CVV\\\\\X\.V\\v\VV\\\V\\\.V.\\V.\\\\\\\> iiiiiii' w '\ 'iVi 1 1 1 I I iiiiiiii 'riTi iiBiWiiiilii 1 ^Si^ I. THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 1 Si- tV.-; i'r'iVl mm .*> *-■•■■■ ■-7 -■■•, ,— - SUNSHINE AND SHADOW tmmt BY C. A. M'NAUGcHTON §^rtsifmcts 1885 GEORGE ROBERTSON AND COMPANY MELBOURxME, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE, AND BRISBANE 1885 PR ml I INSCRIBE THIS BOOK TO 1*1 ij l^lattij ^inb |Jv*ietti»s, WHO In Deepest SHADOW, as in SUNSHINE Bright, HAVE FAITHFUL BEEN TO ME. CATHARINE ANNIE M'NAUGHTON. Willow Bank, Adbotsford, Christmas, 1885. 1703S69 PREFACE. e^. ^'A V'.n'jvs IND reader, after much hesitation, and in compliance Avith many friendly requests, I venture to place before you this small *Vr£^)p^^ volume of my writings. Its merits (if ^ Vt^ ^i^y) I leave to your judgment. Wishing you the Season's compliments, I ask thee kindly take my simple lays, (Remember I court not a " Poet's Bays "), And in my scraps of simple rhyme I bring In lines of love, affection — that I sing. Chords inharmonic you will plainly see, Expect to find no perfect harmony. I know to some who read the lines I pen Will come a dream of other days again ; To some will come remembrance of a time When life to them was like a " marriage chime." To some my lay will bring a mournful spell, 'Twill tell of loved ones gone, of death's sad knell. ('Twill tell of faces missed, of voices still). Yet faith will whisper, " 'Twas Our Father's will." PREFACE. Somewhere a line of harmless mirth will show That mirthful moment did the line bestow : With Christmas and with Neio Year's greetings see Sunshine and Shadow blend for thee and me. One thing suggests itself before I close, Please gently deal with either rhyme or prose. C O N T E N T S. PARE Christmas ... ... ... ... ■•• 13 God Bless Those who MorRX To-day ... ... 15 Tempus Fugit ... ... ••■ ••• 16 A Peaceful Conscience ... ... ... •■• 18 Nature ... ... ... ••. • ■•• 19 Valedictory •-. • • 20 Earth's Things Fade and Change and Die ... 21 Charity ... ... ... ••■ •■ 24 Watch and Pr.\y ... ... ... ... 26 Loving Words ... ... ... .. ... 27 Lines ... ... ••• ••■ ••■ •■• 27 What Is, is Best... ... ... .. ... 28 A Voice from the Balcony ... .. 31 Song— Always with Thee (for music) .. ... 33 ,, I think it would be Yes (for mu.sic) ... 35 An " OwER True Tale " ... ... ... ... 37 A Word to Mothers ... ... ... 40 The Last Journey ... •■■ 42 Lines ... ... ... ••■ ••• ••• 42 43 ,, To , 18th July, 1883 ... ... ... ... 44 Magna est Veritas et Praevalebit ... .. 45 Mio Amico ! Ben' ti V^oglio ... ... 46 10 CONTENTS. PAGE 48 50 The Two Ways ... Life's Thorns AND Flowers LixES— If You would Choice Flowers Grow ... 53 A Bridal Acro.stic ... . . ... 53 Day-dreams ... ... ... ... 54 Farewell— To the Rev. J. H. Mullens ... ... 60 Lines on Flowers ... ... ... 62 Acrostic— Collingwood Flower Show ... ... 64 A Sketch... ... ... ... 65 Song es Acro.stic— Charles Dickens ... ... ... 69 To , on Her Birthday, 10th March ... ... 70 I Will Bury My Sorrow ... ... ... 72 What Shall it Be? ... ... ... ... 74 I Could Not, though I Tried, Forget ... ... 76 Lines— To my Husband ox His Birthday ... ... 77 A Wish— To ... ... ... ... ... 75 Song ... ... ... ... 79 Gossips ... ... .. ... ... .. so Time— Past, Present, and To Come ... ... 82 LixEs ... ... ... ... .. . 84 New Yeab, Thoughts ... ... ... ... 85 Acrostic— Marriage ... ... ... ... 87 My Love (a Valentine) ... ... ... ... 88 Why Was It? ... ... ... „. 90 Lines— Hark ! What is That ? ... ... ... 91 To Mrs. Saddler, on Her Golden Wedding Day ... 93 Bridal Acrostic (and Wish) ix the Laxguage of Flowers ... ... ... ... ... 9,5 Acrostic— Christie's Old Orgax ; or, Home, Sweet Home ... ... ... ... ... 96 LixES— I WILL Go TO Thy Grave ... ... ... 98 Scraps of Thought ... ... ... ... lOO CONTENTS. 11 Acrostics - In Memoriam — Hox. R. S. Anderson ... Thomas Haynes, C.E. ... Andrew C. Livingstone, M.D. . Leonard Terry Right Hon. G. S. Nottage In Memoriam — Died 18th December, 1882 In Memoriam The Reason Why... Je.ssica's Soliloquy Acrostic — Jessica's First Prayer True Pleasure Birthday Lines — To .. I Sit Alone in the Twilight I Like a Man to Know His Prop Sympathy A Birthday Acrostic To Memory A Bridal Acrostic — To E. T. We'll Surely "Bide a Wee" Love's Greatest Spell I Never Forget It ... ER Place I'AdK 102 103 104 10.5 lOG 107 108 109 113 116 117 118 119 122 123 125 126 128 129 131 132 SACRED READINGS. Psalm iv. 17 135 Lines 136 "Come unto Me"... 137 Lines 137 St. John xv. 4 138 Psalm xxxii. 3; Prov. iii. 6 139 "Cast Your Care upon Him" 140 Lines 142 12 CONTENTS. To , 13th September, 1S83 My Portiom Rev. iii. 19 Paraphrase on The Lord's Prayer A Christmas Soliloquy Lines— Death ,, Life »> Stanzas ... Patience ... PAGE 143 144 145 146 149 151 152 154 155 158 CHILDREN'S PAGES. Chrlstmas Wishes |: 161 The Juvenile Industrial Exhibition 162 The Gift or all God's Earthly Gifts TTiiTF, Best 164 My Treasure 1 166 Acrostic— Confirmation ... /■ 168 A Simple Word ... / 169 Lines, Given with a Silver Watch 170 A Fable ... 173 Stanza 176 Our Alick 178 •An Enigma 180 Friends ... 180 Advice 181 New Year Card Couplets 183 Lines 184 Scraps and Couplets 185 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW. CHRISTMAS ! TTTk'HAT sweet memories — what tender recol- vA vA u//. I lections of long years gone by — are borne to us again in that sweet, peaceful word, Christmas ! How many of us who have passed the glad springtime of youth can in thought go back to our childhood's happy home — can again see there the father, mother, sisters, and brothers, with others whom we loved — meet in that dear old place to celebrate together the happy, festive Christmas-tide ! Once more can we listen to the well- remembered voices, with their genuinely heart-felt congratulations, that were full of deep affection — once more feel the pure influence of that holy time — once more partake of the innocent pleasures with which that time was associated — can remember the fun under the mistletoe, the noisy mirth-making games, the true delight with which we drew the treasures from the Christmas tree, hear the shouts of laughter caused by grandmother 14 CHRISTMAS. drawing father's slippers, father grandmother's dress cap, and one who was to Ije a future uncle a pair of baby's knitted socks : at Aunt Mary's drawing a cigar case, (fee, (fee. We were only children then, and our pleasure was not silent or our laughter subdued ; we knew nothing of etiquette or manners, unless those which were taught us by purest affection, and the dear ones to whom we belonged were too well pleased with .our enjoyment to unnecessarily restx'ain our mirth. But — there . We can, alas ! only review those dear days in memoiy ; yet, whilst memory lives, such old kindred associations can never be forgotten. 15 GOD BLESS THOSE WHO MOURN TO-DAY ! Written on the occasion of the great disaster in a mine at Creswick. N^;^5 T this joyous, festive time, W.M^ Vi While we list to hells' gay chime, ^■^^^~ While the clear ones by oui* side \/^=-^>>c. Thoughts aftectionate confide, ^^^^ While we see our loved ones stand Clasping each the other's hand, All at home — safe in the nest — With no grief us to molest, We for sad ones thus do pray : God bless those who mourn to-day ! Whilst we whisper this our prayer, Straying are our thoughts to where Mothers with their children mourn For their loved ones who are gone. Oh ! what grief is theirs ! — what woe ! — We can neither think nor know ; But we pray that God may bless Each and all in their distress, And our words are, wlien we pi'ay : God bless those who mourn to-day ! Christmas, 1882. 16 TEMPUS FUGIT. ^f^[ IME is swiftly passing onward — Year by year rolls fast away ; Joyous bells will soon be telling With their peals 'tis New Year's Day. Let us rouse, then — let us onward ! Plenty we will find to do In the year that is beginning, If we but the right pursue. Be our station high or lowly. Duties new each day will bring ; Let us see them when they greet us, Ere they pass on Time's fleet wing. If we look around about us, Tears we'll find to wipe away, Smitten hopes that we can brighten, Hearts to cheer with friendship's ray. TEMP us FUG IT. 17 Let us start tlie year with boldness For to do " our Master's will, " And at all times wrong evading, With His aid the right fulfil. Let us labour nobly onward, Be our duties what they may ; Meanest work, done with heart's service, Will the worker well repay. With the old year that is closing, All vexations, cares, and strife We bid good-bye ; and thus begin Again another page of life. " " ^ P/^^ 18 A PEACEFUL CONSCIENCE. ■j/'m hat are position, riches, fame, or name, /■, I # Y //■-. Without we have tliat which is best of W^ all- \>^\ •C'^ -^ peaceful conscience ? . . . r^ Can alight for lack of virtue compensate i Can pure enjoyment come if we but take The wealth of <£ s. d., or titled name. To gain us hapj^iness 1 And though our fame Be widely spread, if we do not possess Riches within, to cheer us and to bless, What is that fame 1 To us it is but nought — 'Tis but a myth. But if pure, honest thought And virtuous feelings live within our mind ; If we, in leisure hours, by self, can find True happiness in thinking of past years — Though oft those thoughts may bring affection's tears — More blest are we, and richer far our lot. Than he who wishes past could be forgot, Though he has titled name or wealth untold. Yet wanting that more precious far than gold — A peaceful conscience. 19 NATURE ! OW blest is he whose greatest joy is found i yr^ 't In Nature's works ! Ahove him, or around, ^p, Ci^ He sees the Mighty Hand — creative power — ^^>^ That placed each star, that formed each tree T or flower. That sent the ocean bounding on its way, That made the night for rest, for toil the day. He watches active ant or busy bee, The bird that builds its nest in some green tree. And, watching them, he oft will ponder how God taught those things to work, made plants to grow — Made sun to rule the day, the moon at night To spread on earth its mild eftulgent light — Will view the valley and the I'ising hill. And, pausing, think how vastly deep the skill Of Him who planned it all : One Mighty God ! 1^^ 20 VALEDICTORY, 1885. LD YEAR, good-bye ! your pages are revealed : The twelve months, which were yours, are .""c^^u/ past and sealed : m I'Tr- Old Father Time has had another score J Since we our farewell said to Eighty-four. And now, to us, there comes another year ; Twelve vacant pages see with it appear ! And we must each and all assistance give Those pages blank to fill. So may we live. That by our ways and deeds, recorded there, No needless blot may stain the pages fair. May we for others try to do our best (Man for his fellow man, with earnest zest. Do what he can) ; and may we, day by day, Have charity to aid us on our way, So that when we the faults of others see We may remember none can perfect be. As we wish others our own faults to view. With the same light may we see others' too. May health, peace, happiness, attend our way Till these twelve pages too have passed away ! May we be spared to see its appendix — The seal placed by Time's liand on Eighty-six ! 21 EARTH'S THIiS^GS FADE AND CHANGE AND DIE. EAR MOTHER,— I know all things earthly must fade — The flowers that live, both in sunshine and shade ; First bright beams of sunrise, that ope the fair day, With glorious sunsets, must too fade away. Ambition's fond hopes, they will quickly, I know, Fade fast into dimness, as we weaker grow ; And all things around us — the bright, fair, and gay — "Will, like those less lovely, fade, change, and decay. Likewise, we ourselves, darling Mother, must fade — Must pass from earth's sunshine to dwell in its shade — Must leave the gay scenes of bright Summer and Spring To enter life's Autumn. How soon on Time's wing Will Autumn be over ! — and Winter, at last, Make us wish that earth's storms and life's cares were past ; Oft, when frail and weakly, we wish it would bring The last touch of fading, ere breaks the glad Spring — The eternal bright Spring, the long, golden day, That will not, dear Mother, fade, change, or decay. \ 22 EARTH'S THINGS FADE AND CHANGE. Dear Mother, I know all things earthly must change — Things once familiar now seem strangely strange ; For loved ones are missed in our old house at home, Some resting for ever, othei's given to roam. Let me whisper, dear Mother, well you must know Another is changing — to fade, and to go : Your " Song Bird" — the pet name I once loved to hear — Will no longer be " song bird " while she is here ; The songs that I loved must be now put away, The voice of the singer must cease its glad lay ; Your singer is feeble, her voice it is weak, With hardly enough sti'ength sometimes for to speak. The rainbow first changes its lovely tints. Then fades into dimness, till at last it sinks Away out of sight — so, dear Mother, must I Change, fade out of sight ; but again, by-and-bye. The rainbow will shine — will display just as bright. Rare tints in its arched brow, on Heaven's blue height ; The flowers that faded away with last Spring- Will freshly, next season, again pei-fumes bring. Like painbow, and flowers, hereafter will be New season of life never ending for me. Dear Mother, I know all things earthly must die — Again in the dust all things earthly must lie ; That my poor, frail body, and yours, too, must pass Into the cold earth that is under the grass. I must leave the scenes where I once liked to be — - I must leave earth's loved ones — they, too, fade with me — EARTH'S THINGS FADE AND CHANGE. 23 For heaven's own bright glories that changeless are made — For things will not perish, for things will not fade. The flowers are fading, the leaves falling fast. And, when the winter is over and past, A form may be missed, a home-loved voice be gone, No more to cheer or to sadden with its song ; The singer herself will not then have the will To sing you the old songs, — her voice will be still. Grieve not, Mother dear; in the sweet " by-and-bye " You will see me again, in that blest home on high ; And, Mother, in Heaven, amid pure angel throng. Far sweeter and stronger will be your "bird's " song. Yes, Mother, I know we shall meet there again, In that bright home above, where no sickness and pain Will enter — where changes will come never more — On a changeless, unfading, undying shore. 24 CHARITY. Written to be read at an entertainment in aid of the Irish Relief Fund. EAR FRIENDS, to us it seemeth well That proudly we our deeds should tell — Should show result of what Ave've done To help the famine-stricken one — To aid Old Ireland (dear old land !) Whose brave sons well, with heart and hand, Have toil'd for nought — have sown in vain That which they could not reap again. And while we speak of what is sent, Let us thank God for blessings lent To us — for gifts so freely given By hand Divine from bounteous Heaven — That we were able to relieve Those sad ones in the depth of need — That we were able well to spare The needful, to remove their care. Thank God, so fi-eely from our store We sent away to Ireland's shore ! And not alone to Ireland's sons (In their distress, poor suffering ones) — To India first we lent our aid. Then China's cry came o'er the wave ; CHARITY. 25 To each we sent, and well we know But duty did in doing so. While means we send thus o'er the wave, The distant starving poor to save, Let us take heed not to forget Those whose eyes with tears are wet Amongst us here — whose children cry For bread the parents can't supply. Let us look well around and seek The pallid lip, the sunken cheek Of our own poor — and, when we find, Also to them be likewise kind ; That with a gentle, cheering word (From heart with pity warmly stirred) We will relieve their wants, and try To soothe the mind, to dry the eye Of weeping ones, who cry for bread (" Charity begins at home," 'tis said). Well know we there are even here. In this our favoured land so dear, Those whose thin cheeks might fattened be By crumbs from our large charity. So, while we work with heart and hand To help the poor in distant land — While gold and mercy, day by day, We send to others far away, We'll not forget, while it doth roam, That " charity begins at home ! " 26 WATCH AND PRAY ! /;. ATOH ever — j)ray always — for dangers may he Attending thy pathway that you do not see : Temptations may wait thee along the smooth way, And sorrow be lurking where pleasure holds sway; So, wherever you be, watch always — pray, too. That God may protect you and teach you to do Those things which best please Him — watch ever to see Your actions and conscience at all times agree. Be certain, if fully in God you confide. His care will protect you ; His grace, too,, will guide. In duties and pleasures, where'er they may call, Watch — pray for God's guidance — He rules over all ! ^^' LOVING WORDS i\ i\ f? ET loving words be morning's greeting, '^Hii '-I'liey will help us on our way — i "^f- 0j^ Will help dispel the cares we meet with '/.«: f;[(P^ In life's battle day by day. Let loving words be evening's farewell — Words of love will sweeten rest, Will bring to mem'ry, in our slumbers. True heart's affections, pure and blest. W--^ LINES. *" y^ And, knowing it, Thy will to show : In all my actions, give me power To overcome temptation's houi*. 28 WHAT IS, IS BEST. "" '"' ' "^ GAIN you speak aljout the past, and now You chide me that I broke a given vow^ — The vow I gave tliee in the glad springtime, When I was young, and your strong love was mine. But, stay ! remember I was but a child, With childish heart ; and you so thoughtful, mild. Did win that heart through tender sympathy. Unselfish love, and kindness shown to me. You say that I deceived thee— did profess To love thee, and replied with false caress : I did not that (but yet full well I know Thou wert too kind for me to treat thee so) ; But when you asked me for my love, and I Consentingly to thee did give reply, I thought it was pure love : so do not doubt I felt within that which I showed without. But after you wei-e gone, and time had fled, When quickly some two years had onward sped, There came a day when I met one whom I Did love with love so great, it could not die : Not this, the childish love I gave to thee : Not this, the love tliat came tlirough sympathy WHAT IS, IS BEST. 29 But it was woman's love, so firm and strong ! And knowing I should thee most deeply wrong In giving it, I tried my best to tear From out my heart this stronger love I bear ; I thought upon thy love — upon the pain That you would feel, but still 'twas all in vain — My heart was his ; and so, at last, one day, He asked my love, and what was I to say ? I could not tell him he was nought to me, Who was my world if I had been but free ! - * * * * ^ What answer did I give ? I told him all The pages of the past I could recall ; And he sat patiently to hear my tale, To watch my tearful eyes, my cheeks grow pale. While I entreated him me to forget — To go away as though we ne'er had met ! * But, there — you know the rest— love won at last t Come, say no more — let us forget the past ; I am a happy wife and mother now — My one regret in life, a broken vow. You think amidst my joys and happy lot That vow I made thee is almost forgot ? But it is not : I ofttimes think of thee, And that thy lonely lot is caused by me ! 3 30 WHAT IS, IS BEST. Still do I hope that one clay thou wilt gain Some loving heart to chase away each pain ; That thou wilt win a loyal, trusting wife, To cheer and brighten thee throughout thy life ; That children dear may yet climb on thy knee. And, looking in thy face, their father see ; That I may hear thee yet, friend, when so blest With wife and children, say — " What is, is best 31 A VOICE FROM THE BALCONY. WAS in the balcony, last Thursday night, To see and be seen, and to watch with delight The " Lords of Creation," who seemed glad to show T ' The ladies above them that they were below. The Host of the evening, a most lib'ral man — Who, when entertaining, doth best that man can — Had gathered around him the what ? Well you know Trollope has told us that we often can " blow" So that I suppose I may say there each guest Was fit to be present and mix with the best. I can truthfully say I saw present there Men holding positions that good men should bear ; And also with pleasure I here wish to state I saw many present both clever and great. Of the banquet itself, I think I may say The excellence showed itself many a way, And nothing seemed wanted that money could buy, Most fastidious to please and all satisfy. Arrangements for ladies were, too, kept in mind (Attendants in cloak rooms obligingly kind). And, en passant, I think I need but to say That caterer Clements did in his own way Ad libitum provide for the ladies the best And choicest of delicacies that thought could suggest. 32 A VOICE FROM THE BALCONY. Of the ladies themselves : many ladies were there Who deservedly the name of lady can bear ; But there were some who their rudeness must show To persons their betters wherever they go. But parvenues you meet at Melbourne Town Hall If at banquet or concert or Mayor's dress ball ; For when ladies' husbands hold positions of note, Or (with plenty of notes) on position do dote, They of course are invited, and think themselves great When they show themselves little and ape the elite. But enough of the ladies, and now I must tell You Sutch's fine band played delightfully well — The selections were choice ones, and after each toast Tunes appropriately placed showed good taste in the Host. Bowling prizes were shown, but the grandest and best Was Dr. Beaney's own prize (admired by each guest) ; It was won by a most worthy man of our town. Whose good name is deservedly one of renown ; For tho' much is known of his good deeds, I trow ; He does many kind acts the public ne'er know (He is one of " tiva Kidneys," both of them good. Who fortunes have made in abused Collingwood). But I'm sure you will think, in my mad running rhyme, Ali"eady I've wasted too much of my time ; So I'll draw to a close — but just let me note Tlie " return " by the guests to Dr. Beaney, I hope. Will be as successful as the event we recall. Which took place 13th April in Melbourne Town Hall. 33 SONG. ^^.^ "Always with Thee." (Fo7' music. ) LTHOUGH from thee, my darling, I wander far away. In fancy I am with thee Wherever I may stray. Yes, always drifting homeward To thee, my lov'd, my best, Is every thought that rises Within this faithful breast. And if gay mirth surrounds me, If friends about me throng. Yet still I see thee, darling, The first those friends among — I see thee in some vacant place. Where I would have you be ; And if I sing to please them. My best I sing for thee. u SONG. I think of thee at morning, When first I wake from sleep ; I dream of thee at night, love, When wrapp'd in slumbers deep ; And when sad thoughts oppress me, They waft me back to thee — I need thee then to aid me With tender sympathy. 35 SONG. " I think it would be Yes ! " (For music.) W ERE he to ask me when he comes, /--' If I am glad to-day, To see him safe at home again, ■T^r ""^j^. From roving far away. -'A f'" Were he to ask if, when alone, I someone oft did miss, And he perchance an answer got, I think it would be Yes. Or should he ask me if I thought, When he was on the sea, About a certain ship that sailed Upon the waters free ', Or if I prayed that ship would come . Safe home, I must confess — If I to him gave answer true — I think it would be Yes. 36 SON'G. Were he to ask me if I'd take A certain someone's heart, And to that someone in return With mine for ever part ; Or did he ask me if I'd seal The exchange -with a kiss, I'm sure I could not anwer " No, But think it might be Yes. 4-- w 37 AN "OWER TRUE TALE." "Good-bye! I shall be back at half -past five." , , , She little thought what detained him so long. That while she was waiting, he was sleeping the long, last sleep of death. We deeply regret having to record the untimely end of two well-known and highly respected young gentlemen, which occurred through the upsetting of the boat in which they were rowing at the boat-race yesterday afternoon. . . . When the gate opened she ran to meet him ; but who could picture her grief when the sad sight of his lifeless body, carried by his late comrades, met her gaze ? She uttered one sharp cry, and sank senseless on the ground. WAIT and listen, listen and wait For a hand to open the garden gate — For someone to come with steps so light, For someone to come with smile so bright ; I wait and listen, listen and wait, For surely my love to-night is late. I sat and watched in the garden boAver After time we fixed full half an hour — Mother called me twice before I came To do her bidding. 'Tis now the same Instead of doing my work, I wait To hear the click of tlie garden gate. 38 AN ''OWER TRUE TALE." I wait and listen, listen and wait — I hear mother calling, " Be quick, Kate ! How long, pray, do you intend to be, Before you finish that seam for me ? " I answer, "Not long," and yet I wait, 'Tween stitches, for sound at the garden gate. My seam is done, but still I wait To hear the click of the garden gate, For my love to come with steps so light. For my love to come with smiles so bright ; I wait and listen, but all in vain — Yet still I listen, and watch again. * Ah ! how little we know — on Time's fleeting wing The trial and sorrow an hour may bring. He left us to go to that boat-race to-day — So strong and so noble, so brave and so gay ; One so well to be loved — 'tis no wonder to me That my poor girl is thus . . . She expected to see Him standing to greet her when she opened the door- Excuse me these tears — I can tell you no more. AN "OWER TRUE TALE." 39 1 am over it now. Yet the shock was great When they bore him in through the garden gate ; My lov'd one, my darling, did I wait for this 1 Not your step, your bright laugh, but Death's cold kiss ! But my darling lost ! Still I listen and wait, For I know you will meet me at Heaven's bright gate. 40 A WORD TO MOTHERS. Wim^^ OW is it, at the present time, we find in the i liHp ^ minority those women who are fitted to be ^^^li^ good wives and mothers'? Simply because, fj^^ as a rule, young ladies are now brought ^ up to think only of going out, dressing well, making themselves look attractive, and learning a few (sometimes not only unnecessary, but to them irksome) accomplishments, Avithout attaining the far superior knowledge of household management, care of children, economy, cooking, mending and making, which acquire- ments all good mothers should try, as far as lay in their power, to teach their daughters. These, with a sound English education and the principles of true religion, are the really essential qualifications for making good wives, good husbands, good children, and happy homes. I do not want to depreciate accomplishments. Where there is a natural gift, by all means try to cultivate the same — that is, so far as it does not interfere with the required knowledge already stated. O Mothers ! INIothers ! if you would only teach your children to think less of the vanities of this life, and more of things that belong to the unchanging one which is to come, how commendable A WORD TO MOTHERS. 41 would be your exertions ! how much more good would you bestow not only on your children, but on your children's children and future generations ! Think of it, mothers ; yours is a sacred duty. God has sent you children certainly to bring up to take their proper posi- tions in life ; but, at the same time, while you give them all the advantages you possibly can for so doing, remem- ber your responsibility. Teach them this life is only one of short duration — given us not only to enjoy, but that we may so live in it that when it has passed away we may spend an eternal life in purest and everlasting felicity. Teach your children to know that it is not the outward beauty of the face, but beauty of the mind — not the grandness of the apparel, but the goodness of the soul — that will make them living lights to those with whom they come in contact ; and that their good in- fluence falling on others will surely, even here, bring its own reward. 42 THE LAST JOURNEY. EATH is the path we tread to meet once more >N?|/ Our dear ones who have gained the other shore — ^ -y- Those friends that long ago from us were >> riven — True ones that loved us, we shall meet in Heaven. LINES Written on hearing a person speak of the failings of a well-known public man after his death. j]pgj USH ! let him rest ! He's paid the last sad debt Of nature. All his mistakes, failings, now The cold, dark mantle of the lonely grave Hath covered o'er. Then do not, traitor, throw A hint of scandal. Mean, indeed, the man Who dead one's faults so heedlessly can scan. When one is living, it is base enough Behind his back to speak a scandal's lie ; But when a man is dead, oh ! let him rest ! — His vii'tues live, but unkind rumours die. 43 LINES. pj|p|/0 thee, who called my husband " inucli-loved friend," These simple lines of gratitude I send ; Full well in many ways to me is known ^^-^ Thy friendship was sincere — not words alone — You loved my husband, and your deeds have said What words refused to utter for the dead. It would be vain for me to try to say How thy true friendship cheered the orphan's way ; How thy true sympathy did help to bless The mother of those boys, left fatherless : No need is there to tell the kindness given — For know we such is registered in Heaven. .^mS4 44 TO 18th July, 1883. ft h j^l HIS is the anniversary of thy birth, And many returns I trust you will see — Long years may you be spared to cheer and ys^fvf bless Vj^o All those who love you, and are loved by thee May Faith and Hope abide with thee alway, And every good and perfect gift be thine ; May richest blessings still attend thy path, Pure friendship's light upon thee brightly shine. I will not wish thee charity — for thou Art full of charity and 'kindly deed ; Thy greatest joy seems alway to be found In others' pleasures, helping others' need. I will not ask for thee one virtue bright. For all true virtues richly dwell with thee But this I ask — thy sure reward at last — The Father's crown of immortality. 45 MAGNA EST VERITAS ET PRAEVALEBIT. Wf(i^ ET underhanded mortals blame the fire "yAi That brightly burns in my outspoken ire — ^0^ I give them leave to do so. They may sneer - '^(^ Yet I will state my thoughts without a fear. ^ y^ Outspoken honesty (though it be hot) Is better than ill-will, that's spoken not — Is better than the mean, degrading way, Anonymously, some creatures have their say. I know, plain speaking is a fault — but ween I'd rather have the fault, and own my spleen. Than be like some — I will not mention who. Behind friend's back say things that are not true. & %' 46 MIO AMICO ! BEN' TI VOGLIO ! ib^ f^( HINK not that I can e'er forget, r,Sj lyp- For always there will be, ^-^Jf Within my heart, whilst mem'ry lives, A place reserved for thee ! Friend ! still my friend ! you this may know, "Whatever be thy lot, By her who shared thy childhood's hours You will not 1)6 forgot. Perchance we all have need of blame Alas ! the world doth see Most blame in him misfortune meets- So was it once with thee. But now that fortune smiles again Upon thee, as of yore. The world forgets that e'er it blamed — Folk praise thee as before. 2WN AMI! BEN' TI VixlLJO! 47 Now friends (professed) thy way smi'ound- Of thy rai-e gifts they tell ; Know one true lieai^t, in Aveal or woe, Still sighs : " I wish you Avell ! " 48 THE TWO WAYS. ]W§\^I ^^ ways there be '^ For us to take, As on through life we go : One — hxughter, mirth, Contented mind ; The other, naught but woe. And if you choose The better way That is with sunsliiue blest, You'll ever find A friend that's kind, And time for peaceful rest. Should you pi'efer The woeful side, Then discontented be ; Let little things You fretful make — Find fault continually. THE TWO H'Jy.s'. 49 Ne'er see the good That others do, Nor note the sunshine lu'lght ; But watch the clouds Tliat gather near, Dispellmg all its liglit. So will you find, If thus you choose The darker side of life. That very near Will clouds appear To bring you care and strife. To walk the first (Which is the best You will with me agree)- Wish not for inoi'e ^ Than is your store, And ever thankful be. See all the good That others do. And praise the good you see ; Let love for God, Who giveth all. Be with you constantly. 50 LIFE'S THORNS AND FLOWERS. ''^X H ! well can I rememLer When I, a happy maid, Went tripping o'er the meadow, Or singing thro' the glade ; I had no thought of sorrow, My life was free from care — I dreamt not of tlie morrow, The morn was all so fair. I thought hut of the sunshine, And felt that life was sweet ; I only saw the flowers Tliat were growing at my feet ; I did not heed tlie dead leaves. The crushed or trampled bloom — I only sought for blossoms Tliat wei'e fresh with sweet perfume. LIFE'S THORNS AND FLO WEBS. 51 I found, as I went onward, Along life's chequered way, Weeds were mixed with the flowers — Clouds dimm'd the brightest day. I found that there were sorrows In which I must take part — That there was loss of kindred. Whose death would pierce the heart. I've found that friends deceive us (Or those we thought were friends, For sometimes folk are friendly To suit their selfish ends) — That oft those whom we most love Can wound the tender heart — That tliose we thought most constant From constancy depart. Here so it will be always : We have our joy to-day, To-morrow comes a sorrow That takes all joy away. Our cares are thorns on rose-stems, Our joys the blossoms there — - And oft the stem with most thorns The choicest blooms doth bear. 52 LIFW8 THORNS AND FLOWERS. I thank Thee, God, for blossoms That bud upon the stem — I thank Thee, too, for sharp thorns That oft are mixed with them. If life's stem bore but roses, I should not know the power Of Thy blest consolation In sorrow's lonely hour. But, Avith Thy grace to aid me. The thorns I'll meekly bear ; For blooms that grow above them I thank Tliee they are there. I know well that hereafter No thorns will mix with flowers 'Twill be all joy and gladness Within Thy heavenly bowers. LINES. ffiffy* F you would choice and lovely flowers grow Within your garden, you must cultivate — Prepare the soil — before you drop the seed. So with the human heart. If you would have, In after days, it show forth wisdom's power, You must from wisdom's store it well provide. A BRIDAL ACROSTIC. May health and boundless joy, dear maid, be thine ; I ncreasing happiness attend thy way ; L ight from above to guide thee — perfect peace D well in thy guileless heart — throughout life's day ; R arest of blessings make thy pathway bright, E arth's sunbeams playing round thee, with their light- D ispelling quickly clouds that dim thy sight. S ince change must come to all, change comes to thee ; N ow leave thy childhood's much loved home, and go O ne other home to brighten and to bless W ith thy sweet presence ; and, in doing so, D ear maid, friends many trust that you may be E ncircled in that home, from sori'ow free — N aught but Heaven's blessing fall on thine and tliee ! 54 DAY-DREAMS. Sth March, 1885. yp^-^?^ c ( Y day-clreams one year backward glance ; } once more I view in thought J^^Jj^ That fii'st night of my bitter woe, and to ^^ v^y my mind is brought ^^'^ Again the scene where first I looked upon his lifeless form, With the raging sea beneath my feet — above my head the storm^ I see the breaking billows, and I hear the ocean's roar, That told me God had claimed my lov'd and best for evermore ; That told me he was silent, and his loving lips were cold ; That told me never once more here his arms ^\•ould me enfold ; That told me his dear hand would smooth my tresses ne'er again ; That told me he had passed away, so painlessly from pain ; DA Y-D REAMS. 55 That told me he was absent — not the body, it was thei'e ; But the spirit had departed : it was gone — we knew not where. * And, again, my day-dreams take me into a quiet room : I see a bed of spotless white, on which are flowers strewn ; And I see lying there a form, so peaceful and so still, With a sweet smile on his features, and his pure brow icy chill. His eyelids closed so gently, he seems in calmest sleep ; Ah, yes ! to him 'tis calm indeed, Imt not to those who weep. The scene once more is chanoed. I view a coffin and a pall, I see it go — "tis all I see — and silence comes on all. After it dawned upon me, that he would come no more ; And then I felt this life was void, that all my joy was o'er. I did not seem to understand that loved ones still were here ; I did not try to understand they needed all my caie ; I knew it seemed in vain ; I strove to battle with my cross. For my heart would only hear a voice that told me of my loss ; 56 DAY-DREAMS. That told me had left us, to see the vacant chair, To miss the noble face that we so oft liad gazed on there ; That told me never more his steps would sound within the hall. That told me never more his lips would answer to our call. That told me all his love and care were only of the past — No ! no ! it could not tell me that — his loving care will last As long as this home doth remain — for, everywhere, we ti^ace Some memory of his thoughtfulness, which nothing can efface ; Within the dear old place we see it everywhere we go (Each wish we breathed was gratified, if he could it bestow) ; We see it in things numberless, and, as we such things see. We wonder why it is a loss like unto ours can be. * O sad heart ! cease thy dreaming, if it can l>ut dream like this ; If day-dreams cannot show me faith, and hope in future bliss ; If they cannot point me upward, into the life beyond, 'Twere better not to dream at all, if only to despond ; DAY-DBEAMS. 57 If they cannot bid me look, and see, the teachings of His love — Who takes our dear ones from us, to lift our hearts above — If they cannot let me know His hand directs and shows the way. That leads me to a home of joy where friends pass not away ; That takes me to a changeless home, a home prepared above For those on earth afflicted, by One vhose name is love. Tf they cannot teach me there are yet some duties to fulfil— Young li^es to do my best for, while they climb life's youthful hill — If they cannot show me where to look for stiength to overcome ; Then, heart, 'twere better you were still ! your dream- ings all were done ! Tliank God ! above the weight of woe that day- dreams bring to me. His boundless mercies and His love to me and mine I see ; And though full oft my heart is sad — tears will not be repressed — Yet, tlu'ough the sadness and the tears come soothing- words to bless : 58 DAY-DREAMS. " Child, fear not ! for I am with you, thy Father kind and true. I will not leave you comfortless ! I ever watch o'er you ! 'Twas for thy good I did chastise, hereafter you will see That not one sorrow you have known but what was good for thee." * And sometimes day-dreams lift me, till I almost seem to stand, If not within, upon the verge, of " Canaan's happy land ; " And when such blissful thoughts as these across my day-dreams steal, Oh ! words cannot express the joy, the rapture that I feel. Heavenly Father, grant that I may always trust in Thee ! And that through all life's misty gloom Thy light of love I see. Oh take me, keep me, do whate'er it is thy will to do ! 1 only ask for strength from Thee to lead me safely tlirough. DAY-DREAMS. .19 I ask Thee, Lord, to keep me, to keep both me and mine ! I ask Tliee, Gracious Lord, that we for ever may he Thine ! Both here and in the hereafter, oh, may we richly prove That all Thy workings led us to the fulness of Thy love ! CO FAREWELL ! To the Rev. J. H. Mullens, on his leaving the Incumbency of St. Andrew's, Clifton Hill, Collingwood. AREWELL, dear friend ! You leave us, and you go Regretted much by many ; yet, we know, Although " in body absent " you may be From thy old flock, they still will think of thee — AVill ofttimes dwell upon thy teachings kind, Will ofttimes bring those teachings back to mind ; Will think of how you taught a Saviour's love, Will ponder how you bade us look above — Bade us our burdens cast on Him who bears For us our load of sorrow, sin, and cares. Dear Pastor, tliou who hast true pastor been. Think not thy labours wasted ; oft unseen Some seed did fall, and, falling, it did bear Good fruit that did outgrow tlie worthless tare. FAREWELL! 61 I know that I, myself, can truly say Thy counsel oft hath helped me on my way ; That by some words of thine a ray of light Hath ofttimes come to cheer my cheerless night. I know that others, too, whom I love well, Regret as much as I to say Farewell ! That they, too, have been taught by thee to share A Saviour's love more fully, and to wear More openly their trust in His great power To aid them overcome temptation's hour. Farewell again, then ! May " the Master" bless Thee ever, crown thy efforts with success ; And if on earth our last farewell it be. In Heaven above we trust to meet with thee. 62 LINES ON FLOWERS. OU tend your flowers with assiduous care, Uproot each weed within your garden fair, And well it pleaseth me each time I look At such a cultivated little nook. Dear friend, my own true friend, I know, by thee Deemed not presumptuous words I speak will be. Therefore I tell you of some thoughts that came Within my mind just now. You cannot blame Those thoughts ; and in expressing them to thee, I do so fearlessly, though plain they be. The thoughts wei'e these : If you and I did strive For flowers of grace within our hearts to thrive As well as those which in your garden grow. How much more worth and wisdom we would show ! Did we so cultivate our minds within — Like you uproot your weeds, uproot each sin, — Would we not let our friends more often see The fadeless flowers — Truth., Love, and Charity ? The flowers of Kindness, too, would bid us share Another's sorrow, lighten others' care ; LINES UX FLOW I-: US. 63 The flowers of Meekness then would chase away The stupid pride that we so oft display ; Tlie flowers of Hope would bloom, and blooming throw Their fragrance all around each place we go ; The flowers of Peace would anger oft suijdue, And Self-denial richly flourish too. By faith and prayer, my friend, let you and I Try to j)ossess these blooms that never die ! 64 ACROSTIC. C ULL clioicest, brightest blooms ut of your gardens gay ; L uxuriantly sweet Flora's gifts L et us display to-day ; 1 ndictive is our right N ow proudly here to show G arlands fair, plants most rare, W hich in our city grow. O trust we that great good O ut of this cause will spring — D isplaying Nature's works to man INIust God to man's mind bring. F air flowers ! ye can teach L ife's lesson to us all ; O ur lives are like your own — W e live Ijut for to fall ! E ach human life is even like'to thine — R emains to work God's will, then fades from time. S uccess to Collingwood, and to its Show ! H. Walker long be spared the same to know ! we we most thanks to him that we can boast W ithin our city this an annual toast : " Collingwood Flower Show ! " Go A SKETCH. ^f^- ISS SMITH 1— Ah, yes, she called upon me, deal". The other morning, just to have a chat — "^' ^^ To tell me the delightful time she'd had G While visiting her rich friend, Mrs. Hatt ; Engagements every night to party, Itall, She had (although six weeks she was away), And Avith the grandest of the " Sydney swells " She'd picnic'd, rode, or drove day after day ! Mr. Hatt, you know, he is immensely rich — Drives best of horses, owns a mansion grand — Keeps coachman, footman, butler there — ah me ! I never yet could quite well understand How Bessie was so lucky — could you, dear 1 I thought that I was fortunate when I First won the love of Harold ; but you know His salary, though a good one, is not high. Five hundred pounds a year is all he has — • It takes quite that amount for us to live ! 66 A SKETCH. I often wonder how you manage, Fan — With children, too — on half that sum. Forgive Me what I said — although T know 'tis hard For you sometimes — I did not mean to speak About it, dear, 'twas just a slip of tongue ; INIy tongue too often plays a foolish freak. And Mrs. Hatt herself is such a dear Delightful creature, always charming, gay ; She dresses most superbly, wears the best Of jewels, and her diamonds (by the way) Outshine all others there. She's quite the belle ! No party is complete unless she's there. Of course the women envy her, and tell Each other she was only this or that— Her father was a tradesman poor, and she Was no one till she married rich old Hatt. Ah, Fan, dear ! when we three were girls at school What friends we wei-e ! we thought not aught could break Those ties apart — we did not study then Dress, diamonds, or the smiles of the elite — I mean Bess and myself ; I know that you Think no more of them now than when a child. But then you have your children, we have none ; You live so quiet, we a little tvild I Then Bessie sent no letter to you, Fan 1 'Tis strange she did not — but you do not cai-e ; She knew that Miss Smith and myself were friends, And through that bade her me a message bear ; She also sent a letter with her crest Eugi-aved upon it — Yes ! I have it here I — A SKETCH. 67 Asking both Harold and myself to spend A month with them beginning of the year. * [A knock at the door. Cabman desires to know if Mrs. St. Clair is ready. ^^ Oh, dear ! is that my cabman come so soon 1 Then 1 must go. I have not yet had time To tell you all the news. Will you and John Come out to-morrow — stay with us to dine 1 You cannot 1 Why 1 The children — always so ! Your excuse ever is the same. Well, dear, Do try to come out soon— there — I must go, Or else a scolding I shall have, I fear ; I promised to meet Harold on the block At half-past four, and now 'tis quarter to ! So good-bye, dear ; the children kiss for me. Remember me to John — and now, adieu ! 68 SONG. (For music.) FTER long grief and pain, Say, shall we meet again 1 ? /i^^ Meet where no more is sin, / ;-^^yf. Where sorrow goes not in — To part nevermore ? After the many tears Shed through the waiting yeai's — Shed silently, unknown (Unless to God alone !)— What then will it be 1 Will it be our deep grief Shall still find no relief 1 That we shall know in vain Our sorrow and our pain — That all, all were vain '? Oh, foolish, doubting heart, Within hath faith no part, That you desponding say Will sorrow last for aye 1 Our sorrow will not of a moment be When once we gain joy of eternity. 69 ACROSTIC. C LIOSOPHIG genius ! though he is no more, H ow many are the minds that yet can be A mused, insti-ucted, by his labours past ! R are gift was his, for he had power to draw L ife's every type of character, and well E ach one was drawn. By rich and poor revered, S till ^vill his name live on, though he be dead. D rawn from his " Christmas Books " have lessons been ; I n each we find " moral adorn a tale." C an we read trials of "Jo " or " Copperfield," K ind-hearted " Nickleby," poor forlorn " Smike," E ndearing " Nell," but heart's best sympathy N ew chords of pity feel for human woe ? S miles suit thee best, not tears 1 — to " Pickwick " go. 70 TO On her Birthday, 10th March. GAIN, fair maid, returns thy natal clay ; Accept kind wishes, which these lines convey ; And though devoid of mei'it the lines be, Know — most sincere, the wishes sent to thee. My wishes are — that best of all things good Be with thee ever — may thy womanhood Abound in blessings, and may purest joy Be always known by thee without alloy. May you be spared for many coming years To cheer with friendship's smile, to dry the tears And help the wants of poor, who ever find Thy pity genuine, and thy spirit kind. May you be like thy mother dear, and show. Like her, the charity that she doth know ; The charity that makes her ever liglit All those around her with its radiance bright. Dear maid, I love thy mother well, for she At all times kindness great has shown to me. TO 7 For that I love her — but I love her more, First, for the love that she her mother bore, The attention that she gave her, and the wa y She cheered and blessed her, in life's closing day — I love her character as mother, wife — I think it perfect in her daily life ; And, if but one thing I could ask for thee, To be thy mother's self that wish would be. " God bless you," dear one, on this natal day ; " God bless you " always, thro' life's changing Av;iy. If He his priceless blessings on thee pour, "We know we have no need to ask for more. I WILL BURY MY SORROW. ^1'^ WILL bury my sorrow ; the world shall not ^ }: \ know The tears shed in secret that spring from my woe ; h \N T I will hide it so deeply that others may say — Her sorrow is over, 'twas but for a day ! Wherever I Avander I find pain and grief— I see many suftering who know- no relief ; Then blest is the thought — there is One, I know well, To whom I my burden can silently tell. I can tell it to Jesus, for He knows each care — Each trouble, each heart-throb He taught me to bear ; And ofttimes, Avhen dai-kest doth seem the Ions: night. On Him well relying I find all things right. He knows human nature — He knows the unrest I have felt since He took from me him I loved best ! And He that doth pity will teach me to know 'Twas in love He afflicted, that in grace I might grow. / WJLL BURY MY SOBROW. Yes, through my Saviour I always can find Strength for my weakness and rest for my mind ; Not forgotten my sorrow, but each day I pray I may gather the sunshine He sheds on my way. I ask Him to help me (if 'tis His will My life should be spared) His will to fulfil ; I ask Him to show me the way I can bless JNIy fellows afflicted, and help their distress. I ask Him — poor, simple, frail one though I be — That, by His strength helping me, others may see, Whatever our sorrow, that Jesus can send Consolation and solace — His love knows no end. Hearts growing weary with weight of their woe Droop 'mid the darkness. Can I to them go And tell them of comfort, if I let them say INIy pi'eaching, by practice I cannot display 1 Oh ! may Jesus help me, by faith and by love. To gather the blessings He sends from above ; His sunshine unending. His truth it will light The darkest of sorrows and make all things bright. Possessing the gift, may He teach me to show His light shining forth wherever I go ; And may my lamp, burning, emit some bright ray That will gild others' darkness and chase gloom away, 74 WHAT SHALL IT BE? (In reply to a Letter from a Gentleman requesting an original song. ) SONG ! a song ! say wliat shall it be — Shall it be of sunshine bright, Of clear blue skies, or of singing birds- Of morn, of noon, or of night 1 Shall it be of childhood's happy hours, When you, a bright merry boy. Thought all the world was full of flowers — Your treasure, some new strange toy : — Of the time you sailed your little ship. In the pond by spreading tree. When you thought that ship a vessel grand. And that tiny pond, a sea 1 Shall it be of home, where loving hearts Are tenderly pure and true — Of those dear ones who, though far aAvay, Still faithfully think of you ? WHAT SHALL IT BK ? 75 Or shall it be of some flower rare, That you love to watch and tend ? And if not that, shall it be — but there — Say what shall it be, my friend 1 Shall it be of deeds on battle lield, Where noble ones are lying ? Of lov'd forms laid low thro' shot and shell. From home 'mid sti-angers dying ? I really know not — let me think again ! Shall it be of storms at sea. Of a sinking barque and shipwrecked crew 1 Friend, tell me, what shall it be ? 6 <" f Oa :0 et I COULD NOT, THOUGH I TRIED, FORGET. =||fg^ HOUGH cold words for years did part us, Yet ^ye could not strana;ers be ; Old links would not break asunder ; Absence could not set us free. Averted looks and glances cold Did not chill the love of old. I tried to teach my heart to think not Of thy winning, gentle grace — Yet it would not learn the lesson. Time could not thy power efface ; For when I tiied most to forget — We were far less " strangers yet." 77 TO MY HUSBAND ON HIS T3IRTHDAY. LsT January, 1884. vbfl^ffXff ^ thee, my husband, now ujDon this morn \ A double New Year's page will be begun, For with a New Year's light, long years ago, A babe you came — thy mother's first-born son. And though so many years are past and gone Since first your eyes beheld the light of day. Yet years can never make affection less. Nor Time cause love like mine to know decay. What though are gone the youthful face and form, The fleetness of light step, which once were thine I You are my ideal yet, the same as when To thee I first did give this hand of mine ; And though, within my heart, for others live Purest affections, thou, amongst the rest, Art always first, and truly well I know Of all my lov'd ones thee I still love best. 6 78 A WISH. To •snji's^ AY the new year bring thee Blessings from Above ! May kind Heaven shed on thee Peaceful joy and love ! May the rays of sunlight Brighten clouds for thee ; Kind, true friends be near thee, Where'er you may be ! jNIay thy heavenly Father Mark for thee the way He would have thee walk in ; So that, day by day. With His grace to aid thee — With His hand to guide — You may fight life's battle Walking by His side ! Tlus you may be sure of, What He wills is best ; Only do thy duty, Leave to Him the rest. 79 SONG. fy* -^-^ waiting ! only waiting Till summons comes to say, I may go unto my darling For evermore to stay — May go unto the Golden Land, The land of joy and peace ; Where, re-united, loved ones know •-•'■ "^^'-' Their tears and sorrows cease. I am waiting ! and I know not How long the time may be, (There is one who in His wisdom Permits us not to see The length of earthly pilgrimage Ordained for each one here) ; But this I know. His hand will o-uide ; Then what have I to fear ? 80 GOSSIPS. ,;^1.T matters not to some weak minds, Thongli failure may attend Their tales of scandal, still they Avill Molest each— so-called — friend. If we would, when to us is told A piece of clioice " chit-chat,^' Treat it as though to us 'twere lost, Nor ask the " this " or " that." If we would try to stop the tongues Of those who love to tell, Without discretion in their words. The things "they knoio so loell." Instead of list'ning to the tales Which they to us make plain, (And we make worse should we repeat Those much-told tales again) GOSSIPS. 81 Far more commendable would be Example by us shown : Could we but teach these Gossips that Their tales we quite disoAvn, Did Clossips try to study more Things good for them to know, Instead of " tittle-tattle " tales, Much wiser they would grow. But " little things please little minds,' And thus we plainly see That persons who have little sense The greatest Gossips be. 82 TIME— PAST, PRESENT, AND TO COME. j>sj|p^ HERE was a time when life was sweet, ^ ? fe When each fresh joy my mind could greet- ^^^yf When my young heart was full of song — W(^r When life, like rippling stream, Avent on ! \^4 There was a time my spirit wove Its fancy web of truth and love — A time my step was free and light, A time my eyes were gay and bright. When they were not dimmed by sorrow's tear ; But that time is no longer here. Days of trouble and grief have come, Smiles of joy from my lips have gone ; On my brow are the marks of care. Gray is mixed with my dark brown hair. Times of anguish, shadows of gloom. Dispel the rays of light that come ; Through mist of tears I cannot see — FloAvers of joy bloom yet for me. A day will come when earth shall be A resting place, from sorrow free — TIME— PAST, PRESENT, AND TO COME. 83 * When this spirit shall know no care, This wounded heart have nought to bear. A day will come when from the tomb I shall break through the mist and gloom, In mansions blest I then shall be. From all earth's pain and sorrow free ; There I shall perfect gladness know, Surpassing far all joy below ; No tears, no partings in that home — Thrice blissful time, when will it come ? 84 LINES. M(^ F we try to do tlie duty, -V. Which lies nearest to our door, '^^ Do it well — witliout complaining- 'J^ Though it be but weak or poor. '''T * We sliall find, when it is ended. Higher duties yet will come ; And in each successive labour, That is with heart service done, We shall gather strength to aid us, For to yet do greater deeds : He who has true perseverance. Is the one who best succeeds. 85 NEW YEAR THOUGHTS. yE are on the eve of 1886, and 1885 will ' soon be, like its predecessors, a thing of the past. How quickly the years roll hy ! \ye can scarcely realize that twelve months have passed away since we hailed the birth of the now-departing year ; and yet, if Ave pause to think how many changes have taken place even iu its brief race, we must see that it, like other years, has done its work, and brought to us all its share of good and evil. Politically, socially, and individually, changes come to each and all. Indeed, this is a world of change : with the years pass from us dear familiar forms — with the years pass from us intentions not fulfilled, hopes not realized, and labours (seemingly to us) spent in vain. Therefore, we may say of the old friend now bidding us farewell, it (like other years) has done its work — not, perhaps, to our satisfaction — not as we would have had it done, but according to that Great Power "that doeth all things wisely and well." We will not minutely review tlie past ; we have all had our cup of sorrow mixed with the draughts of this life's pleasures ; we well know that some have cares which joy can never heal. 86 NEW YEAR THOUGHTS. and heart sorrows which will never be quite obliterated until the hearts containing them have ceased to throb ; but for such there is " Balm in Gilead " and a Great Physician in time of need. And now that we wish the Old Year good-bye, let us welcome the New with feelings of thankfulness for lives prolonged, and unnumbered mercies bestowed upon us by the Giver of all good ; and, whilst we make fresh resolutions for spending our lives better (should we be spai'ed during the coming year), let us not forget to ask the aid of the Divine Being to enable us to fulfil our duties, and bear the trials with which we shall always have to contend while fighting the battle of life. And, amidst all the pleasures that fall to our lot (may they be many !) let us hear the whisper of the " still small voice," so that, whilst enjoying the delights of this life, we may not foi'get the life hereafter, where time will have no changes, where years and centuries will be but as a day — that life which will be unending bliss, with no cloud or disappointment to mar its ever- lasting joy ! 87 ACROSTIC. (Written iinpvomptii in the album of a young matron, who asked the Authoress to " dot down " some of a M-ife"s duties in an acrostic on the word " marriage.") M ARRIAGE ! you ask its duties ? Very few A re those in " marriage " I can tell to you. R emember, if good wife you wish to make, R eligion, truth, unselfishness, you take ; I n such, with true affection, sympathy, A husband's lasting love secured will be. G uide well thy household, from it seldom stray — E arth's Home to man is where true wife has sway. '0*W%^ 88 MY L V E. (A Yalentiue.) ► (o^l' HE cloth not wear bright jewels grand, K^=i^\ Yet she is full of 2:race — ^s^^ For she hath tenderness and peace K'r'fh^ Both written on her face. '»• Her smiles are jewels bright and rare, Her words of gentle love Fall on the poor, the young and old, Like whispers from above. She doth not need a silken gown To make her look more fair. For robes of purity and truth Are those my love doth wear. She doth not need a jewelled gem Around her brow to twine. For on her brow, so pure and white, Deep gems of thought do shine. MY LOVE. 89 Her voice, like music's sweetest tone, Is full of melody, And dearer far than wealth or fame Is that sweet voice to me. Her eyes they shine with love's pure ray. Half earthly, half divine — To me no other in the world Like this sweet love of mine. 90 WHY WAS IT? ARK were the clouds, no moonlight fell, 1:1) No stars were glimmering in the sky ; ^ I heeded not the clouds, nor felt /ji The cold wind as it hurried by. But as I went my lonely ride. Right cheerfully I whistled one Of Jessie's songs, for Jessie's smile Was waiting for me further on ; I heeded neither wind nor rain — My heart was gay, and free from pain. When on the way to Jessie. When I bade Jessie dear farewell, Bright stars were twinkling in the sky — Serenely, too, the moonbeams fell ; The clouds were gone, no storm was nigh; Yet as I went my homeward way, The path I trod seemed drear and long ; I was not cheered by moon's bright ray — I whistled then no merry song — Now, what was it that made me sad? I know ! I am a foolish lad — 'Twas coming back from Jessie. 91 LINES. (Written at a party on hearing played the air of a song sung l>y my father when I was a child. ) WM(^ ARK ! wliat is that ? A sound I hear— A sound melodious, sweet, and clear ! It steals upon me like a dream n'/i,—''* Of some almost forgotten theme ; V And, as I list to the sweet lay, Long-silent voices seem to say, In gentle words, regretfully, Oh ! tell us, can it ever be That old song which, night after night, In childhood's home, gave such delight — That old song, sung by him most dear Whom we did fondly love, revere — Can pass away in time from thee, Forgot within thy memory ? O lov'd ones of the past ! within my mind, In fancy now, I hear thy voices kind ; 92 LINES. And once again I see that father dear, And once again metbinks liis voice I hear : That tune ! it is one which he used to sing To please our childish fancies, and to bring Us round the hearth (the hearth where was no care, For purest joy alone dwelt ever there) ; And as I list to this old, simple lay That even now (though years have passed away Since last I heard it) makes me shed a tear. What visions to my mind's eye doth appear Of childhood's home and hearts that loved us tliei'e — Of all that made our young lives bright and fair ! * The music ceases, and my thoughts must tui-n To those around me ; but for long will burn The sacred feeling that came rushing o'er My heart, while listening to that song of yore. 93 TO MY DEAR FRIEND MRS. SADDLER. On her Golden Wedding Day, 28th August, 1883. t =l& X 7^/ HE " golden" anniversary, 'j|^ Friend, of thy wedding day : T 4%^^ Warmest congratulations Jif/l^' To tliee we come to pay. We come, and bring thee flowers Of affection, love, and truth ; We know you M'ill receive them, As you did in early youth. And though life's Autumn now is thine. Yet fresh within thy lieart The Spring's bright sunshine lingers still — 'Twill not from thee depart I This is our prayer, that Friendship's smile May still thy path attend — That richest blessings from above Always on thee descend ; 94 TO MY DEAR FRIEND MRS. SADDLER. xViid when earth's journey you have passed, Be this thy lot to hear — " Well done, thou good and faithful one, Thy home is waiting here ; Receive thy crown and dwell with Me In endless joy eternally !" ^»^ ■-^> °?^:m4 ' ^' K-9 t^ f 95 BRIDAL ACROSTIC And Wish. (Ill the Languaije of Flowers.) E VER with thee may " bridal rose " abound— V isions of joy along thy path be found ! E arth's sunbeams shed o'er thee bright rays of light— L ight that will quickly break the mists of night. I trust that " myrtle " and that " olive " be N ow and at all times found with thine and thee. E ach year may "maize" and "straw" (unbroken) stay. " S weet Sultan" from true friends to cheer thy way. " T are" from thee keep, but "shamrock" ever dwell, " E pidendi'um " never bid thee a farewell ! " W hitethorn " I know that you will always bear, A nd " daisy wreath " I trust you still may wear. R ichly on thee may " crocus " fix its spell — *' T hrift " always ready be its tale to tell. " H awthorn " attend thy path where'er you be ; *' O sier," dear Eveline, still dwell with thee — () n thee may God His priceless grace bestow, D efend thee with His care where'er you go ! 06 ACROSTIC. (Written by request of the Rev. W. W. Mantell, and read by hiin at the Service of Song, entitled " Christie's Old Organ.") C ROUCHIXG at attic door, behold a boy ! H is listening ear dotli catch with eager joy — II emembered well by him — a tune he knew I n brighter days, sung by a mother true. S ay, what is it that stirs within his breast T he yearning thoughts of " home, sweet home," and resf? I t is not want and cold alone that bring E ach thought that rises. Angels whispering — 'S tay round al)Out him, and God's message sing ! (O ur God doth truly make use of the weak, L ow things of earth, to work for glory meet ; D espise them not — His teachings — be thou meek.) O Id TrefFy lived within that attic cold, R ich in possession of an organ old ; G rief, want, and loneliness the old man's lot, A nd yet old Trefiy was not quite forgot — IST 0, there is no place where God's love is not. ACROSTIC. 97 () ut of tliis story you may learn the way R ightly to claim a " home, sweet home " for aye. H ere see we Trefty's organ had the power O f winning TrefFy kindness in an liour M ost needed by him ; likewise Christie knew E arth's brightest blessings through that organ, too. 8 trange are tlie ways of Providence ! but view Wisdom of God, how brightly it shines through E acli portion of this story ! Mark how well E ach trifling thing assists God's praise to tell T o you, dear reader, so be all things well. H ome, home, sweet home ! Oh, may we all at last, O ur journey ended, when earth's stonns are past, M eet there, to dwell upon that changeless shore, E ngaged in pi-aising God for evermore ! 98 LINES. (Written on an intended visit to my father's grave, -when very ill. ) *^f^ WILL go to thy grave at the close of the clay, When the bright golden sunshine is passing away ; Will take flowers, deai- father, the rarest that bloom, Affection's small offering to place on thy tomb. (With the flowers will mingle sobs tearless that fall For thee I so loved, whom I cannot recall.) I remember thy goodness, I bring back to mind That thy heart was sincei'e, as it ever was kind ; And thy generous traits to my memory appear Even greater, more noble, than when thou wert here. I never forget thee, thou art always with me. In sorrow, in pleasure, where'er I may be ; Oft memory sees thee, as I saw thee when young, " With a laugh on thy lips, and a jest on thy tongue." C)f this earth's pain and sorrow thou hadst thy full share ! For thy last years were full of bereavements and care ; But, oh ! may our God, who chastised here in love. Grant thee pleasures undying in heaven above. LINES. 90 I oft wish I could weep, but heartfelt grief like mine Will not quiver with ang-uish nor " melt into brine ; " And though merry and happy sometimes I aj^pear, Yet my burden's the same, the lov'd one is not here. I will try not to sorrow — it may not be long Before I, too, with thee, join tlie numberless throng Of the spirits departed ; and, oh ! may we meet All our beloved ones together at Jesu's feet. If c^AW^^' 100 SCRAPS OF THOUGHT. tt/RMuAY, what is death ? 'Tis naiio-ht, for death is ^^^i^ not ! 'Tis but the casting off of what impedes i}ffiy Tlie spirit's flight r "«^ To gain that which will always be Eternal life, unchangingly. Da it bravely, do it well, Whatsoe'er thy task may be ! If but lowly, let men see 'Tis higher made as done by thee. 'Tis only a little curl Of my darling's golden hair — 'Tis only a half -worn shoe That my baby used to wear. 'Tis only a small bone ring. With ribbon of faded blue — But yet I keep and prize them all, As most true mothers do. SCRAPS OF TllUUdllT. 101 Till': little pattering feet we miss T^pou the household floor — Tlic nioi-ning's welcome, evening's kiss, Will greet us nevermore. If we would be truly great, We must first be truly good- Showing deeds of pity, love, To our connnou brotlierhood. Deceit ! what demon lurks within its power 1 What mischief can it work in one short hour ! What peace of mind, what trust can it dispel With its dread curse no human tongue can tell ! Xo voice can tell ! No mind can comprehend Ihe sorrow that attends it. Friend fi-om friend Is severed by its touch, and by its dart Is ofttimes broke a tender, loving heart. 'WP^w^:^%i ACROSTICS IN MEMORIAL. HON. R. 8. ANDERSON. R E(;retted much ! - how much, words fail to tell — uv hearts in silence sigh a last farewell ; B ut though from mortal sight his form is gone, E ach noble deed of his must still live on ; R emembered well by many yet will be T he acts he did of love and charity. S tatesman — one of the best Victoria kne\\', T rusted by colleagues and by public too. r t was his nature to work hard for right — R iglit was his watcln\ord, shining truth his light ; L ife was to him to do the best he could 1 n helping on the common brotherhood ; N ot oidy intellect brought to him fame — G ood, genei'ous heart won for him honoured name. A nd now farewell again to him we sigh, N o need to feel asliamed, tears dim the eye ; D eath's taken from us one we ill could spare, E ach one that knew him must our sorrow share. R evered and honoured, let the name live on — 8 ince he is dead — of R. S. Anderson : O n records of Victoria will remain N o one regretted more than him we name. 103 THOMAS HAYNES, C.E. T IME takes from us those whom we love, H ow vain our tears to bid them stay ! O n Death's i^esistless wings they pass, M id. sad regrets, from earth away ; A nd blest are they w4io, like to thee, S afe in the arms of Jesus be. H ence thou art gone ! In sleep's repose A way thy saintly soul took flight — Y es, dwells for ever where can be N o grief or care to dim its light : E arth's service to the Lord you gave, S uch now thy God hath well repaid. 104 ANDREW C. LIVINGSTONE, M.D. A NOTiiER dear one gone ! One friend the less N ow can I claim of those who did me bless. D eath seems of late to come with eager hand, R emoving my best loved to spirit land : E arth's chain is growing short — the links are few W hich now remain to me of tried and true. L et abler pens than mine his virtues tell, I only write acrostic in farewell. V ain is regret ; yet felt regret must be, I know, for loss of one so loved as he, N ow his earth's duties, nobly done are o'er, G od called him lience to dwell on brighter sliore. S ay, was it not (God's will is always) best T hat he should find his well and long-earned rest ? O ne who, as daughters love, did him revere, N ow sheds for him the tributary tear : E ver to her his memory will be dear. 105 LEONARD TERRY. (To Mrs. Terky.) L ET one who knows thy anguish at tliis time E xpress her sympathy with thee and thine ; ne who herself the same deep pangs hath known, N ow felt by thee — left " desolate and lone." A nd, whilst she would in worthless line exjDress R egret and sorrow in thy deep distress, D eem not amiss her prayer that God thee bless. 'T is hard indeed ! but yet 'tis those we see E ndowed with talents rare, with virtues kind, R emoved are first away from useful sphere, R egretted much by those they leave behind ; Y et God knows best — we loss, they gain, do find. 106 RIGHT HON. G. S. NOTTAGE. (Late Lord Mayor of Londoii. Born 10th November, 1823 ; died nth April, 1885. " A man greatly beloved.''') G OD knows at all times what for man is best — E arth's triumphs, pleasures, sorrows, toil, or rest ; O £ His strange dealings we cannot know now — E, eserved for Him hereafter these to show. G reat honours oft He gives to man, yet see E arth's glories fade and man must lifeless be ! S ix months only since he whom now we mourn, With " robes of office " did himself adorn ; A ccipient of honour, to be proud, N ow waits to-day a coffin and a shroud. N ot world's position, pomp, or riches keep O ne human being exempt from death's cold sleep. T ake, then, all such away, but leave behind T he honest name, the truth, and virtues kind ; A nd, while a line in memory we pen, G o, take a lesson, pause, and truly ken — E ach one must go the way of mortal men. 107 IN MEMORIAM. (Died 18th December, 1882 ; aged 75 years.) ^^'))t^, E, whose great love exceedeth ours, i Ft^ L Hath gently borne away M^ ^ JjJi His child unto the changeless home rt-//^*^^ Of everlasting day. For her the time of peace hath come — The endless Christmas-tide ! She fully shares her Saviour's love Among the sanctified. lOS IN MEMORIAM. (My dearly beloved father, John Crane Xottage. Born 1st March, 1821 ; died 13th October, 1870. " To live in hearts that love is not to die") ■^■^■^^sOW closed for ever are those truthful eyes, I Those lips from which such loving words came forth ) t/%^J^ Are silent now ! ^^t^ f And that expressive, intellectual brow Is cold as marble ! still, I'll not repine, For He, whom thou did trust, I trust in still ; And know 'tis best, since 'twas His gracious will To call thee hence, that thou should'st hence depart — Depart to be at rest on other shore, Whei^e disappointments will not grieve thee more. tk>M 109 THE REASON WHY? (A Temperance Essay.) CHRISTIAIST clergyman and my brother were walking together, when they met a dirty, bare-footed little girl, carrying a bottle filled with beer. After drawinsr my brother's attention to the child, the clergyman pointed to the bottle, and remarked : "That is the reason, my friend, why that child must go bai'e- footed." That is the reason ! Today my brother mentioned this incident to me, and, on reflection, I thought : " Oh, that I had the pen of a ready writer," and then I could write a " moral to adorn a tale " (as far as the demon Drink is concerned) on the sub- ject of " The Reason Why ; " but, failing my ability to do so, I will ask a few questions on " The Reason Why." The reason why there are so many wretched homes? The reason why fathers and mothers neglect their offspring ? The reason why larrikins and larri- kinesses (so-called) infest our streets ? The reason why there are so many useless, wasted lives ? The reason why children have no love or respect for their parents ? The reason why, in this favoured land, there is so much no THE REASON WHY? ■want and starvation ? The i-eason why our gaols are filled with criminals, our asylums Avith the afflicted 1 The reason why, instead of men, women, and children having the love of God in their hearts, they are the children of Satan 1 In nine cases out of ten, if a truth- ful answer is given, it will be : Because of that fearful evil, intoxicating drink ! Oh ! you fathers ! who only spend a little of your earnings at the bar of a public-house, think what bless- ings these small sums would buy your children that they do not now possess. You who squander a good deal of your wages, who envy a steady fellow-Avorkman his success — pause, think that but for the demon Drink your childi'en might be as well dressed as your neigh- bour's, your home as comfortable as his. And, oh ! fathers — husbands — not only think of money wasted and comforts lost, but think — deeply think — of your wives' almost broken hearts, of your children's sorrowful days and unhappy nights, through knowing — what 1 " Father is on the drink I " Ah, more deeply think that you are wasting not only your own, but the health and lives of those belonging to you. And, most deej)Iy, think that, if you do not desist, you are on the path to ruin ; for, though God is merciful, and ever waiting to welcome the sinner if he will but come to Him, yet He has without doubt said, " The drunkard shall not enter heaven." And you, wives, who have the responsible duties of motherhood upon you, never allow your dear little ones reason to say or to know that their mother is the worse for drink. If it is a dreadful thing for a man to be tipsy, it is ten times THE REASON WHY? HI worse for one possessing the name of woman; thougli your husband may be in the habit of imbibing too freely, yoii, following his example, will only make the ruin of him, yourself, and family doubly sure. I would here ask leave to say a word to those Avho are in the habit of allowing their children to have "just a taste." It may be a taste of beer at dinner-time, or a taste of wine when visitors are present ; but, in what- ever way given, mothers, think that that taste, that little drop, may be the first step to your darling's ruin. If in other years that child — your child^should be led into evil through the sin of intemperance, he would very likely blame you — his own mother — for the misery he was obliged to undergo. Why blame you 1 Simply by the taste you had so often given him in his childhood's days, he had acquired a liking, in the first place, for that which afterwards proved his ruin. From the taste he had taken the first glass, from that glass the first bottle, and so on until he had become a slave — a slave of the loorst of taskmasters, intoxicating drink. We are all filled with anxiety, and fear at even the prospect of war disturbing our peaceful land. We do not see that there is already going on in our midst (as well as in nearly every part of the world) a general war. I mean the war of Temperance versus Drink ; and although I fear it will be a long time before the former is victorious, yet, unfortunately, do we see those attached to the enemy falling around us nearly every way we turn ; whereas, if they would only desert their traitor- ruler and join the armies that Temperance leads onward, they would, instead of falling, not only be conquerors 112 THE BbJASON WHY? themselves, but perhaps lead many from the ranks of the enemy, and each of those thus led from the hostile foe, persuading others to join their side, would so swell the ranks of Temperance, that, even against the deadly weapons drink may use in its own cause. Temperance would, conquering, go on to conf[uer, until at last victorious it must be. 113 [The two following i>kces were written (by request J for the Ren. W. W. Mantell, to introduce at the Service of Somj entitled " Jessica s First Pra>/er."] JESSICA'S SOLILOQUY. HE people are coming for coifee, So I must stand silently by ; I must not look at them greedy like, Nor yet let them once see me cry. I know that I feel cold and hungry, I would like some warm coffee and bun, But if I should once let them know it. They would say to me " Off you run !" So I will be very quiet lirke, And then they will not me molest. Here the pleeceman will let me alone — 'Tis something to know where to rest. 'Tis nice for them folks to 'ave pennies, Such good coffee and buns to buy ; And tlien that new white bread and butter — How temptin' it looks to the " heye ! " I suppose they folks must be good folks — TJiat they never drink beer or swear — 114 JESSICA'S SOLILOQUY. And that is the reason, I fancy, That they 'ave those pennies to spare ; I wish, just for once, that my mother AVould give" me a penny, that I Might come like they folks, " hinderpendent," A bun and some coffee to buy. I know mother ofttimes has pennies — It is with them she gets her beer ; I don't quite right understand it, jjut to me it seems mighty queer That she should buy beer with the pennies When it always makes her so bad. And not buy bread, butter, and coffee — And buns, too — as makes folks so glad. I fancy that all beer is good for Is to make mothers beat and swear. And turn their children into the sti-eet To find shelter it matters not A\'here ; I fancy — if I could but find it — There must be a place you can rest : And if I only knew where it was. To find it I would try my best. I know some nice children 'ave 'ouses And mothei'S and fathers "wot's" kind; I 'specs them children are different To those in our " halley" you find ; I 'specs they must be very good like. And clever — not stupid they be ! I 'specs they must be clean and pretty — Not " hugly," as mother calls me ! JESSICA'S SOLILOQUY. 115 I would like to be clean and clever, If only I could know the way — I 'specs some one teaches them children, And feeds them and clothes them each day. * * * * * The man he is packin' his dishes, So I can no longer stay here, Antl I must away to the "halley," I 'specs mother now wants her beer — I wonder if she will 'ave some bread 1 I do feel so hungry and weak ; But, there ! I know if she 'asn't none. About it I dare not speak, Or else again she will beat me bad. And turn me out in tlie street. 116 ACROSTIC. J UPPON ! so ragged ! head and feet both bare ! E arth's lowest one ! no love for her to spare ! S ay, is it child like this of whom Christ said — "S uch is My Kingdom !" This poor little maid I ndeed seems sent no purpose here to fill. C hrist knows His own — she yet will work His will, A n earthly messenger that child may prove — 'S ent to lead others to a God of love. F aith was in her first prayer ; and we may take I ndeed from this a lesson : While we make R equest to God, let lis be sure that He S hall answer send. If for our good it be, T he answer may be given, and we not see. P erceive yet two more lessons — let us try R ightly these lessons to our minds apply ; A nd what are these ? — One love ! one charity ! Y ou have but to possess them. You will see E ach deed of love its own reward will bring — R eal cliarity works good in everything. 117 TRUE PLEASURE. '^^WLTw^ OU ask me where is pleasure found 1 f\&\ I tell tkee search the world around ; _Ji^^^Y Have all that human power can give- '^^^y' Have riches, titled name, and live '^^y'i On daintiest fare ; let luxuries grace Thy dwelling-house in every place ; And yet, though you possess all these. They will not have the power to please, Without you have within your heart That truly called "the better part" — The greatest blessing man can know — The crace God can alone bestow. 'Tis but this gift can pleasure give — True, genuine, lasting while we live ; Such pleasure that will never fail, But will at all times us avail. And teach us so to live that we, Thro' death, gain joy eternally. lis TO M ' HIS is thy birthday, dear — ji' I wish for thee, from heart sincere, That many birthday favours be ^^f[J Now and all times sent to thee. vj^tl, I wish that you may richly taste The best of blessings— God's sweet grace ; And may His truths direct and cheer Thee this and each succeeding year ; IMay God at all times be thy Guide, Whatever joys or griefs betide ; And when this life is ours no more, INlay we meet on a brighter shore, AVhere griefs and sorrows come not nigh, Where " God wipes tears from every eye '"- That place whei^e all is perfect love — Our Father's changeless home above. 119 LINES. SIT alone in the twilight, Musing on clays that are fled ; And crowding into my memory Come forms both living and dead. When Fancy begins to wander, She sometimes strays far away ; And oft I feel a child again With merry young friends at play. To-night, in my Fancy's dreaming I saw my loved childhood's home — Saw the well-known nooks and corners There within its sacred dome. I could hear sweet voices talking, Telling, in their childish glee, Their tales of innocence and mirth. Beside a fond father's knee. I saw the happy smile that played And brightened my mother's face ; While she at work sat busily In her own accustomed place. I saw a tender little form That sat close by mother's chair ; He was the weak one of the flock — And mother's first greatest care. 120 LINES. I saw the happy, bright-eyed girl Of our household band the pet, She whom we called our Fairy Queen ! (She on whom our hearts were set) And backward yet I wandered on To when I was younger still — And with another sister played Beside the old water mill ; And there, the curly -headed boy, The brother I loved so well — The one to whom I always ran My joys or my griefs to tell ; I see him, too ! — Can see each one Of forms dear to mem'ry yet — And well I know, while mem'ry lives I shall not one form forget ! But where are they I picture still ? Still can see with Fancy's eye ? Many of them are gone ! — their forms 'Neath the cold grey earth do lie. That fairy sister is away. That brother, whom I loved best. With mother's tender little lamb, Have all passed to perfect rest. My father, too, tliough loved so well. On earth no more I will see \ But to a Home that changes not He will one day welcome me. LINES. 121 Blest Home ! — Yes ; no more parting there, There no more a cross to bear, ISTo broken friendship, severed ties — No lost form, or A'acant chair. Oh, blessed Home ! — oli, brightest spot ! Where pain and sorrow will be o'er — Where safe within the Shepherd's fold "Twill be joy for evermore. 122 LINES. m h ^ LIKE a man to know his proper place, (p I like a man to look you in the face, ij I like a man in whom you well can trust — ^4| be ? We know we have no power to lighten grief Like that which thou art called upon to bear ; But this we can do, pray that God may send Strength from above to aid thee in thy care. May He who knows at all times what is best. Help thee to " Oast thy care on Him " and rest ; May He, who "wipes the tear from every eye," Be with thee now, and ever closely nigh ! Be with thee always here whilst this life be. And after this life closes may for thee Begin that brighter life, without alloy, Which will be one of never-ending joy. When ijoit will meet again (to part no more) Your loved ones, who have trod that path before ; The path that takes us from this changing home. To home where changes never more will come. There re-united you again will be To wife and children loved — eternally. 144 MY PORTION. H ! to be Avanting nothing, Only to sit at His feet ; w'^P^i' To learn the task with patience J^Ci'f' That He for me thinks meet. \M ^ Only a simple vessel Made fit the Master to serve, That by His strength I never May from His precepts swerve. Only to trust Him wholly — To know He doth all things well — • Only to see His wisdom, And have strength His love to tell. Only to wait and listen • To the teachings of His love ; And, in those truths believing, Be made fit for home above. Only be this my portion — Leaving earthly things behind — " The mark of the high calling " In my Saviour Christ to find. 145 Rev. iii. 19. HE Lord, He loves me, that I know — For all His teachings tell me so — And earnestly for grace I pray That I may love Him more each day. The Lord, He loves me — Yes, indeed, I see it in each time of need ; And when earth's shadows darkest be, 'Tis then His love I fully see. 146 PARAPHRASE ON THE LORD S PRAYER. X'lT-'OT only Father unto thee, Or Father unto me, 4{ But Father of the universe V^52! ^^ ^"^^ *^^^ ^^^^ "^ Three- Father of all who live or move, A Father full of boundless love. He is in heaven ! — this we know— But tho' His seat is there, An omnipresent God He dwells In earth and sea and air ; If in remotest place we be. Our God is there our deeds to see. O Father, hallowed be Thy name ! Let all the world adore One God, supreme in majesty Both now and evermore ; Throughout all realms Thy name be known, And let all glory be Thine own. PARAPHRASE ON THE LORD'S PRAYER. 147 We pray, clear Lord, Thy kingdom come — Tlie time when peace will be — When all who live upon the earth Will Thy great glory see — " Thy kingdom come ! " Yes, this we pray ; Then hasten, Lord, that coming day. " Thy will he done in earth and heaven," So teach us. Lord to pray ; That, whether joy or grief be given, We each in faith may say : Thy will, O Father ! let it be, For such I know is best for me ! "Give us this day our daily bread ;" Let bread of heavenly grace Strengthen our minds and lift our hearts Till we behold Thy face ; And earthly food do Thou supply For all our needs until we die. Forgive us, Lord, our trespasses, Incline our hearts that we May rightly too forgive the faults That we in others see ; And, oh, do Thou help us to say These words with truth each time we pray. 148 PARAPHRASE ON THE LORD'S PRAYER. Into temptation lead us not, But do Thou safely guide Our footsteps through earth's pilgrimage Until we reach Thy side ; Deliver us from evil, Lord, Help us to know and trust Thy word. Thine is the kingdom and the power ; All glory. Lord, to Thee, We know alone is given now And evermore must be ; For ever and for ever, then, Let all Thy creatures say — Amen ! 14'J A CHRISTMAS SOLILOQUY ! •^^^^HRISTMAS DAY!— the day on which we celebrate the Ijirth of the greatest Monarcli ^^5--!^ earth ever knew — the birth of the " King of n^f^^ Kings" and "Lord of Lords," our Saviour r9^ Jesus Christ. While keeping this day as one of pleasure and amusement, how many are there (even among ourselves) who wholly forget that it is the anni- versary of the day on which The Lord was born — or if not the anniversary (for there are many theological scholars who affii-m that we hold the wrong day) the return of the day on which we think our Saviour visited this earth, to take upon Himself the nature of a little child, and to be not only a " Redeemer unto Israel," but unto the whole world — that is, to all in the world who w ill but put their trust in Him. Kind readers, accept my best wishes for Christmas socialities and Christmas pleasures. To you may they be many ; but as friend speaking unto friends, allow me to say, while you enjoy all the happiness this earth can afford, may you (with myself) not forget to seek that higher joy, that peace w^hich passeth all understanding — the " knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." And may we all, trusting in Him, whether our lot be Christmas joys or 150 A CHRISTMAS SOLILOQUY! Christmas woes, know that by so doing we have a " Friend who sticketh closer than a brother," who will (whatever He sees best for us here) at last lead us to that Home where will be unending joy and gladness, such as we can never know until the hereafter. Yes, 'Tis Christmas ! and I wish, dear friends, for you. That joys be many and that cares be few — That with this time of peace — " Goodwill to men "- — The best of blessings ye may i^ichly ken : Not only joys below, but from above Be breathed to each their Saviour's new-born love. ^-^'*i?. / 151 "DEATH" AND "LIFE. DEATH. REAPER there is who will not be still, He reaps at morn, noon, and night, Thro' summer, spring, autumn, and winter chill. He will onward wend his flight ; He visits the happy cottage home, Where the first sweet babe is given, With only a touch from his ruthless scythe And that tender tie is riven ; Eather and mother are left alone. Their bud is lifeless, its spirit flown. Yet onward he goes, where a lovely boy Is the pride of household band ; What anguish leaves there ! their darling is gone With stroke from his icy hand ! Then, away again, he must pause not here. For his work is never done. Not far away is a maiden dear He would reap ere set of sun ; He may not leave her, she is too fair. Above she will bloom a blossom rare. 152 "DEATH" AXD " LIFLV He never pauses — no matter the ties That may l)ind loved ones to earth ; He still gathers on, and to those behind What anguish his work gives birth ! The father beloved, the mother most dear, He will them, too, bear away ; But just one stroke from his sickle so keen, And they may no longer stay ; For Death heedeth not strong affection's ties. Sorrowing heart's anguish, or weeping eyes. LIFE. Although Death comes and bears away Those friends we dearly love, He gathers for the Lord on high. For the Lord's home above. He comes and takes the tender buds, The buds so sweet and rare, To live in garden bright above. To bloom far fairer there. He reaps the lovely, opening flowers, AVhen bursting are their leaves ; It is for Christ, their Shepherd kind, " He binds them in his sheaves." ''DEATH" AND ''LIFE." 153 And those he smites in youth's bright hour With his cold, icy hand, He bids die here, to live for aye In Heaven's pure " happy land." The ripened grain : those who have toiled And borne the burden long, Are but released from earthly cares To join the angels' song. Oh ! say not Death is stern and cold, Although to part is pain (We know for us) from friends loved well — They life, joy, peace do gain. They die — but to begin to live The life that never dies ; They pass away from earthly sphere To mansions in the skies. Dead to a cold, unfeeling world, Dead to the thoughtless breast. Dead to false friends (deceit, pretence) — From such they safely rest. Not dead to those who loved : not dead ! But only gone before ; They live with us in mem'ry still. As in the days of yore. 154 ''DEATH" AND "LIFE." Yet do they dwell within our hearts, And in our minds we trace Each form we love (we hear each voice) — Behold again each face. And while hearts with affection beat, While tears will fill the eye, When thoughts bring back our loved again, They will not — cannot die. ^M. yr-^>r)" i LESS me, dear Lord ! and let me know All for my good Thou dost bestow — Bless me, dear Lord ! and let me see 'Tis well, if I but trust in Thee. I .-).") STANZAS— NOT DEAD TO ME ! " Tlie memory ofthejud in blessed." y li^OT dead to me, my dear one ! Still you live In fondest mem'ries that tlie past can give ; ^ And well I know thy most devoted love P'^'^ty ^^^ prize I in my heart all things above. Not dead to me ! I loved you far too well, Whilst God permitted you on earth to dwell. For ever to forget that 'twas but thee I loved, as only thou wert loved by me. Not dead to me ! Each day, each moment brings To mind thy thoughtful care — the many things That thou didst do for me and for our boys, The three with whom you always sought life's joys. O husband ! When I think, my darling gone. Of thy great wealth of love so showered upon Those children and myself — it seems to me My heart must break with weight of agony ! loG STANZAS— NOT DEAD TO ME! If 'twere not for our boys, my darling, I Would wisli that I, like thee, might quickly die, To go and dwell where there is perfect rest, For I am sure that thou art with the blest. But well I know these thoughts rebellious are — That, if God wills it, it is nobler far To strive to live, and try my best to do To guide our boys life's youthful journey through. Whate'er it be, I pray that God may keep Our dear ones and myself until we meet Again, my husband, on a brighter shore, Where Death will have no power to part us more. I know that I no longer look on thee. But on the cold clay house where you have been — Where once your spirit breathed. My farewell kiss I press upon those features. Well I ween That, though no more upon them I may gaze, Within my heart they ever will be mine ; There will they dwell — no power bids them depart — Until it ceases beating like to thine. STANZAS— NOT DEAD TO ME! 157 Dead ! Dead ! Yes, he is dead ! Say, can it be That never more he may come back to me 1 My own dear Alick, whom I loved so well, With such affection that no words can tell How much I loved him ! . . , O God ! help me this bitter grief to bear. And keep me in Thine own, good, tender care. II 158 -^^iJSti) PATIENCE. HERE is an ano-el ofttimes visits here, The weak, the suffering, and the sad to cheer ; And though we cannot keep from grief or pain. Or bring our loved ones back to us again, Yet can he lielp us bear the ills we know, And strengthen us to tight with pain or woe, That angel— it is Patience ! May it be Permitted, Lord, to visit mine and me ! CHILDREN'S PAGES. CHILDREXS PAGES. CHRISTMAS WISHES. V|7MI T this lioly Christmas tide ^l^i^0\ May pure peace with thee abide ; M ^Jj^ Choicest blessings under Heaven ' ^=^^2, Unto each and all be given ; "p»-^ And may special joy l)e thine At the coming NeA\^ Year time. Reader ! I, thy humble friend, Kind and earnest wishes send ; ]\Ierrie Christmas to you all — Happy Xew Year festival ! ^^\ 162 THE JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. ~^ E'VE met to-day, upon this Eastern Hill, To vie-sv the works of industry and skill] That have been wrouuht witli willino- mind and hand By Juveniles throughout fair Austral's . land. Welcome, kind friends ! we hid you welcome here. For we are certain there's no cause to fear Our Exhibition will fail to possess Attractions great to crown it a success — Attractions that will approbation gain. To well rewai'd the woi'ker for his pain. Rare works of beauty, novelty, and taste Young friends have sent, our efforts well to grace, And wai'mest thanks are due to each and all "Who kindly worked, responsive to our call — - To help us gain the triumph of this day (For, is it not a triumph that we may Justly be proud of 1) Display'd here you'll find Things that will please the eye, improve the mind — Most pleased indeed we are our entei'prise Doth meet with sucli approval. That surprise THE JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION. 163 We see depicted on each happy face Now pi'esent, this our opening scene to grace. But we must not detain you ; for to raise Their voices high in anthem's song of praise Our friends are waiting, and we know they'll please You more with Music's lines than we with these ; But yet, before we close, we'll wish to each A merry Christmas, filled with joy and peace. A happy New Year's time, kind friends, be thine, Full of rich blessings sent by hand Divine. Young friends ! We said, to you our thanks we owe, And genuine are the thanks we now bestow ; May you all strive with every bright New Year Achie-\"ements more to win — still persevere To mount Ambition's ladder, and aspire By industry to gain what you desire. May you woi^k on with willing heart and hand, Till Liberty, Peace, Knowledge rule our land. Knowledge ! bright Knowledge ! may thy brightest ray Drive all the clouds of Ignorance away — Dark Ignorance ! Oh, may thy power cease ! God s[)eed the cause of Knowledge, Love, and Peace. 164 THE GIFT OF ALL GOD'S EARTHLY GIFTS THE BEST! \ ERE you to ask me the best earthly gift Tliat God could give to aid you here below, ^^1^^'^- -^ S^^^ t]idd, would not fail you — would not ■*"!"? ^ ..rV change V, ' In weakness, health, in joy or deepest woe; A something that would always hover near, To help you do the right, to shun the wi'ong — To keep you truthful, noble, just, and good, To help you walk the narrow path along ; Were you to ask me this best gift for thee, A mother's love would, child, my answer be. A good mother, my child ! such the best gift That God can give thee here on earth ; for she Will train you for His service — she will lead Thee to His mercy-seat, and you will be By her prayers blessed. By her you will be taught To put your trust in Him who keepeth all ; Will, by her teaching, know that He will aid With His good grace all those who on Him call ; And if your path should be where dangers lie, Her teachings will have taught you that His light Will lead you on whex'e He would have you go — If He but lead, thy pathway must be right. THE BEST OF ALL GOD'S EARTHLY OlFTS. 165 And when by her eai'tli's pilgrimage is done — When God has called her home to perfect rest — Still will her teachings live, and you will know Of all God's earthly gifts her love was best. You, too, will know that she is waiting where God will you one day take, her bliss to share. Dear child, know this : 'Tis sent from Him above- The precious gift of a True ^Mother's Love ! 166 MY TREASURE. ("Bobbie," 187-4.) W^^^l ^^'O large full eyes — loving, tender, and true- \ rc AVith merriment beamino- — of violet hue ; [^^%/f Two little hands, only fitted for play, y^/(r Busy with mischief full half of the day ; ^^ "« Two little feet, that go tramping along, Resting hardly a moment all day long. Listening to things that they should not hear, Two little ears injudiciously near ; And these little matters to memory's hall Two sweet little lips will often recall ; One little body, whom mother all day jNIust carefully watch, lest her boy should stray. One minute climbing on table or chair. The next he is hiding you know not where ; Then there's a rush and a loving caress — A romp, and a hug full of tenderness — Coaxing dear mother to tell him a tale. To mend him his whip, or make him a sail. 31 Y TREASURE. m Yet, tho' often mischievous, wayward, wild, Full of love is ever my darling child ; And when he comes, with aftection's pure kiss, To ask my pardon for deed done amiss, I feel a mother's best, tenderest joy In fondly forgiving my erring boy. And when at eve he is tired of his play. Washed ready for bed, he kneels down to pray, AYith brown chubby hands clasped tightly in prayer, I think of his future while watching there, And often anxiously, earnestly pray God to keep " My Treasure " in Wisdom's way. Now he has kissed us all — " Good-niglit ! " — at'rest, His curly head leaning on mother's breast — My neck fondly circled with tiny arm — ~ I feel that to guard him safe from all harm I can cheerfully all day's troubles bear, YoY j)^ire love repays a true mother's care. 168 ACROSTIC. July 10th, 1SS4. C HiLD, do you feel liow solemn is the vow rdained for you to take upon this night ? X o\v, think how fervently you then must pray F or God's good grace to aid thee in the fight. 1 n all temptations, dangers that beset, R ight loyally do thou thy Master serve. ]\I ay never cowardice bid thee desert A Saviour's side, or from His precepts s^^"erve. 'T is not a form alone, though thoughtless minds, I ndeed, may think 'tis but a rite of man. O ! be it, child, to thee a means whereby N ew grace is given to do the best you can. 169 •^F-CA SBIPLE word here, A simple word there, Only a word on the way ; Spoken in weakness, Spoken in meekness, But growing in strength each day. A simple word hei^e, A simple word there, From those words what good ^^-ill spring God alone can tell, But He knows full well They will fruit to His harvest bring. 170 LINES GIVEN TO MY SON WITH A SILVER WATCH— 1884. "^■^'ii O thee, my son, my Alexander dear, I give this silver watch, with love sincere ; You know that it is placed within your care, Memento of affection. You will wear It next your heart, and I trust you will prize More than the watch — that which it tells thee flies- — The precious time that God to thee has given, May you so spend 'twill make you meet for Heaven. I know, most careful of the watch you'll be Because thy mother's hand did give it thee ; But, dai'ling boy, more careful be to show In all thy actions that God's grace you know ; Much happier it will make thy mothei''s heart To know her child doth choose "the better part" — To know he prizes more the gifts of love Sent from his Heavenly Father's house above Than gifts of earth, however dear they be. (The gifts of grace will last eternally !) A pure, a thankful heart, an upright mind, I pray be yours ; may you trae Avisdom find LINES GIVEN To MY SON. 171 Each day as time glides swiftly on its way — Each week, each year, that God permits thee stay This life to live — that while you this life know — That while you do life's duties here below, You may at all times feel your heart is strong To do the right, to overcome the Avi'ong ! I know temptations always will beset These paths of earth ; but if you strive to get Dominion over Satan's wiles and power. You will o'ercome, in evil's trying hour — O'ercome, thro' seeking strength from One above, Who, though so just, is still a God of love. ***** My boy, we know not what a day may bring ! And if too soon, for thee, upon Time's wing, It should be I am called to leave thy side. Remember well my counsels — still abide Within the " narrow path " where day by day I strove for years to lead thee on the way — The way that leads to bi-ighter home above, Where all is harmony and perfect love. And whilst I'm speaking, darling, thus to thee. Some words I add — of these most mindful be — The words are these : Thy younger brother dear. Whom I have loved like thee for many a year, Who, like thyself, by me is prized so well That words would fail thy mother's love to tell ; Thy only brother, Robert, do thou guide With best of brother's counsel ; by his side 172 LINES GIVEN TO MY SON. Do thou be near in sorrow's trying time ! And, like my prayers have ofttimes mixed -with thine, So do thou daily let thy voices be Upraised to Heaven ; upon thy bended knee Do thou together ask thy God in prayer To guide, protect, and keep thee everywhere ; In duties, or in pleasures, or in woe, That He be with thee wheresoe'er you go ; For if you ask aright, be sui^e that He Will guide, svistain, and help continually. And may the bonds of brotherhood Ije such Between my boys, that you may firml}- trust Each in the othei' — may you ever share The other's joy and pleasure, pain or care. And when this changing life is ended here, May you, my boys, within God's home apj)ear ; There meet again your father dear and I, Where tears of parting no more dim the eye — Where re-united on that brio-hter shore We all will dAvell with God for evermore. I7:i t-^. A FABLE. N ancient King (the fable runs) A message sent one day Xk^ Unto another olden Kina:- ^^ ^.^^5>Z The message this did say ?^»^ " Send me a pig : I'd like it blue (And mind do not delay) — Its tail as black as ink must be, Or else" — he did not say What else — or, if he had, perhaps A pig he would have got ; But a blue pig with a black tail This rival King had not. So this reply was quickly sent : " A good pig or a bad, With blue skin and a tail like ink, I've not got. If I had " And just through this they went to war ; They laid their kingdoms bare. Their armies, too, did they exhaust ; Their treasures, great and rare, Were sacrificed through this small thinsr ; And when near all was lost, They both thought they had foolish been ' To reckon not the cost. 12 174 A FABLE. They each began, at last, to wish Sweet peace they could restore ; Ere this might be they must explain Unto each other more. What first it was that made them start To fight one with another — That hate they bear each one unto Instead of love like brother. " What could you mean," the second King Unto the first did say, " By saying, ' Send me a blue pig (And mind you don't delay) With a black tail, or else' — else what I want of you to know. Why did you such a message send — Such insult to me show 1 " Then answer made this first great King : " A blue pig did I mean. With a black tail, you should me send (Whether 'twere fat or lean) ; And if you had not such an one, I must do with another. I put ' or else,' so you should know To send me any colour." After the first King had explained What he so clearly meant, Unto the other he did say — " That answer that you sent, ' I have not got one ; if I had — ' That's what I could not bear. Such words that you to me should use I really thought a care." A FABLE. 175 " Well," said the second King, " I can That very soon explain : If pig I'd had, I should have sent It to you is quite plain." The explanation then was done — Each King his folly saw ; And firmer friends these Kino-s became Than e'er they were before. This fable might to boys and girls A useful lesson teach. That they, for trifling, small mistakes. Too often make a breach. Too oft a thing misunderstood Will make one's friend a foe — Will, when it should be full of joy. Make the heart throb with woe. Oft quarrels quite as foolish are As war of the black pig ; We wait not for each to explain, Our pride's so mighty big. We draw conclusions far too fast — But one view do we take — And thus, like kings of olden time, Oft make some great mistake. 176 STANZA. HREE children of one household — they were all That God had sent to bless that earthly home. Three fair sweet flowers — with what devoted care Each one was watched and tended ! Yet, with all The love and tenderness which they knew here, There was A Friend who loved those children more Than even they to whom He had them sent. He looked — He saw that they were tender lambs, Unfit to battle with life's storms and cares, And so He took them to a Better Land. * Poor mother ! crushed with grief ; poor father ! mourn Not for thy dear ones — only for thy loss ; For they are safe in God's own keeping, where In after-time you will their glory share. STANZA. 177 My heart aches for you both. I cannot say In words the sympathy for thee I feel. May He who gave, and He who took away, Send solace from above — thy grief to heal. No human friend can aid at such a time. No human voice can consolation tell ; But, oh ! may God Himself console and bless. And whisper to thee : " / (?o all things well I " October 2nd, 1885. 178 OUR ALICK. 1871. UR own sweet Alick, our darling boy, So full of innocence, love, and joy; ^ I think, when gazing on his fair face, It is far too pure for earthly place — It is more fitted for home above, 'Mid cherubs of spotless truth and love, Than to be in world of grief and sin, With cares without and troubles within. I loved our boy with aftectionrare, When first I felt a mother's fond care ; And as I thanked my Father above For gift sent to us in boundless love. With my prayers were tears — I wept for joy- That he was my own, my lovely boy. But his winsome ways and prattle gay Make me greater prize him day by day ; And, watching him with a mother's pride, I think no other like him beside. OUR A LICK. 171) I pray the Givei' of all that is good Preserve our Alick to reach manhood ; May He direct him from early hours To youth's bright age with golden flowers — From youth to manhood his footsteps guide, O'er all his pleasures and ways preside. Our darling boy ! may God's own good care Protect and keep him everywhere. 180 AN ENIGMA. TT\w7^ Y first you'll find in seed, but not in sowing. -4 \i/l j My second is in plant, but not in growing. My third is in pleasure, but 'tis not in joy. My fourth is in urchin, but never in boy. My fifth is in lesson, but 'tis not in task. My sixth is in cover, but absent from mask. My whole is a plant : its blossoms do bear An exquisite fragrance of 23erfume quite rare. A Hsioer — Daphne. FRIENDS. ^HEN I see the leaves doAvn fallinjj, &j Soon as Autumn doth begin, From the trees they firmly clung to In the bright glad time of Spring, Such I think is worldly friendship. While abundance with us lasts Friends (so called) will round us gather ; But when winter o'er us casts Its dark shade of need or sorrow, They no longer wish to stay — Then, as leaves drop from their brandies, Untrue " Friends " all haste away. 181 ^Jk^-i ADVICE. E do not often stumble Upon the roughest way, Because we look where danger lies Before us day by day. 'Tis where the path is smoothest, Where even is the road, That, by a little thing unseen, We fall beneath the load. And so it is, dear children. With persons whom you meet ; Oft those who speak too smoothly Are like to even street. Where least you think are dangers, Temptations there may be, So never be too trustful Of those who flatter thee. 182 ADVICE. Those friends who show you kindly, With truthful lip and heart, The obstacles before you Along life's rugged path ; Who tell you of your weakness, Your thoughtless faults reprove, Are those that you should trust in— Ai'e those whom you should love. Like the road that is uneven — The road you walk with care — True friends will always teach you Of life's dangers to beware. So, if you take instruction, And follow what they tell, Tho' duty's path seems hardest, You will do your duties well. And when youthful years have gone, 'Tis likely you may know That, to friends did you reprove. Success in life you owe. 183 NEW YEAR CARD COUPLETS. ■?i:5t vp T^-i/ Q.D^Y another year is born for thee, And with its birth may you new blessings see \ la ^!4 ■£ May every gift of love and joy Be always thine without alloy ! Foe thee, dear friend, with heart sincere, I wish a happy, bright New Year ! May love and joy for thee with years increase, Thy life be filled with good — its end be peace ! The seasons change ; but may true love for thee Be changeless as the seasons changing be ! 184 ^jG%-i^ OD bless you ! — keep you in His way Each year, each month, each week, each day ; And when for thee brief Tivie is done. May glad Eternity be won ! -^m SCEAPS AND COUPLETS, SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. BIRTHDAY. k\v/^ ANY happy returns ! — the old, old lay send to thee, my friend, with love to- day ; P With these I send a warm and true caress, And trust that priceless joys thee ever bless. We waft our loving thoughts to-day, We pray that God may bless, A friend to whom we owe far more Than words can well express. True friends are rare — know how to prize them. Be true in all things — let men see Your words and actions well agree. 188 SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. A WISE friend points to our errors. Try to be wise, and learn to know That silence oft doth wisdom show. Within their hearts, how many bear A secret sorrow — a hidden care! It is better to be silent than to speak unkindly truths. Gold never yet hath won esteem- It oft has bought it, well I ween. A KINDNESS done in time of necessity is one that can never be fully repaid. He who spends his life as his life should be spent, Will have little time to waste in discontent. How little minds do like to show their power ! The sun did never shine without it cast a shade. Deceit in friendship is the basest kind. SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. 189 He who is slow to promise what you ask, Will be most likely to fulfil the task. Never forget one who has been your friend. Charity and Justice are two good proofs of Chris- tianity. Few deeds are lost. If courtesy you show, Through acts of same you may true friendship know. He who imputes wrong motives is to himself no friend ; Grieve not though, with such a man, thy friendship hath an end. Be courteous, truthful, kind, and just. We all alike, within this " vale of tears," Find pleasure mixed with pain, and hopes with fears. God gives us dear ones for to prize and love ; He takes them for to lift our hearts above. Keep smiles for the world ; Let your tears be seen only by a friend. If pure the heai*t that you do once deceive. Though truth you tell, it will not truth believe. 13 190 SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. Others know not our sorrow ; so likewise we know not the sorrow of others. They say oft stupids good work criticise, Let such do better for to teach the wise. Seek not to call a man or woman friend, Unless, through good or ill, you will defend. Though others be unjust, let us be kind ; Such charity doth show a Christian mind. True friendship is a thing wealth camiot buy. For friends by riches made with riches fly. Let not the fear of ridicule cause you to deny your principle. Op women mealy-mouthed be thou afraid ; Such women mischief make on land or wave. One good rule of life is to never let anyone do for us that which we can do for ourselves. It is the little things of life That ofttimes bring us care and strife. SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. 191 He that giveth thee wise counsel is a good friend. "VVe all have sorrows that the world knows not ; Unclouded joys can here be no man's lot. There is no doubt experience teaches. We also know life is full of lessons. Always try to do your best. A GOOD book is a desirable companion. What magic power true friendship can impart ! It joy increaseth, cheers the wounded heart. Let faith, and hope, and charity be thine. " What might have been " 'tis not for us to say ; What is, is God's will, and we must obey. Any way that is always smooth is not the right way. It matters not the church or creed you own, So that with fear you serve your God alone. I KNOW what has been, I know what is, but I know not what is to come. 192 SCBAPS AND COUPLETS. Always be proud, but let your pride be seen In truth and goodness, and in noble mien. Let us give to others pleasure ; in doing so we are sure to find it ourselves. No one but God can us the future tell ; Leave it to Him, and know all will be well. Look on the cheerful side of life, and see That flowers bloom there for thee continually. Or, If you would rather cross the way, and find The sharpest thorns, have discontented mind. Three things worth having — a cheerful heart, a cheer- ful fire, and a cheerful friend. The best cure for dulness is to find some occupation. It is better to be deceived than to be suspicious. If you would noble be, seek not to please The world alone, but give thy conscience ease. Never neglect an opportunity of doing good. SCJRAFS AND COUPLETS. 193 A LIFE of self-indulgence and of ease Is not the life a noble mind to please. A MAN who will fearlessly speak his mind, even against his own interest, is a man whom you can trust. Judge not another ; bear in mind One Judge there is for all mankind. Every man or woman can do something to contribute to the happiness of others. To work and do one's duty Shows nobleness and worth. Charity will cover, but true modesty will prevent, many sins. There is no use disputing with a man you know you'll not convince, say all you can. An open-hearted man is generally a sincere one. Good nature, with good sense and virtue, hold — You wdll be rich, though small your stock of gold. 'Tis better to have a humble joy than know a golden sorrow. 194 sen A PS AND COUPLETS. Despise a slander — it will die ; Refute it — it will right a lie. If hate you plant to-day, be sure -to-morrow The growth of same will bring you bitter sorrow. To start in time is better than to run When only half our journey we have done. Those who will wound the soi-rowful and poor Will cringe immensely at the rich man's door. No place on earth like home, where home is blest With pure affections from unselfish breast. All lives will bring forth either weeds or flowers. A man's actions that are seen Will tell the virtues are within. Self-reliance will generally dispel discontent. "Tis Avise to scorn the weakness of one's self, 'Tis wise to blame the sins that we commit. And thereby gain instruction how to act In future, to avoid regretted faults. SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. 195 Contentment is a source of wealth That riches cannot buy. With helping hand let sympathy be seen. Smiles are to human beings what sunshine is to flowers. If we scatter seeds of blessing, From the seeds will blessings spring. It is not the absence of temptation, but overcoming when one is tempted, that shows a man or woman's real character. There is no use to vex ourselves for thin&s we cannot »'- help. He who is suspicious of other men should be suspected by those of whom he is suspicious. This life, at best, is not all joy. Let each one his own business mind, And leave his friend's alone. Do not let trifles prevent you from trying to achieve success. 196 SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. Spend well the present, and you may depend The future you will find a worthy friend. If peace and quietness you would obtain, A thousand things forget the same to gain. Look not to find a fi-iend without a fault ; Not faidtless we who try that friend to find. O Father ! grant, on brightest shore, We meet again to part no more ! One Friend I know a Friend will be Through time and through eternity. Deal gently with the children : they will know, When past is childhood, quite enough of woe. To do one's duty cheerfully is to spend life well. An envious man hath trouble much to bear ; For others' joy will only bring him care. My son ! i-emember, no one has the power To rob you of good name, if so you live That you deserve it. SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. 197 OxE thought consoles us for this life's short space. That time cannot eternity efface. He who would safely rule, must rule in love. It matters not the gain deceit obtains- It only cheats the getter for his pains. True friendship i^equires no ceremony. Who will not reason must a bigot be ; Who cannot, stupid is ; And he who dares not, he must be a slave. Would'st thou acquire wisdom 1 Thou must know life's disajDpointments. Remember, he is powerful who can Control his passions like a noble man. If well you do the smallest thing, it is better than the- greatest not well done. 'Tis far more easy some men to obey Than others to command. Those who parade misfortune feel it least. 14 198 SCBAPS AND COUPLETS.' Write, talk, and tliink of virtue, if you will ; But practise it — that will be better still. Can'st thou judge another's heart If you do not know your own ? It is not always possible to keep from having disagreeable things said of you, but you can always keep from saying them of others. God knows the cross that each the best can bear. 'Tis better for to thhik and not to speak. Than for to speak and not think what we say. Life has no business Avith you, If you can nothing find to do. While memory lives there are three things to which the mind will often revert — a father's love, a mother's care, and our childhood's home. Each one is sent into this world An appointed task to do. Adversities, we often find, Are blessings in disguise. SCRAPS AND COUPLETS. 199 Is there a heart without its necropolis, Where gravestone of its loved, its unforgotten, be. CHRISTMAS DAY. If you would Christians be, as Christians pray — Forgive and kindly think of all to-day. THE END. George Robertson and Company, Printers, Melbourne. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. lli{;,,S°{;,S,REGIO^(AL LIBRARY ' FACILITY ^A 000 367137 '