THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE QUEST OF A SOUL AND OTHER VERSE THE QUEST OF A SOUL AND OTHER VERSE By Martha Arnold Boughton NEW YORK CHICAGO TORONTO Fleming H. Revell Company LONDON AND EDINBURGH Copyright, 1911, by FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY New York : 158 Fifth Avenue Chicago : 123 No. Wabash Ave. Toronto: 25 Richmond St., W. London : 21 Paternoster Square Edinburgh: 100 Princes Street INSPIRER, CRITIC, COMPANION, HUSBAND. Contents PACK THE REALM OP THE POET 9 THE QUEST OP A SOUL 13 TRIBUTES To the Beloved 31 Frances E. Willard 32 Robert Browning 35 Apostrophe to Shakespeare 36 A CYCLE OP THE YEAR New Year's Melodies 41 An Easter Song 43 The Spirit of May 46 Decoration Day Ode 47 Independence Day 52 A Thanksgiving Paean 55 A Christmas Lay 59 NEAR THE HEART'S SHRINE Sympathy 65 The Love of Life 66 Prayer 67 Recompense 68 Light for the Dark Hour 74 Patience 75 7 Content* AT PLACES The Catskills Beautiful 79 An Idyl of the Hudson 80 Westminster Abbey 82 Bermuda 83 OP THE LITTLE ONES To the Mother of a Babe 87 My Captor 91 Welcome to Baby 93 The Returned Messenger 97 MISCELLANEOUS Aspiration 103 A Hymn of Peace 104 An Evening Reverie 107 The Weaver 114 Soul Thoughts 116 Beatrice 119 Friendship 123 Verses . 125 THE REALM OF THE POET OUNDLESS the poet's realm. Nor space, nor time, Nor Nature vast, nor man, nor He, the All Confines his range. Above this terrene ball, Where strife for gain, and sordid care, and crime Vex life, he breathes pure air : in that blest clime Lists the world's wild heart beat. No earth-grown wall Bars his from childhood's realm, no bonds enthrall His perfect faith, hope dauntless, love sublime. To him is deigned a sacred trust, to lead False errant man back to the True, the Good: To paint for him, with setting choice and rare And color bright, the vision God shall cede Unto his soul. Like One who here once stood, He is to touch the blind, that they see clear. 9 THE QUEST OF A SOUL THE QUEST OF A SOUL TINY craft on Time's mysterious stream Was once embarked. Escaped from realm unknown, The fragile thing a journey perilous Essayed. Its guide, from fields empyrean fresh, Nor thought, nor cared, nor wist to what port bound, A thoughtless, guileless, tender child was she. Like mirror true, she imaged faithfully The language, mood and mein of those who dwelt In the fair land she had so lately left. With fragile lilies, snowy pure, she toyed, With rippling waves played free, enrap tured sang Her glad surprise and wonder deep at all Of mystery and beauty spread around 13 1 Qut0t of a feoul was ; * * In earth and sea and sky. Life * * * * Swift sped the years. They changed the wondering child To maiden of fair form and fervent heart, And pure and modest grace. More deep the stream, More strong the wave, more wide the rista grew. "Stay, lovely maid," one sang in tempting tone, "Nor haste with look so earnest and intent To speed thee on. Youth passes by but once, Stay thou with me, the tardy hours be guile.'* "Nay, hinder not," she cried, "nor turn my thought From my firm purpose strong. I have set out The Isle of Happiness to gain. From this Nought shall deter. ' ' " Yet, maiden fair, ' ' he urged, List to my word. I, Beauty am, and I 14 2tu0t ot a feoul Have ever wreathed renown 'd woman's brow. Thy form of grace, thy features fair, I'll give Yet fairer touch. Men at thy feet shall fall, And vow for loveliness none can excel. So shalt thou ride the dancing wave with glee, And Ease and Pleasure wait upon thy will, And soon the Isle Elysian shall gain. ' ' And with the word, in garb entrancing fair And winning face and form, he decked the maid. But slowly moved her bark. Men crowded round, And vied to homage rend, and in her ear And to each other vowed, ' ' Of loveliest all Most lovely, and of all most passing fair." Eound, round, the boat in eddies swift now spun, Until well nigh submerged. Like lead her heart, Although with hollow smile she answered back The flattery of the throng. Aroused at length, She scanned around, before, alas, in vain, The port to see. And Life went sweeping on. In silvery sheen and cloth of gold attired, And puffed with pompous pride, a spirit gay In midair poised before her straining eyes. "Fair maiden," thus he spoke, "I ween thy wish And haste me here to aid thee on thy way. By deeds confirmed, the whole wide world will show My gift the one supreme. Would men so yield Their precious time, best thought, and friends, and kin, And honor, health, and hazard even life, Did they not think exchange for my rare gift Were worth them all! Yet this much craved prize flLfjt Dur0t of a feoul Shalt thou possess, for Biches at thy feet E'en to satiety I'll pour, and naught Thy heart can wish of all earth's treasure trove Shall be denied. The metal bright shall buy Position, favor, power and sway 'mongst men. If all thou canst desire shall be thine own, What more can aid thee to a fruitful search?" And soon, his word fulfilled, the tiny bark With lustrous yellow gold was freighted down; Nor had he valued low its wondrous might, For favor, power, position, homage, too, And treasures rare, the yellow metal gain ed. But with its heavy weight her bark sank low. Then sordid Care, green Envy, vulture birds 'Gan hover round, and touched her shoul ders fair, 2 17 Quest of a And soon the fragile craft so burdened grew, The cruel waters had well-nigh engulfed. "Alas!" she sighed, "I fear no resting place Save 'neath the wave, my troubled soul can find! But who is this who hovers near, his garb Of sombre hue, his visage wise and grave? Of faith and hope I feel the thrill, that he Shall rescue me, my onward way ensure." E 'er he the sinking prow essayed to raise, "Stay, spirit wise," she cried, "for wise thou seemst, Dost ken the way unto the Blessed Bourn? The skies are dark, the air opaque and thick, The waters of Despair seek to devour. Thou seemest hope to bring, canst guide me on?" "Wondrous the works of God," he answer ed low, "Scarce less amazing those of creature man, 18 flDuest of a feoul And Nature's marvels endlessly unfold. Fair Science, charming History, graceful Art, All records man and nature, too unveils, The hidden mysteries of the earth, and those Of distant suns in endless ether plains, All this, and more, I, Learning can reveal. My lamp I'll lend thee, thus by it to read Not only all thy mind can touch, but, too, I troth, thy way unto the Happy Isle." Intent the goal to reach, she seized the lamp. Its light pierced the dim air, and wondrous things Above, around, beneath, its beams re vealed. Sweet was the search, and time sped swift ly by While delving in the treasures round her spread. She read and read, forgetting all around, And noted not how wide the stream had grown. 19 &tt**t of a &ottl As from a, dream aroused, she gazed about : Nor banks could she discern, nor living thing To answer back a soul's despairing cry. 1 1 whither am I bound, ' ' she wildly called. "To be alone on Time's uncertain stream, With haven none in view, nor pilot sure, The way to guide, is hopeless beyond hope! But yet another spirit on broad wing, To proffer aid, I ween, is hastening near. 'A myriad of strange birds flit round him close, And sounds mysterious break upon mine ear." "Of what avail," he answer made at once To her deep questioning eyes, "is all thou hast, If thou alone must sail, alone enjoy The gifts of various kinds thou hast re ceived? Men all things gain that they by other men 20 flDucst ot a feoul May be admired, loud landed and long snng. Unhappiness is thine until thou know That all men know how envious is thy state. The longed-for realm is further on, where, now I'll not reveal, but these winged messen gers That on thy way attend, shall go before And by entrancing strains shall lure thee on: The Beatific Isle shall soon appear. " So spoke deceitful Fame. Then on her ear Broke soft ecstatic strains. All else around She heeded not, for far her name they chimed. Wide circled they around ; away they bore Her praise to distant lands, and Echo clear Sustained the sound. They sang of one fair bark On Life's strange stream, with worth and wealth most blest. 21 Quest of a feoul Th' intoxicating draught of praise she drank, Now couched on bed of ease, and deep and long She quaffed again until her dizzied brain In rapt oblivion of passing things Was steeped. Though warbling birds sang gaily on, Dulled was her ear to most alluring sounds. Excess of honied sweets repellant grew. The dull delirium of delusive Fame Began by little slowly to be spent, And Eeason to resume its wonted throne. ' ' Sing, if ye will, to duller ears your songs, Deceptive harbingers of ill," she moaned; 1 ' I look, and find ye have not sped me on, To no sure resting place my bark is moored, I feel it rather drifted farther back, And longer is the search to gain the port. My soul by deep despondency is seized, For I despair the Happy Isle to reach. I little care if this, my useless bark 22 Shall shipwreck make, and billows o 'er me close." But gazing toward the blue, a vision bright And beauteous beyond compare her eyes Then met. On wavering wing, through rifted cloud, A form of light escaped, and downward sped. Celestial forms elude our mortal words, But He, to Hope or Faith or Peace was like, Yet greater than all these, far more divine. Of Graces good, He greatest. Thus is Love. Kindly His face, and silver-toned His word. His eyes, benign and soft, assurance lent. "Nay, daughter, think not thus thy hope is fled,' 1 He calmly spoke. "But earth-born all thy guides 'Till now have been. I, from above am sent The way to show unto the happy realm Which is thy quest. Young hast thou learned, but sure, 23 flattest of a feoul That Beauty, Biches, Pleasure, Learning, Fame, Are fruitless all, the deepest need to meet. With time they pass away. Love never fails. Admit me to thy side, thy craft to guide. More search is vain. Love and Content are one. Nor seek a land beyond while on this stream, But safely sailed, I'll guide thee to my home. I promise not more easy be thy way, Nor lure with such advantage as they all Whom thou hast tried. And often thou must yield For others' weal, thine own; to find thy life Shall lose what seemest dear, yet Love di vine Sufficient joy receives in giving self. Dost choose ?" "Yea, Love, lead thou me on," she said. 24 Dtu0t of a feoul The years fled by. I glanced again and saw Once more, the same light craft upon the stream. And to it, joined by bands like steel, which Love Had welded firm, another bark was bound And guided by a strong and manly soul. Swift sped they on as one. Love turned aside Now and anon, and launched upon the stream New, frail and tender craft, and bade them take And safely guide till well upon their way. A sight most beauteous was it then to see The fleet entire advance, Love leading on! A holy halo crowned the matron's brow, And sweet content wreathed smiles upon her face. Not always clear the sky nor smooth the wave, And twice I saw a spectre grim reach down 25 of a feoul And wrench away from their protecting care One of the fleet; but Love bent low and breathed Into her ear, a message from above, Which she in turn re-echoed. "All is well." Her guide divine directed oftentimes Her thought to other craft upon the stream. Here, one had shattered grown, there, one adrift Without a rudder sailed, some struggled hard Lest grievous burdens sink them low. All 'round Were those whom sickness, sin, and pov erty Weighed down. She touched with soft and magic hand, Each, here and there, and hope and faith revived, 26 of a feoul New life infused, while burdens ligjhter grew. On, on, Love led. The stream grew broad and deep, No resting place appeared, nor sought she one, Her sweetest joy not seeking rest for self, But with warm hand and heart, abetting all Less fortuned, less clear-visioned than was she. As on she sped and on, a silvery crown Merging to snowy white, her temples wreathed, And sunny smiles traced true upon her face Their furrows deep. A radiance not of earth, But caught from the bright realm toward which she sailed, And heavenly fair, her features over spread. I could not see beyond, but now and then Her straining vision caught a pledge or sign 27 S&nttt of a feoul Or earnest of unutterable joy Awaiting her release, and urged her haste. Then loosed the bonds became to dearest ones, Calm was the stream, low hung the setting sun, And without splash or sound, but gliding smooth, Her well-worn bark sailed out from mortal ken Into Eternity Love leading home. 28 TO THE BELOVED. "ff ONCE stood where two wild-wood J| streams, in forest shadowy, deep, Their waters joined. One restive, wild, impetuous to o'erleap Its firm-bound banks. The other, pure and clear and quiet gleamed, For Nature 's face unmarred and all things bright, a mirror seemed. United, soon their waters blent, and two as one became, Then deeper, broader, mightier far, it flowed on, though the same, And power and beauty, grace and strength, then marked its passage free, And burdens vast it onward bore unto the boundless sea. I once stood where two earnest souls in bond most mystic, deep, Their being joined. One restless, wild, im petuous to o'erleap 31 tanct0 <. OflliUara Her earth-given bound. One calm as morn, upright and brave and true, An influence breathing hope and cheer, that spirit round him threw. Two lives as one then blended were ; more deep and broad and strong Life's stream swept on, and lightly bore all Care and Toil along, And power and beauty, grace and strength now mark its passage free, And Life and Love glide gently on toward Eternity. FEANCES E. WILLAED NCEOWNED queen of nations, loved of millions free, Hail, translated spirit! hail to-day to thee! Grievous cares all lightened, world-wide journeys o'er, Wearied body sleeping, ne'er to waken more. Not 'mid emblems sable, not 'mid tears and gloom, 32 j?rancr 3 <. OMillarD But midst light and blossom rest thee in the tomb. Not the giant evil claimed her heart's sole care, She, the mother-hearted saw wrong every where : Sought life's joys to quicken, sought God's poor to feed, Labor's load to lighten, soothe the cry of need: Evil 's mighty monarchs from their thrones to hurl, And round God's broad footstool, flags of peace unfurl. Ease, and fame, and favor, wealth, and love laid down, She, to please the Master choose the better crown : Laid upon the altar gifts and graces rare, Lo! the gift accepted, more, beyond com pare 3 33 J-rancrs C. He bestowed upon her. Life grew full, complete, Fame and honor crowned her, friendship's bonds were sweet. Earthly crowns shall perish, royal blood decay, They who live for God's truth, ne'er shall pass away : They who self surrender for the Good and True, Gain, through years on-rolling, honor ever new. Hail, translated spirit, who to Life hast passed Death can never claim thee, while the years shall last. EGBERT BROWNING Born May 7, 1812. Died Dec. 12, 1889. GET of cheer! The natal hour we bless That brought thy Song of Solace, and the spur ! What though thy message, in its opaque dress Bid * ' Dig and delve * ' ! A mine of jewels were Less worth our search. Thy opalescent ray Illumines the groping soul, leads it to day. For with thy birth rang out the clarion clear, "Man's here to grow his soul! Upward his woes Lead him to God. Aspire, aspire, nor fear!" Faith, though decadent, with thy coming rose; Hope dawned anew, enheartening a faint world ; to &&afce0pear* And Love divine, shone in God's plans, impearled. One, thou didst name "Soul of my soul," "My star," "My moon of poets," "Lyric Love." Then men Saw how a man might love. And better far Are we, who hear thy slogan, "Strive!" Again, "Progress is nought, endeavor's all." "Endure!" "Work for work's sake." "God and thy soul stand sure!" APOSTROPHE TO SHAKESPEARE EA, hearts change not, thou Seer of all time, So thou dost know us all ; for thou dost steal Into the secret soul and there reveal Souls to themselves of every age, race, clime. 36 to fe&alegpeare Thou sweepest, with a, breadth and scope sublime, The harp of human life. And didst thou feel J. \_/\_/J. The hate, love, mirth, grief, envy, woe, and weal Thou didst portray? Know both sweet deed and crime? How hadst thou knowledge, who, they say, ne'er learned? Art claims thee, yet thou didst teach Art to soar Higher than Form, that highest Art but delves Into the soul's deep chasms, whose worth's discerned. So thee, as Seer Supreme the years adore. They teach us most who show us our strange selves. 37 A CYCLE OF THE YEAR NEW YEAR'S MELODIES chimes of Time glad new rhymes ring, For the revolving cycles wing Another untried year. Ring, gladsome bells, new hopes allure: The Past is dead, new hours assure Surcease from every fear. Sing to the sad of joy not fled : To them that mourn, of Love, not dead, Sing paeans sweet this morn. Tell mortals all, the great day speeds Of holier thoughts and mightier deeds : Ring hope to all unborn. Peal, chimes of Time, grave questions peal, Unveil the vista, Nestor ; tell If woe or weal await. Shall Greed and Self men still control? Or Love, divine and human, rule The heart, the home, the state? geat'0 Shall Bum, unchecked, his domain spread? Shall Power and Anarchy be wed! Our flag dishonored be? Or white-robed Peace her laurels wave, And loyal sons their country save To home and liberty? Clang, chimes of Time, in jangling rhymes, Discordant tones suit jarring times. Error as Truth is clad, And Vice as Virtue robed is bold, The scales of Justice poised by gold, And infants' hearts made sad. Toll, chimes of Time, your deep tones roll For each crushed heart, each downcast soul, For rudely severed ties: For moments fled, kind deeds undone ; For futile plans, work not begun Lost opportunities. Chime, bells of Time, chime sweet and sad : Tomb-ward we haste, and sable-clad, Bear cypress boughs along: 42 Yet chime, bells ; eons are old : The Eternal 's plans shall soon unfold : Sound a glad New Year's song. King, joyous bells, your sweet tone swells The anthem that from true hearts' wells, Hailing that glad new day When Love shall reign and Strife shall die, God's children be one family, The Prince of Peace hold sway. AN EASTER SONG ING, all earthly hearts and voices, Sing aloud, this festal day, Sea and sky and earth rejoices, Men and angels join to say, 1 1 Christ the Lord is risen to-day ! ' ' Vain were shackles, bars and mandates, Seals and bribes and rulers' word, Death has died: man's foe is vanquished: Heaven and earth with one accord Hymns to-day, a risen Lord. Vain the birth of Him, the Christ-child, Vain that life of power divine, 43 faster Vain, indeed, the hours on Calvary, Or that glory through him shine, If no risen Christ were thine. See ! ere night withdraws her curtain, Ushering in the busy week, Mary, lade with precious spices, Would her Healer's body seek: She once demon-ruled, now meek. Though bright angels guard death's por tal, Deep with grief her heart is stirred : "Tell me, sir," to one she crieth, "Tell me where they've laid my Lord!" ' ' Mary I ' ' from His lips she heard. Glory broke upon her vision, E'en with Him she could not stay, 1 1 He is risen ! He is risen ! ' ' Far and wide she sings the lay. So we sing, "He's risen to-day." Beautiful blossoms, bright blooming at Easter-tide, Emblems of His resurrection, so pure, 44 ji$Z s&sT ftn Ca0Ut feong Christ-noticed lilies, breathe out from each chalice wide Incense ; your praise, voiceless lips, shall endure. ye seraphic choirs, who through the vaults of heaven, Once rang creation's work, once sang the birth Of earth's Creator, join now in the homage given, Swell the glad anthem ascending from earth. Sing, too, hearts of men, since Christ hath rent the veil, Lighted death's portal, illumined the tomb; Ye, too, who mourn the loved, cease from your bitter wail, Man is immortal, and death hath its doom. 45 THE SPIRIT OF MAY ~ff SPRING from the haunts of the Fays 11 'neath the grass ; My mantle the mist of the fen and morass, And legions of warblers peal out as I pass "It is May, lovely May, Join earth in our lay. ' ' I've conquered with sunbeams the Frost- king's steel throng, I've swept into tropics his crystal towers strong, I've dried weeping clouds with a kiss and a song, For I'm May, laughing May, I bid sorrow away. The trees, bare and brown with caresses I woo, With magic I deck them in emerald hue, And earth's sleeping blossoms I waken anew, For I'm May, beauteous May, Making earth glad and gay. 46 Decoration 2Dap Otoe I bid, and the soul forgets care, toil and ruth, I breathe, and the heart old and sere feels the truth, "There is no lasting Death," for to all I bring youth As I sing, "Come away, 'Tis the heart's holiday." DECORATION DAY ODE EAR ye, people, a solemn dirge rending Heaven's high arches with music sublime? Hear ye the tread of the million feet wend ing Slowly their way to the muffled drum's time? Heroes immortal Do ye not hear Who through the portal Of glory have passed, And rest found at last, And now year and year 47 ^Decoration Feel on your mound the sweet blossom and tear? Yea, o'er the heart once so loyally beating For his beloved land, strew the sweet bloom, Purity, beauty, and fragrance, though fleeting, Yet for the moment may brighten the tomb: Tenderly speaking Eemembrance and love, A great nation seeking That gratitude, deep and sincere it might prove. Then let the children, pure, snowy-robed, sweet, Bear the bright emblems, for surely 'tis meet That they, happy, innocent, joyous and free Should carry our heart-thoughts, loved heroes to thee. They know not the cost 48 ^Decoration 2>ap >&e Of liberty's boon, The mighty oblation, The grief-stricken nation, The anguish and sighs, The precious young life-blood that ran free and soon, 'Twill teach even infants their home-land to prize. Not alone would memory keep Vigil o'er our own who sleep, But in loving thought would sweep O'er the graves unmarked, unbil- lowed, North and South, where rest, un- pillowed, Many a son in blue or grey Who loved the land we love to-day. Sisters brave and mothers, wives and sweethearts too, Offered all in offering their boys in grey and blue: Give them, too, a loving thought in this dis tant day, 4 49 Decoration Dap JDfte "Who their anguish ill concealed, bade them speed away. But our saddened hearts yet thrill With a throb of joy, that still There are "boys" with beating heart, Who once bore their loyal part On the field. Some with tottering step and slow, Maimed or sightless, while the snow Crowns their brows, and yet aglow With the patriot's zeal. The foe Could not teach them that they know How to yield. Shall they fill a pauper's grave! Shall they homeless rove, or slave For a pittance, who once gave For the Eight, limb, sight, or wealth, Youth, ambition, home or health ? Nay ! While in our veins shall run Drops of noble blood that won First to us, this heaven-blest land, By our braves we '11 nobly stand : 50 ^Decoration SDap Be to them home, limb and sight, Make their later days more bright, Soon at roll call shall appear Not a one to answer "Here." By the sleeping dead we honor, by our loyal millions free, By our sweeping plains and prairies, by one flag from sea to sea, By the unborn host that cometh, God of Nations, we implore That the Prince of Peace may teach thy children that they war no more. Let them perish Who would cherish Pride of War's vain pomp and glory, love of power, revenge, or gore. Yet, Christ, should grim Oppres sion Crush thy feeble ones to dust, As one man, let this great nation Eise to teach men to be just. Rise in His name whom we trust. Yet, we pray, 51 Speed the day, When the feuds of men shall cease, When shall dawn that reign of peace When Thy children all shall be Bound in loving unity. E hail again the day of Freedom's birth In this, the fairest land o'er all the earth Let clarion trumpet sound, let voice in spire, Check not the joyous din, the dart of fire; Check not, by day or night Ought that may make more bright The glorious splendor flung from Free dom's light. Aye, aye, let all the children know the price, And all of alien blood, the sacrifice 52 That bought the boon. But dear beyond compare Is it to us, whose veins boast blood so rare; Blood of those heroes old, "Who crushed the tyrant bold, Bequeathing thus, this liberty we hold. But stay! nor vaunt thyself in haughty pride, nation blest, nor seek by boast to hide Thy servile thrall. Tyrants still hold thee low, And liberty complete thou dost not know. The craven foe must feel, (Though not by arms of steel) A mighty death-blow, which our brave may deal. For lo! the giant Greed hath bound thee fast, And Mammon, for mere love of gold, hath cast Thee into chains. Shall freemen serve or rule? 53 Each his own master be, or Power's tool? Arise! Contend with might, Cast off the chains of night, And claim thy liberty, thy inborn right ! Freedom to think, to act, pursue, aspire, To buy and sell at worth, toil for just hire, To own a roof, to seek at will, to find The Beautiful in life, to store the mind Untrammelled by the will Of monied Power, which still More gold to gain, thy liberty would kill. Let Wealth, ill-gotten, vaunt no more, nor try By gift to worthy cause, to pacify A wounded sense of Bight. Yet, heroes they Who, Fortune-favored, seek upon the prey Of Poverty to shower The blessing-burdened power Their wealth begets, to brighten Life's dark hour. <3H)anfe0ffttunff paean Haste, haste, true Independence day, and bring To each his own birthright, that we may fling Fetters of body, mind and soul afar, And Christian Freedom be our Polar Star. A waiting world, in need, We then may fitly lead To claim the heritage that God would cede. A THANKSGIVING P^EAN. ATHER, children of free fair Co lumbia, Leave every field of toil, each busy mart, Gather, to-day, at your shrines of devotion, Let songs of ecstacy rise from each heart : For joy of living, Gratefully raise Psalms of thanksgiving, Paeans of praise. In holy temples of truth now assemble, Perfume God's altars with incense of Joy, Wonders and wonders of mercy recount ing, Praises to Him let your moments employ: Weal, wealth and power He doth bestow On every people Honoring Him so. Sing of the Puritan fathers, our founders, Who, for a harvest once willed us the day, Scan the bright vista of heroes immortal Sealing with life-blood, our freedom for aye: Rouse into being Loyalty new, Love for the home-land, Love for her true. Tell of the halcyon days that are passing, Echoes of anvils, the mills ' merry croon, 56 Si Factory bells ringing their joy to the fire side, Labor a-toiling with cherriest tune: Storehouses laden Fruit brown and gold, Granaries bursting, Treasures to hold. Kaise every loyal heart glad exultation, Praise Him for birth in this free, Chris tian land, Pity them, who, in their dire desolation Know rod and shackle and tyrant 's com mand: . Proud daughters humbled, Babes made to wail, Fortresses crumbled, Strong men to quail. Eound burdened tables with choice viands teeming, Summon glad children and silver heads grey, 57 SI QanKsffitung par an Fling years aside, let the bright love-light, streaming, Shed o'er all hearts its pure life-giving ray: Gather at hearth-stones Each loving band, In song and story Honor our land. Grateful, by deeds let us honor the Giver, Hallow His name, and His ways teach our youth, Guard well His Eest-day, make His Word our lode-star, Laud Him in state, home and school, as the Truth. Speed far the Good News To distant lands, Help His own poor ones With open hands. Yea, let the day bring but peace, light and gladness, Thankful for all heaven's gifts let us be, 58 Cast into Lethe all sorrow and sadness, Think of His mercies so boundless and free. For joy of living Gratefully raise Psalms of Thanksgiving, Paeans of praise. A CHRISTMAS LAY I ARK ! List a song Once borne along By myriad angels through the sky; Loud, loud they raise A hymn of praise: Their " Glory be to God on high!" Once seraphs sang to sound creation's birth, Once more, when earth's Creator came to earth. List ! Hear again A loud sweet strain 59 Eap From mortal men ascending, clear! seraphs, say What theme to-day Is heavenward borne from far and near 1 1 'Rejoice, sons of men, this holy morn, For Christ, our King, th' Incarnate God is born ! ' ' 1 ' Peace," the heavenly choirs once sang: Ether plains their ''Goodwill" rang: But the anthem ne'er shall cease, Where abides the Prince of Peace. Peace with men, all brothers here, Peace with self, that casts out fear, Peace with Nature 's plans brings He, Peace with God eternally. ******* Dense was the gloom over Judea brooding ; Crushed was its heart, deferred hope nearly gone : Dim were the stars shedding light o'er its pathway: Dark was the night before broke the bright dawn. 60 & Cfjristma* Prophets and shepherds and sages were waiting, Longing, expectant, Messiah to greet; Heavenward gazing, a sign beckons o ward: Lo! the bright Day-star leads them to His feet. on- Lowly, before Him, in deep adoration, Offering rich gifts to Him, humbly they fall: See in the Christ-child, earth-born in a manger, Monarch, Messiah, and Savior of all. Shine on forever, bright Star of Morn ing: Pierce with Thy radiance the sin-dark ened earth : Lead all the sons of men, bearing their treasures, Him to adore, who has come of such birth! 61 MGL, ft Christmas ap Wonderful, Counselor, King Everlasting, Son of Man, Prince of Peace, thee we would call, Day-spring and Morning Star, bright Sun of Glory, We, too, will worship Thee, great All-in- All! 62 NEAR^HE HEART'S SHRINE SYMPATHY ES, friend, I thank thee for the per fumed note, The formal call, the chosen word polite, When in my dark Gethsemene I walked, And to its dregs drank Grief's most bitter cup; I feel thou meant it well. But say not ' ' I sympathize with thee ! ' ' Say, ' ' I would help," Or, ' 'I so pity thee." Of sympathy Breathe no false sound. But if I only know Thou too, hast felt the selfsame anguish keen, Hast drank the bitter wormwood and the gall, Hast sought through black despair, the gleam of light, of liitt Then words are needless : then the welling tear, The pressure of the hand, are eloquent : Then come to me with healing sympathy, With power and right to touch my wound with balm. THE LOVE OF LIFE HY do I love thee, Life! For many a thorn Along thy rugged path my feet have pressed, And thou hast taught me I may never rest, Yea, sorrow sore my sad heart oft has torn; And yet I love thee, Life, and bless the morn Thou cam'st. From Atropos I shrink; shrink lest She snap the fatal thread and still my breast, And light the load my heavy heart has borne. 66 Yet on my way bright fragrant flowers I've culled, Picked dappled shells along Time's f ronded shore, Lodged Faith and Hope and Joy, guests from above, Who oft to sweet content my soul have lulled: But there's a tie binds me to thee far more, I love thee, Life, since thou hast brought me Love. PRAYER S the child rests in its mother's em brace, So sinks the soul in the prayer-hal lowed place : Mute adoration, petition or praise, There in the Holy of Holies to raise. Out of the storm and the tumult and strife, Out of the whirlpools and eddies of life, 67 Into a peaceful calm nothing can move, Into the haven of God's changeless love. Out of the transient, the common, the base, Into the smile of the Father's own face: Out of the groping in darkness of night, Into the radiance of heaven's clear light. Out of our narrowness into a space Large as the bounds of His infinite grace : Out of our weakness and ignorance dense Into a limitless omnipotence. Out of the earthly, the finite, the frail, Into the sacred shekinah, whose veil Shadows God's presence a blissful re treat, Where the created their Creator meet. KECOMPENSE OD laid His finger once again on Na ture's sleeping form, The. yearly miracle was wrought: ethereal spring was born. With measured tread I wound my way from city toil and strife, 68 Errompense And sought surcease of care to find, 'mid budding, joyous life. Beside a laughing, gurgling rill, on velvet mossy mound, 'Neath canopy of forest shade, dear Na ture's shrine I found. By fleecy clouds the azure dome of sunny skies was flecked, And chorus hymeneal burst from songsters gaily decked. Nature ! sure restorer thou of body, heart and brain, Physician mild and soothing thou, to sor row, toil and pain; Yielding to thee, the heart grows strong, hope dawns, night flees away, Thy soothing voice to darkened souls por tends a brighter day. And mine was dark : around my path were shadows thickly strewn; Sorrow and death had touched my life, and burdens weighty grown; 69 rcompcnse But there by gentle zephyrs fanned, new- lade with perfume faint, The pent-up font of grief was oped, out poured the bitter plaint. "0 Mother Nature," soft I cried, "canst thou to me unfold This checkered mystery of life, this prob lem never old ! Say, why, if God is just and kind, and loves His children all, Should sorrow, sin and sickness blight, re lentless Death appall!" Then deep as space the silence grew in that lone leafy dell, While thoughts ran on, the eyelids drop ped, I yielded to the spell. The Presence, then, pervading all, my spir it seemed to seize, And to my inmost soul her voice came floating on the breeze. "His creature, I, Who over all in wisdom rules alone, 70 EUcompengr And thee, more great than I, He made, His sovereign power to own: And forming me, He gave thee skill my secrets all to guess, Lent thee the key to treasures vast that might thy being bless. "Man chains the lightning's deadly power; reveals earth's richest stores : With aided eye, the secrets deep of distant suns explores : Wild bird and beast, insect and herb, are pliant in his hand, All, save himself, in my broad realm, sub mits to his command. ' ' Still, though to him I yield rich stores of treasures for his weal, Cold is his heart, and blind his eyes to truths I would reveal ; But if thy soul seek lesson sweet from me, this balmy morn, Ope wide thine eyes, the vesture see, I have these ages worn. 71 "Full, rich, refreshing robes of green thy wearied eyes now greet; A purling, fern-fringed, rippling rill winds dancing at thy feet; Soft zephyrs croon, light snow-clouds drift o'er yon cerulean dome, While feathered choirs ecstatic voice their joy that spring has come. "Drink to its full this gladdening draught, then backward turn thine eye Through six short moons : the year is old : chill is the air, and high In branches bare, forsaken nests tell that sweet birds have flown; A coat of mail this swift brook steels; earth cold and dead has grown. "A tiny worm, 'mid scenes so bleak, wailed out one bitter day, 'Why hast Thou thus, cruel One, Thy smile withdrawn for aye! Gone are the sun's warm genial rays, green trees and fragrant flowers, 72 The velvet turf, the warbling choirs; past are all happy hours. ' ' ' So blind thy faith, seeking soul, as yet thou dost not see Eternal spring, perpetual day, all summer, cannot be ; The earth must rest, the night must soothe, clouds grateful shadows cast, Warped were the world, its green robes sere, should summer always last. ' * Day follows night, rest follows toil, after the bitter, sweet: Yea, life itself from death must come, this is the order meet. Canst thou the lesson learn from this, spirit searching deep? Canst not thy spring foresee, while yet the cold blasts o'er thee sweep? "Though wintry winds thy soul oft chill, the sun his face conceal, 73 ifff)t tot l?our Though sorrow, pain and anguish rack, know this is but the seal Of brighter days: the Father would thy chastened heart prepare For peace undreamed, joy unalloyed, and ripened fruitage rare." As through a rifted cloud, the light streams o 'er a shadowy way, So hope serene, illumed my soul, its night broke into day, And sweet peace brooded like a dove, then on my spirit fell : I raised my eyes and murmured low, "Dear Father, all is well." LIGHT FOE THE DAEK HOUE. THINK, dear heart, as shadows lower, And o 'er the path beams no bright ray, Though bitter grief well nigh o 'erpower, The sun will shine some other day. 74 patience A rainbow clear is spanned for thee, Hope's promise, lighting up thy way, As is the weight, the strength shall be, The sun will shine some other day. Fresh courage take, sad one, and lift Thine eyes above these shadows gray, If Faith the cloud pierce, through the rift The sun will even shine to-day. Sweet birds will sing, bright flowers will bloom, This sorrow, too, will pass away, Light flood again thy path of gloom, The sun will shine some other day. PATIENCE 1IVE on, life of mine! Though often thou dost yearn to be at rest, He who hath lent thee life, hath thought it Patience Work on, hands of mine ! Ennobling thought that even thou canst share A part with God in making earth more fair; Then labor calmly on, and to complain, forbear, Fulfilling His design. Trust on, heart of mine ! Though dark the way and rough the angry sea, Thy Pilot holds the helm, thy Father beck ons thee: One guides the course of every songster free, To Him thine all resign. Sing on, soul of mine 1 Sing gongs of faith and hope and joy and cheer, Outsound the discord grating on thine ear, And bring celestial music, sweet and clear To lonelier hearts than thine. 76 THE CATSKILLS BEAUTIFUL HEN on Hudson's placid bosom Floating dreamily, thee I view, Thou art like celestial mountains Billowed 'gainst thy dome of blue. Now, the fleecy cloudlet nestles On the mothering hillside's breast, Or in witching contest wrestles With the sunlit mountain crest. Now, the tortuous rushing streamlet Bounding wildly toward the sea, Lures me 'side its playful madness, Wondrous secrets whispering me. Now, the sun in setting splendor Glints thy hillsides with his beams, Showering with his shimmering opals Hamlet, forest, glade and streams. Now, the distant summit nearing, Far beneath, rock, fall and clove, 79 Bpl of t&e Purest heaven-swept breezes fan me, Blue th' unpillared arch above. Then, afar all din and tumult, Strength anew thou dost impart, Peace, repose and joy exultant Calm my restless, weary heart. AN IDYL OF THE HUDSON N thou glidest, ever flowing To the sea, Eapture, daily new, bestowing Upon me : Oft thy rare charms, maidlike, vaunting, Thy wierd witching beauty flaunting, Thy strange siren music haunting, Lure to thee. Like the fleecy cloudlet, shifting Through the sky, On thy tranquil bosom drifting, Oft I lie; To my soul my being lending, Sight and sound in rapture blending, Through the senses thrills unending Ecstacy. 80 ^ an 3dpi of tfie Here, the mountain cascade, pouring Feathery foam, Leaps, exultant, from its roaring Forest home ! Now, through rocky islets bounding, With thy waters blue confounding, Oceanward, its song still sounding On shall roam. Bed men named thy source entrancing, "Tear-cloud lake," Thence thy way, thy spell enhancing, Thou dost take: Soon, thy charming banks, thy prison, Thy far briny home, thy vision, Left, are sylvan scenes elysian In thy wake. Save, stream, our folk-lore dying, E'er 'tis flown; Tiber, Ehine and Boon outvying, All, outshone : Home of legend, song and story, Haunt of fay, gnome, spectre hoary, Beauty's shrine: all this, thy glory Is our own. 6 81 APOSTROPHE TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY NGLAND'S and ours! Not less for waves and space Of myriad leagues have we thy spell possessed Than they whose soil through centuries thou hast blest : Thy fame and great renown are not of place. Body and spirit thou. In stony lace, Grand, stately and sublime, thy form is dressed, Thy soul composed of such as have com pressed Their years most close, in varied state and race. Statesman and toiler, actor, king and seer, Saint, worldling, rivals, babes and age there rest And blend their dust, as on Life's drama plays. Majestic Pile ! Stand Aegis till the year 82 Bermuda, t&e Bride of tfje fee a Of peace shall dawn ; until the Saxon blest Teach Brotherhood to man, and Love's wide ways. BERMUDA, THE BRIDE OF THE SEA S Ho! from the sound of the city's deep roar, From dull carping care to be free, From sights that offend, from customs that bore, From dense restless crowds surging on evermore. Its Ho ! for the bride of the sea. Its Ho ! for the beautiful coral-girt land, Where, rampant on rock, hill and tree, The wild flower o 'erruns, the stately palms stand, The lily, alyssum, the maidenferns blend To veil the chaste bride of the sea. Its Ho! for the isles' crystal caves, where resound Old Ocean's deep wrath or high glee. 83 Bermuda, ttjt Bride of tije Its Ho! for clear channels, sun-kissed, jewel-crowned, Like turquoise and opal and sapphire en- wound To garland the bride of the sea. Near gardens submerged, where play finny tribes bright, Near Nature's warm heart would I be, In th' dew-tempered clime, where, in fra grance and light No ice-breath may chill, no burning blast blight The breeze-embraced bride of the sea. Love ill brooks delay, isles enchanted and blest, Near thee and thy beauty to be, Where tropical birds in their gay crimson crest, With sweet carols welcome each visitant guest Who honors the bride of the sea. OF THE LITTLE ONES TO THE MOTHER OF A BABE CHE Author of all being once passed by. Into thy waiting hearts and out stretched hands He dropped a feather from Love's wing. From bourne Unknown, life came. For a brief space which we Call time, in clay was bound a spirit bright. Being commenced which should be but be gun When worlds and systems shall be rolled away, And Time shall be no more. No wonder new, But miracle to thee, that it was thine. Thy thoughtless, selfish heart He touched : made thee To know a taste of love like His divine, 87 thee From thought of self, transformed thee, then, to one Like angel bright. For that dear clay thou'lt pain And weariness endure, e'en peril life. Oh ! lot most sad, when these sweet opening buds, Fresh garnered from the fair celestial fields, No welcome feel, when first they touch earth-shore ! Then, tender untried feet must learn, alone, Without a loving guide, life's thorny path To tread. With jostle rude they're hurried on, E 'en driven into the path of sin and crime, And no kind hand points to a better way. Down, down they go 1 'Tis not as it should be, And God, our Good and Just, will not of them Eequire full talents ten. 88 of a But thine 's a gem Most rare, its setting choice. Through azure eyes, Or rich dark hue, perchance, thou dost a soul Most pure discern. His cheek of downy peach Against thine own impress. On marble brow And ruby lips thy fervent kiss implant. And as those coral finger-tips reach out In mute and touching inquiry to feel For something yet unknown on which to cling, Thou tenderly dost close them in thine own Strong palm, as though to say, "Best, love, in mine, Thy frail and trusting hand. I'll lead thee on." So much has he to learn, and teacher, thou ! Thinkst thou, because thou canst not un derstand His angel speech, he cannot fathom thee? 89 Co tfie Qpot&er of a Babe Nay, nay ! Thy smile, thy frown, thy touch, thy tone He knows full well. His pliant mind and soul, mother blest, into thy gentle hand Is given, and thou canst mould and fashion it For its long home. Lov'st thou the setting rare? Dost oft embrace the tender form and press It to thy breast ? Holdst that dear piece of clay Between thine eyes and thy child's God? Know then, that unto thee is only lent For thy most sacred touch that pliant form And soul ; and with the eye of gratitude Look up and say : " Parent mine, I thank Thee now, that Thou dost deem me worthy this To hold. It is thine own, I know, but yet Through me, guide Thou my child. Yea, even now Thy loving voice I hear, as when of old 90 Captor To Moses' mother the king's daughter spoke, And said, 'This child take thou and for it care, And I thy wages will give thee.' " MY CAPTOR WIZARD wee, ."With saucy glee, Has snared me in his toils ; With cunning art, He's stolen my heart, And round it wound his coils. He charms, he woes, He mocks, he cooes, Exults his wand to wield ; His scepter sweet Knows no defeat, All hearts their homage yield. In vain I plead A great world's need, And time's swift-flowing stream; 91 Captor My whole world lies In his blue eyes, And there I dream and dream. Despite the haze That veils my gaze Through unknown vistas dim, I still must dream, For life's hopes seem To center all in him. In Love's wierd light, This winsome sprite, In mind and form unfolds, Till, seasons fled, A youth, instead, My searching eye beholds. A noble youth, Whose lips breathe truth, Whose heart and hands are won To see earth's needs, To do great deeds, Ere life's swift sands be run. 92 SL OUdcomt to Then, pine not, heart, Nor heed the dart Of pain that pierces sore, For fettered hands And futile plans, And each swift-flying hour. This thought is dear : Though we win here Not all for which we've striven, Our unattained May yet be gained By those our love we've given. A WELCOME TO BABY ~jTf BREATHED a prayer, deep, thought- jj ful, earnest, low, That I Life's holiest, sweetest joy might know. I dreamed. I woke. An answered prayer was mine : Love had bestowed a priceless boon divine. SL Wtltomt to Babp Of all fair forms in earth, or air, or sea, To what, fair creature, might one liken thee! To budding flower, transferred from heav enly fields, Which beauty, fragrance, purity, reveals! Or Peri pearl whose rare worth none may guess, A priceless gem, our store enriched, to bless! Or bird empyreal, plumed for mundane wing, Caged, so celestial tones to earth to bring! Or new risen star, whose glad ray gleaming glows, And o'er our path clear radiant beams now throws! Or form seraphic, skilled in angel speech, Who comes, their tongue and ways to us to teach! Nay, treasure mine, with thee nought can compare, 94 & ttBiIcom* to Than earthly all, more beauteous, pure and rare; Thou Breath of Life, God breathed, and named thee, Soul, Fresh from His hand, immortal, sinless, whole, A type of Faith, Hope, Love to earth thou'rt given: Of such, One said, the kingdom is, of heav en. ^ Bonnie bairn, fair winsome sprite, Come to make one home more bright, Glad we ope our arms to meet you, Happier hearts could never greet you. Tiny craft on Life's rough sea, Prosperous may thy voyage be, Gentle zephyrs croon around thee, Soon will wild rough gales have found thee. Heavenly Pilot, guide this bark, O'er Life's angry waves and dark; 95 Si mtltvmt to Voyage o'er, tired, tempest-driven, Anchor safe in heaven's haven. Were't mine to choose from elfin store, Wealth, beauty, power, or learning's lore, To crown thy earthly lot with bliss, I'd all refuse, I'd crave but this: Hands tender grown by kindly deeds, Mild eyes, alert for others' needs, Ears quick to hear the lowliest cry, Voice tuned to sing Love's melody, Feet swift to run at Mercy's call, Tongue uttering welcomed words to all, Heart pure as snow, replete with love, Grant, heaven, that thus our darling prove, Then shall the world far brighter be, The Life and Love found us in thee. THE EETUBNED MESSENGER CROSS the way the gentle zephyr sways The snowy emblem of a poignant grief. And since I, too, have felt Death's keen, cold breath, I may their anguish ease with sympathy. ******* From marble white was never chiselled shape So wondrous fair, as held this spirit pure. The windows of the soul are curtained low, For life has fled. Those eyes seraphic gaze In wonder now into the face of Him Who said, "My kingdom is of these." With curls Whose sunshine tarries still, the smooth high brow Is fringed; while on the lips so often pressed By mother's sacred touch, a smile now rests : 'Twas answer glad at the last breath, I ween, 97 Erturiua To angel's beck to come, and lingers yet. The waxen fingers clasp a rosebud fair, Appointed, like itself, never to feel Nor blight of age, nor canker worm, nor chill Of blast too rude. Both plucked in bud ding time. Kind friends have gently placed the sleep ing form In narrow couch of white, and round it laid Sweet fragrant flowers and twining wreaths of green. Tread softly and speak low, 'tis holy ground: A form seraphic has to heaven returned To thither bear the news of trust fulfilled. For didst thou dream, kind friend, it was thine own? Didst plan for that sweet life and shape career To suit thy sovereign will, and thought a bark So frail, so tender built, could sail alone 98 On life's tempestuous sea, and breast the waves That nigh o'ercome thy soul? It could not be; But the All-Good sent thee a messenger, Eich lessons to impart. Of hope serene To thy tired heart he sung: of boundless love, Implicit trust, and purity unsoiled, He daily spoke to thee. The messenger Thou didst enshrine. Didst thou the mes sage hear ? Let not thy grief, unutterably deep, So weigh thee down, thou clasp but empty earth. Look up, and if thou heardst aright, thy heart His kingdom shall possess, and thou canst trust Thy Parent good, e'en as the child did thee. And though a snowy shroud shall mantle him, And silent rooms, arms emptied, robes un used, 99 Returned 2$r gsengrt But mock expectancy, yet backward turn To hours serene, when thou didst entertain Celestial guest, and then shape thou thy life In Love and Hope and Innocence and Joy, E 'en as he bade. So bitter grief shall turn To holy peace, and as he beckons thee, Thou canst return the answer glad I come. MISCELLANEOUS ASPIBATION HAT is it to be great? To carve a name on Fame's fair portal high, And hear it sounded far as wild birds fly, And know 'twill live while centuries speed by? To few may come this fate. The great high price must pay. They walk alone and slow, who seem to leap, With purpose firm, toil ceaseless, vision deep, To Honor's shrine the path is rough and steep, And lonely is the way. The least may win the prize. 'Tis resolutely to the best to cling, To every thought and deed high purpose bring, And through all ills a song of joy to sing, Therein true greatness lies. 103 Si U?mn of To thy best self be true. In mould of Dante's soul thou wast not cast, Nor thoughts of Milton, Shakespeare, Goethe hast, Nor had they thine: thy time is now, theirs past, Not their work, but thine, do. He who is good, is great : Whose soul is free from guile, transparent, pure, Whose deed is honest, whose word, sure, Who bravely all misfortune can endure, On him high honors wait. A HYMN OF PEACE OW, o'er the fairest land of all the Dove of Peace is hovering A white-winged harbinger of rest, bearing the olive bough. She wavers on her wearied wing, seeks sur cease from her roving, 104 of Peace And o'er Columbia's sacred soil she poises, brooding low, And rests. No tocsin calls to slay, nor mar tial music pealing, Incites to conquest, fires the blood, the victor 's spoils to win ; And wavering commerce halts no more, nor loved ones are concealing The grim suspense that gnaws the heart. Stilled is the battle's din. No longer, 'neath a dome full-flecked by shimmering stars, heart-riven, The soldier-boy dreams longingly of comfort, friends and home ; But Glory waves her ampler folds, and to us Peace has given United hearts, ennobled lives, and sor row's sweetened bloom. Let joyful hearts unite to-day in paeans loud, expressing 105 of Peace Praise to the Power immutable that hath these marvels wrought A widened realm, oppression crushed, and fettered peoples blessing Their captors for unfettered hands with blessing all was fraught. The world in wonder sees our land invest ed with strange power, Once, blood-baptized, then sealed in prayer, now striking tyrants low; Her men, enlightened, love-impelled, make craven cowards cower, Then, conquering all, in mercy sweet, be friend the conquered foe. Eise, Columbia, to the plane thy duties new have brought thee ! They who in darkness long have groped await thy radiant light : Shine clear, not blurred with crime and sin, and to the low who sought thee Speed knowledge, truth, the Word di vine, love of the just and right. 106 Sin Sound loud the clarion note of peace, a bugle blast set ringing; From torrid zone to frozen pole, the Truce of God proclaim, For kings on mighty thrones seek peace, the halcyon days are winging, When only love for human-kind shall human hearts inflame. AN EVENING BEVEEIE NOTHEE winged day had o'er me sped. Its toil complete, its sweetness sup ped, I hied For meditation's peace to hither hill. 'Tis well to loose our hold on sordid care, To 'scape the maddening rush of petty toil, And, 'neath soft skies, or curtained woody dale, List to the heart's lone beat, or catch the sound Of Nature's soothing voice, or holier still, 107 Ctenfng Commune with Nature's God. Yet how all haste, Lured on by hope, to tear away the veil That shields to-morrow's life, and reckon not That in to-day has been enjoyed the full Of richest gift ! If we of life, health, hope, This day had ought, to-morrow cannot more, And if this day record a brightened life, A burden raised, a sympathetic tear For other shed, because as yet we live, A benediction blest shall on us bide At setting of the sun. A day serene In autumn's golden prime was folding up Its gorgeous wings of light and speeding swift To join the countless retinue of days No more to be recalled. On rugged brow Of rocky cliff, I sat me down. Below, In sluggish, slow content, a winding stream Curved idly in and out, on either side 108 doming By grateful willows hemmed, who drank and drank And none said, Hold ! Across the verdant vale On richly tinted, undulating hills, The gorgeous orb of day, a golden sphere, Was hanging low, as if averse to leave A scene so bright, and find a night's repose, Though couched superb, and canopied by clouds Of crimson, gold, and royal purple hues, And flecked by shimmering stars. The rustic bridge Was bearing to their homes across the stream The tardy toilers of the day. Each heart I hoped, was anchored firm in circle tried, Around some hearthstone built, where heaviest weight Or bitterest grief, a burden light should seem, Since others shared its woe. Bright twin kling lights 109 Sin Ofttning Shone clear from out a hundred humble homes, Announcing by their genial radiant beams, That husband, father, brother there should find Each, welcome warm, there toil and care resign. What varied record e'en one day reveals! Neath yonder humble roof, a spirit bright Encased in tiny mould of dust hath 'scaped From the unknown, and harbor found at last From whence to sail on Life's tumultuous sea. And 'cross the way, from more pretentious home, Was borne 'mid crushing grief of wife be reft And orphaned children's wail, the strong, proud man. But yestermorn, with step alert and sure, He walked the streets with men. To-night, the stars 110 Sin OEftenfng His curving roof of dust shall calmly guard, His spirit, progress ever onward make Which shall outlast yet uncreated suns. And from yon village tower this morn rang out The chimes of holiest joy. Its hallowed walls Ee-echoed gladly plighted vows of two Who life's long race as one shall now begin. ring anathemas on those who seek The easy dissolution of such troth! For they, whom God and heaven have join ed as one, But Death should disunite. In many homes Around, to-day as yesterday hath been. Here, Fortune's smile a favored few en girt, Who sought its hours in pleasure to be guile, Benumbed to their own fate or others' weal. Ill There, 'neath a shelter scant, which win ter's blast May scatter wide, ill-fated ones have sought To still gaunt hunger 's gnaw, or may, per haps Have watched, almost in hope, near dear one's side, For Death, Sleep's twin, to touch the fevered lips And bid the struggle cease. Some homes, so-called, Have strife and selfishness concealed. Yet Love, Sweet harbinger from heaven, hath sanc tified Elsewhere that holy name, and knit in bonds Like steel, the hearts that cluster 'round the hearth. Aye, call it home, indeed, where Love abides, And deem that land secure where such exist. 112 &n Cfttnfng iSUbe de Yes, one day more o'er all the earth hath fled, And thus speeds life. And to its varied warp Each one, to-day, hath form and color lent, While spinning out its thread of precious hours. There seems to be an order definite, To which, from chaos, the great Architect, Through eons vast would sometime all things bring. He so placed us, that in our little day We might with Him each a co-worker be, This harmony of being to complete. 'Tis lately said, that every ray of light, Impinging with clear touch the gladdened earth, Doth to the practiced ear, a sound reveal, Without whose melody would be disturbed The music of the spheres. So may each day Sent fresh at morn, like manna to the Jews, See at its close our part completed well, 8 113 Which, left undone, might His great plan impede. Then, when our mortal dress is laid aside, And we, with spirit free may roam at will And scan the perfect whole, no vain regret Shall mar our joy that we but bunglers were: But let us labor on, these days to fill In unison with our great Maker's plan, And as each morning's sun shall light the gloom, Eaise glad thanksgiving that our eyes be hold The radiant beams of yet another day I THE WEAVER SAW, beyond the sea, one at his loom Weave ceaselessly through years of sun and gloom; The tiniest portion done, his daily care, Concealed from sight the peerless pattern rare. 114 Though he a fragment, not the whole, might see, Yet, day by day, with closest scrutiny He placed each thread of shade and texture true, So, as the famed designer willed, it grew. He wrought through years. A tapestry, at length, Superb in hue, grace, lineament and strength, Adorned its niche on royal walls, and won The workman from the Master, his "Well done." ******* I see the toilers at Life's loom, who weave A plan outlined by God in heaven; they grieve And fret while at the daily task below, And crave the Planer's plan, complete to know. Too humble, too concealed their task? Nay, nay! 115 But strand on strand unceasingly each day The warp and woof must blend : Or dark or bright Is no concern. The later, larger sight, Time o'er, shall sate the heart: the plaudit won From Him who framed the stars and set the sun The due reward. Life's Masterpiece shall grace In God's Eternal palace, its own place. SOUL THOUGHTS N, Life, thy ceaseless drama still plays on; 'At peace or strife with thy strange plan, each one Acts out his little part. To-day, by sorrow's pangs the soul seems rent, In mirth and revelry the morrow's spent, For fickle is the heart. 116 feoul Joy toys with grief; rags, wealth; and tears with mirth; Success and failure play ; Death laughs at Birth; At last for rest we call. Cease, questioning heart, Life's problems cease to solve, The past, the soul, the future, cease to prove, Their mystery but appall. Our course lies o'er eternity's vast sea; A moment poised 'tween past and future, we Lie moored to Time's green isle: Its fronded shores and dappled shells de coy From our grave destiny, while grief and joy Scarce wake the tear or smile. Unknown the way, soul, thy bark had sailed To reach this port ; thy haven, too, is close- veiled : 117 Then pause upon the strand With steadfast thought the Real discern. And Time, A gift in which thy destiny sublime Is pliant in thy hand. What, then, is Life? In vain we strive to guess The sphinx. Yet 'tis a chance, I ween, to bless Some lives more lone than ours : With eye of faith, a heart of hope to woo ; With hand of love on darker paths to strew Some rare and fragrant flowers. Thrice happy he whose trust in One, su preme, Eemoves the shadowy nightmares of life's dream ; Unruffled calm abides. No child is he of blinded fitful fate A Euler, Parent wise, in love most great, He knows his dim way guides. 118 BEATRICE OAN, autumnal winds, soft sighing, minor strains of sadness croon, For my heart sings minor music, and the old year is in tune, While the hearthstone embers, dying, o'er my soul strange shadows throw, And the fitful, flickering fire-tongues form wierd visions in their glow. Sing, dead bird upon my mantle, as for her you sang with pride, Faithful image on my easel, speak once more, my spirit bride. She my own was, e'er our breath was, for our mothers in their teens, Vowed their children's children should re peat their love in future scenes. " Beatrice" at birth they called her, "Beautiful," indeed, and fair As the chalice of the calla, choice as Peri pearl, most rare: "David," I, "Beloved" truly; then our mothers, satisfied, Thought of David, in the future, true to Beatrice, his bride. 119 Brattice So we grew. In school and meadow, pass ed our childhood days in song: Culled the oxeye and the harebell, wove green leaves in garlands long, Plucked the luscious scarlet cherries, like her lips I longed to press, Gathered hazel, beech and chestnut, press ed the fern and watercress : Though we named no tie that bound us, we were one, and none dared chide Love 'tween David and the fair child who should one day be his bride. As the wondrous snowy cereus shows its glory in a night, So my beauteous bud unfolded, lovelier growing in Love's light: Well equipped for life's stern battle, body strong and spirit free, Pilot, prophetess and pole-star, she should ever be to me : Happiest of all mortals was I when I knew I might abide 120 Beatrice Safe forever in the constant love of Bea trice, my bride. Years a halcyon score passed o'er us, and the day of days sped on, When the man of God united two glad hearts, and made them one. In the eventide we sought our favored haunts of olden time, E'er the steed of steam should bear us to our home in distant clime. There, to us the future 's glowing vista opened broad and wide: Lover never loved his love, as I loved Bea trice, my bride. Then we rode the crystal surface of the blue lake's peaceful breast; Venus, Star of Love, shone o'er us, by the crescent moon caressed; Night's sweet symphony resounded, heav en 's own light her eyes revealed As she toyed the glittering circlet, that our troth had lately sealed. But she sought to pluck a water-lily sweep ing by our side, 121 Beatrice Then, ah me ! the jealous waters dark, stole Beatrice, my bride. Though in snowy wedding garments clad, we laid her form away, Still my darling lives, and by my side shall ever with me stay. While alone I seem to wander, yet she comes, where e'er I be, Sweet white water-lilies bearing emblems of her purity. On, as one, we bear life's burdens, joy and grief are sanctified, And as potter moulds the moist clay, am I fashioned by my bride. Moan, autumnal winds, soft sighing, minor strains of sadness croon, Yet the spring shall come, and my sad heart shall one day sing in tune. And ye dying ashen embers, light again my sad strange dream, For I've ne'er of Lethe tasted, she ne'er pressed the Stygian stream. 122 Heaven's bright joys shall be still brighter, all its glory glorified, When I clasp, to part with never, Beatrice, my angel bride. FEIENDSHIP ONE were the way our feet would tread, Were not our souls in friendships wed ; With fame nor health, Pleasure nor wealth, Can hearts with hunger sore be fed. They are thrice blest whose souls are bound By friendship's chains, for they have found Life's sorrows fleet, Its joys more sweet, Whose lives with friendship true are crowned. 'A friend's sweet duty, this, I ween, To show us to ourselves, as seen 123 Bfc, jfrienas&tp By other eyes; To urge our rise To higher fields wherein to glean. As jewel is by jewel whet And lustrous grows, so friendship's debt Is often paid By censure- laid On flaws the less sincere would pet. Like tempered steel the chain shall be That binds thy trusted friend and thee, If each link true Is welded through With honor, faith and loyalty. This priceless boon seek not to win Through bond of craft or creed or kin : Its subtile spell Can only dwell Where dwells the spirit light within. Sometimes it guides to treasure fields Where rarest gems the search reveals: Then purity Of ecstacy Awaits the souls that friendship seals. 124 Such holy bonds shall conquer time, Such aims shall reach the heights sublime : They shall attain An envied plane Who seek with friends the heights to climb. VEESES EEFLECTION E once has caught a glimpse of Par adise, Who 's seen Love 's light gleam in his mother's eyes. AMBITION well to sing of humble duties done, Of faithful trust in lowly life ful filled, But he who high ambition's voice has stilled Must miss the goal that braver souls have won. 125 I THE NEED NEED a theme," th' aspiring poet cried, "Thou need'st a heart," the cruel world replied. MUSIC CELESTIAL spheres once sang crea tion's birth, Through eons vast the echoing tribute rolls ; And music hovers still the listening earth A harp responsive to creative souls. YOUTH EEK, soul of mine to keep eternal spring In thy heart's heart, while through Life's seasons wing Thy years. Though temples frost, sight dim, and slow Thy step, from hills eternal, soft let blow 126 )ur Zephyrs of Faith, Hope, Joy: then thou'lt ne'er feel Age creep apace, nor death upon thee steal. OUE HERITAGE E'EE heirs of the ages, their prophets, seers, sages Have willed to our tenure a her itage rare, But we seize life's bubbles, to-day's joys and troubles, That vanish and leave but the fathom less air. We're heirs of the ages, their wondrous full pages, Eeplete with choice treasures await them who seek, Then rate the gift rightly, and grasp it not lightly, Soar upward, nor grovel with weed and with leek. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-42m-8,'49(B5573)444 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELED PS Bought o n - 33>03 the quest of a B65^8q soul \ A 000917224 8 PS 3503 *