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ORIGINAL POI 
 
 RHYMES AND ACROSTICS 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM YANCEY ERWIN 
 
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 Go little book on thy mission of love 
 The right exalt, the wrong reprove 
 
 PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR 
 BY 
 
 KELLER PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 EVANSVILLE, INDIANA 
 
 190 6 
 

 UERARY of CONGRESS 
 Two Copies Received 
 
 APR 2 1906 
 
 dTCooy right Entry 
 CLASS CL XXC. No, 
 
 / ^^^ 7/ 
 
 ' COPY B. 
 
 ^C|0 
 
 COPYRIGHT 1906 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM YANCEY ERWIN 
 

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 1905 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 A West Virginia Wedding 68 
 
 Addie Todd 110 
 
 A Dun 76 
 
 A Lady's So]'i<)quy 112 
 
 Absence 114 
 
 After Many Days 189 
 
 A Dun For Five Dollars 147 
 
 Air Castles 121 
 
 Act As You Pray 167 
 
 Advice to Sam H 169 
 
 After Forty Years 172 
 
 An Open Letter 182 
 
 Advice in Parting 207 
 
 A Dream 205 
 
 Autumn Leaves 22 
 
 A Hard Shell Cracked 197 
 
 Advice to Blaine 152 
 
 Bloomidia 119 
 
 Bennie 173 
 
 Brother Wheat 136 
 
 Both Sides 101 
 
 Cupid's Mistake 67 
 
 Cora S. Johnson 104 
 
 Delay 32 
 
 Diplomacy 90 
 
 Dewey at Manilla 72 
 
 Dedication 3 
 
 Desire 149 
 
 Dawson Springs 196 
 
Emotion 153 
 
 Economy 120 
 
 Friendship, Love and Truth 139 
 
 Fairy Scenes 133 
 
 Grace— Weeping 158 
 
 Genesis of Kaces 83 
 
 Go Forward 129 
 
 Goebelism 132 
 
 Her Eyes Talked 138 
 
 Hopkinsville 140 
 
 Hypocrisy 148 
 
 Idealistic Socialism 29 
 
 If I But Might 69 
 
 Inconstancy 126 
 
 In a Hammock 132 
 
 Introductory 9 
 
 Jesus 20 
 
 Joseph 33 
 
 Jellico 80 
 
 Kaiserhof 103 
 
 Love's Delirium 31 
 
 Lines to Tommy D 118 
 
 Lines to 0. S. J 105 
 
 Little Grace B 173 
 
 Love's Bower 27 
 
 Love's Report 114 
 
 Lena Conyer 178 
 
 Lulu Hall 8L 
 
 Lines in an Album .188 
 
 Miss Tommie Deknohlough 117 
 
 My Darling 99 
 
 Mary L. Colvin 72 
 
 6 
 
My Mary , . . . . liO 
 
 Married in Haste ^^5 
 
 Miss Dea l^''^^: 
 
 Miss Pearl 1 iO 
 
 Miss May 1 ?>4 
 
 My Dear Old Southern Home 159 
 
 Mr. Bell's Baby 100 
 
 My Typo l'<'^ 
 
 Mental Telegraphy 97 
 
 Meditation .— 1^>6 
 
 Magic Balml 19G 
 
 Never Fear 1" t 
 
 Our Own Dewey 1^1 
 
 On the Picture of a Mill 124 
 
 Our Departed Mother . ITO 
 
 Parting '"^2 
 
 Penitence ^^^ 
 
 Predestination 191 
 
 Quo Yadis • . 73 
 
 uery ' - • 
 
 Eaphsodies 23 
 
 Recompense 2(>3 
 
 Retrospect • ^75 
 
 Smiles and Words of Cheer To 
 
 Sans Peur 73 
 
 Spooney l*"'^ 
 
 Seeking ^ 1 ^ 
 
 Sharps and Flats 1 ^'0 
 
 Shades of Daniel Boone 1^> 
 
 The Suicide's Reasons • - • • 194 
 
 The Heart of Stone 157 
 
 Tiie Davs of Yore . • • • 74 
 
 7 
 
The Railroad of Life K^5 
 
 The Old, Old Story ,145 
 
 The Tariff Wall of Dixon 141 
 
 The Rose Bud That I Never Got 14 
 
 The Hawk's Nest 12 
 
 The Republican Party 77 
 
 The Fickle Friend 100 
 
 The Scamps 122 
 
 The Finishing Touch 163 
 
 The Honey Bee 100 
 
 The Unjust Judge 164 
 
 The Democratic Party 98 
 
 The Four Seasons 162 
 
 The New Boarder 182 
 
 The Word That Never Was Said 193 
 
 The Saloon Man's Plea 79 
 
 The Messenger's Report 96 
 
 That Liver Ill 
 
 Temptation 186 
 
 Though Dead She Liveth 171 
 
 Thanksgiving 78 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt 28 
 
 Two in One 151 
 
 Tribute to Goebel 115 
 
 Thanks for the Loan of a Book 128 
 
 That Corn 76 
 
 Unequally Yoked 155 
 
 Vincent-Boyd 202 
 
 Waiting, Sadly Waiting 150 
 
 Waywardness 191 
 
 Written in An Album 120 
 
 Wm. Y. Erwin 11 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 If all that is, is for the best, 
 No need of either toil or rest, — 
 The world, though good, would better be, 
 Redeemed from such false sophistry — 
 One drop of water to our notion, 
 Declares existence of an ocean. 
 Untutored minds some truths may teach, 
 Considered out of wisdom's reach. 
 The wise too oft, in looking high, 
 Observe not better things near by. 
 Remember, Reader, while you read. 
 Your money is not all we need. 
 
WM. Y. ERWIN. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 hat reams of paper, floods of ink, 
 en do spoil who never think, 
 
 et you will say the same of me, 
 
 Except you with me quite agree. 
 
 in 
 
 limead my works, read every line, 
 WW ritten for the love of rhyme. 
 If then you think my thoughts unwise, 
 ever cease to criticise. 
 
 11 
 
ORIGINAL JOEMS, 
 
 THE HAWK'S NEST, W. VA. 
 
 No painter's brush or poet's pen, 
 
 Has drawn a picture fair, 
 As nature spreads o'er hill and glen, 
 
 When autumn days are here. 
 
 The forest leaves in varied hue, 
 
 Are beauteous to behold, 
 They shine through atmosphere of blue, 
 
 Like emerald and gold. 
 
 While here and there a crimson tint, 
 
 Relieves the monotone, 
 And barren spots show the imprint. 
 
 Of solid cliffs of stone. 
 
 Here mountains end in rugged peaks. 
 
 To kindly ope' a door, 
 Through which New River, fed by creeks. 
 
 Must dash with deaf'ning roar. 
 
 Upon those craggy mountains, high. 
 
 The eagles build their nest. 
 And teach their young, the art to fly. 
 When weary here they rest. 
 
 Those peaks are lifted up so high, 
 They catch the sun's first ray, 
 
 And view him last in evening sky. 
 At close of every day. 
 
 12 
 
W3I. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 Though storm clouds battle far below, 
 And smite the mountain side, 
 
 Upon those heights, the eagles know, 
 The sunlight will abide. 
 
 From off yon over-hanging rock. 
 Where slimy serpents creep, 
 
 Two lovers at restraint to mock. 
 Once m.ade a fatal leap. 
 
 And lest" their rashness be forgot. 
 
 Its memory we keep, 
 B3' often pointing to that spot. 
 
 And call it "Lover's Leap." 
 
 And still we view another knob. 
 Much steeper than the rest. 
 
 No one dare undertake the job, 
 Of robbing "the Hawk's Nest." 
 
 Since with our mortal eyes we saw, 
 The grandeur there displayed. 
 
 Our hearts are filled with sacred awe, 
 AVe've come away dismayed. 
 
 When God the earth and heavens made. 
 And peopled them with germs of life. 
 
 His love for man was most displayed. 
 By giving him a charming wife. 
 
 13 
 
ORIGINAL POEM& 
 THE ROSEBUD THAT I NEVER GOT. 
 
 She had ferii^ leaves, pinks and roses, 
 
 In an unique flower pot; 
 And' I begged her for a wee bud, 
 
 But that bud I never got. 
 
 For the maid who owned that bouquet, 
 
 Was as firm as any knot. 
 And though long with her I pleaded, 
 
 Yet that bud I never got. 
 
 Now my heart is crushed and bleeding, 
 And I wish that I had not. 
 
 Asked for such a valued keepsake, 
 As that bud I never got. 
 
 If I knew my words offended, 
 And she hoped I'd die and rot, 
 
 I could not avoid my longing. 
 For that bud I never got. 
 
 May the life be full of pleasure, 
 Of her who formed the plot. 
 
 To create in me desirings. 
 For the bud I never got. 
 
 May her eyes look on in pity. 
 
 And in lieu, to me allot. 
 Her kind heart's true affection, 
 
 For that bud I never got. 
 
 14 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN^ 
 
 Then my fondest hopes accomplished, 
 I would from my mem'ry blot, 
 
 All the sadness that I suffered, 
 O'er that bud I never got. 
 
 For then, though trees bore roses, 
 In all seasons, cold and hot, 
 
 I'd pass them by unmentioned. 
 For that sweeter bloom: I got. 
 
 My 'raptured soul would linger, 
 
 Around the sacred spot, 
 Where rosebuds were denied me, • 
 
 But her smiles, in lieu, I got. 
 
 Then all life's former blessings. 
 
 Would be but as a dot, 
 Compared to suns and planets, 
 
 When love, with her, I got. 
 
 15 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS, 
 
 SHADES OF DANIEL BOOWE. 
 
 When I came from old Virginia, 
 
 Many, many years ago, 
 I was forced to end my journey, 
 
 By the river Ohio; 
 
 For the threatening of its waters, 
 As they lashed against the shore, 
 
 Proved a bar to farther progress. 
 Though I longed to cross them o'er. 
 
 1 found forests here unbroken, 
 By the woodman's keen-edged ax ; 
 
 And the natives did not frighten, 
 With a capias for my tax. . 
 
 T was free to roam at pleasure, 
 Over mountain, hill and dale, 
 
 And for trespass was not threatened. 
 With a term in county jai]. 
 
 Nay, the counties were not thought of. 
 In the days when first I come. 
 
 To this land of wood and streamlet, 
 To my ''Old Kentucky Home.'' 
 
 Where a wigwam on the hillside. 
 Sheltered me from wintry blast. 
 
 And its door was ever opened, 
 To the weary and outcast. 
 
 16 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 But alas, my dream of freedom, 
 Was not long to be enjoyed, 
 
 For the army of Virginia, 
 
 Thro' this land was soon deployed. 
 
 Who began to shoot the natives, 
 And to cut the forest down, 
 
 Thus they tried to civilize it. 
 In the name of England's crown. 
 
 Then my spirit much disgusted. 
 From the earth was glad to flee, 
 
 For such acts of depredation. 
 Spoiled my dream of liberty. 
 
 After years and years of wandering, 
 
 I return again to earth. 
 To behold the wondrous changes. 
 
 In the land that gave me birth. 
 
 &^ 
 
 Where once stood my father's cabin, 
 Now a mansion rears its head. 
 
 But a stranger is not welcome there, 
 I have heard it truly said. 
 
 So across the rugged mountains. 
 Once again my spirit roams. 
 
 But I see instead of wigwams. 
 Many grand Kentucky homes. 
 
 17 
 2 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 'Midst those homes are schools and churches, 
 
 And the land is shorn of trees, 
 Here are cities filled with people, 
 
 Working like so many bees. 
 
 Now I hear the engine screaming, 
 
 As it glides along the rail. 
 And I see the people gather, 
 
 At each station for their mail. 
 
 Next I see the busy farmer, 
 
 With a reaper binding sheaves, 
 Near a crop of fine tobacco, 
 
 Having value for its leaves. 
 
 There's a corn crop now in tassel. 
 
 That the farmer rode to plow. 
 And the blue grass of his pasture. 
 
 Is a treat for any cow. 
 
 He has pigs that weigh two hundred, 
 
 At the age of ninety days. 
 And his sheep with heavy fleeces. 
 
 Many times their keeping pays. 
 
 And he has near home a market. 
 
 For the products of his farm; 
 So the fear of gaunt starvation. 
 
 Should not give him much alarm, 
 
 18 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 But still there lurks a danger, 
 That threatens every home, 
 
 So now I'll give thee warning, 
 As for that alone I've come. 
 
 Your ancient halls of justice 
 Are too often shields for crime, 
 
 Where men who "vote the party" 
 Are winners every time. 
 
 Thieves think they have a license 
 To murder, steal and burn, 
 
 And if they "vote the party" 
 Sweet liberty they'll earn. 
 
 The men you've placed in office 
 Have learned to wink at crime. 
 
 And those who "vote the party" 
 Get pardons every time. 
 
 Now I must take my journey, 
 Through distant fields to roam. 
 
 Your modernized Kentucky 
 I will not call my home. 
 
 Farewell, farewell, Kentucky, 
 No more I'll see thee soon. 
 
 Unless thou change thy nature, 
 Still, I'm thy friend. 
 
 — D. BOONE. 
 
 19 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 JESUS 
 
 While passing o'er life's rugged road, 
 Bowed down beneath sin's weighty load, 
 I've noted oft, with tearful eyes. 
 How truth is crushed 'neath theories. 
 
 There are men, blinded in their youth, 
 Would gladly find the way of truth; 
 For such as those, we raise the cry. 
 That Christ, the Nazarene, is nigh. 
 
 He is the Truth, the Light, the Way, 
 Behold! He passeth by today; 
 
 Thine ear prepare to hear His voice ; 
 
 He bids thee come, hear Him, rejoice. 
 
 Be not among the doubting crowd. 
 Who claim but few will be allowed 
 To reach the shores of endless day. 
 They know not well whereof they say. 
 
 I've seen some men, and women, too. 
 
 Who would not tolerate a Jew; 
 
 And jet they thought themselves so pure 
 That Christ would save them, certain, sure. 
 
 Now Paul would answer such as they. 
 
 And show to them a better way 
 To praise the Lord, and to be just, 
 Wg know Saint Paul will do to trust. 
 
 20 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 He bids thee not despise the Jew, 
 For he is God's as well as you; 
 And by his unbelief, says Paul, 
 God can be just and save us all. 
 
 For had the Jews on Christ believed, 
 The Gentiles could not be received. 
 But since the Savior they denied. 
 The Gentiles may be sanctified. 
 
 But still the Jews have Moses' rod 
 To lead them in the way to God, 
 Who shows to them His Smiling face 
 And Jew and Gentile saves by grace. 
 
 Let every nation, every clan. 
 
 Give praise to God, who wrought the plan, 
 Through Christ, His first begotten son, 
 The work was finished as begun. 
 
 And man, who by his sins was lost, 
 Is saved from woe at mighty cost. 
 Let every tongue on every coast 
 Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 AUTUMN LEAVES. 
 
 We have often seen in Autumn 
 The woods when leaves were red, 
 
 And listened to the cawing crow, 
 AYhile on the mast he fed. 
 
 We've tried in vain to praise in song. 
 
 That season of the year. 
 But when we know soon follows death. 
 
 Our grief brings forth a tear. 
 
 First chill, then fever brought the glow, 
 
 Of crimson to their face, 
 Soon cold in death beneath the snow 
 
 They'll find a hiding place. 
 
 O, who could contemplate that scene 
 And not this lesson learn — 
 
 That death, some day, will hide away 
 Our ashes in an urn. 
 
 Then what remains of us will be 
 
 The good or evil done, 
 To those with whom we come in touch 
 
 While here our race we run. 
 
 O, may that picture of our lives. 
 
 Reveal no deeds of shame, 
 But may it, like the Autumn Leaves, 
 
 Shine bright with well earned fame. 
 
 22 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 RAPSODIES. 
 
 O, sacred flame! 
 
 Thou canst reclaim 
 The heart that goes astray, 
 
 For thou canst burn 
 
 In holy urn 
 The fervent prayers we pray. 
 
 O, who can tell, 
 in heaven or hell, 
 
 The spark that kindles thee? 
 The first we know 
 We feel thy glow, 
 
 Then bow on bended knee. 
 
 Thus to succeed 
 
 Our cause we plead. 
 But often plead in vain; 
 
 Like cloudy skies. 
 
 Our tearful eyes 
 Break forth in showers of rain. 
 
 And thus, alas. 
 
 Our time we pass. 
 Not knowing what to do; 
 
 Will like beget 
 
 Its likeness yet. 
 And Nature's laws hold true? 
 
 23 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 Or will not love, 
 By loving prove 
 
 It brings its own reward; 
 If love alone 
 Can sins atone, 
 
 Is not love of the Lord? 
 
 Since by the Law 
 We stand in awe, 
 
 And tremble all the while. 
 Can love fulfill. 
 The Master's will 
 
 And jet our souls defile? 
 
 I will, 1 must 
 Have love, not lust, 
 
 To prompt my every act; 
 And if I sigh. 
 The reason why 
 
 Is given in that fact. 
 
 Too well I know 
 
 That many show 
 Their love in other ways; 
 
 Some "go it blind," 
 
 And never find. 
 The object of their craze. 
 
 24 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 Some will complain 
 
 And act insane; 
 They do not know the cause, 
 
 They think it wise 
 
 To criticise 
 Old Nature and her laws. 
 
 In silence some 
 
 Look sad and grum 
 Because they are in love; 
 
 They look so blue 
 
 That I and you 
 Will have to from them move. 
 
 I do declare 
 
 A maiden fair, 
 This question of me asked: 
 
 "What kind of love 
 
 Do you approve, 
 The gushing or the masked?" 
 
 I answered her, 
 
 So very queer, 
 "Dear lady, Fll be blown. 
 
 Of all love's kind, 
 
 I ne'er shall find 
 None suit me like your own." 
 
 25 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS, 
 
 What think ye then, 
 Ye lads and men, 
 
 Did this fair lady say? 
 
 She looked me o'er, 
 From head to floor. 
 
 And said, "O, fool go 'way." 
 
 But do you know, 
 
 I did not go. 
 Though mad she seemed to be. 
 
 But like a clown, 
 
 I looked cast down, 
 When lo! she smiled on me. 
 
 Right then I knew 
 
 That ladies do 
 Not speak just what they mean; 
 
 They'll frown and fret 
 
 And pout and pet, 
 And awful angry seem. 
 
 Sure as I live. 
 
 They will forgive 
 The hasty words you spoke, 
 
 If you will prove 
 
 That from true love 
 They sprang, and not from joke. 
 
 26 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 What maid or lad 
 Could long be mad 
 
 At loving words expressed? 
 There's few that live 
 Who can't forgive 
 
 And love, for love confessed. 
 
 LOVE'S BOWEK. 
 
 What genii doth inhabit 
 
 And charm this spot of earth? 
 
 No outward signs we notice 
 To give it extra worth. 
 
 But when we cross thy threshold^ 
 The scenes like magic change, 
 
 And we are bound with fetters, 
 By scenes most pleasing — strange. 
 
 Please give me the solution 
 
 Of this great mystery ; 
 Can it be born of fancy? 
 
 Tell me its history. 
 
 '^Here, Cupid, the enchanter, 
 Hath wove a mystic spell; 
 
 So all the men and maidens 
 Of earth here long to dwell." 
 
 27 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 THEODORE ROOSEVELT, 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Take the scepter once again, 
 Handed thee to rule all clans, 
 Ease our burdens, break the chain 
 Of oppression from our hands. 
 Dauntless be in all thine acts; 
 Overthrow all laws unjust; 
 Reasons give from well known facts; 
 Execute with zeal thy trust. 
 
 Ruthless foes will thee assail; 
 Over-zealous friends will boast; 
 Over both let right prevail; 
 Safely guard our nation's coast. 
 Equal rights to all maintain; 
 Virtue praise and vice put down; 
 Else we rightly will complain, 
 Like we did 'gainst Britain's crown. 
 Thus winning freedom and renown. 
 
 Written on his nomination for President. 
 
 28 
 
IDEALISTIC SOCIALISM. 
 
 When earth, for want of form was void 
 And God and angels unemployed, 
 They, by the devil were annoyed, 
 
 And so the earth was made. 
 Saint Michael with the Dragon fought, 
 And to him many lessons taught. 
 With wisdom and with prudence fraught, 
 
 If he had but obeyed. 
 
 But he those lessons would not heed, 
 So earth was made to hold his seed 
 And give them ground whereon to plead 
 
 In enmity their cause. 
 And, to perfect a simple plan, 
 God made of dust a mortal man. 
 On whom to try His can't and can; 
 
 He also gave him laws. 
 
 Of which there are two kinds, they say. 
 Who would our freedom take away. 
 The one by nature we obey. 
 
 Is always called the first. 
 The second law was made by man 
 Whose life, at best, is but a span. 
 To obey its mandate, no one can; 
 
 All men by it are cursed. 
 
 If man, by nature went astray 
 To follow woman — by the way — 
 What other law could he obey 
 Since man no law had made? 
 
 29 
 
O, foolish man, to make believe 
 That woman did your heart deceive, 
 Therefore in sorrow you must grieve 
 And troubled waters wade. 
 
 If nature is not perfect, why 
 Should we, to perfect nature, try, 
 By law, which brands the truth a lie? 
 
 O, foolish man, take heed! 
 Your ignorance has made you blind. 
 The laws you make, you do not mind. 
 The way of truth, you can not find; 
 
 Though night and day, you plead. 
 
 Thy laws repeal, thy courts disband, 
 Let man on merit only stand. 
 Let no man own a foot of land, 
 
 Nor naught to call his own. 
 Let freedom have her perfect sway ; 
 Let man to God, no other pray. 
 Then joy and peace will come and stay, 
 
 And we shall be God's throne. 
 
 We'll need no hell to punish crime. 
 For all God's works are most sublime. 
 And they shall praise Him all the time 
 
 'Till age of ages cease. 
 And still a thousand ages more. 
 We'll spend upon that tranquil shore. 
 And all the time in love adore 
 
 His reign of perfect peace. 
 
 30 
 
W3I. YANCfJY EBWIN 
 
 LOYE^S DELIRIUM. 
 
 When daylight dies in western skies, 
 And Neptune hangs his lamp on high. 
 
 Then shadows crawl upon the wall 
 And Harpies their vocation ply. 
 
 Whilst I'm asleep the Genii creep 
 
 Into my chamber everywhere, 
 When I awake I fear and quake 
 
 And for protection offer prayer. 
 
 They dance, they leap, they blear, they peep, 
 
 They seem to never tire; 
 They laugh, they howl, they smile, they scowl. 
 
 They splutter in the fire. 
 
 Such demons well deserve a hell 
 
 To check their wily pranks; 
 They carpets wear on floor and stair 
 
 And leave but naked planks. 
 
 O, who can quell this magic spell, 
 
 And make these elves be still? 
 Let him advance with spear or lance, 
 
 Or sword, or writing quill. 
 
 Sure as I live, I'll to him give 
 
 The half of all my wealth. 
 With finest wine, made on the Rhine, 
 
 I'll daily drink his health. 
 
 31 
 
ORiaiNAL POEMS 
 
 Alas, men say no mortal may 
 These specters give command, 
 
 So, in dismay, men turn away 
 And leave them in the land. 
 
 Since man must fail to them assail, 
 
 I'll to dear woman turn, 
 For she, I'm sure, can them allure 
 
 And sweeter incense burn. 
 
 She knows the cause, 'tis nature's laws, 
 That make men visions see. 
 
 And she can quell the dreadful spell. 
 But she and only she. 
 
 So, now observe, the graceful curve 
 Those demons make in flight, 
 
 For woman's love can demons move 
 And drive them out of sight. 
 
 DELAY. 
 
 No time to me can be more slow 
 Than time in waiting spent: 
 
 I'll daily to the office go 
 "Till answer thou hast sent." 
 
 32 
 
WM, YANCEY EBWIN 
 
 JOSEPH. 
 
 When blasting mildew spreads its blight 
 
 O'er fields of waving grain, 
 And lowing herds come home at night, 
 
 As search for food is vain. 
 
 'Tis then the mind will wander back 
 
 O'er records kept by men, 
 Until it reach the well filFd sack 
 
 Of doting Jacob's Ben. 
 
 In it we find the wizard's cup. 
 
 Our tapers make it shine; 
 We haste with wine to fill it up; 
 
 We drink; we now divine. 
 
 We see the famine growing worse. 
 
 All nations fade away; 
 The Jews alone escape the curse. 
 
 Because they watch and pray. 
 
 Yet Egypt hath much hoarded grain 
 
 That Joseph did foresee 
 Would servants for his lord obtain 
 
 Of all who then were free. 
 
 And so this cunning little Jew, 
 
 A Hebrew bred and born. 
 Bade all the people that he knew 
 To Egypt come for corn. 
 
 33 
 3 
 
ORIGINAL POEM^ 
 
 Now Jacob, in his mountain tent, 
 Heard with a gladsome heart 
 
 That grain in Egypt was not spent, 
 And coin would get a part. 
 
 So quick as thought he called his sons. 
 And to them gave this charge — 
 
 "Be not among the slothful ones, 
 Our family is large." 
 
 "Go, get thee down to Egypt's land. 
 
 My soul is quite forlorn; 
 Take current money in thy hand. 
 
 We need a little corn." 
 
 "Perhaps the King will show us grace. 
 
 And keep our souls alive ; 
 If I no more should see thy face, 
 
 I wish not to survive." 
 
 "I've felt a sadness in my heart 
 Since Joseph's death so strange, 
 
 And now with all, if I must part, 
 T'will sure my mind derange." 
 
 "So this I'll do at any cost. 
 Your youngest brother keep. 
 
 Who, should the others all get lost, 
 Will cheer me when I weep." 
 
 34 
 
WAI. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 "Yea, if my sons should all be dead, 
 Though they were true and brave, 
 
 I know 'twould bring this old gray head 
 In sorrow to the grave." 
 
 "Be sober and discreet, my boys. 
 
 Be faithful, just and true. 
 Let none of Egypt's gaudy toys 
 
 A tempter prove to you." 
 
 "If Midianites should thee assail, 
 
 Then close together stay, 
 In union thou wilt sure prevail. 
 
 Fall not out by the way." 
 
 Thus did the doting sire give charge 
 
 To them ere they departed ; 
 It made their little troop feel large 
 
 And all were braver-hearted. 
 
 But when the intervening hill 
 
 Concealed their father's tent, 
 They found it was a "bitter pill" 
 
 From home to thus be sent. 
 
 Yet when they thought of babes and wives. 
 
 The love'd ones of their care. 
 And how to save those precious lives, 
 
 Made subjects for their prayer. 
 
 35 
 
ORIGINAL POEM^ 
 
 Now Reuben was the elder one, 
 To whom command belonged, 
 
 But for a crime that he had done, 
 His father greatly wronged. 
 
 And hence to Judah — "Praise the Lord" — 
 
 The leadership was given; 
 Through him God sent His Son — the Word 
 
 To light our souls to heaven. 
 
 Ere long the birthright did pertain 
 
 To Joseph and his sons. 
 Because, though dead, he lived again, 
 
 Like resurrected ones. 
 
 Just now his brothers did not know 
 
 That Joseph was alive. 
 And next in honor to Pharaoh 
 
 In Egypt's busy hive. 
 
 Though this they knew, that years ago 
 
 They sold him as a slave. 
 And told their sire a tale of woe 
 
 Of his uncertain grave. 
 
 They stripped him of his vestments rare, 
 
 His father's love had given ; 
 All for a dream he did declare 
 
 About some stars of heaven. 
 
 36 ■ 
 
WAf. YANCEY ERWTN 
 
 And for another dream the lad 
 
 To them had oft revealed 
 About some sheaves his kindred had 
 
 Bow to his in the field. 
 
 They envied him the love and grace 
 
 Their father to him gave, 
 And thought to end the dreamer's race 
 
 In an untimely grave. 
 
 But Keuben said ''A better plan," 
 
 (He sought his life to save,) 
 ''Would be to strip the little man 
 And hide him in a cave." 
 
 To him the others all gave heed. 
 
 They on poor Joseph fell ; 
 In vain with them he tried to plead, 
 
 They thrust him in that hell. 
 
 Ere long they saw a roving band 
 
 Of Ishmaelites appear, 
 Whose business was to search the land 
 
 For traffic year by year. 
 
 Now Judah said, "List ; IVe a scheme, 
 
 And it I will unfold : 
 Let us avenge our brother's dream 
 
 By trading him for gold." 
 
 37 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 They brought him forth from out the pit, 
 Where Envy had him bound — 
 
 When wrong begins, the place to quit 
 Is very seldom found. — 
 
 They sold him to his heartless foes, 
 
 Who paid the price in cash, 
 The torture that he bore, who knows, 
 
 Fron^ Midianitish lash? 
 
 PART II. 
 
 At length they reached the land of Mam, 
 Where Pharaoh reigned as king, 
 
 And Potiphar, the slaughter man. 
 Was charmed to hear him sing. 
 
 And soon a contract he had made, 
 
 Bv which he owned the lad, 
 'Twas fortunate, for by that trade 
 
 He doubled all he had. 
 
 And when he saw that Joseph's Lord 
 Blessed him for Joseph's sake, 
 
 He placed his goods in Joseph's ward, 
 Nor invoice did he take. 
 
 Now Joseph was a lad with brains, 
 
 He trusted in the Lord 
 And added to his master's gains 
 
 By thought and deed and word. 
 
 38 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 He lived a life of blissful ease, 
 
 His duties being light; 
 He had no wife to kiss and squeeze 
 
 And lie by him at night. 
 
 His master's wife was young and gay, 
 
 And did him much admire; 
 She sought new plans from day to day 
 
 To set his heart on fire. 
 
 She bade him sing his native songs, 
 Such as "The Rose of Sharon," 
 
 She then would name her husband's wrongs 
 And grieve that she was barren. 
 
 Still all of that did not him move 
 
 To break the Lord's command; 
 She next would speak of harmless love 
 
 And on him lay her hand. 
 
 At length one day she had a chance 
 
 To comer him and say: 
 "Now Joseph, spurn not this advance. 
 
 Come, with me kindly lay." 
 
 Her panting breath and pleading tone. 
 Heaved breasts of faultless mold. 
 
 Her eyes with fitful flashes shone, 
 Her actions grew more bold. 
 
 39 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 So great her passion for him rose 
 
 That she all else forgot, 
 She never dreamed he would oppose 
 
 Her cunning, lustful plot. 
 
 But when she found her sweetest smile 
 And words could not him flatter, 
 
 She thought if art could not beguile, 
 She'd force him to come at her. 
 
 She grasped him by his flowing gown, 
 
 His virtue to assail ; 
 She tried perforce to pull him down, 
 But she could not prevail. 
 
 For Joseph with an iron will 
 Her pleadings could resist; 
 
 Although he reasoned well, yet still 
 On him she would insist. 
 
 At last he saw his only chance 
 Was to abruptly leave her; 
 
 He thus rebuked her bold advance. 
 Which act did greatly grieve her. 
 
 To save his virtue thus he fled, 
 But left his gown behind; 
 
 When lo! his mistress quickly said, 
 "That Hebrew dog go bind." 
 
 40 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 "Behold! to humble me with shame 
 He tried — and here's the proof; 
 
 Osiris curse his very name, 
 He found me on the roof.'' 
 
 "And when, with scorn, I drave him back, 
 
 He started to run down, 
 I followed close upon his track 
 
 And caught him by the gown." 
 
 "His hurry was so great you see. 
 
 He left his gown behind ; 
 Now here's the proof I give to thee, 
 
 Who doubts it must be blind." 
 
 Her husband hearing such outcry, 
 And wondering at the matter. 
 
 Began to ask the reason why 
 
 They made such noise and clatter. 
 
 A brawny Eunuch brake the news, 
 Grown worse instead of dwindled. 
 
 By adding to it his own views ; 
 "The old man's ire was kindled." 
 
 But still, as it was growing late. 
 
 He had him cast in prison, 
 And said "I will investigate 
 
 Before I give decision." 
 
 41 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 ^Terhaps the lad was not to blame, 
 
 I well know woman's wiles, 
 They'll fan your passion into flame 
 
 By winks, and nods, and smiles." 
 
 ^'And sometimes they their wants make known 
 
 Through accusations made. 
 They'll claim the thing they want was done, 
 
 And wanted words were said." 
 
 "That puts a doubt within my mind, 
 
 I must not act with haste; 
 Put him in ward, I'll try to find 
 
 What makes him act unchaste." 
 
 PART III. 
 
 Then days and weeks slow grew to years, 
 
 And Joseph still was bound; 
 His master's doubts were based on fears. 
 
 So he no verdict found. 
 
 The jailor trusted him to keep 
 
 The keys to every cell; 
 And oft the visions of his sleep 
 
 Was Joseph asked to tell. 
 
 At length two servants of the king 
 Were placed with him in prison; 
 
 The one was wont the wine to bring 
 With choicest fruits in season. 
 
 42 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 The other was the baker chief, 
 
 A man of modest means ; 
 Each cheered the other in his grief, 
 
 Each had prophetic dreams. 
 
 The butler's dream for him was good, 
 
 As Joseph did foreshow, 
 Which, when the baker understood 
 
 His own he fain would know. 
 
 For him, alas ! the news was sad. 
 
 It warned him of his fate. 
 His master with him still was mad 
 
 And soon his life would take. 
 
 Their dreams turned out as Joseph said, 
 Who spake as spake the Lord ; 
 
 The baker lost his guilty head, 
 The butler was restored. 
 
 But soon the butler did forget 
 Poor Joseph and the prison; 
 
 He left him there two years to sweat. 
 Without the slightest reason. 
 
 'Till one night Pharaoh had a dream. 
 And to him it seemed double ; 
 
 In it were kine, and corn, and stream ; 
 He felt it boded trouble. 
 
 43 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 When all the wise men in the land 
 
 Could not his dream declare, 
 The butler cried, with out-stretched hand, 
 
 "Let not my lord despair." 
 
 "Mj fault is great, for sure I know 
 
 A youth that dreams can tell, 
 I met him just two years ago 
 
 In yonder prison cell." 
 
 My master knows when I was bound, 
 
 For evils done by me. 
 The baker, too, was guilty found 
 
 And hanged, but I am free." 
 
 "We had some dreams, so plain, but queer, 
 They filled our souls with sorrow ; 
 
 There was a true interpreter 
 
 Explained them on the morrow." 
 
 "The lad is yet in durance vile. 
 
 Deprived of liberty; 
 Let him be brought — you need not smile — 
 
 Things hidden he can see." 
 
 To make this story short, we say 
 That Joseph soon was brought. 
 
 To whom the king said, "Tell, I pray. 
 What wonders will be wrought?" 
 
 44 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 He told the king : "To God belongs 
 
 The things in future store; 
 He blesses all and rights their wrongs. 
 
 He reigns forevermore." 
 
 "But this," said he, "to me is given 
 
 Thy visions to declare; 
 The dreams are one; the seven seven 
 
 Makes sure, for it prepare." 
 
 "For seven years in all the earth 
 There shall abundance grow. 
 
 Then seven more of frightful dearth 
 Shall follow, well I know." 
 
 "This do and thou shalt honored be 
 By all who hear thy name : 
 
 Appoint some man of equity 
 A royal tax to claim." 
 
 "And in the plenteous years let him 
 Build barns and sheds for grain. 
 
 So when the famine has grown grim 
 Thy servants won't complain." 
 
 When Pharaoh saw the thing aright 
 He said : "Thou art the man. 
 
 For who like thee has such foresight 
 Our future life to scan?" 
 
 45 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 ''Let all the lords of Egypt bow 
 
 When Joseph passeth b}^, 
 No secret will his God allow 
 
 Hid from his searching eye." 
 
 "Let him forget his life of shame, 
 
 Through much dominion given ; 
 Who prays must pray through Joseph's name." 
 
 (A type of Christ in heaven.) 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 Thus time can work a wondrous change; 
 
 Now Joseph hath great power, 
 There is no limit to his range, 
 
 His home's a lovely bower. 
 
 He has two children and a wife, 
 
 A woman of great beauty, 
 To cheer and comfort him in life 
 
 And aid him in his duty. 
 
 His servants bow at his command 
 
 And careful him obey; 
 His face is known throughout the land 
 
 Where seen from day to day. 
 
 No wonder when his brothers come 
 
 They did not know the man 
 Who questioned them about their home 
 
 In far off Canaan's land. 
 
 46 
 
WM, YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 He asked them of their father, old, 
 
 And was he still alive? 
 How many were there in his fold, 
 
 Did mother still survive? 
 
 They answered him in simple style: 
 
 "Of us there once w^ere twelve, 
 The ten you see here by the Nile, 
 
 One helping father delve." 
 
 " And One, alas ! we know not where ; 
 
 We fear that he is dead. 
 How oft we wish that he might share 
 
 Our shelter and our bread." 
 
 " 'Tis well," replied the ruler stern, 
 
 "But thou art surely spies. 
 The weakness of this land to learn, 
 
 Now prove thy words no lies." 
 
 "Here, marshal, take these Canaanites 
 
 And put them in a cell 
 Where they may study on their plights. 
 
 And learn the truth to tell." 
 
 Three days, three sleepless nights they stayed. 
 
 Like thieves in durance vile. 
 Though prayers like theirs were never prayed 
 
 Before upon the Nile. 
 
 47 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 But then the ruler did relent, 
 
 And said : "This will I do, 
 Keep one in ward while nine are sent 
 
 To prove your word be true." 
 
 "Bring down your youngest brother, Ben, 
 
 And shew him unto me, 
 That I may know you are true men. 
 
 With such our trade is free." 
 
 "But if ye do not bring him down, 
 
 No more my face you'll see, 
 I swear by Pharaoh's royal crown 
 
 This is a firm decree." 
 
 "So lade your beasts with sacks of corn 
 
 And hie ye to your mother; 
 Your future hope will be forlorn 
 
 If ye bring not your brother." 
 
 He filled their sacks with golden grain, 
 
 And gave their money back 
 By putting all the coin again 
 
 In each and every sack. 
 
 Thus in the anguish of their hearts 
 
 A little hope was given. 
 As lash of conscience, though its smarts. 
 
 Gives brighter hopes of heaven. 
 
 48 
 
WM. YAWCEY ERWIN 
 
 At feeding timej as home they went, 
 Their hearts were filled with pleasure, 
 
 Besides their corn the money spent 
 Was in their sacks, full measure. 
 
 On second thought they were afraid 
 That this was some temptation 
 
 Designingly before them laid. 
 To curse their tribe and nation. 
 
 Just so, too oft, when we would do 
 
 An act of human kindness. 
 To whom we deemed some help was due, 
 
 We're doubted through this blindness. 
 
 PART V. 
 
 Now Jacob's sons got home at last. 
 And safely brought their corn; 
 
 They told their father what had passed 
 Through Reuben, his first born. 
 
 They made a feast and killed a calf — 
 It seems that fruit was plenty — 
 
 The heads of tribes were found just half 
 The mystic number twenty. 
 
 But soon. Ah soon, their corn was spent, 
 
 They had to feed so many; 
 Then Jacob called them to his tent 
 
 And said, "Go, all, save Benny." 
 
 49 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 ^'To Egypt haste, buy us more bread, 
 Leave here your babes and wives; 
 
 Take presents to the king," he said, 
 "Perhaps he'll save your lives." 
 
 "But Bennie I will not let go, 
 
 He is too young and tender; 
 Besides a lad like him, you know, 
 
 Might passion's power engender." 
 
 "You had no right to tell the king 
 
 That you this brother had; 
 With sorrow you my death would bring 
 
 If I should lose the lad." 
 
 "My darling Joseph, long since dead, 
 
 And Simeon now in prison. 
 Is grief enough for my old head, 
 
 To make it lose its reason." 
 
 "I've asked the Lord to stay my grief. 
 
 And give me some respite. 
 But since my cry brings no relief 
 
 My faith is needing sight." 
 
 "There is a mystery surrounds 
 Your sad and gruesome story 
 
 Of Joseph's death, which always sounds 
 To me like allegory." 
 
 50 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 "But yet he's gone, and I'm bereft; 
 
 Yea, Simeon, too, is lost; 
 If Benny goes, no hope is left. 
 
 My soul is tempest tossed." 
 
 Then Judah said, "Trust him with me, 
 I'll surely bring him back; 
 
 If not, my children I'll give thee 
 To torture on the rack." 
 
 "There is no use to ask us go. 
 Except we take this brother. 
 
 That we our truthfulness may show, 
 And thereby save the other." 
 
 "Who must remain in durance vile 
 As hostage till they prove us; 
 
 We will not go a single mile ; 
 Thy words can never move us." 
 
 "Unless thou send with us the lad 
 
 To bring us into grace, 
 The king would justly be too mad 
 
 To let us see his face." 
 
 Then Jacob said, "Let it be so ; 
 
 The Lord our souls can save; 
 Now take the lad, but this well know, 
 
 His loss will fill my grave." 
 
 51 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 ''Now this ye do, take balm and oil 
 
 A present for the king; 
 With grapes and nuts, fruits of our soil, 
 
 And don't forget to sing." 
 
 "For music hath a subtle charm 
 
 The soul to pacify; 
 It takes the strength from Satan's arm 
 
 And makes him from us fly." 
 
 "And lest there should have been mistake, 
 
 And that excuse would lend, 
 The promise of the king to break 
 
 And lose him as our friend," 
 
 "Take back the money that was found 
 
 Hid in your sacks of grain. 
 And to each half just add a pound 
 
 To cover up all blame." 
 
 "There seems to be some studied plan 
 
 Our honesty to prove, 
 Bo that the king with justice can 
 
 Our people hate or love." 
 
 With these remarks and many more 
 Their people said "good bye," 
 
 The famine in the land was sore. 
 They had to go or die. 
 
 52 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 PART VI. 
 
 Their journey was without event 
 Until they reached the palace 
 
 Of him to whom they had been sent 
 Who drank from golden chalice. 
 
 But there they marveled with great fear, 
 And said things looked suspiciouSj 
 
 Like guilty souls who will declare 
 All acts of Love mialicious. 
 
 A conscience, if diseased by sin, 
 
 Is always doubting others; 
 But if a man is right within. 
 
 He views all men as brothers. 
 
 Now Judah, with a trembling voice. 
 
 The steward did accost, 
 "The price," said he, "of our invoice, 
 
 We think to you was lost." 
 
 "For each of us his money found. 
 Which fills our souls with trouble, 
 
 So we've returned it every pound 
 And to it we add double." 
 
 "Thy servants strive to honest be 
 'And pay for what they get." 
 
 The steward said, "That mystery 
 Will clear up, never fret." 
 
 53 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 "I had thy money in my hand 
 
 And thou art not to blame; 
 Now wash thyself, for thou must stand 
 
 And learn my master's name." 
 
 "His dining hour is close at hand, 
 
 And thou must be his guest, 
 His grace is felt throughout the land, 
 
 Our people call him 'Bless'd.' " 
 
 Now Judah's eyes with wonder grew, 
 
 He felt his heart grow faint. 
 For if, thought he, those words be true, 
 
 That man must be a saint. 
 
 So how to act and what to say 
 
 His Majesty to please. 
 That they in peace might go their way. 
 
 Gave all of them ill ease. 
 
 And while they mused on what they saw, 
 
 As guilty souls will muse, 
 When brought before God's righteous law. 
 
 Humility they choose. 
 
 And as the ruler gave command. 
 The hostage was brought out. 
 
 So now he stood among the band. 
 The happiest one no doubt. 
 
 54 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 For he had feared his father would 
 Not let young Benny come, 
 
 If not, he knew he never could 
 Again see home, sweet home. 
 
 PART VII. 
 
 As Joseph now to dinner came, 
 
 They all with one accord 
 Made their obeisance to his name. 
 
 They called him "Gracious Lord." 
 
 And he to soothe their guilty fears 
 
 Bid them be of good cheer. 
 Yet to restrain his flood of tears 
 
 Used an interpreter. 
 
 He asked about their health and home, 
 
 And said ''Is this the lad 
 I bade you bring when next you come? 
 
 To see you I am glad." 
 
 "Here, steward, set a royal meal, 
 These strangers must be fed ; 
 
 From my command make no appeal. 
 Bring forth the wine and bread." 
 
 The steward seemed to know the law, 
 And gave to each according; 
 
 The like before they never saw 
 Such knowledge in rewarding. 
 
 55 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 All had enough, but Bennie's mess 
 Was five times that of others: 
 
 When that was seen it caused distress 
 Among his elder brothers. 
 
 Now when the wine was passed around 
 
 And they had freely drank, 
 They told their host what they had found, 
 
 But knew not whom to thank. 
 
 "Our money was full weight/' said they, 
 
 "In each one's sack of grain 
 We brought it back, and also pay 
 
 For what we want again." 
 
 But Joseph changed the subject soon, 
 And asked about their father, 
 
 Whose years, if reckoned by the moon. 
 Need not the critics bother. 
 
 As time flew on, they knew not why. 
 They wished their stay was longer. 
 
 We know not 'till we say good bye 
 
 Our friendships have grown stronger. 
 
 But soon the parting time must come. 
 And though we dread the day, 
 
 "We now must take out journey home," 
 I hear those brothers say. 
 
 56 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 The king arose and called again 
 
 His faithful steward, black, 
 And said, "Fill all those sacks with grain 
 
 And put the money back.'^ 
 
 Now when the sacks are all filled up 
 
 And money placed inside, 
 "Take this — your master's silver cup — 
 
 In Bennie's sack it hide." 
 
 It soon was done as he had bid. 
 
 Ere long they were departed ; 
 They criticised what each one did, 
 
 But all were merry hearted. 
 
 Though soon, alas ! their mirth must end. 
 
 And laughter turn to weeping. 
 The steward now must apprehend 
 
 Who has the cup in keeping. 
 
 He took a cordon of the guard 
 
 That served about the ciiy, 
 And pressed upon their pathway hard. 
 
 Like one who knew no pity. 
 
 At sight of them he yelled command, 
 "Hey! halt! young men in season; 
 
 I have a warrant in my hand 
 That charges you with treason." 
 
 57 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 Thus in an angry tone he said, 
 ^'Now see what ye have done, 
 
 An evil act for good ye paid, 
 Then off ye try to run." 
 
 Then Judah said, ^'I pray explain. 
 What charge is this ye bring? 
 
 We paid good money for your grain, 
 We have not wronged your king." 
 
 The steward said, "Nay, please dry up. 
 
 Your words are idle play, 
 You stole my master's silver cup, 
 
 And now would steal away." 
 
 "But know ye now a man like he 
 
 Can certainly divine; 
 You need not try to hide from me. 
 
 My master's qjq is fine." 
 
 Then Judah said, "Canst thou but find 
 With us thy master's goods, 
 
 Our souls his slaves we hereby bind 
 To serve through flames and floods." 
 
 The steward said, "Nay, but with whom 
 
 I find the property. 
 He is m}^ slave, the rest go home; 
 
 I'll set all others free." 
 
 58 
 
WM, YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 The search began with Jiidali first, 
 (Their sacks were on the ground) 
 
 But soon, ah, soon! they knew the worst, 
 With, Ben the cup was found. 
 
 They rent their clothes and tore their hair, 
 Each smote his heaving breast 
 
 In token of complete despair 
 At Benjamin's arrest. 
 
 Then Judah to his brothers said, 
 
 "This let us quickly do, 
 Return to where we last break bread 
 
 And there for pardon sue." 
 
 "Perhaps the king will show us grace 
 
 If we the truth will tell, 
 If Ben must suffer with disgrace, 
 
 We'll go with him to hell." 
 
 PART VIII. 
 
 Then did they lade their beasts once more 
 
 And to their lord return. 
 Who met them at the palace door. 
 
 But not their souls to burn. 
 
 They cast themselves upon the ground 
 
 And never ceased to pray, 
 'Till Joseph's love which knew no bound, 
 
 Forced him to turn away. 
 
 59 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 While Judah told, in broken strain, 
 The cause of all their sorrow, 
 
 He said, "Our crime is made so plain 
 It fills our souls with horror." 
 
 "Our righteousness we can not plead 
 
 Thj^ favor to obtain; 
 Though humble lives thy servants lead 
 
 Our guilt is made too plain." 
 
 "I'll therefore tell to thee the truth 
 
 And keep no secrets back; 
 A crime committed in our youth 
 
 Has kept upon our track." 
 
 "We had a brother, young and gay, 
 
 Our father loved him well. 
 Who came to visit us one day, 
 
 When we upon him fell." 
 
 "We stripped him of his lovely coat. 
 
 And hid him in a cave; 
 Instead. of him we slew a goat. 
 
 But sold him as a slave." 
 
 "We dipped his lovely coat in blood. 
 
 Blood of the goat we slew, 
 Our father's tears came as a flood. 
 
 For Joseph's coat he knew." 
 
 60 
 
WM. YANCEY EBWIN 
 
 "He thought some beast his child had torn, 
 And mourned for many days ; 
 
 His life of happiness was shorn, 
 And still for him he prays." 
 
 "He had one other child you see, 
 The offspring of same mother, 
 
 This lad who standeth here by me 
 Is Joseph's younger brother.'' 
 
 "And if he, too, should not be found, 
 When we from hence shall go, 
 
 'Twould lay our father 'neath the ground. 
 He could not stand such woe." 
 
 "And I, lest I should see the death, 
 
 My sins brought on my sire, 
 Beseech thee with my failing breath 
 
 Let me endure thine ire." 
 
 "But let this lad go home again. 
 
 And hold me as thy slave; 
 I'll never at my lot complain. 
 
 If thou the lad will save." 
 
 When Joseph saw their penitence. 
 
 His bowels in him yearned; 
 He fell on Benny's neck — and thence 
 
 To greet the others turned. 
 
 61 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 But lest his servants should behold 
 His weakness through his love, 
 
 He had them thrust without the fold 
 'Till he their works could prove. 
 
 He knew his brothers tended flocks, 
 And did not till the soil, 
 
 While Egypt's farms — laid off in blocks- 
 Just teemed with wine and oil. 
 
 And Egypt's sons held in disdain 
 
 A shepherd's roving life, 
 Just why, the record is not plain. 
 
 It states no cause for strife. 
 
 We know that Egypt when divined 
 Means ^^one who troubles thee," 
 
 In all the walks of life we find 
 Some envious of the free. 
 
 And through their envy and their lust 
 Would let no free man stand, 
 
 For this their motto, "Make or bust. 
 We'll rule this fruitful land." 
 
 PART IX. 
 
 Now when the servants were gone out, 
 It seemed the King was mad; 
 
 His majesty began to shout, 
 "God bless thee, little lad." 
 
 62 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 "And you my brothers, one and all, 
 
 I'll open now your eyes; 
 Be not afraid on me to call, 
 
 You have my sympathies." 
 
 ^'I am Joseph, whom ye sold 
 
 To traders long ago; 
 Do not for that each other scold, 
 
 I save your lives, you know." 
 
 ^'The Lord has meant your act for good, 
 
 To save much souls alive; 
 His works and ways, if understood, 
 
 Would make all people thrive." 
 
 "What though your act for harm was meant, 
 
 If it a blessing bring; 
 You should not for that act repent, 
 
 But praise the Heavenly King." 
 
 "Who worketh all things here for good. 
 
 To those who heed His call. 
 Whose Kingdom has forever stood, 
 
 Whose Throne can never fall." 
 
 "Go tell my father Joseph lives. 
 
 And rules the land of Ham ; 
 To whom he will, he pardon gives. 
 
 And never wills to damn." 
 
 63 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 ''Take with thee wagons when ye go, 
 
 And bring mj father down, 
 That he may see, and seeing know 
 
 I wear a regal crown." 
 
 The turmoil of their joyous shout 
 Was heard in Pharaoh's court. 
 
 So that he asked his lords about 
 The cause of so much sport. 
 
 They said "Why Joseph's brethren came, 
 
 And he hath made a feast, 
 We did not learn each fellow's name, 
 
 But Benny was the least." 
 
 Then Pharaoh sent a messenger 
 
 To Joseph in great haste. 
 To say the King was glad to hear 
 
 His Lordship used such taste. 
 
 "This do," said he, "I know you love 
 
 Your people with devotion. 
 Take teams and wagons anil remove 
 
 Them to the land of Goshen." 
 
 "Bring down your brothers first to me 
 And let me give them charge; 
 
 I can but love them, and through thee 
 They shall my joy enlarge." 
 
 64 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 "I know not why the law was made 
 
 By rulers of my nation 
 That Hebrews of every shade 
 
 Are an abomination." 
 
 ^'I know Egyptians are a race 
 That brook no double dealing, 
 
 And Jews with them are out of place 
 For want of some such feeling." 
 
 "Besides the Hebrews have but one, 
 While Egypt's Gods are many; 
 
 They heal our sorrows, give us fun, 
 And help us earn a penny." 
 
 *'We sometimes think perhaps a God 
 
 Is after all a notion, 
 But when we feel affliction's rod. 
 
 It drives us to devotion." 
 
 "Command thy people in my name 
 
 To move without delay; 
 I'll heal their wants and cure their shame 
 
 And all expenses pay." 
 
 "But, hold ! I have not asked their trade, 
 What is their line of battle?" 
 
 Then Joseph smiled and softly said, 
 "Thy servants handle cattle." 
 
 65 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 "Well/' said the King, "If thou shouldst know 
 
 Some experts with the flock, 
 Send them to me, I'll have them go 
 
 To feed and tend my stock." 
 
 Soon all was ready to depart 
 To bring their substance down; 
 
 Then Joseph said, "To prove thy heart, 
 I feigned that angry frown." 
 
 "But now with, earnestness I speak, 
 
 Fail not to watch and pray; 
 Let eacb the other's pleasure seek, 
 
 Fall not out by the way." 
 
 "And when you to my father come, 
 
 Bid him to Egypt flee; 
 Two years of famine now is done. 
 
 Yet five more years shall be." 
 
 "Give no regard for all your stuff. 
 
 For I will nourish thee." 
 When Jacob heard, he said "Enough, 
 
 I'll Joseph's face go see." 
 
 "But let us start aright, my sons. 
 
 Heed well what I shall say, 
 Make all your wives and little ones 
 
 Their idols put away." 
 
 66 
 
WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 "And serve the God our fathers knew, 
 
 For He alone is just; 
 His promise miade, extends to you, 
 
 If you will on Him trust." 
 
 "Let doubts no more our hope betray, 
 Nor mildew spread its blight; 
 
 For God will answer when we pray, 
 And bless our faith with sight." 
 
 CUPID'S MISTAKE. 
 
 When the autumn leaves were falling, 
 Making carpets for the ground. 
 
 And the storm-clouds looked appalling, 
 As the sheets of rain came down. 
 
 It was then that little Cupid, 
 In a field of wonder stood. 
 
 Looking neither wise nor stupid. 
 But for a subject good. 
 
 And whilst thus in contemplation 
 Your feet his pathway crossed. 
 
 Was his shaft of veneration 
 
 At your lovely form there lost? 
 
 67 
 
ORIGINAL POEAIS. 
 
 A W. VA. WEDDING. 
 
 Miss Stella Leo, 
 
 Was sweet to see, 
 Though downcast were her looks, 
 
 As up she stood, 
 
 And vowed she would 
 Obey young Freddie Brooks. 
 
 And Freddie, too, 
 Was firm and true. 
 
 And said he'd ever be 
 
 A faithful friend. 
 And prompt attend 
 
 The wants of Btella Lee. 
 
 Then Harkins old, 
 
 A preacher bold, 
 Declared those two were one; 
 
 And so through life 
 
 As man and wife 
 Might share each other's fun. 
 
 The form he used 
 
 Must be excused, 
 'Twas short, but covered well 
 
 The law and fact; 
 
 With equal tact 
 We've tried the news to tell. 
 
WM. YANCEY EBWIN. 
 
 IF I BUT MIGHT. 
 
 Might I but kiss thy smiling cheek 
 And take thy form in fond embrace, 
 
 No greater bliss on earth I'd seek, 
 No other form could take thy place ; 
 
 And shouldst thou try thyself to free 
 
 "Still would I kiss and cling to thee." 
 
 Might I but see thy laughing eyes 
 On me in loving kindness bent, 
 
 'Twould fill my soul with ecstasies 
 For which I never could repent. 
 
 But I'd proceed without delay 
 
 To thee my greatest homage pay. 
 
 Might I but have the blissful thought 
 That thou didst all my love repay, 
 
 I'd spurn the idols wealth had bought 
 And prostrate at thy feet I'd lay; 
 
 And shouldst thou deign to raise me up, 
 
 I'd sate my soul from Cupid's cup. 
 
 Might I but take thy dainty hand 
 And lead thee where the lilies grow, - 
 
 I'd see them blush and bowing stand 
 Before thy stature white as snow; 
 
 For in thy presence, I am sure 
 
 That they could never look so pure. 
 
 69 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 Might I but kiss those lips of thine 
 And drink the nectar of thy breath, 
 
 Thy lovely form mine arms entwine, 
 I'd thus remain 'till death 
 
 Should with relentless, cruel stroke. 
 
 Descend to break our loving yoke. 
 
 Might I but rend the naughty veil 
 That thinks to hide thy lovely form. 
 
 Thy bosom's battlements assail 
 And take thy noble heart by storm, 
 
 I'd of thy soul a pris'ner make 
 
 And at love's fount my thirst I'd slake. 
 
 Might I but press thy heaving breast 
 And feel the throbbing of thy heart, 
 
 I'd seek in heaven no sweeter rest, 
 Nor seek on earth from thee to part; 
 
 But as thy soul should mine caress, 
 
 I'd closer to thy bosom press. 
 
 Might I but claim thee as mine own, 
 I'd happy as a monarch be, 
 
 And monarch never owned a throne 
 I'd willing take in lieu of thee; 
 
 No gem that ever dazzled eyes 
 
 I'd think .to take for thee, my prize. 
 
 70 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 Might I but know thou wouldst extend 
 The scepter to my waiting heart, 
 
 And that our souls should sweetly blend 
 In unison, no more to part, 
 
 'T would fill my soul with joy so great, 
 
 I'd grudge the time I had to wait. 
 
 Might I but have thee, maiden fair, 
 
 To all my future life adorn, 
 I'd deck thy brow with garlands rare 
 
 And own a sail for every storm, 
 For thou, in giving me heart-ease, 
 Wouldst calm the storms on all life's seas. 
 
 Might I but hear thy charming voice 
 In sounds of melody proclaim: 
 
 ^'Thou art the object of my choice, 
 And I would willing bear thy name," 
 
 I'd give to thee the wedding ring 
 
 And ever of thy beauty sing. 
 
 Might I but bring thee to my home 
 And crown thee queen of all my joy, 
 
 I never more would seek to roam. 
 For thou wouldst all my time employ; 
 
 In thought and deed I'd ever prove 
 
 The worthy object of thy love. 
 
 71 
 
DEWEY AT MANILLA. 
 
 On the bosom of thy waters, fair Manilla Bay, 
 Our Hero was seen at the dawn of the day; 
 His war ships for action were drawn up in line, 
 His work of destruction began at a sign. 
 
 And thus was accomplished the ruin of Spain, 
 At the bottom her gun boats must ever remain ; 
 Not one of her vessels was left to escape, 
 To the bottom' he sank them,they're out of the scrape. 
 
 Let the harp and the lyre be tuned to proclaim 
 The vengeance we got for their sinking the Maine; 
 Eleven for one is the price they must pay 
 When collection is made by our Hero — Dewey. 
 
 MARY L. OOLVIN. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Might I once more behold thy face 
 xA.nd take thy form in fond embrace. 
 Regrets would cease and life be sweet, 
 l^our lips with fervor mine should greet. 
 Let others look for greater bliss, 
 Content I'd be alone with this. 
 Our souls in realms of love to meet. 
 Let poets sing of "newer wine," 
 Vulgar thoughts of things divine. 
 In loving thee I'd be content, 
 Nor seek a place where to repent. 
 
 72 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWm. 
 
 QUO VADIS. 
 
 Not yet! not yet! (O, mad'ning thought!) 
 Can Faith lay hold of Christ, the Way, 
 
 Whose blood the race of sinners bought, 
 And turned our darkness into day. 
 
 What proofs could more His love proclaim. 
 What could He do He has not done? 
 
 If thou art lost, who bears the blame? 
 God gave for thee His only Son. 
 
 He beckons thee with outstretched hands. 
 And bids thee to His banquet come, 
 
 His death atoned the Law's demands 
 And purchased thee a shining home. 
 
 Then why will doubt make thee delay? 
 
 Arise, cast off thy guilty fear; 
 The Lord hath promised, when we pray. 
 
 To lend to us His listening ear. 
 
 SANS PEUR. 
 
 Let poets sing with voices clear 
 
 In glowing rhyme from year to year, 
 
 Let orators with wis«lom speak; 
 
 Let all the world thine equal seek 
 In forest, field, on land or sea, 
 But Jesus, none compares with Thee. 
 
 73 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 THE DAYS or YORE. 
 
 As in the evening twiliglit dim 
 
 I dream of bygone days, 
 Thy lovely form doth seem to swim 
 
 Before my 'rap tared gaze. 
 
 I strive to clasp m fond embrace 
 
 Thy forni and bid it stay, 
 But just as Nature hides ber face 
 
 The vision fades away. 
 
 And I in deepest gloom am left 
 
 To battle life alone. 
 Of hope and joy I am bereft 
 
 Since thou from me art gone. 
 
 A candle snuffed, I seem to be; 
 
 A marshes' meteor lamp; 
 A bursted bubble on life's sea; 
 
 A giant bound with cramp. 
 
 Since thou art gone I realize 
 
 That life means more than living, 
 
 A heart that's full of sympathies 
 Will ever be forgiving. 
 
 But since death's ordeal thou hast passed 
 And crossed the darksome river. 
 
 My barque must drift with broken mast, 
 I've lost my "Bow and Quiver." 
 
 74 
 
I feel a void earth can not fill, 
 
 A chasm dark and deep, 
 Where mind must grope without a will, 
 
 Where eyes must know no sleep. 
 
 SMILES AND WORDS OF CHEER. 
 
 When my heart is sad and lonely 
 And I feel bowed down with care, 
 
 I can find a solace only 
 
 In thy smiles and words of cheer. 
 
 Thou art first in my affection, 
 And I often think how queer 
 
 Life assumes a new complexion 
 By thy smiles and words of cheer. 
 
 Though I write ten thousand pages, 
 
 On each letter shed a tear. 
 Thou couldst for it give full wages 
 
 By thy smiles and words of cheer. 
 
 Though the imps of worlds infernal 
 At my fruitless hopes should jeer. 
 
 Still in hope I'd keep a journal 
 Of thy smiles and words of cheer. 
 
 Thou canst drive away my sorrow, 
 And will conquer all my fear. 
 
 If I see thee on the morrow 
 With thy smiles and words of cheer. 
 
 75 
 
A DUN. 
 
 My Dearest Jett, 
 I have as yet 
 Failed to get 
 Your letter and remittance; 
 If you but knew 
 What I've passed through 
 I'm sure that you 
 Would send along that pittance. 
 
 I've more to pay, 
 And every day 
 That you delay 
 Will tell upon my credit, 
 So now you see 
 That paltry three, 
 If sent to me 
 Will help me out — I've said it. 
 
 THAT CORN. 
 
 I asked a maid this question: 
 What makes you look forlorn, 
 
 Can it be indigestion? 
 
 She said, "I've got a corn." 
 
 She looked somewhat confused, 
 But not with looks of scorn 
 
 Her heart and hand refused. 
 But let me take her corn. 
 
 76 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 This Blatantj born of parents base, 
 
 Has had its nose in every place. 
 
 Eight years it spent in dire destruction, 
 
 Rebellion, ruin and reconstruction; 
 
 Eight more in folly it ran rampant, 
 
 Praising the conqueror, TJ. S. Grant. 
 
 Under a darkening cloud it lays. 
 
 By fraud in seating R. B. Hays. 
 
 Let those who read this poem o'er 
 
 In memory keep, his years were four. 
 
 Come Charity, here draw the veil. 
 
 As darker deeds we might detail. 
 
 No ! No. ! 'twould chill the Nation's heart, 
 
 Poor Garfield, to review the part 
 
 A soulless party played with thee ; 
 
 Rest thou in peace; let Arthur reign 
 
 Three fruitless years and end this chain, 
 
 Yes, end it for eternity. 
 
 Written November 10th, 1884. 
 
 77 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 THANKSGIVING. 
 
 Since earth was formed and time began 
 The world has seen no purer man 
 Than He to whom we set apart 
 This day with joyous, thankful heart. 
 His name henceforth throughout the ages 
 Shall honored be by all the sages. 
 
 The shackles from sin's slaves He broke 
 And freed us from its galling yoke. 
 And for His death that set us free, 
 We find great cause to thankful be, 
 And tune our hearts to sing His praise 
 And fill our lives with holy days. 
 
 We thank Him for His matchless grace, 
 By which we see His smiling face; 
 We thank Him for the dew and rain 
 That fill our garners full of grain, 
 We thank Him for our life and health, 
 Both which we value more than wealth. 
 
 We thank Him for His guiding star 
 That lights our course in peace and war. 
 And if He choose to send us death. 
 We'll thank Him with our failing breath ; 
 And when from death He sets us free. 
 We'll thank Him through Eternity. 
 
 78 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 THE SALOON MAN'S PLEA. 
 
 Know ye, good people of Carlisle, 
 
 I license pay to whiskey sell. 
 No drug store signs my place beguile 
 
 To lure you on the road to hell. 
 
 If you a drunkard's wife should be, 
 
 Just leave a notice at my place. 
 No more he'll get a drink from me, 
 
 I'll try to save you from disgrace. 
 
 If loving sisters, doting mothers. 
 Would also heed this same advice, 
 
 They'd have less drunken sons and brothers, 
 Unless Speakeasies caused the vice. 
 
 Saloons our country's laws obey, 
 Yet furnish all your temperance hymns. 
 
 They more than half all taxes pay, 
 And yet must cavil to your whims. 
 
 But druggists selling poison drinks. 
 Are honored by both church and state. 
 
 Your preacher at the drug store winks ; 
 Saloon men are the things they hate. 
 
 And if they see a worthless tramp 
 Who never earned an honest cent. 
 
 They'll say saloon men made that scamp, 
 Then cry aloud, Repent! Eepent! ! 
 
 79 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 But yet the hungry, lame and poor 
 Are seldom by such preachers fed, 
 
 Ere we can turn them from our door 
 They drink our wine and eat our bread. 
 
 eTELLICO— A SUFFICIENT ANSWER. 
 
 In Tennessee, as you should know, 
 
 There is a town named Jellico, 
 And in that town, as all agree. 
 The bar-room sot we seldom see. 
 
 But if you long for scenes of woe, 
 
 Just cross to northwest Jellico, 
 
 Where men are brave and women plucky, 
 This part is Jellico, Kentucky. 
 
 Here blear-eyed demons shriek and squall 
 
 And poison serpents squirm and crawl. 
 And women base will smile and wink 
 And beg you for another drink. 
 
 Here swaggering youth and aged sot 
 
 Drink, curse and form a sinful plot 
 To rob the honest sons of toil, 
 Who mine the coal or till the soil. 
 
 Or work in mill, or store, or shop; 
 
 The heart grows faint, so here we stop 
 And will not say another word 
 About that hell-bound, drunken herd. 
 
 80 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 LULA HALL. 
 
 While thunders through the welkin ring, 
 
 And rain in torrents fall; 
 I'll of the grace and beauty sing 
 
 Of darling Lula Hall. 
 
 Her eyes are bright as diamonds rare, 
 
 'Neath brows of inky pall; 
 A realm of beauty is the hair 
 
 Of darling Lula Hall. 
 
 Her lips like rubies set with pearl, 
 
 I love her name to call. 
 You'll never find a sweeter girl 
 
 Than darling Lula Hall. 
 
 Her stature is so full of grace, 
 
 Neither too low nor tall; 
 A pleasant smile lights up the face 
 
 Of darling Lula Hall. 
 
 Her hands to charity are lent, 
 
 She comforts one and all. 
 We view her as an angel sent, 
 
 This darling Lula Hall. 
 
 With her upon the sea of life, 
 
 I'd fear no sudden squall. 
 No element could gender strife 
 
 With darling Lula Hall. 
 
 81 
 
ORIGINAL FOEMS. 
 
 My head could find its sweetest rest 
 
 Upon this earthly ball, 
 While pillowed on the balmy breast 
 
 Of darling Lula Hall. 
 
 PARTING. 
 
 Since winter's chilling winds have passed, 
 And buds and blooms are here at last, 
 Let Cupid with his fiery dart 
 Approach and warm your icy heart. 
 
 Since I at last in truth have shown 
 
 Its ice is firmer than a stone. 
 And in your bosom so compact. 
 It will not yield to pointed fact. 
 
 Perhaps some sun with rays of flattery. 
 Can beat old Truth's Electric Battery. 
 So let that sun through others shine, 
 For truth alone I claim as mine. 
 
 And if it fails to warm thy heart, 
 
 I'll use no other Cupid dart. 
 But strive to break the magic spell, 
 And say in truth, dear love, farewell. 
 
 82 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 GENESIS OF RACES. 
 
 As man from out of dust was made, 
 He loves old "Mother Earth," 
 
 To cure his loneliness, 'tis said, 
 He gave a woman birth. 
 
 A door was ope'd in Adam's side. 
 Through which dear woman come; 
 
 So Adam claimed her for a bride 
 And furnished her a home. 
 
 His neighbors came Miss Eve to see, 
 None called her Mrs. Adam; 
 
 The orang-outang and chimpanzee 
 Were jealous of the madam. 
 
 For Adam had with them agreed 
 
 To propagate his species, 
 And now Miss Eve would own his seed, 
 
 If by him she increases. 
 
 So up they cocked their tails and went 
 
 Across the desert waste. 
 And settled on a continent 
 
 More suited to their taste. 
 
 To one of them a babe was born, 
 
 In evening's balmy hush. 
 Of hair and tail that babe was shorn. 
 
 His mother called him Oush. 
 
 83 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 The other felt affliction's rod, 
 
 Aud for it took atropia; 
 She named the country "Land of Nod," 
 
 But baby, Ethiopia. 
 
 She, too, was minus hair and tail, 
 
 Except upon her head; 
 So these two mothers did not fail 
 
 To have those children wed. 
 
 Now those two children when they grew 
 
 To man and womanhood. 
 Just tho't their kindred they would shew 
 
 How uprightly they stood. 
 
 So arm in arm they went away 
 
 And started in that place 
 The people that we call today 
 
 The Afro-negro race. 
 
 These children stood upon their pride 
 And rode about on donkeys ; 
 
 Their mothers, though, still multiplied 
 And filled that land with monkeys. 
 
 But none of us have followed well 
 The course marked out by nature; 
 
 For we, like they, from grace have fell 
 And ceased all nomenclature. 
 
 84 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 Here let us turn and view again 
 The home of Eve and Adam, 
 
 Who occupy a sterile plain, 
 
 Where troubles often sad 'em. 
 
 Since Eve, to show her willingness 
 
 With mysteries to grapple, 
 Made of her mouth a cider press 
 
 And crushed a bitter apple. 
 
 And when her stomach ceased to pain 
 She called her husband, Adam, 
 
 And said "Your ignorance is vain, 
 I'm glad that I have had 'em." 
 
 "Come, eat a piece and be more wise 
 
 Than any base quadruped; 
 I now can see with clearer eyes 
 
 How long we've both been stupid." 
 
 So Adam ate to please his wife, 
 But great afflictions brought; 
 
 He should have said, "Not on your life, 
 I've been much better taught." 
 
 The greatest trouble Adam had 
 Was brought about by Cain, 
 
 Whose course from infancy was bad; 
 By him was Abel slain. 
 
 8S 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 Yet, to protect him from the rod, 
 
 The Lord sent guilty Cain 
 To occupy the Land of Nod 
 
 And there a living gain. 
 
 Ho took a wife, whose name was Save, 
 
 A woman black as coley, 
 While he was red, you know a knave 
 
 Don't care for deeds unholy. 
 
 From them there sprang the Yellow Race, 
 
 A cross those two between. 
 In Eastern countries still a trace 
 
 Of them is plainly seen. 
 
 For there we find the Chinamian, 
 
 Japanese and Hindu 
 Who occupy the Eastern land, 
 
 And prove this story true. 
 
 Still Adam had another son. 
 We read his name was Seth; 
 
 He was, by far, a better one, 
 So died a natural death. 
 
 He had some daughters, too, 'tis said. 
 Of most transcendent beauty. 
 
 The Sons of God some of them wed, 
 An act of doubtful duty. 
 
 86 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 
 
 From them a race of giants sprung, 
 Who filled the world with trouble; 
 
 They tribute from their fellows wrung, 
 But God soon paid them double. 
 
 For He a flood of waters sent 
 
 Their country to destroy. 
 Yet told them if they would repent. 
 
 He'd fill their souls with joy. 
 
 Now Noah was a righteous man, 
 
 Who led an upright life. 
 So God revealed to him a plan 
 
 To save himself and wife. 
 
 And all his sons and all their wives 
 
 Had, too, a promise given, 
 That they through him should save their lives 
 
 And reach a peaceful haven. 
 
 They built an ark of gopher wood. 
 
 And safely housed inside it; 
 It weathered out that dreadful flood, 
 
 Nor evil did betide it. 
 
 It landed on a mountain top 
 
 And tremblingly it there sat; 
 They trembled when they felt it stop, 
 
 And called that Mount Ararat. 
 
 87 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 If here we jump a thousand years, 
 
 Again the world is bad; 
 So Moses, man of God, appears 
 
 To comfort and make glad. 
 
 All those who practice righteousness 
 
 Are by him led along, 
 Yet when they reach the wilderness 
 
 We see them getting wrong. 
 
 For with them went a multitude. 
 Drawn out of every nation; 
 
 As Moses would not them exclude, 
 They proved an aggravation. 
 
 So Moses thought to end the strife 
 
 And set a new example, 
 He'd take to him a negro wife 
 
 And on old customs trample. 
 
 But soon, alas ! his sister came 
 And criticised the match; 
 
 Then next his brother did the same. 
 And treason tried to hatch. 
 
 But God, who judges right we know. 
 Oft using crimes of some. 
 
 His mercy to the whole to show, 
 Down in His anger come. 
 
WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 And smote with leprosy those two 
 
 Who thought to criticise 
 And set at naught that brother who 
 
 Was prone to sympathize. 
 
 He made their color white as snow, 
 
 And gave to us the reason, 
 That we might see and seeing know 
 
 Their crime was that of treason. 
 
 The Hebrew race, before, was red, 
 
 As critics must allow; 
 The yellow and the black we've said 
 
 Were made — ^just when and how. 
 
 So here we'll end this novel tale 
 And will jiot add more facts on, 
 
 For here we've found the maid and male 
 That heads the Anglo-Saxon. 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 DIPLOMACY. 
 
 Some men are a nuisance I frankly will say, 
 
 For soon as they marry a woman 
 They raise a great howl over bills they must y^ay, 
 
 And say she knows just how to do man. 
 
 Of my own little wife I won't grumble at all, 
 
 Although I must hint to her often, 
 That business perhaps will be better by fall 
 
 And times from their hardness will soften. 
 
 1 ask her to look up my last summer clothes, 
 As times are too hard to buy new ones, 
 
 Their color is drab, she very well knows. 
 
 When the mode says "nothing but blue ones." 
 
 If she don't take the hint from these very plain woL'ds 
 But still asks for a trip to Long Branch, 
 
 I tell her this season my flocks and my herds 
 Both demand that I stay on the ranch. 
 
 Still if she must go, I will look up the cash 
 That the trip will compel her to use. 
 
 While I and the cook (she despises such trash), 
 Will stay home, and each other amuse. 
 
 Right then she wont go, I very well know, 
 
 So all of that money we will save; 
 I learned long ago what woman will do 
 
 When jealousy prompts her to be brave. 
 
 90 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 WAYWARDNESS. 
 
 While floating down the stream of life, 
 
 Our souls by love united, 
 I had a husband, thou a wife, 
 
 But still our troth w^e plighted. 
 
 A hidden rock lay in our course. 
 And wrecked our ship of pleasure; 
 
 Those blinding tears were my recourse, 
 I suffered beyond measure. 
 
 Hard as I strove, it was in vain. 
 
 My love I could not hide. 
 And though that fact gives greater pain, 
 
 I'll by the truth abide. 
 
 But oh! how hard it is to know 
 
 So far we're separated. 
 That we affection cannot show 
 
 Nor hope to e'er be mated. 
 
 Oh, love, thou promised chord of bliss ! 
 
 Canst thou on earth be broken, 
 And cause the loved for'er to miss 
 
 Thy substance and its token ? 
 
 Would not a look, a smile, a bow 
 
 Again bring us together? 
 Or must our lives remain as now. 
 
 Like dark and gloomy weather? 
 
 91 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 Oh! couldst thou but remember, dear, 
 When thoughtless words were spoken, 
 
 The time, the place, the month, the year 
 When lamp was almost broken. 
 
 How could a heart so free from sin 
 
 As thine I know to be, 
 The wrecking process thus begin? 
 
 Those words wrecked only me. 
 
 For thou may'st yet much pleasure find. 
 In learning woman's nature; 
 
 A living study for thy mind. 
 But death to her, poor creature. 
 
 Yet when 1 think of happy days, 
 
 And meetings full of bliss. 
 My heart for thee finds naught but praise, 
 
 Though sunk in an abyss. 
 
 There's graven on my mind till yet 
 
 That blissful third of May, 
 When I all prudence did forget 
 
 And deign with thee to play. 
 
 And when I take a retrospect 
 
 Through memory's teary fog, 
 I cannot help but to expect 
 
 Thee seated on that log. 
 
 92 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 And can it be since years have passed, 
 I still must ask more proof? 
 
 Were not the words you spoke, too fast, 
 It still "rains on the roof." 
 
 But I must hear the drops alone 
 
 Oh I aching heart be still ! 
 Thy love long since from me has flown. 
 
 The void I cannot fill. 
 
 I own I've tried, but tried in vain. 
 
 And now^ the truth confess, 
 E'en death to me would lose its pain. 
 
 If met for thy caress. 
 
 The cruel blow has come at last. 
 And wakes me from my slumber, 
 
 My loving heart from thee is^ cast, 
 Ne'er more may it encumber, 
 
 The thoughts of him who gave it rest 
 And filled my soul with pleasure; 
 
 Thy life another's love has blessed. 
 Yet robbed me of my treasure. 
 
 And now to fate I am resigned, 
 
 For thou art unrelenting, 
 I see the thought creep o'er thy mind 
 
 To spurn me for repenting. 
 
 93 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 Farewell, dear friend, for thou hast been 
 To me of friends the greatest, 
 
 Yet wish I now thou ne'er had seen 
 In me the love thou hatest. 
 
 Yet as the chord that bound our hearts, 
 
 With thee was only study 
 Of Nature's laws in all their parts, 
 
 Which purer minds would muddy. 
 
 I should have known it would not hold. 
 But soon, ah, soon, be broken; 
 
 Yet how could I withstand such bold, 
 Impassioned words when spoken. 
 
 Can it be true thou didst deceive. 
 And for me love was feigning? 
 
 That is a point I don't believe. 
 Though of it I'm complaining. 
 
 It serves thee wrong, I'll bear the blame. 
 
 And for it now atone 
 With passion's soul consuming ilame, 
 
 For thee and thee alone. 
 
 I hope, alas ! but hope in vain, 
 
 The scepter soon to see 
 Which bids me share thy love again, 
 
 But, oh! that ne'er can be. 
 
 94 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 Still one request, and only one, 
 The last I e'er shall make — 
 
 Be patient, hear me 'till I'm done, 
 Thou needst not fear nor quake. 
 
 The granting will not compromise 
 
 Thy honor in the least ; 
 May I but see thee with mine eyes 
 
 And give my soul a feast? 
 
 Then tell me, with thy tongue so true. 
 To stop my daily weeping, 
 
 Is love for me now dead with you, 
 Or is it only sleeping? 
 
 If dead, then let me with it die. 
 For life hath lost its charms ; 
 
 If sleeping, then, O, let me fly 
 And sleep within its arms! 
 
 Now if a meeting thou wilt grant, 
 
 I'll surely be on hand. 
 With me there's no such word as can't. 
 
 When thou dost give commard. 
 
 Our mutual friend will do to trust, 
 With him I send credentials. 
 
 With him thou safely canst adjust 
 The minutest essentials. 
 
 95 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 THE MESSENGER'S REPORT. 
 
 Dear friend, prepare t\ij anxious heart 
 
 The truth at last to know. 
 His love was lacking from the start, 
 
 He plainly told me so. 
 
 Although your friendship much he praised, 
 
 And virtue complimented, 
 He plainly showed he was amazed 
 
 And long since had repented. 
 
 All offers were by him declined, 
 Yet not with angry scorning, 
 
 Still freely he expressed his mind 
 With many a friendly warning. 
 
 He could not see, for all his life, 
 How matters could be better; 
 
 You have a husband, he a wife. 
 He would not choose to fret her. 
 
 Lie told of others just a^i bad 
 
 Who had a like delusion, 
 He did not wish to make folks mad, 
 
 But would not work confusion. 
 
 96 
 
WM. YANCEY EBWIN 
 MENTAL TELEGRAPHY. 
 
 O, whispering breeze, 
 
 As you waft o'er the seas. 
 Like a messenger sent from above, 
 
 Pause in your fliglit 
 
 And for me tonight 
 Bear a message to one that I love. 
 
 With your load of perfume 
 
 You may enter her room. 
 And I know she will welcome your call; 
 
 If she sleeps, drive away 
 
 All the cares of the day, 
 Let no visions affright her at all. 
 
 But when she's at ease, 
 
 O, whispering breeze. 
 Then fan with soft zephyrs her brow, 
 
 In a dream let her see 
 
 This message from me. 
 With love fill her heart for me now. 
 
 Then whispering breeze. 
 
 Waft back o'er the seas 
 And bring me a loving reply 
 
 From the maid that I love 
 
 So far, far above 
 Any other 'neath the blue sky. 
 
 97 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 Thus heart talks to heart 
 
 Though sundered apart 
 In countries divided by seas, 
 Forbidden to write, 
 They dream every night, 
 And talk to the whispering breezti. 
 
 THE DEMOCKATIC PARTY. 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Thy virtues have departed. 
 
 How sad thy present plight I 
 
 Each patriot, broken-hearted. 
 
 Deserted thee outright. 
 
 Enough they had of Cleveland, 
 
 McKinley took his place, 
 
 Our hearts to undeceive and 
 
 Cause thee to hide thy face. 
 
 Rest thou, old. Democratic, 
 
 A long and peaceful rest, 
 
 Thy ways are so erratic. 
 
 It is for us the best. 
 
 Cease now thy free trade chatter, 
 
 Protection is the go. 
 
 And what has been the matter 
 
 Republicans may show. 
 
 Through vacillating insolence 
 
 You've lost the people's confidence. 
 
 98 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 
 MY DARLING. 
 
 What makes my heart so sad aud drear, 
 With clouds and rain, and never clear? 
 What makes my hope bow down to fear, 
 My darling? 
 
 When shall the scenes be more sublime? 
 When shall this heart be changed for thine? 
 When shall I call thee wholly mine, 
 My darling? 
 
 Time speeds for some, but drags for me, 
 My weeks grow to eternity. 
 And they are short alone with thee. 
 My darling. 
 
 If thou but hadst some magic art, 
 By which to read this loving heart. 
 From thee thou wouldst not let it part. 
 My darling. 
 
 O, let me to thy bosom fly, 
 Let joy be born, let sorrows die, 
 Let heaven be now, not by and by. 
 My darling. 
 
 
THE HONEY BEE. 
 
 Among the flowers we often see 
 The busy little honey bee; 
 It flits about from flower to flower, 
 It sucks the sweet, but leaves the sour. 
 
 Let us from this a lesson take, 
 And try the bee to imitate, 
 For life is as a blooming tree 
 And each of us a buzzing bee. 
 
 If we a sweeter life would live, 
 Let us with honey fill the hive; 
 Yet if a foe should trouble bring, 
 Teach him a bee can also sting. 
 
 MR. BELL'S BABY. 
 
 Mine vife unt I sum paby gits. 
 Ze air mit schreenis, dot paby sphlitz, 
 Vot makes him dake such tretful fits, 
 
 I vonter. 
 
 He schleebs py tay unt schreems py night, 
 Unt den I vakes unt makes sum light, 
 Unt schwells me oop mit anger dight. 
 
 From unter. 
 
 But den I dinks him nod sum veil, 
 Pecause him raise sum louter yell, 
 Unt den I calls for Mistress Bell, 
 Py tunder. 
 
 100 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 BOTH SIDES. 
 
 They sing about the Sunny South, 
 With orange groves and flowers, 
 
 But seldom speak about the drouth 
 That spoils those lovely bowers. 
 
 Give me the bracing winds that blow 
 Throughout the north and west, 
 
 Where. winter gives a cloak of snow 
 With which the earth is dressed. 
 
 'Tis here the girls with rosy cheeks, 
 
 Muffed' up in furs so warm 
 Will play at snowball in the streets 
 
 And never dream of harm. 
 
 And when the evening shades appear 
 That bid them cease such pleasure, 
 
 They'll gather in the cottage dear, — 
 Their greatest earthly treasure. 
 
 They do not frown and pout and pet 
 
 Like pampered, parlor vixen. 
 But help their mothers meals to get, 
 
 And sweep and scrub the kitchen. 
 
 'Tis nature's bloom that paints their cheeks 
 
 That rosy healthful hue. 
 On them the chemist never seeks 
 
 Old Nature to out do. 
 
 101 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 Oy who would change this healthful clime, 
 
 With robust men and maids, 
 For southlands endless summer time, 
 
 And orange orchard shades ? 
 
 Or who would change the bouyant girl, 
 
 With time in labor spent. 
 For Terpsichorean's rythmic whirl, 
 
 A parlor ornament ? 
 
 You may talk about your Yankee girls. 
 
 Who play on snow and ice. 
 Who dress in fur and wear false curls, 
 
 And seem so very nice. 
 
 But bring them to the Sunny South, 
 Where ladies keep their place, 
 
 xind see how soon their blatant mouth. 
 Will bring them to disgrace. 
 
 The southern belle no duty feels, 
 
 To house and kitchen scrub, 
 Nor Ma nor she need cook the meals, 
 
 Nor handle the washtub. 
 
 The gallant men of southern lands. 
 Would feel the smart of shame, 
 
 If they allowed our dainty hands, 
 To delve in work so tame. 
 
 102 
 
We dress in garments rich and rare, 
 
 Made in the latest fashion; 
 With men of brains, our hearts we share, 
 
 But eschew men of passion. 
 
 We work quite hard, but not with hands, 
 
 Our brains are always active. 
 Whatever gent' before us stands. 
 
 Must know we are attractive. 
 
 The men who bow before the throne. 
 
 Of southern womanhood, 
 Need never for their acts atone. 
 
 Because such acts are good. 
 
 We'll deck their brows with garlands rare, 
 
 Of never fading flowers, 
 We'll take the hearts they offer there. 
 
 And give them those of ours. 
 
 KAISERHOF. 
 
 Acrostic 
 
 Kind friend, call here. 
 And find a place, 
 In which you'll meet. 
 Some smiling face. 
 Each guest is welcome. 
 Eich and poor. 
 Have here alike. 
 Oh every floor. 
 Friends to love and cheer. 
 
 103 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 CORA S. JOHNSON. 
 Acrostic 
 ©ouldst, thou but search this heart of mine, 
 Or know its inmost feeling, 
 Responsive chords would 'wake in thine, 
 nd love might cease appealing. 
 
 ^hall I be safe in building hope, 
 
 ust on such slight foundation ; 
 Or must I still in darkness grope? 
 
 elp! with an explanation. 
 
 eed I expect to worthy prove, 
 §ome heartsease to discover, 
 PIr must I cease to dream of love? 
 
 or hope to be the^^ lover? 
 
 104 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 LINES TO C. S. J. 
 
 In the mountains of Kentucky, 
 Where the honest yeomen dwell, 
 
 There's a lady — small but plucky — 
 Whom I've learned to love full well. 
 
 Though my head, with years, is hoary, 
 Now my heart is young again, 
 
 Since I met thee — darling Cora — 
 Shall my love for thee prove vain? 
 
 Must the castles reared to gladness, 
 Through the letters thou hast wrote, 
 
 Be the cause of greater sadness. 
 By a "Post Script" bottom note; 
 
 That declares thee undecided, 
 And would ask for further time? 
 
 Is my fervent love derided. 
 By that single doubtful line? 
 
 Nay! Hope like firmest anchor. 
 
 Still lingers at thy door; 
 Where love should drown all rancor, 
 
 And bind us evermore. 
 
 For should love's chain be broken, 
 Our lives v/ould drift apart; 
 
 Without the longed for token, 
 That soothes the aching heart. 
 
 105 
 
ORiaiNAL POEMS 
 THE FICKLE FRIEND. 
 
 I've traveled east, I've traveled west; 
 
 I've ploughed the ocean's waves; 
 The only men I've seen find rest 
 
 Have found it in their graves. 
 
 There's hills to climb and work to do, 
 If we would reach the goal, 
 
 Where cloudless skies ethereal blue, 
 Give comfort to the soul. 
 
 Of all the barriers in the way 
 
 To life with honor end. 
 The greatest, we may safely say, 
 
 Is this — the fickle friend. 
 
 He meets you with a smile and bow. 
 Your wrongs he will not name. 
 
 Behind your back he'll take a vow. 
 Your life's a crying shame. 
 
 When next you see his smiling face. 
 
 He'll tell a tale of woe. 
 How he, to save you from disgrace. 
 
 Much comfort did forego. 
 
 He'll say his money and his time 
 
 He spent in proving you 
 A man of honor, free from crim^e, 
 
 A hero, brave and true. 
 
 106 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWn< 
 
 Thus with deceit and false pretense, 
 
 I know whereof I speak, 
 This villain gains your confidence, 
 
 This fickle friend, this sneak. 
 
 But should it be a lady fair, 
 
 That seeks you to destroy, 
 She'll paint her face and braid her hair 
 
 And call you her best boy. 
 
 Now should you heed her blandishment, 
 
 You soon will plainly see 
 Your time with her was time misspent, 
 
 A fickle friend is she. 
 
 But still there is another lass, 
 
 I'll let you guess her name. 
 Her work is in a higher class, 
 
 She makes you smart with shame. 
 
 I've seen her in all walks of life, 
 I've seen her wooed and wed; 
 
 No man I've seen with her for wife 
 Sleep in a pleasant bed. 
 
 She is so delicate and pure, 
 Your look would her offend; 
 
 Be not deceived, for I am sure 
 She is a fickle friend. 
 
 107 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 We know not how to give advice, 
 
 This timid wretch to shun; 
 She is so artless and so nice, 
 
 Her work is soon begun. 
 
 But this we know, and knowing say. 
 
 If on her you depend, 
 You'll ever after rue the day 
 
 You met her as a friend. 
 
 For should you get in trouble deep. 
 
 And seek your life to end. 
 She'll be the ''wolf among your sheep," 
 
 This heartless fickle friend. 
 
 I heard a lady in fine clothes 
 
 Speak with a darkening frown 
 Of others in her church as "Those 
 
 Offscourings of the town." 
 
 "But then," said she, "their souls, of course, 
 
 Are precious in His sight," 
 As if the Lord were not the source 
 
 Of all, both black and white. 
 
 I thought, O, fool, must I the rule 
 
 To such as you extend. 
 And number you among the cre\v> 
 
 A senseless, fickle friend? 
 
 108 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 Of all the creatures I have met. 
 
 T know of none so small 
 As she who used that epithet; 
 
 She was no friend at all. 
 
 "Is there no friend/' I hear you say, 
 
 "On whom we can depend. 
 To guide us in the narrow way, 
 
 Till time with us shall end?" 
 
 We answer "yes," and bodly claim, > 
 
 One only and no other; 
 He overcame a death of shame, 
 
 We call Him "Elder Brother." 
 
 Through Him we safely may surmount 
 
 All trials and ascend. 
 The highest peak of honors mount 
 
 When time with us shall end. 
 
 But if ye seek much honor here. 
 Though men should give thee fame, 
 
 Thou'lt find thy life is full of fear 
 For the honor of thy name. 
 
 The men who keep close to the earth 
 
 Need fear no fatal fall; 
 While they who proudly boast of birth 
 
 Stand on a tottering wall. 
 
 109 
 
MY MARY. 
 
 O, could some power of thought divine, 
 Possess my pen, my hand and mind. 
 Then would I sing in glowing rhyme 
 Of one whose beauty was sublime. 
 
 Her name, how fitting, is the same 
 That Christ's own mother wore, 
 Yet we should not its owner blame, 
 But love her all the more. 
 
 For life of kindly deeds performed, 
 Of sacrifice for others made. 
 With such, O, may I be adorned 
 And dwell beneath their shade. 
 
 Thus would I prove my worthiness 
 To claim thee as my friend, 
 And share with thee thy holiness 
 And love 'till time shall end. 
 
 ADDIE TODD. 
 Acrostic. 
 
 As down the path of life we tread, 
 Down to the City of the Dead, 
 Down where the humble and the great, 
 Invoke the prayers of the prelate. 
 Each face of womankind we meet 
 To us seems fairer and more sweet, 
 Outshining all that made retreat 
 Down country lane or city street. 
 Dear Addie, thou art fair — complete. 
 
 110 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 THAT LIVER. 
 
 Dear friend, I hear again thy wail 
 
 Of melancholy grief, 
 Those dreadful foes that thee assail 
 
 Are creatures of belief, 
 That come in waves of horrid gloom 
 
 And make your body shiver; 
 The ocean waves obey the moon, 
 
 But those obey the liver. 
 
 If you would summer's gladness feel, 
 
 Through winter's palling gloom, 
 Wbile earth is frozen hard as steel 
 
 And snow drifts in your room. 
 Just take cathartics 'till the chyle 
 
 Flows like a swollen river, 
 Thus free your system of the bile 
 
 Retained by torpid liver. 
 
 "Advice is cheap," I hear you say, 
 
 "And cheaper still its giver. 
 But still my blues from day to day. 
 
 Denote a torpid liver." 
 The cares of life should pleasures be, 
 
 And thanks go to their Giver ; 
 My brightest hopes and jollity 
 
 Spring from a healthy liver. 
 
 Ill 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 A LADY'S SOLILOQUY. 
 
 I sorter think I orter 
 
 Buy a gift for Tinker; 
 He draws me all my water 
 
 Cause the bucket had no sinker. 
 
 And I couldn't, if I would, 
 
 Because of snow and ice, 
 And I wouldn't, if I could. 
 
 Because I am too nice. 
 
 Yes, he brings me in my coal. 
 
 Wading through the mud and mire, 
 
 And he warms my precious soul 
 By building a good fire. 
 
 Then I send him down to town, 
 With a bottle to the spring. 
 
 That has such great renown. 
 
 Our, sought for, .health to bring. 
 
 And I oft him thus accost. 
 With a cheek so wan and pale, 
 
 'Will you please this letter post, 
 And inquire for my mail ?" 
 
 "Next you'll at the drug store call, 
 And you'll not forget, I hope, 
 
 To bring a cake or ball 
 Of the finest toilet soap." 
 
 112 
 
WBI. YANCEY EBWIN 
 
 Now hurry u^, dear Tinker, 
 
 Don't let me hear you blowing; 
 
 I know you are a clinker 
 
 By the kindness you are showing. 
 
 Such pure, unfeigned devotion, 
 
 As of service to the Lord, 
 Will most surely get a portion 
 
 A full and free reward. 
 
 Well, I'm going home a Christmas, 
 
 And I cannot get it then, 
 Nor do I know right now, alas. 
 
 Just what, or how, or when. 
 
 O, yes! I have it, by my life. 
 
 He is a grand civilian. 
 So I'll just get for him a wife. 
 
 My pretty sister, Lillian. 
 
 And now, dear Tinker, you are paid. 
 And I have saved my money. 
 
 Now when you have received the maid 
 Just kiss and call her honey. 
 
 You know with Yorks 1 had to keep 
 
 Up high-folootin style, 
 And as my wealth was not a heap, 
 
 I had to use much guile. 
 
 113 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 So please, dear Tinker, don't feel hard, 
 
 Nor at me frown or fret; 
 When I bring with me your reward 
 
 You'll laugh and smile, you bor 
 
 Yes, dearest Tinker, let's be friends; 
 
 I know I served you wrong. 
 But when I offer such amends. 
 
 The time should not seem long. 
 
 Now space is up, I'll say good by, 
 But long will I remember 
 
 The service you did me supply 
 While with you in December. 
 
 ABSENCE. 
 
 If all that is, is for the best, 
 
 How is it I am so distressed 
 
 At losing for a little while 
 
 Thy hope-producing winsome smile. 
 
 Can it be true my hopes are vain. 
 And thou wilt all my love disdain, 
 And thus the thought of him efface 
 Who once was happy in thy grace? 
 
 Ah! could my love for thee confessed, 
 Its likeness find within thy breast, 
 Then joy and peace my soul would till. 
 Star of my hope, I love thee still. 
 
 114 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM GOEBEL. 
 
 What heartless fiend, to honor lost, 
 
 WouM dare to strike a blow 
 At one so honored and so brave. 
 
 So high, but now laid low ; 
 Whose fame is known through all the earth, 
 
 Though sprung from low degree; 
 Whose courage there was none to doubt 
 
 Who chanced him once to see. 
 
 He led what seemed a forlorn hope 
 
 Against opposing factions, 
 Yet forged his way up to the top 
 
 With personal attractions; 
 A leader bold, he proved to be. 
 
 With heart and nerve undnunted, 
 His shibboleth was "Fight to win 
 
 And never be outcounted." 
 
 But all things mortal have an end. 
 
 And so it was with Goebel, 
 Still all of us would gladly know. 
 
 Who slew him, so ignoble; 
 'Twas crank or coward aimed the shot 
 
 That from him took his life, 
 The wise and brave knew such an act 
 
 Could never end the strife. 
 
 115 
 
ORIOINAL POEMS 
 
 From this we might a lesson learn, 
 
 If we would lay aside 
 Our egotistic prejudice, 
 
 Best know as party pride. 
 The truth, if told, ¥/ould be like this : 
 
 No Party should prevail 
 Who practice fraud to change results 
 
 Or liberties curtail. 
 
 Let Plutocrat and pessimist 
 
 Alike take earnest heed, 
 Our state by honor must be run. 
 
 And not by fraud and greed. 
 All laws that favor force or fraud, 
 
 Ere long shall be repealed. 
 True men for this will stand allied 
 
 With party lines concealed. 
 
 SEEKING. 
 
 Would you like to know the lady 
 That could fill my life with pleasure? 
 
 Thus to you I will describe her 
 In rythmatic, common measure: 
 
 Her eyes are bright as diamonds. 
 
 Floating in a sapphire sea. 
 And her form is trim and graceful. 
 
 And her heart must yearn for me. 
 
 116 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 MISS TOMMIE DEKNOBLOUGH. 
 
 (Acrostic.) 
 
 'Mid scenes of rejoicing, at Nashville, one day 
 I met this fair damsel, so handsome and gay, 
 She smiled at me sweetly and captured my heart. 
 So grief overcomes me as from her I part. 
 
 The Soldiers' Eeunion was at its full blast; 
 
 Old comrades were greeting, as by me they passed. 
 
 My thoughts were turned back to the scenes of my 
 
 youth, 
 My tongue was impelled by a love of the truth, 
 In approaching the booth, where ambrosia she dealt, 
 Expression to give to emotions I felt. 
 
 Dear Tommie, unto thee I now must confess 
 
 Each smile that you gave me made deeper impress; 
 
 Kind words that you spoke were as food to my heart, 
 
 No other condiment could to it impart. 
 
 One glance from thine eye, for a word fitly spoken 
 
 Bade joy return to my heart, sad and broken. 
 
 Long may you live to deal comfort and cheer 
 
 Out to the heart that now holds thee so dear. 
 
 Unto my pleading, O, lady, respond. 
 
 Grant more of those smiles of which I'm so fond; 
 
 How happy they make me is clear. 
 
 117 
 
ORIGINAL POEM^ 
 
 LINES TO MISS TOMMIE D. 
 
 Last night 1 had a pleasant dream, 
 In which with thee I fondlv strayed 
 
 Adown that bright, enchanted stream, 
 Where love with love has ever played, 
 
 And gave to each a life of ease, 
 
 By deeds of kindness each to please. 
 
 I cried, O, stream, from whence thy-source? 
 
 What makes thee brighter year by year? 
 The answ^er came, ''Because my course 
 
 Began in love's confiding care. 
 My utmost fountain, though, mupt be, 
 Like Sihor, hid in mystery." 
 
 ''If thou would'st trace me to the mouth, 
 Upon my bosom launch thy bark; 
 
 I know no North, I know no South ; 
 I speak, and all men to me hark ; 
 
 I life to all the living give, 
 
 And pleasure make for all that live. 
 
 "What is thy name, O, wondrous stream. 
 That flows so free through every land, 
 
 Whose fount no carnal eye hath seen, 
 Yet mortal feet tread on thy strand?" 
 
 **My name — expressive of divinity — 
 
 Is known to science as Affinity. 
 
 118 
 
I laugh at statutes made by man ; 
 
 I break the vows of priest and nun ; 
 No earthly court nor human ken, 
 
 Can know the deeds that I have done; 
 My siren voice none can resist; 
 I use no force, but just insist." 
 
 I thought, O, stream, could I abide 
 Upon thy bosom year by year, 
 
 With this fair damsel for my bride, 
 I'd seldom know a grief or care; 
 
 But dreams like this, on waking void. 
 
 Leaves Cupid's victims worse annoyed. 
 
 I still revere the time and place 
 Where decorative scenes were gay. 
 
 And Juno with her smiling face 
 Still lingered in the lap of May. 
 
 Thine image, there graved on my heart. 
 
 Is brighter now than at the start. 
 
 BLOOMIDIA. 
 
 'Tis beauty that enchants the heart. 
 
 To thee that secret I'll impart 
 If incense thou wouldst offer Gods. 
 
 My fragrance is the best by odds. 
 Be not deceived, nor form nor grace 
 
 Can hope to win 'gainst pretty face. 
 But if you can those three combine. 
 
 There's naught on earth can thee outshine. 
 
 119 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 WRITTEN IN AN OLD ALBUM. 
 
 Though worn with use for many a year, 
 My lids and leaves are torn and sere; 
 I still protect within my frame 
 A group of pictures known to fame; 
 And others yet to fame unknown, 
 Because tbey battled life, alone; 
 And yet still others I protect, 
 Whose names are held in disrespect. 
 
 A talk like this in truth might come 
 
 From any other old Album. 
 
 ECONOMY. 
 
 Malinda thought that single life 
 Was expensive and would smash her; 
 
 She looked at all who sought a wife, 
 But only loved John Thrasher. 
 
 And Johnny — though near-sighted — saw 
 In her some lingering beauty, 
 
 And pressed his suit, until the law 
 Made marrying her his duty. 
 
 Now may their years be long and equal. 
 We wish for them every joy; 
 
 So if to this we write a sequel, 
 'Twill describe a bouncing boy. 
 
 120 
 
WM. YANGEY ERWIN 
 AIR CASTLES. 
 
 Though the winter winds are blowing 
 
 And the frosty days abound, 
 Still some daffodils are growing 
 
 In my sad heart's fallow ground; 
 Where there dwells a little Cupid, 
 
 Who can warm the coldest clay, 
 And from objects dull and stupid 
 
 Can a lovely scene portray. 
 
 Should he now upon the segments 
 
 Of our broken hearts but move, 
 He could build of such small fragments 
 
 Temples for the God of Love, 
 Where through portals broad and lofty 
 
 Angel messengers could come, 
 And with benedictions softly 
 
 Bless the place we call our home. 
 
 Can such thoughts of bliss and glory 
 
 From a brain diseased arise? 
 Are the themes we read in story, 
 
 Naught but morbid theories? 
 Let us test those things by trial, 
 
 And we then shall know the truth 
 Of the contents of life's vial. 
 
 Be it bane or bloom or youth. 
 
 121 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 THE SCAMPS. 
 
 There are men who love our party 
 
 With such self-denying zeal, 
 As to overlook conditions 
 
 Under Grover' s reign of steel ; 
 And would gladly see the nation 
 
 Over-run again with tramps, 
 If they only could get Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 Their professions are not honest, 
 
 And they will not do to trust, 
 For we tried them at Chicago, 
 
 With a platform that was just; 
 And they helped elect McKinley, 
 
 With their Palmer-Buckner camps. 
 They were urged along by Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 Then they called a new convention 
 
 To an Indiana town, 
 And its cost was paid by Hanna, 
 
 Who planked the money down. 
 He used that as a remedy 
 
 To cure his party's cramps; 
 Now those traitors still love Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 122 
 
7T-\1 
 
 WM. YANCEY ERWW 
 
 Still again tliey loved our party, 
 
 While at Kansas City met, 
 Where they lengthened out the platform 
 
 In some rotten planks to get, 
 Such as "Anti-Trust" — destroyer 
 
 Of all concentrations camps, 
 Their love still burned for Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 Then comes "against Expansion," 
 
 The worst plank in that lot, 
 When Bryan stepped upon it, 
 
 A dreadful fall he got. 
 Those rascals this time acted 
 
 Like spies within our camps, 
 Their hearts were still for Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 There's Gorman, Hill and Cochran, 
 
 A sly and cunning three, 
 Who, with Haldeman and Watterson, 
 
 Would have us bow the knee; 
 And tho' the act would torture us. 
 
 With syn-co-pe and cramps, 
 They'd have us worship Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 123 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 Those traitors are for money, 
 
 And for the moneyed class, 
 They cry aloud 'gainst silver. 
 
 But use a lot of brass; 
 Their cheeks are brazen with it, 
 
 You'll know them by those stamps, 
 They love to brag on Grover, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 They harp about sound money, 
 
 Calling dollars fifty cents. 
 They are traitors to both parties. 
 
 And they set astride the fence. 
 Where they reap the fruits of labor 
 
 While labor braves the damps; 
 They would foist upon us Parker, 
 
 But to hell with all such scamps. 
 
 ON THE PICTURE OF A MILL. 
 
 The mills of God, throughout all time. 
 
 Are slow, but grind exceeding fine; 
 So thou, though slov/ to comprehend, 
 Still viev/ing me but as a friend. 
 
 And listening to another's plaint, 
 
 May learn that he is not a saint; 
 If then returns to thee a will, 
 Eemember him who gave this mill. 
 
 124 
 
MARRIED IN HASTE. 
 
 What makes my heart beat doubly fast. 
 While brooding o'er the fickle past? 
 Your heart, I thought, was all my own. 
 But soon, alas ! the truth was known, 
 For it had to another flown. 
 Where in an unresponsive breast 
 It sought to find a peaceful rest. 
 
 What rasher deed could mortals do. 
 Dear friend, than what was done by you? 
 Was it for pique, or want of sense 
 That made thee offer such offense 
 And then so soon with penitence 
 Return to crush the tender heart 
 Of him who loved thee from the start? 
 
 But now, alas! the tangled web 
 
 Makes thoughts like tides to flow and ebb, 
 And I like some dismantled barque. 
 Without a compass, in the dark, 
 Can neither give command nor hark, 
 
 Since thou art to another wed. 
 
 And he is now thy legal head. 
 
 I own I'd freely all forgive. 
 And find a place with thee to live. 
 If thou were free to think and act 
 And enter into such compact. 
 With no intention to retract. 
 Or wound afresh the bleeding heart 
 That loves thee still as at the start. 
 
 125 
 
ORIGIN AL POEMS 
 
 INCONSTANCY. 
 
 It makes my anger swell 
 For a friend I love so well 
 A deceptive taleto tell. 
 
 Where they go. 
 Then you ask if I were mad, 
 And you seemingly were glad, 
 When you saw me looking sad, 
 
 Don't you know. 
 
 You profess to be my friend, 
 Yet a moment would not lend 
 My poor broken heart to mend. 
 
 But alas ! 
 You think I should be proud, 
 That by thee I am allowed 
 To be least of all the crowd 
 
 In your class. 
 
 But know ye once for all, 
 There is naught on earth so small. 
 As when on a friend w^e call. 
 
 In distress. 
 To be met with a denial. 
 May you ne'er have the trial 
 Nor drink from such a vial. 
 Much or less. 
 
 126 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 For to me the bitter dregs 
 Weakens head and arms and legs, 
 And knocks down the happy pegs 
 
 Set by thee. 
 For you filled me with surprise, 
 And have caused too many sighs, 
 From my aching heart to rise, 
 Don't you see. 
 
 If a friend can thus me treat, 
 And declare the act discreet, 
 Though I've worshipped at her feet, 
 
 Let me say 
 She is not the kind of friend 
 Upon whom I can dejjend 
 To stand by me to the end, 
 
 Come what may. 
 
 QUERY. 
 
 Shall our future lives be wasted, 
 Seeking from our woes release. 
 
 Will the ardent cup, if tasted, 
 Bring to us our long lost peace? 
 
 Nay, "it stingeth like an adder," 
 
 A.nd could only make us sadder. 
 
 127 
 
THANKS FOR THE LOAN OP A BOOK. 
 
 Let me thank thee, gracious lady, 
 For thy kind and thoughtful care, 
 
 For the volume that thou gavest me, 
 My lonely hours to cheer. 
 
 As I ponder o'er the pages 
 
 Of that interesting book, 
 I perceive, throughout all ages, 
 
 Love is recognized by look. 
 
 And it speaks a higher language 
 
 Than was ever writ by pen ; 
 Prudence tries in vain to manage 
 
 Acts of loving maids and men. 
 
 While Miss Prudence we admire. 
 
 And her rules try to obey. 
 Yet our hearts are set on fire 
 
 By thy smiles from day to day. 
 
 May our friendship be as lasting 
 As the vaulted starry heaven. 
 
 Which is darkness when contrasting 
 It with light thy smiles have given. 
 
 POST SCRIPT. 
 
 What deed of kindness can I do 
 
 That favor to return? 
 I pass the question up to you, 
 
 Your pleasure let me learn. 
 
 128 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 "GO FORWARD.'' 
 
 E'er since my youth, I've sought for truth 
 
 And gone to hear all teachers. 
 But with distress, I must confess. 
 
 Truth dwells not with some preachers. 
 
 For if they knew their words were true, 
 
 They'd be more consecrated, 
 And without price time sacrifice, 
 
 To save the sin belated. 
 
 There's Brother Dash, who talks for cash, 
 
 I've gone to hear him thrice; 
 He speaks of hell, but would do well 
 
 To heed his own advice. 
 
 He did declare we should beware 
 
 Of the higher order critics, 
 And then began, with studied plan, 
 
 To criticise thQir ethics. 
 
 He thought it wise to criticise. 
 
 For plainly did he tell. 
 He spurned the thought of a pitcher brought 
 
 All broken to the well. 
 
 And next he said, the brainless head. 
 
 Or author was not wise 
 Who lost his fear through "titles clear 
 
 To mansions in the skies." 
 
 129 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 When he got through, I saw that two 
 
 Went seeking for the Lord, 
 But if ye blind the Lord would find, 
 
 Just seek Him through his word. 
 
 Hear Moses preach, upon the beach 
 
 Unto the «Tewish nation, 
 ^'Stand still," said he, "and you shall see, 
 
 The Lord and His salvation." 
 
 Then God's command was close at hand, 
 
 Which said "Why cry to me? 
 Believe in God and stretch thy rod 
 
 Across that turbid sea." 
 
 "Then pass straight through, for I'm with you, 
 
 Be not a doubting coward; 
 To Israel say, 'This is the way'. 
 
 Bid them that they GO FORWARD." 
 
 Without dismay they did obe\, 
 
 When lo ! the sea was parted, 
 Thus in a thrice they took advice 
 
 And went across, brave hearted. 
 
 Their only fear was from the rear. 
 Where Pharaoh's host on track. 
 
 Was pressing close, to interpose. 
 And take them pris'ners back. 
 
 130 
 
WM. YANCEY EBWIN. 
 
 But safely through the waters blue, 
 The Lord brought Israel's host, 
 
 While with a splash and mighty crash 
 The Egyptians there were lost. 
 
 O, blessed thought, that here is taught, 
 
 The form of the new birth, 
 By Moses' rod and grace of God, 
 
 The water and dry earth. 
 
 Let Miriam sing to God our King, 
 And Aaron join the chorus, 
 
 For Israel's band all safely stand 
 With Christ who went before us. 
 
 OUR OWN DEWEY. 
 
 Dewey crept up the bay. 
 Under cover of night. 
 And at dawn of the day 
 Made Spain's navy fight. 
 
 But alas! for their valor. 
 They must evermore sleep 
 With the lost and forgotten 
 In the arms of the deep. 
 
 While Dewey remains 
 On the land and the sea. 
 The greatest of heroes 
 That ever will be. 
 
 131 
 
IN A HAMMOCK. 
 
 When the days and nights are equal 
 And the summer writes this sequel. 
 
 Hot and dry, 
 Do you think I'd love to ramble 
 'Midst the underbrush and bramble, 
 Where the snakes and lizards scramble? 
 
 No, not I. 
 
 But I'd seek thee, lovely maid. 
 And beneath the pleasant shade 
 
 Of some tree, 
 There upon a hammock rude, 
 I'd forget the laws of prude, 
 And would try to see thy nude, 
 
 Lovely knee. 
 
 GOEBELISM. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Go read the monarchistic crimes 
 Of every tyrant bearing rule, 
 Enroll them for these modern times, 
 By them compare this modern school ; 
 Each crime of tyrant then would melt 
 Like driven snow when heat is felt ; 
 In thee at last the good have found. 
 Sins fitting emblematic sound, 
 Making crime still more abound. 
 
 132 
 
WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 
 FAIRY SCENES. 
 
 When the Savior taught the people 
 
 In His plain, but simple style, 
 How they should not care for trifles, 
 
 But should live by faith the while; 
 He would point them to the lilies 
 
 That were blooming all around, 
 And He told them that their equal 
 
 Dressed in glory were not found. 
 
 But I know a certain Lilly 
 
 That is fairer to mine eye 
 And whose beauty never fadeth; 
 
 Let me give the reason why: 
 It is painted by love's fingers 
 
 On the tablet of mine heart. 
 Where its blooms are cherished ever 
 
 And I will not with it part. 
 
 Though 'tis a fancy picture, 
 
 Not the realistic scene. 
 The genius that produced it 
 
 Made the fairest ever seen ; 
 Though the subject may evade me. 
 
 And prefer to live alone. 
 Still through life I'll keep the picture, 
 
 For Miss Lilly, 'tis thine own. 
 
 133 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 Since from me thou art withholden 
 
 And thy form no more is seen, 
 I can find a solace only 
 
 Thinking what it might have been. 
 Who can blame me for the worship 
 
 Of this idealistic queen, 
 Whose transcendent beauty ever 
 
 Dwelleth in my memory green? 
 
 MISS MAY. 
 
 My darling May, 
 Give ear I pray 
 To what I say. 
 And while I stay 
 Come every day 
 And pass away 
 An hour in play. 
 Your winning smile 
 And fine profile 
 Can sure beguile 
 And change to style 
 In shortest while 
 My ways senile 
 And thoughts puerile. 
 
 134 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 
 THE RAILROAD OF LIFE. 
 
 If to a railroad we compare 
 
 This fleeting life of ours, 
 We'll find there's stations everywhere 
 
 To reach at stated hours. 
 
 If childhood switch we safely pass, 
 
 We'll find in youth a fill, 
 Though over-grown with weeds and grass, 
 
 Tis ever slipping still. 
 
 'Tis here, too oft, a train is wrecked 
 
 And many lives are lost. 
 For youthful vices left unchecked 
 
 With life, must pay the cost. 
 
 Now should we safely pass this fill. 
 We'll find at manhood's station 
 
 A maiden with submissive will 
 To ride on transportation. 
 
 And soon more cars we must attach. 
 
 As business is increasing. 
 At every station a new batch. 
 
 With wants that know no ceasing. 
 
 Until we reach the heavy grade. 
 
 That means declining age, 
 Where trains will ever be delayed, 
 
 For we must quit life's stage. 
 
 135 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 BROTHER WHEAT. 
 
 To church I went (but now repent) 
 Last night, and took a seat; 
 
 The sermon though was preached by Crowe. 
 And not by Brother Wheat. 
 
 Yet Brother Wheat was dressed so neat, 
 
 And had such pretty feet, 
 That for a while I had to smile 
 
 At "dandy" Brother Wheat. 
 
 Now when he 'rose with words to close, 
 
 I thought him indiscreet. 
 He looked too grum, and scolded some, 
 
 Did angry Brother Wheat. 
 
 When Brother Crowe, sat down you know. 
 
 The service was complete, 
 I'm at a loss to know what boss 
 
 Could silence Brother Wheat. 
 
 If he keeps wrong, it won't be long 
 
 'Till empty pews he'll greet, 
 And then I pray, what will he say. 
 
 This babbling Brother Wheat. 
 
 The lamps were dim and dull the hymn. 
 
 The sermon was dry meat. 
 So out some went from discontent, 
 
 Which angered Brother Wheat. 
 
 130 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 It was not wise to criticise, 
 
 The few who left their seat, 
 They went away, no doubt to pray, 
 
 For foolish Brother Wheat. 
 
 Sure as I live, if you will give. 
 
 The people food to eat. 
 You'll not complain at them again, 
 
 For leaving, Brother Wheat. 
 
 I know its nice to give advice, 
 x\nd have all things look neat. 
 
 But if a few should leave their pew. 
 Don't worry, Brother Wheat. 
 
 They'll come again, and then remain. 
 
 If you will rightly treat. 
 Their sad offense — and want of sense — 
 
 With kindness, Brother Wheat. 
 
 But if vou scold and talk too bold, 
 
 They'll try you hard to beat. 
 Should they succeed, no church would need 
 
 Your service. Brother Wheat. 
 
 Learn now that love can sinners move. 
 
 And Satan make retreat, 
 So with it fight, by day and night. 
 
 And conquer. Brother Wheat. 
 
 137 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 As one by one, our work is done, 
 
 In heaven may we meet. 
 Where we may spend time without end 
 
 With Christ and Brother Wheat. 
 
 HER EYES TALKED. 
 
 I saw the twinkle of thine eye 
 
 Its tell-tale soul revealer; 
 For aching heart and plaintive sigh. 
 
 It is a sovereign healer. 
 
 No language could the half express. 
 
 In words so very meager, 
 A single look we must confess. 
 
 Made anxious thoughts more eager. 
 
 To tell thee quickly of my love. 
 
 Which is the price of virtue ; 
 Call down a curse from heaven above, 
 
 On me, if I should hurt you. 
 
 By word and deed I'll faithful keep, 
 
 Your secret 'till life's end; 
 If sweetest pleasures thou wouldst reap, 
 
 Then trust me, I'm your friend. 
 
 Should I your confidence betray. 
 
 Then cursed be my name, 
 I'll hope no more for joyous day, 
 
 But make my bed in flame. 
 
 138 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH. 
 
 What is it that disturbs my rest, 
 
 And makes me visions see, 
 Of happy men by wives caressed, 
 
 Whilst I alone must be? 
 
 Can it be Cupid's wayward act 
 That makes me fearful prove, 
 
 When I with courage would attack. 
 The fortress of thy love? 
 
 Or is it fear that I'll offend. 
 
 The lady I adore. 
 That makes thee but my passive friend. 
 
 When love should conquer more? 
 
 I own I can not comprehend 
 Those visions seen in sleep; 
 
 Should they denote my hope must end, 
 I'll never cease to weep. 
 
 Though friendship on some placid sea, 
 Might safely spread her sail. 
 
 And pleasures give to you and me 
 If squalls did not prevail. 
 
 But should too many squalls arise. 
 Our ship could not reach port, 
 
 For where the wreck of many lies, 
 She too would cease her sport. 
 
 139 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 But if our ship was manned with Love, 
 And anchored firm in Hope, 
 
 The greatest storm could not it move, 
 With passion it could cope. 
 
 We know that Love suspends the laAV, 
 That would the loved destroy, 
 
 And those who love stand not in awe, 
 Of sins corrupt alloy. 
 
 Let Love and Truth have perfect sway. 
 
 To bless our future life. 
 By prompting thee to name the day. 
 
 You'll be my loving wife. 
 
 HOPKINSVILLE. 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Hallowed spot where memory clings, 
 
 Our thoughts of thee, much pleasure brings, 
 
 Perhaps there is no place on earth. 
 
 Kept so free from carnal mirth, 
 
 In thee we find so much to praise 
 
 No room is left for vain displays. 
 
 Social evils there are none. 
 
 Virtue here her victory won; 
 
 Innocence and truth are found 
 
 Living here on earthly ground. 
 
 Leaving thee, dear Hopkinsville, 
 
 Ever grieves and ever will. 
 
 140 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 THE TARIFF WALL OF DIXON. 
 
 On a hill in old Kentucky, 
 
 Sits this town of antique ways, 
 For the goosey and the duckey. 
 
 In her streets of mud still plays. 
 And the hogs delight to wallow. 
 
 In the mire of the street; 
 Here the pavements press a hollow 
 
 In the bottom of your feet. 
 
 Here Egyptian darkness reigneth. 
 
 From the sunset 'till the dawn; 
 And the merchants loud complaineth 
 
 If a fakir blows his horn. 
 'Round this town, though Democratic, 
 
 They have built a tariff v>^all. 
 And her merchants get ecstatic 
 
 O'er their fellow-creature's fall. 
 
 If the livery and the draymen, 
 
 Could but know what now they lose. 
 By the absence of the daymen 
 
 Who another route must choose, 
 On account of unjust taxes 
 
 Levied by the village lords 
 In an effort to grind axes 
 
 For their senseless merchant wards. 
 
 141 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 They would call a town election 
 
 And would choose some men with brains. 
 Who could easy make correction 
 
 And obliterate those stains. 
 They would know that competition 
 
 Is the life of honest trade ; 
 They could write a plain edition 
 
 Of the rules which they had made. 
 
 They would know unjust taxation 
 
 Was a bar to free commerce ; 
 And would by their legislation 
 
 All such taxing laws reverse. 
 They could see a tax on streetmen, 
 
 Was a legal way to steal, 
 And no longer would they cheat men, 
 
 For that law they would repeal. 
 
 Then they'd see their village growing, 
 
 'Till it took its place beside 
 The live towns, which now, are blowing 
 
 Like the whistle on ''Old Pied ;" 
 But alas; I've read in story, 
 
 Of some pearls once cast to swine. 
 How they made the earth look gory ; 
 
 Will their actions now be' thine? 
 
 142 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 FRIENDLY ADVICE. 
 
 Tear down your tariff wall and see 
 
 If business will not take a boom; 
 Let hawkers hawk their chattels fre?, 
 
 Give thrift and enterprise some room. 
 Your "moss-back" merchants are too slow, 
 
 They will not let your people thrive, 
 They either do not care or know, 
 
 Just how to keep your trade alive. 
 
 For every man you keep away, 
 
 You weaken hotel keepers. 
 Whose greatest gain must come, they say. 
 
 From ''transient board and sleepers;" 
 The livery man you crush I know. 
 
 For he alone is able, 
 Through traveling men who come and go, 
 
 To run his livery stable; 
 
 His hackmen and his draymen, too. 
 
 Must soon in squalor sit, 
 And charge their poverty to you. 
 
 If traveling men should quit. 
 The butcher and his thrifty crew. 
 
 Would soon assign and break. 
 For greedy, selfish men like you, 
 
 Would never buy their steak. 
 
 143 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 And now 'tis time for thee to scan, 
 
 The horizon and see, 
 If 'tis not this "the traveling man," 
 
 Gives life and strength to thee. 
 So in thy councils take advice, 
 
 And see if you can't fix on 
 Some way to treat all tradesmen nice. 
 
 And be a growing Dixon. 
 
 LOVE'S KEPORT. 
 
 To thee, dear friend, I fain would write, 
 
 A record of myself tonight; 
 I'm seated in a pleasant room, 
 Yet feel a sadness and a gloom. 
 
 Could'st thou be here thy pleasant smile. 
 Would all my sadness soon beguile; 
 For could I hear thy charming voice, 
 'Twould make my drooping heart rejoice; 
 
 And though much gloom on me had fell. 
 Thy presence soon could it dispel; 
 
 Grant thou that presence and condone, 
 This heart that beats for thee alone. 
 
 For dreams of bliss when 'waking void, 
 Leaves sorrows' victim worse annoyed; 
 But if we waking feel a;nd hear. 
 We know the loved one then is near. 
 
 144 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 THE OLD, OLD STORY. 
 
 Tn friendship's hour we thoughtless tread, 
 Along the path to unknown fields. 
 
 Where grows the grain for Cupid's bread, 
 Who mortals' destiny oft seals. 
 
 For when our friendship is full grown. 
 His power our hearts will move, 
 
 And we unto each other own, 
 That we are bound by Love. 
 
 What mortal would the truth deny. 
 
 On this important theme? 
 Let him no longer live; but die — 
 
 His life is but a dream. 
 
 Or is it lady who can say. 
 That frienship's ripened fruit. 
 
 Is not her sunshine — night and day — 
 Such lady should be mute. 
 
 Her words are idle and her walk, 
 
 Would to them give the lie. 
 For acts, not words, do mostly talk ; 
 
 Our souls can speak with sigh. 
 
 So when we hear a tale of love, 
 'Though we its power disown, 
 
 Our souls will for each other move, 
 In either sigh, or groan. 
 
 10 145 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 But then an earnest heart will speak, 
 
 In plainest words, the truth, 
 And doubts remove from those who seek, 
 
 For instance notice Ruth, 
 
 Who left her native country dear. 
 
 To follow one she loved. 
 Her wants and poverty to share, 
 
 'Till wants should be removed. 
 
 We see her next in Boaz' field. 
 With some success rewarded. 
 
 She on his threshing floor revealed, 
 Her love — and was applauded. 
 
 Henceforth, dear lady, let me vow. 
 To love thee as no other can, 
 
 "Thy God shall be my God," and how 
 Thou plannest, I will plan. 
 
 Through ages yet to come I'll prove. 
 
 Thy ever faithful friend. 
 Nor life, nor death, shall change my love, 
 
 It never can have end. 
 
 For love like mine can never die. 
 
 Nor broken be its spell. 
 Where'er thou art, to thee 'twill fly. 
 
 In heaven or in hell. 
 
 146 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 A DUN FOR FIVE DOLLARS. 
 
 Dear Ed : You know, 
 
 The five you owe, 
 Is fruit of honest toil, 
 
 So when you say. 
 
 You will not pay. 
 It makes my anger boil. 
 
 I, too, love beer. 
 
 But, O, how queer, 
 I seldom get a drink. 
 
 Because to help. 
 
 Some dirty whelp, 
 I've loaned my hard earned chink. 
 
 So now, dear Ed., 
 
 I've plainly said. 
 What long before I wot. 
 
 You do not care. 
 
 Who pays for beer, 
 So you the beer have got. 
 
 I've often said. 
 
 If you were dead, 
 I'd freely you forgive. 
 
 But if you thrive, 
 
 I want that five. 
 To help me also live. 
 
 147 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 HYPOCRISY. 
 
 Knock and the world will open 
 
 To thee its portals wide, 
 Boost and the world will boost thee, 
 
 And all thy evils hide. 
 
 For the world is like a mirror. 
 It gives thee look for look. 
 
 Or like the hidden echoes, 
 
 From the hills across the brook. 
 
 Speak softly, therefor, ever, 
 
 And smile on one and all. 
 You'll be a hale good fellow. 
 
 And a guest at every ball. 
 
 When you go to church on Sunday, 
 Praise all that's done and said. 
 
 For if you criticise them. 
 
 They'll think you are ill bred. 
 
 Now if you lose your standing. 
 With Deacons Smith and Brown, 
 
 Your life will be a failure, 
 In any modern town. 
 
 148 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 MISS PEARL. 
 
 What fitting tribute can I pay, 
 
 To one so pretty, young and gay? 
 Whose heart no evil could maintain, 
 Whose soul is free from every stain. 
 
 Who ever stands, with outstretched hand. 
 
 To aid the needy of our land. 
 
 Whose cheery laugh and winsome smile, 
 Can all our evil thoughts beguile. 
 
 While we may sing in glowing rhyme. 
 
 The beauty of thy form divine? 
 
 To me that rosebud thou didst give. 
 Shall make my hope forever live. 
 And, in the language of its flower, 
 I'd love to spend a happy hour. 
 No greater bliss could I attain. 
 Than spending o'er that hour again. 
 Caressing while I'd be caressed, 
 And dwell upon thy budding breast ; 
 I'd know I owned the sweetest girl. 
 And be a Topaz — set in Pearl. 
 
 DESIRE. 
 
 It is sweet to know desire. 
 But to be desired, is sweeter ; 
 
 If a lady you admire. 
 
 Boldly tell her when you meet her. 
 
 149 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 WAITING, SADLY WAITING. 
 
 I've waited for a letter, 
 Or something that is better, 
 But then I cannot get her, 
 
 I'm so sad. 
 Why do you never write. 
 That you may relieve my plight, 
 Or when I'm out of sight, 
 
 Are you glad? 
 
 If you knew my every thought. 
 How with sorrow I have wrought, 
 And no pleasure found or bought. 
 
 As I live. 
 You would surely send a note, 
 Which your loving hand had wrote. 
 To unstop my choking throat. 
 
 And to give, 
 
 Words of comfort to my heart. 
 Which from thee must live apart. 
 And with great affliction smart, 
 
 'Cause of thee. 
 Ah ! I feel to love in vain. 
 Is perhaps the greatest pain. 
 That the Lord will e'er again. 
 
 Send on me. 
 
 150 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 Although, if at the last, 
 When this cruel wait is past, 
 I could only hold thee fast, 
 
 In my arms. 
 All the pain would be forgot. 
 And I like Mother Lot, 
 Would turn to view the spot, 
 
 Where thy charms, 
 
 Would my loving heart beguile. 
 And I'd feast upon they smile. 
 And would every little while, 
 
 Bless the day. 
 That we chanced on earth to meet, 
 And with happiness complete, 
 I would at thy lovely feet. 
 Ever stay. 
 
 TWO IN ONE. 
 
 When friendship grew and firmly tied, 
 Two hearts in one — a groom and bride- 
 
 Then mind with mind could pleasure seek, 
 And heart to heart, with freedom, speak. 
 
 ?7 
 
 "Two souls with but a single thought. 
 Two hearts in Cupid's school well taught 
 To sympathize and beat as one. 
 Until the race of life is run. 
 
 151 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 ADVICE TO BLAINE, 
 
 Blathering, bleating, Blaine, 
 
 Blow your horn again, 
 
 From the Golden Gate to Maine, 
 
 And let the people know. 
 
 That Cleveland's "small side-show," 
 
 Is now the only go. 
 
 So let the old cock crow. 
 
 But don't forget to say, 
 Saint John was in your way. 
 Though the Irish Ass did bray. 
 There was naught that could dismay. 
 That cock with plumage gay. 
 
 Say to the troubled throng, 
 
 Who for you all along. 
 
 Wrote many a campaign song; 
 That their labor has been lost. 
 And now though tempest tossed, 
 They must help to pay the cost. 
 
 Tell them that Butler, "the imperial joker," 
 Was out of the deck, for the game was poker. 
 
 Tell them in accents soft and mild, 
 
 To you was born a little child, 
 That though the babe was very sweet. 
 It also helped in your defeat. 
 
 152 
 
WM. YANOEY ERWIN 
 
 Tell them you wrote to your friend Fisher, 
 That you were still his own well wisher, 
 
 But that you thought 'twould be much belter 
 
 If he would only "Burn this letter," 
 But he was such a silly man, 
 As to give it to one Mulligan, 
 
 And help to spoil your good intent. 
 
 To become their President. 
 
 And now, dear Blaine, let me advise you — 
 Though honest men must e'er despise you — 
 
 'Twere better far that you repent, 
 
 Than live for aye a President. 
 
 EMOTION. 
 
 Thy form divine. 
 And lovely face. 
 In thoughts like mine, 
 Must find a place. 
 To dwell in memory. 
 
 Couldst thou but know. 
 
 The ardent glow. 
 That moves those thoughts to thee. 
 
 No frown I'm sure. 
 
 On brow so pure. 
 Mine eyes would ever see. 
 
 153 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 MISS DEA. 
 
 On Receipt of a Rose. 
 
 I hail thee, emblem of true love, 
 
 Thou messenger of love and truth, 
 Thy fragrance lifts my thoughts above, 
 
 The fickle follies of my youth ; 
 Where baser passions had their sway. 
 And led me on from day to day. 
 Could I but grasp the lady's hand, 
 
 That plucked thee from thy parent stock, 
 I'd at love's portal trembling stand, 
 
 And for admission gently knock. 
 
 Thy fading beauty, lovely flower. 
 
 Shall ever make me understand, 
 That love, if lasting but an hour. 
 
 Is like the mansion built on sand. 
 Such love could never bear the strain, 
 Of adverse winds and floods of rain, 
 'Twould leave us thus thrice doubly lone, 
 
 Bereft of all we hold most dear, 
 No penance could our crime atone. 
 
 Our hearts, like thee, would grow more sere. 
 
 I'll treasure thee, thou faded rose, 
 
 Whose giver thrilled my breast. 
 At sight of thee, I'll think of those. 
 
 Dear hands, thy stem, have pressed. 
 
 154 
 
. WM, YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 But did I think, with hidden thorn, 
 Thou hadst those lovely hands, but torn, 
 I'd crush thee into fragments small. 
 
 And sink thee in the deep blue sea, 
 My care for thee is after all. 
 
 To prove my lasting love for Dea. 
 
 UNEQUALLY YOKED. 
 
 We know, dear lady, that thou art 
 A child of nature ; bred and born, 
 Then left at early age forlorn. 
 Without a mother's hand to guide, 
 And show thee where the serpents hide ; 
 A father's curse thy daily lot, 
 Until thy hand a tyrant got. 
 Who quickly bound thee with his spell, 
 And cast thee in a deeper hell, 
 Where thou must agonize with pain, 
 From galls inflicted by his chain. 
 Oh ! could we give thy soul relief, 
 And turn to joy thy present grief, 
 No price to us would seem too great, 
 Except incurring of thy hate; 
 
 Or living thus — from thee apart. 
 
 155 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 SPOONY. 
 
 Miss Mary Martin, kind words at parting, 
 
 Will comfort give you know. 
 And be a boon to Witherspoon, 
 
 So speak them, kind and low. 
 
 Make no delay but softly say, 
 
 "I'll miss thee, dearest boy, 
 My Heart will yearn, till thy return. 
 
 Restores its wonted joy." 
 
 "Now haste away, but do not stay, 
 
 A moment over time. 
 But come again, and long remain, 
 
 For I am wholly thine." 
 
 "Have not a fear for me, my dear, 
 
 Nor fail my words to prove, 
 Go where you will, my heart shall still. 
 
 Pursue thee with its love." 
 
 "And when at last I hold thee fast, 
 
 Upon this heaving breast, 
 I'll prove to you my words are true, 
 
 In blessing, I'll be blest." 
 
 "I'll end my life, thy happy wife. 
 
 Or ever faithful friend, 
 Through endless days I'll sing thy praise. 
 
 My love can know no end. 
 
 156 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 THE HEART OF STONE. 
 
 Now summer's lengthened days are past, 
 And winter sends her chilling blast, 
 Let Cupid with his fiery dart, 
 Approach and warm your icy heart. 
 
 Though earth's fair form is draped in snow, 
 And winter clouds hang thick and low. 
 Yet Cupid with his magic art, 
 Could lovely spring to thee impart. 
 
 It may not be the thing that's best. 
 For me to by thy love be blest, 
 I know thy heart so cold has grown. 
 Its ice must now be firm as stone. 
 
 Yet God has promised, if we pray. 
 To take the stony heart away, 
 And give to us a heart of flesh. 
 That we may feel and love afresh. 
 
 I'll therefore spend an hour each day. 
 In earnest prayer, and this I'll say. 
 Give to the lady of my choice, 
 A heart to feel and know love's voice. 
 
 157 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 GRACE— WEEPING. 
 
 I saw some tears bedew thine eyes, 
 
 Thou prudent little maiden, 
 Which filled my soul with great surprise, 
 
 And makes me sorrow laden. 
 
 Were I to ask, why shed those tears. 
 
 What would thy answer be? 
 I'm sure one of thy tender years, 
 
 Should grief's sad form ne'er see. 
 
 Yet weep thou dost ; and what the cause ? 
 
 Why mar thy lovely face? 
 The world can ne'er be saved by laws. 
 
 But thou art saving Grace. 
 
 And if by Grace I must be saved, 
 And thou that Grace could be, 
 
 The way of life would then be paved. 
 With graceful deeds by thee. 
 
 For though by sin my soul were pressed, 
 
 Thy calm and solemn face, 
 Would make me feel forever blest. 
 
 And proud to know thee — Grace. 
 
 158 
 
WM. YANCEY EltWIN. 
 
 MY DEAR OLD SOUTHERN HOME. 
 
 How well do I remember, 
 
 My dear old southern home, 
 Where an ice-bound cold December, 
 
 Was never known to come. 
 
 Where the ivy and the myrtle, 
 Wore their dress of living green, 
 
 And the robin and the turtle 
 Sang a love note to their queen. 
 
 Where the mocking bird in grape vine. 
 Hopped about on nimble legs. 
 
 And made music thro' the night time. 
 For his mate, who sat on eggs. 
 
 Where the oriole and sand-snipe, 
 Never cease their songs of cheer, 
 
 But night and day sweet music pipe. 
 From end to end of year. 
 
 I remember, I remember. 
 
 The palm trees cooling shade. 
 
 Where from April to December, 
 
 "Neath its broad leaves we have played. 
 
 And the pine trees too, were many, 
 'Round our humble cottage home, 
 
 Where my cousins Sue and Benny, 
 Would to see me often come. 
 
 159 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 Now those happy days are vanished, 
 
 Yet I live them o'er again, 
 'Though, in exile, I am banished, 
 
 Still I'll hear the glad refrain. 
 
 Of those happy days of childhood, 
 
 Ere the cares of life began. 
 And I roam again the wildwood, 
 
 And forget I am a man. 
 
 Yet there comes a sad awakening. 
 From those happy dreams of youth, 
 
 And my heart is sad and breaking. 
 With the knowledge of the truth. 
 
 That those days are gone forever. 
 And I can not call them back. 
 
 Though in vain I try to sever. 
 
 Thoughts that dwell upon their track. 
 
 SHARPS AND FLATS. 
 
 I knew a man who owned a barn. 
 Well stocked with grain and hay, 
 
 The rats and mice did him great harm. 
 And vexed him day by day. 
 
 At length there came to him a man. 
 
 So wise as well to know, 
 A new, but simple little plan, 
 
 To make those varmints go. 
 
 160 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 Twas this, said he, ^'Just catch a rat, 
 
 And turpentine him well, 
 Set him on fire, 'twill beat your cat, 
 
 For they this rat will smell, 
 
 While he pursues, they'll from him run, 
 
 Hence all will run away, 
 You'll need no poison, cat or gun, 
 • If you'll do what I say." 
 
 The farmer set a cunning trap. 
 
 And soon a rat he had, 
 He gently took him on his lap. 
 
 Though he at rats was mad. 
 
 He filled his fur with turpentine. 
 Then quickly struck a match — 
 
 You should have seen that rodent shine. 
 And squirm and squeel and scratch — 
 
 The farmer tossed the rat away. 
 
 So great had grown his ire. 
 The rat soon ran beneath the hay. 
 
 And set the bam on fire. 
 
 True knowledge thus was dearly learned. 
 Those men were sharps and flats. 
 
 The farmer's barn and grain were burned, 
 His dwelling now has rats. 
 
 11 161 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 THE FOUR SEASONS. 
 
 Tn the dreamy days of autumn, 
 When the nuts begin to fall, 
 
 I delight to take a ramble. 
 
 Through the timber, thick and tall. 
 
 And at noontide eat a luncheon, 
 'Neath the twining branches shade. 
 
 For the blazing sun would scorch me, 
 Were I seated in the glade. 
 
 Yet the nights are cool and frosty. 
 And promotive of sound sleep, 
 
 But their chill is turned to fever. 
 When the sun begins to peep. 
 
 Over mountain, hill and valley. 
 
 Through the haze, with piercing ray. 
 
 As the earth's revolving axis. 
 Brings us to the noon of day. 
 
 But soon the shades of evening. 
 
 Will warn us home to go. 
 For stormy clouds begin to rise. 
 
 And threaten rain or snow. 
 
 Then Boreas, from ice-bound north. 
 Brings winter here, so cold, 
 
 That cattle must protection have. 
 And sheep be kept in fold. 
 
 192 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 My horses then with prancing hoof. 
 
 In harness decked out gay, 
 Will through the snow-drifts on the road, 
 
 Go bounding with my sleigh, 
 
 While by my side in seal-skin sacque, 
 
 Muff'ed up in furs so warm, 
 There sits the lass I love so well, 
 
 Unmindful of the storm. 
 
 When spring again with budding trees. 
 
 And violets, greets the sun, 
 That lass and I will wedded be. 
 
 Our hearts now beat as one ; 
 
 Our lives like summer for a time, 
 Will bloom like beds of roses, 
 
 But death ere long will separate — 
 And here the chapter closes. 
 
 THE FINISHING TOUCH. 
 
 When man of all God's works we see. 
 Was lonely in his garden life, 
 
 No helpmeet could he find, and he 
 Knew not the blessings of a wife. 
 
 Then God, in pity for the man. 
 
 Taxed all the resource of His mind. 
 
 And with His own unaided hand. 
 Produced a woman, true and kind. 
 
 163 
 
ORIGINAL POEMB. 
 
 THE UNJUST JUDGE. 
 
 "y^ have shamed the counsel of the poor, 
 Because the Lord is his refuge.'^ — Ps. XIV. -6. 
 
 A judge on the bench in Kentucky, 
 
 By the name of Asher **Ruth; 
 In an effort to say something funny, 
 
 By accident uttered the truth. 
 
 A woman was charged with disorder. 
 And brought before Asher to try, 
 
 He asked her, "Have you any counsel ?" 
 She said, "On the Lord I'll rely V' 
 
 Then Asher with language more cruel. 
 
 Than an piratical tar. 
 Said, "Madam, unfortunate for you. 
 
 He practices not at this bar." 
 
 "Although we profess here to know him. 
 And of him stand greatly in awe; 
 
 His name with contempt would be spoken. 
 Were it not that we fear more the law." 
 
 "We know when the Clerk swears a jury. 
 The help of the Lord, they invoke ; 
 
 Yet, when the Lord plainly says ^judge not' ; 
 They treat His advice as a joke." 
 
 164 - 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 "So lady I'll therefore appoint you, 
 A counsel more honored by men; 
 
 Though he, through neglect of his duty, 
 Mjay let you be sent to the pen." 
 
 "Unless you are able to fee him. 
 And bribe many people beside. 
 
 Your chances for freedom are hopeless, 
 Now lady your case has been tried." 
 
 "Your guilt has been proven quite clearly. 
 By the fact you are under arrest; 
 
 The penalty would have been double. 
 Had your counsel not been of the best." 
 
 Moral. 
 
 Woe! woe! to any people. 
 In countries near or far, 
 Who in their courts of justice. 
 Will not admit at bar. 
 The Lord of all Creation, 
 In whom we live and move. 
 To cover up transgressors. 
 With garments of His love. 
 
 165 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 MEDITATION. 
 
 If the color of my parents, 
 Were black instead of white, 
 
 I'd then be called a "nigger," 
 And that would be all right. 
 
 But would that name and color, 
 Make me the less a man? 
 
 Unless my life and conduct. 
 Placed me beneath a ban? 
 
 Should mortals bring in question. 
 What God in wisdom made. 
 
 And judge men by their color, 
 With standards for each shade? 
 
 Was the Ethiopian Eunuch, 
 Not equal in God's care? 
 
 Why sent He to him Philip, 
 His doubting mind to clear? 
 
 What think ye too of Jesus, 
 Was He of God the Son? 
 
 He taught that "All God's children. 
 In heaven and earth are one." 
 
 166 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 "That they were heirs of glory," 
 And "As the stars should shine;'' 
 
 What think ye of that story? 
 It draws no color line. 
 
 If Christ, the pure and holy, 
 With negroes walk and live. 
 
 Will ye reject the heaven. 
 His grace to you would give? 
 
 Oh ; be ye wise, ye foolish ! 
 
 If only now ye can, 
 Tis not the shade of color, 
 
 But acts that make a man. 
 
 ACT AS YOU PRAY. 
 
 If the past could to us this lesson but teach, 
 
 All the present to fully improve. 
 Then hope to the future might trustfully reach, 
 
 For a blessing of infinite love. 
 
 Though hope in the future through deeds of the past. 
 
 Can comfort to none of us give. 
 Still blissful contentment forever will last, 
 
 If the life of a Christian we live, 
 
 167 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 Of duties neglected, we'd give little thought, 
 Nor turn from our course to look back, 
 
 If at present we'd do the things that we ought. 
 Soon the erring would follow our track. 
 
 But if we profess all the right way to know. 
 Yet we constantly walk in the wrong, 
 
 What mortal so foolish would after us go. 
 Even though we would lead them with song. 
 
 Truth stranger than fiction; an adage most true. 
 Yet change not the truth into fiction, 
 
 Our labor of love can no good ever do, 
 Except through the Lord's benediction. 
 
 The Lord in the fountain, the stream and the sea, 
 
 The land and the dwellers upon it, 
 If present produces a sweet melody, 
 
 Our planet's a verse in a sonnet. 
 
 All nature in accents of glory will peal. 
 
 When men try to act as they pray. 
 No shadows of night o'er our pathway would steal. 
 
 For "Old Night" would be turned into Day. 
 
 168 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 ADVICE TO SAM H. 
 
 Ah ! Sammy, listen to a friend, 
 And cease your way of living, 
 
 Just take a wife, your heart to mend, 
 And she will cure your grieving. 
 
 She'll make your home so bright and gay, 
 
 That grief and woe, will flee away. 
 
 The burning sands of desert waste. 
 Would give you little trouble. 
 
 If you would only pluck and taste. 
 The fruits of living double. 
 
 So hasten Sam the blissful time, 
 
 When you begin that life sublime. 
 
 169 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 OUR DEPARTED MOTHER. 
 
 Now another star is added, 
 To the blue, ethereal dome, 
 
 Now another soul is wafted, 
 To its own eternal home. 
 
 Now another chair is empty, 
 Where a patient mother sat, 
 
 And no mother's smile now greets us, 
 As we halt upon the mat. 
 
 There's a mound of earth erected, 
 In the sunlight and the air. 
 
 And that mound to us is sacred, 
 For the body dwelling there. 
 
 Yet we know the soul immortal. 
 To a brighter world has flown. 
 
 And that God, who gave us mother. 
 Had a right to claim His own. 
 
 We with patience wait the moment. 
 But the hand of time seems slow. 
 
 When our spirits freed from bodies. 
 To our mother's arms may go. 
 
 Oh ! may God, who gave us being, 
 Through that mother here below. 
 
 Give us hearts prepared to meet Him, 
 When from earth we too must go. 
 
 170 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 And though now we seem divided, 
 Some below and some above, 
 
 Then again we'll be united; 
 There's no broken cords of love. 
 
 THOUGH DEAD SHE LIVETH. 
 
 My mother's voice I daily hear, 
 Its accents in my lonely hours, 
 
 Like visions which in sleep appear, 
 Or incense from exotic flowers. 
 
 And when I kneel in evening prayer, 
 I feel her hand upon my head, 
 
 Her tones of pleading freight the air, 
 Beseeching God to guard my bed. 
 
 I ope' mine eyes and look around. 
 In hopes to see her sacred face, 
 
 My disappointment is profound. 
 For vacant now is mother's place. 
 
 With mortal eye no more I see, 
 
 That loving soul who gave me birth, 
 
 Though oft' her spirit visits me. 
 Her body has returned to earth. 
 
 171 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS, 
 AFTEK FORTY YEARS. 
 
 The following lines were read at the Confederate 
 Reunion at Saratoga, Kentucky, 1903: 
 
 Though two decades have passed away, 
 
 Since foemen did prevail, 
 A few gnarled patriots here to-day, 
 
 Are left to tell the tale, 
 Just how a little honest band. 
 
 Of Southern heroes fought. 
 Until with blood thev drenched the land, 
 
 And Yankee cohorts taught. 
 That all their doted "breakfast spell,'' 
 Would prove to be "Four years of Hell." 
 
 But since to-day in peace we've met. 
 
 With hostile arms all grounded. 
 We'll feast in joy, without regret, 
 
 That "Taps" will soon be sounded, 
 When we must join the "silent camp," 
 
 Of those now wrapped in slumber. 
 Since "Father Time" blew out their lamp. 
 
 And left us few in number. 
 Yet, while we live, let each display. 
 The same kind greetings of to-day. 
 
 172 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 LITTLE GRACE B. 
 
 A windsome child with chubby hands, 
 
 That pat me on the face, 
 In mem'ry now before me stands, 
 
 Whose lovely name is Grace. 
 
 'Though years have passed since first we met, 
 
 And she has now grown tall, 
 I still must view her as my pet, 
 
 And love her name to call. 
 
 It makes my heart with rature beat, 
 
 And sober thoughts run wild. 
 To know that she is still as sweet. 
 
 As when she was a child. 
 
 And hope runs forward to the time, 
 
 When ripened womanhood. 
 Will find this darling pet of mine, 
 
 Still beautiful and good. 
 
 . BENNIE. ' 
 Acrostic. 
 Born to win the hearts of men, 
 Enchantress of our feeble pen. 
 No equal has the modest rose 
 Nature's beauty to disclose; 
 In thee we find its counterpart, 
 Exquisite nature 'decked in art. 
 
 173 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 NEVER FEAR. 
 
 Would you like to meet a poet, 
 In some calm secluded spot, 
 
 Where no tattler e'er could know it, 
 If a fond embrace you got? 
 
 Let me know by post returning, 
 If I may have that pleasure. 
 
 For I'm holy incense burning, 
 On love's altar without measure. 
 
 And if thou hast smelled its odor, 
 Till thy doubts are satisfied, 
 
 Wilt thou let me in the border 
 Of thy presence soon abide? 
 
 Now my fate is in the balance, 
 By thee I must be weighed. 
 
 With the number of the gallants, 
 That for thy hand have played. 
 
 Let thy sword of justice sever, 
 And a righteous verdict find. 
 
 And with thy love forever. 
 Up my broken spirit bind. 
 
 In each City that I visit, 
 I see some shocking sights. 
 
 But more I'd see. 
 
 Most certainly. 
 If I went out of nights. 
 
 174 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWTN. 
 KETROSPECT. 
 
 As o'er the distant fields I roam, 
 My heart bowed down with care, 
 
 My thoughts turn backward to the home 
 Where dwelt my loved ones dear. 
 
 But now, alas! that home is gone. 
 
 And I no more may see. 
 My darlings play upon the lawn, 
 
 In shade' 'neath spreading tree. 
 
 I dream quite oft, but hear no more, 
 
 The lads I loved so well. 
 Give joyous shout as to the shore 
 
 They pulled the pickerel. 
 
 No more I join them in their fun. 
 
 Nor dig the tempting bait, 
 Nor teach them how to use the gun, 
 
 While for the game we wait. 
 
 The dog, whose movements would annoy 
 And make me wish him dead, 
 
 Would now, if here, fill me with joy 
 To see and pat his head. 
 
 I see again, in memory's dream. 
 
 The orchard on the hill. 
 Where we would ride behind the team. 
 
 And soon the wagon fill. 
 
 175 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 But now, alas ! the farm is sold, 
 
 The team and wagon too, 
 The children they have now grown old, 
 Or other sports pursue. 
 
 Thus I, a wanderer, am left 
 
 To trudge life's path alone. 
 Of loving wife long since bereft. 
 
 She's in a brighter home. 
 
 Not here to counsel in distress, 
 
 Not here to comfort give, 
 Could she be here to cheer and bless, 
 
 A happier life I'd live. 
 
 Yet, Hope, that anchor of the soul. 
 Still guides me through the earth; 
 
 By Faith, through Hope, I see the goal. 
 That gives new pleasures birth. 
 
 My head, here frosted o'er with years, 
 
 No older then will grow, 
 My heart here weighted down with cares, 
 
 No sorrow then will know. 
 
 For Christ will wipe all tears away 
 
 And comfort give for pain; 
 Though here we die, there is a day 
 
 When we shall live again. 
 
 176 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 And in that day, I hope to meet 
 
 The loved ones gone before, 
 Where I may walk the golden street, 
 
 And all God's works adore. 
 
 I'll praise Him for His matchless grace, 
 
 His love to us has given. 
 And ever after have a place 
 
 To dwell with Christ in heaven. 
 
 12 
 
 177 
 
ORIGINAL POEM& 
 
 LENA CONYER. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Let poets sing and artists paint, 
 Editions to their patron Saint, 
 No sculptor e'er produced a face, 
 As full of beauty, love and grace. 
 
 Cleopatra, in her prime, 
 
 Our ideal in "^ye olden time,'' 
 
 Ne'er dreamed of beauty such as thine, 
 
 Yet she was worshiped as sublime. 
 
 Enchantress of our every ken. 
 
 Rebuke us not for using pen. 
 
 178 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 MY TYPO. 
 
 There's a girl in old Kentucky, 
 If you know her you are lucky, 
 
 For she's handsome as they ever get to be ; 
 Now I'd give my every penny, 
 But to see you, darling Bennie, 
 
 For I love no other girl but thee. 
 
 With her hands so soft and tender. 
 And her fingers long and slender. 
 
 She has handled many metal types for me ; 
 So I'd give my every penny, 
 But to see you,. darling Bennie, 
 
 For I love no other girl but thee. 
 
 When the verdant earth is springing. 
 And the nightingales are singing, 
 
 And all nature joins in sweetest melody, 
 Then I'd give my every penny. 
 But to see you, darling Bennie, 
 
 For I love no other girl but thee. 
 
 When the sun is seen in morning. 
 With his crimson streaks of v/arning. 
 
 That a storm we may expect to see; 
 Then I'd give my every penny. 
 Just to see you, darling Bennie, 
 
 For I love no other girl but thee. 
 
 179 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 When the evening shades are falling, 
 And each mate to mate is calling, 
 
 Could I hear thee fondly calling unto me 
 Then I'd give my every penny, 
 Just to see thee, darling Bennie, 
 
 For I love no other girl but thee. 
 
 180 
 
W3I. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 AN OPEN LETTER. 
 
 My dearest Howe, behold I now, 
 
 To you by hand these poems send, 
 Were it by mail, I'd fear the jail, 
 
 For that would Uncle Sam offend; 
 You know of late, the old man's pate, 
 
 Gave all of us much bother. 
 But for a spell, it now is well. 
 
 And Cleveland is our father. 
 
 Those kindred ties I do despise, — 
 
 I mean the kinky headed. 
 For Uncle Sam, the brainless clam, 
 
 To the negro has been wedded. 
 His children all, both great and small,- 
 
 The black, the white, the smoky — 
 Are cousins true, some wore the blue, 
 
 I wore the grey, by hokey. 
 
 181 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 THE NEW BOARDER. 
 
 A covey of feminine mashes, 
 Came into the office one day, 
 
 To read (if they could) dots and dashes, 
 For he registered only that way. 
 
 I mean the masculine boarder, 
 
 Who came on the ten o'clock train. 
 
 With a toga like some foreign lord, or, 
 A native just going insane. 
 
 "His looks are to me interesting," 
 Said giddy Miss Reckless-of-cost ; 
 
 "One loves, without his requesting. 
 Still many just like him I've lost." 
 
 "He looks like a man of great sorrow," 
 Said happy-go-lucky Miss Still-wait; 
 
 "I'll ask of his troubles tomorrow. 
 When I meet him down at the gate." 
 
 "He shows in his face disappointment," 
 Put in old Lucky-to-lose-him, 
 
 Whose husband v/as such a disj ointment, 
 That daily she sought to abuse him. 
 
 "I notice he takes a small satchel. 
 And oft into houses will go. 
 
 And what on the earth does that tell ?" 
 Said shrewd Mistress Rubber-in-o. 
 
 182 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 ^'No doubt in the satchel are keepsakes," 
 Said little Miss 0-let-me-weep, 
 
 "Of loved ones drowned in the lakes, 
 Or lost on the wild rolling deep." 
 
 ''He has such a faultless expression," 
 Said old Mistress Sanctified Good- thing; 
 
 Who daily makes the profession, 
 That death can be robbed of its sting. 
 
 "Hush," said they all in a whisper, 
 "Here he comes for a first introduction, 
 
 Let each of us act as his sister. 
 
 And give him some helpful instruction." 
 
 "We'll ask him to play the piano, 
 And then on his merits decide," 
 
 "For I hope," said eager Miss I-no, 
 "He has castles in Europe beside." 
 
 Just then, How-dare-you gave warning, 
 To please keep off of her corn. 
 
 Her toe had been hurting all morning. 
 So she wished she had never been born. 
 
 The music ceased and right about, 
 
 Our hero quickly turned, 
 And said "Kind Miss, I'll take it out," 
 
 But she his offer sijurned. 
 
 183 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 "Beg your pardon," then he said, 
 "But let me on you still insist. 
 
 Perhaps my looks have not betrayed, 
 That I am a chiropodist." 
 
 To leave that maiden with her corn, 
 And end this story, though it grieves, 
 
 Truth is truth, sure as you're born, 
 Those ladies flew like autumn leaves. 
 
 184 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 PENITENCE. 
 
 When flood-gates of trouble are open, 
 And sorrows sweep over my soul, 
 
 I wish that my life's thread were broken, 
 And body sunk deep in a hole. 
 
 Then I, in the face of my Maker, 
 
 Unfettered by body of sin. 
 Might feel like a sanctified quaker. 
 
 The Holy of Holies within. 
 
 For there on the wall of my castle, 
 A canvas is for me outspread. 
 
 The pictures upon it in pastel. 
 
 Are me through the words I have said. 
 
 For by all the words I have spoken. 
 The Lord will condemn or approve. 
 
 Though oft I've His covenant broken, 
 He giveth me peace through His love. 
 
 183 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 TEMPTATION. 
 
 While wandering by the river side, 
 
 A lovely maiden I descried, 
 
 The grass with evening dew was wet, 
 And she was dressed quite decollete. 
 
 Her form was lithe and full of grace, 
 She looked at me with smiling face. 
 
 Her eyes were black as purest jet. 
 
 And in a sea of crystal set. 
 
 They shine with rapture when we praise, 
 But woe to him on whom they blaze; 
 For should imprudence raise her ire. 
 No soul could stand before their fire. 
 
 Thus are those eyes a fortress strong. 
 They guard her 'gainst malicious wrong, 
 Her lips like rubies, pure and bright, 
 Meet over teeth of ivory white. 
 
 Her neck a shaft of sculptured mould. 
 Supports a head of polished gold. 
 But at its base a bust so fair. 
 
 That all our gaze now centers there. 
 
 * * * 
 
 Now, in our dreams hj night and day. 
 We peep beneath some drapery, 
 'Twill not a breach of honor be. 
 To tell what in our dreams we see. 
 
 186 
 
W3I. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 So here we lift for yon the veil, 
 That hides the object of this tale; 
 And when you see that lovely form, 
 Of all arts decorations shorn, 
 
 You'll know that decorative art. 
 Was used to hide the better part. 
 We now behold a lovely plain. 
 Not such as clouds deluge v/ith rain. 
 
 But where a misty mirage rises. 
 That adds new beauty and surprises, 
 'Till we, placed 'neath hypnotic spell, 
 Can see the reason Adam fell. 
 
 No mortal man could long resist, 
 Temptations born of such a tryst; 
 So here we let the curtain fall, 
 Since Eves and Adams are we all. 
 
 187 
 
ORIGINAL POEAIS. 
 
 LINES TN AN ALBUM. 
 
 Let me thank thee, lovely lady, 
 For thy kind and thoughtful care; 
 
 Thou through sacrifice hath made me, 
 Full of comfort and good cheer. 
 
 Now I leave with much reluctance, 
 Comforts thou alone can give. 
 
 And I view with great repugnance. 
 The lone life that I must live. 
 
 188 
 
WM. YANCEY EBWIN. 
 AFTER MANY DAYS. 
 
 When we smell the blissful odor, 
 That thy fresh blown petals shed, 
 
 We deem thee from the border, 
 Of the \N^orld beyond the dead. 
 
 Yet we know that thou art mortal, 
 For we heard thee heave a sigh 
 
 As thou earnest through our portal 
 With a tear drop in thine eye. 
 
 I had lost thee through some folly, 
 When thy hand was almost won, 
 
 And our hearts, which should be jolly, 
 Are robbed of all their fun. 
 
 And thou to mar my pleasure. 
 And with thorns my road to pave. 
 
 To another gave thy treasure. 
 And became an abject slave. 
 
 I know that thou art fickle. 
 
 And false as false can be, 
 Yet tear drops freely trickle. 
 
 Whene'er thy plight I see. 
 
 For hands so soft and tender. 
 As thine, were never made, 
 
 With fingers long and slender, 
 To handle hoe and spade. 
 
 189 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 And heads like thine so pretty, 
 With curls to crown their brow, 
 
 Are out of place, dear Hetty, 
 When following the plow. 
 
 I see thou hast neglected. 
 Thy soft and mellow voice, 
 
 But that I had expected. 
 
 Since thou canst not rejoice. 
 
 Thy soul is dwarfed by sorrow. 
 And bruised thy heaving breast. 
 
 No hope hast thou the morrow 
 Will give thee needed rest. 
 
 Thy cheeks are blanched with palor, 
 Thy heart bowed down with cares, 
 
 Thy home a house of squalor. 
 
 Thy bread made moist with tears. 
 
 While he, who should protect thee. 
 
 Sleeps in a felon's cell, 
 Thy youthful friends reject thee. 
 
 Thus adding fire to hell. 
 
 Thus, thou who on^^e so royal. 
 Didst spurn me for a jest. 
 
 And proved to vows disloyal — 
 Ha«t sacrificed thy rest. 
 
 190 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 
 
 PREDESTINATION. 
 
 A Criticism. Heb. 14:11. 
 
 Let us therefore labor to enter 
 
 Into that rest, lest any man fall, 
 You can not deny Mr. Ranter, 
 
 Your text was addressed to us all. 
 
 If that text teaches predestination, 
 As fatalist preachers it use, 
 
 No wonder there's disintegration, 
 And children born with the blues. 
 
 If the father begetting a son. 
 And the mother his seed conceiving, 
 
 Was all there was in it — not one 
 Child could be born by believing. 
 
 But a child must believe and turn. 
 And sicken the mother with grief, 
 
 And from its surroundings must learn 
 To seek from oppression relief. 
 
 Now this is the physical rule. 
 
 That govern all seed in gestation, 
 
 The plan is so simple, a fool 
 May easily find every station. 
 
 191 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 And if planting seeds in the ground, 
 
 And the Lord sending sunshine and rain, 
 
 Will make their own species abound, 
 And fill every garner with grain. 
 
 Let us ask Mr. Fatalist Preacher, 
 Why we can not the same law apply, 
 
 When making a man "the new creature," 
 Can we the seeds power deny? 
 
 If the seed does not live before birth. 
 
 Could a living child be born? 
 Now as Adam is surely the earth, 
 
 Where else should the Lord plant His corn ? 
 
 After seeds in the earth are planted. 
 And we soon see the blade of the weed, 
 
 What man would not take it for granted. 
 That the earth loaned her aid to the seed? 
 
 Now as Christ is the God given seed, 
 And man is the earth in the case. 
 
 Good servants sow Christ (not creed). 
 And the earth holds the seed in its place. 
 
 Then the earth being watered by Grace, 
 Sets up in the seed germination, 
 
 And the seed taking root in its place. 
 Makes a figure of regeneration. 
 
 192 
 
THE WORD THAT NEVER WAS SAID. 
 
 Her eyes were restless and lier lips were dumb, 
 Her face was flushed and her cheeks were red, 
 Her thoughts, if we knew them, a wonderful sum, 
 But alas, for our joy, the word was not said. 
 
 She smiled at us sweetly, when her hand we would 
 
 grasp, 
 Yet looked at us blankly when our cause we had plead 
 We longed her dear form in our strong arms to clasp. 
 But how could we do it, if the word was not said? 
 
 That word of all others, how we bended to hear it. 
 And cleansed all the rubbish from the ears of our 
 
 head ; 
 An army of genii was waiting to share it. 
 The joy that should come of that word, when said. 
 
 How oft in our sailing over life's rugged sea. 
 We hear unkind things of the living and dead, 
 We think, what a blessing their silence would be. 
 For words of unkindness should never be said. 
 
 Yet we think of no other condition in life. 
 Where silence is golden, and thoughts of the head. 
 Should e'er be permitted to have any strife. 
 In silently wrestling with words unsaid. 
 
 The truth needs no effort to make itself known, 
 And falsehood to truth, should never be wed. 
 So if in the future you are willing to own. 
 Your love in return, let the word but be said. 
 
 13 193 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 THE SUICIDE'S REASONS. 
 
 I seat me down just now to v/rite, 
 Of things that doth concern nie most; 
 
 I've run my race and fought my fight, 
 And so will die at duty's post. 
 
 To speak of all the scenes through life, 
 Would take too long, had I the will, 
 
 There^s much of joy and more of strife, 
 The reader's fruitful brain must fill. 
 
 When days of usefulness are past. 
 We can but stand in othei*^s way. 
 
 And as we all must die at last. 
 It matters not how soon the day. 
 
 If heaven is the "Glory land," 
 That people love to talk about. 
 
 Why do they fear to take my stand. 
 And thus remove their ev'ry doubt? 
 
 Or do they think by living long, 
 Upon the earth they'll better grow? 
 
 I know in that they must be wrong, 
 For daily we much evil sow. 
 
 Our lives, which should be naught but good, 
 Must suffer for each evil deed. 
 
 Therefore I would not, if I could 
 Remain on earth to sow such seed. 
 
 194 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 'Twere better far that I depart, 
 And be with Christ, the noble free. 
 
 Than stay on earth with broken heart, 
 Because of sorrows, heaped on me. 
 
 Yes, evils, not my own I bear. 
 For Christ my evil bore for me, 
 
 And of His grace I freely share. 
 Since from my sins He set me free. 
 
 And now to free myself from earth. 
 And all its evil complications, 
 
 I take this means of gaining birth 
 Into the higher spirit nations. 
 
 Farewell, old earth, with all your stings, 
 Your joys much tinged with sadness, 
 
 I soon shall float on angel wings, 
 And enter fields of gladness. 
 
 Farewell, dear friends, where e'er you be, 
 Whate'er your deeds of kindness. 
 
 The light of truth still shines in thee ; 
 All else is heathen blindness. 
 
 Here's to the works which God has made 
 The planets and their creatures, 
 
 Not one of them shall ever fade, 
 Thev onlv change their features. 
 
 193 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 DAWSON SPRINGS. 
 
 Acrostic. 
 
 Dear to my heart is this lovely retreat, 
 
 Ah, how can I bid it adieu? 
 
 Where else in the earth can my moments be sweet, 
 
 Since thou must be sunken from view? 
 
 O, could you but know of your greatest attraction, 
 
 No price could your secret obtain; 
 
 Such nymphs as adorn you drive us to distraction, 
 
 Puts love in our hearts with its pain. 
 
 Retreat of the feeble who suffer disease, 
 
 In physical bodj^ or mind. 
 
 No place on the earth has such objects to please. 
 
 Go where 30U will it to find. 
 
 Such are the thoughts of mv mind. 
 
 MAGIC BALM. 
 Acrostic. 
 
 My praises are sung from the East to the' West, 
 
 All agree that of medicine I am the best. 
 
 Give me but one trial, dear invalid and see. 
 
 If with all the others you will not agree. 
 
 Coughs, colds and sore throat I will cure if I'm tried, 
 
 Bronchitis, neuralgia, and pain in the side; 
 
 And pains of all kinds have most surely been found. 
 
 Like servants to yield to this magic compound. 
 
 Making their exit and leaving us sound. 
 
 196 
 
A HARD SHELL CRACKED. 
 
 Text: Luke 18:17. 
 
 A pattern is the little child. 
 
 Of Faith and Hope and Trust; 
 Yet these must be, but "Dead works/' styled. 
 
 If the elect alone be just. 
 
 What virtue hath a little child, 
 
 More than the adult man? 
 If sin had not our hearts beguiled 
 
 Why needed we a plan ? 
 
 As a little child, O, Lord, may we 
 
 Thy kingdom enter in, 
 O, wash our souls and make them free 
 
 From every carnal sin. 
 
 'Tis not by what vve do but say. 
 
 That we God's grace obtain; 
 So if a wicked prayer we pray. 
 
 It gives us little gain. 
 
 God knoweth all our w^ants and care, 
 
 Before we speak a word, 
 So if we go to him in prayer 
 
 We feel that we are heard. 
 
 And if in answer to our praj-er, 
 
 His blessings always come. 
 And when we fail to ask there are 
 
 Sad wants within our home. 
 
 197 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 We ask, why throw away this key 
 
 That opens heaven's door? 
 And say 'Svhat is to be will be" 
 
 Yet pray for more and more. 
 
 Such senseless thoughts and actions are 
 
 An insult to the Lord, 
 Who, when on earth, proclaimed that i)rayer 
 
 Would bring us rich reward. 
 
 Now, if we fail to ask, what then — 
 
 Do we His blessings get? 
 No, no ! we know its only when 
 
 On them our hearts we set. 
 
 And if 'tis us that set our hearts, 
 
 On things so great and high. 
 And God to us the things imparts, 
 
 Because we weep and cry. 
 
 And if a treasure we lay up 
 
 In heaven's glory land. 
 And eat the bread and drink the cup, 
 
 And follow His command. 
 
 Does not this show to all mankind, 
 That we with Christ have been, 
 
 And aid the lame, the halt, the blind. 
 To leave the paths of sin? 
 
 198 
 
WM. YANCEY EEWIN 
 
 We thus become '"Salt of the earth/' 
 
 Whose savor is not lost, 
 W^e feel we are of little worth, 
 
 Though Christ's own blood we cost. 
 
 Now, if a man must first be born, 
 
 Before he can believe, 
 How is it that dead grains of corn 
 
 Can make another sheave. 
 
 And if God makes man's soul alive, 
 
 By sending first His grace. 
 Why should we say to man, ''Believe I 
 
 And humbly seek Mj face?" 
 
 As grace most surely comes through faith, 
 Faith must God's grace precede. 
 
 The Word of God, quite plainly sayeth 
 That Faith is our great need. 
 
 Now faith itself by hearing comes. 
 And hearing by the preacher. 
 
 Who visits all earth's sinful slums. 
 Sent out by Christ as teacher. 
 
 And should he teach, the way of life. 
 By grace which comes through faith. 
 
 We ask whence cometh all this strife. 
 O'er what the Bible sayeth? 
 
 199 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. 
 
 If faith precedes God's saving grace. 
 And faith by hearing comes, 
 
 The preacher has no right to place 
 Our faith with ''gifts and tongues. 
 
 ?> 
 
 But what say some? "Are not men dead, 
 Can dead things e'er believe?" 
 
 Beware, for it is truly said: 
 Those seek but to deceive. 
 
 The prophet of the Lord — not Jones — ' 
 Received from God command. 
 
 To prophesy unto dry bones 
 And they did straightway stand. 
 
 And then again He prophesied, 
 
 And flesh upon them came, 
 Will Jones say that the record lied, 
 
 Or will he bear the blame, 
 
 Of leading men from truth astray, 
 
 And let the record stand? 
 This fault made plain, should clear the w 
 
 To heaven's glory land. 
 
 * * * 
 
 If infants are conceived in sin. 
 
 And in pollution born. 
 What time doth Christ their souls begin 
 
 te^ 
 
 To make anew — reform? 
 
 200 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 
 If all that die in infant age, 
 
 To heaven straightway go, 
 Has not "the fool" become "the sage," 
 
 Who strikes the fatal blow 
 
 That kills a lovely little child ? 
 
 'Twonld save its soul from hell. 
 Should not his action then be styled, 
 
 Well done, and doubly well? 
 
 Or would the child unmurdered be. 
 
 In man's maturer years, 
 As guiltless and as sinless, free 
 
 Without repentant tears? 
 
 Now if from sin men must repent, 
 
 Or turn to God to live. 
 Would God without such act relent 
 
 And all his crimes forgive? 
 
 Where was it Christ could little do? 
 
 And thus to state the cause, 
 Because of unbelief — if true, 
 
 'Twas not for want of laws. 
 
 For "if a Imv could have been given," 
 
 That life to man could give, 
 Christ never would have come from heaven 
 
 To die — ^that we might live. 
 
 201 
 
ORIGINAL POEM 8. 
 
 If we obey the law of God, 
 
 We may prolong our days; 
 He thereby shows His staff and rod, 
 
 Can comfort us always. 
 
 Since by obedience we obtain, 
 
 This favor of the Lord, 
 Would the result be just the same 
 
 If we reject His word? 
 
 A thousand questions — great and small- 
 Like these, we fain would ask. 
 
 But then we know to answer all 
 Would be an endless task. 
 
 And so we say, to Jones and crev/. 
 The questions here we'll drop. 
 
 For, unlike them, we always knew, 
 Just when and where to stop. 
 
 VINCENT— BOYD. 
 Marriage Notice. 
 
 Though earth and heaven be destroyed. 
 
 And ages cease to roll. 
 Still through unmeasured time, Miss Boyd, 
 
 Will nourish Vincent's soul. 
 For in the aegis of time 
 She'll still be charming and sublime. 
 
 202 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 RECOMPENSE. 
 
 To the troubled and distressed, 
 One liap])y thought is given, 
 
 If on earth they find no rest, 
 There's rest for them in heaven. 
 
 Where the "Man of Sorrows" went, 
 To prepare a blissful home, 
 
 And whoever Avill repent, 
 May unto His Banquet come. 
 
 Let us strive His grace to win. 
 And His righteous law fuiliil. 
 
 Thus shall we be freed from sin 
 By submission to His will. 
 
 Let us heed His every call. 
 And be found at duty's post. 
 
 So, no matter where we fall, 
 Still our souls v\dll not be lost. 
 
 Then, when toils of life are o'er 
 And we lay our bodies down, 
 
 We shall meet upon that shore 
 And receive a starry crown. 
 
 Though our lives have here been sad. 
 On account of jealous hate, 
 
 Still we know they will be glad. 
 When we pass the pearly gate. 
 
 203 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS. . 
 
 Where the Judge of all mankind, 
 With His penetrating eye 
 
 Will a righteous verdict find, 
 And accusers give the lie. 
 
 Nov^^ we know that Judge above, 
 Will not loving souls condemn, 
 
 But will place each act of love, 
 In their crowns, a shining gem. 
 
 But, alas! What will become 
 Of that greedy, jealous soul 
 
 Who here envies us a crumb 
 
 Though he can not use the whole? 
 
 He is like the dog in fable, 
 • Who would in the manger lay. 
 Although owning not the stable, 
 Yet he guarded well the hay. 
 
 Should he ever trembling stand. 
 Before that judgment seat, 
 
 God will issue this command: 
 "To him give only hay to eat." 
 
 "Until he learns the golden rule, 
 And follows well its plan. 
 
 Such is the Alpha in my school. 
 To train the jealous man.'' 
 
 204 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 A DREAM. 
 
 One night while wrapped in slumber, 
 
 My will without control, 
 A vision of great wonder, 
 
 Possessed my very soul. 
 
 'Twas in the mild November, 
 
 When all was silent and still; 
 That vision I e'er shall remember, 
 
 Came flitting over the hill. 
 
 I looked enraptured upon it, 
 
 As close by my cot it stood, 
 And sang me a beautiful sonnet. 
 
 Of love in a primitive wood. 
 
 But the words of the song are forgotten. 
 It was something about an oak tree, 
 
 That had in its heart nothing rotten 
 And was outwardly comely to see. 
 
 How it listened to mortals love-making. 
 As under its branches they sat. 
 
 And it told of the many hearts aching 
 By reason of trystings like that. 
 
 I thought, what a beautiful lesson. 
 But why dost thou tell it to me? 
 
 Wouldst thou have me commit transgression 
 Under that old oak tree? 
 
 205 
 
ORIGINAL POEMS 
 
 My thoughts the sprite knew, I am thinking. 
 For it nestled quite close in my arms, 
 
 My eyes were continnally blinking 
 Beholding its ravishing charms. 
 
 But alas ! on awaking, so oddly, 
 
 From the scenes of such heavenly bliss, 
 
 I fear that my thoughts were ungodly. 
 For my pillow returned not my kiss. 
 
 206 
 
WM. YANCEY ERWIN 
 ADVICE IN PARTING. 
 
 Let Honor be your constant aim, 
 
 And study well its lesson, 
 If first you fail, ''Try, try again," 
 
 And you will make progression. 
 
 The race the swift will seldom win, 
 
 Or strong the battle gain, 
 A haste to know, brought with it sin. 
 
 And filled the world with pain. 
 
 Let Prudence mark your every act. 
 
 Your motto be Prudential ; 
 And learn through life that truth and tact, 
 
 Are always most essential. 
 
 Now if on earth no more we meet. 
 Let friendships chord hold fast. 
 
 Until we walk the golden street, 
 Where we shall meet at last. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 207 
 
^M 2 
 
 H'36