1 i 4-4-89 t r A — = 1 — A — ^ o ■ =^ = ^ ■ Collins ^ ^ :c ^^ = J3 1 3 ^ ^ I War 6 ^ -^ :> ■ 8 = ■ 7 ■ — = j:r ■ 9 — — >- ■ 3 — ii ■ j' ■*--;>>. •f THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES .*^.. r H E II POEMS l\[, G T ^ AND OTHER POEMS. BY JOSEPH PULLEN COLLINS, iithor of The Marriage Ode, Mr. Smith'' s Litended, Who Stops the Way^ The May Queen, To be left till called for. To be disposed of, The Fly Papers, ^c. LONDON : ;ROBT. COULCHER, 50, CHANCERY LANE, I 8 7 I. PREFACE. '+1^'? Cjl'i^i^ In presenting to the public some of my earliest pro- ductions, I must particularly request my readers not to be too censorious in judging- them, as some were written when I was a mere boy. "A Dream of Christmas " and other minor Poems appeared in Once a Month and in the columns of the local press. I received the thanks of H.R.H, the Prince of Wales for the Poem on the marriage of His Royal Highness with Princess Alexandra, and who was graciously pleased to accept the said Poem. JOSEPH PULLEN COLLINS, Ches?mi 2ree House, Leytonstone, March, 1 871. 937834 CONTENTS. War I On the Marriao-e of the Princess Louise with the Marquis of Lome, a Bridal Ode 7 A Summer's Day 11 A Cry from Lancashire 12 Alexandra, Our Danish Flower, a National Song 16 The Bee 19 Welcome to Alexandra 20 On the Marriag-e of the Prince of Wales with Princess Alexandra, a Nuptial Ode 22 What do the People Want with Reform, a Non- Reformer's Song 25 On the Chignon 31 The Queen of the May, a May-Day Song 33 Would I were a Fairy Queen 36 A Dream of Christmas 38 The Daisy 43 The Honeysuckle ..... 44 Havelock the Brave 45 Ode to the Bard of Avon 47 TV^ A R I " Cry havoc, let's slip the dogs of \\ar." — ^hakcspeate.. Hark ! hark ! it is the war-cry That across the sea we hear. Which brings tears to a mother's eye And fills each heart with fear. When we think of those we love to greet, Who are marching on to war. Fearless of their fate the foe they meet, We might never see them more Or hear that familiar voice again, For they may ne'er return to the happy home. 2 WAR But die upon the battle plain Leaving- fatherless ones at home. On the bloody field those dear ones lay Among the dying- and the dead, Trampled on by flying foemen deeper in the clay And then left on the field for dead. There in the green valley the warrior lies Who has fought and died for his country's sake : He breathes a dear name before he dies. Who will to his dear friends the sad news break, No one was near to hear his cries For help. Will no one come ? His prayer was heard, of his wound he dies. The angels now will come To bear him to their Lord above AND OTHER POEIIS, 3 In that happy land of rest Where He will bless him with his love, And his soul at peace will rest. A fair-haired girl in mourning- clad Was kneeling by a new made grave, The tears fell from those eyes so sad Uponher father's grave, And in her grief for him she loved most dear. She threw herself upon the grave Where fell the orphan's tear. She strews the grave with lillies white And plants flower- wreaths, as well, Glory sheds its hallowed light Where her dead father fell. Those golden ears of corn are trodden by the foe 4 WAR And the green valleys are dyed with life's crimson gore, The enemy are charging as they go, As they are marching on to war. Those peaceful homesteads where rural bliss abound And woodbines entwine about its cosy portch, Is now in ashes on the r-round Destroyed by the incendiary's torch, And the inmates, too, were put to death By the enemy's ruthless hand. How bravely they met their death In their fatherland. Thou fated city thou art destined to fall, But defend its ramparts to the last. Let every man answer bravely to the call AXD OTHER P0E3IS. When they hear the trumpet's blast. Will none to Paris some assistance lend And drive the invaders from her shore. Alas, no assistance will they send To help her in this bloody war. Misery and starvationstares them in the face, No bread, no bread, is still the cry. Oh, Father in Heaven given them grace To conquer, or of starvation they will die. Hundreds are dying vvithin those fated walls Of hunger in the bitter cold. Shot and shell assail the walls Of the fine and noble city Now wrecked in its grandeur and life But they cannot be bereft of all pity o ^^■AR For the poor unfortunate wife. Flow on; flow on, beautiful Rhine, May peace soon reign along- its shores, Thou land of the vine with its luscious entwine About its vineyards near its shores, Strew^ lillies o'er the warrior's erave And let him rest in peace, Weave laurels for the brave, And let this bloody conflict cease. Oh God, we pray thee, end this dreadful strife, Throw down the sword and peace proclaim once , more. Look with pity on the widowed wife And draw the curtain upon those agonising scenes of war. AND OTHER POEMS. ON THE yVLARRIAGE OF THE jPRIN^CESS J^OUISE WITH THE MARQUIS OF LORNE, A BE^IDAL ODE Hail, hail, hail, thou son of Campbell's clan, From bonnie Scotland far has come To wed the daughter of our Queen; The Son of Argyle is the chosen one, To be her partner in love's fond dream. He takes her blushing- to his heart 8 \VAR His fair and beauteous wife. Those loving hearts death alone shall part, In their fond dream of life. Heaven bless the youthful pair, Who on the wedding day, Will join both heart and hand, At God's altar on that day As man and wife shall stand. Orange blossoms and lilies white Shall grace that snow white brow, Far purer than the gems so bright, That adorns our Princess now. Hark, the wedding bells are merrily ringing. And waft their charm upon the morning breeze. AXD OTHER POEMS. See the Spring- flowers that the bride's-maids are bringing To adorn our Princess — the fair Louise. Bless her ! the fair young- bride, And kiss away that falling- tear That the heart would scorn to hide, When she leaves that mother dear A young- and blushing- bride. May the future now hidden and dark. Unfold one fond dream of love, Never to be destroyed by Time's hoary mark. That one pure dream of love. Spring bursts forth in all its gorgeous array. Flowers with their perfume rent the air, 10 VAR On that haj>py wedding- day, When the son of Argyle shall our Princess bear To the Highlands far awa}-. A2sD OTHEK POEMS 11 A SUMMER'S DAY. I LOVE to roam through the sweet g-reen fields And see the lambs so blithe and gay That skip about the sweet green fields Early on a summer's day I love to hear the birds singing in the trees, The murmuring of the waters and the whispering of the leaves, The chanting of the skylark and the humming of the bees, Amonof the summer flowers and the sweet green leaves 12 WAR A CRY EROM LANCASHIRE. Hark ! it is the cry from Lancashire, ■ Mingled with sorrow and with pain, The wretched mother with her infant share, Proffered shelter from the rain. A mother's love to soothe its care Through the busy scenes of life And worldly strife, and share Its mother's wretched life. Hark ! it is the cry from Lancashire Of the homeless, and at home, AlTD OTHER POEMS. 13 Who are starving-, while we share The comforts of a home. To preser\-e her oflfspring-'s tender life The mother begs from door to door To get the bread of life For the sleeping babe she bore. Whose wasted form clasps the infant to her breast To give it sustenance its life to sustain, She laid its sleeping form to rest Whilst hunger did her body pain. She had been out some food to seek, But had not been successful on the way, For, lo, her constitution was, from exhaustion, weak She had had nothing all that day. 14 WAR The wretched mother would fall on her knees and pray To her God to give her bread. As her poor babe in her arms did lay Cold as if t'was dead. On them had been laid the cold hand of death, She shivered under that chilly hand. The little babe gave up its fleeting breath To Heaven to meet the angelic band. " My child, my child," the weeping mother cried, " It is thy mother who to thee speaks." She did not know the child had died. The little lamb above the angels seeks. No, not dead, my own dear child. AyiD OTHEE POEMS. 15 The tears ran down her pale cheek. She kissed the day-cold body of her child And cried, we shall again in heaven meet. The mother had just breathed her last, The night bird screeched And all the busy life had from her past, Her soul had the eternal heavens reached. There laid both mother and child alone. Rocked fast in death's embrace While the moon through the window shone A lustre on death's pale face. 16 ^\-AU ALEXANDRA OUE DANISH PLOWER. A National Song. Along our British shore Let ten thousand voices shower A welcome from old England To Alexandra our Danish flower. Long- may she in happiness be And peaceful days in store, Or ne'er an hour of trouble see, Our future Queen adore. Along our British shore Let ten thousand voices shower AND OTHER POEMS. 1"? A welcome from old England To Alexandra our Danish flower If danger should us threaten At any distant day, Let them who dare attack us Britannia will keep at bay. Long may they live in peaceful times Ne'er know any but the happy day, When a wreath of orange blossoms entwines- On the brow of the fair Alexandra. Along our British shore Let ten thousand voices shower A welcome from old England, To Alexandra our Danish flower. 1 8 WAR God bless that Danish flower That is planted in our isle, May her beauty never wither Nor from her face that smile, But may her health and love combine Until that happy day When a crown of gold shall shine On the brow of Oueen Alexandra. Along our British shore Let ten thousand voices shower A blessing from old England, On Alexandra our Danish flower. AND OTHER POEMS. 19 THE BEE. Oh, gentle, little busy bee On a summer's day may see Gathering- honey from flower to flower. And buzzing- round the clematis bower. Ah ! a pattern to the sluggard be, Ever industrious, ever free. In and out the busy hive With loaded treasures they arrive. 20 WAR AVELCOME TO ALEXANDRA. On her Entry into London. Welcome the Danish flower, To London now has come, With all her loveliness and g^entle power, To wed Victoria's son. Let cheering greet her on the way, As she in her carriage pass With smiles she holds the sway Along the peopled mass. AOT3 OTHER POEMS. 21 The cannons roar and the bells do ring-. Banners flying and decorations grand, May this happy union bring Her joy and happiness in our land. 22 "WAR ON THE TvIARRIAGE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES WITH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA. A NUPTIAL ODE Hark ! the distant trumpets sound, Gorg-eous ceremonial abound ; It is the nuptials of our Prince of Wales, Let its welcome echo through the distant^vales ; And with it honour and loyalty share, Banners fluttering- through the air. Princes, dukes, assembled there. AND OTHER POEMS. 23 Organ sends forth its music rare, Thro' the chapel's sepulchre air. The Bridegroom alights near the chapel door, Chanting by St. George's choir. How well he looks ! and his stately bearing In Colonel's uniform and order wearing ; A plumed hat he carries in his hand Amidst the music and scene so grand. Albert Edward waits the coming of his Bride, Leaning patiently at the altar side. Alexandra, thy bride, is coming down the aisle ; She looks pale, but yet a faint smile Was vivid on her pretty face. No fairer form could nature trace, Robed in tulle and silk so white, 24 - WAR With orange blossoms and rosebuds light ; And on her pretty hair was sparkling bright A diamond tiara of gems so rare Reclining on a brow so fair. Followed by her bridal maids, who bore The wedding bouquet, the marriage to adore Happy, happy, happy pair ! None but he deserves her care. The cry re-echoes from the distant vales — God bless the Prince and Princess of Wales ! AND OTHER POEIMS. 25 WHAT DO THE PEOPLE WANT WITH EEEOKM ? A Non-Reformer's Song. " What do the people want with Reform ?" is the cry Through every city around. Can you tell the reason why Such discontent abound n the hearts of working men. It is not a vote you want, but let them relieve Thy starving family, they'll not look on them. But they thy position only will deceive 20) WAU By telling- you it's Reform you want. And lead you on to destruction to the end With misery staring you in the face, they'll not supply thy daily want. But to a prison they will send. What do the people want is the question. Reform, Reform — cease that cr)\ And why such meetings of indignation, Can they tell the reason why. Disperse thy followers and bring thy standard down. Why should we thus meet In every city and in every town, Parading idly through each street, Dressed in gaudy sashes and banners bear. ASD OTHEH POE-M?. 27 Be satisfied and leave well alone. Thou misguided men do ha\"e a care, Think upon the little ones at home. Let thy motto be, Work, Work, and be Content With thy position on life's road. Do not be discontented with what is meant To bring- happiness to thy next abode. What do the people want is the question. Reform, Reform — cease that cr}-, And why such meetings of indignation. Can they tell the reason why. Working men of England, supporters of the State, If you toil your efforts will be crowned. 28 WAR And do not thy exertions abate Until thy cofifers shall abound With wealth, and then you'll a position gain. It is then time enough to talk about the rulers of our land. You would then look on with disgust what you are now seeking- to obtain. Then have the same opinion now, and dont let other views stand In the way of progress, but onward go, And show that the British workman have the sfood sense to know The friends to his country, and have no wish to make a foe Of those who, for thy country's good, great mea- sures do bestow. AXD OTHER POEMS. 29 What do the people want is the quest ioii. Reform, Reform^cease that cry, Let peace reig-n, instead of indignation, And prog-ress and plenty be the cry. May peace reign through our little isle. And our barns with corn be stored. May fortune on the deserving- smile And scatter Reform abroad. But if war should rage in this happy land. The British workman would be the foremost in the band To defend his country he bleeds and falls. And on the battle-field would die. But if he recovers he is ready when duty calls. 30 WAR And into dang-cr is the foremost one to fly. While lovingf hearts are with excitement beating-, Then plant the laurel wreath upon his brow, and let it rest. He lives, his wife and little ones are greeting- Him with his medals on his breast. Alay peace reig-n throug-h our little isle, And our barns with corn be stored, May fortune on the deserving- smile. And scatter Reform abroad. AND OTHER POEMS. 31 OX THE CHIGXOX What is that on the ladies' heads I see, That surely cannot the fashion be. But they are never going- to be so absurd To wear that, no, really that is too absurd. Why thus outrage nature and wear another head. Leave it off, and let your golden tresses hang instead Down your neck so fair, Or ^ith ribbons blue tie up your hair. Oh, ladies fair, why do you wear That mass of artificial hair. Which underneath your bonnet shows. 32 WAR Its utility I am sure no one knows. " It's the fashion," the ladies cry, To leave it off, we cannot, and why ? Because it's so hideous and do not become Your beauty, my fair but knowing- one. AND OTHEK POEMS. THE QUEEN OE THE MAY. A May Day Song. On one May morning- there was seen A maiden brisk and smart, Was hurrying- away to the maypole g-reen Ouite cheerful and lig-ht at heart, To join in the dance around the May. She wore a robe of muslin lig-ht Trimmed with ribbons blue And rosebuds red and white, And lilies and May blossoms, too, Was to adorn our Queen of the May. 34 AVAK Chori's. — Around the Alay they merrily go, An homage to the Queen they pay, Around the May they merrily go, Early on a bright May day. A lily entwined her llaxcn hair, Which was beautiful in curl, The villagers as they pass did stare, At this pretty blue-eyed girl. She was the Queen of the May, Her lii)s were like the ruby, A kiss they would entice. For a loving heart had she, And she w'as chosen twice Their Queen of the May. A>"D OTTIEK POEMS. Chorus. — Around the ]\Iay they merrily go, An homage to the Queen they pay, Around the May they merrily go, Early on a bright May day. 36 WAR WOULD I WERE A EAIRY QUEEN Would I were a Fairy Queen And roam where lillies grow. In mossy caverns I love to dwell, Where the crystal waters flow At the bottom of the dell. I'll throw aside all dull care, And live in that happy land. What happiness can you compare With that of the fairy band. They'll with flowers deck me, AHID OTHER POEMS. (J7 With ribbons of colours bright, A star of gems so rare, And lilies of spotless white Will adorn my flaxen hair. Then I'll throw aside all dull care. And live in that happy land, What happiness can you compare With that of the fairy band. 38 WAR A DREAM OF CHRISTMAS. The holly cart parades the street With mistletoe, laurel and bay, Laid tog-ether in a tangled heap For the adornment of Christmas Day. The red-breasted robin has no place to go, With ruffled feathers he hops in the snow, The leafless trees and bushes, too ; The red berried holly a cheerfulness threw On the frozen ground Of the dreary landscape round. What shelter have the little birds got, No greenwood bower or shady grot, AND OTHER POEMS. 3'>) No running- streams or secluded nooks, Nothing but leafless trees and frozen brooks. The snow was falling thickly on the ground. The bleak wind blew a hurricane round The corners of a street Where little ones with shoeless feet Were shivering with the cold, And what a sad story the eye and cheek be told ; No home had they to seek for rest, No mother dear to soothe the aching- breast, Darkness was throwing its dark mantle o'er the earth Things looked grand and all was mirth, But the poor little wanderers no comfort had they To look forward to the coming of Christmas Day. Hark ! that the waits must be ■10 WAU Near the little holly tree. Christmas is now coming- in, The wassail bowl along- do bring-, Fill'd with nice spiced wine up to the brim, And on the surface lemon in slices swim, Drink ye all, and merry, too, Welcome Christmas, all of ye, Who comes amongst us once in every year, And bring-s with him such lots of cheer. Come lads, bring- the yule log- in. For the festive preparations let all begin. Trumi)ets sound and the kettle-drums roll, Announces the approach of the Lord of IMisrule, Who, with wand in hand, he leads the way Of the mummers of the day. AND OTHER POEMS. 41 The carols are sung- at the manor-house door In commemoration of the day we all adore. Come, bring- the red holly, laurel and bay, From the hall where clusters la}', For the oak partition to decorate, This festive season to celebrate. A boug-h of mistletoe hang-s in the hall, The red-berried holly covers the oak-pannelled wall Where under the mistletoe the lasses are led By the lads, who must have a kiss, but instead They shake and toss their curls with sad disdain, That Giles and Georg-e are afraid to try again. The ringers assemble at the ivy-covered tower Of the village-church at the midnight hour To chime those merry Christmas bells, 42 "WAR How many a true tale their music tells. Larders are stocked with Christmas fare, Turkeys, g-eese, ducks, and poultry rare, Barons of beef, and the head of a boar, For the Christmas banquet to adore, The brawny pudding, with its condiment so nice, And pies of mince and puddings of rice, The manor-house, what luxuries on its table laid ! What preparations there are made. For this festive season alone ; In the humble cottage there is sometimes none. But, however poor, you will sure to see A little sprig of nature's Christmas tree. AND OTHEK POEMS. 4;] THE DAISY Peeping- above the grassy plat A white bell with a purple cap, With a grreen slender stalk, Bordering- along- the gravel walk. Growing- in clusters there are seen On the soft velvet green, Closing its pretty head at night, And opening again at morning light. -1 1 WAK THE HONEYSUCKLE. The honeysuckle, the charming- flower, Inclining- round the little ivy bower, With its perfume rents the air Through the g-arden everywhere. Hanging- in clusters fi-om the top Where the buds and flowers drop Near the little rustic seat, Where the lovers often meet. AND OTHER POEMS. 45 HAVELOCK THE BEAVE. H-ENRY Havelock, the bravest of the brave, A-t Lucknow did the sufferers save, V-aliant and courageous were his men. E-very man and woman blessed him when L-ucknow was relieved from misery and pain. O-n his brow the laurel- wreath of victory plant, C-ountless honours he ought to o}Dtain, K-ingly riches and titles triumphant. T-he hero has the sword resigned, H-e will a peaceful heaven find, 46 WAI5 E-verlasting- peace and jjlory there combined. B-earing the hero the angels take their flight, R-obed in vestures of spotless white, A-nd to that happy land the hero 's led, V-ictory crown that 'plant upon his head E-verlasting light of glory shall around him shed. A>^D OTHKR POEMS. 47 ODE TO THE BARD OE AVON. In Commemoration of his Tercentenary. It's now three hundred years and more Since the birth of him we all adore, Who, under a monument of marble lies Pointing upward to the skies ; Whose hallowed bones are turned to dust, Are mingled with the earth, and must Be mouldered quite away. Where the yew trees growing high, The gentle Avon flowing by. Where an awful stillness reigns ■4R "WAR Along' the grassy mounds and plains. O ! thou Poet of love divine, What shall we offer to thy shrine ? A monument of literary fame Has already been raised to thy name. Whose works are read and sought From the cottage to the court, The Muses, his sacred relics, save. Stands guarding- by the Poet's g-rave. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. >rm L9-30>n-ll,'58(.8268s4)444 m •y^ b/a PAMPHLET BINDF ^^^3 Syrocuse, N. t . Stockton, Calif. UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRAR 000 368 79: