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Maps, piatas. charts, ate. may ba filmad at diffarant raduction ratios. Thosa too iarga to ba antiraly includad in ona axposura ara filmad baginning in tha uppar laft hand cornar, iaft to right and top to bottom, as many framas as raquirad. Tha following diagrams illustrata tha mathod: Las cartas, pianchas. tablaaux. ate. pauvant Atra fiimte A das taux da reduction diff Arents. Lorsqua la documant ast trop grand pour Atro raproduit an un saul ciichA. il ast film* A partir da i'angia supAriaur gaucha. da gaucha A drolta. at da haut an bas. an pranant la nombra d'imagas nAcassaira. Las diagrammas suivants illustrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ■ ' '"I" THE LIONS' GATE ^"^ OTHER VERSES. By LILY f»LICE LEfEVRE. ♦ > » < > Victoria, B.C. PROVINCE Pl'BLISHINO CO. 1895. P5 f^7» 4524 Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada in ttie year 1895 by the Province Publishing Company at the Department of Agriculture. / V CONTENTS. The Lions* Gate 8 Requital 11 Oredo 12 Moritura Te Salutat 15 Indian Summer 19 One Christmas Eve (1633) 20 Across the Gulf 25 Aspirations 28 Miramar 31 A Fairy Tale 33 Night 35 Dawn 37 Sweet Wind of Eve 38 Brise du Soir 39 Ninon 40 In Memoriam 42 Achievement 45 The Winter's Queen 48 Prologue 51 The Spirit of the Carnival 53 Song of the St. Lawrence 60 The Tay Bridge 66 Imprisoned 67 The Valley of Time. .. .*. 69 A Welcome to Montreal, (Lord Dufferin) 78 Eagle Pass 80 Rondeau 86 De Profundip 88 A Voice From the West 90 TO MY MOTHER. Thy gentle praise once crowned my simple songs, To thy dear memory now this book belongs. fs THE LIONS' GATE and OTHER VERSES. THE LIONS' GATE. [The two highest peaks of the mountains that overlook the harbour of Vancoave? bear a itronf resemblance In outline to the lions of Trafalgar In the northern sky we couchant lie On guard by the western seas, Where the cliffs draw back from the narrow track Of the tide and the oeean breeze, Stern and grim on the mountain's rim We crouch in our cloudy lair, Behind the veil of the snow mist pale We are waiting and watching there. 8 THE lions' gate. When the foam flies fast as the gale rides past Outside on the rolling hay, Our challenge roars on the rocky shores At the foot of our ramparts grey, The waves retreat with a sullen heat For they dare not pass us hy. And the Inlet's hreast is a dream of rest Where the white sails folded lie. We calmly rise on the amher skies When the sun and the sea have kissed, And the glory fills all the circling hills That glow in a rainhow mist. When the radiance falls on our granite walls And the purple peaks unfold, We fling to the sky from our fortress on high Cloud hanners of crimson and gold. And far helow where the waters flow The stately ships sail through. For the fair surprise of a city lies Where the forest giants grew, * She holds the key of an Empire free Whose glory has hut hegun, The nations meet at Vancouver's feet, The East and the West are one. THE UONS' QATB. We gaze afar to the last faint star Ere its light in the dawning dies. And a vision breaks ere the mom awakes To our clear and steadfast eyes, — Like the flocking wings that the autumn brings When the sea-gulls gathering fly, To their haven of rest on the harbor's breast Shall the fleets of the world sweep by ! The sap that stirs lu our mighty firs Fed by the northern dew,' Though chilled by death, in carven wreath Shall bud and bloom anew. Barbaric kings wher^ the bulbul sings Shall couch 'neath the polished beams Whose mossy mould once slowly rolled Down far Canadian streams. 9 And deep within our forests dim The Spirit of Beauty dwells, Where the long moss sways thro' the woodland ways O'er the foxglove's fairy bells. To the dawn she springs on the starry wings That were folded in darkness long, — The glorious theme of the artist's dream, The soul of the poet's song 1 il 10 THE LIONS' GATE. Through our open gate shall the land await The Orient's fragrant spoil, And the golden grain shall flow forth again To the millions who starve and toil; Forest and field their wealth shall yield To men who are strong and brave, And still on high in Canadian sky Shall the banner of Freedom wave. We sentry stand by Heaven's command At the portal of her sway, No threatening foe dare pass below While her Lions guard the way t Stem and grim on the mountain's rim We crouch in our cloudy lair, Behind the veil of the snow mist pale We are waiting and watching there. 11 REQUITAL. Down floating through the rosy morning light The Days come one hy one in long array, God's radiant Messengers to man are they Bearing His blessings earthwards in their flight, Contentment, Peace, fair Love, and Pleasures bright ; And some bring Pain, but whisper as they lay The burden on our hearts, "Another Day Shall lift thy sorrow, flrst must come the night." Yet soon, their shining raiment stained and dim. Our gentle guests in Folly's thraldom sigh. Till sunset signals call them home to Him With trailing wings that sweep the twilight sky. Oh, Night ! fall fast to hide the wounds they bear, SiU; crimson-dyed, — grey Doubt, and dark Despair I 12 CREDO. Through dim cathedral shadows A flood of music swells, Now loud as thunder pealing, Now sweet as silver bells ; Above each crimson casement, Through fretted arch and shrine, The mighty sound is rolling In harmony divine. " Credo in uuum Deum ! " A single voice we hear That rises through the chorus Sustained and pure and clear ; Up through the purple twilight, Above the organ's tone. It floats upon the music As though it sang alone. CREDO. The world sweeps on forever To Life's great organ tones, Earth's myriad voices blending Peal from its rolling zones ; Songs of existing Science, Pseans of progress won, The low and muttering thander Of Labour's march begun, — Sighs of the heavy burdened, Their cross by Faith unblessed. And mad, despairing laughter Wrung from the atheist's breast ; Babble of giddy pleasure That dances o'er the tomb. And warning tones unheeded That preach the hour of doom : 13 All sounds of woe and sorrow. Rejoicings, clash of wars, Meet in the mighty chorus That rises to the stars. Yet purer, sweeter, clearer. One strain is borne above The warrior's shout of Freedom, The Poet's song of Love : r^m ■P 14 CBEDO. ** Credo in uoum Deum ! '' It rises night and day From countless holy altars, From countless souls that pray. Man's spirit, earth disdaining, In glorious vision soars Where senses, sight, forgetting, He knows, and he adores ! voice of faith triumphant ! Still raise that great refrain. Though Heaven seems far and empty Through clouds of doubt and pain,— hearts that Death's cold sceptre Is touching one by one, Sing on of life immortal And joy beyond the sun ! When hushed Earth's mighty music, And mute her songs of pride. When Wealth and Fame have vanished With gods they glorified, — '' Credo in unum Deum I " Shall sound when Darkness hurls His bolt, eternal Silence, Upon the wreck of worlds ! 16 MORITURfl TE SALUTAT. [The wreck of the ** Beaver " lies near the entrance of Vancouver har* hour, within a short distance of the course of the Eiqpresses. the new steamships of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The *' Beaver '* was the pioneer steamer of the Pacific Ocean— 1886.] A broken hulk, forlorn and lost am I, Above me frown the cliffs in ramparts high, Beneath on rocky ledge I stranded lie. Around, the hungry waves await their prey. They surge above my head and day by day I crumble as they steal V'/ life away. Yet not alone despoiled by wind and wave, But Man whom I have served, disdains to save, And robs me as I sink Into my grave. 16 MOBITUBA TE SALUTAT. The sea-weed damp and chill binds fast my breast, Yet deep below in passionate unrest There stirs a hope, a dream Unknown, unguessed. At morn, when the first ray of daylight creeps Through clinging mists where soft the darkness^sleeps, And faintly trembles down To dusk7 deeps, — At noon, when clear and bright the waters spread And Ocean scarcely moves to rock my bed. While droops the golden moss Above my head, — At eve, when shadows fall and winds are free, And moaning surges call aloud for me To sink to sleep at last Beneath the sea, — Still do I gaze afar, still do I wait, Watching for her who comes in royal state To sweep majestic through The Lion's Gate ! Great Empress, proud, serene ! thy coming fleet Announced by herald echoes wild and sweet, The purple hills proclaim, The vales repeat. MORITURA TE SALUTAT. 17 ist, To my dull vision, from the world apart, Thou seem'st a miracle of magic art, Strange forces throb and glow Within thy heart I Fair white Enchantress, from the Orient sped ! Its fragrance and its spice around thee shed Still lingering incense breathe About thy head. Above thy path the gleaming sea-gulls fly. Like mystic spirits weave in circles high A charm of waving wings Against the sky ! I know thou dost not heed my dreary lot, Nor mark in passing by the lonely spot Where desolate J lie By all forgot. The Past am I, but yet thou canst not cbi'de The worship thou hast won from ancient pride Whose youth once challenged Fate, And Time defied. I For had I never crossed this Western sea, I Nor braved its wrath to find a path for thee, I Where then thy stately grace Secure and free ? I II 18 MORITUBA TE 8ALUTAT. I toiled through calm and storm for many a year, While yet th'untrodden forest slumbered here, Of progress, faith and peace The pioneer. And Science made me strong to prove her worth Her4 dawning light was shed upon my birth, Whose glory now is spread Through all the earth 1 But now my work is done — I sink to rest — Fair Empress ! may the wave thou hast caressed In music murmur still Above my breast. And when at midnight's hour thou drawest nigh And softly through the mists that sleeping lie The star upon thy brow Is gUding by— Oh, may its light that trembles o'er my tomb With dreams of thee steal downwards through the gloom, Where I beneath the sea Have found my doom I 19 INDIfIN SUMMER. BBed dgli irougb the As in some Eastern clime when shadows steal Into a fragrant room where all day long The dark eyed maidens thread the shining pearls With jests and merry laughter, one may cry *' Mine shall be necklet for a Queen, behold I " Lifting with fair round arm its lustrous length Against the crimson sky, — yet soon rejoice To find a brighter, purer cluster still And dreaming o'er their beauty let them fall Each separate along the silken thread. With soft caress of rosy finger-tips That linger at the last, — so smiling stands Rich Autumn counting o'er her treasured hours, And slowly dropping from reluctant hands Down the long-swaying misty strands of Time The dreamy splendor of these days divine. I ! 20 ONE CHRISTMAS EVE (1633). From all our ancient forests, lakes, and streams, A murmur of the past arises still, And mingles with the wind that sadly sweeps In chill December through the leafless boughs, — Clear tones of preaching, wild appealing prayers, The moaning of the tortured, and the stern Reproving words of priests, the furious din Of savage revelry, and high above them all The long sweet cadence of the evening hymn Sung by the martyr with his latest breath, — And countless tales of duty nobly done Still sparkle on our history's early page Like jewels on some antique missal's rim. ONE CHRISTMAS EVE. But in few words the saddest fate is told, Of one who came to these Canadian wilds Strong in his self-renouncing faith and love, — The youngest of his brotherhood, — and died The only one who toiled and prayed in vain, Suffered all things, yet missed the martyr's palm, And brought no spirit with him home to God. U " Again the dull crash of the icy boughs Upon the birch-bark roof, again the long Low wail of winter winds among the trees, While near me, in the wigwam's narrow space, Lit by the blazing pine-knot's ruddy glow. Dark faces gleam like demons through the smoke That the wild storm drives back within our hut ; And I, to seek a breath of purer air Press close against the crevices, where still Creeps in the stinging blast, and strive to read My breviary, whose letters seem of blood To my Bcorched eyes -in vain,-the sacred page Fades into visions of the dreary past, When through the frozen forests day by day, I struggled onward with my heavy load O'er fallen trunks and matted cedar swamps And pathless drifts of snow, — the nightly camp When I, alone amid a savage horde 22 ONE CHRISTMAS EVE. Shrank from their deeds of wanton cruelty, And weakly strove to raise a pleading voice Above the sorcerer's din of dance and drum. And now among them still I daily toil In loneliness and peril, — yet I know Oh, God I Thy will hath led me to these wilds, And so— I am content. I look around Where stretched in slumber deep the Indians lie, Dreaming amongst their dogs of sport and chase,- If only one of these I could have taught To love Thee, I would feel my labors crowned With benediction, — but no light from Heaven Fell on the weary months that bring to-night The eve of Christmas. Yesterday they came Back from the chase with empty hands and dark Stern faces pinched with hunger, and they cried To me that if my faith indeed were strong To bring them food, they would believe and pray. And so, with trembling heart, I sent them forth This morn, and thought my supplication heard When tall and dark against the sunset sky I saw them stride towards me, dragging slow ONE CHRISTMAS EVE. 28 A mighty moose across the reddened snow. But soon, amidst the revelry, aroiue Fresh jeers and insults, and again I knew My hopes and prayers had ended in despair, — My life in nothingness. Now, fainter grown, I ask my God if it is all in vain, Shall I not teach one soul to worship Him ? — I, who have given all,— since in fair France, Among the sunny slopes and purple vines Of my dear home, I heard the Voice that called— '' Leave all thou hast, and come and follow Me." Ah, no ! — my work s ended, for I feel The icy hand of Death upon my heart, And here, alone, amid a savage horde. Must I, in storm and snow and wilderness, Breathe my last sigh of effort unfulfilled. Knowing that 1 have toiled and suffered long In vain, — in vain. The hut grows cold and dark- A mist is round me, — Lord, to Thee my soul I And so, one night two hundred years ago, An humhle priest amongst our forests died,- Swept suddenly from heights of sacrifice As a light leaf that early tremhles down, r- 24 ONE CHRISTMAS EVE. Before the radiance of the autumn gold Has crowned its days with glory. Yet we know l^or life nor leaf is wasted, for the soil Takes to its hreast heneath the winter snows Alike the lonely waif that fell too soon, Ard ^he rich gifts the burning maple sheds In glowing triumph of attained desire, — Drawing from each, with subtle chemistry, I'he blossoms sweet and starry buds of spring. From many a nameless grave shall start and bloom The flower of high resolve, and other hearts Shall claim it Iheirs, and other hands shall grasp Aid bear it through the tumult of the world, A consecrated message from the dead, Strong to inspire all noble deeds of men ! f 25 fICROSS THE GULF. Where the great cataract, Niagara, fills The air with clouds, the earth with shuddering sound, A winding path leads to the utmost crag And down the steep a narrow stair is flung Confronting in its fragile nothingness The world of hurling waters. There, alone, A hlind girl stands. As on the dizzy verge Of Alpine heights a snow-drop half afraid Hangs trembling petals o'er the dark abyss. White robed she bends above the roaring gulf, Clasping with timid ]iands the slender rail That guards the deep descent. A pale sweet face TurnAd towards the Tvond^rs that she cannot see, And tremulous with ])assionate despair. Half parted lips that in their tender curves Droop mournfi^Uy, and heavy lashes wet With unshed tears. II i « ^tl. 26 ACROSS THE GULF. Before her sweeps The crystal glory rounding from the rock And melting into sunbeams as it ialls. A thousand changing tints of dashing dew Strewn like a garland at Niagara's feet Weave ever higher their mystic blossomings, And higher still in showers of starry light Till one wild leap flings to the farthest crag Its vivid splendor, and across the foam There glows a rainbow arch of victory ! But not for her the beauty or the power, She hears the grand deep music, but her soul Has vainly pictured the Unseen — oh. Fate, Too cruel in thy gifts, — the self-same world Holds bllndiictss and Niagara! And yet We all are standing helpless on the brink Where Reason totters and where Science falls, For these our chosen guides have led us far Down dark recesses of the misty past. Through shadowy forms of dim and dawning life, Back to the great First Cause, — a step — and then We falter on the verge of the Unknown, — The deep gulf yawns before us, we are blind. But ever and anon across the gloom ACROSS THE GULF. We hear the waters of Eternity Sounding mysterious music through the night, And though we cannot see their endless sweep Tbe angel, Faith, is waiting by our side If we but clasp her hand, to lead us on To where the rainbow rests upon their foam^— Thc3 wondrous radiance of the smile of God. 27 28 ASPIRATIONS. I : I ; The bitterest griefs in solitude are borne, The deepest wounds shrink from the careless eye, The heart that perfidy has bruised and torn In silence strives to hide its misery. To lock within a rigid bound the sigh That rises wildly from the tortured breast, To force the hot, impetuous tear to dry Before it fall, and quiet every grief repressed, To meet the merry mocking world with smile and jest. This hast thou borne, and yet, — thou wilt forget. There lingers yet a sadder fate on earth, A lifelong anguish and a dull regret That mingles with our brightest hours of mirth, — To know that deep within us there has birth The germ of higher, nobler things, the power To deeply, keenly feel the wondrous worth Of what we might be, if but for an hour The seed within our hearts could spring and flower ASPIRATIONS. 29 Into more perfect growth, — if our dull clay But once with giant strength could cast aside The laws of limitation which hold sway Within us, and endowed with loftier pride Resolve to do and dare, what'er hetide, — To link the melody of magic rhyme To glowing thoughts unsung, and all untried Win from the world that heritage sublime Of fame that crowns the Immortals, Conquerors of Time ! Fond dreamer, murmur not, — it cannot be ! It is not thou alone has vainly sought To give a voice to some fair fantasy. To find expression for some burning thought With deepest truth and wondrous beauty fraught. Ah, in how many weary hearts there dwells A ray of Heaven-sent inspiration caught And prisoned there for ever I — silent cells. Where even Death can find but frozen, mute farewells 1 For realms of beauty spread before their eyes. Bathed in the light of Fancy's golden beams, A land of music and of wondrous dyes. Of tender shadows and of sunset gleams, — But when the fairy vision brightest seems 30 ASPIRATIONS. Dark mists from Lethe's wave obscure the air, No trace remains to prove it aught but dreams, No songs of triumph praise what once was fair, — No sound, — but voiceless lips, sealed with a dumb despair. Perchance thy nearest, dearest friend may live A Poet, nobler than the world's acclaim E'er greeted with the homage praises give, — The humblest wanderer without home or name May bear within his breast as pure a flame Of genius as e'er woke the golden lyre Of bard renowned in halls of princely fame, — No favoring air has fanned its fainting fire. It lives overshadowed now, — in darkness will expire. ! As the wild harp of the caressing wind With silent strings awaits the breeze of night To give forth all the music there enshrined. But ever till the fairy fingers bright Of Zephyr sweep its chords with touches light Is mute and motionless, — so may it be That when our spirits take their Heaven-ward flight \ Master hand to sweetest harmony Will wake t^ Harp of Life's long hidden melody ! 31 MIRflMAR. When Nature lingering turned to gaze On all her labours done, And marked each marvel she had wrought Of beauty 'neath the sun, Ere to her hidden haunts withdrawn, She paused to greet the golden dawn At Miramar. For every charm of land or sea Her bounteous hand had given To many climes, lay smiling there Beneath a cloudless heaven, — Her parting glance in radiance fell On that sweet spot ^he loved so well, ' Fair Miramar. :-3 ■..■I*: 82 MIRAMAR. A sudden glory clad the hills, The flowers bloomed anew, The waves leaped flashing to the shore, As soft she breathed adieu, — Yet once again she turned, — " Ah, no. From thy delights I cannot go, Dear Miramar." So we may seek through many lands Her foot-prints day by day. And worship at a thousand shrines The magic of her sway. But trace her presence where we will. Her sweetest smile is lingering still On Miramar ! A FAIRY TALE. " Once upon a time " — thus read the maiden — " A Fairy Prince came o'er the hills to woo, Swiftly he rode with loving thoughts and tender " — "So I " her lover murmured, " think of you." " And then " her sweet voice faltered, " as he journeyed Deep sleep fell o'er his eyes of darkest hlue. And in his dreams his Lady stood before him "- ** So I" her lover whispered, " dream of you." " And then the fairies " — but she could not utter Another word of that sweet tale of old, The book is gently drawn from snowy fingers But yet a newer story is not told. 34 A FAIRY TALE. Only the same in other language spoken, And he the Knight, she Lady of his quest. Across the hills of Silence he hath found her, And now he prayeth — " Darling, tell the rest." " And so they lived " — her head is drooping lower, " Happy " — he cried, and clasped her where they stand, " Ever " — she breathed with one shy look above her, — The " afterwards " was hushed — in Fairy-land I 85 er, r stand, > her,— ! NIGHT. Through brooding shadows of the tranquil hours When Nature wraps the world in gentle sleep, I wander thro' the sweet, dew-laden flowers In a deserted garden, hidden deep Within the bounds of forest solitude, And wild with clust'ring ferns and tangled bloom, — Too fair a scene for melancholy mood. Save when Night comes with peace and tender gloom. Now flowers that all too brightly blow by day. Veiled by the moon's pale radiance, softer shine. As noble spirits spoiled by Fortune's ray, Shed purer light when Fortune's beams decline. The night's dim magic throws a holier spell O'er roses glowing red with passion's hue. And wakes a soul within the lily's bell That trembles into life in tears of dew. .J .1 86 NIGHT. The babbling brook that chattered thro' the noon, Falls faintly now in murmurs soft and low, And tiny ripples mirror the great moon Enthroned above them in her clouds of snow. Each dewy leaf is tremulous with light When fitfully the fragrant air is stirred, And slowly sinking through the silent night Falls dreamy chirp of happy nested bird. Yet deep within the music of the stream, Fast folded in the petals of the rose, Hidden within the moonlight's mystic beam, A spirit dwells in tranced, sweet repose, — A spirit of wild passionate unrest, Strong to arise in its despairing might, Sleeps in all nature, sleeps within my breast. Stilled by the peaceful shadows of the night. The morn will come, this hour of dreams and prayer But calms the sorrow it can not beguile. Another day will dawn, the golden air Quiver in radiance 'neath the sun-god's Bmilo, The flowers will glow, the waters dance again. The wild bird sing its triumph to the skies, — And my sad heart will wake to know its pain, The burden it must bear until it dies. n, 87 DAWN. prayer When dawn first breaks through darkness deep. From struggling vapors bc'-n, And softly steal o'er flowers asleep The first pure rays of morn. We know that soon the glory bright Will sweep all shades away As the sun-god springs in his glowing might Up the blue of the perfect day. Oh, doubting heart ! while you repine, The dreary night is past, — Look up I the heavens with splendor shine. The dawn is here at last ! -e r ■•MMMi^HM^ia 38 SWEET WIND OF EYE. (TratulaUon of the French Romance ^^Brise du Soit,**) Sweet wind of eve ! around my window playing, With blue forget-me-nots and roses crimson blown, Oh fragrant fluttering breeze ! perchance amid thy strayiag Thou'K wander where my dreams, my fonder thoughts are floven ! Sweet wind of eve ! oh may thy soft caredses, Thy purest sighs of love still breathe around her there, On her fair neck of snow unroll her shining tresses. And happy, faint and die, amid her golden hair. Sweet wind of eve! oh whisper to her sleeping In murmuring music low, thy dreamy melody, While I, in tears and prayers, my lonely vigil keeping. In darkness kneel, and sing of her so far from me. 39 BRISE DU SOIR. Brise du soir I qui viens but ma fen^tre Bercer mes r^s^das et mes rosiers en fleur, Brise errante du soir I tu passeras peut-dtre Oi!l vont tous mes soupirs, les r^ves de mon coeur. Brise du soir ! que ta plus douce haleine, Ton jouffle le plus pur et le plus amoureux, S'^puise a soulever et d^roule avec peine, Sur son cou libre et nu, Tor de ses blonds cheyeux. Brise du soir I murmure k son oreille, Pourd r endormir, tee bruits, tes concerts les plus doux, Tandisque dans les pleurs, en priant, moi je veille, Et chante dans la nuit, seul, loin d'elle k genoux. I I 40 NINON. ( Translated for Tosti'a music,) Ninon, Ninon, the hours are swiftly flying, The moments pass and day still follows day, Roses will die when autumn winds are sighing. How canst thou live and love not, Ninon, say ? To cross life's suormy sea, Ninon, dost thou not fear? Ah, never a star hast thou to guide thee or to cheer, — No music sour la for thee above the tempest's roar,— Thou who hast never loved, canst venture more ? Oh ! I would venture all for Love's bright crown of glory, Or, unloved, — cry aloud for Death to end the story, to end the story I NINON. Ninon, Ninon, the hours are swiftly flying. The moments pass and day still follows day, Roses will die when autumn winds are sighing, How canst thou live and love not, Ninon, say ? 41 What though the hour of rapture sweet returneth never ! Thou has lived, thou hast loved, — Love endiireth for ever ! Thou has lived, thou has loved. Love endureth for ever i f Ninon, iv'iiion, what ifi thy fate to be ? How canst thou live, since Love dwells not with thee ? <^^..i. ^^x^ 42 IN MEMORIflM. The summer clouds drift softly through the night, And in the early dawn their pearly gleams Flush pink and crimson in the coming light, But when ahove the distant purple hills The first clear ray of piercing splendor streams, And the wide sky with instant glory fills, — The faint clouds melt into the golden air, The tender, floating hues forever lost Vanish like dreams that fly we know not where. So while this earthly night around us lies. And we4ike shadowy vapors idly tossed In the dim dawn across the changing skies IN MEMORIAM. 43 Drift thro' the world as fleeting as the cloudo That in the wind-swept heavens come and go, — Torn in despair, or wrapped in stormy shrouds, Rosy with hope, or grey with grief of years, In manhood's purple or in childhood's snow, Glowing with joy, or saddening into tears, — Across our wayward path a piercing ray Flashed from the sword of Azrael, sudden gleams, And like the mists of morn we melt away. Yet when a good man dies, not all in vain He silent fades from earthly hopes and dreams, For as the laden cloud dissolve;.^ in rain And gently freshens every fainting flower. So hy his death a thousand memories live, And those he loved and taught in youth's brief hour Guard deep within their hearts the words of truth, The noblest counsels man to man can give. The pearl of faith, the innocence of youth, Because he lived and died, — than this no praise Rings louder through the vault of Heaven above. No warrior falling, crowned with victor's bays. 44 IN MEMORIUM. r > I ' No purpled monarch spreading conquest wide, No poet singing of a deathless love, No patriot worthy of his country's pride Can win a loftier heritage of fame Than he who when he leaves this earthly sphere Leaves it a better world because he came, — And this the noblest tribute we can pay The memory we love and all revere — Through him our hearts are nearer God to-day. ■^>5- 45 ACHIEVEMENT. " To-day," the statesman said, " the cause is won," — But rival cheers ring out ere set of sun. ^^ At last," the soldier shouts, '^ Fame's guerdon sweet Is mine," — he lies beneath the victor's feet. " No fate " the lover breathes, " can part us now," — Cold is the kiss of Death upon her brow. " Oh, joy," the sailor cries, " my native land ! " — The storm waves dash him lifeless on the strand. <n, eyes, ipplause ! Onward I the people shouted, Let merriment be king ! - Img out your crimson banners, Your fragrant roses fling,- ' Ply faster maddened horsed. Crash down the dusty Corso, ' Cheered oy the frantic c/owd. Sw^p onward, gaudy pageant, In wild uproarious glee, !>«* goblins, elves fanta;tic, oil f J"* ^"°'°« *»'°he8 1 ' Th« ^^"^ the brazen bells I hTI '°'^*°*«'' C^niyal, Hath Rome within his spells !t i-:- iS i 64 THE SPIRIT OF THE CARNIVAL. Weary of beat and clamour A young Italian lay Beneath the ilex shadow, When closed the burning day, Faint as his faded garlands His drowsy eyelids seem, — The Spirit of the Curnival Comes to him in his dream : • '^ Awake, oh youth, arouse thee And follow where I lead, I know thy ardent nature, Thy soul is strong indeed, It loathes the gilded folly, The childish pranks and play, The weak excited populace ' Wild with a holiday. And here, indeed, I linger To laugh and jest awhile, But as a king may pause to greet A wilful beauty's smile, Yet guardeth ever in his heart An image pure and fair. And hastening homeward to his queen Find life and love are there. . I IS THE SPIRIT OF THE CARNIVAL. §5 So follow, follow, where I lead, Across the western sea, Where thou shalt learn thy manhood's might From farce and folly free." The youth sighed in his sleep — his soul Obeyed the strange command— The great enchanter. Carnival, Still led him by the hand. And soon the groves of olives Are fading from his sight, The dim blue shores of Italy Melt into deeper night ; Fresh draughts of life inhaling, Where northern breezes blow, Vast regions lie before him. All white with frost and snow. '' Behold ! " th' enchanter whispered, " Gaze on and thou shalt see. Why Canada, my kingdom, My chosen home should be ; Here all my sports and merriment, To noble ends allied. Teach manly strength and fortitude, A nation's truest pride. IK n ii' 56 THE SPIRIT OP THE CARNIVAL. See I like a jewel burning Upon a silver band Fair Montreal is shining Upon the snowy land ; Its stately mansions glowing With hospitable cheer, The merry sleigh-bells ringing, Re-echo far and near. The city keeps high festival, The icy air, like wine Quickens each pulse to bounding Bright eyes with gladness shine. With merry laughter following fast From countless summits high. Like flashing arrows from a bow. The swift toboggans fly." Then, aa the youth gazed on, he sees A fairy palace rise. Seeming of mist and moonbeams born, Or poet's fantasies. Within it throbs a soul of fire, That glows through every part. Softly as shines the light of love Within a maiden's heart. THE SPIRIT OP THE CARNIVAL. 67 A moment, and the magic scene Grows strangely bright as day, For, see I an army storms the fort, — Oh, guard it while ye may I Hurrah 1 the rockets leap aloft. The waving torches flare — A rainbow shower of golden stars Breaks into glory there 1 And far on yonder mountain side A chain of living light I Each link a son of Canada With torch that blazes bright, — A jewelled order proudly flung On old Mount RoyaPs breast, A starry circlet from the skies Dropt on his snowy crest. Then lights and city faded And the dreamer woke at last, O^er him hung the old-world languor, Faint with mem'ries of the past ; But his spirit glowed within him, And he left the careless throng, Lived and wrought in earnest fashion, Toil or pastime, brave and strong. -V 58 THE SPIRIT OF THE CARNIVAL. So may faint hearts ever gather • From Canadian sports and play Something of the force that, working, Hewed the forests, cleared the way : For the tree shows fairer hlossom Where the roots are wide and deep, And the pleasure turns to glory. When the victors revels keep : • And Carnival no longer wears The bells as Fancy's Fool,— He is a King, whose subjects free Are loyal to his rule ; Each merry heart beats true and fast. And knows, amid his play. To-morrow he can meet the foe Who tries his strength to-day. Then guard it well, fair Canada, Thy festival of snow, Proving bid winter, stern and grim, Thy friend and not thy foe ; And may thy sons build steadfastly A nation great and free, Whoee vast foundations stretch abroad From mighty sea to sck^. THE SPIRIT OF THE CARNIVAL. Long may Canadians bear thy name In unity and pride, — Their progress, like thy rushing streams, Roll a resistless tide ; Their hearts be tender as the flowers That o'er thy valleys grow, Their courage rugged as thy frost When winds of winter blow, Their honour brilliant as thy skies And stainless as thy snow ! 59 m 60 SONG OF THE ST. LflWRENCE. Deep in the silent forest shades or caverns dark as night A thousand streams steal into life like threads of silver light, — No birth obscure from trickling springs my shining waters know, Soft cradled on the royal breast of broad Ontario. From mighty lakes my spirit takes its freedom and its power, And wondrous gifts of beauty rare are mine by right and dower, Crowned with a heritage sublime my billows proudly roll, The noblest river earth can show from frozen pole to pole ! SONG OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 61 For sweetly may the Danube flow by city, bridge, and town, And calm by ancient castled crags the Rhine go winding down. And slowly glide o'er shallows wide the Mississippi's stream, And flash the rushing Amazon where the jungle flowers gleam, — But mingling in my breast I bear in triumph to the sea The mfl-jesty and strength I drew from Huron grand ai^i free, The wild blue waves of Erie, and Niagara's shining spray, And the smile of bright Ontario beneath the morning ray. And strewn like sparkling jewels upon me as I glide, A thousand fairy isles are softly mirrored in my tide. And the foam of rushing rapids weaves a pearly veil of mist To cool my glowing waters that the summer sun has kissed. 'iJi 62 80NQ OF THB ST. LAWRENCE. Then onward calmly flowing and widening ever- more Till dim Laurentian mountains keep guard upon my shore, Where the cold salt breath of Ocean speeds the sea- gull on his way To meet thy gloomy surges, mysterious Saguenay I There all around me murmurs of the mighty past arise, The sound of vast upheavals and the strange dis- cordant cries Of beast and bird departed, and the groans of riven rocks That in thunder fall asunder beneath the earthquake's shocks. Oh, Canada I the omen take to cheer thee on thy way. And spur thy noblest efforts to lead the van to-day, — First born from fiery chaos in Nature's awful throes, First heralds of the nations thy mountain peaks arose 1 80N0 OF THE ST. LAWBENCB. 68 iv«r- imy sea- r\ r past d dl8- riven uake'B And Science from these solitudes can win in triumph now Rare jewels for a birthright to bind upon thy brow, Deep in whose lustre glimmers still through ages that have been Dim wondrous forms of dawning life, as fragile as a dream. So mayest thou stand forever in Freedom's holy light, The first to conquer error and the first to guard the right ; Through all the centuries to come I see thy glory shine Clear in the calm fulfilment of a destiny divine. m thy le van awful peaks The sails that gleam upon my tide will teach the world to know The flag of Canada where'er the winds of heaven blow> And as the olive branch that once the dove of promise bore, So shall the Maple Leaf be hailed on many a distant shore. 64 SONG OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. i' i ill And proudly still beside thee shall my crystal waters roll, Bearing rich freights of garnered wealth on to their distant goal, The overflowing plenty of thy prairies' golden grain, To give the weary nations fresh heart and hope again. But now while softly lingering around my sunny isles, I dream of what thy fate shall be and ripple into smiles ; For deep within the glowing hues reflected in my breast I see the glorious future of the land I love the best. From these clear depths the lily buds in sudden radiance start, — So shall the flower of Genius awake within thy heart, And when its snowy leaves unfold in majesty serene, Art shall enshrine thy beauty, and thy Poets crown thee Queen ! BONG OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 65 And^counUess millions of thy sons shall shower at """'shaTj; "^ '""« " '^'»«' -'^ l-'^g as Tin,e My waters murmuring thy name shall glide unto the m^ 66 THE TAY BRIDGE. iii'i On through the storm I the rushing, swaying train Chased hy the demon winds and mad with fear, Up to the cold white moon that will not hear Sends shrieks of pity as it flies in pain. On through the night ! the iron sinews strain, Freighted with human lives, — the Frith is near, And in the tempest surging wild and drear The wind-swept waters warning shout in vain. On to the Bridge ! the giant girders groan They tremble, — fall I — then under the wide sky No trace of aught but ruin, and the moan Of waves that roll o'er death and agony. Bright hopes ! fair dreams I — was it for this alone Ye blossomed in the hearts that silent lie ? h ! IMPRISONED. 67 train Lb alone Within, a panic stricken throng That sudden fear appalls, In blindest fury crashing close Wide doors to rigid walls, A wild fierce struggle, life or death. Each holding g^iyund with gasping breath Until the weaker falls, — Each inch of room a battle field Where one exults and one must yield. Without, the boundless earth and air, The depths of starry space, Vasi oceans that the strong white moon Uplifts to her embrace. Free winds of heaven blowing light. Far planets wheeling through the night To their appointed place, — 68 IMPRISONED. Marvels unseen to captives there, Imprisoned by their own despair. Within the gloomy walls of Doubt Pierce factions wage their war, Fair Hope lies slain where they have set Negation's iron bar, — Pent in their narrow bounds they cry, " No stars, no sky ,^— we struggle, die, And know not why we are." Oh, self-immured I — ^ye cannot see ? Stand back ! — your brother shall be free. Stand back ! — from 'neath your trampling feet' The young, the weak shall rise. Their white lips breathe in silent pain The prayer your pride denies. Their pale hands clasp the faded fiowers Of Faith that bloomed in happier hours Beneath their childhood's skies — Oh, still for these within your walls May Justice, Truth and Self-control Set wide the gatewayR of the soul To where, beyond, God'iS glory calls Man's spirit to its goal ! i! I 69 THE VALLEY Of TIME. LINES WRITTEN FOR THE QUEEN 's JUBILEE. Far away in the desolate valley where Time holds his court as a king, Where cometh no changing of seasons, no glory or gladness of spring, Entranced in a motionless slumber, apart from all laughter or tears, Low at the feet of their captor lie fettered the fugitive Years. From the haunts of the children of men he bore them in triumph away, All in vain were the tears that besought, the voices that called them to stay, — The dull grey mist of the past drifted over them heavy and chill. And strewn like the leaves of the forest the Years lie withered and still. ! I i 70 THE VALLEY OF TIME. But now on the far mountain heights where the twilight of centuries fled, Dwells on the dim pallid snows like a veil on the face of the dead) There cometh a flush as of morning where never a sunrise was seen, On the cold grey peaks of Oblivion, the tombs of the years that have been ; And far in the distance a sound as of music that thrills and that sighs, Soft strains and sweet voices that linger and melt in the brightening skies, — Oh, Conqueror! tremble and see, — for reflected in glory above Is a light from the realms of mortals, from kingdoms of life and of love ! And still on the cloud-circled summit the radiance gathers and glows. And flushes from pink into crimson, like tlxe heart of an opening rose ; And nearer the music is pealing, till a burst of tumultuous sound Rolls over the crest of the mountain, and scatters its echoes around. THE VALLEY OF TIME. 71 > the 3 lace ver a 3f the 3 that lelt in ted in gdoms kdiance eart of irst of Iters its And a ray piercing down like a sword through the mists that have lingered so long, The dark shadows are hroken hy sun-light, the silence of ages by song ; Hidden deep is the Valley of Time, but strong is the spirit of Man, When the joy of a nation breaks forth he may fly from its triumph who can ! Awaken, arise from your slumbers, oh Years that have vanished away, Come forth from your desolate prison to the light and the laughter of day, One by one you have left us, and borne to your valley afar The records of glorious peace, and the trophies of glorious war. Time has enthralled you with chains, but to-day they are fetters of flowers, Break them and rise in your strength, we call you and claim you as ours, — We call you in chorus exulting that girdles the earth with acclaim. The trumpet tongued voices of nations that herald Victoria's fame I ; 72 THE VALLEY OF TIME. Fifty times in the fair English meadows the cowslips have blossomed and died Since she first with the grace of a Queen cast the fears of a maiden aside, — Oh, you who once knew her and loved her through innocent childhood and youth, Who in turn led her onward and upward in path- ways of virtue and truth, Look afar I — on a thousand hills is her Jubilee banner unfurled,— Awaken, oh hearts that once beat with the rhythmical pulse of the world ! Immortal as gods in your youth you shall live though the centuries die. For Freedom you brought us, and Fame, and the spirit of Love from on high. Victoria I the spell of thy name has compassed a marA'el unknown, The chains of the tyrant are broken, the might of his power o'er-thrown, — Thine are the wakening Years that upspringing in spfendor arise. With the past and its story reflected in the light of their luminous eyes, THE VALLEY OF TIME. 73 fears rough path- lanner imical fhough d the ised a lof his ng in ght of Again in these magical mirrors thy life as a dream glideth by, A vision of glorious empire that widens to every sky, A reign of all womanly virtue, a court of a stainless fame, And countless records of duty done for the honour of England's name ! Again through the dim purple shadows, the Minster's great arches and nave The anthem triumphant is pealing, the banners of chivalry wave, There our allegiance we vowed thee in the light of thy fair girlhood's grace. Thine, oh. Queen maiden anointed, were the sceptre and crown of our race. Then forth from the rapturous heights where Love lingered with thee hand in hand There flashed a clear radiance of joy that in sunshine illumined the land. Smiled the bright promise of spring-time and the autumn with golden increase. Smiled happy millions contented in the light of a prosperous peace. 74 THE VALLEY OF TIME. But when o'er the distant horizon there rolled from the darkness afar The storm-clouds of gathering thunder, the flame and the fury of war, When the snows of Russia were reddened with the blood that our veterans gave. Or deep in the Indian jungle our sons found a warrior's grave, Then the balm of thy pity in healing fell soft on a nation's despair. The desolate widows and orphans blessed thy name in their woe-stricken prayer. Thy sympathy wakened the love that has guarded and sheltered thy throne Since thy people, drawn closer in sorrow, wept for thee in thy grief as their own. Yet through shadows the sunlight has broken, the years in their swift-passing tread Have brought thee as gallant defenders as sleep with the glorious dead, Thy soldiers are foremost in battle, thy ships are abroad on the seas. And Victory follows the flag that spreads the red cross to the breeze I THE VALLEY OF TIME. 76 But nobler the triumphs of Truth as the years have drawn closer to right, Art* has enshrined them forever, and Science has crowned them with light, — Slowly the dark clouds have scattered, brighter grows the clear dawn of the day When Man, in uplifting his brother, shall subject all things to his sway. For the universe baffled his will with legions of forces unknown. Dumb laws that in darkness lay hid, yet surrounded and claimed him their own. Till he rose in his manhood and cried out in anguish to earth and to sky, " Come forth, mighty powers unseen, I will fight ye and conquer, or die ! " A child's puny hand against Titans I yet despairing he struggled and fought Till at last from the crash of the conflict flew a spark of electrical thought, — The Idea leaped forth from the brain, full armed as when Wisdom began, And the forces of Nature were chained like slaves to the chariot of Man I 76 THE VALLEY OF TIME. These the fair first-fruits of Freedom — the gold of the ripening field, The progress that builds upon Science, the peace that with honour is sealed, The mercy that raiseth the lowly, the justice that seeks but the Right, The dawn of a glorious morrow when the nations of earth shall unite. Victoria I may these be thy dower from every country and clime. From lands where beneath the old banner the joy- bells of jubilee chime, In our strength we are standing alone, yet, if menace or danger be near. Oh, mother and Empress of Nations, — one call, and thy children are here ! With the radiance that slept on her snows shining now on her flowers of May, Comes Canada, fairest of all, with a gift for thy festival day, — She brings thee a chain that can bind the East to the lands of the West, And linking the nations together, lays the circlet of gems on thy breast,— THE VALLEY OP TIME. 77 i of the ce that le that ions of lountry he joy- menace 11, and '^*"'from%*^f''"rV"'*"""'''P""'« ^y the topaz rrom Africa's stream, ^ There thy soft southern islands like opals in circles of sapphire gleam, ihining )r thy to the clet of 78 A WELCOME TO MONTREAL. LORD DUFFERIN. A thousand welcomes thine ! from every heart That beats in joy to greet thee, every hand That fain would clasp thine own, from every tongue Whose warmest accents praise thy noble name. A welcome from the rich, who vie in turn Who shall most honor him whom all proclaim Most generous of hosts and true of friends. A welcome from the hardy sons of toil, Who know that all thy kindly sympathies Still widen as they fall on lowly lives, — A welcome from our city's myriad homes. From mart and street, from childhood's merry tones. And hearty cheers of rough and honest men. A welcome sweet from girlhood's happy eyes. From weary poets whom thy words have stirred, From artists, spurred by thee to loftier aims, LORD DUFFERIN. 79 tongue m tones, From statesmen, taught to rise from petty strife To the pure air of justice and of truth, From orators, who heard thy voice and sprang To catch the swift spark of a fleeting fame From thy bright torch of glowing eloquence. And not alone from these, — fair Nature's self. Who heard thy accents in the distant north Depict in noble words her wondrous wealth Of beauty spread through all our favored land, — The forests deep, the chains of silver lakes. The boundless plains that melt into the west. The thousand cascades leaping from their crags, The winding courses of her mighty streams From rocky shore to shore, — to thee in turn Fit tribute pays. Strewn on Mount Royal's crest Her purest snow wreaths lie in dazzling white, The stately pines, her faithful sentinels, Lift leafy spears against a sapphire sky, * And, far below, the frozen river shines, Sparkling with diamonds that her hand has flung To blaze before thee, — but her treasures bright Grow dim beside the radiance of the gift Canadian hearts now offer thee and thine — The priceless jewel of a Nation's love ! 80 iM EAGLE PflSS. [Eaele Pass, on the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, was acci- dentally discovered (after a long and fruitless search for an opening in the mountains) by one of the surveying party who was out shooting. He saw and followed an eiigle that suddenly disappeared, and on investigation a ravine was found, which has since become known as Eagle Pass.] " There is no Pass," he said dismayed, As still through hours of toil they found Each side the valley's solemn shade The mighty mountains close them round. " A thousand sentries guard the keep Of Nature's fortress, towering high, From granite wall and frowning steep They sternly bid us halt; or die ! r r EAGLE PASS. 81 Our labour vain — no human art Can pierce these ramparts, let us go.'^ Thus spoke the Chief, and sad at heart They turned with sullen steps and slow. was acci- tpening in shooting, i and on known as A wind exultant swept the glen, The pine-trees' giant branches threw Behind the weary, baffled men Slrange mocking gestures ci adieu. Above, from peak to peak there gleamed The signal fires of victory won. And from the highest summit streamed The crimson banners of the sun : Defiant rose each height sublime, For who is Man that he should dare To storm the citadels of Time, And plant his puny standard there ? And softly fell the solemn night 0*er purple hills and forests grey. Save where the glacTors' cold blue light Caught the last spark of dying day. 82 EAGLE PASS. u Below, the brooding twilight slept, And downward through the darkening trail The little baud in silence crept Through shadows of the lonely vale. An Empire's hope, a Nation's dream, Imperilled by their fruitless quest, — Around the camp-fire's ruddy gleam That night was hushed the song andfjcst. Soon slumber sealed the weary eyes Of all save one who watched for day : At morn in search of sport he tries Each well-known path, each winding way. ■ > i With careless glance, in idle mood. He marks the spot an eagle rose. Then plunging deeper in the wood He follows o'er the trackless snows. On speeds the bird — but see ! his flight Blocked by yon dark and rugged wall. He soars, — then vanishes from sight, — Loud rings the hunter's joyful call I EAGLE PASS. m The cliffs divide — a deep ravine Pierces the mountain's hoary breast, The shining valley curves between, A sun-lit pathway to the West ! He stands entranced in rapture deep — In dreams his dazzled eyes can see The great imperial Highway sweep Across the land from sea to sea ! " There is no Pass," I sadly said, " Beyond this Sorrow, mountain high. Whose gloomy walls of doubt and dread Rise up between me and the sky. And yet, perchance, for me there waits Life's evening glow of peace and rest. If I could only find the gates That open to the golden West 1 " 84 EAGLE PASS. There came a voice that whispered low, " Take courage still if Hope be done, And thy swift feet no longer go In gladness towards the setting sun — If joy be hidden from thine eyes, Shut out by griefs thou canst not scale, Still hast thou Faith 1 behold she flies Before thee through the lonely vale. Oh, follow, follow where she leads, Unheeding earthly blame or praise, The clamour of the warring creeds. The gathering clouds, the thorny ways. The shadows fall, the night is here, — Fear not, above thee still she springs, Her radiant path undimmed and clear. The light of Heaven upon her wings ! And if against thy sorrow's height Hurled by the sad, relentless years. One day she vanish from thy sight. Enshrouded in a mist of tearn, EAGLE PASS. Oh follow still the lingering gleam The go den gateways of thy dream Shall open wide for thee at last I " 86 ■■m h RONDEAU. " MY ROSES BLOOM." " My roses bloom " — Columbia cries, " No more beneath the winter skies I " ^8 now in snowy raiment dressed, In playful mood, yet half distressed, Her elder sister^s robe she tries ; " I know not in this cold disguise My glowing youth and strength," she sighs " No more by blue Pacific's breast My roses bloom." BQNDEAU. Above, the soaring peak replies, Weep not, nor dim thy radiant eyes, I 8 111 must wear my snowy crest, But thou the flowers thou lovest best. Cast oft thy veil !_in sweet surprise Thy roses bloom I " 87 88 DE PROFUNDIS. Into the silence of the vast unknown From tender care a life beloved has passed, And those who watched now stand around the bier Where one is kneeling, faithful to the last. As in a dream she hears them, — " Life is fled, Let us go hence, alas, now she is dead, Of what avail thy prayer ? For this thy dear one hatit thou prayed till now, But when the spirit goeth forth alone Into the land of shadows thou must leave Its welfare then to Heaven, — seek thine own. Thy love was strong to guard from earthly gloom, It cannot pierce the darkness of the tomb, God will not hear thy prayer. 1 ! DE PROFUNDIS. 89 For while thou asked that she might be forgiven If she had erred in aught, the summons came, Victorious Death has swept thy words from Heaven, Thy duty once has now become thy blame, — * Peace to her soul * to whisper now is sin, The gates have closed where she has entered in Against thee and thy prayer. Then say farewell, thou canst do nothing more. Thy grief is useless and thy pleadings vain." They turned away, but she who knelt beside Bowed low her head and murmured yet again, — " Oh, God I I cannot follow, — cannot see. Send Thou to guard and guide her home to Thee Thine angels. Love and Prayer. For rising from the depths of human tears As shining mists from oceans drawn unseen. Thy mercy as a golden cloud enfolds Earth, Heaven, and shadowy space that lies between. Oh, dearest one 1 though now we are apart Through God I reach thee, wheresoe'er thou art, And He will hear my prayer." 90 A VOICE FROM THE WEST. In dreams I watched the Century grow old, And saw as in a vision his last years Whose sunset glow should smile upon the world Sink into deepest gloom, his crown of fame Darkened by stains of anarchy and crime. And stained by mist of tears, — his gathered wealth, The secrets hardly won from Nature's store. Torn from his trembling hands to teach mankind The arts of deadlier warfare, fiercer hate. And while I gazed the nations drawn apart Each in its serried line of battle stood And wrapped in brooding silence, waited still. No sight of wrong or stern oppression stirred Their mute array, but ever and anon A clamor rang in the great market-place Where the world's traders m^t to cry their wares. And when the sound of jarring strife arose The sullen ranks drew closer, as the clouds Grow darker in the muttering of the storm. A VOICE FROM THE WEST. 91 Yet while the armed millions waiting stood In trained idleness, the earth lay bare Of fruitful increase, and the people pined In helpless hunger and the stress of woe. Strange wailing voices filled the murky air Above the crowded cities, there below The prisoners of poverty were chained In helpless bondage, pent in loathsome dens, — Men, women, children toiling strove to live That they might gain a little space to die And piercing deeper through th 'encircling gloom I saw the hidden haunts where crime is born Of want and misery.-where in frenzied hate Men pale with passion clutch the murd'rous bomb, And women slay the babes upon their breasts That they may never know life's cruelty. " Oh, God ! " I cried, " is there no help, no hand To lift thy children from these depths of woe ? Behold the Century is old and grey, And we have mocked him, tottering to his doom. False are the laurels on his wrinkled brow That boast of freedom and of progress won, — There is no freedom while these suffer wrong. No progress while they sink in dark despair. Oh, let him not take with him when he goes IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 'iff 4!^ ^ 1.0 I.I •^ 1^ 122 1^ u^ ■■■ ut 140 1^ 1.25 IIM 1^ '' "' « 6" - ► Hiotographic Sciences Corporation ^^ m \ :\ \ <^ /> ^ ^.^. Q> 23 wr.t WIBSTIR (716) nAIN STRUT ,N.Y. 14SM •72-4S03 '^ ■^ 92 A VOICE FROM THE WEST. The records of our deep, undying shame, The story of our great achierements gained At cost of human lives, our secrets wrung From Nature but to smooth the gilded path Of luxury with new and strange device. But useless all to guide, to find a way To rescue these, Thy children. Time is old. And nothing, nothing done to prove us men Who love their brethem as Thou didst command.^' I ceased, I could not speak for tears, — and still I saw the nations ranged for deadly strife Beneath the pall of Death. But while I watched The moaning voices dropped and died away, The air grew strangely still, — ^the setting sun Gleamed luridly through vapors that were pale And ominous with fear. Sudden a breath, A strong fresh breeze from shining shores afor Swept swift across the world. The clouds rolled back, And all the nations, wondering, turned to gaze. There on the utmost verge of that new land Whose bounds of empire are alone restrained By mighty oceans, rose a radiant form Upspringing from the distant heights that hid A VOICE FROM THE WEST. 93 Her resting-place beside the Western sea. A veil of mist blown from her sun-bright brow Melted among the mountain peaks that stood Guarding her presence, and her deep eyes shone With joy at her awakening,— in their light The watchers saw revealed a dawn of hope, A dream of possibilities untold, That woke a thrill of gladness once again In hearts grown old with grief. But as I gazed Entranced upon her loveliness, there rose A strain of heavenly music sweet and clear, — The sunset flaming in the goiden West Crowned her with clouds of splendor as she sang. Oh, wondrous melody I I seemed to hear The voice of the great mother. Nature, stirred With deep compassion, calling to her breast The Old World's teeming millions, — even these Her sad, imprisoned children, knowing not The magic of her smile. A strange, sweet song f For in its sound all harmonies divine Seemed mingled into one, — the murmur of the sea On distant shores, the sighing of the pines In lonely forests, rushing of swift streams Down mountain gorges, white with flying foam. 94 A VOICE FROM THE WEST. And wild, exalting winds that sweep above A wide, fair land of peace and liberty. And then through all I heard the varied sounds Of human industry set face to face With Nature's royal gifts, — ^the drip of nets Whose silver salmon glitter in the sun, The groaning of the giant trees that fall ^ Beneath the woodman's axe, the roar and plunge Of mighty timbers rolling from the chutes, The ceaseless washing of the golden sands That yield their sparkling treasures day by day, The sealers guns among the icy floes. The lowing of great herds in grassy vales. The hum of mills, and whirr of flying wheels, — All these deep undertones seemed subtly blent Into one song of magic harmony. But soon the music sank in sweeter strains, I heard the tender rustling of the leaves In smiling orchards ripening to the sun. And whispers of low winds that gently stir The golden wheat in peaceful meadow lands, — Then borne upon the dying cadence came Light laughter of fair children hastening home By flowery ways, and throuf.h the eventide The sound of distant bells that faintly chime Upon the twilight sky. IMII ^^ A VOICE FROM THE WEST. The song was done. Then softly, slowly rolled the silv'ry mist From silent eeas, and veiled the radiant form Of her who sang, forever from my sight. But still the glow of sunset in the West Shone bright across the world. Its glory fell Upon the bier where shadows shrouded deep The dying Century, and gently laid On his scarred brow a light of hope and peace. W ■MMMMii