THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES AND OTHER POEMS. Q, TJ x nsr IDT CONNERSVILLE, IND. CINCINNATI : ELM STEEBT PRINTING COMPANY, 176 AND 178 ELM STREET 1872. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by ALICE MAY QUINN, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PS Preface -_---_-.-- 6 Dedication Address to Old Fayette - - - - - 7 Sweet Astreanere -------- 13 The Battle of Brandywine .--.-..36 Lelah Grayson -._--__. - 46 The Fall of Darius Codomannus II. - - - - - 65 The Haunted Well --._.. _ . 63 An Evening Dreani .--....-69 Love and Ambition -_--__-. 74 The Warrior's Fate - - - - - - - -85 Mohammed ....... . - 97 The Miser Outwitted -.---..-106 Falling Leaves .---.--.-126 The Dolly Varden Man --------128 Love's Dying Plaint ------- -130 My Country Beau ---.-..-132 Beautiful Summer ......-- 134 Departing Friends ---.-..-- 136 Be Brave .-.-...-.-138 Spring ..--..---..140 Despair Not .-.-.-.--142 Maidens Deck the Soldiers' Graves ..... 144 Have Charity -.----.-.146 A Question and Answer .--.--. 148 (8) 762368 4 CONTENTS. PAGE. Hope * - - - - 150 There is Poetry in Autumn .-.-.-- 152 Spring Flowers --.----- 164 The Abode of the Muses ------- 156 The Fenian Exile's Eesolve ...... 164 To Mrs. Mary Helm - . - - - - - - -167 To Jas. C. C. Holenshado, Esq., of College Hill, O. - - 169 To Annie Hof her Gorious ---.--- 171 To Jennie Crawford Davis ------- 178 To Jennie Eoots Thompson ------- 176 The Magic Gift _ ... 176 IN MEMORIAM. A. P. Newkirk, Esq. --...-.-181 Miss Amy Gilchrist --.-.-.- 187 Miss Mary Loftus -----...- 189 Miss Amanda Scofield -.--,_ 191 Henry the Eighth --..-----198 i. MY little book thou art complete, Dear treasure of my youthful heart, With soulful thought thou art replete, For of my soul thou formest a part. Thy pages teem with fancies wild, They seem to blush, to smile, to weep ; Now merry as a romping child, Now grave to sadness most unmeet. II. Thou dost portray my every mood : Sad, thoughtless, tender, reckless, glad, Bright mirror of my maidenhood. Oh if thy pages never had Been written by my eager pen, What would have been my fate to-day ? Where would those thoughts vanish then ? Say, Clio, could they pass away III. From me and leave no trace to tell That in my soul they had their birth ? And tell me now that here they dwell, Oh will they linger long on earth? No answer, proud imperious muse. Well, since of mo thou seemest tired, Go back to Helicon, infuse Thy fires to others less inspired. (5) AUTHOR'S PREFACE. IV. , And now, my book, my fond beloved, Forth on a mission thou art sent ; Go to the -world of workers, prove That 'tis no task to be content. Go tell the maiden in her cot, Where she was born and gently bred, That love and peace alas are not Accorded to the highly wed. V. Go tell the peasant that his king, Despite his wealth, his crown of gold, Is subject to deep suffering, Victim of death and treachery bold. Go tell the youth athirst for fame, Athirst for war's red honors bright, Tb^it when he wins a deathless name. Death may his earthly GLOKIES BLIGHT. VI. Go out into the critic's world, "With all thy faults, thine errors too, Display thy flag, so proud unfurled, Bearing this motto, Ever true I fain would be. But if I err, the blame lies with untutored youth, Who loves romance strange, rich and rare The which I found in sober truth. IV. Go tell the world that naught but God, Can guide us to the land of bliss, That those who murmur 'neath His rod, Can never deem their spirits His. Go forth and bring me my reward, Man's blessings, boundless that on high, Will wait the coming of the bard, And friendships that can never die. irtrress 10 i. FATETTE ! of thee my muse now joyous sings, Forth in thy praise her voice exultant rings, Fresh as the songs of silver-throated birds, That in the dawning springtime erstly stirs The dreamer's soul with joy, and proud inspires His heart with music for his magic lyre. For, Fayette, long hast thou well guarded me, Home of adoption since from o'er the sea, An infant stranger in my father's arms I came, unconscious of life's raging storms, To dwell secure within thy sheltering breast, Adopted daughter of the smiling West. II. Alone, unknowu and friendless, came we o'er The briny deep to bright Columbia's shore, Seeking protection 'neath the banner's wave, Unfurled in glory o'er monarchy's grave. When on Britannia's hores my father stood, Breathing farewell to friends loving and good, His brave heart failed him, and a burning tear Told that his soul was stranger now to cheer. Before him lay the ocean deep and wide, (7) DEDICATION ADDRESS Behind, Britannia in her power and pride, On sea, the starry flag inviting waved, On land, the red cross drooped o'er many a grave Where martyred heroes slain in youth's first prime In silence slumber, sons of fame sublime. Who, for thee, Albion, gave their glorious lives, Nor quailed when leaving kindred, home and wives. My father stood o'erwhelmed in deeps of woe, Oh, could he thus from all he cherished go, Leave parents, brothers, sisters, kindred, all? He back recoils, then hears his daughter call ; 'Tis for her sake he clasped her to his breast And turned once more toward the smiling West. III. England, dark as are thy by-gone years, 1 love thee still ; with (Jowper fall my tears That 1 mds as fair as thou should sullied be, By such a stain as cruel monarchy. I love Columbia's freedom, all her laws Are bound together in that freedom's cause. Nor kings, nor tyrants e'er o'er her can rule, Of independence proud unrivaled school ; Yet, England, at that name my bosom thrills, With longings wild my warm young heart fills, To breathe again my far-off natal air, And tread across her meadows green and fair ; To catch the English lark's in-piring song, And all her ancient ruins roam among; To stand where Scott the Wizard of the North, His lays entrancing poured in rapture forth ; Where Byron, Liberty's adoring son, Immortal laurels for hU genius won ; '"O OLD FAYETTE. Where Milton sang heroic tales sublime, And Cowpor lauded nature's every clime ; Where Moore soul-thrill ng melodies composed, Each one a gem that still resplendent glows. 'Tis said that Greece is poetry's natal home ; If so, like me far from her isle i^he roams, Nor longer basks beneath the beauteous skies, Where proud Olympus frowned with rainbows rise. O'er England's heath, o'er Scotia's every hill, And Erin's lawns, the Muses range at will ; Forgot by them the far-off lovely isles, Where nature bland assumes her brightest smiles, And now where kingdoms three unite in one, Is heard the minstrel's lone inspiring song. IV. Much as I love the broad and smiling West, The star-lit symbol of its freedom blest, Still, still, my E.iglish heart doth cling to thee, Adorin : Albion, princess of the sea. As a tender mother loves an erring son, Whe i o'er Him crime a mantle black has flung, Deserted by the friends that were his b^ast, Which, if wealth graced him, were a countless host j Now they condemn, nor mercy wish to show, But to his doom doth long to see him go ; Despairing, bowed beneath a world's deep hate, That mother near h"r hapless son doth w-iit. Her breast sus ams the wretch's drooping head, And when afar the angel's hope has fled, She soothes his anguish, nor her labor fails, Just as she soothed once his infant wails. Thus Englan.l, do I love and cling to thee, 10 DEDICATION ADDRESS E'en while I weep that direful monarchy Doth crush thy ch'ldren 'neath his ir .n heel, Or hush their cries for liberty with steel ; Stifling their prayers in life's rich surging blood. Or drives them homeless o'er the raging flood. V. Homeless? Ah! no, beyond Atlantic's tide Proud stands Columbia, heaven-born freedom's bride; With open arms the peerless beauty waits To welcome them unto her lovely States, And clasps them to her heaving bosom warm To shield them from all future frowning harm. VI. Fayette, it was within thy shelt'ring breast That first my father tasted freedom blest; "Within thy coc fines bright he learned with awe To love the goddess, Liberty, each law Made by the wise men of the Western World, Who erst the eagle's flag proudly unfurled. There, too, his English daughter learned to read Of independence, that most sacred creed Which lifts man God like high o'er earthly fears, And wafts his soul toward the heavenly spheres. 'Twas there she shook the bondage from her soul, Of bigotry, that millions doth control ; Dark curse of nations, cursed by kingly rule, Of treason anarchy the ready tool, And superstition, torturer of the mind, 'Neath whose iron hands low dying lie confined The be^t impulses of heroic hearts That dread naught mortal, yet at shadows start. TO OLD FAYETTE. II To sing her lyrics with untrammeled mind, And leave her name with Fayette's fame behind, Is the fond dream of her aspiring soul, In fancy free to rove from pole to pole. VII. Fayette, thy daughter of adoption now, Will wreath her blossoms wild around thy brow, Nor fail to love and loyal reverence thee For sixteen years the dearest home to me. Wast not thou who gave her all she boasts, True friend-;, a home, advantages a host; Within thy schools her youthful hungry mind Expanded, showing that therein confined The gift of poesy unnoticed dwelt ; Nor was it by its owner ever felt Till thou, wi.-e friend of struggling gonius, told Me that in time the bud would soft unfold, Displaying all its wo idrous be mty bright In tints as varied, rich as rainbow light, That fills with joy the dreamer. Oit I cry For the rare gift of heaven-born poesy : God, I thauk thee from my inmost soul. To praise ihse then shall be my Muses' role, And from the prison freed These very Muses honored John S. Ried. VIII. Another friend I must remember now, One who ha cheered my labor. On his brow Is graved the stamp of kindness, deep true The zea! that marks his earnest labor, too. He toil;- untiring for untutored youth, 12 SWEliT A8TREANERE. Instilling in e:ich heart a love of truth; His noble works above shaJ brightly glow, His crown of fame, Professor Rippitoe. More friends abundant, had I space To mention, might this grateful passage grace; But now, suffice it for me here to say, That none's iorgotten by me night or day. Where fate may cast them evermore along, With me they'll share my tender pulsing heart, Nor from my memory shall no dear friend part. IX And thou, fair citft gloaming, And the slumbering blossoms low, And she marked them sadly weeping When the sunbeams ceased to glow. XVII. And she saw them gladly smiling When the day god 'lume>J earth's track ; "As the sun comes to the flowers, So my Robert will come back." Then anon her heart grew lighter, And fair Lelah blithely sung, And in her slightest accent Something wondrous gladsome rung. XVIII. Thus it happened on an evening In the month of rosy May, To the beeches softly gloaming, O'er the brooklets silver way, Gentle Lelah wandered dreaming Of her loved one afar; Her sweet face of witching beauty Glowing brightly as a star. XIX. From the velvet turf she gathered Violets blue as heaven's skies; From the cooling limpid waters, Gleaming lilies gently rire. In her glittering, golden tresses Twines she nature's sapphires bright ; On her gently heaving bosom Placed she lilies snowy white ; 52 LELAII GRAYSON. XX. Saying softly : " Robert loved them ; Violets are like angels' eyes, And the lilies spirits saintod Wear above in Paradise. From my breast he took a lily, More must blossom sweetly there, (When he comes to proudly claim me), And amid my golden hair. XXI. "Nor longer can he linger On the far-off prairie track ; Yes, I cull them, daily wear there, Soon my Robert will come back " Rang a step adown the pathway Leading to the trysting brook, Then a bronzed and stalwart stranger Stood within the sh ided nook. XXII. Strange he may have been to others, Not quite strange to Lelah fair ; Thrice before this had she met him Silent, mingling, quiet, where She as chosen belle and beauty Of her village queen -like reigned. Startled was the maiden truly, And her terror was unfeigned. XXIII. "Pardon," said the handsome stranger. "Let me speak to you to-night; LELAH GRAYSON. Lelah, sweetest one, I love you, Pause, nor start in angry flight ; Oh long, long have I worshiped, Worshiped vainly from afar, You, my rare, my peerless jewel, As one loves a radiant star XXIV. ' "Shining far above his station. Lelah, maiden Eweet and mild, Say you love me, say you love me, Or my poor brain will go wild." Thrilled his accents strangely through her; Trembled she, cot knowing why ; To refuse him made her heart bleed, And her soul too sadly cry. XXV. "Sir," said Lelah, very softly, With her tearful eyes a-glow ; " Smooth and even as yon brooklet's, Does my heart's love current flow ; Years agone my hand was plighted, And my heart I with it gave, Then my lover from me wandered, (Frown not ; pure as yon bright wave XXVI. Is his love and peerless honor) To the prairies' blooming track. Smile not pityingly upon n\e ; Soon my Robert will come back." "LELAH ! " with a cry she started, 64 LELAH GRAYSON. That voice oft she'd heard before ; Smiled the hronzed and stalwart stranger. Then, shedding her bright ray o'er XXVII. The pair a-neath the beeches, Through the heavens Luna sailed, And the bearded face to Lelah, By her light was now revealed ; Oped his arms, swift to his bosom Flew the lovely, trembling one ; As to the ark of Noah Flew his bright dove, absent long. XXVIII. As to its mate the night-bird, Startled, trembling flies ; Fainting half with joy, with terror, Lelah in his arms lies ; O'er the wastes of barren deserts, O'er the prairies' blooming track, To reclaim his bride a-waiting, Handsome Robert then came back. TIE! IE Cy> all 0f warms i. "ALEXANDER!" Deathless glory Marks the mighty conqueror's name ; Lauded in wild song and story, Is the ruthless monarch's fame. Royal born, from kings descended, Macedonia's peerless lord ; Who on naught but hope depended, And his ready, trusty sword. II. Dark his soul as midnight ebon, When dense clouds doth vail the sky, Hiding Luna's luster given, From the weary traveler's eye ; For his heart was full of cunning, Serpent-like his subtle guile ; He could fawn on those he hated, Mask his hatred in his smile. III. 'Neath that wile his father suffered ; Clitus 'neath it low expired, (55) $6 THE FALL OF Murdered by famed Alexander, When with wine his blood was fired; For the monarch young and brave, Grave to all who dared oppose him, Cruel death and gloomsome grave. IV. O'er the plains of vast Gedrosia Passed the monarch, breathing there, During days of toilsome marching, Simoon's deadly burning air. O'er the Indus crossed Macedon's Dauntless leader, crushing all, Every nation that defied him Fought and bled to helpless fall. V. Afghan's ruler bowed submissive To the conqueror's galling yoke ; Egypt yielded fore the tyrant, Stooped his mercy to invoke ; The proud Chaldeans, crushed and humbled, Writhing bore Macedon's sway ; But his crowning triumph graced him On the field of famed Syria. VI. 'Twas against the haughty Persian, Darius, that Macedon moved ; To subdue the Orient ruler, Macedon's chief it now behooved ; But how was the youthful monarch To o'ercorne the Persian hosts? DARIUS CODOMANNTTS II. Darius numbered countless soldiers, Formidable the foeman boasts VII. Of his wealth, his mighty treasures ; Confident of victory, he Marches 'gainst young Alexander, One vast, moving, human sea ; Darius proudly faced the foemen, Fearing not the invader's sword, Scorning Magi's mystic warning, Heedless of the prophet's word VIII. With his pomp his glory circled Round him, Darius sought the field, Trusting in the strength of riches, Vowing that he ne'er would yield ; While to him the gods accorded Life, he'd use his tempered sword, Fighting for his honor, glory, Well the monarch kept his word. IX. To the battle Darius hastened; Fore his army reverent borne, Were bright silver altars chastened, Whereon the eternal fires burned ; These were followed by the Magi, Singing hymns along the way, Offering praise to the all-glorious, Radiant god of beauteous day. 58 THE FALL OP X. O'er three hundred youths in scarlet Robes, betrimmed with cloth of gold, Served the Magi at the altars, Sacred scrolls of state to hold ; Then came chariots rare and costly, Bearing all the Orient gods, Drawn by steeds white as the moonbeams, All the equerries bearing rods XI. Of rare gold, inwrought with jewels; While the great " h.trse of the sun " Followed, leading the " Immortals," Who full many a gift had won From their monarch. Golden collars Bound their throats and tissue robes, Garnished o'er with gems- barbaric, Decked the chosen and beloved. XII. After came the ruler's cousins, Then upon a golden car, Rode the lord of Iran's people, Crowned with richly-gemmed tiara; Robed in purple, striped with silver, O'er his shoulders fell a mantle, Wrought on the which with precious stones, Flashed the pictures of two falcons ; Battling one for prey, one for its own. XIII. Then came all the royal children, DARIUS CODOMANNUS II. 59 With their servants, tutors grave, Followed by the monarch's mother And his consort. Truly brave Looked the guards that them attended ; And robed like so many queens, Came the beauteous royal ladies Of his harem ; bright, serene XIV. Were the jewels of his household ; Jealousy was then unknown To the prides of Iran's harem, To love Darius all had grown. Then came hordes, patient camels, Bearing Persia's treasures vast, Guarded by the light-horse lancers, Nowise least, though coming last. XV. Thus surrounded by his subjects, Darius marched against the foe ; . On the field of famed Assyria, Dealt the fiercest, wildest blow. 'Grainst the Macedon invader Alexander battled well ; His proud standard rose in triumph, That of Darius lowly fell. XVI. Scattered, frightene 1 fled the Persians, Hopeless .Darius followed suit ; Vain he strove his men to rally, Vanquished was he then in sooth : THE PALL OP Macedon pursued the monarch Ruthless, till the Persian horde Yielded to the grim invader, Putting to the reeking sword. XVII. Darius, their once mighty ruler, Crushed, deserted by his own, In a cart, not golden chariot, Drew his last, deep, dying moan. There a chief of Macedonia v Found the expiring Darius; low Were the words the monarch uttered, Said he : " Tell my generous foe, XVIII, " Darius prayed the gods to bless him For his kindness to the queen ; Chosen of the Persian monarch, Tell him that he honors e'en The invader of his country ; 'Tis his prayer the universe, Macedon may rule in future, Give my message to him terse. XIX. " Farewell, brave Macedon, farewell, Tell him 'tis the lot of kings To be o'erthrown ; tell him remember Of Darius the sufferings. Bid him avenge my death, Macedon; Tell your monarch Persia's horde But obeys its sire's mandate When enforced by lance and sword." DARIUS CODOMANNTJS II. 61 XX. Alexander o'er the monarch Wept profusely, who can say Whether 'twas from grief or pleasure That his foe had passed away. He had hunted Darius ruthless, Hunted him to cruel death; Then hewailed his bitter sufferings, When had fled that sufferer's breath. XXI. Thus died Darius. All hh glory, Wealth and pomp failed to maintain Him through the battle. Fate frowned on him; Death all pitiless came to claim Him as victim for the slaughter ; The wretched monarch low expired, From the throne held by his fathers, To the tomo the king retired. XXII. Then his rival Alexander, Donned the Persian diadem, Made himself fair Iran's ruler. Haughty noblemen Scowled, complained; but Macedon Held the reins with iron will, Proud defying earth's great monarch To subdue him. Victory still XXIII. Crowned his campaigns, > ations trembled, Blo.d fell fast as heaven's bright rain, 62 THE FALL OP DARIUS CODOMMANNUS II. Alexander's fame and glory Shook with terror land and main; All the East was subdued by him, Save fair, famous Araby, Where, in all its wondrous beauty, Springs the sweet frankincense tree. XXIV. 'Gainst the shrine of mighty Allah Alexander savage turned ; To destroy the land of flowers, Macedonia's monarch burned ; But the God of Christian nations, God of earth, blue sky and sea, Raised His hand, breathed the sentence That set struggling kingdoms free. XXV. Thus the star that rose in splendor, Set no more to glorious shine ; Death was lord of Alexander, Ended Philip's noble line. i. " KATIE, pretty one, I love you, Will you be my little bride ? ' Said young Harry, gently drawing The fair maiden to his side. "Will you give yourself unto me, To love, cherish and protect?" " No," cried Kate, " some other maiden, For your bride you must elect." II. Very saucy, very witching Looked the little beauty then ; Just such sprites are made to torture Tender-hearted, love-sick men. Harry stared in wide-eyed wonder At the radiant fairy bright, Surely Katie couldn't mean it Thus his happiness to blight. III. He had been so sure she loved him; And here, lovers, let me say To you in secret whispers, (63) 64 TIIK HAUNTED WELL. 'Tis the swiftest, surest way You can choose to vex a woman, If you love her, tell her so, But never hint, you're sure to win her, This, in confidence, you know. IV. Like a queenly little coquette, Katie tossed her pretty head; Then alas ! for perverse woman, From his side she swiftly fled ; For the willful tears, so traitorous, Were flooding her bright eyes ; Now she sought to keep them secret, Katie was so very wise. V. On she flew like young fawn startled, Till she reached an arbor where Sweet wild-roses, honeysuckles Blended scent and blossoms rare; And a crystal fountain flashing In the sun's resplendent ray, Gemm d the flowers and the vine leaf, With its cooling silver spray. VI. Here she paused, sad, half repenting Of her willful conduct, vain Had she been, but sure her lover Would be with her soon again. "If he does not come I'll hate him, If he does " she laughed outright THE HAUNTED WELL. 65 As she viewed the sad face pictured By her memory fresh and bright. VII. " He was so very sure I loved him, Vain, conceited, I must say ; No, he is the dearest fellow, Oh why did I run away ? He is coming, yes, I'll linger, Here for a little while, Selfish was he thus to wile Me scowling on my other suitors. VIII. "Why, there's handsome Charlie Grey, I'll accept him, no I hate him, Why does Harry stay away? I don't care, I never loved him, Nor do I like his style, Dark and jealous as Othello, I'll wait another while. And then he is so stately, IX. With his solemn, owl-like ways ; Harry, oh why do you linger? Come, I'll love you all my days." Vain were her willful pleadings, Handsome Harry failed to come ; Angry, jealous, loving, penitent, Poor Katie wandered home. 5 66 THE HAUNTED WELL. X. At her lattice, late and eariy, Kept she watching down the lane ; But to her rejected Harry Failed to fondly come again ; So the summer with her beauties An'l her pleasures drifted on, Till the fruitful, golden Autumn, Did her robes of purple don. XI. Still poor Katie lonely lingered, Watching, waiting, all in vain, Daily grew her blue eyes sadder, And more bitter her heart's pain; Darker grew the skies above her, And no longer hope elate Bade her wait her recreant lover At the rustic cottage gate. XII. Thus the days passed by so weary, And no lover sought poor Kate; Then unto a Gipsy seeress, AVent the maid to learn his fate. Said the seeress : " Of young Harry's Fate to thee naught can I tell, But on the eve of All Hallows, Visit thou the haunted Well. XIII. " There beyond the oak that's riven, By the stars' uncerta : n light, THE HAUNTED WELL. Standing 'neath the vaulted heaven, Thou'lt behold thy mate for life." On the eve of All Hallows, Katie wandered forth alone, Thinking sadly of her lover, Till she readied the dark well stone. XIV. Then she looked, half hoping, fearing, There in the uncertain light Stood her lover, handsome Harry ; Turned she round in startled flight, But a voice deep, rich and tender, Called, " My Katie, do not go;" Then a pair of arms embraced her, And the captive, sobbing low, XV. Told him of her sweet repentance ; Pleaded him to now forgive, Vowing she would love h'm ever, For him would joyously live. Then she told him of the seeress, Of her magic powers rare; " Strange that she should know you, Harry, Is it not? " " Yes, Katie fair. XVI. "For my love I too despairing, Sought the beldame in her cot, Not to learn by magic power What would be my future lot ; But to weave some subtle trial, 68 THE HAUNTED WELL. Both your love and hate to test; Then she many a plan unraveled, Katie, shall I tell the best ? XVII. " Well, love, we were deep discussing, When we saw you coming fair ; Now recall the curtained recess, Near the Gipsy I stood there, And I heard your tearful query." Flashed her blue eyes, " Sir, how dare I Oh I'll hate you." "No, my angel, For your Harry then the snare, XVIII. " (Cunning was it ? ) she set for you, And I caught my pretty bird ; Don't be angry, for I love you, Ye~, I know we're both absurd; Bu" I also know, my lady, That your heart was breaking slow." Held he fast the angry beauty, Lest she from him 'gain would go. XIX But at length she grew submissive, Tender, joyous as a dove, A.nd she laughed with handsome Harry At the story of their love. Years have fled since that reunion, Happy, blest and g.-iy they dwell; And on each eve of All Hallows, Tell they of the haunted well, in (Stoning i. 'TWAS eve, that calmly witching hour When beauty shines with all her power ; The stars were gemming the azure sky The moon shone in her brilliancy; The earth in robes of green was clad, The flowers were slumbering in their bed ; The wind sighed softly 'mong the trees, It was the hour of rest and ease. The night-bird warbled forth his song, The cricket chirped loud and long ; The balmy air was with fragrance fraught, It was the hour of love and thought. II. I sat me by a silvery stream That rippled 'neath bright Luna's beam ; I sat me there to dream a while Of flowery land and sea-girt isle ; Oh they were bright and strangely grand, The thoughts that wandered through my mind, Until the touch of a fairy hand, Aroused me from my beauteous dreams. It was a wondrous, glorious scene (69) 70 AN EVENING DREAM. That met my wildered wakening ; For round me strewn on every hand Lay wealth from thousand different lands. III. The gold ore so rich and pure, Lay on the murmuring streamlet's shore, And on a throne with royal mien, There I beheld of wealth the queen; And with a smile, pleasing to see, The regal lady turned to me. " child of earth, .accept," said she, "The gift that I'll bestow on thee; But bow thy head before my shrine, And nameless wealth shall then be thine." " Wealth," I cried, " thy bounty's great, But of it I may not partake ; To bow my head before thy shrine, Thy gift must be far more divine." IV. My temptress vanished and instead, Fair V< nus raised her rose -crowned head ; Her chariot was an ivory j-hell Drawn by the fleetest, whitest swans; Her purple mantle wrought with gems, Was loosely o'er her shoulders flung. Three graces bright around her stood, Two Cupids at her sides with floods Of love were seen ; holding her train The handsome youth, Adonis, came. V. I gazed in wonder and surprise . AN EVENING DREAM. Upon the qu3en of rare beauties, As with her most bewitching smile She offered me her gift sublime. "A maid i f beauty thou shalt be, If thou wilt only worship me." " Venus fair, thy gift is rare, But thy beauty I can not share ; To none but Him who reigns above, Can I my adoration prove." VI. The goddess left my wondering sight, And Jupiter came in his might, Holding the thunders in one hand, The other held his cypress wand ; Extending forth his strong right hand, The one that held the flaming brand, Said : " Maid of earth, thy courage school, And learn the Thunderer's dread to rule; But kneel thou at my royal throne, And all this power will be thine own. "Ah ! Jove," I said, " Great power is sweet, But great and dread is thy deceit ; For should I yield unto thy power, Like Metis, thou mightst me devour." VII. Aghast the Thunderer mutely stood, With rage untold boiled fierce his blood; Then he raised his fiery, hissing brands To crush me to the gleaming sands, But Peace her olive wand between Us thrust, me from his wrath to screen. 72 AN EVENING DREAM. VIII. The Thunderer melted like a cloud, And I beheld the god of love ; His robes were from the roses spun, With broken hearts his spear was strung ; And wrought in most exquisite art, He poised his fatal, jeweled dart. In tones of witching music low, Said he: " 111 pierce thy young heart through, Thou, who with beauty unadorned, The Thunderer of Olympus scorned j I'll melt thy heart of frigid ice, I'll crush it in love's cruel vice." " Ha ! ha ! avaunt, thou little wretch, My heart is steel unto thy touch ; On earth to thee it ne'er sha.l bow, Go, little mischief-maker, now.'' He turned him round, and well I know, Though blind, he saw which way to go. IX. The god scarce left me when there came In robes of snow, the queen of Fame ; In one fair hand she held the wreath, The wreath that thousands vainly seek, In voice of silv'ry clearness low, She bid me 'fore her then to bow. " The gift of wealth thou hast declined, Of beauty thou hast cast aside, Of power and love thou hast disdained, Now thou art Honor's gifted child; Then lowly bond this head of thine, AN EVENING DREAM. 73 In Fame's immortal circlet shine, Walk in the narrow path to God; Guided by pure Virtue's rod, And Love and Wealth and Power will grace Thy life one long, long hour of peace. I raised my eyes to thank the queen, I woke TO FIND IT ALL A DREAM. i. SEATED were two lovely sisters, In a tiring chamber, where Maids from sunny France's bosom, Decked each peerless maiden. Bare Jewels on their bosoms sparkled, And upon their robes of snow, Bridal flowers, rare and fragrant, Too were seen to sweetly blow. II. Claudia, eldest of the sisters, Darkly beautiful and proud, Was regal as a youthful empress ; From her haughty head a cloud Of rich, silken curls, purple As the raven's polished wing, Swept a-down her sloping shoulders; And in every perfumed ring III. Flashed a gem of wondrous beauty; And upon her queen-liive brow, Bloomed a crown of orange blossoms, (74) LOVE AND AMBITION. 75 Purely br'ght as v rgin snow. In her eyes of dusky splendor, Hovered pride and joy and mirth ; But to love's all-tender luster, Those rare orbs failed to give birth. IV. But aneath this mask of glory, Lurked a grievous, heartsick pain ; For proud Claudia crushed her sole love, Wealth, unbounded wealth to gain. Near her sat her lovely sister, Radiant, happy as a dove ; 'Mid her glittering golden tresses, Nestled gifts of her true love. V. Lilies gathered from the valley, And upon her heaving breast Sparkled sapphires rich and lustrous, As the gems on royal crest; Love-light in her eyes of azure, Danced like fairies when at plav 'Mong the violets and the moonbeams, Full of mirth and mischief gay. VI. " Lulu," spoke the peerless Claudia " Tell me why you choose to wed With a poor and struggling artist, Scarce can he afford you bread ? Foolish are you, little sister, With a fortune in your grasp, 76 LOVE AND AMBITION. To forego it for a passion That through want can never last. VII. " Well I know, my darling Lulu, That most tenderly you love j But to win wealth is the motto Which we should, all else above, Cling to firm, over unbending. Wealth and love for you and me To receive, is such a blessing, That our fates will not decree. VIII. " I have loved, my little sister, And I thought that love was dead, But to-night it wakes to haunt me Like a mocking spirit dread. 'Yond the heaving Spanish ocean, Don Alonza now doth roam ; But my heart rebellious, Lulu, 1 For his love to-night doth moan. IX. " Yes, I love him, little sister, Though this is my wedding night; Tremble not, my angel Lulu, What I say is far from right; And yet if Don Alonza Came to sue my hand again, His strong love would be rejected, Though the torture turned my brain." LOVE AND AMBITION. 77 X. "Claudia," faltered gentle Lulu_ Gazing in her dusky face ; "Why, oh why, will you thus suffer, When a word would bring you peace? He to whom you are plighted, Deems that his is all your love; Sister, if your soul you'll perjure, A feH curse 'twill surely prove" XI. " Hush, your words may prove prophetic," Cried proud Claudia, paling now; Hark the summons to the bridal, Smooth those wrinkles from your brow." Down the broad and gilded stiirway, Swept the white-robed bridal train; While within the lighted parlors Stood the eager guests all fain, XII Would behold the peerless sisters, Who outshone all others far; Each a flower of brightest beauty, Each a radiant, glowing star. Soon the magic words were spoken, Soon each maiden was a bride; One to deathless joy was bounden, One to life-long woe was tied. XIII. Claudia to a brown-stone p ilace Went to live, resplendent shone 78 LOVE AND AMBITION. This proud beauty in the setting Wealth, that in her heart had sown Such dark seeds of darker sorrow; Thorns of lost love rankled there, And the face of joung Alonza, Haggard, haunted her where'er XIV. She might seek to shun its presence; In ihe crowded ball-room gay, 'M' i her friends at festive banquet, Still it mocked her night and day. Lulu to a Western city, With her Willie chose to rove; Poor in gold, but rich prodigal, Rich in beauty, youth and love. XV. Winter fled and gay spring blossomed, Springtime faded, summer shone, In her robes of green and crimson, Autumn reigned when she had flown; Autumn dressed in gold and purple, Russet-brown and glowing red, Winter grimly then succeeded With his snow-crowned, hoary head. XVI. Thus the seasons bloomed and faded, Till ten years had vanished quite; And it happened in midwinter On a dark and chilly night, A close carriage, slowly driven, LOVE AND AMBITION. 79 Wound along a lonely street, Pausing 'fore a stately mansion From which floated strangely, sweet XVI Strains of rare and witching music; And upon the snowy pave Poured a flood of mellow gaslight, As of gold a liquid wave. Sounds of mirth, the songs of childhood, Pattering swift of tiny feet, Musical and cheery laughter The passer-by doth gayly greet. XVIII. From the carriage stepped a lady, Shrouded in the deepest black ; Droopingly she slow approached The great house, not looking back; Soon the bell's clear, silver summons Opened wide the hall-way door, Then the weary, black-robed stranger Sank upon the marble floor. XIX. To her side a lovely lady, Golden-haired, with eyes of blue, Trembling with tender compassion, Quickly sympathetic flew. Then the vail of crape was lifted From the cold, cold pallid face; "Claudia! sister!" cried fair Lulu, " For you now this is no place." 80 LOVE AND AMBITION. XX Soon within a luxurious chamber, On a snowy, downy bed Claudia lay, from her forever Was her royal beauty fled. Soon the sad and mournful story .By the hapless one was told, And tho bitter lesson learned By all who sell themselves for gold. XXI. "Lulu," said the dyinjj Claudia, "For awhile I fondly dreamed That great wealth would heal the love-wound In my heart, for so it seemed; For a time I thought n;e happy, Happy in my Harry's love, And I strove to teach my poor heart To return his noble love. XXII. " But alas ! for outward seeming, Soon I wearied of the bond Wrought of gold, that firmly bound me To a man o'er proud and fond; Restlessly with him I wandered From foreign land to land, Vainly praying for my lost peace; Ever on, my wan left hand XXIII. " Shone the ring which said you're wedded, Tauntingly, ruthless and dread, LOVE AND AMBITION. 81 Till I cried out in my anguish: Oh I wish my heart was dead. In a pretty little hamlet, When Queen Summer reigned supreme, Sought I with my tender husband, Safe retreat in sunny Spain. XXIV. " On a lovely, starlight even, As idly through an orange grove, I lone wandered, there, ah Heaven ! I beheld my banished love j Darkly, wild and full of sorrow Looked Alonza once so fair, Silver threads were softly gleaming In the midnight of his hair. XXV. " With a glad, glad cry of rapture, Don Alonza reached my side, Clasped me to his wild bosom, Dreaming not I was a bride. ' Claudia ! oh my peerless Claudia I ' Cried he, ' My heart's bright dove, Have you come to make me happy With your rare and royal love? XXVI. " ' Long I've watched for you, my jewel, Long I've watched you from afar, Waiting patient for your coming, As the wise men watched the star 82 LOVE AND AMBITION. Of Bethlehem in the desert; Now my royal rose you're here, Fate itselt can never part us, Promised bride of m ne most dear.' XXVII. " ' Traitoress ! ' Never, Lulu, gentle sister, Never more can I forget That one word, as sad reproachful As the bitter sigh of death. From Alonza's arms I tore me, There my noble husband stood, Me regarding with such glances As almost froze my blood. XXVIII. " Soon he spoke in icy accents : ' Well I know what sorrow now Ever in your proud heart rankled, That e'er gloomed your lovely brow, 'Twas your love for this young brigand ; Traitoress ! soon he'll meet his fate, Come though false as mocking mirage, Still you are my wife.' Too late XXIX. " Came the startled cry I uttered ; Swift as lightning's lurid ray, Flashed aloft Alonza's dagger, Dead before me Harry lay. Years have fled, Alonza loved me In his wild, untutored way; Closely guarded in a lone cave, Dwelt I wretched night and day, LOVE AND AMBITION. 83 XXX. " Till the countLss Spanish legions Scattered wide the outlaw band, Till I saw my second husband lying low With his own hand. When o'ercome by cruel foemen, He had closed his gloomy life, Calling on me soon to follow ; Murmuring : ' Bless my lovely wife.' " XXXI. Claudia paused, her tears were falling; Lulu smiled, half hopeful now, As with tender, loving pressure, She gently bathed her burning brow. Soon poor Claudia resumed saying: "From Alonza's mountain cave I was taken weak and weary, The dark outlaw's captive slave. XXXII. "None e'er dreamt of how I loved him; Pity was the balm they gave, And they bade me thank my Maker, That from death I had been saved ; Then I begged that I might hasten To the free land of my birth,' And the kindly Spaniards sent me To destroy your peace and mirth. XXXIII. " Lulu when our paths were chosen I was very poor and proud; I crushed love and married riches, 84 LOVE AND AMBITION. Love you chose, nor feared want's cloud; You are happy, I am wretched, Two hearts in the dust I trod, Both lie cold and pulseless, Lulu, 'Neath the dark and gloomy sod. XXXIV. " I have naught to live for, sister, Save the stings of conscious dread ; Farewell, Lulu, don't forget me," And the hapless one lay dead. From Claudia's brow the sister Wiped the chilling dews of death, While her tears of love and sorrow Mingled with her latest breath. XXXV. Knelt fair Lulu at the bedside, Breathing forth a fervent prayer: " I, my Heavenly Father, thank thee For thy gifts and blessings rare ; For my husband's love all deathless, For my babes of beauty bright; And I thank thee, Heavenly Father, For sure guiding me aright." XXXVI. Lulu mourned for her sister, When they had laid her low, 'Neath the drooping, weeping willow; On her grave bright blossoms grow, And she thanks her Heavenly Father, That to her he deigned to unfold The strange mysteries blest of wedding, For sweet love and nut for gold. PART FIRST. I. THROUGH the streets of famed Strasburg, Two noble youths passed; Just verging on manhood, Yet with the boys classed. Karl, tall, manly, Bold, dashing, his eye, Blue, dauntlessly flashing, Seemed fear to defy. II. His proudly-poised head, With rich golden hair crowned; His high, thoughtful brow With bright curling locks bound, Told of a grand soul, Calm, abi ling within ; Told of talent, of genius, That fame's laurels might win. III. Oh fond was the mother That called him her son ; (85) THE WARRIOR'S FATE. Oh happy the maid Whom his true heart won ; Oh proud was the father That called him his own, And honored the friends That his friendship had known. IV. . Bight merry they walked Through the over-thronged street, Conversing and laughing In gayety sweet. When lo ! on the air They heard the loud call Of the warrior's trumpet Startingly fall. V. " Hark ! Henry," cried Karl, " What means that loud call? .Why hasten those people, Men, wome.. and all ? " " Because," said his friend, " We're at war with the French ; They our honor and filory From us fain would wrench." : VI. " 'Tis the call of our country," Then Karl declared ; " Oh, Henry ! 'tis even As grandfather feared j Our men must take arms, THE WARRIOR'S FATE. 87 Our women must toil, Or the foe o'er our nation Will ravage and spoil. VII. " We must fight, dearest Henry, Our country to save, The foe shall be vanquished ; In gore we must lave Our blades ever trusty, And when we return From the war, on fame's tablets Our names bright shall burn. VIII. " Our mothers rejoicing, Shall bless their brave sons, Our silver-haired sires Shall treasure the guns Used by their brave boys ; And our sweethearts shall sing From excess of their joy, Loud their anthems shall ring." IX. Oh little dreamt Karl, As gayly he spoke These words, half prophetic, That death's fatal stroke Would bow his proud head, Crowned with golden hair bright; From the soulful blue eyes, Strike the bold hero light. THE "W ARRIOR S FATE. X. His friend sa ly sighed As he gazed on the boy, And he pitied his parents; The maiden whose joy Was wrapped in the life Of the heroic youth, And he groaned in his heart As he guessed at the truth. PART SECOND. XI. Through the streets of famed Strasburg, A gallant band moved, In whose midst handsome Kar', The dearly beloved, Was seen proudly marching; His golden head high, While the hero light dauntless, Bold flashed in his eye. XII. His friend, thoughtful Henry, Kept pace at his side ; Nor prouder, more joyous, E'er passed a young bride From the home of her parents, Than Karl the fair; No prince of blood royal, Ever boasted his air. THE WARRIOR'S FATE. 89 .XIII. Before quiting his home For the tent and the field, Young Karl sought Lena, To whom he did yield His boy -heart impulsive j With passionate fire He told her his dreams, His ambitious desire XIV. To become a great hero. Poor Lena but wept, To the breast of her lover All trembling she crept, And sobbed, "Oh, my Karl, Why must you away? There are thousands and thousands To join in the fray. XV. " Then forego your ambitions, Nor leave me alone j What is glory to me, I want naught but my own." "Hush, Lena, my angel," Young Karl then said ; "Oh surely, my love, You're a patriot maid. XVI. " I will be a great captain, Or colonel perhaps ; 90 THE WARRIOR'S FATE. Then you'll love me the more For my bright shoulder straps." " No, Karl, my lover, The glitter and glare Of uniforms gay, I am ready to spare. XVII. " I never admired The trappings of war; Its murderous weapons I'll ever abhor. Frown not, dearest Karl, I know you are bold, Patriotic and brave ; But your glory and gold XVIII. " Now decks your proud head Like a crown from on high ; Oh leaA 7 e me not, Karl ; What if you should die ? " " Then, Lena, my name In rich letters of gold, On the scroll-book of fame, The tale would unfold ; XIX. " Of how in the morning ' Of glorious youth, I laid down my life For my country in sooth, Dear Lena, I've listed, TIIK WARRIOR'S FATE. 91 Weep not, neither mourn j Soon covered with glory To you I'll return." PART THIRD. XX. Through the streets of famed Strasburg, A long column brave Moved, bearing a comrade To the warrior's grave. The dark bier was draped With the flag he bore Through the black smoke of battle, The doomed line before. XXI. When they faced the grim foemen, The young bear r grand, Fought well for his country With his goodly right hand ; He defended his colors, And when officers quailed He cheered on the bold legion, Though by battle smoke vailed. XXII. In the f, ont of the battle They saw hi^ hiir shine, Like the crown of an angel, Seeming half divine ; 92 THE WARRIOR'S FATE. They folio ed t trusting, Confiding and bold That proudly-poised head With its halo of gold. XXIII. As followed the comrades Of Henry of France, (Their monarch) bold pressing Where h.s snowy plume glanced; So followed the Prussians Young Karl, the brave, Lighted onward to triumph By the glory-bright waves XXIV. Of hair that around His kingly head si:one. To the heart of the hero, Grim fear was unknown ; Oh bravely he fought, By vast numbers oppressed ; He must yield his loved flag Or receive in his breast XXV. The weapons of death, By grim foemen swift hurled. If lost were his colors, What to him was the world ; For he scorned a life, When bought at the price Of his honor ; no, never ! Let his blood then suffice. THE WARRIOR'S FATE. XXVI. But while in his arm An atom of strength Remained, his loved flag, Thouuh woefully rent, He'd defend, Come what may ; There he stood like a lion When keeping at bay The hunters, though armed With merciless steel, It fights fiercely on, v Not seeming to feel The pain of its wounds ; And its last bitter groan Is a growl of defiance, More than a death-moan. XXVII. So stood noble Karl, Staunch, keeping at bay The host that pressed on him ; Just as he gave way, Sinking, wounded to death, His comrades appeared ; Too late to the rescue, As anguished they feared. XXVIII. The hero was dying, The battle was won ; And he smiled fondly saying : " Tell my father his son 94 THE WARRIOR'S PATE. Fought well his dear country's Bright honor to save ; Tell him, Henry, my brother, Not to weep o'er my grave. XXIX. " Oh tell my fond mother, That her first-born boy Preferred death to dishonor ; And, Henry, decoy From her grief my poor Lena j To me you've been true, Then win her love, brother, I give her to you. XXX. " But if she clings unto My memory then, Be her Comfort and solace, Friend, bravest of men ; Tell Lena that to her My last thoughts were given ; Farewell, dearest Henry, We'll all meet in heaven." XXXI. With mournful faces And muffled drum beat, With solemn tread Of the martial feet, They bore him in sorrow To the gloornsome tomb, THE WARRIOR'S FATE. 95 And many a hero Wept over his doom. XXXII. Oh deep was the grief In each warrior's breast ; With unnatural gloom The band was oppressed ; Though victory had crowned The great German host, Their loved color-bearer, Forever was lost. XXXIII. No more would the golden Crowned head 'fore them shine, No more would they follow Its guidance divine; No more would the blue eyes With hero light flash ; Or ne'er would he wear His well-won sword and sash. XXXIV. And Lena, his darling, Wept at the tomb ; Upbraiding the fates For his untimely doom ; Sadly heart-rending her cry As she wailed, Oh ! my Karl, Oh ! why did you die ? " THE WARRIOR'S FATE. XXXV. But the cold lips were mute, And the azure eyes dim, That late danced all joyous j Death had chosen him. The golden locks waved O'er the grand, noble brow That late bore the mpress Of beauty and thought, With heroic courage And boyish pride fraught. XXXVI. So in silence and sorrow, They consigned to the tomb The hero of Strasburg, In the beauty and bloom Of manhood, down-stricken By the hand of grim death ; Leaving Lena to mourn With her last sighing breath. XXXVII. And daily the maiden Doth visit the tomb, Bestrewing it over With Flora's sweet bloom ; And soon will she follow Where Karl has flown ; To the spirit-land beauteous, Where grief is unknown. " MOHAMMED ! " Deathless till the world Attains its sure, but dreaded end, That name shall live. 'Twas he unfurled The Islam standard, to defend The which from wrong, from fell insult, He raised a mighty, powerful horde ; And heathen nations 'braced his faith To 'scape his dread death-dealing sword. II. It was in happy Araby, Where rarest flowers doth endless bloom, And freighted is the balmy air With the rich frankincense perfume, Where silv'ry lakes and rosy bowers, The eyes of wondering man delight; And like an empress in her hall, Wearing her crown bf jewels bright, Or shrouded in a purple pall, So proudly steps the queen of night. III. For she to thankless man was given To light his path through darkness long ; 7 (97) MOHAMMED. By her the storm-wrapt clouds are riven, And round her pathway gayly throng The stars in one resplendent train, L,ke maids of famed Sultana's court, That round their mistress doth remain ; Or dancing 'fore her throne doth sport. IV. Slow, majestic, through the blue heaven, Queen Luna on her silver car Sails, shedding forth the luster given By Him whose eye doth see afar, Beyond the bounds of chaos space ; And hung like lamps of gold above, Depending from the concave sky, Bright glow the stars of hope and love. V. But when the day god proud doth rise, Mounting his car of gold on high, Careering through the eternal skies, Illuming earth's arched canopy; Making this beauteous spot so bright, That Allah might from heaven descend, Bearing with him his angel choirs, To fill this glorious, blessed land With music from their golden lyres, VI. Oh who would ever dare to dream, As gazed ho on this fairy scene, That once this land so beauteous rare, Was the abode of grim despair ; MOHAMMED. 99 Where fathers slew their daughters young, Or into graves them living flung; A land that was the home Of human vultures dark that roamed From place to place destroying life, Spilling their blood in useless strife; Where brother laid his brother low, E'er deeming him his ruthless foe, Despoiling him of all his goods, Steeping his soul in murdered blood. VII. Where chieftains proud, green lizards ate, And often famine's pangs to sate, The husband slew his trusting wife, With her remains sustaining life ; Savage devouring flesh and blood Of her who loved through ill and good, And ruthless rent her stiffening corse ; He loved her less e'en than his horse. VIII. A land where none but Ishmaels dwelt, A land that naught but horror felt, A land accursed by heathen pride, A land where darkness would abide Despite the efforts of a world, Till Islam's banners were unfurled. , IX. Ye Christians, horrified behold The worship of the Islam bold ; Ye mock the Koran's mystic law, 100 MOHAMMED. In every rite ye find a flaw ; Ye fain would shake Mohammed's power, That like Olympian mountains tower High o'er the heathen Arab host, That many a Moslem soul doth boast. X. But blame him not, God sent the man To change each murd'rous Arab clan From hi man vultures to become The followers of a prophet brave j A second Moses sent to save A people lost to God and heaven; To teach the laws Allah had given. XI. In Mecca, Allah's sacred shrine, The prophet sent by will divine, Breathed his first, his natal breath ; Born of the humblest parents 'neath The arching sunlit Arab skies, In which the Magi great descried The star that o'er his birthplace shone, The brightest orb that e'er was known Since that rare, lustrous, guiding light, That 'lumed the primal Christmas night ; The star that led the good, wise men, THE GLORIOUS STAR OF BETHLEHEM. XII. Long, long the Magi pondered o'er, Long, silent praying stood before The ATTER, QUEDAH'S sacred flame, MOHAMMED. 101 Then gave the boy his wondrous name, " MOHAMMED ! " born to never die, While live the waters, earth and sky ; And now the Moslem seals his word, E'er by his tomb, long beard or sword. XIII. 'Twas in the month through which prevailed Unbroken peace, that he revealed Unto the pilgrims, Gentiles, Jews, Arabs, Chinese and staid Hindoos, The truths the which he could instill Into the heathen heart at will. XIV. Wild was the zeal by all displayed ; Bold huntsman, free, fair mountain maid, To Islam's power low bowed their heads, For Islam fills black hearts with dread ; The turbaned Turk and fiery Hun, For Islam did their armor don, And Pashas from the burning Ind Came with horsetails streaming in the wind. XV. The Hindoo proud forsook the wave Of Gunga, where so oft he laved And took the Koran for his guide, Nor feared the wrath of Gauge's tide. XVI. Long, long the mighty Khaliph fought, With grand success his reign was fraught ; 102 MOHAMMED. Triumphant rang the glorious cry, That echoed to the eternal sky : "Allah, II Allah," God is God, Let infidels weep 'neath the rod Of iron-edged with avenging steel, Let heretics its horrors feel, Let all who mock Mohammed's word Fall 'neath his death-bestrewing sword. XVII. Kings, Sultans, Khaliphs, Pashas, all, With bounding hearts answered the call Of Islam's strangely powerful voice, It made the hardest heart rejoice ; All yielded to Mohammed's power ; They vowed the Koran to obey, And with the bright and ready sword, For Islam fought till Jezdegerd, XVIII. The lord of lords and king of kings, Self-styled received with proud scornings, The messenger Mohammed sent ; Shaikh Maghurah, who intent On changing the proud Sultan's heart, Rejoicing hastened to impart The tidings glad to Jezdegerd, Who with contempt the message heard. XIX. Then said the monarch with disdain, With ruthli ss tongue and haughty mien : " Who is this man that durst demand MOHAMMED. 103 From the great lord of Persia's land Tribute? A namele-s upstart he, Who soon will craving mercy bej Cowering object at my feet, Q-o tell him Jezdegerd doth greet, XX. As Khaliphs none but Khaliphs born, His religion, peace, from him I scorn; Shaikh Maghurah, false and vain Is he that boldly doth proclaim Himself great Allah's prophet sent The sins of men, or e'en prevent Them from adoring aught they will, Sun. moon or stars or vernal hill ; Go tell your master, Jezdegerd His messages with scorn has heard, Tell him some gifts of wheat and wine, He'll send the prophet now divine ; But tribute he sh-ill never pay, Nor bow his head to Islam's sway." XXI. When Omar heard this bold reply, With fiery wrath kindled his eye ; Unfurling Islam's banners wide, Prepared to crush the Persian's pride. The Sultan smiled with mocking laugh, He taunted Omar, urged him quaff The draught of woe he held in store, For Islam's chief he longed to soar High up to Fame's celestial throne, And on his forehead wear her zone. 104 MOHAMMED. XXII. But vain, vain was Jezdegerd's boast, He met brave Omar's serried bost, And humbly bowed to Islam's sway, On the red field " Cadessia ; " Jezdegerd fled before his foes, Upon bis soul a horror grows That he should fall, become the prey Of Islam's Kbaliph ; day by day He lurked in secret ambush laid ; Few friends were his, the Moslem blade Had awed the Persian hordes ; No more they loved their lord of lords. XXIII. At length the wretched, homeless king, That once his own praises could sing, Unto a miller hard appealed For shelter, food; pledges he sealed With gifts of rare and costly gems, That flashed once on his diadems. The miller granted his request, And while he slumbered, deep the breast Of Persia's mighty ruler pierced His dagger keen, avaricious, fierce, And robbed the murdered corse so cold, Taking his robe 'broidered with gold, The jewels of his mantle wide, And silver sword sheath from his side. XXIV. Thus died the haughty Jezdegerd, Not by the warrior's flaming sword, MOHAMMED. 105 But in the dead of glooinsome night, The assassin's hand his soul set free, And sent it to eternity ; While Omar ruled the Persian hordes, Their king of kings and lord of lords. XXV. The Moslems prospered, and in time Their strength and power seemed half divine ; Thus Christian nations looking on, Oft wonder how such deeds are done ; While nations rise and fall, While ministers of the Gospel call, To the Christians them to heed, As lessons precious loud they read From Christ's great book of holy law, In which the soul can find no flaw ; They careless view the beauteous ray, That lights of heaven the narrow way ; The Koran is the Moslem's guide, And by its maxims they abide. ttwttri). i. MOSES VANHOLSTEIN was a Jew, And miser of the old persuasion; One of the rare and coward few, That always dread burglar invasion. Rich, rich was he in lands and gold, But poor as Job in human treasure ; Such as true love for kindred friends, Or love for heaven's eternal pleasures. II. Oh but he was a stingy knave, A skinflint granite is not harder Than his small heart ; a loaf to save He'd p : lfer from a neighbor's larder; But still he was a GENTLEMAN. GOLD hides a multitude of failings; Fair damsels did our hero scan, And gave him countless witching hailings. III. Poor, proud papas oft sought him out, Inviting him to tea or dinner, And rival sisters quarreled about (106) THE MISER OUTWITTED. 107 Him, each desirous to be winner Of Moses' gold. Oh how he laughed At them, their parents, and the folly To think he could be caught with chaff, And yet our friend was mighty jolly. IV. On those occasions, such as when Visiting some fair gold-sick charmer, With appetite just three days old, (So said some young, gay, jesting farmer) He would discuss the viands and wines, Regardless of the flesh forbidden ; I grieve to tell the mournful truth, He'd eat pork pie though lost was heaven. V. And sausage, too, with sour krout, Such was his willful inclination ; Besides the cheese, Limburger famed, Made in this Jew's adopted nation, Until his host would quake with fear, For a skilled M. D. anx : ous sending; But Moses staunch would bravely bear The burden, e'er triumphant ending. VI. Now Moses was no more a fool Than you or I, my gentle reader, In fashion's van, in Mammon's school At Grecnvale he was social leader ; Ere forty years had w:th their change, Their storms and sunshine passed o'er him, 108 THE MISER OUTWITTED. Four gentle brides had flown away, And still poor Moses saw before him VII. Some hope of sweet connubial bliss. Love in his flinty heart held swaying, And loveliness need not be his While such fair maids were him waylaying j Yet he resisted all his wiles, Again he feared to try and marry ; " For where's the use of having wives, If they in life refuse to tarry?" VIII. At length a Christian friend who lived Upon the isle of famed Manhattan, Invited Moses soon to come And see his daughter Flora Alton. Miss Alton was a lovely maid, The skies of heaven were never bluer Than her bright eyes ; the amber shade Of her rich curls as gold was pure. IX. " The fairest maid that ever trod The earth," so said our Greenvale miser; Ah ! had he known what soon he learned, His course, I ween, it had been wiser. The match was made, the pair were wed, Moses brought home his lov.-ly treasure ; Albeit poor Flora shook her head, And bade farewell to future pleasure. THE MISER OUTWITTED. 109 X. 'Twas evening of a summer's day, Flora Vanholstein, pale with sorrow, Stood all alone within a room, (Whose very furniture would harrow The heart of one, less used to wealth Than she) her eyes of azure softly shedding Tears of unheard of undreamt woe ; Her life's dark curse had been her wedding XL With one so far beneath herself In moral likewise mental culture ; An angel she in woman's guise, He was a grasping human vulture. The setting sun upon her shone, Around her dainty head a halo Of amber ringlets bright were blown; Divinely fair despite the shadow XII. That rested on her polished brow. Flora Vanholstein yielded duty Unto her cruel tyrant lord ; Slow fading was her peerless beauty. " Vlora, mein.frow," in accents thick And harsh the words were to her borne, Then with a sigh at once heart-sick, Back to her life of woe she turned. XHL " Now vat you vant 5 mit grying, Like von schild of two year old ? 110 THE MISER OUTWITTED. Vat your tired out mit living ? Go dead, fast ish your fader's gold, All your lands are in my keeping, All your rnoonish ish in bank ; Four rich frows haf gone before you, Follow dem, I vill you dank. XIV. "Dere are oder pooty miidchens, (girls) Dey vould gladly marry me, One of dem I'll choos, my lady, Shust so soon as I am free. Go you now und bring my supper ; Hark! whose calling? Vlora dear, Ach Got ! my frow ish crazy, Running down the hall." (So drear.) XV. Flo' Wyndham, darling sister, Of my love and weary heart, Welcome to my heart though wretched. From you never more I'll part. The new-comer was a lady Just twenty years, no more, Tall, dusk-faced, dark-eyed, slender, Graceful formed as friend of yore, XVI. Fearless as a young knight errant, Chafing ever at delay ; Young Miss Wyndham was a lady That would have her own sweet way, Over Moses' Teutonic figure, THE MISER OUTWITTED. Ill Her bright eyes derisive passed, Then in tones, clear and ringing As the bugle's sweet notes, asked : XVII. " Friend, what are your politics ? For whom are you going to vote? Is it for Grant or Greeley? For my part, I honor both." For a moment Moses frowning Viewed the dazzling fairy bright, Then in tones harsh as an owl's hoot He responded, angry light XVIII. Blazing in his eyes of green-gray Hue, just like a cat's : " I votes dat now you leaves us, Mit your feathers, fuss und hats ; You comes to see von poor mans, To keeps you I can't afford, So you had better go home, Hasten now de train to board." XIX. "Keep me ! " cried the taunting houri, " Why, you blockhead, I've a charm By which I can live and flourish On the air; don't look alarmed, I ne'er touch the food of mortals, Man, I've found a ma^ic way That to live and thrive costs nothing But the will the ghost to lay." 112 THE MISER OUTWITTED. XX. " Vat ghost? " asked he bewildered. " Why the ghost of appetite ; And now that I need not supper, I'll be saying you good-night." Away they went, those lovely Floras, One so dark, the other fair ; She, who fed on mortal rations, And the one wuo lived on air. XXI. "Are you mad ?" gasped timid Flora, "Moses this will not believe." " Won't he ? " laughed Miss Wyndham, " To me this matter leave." Next morn' our charmed charmer Bright and early left her room, Her eyes resplendent glowing, And her olive cheeks a-bloom. XXII. Moses watched her airy movements, And he wondered in his heart If one so strangely lovely, Could exist on magic art. Secretly he searched her chamber, And her trunks invaded too ; But no hidden food unto him Was revealed. Perplexed the Jew XXIII. Watched and waited, unrewarded Was his vigilance and care ; THE MISER OUTWITTED. 113 All unconscious of his danger, He was falling in a snare. So the days flew on, unheeded By the Floras, both intent On some strange, mystic proceeding, Each the other comfort lent. XXIV. Suddenly Flora Vanholstein Laid her down, sick unto death, Fainter daily grew her pulses, Fainter still her fragrant breath; So the learned, aged physician Vowed his patient could not live, And he ceased the Lodge to visit, And his bitter pills to give. XXV. Bright Flo' Wyndham ever tender, Cared for Moses and his wife j Seeing that his meals were ready Punctual; and o'er Flora's life Kept she faithful watch and constant, Death, grim monster, for to scare ; But one night he claimed her darling, Claimed her friend so brightly fair. XXVI. Moses mourned not his treasure, Another bride he had in view, And he deemed her proof 'gainst illness, So he from the presence drew. THE MISER OUTWITTED. Flo' hung o'er the lifeless Flora, Robed her for her final rest; Then to gaze upon the sweet face, -Heartless Moses sore she pressed. XXVII. Said he to her long entreaty : "All my frows dey vants to die, Und I dells dem shust to do so, Den dey mope und grieve und cry; Ven dey weary of de pasdimes, Dey all goes in de bett, Und dey pine away mit sorrow Till at last dey all go deat. XXVIII. "Veil, I goes to find anodor, I can nodings do but try ; Ven again I marry, I vill win one vat don'd cry ; So you shust nails down the coffin, Make it tight und fast, I feels sick till she's buried, If she vakes my joy ish past." XXIX. In the eyes of fond Flo' Wyndham Flashed a deadly, scornful light, And her lips of coral wreathed Into smiles most strangely bright, Half of pity, half derision, Mingled with a flash of hate; THE MISER OUTWITTED. 115 Moses oft recalled tho vision, Alas for him ! when 'twas too late. XXX. Soon the grave of lovely Flora Vanholstein was made, and then, 'Mid the mourning of her neighbors, Low the wronged young wife was lain j Then with an aged companion, Flo' Wyndham slow returned To the Lodge to find its master Jovial and unconcerned. XXXI. "Vat! my dear, now must you leaves me All alone, mitoud von friend? " "No!" cried Flo', U I stay to cheer you Till the summer gains its end." Moses, you may vow, was happy In the capture of the maid ; For never on his larder dear, Or orchard M ould she raid. XXXII. Flo' was blithe and full of mischief, As frolicsome magpies ; Yet she held her aged admirer At a distance with her eyes; When they flashed in anger on him, He was humble as a slave, And oft to hear her singing, Very meekly he would crave. 116 THE MISER OUTWITTED. XXXIII. But love is a daring fellow, And he made our hero bold ; So one evening, with much terror, To Flo' Wyndham thus he told : "I bees rich, I've heaps of moonish, All vill I gif to you If you vill mit me marry, And to me be efer true." XXXIV. "Marry you!" exclaimed the lady, With her black eyes flashing fire ; " Why, you blockhead, are you crazy, Thus to rouse my sleeping ire? That you're rich I take for granted, But ere long you will be poor ; You will roam without a shelter. Turned from this very door. XXXV. "For