Contrasted Songs

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <div class="transnote"> <p>Transcriber's note:<br/> Minor spelling and punctuation inconsistencies have been harmonized. The original use of accented words has been retained. Missing page numbers are page numbers that were not shown in the original text.</p> </div> <p><SPAN name="Page_i"></SPAN></p> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/illo_001.jpg" width-obs="400" height-obs="596" alt="Marian Longfellow" /></div> <p><SPAN name="Page_1"></SPAN></p> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/titlep.jpg" width-obs="400" height-obs="690" alt="Title Page" /></div> <h1><span class="smcap">Contrasted Songs</span></h1> <p class="p4 center medium">BY</p> <p class="p4 center large"><b>MARIAN LONGFELLOW</b></p> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/logo.jpg" width-obs="150" height-obs="213" alt="logo" /></div> <p class="p4 center large"><b>BOSTON<br/> RICHARD G. BADGER<br/> The Gorham Press<br/> 1905</b></p> <p><SPAN name="Page_2"></SPAN></p> <p class="p4 center">Copyright 1904 by <span class="smcap">Marian Longfellow</span></p> <hr class="c10" /> <p class="center">All Rights Reserved</p> <p class="p4 center">Printed at<br/> THE GORHAM PRESS<br/> Boston, U. S. A.</p> <p><SPAN name="Page_3"></SPAN></p> <p class="p4 center"><b>In Perpetual and Loving Remembrance of<br/> M. P. F.<br/> Who Has Gone Before,<br/> and of<br/> E. T. L.<br/> Who Still Walks with Me,<br/> These Songs are dedicated by<br/> The Author</b></p> <p><SPAN name="Page_4"></SPAN></p> <p><SPAN name="Page_5"></SPAN></p> <p class="p4 center large"><b>PREFACE</b></p> <p>In presenting to the public the within collection, some of which were published originally under the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">nom-de-plume</i> of "Miriam Lester," I have had to go into the highways and byways to gather the children who had strayed into various paths.</p> <p>Some have been easily found in books of which they were a part, and I desire to thank the editors of "The Library of Religious Poetry," the family of the late Charles Henshaw Dana, of Worcester, Mass., the Boston "Herald," and others for permission to use such.</p> <p>The task of gathering the children who made their debut within the columns of the Boston "Transcript," the Eastport "Sentinel," the Washington "Post," the "Saturday Gazette" (Boston), and other journals, has been no light task, and some are still straying beyond my ken.</p> <p>Among these "Contrasted Songs" I trust that the reader will find something to which the heart may respond.</p> <p><span class="left10">Faithfully yours,</span><br/> <span class="smcap left22">Marian Longfellow</span>.<br/> <span class="left5">Washington, D. C.</span></p> <p><SPAN name="Page_6"></SPAN></p> <p><SPAN name="Page_7"></SPAN></p> <h2>CONTENTS</h2> <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="toc"> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><span class="small">PAGE.</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">A Song of the Sea</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_11">11</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Spirit of the Water</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_12">12</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">With the Tide</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_13">13</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Grand Manan</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_14">14</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Leeward</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_15">15</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">A Song in the Evening</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_19">19</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Meadow Bloom</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_21">21</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Iris</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_23">23</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Liebeslied</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_27">27</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Longing</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_27">27</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">On the Sea</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_29">29</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Red Rose</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_30">30</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Maiden and the Boat</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_30">30</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">My Ship</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_32">32</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">An Old Song</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_33">33</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">To Miss H., Wearing a Rose</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_34">34</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Cloud</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_35">35</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Sehnsucht</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_36">36</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Selection</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_38">38</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Mansion that Endured</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_41">41</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Chimes</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_44">44</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Francis Coster's Story</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_48">48</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Old Cemetery</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_53">53</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Lines on Immortality</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_54">54</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">A Dream</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_54">54</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">On Empyrean Heights</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_56">56</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">A Little While</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_61">61</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Reverie</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_62">62</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Heimweh</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_64">64</SPAN><SPAN name="Page_8"></SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Grand Manan</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_65">65</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Madeleine</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_66">66</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Where the Shadows Play</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_67">67</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">A Valentine</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_68">68</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Martins</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_69">69</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Never Again</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_70">70</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Hadst Thou Denied</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_72">72</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Why Should I Remember if you Forget</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_73">73</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">To H. N. T.</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_74">74</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">And They Shall Rise Again</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_77">77</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Mine Onward Path</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_78">78</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">After Many Days</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_79">79</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Some Day</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_80">80</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Lake Winnepesogee</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_81">81</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By </td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_82">82</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Nearer My Rest</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_83">83</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">So Many Years</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_83">83</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Sorrow</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_84">84</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Unknown</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_85">85</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Our Birthright</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_89">89</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Lexington</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_89">89</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">O Land of our Birth</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_91">91</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Our Flag</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_92">92</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The National Flower</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_94">94</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Roll Muffled Drums</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_97">97</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Dead Musician</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_98">98</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">The Nation Weeps</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_100">100</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">In Memoriam</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_101">101</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">In Memoriam</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_102">102</SPAN></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tdl">Consolation</td> <td class="tdr"><SPAN href="#Page_103">103</SPAN></td> </tr> </table> <hr class="c30" /> <p><SPAN name="Page_9"></SPAN></p> <h2>SONGS OF THE SEA</h2> <p><SPAN name="Page_10"></SPAN></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</SPAN></span></p> <h3>A SONG OF THE SEA</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The mystic sea is singing its golden song to me;</div> <div class="line">I bend to catch its murmur in silent ecstasy;</div> <div class="line">Till, as the music ringeth in sweet and solemn tone,</div> <div class="line">An answering echo waketh a music all mine own!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The sea sings softly, softly upon my listening ear,</div> <div class="line">And still its notes fall ever in cadence full and clear.</div> <div class="line">The song that waxeth stronger within my beating heart</div> <div class="line">Seems but a second measure&mdash;seems of the sea a part!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And far from all the burdens that day brings in its train,</div> <div class="line">My soul hath found Elysium&mdash;renews its youth again!</div> <div class="line">I hear the golden billows beat on the rock-bound shore,</div> <div class="line">And still my heart is singing that sweet song o'er and o'er!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O happy Youth, how quickly the sands of life have run!</div> <div class="line">The shades of eve are falling ere yet the day is done!</div> <div class="line">The golden sea eternal beats loud and strong and free,</div> <div class="line">And bears upon its bosom a joy eternally!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE SPIRIT OF THE WATER</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">'Tis the Spirit of the Water! it breathes upon the sea;</div> <div class="line">As phantom in its motions it glides mysteriously!</div> <div class="line">I see the snow-clad islands that deck the opal bay,</div> <div class="line">And the Spirit of the Water now robed in mist and spray.</div> <div class="line">The charm that clings eternal to ocean fills my soul,</div> <div class="line">As mist-wreathed waves in grandeur pass on unto their goal!</div> <div class="line">Ye phantoms on Life's ocean! how like the mist ye seem,</div> <div class="line">As backward turneth memory across Life's glow and gleam!</div> <div class="line">For ye figure forth Life's pleasures, its cares, its tears and pain,</div> <div class="line">And recall with all their glamour Youth's joyous dreams again!</div> <div class="line">While still the fateful presence glides on across the wave,</div> <div class="line">Nor lifts its veil of mystery until we reach the grave!</div> <div class="line">O speak! is it endeavor, or is it blighted faith?</div> <div class="line">Or is it but the passing of pain&mdash;this silent wraith?</div> <div class="line">We know not, oh, we know not here, for o'er Life's restless sea</div> <div class="line">We too glide on, as phantoms all, this side Eternity!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</SPAN></span></p> <h3>WITH THE TIDE</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Calm seas that lie 'neath summer skies</div> <div class="line i1"> And mirror back those skies to me,</div> <div class="line">Upon whose breast white sails arise</div> <div class="line i1"> And glide like spirits grand and free.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Calm seas beneath whose hidden deep</div> <div class="line i1"> Are wonders far beyond my ken,</div> <div class="line">There, rocked in murmuring currents, sleep</div> <div class="line i1"> The secrets not revealed to men!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Peace, like a white-winged dove descends</div> <div class="line i1"> And hovers o'er the waters bright,</div> <div class="line">While glory of the sunset blends</div> <div class="line i1"> With tones of the approaching night.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My glad soul bids thee welcome, and</div> <div class="line i1"> Goes forth upon the ocean's tide!</div> <div class="line">Far from the care that fills the land,</div> <div class="line i1"> To where my spirit would abide!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Till, as the cares of day depart</div> <div class="line i1"> And the glad sea its greeting calls,</div> <div class="line">I rise unshackled, strong of heart,</div> <div class="line i1"> And from my life the burden falls!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thus in this quiet nook I find</div> <div class="line i1"> All that I longed and sought in vain</div> <div class="line">In the world's haunts, my soul to bind,</div> <div class="line i1"> And, seeking, found but grief and pain.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Now, like a blessing falls thy grace,</div> <div class="line i1"> O grand, beloved, glorious sea!</div> <div class="line">Drawn by thy message, face to face,</div> <div class="line i1"> My longing greets thy mystery!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</SPAN></span></p> <h3>GRAND MANAN</h3> <p class="center">(1881)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O solemn cliffs of Grand Manan!</div> <div class="line i1"> In silent might ye rise,</div> <div class="line">As bounded by th' eternal sea</div> <div class="line i1"> And by the azure skies!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Like a proud soul that stands apart,</div> <div class="line i1"> Unknown, unloved, unsought,</div> <div class="line">Ye guard your stronghold silently</div> <div class="line i1"> Through many battles fought.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The sea-gull sweeps across your wall,</div> <div class="line i1"> And seaward shapes his course!</div> <div class="line">While at your feet the waves beat loud</div> <div class="line i1"> In measure wild and hoarse.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O solemn heights! O grand and calm!</div> <div class="line i1"> Ye hold my heart in thrall!</div> <div class="line">And not a sound is heard beyond</div> <div class="line i1"> The ocean's rise and fall.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But as the waves beat strong and loud</div> <div class="line i1"> Upon your rugged shore,</div> <div class="line">Through it the sea's sad monotone</div> <div class="line i1"> I hear forevermore!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The sunset glow hath kissed your heights,</div> <div class="line i1"> As loth to leave you yet;</div> <div class="line">And, bathed in glories red and gold,</div> <div class="line i1"> The eve and you have met.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The boat speeds on&mdash;we may not stay,</div> <div class="line i1"> But from my brooding heart</div> <div class="line">Your image, while this life remains,</div> <div class="line i1"> Can nevermore depart!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</SPAN></span></p> <h3>LEEWARD</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O for the bounding wave, and the salt, salt spray on my face!</div> <div class="line">For the sweep of the filling sail, and its free, untrammeled pace!</div> <div class="line">For the life that hath no bound to its path but the open sea;</div> <div class="line">For the soul as free as air, that by right belongs to me!</div> <div class="line">For power to cast aside these fetters dark and strong,</div> <div class="line">To bound over heaving deep&mdash;and no more to feel the thong</div> <div class="line">That cuts through the quivering heart and the restless soul, as well!</div> <div class="line">I yearn for a fuller life, with a might I cannot quell!</div> <div class="line">O for the bounding wave, and the salt, salt spray on my face!</div> <div class="line">For the strength to grasp and hold the plan of a waning race.</div> <div class="line">For might to compel the tide in its turn to serve my will,</div> <div class="line">That my heart of the fountain deep, may drink to the brim its fill! <SPAN name="Page_16"></SPAN></div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><SPAN name="Page_17"></SPAN></p> <h2>SONGS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODS</h2> <p><SPAN name="Page_18"></SPAN></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</SPAN></span></p> <h3>A SONG IN THE EVENING</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O sweetest bird that ever sang</div> <div class="line i1"> In notes of wild rejoicing;</div> <div class="line">Thine even-song as first it rang,</div> <div class="line i1"> Was thrilling in its voicing!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I felt thy rapture as I heard</div> <div class="line i1"> Thy song in all its beauty;</div> <div class="line">To me it scarce seemed but a bird;</div> <div class="line i1"> 'Twas life, and love, and duty!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I could not see thy tiny form,</div> <div class="line i1"> As softly closed the gloaming;</div> <div class="line">And like a wanderer in the storm</div> <div class="line i1"> My heart was blindly roaming.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">While, as thy song rang pure and clear</div> <div class="line i1"> O'er sweet smell of the haying,</div> <div class="line">Mem'ry sped back through many a year,</div> <div class="line i1"> Both light and shade displaying.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And still thy notes of reed-like tone</div> <div class="line i1"> Came clear o'er mead and river,</div> <div class="line">With tender meaning all its own,</div> <div class="line i1"> And trilled and trilled forever!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"O heart," it sang, "let thine own life</div> <div class="line i1"> Become a song to others,</div> <div class="line">That thou mayst count them in the strife</div> <div class="line i1"> Not alien, but as brothers!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Sing on, sing on, thy notes repeat,</div> <div class="line i1"> Sing life, and love, and duty,</div> <div class="line">That mystic three whose names replete</div> <div class="line i1"> Are e'er with heavenly beauty. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Sing life, the gift of ray divine</div> <div class="line i1"> That pierced the gloom of even;</div> <div class="line">The first upon our path to shine,</div> <div class="line i1"> A heritage of Heaven!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And love&mdash;oh, what were life without</div> <div class="line i1"> This second gift eternal,</div> <div class="line">That bids the glad earth blossom out</div> <div class="line i1"> In summer's garb supernal!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Yet love and life were both in vain</div> <div class="line i1"> Were duty not a flower</div> <div class="line">That springs beneath the blesséd rain</div> <div class="line i1"> To crown Life's darkest hour!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not unto me a bird, that eve,</div> <div class="line i1"> In notes of earth was singing,</div> <div class="line">But a pure voice its way did cleave</div> <div class="line i1"> From Heaven its message bringing!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</SPAN></span></p> <h3>MEADOW BLOOM</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My one wee bud that grows in the meadow,</div> <div class="line">Far apart from the flaunting garden blooms,</div> <div class="line">Afar, where the brook and birds are singing,</div> <div class="line">And the soft noon haze o'er the distance looms.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My one wee bud, but to grow so bravely</div> <div class="line">Where the rushes rise from the moorland green,</div> <div class="line">Where birds skim close o'er the grassy billows</div> <div class="line">And the low breeze murmurs its plaint between.</div> </div> <hr class="c10" /> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My one wee song I sing in the even,</div> <div class="line">When the home doth gather its loved ones close,</div> <div class="line">And the world's afar and hearts grow nearer,</div> <div class="line">And the jar of life sinks into repose.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My one wee song, like a flower growing</div> <div class="line">In this life of mine that were else so bare!</div> <div class="line">Ah! shalt thou go forth to do my bidding&mdash;</div> <div class="line">My love, shall he cull it as blossom fair?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Ah! flower and song, be this thy meaning,</div> <div class="line">Thy mission of love in the world is clear;</div> <div class="line">The grace once born of seed sown in shadow</div> <div class="line">Shall bloom in the hearts that now hold thee dear!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</SPAN></span></p> <h3>A SONG OF THE AUTUMN</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Scarlet and gold and crimson,</div> <div class="line i1"> Their banners flung to the breeze,</div> <div class="line">Like monarchs' brilliant vesture</div> <div class="line i1"> The ranks of the maple trees.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Golden and brown and russet</div> <div class="line i1"> The oaks in their Autumn dress;</div> <div class="line">Soldiers in ranks deploying,</div> <div class="line i1"> To the front they onward press.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Pale in their coats of yellow,</div> <div class="line i1"> Tinged and with orange flecked,</div> <div class="line">The chestnuts on the hillside,</div> <div class="line i1"> As with royalty bedecked.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Scarlet and gold and crimson,</div> <div class="line i1"> And golden and russet brown;</div> <div class="line">Pale with a sun-kissed yellow</div> <div class="line i1"> Are the leaves now fluttering down.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Garb of the season's bringing,</div> <div class="line i1"> Majestic it decks the hills,</div> <div class="line">And Autumn's lavish splendor</div> <div class="line i1"> The soul with its beauty fills.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE IRIS</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Adown the grassy hill they come,</div> <div class="line">To greet me, every morn;</div> <div class="line">Those little maids (in Norman caps)</div> <div class="line">Of joy and spring-time born.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">They march demurely, side by side,</div> <div class="line">How many pair there be!</div> <div class="line">Far as mine eye can reach, their forms</div> <div class="line">In green and white I see.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Each sister wears with youthful grace</div> <div class="line">Her snowy Norman cap,</div> <div class="line">And in the long procession there</div> <div class="line">I see no pause or gap.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And so, I watch to see them come</div> <div class="line">As morn by morn I pass,</div> <div class="line">The green of shimmering robe and glint</div> <div class="line">Of snow within the grass.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">They never speak and yet they nod</div> <div class="line">A friendly greeting there,</div> <div class="line">And all their beauty round me seems</div> <div class="line">A fragrance in the air.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I speak to them? Oh, yes, I speak</div> <div class="line">And lovingly I bid</div> <div class="line">Them welcome every summer morn,</div> <div class="line">Those maids with downcast lid!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">They are so modest, pure and fair;</div> <div class="line">They are so very sweet,</div> <div class="line">I fain would linger there and call</div> <div class="line">Them clustering round my feet.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Far backward in the view my eyes</div> <div class="line">The slow procession see, <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">And yet they never leave the path</div> <div class="line">Nor can they speak to me.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">'Tis the flag-lily growing tall</div> <div class="line">Amid the meadow grass;</div> <div class="line">The Iris, as we often call</div> <div class="line">Each snowy-snooded lass.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">In couples stately, there they stand</div> <div class="line">As far as eye can scan,</div> <div class="line">And round them waves the nodding grass</div> <div class="line">As homage due from man.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">They stand a line of vestals pure,</div> <div class="line">Or each a sweet-faced nun;</div> <div class="line">While on each snowy cap there falls</div> <div class="line">The radiance of the sun.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Although the power of speech may not</div> <div class="line">Be theirs in worldly phrase,</div> <div class="line">They teach a lesson just as true,</div> <div class="line">And just as full of praise.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">In their allotted path they walk,</div> <div class="line">And fill their destined end,</div> <div class="line">Their beauty gladdens every eye,</div> <div class="line">As down the hill they wend.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O flower-sisters, if ye make</div> <div class="line">One heart in rapture rise;</div> <div class="line">If ye but waken one pure thought</div> <div class="line">To bloom in Paradise.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then have your lives, though brief, as boon</div> <div class="line">To mortal man been given,</div> <div class="line">To draw from earth his sordid thoughts</div> <div class="line">And bid them rest on Heaven!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</SPAN></span></p> <h2>LIEBESLIEDER</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</SPAN></span></p> <h3>LIEBESLIED</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Like a frail shell on the breast of the ocean</div> <div class="line">Sways now my heart to the rhythm of thine!</div> <div class="line">Cradled, is borne on the crest of emotion,</div> <div class="line">Sinks in the deep of a languor divine!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And as the shell the wild waves onward carry,</div> <div class="line">So doth thy love bear my heart to its shore!</div> <div class="line">Here on its golden sands blissful to tarry</div> <div class="line">Held in thy fond clasp to wander no more!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Lay thy dear lips to my lips, oh my lover,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Read in mine eyes all my tongue may not tell!</div> <div class="line">Love, as a bee, gaily sips (gallant rover!),</div> <div class="line">Rove thou no more&mdash;nay, I yield to thy spell!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>I<br/> LONGING</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Oh, to be out on the Ocean! where the waves beat wild and free,</div> <div class="line">Where there's naught 'twixt the sky and billows but the boat, and you, and me!</div> <div class="line">Where the winds with their touch caress us, and the sea-gulls sweep on high,</div> <div class="line">And the bell, from its rocky outpost, sends forth its warning cry!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Oh, to be out on the Ocean! with the cold, salt spray to dash</div> <div class="line">Athwart the bows of the vessel, and foaming, to merrily lash <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">The boat to freer effort, as she plunges a-thrill with life</div> <div class="line">O'er the crest of the bounding billows and above their surging strife!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Oh, to be out on the Ocean! with no heart 'twixt you and me!</div> <div class="line">With no bond that must bind forever here, but strong and brave and free!</div> <div class="line">With the song of grand old Ocean, as it lulls us on its breast,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">With the thought of a perfect union, and of perfect love and rest!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Oh, to be out on the Ocean! although storms rise dark and strong,</div> <div class="line">Though by wind and by wave through the tempest we sweep our way along;</div> <div class="line">Till the stars come out in the Heavens, and the wind has sunk to rest,</div> <div class="line">And I list to words of comfort as I lean on your faithful breast!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Oh, to be out on the Ocean! and to leave the din and strife,</div> <div class="line">To taste but once more of freedom and to drink of the wine of life!</div> <div class="line">Oh, to be out on the Ocean! where the waves beat wild and free,</div> <div class="line">With naught 'twixt the sky and the billows but the boat, and you and me!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</SPAN></span></p> <h3>II<br/> ON THE SEA</h3> <p class="center">(The Answer)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We are sailing over the crest of the billow,</div> <div class="line">Afar from the world and its sorrow and pain;</div> <div class="line">While I on thy soft breast my head now may pillow</div> <div class="line">And lull me to rest and to peace once again!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nay, Love, how thy heart in its prison is beating!</div> <div class="line">It throbs 'neath mine ear as a fluttering bird;</div> <div class="line">While swift to my lips comes thy low song, repeating</div> <div class="line">The lilt of the waves, in a measure half-heard!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"For oh! to be out on the Ocean, the Ocean,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">And oh! to be far from the world, Love, with thee!"</div> <div class="line">It rises and falls with the waves' rhythmic motion,</div> <div class="line">Is filled with night's balm as with starbeams the sea!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"With naught 'twixt the sky and the billows"&mdash;now singing</div> <div class="line">The words keep repeating the tender refrain&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"But the boat,"&mdash;comes once more in cadence clear ringing,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"'Twixt the sky and billows"&mdash;I hear it again!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Now, "save thee and me"&mdash;falls the song in its measure</div> <div class="line">Across the wide Ocean of thought, love, from thee,</div> <div class="line">And I know to my heart's deep, mysterious treasure,</div> <div class="line">Thy love, like a bird, flies to harbor with me!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nay, how could we dream that o'er Time's trackless ocean</div> <div class="line">Thy soul, thus responsive, should answer to mine?</div> <div class="line">Or, that out of the chalice of silent emotion</div> <div class="line">My heart drink in equal communion with thine!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE RED ROSE</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I pinned a red rose o'er my heart,</div> <div class="line">The rose my lover gave to me,</div> <div class="line">With many vows and tender words,</div> <div class="line">My love, my own, I love but thee.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I wore the red rose o'er my heart,</div> <div class="line">That summer day with gladness,</div> <div class="line">And knew not doubt nor haunting care,</div> <div class="line">Nor slightest touch of sadness.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But ah! a thorn's within my heart,</div> <div class="line">A thorn of false love's planting,</div> <div class="line">Deceit had pressed its bitter sting,</div> <div class="line">My life forever haunting.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I took the red rose from my heart,</div> <div class="line">No more, oh love, 'tis blowing,</div> <div class="line">The thorn lies deep within my breast,</div> <div class="line">Where never sign is showing.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>THE MAIDEN AND THE BOAT</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A fair little boat went sailing the sea,</div> <div class="line i1"> Far over the bright blue wave;</div> <div class="line">And she dipped and curt'sied, gay and free,</div> <div class="line i1"> As became a craft so brave.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A blithe young maiden a song of love</div> <div class="line i1"> Sang out on the summer air;</div> <div class="line">The birds took the notes, on their boughs above</div> <div class="line i1"> And answered her, cheerily, there!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">As the boat went out and over the bar</div> <div class="line i1"> The white sails set to the breeze, <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">Her clear song followed on pinions afar;</div> <div class="line i1"> The birds sang forth from the trees.</div> </div> <hr class="c10" /> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O boat in your path to the rising sun,</div> <div class="line i1"> To that land beyond the sea,</div> <div class="line">Pray, what is the cargo,&mdash;your journey done&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> You will bear her, if Fate decree?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">For you take her heart (on your snowy deck)</div> <div class="line i1"> Where Love is now High Priest,</div> <div class="line">And you take her troth&mdash;may there be no wreck,</div> <div class="line i1"> No tempest out of the East!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Will you bring her the perfect love she gave,</div> <div class="line i1"> And keep it unsoiled and true?</div> <div class="line">Will you bring her a heart as strong and brave</div> <div class="line i1"> As the one she gives to you?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Else what does it matter if wreck betide;</div> <div class="line i1"> Or the sun go down in cloud?</div> <div class="line">It were better for her, this day, you died</div> <div class="line i1"> Than that Love should wear a shroud.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">It were better far that her song were mute,</div> <div class="line i1"> To swell forth a later day;</div> <div class="line">For Love that hath never a constant root</div> <div class="line i1"> Must fade and wither away.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So boat sail on, if you be not true;</div> <div class="line i1"> And maiden, oh hush that song!</div> <div class="line">For the years that are coming swift to you</div> <div class="line i1"> Bear a dearer love along!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</SPAN></span></p> <h3>MY SHIP</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">One day I cast my lot upon the troublous tides of life,</div> <div class="line">And ventured all my hoarded love upon its fitful strife.</div> <div class="line">On one frail mortal like myself I set the store of years,</div> <div class="line">And freighted well the ship that day with all my hopes and fears.</div> <div class="line">With all my hopes (for fears were not, upon that happy day),</div> <div class="line">And never sign of cloud uprose above my sunlit way!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Ah, me! can life e'er bring again such perfect trust as this,</div> <div class="line">Such eager hopes, such joyous dreams of ever present bliss?</div> <div class="line">My ship sailed forth&mdash;to many a storm she bared her gallant breast</div> <div class="line">And still she sails the wide, wide seas, but never finding rest.</div> <div class="line">One day! Ah, me! 'tis years ago since first I saw her sail,</div> <div class="line">And sent my prayers and tears for her above the gathering gale!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Will she come back, my noble ship, and captain brave and crew</div> <div class="line">Of joys and hopes and high resolves, of love both deep and true?</div> <div class="line">Or, solemn thought! shall she ne'er find the haven here below,</div> <div class="line">But anchor in the "silent land," beyond Life's ebb and flow,</div> <div class="line">Beyond vain fret and fond regard, and strivings e'er to see</div> <div class="line">The reason why so oft denied our dearest hopes should be!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</SPAN></span></p> <h3>AN OLD SONG</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Drink to me only with thine eyes, and I will pledge with mine,"</div> <div class="line">I read in this old song, anew, this living love of thine!</div> <div class="line">The old, old song that in the days now swift and sure are fled,</div> <div class="line">Recalls its sparkle and its mirth, oblivious of its dead!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">It served to bear as lover's gift all tender thought and true,</div> <div class="line">It wove among the garlands sweet red roses, never rue!</div> <div class="line">"Drink to me only with thine eyes," ay with thy tender eyes&mdash;</div> <div class="line">And read in mine, half-veiled from thee, my own heart's sweet surprise!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"And I will pledge with mine," dear love, yea, pledge a thousand-fold</div> <div class="line">The hours of life that thou alone in mem'ry shalt enfold.</div> <div class="line">Only within thy dark, grave eyes would I be mirrored now,</div> <div class="line">And only from thy folded lips learn love's own cherished vow.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Drink to me only with thine eyes, and I will pledge with mine!"</div> <div class="line">While overhead, above life's stream, shines out love's star divine.</div> <div class="line">And life no more is dark and drear, and storms no more may break</div> <div class="line">Where love's own glorious light shines forth and bids the heart awake!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</SPAN></span></p> <h3>TO MISS H., WEARING A ROSE</h3> <p class="center">(May 13, 1890)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O happy rose that bloometh upon her gentle breast!</div> <div class="line">Of all thy joyous hours, this is, in truth, the best!</div> <div class="line">Not sweeter is thy fragrance upon the balmy air</div> <div class="line">Than her pure spirit sheddeth, so blithe and debonnaire!</div> <div class="line">O happy rose that lieth upon that bosom white,</div> <div class="line">To thee kind Fate hath granted a goal of pure delight!</div> <div class="line">In vain I sigh and murmur, thy lot all envious view,</div> <div class="line">And seek in vain to stifle this moment's pungent rue!</div> <div class="line">O happy rose, as lying beneath her light caress,</div> <div class="line">Now whisper to her softly, what I may not confess,</div> <div class="line">And tell her she is fairer than bloom of earth, to-night,</div> <div class="line">In that her soul exhaleth all virtues pure and bright!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE CLOUD</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A Cloud scarce larger than a feather</div> <div class="line i1"> Uprose in Love's bright sky one day,</div> <div class="line">But, ah, it grew to stormy weather</div> <div class="line i1"> And shrouded all the sun's bright ray!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A little cloud! but ah, the sorrow</div> <div class="line i1"> That springs from bitter words that jar;</div> <div class="line">How deep the pain from which we borrow,&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> How strong the wall that forms the bar!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We may in after-hours grow tender</div> <div class="line i1"> And strive to read our lives aright,</div> <div class="line">But if to Love its due we render,</div> <div class="line i1"> We know Life's thread, at best, is slight!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">What if the look, the word, but spoken,</div> <div class="line i1"> Had been "the last" we ever met?</div> <div class="line">Ah! Life had been too short, too broken,</div> <div class="line i1"> Its pang forever to forget!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</SPAN></span></p> <h3>SEHNSUCHT!</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My heart grows faint with longing and with love</div> <div class="line">As in the twilight comes thy well-loved face;</div> <div class="line">And closer, closer drawn by threads that bind</div> <div class="line">Thee to me, all our tender joys I trace.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">In lines keen-cut, and lasting as the stone</div> <div class="line">When sculptor's art transforms it into life&mdash;</div> <div class="line">That erst were soulless marble, still and poor</div> <div class="line">To mirror forth our hope or joy or strife!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">In lines keen-cut! Yea, on my living heart,</div> <div class="line">(That slumbered 'neath its veil of seeming death),</div> <div class="line">Thou tracest characters full bold and deep,</div> <div class="line">And breathest now with life-inspiring breath!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thus was Love born! To me, who deemed it cast</div> <div class="line">Behind me!&mdash;with the shadows and the blight</div> <div class="line">That fell on trusting heart and life and home,</div> <div class="line">And wrapped my soul in darkest tones of night!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nay, but thy Love has waked me, and I live!</div> <div class="line">For love and life, twin-born, are guests of mine,</div> <div class="line">Thine eyes have told me lover's sweetest tale,</div> <div class="line">And tender lips have sealed me wholly thine!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So, if within the hours apart we walk</div> <div class="line">Ofttimes in paths that take us from our nest&mdash;</div> <div class="line">The nest we built with loving heart and hands&mdash;</div> <div class="line">It takes not from us love nor trust nor rest! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">It takes them not&mdash;no hand but ours can rob</div> <div class="line">Each other of this gift surpassing all!</div> <div class="line">No hand but ours can bind or break this bond,</div> <div class="line">And from no other hand but ours can fall</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Blight or distrust, or grief or bitter pain;</div> <div class="line">And so, my own, in this we builded well</div> <div class="line">If through life's storm or sunshine there shall fall</div> <div class="line">No grief or loss our lips may ever tell!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My heart grows faint with longing and with love,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">And yet I know I must not keep thee e'er</div> <div class="line">A tender bond-slave to my amorous will;&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Such chain as that 'twere ill that thou shouldst wear!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I would not have thee swayed, dear love, by aught</div> <div class="line">Thy manhood would disclaim; nor would I hold</div> <div class="line">Thee prisoner to my clinging heart, howe'er</div> <div class="line">Its pleading touch would seek to thee enfold!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Love cannot live where faith and trust are not,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Love will not brook a gilded chain to wear;&mdash;</div> <div class="line">And where the fetters bind, the bird's sweet song</div> <div class="line">Is hushed&mdash;the skies above, no more, are fair!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But I would hold thee in my heart of hearts</div> <div class="line">So little prisoner, that thou ne'er shouldst stray</div> <div class="line">From Love's dear shrine,&mdash;but, through the waning years</div> <div class="line">Our love-life should grow dearer day by day!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</SPAN></span></p> <h3>SELECTION</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Yes, hold me closer, closer in thy arms,</div> <div class="line">And closer to thy beating heart, that I,</div> <div class="line">Secure in all that crowns a woman's lot,</div> <div class="line">May now, with thee, the bitter past defy!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Yet would I not call down an envious doom</div> <div class="line">On any of the future's sunny days;</div> <div class="line">'Twere ill in me to tempt the Fates, I trow;</div> <div class="line">But, rather, as one pleading, kneels and prays:&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Stay but thy hand, O Time! and pitying grant</div> <div class="line">Us of thy sunny sheaves of Harvest Day;</div> <div class="line">Hours brimmed with sweetness and all glad with love,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">That, passing on, we scarce may heed the way</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"That erst was strewn with sharpest stones and weeds;</div> <div class="line">So lead us gently, Time, we may not miss</div> <div class="line">Aught of Life's joy or of its brilliant light,</div> <div class="line">Or, missing, crave a fuller cup than this!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Yes, hold me closer, closer; let me rest</div> <div class="line">My head, content, above thy throbbing heart.</div> <div class="line">Struggle and bay of laurel are the world's;</div> <div class="line">But this, my own dear Love, the better part!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Fame and Ambition&mdash;lo! do not they burn</div> <div class="line">With all the lurid light and gleam of earth?</div> <div class="line">Love, silent and benign, an influence sheds,</div> <div class="line">And heralds forth in life a higher birth!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Vain is ambition, yea, or conquered goal,</div> <div class="line">To bind my heart or satisfy me here.</div> <div class="line">Then hold me closer, closer to thee, Love;</div> <div class="line">For this I give it all&mdash;hold thou me near!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</SPAN></span></p> <h2>LEGENDARY SONGS</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE MANSION THAT ENDURED</h3> <p class="blockquote">(This legend, in prose, I found in a French collection, and have believed it would be acceptable rendered into verse. M. L.)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Back, in olden time when emperors</div> <div class="line i1"> Ruled the land where Tiber flows,</div> <div class="line">Proud and stern dwelt Gondoforus,</div> <div class="line i1"> As the ancient legend shows.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">As he mused in hours of leisure,</div> <div class="line i1"> Came into his brain this thought:</div> <div class="line">"Straight I'll build, for mine own glory</div> <div class="line i1"> Here, a palace deftly wrought</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Of the richest gold and silver;</div> <div class="line i1"> With the choicest gems bedecked;</div> <div class="line">That shall on my house and lineage</div> <div class="line i1"> Still a greater light reflect.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Shall outshine the Roman Emperor's</div> <div class="line i1"> In its beauty and its worth;</div> <div class="line">Place fore'er his lordly structure</div> <div class="line i1"> 'Mid the lesser of the earth."</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So he sent his message speeding</div> <div class="line i1"> To the regions far and near,</div> <div class="line">That some great and cunning builder</div> <div class="line i1"> Might at his command appear.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">When, one day, with mien all lowly,</div> <div class="line i1"> Wrapped about in garments gray,</div> <div class="line">Stood the architect before him,</div> <div class="line i1"> His behest to now essay. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Spoke his will&mdash;and Gondoforus</div> <div class="line i1"> Went forth proudly unto war;</div> <div class="line">Days and months sped on unheeded,</div> <div class="line i1"> Still no word came from afar.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Yet the architect wrought, silent,</div> <div class="line i1"> Though he touched nor plan nor pen;</div> <div class="line">For the palace he was building</div> <div class="line i1"> Was not seen by eyes of men.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">While unto the poor and wretched</div> <div class="line i1"> Freely of the gold gave he;</div> <div class="line">Precious stones were turned to healing</div> <div class="line i1"> Needs of poor humanity!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Back, returning flushed with victory,</div> <div class="line i1"> Gondoforus came apace;</div> <div class="line">Sought, in vain, to view his palace&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> Bare and empty was its place!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then he sent, with sternest message,</div> <div class="line i1"> For the architect, and said&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"Caitiff, what is now thy showing?</div> <div class="line i1"> Answer, by thy hoary head!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thomas (he who, doubting, lingered</div> <div class="line i1"> When his fellows pressed to claim</div> <div class="line">As their risen Lord, the Saviour)</div> <div class="line i1"> Spake: "Oh, thou of kingly name,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Lo! thy house is even builded!"</div> <div class="line i1"> But the warrior bade them cast</div> <div class="line">In deep dungeon him who trifled</div> <div class="line i1"> With his will&mdash;there bind him fast, <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">While he planned the subtlest torment</div> <div class="line i1"> For the traitor's aged frame,</div> <div class="line">While he doomed, with keenest vengeance,</div> <div class="line i1"> Him to torture, death and shame!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But, as in his rage he pondered,</div> <div class="line i1"> Sleep o'ertook him, held him chained,</div> <div class="line">And a vision hovered near him&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> Earthly sense grew dim and waned.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then the spirit of his brother</div> <div class="line i1"> Swiftly to his side drew nigh;</div> <div class="line">Said, in words that thrilled his being,</div> <div class="line i1"> "He whom thou hast doomed to die</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Is the servant of the Mighty;</div> <div class="line i1"> Is an instrument of grace,</div> <div class="line">For the angels now have shown me</div> <div class="line i1"> (Where no narrow walls have place</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"And where dwell the hosts eternal)</div> <div class="line i1"> Reared in all its beauty there,</div> <div class="line">Lo! a House of precious jewels</div> <div class="line i1"> And of ornament most fair.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Fashioned of the precious metals</div> <div class="line i1"> Thou wouldst fain have builded here;</div> <div class="line">Fashioned with a grace and glory</div> <div class="line i1"> That on Earth doth not appear.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thus, in Paradise there standeth</div> <div class="line i1"> Waiting thee, a House divine,</div> <div class="line">Which the Architect hath fashioned</div> <div class="line i1"> All on Earth to now outshine!" <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then the vision paled and vanished;</div> <div class="line i1"> Gondoforus straightway sped</div> <div class="line">To the captive, who awaiting,</div> <div class="line i1"> Bowed in prayer his aged head.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Gondoforus knelt before him;</div> <div class="line i1"> Then the holy Thomas spoke,</div> <div class="line">As he raised the humble warrior</div> <div class="line i1"> Crushed beneath the vision's stroke&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Knowest not, O King, the mansions</div> <div class="line i1"> That endure, are reared on high?</div> <div class="line">Builded there, for us, in Heaven</div> <div class="line i1"> By our faith and charity."</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>THE CHIMES</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">On fair Lake Como's sunny brink,</div> <div class="line">An ancient monastery stood</div> <div class="line">Close to the mountain's steep ascent,</div> <div class="line">As nestling 'neath its snowy hood.</div> <div class="line">And there a pale young artisan</div> <div class="line">His cunning plied; a wondrous chime</div> <div class="line">He sought to frame, that those who loved</div> <div class="line">The beauty of that molten rhyme</div> <div class="line">Within the valley's breadth should hear</div> <div class="line">Pealing at morn and even clear.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">For years he toiled, content if he</div> <div class="line">At last might frame a chime so sweet</div> <div class="line">That pilgrims oft would silent pause</div> <div class="line">To hear the music glad repeat.</div> <div class="line">Borne o'er the tranquil waters' reach</div> <div class="line">And bringing swift unto the heart <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">Its tones of warning, praise, and love,</div> <div class="line">That nevermore should then depart.</div> <div class="line">Such was the thought he wove, and prayed</div> <div class="line">That his life's work be holy made.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The day came when that perfect chime</div> <div class="line">Was placed aloft, its song to wing</div> <div class="line">Forth o'er the waters' silent reach</div> <div class="line">And to the convent's roof to bring</div> <div class="line">The lost and wayworn traveller from</div> <div class="line">The busy haunts of world and strife,</div> <div class="line">Back, where the calm of prayer might prove</div> <div class="line">The guide-post to Eternal life!</div> <div class="line">Then was the artisan as one</div> <div class="line">Whose dearest life-work, here, was done.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not so, howe'er! 'Twas yet to be</div> <div class="line">A lifelong task&mdash;a path to lead</div> <div class="line">Through many a land, in futile search</div> <div class="line">O'er stony ways where feet should bleed.</div> <div class="line">Not yet his soul's high guerdon find&mdash;</div> <div class="line">The prize his hands had placed aloft.</div> <div class="line">How rarely here on earth we see</div> <div class="line">Life's morning fill its promise soft.</div> <div class="line">Not yet was he to find his rest</div> <div class="line">Beside Lake Como's lovely breast.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A savage horde o'erran the land</div> <div class="line">And bore away the prizéd chime;</div> <div class="line">Afar from peaceful Como's side,</div> <div class="line">To some unknown and distant clime.</div> <div class="line">In vain the artisan complained</div> <div class="line">Beneath a fate unkind; he drew</div> <div class="line">No comfort from lament or prayer,</div> <div class="line">For peace no more his hearthstone knew.</div> <div class="line">Then, as one day he brooding mused</div> <div class="line">And consolation sweet refused, <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">He seemed to see before his eyes</div> <div class="line">A land outspread, wherein his feet</div> <div class="line">Should wander, seeking ever there</div> <div class="line">His loved and lost&mdash;his chime so sweet,</div> <div class="line">He rose at once; he sought no aid;</div> <div class="line">But bowed his head in silent prayer;</div> <div class="line">Then from his home he straightway passed</div> <div class="line">That no one might his purpose share.</div> <div class="line">And leaving home and rest that day</div> <div class="line">With breaking heart went on his way.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Whene'er he heard, in foreign land,</div> <div class="line">Some wondrous story of a chime</div> <div class="line">Whose tones were liquid notes of song,</div> <div class="line">Whose bells rang out a gladsome rhyme,</div> <div class="line">He journeyed to that storied place,</div> <div class="line">Nor paused till he should reach the spot,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Only to find his quest in vain,</div> <div class="line">While yet those bells were ne'er forgot.</div> <div class="line">Each day his soul went up in prayer</div> <div class="line">That those clear chimes might pierce the air!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thus journeyed he for many a year</div> <div class="line">While locks of gold had turned to grey</div> <div class="line">Till in a distant land he strayed</div> <div class="line">And heard at close of summer day</div> <div class="line">The old sweet song rung by his chime</div> <div class="line">He long had listened for in vain!</div> <div class="line">Quickly rose tears in lifted eyes,</div> <div class="line">Quickly his heart renounced its pain!</div> <div class="line">"O loved and lost! for many a day</div> <div class="line">You've called me from my youth away!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">For now on foreign strand he waits</div> <div class="line">Alone in age&mdash;alone in kin,</div> <div class="line">Listening as listens one who bides</div> <div class="line">Outside of Heaven, to praise within.</div> <div class="line">Not vain his search! not lost his love! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">He feels once more the old-time throb</div> <div class="line">Ere cruel foes his prize had ta'en;</div> <div class="line">No more may they his treasure rob!</div> <div class="line">His life went forth in one glad cry</div> <div class="line">Beneath that far-off, alien sky!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">'Twas ended&mdash;all the tender search;</div> <div class="line">The hours of pain and sleepless toil;</div> <div class="line">There, where no loved his hand might clasp;</div> <div class="line">There, on that wild and foreign soil.</div> <div class="line">But deep within his heart was writ</div> <div class="line">His purpose pure; his steadfast search.</div> <div class="line">And lo! his chime still calls to prayer,</div> <div class="line">And still peals forth from ivied church.</div> <div class="line">The bells once blessed by saintly hands</div> <div class="line">Now call, in Limerick, God's commands!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My story's done&mdash;what need to say</div> <div class="line">He sleeps as well and sweetly there</div> <div class="line">Beneath that arch of foreign sky</div> <div class="line">As in his native land so fair.</div> <div class="line">He found, ere death had met his feet</div> <div class="line">The prize he sought with spirit brave,</div> <div class="line">And finding was content to lie</div> <div class="line">Afar from Como in his grave.</div> <div class="line">Love was the goal that led his feet</div> <div class="line">To peace and deathless calm replete.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The chimes? Ah, well, perhaps they peal</div> <div class="line">No less the sweetly that their note</div> <div class="line">In alien lands the tidings bring;</div> <div class="line">They still to God their praise devote,</div> <div class="line">And though their maker no more hears</div> <div class="line">The liquid music of each tone,</div> <div class="line">They speak to those whose living needs</div> <div class="line">Make of the chimes their very own.</div> <div class="line">Though hand that made is turned to clay,</div> <div class="line">His work&mdash;the chimes&mdash;lives on alway!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</SPAN></span></p> <h3>FRANCIS COSTER'S STORY</h3> <p class="blockquote">(I came across this legend, in prose, some time ago, to which was prefixed this note: "The following exquisite story was written by Anthony of Sienna, and translated from the Dominican records by Francis Coster, a famous preacher of the sixteenth century. Mr. Gould, author of <cite>Mysteries of the Middle Ages,</cite> has succeeded in rendering it into current English."</p> <p class="blockquote">In rendering the story into verse, I have kept to the text as closely as possible. M. L.)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Once&mdash;I've read in olden story&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> Lived a holy man of God,</div> <div class="line">And two children, 'neath his guidance,</div> <div class="line i1"> Through life's pitfalls safely trod.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Every day's returning duties</div> <div class="line i1"> Found them docile at his side,</div> <div class="line">There to draw from Wisdom's fountain</div> <div class="line i1"> All his tender care supplied.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But the day's first, freshest hour</div> <div class="line i1"> At the altar found them prone,</div> <div class="line">Gladly giving to their Savior</div> <div class="line i1"> All He claimeth as His own.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">There they served with purest offering</div> <div class="line i1"> At the sacrifice sublime,</div> <div class="line">Knelt, responded, and with reverence</div> <div class="line i1"> Sounded oft the bell's clear chime.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And this duty then completed,</div> <div class="line i1"> To the little chapel door</div> <div class="line">Turned their feet, and, entering, vanished</div> <div class="line i1"> There to eat their humble store. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But one day their teacher seeking,</div> <div class="line i1"> Spake the elder one full clear,</div> <div class="line">"Tell us, Father, what fair infant</div> <div class="line i1"> Doth so oft to us appear?"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then the priest replied in accents</div> <div class="line i1"> Full of tender, loving care&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"Son, I know not him you speak of</div> <div class="line i1"> Who with thee thy task doth share."</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But they came again unto him</div> <div class="line i1"> Day by day, with urgent word,</div> <div class="line">And it was with deepest wonder</div> <div class="line i1"> That their simple tale he heard.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And he asked&mdash;"Of what sort is he?"</div> <div class="line i1"> And they answered him again&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"Father, he is clad in raiment</div> <div class="line i1"> Seamless and without a stain!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"But whence cometh he?" replying</div> <div class="line i1"> Spoke the priest in accents mild;</div> <div class="line">And they answered, "From the altar,</div> <div class="line i1"> As it were, descends the child.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"And we asked him then to share</div> <div class="line i1"> With us of our milk and bread;</div> <div class="line">And he doth, right willingly;"</div> <div class="line i1"> This is what the children said.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And the priest was full of wonder;</div> <div class="line i1"> To the children then spake he&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"Are there marks whereby to know him</div> <div class="line i1"> If mine eyes the child should see?" <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Yes, my father, yes, he beareth</div> <div class="line i1"> In his hands and in his feet</div> <div class="line">Wounds that pierce his tender body."</div> <div class="line i1"> These the words that they repeat.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"From his hands the crimson liquid,</div> <div class="line i1"> On the bread he taketh, flows</div> <div class="line">Till beneath his touch it blusheth</div> <div class="line i1"> Like the deep heart of the rose!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then with awe replied their master&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> "O my sons, list unto me!</div> <div class="line">Know it is the sweet Child Jesus</div> <div class="line i1"> The Holy One, that you did see!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"When again he cometh to you,</div> <div class="line i1"> With these words your greeting be:</div> <div class="line">'Thou hast breakfasted with us,</div> <div class="line i1"> Grant we three may sup with Thee!'"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then the children did his bidding;</div> <div class="line i1"> Sweetly then the Child did say,</div> <div class="line">"Be it so, on Thursday next;</div> <div class="line i1"> Be it on Ascension Day!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">On that day they came rejoicing,</div> <div class="line i1"> But they brought nor milk nor bread;</div> <div class="line">Served they at the Mass right gladly;</div> <div class="line i1"> "Pax Vobiscum," then was said&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But they still knelt on, unheeding,</div> <div class="line i1"> Thus they fell in Christ asleep;</div> <div class="line">Master, children, with their Savior</div> <div class="line i1"> Then his marriage-feast did keep!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</SPAN></span></p> <h2>SONGS ON THE HEIGHTS</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE OLD CEMETERY</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Lo! half way up the hill I pause</div> <div class="line">To turn within the ancient gate</div> <div class="line">And enter ground now hallowéd!</div> <div class="line">The silent city where they wait</div> <div class="line">In perfect rest till He shall bid</div> <div class="line">Them rise who now in sleep are laid;</div> <div class="line">Whose life, and death, and waiting e'en,</div> <div class="line">On Him in childlike faith is stayed!</div> <div class="line">No sound is heard within the spot</div> <div class="line">Save the soft wind among the trees,</div> <div class="line">Or song of insect's busy hum,</div> <div class="line">Or low of herd upon the breeze.</div> <div class="line">I walk 'mid graves of those long dead,</div> <div class="line">Who lived and suffered, strove and won,</div> <div class="line">And now have entered into life</div> <div class="line">E'en while we say their life is done!</div> <div class="line">I fain would take when I return</div> <div class="line">Into the world's wild rush and roar,</div> <div class="line">The peace of this fair autumn day,</div> <div class="line">That it bide with me evermore!</div> <div class="line">That I may learn from this blest spot</div> <div class="line">Where sleep the dead&mdash;who in the Lord</div> <div class="line">Now take their rest&mdash;that life is more</div> <div class="line">Than idle jest, than passing word,</div> <div class="line">Than anxious effort for the bread</div> <div class="line">That perisheth! Yea, more!</div> <div class="line">That life is as a vessel given</div> <div class="line">Of precious ointment, that we bear</div> <div class="line">And fear that we its freight may waste</div> <div class="line">Ere we may yield it to His care!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</SPAN></span></p> <h3>LINES ON IMMORTALITY</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Poor trembling soul within this frame of clay,</div> <div class="line">That vainly questioneth, wouldst fain essay</div> <div class="line">The problem that nor time nor man may solve,</div> <div class="line">Around which cycles evermore revolve!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not till the light upon thy quest is born,</div> <div class="line">That only beams in an immortal morn,</div> <div class="line">Shalt thou be satisfied, thy fears allayed,</div> <div class="line">And, freed from earth, a new creation made!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>A DREAM</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I dreamed, and lo! upon the silent earth</div> <div class="line">(That ever swings, as from its misty birth),</div> <div class="line">I kinless stood! and all the streams that erst</div> <div class="line">In joyous measure sang me forth their tale</div> <div class="line">Sank to a murmur; even while there burst</div> <div class="line">Upon mine eyes that straightway turned me pale!</div> <div class="line">I looked and wondered, and I grew as chill</div> <div class="line">As though their fated touch had froze my blood;</div> <div class="line">As far beyond that living, green-clad hill,</div> <div class="line">In breathless awe, mine eyes were turned, I stood</div> <div class="line">Appalled! Forth from the bosom of the deep</div> <div class="line">There rose a wondrous chain of towering cliffs,</div> <div class="line">Clear as the lake upon whose mirror sleep</div> <div class="line">Light-poised, all tenderly the skiffs;</div> <div class="line">While rays of light played o'er their polished sides,</div> <div class="line">As slowly rose and sank they on the tides.</div> <div class="line">Kissed by the sun they grew; their colors' sheen</div> <div class="line">Of rose and emerald-touched tips; between</div> <div class="line">The amethyst deepened to a royal tone</div> <div class="line">Of purple, and I stood and gazed, alone!</div> <div class="line">I knew that naught of earth was left save me</div> <div class="line">To look upon that strange and glorious sea! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">And, as I gazed, wild flames leapt up to seize</div> <div class="line">The iceberg's glow and melt it to their will:</div> <div class="line">Naught could their hungry rage of greed appease,</div> <div class="line">While luridly and sullen burned they still,</div> <div class="line">What, then, does it portray&mdash;this onslaught fierce</div> <div class="line">Of flames upon these sunlit cliffs of ice,</div> <div class="line">If it be not that Evil seeks to pierce</div> <div class="line">The armor thrown about the soul's device;</div> <div class="line">The powers that wage unceasing war,</div> <div class="line">And ever seek to gain what lies afar</div> <div class="line">Above them! "Souls of just men perfect made,"</div> <div class="line">"Yield not," I cried, "for here a mortal stands</div> <div class="line">"Alone and helpless in these alien lands;</div> <div class="line">"And yet on mortal lips, I know, is laid</div> <div class="line">"The burden of a knowledge far above</div> <div class="line">"All thought of human gain or human love!"</div> <div class="line">And crying thus, I woke, nor ever knew</div> <div class="line">If to fruition my bright vision grew.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</SPAN></span></p> <h3>ON EMPYREAN HEIGHTS</h3> <p class="blockquote">(Read at Hardman Hall, New York City, before the International League of Press Clubs, June 3, 1897.)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I stood on empyrean heights and saw,</div> <div class="line">Outlined in figures bold, a vision there;</div> <div class="line">Loud were the shouts of strife and deadly war,</div> <div class="line">While Peace, remote, shone in her beauty fair.</div> <div class="line">I heard the clash of arms; the martial tread;</div> <div class="line">While nation warred with nation in their lust</div> <div class="line">Of pride and power, until there lay the dead&mdash;</div> <div class="line">The heroes of a decade&mdash;in the dust!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I saw, in ranks that spread to either pole,</div> <div class="line">Heroic deeds of great men and of true;</div> <div class="line">The highest aspirations of the soul;</div> <div class="line">The work wrought, through the many, by the few!</div> <div class="line">I sped from rising sun unto the west;</div> <div class="line">I read the stars that mirrored in the sky;</div> <div class="line">And some in a resplendent light were dressed,</div> <div class="line">And some through shadow I could scarce descry.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I saw a Nation's rise and saw its fall;</div> <div class="line">I learned a people's passing glory there;</div> <div class="line">I heard the strident voice of Justice call,</div> <div class="line">And answering cheer and joy were in the air.</div> <div class="line">I passed through touching scenes of humble life,</div> <div class="line">Where hearts were beating in their full content;</div> <div class="line">Where far from peaceful hearth and home lay strife,</div> <div class="line">And days of joy and gaiety were spent. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I passed 'mid scenes of dark and dull despair,</div> <div class="line">On, on, where bitter want and hunger raged;</div> <div class="line">Where naught of holiness was pictured there,</div> <div class="line">But man 'gainst man his cruel warfare waged!</div> <div class="line">I heard the wail of childhood in its need,</div> <div class="line">And saw the fearful shadow of Death's wing</div> <div class="line">Pass swiftly on and through the darkness speed,</div> <div class="line">And heard the joyous song the angels sing!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I heard the deeds of woe&mdash;saw sins of ill;</div> <div class="line">I knew Life's tragedy was played the while;</div> <div class="line">That greed of gain&mdash;that selfish, restless will</div> <div class="line">Was crushing out the tender youth's sweet smile.</div> <div class="line">I also read of good and saw its scope</div> <div class="line">Of radiance on a troubled world's dark web;</div> <div class="line">And saw that trust and love and buoyant hope</div> <div class="line">Outrode the spring-time tide ere it could ebb.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nay, tell me, then, whence came each passing scene,</div> <div class="line">And why such widespread power vouchsafed to me,</div> <div class="line">That time nor space held aught of bar between</div> <div class="line">The shifting lights of land and distant sea?</div> <div class="line">How could I realize the utmost span</div> <div class="line">Of life and love, nay more, of silent death</div> <div class="line">As meted out within the time of man,</div> <div class="line">And passing o'er the wide world's pulsing breath? <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O puissant Press! what need have I to tell</div> <div class="line">The power of thy great sceptre wielded here?</div> <div class="line">When those, beneath whose brilliant, magic spell</div> <div class="line">We've sat entranced, now in our midst appear!</div> <div class="line">Each face familiar warms the brother's heart;</div> <div class="line">Each hand extended meets an earnest clasp;</div> <div class="line">Each friend is here, a living sentient part</div> <div class="line">Of Brotherhood and seeks an honest grasp!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O mighty power for good or yet for ill;</div> <div class="line">For saving grace; mayhap for withering blight!</div> <div class="line">Thy brimming cup of service should be still</div> <div class="line">The draught to lift a weary world to light.</div> <div class="line">Thy arm should raiséd be in noble strife;</div> <div class="line">Thy steady hand still wield the trenchant pen;</div> <div class="line">Thus all of light and grace and noble life</div> <div class="line">Shall call thee forth from hearts of fellowmen!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</SPAN></span></p> <h2>SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</SPAN></span></p> <h3>A LITTLE WHILE</h3> <p class="center">(March 14, 1889.)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A little while, my friends, and I am lying</div> <div class="line i1"> Beneath the sod that tells us Spring is nigh;</div> <div class="line">And I, who've found this life no rest supplying,</div> <div class="line i1"> Shall lay my task aside without a sigh.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A little while, and friends who kindly greet me</div> <div class="line i1"> Shall seek my place&mdash;in tears shall seek in vain;</div> <div class="line">And those whose love and tender thought now meet me,</div> <div class="line i1"> Shall say&mdash;"She comes, our friend, no more again!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A little while&mdash;and oh, how great the yearning</div> <div class="line i1"> To lay the burden down, to be as free</div> <div class="line">As bird that hails its nest, on wing returning;</div> <div class="line i1"> So do I think, beloved, of rest and thee!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The rest my weary heart and soul have waited</div> <div class="line i1"> Through all these years of sorrow and of doubt;</div> <div class="line">As traveller on his homeward way, belated,</div> <div class="line i1"> Impatient seeks and can not bide without.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And thee! Oh loved one gone, this year, before me,</div> <div class="line i1"> Unto a world of light and rapture pure;</div> <div class="line">The thought of thee doth, smiling, now allure me</div> <div class="line i1"> To draw more close and yet to more endure!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</SPAN></span></p> <h3>REVERIE</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O'er the long reach of water comes</div> <div class="line i1"> The plash of dipping oar,</div> <div class="line">And faintly, borne upon the wind,</div> <div class="line i1"> Far voices gain the shore.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I hear their low, faint murmur as</div> <div class="line i1"> The boat glides on its way,</div> <div class="line">And with the glance of flashing oar</div> <div class="line i1"> Fall silver drops of spray!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I lie with half-closed eyes and dream</div> <div class="line i1"> Of days that long are fled;</div> <div class="line">While fancy brings unto my side</div> <div class="line i1"> The forms of those now dead.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">When life and love were as a song</div> <div class="line i1"> From vibrant chords of youth!</div> <div class="line">When every heart that greeted me</div> <div class="line i1"> Spoke but of trust and truth!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thus half-adream I hold commune</div> <div class="line i1"> With mine own heart, and ask</div> <div class="line">Were youth and joy the greater gain,</div> <div class="line i1"> Or life's more finished task?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Quick comes the answer to my lips&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> Quick to the question craved&mdash;</div> <div class="line">"The noblest deeds of life are those</div> <div class="line i1"> In later years engraved</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"On tablets of the living mind,</div> <div class="line i1"> In characters full bold;</div> <div class="line">Not happiness, nor yet content,</div> <div class="line i1"> Can here life's measure hold! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"Not to glide on in summer dreams,</div> <div class="line i1"> Nor yet to love, is best;</div> <div class="line">But in thy noble strength to grow</div> <div class="line i1"> And earn the longed-for rest!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So not with envious eyes I watch</div> <div class="line i1"> The boat whose living freight</div> <div class="line">Is youth and all youth's sunny dreams&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> I, who have learned to wait!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</SPAN></span></p> <h3>HEIMWEH</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O heart of mine, why sighest</div> <div class="line">For joys thou may'st not taste?</div> <div class="line">O eyes, why turn in longing</div> <div class="line">Across the weary waste?</div> <div class="line">And lips that falter sadly</div> <div class="line">Of home and love and peace,</div> <div class="line">Now all thy vain repining</div> <div class="line">And doubt and grief, oh, cease!</div> <div class="line">Home! Nay, thy home is distant;</div> <div class="line">Will longing bring it near,</div> <div class="line">And heart, will thy complaining</div> <div class="line">Point out the way more clear?</div> <div class="line">O heart of mine, thou sighest</div> <div class="line">In vain, thy home's afar;</div> <div class="line">It shineth as a beacon</div> <div class="line">To exile&mdash;as a star</div> <div class="line">Unto the lonely sailor</div> <div class="line">Who dreams of land and love,</div> <div class="line">But as he dreams looks ever</div> <div class="line">Unto his star above!</div> <div class="line">Then, heart, bind to thy longing</div> <div class="line">The gaze that turns aloft</div> <div class="line">Beyond the raging tempest</div> <div class="line">To seek love's guidance oft.</div> <div class="line">Heimweh! O homesick sailor,</div> <div class="line">Across life's stormy main</div> <div class="line">Return unto thy haven,</div> <div class="line">No more to roam again!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</SPAN></span></p> <h3>GRAND MANAN</h3> <p class="center">(1886)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O'er the wild reach of wave afar</div> <div class="line">Thy cliffs arise; once more</div> <div class="line">I turn mine eyes upon thy hills</div> <div class="line">And purple-tinted shore.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">All silent in majestic state,</div> <div class="line">Monarch of mighty realm,</div> <div class="line">Thy front is raised to meet the storm,</div> <div class="line">When fierce gales overwhelm.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Yet on this lovely autumn day,</div> <div class="line">In soft enchantment's chain,</div> <div class="line">Outlined fore'er on distant sky</div> <div class="line">Thy memory shall remain.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">My feet must tread in other paths</div> <div class="line">Than this belovéd land,</div> <div class="line">And other footprints in their turn</div> <div class="line">Shall press this shining sand.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Sea, air and sky are filled alike</div> <div class="line">With beauty and delight;</div> <div class="line">The sea is shimmering at my feet</div> <div class="line">With all of life and light.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So let me bear to other scenes</div> <div class="line">This picture; it shall stay</div> <div class="line">As memory and as joy to me</div> <div class="line">Through many a weary day.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And oft shall rise before my sight</div> <div class="line">When distance, time and care</div> <div class="line">Have touched my life with graver thought,</div> <div class="line">This vision passing fair!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</SPAN></span></p> <h3>MADELEINE</h3> <p class="center">(1891)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I see her passing through the fields</div> <div class="line i1"> All fresh with daisies and with rye,</div> <div class="line">And something purer, brighter, breathes</div> <div class="line i1"> Than the mere tints of earth and sky.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Her dainty head with grace is poised,</div> <div class="line i1"> And 'neath her hat-brim's shade I see</div> <div class="line">The soft, dark eyes, the pure child-face</div> <div class="line i1"> That hold so much of joy for me!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Her feet, as loath to tread the bloom</div> <div class="line i1"> Of flowers and of field-grass bright,</div> <div class="line">Fall lightly as she maketh way</div> <div class="line i1"> To pass, nor leave behind her blight.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Fearless the eyes, and full of thought,</div> <div class="line i1"> As though Life's secret fain she'd know;</div> <div class="line">Grace, of a wildness all untrained,</div> <div class="line i1"> Wraps her within its subtile glow.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And, as she treads her way a-field</div> <div class="line i1"> I know she seeks me, me alone!</div> <div class="line">O child! my heart grows weak, to-night,</div> <div class="line i1"> To stifle now its secret moan!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">What will ye bring her, Love and Life?</div> <div class="line i1"> Or what withhold? I may not see;</div> <div class="line">But, oh, I pray, whate'er ye take,</div> <div class="line i1"> Leave her her grace and purity.</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</SPAN></span></p> <h3>WHERE THE SHADOWS PLAY</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Where the long reach of shadows play,</div> <div class="line">And placid waters murmur by</div> <div class="line">I dream throughout the summer day</div> <div class="line">Nor note the hours that wingéd fly.</div> <div class="line">Hushed is the voice of sordid trade,</div> <div class="line">And e'en the birds' sweet song is stilled;</div> <div class="line">While all the cares that Life hath made</div> <div class="line">Slip from my heart, which now is filled</div> <div class="line">With peace alone. O Nature pure!</div> <div class="line">To thee, I turn, no more to stray</div> <div class="line">In spirit, with thee ever sure</div> <div class="line">To find sweet solace for the day!</div> <div class="line">O leafy homes where song-birds rest;</div> <div class="line">O gentle breeze that rocks and sways!</div> <div class="line">My heart all silent stays to rest</div> <div class="line">And bide apart these heaven-born days!</div> <div class="line">For other worlds are pictured there;</div> <div class="line">Reflected in the waters lie;</div> <div class="line">And each is clear and passing fair,</div> <div class="line">And fleecy clouds o'er each glide by!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</SPAN></span></p> <h3>A VALENTINE</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Years have sped by with rapid wing</div> <div class="line i1"> Since those bright days of long ago,</div> <div class="line">When, hand in hand, in Life's sweet spring,</div> <div class="line i1"> We told our love in accents low.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">For you were young, and fair, and free,</div> <div class="line i1"> And I a youth with ardor bold;</div> <div class="line">You were, of all earth's maids, to me</div> <div class="line i1"> The fairest&mdash;ah, the story's old!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Our youthful fancy in the years</div> <div class="line i1"> That now lie far behind, anew</div> <div class="line">Springs forth from memories Time endears,</div> <div class="line i1"> When smiles were frequent, tears were few!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Ah well! we parted! Still doth shine</div> <div class="line i1"> Your form on fancy's pictured wall,</div> <div class="line">As when you were my "Valentine,"</div> <div class="line i1"> And I to you was all in all!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I see you on the busy street,</div> <div class="line i1"> A comely matron, fair of face;</div> <div class="line">The maiden, tall, and pale and sweet,</div> <div class="line i1"> Keeps by your side with even pace.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">You see her not? Nay, she is mine,</div> <div class="line i1"> This gracious presence from the Past!</div> <div class="line">She is my one fair Valentine</div> <div class="line i1"> Through summer's glow, through winter's blast!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE MARTINS</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Slowly sinks the sun. The evening takes from night a deeper tone;</div> <div class="line">Birds on restless wing are wheeling with a grace and strength their own.</div> <div class="line">Martins! How your note reminds me of the days so long ago,</div> <div class="line">In the time when care or sorrow ne'er had touched me with their woe!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Back your song, this evening, takes me, back within that golden past,</div> <div class="line">And I seem to see the village&mdash;and the spell of yore is cast</div> <div class="line">Once again about my spirit! Memory brings before my view</div> <div class="line">Friends and faces long since vanished&mdash;sounds and scenes that once I knew.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Till the sea-girt town uprises from the mist, in verdure drest,</div> <div class="line">Borne as jewel in its setting on the grand old ocean's breast;</div> <div class="line">O'er the waves the bell sounds clearly with its call to evening prayer,</div> <div class="line">And the martins wheel and circle, now, with swift wing through the air.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So I muse while twilight summons once again the long ago,</div> <div class="line">And its clustered memories fill my brooding heart, and overflow.</div> <div class="line">Youth and love, and hope, aweary in these years have grown and I</div> <div class="line">Walk afaint in life's rough pathway where erstwhile my feet did fly. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But I think when Azrael greets me I would fain the hour were mine</div> <div class="line">'Twixt the sunset and the even&mdash;at the summer day's decline.</div> <div class="line">So the martins through the ether in their graceful flight should be</div> <div class="line">Like the harbingers of freedom to the soul from earth set free!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>NEVER AGAIN</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Leave me alone to my sorrow, my sorrow,</div> <div class="line">Leave me alone, I would "mourn my dead!"</div> <div class="line">Never again on the morrow'll he greet me,</div> <div class="line">Never again, it is said, it is said!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Never again shall I see him approaching,</div> <div class="line">Hear his clear voice ring over the lea;</div> <div class="line">Never again shall his strong arm enfold me,</div> <div class="line">Never again, ah, woe is me!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Never again! oh the weight of this anguish!</div> <div class="line">Never to see him, to hear him again!</div> <div class="line">Only my heart to my heart can disclose it&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Never, ah! never&mdash;this quivering pain!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Never again will he wait 'neath my window,</div> <div class="line">Bidding me join him, as loving he stands;</div> <div class="line">Never to watch for his coming to meet me</div> <div class="line">Over the sea from those distant lands!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Dark are his eyes as is the veiled splendor</div> <div class="line">Of tropical skies in storm overcast!</div> <div class="line">Glorious his smile as the sunlight descending,</div> <div class="line">Full on the earth when that tempest is past! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Now in the land of his birth though he wander,</div> <div class="line">'Neath Southern palms tho' his footsteps rove,</div> <div class="line">Ever, I know, in its pain and its longing,</div> <div class="line">Turns his heart's trust unto mine's deathless love!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Leave me alone to my sorrow, my sorrow,</div> <div class="line">Leave me alone with life's dreary refrain!</div> <div class="line">Never again shall I hear his fond pleading,</div> <div class="line">Listening I hear only&mdash;"Never again!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We are severed by more than the ocean's vast billows!</div> <div class="line">We must walk in our paths each alone and in pain!</div> <div class="line">But our hearts grow but closer, and fonder, and nearer,</div> <div class="line">Though here upon earth, it be "never again!"</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</SPAN></span></p> <h3>HADST THOU DENIED</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So many things, dear Lord, I asked;</div> <div class="line">So many things that were untried;</div> <div class="line">So many things I sought, but oh</div> <div class="line">Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I did not know their gold was dross;</div> <div class="line">I did not see the chasm wide</div> <div class="line">But downward plunged, and now I cry&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So many things, with outstretched hands,</div> <div class="line">I begged might not be turned aside.</div> <div class="line">I know the best had oft been mine</div> <div class="line">Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I wearied Thee with my wild prayers</div> <div class="line">To taste of joys that ne'er abide.</div> <div class="line">While many blessings had been mine</div> <div class="line">Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Hadst Thou denied my foolish wish;</div> <div class="line">Hadst Thou my spirit longer tried!</div> <div class="line">All these vain years, in grief, I own,</div> <div class="line">Had reaped rich gain hadst Thou denied!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</SPAN></span></p> <h3>WHY SHOULD I REMEMBER IF YOU FORGET?</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Why should I remember the days of long ago?</div> <div class="line">Days we spent together, beside the river's flow;</div> <div class="line">Why should I remember the dreams that haunt me yet?</div> <div class="line">Ah, why should I remember&mdash;if you forget!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Why should I remember the nights I sat and dreamed</div> <div class="line">As stars came out in Heaven&mdash;when they and I it seemed,</div> <div class="line">Alone kept watch and vigil&mdash;ah, I recall them yet!</div> <div class="line">But why should I remember&mdash;if you forget!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Why should I remember those days of Summer time</div> <div class="line">When Love immortal bound me, and sang his witching rhyme.</div> <div class="line">Why should I remember your vows as there we met?</div> <div class="line">Ah, why should I remember&mdash;if you forget!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Why should I remember the grave I fashioned wide</div> <div class="line">Within my heart and laid you, and all that with you died.</div> <div class="line">Why should I bewail you, and why should it be yet</div> <div class="line">That I must still remember&mdash;and you forget!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Why has my heart grown empty and why this empty throne</div> <div class="line">Where you who made life dear have left me now alone?</div> <div class="line">Why can I not a watch against your mem'ry set?</div> <div class="line">Ah, why should I remember&mdash;when you forget!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</SPAN></span></p> <h3>TO H. N. T.</h3> <p class="center">(Jan. 28, 1885.)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Dear heart, sweet heart that through these years</div> <div class="line">Hast walked with me, in sun, in shade!</div> <div class="line">Though thy dear presence bides with me</div> <div class="line">In thought alone, that ne'er shall fade!</div> <div class="line">We may not wander hand in hand,</div> <div class="line">We seldom greet us face to face,</div> <div class="line">Yet in my life thy love, thy words</div> <div class="line">Have ever yet a hallowed place!</div> <div class="line">Together in the past we roamed</div> <div class="line">When girlhood's fancies bound our will,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">To-day, no less, we deem it sweet</div> <div class="line">The tie that holds us captive still!</div> <div class="line">To thee, beloved, my storm-tost heart</div> <div class="line">Turns now, as then, for word of cheer.</div> <div class="line">In those far days my arm was strong,</div> <div class="line">My love did hold thee from all fear;</div> <div class="line">But now my strength is well nigh spent,</div> <div class="line">Though mem'ry crowns each happy hour,</div> <div class="line">And fain would forms now vanished seek,</div> <div class="line">And fain recall that witching power!</div> <div class="line">Some sleep in death whom we called dear;</div> <div class="line">Some roam afar in distant lands,</div> <div class="line">While you and I have ever grown</div> <div class="line">The nearer, knit by Friendship's bands!</div> <div class="line">And as the years roll on I cling,</div> <div class="line">Dear heart, more closely to thy love;</div> <div class="line">God grant for all life's bitterness</div> <div class="line">A lasting peace to come, above!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</SPAN></span></p> <h2>SONGS OF CONSOLATION</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</SPAN></span></p> <h3>AND THEY SHALL RISE AGAIN</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"And they shall rise again!" Oh, words of comfort given</div> <div class="line">To many hearts by sorrow borne unto the earth!</div> <div class="line">"And they shall rise again!" The gates of death are riven,</div> <div class="line">And forth, immortal, steps the Soul unto her birth!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Long had they lain in vast Nepenthe's hidden coffers,</div> <div class="line">The germs of life that silent waited but the call</div> <div class="line">Of Love Divine to seize upon the gift it proffers,</div> <div class="line">And to throw back and off, forever, the dark pall.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"And they shall rise again!" Arise to glories bounding</div> <div class="line">No earth-born vision, and no span of fleeting days,</div> <div class="line">But, born of depths which life thus far had been but sounding,</div> <div class="line">The heirs of Heaven's crown and its immortal praise!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"And they shall rise again!" Oh joys of hope eternal!</div> <div class="line">That though we, weeping, lay them 'neath the heavy sod,</div> <div class="line">God's angels, guarding now, behold their spring supernal,</div> <div class="line">And hold them trusting, waiting but the call of God!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So shall this Easter morn, to-day, bring to us waiting,</div> <div class="line">His Word fulfilled,&mdash;His gift of gifts above all price!</div> <div class="line">For Earth and Light and Air are all to us relating</div> <div class="line">The glories borne at dawn from shores of Paradise!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</SPAN></span></p> <h3>MINE ONWARD PATH</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And so I take mine onward path, alone,</div> <div class="line i1"> And yet not quite alone if God decree;</div> <div class="line">The way my Lord hath trod shall be mine own,</div> <div class="line i1"> And so my strength shall be!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">What though it lead through tangled brake and brier,</div> <div class="line i1"> And sharpest stones shall pierce my wounded feet?</div> <div class="line">Unto that height if my faint soul aspire</div> <div class="line i1"> These words mine ear might greet:&mdash;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"If thou but follow Me through toil and pain,</div> <div class="line i1"> If thou but take thy cross and follow Me,</div> <div class="line">I will reward thee, when I come again,</div> <div class="line i1"> For all Eternity.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"But if thou wilt not bear thy cross with Me</div> <div class="line i1"> Thou canst not hope to win the victor's prize;</div> <div class="line">No martyr's crown, no saint's green palm shall be</div> <div class="line i1"> Thy share in Paradise!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And so I fain would take mine onward way</div> <div class="line i1"> In humble imitation of my Lord.</div> <div class="line">This hope to be bear me in it day by day,&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> His never-failing word!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</SPAN></span></p> <h3>AFTER MANY DAYS</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Calm seas upon whose placid breast</div> <div class="line">My barque one day shall anchored lie,</div> <div class="line">Beyond this season's keen unrest,</div> <div class="line">Beneath a softened evening sky!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I shall not in those hours of peace</div> <div class="line">Recount the storms that strike me now;</div> <div class="line">For me the struggle sore shall cease,</div> <div class="line">And Trust stand at my vessel's prow!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The shipwreck and the storm no more</div> <div class="line">May toss me 'neath its stern decree;</div> <div class="line">But anchored within sight of shore</div> <div class="line">A perfect rest shall welcome me!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I shall not count the tears that flow</div> <div class="line">These weary hours, these restless days;</div> <div class="line">For then my keener sight shall know</div> <div class="line">The hidden meaning of His ways!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And thus I look beyond the storm,</div> <div class="line">Beyond the clouds that now appear;</div> <div class="line">Knowing the ills that take such form</div> <div class="line">Shall flee before the evening clear!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Calm seas upon whose placid breast</div> <div class="line">My barque one day shall anchored lie,</div> <div class="line">My soul may not possess thy rest</div> <div class="line">Until the evening draweth nigh!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</SPAN></span></p> <h3>SOME DAY</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Some day when all this weary time</div> <div class="line i1"> No more hath power to stay my flight;</div> <div class="line">When far from earth's unhappy clime</div> <div class="line i1"> My soul shall speed her way to light,</div> <div class="line">I shall no more this garb of clay</div> <div class="line i1"> (Beneath whose weight I sink opprest)</div> <div class="line">Bear with me; but, oh blesséd day,</div> <div class="line i1"> Find all denied in life of rest!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Some day! ah, how my heart doth cry</div> <div class="line i1"> With longing and with pain, aloud,</div> <div class="line">For some faint sign lest hope should die;</div> <div class="line i1"> For some small token through the cloud!</div> <div class="line">Lest joy no more my guest should be,</div> <div class="line i1"> And peace, that calms with tender touch,</div> <div class="line">No more should come to visit me,</div> <div class="line i1"> Who need their presence here so much.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Some day! Nay, do I not know well</div> <div class="line i1"> This life bears little in its hand</div> <div class="line">That we should lie as in a spell</div> <div class="line i1"> Beneath its strong and cruel band.</div> <div class="line">At best, 'tis but a span dealt out</div> <div class="line i1"> To each; as grains of sand may seem</div> <div class="line">That, as the tempest whirls about,</div> <div class="line i1"> Are gone, and ended as a dream!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</SPAN></span></p> <h3>LAKE WINNEPESEOGEE</h3> <p class="center">(TWILIGHT)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O fair, broad Lake, upon whose breast</div> <div class="line">The shifting shadows rise and fall,</div> <div class="line">Thy surging waters' vague unrest</div> <div class="line">Sinks beneath twilight's gathering pall.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thy changing beauties quickly glide</div> <div class="line">Successive past th' entrancéd eye,</div> <div class="line">While hills around, in regal pride,</div> <div class="line">Reflected in thy waters lie.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I hear the plash of dipping oar,</div> <div class="line">I see the boats swing on their way;</div> <div class="line">The waves flow on from shore to shore,</div> <div class="line">While softly, slowly dies the day.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And sweetly with the evening's calm</div> <div class="line">Upon my heart there falls a peace,</div> <div class="line">That comes as comes the evening psalm,</div> <div class="line">That bids the world's vain tumult cease.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And as fall swift the shades of night</div> <div class="line">Along the path my feet must tread,</div> <div class="line">Lo! through the clouds a golden light</div> <div class="line">Upon Life's passing scene is shed.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And so, bathed in its softened glow,</div> <div class="line">And tuned to sweetest harmonies</div> <div class="line">Far, far beyond Life's ebb and flow&mdash;</div> <div class="line">The soul, immortal, seeks the skies!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</SPAN></span></p> <h3>JESUS OF NAZARETH PASSETH BY</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O storm-tost soul in thine hour of need</div> <div class="line i1"> Turn to the light ere the moments fly,</div> <div class="line">Turn unto One who will ever heed&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> Jesus of Nazareth passeth by!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Hark, what mean these songs of praise</div> <div class="line i1"> And clouds of incense that float on high?</div> <div class="line">See! borne on wings on this day of days,</div> <div class="line i1"> Jesus of Nazareth passeth by!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">If thou but touch His garment's hem</div> <div class="line i1"> As they did of old (if thou wouldst not die),</div> <div class="line">Lo, from His person, as unto them,</div> <div class="line i1"> Healing and love flow silently!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Into each heart He entereth now,</div> <div class="line i1"> Listeneth unto each sinner's cry!</div> <div class="line">Then&mdash;leaving His blessing upon each brow&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> Jesus of Nazareth passeth by!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Joy that we sat at His blesséd feet!</div> <div class="line i1"> Joy that He hears e'en the faintest sigh!</div> <div class="line">Loudly our lips exultant repeat&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by!"</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</SPAN></span></p> <h3>NEARER MY REST</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nearer my rest with each succeeding day</div> <div class="line i1"> That bears me still mine own allotted task.</div> <div class="line">Nearer my rest! the clouds roll swift away,</div> <div class="line i1"> And nought remains, O Lord, for me to ask,</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">If I but bear unflinchingly life's pain,</div> <div class="line i1"> And humbly lay it at Thy feet divine,</div> <div class="line">Then shall I see each loss a hidden gain,</div> <div class="line i1"> And Thy sweet mercy through the darkness shine.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nearer my rest! and as I journey on</div> <div class="line i1"> Grant me, dear Lord, (my angel-guides to be,</div> <div class="line">To keep and help me ere that rest be won),</div> <div class="line i1"> Patience, and Faith, and blesséd Purity.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">These guides, I pray Thee, each Thine attribute,</div> <div class="line i1"> And thou, O Lord, my shield and armor bright;</div> <div class="line">For without Thee no tree shall bear good fruit;</div> <div class="line i1"> These three, O Lord, to lead me through the night!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>SO MANY YEARS</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">These hands have labored, Lord, so many years;</div> <div class="line">So many years these feet have trod this road;</div> <div class="line">So many years these shoulders, bent and weak,</div> <div class="line">Have borne their own and others' heavy load!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">This heart has broken in these many years,</div> <div class="line">And tears have dimmed these eyes, till life</div> <div class="line">Has seemed but one sad wilderness, and few</div> <div class="line">The hours of peace amidst the bitter strife! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Must I, then, Lord, toil on unceasing here?</div> <div class="line">Hast thou no words of comfort for my soul?</div> <div class="line">Are all the cheerless, fainting hours to win</div> <div class="line">No progress toward my weary spirit's goal?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Nay! as I speak, I know the day will dawn</div> <div class="line">From out the dark and tempest-driven night,</div> <div class="line">When I, released, shall stand erect and free</div> <div class="line">Within the glory of that radiant light!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">No more, then, heart, bewail these hours of earth,</div> <div class="line">No more shed tears of blood, for surely there,</div> <div class="line">Beyond the darkness and the pain and gloom</div> <div class="line">Shines forth the sun in lands that are most fair!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>SORROW</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I wore a jewel my breast,</div> <div class="line i1"> Nor knew, till late, that it was such;</div> <div class="line"> Oft hath it robbed me of my rest;</div> <div class="line i1"> Oft have I shivered at its touch!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">I wore it, trembling, and I knew</div> <div class="line i1"> Nor why it was, in fact, nor how</div> <div class="line">Its presence fell like evening dew</div> <div class="line i1"> On shrinking heart, and lip and brow!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">It was a thing of pain, and yet</div> <div class="line i1"> A subtile blessing seemed to flow</div> <div class="line">From 'neath its touch, though eyes were wet</div> <div class="line i1"> As from the stab of ruthless foe!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not until years had fled did I</div> <div class="line i1"> Behold the inner presence there;</div> <div class="line">Not until Time had passed all by,</div> <div class="line i1"> Did I perceive its beauty rare. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But now I know thee as thou art,</div> <div class="line i1">O Face divine that lookest down</div> <div class="line">Upon my life and bruiséd heart;</div> <div class="line i1">And fear of thee fore'er hath flown!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thow shalt walk with me, as I know,</div> <div class="line i1"> For the brief space of years to be;</div> <div class="line">A newer, higher path to show</div> <div class="line i1">Where sorrow wins me purity!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>UNKNOWN</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A day whose wondrous dawn is writ</div> <div class="line i1"> In letters firm and free and bold,</div> <div class="line">Through years whose prophecies shall fit</div> <div class="line i1"> This stone from Life's mosaic old!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">A day wherein my hands shall rest</div> <div class="line i1"> From labor ill-requited here;</div> <div class="line">The hands whose clasp on peace hath prest</div> <div class="line i1"> Too light to hold it very near.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">That day whose number ofttimes now</div> <div class="line i1"> Rolls past each year, but all unseen</div> <div class="line">By eyes now holden, shades the brow</div> <div class="line i1"> Where other shades have frequent been!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Some token in each joyous year</div> <div class="line i1"> That most I loved, abides unseen,</div> <div class="line">And bears aloft an index clear</div> <div class="line i1"> Upon its leaves now clasped between.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The month, the day, the hour is there,</div> <div class="line i1"> Unconscious to my searching eye</div> <div class="line">When, be the skies or dark or fair,</div> <div class="line i1"> Shall added be the Year I die! <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And as I note each feast of song</div> <div class="line i1"> On earth; each joy, each loss or birth,</div> <div class="line">Shall I not give&mdash;nor thus be wrong&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1"> A thought to that, when clogging earth</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Shall hold me bond-slave here no more!</div> <div class="line i1"> No more shall dim with tears mine eyes;</div> <div class="line">When I shall simply pass the door</div> <div class="line i1"> No living hand impatient tries!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not mine to know that day as yet;</div> <div class="line i1"> But in the watches of the night,</div> <div class="line">The watch my soul herself hath set,</div> <div class="line i1"> I wait the coming of that light.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not then as messenger of dread</div> <div class="line i1"> I wait to read it on the scroll;</div> <div class="line">Not as impatient, nor as wed</div> <div class="line i1"> To life, abides my waiting soul!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Though now inscribed "unknown" it takes</div> <div class="line i1"> Its place on calendar of earth,</div> <div class="line">An anniversary that wakes</div> <div class="line i1"> To greet us from the hour of birth!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</SPAN></span></p> <h2>SONGS OF PATRIOTISM</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</SPAN></span></p> <h3>OUR BIRTHRIGHT</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">God of the Nations! Thou whose might</div> <div class="line">Hath led us from the dark to light,</div> <div class="line">Since first a puny people we</div> <div class="line">Sought and obtained our Liberty!</div> <div class="line">Grant, we beseech Thee, for the Earth</div> <div class="line">A Peace that shall have noble birth!</div> <div class="line">A Peace that shall beneath its wings</div> <div class="line">Enfold the brightest, best of things!</div> <div class="line">Keep Thou the people of that land,</div> <div class="line">Who for their homes and firesides stand;</div> <div class="line">Teach Thou another land to rest</div> <div class="line">Her arms, and bend her haughty crest!</div> <div class="line">Bring Thou within the fold of right</div> <div class="line">All who are plagued with war and blight!</div> <div class="line">And bring, O God, in this New Year,</div> <div class="line">A reign of Love and not of Fear!</div> <div class="line">So shall we keep Thy word divine;</div> <div class="line">So shall the land no more repine;</div> <div class="line">And this wide world, oppressed with fear,</div> <div class="line">Look onward to a brighter year.</div> <div class="line">God of the Nations! Thou whose might</div> <div class="line">Hath led us from the dark to light,</div> <div class="line">Grant us to live that we may be</div> <div class="line">Worthy our birthright&mdash;Liberty!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>LEXINGTON</h3> <p class="center">(April 19, 1775.)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We name our heroes in the hush</div> <div class="line i1"> That follows battle's awful roar,</div> <div class="line">And count the cost of that great rush</div> <div class="line i1"> To victory! They deemed no more</div> <div class="line">Than just the simple right to shed</div> <div class="line i1"> Their blood in such a holy cause. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">Where the unconquered died or bled</div> <div class="line i1"> We turn, from our safe ground, and pause</div> <div class="line">To wonder how, in days long gone,</div> <div class="line">Such power was given to right the wrong!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We deem them worthy of all praise,</div> <div class="line i1"> The heroes of that battlefield;</div> <div class="line">And looking backward to those days,</div> <div class="line i1"> That meed of praise most gladly yield.</div> <div class="line">Were they more true to dictates bold</div> <div class="line i1"> Of honor in that olden time?</div> <div class="line">Or, when the weight of proof is told,</div> <div class="line i1"> Rang out the truth in purer chime?</div> <div class="line">Gave they more freely of life's stream</div> <div class="line">Than we would do? than we dare dream?</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">They did not flinch when in the wage</div> <div class="line i1"> Of war stern duty's standard waved,</div> <div class="line">But heart and hand did both engage,</div> <div class="line i1"> And on each soul was deep engraved</div> <div class="line">"Country and Home;" fit words to urge</div> <div class="line i1"> To action more heroic still,</div> <div class="line">As o'er that mighty ocean's surge</div> <div class="line i1"> Rang out the watchward of their will!</div> <div class="line">As onward pressed to liberty</div> <div class="line">The men through whom we now are free!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">In conflict rang their cry of might,</div> <div class="line i1"> "Ours is the cause that must be won;</div> <div class="line">God is the helper of the right!"</div> <div class="line i1"> So sped the word at Lexington,</div> <div class="line">While hurrying from peaceful plow</div> <div class="line i1"> To war's red-stainéd field they came.</div> <div class="line">Not theirs 'neath tyranny to bow;</div> <div class="line i1"> Not theirs a country's death and shame;</div> <div class="line">But to go on to greater height</div> <div class="line">With wings outspread for purer flight. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Hail heroes in our country's need!</div> <div class="line i1"> We bring ye wreathes of laurel leaves;</div> <div class="line">We gather of the scattered seed</div> <div class="line i1"> In full and ripened harvest sheaves.</div> <div class="line">Yours be it e'er to lift our minds</div> <div class="line i1"> To realms of higher deed and thought;</div> <div class="line">Be ours to loose what here but binds</div> <div class="line i1"> And holds us from the object sought.</div> <div class="line">Then may we hope, in time, to stand</div> <div class="line">As staunch and true as that brave band.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">To-day, as meet, we hold this page</div> <div class="line i1"> Of History before the world;</div> <div class="line">While overhead, undimmed by age</div> <div class="line i1"> Our country's flag is all unfurled!</div> <div class="line">O emblem of sweet Freedom's gift,</div> <div class="line i1"> Not vainly are thy stars displayed!</div> <div class="line">To thee our eyes with pride we lift;</div> <div class="line i1"> Thy Stars and Stripes our strength have made.</div> <div class="line">Hail! heroes of brave deeds well done;</div> <div class="line">Hail! day that gave us Lexington!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>O LAND OF OUR BIRTH</h3> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O Land of our Birth! whose bright colors are waving</div> <div class="line i1"> From mountain and valley; o'er sea and o'er land;</div> <div class="line">A pathway of light, Lo! its glory is paving,</div> <div class="line i1"> To wane not, nor darken, at despot's command!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We stand 'neath the Flag that embodies the union,</div> <div class="line i1"> While History passes in stirring review;</div> <div class="line">Our hearts, in remembrance, now hold proud communion</div> <div class="line i1"> With the record of deeds both gallant and true!</div> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</SPAN></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">O Land of our Birth! 'tis a glory undying</div> <div class="line i1"> That sheds its soft light over each scene outspread;</div> <div class="line">And Tyranny's hand, all in vain, is defying</div> <div class="line i1"> The Heaven-born Peace that to Freedom is wed!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">We feel the glad throb of the patriot's devotion,</div> <div class="line i1"> That e'er to the Stars and the Stripes must be due,</div> <div class="line">All else is engulfed in o'erwhelming emotion</div> <div class="line i1"> That finds its fulfillment the Red, White and Blue!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>OUR FLAG</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">Dedicated to the Children of America</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Fling to the breeze our noble Flag,</div> <div class="line i1"> And let it ride the gale!</div> <div class="line">In time of War 'twill never lag;</div> <div class="line i1"> Its stars and stripes ne'er pale!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Give it to Heaven's breeze, once more,</div> <div class="line i1"> And let it proudly float!</div> <div class="line">The emblem bear from shore to shore,</div> <div class="line i1"> To herald Freedom's note!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Look to it, Children! 'Tis a gift</div> <div class="line i1"> Most precious in its worth;</div> <div class="line">No slave his streaming eyes need lift</div> <div class="line i1"> To curse his wretched birth!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">No deed to bring the blush of shame</div> <div class="line i1"> Should flaunt beneath its folds;</div> <div class="line">But ever brighter grow the fame</div> <div class="line i1"> Of work its plan unfolds. <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Look to it, Children! Let it be</div> <div class="line i1"> As fair, to-day, as when</div> <div class="line">The founders of our liberty</div> <div class="line i1"> Stood forth, God's noblemen!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">When by the price of blood and tears</div> <div class="line i1"> They sealed that sacred deed,</div> <div class="line">And cast aside all doubts and fears,</div> <div class="line i1"> To meet a Country's need.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then let it float to Heaven's breeze,</div> <div class="line i1"> Beneath the sapphire dome;</div> <div class="line">Far o'er the tops of waving trees;</div> <div class="line i1"> "For Country and for Home!"</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Fling to the breeze our noble Flag,</div> <div class="line i1"> And let it ride the gale!</div> <div class="line">In time of War 'twill never lag;</div> <div class="line i1"> Its stars and stripes ne'er pale!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">In time of Peace how fair to see&mdash;</div> <div class="line i1">Sent forth by patriot hand&mdash;</div> <div class="line">This symbol of sweet Liberty</div> <div class="line i1">Throughout our native land!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE NATIONAL FLOWER</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">The Golden Rod</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">It grows 'mid tangled underwood,</div> <div class="line">All brilliant in the fields,</div> <div class="line">And o'er our hearts a subtile spell</div> <div class="line">Its golden beauty wields.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Perchance some exile's foot hath pressed</div> <div class="line">The road with weary tread,</div> <div class="line">When lo! from out the wayside growth</div> <div class="line">It rears its bonny head.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Not with the first faint tints of Spring</div> <div class="line">Are its bright blossoms seen;</div> <div class="line">But, radiant in its garb, and decked</div> <div class="line">With Autumn's fruitful sheen.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then hail! bright floweret of our choice&mdash;</div> <div class="line">With multiform design;</div> <div class="line">Though many in thy blossom's wealth,</div> <div class="line">Still one on parent vine!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c30" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</SPAN></span></p> <h2>IN MEMORIAM</h2> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</SPAN></span></p> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</SPAN></span></p> <h3>ROLL MUFFLED DRUMS</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">Arlington, May 30, 1902.</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Roll, muffled drums, upon the air, and flags furl colors bright;</div> <div class="line">For this is hallowed ground we tread, and here we learn Death's might.</div> <div class="line">Our heroes, whose last rest is now within this silent spot,</div> <div class="line">In lowly tents their bivouac find, though not by us forgot.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Wail forth, oh music, in soft strains, and learn, oh soul of man,</div> <div class="line">As down the leafy aisles it throbs, how brief on earth the span</div> <div class="line">Of Life, and turn from its rude clash and all its weary pain,</div> <div class="line">To muse awhile on heroes gone and hear their praise again.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">As words of orator now fall upon the listening ear,</div> <div class="line">Life grows less close and Death is robbed of much of doubt and fear;</div> <div class="line">For, as the burning words go forth upon the balmy wind,</div> <div class="line">Men's thoughts are swayed by tones that sing the glory of mankind.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then, muffled drums, roll on, and flags your brilliant colors furl;</div> <div class="line">For here the Dead sleep on, and here no more may warfare hurl</div> <div class="line">Its blighting torch, its screaming shell, its horror and its dread.</div> <div class="line">Hark! on the summer wind is born a Requiem for the Dead!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE DEAD MUSICIAN</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">Julius Eichberg</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Hushed is the magic of his touch</div> <div class="line i1"> That waked the soul to joyous praise!</div> <div class="line">The vibrant strain we loved so much</div> <div class="line i1"> Still echoes on throughout the days;</div> <div class="line">Days that had sped in steady round</div> <div class="line">Thrilled by the songs his bow had bound.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Stilled is the music to our ears.</div> <div class="line i1"> In higher cycles, we believe,</div> <div class="line">Brighter than earthly crown appears</div> <div class="line i1"> His genius, and shall meed receive:</div> <div class="line">While in a rarer, fuller light,</div> <div class="line">His touch still wakens to delight.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Then is he not as one who dies</div> <div class="line i1"> And whose brief day is ended here;</div> <div class="line">For, in those worlds which Time defies,</div> <div class="line i1"> His melody grows still more clear;</div> <div class="line">Then is he not as one whose light</div> <div class="line">Is darkened by Death's envious night!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Thus while we wear within our thought</div> <div class="line i1"> The beauty of his god-like art</div> <div class="line">That here in eager longing sought</div> <div class="line i1"> To voice the music in his heart,</div> <div class="line">O bear in mind no truth divine</div> <div class="line">Of art is lost&mdash;it needs must shine <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</SPAN></span></div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Across the waste of shipwrecked lives</div> <div class="line i1"> As o'er the brightest path below;</div> <div class="line">Where'er its meaning steadfast strives</div> <div class="line i1"> To sing its measure's stately flow,</div> <div class="line">For Life is art&mdash;as art is Life&mdash;</div> <div class="line">And soars above unequal strife!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">He gave to man the measure free</div> <div class="line i1"> The gods had given to his soul;</div> <div class="line">And, touched to deeper ecstasy,</div> <div class="line i1"> Bound Music to his sweet control.</div> <div class="line">O Artist true! we deem thy death</div> <div class="line">But entrance into fuller breath.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">But fuller grasp of thy great work;</div> <div class="line i1"> But deeper draughts from wells divine,</div> <div class="line">Where disappointment ne'er may lurk,</div> <div class="line i1"> Where round thy head the glories shine</div> <div class="line">Which crowns endeavor firm and true,</div> <div class="line">And gives thee roses&mdash;never rue!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Here do we leave thee with thy brow</div> <div class="line i1"> Encircled with the roses sweet;</div> <div class="line">Victory's token, crowning now</div> <div class="line i1"> Thine art with all our praises meet;</div> <div class="line">Here do we leave thee, victor still,</div> <div class="line">For Art bends not to Death's stern will!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</SPAN></span></p> <h3>THE NATION WEEPS</h3> <p class="center smcap"><b>In Memoriam</b></p> <p class="center">(<i>Wm. McKinley, Sept. 14, 1901.</i>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The nation weeps, while through the stricken land</div> <div class="line">Stalks the grim specter raised by traitor hand;</div> <div class="line">And on the air there rises dire lament</div> <div class="line">For vigil, suffering and life now spent.</div> <div class="line">Lo! through the tumult comes that voice of trust</div> <div class="line">From soul of mortal triumphing o'er dust:</div> <div class="line">"God's will, not ours;" O hero strong</div> <div class="line">To rise above the thought of burning wrong</div> <div class="line">Dealt by a dastard's hand! O spirit bright</div> <div class="line">Seeing, while here, the heavy cross grow light,</div> <div class="line">"His will be done; His guiding hand my way!"</div> <div class="line">That heart, yet bound by racking pain, could say.</div> <div class="line">The nation weeps. Anger and grief uplift</div> <div class="line">On high their hands; O from this pain to sift</div> <div class="line">Some grain of comfort and some thought of rest!</div> <div class="line">Again those tender words, "God knoweth best."</div> <div class="line">As man, not free from earthly fault was he,</div> <div class="line">For mortal man may not perfection see;</div> <div class="line">But yet, as man, he bore full well his part</div> <div class="line">And freely spent his wealth of brain and heart.</div> <div class="line">E'en as we think of him the silent land</div> <div class="line">Draws near, and dimly by his bed there stand</div> <div class="line">Lincoln and Garfield, now henceforth to be</div> <div class="line">With him a martyr-trio grand and free.</div> <div class="line">The nation weeps; O hearts be comforted!</div> <div class="line">He needs no more your words, so feebly said;</div> <div class="line">He heeds no more your thoughts of praise or blame,</div> <div class="line">For he hath won for'er a higher fame.</div> <div class="line">Soldier of cross and battlefield, his death</div> <div class="line">Hath taught humanity that fleeting breath</div> <div class="line">Of mortal glory here is but a slender span, <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</SPAN></span></div> <div class="line">And brief, indeed, on earth the life of man!</div> <div class="line">Dear earth enfold him in your restful arms</div> <div class="line">And guard him well, though past are all alarms;</div> <div class="line">E'en though, while now at rest he calmly sleeps,</div> <div class="line">The nation weeps! The stricken nation weeps!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <h3>IN MEMORIAM</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">Charles Henshaw Dana.</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line"><i>The lilies clustered fair and tall;</i></div> <div class="line"><i>I stood outside the garden wall.</i></div> </div></div> </div> <p class="left40">&mdash;<i>Celia Thaxter.</i></p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Life's lilies grew along his way,</div> <div class="line">In beauty clad, from day to day;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">While music, with her lovely strains,</div> <div class="line">Led him a captive in her chains.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">And friends with generous hand and thought</div> <div class="line">Unto his fireside greetings brought.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"I would have given my life to be</div> <div class="line">The rose she touched so tenderly."</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">So sang the poet, and the tone</div> <div class="line">Awoke for him sweet strains alone.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Ah! earthly love, how vain thou art</div> <div class="line">To still the longings of the heart!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">The Angel Azrael touched his hand,</div> <div class="line">And life on earth yields the demand;</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">No more he stands "outside the gate,"</div> <div class="line">No more hath need to watch or wait!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</SPAN></span></p> <h3>IN MEMORIAM</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">M. J. E., Obitt, June 19, 1874.</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Who shall separate that spirit from the blessed love of Christ?</div> <div class="line">He hath called her to Himself for whom the world hath not sufficed.</div> <div class="line">Pure her spirit upward winging now its swift, untrameled way,</div> <div class="line">Far beyond our aching vision, enters that serener day.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Patient, pure, she took the burden of this life unto His feet,</div> <div class="line">Who hath called His loved and bid them come unto His presence sweet;</div> <div class="line">All she leaveth, gladly answering her beloved Master's call,</div> <div class="line">And for her the shadowy valley had no terror to appal.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">Passed unto a life all glorious now a ransomed soul she bides,&mdash;</div> <div class="line">Ended all the weary watching,&mdash;crossed for aye life's troubled tides;</div> <div class="line">So we leave her now possessing, to the full, Christ's own sweet love,</div> <div class="line">And one more of life's best treasures lives and waits for us above!</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</SPAN></span></p> <h3>CONSOLATION</h3> <p class="center">(<span class="smcap">Into Light. Dec. 4, 1903, 4:50 A. M.</span>)</p> <div class="poetry-container"> <div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"It is all right!" Yes, friend, it is all right,</div> <div class="line">Although about thee close the shades of night</div> <div class="line">To human eyes. To eyes that wake to light</div> <div class="line">It is all right&mdash;it is all right!</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"It is all right." E'en though we miss thee here.</div> <div class="line">For thee are past the clouds, and all the fear</div> <div class="line">Bred of this life which shall no more appear</div> <div class="line">To thee as good; because thy sky is clear.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"It is all right." Kind soul, so bright and true,</div> <div class="line">We miss thee now, we miss the happy view</div> <div class="line">Of all that through the days of life here grew.</div> <div class="line">The old hath passed&mdash;for thee hath dawned the new.</div> </div> <div class="stanza"> <div class="line">"It is all right!" Thy words, as fell the night,</div> <div class="line">Before thine eyes had pierced the coming light,</div> <div class="line">Fall on our ears a benison all bright;</div> <div class="line">We can but say with thee "it is all right!"</div> </div></div> </div> <hr class="c15" /> <SPAN name="endofbook"></SPAN> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />