SMIftmialKlri LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DDOEOlbaEbE HIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! * y^s^a — ; — i |f'"''!' fwiaM |o I t' J7:^m ORANGE BLOSSOMS. €> f>OI<>I,g: J By J. W. TURNER. /? K,^?^X^!^— EAST boston: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 1877. yr 1"^ coptkight, Joseph W. Turner, 1877. DEDICATION. TO THE MEMORT OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER, THIS VOLUME IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BV THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. These poems are the productions of one who, apart from the busy cares of life, has sought to im- prove the leisure moments which have been his lot to enjoy in the world. Many of them have before appeared in print, having been published in some of the periodicals in years past, but he now offers them to the public in a collected form — a volume which he trusts will be acceptable to his friends, and to all those who may read them. If such be the case, he will feel amply repaid for the time and labor he has devoted in writing and publishing them in their present form. J. W. T. East Boston, June, 1877. INDEX. PAGE My Own Little Isle "9 Morning- Beam« 11 The Willey Family 12 Musie 15 The ISIoruing Walk IG Thoughts at the Tomb of Burns IT The Golden Eobin VJ In the School-house Yard . . 20 Arabellc 22 Chateaux en Espagne 23 The Little Bootblack 2-i Beautiful Music 2G The Dead Boy 27 In the "West the Sun is sink- ing 2D The Serenade 31 Freedom of Speech 32 Music on the Waters 33 That's a Fact 31 Bury Me in the Sunshine. . . 3G The Dying- Sokliers 37 Paddy's Jubilee 39 Lay Her to East 42 The Picnic 43 The Fall of Scbastopol 45 I'll think of Thee 47 Cot at the Foot of the Hill. . 4S PAGE Dedication Ilymn 50 I am Sad 51 The Dying Musician's Re- quest 54 'Tis thy Bright Smile 55 The Gale of Sixty-Nine .... 56 The Cottage Door 58 The Western Hunter 59 Adelaide 61 I'm thinking of Thee 63 Mount Vernon 64 George Peabody 66 Little Willie's Farewell 63 The Death of Everett 70 Father, I'll meet You in Hea- ven 73 The Brilliant Mansion 73 Maiden Fair 76 We lost our Limbs 77 James and Alfred 7J The Death of Lincoln 82 The Old South Church 83 The Captain's Pride 84 Eugene 86 The Battle of the Bridge ... SS The Last Request 90 Our Glorious Banner 92 Once I was a Bonnie Laddie 94 7 INDEX. Little Josic 9G The Poor Man's Soliloquy. 98 A National Song 100 Noddle Island 102 The Rescued Mariners .... 104 Dedication Ode 107 The Hanging of the Lan- terns 100 Alice Ill Farewell, Dear Spot 113 Concord Muster 1 15 Lines for an Album 119 Our Heroes 120 Little Tad 123 En Dieu est ma Fiance .... 125 Henry 12G Honest Abe 127 Dedication Ode 128 Humility to God 131 \rother, when the War is over 132 (n Mcmoriam 134 Tuly the Ninth 13G L^rcmation 138 Che Soldier's Dream 140 Little Lenne 142 Belmont Square 144 Return of May 146 Love each Other 147 Live but one Moment 148 The Widow's Son 149 The Battle of Noddle's Is- land 150 Saw ye not my Bonnie Lass 152 The Missing Bell 154 Farewell, tlxoufond Darling 156 To Mother in Heaven 158 The Stranger's Kiss 160 John Howard Payne 162 The Sunbeam gilds the Val- ley.: 164 They say She's Pretty 165 The Snow-clad Trees 167 Pure Love 168 We shall miss Him 169 Love's May Morning 171 The Dream 173 Eagle Hill 174 The Pilgrim 176 Linger round Me 177 Dear Beloved 178 Our Glorious Land 180 Roclvland Cottage 182 Spring Flowers 184 Beneath the Eoses 185 When the Roses bloom .... 18G The Smile 188 Wilt Thou but think of Me 189 The Stars 190 Our Coys 191 The Cto'len Kiss 192 The Death of Cobden 194 Father in Heaven 195 Father's come to bless Us . 196 Commemorative Ode lf'8 The Sunlight 199 The Sailor's Serenade 200 Alwavs Happy 20 1 Always do Right 202 We can ue'ci forget Thee . 203 The World 205 The bright, sunny Days... 207 POEMS. MY OWN LITTLE ISLE. My own little Isle, thou gem 'mid the ocean, O, can I forget thee, wherever I roam ? Ah, no ! for my heart, with memory's devotion. Will ever look back to its dear cherished home. The pleasures, the joys, that once clung around me I And friends, O, the dearest, have sunk in their graves ; All gone ! j'et my soul, though sadden'd and dreary Will sigh for its home ' mid the sparkling blue waves. My own little isle, I dream of thee fondly. As peaceful in slumber I blissfnllj- roam ; 10 OUANGE BLOSSOMS. Waking or dreaming, I love to bo with thee, Thou gem ' mid the ocean, my dear cherished home. My own little isle ! though this world has places To some as enchanting as thou art to me, Let others adore them, and sing in their praises; But give me my home 'mid the sparkUng blue sea. OKANGE BLOSSOMS. H MORNING BEAMS. Wake! Wake! Wake! Morning beams ; wake from dreams, While the sun now brightly gleams \ Haste awa3% for the day Glad and joyous seems! Birds are singing merrily, Lads are tripping o'er the lea ; O'er the hills, by the rills. See the sun's bright ray ! Wake! Wake! Wake! To our toil let's repair. While sweet zephyrs fill the air ; Ever may. night and day, Blessings be our share ! 0,'tis sweet, at early dawn, When to labor we away. O'er the hills, by the lills. In the sun's bright ray ! 12 ORAXGE HLOSSOMS. THE WILLEY FAMILY. This song is descriptive of the untimely fate of the Willey Family, wliich consisted of Mr.Willey, his wife, five children, and two hired men. They resided in a small cottage, in the Notch of the White Mountains, and all perished during the dreadful storm and avalanche that occurred there on the night of the twenty-eighth of Au- gust, 1828. Among the mountains, wild and drear, A lone and solitary spot, "Whore faLher, mother, children dear, Were dwellers in an humble cot, — There sunshine blest them day by day. Contentment lingered round their home, 'Till Desolation's sad display Enwrapt them in her darkest gloom. "With feeble tongue let me relate The terror of that dreadful hour, That sealed for them an awful fate. And sunk them in oblivion's power. CHANGE BLOSSOMS. 13 The heart recoils in awe to tell The annals of their hapless lot ; How sad to think what there hefell The inmates of that lowly cot ! Dark clouds were gathered far above, And sharp the vivid lightning flashed ; The giant mountains seemed to move, As by the \\ ind and torrent lashed ! The night came on, and peaceful sleep Had bound the children in its arms ; But fiercer round the summit steep There raged the fearfid storm alarms. With trembling now the father stood And gazed upon the awful scene ; His lifted eyes then turned to God Within the lonel^^ dark ravine. What drearj^ thoughts around him clung, While tempests swept the mountain side, Wliat grief his startled senses wrung For loved ones there, his dearest pride. 14 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. Another moment — where were they ? Beneath the ruhis, crushed and torn, Fond human souls all bleeding lay, As o 'er them dawned the opening morn ! There father, mother, darlings all, "Whose faces once had beamed so bright, All lifeless ' neath the mountain fall, The sufferers of that dreadful night. Their memory long we should revere, While now they moulder in decay ; The traveller oft will drop a tear, As by the spot he seeks his way. OUANGE BLOSSOMS. 15 MUSIC. O dulcet Music ! art divine ! O, let me worship at tlij' shrine ! Tlij' hcovenlj- tones come with deliglit, Thrillin2 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. Too soon for me, with tremblin<^ lip, To breathe her requiem. O, the, &c. 'Tis too early, in her youth, For flowers to bloom and fade Around the grave of her I loved, My darling Adelaide, O, the, «S;c. OUAKGE RLOSSOMS. 63 PM THINKING OF THEE. When moonlight in splendor is beaming, And cool zeph^a-s ruffle the sea; When the stars in their beauty are gleaming, My Dearest, I'm thinking of Thee. When roses and lilies are blooming. And nightingales sing on the tree ; When the bird of the morning is pluming Her pinion, I'm thinking of Thee. When dew-drops bespangle the flowers That deck o'er the valley and lea; VVhen the gardens are gladdened by showers. Then, Dearest, I'm thinking of Thee. And when at the ho^ir of devotion I fall on the oft bended knee; With feelings of sacred emotion. Then, Deai'est, I'm thinking of Thee. 64 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. MOUNT VERNON. How dear to every soul of sensibility is this spot, this quiet resting place ofour loved Washington! As long 'as human hearts contain one spark of pure and honest feeling, so long will fond affection f r/.ne its garlands here. Where sweet Potomac's waters ghde, "Where ebbs and flows her purple tide, Where sleeps Columbia's dearest pride, Her glorious Washington. Here lies the Father of our land lu sweet repose, sublimely grand, While guards of heaven's angehc band Watch o'er the sacred dust. O, shades of Vernon, doublj- dear To ev'ry lionest heart sincere, 'Tis sweet to twine around thee liere Aflectiou's purest love. ORiVNGE BLOSSOMS. ()5 No pompous grandeur gilds the scene, iJ'o stately tomb of king or queen ; But decked with nature's mantle green Behold our Washington. O freemen, pause and worship here; Bedew tlie spot witli many a tear ; Let every noble heart revere The tomb of \Vashin()SSOMS. 71 Passed from earth ! such is raorcality ! It is ordauicd by Heaven's decree, and it must be Tliat mau shall die, and in tlie grave The mortal form of king or slave The unrelenting worm shall crave. But, O, the soul ' that gift of Ilim divine. Will in the realms of bliss more brightly sliiiie. And man shall be immortal! his reward ( By angels suug in one harmonious chord ) The bosom of his Maker and his God. 72 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. FATHKR, I'LL MEET YOU IN HEAVEN. O, Father, I'll meet 5^011 in Heaven, 'Mid the bright and beautiful throng That gather around their Creator, To praise Him witii angelic song : Wliere flowers in Paradise blooming, 'Mid fields so fragrant and fair. Where sunlight and moonlightarebeaming;— Dear Father, O, I'll meet jou there. O, Father, Til meet you in Heaven, Where the soul is sweetly at rest, Where the conflict of mortals can never Invade the abodes of the blest : And then by thy side, fondest parent. So blissful in regions so fair, We'll wander in pastures of beauty ;— Dear father, O, I'll meet you tliere. OKANGE BLOSSOMS. 73 THE BRILLIAN"T MANSION. O, mother! see those brilliant lights In ponder mansion grand, Where those who're called the gi-eatest live, With gold at their command. How happy they must be, mamma, Would we were rich like Ihem ! To own our silks and satins tine, Our pearls and diadem ! My child, whj^ speak in such a way ? Are you not happy now? Does not the moon's bright beaming ray Shine down upon your brow? O, mother ! but my feet are bare. And we are poorly clad— Sometimes 1 know you're wanting gold, You often seem so sad ; O then we ne'er should have to weep. 74 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. Or beg from street to street ; We'd have good clothes to keep us warm, And shoes upon our feet ! My child, perhaps with all the wealth That decks those halls so fair. There lurks within some miser}'. Some cloud of dai-k despair ; Should we not be content, ni}' cliilJ, Whate'er our lot may be, Since God has ordered for our fate This sad adversity? I know, mamma, you've told me oft That God is kind and good ; But then, I thought if it was ro We should not starve for food ! My child, I know 'tis hard to be By poverty opprest. And those who are sometimes in wiint. Sometimes by Heaven are blest. Such then maj' be our case, my ciiild. Though drearily we plod OKANGE BLOSSOMS. 75 This woi'kl, our thoughts should ever be To Heaven and to God ! O mother, then I'll kneel and pray . For what to us is given, And be content from day to day With blessings sent from Heaven. 76 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. MAIDEN FAIR. Maiden fair ! Maiden fair! wilt thou be mine? Garlands of roses for thee 1 will twine; Say you will ever be mine to adore, Tell me but this and I'll ask you no nioi-o ! Maiden fair ! Maiden fair ! listen to me ! Richest of treasures I'll gather for tliee ; Happy the moments with us will pass by ; Maiden of beauty, O, list to my sigli ! Maiden fair! Maiden fair! hope of my soul. Dreams of enchantment my senses conti'ol ; Awake or dreaming my thoughts are of tliee ; Ever the same, love, listen to me • OKANGE BLOSSOMS. 77 WE LOST OUR LIMBS. " We lost our limbs, but saved our country; Glory be on high ! And ever for the land we cherish We would nobly die ! Althoug-h we have been scarred in battle, We will not repine, But now with liearts of joy and gladness Welcome Freedom's shrine ! '• We lost our limbs, but saved our country From a treach'rous band ! Dearest friends, once more we greet you In a peaceful land ! Sweet to us is this fond greeting Of our friends so dear ! Blissful ever be around us Frieudshii)"s smile and cheer ! 78 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. " We lost our limbs, but saved our country ; Glorious cause of rio^ht J We have fouj^ht throui^h uiauy a battle, In the fiercest fight ! Glory perched upon our banner ; Clouds of dark dismay. No more linger round us dreary — Brightness gilds the da}' ' " ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 79 JAMES AND ALFRED. "James and Alfred were two good boys who had little ships, and James' ship sailed over the pond- Alfred was so glad that he asked James to dinner, and they had gingerbread. So James offered to give Alfred his little ship, as a proof that all James' coun- trymen were so glad Alfred had given him such a nice dinner. But Alfred wouldn't take the little ship be- cause it was too good for him, and so both boys were glad and hoped their families would never quarrel." James and Alfred, two good boys. Each had a little ship : James he thought lie'd cross the Pond, And make a gallant trip ; He sailed from 'New York one line day, His heart beat higli witli glee ; He was bound to see his cousin Alf Awaj' across the sea I 80 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. James he loved his little craft, Miss Henrietta Yacht; He thouy-ht it was the nicest toy That he had ever boufrht; And so he sailed, and sailed away. For jolly now was he ; He was bound to see his cousin Aif Away across the sea ! When next we heard from little James, 'Twas at the river Cowes ; Her Majestj^ upon tlie beach. Now welcomed liim with bows; Prince Alfred then gave him some cake. And shook liis hand most fi'(;e — O, cousin Jim! you noble boy! To come across the sea. And Jinmiy he was mighty phrased With Cowes and Bulls and Cake. And so he thought tliat in retiaii To Alf a gift lie'd malvC ; He said, "'■My Henrietta Yacht I offer now to thee ; ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 81 Now take it from your cousin Jim, That camo across the sea. " But Alfy, he was rather shy To take the little ship, Too '• costly present, " cousin Jim, '' Compelled, " I let it slip ; But, cousin Jim, I ever sliall Appreciative be, Of all your kind intentions That come across the sea. 82 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. THE DEATH OF LINCOLN. Mournful ! O, tearful ! Columbia to-day ! Sorrow and sadness obscuring the way, Millions of freemen all tremulous tell Tlie tidings tliat have our loved country befell. Mournful ! O, tearful ! Columbia to-day, The chief of our nation has faded away. Thus was a patriot, the good and the great, The head of the nation, our dear magistrate, Struck down in life by a murderous hand, The true martyr'd chief of our great Union band. Mournful ! O, tearful, &c. Weep ! O, Columbia ! your tears long will lave The grave of the fallen, the " honest '' and brave ; His mem'ry will live until time is no more. And nations of earth his loss will deplore. Mournful ! O, tearful, &e. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 83 THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH. Spare, spare the relic old ! Let no rude hand Mar, in its glory now, The Old Church grand ! Ever to us so dear ; Still loved by us sincere ; Treasure of many a year, Long may it stand ! Spare, spare the relic old! Sons of the sires. Where once in ages past Shone Freedom's fires. Say then it yet shall be Dearer to you and me : Emblem of Liberty, Long may it stand! Spare, spare the relic old! Where sacred love. From pure and fervent hearts, Rose high above. O, may it still remain ! Ever to be again. Pride of our loved domain, — Long may it stand! 84 OBANGE BLOSSOMS. THE CAPTAIN'S PRIDE. A gallant ship's the thing for me, When dashing o'er the foamy sea; Whose sails are bending to tlie breeze, As on she rides witli grace and ease. This is my pride : a ship for me, Out upon the sparkling sea ! O, then give me a jolly crew, Whose hearts are bold, and manly too ; For then we'll pass so clieerfuUy Our time upon the swelling sea ! This is my pride, by night or day — A ship, a crew, and feathered spray ! The sailor often thinks of home, Though he in distant lands may roam ; His lieart beats true to all that's dear, Sometimes he sheds the friendly tear ! ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 85 But then his joy will ever be, A ship upon the sparkling sea ! I love to view the less'ning strand, Though dear to me the waving hand That sweetly bids the fond adieu To those among our noble crew. This is my pride, and e'er will be — A sliip upon the sparkling sea ! 86 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. EUGENE. Summer comes, with all its beauties, Decking hill and valley fair ; Dew drops gild the morning daisies, ' Warbling bb'ds sing in the air. But for me, alas I how lonely, Since my darlings is afar In tlie battles ; he's my only ; Heaven guard him in the war ! Flowers are blooming round tlie easement, Twining at the cottage door ; Gentle zephyrs murmur by me. But his voice I hear no more. Fierce, may be, the conflict rages ; Foremost in the fearful fray^ ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 87 Methinks I see my loved one braving All the dan;^'ers of the day. But 'tis for his country's glory ! Must my soul so mournful be? No ! Ill freely give my only, Since lie dies for liberty ! 88 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. THE BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE. Sit down by my side, my own little fond one, And I will relate you a tale of the past, How the armies of England came over the ocean, With terror and carnage our country to blast. How blest is the day, what love and pure feeling Inspire us to cherish the true hearts of old, Whose courage and brave deeds through all time revealing Remembrance more jirecious and brighter than gold. 'Twas the Nineteenth of April, the bright sun was gleaming In beauty and splendor o'er valley and hill ; The fields and the meadows with verdure were teeming — But hark ! from each hamlet a murmur, a thrill ! Our forefatheKs long had suffered oppression, Decreed by a tyrant far over the sea ; No longer shall Britaiii retain her jiossession — " Arouse thee ! " they cried ; " our land shall be free ! " O'er hill and o'er valley the watchword was Hying, " The invaders are near us ! — on to the fray ! OBANGE BLOSSOMS. 89 To the Bridge ! " was the cry, so brave and defying, That told of the patriots' courage that day. •' Arouse thee ! for onward the foemen are marching ! " Shouted each patriot, like a command ; To arms, to arms each freeman was rushing, For liberty, life, and his dear native land. Onward they came, the foe bold and fearless, Eager to wreak all their vengeance around ; Audacious and proud, as though they were peerless — Alas for them, what vain glory they found ! " Halt ! At the Bridge ! " was the order resounding For there was a band of souls, brave and true. With a firmness and wiH as bold and astounding As ancient or modern, times ever knew. 'Twas our patriot sires, Avhose love and devotion For country, for home, and all that was dear ; Who confronted the foe that came o'er the ocean, Vnd vanquished the spirit of tyranny here. Then let us remember the day, and our fathers. Who perilled their lives in so glorious a cause : Now, fond one, I've told you ; repeat it to others, — Their deeds are worthy the Nation's applause. 90 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. THE LAST REQUEST. Lay me beside the form of her I love ; There I would wish to sleep mj^ lon^?, last sleep. There to remain until the One above Shall call us from the dark and vaulted deep I Is it not fitting that two brolien hearts Should moulder with each other side by side? What to tlie liuman soul more grief imparts Than when fond, loving kindred ties divide? So may it be in death as 'twas in life — That sweet communion be around our dust, Secure from all the ills of worldly strife, The hearts on whom ingratitude was thrust. My mother, thou who taught me first to speak, And guided me in virtue's noblest way, ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 91 That oft imprinted on my youthful cheek A Iviss, as at tliy side 1 knelt to pray I I know there's One above wiiose watcliful care Will fall on us with heavenly sympathy ; Although in life our path was sad despair, In death "tw ill prove an immortality ! 92 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. OUR GLORIOUS BANNER. Our glorious Banner is waving; Around us its folds gently fall ; In the conflict how nobly 'tis braving I And gallantlj' streams over all Whom its stars and its stripes are defending, 'Mid the perils of battle's array, Wliere each patriot soldier is sending A terror to foes in the fray I Defend now the Red, White and Blue ! Defend now the Red, White and Blue I We'll stand by the Union forever- Defend now the Red, Wliite and Blue ! Remember the days long departed. Remember the sires who have died. When at Concord those brave noble hearted Oppression so sternly defied. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 93 Shall the sons of those heroes surrender To traitors our glorious land, Then rally each patriot defender, And swear by the Union to stand. Defend now, &c. What heart does not beat with devotion At the sound of our Washington's name? Or thinks not, with fervent emotion. Plow dearly he bought us our fame? O, ever his memory cherish, And all its bright lustre revere ; May the traitor who sullies it perish, For to us it.is sacred and dear. Defend now, &g. 94 ORANGE BLOSSOMS ONCE I WAS A BONNIE LADDIE. Once I was a bonnie laddie, In my native land ; But I left her braes and higlilands For a foreign strand. Though for many years I've dwelt In dear Columbia's clime, Can I e'er forget my home, Or youth's bright, sunnj^ time? Once I was a bonnie laddie, Roaming in the glen, Straying out upon the heather, With tlie lassies then ! Joys like those should ever be The poet's theme for rhyme : Can 1 e'er forget my home, Or youtli's bright, sunny time? ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 95 Once I was a bonuie laddie ; Now I'm growin«; gray. And each j-ear now brings me nearer To life's closing daj' : Ma3^ fond inem'ry be as sweet As was mj- boyhood's prime ! Can I e'er forget my home, Or youth's bright, sunnj^ time ? 96 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. LITTLE JOSIE. O, it was not in the sprino--time Or tlie autumn of the j-ear ; It was wlien winter's chilly blast Made hill and valley drear, That I looked upon an ani^el With a brow of marble white ; 'Twas a darling of my kindred, Sleeping in immortal light. While bending o'er the casket Strewn o'er with fragrant tlowers, I thought that none more lovely Could dwell in Eden's bowers ; I thought of her whose pi-attliug lips Oft greeted me before, And the many times she met me At the threshold of the door. ORANGE BLOSSOMS, 97 O, God ! with an imploring soul Thy blessing I would crave On those who in affliction Have followed to the grave The one they loved and cherished, The beautiful and fair : O, bless them, heavenl}- Father, With Thy divinest care. 98 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. THE POOR MAN'S SOLILOQUY. What consolation 'tis to know That " poverty is no dis,i;:race ! " For if the precept was not so, I should not dare to show my face ! Some think me rich in worldly store, Wliile others know me as I be ; I covet not the golden ore That hurries some to misery ! I've marked the course of some who once Were quite as humble as mj'self ; But luck has changed, and now they strut In dignitj^ of show and pelf! I do not court the pompous pride Of those who think themselves so gieut ; ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 99 Not thouo:h tliey boast thoir boundless wealth Or ride upon a chair of state. 'Twas God's intent that men should be As brothers in this world of ours, As long as love and honesty Should be their passion's ruling powers. Perhaps this gentle hint may prove A moral for some friends of mine. Whose grandeur lures them from the path That makes humanity divine. Give me a heart that's rich with love, — No other treasure I adore, — A heart that God will sure approve, And let me evermore be poor I 100 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. A NATIONAL SONG. Come join with me in noble song. And let us be sincere; Our native land shall be the theme ; Our hearts shall have no fear. Since monarchs do not rule our soil With power and command, We'll sing most free in praise of thee, Our own, our native land. * What inspiration prompts the heart To such a glorious cause? The freedom that we now enjoy, It merits our applause. And God, the Father of us all, With his protecting hand, Will bless us while we praise in song Our own, our native land. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 101 Let Youth and Age with mingled voice The joyful strain awake ! Let true devotion fire each soul, While forth the paeans break ! Great God of all the universe, With thy protecting iiand O guard the soil tiiat gave us birth— Oui- own, our native land. 102 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. NODDLE ISLAND. O, Noddle Island, lovely spot Amid the dark blue sea, When other joys have been forgot, Thou'lt yet be dear to me; For many pleasant moments I Have seen upon thy shore, When friends were near, and hopes were high, And happiness in store. Let others talk of sunny climes, And palace halls so gay; More blissful are the pleasant times Our people pass away. Contented in their Island home, We see them kind and free ; As jovial as the dashing foam Of waves that circle thee ! ORANGE BLOSSOMS 103 I'll sini^ thy praise wUh heait and voice, Whatever be my lot ; Though forced to sigh, or to rejoice, Thoult be my cherished spot. Some joy comes with each sparkling wave That brealcs upon thy shore ; 'Tis all I asU or ever crave, I do not covet more. 104 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. THE RESCUED MARINERS. This Ballad portrays a scene which occurred off' the harbor of St. John, New Brunswick, on the twenty-third of .October, 1853. The schooner Maria went ashore, and her crew, five in number, took to the rigging for safety. iMinute guns were fired from the Fort, as signals of distress. A pilot boat attempted to go to their rescue, but ow- ing to the severity of the gale, had to put back. Seeing the perilous position of the mariners, three noble-hearted men manned one of the steamer East- ern City's life boats, and fearlessly went to their assistance, and rescued them; for which they receiv- ed a splendid silver medal from the Corporation of the City of St. John. Let me that dreadful scene relate, Its terror now portray, That others e'er may emulate The heroes of that day. ORANGE BLOSSOMS 105 A gale, its like had never been For many years before, Swept onward with terrific rage O'er sea, and on tlie shore. The breakers running mountains liigh, Witli mad'ning fury lashed; While to and fro so feai-fully On rock and shijj they dashed ! Amid the tempest's rage, behold ! A vessel in distress ! All hands are clinging to the shrouds For life, in hopelessness ! The minute gun, with solenui boom Awakes the distant land. And thousands,rushing to tlie call. Now throng tlie shore and strand. Those gallant tars in sad despair Are thinking of their doom. Expecting soon to be ingultod Within a wat'ry tomb. 106 ORANOK BLOSSOMS. But see ! a life-boat now appears Amid the angry foam— A thrill of joy now fills each heart! They smile ! — and think of home ! Brave men have manned the boat, and now They're struggling 'mid the waves ; A shout is ringing from the shore. In honor of the braves ! They're rescued ! And securely now Are borne from danger's harm ; They've braved the perils of that day, The gale, the waves, the storm ' O God, to Tliee let praise be given ; They're safe upon the strand ! And grateful prayers went up to heaven, From that loved, happy baud. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 107 DEDICATION ODE. Raise a glad sonor to-day, For learning holds its sway On our loved shore ; Reared now this Temple grand, By noble mortals planned. Welcome, with heart and liand, Forevermore ! Here shall great thoughts arise, Tow'ring toward the skies. From minds held dear, Lifting the soul above, Guiding with truth and love, Teaching each heart to move With joy sincere ! Here Music's tones maj' blend, And from these walls ascend 108 ORANGK BLOSSOMS. Its blissful strains, And, with its magic art, Emotions sweet impart In many a dreary heart Of griefs and pains ! Praised be the glorious work ! May nought immoral lurk Within this shrine ; May all that's good and great Here be to elevate And nobly emulate All things divine ! OKANGE BLOSSOMS. 109 THE HANGING OF THE LANTERNS. Once a little girl was reacling to her grand- father of the proposed centennial celebration of the battles of Concord and Lexington ; and in reading of the intention of hanging out the lanterns in the Old North Church, as they were hung a hundred years ago, he exclaimed, " Yes, my darling! hang them out! " And the fire of true patriotism lit the old man's eyes as he continued : — " Hang them out ! hang them out in the old church-lower, As they hung on that night and perilous hour ! The beacon of warning, whose rays beamed afar, The signal of danger, the herald of war. " Let the sons of the sires who have gone to their rest, Behold them in brightness, North, South, East, and West ! Let the infant boy look to the spire on high — In a cause as noble he may yet bravely die ! " Though a hundred years have passed and gone Since miles away their first glimmer was borne hi the darkness of night o'er valley and plain. When they stirred the blood in each patriot's vein, 110 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. " Hang them out ! hang them out ! they tell of the night The invaders were marching, all cautious and light, To surprise the people of Concord, they say, By entering the town at the dawn of day. " Hang them out in the steejde that o'erlooks the sea ! Let them tell of the dawning of sweet liberty ! Let them shine o'er the waters and over the land ! Hang them out 'mid the chimes of the old church grand ; " 'Mid the shouts and the chorus that float on the air From the throng who have gathered to welcome them there, As they hung in the past, when o'er vales far away They shed so resplendent their glittering ray. " Hang them out ! let them hang in the mist of the night ! In the old church-tower, each freeman's delight ! For they tell of the daring, the brave deeds of old ; To us let them all of past glories unfold ! " In the days of the past, 'twas the lanterns' bright glare That through villages bade the brave yeomen prepare ! Aroused them, and kindled in each heart a flame That burned into brightness of glory and fame ! " Hang them out ! hang them out to the sons of the sires, So their bright beaming rays in devotion inspires A true love for country, as noble and brave As ever yet hallowed a patriot's grave ! " ORANGE BLOSSOMS. I I 1 ALICE. In the silent grave reposing, Calnil}^ sweetly sleepest thou : But how sad to us the closing Of the turf upon thj- brow ! Those w^ho knew thee loved thee fonUy Friendship ching around thy path ; Kindred ties full many bound thee Here with us upon the earth. O, those lost and happy moments That have vanished, gone with thee. Buried like the scattered fragments Of a wreck beneath the sea! And the hand of death has severed All those chains of earthly bliss, 112 ORANfSE BLOSSOM.^. That so oft in life liad o-athered Eound tliy patli of liappiness. In tliy miglity Maker's presence May St tiiou share celestial love; Blissful be thy soul's bright entrance To the heavenly i-culms above. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 113 FAREWELL, DEAR SPOT. Farewell, dear spot ! With much regret I say farewell to you ! To all the scenes that cling around, I fondly bid adieu ! No more beneath thy humble roof Will that dear aged sire Greet me with those kind words of love That oft did me inspire. No more will friendship, full, sincere, From woman's heart, again Welcome me to that abode, That rock-bound, loved domain. And ne'er again, at early dawn, May I with pleasure view 114 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. The flowers that bloom around thy porch, Bespangled o'er with dew. For me the birds may never sing A welcome strain at morn ; I may not listen to their song Upon the grassy lawn. The teeming fields, all richly clad With lovely verdure green, Perhaps I ne'er again may see As oft I once have seen. The lowing herd, that gathered in At sunset's quiet hour, No more will glad the eyes that watched Them nestled in their bower. Farewell, dear spot ! AVith much regret I say farewell to you ! To all the scenes that cling around, I fondly bid adieu. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 115 CONCORD MUSTER. 'Tis not the Concord fight of old Which I am "bout relating. For that, you know, was settled right, And needs no more debating, Yankee doodle, doodle-doo, Yankee doodle dand}* ! Sam went a trainin' with the Guards And didn't get smashed on brandy ! But 'tis about the muster I Attended in September, When all the military men Were tliere in goodly number. Yankee doodle, &c. They came from all the State around, With trumpets, drums and whistles; 116 ORANOF, RT.OSSOMS. Tlie strains that fell upon the ear Were sharp as any thistles. Yankee doodle, &c. The sojers made a splendid sight, The boj'S kicked up a rumpus; Among the gallants on the field. Was noble Captain Burapus ! Yankee doodle, &c. Doughnuts were in great demand, And lemonade a plenty ; The " nicks" and •' outs " were round about And boj^s were running sentry. Yankee doodle, &c. Ilir Excellency on his steed, Looked just like Alexander,— All Europe could not make him yield. While on his Morgan prancerl Yankee doodle, &c. The Noddle Island boys were there In all their martial glory ; ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 1 17 But how tliej- looked, and how they did, Our '■' Ledger" told the story. Yankee doodle, &c. Major Poore, the savage man, Refused to hip-hurrah, sir ! They'd ought to drive him out of town, Perfumed with some cold " tar ", sir. Yankee doodle, &c. Gen'ral Wool was there one day. Also the Legislature ; Of course, they all were might}' pleased With that ar' grand display, sir! Yankee doodle, &c. Patience Pratt, and Hezekiah, From yon suburban village. Were on the arms of Jedediah, The "• verdant " youth of tillage. Yankee doodle, &c. They thought it was the greatest sight That ever met their eyeses 118 * ORANGE BLOSSOMS. They said that "'ghi'^er-bread" was cheap, As well as apple pieses ! Yankee doodle, &c. The po-lice-meu were on the ground To see that all was rin^ht, sir. They'd pounce upon hiiu if they caught A feller any •• ti<^ht, "' sir ! Yankee doodle, &c. O such a show was never seen ! It did " beat ail creation, " — They say it was the grandest yet That happened in the nation ! Yankee doodle, &c. And when they have another time, A State Encampment Muster, May Sam be tliere to see the fun. If 'tis all " sand " and '' dust, " sir 1 Yankee doodle, «&;c. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 119 LINES FOR AN ALBUM. May life be always brig^ht to thee. Forever, dearest friend ; For thee a path of happiness. Could I, I'd sure extend : Still, I can crave that boon for thee, And wish it may be so. But heaven orders and ordains Such joy for all below : Then may that blessing ever be For thee, my friend, for thee. 120 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. OUR HEROES. 'Twas love of country — gloi-ious flame — That, in each true heart dawning', Blazed fortli in all its splendor brig;ht, Lilie sunshine of the morning-. They rallied from their homes around : When first the clarion, sounding, Aroused them witli its battle-ciy. Each noble heart was bounding. *•' On! on! " they cried: *•' our Nation's fame, O, can we see it perish? Shall treason blight with lasting shame The land we love and cherish? " " No, not while we've an arm to wield, A sword tliat can defend her; We'll strike for ' Liberty or death;' Our souls to her we'll render." ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 121 Thus thought the gallant bond of ours. As forth tliey marched to glory : Their daring deeds upon the field May brighten history's story ! And generations yet may tell, With pride and admh-ation, How nobly our young heroes fell, Defending our loved Nation, They're gone, and many kindred ties Of gokhiu chain are broken ; We've heard the parting friendship sighs, The farewell words they've spoken. Though dear the lips that bid adieu, And hearts now rent asunder, Yet dearer is our Native Land When dying we defend her! Full many martyrs bravely fell , From out their gallant nunibci-; Though cannons roared their Aia'ral knell, Yet glory gilds then- slumber. 122 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. They fell, in a most sacred cause, Upon the field so gory, Defending Union and its Laws, And died for Country's glory I OKANGE BLOSSOMS. 123 LITTLE TAD. "TAD," the pet name of the late President Lin- coln's youngest son. He was a great favorite of his father, as may be inferred from the fact that Mrs. Lincoln, while at the bedside of her dying husband, exclaimed, "O! bring ^ Tad ' here! for he loves 'Tad' so well that I know he will speak to him!'' God bless the little orphan boy ! A father's darling pride; May Heaven guard liis youthful form. And be his hope and guide ; May tliat pure love and honest worth VVhich filled his parent's heart, Be his inheritance in life, — The good and generous part. Bereft of a fond father's love. And liis paternal care ; Witliout his sacred teachings, 124 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. Or his warm devoted prayer ; O, earth must seem so dreary now To that dear orphan child ; How he will raiss the lovino" one That so oft on him smiled ! But yet there's left a mothers love To watch his youthful years. For the\n a nation's sympatliy, For them a nation's tears ; Columbia never can forget The kindred of her Friend, And for the little orphan boy E'er will her love extend. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 1^5 EN DIEU EST MA FIANCE. Ell dieu est ma liaiice For all that's good and kind, la Hiui my firm reliance, Happiness will find; For ill a world so fair For mortals to enjoj- — To trust ill God is sweet, The Christian hope and joy. Ell Dieu est ma fiance. And ever more shall be. En Dieu est ma fiance At morn, at noon, at night ; When storms bid stern defiance The hope to me is bright, And so 'twill be through life, VVhile I on earth remain ; When dying may [ breathe Tlie ever-trusting strain. En Dieu est ma fiance, And ever more shall be. 126 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. HENRY, Like the sun at closins^ day, When it's fading from our sif>ht. While we watch the parting ray That ushers in the darksome night,— So the form of one we loved. Our darling, fond one, sank to rest; Him that once around us moved We meet no more our hearts to bless I Departed youth, O, does not bliss Eternal hover o'er thee now? Know'st thou how much on earth we miss; Thy loving smiles, thy youtliful brow? ORANlVIS. 133 How thej^ spoke of home and loved ones, Ere their eyes were closed in death, — Mother, dear, the ling'riiifj: accents Of my comrades latest breath. Mother, &c. Mother, when the war is over. And our land is brij^'^lit a^^ain, O, what joy will be around us In our great and loved domain ! If once more we are united, Kindi-ed heart and kindred hand. Soul with soul in bliss deli^^hted. Sweet will be our native land. Mother, &c. 134 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. IN MEMORIAM. Sad neAvs was wafted o'er, Borne to our Island shore, That three darluig ones had met a wat'ry grave ; — The young, the bright, the fair. The cherished everywhere, — A maiden loved, and youths of courage brave. We pondered, deep in thought. On the tidings that were brought. And said, " O God, mysterious are Thy ways! " For it seemed so little while That we saw their cheerful smile In the flush and bloom of youth's bright, huj)])} day.> ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 135 We heard the tolling bcU, And, list'ning fo its knell, We thought how sad full many are to-day ! Then we saw a funeral train, As the bell tolled out its strain, Pass solemnly and sad along our way. We paused and breathed a sigh, For we saw in many an eye Aifection's tear of tenderness and love ; And we thought, with beating heart, How- hard it is to part, And turned our eyes beseechingly above. " O God, to Thee we pray. The parents' grief allay, And cheer those hearts so lonely and so drear ! Send comfort to them all, Those mourners at the pall, — Make sunshine gather round them bright and clear." 136 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. JULY THE NINTH. I'm fifty to-day — well, what of that? I'm as gay as a lark, and nimble as a eat ! I can dance, I can sing, I can langh and can play ; Why should I be sad, thou^entle zephj^rs sii^h — When the sun's last rays have vanished From the firmament on high. O, then 1 love to wander, While thoughts my senses thrill, And look around upon the top or lovely Eagle Hill ! While "neath me glide the waters Of Mystic's flowing tide — That gem of little rivers, To me a treasured pride. O, thou hast many charms, fair spot, That cling around me still; And sweet that fond remembrance Ot lovely Eagle Hill ! ORANGE BLOSSOMS. I'}5 VVlieu but a school boy I have walclied Sweet Mystic ripple by ; And oft upon thy suaamit green Tve breathed a lover's sv^h. And O, those happy times of bliss Now hauufc ray mera'ry still; Full dear tliat fond remeiubi-aiice Of lovely Eagle Hill ! 176 OllANGE BLOSSOMS. THE PILGRIM. Far, far in a land of stranlow. 200 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. THE SAILOR'S SERENADE. The stars are brio:htly gleamiiijj: In the clear and azure skj^ ; To-ni>,fht, my love, I'll meet thee; O, say that thou wilt fly To my bark that's on the billow In waiting now for thee; O, tarr^'^ not, my loved one. Away, away with mel The stars are brightly gleaming ; We'll watch their glit'ring ray, As our bark skims o'er the waters, Through the foamy spray ; This lieart shall e'er be faithful; I pledge it now to thee ; Then tarry not, my loved one ; Away, away with me I ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 201 ALWAYS HAPPY. Always happy ! never sad ! Why should we be weary? Blithe and gay as smiUng Maj' ; Never more be dreary ! Always happy ! though there be Stormy days, and cloudy ; Clear the way, let no ray Of gloom e'er gather round theel Always happy ! let the light Of heaven guide thee rightly ; In' thy dealings e'er be just, Thy path will shine more brightly. 202 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. ALWAYS DO RIGHT. If you would be happy, always do ri.irht, Be honest and true to each other ; We're taught to live in this world so bright, To be to eacli other a brotlier. If you would be happy, you must be just, It ever should be your duty; Then never for evil incline; or lust, As shame will be your booty. If you would be happj^, listen, I pray, To good advice when 'tis given ; Let all that is noble brighten your way— For that will befit you for heaven. ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 203 WE CAN NE'ER FORGET THEE. We can ne'er fortjet thee; And although no more VVe gaze upon thee As in tunes before, Still fond remembrance Holds thy mem'ry dear, And friendship sheds for tliee Iler parting tear. Sleep thou, my brother, In unbroken rest, Amid tlie throng celestial And tlie blest. We love thee ; O we miss thee And deplore ; For thou art not among us As of yore. 204 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. We can ne'er forcjet thee Should we roam this wide world o'er; We shall miss thee, fiadly miss tliee Evermore, ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 205 THE WORLD. Who snys it is not beautiful, This world so bright aud fair? VVliere every thing so lovely I'ells God is ever^-where? Oil the sea and on the mountaiii. And in the balmy bi-eeze ; lu the flowers of the valley — In the budding, blooiuiug ireds. Who says it is not beautiful, This life that God has gave? With all its rich inheritance, Alike for king or slave? Tne man must be uuminJfal VVlio never thinks to praise The works of his Creator. The God of endless days. 206 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. Who says it is not beautiful. Each sunny day so bright? And does not feel a thrill ot joy When the moon appears at night? Should we not be most arateful. And blend with one accord Our praise of pure devotion For tlic gloi ions work of God? ORANGE BLOSSOMS. 207 THE BRIGHT, SUNNY DAYS. Tlie bright, sunny days, all vanished and jrone. Tliat gladdened my path in youth's early morn ; I dreani of them oft in visions full bright, And sigh for those days that gave such delight. The bright, sunny days, when I used to play With the boys, whose heads are now turning gray ; They come to my mem'ry— what exquisite joj', Those bright happy moments wiien L was a boy! The bright, sunny days, those joys of the past. Their blissful enchantment was too sweet to last; O, could they return to entrance me once more, To cheer me. and all that lost i^leasure restore ! 208 ORANGE BLOSSOMS. The bright, sunny days; 'tis vain to eoiuphiin, Since they can no longer e'er bless me again ; They've gone ! and the light that their beauty once shed, Beams no more for me— its brightness has fled.