhood Home. 125 But changed, O how changed, are its scenes to me, For strangers' feet now tread The halls and the nooks where I used to be, And those that once lived there are dead. The mother that taught me to lisp a prayer, In the quiet summer eve, Lies quietly in the church-yard there : O'er her grave are the fallen leaves. The father that I loved so fondly and true, Has gone to his long, long home; Those brothers are gone — all gone, too. But a few that are left to roam. The quaint old hall, with its winding stairs. That has stood for a long, long time. And the bell that jingles so merrily there, Eepeating the same old chime. The parlor, so changed, I can hardly think 'T is the one of my olden home; The curtains of damask, with golden tint. All glittering the apartment shone. 'T was thus other hands had wrought the change, And strangers were dwelling there. Refitted, refurnished — all seemed so strange — With taste and scrupulous care. But I lingered a moment or two in thought. Of the changes that fill all our years; And musing, and passing events, soon brought To my eyes the unbidden tears. 1 26 ^Poe^ns for the Thnes. I thought of so much. The vision flew past Of years^ months, and days, that had flown : All crowded themselves on my mind, strong and fast, While I sat there within my old home. I longed to be gone. No pleasure I founa In reflections, all hurrying by : The home of my childhood, that once did abound With pleasure, now brings naught but sighs. I left that dear spot in the bright month of June, Which with gladness and beauty all shone: Sweet birds were then warbling beautiful tunes In the grove that adjoined the old home. Ere long, ^t will be said of me, just the same, When only a few days are fled : " Mark how she is furrowed. Her form, how 'tis changed She soon will join friends that are dead.'' Let me feel that I 've labored and finished my task. And be ready to meet those gone on. 'Tis all that I wish— 'tis all that I ask- To meet those of my old childhood home. ifiii. 4£ AM here — I came here without my consent- 5}J I go through life's journey wherever I 'm sent : ^ I 'm doing the best that I can here below. And that is as well as I can, do n't you know ? Why is it that I must thus walk in this path ? Why go needy and suffering, while plenty he hath? Why. ' 127 Why kept in this narrow condik'on in life, To battle with poverty, discord, and strife? I was reared with a plenty — great affluence, grand, There was naught that I wanted but I could command : In music, and painting, and other fine arts. All, all have I had — all desires of my heart : Education have I — I ^m accomplished, withal. Why, O, tell me why, must it all from me fall? Why can 't I have worh, to earn my way through ? O, tell me why 'tis I have nothing to do? Perhaps you will say : " Have courage — be bold,'' This, too, has been to me repeatedly told : " Stand up and go out, apply for a place. And not sit down there and repine in disgrace." I Ve been out, and I Ve tried a great many times. The place would be promised to men, I would find ; Then would I seek elsewhere, but all, all in vain ; Then discouraged I 'd come to this dread place again. tell me some way ! give me something to do ! 1 can not do every thing, that's very true; But do give me something I can do, I say. And be willing that I should be rendered my pay. Can any one tell me how I 'm to subsist. And poverty, want — such monsters resist ? You say that some women are able to find Employment sufiicient to fill all their time. Providing that all that you say may be true, I 'm different from some, so what shall I do? I might tell you of many more here, just like me. Who have n't that great force of mind, do n't you see ? But they must all live here, as well as must you : Then tell me what such ones are going to do. 128 (Poems for the Times. " Go, work in the kitchen ^' — I oft hear you say : And there they get small, yes, very small pay. What is it, you know, that pays woman the best — Laying aside all joking or jest; Do you know that you force women from virtue's stand, And never will lend her a kind, helping hand? Then if I should sell you my virtue — my all, And into sin's vortex should happen to fall; You 'd pay me the best to crush myself down, And then you would turn and look with a frown ; And this am I forced to do, or to lie In this wretched place — of starvation to die. I know that 't is sinning, but do you not sin? Can your outward be foul and pure be within ? Do n't you lead me to crime in which you partake, And try all the guilt upon me to shake? You mark out your victim, then study as well To drag that pure being from heaven to hell — You take note of conditions which may her surround, Then strive with your might to draw her right down : You seem so benevolent, friendly, and good. That she thinks friendly — you meant that she should — - You talk to her kindly, and sympathy give, And say you will help her henceforth here to live: If she will but yield to your wishes, you see, A friend to her ever in future you '11 be. You know this is so, deny if you can. That this has not been, for a long time, your plan. Why do n't you try always to have her stand firm . Do always the right, try wisdom to learn? Put your hand in your pocket and give her the dollar. Without asking her shame's dark pathway to follow. Why, 129 O ! you are to blame for conditions we see, Of our noble sex over this country : You will license these places where virtue is sold To you, brother man, for your paltry gold. If should sell all that to me is most dear, To you, you would laugh, and soon cast a sneer; But 't is my poor condition that forces me down To that miserable calling, in city or town. I will labor if only my hand you '11 employ, And pay, that my name I Ve no need to destroy. Some die, that is true, this they would prefer To the awful disgrace on a good character. But many ones have not the will, do n't you see? Will give up, e'er to shame for the want of the fee. O ! pity me, then, and show me the way To earn my day's bread through honor, I pray ! My sisters, do n't say you have all those dear rights That you want, while you see these terrible sights : Do n't sit in your parlor and live at your ease. While those of your sex must suffer and freeze : While such degradation marks many a fair face With outcast in life, that awful disgrace ; Do n't say woman stands in a sanctified place So pure and angelic, with naught to deface That form, as it lives or drags along here Through the cesspools of vice, all over our sphere. O God ! such a picture left here to gaze on — Of crime, sin, and misery — hopes e^er forlorn. Through passions let loose by our brother man, All over our earth we every day scan. What must this all come to? O, tell me, I pray! When will right and truth hold forth virtue's sway ? 130 (Poems for the Times. When will people learn to act wisely here, And from all low practices ever keep clear? Never, till ivoman stands equal in life, With man, in all things, will cease this sad strife. '^And Avhen will that be?^^ we often hear asked — We answer, in future, she '11 come to her task, When the ballot within her own hand she can take, She will then try help all the wrong right to make. In the mean time, I pray, tell me why must I stand With nothing to do, though I have willing hands : O give me employment ! I quickly will fill The position you give me with hearty good will; And show you that woman is n't low here from choice, But give her her rights, she '11 stand up and rejoice. m GLOEIOUS star! O glorious star! JJ' O shed thy beaming light afar ! ' Till all thy daughters light shall see, AVithin thy bonds of mystery. Our mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, The Mason's star do truly prize : It leads us on through darkest night ; Then gladly will we hail its light. Thy place is fixed, O glorious star — Thy light hath come here from afar : Thy genial rays hath many fed. And gently hath the orphan led. Tlie Eastern Star, 131 In holy bonds of unity, A guide through all adversity, — Thy golden rays hath helped me on, When I was friendless and alone. Then to thy light, O beauteous star, Shed o'er my pathway from afar, I owe thee much, through coming time : Dear star, I love thee ! Thou art mine. Dear sister, here, in friendship true, O may our hearts well up anew ; And to each sister on this sphere Show that our star is shining clear. Then stand thou there, and shine away; Thy work is good, go thou thy way : Thou in our world must do thy part To help unfold the human heart. All good, true work of charity Will help to save humanity : So thou art doing well, we see ; In works of love w^e join with thee. Go aid our sisters through our land, And guide them as a happy band : Go, let thy light shine near and far — Thou bright and glorious Eastern Star. 132 (Poen^s for the Times. SlUST as the sun was sinking low, m> Behind the western hills, ^ Nature with beauty was aglow, And all seemed calm and still. I thought to take a little stroll Out in the evening air, And from my mind life's burdens roll, And cast aside its care. My mind was carried far, far back Into my childhood's days. And thoughts of happiness that 's past, Of my own childish ways. As I was musing thus, I heard A little, feeble cry : A little girl in pleading words, I looked and saw near by. " O Father, please to let me stay ! The sun is going down — You know it is a long^ long way For me to go to town. " It is a mile or more, you know ; let me stay at home! I have no one with me to go, 1 '11 have to go alone." (Redeef7^ed. 13S ^'Be gone /" — he said, in frenzy wild — Don't let me tell you more!'^ Then from the house he thrust the child As oft he 'd done before. That father had just wakened up, His brain was all on fire From draughts he M taken from the cup, Which caused such actions dire. His thirst for drink was very great ; He hardly could endure : It seemed impossible to wait Till drink he could procure. The mother dared not speak one word ; She knew it was no use : She saw just where her husband stood, And feared his dread abuse. She gladly would have gone, instead Of her dear little May, And put that little one to bed. From all such grief away. But as she saw that darling one Go from the cabin door, O God ! she prayed, for thy dear Sou, O bring us peace once more! O guard that little fragile form ! — O safely bring her home ! And lead us through this dreadful storm I But, Liord, thy will be done. 134 (Poems for the Times. That little girl, just six years old, Was forced to go a mile, To where destruction then was sold — That innocent, pure child. She, with her little pail in hand. Went wandering forth alone : Around her form night drew its band. And she aw^ay from home. And thus she on her errand sped. That little child so sweet ; O how she wished to be in bed ! How tired were her feet! As thus she traveled on, she thought Of happy days of yore — Of when they lived in yonder cot; And wished ^t would be so more. She said : " O dear, I wish my pa AYould be like cousin Jane's ; Then he would be so o;ood to ma — &"^ Will e'er he be asrain?" te" Up to the shop at last she went. And told them why she'd come: She gave the man tlie money sent To buy her pa some rum. She started with her little pail, And as she passed the door, Fear made her courage nearly fail; For all was darkness o'er. TJie ^Redeemed. ' 135 But on she went, in dread and gloom — Hark ! now she hears a sound ! ^T was as a knell rung from the tomb I It shook the very ground! Her trembling form still hurried on, The clouds were gathering fast; At last the fury of the storm Burst out in dreadful blast ! The thunder pealed — the lightning played In fury through the air; One mighty bolt its finger laid Upon this child so fair. That little form lies cold and still; Her sufferings here are o^er : She's taken — 'tis her Father's will — To yonder shining shore. "Within that cabin we can see That little form so white; Her happy spirit now is free From every care and strife. A mother dear bends o'er her child, To kiss the marble brow; A father, too, with anguish wild, Looks on in frenzy now. He says : " 'T is done — the dreadful deed That took my child away ; I see her now, as did she plead For me to let her stay. 136 ^oems for the Times. " ' T was I that brought upon us now This cause of deep distress ; O must I to this trial bow? I never more can rest.^' The form of that sweet little child Is laid beneath the sod; And o^er that mound^ that father wild, Lies smitten with the rod. They take him up, and strive to speak To him in words of cheer ; The mother pleads, "O help the weak ! O, Father, now draw near ! " At last he seems to be composed — He strives to gain command; And swears that ne'er until life's close. He '11 take the glass in hand. That mother kneels, in humble prayer. Upon that cabin floor : " O, Father, take us in thy care ! O bring us peace once more ! " How changed the scene ! Just go with me To yonder cottage door ; And there a manly form you'll see — Not as in days of yore. A marble slab now marks the spot Where sleeps dear little May ; Which stands near by the humble cot, Not very far away. ^Restored Once More. 137 Look closely; there is written on These words, so clearly seen ; " Our little May, that left the form, Her father hath redeemed.'' J-lOWN, down to that dismal deep, ^, As swift as foam he ran — "^ Where demons their watches do keep — Where dwelt the Ku-Klux Klan. kVi haggard and worn he looked : Distorted in frame became, By friends was he now forsook — A being without any name. O, wretched his lot, no name has this one, Stealing away when his night work was done. No care had this one for his life — He felt as an alien from all : Well schooled in this pathway of strife, He lived for this miserable call. No being on earth to love. Cold sternness met he from man, Nor thought of a God above, That every act doth scan. He dwelt in the rocky cave or den. Caring not for the haunts of domestic men. 138 0^0 ems for tiie Times. An angel wife and child Had crossed to the opposite shore : They had gone to the other life, To dwell with their God evermore ; , Since their exit from earthly life, Had this miserable being been Tossed away on the billows of strife — A cast-off was he, by men : The noble, the good of our plain below. He cared not to see, as he went to and fro. But there, in that lone retreat, Came forth, in her rambling there. An angel child, pure and sweet, With golden ringlets fair : Chasing the fawn away, As climbing the rocky steep. She danced, as the water played, In its bed beneath her feet. This child of the mountains, so full of her glee, Oft came here to play, so happy and free. Her father had built a hut. Away from civilized man. The forest pines here to cut, Nor feared this Ku-Klux Klan. God knew that his heart was right. No harm could e'er come to him ; He prayed to the Father of light To keep him from paths of sin. This father and child there dwelt all alone, In that little rude cot as their ow^n mountain home. (Restored Once More. ]39 In gathering the tiny flowers That grew on the monntain^s side, To deck that humble bower, Was truly this little one^s pride; As, singing from morn till night, This sprite would then glide away : 'T was a beautiful, happy sight To watch her thus spending the day. The wretch of the cave beheld in this child A being to love, in a heart lone and wild. He spoke to her kindly, when near This place she perchance would approach ; She knew she had nothing to fear — She saw there no look of reproach. But shyly she drew near that form. So long unaccustomed to dwell Near Aifection^s true heart, ever w^arm, With a soul black with crime, as of hell : This innocent child came near this dark one, And there in simplicity truly him won. He was led from those paths of dark crime. To follow an honorable life. And ever throughout after time Was he led by this being so blithe. Forsaking the Ku-Klux Klan — Throwing off the dark mask that he wore, He lived like an honorable man. And thankful that he was restored. Through the innocent prattle of this little child This being was brought from this dark, lonely wild. 140 (Poems for the Times. And tliree dwelt together there, In the cot at the foot of the steep ; Through the dark, stormy weather each shared Their portion of bread and meat. They emerged from that lonely retreat, Came forth here to dwell then with otiiers, And lived then to do what was meet For man to give unto his brother. Here's another example in life we may scan Of a fierce, cruel lion led out by a lamb. MnTHRONED in regal splendor there, 1^ Majestic, beautiful, and fair — ^ She proudly grasps the stripes and stars, And floats the banner near and far. Her voice is heard in every land — All nations hear when she commands : Sometimes she speaks in thund'rous tones ; Her rightful sway o'er all she '11 own. She casts aside Oppression's chain ; No tyrant can with her remain. All who may live with her are free ; She is our Goddess — Liberty ! All nations seek protection here. From foreign rulers more severe. All find a home, — their rights she '11 heed : No despot's power, no form or creed. No scepter o'er her holds its sway. Or takes her children's rights away ; Our Goddess^ Liberty. ]41 Her laws are true equality, And thus the scales are balanced free. And Justice here is given to all, It matters not how great or small. The eagle proudly by her stands — ^T is emblematic, here, of man — Of brother, sister, side by side, Should equal stand, with equal pride — Together work for mutual good, As was intended that they should. But ah ! alas ! it is not so ! Our mother stands alone, you know ; Her daughters can not take their place. But must stand back, marked with disgrace. Why is this so, O, mother dear. That you stand there — we remain here? Have we an insult given to thee. That we thy presence thus must flee ? Are we beneath our brother man. That he was forced to take this plan? Is not intelligence shown forth In many things, equal in both? Then why not by our mother stand, Both equal to the task in hand? O, mother dear, thine arms extend — = Assistance to thy daughters lend ! Hasten the time when all shall stand In perfect freedom o'er our land. Then, with the scales so equal poised. The stars and stripes above thee hoist. The nation's bird beside thee stand — This emblem of our brother man — 142 d^oems for the Times. Each working there with equal rights, Doing their duty with their might. O, take us all beneath thy folds ! And may we work with courage bold, Till ALL our people shall be free, And hail our Goddess — Liberty ! 10 Pg ^iriiliiwllir. ^EAR, aged form, with tottering step! ffl How dear thou art to me ! '^Our Father watch o'er thee hath kept, Through many years, we see. A mission, noble, wise, thou hast To all on earth fulfilled. Strength will be given thee to the last. To do thy Master's will. Ah, well do I remember when Affliction had bereft Me of a mother ; thou didst then Care for me, as one left. Thy tender counsel led me On Through all my thorny ways, And kept me up, while thus forlorn, Through dark and gloomy days. Ever a watchful eye thou hadst O'er all that struggled hard; And oft the rough path hast smooth made. And quieted all jars. To w.y Grandmother. 143 Assistance came, wlien sore distressed, Dear Grandmother, from thee; Thy gentle touch the ill hath blessed — Thy smile bid sorrow flee. Truly an angel hast thou been In days long since gone by ; Long will I think of thee, my friend, Till low thy form must lie. Thy days are almost finished here — Thy work is almost done. The toils of life, though oft severe. Hath laurels for thee won. All finished, will the task of life Be, when thy summons comes. Thy spirit freed from mortal strife, Will hear the words, " Well done, Thou good and faithful servant, sit Beside thy Father here ; Completed all, thou hast now quit The storms so oft severe. " Enter thou in, and take thy rest ; The mansion is prepared For all the weary, who possess The heavenly passport there." Between the two great cities, now Thy form is lingering: The mortal to immortal bows — Earth has its finishing. ] 44 (Poems for the Times. Thoughtless of what the future may Forever to thee bring, Thy works through life have paved the way To glorious praises sing : Childlike art thou, and trusting, too. To God, the wise and good ; Trusting that ^t will be well with you — You're fed with heavenly food. Perchance thy form may be laid down Beneath the silent clod — Thy spirit from the mortal bound, To dwell in peace with God : And may I ucVa* again behold Thy generous, noble face On earth again, nor e'er can fold Thee in my fond embrace. If so, I truly must submit To one more high than I ; Nor wish to e'er his power resist — He calls and we must die. O may I, in that better land, Behold thy dear, dear face; May we together join the hand In one long, sweet embrace. When all the toils, the cares of life Have passed from us away. May we then higher, higher rise To one great, glorious day : Where there's a Will there's a Way. 145 With all the ransomed heavenly throng, Within that happy place, Join in a sweet, harmonious song — All meet there, face to face. M%m \\\m'% I Willtftm'^ a Win. ^T is the Great Almighty's will ^ That all here should exist : ^His great designs we see fulfilled, Naught maketh him desist. The will — the great impelling power — Drives forward all great moves. Incites to action, helps each hour To that which doth improve. No work, it matters not how great, But what can be brought forth If but the will doth place the stake, And to that point will w^ork. Behold the mighty deeds hath come In days long since gone by — What perils, hardships, felt by some Determined ne'er to die. If but to carry forth in life Works undertaken here, And bring new action into life, Upon this mortal sphere. 7 146 (^oefns for the Times. The will, the power, supremely great, Unlocks great treasures here — Opens the door, unbolts the gate, Till all is made quite clear. If we possess a mighty will. Just let me freely say. Though obstacles encumber, still The will must find the way. Have courage, mother, with that child. That will perverse and strong, Speak kindly, chide him ever mild : Keep him from paths of wrong. Place him where naught can e'er defile His body, mind, or soul — Let love's bright angel on him smile. And thus that child control ; But never try to break that willf As some have wont to try — For truly will it bode you ill. And cause you many a sigh. The will must ever ope the way To every great reform ; Must turn the darkness into day, The night into bright morn. Remember what to you I say : Be resolute and firm ; The will doth open e'er thy way, As Time's great wheel doth turn. 'True Love 147 Throw off that lethargy— that sloth— Else — stand up firm to-day — Put on the will, and let it force Itself into a way. God has given power to all below, That on our earth may stay : Move on — go either fast or slow — The will must have a way. fHERE is a fire to mortals given, That kindles in the human breast — ^ That soars away — its flames near heaven, But the possessor feels unrest. This fire is kindled from the spark Within the being's nature, here : Of the divine it claims a part, Of purity from other spheres. It kindles quickly — burns and dies. And then it seeks obscurity — Or to some distant land it hies To seek for some diversity. This passion— some will term it love — That noble principle, divine. Is given to us by God above. And makes our pathway brightly shine. 148 (^oewLS for the Times. O, selfish mortal ! look within, And see if thou hast treasured there That heavenly guest — so free from sin, That for each other hath a care. That holy passion we call love, A confidence to each impart, Joins kindred spirits from above — Joins hand to hand and heart to heart. It seeks to shield from sorrow's strife The other part that by it stands ; It joins together, all through life. And goes into the summer land. Its partners each will strive to save The other from all pain and woe — Each one can work with courage brave. As hand in hand through life they go. If sickness comes within their sphere — Adversity shall cast a hand. More closely will they now draw near. And tighter Love will draw the band. With such a union here in life — With Love's bright chain around each riven, No word of discord, war or strife — Ah! who can say but this is heaven. No tyrant lord to rule supreme O'er woman's body, mind, and soul, As o'er our land is daily seen, Man strives to hold supreme control. True Love. 149 No wish of his must be denied, But ready be to do his will : As soon as you become a bride, Think as he does^be calm and still. Do as he bids you — dare not speak Unless he tells you what to say — If plans in life you wish to seek, You first must ask him if you may. Away with unions such as this : No Love within that union dwells ; None of that pure, confiding bliss. That 'round the heart will hold its spell. O, fan the flame of Love divine ! And let it kindle all around, Till o'er the earth its light will shine, In every household 'twill be found. O, Father ! may earth's children see That true, unbounded love divine Is what will make them truly free. And make their light more truly shine. In marriage ties, at home, abroad, True love, O let thy power be felt : Jesus for us the wine-press trod, And an example here he left. Of love unbounded, good and true, No selfish ends here must be met. You live for me, and I for you ; Then will each other's wants be met. 150 (Poems for the Times. ^ mAN I engage your school?'^ she said, [j] As gently she did raise her head — " Please let me know. I ^11 try to do My duty as a teacher true.^' A girl of seventeen summers stood In a beseeching attitude; She 'd called to see if he could give Employment by which she might live. This was a trustee of the school ; To him she went, as was the rule, And thus we find her pleading there, That she a teacher^s lot might share. Young, beautiful, accomplished, too, This girl stands up before our view; No parents has she — all have gone — And left her lonely and forlorn. Sweet Fanny Church had lived in wealth, Surrounded by all things but health. Frail had she been, e'en from her birth ; Still, in her heart we find true worth. When parents died and she was left, Of all her means was she bereft : She had an education, true- Teaching was all that she could do. The School=Te acker. 151 The trustee looked, in thoughtful mood, And said, " I fear you never could Give satisfaction to the mind, If we should here a bargain bind." She asked him what would be the price He ^d give her. He said, in a trice, ^^ You are a woman — do n^t you see You can ^t expect as much from me " As if a man you had have been : A greater price we give to him. Two dollars per week is what we give A woman — sure, with that she '11 live. "A man must have seven dollars per week Or another place he'd quickly seek ; But for women, there are plenty here To hire for this price, every year. "We'll board you — that is, board around — And better board can not be found ; Good wages you will truly make At prices I thus freely state." " O, that is strange ! why is it so — That such a difference you show ? If I, a woman, do as well As any man, the reason tell "Why I should work so cheap, while he Has so much higher price than me ? I can not see the justice here; To me, it is not very clear." 15'2 ^Poems for the Thnes. " My dear, dear girl ! why, do n't you know That pure necessity will go A long, long way to show you why Our prices you must abide by?'' " Well, sir, please let me have the school ; I think I can submit to rules. And take what you have offered me : I do the best I can, you see." Poor girl ! she labored hard and well As any man that you could tell; Her place within that school-room there She filled with earnestness and care. She went from room to room, Avith book, And noted all the wants and looks ; Fatigued and weary was at night, She thought, " How could it all be right " — That she should pass through just the same As the man-teacher that there came — That he could have seven dollars per week, "While two must she take, and be meek. Dear Fannie ! you will see the time, When you the ladder upward climb, When you the ballot will possess, Your pay will equal his — no less. Take courage. If you are obliged To work so cheap, you must abide By what man says. Bat future time Will give you rights , as up you climb. The Happy (Pair. 153 When you shall stand there by his side, And justice will triumphant ride, Then will you see a happy sight — You'll find that you will have your right. j^fHE now stands by the altar — ^ A being, O so fair; ^ The petted of another — No traces seen of care. Her bridal robes, so fleecy, Are loosely flowing 'round That slender form so lovely. Her hair with blossoms bound. That sweet, that lovely creature, Stands by her husband's side ; He speaks to her so tender, He loves his darling bride. Love's altar now is burning Within his manly heart; He now goes forth for learning New forms of Love's bright art. She's trusting — all confiding; This is her own dear choice : Of all the world abiding. None thrill as his sweet voice. 154 (PoeTin^s for the Times. • She gives him all her treasures So near and dear to her; Her love can know no measure^ — She sees in him no blur. O ! lovely^ happy beings ! O ! try and always be Whatever we now are seeing — So full of joy and glee. You may have many crosses — As other mortals do — But through all gains or losses Be to each other true. Then will life be all sunshine — The clouds you '11 hardly see; Love will around your hearts twine In pure simplicity. Mkt MViimt mi lit ^IBmlnu., IjHE sublime we may by the ridiculous view, All over our beautiful land ; ^^"^ The evil beside the good and the true, Which gives it a contrast so grand. We see the sublime in that noble form. That stands up in manhood's own might : !N"ow comes the ridiculous, passing along — We stand there and look at the sight. The Stiblime and the (Ridiculous. 155 That great, noble form that God has so made, Becomes smeared by habits of filth ; Which over our minds now casts such a shade : Now we ask, do you mark this one's guilt? See him taking the poisonous weed within That mouth, with a mustache fair ; And a mammoth meerschaum now comes in, 'I^eath the curls of that beautiful hair. Those beautiful orbs of azure blue, As they came from their Maker's hand. All bleared with drink, ere long we view : 'Tis the fkvlt of a reckless man» A noble, manly form, erect, Steps firm and elastic, too ; Another, we see, a perfect wreck. His tottering steps we view. The great works of God are truly sublime, Man adds the ridiculous part ; Whatever God has made is truly divine. Unless 't is perverted by art. See the graceful form, with those golden curls — A form of Nature so true — The natural form of our beautiful girls, So lively indeed to our view. Beside that form of symmetry view Another, whose shape is small. All cramped and stayed, uncomely, too : Ridiculous ! shout we all. 156 C^oems for the Times, We look at that graceful and modest dress, That trips along our street ; Another, whose folds on the pavement rest, To give it another sweep. The sublime, beside the ridiculous, gives To the true and sensible mind, That God has not made us for nothing to live, In this world that is good and divine. O live as our Father has made us to be — All pure, all humble and good. O let us discard whatever we see. That our judgment tells us we should. Whatever in habit, or fashion, or dress Will make us ridiculous here ; Turn from them; ay, as you would from some pest, As you meet it, and tremble with fear. Si PRECIOUS jewel here I find, ^J Entrusted to my care; "'*- This little, pure, immortal mind, Within this casket fair. I tremble when I look upon This gem, so pure and bright, That I must treasure night and morn, And lead in paths of right. The Mother's Grayer. 157 Help to unfold those noble powers, Teach lessons for its good, And guide those little feet each hour With Christian fortitude. Those little hands, so pure and white, Must never become stained With sin^s dark deeds — O spare the sight ! O save my heart such pain! I look — the task seems great to me. As, casting glances ^round, I see so much of misery And crime doth now abounds So many ways, so many snares. Are ready for those feet; They may, my darling, unawares, Entrap my jewel sweet. O, God! I put my trust in thee ! O guide me in the right! In childlike, meek simplicity Depend I on Thy might! O may those little feet ne'er stray' Tn those forbidden paths; But walk the straight and narrow way, And shun the ways of wrath ! Those jewel hands do deeds of love, Those eyes beam forth divine ; Those little lips sing praises above, That heart be good and kind. 158 C^oems for the Times. To thee, O, Father, let me look For help, in time of need — To teach my child from Thy great Book Of Nature, which we read. My jewel, then, so dearly bought, This little pearl of life. Will grow to higher, loftier thought — Joy will his pathway light. Ill ©ijfirirt, fHE gentle stream as it opens wide, And is hurrying on so fast ; And swifter the eddying, glittering tide Leaps on as it rushes past. Now faster the current of the stream. Is going with main and might; The golden sun with dazzling beams. Presents a glorious sight. The roar is heard in the distance now. As madly the waves rush on — Tall trees before its force must bow, And be taken by power beyond. Louder and louder the sound appears. Till deafening the noise becomes : Great objects approach and disappear — They are lost when the next wave comes. The Cataract. 1&9 Whirling and tossing, away it goes; O'er the mighty cliff it sweeps, Down, down to its watery bed below — To the cavern so low and so deep. Now slowly it wends its way along; Its fury now is spent: Its work is nDw finished — it passes on In its course, as it were, content. We 're reminded of life, in the cataract's sweep, As mortals in life begin ; Gently they pass in life so sweet, Know very little of siii. But as time rolls on new objects arise. From which they gather more strength. Which serves to make them good and wise, Bv which their actions are bent. Or perhaps in the whirlpool of passion or crime They are hurrying madly along. So that in after years they find Their strength is wasted and gone. Let us learn from all that we find in life, From the gentle stream that flows, To consider and learn to be truly wise, Nor rush as the cataract does. 160 fPoems for the Times. )LI]SrG out the banner ! let it wave O'er all the land and sea, Till nations view its power to save, And shout, " All must be free ! " Columbus, when, in years gone past Did step upon the soil, And planted Freedom sure and fast. Through hardship, fear, and toil. He little knew how great the work His great endurance gave — He could not see the noble worth That little band so brave. They planted here, with hand so true, Those principles so strong. That Freedom gave, to me and you. That always rights the wrong. Then came our Pilgrim Fathers, too. On Plymouth Rock they stand. Advanced in principles more true, More noble, firm, and grand. Oppression held its grasp so firm O'er all these noble souls, Their steps toward the sunset turned, Their future to control. We Work for Liberty. 161 Xhe glorious tratli of liberty Came from tlie very hour Our Pilgrim Fatliers' forms were seen Land froui the ship '^ Mayflower." We ^11 worship Gocl as we think best; No tyrant will we fear : No priest or potentate invest Our sanctuary here. The seed was sown and rooted deep Within this nation^s heart; 'T was destined o'er our land to sweep With one tremendous dart. And years have come and gone, but still Those principles so free, In apite of cruel tyrant's will. Are ripening fast, we see. The British yoke we cast aside, We came out brave and strong ; And all our gates threw open wide. To those oppressed and wronged. Ere long we found within our land Yv"e held so near' and dear, A demon sought to take command, And plant his footsteps here. O slavery ! the curse we strove. With all our ransomed power. To banish from the land we love, In our rebellious hours. 162 (^oe'^ns for the Times. Your form must perish^ Ioav your head Must lie beneath our feet; We see him, lying crushed and dead — Our victory is complete. We look again, and we behold Once more a tyrant^s form, That robs the victim — takes the soul, And turns the heart to stone. No more we see the manly form Of God^s own image given — All truth and goodness from him torn, And chains upon him riven. This enemy we now must fight, O fit use for the task ! May we sufficient be in might To chain this monster fast. Intemperance— thou dreadful curse Of all the human race! How long thy sorrows thus disburse — Our world how long disgrace ! O let us rally — one and all — To lay this monster low ! O hasten to our country^s call Of sorrow, grief, and woe. Those tearful eyes — those shrunken forms- Those wailings heard around — Those hopes now blasted, bruised, and torn- With voice of thunder sound ! We Work for Liberty. 163 One million souls are passing on Within each yearly round : A million more, when these are gone^ Are ready to go down. Then let us cast a glance or so Upon the paupers left, That to our alms-house yearly go, And by our taxes kept. But worse than all, do we behold That great immortal part — We mean the ruin of the soul — Of Deity, a spark. Can we, with such a scene as this, Sit careless at our ease? Not thinking of our brother's bliss. Seeking ourselves to please? O selfish one ! where'er you are, Remember — at thy hand Thou It have to render up with care Of what thou dost command. O let us all together fight Like valiant soldiers true ! Soon we will triumph in the right. And victory will ensue. O, brother, work, and nobly too. Thy fallen sex redeem ; And sisters, let us fight it through. Beside our brothers seen. 164 (Poeins for the Times. Fling out the temperance banner high! We '11 cast its folds around, Till all the earth will hear the cry — " This monster is cast down." s^ \%t Mmt%. fUSHING, splashing at thy will- \ Running down the sidelong hill- Glancing in the sunbeams there Waters, thou art everywhere — Gushing, dashing madly on, From sunset eve till dewy morn. Hear the great Niagara roar, As we stand upon its shore ; See the quiet little rill Trickling down the mossy hill — Smoothly, gently gliding on From sunset eve till dewy morn. Look beneath the ocean's bed ; There behold the sleeping dead; There, within thy liquid fold. Ghastly forms do we behold : Madly rush thy waves along. From sunset eve till dewy morn. God in nature placed you here As a blessing on our sphere ; Gave to man this sparkling drink. Without it he would surely sink. To the Waters. 165 Gladly stand and sing thy song, From sunset eve till dewy morn. "Why should man — God's image here — Drink not from Nature's fountain clear? Pure water — how we love thy song — It makes the body firm and strong. O drink Qod^s drink as you pass on, From sunset eve till dewy morn. If all would drink from Nature's cup, No other draught would swallow up — No drunkard would our eyes behold, If all would drink pure water cold : To man does this pure drink belong. From sunset eve till dcAvy morn. What misery, and woe, and crime. That fill our hearts from time to time. From this our land would banished be If water none would drink but thee. Only this drink to man belongs. From sunset eve till dewy morn. O, let us cast all else away. And let pure water hold the sway ; As plenteously 't is all around. In flowing streams beneath the ground — Rushing, gushing, flowing on. From sunset eve till dewy morn. Our Father is so good and wise; His works we see before our eyes ; 166 (Poems for the Times. His blessings scattered all around, And buried deep beneath the ground. We view them, as we 're passing on, From sunset eve till dewy morn. O, let us learn from Water's book, And drink from Nature's running brook; And all false notions cast aside, By Nature's laws let us abide ; And drink to us what doth belong. From sunset eve till dewy morn. Then let thy streams, so pure and bright, Become our pleasure and delight. From Nature's cup we all will drink ; Then will we clearer, better think ; Then calmly will we pass along. From sunset eve till dewy morn. Then will we better do our part. And with a firmer, truer heart ; And while we are remaining here. Then will we be what we appear ; We '11 do our mission and pass on. From sunset eve till dewy morn. Eushing, splashing at thy will — Running gently down the hill — Glancing in the sunbeam there : Waters, thou art everywhere — Eunning, gliding smoothly on, Prom sunset eve till dewy morn. Music. 167 ^HE!N", dark and desponding, our hearts Are shrinking from something unseen, "When dear ones take leave and depart, And we feel despondent within — ^T is then that those rich, heavenly strains will us cheer, As the strains of sweet music fall on our sad ear. Round the bier of a dear, loving friend It lends an enchantment that^s sweet. We feel as though this life hath an end, And death all humanity meets ; Those symphonies fine, as they strike on our ear. Make us think that in death bright heaven is near. In the Church, the most sacred of all. As the pastor has ended his prayer. When the heavenly tones slowly fall On our ear, as we 're listening there ; They 're like emblems of heaven, those beautiful strains : We stand there enchanted, as from heaven it came. We retire to our bed for repose. All 's silence without and within ; On the air a rich melody rose, In our dreams did we hear angels sing. It calms all the terror within this poor breast. And soon soothes us back to sweet, quiet rest. . 168 ^oems for the Times. When the forces go forth to the fight, And the music then calls them to stand, It imbues the true soldier with might When he hears the rich strains of the band. The power that it has o'er the captain, we know It urges him on to vanquish his foe. In the school-room we hear with delight The voices of children that sing ; It fills all those hearts, makes them light, And harmony soon will it bring. It appears like the door of the soul to the child ; It soothes all its humor — makes all calm and mild. Wherever we go, in this life. We greet thy sweet voice, soft and sweet. Which smooths the rough places through life. And makes our condition complete. O give us sweet music while here we must stay ! On its wings may our spirit be wafted away ! What would this dark world be to us If Music's dear charms we had not ! could we e'er Life's bitter cup Drink here, and go sorrowing not! If mingled we never could have those soft notes That o'er our sad spirit now tranquilly floats. 1 oft think of those who are deaf — Who never drink in with those charms. O I think that their life is bereft Of a great source of solace and balm. Music. 169 No sound so angelic, no tone e^er so sweet, Hath e'er been permitted that deaf ear to meet. May never my lot be so sad That I can not catch Music's sweet notes — For when life seems to frown and be mad, O then on sweet Music I dote. Then calmly I '11 sit and list to its strains. And rise up, prepared for life's burdens again. Heavenly messenger, sent here to earth To quiet the tumult within ! An angel of glorious birth. To lead us away from all sin ! May ever thy light be known here to shine. And may ever be felt here thy presence divine. The birth of our Savior was given To men through the musical choir Of heaven ; the song was then riven Through the air — it rang louder and higher. A song of glad tidings to earth then was given — Hosannah ! we 've opened the way toward heaven. I could sit where thy charms could be felt, (Not heaven could be dearer to me ;) At thy shrine, O, sweet charms, have I knelt, And no place can I happier be. Thy strains will waft all of Life's sorrow away, And turn the dark night to a glorious day. Where'er I lie down this poor form. And take my heavenly flight. 170 (Poems for the Times. May thy melodies drive the dark storm, And open the gates of delight. Go with me across the dark bridge of the dead, And on thy dear bosom, O pillow my head. Sweet Music, henceforth thou art mine, In sorrow, in sickness, and death ; And since thou art mine I am thine. Until I may give my last breath. Companions in life together, may we Never part as we cross the dark, raging sea. '^'^|E behold, as we 're passing along through the street, A sweet, lovely form with majestic sweep. Adorned in her cliignon of monstrous size, And with beautiful arches over her eyes. A long, lovely trail and a pannier so large. More rigging has she than most any barge; The bend, and the bustle so large, now complete The elaborate dress of this lady so neat Beside this being in full dress we find A coxcomb so rare, with a very small mind ; He 's wearing his hat a little ajar. And, of course, in his mouth a Havana cigar. His dress is so neat and close-fitting too ; His pants are so tight he hardly can go; His boots shine so bright on his feet very neat: And his boots are drawn tight o'er his small, genteel feet. The Unhappy (Pair. 171 He plays the agreeable to her very well ; She looks here much sweeter than tongue e'er can tell. They are passing along through our broad, busy street, An example of style, all very complete. As Time 's rolling on, this couple so gay Must a different part in this life-drama play; They wedded will be, and in time settle down, And perchance have a family in our great town. We now see those gay garments all laid aside, Soon after this girl has become a young bride; She has worked all the roses from off her sweet face. And those dark, arching eye-brows you scarcely can trace. She 's thrown away her style, and he 's banished hisy And they both now can see just where they have missed. The reality comes — they both try for awhile To live in a union that 's* brought round by style. But soon a hard coldness is seen in them both ; In each other they see nothing worthy of note; He takes his large meerschaum, (has dropped the cigar,) And she, too, has dropped the large pannier she wore. Deceived have they been by each other in life. And now they, unmasked, must stand out in the strife ; Unhappy are both — no love do we find. There is nothing that now can in unity bind. She is often heard scolding, and frets all the while ; He loves his dear meerschaum but is ne'er seen to smile ; They are married by law, there is naught to disgrace. But the union of love — there 's none in that place. 172 (^oems for the Times. Together they go, all life's journey through Or get a divorce, (as many now do ;) Their hopes are all blasted — naught can them beguile ; And is this the effect of putting on style? O, mortals, tear off these masks you now wear ! Be truthful to those, whoever they are. Whom you are about to take partners for life : Be true to your husband — be true to your wife. ''imWi Wittoit mmU \$ ^tMr tEHOLD the prompter of the soul Labors, in wisdom, to control The onward movements of the mind, As up the ladder now we climb. Faith smiles — looks upward — lifts the head- As onward in our pathway led; We strive to rise — to work our plans, And do the part of mortal man. If beings, placed on earth to dwell, Had not that faith that would dispel Dark clouds that hover o'er them here, Bright objects never would appear. But mark the eye discern the light, Sparkling with joy — radiant and bright: Faith lends a charm as we aspire To something holy — something higher. ''Faith Without Works is (Leadr 173 Faith gives us confidence in all, And loudly doth for justice call: Through faith we act for one another; Through faith we see each man our brother. If plans in life we seek to form, Inspired by faith we pass along, Still looking upward to the prize, We keep the mark before our eyes. If man possessed not this dear gem, Nothing on earth could he do then ; If he had faith, as oft is said. And labors not, his faith is dead. Faith bringeth forth all works anew, Labors thus earnestly and true; In Jacob's ladder we may see Faith takes the lowest of the three. The bottom round Faith steps upon. Preparing all for passing on; Still looking up soon Hope it spies — Behold the labor for the prize. Reaching, w^ith strength sublime and grand, Beyond this dark and gloomy land; Up, up it goes, beyond the skies — On wings of angels now it flies Beyond this vale of tears and sighs, Until a brighter sphere it spies; There it beholds our glorious home — Looks out into the great unknown. 174 C^oems for the Times. Inspired by Faith — this angel sweet — Great crosses here in life we meet; Do all that 's left for us to do — Have confidence in all we view^ Life is a blank without thy smiles To cheer the heart — its woes beguile; To help us through the stormy night, And give to us a brighter sight. O smile upon my pathway here! O make my thorny way shine clear! Give me thy cheering counsel now, And drive the shadows from my brow. The ladder ne'er can be complete From earth to heaven's great mercy-seat, Unless thou takest the lower round, Lifting poor mortals from the ground. O blessed angel! how divine! Around my heart thy presence shines. Urging me on in deeds of love: Keeping my eyes raised far above. All care and tumult — toil and strife That fill this weary, earthly life. Is naught to bear when thou art near. For then we know we 've naught to fear. Be thou my steady beacon star. At home — abroad — in lands afar : O stand thou ever by my side ! My footsteps wilt thou ever guide. ^^ Hope is an Anchor to the Soul" 175 Then will I work with all my might, And do whate'er I think is ri^ht: To brother — sister — that I view, I ever will myself prove true. Let me show forth to all below Thy principles that freely flow, And as I ever may be led Show "faith without wo7^ks'' truly "dead.'' '3F mortals could ne'er have thy cheering light, ^ Battles in life they never could fight: ^ Soon all would seem like night. Inspired by hope, we willing are To bear our cross, and wear our scar. Still looking up for light. Cheerfully all our tasks will be done, (Believing that thus may the laurels be won,) Through Hope's effulgent rays. Toiling through cold, and storms, and clouds. Until this form shall wear the shroud. And ended are our days. Hope — blessed Hope! — how sweet to dwell Within thine arms ! I love thee well : O stay thou ever near ! O keep my heart from sinking down, As I, in all life's Avalks, am found: Then will I never fear. 176 ^oems for the Times. My stay throughout all life's sad ills, My heart with strength the present fills, And all my future plans: Aided by thee, I'm willing here To pass through scenes e'en so severe, To do what good I can. Hope dwells in every human breast, And on the great pedestal rests All future actions here : Inspired — sustained by her bright eyes, We labor hard to win the prize, Through storms in life severe. Uplifted are our spirits when Hope hath our ^^ guardian angel" been; She urges mortals on. We never think of failing. No ! We onward — upward — surely go. Through pride, contempt, and scorn. Hope lifts the sight up higher — higher : More firmly do our hearts aspire. Nor care if we must climb. With courage true w^e yet press on, Nor stop till strength and nerve is gone; We leave all gloom behind. The brightest angel of the land Is Hope, with her courageous band, Helping poor mortals rise: She stands so firm, and says, " Arise !" Points upward to the heavenly skies; Saith, ^^Seek— O seek the prize!" Charity Suffer eth Long. 177 'Tis all the aid reformers hath To lead the erring in the path Of Virtue's holy band. It gives them courage — makes them brave : Thinking that others they may save From lives of low despond. Then may we ever have thee near : Then will our pathway shine out clear, If thou wilt us console. May we show forth to all we see, That Hope, in future life, will be An *^ anchor to the soul.'' H- fe %M! J^NGEL of love, divinely pure, OT Dweller with sister Hope, ^ For ills in life hast thou a cure : In kindness hast thou spoke. Naught in this life, beheld by thee. But hath redeeming traits ; All evil must before thee flee : Good from the bad thou 'It make. Behold the man that gives his gold To satisfy his mind; Oft has the story thus been told "Charity with him we find." 178 ^oefns for the Times. He gave through selfishness, we see, To gain applause of men; The ^^ sounding brass" — not charity- Rings in our ears again. The " widow's mite " she freely gave 'T was all that she possessed ; True charity made her so brave : In giving was she blest. Charity looks on an erring one With love, and pity, too; No mortal here on earth it shuns. But brings all good to view. No creed or sect hath Charity, But freedom of the mind Does bring to life that purity Hidden in human kind. It moves from principle and love; Is tender when it speaks ; Lifts erring mortals far above The level they may seek. It climbs the ladder Jacob saw, It takes the topmost round ; Views all below with love and awe, And on no being frowns Endureth all things for their good: Suifereth, and is kind; Tries all, till they are understood : Searches that good to find. Charity Suffereth Long. 179 Of these three angels ever near, The sweetest she must be; Faith brings the distant ever near, Hope smiles on Charity. No harsh or angry words come forth, To crush the weak or frail ; But mildness speaketh out true worth, Where'er we meet the gale. Sublime yet quiet Charity Bears all — sees in all good ; Suffers in her timidity, Yet oft misunderstood. Pure angel, let thy dwelling-place Be found within my heart; Let me behold thy shining face, O never from me part! Thy golden rays, O, cast around All those that dwell on earth ; Let thine abiding-place be found, And fill the heart with mirth. Throughout this world, O let us see Thy suffering form now stand ; Go forth, in deeds of kindness free, To mortals m our land. Eeclaim the fallen — help the weak — Make all to firmly stand; May all that try thy face to seek Behold thy beauty grand. 180 (Poems for the Times. Charity still suffers, and is kind: Bids every mortal rise, Unfolds the noble powers of mind, And makes all good and wise. O let us all try to possess This treasure in our mind ; And show to all its power to bless — Show charityy so kind. ite '^mt imtul late, jg'^LOWLY and silently, passing along, ^ Another poor soul from sorrow has gone : ^ Gone to the future — -the city of dread, — Soon will she lie in that low, narrow bed. No one to mourn — no tear will fall — No one to scatter sweet flowers on her pall : An orphan she was — no friend has she here To stand by her bedside or walk by her bier. Tempted she was in life, we are told ; She spurned from her sight the tempter's bright gold ; She lived by thus toiling with needle and thread. To earn a small pittance, that bought her day's bread. In a garret so small, so clean, and so neat, A table, a cot, and a chair will complete The furnished apartment of this one so lone. Deprived of 07ie friend to cheer this sad home. The Lone Fm-ieral Train. 181 She labored so earnest, so firm, and so strong, To help the dear mother, that suffered so long, Till Death did release, with his great, mighty hand, And took her away from this sorrowful land. That child, as she stood in her innocence there, So willing to do for that mother, with care, Ne^er thought that htr time so short here would be, Ere her suffering spirit would thus be set free. She said, as she stood by that newly-made mound, O mother, dear mother, now sleeps there so sound ! And I all alone, must dwell on this plain. With no one to care for my sorrow or pain. Why was I afflicted — O why thus distressed ! While others with riches of earth I see blest ? O, Father in heaven ! now show this thy child, Why /should see want, while others hath spoils. This sorrowing child, so smitten with grief. Has now, from earth's grievances, here found relief; She 's gone from the burdens of care, here in life : Has passed the dark portals of pain, woe, and strife. 'T is thus that the poor, all over our land. In want and in poverty constantly stand — While rich men grow richer, in gold and in soil, And 'poor ones grow poorer, yet live here and toil. There 's money enough, and bread enough too, If equally spread, to feed all we view — To clothe and to shelter, all over our land. These victims, so marked with Poverty\s brand. 182 (Poems for the Times. And why will they hold with such a firm grasp Their gold ? They will find it will canker at last : Their heads will soon lie as low as this one — They then will be asked what good they have done. IE talk of joys and sorrows In life, — we often find That many times we harrow This sadness in our mind. We feel dark clouds come o'er us, Which sadden often times; But soon they pass, and show us The sun doth brightly shine. We often, in our shadows, Think darkness is our lot ; But O, our minds are narrow ! The sunshine we see not. For every cloud of darkness A silver lining hath : A gem of light doth sparkle Beneath each cloud of wrath. Each day of gloom and anguish. Must have its counterpart : Else mortals here would languish. And from this life depart. To My (bear Mother. 183 The days and nights are equal, As through the year they run : This gives to us a sequel Of joy and grief to come. For every hour of sorrow An hour of joy will come — Then may we never borrow Our ills before they come. "Whate'er be our condition — That which we can 't control, Let 's yield to, with submission. And take life as a whole. I (S §mt ^ SHOU art gone from this land of tumult and strife jpl To that beautiful land above, ^^ Where the sad, weary soul arises in life To the joys of our great Father's love. Dear mother, my love I can never express : Ever near me thou seemest to stand; For sorrow or grief thou bringest redress, Ever holding that kind loving hand. How much have I thought of the moments now passed, "When earth was thy dwelling below ; And how many shadows around me are cast When I think of the time thou didst go. X84 (Poenis for the Times. I look back on my life, and with sorrow I think Of the long gloomy hours that we spent, When our mother was taken, and the cup we must drink O ! how were our hearts sadly rent. " O give me my mother ! O give her to me ! " Were the words that I uttered that day : '^ I never can live in this world without thee ; Come to us, dear mother, I say." To all my entreaties no lisp of response — No word from that river beyond ; No tone, neither look, came forth to enhance My heart, or help me along. No, all seemed like dark clouds rolled over me now; My sky seemed to me black as night : To my Father's decree henceforth must I bow — To God who doeth all right. He saith : " My dear child, remember that I Will watch o'er the orphan distressed : I will lead them, if they will upon me rely. To the portals of heavenly rest. " Your mother, though not to be seen in this form, Now lives, and your pathway will bless : Your ^Guardian Angel,' to lead your feet on, Will she be, and will guide you to rest." I remember your trials, dear mother, while here. Although I was then young in life; Yet many is the time V ve noted sad tears Streaming forth from your dark hazel eyes. Tlie Letter. 185 Yet cheerful through all, resigned to thy lot, Thy duty a pleasure to thee ; Thy form and thy features can ne'er be forgot, And often thy smiles come to me. O may I, dear mother, one day come you. When life^s stormy days are all o'er : Once more thy sweet face, in heaven let me view As I land on that beautiful shore. To dwell in thy presence, dear mother, would be All, all that I ever would ask : Let me dwell with my mother — her face let me see. In the light of her smiles let me bask. When the storms are all over, methinks that I hear Her voice, coming forth now to meet My soul — as she says : " O come now, my dear. With joy now each other we greet.'' |HILE looking o'er this budget, I I 've had a long, long while, I find a little letter That traveled many a mile. It speaks in tones so pleasant. Of days of long ago ; It gives me many longings In distant lands to go. 186 ^oem^s for the Times. I find within the missive These words of long ago : " Come liome to us, dear mother, For Jennie wants you so." I take this little letter And read it o'er with care, And think of her who wrote it Away — away out there. She then was at my dwelling — That loving child so sweet; But time has done the telling, And led those little feet. Away from home and parents Those feet have long since gone, To be, in her own dwelling, The head, the corner-stone. ^T is thus we see time telling The story long and well ; And soon, its tone still ringing, Will toll the last sad knell. may we all feel willing To answer, when the call May come for us to enter The long and narrow hall. And may we feel like saying ^' My work is all, all done ; 1 care not I am going To meet my friends at home." This letter I 'm still holding, I gently fold it up; Kind V/ords. 187 I tiling of that dear meeting And her I love so much. I think, perhaps, I ^11 meet her, It may be on this land; If not, I know I '11 greet her When I get o'er the strand. Life 's but a life of dreaming, It soon will pass away ; We '11 find that we 've been gleaning Sheafs for another day. ^IND words are not worthless, though very small things ; J^ They lighten the burden, they cure the bad sting ^ Of conditions so hard, all over this earth — To some they would be of very great Avorth. We meet little children, in sorrow and tears; Their hearts seem like bursting, between hope and fear. Speak kindly will we — how soon do we see It drives the sad tears and they 're smiling with glee. The widow that labors so hard, day by day. To sustain those dear children, with very small pay : It is her heart that sinks as she goes her sad road ; Speak kindly to her, 'twill lighten her load. The wife of a drunkard, whose life is so dark : No ray comes to light, not a very small spark; She feels that the load that she carries is great. Speak kindly. You do n't know but this is your fate. 188 (Poeii'is for the Times. The husband that comes in so weary from toil, He 's labored since morn, toiling hard in the soil ; Fatigued he becomes ; he seeks quiet and rest : Speak kindly, dear wife, in your words is he blest. The wife that has labored all day, with such care. To care for those little ones left with her there, Is w^eary at night and longs for repose : Speak kindly, dear husband, and do n't act morose. The children in school, that are weary at night. By studying and sitting so straight, so upright, E,epair to their homes ; and, though a great care, Speakly kindly to them — their love you will share. The teacher that's labored so hard for your good, In so many ways to prepare your mind's food. Feels worn and depressed at the end of the day : Speak kindly to her, and always obey. We all must grow old in a very short time : The cord of our lives doth each day unwind ; We soon will be old, if we live in this sphere ; Kind words will we need from others while here. The outcast knows well how bad is her state : . Be thankful if this be not your sad fate. Speak kind to the erring, O try to reform Thy sister, that wanders on earth, through such storm. Speak kind to the drunkard — O sad is his fate ! O try and his manhood within him awake! Lead him kindly and gently, perhaps you may see That through your kind words your brother is free. Satanfs (Proclamation. 189 Kind words turn away all wrath, passion, or ire, And will kindle within Love's bright, happy fire; And make the dispenser rejoice in his heart That he has been able great good to impart. Speak kindly to all, in high life or low ; It never can cost you a cent to bestow Kind words upon every one, where'er you meet; Your heart will be lighter, and sweeter your sleep. NOW declare to all below That I will unto mortals show Whatever I will; and must control Whatever my labors may unfold. My kingdom here is formed, you see ; I live to cause you misery. Sorrow, and wretchedness, and crime Are what now occupy my time ; Where'er you find the glittering gold, There I a fiercer grasp do. hold. My agents that can serve me best. And do my work with greatest zest. Are those that thirst for shining gold, Nor care if they should self their souls ; If but this treasure they possess. They '11 barter future happiness. Ready are they to do whatever I ask, though e'en it be severe ; 190 (^oems for the Tmies. They '11 take the orphan's only hope ; (And this I think a capital joke.) The widow they will drive to want : (I lecture them whene'er they do n't.) The poor, the needy oft must feel My power ; 't is shown in looks of steel. I force my way through every glen : I raise my throne and sit there then ; I study well to do my part, . To harden man's obdurate heart. Nor do I work here in your land To help unfold true good in man. No ! this is not for me to do, Though some may say so, that is true. With all my powers I hold him back. Nor do I ever agents lack To aid me in all future plans. To do my work and mislead man. Deception will I always use: All worth or wisdom I abuse. I keep my victims, w^ien once caught. For dearly are these creatures bought ; I tread your earth by night and day. With open eyes, my games to play ; I visit nearly every home. Nor let the Christian man alone. I take the only son he loves. And oft in me he sees the dove ; I 'm luring him from Virtue's ways, And many characters I play. O, yes ! the wine ! the sparkling wine ! I 've used its power from time to time. Satan's (Proclamation. 191 Good weapon hast thou always been, To do my work with sons of men. Go to the bacchanalian chair ; Behold my presence ! I 'm always there — There, placed behind that luring bar, My tools, my imps, both near and far ; The mark of Cain upon their brow Tells me they willing subjects bow. The glittering wealth, the shining gold Helps me to this their service bold ; They do my bidding, caring not For aught if they but get the rock. I laugh, I dance with fiendish glee Whene'er I cause such misery, Whene'er I see my work go on, Making humanity forlorn, We have a joyous, festive time, As we behold the sparkling wine. Myself enthroned within the cup — The draught that man oft swallows up — My imps stand round and join with me: We all then join in fiendish glee. I send damnation to the soul; I have the body and the whole : The body I devour while here, The soul I take to hell, now near. The helpless ones, now left behind. In chains of poverty I bind; And w^hen a victim new comes in, I show my face — put pn my grin: Then will we all join in the dance. As I mav see the cause advance. 192 (Poems for the Times. My imps^ that I can thus control, In life their bodies must I hold ; They 're mme— the body and the soul. They live with me, you clearly see — With me enter eternity : Look back, in after years, to see Their work of sin and misery. As memory quickens every act. They look: they know they can 't retract; What 's done, remains : stands out to view ; Blot out, that you can never do : It stands to all eternity. Thy work before thee must thou see; I take my labor beyond time; Thus, wilt thou see, I firmly bind In fetters strong, while here we live, Nor freedom in the future give. W^hen I behold the tears and moans, The orphan's cry, the Avidow's groans: The want and poverty, the crime: Diseased, distorted, ruined mind ; The murder, wretchedness, and woe; The blasted hopes, before they know Distress, un happiness in life. Of husbands, fathers, mothers, wives; The barefoot children, homeless driven, Disgrace a mark upon them riven; The fiendish passion, now set free : Licentiousness, perfidity ; Of broken vows from time to time : The ruin of a noble mind. That fill our halls, and chairs of state — Satan's (Proclan'iation. 193 Of la^vyers, doctors, judges great, And even ministers of God, (And many have my pathway trod) : They Ve stepped within my realm of sin, And gone to graves dishonored then ; The prostitution caused by me, In haunts of crime and misery — All, all this work I count as mine: All this I do from time to time. Not only here my works you see : It goes into eternity. When I review these labors done, When I behold them, one by one, 'Tis then I feel my wondrous power I have o'er all on earth each hour. I do rejoice whene'er I scan The games I play with selfish man. Sometimes, to lead my victims on, I act the part of heaven's own Son; I take the livery of Heaven (To serve my purpose it is given) ; I clothe myself in light divine, I make my garments thus to shine: Then I behold, with pure delight. Men are deceived by outward sight. Whene'er I wish my card to play, To draw the innocent away. The unsuspecting one to snare. And lead them to the lion's lair. Then loving words I kindly speak. This way I oft allure the weak, Frail woman, full of innocence; 9 194 (^oems for the Times. I come to her with false pretense, To her, the great embodiment Of honor and emollient. I draw around those cords of love (She sees an angel from above); I get her heart within my grasp, Nor let her from my fingers pass, Till I have ruined all her hopes ; Then of her sorrows I make note, And laugh as only Satan can : Tliat works the demon through the man. Ere long I view, with glittering eyes, That I have well secured my prize : Down — -down she goes — to depths of hell ! More misery, crime, on earth to tell : Peopling the regions of despair Under my superficial care. There is a point I can not reach : True Wisdom I can never teach ; But, sometimes, those that see my deeds Are led true Wisdom^s word to heed. And when they look to higher power. They form, 'twixt them and me, a tower. I ne'er can touch, or even see, Those that love Christianity. A voice then speaks, in thundrous tones : " Satan, let these, my lambs, alone ! So far, no farther, canst thou go, And carry forth thy scourge of woe. But stop! Do nH step on holy ground — Here works of thine can ne'er be found : This is a state of blessedness : Time. 195 Go to thy realm of wretehednessj^ Where'er I hear this great command, Where'er I see this mighty hand, I know my work is finished then, And there I pause — my labors end. *EACH beating pulse comes, telling fast mi That Time is passing on : ^ Each tick that 's echoed by the clock Tells of a moment gone. Each breath we draw, is one the less That we shall have, while here : Each step we take Avill one less make, While walking o'er our sphere. Time counts the moments as they fly ; Each one is noted down ; 'T is thus the hours go quickly by. And thus the days roll round. Days lengthen into months so soon. And swiftly glide away : Months make the years ; and this is when Time counts in many ways. Years roll along, and soon we find A score of them hath fled ; And four of these, ten added on. Hath man through life now led. 196 c? 06711.3 for the Times. Time makes the germ within the ground, And brings it forth to view : Though very small, yet Time hath brought This plant forth, as it grew. Now note the process — see the work — Unfolding from that germ ; As passing Time unfolds to you Each leaf, and shoot, in turn. And soon the little buds are formed, And green leaves, one by one : And as the days now pass along Behold what noiG hath come ! Gently unfolding, nov/, our eye A lovely sight may scan : The flowers, so lovely to our view, Hath Time here given to man. Ere long they fade and fall away ; Have lost all beauty now; Time, for the flowers, hath made their heads In meek submission bow. Appearing on the tiny stem, The fruit begins to form : Now perfect, in its kind is seen The ripening coming on. Time gives to us, remaining here, Fruits, in their seasons each : The tiny berry of the field. The apple, and the peach. Time. 197 Down deep within the soil we plant A wee small acorn there : Time goes to work, as Nature toils, To open it with care. Within a short, short space of time. From out that wee small thing, A germ is seen there, starting out. And upward, soon it springs. See, just above the ground it peeps, So small, you scarce can find This plant — this young and tender shoot — And now it higher climbs. The leaves unfold, now, one by one. Brought perfect to our view, As onward, upward, now it shoots With firmness e'er so true. Ere long we see, as Time unfolds In progress, day by day. It stretches up, and on, and on, From earth far, far away. Now towering there above our heads. The mammoth tree now view : The monarch of the forest there. Overlooking all below. It stands there in its power and might, King of the wood and glen; All to his majesty must bow — To him all others bend. 198 (Poems for the Times. But note, as Time its moments count, We see a change is wrought : This grand old king now totters — falls : Low down his head is brought. Now mark the change that Time unfolds Within that huge old trunk He puts his lingers down, and lo! Down deep we find them sunk. Ere long naught can be seen where once That mighty oak had grown : All that stood there, so tall and grand, Forever now hath flown. An infant boy plays by the side Of his dear mother there ; She loves her babe — ^his merry laugh Eings out upon the air. Time puts his hand upon that form : The infant is no more; But now a child stands out to view, Running around the floor. Once more we see the hand of Time Unfolding to our view A youth, with noble brow and mein, Grown tall and slender too. Another touch, and now again See what before us stands : A body strong, and nerves firm too — We look upon a man. Time. 199 Time now is playing with the locks Of black and shining jet: His hand is passing through and through — His locks will soon be wet. And now behold ! the silver threads Are coming in so fast : The form is bending down so low, And he goes tottering past. Those shining curls are snowy white — They 're bleached by this same hand ; The fe,ce is wrinkled — dim the eyes — He 's going down. Poor man ! He scarce can speak. His withered form ISTow totters on his staff: His hour hath come — he lieth down — Time taketh him at last. 'T is thus we see Time working change In all beneath the sun : All— all must bow to his decree — All here on earth begun. When Time shall lay his ruthless hand Upon this form I wear, O may my spirit fly away To join the angels there. And you, my friend, where'er you are, May you be pure in mind, And may your spirit soar away Beyond the shores of Time. 200 (Poems for the Tini.es. a (|]1 PITY me! O be my friend! An ear unto ray story lend : O why was I placed on this sod, To be thus smitten with the rod? And must I dwell here all my life, To hear reproach and meet with strife, Without one ray of hope in view ? O, sister, sister, tell me true !" These sorrowing words that I have penned Came from a heart with anguish rent: A woman gave these words to me. And now I give them unto thee. I felt an interest in this one, So sad, forsaken, and alone : I gently took her hand in mine, And said, ^^ I '11 be a friend of thine, Dear sister — now, O tell me true. Why this sad picture here I view — Why all these sighs — why all these tears — I am thy friend, O never fear!" I '11 give you something of the scene That came before my vision then : A woman clad in garments old. With form all shivering, pinched with cold- Her hair was dangling from her head; Her face as pale as e'en the dead : From head to foot she wore the scars Of many fierce and bloody wars. Wroitged. 201 She came and sat down by my side ; To me her heart she opened wide : Her story here I ^11 try to give, As I from her did it receive. once I was a happy bride ! And for my husband felt that pride That all true wives must feel, you know, And on their husbands do bestow. 1 loved him dearly — thought him mine — And round him like the ivy twined. I felt so happy, so secure : I thought my heaven on earth was sure; But scarcely had a year gone round Ere all my hopes fell to the ground. My home, where I had loved to dwell. Became to me a very hell ! Foul passion came, in fiendish form. And from my home my loved one tore ! Since that I We led a wretched life. In sorrow, tumult, fear, and strife : His hand has felled me to the ground. And by my hair has dragged me round! The scars you see upon my head. And o^er my person, as I Ve said. Are wounds inflicted by the hand Of that foul being you call man V^ "What was the cause of this sad change That thus your home so disarranged? What caused his love to wane for you? O, sister, sister, tell me true!^^ She answered in her feeble way, "Sister, attend to what I say : 202 (Poems for the Tini.es. He had a temper ill at ease— And always done whatever lie pleased : "Whene'er he felt these spells of ire, Was like a quick and raging fire. To study up some dreadful crime For he, in a moment's time, Would fix the guilt upon my hands; Then I 'd receive his reprimand/' Said I, " My friend, why did you stay To be ill-treated in this way ?" She answered with a low, low sob, " I was afraid to displease God. I had been taught the awful sin Of leaving husband, this near kin ; And felt that if I suffered Aere, And lived in sorrow in this sphere. If patiently my lot I bore, When I stood on the other shore. Bright diadems within my crown Would show the trials I had borne." " And now, how dare you thus unfold This story you have given so bold. And leave your home in such disgrace, And seek aid in another place?" " I 've heard the wrongs of womankind Talked over, and I 've changed my mind ; And I 've resolved that I would stand No more such treatment from a man!" Her slender form she tried to raise. Her hand uplifted now in praise. To God, her Maker, she would pray That she might never fling away The (Doomed Murderer. 203 Those rights, now dearer than her life — Those that belong to any wife. She seemed inspired as thus she spoke : She felt how free from bandage broke : No more a criminal dyed in sin, Herself a woman's soul within. Encouragement I gave my friend ; Assistance did I to her lend : Kind words — and these she needed, true — And now to you the same I 'd do. Or any sister in distress. That came to me, or thus addressed. Could I refrain from such kind deeds To any sister thus in need ? Then view my acts in Wisdom's light, And you will see my acts were right. "^ [^Y sentence passed — I now am doomed ! I now must occupy my room So narrow, cold, and gloomy there : No mortal can with me compare. And must I die the felon's death ? O must I give my precious breath ? O must this form of mine lie low ? This spirit — O where must it go? To heaven ? Ah, no ! there is no room For one so wretclued — one thus doomed ! 204 (^oems for the Times. Just four and twenty hours to live ! O that they longer time would give ! O that my days would be prolonged ! O how my brain with thought is thronged ! Life ! life ! so sweet to mortals here : Death, thou great monster, O how near I My life for his ? it must be so ! Out in the future must I go : Out in the great eternity — For crime— to pay the penalty. • Here comes my counselor — my friend ; He '11 stand by me unto the end. My soul! O God ! and must it go To that dark place of crime and woe, To dwell with Satan and his imps? Now on my brow I see the print Of Cain — that killed his brother man ! And when I cross the dark, dark strand, There must I meet the murdered one, And he will show me what I 've done. O can I stand beside him there. And hear the words he will declare ? O teach me Father ! give me light. And lead me through this dreadful night; For when the morn will come to me. They '11 set me from the mortal free. pray for me ! I can not rest ! 1 feel this throbbing in my breast. No hope for me ! O God ! I die ! tell me, will not some one try To save me yet a little while ? 1 know I 'm miserable, low, vile, Laugh. 205 Yet life is sweet, so sweet to me : But I am doomed to death, you see. Just one hour more ! my brain now reels ! I scarcely now my pulse can feel : One hour ! to stay upon this shore ! O God ! I \"e only one hour more. there he comes ! 'T is time, 't is time I 1 hear the tolling and the chime. What shall I say to friends behind? can I think ? — My mind ! my mind ! 1 'm wandering ! Help, O help me through ! O may this never come to you. O father, mother, sister, wife 1 brother — all I have in life ! 1 hn going ! Doomed to die — to die I Ere long this form will lifeless lie. I love you all if I am bad. now I ^m going mad ! yes, mad. The bell is tolling ; here I go, To meet my doom. Pity my woe ! The rope around my neck is tied ! 1 feel a shiver in my side. One, two, three : they have struck the blows — Away, away, my soul now goes I [F sorrow encompass you ^round, \ And vexations, like bees, swarm around, May something in life e'er be found To cause you to laugh. 206 (poems for the Times. Laugh hearty we say, ^T will drive care away, And make your sad heart feel happy and gay ; Laugh, — laugh, — laugh ! If friends prove false or prove true, What matter can that be to you ? Do n't worry and try to be " blue^" But try a good laugh : Like a sensible man. Do all that you can : If you try it but once, you will want to again : Laugh, — laugh, — laugh ! If you meet with reverses through life. Perhaps they may cut like a knife; Still, try to be happy and blithe : Get up a good laugh. As any one should. In any sad mood, — For in it you '11 get what will do you great good : Laugh, — laugh, — laugh ! If your life you would wish to prolong, You must laugh and enjoy a good song ; But never seek places of wrong : Take an innocent laugh, And ever be social. And always be jovial. You will sure find a benefit in the emotion : Laugh, — laugh, — laugh ! Where is God. 207 THOU Supreme ! thou great, thou good ! Thou great First Cause, least understood ! In every atom of our sphere, And worlds on worlds as they appear In thy great universe of space, Thy mighty power we here can trace I In every leaf and grassy blade- - In every light and every shade — We see thine impress every hour. In every opening bud and flower. As in the sunshine and the storm. And every thing in human form — In planets, sun, and stars — we see Thy great and matchless majesty ! E^en from the pebble to the rock ; From ocean's foam to forest nook — In every form of life — we see The impress of divinity. And man, the noblest w^ork of all — A part and parcel of the whole — The highest type of God we scan, Inherent in the heart of man : A little lower, as is given, Than are the angels now in heaven. All have their place, as it appears ; All act their part in this our sphere : All, in their place, act well their part. As was intended at the start. 208 (Poems for the Times, Here is the evil, there the good — All right, if rightly understood — To bring about an all-wise plan For the development of man ; For if no evil here there be, We ^d never know of good, you see. So every thing is rightly formed, E^en from an angel to a worm; Each have their place, as here appears, In this great universe of spheres. When thou thy blessings doth bestow Upon thy children here below. We read thy love in every line; It is an attribute of thine. We look to thee, our Father — God — Although we're smitten by the rod ; Yet, in thy wisdom, thou dost know Whatever is best for us below. In every step we take we see Our loving Father — Deity. And mother IM'ature, too, we view : To us she ever will prove true. Our Father, God, may we see here The positive in this our sphere ; And mother Nature, too, is seen — The nega'cive is what we mean. These two great powers we see combined — Brought forth in every human mind. And when developed to a degree. Then we behold divinity. In answer to the question here. Of " Where is God?'' we think ' tis clear ; Our JNation, 209 If clearly we be understood, That good is God, and God is good. ^||E look abroad, on every side |Wf Proud despots rule, we see : ^ We view the pompous show and pride Of aristocracy. But, as our vision turns, we see Out glorious land of liberty. The peasant feels the tyrant's sway. In lands far o'er the sea ; They 're coming, coming every day. To seek for liberty : They sing this song, " O let us see That glorious land of liberty !" Oar Pilgrim Fathers sang this song Long ere they passed away. And, with endurance firm and strong. The "Mayflower" sailed that day : They said, " O let us go and see That glorious land of liberty 1" Then came that fierce and bloody time Our nation must pass through : They then stood up in manhood's prime — Our fathers, firm and true — And shouted loud, '^Our land is free! Our glorious land of liberty!" 210 ^oems for the Times. They opened, then, our gates so wide That nations all might see That, o'er the water's foaming tide, America was free ; And other sons soon longed to see Our glorious land of liberty. Then came the sons of Erin's Isle Across the briny wave : That Fortune's turn might on them smile The ocean's storms they brave ; They hear the song, and strive to see That glorious land of liberty. Within our borders soon we find — (A pity it should be) — Despotic power so strong, that binds The cords of slavery : A slave within this land we see — This glorious land of liberty ! Then came a dark and fearful hour — Asunder fly the chains ! We now stand up in might and power, No slave does there remain : Within our land no chains we see — Our glorious land of liberty! Our course of progress is marked out As in the past, we see; We hope in future we may shout, " Our land is truly free !" And every land or nation see Our glorious land of liberty ! Our JVcition. 211 John Chinaman is coming now, As day by day we see ; Though he may to Confucius bow, He longs for liberty: Then let him come, that he may see Our glorious land of liberty. We have within our land so free. Still many, many wrongs, That take man^s life and liberty, And binds him firm and strong : O let them from our country flee — Our glorious land of liberty ! King Alcohol is ruling here; He sways us all around : His tyrant rule holds so severe — His cords are firmly bound; O from his grasp. Lord, set us free ! Oht glorious land of liberty. Another still we see and feel — Another wrong we see : O give a balm these wounds to heal ; And set all captives free; And when we look we ^11 truly see A glorious land of liberty. Our nation here has daughters, too, That stood for freedom bold. That love their country, and prove true, Now, as in days of old : O give them what will make them free In this, our land of liberty! 212 (Poetin^s for the Times, make them equal to the task Beside their brother man : This favor, now, is what we ask, Deny us, if you can : This happy land, so good and free — This gloMous land of liberty. Then can we stand up firm and strong, And battle for the right ; And help our brother right the wrong. And work in truth and might : Then Avill the woman truly see Our glorious land of liberty. She '11 fight King Alcohol with zeal — She ^11 help to throw him down : Ere long he ^11 find his doom is sealed, And he in fetters bound ; She '11 work for temperance then, you see, In this our land of liberty. Across the waters do we see The best of sovereigns are : Victoria sits in majesty. And governs, too, with care : Then give us all equality. In this our land of liberty. Then will our nation truly be In word, and deed, and name, A land of glorious liberty : We '11 have no tyrant's chain ; Then truly will our land be free, And be a land of liberty. The Widow. ' 213 ^jEE her sit gloomily, sadly — ah, mournfully ^ The sable can never reveal -vl^ The heart that is sinking — the burden lies heavily ! No mortal her heart-aches can feel. Her hopes were so bright in the future unfolding, Ere death, with his dark, ruthless hand. Seized hold of that dear one — his form is now holding He obeyed the great Father's command. She sees those dear children — the love of her heart, — And as she looks out in the future — O must I, she says, from these dear children part ? O, show me the pathway of duty ! Why is it that I must be left in this sorrow — Why left here to weep and to mourn ! So happy to-day — so sad on the morrow — My future all blasted and torn. But here am I placed — no means of obtaining The needs and the comforts of life : The cold hand of Charity looks with disdaining Upon me, while facing the strife. No mortal to care for me now but my darlings- No heart to my sorrow unfold : The world looks a frown — all seems to be snarling : All, all seems so dark and so cold ! 214 ^1^0 ems for the Times. These children ! God help them ! dear innocent treasures, I love you as none other can : To provide for your wants would be a great pleasure, If the means I could have at command. But no way can I see the means of obtaining Food, clothing, or comforts of life : O can we, O may we, together remaining. Go on to the end of the strife ! O God ! must we part ?-^rthese dear ones forever Be scattered all over the land ? Must the keen, iron hand of poverty sever These children to fill strangers' hands ? O, Father in heaven! O pity my sorrow! O lend me a kind, helping hand ! Show this widow afflicted some hope for the morrow : Hope for this my dear little band. Look up, my dear child — ^the Father now speaketh : My promise, the widow now hath : The help for the future shall come, as thou needest, If thou wilt but walk the right path. The widow, the orphan, are those that he careth To lead through the valley so dark. Through life, to thyself, those dear ones he spareth : Look up, and look well to the mark. Eemember, that those that have gone in this life, And others that live to do good — That stand up so firmly for truth and the right — Shall never lack shelter nor food. Grayer for the (Drunkard^s Family. 215 Take courage, dear mother : go on^ though you meet Vexations and crosses while here : No snare shall be drawn, to entangle thy feet ; Thy way will be made bright and clear. [m'itx tm tie irmitoi'^ |wi!|l mi i\%t %m Mlltx. Rather, we lift our voice to thee, ^ The sufferers^ cause to plead, "'"'That on thy holy earth we see Are miserable indeed. O show that thou wilt lend an ear To my petition, given For those that live from year to year With chains upon them riven. The drunkard^s wife, and children, too, Are crushed by this great sin ; And many paupers left to view. From time to time, hath been. O God ! look on thy children dear ! Give them to see in thee A Mend to them that 's ever near, And all their sorrows see. Father, in pity look upon That form that thou hast made — That looks so shattered, wan, and worn. And doth that soul degrade. 216 (Poems for the Times. Give power of mind and force of will^ That lie may upward rise ; And, Lord, stand by this victim still, And help him to be wise. O Lord ! that father in our land Whose son hath gone astray ; That joins the bacchanalian band — O help him, Lord, we pray! Help him to rise, in power and might. To cast from out our midst — And banish alcohol from sight : O help him to enlist ! O Lord, we ask thee for the sake Of those within our land — The young that have their name to make, O may they boldly stand ! O keep them from temptation's way ! O may they plainly see. That if they follow sin's dark way ^T will lead to misery. And, Lord, we ask thee for the one That stands behind the screen. And deals to earth's benighted sons What makes them low and mean. O touch that heart ! show him his fate ! If he does not retract. He '11 find, alas ! it is too late For him to wisely act. Show him the tears of widows made — Of orphans left behind : ^Prayer for the (Drimkardfs Family. 217 Of murders, suicides, all paid By him, lie '11 surely find. And, worst of all, show him the crime That 's counted at his hand, By dealing out, from time to time, What kills his brother man. Father, we ask thee now to hear, If by no other way. This dreadful scourge we so much fear Can yet be cast away, O let thy thunders then be heard. From out the cannon's mouth — Thy voice, thy great and mighty word, Speaking from north to south. O may the cries, the groans, the tears Of those that suffer here, c All in thine eyes seem ever dear : O unto them appear ! Deliverance bring to those disgraced ! Let thy great power be seen ! , We plead for this, the human race ; Thy children, all, we mean. O God, we leave within thy hands This great, this aAvful sin; We know ere long thou wilt command — All must to thee give in. Speak soon, O Lord, ere thousands more Go down to drunkards' graves ! Speak as thou hast in times before, When thou didst try to save. 10 218 (Poems for the Times. O let the rum-seller beware ! Let him not farther go, Or he may build himself a snare Of sorrow^ grief^ and woe. Some dreadful thing will come upon His own condition here^ That will destroy his mortal form, And make him quake with fear. And now we leave this all with thee ; Do as thou thinkest best : In all thou dost great good we see, To make thy children blest. Take all, we ask, and please accept This our petition given ; And may in future all be blest — ^ All reach the goal of heaven. i00Wil iiii0«ti«. 1 1 feel, placed within these narrow walls, though innocent, I 'm called ^' A guilty man ; such law makes me, Although I ^n innocent. They '11 see I did not take my brother's life — I could not see that awful sight. No ! God in heaven knows all I Ve done To this, to every other one. He knows that I am innocent — Although I bear my punishment. (Doofi'ied Innocence. 219 We met^ ^tls true, within tliat place; My steps they there have clearly traced. He there was found, all dyed in gore : They saw me there an hour before. Yes, all looks so, the case is clear; My sentence is unjust — severe. They did not see that villain come From out the* thicket, with a run: With blows severe they struck him down, And tried to cast me on the ground. O that one person could have seen The truth that I have given to them ; But circumstances now control My life — -the exit of my soul. But dying, I die innocent, Of truth they now are ignorant. O will that villain let me be A murdered man — the guilty free ? — He will acknowledge, all in time. How he committed this great crime. that they would imprison me ! 1 might have justice done, you see. But no. I go forth from all I love To meet my father, God, above. I fear not that — I^m innocent Of this great crime upon me sent. The night is passing. Let me pray, That justice come to me some way. Too late ^t will be my life to save : I soon shall sleep within the grave. My spirit goes to heaven, my home, My family left here to mourn. 220 (^oems for the Times. The narrow grave will hold this form : My wife and children left forlorn, To battle here through all the strife Of this uncharitable life. They take my life. They ne'er can give The part they 've taken. I ne'er can live, No matter if they find the right — No matter how much comes to light. O, God ! they come ! Here comes that friend That would assistance to me lend. The Governor did sue for me, And tried his best to get me free. I thank him for his kindness given — ^ I hope to meet him up in heaven. But I must answer for that crime. And soon, ah, soon must come the time I 'm innocent of that great charge — The guilty one now goes at large. They come to take me to the place ! To execute me in disgrace ! I reel ! My brain ! my brain ! how bad — I fear that I am going mad. O, life, sweet life, how dear to me ! But I am doomed to death, you see. O tell the wife I love so well. Her husband innocently fell. My hands are tied ! It makes me quake ! how my brain begins to shake! Confess ! they cry. O, God, I say, 1 can 't confess a lie this day, When, in a moment, I shall be Launched into the eternity. The SouL 221 I 'm innocent ! I 'm innocent ! Of this great judgment on me sent. O, Father^ take my soul to thee ! Is all my hope — is all my plea. I go with this upon my lips : You'll find that you have judged amiss. They draw the cap — they strike the blow — And, mnocenty away I go. Ito ^ml fV CXN I here, Avith power, unfold \ The beauty of the human soul ? ^ Can I that truth and light impart That dwells within the human heart ? Thy power, and wisdom, O so grand! That speaks and lives at God's command. Gives forth that strength, its works are seen, Where this immortal form has been. The solil — a spark of love divine — The thought so grand, and so sublime. That God, the Father of the whole. Can dwell within the human soul ! The life, the power, the all of man. Within his being here we scan. Can live beyond the shores of time, Reach out, exist in other climes — God breathes on Man, he then becomes Himself, the Father, both are one — Gives power o'er all the land we see. And lives through all eternity. 222 (Poems for the Times. Beyond, around, beneath, above, We see lifers principle of love, All that our vision can behold. The life, the being, is the soul : This great, true principle of love Comes from the Father, from above. Within the being we call Man Still greater powers we here can scan — Still more, more wisdom we may see. Which makes man vie with Deity. This great, immortal part, this god Which we behold upon this sod. That takes creation as a whole. And all the planets as they roll ; That studies well, with eye to scan, Even the great Creator's plan : That reaches out, as we can see. And fathoms all eternity ; — Digs deep, and seeks to understand The great Creator's works to scan — Into the bowels of the earth. There, fetching out to light, true worth : Unfolding, every day and hour, New objects of God's mighty power. That soars away, in realms of thought — Teaches, yet willing to be taught The elements at his command ; Holds all the forces in his hand : Confines with ease, whate'er he mils, NcAv objects now our visions fill. Progress before his way is seen, From first to last — has always been ; Tlie Soul. 223 In moral^ mental^ physical^ We see advance^ most mystical This life, this power, this Deity Within this form — humanity. And can we, as we see how grand, The great machinery given to man. Moves on through all the different spheres, And does the work with ease, so clear ; Can we behold each part and piece That 's given to act so well with ease — The wants of each, so grandly met. And all so finely work when set ? Can we look back, and see the cause — See all the w^orks of Nature's laws. That holds the forces, guides the hand. That helps unfold the soul of man? O, Father ! great must be thy love That guides all movements from above, And acts through all to all for good. We find, as better understood. We see new beauties every hour. The more we study thy great power. Within our own interior. We there behold superior : That is, this great Omnipotence Within that guides through ignorance. This God, this mighty power divine. Through all humanity will shine: Unfold and rise, in future be The counterpart of Deity. Within this mortal form is given, The power to seek for hell or heaven. 224 (Poen^is for the Times. This form that now this jewel holds, This gem, more precious far than gold, Gives individuality To all forms of humanity. When once we find this God in form, Whene'er the life-fire burns so warm — When we behold that living spark, Of that great, mighty God, a part Within the form of man we see, Th%8 brings to him identity. He lives to all eternity And individuality. To bless the great Father of all. That gives us blessings, great and small ; That scatters over all our land Whatever man's nature doth command; And leads him forth by his great power — Unfolds new motives every hour. To lead him into higher life. And help him, through all earthly strife. That he may higher, higher rise. And make him happy, good, and wise. And here enjoy that blessing true. That he may all his goodness view. This work, we ask, why was it made — Why were the plans of God thus laid ? Why was this being given to earth. And we not know its real worth ? Why was man made upon this sphere. To pass through all that 's mortal here ? We answer : God, we see around. In every form of life is found — The Soul. 225 All, all of life that we may see. Emanates from Deity. But all below the human race, All lower forms, all have a place. Yet have we seen no climax reached, Of power of mind, with bird or beast : Or flower, or plant upon this land. Or rock, or mineral we scan ; All lower forms of life now stand To help unfold this soul of man. What good or evil could we see, If our great Father, Deity, Should not unfold his mighty power, Through forms here given us every hour? What could be known of wisdom good, How be unfolded, understood. If the great point of life and light Had kept his beauty from our sight? This was not so. Our Father, God, Came here to dwell upon our sod. To dwell in mortal things below. That mighty wisdom he might show, And gave these loioer forms of life That man might through them rise in might. He gave the good ; the bad we see Are good, but shown imperfectly. The great surroundings here to man Makes what we here will truly scan : Unfold this nature God has given. And help to make his hell or heaven. The gem implanted there within Will sometimes help to draw^ them in, 226 ^cems for the Times. Unless conditions can be found To guard against these forms around : That leads the beings given to sin^ Into the right and unto him. Our Father left this work of love To us, his children, from above, That we -might help our brother here To rise to higher, better spheres ; And by assisting brother man, We're acting out our Father's plan. Unfolding this, the powers here given. Thus working on our way toward heaven- Then we, the soul, the immortal part, Draw from our Fathers loving heart Rich blessings here, from hour to hour, As w^e impart he gives us power; By giving more we will receive. As we our suffering ones relieve. Can Ave behold this work so great — Given here on earth, this mundane state ? Can we one moment thus behold The power of this great part — the soul? Can -we look out and see the work — The task our Father undertook : And then behold conditions vile. That now surround us all the while; And see this casket of the soul Suffering conditions here untold? We view these scenes from day to day^ And yet we pass along our way; Conditions that no pen can tell. That leads the immortal soul to hell : The Soul. 2Ti That plants the seeds so firm within, And leads our brother into sin ; And view him, crushed beneath our feet, With scarce the means to find retreat. This great immortal, so acute. Lying and living as a brute : O can we render our account And pay what is the true amount, When we are settling up the whole — The worth of one poor fallen soul? The colunni would be numberless — The loss of all our happiness : No power nor language can express The loss here of our blessedness. Just think — God, given in form of man. With power to work our Father's plan : Take all the blessings he has given, To lead us on to joy and heaven. And use them as a curse while here, To sink us lower in this sphere — Can Ave then render unto God Of this, our labor on his sod. If we ne'er try to good unfold Within our great immortal soul? O let us strive with all our might To act the part we know is right — To work for good to all we see: Then will we ever willing be To render our our account to Him, And have a peaceful heart within. The soul will purer, higher rise Into a perfect paradise: ■228 Progress is seen in every thing pertaining to this life — In knowledge of our duties and aims while facing strife : We find more liberal views accepted by the mass Than ever, long ago we knew, away out in the past. Great minds are bringing science down more fully to the mind Of people's understanding. More real worth we find To-day within our nation, than in days long ago, When Salem w^itchcraft ruled, and caused such scenes of woe. Yes, we are growing better as time is rolling 'round. And up the hill of progress the people are all bound : More generous to our neighbors in thought we daily grow. Nor try to crush the weak ones, as once we did, you know. Great, noble hearts are toiling to equalize more true The distance 'twixt the high and low, that 's often brought to view — True principles are studied, and better understood. And those conditions plainer shown betwixt the ill and good. Advanced are we in models great, to satisfy a claim Of life's great avocations, our natures to sustain : Machinery provided to do the work of hands. And give the mind a chance rich culture to command. Our sisters now have studied to speak for truth and right, Denouncing, in strong terms, the rule of power and might, Declaring to the world that man must never rule The woman with a scepter, or e'er make her a tool. 304 ^? 0671 IS for the Times. She boldly stands for rights that God hath given her, And^ with a noble stand, these rights will she aver ; And brother man is coming out, and standing by hei* side, Upholding the true sister with noble, manly pride. Yes, we all are growing better, and daily do unfold Those inward intuitions that help the mind to mold In ways of holy wisdom, that leads us up, and on To ways of light and goodness, to give us hope beyond. In arts, and all the sciences controlling earthly minds. We find that daily, hourly, new beauties brightly shine: As we unfold and study life's book from page to }>age. We find we all are better than in a former age. We Ve often heard it spoken, ^' There never was a time Whene'er this earth was covered, as now it is, with crime ;" But taking all together, the age of progress, too, We 've come to the conclusion 't is not exactly true. We count the great upheavings those principles show forth. And many things we count as good that some think of no worth : Beneath a rough exterior oft truth is plainly scanned. Which shows to us quite clearly that God hath wisely planned. Take courage, bold inventor; go on, and labor well : In future, if not present, your works for you will tell : Do what your noble mind unfolds to you as right — Bring forth the product fearlessly, O bring it to the light ! Tlie World is Growing; (Better. 305 ^) All minds are growing better and wiser every day, And driving gloom or darkness and bigotry away : Each rolling of our orbit brings fortli to every heart A more intense decision to act a better part. Go on, my noble sister. Stand up, and advocate Those principles of righteousness that will a difference make : Stand firmly — ever, ever — until you take your crown, A]id never, for a moment, consent to lay it down. O let US all take courage, and labor with a will. Till every thing like evil within our land is killed : We ^11 fight our battles firmly, still trusting to the end, Tliat God will give us victory for all the lives we spend. Our world is growing better — we know that this is true : O let us ever follow the wisest path we view ! Keep pace with every movement that time to us unfolds, And learn these truths, while passing, and treasure them as gold. O yes, our world is better, much better than in past : Great lessons are we learing, those that will truly last : We will accept the truth, and error cast away : 'Tis thus we're growing better, yes, better every day. 806 (Poems for the Times. ;jpHE moneyless man^ who can care for him? j^ No praises of such a being we sing — "^" No care or thought will ever arise For him, as he weeps, or e'en does rejoice: No business on earth for him we scan — This miserable being, this moneyless man. He comes to our door, we answer his call — He 's nothing or nobody, after all ; He may have good logic, his mind may be stored With gems of truth ; he has upward soared To the realms of light, yet still we scan No worth he has now — this moneyless man. If he passes along our quiet street, Perchance our faces may often meet; No pains would we take to speak to /lim, To shun siiah a person would be no sin. We care not to hold out a friendly hand To this being we meet — this moneyless man. If sickness should hover around him here, We care not how much, if e'en so severe. He be racked with pain, if he must be A man without money, no mercy have we : Like the Levite, we pass on the other hand. Nor wish to be cursed by this moneyless man. No place on earth to him belongs ; He never does right, but always does wrong — 'ihe Moneyless Man. 307 le A bore to society he cloth abide — We give him a passage by us quite wicl( Nor let him in friendship near by us stand — This miserable being — this moneyless man. Should trouble assail us on every side, And we should assistance require, betide, We'll open the door and bid him come in, For we know that he has a warm heart within : He'll do for us all, and as well as he can — This worthless incumbrance — this moneyless man. When the hand of affliction has been withdrawn, We '11 turn from this being with looks of scorn ; We need his assistance no more, we say, He M better be going another way — • He'd better be working another plan To care for himself — this moneyless man. Death opens the portal, he passes away : The last great summons must he obey. He leaves this, his form, and soars up higher. To join with angels and strike the lyre. His form we see, taken by strangers' hands — In the potter's field lies this moneyless man. We leave this form, in after time. And take our exit to another clime. We are buried in pomp — with splendor crowned — And little memorials our graves surround ; But our head takes the level in earth, we scan, With the poor, honest head of the moneyless man. 308 (Poems for the Times. To the future we go, from the earthly form, But can we this being thus meet, with such scorn? Ah, no ! He has soared away from our sight. And our minds are now groping in darkness and night. We see a form given — our visions now scan The worth of this being — this moneyless man. |^^)OME, go with me, my friend, you know Mf Our social meets to-day ; ^^"Now tell me you will surely go. If so, I '11 call this way." " Well, really, Mrs. Jones, I 'd like ^ The social to attend. But then, I feel that I must write: I 've not the time to spend. "But call— perhaps I '11 go— I '11 see. If nothing does prevent ;" So, Mrs. Jones call'd 'round for me — We to the social went. We were two sisters in the church, And zealous members, too. And willing were to do our work, As most church-members do. The social was at Mrs. Brown's, A lady of degree — The upper-crust of this, our town — The aristocracy. Our Social 309 Wlien we arrived at Mrs. Brown's, Of course we there must meet The minister. His wife came down, With greeting e^er so sweet. Said "Mrs. Strong/' with voice so bland, And spoke to every one ; So cordially he gave his hand, Saying " Good afternoon.'^ And after that, he took his hat, "' Excuse me now,'' said he, "I've little matters to look at. Then I '11 be back to tea." So saying, bowed, and left the house — Not until Mrs. Brown Had said, "Be faithful at the hour; Do n't fail in coming 'round." Now, there sat Mrs. Tattler, in Her listening attitude. And Mrs. Nonsense sat so prim By Mrs. Attitude. Just over there sits Mrs. Gray — That quiet little one ; Right here sits Mrs. Popinjay, All glistening like the sun. Said Mrs. Tattler to her friend- That Mrs. Nonsense, there — " I 've something now to tell you, lend To me a listening ear. 310 (poeviis for the Times. ^' Say, did you hear of Mrs. Sykes ? That story 's what I mean — She tries to do whatever she likes, You know she is nH seenj^ ^^No I Ve not heard, do tell me now — The news to me impart ; Oh ! where's my fan, to fan my brow ! (I/m troubled with my heart/') Thus Mrs. Nonsense fans away, And flutters all around; She says : " Who cares, let 's all be gay — ■ Now to the crouquet ground,'^ Now Mrs. Tattler steps around And whispers to another. And pretty soon we hear a sound As whispering to each other. Now hands are raised in awful dread ! It goes the circle round; You ^d thought our greatest statesman dead, Could you have heard the sound. Now quiet Mrs. Gray, she spoke In her sweet, quiet way : " That story is not worth your note, I see her every day. " She calls on me, and I Ve been there; I like her very much : She labors and has many cares; Slie 'd like to 've been with us." Watching. 311 Now all commence, the talk begins; Poor Mrs. Sykes must feel Her ears to burn, (if aught is in This sign) way to her heels. But now the tea is just announced: In comes the minister; He kneels, and prays God to denounce All sin that may appear. They take their tea and then depart, Each one to go her way ; But are they better now at heart, For being there that day? I ask my readers, one and all. That 'tend church socials here, If this is following the call Of this our pattern dear? No matter where we go in life, O let us all do good ; Avoid all turmoil and all strife. As all true Christians should. §HE sat there, sad and lonely, lost to hope, Beside that wretched couch of misery '"^ And want. A prostrate form now lay thereon. Unhappiness, and want, and sickness there Was to be seen. Her sunken eyes, so dim : Her hollow cheek, with palid look, gave forth 312 ^oems for the Times. To the beholder that some sorrow deep, Deep down, within her soul's dark recess lurked. Her only child — her all, as one might say — Now lay there moaning, sick and weak. Her heart Was filled with anguish ; yet she faithful was To this, her trust. She noted every pain And every movement of that feeble form. Her anxious heart went forth to God, in prayer, So deep and earnest, from her inmost soul. For some relief. She felt that could her child But just recover, this was all she e'er Would ask in life. Then, with a deep-drawn sigh, She thought who could the sequel of his life, In after years, unfold. She felt the state. The sad condition of the drunkard's wifb. And could she Avish to see her darling one Thus follow in the footsteps of the man That now a father was, to him, by kin ? Her thoughts went far, far back to days of yore, To where she played upon the grassy lawn Beside her father's door — the petted one Of all the household there. Her mind was then Carried to after years in life, Avhen she Had given her heart and hand to him slie loved, And his to her he 'd given in return : That genial Avarmth of true affection, his — She stood beside the altar now a bride. A strong and loving nature was the one That now stood there beside her. Now she felt Secure from all the future ills of life. As passing time gave forth its many life IJnfoldings there, she f[\\(\^ herself within Watching, 313 That quiet^ happy home, to her so blest. Ere long a change is seen. The partner of Her sorrows and her joys — if sorrows ere There be — began the downward road to go. The demon drink had entered there. All night, With tearful eyes and aching heart, she watched The coming footsteps of the one she loved — That, years ago, stood up in manhood's pride And made that solemn promise then to love And cherish her. All hope had fled. She now Felt that her life henceforth would be a blank. Ere long another came within that home : A little stranger came to fill her heart's Void with a mother's love. That father now Became more as in days of yore — a man. New life was now begat within his soul. As this his child he saw. He made such firm Resolves that in the future time he would A father and a husband truly be. But ah ! alas ! the vow was soon to be But empty words, all broken, all in vain. Down, down, deep into degradation there He went. Companions came around him now. To draw him on into the dark abyss. They with his warm and genial heart now played. And he became forever lost in shame. She watched beside her boy, and now she prayed — " O, God, if 't is thy will that he should live, O, spare my boy ! If not, thy will be done." 14 ' ;14 • ^oems for the Times. fJjjO pen the words that would unfold, Jyl The power, the force remains untold ; ^^ The mighty weight that's felt around By thought embodied onward bound. Look back to ages long ago : See those of old dig deep to know — To cast before the coming man Pearls found for him in far-oiF lands. These ages gave us mighty thought — Thought that can never come to naught — That guides us on to latter years, And helps unfold great minds so dear. In latter times we may look up And drink deep draughts from Wisdom's cup; Those gems so dearly to be sought We find embodied here in thought. Deep thought will make us truly wise ; Each day we higher, higher rise ; From the great point of love divine Bright, sparkling gems will surely shine. In searching all that was before. We long each day for more and more ; We drink, nor can be satisfied. Yet still we drink. The fount ne'er dries. Valedictory. 315 If we impart each clay we live, We more receive, the more we give; Still hunger for the bread of life, And bear the hardship, toil, and strife. Of digging deep for thought so great. Of truth no sacrifice can make Us falter, as we seek to plod Into the mysteries of God. Inspired with wisdom from above. We seek true spheres and works of love; All, all our lives may we seek naught But to dig deep for noble thought. f,HE time has come for us to part. Kind readers, one and all : With the best wishes of a heart Of love, to great or small. Within these lids, dear patrons, friends — For such I trust you are — Truth I Ve brought out, and tried to pen With labor and with care. Evils within our land and world Are many times enthroned ; And some have 'neath our feet been hurled. While friendless and alone. 316 ■ (Poe-ins for the Times. Therefore, I feel the keenest touch — Can sympathize, in truth, With all who suffer here, as such. And pity the uncouth. Within the pages of this book, Pictures you '11 often find ; Which, as you may upon them look — Will help unfold your mind. The greatest wish within my heart, Has been to do you good ; And, as in life we take a part, May we be understood. May we all live the lessons true, Of Jesus Christ divine ; And may our lives be here imbued. With purity of mind. May we be led in paths of right, Dealing with beings here; Then joyfully we'll hail the sight Of that bright, happy sphere. My task — this work — is now complete Finished, I say, at last ; May you, in reading here, find meat — In truth, is all I ask. This ends the present volume, true. But, in some future time, I may again speak unto you In other w^ays than rhyme. Valedictory. 317 As changes mark each day iu life, So I must, this time, close : I soon may come before your eyes, In something more like prose. Good-byes are spoken often times, Between friends near and dear. And I am very much inclined To say "good-bye" just here. BD- 364. •^^^v Deacidtfied using the Bookkeeper pre Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxidi Treatment Date: JAN mi PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES flOBB^.BROTHEffe LIBRARV' 5!NDINC^^