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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour §tre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. errata i to e pelure, ;on d n 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ■-..•;.->::;;.-TS»' TO MY FRIENDS. Friends dead and gone— friends far and near- Friends tried and true— friends ever dear— Though sundered far, yet all are here- Close to my heart; And all along life's rugged way, The smile of Friendship crowns the day, And hearts are young, tho' heads be grey; Friends never parti ^^ouid tzuhjy 3ofl14 3>Htic. SACRED SONGS, SONNETS, AND m MISCELLANEOUS POEMS BY JOHN IMEIE. WITH AN INTBODUCTION BT G. MEECER ADAM, Toronto. $1.00. TORONTO: IMRIE & GRAHAM, 28 Colboinb Street. 1886. . -. Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year by IMRIB & Gbaham, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa, CONTENTS, 111 CONTENTS. the year 188G, if Agriculture, PJLOB luthor's Preface *• *• •• •• VJi JTRODUCTION, BY G, MeRCER AdAM ix [acred Compositions ^ ,17 lONNBTS „_ fATRioTic Songs .. ., ,, ^^ g, |0NQ8 OF Love, Home, and Friendship ,, .. 91 iscellaneous Poems ,. ,, ^^ 245 ALPHABETICAL Index .. ., 207 1 ,. MUSIC A ND ILL US TRA TIONS. LIST OF MUSIC AND ILLUSTEA.TIONS. MUSIC. Page. ^DEEN ViCTOBIA's JuBlLBE 74 SouvENiB OP Love no Krss Through the Telephone 118 :he Youxo Musician Iqq ILLUSTKATIONS. Pabk. 'oRTBAiT OF THE AuTHOR Frontispiece JiRDs-ETE View of Toronto, Ont 55 ^lEw OF NiAGABA Falls, (American Side) . . . . 67 iuEENSTON Heights „„ ?HE Dying Scot Abroad ... o, • • • • • • . 0/ Kiss Through the Telephone 12i Tatube's Temple .. ,e., • • • • • • . • . . lol ilFE's PrOGBESS . . ,«„ * * • • • • • • • • XQd ?HE POWEB OF SOXG jgg Che Young Musician 2Q3 Ti M: wi to thi au nu as! coi fyi] ha'' to anc ove citj anc con ten lar^ my to circ PREFACE. yn AUTHOR'S PREFACE. The following •' Sacred Songs, Sonnets, and Miscellaneous Poems " are sent forth to the public with much diffidence on the part of the Author as to their literary merit. J would not have dared thus to intrude on the debatable ground of authorship, unless at the urgent solicitation of my numerous friends, who have from time t6 time asked me for copies of some of the following compositions. At their request, also, it is grati- fying to me to say, that most of the Poems have at various times appeared as contributions to the public press, more especially in Toronto, and have afterwards been copied in exchanges over Canada, and in some of the leading city papers and publications in the United States and the Mother-country. To these sources of communication with other lands and people, I tender my sincere thanks, as they have been largely instrumental in bringing my verses and my name before the public, and in stimulating me to proceed in a path — even under these auspicious circumstances— beset with much misgiving. Vlll PREFACE. The Illustrations which appear in this work havG been kindly supplied by friends in the print- ing profession ; and the Copyright Music by gentlemen whose names stand high in the scale of musical authorship. To these, individually, my sincere thanks are hereby tendered. My only object and aim in •* the cultivation of the Muse " was to spend my leisure hours — which were all too few — in intellectual recreation, thereby giving voice to pent-up feelings of devotion, love, patriotism, or pleasure, as the ''ebb and flow" of inward thought seemed to find expression. Should I thereby have '• made friends " of the public, the result will far exceed my most sanguine expectations : — The friendship of the good and true Is more to me than gold, And while I welcome one that's new I'll treasure well the old ; Old friends are like the goodly tree Whose leafy branches throw i A grateful shelter over me When adverse winds may blow 1 ToBONTO, Canada, Oct. 2l8t, 1836. INTRODUCTION. IX INTRODUCTION BY G. MERCEE ADAM. Among the diverse interests of this restless money-grubbing world, there is one which should hold a larger place than it does in the affec- tions of the masses, — namely, the honest, un- affected love of home and home pleasures. In these days we are all of us too much disposed to seek enjoyment abroad, and to figure more than is good for us in ihe eye of the public. The craving for excitement has made us im- patient with home ; and the fireside and domestic shrines have in large measure lost their attrac- tion. In their place have come the club and the society hall, the tavern and the divorce court. X INTRODUCTION. Living a fast life — the delirium which comes of it makes us impatient also with many of the simple joys which used to please a former generation. Our tastes, in these latter days, have undergone a radical change. We are fas- tidious and critical, and the things that once interested us and made for our peace, interest us and make for our peace no longer. In our | feverish, unhealthful condition, we seek a sea- soned diet ; and in our reading, as well as in our eating and drinkinor, there is a craving for stimulants. The result is a vitiated palate, and a mind relaxed, feeble, and jaded. We are no longer satisfied with the novel, with tjie song, or with the play, that used tc delight our forefathers. Nothing so simple and innocent would now content us. Even our religion has suffered a change. The stern mo- rality and unbending creeds of other days have become pliant and yielding, while compromise and emasculated beliefs have taken their place. The old doctrines familiar to the bye-gone pul- pit now offend us, though we are not particular if the preacher resorts to irreverence and slang. On the contrary, we rather encourage him in this propensity. With tastes and cravings so destructive to the INTRODUCTION. XI spiritual life, what wonder that simple joys and quiet domestic pleasures have in the social world lost much of their charm ? Yef " the common people," — as the phrase goes — the men and women who are doing the common work of this toiling world, stand more than ever in need of rest and quiet, and the kindly solacement of happy fireside intercourse. Innocent delights, restful pleasures, and the blissful contentment of a well-ordered, comfortable home, with such intellectual recreation as these Edens afford, must be the necessities, we should think, of those at least whose lot is a ceaseless round of toil. To such our author comes with his tune- ful lyre and sings us the gladsome lays of the home and the fireside. Benefactor is he not, to you and to mo, if he beguiles us from our distrac- tions and cares, and leads us to realize that after all the world's happiness lies in the quiet comforts and the refining influences of home ? Neither I nor the author claim place for these effusions among the productions of the divine songsters of earth. The world has become too refined — too finical, perhaps, — in its tastes to rate highly the lays cf the home, or to see aught of art :n the product of the domestic Muse. But as these poems are for the people. ita Xll INTRODUCTION. and not for the critics, and as they deal with subjects which may be read and understood of all men, — with no artificiality, no straining after effect, — their simple and natural poetic utter- ance will, I am convinced, commend them to the heart, and ensure their warm acceptance at the hands of the people. It would indeed be difficult for thoughts, how- ever expressed, on Love, Friendship, Home, and kindred topics, to fail of finding respoase in the human breast ; and the average reader who follows the bent of his own unperverted taste, and is as indifferent to the critics as the poets themselves, will find much to please him in the book. Of profit he should also find much, if his sympathies are as keen and broad as the author's, and his appreciation equal to his, of the warm-hearted Christian brotherhood, and un- affected moral purpose, which should find expres- sion in all our work. Not its least merit, it must be said, is the fact, that there is not a puzzling cr b? Hing line in the book. This should be counted for something, when there is so much in our modern verse, not ambitious of fame merely, but cold, meaningless and empty. The volume is chiefly noteworthy, however, not only for unassuming INTRODUCTION. XUl sincerity, on the part of the writer, but for its appeal to the universal and easily-awakened feel- ings of our common humanity. The unobtrusive piety and strain of religious sentiment which run, like threads of gold, through the book, will, we are sure, not the less endear the volume to the reverent reader, and to those whose hearts have felt the influences of the Divine. May it be its mission to keep alive the love of home, to minister to minds distraught with toil and care, and among its readers — we trust, of all ranks and conditions of men — to implant an eternal Sabbath in the heart. 184 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Oct. 18th, 1886. op GRED COMPOSITIONS. M^Mx$il ^timpBiilmB. A PRAYER. jOWhY and prostrate, <^^ Kneeling before Thee, Craving the spirit of prayer ; Wretched and lonely, See^jiig Thee only, Leave me not now in despair. Father of mercies, And God of all might, Hear Thou the sigh of my heart; Groping through darkness, Yet seeking the light, Pardon and peace now impart. Oh ! to be nothing. And Christ to be all. Oh ! to be ransomed by Thee ; Saved from destruction And pow'r of the fall. Through Jesus, who died for me. Humbly I ask Thee, Jesus, my Saviour, Bend Thou Thine ear to my cry ; For strength and for grace While running life's race — liead Thou me on till I die ! B I I 18 JMRIK'S POEMS. AN ANXIOUS SOUL COMFORTED. I^OOR erring sonl ! thou art not yet forsaken, ^:^ A Father's loving heart still beats for thee; Renounce the steps in sin which thou hast taken, And thou shalt have a pardon full and free. Let not the sins of former days deter Thy heart from seeking after t^tli and God ; Thou shalt not seek in vain, do not defer, Fly to the Cross, and Christ shall ease thy load. A Father's arms are opened to receive, A Saviour's blood was freely shed for thee ; Trust not thy erring self, in Him believe. Who bore thy sins upon the cursed tree. No more in darkness shalt thou doubting tread, A brighter Light shall guide thee on thy way ; No more in sin shalt thou be bhndly led. Nor in the paths of vice be found to stray. Thy soul shall then in glorious measure feel The Spirit's power, which changes itiind and will;] And thou shalt not be able to conceal The love which thy enraptur'd soul shall fill. Then shalt thou grow in gra^e from day. to day, And thus be fitted fpt thy hQpe, above ; Till God shall call thy ralis6m'd,"fe,oul away To swell the praises of HfS 'niktdhlesd love. SACRED. 19 SABBATH CHIMES. ON HEAMNO THE BELIiS OF ST. JAMES's CHURCH, TOIIONTO, ON A SUNDAY MORNING. ffljl INGLE, dingle, dong, ^^Hear the happy song, Come away, Sabbath day, Join the holy throng. Come both old and young, Come the weak or strong, Dingle doDg, Happy song. Cheering us along. Children young and fair, Seeking God ia prayer, Voices raise, In His praise, Feeling God is there; Plainly all may see, Happy hearts have we, God above. Full of love, Keep us near to Thee. 20 IMRIE'S POEMS, THE PEEACHER'S WARNING. 1 I' ?^EMEMBER, youth ! in thy early prime, ^^S The God of thy fathers in olden time : The Creator of heaven, and earth, and spheres, With whom one day is as a thousand years ; V/hile the years of man are as early grass, To-day in health, but to-morrow doth pass In natural course of decay away. To mingle again with its mother — Clay ! Ere the evil days come and years draw nigh, When pleasure and hope give way to a sigh ; And the eye whose lustre was clear and bright, Gives forth but a dim and uncertain light ; And the step, once firm and lithe in the dance. Be crippled, and weak, and slow to advance ; Oh I young man, beware, and remember now Thy Creator — God, and thy father's vow ! Let faith and prayer like daily incense rise To God above, beyond the starry skies ; Seek wisdom from on high as daily food, Let not thy \* "t hand mar thy right hand's good ; But grt)w in grace, and in the knowledge rare Which maketh rich, and Christ's atonement sha'e; Then shall thy path be as the rising sun^ And God at last shall say — Well done, well done} SACRKD. 21 JESUS' LOVE. ;M||)H, wondrous love ! oh, matchle3s grace I v. ^'^qj^^Si^^M them there. 20 IMlilE'S POEMS. ^^^ MY PORTION. |HE Lord is my portion, then what need I •^SS^ fear? Tliough foes gather round me, my Helper is near; Let troubles assail me, or dark storms arise, I'm safe on the " Strong Tower " that points to the skies. The Lord is my portion, the Lord is my Friend, My hope from beginning, my joy in the end ; No other His place in my heart can supply, Which wells with its fulness when Jesus is nigh. The Lord is my portion in life and in death, In lisping His name I shall spend my last breath, For His wonderful love in thinking of me, And dying to save me on Calvary's tree. The Lord is my portion, — earth's portion is vain, 'Tis burdened with sorrow, and sickness, and pain ; Oh ! gladly I'll leave it on hearing His call, Then prostrate before Him in gratitude fall. ii! SACRED. 27 hat need I Der is near: arise, t points to '^l^WJ^i: ^N^ HYMN OF PEAISE. f HOU God that rulest earth and Heaven, %C^ To Tliee be praise and glory given ; Let all on earth behold Thy power And goodness in each passing hour. How shall we praise Thy matchless love In Thy Son's mission from above ? Who came to raise a fallen race, And fit them for a nobler place. Oh, touch us all with holy fire. Our breasts with gratitude inspire ; That we may teach all those who stray. The narrow, sure, and only way. Oh, keep us in the narrow road. Until in Heaven we meet our God ; Then shall we endless praises sing, And Heaven with "hallelujahs" ring! ! f 28 IMRIE'S POEMS, THE HOUSE OF GOD. mENCE ! every thought of worldly care, ^' This is the House of God ; My soul, as for a feast prepare. Thy burdens here unload. The pealing organ sweetly rings Its cadence everywhere ; Fi'om pew to pew bright angel-wings Seeru floating through the air ! Ah ! God is here — how very near — We speak to Him in prayer ; His voice so dear dispels our fear, And soothes our every care. From out His Holy Word we read His promises secure ; *• Yea and Amen " they are indeed, And ever shall endure. « The man of God, with solemn voice, Expounds " the message " given ; And as he speaks our hearts rejoice As if approaching Heaven. He dwells upon the love of God, So boundless, pure, and free ; And of His Son, who bore the rod. And died upon the tree. SACRED. 20 The rich and poor, the young and old, Here like one family meet, — One heavenly shepherd and one fold, And one communion sweet. Dear day ! the best of all the seven, My heart with rapture swells ; 'Tis as the melody of Heaven, The sound of Sabbath bells ! Like doves unto their downy nest. Our souls fly out to thee : Sweet foretaste of that heavenly rest For souls from sin set free. i I !iil ;ii!i 30 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE CHKISTIAN'S ARMOUR. Ephesians vi., 10 — 18. ;H ! Christian brother ! would'st thou know S From whence thy strength should be, When wrestling with thy bitter foe, Who seeks to conquer thee ? With might from Gcd, the Lord, be strong, And in His strength prevail ; With heavenly armour battle wrong, . And thou shalt never fail. Thy loins be girt about with truth, The truth of God is sure ; 'Twill compass all the snaies of youth, And keep thee ever pure. Let righteousness thy breastplate be, To ward thee in the fight ; Love God and man — deep, strong, and free, By morning, noon, and night. Shod with the preparation Of holy Gospel peace, The footsteps of the godly man From strength to strength increase. • » • The shield of faith, above all, see That it be clear and bright ; From it the fiery darts shall flee, And vanish from thy sight. SACRED. SI Salvation's helmet guards thy head, And shields from hurt thy face ; Inscribed upon it may be read: '* A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE." Thy right hand grasps the two-edged sword, With firmness and with might ; The true-dividing of God's Word Is justice, truth, and right. Then polish up thy armour bright, With vigilance and care, And thou shalt conquer in the fight, By patience, faith, and prayer. Let prayer like incense ever rise To God from souls set free ; Until we gain the heavenly prize, And His own image see ! MMii I i 82 IMRIF/S POEMS. THE LORD'S PRAYER, (paraphrased). J. " Our Father^ wAich art in Heaven/* SLATHER of Lights and God of Love, ® Thrice Holy is Thy name ; Thou King of Kings, enthron'd above, Thou ever art the same. 8, " Hallowed be Thij name " Forever hallowed be Thy name By hosts in earth and Heaven ; In heathen lands make known Thy fame, And saving mercy given. 3. " Thy Kingdom come.** Thy kingdoms stretch from pole to pole, Throughout earth's utmost bound ; Till gathered in each blood-bought soul, That on the earth is found. ;^. *' Thif uill be done on earth as it is in Heaven.** Thy will be ours from morn till night. Obedient to Thy Word; Then shall our path be clear and bright. And sin shall be abhorr'd. 5 " Oive us this day our daily bread** That man shall nothing be denied. Who truly seeks Thy face ; Our earthly wants are all supplied With bounty, love, and grace. SACRED. flS 6. " And for (jive us our trexpassru.'" Our sins and failures we confess, On bended knee entreat ; Thus, trusting to Thy tenderness, We'll worship at Thy feet. T. " As ire forgive them that trespass against us/* And may Thy love our hearts incline, To mercy *bend our ear ; To pardon others who combine To cause us hurt or fear. 8. " And lend us not into lemptation^ hut deliver its from evil " From Satan's tempting snares of sin, Thy right hand shall deliver ; Our God shall keep us pure within. Though Hell's foundations quiver. .9. ' For Thine is the Kingdom., the power, and the ylori/, for ever." Thine are the kingdoms of the earth, And thine the glory ever ; This world did own Thee at her birth, Thou everlasting Giver. W. ''Amen!** Amen ! Amen ! so let it be, God's counsel faileth never ; Tlie Truth of God is pure and free, And shall prevail for ever ! c in m I I i!i liii Hi »4 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE LONGING SOUL. |(^H ! blessed Jesus, cast on me f" /^l i.lll"' 4* Ititti I CHEISTIAN, AWAKE ! fl^HEISTIAN, awake ! thy life is not a dream, ^►^ffYou cannot glide for ever with the stream ; 'Tis like the ocean in her changing moods Of great uproar, or calm, deep solitudes ; Her varying tides a ceaseless motion keep, And danger ever liaunts the mighty deep ; Yet o'er her bosom in majestic pride The noble vessel doth in safety ride, Defying all the stormy winds that blow, — Making a highway of a raging foe, Till the bright haven doth appear in view, Which speaks of rest to all the weary crew ; Where, sails all furl'd, anchor firm and fast, They rest the sweeter for the dangers past ! SONNETS. 48 ♦-^ */5' ^. THE NAME OF JESUS. '!^,WEET name I what cacleiicein the very sound ! "^"^What heav'nly music m the utl'rance found, When whisper 'd in the ear of dying saint, Tho' spent with pain, and pulse and heart beat faint , Yet, at the name of ** Jesus " doth his eyes Seek ours in love, and peace, and glad surprise, And then forever close in sweet content To open them in Heav'n — a life well spent ! Oh, Jesus ! Thine the ever-potent power To charm, to heal, to bless, in trial's hour ; Let all the world Thy name with rev'rence hear. And trust Thy pow'r to save ; with holy fear Approach the footstool of Thy matchless grace, And find in Thee their soul's dear resting-place ! 6 1 44 UIRIE'S POEMS. »"«' ^;^ THE SABBATH-DAY. |WEET day of rest ! most precious of the seven, ^**^Go(l's gracious gift to man, in mere} giv'n That he may cease from toil and worldly care, And for that brighter rest his soul prepare. Blest harbinger of that eternal day. Whose beams shall never fade or pass away. Oh, may we ever Vv-atch with jealous eye. And careful guard the hours that swiftly fly, That nought but heav'nly themes our thoughts engage, Anil with temptation hourly warfare wage ; Oft by " the footsteps of the flock " be found, Within the house of God, on praying ground, . And there our grateful hearts shall homage pay, To Him wdio rose triumphant on that day. SONNKTS. 45 ■^lliii'if"' •^ ■Ilk '"'Hi ■ THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY. ^^LMIGHTY God ! in all Tliy works display'd, '^^For man in Thine own image Thou hast made ; How should we, then, Thine every law respect, And mourn in dust and ashes if neglect Of ours should once but mar that Image bright, And, grieving Thee, turn sunshine into night. Let not our hearts from Thee be turn'd aside, But let Thy Holy Spirit with us 'bide ; Then shall our life be like the flowers in June, Displaying sweetness, and our hearts in tune To the pure melodies of heav'nly song, Wliich to the ransom'd hosts of Heav'n belong ; Thus here below let glorious anthems rise To mingle with the songs of Paradise. ■c "iNiK '"""Hi,, "V- :"%,, Hi 46 IMllIE'S POEMS. ^■mk. 1^^, THE PEACE OF GOD. •^SS'^ ^HEEE is a peace the world can not bestow '•^Nor take away ; and they in joy do go Who but possess it, for its charm is sure, And doth through all the ills of life endure ; It makes the soul rejoice, the weak feel strong. The troubled soul burst forth in joyous song, Which may be heard above the din of strife, — An antidote for all the cares of life ! Oh ! peace of God ! may I thy pow'r enjoy, Then in thy praise my life shall find employ ; Thou shalt me 'fend from every evil way, Make all my darkness turn to brightest day, Till, safe within the everlasting arms. My soul shall rest secure from all alarms ! SONNETS. 47 CT"^ M CONSCIENCE. |ONSCIENCE is the true monitor of Gcd *^^®For our approval, or a very rod Of direst chastisement for evil deeds, Or wicked thoughts that grow like noxious weeds Within the garden of the human heart, To mar the buds and flowers which would impart A fragrant solace to the weary soul Of God-made man, thus strengthen and control His better nature in Temptation's day, And drive the hateful thoughts of sin away, To hide themselves for very shame of sin, And, hence renewed, the better life begin : Thus, Conscience, listen'd to, will safely guide Where perfect peace and happiness abide ! L t Wi 48 IMRIICS POEMS. SEEKING AFTER KNOWLEDGE. ^!^ISDOM is the true currency of Heaven, '•^'•^^ From fools withheld, but to the prudent giv'n ; In her pursuit let us in earnest be. If we would prosper, therefore, let us see That all our energies be so combin'd As best to cultivate the heart and mind. This occupation is the best that can Engage the youth, or occupy the man In leisure hours, which, be they rightly spent, Are of great moment, and by Heaven lent To sweeten toil, and relaxation give To dull and cank'ring cares, which, while we live, Must be our lot; our time, then, let us spend As best becomes us, knowing not our end ! i> III I .^*^=>?C=2U THE DRUNKARD'S FATE. OR the drunkard there's no such place as "home," hough over the face of the earth he roam, Till Death shall unfetter the drink-bound slave, And he findeth ** rest " in the silent grave; His untimely death — ♦* the wages of sin," — Satan's reward for the worship of Gin ! He gave up his wife and his children dear For the drink which he thought hid heart could cheer ; But the more he drank the lower he sank, From the highest grade to the lowest rank, Till for shame, his name a bye-word became. And he lost for ever his once fair name : — For the pleasure of drink, which he loved so well, He barter'd his soul to the lowest hell ! iL ^°'. « eS OB M g _ 43 O c8 ^ ^ 2 >> o ;a H H t- «fl H << (1« CO > 0) (0 o IT t 2 • -M o u Tl -a O a « O ■w o O u is *-■ o <0 ^ 3 ® S CE © a S . o o ■^ J W « B !M> I m Swii The Or, Len Tore The Whe . The Eac] And Tore : Thy SONNETS. 67 TORONTO BAY. |H, lovely scene of ever-changing hue ! ''■^Dark ocean-green, or sky-bright azure-blue ; Swift o'er thy heaving bosom gaily float, The trim-built yacht, gay skiff, or pleasure-boat ; Or, here and there, a light birch-bark canoe • Lends a romance to the enchanting view. Toronto Island, in the distance, seems The happy fairy-land of boyhood's dreams. Where naught but Pleasure dwells, and music fills The balmy aii with melody that thrills Each bounding heart with ecstasy and joy, And happiness the fleeting hours employ ! Toronto Bay, by morning, noon, or night, Thy waters charm me with some new delight 1 ill s o o<>o y^ PATRIOTIC. ® cxo m 1 ■I PATRIOTIC. 01 FAIK CANADA. ^a|ir^'AND with the inland seas, €^Swept by the mighty breeze, Fair Canada; Here many nations dwell, Loving their freedom well. Reaping where forests fell. Fair Canada ! Land of the prairies wide. Stretching like ocean's tide, Fair Canada ; Land of green hill and dale, Mountain and pleasant' vale, Here worth shall never fail, Fair Canada! Fair as an opening flower, Planted in Heaven's bower, Fair Canada; Eeaching from sea to sea. Great will thy future be. Land of the brave and free, Fair Canada ! 62 IMIUE'S POEMS. Come, then, from many lands, Brave hearts and willing hands, To Canada; Come where rich virgin soil Waits to reward your toil, 8hare in the harvest spoil Of Canada!- • This " Canadian National Song." may be sung to the air of "The National Anthem," the Ist verse of which would be very appropriate as "a linale " to the above compositiun. f PATRIOTIC. 08 CANADIAN SONG OF FREEDOM JKEEDOM'S glad song we sing: ^^sFree as a bird on wing, Free as the sweet pure air, Free as the sunlight fair. Shout Freedom's holy song : *' We nothing fear but wrong ; For Freedom, God, and Right, We'll nobly stand and fight !" While life and strength remain We will our rights maintain ; Our hardy sons of toil Shall guard Canadian soil. We shed no craven tear. No tyrant's threat we fear; Before no foe we fly, We dare be free — or dieI To death we only bend, — Our fee, and yet our friend^ The watchword of tlie free Is : — '* Death or Libkrtv 1 " 04 IMRll'VS POEMS. WELCOME HOME, BRAVE VOLUxNTEERS ! Sonf^ of Welcome, sung by the School Children at the City Hall, Toronto, in honour of the Volunteers' return from the North-West Rebellion, 1885. ELCOME home, brave Volunteers I t&i^i^S) Welcome, welcome home I Gone are all our anxious fears, Answer'd now our pray'rs and tears, Welcome home 'midst ringing cheers, Welcome, welcome home ! Welcome to our loving arms, Welcome to your rest ; Welcome home from war's alarms. Safe from death and all that, harms, Victory hath crown 'd your arms, Welcome to your rest. Canada is proud of you — Soldiers brave and true 1 Ye have dar'd to win or die, Ye have made the rebels fly. Let your standards wave on high, Soldiers brave^ and true I PATRIOTIC. 05 Welcome home, though wounded sore, Batthiig for the right ; Dreadful marches now are o'er, Safe from deadly bullets' pour, Silent now the cannons' roar. Heroes from the fight 1 Welcoriie home, but some we miss, Brave hearts, where are they ? Gone where noble spirits are. Gone beyond the reach of war, Sleeping peacefully afar, 'Neath the sod and clay. Welcome home, our soldiers dear Welcome, welcome home ! Eebel threats no more we hear. War's alarms no more we fear, Now we smile arid dry the tear. As we welcome home I 66 JMRIIVS POEMS. i' 3, Niaga My soul NIAGARA FALLS. ra ! as at thy brink I stand, is filled with wonder and delight, To trace in thee that wonder-working Hand, Whose hollow holds the seas in balance light ! Worthy art thou to be a nation's pride, — A patriot's boast — a world's unceasing wonder ; Like some bold monarch calling to thy side Subjects from every clime in tones of thunder I Deep on my soul thy grandeur is impress'd, Thy awful majesty — thy mighty power ; Thy ceaseless tumult and thy great unrest. Like nations warring in dread conflict's hour ! Rainbows of glory sparkle round thy shrine. Cresting thy waters with effulgence bright ; And in thy foaming currents intertwine Rare corruscations of commingl'd light 1 Like roar of battle, or like thunder's call, Thy deep- toned echoes roll with solemn sound ; Like pillar'd clouds thy vapours rise, and fall Like sparkling pearls upon the thirsty ground ! ^*-? - -"r-; J^ij'u*: '^' '^^--v- • • .,^-T^*^-^- '^MS°^ •• ' "fr^S-' \Z ■c^ PATRIOTIC. 69 Rush on ! rush on ! in thy uncheck'd career, With avalanchic power thy course pursue ; While rending rocks quake as with mortal fear, And stand in awe to let thy torrents through ! Naught but the hand of God could stay thy course, Or drive thee back to Erie's peaceful keep ; Then onward press with thy gigantic force, Till in Ontario's bosom luU'd to sleep ! Emblem of Freedom ! who would dare essay To bar thy noisy progress to the sea ? Then onward press ! while bord'ring nations pray For strength and wisdom to be great and free ! p-i|i 70 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE DOMINION OF CANADA. AN HISTORICAL SKETCH. i™NLY a few acres of snow ! " Our country first was styl'd, By French explorers long ago, In winter bleak and wild. An hundred years roll'd on apace, Again they sought our shore, As summer beam'd with smiling face. Inviting to explore. The noble Champlain and his band On Quebec's height did raise The flag of France, with eager hand, 'Mid thankful prayer and praise. They fought and toil'd for many years, And till'd the virgin soil. Till happy homes dispell'd their fears, And fortune sweeten'd toil. Grim War again chang'd peaceful scenes To carnage and dismay ; But British prowess intervenes, And finally holds sway. PATRIOTIC. 71 Then haiid-in-hand, a peaceful band, The Briton and the Gaul Agree'd to sub-divide the land, Together stand or fall ! May peace and honour ever keep Tlie brothers thus entwined ; With patriotism — pure and deep — Fidelity enshrined ! At last, like fair unfolding flow'r, The New Dominion stands, — Upper and Lower Canada Embrace with loving hands I Thus July first of every year, Our great Dominion Day, Her loyal sons hold ever dear, In honour and display ! Tlie fairest flower on this fair eartb, The freest of the free ; Whose sons are proud to own their birth » And claim their homes in thee I ii K 72 IMRIE'S POEMS. CANADA'S DEFENDERS. Written on the occasion of the return of our brave Volunteers from the North-West Expedition, 1885. §OME again our Volunteers, Home again 'mid ringing cheers, Vanishing our anxious fears, Canada's defenders ; From the scenes of strife and war, From the rifle-pits afar, True as steel or Polar star, Canada's defenders. Back to home and kindred dear. Back to lov'd ones waitmg here, Back from death and every fear, Welcome, brave defenders ; Ye did make a noble stand. Under Middleton's command, For the honour of our land, Welcome, brave defenders. Welcome back to peace and joy. Welcome back to your employ, Eebel threats no more annoy, Canada's defenders ; Stretching wide from sea to sea, Canada may boast of thee. Soldiers daring, brave, and free, Canada's defenders. \\% PATRIOTIC. 78 Let us join the merry throng, Welcoming with shout and song, Singing praises loud and long, To our brave defenders ; Ye have made tlie rebel Kiel, Cower 'neath your charge of steel. Own your pluck, and then appeal To our brave defenders I 74 IMRIE'S POEMS. QUEEN VICTORIA'S JUBILEE.- Copyrighted. -'i— t^rv — I 1 -: — ' — i — Music by Prof. J. F. Johnstone ^^ t Jtii — :'t:fzt:^ Our no - bleQueeu, all bail! On this thy Ju • bi - len; |i=^^=iL--qq:4zi=fr:p $m d- V^=t ■^- :^: -^^ True hearts shall never fail To love and hon - our thee. lii^^iii ■■■x -#_•. letrc *r-jii Vic - to - ri - a, to thee, From loy - al hearts and free, At tblB glad time, from ev'-ry clime, Come ehouts of Ju-bi - lee. I ^■ V- :t: n-^9 -a— : Vic - to - ri • a, to thee, From loy • al hearts and free, ^'■ At this glad time, from ev' - ry clime. Come shouts of Ju-bi-lee. *Iiines in honour of the 49th anniversary of Her Majesty's acces- sion to the Throne of England, June 20th, 1837: thus 1880—87 may be termed " Queen Victoria's Jubilee," and all loyal subjects vrill rejoice with her on whose Dominions, it is said, " The sun never sets!" PATRIOTIC. 76 QUEEN VICTORIA'S JUBILEE! )UR noble Queen, all hail ! On this thy Jubilee ; True hearts shall never fail To love and honour thee. Chorus. — Victoria, to thee ! From loyal hearts and free, At this glad time. From every clime, Come shouts of Jubilee ! From every land on earth Thy sons send greetings full. And proudly own their birth Beneath thy sovereign rule. — Chorus. In many scenes of life Our hearts round thee entwine ; As mother. Queen, or wife, Thy virtues nobly shine. — Chorus. Let rebels point with scorn. Or cowards quake with fear. Thy true sons — British-born, In memory hold thee dear. — Chorus. God spare thee many years, In trouble send relief; At last a nation's tears Shall wet thy grave in grief! — Chorus. I 76 IMRIE'S POEMS. QUEENSTON HEIGHTS. A VERHAL PICTURE. [j™H ! tliat I had the artist's power to touch The speaking canvas with a master-hand, I'd paint a scene I truly love as much As any landscape in this fair new land ! That picture would be Queenston's lovely height, 'Neath which Niagara's rushing waters gleam, Like molten glory in the sunset bright, Or fancy's vision in a pleasant dream ! Here two great nations meet as if to kiss. Divided only by a silver line ; Peace, welfare, harmony, and mutual bliss Link fruitful branches of a parent vine ! The setting sun would tint Niagara Town With gilded glory as he sinks to rest ; A noble steamer bearing swiftly down Toward Ontario's heaving, billowy breast ! The stately monument of Brock would stand In bold relief against the azure sky, — The valiant leader of a noble band Who for their country's honour dar'd to die ! A picture thus I'd paint in Nature's praise, And worship at the threshold of her door ; Before the scene I stand in rapt amaze — In silence dumb — yet love it all the more ! QUEENSTON HEIGHTS, Here two great nations meet as if to kiss. Divided only by a silver line; Peace, welfare, harmony, and mutual bliss Link fruitful branches of a parent vine ! Page 76. Tl] Th Th Va Wl To Til Lai All PATRIOTIC. 79 ODE TO LAKE ONTARIO. [HOU inland sister-seo, Ontario ! To glide upon thy bosom is sublime ; There note thy peaceful, steady, onward flow. Ceaseless and constant as the course of time I Thy waters seem the same, — yet ever new — Fed by a thousand streams on either side ; The same clear sky, the same thy depths of blue, Free as the nations bord'ring on thy tide ! Vast upper-lakes feed thee with lib'ral hand, From higher lands as new as thine hath been ; Where still the Indian and his wigwam stand. He half amaz'd with what his eyes hath seen I To thy embrace — like gallant lover bold — ■ Niagara rushes in his mad career. Till tir'd and spent, past whirling eddies cold, He calmly sinks to rest when thou art near I Last of the inland seas ! — yet nearest home — Thy waters soon shall swell the mighty deep. And mingle with the ocean's briny foam, There shalt thou rest — and there for ever sleep I lift III SONS OF SCOTLAND. Respectfully dedicated to Robert Burns Camp, No. 1, Sons of Scotland, Toronto. ^J^ONS of Scotland ! land of freedom ! ^^ Sons of noble sires, all bail ! Let your watchword aye be *• Freedom I" You shall evermoro prevail ! Let the wrong be deeply hated, Let the right be prized like love. Martyr-courage unabated, Trusting in your God above ! Sons of Scotland ! bards historic Sang your deeds of noble fame, Let not tyranny plethoric Tarnish vour unsullied name ; History gives us what we cherish. Ours to still maintain the right. May that history never perish, Though we perisli in the fight ! Like the waters from our fountains, Giving strength to flesh and bone ; Like the thistle on our mountains. Harmless, if but let alone ! Ours to shield the needy stranger, Ours to put the erring right ; Ours to otand in time of d \nger. And, if need be, ours to fight ! PATRIOTIC . 8! Dear old Scotia ! land of flowers, Land of mountain, hill, and vale ; Land of sunshine, shade, and showers, Land of river, loch, and dale ; Land of ever-changing beauty, Land of liberty and love ; — Scotchmen ! tread the path of duty. Till you reach the land above ! 82 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE THISTLE. ** ^p^^W, why do Scotchmen use the Thistle f^^ As emblem of their country dear ; A useless plant, with many a bristle, One scarce can touch without a fear ! *' There must be some good cause, I gather, Why such a flow'r should be their pride ;" I ask'd the question of my father, But he my ignorance did chide 1 (( My boy, let history truly tell. Of by-gone years of war and strife, When noble sires fought long and well, And for their country gave their life ! '• O'er flood and field, o'er brake and fen. The tierce invader sought our land ; Out-number 'd were our gallant men, But, ah ! they made a noble stand I PATRIOTIC. 88 "One morn, before the break of day, Our foes crept near our slumb'ring camp ; They might by stealth have won the day. Did not one on a Thistle stamp ! " A cry of pam our sentries heard, A quick alarm then was given, At once each gleaming sword was bar'd, And backward Scotland's foes were driven ! " Since then the Thistle is our pride, ^Oae, touch me if ye daur,' it says ; And Scotchmen true, where'er they 'bide, Kevere the Thistle all their days ! " 84 IMRIE'S POEMS. TO GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. |EAR Glasca ! aft I think o' thee, An' happy days lang syne. Though distant, thcu art dear tae me, By memory's sacred shrine ; Aft hae I climb'd Balmano's steep, An' ran doon Portlan' brae. An' gather'd "gushes" in a heap, Wi' mony a gled "hurra!" In summer time, whan schule was out, An' we had got " the play ! " - I've wannert mony a mile about The hale lang simmer's day ; A favourite place was Glasca Green, By bonnie banks o' Clyde, Where Nelson's monument is seen, — Our hero an' our pride 1 An' aft we went by Broomielaw, Tae Renfrew's cosy toon. There mony a noisy luckless craw We nianag'd tae shoot doon ! Then ower the Clyde, tae Kelvinsido, We took oor hameward way, Weel pleased tae ride tae whaur we'd bide, Sae tir'd were we that day ! PATRIOTIC. m Oh! ( Glasca, dear ! I've drapt a tear 0' happiness an' joy, At a' thy memories sae dear Whan I was bit a boy ! Three thoosan' miles are stretch'd atwi een, My new hame an' my auld, Yet ii . my heart sweet memories green, S'all bide till I'm deed cauld ! ill 86 PATEIOTIC. THE DYING SCOT ABROAD. " ^i H, me ! ah, me ! ^j^Aii' mami I dee, Sae far frae kith an' km ? How prood I'd be. If spar'd tae see The Ian' ma heart bides in ! "I've wannert far, In peace an' war, An' fought for Scotlan's Queen, Yet here I dee, Sae far frae Uiee, — Saut tears fill up my e'en. ' -# ••Dear freens an' kind. Please bear in mhid, • An* send this message hame : ' My mither dear Wad like tae hear — I trust in Jesus name." 'Mid friends' sad sighs • He clos'd his eyes, And pass'd from earth to Heav'n ; Yet, e'en in death, With latest breath. -■ His thoughts to ••home" were giv'n. THE DYING SCOT ABROAD. Page 86. "Ah, me! ah, me! An' raaun I dee, Sae far frae kith an' kin ; How prood I'd be, If spared tae see, The Ian' my heart bides in.' &J.^'|lt^■S^llllfi■i\<:'|»^'MSi{ilmtilii^.yl■i^&%\l^^^ i' . ■ *r L( s. 0(0 ■y^ LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP W ® c^ Jow, gnmf mA gxlmhU]^. WHERE DOTH BEAUTY DWELL? fl^OOK for the first faint streaks of moril ^rfO§ That gilds the eastern sky, Another day in beauty born, As mounts the sun on high } Tinting the tops of highest towers With crimson and with gold, Melting the dew-drops from the flowers Tliat peepingly unfold : There doth " the beautiful '* abide In calm security; The rosy moin— deck'd like a bride— Of virgin purity I «f- . r Look for the eyes that beam with love, And sparkle with delight, > ' To meet thy gaze— like stars above- Brightest in thy dark night; Dispelling every thought of sin From out thy heart's great deep ; Chasing the darkness from within* '' Or soothe thy fears to sleep : There doth " the beautiful " abide In full maturity; ■ r : And there may thy fond heart reside Through all futurity I I.V\AGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 !.l WIIIIIM ill IP 2 li£ mil 2.0 ^M IIIM 1.8 1.6 V). ' \ \ ^9) V ^ '^>. O^ % A> u '%'■ S" ^ Q- W, I I 92 iMRIE'S POEMS. HEART QUESTIONINGS. ,HAT stirs an emotion s^JAs deep as the ocean, And strong as the hills that tower above ? *Tis the sound of a sigh^ As the zephyrs go by, ^ * That teUs in a breath the presence of Love ! What is seen in the glance, As true lovers advance, That kindles a flame which never can die ? 'Tis a spark from above, From the altar of Love, Dropg'd unerringly down from; on high I As the loving hands clasp. What is told in the grasp That quickens the pulse and glows on the cheek ? .'Tis "the story of old," In that loving enfold, . The language of Love that words cannot speak ! Whence the tones that can thrill. Without effort or will. And woo the heart's fond admiration? They are notes from the choir, With the golden lyre, Tuned by Love's sublime inspiration! LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 93 Oh! from whence comes the bliss 'Of love's first fervent kiss, That rapturous outflow of feeling ? 'Tis a faint echo given Of earth's foretaste of Heaven, By fond hearts their fulness revealing ! Whence the breathings of soul That defies our control, Those sweet communings of heart with heart ? 'Tis a gift from above, 'Tis the token of love. Once possesss'd, time or death cannot part I 94 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE STAR OF LOVE, afS Love a star? (s^Yes, 'tis a star Of heav'nly magnitude afar ; In darkest night The purest light, Ko baneful doubt should ever mar. It is a star — The Polar star — That guides the sailor on the sea» Where'er he roam, To love and home, Across the boundless ocean free. Storms may arise In life's pure skies. And gathering clouds bedim our day ; But Love's bright eye, Like star in sky, Will seek to guide us on our way! Love reigns supreme, An endless theme. Love rules the world with gentle hand ; As captives, we Desire to be Encircl'd with her golden band ! LOVE, HOME, AND FEIENDSHIP. €r-%\^ ;^"V 1%. •II*. Ik TEUE LOVE JLS a magic spell, ^ Which lovers kuow weU, In sunshine and shower the same ; Ever old, yet new, Both constant and true, And seeks neither self nor fame.. Unheard or confest, As seemeth it best, Its tale it may never mifold; Yet all know the pow'r Of Love's happy hour. Its memory never grows old! 'Tis a golden key, Be it sigh or plea, That opens the door of the heart; And treasures untold Doth ever unfold, Which riches could never impart. 05 00 IMItlE'S POEMS. i 1 Then cherish with care j A jewel so rare, And dim not its histre with scorn ; 'Twill lighten the gloom From cradle to tomb, And heal the heart bleeding and torn. Love never can die, Its home is on high, And God will yet claim what He gives ; And love He hath giv'n, To mak9 earth a heav'n, True love in the heart ever Uves ! • » r 1 ■ t .- . ■ ■ . . p. LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 97 THE HUMBER "FAIRY." «;EARD ye of the Humber " Fairy " ? ^S^Know ye that her name is Mary ? Queen of beauty — light, and airy, "Winsome, yet so shy ; In a cottage by the river. Where tlie green ferns nod and quiver, There my fancy turneth ever, For her smile I sigh ! When the sun is slowly setting. Then, my heart with fulness fretting. All but love of her forgetting, To my skiff I hie ; Off to "my Fairy-land" I glide. Each feather 'd oar on either side Like Cupid's wings, they skim the tide— O'er the waters fly ! O'er the Bay the moon is stealing. All her loveliness revealing, Then to each fond heart appealing,' Love looks eye to eye ! Glide we up the Humber river, Where the rushes sigh and quiver, Plight our love to each for ever,— Love that will not die ! i,ii 98 IMRIE'S POF.MS. A SOUVENIR OF LOVE. Teiider'y. (Copyrighted.) . — Si — : — ^-^ Music by E. Gledhil Dearest, sweete&t, fondest, best, Lean jrour head up-on my breast; -^: M^^mM Lov-ing arms shall thee entwine, Loving hands be plac'd in mine; ji_ i^ — , — j_|_^_p___^ — I 1 — ^-j^ — — 1-_2 — 1__^ — |.j Throbbing hearts with pleasure beat, Happy eyes in gladness meet; r-^-N|— r >-i^ Nv- -i-HV-N-^-iN ~i u^ MIC <^-0-^ A-r /Ts H i Peaceand joy now reign supreme, Love our all absorbing theme.... Pearest, sweetest, fondest, best. Lean your head up-on my breast; X.ov-ingtrmsthalltheeen-t^»ine,Lcving hands beplac'dio mine. A SOUVENIR OF LOVE. [EABEST, sweetest, fondest, best, E^Lean your head upon my breast ; Loving arms shall thee entwine, Loving hands be placed in mine ; Throbbing hearts with pleasure beat, Ilappy eyes in gladness meet ; Peace and joy now reign supreme, Love our all-absorbing theme. Picture of a living love, True as angel-notes above ; Constant as the Polar star Shining in the heavens afar; Deep and boundless as the sea. Ever pure and ever free ; Warm and bright as Scuthern skies, Earthly Eden — Paradise ! Love like this doth ever sing, Echoes wake and echoes ring ; Love and pain ma}/ sometimes meet, Love can make the pain a swefct ; Grief and care shall flee away, Darkest night be turn'd to day. Winter snows to Summer showers, Autumn leaves to Spring's fresh flowers. Sordid pleasures have tlieir day, Truth and Love shall ne'er decay; Heaven and earth their blessings give, Love and Truth shall ever live. Then, let Love our bosoms thrill. Empty hearts may have their fill ; The poorest may be rich in love, Bless'd on earth and crown'd above 1 LOVf:, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 101 EYES THAT SPEAK. I'lVE me the eyes that speak of Love, And sparkle in their gladness, Like twinkling orbs of light above, Dispelhng care and sadness ; Which make this earth a Paradise, Though humble be our dwelling, And causing thoughts of love to rise From hearts with fulness welling. Give me the eyes whose tears of Grief Are shed for our condoling, Whose sympathy is sure relief To hearts that need consohng ; More precious than the jewel rare That glistens in its setting, Are eyes that speak the love they bear, All selfishness forgetting. Give me the eyes that speak of Peace And shed a halo o'er us, Whose beams can cause all strife to cease. And tune our hearts in chorus To sing in unison the strain Which God hath set before us : "Let peace on earth for ever reign," — Hark ! angels join the chorus 1 Give me the eyes of Faith to see, Behind the clouds of sorroW) My Father's hand still guiding me On to the bright to-morrow ; And onward still, through good and ill, His eye nhall safely guide me ; All dangers past, safe home at last, With Jesus close beside me I 1 ifaTJfc M*!- LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP, 108 WHAT CAN LOVE DO? fOVE can make the eyes sliine bright, ^i*#Love can brighten darkest night ; Love can make the lover gush, Love can make the maiden blush. Love can warm the coldest heart, Love can kindest words impart ; Love can happiness bestow, Love can never answer ** No. " Love can sing the gayest song, Love can make the \yeak feel strong; Love can lighten every cire, Love can sweetly trials bear. Love can sit enthrdn'd in state, Love can rule a nation great ; Love can noble laws impart. Love can win the people's heart. Love can educate the mind, Love can aye be true and kind ; Love can greatest pleasure give, Love can teach us how to live. I I :, ii 104 IMRWS FOEMS. Love can sweetest comfort bring, Love can take from Death the sting ; Love oan greatest burders bear, Love can all our sorrows share. If our lives are pure and free. Love must then our teacher be ; Daily learn the heavenly plan : — " Love to God and love to man." ^-^ Cl^ . LOVE'S PROGRESS. mE met, but not as strangers meet, fi)In busy mart, or crowded street, — No hurried glance could well suftice To meet the gaze of Love's surprise ; That look a "tale of old" reveal'd. Which would not, could not, be conceal'd, And well bespoke Love's sweet content, Though speechless on our way we went. Again we met — not like the past, — The spell of Love had now been cast ; Still, words refused to tell the tale Which redden'd cheeks that erst were pale, And fluttered hearts with new-bom joy. And gave our thoughts such sweet employ ; We smiled, and often met to smile. And thus did Love our hearts beguile. At last I spoke, in hope and fear, A few short words, deep, true, sincere ; Then love in transport met the gaze Of love return *d 'mid glad amaze ; Her stammering tons, and modest start, Answered the gladness in my heart ; I kissed joy's tear from off her face, And clasp 'd her in my warm embrace. G :l|:;,l, .,,:}... J I I! ii ^ '' M We loved, and love still dwells secure, And shall while life, and love endure ; Our love is sweet, and all is w».ll, For in each other's hearts we dwell ; Like streams which meet and onward glide, Till lost in ocean's boundless tide. We two have met no niore to part, For Love hath join'd us heart to heart ! LOVE, HOME, AND FEIENDSHIP. 107 LOVE-LINKS. ^HE LOOK of a loving eye Tells all it knows, Like blushing rose, And lives to be lov'd — or die ! The TOUCH of a gentle hand A tale doth tell Love knoweth well And only Love understand. The TONES of a loving voice, Like birds in Spring, Doth sweetly sing, And maketh the heart rejoice ! The JOY of a love-lit heart No tongue can tell : Its potent spell Neither time nor distance part I Sweet words that can never die ; "Wilt thou be mine?" **I WILL BE TmNE !" Is the maiden's faint reply. These links must not be broken, Oh ! no I no ! no ! But stronger grow. Love's changeless, deathless token! .^ ■i 1 B'. 108 IMIUE'S POEMS. HOME. ^HE sweetest word on earth is home, To loving hearts most dear ; Where'er our footsteps seek to roam, Home thoughts are ever near. The memories sweet of Hfe's spring-day Keep fresh and green for ever, Like fragrant flowers they scent the way Adown hfe's winding river. Our homes may be where mountains rise Like dark -green clouds to Heaven ; Or where the valley-lily lies Our humble lot be given ; Or on an island of the sea Oft by the tempest prest : No matter where our homes may be. To each that home is blest. The strongest love within man's breast Is love of life and home, Like fledglings hovering round their nest Our thoughts encircle home ; Our years may reach three-score and ten, And full of changes be, Yet scenes of home will haunt us then When life was pure and free. LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 109 Where love hath cast her golden spell And kindest deeds are done, Where loving hearts unite to dwell 'Tis heaven on earth begun ; Then cherish home with jealous care And let not strife prevail : Thus for our ** heavenly home " prepare, Secure within the vail. ,1 -4 t THE FLOWER OF THE FAMILY. [j^HE Angel of Deatli came hovering near, To kiss the fair clieek of a child ; He left a dark shadow of hope and fear, And a mother's heart throbbing wild. A fond father knelt, with a trembling heart, • By the couch where his treasure lay ; Though he tried to smile, yet the tears would start, While he vainly brush 'd them away. The silence of death was broken at last, By sobs of a mother's first grief, As the eyes of her boy to hers werv'^ cast. With appealing looks for relief ; The father's strong arms encircl'd the child, And sooth'd him at last to his rest, While he clos'd his eyes and lovingly smil'd, As he winged his way to the blest ! A prayer for submission and faith was sent To the God of all love and grace ; And a ray of light in the dark was lent From their heavenly Father's face. As He taught them to lift their hearts above The flower which to them was given ; While He wculd transplant, with infinite love, That flower in the garden of Heaven ! LOVJ^J, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. Ill ■'■kef ROMPING WITH THE CHILDREN. ;iMIC battle, ^i^KsDin and rattle, Romping with the children after tea ; How they giggle, Laugh and wriggle, Crowing as they triumph over me ! "Make him a horse," , That's "Pa," of course, They, the merry riders full of glee ; Though not much ground, Yet round and round, Till they drive the wind right out of me ! At last content. And I near spent, Loudly they call for "a song" from me! I laugh and grin, And then begin. Hugging a little one on each knee ! f i I 'M mf Some song they know, Sung soft and low, Soon makes them feel like sleep, do you see ? Then, one by one, To bed they run. With ''a good-night kiss" for Ma and me! God bless their rest. Our lov'd and best. May their lives be ever pure and free ; Their joys we share, And banish care. While we laugh and rcmp so merrily ! ip LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 113 "OUK JOHNNIE."- K^/»/A,E hae had a happy time, * Since hame cam Johnnie ; Wi* a face like angel sweet, Stealin' a' o'or kisses neat, Creepin' roun on hauns an' feet, Was o'or wee Johnnie ! Langest day maun hae its close, Alas ! puir Johnnie ; Death cam in sae grim an' cauld, Chill'd the lammie in the fauld, Ta'en the yomig and left the auld, Puir deed wee Johnnie. Ta'en awa' in life's spring-time, O'or ain dear Johnnie ; Mither's heart in anguish wild, Faither grudges sair his child. Yet tae God baith reconcil'd ; We'll gang tae Johnnie. * Lines written on seeing the above epitaph on a tomb- stone over a little grave in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, erected in affectionate remembrance of John McKinnon, born Oct. 7, 1874 ; died Jau. 31, 1881. i I ■'i Ainst the liclit o' a' o'or house, O'or ain wee Johnnie ; Nog the hcht is ta'en awa' Darkness seems tae cover a', Nane can comfort us ava Bit o'or wee Johnnie I 'Neath the souchan willow tree Lies o'or wee Johnnie ; Just heneath a hillock green, Whaur the daisies may be seen, Wi' the buttercups between, Sleeps o'or wee Johnnie. Aft we shed the bitter tear For o'or wee Johnnie ; Then look up wi' faith abuin, Whaur nae sorrow creepeth in, There, secure frae death an' sin, Bides o'or wee Johnnie ! -^^f^ TAPA'S PET." (^^r||OWN a crowded thoroughfare i^ Walk'd a Httle stranger, Light blue eyes and golden hair, Scarcely knew her danger ! Gaily dress'd, so clean and neat, Eibbons without measure ! Stockings white and slipper'd feet, Some one's darling treasure ! Heedless pass'd the crowd along, — Business hours are pressing, None in all that busy throng Stopp'd to make caressing 1 Now and then an anxious look O'er her face came stealing, Wise as any sage's book. Troubled heart revealing ! Looking for her mother's smile In that sea of faces ; None her fears could there beguile, Wearily she paces ! See ! the blue eyes fill with tears. And her bosom, heaving. Shows the crowd her anxious fears Need some kind relieving ! 116 IMRWS POEMS. Soon a kindly stranger came, And wip'd the cheeks so wet : — *' Tell me, Sissy, what's your name?" "My papa calls me 'Pet/'" Here the stranger dropt a sigh, — A sigh of sad regret ; Ons he claim'd above the sky, Ah! once he call'd her ''Pet!'' How he kiss'd that little child, Kiss'd all her tears away ; Till at last she sweetly smil'd. Just like a summer's day I Soon he found her father's home, Kept chatting all the way ; Never more from thence to roam Until her wedding day ! LEARNING '•THE TWINS" TO WALK. gWO little "Toddlekins" learning to walk, Mamma and sister supporting ; Trying to toddle, and learning to talk, 'Mid chatting, laughing, and sporting ! Mamma seems proud of lipr two little pe^s, Johnnie and Winnie she calls them ; Dolly consumes all the kisses she gets, — • No " Dolly " could thrive without them I One little — two little — three little steps ! Cautiously, carefully tended ; Mamma's strong arms most lovingly " keps " Both when •* the trial " is ended I Laughing, and crowing, and kissing all 'round, Everyone happy and cheerful ; A hug and a squeeze, a skip and a bound, A. din that's perfectly fearful ! Happy the heme with the children around. Despite all their din and rattle; No likelier spot on earth can be found To nerve us for life's stern battle I m I' 118 IMIUE'S POEMS. A KISS THROUGH THE TELEPHONE. Copyrighted ^2 Music by H. F. Sefton. V- -a-S- ■A-^ii -\' .-^—0 -^ The Tel - e - phone, in mer - ry tone, Bang -N fr- ^-: -N- 'Tiuk - el - ty - tink - el - ty • tinkl" A A— I A- -/- put my ear Close up to hear, And rr\ JtZiM H — ^■ — \ — \ -\ — K S 9~ v—_ what did I hear do you think? ^ S- -Nt— \ A — i JV' put my ear Close up to hear, And ij :j— jv— ^: what did -N- hear, do you think? LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 119 -'iihJh ^ I'liiii,. "Ill- -«iilii„.. ""'ii >s!l!S!, c •111., "I|||.|||n A KISS THROUGH THE TELEPHONE. |HE telephone, In merry tone, Rang ♦* Tinkelty-tinkelty-tink I" I put my ear Close up to hear, And what did I hear, do you think ? ** Papa, hello ! 'Tis me you know 1 " The voice of my own little Miss ; ** You went away From home to-day, But you never gave me — a kiss ! " It was a mistake, I was not awake. Before you went out of tiie house ; I think that a kiss "Will not be amiss If I give it — sly as a mouse ! ;r 120 IMRIE'S POEMS. " So here goes, Papa, And one from Mamma, And another when you can come home ; Just answer me this, Is it nice to kiss When you want through the dear telefome ? " ♦♦Hello?" I replied, With fatherly pride, " " I've got them as snug as can be ; .' I'll give them all back, With many a smack, As soon as I come home to tea I " LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP, 123 ♦ -dL J^^ il^« THE BABY'S POETRAIT. ^TEADY now, young "Chatterbox I 'Rosy cheeks and raven locks ; Mamma wants your portrait now, Smile again and smooth your brow 1 Touch your mouth with finger-tips, Pearly teeth and ruby lips ; Papa's pride and mamma's pet. High upon a cushion set ! >i Rolling eyes of azure blue, Watching, wondering, " what's-a-do 1 " While the artist smiles and grins. Ere he to his task begins. Steady now, young "Chatterbox!" Sly as any little fox ; — Tinkling bells — the signal given — " One, two, tliree, four, five, six, seven ! " For a minute silence reigns, Pleasure leaps in all our veins. Baby's picture 's now complete. Lifelike, true, and oh, so sweet 1 Every one is positive Never was such negative ; Beauty smiles at beauty's self, Each one hugs the little ell ! H 124 IMRIE'S POEMS. Soon a dainty frame is made, In the frame the portrait laid, Where it lay for many a day. As the years roU'd swift away ; Oft the mother look'd and smil'd At the picture of her child, Now a happy, blushing bride, Still her father's joy and pride ! But at last there came a day When the bride must pass away, Claim'd by lover of her own, Happy in that love alone ; And, 'mong presents rich and rare, One was prized — a portrait fair — Smiling as in days of yore. Now a " Chatterbox " no more ! LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 125 i^^^i-^* ^'COME, LET US LIVE FOR OUR CHILDREN."— Fmi^/. ATHERING wildflowers in the wood, ^ Joyous and free as the air; Happy days of early childhood, Touch'd not by sorrow or care. Break not the spell of their gladness, Let not the sorrow creep in ; Shield them from trouble and sadness, Soon will earth's worries begin. Listen to story and prattle, Join in their joy and their glee ; Scold not their din and their rattle, Make them to feel they are free. For other years will come apace, Brimfull of care and toil as ours ; When they will fill our vacant place. And bless the memory of these hours. M % i 126 IMBIE'S POEMS. "OUE BABY!" ^HUBBY face, ©Full of grace, Comic little glances ; Glad surprise, Eoguisli eyes, Making sweet advances ! Eosy feet, Small and neat, With dainty little toes ; Snug and warm. Safe from harm. Done up in fancy hose! Gaily drest, In her best, Just like a fairy queen ; Tiny hands, Satin bands. We're proud of her, I ween! LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 127 Kick and crow, Stretch and grow, Seems bigger every day ; Not a care Nestles there, But angel-smiles alway 1 God above, Full of love, Sent this little stranger ; Now we pray. Every day, Shield her from all danger ! ii 1 THE MOTHERLESS CHILD. H ! Papa, where is Ma to-day ? I've looked in every bed ! They tell me ' Ma has gone away,' Aunt says that * Ma is dead.' I thought that .she would soon be well, I kiss'd her yesterday ; Now where she is I cannot tell, I feel too sad to play." The father, stooping, kiss'd his child, And strok'd her golden hair ; He strove to hide the anguish wild That struggl'd with despair. The blue eyes scann'd him o'er and o'er, And seem'd to read him through : • Papa, will Mamma come no more. And has she left you too ? " Like arrow sharp from quivering bow, The question smote him sore And grief, like ocean's ebb and flow, Found vent in tears once more. He clasp'd his darling to his breast, Which seemed to ease his pain : '* God called your Ma ; His will is best ; We'll meet with her again ! " LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 129 He carried her with tender care To where the coffin lay, To view the mother, young and fair, Now lifeless as the clay. " Oh ! Mamma, dear ! I'm here I I'm here ! My Papa is here too 1 " And on the dead there dropt a tear From out those eyes of blue ! Kind friends looked in and view'd a scene Which ♦* touched their hearts," they said, Then tenderly they came between The living and the dead. Weep not for those whom God has ta'en To realms of endless light. Our loss is their eternal gain — God doeth all things right. Ill r 180 IMRIE'S POEMS. A GOLDEN WEDDING. ^IFTY years of wedded life, Half a century of bliss, Since we first were man and wife, What a consummation this 1 Through the sunshine and the shower, Bound by golden bands in one. Hand-in-hand in darkest hour, We the race of life have run. True to vows of early years. Faithful to each other's love, Yet with tenderness and tears, Eipening for the courts above. Years of joy, and love, and peace. Full of happiness and trust ; Learning, as the years increase, God is ever wise and just. Soon at last His voice will call One or other hence away; Still remaining one through all. Wedded through eternity ! LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 131 .iCSi i:U. TO MY FRIENDS. JRIENDS of my early days and years, ^Ye who dispell'd my infant fears, And o'er me spent your prayers and tears, Father, Mother; And let me pay a tribute meet To those who watch'd my infant feet, And shower'd on me their kisses sweet, Sister, Brother. .». Friends of my school-days or oi play, When all was joyous, bright, and gay, Companions dear of life's spring- day. Again we meet; As memory paints the scenes anew, In colours of the brightest hue. When life was good, and pure, and true, And friendship sweet. Friends of those years when hopes were high, And hearts beat true, and love was nigh. And echoes woke which ne'er shall die, But echoes give ; While fleeting years roll on apace. Within my heart there is a place That bears the likeness of each face. And thoughts that live ! 1 182 niRIE'S POEMS. Friends dead and gone — friends far and near- Friends tried and true — friends ever dear, Though sunder'd far, yet all are here. Close to my heart ; And all along life's rugged way The smile of friendship crowns the day, And hearts are young though heads be grey :- Friends never part ! A TRIBUTE TO MOTHER. ||^|H, mother, dear ! what memories sweet ^21^ Call back the scenes of early years, When thou didst tend our infant feet, And guaid our life with pray'rs and tears. Our little griefs, at school or play. We pour'd into thy willing ear ; But thou didst kiss the tears away, And quick dispell'd our every fear. And, when in wilful ways we trod, Alas ! for us, too willing feet, Thy love did bring us back to God, And led us to the mercy- seat. Thy look was love — thy smile was joy — Thy tears the eloquence of grief; Thy loving voice found sweet employ In whisp'ring to our heart's relief. Oh ! mother dear ! how much we owe To thee, for all thy loving care ; While memory lasts our thoughts shall go Back to the days of love and pray'r. Though on this earth no more we meet, And surging seas between us roll, We yet shall meet at Jesus' feet. Where love eternal fills the soul I 184 IMRIE'S POEMS. m «w^ ^ A WIFE'S LAST GOOD-BYE. )H, husband dear, though now we part, And I must cross the river, I fain would cheer thy lonely heart — We do not part for ever ! I go to brighter, holier ground, Where friendships are not hollow, Where peace and love are ever found, And thou wilt surely follow. Oh, brightly beams that happy land Of light, and love, and gladness, Where we shall stand, at God's right hand, Free from all care and sadness. Let faith foresee with hopeful eyes, That even now may borrow A cheering ray from brighter skies To dissipokte thy sorrow. Oh, husband dearest, fondest, best, To whom my love was given, In Jesus' love find sweetest rest, V/a'U wait for thee in Heaven ; Death cannot enter there, my love, Nor tears bedim the sight ; An endless love is ours above, With angels ever bright. LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 139 One child is safe with me in Heaven, The other left with you, May wisdom from above be given To make him kind and true ; And when at last we four shall meet, Beyond the surging river, We'll lay our crowns at Jesus' feet, And praise His love for ever I li 140 IMIilE'S POEMS. A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS. ^HE present you send, My dear loving friend — ■ A beautiful bouquet of flowers, — Is precious to me, As coming from thee, With perfiime of bright sunny bowers. It reminds me of home. Where once we did roam, ' Mid flow'rs in the garden at play ; As swift pass'd the hours In Flora's sweet bowers, And short seem'd the summer's long day. But life, like the flowers, Hath changeable hours, And sunshine and show'r intervene ; Yet love in the heart Can beauty impart, And help to make life ** evergreen. " Let friendship and truth Encompass our youth, From sorrow and trouble 'twill save ; In sweetest content Our lives shall be spent, And flow'rs strew our path to the grave ! LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 141 '"Ml,,, ^^ J\ TO A LITTLE FEIEND. AN ACROSTIC. Jesus was once a little child, Obedient, loving, lowly, mild ; His mother's pride. His father's joy, No evil did His heart employ. Alexander, may that spirit Which was in Him be found in you ; And His blessing duly merit, By being ever kind and true. Carefully guard the days of youth, On every hand temptation scorn ; Refresh thy mind with heav'nly truth — Many are thus to glory borne. In all thy ways acknowledge God, E'en when beneath His chast'ning rod. (I I Ml s > o<)0 ^y^ JVIISeELLA^IEOUS fOEMS, /^^^ ® O oOo OIO i' A] CI w w Ai St Ar j v M n '-■ ■ ' />'♦ A SUMMER'S DAY; OR, MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT, Introduction, PRING show'rs have wasli'd the winter snows away, And Nature smiles at the approach of May, Clad in the brightest green, and deck'd with flowers, Which speak of balmy winds and sunny hours ; When birds, and bees, and butterflies abound, And flowers in rich profusion deck the ground. Strewn here and there by Flora's wanton hand. And Hope sings merrily o'er all the land : Oh 1 then, 'tis surely summer I I.— MORNING. ||IS morning ! for the rising sun ?His daily journey hath begun ; Flooding the earth with glory bright, Chasing away the gloom of night ; Closing the eye of every star That twinkles in the heavens afar ; • ■ Paling the moon's soft, silvery light, Till it recedes from mortal sight ! All hail ! thou ruler of the day, Nature delights to own thy sway ; At thy approach the smallest flower On hill, or dale, or verdant bower, Lifts up its head, tliough wet with dew. And spreads its petals out to view, To cheer the heart, and glad the eyes, A dainty morning sacrifice I At Sol's glad light the feather'd throng Make woods resound with cheerful song. And, full of grateful, glad surprise, Fly out to meet thee in the skies ; The milkmaid sings a merry lay, As through the fields of fragrant hay She gaily trips to meet the cows. Whose welcome noise the echoes rouse. Sweet morning hours ! — first-fruit of day — None but the slothful spurn away Thy gifts of beauty, health, and light, And, slumb'ring, turn tliee into night 1 When glory gilds the eastt. a sky, And Nature lifts her voice on high, Why should not man, with grateful heart, Join in and take a noble part ? IL— NOON. [iHE sun hath reached meridian's height, »And robed the earth in glory bright ; Flora, arrayed in all her charms. Looks up and smiles ; with loving arms Seeks to invite his presence near, Like perfect love which hath no fear, And thinks no evil, though a sliow'r Should hide his face in noontide's hour! Bright noon ! when all around is life. And hum, and stir, and busy strife ; Nature, in all her various forms — Like angry waves in wintry storms — Strives life with life for daily bread,i For all must live and all be fed, Each eager 1,0 secure a prey Before noontide shall pass away ! The butterfly enjoys the hour. And sips sweet nectar from the flower; The humble bee doth homeward bring Her treasures sweet on laden wing ; The cheerful sparrow on the ground A dainty mid-day meal hath found, — All nature knows the time of day, Nor lets it idly pass away I 148 IMRIE'S POEMS. ' Tis noon I and from the village school A joyous host, released from rule, Eush out with hearts as light as air, Without a sorrow or a care, But to improve the fleeting hour Whether in sunshine or in shower. For noon's short hour flies fast away When given to joyous mirth and play 1 III.— NIGHT. M^HE evening shades are falling fast, ^^Long shadows on the ground are cast, The western sky is all aglow With fiery glory setung low ; The hill-tops glance with changing hue, A noble back-ground to the view. As mountain, river, lake, and plain, Are bathed in glory once again 1 Sweet evening hours I suggesting rest. To weary toilers thou art blest ; See yonder cottage at whose door The children look for '* Pa " once more, And by the welcome they impart Bid all the cares of day depart ; Domestic joys are life's sweet flowers. Full blooming in the evening hours ; MISCELLANEOUS, 149 As evening deepens into night, A host of stars shed purest hght ; Fair Luna comes upon the scene, With halo of bright, silv'ry sheen, To woo the lover out to' stroll The shady walks with love-lit soul. And pour into tlie maiden ear The soulful words she loves to hear I At last the midnight hour is past. The stillness of the grave is cast On all around with potent spell, — The day is past and all is well I For Israel's God doth ever keep His watchful eye o'er those who sleep ; Tired Nature rests, while God alone With heavenly love protects His own ! 150 IMRIE'S POEMS. NATUEE'S TEMPLE. ^^iJ^IS sweet to sit in pensive mood, %€S:K'Mid Nature's grand, stern solitude. Where warbling birds pour forth their lays, In happy, joyous songs of praise. Or watch some noble cat'ract bound From giddy height to lowly ground, Where echoes ring from peak to peak. And God in Nature seems to speak. With praise to God the woods resound, Surrounding hills repeat the sound, And in my heart an echo rings, Which joy and consolation brings. There doth my soul find sweet relief. And gather strength for future grief; For life's stern duties here prepare, By supplicating God in prayer. Oh, God 1 to be alone with Thee, In Nature's Temple — rich and free ; And fo^ a time forget the strife Of man with man — of Death with Life. Oh, happy hour ! oh, sweet retreat ! With Thee, my Father, thus to meet ; And learn from Nature to adore The God of Nature evermore I NATURE'S TEMPLE Or watch some noble cataract bound From giddy height to lowly groumJ, Where echoes ring fioin peak to peak, And God in Natui'O soonia to speak. 4< MISCELLANEOUS. 153 ,.,.^^^^. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. SITING out the merry Christmas bell ^^ That tells of joy and gladness, Our happy hearts with pleasure swell, This is no time for sadness ; This is the crowning of the year, A day of merry-making, With feast and song our hearts we'll cheer, All anxious cares forsaking. 'Twas Christmas-tide when Jesus lay All lowly in a manger, He came to take our sins away. And save our souls from danger ; The shepherds on the hills at dawn Heard angel-voices singing : ' Now peace on earth, goodwill to men, We are this morning bringing." *Tis eighteen hundred years and more Since that glad Christmas morning, Yet once a year, on every shore, Are happy hearts adorning The Christmas tree with presents rare, Its dark-green boughs are laden, And round it dance the children fair, The lover and the maiden I 154 IMRIE'S POEMS, Oh ! merry, happy Christmas Day, For young and old together, The very snow-flakes seem more gay. Though bitter cold the weather; As round the family fireside Our dear ones we are meeting, Let peace and harmony abide, With love each other greeting. MISCELLANEOUS. 155 FAITH ILLUSTBATED. ^HE night was calm and still, the moon shone bright, And lent the silver- sweetness of her light To guide the lonely patrol on his beat, As, with a measured step, from street to street, His echoing footsteps beat a solemn tread ; And from the city towers, far over head, The midnight hour rang out with mournful chime. Telling the wakeful of the march of time. But hark I what awful sound is that I hear, Wliich falls like thunder on my closing ear ? — Fire 1 fire ! fire ! 'tis the patrol's warning cry That rings from house to house, from earth to sky, Bousing the wakeful, scattering the dreams Of love and joy, and for a moment gleams From face to face — from eye to eye — A terror as of death or danger nigh. Fire ! Jire / fire I onward press the anxious crowd, With rushing, hasty steps, and noises loud, To yonder mansion, where the ruddy glare Speaks louder than the groans of dark despair I The greedy flames surround with furious power The doomed abode ; and in that midnight hour Strong men are weak, and none but they are brave Who look to Him whose power alone can save. 156 IMRIE'S POEMS. Thus felt a father when he saw his child, Far out of human reach, 'mid danger wild. On top-most storey, and in blank despair. His piteous cries resounding through the air. At last he heard his father's well-known voice, Which made his sinking heart with hope rejoice, — •• Spring to my arms, my son ! do not delay. Haste 1 haste I and I shall bear thee safe away ! " The brave child heard and, stepping on the sill, Prepared to execute his father's will ; He looked from death to life with anxious eyes, And ceased his murmur and despairing cries. Then, with his tiny arms outstretched to Heaven, Heroic courage to his soul was given ; He. fearless, sprang from all the dread alarms, And fainting, dropped into his father's arms. let such FAITH be mine, — such childlike faith In Thee, God ; then neither fear nor scathe Shall hinder me from clinging to Thine arm. For Thou alone canst save from fear or harm I And when, at last, Thy call from earth I hear, No doubt shall hinder, nor despairing fear ; But, looking up to Thee with heart and eyes, Thou wilt accept and bear me to the skies 1 MISCELLANEOUS. 167 ^ <-^^ °'< ^^)^-a ^ A BIKTHDAY GREETING. [IME is ever on the wing, Fast our moments fly away ; Let us prize them, though they bring Joy and sorrow mixed alway I Had we joy alone, my friend, We would seek no other sphere ; Did God only sorrow send. We would wish the end was near I God is wiser far than we. And He knoweth what is best ; Let us in His wisdom see That He seeks our faith to test ! May we live, as though this hour Were our last on earth to spend ; And, come sunshine, shade, or show'r, God's best blessing will attend ! Let the years roll on apace, Heaven is nearer than before ; Let us bravely trials face. Waves break loudest near the shore I Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring, All within one year are bound ; Let us through each season sing Songs of praise the whole year round I 168 IMRIE'S POEMS. FLOWERS ! Sp LOWERS are lov'd by young and old, /^^As they gracefully unfold Sweetness caught from Eden's bowers, When at first God made the flowers : Rich in every tint and hue, Smiling through their tears of dew ; Beauty's glory crowns their head, As they peep from grassy bed ! Purity the Lily seems, As she in the sunlight gleams ; Humility the Pansy knows, Happiness bespeaks the Rose ; Love^ the laughing Daffodil, Pinks our eyes with Beauty fill ; Every flower, a charm its own. Fills a place on Flora's throne I Flowers may teach the heart of man, As no other teacher can : God's creative hand was there, When He made the flowers so fair ; MISCELLANEOUS. 169 Out of chaos formed the earth, Spake, and planets had their birth ; To adorn the human race. Lent the beauty of His face I He who loves the tiny flower Something knows of Heaven's power, Which will hope and courage give. Strength and sweetness while he live ; Like the flowers we pass away, Short, yet sweet, is life's brief day — Let good deeds and thoughts sublime, Stand the touch and test of time I 160 IMRIE'S FOEMS. TO THE PANSY. tH, Pansy ! with the velvet hue, And spots of gold, and pearly dew ; How gracefully you hang your head, Scarce rais'd above your humble bed. I love you for your queenly grace, Your happy smile, your winsome face ; In sweet retreats you love to dwell, And lend the vale thy beauty-spell. Sweet emblem of a "heart at ease,"*' Thy form my inmost fancies please ; In quiet beauty you excel AH other flowers in wood or dell. Thou mightest well be Flora's queen, If thou wouldst let thy cha-rms be seen; And seek to vie with other flowers That deck with beauty kingly bowers. But thou art wise to grace the spot Where God has cast thy humble lot ; And there, secure from rude alarms. Display thy modest, winsome charms 1 When I look up from thee to God, And see His glory in the sod. My heart in sweet tranquility Would learn from thee "humility!" • This flower is sometimes called *' Heart's-ease." e.' LIFE'S PROGRESS m Rivers rolling to the sea Loose themselves in ocean, Bearing on their bosom's free Noble ships in motion ♦ + **♦ ♦♦♦♦ Ah I soon we'll reach life's ocean strand, Just like the winding river Safe in the hollow of that Hand Which holds the seas for ever. Page 163. MISCELLANEOUS. 163 LIFE'S PKOGKESS. jOWN the mountains, down the hills, Trickling on for ever; Gentle springs make little rills, Little rills the river. . Eivers rolling to the sea Lose themselves in ocean, . Bearing on their bosoms free Noble ships in motion. ' w Such is life, a constant change. Still from small to greater ; Let us learn the lesson strange Taught by our Creator : Life is giv'n for noble ends,** Lofty thoughts and actions, Winning to our bosom — friends Gain'd in life's transactions. Ah ! soon we'll reach life's ocean strand, Just like the mighty river. Safe in the hollow of that Hand Which holds the seas for ever. 164 IMRIE'S POEMS. ....^^^^^, TWO POOR ORPHAN BOYS. *0D help poor orphans, for they need )Our Father's watchful care indeed ; Out in the cold wide world alone, Where strangers speak with freezing tone ; With none to take them to their heart, Or dry the burning tears that start From sunken eyes and hollow cheek, Which want, neglect, and hunger speak. Two years ago their father died. And soon their mother, by his side In one cold grave was laid at rest, And join'd the everlasting blest ; The greatest pain she felt at death Was whisper'd with her dying breath : " God keep my boys when I am gone. Poor, helpless orphans, all alone ! " Ah 1 how they struggled for their bread. And oft went supperless to bed ; And, sometimes, neither bed nor board Their scanty pittance could aiford. Oft in the storm, and snow, and sleet, They travell'd on with cold, wet feet. And sought that kindly passers-by Would pity the poor orphans' cry ! MISCELLANEOUS. 165 Sometimes a crossing neatly swept, By one at either end, was kept. Where, now and then, an honest cent Was earned by them with great content. As long as work is brisk they feel No evil tempting them to steal, Or beg, or whine, or seem dismay'd, Or of their lot feel half afraid. Dear Christian people, help such boys. Who little know of earthly joys : Do speak to them with kindly tone. And make the orphan's cause your own ; Try if your purse can spare a cent — Or e'en a dime — to God 'tis lent, And make their sad and painful lot By kindness almost half forgot I 166 IMRIE'S POEMS. LAUGHING. [j|«H, how I love the hearty laugh That rings with a merry peal 1 The outcome of some witty ** chaff," Which makes one cheerful feel ; A laugh which almost racks the jaw, A regular side-splitter ! In which all join with *' loud guffaw," And nothing in't that's bitter ! I love when children laugh outright, And shout in their playful glee. When all run out to see the sight, Or join in the sport so free ! A laugh that knows not care or ill. The frolicsome laugh of fun ! Which speaks of naught but right good-will, As they skip, and laugh, and run ! I hate the haughty laugh of scorn. From the dudish fops called ** men," Who sneer at worth if humbly born, And smile at " the upper ten ! " Whose empty laugh shows lack of brain Their language devoid of wit, Their greatest feat to " twirl a cane," Or display ** a perfect Jit I" irnm^Bt MISCELLANEOUS. 167 A LESSON FROM THE CLOCK. |ICK, tick, tick, tick, ■Time flies so quick, With never ceaseless motion ; Our moments pass Like sands in glass, Or wavelets of the ocean. Thus moments go, For weal or woe, And none returneth ever ; How mindful we Should ever be To spend with wise endeavour. The life of man Is but a span. Short, transient, and fleeting ; With here and there A joy or care, A parting or a meeting. Then let each hour, Like beauteous flower. Some fragrance send to Heaven ; To God above, In grateful love, Let ransomed powers be given. < 168 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE POWER OF SONG. |HE poet's heart is ever young, His thoughts are light and gay ; To Nature's praise his harp is strung In sweetest harmony. The minstrel's soul is all aflame With passion's holy fire ; He courts the Muse in love's sweet name, And kindles with desire. He joins the children in their play, And pleases them with song ; He soothes them off to sleep alway. With lullabies of song. His heart is touch'd with others' woe In deepest sympathy : His tears with theirs together flow In tuneful symphony. For tyrant -threats he hath no fear, But wages bitter strife With all that dares to interfere With liberty and life. The soldier on the tented field Feels that his cause is strong, For Freedom's enemy must yield Before the Patriot's song. THE POWER OF SONG. The power of sonf^ to stir the soul, Ox soothe the human heart, Is felt by man from pole to pole, Or distant isles apart. Like notes from Heaven's angelic choir, Or herald-anpel's song, Our minstrels with poetic fire The echoes still prolong! Page 168. TT" -^ MISCELLANEOUS. 171 The sailor on the stormy sea Beguiles the hour with song, As, whistling for the winds so free, He steers his bark along. The reapers by the waving corn '^'>th make the welkin ring, <. when the harvest home is borne ue harvest-song they sing. The power of song to stir the soul, Or soothe the human heart. Is felt by man from pole to pole. Or distant isles apart. Like notes from Heaven's angelic choir. Or herald-angel's song. Our j minstrels, with poetic fire, . ' The echoes still prolong I 172 IMIilE'S POEMS. THE LITTLE NEWSPAPER BOYS. jWO little brothers left their home One cold, bleak winter's day, All round the city streets to roam, But not in childish play. They on a noble errand went. An honest dime to gain, By selling papers — well content To brave the sleet and rain. One ten year's old was brother ** Bill," And six year's old was ♦• Jack ; " They trudged along with right good-will. Though business was quite slack ! Yet bravely shouts the elder boy : **My papers! who will buy?" And at each sale a smile of joy Lights up each cheerful eye. The weary hours of night wore past, The steeple clock struck Nine : One bun between them eased their fast. But Jack began to pine. "Oil I Bill, I'm tired and sleepy now, I'll sit down here and rest ; " And soon the cold and chilly brow Dropp'd feebly on his breast. MISCELLANEOUS. 178 s. 1, His brother Bill, with courage high, More energy display'd, • The latest news ! " did loudly cry, Not daunted or afraid. Yet, now and then, dear little Jack Would look with tearful eye On brother Bill, as he came back To tell him — ♦• not to cry ! " I've nearly sold them all now, Jack, There's only three to sell ; When they are sold, high on my back I'll ride you home pell-mell 1 " At last their merchandise was gone, Ten cents was fairly won ! And Bill knelt down to help Jack on His back, for the home-run I D«ar Christian people, help such boys To earn an honest cent. They little know of earthly joys, And yet seem well content! 174 IMRIE'S POEMS. TO THE FOUE WINDS OF HEAVEN. )H ! cold North wind from the Polar seas, Thy breath congeals lake, brook, and river ; You strip the leaves from the tallest trees, And make them bend, and sigh, and quiver ! Oh ! blow. South wind from the coral strand. Thy breath is sweet with the flowers' perfume ; Thrice welcome thou to our cold North land, To cheer our hearts with the rose's bloom ! Oh ! blow, East wind, with thy favouring gales, To speed our ships from the mother-lands ; And glad our eyes with the full-blown sails. That bring to our shores brave hearts and hands ! Oh ! blow. West wind, wilh thy fresh, strong breeze, Prepare our frames for the frost and snow ; Shake down the ripe fruits from off the trees, And tinge our cheeks with health's ruddy glow! God tempers the winds for life or death, As over the earth they sweeping go ; He speaks in the zephyr's balmy breath, As well as when loudest tempests blow. •a MISCELLANEOUS. 175 AN HONEST MAN. •* An honest man 's the noblest work of God." — Burru. vHEW me the man of true and honest heart, 'Who, for the sake of gain, will not depart From paths of rectitude, and then I can Shew you God's noblest woik — An honest man/ Temptation's darts do not disturb his mind, ^rue to himself he's true to all mankind. By honest toil he earns whate'er he can, And proves himself to be — An honest man / Truth is his watchword — lips that speak no guile. His face illumin'd with an honest smile, Looks eye to eye with ours, nor fails to scan The traits and signs which mark — The honest man ! God bless the honest man whose bosom thrills With love and sympathy for others' ills. And *♦ robs " himself of ease if so he can, With woman's tenderness, display — " The man/'' The world is full of sin, and vice, and crime, But honesty will stand the test of time ; Truth, Virtue, Charity, shall lead the van, — God's name is honour'd by- — The /lonest man / 176 IMRIE'S POEMS. LIFE'S BRIGHTER SIDE. HilS better to smile than to frown, ^^ 'Tis better to laugh than to cry ; Then, don't let your spirits get down. And never say "fail" tho' you die! Though trouble like mountains arise, And fortune seems hard to attain, Look hopefully up to the skies. For sunshine will come after rain. Those taught in adversity's school Are braver and better by far; The cowardly man, as a rule, Is not to be trusted in war. A brave heart is sure to succeed, The weak one will go to the wall ; And God will assist those indeed Who help themselves up when they fall. If in love affections are bent, And wooing is met with disdain, Bear up with apparent content, And time will restore you again ! The world is more full of joy Than most people care to admit ; If usefully time you'll employ, Life's trials won't hurt you a bit I MISCELLANEOUS. 177 _£^^\3^^ SOAP-BUBBLES. ,HAT a happy holiday, 'Brothers Jack and Will at play ; Blowing bubbles light as air, Chasing them o'er stool and chair ! As they blow, each ruddy cheek Happiness and joy bespeak ; Each the other tries to **cha£f" — Hard to blow when forc'd to laugh ! Little "pussy" likes the fun. Swift across the floor to run, When they break across her eyes, Gets " her back up " in surprise ! Tasting soap in mouth and nose, Sniffing to a corner goes ! Till another tempts her out, Once again to run about ! Mamma hears the noisy din, Slyly at the door peeps in ; But she loves to see them play, Happy in their joy alway ! Swift a thought across her mind Utterance finds in words so kind : — Ah I my boys, a moral see From the bubbles light and free : 178 IMRIE'S POEMS. Empty bubbles, light as air, For a moment bright and fair; Some ascend like stars to heaven, Some to swift destruction driven ; If thou would'st escape each snare, Guard thy life with constant prayer ; God will waft thee to the skies. Float thee into Paradise ! MISCELLA NEOUS. 179 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. ^OME, Knights of Pythias, all combine, DLet Friendship, Truth, and Love entwine; Our noble deeds, with one accord, Shall conquc :>ts make that shame the sword ! Chorus. — Come, join together lieart and hand, - United we shall ever stand ; Encircle earth by sea and land, With Friendship's loving golden band ! Our Order stands the test of time, — A foe to falsehood, want, and crime ; A band of brothers, brave and free, i The " Golden Eule " our only plea 1 Chorus. — "Come join," etc. The widows' and the orphans' cause ' - Are part and parcel of our laws ; '' . - We help the needy, shield the weak. And words of sympathy we speak. Chorus. — •' Come join," etc. Should dire Oppression's iron hand ' ^ Be laid upon our native land, Our swords shall strike the tyrant low, And Freedom smile at every blow ! Chorus. — ** Come join," etc. : —l 180 IMRIE'S POEMS. THE YOUNG MUSICIAN. Copyrighted. Simply. Music by Prof. J. F. Johnstone. Toronto. .lZ2— ji. H \- ■■^ ^ 1— J— #■ ... <^ /^ 7T# VI r c^ e-i ^C^ O % ■^. '1>' A ^ :\ ^J$) ^ V «^ ^0f hopes and fears, And then we pass for ever Where answer'd prayers Shall banish cares, Beyond the shining river I Blest land above, Sweet home of love. With joy we'll reach thy portals ; 'Mid angel throngs, Kecite the sougs Sung by redeem 'd immortals ! pE friendship of the good and true Is more to me than gold. And while I welcome one that's new I'll treasure well the old ; Old friends are like the goodly tree Whose leafy branches throw A grateful shelter over me When adverse winds may blow 1 INDEX. 207 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Paqe. A Birthday Greeting 157 A Bouquet of Flowers 140 Absent Sunday- School Teacher, (The) 198 A Christmas Carol 153 A Golden Wedding 130 A Husband's Birthday Greeting 136 A Kiss Through the Telephone 119 A Lesson from the Clock 167 An Anxious Soul Comforted 18 An Honest Man 175 A Prayer 17 A Prayer for Wisdom 40 A Souvenir of Love ' 99 A Summer's Day 145 A Tribute to . tother 133 A Wife's Last Good-bye 138 Baby's Portrait, (The) 123 Believer's Kefuge, (The) 22 Bereaved 134 Brotherhood of Man, (The) 201 Canada's Defenders 72 Canadian Song of Freedom 63 Christian, Awake ! 42 Christian's Armour, (The) 30 Christian's Hope, (The) 24 Come, Let us Live for Our Children 125 Conscience 47 Consecration 192 208 INDEX. I Page, Dominion of Canada, (The) 70 Drunkard's Fate, (The) 49 Dying Child, (The) 190 Dying Soot Abroad, (The) 86 Eyes that Speak 101 Fair Canada 61 Faith Illustrated 155 Farewell ! 204 Flower of the Family, (The) 110 Flowers 158 Fragments for Autograph Albums 206 Glasgow, Scotland 84 Happy Childhood 193 Heart Questionings 92 Home 108 House of God, (The) 28 Hymn of Praise 27 Image of the Heavenly, (The) 45 Jesus' Love 21 Jesus, My Refuge 41 Knights of Labour, (The) 185 Knights of Pythias, (The) 179 Laughing 166 Learning " the Twins " to Walk 117 Life's Brighter Side 176 Life's Progress 163 Little Newspaper Boys, (The) 172 Longing Soul, (The) 34 Lord's Prayer, (The) 32 Love and Sympathy 200 Love-Linkp < 107 Loves of an infant-Class Scholar, (The) 195 Love's Progress 105 Master's Call, (The) 38 Missionary's Prayer, (The) 23 Morning ^ 145 Motherless Child, (The) 128 Paqr. ... 70 ... 49 ... 190 ... 86 ... 101 ... 61 ... 155 ... 204 ... 110 ... 158 ... 206 ... 84 ... 193 . . . 92 ... 108 ... 28 . .. 27 ... 45 . .. 21 . .. 41 ... 185 ... 179 ... 166 ... 117 .. 176 .. 163 .. 172 .. 34 .. 32 .. 200 .. 107 .. 195 .. 105 .. 38 .. 23 .. 145 .. 128 INDEX. 209 Page. My Portion 26 Name of Jesus, (The) 43 Nature's Temple 150 Niagara Falls 66 Night 148 Noon . , 147 Ode to Lake Ontario 79 On a Visit to the " Old Country." 202 On My Fortieth Birthday 194 Our Baby ! 126 Our Johnnie 113 Vain 52 Papa's Pet 115 Peace of God, (The) 46 Poor Orphan Boys, (The) 164 Power of Song, (The) 168 Preacher's Warning, (The) 20 Pride 197 Queenston Heights 76 Queen Victoria's Jubilee 75 Rest 51 Romping with the Children Ill Sabbath Chimes 19 Sabbath-Day, (The) 44 Sabbath -School Teacher's Reward, (The) 39 Seeking after Knowledge 48 Soap-Bubbles 177 Sons of Scotland 80 Star of Love, (The) 94 Sunday-School Infant Class, (The) 188 The Bitter or the Sweet 199 The Huipber " Fairy " 97 The Last Enemy— Death 37 The Thistle 82 Thy Choice— Which ? 26 Tears .'50 To a Little Friend 141 210 INDEX. PkOK, To My Friends 181 Toronto 64 Toronto Bay 6'^ To the Four Winds of Heaven IT'i To the Pansy 100 True Love 95 Welcome Home, Brave Volunteers 04 What Can Love Do ? 103 What is Love ? o3 Where doth Beauty Dwell ? 91 Workingman's Half-Holiday, (The) 186 Young Musician, (The) 181 Paqr. . .. 181 . .. 64 . .. 6'' . . . 17'i . .. IGO ,.. 95 . .. 64 . .. 103 . . 53 .. 91 .. 186 .. 181