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Tho following poems wore not writ riMi with a view to publication,— althouo-h some of them have appeared in newspapers— but were composed a^ a rehixation from other, and more prosaic, duties, and are not now printed for the public to criticise, but for m »re privale, and the author trusts less critical, eyes. March, 188!). i CONTENTS, •«'2 47 ;{.■) IS r>:\ '22 JO 4;{ 44 47 2.1 4(i n 2() 2U TiO ]'rologiiC, to a Mi'isonif Supper Prologue, to a Temperance Coucert, Queen's .Jubilee. The .... Ko8e and Thistle, The .... SeasonB. The .... .... Sonnet on the Death of Longfellow, Swell Loafer, The .... The Child in Santa Claus Believes, This World is a Bubble, . Time's Kecord, , . . . To Daisy, «... To Miss Rebecca, .... Unfultilled Prophecy, .... Visit to a Skating Rink, We Hiunan Cards, .... What is Religion ? .... Woman's Rights, .... Page 48 46 52 m 27 50 ^1 41 t M 39 13 20 44 14 m /) . * 1 • -t^ ANONYMOUS POEMS. Time's Record. MIGHTY past! we fain would read thy story, Since time first dawned, or sun did rise or set, Through centuries unknown, remote and hoary, Refusing to give up thy secrets yet. Long ere man trod this circling planet. Or Eve in Eden's sunny bowers was placed, The earth existed, none but (iod to scan it, His eye alone tJien viewed the dreary waste. As age on age rolled on came many changes, The seas and oceans took their destined place, Dry hind appeared, with towering mountain ranges, To rib the earth, so time could ne'er efface. « Life now existed, though a low creation. Shell fish, or mollusk, in the slimy deep; On land where things of various fashion With legs and wings to walk, or fly, or creep. Time still rolled on, and after many ages New forms appeared of things till then unknown, A higher life, so read the rocky pages, The only lecord of those cycles gone. Thus on these Itavci tlie story is recorded, With nature's pen, of each successive change. In language universal, plainly worded. Revealing hidd:jn secrets, passing strange. Convuhioiii Hhook the eurtli, upheaving strata, V^olcanoes lielchcd out liquid Hre and smoke, Though when this time we have no certain (hvta. But 'tis recorded in volcanic rock. This was an age wlien nature's pent-up forces Their power displayed to shake the solid world, Rivers dried up, or took to other coursts, And mountains were from their firm bases hurled. Huge scaly reptiles crawled the earth, most hideous, Or batlied their slimy lengths in stagnant pools. With mammoth great, and mastodon prodigious, (jiants iutleed, if gauged by modern rules. Then vegetati(m, too, was rank and ponderous, . Trees mighty grew, 'twas the carbonic age. All nature seemed composed of giant wonders.; Before nor since we read no similar page. *Twas nature's plan, its wisdom we discover, We bore the earth, and strike the nalde mine, l''or man created, -stored with earthly cover, In wisdom placed by Architect divine. At length the time arrives, Man is created, The s The man of fourscore met the common doom. li I asked myself the question — wTiat is Jeath? Is it hut to resign this mortal breath ? An echo from the tombs I faintly heard; " Your only light is in (Jod's holy word." I turned my eyes to yonder city, fair, The mart of nations; life was busy there, Her merchant princes palaces there rear, Tho' soon their name's will be recorded here. Each day th city here its tribute brings, The angel, 1)^ .itli, forever spreads his wings. Thus, one by o:ie, they'll n^eet the common lot, The proudest be to this lonp city brought. -♦♦^ Th 3 CBcumenical Council, nt which the dof(in»i of the Infallibility of tlie Pope was proclidm- fd. 8oon Mrt»r tlie adjournment of the Council in 18~0, the Italian army occupied Rome, and declared it the Capital of the Kin/rdom of Italy, HI d in tlie following Angust the Kmperor Napoleon, wiio had, for years, kept troojis at Rome, to protect His Holinf88, withdnw .them, and the temporal power of the Pope was at an end. /srr. ^M 'OPE Pius the Ninth is a jolly old fellow, ^tJi.*' The head <»f the chMrch universal, i? J ' If you're fontl of a show, to Rome you must go, Where the farce is now under rehearsal. This pontiflf declares he's as goo I as St. Peter, His line of descent undisputed; To swallow this dose, you must shut y.>ur eyes close, His decisions must never be doubtee into ploughshares turned. And naticms live in peace ? • •' i t 14 t f What is Religion? , rSufgestod by a clerjryman remarking t« kis wife, at a loeiiil ffHtlieriug, that lie thought it was time lor them to leave, wlien some ivoly music was played, and an impromptu waltz indulged in, by a young couple in an adjoining room.] » /., ,. '.',-■, , ,.^ ,, . ^^uTHAT is religion ? who the righteous ? and how toKl ? These questions from renjotest centuries have rolled; A thousand answers to them have been given, As many avenues been opened up to heaven; And each believer thinks his pathway is the Ijest, The surest, straightest, leading to that land of rest; All others are ndstaken on some special point, Their minds benighted, and their doctrines out of joint. In Egypt crocodiles were worshipped, — scaly gods, Which took men straightway up to lieaven, — so what odds ? While others thought themselves securely on the way. By worshipping the moon, or else the god of day, Some hewed out gods of wood, some fashioned them of stone, Their light was dim, no higher power to them was known, Were they condemned, not knowing nature's only God, Because they groped so blindly on the heavenly roa«l Who, like the pharisee, will dare to judge these men. They used what light they liad, their fate's beyond our ken. Th« Jew had revelations from the Higher Power, On Sinai Moses talked with God, — solemn hour I On stone His ancient laws were written for their guide. Commandments ten;— by them the Jews both lived and died. Though favored thus, they also needed bullocks slaiji, Or lamba on altars to atone the sins of men. The robed priest aroui:d his burning censer swung, The fragrant incense rising, — do we think this wrong? Wo must approve, this people was the chosen race, Their prophets tilked with the Eternal, face to face. His angels guided th^m., ^ none but angels can, And often spake witJi tiiem, as we do, — man with man, His presence then was ntanifest in many a place. 1«r '■•■', The Jewish ladder was die only road to grace. But then, a brighter day, by fur, was yet to dawn. The Christian dispensation, now apace draws on; f;>yugc^i ^ Shepherds by ni>;ht, on Judah's plains espied from far. O'er Bethlehem hanging a mysterious star. A heavenly messenger tr) announce to earth Another, brighter dispensation, now lias birth. " Peace and good will," the keystone ©f this noble arcli. To span tlie world, and stay the warrior's hostile march, The time when swords no more shall flash in l)loody strife, But be to ploughshares turned, the spc^r to pruning knife. But is it so? — O, human nature, must I own, Thy good resolves like chaff before the wind are blown? What sin theie is committed in religion's name. How often bigots kindle the consuming flame, In savage, wordy war, they thrust the envenomed lance, And often widen breaches that might lieal — perchance. Dispute and wrangle over non-essential forms. And bring round their devoted heads religious storms. One says: you must be dipt, clean under, in baptism; tJnless you are, you're doomed to heresy and schism; While others say : 'tis right to sprinkle, or to pour, This is the surest way to open heaven's door. Some persons having less religion, per'aps, than sense, Say neither is required, 'tis of no consequence; These self-same wranglers on these points perhaps may say, 'Tis wrrmg to breathe the air of heaven ou Sabbath day, To walk abroad o'er nature's verdant, flowery flelds, . And drink the inspiration nought but nature yields, ,-; ' Tho' Christ went to the lields one dewy Sabbath morn, • Rebuked the pharisees, and sanctioned plucking corn; Or hold up hands, in pious horror, if, perchance. We joi)i the young, and move in joyous mazy dmce, And even music comes beneath religious ban, If played too quick, — ^dispute this solemn fact who can. The flddle, yes, that sweetest instirument of strings, •; ■ la now condemned, the very worst of wicked things, Though stringed instruments in Bible times were Used, And, doubtless, David played fast music when h« choosed. . He also danced, we read it in God's holy word, For when the ark was brought, he danced before the Lord; Some critics say this dancing was another kind, A solemn dance, indulged to ease his hol^^ mind. I don't pretend to say they are not in the right. But it is plainly said, ** He danced with all his might," Are we confined, then, to a rigid solemn creed, No relaxation granted to us when we need ? M Must man to reach the goal we all are seeking for, Live like a hermit, and against all pleasure war? Are not these blessings — granted sometimes to be used, Not to excess, — in moderation, — not abused ? Perhaps I'm wrong, — dogmatically I won't say Which is the best, the safest, straightest, surest, way. A Donation Visit. fe FOR the pen of Milton, or of Pope ! "^ That I might with this mighty subject cope, Describe this scene in solen)n, measured verse. And each important incident rehearse. — The parson's flock from all the country round, With one accord are to his dwelling bound. The object to divide their ample stores, With this intent they now besiege his doors. From East, and West, and North, and South they come. With corn, and oats, and flour, and dollars, — some With quilts, and sheets, and knick-knacks, not a few, Lamps, oil, and candles all around they strew, Like bees returning, laden, to their hiv«, Now swarm on swarm tliey through his portals dive, The old, young, the solemn and the gay. Join in the scene, and mingle in the fray, 17 The roar much like the heaving billow's wave, As on some rock -bound coast its surges lave, Each room besieged, each nook with noisy group. While others round through h?J]& and kitchen troop. As night approaches tea must be "prepared. And when announced each pilgrim amply ahared; No lack was there of coffee, tea, and cake. The viands all the best that each could make; If plum-cake did not with your taste agree, « The spicy dough-nuts cried aloud, **try me !" The pleasant waiters 'round the dishes passed, To tempt the palate to the very last; The board still groaned beneath its ample load. And fragrant tea, and amber coffye flowed, The odds were all upon the tables' side. So amply were they with good things supplied. At last, in sheer despair they rise and shout, — ., . "It is no use to try and eat them out." Almost a miracle I'm sure was wrought, As more seemed left than was in baskets brought. When now their appetites were thus appease Th« scene, — and on it ponder. A lovely miss, too sweet to tiss, Lay on the ice extended; This little duck, her head first struck, Tho' by f T-lse hair defended. Her steel-shod feet were very neat, Her ankles I won't mention; To speak of these, excuse me, please, 1 have no such intention. As prone she lay, I moved away, Outside the cold enclosure, — And wondered why these girls should sigh For downfalls and exposure. T 22 The "Girl of the Period," After Marriage. ^\jpHE girl of the period, sad to relate, Ols a subject of slander, gossip, and prate ; The crusty old maid with the bachelor vies, To show up thes* damsels as seen by their eyes ; They make no allowance ioryoifSun' for beauty. But run them all down as a Christian-like duty, Say they flirt and get married, as a matter of course, Then go to Chicago, and get a divorce. That is, if their husbands stay out after ten. Or go to their club-room to talk to the men. Or are seen on the street to speak to a woman — Which latter offence, by the way, is quite connnon — Or don't find the cash for sufficient new dresses, Or foot up their bills for paint, powder, and tresses. These charges are brought, with a gieat many more, Trumped up by the dozen, pei haps by the score, Of coarse this is all most villainous slander. Tile ravings of some green-eyed salamander. My object is not to defame, nor traduce, — Such scandalous conduct is clearly no use ; — For the more you villify, scold, and refuse them, The more they cry out you but want to abuse them. Their way they will have, you may do as you please, So better surrender, and come to y«ur knees. • You had better " cave in " than act like a rebel. And always be steeped in hot water and trouble. 'Ti« truly absurd for a man but to mention That a note in the bank requires his attention, That the funds he's not got wherewith to " retire " it, Aud he fears he can't beg, steal, boirow, or hire it. That bankruptcy stares him right square in the face. 23 And nothing is left him but debt and disgtace. Why bother their brains l>y thus talking of lucre ? Your dimes became her's when in marriage you took her ; You may pay up your notes the best way you can ; 8he must have her new dresses, and drive out her span. Mrs. Shoddy, her neighbor, spends freely her n)oney ; If you can't do likewise she thinks it's quite funny. Her *' pa," she says, gave her what money she wanted. Her " ma" to her neighbors this fact alway vaunted. Their daughter must dress in the height of the fashion, And iiave plenty of eash to handsomely dash on, 'Tho if starving to death her dinner can't cook, Reads all the new novels, and no other book. The sweet little dears, notwithstanding, quite charm you. And if you complain, by some means disarm you. If to be more prudent you have no means to force her, You can go to Chicago, and there can divorce her. i -■'■ ,- Nature. NATURE ! Fain would I thy realms explore, And ever wander o'er thy boundless shore. And learn thy laws, extending througli all space. Forever acting in mysterious ways. How gravitation with its mystic force Controls the planets in their circling course, Or to the earth attracts the needed rain. The sun in vapor draws from yonder main That subtle power which no one comprehends. We know it acts, but there our knowledge ends. The mighty universe is thus sustained, And countless rolling worlds in orbits chained. 24 With c^utrtil sunt dispensing heat and light, Without who«e raya they'd course in endless nightt And desolation ever reign supreme ; No ray of light to shed its gladdening beam, No life existing— all a horri■.'. I I 1 l 26 That cloud his reason and benight his mind ; A soulless skeptic — libel on his kind. Could suns burst into light, and systems make ? ('ould worlds bring forth themselves and orbits take ? Could man create himself with all liis powers? Could roses bloom in Eden's fragrant bowers, With no creator,— each its own '* I am "? The thought is senseless, and the creed a sham ; Our reason must a Higher Power own, His works the universe —He God alone. -♦♦^ The Old Bachelor. m BACHELOR sat in his rickety chair, V-p> While smoking his horrible pipe, The fumes of tobacco polluting the air ; His brow he would now and then wipe. His stockings were out at the heels and the toes, His neck-tie was put on awry, * > The 'o'ltLons were fast taking leave of his clothes, The look of despair in his eye. This bachelor mused on his terrible fate, He thought what a fool he had been To spend his existence, ne'er seeking a mate, : Now given to sorrow and spleen. His thoughts wandered back to when he was young, To the girls that then he had known ; They troop to his fancy, like pearls that are strung, But soon this fair vision is gone. n He sees his vain life is fa3t ebbing away, A petrified fossil is he; Let h:m smoke, sigh, and groan, as long as he nmy. His sin's on his head,— let him be , This epitaph write o'er his mortal remains. When this wretch is done with tliis life, *' He died as tlie fool, sadly wanting in brain*; He lived without getting a wife." i 4 -♦♦♦- The Seasons. "^ HE Seasons in their circuit slowly move ©And true to Nature's laws forever prove. Twel'.e m'>nt!is compose this solemn yearly round. Like spokes in wheels that ar« by felloes bound, liy moons soujc barbarous nations count the ye»r, S(» thiiteen montlis to their dull miods appear. The tw« Ive divisi(m8 that by »nonths we call But mark the yearly circuit of our ball, TJie seasons we divide in simply four. And see no reason we should make them more. WiNTEH, mnjestic; in our climate reigns, In icy grasp he binds his wide domuins ; December's frosts congeal our many streams, Till 8al in April sheds his lengthening beams, With snowy cHrpet covers all the earth, Till Spiing appears, v hen nature has new birth ; The sun these frozen fetters then dissolves. As slowly I'outid the season now revolves, / The icy king retreats towards the polt?, Again returns as other seasons roll. The balmy Sphincj succeeds this frozen leiifn. And nature smiles thro' all her vales again, / J* .;.:■.. ?>■■ • '■ ;■-".-'- i ;.?. h 28 The earth is covered o'er with emeraM green, • Her myriad charms on every hand are seen. The farmer's lierds now graze upon the hills, The babbling brooks are fed by thousand rills ; These brooks go gliding onward thro' the plain, Then nnx with rivers that now seek the main ; Tiie feathered songsters sing in leafy trees Their warliling notes are borne upon the breeze, Through all the laud their joyous accents ring. And tell liow grateful is the season. Spring. Next, sultry Summer, with her lengthened days, Brings down upon us scorcliing solar rays; The juicy berries now in fields abound, While flowers are strewed on all the hills around ; The new-mown hay its pleasant odour sends, The growing fruit the spreading branches bends. The Autumn next brings forth its golden grain - The circling year is fast upon the wane, Now* amply laden with her various stores Of ripened fruits, which she profusely pours On all who till the generous, yielding soil — A rich reward for all their anxious toil. The sun then backwards to the south retreats ; His slanting rays our earth obliquely meets ; Tlie year has thus performed its wonted round, And where it started now again is found. The seasons thus forever come and go In one continual, never-ending flow. 211 An Old Maid's Lament. tHEN I was young, —about sixteen — I had my troops of beaux; I thought I'd flirt, and wait awhile, 80 turned my Roman nose. My faithful glass revealed the fact That I was young and pretty. Withe ut a rival, so I thought, In country, or in city. 80 I concluded I would flirt, Till I was two and twenty, When I could marry whom I pleased. As beaux were then so plenty. David, Ave read, ten thousand killed, Sampson his thousand slew ; A. lady Sampson I would be. And slay my thou^uind too. J . The instrument don't' think the same (But let this trifle pass) ; I slew by flirting ; David used The jaw-lK)ne of an ass. When two and twenty had ariived I thought I still would flirt Till I was thirty— 'tv/as so nice To kill— myself unhurt. When thirty came, my beaux, I found. Through killed and wounded, were Reduced — how hard 'ti« to confess — To jusc one single pair- J 30 And these, I must admit, were not Just suited to my mind, — John Brown was deaf, and somewhat harae, Jim Snodgrass partly blind. My looking-glass less faithful was, It showed that I was fading. Reflected erowa'-feet round my eyes ; I knew this /aZs«— yet jading. The roses, too, had left my cheeks, My hair was getting thinner ; t)f course, the glass was all to blame. And not this flirting sinner. Another decade soon was passed, The fleeting years ne'er tarried ; John Brown is dead, and I am told, Jim Snodgrass has got married. ^^o now, my friene i3 A bone of great contention. We cannot toucli on all its points, But some of them n»ay mention. When France and Prussia went to wai , The Russian B«ar got plucky, ? u Dec. His solemn treaties said Iie'd break. Ami thought the war quite lucky, Hi» neighbor, Tuikey, now he hoped. Would be in such a hobble. That he could make a raid down south. And this old gobbler gobble. This ancient Turkey flippe