mgmffHnma!fjnrrr:nniin,fi.j,n}.-rrjp'fr.:jfifffifjj;u' /.•jji/jiif/j;' ■/■ "' .////ff/Ifr THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES /'( AUSTRALIAN HEART SONGS AND SONNETS By ANNIE B. ELLARD AUSTRALIAN HEART SONGS AND SONNETS BY ANNIE B. ELLARD SYDNEY Marchant & Co. Ltd., 435 Kent Street 1909 au Included in this collection of verses and son- nets are many which appeared in "The Aus- tralasian Independent," "Australian Christian World," "Young I-'olks' Magazine," etc. Through the courtesy of the "Religious Tract Society," London, I am able to include "Bat- tered Coins." Most of the sonnets, and many of the verses, are now published for the first time. A. B. ELLARD. To Those Friends Whose Love has enriched my Life, and whose intere^ has ^rengthened it — also To the Memory of my Father and Mother This Book is lovingly dedicated. TU. PREFACE. AUSTRALIAN HEART SONGS AND SONNETS. A more congenial task has rarely fallen to the lot of the writer of these few words, than that of bringing under the notice of the thoughtful reader this \olume, "Australian Heart Songs and Son- nets." HaAing been intimately acquainted with the Authoress, A. B. Ellard, tor many years, and knowing the circumstances under which many of these "Heart Songs" were penned, she rests assured that they will prove an uplifting and in- spiring force to many a weary soul in the great battle of life. For it is onI\ the heart that has known much sorrow, and yet known also the abounding consolations of God's Love, that can write as our friend has done. It may be of interest to those who peruse these poems to mention that "Battered Coins," the first in the volume, was sent to a publication in London, when it gained the prize for the "Best Original Poem for Recitation," and "Only a Woman" was written specially for the Woman's Exhibition in Sydney in 1888, where it won a special award of merit. UE. Preface. "iMountain Mists" is included through the courtesy of the "Woman's Budget." Each reader, however, will speedily make choice of the lines that appeal most strongly to him or her, as the case may be. One thing is certain, if one heart is upborne in its daily struggle, if one soul is drawn into closer relationship to the Unseen and Eternal, by the perusal of these songs and sonnets, the one who wrote them will feel amph rewarded for' all her labour. ELIZABETH RENWICK. Burwood, October 30th. 1909. CONTENTS. Battered Coins Australian Christmas Bells Ebb and Flow My Little Bush Lover The Mountain Top . . Australian Pictures, No. 1 On The Surface Sky Flowers . . The Great Lesson . . Christmas Gifts More Than Conquerors Flower Fairies In Love God's Garden . . The Fairest Face "Repos Ailleurs" .. Only One God's Smile . . Heart Music . . Australian Pictures, No. God's Barley Harvest Mountain Mists My Friend In The Boudoir Through Storied Windows Seen in the Fireliijht The Bend of Life's River Flowers for the Mansion Samoan Mission Pictures Page 2 5 6 8 10 12 14 15 16 19 21 23 25 27 28 30 31 33 34 3G 37 39 41 44 46 40 51 52 54 XI. Contents. Our First Australian Martyrs Like a Floweret Sweet The Snow Rose School Days . . The Children of Salem A Christmas Gift The Old Hymn New Year Thoughts My Little Physician Psalm CXXVL 3 . . Only a Name . . I Will Not Fail Thee Unspotted From the \Vorl Easter Voices . . The Butterfly's Sermon At the Close of the Year In Remembrance of Me Like a Galloway Hillside A City Physician Rejected By Mountain or Valley Only a Woman My Mountain Home . . The Sunlit Valley . . With Heart Attuned . . The Bend of the Road Song of the Mountain Breeze Her Message . . Let us Remember Song of Rest . . The Unsung Song Snow A Spring Song The Great Brown hLind A Waft of Fragrance As Sparks Fly Upward Page 56 58 59 60 62 64 66 67 69 71 73 75 77 79 80 83 84 86 87 90 92 94 97 98 99 101 102 104 1C5 107 108 109 111 112 114 115 Xll. Contents. Kathleen 'I'lie Wine of Joy Kin My Brownies . . Rest Day Radiant She Came The Wattle Queen When the Daphne Blooms The Lure of the Bush Like Moths from the Gloom By Bush Corner Life's Rainbow- Page 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 124 126 128 129 131 SONNETS. Iron Failure . . With Cleared V'ision The Highway of Love St. Valentine's Day . . Your Shoes Shall b( Till We Meet Inasmuch Ciolden Grain .'\ Bridal Greeting . Is Not This The Carpent The Shoreless Sea . . Narrow ? With Steadfast Face The Cry of the Tin . . Through Palace Windows Winged Seeds We Shall be Like Him The Orchid's Lesson . . The Point Where the Fer The Horizon of Doubt er and Brass Touches 135 136 137 1.38 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 Xlll. CONTENT: No. I. No. 11. No. I. No. II. Harbour Lights Perfume of Love, No. I. The Perfume of Love, No. II. The Coming of Spring, No. I. The Coming of Spring, No. II. Vapour That Vanisheth, No. I. Vapour That Vanisheth, No. II. Through Seas Unknown, No. I. Through Seas Unknown, No. II Robert Browning, No. I. Robert Browning, No. II. (iod's \\'ilnesses Silent Service . . In the Shadow, In the Shadow, Dream Sonnets, Dream Sonnets, Watching Facing The Christ . . Rest God's Palm Trees . . Sea Anemones Would You Keep Young The Higher Criticism The Heart of the Hills Springtide The Mystic Gate of God Across the Bar It is Your Birthday Morn Waiting Burdens Dream Sonnets, No. III. Dream Sonnets, No. IV. Beauty From Desolation The Ever Widening Way The Ten \'irgins . . XIV. Page 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 Contents. Page By Night . lyi Frost . 192 A Miracle L'nscen .. . 193 A Little Child . 194 Resurrection . 195 Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony . . 196 The Restored Picture . 197 We Would See a Sign . 198 Oliver Wendell Holmes . . . 199 Morn on the Mountains . . . 200 Remember My Bonds . 201 Trauinerei . 202 The Uplands . 203 Blind . 204 At Last . 205 Full Pay . 206 The Maker's Name . . . 207 With Prow to Ocean . 208 XV. Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. FOREWORD. If, in the thrilling language of the birds, I could pour forth my love and thanks in song, How sweet my song would be ! But, ah, how cold, how weak seem human words, When we would tell our thoughts most deep, most strong ; 'Tis even so, with me ! But, take this little book straight from my heart. And if, in it you find some word of cheer, Some note of faith, or love To cause glad memories afresh to start, To bring the Austral bush to you more near. To lift your heart above — Then shall I feel my songs are not in vain, Though simple, unpretending, they may be: And, when earth-songs are o'er, I hope to live, and love, and sing again In Realms, where we the fullest Life shall see! On Songland's sunlit shore! B Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. BATTERED COINS. Battered, and dinged, and much defaced, There lay upon the ground A heap of ancient silver coins ' Just dug from out a mound. One voice declared "They came from Rome!' But many this denied. "Where is the trace of Caesar's face?" The unbelieving cried. Then he who said they came from Rome Took up those coins defaced, And side by side with careful hand The battered coins he placed, And lo ! not one the impress bore Of Csesar's haughty face ; The sceptic throng, with laughter long, Cried, "Caesar for us trace!" Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. He heeded not their laughter loud, In silence did he stand Till every worn and battered coin His careful eye had scanned ; A paper, then, he quickly took, With skilful fingers traced Each mark which he could plainly see Upon those coins defaced. One bore the impress of an eye — Another showed an ear — A chin, a nose, a mouth, a wreath On other coins appear, With care and skill each curve he drew And made each feature join ; Then cried aloud unto the crowd, "Now, who denies the coin?" The crowd stood still ! The expert's skill Had proved it Caesar's coin ! They saw no trace of Caesar's face, But his skilled eye could join A part from each : thus did he teach — "Though each coin be defaced, Join all the best — discard the rest — And Caesar can be traced!" Battered, and dinged, and much defaced God's coins around us lie! 8 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Made in His image, we are told — "We see it not!" men cry. Yet Love, and Hope, and Faith, and Truth We find — though oft defaced — Oh, take the best, discard the rest. His image may be traced ! A mother's self-denying love — A father pure and true — A sister's care — a brother's strength — A friend's sweet trust in you — The best trait in each life you've known — Join all these, if you can. And in your mind you'll truly find God's image seen in man ! Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. AUSTRALIAN CHRISTMAS-BELLS. Out on the dry and barren plains, And near the creek 'neath giant trees, A harvest rich of Christmas-bells Is swaying in the sultry breeze! Oh, Christmas-bells, what do you here? What means the fairy chime you ring? The Christmas bells make answer clear — "We hail the Birthday of our King!" — "The Lord — Who gave us form and birth, And decked our bells with red and gold — Came at the Christ-tide to this earth, And so we sing that song of old — "Glory to God, and peace on earth, Good tidings of great joy we bring!" 'Yea, we proclaim the Saviour's birth. And peals of floral-music ring !' 'We know that those who make their homes In crowded cities far away, Hear chimes from lofty spires and domes Proclaim — "Lo, this is Christmas day!" But children of the Austral bush Can hear no rhythmic belfry chime. So, through the sun-scorched earth we push Our bells, to ring — 'Tis Christmas time!' Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. 'And sunburnt stockmen check their speed, And squatters' children gladly cheer, When they behold our forms, and read Our message — Christmas-tide is near ! The Great All-Father, in His love, To lonely hearts His message tells, In mercy stoops from Heaven above And whispers through frail Christmas bells!' EBB AND FLOW. A Song of the Sea. Ebb and flow! Ebb and flow! Flow with its passionate boom and crash Bringing its treasures in with a dash. As if its strength to show. Ebb and flow ! Ebb and flow ! Ebb taking back the weed and shells, Slowly emptying pools and cells As if 'twere loth to go. Ebb and flow ! Ebb and flow ! Flow rushing in mighty and grand — Ebb receding swift from the strand With murmur sweet and low. Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Ebb and flow ! Ebb and flow ! Childhood's bright days unfraught with fears, Manhood's peaceful, prosperous years, These may be called Life's flow ! Ebb and flow ! Ebb and flow ! Age and sickness are Life's ebb-tide, Bearing our loved ones from our side — Ebb Cometh sure, if slow ! Ebb and flow! Ebb and flow! Now, we are decking a fair bride's head — Now, twining wreaths for the peaceful dead — Thus do Life's tides come and go ! Ah, little recks it, ebb or flow! When we know that Our Father's loving hand, To prepare us for Home in our Fatherland — Sends to His children weal and woe. No! we need not fear ebb or flow! Since His Hand directeth the tidal wave, Which will one day bear us beyond the grave, And will land our frail and storm-tost barque Safe in the Sunshine, out of the dark — Beyond the breath of sin and woe, Beyond the reach of ebb and flow ! Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. MY LITTLE BUSH LOVER. Have you heard of my little bush lover? — The boy with the frank, charming way? — Then, his name you shall not yet discover, For fear you might steal him away ! He can wallaby trap, or opossum. Can trace, and can capture a snake, Knows the home of each lovely bush blossom, The month when each bloom should awake. And his gifts with the months change and vary — Opossum fur, snake skin, bird's nest, Lovely moss from the couch of some fairy, Or strange home of some insect pest ! Gorgeous butterfly, beetle, moth, locust, Large mantis, with rose-tinted wing. Or some fossil or stone from the earth-crust, Some weird or some wonderful thing ! Wooden pears, which the years will but harden, Tree-orchids from highlands above. Or fair fruit gifts "From father's own garden!" Such, are his sweet off 'rings of love! Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Oh, my little bush lover, most charming ! — Dear gift from the Father divine ! — Oft I sigh o'er this thought most alarming — Some day you'll no longer be mine ! But, I pray that where e'er you may go, dear — Or where e'er your first love may rest — Vou may think of these glad years, and know, dear, That they were life's purest and best ! Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE MOUNTAIN TOP. To reach the best and highest, we must suffer — Before we truly sing, the heart must bleed — The path that scales the mountain's crest, grows rougher — To gain sweet music, we must cut the reed ! The clearest air is for the Alpine climber, For him God's grandest, mystic scenes unfold — As up he mounts, the view grows still sublimer. Until is reached the cloudland realm of gold. But ere the mountain-top is reached, we weary; And oft with lagging steps the path is trod — The mists are chill, the path is lone and dreary, And every step is pain as on we plod. At last the height is scaled ! We're lost in wonder ; Alone with God and Nature now we stand! He speaks in gentlest breeze, and cataract thunder. And every tone of Love we understand. 10 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. The Peace of God — which this world never giveth — Now fills in very truth the heart and mind : The Love of God — without which no man liveth — Is heard in every whisper of the wind. Ah, yes! we learn to read Life's mystic story, As on the mouniain-iops of Life we stand — Our eyes see something of God's hidden glory, He stoops and clasps in His, our trembling hand — He leads us on beyond the sunset golden, Beyond the realms of cloudland mystery, Until our eyes — by self no longer holden — Catch glimpses of "The Land Bevond the Sea!" We thank Thee for Life's Mountain-tops, oh Father! They fit us for the battle, toil, and strife — We will not ask smooth valley-ways ! nay, rather Lead up through mists and gloom, to Light and Life ! 11 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. AUSTRALIAN PICTURES. No. 1. A swagman toiling toward a distant creek, With aching limbs, parched lips, and fevered eye — A dried-up watercourse — a bloodless cheek — Alone, uncared, a man sinks down to die. The sultry close of a December day — Two dust-stained horsemen, gazing o'er a plain — A faint, low "coo-ee" heard not far away — A glad "Thank God ! we have not searched in vain." A bronzed young "overlander" with his herd — A distant "run" he hopes ere night to "make"— Nightfall — a "station tea" — these kind words heard — "My boy, you're welcome, for your father's sake!" The rocky bed of an Australian creek — Two men whose eyes a look of wonder hold — Each seems afraid his secret thought to speak — At last, in husky tones — "Yes, mate, 'tis gold!" 12 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Saturday night — a long, low shearing shed — Rough, loud-voiced men, in scattered groups around — One tells a tale (his chair a barrel head), His smoking audience, stretched upon the ground. A noisy group at "cards" just near the door — Above the din, a concertina's sound — A song — then shouts, "Mate, give us that once more !" — Midnight — O'er all the scene, silence profound. A sultry 'Xmas Eve — a "Western Run" — A group of girls around an open door — The sound of hoofs — a shout, "The boys have come I" A scattered family complete once more. A peaceful Sabbath morning, clear and bright — A little church 'midst eucalyptus trees — Strong, sunburnt men, and fair girls robed in white — The 'Xmas hymn borne on the summer breeze. 13 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ON THE SURFACE. On the surface, disappointments, Uphill pathway bravely trod : Underneath, peace passing k;no\\ledge, Full surrender made to God. On the surface, life unsettled, What appears like loss of time : Underneath, the patient waiting. Grand result of faith sublime ! On the surface, many actions, Friends can scarcely understand : Underneath, the way committed To the Father's guiding hand. Lord, I thank Thee for Thy favour! Lo ! to me Thou hast revealed Hidden gems of faith and patience, 'Neath the surface close concealed. 14 Australian Heart Soings and Sonnets. SKY FLOWERS. This morning the sky was a daffodil, A beautiful blossom, of gold, Whose petals lay soft over vale and hill, In many a wonderful fold! At midday, the sky was a bluebell sweet, Whose colour no language could tell ! The mountain pools mirrored it at one's feet, An exquisite, azure bluebell ! The afternoon found it a harebell pale, A bloom of most delicate tint ! Fain would I describe it — but, ah, I fail To give of its beauty one hint ! At sunset it turned to a wondrous rose. With petals of deep crimson hue, Which faded so slowly at daylight's dose. Until they quite vanished from view ! This evening the sky is an iris deep — A wonderful, dark purple flow'r — From out whose great depths golden starlets peep — A bloom fit for Night's mystic bow'r! 15 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE GREAT LESSON. The feast was ended, the supper was o'er — An unbroken band they would meet no more. And the Saviour looked with sorrowful heart On loved ones from whom he must soon depart. Oh! not for Himself did the Master grieve, But for the disciples He now must leave — And so, ere He passed to His home above, A lesson He taught them in Heavenly love. He rose from the supper — His servants gazed, At the Master's actions, all were amazed — A towel He took, and a lowly seat, And began to wash the Disciples' feet. Then taught He the lesson in words so few — "Know ye," He ask'd, "what I've done to you? Ye call me your Master, and ye say well. For I left My kingdom with you to dwell — If I then, your Master, have washed your feet, Likewise do ye when as brethren ye meet ; No greater the servant is, than his lord — Blessed are ye, if ye act on My word. An example of love, to you I have given. Such, is the love of your Father in Heaven." 16 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Oh ! wonderful lesson, taught on that night ! Still, we're unable to read it aright. Though cycles of years have since rolled by — "Thy Lesson, oh Lord, is unlearned!" we cry. Unconquered by us, is Love's A, B, C, — Expressed is its perfect language in Thee. Penitent Marys the vase have broken, And poured out the ointment — Love's sweet token — Widows have willingly given their mite — Martyrs have died for Thee and the right, — But love such as theirs is the faintest gleam — A moonbeam compared to Thy Love's sunstream ! With all the love that Thy children have sung, Stand we to-day on the lowermost rung. We love the strong, noble, lovely, and pure — Think it kind that we help the suffering poor, — Whilst Thou from Thy glory in Heaven above, Dost pour on the weak, sick, and lost. Thy love. Scarcely, the erring can we kindly meet — God's love stoops from Heaven to wash their feet ! Wounded and bruised by care, grief, and pain — Soiled and marred by Sin's darkest stain. The Lord, for such feet, hath a wondrous cure — Not merely water cold, clear, and pure, Not even tears (though these He hath shed As o'er the stained feet He hath bent His head) — 17 C Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. He washes them clean, in His own life-blood, The deep fountain of Love ! The mystic flood That heals wounded feet, makes them white as snow, And fit in the pathway of Life to go — Fit to enter in through the pearly gate That leads to Our Father's great estate — Fit to tread the streets of shining gold, In the city of peace and joy untold — Fit to dwell for aye in the Home above, In our Father's mansions of perfect love! 18 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. CHRISTMAS GIFTS. She sat in her beautiful boudoir — A maiden so dainty and fair — And looked at the gifts strewn around her With weary and spiritless air : Then murmured: 'This is not the colour I wished for, 'tis deeper a tone ! This ring is a trifle too heavy, I do not care much for this stone ! 'Quite perfect indeed is the carving And quaint the design of this fan, But really I'd like it much better If inlaid with gold from Japan.' Then, closing her silk-curtained casement, She said, with a half-suppressed yawn — 'I wish that those bells would cease ringing, I'm sick of their sound since the dawn!' Not far from that stately, old mansion, A girl sat, with large love-lit eyes Bent over some object before her As if 'twere some wonderful prize : 19 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. 'Twas nought but a simple, silk 'kerchief — No marvel of gold and of gem — But, lo ! as she bent o'er her treasure She pressed her warm lips — to its hem. And murmured — 'Oh, would I had something More costly or lovely to give ! But love is hemmed into its borders — Love deathless and pure, that shall live !' — Then turned her sweet face to the window , With eager hands opened it wide, 'Ring on, Christmas bells, how I love you! Peal out your glad tidings!' she cried. God's angels who watched o'er that city, Looked in at two windows that day — With sad eyes, and looks of deep pity, From one they turned swiftly away, But long at the other they lingered As if quite unwilling to leave. And smiling they whispered — "More blessed, Dear child, 'tis to give than receive!" 20 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "MORE THAN CONQUERORS." i he course was marked, the signal given, The contest had begun ! To urge the race, the crowd had striven, With shouts of— "Onward! Run!" And each athlete, agile and fleet, Tried hard to win the prize ; — But one alone, the laurels won, 'Midst loud exultant cries ! A hall was filled with men of fame, (The wisest of the land) — With praise they spoke of one young name Amongst a student band, — And long and loud, the eager crowd Raised glad, applauding cries, To greet his name, as forth he came. To take the well-earned prize. 21 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A warrior bold, with glance of pride, Moves on his homeward way ; Around his car of triumph, ride A band of courtiers gay, — And paeans loud, the joyful crowd Raise for the Conqueror, Who well had fought, and homeward brought Rich trophies from the war. A Christian Soldier leaves the world In panoply of Faith — Sin and the Flesh behind him hurled, His conquering heel on Death : — All through his life, of pain and strife, The Christ was at his side — He made him "more than Conqueror," When on the Cross He died ! 22 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. FLOWER FAIRIES. I peeped within some blossoms that two wee maidens brought me, And found two lovely fairies — and this is what they taught me : — "We are two tiny fairies, our names are Love and Beauty, We live within these flowers and try to do our duty. Though many people gaze upon the sweet and beauteous flow'rs. Not many people see our forms — the fault is theirs, not ours ! For when they're stooping o'er the flow'rs, we whisper in their ear, But if the heart's not true and pure, our words they cannot hear: They listen to our language quaint, but know not what is meant, They call it by these curious names — "Rare- perfume" or "Sweet scent." We're related to the fairy who wore the Pansy- hat! But we prefer the Rose-leaf shape ('tis pretty tho' 'tis flat). 23 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. VVe dress in varied colours — crimson, cream, blush-pink, and white — Our jewels are the dew-drops ! Saw you ever gems more bright? We trust you hear our voices (understanding what we say), For if you do, we'll show ourselves to you some future day. To-day two sweet wee lassies (who wished to give you pleasure) Plucked these fair blossoms for you — we hid with- in each treasure ! But see, the sun is setting! when he leaves the western sky, We're invisible to mortals, so we must say — good-bye." Then the fairies disappeared — hid beneath some leafy fold! And the sun sank to his rest, pillowed soft on clouds of gold. Then I thought this little rhyme, to my dear, wee friends I'd write: Father, keep them pure in heart! is my prayer for them to-night. 24 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. IN LOVE ! On a bed of pain and anguish — Pain which caused each nerve to start — Weary weeks and months did languish One, both meek and pure in heart. Fit she seemed, indeed, to merit Choicest blessings from her birth ; But God called her to inherit Anguish sore while on the earth. Vet we knew her Heavenly Father — Who prepared our Home above — Did not punish her ! Nay, rather He afflicted her in love ! Itre the chords fulfil their dut\-, It is chipped by chisel sharp! Ere the chords fulfil their duty, Fully tuned must be the harp ! Ere the tree will thrive and flourish, We must dig around its roots ! We must prune as well as nourish. Ere the vines will bear rich fruits ! Is the diamond's light diminished When 'tis taken from the mine? Nay, it must be cut and finished, Ere its lustre full doth shine ! 25 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Is it not the diver's duty, From its ocean home to tear, The white pearl of priceless beauty, Ere a queen that gem can wear? Gold must pass through cleansing fires, To be freed from all its dross ! Hearts attain to pure desires, Tried in fires of pain and loss ! Does Our Father love His children Less than sculptor loves the stone? Does He wish their earthly music To produce a jarring tone? Does He wish His vines and fig-trees To yield leaves — not fruits of joy? Does He wish His gold and silver To be mixed with base alloy? Nay ! because so much He loves us. He doth send us grief and pain ! Fires to try, to purge, and cleanse us, Purify our hearts from stain ! Yes! in love His gold is purged! And in love He cuts the gem ! Then in love He stoops and lifts them To adorn His diadem ! 26 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. GOD'S GARDEN. Nestled close to the heart of the hillside, Where human foot seldom hath trod, Lies a nook of most exquisite beauty, Yea, truly a garden of God ! As you stand at its threshold in rapture, You feel the All-Father is near ; And the flowers bow their heads as in worship. And whisper, "Our Father is here." Like an eye of pure light, as you enter, There glances a clear little pool — Where the sedge and the reed talk together. And tired breezes rest and grow cool — Round its marge bend fair heads of pink heather, Beyond them a rim of pure white, And above them sweet zephyrs are swinging Gold censers of perfumed delight. From the sedge comes a song sweet and plaintive. Bird-answer comes back from the hill, Then o'er all reigns a mystical silence, A whisper from God, "Peace, be still!" As the bells, of the scented white heather Ring forth a glad peal — "God is Love!" "Yea," we cry, "and this glimpse of earth-beauty Is fore-taste of heaven above." Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE FAIREST FACE. These questions was I asked of late — "Whom do you think most fair? What is the colour of her eyes? And what shade is h^r hair?" Oh, would that I the gift of words Had now at my command, That I her beauty might describe In terms you'd understand! But if I say her face is worn, And marked with lines of care, That mother-colour' d are her eyes, And silver-white her hair — You'll think, perhaps, I speak in jest, And beauty fail to see ; Yet, God knows 'tis the fairest face That earth doth hold for me. The lines upon that sainted face Are drawn by God's own hand ! Sweet witnesses of victory O'er Self and Grief they stand. 28 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. The eyes have caught the light that shines "Not on the land nor sea!" They've look'd past earth's horizon dim — They hold Love's mystery. The peace that this world cannot give, And none can take away — The spirit even now hath stamped Upon its home of clay ! And who will undertake to tell The beauty of her smile? Its brightness often makes me think She "talked with God" a while! Sweet face imprinted on my heart From childhood's earlv davs, My words have failed to paint aright Thy fairest, dearest traits ! Mother — the best interpreter Of God's own love — to me Thine is the fairest face these eyes On earth may hope to see ! 29 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "REPOS AILLEURS." Like the brave knight who served the cause Of Netherlanders sore oppressed, And bore upon his shield these words : — "Repos Ailleurs" — elsewhere is rest! So we, who serve 'neath Christ to-day, Must take His helmet, sword, and shield, And fight 'gainst sin, and "watch and pray," Whilst serving on Life's battlefield. There's "Rest elsewhere" for those who fight. "Come unto Me, I'll give you rest!" Thus Christ invites each weary knight, And lays the tired head on His breast: How sweet that rest, His loved ones know — Those who have earned His glad "Well done!" Young knights of God, fight on below ! Ere ye can dream it, rest is won! 30 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ONLY ONE. A tender shepherd missed a well-known sheep, Only one. He knew that it might stray where torrents deep, Swiftly run ! So, leaving all the others in the fold, He passed into the midnight drear and cold, And griefs, and fears, and anguishes untold Filled his breast, Until the lost was found and brought to rest. A busy housewife dropped a little coin On the ground, And industry to patience she did join Till 'twas found. 'Twas only one, but from her scanty store It meant a loss which she must feel full sore (Unless she could the tiny coin restore), — So she swept Until 'twas found — then, tears of joy she wept. A father missed a manly form and voice. From the home. He knew that it had been his son's free choice Far to roam. But, oh ! what joy within his fond heart burned. When late one night the prodigal returned ! He welcomed him, nor for past conduct spurned This stray child, 31 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Who oft had filled his heart with anguish wild. A gentle mother missed a kiss one eve — Was it strange That she should wonder, and in secret grieve At the change? (Her gentle words had vexed a haughty heart) — But soon into her eyes the glad tears start, At words like these — '"Mother, I could not part Thus from thee, Forgive my hasty act, and pardon me." The loving Saviour missed a prayer one night. Only one ! He knew a child of His had left the light Of the sun. He could not leave that child in doubt and fear, To wander into sin and darkness drear. So, He in tones of love so soft and clear Whispered — ' ' Come, In Me find peace and pardon, rest and home." .32 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. GOD'S SMILE. A child, who lay where summer breezes blew, Stretched in the sunshine, watched with eager eye A fleecy cloud, which floating far on high Like some white sea-bird, far to westward flew. A peal of laughter sweet ! We sought the clue — "Why are you laughing, dear?" Glad was his cry, "I saw God smiling at me from the sky, There, just behind that cloud, right in the blue!" Oh, happy child, pure-hearted, free from guile, Thy joy in God caused thee to laugh alouu. And in the sky His beauteous image trace! Had we thy faith, we too might see God smile From just behind each dark and threatening cloud. Which would become the mirror of His face ! 33 D Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. HEART MUSIC. Oh ! mystic music of the human heart, How deep, how strange, how varied are thy tones ! A touch, can cause sweet chords of joy to start — • A look, can change joy's paeans into moans! A word can hush a discord — make it sweet ! A silence, can produce the sweetest song ! A voice, can bring a tune of rhythmic beat ! A tone, can wake sad echoes, buried long ! A face, can make thy gladdest notes to thrill ! A name, produce a cadence sad and low ! A faded flower, oh heart ! hath power to fill Thy quiv'ring strings with music swift or slow! Hope strikes thy strings ! we hear a carol bold ! Fear strikes ! the strain is changed to falt'ring tone ! Joy strikes ! glad tones and strong, thy notes do hold ! Grief strikes! in answer comes a quiv'ring moan ! Then comes a wondrous minstrel — Human Love! And strikes a chord we never heard before. It seems an echo of the songs above, Once heard we can forget it nevermore ! 34 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. This minstrel is the child of Love Divine! God's best interpreter upon the earth. Love holds the key of music's hidden mine, And to its richest harmonies gives birth. Oh, heart ! thou must be tuned by God above, The source of all true music, all sweet sound, Ere thou, in answer to the touch of Love, Can'st call forth echoes from all hearts around ! A wealth of music in a heart may lie, A mine unknown, but rich in Orphean lore. Until perchance some hand in passing by. Striking a chord, reveals the golden store ! And from that hour the heart thus wakened, lives A life undreamed of in the days of yore; In answer to that touch, henceforth it gives Rich sounds and full, vibrating to its core. He who gives all true harmony its birth, Of our poor tuneless hearts doth never tire ; But tunes with patient hand these harps of earth, To fit them by and by for Heaven's choir. 35 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. AUSTRALIAN PICTURES. No. II. Soft wreaths of mist, slow rising from a range Just tipped with gold upon its eastern rim, Sweet woodland scents, and bird-calls clear and strange, Up-wafted from the gully, deep and dim. A fire-scarred chasm, cleft in a mountain-side, Where foot of man or beast hath never trod ; Deep down, from narrow ledge, in kingly pride, A giant eucalypt grows, siet there by God. Warm sunset tints, that swiftly melt and change, And flood with crimson light a distant hill ; Blue, misty mountains, rising range on range — A hush o'er all — God's whisper, "Peace, be still!" The Queen of Heaven arrayed in silv'ry light. Soft, fleecy clouds that cross a star-lit sky. No sound but whisp'ring trees, till winds of night Bear from the vale the curlew's plaintive cry. 36 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. GOD'S BARLEY HARVEST. When Ruth — the beautiful gleaner — With her widowed mother came To Bethlehem, out of Moab, There was none to speak her name ; She was poor, and lone, and widowed. Yea, a stranger in the land! But the God of Israel loved her, And His help was close at hand. 'Twas the time of barley harvest — Golden autumn of the year — And Ruth asked with cheerful spirit, "Let me go and glean each ear That falls from the busy reapers In part of the harvest field !" To the plea of her noble daughter The mother could only yield. She gleaned in the field of Boaz — Finding favour in his sight — An ephah of beaten barley Rewarded her toil at night ! She carried it home rejoicing, The first of her gleaner's store ! And Israel's God was with her. And blessed her for evermore. 37 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Oh, ye who are sad and anxious, Despair not, to gloom ne'er yield ! God still hath a "barley harvest," And many an unseen field ! He'll bid you glean with His reapers — You are precious in His sight — An ephah of beaten barley You shall carry home ere night ! Oh, have but the trust and courage Of the noble woman Ruth, And your God will not forsake you, All His words are love and truth ! Yea, He leads by ways we know not To some yet unheard-of field. Trust Him for His "Barley Harvest!" Richest gleanings it shall yield. iS Australian Heart SOxNGS and Sonnets. MOUNTAIN MISTS. We stand on the brink of the coming year, As we stand on some mountain height Which the sun has just kissed, While around us the mist Shuts out other peaks which we know are near, Though their forms are now veiled from sight. The fingers of Dawn are put forth to raise The soft veil which was dropped by Night, And each white filmy fold Is in silence up-rolled, Till peak after peak meets our ravished gaze, Crowned with gold by the king of Light ! Just so with the mists of the coming year — Which the Future now hides from sight — They are held in God's Hand, So we calmly can stand, And wait for their rising! His peaks are near, And shall yet be revealed in Light ! 39 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Dear Lord, who hath promised to be our guide' We can walk through Life's mists with Thee, O'er mount, and through vale Where dark shadows prevail, Till reached are those Heights which no mists can hide, Where the pure shall Thy glory see ! Those Heights, in our Home, in the Gloryland, Which the feet of our loved have trod ! Though just now from us veiled. Shall yet safely be scaled By those who will cling to our Father's Hand — Who, like Enoch, will walk with God! 41 AusiRALiAN Heart Songs and Sonnets. MY FRIEND! "Allow me pray, to introduce to }ou a friend of mine !" Methinks, alas ! these words too oft ring out with thoughtless chime. Yea, by the use of words like these, our fellow creatures tend To rob of all its sacred charm the precious name of "friend." "Friendship" Is mutual love and trust — aflfinity of soul — Two natures, bound by mystic links, to form a perfect whole — For each unto the other, beauty, grace and strength doth lend — The heart gains untold riches when it wins a noble friend. 41 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "My friend!" Oh! title sweet and grand — it means so much to me — One whom I love, revere, admire, and trust im- plicitly — On whom I lean, in whom confide, with whom I love to dwell, To whom alike my hopes and fears, my joys and griefs I tell. "My friend!" has eyes that ever look pure, beau- tiful and true — Sweet homes of Love and Light they are, of Faith and Fervour too. Oh ! when in fond anu earnest gaze those eyes upon me bend, A glimpse of Heavenly love I see, in thee, my earthly friend. "My friend!" Ah, me, the sacred tie is some- times rudely broken — Too oft by sharp or idle words in thoughtless moments spoken ! Death takes the loved friend from our side — but God to us has given The precious hope that we shall meet our friends again in Heaven. "My Friend!" Yes, my Eternal Friend — though earthlv friends forsake Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. I have a promise sweet and sure, which time nor change can break — For Jesus Christ, the sinless One, His wondrous love extends — "Henceforth you are not servants, for I have called you friends." "My Friends!" Since Christ to us has given this sweet and sacred name, Oh, let us guard it jealously from every earthly stain — And resting calmly in His arms e'en to our jour- ney's end, Try to lead other hearts to know and love our "Changeless Friend." 43 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. IN THE BOUDOIR. Here I sit \\ithin the boudoir, Where of old she loved to rest, Where she often bade me enter As a loved and welcome guest. As I paused upon the threshold Ere I ope'd the well-known door, Oh, I seemed to hear the "Come in!" Which on earth I'll hear no more. Then I passed within the portal Taking one long look around, And I felt her presence near me, Yea, I stood on holy ground ! For the feet that, oh ! so often, On this carpet soft had trod, Shall no more be tired or weary, For she walks in white with God. Oh, this dainty, pleasant boudoir. This one strong impression gives — .She who loved to read and write here Is not dead, she truly lives ! Here, no trace of desolation, Naught to speak of death or gloom, Nay, the flowers she loved around her In her fav'rite vases bloom. 44 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Here, her cherished school-friend's photo, In its quaint and pretty stand, Here, her pen and ink, and paper. As if waiting for her hand. Oh, we feel she's very near us, Just within that unseen door. Where she now beholds such beauty As she had not dreamed before. In her Father's "many mansions" Where there is no pain, nor sin, Dwells she now in spirit beauty. Waits to give a glad "Come in!" To each loved one as they enter One by one the Heav'nly door ; Yea, we know we have not lost her, She has but passed on before. 45 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THROUGH STORIED WINDOWS. The sun in noontide splendour shone Upon a chapel quaint and old. Within, 'midst shadows drear and lone, A maiden knelt on marble cold. "Life must," she thought, "be holy, real, Spent within cloisters lone and dim. Here, I could work for God with zeal, And consecrate my life to Him. "Removed from worldly care and fret, Naught to distract my heart or mind, Earth's pleasures I would soon forget. And perfect peace and joy would find." She raised her head — why does she start? No sound disturbs this quiet place — What means the beating of her heart? Her eyes have rested on a face. 'Tis wrought in marble pure and white, But lo ! a broad and crimson scar, (Caused by a storied-window's light), The sculptured face of Christ doth mar. 4G AUSTRALlAiN HeART SONGS AND SONNETS. There comes a message to her heart, Quickly does she the lesson learn. With eyes suffused, and lips apart. Unto the window she doth turn. "The fault lies not within the light, But in the stained and storied glass Which caught the sun-ray pure and white And dyed it, ere it let it pass. "And thus, the Saviour's sweet, sad face Marred and distorted, seemed to be! I thank my God that in this place A lesson great He teaches me. "I need not seek a convent lone. Removed from man, secluded, dim ; But in my happy earthly home Can live, and love, and work for Him. "It matters little, ivhere I live. While God's own rays of Love and Light Can shine into my heart, and give Nurture to Peace — that floweret white. "No more I'll seek the cloisters gloom, But in the world I'll take my part. And consecrate the inner-room, By giving Christ my youthful heart." 47 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. She learned the lesson ! Oh ! may we Open our hearts to catch the Light ! May Faith, Hope, Love — God's sunbeams three- Stream in and make the darkness bright. His Light doth shine aHke on all — His Love's a sunbeam warm and bright — But when on us these pure rays fall, Our sinful natures stain the Light. Too oft, God's light-rays reach the heart Refracted, dimmed, or tinged with stain ! Too oft, Oh Saviour ! seen Thou art, As through a storied window-pane. Let me behold Thee face to face, Oh Christ ! so precious to my heart, Till in me shineth every grace ; Till I become as now Thou art. 48 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SEEN IN THE FIRELIGHT. They sat in the brief wintry gloaming, Where light from the flickering fire From gold head to gold head kept roaming — That picture my eyes would ne'er tire! One moment, blue eyes flashed and glistened, Ihe next they were almost concealed ; Her fair head was bent as she listened And sweet smiling lips were revealed ! Then, that face in shadow was hidden. Her sister's was lit by the rIow; A soft flush stole o'er it unbidden — 'Twas sunset reflected by snow ! A mouth was revealed, strong but tender, A brow broad, unfurrowed, and white; A youthful form graceful and slender ! Then flickered and faded the light. And now, once again, it is stealing To light up that other fair face ! Ah, this time the light is revealing A white throat, just veiled by black lace ; A cheek with the tint of a peach bloom, And rounded like that of a child ; A face, that should banish all earth gloom, Where health, youth, and innocence smiled! 49 B Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A moment — with cameo clearness — It stands forth, tliat fair graceful head, Then vanishes, spite of its nearness — Ihe light to her sister hath fled ; That dainty head, with its crown golden, Shines forth in the flickering light, 'Twould grace a romance sweet and olden — The "fay re mayde" of most worthy knight. Ah me ! the fair pictures must vanish ! I'hey both rise, and wish me good night. M\ firelight dreams I must banish. My old-time romance put to flight ! You ask — "Which sweet face looked the fairest Beneath its soft crown of gold hair?" .As well ask — "Which rase is the rarest?" On a bush Adhere each blossom is rare ! lO Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A BEXD OF LIFE'S RIVER. At a bend of Life's winding river This New dear's morning we stand; We can gaze on the reach behind us, Beyond, Ues an unseen land ! Many streams join to swell Life's river! There's Love, and Sorrow, and Pain, And there's Joy, and Trial, and Pleasure, And Loss, and Blessing, and Gain. But the strongest of streams that mingle, Is that of Eternal Love, Which is born in the Heavenly Highlands — The Home of our (iod above ! Shall we shrink from the stretch before us Because it is hid from sight? Nay, our Father hath said, "Go forward!" We know He will guide a-right. So we turn the bend of the river — We face the untried New Year; God is Love, and He goes before us ! He robs the Unseen of fear. New "N'ear's Morning, 18P8. 51 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. FLOWERS FOR THE MANSION. As I sat alone one evening Watching the sun's last gleam My thoughts strayed from scenes around me, And wove a pleasing dream — 'Twas an old and stately mansion, And lawn, and gay parterre Told, by their order and beauty, A master gardener's care. Down the steps of snowy marble. In the early morning hours, A lady came with queenly mien. And walked amidst the flowers. To adorn her noble mansion From Flora's treasures rare, She sought the choicest blossoms In hot-house and parterre. And lo ! every blossom chosen, Was free from stain or blight. Some buds she chose — some full-blown flowers- Rich hued, or snowy white. 52 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Then she brought from wildwood distant, Rare mosses, ferns, and flowers — For well she knew, rich floral gems Were found in nature's bowers. Choicest flowers, and fern-fronds graceful, She 'ranged with loving hand, And gazed with deep, rapt pleasure On vase, epergne, and stand. She had gathered choicest blossoms, Yet, had left with studied care. Some of the sweetest and brightest — Lest the garden might look bare. "In my Father's house are mansions Which I now go to prepare" — Said Jesus — who culls rare blossoms. To adorn those mansions fair. Yes! He culls the choicest blossoms — The perfect, the sweet, and white — The pure bud — the sweet, full flower, Are fittest for Heaven's light ! But He culls not all the choice ones — No! with tender, loving care He leaves some of His fairest blossoms. Lest Earth's garden might look bare. 53 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SAMOAN MISSION PICiURKS. Germans and lithe Samoans waging war, Each party filled with rage and bitter strife, While nature smiles on hill and palm-fringed shore As if there were no bitterness in life ! A little later, and the winds are out — A hurricane is raging. In the Bay The German war-ship tosses : Now a shout Proclaims her cables huge have given way ! On to the coral reef she drifts, a wreck ! Her sailors swept with fury from the deck. Now, on the shore behold an eager band — A grc up of brave Samoans with their chief- - Thay listen for their leader's last command, He gives it to them thus, in language brief — "Christ taught to love our enemies, and blesf. E'en those who hate us; therefore, let us save These, for His sake!" And so, mid storm and stress. The brave Samoans breast the seething wave. See, now ! With panting breath and anguish sore, They bring the wounded Germans safe to shore. 54 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Two noble youths leave the Samoan shore, To bear the news of Him who died to save To distant islands. They return no more — Each on a foreign shore hath found :i grave! The news has reached the land where they were born, The grief within the home is sad tn see, But, to the mission house there comes nex^ morn A younger brother — "Will you now send me To fill the place of our beloved who died, — That I mav teach of Christ, the Crucified?" 56 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. OUR FIRST AUSTRALIAN MARTYRS. VVe mourn with the lonely mourners. Who weep for their dead to-day : May the Crucified Very close abide With each stricken heart, we pray. Australia sits in the shadow ! She hath felt both drought and flood — But never, till now, Did her childten bow 'Neath baptism of martyr's blood! The blood of those Christian Martyrs Is calling to us to-day — "Lo, we kept our tryst With our wSaviour Christ ! W^e suffered for dark Cathny !" For them is Life's journey ended — They have laid their burdens down — They have reached that shore Whence they'll sail no more, And have won the martyrs' crown ! 56 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Not vainly their lives were given ! Nay, China — where last they trod — Shall emerge from night Into Christ's True Light, And worship the Martyrs' God ! Dear Lord, as we bow in sorrow, We fervently, humbly pray, With Thy strong arm keep — When they wake and sleep — Our workers in dark Cathay ! August, 1895. iV Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. LIKE A FLOVVRET SWEET. Like a flow 'ret sweet In a safe retreat Dwelt a dainty little maid ; Eyes of wondrous hue, Lustrous, soft, and true, Peep beneath their deep-fringed shade. Hair of golden sheen, Wealth untold — I ween — For the mother's eyes to see ; Little patt'ring feet, Baby laughter sweet, Making sweetest minstrelsy ! Artless, baby-grace, Little cherub face Which a wondrous charm doth hold — vShell-pink, dimpled arms. Father knows their charms When around his neck they fold ! May "Our Father's" arm, Guard thy life from harm. Dainty rosebud just uncurl'd ! May each coming year Find thee still more dear, Pure, "unspotted from the world!" 58 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. I ♦THE SNOW-ROSE. I'ar above on tl)e mountain height, Hidden deep 'neath the snowdrifts white, Blooms a floweret white and green : 'Midst the stones in some rock-cleft worn, Buries its roots, and there is born ! Lifts its head o'er the icy screen — Snow-white ! Winter comes to that realm of Death, Freezing the snow with his icy breath — TJiat IS the Spring of this mountain bloom, When the South wind's soft voice doth bring Whispers sweet of the beauteous Spring, Then it withers, sinks to its tomb — Snow-cold ! Love's sweet floweret softly crept Deep in a heart, and, nestling, slept — Rich in beauty beyond compare ! Scarce had opened its petals red. Ere the exquisite bloom lay dead ! Death bore it down to his kingdom, fair — Snow-w^hite ! •Translation from German Romance. 59 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SCHOOL DAYS. Only two withered and scentless flowers Found 'twixt the leaves of an old school book ! But they speak to me of happy hours, Backward at which, with pleasure I look. Oh ! happy school-days, now vanished for aye ! Gone like the perfume and hue of the flowers, That have called rne back to a realm to-day. Where I live o'er again my girlhood's hours. Ah ! well I remember the day and hour When I bent to study this well marked page — And the hand that brought me the sweet white flower That to-day lies scentless and brown with age. The table surrounded with faces bright, (Looking themselves like flowerets fair), Each the reflex of a heart leal and light All unclouded by grief or care. Yes, I can picture those faces, I ween, Just as I saw them in days of old — Framed in their locks of varied sheen. Raven, and auburn, brown and gold. There were eyes that shone like stars at night — Soft and lustrous, tender and true — And eyes that sparkled with mirthful light — Brown eyes and hazel, grey and blue. 60 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Some of the girls bent low o'er their books Intent on learning the difficult task — Others, with listless or puzzled looks Turned to their neighbours some question to ask. But silence reigned o'er that girlish band When the teacher came, saying — "Close each book;" Some quickly obeyed that well-known command. While others gave a last lingering look. Thus the years glided by till came the last ! The last task was learned, and the last prize won ! (When I knew that my school-days for aye had past Almost, I wished that they had but begun.) The prize was received from the master's hand — Farewells were spoken to school-friends dear — And more than one of that mirthful band Left the old school-room with sigh and tear. So my studies were ended ? Ah not so ! My real life lessons had only begun ! — The evening shadows must fall, we know, No matter how bright gleams the rising sun. And the shadows came ere the day grew late. Shadows of sickness, and sorrow, and pain, But they taught me the lesson — "Trust and wait," So they have not darkened my path in vain. 61 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE CHILDREN OF SALEM. A Plea for the Lois Cox Home, Salem, India. Long ago in Salem's city, Christ, who stilled the raging sea. Said in tones of love and pity, "Let the children come to Me!" And though centuries have vanished Since those Salem streets He trod, Little children still He welcomes To the kingdom of their God. Far away there lies a city, "Salem" also is its name. How unlike this Indian "Salem" To the town of ancient fame ! Yet how like ! here too are children, Like the little ones of old. Dear lambs, whom the tender vShepherd Fain would welcome to His fold ! 62 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Oh, for us, this Indian Salem Should possess a deathless fame ; With its story is enwoven Lois Cox' beloved name. ♦She, the first of Austral's daughters Went to loreign fields uiitneu; She for Salem's wives and children Lived and laboured, loved and died. Shall not then this Salem's children Have for us a special claim? Shall we not uphold our sisters Who the Gospel there proclaim? Lot us by our lives and labors Speed this message o'er the sea — Christ 5^/7/ says to Salem's children, "Suffer them to come to Me." *The first Australian lady to go to the L.M.S.'s Zenana Mission. Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A CHRISTMAS GIFT. Purple of amethyst, Glint of pure gold, Oh vv'hat a charm doth this Quaint jewel hold ! Pearls of the wondrous sheen, Gleaming so white, Whisp'ring of gates in that City of Light! Emblem of Godhead, this Dainty design — Trinity, Unity, Doth it combine. Thou, who to me this fair Jewel hast giv'n, Know'st thou it speaks of my Home in God's Heaven? 64 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. There are foundations in Amethyst laid ! There every gate of one White pearl is made ! There shine that City's streets. Made of pure gold, Jasper walls circling its Glories untold ! Purple of amethysts, Pearls gleaming white, Whispers ye are, of that City of Light ! Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE OLD HYMN. How oft when daylight ebb'd and lights grew dim, I sat within a well-remembered room, And crooned full many an old familiar hymn, And stroked a child's fair head 'mid gathering gloom. And ah ! how often to myself I smiled, And thought I'd woo'd the boy to Realms ol Rest, When came a murmur from the sleepy child, Whose drowsy tones e'er framed the same request — "Stand up, stand up for Jesus!" he would say — As he had almost reached the "Land of Nod" — And as I sang the hymn, oft I would pray That he indeed might aye "stand up" for God! The years have sped ! — The man has made his choice To preach the Gospel of the Life of Christ! Oh, loving Christ speak thro' him ! May his voice Woo weary hearts to keep with Thee a tryst ! 66 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. NEW YEAR THOUGHTS. New Year before me, What dost thou hold? Lo\e, friendships, pleasures, Increase of gold? Or cares and trials Unknown before? What waits to greet me Within thy door? Father, 1 know not. Nor would I see What gifts the new year Holdeth for me ! Sunshine and joys, Lord, Come from above — Clouds, too, and sorrows Thou send'st in love ; if dark the path be, I need not fear — If I be lonely, Thou wilt be near ! If in Thy love, Thou Stirrest our nest, 'Twill be to teach — "77/».s Is not vour rest !" 67 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. If deepest pleasures, Lord, Thou hast phinned, Gladly I'll take them From Thy dear hand ! If health and strength, Lord, Thou givest me, I'll seek to use them Working for Thee ! If sickness touch me, Thou'lt make my bed! If I be hungry, I shall be fed ! If in this year, my Earth-work be done, Thou'lt gently whisper — - "Thy race is run!" Trusting in Thee, Lord, Why should I fear What shall befall me In this New Year? Have I not proved Thy Love in the past? Yea! and I'll trust Thee E'en to the last ! G8 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. MY LITTLE PHVSICL\N. One morning I sat weak and weary, Just placed in the old easy chair — For I had been far down "the valley," When fell a soft step on the stair ! I thought it was not like the Doctor's, And waited in wonder, to see, Yet nobody else would be likely To come on this Sunday to me. Then into my room softly glided A dainty and fairylike form, That crept to my heart's inmost corner, Not needing its fortress to storm ! Right onward she came, never halting, Her sweet eyes met mine, and she smiled — Oh ! Heaven gives us nothing more precious Than the trust of an innocent child ! She came with her father (the Doctor), And oh ! it was charming to se* Her look of sweet mirth, when he mentioned That she would prescribe now for me. 69 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. 'Twas but a few minutes she linjijered, This quaint new physician of mine, Yet fraught was her visit with healing — A gift from the Father Divine ! An angel she was, from Our Father, The tender Physician above — Who cares for His weak, wayward children, And only afflicts them in love. My heart felt much gladder and stronger, The day seemed more balmy and mild, Yea, God and His Heaven seemed nearer Because of this dear little child ! Her life full of love be, and blessing — Sweet lily-bud, scarce yet unfurl'd ! May God keep my "little physician" Unspotted for aye from the world ! 70 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. PSALM 126-3. •'The Lord hath done great things for us!" Rejoice, then, my heart, rejoice ! And fear not the path before thee, Nay, leave to thy God the choice. Through years that are passed, He led thee And guided thee by His hand, Oh, trust Him to walk beside thee, Right on to the gloryland! With Him for thy guide and comfort. No evil hast thou to fear! Thy journey must needs be pleasant When such a dear Friend is near! Cling closer, oh heart, unto Him ; Yea, lean on His arm Divine, And rest in His love so tender, Who whispers, "Lo, thou art Mine!" 71 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. The path may look steep and rugged, But, helped by His strong right hand, Thy feet shall not slip nor falter Till safe on God's heights thou'lt standi Then close to His heart He'll fold thee, And nestling to Him more near Thou'lt whisper, "I dreamed not, Saviour, So brief was the journey here!" Oh, hearts that are sad and burdened, 'Tis only "a little while" This struggle and up-hill journey, Then rest, and the Master's smile. The "Well done! thou good and faithful!" Proclaimed by His loving voice; "The Lord hath done great things for us!" '['hen trust Him! Sad hearts, rejoice! 72 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ONLY A NAME! Only a name ! but what memories it wakens, Striking a chord that thrills straight to the heart. Only a name ! but some mystical power Causes the tears at its mention to start — Only a name, such as "Father" or "Mother," Uttered in accents sweet, tender, and low — But as it reaches the ear of another. Quickly it speaks of the dear "long-ago." Only a name! just the name of an old song — But at its mention methinks once again Surely I hear the sweet sound of loved voices Joining to swell that familiar refrain — "No place like home !" Oh, the home of my child- hood (Where I was sheltered from every rude blast — Happy and free as a bird of the wild wood), Now it all seems a sweet dream of the past! 73 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Only a name ! and perhaps traced but faintly, Fading e'en now from the leaf of a book! But as we see it — a face sweet and saintly Seemeth at once from that dim page to look — Only a name ! but the dear hand that penned it, "This side the grave" we shall clasp never more — Mem'ry a sweet, sacred charm now doth lend it, Almost we feel the warm grasp as of yore ! Only a name! just the sweet name of "Jesus," Whispered in some lonely sufferer's ear ! Wonderful power there lies in that dear Name — Power to soothe, strengthen, comfort and cheer ! See at its mention, how sad hearts grow cheery, Flushes the pale cheek, the dim eyes grow bright — "Jesus!" That name to the sad and the weary Acts like a beacon of Rest, and of Light. 74 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "I WILL NOT FAIL THEE!" "Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee." — Hcb. xiii. 5-0, R.V. Standing just within the threshold Of this new and untried year — Which my feet have onl\ entered — At the door a knock I hear ! Looking through the mystic windows Of the soul, my trembling heart Sees a figure in the dawnlight — One that makes the bravest start. Fear stands knocking at the portal ! Blanched her face and wild her eyes, As, with lips all white and trembling, Brokenly she briefly cries : — "Mighty hosts advance behind me! Toil, Perplexity, and Pain, Sickness, Want, and Tribulation, Dark Distrust, and cold Disdain! — Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "Close behind this awful army" — Whispers Fear, with bated breath — "Comes the worst of all the evils, He, whose dreaded name is — Death !" This, then, is the gruesome message, ^'herewith Fear would vex my heart ; In the name of Christ my Saviour I can cry — Foul Fear depart!" Hold I in my hand God's promise — Which the weakest strong can make — "In no wise," He saith, "I'll fail thee, Nor in any wise forsake." Therefore, in the misty dawnlight Of the year, I boldly stand — Fear may knock, but cannot enter. While God's bond is in my hand! January 5th, 1896. [The above lines were suggested by a thought in the Pastor's New Year's sermon.] 76 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "UNSPOTTED FROiM THE WORLD." The year was almost completed — My term of school-life done — The eager contest was over, The prize at last was won ! And 1 sat in dreamy silence, Far too happy to speak — Almost forgetting the soft hand That gently stroked my cheek. The past, I had left behind me — The present, seemed a dream — The future? but there thought halted! A barrier stayed the stream. Plans for that mystical future I had not yet unfurled ! — As whispered a voice — "Oh keep her 'Unspotted from the world.' My airy day-dreams all vanished — A sister's hand clasped mine — Oh ! what a rich depth of meaning Lay in that sacred line ! "To be unspotted from the world !" Such, was her prayer for me — Such her own life, O Lord, whom Thou Hast taken to dwell with Thee — Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. To dwell in that 'Eternal Light,' In that Kternal Love Where, clad in robes of spotless white Thy most beloved move — Their earthly robes are left behind, (Some bore the marks of toil), — Now, they're exchanged for garments pure Which sin can never soil — Unselfish love, that fair white robe, In her fair life was traced, And purity of thought and speech Her earthly days had graced. Oh, Father ! let her prayer for me Surround me all my life And, like a talismanic charm Guard me thro' sin's dark strife — Through trials sore, temptations dark, Through pain, and grief, and care — Help me to bear each cross, I pray. That I the crown may wear. May pride and passion, by Thy help Out from my heart be hurled — Oh, Father! keep me "pure in heart. Unspotted from the world!" 78 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. EASTER VOICES. Easter peace o'er all is falling, Easter joy is in the air ! Easter bells are sweetly calling — "Lift vour hearts in praise and prayer!" Golden sunshine brightly streaming From the blue-domed heavens above, Whispers to our hearts sweet dreaming — "God is Light and God is Love!" Easter flow'rets meekly bending, Cast their fragrance on the air. List! their voices softly bidding — "Show we not our Father's care?" "Christ is risen!" the bells are pealing! "Christ is risen!" the breezes say! Sad hearts hear a whisper stealing From the tomb — " 'lis Easter Day!" "Christ is risen!" Oh, wondrous story! Death no more is veiled in gloom ! Christ, the King of Life and Glory, Of its fear hath robbed the tomb. Let us join the Easter voices — Lift our heads to God above ! Death is vanquished! Man rejoices! "Christ is risen!" "God is Love!" 79 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE BUTTERFLY'S SERMON. Near a case in a city museum, A child stood, with wondering; eyes Bent intently on something before her, Then murmured in tones of surprise — "Was there ever an insect so lovely? Just look at the tints on its wing ! Oh, I'd give all my insect collection, To own such a beautiful thing!" Then with smile, said the kindly curator — "I'll give to you — all for your own — A chrysalis fine of this insect, 'Twill be just like this when full grown." And the child's heart was full of deep rapture, She listened with joy and delight, .\s her friend told her how long her treasure Must lie in its ca^e, ere its flight. So with joy to her home soon she carried Her insect, and watched it with care, I'or a butterfly radiant and lovely Would burst through that covering bare! And with wonder she saw one fine morning. The shell had been burst in the night, And an insect was flutt'ring and flutt'ring As if it were longing for flight. 80 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. So she watched for a time its exertions, Then cried — "I must help the poor thing, For I see why it flutters and flutters, 'Tis held to its case by this string ! I must run for my scissors!" She did so, And cut with deft fingers the cord. For she longed so to keep it from suff'ring. And liberty swift to afford. Lo! as soon as the cord had been severed. The insect ceased flutt'ring each wing ! And in haste — her rare prize to examine — She lifted the exquisite thing. Oh, her face grew all clouded with sorrow — 'Twas not as the curator said — For the insect she so much admired, Had wings marked with gold, blue, and red! Whilst on this one, she held now before her. No radiant colours were seen ! She would go to her friend the curator And learn what the strange fact might mean. When her friend heard her pitiful story. He told her a wonderful thing : She had robbed — of its beaut\ — the insect, By cutting that delicate string ! For the flutt'ring which she had considered Quite useless, was needed to bring Just those tints which she so much admired. To glow on the butterfly's wing! 81 G Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Yea, our God, Who had fashioned the insect. Ordained that its beauty should be Made quite perfect alone through its struggles And flutt'ring to set itself free! Now there lies a most beautiful lesson — For those who will learn it — in this : When we murmur at life's pains and struggles, And long for ease, freedom, and bliss, We forget that our Heavenly Father Ordained that His children should be Here "made perfect through suff'ring," and struggle, Ere gaining their full liberty ! Ah ! we think the Life struggles are needless, And like this dear child, we would fain Save our loved ones from suff'ring and trials. From losses, and labour, and pain ! But our God, Who hath fashioned our spirits, Brings forth the true tints of each soul Through each struggle and pang which it suffers — Each needed to perfect the whole. 82 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. On the brink of the dying year I stand, And list to the wavelets that lap Time's shore, With their solemn murmur of "Nevermore!" An echo that comes from the Unseen Land. Nevermore shall the dear, dead days return — Nevermore the lost friends come back to me — Nevermore shall these eyes the old lights see — Tho' far brighter lights in the distance burn ! A whisper I hear from the golden shore — Nevermore in this home shall fall thy tears! Nevermore be partings, nor pain, nor fears. Nor death, nor ocean's tempestuous roar! With this message of peace, I well can part — With a holy joy from the dying year ; And can greet the untried one without fear. Since One will be with me ! Then rest, oh heart ! 83 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME!" If I were called to part from you to-night, And knew that I no more on earth should see Your face — which now hath grown so dear to be— And looking in your eyes with love's pure light, Said — "This do in remembrance of Me" — Naming some simple act that I should choose — Would you, I love, my last request refuse? Or would you stoop to kiss my dying brow. And, kneeling by me, take my hand and say, "My little sister, ask me now, I pray, Whate'er you wish, and I will pledge my vow To do your will until my dying day?" Perchance I judge you wrongly, but my heart Inclines me to the thought 'tis thus we'd part. But there is One who loves you more than I — More than your father; even more than she Who crooned sweet love-songs in your infancy. So well He loved you that He came to die For you ! To break Sin's bonds and set you free : And, ere He died. He took both wine and bread, And, having blessed them, tenderly He said: 84 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "Drink of the wine — the emblem of my blood, Which, for your sake, freely by me is shed — And also take, and eat, this broken bread, My broken body's emblem." Oh, the flood Of mystic love, with keenest anguish wed, Which must have filled His heart ! And then He said Words which by all who love him prized must be : "This do ye in remembrance of Me.' Can you that last request coldly refuse? Dare you His blest command in silence spurn? Or does your youthful heart in secret burn With deep desire the better part to choose? Then falter not, but to His table turn With quickened pulse, and heart that cries — "Lord, see ! This do I, in remembrance of Thee?" B5 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. LIKE A GALLOWAY HILLSIDE. Like a glimpse of a Galloway hillside, With its granite, and heather, and grass. And bright blue-bells that wave in the breezes, Ringing out fairy peals as we pass ! Even such, seemed Thy servant, oh Father! Whom in love Thou hast called home to rest — Thou didst whisper, "My child thou art weary, Come and pillow thy head on My breast !" He was rugged as boulder of granite. But God's grace — like the fair purple heath — Clothed with beauty his stern Scottish nature ! Deeds of love told of rare depths beneath ! And his laughter was like to the blue-bells — When 'twas swayed by some zephyr of mirth — It rang forth, in a peal true and hearty, That wakened glad echoes on earth ! Thou hast taken Thy servant, dear Father, "As a shock of ripe corn cometh in!" He now rests in Thy Heavenly garner. Safe from sorrow, and suff'ring, and sin ! In Thy temple on earth we shall miss him. Where he loved, Lord, Thy praises to sing! But for him, we rejoice that he worships In the courts of his Heavenly King! In Memoriam George Renwick, Esq., J. P. 86 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A CUV PHYSICIAN. In the ward of a city hospital Ten suffering patients lay, And a surgeon of fame in mercy came To tend them day by day : With tireless zeal He sought to heal Each sufferer, or ease her pain, He did it for love Of "Our Father" above— And not for the sake of gain ! There was one who prized much his tender touch And kindly words of cheer, And his shadow tall on the bare ward wall She blessed as he drew near ! She prayed God to keep — In work and sleep — That skilled hand and steady brain, "Lord keep him from harm And nerve Thou his arm!" Yea, this was her prayer's refrain. Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. At last came the day when she went away — Brought back from Death, and healed — But her lips seemed dumb, no words would come, The fount of speech was sealed : Too full was her heart ! But hot tears start At thought of those words divine To once leprous men^ — *'Were there not cleansed ten? But where," Christ asked, " are the nine?" Oh, Thou that canst read secret thoughts indeed. Forgive the grateful heart That could not express in wordy dress The thanks it would impart ! Not one of "the nine" This heart of mine ! Ah, no, it can never tell Its thanks to man's ear! But, Lord, Thou canst hear Its whisper, so all is well. Oh, fain would I sing — e'en on earth my King — That surgeon's tender love! So anxious to heal, and so quick to feel, So like his Lord above: Full many the prayers That mount God's stairs, 88 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Each laden with this request — "Dear Father prolong His life, and make strong The hand which so many hath blest." And though I can bring no offering To prove the thanks I feel, I'd like him to know, even here below, That one he helped to heal Doth constantly ask — God bless each task Till he goes to keep his tryst On the Golden shore — Where all pain is o'er — With The Great Physician, Christ! sj> Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. REJECTED. *' I came to earth a little, helpless child, Seeking a shelter in a wayside inn : Pity, at least, would wake And room for Me would make ! But 'twas not so; men cried, "No room!" and thrust outside My weary mother, young, and fair, and mild. Ye would not let Me in ! "I came again in manhood's early prime. With mystic pow'rs to heal, and cancel sin ; My heart was big with Hope, Now, stony hearts would ope ! But men would not believe. They cried "He doth deceive, Blasphemeth God, his healing is a crime." Ye would not let Me in ! "I came in untold agony and gloom. To die the death of anguish, shame and sin: Ah, now their hearts would break, They could not now forsake ! But lo ! they taunt, deride, Pierce hands, and feet, and side. Leave me to fill a stranger's proffered tomb ! — Ye would not let Me in ! 9C Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. I come to you to-day, in other guise, I'm here amid the city's crowd and din; With heart that breaks for love, I bend your form above ! But still, my Love you spurn, In anger from Me turn. Heed not the silent pleading of my eyes !— Ve will not let Me in ! I come this Christmastide— the risen Christ— And seek within your heart a home to win : Ah, must I longer plead? See how the old wounds bleed ! I am so tired, so sad, Will you not make Me glad? I wait to keep with you a holy tryst — Say, will you let Me in?" The Voice grew still. Then with a start I woke From out my dream ; but deep my heart within, An echo — like a moan — "I came unto My own And they received Me not ! Is there on earth a spot Where I may rest?" Then, thro' my tears, I spoke — Oh loving Christ, come in! 91 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. BY MOUNTAIN OR VALLEY. Some of us pass on our homeward way By paths that are smooth and fair, Through the valleys sweet, Where still waters meet, And the grass is soft 'neath the travellers' feet, Where flowers perfume the air. Some of us travel by rugged roads Which lead o'er the mountain's crest! Where the paths are steep. And wild torrents leap Over chasms where Danger and Darkness sleep, Where tired feet find no rest. Since all of these pathways lead to Home, Some travellers wish to know : Why one, through the vale Where soft airs prevail, And one o'er the mountain, through mist and gale, With slow bleeding feet must go? What if the path be rugged and steep Which leads from the vale below ! More bracing the air. And flowerets rare Are found in the clefts of rocks that looked bare ! Sublime are the views I trow ! 92 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. When we reach our Father's home at last, We shall know He led each child By the pathway best — Some needed more rest ! And some in the vale would have felt oppressed, They needed not air so mild ! Joyful the telling, and being told, Of scenes from the varied ways ! How perfect the rest Of each welcome guest. As he whispers, "Father, Thy way was best! I thank Thee for travelling days." 93 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ONLY A WOMAN. Only a woman, young and weak, Feeling oppressed and lone, A nation waits to hear her speak, As she ascends the throne: She vows that, with the help of God, She'll rule her people well — Our Queen ! The path which thou hast trod, With joy thy people tell ! Only a woman ! and a wife. Whose love can ne'er be told, Who could not save her husband's life. By influence or gold : And so, she wore his prison dress, And sent him from his cell ! Can words her love and faith express? — "Nithsdale's'' a name known well! Only a woman ! lone and poor. In small log-cabin home, No bribe of gold could her allure From duty's path to roam : Her trust in God — a banner bright — She held aloft unfurled ! She trained a hero in God's sight — ■ A ''Garfield'' for the world! 94 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Only a woman ! strong and brave, No sceptre does she wield, But stands where fever patients rave On gory battle-lield : And dying soldiers bless her, ere They tread Death's mystic vale. Ah, yes, there rises many a prayer For ''Florence Nightingale V Only a woman! sickly, frail, Oft racked by burning pain, But, welcome as a prosperous gale To ships upon the main : Come fresh, sweet songs, which oft have cheered Some weary, aching heart — Yea! "HavergaVs" a name endeared; She, too, hath done her part! Only a woman ! gifted with A strong and cultured mind, A woman of this age — no myth — With intellect refined. A woman, with a woman's soul — Though screened behind man's name — "George Eliot's'' blazoned on the roll Of literary fame ! Only a woman ! noble, pure. True mother, loving wife. Who patient, all things doth endure, A self-renouncing life, 95 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Perhaps scarce known beyond the realm Of home, where she doth move, Guiding her household with the helm Of pure and Christlike love ! Only a woman ! sweet and fair — '*"T/ie Lily'' of this land !— Who hath for other flowers a care, And fain would lend her hand To teach this truth to sister hearts — "The culture of God's flowers, A soul-refining joy imparts, And cheers the loneliest hours!" Thank God for women such as these ! And many hundreds more, Who guided, rescued, tried to ease, Or ope'd to us their store Of richest gold from heart or brain. Or visited the cell ! Only a woman? Cease thy strain ! Her influence, who can tell? •Ludy Carrinfiton. 96 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. MY MOUNTAIN HOME. A cot that nestles to the hill's broad shoulder, W^hen wintry winds come roaring from the west : A shelter'd nook, when days grow greyer, colder — A mountain nest ! A fair, enchanted world, when dawn is breaking — A mystic realm, when stars shine out above — A place, for which all else I'd be forsaking — A home of love ! A terraced slope that smiles upon the valley — A tiny orchard near the mountain's crest — A spot where song birds come, and breezes dally — A wayside rest ! A little spot on earth, so dear, so holy, To which my heart will cling where'er I roam ! No stately pile ! A cottage, quaint and lowly — My mountain home ! 97 H Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE SUNLIT VALLEY. When the valley is flooded with sunlight, And the cloud-shadows flit o'er the hill, In that hour that comes ere the twilight There's a charm that's delightful and still; 'Tis the hour when the sky looks its fairest, When the dying leaves turn to pure gold, When the tints on the mountains are rarest. And the shadows a mystery hold ! In that sweet solemn hour there are voices That can whisper direct to the heart, Though the soul at those loved tones rejoices. To our eyes the unbidden tears start ! Then we see through dim eyes vanished faces, And remember glad days that are past, Yea, we wander in far-away places, And see visions too lovely to last ! Even so may it be, when we're nearing What is known as Death's Shadowy Vale, May our hearts those loved voices be hearing, May the sunshine of Love never fail ! When we pass through that \'ale that seems lonely, It may be that our eyes shall behold No dark gloomy shadows — Nay, only That the Valley is flooded with gold ! 98 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Wn H HEART ATTUNED. Alone on the mountains this morn, A Presence — so mystic and sweet — Around me seemed suddenly born ! My heart cried : "Put off from thy feet Earth's shoes, and thy spirit attune, Like Moses, to hear the Lord's Voice!" Does God, then, with man still commune? The trees seemed to whisper: "Rejoice!" Was this, but the sound of the wind? And that, but the sun on the grass? Did I, in this rock-cleft confined. Hear God, see His veil'd glory pass? Why not? Has His \'oice ceased to speak His glory — is that now concealed? Away with such thoughts, poor and weak ! God lives ! And is hourly revealed. The eyes of His children, heart-pure. His glory and majesty see. No earth-walls their spirits immure, The Truth makes them whole, sets them free ; They still hear His Voice in the trees, In murmur of ocean or stream; His incense is borne on the breeze ; His glory's in each sunset dream! 99 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. His smile, ripples o'er the gold corn; The birds chant the theme of His love; His beauty, in wild-flowers is born; His majesty thunders above ! His mystery man cannot solve, But can read His message Divine — "I, Who all these wonders evolve, Can make still more perfect what's Mine ! "'Then dream not My highest work — Man — With death shall return to the sod ! Great things shall unfold in My plan For him who was fashioned like God !'* O, God! By whatever great Name We worship Thee, love Thee, adore — Thy Fatherhood all men can claim. And what can Thy children need more? In Thy W^isdom and Truth we can rest ; In Thy Strength we — so weak — are secure, Our tired hearts lean on Thy breast. Whose Love shall for ever endure. Then speak to me. Lord ! Make this heart Alert for Thy Smile, for Thy Voice! I thank Thee, Who called me apart Just to hear the leaves whisper — "Rejoice!" 100 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE BEND OF THE ROAD. Oh, how oft in the days that are past, We wandered together — we three — Where winds blew untrammelled and free O'er ocean, and sand-dune, and tree, And we revelled and joyed in that blast ! But before we could reach that sweet spot, A long, dusty road we must tread — With no pleasant prospect ahead — Just a tortuous pathway, that led Through thick "scrub" that was barren and hot. Then, the road took a sharp, sudden bend, And led to the crest of a hill : We climbed it — I see the view still ! Its beauty, my soul seemed to fill, And will last till my memory shall end — Oh, the blue of the wide, boundless sea! The gold of the smooth, sandy shore! The cliffs tow'ring rugged and hoar! The billows that broke with a roar ! And the wavelets that danced in their glee ! One who loved it, hath laid down Life's load, And entered the Kingdom of Rest ! And we like to think of him best As waiting — quite happy and blest — For his friends at the Bend of Life's Road ! 101 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SONG OF THE MOUNTAIN BREEZE. Over miles upon miles of green bushland Came this breeze that brings health to the weak Ah, what tales of bold hills and fair valleys It could tell, had it but power to speak ! Nay, it speaks to the ears tuned to listen, And tells them of scent-laden flowers. Of green nooks where the fairy dews glisten, And of many-hued eucalypt bowers ! — "I have stroked the gold hair of the wattle, And have kissed the boronia's pink cheek, I have danced with the tall, graceful grasses, And bowed to the reeds of the creek ! "I have peeped at the quaint hidden orchids. And have joined in the song of the rills, I have searched the green gloom of the gully. And have climbed to the top of the hills ! 102 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "I have whispered of love to the fern-fronds, And have lain on the soft moss to rest, And the arms of the slim, stately gum trees. Have cradled me close to their breast! "I have heard the weird calls of the goblins, Seen the harvests that fairy hands glean, I can tell of lone dells filled with beauty, And I breathe of a world pure and clean. "Do you wonder my voice is mysterious? That mv kiss brings the rose to the cheek? Oh, I'm laden with health and with blessing, And with music for those who will seek!" When the sun wakes the earth to new beauty, If you walk 'neath the green arching trees, With your ears tuned to hear fairy voices. You will hear the sweet Song of the Breeze. 103 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. HER MESSAGE. She sang to us of "Birds that northward fly," Of "Slumber," "Smiles," and of a "Weary heart," And then she chose a theme both sweet and high That thrilled us, causing tears of joy to start ! Out through the twilight, on the balmy air, Her lovely voice — God's gift — in beauty soared, With words that robbed our hearts of pain and care — "Wait patiently," she sang, "Rest in the Lord!" We left her home, and trod the peaceful road That glimmered white, along the mountain's crest, With hearts that felt unburdened of a load — Uplifted by that song of trust and rest. And evermore, when we shall pass that way, When sunset dyes with glory all the west, We'll hear her voice in tender accents say — "Wait patiently, and in the Lord, O rest!" 104 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. LET US REMEMBER. Let us remember the dear, glad days, When we ranged the hills in Autumn weather, Wandered at will through the wild bush ways. And plucked the spikes of the sweet bush heather ! Let us remember those days of gold, And then, dear heart, we shall ne'er grow old! Let us remember, when by the shore, Oft we roamed for miles o'er the weed-strewn sand, Listened with joy to the billows roar, And climbed o'er the boulders, hand clasped in hand ! Let us remember those days of yore. And we'll be young, dear, for evermore! 105 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Let us remember that day of days, When we climbed high up on the mountain side, When, in that wonderful May of Mays, You asked if I loved you? Would be your bride? Let us recall what our hearts then sung, And then, sweetheart, we must aye be young! Let us remember, though silver hair Crown the heads that once shone with brown and gold, You ne'er can be, to me, aught but fair! Whilst /, in your eyes, dear, can ne'er grow old! Let us remember what poets sing — Hearts filled with Love, know Eternal Spring ! (U6 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SONG OP^ REST. Sing a song of evening, Of sweet peace and rest, When the light is dying In the crimson West: Let no sound of discord, Anger, strife, or wrong. For a moment Hnger In your evensong! Sing a song of slumber. When through shades of night Stars in countless number Gleam and sparkle bright : Let not thoughts distressing Keep your eyes from sleep. May sweet dreams of blessing 'Neath your eyelids creep! Sing a song of victory. When the heart opprest. After Life's brief battle Sinks to peaceful rest ! No cause here for sorrow — Fret not, nor be sad — Think of God's To-morrow ! Weary one, be glad ! 107 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE UNSUNG SONG. 'Tis ever the song that we have not sung, And the tale that we have not told, Around which our hopes have most fondly clung, Which seemed the most glamour to hold ! That song would have rung forth in royal hall ! That tale's magic power would all hearts enthral ! 'Tis ever the tree that is slow to bear, And the plant whose sweet bloom comes late. That we watch and tend with the greatest care, Whose buds we most eagerly wait ! The fruit of that tree, how we long to taste ! We wish that the late blooming flower would haste ! Why is it, that things just beyond our reach Seem ever the fairest to be? Does this longing come, human hearts to teach "A new life is waiting for thee, Where each unsung song shall be voiced at last. Brightest dreams fulfilled, and all longing past!" 108 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SNOW. Beautiful, mystical, exquisite sight! All the valley is filled with snow, Hill-side and mountain-top gleaming white, Under the moon's soft glow ! Fairylike, feathery, flakelits flit by. Some cling close to the window pane! Silently falls the white veil from the sky. Vanishes soon again ! Wonderful, black and white, enchanting scene, Limned indeed by a master hand ! Fairies have drawn back the curtains, I ween, Revealing Fairyland ! Rhythmical, magical, music from far, Strains delightful I seem to hear ! Are they the sleigh bells on Oberon's car? Will he perchance appear? 109 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Flakelets so delicate, elusive, pure, Fays ye must be, indeed, yourselves ! Dancing so daintily down to allure Mortals to join with elves ! Spiritlike visitants, noiseless, and pale, How I thrill as I feel your kiss ! "Follow," you whisper, "our vanishing trail, Leading to scenes of bliss!" Fain would I flit on your frail, filmy wing, Touch all sin-stains and make them white ! Steal into sad hearts and cause them to sing ! Carry to all delight ! 110 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A SPRING SONG. The earth is the Lord's, and He made it fair, And arched it o'er with the deep blue dome ! With wattle He perfumes the balmy air That sways the trees of our mountain home ! He smiles on the bush-land, it wakes to bloom! At His touch, the wattles are turned to gold. The fern fronds peep from the gully's gloom, The bright red leaves of the gums unfold ! The bare boughs break into flower and leaf ! The strange, wild orchids their frail heads raise! Winter is dead ! Earth awakes from grief And joins to swell the great Hymn of Praise ! Oh, sing a new song ! Lift your hearts and sing Glad themes of praise to the Lord above ! — Death's gate but leads to Eternal Spring In God's Realms of Beauty, and Life, a::d Love! ni Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE GREAT, BROWN HAND. Stretched out beneath the sun, and winds, and rains It lay — a great, mysterious, brown hand ! One came and placed within its palm some grains, Softly it closed o'er them, its fingers tanned! Came Winter's snows, and formed a fair, white screen Which hid the hand, until one morn of balm There ran across a flash of tend 'rest green — A dainty glove to clothe the great, brown palm ! Weeks sped ! and now once more we come to see This strange, brown hand. What do our eyes behold? A miracle, indeed ! A mystery ! — The great, brown hand is filled with living goldl 112 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "Why speak in parables?" Methinks, you cry— "Where is this mystic hand we fain would grasp?" Pray go to sweet Dame Nature's school, and try To learn the secrets which her brown hands clasp ! Some, scorn to touch her fingers wrinkled, tanned : From such, she keeps her treasures close con- cealed ! Some, place with faith, their seed-corn in her hand : To these, her golden harvests are revealed ! 113 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. A WAFT OF FRAGRANCF! Only some lace Yellow and fine, With a sweet, faint fragrance I cannot name ! But thy dear face, Sweet mother mine, Borne on the breath of that soft fragrance came ! Where lies thy power Oh fragrance sweet, To uplift the veil from the vanished years? 'Tis childhood's hour, Once more I meet That face of love that could soothe all my fears ! Such was thy life — A fragrance rare ! 'Twas the perfume sweet, of unselfish love ! Mother and wife Beyond compare. Still bless my life till I meet thee above ! 114 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. AS SPARKS FLY UPWARD! Beside my fire of sweet gum logs to-night I watch the sparks fly up in briUiant showers, A rain of gold ! Beneath them bright flame flowers Sparkle and glow, and fill me with delight! **Why link these brilliant sparks with thoughts of grief?" I asked myself— and swift came this reply — "Man's born to trouble, as sparks upward fly!" A truth lies hidden in that sentence brief. Yea, every man must bow 'ncath Sorrow's rod! But if each grief should prove a purging fire To burn all dross, and cleanse each wrong de- sire, Pure thoughts, like golden sparks, will fly to God ! For God is Love, and Love, indeed, is fire, And if "we come, from God who is our Home" Back to their source our spirits freed shall roam — Love's golden sparks that ever mount up higher! Oh, sweet log fire ! Your message has been told ! — Life purified by Pain, shines in your light. And with your brilliant sparks my thought", take flight And soaring upward, reach the Realms of Gold! 115 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. KATHLEEN. I have found another "saint!" Fain would I her portrait paint — Though the picture be but faint — "Saint" Kathleen! Eyes, hath she, of changeful hue, Like the sky now grey, now blue, But they're always brave and true — Dear Kathleen ! Love's own sunshine is her smile, Care and pain it can beguile, Oh, to bask in it a while Sweet Kathleen ! Strong, but tender, are her hands. Swift obeying Love's commands. Oft they've stayed Life's fleeting sands! Brave Kathleen ! By Pain's couch she oft hath trod Patiently, with feet love-shod — Ah, I'm sure she's dear to God! My Kathleen ! 116 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE WINE OF JOY. What is it makes the joy of Life? Is it the wealth we're possessing? Is it calm days quite free from strife, That hold Life's richest blessing? Nay, we may have peaceful days, and much gold. Yet the cup of our life, joy's glad wine, may not hold ! Where shall we find this wine of Joy ? In dazzling halls of pleasure? Fleeing from all that might annoy, And pleasing self without measure? Not so, such pleasures soon weary and pall — Yea, the wine of such lives turns to wormwood and gall ! Joy's wine is only drunk by those Who spend themselves for others ! Who seek to lift and share the woes, Of their less happy brothers — Such lives as these, become cups of pure gold. Which, Jov's richest wine, in full measure, can "hold ! 117 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. KIN! You say — "We must be kin!' and I reply — Yes, we are kin, by that true tie which binds Soul unto soul, the tie of kindred minds — That is the truest kinship ! So think I. Ah, by the ties of blood how oft we're bound To those who know us not ! Who think us strange Because our thoughts soar up beyond their range ! In what we love, no beauty have they found. They never heard the sweet and mystic call Of Poesie — the \'oices in the wind ! For power to tell their thoughts, they ne'er have pined ! What most delights us, on their minds doth pall. I count those kin, who understand and feel The yearnings of my spirit and my mind ! Those friends, who hold the golden links that bind Spirit to spirit — they're my kindred real! 118 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. MY BROWNIES. Have you ever met my "Brownies" — Those wee fairies quaint and good? They are most delightful people — But they're shy, 'tis understood! I'hey are always doing <;0'iiething That is helpful, useful, kind, And they flit about as swiftly And as viewless as the wind ! They rpust know I love the Springtide, And the coming of the flowers, For they bring me sweet bush treasures To make glad my lonely hours. So I bless my dear, wee, "Brownies" I-'or their tender, loving thought! Such sweet acts of love and kindness .Are the gems which can't be bnight! 119 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. REST DAY. Thrice happy day ! Of all the week the best ! A day of joy, of harmony, and peace; A day when heart and brain can truly rest, And Life sings songs of Love that shall not cease. Thrice blessed day ! When, free from earthly toil Our thoughts can soar to Realms of Bliss above, Where dwell our loved ones free from sin and soil. Waiting for us within the Home of Love. Oh, Day of days! No words have power to tell The bliss that circles thee from morn till night ! Thou'rt hedged around by some sweet, mystic spell That makes thee vanish all too soon from sight ! Oh, Day of Rest! Most holy and most dear, I'd sing thy praise in tones both glad and high ! With joy I hail thee, when thou drawest near ! And with reluctance say to thee — good-bye ! 120 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. RADIANT SHE CAME! Translation from German Romance of the 13th Century. Radiant she came through gates of Birth — A sunbeam making all things bright ! Then vanished ! Leaving this poor earth Like some dark valley robbed of light. A floweret blooming in the Spring Brings pure delight, without alloy — She came to me sweet light to bring, My help in sorrow, and my joy ! All gloom and shade she chased away With her bright smile and winsome face I Where'er she went all hearts grew gay. Sunshine she brought to every place ! She laughed — all hearts with love must glow ! A look — and none from her could part ! Oh! what is left of her below? A narrow grave — a broken heart ! 121 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE WATTLE QUEEN. In the early hours of Australia's birth The sun looked down on the beauteous scene '"Tis the fairest spot on the dear green earth!" He said, "And the wattle shall be its queen 1" From the creek's green banks on the mountain side The wattle uplifted her graceful head : "Hail! Queen of the land!" The eucalypts cried: "Yea, Queen of the bush!" all the wild flow'rs said. Then the sun-king brought her a crown of gold! And the wood-nymphs wove her a green-gold dress ! And the mountain breezes, with love untold, And with soft touch, scented each golden tress! 122 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Then the waratah raised his crimson head, And stood erect with an arrogant mien, But his haughtiness soon lay crushed and dead When he gazed on the lovely wattle queen ! From the mountain heights, down to land-locked bay The wattle still smiles o'er this sun-loved land! From earliest springtide she holds her sway Till the Autumn tints are on every hand. Oh, Austral chrildren ! Your sweet voices raise In praise of the wattle-queen crowned with gold ! May the lands afar hear your songs of praise, May the wattle's beauty, in song be told! ta:^ Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. WHEN THE DAPHNE BLOOMS. When the bloom first forms on the Daphne, And I smell its exquisite scent, I think of some words that were spoken When I knew not what was meant — But now, as the clusters of bloom I see, Those words have come back with new light to me. We had eagerly watched our daphne, And counted its coming flowers. And at last I found a fair cluster In the early morning hours — I hastened to place the bloom in his hand Who set it, when Winter ruled o'er the land. He lovingly gazed on the blossoms, Inhaling their fragrance rare, And I said — "The delicate daphne Rewards you for all your care!" He smiled, saying — "When it shall bloom again A message 'twill bring you of peace, not pain!" 124 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Now the summer is almost over, Again does my daphne bloom ! But the mortal part of its giver Now rests in the silent tomb ! Vet a message of love and life — not death — Comes floating to me on my daphne's breath ! Yea, the great and all-wise Creator, Who called our brother to rest, Haih led him out through the Gate of Death To Life that is highest, best! The delicate scent of the daphne's bloom Brings "a message of peace" and hope, not gloom ! Oh, the wealth of sweet, glad memories The scent of a flower can hold ! A blossom's breath is the mystic key To unlock the doors of gold ! I wander through Memory's love-lit rooms When Summer is o'er, and the daphne blooms! 126 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE LURE OF THE BUSH. "Come with me!" sings the murmuring creek, As it hurries along its way — "I'll show you many a nature freak, If you'll walk by my side to-day. Trees that grow from the very rock ! Orchids blooming devoid of soil ! Chasms rent as by earthquake shock ! Lovely gardens, where men ne'er toil!" "Look this way!" cry the ribbons of bark, As they sway in the mountain breeze, "Pause, and the exquisite beauty mark, 'Neath our folds on the tall gum trees! Saw you ever more lovely tints? What name would these rose tones, ex- press? Human language but faintly hints At the charm of our quaint bark dress!" "Seek for me!" says a delicate scent, As it hastens past on the breeze — "Seek for my birth-place with search intent 'Neath the shade of o'er-arching trees!" Seek, and then through the soft green gloom, The boronia's pale pink face Smiles up to greet you, a lovely bloom — A coy maiden, with matchless grace! 12G Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "Rest here awhile in our shelt'ring arms!" The eucalypts whisper at noon — "Come, test the power of our sylvan charms We'll give to you many a boon! We'll softl)- soothe your cares to sleep ! Our breath shall your vig^our restore ! Sweet dreams will 'neath your eyelids creep! Fairy realms, you may e'en explore!" "Take my gold!" says the wattle with smiles— " ' Tis yours ior the taking, you scr "Largesse I scatter o'er miles on miles, \'ea my wealth to all men is free ! Mine is gold that no care will bring ! Gold, no miser would seek to hoard! I can show you the mines of Spring W'here wonderful treasures are stored!" "Join in our frolics each moonlit night!" (ioblin voices whisper and sing — As quaint forms in sheeny dresses dight. Float past us on gauz\ wing ! Night and day I can feel the spell Of the Bush with its potent charms ! lis magic lure no tongue can tell, I follow its beckoning arms ! 127 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. LIKE MOTHS FROM THE GLOOM. Like moths that come from the outer gloom On a balmy summer night, For a moment sit On the lamp, then flit Far beyond our range of sight, \'anishing swift ere our brush can trace The exquisite tints of their sheeny wings, Or their beauty of form full of airy grace, Wonderful, evanescent things ! So, thoughts at times, to men of all climes, Come flashing with wondrous light, And an entrance find To the human mind, Ere again they wing their flight ! Mystical visions of holy things, Filling the soul with rapture and awe! Shadows, perhaps, from the Seraphs' wings! Gleams of the glory that Moses saw! 128 Australian Heart Soxgs and Sonnets. MV BUSH CORNER. Just a wild corner patch, No borders trim, Naught that the eye would catch. No pathway prim. Many might say in haste — "What waste of land! Oh, what a lack of taste, How badly planned !" Wait till the sweet Springtide, Then come with me — See where these orchids hide Near this old tree? Say did you ever see More perfect hue? Reflex they seem to be Of heaven's blue! See this pale pink-tii)ped star Close by your side ! And in that corner far Look what doth hide — r.'O Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. Delicate, beautiful Fringed violet ! Which, if rough hand should pull Dies of regret. Now, softly step across — Pray bend your head. Look at this lovely moss In its green bed ! Look at these wildlings gold, Purple, and white ! See these young waratahs Seeking the light ! Graceful lomatia, too, Rears its curled head ! Here wild lobefia blue Forms quite a bed. Now tell me — \\'as it waste To leave this patch? Are these "bush-flowers" chaste Easy to match? Bush corner wild and dear, To me thou art A shrine, where I draw near Nature's own heart! 130 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. LIFE'S RAINBOW. Out of the veiling mists of dawn Springeth the Riiinbow of Life, Into the mystic night of Death Sinks, when is ended Life's strife! Why should we doubt that the circle so fair Will yet be completed sometime, somewhere? Life's arc begins in mystery, In mystic silence it ends! — At least as far as man can see — But as it downward bends. Who knows what radiant beauty and light. May shine in Life's Bow just beyond Death's night? Yea, I believe, that He Who planned Life's joy and beauty on earth, Has equal power to lead us on And up through new spirit birth ! — Part of Life's exquisite arc we can see, We'll trust Him for that which is yet to be! 131 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. INTERLUDE. To J.G.F. To you — the friend who taught me first to know The beauty, wealth, and power that oft lay hid Beneath the Sonnet's golden casket lid — I dedicate my simple sonnet show, With grateful heart ! That here and there some thought has won your praise, Some line penned by my hand had power to find Entrance and resting place within your mind, Has cheered me oft, and helped me songs to raise When sad my heart ! Take then, I pray, this simple sonnet store, And, if it still retain the smallest power To while away, or cheer, some leisure hour — To win a smile — what need I wish for more? — How glad my heart ! 132 SONNETS. Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. FAILURE? How does the tide come in? See, towards the shore A wave come surging, rears its crested head, Rolls on to gain high-water mark, instead It falls, is shattered, ebl)s, is seen no more. A failure ! Hush ! — Behold with mighty roar A new xvave comes from out its ocean bed. Strives, fails, lies broken — all its fury dead — The same sad tale is chanted o'er and o'er: Failure on Failure. Lo an hour hath past, Behold a miracle ! Yea, come and see. The wonder hath been wrought e'en while ye gazed ! High-water le\el hath been reached at last — Each seeming failure led to victory — The tide is in ! Why stand ye so amazed ? V.i-j Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. WITH CLEARED VISION. The storm hath burst, and heavy sho\\ 'rs of rain Have cleared and purified the city air, And cleansed the panes of garret windows bare, Where dust and smoke had left full many a stain : And weary hearts have felt a sense of gain — Have caught a glimpse of far blue hills most fair, Or sunset glories mystical and rare. Therefore, the storm hath not been sent in vain. Death, Pain, and Loss — Earth's storms — at times arise, And for a season blind our eyes with tears ; But in the cloud Christ nearest seems to be ! Ah, yes ! We see Him best thro' tear-washed eyes, And looking up, we lose our earthly fears, With vision cleared, we can more truly see! 13ti Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE HIGH WAV OF LOVE. There is a road which leads both high and far — A steep and lonely road — but he who tries To climb it bravely, sees new scenes arise: The hills recede, which seemed at first to bar The fair horizon ; earthly fret and jar Are left behind ; some new and s\\ ect surprise Unfolds at ev'ry turn : the climber cries In rapture, as he sees — with naught to mar — Those fair and beauteous Upland Slopes of God, Seen only by the pilgrims on Love's Road, Where ev'ry pilgrim bears a mystic load — Another's burden! — Ah, that Path once trod, Those vistas seen, the fairer ones above! Who would not climb the Great High Way of Love ? 137 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. It is the day of which our bards have sung, That ev'ry feather'd songster seeks a mate, And lovers dare to speak, and trembling wait To hear the answer "Yes," fall from some fair maid's tongue. But, oh ! the sweetest Love-song ever flung To list'ning ears, comes straight from Heaven's gate- Above the jar of earthly strife and hate — 'Tis "God so lov'd the world!" The bells have rung '1 he story of His love each Christmas morn ! Xot one day in the year, but ev'ry day His Love is told. It quivers in the light I'hat bathes our eyes with gold when day is born- It smiles in flow'r, and cornfield on Life's way, And steeps the thirsty earth in dew at night ! 138 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. "YOUR SHOES SHALL BE H^ON AND BRASS." Dear Lord, I hear Ihy whisper, "Follow Me." But, oh ! the road looks strangely lone and long ! 1 would obey, but, Lord, I am not strong, Too rough and steep the track appears to be, And of its end no faintest glimpse I see; Mists veil the path, my feet may stray, go wrong, And I be lost in gloom ere evensong. Ah, Lord! how can I rise and follow Thee? "My child, this pathway may be safely trod — No stone, nor thorn, can pierce thro* shoes of brass. These shall ye have; and in temptation's fire \'our feet with iron shall be safely shod, So that unscathed and strengthened ye shall pass Right Home to God ! What more can ye desire?" IdO Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. TILL WE MEET! When those we lo\e ha\e breathed their last "good-bye"— And passed beyond the reach of tend 'rest care, Our lives feel empty, and this world seems bare ; So strange it seems that our belov'd should die! "God's will be done," we say — yet wonder why He takes those gifts that seem to us most fair? It is, because, with love beyond compare He loosens link by link, each earth-born tie. Heav'n grows more re.il, peopled by those we love ; And Love is deathless ! Love is born of God ! Yea, Heav'n becomes our hearts' true home, the seat Of all that's best — and thus we rise above Death's sting, and know earth's path will soon be trod ; We kiss our lov'd, and whisper — "Till we meet!" 140 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. INASMUCH. Whereas ye fed a faint and hungry heart With words of cheer from out your store of gold, And held the cup of water pure and cold To lips that with the thirst for knowledge smart, And robes of thought — which new fair grace im- part — Around a naked mind ye did enfold. "Ye did it unto Me!" Christ says. "Behold, Ye chose while on the earth the better part!" Methinks I hear the vault of Heaven ring With shouts of "Enter in, thou faithful one, For inasmuch ye did it unto Me!" And wond'ring why the angel host thus sing, 1 turn to earth, and find I stand alone, And you have reached the Land Beyond the Sea. 141 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. GOLDEN GRAIN. How vast the multitude that round Him stand— The sick, the deaf, the dumb, the blind, the lame, The sinful ones in mind and spirit maim — Eager to test the healing of His hand ! With pitying eye he looks upon that band Of poor, stained, sinful men, unknown to fam'e. Now hear the tender words of love which came: — "Rich harvest, but few lab'rers in the land." O, Love Divine ! That in this throng could see Fields white to harvest, sheaves of golden grain — Where men beheld but curse, disease, and sin — How rich Thy final Harvest Home shall be When angel hosts, 'midst glad exultant strain. With silver sickles reap Thy harvest in ! )42 Australian Heart So.ngs and Sonnets. A BRIDAL GREETING. He who graced Cana's feast — The Guest Divine — Be near tliee, though unseen, upon this day! May He perform this miracle, I pray, To turn once more the water into w ine ! Of thy past love let water be the sign, And as ye vow to "honour, love, obey" Him whom thy heart hath set apart, O may The wine of Love in blushing splendour shine ! — The Wine of Love — which maketh glad the heart — By Christ Himself this day be poured for thee! So shall thy bridal day be richly blest. The lips that say "Till death us twain shall part"— Believing Love knows not mortality — Can smile, since Death for them means — Life, Love, Rest ! 143 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. IS NOT THIS THE CARPENTER? Awed stood the multitude, and then they cried — "But is not this the carpenter? The son Of Mary? Whence his pow'r? How hath he done The mighty works we see on every side? Are not his sisters here? Let us deride This lowly one!" And so, the work begun, Christ could not finish : unbelief had won Their hearts, their eyes were blind with pride. And still how oft the scornful, mocking cry Of — "Is not this the carpenter" — we hear When shines some star beyond the proud world's ken. O, Son of God and Man — enthroned on high — Well may we bear the scorn, the taunt, the jeer, W^hen Thou was but "the carpenter" to men! Hi Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE SHORELESS SEA. Time's river swiftly glides, and on its tide What fleet of ours upon its breast appears? The shatter'd hopes and aims of early years — The wreck of love, perhaps! And what beside? Ah, well for us, if on that river wide Faith's barque be seen, struggling mid doubts and fears To reach that haven, which it hourly nears, Through storm and stress, steer'd onward by that Guide Who knows the mystic sea without a shore. O'er which each craft must pass to reach those Isles Where God's Eternal Beauty softly smiles, And it may anchor safe for evermore ! Oh, Isles of God within the Shoreless Sea, At times ye seem not very far from me ! 145 K Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. NARROW? Matt. VII. 14. IJear Lord, how can the narrow lead to Thee? Thy Love hath proved a vast and boundless tide, rhy Heart hath made a Home so dear and wide, That all mankind may enter ! Can it be That Thou, who gav'st the gracious — "Come to Me"— Dost say, "The gate is strait, ye must decide To quit the broad way, if ye would abide Where God's belov'd, the Perfect Life, shall see?" Narrow? Yea, Lord, Thy rule is — Seek ye first God's Kingdom; enter but through Me — "The Way." ' lis even thus, Life's pathway must be trod ; But when it ends, what Glories wide shall burst On eyes enraptured? Ah, no tongue can say — The strait gate opens on the Fields of God ! 146 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. WITH STEADFAST FACE. Oh, steadfast Face, set to Jerusalem ! Did Thy calm majesty awe and amaze The followers, who bent on it their gaze? They understood not, therefore did condemn Thy purpose, which seemed foolishness to them : But Calvary's dark ending did not daze Nor daunt' Thee, though Thou sawest all life's ways Lead onward to the Cross, from Bethlehem. Yet 'twas no lack of feeling kept Thee calm ! The world was far more beautiful to Thee, Than for Thy followers it e'er could be — The lily's chalice and the fronded palm Were dear to Thee ! But still, with steadfast face, Thy last sad journey Thou did'st bravely trace. 147 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE CRY OF THE TIN. A bar of tin, if taken in your hand An3 bent as tho' to break, will make a sound — A faint, weird cry — as though the ore had found A voice wherewith to make you understand It felt the pressure. So, though gold and land — And all the good that wealth can bring — abound In certain lives, and Fame's bright robe be wound About them, yet, the years they strove, and planned, And toil'd in — years of discipline and stress — Are fused and mingled in their life-alloy : Though now they hold what once they hoped to win — Though this world's honours close upon them press — Unconsciously, above all sounds of joy, Their lives give forth the crying of the tin ! 148 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. IH ROUGH PALACE WINDOWS. How well do I remember as a child A room in which my father knelt in prayer, And read to me of "many mansions" fair, Wherein shall enter naught that is defiled. All things were changed — the wintry day grew mild — In thought I climbed a wondrous golden stair, And reached a mystic Palace Window, where My spirit eyes grew clear — from earth beguiled — 'Twas then that first I saw the Fields of God, Caught glimpses of the Palace of the King, And heard great harmonies around me roll. Ah ! since those days, Life's journey hath been trod Oft wearily. But still my heart can sing Of visions seen thro' Windows of the Soul. 149 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. WINGED SEEDS. They float in silence on the mountain breeze, Those wondrous, winged, wild-clematis seeds ! Each balmy zephyr lifts them, bears them, leads To some new home amidst the forest trees : Safe nestled there, when Winter's breath shall freeze, They lie secure; God'shand supplies their needs. A lesson's here, that he, who seeks it, reads: — Wing'd seeds are we, sent forth by God's decrees; His Spirit breathes on us, and where He wills It carries us o'er earth or trackless sea — Some soon find rest, whilst others far are borne — But if each seed His purpose wise fulfils, And brings forth flow'rs of Love and Purity, Then, wheresoe'er it roots, 'twill earth adorn! 1.50 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM! Not yet to His perfection we've attained ! In lives most lovely, there's still much to mar The perfect likeness ! This world's fret and jar Oft blur God's image ; yet in lives most stained Are Godlike traits! Yea, hard, rough lives are veined With gold of Love ! But when there's naught to bar Our view of God, when reached those heights afar, From which a vision full and clear is gained, We shall grow like Him, for we then shall see His matchless beauty, and "we needs must love The hic^hest when we see it!" Then we'll grow Into His likeness ! Even here below We'll try to rise Earth's sordid things above — And Love shall teach us what we fain would be ! 151 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE ORCHID'S LESSON. "Behold me, growing in this barren soil — Yea, verily, 'a root out of dry ground!' — No comely leaves my single stalk surround To give it grace, and form the blossoms' foil ! Wait patiently, until my buds uncoil, Then see me stand with regal beauty crown'd, And praise me, ye, who erstwhile on me frown'd! I am of those who neither spin nor toil, Yet God arrays me in these colours fair ! And as my strange, and close-packed buds unfold, A bloom of wonderous beauty, ye behold, Rich in its tints and in its form most rare." How oft, from lives that men think poor and bare Spring flowers of thought, whose beauty is un- told ! 352 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE POINT WHERE THE FERRY TOUCHES. There is a lonely point upon Life's shore, Where oft the mystic Ferry of the King Touches, and waits in readiness to bring The members of His Household safely o'er: The meanest scullion and the man of lore Alike are free, and 'tis a wondrous thing That rank and wealth — to which we vainly cling- Vanish as each embarks, are seen no more ! No need to dread the passage o'er that stream, Help waits across the River, and a hand Outstretched awaits to welcome and to guide To Realms of Beauty fairer than all dream ! Then let us learn to love that Point of Land Where waits the Ferry on the peaceful tide. 153 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE HORIZON OF DOUBT. Far out upon the waters deep and dark I seek with longing eyes Faith's Beacon Light, That by it I may guide, and steer aright Amidst surrounding gloom, my storm-tossed barque. At last I see a small and feeble spark- — A tiny gleam — all else is dark as night, Yea! Doubt's horizon bounds my straining sights Almost engulfs that one faint, distant mark. Shall I distrust Faith's light because 'tis small, And Doubt's horizon loometh vast all round? Or shall I boldly onward by it steer? Though Doubt shall close about me like a paH, I'll trust that Light! for I am Homeward bound. And I believe the Haven now is near. 154 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. HARBOUR LIGHTS. I trust in Faith's faint beacon, by it steer My helpless barque across the trackless main, And as I onward sail fresh hope I gain, The light grows brighter as the coast I near, Still brighter, larger — till the gloom I fear Is robbed of all its mystery and pain : And now I know, I trusted not in vain ! The darkness melts — and Harbour Lights appear! Thrice blessed sight! O, speed me prosperous gale, That I may swiftly reach the Haven Blest, beyond the ebb and flow of Fear and Grief! Safe is the anchorage, "within the veil" — Mv Pilot takes the helm, and now I rest — "Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief!" 155 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE PERFUME OF LOVE. THE SPICE ISLES. I. There comes to us this legend quaint and old : - From distant lands, where od'rous spices grew, So balmy were the winds that softly blew. That mariners of their approach were told Long, long before the shores they could behold ; And when to those fair isles they said adieu. The perfume lingered, though were lost to view The fragrant shores of those strange realms of gold. Thus mariners who caught the first faint scent Rejoiced, for now they held an unseen clue To guide them to those isles of wond'rous balm : New ardour to their toils that fragrance lent. And as they onward sail'd it sweeter grew, Till dawn disclosed shores fringed with waving palm. 156 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE PERFUME OF LOVE. II. In Heav'n's high courts beauteous beyond com- pare, Where mortal eye His glory may not see, In Holiest of Holies there doth He — Whose name is Love — burn Love's own incense rare: Its holy balm so impregnates the air, That though on earth — His outer Court — are we, The mystic fragrance, wafted silently From Heav'n, directs us to'ard Love's Mansions fair. Oh, Father, may the perfume of Thy Love Guide us in safety to the Golden Shore — The Realm of Love that lies beyond the sea ! With Love's pure incense from thy courts above Steep Thou our hearts and lives for evermore, Till earthly love is swallowed up in Thee. 157 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE COMING OF SPRING. I. I hear it all around me in the air — That mystic whisper of the coming Spring ! What though stern Winter tries his best to cling Where he hath reign 'd, and though the trees be bare, Yet Spring is coming, this I still declare With certain note ! The birds flit by and sing A new glad song, and on each burnish'd wing I see new tints that tell of Springtide fair. I read the message on each bourgeon'd tree, And in the deeper azure of the sky, As well as in the fairer green on earth ! I hear it in the winds that wander free, And in each bud that bursts its bonds to cry — •'Spring comes! Let all things celebrate her birth!" 158 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THE COMING OF SPRING. II. I feel the coming of a fairer Spring, 'J'he stirring of its beauty in my soul ! 1 hear mysterious harmonies that roll Around me, and I soar on spirit v.ing To realms above, where God's redeem 'd ones sing Of victories gained, of having reached the goal Where ends the race and where the sick made whole Can wanBer through the Gardens of the King, i'hrice blessed Spring, fadeless and undefiled ! We hear its whispers in this passing world. Catch fleeting glimpses of its glories fair; But all words fail God's longing, waiting child, To tell its wond'rous beauty — half unfurl'd When in bright dreams he mounts God's Golden Stair. 169 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. * VAPOUR THAT V'ANISHETH. *VVhat is your life? It is even a vapour, that vanisheth." — James iv., 14. I. Behold the vapour filling all the dale, As with a fleecy cloud at early morn : But lo, the sun hath risen — the day is born ! — The vapour rises like some filmy veil Drawn up the hillside, till some summer gale Catches its folds, then swiftly it is torn In fragments, drifted upward to adorn Some rugged cliff clad in its granite mail. Still mounting upward toward the dome of blue, Higher it soars awhile, then seems to cling Around some mountain-top, and rest upon Its brow; anon, with alter'd shape and hue It sails away as if on spirit wing, An opal cloud, that melts, grows faint, is gone ! 160 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. VAPOUR THAT VANISHETH. II. Our lives are vapours, resting here a space, Drawn upward by prosperity or fame, Dash'd down by loss or sickness — as in game — Driven By adverse winds from place to place. Vapours? Yea, trailing garments full of grace That clothe our souls on earth — no two the same — Some grey or neutral, others shot with flame, Or gleaming gold — the reflex of His face! \'anishing garments of the soul are they, Changing their form, seeming less close to cling; But, ah, we need not fear! A perfect dress Awaits the soul when these shall melt away — It is the wedding-garment of The King! — The white, eternal Robe of Righteousness. 1(51 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. THROUGH SEAS UNKNOWN. I. Through seas unknown Columbus onward steered ! With toil and suff'ring keen, his fame was bought, Care, want, and rebel hearts he bravely fought. Nor from his primal purpose ever veered. While those around him murmur'd, doubted, feared. He calmly struggled on, buoyed by the thought That soon he must behold the land he sought. Thus steadfast faith, his burden'd spirit cheered. The lights of heav'n he watched by day and night, And by their aid moved West with steady sweep. Though faithless follow'rs cried — "Thy dream is wild!" Faith ^von the crown at last ! Oh blessed sight ! Strange weeds one eve bestrew'd the tracklesst deep — Morn broke — and land in virgin beauty smiled ! 162 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. rHROL'(iH SEAS UNKNOWN. II. So ventures forth thro' Seas Unknown, the soul! Not knowing whither it shall go, nor where "(iod's islands lift their fronded palms in air," But ever pressing toward that mystic goal. Sometimes it seems to hear the distant roll Of Time's rude billows breaking on that Shore Where mystery and death shall be no more — Nor sin, nor pain, for all are pure and whole. And guided by that sound, and Heav'nly light. And wondrous thoughts (oft giv'n in holy dreams When God draws nearer, in the realm of sleep), Heav'nward the spirit moves, by day and night, Till God's own dawn o'er Earth's horizon gleams, His Islands rise in beauty from the deep! 163 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ROBERT BROWNING. I- "So Browning's dead — our mighty poet dead! He (who to man this glorious truth unfurled — Since God's in heav'n, all's right with this — His world) Is gone from us for ever !" Thus men said. Oh, foolish ones, he lives ; his soul hath fled To its true home. Behind him now is hurled Sin and the flesh, and like a bud uncurled By God's own light, his spirit now is fed. Rejoice with him ! Now is his spirit free To soar untrammell'd to its native height, To sing new songs born of th' Eternal Light, To learn new themes of heav'nly minstrelsy, To join that loved one (lost awhile to sight) And live with her where partings cannot be. 164 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. ROBERT BROWNING. II. They sang, "He Giveth His Beloved Sleep," As mournfully they stood around his bier; And many paid the tribute of a tear, While some (more keen their sorow) could not weep. 'Twas his on earth "the star-tuned harp to sweep." The wondrous strains he sang from year to year Grew deeper, sweeter, purer, therefore, here The poet hero fain the world would keep. Hush, selfish grief! Oh, would'st thou keep below The singer taught by God till ripe was he To sing a hymn of Praise that fit should be For God's own choir? Nay, love shall conquer woe. Rejoice, his sleep is o'er; he wakes to see The land that lies beyond earth's "ebb and flow." 165 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. GOD'S WITNESSES. God's witnesses are like the mighty sound Of many waters. Every breaking wave — Whether the stormy billow that doth rave, Or gentle swell, that rolling on is bound To lap the rocks — ere it at last hath found A resting place (a silent weed strewn grave), Must voice itself to rocks, or beach, or cave Whereon it breaks ! And so the whole world round Is heard the ceaseless anthem of the sea ; But every drop that falls upon the shore Hath its own voice ! Did each in silence fall, No chant of many waters there would be ! So we, His witnesses, must evermore Each join to magnify the God of All. 166 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. SILENT SERVICE. Behold the lamp which burneth clear and bright ! "Fed by the oil," you say ; yet every drop In turn must climb the wick, till at the top It feeds the flame and passes into light. Illumining the darkness of the night : If on its way one particle should stop. Saying: "The flame needs not my feeble prop!" The flame would flicker, being robbed of might. Some lives, like drops of oil that upward climb, Perform their work in silence : by their love And Christlike sacrifice they nobly bear Witness to God here in the realm of time ; Then, having shone for Him they pass above, Absorbed in the Eternal Light most fair. 167 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. IN THE SHADOW. I. "Under a cloud !" my friends to me oft say — Ah, no! 'tis but the shadow of Thy wing In love thrown o'er me — teaching me to cling Closer to Thee, my Sun, my Star, my Stay! Thou seest all the windings of life's way, Its desert tracts, and knowest when to fling The shadows o'er my path ; therefore I sing — ' 'Though darkness veil Thee, soon will dawn the day !' "Light of the world!" Oh shine within my heart So that life's darkest clouds may rifted be And show their silver linings clear and bright — Oh, Love of Love ! draw near me and impart The pure white light of Love that's born of Thee, Then shall there be for me no cloud, no night ! 168 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. IN THE SHADOW. H Oh, shelt'ring wings in love stretched o'er my head ! When some sweet thought floats down to me I feel '1 is wafted from the wings of love — I kneel And thank Thee, Lord, that they o'er me are spread. Beneath their shadow oft have I been led, And on such seasons Thou hast set the seal Of close communion : therefore I would steal Nearer to Thee, and with Thy love be fed. Safe in Thy shadow I more clearly see Thy light, Thy matchless beauty, and Thy love, Yet see them dimly, know them but in part — When I have walked the vale of shades with Thee, I'll see Thee face to face in heaven above Where dwell in cloudless light the pure in heart ! 169 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. DREAM SONNETS. I. In dreams last night I saw you by my side, In converse sweet we walk'd, hand claspt in hand,. Along a reach of golden, weed-strewn sand, From which, with farewell sobs, ebbed back the tide. You told your thoughts to me — 'twere vain fi> hide — For power was given me in that strange lancr E'en your unspoken thoughts to understand; The veil from heart and brain seem'd drawn asicte. Say, did your spirit fly to meet my own In those mysterious realms of dream and sleep? Were you, too, from all earthly trammels free To soar on spirit wings to worlds unknown, And with my heart a holy tryst to keep? Oh, dreamland, who shall solve thy mystery? 170 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. DREAM SONNETS. II. Till death shall free the spirit from its clay, The mystery of dreams shall not be told, But the All-Father, who in days of old Used dreams to guide His children on life's way, May use them still to bless us. Who shall say The sweet and mystic converse which we hold With spirits pure (in dreamland realms of gold), Doth not at times our thoughts and actions sway? Father, Who hold'st my spirit in Thine hand, Both in my waking hours and while I sleep, Let this my chief desire nightly be, When tired eyes close, may angel watchers stand And heart and brain in peace and pureness steep, So that in dreams I may be nearer Thee ! 171 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. WATCHING! Like mariners who, through a stormy night, Have tossed in darkness on a troubled sea. Watching the east with strained intensity, Till o'er the waters shines a path of light. Cast by the king of day in glory bright ! E'en so we turn our dim and anxious eyes O'er Life's tempestuous sea, till doth arise The Sun of Righteousness in all His might, Touching Life's troubled waves with mystic gold, Whispering to the tempest, "Peace, be still!" The winds and waves obey His perfect will, And, looking o'er the billows, we behold That "anchorage within the veil" unfold In matchless beauty, that our soul doth fill ! 172 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. FACING THE CHRIST. The moon would lose her mystic silver light, Did she not face the brilliant orb of day ; Her cold, dark surface, catching many a ray, Reflects his glory, and illumes the night. And if we wish our lives to shine aright. In this dark world, we know of but one way — To face the Christ ! Vea, face Him ! Thus we may Reflect, in some small part. His glory bright. Oh, Thou, the Sun of Righteousness Who art ! In all Thy glorious might upon me shine, So that the pure white light of love divine Shall reach the surface of this cold, hard heart, And melt it to its very inmost part ; Lord, facing Thee, both light and love are mine! 173 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. REST. The threescore years and ten God gave — yea, more, Fourscore was past! Then He who lov'd her best Called her at last to His Eternal Rest, In that fair Home where toil and pain are o'er: And there, her lov'd ones, who had gone before, Will welcome her unto those Regions Blest, Where dwells Love's King! Yea, she is now His guest — The marriage feast is spread and ope'd the door! Earth's race is ended, she has reached the goal — The way seemed weary, but 'twas bravely won, The uphill path was firmly, calmly trod — Let us rejoice for her! This ransom'd soul Has met the King and heard His glad "Well done!" She rests 'midst joys untold, at Home with God. 174 Australian Heart Songs and Sonnets. GOD'S PALM TREES. In tender tones she read her morning Psalm —