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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmds en commengant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole —^ signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film^s d des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichd, il est film6 d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. errata to pelure, in d n 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 - 6 aNADA NATIONAL LIBRARY BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE Gift of Offert par Estate of Arthur S. Bourinot POEMS LYRICAL AND DRAMATIC, BY JOHN HENRY BROWN, 1 T A W A : J. DUKIE cV SON, 1892. 'X ■> ^^m^^ Entered according to Act of I'arliament of Canada, in the year 1892, by John Henry Brown, at the Department of Agriculture. A. S. WoODBURN, Printer. V TO ISABEL. As, IkiikI in IkiikI. ire strai/cd Aloiiij flic iroild's hnxid hitjliinii/. Our s/vps ire off delfii/cd liif iinnii/d Idiic and hffr-iru}/ : Where JloH'crH and grasses sprainf, Diiisies mid h-iii(jeitj)s f/elloir. Anil, hlithelji siriiujiiKj, sninj The birds their rondeaus niellon'. These floirers and (jrasses. Sure!, )'on hade uw idiiek- and eherish ; I'nto i/oii. as is meet, I hriny them, ere they jwrisJi. s I CONTENTS: I. At thi: I»Mvkh »'i:oM WiivT Fair Wkstkkn Land, o i In thk TwiLKiHT .. On Rkai)|\,j rm.; Rii{aiv\t()K Omak Kiiay (Jkkatnkss Oamai.ikl Sinnjs . . Tm; Xkjiit is Hkuk. M\ J.ovk 'I'll K Fi KM) Elm Wmkx Lovk Diks .. I'OKSY "'....*" '!'<» THK Soil To W.S ...... On tiik Ti:i:i;a(k Fancy ' Tmk FaUTM-SI'IHIT F AT r I Kit AND Sun _ Life Althka A Rkminiscenxr To Tin; QiKKX-MooN Ox a I'oRTiiAiT OF Milton Love and Death -VtROSTIC Dusk Simmer Eves Shall Come ani> (;o r.ovE and Thouout. • • • • » » RESCKNT Y.VM, 1 3 4 r. 10 m 14 le 17 19 80 oo :',s ;!!t i VI. CONTENTSi. TlIK r.VIU.I.VMKNT OK M.\N . , A WiNTKK NkjUT Fantasy A Lkttkk MlDSL'MMKH Fl.()\VKF{S THAT liF.OOM AM) DiF, Nkjiit . Attic-Musin(js A SUNSKT TfiK Mauuia(}|<: of Tkuf JMinds Julian To Walt Whitman LOVRKS AND RosKS To A Slkkfkh Kkal and Idkai llAI'I'fNFSS Madue The Sunlit Earth Thkokmi J Ik Sweeps Pulse Swiftly. O My TTkakt dicvklopmknt. I MM IKED The HoiiizoN-HiN(j In the i)Ksi.:i{T 1>EAT/I . . ( 'leopatra WiniN (JoMEs THE Summer The New Achillks LES MlSERAIiLES Ambition i'hilosophy Fate TllOlOHT. .. AVEN \l\i VOLVIN (i 41 48 4;{ 44 4S 40 51 52 nn 54 55 65 00 07 07 m 70 71 74 75 4 1 71) 80 82 84 84 85 89 CO AT hJ Ms. VII. C'a(»ki) Snow ("KKATION Song . . . Minor Pokts Tkij. Mk What is I.ovk, U\ Hi: A WiNTKU Kvknin*; O MV I.OVE 11 ATI! STAUKY EyKS Amaryllis In Tin: FoRKST (tALATEA (^rKSTlONING The Pokt Looking Fohwauu VRT? »0 90 00 01 92 9!l 05 96 97 9H 00 00 99 100 II. A MaI> F'llll.OSolMIKR hi:, I I I. .^0EP§ and gORRElf. ■HHIII f AT THE RIVER. A sea of buttercups to pass, Foam-wliite with isles of daisy-stars, To where the river, smooth as glass, Slides o'er its stones and shingly bars. 'Tis June— her flowers, lier sky, her sun. The glory of the year begun, Though late, for June is well-nigh done. All grey-blue softness is the sky, Cahn-leaning oer a peaceful land, The grass o'er-tops nie where I lie. The river runs at my right hand ; Far down its shining depths the trees Reverse tlieir brandies ; and the l)reeze Brings perfume from fair upland leas. So gently wave the buttercups, Tlic taller grasses sway in tuiu', An insect each rich floweret sups. The waters shinuner in the noon. At intervals a city call, Beyond the distant wateifall, Strikes o'er the (piiet wounding all. A dragon-fly lights on my hand, A moment hovers, and is gone. A rusty-coated bee takes stand A golden-chaml)ered flower up )n ; Makes ruthless pillage, leisurely iiii 2 AT THE RIVER. Roams further, while a histy tly. All green and gold, drones idly by. Softly a shadow falls — then bright The sudden splendor gilds the scene. The birds pipe up in rapture light, A new-born breeze eomes out unseen ; Flits o'er the mead on joyous wing. The verdure-lines in motion swing, The heart of nature seems to sing. The shadows on the river's breast, The river slipping to the sea. The great sun sloping to the West, The happy haunts of bird and bee. The clover blooms, the daisias white, The dainty king-cui)s, virgin-bright— June in her majesty and might. ■■» FROM WHAT FAIR WESTERN LAND, O CRESCENT MOON ? From what fair W\^stern land, O crescent moon, Wliere carnival is held this happy njuht. Beams on our earth thy bow of silver li^iit The dusk air through, that, moveless as in swoon, Stirs not the faint cloud-curtains whence thy boon To brooding tliought l)rings store of fancies bright ^ The stars. Avan-misted, nod in drowsv pli-dit • Een Mars glows meekly in this night's'dini noon. These sleeping dream : but thou, O beacon fair, Lightest o'er lifpiid pathways of the deei). To where Hesperian gardens bloom and bear. To where Romance, on manv an airv steep Her castles builds : where life'knows naught of care And youth and love unending revel keej). rrr IN THE TWILIGHT. HE. Fades day's last smile, and now the eve, In dusk-gray sandals, slowbr comes Athwart yon hills ; the clouds receive The glory that her touch benumbs— Her soothing touch— the thicket hums, The low wind whispers in the trees, And careless we of fate's decrees, This day's wine drunken to the lees. SHE. Ah, sunny day of gold and blue, Day sent by love for love s dear sake ; Where love doth reign forever true. The kind fates still such days remake ; The magic spell no fate dare break. Then rest we here, while on the earth, Through thickening summer dusk look forth The stars, our hearts too full for mirth. HE. Ah, might we stay— forever so ; As in some dim Arabian tale. Would time forever onward flow. And leave us this musk-scented vale ; Let stars and planets ever sail Through strange sky-spaces, out of thought, Here, at this roadside, heeding naught But love's new life, how rich our lot ! IX THE TWILIGHT. SHE. A sadness in tliy voice doth blend With the soft-bro(xling, murmuring night. That hints e'en true love may have end ; Ah, never spreads he wings for flight : He ever lives in his own right, And smiles at death that fain would slay ; Death's earnest is for him but play, He heeds nor corse nor sodden clay. HE. So hopes ray own heart, heart of mine. Yet, down the ages of our earth. Behold a never-ending line Of shadow lovers spring to birth : Such men and maids of noble worth, Such falcon eyes, such cheeks of rose, ' Such fears, fulfilments, passion-throe's— And now o'er all Time's portals close. ON READING THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM. My Omar, treading in a later day This devious maze wliere once your footsteps lay, Though far from Persia's rich and fragrant Rose, Far from her clinging Vine's luxuriant spray ; II. Treading the path forever new yet old : The tale retelling now so oft retold : Here, while the Night lier dusky mantle spreads, I sit and watch the starry map outroll'd. III. So long ago you sang the Rose and Vine. The Queen of Flowers and the purple wine ; And toss'd your song unto the Sutis forth, And challeng'd better wisdom than was thine. IV. And now a dreamer in a distant clime — A bubble borne upon the after-time, Seeing a Rose upon the current float, Drifts idly on— to touch your orient rhyme. V. To touch your rhyme ! but Omar where art thou ? Dost hear thy life-song wafted to me now ? This spirit tlu-illing mine from the white page Seems like a Presence bending o'er my brow. ox READING THE RUBAIYAT. vi; Feeling tliy life intense I cannot think That when the 'Angel of the darker drink.' At last hefore thee standing, held the cup, Thou didst forever into darkness sink. VII. Then doubting d„ I ask. What profits all The going, coming, on this fire-hlown l)all? This sand-speck circling in the dim inane Where myriad suns forever rise and fall ? viir, Mankind. O Omar, .still no star can see. Nor torch to guide them tlirough the Mystery- Where, blindly groping, cling thev to a'hope ' One day to find of Human Fate the kev IX, New Teachers rising to the peoi)le cry : Divinely hither, sent by the Most High, We come to show the inmost truth of things — The truth which shown no scoffer can deny.' X. His ^ylll they know : His purposes make plain : Thy \ me and Rose they gird at might and main ; O er thorns and stones they press the earthly way To shun a future of eternal pain. XI. Somewhere, they say. within the waste abyss There reigns a Paradise of perfect bliss ; ON READING THE RUBAIYAT. A Land of Summer where the Rose and Vine Bloom fairer than they ever did in this. XII. And they who lov'd not this life there shall tell, Coucird high on beds of rose and asphodel, The praises of His name who led them up And thrust their brothers down to deepest Hell. XIII. Others advancing cry : There is no God ! Or, if there be, philosopher and clod, Sinner and saint are all alike to him ; He sits withdrawn — ye need not fear his nod. XIV. O brave as strong ! my Omar, kind and wise ! Scorner of sopliists and their subtle lies ! Lover of Truth— of Truth without disguise. And soul's integrity — the highest prize ! XV. With thee I hold He plac'd us here to live — To love the life He found it good to give ; And though the Secret we should never know, Why life at worst is sweet— and wherefore grieve? XVI. Lo I in the East the light of morning grows ; The curling mists ascend, the crimson glows ; And, in the smile of greeting Earth and Heav'n, The Universe appears an op'ning Rose ! GREATNENS. WJiat most men liunger for yet none acliieves. Save him who greatly cares not to be great . AVlio kncnvs tlie loom of time spins not more state Than that small filament a spider weaves : Since single barley-straws make j)ile(l-up slieaves, And atoms diminute the gross earth's weight, Nor comes from Sirius. earthward, rarer freight Than this small taper-beam my page receives. No greater is the desert than one sand, The mountain than one dust-speck at its base. The ocean than one rain-drop on my liand : And Shakspere's self, there in the foremost place, Hath but in ampler measure at command That thought wliich siiines Irom rustic Ho(hre's face. \ i«r GAMALIEL SIN(}S. O to carve the jowcllod ring that shines upon her finger. O to build the marble jjorch wherein her footsteps linger. O to sliai)e the leafy arrh that intertwines above her. O to be lier bounden slave, true devotee and lover. And yet, my mistress (ah so fair I) fShe doth not wait in porches : Nor moves she through dim galleries, Nor lingers late in churches ; Nor rests she 'neatli the leafy roof. Vine-wreathed in sunuuer weather : Nor lonely walks, pale-phantom-proof , O'er moon-bright leagues of heather, O to fashion some one thing, my very own, to give her : To paint a castle, or to build one, near a pleasant river ; To plan a road, erect a bridge, her carriage might pass over ; To be her faithful servitor, true devotee and lover. And yet I know she would not smile Though I proved ne'er so skilful. Nor is there any tender wile To woo my lady wilful. Though I did yield my life for her No word of sweet concession Should pass her lips, no kind demur Against such rash transgression. GAMALIEL Si SOS. II If I should cull a posy rare and on her tlu'cshold flin^r \[ ■ If I slK.uld fashion out- sweet song and at her lattice sii)-;' it ; It I should weave a canopy her royal hrow to cover ; She might reward her faithful slave, true devotee' an.l lover. But no— her eyes are far away. In dreams she looketh onward ; Nor sees the lovers fain who .stray Beneath, her glance is sunward. Beyond the city's towers looks she, Beyond the mountain's summit. And sees afar the knight care-free, Who conies yet never cometh. |f THE NIGHT IS HERE, MV LOVE. The niglit is here, my love, Tlie jewelled iiiglit ; 'Mid trees the glow-worms move. Soft sparks of light. Ui)oii the inlinite sea StraJige languors nail ; An odorous mystery Wra])s hill and vale. While uiountain-shai'.'tws meet The spreading lea — Ah I were I at thy feet. Thy suiile on me 1 This dusky-golden night Shoidd whisper low The secret strange and hright The ages know. .■■'< M. THE FIELD ELM. Beneath this tree what ph-asures have I known, The wlr" . .ts leaves toyed with the suimMer bive/e. Sweet Odors hearing from tlie orchard trees. That show their tops al)ove yon wall of stone,' Here through the long hours have I mused alone. In day-forgetting, dreainfid reveries ; Or, hy some poet's potent imageries. Transported to a plaee and time unknown, Have with the Moor in fiery passion moved. And felt the fren/.y of his tortured brain ; Have heard sweet Juliet rail to her helov.'d ; Have speculated with the mystic Dane ; Or, in the magic Grecian Cm, approved The glamour of Keat's shadow-i)ictured train. .■.;>'ni--«B:t-KJT-;i'r.-t.c^rr(srT! WHEN LOVE DIES. i All souinl is hushed — ?;ave my poor heart so sore — That, like a stricken bird, makes plaintive cry. May never life be as it was before V The unanswering stars shine in the silent sky. And o'er the calm face of the gentle night Sofc bars of cloud float in the clear moonlight. What did he savV O surely I must die I Surely he did not sav it I let me rest. Here at the window leaning, while I try To ease my heart, with this new woe opprest, Could I but think — but no, my whirling brain Hau only power to quicken my heart's pain. ' He loves me now not as he used to love, The old-time spell with time has passed away, The old-time tenderness time cannot move ; My friend he will be, if my friend he may : But since the glory of bright love is flown, Each life, 'twere best, should journey on alone.' And when he saw the wonder in my eyes. Saw life stand listening the approach of fate, And dark grief, treading on amazed surprise. Make greedy seizure of sweet joy's estate. His voice sank trembling, and, so trembling, died, And then he walked in silence at my side. But soon he spoke again, with pitying look, Deep sorrow in his tone and sad des|)air : ^ai WIIEX LOVE DIES. 15 e — ieil, ' Not mine alone the loss if love forsook The heart still yearning for his presence fair. Since once, but once, the soul witJi love mio-ht burn. Grown cold, alas ! deliglit could ne'er return.' 'And so the pain was his in etiual share, Now .joy had vanished and sweet liope lay dead.' O breaking heart, uphold tliy weiglit of care ! O dai-koned earth. Avhence light and love have fled ! His pain ! his loss ! O come, my love, again ! And, lost in love, forget all loss and i)ain ! Perchance I sleep, and 'tis some horrid dream. From which I shall awake to dawning bliss. The nighfs grey hours with gaunt illusii:)ns teem. I need but stir to find the proof of this : Ah. now I M-ake I why see the book we read,— And here the passage that my lover said. And there his pictured eyes do smile on me, Radiant with happiness and tender love :' Bright, gracious image, where sincerity Liglits from the soul within the brow above And see ! my ring, he gave me, shining pure As trutii, and bright as faith that will endure ! Ah God, I weaken ! Wherefore did he come Scattering these poison -fhnvers on mv wav Clouding the splendor of life's sunnv dome VVhile youth shone brightly as a sunm.er dav '' O dun eyes, brimming with these bitter tears •" O lonely heart I O vacant, desolate vears ' .M. m \fV^ fi: POESY. But now, a moment since, she passed me by. So beautiful ! O cahn thyself, my soul. Ilev smile was given in pity, as a dole Unto a beggar, not to crown thine eye With recognition of thy heart's outcry To be led upward to the starry goal. Poor panting trembler, strive then to control Thine anguish and thy longing, lest thou die. "What though her glance, more radiant than the morn, More beauty hath than all the earth beside, To die were better than receive her scorn, And, scorned by her, thou surely would"st have died. Poor wilful fool ! then live and die forlorn. Since die thou wilt or reach unto her side. TO THE SOUL. 'M norn, ? ( lied. Delicate sjnrit ! Most dainty essence, now (niickening into tliou-ht. Nimblest of coursers, that outspeedest the li-htnino- Nearer than wife or child, nearer than father or fdend. Forest pool, that rnirrorest the azure. Divinity's anihassador.— Ah, what art thou ? what is thy destiny ? * Shall there be a day of parting for us ? Do we appear for a moment but to darken into nothing- ness ? Through thee wife, child and friend ; Through tiiee the thought of God ; Through thee the soJid earth, the sun, the stars • Through thee winter's diamond morns, summer's dusk and dew ; Through thee love, passionate love : Love that cannot accept death, Love that surrenders all. Love that looks not before nor after, but is its own universe and life. Love the unexpres.sed, the inelfable. Through thee, O soul, joys and sorrows, mountings and depressions, darkness of graves, starrv fliglits to the infinite. Through thee youth ; Through thee the secrets of friendship ; Through thee tragedies, disasters and defeat : 18 TO THE SOUL. I .( Througli thee men and women — the ever-strunge yet familiar faces ; Through thee jioets and lierocs. — Ah, soul, what of thee 'i Thou canst not answer. Yet meseems tluni liftest with swift hand the mighty curtain, so slightly, ah, so slight!}', and beneath shines a white glimmer, instantaneous, yet promis- ing all I ask. Little friend I Surely no will-o'-the-wisp art thou. Hast thou nor father nor protector ? — the foster-cliild of time, the orphan of the ages, eternity's dim ghost. Art thou wind — water — a musical note — an unechoing cry — an ocean-bubble — a dying taper — the gasp of the drowning ? Or art thou power, enchantment, triumph, success? Shalt thou be forever justified ? Shall we indeed ascend the stars ? Shall our yearnings be fulfilled ? Shall we have all knowledge, all good, all truth ? Shall we extend the hand of fellowship to enemies? See the abj^sses illumined, the labyrinths open their folds? Follow the intricate net-work? Behold the misunderstandings of time grow clear in thy light ? Ah soul, shall we finally disappear or press on forever ? % et TO W. S. ith lis- of of leir thy I. What helps it tliat I love thee ? that mv heart, Like some poor suitor, seen amid the'throng' That moves about a princess, where sweet sons? Light dance and music, blend with ready art ^ ' To blot him from her thought, from anv part In all that to her soul's sweet needs belon'- Must sadly stand thy worshippers among,'" ' Or silently upon my way depart? Unknowing thee, and never to be known My love, my tender homage, .piite in vain ; bince these can lead no nearer to thv throne Nor find a voice to call through ranks of luen And place me at thy side, where, all alone Thou mighfst give love for love, till joy grew i)ain. 11. But thou art all, and I, alas, am naught : Thou the full sun, poor I the darkened sphere ; Or, if I glimmer in my gloouif ul year, 'Tis with a splendour from thy radiance cau-ht Awistfulplanet, still unseen, unsought, " I roll, nor ever come light's fountain near. So fair and far, yet to my soul so dear I know thou would-st not scorn my meaner lot. But would'st thou love me V could'st thou love me say ^ I, who have given thee worship, ask but love • It 1 should meet thee on some distant dav And shew my heart, would'st thou my trust reprove? Or sourly pass, without or yea or nay ? Ah no. great spirit, thou wouM'st gentle prove ^ li ON THE TERRACE. We talk of Thoreau, Emerson, Find Browning ' subtle,' Keat's divine, Suspect the morrow may be fine, 'Tis time the summer were begun : We had ])een laughing, chatting free- Where can that pleasant freedom be ? Constraint comes o'er us as we sit And hear the river foam below ; Above, the sky. with pearly glow Of moon-soft mist, is over-lit — That velvet-marble cloud afar Is centre-pierced by one bright star. The night is lovely, like a l^ride That goes to meet her lord, the sun. I wonder if she may be won, This silent maiden at my side— A princess sure, by right divine. Of royal grace in Beauty's line. Meantime she sits with flower-sweet face, A lily proud-poised on its stem, And calm as any carven gem Expressionless, that sliews no trace, That lu\s no sense, of human jiain. Nor ever felt Love's silken chain. ON THE TERRACE. While I, bound fast, witli tJirobbing breast, Where fear and hope alternate come, Essay to speak, but stricken dumb, Leave all my longing unconfest. So cold she seems, so bright, so fair. Faint hope gives place to chill despair. Then love, again my bosom's lord, Exi)els each craven hope and fear ; For thee, he cries t.'ie hour is here— Love's hour, the time, the scene afford ; For thee these gracious stars now shine. I turn, and my love's eyes meet mine. 21 O, Love did never yet break faith ! Trust Love, he speaks no idle words : Though sweet as song of morning birds, As true as prophet's holy breath. Trust Love, for Love kept faith with me ; He surely will keep faith with thee. FANCY. ' KviT let the fancy roam, Pleasure never is at home." Nay— wlion Fancy is at home All bright shapes of beauty come ! Soft she waves her shining wand : Fairy lights gleam o'er the land. All the treasures of the main, All the wild-flowers of the jilain, All the stars that gem the air When swai-t Night is throned there. All the wonders that the sun In his course doth look upon — These appear at her command When she waves her shining wand. And when Fancy is from home No kind shapes of beauty come. ' Bleak the sky and chill the air, Doleful glooms sit everywhere. Dun clouds veil the rich sky's blue, Not one golden ray glints through. Then ascends her dusk}' throne, Death's half-sister, hideous crone, Care, a hag well-known to men, Issuing from her noisome den. Yellow, wrinkled, baleful, sly ; Hate gleams from her bloodshot eye. FAXGV. Summons she her imps perverse, Bids each one his tasJi reliearse :' Where a blessing was, a curse. Wliere u better seemed, a worse, Bear tJiey to unhappy men From Care's foul and murkv den Where, when Fancy was at home, Happy winds were fain to roam. Loathsome vapors now have sway. Poisoning the sweet light of day.' ' Where dew-spangled fields were seen Oay with suit of hopeful green, Sandy tracts of desert lie. Hateful to the weary eye! Where a flower its sunnv head Reared, a weed doth s,,ring instead. Where a star of promise show'd, Dark despair hath his abode. Thus, when Fancy is f,om home. All dread shapes and phantoms come. Goddess Fancy ! Maiden free ! Spread thy choicest gifts for me. Wilt thou love me ? Wilt be kind '^ Make thy home within juy mind. A true worshipper of thine Kneels then ever at thy shrine. 38 THE EARTH-SPIRIT. In sun-bright raiment, in the spring, When buds were full and brooks were free, And violets brake o'er the lea, And song-birds 'gan their carrolling, I saw her, poised on silver wing. Above a vivid beechen tree : Beneath two lovers laughed in glee, And sang to hear the thrushes sing. Again I passed her where she stood. With drooping head and saddened mien, Beside a grave. The dim, gray wood Was leafless now. The mead, so green Erewhile, was dun. Sighing, she view'd The mound, and wept for what had been. FATHER AND 80N. Yes. as you say, 'tis j)loasant to have .lone- To have achieved, won fame, distinction, love, VV hate art. lis a great picture and deserved success And faithfully you lahored, buoyed hy^h^pe ' This slope is shady, though there are no trees • For see the day, though but three-quarters gone Ha« lef tins side o' the hill, and a cLl breath' Comes from the lazy river at its base T.s pleasant here ; so think those lads below 'Splashmg and shouting as they sink an.] rise Another picture there ; just jot it down Upon your mental canvas ; call it then The Bathers, you will have a second triumph ■ r r-r li 20 FATHER AM) SOy. That Icvt'l strotch of ;^rass, the siin-wann roi'ks, The Ii;?ht and sluulc. tlu' rippling noplar line, Tliu glistening windows on the lurliicr l)ank, Tlio moving cattlo and tliose [tcasants tln'if, (Wt''ll fall them poa.sants) with the sliallow stream And pretty naked (ignres of the boys, Should niakeagooilly pictnre; thongii 1 own It lacks the human passions you demanil, Tiie deaths of kings and moving acts of henjes. Yet, what a sky the sun trails after him I What grandeur and what glory here attend A single < lay's outgoing ! Happiness? A wise and trancpiil life, upright and true, O, I have few regrets — 'tis almost lived. Yet, when I was your age, my heart beat high ; Ambition knew no bounds. I'd not have ta'en A prince's ransom for my grand career. And then, how commonplace ! to win by chance Well-nigh a prince's ransom — to have done All but the thing one's heart was set upon. What else is failure? Ah, what else — who knows? Thus was it ever with me. Diil I dream Some pur[>ose to accomi)lish, I sat down To weigh the i)ros and cons, the ditliculties. And then these seemed to tower, p.i^.d then it seemed Mere folly and presumi)tiou to have o earned. Yet I saw pictures, tlien. heroic ones. Though unlike you, who are content to paint, I longed to live them. Know you which is best? You smile, of course, — the idealist's fme smile. For you the mental drama far exceeds FATlIHli AM) SOX 87 The actual; worlds, fur ycu. mv lo.st an.l won Moro i,orf..ctIy n-mote from t-lasl, an.l ,lin ^ our, „otl..r'stonc.lM/th.. artist in your blood. Al.,lmdslM.],v,.d. haph Imi^l.d.Hvc.dono In the ric-h real uhat you in phantoM, wise Advice you scarcely need, l,„t lisfn. Imv ' Vn> knou- y,>ur dn-an.-^o ,,n and i.av^no fear ; Should d..ul.tsl..set you. snnlch.n. into air: i hough mountain-shapes they tak... thev are hut .-louds Mere vapory inasses niovin^' in yonr skv. Kuulle your «oul to sun-the-thev are gone ' IJus 18 the poor resuh of nianv a life To know one nu-;;ht have been a con.juen.r Ihe bay-crowned kin- and victor ovt-r ihne ^ul he hut .lared and done. Then never swerve It failures come, n.ake of them the strong base ' Whereon to raise your palace. Lights and shades Have gone from sky and plain : the blue is grev- I trust you have the picture. Let us go. * LIFE. To stictfh wiirm ain, To ieol love's iires alonu,' life's [)ulses run ; And then, life's ehiei' prize K'^i'ird, its .t^lorj' won, Wiuit follows must i)erforco he glad wo deem : But fato sends cloud as well as suiniy heam. And g-looms the j;-o!den weh wit'i grey and dun. Oppressed by seeming chance-sent ills we turn Sad eyes of wonder to the .smiling heaven : Bt>st bliss denied, all meaner joys we sjnirn. And taunt performance with youth's promise given ; Till, chilled by time, at last we cease to yearn, And trust death yields the hoi)e here from us riven, ALTIIEA. I. Now I meet you : sfc I on-ct y,,„, Haiiils hcM hi^^'h ; Trip \v(> airily, trip we nirrrily, iMoinents 11 v. II. Moinoiits fly, all. inusl \vc .jic'- I and thou, love - Why then now, love, Dance more nicrrih-. III. AH of life, love, goes with strif.'. h,v,- ,- Tears and yearniny;, woes returning. Ceaselesa care and pam. This one night, love, holds deliglit. love. Hands held up now, pleasure's cup now. Joyously we drain. IV. Perfect is the moment, swift on music's tide Softest motion swelling o'er the billows wide Souls now float alone and now are wafte.I ^:ide to si l. Ah. sweet the mystic currents that so perfectly can guid... V. In thine eyes I see Love holds court ; m :jU ALTHEA. A true tyrant he Saith report. Yet so fair lie seems There enshrined, Eningly one deems Love is kind ; And would fain believe In those eyes Xai],sj;ht that dwells could grieve : How be wise ? VI. You smile, and the lord of love Half turns a rose-red cheek ; You smile, and the heaven of love Seems mine with a word to speak. VII. Bear me afar, O tide. Bear me unto her side ; I climb thy waves of bliss That break upon a kiss Or toss n:'^ to yon ocean grey and witle. / VIII. My heart is a crystal well ; Far down I gaze and see One weaving a magic spell Wherewith to dazzle me. My heart is a silver brook That shews the skv above ; ALTIIKA. And while I listen and I.,,,],- It sings of love, of love. Bly heart is a stormy sea. With darkness and no stai'. An. I dijlts there (woe is me ! ) A eor^jse tied to a s\m\y, IX. Hu( away .' wc uun-i and niin-h'. Lil'f runs hi-h and life is hn-e : Dance we do^lhl.^ dniiee we sin<.h, While the liot blood thus ,■,.,,1 tin-h' (diostsof dead loves can tint uu^v, X. Higher ! still higlier ! My soul is a fire. Tiuis should Nveniarch to death. Tims render up our hreath : d<'y liath found us. J><'vc hath crownt'd us. i-ife spoke ]u"s shibboleth. ;il X[. Ah, that I might weep For thee, And that thou couhrst weep For me. \ll, I know where they bury the dea.l- The married and those unwed. ^•"t^. 33 ALT I II-: A. (Jrt'V Innds and hrowii tluTc \\v Ah. COUM \V<', Ino, liUt (lie. Xlll. Die? Nrve. With earnest-hearted friendshii)"s overflow, And visioii'd outlook on the future's scope — The lar<;e, kind future, of sweet mj'steries, Successes hi^di ami g(jiden histories. 1 3 TO Tin-: QUIOEN-MOON. '•.And liaply tlir .|iicoiiiuoou is on her llm^iio." I. Pale mistress of the azuiv-piUaced ni^ht, An.l of men's thou-hts that nou- ,lo t ,m, to thee •\s, -iKlmg fail- into the clou.I-.hnimed height Of thy great glory, sailing heaven's sea,'' 1" i-..l)es imperial thou dost sit withdrasvn, Against thy face's circlet, silver-clear, An inner softness shining, pure as lawn'. While richer folds of raiment still api.ear Above it— sapphire, rose and emerald dves, Clothing thy sovranty in i)recious state, ' O queen scifiic and fair ! Till, brought to pause. 1 n.i.rv,.] if mine ev^s -b'v more to see thee tliiis. ,„•, ;,s of I;,te^, l>ivinc in the I. In,. ;,ir. I II. I M vine in I he hhu- air tiiou wast erewhile, But n..w in rainl),)w splendor art retired - V.-ilrd the elfulgenee of thy brightest smile, Ken to thy worshii)pers, yet, passion-liivd Stdl at thy vestnients' beautv thev a-hnire And dream of days when life and love were voun-. When through the forest-ways thou di.l'st not tire " lo wander, and as heaven-born w.ist sung ]!y dark-..ypd maidens, singing iin.l.T trees^ ■"^ 34 TO THE QUEKN-MOOX. Or crossing glailcs, cinbroidcre'd witli tliy luuin Upon tlii^ velvet sward. But now no more, in woodland or by leas Flower-scented, sing they of thee, and a d. eani Alone is left the bard. III. No more on earth among tiie forest trees. Nor where the streamlet's music ri[4)les clear Along its pebbly shallows, nor by seas White-beached. Avhere the flying nereids hear The i)layfiil trnm]» d' a young iriton's horn, May'st tlio.i 1 v ;■ chance be heai'd or seen Chasing the tleer, wliile yet the dewy morn. With cool s! )il<' manth's o"(-r the leafy green : No, stripped ot deitN , thou now art shewn A lifeless ijorrower of rellecter of the silver s.,here U l)o weavest magic over stream and er field and grove an.l solitary mere ■' And Poesy's sxveet spell is like to^hine In that tlio sacre.l power she .loth possess ';•;•''>'' <''ir (-onnnon life with light diviao 1 111 earth is hallowed in its lov(.|iness ■^'vms all a glamouring unreality When in the nn-nd blithe FanJy droops her wino .. I" '^I't'i^^thiek stagnant air- V et charm of poesy and thine mav be As gleams from lands where brighter spirits sin-^ 'Neath skies forever fair. ON A POKTKAIT OF .AlILTON. ir strcn^;li ami heauty ever in one face Were lilly wecUled in lair harmony Of form and si)irit, lii^li, self-})oise(l and free, Behold their union : this their dwelling-place. ilei'e shini'S the iuicon([uered soul, and here the grace Inelfahhj that (Ireece rose from the sea To teach men rioting in \vai"s tierce glee— The radiant I'onsumniation of lier rac:e. Austere in mind, he heard the muses sing ; Joy's suitor, (Uity called him not in vain ; A i)uritan. he lied on fancy's wing To pleasure, where in pleasure was no stain : For conscience' sake his life an olfering. He at the last drew splendor from sad pain. LOV1-: AND DEATH. Taki- me to tliee, O my luvc '. Fold niL' lu thine arms I Side hy .side, then, we .sliall piuve Deatli and Jiis alanris. Tliou. wlio wa.st my h'glit in lilV, Be my life in death, llnsh wc liere the petty strife For a little breath. Now 1 o-,, ijjt^j the^loom, Wiiere thou, Sweet, art -one ; Broii-ht to;^-ether hy a toiiil.. We .shall <^reet anon. See I rt'.st nie at thy side, Cheek a.^^ainst thy (.'heek ; Sueh a little is denied— That tlioii showld'st l)Ut speak. Filled am I with nameless woe Though I touch thy hand : Can this, then, be overthrow Cruel fate hath planned ? Everlasting night shall press On our lids and ll|)s. But can love beany les> — Sud'er dull eclipse? r I !' I ;w LOVE AM) 1>i:at1L I.ovf hatli l('(l US t(i thy fVut, I'fitliet', Doutli, he kind. LiH'lit was in liis ])r('S('n('(' swiM't, Darkness licrc we find. Trusting- him. \v,. i,„\v trust tlico Soe onr jiitcous case — 'Neatli tliy dusky jiortals we Take onr last emlirace. ACROSTIC. ^laiden with tlio rostM'ed cheek and the deep hhie eye, And all sweet soul-sympathies, rose-red, to(^, in hue ; Throbbin.!;' heart, love-treinblin,liall still niak,' ^^^u■r[ The paths for lovers' waiidcriims nuvt Of eartli, wlierc tlioii and I met so. im. Sweet Earth whcri' sunshine follows n... Sweet Life where pleasure walks with p; Sweet Love, the purple-rohed and -ay Tliat met us on tfie llow.'iy wav Of earth. wh.>n so to meet was -ain. Life cjiiue with riehes manifold. With treasures more than -ems or -old ; Ami hai)py Ait. with Love made l)rave And dear the offerin-s that Life gaw, Tdl joy was ours a thousandfold. Life, Love and Art shall pass .iw.iy : Theeartli. with all its wondrous p|,.|y Of ]i,o:ht and Hha- hearted . Eacli one for tlie nation and the nation for eaeli on... W^liere tne millions are one fears no one of the nlilliMn^-. See the monster, Bejiemoth. stride from oeean lo ..( .an. From the pole to e.piator, from the jiole to the ]u,\v. Did he .skunber— you dreamed ^-lo! a sin-le n,air- wron;?ed there. And the turbulent crow.ls rai^- a cry sniite.^the w.-lkin : As one pul.se beat tlie milli.)ns swifthelp to the wr..n-..d one. Ml ■/'///• /• 1A7,/ I 1//A/' nr M.\,\ ^" ' ''"" ^MiMIIM'l- .lilllv * I., I, I,. .Ill ,1 '" now liii II I ;l MI.Mdrr, "I' ^^ ;i\("> (>r oi'iMti w h.Mi II NlclM I ll,> ,|, I Item 'i''"'ll 111'' iiol,.n . i.ill,.u., XV 1 Ml .11 li;i( li sliricil < > 111.' (I •I'll (i'ni|.i' ,1 .lot h l.ish (I HMIl. '"' \\ .'i\ I' < (>l ( ) "ri'.iii, how rcsisi I,, .s 1 1 ii'ir 1 1 ii ('CM '•"■" '"■'" "' "'" imllioiisM li^lii rr,.sl,.,| li,,|i| • * t III' million f.;iii«'i- O ll •iiiir w itii souls link,.,! (,,.,.(1 ii>r ""■""''"'•■• (niimi.l, ;,,)(. (io!ii |.li:.|H,.,|, m.i(..,| - "'' ui,in\ in one. Ilii> sure (i «• ro|i.;i'i| li\ I icnj Olll . */ \. III. 1 l'*\v ^m;v lit pr.lis,.; how i;|is.- (I .■|.\ NO w ho Iii\ (' I II' p.ll'.II) irr '^\ o( iin,> hiMils lir,';ith Ih' SJllI'lc ij r\ o| hill MiM,ul A MM);', tMn|i\ liMIl <' n \iM.-.' iVoin siroii;;- souls (he |.in,| "'*'*■'"- -''■ liKliiliMi-^, wivrs. Imsl.,iii,|s ,iiiil I o\ CI I >\ (Ms \ oil (' Iroin 1 111' sr;| ^'liauiitiu^ .iccp i;ii(|, in th,. n;i( l-'orcN cr to h(' I ion of Iri'i'iiit'ti A \VI\Ti;i.' M(;||T. A/Ill- ;mm| siivr.,-. will, ,,,11 ,„„nl , ,,| ■,,,h\ l'-'HHC;,((.T,.,|,M.,;,, I,.;,, 1,1,,,., I, ,„„.,,,• „j„,^, """"""' ""■"""-n ll.-.,l„nu,;. .■,,,11, ,,)„i;,,,, And ,",liM.in,n,'.ilr|,Ml ; f,,,„, ;„,,,., ,,„. ,,,,;;, '""•^^"""•''-^-'<'""l.v; ll...s(.rl< lr<.....;,n. r,.|i A"d t,,|,t,(lv, will, ,, ,,,,!,!,. |i,,j„,,,,, |j(,,,, ''''"'^'•"" "' ""• I'lo,! .|,n„.,,, !,,. ,,,,^.|,i' An.lsi.l.lls ;ill Im,,„;,,m,.,,„,||,; „„,,,,,,' A/Mn.;,nu,|l, 1,,..!, ,„v;.,..'../il| I'ANTASN'. '-" ! Hm' sky I, liiin;. uiii, |,;,,,ny will be I"or what they are I hate them and still more For what they have been, and alas ! must still be. Am'1 yet my hate is weak, my love is strong. For in my breast now glows a warmer feeling, Tliat gives ' I hate ' the li(\ and swears a, wrong My head my heart do(\s in this self-revenling. My friend I my friend ! T love men Avith a passion That burns, though in no philanthropic fashion. I said 1 had no friends, nor have T one In that strange cnnv the world calls tjooi] society ; The self-styled fair and brave. No chui-cli I own : No church owns me, no sect of strait sobriety. Nor do I lean to any learned school, C)l' philosophic wisilom the monopolist ; .1 LETTER. I must be five, even if to piny tlie fool. I need not say I am no hibliophilist : A lost slu-ei) ^I'li I. nnre Iccnied, ^ivcn over : Yet envy not those sleek oiu's, dcoj) in clover. Love keeps the key to hearts : and true lov,. may Win entrance even unto the coui-ts <)\ heaven.' Love is the peer of thou-ht. the master, say : Who loves, to him life's treasures shall he -iven. Humility may soar to stellar heights. 45 With calm, unflinching gaze mav front the H)rnmL^ Or in the mid-day dazzle wheel his flights. Hate, i)ride an.l fear nnfelt, or ligJiUy scorning. And what amhition's eager angels never May find, love's fools may win and kcej) forever-. Seen thus. I have some friends— a .uloi-ious few \ One, two. tluve. four-I count them on mv liii-ers Old friends they ar.>. dear friends, yet always ii<"\v ; About their memory fond afrection lingers. They are not known to good societv Outcasts indeed, freedivers, atheists. sinners- Such brands tliey bore or l)ear. yet it mav l>e That in Time's last acclaim they shall lie winners ; Though ostracized by pious jesters «|uaititlv. With noses heavenward tipped and aspect "saiidly. First Whitman conies, a titan among ni.'ii. The Philistines he smote, and smites full rouiidlv On hip and thigh : his strength as that of ten. An (>agle's sight, a heart that feels |)rofonndiv. No parlor-poet, for a [)oet he, America's first-born and chiefest singer : ■1-, : ii m 40 A LETTER. Till' hope of earth, the child Deinocrac}', Leaps in liis arms ; he to our liearts would brini;' her. (Ah, new-world poets I be ye brave and tender I Your ward she is — protect her and defend her I) A spirit winged — swift birth of dew jind tire ; A lyric iliought, a flame, a rapture burning : A i)rison"d soul, new-thrilled with life's desire : All tears, all smiles, (k'spaiis an 1 eager yearning. See Shelley come I fair as the niorning star. ^Vhen from the threshold of his palace golden. The da}' looks forth, and men awakened are To hopes and fears, new cares and joys gi'own oldm. What da/zling shafts I what rout I what sharp undoing I What panic hosts— love's legions bright pursuing I The world's a stage. And this the play-house door : We enter ; find our seats : up goes the curtain. llluf^ion tucks us "neath her wing— no more ]\lere citizens of tinu' ; of space uncertain ; The crimson stream runs riot : on its tide Move kings and (pieens, high nobles, warriors, seamen : C'orilelia. Juliet, Leai', and she who died For Antony ; swains, rustics, clowns and gleemen. Some more benignant Jove is this they follow":' ()v him that letl the nine — far-fameil Apollo V 'Tis Prosper's self : in purple robed and gold : Arch- wizard, minstrel-chief, most high musician ; Who saw the mystic passion-flower unfold. Man's heart, God's secret ; and with crystal vision lieheld ♦^he wond(>rful dead ages rise : The lust, the sin, the shame, the [)omp, the s[)lendor, A LETTER. 47 rioroic deeds, crimes, tonnents ; agonies Of losing souls, in each day's sad surrender • The Wisest, wittiest, gentlest, sweetest spirit That ever Thought's high kingdom .11,1 inherit. Life is a puzzle wondrous : for these three And one or more, whose names I need not mention, 1 o whom our love and homage, fidl an-l free ^.o forth have sown below here strange dissension. A %ulgar playwright one, and one .,uite • nvid ' And one a ' Least " still is, with leanings lu'stial E^.Ml at tins day. The very best was hnd, The prim opine. No place in the celestial Abo'les of h(>aven or earth can they discover for men who lived for truth, and dnmd to love I..,-. And n.nv to close. FH own a prejudice, A fault that leans to virtue's side, one only • r swear ),ut one ! and pity 'twere to miss The human weakness, where so slight and lonolv ! ris this. T can t be fair to the elite The social liower, the cream, the aristocn.rv ■ Whenever their opposing interests meet Or r,ght or wrong, I stand for the democracv. A fault, said I ? Ah, here my heart's unrul v •' Tis my best virtue ! As of old, Yours truh MIDSUMMER. II Mi A garden-world of leafy avt-nues. A moonlit soa of swaying branches green. Ui)rising scents of flowers and falling dews. Dnsk shadow-spaces, silver isles between : And over all the magic (^f the time. The breathing spell of love ami love's sweet hours Till' shimmer there of robes, and hark I the chime Of hai)py laughter, as froni hidden l)owers. Now all the .sad earth seems one paradise. An eden new-redeemed of lovely scMds. Where, if the sunlight glance or the moon rise. Toward fair perfection a bright planet robs. All vanished now the woes of yesterdi'.y— Would that to-morrow's were as far awa\ . FLOWERS THAT BLOOM AND DIE. Flowers that bloom and die Lend iiif of vour heaiitv While I sing her praises. Praise is lovers' duty ; Violets and daisies Now my need supi>ly. Lilies too and roses. Sunshine's l.iith and shadow's. Find me lit exjjressions : Wild llowei-s of the meadows. Garden-crofts and closes. Send me sweet suggestions. Flowers, your art doth fail ; Breezes ye are fragrant Of the Hold and garden. Yet your fancies vagrant Smilingly I ])ardon ; Winds faint, hues grow pale. To my heart she seems (Be it known I love her) Fairer than all flowers That the lields do cover When, 'mid fostering showers. June's bright largess teems. 0' FLOWERS THAT BLOOM AM) DJL Sweeter is her hreatli Than tlie violet scented Or th(> rose's brcalliin;;: I Jni^^Iit lie (•(•ntented, 3Ie lier arms eiiwreathiiiii ; E'en witli ^a-isly death. For licr kiss I'd give, Were lier kiss denied )n(>. Life and all its treasure ; With my love l)eside me Joy can h'ml no measure, 1 leaven it is to live. Time hniiis i:'ir.<;ht more sweet. Lest it i)e renewal Ot'siieli hajipy meetings ; In these blisses dual. In these dainty greetings, Lives an> made complete. i^l: NIGHT. '•i i; An caitii-thronod qnoen, sl.e leans with languid -rac-u. And liils tlic rotind nf vision radiantly. Soft liglits and sliadcs the heaven of lier'face Endue witli spell-framed hints of mystery. Her hreathing, like tlie ttovver-sweet breath of May W hen summer's light wind-heralds run l)efore, (lives fragrance unto gardens: wliile the day, F^namoured, through his eloud-hung Westtn-n oet's crown. Beyond the mist are the stars : The stars that crush and smite ; The stars that lift over earthly bars To the sea of the inlinitf\ Ah wonder of rain and trees ! Ah wonder of death and life ! All wondrous orbed destinies , With calm succeeding strife I A srx.SKT. A iMTii'd arlisi Iiiilh Imch Ihtc ; ilic sc(M1C Is gviuiflly inuiged ; witlr what hroaiitli of haiul. What iiol)l(' grace of riV(Ml(,iii all is planiu'd ! The woods, tlie water and (he lakelet's sheen : The inagie hues— gold-pink, ro.se-pearl, .sea-green. And now the Western gateway, see, is spanned ! A nameless glory gilds tlie favoured land. And still the si)irit-artist works unseen. Belike upon the chaudjer of a king My erring steps have stumbled ; yet meseems, Those, like myself, are common men, who sj)ring From rock to rock where the )nid-splendor gleams. Perchance the king's sons we. and 1, who sing, ( 'odieir to wealth beyond yon realm of dreams. ■I '' THE MARRIA(}E OF TRUE MINDS. LOVE. I waiidcicd in the j^ar flush of dawn on peaks of heaven. And lo ! a wonder with the risen day — The dream ! the <;lo\v I the transport I the awaking I Full summer kept the prouuse of lair May. And heaven itself seemed throuj^h the a/ure hreakinjj;. Life spread in rose-lit vistas at my feet — And She. the Well-Heloved, to walk heside mi' ! Far off we heard the tdashiiij^ armi(>s meet. For freedom and for love I was aught