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 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 [COPYRIGHT] 
 
 OEMS 
 
 By Alfred Hine. 
 
 -4^ 
 
 The Bright Side," "Homes of England," 
 'Love, Courtship and Marriage," 
 &c, &c. 
 
 -c> 
 
 
 Price One Shilling.
 
 vvj-ei^.

 
 
 -• 
 
 «*-' _
 
 ALFRED HINE
 
 LONDON, 
 
 • LEEK, 
 MACCLESFIELD, 
 ;^. .'THE POTTERIES, 
 
 
 BUXTON, 
 
 THE SEASONS, 
 
 THE FARMERS' 
 CALENDAR, 
 
 AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 By Alfred Hine.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Cheerful, bright and sunny memories, how delightful 
 and pleasant they are. How gladly we welcome them, 
 proving that, to a certain extent, we are happier for having 
 been happy. Still, something more is wanted, mankind the 
 world over, needs also present happiness and enjoyment, and 
 is seeking it in a variety of different ways. Some in love, 
 courtship and marriage find much pleasure when the course 
 of true love runs smooth, pure and honourable; whilst some 
 again may be looking forward to gaining position, wealth, or 
 other attainments, in the future hoping then to be happy. 
 Others wisely seek to improve and enjoy the social and 
 domestic moral and spiritual pleasures and privileges of daily 
 life — seeing the bright and cheerful side of things, and 
 anxious that others also may enjoy the sunshine and 
 pleasures surrounding the path of those who will accept and 
 gather up these sunbeams and blessings. Let us endeavour 
 to comfort and brighten each others' journey through life. 
 If we can innocently amuse, cheer and instruct, those around 
 us, we know it will not be in vain, for we believe in many 
 instances laughter is better than medicine; and, that we 
 need not have a long face in order to be virtuous. Would 
 we reap happiness? let us in faith and hope sow seeds of 
 loving kindness — sow to the spirit "for whatsoever a man 
 soweth, that shall he also reap." 
 
 To the parents, children, young men, maidens, husbands 
 and wives of Great Britain may I be permitted humbly to 
 dedicate this small volume of poems, hoping they may prove 
 acceptable, pleasant and profitable, to many. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 ALFRED HINE. 
 
 Leekfrith, near Leek. 
 1897.
 
 f79o 
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 ^\ SUBJECT OF INTEREST. 
 
 In Eden's fairest garden, 
 Its pure primeval bowers, 
 
 'Twas even then important 
 
 'Mid sweetest fruits and flowers. 
 
 Enchanting as was Eden, 
 Rich beauty, fragrance rare, 
 
 Man needed a companion, 
 Its lovliness to share. 
 
 A helpmeet was provided 
 To comfort, cheer, relieve, 
 
 Young Adam soon decided 
 To woo and win Miss Eve. 
 
 - His offer she accepted, 
 -j Her love to him inclined : 
 ^,-They in due course united 
 
 In marriage — -sweetly joined. 
 
 Right down the aisle of ages 
 All ranks have followed suit; 
 
 Peasants and monarchs, sages, 
 Did wedlocks ranks recruit. 
 
 Our great grandfathers studied 
 This interesting theme : 
 
 Grandmothers also copied 
 Examples they had seen. 
 
 We, their descendants, follow ; 
 
 Oft in their footsteps tread, 
 And take it as good counsel, 
 
 In honour love, woo, wed. 
 
 Marriage is still an honour, 
 
 Now as in scripture timi . 
 Let each read, mark, and follow 
 I hose pure and sacred lines.
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS. 
 
 LOVE, COURTSHIP and MARRIAGE. 
 
 How bright is the home-life, how fresh is the morn 
 Where love weaves its trelise to deck and adorn ; 
 When tenderest feelings in harmony blend, 
 How cheerful and pleasant the charms which they lend. 
 
 The birds and the bees, the herbs, fruit and flowers, 
 How delightful and fragrant in love's sunny hours ; 
 When young men and maidens now blooming and fair, 
 Pure love and affection with each other share. 
 
 Be equal, seek guidance and help from above, 
 Ere yet into courtship emerges true love; 
 In love and in courtship be honest and pure, 
 In honour endeavour the prize to secure. 
 
 How enchanting a walk up hill or through dale, 
 When mutual affections and feelings prevail ; 
 The scene most romantic or even maybe 
 The beauties of nature love helps you to see. 
 
 Through forest or glen, when cool or when hot, 
 How wooers observe the sweet Forget-me-not. 
 In town or in country pure love is the same, 
 Still bright are its laurels, and well-deserved fame. 
 
 When courtship advances from bloom into fruit 
 May wedlock's dear link, from branches to root 
 Be steeped in affection, in honour, in love, 
 Not transient or fleeting, but firm let it prove. 
 
 In sunshine or clouds, in love dwell and abide, 
 Unitedly steer whatever betide. 
 Be loving, affectionate, kind, as of yore, 
 And sail for the harbour of peace evermore. 
 
 How sweet is the home-life, how fragrant the flowers, 
 If love, like a mantle, decks home's sunny bowers ; 
 Let tenderest affections in harmony blend 
 In peace, love, and concord, life's honeymoon spend.
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE. 
 
 Boys, girls, men and maidens, all favour the right, 
 •Be like the wise people who see what is bright, 
 In clouds or in sunshine whatever betide 
 Endeavour your best to see the bright side. 
 
 If lengthy and heavy at times be your purse 
 Don't grumble, remember still things might be worse. 
 Assist the discouraged, and cheer on the sad, 
 And win back to virtue the base and the bad. 
 
 — If short is your purse, and lightish at times, 
 Yet cheerfully whistle or sing the sweet rhymes ; 
 It isn't much cumber to carry about, 
 So scatter kind words and looks on your route 
 
 Suppose you reside near the top of a hill, 
 # It's st^ep climbing up, but think if you will, 
 '-"How sweet and refreshing and pure is the air, 
 ^ ,TfTe landscape before you, how pleasant, how fair. 
 
 If down in the valley your residence be, 
 Think how you are favoured; with thankfulness see 
 The bright side of valleys, how easy to find, 
 How level to walk, how calm is the wind. 
 
 Suppose you reside in the city or town 
 How pleasant to dwell in a place of renown. 
 In ancient or modern, or both, it may be, 
 The useful and bright side of things may you see. 
 
 If true love and courtship with you is combined, 
 And you to each other are fully inclined, 
 Be equal, be faithful, and ever do right, 
 In loving and wooing be gentle and bright. 
 
 Suppose you've done well, and married a wife, 
 Or the wife has a husbandman wedded for life. 
 In peace, love, and concord both ever abide, 
 In harmony dwelling behold the bright side. 
 
 5
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 look at the bright side — continued. 
 
 Or, if you are single, don't fret about that, 
 Your family roofed with one bonnet or hat; 
 Agree with yourself, to others be kind, 
 And try in good earnest the bright side to find. 
 
 If tired and thirsty, and quite anxious for tea, 
 The water ice-cold, the lire low it may be, 
 Add fuel or poke it, and see the bright side, 
 Wait, patiently wait, until boiling tide. 
 
 Employers, employes, should see the bright side, 
 And, pulling together, contented abide; 
 Fair wages and profits, each do the right thing, 
 Uniting your efforts, prosperity bring. 
 
 Supposing you drive one, or two, four-in-hand, 
 The road 's rather narrow, or hilly the land, 
 Gee ! whoa ! now be steady, still hold to the right, 
 Attend to your driving, keep cheerful and bright. 
 
 If walking in mud, it is soft for the corns, 
 Far safer than treading on thistles or thorns? 
 Apply well the water when in comes the tide, 
 Or brush up and polish, and show the bright side. 
 
 If busy at farming, in shop or the mill, 
 Making shoes or new garments to fit if you will ; 
 Work cheerfully, manfully, brightly, all round, 
 Admiring the flowers whilst tilling the ground. 
 
 Supposing you have leisure time at command, 
 Improve it well, use it, don't indolent stand ; 
 Find something to occupy talents and mind, 
 Endeavour to brighten the lot of mankind. 
 
 If riding the cycle, motor car, or balloon, 
 Be grateful for light of sun, stars or the moon, 
 Still don't over-run a pure loving mind, 
 And when you alight he grateful and kind.
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 look at the bright side — continued. 
 
 If you walk, trot, or gallop, or sail on the sea, 
 Endeavour at all times pure Christians to be; 
 The path of true wisdom is bright as the day, 
 Each find it, and walk it, or run it we say. 
 
 Girls, boys, maidens, men, all cling to the right, 
 Be truly wise people, be cheerful and bright; 
 Look out for the sunshine, and gladly reside, 
 In, city, town, village, and see the bright side. 
 
 -a* 
 
 — • 
 
 HOW TO BE HAPPY. 
 
 -Be cheerful — neither frown nor fret, 
 -•Or shed the tears of vain regret ; 
 ^Vhen past mistakes have hurried by, 
 Except to right them heave no sigh. 
 
 Don't only look for flaws in work, 
 Or dream that all their duties shirk j 
 See also what is neat and well, 
 Your honest admiration tell. 
 
 Our neighbours thus to help and cheer 
 A\ "ill do no harm, we need not fear ; 
 If we can brighten others' lot, 
 Some beams may fall on our own plot. 
 
 Don't meet the troubles yet to come, 
 Or be morose and sour at home ; 
 But open, frank and friendly be, 
 To all be kind, in peace agree. 
 
 Don't look for clouds, or storms, or wiridj 
 But if they come, In- patient, kind ; 
 The silver lining try to see, 
 And thankful for your mercies be. 
 
 7
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 how to BE happy — continued. 
 
 Don't upon one weak human back 
 Past, present, and the future pack ; 
 But cast your care on One above 
 Of matchless power — of boundless love. 
 
 Find wisdom's happy, pleasant ways, 
 And travel in them all your days ; 
 So shall your life be happy, bright — 
 At morning, noon and evening light. 
 
 Don't give harsh words and looks, or frowns, 
 Dwellers in country, hamlets, towns ; 
 Be loving, kind, and cheer the sad, 
 Be sunny, cheerful, happy, glad. 
 
 A NORTHERN TOUR. 
 
 Tourists from pleasant town of Leek, 
 Who rural rustic pleasures seek, 
 May find a Northern drive or walk 
 Attractive, with kind friends to talk. 
 
 Not far from Leek is Rudyard vale, 
 'Mid scenery of hill and dale ; 
 The Switzerland of Staffordshire 
 Full well deserves a passing lyre. 
 
 When Winter's frost has bound the lake, 
 Skaters may go, for gliding's sake; 
 In spring and summer sailing go 
 Ply well the oars and onward row. 
 
 Then onward, take train, wheel, or drive, 
 Until at Rushton you arrive; 
 Green pastures, Corn, and Meadow land, 
 Doth admiration there command. 
 
 8
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEM>. 
 
 a northern TOUR — continued. 
 
 On up the side of river Dane, 
 
 It's charms we need not here explain ; 
 
 It must be seen to understand 
 
 Its rustic beauty on each hand. 
 
 View Swythamley, a calm retreat, 
 An ancient hall, a country seat, 
 Ludchurch's rugged rocks behold, 
 Where heather's blooming charms unfold. 
 
 Gradbach, about one mile from here, 
 Examine next, as on you steer; 
 Then past Newstone, and Middle Hills, 
 Where fresh sweet breeze the air oft fills. 
 
 Then Upper Hulme and Blackshaw Moor, 
 JValk, drive, or run the cycles o'er; 
 For rest and pure refreshment seek 
 "?Tgain the Moorland town of Leek. 
 
 <*- ' _ 
 
 FAREWELL OLD YEAR. 
 
 Farewell old year thy days have sped, 
 Thy summer hours have past and fled; 
 Thy clouds have hastened o'er the sky. 
 So now old year we'll say "good-bye." 
 
 Farewell to thy sweet flowers and fruits ; 
 Thy breezy morn and eve's salute, 
 The merry song of birds and bees, 
 Warbling their music in the trees. 
 
 Farewell thy seed and harvest tide. 
 How swiftly past thy seasons glide ' 
 Thy summer's heat and winter's snow 
 How rapidly they come and go !
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 FAREWELL OLD YEAR — COflti?llied. 
 
 Farewell harsh words, better left unsaid, 
 How oft they caused us tears to shed ! 
 We well can spare you, go and stay, 
 And never come again we say. 
 
 Kind words, we'll scarcely bid farewell, 
 For still in memory's track they dwell ; 
 They cause no aching heart or sigh, 
 No tear drop's start, no weeping eye. 
 
 Kind actions stay, don't haste away, 
 But spring up fresh some future day ; 
 We really must not say farewell, 
 For close by you we wish to dwell. 
 
 Farewell old year we grieve that we 
 No better use have made of thee ; 
 But hope if spared to say farewell, 
 Again, through grace, good news to tell. 
 
 HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 
 
 Once on a time, a bridegroom, 
 
 After the knot was tied, 
 Walked out into the garden, 
 
 With his new loving bride. 
 
 And threw a line right over 
 Their rural cottage roof, 
 
 A rope, which was well able 
 To give their strength full proof. 
 
 Giving his wife the one end. 
 
 He went round to the other, 
 And he pulled hard at his side, 
 
 Whilst she pulled at the other. 
 
 TO
 
 ALFRED MINE'S POEMS. 
 
 -• 
 
 husbands and wives — continued. 
 
 Then he cried " pull it over " 
 "I can't" his wife replied, 
 
 And so, just while she rested, 
 Round to her side he hied. 
 
 And then the}' pulled together, 
 The husband and his bride, 
 
 And o'er it came quite easy, 
 1 ^Yhen they pulled side by side. 
 
 Said he "how hard our labour, 
 Tugging against each other, 
 
 How easy and how pleasant, 
 When we both pull together." 
 
 So stepping on together, 
 ■i Through good report or ill, 
 
 , ^r- Ever remember courtship, 
 
 And when vou said "I will." 
 
 Each wear their loving manners, 
 Around their own fireside, 
 
 As smoothly passing onward, 
 The time doth sweetly glide. 
 
 And if a cloud arises 
 
 Across the bright blue sky, 
 
 Still gently pull together, 
 'Twill vanish bye and bye. 
 
 If anything should happen 
 
 To ruffle either one, 
 In wisdom just be silent 
 
 Until the temper 's gone. 
 
 Still let a Christ-like spirit 
 
 Choose what may go or i'ome, 
 Bi everywhere presented 
 
 Bllt most of all at home. 
 
 I i
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 HUSBANDS AND WIVES — COIltifllied. 
 
 E'er pulling both together, 
 In loving union sweet, 
 
 Until, in fairer climates, 
 
 Before the throne they meet. 
 
 HOMES OF ENGLAND. 
 
 Fair favoured homes of England, 
 In towns, farmhouse and halls, 
 
 Sweet love and peace o'ershadow you 
 From floor to roof and walls. 
 
 In village, cottage, hamlets, 
 Let those who there reside 
 
 In Christian love and temperance 
 E're pleasantly abide. 
 
 Husbands and wives and children, 
 
 Together sweetly pull ; 
 Home comforts and the larder 
 
 Replenished be, and full. 
 
 May deeds right noble ever 
 Adorn our English homes, 
 
 And gentle loving kindness 
 Dictate both words and tones. 
 
 Let strife and discord never 
 An entrance gain or find ; 
 
 Each one through grace exhibit 
 A calm and Christian mind. 
 
 And strive to make home's fireside 
 The brighest spot on earth ; 
 
 Of useful aspirations 
 
 The cradle and the birth. 
 
 U
 
 ALFRED HIXE'S POEMS. 
 
 " home? OF exgland — continued. 
 
 Let prayer and scripture teaching 
 Show wisdom and true worth ; 
 
 Break forth in dear old home life 
 In Christian songs of mirth. 
 
 Dear, cheerful homes of England, 
 Farmhouse, or towns, or hall : 
 
 Let Christian faith, love, temperance, 
 Admission gain to all. 
 
 LIKE, AND YET UNLIKE. 
 
 .« _/ Husbands and wives, e'er strive to be 
 
 Like music — calm and sweet ; 
 ^"Unlike the mighty organ's roar, 
 Or surges of the deep. 
 
 Let them be like transparent glass, 
 Each other's motives see ; 
 
 But not like glass to crack or break,— 
 Love's union, strong and free. 
 
 Be like an echo — gentle, kind. 
 
 Replying to kind words : 
 Unlike an echo harsh and gruff, 
 
 If one gives angry words. 
 
 Or like the snail, be mostly found 
 About your own home tracks, 
 
 Unlike the snail, please do not try 
 To over-load your backs. 
 
 Be like a sunbeam, bright and clear, 
 In pleasant month of May : 
 
 But never let the little clouds 
 ( Ihase cheerfulness away. 
 
 13
 
 ALFRED HIKES POEM>. 
 
 like and yet unlike — continued. 
 
 Be like the merry honey bee — 
 Draw sweetness from the flowers ; 
 
 But unlike the bee when angry, 
 Stinging with all its powers. 
 
 Or like the ancient village clock — 
 Good time and order keep ; 
 
 Unlike the clock, don't speak so loud 
 But why your friends can sleep. 
 
 Be like a fine warm day in June — 
 
 Let love be all a-glow ; 
 Unlike a dull November day 
 
 Of fog, or frost, or snow. 
 
 Then kindly help each other on, 
 Like pilgrims on life's way : 
 
 Ere tending to the better land 
 Of pure and perfect day. 
 
 SUMMER. 
 
 Hail ! Summer, bright with pleasant hours, 
 The air perfumed with fruit and flowers ; 
 So lovely and so dainty they, 
 We could enjoy their longer stay. 
 
 In town and country, summer bright 
 Is pleasant with its radiant light : 
 The merry notes of birds and bees, 
 And rich green foliage on the trees. 
 
 The cattle seek the grateful shade, 
 Or in the cooling waters wade ; 
 While fowls are basking in the sand, 
 The wild flowers deck the meadow-land. 
 
 14
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEM>. 
 
 ^ summer — continued. 
 
 The farmer and his chosen men 
 Go forth in early morning, when 
 The dewdrops glisten on the blades, 
 And down they cut the grass in swathes. 
 
 Anon the sun arises high, 
 And quickly it doth warm and dry 
 The men and maidens, ted and row, 
 " The grass which yesterday did grow. 
 
 They, work it well in glowing sun. 
 The harvest work must needs be done ; 
 And then, ere falls the shades of night, 
 They cob it up in lumps so light. 
 
 The next day shake it in the breeze ; 
 fn harvest time be busy please : 
 ■While sun is shining make good hay, 
 Before the wet and stormy day. 
 
 When it is ready, pitch it up — 
 And quench your thirst in temperance cup- 
 Drive on, gee ! ho ! for hay-loft floor, 
 And move it well from pitch-hole door* 
 
 And so from Monday morning's dawn 
 'Till Saturday at evening's fall, 
 Be making progress day by day, 
 And when quite ready, cart dry hay. 
 
 Let each in towns and country, then, 
 Improve the summer time ; that when 
 Our summers and our autumns past, 
 We may have rest in heaven at last. 
 
 Hail ! glad, glad summer, bright and gay, 
 With air redolent with new hay ; 
 The sun rides on in sky so bright, 
 And long delays the shade of night. 
 
 -* 
 
 «*" _ 
 
 15
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 AUTUMN. 
 
 Come Autumn, when the Summer 's gone, 
 The trees with luscious fruit upon : 
 Ripe pears and apples, plum or cherry, 
 Quite useful fruit to make us merry. 
 
 The hedgerows decked with wild fruit gay, 
 As lovely as in merry May ; 
 With hazelnuts and blackberries bright, 
 And raspberries sweet, rich, and ripe. 
 
 The seeds which had been sown in spring 
 Have sprung aloft as if on wings : 
 When warmed and watered from above, 
 In act responded to God's love. 
 
 And lo ! behold rich harvest fields, 
 Which food for man and beast doth yield, 
 Is swaying gently in the breeze, 
 Whilst feathered songsters feed at ease. 
 
 For corn and wheat doth ripen fast, 
 The promised harvest comes at last ; 
 Men come with hooks and horse-machines 
 Without command of kings or queens. 
 
 In every land, and realm, and clime, 
 Cut down the grain in harvest time ; 
 And bind in sheaves so plump and round, 
 Then fix the kivers on the ground. 
 
 When fielded well, and firm and dry, 
 Come, men, with carts and waggons hie : 
 Drive on your horses, cart away, 
 Don't linger on fine harvest days : 
 
 But haste and get it garnered in 
 Before the winter snows begin ; 
 When safely gathered from the ground, 
 1 )ales, hills, with harvest home resound. 
 
 1 6
 
 ALFRED HIKE'S POEMS, 
 
 -• 
 
 ^* autumn — continued, 
 
 To God, the giver of all good, 
 Whose gracious promise firm has stood 
 Seed time and harvest, day and ni^ht, 
 Still onward march and go all right ; 
 
 To Him our choicest anthems sing, 
 And grateful heart-felt homage bring ; 
 Thankful again for harvest store, 
 Now safely garnered in once more. 
 
 Old Autumn now will soon be gone ; 
 Sweet flowers, and trees with fruit upon, 
 Ripe cherries, apples, plums, and pears ; 
 Will pass and go like former years, 
 
 
 < ■ ■ 
 
 WINTER. 
 
 Behold ! grand old Winter is now at our door, 
 The days are so short — soon the sunshine is o'er ; 
 The fog settles thick, and the mists on the hills, 
 And the waters rush on down the rippling rills, 
 
 Still onward they run o'er pebbles and sand, 
 Nor turn back to look for old winter at hand ; 
 Anon they run calmly through valleys and plains, 
 Forgetting at present their murmuring strains. 
 
 The snow flakes fall fast and thick on the ground, 
 Soon covering the grass and the herbage there found ; 
 And cattle and horses must quickly be housed — 
 Taken in from the pastures on which they haw browsed. 
 
 But there's hay in the barn or stack it may be- 
 in loftyish heaps, we are quite pleased to sec ; 
 
 And with water to drink, corn and hay they may eat, 
 So we hope they won't grumble, hut think it a treat, 
 
 '7
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 winter — continued. 
 
 And then when king frost claims the rivers and lakes, 
 Young people some pleasure in skating will take ; 
 While some of us further advanced in years, 
 Prefer a place near to the fire with our chairs. 
 
 When Christmas approaches, the Yule log we take 
 And place it right up at the back of the grate ; 
 Tho' there be snow on the ground and frost in the air, 
 We begin to feel cosy and warm in our chair. 
 
 Friend Christmas, we rather delight in thy name, 
 And with us roast beef and plum pudding have fame ; 
 The time is right merry, dear friends often meet, 
 And brothers and sisters each other do greet. 
 
 With Christmas long past, snows quickly assuage, 
 And king frost will also be breaking with age ; 
 The sun gathers strength as the days grow in length, 
 And soon we may hail the spring in its zenith. 
 
 The ploughman goes forth with dapple and gray, 
 And he cheerfully steadies the plough right away, 
 As upwards and downwards, from morning till night, 
 He turns the new furrows to the left and the right. 
 
 So now, for the present, old winter, good-bye, 
 To meet thy more genial successor we'll hie ; 
 Sometime when comes Christmas again with good cheer 
 Most likely friend winter will also be there. 
 
 SPRING. 
 
 Come on, lovely Spring, we welcome thee here : 
 A hearty good greeting from far and from near ; 
 In towns and in country we love thee alike, 
 And gladly we linger amidst thy delights. 
 
 18
 
 ALKKKP MINE'S POEMS, 
 
 spri n g — co/iti/n/ed. 
 
 The trees which but recently naked appeared, 
 Are putting forth buds, and soon will be geared ; 
 The flowers, which in winter appeared to be dead, 
 Are springing and growing again on their bed. 
 
 The birds, which just twittered and hopped along, 
 Are getting quite merry with anthem and song ; 
 And tired of a lonely and solitary state, 
 Appear now in favour of choosing a mate. 
 
 The grass, which in winter was covered with snow, 
 Behold in its verdure commencing to grow ; 
 With sunshine and showers, so quickly it springs, 
 There soon will be quite a nice pasture for things, 
 
 ^,The cattle now shortly may take a walk out, 
 'And have a nice taste of fresh grass round about ; 
 ' y The' batter and cheese, now rather small store, 
 Will soon be increasing and growing to more. 
 
 The farmer goes forth the good seed to sow, 
 With well-measured steps both steady and slow ; 
 He scatters the seed to the left and the right — 
 In hopes of a harvest both golden and bright. 
 
 We love thee, sweet spring, with thy bright sunny hours, 
 The music of birds and the fragrance of flowers ; 
 May we, as we pleasantly travel along, 
 Each join in the chorus with praise and with song. 
 
 Come, then, lovely spring, we welcome thee here, 
 A right hearty greeting from far and from near ; 
 In towns and in country may each one have light 
 To prepare for the spring of heaven so bright.
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 MAY. 
 
 Hail ! merry May, with wealth of flowers, 
 And cheerful, pleasant sunny hours ; 
 Though always coming once a year, 
 Thou art thrice welcome, never fear, 
 
 The children think, with youthful glee, 
 What jolly times they have in thee — 
 Thy days so fine, and warm, and dry, — 
 The nests of birds they'll find, or try. 
 
 Playing at marbles, ball, or cricket, 
 Or plucking flowers from hawthorn thicket ; 
 Their leisure moments quickly pass 
 Amongst wild daisies, flowers and grass. 
 
 Whilst with the men and maidens grown, 
 The darts of Cupid oft are thrown ; 
 Anon they whisper to each other 
 As sweet as any friend or brother. 
 
 What wonder if, in pleasant May, 
 Some "pop the question," as they say ; 
 The days are long, the sun is bright ; 
 We hope they tie the knot all right. 
 
 With this accomplished, still there's more — 
 If happiness must be the store : 
 When May and June have passed away, 
 Be kind and loving every day. 
 
 In towns and hamlets, sunny May 
 Is quite a treat in its own way ; 
 Looked forward to long ere it come, 
 And well enjoyed till past and gone. 
 
 The farmer, during snow and frost, 
 Looks forth to May, and counts the cost 
 1 1 1 provender of hay and corn, 
 Ere out they go, both hoof and horn. 
 
 20
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 MAY — continued. 
 ^* 
 
 Before, and when thou meet'st their gaze, 
 Let young and old together praise — 
 Acknowledge God in all their ways, 
 Throughout bright May and all their days. 
 
 Hail ! joyous May, with springing flowers, 
 And genial, bright, and sunny hours ; 
 Though ever coming once a year, 
 Thou still art welcome, never fear. 
 
 -« 
 
 <*•' _ 
 
 GOOD MORN NEW YEAR. 
 
 Good morn, new year, we're glad to meet, 
 In rural walks or crowded street; 
 May we upon thy pure white page, 
 Place actions worthy of the age. 
 
 We're glad to see thee spruce and gay, 
 As on thy former natal day, 
 If man could bear his age as well, 
 What wonders he would see and tell. 
 
 May we improve thee while we may, 
 For with us long thou wilt not stay, 
 Thy cheerful, genial, pleasant hours, 
 Just use them, while they still are ours, 
 
 And shun the rock on which we split 
 
 During the year we've just seen flit : 
 
 If we must triumph in the fray 
 
 We must, through grace, keep watch and pi'a\. 
 
 In all we think, or do, or say, 
 
 Let us march on the good old way ; 
 
 Which saints of other da 
 
 With peace and joy and gra< veil shodt 
 
 21
 
 Alfred Mine's poems. 
 
 may — continued. 
 
 And as thy days and weeks pass by, 
 May we be faithful and employ 
 Our time and talents as we should 
 Wish when we come to Jordan's flood. 
 
 Good morn, new year, we gladly greet 
 Thee ere thou beat a quick retreat ; 
 May we, upon thy pure white page, 
 Plant actions worthy of a sage. 
 
 OLD ENGLAND DEAR. 
 
 Old England dear, we love thee well, 
 We are not tired with thee to dwell ; 
 Let others roam o'er land and sea, 
 A home on Britain's shores for me. 
 
 Thy wide, fair fields, of verdant green, 
 With flowers and shrubs studded between, 
 Thy orchards of sweet, rich, ripe fruit, 
 And hedgerows, vocal with birds' lute. 
 
 Thy homestead joys are passing sweet, 
 Dear wife and children — parents meet 
 And brothers, sisters, there they dwell, 
 Dear grand old home we love thee well. 
 
 Thy Institutions great and free, 
 Bright home of peace and liberty ; 
 Here Queen Victoria lives and reigns 
 A subject of the King of Queens. 
 
 Empress of India's foreign strand 
 And Queen of Britain's happy land ; 
 Long may she reign, in peace and love, 
 Guided with wisdom from above. 
 
 22
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 * 
 
 old England dear — continued. 
 
 The bible words of grace and truth, 
 Are read and loved by age and youth : 
 Its sacred pages shew the way, 
 Through native land, to realms of day. 
 
 Thy Christian Sabbath's gospel preached, 
 Redemption's story free for each ; 
 Freedom to worship where we please : 
 In cathedral or mountain breeze. 
 
 Hail ! England dear, we love to tell 
 How pleased we are in thee to dwell ; 
 Though others roam o'er land and seas, 
 A home for us in Britain, please. 
 
 a 
 
 «*■' _ 
 
 WHAT'S THE TIME? 
 
 Children, what's the time of day ? 
 Let me ask you while you play, 
 Time, if playing with your kite, 
 Not to hold the string too tight ; 
 Or if marbles be the game, 
 Shoot quite straight and take good aim 
 Or if you've a round at cricket, 
 Roll the ball straight for the wicket. 
 
 Children, what's the time of day ? 
 Listen to me while I say, 
 If you play at hide-and-seek. 
 When you're hiding do not speak : 
 When you're swinging on the gate, 
 Do not fall and hurt your pate ; 
 Or if skating on the ice, 
 Try to glide on sale and nice, 
 
 2 3
 
 Alfred hine s poems. 
 
 what's the time — continued. 
 
 Children, what's the time of day ? 
 Please permit me now to say, 
 When your holiday's are o'er, 
 And you go to school once more, 
 When you read, and write, and spell, 
 Try your best to do it well ; 
 And in Latin, Greek, and Grammar, 
 Speak it plain and do not stammer. 
 
 Children, what's the time of day ? 
 Please allow me now to say, 
 Choose if the day is hot or cool, 
 I hope you go to Sabbath school ; 
 And as you read, and mark, and learn 
 The chart of life, oh ! may you turn 
 From every form of wrong and sin, 
 And trusting Jesus, victory win. 
 
 Children, what's the time of day ? 
 Don't be impatient while I say, 
 At morn and eve when you're at home, 
 May you oft hear the words " well done. 
 Obedient, loving, true, and kind, 
 Always the path of duty find ; 
 What you can do for others, see, 
 And try how useful you can be, 
 
 Children, what's the time of day ? 
 Just once again now let me say, 
 When at your play or at the school, 
 Whoever may be hot or cool, 
 At Sabbath school and when at home, 
 Let all you do be nobly done ; 
 May you have grace from day to day 
 To shew to each the Christian way. 
 
 24
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 DON'T GRUMBLE. 
 
 We -think it unwise to grumble or fret 
 Aboiy; that and the other, and do not forget 
 It never does good, and it often does harm 
 For to pull a long face — well it hasn't a charm. 
 
 Some grumble because they are upon the hill, 
 The wind often blows — in fact seldom is still, 
 And it's hard work to walk up the mountain side ; 
 They would rather by far in the valley reside. 
 
 Our. friends in the valley, they do not forget 
 
 That the waU n rush down from the hills even yet, 
 
 And the land in the valley is sopping with rain. 
 
 If they'd a farm on the mountain they wouldn't complain. 
 
 The landowner grumbles his tenant's too bad, 
 ThiiJand so" neglected makes him to feel sad, 
 If heHSfmed it himself complaining he'll say : 
 MufJh'rrKjr£*fhan his tenant he'd make it to pay. 
 
 The tenant complains his landlord's too near, 
 He will scarcely find timber the gates to repaii ; 
 Was he just the owner they quickly should see 
 What a capital man with his tenant he'd be. 
 
 In towns people grumble the air is not pure, 
 They would like to reside in the country, that's sure, 
 A snug house and garden at the foot of the hill, 
 Where they would not be bothered with gas and its bill, 
 
 The shopkeeper thinks there's too much competition, 
 He finds it too hard to make good provision, 
 A trade in the country would do him no harm, 
 For there he might find in his business some charm. 
 
 The gentleman driving his coach and his pair. 
 
 He grumbles and thinks the roads an unfair 
 
 I hey should be « id< r in this plai e, and betti r in that, 
 
 And the mountains and hills h< would like to be fiat.
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 don't grumble — continued. 
 
 Our friend who is walking would gladly ascend 
 Behind the proud span, his journey to end ; 
 He wouldn't fret at the road whether hilly or fiat, 
 If he could roll on at a speed such as that. 
 
 The people who ride on the cycles they find 
 There is far too much mud on the road, to their mind ; 
 And then when they come to the foot of the hill, 
 They have to dismount and push if you will. 
 
 If riding by rail, motor car, or balloon, 
 
 They grumble their journey is ended too soon. 
 
 Or you must remember it's safer to stand 
 
 With your feet firmly planted on fair English land. 
 
 In fact its no matter where some people be, 
 Whether driving on land, or ploughing the sea. 
 Employers of labour, or they who're employed, 
 They'll manage to grumble, whatever betide, 
 
 Then let us forsake the grumbling trade, 
 And ever be thankful to him who has made 
 The richest provisions, our needs to supply, 
 And purchased a passport to Canaan on high. 
 
 So ever remember don't grumble or fret, 
 About this and the other, and do not forget, 
 It never does good, but it often does harm, 
 For to pull a long face — well, it hasn't a charm. 
 
 MARKET DAY AT LEEK. 
 
 Leek, May, i8gf, 
 
 The town of Leek, of which we rhyme, 
 
 Is quite a busy place; 
 We greet it now — in modern times— 
 
 Not ancient history trace. 
 
 26
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEM.s. 
 
 y 
 
 market day at leek — continued. 
 
 The shops appear in cheerful garb, 
 
 In sunny pleasant May, 
 The colours various, superb, 
 
 On Moorland market day. 
 
 From far and near they flock to town, 
 Some drive, and others walk, 
 
 Wednesday at Leek is still renowned \ 
 .Some come to see and talk. 
 
 Others with eggs and butter stand, 
 
 Now butter trade is slow, 
 Supply is greater than demand 
 
 Causing it to be low. 
 
 Some Wednesdays, after standing hours, 
 '* - Bcice, tenpence, nine or eight, 
 ,. ,_Ij jajKS the farmer's patient powers, 
 •- • _ The cash is not much weight. 
 
 Though cash comes in but slow, we fear, 
 
 Some rather over load, 
 When leaving town they scarce can steer, 
 
 Quite straight along the road. 
 
 Let town and country friends be wise, 
 
 And never over load ; 
 Or else they will not gain a prize, 
 
 For walking street or road. 
 
 Each take the pathway, pure and right, 
 
 And help each other on, 
 Make market days still grow more bright, 
 
 While passing one by one. 
 
 Dear Moorland town, we wish thee well, 
 May trade improve abound ; 
 
 Prosperity within thee dwell 
 Spreading the country round, 
 
 2
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 market day AT leek — continued. 
 
 The present, in these busy days, 
 
 Engages much our time ; 
 Still, possibly, some future lays, 
 
 May deal with " Auld lang syne." 
 
 BUXTON. 
 
 In Derbyshire, famed for its peaks, 
 Its bold aspiring mountain steeps, 
 Romantic is the scenery there, 
 
 Fresh is the breeze — the landscape fair. 
 
 Stands Buxton, healthy, pleasant place, 
 There visitors find welcome space. 
 Vast numbers visit Buxton town. 
 Now quite a scene of fame — renown. 
 
 Its healthy springs have useful been, 
 To peasants, nobles, 'and to queen. 
 ^Yere highly prized in days of yore, 
 And are at present, more and more. 
 
 Buildings substantial, stately, grand, 
 Buxton adorn on either hand ; 
 Chaste architectural beauty rare, 
 Is prominently portrayed there. 
 
 Gardens, pavilion, concert hall. 
 Sweet strains of music rise and fall, 
 Upon the ear, delightful, sweet, 
 Harmoniously — -a real treat. 
 
 The Serpentine, and other walks, 
 Where tourists often stroll and talk* 
 'Mid pleasant woodlands, shrubs and trees. 
 The public have admission free. 
 
 28
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 s 
 
 buxton — continued. 
 
 Away from there, about one mile, 
 Two truant lovers leapt in style — 
 The open gulf in safety past. 
 And their pursuers left at last. 
 
 Buxton is worthy of its fame, 
 
 Inside and out, through street and lane: 
 
 The scenery 's romantic — fair. 
 
 May poor and rich its beauties share. 
 
 ODE TO AN OLD FRIEND. 
 
 .:,H«il ! Grandfather's clock, i'th' corner. 
 ■FjfeflM thou points our memories back 
 /<-< _ To the sunny hours of childhood, 
 ""-'"With thy merry tick, tick, tack. 
 
 How we used to look in wonder, 
 At the fingers on thy face, 
 And it puzzled us to find out 
 How our friends the time could trace. 
 
 Bye-and-bye we learned to count thee, 
 As thou struck'st the hours of day, 
 But to tell how many minutes 
 Was above our childhood's way. 
 
 Thou kept'st time and still kept ticking, 
 When we mis-improv'd our time; 
 Oft we did not do our duty 
 Half as well as thou did'st thine. 
 
 Even when we did some mischief, 
 Thou kept'st ticking strikin ti ne, 
 
 And we inn ii our < onduct 
 
 Was not ii- ir ight as thine. 
 
 29
 
 ALFRED H1NES POEMS. 
 
 ode to an old friend — continued, 
 
 We had many pleasant seasons, 
 While thou still kept'st beating time, 
 And when near to bed-time drawing, 
 We'd have liked thee stop awhile. 
 
 But thou would'st not wait a minute, 
 Rallying, ticking, tacking on, 
 And our play must quickly finish 
 When the time allowed was gone. 
 
 Thou mad'st progress when our parents 
 In the twilight turned the key, 
 Gently taught to say " Our Father," 
 And to pray with bended knee. 
 
 Then when mother kindly tucked us, 
 And she kissed us sweet good-night, 
 Thou went on as fresh as ever, 
 Both in darkness and in light. 
 
 When we awoke in morning's beauty, 
 Be it six, seven, eight or nine, 
 Still thou wast not shirking duty, 
 We could hear thee striking time. 
 
 '& 
 
 And we hurried down to breakfast, 
 Sheepish, shy when after nine, 
 But thou seemed to take no notice, 
 For thou wast not needing thine. 
 
 'to 
 
 Then at times in youthful frolic, 
 We should fall slap on the floor, 
 Still thou kept'st as grave as ever, 
 Going on just as before. 
 
 When at times we rode in triumph, 
 On our brother, shoulder height; 
 Even this did not surprise thee, 
 Thou kept'st ticking, right and straight. 
 
 3°
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS. 
 
 ^. ode to an old friend — continued. 
 
 If we played at "rags-a-bundle," 
 Blythly laughing, going round ; 
 If we even chanced to tumble, 
 Still when time thy bell would sound. 
 
 When we'd grown in years and wisdom, 
 And could tell thy minute time, 
 Though we highly prized the knowledge, 
 ■• Still it did not alter thine. 
 
 Faithful old-time friend remind us 
 To improve the present time, 
 Building on the Rock of Ages, 
 'Till we reach a brighter clime. 
 
 -» 
 
 THE SNOWDROP. 
 
 Hail Snowdrop ! pure and hardy flower, 
 'Midst snow and frost thy modest head 
 
 Reminds us of fair Eden's bowers, 
 Of which we've often heard and read. 
 
 Welcome first of the new year's flowers, 
 In sheltered vale or old ditch side, 
 
 Thy rich green stem, and pure white flower, 
 Comes while the winter here abides. 
 
 Thy drooping humble, graceful form, 
 At once, sweet, gentle, fresh and gay, 
 
 Cheers us amidst old winter's storm, 
 Patient to wait for brighter days. 
 
 May we, like thee, be pure and white, 
 
 Washed in the cleansing precious blood, 
 Which ages back, on Calvary's height, 
 
 For all was spilt a healing flood. 
 
 31
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE SNOWDROP— continued. 
 
 Sinners, through faith in Christ, may gain 
 Pure garments, whiter than the snow, 
 
 By washing in the crimson tide, 
 
 Which from His wounded side did flow. 
 
 Let each now to the fountain come, 
 
 In David's house still open wide, 
 Come rich and poor, come bond and free, 
 
 And wash, by faith, in Calvary's tide. 
 
 Come all of every race and tribe, 
 A ransom full, for you was wrought, 
 
 Gentile and Jew, come freely take 
 
 The pardon on Mount Calvary bought. 
 
 Purer than snow or snowdrop keep 
 
 May we, through grace, bear fruit and flowers, 
 Through cloud or sunshine's journey steep, 
 
 Aspiring to fair ( 'anaan's bowers. 
 
 HAPPY DAYS. 
 
 Let's talk about our happy days, 
 Forgetting all the sad ones : 
 
 We each have cause for thankfuln 
 That we've so many glad ones. 
 
 For pleasant hours and loving friends, 
 Food and shelter, clothes to wear, 
 
 Genial sunshine, gentle showers, 
 And abundance of fresh air. 
 
 Thank the Giver of all good : 
 For God's holy Book to read, 
 
 I '.ill instruction what to do, 
 
 What to say. and what we need. 
 
 3-
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS, 
 
 H A PPY V\X$,--COfiti/UH , (l l 
 
 Let each search its sacred pages., 
 
 Diligently mark and learn ; 
 Truest wisdom of all ages, 
 
 Council how and when to turn \ 
 
 Turn to Him who says so kindly : 
 
 "Come .... and I will give you rest " j 
 They who love Him, they who trust Him, 
 ..Happy are, and truly blest, 
 
 Thankful for our Sabbath schools, 
 Where we learn the pleasant way 
 
 To a home more bright and fair 
 Home of everlasting day, 
 
 Thankful for the cup that cheers, 
 For a cup of social tea, 
 ,_\yh^e we meet with friends again 
 Whom we're very pleased to see, 
 
 Let's talk about our happy days, 
 Just skipping all the sad onus ; 
 
 We each have cause for thankfulness 
 For quite a host of glad ones, 
 
 -« 
 
 LEEK PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 Tune Aitld Lang Syne. 
 
 Metropolis of the Moorlands, 
 
 Of thee we gladly speak ; 
 Fair bulwark of our native land, 
 
 Hail ! ancient town of Leek. 
 
 For centuries thy worthy fame 
 
 Has stood the test of time, 
 And Leke, or Leek, has been thy name 
 
 Since days of Auld Pan- Syne, 
 
 33
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 leek past and present — continued. 
 
 What stirring scenes have taken place 
 
 In days of ancient yore, 
 It would, of course, take too much space 
 
 To con them fully o'er. 
 
 In days of old if dames grew warm, 
 The Churnet kept quite cool ; 
 
 We hope it did their health no harm 
 Whilst in the ducking-stool. 
 
 The grumbling tongue might have a rest, 
 
 From angry language cease : 
 A time, at least, those they opprest 
 
 Might spend in quiet peace. 
 
 Perhaps the gents at times, as well, 
 
 Deserved a cooling bath, 
 Thus teaching them 'tis wise to dwell 
 
 In peace, avoiding wrath. 
 
 But now the ducking-stool and pranks 
 
 Are things of distant past ; 
 Their services dispensed, with thanks, 
 
 They've long aside been cast. 
 
 In Leek did Johnson's father as 
 
 Apprentice serve his time 
 With Mr. Joseph Needham learn 
 
 In Days of Auld Lang Syne. 
 
 Through Leek the young Pretender came 
 
 With his Scotch army past ; 
 No doubt his visit and his name 
 
 O'er Leek a gloom would cast 
 
 Leek had her own brave, noble sons, 
 
 And daughters, too, of old ; 
 The deeds of many famous ones 
 
 Will often be re-told. 
 
 34
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 ^LEEK past axd presext — continued, 
 
 ., Now, gliding down to present times, 
 Leek friends we gladly greet ; 
 In conversation or in rhymes 
 We're pleased with you to meet. 
 
 Your famous silk, may it be worn 
 
 By ladies, far and near ; 
 The town and country well adorn, 
 
 Numbers in silk appear. 
 
 Your groceries and bread, and beef, 
 Right useful they are found ; 
 
 Often affording much relief, 
 May customers abound. 
 
 ^ The friends in Leek with pleasure see 
 **** Our country folks in town, 
 
 -"'For they fresh eggs and butter need, 
 - -~- - And cheese of good renown. 
 
 The farmers well enjoy a drive 
 Through country lanes to town, 
 
 They sometimes need a coat or vest, 
 Ladies require a gown. 
 
 From many miles around they come, 
 Some produce bring — to sell, 
 
 Others to look about them come, 
 And hear the news — or tell. 
 
 When driving home, the landscape fair 
 Stretching on either hand- 
 
 With gentle breeze and pure fresh air- - 
 Attention doth demand. 
 
 Metropolis of the Moorlands, 
 The purest pleasures seek, 
 
 And find, and still in honour stand, 
 Fair favoured town of Leek. 
 
 35
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 FLOWERS. 
 
 Sweet flowers of summer months and spring, 
 Come, and your fragrant beauty bring ; 
 So innocent, so gentle, pure, 
 A hearty welcome you insure. 
 
 Pure, lovely Violets, white and blue, 
 Sweet Williams, too, we're pleased to view ; 
 The Candytuft, so gentle, sweet ; 
 Wallflowers, with fragrance quite a treat. 
 
 Consider Lilies— how they grow : 
 They toil not, neither spin nor sow ; 
 Yet the wise king was not arrayed 
 In raiment pure as these display. 
 
 Daisies and Buttercups, as well, 
 Forget-me-nots, and bright Bluebell, 
 Sweetbrier, and Crab, and Hawthorne bloom, 
 Display their colours pretty soon. 
 
 The cultivated <~>rch^rd trees 
 Show their fresh blcom ls a ell as these; 
 And when arrived to ripe rich fruit : 
 Pleasant to taste, 'mid birds salute. 
 
 Sweet Mignonette and London Pride, 
 Poppies and pansies by their side ; 
 The Lupin and the tall Sunflower 
 Towering aloft in garden bower. 
 
 The queen of flowers please don't forget, 
 But let it crown the garden yet : 
 The virgin, charming, lovely rose, 
 How fragrant underneath the nose. 
 
 Sweet flowers of summer, autumn, spring, 
 Let us still of your beauty sing ; 
 So pleasant, innocent, and gay, 
 You are quite welcome, we will say. 
 
 36
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS. 
 
 • 
 
 LEEKFRITH VALLEY. 
 
 Hail ! charming valley of Leekfrith, 
 We think of thee much gladness with ; 
 Cradled the Roach and Gun between, 
 And mantled with rich verdant green. 
 
 A snug and quiet rural place ; 
 Vast numbers of the human race 
 Have not yet been to view it o'er, 
 In modern times, or years of yore. 
 
 The talk about the Puffing-bills, 
 Which should have run between the hills 
 From Macclesfield to town of Leek, 
 Seems quiet gone, as if to sleep. 
 
 But though at present fallen down, 
 ,Stiil try until success doth crown ; 
 And, through thee swiftly trains shall glide 
 On which we'd gladly take a ride. 
 
 <*•< _ 
 
 In childhood, we had many a fall 
 Upon thy grass, from hedge and wall ; 
 But, like the valiant knights of old, 
 Rose up again, ere we were told. 
 
 So let thy railway project, rise, 
 For lying still will earn no prize ; 
 Then up again, and progress make, 
 And off to market people take. 
 
 Still clown thy centre runs the brook 
 O'er which, in youth, some Laps we took; 
 And in its limpid waters caught 
 Some bonny, brightly spotted trout. 
 
 There country boys have often bathed. 
 And in its sparkling waters laved ; 
 
 Away from bustle, strife, and din, 
 
 The Leekfrith Valley dwelling in. 
 
 37
 
 ALFRED H INK'S POEMS. 
 
 leekfrith valley — continued. 
 
 The cattle there have quench'd their thirst, 
 Tis long, long ages, since the first 
 Partook its waters, cool and clear, 
 Gathering from springs both far and near. 
 
 Not far from this bright, rippling brook, 
 The village stands called Meerbrook — 
 A snug and cosy country place, 
 The scene of many a school boys' race. 
 
 Two sanctuarys there are found, 
 In which the country people round 
 May hear the gospel preached and read, 
 If they fair Zion's courts will tread. 
 
 But some who dwell in Leekfrith vale, 
 To attend God's house do often fail ; 
 Come, and a hearty welcome find, 
 Trust, serve the Saviour of mankind. 
 
 Come, all beneath the radiant sun, 
 Along with all 'twixt Roach and Gun ; 
 To Jesus turn, believe and live, 
 To Him all praise and honour give. 
 
 Join any sanctuary where 
 The gospel's read and published there ; 
 In prayer and praise be often found, 
 While marching to fair Canaan's ground. 
 
 Still, lovely valley of Leekfrith, 
 We muse of thee much pleasure with ; 
 Sloping high, Roach and Gun between, 
 Deck'd with sweet flowers and herbage green, 
 
 33
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 ^ THE BIBLE. 
 
 The Bible — sacred word of truth : 
 
 Sate guide for old, mid'-age, and youth, 
 
 Let all explore its holy page, 
 
 In every clime of every age ; 
 
 Its history — faithful, true, and good, 
 
 Before, and at, and since the Flood. 
 
 Man's character's depicted there 
 
 Untarnished, honest, strictly fair ; 
 
 Creation's story there is told : 
 
 Long years ago, in days of old, 
 
 Jehovah spake, and it was done, 
 
 Earth, sea, and firmament, and sun, 
 
 Birds, beasts and fishes, moon and stars, 
 
 With Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, 
 
 Sweet flowers and grasses, shrubs and trees, 
 
 With insects, flies, and humming bees, 
 
 Qpwning creaton's wonderous plan 
 
 Whl-uGa^s most noble creature — man. 
 
 Planted in Eden's lovely bowers, 
 
 'Midst choicest fruits and virgin flowers, 
 
 A helpmeet was provided man, 
 
 So Adam's Eve was called " woman " \ 
 
 And while they loved and served their God, 
 
 Sweet Eden's walks together trod— 
 
 How pleasant, happy, was the state 
 
 Of man, and of his loving mate, 
 
 Their heavenly Father served, adored, 
 
 Conforming to His will and word ; 
 
 But as the sacred book we read 
 
 How our first parents disobeyed — 
 
 Partook of the forbidden fruit, 
 
 Losing of purity the root ; 
 
 How sad, that to temptation's power 
 
 They yielded in that fatal hour, 
 
 And thus entailed such sad disgrace 
 
 Upon themselves and on our race ; 
 
 Thus wandered from sweet love and truth; 
 
 Cod sent them out of Eden forth 
 
 To till the ground and sow the seed, 
 
 39
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 the bible — continued. 
 
 And labour hard to earn their bread. 
 The years did quickly come and go, 
 The time to reap, the time to sow, 
 Long generations past and went, 
 Mankind their days in evil spent : 
 The paths of evil sought and trod, 
 Brought on the deluge — mighty flood : 
 Proving, if man must victory win, 
 He must not tread the paths of sin. 
 God's faithful promise still stands good, 
 Recorded after Noah's flood, 
 Seedtime and harvest, day and night, 
 They do not cease, but go all right ; 
 Also the promised rainbows bend- 
 Continues still at times to lend 
 Pure glowing colours, bright and gay, 
 Near morning hours or close of day. 
 The laws of God — pure, just, and good, 
 Which have for generations stood, 
 Spoken upon mount Sinai's height, 
 binding on all, both day and night. 
 How great a change would soon appear, 
 If all by Bible laws would steer : 
 Our doors we should not need to lock, 
 Afraid of others taking stock ; 
 Our police force might then disband, 
 Might plough, and sow, and till the land ; 
 Our judges, juries, prisons, be 
 Dispensed with thanks, we'd gladly see ; 
 The spears and swords the smiths might beat, 
 When they arrived at wielding heat, 
 To implements to till the ground, 
 And so their usefulness abound. 
 The prophesies of ancient seers, 
 In holy scripture, too, appears, 
 The Holy Spirit them inspired 
 To tell events which should transpire j 
 Forward with eye of faith they looked 
 To Him, who human nature took — 
 
 4°
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 the bible — continued. 
 
 The Mighty Counsellor and guide 
 •* Through life, o'er Jordan's swelling tide. 
 In scripture we've redemption's story. 
 How Christ, King of eternal glory. 
 Came from the shining ranks above- 
 So vast, so infinite, Hi> love 
 To seek and save man's fallen race, 
 With richest plentitude of grace : 
 Suffered and died on Calvary's tree 
 To set the ransomed nations free. 
 "Z. Salvation's purchased for mankind, 
 
 Sinners," through Christ, may mercy find ; 
 Then turn, repent, believe, and live, 
 To Him both heart and life now give, 
 Come all to Christ, and find sweet rest, 
 Trust in Him, and be truly blest ; 
 '\^. Baku, healing, for the broken heart, 
 . ^Th^oil of joy for ache and smart. 
 There's on the Bible's sacred page, 
 "" Instructions for all ranks and age : 
 Servants and Masters, husband, wife, 
 Pure guide to peace and happy life, 
 Parents and children, brothers, friends, 
 Pointing to Him who freely sends 
 His help and blessing and rich grace 
 To those who run the Christian race ; 
 For cottagers, for kings and queens, 
 Tradesmen, or dukes, with those between : 
 Directions to the good old way, 
 Leading to realms of brighest day. 
 Grand Bible words oi d truth, 
 
 Shewing sure path for age or youth, 
 Guide us, as with an Angel's hand, 
 Through Christ alone to promised land. 
 There's peace and happiness in store 
 For Jesu's followers ever more : 
 Joy, "love and pleasures here below, 
 Bright crowns and harps where comes no woe,
 
 _ __ ALFRED HINe's P OEMS. 
 
 A SUMMER WALK. 
 
 How verdant the grass in bright, sunny June, 
 How cheerful and jovial the Linnet's sweet tune, 
 As out in the fields and the meadows we walked 
 With the dear little children, who chatted and talked. 
 
 They gathered the flowers, and questions they asked 
 Which at times our powers of language quite taxed : 
 How the grasses and herbs and the flowers did grow, 
 And who planted them there to bloom and to glow. 
 
 When, as we walked onward, the Finch and the Lark 
 Were warbling so blithely, the children said " Hark ! " 
 What pleasure and gladness the little birds bring, 
 Who taught them so sweetly to twitter and sing ? 
 
 We pointed them upwards to clouds and to sun, 
 And told them the moon and the stars they did run 
 The courses oppointed at God's good command, 
 And all things are kept and sustained by His hand. 
 
 VALUE THE TIME. 
 
 In life's early morning, in manhood's full prime, 
 Whatever your station, still value the time ; 
 And as it advances, still use it aright, 
 That so all your hours may be cheerful and bright. 
 
 At home or abroad, at school or at play, 
 
 Still follow the council of Jesus — the Way ; 
 
 And when you are reading, and writing, and summing, 
 
 Still seek to improve for the time that is coming. 
 
 When school days are over, and time's flying fast, 
 Still strive to engage in the pleasures that last ; 
 Abstain from the puffing in which some engage, 
 Nor dream it will make you as wise as a sage. 
 
 42
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 value the time — continued. 
 
 And think it not manly to drink of the glass 
 Whkh brings sorrow at present, and woes at the last ; 
 For wine is a mocker, so be not deceived, 
 But always abstain, and thus be relieved. 
 
 Get honest employment while yet you are young, 
 And don't let the colt shirk the collar too long ; 
 For many grow wilful and stubborn with age, 
 And object to the harness, from noble to page. 
 
 Attend to your business from morning till night : 
 What your hand finds to do, ever do with your might, 
 And leave unto others to pine or to fret 
 That they still have the ladder to climb even yet. 
 
 Then pull off your coat, and roll up your sleeves — 
 WoTK^hard for yourselves, help others in need, 
 Pusri with vpur' shoulders, and turn the wheel round, 
 In^niiroAn workshop, or tilling the ground. 
 
 The learned and the wise, the noble of birth- 
 All ranks and conditions of men upon earth- 
 Improve well your time, your duties perform, 
 In youth or in age, through sunshine or storm. 
 
 Then press bravely on in the path that is right. 
 
 Your thoughts, and your words and actions, keep bright ; 
 
 Ever turn something up, don't wait for the tide, 
 
 Be faithful, keep true, and loving abide. 
 
 "THEY SAY." 
 
 How oft' the sons of Adam's race 
 Their neighbour's business try to trace ; 
 The daughters, too, of mother Eve 
 Will sometimes cause you to believe 
 Their friends are scarcely kind or fair, 
 And in their dealings not quite square ; 
 But both the men and maidens gay 
 Should keep a watch on what " they say." 
 
 43
 
 ALFRED HINe's POEMS. 
 
 they say — continued. 
 
 " They say " is open to abuse, 
 And sometimes is a lame excuse, 
 Behind their back to say of friends 
 What does not to their honour tend ; 
 They hint, in language rather strong, 
 Their neighbour's purse is not too long, 
 In fact, they scarce can pay their way, 
 Is what these busy bodies say. 
 
 Another has his purse well filled, 
 Yet, sad to say, is not well willed, 
 He hoards his silver and his gold, 
 And will not part with it, we're told ; 
 Though some good cause is needing "brass," 
 He will not give them much, alas ! 
 Talkers, he may be one of those, 
 Who sounds no trumpet where he goes. 
 
 The talkers yet have quite a store 
 Of news to tell, they gab things o'er : 
 When so-and-so were at the town, 
 They bought a span new hat, or gown, 
 They think it fits them slack or tight, 
 The stuff is heavy, or it's light, 
 It does not suit them well, "they say"; 
 The busy bodies talk away. 
 
 The farmers also get their share 
 
 Said of them — sometimes hardly fair : 
 
 They fear they've mixed the " old black cow " 
 
 Along with white, pure milk, ere now ; 
 
 Or when the cheese the farmers make, 
 
 They to the market butter take, 
 
 Their eggs are either white or small. 
 
 The weeds, alas, are rank and tall. 
 
 Shopkeepers, too, " they say " talk o'er : 
 They do not much admire their store, 
 Say they, it is not up-to-date, 
 Closing too early or too late ; 
 
 44
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 they say — continued. 
 
 'They fear they'll go against the wall, 
 Some goods they do not keep at all, 
 Then show to them a better way, 
 Is our advice to what " they say." 
 
 The merchants, while they buy and sell, 
 Their own nests mind to feather well : 
 " They say " : although they buy poor stuff, 
 Th€V advertise and make a puff— 
 Although their goods are second-rate, 
 Look out I they like to sell first-rate ; 
 Or stock below the mark, they say 
 They push it on and make it pay. 
 
 The folk who woo and wed, maybe, 
 ** '• They say," will talk of pretty free, 
 --"Of course, they don't approve the match — 
 \ Ttfc'p'ahties will not have much " catch " : 
 * <pr, they may find it out too late 
 They should have kept a single state. 
 It seems too bad they thus should talk, 
 For married life they'd like to walk. 
 
 Let each one guard the little tongue, 
 Don't let it say one thing that's wrong ; 
 Repeat the kind words o'er again, 
 Both boys and girls, women and men : 
 The tongue unruly, let it be 
 Restrained by grace so rich and free ; 
 Let's do our duty, pay our way, 
 Whatever talkers do or say. 
 
 A CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN. 
 
 Could a man inherit Samson's strength. 
 With Og, the king of Basham's length : 
 Or fill the giant's armour who 
 The youthful David did o'erthrow. 
 
 45
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 a christian gentleman — continued, 
 
 Could he secure the noted fame 
 Of him to whom queen Candace came ; 
 His cattle numerous as Job's of Uz, 
 And corn fields rich as those of Boaz ; 
 
 The learning which Gamalial had, 
 With stores of knowledge, good and bad ; 
 Or, coming to our land and times, 
 Possess wide tracts of fertile soils ; 
 
 Or streets of building grand and tall, 
 And lakes of water, great and small, 
 His coaches and his horses be 
 A splendid turnout — nice to see ; 
 
 His dress of faultless fit and style, 
 Which well becomes his rank and times ; 
 His ancestry traced past the name 
 Of John, of Magna Charter fame ; 
 
 Of gold and silver a rich store, 
 And still increasing more and more, 
 His ships of merchandise let land 
 With gems from many a foreign strand. 
 
 Let titles, honours, crowd him fast, 
 And earthly friendships, while they last ; 
 Still multiply, and add to these 
 A crown and empire, if you please. 
 
 Be these united : strength and length, 
 Together with his fame and wealth, 
 However useful these may be, 
 Rich fertile land and ships at sea ; 
 
 His outward conduct free from blame, 
 His moral character the same ; 
 Yet something's lacking ere we can 
 Call him a Christian gentleman. 
 
 46
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS. 
 
 ^K christian* gextlemax — continued. 
 
 y That something is true faith in Christ, 
 Who is the Way, the Truth, and Life ; 
 Firm confidence in Him alone, 
 Who did for guilty man atone : 
 
 Becomes a branch of the true Vine, 
 Who was both human and Divine, 
 And proving by his outward fruit 
 That Jesus is the living root. 
 
 By words and actions — gentle, kind, 
 Show forth a pure and loving mind, 
 Still pressing on the heavenly race, 
 Supported by a Saviour's grace ; 
 
 , TheTfc whatever titles he 
 
 t-TvLv have, or which may lacking be, 
 • "rVss-tffed we may, and truly can, 
 '-'■jSay- — "there's a Christian gentleman." 
 
 MERRY LITTLE LARK. 
 
 Well done merry little lark, 
 With thy music sweet and guy, 
 
 Singing thy Creator's praise 
 On a sunny April day. 
 
 Up and up, ascending higher, 
 Singing as thou wings't thy flight, 
 
 Warbling forth thy choicest lyre, 
 In the lovely morning light. 
 
 Like a maiden, pure and fair, 
 Singing in her fresh young glee, 
 
 Trusting in the loving rare 
 
 Which preserves both her and th< e. 
 
 47
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 MERRY LITTLE LARK — CO/lt/nued, 
 
 Or a youth who at his work 
 
 Singing in his early prime, 
 Brooding not o'er doubts and fears, 
 
 In God's praise employs his time. 
 
 Boys and girls, maidens and men, 
 Well may each example take, 
 
 Those who are husbands with their wives 
 Unto heaven sweet music make. 
 
 Sound through earth and sea's and air 
 Mighty music loud yet sweet, 
 
 Praising Jesus, wonderous fair, 
 Him in hearty homage greet. 
 
 Like the merry little lark, 
 
 With its music blithe and gay, 
 
 May we sing God's praises here, 
 And thorugh everlasting day. 
 
 Up and up ascending higher, 
 
 Till within the pearly gate, 
 May we strike the golden lyre, 
 
 Saints and angels emulate. 
 
 EXAMPLE. 
 
 Should we throw a tiny pebble 
 Into waters deep and wide, 
 
 How it waves it o'er and ripples 
 Till it reach from side to side. 
 
 If you listen to the echo, 
 
 When you shout or sing away 
 
 Joining in as if in chorus 
 Sounding back again away. 
 
 48
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 
 <*■' - 
 
 ^ example— continued. 
 
 See we now a cawing crow light 
 On the newly covered seed, 
 
 Soon a host of black companions 
 Also light to take a feed. 
 
 When a sheep has leapt right over 
 Into pastures fresh and sweet, 
 
 Soon we notice many others 
 Are inclined to take a treat. 
 
 'When a cow chooses to ramble 
 
 Gets into a field of corn, 
 Soon the others its example 
 
 Follow after hoof and horn. 
 
 Think we now of youthful horses 
 Grazing on the mountain side, 
 -* , 0ne runs down in sprightly gallop,- 
 Soon the others after glide. 
 
 Notice now, ascending higher, 
 Little children at their play, 
 
 Listen to their childhood's prattle, 
 Copy of what others say. 
 
 Still observe them, when they walk 
 Place their feet where father trod, 
 
 But for steps so very long, 
 
 They may have to hop and nod. 
 
 Then again when boys and girls 
 Say harsh words or give cross looks, 
 
 Others give back looks and words 
 Which are better out of books. 
 
 Give kind loving words and actions 
 To your friends where'er you meet, 
 
 They will follow your example 
 And with hearty welcome greet. 
 
 49
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS, 
 
 example — continued, 
 
 Thus we see the vast importance 
 Of example pure and good 
 
 When we think that from each other, 
 Each one draws much moral food. 
 
 How we've often read with pleasure 
 Of the saints of other days, 
 
 And been cheered by their example 
 To press on in Christian ways. 
 
 But by far the best example 
 
 Of our own or any age 
 Is our Saviour of whose history 
 
 We have read on sacred page. 
 
 He's a true and faithful copy, 
 Free from blemish sin or stain, 
 
 Who came down from highest heaven 
 Sinners to win back again, 
 
 THE BOYS WHO ARE WANTED. 
 
 What class of boys are wanted now 
 To make our country strong ? 
 
 Boys who will do their duty well 
 And shun the path that's wrong. 
 
 Boys who are trusty and will work, 
 
 And strictly honest be ; 
 Who'll act the same when master's out 
 
 As when he's there to see. 
 
 If country life should be his lot, 
 
 And farming be his trade, 
 We hope he's active with his tools — 
 
 His scraper, fork, and spade. 
 
 • 5° •
 
 ALFRED HINE' S POEMS. 
 
 
 T«E boys who are wanted— continued, 
 
 y At morn and evening, milking time, 
 Be sure and milk them clean ; 
 Pure milk's a beverage, rich and good, 
 For peasant or for queen. 
 
 If smith or wheelwright he should be, 
 Right well his hammer use : 
 
 Just hit the nail upon the head 
 As quickly as you choose. 
 
 Avoid the village public-house— 
 Firm, staunch abstainers be : 
 
 So use your leisure hours that you 
 May some improvement see. 
 
 -* . Bx>ys, who if they reside in town 
 And have to wait in shops, 
 y "Will show the goods quite pleasantly 
 Whoever in doth pop. 
 
 And even if the goods don't suit, 
 When they have looked them o'er, 
 
 Still show a cheerful countenance 
 As if they'd bought a score. 
 
 Boys, who whate'er their business be, 
 
 Don't grumble and repine, 
 Who are good tempered all day long, 
 
 And well improve their time. 
 
 Boys who avoid the pipe and glass 
 And everything that's wrong, 
 
 And live a truly Christian life- 
 Such make their country strong. 
 
 Boys such as these, where'er they dwell - 
 
 In country, village, town, 
 Will be a credit to their home 
 
 And well deserve renown. 
 
 5 J
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE BOYS WHO ARE WANTED — COntitllied. 
 
 So when these boys have grown to men, 
 
 And really need a wife, 
 We think they'll make some loving girls 
 
 True husbands, good for life. 
 
 THE GIRLS WHO ARE WANTED. 
 
 What kind of girls are wanted now 
 
 To make our home-life bright : 
 Girls who are good — sweet tempered 
 
 From morning until night. 
 
 Girls who are truthful and modest, 
 
 Aspiring to that which is right, 
 Ne'er trying to shun a plain duty, 
 
 Who lofty or low will not slight. 
 
 Girls who are careful and saving, 
 
 Yet generous to a good cause, 
 And whilst cheering our home with sweet music, 
 
 Yet knowing full well when to pause. 
 
 Girls who can wash, clean, or mangle, 
 Or play with the children at times ; 
 
 Can make them a good dose of toffy, 
 But always abstain from the wines. 
 
 The girls who honour their parents 
 
 As they quickly advance in life, 
 Are the girls who if they get married 
 
 Will make kind mothers and wives. 
 
 'Tis they who at their own fireside 
 
 Will bright and pleasant be, 
 Who are kind and gentle at home 
 
 When strangers do not see. 
 
 5*
 
 ALFRED HINE S POEMS. 
 
 
 -8» 
 
 the girls who are wanted — continued. 
 
 Who have a smile and loving word 
 For those with whom they dwell, 
 
 Who by their daily conduct prove 
 They love their home folks well. 
 
 Girls who can make or mend a dress, 
 
 Or sew the buttons on ; 
 Can knit or darn the stockings when 
 .. The feet are almost gone. 
 
 Girls who can cook a dinner well, 
 
 Make pastry if you please ; 
 Can tempt a patient's appetite, 
 
 When they are not at ease. 
 
 Gi*ls who have some good common sense, 
 - ^Whom fashions can't deceive, 
 ^ While dressing prim and well and neat 
 Can what is needless leave. 
 
 Girls such as prove their wisdom too 
 
 In what they do or say, 
 V\ 'ho lovingly and kindly 
 
 Drive wrath and strife away. 
 
 Girls who like ancient Martha 
 
 Can household duties take ; 
 But like her sister Mary 
 
 The best of choices make. 
 
 The girls who trust and honour 
 
 The Saviour of mankind, 
 Who in His loving service 
 
 Their choicest pleasures find. 
 
 These are the girls now wanted 
 To guide each nations' homes, 
 
 As sister^, wives and mothers, 
 From cottage up to thrones. 
 
 53
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 A CHEERFUL CUP OF TEA. 
 Tune : Auld La?ig Syne. 
 
 We'll not forget our old-time friends, 
 With whom we used to play ; 
 
 We'll not forget our childhood's mates, 
 Though they are far away. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 And when we meet we'll con things o'er, 
 
 How old times used to be, 
 And pledge old friendships once again 
 
 In cups of cheerful tea. 
 
 For this we hope will do no harm, 
 Nor cause our heads to ache, 
 
 And when we travel home again 
 It won't affect our gait. 
 
 Chorus. 
 And when we meet, &c. 
 
 At times we played at tick awhile, 
 And then said " barly" out ; 
 
 Anon, upon the old barn floor 
 The marbles bounced about. 
 
 Chorus. 
 And when we meet, &c. 
 
 Sometimes we jumped a little rill 
 
 Across from shore to shore, 
 Or fished within the waters, which 
 
 Rushed onward as before. 
 
 Chorus. 
 And when we meet, &c. 
 
 Again, across the fields we roamed, 
 Or gathered sweet wild flowers, 
 
 And looked the hedge for birdie's nesf 
 Full many a youthful hour. 
 
 54
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 a>:heerful cup of tea — continued. 
 
 Chorus. 
 And when we meet, &c. 
 
 In havest time we worked among 
 The fresh, new, fragrant hay, 
 
 Or listened to the lark's glad song, 
 Almost as blithe as they. 
 
 Chorus. 
 And when we meet, &c. 
 
 In school-days we had chosen mates, 
 
 When learning ABC; 
 Since then a score of years have passed, 
 
 Or may be two or three. 
 
 Chorus. 
 And when we meet, &c, 
 
 "fft towns and country don't forget 
 
 The days of bonny yore, 
 And still be true to present friends, 
 And prize them more and more. 
 
 Chorus. 
 So old and new and future friends, 
 
 Though rich or poor you be, 
 Let's pledge again your health and wealth 
 
 In cheerful, pleasant tea. 
 
 -♦ 
 
 *-- _ 
 
 GOOD MORNING. 
 
 Good morning, children at your play, 
 Come kindly tell your age to-day ; 
 Is it four, five, six, or some more — ■ 
 How far below just half-a-score ? 
 Your age to be both kind and true, 
 In all you think or say or do ; 
 Obey your parents, come to Him 
 Who came to save you from your sin, 
 
 55
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 good morning — continued. 
 
 Good morning maidens, let me say, 
 Some nearing two half-scores to-day ; 
 Whilst hoping you are prim and neat, 
 From bonnet downwards to your feet, 
 We hope you also are inclined 
 To cultivate a noble mind, 
 And if you think of being wed, 
 Just look before you leap 'tis said. 
 
 Good morn, young men, how old are you ?- 
 Nineteen, twenty, or twenty-two. 
 We hope you've a good aim in life, 
 And mean to conquer in the strife ; 
 Abstain from all that's base and vain, 
 And from the right way never wane, 
 And when you're tired of single life 
 Select a truly Christian wife. 
 
 Good day to wives and husbands too, 
 Some thirty, forty, fifty you ; 
 Though you have steered so far from port, 
 We hope you still each other court — 
 In love and peace together live, 
 And each to each due honour give- 
 Both faithful, trusting Christ our King, 
 Enjoy sweet peace beneath His wing. 
 
 Good evening, friends advanced in years, 
 Still soar above your doubts and fears ; 
 Take courage — press towards the shore- 
 Look up, 'tis better on before. 
 The race still run with patience look 
 To Jesus, who says in the Book — - 
 Be faithful unto death and He 
 A crown of life will give to thee. 
 
 56
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 ^.A TRIP TO MANCHESTER. 
 
 Tlje Manchester City is nice to behold, 
 For those who have leisure, brass, silver and gold ; 
 Our friends who to purchase have means and the will, 
 May do so with pleasure in shops or Shudehill. 
 
 Great city, so famous for cotton and wealth, 
 
 Long still be continued good commerce and health ; 
 
 Manufacturing people in labour abound, 
 
 Fair business and profits still flourish all round. 
 
 From Staffordshire, Cheshire and Midlands they slip, 
 To Manchester City speed off for a trip ; 
 Vast multitudes travelled a short time ago, 
 The city to view, and also the show. 
 
 T^e Royal was excellent — horses and cows — ■ 
 Vdwety splendid, with implements, ploughs, 
 K-pwp©dy worked to till well the ground, 
 For -miles in a circle the show-yard around. 
 
 The City's attractions are easily found- 
 To the right or the left and forward abound— 
 Cathedral and chapels and churches view o'er, 
 Grand Gospel accept and prize more and more. 
 
 Town Hall and the Royal Exchange also see, 
 Ornamental and useful there meet and agree ; 
 Art Gallery and parks' fair beauties behold, 
 Free Library's stores of knowledge unfold. 
 
 Belle Vue has its laurels, what multitudes go 
 And visit its gardens, perchance have a row ; 
 The apes and the birds, wild animals too, 
 Inspection deserve to nature so true. 
 
 Be mindful all, please, and keep to the right, 
 Avoiding all wrong e'er walk in the light ; 
 When out or returning before after trip, 
 Pure virtue and honour ne'er lose or let slip, 
 
 57
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS. 
 
 THE WHEELWRIGHT. 
 
 Hard by the country turnpike 
 
 , The wheelwright's shop doth stand, 
 And he the farmer's woodwork 
 Most chiefly doth command. 
 
 He has his timber drying 
 
 Convenient in his yard ; 
 In lofty piles it reareth 
 
 Till it is firm and hard. 
 
 He is a proper workman 
 And uses well his plane — 
 
 His axe, his saw, his chisel 
 Has not long idle lain. 
 
 He makes the farmer's waggons 
 From bottom to top wraith, 
 
 Or mends his cart and trap wheels 
 With felloes, spokes and nave. 
 
 But when too old for mending, 
 Span new wheels he will make, 
 
 With body, shafts and top-gear, 
 And for down hill a brake. 
 
 He knows well how to fix them 
 Just right for whizzing round : 
 
 With horses to assist them 
 
 They quickly clear the ground. 
 
 And well he does his duty 
 From morning until night, 
 
 When he retires from business 
 Until the morning light. 
 
 And when the week is ended, 
 
 He joins on Sabbath day 
 To worship in God's temple, 
 
 And hear of Christ the way, 
 
 58
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 
 • the wheelwright — continued. 
 
 When Sabbath rest is over, 
 
 And Monday morn conies rflund, 
 
 He has not left his conscience 
 Upon the temple ground. 
 
 While diligent in business, 
 Heeding the sacred word ; 
 
 Still fervent in the spirit, 
 Serving his faithful Lord. 
 
 Then as our time is speeding 
 Swifter than swiftest wheels, 
 
 May each one now improve it, 
 As onward fast it steals. 
 
 '-'--- CUCKOO. 
 
 Come cuckoo, harbinger of spring, 
 We love to hear thee shout and sing \ 
 Thy joyous note it seems to cheer, 
 Though dull or bright the atmosphere. 
 
 Thou singest on the mountain top, 
 Or o'er where rushing waters sop 
 Amidst the forest in the trees, 
 High o'er the notes of humming bees. 
 
 Above the verdant green hill side, 
 Or valley where sweet flowers reside ; 
 Sometimes cuckooing near at hand, 
 At others far above the land. 
 
 With joy we heard in days of yore, 
 When we were young, just three or four ; 
 Thee shouting cuckoo in spring days, 
 And tried to imitate thy lays. 
 
 59
 
 ALFRED MINE'S POEMS. 
 
 cuckoo — continued. 
 
 Since then long years have sped and gone, 
 But still thy tune is the same one ; 
 Yet though we've heard it o'er and o'er, 
 It charms us as in days of yore. 
 
 Haste cuckoo, messenger of spring, 
 We love to hear thee shout and sing ; 
 Thy pleasant note of tuneful cheer 
 We gladly welcome year by year. 
 
 CONTENTMENT. 
 
 The Apostle Paul writes : I have learned, in 
 whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 
 
 But godliness, with contentment, is great 
 gain. 
 
 If mother Eve had been content, 
 With what our Heavenly Father sent : 
 Ripe, sweet, rich fruit, with plum and cherry, 
 She with Adam had been merry. 
 
 But, sad to say, they both did eat 
 What was not meant for human meat ; 
 They disobeyed God's good command, 
 Their Eden lost — and till'd the land. 
 
 If the wise king had been content— 
 His wisdom in God's service spent— 
 His glory would have brighter beamed, 
 If vanity he had not gleaned. 
 
 Saint Paul, a many trials had — ■ 
 Some thought him good and others bad- 
 Still he had learned to be content, 
 As on in duty's path he went. 
 
 60
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 CONTENTMENT — Continued 
 
 ,/ He gloried in the Cross of Christ, 
 And never was ashamed to hoist 
 The signal of his banner high, 
 Whose name still charms both earth and sky, 
 
 Each may from Christ contentment gain, 
 A happiness which will not wane ; 
 Come as directed in God's book- 
 Confess, repent, believe and look. 
 
 Come high and low, both rich and poor, 
 And gain contentment from this store ; 
 Fruits of the Spirit bear and yield 
 Along the Gospel harvest field. 
 
 '*Each» onward march and do not stop, 
 / .Thejund words say, the good seed drop, 
 .-'-' And let contentment deck and grace 
 A' loving heart and smiling face, 
 
 THE BEST GIFT. 
 
 Away out in the sunny east, 
 
 A lady once did dwell ; 
 Three sons she had, each one no doubt 
 
 The mother loved full well. 
 
 So ere she went away awhile, 
 
 A journey long to take ; 
 They each in token of their love, 
 
 1 )id her a present make. 
 
 One gave a marble tablet with 
 The inscription of her name ; 
 
 Upon its placid surface there 
 Showed forth the letters plain, 
 
 61
 
 ALFRED HINE's POEMS, 
 
 THE BEST GIFT — continued, 
 
 The second he presented her 
 With fragrant flowers so gay, 
 
 As sweet and pure as those we see 
 In merry month of May, 
 
 The third one to his mother came, 
 
 And in effect did say — 
 I've brought no tablet of great fame, 
 
 No fragrant sweet nosegay. 
 
 But I've a heart and here your name 
 
 Inscribed shall ever be : 
 Your memory kind mother dear 
 
 Shall precious be to me. 
 
 Full of affection shall this heart 
 
 Follow where'er you go ; 
 And where you take repose and rest, 
 
 My heart will stay also. 
 
 We scarcely need to say which gift 
 
 Would far the dearest be ; 
 We know the mother most would prize 
 
 The gift of number three. 
 
 'Tis yet the same the wide world o'er, 
 With those who're one in heart ; 
 
 When meeting or when parting how 
 The tear drop oft will start. 
 
 Still parents, brothers, sisters, prize 
 
 The affections of the heart 
 More highly than the tablet grand 
 
 Or fragrant flowers so smart. 
 
 The youth who fain would gain a miss, 
 
 If he can win her heart ; 
 We hope he will not do amiss : 
 
 He's made a cheering start. 
 
 62
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 
 -** the^best gift — continued. 
 
 Vice versa too let it be said, 
 
 If she has gained his heart ; 
 And each thus mutually agree, 
 
 'T would be unwise to part. 
 
 And when the wedding day arrives, 
 
 And she becomes his bride, 
 O may they join both heart and hand, 
 •" To travel side by side. 
 
 Mosl [post important too for each 
 
 To choose the better part ; 
 To listen to the Father's voice, 
 
 Saying— give me thy heart. 
 
 T,K eafch comply with this request, 
 r -»And trust our Saviour dear : 
 Sjjjeet comfort, grace, and peace and rest, 
 He'll bless you with and cheer, 
 
 A, B, C. 
 
 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, 
 
 Let us now consider thee : 
 Little children can you tell 
 Which is M and which is L ? 
 When you come to O, P, Q, 
 O's and Q's are nice for you, 
 Though one shape, you may find out, 
 Q has a tail, and O's without. 
 
 Now, just think of R, S, T, 
 Someone spell them along with E. 
 Teacher, please, grant our request — 
 Give we little folks some rest ? 
 For a mixture'work and play, 
 We rather like from day to da . 
 When you repeat the A, B, C, 
 Let them each well learned be. 
 
 63
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 A, B, c — continued. 
 
 When you arrive at X, Y, Z, 
 Let them be well said and read ; 
 On your youthful memory fix, 
 Each and all of the twenty-six. 
 Princes and peasants alike must try 
 To learn from A to Z and Y ; 
 All who've attained to wise D.D., 
 Once began with A, B, C. 
 
 THE PRINCIPAL THING. 
 
 Some boys and girls at school or home, 
 Whatever else may go or come, 
 Their chief desires are toys and play : 
 " Bother the lessons," so they say. 
 
 Others more wisely act by far, 
 Pushing the perseverance car : 
 Their lessons they will learn, or try, 
 At play or work, press on — not cry. 
 
 Some youthful men and maidens gay, 
 We fear are vain from day to day : 
 Their coats and dresses, bonnets, hats, 
 And of their beaus they're thinking at. 
 
 Anon when — settled down in life 
 As married husband, wedded wife : 
 How anxious next to feather well — 
 A nest, and so in comfort dwell. 
 
 If farmers, of their crops they boast, 
 Their cattle, young and old a host ; 
 Prizing too highly things down here, 
 Forgetting scripture themes we fear. 
 
 64
 
 
 ALFRED HIKE'S POEMS. 
 THE PRINCIPAL THING -continued. 
 
 Some merchants, eager to get rich, 
 They scarcely seem to care a vetch 
 
 ^'hether their trade is wrong or right 
 If they arc gaining silver 1 /right. 
 
 Some lawyers seem to plead a cause — 
 If good or bad — without a pause ; 
 Though falsehoods or the truth is told, 
 There chief desire — to gain some gold. 
 
 The miser's chief desire is money, 
 Though cloudy be the sky or sunny— - 
 
 this he strives, for this he craves, 
 His wealth he treasures up and saves. 
 
 Th© drunkard's one desire, alas ! 
 '_^- - 1 ^quaffing liquor from the glass : 
 - -.^Ijiinking until he falls at length, 
 **!'. - Q'erthrown by its poor paltry strength. 
 
 Others again desire their name 
 Enrolled upon the scroll of fame ; 
 But human titles don't long last, 
 For time and tide are rushing past. 
 
 Others again a mighty host 
 Of Jesus' righteousness they boast ; 
 Walking in wisdom's pleasant way, 
 True pleasure have from da;; to day. 
 
 May each whate'er their rank or grade, 
 Every profession, every trade : 
 Their duties, numerous or few, 
 Still let all cheerfully pursue 
 
 The principal true wisdom find 
 
 ( )omfort and joy, and peace of mind ; 
 
 The chief desire, great end and aim, 
 
 The <*ne thing needful to attain. 
 
 65
 
 ALFRED HINE'R POEMS. 
 
 THE SHOEMAKER. 
 
 In country and in village, 
 
 In towns you often see 
 The cobbler in his workshop — 
 
 A useful man is he, 
 
 It adds much to your comfort 
 To have shoes to your feet, 
 
 Though feet were made before them, 
 Still good shoes are a treat. 
 
 Quite pleasantly he'll measure 
 
 You for a pair of boots ; 
 And we admit with pleasure 
 
 They much improve your looks. 
 
 He kens about the leather, 
 He cuts and hammers well ; 
 
 All seasons and all weather, 
 He'll make good boots or sell. 
 
 Right well he plies his wax-ends, 
 ^Yhen he has used his awl : 
 
 Oft you see him pull and bend, 
 When at his shop you call. 
 
 Then if your boots want soling, 
 Or if they want new heels : 
 
 The cobbler is condoling, 
 E'en to the tips and steels. 
 
 Three cheers for honest workmen, 
 Though working for the feet : 
 
 Still make good shoes for boys and'men 
 Turning them out quite neat. 
 
 Each maker and each wearer 
 
 Be wise and don't delav : 
 All choose the path of wisdom, 
 
 The happy Christian way. 
 
 66
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE SHOEMAKER- -Continued, 
 
 Shod with the preparation 
 Of gospel, peace and joy ; 
 
 Your talents and your leisure 
 In doing good employ, 
 
 
 MACCLESFIELD MARKET DAY. 
 
 Hail ! borough town of Macclesfield, 
 W, thee a hearty greeting yield ; 
 Still may prosperity and wealth 
 United be with rosy health. 
 
 '* ;Hdalthy in body, spirit, mind, 
 / ^ StiJLmay thy sons and daughters find 
 •-. „l'ure wisdom's bright and pleasant ways; 
 "^ "Cheerful and happy be their days. 
 
 Thy market day is still renowned, 
 The farmers come from miles around ; 
 Clough Forest, Wincle and Langley, 
 From Presbury and Alderley. 
 
 From many a hill and country side, 
 Some walk, and others swiftly ride ; 
 Their cheese and butter — eggs as well, 
 To Macclesfield they bring and sell. 
 
 The shops are decked in bright array, 
 Material, clothing — useful, gay, 
 The farmers from the hills and fiats 
 May here rig out with coats and hats. 
 
 For town and country ladies round 
 New garments also here abound, 
 Some medium, others chaste and m at, 
 Capes, bonnets, hats, shoes for the feet, 
 
 67
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 \i \CCLESFIELD MARKET DAY — continued. 
 
 Pure groceries, choice coffees, tea, 
 Good flavour and pure blends there be ; 
 Provisions sweet, substantial, pure, 
 Which should good customers secure. 
 
 Macclesfield papers read and see 
 News, information, there will be 
 Adieu, at present, Macclesfield, 
 Some further muse we hope to yield. 
 
 THE WAY TO SUCCESS. 
 
 Prom all that's wrong turn round about, 
 Right in the Scripture way set out ; 
 Whoe'er may tempt, turn not aside, 
 Abstain from evil, stem the tide. 
 
 To watch and pray at once begin, 
 And parley not with any sin ; 
 Accept the grace so freely given, 
 To help us on our way to heaven. 
 
 Of course we each must persevere 
 Through thick or thin, o'ercast or clear- 
 Waiting for neither chance or luck — 
 Press bravely on with zeal and pluck. 
 
 In literature would we succeed, 
 Each study persevere and read ; 
 However learned the scholar be, 
 He climbed aloft from A B C. 
 
 Would we succeed in science arts, 
 Though small and feeble be the start ; 
 Yet perseverance day by day 
 
 Begins at length to make headway. 
 
 68
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 the wav to SUCCESS — continued. 
 
 '' The florist — if he would succeed — 
 
 Must learn to sow, and plant, and weed ; 
 The husbandman garners his crop, 
 Ere yet the rip'n'd grain doth drop. 
 
 In business if we would succeed, 
 Details attend with steady speed ; 
 Our duty honestly pursue — 
 With numerous customers, or few. 
 
 The heights successful men have gained, 
 Were not by indolence attained : 
 
 ey laboured on from day to day, 
 And persevered in duty's way. 
 
 As Chi -tian workers to succeed, 
 '*_^» V\ r» must Christ's merits trust and plead : 
 
 J .^clothed in Jesu's righteousness, 
 '-'_- Pure, spotless, all sufficient dre--. 
 
 Our talents one, two, five or ten 
 Improve as faithful husbandmen : 
 The good seed scatter left and n\ 
 Till harvest ripens rich and bright. 
 
 To be successful — persevere, 
 Cheerful upon the right way steer, 
 Where duty calls each march along, 
 'Till victory crowns our triumph son 
 
 YOU SEE AND WE THINK. 
 
 The boy who his lessons will cabbage or shirk, 
 
 get others to do him his personal work, 
 Whatever his station or talents may be, 
 
 will not get high as a scholar you see ; 
 But if, while yet young, he honestly leai 
 And does not to shirking or trifling turn, 
 
 1 either attain or get near the brink 
 Of eminent scholarship — so we should think,
 
 ALFRED HINE's POKMs. 
 
 you see and we think — continued. 
 
 If a boy at his work lightly over it skip, 
 
 His time or his master's lets unimproved slip ; 
 
 Whatever his strength or his business may be, 
 
 He wont make a very good workman you see. 
 
 But when a boy buckles to work with a will, 
 
 And does his work neatly, and does it with skill, 
 
 If making a waggon or wielding a link 
 
 He'll make something out as a workman we think. 
 
 If puffing a pipe or perchance a cigar, 
 He enters the public and drinks at the bar, 
 Emerging outside loaded — crooked maybe, 
 He's on the down-grade rather fast don't you see. 
 But let him avoid and shun puffing a cloud, 
 And avoid bad companions, both noisy and loud ; 
 Go on the right pathway — abstain from the drink — 
 A promising youngster is he we should think. 
 
 The young man when wooing or courting a lass, 
 Just gains her affections then leaves her — alas ! 
 Without a good reason, whoe'er he may be, 
 Young maidens with wisdom will shun him you see. 
 The young man who considers things carefully o'er, 
 Who looks well — not flirting or leaping before ; 
 Other things being right, then please do not shrink, 
 He should make a loving, good husband we think. 
 
 When husbands and wives often grumble and fret, 
 
 And frown at each other or get in a pet ; 
 
 Though dwelling in cottage, or mansion may be, 
 
 They're lacking in love and comfort you see ; 
 
 But when they each bear and forbear too in love, 
 
 Both loving and serving one Master above, 
 
 And pulling together, in unity's link, 
 
 They have pleasure as husband and wife we should think* 
 
 The farmer or tradesman who makes short of weight, 
 Not doing to others the thing that is right ; 
 However attentive to business he be, 
 He isn't as good as he should be you see. 
 
 70
 
 ALFRED MINE'S POEMS. 
 
 you see and we think — continued. 
 
 But those who give fair, honest measure and weight, 
 Can manage to look in your face pretty straight ; 
 At dealings unfair these men do not wink — 
 Square, upright and honest in business we think. 
 
 People sitting bolt upright in pew or in chair, 
 And listlessly gazing about during prayer ; 
 Though learned or illiterate these people may be, 
 Tfrfey seem sadly wanting in reverence you see. 
 Let each bow in reverence, and each take a part 
 And render to Jesus true homage of heart ; 
 Then turn not aside should evil allure — 
 Press onward and Christward, and upward be sure. 
 
 ... 
 
 
 KIND WORDS AND LOOKS. 
 
 The kind words, all speak them, repeat them oft o'er 
 In every land, nation, climate and shore ; 
 Never needlessly tread upon people's corns — 
 Pass by, or skip over the pricks and the thorns. 
 
 Avoid all the gruff words — unkind or unfair — 
 All shirk them and leave them, don't let them ensnare ; 
 Just give them no quarter, but leave them unsaid, 
 Speak gently and lovingly, kindly, instead. 
 
 The kind words don't rankle, they blister no tongues, 
 Then speak them and read them, in prose and in song. 
 They help to encourage and cheer people on, 
 So bid all unchristian, unkind words begone. 
 
 Kind looks, how they cheer us and help us along, 
 In country, in village, or 'midst city's thronj 
 Then give all the gladness and sunshine you can, 
 To boys or to girls, to women or men.
 
 ALFRED MINE'S POEMS. 
 
 kind words and looks — continued. 
 
 Avoid all the harsh looks, forsake all the frowns, 
 In every homestead, in country or towns ; 
 Don't give them or look them, but bid them begone, 
 The kind looks and smiles are better. Well done ! 
 
 Kind actions, the fruits of kind words and bright looks, 
 Don't shirk or neglect, or discard from your books ; 
 Each do unto others as you'd be done by, 
 Thus easing their burden, their griefs, or their sigh. 
 
 Abstain from all acts which cause sorrow or pain, 
 Pursue the right pathway, through loss or through gain ; 
 Seek peace, love and concord wherever you be, 
 At home or abroad, on land or the sea. 
 
 Kind words, looks and actions, let all patronise, 
 The high and the lowly, the simple and wise ; 
 Please kindly don't tread, or stamp on our corns, 
 Pass by, and skip over all pricks and all thorns. 
 
 LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 
 
 " A new Commandment I give unto you : 
 that ye love one another." 
 
 Let all obey Jesu's command- 
 Saints of all sects— of every land— 
 Who prostrate at his footstool fall 
 Trusting in Christ their all in all. 
 
 Who take the scriptures for their guide, 
 And chart through life, whatever betide! 
 Let all Christ's armies march along 
 United rout all sin and wrong. 
 
 Like Bishop Ryle and Garrat make 
 Some sacrifice for Jesu's sake; 
 Encouraging each other on 
 Let bigotry now all begone- 
 
 72
 
 ALFRED II INK'S POEMS. 
 
 <*-• _ 
 
 LOYE ONE ANOTHER — continued. 
 
 Let Wesleyan president now take 
 Archbishop's hand in loving shake ; 
 Each true and loyal ever stand, 
 Obeying still this new command. 
 
 While Presbyterians firm or free 
 Should cordially as one agree ; 
 •Accounting minor things as dross, 
 Each pointing sinners to the cross. 
 
 Now let the Christians called " Baptists " 
 I hite with Congregationalists ; 
 Let dipped and sprinkled trust in Him 
 Whose blood alone can cleanse from sin. 
 
 ' Pfimitives and New Connexionists, 
 E«eh be enrolled amongst the list 
 Of those of every tribe and land, 
 Owning and loving Christ's command. 
 
 The friends in grey and broad-brimmed hat 
 -Meet Christian army on this flat, 
 Work for one captain — nobly stand, 
 Obeying Jesu's great command. 
 
 Lay preachers, scripture readers, meet 
 Before one common mercy seat ; 
 Clergy and Christian people find 
 In Christ pure joy and peace of mind. 
 
 Christians of every land and clime, 
 Christ's faithful followers, all combine 
 Shoulder to shoulder march along 
 Against the hosts of sin and wrong. 
 
 Who trust in Jesus — Christ our Lord, 
 And for their guide take His own word. 
 Act each to each as friend and brother, 
 Obey Christ's word " Love one another.'* 
 
 73
 
 Alfred hine's poems. 
 
 HEAVEN. 
 
 " Who are these, and whence came they ? " 
 
 Musing of Heaven bright and fair, 
 And of the Saints safe landed there ; 
 Through Christ alone the only way, 
 They reached the home of perfect day. 
 
 Peter and James and John are there, 
 Andrew with Luke and Matthew share 
 Mansions of rest before the throne, 
 Through Christ who did for sin atone. 
 
 Barnabas and Paul contend no more 
 On that serene and peaceful shore ; 
 Vibrates up there no jarring string, 
 In sweetest harmony they sing. 
 
 The Christian Fathers toils are o'er, 
 They hunger now and thirst no more : 
 There persecutions never come 
 To New Jerusalem — dear home. 
 
 Confessors, Martyrs — noble host 
 
 Of Jesus only still they boast ; 
 
 On earth they bore His cross and shame, 
 
 Rejoicing in their Saviour's name. 
 
 But now their warfare all is past, 
 The joys of Heaven always last : 
 Waiving their palms before the throne, 
 Victory ascribe to Christ alone. 
 
 Great Preachers of the Gospel word, 
 Who loved and served one common Lord : 
 Some loved the Church, and some dissent, 
 Their talents for their Saviour spent. 
 
 On minor points they differed here, 
 But there these small points disappear ; 
 Which Christian sect they helped along, 
 Is not their theme, is not their song. 
 
 74
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 * 
 
 
 heaven — continued. 
 
 United now before the throne, 
 Their theme is Christ and Him alone ; 
 The Authors of our Sacred Songs 
 To various Christian sects belonged. 
 
 Methinks in Heaven they now agree, 
 Together praise the Lamb with glee — 
 .Bernard, with Watts and Toplady, 
 Zinzendorf, Wesleys, and Brady. 
 
 Peronet, Olivers, and Heber, 
 In the Lamb's bright hall with Boner- 
 Let them join with hosts of others 
 Of Christ's true friends and followers. 
 
 -« 
 
 Tf*clothed in Jesu's righteousness, 
 
 -~ rO«rearth Christ's faithful witnesses ; 
 
 *^'. -. Whate'er their sect, or name or tongue, 
 
 Join in the new triumphant song. 
 
 If thus in Heaven the Saints agree 
 Where all is radiant, fair and free ; 
 Whilst musing thus it seems quite clear, 
 Christians should love each other here. 
 
 
 HYMN. 
 Tune — City of the Jasper Watts. 
 
 O Heaven above, where all is light 
 
 No darkness ever comes ; 
 Where ne'er appears no shades of night 
 
 In that eternal home. 
 No need of sun, or moon, or stars, 
 
 For Jesus is its light ; 
 No need of earthly garments there. 
 
 For all are robed hi white. 
 
 75
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 h v mn— continued. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 home above, O home so bright, 
 No need of sun, or moon, or stars, 
 home for ever bright. 
 
 Heaven, so fair, where all is pure, 
 
 Where comes no taint of sin ; 
 But sinners washed in Jesu's blood 
 
 Shall freely enter in, 
 For Jesus came down from above 
 
 To make an end of sin, 
 And died on Calvary's Cross for us 
 
 Eternal life to win. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 home, so fair ; O home, so pure, 
 Where sinners washed in Jesu's blood, 
 May freely enter in. 
 
 heaven, so calm, where all is peace, 
 
 No strife or din of war ; 
 No pen can paint these bowers of ease, 
 
 So grand its mansions are ; 
 may we run the Christian race, 
 
 " Tis better on before " ; 
 And through rich, free, unbounded grace, 
 
 Enter through Heaven's door. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 O home, so calm ; home of peace, 
 O may we gain those bowers of ease — 
 Through Christ alone, the door. 
 
 Heaven of joy, of peace, of love. 
 
 Which Jesus died to win ; 
 Our highest notes, in Heaven above, 
 
 We'll gladly raise to Hirri ; 
 
 7<3
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 ,-* hymn — continued. 
 
 •And when life's pilgrimage is past, 
 
 And Jordan rolls before, 
 May we through Jesu's merits gain 
 Fair Canaan's peaceful shore. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 O home of joy, home of love, 
 Half of thy glory ne'er was told- 
 Jerusalem above. 
 
 THE WAY TO HEAVEN. 
 Tune — The Better Land. 
 
 '—Kind teacher, tell me how to find 
 ''Trre-tfay to the land of the undefiled : 
 
 - Lperceive by reading the Scripture lore, 
 No sin is found on the heavenly shore, 
 And all sorrow is banished for evermore. 
 They need not the light of the sun by day, 
 The Lamb, the Lamb, the Lamb's its light. 
 
 If I climb morality's top most height, 
 And form my conduct by the law most straight, 
 And do unto others the thing that is right, 
 In word, in thought, and in deed upright, 
 Ever keeping my character pure and bright, 
 [s this the way to that Heaven of light? 
 Still short, still short, still short, my boy ! 
 
 Or through the Saints, who in olden days 
 
 Acknowledged Jehovah in all their ways : 
 
 And from Him derived strength and grace to stand 
 
 The fiery trials from the enemies hand. 
 
 May I come through those who the Martyr's fate 
 
 Most firmly suffered for the Saviour's sake? 
 
 Not so, not so, not so, my boy. 
 
 77
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 the way to heaven — confirmed. 
 
 The way is plain in the sacred book. 
 Simply turn and repent, believe, and look 
 On Jesus, who suffered on Calvary's Cross 
 To bless and to save the world that was lost. 
 Through trusting alone in the Saviour you'll find 
 The way to the home of the undefiled— 
 Through Christ, through Christ, through Christ, 
 alone. 
 
 HYMN OF PRAISE. 
 Tune — -Mile's Lane. 
 
 Hail ! Father, God, Thy name we praise. 
 
 We laud and bless our King ; 
 Who to Thy flock in time of need. 
 
 Dost ever succour bring. 
 
 When we were wandering far from Thee, 
 
 In barren paths of sin ; 
 Thou did'st devise a way whereby 
 
 Our precious souls to win. 
 
 Thy love to us was rich and free, 
 
 Unmeasured, unconfined ; 
 Thou gav'st Thy well beloved Son, 
 
 A ransom for mankind. 
 
 Hail ! Jesus, Saviour, of our race, 
 Who came from Heaven above : 
 
 The shining ranks of Angels left 
 So vast, so free, Thy love. 
 
 Thou didst a full atonement make 
 
 On Calvary's rugged tree ; 
 Our sins and guilt did'st bear and take, 
 
 To set the sinner free. 
 
 7S
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 hymn of praise — continued. 
 
 Blest Holy Spirit, each convince, 
 • y Give us to feel our need ; 
 
 And guide the wanderer to the fold 
 Where Christ His flock doth feed. 
 
 Hail I Triune Deity adored, 
 
 We magnify Thy name ; 
 And hope to cast our crowns before 
 
 .The throne that will not wane. 
 
 " Conn- unto Me all ye that labour, and are 
 heavy laden, a fid I will give you rest." — Matt., 
 c. 1 1, v. 28. 
 
 ^ 4 Post tiiou feel thy sins a burden, 
 Heavy upon thee ? 
 
 # Qaesi thy burden," saith the Saviour, 
 *:'.-. "Upon Me." 
 
 I, who have so long been captive 
 
 In the chains of sin, 
 Can I yet to peace and freedom 
 
 Enter in ? 
 
 Can I come so sinful, guilty, 
 To be cleansed from sin ? 
 
 Will the precious blood of Jesus 
 Pardon win ? 
 
 He has opened wide a fountain, 
 
 May I lave therein ? 
 Will it make me — vile and sinful — 
 
 Pure within ? 
 
 If I come through Jesus only — 
 
 Simply trust in him, 
 He will welcome, pardon, cleanse me 
 
 From my sin. 
 
 79
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 HYMN — continued. 
 
 God so loved a world of sinners 
 
 That His son He gave, 
 And whoever trusteth in Him 
 
 Life shall have. 
 
 And if faithful through life's journey, 
 Pressing towards the mark, 
 
 He will not forsake or leave thee 
 In the dark. 
 
 Singing on the brink of Jordan, 
 
 Clinging unto Him, 
 Through the precious blood of Jesus 
 
 Victory win. 
 
 And when passing through the river, 
 
 Thou need'st fear no ill, 
 For the waters shall be shallow, 
 
 At His Will. 
 
 Then when landed safely over 
 
 On fair Canaan's shore, 
 Sing the song of Him who loved thee 
 
 Evermore. 
 
 CHARITY. 
 
 We ask not which denomination 
 Of the Christian Church you own ; 
 Do we build on one foundation, 
 Christ, the Living Corner Stone. 
 
 Jesu's righteousness and merit, 
 Our one all sufficient plea ; 
 For us each He made atonement. 
 When He died on Calvary. 
 
 80
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 «*»• _ 
 
 >» charity — continued. 
 
 And we take the sacred Scriptures, 
 As our guide-chart of the way ; 
 Through our pilgrimage and journey, 
 To the home of brighter day. 
 
 On this wide, broad Christian basis, 
 We can each as brethren meet, 
 Lay our small and minor difference. 
 At our loving Saviour's feet. 
 
 Let- us not waste ammunition, 
 On our friends along the line ; 
 There are hosts of sin to conquer, 
 "Which should occupy our time. 
 
 \ ! ,et us march a mighty army, 
 
 . Still of various ranks along, 
 Owning Christ our one great captain, 
 Till we shout the vietor's song. 
 
 So may each Denomination 
 
 Build on Jesus Christ alone ; 
 
 Rest on Him, sure, true foundation — 
 
 Rock of Ages — Comer Stone. 
 
 THE MINISTER'S LONG COURTSHIP. 
 
 In the days of slow stage coaches, 
 The good old times long past 
 
 Before railways or motor cars, 
 Things did not speed so fast. 
 
 A minister, whose name was John, 
 
 ( rood quiet man was he : 
 He saw and loved a maiden fair, 
 
 A modest girl was she. 
 
 81
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 iik minister's long courtship — continued. 
 
 Their love was calm and patient, 
 
 Not rushing like the wind ; 
 .And yet it was not transient, 
 
 It was a lasting kind. 
 
 True love grew into courtship, 
 As fruit from blossoms grow; 
 
 Yet patiently they waited 
 Like husbandmen who sow. 
 
 His Reverence somewhat bashful, 
 
 The courtship was not fast ; 
 They'd made but little progress 
 
 For six-and-a-half years past. 
 
 Progress, however, must be made, 
 
 One day as oft before, 
 In solemn silence they had sat 
 
 Awhile, but it past o'er. 
 
 He mustered courage to enquire 
 
 If he might take a kiss ? 
 He'd waited r ull six years or more, 
 
 One would not be amiss. 
 
 "Just as you like," the maiden said, 
 
 " Only be becoming " ; 
 So when they duly were prepared, 
 
 The sweet one was forthcoming. 
 
 So after this a short six months 
 
 Did quickly pass away ; 
 Affection was not fickle, to 
 
 Seven years in courtship stay. 
 
 Anon, they mustered courage due 
 
 To travel both one way ; 
 The minister and maiden fair, 
 
 They had their wedding day. 
 
 82
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 th* minister's long courtship— continued. 
 
 For long they lived together 
 
 A happy, married life, 
 His Reverence and his Lady, 
 
 A model man and wife. 
 
 
 t;dve, courtship and marriage. 
 
 :e on a time a farmer 
 
 When tired of single life, 
 Began in sober earnest 
 
 To look out for a wife. 
 
 "J* + Anon, he saw a maiden 
 
 ***" So fair, with sweet brown eyes ; 
 
 a.?**' "~>o charming and so graceful, 
 
 And yet so meek and wise. t 
 
 His thoughts would on her linger, 
 
 And love began to spring ; 
 The gentle chords did vibrate 
 
 Like music's choicest string. 
 
 He might be a foot taller, 
 But that no barrier proved ; 
 
 His heart moved towards the maiden, 
 And her's was not unmoved. 
 
 True love grew into courtship, 
 They looked before they leaped ; 
 
 If others had done likewise, 
 They had less sorrow reaped. 
 
 This pair of rural coulters, 
 
 The tanner and his love, 
 Not only loved each other, 
 
 They loved a friend above. 
 
 83 •
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 LOVE, COURTSHIP, AND MARRIAGE — continued. 
 
 Each heeded Scripture teaching, 
 
 Chose no unequal yoke ; 
 With them true love and courtship 
 
 Was real, not a joke. 
 
 They both were firm abstainers 
 
 From beer, liquor, or wine, 
 Knowing the wise old proverb — 
 
 " A stitch in time saves nine." 
 
 Convinced the goal of drunkards 
 
 Begins with little sups, 
 They each avoided liquor's 
 
 Intoxicating cups. 
 
 In course of time their courtship 
 
 Must rapidly move on ; 
 Forward they looked with pleasure, 
 
 To being joined in one. 
 
 The farmer popped the question, 
 
 She did not say him nay, 
 For when they were together, 
 
 Time glided sweet away. 
 
 A short time after Christmas, 
 
 A many years gone by, 
 The farmer and his sweetheart 
 
 The marriage knot did tie. 
 
 They still glide on together, 
 
 Through good report or ill, 
 And old-time marriage pledges, 
 
 Yet lovingly fulfil. 
 
 Madame attends the dairy, 
 
 Whilst he looks after stock ; 
 Sometimes they make long hours, 
 
 Scarce watching time or clock. 
 
 84
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 LOVE. COURTSHIP, AND MARRIAGE — Continued. 
 
 Anon discoursing music, 
 Or singing sweet refrain ; 
 
 Hymning Jehovah's praises, 
 Their voices tune again. 
 
 "&' 
 
 Still pressing onward, upward, 
 Life's journey, hand in hand ; 
 
 Hoping through Jesu's merits, 
 To gain fair Canaan's land. 
 
 SOWING AND REAPING. 
 
 Gear up your teams, husbandmen, now — 
 Horses instruct, both when and ho 
 And ^vhere to till the land and plough. 
 
 Geer ho ! drive on, when all is ready 
 *.<" Set plough the proper depth, and steady 
 * '-Abreast, now pull, " Captain " and " Neddy." 
 
 Hold not your reinings over tight, 
 Nor with harsh words abuse or fright. 
 Then turn the furrows left and right. 
 
 r 1 
 
 Scatter the seed at proper time, 
 Good, well adapted for your clime, 
 With hands or drill, sow well in line. 
 
 The farmer, who good seed doth sow 
 To fructify and fruitful grow, 
 Expects same kind to reap, we know. 
 
 Oats don't produce barley or wheat, 
 
 Or wheat the oats, however n< 
 
 But each its own kind, pure and sw< 
 
 In morals, as we sow we reap ; 
 In social life this good doth ki 
 Reaping oft as we act and speak, 
 
 85
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 SOWING AND REAPING Continued. 
 
 If spiritual things we view, 
 
 The Scripture words, holy and true, 
 
 Apply to all — both me and you. 
 
 Be not deceived, but ponder, know- 
 Seed good or bad, which here we sow 
 For future reaping time will grow. 
 
 Good seed, all scatter left and right, 
 At evening, morning, noon-day light, 
 Till harvest ripens rich and bright. 
 
 THE ROACHES & NEIGHBOURHOOD. 
 
 The Roaches, with its rocky height, 
 Some sloping others bold and straight, 
 Year in and out stands there all right. 
 
 Bright summer's sun, cold winter's snow 
 Can't make the Roaches melt, or go — 
 Unmoved it stands for friend or foe. 
 
 Long years ago, the old Rock Hall — 
 Betty and David home did call— 
 Their worldly treasures were but small. 
 
 Betty, round with her meal bag went, 
 Perchance her grandson David lent 
 Some help — or gathering bilberrys went 
 
 The children oft have played about 
 With laughter, or with merry shout 
 Yet this in no way puts it out. 
 
 Though numbers come to view it o'er, 
 It takes it calmly as before — 
 If learned or simple, rich or poor, 
 
 86
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE ROACHES AND NEIGH i -C07ltill\ 
 
 ■ y 
 
 When Prince and Princess Teck once came, 
 Its modesty was still the same, 
 Though visited by wealth and fame. 
 
 If we would neighbouring history trace, 
 The changes which have taken place 
 Might occupy much time and space. 
 
 - 'Neath Roaches base, end, side, or back, 
 Historians easily might track 
 
 needing not interest to lack. 
 
 Yon i and maidens 
 
 ^« Did not each other quite forget — 
 "-''But on each other love did set. 
 
 "In time they each agreed to wed, 
 The words "I will" were gladly said — 
 Anon a curtain lecture read. 
 
 But oft the parties of one mind 
 
 Have proved, we hope, both true and kind, 
 
 And wisdoms' pleasant path did find. 
 
 Hen Cloud and Roaches still command 
 A i 'harming view on either hand 
 Of hill and dale and meadow land. 
 
 v still appear secureand fas:. 
 many years may stand and last) 
 I ill tin ■ has hurried pa ;i 
 
 87
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE POTTERIES. 
 
 Staffordshire Potteries is now 
 
 A useful, busy place ; 
 Its crockery, we're glad to know, 
 
 Doth English tables grace. 
 
 Your dinner services and jugs, 
 
 Choice, ornamented well ; 
 Variety of pans and mugs — 
 
 Useful, we're pleased to tell. 
 
 Good coffee cups and cups for tea, 
 Grand patterns and right size, 
 
 From which we oft partake with glee 
 A beverage we prize. 
 
 What progress, truly, has been made 
 Since honoured Wedgwood's days ; 
 
 Still press along the upward grade 
 Of peaceful, prosperous ways. 
 
 Let Burslem, Hanley, Fenton, Stoke, 
 
 Environs join as well 
 In each one's progress be a spoke 
 
 Prosperity to swell. 
 
 United, show a firm, bold front 
 'Gainst all that's base or wrong ; 
 
 To guard, let ever be your wont 
 Thoughts, actions, and the tongue. 
 
 Each other try to comfort — cheer 
 
 Along the path of right ; 
 E'er onwards, upwards, march and steer 
 
 To all that's pure and bright. 
 
 Staffordshire Potteries we hope 
 And wish you good success ; 
 
 Still with the times your crockery cope, 
 Tables adorn and dress. 
 
 88
 
 ALFRED HIKE'S POEMS. 
 
 
 ^ KNAVE ALCOHOL. 
 
 .•(Composed for and sung at a Temperance 
 Meeting in 1895.) 
 
 Tune — Aula 1 Lang Syne. 
 
 Young men and maidens list to me, 
 
 "While you a song I sing, 
 And bid you each and all beware 
 
 Of " Alcohol," the King. 
 
 " His reign extends from age to age, 
 O'er realms of bond and free : 
 And still his votaries he bends 
 To direst slavery. 
 
 ^. lie cafes not for the widow's tears, 
 "-^"'Or orphan's bitterest cry ; 
 
 ;ttG -tffose who serve the big old Knave, 
 -'-J'-Reap sorrow by and bye. 
 
 Some seem to think they could not get 
 
 Their crops without the beer ; 
 But let them have the will and then 
 
 The way will be quite clear. 
 
 Some boast about the strength they gain 
 
 By drinking beer and gin ; 
 But I have seen them when, I'm sure, 
 
 It had not strengthened them. 
 
 I've seen them when they scarce could stand, 
 
 Or walk along the road ; 
 Or if they did they reeled about, 
 
 They had too big a load. 
 
 I've even seen them try their length 
 Upon the wet, cold floor ; 
 
 And if they had to move a bit, 
 They had to use all four. 
 
 89
 
 ALFRED HINE'b POEMS. 
 
 knave alcohol— continued. 
 
 His subjects thus he overthrows 
 
 And rules them on the floor, 
 Yet after all their heavy blows, 
 
 They're loyal as before. 
 
 (Chorus or Refrain after last verse) : — 
 
 So lads and lasses let's be wise, 
 
 And each decide to-night 
 To sign the temperance pledge, and shun 
 
 Old "Alcohol" outright. 
 
 THANKSGIVING ROW A i. 
 
 Don't travel grumbling side walk, 
 Dwell in Thanksgiving Row ; 
 
 Ne'er give or take offence in talk, 
 To anger — all be slow. 
 
 Kind words each always favour, 
 Actions be pure and bright ; 
 
 Right good thoughts ever honour, 
 Be thankful day and night. 
 
 Husbandmen, do not grumble 
 
 At seasons wet or dry ; 
 Be thankful, peaceful, humble, 
 
 To alter them don't try. 
 
 If wet, it suits the hill sides, 
 
 Stony, i T sandv soil ; 
 If dry. the valley fresh abides 
 
 And l]i mrishing mranw 1 1 i K ■ . 
 
 We view from various standpoints 
 Weather, stock, produce, fields : 
 
 Whilst one desires good, fat joints. 
 Another pure milk yields. 
 
 90
 
 ALFRED HIXE's POEMS. 
 
 thanksgiving row a i — continued. 
 
 A third has fields in tillage, 
 
 And ploughs and sows the land : 
 
 The fourth requires grass herbage, 
 Stirks gazing on each hand. 
 
 Merchants, who deal with farmers, 
 
 Variety require ; 
 Some, prime, fat cheese or butter, 
 
 Others good beef desire. 
 
 Let tradesmen and consumers 
 
 En towns or village, join 
 With those who are producers, 
 
 In thankfulness sublime. 
 
 *■- _ 
 
 
 THE FARMER'S CALENDAR. 
 
 The Farmer and his better-half — 
 
 And family as well, 
 With farm work, dairy cows and calves, 
 
 Of busy hours can tell. 
 
 In January snow and frost 
 
 May more or less abound, 
 Still, never count the time as lost 
 
 Which lightens well the ground. 
 
 Manure cart out in February. 
 And plough th< corn land o'er ; 
 
 cattli keep well-w arm and drj . 
 ! >aii j feedi rs and sti >n . 
 
 As March progresses sow your seed, 
 And harrow well the ground : 
 
 Then roll it if it stands in need, 
 And work the fallow ground,
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 the farmer's calendar — continued. 
 
 In April drop potato sets 
 
 And sow the turnip seed, 
 Plant cabbage when the weather's wet 
 
 And don't forget the weed. 
 
 In May now loose the cattle out 
 
 To grass and herbage sweet, 
 To pasture and to roam about 
 
 In May they'll find a treat. 
 
 In June and every month and day, 
 
 The cattle milk well, please ; 
 The Dairy, also make it pay, 
 
 Make prime, fat, mellow cheese. 
 
 Or otherwise good butter make, 
 
 Or if new milk you sell, 
 Much care the farmers have to take, 
 
 To do both right and well. 
 
 July, gee woa ! horses, machines 
 Drive on, the grass cut down ; 
 
 Make hay while yet the sun doth shine, 
 Before it gets too brown. 
 
 From early morn till late at night, 
 
 Is harvest working day ; 
 Yet this we farmers count all right 
 
 If we secure good hay. 
 
 August, the corn commence to reap, 
 
 Or badge or mow it down ; 
 The sheaves upend, in kivers heap, 
 
 Then with two hudders crown. 
 
 September, cart to stacks or barn 
 
 If drying sunshine come, 
 And thatch the stack, preserve from harm, 
 
 Then sing glad harvest home. 
 
 92
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 the farmer's calendar — continued, 
 
 October, raise potato crops, 
 
 Sort well and put them by : 
 The turnips now begin to top, 
 
 And store them nice and dry, 
 
 November, fogs now come apace, 
 Long evenings — damp or cold ; 
 
 Inside for cattle make some space, 
 In shed or cowhouse fold. 
 
 December, last month of the year, 
 
 Days are not over long, 
 On towards the end bright Christmas cheer 
 
 With pleasant Christian song. 
 
 ADVICE GRATIS. 
 
 " Be ye not unequally yoked" 
 
 Young men and maids permit me now, 
 
 You heartily to greet 
 A subject you may have in view, 
 
 On which we now will treat. 
 
 Without a fee of six-and-eight, 
 
 Or even three-and-four ; 
 Accept advice which may prove good, 
 
 As if you paid a score. 
 
 Young men who farm and till the land, 
 
 If you require a wife ; 
 Select a farmer's daughter, as 
 
 Your helpmate true for life. 
 
 Young lady drapers, grocers too, 
 If you should need a husband, 
 
 Choose one who weighs and measures well, 
 Then give to him your hand. 
 
 93
 
 ALFRED H INK'S POEMS. 
 
 ADVICE I i K ATI S — continued. 
 
 Young men who make gent.'s coats and vests, 
 
 Needing a change in life, 
 No doubt a dressmaker by trade, 
 
 Should make a sewing wife. 
 
 Young temperance ladies, each be wise, 
 
 A sober husband take ; 
 A toper should not have the prize— 
 
 Don't him your husband make. 
 
 Young men who will not steady be, 
 Who will not shun the glass, 
 
 Don't drag a temperance maiden down- 
 Select a tippling lass. 
 
 Suffer advice— turn to the right, 
 
 If you would comfort gain : 
 Each make a firm resolve at once, 
 
 From tippling to abstain. 
 
 Christian young men and maidens fair, 
 
 Choose each a Christian mate : 
 Have no unequal yoke to bear 
 
 In wedlock's holy state. 
 
 Each kindly help each other on 
 
 In wisdom's pleasant ways ; 
 Keep step along the happy road, 
 
 Leading to realms of day. 
 
 Young men and maidens 'ere we part, 
 
 Or as we say, adieu ! 
 Take our advice, make a wise choice, 
 
 Each keep the end in view. 
 
 94
 
 ALFRED MINE'S POEMS, 
 
 ^ SURPASSING LOVE. 
 
 . y '-For God so loved the world that He gave His 
 only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, 
 should not perish, hut have everlasting life." — John, 
 c. iii., v. 6. 
 
 How rich, full, and fragrant the love here portrayed 
 Towards a lost race of sinners displayed : 
 Our kind, loving Father, in Heaven above, 
 Here 'sweetly unfolds the depths of His love. 
 
 To ran- -to rescue, redeem, and to save 
 
 Mankind the world over, how freely He gave 
 His only begotten loved Son, to atone 
 for sinners, to save through His merits alone. 
 
 , ■ wor9 "whosoever" includes each and all, 
 Wrfd'hear and accept His free, loving call ; 
 Po'T'te^'Snd for Gentile His love did devise, 
 Frej:-Gospel salvation, for simple and wise. 
 
 Repent and believe on Jesus alone, 
 Who died on the cross, for sin to atone ; 
 Thus pardon and peace, and freedom accept — 
 Continue in love — faith ever be kept, 
 
 Hope r blooming and full, hold fast and retain. 
 Safe anchored on Christ, for ever remain : 
 The Christian believer has happiness here — ■ 
 The rich promised grace to comfort and cheer. 
 
 True Friend, to direct, to counsel and guide 
 His people who trust Him, and in Him abide ; 
 Si loving, so kind, so tender and true, 
 Safe shelter and harbour for me and for you. 
 
 Then life everlasting — rich pleasures that last 
 When summers are ended, and seasons are past ; 
 A home with the ransomed— the radiant throng 
 To sing in sweet harmony Zion's new song. 
 
 95
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS, 
 
 UNITY. 
 
 "Behold, how good and how pleasant a thing 
 it is for brethren to dwell together in unity P 
 
 Ps. 132, I, 
 
 The kind words each one speak them, 
 
 The cheerful smiles all give ; 
 In peace and loving kindness 
 
 Let families all live. 
 In gentle, loving union, 
 
 Husband and wife combine, 
 As time glides smoothly onward, 
 
 May love the brighter shine, 
 
 O let no mischief maker 
 
 E'er part whom God hath joined ; 
 Let harsh words never sever 
 
 Those one in heart and mind ; 
 Let smiles and sunshine ever 
 
 Dwell in our dear sweet homes ; 
 May hate and envy never 
 
 To England's homesteads come, 
 
 Parents and children ever 
 
 Be loving, true and kind ; 
 In Scripture's sacred teaching, 
 
 The perfect model find. 
 Parents provoke not children, 
 
 But train them day by day 
 To trust and serve our Saviour, 
 
 The Truth, the Life, the Way. 
 
 Children, obey your parents, 
 
 Cheerful your duties do, 
 Unto them give due honour, 
 
 Be loyal, gentle, true ; 
 As they advance in years, 
 
 And hoary grows the head ; 
 Love, joy, and peace and gladness, 
 
 Around their pathway spread, 
 
 96
 
 ALFRED HIKES POEMS. 
 
 -^ UNITY- — continued. 
 
 Brothers and sisters ever, 
 
 And friends let all agree ; 
 No jarring string let sever 
 
 Sweet kindred harmony. 
 Let each love one another, 
 
 All cast on Him your care ; 
 Whose love surpasses brothers 1 
 
 His love and friendship share. 
 
 •• 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 Ltfndon — of note — of fame — renown 
 Tip-top of every English town, 
 We often think, hear, read of thee : 
 
 , Lnfl&rtant city, great and free. 
 ^V^, - -• 
 
 Thgfle, Parliament doth often meet, 
 Tones and Whigs each other greet ; 
 *"VT)f course they don't quite think alike, 
 But let each do their duty right. 
 
 At times the members sent up there 
 S< arce keep their promises quite fair : 
 Tust promise on election lines 
 What you will keep in future times. 
 
 The Mayors have there a wondrous show, 
 In pomp and splendour, off they go: 
 Perchance it would be better spent 
 If to the poor some bread were sent. 
 
 The people flock from distant towns 
 The gents in coats, ladies in gowns: 
 And country people round about, 
 To London city oft set out. 
 
 To view the city's wondrous scenes. 
 Where British Kings and British Queens 
 Were crowned to reign o'er Britishers, 
 
 South, east and west, m\i\ northerners. 
 
 97
 
 ALFRED MINE'S POEMS. 
 
 London — continued. 
 
 Far, far across, o'er land and seas 
 Vast numbers Britain's Queen obey ; 
 Long may she reign o'er loyal hosts — 
 Three cheers for her, a hearty toast. 
 
 The London Tower must be viewed o'er, 
 Old relics of the days of yore 
 And the crown jewels may be seen, 
 Which quite a period there have been. 
 
 The Britishers Museum too 
 
 Should be examined, well look'd through : 
 
 For interesting it must be, 
 
 Such vast variety to see. 
 
 Madame Tussaud's wax photos see, 
 Let past and present linked now be ; 
 Great men, who in the days of yore 
 Walked London streets, walk there no more. 
 
 Preachers and authors, poets, sage, 
 Of London town from age to age 
 Come crowding fast into our thoughts, 
 Great lights, who useful knowledge taught. 
 
 Famed churches, chapels, where they preached 
 Glad gospel tidings free for each ; 
 Some in the open air did sow 
 Seeds of the kingdom there to grow. 
 
 You sowers also still at work, 
 Your honest duties never shirk ; 
 Scatter good seed where'er you go, 
 Kind words and actions let them grow. 
 
 &* 
 
 Hail ! London capital renowned, 
 
 Where England's sovereigns have been crowned ; 
 
 Prosperity we wish to thee, 
 
 Important city, great and free. 
 
 98
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 FLIRTS. 
 
 The boys who at birds stones wantonly whirl, 
 Remind us of youths who flirt with the girls ; 
 To either young rascals suppose we'd the chance, 
 We'd scarcely a medal for kindness advance. 
 
 We consider the treadmill is nearer the mark 
 Of what they deserve, who just for a lark 
 A maiden's affections would wantonly gain : 
 ..Then leave in the lurch, causing sorrow or pain. 
 
 Young men, who in flirting try pleasure to find, 
 Permit us to tell you a bit of our mind :_ 
 It's unkind, uncalled for, unmanly, unfair, 
 
 A credit to no one — a mask thus to wear. 
 
 * 
 
 GeflSid ?S it calmly what would be your views. 
 ifiywiiwir a maiden, and stood in her shoes, 
 iKhat you would like others to do unto you, 
 Endeavour at all times by all means to do. 
 
 Take leisure and think you'll find a wise plan. 
 Each know your own mind if you possibly can : 
 Don't leap at a venture, or leap in the dark, 
 But sail in pure waters affections sweet barque. 
 
 Young ladies, don't jilt, keep clean your own skirt-. 
 Then teach them good manners, all frown on the flirts : 
 Prow to them their weakness, you be a strong miss. 
 Until they've reformed, allow them no kiss. 
 
 Perchance this might teach these vain young mankind 
 To he more staid and better more thoughtful of mind ; 
 Don't needlessly wound or pain any 'm-art : 
 Love wisely and well, and from flirting depart. 
 
 Rci r then boys, at birds do not throw : 
 
 Young men and young maidens, he kind when you woo .- 
 In love and in i ourtship. and marriage, each try 
 To d iers, as you'd be done by. 
 
 99
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 BOOKS AND PAPERS. 
 
 1 tear me ! what books and papers 
 
 In modern days are sold : 
 We ought to be some wiser 
 
 Than in the days of old. 
 We've still the grand old bible, 
 
 Oh ! let its sacred page 
 Be diligently studied, 
 
 Obeyed by youth and age. 
 
 Of other books and papers, 
 
 The basis let it be ; 
 May they expound its precepts 
 
 In language, simple, free. 
 Exclude from all your pages, 
 
 A tendency to wrong ; 
 Let only right be published, 
 
 Prose, poetry, and song. 
 
 The lives of useful good men. 
 
 Each ponder and read o'er. 
 And emulate their labours, 
 
 Add to their number more. 
 History, and voyage, or travel, 
 
 Recorded let it be — 
 If worth time, toil, and paper, 
 
 Of people, land, or sea. 
 
 Addresses, sermons, lectures. 
 
 Which good and useful be ; 
 Variety of textures, 
 
 Wide daylight let them see. 
 Daily or weekly papers, 
 
 And magazines as well ; 
 Let nothing that defileth 
 
 Upon their pages dwell. 
 
 The Times, the Posts, the News'*, 
 Whatever be their name : 
 
 In leaders, prose, or muses, 
 Pure simple truth proclaim. 
 
 ioo
 
 
 ^* 
 
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 HOOKS AND PAPERS' — continued. 
 
 Weekly or monthly numbers, 
 
 Some have suggestive names- 
 Count all that's base as lumber, 
 Ne'er give it public fame. 
 
 Sundays at Home, hours, leisure. 
 
 Observe, improve them well ; 
 Still don't forget the assemblies 
 
 Where Gospel News they tell ; 
 Sunday and Home Companions. 
 
 Be careful, select well : 
 Choose such as ever help you 
 
 In purity to dwell. 
 
 ( hurchman and Noncomformist 
 
 In peace and love abide ; 
 Each try to be the noblest, 
 
 Still labouring side by side. 
 The Christian Age and Herald 
 
 Keep publishing good news ; 
 Christians should pull together, 
 
 Though varying in some views. 
 
 ( Jood Words, Kind and Right Words 
 
 Let all well spoken be : 
 Recorder and Miscellany 
 
 With early days agree. 
 Think of a host of others, 
 
 Which should be read and named, 
 Their matter pure substantial, 
 
 Well worthy to be famed. 
 
 Now publishers be careful- 
 Authors and readers too 
 
 Select the wheat and keep it. 
 Let all the chaff go through. 
 
 The good and true each nation, 
 Still publish far and wide : 
 
 ( )m ( hrist, the one foundation. 
 Each build am 1 each abide. 
 
 ioi
 
 ALFRED HINE ; S POEMS*. 
 
 DEAR HOME. 
 Tune — Home, Sweet Home. 
 
 Dear home of our childhood, we love thee full well, 
 And on thy fair scenes how delightful to dwell ; 
 There in life's rosy morning we gathered sweet flowers, 
 And played in the meadows in bright sunny hours. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Dear home of our youth, it is pleasant to tell 
 Of those who in old times did love us so well. 
 
 Kind parents and friends, some have left us and gone. 
 Have passed from their labours, away one by one : 
 Vet still we remember and think o'er and o'er 
 Of kind loving friends, and seasons of yore. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Dear home of our youth, it is pleasant to tell 
 Of those who in old times did love us so well. 
 
 I )ear home of the present, right gladly we sing, 
 Of peace and the comfort, pure home life doth bring ; 
 Though duty or business oft calls us from home, 
 Yet back in the evening with pleasure we come. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Dear home of the present, though oft called away, 
 We gladly return at the close of the day. 
 
 With pleasure we boast of our dear ones so kind, 
 So deeply engraven on heart and on mind ; 
 Still travel together life's pilgrimage o'er, 
 And steer for the port where friends part no more. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Dear home of the present, though oft called away, 
 We gladly return at the close of the day. 
 
 102
 
 AT. V RED MINE'S POEMS. 
 
 fcUDCHURCH AND RIVER DANE. 
 
 ■s Some miles from Leak and Buxton town, 
 Is Ludchurch — place of some renown ; 
 From Macclesfield, Buxton and Leek 
 Come people out who pleasure seek. 
 
 From Manchester and Potteries too, 
 Friends come this ancient Church to view ; 
 'Whilst Liverpool and Congleton 
 Contingents furnish — looking on. 
 
 The country folk too join among, 
 To pee Ludchurch they go along, 
 On bright and sunny summer weather, 
 It's nice amongst the flowering heather. 
 
 ^. l.i.Kii -iiurch is quite a curious place, 
 *** To look at, or its history trace; 
 -ft +ft5asts no door at either end, 
 * • "And over it no roof doth bend. 
 
 A wondrous cavern 'twixt the rocks, 
 Continues there — through old time's shocks 
 Standing secure, from age to age, 
 Whilst winters" storms may rush and rage. 
 
 From what old people used to tell, 
 Squire Trafford, loving sport too well, 
 Once on a time -on hunting bent — 
 Right smack o ; er Ludchurch leaping went. 
 
 The bold old outlaw— Robin Hood, 
 Whose presence there bespoke no good, 
 Most likely harboured with his men, 
 Within that wild and rocky glen. 
 
 Perchance in persecution's days, 
 Some met in there, for prayer and praise. 
 Where they could sing sweet gospel songs, 
 Away from persecution's wrongs. 
 
 103
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 ludchurch and river t>ahe,— continued. 
 
 Not far from here the river Dane 
 
 Two counties' boundaries makes quite plain ; 
 
 Stafford and Cheshire —parting there 
 
 1 (own in that valley — rustic, fair. 
 
 I )ane waters glide o'er gravel bed, 
 Unmindful of the rocks ahead ; 
 Anon they ripple gaily o'er, 
 As if in mirth or laughter's roar. 
 
 The rural village of Danebridge 
 
 Is grand with trees and dale and ridge : 
 
 The river, rushing on between, 
 
 'Wild flowers and herbs, and grasses green. 
 
 MERRY MAY. 
 
 Bright May, with genial sunshine, 
 Again we welcome thee, 
 As in the days of childhood 
 When life was full of glee. 
 The sun is just as radient, 
 As when we romped about 
 Amongst the grass and Daisies, 
 With merry laugh and shout. 
 
 How oft we searched the hedges, 
 For nest of Finch or Lark, 
 Anon by feathered songsters 
 Sometimes constrained to hark. 
 Perchance the broody Lapwing 
 Called " pe-wit " over head 
 Then on a distance farther 
 A large bird " cuckoo " said. 
 
 104
 
 <*- ' - 
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS- 
 MERRY MAY Continued. 
 
 The Corncreak rather harshly 
 Its note did often raise ; 
 Anon the Lark or Linnet 
 Would warble sweeter lays. 
 The Blackbird and the Throstle, 
 Sounded their tune abroad, 
 Others with chirp or whistle 
 Twittered with one accord. 
 
 'The lovely pure wild flowers, 
 Btudded the ditch and field, 
 How nice and sweet the fragrance 
 Which some of them did yield, 
 -Since then though many seasons 
 And Mays have hurried past, 
 Thy sunny hours are pleasant, 
 And cheerful while they last. 
 
 Though many things have altered, 
 And we have older grown, 
 And don't feel quite as active, 
 Now, as of yore, we own. 
 The birds still warble sweetly, 
 The flowers are fragrant —gay, 
 As when we first did greet thee, 
 Bright, cheerful, merry May. 
 
 ro:
 
 ALFRED HINE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE 
 IN JUNE. 
 
 See the beauties of our world, 
 In its summer dress unfurled ; 
 Lovely are the garden flowers, 
 Relic of fair Eden's bowers. 
 
 Fruit trees, hedge rows, in their bloom, 
 Into fruit emerging soon ; 
 Fragrant now, and pure and sweet, 
 And the fruit, when ripe, a treat. 
 
 Mountains, valleys, decked in green, 
 How enchanting now they seem ; 
 Pleasant is a mountain walk, 
 "With kind friends to chat and talk. 
 
 Pleasant too the charming vales 
 Where the rippling waters trail ; 
 Fishes, in their happy glee, 
 Leaping actively, now see. 
 
 Meadow grass progresses now, 
 Sweet wild flowers are just in glow ; 
 Bright green blades of springing corn. 
 Dew drops sparkling — bright June morn. 
 
 Cattle now repose at rest, 
 On the grounds herb spangled breast, 
 And when rested well they eat 
 Fresh sweet grass — to them a treat. 
 
 East and west, and south and north, 
 Little birds are warbling forth ; 
 Pleasure to mankind they bring, 
 As in harmony they sing. 
 
 1 06
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 THE DIAMOND JUBILEE. 
 
 Tune — National Anthem. 
 
 The Diamond Jubilee, 
 Let Britain's sons so free, 
 And daughters too, 
 Now hail with joy and glee, 
 This long reign — jubilee ! 
 Her reign continued be ; 
 
 God bless our Queen. 
 
 et th&j grand jubilee 
 Long, long remembered be, 
 
 All o'er our land. 
 The poor, let them be fed, 
 Only kind words be said, 
 :w and orphan's head 
 With plenty crown. 
 ■** m 
 
 "Long may England's loved Queen 
 O'er loyal subjects reign, 
 In honour bright. 
 On this grand jubilee 
 Let people all agree 
 Each sing in faithful glee 
 
 God bless our Queen. 
 
 This Diamond Jubilee, 
 
 All England hails with glee, 
 
 Colonies join. 
 Let all the human kind 
 In fellowship be joined 
 Sing with one heart and mind 
 ( rod bless our Queen. 
 
 „» 
 
 ': 
 
 107
 
 ALFRED HINES POEMS. 
 
 GOD BLESS OUR HOMES. 
 
 Tune — National Anthem. 
 
 In favoured England's homes, 
 Love, joy and peace e'er come, 
 
 God bless our homes. 
 Comfort the sick and sad, 
 Sweet melody be had, 
 Let Britain's homes be glad, 
 
 God bless our homes. 
 
 Affections sweet, unriven, 
 Smiles and kind looks be given 
 
 In our dear homes. 
 Husbands and wifes agree, 
 Children parents obey, 
 Base thoughts or actions flee 
 
 From English homes. 
 
 True pleasures e'er be found, 
 Still grow, increase, abound, 
 Make home life glad. 
 Sing cheerful Christian lays, 
 Walk wisdom's pleasant ways, 
 Enjoying happy days 
 
 In Christian homes. 
 
 Father in heaven bless, 
 Clothe with Thy righteousness 
 Earth's daughters' sons. 
 Thy grace, and love, and light, 
 Shed on our pathway bright, 
 Guide all Thy people right, 
 
 God bless our homes. — Amen. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 108
 
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