THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ILLUSTRATED. 1898 Eroqums County STinua JBrtnt, VVATSEKA ILL. COPYRIGHT. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1898. By EDWIN BEARD, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. ( ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Illustrations by Geo. H. Benedict & Co. CHICAGO. TS PREFACE. :N placing this volume before the public the author is not in quest of fame. Had such been the motive, better judgment might have suggested the traveling of some other road to find it. Our chief desire has been to collate and preserve such of the stanzas written during a brief but busy career that would best illustrate the nobler impulses and thoughts of life. Some of the con tents of the succeeding pages, friends have seen proper to denominate as "Poems." They may be mistaken. If conscientious in their judgment they will not be held accountable for damages. The Author. 759433 T DEDICATION. HIS volume is dedicated to a Devoted Wife, whose loving presence has prompted the impulse and inspiration of many of its stanzas, and whose jjentle importunities have been an impelling power in the search for plans that have made its publication possible under adverse circumstances and conditions which, otherwise, mi^ht not have been overcome. K. B. CONTENTS. POITRAITOF AUTHOR, Frontispiece PREFACE, DEDICATION, BUDS AND BLOSSOMS, (Illustrated) SEVEN YEARS. A MOTHER'S LOVE, 16-17 Now, - 18 THE CHILD, 19-20-21 THE SHIP OF LIFE, ------ FORGETFULNESS OF FATE, KEEP THE MAIN-TRAVELED ROAD, - - 25 THE SUN-FLOWER, (Illustrated) - - - - 26 A THANKSGIVING PLEA FOR THE POOR, - - 27 LIFE'S SEASONS SPRING, (Illustrated) SUMMER, (Illustrated) - AUTUMN, (Illustrated) - 30 WINTER. (Illustrated) BROTHERS AS BUILDERS. ... Two VAGRANTS, - WHEN WINTER SETS IN. SUMMER DAYS IN WINTER TIME, - - - 35 NOT DONE RAVIN' YET, 36-37 THAT AIR NEW WOMIN. - - 38-39 SHARPS AND FLATS, - 40 THAT FATAL DAY, 41 EVOLUTION OF A NAME, (Illustrated) - - 42-43 ONE, 44-45 SONG OF A STORM. 46^47 To THE SUNNY SOUTH, (Illustrated) 48-49 TROUBLES THE YEAR AROUND, - 50-51 MY THANKSGIVING, - - 52 'Tis CHRISTMAS JUST THE SAME, 53 THE BLUE-JAY AND THE BERRY, (Illustrated) - 54 INTEMPERANCE. - ... 55 HERE'S TO CHICAGO. - 56 ODE TO AUTUMN, 57 SALUTES OF DAWN, - - 58 BELLS, (Illustrated) 59-60-61 LIPK 'o JIM JONES, 62-63 LEAF YE\R VALENTINES, 64 A COLLOQUY, - 65 A RlVGES, 66 Two DAYS, 67 THE STAR OP EMPIRE, - 68 A MESSAGE OF HOPE, 69 LIFE'S HALF-WAY. 70-71 KAT 'EM AS You PICK 'EM, (Illustrated) 72 "BOY WANTED," - 73 THAT BABY BOY OF MINE. 74 PUBLISHED BY PEN, 75 A POINTER TO POETS, - 76 THE CRIME OF SNOW BALLIN', (Illustrated) 77 78-79 LOVELY MAY, - - - 80 SPARE SPELLS, ... 81 OH VHERE ISH DOT PUP? 82 SONG OF THE INSTITUTE. 8'{ THE AUCTIONEER'S LAMENT. (Illustrated) 84-S5-86-87 CALENDAR, 1898, 88 THE "OLD ORIENTAL," 89 AN ECLIPSE ECLIPSED, 90 THEY SAW IT, 90 A SON OF THE SHADE, 91 A GUESS, - - 92-93 LINES TO A LEGAL LIGHT. 94 Two CITIES, 95 EFFORT, 96 UNEARNED, 96 MEMORIES OF BOYHOOD, 97 ILLUSTRATION, (City of Lafayette) 98 LAFAYETTE, 99 100-101 ILLUSTRATION, (Home of my childhood) 100 TALE OF A BRASS KETTLE, (Illustrated) 102-3-4-5 TEN YEARS AGO, 106 IN MEMORIAM. 107 THE DYING TIME OF YEAR. - - - 108-109 10 A SUMMONS. 110 DOWN THE VALLEY. 110 LINES TO HIS MEMORY, (Illustrated) 111 GONE WITH THE OLD YEAR. 112-113 IN HEAVEN ONE YEAR, 114 A SHINING MARK, (Illustrated) 115 CROWNED BY ANGEL HANDS, llti-117 ILLUSTRATION, (American Flag;) 118 POEMS OP PATRIOTISM. 119 AN INQUIRY, - 120 A "WAH" PROPHECY, 121 WEYLER WITH HER YET, 121 WILD NOTES OF WAR. -. - 122 GOING. - ... 123 APPROPRIATE EVERYWHERE. (Illustrated) 124 POSSIBILITIES, - 124 To HEROES OF THE SEA. 125 ODE TO CUBA'S FREEDOM, (Illustrated) 120-127 ILLUSTRATION. (The Bird of Freedom) 128 To A BRIDE. 129 TEN LINES TO TEN YEARS. (Illustrated) 130 A MEMORY. - 131 A BIRTHDAY WISH, 131 THREE MONTHS OF CHILDHOOD. 131 CLUBS, - - 132 To A GRADUATING CLASS, 132 Go GATHER THE GEMS. 132 POETIC "FEET" DISPLACED, 133 A SEVERE STROKE, - 133 SUSPICIOUS OF THE BRITISH, 133 DREAM OF THE TEACHER MAN, - 134 WAYS OF THE WORLD, 134 THE WRITER AND THE FIGHTER. 135 Rl'GULATED BY THE MOON. 135 EDITORS TAKE IT Too, 135 TRIUMPH. - - - 136 LIFE LINES. ------- - 136 11 Closing the sense within the measured time. 'Tis hard to lit the reason to the rhyme. Uryilon: Art of Ittttry. II 12 > i / ; / v No wreath of orange buds and blossoms fair Adorns thy costume or entwines thy hair To-day, as did a few brief years ago, But in thy beaming smile love's radiant glow Shines full as bright as when the bride Pledged love for love whate'er betide; And tho' some cares of life rest on thy brow, Two buds of beauty and promise now Unfold their blossoms 'mid happy bowers, To brighten and sweeten this home of ours. SEVEN YEARS. A; [December 27, 1894.] How many years have passed away? How many seasons have come and gone? How many returns of that bright day? How many cycles of time have flown? How many, dear one. How many have gone? How many years since then have fled? How many days that make those years, Of time gone by since we were wed, Have brought their joys, have brought their tears, Their cares and fears How many years? The mystic number seven surrounds My thoughts of time that's passed and gone, And ties of home where love abounds Have grown in strength as years went on. And loved ones come To brighten home. And many trials perchance we'll meet, Along the busy way of life, But time's too short and life too sweet To count a care, permit a strife To enter life Of man and wife. As we recount those passing years, That bring return of Christmas-tide. Forget the cares, forget the tears, And number joys which were supplied Since man and bride Stood side by side. 15 A MOTHER'S LOVE. A; From the distant home of the twinkling star, From glittering realm* where angels are. From Pearly Gates where God's own stay. An angel winded its peaceful way. God sent the angel from Heaven above. To find the fairest of His earthly love: That angel came in lovely May When skies were bright and world was gay. During its mission 'mong earthly bowers That angel entered a garden of flowers Filled with the fragrance of blossoms fair. Ani plucked the rarest and sweetest there. As the angel from the garden passed Its vision o'er a home was cast, Where a babe's sweet smile and a mother's love Were deemed as gems for Heaven above. And the Angel gathered that Love serene. The Flower it plucked, the Smile it had seen. Caressed and cherished them all, and then Spread its white wings for Heaven again. 1(5 As it arose to the Heavenly dome. With fragrance and treasure of earthly home. Of the Flower and Love and Smile it brought. The Flower was fairest, the Angel thought. But ere it reached that golden strand. The Flower that had grown on earth so grand. Had withered and fallen 'neath the Angel's feet. And faded and gone was the Smile so sweet. A 7 anished and lost were the Smile and Flower: The Angel poised on Heaven's tower With a Mother's Love, the theme and song Of an angel host, of an angel throng. The sweetest of earth or Heaven above Is the precious theme of a Mother's Love: It withereth not nor fadeth away Like the smile of a child or flowers of Mav. 17 V NOW. Why brood and ponder O'er things back yonder Beneath the veil and misty cast Of fallen tears In by-gone years. Along the trail of the dead past. When ''Now" doth need Thy careful heed? Why shouldst thou borrow Aught from tomorrow y Then break asunder that tearful tie For sorrows fled And hopes long dead And buried under the years gone by: Cease thy repine When "Now" is thine. The hour to fret Has not come yet. And time that's fled knows thee no more: The fancied path The future hath ShouW not be tread so long before: Then make thy vow With naught but "Now." 18 THE CHILD. X Sun is hot, Heat of day. Little tot Hies away: Tireless feet. Playful hands, On the street. In the sands: Watchful care Of parents foiled. Tangled hair. Dresses soiled: Pouting lips, Streaming'eyes. Mamma whips And baby cries. Perfumes rise In garden plots. Baby spies Forget-me-nots: There it lingers 'Mong the bowers, Dainty fingers Feeding flowers To the bees The garden near, 'Neath the trees. Devoid of fear: The bees the why's Of baby's weep. The sobs and sighs, Then soothed to sleep. 19 Tresses flying In the breeze. Then esp3 r ing Yonder trees. Baby wanders To the woods. Where it ponders Nature's moods: Myriad throats In summer ringing. The music notes From wildwood springing. (ilad and sweet The sony-birds singing, Joy complete To childhood bringing. Leaves a-mingling With the snow. Fingers tingling. Cold winds blow: Dreamy nights. Days of noise. Wild delights. Christmas toys: Wintry days, Cosy nooks, In-door plays And picture books: Ever humming. Parlors ring Till the coming Of the spring. 20 J In realms above The angel smiles, With radiant love, That love the child's: The household bud, The blooming flower, The sweet and good Of every hour; The innocence, The hope, the smile, The recompense Of care and trial: The earthly gem, The joy of home, The diadem, And Heaven's own. 21 THE SHIP OF LIFE. Serene and calm in the harbor of youth A Ship of Life at anchor lay. Freighting its hold with knowledge and truth. Gathering the ballast for a stormy way. And on that Ship in the harbor calm Two happy mariners were you and me. As from its decks we looked beyond And visions beheld but a stirless sea. No cloud obscured the vaulted blue As that good Ship turned out to sea. That Ship so strong, and brave and true. And all on board was joy and glee. Our pilot guided that Ship away With snow-white sail and stately mast. And rocks and reefs that hidden lay Were left in trackless paths of its past. For many days this Ship of Life, With prow turned toward a distant strand. Sailed on in peace: nor angry strife Disturbed the calm of a voyage grand. But the captain saw a cloud arise On the horizon of the blue, And o'er the sea and o'er the skies A fierce storm spread and mad winds blew. Then angry waves did wildly play, Our Ship was swept and swayed and tossed Its snowy sails were torn away, And some of its stately masts were lost. But a pilot true and captain brave, And an ever faithful, valiant crew Battled the adverse wind and wave, And guided that Ship the tempest through. The Ship that sailed life's ocean wide, And braved the fury of the blast, Drifting with Eternity's gentle tide, Has entered the Harbor of Peace at last. 23 FORGETFULNESS OF FATE. X When life unfolds like bloom of flowers. And happiness doth crown his hours. And rapturous scenes around him lie. Man feels he was not born to die. When brighter hopes with each day dawn And new ambitions lead him on. W T hen fortune's star is shining hifjh.- Man feels he was not born to die. When man enjoys the zenith of his power. He knoweth least the frailties of the hour, And in his vain, exalted pride Forgets that all before him died. 24 KEEP THE MAIN'TRAVELED ROAD. How many there be who have drifted and swayt. From beaten paths, when they should have stayed. In the traveled road with their burdensome load! How many have wandered and lost their way When lured to the wilds and led astray 'Along dangers so rife on the road of life. And out of the paths by their fathers trod Have lost their hope and lost their God! Turn not, O traveler, to paths that are new And fraught with tangles awaiting you: Turn not to the by-way, but keep on the high-way, Let the main-traveled road e'er be your guide, For near the path on either side, Are countless cares and innumerable snares: Shun them. O traveler, those thorns and the strife That lurk in the shadows by the road of life. While you're sustaining life's care-crowned load Your safety lies in the main-traveled road: While on life's rambles keep out of the brambles, Turn not to the left nor turn to the right, But press straight on with manhood might 'Long the highway grand that leads to the land Where all is a gleam of childhood fair No poisonous shades nor wildwood there! 25 THE SUN /FLOWER. F stalwart strength And gallant length, And like a tree, It rises high The great Sun-flower Whose blossoms tower Toward the sky The flower of flowers for me. While morning sun ? Neath horizon Its light doth hide, This golden flower Turns its fair face With comely grace And waits the hour To meet and greet its guide. And as the brilliant orb of da}*, That lights the world and all its way, Pursues its path across the sky, This stately flower that rises high Above the sphere of other flowers. (And like a dial to note the hours) Unmindful of the blazing light Nor dazed by splendor of the sight. Careens its bloom with gentle grace And views the sun fair in the face. What other flower from morn till night Kndures the power of sun so bright, And when the day comes to its close. And all the world seeks sweet repose. With stalwart form stands firm and tri' To gather the drops of falling dew, Or freshen its leaves in gentle rain To greet the sun at morn again? Xo flower of valley or mountain side Is like the one the sun doth guide. A THANKSGIVING PLEA FOR THE POOR. The rich man may revei in a mansion grand. And proffer the poor no helping hand. But an unseen One will watch his way And charge his account for Judgment Day : But he who seeks to aid the poor, To add a mite to their scanty store, To answer the calls where poverty pleads, Will receive reward for golden deeds. Full many a hovel its own tale tells, Where destitution and sadness dwells, With the biting blasts of winter near And the only warmth a scalding tear That flows from a mother's saddened eyes As she prays to Him beyond the skies To help the dear ones left to her care, And lighten her load of dark despair. If you have aught for yourself, and more, Go search the city from door to door Till you find a home of the worthy poor Where thoughts of kindness will long endure ; Let charity's strength be broug'ht to bear To break the pinions of poverty there, And you'll be blessed in God's own way For the good deeds done Thanksgiving Day. LIFE'S SEASONS. "Thou Art the Play-time for thr World:' SPRING. Bright morn of life. () Spring, with skies so fair. The childhood of the year, exempt from care: Replete with joy and happiness. O Spring. ICndeared art thou for pleasures that you brinjjf. Thy early song's of birds and hum of bees. Thy Mowers of field or plain and buddinjj trees, Combine their loveliness with hope and cheer To make thee. Spring, the youth-time of the year. Thy joys are bountiful indeed, and free. Thou art the play-time for the world, and me. Thy tears that flow are few. and '.hey but seem To tall to freshen flowr or quicken stream. SUMMER. Successor thou of bright and vernal May, The high and heated plane of life's mid-way, Where all the wars of man are fiercely fought, And all his victories are dearly bought. Oh, season thou of toil-time and its strife. Thy days are struggles ? mid the storms of life, When man among a myriad of fears Looks back upon his happy spring-time years: And then in wonderment the future scans For recompense of toil, reward of plans: And brightening hopes at times flash thro' his teats To paint a beauty scene on Autumn's years. "Oh, .Season Thnu of Toil-time." .Van Reward doth bring.' 1 AUTUMN*. Oh, golden harvest time that lies between The sultry storms of life and wintry scene: The time when tinted foliage of trees Is drifting down and onward with the bree/e. And if 'tis asked the fate of sons of men. And what shall be the harvest gathered then: "For sonic the weeds of woe, and blight and care Is all the fruitage that is garnered there.'" Thou season that to man reward doth bring For thoughts and deeds in Summer and in Spring: A golden time for all supplies to reap To watch and wait for that Kternal Sleep. "WINTER. Oh Wintry time! thy frosts have killed the flowers; The birds have flown from thee to sunny bowers, Thy biting blast, and bleak and freezing- breath Hath come at last, and unto all is death. That sparkling stream of life in childhood's days, Congealed and silent now its winding ways Are drifted deep, and desolation rife Hath spread o'er all, to mark the end of life. The battles fought have made man brave for thee, Oh, death! his spirit vision strong, to see Beyond the beating, blinding storms you bring, And view the splendor of Eternal Spring. Hints hace Flown from Thee: BROTHERS AS BUILDERS. X If I should tell a brother to build, How and when and where, 'twould be, Not as most of the world is willed, A temple on land or a ship on sea. It would not be to build in massive piles, That tower toward the azure arch of sky, With length and width a measure of miles, With steeple and dome full mountain hiyh : Nor with statel\- columns and marbled halls Lined with silver or adorned with A DAY OK TWO LATEK. And in some postman's arms, perhap. The following Sunday nijjht. Or on some postman's lap, (With lamps not very bright) Full many an arm-full sweet Sub-missive there reclines. Enveloped quite complete. That leap-}'ear valentine. A COLLOQUY. A; SON "Mother, pray tell who was the man Who first ordained the worldly plan To subdivide the year. So me and all my chums Just have to wait and watch and yawn Till all those tiresome months that on The calendar appear Are nearly jrone Before our Christmas comes." MOTHER "My son," the mother said, " 'tis nature's plan Perhaps, ordained by God and not by man." SON "Could not the days and weeks that Hy Count all the time for you and I From year to year Without twelve months to interfere?" Within this mother's mind there lurked a mortal fear That argument once begfun would last beyond the year. For boys are boys all this she knew before And therefore wiselv thought it best to sav no more. A RINGER. A; Rinjj" out the old. riny in the new: Kin, r out the false, rinir in the true: Kinjr out the dark, rin, r in the lifht: llin. So jilease rinj, r off! riny off! and stop! TWO DAYS. X Yesterday a lovely day it was. Pleasant because The world so seems When the sun shines down On a fettered, frozen town. Softening' the snow And starting the flow Of tiny streams. Yesterday a pretty thing Harbinger of coming' spring- Signal of winter disappearing". Brightening the face of those Awakening from long" repose. Inviting- to birds with song's benign. A safe, unfailing and certain sign That spring ajrain is nearing. Today companion true Of yesterday And yesternight: Skies all blue And fair and bright The spring-time way. THE STAR OF EMPIRE. X "Westward the Star Of Empire takes its way And in that West-land Its wonders will display: There potent power Will hold a sway. And every hour Of every day. Star of Empire, ascending hig Apace with bright Progression's stride, The world will liyht And lead and niid<>. (is A MESSAGE OF HOPE, As prison gates swing'in for thee, And there deprived of freedom of the free, A prison life it falls thy lot to bear, Thy countrymen bid thee not despair. Though prison walls upon thee frown And prison garb bedecks thy form, Outside those walls worse men than thee Have gone unpunished by powers that be. Though anxious hours disturb thy rest. No felon's heart beats in thy breast, Nor scornful hate of powers that be Can rob thy right to liberty. Then bravely bear that false decree, Those shackles soon will fall and free Thy salient powers of speech and pen Will plead humanity's cause again. LIFE'S HALF-WAY. A; At thirty-five I calmly pause today. To view the place of life they call "half-way." And cast a retrospect o'er by-(> EAT 'EM AS YOU PICK 'EM. You may talk of luxuries, luscious and sweet. Of the fruits and berries that all love to eat. And manj- fancy ways of fixing them up In pies and preserves, in dish or in cup. But as nature supplies them, oh give them to me. Fresh from the vine, or fresh from the tree. What suits the birds is good enough for me. The berry from the vine or the fruit from the tree. The work of no cook in the can on the shelf ('an compare with the way I "can" it myself. I'd sooner any time to get out and go Where the juicy grape is hanging below The vine as nature designed it. ripe and sweet Tempting for all to pluck and to eat. Than to have access to the sugared things And the fancy luxuries of queens and kings. You may have all the sweets that rest on the shelf If you'll just let me do my "canning" myself. Of the apple, the plum, the cherry that's fine. Or the grape and the berry fresh from the vine. What suits the birds is good enough for me. Fresh from the vine or fresh from the tree. "BOY WANTED !" X [The disappointing advent of the third girl in the Presi dential household July 7. 1895.] A sign hung on the door at Buzzard's Bay, And a flag from tho.se "Gables" was flung, And these were the words it was made to say And this was the song that most had been sung: "Boy wanted!" Yes, the flags were flaunted And the "Gables" were haunted By the song he chanted: "Boy wanted!'' When that little tot came to Buzzard's Bay. Announcing itself as "coming to stay," To adorn and brighten those Gables Gray. That sign from the door was taken away: 'Boy wanted!'' And now he is taunted For the song he chanted With courage undaunted: "Bov wanted!" THAT BABY BOY OF MINE. X 1 cast 013' books and manuscripts aside one day To listen to a prattling tongue of childhood gay. To watch a pair of flying feet that sped their way. And bus}' hands that strew disorder in their play. While guided by no thought but childish joy. I caught that lovely form and pressed it close to me: "WHOSE DARLING ONE ARE YOU?" I asked him to repeat: With accents full of childhood's ways, in childish glee There came from lips all wreathed in smiles so sweet: "TsE MAMMA'S BABY. PAPA'S 'ITTL.E BOY." Of bright and happy kind With face so fair, and sparkling eye A wealth of worlds would fail to buy. That baby boy of mine. 74 /TV. t*Hj-< ttrt^f-e^s f JUSVL/ Merits- Ojy CJ lUt fjtisi^ d-Kjt. Slr-0-iT7<^ / f? srl Qs J x t&^c-^i, ./sw today! We're hastening on toward Lovely May. Tomorrow may hear the sonjf of the 'ark. Or the note of the robin and the jay: We're hastening on toward Lovely May. Then why rejrret these April showers Which -overspread the skies today! We're hastening on toward Lovely May Where sonjf of birds and bloom of flowers Will make world bright and jrlad and fray: We're hastening on toward Lovely May. so SPARE SPELLS. A; I've written rimes At short, spare spells 1 found in life as years went on: Ah! no one tells .lust whence they came, just where they've gone- Those idle spells, Life's odd. spare times. I've written lines As Ililey said in a sweet rime His pen inscribed one day "To lure the length'ning miles into The pleasant Afterwhiles," and through, To joy's confines To after years where smiles greet time And sorrows fade away. Since I begun. And time has onward passed. Some I have penned To foe and friend, And some to loved ones in my home: To them these rimes, Of odd, spare times, Are joyful chimes And songs of pleasure as they come, That still will sing And chime and ring When I am gone at last When life is done. 81 OH VHERE ISH DOT PUP? X 1 To commemorate the following advertisement: "l)o When thing's moved lonin- lick-et-y scoot And the candidate's at the institute. CHORUS. I don't like none of your western aloots In rattle-snake hats and leather suits Or the city chaps a "shootin' the chutes"- I 'tend my farm and the institutes. I don't like none of your whistles shrill. Or toots that blow at the knittin' mill. And none of those Watseka shoots Who jro to ( 'rescent to fjet their toots. CHORUS. THE AUCTIONEER'S LAMENT. X My callin's been ailin ? an' I'm chuck full o' fears That this "cryin' " occupation will soon turn to tears. THE AUCTIONEER'S LAMENT. X Sales hev bin few for sev'ral years. You seldom ever hear the cry uv auctioneers: My callin's bin ailin'- an' I'm chuck full uv fears That this "cryin' "' occupation will soon turn to tears. Yes. bizness hez been ailin' Since these hard times come on. An' my occupation's f ailin'. It's goin'! goin'! gone! The people don't 'peer stingy but many aint ez free, An' somehow hopes are dingy there's no joy an' glee Ez I look through my tears an* fancy I can see Rack not ma.ny years when 'twuz different fer me. It's no longer now smooth sailin' Since these hard times come on, An' my occupation's f ailin', It's goin'I goin'! gone! I've often wondered, an' figured with a will Ef some one blundered, an' managed fer to kill The bizness tryin' to enlarge it. an' figured on until I jes' conclude to charge it to the Dingley bill, Fer bizness hez bin ailin' Since these hard times come on. An' my occupation's failin'. Goin'! goin'! gone! A few years ago. ever' day most. I us't be called to sell off a host Uv furniture an' fixin's, an' wagons an' teams, An' a thousan' things, but since then it seems My bizness hez bin ailin' Since these hard times come on. An' my occupation's failin'. It's goin'! goin'! gone! I us't to sell hoys, an' calves and cows. The household doys. an' the stirrin' plows. An' all the traps known to human invention. An' some other things "too num'r'us to mention. Since then bi/ness hex bin ailin'. Fer these hard times come on. An' my occupation's failin' It's {join'! 4 9 HI II|I'2||3 14 15 Hi 17 |x 1920 2829'303lf April. 3 4 5, 0; 7 10 1 1 ! 12 13 14 15 Hi 17 la 10 20 21 2223 24 -r> ->f 12728 29 30 Oct. 4 5 (i II 12 13 14 18 192021 25 21! 27 2S lav.. I 1 2| 3: 4| 5 6 7! Not., i 81 9110 II 12 13 14 15! Hi! 17' IS 192021 22 23 24 25 26 27 23 293031 ............ I Joe.. ......... ii 2 3 4 we.- 5 lil 7 81 9JOI1 12 13 14 151617 18 . 19202122232425 ! 2(i 27 282>30... |... | 9!|0 || 12 Hi 17 IS 19 232l2:.2t; 3031 .' 9||0 15 Hil 17 2-2 2.'! 24 2)13(1... 1 S i:; 14' 15 202IJ22 ,;; n 13 14 15 1C 20 2 1 22 23 27 28 29 30 4 5 | 7 11 12 13 14 18192021 25 26 27 28 3 4 5 10 II 12 17! 18 19 24BS20 "i"2j":i 8 9 10 15 16 17 222324 29 30 31 FIGURES OF THE NEW YEAR. The old. departing, unto new gives place. And tho' no animation on the face Of characters so silent and so dumb. They tell the story of a year to come: For all the types assembled in this plate. Are sentinels of time, and hope, and fate. THE "OLD ORIENTAL" X You may talk all you please Of the Woodmen degrees, Of the wood and its sawin', And the buckin' and pawin' Of the old stubborn goat. And his buttin' by note; Of his startin' and goin', Of his stoppin' and throwin', And tell of the fate Of the poor candidate In tones sentimental, But the most detrimental, Ts the fun incidental To the "Old Oriental." 89 AN ECLIPSE ECLIPSED. X There was an eclipse the other night And thousands awaited with anxious delight To see old Luna's face all hid from view While passing earth's dark shadow through: It was to be total a great, grand sight. And many prepared to stay out all night: But 'twixt cup and lip there are many slips-- The storm cloud eclipsed that great eclipse. THEY SAW IT. X "Where were you last evening dear?" her mother said. "I looked in vain for you my dear before I went to bed And thought to press a good-night kiss upon those ruby lips. 1 quite forgot there was to be a moon's eclipse." "Yes. mother dear, that same event escaped my mind Till ( 'harlej' came and asked were I inclined To go with him to view the moon's, great, grand eclipse: It was delightful mother I took along my lips." A SON OF THE SHADE. X He lies in a hammock enjoying the breeze With all the comfort and all the ease Of a don't-care-for-nothing and go-as-you-please Sort of a way in the shade of the trees. Just seeing what he can see. Unmindful of hours that flee. The birds are nesting in the trees. He hears the hum of the busy bees. And out in the garden, with rolled up sleeves And hoe in hand, his dad he sees. His dad was born to work with a vim He'd sooner 'twas dad than him. Things he likes most are shady trees, And a hammock swinging in the breeze. Lazily loafing there at ease With nothing to do but do as you please. "No sun a shinin' hot and high On me." says he. "I'd sooner 'twas dad than I. A GUESS. MYSTERY OF THE CHICAGO RECORD'S PRIZE STORY. "SOVS AMD FATHERS." X "As sometimes in a dead man's face. To those that watch it more and more. A likeness hardly seen before Comes out- to some one of his race." Tmnymtn's "In Mrini>ri>ii " I pursued the story of ''Sons and Fathers." And on the ''mystery" laid mighty stress. But there's one little thing that bothers: ''Only women and girls may guess." 'Tis a lesson of life, of hope, and love. Of envy and hate and cumbrous care. Hut jewelled with light from the heavens above. And couched in language chaste and rare. Out of the tangle of plot and plan Comes a solution I believe that wins I figured it out as the story ran That Edward and Gerald are certainly twins. There at the church as the storm beat wild. Where women sought shelter that terrible night. One bearing a ''coffin" 'tis said, for a child. And a great white bird there fluttered in fright. Was a man we divine as Gaspard Levigne: And Marion's pale face in the lightning's glare: And the "coffin" she carried but a violin: And Rita who rescued that creature so fair. "Cambia." for beauty and talent in two worlds known. Who smothered her sorrow in the music of years. Who searched long and vain for records flown. And honored a grave with flowers, and her tears. Is happy again her angel face once more Is shorn of sadness and a sweet-toned voice Is singing the songs of the years of yore. And a son, and mother, and father rejoice. For Edward and Mary the clouds have rolled by: His past is revealed and their visions behold A future of promise on the storm-rent sky Is a rainbow rich in the tints of gold. There is one thread of this mystery tale That is hopelessly lost, and amid my despair I guess that all guesses summarily fail To tell what become of rfweet Kitty Blair. Oh, should the readers of stories like this. With all its plot and plan and thought, A million of miles the mystery miss. The world is better for the good it taught. LINES TO A LEGAL LIGHT. X [On the occasion of the marriage of Mr. Frank J>. Hooper. September 29th. 1891. | Your "case'' is "one'' it now appears, Not by demand for excessive "fees," But by seven, long, consecutive years Of ardent, strong, persuasive "pleas." No "writ of replevin" was ever issued. No "change of venue" ever taken Faith in the "justice'" of your "court' 1 Throughout the "suit" remained unshaken. Let us "brief-ly" ask in an "abstract" way That no "appeal" of the "case" be made; Frank-ly submit (with modest Grace) To the happy "verdict" so long delayed. If in after years, in your home "pur-suits." Troubles and "trials" should ever arise, Endeavor to "quash" all such disputes, Or settle the same by "compromise." That good wife of yours "seek to retain-'er' 1 As long as you "argue" with "legal'' breath. And bestow the love you bestowed to gain her: Let the only "divorce" be the one by death. 94 TWO CITIES. X I Frankfort. Indiana. 1885. | Today I rest on a shady slope. Enjoying life and health and hope: The trees are swaying- to and fro. The grass and flowers are bending low: Visitors enter with silent tread To view this city of the dead. Around this sacred spot enclosed Another city lies, and much disposed To wealth, activity and life, Engaged in busy, worldly strife. Filled with toil and noise and din. Contrasting widely from this I am in. Many a one from a pleasant home Views that city's stately dome, And many attentive listening ears Will hear the sound, in future years, Of its huge clock, like a deep-toned bell, Bidding the hours and days farewell. And many a tear which flows from thought Of grief and sorrow there, is brought From the living city year after year To moisten the flowers that are planted here. These cities are linked by time that's fled One for the livinir and one for the dead. 95 EFFORT. If there looms up a task before you Like mountains hijjh, So tall it seems that it extends From earth to sky, And you'd remove it. we implore you Not stand and sijjh. Nor wait until your worldly ends Have ^one awry, Then call for aid all will ignore you And naught reply. For much of life's success depends On how we trv. UNEARNED. A; Some men who fish and catcheth naught. Make much display of fish they've caught: And all the honors some have got. Are those they've stolen or they've bought. 97 LAFAYETTE. A; A proud city stands On the banks of a stream, Whose waters and sands In the sunlight gleam, And my memory fills With thoughts that are fair, Of the homes on the hills And the highlands there. O'er that broad stream Three structures span, Where train and team And child and man, In ceaseless throng, Pass early and late With commerce strong For the "Star" of state. To the northward lies A field of fame, Where standards rise. Where a chieftain came With a warrior band At night-time hour, And avenging hand For vanishing power. My thoughts are turning To by-gone times, To a seat of learning I hear its chimes Just across that river Where nobly stands That gift of a giver With generous plans. 99 The home of my childhood Lies just bayond Where field and wildwood All blend in one: Where sweet-scented blade.-, Of meadows are found. And the sylvan shades Of forests abound. Far into the woods I was wont to roam 'Monjr nature's moods. In nature's home. And my soul oft stirred By the tinkling bells Of the wandering herd Through vales and dells And the bird's sweet son<; At dawn of day. As I passed along" Some woodland way. Where nature rejoices With heart light and free. Would waken the voices Of nature in me. As the sun sank low At the close of day, 'Mid the evening's glow I'd wend my way Where no sound floats On the air above Save the mournful notes Of a cooing dove, Or the lonesome song Of the whip-poor-will As it floats along The lowland and hill, And the clock of the town Prom its massive tower With deep-toned sound Would note the hour. Oh city of fame, Thou art dear to me, Revered thy name, And scenes environ thee. Of field and grove And forest and plain, And I long to rove Their paths again. 101 TALE OF A BRASS KETTLE. X O, while you're talkin' of boyhood ways, Of capers an' pranks of youth's delight. An' tellin' your tales of long-ago days. When pants was short an' hair was white. Just listen to me, it's a way- back date Concernin' which I'm goin' to tell, Twas out'n White County in the Hoosier State An' 'bout a brass ke ttle that sank in a well. It must o' been back in the 60's somewhere When we lived far out on a prairie farm With a hut for a home, and neighbors rare, An' the coyotes soundin' their wild alarn.. With a mighty slim start an' the country all new Many years yonder in days of yore, Father an' mother had all they could do To keep the gaunt wolf away from the door. 'Twas on a warm day 'long late'n the spring. An' father was plowin' in the field alone. Can't just remember the date o' the thing On account o' the years that's passed an' gone. The day was bright an' the sun shone fair. And father was plowin' like "sixty-three," An' mother'd gone an' left me to care For two little tots both younrer'n me. 102 We played all 'round an old corn pen, On the shady side most, for the sun was hot, An' under some rails that stood on end Down close by the old stable lot. The day I remember and where we were at, We three a baby sister an' brother, an' he Not much older'n her, an' blind at that They made just two an' the other'n was me. Poverty perched on the rails o'erhead. An' luxuries scarce 'round that old corn bin 'Twas just take some water an' a crust o' bread An' then go to rompin' and play in' ag'in. An' I done my best most all the while, Though the sun was hot and the shade was slack 'Round that corn pen an' that old rail pile, To keep 'em satisfied till mother got back. Of the bread an' water that was our lot, Whichever they wanted I tried to get Whether they needed it much or not, An' the little brass kettle is a memory yet. 103 I took that treasure of many a year, Of which my mother had often told, An' hied awaj r to a well that was near, With boyhood daring brave and bold. I lifted the cover rude and plain That shut out the heat o' the sun's bright glow, As I'd seen done, yes time and again, An' swung it down to the water below. I pressed on the pole a forked limb Which had been fixed in place of a string, And the water rushed over its polished brim, Until it filled an' sank the thing. But when I 'rose to lift my prize An' bear it upward with a forked limb. Just then it was that a boy my size, Found that a kettle had deserted him. Lost! sunk to rise no more! I reeled In fright, and uttered one loud yell To break the news to father in the field! "The little! brass kettle!! is in the well! ! I" An' brother Reed an' sister "Lib" Who'd caught the anguish of my spell, Sat down an' sobbed by the old corn crib: 'E 'ittle b'ass tittle, i' fell in 'e well!!" 104 THE RACE TO THE FIELD. As if a life was hanging- by a thread And final fate depended on my flight, With whitened face and hatless head. I flew to the field with my all my might. Across the furrows with wild acclaim An' over the clods I stumbled and fell And from my lips in anguish came, "The little! brass kettle!! is in the well!!!" Far into the field was heard my scream Inaudible, and yet my frightened spell Borne on the breeze to parent ear did seem Like news of death! of drowning in a well! With heart in mouth and apprehension dire, A race for life of one he loved began, And o'er and through that field with soul afire At desperate speed to reach that well he ran. There anxious eyes gazed down to waters calm No circumstance of death to start sad tears But heart-sick from fatigue, and strength undone, That race brought him a frightful weight of years. What fearful havoc oft is wrought by storm! What strength is lost by labor overdone! What thoughtless acts in youth we all perform! What fateful steps before life's race is run! 105 TEN YEARS AGO. X [February 27. 1887.] Dear Friend oft-times I think of long ago: (Time is eventful, and changes so) Ten years backward shall memory turn To glance o'er youth-time and efforts to learn Some lesson at school! I was there, you know. Ten years ago. The halcyon days of boyhood are past: Let memory recall them, for while it doth last 'Twill ever recount them to sift some bright ember From ashes of years I so fondly remember Memory tonight is whispering low. Ten years ago. Why is it, dear one. 1 cannot refrain, And why, furthermore, do you never complain Of reading the products of my feeble pen That tell of those years again and again? And now is reviewing with rythmic glow. Ten years ago. Ten years ago! why now it seems to me That more than yesterday it cannot be. When I with boyish mind and heart began To involve myself in love's sweet plan. And write those missives now cherished so. Ten years ago. LJy affection's grasp in youthful days. My heart was bound in loving wa\*s: And on my pen a great encumbrance laid: Nor shall it rest until thou'rt paid- Sweet debt of love, I first began to owe. Ten years ago. 1(1(5 107 "THE DYING TIME OF YEAP." | To the Memory of Kugene Field.) The days were bright and heavens clear. But there was a sound in the forest near Whose echo fell both sad and drear On the listening ear: 'Twas the rustling leaves In the autumn breeze All nature sighing. Crying. "This is the dying Time of year." A home was filled with loving light. The lamp of life was burning bright. No thought of the spirit taking (light From one so dear But hark! without All 'round about. The sad winds sighing. Crying. "This is the dying Time of year." I OS No thought of death's angel silently creeping That night where our poet was calmly sleeping. No sign nor omen of loved ones weeping. No thought of a tear To bring relief, To break the grief Of scenes of death so trying- No sighing Simply the dying Time of year. Through ages progressive since worlds began, No words more impressive were spoken by man, Nor faithful allusion to nature's great plan. No thought more dear: The breezes passing, Each other caressing, And leaves down flying. Sighing, All tell of the dying Time of year. 109 A SUMMONS. X It was no crushing weight of years That summoned the soul of a noble wife. But an unkind call of the Reaper Death Ere she had reached the noon of life. DOWN THE VALLEY. X Down death's dark valley, We're going "'one by one;" With faces all turned toward the setting sun. A great human throng, since the world begun. Down, down that valley, Has glided "one by one." That road will be traveled till the race is run. And life's procession ends The world is done When all down the valley Have passed "one by one.'' 110 LINES TO HIS MEMORY, [William Wallace Gilbert, died April 15, 1897. ] His life to hope gave newer birth As bright as sunshine from the sky. And no reminder of his worth Can song or elegy supply. No ill to man e'er filled his heart Nor unjust deel e'er dimmed an eye, But sorrow played a dismal part When God decreed this man should die. The tender ones of childhood know, Adore and love his kindly ways, And faltering forms of age bestow A fulsome gratitude and praise. A hamlet mourns and hundreds more Have shed a tear or breathed a sigh, And 'mid this sadness all deplore That one so good and true must die. The sorrowed homes of grief and tears, That now seem cheerless, drear and cold, Will brighter be in coming years As his life story oft is told. Ill GONE WITH THE OLD YEAR. X 1 Miss Mary Wall. Burton. Indiana, died New Year's evr. IH85. | Hark! the requiem of the dying year. With mournful sound to many an ear. Is borne aloft: its plaintive cries. Appear ascending toward the skies. Where dwells, whence comes this mystic power That so surrounds and desolates the hour! O. why should we in sadness bow today. E'en though our hopes pass unfulfilled away. And love is changed to hatred and to scorn. Why not enlist to greet h e N ew Year's morn As a noble harbinger of joyful mien. That fills each heart with boundless hopes serene:* Alas! the death knell of the parting year May toll and toll again, time sheds no tear. But when the door of death swings open wide And bids a dear one through his portals glide. 'Tis sad to contemplate such scenes of grief And vain to search for measures of relief. Time in its flight speeds boldly on and on. The glimmerings of the eastern horizon Dispel the dismal darkness of the nig-ht. Betokens the return of day aright: But light or splendor scenes that there abound, Cannot dispel the gloom that lurks around. O bright New Year, why so unmindful thou, Of woes that flood our minds and hearts just now: Oh let your light so graciously given. Transmit the smiles of merciful Heaven. Tell us the one that we so sadly miss Has reached another, better world than this. Upon the morrow of that day so fair, All cumbered with a load of deep despair, And 'midst the unkind fall of chilly rain, Moved forth the solemn, silent fun'ral train; Yes. moved with mournful, melancholy tread. And gently laid dear Mary 'mong the dead. No more in life we'll greet her smiling face: But time, while mem'ry dwells, cannot erase Her noble qualities of heart away. So strong the sorrowed impress of today. O ''Precious Faith" that guides her safely o'er. Direct our barque to that celestial shore. 113 IN HEAVEN ONE YEAR. X One glance backward on memory's tide, Tells us the day that Frankie died, And speaks of his entering" that Heavenly way. One full, long year ago today. Why view that day as one of sorrow and despair, And why encumber life with loads of care. Or cast one sigh or shed one tear. When Frankie's been in Heaven a year? Such things as days or years of earthly clime. Are unnumbered and unknown to Heavenly time: And pray what worth would be a day or year. When time is unending and eternal there? Upon his grave let blossoming flowers Impart a sweet fragrance to lonely hours, And while earthly years to you are given. Just count them all as time for him in Heaven. 114 A SHINING MARK. In memory of Edna May Skeels, died January 19, 1896, igtd twenty years, six months and fifteen days. Another star of hope is gone, Another home is dark to-day; Another spirit passing on To Heaven's bright. celestial way. This star (a mem'ry loved and cherished so) Upon the day all patriots love to know, Its sparkling gleam began its afterglow Has brightened time since twenty years ago. A mother's love, a mother's tears, A mother's care a score of years Guided her steps of life aright And made for home a shining light, The joy of mother, of father, brother, And life-time hope of yet another. When there goes out a star like this one bright Which 'round the home has shed a radiant light, We wonder not that darkness spreads its pall. And throws a shadow o'er the hopes of all. The only solace left behind, To soothe and heal those broken ties, Are farewell words, so sweet, so kind; To meet and greet beyond the skies. 115 CROWNED BY ANGEL HANDS. X 1 To the memory of Frances E. Willard.] The world was her field, and human good Was the broad plain on which she stood, 'i titling with mind, and heart, and hand, "For God and Home and Every Land.' 1 Serenely with ties of love that bind, She built the hopes of womankind. She is gone! And her going, To the cultured and knowing, Is a sad forsaking, And much like the breaking Of a branch from the tree, Or the out-going of some bright star Set as a sentinel in skies afar To light, and brighten the home of the free (jone! The wide world is mourning. And a nation is frowning At the sorrow that is strewn wide and far As the act of some demon Who would rob us as freemen By despoiling the Hag of a star. (Jone! And the moan of the breeze. As it sighs through the trees, Sings the sad story Of the broken-hearted, For a loved one departed From scenes of her earthly glory. To glittering shores where angels throng. In worlds of light, and love, and song. 116 "From Greenland's icy mountains From India's coral strand." From every state and country Of near and distant land. And e'en from the islands of the seas. Her praise is born on every breeze- In every clime, by every Christian tongue. The anthems of that praise are sung. Of life she chose the better part. And scorned the mockery of art: From the home of the lowly this woman came To be crowned with the laurels of a well-earned fame: As g-entle and sweet as the flowers that bloom. As rich in reverence as the tears at her tomb. This uncrowned queen of many lands Has received her crown from antrel hands Gone from the homes Of our land, and from the domes Of the churches and temples are ringing Those requiem bells Whose deep tone tells Of the sad deprivation That's befallen the nation But the angels are joyfully singing. Gone! And the grief of the hours. And the strewing of flowers. And the flow of sad tears. Are invoking a tribute of love. And sending their message above. To honor her labor of years. 117 118 119 AN INQUIRY. X Dear "Old Vet" of the fast fading past - Ye who gallantly fought from first to last Do you suppose the time will come again. When valiant armies of valiant men. Will march responsive to their country's call And fight when fight most likely means to fall: THE ANSWER. Ah, friend, I fear the time has not yet come. When armies treading to the beat of drum Shall cease to meet, and in fierce war's array. Assail each other, mangle, wound and slay: The time will come, however. I believe. When mankind, learning wisdom, will achieve Each other's happiness and highest good By deeds of love and not by deeds of blood : Then strife will be unknown and war will cease And all mankind will dwell in love and peace. !H. H. I'. 1-10 A "WAH" PROPHECY. X Shud Uncle Sam find out Dem Spanyerds sunk de Maine, An' blew dem sailors in de sea. A "Teat big wah wud shuah kum 'bout- Like cullud men in Linkum's reign. Dem Cubans wud be free. If wah should ebber kum 'Twix Uncle Sam and Spain, Dem Cubans shuah be free: We'd heah de beatiir drum In de Yankee's army train "From Atlanter to de sea." WEYLER WITH HER YET, X However much old Spain may now abhor Her prospects with Insurgent bands One thing she may be thankful for, She still has Weyler on her hands. 121 WILD NOTES OF WAR. X (During the Venezuela affair. | Old Jonny Bull has been quite badly scored 13}- the pen that's mightier than the sword: There's a war of words a ragin' just now That may yet result in a world-wide row: The old vet's blood is boilin' up ag'in. There's a sight o' talk "bout musterin' in. Unless the Old Lion his aggression relaxes. The Modern Woodmen will whet up their axes An' saddle the goats on next meetin' night An' march as cavalry into the fight: And the K. of P. with helmets Hashing Will show them the art of sabre-slashing. Uncle Bill Williams who lately came back From hot pursuit of a wild bear's track. Way down in the woods of Arkansaw Where they pay no 'tention to huntin' law. Has his patriot blood risin' up in him And is organizin' in battle trim. He expects to command the volunteers And make 'em all colonels and brigadiers: And being familiar with bills of fare He'll treat the foragin' part with care: And as a "war measure" to set things aglow. He's promisin' pensions before they go. 122 GOING. X. Some are going" oft' to war. To sail a Cuban sea And help make Cuba free And some not going quite so far, For some there be who'd "rarther'' Go just so far and go no farther. Some are going with flag and banner. Some going now and some next fall. And some, perhaps, not going at all. Some are going to join Camp Tanner. Then going not to leave 'er "For fear of yellow fever." Some are off to Klondyke, knowing The perils of its cold, A-going there for gold. There's a sight o' talk of "going," Some for glory and some for pay, And those not going, are going-to stay. APPROPRIATE EVERYWHERE. X The American Flag is an "all-'round" rag That Hoats in victory or waves in peace. Unfurls in war and when wars cease: Emblem of country that patriots love. Its stars are types of those above. Its glowing colors of red, white and blue. Mingle together in gorgeous hue: fts silken folds so rich and sweet Never appear so pretty and neat. Are never so graceful as when wars cease. And it proudly waves as a standard of peace. POSSIBILITIES. X It wouldn't s'prise me that now purty soon They'd be singin' songs without any tune. And some new rule, or some new law, Beatin' anything the world ever saw. Would be figured out 'fore very long, To prove the earth's been revolvin' wrong. When somethin' else's wanted, all new-fangled. S'pose they'll fix up the old star-spangled Banner that Hoats o'er the land of the free, In some new rig that'll puzzle you and me To tell it's our Hag the world and its ways Hev all changed so since old-time days. 124 TO HEROES OF THE SEA. X O sing' the praise of the jolly tar Who braves the dangers of the sea. Who carries the flag to ports afar. O sing" it long and joyfully. O sing of Dewey at Manila bay. And let all join the glad refrain. For daring" deeds the first of May That sank the ships of treacherous Spain. O sing- of sailors far away. Among the perils of a simoon sea. Of the gallant crews who fought that day For the glorious cause of liberty. O sing of Sampson and Sigsbee and Schley. In sun-kissed waters of sultry seas. Remember the motto that floats mast-high Majestic in each passing breeze. O sing of heroes in time gone by. O sing of the heroes of today, And honor the memory of those who lie Beneath the waters of Havana bav. ODE TO CUBA'S FREEDOM. A; (). "Gem of the Antilles" set out in the sea. Have faith in thy tight for sweet libertj"! An army and navy will rescue thee. And patriot sons will soon set free. Thy fettered band. On slave-cursed land! Free from the hellish tyrant's reign! Free from the streams of blood that stain Thy country! Free from fetters of the despot's chain! Free from the yoke of merciless Spain! Free, oh Cuban land. From the tyrant's hand! Fight on. oh Cuban! Americans boast That patriots thrive along her coast! Oh fearful thy fate should freedom be lost! Fight till you vanquish that Spanish host. And the tyrants flee O'er the trackless sea! Fight on, oh Cuban! though plantations be curled In smoke and flame, till the demon is hurled To sea! On rampart and field let thy flag be unfurled Till victorj- is echoed around the world! Oh patriot, fight on Till thy freedom is won! The country that gave to liberty birth. And nurtured its life when there was a dearth Of sympathy for freedom's glorious worth. Will aid thee join the republics of earth Thou struggling" band On Spain-cursed land! Thy battle, oh Cuba, 'tis not all in vain! The friends of liberty will never disdain Thy efforts to sever from Spanish domain. And the priceless boon of freedom to gain! 'Tis our message to the. Oh Isle of the sea! Then let grand monuments upon thy battle plain. Rise sacred to the memory of thy noble slain Who resisted the rule of tyrannical Spain. And sundered the links of the despot's chain When thou'rt set free. Oh Gem of the Sea! 127 128 TO A BRIDE. X Incomparable thou, oh happy bride, And yet we would liken the glow of thy pride. And the lamp of thy love that is burning so bright, To something of earth or heavenly light: To laughing waters which down the mountain flow, Or the lily that blooms in the valley below: We would liken thy life, thy hope and thy love To the trusting innocence of a gentle dove. To the chimes of music or rythm of words, To the gladsome notes of mating birds Singing their merriest and sweetest tune: To the fairest and rarest rose of June We would liken thee through life to come, Thou queen of a new and happy home. 129 TEN LINES TO TEN YEARS. A: | December ->7. 1897.] Ten years in union have been passed. The first for love, for love the last: Ten winters of gay and joyous chime. Ten summers of flowers and son^ and rime. Ten cycles complete of earthly clime. Ten shadows on the dial of time: Ten years 'twould take of care and thought. To tell the things which that ten brought The toil and trials of that dear ten. The hopes that fell and rose again. A MEMORY. X That happy day, one week ago. That placed a peaceful crown of light Upon my life, did well its part If one was given you as bright. A BIRTH-DAY WISH. A Dear friend, I wish for you tonight. One hundred years of happy life. All filled with peace and joyous light. All free from danger and from strife. If every friend should wish for thee, As much before tomorrow dawned. Unending years would be your lot, 'Twould rob you of your home beyond. THREE MONTHS OF CHILDHOOD. X This day must picture beauty rare: It brings event to you quite fair. And one to us that's ever dear It marks three months of thy first year. 131 CLUBS. X I've heard of clubs since I was born Until the thought of clubs I fairly scorn: They're thick as snow-flakes or April showers, Yes, clubs are trumps in this town of ours. The boys and girls and women and their hubs Spend half their time attending clubs; And all you hear when on the streets Is something about when the next club meets. TO A GRADUATING CLASS. X [June 19. 1891.] You gathered sweet flowers to deck the halls. And garlands beautiful arrayed the walls: Mottoes festooned with appropriate wreaths And "Gang Warily" twined in evergreen leaves. Your school days are over, before you is life, With its storm and sunshine, pleasure and strife: May your pathway ever be strewn with flowers Which only bloom brighter because of the shower;- GO GATHER THE GEMS. X Go gather the gems from the world's wide field, The lights of life, with the darkness dispelled, And set those stars on one bright shield, The likes of whose beauty none ever beheld. POETIC "FEET" DISPLACED. The kind o' poems I allus like Aint simply those jes' trim an' neat. Which glide along- smooth as yer bike. With rime an' rythm all complete. But words sublime, of deep intent, Which sift the chaff out of the wheat Which form the poem's sentiment And kind-a sweep it off its "feet." A SEVERE STROKE. 'Neath one fell blow our hopes expired. Ruthlessly crushed by the girl that's hired. Perusing the columns of the dear old TIMES, Her optics caught onto one of our rimes She read it through and with earnest face, Reflecting the honesty of her race, Glanced at her mistress with an inquiring look Asking the question: ''Hez yer husband a book' (Oh, shades of chagrin! "A book!" "A book!") "From which this poem was 'riginally took'?'' SUSPICIOUS OF THE BRITISH. X 'Tis said the most apparent reason why That this world's brightly beaming sun Ne'er leaves its orbit in the sky. Nor feels its task but just begun, And never sits on England's vast domain. Because the Lord so fears the British shark. And knows so well his greed for gold and gain, He will not trust him in the dark. 133 DREAM OF THE TEACHER MAN. One calm and still November night, The teacher man Dreamed a dream of great delight: A prize-trip plan Lay pictured out before his mind. And many a scheme Kindred to wishes of his kind. Was solved by dream. Just how secure the votes to win That glorious prize A thing that ever puzzled him With opened eyes All seemed clear in rapturous dreams: And midst this spell Nature's grandest view, where beauty teems. Across his vision fell. And then this dreamy teacher man. Of whom we tell Who thought he'd found a winning plan- Awakened from his spell. How disappointing it must have been To one like him involved. E'en though by dream in earnest hope to win. To have that hope dissolved! WAYS OF THE WORLD. X Of all the people to church who go. This day and age, the number is few Who seek a seat in a forward pew: But let it be to an opera show. For an evening of the world's to-do. It may be said, alas how true! They take their seat in "bald-head row. 1 14 THE WRITER AND THE FIGHTER. X An author and a pugilist met one day, The writer grave, the fighter gay, And as the two did wander along, So goes the story and the song, This was what they were heard to say: (The author grave and the fighter gay) ''Oh what shall I write today?" "Oh whom shall I fight today?'' And the writer wrote and wrote and thought, And the fighter fought and fought and fought, One with his pen which he dips and shoves. The other equipped with lips and gloves. The writer's writings came to naught And the fighter got whipped in the fight he fought. The author no longer in the ink doth plunge And the fighter has quit and thrown up the sponge. REGULATED BY THE MOON. X Don't blame the boys who go to Crescent for a "smile. Or down at Old Town to practice many a "shine," When the old moon sets and example vile. And in a single month gets "full" a second time. EDITORS TAKE IT TOO. X That measly old monster Surnamed "La Grippe," Who is takin' in America On a two years' trip. Invaded our sanctum By an infamous sneak And caught the editor In his "grip" this \veek. 135 TRIUMPH. X Oft-times the ordeals of misfortune dire. Survived, resisted, o'erpowered and outdone. Impel us on with new fervor and zeal. And life is more glorious for battles won. LIFE LINES. A "Life Line" held by friendly hands May rescue one from sinking" sands, Or guide them from some danger shore. Where clouds are gathering more and more. To hope's inland, where sun-bright rays Dispel the mists of dismal ways Where life's ambition is recast And freed from turmoil of a past. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles Tliis book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Perm L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 PSL Tteard - 1082 Life lines. B359 1 PS 1082 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 001372367