THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES . *#%^*m$S*F*S^. <%?m. 3s& 7/ DR. W. A. ENGLE. POEMS. BY DR. W. A. ENGLE, OF HARTFORD, MICHIGAN. CHICAGO: DIBBLE PUBLISHING CO. PUBLISHERS. COPYRIGHT, BV Dtt. W. A. EKGLE, A.D., 1883. CELESTIAL MUSE, with powers divine, O touch my feeble tongue ! Since unborn thoughts within my mind Are struggling to be sung ; O give them Inspiration's breath, That they may breathe, and live ; Thus, being born to life, from death, Them of thy fullness give. And thou, great God, who fills life's cup, Give me the power of song, That I may rear crushed virtue up, And put down vaunting wrong. 759812 PREFACE. In presenting to the public the following poems, we do not claim for them any great degree of excellence or perfection, being composed when surrounded by, and engaged in, the busy conflicts of life, and have always been made objects of secondary importance. We desire, therefore, that the reader will read with a spirit of charity, and overlook all errors ; discard the evil, and cherish only the good ; and being governed by the good, will enter into the spirit of the author, and we humbly hope that thereby he will find some small interest in their perusal. Yours, W. A. ENGLE, Author. CONTENTS. PAGE. Adieu to the Days of Childhood, ... 60 A Dream, ...... 136 A Letter of Early Manhood, . . . 141 A L,o ve Letter of Early Manhood, . . 282 A Miscellany, . . . . . 140 A Nightly Scene, ..... 94 A Return to the Scenes of Academic Days, . 1 33 A Soliloquy, . . . . . 17 Assassination of President Lincoln, . . 302 Autumn, ...... 149 A Vision of the Mind, .... 70 A Visit to the Scenes of Childhood, . . 31 Bay View, The Beautiful, . 287 Behold the Varied Forms of Human Nature, 160 Evening Meditation, . . . . .34 Fashion and Health, .... 32 Fifty Years Old, 42 Friendship, ...... 64 How Noble are the Works of Nature, . . 296 How Weak and Frail is Man, ... 46 Human Weakness, . . . . .271 Incident at School, .... 297 Independence Day, . . . . .105 Knowledge and Virtue, Wisdom and Truth, . 66 Liberty, ....... 103 L ; fe, ....... 29 Lines Written to a Wife, . . . .135 Lines Written for a Sister's Album, . . 286 Lines Written to a Brother, . . . .19 Lines Written to a Brother on a Visit to the Old . Homestead, . . . . .291 Lines Written to a Friend, . . . 151 Lines Written on Christmas Eve. of 1881, , 145 CONTENTS. PAGE. Lines Written on the Close of School, . . 58 Lines Written on the Assassination of President Garfield, ..... 265 Lines Written on the Death of a Young Child, r 14 Lines Written on the Death of a Young Lady, 49 Lines Written on the Death of a Young Boy, . 280 Lines Written on the Death of a Young Man, 143 Lines Written on the Death of a Young Physician, 277 Mystery of Mysteries, . . . ' . 124 O For an Hour of Sober Thought, . . . 159 O For a Walk among the Stars, . . 98 O Liberty, Why Slumber Long, , . . 26 Old Allegany, . . . . . 154 Our Mother, . . , . ... 68 Parting at School, . . . 61 Reflections on the Setting Sun, . . . 100 Scenes of Despair, . ,- ... . 53 Scenes of Joy and Hope, ..< . . V 55 Sin, . . . . ... 12 Smithfield, or the Forgiven Murder, . , . 205 Solis, or King of the Sun, . . . 173 The Author's Twenty-first Birthday, . _". 107 The Ancient Castle, . . . .. 96 The Forged Will, .. ' .> . . '";"., 38 The Husband's Lament, . .. . . 193 The Medical Faculty of the University of Michigan, 169 The Pleasant Wife, . . . . 23 The Three Beauties; or Tom Moore, . . . , 227 The Three Lovers; or Deceit Revenged, .,' -- no The Workings of the Human Mind, 'i c The Works of Nature, . . ; 5 i The Young Consumptive's Prayer, .' . 2 8 Time: An Acrostic, . . .. . 3 oo Tragic .Scenes of Real Life, . 80 Truth, y : : Two Contentious Boys, . - .. 20-* Where Shall we Find Repose, ... !22 POEMS. TRUTH. O Truth, thou source of never-ending joy ! O gift from heaven, which hand can not destroy, Come thou, and in the sinful breast of man Fix thine abode. So order, fit and plan, That thou may'st build in each and every breast A place fit for thy dwelling and thy rest. Teach him to know thy worth, O, nobler, far, Than all that wealth can bring by peace or war. The golden dust that glitters on the shore, Or costliest trophies, drench'd in human gore, In fulness ne'er can be compared to thee, O stream divine, whose source is Deity; For thou canst make below a heaven of earth, Could mortals know and realize thy worth. But oh, how far from thy bright, shining way Do Earth's indulgent sons wander astray! Neglectful of thy precepts, ever bright, Till thou art lost to conscience and to sight : O ' And Vice and Sin, around their guardless heads, Pour down the thickest night darkness o'erspreads Their vision on they rush in deeper gloom, Till death they meet, and tumble in the tomb ; (9) IQ TRUTH. A tomb disgraced by drunkenness and crime ; They, by corruption from the shores of time, Shov'd off into a future all unknown, Where dark Despair sits on his ebon throne, And Misery and Regret triumphant reign, And awful agony and ceaseless pained Send their wild waitings 'round this dark domain. For the cold grave ends not the direful scene ; Death seals their fate, and draws a veil between These everlasting torments and our eyes, And dark and dreadful there all hidden lies; While those on whom thy virtues deign to shine, Though few they are compared with all mankind, Walk in the light of heaven, and 'round their heads The light of wisdom its effulgence sheds ; Beaming in cloudless splendor, and so bright That it the course of life through darkest night Illumes, and points them to that narrow way, From which so many seem so prone to stray ; The way that brings serenity and rest, To those who walk therein ; and in each breast Builds up a heaven, a pure and holy zeal, Which none can e'er express, though they may feel- Cheers them on o'ercomes each threatening wave, Robs Death of fear, and shines into the grave ; Showing beyond, eternity all bright, Where Bliss and Pleasure smile on fond Delight, And everlasting joys abundant flow, And Rapture sweetly sings, to feel, and know, That from the throne of the Almighty God, \Vhere centers power from all his works abroad, TRUTH. 11 Love's never failing streams forever pour, Where drink the saints rcnew'd forever more, With youthful life and natures all divine ; Here, too, they bathe their beauteous forms, and shine In splendor all anew joy in their eyes And ecstacies in every niein ; they rise And with the voice of endless praise, thus given, With hallelujahs ring the courts of heaven. O then ! since wheresoe'er thy lamps of Wisdom shine The sinful and the foul are made divine, And their iniquity before thee fly As darkness from the earth, and air, and sky, When morning light breaks in, the copse to clear, And hydra-headed crime abaslvd with fear Retires before thy gaze since, wheresoe'er Thy searching light chance but to feebly glow, All things licentious wail out in their woe ; And cloth'd in their deceit flee from thy rays In hurried flight to seek the misty maze, To revel there in drunkenness and glee, Unwarn'd, unbridl'd, unrestrain'd by thee, Since pure enjoyment all thy footsteps bring, And at thy touch all of our frailties spring Triumphant o'er the seeming darkest gloom Since thou can'st shine into the dismal tomb ; Why not extend thy pure and purging light, O'er wide creation ; and Pollution's night Chase out ? till neither place or spot be found, Where it could light to spread its influence round ? Till Vice from vast immensity shall flee 12 an* . And .all iniquity be lost in thee ? And raging sin from earth be chased afar, That she no more may wage infernal war With Virtue's noble sons and ne'er again, Devour with fiendish rage, the souls of men, Till trouble, pain, and grief, shall pass away As night's deep shade before the king of day ; And ceaseless pleasure, love, and peace be given, To all below ; and Earth become as heaven. SIN. Dark as the heaving tide that oceans roll Sin's awful burden hisses round the soul- Hides the bright beams of Truth from every eye, As gathering storms eclipse the mid-day sky. And, fearful, blighting as the dread simoon, Leaves the sick soul a desert, and in gloom ; Upon whose burning sands each Virtue's flower Droops its fair head, and withers in an hour. Far more destructive than the upas tree Death to each noble deed to you, and me. Dark Guilt sits swimming in her angry eye, And breathing Vice, its venomed arrows fly And fix themselves within the human breast, Corrupt the man, and murder all his rest. And as the fearful tempest tosts the main, Or, the dread whirl-wind rudely sweeps the plain Prostrating forests level with the ground, SIN. 13 So sin, each monument of truth hurls down ; Our baser passions into billows roll, Whose direful rage brooks not the least control, Wrecks Reason, swallows Conscience, and a slave Drives on her wretched victims to the grave ; And, here a dark Eternity unfolds With Death, the key. Here, monster Discord rolls Its restless sides in awful wretchedness and ire, And Hate looks forth a thousand horrors dire ; And deep Corruption, that foul thing, here reigns, Bathes in fierce wrath, and breathes Satanic flames. Nor these alone the form of misery wear, Numberless unknown to man in deep despair Wade through the dismal gloom, and there drink in, To quench their burning thirsts, the draughts of Sin, Which add to their desires new cravings still, That ever gnaw insatiate as their will. And Torment, mad with rage, and wild with pain, Sends his loud railing 'round the dark domain. Then whosoe'er would shun these hateful scenes, Refrain from Sin, and all her artful schemes ; And learn, that Truth, and Faith, and Love, Are heavenly spirits, from the realms above. 14 LINES WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG CHILD. LINES WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG CHILD. And is he gone the lov'd, the cherished one, Who had life's journey merely just begun? On whom fond parents look'd with rare delight, To see him hale, intelligent and bright, Ready to meet their greetings with a smile ? Ah yes ! is gone ! and on that simple child Pale Death has fixed for aye his fatal seal, Secure as destiny ; and will not yield. O Death ! Why didst thou clip that flower so young, While life was in the bud, and yet unsprung To manhood's prime ? Why in thy fatal aim, Crush so many hopes fond, alas ! but vain ? Why rob a tender mother of her joy ? Or strip a father of his darling boy ? And leave a station silent, lone, and still, Which no one can supply, none ever fill ? Alas ! that face shall at the open door, Welcome his father's wished return, no more. That happy, " Pa, Pa," from his childish tongue, Which had such music while it ling'ring hung On his mild lips, and fullness in its tone, Has died away ah yes ! forever flown. And those bright sunny smiles we'll see no more Nor hear his tales all these are past and o'er. And at the table oh, that vacant seat ! THE WORKINGS OF THE HUMAN MIND. 15 How throbs a mother's heart when there they meet, How thrills the father's breast with aching pain That absent one with them ne'er meets again. For cold and silent 'neath the grassy sod, He lies unknown to all, but heaven and God. THE WORKINGS OF THE HUMAN MIND. None but to reason and reflection blind, Have failed to watch the workings of the mind ; How thoughts on thoughts if)ll o'er the thinking soul, Each strengthening each ; each wielding its control ; Each moulded, yet is limitless and free ; Each, having source, yet boundless as the sea. Awakened by some thought that goes before, Great waves, incessant as the ocean's roar, Rush o'er the soul in one continual strain, Now die away, now surge the mental main ; And, foaming, burst each barrier, leap the sky, And winged by reason, sped by fancy, fly O'er regions vast, unsearched by mortal gaze, Dive through each gloom, and scan the misty maze ; Then secretly retire into their place of rest, Within the safe retreat, the human breast. Thus every bosom howsoe'er untaught Has been the hiding place of deathless thought, That o'er the mind has sway'd a deep control, Then hid within the recess of the soul. 16 THE WORKINGS OF THE HUMAN MIND. As when high waves by tempests lash'd to foam Dash on the shore, then to their secret home Roll back within' the unknown depths beneath, Silent and dark, only to find relief When by some deep and stirring cause again, They're brought to float upon the liquid plain ; So thoughts sink in the chambers of the soul, When others waking, brook the mind's control ; Waving adieu, they yield ; retire to rest ; Till like emotions swell the human breast, And touch the hidden spring ; when, forth they rise In visions rich, of countless forms and dyes, Float calmly o'er the mirror of the soul, And sparkle in the sunlight, strange and droll ; Or, billow-like, when harness'd to the storm, They dash along more turbulent in form ; Thoughts upon thoughts are pil'd to mountain height ; Or, driven into spray, they take their flight In forms unseen, to regions all unknown ; Yet, wing not these mysterious climes alone; But converse with their kind, and mix and blend In ways most strange, and manners without end. And as the dews, the fogs, the clouds, the spray Are rarefied by air, and borne away, Again condensed, or into snows congeal'd, Are scatter'd o'er the forest and the field; Thus drenching each in copious showers of rain, Or whitening hill, the valley and the plain ; So thought diffuse, condense, and in a shower, Refresh each drooping mental plant and flower ; Or, frozen by despair, like falling snow, A SOLILOQUY. 17 They throw o'er all a garb of chilling woe, And as the dew and frost cover the plain, So thoughts, the soul, and vanish as the same. Strange are the workings of the human mind When by emotions tost, and when resign'd. When by some thought it once has been impress'd And though for years it may in slumber rest, Some feeble act may waken all the same, And that awaken'd, set the soul on flame. Thus but one thought into existence sprung, Though centuries roll on is as when begun Laid up in the great universal mind, And can be call'd to act the part design'd. A SOLILOQUY. Strange ! how my thoughts chase wand'ring thoughts along, First roving o'er the scenes of gone by days , The sunny fields of childhood and of youth, And picturing out the image of the past In glowing hues, pile Fancy's varied clouds To mountain height, some rich with golden tints, And others, dark and dismal, lowering storms ; And, chasing up the present, speed it by, And scan the misty future; Hope their guide And escort now, they see her visions bright, B 1* jg - A SOLILOQUY. Ten thousand joys and pleasures yet to come And dream of future glories, future fame. But wherefore future fame, and brighter joys, Than yet have ever shown or smiled? Is not this, life,, as well as well life untried ? Is not the image of the past the same as now? And what the future ? Reason, answer what Aside, Vain Famy, drop your giddy flight, Fold up your wings and from the field retire, While sounder sense bears sway. And what is life ? And these bright pictures ever fond to youth ? Fod, alas, but vain -castles built in air. How many youths have dream'd the self-same dream ! But, then, maturer years came on, and quench'd The fire of their ambition, time flew on, Age came, and lastly, death, and left their dreams Unrealized, ungrounded all their hopes. And why not mine ? Am I unlike to them 2 If so, unlike in what ? Unlike in mind, In morals, energy and soul ? Alas ! If this be true, mine is the weaker part j For they as I have felt the rising soul Struggling in their breasts felt the self-same glow Of intellect, the spring of deathless thought ; Yea, perhaps, far more felt Fancy take its flight To loftier regions, and to brighter lands. And rich Imagination wider spread Her thought-plumed wings felt Reason deeper dive And closer search dame Nature's wondrous laws, And felt within, as if their breathings fann'd Immortal fires, which by Ambition fed LINES WRITTEN TO A BROTHER. 19 Would flame to heaven and light a future world - Saw all their skies hung round with golden clouds, And dreamed they heard the shout of loud applause Like music rich ring in their ears. But now The trial comes ; they mingle with the world, Sad disappointment freezes up the soul, Blights each fond hope, smothers the rising flame, Hushes euphoneous sounds of dream'd-of praise, And wraps their skies a chaos in the tomb. Since fleeting, then, are human hopes and joys, And pestering Care or Trial life annoys, No more I'll strive to climb the steeps of fame, But goodness now, not greatness, is my aim. LINES WRITTEN TO A BROTHER FROM WHOM THE AUTHOR HAD LATELY BEEN SEVERED. O brother dear, what heartfelt, yearning ties Of deep affection what emotions rise When I review the scenes when we were young, AVhile yet our prattle fell from boyish tongues ; Or with our voices made the hills resound, That we might list to the returning sound. When we together slept, together rose, Together labor'd from the dawn to close Of each returning day, and there conversed On various themes, or each by turns rehears'd 20 LINES WRITTEN TO A BROTHER. Some favored sentiment or lofty thought Express'd by gifted bards, which we had sought To train the voice and cultivate our minds, Whose powers oft-times broke loose from earth's confines, And soar'd aloft to bright and heavenly climes, Where world to world in endless glory shines ; Or, when we roved the fields in sportive play, Or, with our dog, poor Rover, sped away To scout the woody thicket and the plain, And catch with boyish joy the roving game ; Or, from the bank our hooks and lines we threw Into the dark, still stream, and there outdrew The bouncing trout with rare and eager joy ; Or, when our hands found not elsewhere employ, Through distant woods we lin'd the humming bee, To find his luscious store, and then as free To rob the busy toiler of that store, And then with joy renew'd to hunt for more. And when mild Spring resum'd her gentle reign. Dissolving snows that whitenYl all the plain, With what unbounded joy we hail'd that day, As to the neighboring woods we made our way, Where willing hearts our ready hands employ'd To range the bush, where we oft life enjoy'd To fullest flow to roam the forest free And gather sweets from each appropriate tree. And there, when much engaged in busy toil, And both attending at the place we boil'd, We gave our boyish thoughts to the rude wild, With in-born youthful eloquence, and smil'd LINES WRITTEN TO A BROTHER. 21 hooting owls return'd a loud reply, Then mock'd with ready tongues their clamorous cry. And when deep night envelop'd earth in shade, We, lab'ririg by the light our fire blaze made, Summ'd up the ready profits of the trade, And joy'd to find they had so richly paid. And then, again, when time on fleetest wing, To smiling Summer chas'd the months of Spring, We, side by side, toil'd in the verdant field, Reaping the rich productions Nature yields For man's support ; till finally we found Our labor with an ample harvest crown'd. In those bright, sunny days alike we far'd> What one enjoy'd, the other also shar'd. But O ! what feelings spring without control - What thoughts roll back upon the pond'ring soul ! When I consider all these scenes are o'er, That we as boys shall meet again no more O brother ! you were ever to me dear, The accents of your voice I loved to hear, And ofttimes when in crowds, and when alone ' I've leap'd for joy to hear the noble tone From your kind lips, which spake that you were near, And can you tell me why, my brother dear ? Except that wheresoe'cr we came or went, To me your counsel, and your aid were lent; To you I look'd as one to be my shield; On ev'ry question, I to you appeal'd ; 22 LINES WRITTEN TO A BROTHER. You watch'd my parting steps and ray return- On whatsoe'er I did, yon look'd with deep concern ; And when pale Sickness sat upon my brow You watch'd beside my bed ; and, brother, how Rejoic'd in soul was I to see you there, Mov'd with such tender sympathy and care. And still they have an impress on the heart ; And, now, in life's pursuits, what ! must we part ? And, marching on, diverging courses take Wide sever'd by the bustling vjorld ; and, make The long adieu to those paternal laws, For which we labor'd in one common cause ? O yes ! deep-toned necessities now loudly call Farewell then, happy scenes farewell to all ! Farewell, sweet childhood days ! and, youth, farewell ! Come, you, maturer years let Fortune tell What the sure destiny of each must be ; Unroll the scroll of fate, that we may see Its secrets dark, in future now conceal'd, But, through the present, soon to be reveal'd. O, Manlius, since then we can not sway Time in the least, nor bid one moment stay, Let us improve those moments as they fly ; That, when at last we're call'd upon to die, We may look back, and happily exclaim, " Welcome, O Death, we have not liv'd in vain." And may the record of the days then fled Be as a roll of honor for the dead. And may Affection's ties be with us still, Uniting heart with heart, though vale and hill. THE PLEASANT WIFE. 23 And lakes and rivers may our walks divide, And even seas and oceans heaving wide, Roll their boundless bulks between, still may we, The same unchanging, constant, brothers be. And though cold Death should sever, and the grave Lock up that form, which none on earth could save, O may we be prepar'd, at last to meet, As brothers, at Jehovah's mercy seat ; And there forever joined in love; to sing The endless praise of Our Eternal King. THE PLEASANT WIFE. Amid the many scenes of varied life, There's none more pleasant than the pleasant wife ; Whose grateful heart is ever flowing o'er, With gushings fond and pure ; and at whose door Contentment smiles, as she doth, ever free; If such there are, a like one be for me. For, in my many wand'rings here and there, I've seen, the tidy, sluttish, homely, fair ; The brawling, still, the modest and the bold, The stupid, and the bright, the full whole soul'd, Half soul'd, and those with souls so very small You could not say they had a soul at all. Heard the light step ; and, then the one let fall, That rang with double echoes through the hall The awkward, ill-made dress locks illy strown, 24 THE PLEASANT WIFE. That soklom scrap'd acquaintance with the comb, Or else arranged in such a curious taste, They, like herself, seemed ever out of place. And then a fault I've seen in other girls, A head disordered with unnumber'd curls, And then the jetty black, or, auburn light, Around a smiling face, arrang'd just right ; So that had Fancy re-arranged the fair, Her skillful fingers ne'er would moved a hair. Each one of these is index to the soul ; Their kitchens, parlors, future homes unfolds ; The one if enter'd, dark confusions rise, And pour a thousand discords in our eyes ; Mops, brooms and rags are scatter'd here and there, And dirty faces, with a youthful stare, Which scamps, have hammers, tongs, bowls or more, Which with themselves, they tumble o'er the floor ; Perhaps, a chair or two are on the table, And they, the 'doll are rocking in the ladle. And if a well-known voice, distinct and clear, Says, "Can't you have better order here, my dear?" Thunder from her mouth and lightning from her eye In shapen'd accents give a keen reply : " Mind your own concerns I wish that these young brats Could be with you, misplacing this and that Turning topsy-turvy whatsoe'er they reach ; And then, see how much longer you would preach ' About good order ; fault-finding, grumbling man, A goddess could not please you would, my land ! THE PLEASANT WIFE. 25 You had some to deal with then see you splitter But I guess they'd learn you, to keep your ground.'' O let us leave free me from such a lot, If Fortune chance to give ; but, may she not. Now, let us view the oilier home ; else where, Whose mistress was the maid with neat comb'd hair. Whose step was light and bounding, and whose eye Look'd forth keen sprightliness and melody. Behold it resting in the vale below, Oe'ertopp'd with trees ; itself, as white as snow Rap at the door the same light step draws near, And one bright face now bids you welcome here. Which face bespeaks, within, a noble soul And feasts the eye untiring to behold. But, look about, in every nook and place See, everything arranged in perfect taste, And Prudence rules, dispelling sluttish Waste. Perhaps, a table with a cloth of snow, And knives and dishes of inviting glow, Are now preparing for a coming meal, And while they are, a few short glances steal From out the pantry through the open door, See, all is neatness here yea, more, Look ! here's a shelf with such a rich supply That sure might feast the mouth as well as eye, And in the one, if you 're one whit like me, Would cause the glands about to water free. But, linger not too long that wishful look, Let you betray suspicions from the cook ; But mark her, as she glides before your eyes, 2fi O LIBERTY, WHY SLUMBER LONG? Like some fair spirit from the upper skies, Whate'er her fingers^ chance to touch, meanwhile, Looks up rejoic'd, and seems to breathe a smile, And one breaks forth in rapturous strains of glee. I mean that neat-clad child, gay, wild and free, Blooming in loveliness, a matchless prize, With much of heaven sparkling in its eyes ; And, as you stoop to snatch a nectar'd kiss, Your heart exclaims, " What a fair home is this ! " What mighty contrasts stretch themselves between The one before us and the one just seen. Young ladies, then, we say to you, " Beware ! A kindred contrast looks from out your hair," "Right here the seeds of wheat and tares are sown, Pluck out the tares or they will soon be grown." Nor think, young gents, " It rests with these alone," Wrong acts from you may turn a heart to stone, And you may bid a budding heart to bloom Or quench a spirit's rosy morn in gloom Can make a smiling field a dreary place, Or plant a garden in a desert waste. O LIBERTY, WHY SLUMBER LONG ? O sacred Liberty ! why longer wear Those galling chains which proud aspirants dare To rivet on ? Why not, with strength arise, O LIBERTY 1 , WHY SLUMBER LONG? 27 Thy undivided strength, which deeply lies In every breast ; and doth thy foes despise ? Thy hated fetters burst, and to the skies Thy banners wave o'er continent and sea. This motto bearing forth, " I will be free ? " And by thy giant arm, with matchless power, Bid tyrants tremble, and the bigot cower, Lift high the gleaming steel, and in its fall, Kings in their blood shall lie, and princes call For mercy at thy hand. But stop not here Earth owns thee hcr's to human hearts more deal Than all that wealth can bring, or, famed renown. The power of Emp'rors, thrones and glittering crowns Shall fall in ruins when thou dost appear, Injustice arm'd, proclaiming in each ear The injured rights of man. Before thy might Then tyranny shall fly, as shades of night Before the orb of day ; but not again, As dark, deep night to hold its dreary reign ; But broken links of shackles and of chains Shall scatter'd lie as dews upon the plains ; They too as morning dews to pass away When shines the glorious sun of Freedom's day. Bear then the signal forth, rouse long crush'd right, And in its cause press omvard to the fight ; Free the oppress'd, break every slaver's band, Take off each yoke, and free each fetter'd hand ; Press to the glorious cause right onward till All shall be free to think, and act, and will. THE YOUNG CONSUMPTIVE'S PRAYER O Monster ! great destroyer of mankind ! Thou Victor robed in death ! can I resign My vital life to thee ? Thy will obey, And for thy sake dissolve this form to clay ? Is there no power can wrest me from thy grasp ? Relieve my heart from thy all-withering clasp? Ah me ! If there's a power on earth can save, Or one resort, except the silent grave, On thee I call ; let not this youthful breath So soon be quench'd in the dark vault of death ; Let not this flame of life thus die away And change to darkest night this living day ; But bkl me live and life's rich blessings share, Till age shall blanch these locks and me prepare A fitted subject for that common end, Where kings and vassals meet, and mix, and blend, And blending, mingle with the common earth, What life held up far sever'd in their birth ; Some, heirs to untold wealth, and powers and thrones, Others,to want, and pain, and fleshless bones ; But prayers are vain ; ere Spring shall clothe the trees In verdant robes, perhaps I rest with these. Farewell then Earth, and all thy much-loved bloom, Soon I must leave thee for the silent tomb. LIFE. 29 LIFE. Life is a checkered scene and tilled with snares ; To-day, perhaps, it leads through flow'ry paths, To-morrow, through a desert dark with gloom. Ever and anon prosperity lights up Our happy way, and, arching overhead, The azure blue is hung with golden clouds, And the bright diadems of hope look out From their fair heavenly homes, and smile; and love, Sweet solace, weeps, but tears of joy, And all seems wrapp'd in pleasure's well wrought garb, To shape such visions as might bless the soul. But soon dark, threat'ning clouds arise and hang About their sable forms, quench hope's bright stars Amid the gathering gloom of thickest night, Wild tempests howling, sweep o'er storm-wrecked skies, And on each angry cloud we read, " Despair ! " Each gale comes laden with a deeper woe, And disappointments often sigh between ; Bright gleams the ire of our antagonists About as fierce chain'd lightnings 'mid the storm Opposing voices thunder in our ears, And dread tornadoes whhTd by furious care, Now threat'ning ruin, level every joy. But soon the storm-cloud bursts upon our heads, 30 LIFE. And spends its wrath in gales of doubts and fears ; Then once again comes in the light of heaven - The tempest dies away, and breezes soft, Whispering peace and hope, fan our feverd brows, And wake along our path the drooping flowers Of life's long cherished joys. Pleas'd, these look up And welcome our approach. But next there comes A frost nips those invigorated plants, Each tiny bud of hope, ere scarce reviv'd, And leaves our field of promise, once so fair (All rob VI in garbs of living green, made soft By dews and showers), a dark and dreary scene; Quenches ambition's noblest zeal, and each Fair vision blights in bud and bloom. And thus is life, forever changing, till, The last sad change ; now borne by prosperous winds, O'er mirror'd seas nnrippFd by the waves, Reflecting heaven as tranquil o'er our heads ; Then turns, and rolls the billows of our seas To mountain height ; and from the darkened West Surges the wind, bearing the muttering storm In threatening aspect, soon to burst its wrath Upon our feeble barque. When, all at once, Death's fearful whirlpool opens underneath, And down we sink, engulf d within the tomb. A VISIT TO THE SCENES OF CHILDHOOD. 31 LINES WRITTEN ON A VISIT TO THE SCENES OF CHILDHOOD. I came to the scenes of my childhood once more, The hills and the vales I familiarly knew, But so changed were their looks they seem'd not the same, For years had fled by since the picture I drew. What ! changed, did I say ? O yes ! so are we ! And drifted away from the old cherish'd line ; From the moorings of boyhood borne out to sea, Unconsciously borne on the billows of time. The bay of my youth I shall cruise in no more ; On that lovely shore never more will I gaze With me all those pleasures and raptures are o'er, Way out on the ocean of life's latter days. Standing out on life's sea, " O where shall we land Or anchor ? " intrusively steals on the mind ; By the breath of God's spirit graciously fann'd May we regions of bliss, eternal bliss find. 32 FASHION AND HEALTH. FASHION AND HEALTH. As Fashion one day in her gay, gaudy chair Sat busily twisting and curling her hair, A mirror, reflecting each curl and each grace, Returned to herself her pale, wanned face; Her delicate fingers, encircled with rings, And jewels and ribbons and many fine things Adorned her fair person, while down by her side Hung a long silken skirt and flowing as wide ; On her delicate foot, a tight-fitted shoe, Neither soiled by the dust, nor dampened with dew ; Her small, rounded nostrils, that some would call fair, Showed scarcely, if ever, she had snuffed the free air ; Her snug-girted waist and tightly-stayed form Would have shown (if nature had made) she was born Not to breathe the wild gale, or brave the rude storm, But ever, anon if she chanced to sigh, Stays, hooks, or buttons, or something must fly ; And one, seeing these, and her cheeks daubed and dyed, Would quickly have known that her god was her pride. While she was thus sitting, admiring her skill To 'range her fair tresses to suit her vain will, Plump, brave, ruddy Health, with her cheeks all in bloom, In her free, laughing way, bounced into the room. Vain Fashion looked up and scornfully smiled ; FASHION AND HEALTH. 33 Then Health thus exclaimed, in a voice shrill and wild, " Take off these vain fixings, your frail form unbind, And do not be longer thus vainly confined. This painting the cheeks and dressing the hair, And girting the waist to make slender and spare, And keeping indoors, never breathing fresh air, To make yourself weakly, frail, pallid and fair, Till one could scarce touch, if desiring to do, Those locks that dame Nature has given .to you, Without soiling his fingers or greasing their tips, Or kiss your fair cheeks without blistering his lips; Or place his fond arm 'round your light-moulded form, Without knowing that stays was all that adorned, Is shameful, disgusting, a sin in extreme. Think admirers you gain ? 'Tis all a vain dream ; Throw off these death bonds and breathe the fresh air, And the rose on your cheeks will blossom more fair Than carmine can paint, or art can devise. Consider, Miss Fashion, reflect and be wise." While Health was thus speaking, Miss Fashion, in ire, Looked indignant, and sat with eyes flashing fire ; Now rose from her chair, with a dark-lowering mien, Exclaimed "'Vile presumption ! think you I'm so green ? " And, foaming with rage, seized Health with her hands And swayed her strong form, as waves do the sands ; And it seemed for awhile, to Fashion's vain will, That Health must succumb and forever keep still. And oftentimes thus, when falsehoods assail, We seem to be vanquished, but " truth will prevail." So Health, when False Fashion had spent all her strength, C 34 EVENING MEDITATION. Collected her powers, rose up and, at length, Seized her rival in hand and bowed her frail form, As a pale, sickly plant is bowed by the storm ; But hooks bursting off and stays giving way, Miss Fashion cried out, "Hold on, Miss ! fair play !' But Health, heeding not, she began to implore, As hooks, stays and bracelets flew over the floor. At this scene of relief, Health joyfully smiled, And here left proud Fashion for once a free child. EVENING MEDITATION. Hail, gentle hours of inspiration sweet, When earth, within the arms of downy sleep, Is lulled to rest, and night's profoundest shade Rests on the hill, the forest and the glade ; When eve has stretched her star-bespangled bine, And, clothed in meekness, weeps her crystal dew ; When angels, stooping from the courts above, Whisper in every breeze accents of love. What thoughts, ennobling, rise within the breast, Diffusing light, that leave a sweet impress At such an hour, when heaven and silent earth Exhale a thousand inspirations forth, That drop into the long desiring heart A balm that other scenes can ne'er impart. Life is hushed ; profoundest silence reigns, Sits on the hills and hovers o'er the plains, EVENING MEDITATION. 35 And gentle harmony, with holy tie, Folds in her arms the earth, the air, the sky. Yon fleeting cloud, like some fair spirit, seems Intently hovering o'er, and gazing on the scene ; And yon pale star beholds the embrace meanwhile, And from above waves down a lingering smile. The gilded north, the south, the east, the west Are in a robe of lofty grandeur dressed ; In field and forest, amply spread abroad, We read, "Behold the workmanship of God !" Aurora borealis lights the sky And whispers, "Love ! wonder ! beauty ! mystery ! ' Yon galaxy, all paved with dazzling suns, Where worlds with worlds seem clustered into one, And that a wreath, hung 'round the brow of Time (Who, in the circling heavens, rides sublime), Has such undying, quenchless splendors strown, That shame bright Beauty, even, on her throne. While heaven displays her grandeur from above, Wide earth lies slumb'ring in the lap of love. O. if there's aught can swell the human soul, Burst th' sordid chain, and volumes rich unroll, 'Tis nature, silent nature, like as now, In her nocturnal robe, and on her brow The coronet of worlds ; and if, to me, There's aught can bring true pleasure, 'tis to see God's impress stamped upon each object 'round, When busy life is hashed in sleep profound. 36 EVENING MEDITATION. The ocean, lashed by tempest into foam ; The fierce, chained lightnings, from their fiery throne, In anger gleaming forth with dazzling forms ; The muttering thunder, answering from the storm ; Niagara, rushing in her fearful ire ; And ^Etna, launching forth her rocks of fire, Each may fill the soul with dread surprise. And with amazement feast the gazing eyes ; Roll up the stagnant waters of the soul To view, with lofty fear, and converse hold With awful nature's God, while wonder strange Thrills our full hearts and creeps along our vein? ; But scenes like these, diffused with God's own love, When Peace celestial hovers from above, Stir up emotions holier in the soul, And strike a finer cord ; without control, Call inspiration's noblest feelings forth. That mix and sweetly blend with heaven and earth. Wake up that principle divine within, That tells us what we truly are, akin To that great Power who paints the rainbow's hue, Robes earth in green, and studs the azure blue. There is a voice of charms, though never heard, A sight, though never seen, is still endear'd ; That voice is God, now whispering in the heart ; That sight, his love, known to the nobler part, Which brighter glows at the still hour of night, Bathes our immortal nature in its light, o And points the way to heaven. Ye vain and proud, Who love the world, and who, in laughter loud EVENING MEDITATION. 37 Seek merriment ; who the broad circle fill Of fickle Pleasure's dizzy round, whose will Is bent on revelry and factious mirth ; Ye who at mammon bow, and deem his worth The only source of joy ! O come and view! And taste a sweeter pleasure, far, than you Have e'er before. Roll back the misty cloud That long has veil'd your skies as in a shroud, And let the light break in dispel the gloom, And, rosy-like, bid pure Devotion bloom. Let Truth's fair diamond brightened, catch the fire, And glowing, soul, and heart, and mind inspire ; And as an eagle bound, rending each tie, Bid thought break loose and soar into the sKy. O ye, who often quaff the sparkling bowl, Which drains your very vitals out O hold ! Here is a sweeter draught than wine can give ; Nor is Death written here, but "Drink and live." This very silence, so sublimely still, (If rightly view'd,) may your own spirits till With purer, holier, sweeter joys within, Than you can find in the wide walks of sin. The sparkling wave may feast a greedy maw, By shameful lust depriv'd of nature's law ; The midnight feast may gratify a taste, Long since abandon'd to a worse than waste. But here the crystal stream of life flows by From a celestial source from God on high ; And those who drink, shall drink of bliss refin'd. And those who bathe shall purify the mind. 38 THE FORGED WILL. Here, too, is food celestial for the soul, Made free to all and unexchanged for gold. Then why not come at such an holy hour, When sweet enchantment lends her gentle power, Come forth and learn when evening walks abroad To drink rich draughts from nature's fountfrom God? THE FORGED WILL. A SOLILOQUY. Written on an occurrence which took place in the State of Penn sylvania about the year 1845, the history of which is as follows : A man of wealth died, leaving two sons and one daughter, which daughter had married against his wishes ; and in order to disinherit her had left a will transferring his property equally to his two sons. The eldest son seized and destroyed his father's will, and forged another, conveying all of the property to himself, save a few worth less articles. This so enraged the second son that he resolved to kill his brother for revenge ; and knowing that one moonlight night he was to pass on an unfrequented path through a dense hemlock wood, he here watched for, and killed him, and afterward, near this same spot, on the same night, killed himself. The poem makes him soliloquising after the murder and before the suicide. At length this desperate fratricide is done, And added to the catalogue of crimes One murder more. And one more voice in woe And writhing anguish, crying loud, Rides through the fiery gulf of flaming hell. Roll on, thou voice of my curs'd brother's blood, Thy groans are fondest music in my ear, THE FORGED WILL. 39 And thy miseries, O lost spirit, are my joys. Thou wouldst have made me wretched here on earth, Now I have thee, in death, eternal death; Thanks to high heaven that I am thus aveng'd, And the cold ashes of my father, for this wrong, This fiendish wrong, to thus with villain's hands To seize and wantonly destroy the Will His own pale, trembling, death-struck hands had seal'd ; And then to write another, saying, all To him, and none to me, save a poor mule ; O monster-hearted villain, forging lies ! Where are your false-got riches now ? Sold are Your lands to buy you an inheritance more fit In Pandemonium, where like monsters dwell, There hated, moan, and endless tortures rack thee In hell's forged chains for forgery on earth. Ah, glad am I to witness this day's deeds, Though they to-morrow punish me with death ; For death I would prefer, by far, than sec Him freely rev'ling in his ill-got gains, And tickling at his cunning in deceit. sought revenge, how sweet a thing thou art ! 1 lick my brother's blood from thy right hand. Ye gloaming hemlock shades wave o'er his corse, And form his only pall , and ye wild winds, Sweep through these boughs and howl his requiem ; And ye wide heavens, hide with these your face, Nor weep one crystal tear nor I. Worms feed Upon his flesh, and maggots glut, and each By-passing breeze bear otf the baneful stench. 40 THE FORGED WILL. But, lo ! what misty form beams on the sight, Just in the rising moonlight gleaming ? Some ghostly spirit haunts these scenes to-night ; But let me see ! Is not this dreaming ? Oh no ! too real all things, far, appear These boughs above me, and the shades below, And many deep convictions rising here, With Reason, treble-voiced, all answer, "No ! " But see ! it nears me swoons away my soul, And sinks within me this my beating heart ; Wild terrors drink my blood, how strange and droll, Thou demon of the night, depart, depart ! Why come you here at this deep, solemn hour, Leagued with the dead to (with a secret power) Dissolve in sorrow my revengeful will ! O my dead brother, would thai you were living still ! Some icy hand grasps my warm heart and wrings, And untold agony is dripping down, And tortures all unseen pierce me with stings, And probe anew to deeper depths that wound Received when sister flung herself away, (Against our will) upon that worthless man, We writh'd in anguish then woe to that day ! What awful ruins those false pledges span ' Ye soul-consuming torments, O withhold ! Are these the pleasures bought with paltry gold ? Oh ! dear the purchase bitter is the drug ! Would I were dead, and that my grave was dug THE FORGED WILL. 41 But see ! that ghostly vision haunts me still Nears me gliding to and fro, as if to fill My soul with creeping terrors, from her eyes, That breathe on me reproach and wild surprise. O what departed spirit canst thou be ? My mother ? Oh my mother ! It is she ! 'Tis she who taught my youthful tongue to speak, And wateh'd my strengthening steps, week after week, When this dead brother and myself were young, And told our guileless tales with artless tongues. Now mem'ry like an ocean o'er my mind, Comes surging on, bearing from far behind, The scenes of other days, when often he Strok'd these, then boyish cheeks, and smiled to see Me smile. Our mother smiled a mother's love, Raised her sainted eyes, and from above Invoked a blessing on her prattling boys ; Then turn'd, call'd us her pride, her hopes, her joys, Bent on Sayte the fullness of a mother's eye, While her pure breast was hoven by a sigh, Warmly embraced us, kissed us o'er and o'er, And bade us love each other more and more. That very thought now steeps my soul in grief ; Oh earth ! O heaven ! Is there no relief ? P?ar mother, we have broke thy tender will ; Was mine the fault ? Say, how could I fulfill Where such ingratitude to me was shown ? By sister, sham'd, by brother, stripp'd of home ! Alas 'tis done ! My wrath the fault doth own, 2* 42 FIFTY YEARS OLD. For which his spirit hath forever flown Sent by these hands with icy death to grasp, Those hands, that mine so oft have fondly clasp'd, Those lips in everlasting slumber seal'd, That have to me so oft his will reveal'd. What have I done ? O what an awful deed ! Here tear my heart's strings loose and let them bleed, And while they pour this vital life away, Let me hear you, mother, whisp'ring say, " I do forgive," and it is all I crave How long to woe shall I remain a slave ? What ! fled ! No word of comfort did she give ! I cannot die, and yet I cannot live ; The earth is sick of me, and I of earth, Both sorrowing that she ever gave me birth. I cannot bear even this Lunar light O O Death ! seal up my eyes in endless night. FIFTY YEARS OLD. Fnll fifty years their ample course have run, Since I the journey of this life begun ; Amid its jostling waves by winds I've whhTd And mix'd and mingl'd with a bustling world ; And strange and curious is the checker'd scene That now comes up from life's departed dream. FIFTY YEARS OLD. 43 I see me now a ooy, on that far shore Of youthful days, that can be mine no more ; By grand and rustic scenes his mind is fir'd, And his whole soul seems wrought as if inspir'd; And while he toils from early dawn till night O how his soul doth long for higher light, And thirsts for knowledge, knowledge which he thought Would raise him to the higher plane he sought ; But when that long'd-for knowledge came, 'Twas but to prove that knowledge weak and vain. For what is human learning, art or skill, That it the longing of the soul should fill. This deathless soul, by the Eternal given, With hungrying for the immortal bread of heaven ? So oft this youth, while drinking at the well Of human lore, each draught seemed but to swell The cravings of his breast, with yearnings new, For the sublime, the beautiful and true ; Then he beheld 'twas but from the Most High He could be fed, or draw the wish'd supply, To drink the waters of eternal truth, and know That for himself they doth forever flow, While in communion with that God unseen Who stills the seas and carpets earth in green. All human pomp and show he hated then, And lov'd seclusion from the walks of men, That he might feel within the great God Power, And be refresh'd by grace in holy hour. As latent dews the drooping plants revive, So grace the human soul doth keep alive. 44 FIFTY YEARS OLD. His earthly hopes once holy, pure and high, Now settled down and darkness veil'd his sky, That living form he over all held dear, Then faithless prov'd and scourged him with despair, And when should brightest shine his life-fed light, Foreboding glooms arose, and starless night, Moaning Avith dreary winds. What could he then But close his eyes to life and look beyond ? Thus out of sympathy with every other youth, No light was his except the light of truth ; And this he courted, come from where it might, And of all youthful pleasures lost the sight ; Yet in this light he cherished hopes to find A faithful being of a virtuous mind, Whose worth should heal the wound his bosom bore, And bless his future days forevermore. And this he did ; for now while life doth flow, A heart beats sympathy with his, to know The measure of his worldly joy and woe. How many disappointments cross the way, And hopes once bright seem perish'd now for aye, And care on care rear up their summits high, Like thunder clouds press'd up against the sky ; Yet all along the way I pond'ring find A work mysterious by a hand divine ; And far beyond the storm-built cloud and spray There seems to break the light of cloudless day. O for a light to shine into the soul From the Eternal's throne, to there behold FIFTY YEARS OLD. 45 The fullness of that store that saints decry, Beheld by Faith's and Inspiration's eye. That picture thrown on canvas deep within, Doth seem to me would drive away all sin Would light devotion with her holiest glow, And be an emblem true of heaven below. Yet this, so much desired to be possess'd, May be a real thing in every breast ; And each may be directed in the way Instructed, fed and strengthen'd day by day, May feel within promptings of will divine That image, there, on hidden pages shine, Those soul-bound pages, whose true worth outweigh All transitory things of vain display. O God, instruct me, on these pages write Thy will immutable, in lines of light ; By their instructions may my heart improve And breathing in the atmosphere of love, Born all anew, becoming more like thee, Savior Divine, thou son of Deity, Till mortal-like I pass from earth away, To bask within the light of endless day. There, feeding on the food of the Sublime, And water'd by the dews of the Divine, May this soul-bud (now body-couch'd) arise To bloom in fullest beauty in the skies ; And by its heaven-born petals, there drink in Thy boundless blessings, unalloyed with sin. 46 HOW WEAK AND FRAIL IS MAN. Thus fed antf strengthened by thy perfect law, May I still nearer to perfection draw, And branching out with never-failing power, And of eternal youth, bearing the flower, Taste of those heavenly pleasures yet to be And grow, yet miniatured into Eternity. HOW WEAK AND FRAIL IS MAN- See, you, yon ocean on its rock-built shore, How wave on wave impels the wave before, And, far away, e'en to the cloud-capp'd skies, Bursting to view, new surges sink and rise, Come rolling on till with a splash and groan They beat the shore and disappear in foam ? Such has Creation been from Time's first dawn, Deep, grand, and boundless, ever rolling on. Go to Niagara's verge, and there explore Its mist-veiled front, and listen to its roar ! View here a power, mysterious and sublime, That has endured and will endure with time; Its awful voice and rainbow-wreathen brow, Then spoke of lofty Nature's God, as now ; Then from this height step to the evening sky, See silent beauties with the loud-voiced vie, Here worlds unnumbered in their orbits roll, Guided by him who reigns without control ; HOW WEAK AND FRAIL IS MAN. 47 Systems to systems joined with suns and spheres, Here shine and move, and shall for countless years, In harmony sublime, eternal, vast, And with eternity itself shall last. O works mysterious, stretched through space abroad, Ho\v do you tell the glory of your God ! Turn thou, O man, who deems himself quite great, To think, devise, invent and regulate, And execute the laws that govern state, And in your boasting think you govern fate, View the eternal laws of the Supreme, Which move mysterious Nature's vast machine, And all thy power seen in this higher light, Now sink to nothingness within thy sight. O what is Art, with all its boasted show, When thus compared with Nature's work below, And when to higher, loftier scenes we rise, And touch the star-decked keys that tune the skies, There bursts a strain so deep, sublimely grand, Earth shrinks from sight, and what becomes of man ? Wrapp'd up in insignificance from view, As in the ocean sinks a drop of dew. The splendid palace and the lofty dome Shall crumble into dust. Great Thebes and Rome, And mighty Carthage, once the boast of men, Lie heaped in ruins ! they have found their end, And Desolation hovers o'er the plaii Where once they held an undisputed reign. And where is Troy, once mighty and renown'd, 48 HOW WEAK AND FRAIL IS MAN. By walls surrounded and with temples crown'd ; From whose proud gates those mighty warriors came To whom great Homer sang undying fame, As having god-like strength to lightly bear Such ponderous arms as Hercules might wear, And on those fields of strife such honor won, As might have fitted JPriam's god like son ? In proud magnificence she stood with sway, The world then owned and hastened to obey ; But now her ashes sleep amid decay, Unknown the place she stood, unmarked the spot. Her very situation is forgot. Thus towering cities crumble into dust, And men, their builders, mid these ashes rust, Without the smallest thing or voice to say, " Here sleep in death the mighty of their day ; " Both they and all their works have found a close All living soon must sleep in death's repose. O then boast not, vain mortals, of your power ; God's works are endless, yours, of but an hour ; His is ubiquitory and supreme, Yours, O how small ! and fleeting as a dream. Talk not of boasted will and strength of mind, You are but weakness, frailty, blundering, blind; O, then, consider well, and ever be Just what you are a bubble on the sea. ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG LADY. 49 LINES WKITTEN ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG LADY, WHO VERY SUDDENLY DIED AT THE SEMINARY WHICH THE AUTHOR WAS AT THAT TIME ATTENDING. Hark ! borne upon the passing breeze, I hear The moan of parents, and of friends most dear, For one whom sudden death has snatched away, And mixed vitality with crumbling clay. Alarming sound ! That fatal voice of woe Whispers in accents dread and fearful low, " Life is uncertain even when most sure ; In neither youth nor age you rest secure. Though highest hopes to-day your bosom warm, And Health and Beauty, these, your brows adorn, Death's cold, untimely frost may blight their bloom, The morrow, find you mould'ring in the tomb." Not unaspiring were the hopes of her AVhom Death has lately bid our hands inter ; She was a father's pride, a mother's care For her most earnest friends made earnest prayer ; Her's was a sister's love, endeared and kind ; That sister sought with her to culture mind, And side by side they climb'd the rugged steep, Where learned science sits profound and deep. Upon her cheek sat beauty's glowing smile, And sound intelligence as bright meanwhile D 3 50 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG LADY. Was marked in every feature of her face, And in each movement, modesty and grace, And all that promised fair for future fame Was in her soul, and stamped upon her name. Her friends were many, her approvers, more; Where e'er she walked, a garb of honor wore ; No slanderer's hand had dared that garb to soil, Or, with a bolder grasp, to rend and spoil ; In every rank alike her virtue shone, And Charity and Wisdom were her own. In early youth she sought the Savior's cause, And walked within its light and by its laws, Seeking, and drinking in the glory of her God, To scatter love, and peace, and truth abroad, Till Death was sent, a message from above, To bid her rise and share a heaven of love. THE WORKS OF NATURE. 5] HOW SUBLIME TO CONTEMPLATE THE WORKS OF NATURE. O how sublime on mental wings to rise, And view the grandeur of the azure skies ; Where countless worlds in seas of glory roll, On which to feed the ever pond'ring soul, Whose thought-pi um'd wings fan the ethereal sky, While angels feeling sympathy reply, And soaring upward, onward, onward still, Fancy makes swift, assisted by the will. Thus plumed in majesty of sober thought, A precious boon unsold, sAike unbought, Dives deeper into mysteries of our God, Grasps at creation amply spread abroad, Beholds unnumbered suns in dazzling brightness shine, Forever wondrous, and undimmed by time ; While round the sources of eternal day, Worlds without end hold their resistless way, Rolling in yon ethereal space above, Their ponderous orbs, in unison and love, And 'round these worlds that circumvolve their suns, As many satellites unceasing run ; Still traversing the star-bespangled blue, Searches Creation far beyond the view. From world to world and sun to sun it flies, Nor stoops it flight, but higher still to rise, 52 THE WORKS OF NATURE. The farther off, the nobler scenes behold, And soaring on, new mysteries unfold, Sees lovelier worlds, and still more dazzling suns, Where Death treads not and sin hath, never come, And heavenly beings here hath ever trod In holy union with the laws of God ; Still pushing on, the mighty sphere ascends, Where sits the Father, all his works attend, And round this seat of his eternal throne, (Mightier far within itself alone Than all the rest of Nature's works as one, Worlds, satellites, and huge revolving suns,) These complicated systems hold their course, And this, their center, and eternal source, To which all nature, through her various laws, Hold all these works in one stupendous cause. Incomprehensible ! Boundless ! And Supreme ! How vain we strive to comprehend the scene ! And each attempt of mind, such to descry, Can no more reach its glories seated high, Than the pale lamp, that flits and dies away, Can vie with the eternal source of day ; Overwhelmed it falls, confounded from the skies, It falls, but with redoubled strength to rise. SCENES OF DESPAIR. 53 SCENES OF DESPAIE. O how horrible and dark is deep Despair ! How it doth gloom the heart, the vitals tear ; How painful to behold that awful frown That casts dejection, gloom and terror 'round, That hides from view the sparks of hope divine, Leaves darkness boundless as the sea of time ; Yes, sad and dismal is that scene where years Bring naught but melancholy sighs and tears ; Where victims, robbed of joy, shattered and shorn, Are left alone, cast down, to weep and mourn ; How dark the scene where every smile of mirth Have fled a living soul that dwells on earth ! Wretched his lot, who in his youthful days, Saw hope's effulgent flame before him blaze, That promised joy to come in future years, When, lo ! he grasped with neither doubts or fears. And thoughtless gave his passion for relief, Till disappointment sealed his fate in grief, And sorrow heaped on him a load of care, And bowed his youthful head to sad despair, Quenched all his flames of hope in thickest gloom, And sank his looked-for joys within the tomb, And all that faith and hope to him e'er gave, Submerged beneath affliction's angry wave. 54r SCENES OF DESPAIR. Hs seeks for comfort now, but finds it not. His wounds are all unhealed ami unforgot ; He sees his days to come are dark and wild, Where peace and pleasure are to never smile, Where jostling cares in wildest fury rave, And all is tumult, even to the grave. They rend, they dash, they break upon the heart, As storm-rent oceans on the works of art, . And weal and life itself seems to depart ; The warm affections of the breast are chill'd, With anguish'd grief the burdened soul is fill'd ; Some solitude he seeks where mercies flow, And calls on God to stem the tide of woe. And though earth's joys with him for aye are fled, He in the grave may find a peaceful bed ; And though each hope of these be from him driven, He still may find eternal joys in heaven. Though of the hopes of earth he may be void, Yet hopes of heaven can not be destroyed. SCENES OF JOY AND HOPE. 55 I SCENES OF JOY AND HOPE. What pleasing scenes present themselves to view, And robe afflictions in a pleasant hue, That light the path of life with brilliant rays, Give scope to happiness in all its ways. These are the scenes of joy and hope serene, That on life's stage with pleasing rays are seen, And bid our longing spirits sweetly rest, And breathe a balm of peace in every breast, Shut to the iron gates of weary care, And veil the blackest forms of dark despair, Extend their influence mild to all below, And dry the gushing tears of grief and woe, Bid the rough waves of sorrow to depart, And bind up the afflicted, broken heart ; To tumults of the mind they whisper, "Cease ! " And calm the waves of trouble into peace, Drive the tempestuous winds of life away, And make our days like those of gentle May, Give comfort to the souls that grieve and mourn, And cheer the most dejected and forlorn, Hide the dread edge of death so piercing keen, And point out many years to roll between, Enrobe the soul within a srlorious cloud, O And paint it with all searching mind endowYl. 56 SCENES OF JOY AND HOPE. How many youths with eyes sparkling and bright, Have felt their touch, and leap'd with pure delight, And bounding with their transport, fled away, Found new enjoyment every opening day, And with delighted eyes gazed on nature's scene, Found all was order, harmony, serene, The herbs, the flowers, the trees and every spray, Looked lovely, cheerful, blooming, pleasing, gay; All bore the mark of beauty, and the claim That by the hand of nature had been framed ; They look about, see all in peace profound, Then run, and leap, and shout at every bound, Still their full souls unable to contain, They twist in every form like one insane ; Then break away, each to a hillock green, And seats himself to view the lovely scene. But scarcely seated here this is forgot, Each bounds away to find some other spot, Then all, in shouts aloud, their souls overflow, And how to govern self they do not know, And at each outgush rue, or seem to rue, That they can not spread out o'er all they view. Their eyes are every where on those, on these, First on their feet, and then upon their knees, They skip along and turn in various ways, And know not where in full content to gaze, And while sweet joy adorns their pathway bright, Hope paints the future in more glorious light. And as they reach these full-of-promise years, Each leaning on his manhood, now appears, SCENES OF JOY AND HOPE. 57 And seek for riches, fortune and for fame. Nor are their manly efforts all in vain, But at each step both wealth and honor rise, And magnify themselves within their eyes ; Fame from her tow'ring mount is seen afar, Waving on high her ever-shining star, And whispers (through its soft and misty light), " I will be yours if you aspire aright, And watch my star through intervening night." Through world-bewilderments it leads them on, That on that World their glories bright might dawn ; O'er rock, o'er crags, a toiling steep they find, Yet, cheered by Hope, their way they slowly wind, Till the first murmur of applause they hear, Then smile for joy to think themselves so near ; Thus Hope gives us our strength to perse vere, And in that present Hope is joy sincere, 58 LINES WRITTEN AT THE CLOSE OF SCHOOL. LINES WRITTEN AT THE CLOSE OF SCHOOL This must close our happy meeting ; How it wounds the throbbing heart ! The time is fled, and oh how fleeting ! Sterner duties bid us part ; Must we change fond friendship's token ? Take perhaps the last farewell ? Must our union be thus broken ? And you go elsewhere to dwell ? Yes, we feel that time is stealing, Ever faithful to its trust, And the voice of reason pealing, Louder still exclaims, " We must ! " What ! to part, and part forever ? Ne'er to meet in union more ? How regretting thus to sever ! Say our meetings all are o'er. O how soon the time has vanish'd Since we here first met with you ; Think one term has since been banish'd. And we now must bid adieu ; Go, then, joy and bliss attend you Wheresoever you may roam ; And the smiles of peace befriend you, When with strangers and at home. LINES WRITTEN AT THE CLOSE OF SCHOOL. 59 But when gone, and time is flying, Give for us one ling'ring thought, When we all were nobly trying To improve by what you taught ; May it ever be our object To improve the heart and mind, And may it be our one great project To be ever just and kind. Often times our thoughts will wander, When long years have rolled away, Back upon the scenes to ponder, Blessings of a happier day ; May it be our farewell token, Wishing joy and peace with you, And that our friendship be unbroken Then, Adieu ! Adieu ! Adieu ! 60 ADIEU TO THE DAYS OF CHILDHOOD. ADIEU TO THE DAYS OF CHILDHOOD. And are ye gone, O days of bliss refined ! Spent in the culture of the youthful mind ? And are you fled and never to return ? And does the parting year your flight confirm ? Yes, on retiring wings forever flown, To where oblivion hides the dread unknown. Oh blissful hours, whose moments as they flew, Brought happiness and peace, adieu ! adieu ! Those precious pleasures I'll no more enjoy, And holy moments spent in sweet employ, To mold and swell the youthful budding hea.rfc, Whose opening petals just began to part. And tho' you're gone, sped on by time's career, Yet your sweet savor seems to linger near, And bless and hallow life's most turbid sea With the perfumes of fondest memory, That gives us grace the conflict to renew, Till youth eternal heaves its shores in view. O talk to me of virtue then and sin May not forbid that I should enter in ; But though the storms may rage, and high waves swell, The lighthouse is beyond, and all is well ; And I may enter port, though dark the night, And taste of endless life, and see its light. PARTING AT SCHOOL. 61 PARTING AT SCHOOL. Oh, how fleet is time's career ! As revolves the rolling year, How the moments disappear, And flee eternally ; Never ceasingly they fly, Roll their countless numbers by ; No human power of mind or eye Can scan futurity. Mark the months and seasons glide ! Changes, wrought on every side, Wafted onward by that tide, Which bears eternity ; Floating on its boundless wave, The proud, the great, the weak, the brave, All toward one common grave, The grave, their destiny. Thus we too are borne along, By that current rolling on, Ever constant, ever strong Through all immensity ; Soon we leap the verge of life Death shall end each mortal strife, Both with sin and sorrow rife. And hush them silently. (}2 PARTING AT- SCHOOL. How unceasing is the flow Of time's current here below ! But a few short weeks ago We met in unity ; And at first we view'd our stay, Here our meetings, day by day, As if ne'er to pass away Time fled so quietly. But those meetings now are done, Finished ere they scarce begun, Summer too its course has run, And fleeting was its train ; Soon dissolves tlfis youthful band, For life's duties stern command, Bids us take the parting hand, Never to meet again. For when severed and away, Ne'er again returns the day When we all shall pass this way, And meet as we have done ; But as broken clouds of rain Never know that place again, So when once upon the main, We meet no more as one. But when time a change has wrought, There '11 come to mind what here was taught, The prize for which we nobly sought And toiled most patiently ; PARTING AT SCHOOL. 63 Those instructions of the heart, Which enrich the deathless part, Gained by mental toil and art, And assiduity. What these parting scenes excel ! Feelings deep my bosom swell ! Classmates, can we say farewell 1 And that eternally ? Yes, we must bid all adieu ! And parting be as brothers true, When truth and love each mind imbue With pure fidelity. 54 FRIENDSHIP. FRIENDSHIP. , How sweet is friendship's sacred lot, Where sordid feelings harbor not To feel that we are un forgot By those we dearly love. And though unheeding oceans roar, 'Twixt us and those whom we adore, To hope when life's short journey's o'er, That we shall meet above. And though the world pays us no heed, To joys, or woes, or worthy deed, To know we've friends whose hearts would bleed For every wrong we feel ; And who would dare, to old or young, Reprove a lie from Envy's tongue, That might about our names be flung, And strive these wounds to heal. To think, when Fortune proves unkind, Destroys our comfort, peace of mind, That soothers of our cares we'll find In those whom we admire ; To feel, when sunk in illness deep, Or wrapped in Death's eternal sleep, FRIENDSHIP. 65 That there are those who then would weep For Friendship's sacred fire. And while we've earthly friends most dear, 'Who Avith us smile, or shed the tear, There is a Friend we most revere, Whom over all we laud, Who knows our every joy and woe, To whom we can in secret go, And who to hear us is not slow That precious friend is God. E 3* 60 KNOWLEDGE AND VIRTUE, WISDOM AND TRUTH. KNOWLEDGE AND VIRTUE, WISDOM AM) TRUTH. Knowledge and Virtue, Wisdom, Truth, Will bloom beyond the smiles of youth, Shall last when time has flown away, And left us locks scattered and gray ; When age its furrows shall have worn, Yet still they will our minds adorn ; Give every doubtful pathway light, And guide our wand'ring steps aright. And shining out from deep within, Seek their counterpart in Him Who gave them being, and doth send All blessings on the sons of men ; And gives us privilege to be Immortal sons of Deity ; From out whose wealth forever shine . Eternal joy and love divine ; Show us that endless harmony Running through every thing we see, Like an eternal chain to bind Creator and created kind ; Teach us to live that every, day Will bring its leaf or flower-bud gay, To add unto the wreath that now They long since hung about our brow ; KNOWLEDGE AND VIRTUE, WISDOM AND TRUTH. 67 Teach us to see some, jewel true In every rain drop or of dew, The germ from which the rainbow's form Is arch'd across the rising storm ; Teach us each moment to improve And drink the joys of Nature's love. As day by day we move along, O may we listen to the song They sing of harmony divine Through all her strings in every time, And wending down life's rapid stream, May these enlighten every dream, Till earthly pleasures cease to bloom Then light our pathway to the tomb. 68 OUR MOTHER. OUE MOTHER. O mother ! dear mother ! how tender that name ! And the love that you bore us, how sacred the flame. Their memory large volumes would fill, Would speak of those times when, we children so free, All played 'round about you, or climb'd at your knee, Each anxious to do your good will. How persuasive the tones, as those morals you taught, In mildness of soul and the clearness of thought, As you pointed the wrong and the right; How quick we resolved your biddings to do, And to your instructions we'd ever be true, We'd keep every precept in sight. Long years have swept by in their hurried array, And changed are we all since that happy day. But the faith, the good faith, we have kept, And through weal and through woe, though darkness and light, All our hearts have been sealed and stamped, "For the right, 1 ' The type of which stamp you had set. How well I remember with pleasure and pride, While yet a mere stripling, I walked by your side, OUE MOTHER. 69 While viewing the field and the wood ; You showed me the stream, as it laughed on its way, The leaflet, and blossom, and flower-bud gay, And said that their maker was good. How in wisdom divine he VI made you and 1 *With souls that should love him, and never to die, As long as that love should endure ; That over Death's way, on a far brighter shore, His fullness of joy would be ours evermore, Where all would be stable and pure. Then with the same hand you me tenderly led, You warmer pressed mine, and right pleadingly, said, "My son, will you meet me above ? " That same hand leads me still, through hopes and through fears, Though you have passed over way back in the years, I pray I may meet you in love. 70 A VISION OF THE MIND. In meditation deep I pond'ring stood, Far from the eye of man in a lone wood, Where all was silence save the passing breeze, That stirred eaeh pendant bow with graceful ease. My tranquil mind, now wrapt in thought profound, Surveys the harmony of nature 'round ; Now soars aloft up to the azure skies, Then on fleet wings to heights more lofty rise Searches creation, vast, expansive, broad, In ample scope yon boundless arch of God Sees countless suns in endless grandeur shine, And worlds unnumbered rolling there sublime, Which with deep wonder fill the pond'ring soul, And talk of Nature's Builder as they roll; Still soaring upward, and still mounting higher, Till burns my breast with a celestial fire, And longs my soul (if but by glim'ring ray), To see one feeble measure of the wa^ God rules the watches of the silent hours, And veils his face, and his mysterious powers; Surmounts the barriers that conceal each star, And all the gates of mystery unbar. It reaches, grasps, reaches and grasps again, And finding each attempt both weak and vain, A VISION OF THE MIND. 71 And every thing too vast to comprehend. It checks its flight, and to the earth descends ; And even here, in every plant and flower, Beholds the wonders of his sovereign power ; Here towers the oak, and there the lofty pine, Here grows the herb, and there the creeping vine ; Each speaks alike God's great unequaled skill,- And with wild wonder our whole being fills. Why grows the fern, or yonder simple weed ? Why springs the grass to decorate the meads ? I ask, and waiting for an answer, pause. Who can reply or Avho show forth the cause ? None can reply, nor none have aid to lend, No tongue can tell, no mind can comprehend ; For here God's mysteries are unreveaFd, As in the widest walks of Nature's field. His power is shown in things of simple form, As well as in the vengeance of the storm ; And in the low and humble creeping vine Is veiled that mystic wisdom, all divine, That heaves the ocean in its angry roar, While all secure we listen on the shore. Pond'ring awhile a change of theme I wrought ; O'er varied scenes rolled the deep tide of thought, And visions rich were pressed upon the mind, In moments few, which hours could not define, And having scan'd the works of nature wide, In countless forms outstretched on either side, All on a sudden came this thought to mind : "What different dispositions have mankind ; 72 A VISION OF THE MIND. "The quick, the slow, the foolish and the wise " The second thought awakened my surprise ; A hasty sketch of this bewildering maze, And I was lost in its intricate ways, And thoughts now wandered here and there, Darkened with doubt, and much perplexed with care; When all at once, lo ! to my great surprise, A crowded vision passed before my eyes. Plain and distinct, in elegance array'd ; Upon a mountain's side it seem displayed, Where a vast multitude of every age, In various pursuits seem'd to engage ; Some were in silks, and some in tatters clad, Some walk'd rejoicing, some deject and sad ; Some pined in want, and some in mammon roll'd, Some gloried in their wits, but more in gold ; Some tread the path of vice, and some of truth, Some bow'd in age, and some rejoiced in youth; And some were boasting, vain, presumptuous, proud, Others were meek, with loftier minds endowed ; Yet all were hurried down life's crowded way, And death seemed ever to prolong his stay, And while his victim yet was unaware, He quickly seized and spread the fatal snare, Then o'er their eyes drew a deep, doleful gloom, Quench'd life's bright spark, then hurled them to the tomb. These lost to sight, my eyes the search renew, Of this mix'd maze stretch'd out before my view, When, all at once arrested, they behold A VISION OP THE MIND. A different scene, all deck'd with pearl and gold ; The young, the beautiful, the gay, the fair, Dance heedless on and toss their curling hair, Rev'ling in luxury, and glee, and mirth, And all the fickle vanities of earth ; No sober thoughts are press'd upon the mind, But seem to reason and to judgment blind. On, on they go, led by blind passion's call, Into the vices of intemperance fall. All these to them are rapture, joy and glee, No folly, snare or coming sorrow see. And reaching now where join life's single strands, Two by two march forth in Hymen's bands, Still rev'ling in extravagance and pride, Each truth, each virtue, boldly they deride, And nothing but those baser feelings heed, Which bring but transient joy,' and then succeed Their offsprings, wasting tortures, care and pain, Debasing every function, soul and brain, Render the mind and morals unrefined, And ever leave a conscious sting behind. But mark, far winding into misty gloom, The scene extends e'en to the very tomb, And at each step enjoyments now decrease, Till laughter, joy and mirth, and pleasures cease And end in pestilence, disease and pain, Where sorrow and regret triumphant reign. There walk the lame, decrepid, halt and blind, Who are diseased in members and in mind ; 4 74 A VISION OF THE MIND. On, on they march, attended by despair, And death in wildest triumph revels there. All, all beyond, the darkest clouds conceal Nothing its awful secrets dare reveal. Dismal and dense heaves up the inky mass, Eternal, groaning, dread, expansive, vast. Shock'd at the scene, in haste I turn away To seek some spot where smiles the face of day. When, lo ! extended on the other side, A brilliant vision wended broad and wide Of different views, unto my eyes appears, Crowned with sweet life and bright, successive ye .is Here crowds of beings seem to move along, Guided by virtue, and by reason strong. No vain indulgence, feast or dance is seen, But all is quietude and peace serene. No drunken vanities this peace destroy, But Virtue's smile brings there unceasing joy, And with a steady flame lights up the way, The same to-morrow as it is to-day. Mark! winding far, the varied scenes extend With that same brightness to life's journey's end, And the approach of death seems but to cheer, A change of earthly things for things more dear ; For, far beyond the confines of the tomb, Instead of dismal clouds and deep'ning gloom, All is contentment, happiness and love, Which seem to blend with the pure realms above. A VISION OF THE MIND. 75 u Here full contentment, smiles and gladness reigns And pure enjoyment spreads its wide domain, And heavenly blessings cluster all around, And stings of vice are never to be found. Here walk the good, the temperate, thought I, And their rewards end not, though they may die. But, -lo ! another scene in different hues appears, Adorn'd with youth, all mirthfulness and cheer ; The young, the gay, the hopeful, and the fail- Are met, and pleasure, mirth and joy are there. Upon each brow the smiles of transport glow, And pure enjoyments there abundant flow ; From eye to eye looks full of meaning dart, Unveiling the emotions of the heart. All is hilarity, pleasing and gay, And time, unnoticed, hasty flees away, And Ease and Elegance have lent their share To make this scene a scene of beauty rare. But, mark, amid the joy-envelop'd throng, A form, more grave, sedately moves along. At his approach the smiling throng gives way, And gazing on, a cold respect they pay. The stranger seats himself with sober mien, The throng removes the space he left between, And all resumes its former shape again, And gayety takes up its thoughtless reign. Still this one sits, composed, calm and serene, Nor joins the sport, the gay and festive scene, 76 A VISION OF THE MIND. But on the crowd he looks with steadfast gaze, Sees every glance and marks its every phase. Though through the throng disdainful whispers run, And sneers and scofls oft-times at him are flung. He heeds them not, but with a ready art, Reads what is passing now in every heart ; Knows what each bosom, what each brain conceals, What passions rjle, and what each person feels. Not here he came to join the sport and play As did the rest, to hurry time away, But his prime object was, and sole design, To search the heart, and read the human mind ; And with a piercing eye, on either side, He saw the pomp of show, the swell of pride, And learn'd to know in whom such passions grew, To mark its features from the outward view. Thus he his secret purposes fulfills, From outward show to read the inward will. Thus unobserved, unknown and unaware, The pent-up feelings of each breast laid bare; And here he saw deceit in every form, All seeming calm without, while in was storm, And while without were sunshine, smiles, and light, Within were gloom and darkness black as night. But farther on 'way to the distant right, And merging into mist, another sight Appears. In solitude one sets retir'd With upturn'd eyes and heaven-like thoughts inspired. A magic lyre within one hand he holds, A VISION OF THE MIND. 77 And with the other Nature's book unfolds; And as he turns the ample leaves of time, He reads in words and sentiments sublime, Of changes wrought, as ages rolled between, Of warring elements, and prospects more serene. Now some grand scenes his heaven-bent mind inspire With earnest hand he strikes the magic lyre, And every land beneath the sun resound, And raptur'd nations listen to the sound From age to age repeat the heaven-born strain, And on enduring tablets write his name In burning characters of living fire, That unborn generations might admire. And still another scene breaks to the view, In living form and pencil 'd with its hue ; For there behold, far up the mountain side, In moving characters stretch'd far and wide, A mass of people seem to gather 'round, Some favor'd object, fam'd and much renown'd, I see their banners as they sink and rise, Hear shouts resound that rend the very skies, Then with attention listens every ear; Each face now flushed with joy, now pale with fear, Then clap their hands and admiration breathe, And his lov'd name with loud applauses wreath ; Now all to silence sinks but, hark ! I hear The accents of one voice, distant and clear, "Where those bright liberties we once profess'd ? And sacred privileges ever bless'd ? And where the honors which we once enjoy'd ? Y8 A VISION OF THE MIND. All by his usurpations foul destroy'd. Inch by inch he crowded out our day, Till over all he holds despotic sway. And darkness now is curtain'd in the door, Where shone the light of Freedom's sun before. Arise and bid defiance to his might, And strike for Liberty and for the right ; Haste and widely spread the loud alarm ! Gird on the sword and nerve the warrior's arm, Revenge the wrongs of our much injur'd land Upon its foes, 'tis Duty's stern command, And by the aid of heaven and mortal powers. Regain those liberties that once were ours, c 1 ' Or dye in blood these bright surrounding plains, Spilt by our hands from out our foremen's veins." It paused. One form was standing up alone, And that with excellence superior shone ; His ample forehead, unconcealed and fair, Show'd well some noble gift was hidden there ; "Revenge " was pictured on that fervent brow, And deep within a storm seem'd gathering now, While to high heaven he breathed a solemn vow, And seem'd to call for aid from the Most High, And aid was given in flashes from his eye ; And then as if the answering thunder's roll Had unobserved dropp'd down into his soul, "To arms ! to arms ! to arms ! " he loudly cries, And at his call the congregations rise As thick as "autumn's frost-blanch'd forest leaves, When swept in clouds before a stirring breeze, A VISION OF THE MIND 79 Earth shakes and trembles as their footsteps fall. And Vengeance is the universal call. " Victory or death " is breathed from every tongue AVith untold ardor by the old and young. All move with measured tread in haste along, Upon the wheels of mind and power of song, Each heart is firm resolv'd, each arm made strong, And though each bosom burns with ardent fire, Still the one voice each throbbing heart inspires, And nerves each arm the sheathless sword to wield In self-defense upon the battle-field. As when the winds with distant forests war, And their leaf-woven banners wave afar, The noise come rushing on the listening ear, As heard far off, then near, and still more near. Like noise, into my inner senses came As moved this mass, as billows on the main ; I see them now in contest fierce engage, Arms clash with arms and wildest furies rage, Hear shouts of loudest triumph, sink and rise, That shake the earth and roll along the skies The foeman's ranks give way, and o'er the ground His dead in heaps lay scattered 'round and 'round He flees for safety, hurrying o'er the strand, And freedom once again smil'd on that land. Here is the power of Eloquence, thought I, Given to few, and from some hand on high. I look'd again but all had pass'd away, The vision clos'd as set the orb of day. 80 TRAGIC SCENES. TRAGIC SCENES OF REAL LIFE. From that deep source from whence there constant springs A ceaseless tide of thought, that on fleet wing Comes from, and goes to dark oblivious night, One nobler thought came, bursting forth in might; And engine-like, drew freighted trains along, Upon the wheels of thought, and power of song, Which as they moved along the track survey'd Of nature's works in truth and beauty laid, The clouds roll'd back that long hud hid the past, And bared to view broad regions strange and vast; Through mem'ry's glass surveyed the sacred scene Of cherish'd life that long, long since had been, And touch'd a deep-toned string, and woke a strain So heavenly sweet, poor mortals could not name; Then swept with hurried hand the magic lyre, And set the longing souls of men on fire ; And in a car of flame bore them away To heavenly scenes where shines more glorious day; Pictur'd such scenes as made each bosom swell With new emotions at each strain that fell, As o'er some wild and tragic scene it threw The glowing beauties of immortal hue. Now to a humble cottage leads the way, Where peace had ever held a joyful sway, TRAGIC SCENES. 81 And sweet enjoyment own'd a happy home Within each bosom, sheltered by this dome; Here two fond parents lived, and love enjoy'd ; No hostile edicts had their bliss annoy'd, Far from the care-worn world dissever'd wide, This happy circle grouped, and side by side Poured out their thoughts, and shared life's sun and showers In a domestic way, and joy rolled on the hours, And unfeign'd love went out from heart to heart. Which fresh enjoyments to each one imparts. Bright, cheerful looks the lingering hours beguil'd ; Here a fond brother and a sister smil'd ; And ever and anon a lover came, A lofty soul, with noble heart inflam'd, And sweetly spent a few fleet-gliding hours, Roll'd swiftly on by warm affection's powers; For who can tell how swift the moments glide, When lovers meet, and love's mysterious tide Flows to and from the heart, and from the eye To eye strange stolen looks unbidden fly. But, lo ! a change. The hostile trumpet blows ; O'er hill and vale are breath'd ten thousand woes. War, war ! resounds and rings in every ear, Lisp'd from pale lips, half dead with trembling fear, And on the wind these hated mandates fly, Wounds every ear and waters every eye : " Who hath the youthful strength, fit arms to bear Gird on, and rush into the field of war, And, if it be requir'd, your lives lay down, For your own country's sake, and for its crown." F 82 TRAGIC SCENES. The inmates of this cottage heard the cry, And brother and the loved one now lay by Their humble garbs, and wrap their manly forms In martial robes to meet the coming storms. They now with friends must part, leave all so dear To youthful minds, sweet home, and happy cheer, For the dread field of strife for death and fear Each fond one's cheek is kiss'd, each hand is pressM - Tears choke up utterance from each swelling breast Roll soul-breav'd sighs, hearts throb, and words are few- They part ; and in the distance, wave adieu, Then to the contest hasten, while they mourn Themselves from home and all its blessings torn. While they in silence hurry on their way, Behind their thoughts doth linger and would stay, Ere they should mix in battle's bloody fray. All scenes of former days more distant grow, And on each side a wider contrast show, Till mountains, hills and valleys robed in green, Rise up, extend and stretch themselves between, And each familiar sight is lost to view, And all that eye can scan is strange and new. The camp is reached strange faces press around, And on the air is wafted stranger sounds ; How changed indeed ! the rude and haughty stare, Takes now the place of smiles from lov'd ones fair, And martial music now that rolls along, Supplies the place of voices joined in song The vulgar throat is heard to curse and swear Where once went up the pure and holy prayer. TRAGIC SCENES. 83 And for the wholesome shelter'd neat-clad bed, The cold dew-covered ground is used instead. Hard to forsake a constant joy-fed life For the rude soldier's fare the field of strife, Voices of friends, familiar, fond and dear, For noise of throngs and din of arms they bear, Parental tender looks, for lowering miens And love's warm glances for the saber's gleams. But such it was, and night came slowly on, And sleepless hours were passed ere morning dawn Another bustling day, and next the strife When force would meet opposing force, and life Would pour out life another night sweeps by, And morning streaks the oriental sky, The matin trumpet gives the loud alarm, And bids the slumbering field awake to arms. Each from his nightly couch, the damp, cold ground (With but a blanket loosely wrapp'd around), Springs forth surprised, and with half open eyes, Looks now on earth and now upon the skies, To learn their post and mission for the day, For in their dreams they had been borne away To visit once again their happy home, And live o'er days that long, long since had flown ; And when awakened by the morn's first beams, They thought themselves still 'mid their native scenes. But looking 'round on all, above, below, Awoke the strange reality to know, And grasping arms offensive or to shield, 84 TRAGIC SCENES. Soon banded all appear on battle field, And scouts are out, to search with watchful eye When, lo ! a grove of spears, all brandish'd high, And gleaming in the sun, burst on the view, While an unbroken mass in darker hue, Roll'd like a swelling tide upon the plain, Bearing grim Death and surging like the main, Until the far-off hills half hid from sight, (That seem'd yet curtain'd in the shades of night), Mov'd with a misty cloud ; and on the breeze A murmur rose, as tempest-hoven seas. As stretch'd the cloud along, the nearer end Turn'd into foaming steeds, and armed men, Which came as broken billows from afar, And with them brought the clamorous sounds of war. Now host opposes host in dreadful fray, And rolls the din of battle far away ; Now speaks the cannon in its thunder tones, And laden is the air with dying groans, As men and horses fall on either hand. Death, grim and fearful, takes his ghastly stand, And pours the ebbing tide of life away, From youthful hearts that have just left their play ; Dark human gore streams o'er the trodden ground, And Havoc, heap'd on Havoc, weeps around. Now host meets host, with bayonets between ; Now sabers fiercely glare and broad-swords gleam, Now plunging in the heart with fearful ire, Now dripping with life's blood, now flashing fire. TRAGIC SCENES. 85 The brother and the lov'd one side by side, Fight brave as bravest in the battle tried. A beardless boy is on their right, as brave, And he has won immortal honors save To these two precious youth he lends more care Than to his country's cause, which seems not fair Engages in the fiercest contest here, Meets Danger's palest face without a fear, Dares to hold combat with the skill'd and strong, And shines a new-found star amid the throng Quick in defense the oppress'd his power know, Hope to each friend and terror to each foe ; Over these favor'd two keeps watchful eye Of every kind of danger hov'ring nigh. And now this lover, with a foeman strives ; Both strike and fiercely grapple for their lives Now through the ranks a fierce opponent wades, Wielding with giant arm a deadly blade, Wrath on his brow and vengeance in his eye, And, burning with revenge, he whispers, " Die ! " Above this lover's head, his sword in air, Soon to descend and deal destruction there, Had not this youth (as if some spirit sped), Raised his quick arm and struck the assassin dead, Then turn'd and with his crimson wreaking steel, The other gasping laid upon the field. Joy and amazement sparkled from the eye Of him who else had been invoked to die ; A deep-soul'd, gratitude-fill'd look was all The moment would allow the leader's call 86 TRAGIC SCENES. Now loudly sounds, coin in and ing them away, To mix in other scenes of bloody fray. And though the contest raged and the tierce strife Grew hotter still, and death and life Oft struggled here, yet still this saved one yearn'd To breathe out thanks that in his bosom burivd, To him who had prolong'd life's flame within, And saved from death amid the battle's din. Through many bloody scenes that day they ranged, Till Victory's shout from rank to rank proclaimed 'Twas done, and foemen fleeing here and there, Told whom success had crowned, and whom despair; These being fled, and those rejoiced. Again The camp contains and friend embraces friend ; The lov'd one, youth and brother nobly meet, And with o'erflowing souls each other sfreet. O O Their feelings deep no longer brook control, But swelling now outgush from either soul ; Warm hands are pressed, and copious tears are shed, And blessings called to rest upon each head ; With burning eloquence they tell the tale Of dangers passed none dreaming they could fail, But high above all conflicts each could see Within his bosom written, " Victory ! " And the youth said, with speaking eye and soul, Some higher power did all his acts control. The brother gazing in those speaking eyes Of this fair youth : " Ema ! sister ! " strangely cries, " Angel of earth ! What ! sister 'I Can it be ? TRAGIC SCENES. 87 Amid these frantic scenes ? Ah, yes, I see That soul of yours overflowing in each look How could you leave your father's home and brook ? - But, no ! it's not rather some spirit fair." She lifts her cap down falls her curling hair- A perfect lady, filled with perfect grace, Look'd from her eyes and shone within her face. All stood amazed wild wonder seized a host, Amid surprise and admiration lost To see a girl, of every charm possSss'd, With th' army mix'd, and in a soldier's dress. The lover rush'd and clasp'd her in his arms ; "What Power," says he, " amid these dire alarms, Has shielded, or what partial God has nerv'd Thee to protect, and this frail life preserve ! Could I have dream'd that 'twas a charming maid Whose arm defended and whose ready blade Had brought the fierce assassin to the ground O cj Ere his drawn sword had struck the fatal wound ? O, Virtuous ! Brave ! Thou fairest of the fair ! This life was quite unworthy of your care. What for this act from me will you demand ? Yours it shall be ! " She blushed and said, " Your hand !" In voice so soft and tones so sweetly low That few could hear the words ; yet all might know. Hearts most engrossed to tender feelings yield, As snow to spring when melting on the field. He reached it forth, " By promise it is thine " He said, " and thou, a precious prize, art mine. " Who, on the doubtful field of bloody war, Has e'er before been bless'd with such a star ? " 88 TRAGIC SCENES. And now, and here, their hearts and hands were bound, Each one to each in holy wedlock join'd. Now still in magic strains it rolls along O'er scenes where wild surprise wak'd feelings strong, And painting these in mental gilt and gold, With sweetest numbers charm'd the list'ning soul, As robed in thoughts of rainbow-blended hue, It swiftly passed before the enchanted view, And captive bore ea<5h sympathy away On its increasing tide. The plain, the gay, The old and young alike enraptured hear, Now smile for joy, and now let drop a tear ; While Love and Hate, bright Hope and dark Despair, And Life and Death are strangely mingled there, So that this feeble tongue could never tell One-tenth the pictures drawn and painted well. One theme a son, who left his native home Ere childhood's flush from his smooth cheek had flown. Long years had fled, and in their wheel old Time Had hung his progress and in every clime Had wrought a change. Here life had pass'd away, And there, bright, sunny locks had turn'd to gray ; The mother anxious watched, but all in vain ; From her departed, still no tiding came. Her tottering steps were wending to the tomb, And on her fading cheek, despair and gloom, Sat brooding grief. Thus by parental care Worn out, 'twas once, while she a fervent prayer Was breathing forth to heaven's eternal God, TRAGIC SCENES. 89 That her dear, darling boy, now cast abroad Upon the teeming world, might shielded be From dangers of this life none else could see; And bring him home to bless her waning days, And her to cheer, while life's last, lingering rays Were growing dimmer still at every hour, And soon must yield to Death's dissolving power, As to the frost must yield the smiling flower. Once while her prayer was being winged on high, A wearied stranger was approaching nigh, And caught the earnest accents in his ear, And pausing at the door he stood to hear. Each rising sentence breathed upon his soul, And bade its waters as an ocean roll, When winds were high and blowing uncontroled ; For he it was for whom this prayer arose And that same voice he'd heard ere sweet repose In early years his eyes had nightly closed, When he in childhood played, and all was bright, And life's fair morn was rosy with delight. As streams from never-failing fountains flow, So prayer from Christian hearts who truly know Its power to bring the blessing which it craves, To sooth and feed the hungry soul it laves ; Thus from this mother's Christian heart arose Such holy prayer at every evening's close, As flowed away to heaven's eternal throne, Bearing desires and Avishes all her own; So pure and earnest, full of holy love, 90 TRAGIC SCENES. That God in mercy heard, and from above, With holy hand unseen, had guided home Her wand'ring boy, ere life's frail spark had flown. To be a joy in her declining days, Just as the sun's last lingering rays Are beauty to the eve. And now again Goes from her inmost soul the deep Amen . The stranger, moved with feeling, forth at once In silence breath'd a soul-felt, deep response Rapp'd at the door ; it ope'd and the same form That had bent o'er him in life's sunny morn, Now stood before his gaze. Though bow'd with care And blanch'd with storms, the self-same soul was there, And look'd at once in tenderness on him. His soul, big with emotions, swell'd within, And press'd the fountain of his tears, whose flood Gush'd from his eyes (warm'd by the quicken'd blood). Which down his cheeks in copious streamlets roll'd, Back'd by a power unaided, uncontrol'd. He was absorbed in feelings deep and pure, Which mern'ry brought, and effort could not cure, Then cried, "Thy prayer is answer'd thou hast won ; Mother ! 'tis I ! 'tis George, thy long lost son ! " Back roll'd the tide of life hush'd was her breath, And on her cheek the image pale of death ; Joy and surprise took her in their control, And seem'd dissevering body and the soul. But when the tide of life seem'd ebb\l away, It soon flowed back into its wonted bay, And gave the cheeks a more than mortal glow; Seeming as youth returned in its deep flow, TRAGIC SCENES, 91 And age renew'd, that she again might share Her son's return, and feel the force of prayer. And now the lyre is swept with gentle hand, And from its murmuring strings, sounds sweet and bland Arise and mingle with the swelling soul, And love in many 'witching spells unrolls, As twines its circling ivy 'round the heart, And kisses sweetly every' vital part. Folding two noble souls in its embrace, Though oceans spread an intervening space ; Yet true to every trust they both remain, And feed within their breasts Love's living flame. Years sweep along met they have not nor cast One look save in the mem'ry of the past. The one among cold strangers moves alone, The other peacefully remains at home ; Though different seem their lots they are the same Both for each other live constant remain ; Though different scenes they witness from without, Within no contrasts rise, or fear or doubt. No doubtful clouds obscure their future sky, But " Constancy" o'er all is written high ; And, looking down the stream of life, they see By faith's far-reaching eye when both shall be As one in holy wedlock joined, and Hope To every joy applies her microscope. The one returns again, unknown as yet, And seeks the spot where oft before they've met, 92 TRAGIC SCENES. In converse sweet at evening's holy hour, And where affection with a gentle power Had planted flowers of love about each heart. Approaching near, these well known scenes impart A joy, that through each nervelet sways control, And drinks refresh'd from the observing soul. In former times here he was wont to stroll, And in the charms of childhood to behold All things in beauty, every plant and tree, And saw them all as he was wont to see, Uncloak'd with care, wild, fetterless and free ; But as he nears the sacred spot where they Was wont to meet at hours of twilight gray A gentle voice came trolling in his ear, Freighted with well known tones and accents dear ; He starts with soul entranced he lists the same Again fleet-wing'd in silvery accents came ; Intent, all eagerness he stands, and mute ; No nerve or muscle moves, how'er minute ; His name is lisp VI he starts intenter grows, While through his veins wild feelings strangely flow ; One moment rushing center at the heart, The next diffused through every vital part, That voice so sweet heard oft in other days, Wakes fond remembrance in a thousand ways. The evening zephyrs 'mid the flowers sigh'd, Fair Beauty srmTd in all the prospect wide, The field, the grove, each object wore a charm, And seem'd to rest in well pleas'd Nature's arms. But sweeter far was that soft voice to him Than all those happy sights and sounds had been. TRAGIC SCENES. 93 Now floats this well known voice in accents clear, And brings these words distinctly to his ear : "Upon this spot my heart was woo'd and won By Edmond, honor'd Virtue's noble son. The gentle influence of his speaking eye Is like the sumbeams on yon evening sky, Or like as when a trembing drop of dew, Within those beams show every sever'd hue ; And when in fullness of his soul he spoke, 'Twas sweet as ancient Memnon's morning note. His sacred promise of fidelity To me I know is sure, as sure as can be ; On this I hang my earnest heart my all And by it ever stand, or with it fall. And where is Edmond now ? " (it louder cries, And zephyr-wafted plainer wider dies.) He forward rush'd and cried, "Edmond is here ! Come once again to meet his Ema dear, " (And then he fondly clasp'd her in his arms), "Nor will he more be sever'd from her charms." It ceased around below and from above Each strain left smiling these, embraced in love. A NIGHTLY SCENE. A NIGHTLY SCENE. JFow grand and peaceful is a nightly scene When busy life is hush'd, and night's pale queen, Diffusing light, in grandeur walks the sky, Revealing to the enraptured gazer's eye Soft beauties else unseen no\v, half concealed, The ocean, mountain, forest and the field. When countless stars that glitter from above, Kiss slumbering earth with whispers of their love; Or when on ocean they appear to be High up in heaven or down deep in the sea; While here and there, borne on their silent way, Some fleeting clouds obscure the moon's pale ray, Which add new beauty to the quiet scene, Rolling their shadows o'er the deep serene ; Then disappear forever from the sight, Vanish away in common shades of night. While momentary veiling moon and star, They show more fully what they truly are, Akin to fleeting visions of the mind, While from above Eternal Wisdom shines, And the Ubiquitary God displays The star-decked grandeur _of his works and ways. Nocturnal scenes like these, a single view Recall to mind, while on the ocean blue ; A NIGHTLY SCENE 95 Upon one hand lay hills and vales enchained. And on the other, stretch'd the mirror'd main, Like some tremendons monster lull'd to rest With the wide arch of heaven on its breast ; And cradled by its side, the slumbering land. With moon-lit rocks and mountains huge and grand. Hard on the water's edge and mountain's side, A lofty elm rear'd itself in pride, As though an ensign set 'twixt land and sea, And proud between such mighty powers to be. Not far away, wasted by many a storm, A cottage stood, lonely, but not forlorn; Its inmates there were wrapp'd in silent sleep, Cureless of all about, on land or deep. So we, 'mid dangers and 'mid beauties lie, Unconscious quite that either hover nigh. Upon the right, high rear'd the rocky steep, And hurl'd defiance back upon the deep, And seem'd to say, ' ' In all your storm-beat rage, Touch not these slumbering ones from age to age, And here your bounds forevermore must be, Though white capp'd waves drive fiercely o'er the sea. " All here was grandeur, born of God divine Sleeping grandeur, fit to impress the mind With visions rich, which fortune can not blind, Nor Lethe's stream with all its waters bind. <)6 THE ANCIENT CASTLE. THE ANCIENT CASTLE. On the rude ocean's wild and rock-built shore, Where bleak winds howl and billows dash and roar, An ancient castle stands, massive and high, With moss-couch'd turrets looking to the sky, Which seem to frown as frown the storms on them, Or smile when night unveils her diadems, Or gazing up into the azure blue, They seem responsive to that mellow hue. And when mild Calm wide settles on the hills, Lulls the crazed sea, and the fierce tempest stills, These waters mirror forth its mossy face, And high and massive walls, with perfect grace, More true than hand can paint, or pencil trace. Then this queer antiquary seems to be Both on the shore and underneath the sea , Then spirits strange appear to near the spot, And tell o'er tales that have been long forgot, About those hands that bade these walls arise, In other times, beneath the self-same skies ; And eyes that saw these beauties long ago, And busy minds that felt a kindred glow. Of inspiration, kindl'd by the sight, As we, now, wonder-fill'd with strange delight. THE ANCIENT CASTLE. 97 O what emotions follow in their train, As we survey these works without a name ! The throngs that crowded once these spacious rooms Long since have slumber'd in their silent tombs; And time has written, with his pencil gray, Upon these walls, ' ' Ages have passed away Since first these stones by human hand were pil'd, This structure reared, now lonely, waste and wild; Those hands have died, and, too, without a name The structure has outliv'd the builders' fame." G 5 98 O FOR A WALK AMONG THE STARS. O FOR A WALK AMONG THE STARS could I wing my restless soul To yonder heaven I 'd take my flight ; 1 'd range yon vault from Pole to Pole, And view those diadems of night ; As quick as thought would I reveal The hidden mysteries of the skies, Remove the veil that conceals Their brightest glories from my eyes. Could I but rove creation o'er, And view its wonders far and broad, On wings of light I 'd quickty soar, And search yon blazonry of God; Explore yon star, which seems to shine To decorate the silent night In world-wide grandeur all sublime, And basking in Eternal Light. Yon twinkling host, which now I see, That 's ever shone since time begun, When near approached would prove to be Eternal, rolling, blazing suns ; How grand the scene could I but fly Through all the boundlessness of space, O FOR A WALK AMONG THE STARS. 99 Survey the works of the Most High, His matchless proofs of boundless grace. But while I'm bound in flesh below, Contented I mnst always be Of what I see, and hear, and know Of yonder vast immensity. Though small the part which we behold, Compared with all His works above, Yet quite enough for to unfold Omniscient Power and boundless love. Then as we tread this earthly sphere, From which we can not climb or stray, But gazing upward to revere And longing for to soar away ; Will not these longings be repaid, When soul from mortal coil is free ? Shall we not rise above the shade, And touch, inspired, a higher key? Then soul immortal, freed from clay, Will seek its own affinity, And basking in the smiles of day, Converse with holy Deity ; Communing with that love divine, That all his works doth show, Will rise amid that love to shine, And of its ample fullness know. 100 REFLECTIONS ON THE SETTING OF THE SUN. REFLECTIONS ON THE SETTING OF THE SUN. The sun is in the West declining, Slowly down he seems to move, Obliquely now his rays are shining On the mountain, on the grove. Now, too, feather'd tribes are singing, Hymning the Almighty's praise, With these the hills and vales are ringing All a grateful tribute raise. How fast the sun is disappearing Down behind the distant trees ! And gentle evening comes. How cheering ! Nature seems to rest at ease. Now the light of day is fading, And distant objects disappear ; And now the veil of night is shading Every object far and near. As darkness winds her cloak around me, Hiding earthly scenes from view, O how the deep'ning shadows wound me, And departed scenes renew ! REFLECTIONS ON THE SETTING OF THE SUN. 101 The scenes that now have fled forever. Fled into eternity Will they return ? " O, never ! never ! " Answers the voice of destiny. The night of Death is drawing near us, With its deep and gloomy shade, Whose silent vault will not revere us, Or bring to us consoling aid. Olc^Time is swiftly onward flying, None can stop and none can save ; All creatures born, in health or dying All are marching to the grave. Each onward rolling day is number'd, Brings me nearer to my end ; Weeks, months and years roll unencumber'd, Soon the grave I must descend. And like the sun that just was setting Way behind the western hills, So I must sink oh ! how regretting ! Yield to Death's all swaying will. However long, O precious Jesus, We may have on earth to dwell, When this life closes, O relieve us From the stints of sin and hell. 102 REFLECTIONS ON THE SETTING OF THE SUN. Though many years may pass in sorrow, Pure delight we ne'er shall n'nd In this our earthly vale so narrow, Where must pass all human kind. Grant while we sail this sea of trouble, That propitious winds may blow, Freighted with faith and courage double, We may pass its waters through. O, set thy chart and lamp before me All my hopes and strength caress, That I may reach eternal glory, And enjoy true happiness. In that fair land beyond the river, O, my soul from sin set free, From every woe and care deliver, Lost in heavenly joys and thee. LIBERTY. 103 LIBERTY. Ye sires, awake ! ye sons, arise ! The land of tyranny despise ! Bid Freedom's mottoed banners rise, And wave triumphantly ; Let them spread from pole to pole, And over every ocean roll, Till there shall reign without control One glorious Liberty. Let tyrants from their thrones be hurl'd, The flag of Liberty, unfurl'd, In every clime, o'er all the world, And set all 'people free ; And may the day right quickly come, When Freedom shall be nobly won In every land beneath the sun, And over every sea. All hail that brave and noble few Who saved the ship, a sinking crew, When freedom almost sank from view, Oppressed by tyranny. Who did our feeble country save From sinking to an endless grave ; So wave, ye sons, her banners wave, And shout for liberty. 104 LIBERTY. Go, speak it with a trumpet-horn, And tyrants of all nations warn Of that coming glorious morn When earth shall all be free. How then shall come their solemn doom, When all their power shall find a tomb, And be unveiled, that glorious boon, The boon of Liberty. Go, and that joyful sound proclaim, Attended by Columbia's name, Rolled on the sounding wheels of fame In God-like majesty; Till every nation, near and far, Shall hear, and looking to her star, Oppression from her bounds debar, And welcome Liberty. Till every land and every clime, Feeling that influence all divine, Shall in the future years of time Be nobly bless'd and free ; Then tyrants from their thrones shall fall, And kings obey at Freedom's call, And in each soul, and over all, Shall reign blessed Liberty. INDEPENDENCE DAY. 105 INDEPENDENCE DAY. All hail this glad day of the year with great glory, On which our brave country declared herself free, In sight of dread War, all haggard and gory, And a foe that was proud, and stronger than she. O shout and proclaim it, ye nations around, For worthy of praise she has ever been found. Tell how she arose to be a great nation, By driving her strong-banded foes o'er the sea, And building upon the unyielding foundation Of Wisdom and Virtue, and bless'd Liberty. shout and proclaim it through earth all around, For worthy of praise she has ever been found. O tell IIOAV her banners in splendor are swelling, And speak with great beauty her noble free birth, In 'grandeur exalted, all others excelling, That stretch their dominions abroad through the earth. O shout and proclaim it, ye nations around, For worthy of praise she has ever been found. Say, too, that her vessels now proudly are sailing O'er every known ocean, upborne by the wave, While kingdoms and empires all ever are hailing The flag of the noble, the free and the brave. 106 INDEPENDENCE DAY.. Go you all, ye nations, proclaim the glad sound, For just are her precepts, and Freedom's her bounds. Tell how in her greatness she 's daily increasing, And angels of heaven are pleading her cause, While all languages speak her praises unceasing, And waft her fair name on the wings of applause. O shout and proclaim her increasing renown, For worthy of praise she has ever been found. Yes, now in rare beauty she fondly is shining, Already well conscious of her far-spreading fame, While nearly all nations around are repining Beneath their own tyrants' despotical chain. But safety in her for years may be found, If pride and vain glory do not sink her down. But what though our pathway seems winding before us. All strown with fair garlands and beautiful flowers, And heaven, star-spangled, seems now bending o'er us, Beguiling with smiles the by-gliding hours ; How soon all would vanish, should Providence frown, Her prospects would wither, and crumble, her crown. O, then, may we pray to the God of the nations To shield her fair shore with Liberty's wing, That Virtue and Wisdom may guard her foundations, And blessings of peace and prosperity bring ; And be it proclaimed through earth all around, That God is her refuge, and Faith is her crown. ON THE AUTHOR'S TWENTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 107 LINES WRITTEN ON THE AUTHOR'S TWENTY- FIRST BIRTH-DAY. Mysterious Providence, whose matchless hand Sways times and fates at thy all wise command, How dost thou whirl the rapid wheels of time To strangely fill some great, unknown design ; Days come, weeks go, months fly, years pass away Men live, flourish, die, molder and decay Still unrelenting roll the wheels of time, Right onward roll, majestic and sublime. How short the time since I began my course On Time's unmeasured and unbounded source, And yet so swift has roll'd her wheels, in truth As to have swept me past the bounds of youth, Measured my infant moments in a span, Rushed by childhood, and number'd me a man. Helpless I'm thrown upon her stormy waves, Doom'd to reach an endless and a silent grave ; The voyage is short, the day must quickly come When I must sink as sinks the setting sun, But not like him again to glorious rise, Beneath mortality's unpeaceful skies, But rather dive in death's dark, slumbering sea, To rise again in wide eternity. 108 ON THE AUTHOR'S TWENTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. There, burnish'd with the Master's love, to shine Through endless cycles of all-coming time, Or banish'd from the presence of his power, Wade through the gloom of that eternal hour. Such as a life on earth I shall have led In virtue's ways or sin's dark paths have tread, This shall pronounce my future, final doom, To in his presence dwell where pleasures bloom, Or in the absence of his power, where all is night, And banish'd every ray of holy light. For, as from him came all these god-like powers, And all we are is his, and naught is ours, This thinking mind and deathless soul to save Beyond the confines of the mould'ring grave, We must by justice serve his right'ous will, Or fail to save, if failing to fulfill. And now, great God, on thee in faith I call To take me in your arms, lest I unguarded fall Into temptation's sin-alluring path, And blinded, find the ocean of thy wrath. O let thy holy influence hover nigh, Lest storms of darkness should o'ercloud my sky, And dread afflictions which the svorld doth know, Bring in their train, their curses and their woe. O let thy heavenly influence be my guide As I launch forth on manhood's boisterous tide, And steer my course in ways by Thee design'd Prove me a benefactor to mankind, ON THE AUTHOR'S TWENTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 109 And if one creature, I have led astray In paths secluded from fair Virtue's way, Forgive me, Lord that creature, O reclaim, And wash his heart from sin and every stain. Though such an act by justice I should rue, But, O ! forgive (thou holy, just and true), And visit not its consequences on me, Lest I be lost to happiness and Thee ; And raise my feet above this dangerous plane, And be it mine, a better thing to gain. O lift the veil of darkness from my face, That I may see the goodness of thy grace, And from all sin and wickedness abstain, And walk in paths where Truth and Virtue reign. And let thy lamp of Wisdom on me shine, Diffusing light and knowledge in my mind, Till groveling ignorance be chased away, And lives the inner man in Wisdom's day, Whose light shall fill the floodgates of the soul, Till doubts subside and mysteries unfold, And every cloud be lifted from my heaven, From whence thy smiles descend and love is given ; And sweet communion with those powers divine, Be ever present with me, ever mine. HO THE THREE LOVERS. THE THEEE LOVERS, OR DECEIT REVENGED. A lady once, both brisk and gay, Triumphant lived, as I may say, Or thought at least, (you understand,) That with the wave of her fair hand, With artful looks and wits refin'd, With winning ways and looks combined, Might gain with ease whose ever heart, She felt disposed to take a part. And she indeed, I must confess Did most uncommon powers possess ; Nor think me partial if I own Her speech was sweet, her words, high flown, With pleasing mein, and air refined, With sparkling eyes and gorgeous mind, And gifts indeed that's very rare You '11 find bestowed upon the fair ; And beauty too that's seldom known In eveiy look refulgent shone. And who, though strong with reason's arms, Could war with such resistless charms ? Or who could weakest means devise, To brook such language of the eyes ? Or who could offer self-defense Against such beauty, crown'd with sense ? THE THREE LOVERS. Ill Need I ask ? and ask in vain ? My story will itself explain, For ne'er a hero was renown'd, For whom a match could not be found, And every king who has arose, Has had his subjects and his foes ; And whether peaceful or at war, Every nation, near and far, Recorded in the book of Time, Has had its rise and its decline. So beauties, measures have, and bounds, And to themselves return their wounds ; However full of charms to day, To-morrow blights them with decay, And they are left to grieve and mourn, For selves of all allurements shorne, For hearts they 've sought, yet still unwon, For deeds they 've plan'd, yet still undone ; And torments rankle deep within, Such as are left in tracks of sin. But why attempt I to relate, What fortune has assigned to fate ? Nature and reason both infer That such things will, and must occur. Then to my story : This fair maid, With such bewitching charms array'd, Admirers drew from every side, On whom she look'd with conscious pride ; And 'monsr the multitude there came 112 THE THREE LOVERS. A noble youth, a stately swain, With manners polish'd and refin'd, Wi h grateful heart and gen'rous mind, And looks, that told beyond control, The inner, was a noble soul. And need I say that long they strove Before they both fell deep in love ? Ah, no ; and then what glances sly Were re-exchanged from eye to eye, With such warm assiduous dart, That struck like daggers to the heart, Waking feelings strange and wild, Restless, vain, unreconcird , Thrilling sweet and transient pain, Arises, now, then sinks again. Such as no creature can surmise, Save him whom trial makes more wise. But these appear to me most strange That real things should prove so vain ; And love express'd by vows and sighs, Though real, often prove but lies ; For Cupid's sly and quiv'ring dart Too often wounds the fickle heart, Time draws the shaft with little pain, And the small scar bears friendship's name. But ere I wander from my theme Let me picture one fair scene, THE THREE LOVERS. 113 The meeting, where these two disclos'd Each warm emotion, which repos'd In either breast, by love entwin'd Our hero's, and our heroine's. And now conceive, you lovers fair, Seated alone this lovely pair ; First, one warm glance from eye to eye, Wakes in each breast a heart heav'd sigh ; When soon our nero thus began : " I swear by all that mortal man Has ever dared to swear before, That you I love and do adore Above all others 'neath the sun, That I have seen since life begun ; And if your breast with such could burn For me, or give a warm return, A happier creature, never trod This little footstool of our God ; But if I 'm doom'd to meet your scorn, The worll will prove as quite forlorn." " O, cast aside all fear," said she, " I 've ever loved and cherished thee ; It has been mine, to much admire Your many gifts and neat attire ; And mix'd therewith was a strange fire I strove to quench yet all in vain ; I could not stop the rising flame That shed a hallow'd light on you And made you perfect ; false or true. H 5* THE THREE LOVERS. If false, to every joy, adieu ; But, O, I pray thee, prove thee true, And Venus grant one boon to give, That we may for each other live." These two each other, thus address'd And thus, their feelings warm express'd. But this brings up the question, Why Such vows as these should speak the lie ? But Fortune has such fate assign 'd Oft to the lot of human kind, And oft like rainbows, pleasures smile Upon the storm, dark, deep and wild ! And oft when hope sweet joys reveals, Fortune adversely rolls her wheels, And disappointments bring instead, To sigh in sorrow 'round our heads ; Such was the fate of this fam'd pair, And such, their castles, built in air. A youth, whose time had much been spent, (Whose object was by effort bent), To learn to judge the heart and mind, By looks and actions of mankind, This beauty saw, and with surprise Read the rich language of her eyes ; And through her mien and manners stole Into the secrets of her soul ; And while she yet was unaware, Read her true disposition there ; THE THREE LOVERS. 115 Then her approach'd and calmly said : " There's something rests in thee, fair maid, That warms my breast with that strange fire Which bids my unpledged heart admire. Say, could I place my hopes in thee If such should prove sincerity ? " " There's room for hope," the maid replied, Then warmly press'd his hand, and sighed ; "With the same feeling I Ve admir'd Your graceful ways and mien retir'd. And now to learn that I'm your choice, Have I not reason to rejoice ? " To this the youth gave no reply, But deeper read in her dark eye A disposition stranger still, A stranger mind, and stranger will, Than he had thought her to possess, By first appearance and address. Amazed he was indeed to find Such vanity and sense combined ; But she, alike possessed the art By looks to judge the human heart ; And with one scrutinizing gaze, Saw his deep thoughts ; and in a maze Most wildly cast herself away, Exclaiming thus in wild dismay : ' ' Begone ! begone ! thou critic, muse, Do not my heart and mind peruse ; 116 THE THREE LOVERS. I might have known your wondrous skill By acts to judge the inward will, When I first saw your searching eye, That seemed to pierce each mystery." To which the muse thus soon replied : " In nature's walks extended wide, Of human haunts, of pomp and pride, Though nearly all are somewhat vain, Yet vanities, by you contain'd, Surpass all others of the kind That I have yet been led to find. It gives me grief and pain to see A mind so rich and heart so free, Mix'd with that vain, inconstant fire, That lights in thee such strange desire. Could I behold your motives pure, Your mind could fail not to secure The warm applause of every tongue, Of both the aged and the young." He ceased, and both in silence part, With a cold bow and guarded heart, And from appearance, it was plain, Both gave it up as a bad game. And now, this muser, and this youth Were constant friends, and in all truth Each other's welfare ever sought, Exchanging sentiment and thought ; The one, excelled in 'fairs of state, The other, judging human fate- THE THREE LOVERS. 117 It chanced, soon after, as 'tis known, That these two heroes met alone, And passing first a lively joke, The latter, thus his mind bespoke ; " If you can read by acts and mien The human heart and mind unseen, Show me the inner soul and mind, And disposition of what kind, Of her with whom Miss Rumor says I have designed to spend my days." He spake and him inquiring eyed, To Avhich, this earnest muse, replied : "A stranger one I've never found In all community around ; A mind so rich and nobly train'd, A.ccomp'nied with a heart so vain The one, to lofty thoughts aspires, The other, stoops to low desires. Her object chief has ever been To captive lead the hearts of men, And to accomplish this, her time And energies are spent, to find What strings control the heart and mind And what, our strong affections bind. And half a dozen now she holds Beneath her potent eye's control ; And I myself, (though you may smile,) Scarcely escaped her artful wiles, So cunning laid the secret snare, I was entrapped, although aware ! 118 THE THREE LOVERS. And now to put men's hearts in plight Is her chief object and delight ; This, her main study and her aim, And in her toils is costly game." "Is that so?" replied the youth ; " And does she pride herself, in truth, To captive lead men's hearts astray, And the fine feelings thus betray, By flattering words and winning wiles, And mellow looks and artful smiles ?" " 'Tis even so," the muse replied ; "And there are two who have been tried, And with their confidence betray'd, The same as you look on that maid ; Each thinks himself her only trust, But soon each suit will be nonpross'd." He pointed him to two young men Who then was fast approaching them, And who came up, and thus began : " What is the counsel, what the plan, In which you seem so much engross'd, As though your all, was won, or lost ? " " 'Tis something, sirs, of deep concern," Responds the muse, "as you will learn, And something, too, concerning thee And him and him, to plainer be But, let me hold, I am too free, THE THREE LOVERS. 119 You've sought no counselor in me." u Speak on, speak on ; stop, stop not here ; Proceed we anxious wait to hear. " " Then if I must, I say, ' Beware ! ' Yon three are in the self-same snare ; The which has artfully been laid, By the designs of one fair maid ; And blindly now you're led along, All unmistrustful of the wrong ; But now at once unveil your eyes, And view her projects and be wise, Alike this mystery unfold ; Be wide awake, precise and bold, And just accomplish, this intent, To give as good, as has been sent." "Indeed ! " one of these two replies, " Let not these useless rumors rise ; The story is already told, And I will not my claim withhold ; By me her heart alone is rul'd, And you have been completely fool'd. And would I lose so rich a prize Because she's chanc'd to fool the wise ? Nay, on this charmer I rely, And your endeavors I defy ; My part and lot are fixed and sure, And she in me now rests secure. One week from yesterday, you'll see, We're married at the hour of three, 120 THE THREE LOVERS. And she becomes the loving bride " The other, interrupting, cried, Excitedly, " Hold ! hold, I pray ! One week from yesterday, you say ? In fact upon that self-same day I'm pledged to give my heart and hand With her's in Hymen's holy band ; And I'm in preference, too, to you, For my appointments stands at two." "By heaven ! " our youth in wrath exclaim'd, " By such presumption what is gain'd ? ['11 have revenge ; cursed be the charm, That, with a vain, yet potent arm, My feelings captive led astray, And them to mock'ry made a prey ; For on that day A. M. at nine, She has vowed she would be mine ; And though my hour is first of all, Yet acts like these my heart appall. Yes, I've admired her charming face, With a thousand beauties graced, But sacred things thus sacrificed, By me as deeply are despised ; My injured feelings ever proud, Call for vengeance, long and loud." "And so do mine," the one replies ; "My heart is full, and blind my eyes For sighs that burden every breath, And tears that burn my soul to death." THE THREE LOVERS. 121 " We seek revenge ! " the three exclaim, "And heaven aid us in our aim ! " To which, the muse : u Attention lend, And hear the counsel of a friend. If for revenge your bosoms burn, Contentions, strife forever spurn ; But on th' appointed nuptial day, Throw all your promises away, And go not near this artful maid, And she will be redoubly paid, And in repentance ever sigh, That heartless, thus she vow'd the lie." " Agreed ! agreed ! " they all respond, Politely bow, and then are gone. Old Time still swiftly rolling on, The promised nuptial morning dawn'd ; The hours passed by, but no one came To meet this beauty, wise and vain ; Long she look'd, but look'd in vain. Again the day in sober vest Sank her bright chariot in the west, And Evening spread abroad on high Her star-bespangled azure sky. The night wore on, inviting sleep To those, who nature's vigil's keep ; This maid retired, but far from rest A thousand cares distract her breast, And judged too truly, I may say, 122 WHERE SHALL WE FIND REPOSE ? Why they were absent on that day. And the next morning, felt aware That all her projects were left bare, And sick'ning, too, to find it so, Left the city, you may know, To visit with some country friends, And to her health thus make amends, By breathing fresh and purer air, But none again beheld her there. WHERE SHALL WE FIND EEPOSE? AN ACROSTIC. Where shall we mortals find repose from weary cares Amid this toilsome life, beset with hidden snares ? Sad disappointments rise, which burst in fearful wrath, High-handed, henious wrongs, thread thick our every path ; In every bud of hope lurks many a secret thorn, No rosy days of promise dawn, secure from storm, Gilded all by the sunshine from our youth, appears The all-inspiring prospect of our future years. "On flowery beds of ease," the path seems stretch 'd away, Nor bud, nor leaf, nor bloom, seems blighted with decay. WHERE SHALL WE FIND REPOSE ? 123 All over and around are seeming joys and new, Lo, how " the distance lends enchantments to the view." Vested with seeming joys is the prospective way ; Onward it seems to lead up to the gates of day, Renew'd with healthful life without decay, Delightful hopes and prospects, making all things gay. Enter upon the field and, lo ! how changed the scene! Now Disappointments frown where smiled our fondest dream ; Great frozen drops of grief, in storms, come rattling down Least when expected vivid lightning leaps around, Even fair Hope looks frightened, falling to the ground. Almighty God, amid such scenes we live and die Unto Thy arms of love for safety we must fly ; To these, all helpless, worn and wearied, Lord, we come, Humbled and bleeding ; from these storms receive us home On Thy bless'd promises confidingly we lean, Resting assured in faith and here we fondly dream 124 MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. " There is a tide in the affairs of women. Which, taken at its flood, leads " God knows where; Those navigators must be able seamen Whose charts lay down its currents to a hair ; Not all the reverses of Jacob Beaman With their strange whirls and eddies can compare ; Men, with their heads, reflect on this and that, But women, with their hearts, on heaven knows what ! BYUON. Could Fancy, endued with a wonderful art, By culture enrich'd and refined, Depict half the queries of a frail woman's heart, What a gem it would be to the mind ! Every poet and sage howe'er gifted and bright, Has confessed how vain is his skill To imagine, much less than unfold to the light, One tenth of a feminine will. And perhaps it is well, for could man with a glance Survey the dark mystery within, With rock and iceberg-bound shores, where wild fairies dance On steeps that would make the brain swim ; MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. 125 Where shrill shriek the cold winds, and loud clamors the crow, Or pierces a keen, biting frost, Or a storm in the heavens of what who can know ? There darkens, till hope's light is lost ; Where the breezes of summer, most gentle and fair, Which blossom the roses of hope, May turn northward so quick as to snap off a hair, And winter, wild winter, have scope. I say, could man with a glance these dangers foresee, Think you he would trust his life's barque On such a wild sea of chance and of changes, lest he Should be fed to a monster mouth'd shark ; And the merciless queen of this sea, and his all, Deem the meal for the pet of her bosom too small, And since his pains and his pleasures to her are but play, She would serve up another in about the same way; Or first warm him, then freeze him, then tear out his heart To make out a meal for this monster, her art, To which every thing else in her bosom refin'd, Must bow and be sacrificed of soul and of mind. But, hold on here, let's see, this last stanza don't chime ; But where tunes change so much, I might as well change ,, my rhyme, For my subject 's a queer one, ever veering in course, And constantly changing, or something that's worse, And if you would follow its circuitous route, 126 MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. And not go astray, keep on a constant lookout For brambles, for hedges, for deep marshes and ditches, For all these you will find in the breast of these witches, These sweet angels, with bright eyes, smooth tongues, and fair faces, Each adorned with a thousand and one gentle graces; When you think all is fair, to bother and vex you, First, your feet to ensnare, and after, perplex you. But there are, it is said (in woman's affections), Fields, landscapes and gardens of fairest complexion, Where Constancy blooms, and pure virtue and truth Wear always the smiles of perpetual youth ; And some, I've heard talk of, who have even found them, But as to myself and some others, astound them ! We have searched, but, alas ! have gone all around them; And close on the border, plucked promises given, Fair blossoms indeed ! which bore semblance of heaven, And as onward we hurried, more fair grew the way ; Every blossom we gathered, adorn'd a bouquet. A bright, lovely form ever gliding before us, Inviting us on, whispered, " Heaven is o'er us" ; But while thinking of nothing but pleasures and posies, All at once we are swamp'd, in the mud, to our noses. The lightness and smiles of that bright, lovely form Are changed into frowns, and soul- writhing scorns ; Their mistress looks sad, and sighs, sheds crocodile tears, Says, "Farewell forever," and then disappears. Our cherished bouquets are all withered and black ; We can not proceed, nor can we turn back MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. 127 Giiaw'd are our faces, with gnats and with fleas, And stung is our flesh, with hornets and bees ; And, when we try to brush off, these saucy intruders, We find, our hands have been tied, by these fair deluders. And though each one may say, u I'm sorry it is so," Yet she rejoices in heart (believe me) to know That to her suitors' long list, she's added a beau. But what is most strange, is, how women can change For what no mortal can guess ; For sense, looks, or purse, it is always for worse, Which, in time, she is forced to confess. Why one can not please, where th' other 's at ease Their fondest affection to revel in, No one can conceive, save they 've not the right squeeze, Or have not a big-enough-devil-in. Or they lack in a chat, or, some small this or that, Too trifling for one to conjecture ; And why puzzle my brain, at mosquitoes to strain, Which to number, would take a week's lecture. But such trivial things oft misery bring To both the firm man and false lady ; And wild sparks of desire may kindle a fire, That, after, can not be kept shady. But thrown on the straw of our Natures so raw, That now for ignition is ripe, There bursts a wild flame which Reason can't tame, Nor th' waters of will can requite. 128 MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. I once had a cousin, some ten and a dozen Years old a very smart young man, Of true moral tone, and a mind, too, that shone With brightness most brilliant and grand. But coz had my fault (which doth seldom exalt One's self in the eyes of the fair), To want, as 'tis sung, a right voluble tongue, { As well as a jocular air. Everlasting affection had some strange connection With his every feeling and thought, And he deemed that mankind, such affection would find. Each one for himself, if he sought. Need I say that he paid his whole heart to a maid Who was judged a quite worthy she ? That 'neath heaven above, both had plighted their love, And sworn each the other's to be ? For their vows had been given in sight of high heaven, And each had exchanged a fond token, That if false they should prove, in word, look or love, Their joys, like their vows, might be broken. But what are such vows in fair ladies' mouths ? A week, or a day, may outlive them, And when broken, the deuce is, they have their excuses, And we are inclined to forgive them MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. 129 Well, my coz, like a fool, sent his girl off to school, Some sixty or more miles' from home, Her heart to refine and enlighten her mind, Not dreaming that either might roam. And there you may know ('tis quite often so), she found a gay beau, Far gayer than cousin could be, But their minds would compare as a rope and a hair, And this beau's was the hair, as it should be. But then he could bow, and could flatter and vow, With words gently spoken, and smile So softly what sin ! Coz ne'er could begin To practice such heart-winning wile. He could joke, and could sigh, and could glance with the eye, Conduct himself easy and neatly, And besides, now and then, he would speak -her name, " Gen," So warmly, so mildly, and sweetly ! What could she ! Heaven above ! then fall square in love With him who could fondle and flatter, Though she very well knew, cous ever was true, And deeply would grieve yet no matter. Time rolling onward, the maid returned homeward, I think, at the end of a year, I 130 MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. But me ! how much changed ! her heart how estranged From the one she once cherish'd so dear. She meets him quite boldly, and thus she says (coldly) : "I thank you for favors you've shown me, But God knows above thee, I never can love thee, And you are too worthy to own me. " Such words rashly spoken, when such vows are broken, strange feelings betoken ; Poor coz ! how it swoon'd his whole life, For one woman's folly, he became melancholy, And she, a most miserable wife. Such as these are but few of the follies we view In woman's frail breast ; some of these never rest For a heart, or hearts, true, be they many or few But ever seek new, for others to?sue ; And whose proudest hour is, when they feel they have power To heal or to wound the fools they have found All the world could not fill such a vain, restless will. I once knew a beauty, who had great sense of duty, And would frequently talk about how we should walk ; Dear soul, I can't say in what sacred way She guided her feet she spurned all deceit, And never would cheat, or one wrongly treat ; At least she said so, and of course she would know ; And then who would break, or a vow falsely make, MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. 131 Or deceive one's affection, had a soul, whose complexion Was too biack for inspection, and deserved deep dejection. She could boast of eleven, who had sworn before heaven That their hearts she had won, and were ever undone, Save from her, they the same, at the altar could claim ; Which to none she could give each vovv'd while he lived (All hope being fled) none one else would he wed. But what grieved her ? Even now some had broken that vow And deceived her all were married save two. Why should they so do ? Since such vows were broken, she 'd no faith in love's token. And I presume now to say, that each year, if not day, Brings her cardiac wealth mine no doubt was the twelfth, And since she 's made out (I've heard 'round about By the way of a cousin) a full beggar's dozen. MORAL. To such we would say : " All beauties decay, Youth hastens away, O make no delay, But at the next offer, whoever may proffer ; (At least if he be quite worthy of thee, And such you will find, ten times out of nine,) Give your heart, if you can, and with it your hand,' And not ever be thinking with glee, "there are fish in the sea 132 MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES. Far better than he, and why not for me ? " Time very soon, for your roses in bloom, will cradle a tomb, And then you may wait, and sweeten your bait. And smiling, invite, none hardly will bite, And vain you will wish to take in that fish, By hook, spear, or net ; but that fish you can't get ; Till tired, at length, and exhausted your strength, You will take in an eel, all slippery to feel, And snaky in form, concluding " 'tis vain to fish in a storm. " RETURN TO THE SCENES OF ACADEMIC DAYS. 133 LINES WRITTEN ON A RETURN OF THE THOR TO THE SCENES OF HIS ACADEMIC DAYS. I returned to the scenes of Old Alfred once more, And greeted the young and the fair, Who had travers'd those halls with me oft before But, Sarah no Sarah was there. As I gazed on the throng there assembled at morn, Familiarly some seemed to smile, But at home, in my bosom, the whole seemed forlorn, For Sarah was absent the while. And I thought yet while gazing, "Oh, where is that face On which these, mine eyes, lov'd to dwell " I looked down in my heart I discovered its trace Inscribed there too deep and too well. But now Sarah is gone, and within my lone breast Her image but causes a pain, Though in all its perfection, it can but distress To think that we meet not again. But although, cherished girl, we shall meet never more, This side of the cold, silent grave, 134 RETURN TO THE SCENES OF ACADEMIC DAYS. Though another must shield you, I can but adore To feeling and you be a slave. Our spirits immortal communion will hold, Though oceans divide you and me, And deep down in the innermost rooms of the soul, Talk over the things that might be. But how strange is the portion of all human kind ! And stranger the workings of soul, Our afiections the strangest, and foolishly blind, And o'er them we have no control. When I felt in my bosom your increasing claim, How vainly I strove to allay ! But my every endeavor gave fuel to flame, 'Till now it out-dazzles the day. The sweet sounds of your voice ir my mem'ry still live, Your every expression is there ; If I now could erase them what would I not give ! They scourge me with biting despair. But, adieu, fond deceiver ! Farewell ! and for aye O how I do linger around, And still cling to your image, which keeps me at bay, And charms, but my feelings to wound. LINES WRITTEN TO WIFE. 135 LINES WRITTEN TO WIFE. Dear companion, our love was not of romance, Or of fancy, to youth so often a dream ; 'Twas not born of a sigh, a smile or a glance, But kindness of years sheds its light on the scene. The trials pf life have swept and refined it, And cleansed it from grossness, and passion's wild flame, The most tender ties envelop and bind it, A volume, too sacred, too full for a name. This volume none others but we care to read, To us every line, every word, is most dear, And tells to us each what the other doth need, And how to make lighter life's burden of care. 6* We are journeying on together, dear wife, To meet high resolves and responsible claims, To fill the demands of a well ordered life, With noble resolves and far-reaching aims. But soon, very soon, and our record is made, And snapp'd those attachments that bind you and me, For soon ruthless Time, with his merciless blade, Will cut down, of blessings Life's thick-bearing tree. 6* 136 A DREAM. And when in our times we pass o'er the river, May our feelings be one on that blissful shore, And drinking in glory from the hand the giver, Eternally blessed, may we love evermore. A DREAM. I had a dream, last night, so strange and droll, It left a deathless impress on the soul, And made me wish, though wishing I did weep, If such were dreams, that life were all a sleep. Mcthought this aching form of mine was dead, And in a coffin laid ; with gentle tread You came that way, and knelt beside my head, And kissed my brow, and, weeping, said : "How cold ! Dear Washington, how can it be, I lov'd you not, who thus could die for me ? " And then you sigh'd, and then you wept anew, And showers of tears, clear as the crystal dew Shook from the morning rose, fell in my face ; It felt them not ; for, lock'd in Death's embrace, Its eyes were clos'd, its lips forever seal'd, And icy chains that now still heart had steel'd, Which once devotedly had beat for you, Through every change, forever, ever true. A DREAM. 137 My deathless spirit, all unseen, stood by, And gazed into your anxious mien and eye, And wonder'd, where the one you lov'd could be ; I looked around, but none such could I see You stood alone nothing save you were near Alone you sigh'd, alone let drop the tear. Then with your hand you press'd those cheeks of clay, Then, with a cloth of snow, you wiped away The tears that you upon that face had shed. And then again you stoop'd, and kiss'd the dead Thrice o'er, and sigh'd, u Alas, how can it be ? " My soul by deep compassion mov'd for thee, Unfelt, unseen, now clasp'd your long-loved form, And from your lips a thousand kisses warm I snatch'd in eager haste. O, sweets untold ! I seem'd to drink the essence of your soul, And in return pour'd floods of feeling there, Which serv'd as oil to sooth the waves of care That surg'd within your breast. My soul met thine, And with it fondly, sweetly did entwine ; Pure love from each into the other stole, Kach soul entwining, and soul blessing soul. Your face grew tranquil, more than usual fair, And sweet Enjoyment stamp'd its image there. Methought, "This. is delight, pure bliss we share, An answer to my oft repeted prayer, That you might love me with pure tenderness, And it be ours to make each other bless'd." 138 A DREAM. Lono- while in mutual love our souls embrace O Bliss fill'd us both, and in your tranquil face Hung out its banner ; and I, too, could see True love's inscription written there for me. At length your absent thoughts came wandering home, And Consciousness again resum'd its throne. Surpris'd, you started first, your lips met those That now in death had found their last repose ; And then, as though the angels had approv'd, (So soft, so light, so silently, you mov'd,) You hurried from the spot. My spirit free, Could nothing else, but watch and follow thee. You, swiftly walking, dash'd the crystal dew, From off the grass that in your pathway grew, While every drop appear'd a jewel true, Shook from your feet, which, falling, 'round you threw A rainbow in its bright and varied hue. At length you to a beaut'ous garden came, Where flowers grew of every sort and name ; In perfect taste and elegance array 'd, It seem'd an Eden, you, the Eve-like maid ; And could such fragrance earth afford as there Went up, with sweets embalmiag all the air? You looked about with well observing powers, Then pluck'd from choicest beds, the choicest flowers; And with those fingers I once fondly press'd, You wove them into wreaths with myrtle dress'd In that exquisite taste that first for you A DREAM. 139 My close attention, then, affection drew ; That deep affection, nature gave to me, Which, unrequited, proved my misery, And led me down to death ; and then retrac'd Your steps, to where your lips, cold lips embrac'd And there, upon that shrouded bosom aye, Upon that breast that once for you did pray, Where changeless love had held its potent sway, And ruled my thoughts and feelings night and day, Till it became a lifeless clod of clay, This wreath of flowers in tenderness you lay, And then this blessing breath'd : "Sweet be thy rest, Sweet as these flowers, which now adorn thy breast, As pure and bright, thy spirit ever be, Dear Washington, and soon, I follow thee. " And now the tear stood, trembling in your eye, Your gaze was fix'd upon the deep blue sky As if beholding angels there, and I Could hear your happy spirit sweetly sigh See it departing, in your heavenly mien ; When I awoke to sorrow, from a dream. 140 A MISCELLANY, A MISCELLANY. As when the rosy hand of morning light Unfolds the curtain of a summer night, And golden clouds float in the liquid blue, As guardian spirits, weeping crystal dew ; And ocean, lake, and land, and flowery isles, Lay half reveal'd, half hidden in her smiles; And every thing that doth these scenes adorn, Reflects the image of the queen of morn ; When busy life, awakened, reappears, And singing birds chime music in our ears, And we, rejoiced, to see the daylight flow, Go forth to drink at pleasure's font "below ; So you, with no less rosy hand, sweet girl, Drew back the curtain from my future world; Bade golden clouds of promise, hope and love, As guardian spirits hover from above ; And seas of beauty, deck'd with blooming isles, Spread out in future, basking in your smiles; Bade Pleasure's flowers my fields and walks adorn, With breathing beauties, brightened by your form; Kindled anew the light of life in me, My bosom bird bade sing a song of glee, To find his mate, he thought forever flown, Again return'd to call herself his own ; And I, rejoic'd not by the morn-lit skies, But looks of love, fresh beaming from your eyes. A LETTER OF EARLY MANHOOD. 141 A LETTER OF EARLY MANHOOD IN ACADEMIC DAYS TO A LADY WHO WAS ABOUT TO GRADUATE IN THE SAME CLASS WITH THE AUTHOR. I snatch a moment from life's crowded tide, To show a secret which this bosom hides, To you, the authoress; and who doth share In me an interest, I now declare. Within the inmost recess of my soul There is a secret place, which thou dost hold ; And though the storms of life do war around, Yet still within, your image fix'd is found. By it most strange emotions I am taught It rides reflected on each rising thought, Is mirror'd and remirror'd in a thousand ways, And each reflection whispers forth your praise. And while thou art within this inner man So sacredly enshrined the thought, " How c:in, How can I dissemble it from thee," Time after time intrudes itself on me. The more I strive, and longer to conceal, The more alive, and stronger the appeal, Till tired of war, I yield to its control, And show to you, your image in my soul ; 142 A LETTER OF EARLY MANHOOD. And while you view, clear girl, O gently deal - Life's strings are here, life's destiny you seal. I leave these scienced halls and valleys green, And rugged mountain sides for other scenes ; You, too, to still more distant lands will go, To where the briny waves of ocean flow ; And shall we ever meet again, or no ? O, in some simple, full-of-meaning way, In your reply to this, say that we may ; And it be heaven's, to lend its aid to thee, And thine, to build a lively hope in me. ON THE DEATH OF A YOUFG MAN. 143 LINES WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG MAN, DIED WHILE IN THE ARMY OF THE UPPER POTOMAC, FEBRUARY 22, A. D. 1862. Silent across the tide of busy life, Came the sad tidings : " Died the young and brave, The promising ; not in the hostile strife, But by disease, from which no skill could save." What ! dead ! How strange ! that that lov'd form and face, That manly brow, and intellectual eye, All beaming with intelligence and grace, Now in the narrow grave should senseless lie ! Ah, that a flower so fair, so soon should droop and die. This youth, by all who knew him, was admired ; He had the moral force, the strength, the mind; And when his country's trials came, he, fired With patriotic zeal, left all behind Friends, brothers, parents, home, and all so dear To noble souls and thoughtful went his way To join the tented field, willing to bear And suffer all that in his power lay, If only the rebellion could be swept away. No doubt, like other youths, his hopes were high ; For who has not built castles in the air, 144 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG MAN. Transient as summer sunbeams on the sky, And dream 'd fond dreams, of life devoid of care, Which in maturer years, vanish'd like dew ? If such were his, we vouch that they were pure, And were to him what like dreams are to few, A holy fire, to prompt him to endure And labor for the right for Freedom's sake, and yours. His motives being pure, his hopes were high, His dreams of happiness, as bright and fair As sun-kiss'd clouds snatched from the evening sky, Their odor, sav'ry as the morning air Of gentle May, perfumed with dews and flowers; And guileless as the rainbow tints they bear, By the first sunshine's touch of morning hour : And such his pictured castles, built in air With grand proportions, and adornings quaint and rare. His castles stood, no doubt, on martial fame Of honors won, in great, glorious strife, And on the list of heroes saw his name Inscribed high up, in characters of life ; But all these hopes, how vain ! His short career Is closed for aye his earthly race is run And while we pay the tribute of a tear, Let us rejoice that he has nobly won The victory of Life Immortal Joys to Come. LINES ON THE CHRISTMAS EVE OF 1881. 145 LINES WRITTEN ON THE CHRISTMAS EVE OF 1881. Hail to this Christmas Eve of eighty one ! All Adam's race, redeem'd by God's own Son ! Hail earth's remotest millions every where, Where God hath smil'd, or heard a fervent prayer. From hearts unnumber'd let thanksgivings rise, Commingling tide with tide to reach the skies, And ebbing up before Jehovah's throne, He will observe, and all his children own. Hail, sacred night ! the which we yearly press Close to the yearning soul, memorial of the Blest ; Who, humbly stooping from the courts above, Moved by compassion pure, and heavenly love, By pain and sacrifice prepar'd the way, Whereby, who would, might reach eternal day. From this, our standpoint, on this very night, Let us look out on Time's stupendous flight 'Way up the stream, o'er generation's dead, Slumbering on generations long since fled - O'er crowns and cities crumbl'd into dust, And kings and kingdoms now forever hush'd Where ruins piled on ruins strew the way, K 7 146 LINES ON THE CHRISTMAS EVE OF 188!. And upon these, sets grizzly, grim decay, Count the centuries, till the Nineteenth appears, And each containing its one hundred years ; On that far shore, behold those shepherds there, "Watching their flocks, their treasure and their care; Though on each form an antique garb is worn, Yet in each breast a heart like ours is borne ; Night covers earth, and the same star-deck'd sky Is o'er their heads, as here doth greet our eye. When all at once, that sky is in a glow Of light Celestial glory streams below, These shepherds sink to earth, abash'd with fear, So bright the light, they feel that God is near ; When, lo ! a voice, mild yet distinct and clear, In heaven-born accents vibrates on the ear : " Be not afraid, but calm in heart and mind, Glad tidings of great joy and love I find And bring to you and yours, and all mankind ; Behold this day is born of David's line, In David's town, a Savior, Lord Divine, Who is the Christ, and this shall be the sign." ' O Then with triumphant shouts the heavens ring, And choirs angelic soon are heard to sing, "Glory to God most high, and on earth, Peace And good will to all men " they then cease ; These shepherds rise for search, no more afraid, And find the child lo ! in a manger laid. Observe : close by appears a stranger star, And wise men, watching, follow from afar LINES ON THE CHRISTMAS EVE OF 1881. 14:7 Till all at once, it brighter glows, and where ? O'er that humble shed. Why ? Ah, God is there; They know, and enter bow at the infant's feet, And cry, "O God ! thy work is now complete." And thus the Savior came, meekly and low, A disregard for human pomp and show, This lowly, pious group, and humble born, Honors divine from God and heaven adorn. What greater gift than this could God bestow ? His Son, to heal our wounds and sooth our woe; The humble contrite heart he loves to own, The haughty and the proud he will bring down; And when by some a mission he 'd fulfill, He chooses for that mission, whom he will. Forever and for aye, the same as now, He doeth all things well we can't say how. His instruments like him are low of birth, Yet with their deeds sublime, they startle earth ; Long is the catalogue few we would name, And those, who in our time amongst us came. A Lincoln, at whose sudden death, a pall Fell at each door, and o'er the hearts of all, Rose step by step from life's most lowly walk, Trusted in God, and made not trust a mock, And in his country's trying needs and hour, Leaned on the staff of prayer to higher power. And when our cause seem'd dark and effort, vain, When mothers wept, and fathers groaned for pain, 148 LINES ON THE CHRISTMAS EVE OF 1881. When husbands gave their lives, and wives their tears, When faith grew small and magnified our fears ; And whispers were abroad, that fail we must, He stamp'd upon our coin, "In God we trust." And soon upon the nation, broke the day : Freedom was bless'd Rebellion, swept away. Grant, at whose very name (though short and mild). Secession trembled and the Union smil'd, Was frank and plain, he hated vain display. Trusted in God, and God marked out the way. Our much loved Garfield, who in humble way O'er this great people held such mighty sway, Whose fall in glory's hour by villain's hand, Stretch'd mourning as a garment o'er the land, And the cold world, as it had ne'er before, Dropp'd tears of sympathy upon our shore, Was humbly born, to Poverty the heir, Rose by industry hard, a will to dare, Aided by strict integrity and humble prayer. Thus it has been through time, and the world wide, God loves the meek and chastens selfish pride. And while, this eve, good gifts we give, and share, With inner feelings, tongue can not declare, Let's not forget the gift that God has given, His only Son, to show the way to heaven. AUTUMN. 149 AUTUMN. See, how the winds the form of Autumn wear, The woods and fields they sweep, the clouds they bear ; And where bat yesterday, the voice of Spring Made hill and valley with her music ring, And budding plants and flowers along the way, Bade rise, and to her coming homage pay, While from the bounties of her genial hand Were strown green robes and garlands o'er the land, And from her zephyr'd breath came sweet perfume Of smiling blossoms 'waken'd into bloom ; Now, comes Decay, and, with an angry frown, He swings his scythe and mows those garlands down; "Where then sweet scented zephyrs as they pass'd, Breathed gentleness and love, the Northern Blast Now whistles dreary bleakness o'er the plain, And moaning forests tell his gloomy reign; And where sweet dews refresh'd each plant and flower, Now keen-edged Frost, swoops down with mighty power, Lays low and blanches out each verdant hue Which Spring had nurs'd, and kiss'd with lips of dew; And where the buds, unfolding with a smile, Their matron welcom'd without a taint of guile, Now, couch their heads, and hide away for fear, While 'round them Boreas whistles, bleak and drear. 150 AUTUMN. Cold earth and air, and sparsely clouded sky, Witness the change, and sadly seem to sigh ; So man. when all his spring-like joys are fled, Looks down on coming age with conscious dread, And fain would hide him from Time's blasting breath, That sweeps him, ever, ever on to death. LINES WRITTEN TO A FRIEND. LINES WRITTEN TO A FRIEND, TO BE READ ON AN ANNIVERSARY AT A COLLEGE FORMERLY ATTENDED BY THE AUTHOR. "Time changes all ! " So sighs the flying hour ; "Time changes all," and we must feel its power; Most keenly feel, when friend with friend must part, And snapp'd must be those ties that bind the heart. The scenes which I with pleasure once survey'd In Alfred's hall, and Alfred's forest shade, (That on the hill-side spread its mantle soft,) The vales, where I with pleasure wander'd oft, The murmuring brook, that there went babbling by, The distant pine, that seem'd to kiss the sky; (Whereon climb'd up my thoughts from earth to God), The varied landscape, there outstretch'd and broad, And the faces, met there, hail and bright ; All these have pass'd forever from my sight; And now in distant lands is cast my lot, My thoughts look back upon that happy spot, As homesick children, who 'mid strangers roam, Look back upon their father's quiet dome. The throngs, that crowded once those spacious rooms Have scatter'd been like clouds some to their tombs Have wended, others broadcast through the land, 152 LINES WRITTEN TO A FRIEND. Are draining out life's still unwasted sand. Some teach the blooming fields to gladly rear The golden harvest for each closing year, And by their scythe, swung by a sinewy hand, To lay their offerings at the shrine of man. Some mould the tender mind, give power to thought, And shape the future of the being taught. Some speak of Jesus, and abroad proclaim Mankind's redemption in the Savior's name. Some advocate the equity of laws, And plead with eloquence their clients' cause, And some (beholding ills of human life), Mov'd by compassion deep, have whet the knife Of science, and where foul disease is rife, And human beings pine on Torture's rack, They interpose the blade, and beckon, " Back." And nearly all, on Matrimony's stage, Play well the drama for the future age ; Yet all, whate'er their lot or fortune be, Stretch back the lips of fondest memory, And to old Alfred press'd, rekiss the spot Where hopes arose they never have forgot ; And thoughts of what they should be, and what not ; Where strange and droll were mingled lot with lot, And friendship young link'd youthful soul to soul, And soft affection working strange control, Wove close the web of Love; or Cupid's dart Would often wound the most unwilling heart. And still my memory loves to linger near These cherish'd scenes, and in its falling tear LINES WRITTEN TO A FRIEND. 153 See bygone pleasure's sunshine gleam, as you Have seen earth's sunshine, sparkle in the dew ; And when sweet eve, on heaven's azure breast Has placed her gems to twinkle and to rest, My thoughts oft wander back, and strangely droll, Live o'er those scenes that once have bless'd the soul; And dream again the dream that then I dream'd Of a fair future, which was (as it seem'd), All lined with golden clouds, whose hallow'd light Gave all my coming years a halo bright. And when a jubilee like this I view, My soul retouch'd with warmer zeal, and new, Leaps up catches with ecstasy the strain That fired my being then, (one still untamed, i And hears the one that wild Ambition chim'd Among the strings that tuned my youthful mind. And each of you, when years have fled away, Will look with pleasure, back upon this day; The feelings now that rise within your breast, Will look like mountains sinking in the West, And each enjoyment found, at times like this Will read on mem'ry's lettered tablet, " 154 OLD ALLEGANY. OLD ALLEGANY THE COUNTY OF THE AUTHOR'S NATIVITY IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Old Allegany ! Bless that name ! Some poet's tongue should speak thy fame ; And since no poet thou hast bred, May I not fill that poet's stead ? And in a bungling sort of rhyme With all thy saw-mills leag'd, keep time; Or roaming through some narrow vale, Rehearse the humble peasant's tale ; Or, pausing near some mountain stream, Indulge me in a wilder dream; Or, climbing at the mountain's side, Extend the checker'd prospect wide, Of hills and valleys robed in green, Where hamlets, groves and fields are seen, And forests, towering, rude and wild, With arms extended many a mile, As if the landscape to embrace, And kiss its ever smiling face ; Or, with the elements at war, Wave their leaf-woven banners far, Till in the distance, dim and blue, They rear their heads in sable hue, And stretching up against the sky, Shut farther vision from the eye. OLD ALLEGANY. 155 All these scenes my soul have fill'd. Their voices wild my ears have thrill'd ; I love you yet, O native hills. Where I have set and pondered, till The sun beneath the West withdrew, And night o'er all its curtain threw. Or when some stream, late swell'd with rain, Came madly dashing o'er the plain, Or rushing from its head-land height, Like a young lion in its might, Loud roaring, till the wild woods near Returned the echo in my ear ; I've paus'd, enraptured at the thought, And feeling it had in me wrought, Till lost in wildest mood of mind, From which when waked, I waked to find The tide encircling me complete, And waters grumbling at my feet. Or through the valley I have rov'd, And paused within some shady grove, And heard the peasant of the vale, Each in his turn rehearse his tale Of some romantic act or scene, Or deed of which he 'd the hero been, And then went up that ha ! ha ! ha ! In accents unrefined and raw, Which show'd beyond his own control, A rude, a rough, yet noble soul ; Yes, many such thy valbys had 156 OLD ALLEGANY. To make their many homesteads glad, And none but loved ones knew the prize, So covered up in deep disguise. Old Allegany ! what a sound ! It sinks into my soul deep down, And rouses sights that long have been With clouds of dark oblivion dim, And rous'd, they move before my eyes, Uriveird in wonted life and size. Old Allegany, dear to me, And choicely stor\l in memory Are all thy scenes ! I love them well- And on them, ling'ring, love to dwell. Your springs, your rocks, your hills, your plains, Your flocks, your herds, deserve a name. And all your villages between Your rugged hills, we would not screen, But let tb.em elevated shine Like candles of the olden time. Angelica, their worthy crown, Is where the legal court is found, And law her measures deal to all Who upon her for justice call ; Old Almond, too, not far away, 'Mid rugged hills makes small display, Yet there are angels 'neath its shade, But angels of a lower grade; Old Alfred, for true science fam'd, OLD ALLEGANY. 157 Where earnest men the truth proclaim, Sits in a narrow vale in peace, Burning those lamps that never cease To pierce with holy rays the mind, And aids in blessing all mankind He from these lamps, new lamps has lit, Which now in other valleys sit, As burning tapers, and whose beams Wake men from Ignorance's dreams, Who once enlightened by their gleam, New beings hence forever seem ; And always seeking now the light, Chase from their minds the shades of night. Rushford was first to catch the fire, Which now ten thousand hearts inspire ; To Friendship next the blessing came, A spark, soon kindling into flame. To Richburg then a light was given I can not say from earth or heaven But by Old Alfred fir'd he came, Of whencesoever be his name, And Alfred's character partook, In action, meaning, word and look. There, hills-surrounded Wellsville shines In legal robes of later times ; Here, too, is Portage, Pike and Hume, Though small, yet in themselves presume To put on airs of larger towns, Though theirs be not of courts or crown. 158 OLD ALLEGANY. Hail ! Allegany, and adieu ! Ye valleys green and mountains blue, And thunder clouds of darker hue, Which stretch'd from hill-top to the sky, Whereon the lightning's path awry, My thoughts were wont to climb on high ; To all these scenes, belov'd and true, My mem'ry bears sweet thoughts of you ;- My native land, adieu ! adieu ! O FOR AN HOUR OF SOBER THOUGHT. 159 O FOR AN HOUR OF SOBER THOUGHT for an hour of sober thought, To think and ponder as I ought ; The busy world I 'd cast aside, And walk with nature, wild and wide Forsake the babblings of mankind, The empty bubbles of the mind, And in some forest's lone retreat, 1 'd take my solitary seat ; There to reflect, as needs must be, On Nature's wide-spread harmony, Where every thing without control, Fill with pure love the pond'ring soul. Each tree and plant, each leaf and flower, Speak of this theme at midnight hour, And none forget to say, " 'Tis true," While yet refresh'd by morning dew. And when the sun at noon rides high, The soul receives the same reply ; And then, at twilight's hour, we see, On all things, written, " Harmony." 160 THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. O Nature ! how I love your ways My sweet resort in early days ; Still - still my wish would ever be, To mix my life and self with thee. BEHOLD THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. With an observing eye, my friend most dear, Lets look around about us, far and near, On human nature in the human breast, In varied forms, and countless manners dress'd ; When placid Peace smoothes down the inner sea, Whose tranquil face makes perfect imagery, And when wild Passion's waves roll mountain high, And rent with storms are inner earth and sky. What living surges 'round us dance or roar, That kiss, or dash against their vital shore, In some mysterious style, or mystic way, Whether in darkness or at open diiy. Look in each living face, the low, the high, See strong and weak, the open, and the sly, The smooth, the rough of tongue, the quick, the slow, Some always saying " Yes," some always u No." See the gray sire, contrasted with the beau, THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. 161 The sober dame, with the wild girl of show ; The man of thought and of reflective mien, With the light dancer, the thoughtless and the green ; Here, one all intellect, soul all on fire, With there an eye, expressing scarce desire ; The thinking world, who ponder, search, and weigh, With pleasure-seeking, empty, giddy, gay ; The look all full of feeling and of soul, With the blank stare, so feelingless and bold. In some, behold the light of virtue's fire In others, vice, corruption, mud, and mire ; These, all are steep'd in infamy and crime, Those, in good deeds and spotless honor shine ; With virtue's votaries, are joy and peace ; With those of vice are woes without release ; That, leads to happiness, all bright and fair This, to misery, deepening to despair. Choose you this day which one of these ye '11 wed, Vice or virtue, and in whose path you'll tread; And on the morrow, shall be told the tale, And from the mighty gulf, withdraw the veil, Betwix'd the sinner, with his scroll of shame, And the bright saint with his, a spotless name. Oh, how that valley deepens as they go ! The one to bliss, the other on to woe. And some there are, who would the gospel preach, Whose precepts and examples two things teach ; Whose words as brass, would make a mighty din L 7* 162 THE VARIKD FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. But souls, alas, no larger than a pin ; With views contracted as a poor man's purse, A mind as gaunt, benevolence much worse, Who fain would crush each good that doth arise, By them unsanctioned, 'neath their envious eyes ; Who think no other blessings worth two peas, Than those they shar'd while boys, rather, gawkies With these they measure every gift of soul, The best they censure, and the worse extol ; And when some youth, fired by a noble zeal, Within, their own immortal natures feel, Would seek to feed on intellectual food, the soul, They then are ready, and, with bearing bold, Will use their bravest means to thwart such aim, That all like them, may have an empty brain ; And if, in spite of them, one bursts to light, To be the comef of a future night, They cry out, " Fool ! it is at last to fail, " As well a whistle make of a pig's tail." These are the blocks that clog progression's wheel, Who feel no zeal, and would that none should feel, And whereso'er they are, they may be seen, To throw cold water on the best of means ; And this, to give is all that they are known In aid to any cause, except their own. Here Superstition's clouds, dense, dark and wry, Hide the bright sun of reason in the sky ; " Of these," to every youth I 'd say, " Beware ! Though seeming friends, they hide a secret snare, THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. 163 And if to them was given but the power, They would not aid you in the trying hour, But, if above themselves, one step you 'd rise, They 'd pull you down, and pluck out both your eyes.' 1 But be it known, to them it is not given To say who shall, or shan't, ascend to heaven , And we rejoice that they have never found The key which locks the door to higher ground, And you and I that door may surely find By noble culture of the heart imd mind, And taste of purer air and brighter day, As saints direct, and God points out the way. But as we pass along this crowded route Of human nature and its high lookout, How can we pause, or shut our eyes to rest, When all around us, rises pest on pest ? See those with rankling venom, and whose tongue Heap calumny upon the old and young, Whose e.irs are prim'd for rumors as they rise, To catch and mould them into little lies ; Then, " spinning street yarn," all the town must ring, With color'd rumors from these noisy things ; Who strew disgrace and discord as they go, Make strangers, enemies, and friends make foes ; And o'er the skies of peace, where virtues reign, They blow the whirlwind breath of wrong and shame, And when these are unto the welkin spread, They'll turn and rake the ashes of the dead. 164 THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. O if there's aught the world should hate and scorn, It is the slanderer, with her trumpet horn, Who fills the wind with her precious cries, And writes " Disgrace " upon the spotless skies And in the starry vault of peaceful night, Says to each twinkling star, " Not all is bright." These are the scythes that would with keen edged power Mow down fair virtue's every smiling flower ; Though with pretended good they would deceive, You well can know them by the breath they breathe, Which ever stinks with lies, and bears a fang, The absent suffering from their ceaseless slahg, But turning to one side, let us pass by, And see low Cunning, the deceitful eye, Whose looks are friendship's wreath'd within a smile, While deep within, are treachery and guile ; Though finding fault with others, they in you Behold a friend, most worthy and most true ; So say their oily tongue-* before your face, And when with others, heap on you disgrace, When with a kiss they 'd show themselves most true, Old Ahab like, they'll stab you through and through, And when along the mead you thoughtlessly pass, They prove themselves "the snakes within the grass," And when you dream of naught but faith and truth, They '11 pierce your naked skin with poison'd tooth, And soon are rankling through your every vein, Blighted fair hopes, and agony and pain. THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. 165 These are the serpents which, with seeming charms, Allure their prey, entice and then disarms, And if you would their hated purpose foil, Do not be taken in their wily toils, But be forewarned by one who has been dealt, Of him, whose mouth soft butter would not melt. But these three last are on the dismal side Of human nature, checker'd, long and wide ; While on the other, much there is of good, And flowers are blooming in the field and wood Where Friendship, Constancy, and Love, and Truth, Forever smile in one unfading youth, And heaven comes down their votaries to greet, And strew life's fairest gifts about their feet; While they with harmless tread march on the way Through valleys green, up to the gates of day. Such is the faithful wife, of all the pride, And such, the faithful husband at her side, Faithful in all, howe'er severely tried; And by whatever foes or trials press'd, Their children rise and call them ever bless'd, And those in want, and those in deep distress, Repeat the strain, adding, " True friends in need," "Worthy of heart, coupl'd with worthy deeds; " And widowed mothers lift an earnest prayer For God to bless their doings every where, And for their nameless deeds of kindness done, To give them joy in life and life to come. 166 THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. All these amid life's lowly walks behold, Though having none, shine brighter far than gold ; Though good, they feel their weakness every hour, And pray that they be led by higher Power, And by the cord of love, let down unseen, Are led "by waters still, through pastures green." As closely you observe, these may be known As having no pretensions of their own, And by this well known fact : they never wear A self-important, self-conceited air. Here, too, are those who 'd scorn a wicked thing, And plain and open would each action bring On its true merits, and would truly weigh Each by its solid worth, without display ; Who hate the gilded trappings of the earth, And gaudy show, empty of real worth ; Who would not smile on kings of base renown, Whose empty heads fill coronets and crowns ; But, Mordecai-like, would honor more A humble dog or beggar at his door Who would put doAvn the hydra head of Vice, Though crown'd and deck'd with pearls and jewels nice, And would rear up crush'd innocence and right, Though press'd by heels of monarchs in their might; Would dash to earth each lie-filled, jewel'd cup, And raise the naked truth and virtue up. And for the love of right, that right might reign, Would every danger face, and smile on pain ; From foul Deceit tear ofi her false disguise, THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. 167 And from behind the storm unveil the skies ; From silken folds unwrap the sword of death, And show the glossing lies which freight the breath : From sordid "Wealth take off her glossy show. And show her secret bosom, filled with woe, And, that on the coming of the promis'd morrow It would not bless to have " a gilded sorrow." These, noble hearts ! most noble virtues share, Yet mostly rough and plain exteriors wear. Another class, whom we would name with pride, Are those who always look on the bright side, Who think, though all their skies with darkness lower, Their happy stars will shine at evening hour, And who believe, that in the darkest soul, There i.s redeeming light which courts control, And might be cultur'd in its truest sense, And light the moral gloom however dense ; And when dark woes oppress, will frequent say "It's always darkest just before the day." As you these numan traits and airs survey, Mark well their forms how multiplied are they ! That like the rainbow's hues, though mark'd and bright. They strangely blend together and unite ; Thus grading each to each, who can pretend, Where one begins and where the other ends ? Thus strangely mixed, and all together hurl'd, Go to make up this busy, bustling world ; No place so good and pure but has its bad 168 THE VARIED FORMS OF HUMAN NATURE. No place so bad but that its good hath had ; And as you pass along life's great highway, Mark well each feature, be whate'er it may, And gathering wisdom from each mien and look, Learn well to read great human nature's book, Whose pages every where hold up to view Instructions rich and lessons deep and true ; And as you read, may it your heart improve, And teach your mind on virtue's side to move, That you and I, when life's pursuits are o'er, May meet in bliss upon the other shore. LINES OX THE MEDICAL FACULTY. 169 LINES WRITTEN ON THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, AT ANN ARBOR, WHILE ATTENDING THAT COLLEGE A. D. 1856. The Medical Faculty hinted at in this poem was composed of the following persons, to wit. SAMUEL DENTON, M. D , Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine and Pathology. SILAS H, DOUGLASS, M. D , Professor of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Toxicology. ABRAHAM SAGER, M. D., Professor of Physiology. C. L. FORD, M. D., Professor of Anatomy. ALONZO B. PALMER, M. D., Professor of Therapeutics, Materia Medica, and Diseases of Women and Children. MOSES GUNN, M. D., Professor of Surgery. 'Twas night the clouded heavens, low'ring, frowo'd. And darkness stretch'd her sable curtain 'round When I, with an unusual supper bless'd, Drowsy and weary, sought my couch for rest, And soon was rev'ling, strange as it may seem, Within that monster land, the land of dreams. Methought 'twas morn, and the just rising sun Had kiss'd the distant hills, and one by one Crown'd in a head-dress bright, of golden light, While in the vales, still slept the shades of night ; And I, new come to these enchanting hours, Stood in Ann Arbor richly deck'd with flowers 170 LINES ON THE MEDICAL FACULTY. The fairest prospects stretch VI themselves away, Each basking in the smiles of coming day When all at once the ground uphove as though Pluto was rising from the shades below ; And soon to sight a shapeless being burst, By man abhorr'd, by God and heaven accursed. Far back he stretch'd a scrawling length along, On which was snaky folds, and hateful prongs, Thick-set with scales and many slimy things ; These, venom'd serpents, those, pernicious stings And then that hydra head who can describe, Though Pollocks aid him, and though Miltons guide ? Malicious lightnings lurk'd within its eyes, And shot around a thousand deadly dyes ; His mouth as ^Etna's crater open'd wide, In which to quench his thirst flow'd the full tide Of ebbing life, from all the world beside ; Far out he thrust a thousand forked tongue, And on each fork a human being hung, Pierced to the very soul, gasping for breath, And writhing in the agonies of death. Amaz'd I stood and longing much to know What could this heinous monster be when, lo ! In a deep guttural voice, and loud, he said, '" I am Disease, the Pathway to the-Dead." Near by stood Science with her blazing wand, Striving to snatch away each struggling man, And oft succeeded in her eager strife, And once cut off a fork that danger'd life ; ' LINES ON THE MEDICAL FACULTY. 171 Yet at one gulp this beast forced thousands down, In spite of Science and her anxious frown, Who ever strove each struggling wretch to save, And made a Dent to check the greedy grave. On her broad breast a lofty Douglass strode Through solvent nature pointed out the road, And here he entered the embattl'd field, And o'er this monster's poisons throws a shield. An AVram, Sager than the one of old, Play'd on her brow, and held a favorite hold ; And like the dog the boy had taught to spell, Knew more perhaps than his sleek tongue could tell. His was, to show the way where nature trod, But where he flew, his soldiers could not plod, So light he stepped few prints were left behind On came his troops, all eager, blund'ring, blind, While this one power he held above his kind, To lull to sleep the most attentive mind. Anatomy's wide stream swept o'er the glade, And who would fight the beast, first, this must wade ; But if this stream could ever be explor'd, If any one could breast it, this could Ford. 'Twas he who piloted the raw recruits, Show'd every danger, settled all disputes, And safe and sound his soldiers over led, * Upon the shoals of the unburied dead. But to the fight a brave Alonzo came, Bearing a Palm engrafted in his name ; He taught the youth the temper of their steel, 172 LINES ON THE MEDICAL FACULTY. What arms to use on each contested field, And from Materia Medica to bring The keenest blades to clip each scaly sting ; And how to snatch the mother and her child From out the jaws of this detest'd, vile ; Plain was his style, familiar his address, And every word left deep its own impress. Meanwhile proud Science, with her deep-mouth'd Gunn, Shot off each limb to which Disease had clung, And set the struggler free ; and thus was sav'd Full many a wretch from an untimely grave. Amaz'd I stood admiring much such skill, To see true Science carrying out her will When, lo ! Disease siez'd fast a wise man's leg ; In vain he struggled, and imploring, begg'd In vain he strove to extricate his limb, And each attempt was no avail to him ; When soon this Gunn, as loud as Moses spoke Down dropp'd the limb and I, surpris'd, awoke. SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 173 A DRAMATIC POEM. SOLIS: OR, KING OF THE SUN. DRAMATIS PERSONS. SOLIS, King of the Sun. ARCHUS, Queen of the Rainbow and of Flowers. VENUS, Queen of the Evening and Morning Star. LUNA, Queen of the Moon. CRINITA, Queen of a Comet, guest of Luna. TELLUS, Queen of the Earth, twin sister to Archus. IN ONE SCENE ONLY. Enter SOLIS, crowned as in representation of the Sun. SOLIS. On the fleet wing'd arrows of light I have come ! I am not born of earth, but child of the sun ; Nor confin'd am I here by fate's galling tie, But worlds are my diamonds, my throne is the sky, From whose peerless height in radiance crown'd, I pour the rich rivers of beauty around ; Whose full flowing streams in their season do bring, The frowns of the Winter, the smiles of the Spring ; Robes Summer's fair fields in their gay, smiling flowers, And old Autumn bears on with his golden hours, SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. Whose harvests do till to full rounding-up All the wants of mankind, and industry's cup. I have held up my lamp o'er this earthly ball, Beheld nations rise, and have witness'd their fall, Lit the conqueror on with his sword so unjust Saw both side by side again humbrd to dust; When, lo ! from those ashes a like warrior sprang, Grasp'd the remolded sword, and sent 'round a like clang ; And kingdoms, and empires, both lofty and proud, Shook off their gilt crowns, and submissively bow'd. Time drove his fleet chariot over the world, And \varriors and nations together were hurl'd In one common grave, there to moulder away, EntomVd in their ruin, their tombstones, Decay. Thus rulers and nations I 've witness'd expire, And ages go out like the sparks of the fire ; The tides and the years with my rulings agree Yea worlds in their rounds find a center in me. I Ve sent out my daughters, with blessings abroad, To adorn and enrich the works of my God ; The queen of the moon, as she glides through the sky, All enliven'd by me, looks down from on high, And invoking a smile, while night holds control, Wells up lofty thought from the deep seated soul. The queen of fair Venus, in her gentle way, Ushers in with her smiles the close of the day ; Or, else in the East, with a more gentle glow, Foretells that the morning is slumbering below ; SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 1 75 And queen of the r inbow, mid goddess of flowers. Oft beguiles with her charms the by-gliding hours, Though seldom to man she reveals her fair form, But holds up her crown on the van of the storm. Hail fair, gentle goddess! come, leave your bright throne! Tis your father who calls you: Come, daughter, come. Enter ARCHUS, crowned with tJic rainbow, and in lier Jiand a basket oj floioers. ARCHUS. I heard your loud voice, and on wings of a ray I hasten to great you, O king of the day ; From the land of bright flowers, so precious to sight, Say, why have you call'd me, O sov'reign of light 2 SOLIS. Hast thou painted thy hues so oft in the sky, And commun'd with my smiles, and asketh me why ? Say, is it not proper that we should draw nigh, And catch the rich glance of the full, rolling eye ? For us, who enliven creation at large, To commune and relate how prospers our charge ? ARCHUS. O, yes, potent king ! and I come to fulfill ; I only ask\l why, to learn your true will. And I bring from my store this casket of mine, In which are great treasures to lay at yoar shrine ; It contains the prime gem of the deep-hidden cave, The most precious pearls 'neath ocean's wide wave, 170 SOLI8 : Oil. KING OF THE SUN. The prismatic glass, which philosophy sways, To learn of my beauties, and sever thy rays ; A lovely bouquet, from my choicest of flowers, Each rendered immortal by heavenly powers. Here, take it 'tis yours ; I devote it to thee, As token of ties which bind you and me ; And know that my kingdom with glory shall shine Just so long as light's wealth pours out from your mine ; And men will look up from this region below, Admiring me still through the form of my bow. SOLIS. (Receiving the casket.) I accept thy rich gift, my fair, gentle child, Things pluck'd by thy hand from the mart and the wild; While they sparkle their wealth, they indicate sure, A heart and a mind in thy bosom as pure. And while I've look'd out o'er the rock-cover'd cave, Or pierced with my beams through the fathomless wave, I've valued such gems, as belonging to thee, And rejoic'd in the rose your image to see. But look to the West see that fair, gentle star, Reflecting its rays of rare beauty afar, 'Tis there lovely Venus, your sister, doth dwell, To call her to meet us, say, were it not well ? ARCHUS. O, yes, call her I love to gaze on her form. SOLIS. (Calling at a distance.) Hail, Venus, sweet queen of the eve and the morn, SOLIS I OR, KING OF THE SUN. 177 Your gay, golden pinions now ready prepare Hither, wing your fleet course through the ambient air. Enter VENUS, crowned, and on her crown a bright star. VENUS. Hail ! father, thou ; and, sweet sister, hail ! May wisdom be with you, and glory prevail ! But what wilt thou with me, O sov'reign of day ? Speak out thy commands, and forthwith I obey. SOLIS. While looking far out o'er the world's western shore, We beheld your fair star, and could but adore, And deem'd that to call you from thither awhile, In communion of thoughts, adorn'd with a smile, Would be a rare pleasure for us and for thee ; Say, what are the tidings from yon upper sea ? VENUS. I bring 3^011 good tidings in which I delight, And they speak of yon star which gleams on the sight. A world like to this, it revolves on its rounds, Wjth continents, islands, and oceans abounds ; And o'er field and through groves of beauty and love. Vast swarms of glad creatures transportingly move ; Blossoms smile on the stalk, fruits blush on the stem, Desiring as if to be sever'd by men. And while in itself, it's a world of rich joys, The light from thy sun it most nobly employs, By throwing far out into space its soft hues, And thus, other orbs with its mildness embues. M 178 SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. And here, honor'd sire, is a boon I have brought Neither diamond, nor pearl, but gems of deep thought, Unlike those which sister has laid on thy shrine, They deck not the person, but rather, the mind ; They taught me, while gazing in yon vault above, That God is omniscient, a Being of love. [Presenting tlie book or gift ] Here, take it the most precious gift I could bring ; Peruse it, and prize it 'tis no worthless thing. SOLIS. (Receiving the book or gift.) My thanks, noble daughter ; for rich it must be Since kindled, it has, admiration in thee ; For such minds as yours, richly laden with lore, Will find in no trifles, the things they adore ; Therefore, Til peruke it with pleasures unknown, For your sake if all, and, I trust, for my own. ARCHUS. (To Venus.) Here, my sister mild, is a lock of my hair, Clipp'd while yet a mere child 'tis thine for to wear As a pledge of my love, and wherever you be, While gazing on this, you will think upon me. VENUS. (Receiving the gift.) I take with full heart, for 't will waken, in truth, Both remembrance of you, and the days of our youth, Those sweet, happy days, pass'd forever away, All swept off by time in its hurried array ; And here is a motto, I give in return, SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 179 Which I wish you would keep and faithfully learn ; It has guarded my feet through dangerous ways, And shed deep in my heart a joy -given ray. ARCHUS. (Receiving tlw motto, reads aloud. ) Motto To folly ne'er a hearing lend, But wisdom make your bosom friend. Noble motto indeed ! Has this been your guide While wheeling your world through the universe wide ? Xo wonder your bosom doth burn with that fire To which all your sisters in vain must aspire This indeed is enough the secret is known, And with a like flame, it shall brighten my own. SOLIS. (To both.)' My fair, worthy daughters, of right, worthy soul, The feelings you cause me I can not control ; But are there not others who have a like claim ? Look out on the hill-side, the vale, and the plain, Behold ! gentle Luna throws down her mild light, And with looks of her love now softens the night. O, shall I not summon her presence this hour ? Her words are most gentle, inspiring her power. ARCHUS and VENUS (In concert.) O, yes, to be sure ! for delightful 't will be To meet with that sister, gay, happy and free. SOLIS. (Calling as to one at a distance.) Arise, gentle Luna, thou queen of the night, Descend down to earth on the wings of your light. 180 SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. Enter LUNA, crowned with representation of the moon, and witlt tier a stranger, crowned in representation of a Comet, a long train float ing lightly from her crown. LUNA. I come, potent father ; my pleasures are thine Thy glory as wide as thy fulgency shines. [To Venus and Archus,] And, sisters, I greet you, with joy unsuppress'd. ARCHUS and VENUS. (In concert.) We, thee, gentle Luna, be thou ever bless' d. SOLIS. (To Luna.) Fair Luna, I've summon'd thy sisters and thee To hold a few moments of converse with me, And to learn of yourselves, how prospers your trusts ; Say, what dost thou bring from thy kingdom to us ? LUNA. The tidings I bring, on my mission are these : My satellite swings around earth with all ease, Silver'd o'er with thy light in image of thee, And just now is passing through its perigee. Fair beauties are smiling in each glowing scene, Deck fields with their blossoms, and woods with their green ; All nature rejoices and quietude reigns In short, there is nothing of which I complain, Except, that, now and then, this world rolls between SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 181 Thy own orb and mine, which makes a durk scene ; But then it soon passes, and leaves thee to shine, And learns me to prize the more justly, meantime, The blessings received from thy bountiful source, The which if withheld, Desolation, in course, Would rise in his might, and with a dire hand, Stretch wide the dark curtain of death o'er my land. Then, thanks, honor'd sire, that thy sun-orb so bright, Sheds abroad over mine its life-giving light ; And I've brought you a gift, which I wish you would keep As token from me of my gratitude deep ; 'Tis a mirror indeed, unlike those of art, It reflects not the person, but, rather, the heart ; And shows the emotions which swelling are there, Whether sympathy, madness, hope or despair. [Presenting the gift.] Accept from my hand, and wherever thou art, May it image for thee, an unsullied heart. SOLIS. (Receiving the gift. ) Thy gift, gentle Luna, becomes such as thee, And merits a warm approbation from me ; [Turning to Crinita, tfte stranger. \ But who is this stranger who entered with you ? Quite wild in her mien, if I take a right view, And who carries behind a long sweeping train, Streaming out in the wind like a wild horse's mane. Is she not a child of Pegasus of old, Who winged the high vault, and there now a place holds? 182 SOLIS : OR, KING or THE SUN. LUNA. This one is Crinita, my guest, noble sire, Whose throne is a comet that worlds oft admire Who, while whirling of late her orbit around, Gave charge to her nymphs, and then with a bound Tjeap'd off from her world and lit in my reign, To visit with us, till her planet again, Re-encircling its path, shall pass by this way, When she spreads her gay plumes and departs on a ray. SOLIS. (To Crinita.) Most welcome, Crinita ; peace be to your throne. CRINITA. ( r lo Solis) My thanks, honor'd king ; glory be to your own. LUNA. (To Crinita, looking to Archus and Venus.) My sisters, Crinita. CRINITA. (To Archus and Venus.) Hail, gentle queens ! ARCHUS and VENUS. (In concert.) Hail, thou, fairest stranger ; hail, to these scenes. SOLIS. (To Crinita ) Stranger queen, the stamp of your mien, full of light, POLIS : OR, KING OF THK SUN. 183 Reveals from within an intelligence bright ; And since in a strange course your comet is bound, Perhaps you can tell us some secret profound Say, whither and how, your flaming world rolls, And what laws impel it, and what one controls. CRINITA. You ask, potent king, and right glad I reply : For sublime is my world as it sweeps through the sky Two suns it revolves in its broad, ample course, And receives from each one an impelling force ; The one, is thy orb, all dazzling with light The other, so distant, it shrinks from the sight ; Each one of these serve as do magnetic poles Midway twixt the two, it but tardily rolls, But approaching near either, it hurries its flight. Till worlds near its course, stand amaz'd at the sight. How splendid the prospect as view'd from my throne ! Of orbs in wide space, which Jehovah has sown ; Vast worlds without number dilate on the view, Each enlarging its sphere, and brightening its hue Still onward, right onward, my rapid world runs, Until once twinkling stars, are changed into suns ; And planets that cast unperceivable light, Now beam as broad-orb'd as yon moon on the sight. But arriving at one of its predestined poles, It turns an ellipse, and awayward it rolls ; When these worlds, retiring, now lessen display, Till in the dim distance, they vanish away ; And others, like these, now increasing their light, 184 sous : OR, KING OF THE SUN. Charm in the same way, the far-wandering sight. Thus ever changing are the prospects I view, Each furnishing scenes of sublimity new. SOLIS. Well said, fair Crinita ; I've witness'd your throne, In loftiest grandeur encircling my own, But the mysteries these words of yours have reveal'd, Ever before from me and mine were conceal'd, And the picture you paint of your world as it rolls, Draws up a deep thought, and enlarges the soul. ARCHUS and VENUS. (In concert) And, too, deep within, you have waken'd our minds To conceptions more grand, and thoughts more sublime, Than when we first view'd with the wilder surprise, Your comet in flames, sweeping on through the skies. VENUS. X (Continuing alone ) And as a return, here's a chart of my throne ARCHUS. (Alone) And likewise of mine, and my bow, as unflown. CRINITA. My thanks to you both ; to peruse will delight, And shed a new ray of truth on the sight. SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 185 LUNA. (To Archus, presenting a picture.) Allow me, dear Archus, this keepsake to give, A draft of the scenes where in childhood we lived, Where as children we sported, with childish delight, The sun, then our home, our sire, king of light, And mother, the queen of reflection, so bright. ARCHUS. (Receiving the design.) O, yes ! how familiar to sight is that spot ! It brings to my mind things that were, but are not ; And while gazing, I seem to sport there once more, And with you, those moments again to live o'er ; So skillfully drawn, 'tis a treasure to me. For which in return, let me now give to thee, This memento of mine to wealth not the goal, But a path that doth lead deep into my soul. 'Tis the sketch of a scene I long ago drew, The scene where our father, each one blessed anew, And gave us all charges remote from his throne ; [Giving tlie gift.} And where we departed. Accept for your own. LUNA. (Viewing the picture.) Thrilling picture indeed ! How rich to peruse ! So perfectly drawn in your own native hues ; It even surpasses your bow on the cloud ; Of such from your hand, I shall ever be proud. 186 SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. VENUS. (To Luna.) Gentle Luna, on that memorial day, High o'er the blue concave, I wing'd my long way ; I stoop'd in my world, near the swell of its sea, And on folding my plumes, an image of me Attracted my gaze 'twas a pearl in the sand. I bent down, and seiz'd it with tremulous hand ; And while I stood viewing the seeming design, Wild wonder chas'd wonder along in my mind : " Why in this strange world, so remote from the bounds That had known me before in youth's happy rounds, An image so perfect of me should be found ? " Then a look to the sky, inquiring, T gave, When earth and your planet hung over the wave. Long while I stood gazing, with feelings sublime, And thought I could see you the whole of this time, Looking down Avith a smile of complacence on mine. The incident render'd thee dearer to me, [Giving the design,'] And for your sake, I give the same likeness to thee. LUNA. (Looking intently at the gift.) Your image most sure ! How correct to the view ! A representation most perfect of you ; But be not astonish Yl go whither you will, All things are created with unerring skill, And God, in his infinite, all-wise design, Decreed such should govern that planet of thine, And stamp'd the design on a pearl of the sea, SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 187 In guidance of which, he created, then thee. And here is my own, which on that same day, I found on a mound, in a similar way ; For gazing above me, there shone on the sight Thy planet, all cloth VI in its radiant light ; When my thoughts soar'd away, your own by their side, For our thoughts may commune, though worlds us divide. (Gives tlie gift.) Then receive from my hand, as I have from thine 'Twill serve thee more closely our hearts to entwine. VENUS. (Receiving tlie gift.) I take, and forever will treasure with care, This emblem of yours so perfected and rare. SOLIS. My right worthy Archus, come near me, and say, What know you of Tellus ? is she far away ? ARCHUS. O, no, noble father ! how could she be far, A twin sister to me, and breathes the same air? As when we were infants, we oftentimes lay In the same cradle bed ; so, likewise to-day, Our possessions both meet, embrace and entwine, As in those happy days, her arms did with mine ; Then, likeness of mother's sweet visage she bore - She doth still bear the same, and will, evermore. I then loved her for this that love has now grown, Till earth wide dominions its mighty sway own ; 188 SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. And if yon commanded, right quickly she 'd come, Fleet-wing'd as the morning, with us to be one. SOLIS. (Calling at a distance.) Hail, earth's fairy queen ! in your own we have met, And space in our circle awaits for you yet ; fill and make perfect, your presence will light, Every recess of soul, as sight speaks to sight. Enter TELLUS, dollied in three principal colors, gray, green and blue, ornamented with others, and crowned to represent Earth in some appropriate manner TELLUS. Hail, most worthy father, and sisters, of old ! How bless'd my dominion, this number to hold, Who often have honor'd the courts of the skies, Esteemed and respected, as holy and wise, 1 welcome you all with pleasure untold. SOLIS, ARCHUS, VENUS and LUNA. (In concert ) We, thee, queenly Tellus, with heart and with soul. SOLIS. (A lone.) Dear Tellus, we've come from the universe wide, And snatch a few moments from time's crowd'd tide, To talk of the charges we hold now in trust From the hand of our Father, Eternal and Just ; Relate, worthy daughter, what tidings from you, So fitly apparel'd in gray, green, and blue. SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. 189 TELLUS. My dominion is Earth ; the gray that I wear Betokens the fogs and the clouds of the air ; And to the beholder, my vesture of green Bespeaks of the verdure that is every where seen ; And over all these, is my mantle of blue, In semblance of ocean's and sky's mellow hue. My earth in the lap of great Nature doth lie, And sweet harmony folds with a most holy tie, In her arms, the old ocean, land, air and sky; While stars without number behold the embrace, And kiss with their smiles my uplifted face. Dear Archus, twin sister, that beautiful queen, The storm robes in splendor, in beauty, the green ; As when in our childhood, one cradle contained, So mingled in one, is our wide-spread domain ; We live in sweet union, and blest evermore, By things had in common from great Nature's store. When kiss'd by thy smiles, forever, as now, Her spray-woven banner is seen near the prow Of every proud vessel which ocean doth plow, And also, wide-spread, on the cataract's brow. Ani when with the rainfall I moisten the plain, Hill, valley and mountain spread out in my reign, And thy sunlight, approving, doth smile on the same, Then her banner so grand is held up to view, Like a wide arch of glory, of every known hue ; And all human beings of every degree, With full admiration and gratitude see 190 SOLIS : OR, KING OF THE SUN. While her most precious blossoms look up and smile At blessings, those moments so sweetly beguile. And when thy bright sunset at close of the day, Just kisses, with blushes of crimson, the gray, Queen of Beauty stands forth unveil'd 'mid the scene; And the gazer is lost in rapture's wild dream Then an up-flowing stream of wonder and love Commune with the spirits and angels above. And then, when again in the eastern-bent sky, The thunder cloud holds its huge summits on high, And, jagged edg'd, valley-like, deep in between, Depressions and gorges are every where seen, And, stretching away, deep fold upon fold, Being sun-kiss'd, are cloth'd in crystal and gold ; While, lurking within, the dread lightning's display Lights up its deep chambers more vivid than day ; And it seems just as though its arcades were given A stage to the gods for the scenes of high heaven, Where great concourse of angels witness display Of Nature's great forces, in wondrous way. The land, air and ocean do every where swarm With creatures of every conceivable form, . Rejoicing in being, and show to the mind Omnipotent wisdom and all-wise design. And yet over all these, worth more than the whole, But singly considered, is the human soul, Which weighs and contemplates the works of our God, Stretch'd out in such beauty and grandeur abroad, And, drinking in glory, admiration and awe, SOLIS : OR KING OF THE SUN. 191 Surveys with wild wonder his most perfect law, And therefrom, conclusions of high order draw. That soul has been bought with a ransom most dear Every one that but will, and come humbly near, To the Savior Divine, who is able to save From pollution and sin, from death and the grave, Is made child of God and heir of high heaven, And life everlasting to him shall be given; These, drinking in knowledge and wisdom profound, As endless eternity rolls on its round, And being perfected by love more and more, Soon become the bright saints, we so much adore. Thus wells up a stream, which to heaven doth flow, Of life everlasting, from my world below. The morals, and beauties, and grandeurs described Are indeed but the few, in my varied world wide, And I seem like the boy, who on ocean's wide strand, Has pick'd up a pebble or two in his hand, While the deep hidden bed, and pebble lined shore, Lie all unexplored, untrodden, before. SOLIS. Most queenly instructress, your wisdom, I trow, Will bless you forever where'er you may go; And the great moral gifts which you have been given Will glorify earth, be approved of in heaven; And in each endeavor you have my good will. ARCHUS, VENUS and LUNA. (In concert.) Ours also be with you, each mission to fill. 192 sons : OR, KING OF THE SUN. TELLUS. For this I am grateful, and ever shall feel A grief in your sorrow, a joy, in your weal. SOLIS. My dear, worthy daughters, we now must away, Our duties in charge, brook not longer delay ; But on our departure, before we shall leave, This wish to you all, allow me to breathe : May virtue and truth in each bosom bear sway, And joy light within you the brightness of day. ARCHUS, VENUS, LUNA and TELLUS. (In concert.) Thanks, most honored father may God from above Pour down in thy bosom rich streams of his love. SOLIS. Time heeds us not we must hasten our flight ; So, good night to all. ARCHUS. Good night. VENUS. Good night. LUNA and TELLUS. (In concert.) Good night. AND CURTAIN FALLS. A HUSBAND'S LAMENT. 193 A DRAMATIC POEM. THE HUSBAND'S LAMENT.. DRAMATIS PERSONS. HUSBAND. WIFE. SPIRIT OP SARAH, Sister to Husband. SPIRIT OP LITHA, another Sister to Husband. IN ONE SCENE. Enter HUSBA.ND, poorly clad. HUSBAND. Oh what is earth and all its fairest toys ? A dreary scene, where many tangling weeds Encumber my lone way, and venom wafts Upon each breeze, to poison all my joys. Deep sable clouds o'erhang my fairest skies, And quench life's noontide light in thickest gloom, In shades of death and vapors from the tomb. Once I had joys, and Hope hung out her bow On future scenes, and glory smiled on sight, While life upon an easy axle roll'd. Oh happy days ! say, whither have you fled ? And shall I never greet your fond return ? Are ye forever gone ? Ah, yes ; and time, N 9 194 A HUSBAND'S LAMENT. That sweeps the theater of human life, Has with remorseless hand swept these away, O'er whose dread ruins dark oblivion rolls, Whose constant tide is rising every hour. O, yes ! once I was fortune's child ; and joy, Aye, sweet and sportive joy, arose, and with Delightful hand strew'd garlands in my way Smiles greeted me at every turn of life, And Providence pour'd out an ample stream Of blessings from above. But now, how changVl ! Fair fortune smiles no more, but, frowning, turns My garlands into serpents vile, which hiss A cloud of moral pestilence about ; And that once stream of blessings from above, Into a howling cataract of care, Which ever pours its rushing torrents down Into the shrieking soul. O cease, ye floods ! Ye angry waters, black with mud and mire, And give me but a little moment's rest, Or, swell your waves to boiling seas, and quench Forever this frail spark of life. But, no ! " My God, forgive ! I'm not alone in this, My misery ! I have a wife a wife, So tender, mild and fair, who when I pledged My heart, o'er flowing with the purest love, Gave to me an angel smile of supreme Confidence, a sweet return. The rose then Blush'd upon her cheek, and blossom'd in her soul. I was her pride, her hope, her inmost trust : In me she lived, the fullness of my joys. A HUSBAND'S LAMENT. 195 She knew me then as one whom plenty crown'd, And on whom favoring fortune lov'd to smile. But now, how chang'd ! stripped to my very limbs, Gaunt poverty howls round my humble cot, And meager want has mark'd my darling boy; And my ever patient wife how has she Been rack'd on fortune's wheel, and yet without A groan. Nor knows she of the many cares Which crush me down to uttermost despair, The ever creaking pangs that have torn loose My very vitals, and left them streaming out My life within a cold November's wind. For this deserving wife alone I live ; Without the whom ! O, beating heart, be still ! And riso, ye sods, and mantle me ! But, hark ! Footsteps approach ;- say, who has heard these words, Which I would wish to hide ? Enter WIFE, speaking. Thy wife hath heard ; Say, why forlorn ? Though plenty once bestow'd On us its store, and now that store withholds. Wide heaven still smiles alike on all alike Sends rain and sun. This morn this very morn, O, my poor heart was blessed ! While our sweet boy Lay sluiwb'ring on his couch with sportive joys Lull'd in his infant breast, the winning smile Sported with childish dreams upon his brow ; Just then the sun arose, and streaming through The shatter'd wall, just kissed his rosy cheek, And made more deep the tinge. The sight awoke 196 A HUSBAND'S LAMENT. A secret thought within, and, thereby, set In motion a long train of kindred thoughts, Which, rolling through my anxious breast, stirr'd up The deepest waters of the soul, and bade My inmost heart rejoice, and breathe out thanks, That we, e'en now, were favor'd thus, and blest With light, a dear lov'd, though an humble home. HUSBAND. And yet what is that home ? a wind-rent shed; And that, though mean, is not my own. Behold The smiling fields which verdur'd once for me, A stranger holds ; and the proud dwelling,once That hung its high arch'd roof above my head, Now shelters one who hates me ; and the ground Where I was wont to sport while yet a child, Is trampled on by lawless feet. The world Looks on and mocks my poverty, And you, My fairest angel, ne'er expected this, The day you freely gave your all to me, And vow'd yourself through life my own should be ; The picture of that life which then we drew, Has proven most deceptive and untrue. How can 1 gaze upon your careworn brow, And wasted form (so neat, yet cheaply clad, Once adorn'd more becoming of its worth), And think that my misfortune is the cause Of this sad change. Our infant darling rolls On me his sparkling eyes, and seems to say, " Whore is the fortune of your sires? " I turn A HUSBAND S LAMENT. 15 Around and strangers ask me, "Where"? My mind Next seeks relief in gentle sleep's repose ; . A thousand troubled visions weary sleep, And coming morning finds me still unbless'd ; The day but multiplies my woes, till care On care pile up themselves against the clouds, Whereon I plainly read, " Unceasing toil." And shall I clamber on ? or 'neath this pile, At sorrow's base, within a narrow vault Lay my weary bones to rest ? . WIFE. O, hush thee, man ! Amid ten thousand glories, these are but The glooms. Roll back the sable clouds, and view The many stars conceal'd. Thy little child, The brightest and the benefits receiv'd, The countless clusters scatter'd here and there ; Thy home, the pole-star, 'round which all revolve All these look down in tranquil loveliness, And angels smile amid the warring storms. O, then, these gloomy bodings cast aside, And learn, where love and penitence exists, Themselves are happiness ; and as for me, Thy mis'ries make my own. Say joy is thine It breathes alike in me want has no share. Behold, a thousand varied duties call, Of which high heaven approves. First, be resign'd To fate, let come what will ; then nobly bless Thy home with the rewards of honest toil, 1 ( J8 A HUSBAND'S LAMENT. And share with me the burthen of our cares, Which we in penitence will mutual bear, And seek to tuna a skillful hand to each, That they may prove no evil, but our good, By teaching us to bear misfortune's load, And in true meekness, penitence and love, Pour out our thanks for benefits received ; Though they may seem to us but few and small, Let gratitude enlarge the worth of all, And bring celestial blossoms from above. And even now, I see a fairy form, Descending from the sky, and shedding rays Of holy light o'er our dark future, bids Our bosoms cheer ; it stoops to earth, and now, With gentle tread, is gliding noiseless near ; Hail, spotless spirit ! what your mission here ? SPIRIT OF SARAH. Hail, sweet consoler, born to bless and cheer I HUSBAND. Celestial stranger ! O my heart relents. Why should I thus complain ? blind to each boon The hand of Providence has given ! Forgive, And thy instructions let me hear and learn. SPIRIT OF SARAH. A stranger ! Know me not, my brother mild ? Thy sister Sarah, once the laughing child, Who sported oft with you in childhood hours, When youthful transports gave to us their powers ? A HUSBAND'S LAMENT. 199 Yourself was happy then, and gay and free, As you fantastic pleasures chased with me ; But ere our youth was spent, Death in his might Clogg'd my life's blood, but robed my soul in light. And, O ! yourself, how changed 'twixt then and now ! Why hangs that cloud of gloom about your brow ? And why despair, like a December's storm, Sweep howling through your breast and vitals warm ? Has disappointment cross'd your path in life ? Behold a recompense in her, your wife ! Has want all your gilt treasures dar'd destroy ? Behold, they shine renew'd in your sweet boy ! Do seeming storms o'er all your future lower? The darkest skies oft clear within an hour ! Has death your sisters laid beneath the sand ?. Like me they flourish in a brighter land ! Have friends forsaken, and the path they trod ? Look up, and trust a more than friend, thy God ! Has sin within your bosom left a stain ? A Savior's blood can wash it white again ! Repent and all your sins be you forgiven ! Earth then is bright, and the reward, is heaven ! HUSBAND.