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Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent fttre fiim^s A des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est fiimi d partir de i'angle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Flowers of the Year AND OTHER POEMS. BT JLETITI-A. F. SIOS/CSOIT SAINT JOHN, N. B. PRINTED BY J. & A. McMILLAN. 1869. ^ \ tc th m ki ni iw. ♦j. V PREFACE At the request of many friends, the authoress con- sented to put the scattered writings of a few years tof];ether in one volume. She respectfully presents it to them and to the public, not claiminj^ a hiirh degree of merit as a writer, but simply wishing that they may be kindly remembered, as they may serve to recall familiar names and incidents to the reader. Flow( Song:, Why Song, Song, Lines Thel Impr( Lines Refle( ToFi On vi ToL( Tom ■ Lines Musi( On tl] Ontt Song, Our^ Lines To Ai Song, Thouj Suddc C N T E N T S Flowers of the Year Sonp:, to the Skaters of the St. John Skatinj; Rink. Why is England great ? ... Son »g. Song, Lines, suggested by the proposed Atlantic cable. The Homes of Endand. Impromptu. ...... Lines on the death of the widow of the poet Moore Reflections on the Old Year and the New, To Friendship, On visiting Golden Vale, Kingston. To Louise F. for her Album, .... To my Sister, on her sixteenth birthday. Lines suggested by a sermon by Rev. A. M. Rtavely Music, ....... On the death of President Lincoln, On the death of Lord Palmerston. Song Our Mother, Lines on the death of James W. Agnow. To Anna Song, Thoughts suggested at the Bible Society anniversary Sudden Death PAOR. 9 12 13 16 17 18 20 99 23 25 27 27 30 31 33 33 34 35 3G 37 39 40 41 42 42 fl CONTENTS. On the proposed erection of a R. Presby'n Church, 43 Song The World Contrasts. ...... To the Rev. Alexander Clarke. D. I).. . Stars of the Winter Night, Farewell Song, ..... Lines on the Sabbath Question. On Death, ...... Confederation Sonir, .... To Old Friends on Parting, Lines addressed to the recently united Synod, Song. ....... Lines addressed to the Renwick Association, Stanzas, ...... The Present Time Lines to the St. Patrick's Society of St. John, Welcome to the New Year's Day, . To a Brother on his departure from home, For TiUie's Album On the sudden death of an early friend, Linos on the death of a Brother, accidentally shot. Is there a brighter World ? . On the death of Henry B. S. Pickett, n^ izzie. r.) [. Days of my Youth, ines written in the old burvinu ground of vSt. ission: I The •^^ )-' arv 'Yo A Youth. nna. I'Vir Hannah's Albui n — a parting song. 45 4S 48 49 50 52 63 55 57 58 60 62 63 65 66 67 69 70 71 73 74 . 76 . 78 . 80 . 81 John, 82 . 84 . 86 . .87 . 88 CONTENTS. Vli The Heart— written for a lady's Album, To Irene, The Future, To a much loved friend. Lines su^p^ested by reading a beautiful poem. Lines written after reading ancient history, 89 90 91 93 95 96 To Miss Mary Clark, on her approaching marriage, 97 Recollections of School Days, . . . . 98 In Memory of Margarette Brown, .100 Lines on reading Gilfillan's Bards of the Bible, . 102 Thoughts, 103 ■m POEMS. FLOWERS OF TIIK YF \R. TiiKRK are flowers that bloom on the mouiitain-s top. And by the river's .dassy slope ; And far in the woodland's sunny glade The modest Violet droops it's head. There 's a flower that blooms 'mid the winter's snow, Bravino- the winds that round it blow; 'Tis the Year's first-born, a child of hope ; That matchless one— tlie lov'd Snow-Drop. In the desert wild, 'mid the burnino- sand, Of far Arabia's sunny land. The moonlin^ht wakes a littlr flower That blooms but in the starry hour. 10 FLOWERS OF THE YEAJR. When April comes with her brightent green, The pale Primrose in the woods is seen j And in the ((uiet and lonely dell, The zephyr woos the dark Blue ]5ell. May crowns with Daisies the laughing year. While April sleeps on her lowly bier ; And March winds loud their anthems sing To welcome back the Queen of Spring. Gay June, with the rose-lip, lily-cheek. On the Tulip's cup paints many a streak ; And bright July, with its sunny hours, Brings garlands gay for our summer bowers. The Humming Bird plays on the Ivy leaf, And hides in the tiny Woodbine cell j The Butterfly sports his houi-s, so brief, On the leaf of the Rose he loves so well. 11! J5ut the swcetcf^t af all we have gazed on ycfc Is the breath of the gentle Minionette ; It comes when Spring awakes the flowers. And lingers to che jr the Autunni hours. Ah ! then fr(7m His throne in the August sky, The Sun-flower's God looks smiUngly ; And the glorious Tube Rose hastes to fill Her place in Flora's coronal. FLOWERS OF THE YEAR. n Then breathing its centle tale of love Is the Heliotrope in the shady grove; And the meadow Saffron conies to tell That the days are passing we love so well. There 's a song of regret in the chilly breeze. That September wafts through the falling leaves ; The lov'd and the beautiful flowers decay, — Borne on the current of time away. 'Mid the wreck of flowers and withered leaves The Dahlia braves the wintry breeze ; And the with'ring Autunni wind that blows But heightens the glories of its hues. We 'II weave a wreath for the fe*«tive niirht. To gladden the dull October light ; The garland that decks the snowy brow Shall be of the Ivy and Missletoe : For there are Flowers which the Ice King's breath Hath no power to touch with the chill of death : Through the changing seasons still ihcy come — Emblems of Life beyond the tomb. St. John. July 19, 1865. 12 SONG. SONG. To the Skaters of the Saint John Skating Rink. What a picture of beauty before my sight, Like a vision of fancy, so fair and bright; Beautiful faces, and costumes rare, (jlidinti like meteors through the air; Merrily round the Rink they fly, Happiness beaming in every eye. I'\: (Irim old Winter we love thee well. For thy icy breath is the magic spell 1'hat bedecks the forest with diamonds light, And bindeth the waters so pure and bright; So that merrily round the Rink we fly. Happiness beaming in every eye. 'Mid a blaze of light, and a burst of song, The beautiful Skaters glide along; The cold, hard world, with its weight of care. Are left behind when they enter there ; And merrily round the Rink they fly, Happiness beaming in every eye. St. John, February 17. 1866. WHY IS ENGLAND GREAT? 13 WHY IS ENGLAND GREAT ? It is related of Ilcr Majesty, Queen Victoria, that a foreign Prince sent to Her a costly present, requesting, as a favour, to be made acquainted with the secret of England'^ greatness. The expressive and beautiful reply was a gift of the Holy Bible in his native language. 'NEx\.tii a tropical sun. in a flir off land, A dark-browed warrior stood ; He was chief of a fierce and warlike band. And a Prince of the Royal blood. With his sturdy braves he had fought and won On many a battle field, And he thought no monarch 'neath the sun A mightier power could wield. At his lordly feet a thousand slaves In abject fear do kneel ; Protected, too, by the surging braves, Where no lurking foe could steal. In the swift canoe, o'er a silvery sea. He sought a foreign foe ; And his warriors led to victory . Wherever they chose to go. And now, whence cometh the dark'ning frown That rests on his royal brow ? He has heard of a Nation of great renown, At whose i'cct the world must bow : 14 WHY IS ENGLAND GREAT? Of the pale-faced warrior, far away, In lauds before unknown ; Of a Queen, whose mighty power and sway, By far surpass his own. How his stout heart quailed when he first beheld The ponderous ships of war ! When the thund'rin«>: tones from the cannon's mouth Ke-echoed for miles afar I With fear and wonder he viewed the men Who had cross'd the mighty sea; And he said, in his heart, " I will ask their Queen To solve this mystery." Then the Monarch sent a costly gift To the fair and gentle Queen, Saying, " Tell me, I pray thee, whence this power That my wondering eyes have seen ?" Then the answer came — " 'Twas only a book :" And the Chieftain's heart was sad : But he eagerly read the Holy Word, And it made his spirit glad. And he saw that the Word was a gem, whose light And beauty surpasseth far, The richest diamond of the mine. Or the beams of the brightest star. WHY IS ENGLAND GREAT? 15 He read of a world, before unknown, AVhich liis eyes might yet behold ; Of the City whose gates are made of pearl, And whose streets are of yellow gold. Jehovah's Book ! Thou hast caused his heart To thrill with a strange delight : He ceases to wonder whence the cause. Or the source of England's might : For her gifted sons have given the Word In almost every tongue ; And her ships have carried the sacred freight The ends of the earth among. Now the dark-skinned Warrior and his Braves Have turned from their gods of clay : They have joined the ranks of the shining hosts That march to victory. And the sword of anger that dares to turn On Britain, must shivered be; For it cannot pierce the shield she bears From tlie sacred armory. Oh I beautiful thought I inspired of Heaven In Victoria's gentle breast — Expressive of love to the easy yoke That bringeth the weary rest. ■ & St. John, December, 18GG. 16 SOi\G S O X G . I JOY when I sec thy smile ; I weep when thy brow is sad : But thy tenderness all the while Maketh my spirit glad. I list to the zephyr's voice. Laden with gentle tone j Wishing that thou wert nigh, Calling me still thine own. ^ January, 1854. Illlii fiONn. IT SONG. We are home once again in our bowers of sweet peace, And the Olive-branch rests on our dwelling ; Now the din and the tumult of warfare must cease — Now no longer shrill trumpet-tones swelling. We are clasping our home-treasures close to our breast, And the hot tear« are silently falling. As we think of the brave spirits gone to their rest, And their lov'd ones so hopelessly calling. Like the flowers that we trampled, our brave heroes fell, 'Till the green earth was strewn with the dying; And in triumph and anguish we heard their farewell, While before us the Rebels were flying. We planted our standard on Southern soil, Free from slavery's foul stain forever ; And around it are gath'ring the dark sons of toil, Never more from the Union to sever. Oh ! fair, sunny South, with thy Paradise bloom, Stand erect, for thy fetters are broken ! No more dark scenes of terror, oppression and gloom, No more harsh words of tyranny spoken. We '11 join hand in hand in the Concjueror's praise, — Brave in battle, yet mild and forbearing ; All undaunted he* stands, while in wonder we gaze At the bright crown of glory he 's wearing. * General U.S. Grant, United States Army, St. John, 1865. c t8 LINES. L I N E S . SnjrsreBted by the proposed Union of the Old World, and the New, by a Telegraphic Cable. Roll on, Old Ocean, in wild unrest, With riches untold on thy heaving breast ; Messengers swift, with their wings ot* white, Skimming thy surface by day and night. All unheeding, thy bright waves roll, Laughing at man and his weak control. Grand old Sea, with thy caverns deep. Holding beloved ones in dreamless sleep, Never to wake till the trumpet's roll Startles the nations from pole to pole — Sleeping as calm in their briny bed As if flowers were bloominc: above each head. i ill How shall we fathom thy vast domain ? Man ! have thine efforts been all in vain ? See, once before, (*) how the Heavens were still, Pouring down fire at their master's will, Wonder of wonders ! those shouts proclaim : Fire is traversing thy heaving main. if; I lii I Tedious and weary in days •' Lang Syne," Were those endless journeys from clime to clime ; Spirits, impatient and wild, must wait For winds and waves, and till sails were set : * Franklin's Electric experiments. LINES. 19 What matters to thee, in thy grandeur wild, That thy green waves sever the Mother and Child. We have often sung of the coral strand Of India's far off sunny land ; But the messenger's feet were slow to reach The Ice-bound shores, or the shining beach : Now the fiery tongue in its ocean bed, Shall tell them of Calvary glorified. Man I noblest work of creative art I How thy skill hath united the worlds apart : Exalt His name who hath given to thee, A spark of His god-like Deity. Oh ! blessed fulfilment of Prophet's song — For the earth and its fulness to Him belong. Ah ! Britain, thou wearest a starry crown. And the world is fill'd with thy great renown ; 'J'hou hast faithfully earned thy claim to be Entitled the " Mistress of the Sea." For thy banner of liberty waves unfurled O'er the distant regions of this bright world. W^ho talks of treason to rule so mild ? As well might a father suspect his child : What do ye want, that clamour for more ? Is there not freedom from shore to shore ? Where can ye find a fairer sway Than the sceptre that England wields to-day { 90 THE HOMES OF EyGLAND. Synonymoivi terms to the weary slave. Are Britain and Freedom, the jrood and brav©. Once place thy foot on her fertile soil, And thy friends are her sons of hardy toil. Like the Cable, that lies in the deep blue sea. Are the only chains that she suffers to be. 'Tis the bond (*f Union, the bridal ring, That shall cause the Isles of the sea to sing Hosannah to God ! in the highest heaven, Who such wisdom and power to man hath givea With His arm our helper, defence and shield. His wondrous glory shall be revealed. This Piece was printed in the Edinburgh Seot$man in 186ti. THE HOMES OF ENGLAND. Written upon hearing John Boyd, Esquire, recite Mrs. Hemans' beau- tiful Poem entitled "The Homes of England," in the Union Street Congregational Church . The pleasant homes of England ! Oh how we love to praise, The dear Old Country of our birth, The scenes of early days. ill'' \m THE HOMES OF ENGLAND. 81 The daisied fields and lieatli-brown liills, O'er wiiich wo used to roiim. E'er yet ambition stirred our hearts, To seek our distant home. Tlie cottaL^e homes of England ! We never ean ibrget : The calm, and sweet content, and peace, Is lingering,' with us yet. The palace homes of England ! So ancient and so «;rand ; Are treasures of our memory still. In our adopted land. Here, where a few short years ago. The Red Man's whoop was heard, Nor sound of other human voice, Awoke the forest bird : Here, where wild Nature reigned supreme, In deep, expressive praise ; And Art is hastening to unfold, Long hidden mysteries : To cleave a highway for the feet, Of nations yet unborn — Where fields and barren mountains top Shall wave with golden Corn. 22 IMPROMPTU. im |!'-il From Kast to ;ireut Pacific's shore, Tho Irou Horse sliall land. ►Stores of'«ireat riches sv hours. 94 LINES. Sweet h.irp of Tara I no more, no more, Shall thj thrilling; strains arise ; Awoke by the touch of his master hand Who loved to sing of his Father-land, In stirrinir melodies. Yet I f lin would touch thy trembling strings, In a requiem sad and low : Let the daughters of Erin join the strain, For the bright ones that never, ah, never again, Shall visit us here below. Sweet bird of song ! though silent now, Yet thou never shalt be forgot j From the beautiful shores of thine own green isle, To the silvery banks of the flowing Nile, Has been heard thy warbling note. Ah I couldst thou come on thy pinions light From the starry world above ; If ought could heighten angelic bliss, It might be the homage of hearts that miss Thy song, and its notes of love. Farewell I farewell I we shall see thee still ; 15y the rays so grandly bright, Of the "' fire worshippers'' stately pile, And the charms of the gentle Nourmahal — The harem's sunny light. Farewell, bright bird, and tliy gentle mate, AVe ask thee not to stay ; Thou hast often dazzled our earthly sight With the varied hues of thy pluuiage bright. And thy wondrous melody. REFLECTIONS. 25 HKiaKOTIONS OX THK OLD VKVK .VXD THE NE■^v^ Tnou art gone, Olde.. Year, to thy J„o,„_ l'musl>tw,th,„c„,ories,,Jea«auta„,l.ad- i here are s«n,e, darkly shrouded i„o.,„„,„.' There are others that make the heart glad. Thou ha.st witnessed haud joined in hand, ' '''professions oflove and oC truth- And thy smiles have been graeious and bland Lpon many a fair head of youth. Thou hast taken, alas ! in thy (ii,,ht Many sweet buds of pron.ise and love ; liut we know they are blooming as bright. In the region;, of beauty above. Thou hast taught us that time has an end: That our loveliest flow'rs must deeav • Ami t.>at sorrow with pleasure must ble^d -I 111 the dawn of eternity's day. And we know that our eyelids must elose On th,,s earth and her beautiful scenes; The.i, then, n,ay we find a repose i'ar transcending our happiest dreams. We must go through the valley aloa Thouffl Th( Til eomiii cousi i we shrink irom it8 darkness and ^■one forth from the Tl u« to death and the tomb. d has doom i'ns irone «6' Rf:FLECTl(h\S. We may flutter, like moths, round the flame Of a brilliant and dazzling light ; ]^ut we wound ourselves always the same, x\nd must yield at the close of the fight : Without compass, or rudder, or guide, On the dark, rolling river, alone ; Ah ! how many, through folly and pride. Are still drifting away from the Throne. Jjonely voyager ! dark is thy sky ! There is no Son of Righteousness near ; Scorn'd and slighted when once He was nigh. Now He leaves thee to doubting and fear — Driftin*>: far from tlie Beautiful Shore, Into regions of grief and despair — With the sad words '• too late," evermore Kinging out in thy misery there. J^et us gird on the armor of Grace, For the year that is just coming in ^ Weak humanity cannot eflace The foul blottiii<:;s of error and sin. Do Thou guide us, Oh ! Spirit Divine, ; Through the intricate windings of life; Fill our souls with Thy teachings sublime. Closing up every inlet of strife. January Ist, 1808, ON REVrsiTTNG GOLDEN VALE. 57 TO FKIENDSHTP. Tiiou sunlicrht of life's tearful way, Thy presence brightens every day'; Thou oiv'st to every voice a tone ' Of o-enfleness that 's all thine own. All thin-s look brighter where thou art ; Thou brinjrest joy to every heart ; And in the gentle, winning smile, We trace thy influence all the while. \A Y ON VrSITINO GOLDEN VALE (KINGSTON) AFTER A LONG AT5SKN0E. ^ ES ! 'tis the same old spot, Though blighted and decayed; Though all its beauties seemed to be Tn sorrow's weeds arrayed. Each leafy bough that waves In yonder dim old wood ; Tells of the melancholy pnst, V/hen 'neath its shade T stood. Those were days of balmy sunshine. When a bride, and yet a child, Sweetly dreaming of the future, r explored the forest wild. 2S ON REVISITING GOLDEN VALE. Nature's robes were bright and bloominir. And she gave with liberal hand ; Fields of verdure and of plenty, Flocks as fair as in the land. And, methinks, I hear the clicking Of the shuttle and the loom ; And the hum of busy voices, Now so silent in the tomb ; And the rushing of the water, Urging on the busy mill ; Now, I list in vain to hear them — All is desolate and still. .^■■i Buoyant hopes an I brilliant ftmcies. Cease to fill my busy brain ; All this desolation round me. Does not lift its voice in vain. Blighted fields, and homes deserted. Tottering, falling to decay. Do not speak to ears unheeding — Hearts all void of sympathy. Years have changed the tide of feeling, — Checked the gladness of my soul ; Scenes like these arrest mv dreamin";. With a power beyond control. ON REVISITING GOLDEN VALE. 20 Once that Homestead rung with voices Sounds of busy, nimble feet; Then the parents and their cliildren. Mingled oft In converse sweet. Ere the lapse of years had chano-ed them From the innocence of youth ; Ere their feet were taught to wander From the paths of love and truth. Peace and plenty were their portion 'Till their childhood passed away, And the finger of contention Touched the blossoms with decay. As T tread the empty chambers, Once the scenes of busy life, Memory points, with tearful sorrow. To the consequence of strife. Ah ! my heart, restrain thy beating. Here are relics of the past- Dear mementoes of my girlhood Of those hours too bright to last. Strange that, after years of absence, I should find a treasure here, Causing one bright beam of sunshine, Drying up the falling tear. 30 TO LOUISA F. Scenes of sadness, yet of pleasure, Once again, T say farewell ; Of the changes yet before us, Of our future, who can tell ? July liUh, 1S()(). TO LOUISTA F. FOR HER ALIU M. Tins is now thy glorious spring time, Bright with sunshine, joy and glee ; Hope, the syren, lures thee onward, When still brighter days may be. Hear the voice of one, whose morning Once was sunny as thine own, — Warns thee not to trust too fondly, Hopes that perish one by one. Keep thy treasure, where the mildew Of this earth shall touch it not ; And a sw^cet and calm contentment Shall o'ershadow all thy lot. Juno, 1S67 TO MY .SIlSTER. 31 TO MY SISTER, ON HER SIXTEENTH BIRTII-DAY. Thou art standin<4- on life's threshold, Looking- forth with wondering eye, On the varied fates and fortunes Of the many passers by. Some are clad in smiles and gladness — Hearts untouched by grief or woe ; Others, bound by lieavy sadness, Weeping ! weeping ! as they go. Some have walked a weary journey. Furrowed brow and silvered hair, Telling o'er the oft-heard story, Of a life of toil and care. Some are climbing hills of steepness. Seeking glory and renown. Trusting in a mortal's weakness, Thus to win a Victor's crown. . Some are gath'ring from life's garden, Clusters of its fairest flowers ; Never dreaming that their sweetness Fadeth with the summer hours. There are groups of smiling Happy in domestic peace ; Happy in the full enjoyment Of unbroken blessedness. 32 TO MY SISTER. Oil I uiy Sister, choose not lightly ; All that glitters is not gold : Muy'st thou walk the pathway leadin Up to blessedness untold. May the teachings of* thy childhood Hallow all thy future lot ; And through all life's varied wanderings, Never, never be forgot. Murmur not, though in the desert, Wide and waste, thou lose thy way ; Many a bright and green oasis Shall refresh the weary day. Then the lamp of heavenly wisdom, If thou keep it in thine hand ; Shall direct and guide thy footsteps. To the happy, promised land. RELIGION.— MUSIC. 33 Suggested by a Serujon. preaehed by the Rev. A. M. Stave, t on the subject of " Religion." ^^avely. on Sweet influence! where thou art there is no strife; rhy meek command is ever '^ peace, be still :" ihou giv St a calmer, holier joy to life Subduing man, and guiding his strong will. In every storm, thou art the guiding star • Jn every time of peace, a source of joy :' 1 hy promises, as sure of bliss, afar In that bright land, the Christian's destinv •Tanuary 8th, 1854. M U S J C . I LISTEN to the strain, And my heart is fill'd again With all the blessed memories of youth : Those many songs of glee, Lov'd so dearly then by me. Kecall the happy days of childhood's truth. And in girlhood's brighter hour, Had thy sound the magic power' Ut awak'ning in my heart a world of joy ; In an atmosphere of song How the hours glided ou. All unmindful of a sterner destiny. 34 LINES. ON THK DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. Gently ! gently ! for the Hie blood From its source is flowing fast ; And the Martyr *s turning homeward To his everlasting rest. Not a word, a sign, or token, Ev'n to her he loved so well ; Ah ! destroyer I thou hast broken Every chance to say — farewell. Stricken, while the gjms of glory Glittered proudly on his brow ; While yet nations read the story Of the rebels' overthrow. Stricken, while glad shouts of triumph Filled the air and rent the sky ; While he sipped sweet drops of pleasure From the cup of victory. Bear him gently, for his great heart Throbbed with pity for the slaves ; And he pledged his word to free them, Though the land were strewn with graves. Farewell, brave and kindly spirit, Thou hast won a world's renown ; May thy soul with joy inherit Heaven and a glorious crowu. April 2(itli, IStj.'), r.lNES. S5 ON THE DEATH OV LORD PALMKRSTON. LATE PllEMTKR OF KXdLAND. A MiOHTY Leader, of a mighty raccj A very Titan in the statesman's art ; In whose rich tones and eloquence we trace The charms that ))oiind him to eacli IJriton's heart. His manly strength and beauty seemed to smile Tn calm derision at the flight of time : Brown locks were turned to white ; yet all the while. The source of life seemed strong, as in its prime. A triple crown of honor, wealth, and power. Rests on that brow ! serene in majesty ! Still at the helm, unconscious of the hour, — That awful hour ! so full of mystery. Now, in the hall where British statesmen meet, Sadly we gaze upon one vacant chair j And in the tones of stirring, keen debate, The leading voice, and presence, is not there. Oft in the surf of fierce, contending strife. The Ship of State obeyed his powerful hand : With all the energy and strength of life, He strove to guard his glorious Father-land. Rest in the transept (with thy great compeers,) Of shady Westminster — the rich man's tomb — Thy grave is water'd with a nation's tears, And all the land is wrapped in sombre gloom. 36 KONO. Now, may kind hcjiven grant a leader, bold. To guide Britannia safely through the sea : 8hr! })ears a freight of wealth and worth untold ; And there jiro breakers on the bow and lee. Clouds are o'ershadowing our sunny sky, And traitors are among the gallant crew : Proud liritain's honor, and her standard high. Must be upheld by all the brave and true. Those distant mutterings portend a storm : Now we shall miss the penetrating eye, The steady judgment, and the lordly form. At whose bold presence traitors turn and fly. There may be trouble ; but we fear no ill ; For England — glorious in war or peace — ►She bears the Ark, the message of God's wilL The guarantee of safety, and of grace. , SONG. Life's sunny hours are fleeting away. Slowly they vanish, -^ay after dry : Laughter is fadicj^ ; joy cannot last ; Surely they 're gliding into the past. Time is progressing, blighting our youth ; Daily we 're learning how rare is tiuth : Then, in the future, shall memory bring, Thoughts of our childhood, life's pleasBnt spring. A OUIi MOTHER. 37 OVR MOTHER. We laid lier down to rest. Where her little ones were sleepinrr ; And sad friends round her «,'rave. Hot, bitter tears, were weepin« But we knew that angels bright Were bearing across the river. A happy, ransomed soul, To the realms of bliss for ever. >«• Ah I true and loving heart, For ever rest in peace ; Ah ! soft and willing hands. From earthly labor cease : But one more harp shall sound At the foot of the starry throne. Where He sits who saved them all. And claimed her for His own. A shadow is on our hearts, As we gaze on the vacant chair. And we miss the cheerful smile, That brightened the sunlight'the;e : But we know that never more Shall those eyes be dimmed with tears, And there, at the foot of the Cross, Lies the burden of three-score years. 38 OUR MOTHER. Ah I pure, angelic soul I At home in the starry skies. Oan'st thou see our lonely home, And scattered destinies ? -Alay we be guided now By the thoughts of other days. When thou taught'st our knees to bow. And our lips to utter praise. Rver a pleasant smile, For the outcast, or the poor ; Ever a cheerful i>ift J'or the pauper at the door : None ever turned away With a sob, or with a sigh, For the broken-hearted always met With a ready sympathy. Ah ! may we learn to live Just such a blameless life, Apart from the careless world And its scenes of busy strife ; So, when the hour comes, W^e can meet thee on Jordan's shore. The golden links of love complete For ever, evermore. April 1st. 1807. ON THE DEATH OF JAMES W. AGNEVV. 31» I. 1 N K S On the death of Jamks W. Aonkw, washed overboard from the ship " Herald," of Boston, on 12th of May last, off the Cape of Good Hope, son of the late Mr. James Agnew, of this city, aged 29 years. Farewell I till the hour when thy form shall rise From its briny bed to the starry skies ; We know thou art sleeping as sound and well, As if laid in some sweet and shady dell ; 13ut our hearts are bleeding! our eyes must weep. When we think of thee now, in thy last long sleep. Were thy visions of home, when the raging blast Hurled thy fair young form on the billow's crest '' Or of her, who so lately has gone before. To await us. her children, on Jordan's shore f ^ Yet she tarried not long, for her dark-eyed boy, lie has followed her soon to the realms of joy. Ah sorrow I to think of that brow so fair. That the sea-weed entwines in thy golden hair ; That the sad sweet pleasure can never be ours To bedeck thy urave with earth's sweetest flowers. Koll on deep so:i. for there cometh a day When our tit.isuns shall rise fro. . thy depths away. Yes, there cometh a day when the tempest's roar, Shall resound in thy caverns, from shore to shore ; When the millions that lie in thy vast domain Shall be clothed in humanity's robes ag^ain, And the song of the l^lessed that day shall be " Death is conquered now ; ours — the victory." St. John, August 8th, 1K6T. 40 LINES TO ANNA. TO ANNA. Bright days are thine, Dear friend of mine, And fairy favors seem to greet thee ; From hill and dale, And flowery vale, They come with bounding steps to meet thee. My spirit seeks Some calm retreat, Where joy is never mixed with sorrow. Where flattering smile Can ne'er beguile. Be true to-day, and false to-morrow. Earth has no joy Without alloy, No sun that's ever shining brightly. Dull care may throw Shades o'er that brow On which the hand of time rests lightly. I Thou canst not tell What witching spell Hath woven wreaths of love around thee. Thine only is To know the bliss That kind and lovinu' friends surround thee. SONG. 41 Some hours brinir. Sweet hopes that flin«^ Around thy path a ray of gladness ; But time's swift flight, May shroud their light In heavy, sable, hues of sadness. February 3rd, 1854. SONG. One word from thee, one kindly word. 'Tis long since last we met ; But thy last fond look, thy cheering smile, Are lingering round me yet. My heart has treasur'd thy last farewell,— The tone of thy cheerful voice. Like ti spell, it has driven my fears away. And caused me to rejoice. To be in thy presence, to share thy smile. Or charm thy grief away ; To strew bright flowers along thy path, And gladden thee day by day : To make the ills of life more light. And ever be near to thee, Would make my path on the earth as bright As I would have it be. January, 1854. 4ii THOUGHTiS.— SUDDEN DEATH, 'V TH01MIHT8 Suggested at the Bible Anniversary Meeting, by a Speech given ok the Restoration of the Jews, by Rev. A. M. Stavkly. One of the beautiful quotations used by the speaker was the following: " Oh Judah, how long shall thy weary ones weep, Far, far from the land where their forefathers Sleep : How long 'till the echoes that ring in the mountain ? Shall welcome the exile to Siloah's fountain?" Oh, soul-stirriug eloquence ! inighty art thou ! At the wave of thy sceptre we reverently bow : Brii'-ht spark of the Deity I spirit of light I Ho^ rh" presence illumines the darkness of light. Thou art ..ike to the mind, as the string to the harp, Which, when touched, spoaketh melody, sweet to the heart : How thou lightest the eye, and imprintest the brow With intelligence nought but thy power can bestow. 8UDDEN DEATH. On hearing of a sudden death, bereaving a wife and one child of a kind Husband and Father, A HAPPY TRIO ! met around the glowing hearth, And each seemed to forget how brief his joy on earth. That night the suumions came I from death's unerring hand, He urged his silent claim on one of that small band. But two there arc to weep in that sad, lonely home } Their loved one lies asleep within the narrow tomb.. LINES. 43 ON thp: proposed erection of a re- formed PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SAINT JOHN. Yes ! build a house, where Ziou's King, In all His majesty, may dwell ; When frrateful hearts His praise may sing. And messengers His glory tell. Not like Jerus'leui's pride, of old — The idol of each Jewish heart — Will each succeeding race behold, And worship at the shrine of Art. No gold, from Ophir's costly mine, May glitter 'neath it's humble roof; One brilliant ii:cm alone will shine — The priceless pearl of Living Truth. It's walls shall never echo praise Sung by the Organ's pealing voice ; But hearts shall sweetest music raise. And in that melody rejoice. No Monarch's knee may ever bend Beneath it's roof, in humble prayer ; But He who dwells above will lend, To lowlier ones, n willincr ear. It needs not Crowns, of earthly worth. To place us on a throne in Heaven : The humblest follower of Truth M;iy win the (Jem, s't freely given, 44 THE ERECTION OF A R. P. CHURCH. Think of the days, when good old men, HiMved many a ruthless mountain storm ; When many a Scottish hill and glen R(!-cchoed sttlemn Sacred Song. When heathor-bells wer(^ crushed beneath The knees that bent in heart-felt prayer ; And even the zephyr seemed to breathe False music to each troubled ear. The tide of years has swept away The chains that sought to bind the soul : Free as the eagle's flight on high, Truth spread her wings, and scorned control And gentle, hallowed beams of light Burst through the superstitious gloom, Which wrapt man's brightest hopes in night, And hid all bliss beyond the tomb. Build ye a house where, 'neath the tree Of purest Truth, sweet flowers may grow. Fit for a long eternity, For bliss that earth can never know. January , 1850. SONG. 45 « N (J . Sweet evening, hours ! I Jove ye well • ^^ hen wanderers meet around the hearth • 1 he merry joke and winnino- smile Ridding us welcome all the while ' Kinding our souls more close to earth. Sweet evening hours ! there is no care • Sorrow flies with the setting sun • . Wetalkoftheabsent.'anddropatear, To J. ^^ '^ '"^ ^'"'"^' ""^« -^^ "«t "ear. iojoin m the merry song. The day is brio-ht. -mrl ii-'c ^ • ^ ^n 1 ^^ft""^' '^'^•i Its noisy hum. Ott chaseth our gloom away ; But the holy ealm of the evening hour feoothing the heart with a maLn'c power Setteth the spirit free. ^ Let the storm blow high I there are happy hearts In the peace of the evening hour ; And the bustling world, with its weary care is cast away while we min-le there J^.njoying its magic power. .Jnniiary, 1854. 40 THE WORLD. THE WOULD. When T look at the world on the sunny side, Dressed in the colors of hopeful youth, At its changeful love, and its haughty pride, l^earing the semblance of gentle truth. What joy is written on each green leaf. What hope in the blush of the dewy rose; We yield to their influence, though so brief, W rapping ourselves in a false repose. A beautiful world, when loving and loved ! We see no trace of that sure decay ; Which ever ! yes ever ! has truly proved How false its brightness, how passing away. To the eye of genius, how wondrous bright Are all its beauties, what bliss to trace The Creator's work in the star of light, ' That illumes the earth with its loveliness. Or go to the depths of the cold, dark mine. Gaze on the treasure there, all untold; See I where the ruby and diamond shi?ie. Emeralds, silver, and yollow jrold. Weary workers are toilinij: there, (irasping those gems with intense delight ; To those sad eyes even the world is fair T!ioii<.':h all il< irloriei? arc lost in ni']:ht. rm: would. There is one whose brow is „f ebon hue Whose toil begins with the risin. sun : That beautiful world ho eannot view And sighs wheu Freedom he thinks upon. He looks at the bird of airy win- Mocking his thraldon,, soaring high ; Oh for a taste of that heavenly sprin.- • Lost to the slave : sweet Liberty. " '" nd'ii' !",? ""'' •'""^''' ""'^ •'-'' l"-' dark, Death shall erase that eruel mark That embittered his liib in a world so fair. Or far in the land where rich perfume Is borne on a thousand airy wings, Where beauty dwells in her sweetest bloom. A land where the heart to the bright world elings It appears as if death eould not enter there So near perfection doth all things seem/ But he softly con.es on the perfumed air.-l They w.ther and fade as a fleeting dreum. January, 1854. 48 CONTRASTS. i !. ' C O N T R A S T S . It is a world of change I we know not how The cloud may conic to shadow many a brow ; We gaze upon the festival ; and then the tomb, With all its sad impenetrable gloom. It is a world of change ! the busy throng. Thoughtless in search of pleasure, glide along ; Sweet is the tliought that, when it disappears, We waken to a life undimmed by tears. There is a house of mourning ! one sweet flower, The pet of all, has withered in an hour ; It is the home of youth, ah ! sad to part From all so loved, so dear to that young heart. There is a house of joy ! a fair young bride Is standing by her chosen husband's side, To be his loved companion ! ever near, To share his smile, or wipe away a tear. January, 1854. TO REV. DR. CLARKE. 49 TO THE 11P:V. A1.EXAN1)1:U CLARKE, D. D., OK AMHERST, N. 8. SuBROsted by the sad affliction of his partial loss of sight, and danger of total blindness; hoping they may soothe, in some degree, and convey the writer's sorrow for such a calamity. Is THY spirit filled wiili doubting and with fears, As thy earthly vision seems to fade away '^ Are those eyes, so niueh afflicted, filled with tears. As the dark'ning shadows fall upon thy way ? Does this bright world seem more lovely to thee now, When it's glorious sunlight 's fjuenched in sudden gloom ? Does a heavier shadow rest upon thy brow, When a warning finger points thee to the tomb ? Then let Faith, triumphant, lift her willing eye, And thy soul shall filled bo with floods of light ; Stretch thy hand ; thy Helper, Saviour, will be nigh, To conduct thee to a world more fair and bright. Thou hast stood on Z ion's wall, a watchman strong, Guarding well th' approach of every cruel foe ; Now, the issues of the day to Him belong, Who hath called thee to such honor here bclciW. If He bid thee lay thine armor down and rest, Offering rich reward for work so nobly done ; Bow thy head in silence to the mild behest ; Wear with meekness every laurel thou hast won. o 50 STARS OF THE WINTER MGllT. Thou hast lielpcd to make the forest wild rejoice, And the wilderness to blossom as the rose; And with willing hands, and earnest plcadin.u; voice, Thou hast labored hard for Jesus with his foes. 1. Friends, and childhood's happy home, were all f' ''nn. In the morning of thy manhood's early prime j That thou might'st the poor lost slumb'ring sinner waken. From his sleep of death, in this cold northern clime. Bleak and sterile fields were planted, dug and watered ; Beauteous flowers began to grow, and bloom, and bud ; Over hill and dale, the good seed thou hast scattered, And hast left the increase to thy Father — God. Scotlaud's martyr'd pioneers are calmly waiting For thy coming, to that blissful, happy shore Oh ! how full of joy will be that friendly greeting, — "Well done, good and faithful servant, toil no more." June 5th, 1865. STARS OF THE WINTER NIGHT. Stars of the winter night ! Brightly ye glow. Shedding your radiant light On all below ; Far 'ii the ether of infinite space, Myriads of glittering jewels I trace. STARS OF THE WINTER NIGHT. Cil Dazzling lamps Of the silent ni*rht, All arc not 0(jual In splendor bri«,'ht : Yet ye are gems, in your settings of blue ; Each one so beautiful, brilliant, and true. Star of the East, Whose effulgence mild. Led to the home Of the Holy Child; Beautiful mission of thine! to brin^ Wandering ones to their Infant Kin Stars of the winter nii;ht. Sadly I turn Upwards my gaze, To the vault where ye burn ! Oh, how ye stir up from memory's shrine, Trysts made with lov'd ones in days of 'lang syne When by fate parted In regions afar ; Each should look up To some beautiful star : Blessed renewal of Friendship's vow, Kindled again by your burning glow. 52 FAREWELL SONG. A FAREWELL SONG. Go, in thy bark so light. Far o'er the stormy main ; Go, and may visions bright Hasten thee back again. Go, for a mother's love llcsts on thy trackless path ! Nothing can it remove ; Nought is so true on earth. Go, for a sister's smile Plays like a sunbeam bright ; Let it some hours beguile When thy spirits are not light. Go, where the orange tree grows. And, when breathing its rich perfume, Cast thou a thought on those Wishing thy safe return. Go, where the skies are bright. But remember thy native land ; Return, in thy bark so light. On its snow-clad hills to stand. For friends are as true to thee As those of the sunny isles. Though expressions flow not so free. Nor are clothed in such witching smiles. SABBATH QUESTION. Go, and when danger \s nio-h Know that a fervent prayer Is offered to Him on high, Who alone is thy helper there. Then return, as the eagle's flight, Hither with gladness come I' Kest on the billow light ; Safe ! thou art welcomed home. 53 June 11th, 1865. LINES ON THE SABBATH QUESTION. Not keep the Sabbath day ? Vain, foolish man ' Streteh forth thine arm, obliterate tlie Sun ' ' Come, set thy foot upon the Ocean's strand _ And bid Its n.i-hty current cease to run ' i e men of wisdom, tell us. can ye find A substitute for that ye leave behind ? Blot out the Sabbath day ? Oh hear the si..h From hearts oppressed with ceaseless toil and care; Through all life's wilderness in vain they trv io find a rest,-a bright oasis there. " Un.satisfied and sad, no longer blest • In weariness, they wish for death 's Ion- rest 54 SABBATH QUESTION. Not keep the Sabbath day ? From Calvary Hear ye the Saviour's kind and loving voice — " I come to fulfil the law, not to destroy," And open wide the gates of Paradise : " Justice, embraced by mercy," leads the way ! Oh, weak, misguided ones, why will ye stray? Not keep the Sabbath ? Were it nothing more Than hours of sweet repose to j^ of toil — Ah, blessed generations gone before, Whose wisdom failed those happy days to spoil — Who placed implicit trust in Sinai's law, Nor in its perfect code observed one flaw. Blot out the Sabbath ? Hushed forever be The sounds — " Go up to Zion, praise Me there;" " Though Jacob's dwellings aye are dear to me, I love, still more, mine house of special prayer?" Ah, men of wisdom ! have ye turned away To worship Mammon and his gods of clay ? , ]51ot out the holy Sabbath ? Overturn * The Altar of the household, once so dear ; 'J'he hallowed place, where we were wont to learn — The name of Israel's God to love and fear? How can ye thus seal up from infancy The fountain of such love and purity ! Not keep the Sabbath day ? Gould angels weep, Then tears might dim the joy of perfect bliss. In grief for blinded men who would not keep A boon so rich, in such a world as this; ON DEA TH. 55 Who spurn with impious hand what God hath given— An emblem of th' eternal rest in Heaven. Not keep the Sabbath 'i Do ye not believe That what He once has said is binding still ? Be wise in time, and reverently receive The slightest mandate of His holy will. Hear this — ''The heavens and the earth may pass away, But my Word," never ! through eternity. St. John, March 5th, Wio. ON DEATH. When the messenger comes, and we haste away ; AVhen ties are broken in grief and tears. How blessed to know, that 'tis not for aye. But we shall be united for endless years. With the mind thus strengthened, we calmly bow To the fell destroyer, and wait the hour, That shall witness our parting from all below— The last sad triumph of death's stern power. There are seraphs bright from the land afar, Silently soothing the bed of pain ; They are pointing to Bethlehem's gentle Star, Light of the sad and sorrow! nir. 66 ON DEATH. When ages have passed, of the soul's delight, In that land of promise so bright, so fair ; All beautiful day ! no clouds, no night. Nor decay of beauty, shall enter there. Link after link of that magic chain, Which bound each circle of lov'd ones here, Will be united in joy again, And sorrow and sadness disappear. Creation's mightiest minds shall dwell, Enjoying a long eternal rest; 3Iingling with many who loved them well. Whose feet they led to a world so blest. Their harps shall echo the sanje glad song. Their voices blending, one mighty choir ; The theme that dwells on each glowing tongue, Is praise and thanks to Almighty power. No more to sigh over visions fled, No vacant places will meet our eye ; Nor vain regrets for the early dead, Murm'ring at man's stern destiny. 1854. CONFEDERATION SONG. 67 CONFEJJEKATIOX SOXrj. I.ET tlie 'o will not for-et the lonely few ^rathered Into th( around their fliithful uuide censer And friend we will pour tor you Offerings oflove and friendship To the end. Novoinbor 2nfh. m m. eo TO THE UNITED SYNOD. I. T X E S ADDRESSED TO TIIK RECENTLY UNITED SYNOD OF THE J'RESBYTERIAN CHURCHES OF THE LOWER iMiOVINCES. 11a I SE ydur oye.s to yonder standard, Waving in tlio Scottish breeze; Then look to the men who bear it. Whom y and whence 't and wliat are these'' Who Is this so .rloa Down tlirouuh centuries of ni-iht. (llist'ning 'mid the rocks nnd ulaciers Of a noble Switzerland ; And Italia's faithful A'audois Reached the lamp from hand to hand. Fierce Inquisitorial power Could not quench the stream of liuht. And it burst on Scotland's vision. Shining still more grandly bright. Messengers are fast increasinu-. And uniting heart and hand ; May the ancient motto guide them Of their glorious Father-land. Not consumed, yet ever burning. Showing light by night jind day ; While the builders work in earnest Zion's beauty to display. 'Till the top-stone be uplifted, Amid thrilling shouts of joy; Then the workmen rest from labor. Praise, henceforth, be their employ. Then on Jordan's swelling billows. One by one they reach the shore. Welcomed by the band of martyrs. Free and blest for evermore. St. John July 2. IHGO. 68 SONG S X (I . »^' ('oME hither, dear friend. 1 '11 sin; Some favorite melody ; 7\nd my nonu' shall eh;ise the gloom That rests on thy spirit away. And the light shall come to thine eye. As in happy days of yore ; And the rose to thy pallid cheek. Tn its beauty and bloom once more. I can see that Time has touched Thy beautiful golden hair ; And that cold, dull Care, has set His seal on thy brow so fair. But come, I will sing to thee A song of those bygone hours When life's journey seemed to be Through a bright parterre of flowers. 'M' Thou wilt never be changed to me, Let the years pass as they will ; Though the casket wither, the gem T love Is pure, unfaded, still. Then come, I will sing to thee. Some well-remembered lay ; And the shadows shall lift and flee On the wings of my song away. Aujrnst 27th, 186fi. TO THE HEJSWICK AiiSOCIATlOy. fi3 L I N E 8 ADDRESSED TO THE REN WICK ASS(KMATION OF THE R. V. CHURCH, ST. JOHN, N. B. Look ye up to the Name on your ])auner inscribed. Brink ye too of the dniUiLrht tliat liis great soul imbibed : Grace, that filled his spirit with tenderness sweet. Burnished arrows of truth. bringiiiLi: foes to his feet; Nothing; earthly can make him relinquish the crown Which he holds for the brow of Kin*:; Jesus alone. Was he tempted? Ah yes I look at Royalty's hand Filled with bounties and promises, gracious and bland : See ! the banquet so regal before his eyes spread. He has but to renounce Him who suffertid and bled ; He has only to mount on the chariot of state. And to mingle with all that this proud world calls great. Was he tempted ? Ah yes ! for the holiest ties Will be naught to the man whom he dares to despise ; He must flee, as a bird, to the mountain, and hide. And accept his sad fate, let whatever betide ; Look above thee, brave Renwick I and what dost thou see — A Saviour, triumphant, is pleading for thee. Full of faith, he looked up, and a small ray of light Glimmered forth from the cloud that seem'd dark as the night : There's a future, my country, just dawning for thee ; From my mansion, in heaven, I shall soon see thee free. 64 TO THE UENWJCK Af^SOCJATION. Wliat is this poor lilb. wei«;lie(l in the balance with thine? Nay, I 'tl uive tliee a tliousand such, could they be mine. Tliat <^ri?n sceptre of iron, that criislies thee down. With tlie tyrant wlio wields it, will soon be o'erthrown; Jiike a i^'iant. refreshed, will the nation arise, .Vnd her pjvans oi' Liberty reach to the skies ; The dark pathway ol blood over whicli she has trod Shall auain bloom with flowers upon Frce(h)ni's jrreen sod. 'J'hat bri^ilt visi(jn. so ulorious, streniithened liis heart. As he mounted the scaffold, prepared to depart; I'^arewell, kindnnl and I'riendsl i'ondly cherished, and dear, And the flock of my pasture ; yet, shed not a tear : Never more, on the hill sides, our voices shall blend In the |>raise of our Saviour, Redeemer, and Friend. l>rave younjj; warrior I now thou canst lay down thy shield ; 'Twas a fiercely fouji'ht battle ; but thou did'st not yield ; Angels briuht will conduct thee to yonder wliite throne. To receive from thy Kini:: the bright crown thou hast won ; Close thine eyes on the world and its false dreams of bliss, And awaken to happiness truer than this. Renwick sleeps I the last link of that glorious ch.-iin That was riven and torn, that King Jesus uiIl^ ji; Some were ripe for the sickle, well stricken in tis; (Jthers. iialf through life's journey, in sorrow ami team's; Rut the bloom of his manhood, and joy of his youth, AVas extinguished by hate, at the altar of truth. 1868. STAiXZAS. 65 >: T A X / A S . Havk yv ever felt the heart's wild throb. Or the spirit's atrony. Wheu your dearly I„ved, 'neath tiie .h.rk -rcen sod, Ve have lei't in peace to lie y When ye turned from their lowly bed away. Have ye i'elt how lonely the heart can be ? When the sky. that was once without a cloud. And the sun. that in bri-htness shone, Have darken'd. and left thy spirit bowed In orief. for it's joys all gone; When time lias torn all from thy grasp away, Have ye felt how lonely the heart can be '.' Happy, if these be all the woes That have harrowed thy gentle breast; ir tlio griefs Time brings, as he onward goes. Are all that disturb thy rest : Long years have never revealed to thee How sad. how lonely, the heart can be ! "lis when hearts, whose faith we have trusted well. Have broken the chain tluit bound us ; And severed affection's holy spell. And treated our love with coldness. 'Tis when those we trusted have learned to beti-av. That we feel how lonely the heart can be .' fffi THE PRESENT TIME. There 's the glisten iug eye, and the friendly smile. And the tones of winning gladness. That for many an hour have served to beguile And sweeten our moments of sadness. 'Tis when these have turned from our love away. That we feel how lonely the heart can be ! There are those whose friendship is ever truo, And love is all confiding ; Like flowers, whose freshness is ever new, And beauty, and truth, abiding: But they bloom in fields that are far away, And lonely and sad must the heart still be. THE PKESENT T.ME. This vision, too. must pass away, So bright; so beautiful, it seemeth unto me ! A brief, but happy day I A dream of memory I JiCaving its bright impressions on the heart ; Fondly they dwell, unwilling to depart. Voices beloved I your merry song Falls with delight upon my listening car ; But ah I their melody Whispcrcth unto me Softly, in truthful tones T know full well. That Time will sweep away the magic spell. ^"T. PATRICK'S SOCIETY. 67 Friends of those happy, happy days I Eye meeteth eye with looks of love and truth ; Must ye aze with sad. yet happy hearts, upon the silent ton^b. TFTK MTSSIONARY. Tfis happy home, where boyhood's hours Have swiftly o'er him sped ; Where, 'mid an atmosphere of love. Life's briiihtest hours have fled : Fate has decreed that he must leave that yet unbroken band, And seek a home that 's far away. — far, in a stranger's land. Since th' hour his head was pillowed on A mother's gentle breast, Her careful hand has guided him. And lulled his cares to rest. A sister's kind and loving smile has lighted up his path ; But he must leave that cherished spot, the dear home of his birth. THE MISSIONARY. 85 of His father's heart beats wildly now, With pure and heart-felt joy. For fame's wreath decks |he noble brow Of his beloved boy : He bids him tell benighted ones, of offers freely uiven, To lure them from this fidini;' earth to brighter homes in heaven. His careful hand has trained a flower. And plucked the weeds away ; And he has prayed the " Mighty One," To guard him, day by day : And now he bids him tell lost ones of that surpassing love Which bids them welcome to a home, in realms of bliss above. Then go, devoted one, and prayers Shall waft thee o'er the deep, — '' He '11 keep thee that keeps Israel ; He '11 .slumber not nor sleep." Go, take the • l>'iii,i ■(' purest light," and show to won- dering eyes. The straight and narrow path that l«'ads to bliss beyond the skies. And he must '• weep when others weep," xVnd -'mourn when others mourn;" And Oh, perchance, he nevermore .May to " sweet home" return : But still, his path is chosen, and with trusting, fearless heart. tte longs to tell the message which bids sin and death depart. 86 TO ANNA. Think not the tide of rolling years. Has swept that love away Which bound his heart, in other days, To home, far o'er the sea : Oh no ! but it has kindled to a brighter, holier flame : He casts all other thoughts aside, to preach his Master's name. I- 1 And when the exile's heart has gone " To seek it's peaceful rest ;" When strangers hands have made the tomb And dust to earth is press'd, Bright seraphs from yon heavenly home, of which he used to tell, , Will bear him up to live with Him who " doeth all things well." November 1st, 1849. ' TO ANNA. Come with me, xVnna, we will wander back On memory's pleasant wing, and view the past ; ]3ack to our early days, that joyous spring Teeming with buds of joy, too bright to last. Youth's freshest bloom is yet upon thy cheek, No tears have swept the rosy tinge away, Buds of sweet promise bloom upon thy path, No blighting breath hath touched them with decay. YOUTH. 87 ir's he all Time hath not dealt so gently with thy friend : Yet loving was the hand that gave the cup ; The draught was bitter, but i\iii cloud is past. And life seems once again to brighten up. The world is full of beauty now to thee ; Its pleasures have a dazzling, witching power. There 's fragrance in the breeze, thou hast not felt That there are thorns among its choicest flowers. I 've called thee by the gentle name of friend Since those bright, happy hours, when first we met; May rolling years the mystic union bind, And passing hours ne'er "teach us to forget." 1850. ^y- YOUTH. Oh happy youth I the bloom is on thy cheek. Years hath not dimmed the lustre of thine eye ; Not yet, not yet, hast then been called to weep — Except indeed, the tear of sympathy. Oh happy youth ! thy brow is free from care. And hope is weaving garlands bright for thee : There 's not a cloud on all thy sky so fair ; Untroubled and serene is life's calm sea. Oh happy youth! thou see'st not a thorn Among the flowers sweet that strew thy way ; Their tragrance tells not of th' approaching sturm : Youth is a gay, but fleeting holiday. 88 A PARTING SONG. Foil HANNAH'S ALBUM. A PARTING SONU. What shall I write for thcc? What shall I say ? Calling up uiem'ries sweet When far away : When in the shelter Of " sweet home" once more, Mi>y thy dreams visit Our rock-girded shore. Groupings of faces bright There thou wilt see, Beaming with happiness. Joyous with glee : Mem'ry recall to thee Sweet songs again, — . Hours spent in learning Some pleasant refrain. Hours of communion, sweet Moments of prayer j Voices beloved Speaking peace to thine ear, — Peace and good will From the angels above, Oh may they hallow Thy young life with lo^^e. October 31st, 18G8. THE HEART. 81) T H K n E ART. writtp:n for a lady's ai.hum. TiiE heart has it's season uf vernal sprinir. Wlien it bounds like a joyous, restless thiup; ; No thought of sorrow, no dreams of care, And the bright sun ever shining there; When buds come forth undimmed by tears^ Ikight visions of beauty, in future year.s. .\nd it's season too of those happy hours. When the buds have ripened into flowers. When, 'mid sunshine of love and showers of bliss, I'iVen joy has been found in a world like this ; And the smiles of pleasure too plainly tell, Mow they bind us to earth with a potent spell. Ikit ah I there 's a season of wither'd leaves, When the breath of autumn is on the breeze, — When the freshest tints of the rose are gone, , And the sad one weeps in her bower alone ; And the finger of memory points, with tears, To the '• light that has laded" of other years. Lady, thy prospects are bright and fair, Gather the jewels, rich and rare ; And when time bears ofl". on his shadowy wings, The treasures round which thy young heart clings. No clouds of regret will cast their gloom Across thy path to a brighter home. h 90 TO IRENE. TO. IK EN E. We have hold sweet converse, gentle friend, We have talked of the happy past ; We have watched the rays of the setting sun Of a day too bright to last. Together we 've gazed on the stai' of hope, In the sky of one weary night, 'Till it's lustrous rays illuni'd our souls With it's own bright beaming light. If a friendly wish could strew thy path With bright and thornless flowers ; Or if human will could add one joy More bright to thy sunny hours, — Then such is my prayer ^or thee, dear friend, That the spirit of love may cheer, And spread it's wing o'er thy happy home, To make it still more dear. And then, Irene, when brighter joys Have lighted thy speaking eye, And the shadowy clouds have flown before A happier destiny. I fain would have in thy mem'ry's shrine One niche reserved for me ; One little spot I fain would hold In thy sweet memory. THE FUTURE 91 'T is true we cannot claim the streno-tli That years can give to friendship's chiitn ; Our's is a love of cjuicker arowth, But still, it's beauty niav retain. For years can never chani^e the heart ; Unfadinij: still it's love will shine ; And thouirh the casket may decay, The jrem will litrht it's secret mine. And when we sink to dreamless rest, Where flowers for us no more may bloom ; Oh may we meet amon*:: the blest. And Heaven be our eternal home I April 6. IS.^.'S. THE FTTTURE. The future is a dream, how bright— A wreath of fancy's fairest flowers A star, whose radient. dazzling light Illumines all our darkest hours. A chain of golden links. With wdiich we love to bind O c trusting spirits down to earth. It's promised jovs to find. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 11.25 UiKA 12.5 •» Ui 12.2 S Hi ■" ^ IllllJi^ / r- 71 "^14 y '/ /A Photographic Sdences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.y. MSSO (716) 873-4503 v iV 4 '■ ? v> '^^.<^ 99 THE FUTURE. A star, which buoyant youth Has named the Star of Hope ; And to it's ray the lone heart turns When joy begins to droop. A garden filled with flowers, We fain would never fade ; A world where sunny bowers By beauty's hands are made. A rainbow 3f delight Whose promises allure j Yet fading into night. When joy seems most secure. A world of unseen joy, Waiting us from afar ; Pleasure without alloy Ever the guiding star. TO A MUCH LOVED FRIEND. 93 TO A MITCH LOVED FRIEND, ON HEARING OF THE DEATH OF HER MOTHER AND FRIEND. I SEE thee bending meekly to His will Whose hand has snatched thy heart's delight away ; How thou dost strive the rising sob to still, And bow submissive to thy destiny. 'T was hard, with such a heavy grief as thine. To watch the fading of thy earliest friend ; But now, beyond the fleeting hours of time, Those dear ones dwell, where joy shall never end. When thou art weeping, raise thy weary eye To yonder starry home, and dry thy tears ; Thou can'st not tell how soon thy soul may fly To dwell again with friends of other years. In the bright sunlight of that better land No shadows fall ; no hopes are blighted there ; No cheeks grow pale by time's cold, with'ring hand ; No voice of lamentation or despair. Thou art not all forsaken ; time will lend Thee many bright and happy hours yet ; Sweet peace her gentle halo shall extend Across thy path, and teach thoo to forget. Forget — as evening shadows gently fall Upon thy heart — the storms of other years. And thou wilt only hear the Angel's call, Away from this sad world of grief and tears. 94 TO A MUCH LOVED FRIEND. U m Thou wilt forget, but not that gentle one Whose every thought of thee was love and truth ; With fondness shalt thou ever dwell upon The mem'ry of the guardian of thy youth. Thou wilt forget, but not that noble one Whose joys and sorrows thou wert pleased to share; Whose love allured thee from thy childhood's home ; With whom *t was light the heaviest grief to bear. He is no longer nigh, to check the tear That falls unbidden on thy pallid cheek ; But if thou, from the shadowy land, could hear His song of joy, thou would'st forget to weep. There is one left, on whom thy heart may pour The fulness of it's love ; he too has known Much bitterness ; naught can restore The joys, which from his grasp so quick have flown. His heart is sad ! Oh, gladden it with smiles ; Be thou a bright star on his lonely path ; With love's own teaching, weary hours beguile. And teach him to forget the woes of earth. So, shall thy father's house be glad and bright, Though there are vacant seats and withered flowers; So, shall his evening sun set 'mid the light Of loving smiles, and tranquil, happy hours. ■It LINES. 95 LINES Suggested by reading a beautiful Poem in the "Fifeshire Journal,' entitled "One by one Love's links are broken." Yes ! 't is true, Love's links are breaking, As the years roll swiftly by j Each one, as it snaps, but making Heaven's bright portals seem more nigh. Yet, how glorious is life's morning I In love's light, a Paradise ; Beauty's golden tints adorning Everything beneath the skies. No rude blast, as yet, has shaken Youth's fair bark upon the stream ; Yet, too soon, alas ! we waken From the bliss of life's " young dream." One by one, the harp-strings quiver, Touched by sorrow's trembling hand. As we glide along the river. Towards the far-oif spirit land. One by one, we lay each token Of a loving presence by ; One more cherished link is broken, One more fastened in the sky. All the fair, bright, summer flowers, Rich in beauty and in bloom. Wither, as the sunny hours Merge into stern winter's gloom. 96 LINES. But the resurrection cometh Ou the bahuy breath of Spring ; Flora's wreath of beauty bloouieth With the year's first oflfering. All earth's tender loves and greeting Are not lost for evermore ; There 's a trysting place of meeting, Waiting on th' eternal shore. Clad in robes of vestal whiteness ; No more denizens of clay; Broken links, one chain of brightnesa. Never more to know decay. No more hearts bowed down with anguish ; Mourning joys for ever flown; Not one happy soul shall languish. Kneeling round the great White Throne. February 28th. 1868. L I N E S WRITTEN AB"rEll AN EVENING SPENT IN STUDYING ANCIENT HISTORY. Grand and instructive theme, for every mind. To wander ov3r History's varied page; To watch our fathers, as they bravely climbed The hill of knowledge in each darkened age. One little star upon the troubled sky Of heathen nations, meets our earnest gaze : It points the way to bliss, in realms afar, And draws from pious hearts a song of praise. m TO MISS MARY CLARK- W TO iMTSS MARY CLARK, ON HER APPROACHING MARRIAOE. May the rosy flusli of pleasure Ever rest upon thy cheek ; And may this, thy new-ibuud treasure. Give thee joy no words can speak. In the labyrinths of sorrow That thy feet may have to trace. May his strong arm ever fold thee In a pure and le embrace. May the bond of love, unbroken, Like the golden circlet be ; Pure and bright, a lovely token — Lasting as eternity. Hand in hand, go on, united; May thy way be strewn with flowers ; And the love, so fondly plighted. Strengthen with the fleeting hours. Every day a sweet renewal Of the bliss already flown, And thyself the brightest jewel Of thy husband's earthly crown. At the household altar kneeling, Songs of thankfulness arise — Happy hearts and homes revealing — Anuels waft them to the skies. December 3rd, 1865. If I OB RECOLLECTIONS. R E C J. L E C T 1 N vS ,» OF SCHOOL DAYS, AND SCHOOL GIRLS PARTINGS. 1 'm thinking of the brightness, of our early summer sky Of youth's fair morning, when our hopes were rising fast and high ; When life's gay landscape lay outspread a rich parterre of flowers, And pathways seeming but to lead to pleasure's fairy bowers. 1' m looking back with tearful eye to yonder happy throng, liright in the loveliness of youth, impatient to be gone ; Impatient each to tread those paths whose flowers are so bright, Fresh with the dew of happiness and love's owu sunny light. 1 'm thinking of that parting, it was curious to see, Bright expectation on those faces, full of joyous glee; It was a study of delight to watch them setting forth, For each one seemed to think her home the " dearest spot on earth." I 've thought of them while wand'ring on in doubt and weariness And wondered if but one had found a bower of happiness ; One kindly shelter from the storm, a place of peaceful rest, — If one of all that youthful group could say that s^ie was blest. RECOLLECTIONS. 99 Or if, like mo. tlmir visions briaht had vanished one by one, Until, in doubt, and clouds, and tears, their summer morn has "j^one ; Watching and hoping still, that morn's brief hours may be more bright, Lingering to bask a little while in hope's warm, cheering light. I know that some have glided on in calm serenity — A morning of unbroken rest and calm tranquility ; And now, at noonday. T would pray that rude storms may not como To mar their quiet happiness, or blight their joys of homo. Yet Oh I when clouds have darkened every sunbeam of delight, And fate has threatened that our life be one long, weary night, How much more happy are we when the shadows break away. Revealing to our troubled eye a clearer, brighter day. 100 IN MEMORY OF MARGARKTrE. IN Mr:MORY OF MARGARETTE, Daughter of lion. Staylky Brown, Yarmouth, N. S., a dear friend of many years, who d'ed in December, 1864. Graven on the tablet Of each passini:; year, Is a fair and sweet face. Gone, — but ever dear. Meni'ry loves to linger on that cheerful smile, One so full of brightness, and so free from guile. v-kjii il vi 's; Rich in mental culture, (jlentle and refined; (i olden were the treasures Of thy well-stored mind : Happy recollections, of the day we met, — How we loved each other, never to forget. Still I feel the fond clasp Of thy friendly hand ; Though thou art an angel In the spirit land. Ah, how grieved 1 watched thee, fading day by day, All love's tender pleadings could not make thee stay. Wealth and love" were nerveless In the grasp of death ; Home lost all it's sunlight, With thy fleeting breath. Ofl I trace, in sadness, those dear lines of thine, Penned while death was pointing to the end of time : ]N MEMORY OF MARGARETTE. 101 Penned even while the augels Beckoned thee away ; Penned while ties were breaking. At the close of day. Then T love to wander, back to that sweet time. When thy jrirlish beauty cau