A 1 A — ^1 A =:^^^ '^1 -■m 0-^11 — -- \J r^ ^= b 1=. ^= 3 1 '^ , ^ " 1 :.L.ii THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES LYRICS LYRICS BY ELLIS WALTON (MRS. F. PERCY COTTON). ^ LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. 1895. 'Wo F. P. C. Thf. pieces marked * appear by kind permission of the Artistic Lithographic Company. I am indebted for being able to include 'A Song of Rest " to Messrs. Uoosey and Co. 'In June' ' Before we part ' ,, „ „ „ 'Beyond the Waiting' „ Messrs. S. Lucas and Co. 'Fadeless' 'Snowdrops' „ Messrs. R. Cocks and Co. )5 )) )} )t ' A Last Song ' 'Nocturne ' ' The Wayside Seat ' „ Messrs, Cramer and Co. ' Nocturne ' „ Messrs. Ascherberg and Co. coxTKN rs. TALK SKVEN LOVK-SONGS ( W litteii fioiii tlic East) - - - i »THK PASSING OF SUMMKK - - - - - - 8 »A GARDEN FANTASY - - - - - - 8 A SONG OF KEST - - - - - - "9 THAT HOUR - - - - - - - - 10 EVENING - - - - - - - - 12 NOCTURNE - - - - - - - - 12 THE KKGION Ol- KKST - - - - - "13 'A BIKD-CALL • - - - - - - M IMMORTAL - - - - - - - - ^5 ONE NIGHT - - - - - - - - l6 WINGS --------- 17 LIGHT AS A IK - - - - - - - I7 SNOWDROPS - - - - - - - - 18 THOUGHTS - - - - • - - - 19 SANS ESPOIR, KIKN - - - - - - "19 WISHING - - - - - - - - 20 QUIEN Sj\BE ! - - - - - - - - 21 A moment's GLEAM - - - - - - - 22 :_^r_p_ X Contents I'AGE SMILE, SWEET LIPS - - - - - - -23 •^COMING BACK - - - - - - -24 beyond the \vaitu\'g - - - - - -25 •with a posy ok field KLOWEKS- - - - - 26 KAKCAROLLE - - - - - - - -27 BEFORE WE PART - - - - - - - 28 'spring's HERALD - - - - - - -29 *HEDGE ROSES - - - - - - - 30 IN JUNE - - - - - - - -31 'A child's DREAM - - - - - - - 32 *WHERE VIOLETS GROW "AT THE WINDOW 'FADELESS 'THOUGHTS IN AUTUMN ^SHADOWS *AMONG THE LILIES "BEYOND 33 A LAST SONG - - - - - - - - 36 *REMEMBRANCE - - - - - - - 37 ^CHILDHOOD'S ROSES- - - - - - - 38 39 40 41 'her FIRST LOVE-LETTER - - - - - - 42 43 45 *ANGEL FORMS - - - - - . - 46 *WITH FORGET-ME-NOTS - - - - - - 47 *THE FAITHFUL BIRD - - - - - - 48 ''HAUNTED - - - - - . - - 48 *AN AUTUMN FRIEND - - - - - - 49 *SUNSET - - - - - - . - 50 SI *TRUEST TREASURE - - - - - - - S3 Contents xi THE WAYSIDE SKAT - - - - - - - 54 •love and timi: - - - - - - - 55 •to absent kkiends - - - - - - 56 'CHRI^'^^rMAS MUSIC - - - - - - - 57 = T0 TIIIC NEW YEAR - - - - - - '59 *TO MEMORY - - - - - - - - 60 SEVEN LOVE-SONGS. ( ]Vriticn from the East.) I. A LAMENT. The palm-tree standeth lonely in the sun, The mournful fountain calleth to the river, One bright-hued bird still brooding on and on. Perchance a truant mate bewaileth ever. Yet, patient tree — e'en now upon the plain, A fair young palm beside it doth arise ; The fountain and the stream will meet again. And laugh together 'neath the Orient skies. With flash of jewelled wing the wandering mate Returns to its allegiance by-and-by ; To all things cometh rapture soon or late — And must I be alone until I die ? Seven Lovc-Sonf;s II. HAUNTED. O how can I forget you, when the morning fair and fleet, All robed in dewy freshness, brings to mind your presence sweet ; And the soft blue-flow'ring lotus on the river-breast that lies Repeats at every turn the tender beauty of your eyes ; While I hear your voice's music as the groves with love- notes ring ; While I think you, feel you, know you in each rare and radiant thing ' O how can I forget you, as the burning sun goes down, And heaven is like a sapphire with diamond dust o'erstrown ; When the image of your loveliness in every star I see, So calm and pure, so dazzling bright, and ah, so far from me! While I hear my own wild longing in the night-bird's thrilling lay ; While you fill my life from dawn to dusk, from darkness until day. III. THE DREAM. Softly the gold of the day was paling. Swans down the river were sailing, sailing ; Silent between them my boat went gliding. Out to the west where the sun lay hiding, Last night, in my dream. Seven Love-Songs ; Came there no scent of the amra flower, Breathed there no breath from the jasmine bower ; Seemed all the air with fresh roses fanned, For I was again in the dear old land, Last night, in my dream. On, ever on, amid lights and shadows, Drifting, I passed thro' your lordly meadows ; When, as the willows bent peacefully o'er me, Lo ! on the bank, there you stood before me. Fair, most fair, in my dream. I saw the waves of your wind-blown hair, I gazed awhile on your face so fair, 1 read the look in your eyes divine, As your warm hand trembled into mine — Into mine, in my dream. Then, from the cloud-bank, the sun broke free. Kindled a glory for you and me, Flushing the heavens from west to east With brightness as for a bridal feast, Last night, in my dream. On we sailed, amid field and meadow, Myriad lights with never a shadow. On, ever on, oh, we knew not whither. Until in the glow we were lost together — You and I, in mv dream ! Seven Love-Songs IV. A HOPE. If sweetest dreams had sweetest meaning, Then you and I might meet again ; If fate had left one hope for gleaning, It should not lie at my feet in vain ; Strangely there rises, intervening With thoughts perplexed, an old refrain : 'Time to own defeat. When no chance remaineth ; Time to make retreat, When advance nought gaineth ; Time to yield the ground, A\'hen no goal desiring, Or the prize be found Worth not the aspiring.' How had it been, if, as we parted, I then had spoken, tho' unmeet ? What if, in madness, proud, fainthearted, I misconstrued your silence, sweet ? Ah ! can it be we had not parted, Had I but pleaded at your feet ! ' Time to bid farewell, When the welcome faileth ; Time to ring the k?iell. When no prayer availeth ; Time enough to sigh. When aught comes to grieve for ;. Time, yes, time to die. When none lives to live for.' Seven Love-Songs V. YES OR NO? See, 1 will no longer wait ; See, at last I tempt my fate ; Have you any hope to give me ? Do I ask too much — too late? Others love you for your face, Noble name and ancient race; For your blush, your smile, your tresses. Tender voice, or nameless grace. I adore you, sweet, no less For your dove-like gentleness. For the fair, white soul that lends you Beauties fresh and numberless. Suitors may with suitors vie In approaching worthily You, the queen of all men's homage ; Nought to bring but love have I. Love is noble, love is great — So I, too, have dared my fate ! Will there come a word to bless me ? Have I sought too much — too late ? Seven Love-Songs VI. SUSPENSE. O, the days are stealing, stealing, And I know not what I do, With the anguish unabating Of the weary, weary waiting For the love and life and healing That are long overdue — Long overdue. Does the lorn and seabeat sailor, In tossing to and fro — Does he loathe the light that cheered him, Or curse the sail that neared him Only to melt and go ? It may be so. But remember, love, remember, Whatever I may rue, I shall blame the hope that fled me, The folly that misled me, The fate my doom decreeing, The hour that woke my being ; But never, never you ! Remember, never you ! Seven Love-Songs VII. AT LAST. Ii is come, is come, - ' That took so long in coming — Only a little letter, yet it plays a mighty part ; For it holds a world of love, This white, white dove That fluttered over sea And land, to me ; And it nestles at my heart. It is come, is come, That seemed a lifetime coming — This little faithful messenger, o'er leagues of land and sea ; And it lies within my breast. As I look toward the west Now flushing with the splendour, Rose-hued and tender. Of a bridal day to be. I come — I come ! May all things speed my coming ! If wishing could but waft me, O, the wind were not more fleet ; I come, o'er sea and land. To claim your hand ; To hold you safe and fast, INIy queen, at last. And worship at your feet I 8 The Passing of Suuiuicr THE PASSING OF SUMMER. There was sound of music, when from azure portal Stepped the blue-eyed summer on our land to dwell ; Almost her bright beauty looked to us immortal — Now to all that sweetness must it be farewell ? Does a tender trouble stir the river's bosom, As some cloudlet shadow dims its mirror clear? Seems yon fragile creeper, hung with bell-like blossom. Stretching out soft tendrils to bind the summer here? Nay, but she is passing— on a couch of flowers Leave her to her slumber; then look forth- and see, New and changing glories wait to crown the hours. They are not yet over, nor will ever be ! A GARDEN FANTASY 'Tis only a handful of autumn flowers. Gathered but now, I know. Yet bringing a mem'ry of happy hours, And a fragrance of long ago. O'er them I bend with a saddened smile, And a mist comes over my eyes the while. A Garden Fa)ilasy Then out of that mist gleams a homestead fair, Like a jewel amid the trees ; Ah me, the scent of that mountain air— ^The hum of the drowsy bees ; And the faces that look on me long and well Are sweeter and kinder than I could tell. I wonder at times where my home may be, In what blessed land or star ; For home can never be home to me, Except where the loved ones are. Heaven light my feet on the same dim way, That I may find them again one day ! A SONG OF REST. Tell me, little stream, when will cease thy flowing ? Faintly dost thou murmur like a child in troubled sleep — When I gain the sea, and "mid soft winds blowing, Pour my little life into its waters broad and deep. Far, oh ! far away. It seems to call and say : ' Come, come and rest. On this broad calm breast : Come, little stream. Come to me and rest.' 10 A Song of Rest Tell me, pretty bird, when will cease thy flying? Whitely gleam thy restless wings across a sky of gray. — When I reach the land where blue hills are lying, Bathed in happy sunshine through an endless summer day. Far, oh ! far away, It seems to call and say : ' Come, come and rest, Warm shall be thy nest ; Come, little bird, Come to me and rest.' Tell me, heart of mine, when will cease thy sighing? Nay, the bird shall answer, or the streamlet in its flow ; Listen but a moment, hear their soft replying : 'When you reach the heart that set you beating long ago.' Far, oh ! far away. It seems to call and say : ' Come, come and rest, Love shall make thee blest ; Come, loving heart, For here alone is rest !' THAT HOUR. Uo you remember, on that warm spring noon, The hyacinths that purpled all the leas ; The sailing of the soft white crescent moon, Spirit-like, above the almond trees — Do you remember ? That Hour ii Ah love, that day of days ! Our glad eyes wandered everywhere, As if for joy they scarce did dare To read within each others' gaze A\'hat love had written there. Do you remember, as we stood alone. The afternoon we met to say good-bye ; The deep woods burned for autumn, and the sun Loomed, a red cross, from out the misty sky — Do you remember ? Oh love, that moment drear ! Our dim eyes wandered anywhere, Nor sought the other's face for fear To read the long farewell, alas ! So sadly graven there. What shall we see, when every lonely spring And all the weary autumns have gone by. And Time at last on ever-tarrying wing, Has brought the hour we pray for, you and I ; \\'hat shall we see ? Ah love, a world there lies — Against that hour — surpassing fair ; A heaven of bliss untold — and we Shall look in one another's eyes And find it there ! 12 Evening EVENING. See, the sun a moment lingers O'er the pale earth in farewell, Flames alike the ruined tower, And each flow'ret's closing cell ; Now it sinks behind the hill. Leaving all things paler still. Down the path into the valley, Where the quiet waters meet. One by one the mild-eyed cattle Come to bathe their patient feet ; Cattle, trees, and sunset glow Mirrored as in glass below. Over all a calm has fallen. Wrapping closely vale and hill ; Gentle faces grow more gentle, Peaceful thoughts more peaceful still ; Now to weary earth is given Something of tiie peace of heaven ! NOCTURNE. Silent, above the hills, Rises the summer moon ; Faint in the distance trills The nightingales' soft tune. Nocturne 13 Sing for us, happy birds ! Sing in the silver light ; For we can find no words, This dreamy summer night. Cloud in the western sky. Darkly that seem'st to lower, Rest, and come not nigh To shadow love's brief hour. THE REGION OF REST. (0>! seeing Frederic Walker'' s picture, ' The Harbour of Refuge.') FAii away there lies the garden where I wandered as a child, But again from out the elm trees ring those dove notes low and mild ; To and fro on lawn and terrace I can see the swallows pass. And May-blooms lightly falling on the velvet of the grass ; Ah, no birds have sung so gladly since, no flowers looked so fair — No rest has come so sweetly as the rest that I knew there. 1 loved it well at morning, when the children were at play, And in the shade the old folk dreamed those peaceful hours away ; 14 The Region of Rest When noontide woke the perfume from blossoms on the wall, Where noisy bees made music ; but I loved it more than all, When it caught the hush of evening, and the sun was burning low, And it seemed to me like Heaven, in the glory and the glow. The children bright who played there may be scattered east and west. The old folk long ago have found a more abiding rest ; But for me its fragrance lingers, its beauty never dies. No touch of Time can change it as in my heart it lies. O fair and blessed region — 'tis there that I would be, \Vhen T long for something better than the world holds now for me. A BIRD-CALL. O, THE earth is decked in spangles For the morning's gay return. And I sing amid the tangles Of forget-me-not and fern. Come and hear my wild notes ringing On the breezy river shore, Come and join in my glad singing, Tho' you never sang before ! Immortal See, the sun is rising steady, And the wonderful new day, Like a fairy boat, is ready Now to bear you right away — Ever farther, ever fleeter. From the night's dim dreamy shore. Ah, perhaps to something sweeter Than you e'er have known before ! IMMOKTAL. Roses, once, I took thee. Pearled with morning dew — Birds up in heaven were singing. My heart sang, too. But a cloud swept over heaven, And the dewdrops looked like tears, And ah ! 'twas thy glance that withered My hope — my hope of years. Dead are those flaminsr roses. Dead is my heart's dull pain ; But the joy of that early morning Comes like a dream again ! A garland fair and shining, Sweet, I bid thee take ; Here 'mid the grass I lay it, For love's dear sake. i6 One Night No more v,-ill gift or giver Be scorned by those radiant eyes, For now, ah ! now, between us The cold earth hes. It will pass away— love's offering- Soon, like thy form divine ; But Time shall prove immortal This love— this love of mine. ONE NIGHT. It rose mid a leafy murmur, It broke from a charmed tree, That song of an unseen singer, And floated to you and me ; Then, while entranced we listened. It ceased, as a star might fall ; But the silence, love, that followed, Was sweeter after all. The moon's light touched the grasses With glorious silvery sheen, One tender star stood radiant The arching boughs between ; Then sank the moon to slumber, A cloud the star did pall ; But the darkness, love, that followed, Was fairest after all. One Night 17 O rays that fell from heaven In silver at our feet ! O time of mystic murmurings, And love-notes wild and sweet ! There are shades more dear than moonlight, ^\'hen hearts are glad in May ; There are silences remembered When songs have passed away ! WINGS. (A/Hcr Viclor Hugo.) Let us be like the bird in a leafy spot, That a moment 'lights and sings ; On the trembling spray he trembles not, For he knows that he has win^s ! LIGHT AS AIR. You wrote my name on the golden sand, While the sea looked far away ; But a little wave, in sportive mood, Ran lightly up where the writing stood. And covered it, in play. 2 1 8 Light as Air I saw your eyes in the deep, deep skies, Then turned from them to you ; And marked not the cloud that rose and spread, Till it hung in fleecy folds o'erhead. And hid away the blue. What was it, lighter than cloud or wave, That parted me and you ? What was it came between us twain, Light, yet fraught with a world of pain ? Ah, i/iaf we never knew. We only know that the clouds have fled — We ask not, care not, how ; We only murmur words like these : ' A thousand worlds, a thousand seas Shall not divide us now !' SNOWDROPS. Snowdrops, white and glistening, Fit for your hand divine ; Just for their own sake, take them. If not for mine ! I said, 'They look their fairest, As the brown earth round them lies ; Now, fairer they shine, and purer. Beneath your eyes. Thoughts 19 They will fade — ah, yes ! my snowdrops, Sweetly away, like your smile ; But my love will live on after — A long, long while ! THOUGHTS. There are thoughts, gentle thoughts of love and duty, That rise while the crowds around us throng ; There are thoughts, precious thoughts of power and beauty. That wake 'mid the halls of light and song. Yet the thoughts that are best and deepest ever. Are born in the free and open air ; They are nursed to the tune of sea or river, And fed on the peace and pureness there. SANS ESPOIR, RIEN. Shall we meet, when day is dying In the arms of night, Shall we watch the birds home flying Through the soft love-light ; Shall we walk and talk together. In the silence, in the dew, — O to-night amid the heather. Shall we meet, we two ? 20 Sans Espoir, Rien I would not know — I would not know, Just now, if it be ay or nay ; But hope a little, while I may, For I have my day's work to do ! Shall we meet on some fair noontide In the far away — Fair in snow-time as at Junetide, If our bridal day — O, with souls that never falter, Shall we meet and stand, Vou and I, before God's altar, Hand athrob to hand ? I would not know — I would not know, Just now, if it be ay or nay ; liut hope a little, while I may, For I have my life's work to do ! WISHING ! We met by chance within the lane, we strolled a step or two, Then stopped to wish beneath the moon that rose so fair and new ; And I remember what I wished, ah me ! that sweet June weather — I wished that life were one long lane where we might walk together. Qnicn Sabe ! 21 I would have given the world, I felt, could I his wish but know ; I only said, ' It" )ou have wished, I'll say good-bye, and Was I awake, or did I dream ? ah me 1 I wondered whether ; He whispered low, ' No wish I know, when we are b ut together !' QUIEN SABE I KISS her eyes, sometimes, As they glance from the wall at me ; That kiss, that glance alone Are left for us now ; and see How on the tell-tale glass A trace doth yet remain. A moment— thus, and thus, I make all fair again. ^a" Nay, nay, but let it be ; For I know not — who can know ! When, with tender noiseless feet The dead may come or go ; And if she be not near — Near, always— let her see. As she comes, that the glass is dim Where her eyes laugh out at me. 22 A Momcnfs Gleam A MOMENT'S GLEAM. Waft of some scent-laden breeze, Glimpse of white bloom on a bough ; Do not sometimes things like these Give us back, we scarce know how, Not alone the memory Of bright meadows, dazzling skies, But the power their charms to see With our very childhood's eyes ; Not alone the velvet touch Of the grass whereon we lay, But the peace which made that couch Softer far than down to-day ; Not the lark's mere song as he Rose and soared beyond our ken, But the sudden ecstacy It could wake within us then ! Sweet it is once more to know Taste of joy unmixed with pain, Dream the dreams of long ago. Think those fair white thoughts again. Smile, Sweet Lips 23 SMILE, SWEET LIPS. Smiw:, sweet lips — for smiles were made for your adorning ; When other lips are near, how lightly pass the summer hours. Smile, as you tremble 'neath soft pleadings in the morning, Or whisper fond replyings 'mid the moonlight and the flowers. Wait, yet wait, if an ocean vast is moving 'Twixt you and those that kissed you when the summer- time was sweet ; Do they not murmur blessings on the absent and the loving ? Are they not gath'ring fondness to be poured forth when you meet ? Fade, ah fade, from rosy red to deathly whiteness, When other lips are near, but never more for you, for you; Better life-long enmity than loving turned to lightness, Or boundless space than one small rift that makes the notes untrue. Smile, yes smile, when cold, in stately calm ungrieving. Not, not because some warm ones press you in regret and pain, Nor yet for any hope that might hereafter prove de- ceiving. But only that no sigh can rise and rend you e'er again ! 24 Coming Back COMING BACK. I DREAMED that I oncc more returned To that old place for which I yearned, And took my way with eager feet Along the winding village street. I passed by well-known gardens fair, And saw that some still kept with care A little plant alive for me — The tender flower of memory. 'Twas strange — in many and many a spot Tt flourished, though I sought it not ; In others, where it used to grow. It had been banished long ago. But on I went, nor paused until I came at last, where surely, still. More fair, more radiant hour by hour, There lived my little memory-flower. Ah ! why that chilling breath, that air Of emptiness and silence there? From end to end the walks I ranged — All, all was desolate and changed. Methought that as I tried to frame Some question, tho' no question came, A friendly footpath seemed to say, ' Come, follow me ; this is the way.' Beyond the Waiting 25 It led me through the old lych gate, Past nooks where quiet sleepers wait ; And 'mid the shade of myrtle trees There lay a sweet and perfect peace. And, trembling as the breeze passed o'er, As if a message fond it bore, Beneath the sheltering moss grown tower I found my little memory-flower. BEYOND THE WAITING. I ASKED the quiet \voods at morning, What of the flowers so glad and gay, That used to shine for your adorning — And nature's voices, where are they ? Then rose a carol clear and strong, And filled the lifeless woods with song : ' Rejoice, O heart ! rejoice and know, Tho' darksome now the hours may be- Beyond the waiting and the snow. Spring's golden time is yet for thee. I sat alone ; the shades were falling — The room was silent as could be, When, in a dream — oh, bliss enthralling — My own, my lost love smiled on me. And through the twilight rose a song That cheered my life and made me strong : 26 With a Posy of Field Flowers ' Rejoice, O heart ! rejoice and know, Tho' lonely now the hours may be, Beyond the waiting and the woe, Love's golden time is yet for thee.' WITH A POSY OF FIELD FLOWERS. Glittering gems belong to heaven. Sparkling treasures, loved of night ; And to gentle earth is given Precious dower of star-flowers white. Year by year does spring adorn her. Like a fair bejewelled bride ; Heaping blooms in every corner, Sprinkling mead and mountain side. When no more the rose's splendour In our vision holds a place, When the lily's perfume tender On our memory leaves no trace. We may yet remember clearly Daisies set in dewy grass. Wayside blossoms cherished dearly. Woods through which we used to pass. Go, then, little star-flower token, Take my thoughts along with you ; Tell of memory links unbroken. Tell of wishes deep and true. Barcarolle 27 Not the newest nor the nearest Do I choose of blossoms fair ; 'Tis the oldest and the dearest Shall alone my message bear. BARCAROLLE. 'Tis the hour When the river grows calm as the sky 'Tis the hour When a scent of sweet air stealeth nigh; And the lilies scarce stir in their sleep, As the night-breath around them doth creep ; While faint with all sweetness, the day In the soft arms of night fades away. All is rest, For the world dieth down with the sun ; All is rest. For the silence of heav'n reigns alone. As we sail, And I gaze on thy face at my side. Thou art pale As the petals that float on the tide ; Thou art pale as the lilies that dream : Nay, it is but the moon's silver gleam That kisseth thee at its sweet will. While I may but gaze and be still. 28 Barcarolle Let it gleam, Silver moon, from its height o'er the hill ; Let it gleam, So I may hut gaze and be still !, Then away, 'Neath a heav'n with the moonlight o'erspread ; Then away, 'Neath the branches that meet overhead : Though deep be the blue of the skies, More deep is the hue of thine eyes ; And in silence, as leaves intertwine. Softly stealeth thy hand into mine. Come away. For the world has died down with the sun ; Come away. For the silence of love reigns alone. BEFORE WE PART ! ( U^rilten to Jl/us/c.) Give me a sign, a little sign, to teach me Something yet more sweet than sweetest friendliness of yore. Lest I should die to-night, And wander out of sight. Where never, never sign from you could reach me more. Before we Part 29 Give me a look of deeper, different meaning To all the true and steadfast looks that I so well have known ; Then, howsoe'er it be, Life will have held for me One fair, supreme, blest moment I may call my own. Give me a word, if that you truly love me, Just a word, if heart indeed have aught to say to heart — Let all the future seem Some vague uncertain dream, But give me one dear word, this night, before we part ! SPRING'S HERALD. Come, O merry-hearted swallow ! Come and bid our land rejoice ; Every wood and hill and hollow Long has waited for thy voice. In thy path are sunny hours, And thy presence seems to bring Perfume as of lily flowers. And a wafting of the spring. Sorrowful, we saw thee roaming, When the leaves began to fall ; But the gladness of thy coming Surely, now, atones for all. 30 Spring's Herald Come, O happy-hearted rover ! Speak of other partings past ; Tell of many an absence over, And return of joys at last. What though all the days went sadly, When we thought the waiting vain- For the after-bliss, how gladly Would we live them through again ! HEDGE ROSES. Only a wildflower branch, Flinging its rosy chain Right in my way As I pass to-day Down a well-remembered lane. xAh, what a deal can hang On one soft slender chain ! A hundred things At once it brings In my young life back again. In June 31 IN JUNE. I STAND by the roscbowerVl window, as I stood that summer night When you called me from my dreaming in the softly fading light, And laughed, and bade me play to you, if sound there lingered yet In the strings so worn and feeble of the stately old spinet. I played an air that suited well its light but silvery tone, The quaint and tender music of a master dead and gone; And for my sweet reward I found a teardrop on your cheek, As you said of all who played it, I alone could make it speak. The night is fair as then, love, and the roses are as sweet As when they flung their petals thro' the window at your feet ; The same pale star gleams faintly over all things as of yore ; But when \\\\\ you return and light the little room once more ? -32 . A Child's Dream The evening breeze sighs 'Never,' but the evening star smiles ' Soon ' ; A bird is calHng ' Some time,' but the roses say ' In June !' The old spinet keeps silence in the softly fading light ; While my heart cries out impatiently, ' Ah ! would it were to-night !' A CHILD'S DREAM. It was sleepy-time, and spring; Soft and softer birds did sing ; Then one fluttered round my head — ' Baby, fly with me !' it said. ' In the forest, spread for you, There's a couch of pansies blue, Guarded well by fairies bright. Lit with starry lamps all night. ' You shall wake to wondrous things, You shall grow some gauzy wings ; Come !' it said ; and to my toe Gave one little tweak — just so ! I looked round with dreamy stare — Not a bird was anywhere ; But mother, putting me to rest, Wearing pansies at her breast ! Where Violets Grow 39 W'HERE VIOLETS GROW. Still the scent of purple violets Comes as homely and as sweet As when first they made a carpet For my happy childish feet. I can shut my eyes and see them Peeping up on every hand, In the dear old rectory garden That I christened Violet-land. There were banks of them most fragrant Near the windows in the shade, But I loved their wilder sisters In the grasses where I played. These were mine to watch and gather, Lie and dream in, as might be ; For no other seemed to claim them, Only Heaven, the birds and me. Finer flowers might come and vanish, One by one, the seasons through, But of ever-faithful violets I could always find a few. Or if now and then I sought them All in vain amid the green. There would live a ling'ring perfume In the leaves where they had been. 34 Where Violets Grow Like the rector's gentle memory After years and years passed o'er ; Like his kindly words remembered When his voice was heard no more. It is long, long, since I gathered Dewy violets at morn — I have said good-bye for ever To the place where I was born. And on many a stone are carven Village names that I have known ; While the children, my companions, Now have children of their own. I am dead to those I knelt with In the old gray church erewhile. Though no shining slab records me In that simple dusky aisle. 'Tis no more the quiet hamlet On the green hill's sunny brow, But the bustle of the city And the crowd that knows me now. In this very city's turmoil, In the heart of all the roar, Once I found a quaint old building Down a turn unmarked before. Where Violets Grow 35 Whence a floating sound of music Echoed low, and rarely sweet, As its })avement's marble coolness Seemed inviting tired feet. •And I entered, soothed and welcomed, 'Mid that calm and loftiness, While the angels on the windows Held their liands as though to bless. ■'t5' 'Twas as if some beam from Heaven Shed a sudden tender ray On the dull and weary sameness Of this earthly working day. Was it but an odour wafted From the breath of altar flowers ? Or an organ-strain that took me All at once to bygone hours? As I lingered, lo! a dimness Fell around me far and wide, And the white-robed singers vanished, And the music sank and died. Then I saw a shady garden, Felt the cooling breezes blow, And a happy child I wandered Once again where violets grow ! 36 A Last Song A LAST SONG. I WOULD forget the hope that lay For one short year within my heart, I would forget one golden day Which stands from other days apart ; Forget the breezy path that went In windings "tween the rows of corn, The passionate song of birds that rent The air with gladness all the morn ; The odour of the distant sea, The thousand sweets of evenfall — But oh ! my friend, who walked with me, I would forget thee most of all I I s/ia// forget, some day — some day ; For, in a chamber dim and deep. There waits alike for grave and gay, In perfect silence, perfect sleep. Then, only then, the hope that died — That died while yet the year was green The vain regret and all beside Shall be as they had never been. I shall forget, and none can tell How soon, how late it may befall — But ah ! sweet friend, I know full well I shall forget thee last of all. Remembrance yj remp:mbrance. Say, when would you remembered be- When pearly tints are on the sea, Or twilight settles dreamily Upon the quiet river? Whene'er the swallow comes again, When roses glisten after rain, When faintly rings some song refrain, Or gifts recall the giver ? Not then would I remembered be. For clouds might darken all the sea; The twilight hour too soon doth flee. And roses droop and perish. The song may ring but for a day, The swallow linger far away ; And who the hand of Time can stay From fairest gifts we cherish ? Remembrance doth to nought belong : It is itself an endless song, A constant flowing river, A fragrant flower of every clime, A note in the eternal chime, And far above the things of Time, It reigns a star for ever ! 38 CliildJiood's Roses CHILDHOOD'S ROSES. The roses, the roses Once more now I see, So loved and so tended By mother and me. Around every window They clambered and curled, The reddest and sweetest Of all in the world. Alas ! for the roses. That first wintry day, The stormy wind called them, No more could they stay. I saw them lie scattered Afar o'er the ground, — But that smile of mother's Was all the year round. The thrushes, the thrushes, A\'Iiat music they made, While through the long mornings In sunshine I played. Oh, dear arms that held me When daylight grew dim, To hear from the pear-tree Their glad evening hymn. Childhood's Roses 39 And ever as autumn Crept on us again, For those happy thrushes I listened in vain ; But one wee bird only Would never depart — The one that kept singing A\'ithin mother's heart. The roses of childhood, Now paler they grow. And faint are the bird songs Of long, long ago; But one voice will echo. One smile I shall see, When all else is silence And darkness to me. AT THE WINDOW. The old house stood within the square — A babe watched from the window there, With eyes so grave, and sweet, and mild. We called him Little Angel-child. They dressed him in soft fluttering things, That seemed to us his floating wings ; There was a light upon his head As if from unseen sunbeams shed. 40 At the Window We often thought we'd like to peep And see him as he lay asleep ; ' How must he look,' we used to say, ' When those two hands go up to pray If I could pass the old way now, I still should look for him, somehow, Dim smiling from his nursery-tower, And never older by an hour. FADELESS. Thy clustering roses, near my heart At morn, at noon they lay : And after, while they yet were sweet, Upon the river at my feet I let them float away : Away, away beyond my sight, Toward the ocean free ; Where let them end their crimson day, I should not know it, so would they Be never dead to me. Thoughts in Auiwnn 41 THOUGHTS IN AUTUMN. Amber roses on walk and wall, Orange hues on the leaves that fall, Wood and valley in flame tints dressed, Gleaming bars in the far-off west — Nature has taken her pen of gold, And the world grows bright as the year gets old. Lessons golden and glorious Have been written on life for us; Not at first can we read them right. All untrained is our mortal sight. Patience — it may be those lessons of gold Will become plainer as we grow old. Swift as a feverish dream Time goes, Life's brief volume is near its close ; Fast, so fast have those pages turned — What of the lessons still unlearned ! For the trembling hand must loose its hold, ^^"e can read no longer when we are old. Pitying Spirit, who knowest all, When from our clasp life's book shall fall, Take it, and make each meaning plain ; Read us the mystery of joy and pain ; Teach us Thyself life's lessons of gold In the beautiful World where none grow old ! 4^ Her First Love-Lctter HER FIRST LOVE-LETTER. Such a letter — far from neat- Printed in his largest text ; Just these words, ' I love you, sweet !' There was nothing to come next. Torn from out his copy-book Was the leaf, as one might see ; And himself the missive took — He was worth no postage fee. Then his courage failed to match Strength of love like his that day ; With his finger on the latch. He was fain to run away. Down amidst her flowers he bent. Hid his tender secret low ; And what grace those blossoms lent To that secret, who can know ! 15ut, when future years sedate Unto her soft hands shall bring Pleadings manly, passionate. Clasped with seal and signet-ring ; Shadows 43 Perfumed faint with lavender, Penned on purest vellum sheet, None will have the charm, for her, Of that first ' I love you, sweet !' SHADOWS. I. He is sitting where the sunshine On the gravelled pathway lies ; All around the trees are ringing With the spring's glad harmonies ; But his form is bent and feeble That was proud and strong of yore, And his ears are tired of listening f^or a step that comes no more. As the fresh breeze idly passes, On the walk pink blossoms fall ; Yet enough remain for springtime To adorn herself, withal. What of one more precious blossom. Sweet and gay beyond compare ! What of all the scattered petals Of a young life's promise fair ! 44 Shadows Then a shadow on the pathway — - And his lips for joy are dumb ; Tender Hps his own are pressing, Saying, ' Father, I have come !' Life recovers all its brightness, Other shadows fly away At the falling of f//af shadow On the leafy walk to-day ! II. She is standing in the harbour, With her fixed and dreamy gaze On a vessel's perfect shadow Which a ripple scarcely sways. But her heart is wand'ring ever To some dim and distant main. And she thinks of rosy hours That can never be again. Joyous sounds will echo round her As the voyagers come on shore ; Once she scanned each sunburnt visage, Now her time of hope is o'er. She had best be turning homeward, If a home indeed it were, When the faint-hued autumn flowers Smiled her only welcome there. Then — an arm is flung about her — She is gathered to a breast ; And the pain is all forgotten, And the sorrow hushed to rest. Among the Lilies 45 Hope's bright star once more is rising, Fast away sad shadows glide As that fair returning vessel Casts its shadow on the tide. AMONG THE LHJES. Oh, to walk the woods at morning, In the time of hope and spring, When the boughs are all a-flutter. And a thousand voices rinc; ; And the restless leafy shadows Dance and quiver, fairy-light, On the ferny, mossy carpet — This is wonder and delight. Oh to dream amid the grasses, Where the lilies nod and swing. And to drink each lovely perfume That the passing breezes bring ; To be soothed by gentle murmurings Up above that never cease, Of the doves within the elm-trees — • This is rapture — this is peace. 46 Angel Forms Distant sounds grow ever fainter — Dying — dying far away ; Toil and strife may come to-morrow, We will revel in to-day, Whilst the hours have all the swiftness Of the bird-wings floating by. And the sweetness of the lilies, And the pureness of the sky. ANGEL FORMS. When over sea and sky the night-shades holy In softest silence creep, Two children fair rise slowly, ever slowly, Out of the starlit deep. And from their lips an evening song comes stealing, And echoes to the shore. And enters where a woman pale is kneeling Upon a nursery floor. She bends above two little unused pillows, Recalls each silken tress, And cries aloud, ' Give back, ah, cruel billows, Their baby loveliness !' With Forgct-ine-nots 47 But could she now behold her lost, her fairest, Oh, she would deem them more — Nay, far more lovely than in moments rarest , They seemed to her of yore ! WITH FORGET-ME-NOTS. Dreamily flows the rippling river, Winding away serene and blue, Singing and singing on for ever One little song the morning through. Blue is the mist that hangs so faintly. Like a dim veil the fields above; Blue is the heaven that soft and saintly Seems to look down on all with love. Would I could paint the peace unbroken, Tell the joy of this rare blue day, Send you at least, some sweet, meet token Of thoughts and wishes from far away. Lo, at my feet blue flow'rets tender. Warm with the kiss of the noontide sun ! Here — let them mirror you all the splendour Of mist and river and sky in one ! 45 The Faithful Bird THE FAITHFUL BIRD. There is a little bird I have, He sings both night and day ; He has a tune for when I'm grave, A tune for when I'm gay ; He flies not when the swallows fly, But constant is to me, And he will live as long as I — My bird of Memory HAUNTED. A FILM is o'er the windows, The porch is mossed and gray ; The old house has been empty now For many and many a day. But as I stand before it. The walls so dull and bare Are lit with springtide blooms that hang In lilac clusters fair. An Autumn Friend 49 The windows arc flung open, And laughing forms appear, And voices ring about the place I thought no more to hear. What link was it united The dear old past with now ? Perhaps that snatch of evening song From yonder sunlit bough. AN AUTUMN l-RIEXD. When the roses have departed, And the last, last birds are flown, Then comes Memory, tender-hearted, Fondly gives us back our own — Gives us back the sweets of May-time, And the charm of summer hours ; Brings again the mirth of hay-time, Opens all life's closing flowers ; Lets us still return in spirit W' here we first spread childish hands, Wildly joyous to inherit Childhood's right to fairy lands. 4 50 Stmset Tender Memory, wisely keeping From us all she can of tears ; Happy most when busy reaping Bloom and sunshine from the years. SUNSET. Shadows now are growing longer O'er the stretch of meadow land, From the elm-trees tall and stately. From the cattle where they stand ; Telling of unbroken hours, When the labourer may rest, Lifting, like the hands of angels, Daily cares from lives opprest. Dusk of eve is stealing slowly Over tower and emerald lawn. Veiling park and perfumed gardens Like a curtain gently drawn ; Touching all with fairy softness, Bringing healing in its train — Dew unto the rich man's flowers, Sleep to calm the busy brain. Beyond 51 There are shades about us gath'ring — Dimly, silently they fall ; Mail and master, prince and peasant, They must e'en envelop all. Shall we fear them ? Nay ; they promise Sweet repose, relief from ills ; They are but the restful shadows Of the Everlasting Hills. BEYOND. We gaze upon the landscape That seemed but yesterday A living, moving ocean Of { olour soft and gay. ' Oh, vanished joys !' we murmur ; ' Oh, beauty so laid low ! Can this world be the same world We roamed a while ago ?' Then comes another murmur. And answers to our own : ' Learn ye fair Nature's patience, Nor count her charms all flown. 52 Beyond ' The winter now doth hold them In durance firm and fond ; But soon the gate must open, And ye shall see beyond, ' And catch the fairy flutter Of flower and gauzy wing, And hear again the music, And breathe the breath of spring.' Oh, joys more sweet than springtime, That vanish from our hand ; If we should deem that ever Upon their graves we stand. May there be always near us Some whispering voice to say, ' Have ye but hope and patience, They are not far away ; ' And soon the gate will open That keeps them now from view ; Beyond it they are living And shining bright for you.' Truest Treasure 53 TRUEST TREASURE. Once, in fairest springtime, To myself I said, ' Life is like a meadow, Gay with flowers o'erspread. I will seek its truest treasure Where its pleasures shine most fair ;' But the flow'rets seemed to answer, 'Thou wilt never find it there.' 'Twas the golden summer When I wrote my name In a lordly temple That the world calls Fame. Heights of glory towered above me, Paths inviting opened near, Yet a voice within me whispered, ' That thou seekest is not here.' When the summer faded And the way grew wild, Where the hillside steepened, Lo, my treasure smiled ! 'Tis a flower of tender fragrance, 'Tis a bloom that shall not cease ; All may seek it, all may find it. And its blessed name is Peace ! 54 The Wayside Scat THE WAYSIDE SEAT. It stands, safe sheltered from sun and breeze, That wayside seat 'neath the drooping trees, With a welcome true for all who pass, From the travelling priest to the village lass. The old wife resting from steps of pain, Or pedlar counting his modest gain. ' Stay, stay,' it seems to say, ' Rest and peace to borrow ; Here awhile Pause and smile, Though you tire to-morrow !' The children stop for a boisterous game : The boor to carve an unknown name ; The student comes with a wearied look, Preferring his own to Nature's book. It has no word for those, I deem. But to lovers twain who sit and dream, ' Stay, stay,' it seems to say, ' In the world is sorrow ; Stay and smile. Love awhile, Though you frown to-morrow !' In those time-worn arms in the days agone I have laughed with others and mused alone ; And the moss around, so green and fine. Was the fresher once for tears of mine. Love and Time 55 It has nursed sweet hopes in the happy past ; And if ever I sought it with brow o'ercast, ' Stay, stay,' it seemed to say, ' Banish sighs and sorrow ; Wait awhile, Life may smile Brighter far to morrow I' LO\E AND TIME. Time looked down with weary sigh- Young Love played below — ' Who so halt and lame as I ? Who so sad and slow ?' Up then laughing Love did climb. Swung himself beside old Time. Gave him prattle, gave him smiles, And a sweet, sweet song, With a hundred pretty wiles Helping Time along. Now, as Love beside him sings It would seem that Time has wings. 56 Tu Absent Friends TO ABSENT FRIENDS. TiiouGH a gleam be still revealing some bright flower in sheltered ways, There's a sense around us stealing, we have reached the year's last days. E'en before the bells are pealing forth their music on the air, Comes a presence and a feeling as of Christmas every- where. Ah ! the chimes may ring as gladly, and our old sweet songs be sung. But there's something gone from Christmas that it had when we were young. There is something gone from Christmas, yet it scarcely seemeth so While we watch the children's faces as their feet flit to and fro. It is in the evening, after, when the children's Christmas ends, \nd we pause 'midst feast and laughter, with a ' Here's to absent friends !' 1 As we name them all in silence, it is then too well we know What it is that's gone from Christmas since the glad times long ago. To Absent Friends 57 For, beyond the widest severance earth can make from east to west, Pass our thoughts in tender reverence to the ones we love tlie best. Vet, could life's light veil be riven or our eyes be opened now. Close indeed might prove that heaven where, 'neath flower-circled brow. Each dear gaze to us is turning with a love that never ends; ]'>ach true heart for us is yearning 'mid its thoughts of absent friends. Oh for faith to see them clearer, as they name our names and say, ' 'Tis another Christmas nearer to that blissful meeting day !' CHRISTMAS MUSIC. I HEARD a robin singing In the field on Christmas Day ; Some message sweet seemed ringing Thro' that carol soft and gay. 5 8 Christmas Music And a little stream came bounding From the chill\- mountain pass, Its joyous murmur sounding 'Mid the frosted, sunlit grass. A ruby radiance glimmered Where the hollies stood a-row. And I caught the light that shimmered Over pearls of mistletoe. The winter rose smiled purely 'Neath a veil of powdered snow ; Each held a secret, surely, That no heart like mine could know. But on the starlit even There floated an organ strain ; It rang to the gate of heaven. And wandered to earth again ; To all things true and tender Methought that it held the key ; And life's fair joy and splendour Had a meaning new for me. To the New Year 59 TO THE NEW YEAR. Hark ! a sudden peal is falling On the waiting midnight ear ; Joybells to each other calling, Sound thy welcome, glad young year; Thou art like a new sweet chime Rung from out the tower of Time. Thou art like a garden hiding 'Neath the fairness of the snow ; Silently, their season biding, Rest a thousand sweets below. Weave for us bright bovvers of spring, Where the birds of hope may sing ! Thou art like a silver river. Fresh from the eternal hills. Bearing on thy current ever Our desires and thoughts and wills. Peaceful be thy course, and free, Toward the vast absorbing sea ! 6o To Memory TO MEMORY. Tender, fragrant Memory ! When all else is dead and dry, Thou wilt in our bosoms lie. Love can lose its first fair bloom, Hope may find an early tomb, foys and griefs be spent with years, Sorrow melt away in tears. Yet when these are past and flown. We may call thee still our own. Sweet undying Memory ! THE END. Elliot Stock, Paternoster Ro-v, London. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-32m-8,'57(.C8680s4)444 " A volume of genuine poetry. Love, memory, the promise of Spring, the pathos o Autumn, the sweetness of Nature and of the country-side, the sacredness of association the sense of the passing years, of what they give to and what they take from us, forn the main burden of these sweet and simple lyrics. Ellis Walton's muse is £ running English brooklet ; there is in it neither the roar of the cataract nor the breadt? and majesty of the river. But it is clear and crystalline, and murmurs over its pebble; with a musical flow which i