SODOMY AND LATER YEA THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. SONGS OF BY MRS. M. J. E. CRAWFORD. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY OLAXTOX, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, 819 & 821 MARKET STREET. 1872. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by M. J. E. CRAWFORD, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. STEREOTYPED BY J. FAQ AN If SON, PHILADELPHIA. PTMNTEn BY MOORE BROTHKHP, Fnuiklin BtiildinprB, Sixth St., below Arch, 1'hilixltlpliia. -ps. PAGS FATHER TIME AND HIS CHILDREN .... 9 THE SPIRIT-VOICE 18 A SUNSET THOUGHT OF HEAVEN 20 THE CHILD'S PRAYER 21 THE SPRING-TIME 21 THE CHILD'S LAST SMILE 23 OH, NAME HER NOT I 24 THE GATHERED ROSE 25 THOUGHTS OF AGE 27 To MY FRIENDS . .29 THE SUMMER WIND 30 MALINA 33 THE FIRST Kiss 34 A CHILD'S THOUGHTS . 35 SUMMER TWILIGHT 37 HEREAFTER 38 Lois 39 SUNSET AND TWILIGHT 40 HE SPARETH ME 42 LEGEND OF THE WELL 43 A MOTHER TO HER DYING CHILD .... 45 THE SPIRIT'S REST 47 ' LET BYGONES BE BYGONES,' 48 1 * v 759461 vi CONTENTS. PAGE THE WATCHERS 49 THE MIXER'S GRAVE ....... 51 SWEET FRIEND 53 OCR FATHER 54 THE PLEASANT THEME 55 EVENING 57 JUNE 58 THE POET 59 DYING ROSES . 61 SORROW UNASSCAGED 62 To JENNY Lrsn . . .63 \Vi. >.VID FAREWELL . . . . . . 65 THE PET BIRD 67 THE Music OF Tin: WATERS 69 OLD Soxes - . . .70 MARCH WINDS 71 Lrrn.i. Ait IUK 72 TE DEAD 71 A BRIDAL SOXG 75 A TWILIGHT HOUR 76 WHY i>o WE LOVE? 77 THE YOUNGEST BROTHER 7'.* I HAVE FOUND FLOWERS 82 BRIGHT WINTER DAYS 83 .loY IN HEAVEN 84 KM MALM THE DEAD 85 JESUS 8< (loxE 87 THY BROTHER SHALL ARISE AGAIN . . . .89 GEORGE'S GRAVE 90 OUR VALLEY 91 A THOUGHT OF DEATH 93 ADVICE TO A POET 95 LAY NOT THY HARP ASIDF, 97 To THE MOURNING DOVE . 9 CONTENTS. Vll PAGE DREAMS OF THE DEAD 100 THE AUTUMN TIME . 101 ARE You YET IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING? . . 104 MARTHA 105 LITTLE JANE 106 THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST 107 COMFORT IN SORROW 109 To MY SISTER 110 A SPRING MELODY Ill To ANNIE 113 THE PATCHWORK QUILT 114 NEVA . . . ., 116 MARY LEA 117 ANNIE'S MINIATURE 119 THE RAINBOW AT NIGHT 121 LILIAS AND I 122 To MY BEREAVED BROTHER 124 AMONG STRANGERS 126 CHRISTMAS MORNING 128 THE MORNING BREEZE 129 THE NAMELESS GRAVE 131 MOTHER 132 MY EARLY HOME 134 HALF-WAY HOME . . . . . . . . 136 To LITTLE ETTIE'S PARENTS 138 WASTED HOURS 140 To ONE WHO is 'HALTING BETWEEN Two OPINIONS.' 141 'HE GTVETH His BELOVED SLEEP.' .... 143 THOUGHTS 144 ' SHE is NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETH ' . . . . 146 ' As THY DAY, so SHALL THY STRENGTH BE.' . .148 MY SOLDIER LOVE 149 THE HEART'S QUESTION 150 ELEGIAC LINES 152 AFTER AWHILE . . 153 VU1 CONTEXTS. PAOB HIDDEN AWAY 155 JENNIE 157 A TRIBUTE 158 STOLEN TREASURES 160 MARY ANNE 162 THOUGHTS 163 EARTH'S ANGELS 165 MEMENTOS 166 DAY AFTER DAY 167 SHADOWS ; 169 AN APRIL SONG 171 MY WORK 173 To MY BROTHER, J. P. KNOX 174 ROSALINE . 176 SONGS OF EABLY AND LATER YEAKS. FATHER TIME AND HIS CHILDREN. AS Time passed on his ceaseless course, His children one by one To greet him came. And first appeared, With stately step and flowing beard, His fearless first-born son. A snowy mantle was round him thrown, His brow was bare and bold ; So proud was he that he cared for none ; He spoke in a hoarse and hurried tone, And his breath was sharp and cold. 10 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEAitS. Few were the words that passed between Old Time and his sullen child. When the second came with sadder mien, In his dull cold face no pride was seen, And he seldom, if ever, smiled. A coat of glittering mail he wore, Which rattled with every breeze ; A crystal staff in his hand he bore, And tears anon from his eyes would pour, On his icy cheeks to freeze. A hurried greeting, a cold farewell, And Time on his journey passed, When he heard a sound through the woodland swell, And the voice of March on his quick ear fell, Like the rush of a stormy blast. A merry, merry lad is March,/ With his loud and cheerful song ; A ragged cloak o'er his shoulders cast, And half unclothed his rugged breast, And little he cares in his song to rest, For his lungs are stout and strong. Rudely he greeted his aged sire, Though his heart was kind enough ; SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 11 And the old man smothered his kindling ire, And listened a while by a cheerful fire, While his son struck wildly his tuneless lyre To numbers wild and rough. /^.pril came next like a laughing child ; And her father's heart was stirred As she gathered flowers that were sweet and wild, And o'er them by turns she wept and smiled, While her happy voice the hours beguiled, Like the song of a singing-bird. Yet on he went, for the gentle May/ Was waiting his smile to meet ; She scattered blossoms about his way, And flung w.herever he chose to stray, At early morn or close of day, Fresh dews to cool his feet. A happy, happy time he had, While his lovely child was nigh : She was never weary and never sad, And her merry voice made his old heart glad, As the pleasant hours flew by. But he might not linger, for blue-eyed June Advanced with a smiling face ; 12 SOXGS OF EARL Y AND LATER YEARS. Her form was light, and a brilliant zone Of gorgeous hues was round her thrown, And she flew with a grace which is all her own To her father's fond embrace. She led him away over field and hill, With lightsome step and free ; His bosom with fragrant flowers did fill, And early fruits ; and her step was still By field and forest and dancing rill, And Time for a while had a right good will To be as gay as she. But she passed away with her beauties rare, And her sister, bright July,/' With fruit-stained lips, and golden hair, And loosened robe and bosom bare, Approached her sire with bustling air, For the harvest-time was nigh : And she was a gay, industrious maid, With little time to waste ; But the noon-day rest in the cooling shade She loved full well ; or by bright cascade To bathe her limbs ; or in forest glade The ripe wild fruits to taste. 'The flowers which June had kindly nursed She scattered in proud disdain ; SOA r GS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 13 But a merry laugh from her red lips burst When the bright scythes swung, and she bound the first Ripe sheaves of the yellow grain. Old Time loved dearly his bright-eyed child, Though rest she gave him not, He must follow her steps wherever she toiled, Till his sluggish veins with fever boiled, For the sun was fierce and hot. But the merry harvest-time was gone, And Time, with weary sigh And listless step, moved slowly on, While August came o'er the dew-gemmed lawn With half-shut, drowsy eye. With languid step did Augustycome And look of weariness ; Her voice was soft as the wild bee's hum, And thin, as if woven in spider's loom, Was her light, unbelted dress. Some flowers of bright and varied hue Among her hair she wove, Scarlet, and yellow, and brilliant blue, And often she bathed them in pearly dew, In meadow, field, and grove. 2 14 soyas OF EARLY AND LATER YRARS. But the bright flowers drooped on her sultry brow, And her sunny face grew wan, For she heard a voice that whispered low And soft, as the streamlet's gentle flow, " Your flowers must die in their summer glow, For September is coining on." She passed, and her sunburnt brother sprung To his father's side with glee ; His clear, shrill voice through the valleys rung, And the notes that fell from his silvery tongue Were gladly welcomed by old and young, For a cheerful youth was he. A heavy load did September bear, Though his step was firm and light ; The purple plum, the yellow pear, The ripe, red peach with its fragrance rare ; And he scattered his treasures here and there Like the gifts of a fairy sprite. No wonder if Father Time should prize His generous-hearted boy ; But Time (as the proverb hath it) flies, And with hurried step he passed, and sighs Like mortals heave when a bright hope dies, Or they miss some promised joy. SONGS OF EARLY AXD LATER YEARS. 15 Next came October, richly clad In robes of gorgeous dye ; A regal crown adorned his head Of purple grapes ; and round him spread "Were the ripened fruits the trees had shed, For the vintage-time was nigh. He looked about as if to see. What work was left to do; He chased away the humming bee, And the summer bird, and merrily Shook down the ripe nuts from the tree, Nor seemed his work to rue. But yet his work was hardly done, When November cried in wrath, " You wear a robe, you have need of none ; I have shivered for years for lack of one, As, year by year, my course I 've run Along this dreary path." He was indeed a shivering wight, Nor robe, nor cloak he wore, He grasped October's mantle bright, Tore it apart with ruthless might, And scattered it in sport or spite His father's face before. 16 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. The squirrel he chased to its winter rest Within the hollow tree, And the serpent crawled to his earthy nest, For the wind blew cold from the bleak north-west, And averse to cold is he. And Time went on with a quicker pace, But a frown upon his brow ; Oh, how could he wear a smiling face, When a bloomless world was his dwelling-place, For he sought in vain to find a trace Of his favorite beauties now. December met him with noisy shout, Like a school-boy's heedless mirth, And he rung his merry welcome out : " I am glad to find you so hale and stout; But what, old man, have you been about As you journeyed around the earth ? " Said Time : " I have seen my children all, From the eldest down to thee ; I have seen flowers bloom at the gentle call Of one, by another's breath to fall, And the bridal robe, and the mourning pall Are neither new to me. SOXGS OF KARJA' AND LATER YE All S- 17 The youngest one of all art thou : A jolly boy thou art ; But thy eldest brother's stormy brow Is thine, and his robe of frost and snow. I would call you twins if it were not so, That you 're numbered so far apart." December laughed, and his white locks shook As he rushed to his brother's side ; The stern one little sport could brook, But him by the hand he kindly took, And his chilly fage wore a gentler look As December hoarsely cried : " We are much alike, our father said, In truth, I believe it too, For the selfsame covering decks our bed, So here on your breast I '11 lean my head, And we will be brothers linked and wed In bonds of friendship true." And so his frigid form he flung On his brother's icy breast, And a wild and fitful song he sung, Whose echoes from hill and valley rung As he sank to his quiet rest. 2 * T? THE SPIRIT- VOICE. is a low voice ever whispering JL Something, to which my spirit still must hearken ; When sadness o'er me throws her gloomy wing, And youth's bright visions round me fade and darken ; Softly it says, " Thy hopes of happiness Were based on earth, 'tis therefore that they perish ; But, lo ! there is a hope of perfect bliss This hope alone 't is right for thee to cherish." When with the gay in scenes of mirthfulness I've joined, I've heard that voice, half stifled, sighing : " What consolation wilt thou draw from this, What calm delight, what peace when thou art dying ? " 18 SOA'GS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 19 And sudden tears have risen to my eyes, And sadly from my lips the smile has faded, And some, perchance, have heard a low-breathed sigh, And wondered what my happiness had shaded. And oft when sleep my weary eyes has fled, And stars from their far azure thrones are smiling, And sweet thoughts of the absent and the dead Corne o'er my heart its weariness beguiling ; With sweet and tender force that voice recalls The last fond wish, of one long since departed, The dearest wish that heart could offer, all The happiness which waits the lowly-hearted. Where'er I am, those soft, low tones I hear, For ever to my saddened spirit telling: " Thou canst not rest till thou hast cast thy care On Him who hath in humble hearts a dwelling." This is the Spirit- Voice, this thought alone Has power to turn each earth-born joy to sadness ; And till the soul its gentle teachings own, It ever lacks the one pure fount of gladness. A SUNSET THOUGHT OF HEAVEN. IF brighter than that gorgeous cloud, The golden gates of Heaven shine, Scarce could I shrink from Death's pale shroud, Or dread his cold lips pressed to mine, So I might soar away, to see The home of rest prepared for me. Far sweeter than the richest notes On earth to cheer our spirits given, Must be the ceaseless hymn which floats From angels' golden harps in heaven ; And who would wish to linger long From that blest land of holy song ? Far stronger than the dearest ties Which hold our yearning hearts below, Is that pure love which bids us rise, The perfect will of God to know ; And can the soul contented rest Away from him who loves us best ? THE CHILD'S PRAYER. OFTEN and often through the day, A little one murmurs, " I need to pray ; " And folding his hands by his mother's knee, With reverent look, says, " You talk me," For though he knows of a " need " to pray, He cannot remember what to say. The mother teaches her childhood's prayer To the little one kneeling so meekly there, And prays in her heart that his feet may be Kept from the paths of iniquity ; That, if spared to tread this world's rough way, He may not forget his need to pray. THE SPRING-TIME. HOW time wears on ! the spring is here With gentle winds and rainbow showers, The genius of the early year Moves gaily through earth's faded bowers, 21 22 SOA'GS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And where she breathes or treads, appear Unfolding leavss and budding flowers. The vine puts forth the tender leaf, The hyacinth its fragrant bells, And flowers whose life is bright as brief, Look up from sunny banks and dells ; The wind-flower's fragile buds unfold, The violet from the moss peeps up, While 'mongst the grass, like drops of gold, Gleams out the shining buttercup. How beautiful the spring-time is ? No shadow on earth's beauty lies ; But, ah! how few the hearts which miss, No smiling lips, no loving eyes Whose presence was a source of bliss, When last spring sunshine lit the skies ! We do not miss a single bird Which gladdened us with music then, Their joyous caroling is heard In orchard, woodland, grove and glen ; But voices breathing gentle words We miss, and may not hear again. Young buds may burst, and wild-birds sing, The world look beautiful and gay ; But some who gladly hailed the spring A year ago, have passed away ; SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 23 Some in the rosy summer-tide, And some when autumn-leaves were bright, No matter how, or when, they died, We miss them now; when falls the light And glory of the opening year Upon our way they are not here ! v THE CHILD'S LAST SMILE. / WHY smiled the babe in its dying hour ? It had not smiled in many weeks ; It had faded away like a blighted flower, The pallor of death was upon its cheeks ; Its eyes were glazing, and yet it smiled ; And sweet was the look of the dying child. Why did it smile? It had suffered much, Weak was its frame, and its anguish strong ; Did it smile a welcome to death's cold touch, Knowing its sorrow should cease ere long ? Nay ! for that gentle child knew not That pain and death are the " common lot." But 't was not death that the infant felt, When the smile stole over its pale, sweet face, For an angel's hand the stroke had dealt ; The babe was clasped in his bright embrace, And the smile was the shadow of glory cast On the faded clay, as the spirit pass'd. OH, NAME HER NOT! OH! name her not in tones as light As those in which we used to speak When her young hopes, and ours, were bright ; It may be foolish, may be weak, But yet I cannot bear to hear So lightly breathed, a name so dear. Yet speak of her, but let your words Fall softly as the nightly dews On trembling rose-leaves, zephyr-stirred ; Soft winds and dewdrops cannot bruise The frailest leaf, but dancing showers Fall heavily on tender flowers. And thus that name, breathed carelessly, Fresh anguish in my heart awakes, The heart which keepeth lovingly Her memory, which never breaks The silence gathering, like a spell, Around the name it loves so well. 24 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 25 Without a fluttering throb, a sigh, A quivering pulse, a sinking breath, So deep hath been my sympathy With her who sleeps the sleep of death. The sound of her beloved name Thrills sadly through my heart and frame. THE GATHERED ROSE. " She died in beauty like the rose blown from its parent stem." SHALL we weep for the blossom which passed away, While the early dew on its young leaves lay ? Can we wish it had bided a longer time, Away from the light of its native clime? Can we mourn in the depths of our selfish love, That angels have borne it to bloom above ? Fair was the blossom, and pure and meek, 'T is ever such that the angels seek ; When they come to cull from this world of ours, Flowers to transplant into Eden's bowers ; They saw our rose in its beauty here, And bore it up to their own bright sphere. 3 26 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. We have wept for the lovely thing, Snatched from our sight in life's early spring ; We have mourned as fond hearts will mourn, When a precious thing from their clasp is torn ; When the light that smiled on their path for years, Is suddenly quenched in a tide of tears. Wild was our grief, but the storm is hushed, And tears which once like a torrent gushed, Fall gently now like the summer dew, And Hope's sweet sunshine is smiling through ; The rose was plucked by a gentle hand, And it lives and blooms in a brighter land. THOUGHTS OF AGE. "Age is dark and unlovely." OssiAJf. SHALL old age come upon me ? Shall my eye Grow dim ? and weak and tremulous my hand ? Shall the glad music of my spirit die Before I pass into the spirit- land ? Shall I grow weary of my home below, And be forever longing to depart ? And shall the lines which deepen on my brow Be but the shadows from a withered heart ? Shall I forget the songs I love to sing, Nor heed the beauties of this lovely world ? Shall every bright, and every pleasant thing, Grow charmless when the wing of youth is furled ? It may be so I cannot know my lot ; It may be age and weariness and care ; But, oh ! I trust that memory may not Prove traitor to her trust, for she doth bear 11 28 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. The golden key, which only can undo The treasure-house of thought ; if that be lost, Old age indeed is desolate, and few The joys by which its weary way is cross'd ; And there are memories I would retain, Even when the hand of Time has marked my face, And scenes which I in thought would view again, When far removed may be my dwelling-place. And I would tune even till my latest breath The harp whose trembling tones a few may love, Then calmly yield it to the hand of death, And claim it tuned to purer notes above. But why thus muse upon the time to come? Why dream of drooping age, with furrowed brow ? May not the young flower wither in its bloom, The seeds of death be planted even now ? Who knowcth if this frail frame may withstand The chilling blights and storms of many years ; And may not rather to death's kindly hand Give up its harp unrusted yet by tears ? If this my fate, one only prayer be mine : If life's young blossom wither ere its noon, Be mine the holy trust and love divine, Which maketh early death a blesseM boon ! TO MY FRIENDS. "TTOU must not praise the songs I sing, JL And call them mine. You do not praise The wind-harp when its quivering string, Swept by the wandering zephyr's wing, Makes music sweeter than my lays. All praise to Him who framed my heart To utter music, not its own. I but perform the lowly part The harp does, when it gives the tone He wills, whose fingers touch the strings. My will is strong in other things ; But from my heart these songs gush up Like odor from the blossom's cup. 3* i>9 THE SUMMER WIND. WIND of the summer, whence dost thou come? Whence is the sweetness that burdens thy wings? Song of the wild-bird, and bee's happy hum, Where hast thou gathered these beautiful things ? " I had my birth in a bower of the south, Waking to life in a bright orange-tree ; Lightly I danced in the freshness of youth, Sported alike with bird, blossom, and bee ; Gayly I roamed through those beautiful bower-, Pleasantly sang as I wandered along ; The incense I bear is the gift of the flowers, For the praises I offered to each in ray song. " I told the Clematis in whisperings low, That she was the fairest and purest of earth, And the beautiful vestal \va.s flattered, I know, Though she told me that she was of heavenly birth. I sang to the red rose a passionate strain Of love, while I tenderly pressed her fresh lip, SOX C,'S /' KA RL Y A XD LA TER YEA RS. 31 And brushed from her presence, with seeming disdain, The bee that had come of her sweetness to sip. " Her pale peerless sister with reverent air I kissed, while I called her my own gentle bride, Rested awhile in her bosom so fair, Then to the lily I merrily hied. Her for her love I most earnestly sued, Her did I win with my tenderest sigh. Flower after flower thus lightly I 've wooed, Flattered awhile, and then left them to die. "I've played with the shadowy vapors that rise, Wreathing the tops of the verdant old hills Flung over the lake's quiet bosom my sighs, Chanted in concert with fountains and rills. Beauty's warm cheek I have carelessly kissed, Tossed her light curls in .my frolicsome plav, And caught her ligbt tones as she laughingly wished That the soft summer breezes forever would stay. " Into an invalid's chamber I stole, Bearing the fragrance of numberless flowers ; And won from its sadness the pain-shadowed soul, And left the heart dreaming of happier hours. Through the dim grates of a prison I passed, Whispered the captive of kindred and home 32 SOXGS OF EARLY AX 1) LATER YEAH*. Oh ! how he longed from his cramped limbs to cast The fetters, and free as the summer wind roam. Round his pale forehead I soothingly swept, Waking sweet memories, sparkling through tears ; Till calmly and sweetly the weary one slept, And wandered in dreams to the joys of past years. " On my light pinions I 've heavenward borne Sweet aspirations of innocent hearts ; Prayers of sad spirits that inwardly mourn, Pierced by Adversity's slow-killing darts. Voice of the dying, and mourner's low dirge, Childhood's gay laughter, and you th's happy mi rlh, Music of streams, and the ocean's wild surge, All have been mine as I rambled o'er earth. Mortal ! I 've answered thy questionings all, Whither I go may be harder to tell ; But I know I shall pass, ere the summer leaves fall, Jo some land, where the flowers never wither, to dwell." MALINA. WE laid her gently on her bed, Her small hands folded on her breast, And spoke in whispers, as afraid That we might break her peaceful rest : So lifelike seemed her sleep the hue Of life indeed had passed away ; But half unveiled, her eyes' soft blue Beneath the drooping lashes lay. A smile's sweet shadow dimpled yet Her lip and cheek, though cold as snow ; As when the sun, in glory set, Leaves on the sky his golden glow. We smoothed the curls of sunny hair, That fell around her pale young face ; And never saw I aught so fair Whereon death's hand had left its trace. Death sometimes comes in gentle form He wore an angel's beauty there ; C 33 14 SOyGS OF EARLY A.\D LATER YEARS. While flowed life's current fast and warm, The child had seemed less sweetly fair Than when beneath the shroud's pale fold She lay in slumber calm and cold. THE FIRST KISS. "VTAY, ask me not how could I bring -Li My lips to rest on manhood's brow? A maiden may not lightly fling Her timid nature off ajid thou, Caressed as thou art wont to be, What were a kiss of mine to thee? "And thou wouldst think that I had pressed Another cheek as soon as thine ; Should I allow my lips to rest (Even lightly as on hallowed shrine The trembling lips of devotee) On thine, as pledge of love to thce?" But then some words of gentle sound Were whispered to the maiden's heart ; She could not bear his love to wound, The hour had come when they must part ; And she was young, and fond, and true, What could the gentle maidon do? SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 35 The spell is broken she has laid Her trembling lips against his cheek ; On hers there is a deeper shade Of crimson ; but she does not speak. Her heart is hushed, her voice is still, 'T is given half against-her will ! A CHILD'S THOUGHTS. MOTHER ! you say there is no' more night In that far land where the angels dwell Are they never weary of so much light ? I love the day-time and sunshine well, But gladly I welcome the evening hour, When the cool dew falls on the closing flower. " Then I can rest from my long day's play. It is not so when the sunshine falls Warm and bright, as it does to-day, Through the windows, and over the walls. My eyes grow tired of the dazzling glare ; But I cannot sleep will it be so there? " 36 SO^TGS OF EARLY AX J) LATER YEARS. " Nay ! thou wilt never grow weai-y, child, * Of the holy light of that happy clime ; Though the sun hath never so brightly smiled On us in the beautiful summer-time As doth the light of ' Our Father's ' face, Which filleth with glory that blessed place. " Thou wilt wish for the hush of night no more, Nor long to slumber as thou dost now ; Weariness comes not to that fair shore, Beauty and health never leave the brow, But fair and pure, as the flowers we love, Are all who dwell in that home above." " But, mother ! you know that the blossoms die, Some in the midst of the summer hours, And some when frosts on the valleys lie. You told me once, that as died the flowers We all must die ; but it seems to me That last year's flowers were the same I see. " Is it so, dear mother ? And if it be, Will the dead come back as the blossoms do ? " "Nay, listen, my child. Each plant and tree Has blossoms alike in form and hue To those which it last year bore and shed : They differ thus from the human dead. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 37 " They come not back they shall rise again In fairer forms than on earth they wore, And, free from fear of decay or pain, Shall live in heaven for evermore. We seem to pass like the flowers ; but we Only put off our mortality, To claim it again when it shall be made Holy, immortal, no more to fade ! " SUMMER TWILIGHT. OH, how I love to steal away And spend an hour in silent musing ! Just when the rosy smile of day In twilight shades its light is losing. For then a pure and holy spell On every earthly scene seems dwelling ; And from each woody hill and dell Soft, faint-toned melodies are swelling. They are not like the gay, glad songs Through field and forest daily ringing ; But pensively they float along, Like wearied ones sweet vespers singing. And stars come stealing gently forth, In dewy brightness calmly beaming ; And dew-drops thicken o'er the earth Like pearls among the dark leaves gleaming. 38 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. At such an hour my spirit turns Away from scenes of mirth and pleasure ; For in its secret depths it yearns For purer joys and richer treasure. The twilight hour! the silent prayer Of thousands at this hour ascending, Like incense on the dewy air, With angel songs is sweetly blending. The twilight hour ! how mild and calm It woos the soul to meek devotion, And sheds around a soothing balm Which stills each day-born, wild emotion. HEREAFTER. John xiii. 7. WHEN mists are darkening 'round our way, And clouds hang threatening overhead ; When from our hearts has died the ray Of light which earthly comforts shed ; When all without is dark and drear, And all within is gloom and fear ; How sweet the pitying voice which saith In peaceful whispers to the soul : SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 39 " Doubt not, oh ! thou of little faith, These things are all in my control, If what I do thou knowest not here, Hereafter I will make it clear." How sweet to know that every ill, Which seems so grievous now to bear, Obeys the mandate of His will Who kindly makes our life his care ; That though mysterious and severe, " Hereafter" he will make it clear ! What comfort to the stricken heart The dear Redeemer's words convey ! Though now we only " know in part," His hand will take the veil away, And, knowing, " even as we are known," We soon shall stand before his throne. LOIS. MY heart has floral emblems for the fair And lovely of earth's children ; thine shall be That rose whose bursting is so beautiful, We almost wish it might not quite unfold ; Yet with its slow unfolding charms us so, And pours such odorous incense from its warm 40 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Unclosing heart, that while we drink it in Our first wish is forgotten. Such hath been, Methinks, thy girlhood. Such is now the bloom And beauty of thy ripened womanhood. SUNSET AND TWILIGHT. THE sun hath gone down in the crimsoned West, The dove hath flown to her lonely nest, And the golden light of departing day Tinges the mountains far away, Till their green sides glow with a brilliant flush, Like a calm face lighting with love's warm blush. The sky is bright as the light that gleams From the sparkling waves of sunlit streams, And the rosy clouds are soft and light As the dreams which visit our hearts by night. The soft west wind as it murmurs by With its fragrant breath and dreamy sigh, Makes music sweet as the pleasant tones Which fall from the lips of loving ones, Tones which leave in the inmost heart Gentle echoes which never depart. The eye which rests on a scene so bright Never can tire of the gorgeous sight : SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 41 The soul is filled with a rapture pure, That mortal senses can scarce endure ; The pulses throb, and the full heart longs To frame its bliss into thrilling songs, The glorious light to its depth to win, Aiid drink the spirit of beauty in ; Embody each delicate tint and glow, And breathe it in music soft and low : But its powers are bound in too bright a chain Lips cannot utter that spirit strain. The bright hues fade, and a purple mist Creeps o'er the hills which the sunbeams kissed; The thin clouds melt from their mellow hue, And lose themselves in the deep, dark blue ; While shadows steal o'er the quiet scene, Like fairy forms from the woodland green. The day-blooms softly are folding up The glowing leaves of each tiny cup ; Quietly closing each drowsy eye, Till light returns to the eastern sky, While dew-drops gather like gems of light, In hearts of blossoms which scent the night. The stars come out in the arch above, Pure lamps lit up by the hand of love ; And earthward spreading their shining wings, As if to vie with those radiant things ; 4* 42 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. The fireflies glitter and gleam and glance, And seem to move in a mystic dance ; The sound of streams and the scent of flowers Seem sweeter now than at other hours, And the soul grows calm in the twilight air, And bows itself in unspoken prayer. HE SPARETH ME. HE spareth me from day to day, How great His mercy and His grace, Though I have wandered far astray, Nor sought the "hidings of His face." Too long ray erring soul her trust Has placed on earthly things ; my heart Has clung too fondly to the dust, Has been too loth with earth to part. And yet He spareth me! He hath Unwearied watch about me kept ; His hand by day has marked my path, And been my safety while I slept. He spareth me, while others fall Beneath the fatal hand of death ; And none resists the dreaded call, Which bids them yield their fleeting breath. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 43 He spareth me ! Why dotli He spare This feeble frame of fragile clay ? "Why doth He for the wanderer care, Who erreth from the living way ? He spareth me that I may turn And seek the grace He waits to give, For every sin and folly mourn, And henceforth to His glory live. LEGEND OF THE WELL. DOWN", far down, in a deep old well, The water lay calm and still ; Unmoved by the winds, whose gentle swell Ruffled the rippling rill ; It lay and looked up at some sweet wild-flowers That clustered around the brink, Bending their heads through the sunny hours As if longing to bathe or drink. The water sent up his gentle song : "Ye beautiful things, come hither, Ye shall rest on my bosom the whole day long, And your beauty shall never wither." " It is far, far down," the flowers replied, "The rambling winds would miss us, And the light of the stars at eventide Could never come there to kiss us." 44 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. " Come down," said the water, " the starbeams fall On my quiet bosom nightly ; And among the moss on the green old wall The glowworm sparkles brightly." The flowers looked down with their meek blue eyes, And whispered to one another " Shall we leave the light of these sunny skies, And the breast of Earth, our mother ? Shall we wander down by those damp, cold walls, Where the dark-green moss is clinging, Where the heat of the sunshine never falls, And we '11 hear no blithe birds singing ? Shall we leave the dews of the twilight dim, Whose pearls on our leaves are gleaming ; And listen no more to the wild bee's hymn, As he sinks to his nightly dreaming ? " " Oh ! come," said the water, " there 's music here From the harps of the fairies swelling ; And dark and dim though the path appear, There 's light in my moss-girt dwelling." The flowers gazed on, and the water smiled, They seemed so fondly stooping, But his winning words had their life beguiled, Their heads in death were drooping. The pale leaves dropped from the withering stems, And through the dim space fluttered ; t SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 45 The water treasured the scattered gems, And a sad, sweet sigh it uttered ; And then from a thousand silvery strings A plaintive sound came ringing The fairy's dirge for the lovely things, They had marked by the well-side springing. A MOTHER TO HER DYING CHILD. IIFE has no weary years for thee, 1 No rugged paths for thee to tread ; For o'er thy pillow lovingly An angel's snowy wings are spread, A blessed angel sent by Love, To bear thee to his home above. Thy frame is wearied out with pain, And pale and wasted is thy cheek, Where not a hue of health remains ; Thy eyes are dim, thy pulse is weak, And feebly comes the fluttering breath, Which tells the near approach of death. I weep, I cannot else than weep, To see thee meekly suffering on ; 4G SONGS OF EARLY A\D LATER YEARS. When love alone its watch must keep, The hope of health, of life, is gone, And mournfully I wait the last Faint sigh, which tells me all is past. Aye, mournfully, although I know That death will bring relief to thee ; That while thy mother's tears will flow, Thou wilt, rejoicing to be free, Unfold thy unseen wings, and rise With songs of gladness to the skies. And this has almost dried my tears, To know that He who loves thee best, Has called thee in thy early years To perfect and eternal rest, And sent a messenger who waits To lead thee through the golden gates ; And though my lonely heart will ache, I will be glad for thy sweet sake ! THE SPIRIT'S REST. WHEN hath the Spirit rest? When the morning of life is fresh and fair, And we rest in peace on our mother's breast, And all our joys are centred there ? Yes, then it hath rest ; but it lasts not long, Ere other thoughts on our bosoms throng. When hath the Spirit rest? When the hopes of youth around us shine, And fancy's wild, gay dreams invest Life with a radiance half divine ? Nay, then the Spirit cannot rest, But ever is seeking to be more blest. When hath the Spirit rest ? When love throws over it his rosy wing, And the fond, trusting heart is blest With the love of some fair mortal thing ? Aye ! then it rests for a little while, Till the spell is broken by death or guile. 47 48 SOXGS OF EARLY AXD LATER YEARS. When hath the Spirit rest? When wealth pours on us her golden store, And for the proud ambitious breast Fame yields her meed ; what lack we more ? Not then : for how can the Spirit rest With the care of wealth and pride oppressed ? When hath the Spirit rest ? When the lights have gone out in the halls of mirth, When joy is no longer the glad heart's guest, And we turn away from the hopes of earth, And bow our pride to the chastening rod Then we find peace and rest in God. "LET BYGONES BE BYGONES." Scottish Saying. LET bygones be bygones : 't is idle to grieve For things which are past, which we cannot retrieve ; If the past has been wasted, the present is ours : Shall we strew it with thorns, or adorn it with flowers ? Let bygones be bygones, repent for the past, But let not its shade o'er the present be cast. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 49 Let bygones be bygones : have friends been unkind, Or carelessly wounded a sensitive mind ? Forgive ; it is better the wrong to forgive And forget, than in galling remembrance to live. Let bygones be bygones, 't is folly to nurse A wound, which if fostered grows deeper and worse. If joy hath smiled on thee, if wealth has been thine, Then left thee for others their garlands to twine ; If thou hast been touched by adversity's blast, Oh ! dwell not too much on the happier past. Let bygones be bygones, those blessings God lent, His hand now withholds them, and be thou content. THE WATCHERS. WEARILY watching by night and day, They counted the hours as they passed away, Till their eyes grew dim and their hearts grew weak, And thin and wan was each wasted cheek, And sad their voices and soft their tread, As theirs who move round a dying bed. Spring had come with her gift of flowers, Her singing birds and her sunny hours ; 50 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. The skies were bright, and the streams were free, The air was full of sweet harmony, The earth was spread with its brightest green, And Nature smiled on the brilliant scene. But the budding flowers, and the sun's warm light, Charmless burst on their aching sight, For the light was barred from the quiet room Of one who languished in pain and gloom ; And sweetest blossoms no balm could shed For the fevered lip and the aching head. Weary vigils those watchers kept : Lonely, by turns, they watched or slept, Or watched together, (they were but twain,) In anxious grief by the couch of pain ; But the grief was hushed in each sorrowing breast, For a sigh might break that uncertain rest. Wearily passed the hours away, From fall of night till the dawn of day, And the day was dull, as the night was lone, To the hearts whence joy had sadly flown, Where the pulses of hope beat sad and low, And the spirits had lost their joyous flow. But the darkest hour of the drearest night Gives place to the cheerful morning light ; SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 51 And the shade of fear, which had long o'ercast Those faithful hearts, was dispelled at last, They smiled again through dimming tears, While Hope sang sweetly of coming years ; Of bliss made bright by the test of pain They had not suffered and watched in vain ; The boon was granted, which many a prayer Had asked in anguish, almost despair; And songs of joy from their glad lips poured, For the loving friend to their hearts restored. THE MINER'S GRAVE. is a lone and lowly grave -L In the far-off golden land, Where sunburnt miners laid to rest One of their toiling band ; It is a wild and lonely spot, Far from his home away, But thitherward a few fond hearts Are turning day by day. A widowed wife, an orphan child, And sisters kind and true, Shed many a tear for him whose grave Their eyes may never view. 52 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And there is one who loved him well When youth was on his brow It is not wrong for her to dwell . Upon his memory now. In life another claimed his love, His name another wore ; She hushed her love within her heart, And Hope sang there no more. But when the heavy sods were spread 'Twixt him and human ties, What need was there to leave unshed The tears which dimmed her eyes? Within her heart for many a year Life's withered hopes have lain, Yet to the hearts who hold her dear She has not lived in vain ; Her smile has been the brightest smile, Her voice the sweetest voice, Within her home, and many a heart Her kindly deeds rejoice. But none, save one who knew her best Since girlhood's early years, Has guessed that o'er that far-off grave Her true heart sheddeth tears. SWEET FRIEND. THIS long since I saw thy face, sweet friend! JL Aye, many a year has flown Since I met the light of thy loving eyes, And thy warm lips pressed my own ; And many a change has come, sweet friend ! Many a change to me, While still I await the greater change Which long ago came to thee. I have been growing old, sweet friend ! My locks are streaked with gray ; But there 's not a silver thread in thine, Thy youth never passed away. Treading a rough and toilsome way, I 've reached life's afternoon ; And I cannot weep to-day for one Who went to rest so soon. 5* 53 54 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Oh, it is well with thee, sweet friend ! A blessed home is thine, And sorrow and care cannot enter there, As they have entered mine ; Thy life on earth was bright and brief, Thy rest was early won ; And sweet to me is the hope of rest, When all my work is done. OUR FATHER. HOW kind is our Father ! how tender his love ! He visits us daily with gifts from above ; He giveth us shelter, and raiment, and bread, While many are homeless, and cold, and unfed. He gives us, moreover, the word of his grace, To guide us to Heaven, that glorious place, Where the walls are of crystal, the streets are of gold, And the ' King in his beauty ' our eyes shall behold. How sweet is the thought, when this life shall be o'er, There 's a home where affliction can reach us no more ; Where never can enter temptation or pain, And we never can g-ieve our kind Father again. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 55 Oh, let us be thankful to God for his care, And cheerfully mingle thanksgiving with prayer ; Let us love him, and trust him, and walk in his ways, Till we enter that home where our work shall be praise. THE PLEASANT THEME. OF heaven and angels I would sing, For then it is that music flows, As freely from my soul-harp's strings, As odor from a dewy rose ; Oh ! 't is a sweet and pleasant theme, And never, never wearies me, Wrapped in a bright and starry dream Of glory, love, and harmony, My spirit loves to fold her wings, And close her eyes on earthly things. But, ah ! this weak mortality, This taint of sin upon the soul, With tyrant force they hurry me Back to the sinful world's control. Ah ! sinful world ! thy wiles have led My struggling soul too oft astray, Thy light too frequently has shed A dazzling glare upon my way, 56 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Which hid from my bewildered eyes A light more beautiful and soft, The glorious light of Paradise ; And, oh ! vain world ! for thee too oft The loftier strains I should have sung Have died in silence on my tongue. I did not dare with lips profane, Profaned with worldliness and pride, To breathe the spirit-kindling strain Which sadly in my bosom died. But I will break thy mighty spell ; My spirit must, and will be free, To sing the themes it loves so well, And I shall sing them joyfully ; While the sweet angels Faith and Love Shall bring me visions of the blest, And bear my trembling notes above, Where Hope has whispered I may rest, Beneath the shadow of the Throne Where light and glory reign alone. EVENING. rr^HE evening calm on nature's breast JL Hath fallen ; the voice of living things Is hushed in quietness to rest. The birds have folded up their wings, The wild bee slumbers in the heart Of half-shut blossoms, whose meek eyes (Whence drops of dewy brightness start) Turn dreamily toward the skies. The winds have ceased their wonted mirth, As if they too had fallen asleep Amid the holy hush of earth, While smiling stars their night-watch keep ; Their pale rays kiss the dimpling wave With trembling light, like broken gems, Where crystal waters rippling lave The water-lilies' drooping stems. O'er valley, village, field and wood, The quiet wing of peace is thrown ; 57 58 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YKMiS. And in the woodland solitude Sits Silence, on her shadowy throne. At this still hour sweet fancies steal With quiet music through the heart, Like scented breezes which we feel And love, but know not whence they start. It may be angel-bands are near, As sang the bard of heavenly things Whose voices to the outward ear Should not, but in soft whisperings, Speak to the soul in language such As may its holiest feelings touch, And 'mid its hallowed depths be sung, But may not fall from mortal tongue. JUNE. OH ! is not earth a place of loveliness In this sweet season of green leaves and flowers? One's heart is burdened with the sweet excess Of bliss unspoken the delicious hours Glide by on fragrant pinions, with a sound Of minstrelsy exquisite, and the light Of blue and sunny skies, which fling around Their mellow radiance. Every moment's flight SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 59 Is marked by something beautiful and new, Some bright-winged insect bursting from its cell, Some delicate bud, disclosing to the view Its glowing bosom, and in many a dell Young fledglings flutter on unpractised wing, While mirth and music through the woodland ring. Wild bees hum dreamily their pleasant song Among the scented clover ; field and glen Are full of life and music ; all day long The song of birds is sounding there; and when The sun withdraws his light, and shadows lie Upon the brow of Nature, winds and streams Keep up a soft delicious harmony That soothes the spirit into blissful dreams ; While pour the trembling stars and glorious moon Their richest radiance from the sky of June. THE POET. THE poet singeth ; his songs go forth ; The world enraptured listens ; For he calleth smiles to the lip of mirth, Or tears in bright eyes to glisten. He waketh or quelleth the throb of grief; He wrappeth in deep devotion, And winneth hearts to his own belief In a tide of sweet emotion. 60 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Yet singeth he like the unknown bird In its forest home which hideth, While fain are they who its songs have heard To know where the minstrel bideth ; But few would guess that the timid thing, From the woodland path that springeth, Could fold 'neath its dusky breast and wing The notes which the famed one singeth. And thus uncared is the poet passed By those who his fame are swelling ; And many a scornful glance is cast On his homely garb and dwelling. But he can smile, though their pride may wound And canker his lofty spirit ; For the voice of fame hath a pleasant sound, And the world hath owned his merit. No matter, then, though that world should scorn The being it should have cherished ; The glorious strains of his genius born Shall live when its pride has perished. DYING ROSES. f MHEY are dying, they are dying ! _L A thousand bright-lipped flowers Are flinging down their fading leaves, In soft and fitful showers. The golden sun of summer Hath never shone more fair, And the odor of the dying flowers Lies sweetly on the air : But we know that they are passing, And their very sweetness brings Regret, that we must lose so soon Such fair and fragrant things ! They are fading, they are fading ! But not alone they die, For many a form as fair as they Must soon as lowly lie. There is many a warm cheek paling, And bright lip growing wan, (5 61 62 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER- YEARS. While lies the shadow of the grave The warm young heart upon. They are passing, they are passing ! The golden-winged hours Are bearing them more swiftly hence Than even the dying flowers. There are some lingering rosebuds Just bursting into bloom Enough to twine a parting wreath To lay upon the tomb. SORROW UNASSUAGED. tell me to cease from my sorrow, JL They say it is sinful and vain, And that I shall go to the lost one Who cannot come to me again. To many such things I have listened, Well knoweth my sorrowful heart That my darling went from me forever. The hour when I saw him depart, I know that his love and his beauty Shall gladden my heart no more, Till I shall have forded the river Which washes Eternity's shores ; SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 63 And therefore my heart goeth mourning, Mourning and sorrowing on, For the flower in its summer-time blighted^ The rainbow so suddenly gone. TO JENNY LIND. WELCOME, sweet warbler! whose wild notes are ringing, Birdlike and free, through our beautiful land ; Thou in whose pathway the gifted are flinging Tributes which genius alone can command. Poets have welcomed thee warmly and proudly, Wealth has bowed down at the nightingale's shrine, And while their welcomes were echoing loudly, Scarce hadst thou heard the low whisper of mine ; Still in my bosom it murmured unspoken, What were the song of a stranger to thee ? But from its silence my spirit has broken : Listen, fair "Bird of the Nor'land," to me. Not for the gift that is winning thee treasure, Wreathing thy brow with the garland of fame, Cast I this drop in the o'erflowing measure, Filled to the praise of thy wide-echoed name ; 64 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Not to thy name, but to thy heart am I singing, To thy sweet nature, warm, loving, and free, Woman's affectionate sympathy bringing, As a fit offering, fair stranger, to thee. Sweet is thy gift, but the spirit which knoweth Rightly to use it is lovelier far ; Nobler the heart whence love's radiance floweth, Pure as the light of night's earliest star. Such is the love of humanity swelling, Pure and unchecked in thy generous breast ; Bringing back light to the gloom-shadowed dwelling, Making the heart of the destitute blest. Sorrowful hearts, which thy kindness has gladdened, Thankfully mingle thy name with their prayers ; (Oh ! may thy own spirit never be saddened, Never bowed down by adversity's cares.) Therefore, fair sister ! I welcome and bless thee, Though thy sweet voice is yet strange to my ear, Therefore my heart goeth forth to caress thee, 4 Breathing that home-word so precious and dear ; Therefore I wish that thy heart may be ever Bright with love's sunshine, unsullied by tears, And that our voices may mingle together With seraphim's songs, through eternity's years. WE SAID FAREWELL. WE said farewell : I knew not then The agony that word contains, For then we hoped to meet again. We parted : and to me remains A blessed memory, warm and bright, Bathed often in a tide of tears, But ever radiant with a light Which shall outlive the flight of years ! We met no more : that first farewell, Too lightly spoken, was the last ; A sculptured marble briefly tells How love's fair sky was overcast. Oh ! sad and sore my heart hath been, And strong the conflict in my breast ; I know that thou hast entered in The glorious and eternal rest ; G * E 65 66 SOXGS OF EALtLY AXD LATER YEARS. And mournfully my soul hath striven, With calm, submissive faith, to bear, And bless the high behest of heaven : But there was strife and anguish there. The love that held thee in its clasp Was loth to say that it was well, And yield thee to Death's icy grasp, And leave thee when his shadow fell. It cannot be, beloved ! my heart Will yield to none the place of love It kept for thee death could not part Our spirits : thou hast gone above, And I am lingering still below ; But fondly beats my heart for thee, And dearer than the richest flow Of music, is thy name to me ! And thou art with me still in dreams, Sweet angel of my sleeping hours ! Thy voice, the mellow gush of streams ; Thy step, the breeze 'mid trembling flowers; I feel thy warm hand clasp my own, Thy cheek to mine in fondness pressed I wake, content to be alone, Since thou hast gone to " blissful rest." THE PET BIRD. was a bird, a petted thing and cherished, A household darling tenderly caress'd, Whose plaintive voice, for every flower that perished, Sent mournful echoes through her sheltered nest ; And they who loved her, loved her sad-toned singing, And said it was the music of their life, And that its echoes in their hearts were ringing, When they went forth amid life's toil and strife. Sometimes a passing stranger paused to hear her, And sometimes murmured flattering words of praise ; But the kind words of household love were dearer, And these could ever win her gentlest lays. Thus sang she on, and years passed swiftly o'er her, Marked by the death of many a treasured flower ; Blossoms and buds which faded out before her, Leaving their fragrance floating 'round her bower. 67 68 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Thus sang she on, still earnestly and sadly, Till one who bent to listen, breathed a tone Which made her bosom's pulses flutter gladly, Albeit the voice was mournful as her own. It told her he who sang was sad and lonely, That in his pathway, joys but bloomed to die ; That her soft voice could cheer him. and hers only, And bring Hope's rainbow to his clouded sky. It told her of a home whereto her presence Could bring content to dwell a constant guest ; And thus her spirit learned the mystic lessons, Which were to win her from the household nest. That voice grew dearer, in her spirit making , Such music as no voice had made before, Within her bosom's quiet depths awaking Emotions which might slumber never more. Her home was dear, but tht sweet voice was dearer, And when it called her thence in accents low, Her voice was never firmer, never clearer, Than when it breathed the earnest " I will go." And to a quiet nest the loved one bore her, And there she folded lovingly her wings ; And with love's sunlight softly smiling o'er her, A cheerful strain the petted song-bird sings. THE MUSIC OF THE WATERS. f"PHE rushing of the waters, JL Oh, how I love to hear When they burst their icy fetters In the spring-time of the year ! They seem to start so joyously From every mountain spring, With sound so like the melodies Which merry children sing. The music of the waters ! At evening's quiet hour, It steals into my listening heart, With gentle dream-like power ; And wakes a thousand memories Of days departed long, When first I learned to love so well The restless water's song. It minds me of a rocky steep Whence many streamlets gushed, 69 70 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Whose voices seemed to grow more deep And wild, as on they rushed ; They seemed forever singing Sweet anthems for the flowers, Which clustered on their edges, Through summer's sunny hours. The music of the waters ! No sweeter song is sung Than that they chant while wandering Earth's lovely scenes among ; I know not if in other ears They breathe such harmony, But very pleasant is the song The waters sing to me ! OLD SONGS. OH ! sing them not those olden songs I cannot bear to hear them sung ; Their plaintive sweetness all belongs To years when life and hope were young. There is not one, but brings me back Some memory of days gone by, When flowers were thick along life's track, And stars were bright in love's fair sky. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 71 The flowers are dead, the stars are dim, And thorns about my pathway spring ; And mournful as a funeral hymn Are those old songs I used to sing. Then sing them not I still would be The loving child of hope and trust, But every note recalls to me Some hope that crumbled into dust. MARCH WINDS. balmy scent of spring is on the breeze ; -L 'T is not the scent of flowers, they bloom not yet ; 'T is not the early blossoming of trees, Their tiny leaf-buds are not more than set ; I know not whence the breathing fragrance flows, Which comes upon the first warm breath of spring, Long ere the violet or early rose Unfold their sweets to woo the zephyr's wing : Mayhap it cometh from the dark-brown earth Where sleeps the loveliness of summer hours, And the young winds have in their early mirth Stirred up the odors of the perished flowers. I know not, and it matters not to know, The secret of the march-wind's balmy breath 72 SONGS OF EARLY AXD LATER YEARS. I love it better that its murmurs low Are waked in scenes which wear the hue of death ,- The mourning hue which chilly autumn gave It sounds like music breathed above the tomb, Whose soft notes tell of hope beyond the grave, As march-winds herald April's coming bloom. LITTLE AKCHIE. IN the holy Sabbath dawning, Ere the rosy-fingered morning Had unbarred the gates of light, Little Archie's spirit breaking From its fragile casket, wakened To a Sabbath morn more bright. Oh, that glorious awaking! Angel hands the babe uptaking, Up to heaven rejoicing bore ; And the friends who have resigned him, Lingering mournfully behind him, On some blessed morn shall find him, Find, and never lose him more. THE DEAD. loved of earth how they pass away! Like the sunny smiles of a summer day ; They pass from earth, we see them fall As a gem drops out from a coronal As blossoms torn from a healthy stem ; 'Tis thus that we ever think of them. We look with tears on a vacant place, And sigh for the loss of a well-known face ; We murmur the names we loved, in vain They cannot answer our call again. They have passed away to their quiet rest, Earth foldeth them in her silent breast ; The chill winds howl, or warm rains weep, Alike unheeded above their sleep ; And flowers may burst at the touch of spring, And green leaves rustle, and wild birds sing ; But it matters not to the mouldering dust, The green earth holdeth in faithful trust. 7 73 74 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. They pass, and their place must henceforth be Vacant, save in the memory Of those who loved them, the faithful few, Whose hearts, to the dead, are fond and true ; Whose love wanes not with the burdened breath, And sinking pulse that tells of death ; That goes not out when the death-sealed eye Is shut from the light of the glorious sky ; And the pleasant sounds they had loved to hear, Touch not the nerves of the senseless ear. The love of such hearts cannot grow cold, Their memories never wax dim or old ; They shrine the dead in a sacred urn, They know they can never to them return ; But a holy trust to their love is given, Gems snatched from earth are re-set in heaven ; Flowers which died here in their beauty's prime, Live there in endless summer-time ; And the dear ones, shrined in the trustful heart, They shall meet again, and no more shall part. A BRIDAL SONG. A SONG and a blessing for thee, young bride ! As thou goest forth by thy loved one's side, Passing from under the old roof-tree, Which long and kindly has sheltered thee Leaving the home of thy childhood's hours, Bidding farewell to its birds and flowers, And the quiet spot where thy dear ones rest, With the green sod hiding each peaceful breast. Thou art going forth, and there resteth now, A shadow of grief on thy girlish brow ; But it soon will pass, for thy path is bright, Thy future is warm with a golden light ; And leaning with mingled love and pride, On him thou hast chosen to be thy guide : Thou lookest forth to the coming years, And a rainbow gleams through thy gathering tears. 76 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Bless thee, young bride, for thy trustful love ; Thou art going forth like a mated dove, To fold thy wing in a new-found nest ; Oh, mayst thou ever be glad and blest ; May the links that bind thee be ever bright, And thy heart rejoice in unshadowed light ! A TWILIGHT HOUR. I AM sitting in the twilight. The sun went down in gloom, And shadows of the murky clouds Are in my lonely room. The fire is burning dimly, I would not have it bright, Until the day be hushed asleep On the bosom of the night. There is silence in my chamber, A silence calm and deep, While softly round a little bed The dark-hued shadows creep ; They hide the winsome features Of her who slumbers there ; The dimpled chin, the rosy cheek, The soft and shining hair. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 77 But from beneath the covering One little hand has strayed, Which, like a snowy lily, gleams Amid the deepening shade. My spirit bows to whisper A blessing and a prayer Above the lovely helpless thing, Which claims my tenderest care. I clasp the tiny fingers, I kiss the stainless brow A bird-like voice the silence breaks, I am not lonely now. Soft arms my neck are clasping, Warm lips to mine are pressed ; And the smile of that sweet baby-face Makes sunshine in my breast. WHY DO WE LOVE? WHY do we love the beautiful things To which the heart in its fondness clings ? The golden light of the summer hours, With their blushing glory of buds and flowers ; The song of birds, and the voice of streams, Which mingle themselves with our very dreams? 78 SO.\'C,'S OF EARLY A XD LATER Why do we love them ? The summer has flown Winter has changed the streamlet's tone; The flowers we cherished have long been dead, The last pale leaves from the boughs are shed ; The birds have passed to a fairer clime, And cold and drear is the winter time. Why do we love them ? Why do we twine Our hopes with things we must soon resign ? Why are we charmed with the tone or grace Of a gentle voice, or a lovely face ? Why do we gaze into loving eyes, Till we fancy them brighter than sunlit skies? Why does a gentle, fond caress Yield such a heart- wealth of happiness? Why, with such loving and earnest trust, Do we lean onjaught that is linked with dust? Why, when we know that the shadowy pall Of change and death lies over all, And years pass on with silent tread Over the graves of our loved and dead ? Why? Oh ! the summer will come again, With flowers for forest and field and glen : The birds will sing, and the streams will flow, With the gladsome voices of " Ions' ayo." OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 79 And the lost, the loved for whom we weep, They too shall wake from their long cold sleep, Shall wake to a summer of love and light, A summer that knoweth no change or blight. Thus shall the lost be restored again : Therefore our love is not wrong or vain. * THE YOUNGEST BROTHER. T HAD rocked him in his cradle, -L I had borne him in my arms ; With all a sister's love and pride, Had marked his budding charms ; His infant steps had guided, And taught him all the plays, And sang him all the simple songs Which charmed my infant days. I saw him pass from childhood Along youth's sunny ways ; And life was like a pleasant field Spread out before his gaze ; The light of early manhood Had touched his fair young face, And lent to lip and cheek and brow A new and noble grace. \ 80 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEAHS. f Perhaps I gazed too proudly, Perhaps I loved too well, For suddenly on love and hope A fearful blighting fell. / I saw that dear one smitten, His life in one brief hour Crushed out, as when a careless step Treads down a cherished flower. No blight was on his beauty, No mildew of decay ; ) The flower was crushed, but beauty still Upon the young leaves lay. ,1 bent above his pillow When morning's golden light Fell o'er him like an angel's smile, So warm, and soft, and bright. I kissed the icy forehead Where death had left his chill, And those pale lips, whereon a smile Was sweetly lingering still. I knew his heart was pulseless, I knew his eyes no more Would lift their loving gaze to mine, That life and hope were o'er. But even when they bore him To that last place of rest, And I had seen the chilly earth Heaped o'er his silent breast, SONGS OF EARLY A KD LATER YEARS. 81 It seemed a fearful vision : I could not make it true, That they had hid that noble form Forever from my view. And since, alike in daytime, And in the quiet night, It seems as if that bright young face Were present to my sight ; I seem to hear him murmur The pleasant words of yore, And start, and weep, because that voice May gladden me no more. My heart is wrapped in mourning, My eyes with tears are dim, And every joyous face I see Awakes some thought of him. And when the winds are moaning His lowly bed above, It seems so hard that he must lie Shut out from life and love ! They strive to soothe my anguish With words of hope and cheer ; They tell me of the better land, Where I his voice shall hear. They tell me to look upward, And so I strive to do ; F 82 SOXGS OF EARLY AXD LATER YEARS, But there 's a mist before my eyes I cannot yet see through. I know the sun is shining Behind the misty cloud ; I know it was not all of him We folded in the shroud ; But the shadow on my spirit Is one no hand may lift, Save His who gives, and as He will, Reclaims the precious gift. I HAVE FOUND FLOWERS. I HAVE found flowers, wild flowers, Fair azure things, with golden hearts, are they ; Such as I gathered in life's morning hours, Upon the woody hill-sides far away. I do remember well The first I ever found, a tiny thing That bloomed alone, where the warm sunshine fell Upon it in the first bright days of spring. Charmed with its beauty then, My heart has never learned to love it less. Though dwelling where the close-built homes of men Left not one sweet wild-flower the sight to bless. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 83 A woodland home once more Is mine, and, yesterday, the southern breeze To me the scent of April's treasures bore : I went to search, and found unfolded these. BRIGHT WINTER DAYS. beautiful days of winter! Like golden links are they, Binding the days which are coming With those which have passed away. Bright links, which clasp together Memories fair and bright, And beautiful hopes, which nestle In the future's golden light. Sunshiny days of winter! Ye are beautiful as few, The spring winds are more balmy, And the summer skies more blue ; But a sunny day in winter Is a bright and precious thing ; Its light steals into one's being, And makes the sad heart sins:. JOY IN HEAVEN. 'S joy in heaven, among the holy throng, _L Who stand forever near the Saviour's throne ; A strain of deeper gladness swells the song The seraphs utter ; a more rapturous tone Of love and praise from golden harps resounds ; Bright cherubs wave for joy their glittering wings, When Mercy bends above a lost one found, A sinner bowed before the King of kings, Mourning the sins which Slew the Son of God, And seeking pardon through his precious blood. Oh, what a precious thing the soul must be, When angels, seraphs, saints in triumph sing, When one from Satan's bondage is set free, When God esteemed it such a priceless thing, That but the sufferings of his only Son Could save it from eternal misery, When all that suffering had been borne for one, Had only one transgressed ! How gloriously 84 SOtfGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 85 The plan of our redemption hath been wrought ! No ransom less than that which God hath given, Could, for one sinful erring soul, have bought The boundless wealth and happiness of Heaven ; But praise to God ! He makes it free to all Who will accept the Spirit's gracious call. EMBALM THE DEAD. ~T! MB ALM the dead in tears ! I J These are more precious far than spice or oil Why leave for after-years Death's final triumph ? He will yet despoil All that is mortal ; darkness and decay Must do their work upon the breathless clay. Embalm the dead in love ! There is no need of costly spicery : Heap the green turf above The silent breast, and let remembrance be The sole embalmer, and the heart an urn, Where gentle thoughts of them shall ever burn. The faithful heart retains More than Egyptian art hath power to hold ; 86 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. That keeps the poor remains Of what we loved, pale, motionless, and cold ; But memory keepeth warm the blessed light Of love, and smiles and beauty pure and bright. JESUS. IN the thorny desert straying, On the lonely mountain praying ; In the streets and highways preaching, Oh, how gracious was his teaching!' Mysteries of grace revealing, Healing all who came for healing ; Toiling, sorrowing, day by day, Passed his mortal years away. Oft, when evening's quiet close Brought the season of repose, And the poorest toiling peasant Sought his home,, by love made pleasant, Jesus trod no homeward way, Tarrying where they bade him stay ; Or, for want of welcome, said, Lacking " where to lay his head," On the damp and chilly sod Spent the hours in prayer to God. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 87 Son of God ! what wondrous love Brought Thee from thy throne above ; Made thee choose an humble birth, Choose to tread the ways of earth ? Human nature meekly wearing, Every human sorrow sharing ; Bearing pride and scorn with meekness, Kindly pitying human weakness ; Patient gentleness displaying, Seeking out the lost and straying ; Giving even thy life, to buy Life for sinners doomed to die : That Redemption might be free Unto all who come to Thee ! GONE. GONE, to return no more ! Gone from our midst, so joyous and so young, His heart with youth's fresh gladness running o'er, And on his lips life's pleasant songs half sung ; Gone from our midst ! Our hearts will wait in vain To hear his dear returning step again. He went from us so strong, At early morn, with step so iirm and light; 88 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. The noontide saw him sadly borne along, O'er the same paths, and in the still calm night, Unconscious of the loved ones round his bed, The low faint breathing ceased and he was dead ! When morning came, the warm Glad sunshine through the shaded casement gleamed, And rested softly on the shrouded form, And the pale face, which looked as if he dreamed Some pleasant dream, so calm, and pure, and fair, Lay the young brow beneath the clustering hair. We laid him in the earth ! Ah me, how hard it was to lay him there ! How sad to gather round the household hearth, Where he was not! Oh, brother, young and fair, Our hearts are sadly drooping o'er the grave, From which our love was all too weak to save. He will return no more ; But we have laid him there in hopeful trust, That when a few more years are counted o'er, And we, like him, have slumbered in the dust, We all shall meet upon that happier shore, Whence none departeth, to return no more. THY BROTHER SHALL ARISE AGAIN. [John xi. 23.] brother shall arise again ! " In those sweet words what comfort lies ! Poor trembling mourner, cease thy strain Of anguish, dry thy tear-dimmed eyes ; And let thy heart's repinings cease : For, lo ! the Saviour whispers, " Peace." A mourner bent beside a tomb, And wet with tears the hallowed dust, While in her bosom thoughts found room, Which marred her heavenward hope and trust ; She mourned that one so young and brave Should slumber in the chilly grave. " W r hy must that manly form no more Be found in its accustomed place ? Why is death's curtain folded o'er That generous heart that joyous face ? 8* 89 90 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Why was a parent's hope and stay, So loved and leaned on, snatched away ? " She wept such tears as only flow From hearts by bitter anguish torn ; Beneath affliction's sudden blow Her very soul seemed downward borne, Till, faint and weary with her grief, She looked to Heaven for relief. It came : A whisper low and calm Breathed in her spirit's listening ear, O'er her bruised heart like precious balm Distilled, she felt that God was near ; And that sweet promise soothed her pain, " Thy brother shall arise again ! " GEORGE'S GRAVE. COLD is the bed where our darling is lying ; Coldly the winter-wind sweeps o'er his tomb, Wildly and sadly a requiem sighing, O'er him who died in his summer's young bloom. Cold is the bed where we laid him to slumber, Though the warm sunshine fell lovingly there, On that sad day we will ever remember Day when we buried the youthful and fair. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 91 Earth with the glory of autumn was glowing, Flowers on the upland were lingering still ; Soft, as in spring-time, the west-wind was blowing, But on our hearts lay a winter-like chill. Winter has since spread a covering o'er him, Pure as befitteth an innocent breast ; Spring, and the fond ones who live to deplore him, "Will cover with blossoms the place of his rest. Spring ! Ah ! the spring-time itself will be dreary, Dreary, though laden with freshness and bloom ; Dreary to us, who, sad-hearted and weary, Gather her treasures to garland the tomb ! OUR VALLEY. BEAUTIFUL ! O beautiful is this valley home of mine! The green fields circled in by hills o'erhung with fragrant pine. A thousand glancing streamlets amid our meadows flow, On whose green banks bright cowslips and water- lilies grow ; The darkest purple violets are found among our dells, And laurels on the hill-side spread their tufts of scented bells; 92 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. The mourning dove sings softly our shady woods among, Where songs of lighter cadence by gayer birds are sung. It is lovely, very lovely, the valley where we dwell, Though round a stranger's heart it might not weave a binding spell : We think it very beautiful, this valley home of ours, With wild-bird music, waving woods, and wealth of summer flowers : The village down beside the hill, the church and churchyard green, With white catalpas bending, the precious dust to screen. 'Tis lovelier than at other times, upon a Sabbath morn, AVhen summer-winds are singing through fields of rustling corn ; And scent of blossoms gathered, and wafted by the air, Like unseen incense stealeth through the sacred place of prayer. A little band of worshippers then bring together, there The joy and sadness of the heart, its blessedness and care: SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 93 Some hearts are faint and weary, and some with gladness beat, But the same dear Hand divides to all the portion that is meet. All hearts His words are waiting, whose heart is with us all, And gently to the drooping, His words like bairn- drops fall : He bringeth to the thoughtless a warning from the tomb ; He bids them look on youth decayed in beauty's early bloom ; A warning or a blessing for every soul He hath, And kindly pointeth out to all the safe and narrow path. It is lovely, very lovely, this valley home of ours, But it ever wears its sweetest look in the holy Sab bath hours. A THOUGHT OF DEATH. OH ! what a glorious thing it must be For the soul to burst from its bonds of clay, Spreading its pinions strong and free, To speed its flight from this world away, Onward and up, and never stay, 94 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Till it enters the beautiful land Where never dieth.the light of day ; Where they never grow weary, or sadly say, " I am sick," and all tears are wiped away By our heavenly Father's hand. Oh ! happy the soul that enters there, Shut in forever from pain and care ; With a life before it of love and praise, As long as eternity's endless days. Oh ! when I think of that glorious place, And of those who have entered its gates of rest, The shadows of sorrow forsake my face, My heart throbs gladly within my breast, And fondly I call my lost ones blest, For I know that they are there, By the priceless pearl their souls possessed, While gently their feet life's pathway pressed, And the sky of youth was fair. I am glad to think they are gathered in, Safe from sorrow and pain and sin ; And the heart that is lonely since they are gone, Is hopefully striving and struggling on ; If still it sheddeth its human tears, For the sorrow that fell on its early years ; Softly they fall as the dew of night, To be inhaled by the morning light SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 95 The light which gleams from those portals bright Which never unfold to mortal sight, But over the soul their radiance shed, Whenever we think of the blessed dead. ADVICE TO A POET. POET ! if thy thoughts be bright, Full of gladness and of light, Full of beauty and of trust, Free from care's corroding rust, Sing. Thy pleasant thoughts shall be Bright to others as to thee. If thy spirit hath been tried, If thy brightest hopes have died, If thy memory fondly clings Unto lovely perished things, While thy warmest tears are shed For the faithless, or the dead ; If thy body, worn with pain, Seeks the gift of health in vain, While thy heart with humble faith, Looking upward, meekly saith, " 'Tis my Father holds the rod, Blessed be the will of God ; " 96 SOXGS OF EARLY AX1> LATER YEARS. Poet ! sing. Thy songs shall be Blest to others as to thee. But if bitter thoughts are thine, If around thy heart entwine Restless pride, whose haughty aim Is at worldly wealth and fame ; Care, that gnawing at thy breast, Canker-like destroys thy rest, Burning envy, hate, and scorn, Of the heart's corruption born, Breathe them not, such thoughts would be Dark to others as to thee ; Breathe uot words to sear and blight, If thou suffer wrong and slight : Let it not be breathed in songs, Which may long outlive thy wrongs ; Better silently to bear Than to burden with thy care Hearts whose painful sympathy Is of no avail to thee. Sing of all things pure and bright, Things which gladden and delight: Sing of trials, pain, and care, Sanctified by faith and prayer. Songs like these will blessings bring Unto those who hear thee sinjj. SO&GS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 97 Hearts with gladness running o'er, Gladness unexpressed before, Find their inward bliss, by thee Shadowed forth so truthfully, That thy spirit's joyous tone Seemeth more than half their own ; And some spirit, bowed in dust, May grow stronger through thy trust. Thus, the gift God gave to thee Blest to other hearts may be. LAY NOT THY HARP ASIDE. I AY not thy harp aside ; J There falls sweet music from its trembling strings, Not the high strains of pride, Not the gay notes the heart-glad minstrel sings. Thy spirit hath been tried, And grief and care droop round thy heart their wings, And fling a shadow o'er the source of song, Which dims, but darkens not, and it were wrong. To cease from those sweet lays, To hush thy melodies within thy soul, 9 G 98 SOA'GS Or EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And in life's toilsome ways, Pass on, a victim to thy self-control ; There are a few would praise, To whose dull hearts such music never stole ; But thy heart would be sadder, didst thou crush The thoughts which from its depths so freely gush. Cast not thy harp away. The mildew of neglect will rust and blight ; Leave not to dim decay The jewel which may shine with purer light, And sparkle on thy way, And throw around thy name a halo bright. Sing on ! Thy talent was not given to rest Unused, unpolished, hid within thy breast. TO THE MOURNING DOVE. SWEET mourning dove, thy voice to me Is sweeter than the gayest notes Which warble through the greenwood tree, From merry songsters' tuneful throats, When April flowers adorn the earth, And joyous birds begin to sing, Above the early blossom's birth, Rejoicing in the breath of spring. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 99 Thy plaintive voice swells sadly out From some sequestered lonely dell, Where green leaves cluster all about, And violet-buds ungathered swell ; And through the long warm summer days Thy sad unchanging song is heard Oh ! can it be that sorrow stays, An inmate of thy breast, sweet bird ! Or, hast thou in thy seeming woe A heart as light as if thy strain Were gayer is its plaintive flow A sound of bliss instead of pain? It must be so, for thou art not A mateless, melancholy thing, Forever pining o'er thy lot With drooping head and folded wing. Thine is no weary song of grief, Though mildly pensive is thy lay, 'Midst springing flowers, o'er falling leaf, In spring-tide or autumnal day. There is, methinks, a gentle tone Of sweet contentment in thy voice, Unlike the mourner's funeral moan, Which lets no listening heart rejoice. DREAMS OF THE DEAD. DREAMS of the blessed dead, How sweetly do ye come Around our dreaming hearts, to shed Thoughts of their spirit home ; Ye fling a holy light Upon our sleeping hours, As soft, and beautiful, and bright, As hues of summer flowers. Ye wake sad thoughts, but sweet, Of dear ones passed from earth Of forms we never more may meet By social board or hearth. Ye bring the clasping hand, The smile we loved so well, The winning accents soft and bland From smiling lips that fell. That smile has passed away With the light of earthly love ; 100 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 101 Those lips now breathe a holy lay, With augel tongues above ; But oft they live with us again, And their memories round us creep, Like the winding links of a love-wrought chain, In the visions of our sleep. Dreams of the blessed dead, There are dreams more bright by far, But none o'er the soul so sweetly shed, The light of love's fair star. THE AUTUMN-TIME. autumn-time is coming ! _l_ A glorious time to me, When a mantle of gorgeous colors Wrappeth each forest-tree ; When orchard boughs are bending, And the golden sunshine plays With leaves and fruit as glowing As are its own bright rays ; When the vines upon the uplands Are crushed and laden down With purple clusters, decking The season like a crown ; 9* 102 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. When free, wild winds come singing, Forest and valley through, With a song so glad and careless, I long to sing it too ; And my heart springs upward, flinging Aside all thought of care, And my thoughts like birds are winging Away through the soft blue air. Oh ! from my earliest childhood Hath autumn been to me A time when my heart grew lighter, My voice and step more free ; Away through shadowy woodlands, Where chestnut-trees flung down A shower of shining treasures, Of ripe nuts bright and brown ; Up o'er the rugged hill-side, Down through the tangled dell, Over the sun-crisp'd meadows, My footsteps lightly fell. And my voice rang out to echo ]\Iy brother's noisy glee The young glad-hearted brothers, Who trod those paths with me. Many a summer and autumn Have passed since that gay time, SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 103 When there was no path too tiresome For my young feet to climb. My steps since then have wearied, And faltered along the way, Afar from the pleasant woodland Where we were wont to stray. Through more than one bright summer I 've languished day by day, While the thought of death upon me Like a misty shadow lay ; But when the blessed autumn Came singing o'er the earth, My heart sprang up to answer, With some of its old-time mirth : My spirit then grew stronger, My step grew firm and light, And the beauty of all things round me Made even my thoughts more bright. Oh ! that my lips could utter The thoughts which thrill my breast, When the glorious autumn sunset Is smiling along the West ; It seems as a curtain only Shuts out from mortal view, The land of immortal beauty, And its glory is shining through. 104 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Oh ! that a voice were given To the thoughts which wake and die, Shut up in a gateless prison, As these glorious days go by. It may be I love them better, Because my infant eyes First looked on this world of beauty By the light of autumnal skies ; The same rich light fell softly, Like a blessing on my brow, When my heart in its gladness uttered The beautiful marriage-vow. And the autumn-time must ever Sweet thoughts and memories bring To the heart which gladly nestles Beneath Love's sheltering wing. ARE YOU YET IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING? "VTOT yet ! but I am going thither. J- 1 A little while my weary feet must tread The paths of earth, where mists and shadows gather, This valley of the dying and the dead ; A little while, and this rough journey o'er, Land of the Living ! I shall reach thy shore. SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 105 Not yet! the gloomy waves of Death's- dark river Are yet to struggle with ; beyond it lies The land of Life; some golden sunbeams quiver Athwart the tide, from those unshadowed skies. Land of the Living, where is no more night, I soon shall hail thy glorious morning-light ! The foregoing lines were suggested by the reply of an aged Christian, to one who told him that a friend who resided at a distance, had asked if he were yet in the land of the living. " Tell him," said the good old man, " that I am not there yet, but I am going thither." MARTHA. SHE moved with busy dignity ; a look Of constant care upon her thoughtful face : Nor for a moment carelessly forsook Her household duties ; promptly did she place The dainty viands on her crowded board ; Neglecting nothing ; but her careful heart Was vexed, that in preparing for their Lord The needful meal, her sister took no part. " Master," she said, " dost thou not care to see, My sister leaveth me to serve alone ? " There was a mild rebuke, given solemnly, Yet full of kindness, in the earnest tone 106 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Of his reply. " Thou, Martha ! careful art For many things, whose care doth trouble thee ; But Mary hath preferr'd the better part, "Which taken from her never more shall be ! " LITTLE JANE. SEVEN times April's sun and showers Have awaked the early flowers ; Seven times waked the grass to wave Over little Janie's grave ; Seven times, summer, blossom-crowned, Scattered roses o'er the mound ; Seven times autumn breathed his sighs, Where our darling buried lies ; Seven times winter's shroud been spread Over her little lowly bed. But what times, and times untold, We have missed her from the fold ! Feeble lamb, whom God in love Gathered to the fold above. We have tried our grief to quell, Softly murmuring, " It is well ; " Yet, for her our hearts will yearn, And our thoughts will often turn SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 107 From the little ones at play, To the one that is away ; Fancying how she would have grown, Had she been with us till now ; Thinking she is still our own, Though upon her baby brow Heaven's eternal glory lies ; Thinking of her violet eyes Eyes whose light we loved so dearly, Eyes which closed on earth so early, Eyes whose tears are wiped away ; With this thought our hearts can say : " It is well. Beloved and blessed ! God hath given our darling rest." THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. blessed sunshine of the Sabbath morn . JL Had not yet risen upon Judea's land, When rose to pray, with hearts oppressed and worn, Yet full of humble faith, a little band Of holy men. There was one lacking there ; He who had knelt with them from day to day, Who taught their lips to breathe the hallowed prayer, Which now with sorrowing hearts they bent to say. 108 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And where was He their Master ? He had gone Down to the quiet chambers of the dead, And gloom and silence wrapped, and rested on His form majestic, and his princely head. Now the third day was dawning: knew they not That on that day their prophet should arise, Had they so soon his promises forgot? Alas ! the veil was yet upon their eyes. A step was on the threshold, and a cry Of sudden gladness on their senses burst ; And Mary, flushed and faint with haste and joy, Stood in their midst. Her feet had been the first To seek the tomb wherein her Saviour lay. She told, and they who heard were mute with awe, How she had found the " great stone rolled away," And angels watching there ; and how she saw, And spoke with him she sought, and mourned as dead, When she turned sorrowing from the empty tomb. Yet doubted they, till Jesus came and said : " My peace be with you," and dispelled the gloom Which grief had gathered round them ; then they gave Praise to his name who won the victory O'er death and hell, and triumphed o'er the grave, Whose praise shall sound throughout Eternity. COMFORT IN SORROW. TPHERE comes to me at times a thought of heaven, JL A thought too glorious to be expressed ; And I have thought that it was kindly given, To soothe the grief and anguish of my breast, When I have thought too mournfully of some, Who have gone up to their eternal rest, And reason was too weak alone to stem The tide of natural sorrow which oppressed My drooping spirit. Oh ! it is a thought Which overflows with comfort and delight My heart and mind : it is a vision fraught With loveliness celestial, glory bright, And bliss immortal ; there are harps of gold, And palms of victory, and robes of white, And seraph forms more radiant to behold Than are the planets which illume our night. And they are there, amid that saintly band ! That thought has dried the tears which sorrow shed, 10 109 110 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And left a yearning for that blessed land, To which my cherished ones so early fled, And Faith and Hope seem reaching out their hands, To lead me thither, and my heart hath grown Calm in its sadness ; while life's wasting sands Do promise rest ere many years be flown. TO MY SISTER. THE summer-time is coming With blossoms fresh and fair ; The music of the happy birds Rings sweetly on the air; The earth is very beautiful, The winds are soft and free : But my heart can have no surnmer-time, Away from home and thee. My steps have been upon the hills, And down beside the brook, Where violets are clustering In many a grassy nook ; I Ve rambled at the evening hour Beneath the cloudless skies, When silvery stars look down on earth Like angels' holy eyes. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Ill The thoughts which came upon me then I did not dare to speak, For there was sadness at my heart, Though smiles were on my cheek. Oh ! sweetly dawns the summer-time, And beautiful is earth, For nature holds a festival With music and with mirth ; The birds have built their leafy nests, And gladly hums the bee ; But a weary heart is in my breast, It pines for home and thee. A SPRING MELODY. I HAVE heard the gentle voice of Spring She hath come to her old-time haunts, And hillsides echo, and valleys ring With the happy notes which she loves to sing, O'er the birth of the first young plants. The bare trees rustle their branches gay, As they hear her pass along ; The blackbird tuneth his joyous lay, And streamlets leap on their seaward way, With a burst of merry song. 112 SOX US OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Spring hath come to our land again, And she roameth wild and free ; She stealeth away through the shadowy glen, Or visiteth kindly the homes of men, With her smiles and minstrelsy. Spring hath come ; but she sheddeth tears O'er many a new-made grave : Of those she smiled on in other years Over their bosoms the young grass peers, And the earliest flowers shall wave. Spring hath come, and her smile is ours, And her promise of lovely things ; The soft sunshine, and the fragrant showers ; But who shall gather the latest flowers Which the beautiful Sibyl brings ? We know that her smile is upon us now ; But what of her parting lay ? Ah ! that may be of the smiling brow, And the blooming cheek in dust laid low By the touch of .swift decay. TO ANNIE. WHEN the light of the long bright summer day In crimson blushes melts away ; When stars gleam out with their eyes of love, From the distant blue of the world above ; When the birds have folded their pinions up, And the wild-bee sleeps in the lily's cup ; When your heart is thinking of other times, And the voice of friends like the gentle chimes Of distant bells o'er your memory steals, And the yearning love of your heart reveals, Will you think of me? I ask it not ; there are friends more near, Whom tenderest ties have made more dear ; I ask it not ; my path may lie Far from the light of your smiling eye, Or I may rest where, it matters not, If I am remembered, or quite forgot ; But I know, when your eye on the page shall rest, Where linger the thoughts of a faithful breast, 10* II us 114 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Whatever my fate may be, or where I dwell, the name that is written there You will breathe, it may be tenderly, And wake from the urn of memory Some thought of me ! THE PATCHWORK QUILT. I WAS sitting in my chamber With my baby on my knee, And the music of an olden tune Was humming dreamily. I idly glanced toward my bed, A patchwork quilt was there, The work of girlhood's early days, Arranged with skilful care ; The tears came gushing to my eyes, Their course I could not stay, While many a mile my heart went back Along life's devious way. That quilt is made of memories Which with my growth have grown, Each piece is part of garment worn By some one I have known : SON OS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 115 What tales of love and joy and grief Are with the whole inwrought ! What portraits, and what histories, Come crowding to my thought ! That azure robed my mother's form, When I was but a child ; Oh, how it brings my mother's face Before me, calm and mild ! Her soft dark eyes, her raven hair, Her forehead meek and fair, Where even in her brightest hours There lay a shade of care. Years changed the raven locks to gray, Her fair brow grew more pale, And so she faded from our sight, And went " within the veil." And here are scraps of infant robes A darling brother wore, The brave bright boy, who died so young ; But I can sing no more ; All brighter memories are dimmed With tears my eyes must shed, And that old quilt has filled my heart With yearnings for the dead. NEVA. WE met as strangers little more Than strangers are we yet ; But still it is a joy to me That even thus we met. I looked upon her as I would Have looked on bird or flower, Whose beauty charmed my mournful mood With sweet resistless power. Her motions were so full of grace, So charming all her ways, The modest beauty of her face One half 'forgot to praise. A few brief days she charmed my sight, And o'er my spirit shed A ray of calm delicious light, Which with her presence fled. We meet no more, but even yet My heart is glad we ever met. no MARY LEA. I MET in girlhood's early hours A being young and bright ; Her eyes were like pale azure flowers, Just waked by heaven's warm light ; And o'er her forehead meek and fair Like sunshine lay her golden hair. Her step was free, her heart was light, As youthful hearts should be ; There never was a day or night Wherein she could not see Some glimmering star, some rainbow warm, To gild the darkness or the storm. I 've never seen another face Which seemed so fair to me, So full of girlish loveliness And stainless purity ; And later years have lent but few, To call me friend, with heart so true. 117 118 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Since last I saw her, years have flown, And then she was a bride, And he who claimed her for his own "Walked proudly by her side ; I wondered not that he should wear With pride, a gem so pure and fair. They tell me that a change has passed, Her cheek has lost its bloom, And o'er her gladness has been cast A shadow from the tomb, Where she has laid from off her breast Two babes her only ones to rest. I know that she is lovely still, Though changed her beauty be, And years and grief will never chill Her early love for me ; And if her step be weak and slow, And if her voice be faint and low, Ere long the angels will unbar The gates of that bright land, Wherein her heart's sweet treasures are, And with the angel-band Around the throne, shall henceforth be An earth-born angel Mary Lea ! ANNIE'S MINIATURE. I TOUCHED the spring, not guessing What face should greet iny eyes : I gazed upon those features With sorrowful surprise ; And memories came thronging Like shadows o'er my heart, The memories of pleasant scenes In which she bore a part. I thought how I had loved her, When life to her was new " When to my heart her childish love Was welcome as the dew ; And of that cold estrangement, A tide we could not stay, Which swept, and kept, our hearts apart, Through many a weary day. 119 120 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. I thought of our last meeting, When first my spirit bowed Beneath the heavy grief, which since- Has wrapped it like a shroud ; I felt a warm hand's clasping, I looked through blinding tears ; And for a moment each forgot The coldness kept for years. That girlish form one moment Was folded to my breast, The lips I had so often kissed To mine were warmly pressed ; And then, and there, we parted To meet agnin no more Till I shall finish treading The path she hastened o'er. She is sleeping in the shadow Of the tree which shadows him ; For whose dear sake her eyes and mine, That mournful day, were dim ; And her memory is dearer For the tears I saw her shed, When I in bitter agony Was mourning for the dead. THE RAINBOW AT NIGHT.* THE angels built their bridge last night Of the pale moon's transparent beams, And back and forth, in mystic flight, Passed o'er the unseen streams. We could not see them as they passed, Their noiseless steps we could not hear, But while we watched the silvery arch, We knew that they were near. We knew not what their errands were, Knew not if life or death they brought, Or only bore to minds, with care Oppressed, release from thought. Whate'er their task, 'twas quickly wrought, The white bridge faded from our sight, And looking upward, we saw nought But moon and stars' soft light. * It is an old superstition, that the rainbow is a bridge built by the angels, over which they pass from heaven to earth. 11 121 LILIAS AND I. T ILIAS is a lady fair, JLJ Oh, how fair she is to me ! With her soft brown silky hair, Lips whose bloom might tempt the bee, And a pure, sweet face which glows Like a fresh but pale-hued rose. Her small hands are soft and white, Never labor-soiled or sore, Yet some graceful task and light They are daily busied o'er ; I am glad that hands so fair Need no heavier labor share. What if ruder tasks are mine, What if none can call me fair, Shall my foolish heart repine? Nay, though oft with toil and care Burdened, it is good to be Where, and as, God willeth me. 122 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 123 Sometimes this vain heart has thought Proudly what I might have been ; Now by wisdom better taught, It rejects the thought as sin ; For to every one his lot Giveth God, who erreth not. He hath given me a heart Full of warm and tender thought ; And I give to Lilias part Give what gold could not have bought, To the soul whose thoughts I trace On that fair and gentle face. What if Lilias do not prize Such an humble offering ; Neither do the glowing skies, Flowers that bloom, and birds that sing : Yet I wish not to recall Love that 's freely poured on all. And if Lilias love not me, 'T will be nothing strange or new, Precious though her love would be, For this heart has found but few "Where its loving thoughts might fall, Knowing they were treasured, all. TO MY BEREAVED BROTHER. MY heart is sad, my brother ! How sad I cannot tell, When I think of the shadow lying Where sunshine lately fell ; When I think of the sweet spring music, Changed to the funeral knell. Into my soul, dear brother ! Thy sorrow has entered deep ; With my children playing round me, I cannot help but weep, When I think of the pale young mother, And her fair babes lying asleep ; Asleep, with the young grass springing Over each quiet breast ; I do not weep when the weary And care-worn are laid to rest ; 124 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 125 But, oh ! it is sad when the mated dove Is torn from a pleasant nest ! Sad, when the household treasures And hopes are snatched away, When, instead of joyous faces, We see the upturned clay, With the grass-blades struggling through it Up to the light of day ! This is a weak heart's moaning Too weak to comfort thine ; Thy fervent faith upspringeth On stronger wing than mine, While thy lips are meekly kissing The hand that prunes the vine. this I am glad, my brother! Glad even while I mourn, For I know thy sweet submission Will meet a rich return, And the balm of consolation Will fill life's emptied urn. Up to that lonely chamber My sad thoughts follow thee ; I know how thy heart will miss her, Whose presence used to be Thy household light how it will yearn For the face thou may'st not see. 11* 126 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. I know that of all the voices Which daily greet thine ear, There is none will thrill thy bosom '(Though friends be near and dear) Like hers, whose joyous carol Thou never on earth may'st hear. But a higher, holier presence In that quiet room will be ; And He who walked upon the waves Of stormy Galilee, Over the swelling waters Of thy grief will come to thee, With the sweet and faithful promise, " As thy day thy strength shall be." AMONG STRANGERS. I BO WED within the house of prayer, Unknowing and unknown ; I think, of all who worshipped there, I felt the most alone ; No other craved so earnestly The boon of Christian sympathy. Bright eyes looked carelessly on me, And eyes familiar sought ; SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 127 My heart throbbed still more painfully For every glance I caught ; A tide of sadness o'er me swept, And it was weakness but I wept. Not freely, as I could have wept, Could none have marked my grief; My trembling eyelids crushed the tears Which brought me no relief; And while my eyes were moist and dim, The choir commenced the morning-hymn : " My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is his name ; " How sweetly to my troubled soul The blest assurance came ; Jehovah, present everywhere, Beholds with pitying eye, my care. The thought of by-gone Sabbath hours, Of kindred far away, Became less painful, though the tears Still strove to force their way, While that sweet song of Zion stole Like healing balsam to my soul. CHRISTMAS MORNING. THE wind is out on the prairie, The snow is falling fast, And our frail, unsheltered dwelling Is trembling in the blast. I wake in the early morning, Long ere the break of day, Wake, to watch for the dawning, And think and weep and pray. I think of the friends who love me, Ah, me ! Jjow much I miss My father and brother's greeting, My mother and sister's kiss. I think of the love they lavished On me, through many a year ; And I know, though we are parted, That their hearts are with me here. I weep : ah ! who can blame me For shedding a few warm tears ? While I lean my aching forehead On the grave of the buried years. 128 SOA T GS OF EARLY AND LATER YKAtiS. 129 I know, in my father's dwelling Some friends to-day will meet, But, ah ! the family circle Is broken and incomplete. I know there are voices will falter, I know there are eyes will weep, For the sake of the one that is absent, And one who has gone to sleep. But the love of the great All-Father Girdles us one and all, And our hearts are nearer together Than many who crowd one hall. THE MORNING BREEZE. IN from the dewy meadows, In from the blossoming trees, In from the sparkling waters, Cometh the morning breeze ; Bearing the odor of blossoms, The songs of bird and bee ; Light-winged, but heavily laden, Cometh the breeze to me. Breeze of the summer morning, Thou bearest my thoughts away I 130 SOJVG3 OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Back to life's early dawning, To childhood's joyous May, To fields all ruddy with clover, To orchards heaped with bloom, Where the dreamy air was burdened With music and sweet perfume ; To springs from the hill-side gushing, To banks where the laurel grew, To meadows abounding in rushes And violets of every hue ; In fancy my feet are pressing The paths where I used to stray, And years with their weary lessons Are swept for the time away. Oh, breeze ! it is but for a moment, The vision has vanished now, But the touch of thy dewy pinions Is soft to my aching brow ; And the odor which floats from the lil And that by the balm-tree shed, Steals into my heart like a blessing Sent back from the years long fled. THE NAMELESS GRAVE. I LINGERED, one bright Sabbath day, . Within a churchyard's sacred bound, To read on tombstones old and gray Their names who slept beneath the ground. I read of some who passed away In early youth's delicious bloom, And some who deemed it rest to lay Their tottering limbs within the tomb. But there was one, a nameless grave, That touched me more than all beside, No lettered stone the history gave, Of how or when the sleeper died ; I knew not who was buried there, But felt that it was precious dust, That there were some that name to wear, With quenchless love and patient trust, For o'er the spot a sweetbrier spread A shade of scented leaves and flowers, Whence softly on the grassy bed The dewdrops fell in fragrant showers. 131 132 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. It was a pleasant thought to set So'sweet a thing to blossom there, Which sheddeth, when its leaves are wet, Such balmy odors on the air ! The willow and the cypress-tree A hue of deeper sadness wear, But that sweet shrub appears to me Remembrance, linked with hopeful prayer. MOTHER. OH, mother, how we miss thee ! We miss theeiiight and day, We miss the loving smile that beamed Like sunlight on our way ; Thy words of kind approval, The tender anxious care, Which ever girdled us at home, And reached" us everywhere. That tender care, my mother, How well thy daughter knew, Who left thee for a distant home, When thy sad days were few ! How many a loving message Flowed from thy heart to me, While in that far off stranger land I lingered wearilv. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 133 And. when my bright-eyed baby Upon my bosom smiled, Oh, how I wished my mother's eyes Could look upon my child ! And I prayed our heavenly Father, If so his will might be, To let me go and lay my babe Upon my mother's knee. 'Twas not His will, dear mother! For mournfully, to-day, I am sitting in thy chamber, And thou, thou art away. The room is all unaltered, But what a change is this, I came into my mother's room, And met no welcome kiss. My heart is yearning, mother, Is yearning, but in vain, To lay my head upon thy breast, And hear thy voice again ; To meet thy dark eyes' radiant light Turned lovingly on me, Alas! alas! my mother! That this may never be ! They told .me, gentle mother, Where thy pale form was laid, 12 134 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And thither in the morning light My trembling footsteps strayed ; Already o'er thy silent breast Spring's early "offerings bloom : Alas ! alas ! my mother ! I came to greet thy tomb. MY EARLY HOME. OH, the flowers, the beautiful flowers, Which garnished the home of my childhood's hours : Crimson roses, and lilies white, Four-o'clocks, with their blossoms bright ; Morning-glories of varied hue, Purple and pink, and delicate blue ; And violets sweet, whose dewy eyes Had borrowed the hue of the April skies. v There was an orchard, with clouds of bloom, A clover-field breathing rich perfume ; And just beyond, the forest dim, Where the wild winds chanted their solemn hymn, And glad birds sang, and squirrels played, Fearless and free in the quiet shade. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 135 From rugged uplands far away Farther than childish feet might stray A little streamlet danced along, Singing a wild and pleasant song ; Through the meadows, around the hill, Away to the stream that turned the mill, The brook kept ever upon its way, Joyous and bright as a child at play. Happy and bright were the summer hours Passed in the midst of those woodland bowers ; Pleasant and bright is their memory still, It sweeps through my heart with a sudden thrill, Like the startling rush of a wild-bird's wing, Like the bursting forth of a hidden spring ; And the present hour, with its hopes and fears The lessons and trials of recent years Are gone, and my childish days come back : I arn walking again in some well-known track, Lingering by mossy bank or spring, Singing some song which I used to sing, Or dreaming over the early dreams, Which long ago yielded to graver themes. A little while, and my heart awakes, Like rested pilgrim, who, rising, takes 136 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. His burden up and goes his way, Strengthened to travel another day, And weaves his thoughts, as he walks along, Into a pleasant and cheerful song. Looking back from life's dusty ways, Toward the home of my early days, I bless His love who placed me there, Away from the great world's bustle and care, In the " pastures green," by the waters bright, Till my soul was filled with the beauty and light Of the fair green earth and glowing skies, A light and a beauty which never dies. HALF-WAY HOME. MANY and many a time My soul has grown tired of the " battle of life," Tired of the burden, and tired of the strife, And I longed to lay the burden down : ^ Spirit and frame cried out for rest But a far-off glimpse of a golden crown And stainless robes, revived my breast, And the promise of God hath solaced me, " As thy day is, so thy strength shall be." SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 137 Half of the journey is past, Half of the " three-score years and ten ; " The shadows begin to lengthen fast : And it seemeth long since the morning, when My step was lighter than it is now, When there was not a care-line upon my brow, Nor a silver thread my locks among, It was long ago I am no more young. I have known sorrow and care : Days I have seen when the "light was dim : Nights, when my soul, through a thicker gloom Than midnight darkness, cried to Him Who heareth always. Youth's warm bloom Is past, and I would not now recall The happiest day I ever knew, Each cup of bliss had a dash of gall ; And for every trial I 've struggled through There lies one less 'twixt me and the last : After a while they will all be past. Time knoweth no delay : Morning has deepened into noon ; The noonday hour will have vanished soon.; But I am treading the homeward way, The path may be rough, and dark the day, But, with my Father's house in sight, At evening time there shall be light 12* ,~ TO LITTLE ETTIE'S PARENTS. HAS it drooped the tender blossom Cherished with such loving pride ? Has the lamb, which in your bosoms You have nursed so fondly, died? Nay ! the flower is but transplanted To a fairer bower above ; Nay ! the little lamb was wanted In the Shepherd's fold of love. Never say your flower has faded, Never say your darling died, Though your household light is shaded, Though your hearts are sorely tried. You may yet have days of mourning ; Never sigh shall heave her breast, While she waiteth for your coming, In a home of peace and rest. She was lovely, and you loved her ; There is One who loved her more. 138 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 139 Heaven-bound pilgrims! can you murmur That your child has gone before ? Did you not in rite baptismal Give the little one to God? Prayed ye not that He would lead her In the way her Saviour trod ? Lo ! your prayer is more than answered, Rugged paths did Jesus tread ; But He took her to his bosom While you prayed she might be led. Ye had asked for grace to guide her, Xow she needeth not your care, Dwelling in the Saviour's presence : Thus our Father answers prayer. When we cannot read His purpose, As He lays our hopes in dust. Let us say, " It is our Father : Where we see not we can trust ! " Patience, friends ! we see but dimly Oh, how dimly here below ! What He doeth, now we know not, But hereafter we shall know. Bowing in His glorious presence, Knowing e'en as ye are known ; You with thankful hearts shall praise Him, Who so early claimed his own. WASTED HOURS. THE hours which we have wasted, what a throng Of witnesses around the Eternal Throne Await our coming ! Evidence so strong Of our delinquency, they might alone Write out our condemnation, did not Love And Mercy plead the culprit's cause above. The wasted hours, how noiselessly they flow ! Scarce do we note them, but their voice is loud In that far unseen land to which they go ; And there they wait, a stern unwavering crowd, To testify against us, while the stain Of our misdeeds doth fresh on each remain. * The wasted hours ! these are the ghosts which scare In night's dim season the unsettled brain With dreams of spectral forms, which seem to wear The livery of those who long have lain Within the mouldy chambers of the dead, And fill the trembling soul with awe and dread. 140 TO ONE WHO IS 'HALTING BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS.' OH, cast not thou thy faith away ! That faith which is the ' lamp of life,' Else lost in darkness thou shalt stray Through scenes with many dangers rife, Like one who, on a starless night, Gropes on his way, rejecting light. Oh, never cast away thy faith ! The soldier on the battle-field, Who, madly, in the face of death, Throws off his armor, sword, and shield, Is not so rash as he who flings Contempt and scorn on holy things. And what has Infidelity To offer for the trust it takes ? A hope, whereon who leans shall be Deceived, betrayed, a staff which breaks In that dread hour, when o'er the soul Death's terrors like an ocean roll. 141 142 SONGS OF KM; i. Y AM> LATER YKARS. Oh ! trust it not ; but cast away All hope, all trust, save that which clings To Christ, the ' true and living way ; ' That trust which peace and comfort brings, And leads the wearied soul to rest Upon the loving Saviour's breast. How couldst thou scorn the holy trust In which thy mother lived and died ? Her form is sleeping in the dust, Her voice no more may warn or guide; But, as to shield thy life from ill, Her memory lingers with thee still. The memory of her tender care, Her earnest love, abides with thee, Her voice, as in the tones of prayer, Breathes in the ear of memory. Oh ! turn not from that voice away, But as she taught thee, kneel and pray. Yes, pray ! and from thy darkened soul The midnight gloom shall pass away, The mist of doubt shall backward roll, And in the light of heavenly day Thy heart's rejoicing cry shall be : " I once was blind, but now I see." 'HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP.' [Psalm cxxvii. 2.] HE giveth his beloved sleep : Oh, wherefore put the gift away ? Why wake to study, toil, or weep, When He has closed the busy day ; And from our eyes shut out the light With the dim curtains of the night? He giveth sleep ! Oh, let us take The gift with thankful hearts, and be Refreshed and strengthened ; wherefore wake, Toil-worn and care-consumed, when He, Who never slumbers, wakes, to keep Watch over his beloved's sleep ? He giveth his beloved sleep, When weary eyelids softly close O'er eyes which nevermore shall weep For earthly cares, or earthly woes ; While on the soul's enraptured sight Dawns the eternal morning light! 148 THOUGHTS. OH, how little we truly know Of friends and neighbors ; they come and go, Daily and hourly we meet and part, But there is a veil on every heart ; We cannot see, and we do not know The joys or sorrows which lie below. Many a struggle these hearts have known Struggles witnessed by God alone ; Many a sorrow has lived and died, Carefully screened from the world outside Screened from even a brother's eyes, Lest, while he pitied, he might despise ; Sorrows which died in a blessed calm, When the Healer poured in oil and balm. Thus do we hide both joy and grief, Hiding too often the sweet belief, Which makcth our lot less hard to bear, And keepeth our soul* from dark despair; 144 SONGS OF EARLY A\D LATER YEARS. 145 Fearing to speak of our own sweet trust, Lest our brother's heart be dim with dust. There is a man with whitened hair "Whom oft we see in the house of prayer ; It needeth no seer to tell that he Is wearing a sorrow silently, With one brave boy on the field of strife, And another wasting his bright young life. Turning aside from the way of truth, But which of us speaks to the erring youth, Patiently striving day by day, To win back one who has gone astray ? Which of us breathes in the old man's ear A word of sympathy, hope and cheer ? Oh, there are souls in our midst to-day, For which we have failed to watch and pray : Souls, whom we well may dread to meet, When we stand before God's judgment-seat ; Souls, who might say, " You saw us go In the downward path to death and woe, Saw us wasting God's holy day As gravely you walked on your churchward way ; But none of you said, as a Christian should, ' Come with us, brother ! we '11 do you gooti.' " Ah, 'tis a fearfully solemn thought, (When will we ponder it as we ought?) 13 K 146 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. That not to ourselves we live or die, That every day, as it glideth by, Leaveth our impress for good or ill, On hearts which we either cheer or chill. Could we but know what depths are stirr'd By a careless look, or a thoughtless word, How would we watch these little things, Which enter the heart like venomed stings ! How would we pray for grace and light, To think, to feel, and to act aright ! ' SHE IS NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETH.' "VTOT dead ! oh, say not she is dead, _Li That word hath such a mournful sound ; Her radiant soul hath only spread Its wings, in search of holier ground, And left to cold and silent sleep The faded shrine o'er which we weep. She is not dead : it is not death, When heaven-bound spirits leave their clay, As yields the rose its fragrant breath, When evening zephyrs round it play ; Or lingering starlight dies away, Amid the rosy flush of day. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 147 She is not dead ; we have consigned To earth's cold breast a lovely form, That for a little season shrined A spirit joyous, frank, and warm : A spirit which has gone above To dwell with Him whose name is Love. We know she is not dead ; but still Upon our hearts a shadow lies ; We miss (and, oh ! we ever will) The sunshine of her lips and eyes, The loving smile which gave her face Its eloquent and winning grace ! And yet how selfish is the love That would have held her lingering here ! A stricken flower, a wearied dove, Too fragile for our stormy sphere, When that which we call death, has brought The peace and rest our dear one sought ; To the wan flower eternal spring, Strength to the weak bird's drooping wing. 'AS THY DAY, SO SHALL THY STRENGTH BE.' AS thy day, thy strength shall be ! ' Fearful trembler, doubt it not ; God, who stoops to care for thee, Never yet his word forgot. He hath promised thee and me, ' As thy day, thy strength shall be.' Clouds are darkening o'er the sky, Angry waters round thee foam, Heavenward lift thy drooping eye, Struggle on toward thy home ; Shrink not from the swelling sea, ' As thy day, thy strength shall be.' Promise of a faithful God, Like a tower of strength art thou ; 148 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 149 When beneath the afflicting rod, Weak and worn with pain we bow, To this word we gladly flee, ' As thy day, thy strength shall be.' MY SOLDIER LOVE.* OH ! where art thou, ray soldier love ? The rain is dripping heavily, The evening shades are closing in, The children gather round my knee, And merrily their voices ring, But I am lonely, missing thee ! ii. Oh ! where art thou, my soldier love ? The little ones are gone to rest, All but the youngest, darling dove, Who slumbers lightly on my breast. If thou wert here, thy good-night kiss Would on her cheek be softly pressed. * The first three stanzas were written in May, 1865 ; the concluding one, in September, of the same year. 13* 150 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. III. Oh ! where art thou, my soldier love ? The pale moon climbs the midnight sky, Upon the woody hill above Our lowly home, the cool winds sigh, They win an answering sigh from me, I am so lonely, missing thee ! rv. My soldier love! my soldier love! I need no longer question now, I 've seen the damp earth heaped above Thy pulseless breast, thy faded brow, And henceforth my sad heart must be Forever lonely, missing thee ! THE HEART'S QUESTION. SHALL I know thee again in the happy land, Thou who hast passed to that brighter sphere ? Wilt thou meet me there with the clasping hand, And the loving smile which was thine while here; Or is the hope of my spirit vain, That, knowing and known, we shall meet again? SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 151 Shall I know thee again ? or will Heaven's light Have rendered thy beauty too purely bright, For one who knew thee on earth to trace In the dazzling lines of thy seraph face, The beauty which mortals said was thine, When thy soul was lodged in its earthly shrine ? Shall I know thy voice in the solemn song, That floats from the lips of the seraph throng? Wilt thou remember the gentle name We called thee by : is it still the same ? Or bearest thou one to the angels known, Which they can utter, and they alone ? Vain and light are these words of mine, If thou in beauty immortal shine ; Not through the eye of mortality, Dazzled and dim, shall I look on thee ; Not as a mortal would trembling gaze On a being enveloped in glory's blaze. The love that hath made my heart an urn, Filled with sweet thoughts of thee, shall know (Though cloudless glory around thee burn) A being so dear when we dwelt below. And thou wilt meet me with joy and love, And welcome me to thy home above ! . ELEGIAC LINES. should have laid thee iu some shady dell, JL Where the green leaves might whisper overhead, And the blue violets thou didst love so well, And pale anemone, might bloom, and spread Their blossoms o'er thee, where no foot might tread But that of the true-hearted, where no eye Might gaze, which had not sorrowfully shed Sad tears for one so early called to die ! When morning sunshine gladdens earth and sky, It would have been so sweet to linger there, While every blossom breathed a fragrant sigh, And dreamy music filled the scented air. I could have fancied that thy spirit came, And stooped to hold communion there with mine, That, while I pressed the rose's lip of flame, Or the pale-blossomed odorous eglantine, Thy breath was on them. Every flower a shrine Of pure and tender memories should be; l-VJ SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 153 But vain these fancies ! no such grave is thine; There bends above thee no green rustling tree, Or odorous shrub ; above thee only falls The cold gray shadow of the churchyard walls. AFTER AWHILE. i (Written in April, 1863.) A FTER awhile there will be green leaves spreading -Cl A shady covering on boughs now bare ; After awhile, sweet blossoms will be shedding Their balmy odors on the summer air. After awhile, where the young grass is springing, Bright buttercups and violets will be found, And sweet arbutus, to the brown earth clinging, Will send up fragrant breathings from the ground. After awhile, from orchards blossom-laden The oriole will pour his joyous song ; And in her woody haunt, like love-lorn maiden, The dove will be complaining all day long. After awhile, the earth will smile as gladly As e'er it smiled, beneath the sky of May ; But 'midst the joy of nature, oh ! how sadly Fond hearts will pine for loved ones passed away ! 154 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS After awhile, where rang the sound of battle Along the river-side, from hill to hill, All will be hushed, no musket's deadly rattle, No cannon's roar, 'twill all be calm and still. The earth will hide, the tender grass will cover The forms, whose place at home will henceforth be So desolate : the maid will mourn her lover, The mother, him she dandled on her knee. The widow's heart will evermore be yearning To meet the smile that gladdens her no more ; The child, still hoping for its sire's returning, Will often linger, watching, by the door But watch in vain. Ah, me ! my heart is aching, And bitter tears come gushing to my eyes ; Such mournful thoughts the opening spring awakens, There is a shadow on the April skies ; Clouds dim the sunshine, undertones of sadness Are heard in every song of victory. We raise the voice of thankfulness and gladness For every triumph gained by land or sea ; Praise to our God, whose hand is overturning Their wicked plans who have his laws defied ! But with each paean blends the sigh of mourning For men who bravely fought and nobly died. God help us in this time of heavy trial ! Upon our lips is pressed a bitter cup ; SOA'GS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 155 We tread the thorny path of self-denial But dare we grudge to yield our treasures up ? Nay ; for the cause is His, by. whose appointment Kings rule, and princes justice do decree. Father! this thought is like a healing ointment To wounded hearts we give them up to Thee ; Thine are they all sons, brothers, and possessions, We give them up in humble trust that Thou Wilt give our land a harvest-time of blessing, From precious seed, that 's sown with weeping now. HIDDEN AWAY. TTIDDEN away ! hidden away ! J-J- Under the snow-wreaths under the clay Lieth a treasure pure and fair : Many another is buried there ; Many a heart like mine is sad, Missing its treasure, the best it had : But when the wild winds moan and rave, Whirling the snow over many a grave, Only by one my sad thoughts stay, One where the snow hides the fresh-turned clay, One than all others more dark and cold For it wraps my own in its narrow fold. 156 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Never a flower has lifted there Its dewy lips to the balmy air ; Never a grass-blade struggled through The crushing clods to the light and dew ; But all is dreary, dark, and chill, As the heart, love's tones have ceased to thrill ; For it is only a little while Since I was gladdened by voice and smile, Voice that was music, smile that was light, Both are lost in the grave's dim night. Fair was the form that is folded away Under the snow-wreaths, under the clay : But it was only the mortal shrine Of the heaven-bom spirit whose love was mine. Spirit, made perfect in glory now, There falls to-day on my care-worn brow A gleam from the light which circles thine, I may not murmur, I may not pine. Lonely as I must henceforth be, Treading the life-path, missing thee, I may not murmur; for thou art blest In the presence of Him who loves thee best. JENNIE. TTTE bade her welcome as a bride, V V When April skies were warm and bright ; And in the tender April-tide She faded from our sight. And in our bosom sadly stays The thought of those two April days. Blow soft, ye south -winds, where she lies, Bear thither on your fragrant wing The treasures of the April skies ; And when June roses fling Their precious odors on the air, Gather and shed them softly there There, where the fair young mother rests, The mother and her infants three ; Who never pressed their mother's breast, Or slumbered on her knee. Sweet babes ! from life's untasted cup, They turned away, and soaring up To Heaven's bright gates, were welcomed in, Unscathed by care, unsoiled by sin. 14 157 A TRIBUTE To THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM CRAWFORD, 100th REGT., P. V. SOFTLY we speak of our sorrow ; Others have suffered as well, Many a sou and brother That day in the battle fell ; Many a sister is mourning, Many a lone mother weeps ; The more that their eyes may never See where the loved one sleeps. Thousands as noble have fallen ; Thousands, but he was our own ! Nor does it soften our anguish To know that he fell not alone. We are acquainted with sorrow, We have been smitten before, Have kissed the pale brow of a brother, Whose love may not gladden its more ; 158 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 159 But now is this comfort denied us, To look on the face of our dead, Shrouded and coffined to lay him Away in his last quiet bed, Oh, ill-fated field of Manassas ! Twice dyed in the blood of the brave ; Thither our sad hearts are turning, For there found our brother a grave. We know not the spot where they laid him, Unmarked is the place of his rest, And rude feet will carelessly trample The sods that lie over his breast. But far above earth and its trials, We know that his spirit has flown, And we think of him bending in rapture, With angels and saints round the Throne. In life he was earnest and faithful Alike to his country and God, And we know that it ended in glory, The path he so manfully trod : And this is a balm for our sorrow, We mourn, but still hopefully pray, That, like him, we all may be ready Whenever death calls us away. STOLEN TREASURES. PASSING, passing hour by hour, Now in sunshine, now in shower ; Slowly, softly, day by day, Stealeth Time our lives away. Time! when I was blithe and young, Ere my heart by grief was wrung, I had treasures fair and bright, Thou hast borne them out of sight ; I will tell thee what they were, Wilt thou tell me where they are? I had curls of glossy brown O'er my shoulders floating down ; There are threads of silver now In the locks which shade my brow ; Then my steps were light and free, Now I walk so wearily ; 160 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 161 Then my voice was clear and strong, Kinging out in many a song ; Now its tones are low and sad, Not the tones which once it had. Ah! if only these were all Thou hadst borne beyond recall ! Three young brothers, strong and fair, Bright-eyed boys with shining hair, Shared with me life's early mirth, Evenings by the household hearth ; Summer days, when glad and free, Through the woodlands rambled we ; Oh, what treasures found we there ! Ripe wild fruits and blossoms fair ; And our feet would lingering stray Where the cool green mosses lay. Time has sped, and death has wrought, Sad the changes they have brought, For the youngest of our band Fell beneath the spoiler's hand, And the cold insatiate tomb Hides his manhood's early bloom. Then a mother's love was mine, Clasping round me like a vine, Striving with her earnest prayers Me to shield from grief and cares ; 14* L 162 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Now my mother lies at rest, With the sod above her breast, And a mother's smile shall be, Never more awaked for me. Never more? Ah, spoiler, nay ! Thou canst bear our youth away, Rob our cheeks of healthy bloom, Lay our idols in the tomb ; But thou canst not keep them there, Here is balm for every care : Death may smite, and time may fly, Time shall cease, and death shall die ; But the treasures which they bore To the unseen, far-off shore, Through our loving Saviour's care Shall be ours forever there. MARY ANNE. is a name of gentle sound, _L Whose echoes warble through my heart, And pleasant memories abound, In which that precious name has part, That name is thine, my sister, friend, If any dearer names there be, SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 163 I all in one would fondly blend, And by that name would think of thee. Sweet sister ! since my early years, Such love for thee hath filled my soul, I 've parted from thee but with tears, And grief that mocked at self-control. But when we meet, oh, that is bliss My heart forgets that it is sad ; A sister's loving smile and kiss Make even the care-worn spirit glad. THOUGHTS. are beautiful thoughts which come and go JL Like the dawn of day, like the sunset glow ; They haunt our hearts, but we seek in vain To breathe them in words ; the loftiest strain The poet sings, is nought to him But a feeble echo, a shadow dim Of the music and light which warm his soul Oh ! if he could but breathe the whole ! His song is thrilling in many a breast, But he thinks his voiceless thoughts the best. Thoughts of charity, thoughts of love, Soft as the wing of the brooding dove, 164 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Oh ! how softly they flutter in, Covering gently a brother's sin Quietly stirring up thoughts of prayer, Planning how we may help to bear The burden our weary brother bears, How we may lighten his many cares How we may lead some erring youth Tenderly into the way of truth ; But ah ! sweet thoughts ! it is sad to know How often you pass like the evening glow ; The sky grows dark, and the heart grows cold, We go on our way as they went of old, Who, passing ' by on the other side, Some in coldness and some in pride, Offered no help to him who lay Wounded and faint beside the way.' Sorrowful thoughts they come and stay, Vexing our spirits day by day ; Casting their shadow on all we see, Filling our souls with perplexity ; Shutting the joyous sunshine out, Veiling our hearts with fear and doubt, Till the voice which calmed the stormy sea, Speaks to our souls, and the shadows flee. Glorious thoughts all warm and bright, Gleams sent down from the land of lig'ht, SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 165 How do they cheer our earthly way, Turning our darkness into day ! Thoughts of Him whose name is Love, Thoughts of heaven, our rest above ; Thoughts of loved ones dwelling there, Thoughts of joys we soon shall share Glorious thoughts, serene and pure ! These are the thoughts which shall endure. Beautiful thoughts may pass away Like morning mist on a summer day ; Sorrowful thoughts will have no place Where tears are wiped from every face ; But the glory begun on earth shall be Perfected in Eternity! EARTH'S ANGELS. WE meet with angels now and then, Along life's dull and toilsome way, Oh ! if we only knew it when They come, that we might bid them stay, Might hold them with a firmer hand, Might breathe the words we dare not speak In ears which might not understand ; But we are ignorant and weak, And only see, when looking back, Where the good angels crossed our track. 166 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Not clothed in white, with shining wings, They burst upon our wondering gaze ; We see no harp with golden strings, We listen to no seraph lays ; We feel the clasp of friendly hands, The light of loving eyes we meet, But seldom think an angel stands Beside us, in life's dust and heat. The hand unclasped, the smile withdrawn, We see it all when they are gone. / MEMENTOES. THE thoughts of a loving heart Poured in a gush of song, And a shining curl of soft brown hair, Still bright, though kept so long. Relics of by-gone days, What are they now to me ? I look through memory's golden haze, And this is what I see : ^ A form of manly grace, A fair unshadowed brow, The radiant light of that young face Seems beaming on me now. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 167 The fair brow never grew old, Nor the bright locks changed their hue ; But the loving heart grew still and cold, While yet its years were few. The angels opened the gates of gold, And the radiant soul went through Through to the land of peace, Into the light of day, Where the cares of life forever cease, And tears are wiped away. DAY AFTER DAY. THE sun comes up in the morning, And the sun goes down at night ; The stars come out at eventide, And pale in the morning light. The days keep coming and going, Just as they did of old Just as they will in coming years, After our hearts are cold. Many a time I have wondered, Thinking how it would be, The long bright days, and the quiet nights, And no one thinking of me, 168 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. No one watching and waiting, ^N(5 one breathing my name, The days still coming and going, Ever and ever the same. I know I shall be forgotten : For those who love me now Will lie as low, and the grass will grow Over buried breast and brow ; The sun will come up in the morning, The sun will go down at night, We shall not care for his shining, We shall not miss his light. Neither the light nor the shadow Will waken us from our sleep; But the Eye that never slumbers Over us watch will keep. The sun will come up in the morning, The sun will go down at night, The stars will glitter above us, And we shall not see their light. The thought is strange and solemn Strange, though it is not new ; The world will be busy as ever, With nothing for us to do. Ah, well, if the night is coming, Let us be busy to-day, SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 169 The weakest hand among us May plant a seed by the way A seed which the earth will nourish Till it comes to be a tree, In whose cool shadow men will rest, In summers yet to be. And some one, rested and strengthened Under its shade, may say: " Some one who walked here years ago, Has planted a tree by the way." And so he may be encouraged To do some deed of love, Something to help his fellow-man, And honor his Father above. SHADOWS. THERE were shadows in the morning, When the grass was wet with dew, But the clouds were white and fleecy, And the sunshine melted through. So they scarcely checked my singing, Hindered not my childish play; Fleecy clouds and childish sorrows Pass so rapidly away. Shadows veiled the noonday brightness, Sudden was the storm and wild, 15 170 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Shutting out the blessed sunshine From earth's stricken mourning child. Then I groped among the shadows, Wrapping all my thoughts in gloom, Blindly groping in the darkness, Ever stumbling at the tomb, At the tomb where lay my treasure, Snatched so suddenly away. Oh, how thick and dark the shadows ! Oh, how cold and bleak the day ! Yet through all the clouds a sunbeam Came to light my darkened way. Still the shadows have not vanished ; Only on my path is shed Light, to show where I am going ; Step by step I softly tread, While the light is on my pathway, And the clouds are overhead. What if yet the shadows deepen, As the evening time draws near ; Just beyond earth's latest sunset There are skies forever clear. In their light shall be unfolded All that seems mysterious here. AN APRIL SONG. rPHE grass is springing everywhere, -L The trees are budding all the same, As in the Aprils bright and fair, Before my sorrow came. The swallow builds beneath the eaves, Upon the fence the bluebird sings, The dove within the woodland grieves, As in the by-gone springs. The sounds of labor and of play Are mingling on the quiet air ; The brook goes singing on its way, Through meadows green and fair ; Along its edges violets grow, And children pluck them, as of old The willow-branches are aglow With blended green and gold. 171 172 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Whatever beauty April brought In other years, she^ffers now, And shall I yield to gloomy thought, And wear a saddened brow ? Nay ! I am glad that it is so, That human sorrow cannot mar Earth's beauty, shade the sun-light's glow, Or dim a single star. A vacant seat is at my hearth, A smitten form is by my side, Alas, for boyhood's shadowed mirth, A mother's blighted pride ! And yet I know that it is well, That love supreme is over all, Alike when April's leaf-buds swell, And when the snow-flakes fall. So, through these quiet peaceful days, My grief-worn heart essays to rest, Committing all my times and ways To Him who knoweth best. MY WORK. SEND me, and I will go, To bear thy message into heathen lauds," Thus cried my heart. The Master answered, " No, v Not such the work which waits thy willing hands, Yet there is work which all thy strength demands." My fingers grasped the pen. " Then will I write, and tell the world of Thee." He let me try, too gentle to condemn My hasty zeal, but led me soon to see That this was not the work assigned to me. I dropped the pen and sighed : "What is it, Lord? Whatwouldst thou have me do?" He bade me look, and lo ! on every side Some care, some duty rose to meet my view, And yet among them all was nothing new ; But duties which my heart Had often shrank from, craving something higher. "Herein," He said, "do faithfully thy part, And thou shalt truly have thy heart's desire." 15* 173 174 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And joyfully I said, " Thy will be done ; " then every service grew Holy and beautiful ; and when the shade Of sorrow settled over me, I knew That patient suffering served my Master too. TO MY BROTHER, J. P. KNOX. MY brother! faithful, kind, and true, Companion of my infant days, Accept a tribute earlier due, For though remembered in the lays In which I sang the days of yore, Thy worth and earnest truth claim more. Bound to my heart by links so strong, That time and distance cannot break, Thy name should grace as warm a song As this frail faltering hand can wake ; But, ah ! since last we parted, few Have been my songs, and mournful too. SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 175 Sojourning in a stranger land, My heart goes back to those glad hours, When, blithely wandering hand in hand, We chased the bees, and plucked the flowers Around our home, that Eden spot, Which we have never once forgot. And from that spot I walk with thee On through the lapse of changeful years, When thou wast ever near to me, To share my hopes, and joys, and fears ; Or when the ram bier's part you tried, And left a while your sister's, side, How gladly did I welcome back, Whene'er you trod the ' homeward track.' And since the wanderer's path is mine, And far from thee my lot is cast, Thy eyes with loving radiance shine Upon me from the distant past, While many a pleasant thought of thee Comes floating over memory's sea. And oft beside the cheerful hearth, When twilight shadows fill the room, And the light tones of infant mirth Ring gladly through the gathering gloom, Bright visions of our infancy Come, like old friends, to sit with me ; 176 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. And then to one who loves to hear The simple tales I love to tell, I breathe those memories warm and dear, Which in my heart's recesses dwell, And loving thoughts and wishes blend When thou art named our Brother, Friend ! s ROSALINE. OFT lay the rosy evening light Upon the vine-clad hills of Spaing And every steep and verdant height Was bright with its impurpling sfaTh, When through a city's crowded streets A lovely stranger passed alone. \ Way-worn and weary were her feet;\ But, all unknowing and unknown From square to square she passed along, Chanting a wild and plaintive song While many paused,\her song to hear,\ But more to scan the maiden's gear, So novel was her garb.x She wore The peasant dress of Italy ;\ But on her ncck'and arms she bore A wealth of brilliant jewelry, x SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 177 Her soft unbraided hair was rolled Around a comb of gems and gold, And here and there a glossy curl Burst from its clasp of gold and pearl. She had a strange, sweet gift; she sung: And words came crowding to her tongue, Like ripples on a streamlet's bf'east, When breezes break its wonted rest. THE SONG.\ " No mother's love was ever mine ; Upon my birth no father smiled ; \ I passed through childhood's summer-time A hopeless, joyless,\friendless child.X I was not like the few who tried To make their home a home for me They told me that my mother died Ere she her helpless babe might see ; And I was left alone on earth Even at the moment of my birth. Would, since she died, they had not learned The name that made my life unblest, I might have borne their own, nor spurned Their lowly life ,vbut in my breast They woke high thoughts and passions strong, Resistless as the power of song. They said she was a lady fair, If 178 SOXGS OF EARLY AND LATER YKARS. Born of a brave and noble line ; They kept the gems she used to wear, For me; the name she bore is mine^v And I have sought her native shore, And been a wanderer in the land ;- I 've breathed that dear name o'er and o'er, But vainly, for alone I stand, Arranger in the land which gave Her birthj who found a foreign grave." There stepped a man of lordly mum And graceful bearing from the crowd, As, doing homage to a queen, Before that lovely girl he bowed, And asked that precious name to know.\ Her voice was soft and very low As trembling, hope and fear between : "She was the Lady Rosaline De Montalina." Sudden light Flashed o'er the visage of the knight. " The gems," he said ; " now if there be A diamond ring." He took her hand : Upon it glittered diamonds three, Linked by a single golden baud. " It is the ring ! the same ! " he cried, " I gave to her my lovely bride. And thou, x stv3fct Rosaline^hou art The daughter of my lonely heart.S^ SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. 179 The child whom I had never -stfSti, Nor hoped to seey my Rosaline l 1 ^ Then told the knight a fearful tale Of storm and shipwreck, of a night When brave men's cheeks were strangely pale, And woman's heart was faint with fright; A night when life's delicious light Grew in an instant pale and dim ,*^ When from his grasp and from his sight, The wild waves bore his lady bright, While wailed the storm her funeral hymn. " Since that dread night," he said, " I 've been A mourner for my Rosaline. Thy song in part reveals the rest ; Yet tell me more." He fondly pressed His daughter to his thankful breast, And led her from the crowd ; and then Told she her story o'er again : How those who nurtured her had said, They found a lady, well-nigh dead With cold and fear, upon the beach, Washed almost past the billows' reach. They bore her to their cot, and there She lived to bless them for their care And tell her name and rank. She died, And in her dying hour she sighed : " Good people, ye are kind to me, Kind in this hour of agony; 180 SONGS OF EARLY AND LATER YEARS. Friends to the new-born orphan be, And call her Rosaline." They kept Her wishes sacred. " I have wept," She said, " to think that I could prove Ungrateful for their tender love ; But, like a bird upon the wing, My heart hath been a restless thing ; It ever longed for home, for Spain, I proudly called that land my own, And with a wild fond hope I came, A stranger, fearless, though alone, And hope to joy has changed at last, Fear, danger, suffering, all are past." UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY