^-'-'-IVSOl^ '//rin ^^ rCAIF0/?4A ^OFCAilFO/?^. Ai4^§ \VLUyANLl: LYRA SI.LURUM. NETSTOBT : PRINTED BY H. MULLOCK, COMMERCIAL STREET. LYRA SILURUM POEMS BY W. DOWNING EVANS / LONDON :— SIMPKIN, MAESHALL & Co. NEWPOET :— HENEY MULLOCK 1867. NOTE. CAERLEON, in the County of Momnoutli, the Isca Siluvum of the Romans, is my native place, I have therefore given to my Work the title " lyra. silukum." W. D. E. Hi^^H /7 ™- £92" Jl CONTENTS. :(): PAGE. Rambliug . . . . . » • * ■ « • 7 On a Lunar Eclipse . . • • • • 19 A New Creation • • • • • • 25 Annie's Holiday • • • • • • .. 33 By Isca's Stream • • « • > 39 Land of my Birth. • .. 42 Progress • • • • • .. 45 Come Along • • • • ■ « .. 48 A Day from Home • ■ • • • * .. 51 Give Thanlvs . . • • • • • • 55 Spiing Time . . • • . • . 59 .Smnmer Day . . • • • • • .. 61 Spirit of Evening • • • • • ■ 63 The Autvmin Wind . . • • • • • ■ .. 65 The Lingei-ing Swallow- • • • ■ • • 69 Good Night • • • • • • .. 73 Past and Future 76 The Wind • • • • • • .. 79 By the Sea .. 82 Song of the Dying Gii'l . .. 86 The Lost Voice . .. 88 Moss . .. 92 TheHollv . . . 95 The Withered Rose . . 99 Abundance and Peace . ..100 The Harvest Moon ..102 Gather in the Wheat '. . ..105 Han-est Home . . ..109 Spring Notes . . • • • • • .. 113 Consider the Lilies . .. 116 To Hesper 119 Winter's Eve . . .. 121 The Frost • • • • • . . 124 The Thaw .. 127 Stanzas . . . .. 130 The FHght of Winter * • • • • .. 134 The Cuckoo . . 137 Gay Eobin » • • • • • .. 141 Cr-ii-' IV. Christinas The Mistletoe Bough The Weeping Tree Memory The Mother to her Babe Sadness and Joy Flowers.. Lily The Sick Child The Rose The Charm of Love Monody Elegy . . Congratulatory Verses Time Friendship An Album Mutual Affection The Bethany Vase Affliction . . A Reflection . . Remember the Poor We wiU Bless Thee Heaven Humiliation Thanksgiving . . The Vision of Mystery Above and Below The Woodman The Voice of God Sunset . . On an Eclipse of the Moon The Music of the Spheres Midnight Rest Judgment January February April May September October November December A Dirge for 1866 " Natui-e, in tho first instance, monlds the original constitu- tion of our moral being so as to adapt our inward feelings to every modification of estemal fortune ; she produces in us the sensation of delight, or impels us to anger, or sinks and depresses to the very ground, and racks us with overwhelming grief, then she brings out these emotions of the mind into vocal expression by the tongue as the Soul's interpreter." HORACE. LYRA SILURUM. EAMBLING. Again the golden gates of Western Heaven Aside are thrown, the burnished pathway down. Afar disclosing ; — where the clouds are riven, The sapphire track with thousand dyes is strewn, And o'er the portals gorgeous wreaths are thrown, Of crimson haze, and exhalations rare, Of hues discovered in the skies alone : — The gay festoons are tinted here, and there, With rainbows intertwined, and spangled dews of air. 8 LYRA SILURUM. 11. Lo ! now the Sun glides through th' aerial arch, In royal state behold him leave the day, Myriads of guards cherubic tend tlie march. Lest darkness dim some far reflectent ray : — Now in mid air the sportive shadows play, And Stars look out to catch a parting view Of Him, — the Monarch of th' ethereal way, While bright-orbed Planets, from the distant blue. Unveil their crests of fire, and bid their Lord adieu. in. And now, to scare what horror else dim Night, At his departure o'er the Earth might shed, The kindly Moon, with amber-tinted light. Emerging softly from her watery bed ; Like some fair Spirit rescued from the dead, — Throws all around, far as her orbit may. O'er towering hills, and valleys widely spread, A fair reflection of departed day, While Ocean, rising high, adores her Sovereign sway. RAMBLING. 9 IV. Behold, where, Goddess-like she walks on high, Tlie weird clouds haste away her path to shun, And, mass on mass, commingling as they fly, — . Like heartless troops that in confusion run, Affrighted from the Field they might have won, — Their floating shadows cast a dismal glooni O'er Hill and Vale ; — but quickly passed, anon The Mountains brighten, each a silvery dome. And now th' illumined Vales their loveliness resume. V. Thus frequent o'er Life's noontide of the heart, Dark clouds of sorrow cast their baneful shade. When all but Hope makes ready to depart, Herself of final issue part afraid ; When watchful Mercy, .swift to shield, and aid The weak in trouble, bends her gracious eye. And, with a glance, where darkness lately stray' d. Diffuses radiance such as streams on high, O'er tesselated walks of Seraphs in the sky. 10 LYRA SILURUM. VI. Sweet Eventide, cool, fragrant, and serene, The air no sound of wild commotion bears. No warring tempests mar the placid scene, Or swift tornado blasts it unawares ; Happy the Man, who, rising o'er life's cares, AVould shun th' alluring Town, apart to spend These hours, till noon of night, when Nature bares The secrets of the skies, and fain would lend A light to that far bourne to which our Spirits tend. vn. Then, from the City, let us wend our way, And share, from strife remote. Love's own repose,— Business, and toil cease with the fading day, — The lucre-seeking Spirit leave to those, "Who ask no other joy than such as flows From hoarding gold, of sordid minds the bane, Who, haunted oft by scaring dreams ne'er close Their eyes in sleep refreshing, but, in vain, Woo comfort from their god, — the god of Lust, and Gain. RAMBLING. 11 VIII. Homeward his face, see yonder, stalks along, Some honest Labourer, loose and light his dress, And yearns his Spirit, with affection strong, Again his loved ones to his heart to press : — One of the thousands he, who live to bless By ceaseless Industry, old England's soil. Son of contentment, albeit nothing less With ills acquainted, than inured to toil, And ne'er may tyrant hands make his hard gains their spoil Through many a fertile mead his pathway lies, O'er walks familiar, known in childhood's years ; Through winding lanes, hid from the starlit skies By Hawthorns, heavy with the Twilight's tears ; — The Glow-worm's haunt, and where he gladly hears The Night-bird's song of rapture, ringing wide, The secret Echo catches, unawares. Each changing theme, and, where she loves to bide. Bears the resounding strain far up the woodland's side. 12 LYRA SILURUM. X. There's melody abroad beside what comes From yonder thicket, hark ! upon the stream. It is the sound of flutes that softly roams ; — Such music charmed spirits, when they dream, Hear in their slumbers, and the Earth doth seem Changed into Heaven, whence first the Muses came, And brought us thus much of its bliss supreme, For Heaven and Music we might deem the same. That without this we know were but an empty name. xr. The golden Moth on burnished wing flits by, Lured by the gleam of vapoury flames, that rise Above the festering marsh, or where on high. The sea-side beacon reddens in the skies ; — Scorched in the treacherous fire, he sinks, and dies-: And thus Mankind, alas ! too oft pursue The gaudy World's alluring vanities, But when possessed, the fatal chase they rue. And all too late they know their loss and folly too. RAMBLING. 13 XII. The flowers are sleeping all, yet while they sleep, A sweeter fragrance breathe upon the air, Unconscious of the fairy forms that keep Perpetual watch round Nature's wild parterre, And guard them from the storm that else might dare. To Steal soft kisses from each folded lip, Or the rich odour to the desert bear, And, if they wake, instinctively they dip Those lips in luscious dews for morning Bees to sip. xin. Sweet trysting time, — behold a youthful pair, Stand near the old white gate that hangs ajar ; — The maiden, blushing, curls afresh her hair, While upward pointing to some distant Star, Th' enraptured Lover vows her fairer far Than Venus, fairest of the fabled she, — The vow is sealed, as all such pledges are, A deeper blush succeeds ; — but none should see Love's covenants thus made of Truth and Constancy, 14 LYRA SILURUM. XIV. How sad the contrast ! see where clothed in rags, A worthless couple reel along the way, In such the evil spirit never flags, That urges on to crime from day to day ; At once of vice and poverty the prey ; So roams the Tramp, invoking Pity's aid. As even worthy, yet the basest they, The truly needy by Misfortune made. Forestalling ever-more, — Hypocrisy, their trade. XV, Yon shattered pile against the azure sky Leaning its massy form, and wrapt in shade. Brings back to thought the scenes of years gone by, When all its parts in elegance were laid ; — Thus do we gather from the things that fade. Notions of Beauty, and correctly deem. If 'mid th' apparent wreck which Time hath made, Sublimity now rears its head supreme, How glorious once was that, which still so grand dotli seem. RMIBLING. 15 XVI. See where the lagged Eiver winds along, The humid vapours, as they part away. Look, in the moon-shine, like a ghostly throng, Walking mid air in funeral array ; — Foreboding Fancy, roused at such display, Eeads in the white-robed mist, with tearful eye. That solemn rite, the last which Love can pay, And in the rippling stream that gurgles nigh. Conceives th' attendant dirge, and heaves the mourner's sigh ! XVII. Few love the place of sepulture, where rear The Pines their dark green heads, and nod around. Where, as you tread the sacred porch, you hear Your footsteps echoed in unearthly sound, That seems to hint you desecrate the ground : — You pause th' awakened quietude to still. Recovered silence sinks the more profound, When o'er the senses creeps a deadening chill, As though some icy stream, the wells of life would fill. 16 LYRA SILURUM. XVIII. A solemn, yet, a sweet serenity. Is here above the graves of Saints who long Have passed from Time, to God's Eternity, Thrice happy tbey; — Heaven's newly-furnished song, To fresh-formed harps they sing ; a white-robed throng No man can number, seen, and heard of yore. By Him of Patmos, favoured most among The Sons of God, who now the throne before. Immortal live where Death, can boast his power no more. XIX. " Oh Grave ! where is thy victory ?" — Say, here ! Then Oh ! how poor thy conquest, poor indeed ; — Here shall it cease, nor need thy Captives fear. Their future freedom Heaven hath long decreed ; In part 'tis now procured, — their Spirits freed, — Dominion only o'er their dust is thine ; Behold ! thy Victor cometh, who shall lead His ransomed ones away, and for a sign Of lasting triumph, Thee, and Death in chains confine. RAlklBLING. 17 XX. See where along th' horizon gleaming far, Spreads a pale light, beyond the Moon's control, Advancing upwards towards the morning Star, Its pathway brightening on each onward roll ; — The mountain mists being folded like a scroll, Clearly we trace the Morning's roseate track, Her swift steeds darting forward to the goal, Fire from their hoofs thus glancing fore and back, Until her Chariot mounts above the mountains black. XXI. Thus have we looked on favoured Friends ere now, Whose varied worth was writ in Virtue's page, Who, though in death no palm bedecked their brow, Nor mark of Fame their Honour did engage, Yet who shall shine through every coming age, Brighter, and brighter still, till found at last, Worthy of all their Genius did presage ; Bright Immortality her light shall cast Around their glorious Names, exultant o'er the Past. 18 LYRA SILURUM. XXII. Thus, Eambling, have we mused, from every scene Some lesson gleaned, till now the midnight hour Arrests the ear, grave pause each tone between, Like an alarm bell pealed from yonder tower ; Methinks it hath a voice of wondrous power 'Tis well we heed, and homeward turn our feet, Still pondering till we reach our favourite bower, And there, when lulled to slumberings deep and sweet, Dream of the Spirit-land, with fairer scenes replete. 19 ON A LUNAR ECLIPSE. ' I. 'Tis Evening, and the clouded Sun Weepeth, and goeth down ; Like some afflicted, lonely one, Sorrowing o'er evils scarce begun, And dreading more unknown. II. The air is dense with brooding woe, The wind awakes to sigh ; Gloom overspreads the earth below, No star looks forth with wonted glow, To light the troubled sky. '20 LYRA SILURUM. III. Forms robed in mist, like phantom-fiends, Assemble, east and west ; — The Prince of Air, perchance, intends The Sun and Moon for some foul ends, To hold in forced arrest. IV. But, power for this, when gained he 1 — Yet, fear around is spread ; Hushed, fold on ,fold, close as can be, Ijies wave on wave of the hiding sea, That cowers down with dread. V. Alas ! alas ! can mortal tell What omen meaneth this 1 Sad Nature owns some secret spell, And on my ear the warning fell, "This lesson none should miss. ON A LUNAR ECLIPSE, t 21 VI. " To demon might, oli ! never these " Appearances refer ; *' For Heaven hath nearer enemies, " Wliose hatred it is hard t' appease, " Than out-cast Lucifer." vn. I knew 'twas fair to look upon The full-orbed rising Moon, When midst the stars she walketh on, Or high upon her silvery throne. Reflects the Solar Noon ; vin. But watched in vain that fearful night, Her beauty thus to see ; Lo ! dark and torn, her face, once bright, Obtruded on th' offended sicrht Awful deformity. 22 LYRA SILURUM. IX. Eclipsed her glory !— now she seeks The clouds her form to shield ; The foe his sullen vengeance wreaks,— Anon the flimsy covering breaks, And there she stands revealed, X. Grief seized my heart that aught so fair Should be o'ercast with gloom ; And Fancy heard the murmuring air. Grow loud with voices of despair, And moanings from the tomb. XI. Like wolves that fright the traveller, In savage wilds alone, Dogs bayed aloud, with upward stare. Alternately for wrath and fear, In hoarse and ceaseless tone. ON A LUNAR ECLIPSE. 23 xn. The Screech Owl left the woods and o'er The populated Town, Shrieked horribly ; — and evermore The Cattle lowed with dismal roar, In tones unlike their own. xiij:. Immersed in shade, Night's lovely Queen Expiring seemed in blood ; When Ocean upward turned his green Pale face, and mocked ; — though she had been Sole Mistress of the flood. XIV. Amazement seized the burning host, That watch the realms on high ; Who deemed another World was lost, And Satan proved his ancient boast, Th' Eternal to defy ! c 24 LYRA SILURUM. XV, But " woe, like that, no more shall be," "My guiding Spirit said ; — " Yet, shame ! that thou Avert born to see, " One trace of mortal infamj- '• Of human guilt, the shade !" XYI. Oh ! Earth ! to think thou art so black, With Sins not yet forgiven ; That, following in th' infernal track, Instead of brightness gaining back. Thou still must darken Heaven ! rX' 'J^ tJL' eX; iXi 'J • ^i 25 A NEW CREATION. I. Jehovah, from eternity, High-throned in purest light ; Saw, circhng far immensity, Confused, chaotic Night : — He spake ; and Hght from darkness sprung, Nor stayed the awful sound Till worlds unnumbered, glistening hung Through all the vast Profound. 11. Tlien forth in Beauty, bright and fair, Creation sinless stood ; Life, joyous life teemed every-\vhere, And God pronounced it " Good J" 26 LYRA SILURUM. But, all ! alas ! how short the bliss By Man on Earth retained ; — All Worlds with grief looked down on this With Man's transgression stained. III. But Mercy filled th' Eternal Mind, Who, pitying Man's disgrace, In Love the matchless scheme desifirned To raise our ruined race ; And thus was thwarted Sin's device, That erst had vainly striven ; — He gave his Son a sacrifice, To bring us back to Heaven ! IV. Timo rolled along in varied change. And Demon-rage in vain, — Through all the pure and spotless range Of Nature's mighty chain, A NEW CREATION. 27 Had tried with deep, malicious skill, Revengeful as of yore ; To taint with like demoniac ill, One World of beauty more. V. But, sad the thought ; at length the foe, On direst mischief bent ; E'en as an Arrow leaves the bow, He scales the firmament. One hapless orb attracts his view, The golden gates he tries ; — Alas ! the Fiend has broken through Another Paradise ! vr. What of the faithless sons that dwell In that once blissful sphere 1 — What arm to rescue them from Hell, Shall kino-like, interfere ] 28 LYRA SILURUISI. Woe ! woe ! the direful work is done. No hopes of Life remain ; Jehovah hath no other Son, To sacrifice again. VII. And lesser means He ^vill not take, Wlio gave his All before, — But, here again for Pity's sake, Behold the work of power ! He, who from nothing did create, To nothing can return ; — What ! will he but annihilate "Wlio dared his goodness spurn 1 VIII. Yes ; — and it needed but his frown ;- A World to Nothing passed ! While to his native region down Th' adventurous Foe was cast ; A NEW CREATION. 29 Wailing, lie fell with all his Host, Confounded more than e'er ; While, envying those their Being lost, He raved in fresh despair. IX. Yet, pleased, Jehovah could not look Upon the new-made void, — That blank in bright Creation's book ; — The sullied page destroyed : Around the ruin, twilight played, But through Heaven's vast domain, Remained no deep chaotic shade To call thence worlds again. Still, not exhausted His command, Of sources infinite ; New systems, if his wisdom planned, To usher into light ; 30 LYRA SILURUM. No solid darkness needed He To form the massive sphere ; Again, did he command them, — " Be '. Would Woild to World appear ! XI. And lest to these, his creatures bless'd, Who through his empire speed ; — Fulfilling each whate'er behest His sovereign will decreed ; — Lest, marred to these, his works should seem, By that lost World of woe ; Again his Power and Love supreme, He condescends to show ! XII. And from his Throne He deigns to bend, The Great ! the Infinite ! To where the rays converging tend Of universal light ; A NEW CREATION. 31 One beam his hand from thence withdrew ; — Then, to the void below, The gathered ray, transformed, he threw, A new bright World of Joy ! XIII. It was the dim-reflected light, Of that celestial sphere ; Which, comet-like to mortal sight, Late filled the world with fear ; — When from th' Almighty hand it wheeled, As lightning from above ; And, through all systems, thus revealed His Wisdom, Power, and Love ! XIV. So Fancy deems : — and let the Muse, From this, her fleeting thought, This lesson learn : ne'er to abuse The Grace for mortals wrought ; 32 LYRA SILURUM. But still His Name with praises bless, Who spared our guilty World, When justly thus to Nothingness, Our Race he might have hurled 33 ANNIE'S HOLIDAY. I, A GENTLE tapping at Grandfatlier's door, — '■ Open, Grandpa, for me !"— Then, swift as a sunbeam over the floor. Darted Annie, her heart full of glee. With a blush on her cheek, and a light on her broAv Exclaiming, in laughter's ecstacy, "■ I am going home for my holiday now, How happy I shall be !" 34 LYRA SILURUM. II. TtiG Old Man lifted her up to his heart, And, kissing her cheek so fair, He felt blood to his brow upstart, — Why should it mantle there I — " I am going home for my holiday now," — Those were the words that brought The stream from his heart that flushed his brow, Revealing mournful thought. " Hie thee," he said, " To thy Mother, sweet, Give her a kiss for me, And gaily to her thy joy repeat, " How happy I shall be ! " III. The merry girl hath homeward sped ; The Old Man sits alone, Musing upon the words she said, In thoughts he will not own. Annie's holiday. 35 IV. The blessed Christmas-time hath come once more ! — Though rave the winds, and sea-waves madly roar ; — Though clouds with darkness veil the short-lived day, And tempests howl like clamorous Leasts of prey ; Not Spring's sweet voice, nor Summer's tuned to cheer, Nor Autumn's songs that crown the fruitful year, Proclaim such gladness to mankind as this, When Heaven repeats its olden Hymn of Peace. Shall Annie in the rapture share, That Angel's earthward bring 1 — With laurel bind her golden hair. And richest robes for her prepare. And perfumes sweet, for she is fair As daughter of a King. 30 LYRA SILURUM. VI. The faint year is dying, The noon-wind is sighing, The sad waves replying Shrink back o'er the sand And, heavily breaking, Deep moaning are making, Like Patriot-hearts takinsr Farewell, when forsaking Their dear Fatherland. VII. What mean those signs that mournfully combine, Foreboding severance in each doleful tone 1 Oh, Earth, thou hast some treasure to resign. And Heaven is waiting to receive its own. Annie's holiday. 37 Through all the quiet village slumber reigned, Save where, in one small chamber, all a-giow, The guardian Angel had a light ordained, That those who watched, the i:)arting time might know. A Serapb came, the red-cheeked child to claim. Attendant guards encompassed all the air. And, ere the dawning of the morrow canie, A smile was all of her that lingered there. VIII. . The Old Man mused in his house alone. With hands clasped on his knee ; And a voice came whisj)ering, — " Annie's gone, ' " 'Tis as I thought," quoth he. " Why shook the Fortress of my heart, Where all my love for her had place ? It was th' alarm that we must part, Discovered in our last embrace. 38 LYRA SILURUM. IX. llien, forth he went, in that troublous morn, With those who wailed o'er the dead, to mourn ;- For grief oft comes when joy is horn. And tears were mingled with transport then. For Her, — whom, gone from their mortal ken, They knew they should greet one day again. X. We cannot tell, how far away, Beyond yon Sun,, whose clouded ray Lights up our poor terrestrial day, Where boundless bliss must be ; But somewhere, where the Angels stay. Like one of them, in white array, ANNIE is keeping her Holiday, — How happy now is she ! 39 BY ISCA'S STREAM. (a prize lyric.) I. By Isca's stream, in days of yore, The stirring tramp of horse was heard, And stranger-Knights, allured to War, Their Chargers to the battle spurred ; With nohle Wood of native worth. The fierce Invader swelled the tide ; But Valor washed the stain away. Where Isca floAved in matchless pride. D 40 LYRA SILURUM. 11. l^'rom Myu^yy's hills to Ehymney's plains, The Foeman led his troops along ; And Cambria's mourning Muse bewailed, In doleful strains, her Country's Avrong ; But soon the l^old aggressor fled, By braver hearts in fight defied ; And Triumph echoed through the Vale, Where Isca roiled in dauntless pride. III. All glorious there the Warriors Avait, Who vanquished then the daring foe ; Again their Father-land to shield. Should Arthur's horn to battle blow ; — • But never may we need to wake The sword that slumbers by each side, For joyous notes of Peace arise, Where Isca flows in sparkling pride. BY ISCAS STKEAM. 41 IV. Such Music from tlie distant streams Of other Lands comes floatine; now : And all the World alike prei^ares, Before the shrine of Peace to bow : All hail ! the greeting hence shall spread, To hearts where'er in Truth allied ; While Love and Beauty deck the Yale, Where Isca flows in matchless pride. 42 LAND OF MY BIRTH, I. Dear Cambria, I love Thee, Thy Vales and thy Mountains ; And Beauty, and Grandeur, Proclaim thee their linme : Whilst dark-flowing streams, And fair crystalline fountains. O'er thy fertilized bosom, Delightingly roam ; But lovelier than all Are thy beautiful Daughters, Whose smiles are like sunbeams. That gladden the Earth ; LAND OF MY BIRTH. 43 Whose forms are more fair Than the Nymphs of thy waters ; They bless and adorn Thee, Land of my birth ! II- Dear Cambria, I love Thee, The home of my Fathers, Whom Liberty honoured As Chiefs in her cause ; Though hoary destruction Now silently gathers Around the grey relics That speak their applause ; And Sympathy raises, With tears of affection, A lasting memorial Of infinite worth, To those who, to shelter From sword, and subjection, Fi'en dying, defended Thee, Land of my birth ! 44- LYRA SILURUM., III. Dear Cambria, I love Thee, Renowned in thy glory ' And forth-coming ages Shall cherish thy Fame, The deeds of thy Heroes, Unrivalled in story, With trophies immortal, Now blazon thy Name : No more may fierce War's Bloody trumpet sound o'er Thee, Thy Battle-hymns changed For the anthems of Mirth , May the song of thy Bard Have no cause to deplore thee, But Peace ever smile on Thee, Land of my birth ! 45 PEOGRESS. Another Year has died away, Its months, and weeks, and days are past ; But of eacli month, and week, and day, What bitter recollections last ! As Avhen a dark and boisterous Night Recedes liefore the rising Morn, But leaves a wreck to mar the light, — A scene by warring tempests torn. ■iCy LYRA SILURUM. II. Yet from the Year, whose evils still Their dire effects around us show. Let not the soul its cup refill With drops of unavailing woe ; Arise, fair Hope, strong Faith, arise. The future opens bright and clear ; Give to the Old its miseries, And welcome this, your own New Year. III. As when the stormy Night is o'er, The Earth new robes of beauty wears ; Beneath the havoc pines no more. But turns to pearls her wonted tears ; — 80, unsubdued, the dauntless Mind Above Life's varied ills will soar, Some real, lasting Solace find, "VVliere Sorrow may not reach it more. PROGRESS. 47 IV. Take courage, Brother, Famine flies Before tli' untiring, trusting Heart ; Disease beneath Love's fervour dies. And Death withhokls his poisonous dart ; There's Here no rest for thee or thine. But there's a Progress thou must hear. If dark the way, oh ! ne'er repine. Look onward, — there is Sunshine there. (§)Jzf^^Slg@JZ^'^}Si§)@/^^^ 48 COME ALONG. I. The World is moving onward, There's a point not far before, On ^yhich our Hopes are resting, Sages told of it of yore ; Seers have prophesied abont it, Poets hailed it oft in Song ; We are swiftly drawing near it — Come along ! Come along ! COME ALONG. 49 II. Revolutions rise around us, But their madness shall not stay The Progress we are making To the dawn of peaceful day ; — Would you share in all its glory, With the persevering throng, Leave the furious sons of riot — Com& along ! Come along ! III. The Cannon's brawling thunder, The Sword and bristling Si>ear, Impede not, cannot hinder The time fast drawing near ; AVhen Truth shall conquer Error, Eight triumph over Wrong ; Ye who pant for human Freedom, Come along ! Come along ! oO LYRA SILURUM. IV. As the buoyant Earth, revohdng, Ever upwards seems to rise To the Cynosure of Beauty, In the liirht-encirclino; skies ; So, to nobler life ascending, AVith an impulse swift and strong, Ail that's Great and Good is tending, Come along ! Come along ! V. The day of consummation Will surely shortly dawn. For whose noon-light to one centre. All the Suns of Heaven are draA^m ; Bright stars, upon th' horizon, Lead on the glowing throng ; To hail the world's Millenium, Come along ! Come along ! 51 A DAY FEOM HOME. I. From where the long black Tuscar Eock, Seems a huge serpent of the sea, Lying in wait, with sudden shock, To sink some wandering Argosy : — II. To where th' engulpliing sands of Skei-e, 'Mid-channel stretch, in grim aiTay; Where Hearts have striven in despair. When Hope and Help were far av/ay. III. There gleams, beneath the smiling skies, A broad expanse of ocean-j)lain, Where sport, like flocks, in joyous guise, The bniows of the Western Main. ')'2 LYRA SILURUM. IV. Witli open arms, the crescent Bay Here wide unfolds his goklen breast. And woos the Waves in wanton play, Like one with ardent love impressed. y. The}' lusli within his warm embrace A moment, — then disperse and hide, With veils of spray, each glistening face, And spread their laughter far and Avide. "\"i. 'Twas here I spent a Summer day, With sweet companionship beloved ; And grief, and care we chased away, AVhile o'er the coral reefs we roved :— VII. Or where the Avidc, and level sand Gave ample scojDe at will to roam ; And marked, well pleased, on every hand. What beauties here have found a home. A DAY FKOJiI HOME. 53 VIII. Se(juesterecl thus, we leave far oft' The soul-less brain, tlie niggard lieari : — The self-conceited, prone to scoff", And act the vile Detracter' s part, IX. The coward Envy's secret blow We here escape ;— and we forget The face made pale with righteous Avoe, And learn how Truth shall prosper yet. X. Here come, on every balmy 1:)reeze, Those glorious sounds we love to hear : Of Tyranny, on bended knees, Life-jDleading in the hour of fear. XI. Of Freedom shouting, as she rides Triumphant o'er her ancient foe; While on, avenging Justice guides The gallant Host tJiat strikes the blow. 54- LYRA SILURUM. xir. And here come thoughts too fierce, and strong, For aught but Ocean's depths to share ; A Patriot-voice, these wilds among, "Would cry, Oh ! British hearts, beware ! XIII. Beware ! nor let an idle dream Disturb the greatness you have won ;— Wealth, Freedom, Virtue, rise supreme To do what Justice will have done ! XIV. Fair Isle of mighty, matchless men ! No hostile foot shall taint thy shore, Or give thy sons to chains again ;— These Waves attest thy Ruling pow'r. XV. Here then I'll roam as one possessed Of Giant-heart to overcome ; And, Cambria, on thy medalled breast, Lay all my spoils when I go home. 55 GIVE THANKS. Give thanks, ye British People, Let all the Nations know. Our happy coasts, tlie God of Hosts Protects from every Foe ; Let Tyrants, for ambition. Diffuse the Cannon-curse, Secure we stand, within the Hand That Guides the universe. E 56 LYRA SILURUM. II. The mighty God of Battle, Whose mandate we obey, Inspires the trust that Justice must For ever hold the sway ; Beneath His conquering Banner, Abroad, on Land and Sea, Where'er we fight, to hold the Eight, He gives the Victory ! III. The rebel-hordes of India, Were baffled in their aim, Each cruel deed, with fiery speedy His vengeance soon o'ercame. And gentle hearts' were succoured, Whom Treason held to slay. Till, by the Bold, the Tiger's hold Was wrested from the prey. GIVE THANKS. 57 IV. Thougli few Avere Britain's warriors, Tliey scattered wide the Foe, Like clouds of sand, o'er desert land, When fierce tornados blow ; And now that conquered Garden Shall shed a sweet perfume. O'er th-ose who fell, invincible, And consecrate their tomb. Upon the British Standard, Lo ! Victory shines anew, And in its light we read aiight. What Glory shall ensue ; — Victoria's hallowed sceptre Shall bear a firmer sway. And bless that Clime with gifts sublime, That never shall decay. 58 LYRA SII.URUM. VI. The shrines of foul Idolatry Before the Cross shall fall, When ]\'Iissions well the Truth shall tell. That Christ is All and All !— (live thanks, then, British People, Behold the Avork begun, That hence shall grow, till God bestow The Kingdom on his Son I tJl-e^t^^^eXit^t-t'tX' 59 SPRING TIME. I. A Spiiit through Nature is stining abroad, And her voice with the zephyrs the echo-sprites weave, Awakened to Life by the breath of her God ! I^'vojii Morning's bright dawn to the twihght of Eve. II. Tlie Forest trees open their amis to the sun. For the time of their gathering new strength is begun, .\nd mark how the leaf-buds now fonn and unfold, Wit] I bright tints of glory, fair azure and gold. 60 LYRA SILURUM. III. When, softly descending, the rich dews ahght, Up-spring the "sweet Primrage and Daisy to sight, And Violets cluster, not caring for show, Where budding young Hawthorns their soft shailows throw. IV. How mingle the Song-birds their carols of mirtli. As on light-flitting pinion they soar from the earth, And, catching sweet strains from the spheres far on high, Re-echo those anthems that gladden the sky. V. Nor mute may we list to tliis music of Love, But join in the chorus, all voices above ; And loud let our praises ascend unto God, Whose Spirit through Nature is stirring abroad ! 61 SUMMER DAY. r. Ah ! breathless Summer Day ! At Noon, the quivering sky Seems changed to burning grey, That scares the upturned eye, And dew-founts all are dry On every azure, starry way. II. We gasp, and sigh, and fret, Such fervid brightness we C2 LYE A SILURUM. Cannot endure as yet, Nor, therefore can we see Beyond ivliat seems to be All Mist, but is Heaven's parapet, III. Ah ! breathless Summer Day 1 Where cloud-like shadows lean. We loiter time away, Till o'er the ruffled green. At twilight time is seen, The track where dancing Zephyrs play, IV. The winged tribes are blest. Who chan2;e their Homes at will. Find new abodes of rest ; Love's sweet companions still ; Rays of glory joy distil ; — Where the brightest is, is best. SPIRIT OF EVENING. G3 V. There's day without a Night, There's Light without a shade, In the regions out of sight ; — The Land where God hath made Homes and Kest for those who've slray'd, — Birds of Passage speed your flight. SPIRIT OF EVENING. I. Spirit of Evening ! let me dream I see Some semblance of thy form, emhodied forth Where'er I gaze ; for thou art come to be A joy, and blessing to our fainting Earth ! II. Tliy smile is on the water, — lighting too Its depths with radiance, whose translucent glow Reflects, within. Heaven's star-bespangled blue, Profoundest calm diff"using far below. d-t LYRA SILURUlVr. III. Where wave the varied flowrets o'er the lawn, Methmks I see Thee, bounding in thy glee, More agile in thy mirth than playful Fawn, AVhose light-like speed asserts he mil be free ! IV. I hear Thee in the shade, amid the leaves, Where Echo holds remembrance of thy voice, And where the vocal streamlet, joyous weaves Harmonious notes in which thy Bards rejoice. V. I feel Thee gently fan this aching brow, And with thy perfumed breath a balm impart ; And oh ! with rapture deep, I feel Thee now. Touch to new life this feebly throbbing Heart. VI. For this — for this, I woo Thee, Spirit pure ! Would thoumight'st stay, nor e'er give place to Night ; Nay, — only briefly, I and Thee endure, And we shall change to scenes more fair and bright. 65 THE AUTUMN WIND. I. The Autumn Wind ! — it cometh ; — A sound of wakinG; fear ■ Is heard amongst the forest trees, "Wiiose robes, all dun and sear, It scatters for the pall of another dying year, II. AVoe, woe betrays its coming ; E'en in the misty air 'Tis felt, as when one feeleth The growing of Despair, AVhen all emprise hath failed puissant skill might dare. G6 LYRA SILURUM. III. 'Tis the pang to fair Creation, That Death oft sends before, To wound the heart, nigh broken, E'en to its inmost core, — Then leave it pause to feel but one convulsion more. IV, Oh ! the Autumn Wind makes havoc In many a Lady's bower, For it withers all the loveliness Of the last, loved, lingering flower, She hoped miglit bloom to gild her darkest, loneliest hour. V. The Fair one looks with sorrow On the leaves that round her lie, And thus she muses in her heart. As tear-drops dim her eye ; 'AH beauty's but a fraud, and life is vanity.' THE AUTUMN WIND. G< VI. Oh ! the Autumn Wind ! it pierceth Through every nook and cleft, And sings a mock-dirge for the wreck, Its voice will soon have left To sounds of truest grief, from earth of joy bereft. VII. The song-birds of the valley Have heard its whining tone, And all are mute, save where, perchance, Some sad one sings alone. As mourners oft repeat loved strains of hours long gone. VIII. Ah ! the Autumn Wind ! who lovetb To hear its omen-breath 1 Bearer of dark forebodings ; — Harbinger of death, Before Avhose aspect keen all Nature withereth. 08 LYRA SILURUM. IX. It teileth of a Winter That Cometh o'er us all : — 'Tis wise to listen to its voice, Thousrh it be stern withal For like the scattered leaves we all at length must fall. G9 THE LINGEKING SWALLOW. I. October's cold, and cloudy skies Have warned thy kindred ail a-vray : — Lone Bird, depart, — v.diy friendless sta)'. While more congenial climates they Have sought with instinct wise "? II. With them, throughout the Summer long, Thou hast enjoyed the sunshine hright ; With them, on pinion sv/ift as light. High in mid air hast charmed our sight. And poured thy A^aried song. 70 LYRA SILURUM, III. No further joy thou here canst find ; Already Winter's frown is seen O'ershadowins; the fading srreen. And darkening each beloved scene, Why hnsjer thus behind 1 4/ o IV. Oh ! wilt thou here abide to tell Thy gratitude for pleasures past, -Content thy venturous lot to cast On Cloud, and Wind, and Storm, and Blast, Where Thou hast loved to dwell 1 V. YesL, I divine the answer why Thou would'st not leave thine Albion-home, Again o'er distant climes to roam. Assured thou ne'er again might'st come To hail thy native sky. THE LINGERING SWALLOW. 71 VI. True patriot-like Thou hast preferred To let thy buoyant comrades go, (Forev/arned of Tempest, Frost and Snow) Where still the clieerino; Sunbeam.s glow. And die, unseen, unheard. VIL Thou dost remember still the Eave, From whence Thou first, on timorous v/ing, Did'st, like some fond, and trusting thing, Free to the air thy fortune fling, As we our Home did leave. VIII. From toil and change come back once more, Life's gone-by scenes all crowd around, And in their Memorj'" thou hast found A spell that Love's last hope has bound With that dear Home of yore. F 72 LYRA SILURUM. IX. Well done, devoted Bird ; — thus I, Eeturning from the world's wide maze. Like thee, AT home would end my days ;- Pour forth my last deep song of praise, Lay down my head and die. 73 GOOD NIGHT. 1. Good Night — we travel a lonely way, No voice delights with its joyous song, For short, as yet, is the dim Spring day. And the starless hours are dark and long : Wo hail but few of mankind, we know, And some would avoid as human blight ; — Jjet's pass with a prayer that all may grow Better and better for Heaven, — Good night ! I- LYRA SILURUM. II. We met in the flowery Summer feast, Like Paradise-birds commingling glee ; — We part, but in trust, with hopes increased, Of glory and honour in days to be ; Oh ! thus, through the world's inconstant course. May hearts in the power of Truth unite ; While Evening shadows bring no remorse. Beclouding the Soul's last beams, — Good night ! in. Sweet FiTiits, in our home of Manhood's Love, Rich Autumn has spread, — what Wealth is ours ! Bright gems from the Sjiirit-mines above, Rare buds, from the Amaranthine bowers ; — How they shall hereafter shine, we know, For a voice from the echoing spheres we've heard, Safely the curtains of rest now draw ; Good night ! — 'tis the dearest parting word 1 GOOD NIGHT. 73 IV. Old Age pursues us to Winter's tent, The thick snoivs rest on the mountain's brow, The sun is eclipsed in Life's firmament, And Moon and Stars have ceased to gloAV ; The air is dark, and each voice is dumb, And Death forbiddeth a longer stay ; From the gloomy vale the Grave cries '•' come !" — ■ (lood night ! — we go on a lonely way ! @:S^3^@i^^5'^ u PAST AND FUTURK I. I THOUGHT upon the Past ; A few short Years ago, And scarcely with Time's wonted haste. Those Years had seem'd to flow ; For fraught v.dth many a painful scene, Each slowly-fading Year had been. II. Though brief our days we deem, And rightly deem them so ; PAST AND FUTURE. 77 How oft a tedious length they seem, When chronicled in Woe ! Malign events their work have done, And what avails 1 — those Years are gone i III. Are gone 1 — it cannot be, For, since surcharged with ill. They marked Life's path with misery, " Though past, they haunt us still !" And if we, trembling, dare look back, What Blackness covers all the track. IV. Oh ! could we now forget Whate'er the Past hath been ; And every thought prospective set, Upon the far Unseen : — Oh ! that some secret voice might tell. Where shall the deathless Spirit dwell ! 78 LYRA SILURUfiL V. The Bird that wings away, Some fliirer dime to find ; Xe'er jwises mid th' serial way To cast one look behind ; — But onward darts her stedfast flighty Til] on the wished-for Land she light. VI. Thus onwcird let me press, And Memory's witching pow'r Awhile withstand, should anght distress- Each heart-accusing hour ; Forget the Past ; and, once at Home, Kemembrance shall not fear to roam. 79 THE WIND. I. I FEAR thee, dreadful Wind ! For tliou dost make, All Elements combined, Before thee quake. That shriek of furious, frantic tone. Was not thine own fierce voice alone : — Hast thou not in thy Avanderings swept, Of bellowing hosts, the Thunder's lair. And hurled them forth where silence slept. Like maddened demons of despair 1 so LYRA SILURUM. 11. Tliou comest from the sea, Whose caves gave vent To horrid groans, to be In fury rent : — The voice of human helplessness, All vainly striving in distress, Far o'er the desert coast was borne By thy loud laugh, that from the wave Tore the last sound of Life with scorn, And mocked the struggling Brave. III. Over the battle plain Thy troops have sped. And heard the dirge of pain That wailed the dead. Where Earthquakes harrowed up the scene, Thou, too, perchance, hast lately been, And, as thy winged chariot passed, The ruined echoes, as they died, Afresh were tortured on the blast, And, howling, harnessed to thy side. THE WIND. 81 rv. Again thou shak'st the sky ! The trembling ground Gives back the awful cry That bursts around. The firmament, bewildered through, With dread, reverberates anew ; Here lacerated clouds, dashed down, Deepen the dire, tempestuous roar ; Rocks, from the Mountains crest are throAvn, And broken torrents wail the more. V. A momentary pause. Fresh force to win, — As from expanding jaws, Now, hark ! the din Breaks forth, with unexampled rage, As when in warfare, fiends engage ! — But there is One thy power can bind ; Then urge along thy wild career ; He shall restrain Thee, dreadful Wind ■ And 'mid thy wreck we cease to fear. 82 BY THE SEA. I. T WANDERED, musing, by the Sea, Where, foaming in their pride, The myriad waves, tumultuously, Rode on the rushing tide, II. Like some strong, fierce, assailing Host, They lashed the rugged shore. Till, all around, the caverned coast Echoed the mingled roar. BY THE SEA. 8^^ III. I marked tlie Lillowy mass retire From rock, and level sand, And, far in Ocean's depths exjiire, Like an exhausted Band. IV. Tlien came to nie a teaching Yoice I had not heard before ; That bade Humanity rejoice ; In the Soul's evermore. V. It was the voice of dying Avaves, Poured in exultant strain,- — "Though Ocean's depths are made ottr guaves, We sink, to rise again.'' VI. Thus Nature will accordant be. With the Great Spirit's word. In every glorious view we see. In every sound that's heard. Bi LYRA SILURUM. VII. 'Twas not alone that spot I sought,— Friends of my Boyhood's years, To cheer the scene aihirements bi ought, And gathered smiles 'mid tears. VIII. And Hearts were there, by nearer ties Than Friendship's, bound in one. Who felt 'mid Nature's ecstacies, How much of Love they won. XI. Assembled there for one brief hour Of gladness, — then to part ; — A cloud of sorrow well might lour, And darken every heart. X. For it will be that never more, In time, our hapjiy Band Shall meet again upon that shore, And press fond hand with hand. BY THE SEA, S5 XI. Oh ! then, how welcome was the thought, The vocal ebbing Tide, To each desponding bosom brought. And balm of Life supplied. XII. Of Love's reunion here we met Another guarantee ; — And faith, and Hope, will ne'er forget That lesson by the Sea ! 86 SONG OF THE DYING GIRL. I. There are Snowdrops in the Valley, And they look so purely white, x\s tliough they were embodied rays Of Heaven's untainted lidit ; And to me they seem to whisper, When Earth's murmuring voice grows still, •* Though Winter's lingering gloomily, " Spring is coming, — come it will." SONG OF THE DYING GIRL. 87 n. The Chaffinch, from the Hawthorn, Pours his fluent song at noon, And he sings, with exultation, That Spring is coming soon ; But though the Flowers are blooming, And the Bird sings on the tree, And they tell that Spring is coming ; It will come not here to Me, III. "■• Oh ! hut whiter than the Snowdrops Are the Eobes that I shall wear, When friends above my sepulchre. Shall strew the flow'rets fair ; And sweeter than Earth's warblers, Is the Song that I shall sing. In the Land where Winter comes not, Where is everlasting Spring !" G 88 LYRA SILTJRUM. THE LOST VOICE. I. I LOVE the merry Spring-time, with its Flowers aiiJ budding Trees, And the Meadows clothed afresh in shining green. The warbling of the Song-birds, and low murmuring ot the Bees, And the Sunlight shedding glory o'er the scene ; — Then the Streamlets as they flow, Have a music none can know. Save the Heart in which Melody upsprings, Kejoicing, e'en alone, In every thrilling tone. Which Nature all enchantincr ever sin^s : — ■ Oh ! the Seasons as they roll; Bring gladness to my soul, And none can seek for Happiness in vain ; But still I needs must own, Oftentimes I sigh and moan. For a Voice I shall never hear amiin. THE LOST VOICE. 89 II. I hail the glorious Summer, in the radiant dewy morn, — Coming Earthward like an Angel from the sky, When o'er the -eastern mountain, on the crimson dawn-light borne, I see her all so glorious gliding by ; When, in quiet, sultry noon, E'en the zephyrs seem to swoon. Faint with luxuries they gathered ©n the way ; Till at Evening-tide they rise, All revived to fill the skies, With a fragrance Night thus borrows from the day ;— Oh ! the Seasons as they roll, Bring gladness to my soul, And none can seek for Hiippiness in vain ; But still I needs must own, Oftentimes I sigh and moan, For a Voice I shall never hear again. 90 LYRA SILUPtUM. III. I pme the yellow Autumn, when the labouring hand can find A reward for all its toil, and care resign ; The Earth, in rich abundance, yielding fruit of every kind, Making glad the heart of man with Corn and Wine ; Then, at softly fading day, The Moon assumes her sway, Like a Goddess o'er th' emblazoned Nij'ht she reigns, While the Ocean, calm and deep, Neath her sceptre lies asleep, And the Storm-fiend is bound in silver chains; Oh ! the Seasons as they roll, Bring gladness to my soul, And none can seek for Haj^piness in vain ; But still I needs must own, Oftentimes I sigh and moan, Tor a Voice I shall never hear again. THE LOST VOICE. 91 IV. I revel in the Yrinter, when all gentle things take rest, And the mighty ones come forth, a giant band, Tlic air with tempests filling, and Earth's ice-enamelled breast, Trying cold beneath the wild Destroyer's hand ; — There is Hope, amidst it all. Dark soe'er the gloom may fall, In the snow-flakes around our pathway shed, That still a promise gives. Of something Fair that lives, And that j^et shall be raised from the dead ; — Oh ! the Seasons as they roll. Bring gladness to my soul. And none can seek for Happiness in vain ; But still I needs must own. Oftentimes I sigh and moan, For a Voice I shall never hear again. 92 LYRA SILURUM. MOSS. I. I saw some Mass upon a stone, How lovely was the sight I Azure and gold, from Heaven sent down. Commingled, in its green garb shone, Spangled with silver bright 1 II. I knew it had a Voice for me, I listened to its speech ; — For every living thing we see, Of what was, is, or yet may be, Can something useful teach. III. It whispered, and some echoes low. Of what the Teacher told. Are lingering in my Memory now, I would that all the World might know, The lessons they unfold. MOSS. 93 IV. " I dwell upon the rugged stone," The Monitor thus said, " Yet come, with voice of loudest tone. The first to tell, though Summer's gone, '* That Nature is not dead. V. -' The God who gave me here a place, " Thus oft to mortal view, " Great and immortal Truths displays, ■" Would high-born Man stoop down to gaze, " And gain instruction new. VI. " Behold the Oak with roots wide spread, " A large domain has he ! " Not less, though hut with dew-drops fed ; ^' And the rock's surface for my bed, " Contentment comes to Me. Oi LYRA SILURUM. VII. " Not Lands, nor Titles, Wealth, nor Tlirones. Can Happiness impart ; — "And they who deem that Heaven frowns " On Him v^'ho here but little owns, " Are ignorant in Heart. vm. "Much more thou needest not to know ; " The noblest Truths are those : — " There's no condition here below, " That may not greatly conquer woe, " Till hushed in Death's repose. IX, " And then, there is beyond the Tomb, " A Life divinely new, " In which, escaped Death's second doom, " Shall flourish, in immortal bloom, "The Great, the Good, the True !" 95 THE HOLLY. I. Haug the Holly on the wall, The blight and shining Holly ! Where the shadow else might fall Of "ftdntry Alelancholy ; There its green spears high display, Girt with many a scarlet ball, That all gloom shall keep away ; — Hang the Holly on the wall. 96 LYRA SILURUM. II. Hang the Holly on the wall, Brought from the Forest's side, Where the tempests have made fall All the leaves and fruits beside ; — Save the Mistletoe so coy, That must mingle with the Holly ; And still welcome kissing Joy; Where Mirth refuses Folly. III. Hang the Holly on the wall, Eound the portraits of old Friends, Who are gone away from all The Joy the season lends : They are happier now than we, And the green bough shall recall. Dear scenes of loving pleasantry, Hang the Holly on the wall. THE HOLLY. 97 IV. Do we love to look behind, And Life's experience tell ; Oh ! the Holly will remind Of the rough, and smooth as well ; Of the Future in pursuit. Would we give fond Fancy scope, Lo ! the scarlet Holly fruit. Is the Harvest-pledge of Hope. V. Hang the Holly on the wall, In our quiet English home. Where Discord's savage brawl Shall never, never come : Castle, Mansion, Cottage, too, Let it ornament them all ; Tis of Peace a symbol true : — Hang the Holly on the wall. 08 LYRA SILURUM. VI. Hang the Holly on the wall ; Deck the Palace of our Queen ; Loyal Britons ! Patriots all ! Let your hearths reflect the green ; In its form a Sign we see, — No evil shall befal Our Fatherland of Liberty ! — Hang the Holly on the wall. 99 THE WITHERED EOSE. I. I CLASP the Flowret to my breast, Although its kistre all be gone, The withered, dry leaves here shall rest, And ill rich Perfume, still li^'e on ; — It seems as though it breathed of Tliee, And spoke of all thy virtues rare, Assisting grateful Memory, The odour of thy Name to bear. II. In vain they tell me Thou art dead ; — The fragrance of thy living Love Is poured, like dew, upon my head, From thy new Paradise above ; And, evermore, like this wan Flower, Thy Spirit's sweetness shall retain The power to charm, till Life's last hour Unite our severed Hearts again. 100 LYRA SILURUM. ABUNDANCE AND PEACE. I. ''Lift up your eyes" — behold abroad Perfection in ripe beauty shine, Earth's heaving heart expands to God, With offerings full, and gifts divine. 11. What matchless wealth did heaven bestow In the bright Sun's ne'er failing beams, And Clouds, that wandered to and fro, Kained richness gathered from the streams. III. And Moon and Stars, when Night brought round Soft Silence to becalm the World, With charms mysterious blest the ground, And Flowers and Fruits with dews impearled. ABUNDANCE AND PEACE. 101 IV. Like guardian Angels, who, in change, Watch o'er us while we wake or sleep ; These quickening powers o'er Nature's range, Their ceaseless guard alternate keep. V. Thus, as the oracle foretold, The Seasons fail not ; — soon, once more, Wealth, richer than Australian gold. The Labourer's hands shall lay in store, VI. For lo ! throughout our Father-land, The fertile fields, by hill and plain, Wave, beckoning to the Eeaper's hand, All gleaming with the golden Gi-ain. VII. Wash out, Oh God ! the stain of War ! And make Mankind henceforth increase In holy Love ; — the Sword abhor, — Abundance shall be ours, — and Peace ! — 102 LYEA SILURUM, THE HARVEST MOON. I. Again wc hail Thee, — Eegal One ! With soul-entranced delight, Scaling the cloudless vault of Night To thy cerulean throne ; Go up, and o'er the World below, Diffuse thy heart-enlivening glow. II. Calm is thy face, while strife has riven The Globe on which we dv,'ell, Softly rebuking, Thou dost tell There is no War in Heaven ; — Alas ! that we so often need Such lessons, which in vain wc read. THE HARVEST MOON. 103 Til. The keen Sword may exert its rage,— The Ploughshare and the Hoe Have done their good work long ago ; The Hook and Scythe let us engage, And bloodless marks from them are seen, On stubble brown, and pasture gieen. IV. The hand of Toil is busy now. The Earth's fruits gathering in, And, as the sunny hours begin To shorten, Thou, of amber brow, Art welcome, with thy cheering ray, To lengthen out the precious day J V. There's plenty for the People spread Over the fertile Earth ; The Poor shall have their labour- worth, And hungry souls be fed ; H 104 LYRA SILURUM. Thanks be to Him who gave the light Of Sun by Day, and Moon by Night. VI, Whilst Tliou art lighting up the dome Of the resplendent sky. We'll load with grain the Wagon high. And shout the Harvest Home : Hoping, in God's last gathering morn. We shall be found among the Corn, Qj^^^^^LP 105 GATHER IN THE WHEAT. I. Gather in the Wheat ! — The ripe and precious grain ; 'Tis the waving wealth of Heaven, Man's heart to strengthen given ; He who poured the fruitful rain, Gave the life-increasing heat, And the balmy airs that bring Rich perfection on the wing ; — Gather in the Avheat J ^06, LYRAi SILURUM, II. Gratlier in tbe Wheat I The Harvest-time is come,. Sons of toil, in willing bands, Take the sickle in your hands ;— Who, like giants, ne'er succumb- To the sweltering Autumn heat, When work is to be done ; Give your brow-drops to the suis, Gather in the Wheat !' III. Gather in the Wheat ! Bind up th' abundant sheaves ; Maidens, make the welkin ring, ■Wliile with merry hearts you sing, And with Joy each bosom heaves^ As when Love bounds to your feet ; For the Wedding time is nigh, \\nien the Corn shall Cake supply, Gather in the Wheat ! •GATHER IN THE WHEAT. 10^ IV. Gather in the Wheat ! Pile the garnished Wagon high, While triumphant shouting swells, With the horses' tinkling Bells, To tell of Labour's victory, O'er bloodless fields complete ; — Shout again ! how blest the spoil Thus secured by honest Toil, Oather in the Wheat ' V. Oather in the Wheat ! O'er Britain's tranquil Isle ; — Holy men proclaimed of yore. Time should be when War no more Should the Homes of Love defile, And the reign of Peace defeat ; — Let us hope the day is come, Hail I the joyous Harvest-h^me, Gather in the Wheat.' 108 LYRA SILURUJr. YI, CSather uii tbe Wheat ! Aad we'll ne'er forget the Time^ When the World's wide ripened Field, Shall from Death its Harvest yield, And the sifted tares of Crime, With the Corn no more shall meet ; For the waiting Angel-JDand, Then shall hear their Lord's commanil. Gather in the Wheat I @^5^@^-^5)^f®2^^^^^. 109 •'HARVEST HOME." I. " Harvest Home !" — From every Valley, iShall the thankful Song arise ; — Let the Hills in concert rally, With their chorus fill the skies ! The Fields late clothed in beauty, Of their Treasures have been swept, Strong hands have done their duty, And the Promise still is kept ; — Whether War prevail, or Peace, Harvest-time shall never cease. no LYRA SILURUM. II. Oh ! Britain ! liappy Nation ! Plenty clothes our fertile Land ; Strains of thiilling exultation Swell o'er river, dale, and strand ;; Our Commerce o'er the Ocean Richly teems, from shore to shore ; — Oh ! that, grateful with emotion, We may flourish all the more, And our Harvests, glory-crowned. Through the circling years abound. III. Throughout revolving ages, What Harvests have been ours ! — Let History's glowing pages. Reveal the precious stores ; — " Harvest Home !" — the strain was shouted,. Of Conquest, days gone by ; — ■ IC HARVEST HOME." Ill Of Freedom, never routed, — Of Faith that could not die, Precious Faith ! that still abides, And in Ahnichtiness confides. IV, Now Liberty is growing, Over the World, broadcast, Tlie moral sky is glowing With a Sun that ripens fast ; — As in the realm of Nature, Maturity must come ; And Souls to their Creator Shall shout the "Harvest Home !" Garnered safe from choking tarps. For his arm the Reaper bares. 112 LYRA SILURUM. V. Freed Conscience, nothing fearing, Then the seeds of Life shall sow, Whose Fruit, love-like appearing, To matchless prime shall grow ; And, louder far resounding Thau cheers for gathered grain, From Land to Land rebounding, Shall soar th' ecstatic strain, FilHng all th' Etherial dome, " PLxr vest Home !" — God's "Harvest Home I" 113 SPRING NOTES. I. Sing, Brother, sing, for the green-robed Spring, That decketh the Earth with flowers, Sing, for the soul-soothing zephyrs that bring. To gladden the lengthening hours. Odorous airs, like the incense of Love, Exhaled from her altar enshrined above. II. Weep ! ah ! weep, for the Lilies die, The drooping forms at first they bore, And the snow-like raiment which they wore, Spake of their fragile history ; Weep, for the breeze of the Morning dies, Wailing at Night, when no voice replies. lU LYRA SILURUM. III. Sing ! for the Birds, from, far away, Have come with their music, joyous and loud ; Filling the skies with a passionate lay, Upward re-echoing from cloud to cloud, Till the strain ascends o'er the crystal Avail Of the Land where Concord is all in all ! IV. Weep ! ah ! weep, for the Birds take wing, Silent they leave us to muse and sigh, In the Halls of haunted Memory, That still with their raptures ring, — But ever the circling tones grow less. Oh ! the Heart-withering loneliness ! V. Sing, for the up-springing gleaming Wheat, And the budding Vine in its towering pride ; — The Bread of abundance we'll gratefully eat. And drink of the cheery ruby tide ; And Sorrow, and Sadness shall pass away, Like the latest ill of the World's last day. SPRING NOTES. Hi) VI. Weep .' ah ! weep, for tlie Corn and Wine, Shall perish alike in the darkened, day ; — The hand that giveth can take away, Death is but part of a grand design ; Temper your Mirth with a mournful strain, The Upas tree spreads in the midst of Life's plain ; VII. Sing ! for the Lilies shall bloom once more, And Fragrance return in the south wind's track Earth's Music yet to the skies shall soar. The Corn, and the Wine shall again come back ; Sing ! for the Spring unto you and me, Foretelleth a glorious Destiny ! 116 LYRA SILUPaiM. '' CONSIDER THE LILIES." I. The Lilies are coming again, Like an army with spears they arise, From the caverns of Death's dark domain, With glory to gladden our eyes ; Theii- leaves like broad banners shall spread, Their silver crests gleam o'er the gloom, Where only, eternally dead. The Faithless, and False we entomb ; — Oh ! self-elate Dreamers look forth, And learn, from this host of the plain, HoAv Nature revives all of Avorth, The Lilies are coming again. II. To the ear of fond Fancy a sound. Of joy-spreading harmony, tells Of music that ever was found In the Lily-trooj)'s cluster of bells ; — "CONSIDER THE LILIES." 117 When the early Avinged zephyrs float by, Their Matins of worship to wake, In echoes ascending on high, Where the sky-choirs melody make ; — Or at Eve from the sun-scattered cloud, Descend the mixed song-drops of rain, Earth's raptures grow loud, and more loud ; — The Lilies are coming again. III. A fragrance pervades the Avarm air. The dews in bright legions come down ; And, pleased with the mission, up-bear That Perfume to circle the throne Of Him, who, to make his love known. The Lily-name modestly bore, And a "sweet-smelling odour" is thrown Round the feet of the Saviour once more ;— Oh ! Earth hath some preciousness still, In spite of the curs6d Sin-stain, And Heaven with rich incense shall fill — The Lilies are coming again. 118 LYEA SILURUM. IV. But where shall Ave find in this World, A Lily-like host of Mankind, With Love-waving banners unfurled. For the triumph of Virtue combined ;— Eight, manfully striving with Wrong, Defending the Good and the True ; — And not the fierce gripe of the Strong, Essaying the Weak to subdue ; — God's Armies ha,ve now broken line, But scattered they shall not remain ; — They shall gather ! — He gives us the sign, The Lilies are coming again. 119 TO HESPER. Evening Star ! liail ! Evening Star ! Theme of Poets long since gone Beyond the space, where thou hasi shone From aye resplendent, far, — afar ! II. Olorious beams to Thee are given. Blazing on the twilight sky ;■ — But lesser Stars that gleam on high, Are nearer, nearer much to Heaven. III. Thus, amid the ^\^orld's full glare, Humbler intellect may shine. With a lustre more divine Than that on which the vulgar stare. IV. All is mystery, like Thee, And other orbs that distant burn ; — Or those that pass, and ne'er return From fathomlass immensity. I 120 LYRA SILURUM. V. What tliou art we cannot know, What we are we cannot tell ; — God, in all ineffable ! Made Thee, for our wonder, glow. IV. And, within the peering Soul, He lights up a deathless ray, That shall shine when fades away The splendour of thy glittering pole. VII. Evening Star ! Oh ! ne'er did Night Dim thy fair unclouded track ! — Earth may cast her shadows back. But they cannot reach thy height. VIII. Teach us of that blissful gaol, Unto which thy rays return, Whei-e, like Thee, shall blaze, and burn, The uncontaminated Soul. 121 WINTER'S EVE. I. I HEAR the voice of Winter, It Cometh with a roar ; — How it echoes in the chimney ; — How it brawls about the door, And at the window howls more fierce than e'er before. II. Autumnal leaves are falling, They cannot bide the scene, The Trees concentrate all their strength 1 u the roots beneath the green, .\ud hug the ground for safety from the wild blast, fierce, and keen. 122 LYRA SILTJRUM. III. So the Child, when danger threatens. To the Parent's breast returns, And hides its head securely. Near the Heart that o'er it yearns, And thence its cruel Enemy with firm assu- rance spurns. IV. As the Child, when danger's over. Rushes forth in joyous glee ; When wild Winter's storms are ended, We shall mark each verdant Tree Come forth, renewed in beauty, as it ever used to be, V. Then let the tyrant Season, Attack us as he may, Each has a place of shelter. In the dark and boisterous day, And we'll hope for brighter Spring-time, thon to sally forth, and play. winter's eve. VI, We are on the verge of Winter, Let the nuts crack round the fire, And the ripe fruits Autumn brought us. Our hearts with Joy inspire, While we talk about the Future, and the Bliss our souls desire. VII. There's a balm for every evil. Oh ! think not of the gloom ; — There's a nobler state hereafter, And the flowers of Life shall bloom, Above the very darkness of the else devour- ing Tomb. 124 LYRA SILURUM THE FROST. I. The Sun had gone down in the golden west ; The Winds in tlie wide azure vault were at rest : The Stars glitter d forth, with as pure a light. As Avhen they first gariiish'd the brow of Night. II. The Flowers were asleep, and the leaves lay still On the shrubs in the vale, — the Trees on the hill. And tliere, in the gloom of their ample shade, The song-birds of Summer their roost had made. THE FROST. 125 III. The Song-birds of Summer ; — all ! well they knew, By the brown of the Birch, and the Poplar's hue, That the season of rest, and repose had come. And there, for the Autumn, t]iey fixed their home. IV. 'Twas at that quiet time with his withering breath, The keen Frost came, on the snow-steed of Death ; — No signal was heard as he marched through the air : Oh ! he loveth the Silence of dark Despair ! V. He touch'd the young Buds that had waited to blow, Till they saw how the blossoms around them did grow; And he secretly laughed when he saw them all fade, As a Fiend may rejoice over Beauty decayed. VII. f)h ! mark you the warning, and never delay To show forth what Virtues you can while you may ; IvO ! Death may o'ertake you when least you may deem, And wither your brightest, be.«t Hopes while you dream. 126 LYRA SILURUM. VII. The Frost lie passed on, mid ere Morning's young da^vii. Its first faintest beam from Light's fountain had drawn : Every leaf had been bitten, and, whirling around^ At the Zephyr's first breath they all fell to the ground, vni. No matter, lo ! these were prepared for the deed i Ou their sepulchre this is the Moral you read — " If ripe for the Grave, come Death when he may^ We'll welcome the summons that bids us away." CAlr^Cr^ 127 THE THAW. I. As some ricLi si^lendour-loviiig Queen Throws off her robe of Eider-down, When Winter's withering storms have flown, And, with a joy-difFusing mien, Assimies a light-embroidered dress, To deck her growing LoveHuess ; So the Earth lays her garb aside, Of Heaven-bleached snow, and crystal ice, Ornate with forms of rare device, By Nature's faultless hands supplied ; And, robed in green, with choirs on wing, Goes forth to greet the Summer-king. 128 LYRA SILURUM. II. With joy she hears the mountain rill Go down with music to the sea ; And round her brow, luxuriantly, Twines gold-eyed flowers in dale and hill, And, with a Love-inspiring voice. Bids every human Heart rejoice ! Well pleased, we hear th' inviting strain. And bless th' awakening PoAver of God ! AVho makes the late encumbered sod. In Life, and Beauty bloom again ; — To Commerce, opens Labour's door. And gives the means to gather store. THE THAW. 129 III. The Season past, that makes us know Dependence upon one another, When Charity beholds her Brother Honesty, in want laid low, And lifts him up, — now see him speed, With Industry to bless the deed : — 'Tis thus, in Britain's loving realm. Her hardy Sons know how to bear Their trials, and together sliare Those ills which never shall o'erwhelm The Nation, who can bide, and do, Whatever Heaven appoints them to. 130 LYKA SILURUM. STANZAS, IFrittm