Miscellaneous CHARLOTTE OATES. THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ^MISCELLANEOUS- '1 . . POEMS, . . SONGS and RHYAIES, BY Chakldtti Qmw. Entered at Stationers* Hall. Printkp hy J. S. TooTHiLi,, 71, fionwiN Sturkt. 1 SOS. PR 5IIZ PFJEFACE. f r is with i^enuine pleasure, and some pride, that T am now able to accede to the wishes of my sym- p^lthetic readers, and present to them this collection of mv ])oetical compositions in volume form. Many of the shorter ones have previously appeared in various journals, whilst others are now published for the first time;' and I hope these may meet with that kindly reception w hiih has hitherto been accorded my simple effusions. I would hcic iiratefulh' acknowledge the g-enerous response 1 have had from all classes ; and only hope this work will be found to merit the support it has received. My thanks are alike due to those apprecia- tive readers who have encourag'ed me to bring" out my poems in this compact form, and to the kind patrons who have enabled me, by their support, to do so. II my numerous subscribers and readers have as much pleasure in accepting", as I have in presenting" this volume the effort will not have been in vain. (^h.m^lottp: oates. Daisy Cott.^gk, WvKK, NEAR Bradford. Match, 1898. 8G1848 CONTENTS, I. ,^ DDlf IBTS. h®. j'AOi; Dedication . . I Lulled to Rest 3 The Maiden's Dream II A Queen's Sacrifice .. 20 Pastoral Poems — A Peasant's Home . . or Signs of Spring 28 The Old Bridge . . 29 " Birdie's Dream " 32 Lovely May. . 33 A Summer Shower 34 " My Home " 35 To a Diverted Mountaii Stream 36 Summer Days . . 37 To a Bird 38 The Moorlands. . 38 The Afterglow 39 The Last Sigh of Summe • 40 I>2ventide 1 41 Harold Park. Low Moor . 42 Ode to the Moon 44 Moorland and Sea . . 45 Norwood Green 47 A December Rose . . 49 The Lunar Rainbow . . 50 The First Snow of Winte " 51 Nature's Melodies . . 52 The Frozen Brooklet 53 Royds Hall 54 The Name in the Snow . 55 Sabbath Bells . . 5^' Winter S7 " The Days are all Alike ' ■ 5S The Snowdrop 59 The Mountaineer's Song . 60 At Nature's Shrine Co When the Kvcning Lam] ) is Lighted 62 Spring 64 The Ni}^htinj;alc .(.fc 66 " The First Rose of Summer f.7 "The Country Cottage Girl" 68 The West Wind 71 On Finding a Bird's Nest in the Garden 72 Moonlit Flowers 73 Daybreak Twilight . . 75 76 Night Autumn . . 79 79 Stars of Midnight . . 82 Compensations . . A Wintry Sunset . . To a Robin «3 84 85 The Old Sycamore Tree . . i^5 The Beauties of Snow. . 87 Dead Leaves So Sea Songs and Oceans Odes A greeting to the Sea . . 90 The Whispering Waves .. 91 The Return of the Fishing Fleet 02 A Farewell to an Old Lifeboat . . . . . . 94 To the Sea . . . . 95 The Captain to his Crew . . 96 The Disconsolate Heart . . 98 The Skipper to his Boat . . 100 " Sailing on the Sunlit Sea" 101 The Widow's Lament . . 102 The Rainbow .. .. loj The I.ilcboat Bell .. ..104 The Wreck of the " Sirene " at Blackpool . . . . loO Meditations .. .. 108 Fishermen's Wives .. no 11. CONTENTS. to On the Resignation of Coxswain Bickerstaffe . . A Sea-Side Sunset Tlie Ocean's Cliarm A Sail at Sabbath Eve The Lifeboat Coxswain his Crew . . "The Palace on the Sea" Shells of the Ocean A Poet's Wish . . Solaced On Leaving the Sea . . "The Gallant Lifeboat Crew" " That House by the Sea " 128 The Fleetwood Lifeboat Heroes On seeing the Wrecked Battleship " Foudroyant" The Fisher Brothers A Dream of the Sea A Secret of the Sea A Sea-Side Reverie The Rescue The Blackpool Lifeboat Crew Father's Boat . . The Margate Lifeboat Disaster . . The Veteran's Resolve The Heroes of the Fylde " Beautiful Blackpool " . . " Music on the Water " . . The Ocean Monarchs . . Lost ! The Fairy Bark On the Return Nansen The "Bradford' Rescue ! . . H.M.S. Atalanta Song of the Homeward i^ound The Lifeboatman's Widow and Orphan A Farewell to the Sea. . of Dr. to the III 112 114 116 118 119 120 121 124 125 127 129 131 132 133 136 139 141 142 143 145 147 149 150 152 154 155 159 162 ■f'3 i6t 167 170 Elegiac Effusions — ■' I am Weary, let me Rest " 172 In Memoriam : H.R.H. Princess Alice .. .. 174 On the Death of the Duke of Clarence In Memoriam : The late Prince Imperial of France " Gone, but never once Forgot " . . In Memoriam ; Lord Tennyson The Mourning Mother On the Death of a Nona- genarian . . In Memory (jf a Philan- thropist . . On the Death of r\Iadame Patey In Memory of an Old Shrimper . . Sacred Memories In Memory of a Poet To a Young Friend In Memoriam : The Crews of the St. Annes and Southport Lifeboats " Thy Will be Done " " He is not Dead, He only Sleeps " . . In Memorv of a Lancashire Bard ' " Our Janey " . . His Best Reward . . A Tribute to the Memorv of the Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone. . Passing Hence . . Consolation Christmas Chimes — Christmas . . Christmas Eve . . Christmas Morn A Christmas Gieeting. . How to spend Christmas . . The Dying Year To the New Year . . A New-Year Greeting . . Resolutions for the New New Year . . Nellie's Christmas A Christmas Gift . . New Year's Eve 175 177 181 I 82 184 185 187 18S iSy I go 192 194 196 197 !9J 200 202 205 207 208 209 21 1 212 213 213 214 2 If) 217 218 2ig 220 223 225 COXTKXTS. 111. The Meeting of the Years 226 Hope with New Year's Dawn .. .. .. 227 New-Year Keflections . . 228 A Prayer for the New Vtar 230 Random KnvMEb Past and Present . . . . 233 Yorkshire Factory Clirls 236 An Old Maid . . . . 237 "That Naiighly Demon Drink ! " . . . . 239 •' Speak of a Man as you find Him " . . . . 2.)o The Country Cousin .. 242 " What must I Wear ? " . . 243 A l.ady's Leap - Year Proposal . . . . •••2-1-4 Pomp and \'ap.ity .. 245 A C) nic s Opinion of the " New Woman " .. 24S The Same on the " New Man . . . . . . 249 The Queen's Jubilee at Norwood CJreen . . . . 251 " Three Things " . . 252 Plackpool's Attractions 253 "Auntie" .. .. .. 253 The Cunning Mouse .. 25O A Cirandfather's Advice . . 258 I'ROMiscuous Pieces — 1S87 The Queen's Jubilee, Youth iJirihdaN Lines to an Absent Priend " My Mother " Obscure Heroism The Lllis Memorial Clock Tower " Part in Peiice " To My Father on His Seventieth Birthday A Rustic Beauty A Plea for the Miners Hope The Mother's Prayer Troubled Hearts •■ (.■i;odness brings its Own Reward . . 261 264 267 269 270 272 274 275 27S 27<| 280 281 284 285 " 1 Heard Thee Sing To a Laily . . Sabbath Day . . " Waiting " . . A Mother's Love On the Death of a Favourite Dog " Summer Time will Come Again" The Aged The Parting Guardian Angels . . On the (Jpening of the I'orth Bridge. . Moral Courage "Faces" To a Friend Leaving Lnglanil . . Birthday Lines to My Aged Mother .. Birthday Wish to My Father Happy Memories . . A Pair of Lovers Another Pair The Patrican's Curse . . Dreams To a Yuung Lady on Her Twentyfirst Birthday . . Dejected.. Answered A SiKer Wedding Greeting To an Aflficted One . . Music Black Diamonds To a Writer of some Verses to the Authoress. . To E.J.H on her Seven- teenth Birthday . . A Mother's Lullaby The Lover's Lay . . The Flower Girl To a Youth on Attaining His Majority The Dying Child I'AGb 287 28S 290 290 292 293 294 295 296 298 298 300 300 302 304 305 300 308 311 313 317 3IS 320 322 323 324 325 327 329 330 ii- 336 337 Ode to the Poel Longfellow 338 United .. .. .. 340 " The Battle is Over ". . 341 The Maiden and Her Lute 342 Lines to an Infant . . . . 343 Retrospection . . . . 345 IV. CONTKNTS. PACiE I'AGE Farewell Lines to Departing Despondency .. 372 Friends 347 Pictures in the Fire • 374 The Evening Star 348 A Sonnet 375 A Simple Truth . . 349 A Marriage Ode •■ 375 On the Opening of Harold My Childhood's Home 377 Park 350 The Old Man's Soliloquy 379 To Katie ; on recei\-ing Her Merit Rewarded • • 380 Photo 352 The Horse 3S0 The BHnd 353 " I Dreamt She Died in Remembrance 355 Childhood" .- 381 Words of Cheer 356 The Italian Boy 383 "Drifting Apart " . . 357 Smiles and Tears . . .. 384 "I love to kiss that Faded A Good Son 385 Cheek 35S Old Letters . . . . 386 The Beggar Girl 360 Not Forgotten . . 387 " Brothers and Sisters " . . 361 The Poet's Pleasure .. 389 The Lover's Lament . . 362 Our Gallant Fire Brigade s 390 Grief 364 On Seeing an Artist at A Welcome Home 366 Work . . •■ 392 Old Friends. . 1>^1 Sky-tints.. 392 On the intended Demolition Modern Society •• 393 of Haworth Old Church 368 To a Bride 396 Sorrow's Seal . . 371 An Optimistic Prophecy •• 397 The Blind Mother . . 371 Valediction . . •• 399 BY €-Fii?^-Lt)TTs Oat DEDICATION. dedicate, — This simple, unassuming' Muse To all my dearest friends : Framed by Imagination wild. To Nature's tlirone il bends. I spread my Fancy's roving wings, And bade it freely play : It sped to dreamy realms, and brought Some gifts from far awaw And then it took its wayward flight To depths of vision too: I caught these as it passed me by, And penn'd them here for you. I have not climbed Parnassus' height, And vet its balmy i)ri'eze, lias come in wafts across my path, And lightly left me these. If any simple la\- of mine, POEJIS UY CHARLOTTK DATES. Has either worth, or power To charm the heart, or help to pass Away one dreary hour; — Oh, then I have a rich reward, I've laboured not in vain ; Forgive, if I too oft have sung- A melancholy strain. If they will call a tear or smile. Or touch some tender heart. Then my reward is double-fold — I've played my humble part. If aught of classic lore were mine, They had been nobler far ; I could not brook that every one Should think they worthless are. Both rhymes and poetry will be found, My earliest efforts make ; So take them all, my dearest friends, And keep them for my sake. 0^ 1.1.1. 1. I'll ID KISl, LiULiLiED TO REST. 1 Hit time was t-wniny, and the crini.sun .sun Had dropt to tx-st buhim! the purple hill ; — His weary round of labour he hafl done, And left the lovely \alle)' calm and still : Where flowers nestled in their grassy beds — When he had j^one, they slept, with bended heads. His glow still lingered on the tree-tops high. His kisses ) et were warm upon the leaves; A glorious light suffused the western sky, — Shone down on acres rich with golden sheaves : And everything was touched with amber light, bVom lowland fen, to breezx- mountain height. It rested on the tow'r, with burnished vane. That crowned an ancient castellated hall ; — It glittered on each narrow window pane, That peeped, half hidden, from its ivied wall : in whose dark shades the wild birds had their nest,- iieneath the battlements the}- loved to rest. Within those walls, the youthful Harold dwelt; An iinalid from childhood he had been ; Some ijuiet jo)' in living still he felt. His life was blameless, godl}-, and serene: He watched the sky, as on his ciaich he lay, He saw its splendour wax, then melt awa}'. He loved the sky, and noted ever)- shade Pass o'er the mighty dome at close of day; I'or as he watched the golden sunlight fade, He thought of one in Heaven far away; — His angel brother trod its hallow'd aisles. In dreams he saw- him, wreathed in sunny smiles. I'or the\- had been companions here below, And Harold held his memory sacred still, Remi'mb'riiig how that brother soothed his brow. And tendetl him, when he was weak and ill:-- Ihough strong of limb, discarded healthful pla\-. To sit beside young Harold, da}- by da}. POEMS BY CHARLOTTF. GATES. But Death unwarned, had snatched him from his side, And left the weaker brother to repine, Whose years now rolled in an unbroken tide, Marked by each one with slow and sure decline : No wonder then, he heavenward turned his eyes, To watch the mystic changes in the skies. And yet he had a sister left to him. Whose joy it was to cheer his lonely lot; Her rounded cheeks, and ever}.' supple limb. All plainly showed that sickness knew her not ; Her eyes were brig-ht their frames of darkest fringe. Contrasted with her smooth cheeks carmine ting'e. A sweet youngs g"irl she was, her hair unbound Fell in dark curls, around her well-formed head ; And in her presence Harold ever found, A tranquil pleasure; and the evening- sped On lig'ht'ning' wings, when she was by his side, — That favoured sister long- had been his pride. In peace that eve he watched the lucent sky, Its clouds with crimson edg-es paler g-row ; And mused alone, with meditative eye, Yet sweet contentment rested on his brow ; His face was pale, and noble, and his hair, About it hung in wavy clusters fair. His thoughts reverted to some long past sceni-. Into his mind a mournful feeling came, Of what he was and what he might have been. Had he been gifted with a stronger frame : Half sad regrets, — all he had lett undone,— And yearnings vague for life that was to come. His Maker he had ever loved and praised, In tender years the Word Divine had burst Upon his soul, and he had often raised The golden chalice to his lips athirst ; To drink the Saviour's all-redeeming l)lood ; And broken bread of Jesus Christ the good. The glow-light died, and then the dusk-time canie ; Its solemn shadows filled the spacious room ; The fine old pictures, each in ma.ssive frame, In deep recess, grew dimmer in the gloom ; LVLl.KV TO RKSr. The waningf lig'ht was yet more sombr<' made Hy window hann'inj^s rich, of olive shade. Their heavy folds made all subdued and dim, — The tapestry, the oaken cabinets old, — The statuary, seemed all obscure and grim, And ^ems of art in chaste designs of 'j;o\(\. Grew indistinct, as nig-ht came stealing' on, And dropt its silent tokens one by one. In semi-darkness Harold still reclined. When whispers broke his contemplative mood; A smile o'erspread his features so refined, To see his sister Elsie near him stood ; l'"or she had softly entered at the door, Unseen by him, had crossed the spacious floor. ''Tis gfrowing- dark, shall I bring- thee a light," The maiden said, but Harold answered " no,"— •' I feel most happy in the calm twilig-ht. But bide with me, I would not have thee g^o ; 1 feel so well to-night, so with me stay ; And wilt thou g-et thine harp, and sing- and play.' " " Come close to me, and raise my cushioned head. And sing- the soughs thou know'st I love the best :" "1 will, if thou wouldst wish me," I-llsie said, — 'Twas her delig;ht to grant his mild re(|uest: She took her harp, and drew beside him there, A richly carved and antiquated chair. To him his sister ever had been kind, And to that brother who was la'cn awci>- ; And since he died, her love was all enshrined In Harold, ht^ ^rew dearer day l)y day : Then near the window in the fculing- light. Her sweet voice broke the silence of the niyht. The moon was risings, and began to make The room g^row lighter, as its tranquil ray Fell on the frescoes, and the fine mosaic, Till all seemed purer 'neath its sovereign sway : — Its light beamed in, to intercept the gloom, — A g-leam of gdory in the dusky room. She sang- to him, at first so soft and low. As wild 1/irds' warble when they see the light; 6 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. To higher strains then she began to flow ; (Her voice was clear and flute-like in its heiglit,) And as she trilled, her sweet voice gathered power, — She was the fair enchantress of the hour. And all the while she gently touched the strings Of her loved harp, and slumb'ring chords awoke ; In Hcirold's heart revived the feeble springs, He felt her power, what though he never spoke : His soul was soothed, the b/rest held the charm, Upon his spirit fell a holy calm. While at his feet, beside his couch she played. The ]3ale moon kissed her with its golden light ; To Harold, as he lay back in the shade, She looked like some fair picture, warm and bright ; In moonlivrht pale, her graceful form appeared, In strong relief against the background weird. Outside the mullioned windows, fair flowers grew,— Amongst the ivy twined their tendrils sweet; As through the panes the moon their shadows threw, There fell a golden tracery at her feet : And when the zephyrs 'mong the leaflets strayed, The lovely fretwork trembled while they played. A stream of light from the ascending moon. Then reached his face, so pensive and so calm, — Shone on his ample robe of rich maroon. Whose cumbrous folds wrapt his recumbent form : He through the window upward gazed afar. His dreamy eyes were fixed on one bright star. So far away, 'twas but a silvery speck — A little spangle in that boundless space, — A priceless gem, which mutely seemed to beck. As down it smiled so sweetly on his face : Its quivering light was dimmed, but did not wane, In passing through the night-dew on the pane. He'd seen it kindled 'neath its Maker's hand. In realms of peace and silence far on high ; He wondered if it knew the " Better Land," Across the grave, beyond its native sky; 'Twas all unsolved, he only knew its light Enhanced the beauty of the summer night. l.ri.l.KI) 1() RKST. When Elsie paused, she met his thoutrhtful -^nze, That spoke his thanks, ere he one word had said ; I'.nough for her, she had no need of praise, For g-ratitude in his mild orbs she read : A faint sweet smile his gentle face enwreathed, "Thanks, sister mine,'" at length he softly hreathed. " Sublime, dear Elsie, is that g^ift of thine, Since thy soft music broke the silence first, My heart has thrilled, and rapture sweet is mine ; It felt like nectar to a soul athirst: One favour more I }et must ask of thee, Sing our loved childhood's hymn,— "Come unto me." She sang- the hymn, with sympathetic voice, It was the one their mother used to sing- When they were children, and 'twas Harold's choice, A wealth of comfort those sweet words could bring-; Though simple, and can boast no lofty strain, Yet Harold loved it, with its brief refrain. She sang it slowly, and the music shone Into his soul, and shed a stream of light : A tender i)athos flowed through every tone, The space around him filled with \'isions bright; Ami forms that had their being within his brain. Came with the cadence of the soft refrain. And when she paused, a slumbrous silence fell Upon the room, and everything around ; And Harold lay, as if beneath a spell, So pale and passive, in the peace profound : The solemn moon was shining clear and bright, And softly fell the " footsteps of the night." The pendant candelabra yet was dark. In every nook there lurketl a shadow dim ; And there was nought the passing hour lo mark, — The hush was deep, there came no sound from him : He prostrate lay. his heavy eyelids closed. And Elsie saw that sweetly he reposed. And then she sang the touching hymn again, Then paused once more, and weary felt and lone : The stillness grew oppressive unto |)ain : With steady light the moon in s|)lendoui- shone, — 8 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE DATES. Upon the couch it threw its ghastly beam, Where Harold smiled, as in a blissful dream. The nig^ht had come, and things looked gaunt and drear, She wished the hush to gently melt away. And softly said in loving tones of cheer. '• Have 1 again to sing" to thee and play, Or ai't thou tired, and dost thou wish to rest ? " No muscle stirred, — no thoughts his face exprest. She left her harp, and stole up to his side. Said, " Harold speak, for thy dear sister's sake; " Still no response, then louder still she cried In fear and desperation, " Harold wake ! " He answered not, she stroked his fair young head. And touched his cheek, then found that he was dead ! She knelt beside him with a startled wail, Upon his neck her head in grief she bowed ; Then in a moment Memory raised the veil, That hid the past, and all his virtues showed ; — His finest traits to her were then laid bare. His faults and failings all dissolved in air. Till then she knew not how much Death had ta'en, — How good and noble to the last was he ; She cried, " Oh ! Harold wake but once ag'ain. Oft-times impatient I have been with thee; Speak, if but once, to say thou dost forgive. Oh ! had I asked thee whilst thou still didst live." No answer came, for cold and still he lay. To seek forgiveness then, was all in vain ; She asked too late, the soul had passed away. Those pallid lips would never speak again : No more he telt his sister's fond embrace, For white as marble was that lifeless face. In tearless anguish in the dusk she knelt. Upon the floor her flowing drapery spread ; In that first hour of poignant grief, she felt Remorse come near, while looking on the dead : Her trifling faults to him had been but few, Yet they to h(;r as heavy burdens grew. vSho wished in vain she had the power to make Her peace with him, but he was past recall ; LVLLKD TO REST. In \ain she .isked tluit brother to awake, I pen her ear his voice no more would fall ; In vain she pleaded for one single word, lie lifeless lay, and neither spoke nor heard. She cried, " why wert thou ta'en away so soon. Without a single tarewell word or look ? Thy face is cold and ghastly 'neath the moon, Teach me, oh God, this sorrow how to brook : I cannot yet while grief swells in my breast. Say meekl}', "Jesus all is for the best." F"rom off the soul earth's trammels now were flung" — The flower was plucked before the heat of day ; Mis life for long^ upon one hinge had hung, But He who gave can surcl}' take away ? And Death's more painful jjangs h^ld stung him not,— Serene his transit to a fairer spot. The tired one had gone to rest at last. He being aweary, found life's hill too steep : In early years the joke from him was cast. He passed away while in a dreamless slee])': \Vh\- should we grieve at all for deaths like his ? — The soul unfettered, found its lasting bliss. And it was meet that he should i)ass away While list'ning to his sister's music sweet, Into the Regions of Eternal day. Where pain is not. but all is bliss complete : His sister's voice, his last glad sound while here, The Saviour's words had soothed his dying ear. And when his soul had soared on mystic wing", And in its fr(,'edom passed the starlit dome ; His angel brother There the first wouhi sing. And bid him welcome to the Heavenly Home ; — I lis voice would greet him, in that Sainted Land, And Jesus place him w ith the angel band. And all that once had seemed to him obscure, Would be unfolded as he entered There ; The angels in their vesture white and pure. With wreaths, and crowns, all glorified and fair; — The Throne of Ciod, on heights of love supreme, .And Jesus near it, in a hallowed gleam. lO POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATES. And sweeter far, than aught he heard on earth, Would be the music that would charm his ear, In Pariidise, when he had found new birth, Where angels claimed, and crowned their brother And took him all their wonders to behold, [dear; — And gave to him a precious harp of gold. THK MAIUKn's DREAil. I I THE OlRTDEfl'S DT^EAm, " Oh ! Mother, hark, the roaring" wind, Hear how the rag^ing blast Tears in gusts around the house, — And rain is falling fast ! '' " Child, its every piercing wail Brings nought but woe to me ; To-night in surh a furious gale — God help all those at sea! " " Hark! Mother, what a dismal howl Sweeps through the chimney wide ; I do wish Father was at home, And sat here by my side : " "My child, thai is a useless wish. When he is far from thee ; Rut oh, on such a night as this, God help all those at sea! " " "Tis bedtime Maggie, go to rest — Rejiose thy youthful head. And pray that ere the morning breaks The tem]iest may have fled." Reside the bed, a white-clad form Soon bowed on bended knee ; Her voice was heard amid the storm — •'God bless all those at sea." Her prayer was earnest, and sincere. As humbly kneeling there. She sought, with supj^licating voice. Kind Heaven to hear her priiyer: She pleaded long, her faith was strong, As e'er a child's could be ; And often came the words among- — •Protect all those at sea." 12 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. And then she laid her down to rest, And quailed not at the storm ; For soon upon her senses fell Repose, so sweet and calm. While Morpheus held her in its power All throu^jfh the darksome nig"ht; The mother watched each dreary hour Pass on, and yearned for lisrht. She paced the room, nor could she sleep- All night she kept awake ; For with the fury of the wind, The cottage seemed to shake : The window rattled in its frame — A frail and trembling mass; Like pelting sand, the driven rain Beat hard against the glass. The thunder, with a threat'ning voice. Was mutt'ring midst the storm ; The wild wind blew in fitful gusts, Then waxed a moment calm : She opened then the cottage door. And peered into the night ; The leaves rushed in, along the floor, Escaped the tempest's might. She paused and listened to the sounds Within the vale below; The beck, that bounded o'er the stones With rapid, rushing flow ; The wind had travelled to the wood, And moaned like restless seas, — Had left the spot where then she stood. And racked the distant trees. But only to return ag"ain — 'l\vas but a moment's peace. Another moment saw the storm Of wind and rain increase. The thunder with a vengeance fierce, In fury shook on high; And clouds, too dense for stars to pierce, Rolled on the midnight sky. rilK MAIDKX S DRKAM. I 3 She closed once more the cottag'e door Ajji-ainst the drivingf blast. - A-ainst the leaden hail and rain, Then streaming down so fast. The corner clock, with measured tick, Was all the sound within ; The candle, with its drooping wick, Was burning, — faint and dim. The clock gave out each passing hour, I'ut still she could not rest; The more she listened to the gale, The more she felt opprest. As. through the night, 'mid wind and slcrt. The light'ning played in glee, She often would the words repeat — " God help all those at sea ! " And once she went, with light in hand. To where the maiden lay. Unconscious of the storm, she dwelt In Dreamland far away : She softly kissed the fair young face That in calm slumber smiled ; And murmured as she left the place, " Sleep on, sweet trusting child," — "The tempest now is nought to thee, Rut makes thee sleep the more ; The wind has soothed thee fast asleep — And lullfd thee with its roar. Rut how thy father will be tossed I'pon the billows free ; Oh 1 if to-night he should be lost, — God hel]) all those at sea ! " When morn at last began to dawn — The tempest to abate — She crossed the threshold once again, And went towards the gate ; She gazed around, the air was chill, Then looking up she said, •• Thank God ! it is His holy will. The storm at last has tied." POEMS BY CHARLOTTK GATES. " The rain has ceased, the wind has hushed, The clouds have drifted far ; And lo ! above my head there beams The g;entle morning- star ! It seemeth like a hopeful ray, Its palino-, trembling" lig'ht ; Now waning-, as the morning- grey Is wrestling- with the night. " I see the outline of the hills, As lighter grows the day, Their barren ridges meet the sky, In distance far away. And far beyond the mountain chain, There rolls the mighty sea; And one I love sails on the main. Lord watch him there for me ! " Then looking down the vale she said, — " Has all here braved the storm ? No I where is that familiar tree .^ I miss its noble form. Ah, it is chang-ed, the ash tree old, That graced the meadow there, Now prostrate lies, that seemed so bold, And all its roots are bare." ' Oh, Mother, come and sit by me "'— 'Twas Maggie's gentle voice; — " The storm has hushed, the morn is calm. Does not your heart rejoice .' "■ — " It would my child, did I but know- That Father's ship was in ; To think he's on the ocean now, Still gives me fears for him. " '• Oh Mother, I have had a dream. Its deep, mysterious power. Has held my senses in its thrall. Through many a weary hour, I felt so happy when I woke From that strange thrilling'- dream : The voice of Merc)- in it spoke — l)Ut must I lell its theme .^" THIi MAIDKN's DRICAM. 1^ "Yes child, relate th\- dream to me. My g"entle IMayg-ie, do ; And I will sit beside thy bed, 'Twill yive me comfort too ; For night has jLTone, the temi)est passed. The East is in a glow : The lovely sun now shines at last, Upon the mountain's brow ! " "Well Mother dear, I closed my eyes. With many haunting" fears ; The roaring wind, and pattering' rain Were sounding in my ears ; But when I fell asleep, the noise Of wild wind, and of rain, Were then to me the booming voice. Ol billows on the main." " I thought I saw a raging sea, With waves that leapt so high. Their snowy crests gleamed white as ghosts, Against tlie midnight sky. At first a silvery mist hung o'er. The offing far awa)', — I'or I was stood upon the shore. And felt the fresh"ning spra\'." '• I heard the waters' thundi-r loud — Their Ijooni against the rock : The echo in the cavern cell, Their tury seemed to mock. The hail and rain were falling fast, The sky was low and dark — When midst the storm 1 saw a mast. And then a storm-tost bark." • It was my father's ship I saw L'pon the surging sea: It rocked and pitched upon the waxes. Kach mast bent like a tree : And oft 'twas nearly lost to sight. The l)ill()ws rose so high ; Then once again I saw its height. Loom black against the skv. " l6 POIOIS BY CHARLOTTK OATES. " The sails had broken from the yards, And flapp'd all wet and torn ; I siiw them flutt'rino- in the wind, The ship before it borne. Then in a mist of silvery spray, The vessel would be lost, But still it bounded on its way, Amid the tempest tost." " Then with a weird phosphoric glow, The waters glittered bright ; As with a flame, from stem to stern. The ship was all alight : Hugg'd in the waves' impulsive clasp. Amid the dancing foam ; It bravely struggled in the blast As it was steered for home "" "Then all at once a dark'ning cloud Came drooping o'er the sea, It seemed to hang above the ship, And spread its edge o'er me : 'Twas purple black, and cast a gloom Upon the ocean's breast ; But still I heard the l)illows boom. And saw each foaming crest." '■ And then a veil of vapour bright, Ascended from the deep ; In curling wreaths, it rose above, From where the sea-shells sleep. It settled in that cloud so drear. Suspended o'er the main ; And left the restless waters clear,- - The ship appeared more plain." '• It looked so white against the cloud, While darker seemed the sky ; And then above my father's ship, At last it rested high : It smaller grew, but more intense; 'Twas like a radiant light, As thro' the depth ot darkness dense. It shone so strangely bright." IHK MAiniN S DRKAM, I 7 •' And then, dear Mother, as 1 g^azud, I'he white mist took a form ; I think. I see it even now, Distinct amid the storm. For tj-rareful fingers, one by one, Developed in the sky ; Until a perfect hand there shone, Above the waters high."' "At first 'twas faint, and indistinct, But soon wrew more defined; I'ntil at last if seemeil to me 'Twas Mercy's hand so kind ! I knew that Heaven had sent it there. To guide the vessel's course; The thought that He had heard my prayer. Rose up, with all its force." " For there I saw my father's ship Careening- on the deep : While high above it was that hand. As if a guard 'twould kee]) ; And as the vessel tossed among- The wild waves mid the storm. This m)stir token moved along- — The dark sky showed its form : " " Right o'er the toiling ship it kept, A true protecting hand — As if to lead it o'er the sea In safety, to the land : A silvery halo round it gleamed. Of vapour, soft and bright; And as it moved alony, it seemed To leave a streak of light." "And all the while, I heard the wild Pulsation of the sea, 'Twas beating on the l)arren shore. And rushing- up to me: And then I heard a rustling noise. Reside me in the gloom — Then whis]iered low a mystic voice — • I'll guide him safely honie I " I 8 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATES. "The words awoke me from my dream. And gave my heart a thrill ; And now I find the storm is o'er, The morn is calm and still ; And, Mother dear, I feel full well, That vision came to me. To bid us both our fears despel. For Father on the sea : " " A loving" deed, by Him above, Revealed to me in sleep ; 'Twas Mercy's hand, He sent in love, To lig'ht the desert deep ; I trust that Father soon will come, To join us once ag'ain — That God will send him sately home. From off the mig"hty main." " Now I will rise, my heart is g"Uid, That dream was full of cheer ; For hope that now dwells in my heart. Has chased away all fear." "My child, thy words ha\e comfort broug-ht, I too will trust thy dream ; And cherish every happy thought, Sug"g"ested by its theme." The time wore on, then came a day, The sun was bright and warm. The latticed window open wide. The air was full of balm. A g"entle, soothing", whispering breeze, Defused the scent of flowers ; And lisped among the garden trees. That twined in rustic bowers. The white-winged clouds, of silverv sheen. So softly rolled on high, Upon a ground of azure blue— A fair and sunny sky. THK MAIOKN S DRI'A.M. I9 Without, an air serene anrl calm, The flowers all in bloom ; Within, a peaceful fireside warm — An l^nf^i-lish cottage home. The mother and the g-entle girl. Were f|uietly sittin.i^- there ; A hopeful smile lit Maggie's face, I ler mother's told of care. The little captive sing-ing- bird W^as pouring out its song ; What though unheeded, and unheard, Throughout the whole day long-. "Hark! Mother, 'tis the garden gate, I hear its rattling sound ; And now I hear a step ai)proach, — A firm tread on the ground : " And looking through the window bright, They saw a well known form ; "Oh joy : " cried Ma.g-gie in delfght — " 'Tis Father coming home ! " Dressed in a g-arb of navy blue. Came he the}' lo\ed so well ; He raised the latch, and there beheld His wife, and winsome girl ! W^ith happy hearts, relie\ed from care, They kissed his sunburnt face : With loving words, united there, The three w ith fond embrace. That night, when Maggie went to bed, Before she sought her rest — W^hen kneeling at her evening prayers Her Maker's name she blest ; — Poured out her grateful thanks alone, Before the Throne Above ; To Him who sent her father home, In pity, and in love. 20 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. R QUEER'S SflCf^ipiCE. There stood in a i^orgeous palace old, A royal lady divinely fair ; A crown superb of the purest gold, Lay on the coils of her glossy hair ; Her purple vesture proclaimed her l)irth, Among'st the highest she ranked on earth. And though she ruled o'er a wide domain, And swayed the sceptre upon the throne, Upon her face was a look of pain, As there in luxury all alone, She sat and mused ; as the sunlight fair Gleamed on her robes, and her jewels rare. The necklace rich on her shoulders white, The bracelets coiled on her lovely arms. All set with diamonds, that flashed with light, But seemed to heighten her outward charms ; A single glance at her brow serene, Revealed the noble, and high-souled queen. A queen .-' ah yes ! but withal there beat A woman's heart in that regal breast ; A truer, nor tenderer one, ne'er yet Graced royal crown, or a noble's crest ; Of womanly virtues although possessed. Why did she languish, as one depressed ? A paper lay in her dimpled hand, That held a plea for the honest poor ; Her suffering sex in her much-loved Land, To whom was open no friendly door; It showed how needed for such when ill, Was a place of rest, with the surgeon's skill. Her aid was sought, and her heart was moved, In anguished, j)itying tones she cried ; " My Kingdom's poor, I have ever loved, To mind their welfare has been my pride; But oh ! they know not, what though a queen, How low in wealth 1 have always been. — A QIKKN S SACRIFKK. 21 " They think their Soverei^rn rich indeed, And crave the hel|:» that I fain would g-i\ e ; Must these, my sisters then, vainly plead? Whilst I in luxury still must live ? They need a refuj^e that must be free, The pains of women assuaj,'-ed must be. — " Can 1. a mother, sit here in ease, And hear the plaints of the sore distrest ? Nor try their suffering- to ajjpease, Nor find them shelter, and skill, and rest ? This breast would cover a heart of steel, If I were deaf to their sad appeal ! •'They deem me wealthy, but little know, I am but rich in a }oke of care ; There's many a richer with uncrovvned brow. That does not a nation's burdens bear: The yaudy trapping's of pomp and state. Are naught but trammels, nor make me great.— " The gems I wear are mj' only wealth, And these m\ oflTering now must be ; Shall suffering women ne'er gain lost health. That costly gems may be worn by me } These jewels bright that my arms adorn, May purchase life for the lowly born ! •' My courts be rid of a useless band. Half my attendants but be retained ; No gem shall shimmer upon this hand. Thereby the good that I seek be gained • 1 keep the sceptre, nor yield the crown, Those being my birthright, I still must own. " Self-love and vanity hence shall go, Nor find a refuge again in me : Fach conquered, flee like a vanquished foe, A bloodless victory mine shall be ; The power I hold, and by right divine. Shall through my vast dominions shine 1 " She wrenched the diamonds from off her wrist, They danced in l)eaut\- before her eyes: That dim were then w ith a tender mist, Where Pity sat in her sweetest guise : 22 POEJIS BY CHARLOTTK GATES. The queen's heart ached for her subjects sake, Her warmest sympathies were awake. She quickly summoned her courtiers near, Whom she commanded with stately mien ; " Take these, my jewels, I held most dear, They never ag"ain shall deck your queen : Go take them hence, as my gift of love, Surrended freely my heart to prove. "And mark! whatever the price they bring. Devoted be to the women's home ; And never a debt to it shall cling, Endowed 'twill be for the years to come : God's hallowed blessing rest on the spot, His poor by me shall be ne'er forgot." Amazed the courtiers stood, yet they Dared but obey, at their queen's command ; The royal mandate none could gainsay. The deed was signed, by her own fair hand : All meekly bowed to the queen's decree, Revered and blest from their hearts was she. The rich sun set in its ruby gown, On stately stairways, of marble white ; On ornate pillars, and walls, streamed down Erewhile, the glorious orb of night: On downy pillow kissed by its beams. The good ciueen smiled in her happy dreams. *^ •Uf ^ .u. .u, .u, *7f -TT Tt" -TV" -A* 'J^ A year p£issed by ; then she stood one day Within the " home " of her tender care ; Where those in mortal affliction lay. Whose faint hearts brightened, to see her there And while she sat by the couch of pain, Their faltering faith was revived again. She softly glided from ward to ward. O'er forms recumbent she gently bent ; She soothed the sufferers' lot so hard. And comfort offered where e'er she went : An angel spirit in woman's guise, Shone from the depths of her splendid eyes. A QIEKN's SAtRIKICK. 23 In simple raiment, devoid oi state, She viewed the structure her wealth had raised ; The sacrifice she had made was great, Her noble efTorts were prized and praised : Thou.^h boundless ijood hiid her action wrouj^^ht. Yet never a word of thanks she souy-ht. Anon she stooped o'er a lowly bed, Where lay a woman by i)ain op]:)rest ; Throug-h long- affliction had drooped her head. And oft she yearned for the jiromised rest : Their hands were clasped, as if loth to part. Compassion melted the loved queen's heart The patient sufferer's soul was thrilled, While by her tjueen's, was her hand caressed ; Her longf tried heart for the moment filled, With reverent love, that was unexprest : Her homag-e flowed in a voiceless i)rayer. P>ut for her fjueen she had not been there. Her deepest feeling's were not to seek. For oh I the g^aze of those grateful eyes ; They beamed the thanks that she could not speak. And made the tears of the g-ood queen rise : That look had i)ierced to her inmost soul, Twas 'g"raved on memory's choicest scroll. A world of feeling- was there exprest, A wealth of love for the g-ood received ; — Of gratitude for the needed rest. Through all the ills that were being- relieved : For hope's bright rainbow appeared o'erhcad. And threw its light o'er the sufferer's bed. They felt a moment as equals there. Their souls had met in that mutual g-aze ; The queen's and peasant's illumined were, Ry nature's sul)tle, mag-netic rays : For human sympathy far can reach, And levelling pain can lessons teach. The wasted lineaments fain had smiled. Though racked l)v pain was the prostrate form : "Twas like a mother's to helpless child. That touch of sym|)athy, true and warm : 24 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. A quiver passed o'er her face, and showed The fervid font of her heart o'erflowed. And lo ! a tear from her eyes dropt down Upon the sovereign's hand so fair; Like some bright jewel from regal crown, It glistened, and trembled a moment there ; — As clear as crystal, so pure and bright. It gemmed the beautiful wrist so white. The good queen saw it, and cried " behold ! There gleams a g-em on my wrist once more ; A liquid jewel of worth untold, And one more precious I never wore ; A diamand sparkles, and trembles here, Of purest water, — a woman's tear ! — "Who says my jewels to me are lost.' I see their value before me here ; Dissolved, condensed, at the dearest cost. They've ta'en the form of a beauteous tear ! I am happier far than I were of old, When decked in gems that were hard and cold. "This grateful tear, that thou couldst not stem, Is my reward that my God has given ; A beautiful, crystal, priceless gem, Dropt by a soul on its way to Heaven : My sweetest recompense this shall Ije, Baptized henceforth by this tear from thee. — ""Tis consecrated, for herein sleeps The essence sweet of the purest love ; Such tears as these, which a torn heart weeps. Conveys a message from Him Above ; — God's blessing comes in its liquid sheen — Falls on the hand of the happiest- queen. '" True words ! at peace with her God above. Through her good deeds was His love revealed ; She had lost her jewels, but won His love, And by that tear was the compact sealed : For each one lost, she could not forget, A priceless gem in her soul was set. I'ASTOKAI, I'OKMS. 25 PlSTDilAL PdEMJ^ ^ ^:^* A PEASAfiT's Home. Give me the little family i;roup. Where piety and love Reiyn all supreme, thouyh poor the cot. - When these per\ade the humblest spot, 'Tis blest by Him above. When parents and their children all In bonds of love unite ; And all a true affection tee), And labour for each other's weal, — Then hearts, and homes are brig"ht. When wreaths of fondest lo\e entwine Around their tender hearts ; That makes them cling- to home so dear, A sacred feeling- I)inds them near, And homely joy imparts. The wintr\- sunshine glinteil through The cottag-e window bright; Then sunk so calmly in the west, And seemed to bid the workers rest Awhile. — for it was night. So wear)" with his honest toil. The cotter setks his home ; The children for their father wait, They hear the clinking garden-g'ate, And smile to sec him come. Within the little rustic cot, — Where all is clean and neat, — The grandsire has the warmest nook, And on his face there beams a look With happiness replete. 2^ POKMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. The sturdy son comes whistling" home, From field-work far away ; The little circle is complete, The boys and g"irls their parents meet, To end the happy day. riie gentle mother minds her babe. With fond devoted care, The eldest daughter has her place, — A graceful girl, with comely face. And neatly braided hair. The peat-fire sheds a ruddy glow Upon the cottag-e wall; The frugal little board is spread, They eat their well-earned daily bread,- Then offer thanks tor all. The pussy too, is sitting there, She blinks and purs away ; And courts the warm domestic hearth. Among the children's joyous mirth. To watch her kittens play. Outside, the night is bleak and cold, The stars are glitt'ring bright; The frost-wind, wailing at the door. In g"usts, from off the heath-clad moor- Attends the wintry night. Within the cot, the peasants rest. The happy evening long ; The old fire-side is bright and warm. And music lends its soft'ning' charm, To their enlivninc sonsr. '& Oh, music ! chast'ning every joy, A noble art divine ; — That draws together soul to soul, And o'er the feelings has control, — While kneeling at its shrine. Its influence on the human heart, Is soothing and refin'd ; PASTORAL I'OK.MS. 2"] it cheers the poor man's leisure hours, Bestre'vs his path of toil with flowers, And ele\ates his niind. Sweet plaintive strains, that find the lieart. Resound within that cot; ' Tis not a master's finished touch, And yet the simi)le airs are such, ■J'hat will not be forgot. Ihe mother plying- there her work, < ^ft pauses as she feels The thrilling' pathos of the strain. And asks to hear it o'er ag^ain, As to her heart it steals. The old man feels its soffningf power, As with his locks so white, I le sits there, in the corner chair ; And see his cheek, a tear is there — So tremulous and bright! It l)rings up recollections old. Of days when he was young; — The melodies that he has taught, — Arouses every lofty thought. To hear them sweetly sung. 1 heir better nature seems to wake, At music glad and sweet ; Oh! blessings on theve peasants' lot, Content, and happy in their cot. The hours so softly fleet. " A peasant's home," how sweet the name, When it is such as this ; Round heart to heart, by s-acred ties Of love, how f^ist the evening flies. So full oftran{|uil bliss I I'he soul of music swelling lorth. From that poor humlile place: Where hap|)y voices all unite In songs, that make the household Ijright, And grander spots would grace. 28 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATES. The working man reclining" there, A father true is he ; He yields his soul to music's spell, And clings to those he loves so well. His children round his knee. It cheers him for the morrow's toil. To hear these glad'ning sounds; The cares and hardships of the day, 'Neath this enchantment pass away. And peaceful joy abounds. See ! now at last the time has come For slumber, peace, and rest; The baby long has been asleep, And laid its little dimpled cheek. Upon its mother's breast. Now all is hushed, — the fire is low With but a flickering light ; Behold ! the father kneeling there. He offers up an evening prayer, — Then each one says, "Good-night. SIGHS OF SPRING. There's a sweeter swell in the robin's song, And a deeper red on his ruffled breast ; He has day-dreams bright of a downy nest. — Of the mate he'll charm as the days grow long. And when to the throstle's song we list. There's a richer ring in his plaintive notes ; 'While on the breath of the breeze there floats, Prophetic symbols, consigned in mist. There are tender buds on the sapful tree, And signs appear through the yielding earth, Of latent life, and of mystic birth,— An index sweet of the things to be. I'AMUKAL POKMS. 29 Before we even have ceased to hear The merry sound of the hunter's horn, Two wee white lambs in the flo';k are born, — Their tremulous bleating greets the ear. Eve's sun-rays linger on mountain crest, Of lengthening days 'tis a token fair; While the midges dance in the yenial air, 'Neath the amber glow of the radiant west. Life- essence dwells in the sunshine warm. That tempts the bees from their wintry hives ; All nature stirs, from its trance revives, And the daisy blooms with a s]iring-like charm. The white-tailed conies at early morn. Begin to sport by the brown copse bare ; A presage bright for the youthful year. Rich with the wealth of its hopes new-born. As through the desolate meads we pass. In pasture's bleached to the dull grey-green Of shrivelled herbage, e'en now is seen Bright emerald blades of the new spring grass. There's a brighter sheen in the glistening brook. And a hopeful tone in its brisker flow; Unfettered now by the ice and snow. It blithely babbles by grassy nook. The year is young, but it .seems replete With welcome signs of an early spring ; May summer days in their fulness bring, The fruitage rich of a promise sweet. THE ObD BI^IDGE. My favourite haunt ; I love to stray, Tpon a balmy summer's day I'y this old bridge, that spans the brook ; .\ beautiful sequester'd nook. 30 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATKS. In this lone spot I oft have stood And g-azed into the silent wood. The noble trees of varied hue Point to the sky so deeply blue : The honeysuckle, and wild rose, Bloom here alone in sweet repose : In solitude as oft I stray. The fragrance of the new-mown hay Fills all the air so rich and sweet, Within this shady, cool retreat. In pensive mood I linger long', And listen to the wild-birds' song; — The wren, the linnet, and the thrush. Among the thicket and the bush : Each warbles forth its plaintive lay. To while the summer hours away. By this old bridge 1 love to roam, So near my little cottage home ; And lean upon its moss-grown wall. Above the silvery waterfall, To watch the lazy waters run, That glisten brightly in the sun ; And gurgle on with rippling- sound, Enliv'ning all the woods around : While leaves upon its surface float. Each like some little fairy boat, And when the evening softly fades. The twilight gathers in its shades : The little wild-birds cease to trill, ^ — The valley sleeps, so calm and still. Then in its wintry aspect grand, On this old bridge I love to stand ; Its massive walls adorned by age, Defy the storm in all its riige ; And weather still the driving blast, As boldly now as in the past. And tufts of silken grass so g>"reen. Peep out from every open seam. The ivy in a creeping spray, Clings to its walls so damp and grey. I court it in a nobler form, — TASTORAL POKMS. 3 f Amid the j^randeur of the storm. And in the snow, so beauteous, when Kiich stone is liki; a crystal j,^em The hoar-frost han^s from ever} ed^fe, Like silver)' fring-e upon each ledg-e ; When snow envelopes all the scene. And 'neath it sleeps the vale so .yreen : The whole presents a lovely sig-ht,- When every thing- is touched with white. The streamlet frozen in a mass, Arrests my footsteps as I pass. The beauteous sig^ht mine eyes allure, Ihose blocks of solid ice so pure ; Sweet Nature's artist been at work. And sculptured from a marble rock : — Had chiselled temples it would seem. From out a liciuid, running- stream ! So wonderful and deft its hand, Desig-ns translucent caverns grand. And shielded b} the ice and snow, A warmer current glides beiow The tiny ice-berg-s, pure and white— So fair, and crjstallized, and brig-ht : Like polar seas in miniature. Hut far too lo\eIy to endure. They 'neath the sunlight melt so last. Too frail, too beautiful to last I 1 love to wander by the wood. On this old bridge, when foaming iLx.d The waters, as 1 lean me o'er, And listen to their hollow roar; Xo long-er frost-bound on they flow . In swollen torrents rush below: — I'eneath the archway they resound. Like Ocean's voice as c")n they bound. It seems as if with one accord. They arc responding- to a word. That Nature speaks, or g-ives a sign. That they have slumbered now their tim An unseen messeng'er on wing, Had loosened every little s])ring-: 32 POEJIS BY CHARLOTTE DATES. The drifts of snow dissolve away, Beneath the sun's warm genial ray. The little water-courses run, And shimmer brightly in the sun. What inward ecstasy is mine ! As here in silence I recline ; On this old bridge, my favourite place, And nature's countless beauties trace. In winter drear, and summer green, — And all the shades that come between. Amid the storm, and when 'tis calm, This old bridge has a lingering charm. <4 Blf^lDIE'S DREflm." In the solemn hush of midnight, When the stars so softly shone ; Once I heard a little minstrel, When I thouofht I was alone. 'te' Everything was steeped in silence, Darkness filled my chamber small ; When the stillness deep was broken By a little birdie's call. On the rose-tree, perched at midnight, Close beside my window bars ; Pretty birdie woke from sleeping, — Trilled a moment to the stars. Had the little wild-bird, dreaming Happy thoughts, it could not keep,— And a sudden gush of gladness Made it murmur in its sleep ? Oft since then I've heard it twitter, To my room its music floats ; In the fulness of its gladness, .Sweetly fall its silvery notes. PASTURAl, I'OKMS. 33 How I love it when 1 hear it ! 'l"ho' its song" too soon is o'er; Just a warble, then it ceases — All is silent as before. liOVELiY nriAY. P)EH0i.i) she' comes ! with a smilinjj^ bro>A , 'Ihe blithe and beautiful month of May : Enrobed in blossoms, as white as snow, We trace her step throuLih the woodland v, j) . Kmer^'^ing" fresh from the wintry gloom, Her dainty j)resence on every hand. P'lings radiant light into every home, — Her gifts she scatters o'er all the land. The sweetest born of the glad new year, Nursed in the lap of the bounteous Spring : She lifts her beautiful face so fair. Her voice is heard as ihe woodlands ring, — With sweet bird-music ; rich notes ascend From cloisters wild, in the forest shades: — The warbler^' tendercst love-songs lend, A May-time glory to sunlit glades. Thrice welcome May ! with her wealth of flowers. rhat through the gossamer g-arb of morn. Peep forth in beauty, or bathed by showers, Exhale perfumes that are hither borne. Sweet bright-eyed Ma\-, how we love her face ! Her glad'ning glance and her mirthful moods : She drapes the groves, an«l transforms with grace To emerald splendour the sylvan woods. A taste of Heaven she giv^^s to earth — Leaves beauty-spots on the iiath she treads : < )ne touch from her. anil the buds have birth. A myriad flowerets lift their heads. 34 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATKS. Our pulses quicken, for hope is rife, She brings the key to its fairy bowers; And all are feeling- the glow of life, Who breathe the scent of the new-born flowers. Oh, lovely May! with her sunn\- brow. By Nature crowned, and her chaplet's gems Are pure as fleeting, wee wild flowers low, Mid velvet verdure, uplift frail stems. The nymph glides on with her garlands gay. Bestowing kisses on one and all; Nor from the lowly she keeps away. All free for such do her favours fall. Her touch transfigures, her smiles renew, — Invest the earth with a vernal charm : The daisies drenched with the diamond dew. Like jewels flash in her sunlig'ht warm. Sweet Nature's handmaid, young joyous May ! Her fair arcadian bowers we love ; Her pink- white blossoms, though frail, con\ey A hidden promise from One Aljove. A summEt^ sHocUEt^. O LOOK at the rain, the heaven-sent rain. Steeping the garden, the woodland, and plain ; See how each tree and each little flower. Holds up its head at the liie-giving shower ! What is so sweet as the freshening rain, Batliing the face of sweet Nature again .' See ! how she smiles as licr daisy-decked brow, Is r('])lete with the raindrops that gleam on it now. The flowers their petals outspread to the rain. With thirst they were parched, yet new life they regain What can the sweet-briar in fragrance excel. When sprinkled afresh willi thr rain, can ye tell .- I'ASIOKAI. I'ol MS. 35 We can but t'L-joicc at the soft gentle rain, I'hat l)rightens the jifrass in the dust- cove red lane; Nature's sweet elixir, purest and best, Restoring" her charms when she s sad and depressed. Mv iiome, is but a lowly home, And yet I love it more Than all the stately dwellinLi's line. 1 hat rise from sh(jre tu shore. It cannot boast one costly thing-, Or g^rand and outward show : J-5ut oh 1 the love that dwells within. Far more than others know . My home, it is a pleasant home, And full of love and bliss ; Oh I what would many sad hearts give P^or such a home as this ! And many happy years Ive passed Beneath its shelt'ring roof, — The plt^isant hours I've spent within riie homestead of mv N'oulli. My home, it is a rural home. Beside the old green lane : In summer, blooming flowers bright Festoon the window pane. The rose-trees climb its mossy wall. And form a rustic bower. In which I've often sat and dreamt Through many a sunn)- hour. M\ home, it is a happ)' home, And where 1 live content ; Our love is all united herr. And in one channel bent. < )ur cot o'erlooks lone Helds and wooY CHARLOTTE GATES. Quiver in the evening" breeze, That comes from off the stream, Whose brink reflects the aspen trees, Beneath the sun's last i^eam. I love to rove at eventide, Down in the ij'rassy meadows; And see the cattle as they bide. Among" the cooling- shadows. I love to roam by marshy swamps, So thick with Ijending" reeds ; And see afar the gipsies' camps, In g-reen and rush}' meads. "Tis sweet to walk at eventide, Where g"olden g"rain is growings; When song-birds in the bushes hide, And winds are gently blowing- : — Waving- the rich corn to and fro, When evening's sun is setting' — The shadows length'ning- as I go, All earthly cares forgetting. But sweeter far at eventide, I love the lonely wood ; To quietly 'mong the brackens glide. And mark each closing- l)ud. To hear the night-birds' shriek on high. And nightingale so sweet; Warbling his notes unto the sky. Within his wild retreat. HAROliD PAl^K, LiOLU mOOt^. Wkli.! can this really Ijc the place That I in childhood used to know. Where "mong the l)are black hills of shale, Nought but the golden g-orse would grow? I'ASTORAL I'OKMS. .J 3 ll is ihc same, l)ul oh ! how changed. For verdure now crowns every spot ; 'I'he w ltd and barren moor of old, We now may seek, l)ut find it not. A thoughtful fairy might have been And touc^hed it with her magic wand. For ornamental lakelets clear, Now drain what once was swampy land. The broad expanse of water there, All wavy, like a mimic tide ; I'pon its ri|>pling surface bright, Sui-h dainty boats now gaily glide. And lovely flowers now deck the sward. Arranged with true artistic skill : While variegated foliage bright, Adorns each verdant slo]:)e and hill. Here, toiling ones, when work is o'er, May find repose in shady bowers ; And have their senses charmed the while, With music, and the scent of flowers ; And in the sunmier sail the lake, To court the breeze, or warm sunlight; I n winter test its crust of ice, With all a skater's fond delight. Wnt what is treasured most of all, This polished granite column here — .\ fit memorial fount to one Whose honoured name is graven there. riiat name is blest, thro' him that sleeps, The ruggefl waste has been refined : in everything" around we see His generous hanrl, and noble mind. When on the shifting sands of time, III' left behind a golden mark Which fadeth not ; for this fair spot, Xn\\ bears the name of 'HaroM Park." 44 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. ODE TO THE mooN O (;e.\ ii,E Moon, sweet tjfuardian of the ni.s;"ht, Pour down on earth thy flood of lustrous. lij;-ht ; Illuminate the firmament on hig"h, And fill with lig"ht the blue o'erarchingf sky. Shed on these plains thy soft and dusky ra\", Let thy rich light the darkness chase away. Smile down, sweet Moon, upon this world of ours. Bathe these wild valleys all bedecked with flowers, With thy sweet light, so p'acid and so clear — Thy mellow rays that are so welcome here. O'er Nature's face thy faithful vigil keep. Watch o'er each little flow'ret while asleep. Shed on this earth thv glorv from afar. Outshine in splendour every little star. Smile on, fair Moon. I love thy streaming light. Serenely sott ; so sad, and pale, yet bright. The fleecy clouds so swiftly pass thee by — Obscure thee for a moment from the eye : And all is changed again from lig-ht to shade. Till once more thou appearest o'er the glade : Unfettered from the clouds, thou seemst to shine More dignified and lovely every time ! O beauteous Orb ! thou full and splendid Moon, Gem of the heavens, and to earth a boon ; Cast down on us thy tranquil, soothing- light. From the ethereal regions calm and bright. Thou wanderer in the far celestial sphere, O brightly beam upon us mortals here. Shed thy soft light from vale to mountain steep, y\nd keep thy watch o'er thousands while they sleep. O silvery Moon ! thou source of light on high, A halo round thee in the midnight sky: And far removed from meaner things on earth. With stars thy kindred, yet of smaller worth : Thy courtiers, through heavens' boundless plain ; A momcni. seen, now lost, then seen ag'ain ; The silvery clouds come ((uietly floating by. Like massive icebergs sail the azure sky. I'ASrOKAL I'Ol MS. 15 But thou the hrii^-htcst, richest ^em of all. let on earlli thy beams so softly fall. A mystery to man, and ever will. We try to solve thee, yet are baffled still. We only know this planet thou dost lij^^ht At fj-ivon j)eriods, with thy beams so briy-ht. On slumber smilest. beauteous and sublime, As i^-lorious now as in the ol(K;n time. In i)eace and unmolested silence, thou Dost move, and flin^est ylory here below. A Rein^- so hij^h and holy <,'-uides thy course, We know not whence thy splendour has its source : Thy mild l)riLiht orb re\'eals to us at least. Thy patli throug^h ilie meridian from the east. Describes a semicircle to the west. Where peacefully thou sinkest to thy rest. An unseen Hand Divine controls thy sphere, 1 love thy sacred li;^^ht so calm and clear; Queen of the ni^j-ht I oerlookin.o; wooeeps into the old green lane. 48 P0E3IS BY GHARI.OITK DATES. The honeysuckle 'round the bower Is twined amongf the sweet-pea flower. The rustic owns his humble cot, And well-trimmed, pretty gfarden plot. The village is a peaceful nook, So still, by meadow, wood, and brook. That ripples on so g^ay and free, And dances in its very g-lee. No noise disturbs the meads so still Save one, from yonder old grey mill. Its water-wheel goes splashing round, With reg'lar, rumbling, drowsy sound. J'he stream, with rural bridge across. Its walls bedecked with softest moss. The little school stands on the hill- — The village green, so quiet and still ; A simple, unpretending place. Old Time has left on it a trace : And there upon the Sabbath day. The little children wend their way. Such is the spot my father loved, In youth where he so oft hath roved; That house in ruins and forlorn. The very place where he was born ! Where he was reared, and lived in youlli. Beneath that ancient, green-grown root. The hillock where he oft hath ])laye(l Beneath the oak tree's spreading shade. Old tree, if ihou to me could'st speak, And tell the tale that I would seek : Ye scenes of all his early youth. If ye could tell to me the truth: Could this green turf a tale reveal, 'Twould tell me of his early weal — The ])lace that knew him as a boy, The scene of all his youthful joy. Their tide of memory back would flow. And teil a tale ot years ago. The hearts that knew him then are gont--, His house is desolate and lone. The hands that him in youth caressed Are in the churciiyard, laid at rest; I'ASIUKAI. 1'OK.MS. 49 And many in this country spot Have passed away, and are forg^ot ; Have lived their uneventful time, Some died in years — some in their prime ; ThcN- in the out-world were not seen. But lived content upon the " Green." The little churchyard now contains Their mortal clay that still remains. Noui^ht but a tablet now is seen To tell the strang-er they have been. With l)ut the simple words inscribed. To tell that they have lived and died; And even those that know them best Have ceased to weep for tho^(' at rest. A DECemBEt^ ROSE. [O/i (I soli/ary rose being found bloominv:; in J)(C;. 59 I'Or my life is dull and dreary, I have lost my li.y'htsome g'lec ; And the days seem all alike, Mother- I'hey are all the same to me. The storm-cock in the distance Is complaininLT to the morn, I can hear him whistle shrilly. On yonder old dead thorn. And the bitter wind is sweepin^^" Across the barren lea : And the days seem all alike, Mother- They are all the same to me. Tho' I have not had a sorrow, And I ha\e not had a care, Yet the weig^ht that presses on me, .Seems more than I can bear. And I long- for you to cheer me, And to set my spirit free; For the days seem all alike. Mother— They are all the same to me. THE SHOCUDROP. Tin land rejioses, garbed in angel white. A nlyri^ul snow-gems 'neath the noonday sun Are scintilating ; few ha\e yt^-t begun To rn|uify beneath the radiant light. Thus while stern Winter's hand onzones the earth, And .Xature's shielde stands revealed : and through all time remains Inviolate; and yet freely she responds With her own plaintive mellifluous voice To those who worship at her peerless throne. And love to hold communion with her soul. I'ASTOKAI. I'd I .MS. 6 1 Throuyh sylvan i^lons and ilim-lit (ori--t aisles, i hear her womlrous \va\us ot music sweep In anthems j^rand ; then lisp in whisperini;' limes A soothing' monody, that softly falls Upon the senses like a gently sung" Swt-et lullaby, unto her clinging chiM. That loves to nestle 'gainst her throbbing breast. And draws its nurture from her yielding soil. Then while she holds me in her soft embrace. Th(?re breaks from her some wild e.\ultant strain ; In jubilation swell triumphant sontfs, And rhapsodies : in contact close she thus Beguiles me with the witchery of her charms. Anon in tcirtured, anguished tones she wails In lamentation, when the troublous storm, Disturbs her rest; and rends and racks her soul Unto its centre ; as its withering- power Bows down her head, and shakes her to the heart; Thus with distorted visage she a|)pears To me more worshipful. All those who kneel at Nature's hallow'd shrine. Adore the Diety ; and methinks when we Cling- closely to her, we are nearer Heaven. If I am sorrow-laden, I can throw Myself upon thy mercy. Mother true ; And rest my head in thy protecting arms. And there pour forth into thy bending- ear, The i)ent-up ang'uish of a stricken heart ; And fmd in thee more solace than a hard And cruel, grasping, hollow world can give - Derive sweet succour from the soothing sound Of purling streamlet, murmuring- through the gkule ; Thus in thy lap, beneath the blackthorn bare, Through which the cool and pure sweet evening bree/.e Goes gently soughing', lulling me to rest, 1 find true peace. Through every season she some charm reveals To those that love her. What can there surpass The hope-bound beauties of her vernal spring } When from lethargic winter she bursts forth In soft reiulgence, decked with garlands green. 62 POKMS BY CHARLOTTK OATES. What in voluptuous splendour can approach Her full-robed summer? when she sits enthroneil In rich luxuriance. Nor when in autumn shu With lowering- pulse, a brig-ht coronal wears Of glowing' tints, upon her pensive brow. In winter when she rests and dreams, her form Half hid in virgin vesture, angel white. Set off with rich and sparkling crystal g'ems, Her divers changes pass in mystic waves. Obeying unsolved God-made laws, that gird And g-overn all the universe. But she Unto her devotees is never harsh Nor yet unsympathetic. Howe'er her face denotes her passing mood Divine she is, and to my soul appeals. I feel that she a loving" message brings From her own God. Through her His spirit Moats O'er all the Universe. In various forms She is the reflex ot His changeful will ; She breathes to me in mellow'd tones sublime Of His omnipotence. His spirit moves In all her aspects : in her silvery mists And rains benign, I trace His falling tears : Depressed He is, and mourns, when heaxy skies Droop o'er our heads. Then in the tempest's wrath We mark His frown ; His ang"er doth iippall When thunder echoes 'mong the solemn hilis : And when His brow is cleitred, the clouds disperse And show Jjeyond. the bright ethereal blue, — In sunlight fair is mirrowed all His smiles ; When day-beams on His children fall, we feel His benison di\^ine. UUHEN THE EVEHir4C LtAmP IS LilCHTED. When the e\('ning lamp is lighted And our dear ones safe at ht)ir.i hi one l)ond of lt)\'e united, Welcome is the wintry yloom. I'ASrOKAI. I'OK.AIS. Hap|)\' are the hours f)f e\cnin^- Sweetest tmie of all the aryone benighted, 'Tis a landmark in the gloom. 64 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATES. Strife and discord ne'er invade us, These we count our bitter foes ; But the soul of peace surrounds us With a sweet and calm repose. sPHiriG. Spring has come, with all its beauty Fast unfolding" every diiy — Come with all its lovely freshness — Nature in her new array. Mark each tiny bud unclosing" From its pretty velvet case ; Brought forth by the hand of Nature, Each to its appointed place. Peeping shyly at the daylight, Half afraid to come at first. Then when they are fully wakened, Forth in all their beauty burst. Nature dons her garb for summer — All things seem so lively now ; Note the pretty meadow flowers. We can almost see them grow. Tender shoots are now appearing From the earth where they have hid ; — AVhere for long they have been sleeping. Coming forth when they are bid. Plrst the pure and lowly snowdro]), Ventures forth the Spring to meet ; Next the primrose and the daisy, Then the daffodil so sweet. And when they are bathed with dewdrops. How they glisten, pearly Itrightl in the fresh and early morning, And the cooler sh^ides of night. rASToKAi. roK.Ms. 65 See the lair ami flowery meadows, IVii^-htly clad in verdure g-ay ; Nature smiles in all her .ijfladness, Now that winter's passed away. Hark I the little lambs are bleatin;^'" In the pasture by the stream ; With each other they are playing" — 'Neath the sun's revi\inijf beam. All the neijtj"hbourin^- woods are ringing- With the little wild-birds' son-^" ; From each tiny throat comes trilling" Notes of music all day long". First, the homely robin-redbreast Smgs so sweetly to his mate; I'or we g"ave them crumbs in winter, When they perched upon the g"ate. Thc^n we hear the |)laintive cuckoo. With its loud peculiar call : Then the thrush, the wren, and linnet Singing to each other all; 7\nd the gentle lark, ascending", Sings its varied, tuneful lay: I'o the skies its song "tis pouring, As it soars from earth away. Joyous song-birds — imitating — Trying which can warble best; Never weary of rehearsing — Ne\er tnkc one day of rest. Let us greet the lovely Spring-time ; Nature looks so bright and fair; Sweetest llowers and scented blossoms, — P>ag"rance laden on the air. We can trace the good Creator; He has spread with lavish hand — (liven new life to the drooping. Scattered Ijcauty o'er thi' l.md. 66 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. Welcome, welcome, happy Spring-tide ; Sweetes^t time of all the year ; Rich in varie,i,^ate(l foliaye — Beautiful beyond compare. THE l^IGHTIjNiGALiE. Beautiful warbler, singing in g"lee, Perched on the bough of yon wide spreading tree ; Trilling a song from thy little throat, Gushing with music, its every note. Songster of midnight, beautiful bird, Through the wild glen is thy melody heard; Soon as the moon takes her path through the sky. Commences thy singing, so plaintive and high ; When darkness descends, and the farm-yard is still, And silence reigns over the valley and hill. The Ijirds ot the wood are asleep and at rest, 'Tis now that thou lovest to warble the best. Unmolested and free there to tune a sweet lay, Preferring the silence of night to the day. Beautiful bird, in thy lonely retreat, Pouring- forth melody charming and sweet. Queen of the songsters, sweet Nightingale, Reigning supremely in the dark vale. Now imitating the lark, or the thrush, Untutored and free, and thy melodies gush, In cadences sweet, at once thrilling and high. With rich mellow notes that swell forth to the sky ; Then dropping so suddenly low and yet clear, — That falls in a whisper so sweet to the ear. Again it drifts into a melancholy strain, So piercing and wild, then is silent again. Though mocking the other birds' every call, Thine own silvery music surpasses them all. Thy song is far sweeter to me than the rest, Thou wild nightingale, with thy dusky brown breast. Sweet serenader, when we are asleep, — • P>idding them all to bo joyous that wee]). PASTORAI, I'Mi \K. 67 Thy sweet thrillin.ij" song" jjutting- sorrow to flij^ht, And cheerinj^'" the lonesome, deep silence of night. 1 love thee, sweet birdie, for singing alone, VV hen woodlands, and valleys, and hills are thine own. Other birfls love to sing in llic day. When all the wcirUl shinelh so bright and so gay ; 'i'hou choosest the holy hushed stillness of night. When all the world round thee is peaceful and quiet. Dcliirhting to sing amidst solitude free, With no one to hear thee, and no one to see ; — Xone l)ut the Master, who dwelleth on High, Will hearken thee chanting th)- praise to the sky : Sweet little minstrel, in thy delight- Singing thy beautiful hymn to the night. THE FIRST F^OSE OF sUmmEl^." 'Tis the first rose ot summer that dares to appear, All suffused in the dew of an angel-dropt tear; So modestly, timidly, it has displayed Its xirg'inal charms, in their freshness arrayed. But soon 'twill discoxcr that it was the first To allow its fair petals from bondag"e to burst. Nor must it then languish, but with us abide, 'Jill more of its sisters bloom there by its side. We joyfully greet thee, thou dainty-lip'd rose; It is cheering to see thy soft petals unclose ; Fair emblem of love ! with romance ever bound. And the essence of hope in thy bosom is found. This message Irum Heaven thou truly dost bring"", 'I'hat summer has merged from the promise of spring; The soul of it lies in thy beauty we see, It breathes in the scent that thou bearest with thee. How dar si thou e.xpand 'neath this weeping- grey sky.' The sullen north-easter thou seem'st to def)', So courage we find in thy lo\eliness dwells, Tis but the unwise one. at fate that rebels. 68 POEJIS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. Stern Boreas will melt at this ravishing" sight, Thy exquisite beauty he'll seek not to blight ; Such trustful temerity can but disarm, All vengeance will soften, he'll bow to thy charm. Thou art faithful to Nature, thou beautiful flower, She fulfills the commands of the All-seeing Power ; And obeying her dictates, to her ever true, Thou comest in season, be skies grey or blue. Oh ! ling'er frail rose, till the sun shall appear. To kiss thy young beauty, and dry up that tear ; And when his warm rays on thy white petals shine, 'Twill enhance the loved charms that by birthright are thine. His smiles will disclose what we love in thee most, — The splendours that none but the white rose can boast ; Unequalled in purity; — fit to adorn. The breast of the noblest that ever were born ! God's delicate handiwork ! lovingly drest In nature's soft textures, the thought will suggest — Oh, wert thou immortal ! why canst rhou not stay .' Why beauty and perfume should yield to decay 1 This is thy brief mission, thou gem amongst flowers I Thou harbinger sweet of the bright summer hours ; As there in thy depths are the jewel-drops seen, O'er all in the garden, to reign as their queen ! THE COU]^Tl^Y COTTAGE Glt^Li." They seek to lure me from my home. That I in London may abide; They'd have me change my simjile life For one of indolence and pride; They know not, oh ! they know not, The sacrifice t' would be ; The dear ones in my cottage Are all in all to me. I'ASTOKAI. I'OEMS. 69 The town is never tran(|uil, "fis one perpetual whirl ; 1 would turn my hrain I — Let me remain — A country Cottage Girl. Yes. they would have me leave this hum • For yonder g^ay and splendid town ; They'd have nie cast this cotton frock, And don me in a satin gown. They take me for a dreamer, And think I long to go ; They cannot guess my feelings, — My heart the)-'!! never know : I covet not tJK'ir riches, The diatiKjnd or the i)earl, They tempt not me, I'd rather be — A humble Cottage Girl ! A child of freedom I am here, No tow'ring walls obstruct my \iew Of yonder ever changing sky. And hills enwrapt in vapour blue ; A landscape clothed in beauty, Here lies before me far ; The black domes of the city, My view shall ne\er bar: The music of the forests. The streamlet's soothing' jiurl ; Oh ! grant me these, if you would please — A rustic Cottage Girl. Ate those who live in pomp anil state The hai)[iiest ones upon this earth ? Ah no ! a yoke of care and grief Oft burdens those of noble birth : Some think such li\e for pleasure, It cannot well be so ; We know that rank is often An heritage of woe. And those who own their titles, The Countess and the Earl. — Of high degree, — may envy me — The lowly Cottage Ciirl. 70 P0E3IS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. The tiara, and the royal crown, Oft-times must weary heads adorn ; And aching' temples throb beneath The flashing gems so proudly worn. If I had wealth and fortune. But bound to join the strife, And give up for the city, My peaceful country life, I could not then be happy, My wealth from me I'd hurl ; — The world ignore, and be once more — A careless Cottage Girl ! They fain would show their gems of art, And let me see their wondrous sights ; They'd take me through the festive halls Illumined with electric lights : They vainly seek to make me, In these my youthful days. An artificial lady. With studied, formal ways; — To lounge within a carriage, My fingers idly t'virl, Would suit not me. I'd rather be — An active Cottage Girl ! They say my ^ace is bright w ith bloom, But from these cheeks would fiide the rose, Were I to breathe the ball-room air. And not till dawn seek my repose ; They telt me I might marry A man with purple blood; What care 1 for the colour .•" His luart may not be good; Give me my faithful Gilbert, Though but a village churl ; He'll happy make, and ne'er forsake — His little Cottage Girl. Their costly treasures they may take, I still will drav,^ from Niiture's store ; I mark her every changing mood, And read her tokens o'er and o'er. PASTORAL I'OKMS. 7 I I'he ruby and the sapphire, May fiicinate the eye ; Rut they are matchecl in splendour, By hues that deck the sky; Yet when the works of nature, I g'ladly would unfurl : The London born, would lau^h to scorn — The simple Cottajj^e Girl. No murmur of the world's unrest, These woodland solitudes comes near ; The breezes in sweet undertones, Their secret i)laints breathe in my ear ; I ne'er was made to dazzle, I ne'er was made to charm ; Unto my hi^h-born sisters I freely give the palm ; L ivill not be a lady, Bedecked with many a curl : My lot is best, (iods love hath blest — A country Cottag"e Girl ! THE LUEST ailHD. O Wesitrly Wind, of thee I would siny, Bringing" a health-giving scent on thy wing: From over the moors, and from off the sea. Blowing thy fresh sweet breath to me. O frolicsome wind from over the hill. Rising and tailing, and coming at will ; Wafting the smell of the gorse and the broom, [home. Where sweet heather blooms, and wild-birds ha\i' their From off the moorland upon thy wing. Thou bearest the fragrance of heather and whin ; I'urple an».l gokleii, tlicy blossom so wiM. And known to none but the mountain child. O Westerl)- Wind, with boisterous glee. From off the Atlantic thou'rt blowing to me ; Thou hast cross'il the deep, and kiss'd the spray. And brought the ozone from far away. 72 POEMS BY CHARLOTTK GATES. O Westerly Wind, so bracing- and free, Bringing- the smell of the wild briny sea; Zephyrus ! I love to feel thee blow, Bringing a freshening healthtul glow. O Westerly Wind, what music is thine — /Eolian harps that are sweetly in chime ; Now thou art racking- the boughs of the trees. Then dropping again to a murmuring breeze. O Westerly Wind, could I follow thy flight- Be borne on thy wings through the day and the night; Over the moorland, over the sea — What would I give but to travel with thee ! THH CAf^DEfl. They say that " love doth love beget," It seemeth so to me ; A little bird I love so well, Has built its pretty downy nest, Upon the garden tree. Does it, too, bear a love for me. That makes it come so near .' Why did it leave the woods and meads, And build its home so close to mine, To rear its nestlings here ? It seems as if it knew full well That I would be its friend ; That I would shield its home from harm. Protect it from the ruthless hand, — Its little ones defend. Then I will not betray the trust It doth repose in me ; But watch it with a tender care,- — The precious gift thiit it has pUiced For me, upon this tree. I'ASTORAL rOKMS. 73 What made it l)uild its little nest So near my cotla'i'e floor ? k must have l»eL-n a link of love, It knew that it wouM welcome be, Which makes me love it more. Who taught it how to weave its nesi With moss and sihery thread ? And l)its of our discarded lloss Are twined among- this withered grass, To make a soft warm bed. It is a loving- Being- on High, A mighty g-uiding power. Who gives it instinct for it all, And bids it when to soar and sing-. And sleej) at midnig-ht hour. And when I see the little birds In beauty take their flight. And soar on wings towards the sk\ , My kindest wish shall follow them, When they are from my sig"lit. And they'll awa)- to yonder wood, Their happy song-s to sing": Soon they will leave the parent home. O'er vale and mountain as they soar, Seek freedom on tlie wing-. mOONLilT FbOOiERS. Moon of the summer night. Soft and subdued thy light. Kissing- the roses white. The while they sleep, — Roses so rich and fair, 1* illing- the evening- air. While ye are slumb'ring there. With perfume sweet. 74 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. Softly the summer breeze, Speaks to the moonht trees, Plays with the cream-white leaves Where dew-drops gleam. Only to look at them ! Trembles each lir|uid g'em. Poised on the mossy stem, So crystal clear. Down in the fair rose bower, Drooping its head still lower, Blushes the sweet-pea flower, And clasps the rose. With clinging' tendrils tine. Lovingly they entwine, Dew-jewelled flowers of mine, This summer night. After the sunshine warm. Bathed in their nightly balm, Wearing a fresher charm, Beneath the moon. Transient gifts from Heaven ! Scenting the breath of even ; Would that to each were given Perpetual life ! Taking its own sweet will. Straying' along' the sill. Into my chamber still, Peeps one white rose. Into the shadows deep. Hither it fain would creep. Bowing its head in sleep. Against the pane. Rose of a summer's day, Born but to lade away ; Frailer than mortal clay. Ami lacks the soul. I'ASroKAI. I'OKMS. 75 Whispers this dreamini,'' rose Wrajil in its calm rejjose, '■ 1 ime for the eyes to closf. Good ni;;ht, g-ood nig-ht ! " DAYBHEAK- I STKAYKi) alonj4" the meadows, When day bei^an to dawn ; — As from the tiice of nature, A curtain was being- drawn. It moved away so slowly, And then disclosed to view, Sweet nature just awakened, — Commencing' life anew. Like jewels were the dewdrops, Upon each blade of grass, — Those jjlintinof g-ems were trembling-, To wait each zephyr pass. So lovely and transjuirent, They beaded every spray. And clung- to every floweret 1 passed upon the way. The world as yet was sleeping', The village all was still ; The scene was sad and lonely, The morn was cold and chill. The mists were fast dispelling^ The sky was clear and g-rey ; A fresh'ning- l)reeze was blowing'. To usher in the day. And by-and-by a birdie I'eg^an to g-reet the morn, 1 heard it chirj) and twitter, Upon the leafy thorn :~ It seemed to waken others. In meadows all around ; Thry called unto each other, WHth sweet and merry sound. And as I lingered long-er. J'he sun began to rise ; — 76 I'OEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATES. A lig'ht SO soft and rosy O'erspread the eastern skies : — And then a ball of crimson Appeared upon the scene ; It shone upon the hill tops, And o'er the meadows green, — Till Phoebus, bright and glorious, Illumined heaven and earth, And nature roused from slumber. Was full of life and mirth. The flowers op'ed their petals. So softly one by one. And smiled, amid the dewdrops, To greet the morning- sun. The little bees so busy, Came near \vith humming sound. And gathered sweetest nectar From flowers all around. Then came two village rustics, The hour of toil had come ; I bade g-ood-bye to Fancy, And went towards my home. They broke my meditation — The village was awake ; I hastened to my duties — I'd watched the morning break. And all was life and gladness Amongst the fields ot corn ; The birds were singing sweetly Their carols to the morn. 1 turned and left the meadows, When morn was in its prime; I'd seen another instance Of God's own hand divine. TOillilGHT. I TOOK a walk at twilight, That loved and peaceful hour, When dew is softly falling- Upon each drooping- flower. TASTORAL POKMS. // The day and nion the air; Then all again was silent. And Xature looked so iair. The western skies were glowing With mellow anil)er light ; The day was sofil\' wanitig. And mingling with the night. The moon came slowly rising. When vanished had the sun. yS POKMS BV char[,ottj: gates. And shone with chastened splendour- The day its course had run. I saw the stars come peepinj;- Into the evening sky — They one by one so brig-htly, Lit up the heavens on hiyh. Then in the far-off village, The lights began to shine : But in this spot secluded. 'Twas but the Hand Divine That hung those lamps in Heaven. And placed them at His will. To light this glen setiuestered. That slept so lone and still. The day was gently dying, A lull was over all — A hush came over Nature, To wait the darkness fall. The dim grey light grew faintiir, The night was stealing on ; I stood alone in silence — The day-sounds all were gone. I watched the mystic changes Come over Nature's face ; The daylight had departed. And moonlig'ht filled its place. The trees in stately grandeur, So tall and noble stood. And formed a sombre background — A dark and silent wood. 1 worship my Creator When viewing' scenes like this : I seem to feel His presenile, The hours are full of bliss : Him through His works I worshij), I know His subtile j)Ower, And feel so near my Maker At twilight's restful hour. .Subdued, and calm, and holy, It holds a charm lor me : It seems to whisjjer sortI\-, — "Now let thy fancy free." PASTURAI. I'OKMS. NiCHT. 79 TiiK (lay is dont', and Nij^'-ht descends, And spreads its shuk'ring" wiiij^' ; It wraps the eanh beneath its fold.s. And sweet repose doth hrin.tj;'. The mist descends mysteriously, And makes the j^rasses weep ; 'Tis Natures veil thrown over all, That it may (luietly sleep. Ni^ht has come, and darkness falls. While Somnus holds his sway ; Tran(iuillity sinks over all, I'ntil another day. The western liyht so softly g^lows Upon the silence deep ; The breath of heaven gently blows, And lulls the flowers to sleep. All is hushed, and silence rei-, — Smile on their uplifted faces. O ye stars in silent t;'t)i'y, Reflex of the Spirit-land ; Gems of beauty, like a studded Diadem, in my Father's hand I O ye stars, in solemn splendour, How I love to see ye shine ; Now methinks my soul yc fjeckon, Upwards to your light divine. Has one brig-ht star left its sisters .' It is gliding swiftly down ; Looking' like a jewel falling". From that vast bespangled crown. Star of Paradise, I wait thee. Coming from the Unknown Sphere ;- Dost thou bear a message holy, Calling nie awav from here f COmPEHSATIG^lS. When Summer's flowers are dead, ami Winter's blast Despoils the foliage, leaving black and bare The trees and hedgerows: then white-jewelled lair Coronals deck thcni, which arc not surpassed In lovliness. While those pure frust-flowers last. 84 ■ POEMS BY CHARLOTTK GATES. All is transfig-ured : ice-pearled every spray Glints glorified ; and neath a rosy ray In opal crystals every twig" seems cast. In vaporous frosts a feathery film depends From every object ; and yon vale below Etherealizes ; for each sprig- and bough Light, half-transparent tassels then suspends ; Entranced we gaze on giist'ning' frost-gemmed bowers, And wait the resurrection of the flowers. A LUIHTHY SUBSET. How splendidly the sun went down Behind yon snow-clad hill I It tinged the clouds with fiery dye, — So calm and tranquil now they lie — And all is sad and still. Around, above, where e'er I look. The scene is one of peace ; The far-off landscape draped in white, As softly fiiUs the veil of night, Its beauties still increase. The garb of snow brings out in full The objects all around, In bold relief: with tall bare trees That stand out black, de\oid of leaves, The distant hills are crowned. That orb of crimson hue has sunk So softly in the west ; — Has shed its glory here below. And kissed the pure crystal snow, Before it sunk to rest. It glimmered brightly through the trees, Anrl shot a parting' ray; First to the valleys bade good-bye, Then smiled upon the moorlands high. And then it passed away. PASTOKAI. I'OK.MS. 85 Its disc has disappeared from view. And iii^-ht has cast its pall ; The dappled clouds retain their liglu, Divinely beautiful the siyht, — And peace reigns over all. TO A I^OBIH- COMK birdie, come hither, this winterly morn. While hoar-frost is cling-ingf to yonder bare thorn, And shininy so briyhtly on every boug"h, The woodlands are clothed in a mantle of snow. I hear thee lamenting- upon the yew-tree, Thou seemst to be chirping and calling for me; Then come to my win- are kissed by the bright moonbeam, Some like the richest emeralds seem ; Or diamonds, set amid pearls so white. They glisten so lovely, transparently bright. They dazzle resplendently, crystal and clear. In the pale silver sheen they so beauteous appear; And the soft sad moonlight, so calm and serene. Gives a sweet holy charm to the fair peaceful scene; Beautiful snow, sent from Above — Emblem of purity, light, and of love. I'ASIOKM. I'UKMS. 89 DEAD bEAVES. Oil. russet leaves! ye seem to speak to me. And tell in whispers what ye all have seen, When ye were younof, and flutter'd fresh and yreen. And kissed the budding" blossoms on the tree. Whilst lispini,'" sonLCs, borne on the \vand'rin;;r wind. Ye screened the ripe and luscious fruit from view, And danced in sunlig-ht ; but ye paler grew — When all the fruit was ^-arnered. ye declined. More tanned and scorched became ye day by day. And crispened in the Autumn's sunshine wan. Till ye were dead ; then softly earthward ye All idly dropped ; and now await decay, — Ye that were once the favoured shade for man, Now withered lie, yet teach life's truth to me. c^:^:^ go POEMS BY CHARLOTTE GATES. miM til ^ ©lis. fex R GREETIflC TO TgH SEA. Beautiful, silvery, shinin.s: sea, Dancing and rippling-, ruffled and free ! • Its waves sing a song to welcome me here. As I gaze through the mist of a joyful tear. The curves of its waters now burst on my view, Reflecting the tint of the firmament blue ; My heart in its ecstacy throbs with delight, As the fair ocean gleams like a far-off light. Beautiful, boundless, billowy sea ! Noble, expansive, and smiling at me : Bidding me welcome again to its shore — Would that I now had to leave it no more. Seen from afar, so fresh"ning and bright. Peeping 'tween hillocks to gladden my sight ; Through ridges and tracks of golden sand. Bright'ning the waste of barren brown land. Since last 1 looked on thee, what storms must have crossed Thy surface, now tranciuil, with tempests have tossed ; Now peace has descended upon thy bright breast, And soften'd the wrath of thy billows to rest. The balm-bearing breath of the Ix-autiful sea, Is wafted so sweet o'er the mosses to me; I'm coming, old ocean, to see thee again. From over the heather, and sandy plain. SKA SONGS AND OtKAN ODKS. yl Beautiful, ;,,''listnin,;,;-, chanyinj^ sea ! I come o'er the moorland to look upon thee : Stupendous and miji'hty, come let us unite- — I lang'uish to touch thy waters so brii;;ht. I come to interpret the m}stical son^" Of thy nmrmuriny' waves that are flowing" along; Rolling and restless, controlled by a Hand ihat la\ishes heautv o'er ocean and land I THH LUHISPERIflC LUflVES. In the twilight time of an autumn day. When the sunset colours had died awaw And shadows weird on the waters lay, The whispering of the waves, Came sweet and low to my listening ear ; I felt the soul of the sea was near; 'Twas siren's music so soft and clear, — The whispering waves, the whispering waves. Our fancy i)la\s in the gloaming dim, i he while we scan the horizon's rim. And listen to Nature's evening hymn, — The whis]iering of the waves. Out of the mist that seaward lies. Come nymphs, to revel 'neath twilight skies: They merrily dance, while fall and rise, The whispering waxes, the whispering w aves. The wordless songs of the sea-sprites free, Are melodies borne from the deep to me; I thus interpret the murmuring sea, — The whispering of the waves. — While mystic lights to the surface dart, They breathe of hope to the drooping heart : And oh ! the charm that their songs impart. The whispering w aves the whispering waves. 92 POEMS BY CHARLOTTE OATES. As unto me do the sleepless waves, Fresh stories bring- from the sea's dark caves, — They tell of its heroes' far-off g'raves, The whispering" ot the waves. Of deeds of valour they oft-times sing-. And how to faith must the tried heart cling- ; A sense of peace to my soul they bring-, The whispering- waves, the whispering- waves. THE HETUf^]M OF THE FISHING FliEET. Night drooped upon the stilly wave. And wrapped the deep beneath its wing: ! The g-orgeous splendour of the day. Grew chastened, in the twilight dim. The evening- star hung- o'er the dee]). In solemn beauty, pure and brighi.; And on the silent waters tell From far above, its silvery lig-ht. The weary sun had sunk to rest, Upon the bosom of the deep : The wind with murm'ring music soft. Had lulled the ocean sprites to sleep. And from behind the old church tower. The moon had risen clear and bright ; And softly kissed the tranquil sea. And smiled upon the beach so white. When o'er the silvery moonlit wave. So lig-htly sailed the fishing; fleet ; Each coble with its crimson sails, And laden from the bounteous deep. And on the shell-encrusted pier, A group of bonnie fishwives fair ; With wistful g-aze, survey the sea, The night breeze playing- with their hair. SKA SOXCS AM) OCKAN ODF.S. 93 And in the ofllng- they discern All they had fondly wished to see ; As one by one. the littli* boats Come bounding' o'er the waves so fret-. They watch them near the harl)our bar. In sheltered refuge, once again ; — Sail swiftly round the reet of rocks, And leave behind the open main. With i^rows that cleave the waters bright, And outspread sails, they glide along; The yawls and luggers, trimly rigged, And manned by sailors brave and strongs. A cheery shout rings through tlie air. To greet them as the strand they near ; The sails are furled, the anchors dropped. Beside the wave-washed wooden j^ier. And in the soft and shady light. The trawling nets are hauled ashore; Inburdened of their glilt'ring freight. The vessels lie at rest once more. The crews have left, and lightly now, Thev ride at anchor in the bay; And guarded by the gentle moon, That bathi's them with its dusky ray. JMnbellishud names, in gold and blue, Are painted on each vessel's side ; His trusty boat the skipper loves, — At once his fortune and his pride. With cheery hearts, and weary hands, Thev seek the homes they love so well : The merry fisher and his wile. In sweet contentment love to dwell. A straw-thatched cottage— that is all. So lowly, yet as white as snow ; So near the sea, kissed l)y the si)ray Borne by the fri'sh"ning winds that blow. 94 POKMS !!Y CHARI.OTTK OATES. Like marble cots, in moonlight pale, Their latticed windows all alight ; That speak of comfort all within — Of cosy firesides, warm and bright. Deserted now the landing pier, For sweet "good-night" has echoed round ; The gates are closed, no footstep heard — The rippling waves the only sound. And midnight soon sinks o"er the deep. Repose pervades the villag'e street ; Thus we have seen the safe return. And mooring of the fishing fleet. R FAHEOUEIili TO fly4 OliD LiipESOAT. Farewell, poor old boat, we shall see thee no more, For long hast thou been on our surge-beaten shore ; And well thou hast served in the years that are gone. Thy record is noble, thy honour is won. A friend thou hast been to the sons of the sea, For eighty-one lives have been rescued thro' thee ! Thy gallant commander, thy mate on the wave. He yet has a heart that is tender as brave ; Who knows, but he dropt on thy timbers a tear When parting, like one from a friend on the bier ? For long have your fortunes betn closely allied. And each served the other when storm-tost and tried. To years of good work the ^lttachment is due. You've been to each other both faithful anert William," One by one "twill chani^-e her crew. liy its hand, the summer llower Giveth place to snow and rime ; Now we find the Lifeboat Coxswain Bowin<^- to the monarch — Time. All the record of his darinyf Comes before the mental eye ; (iailant deeds on storni\' waters. (Jit beneath a weeping" sky. Strong- of limb, with heart of valour, fink Ijenralh the foamy crest, I'nto the j^rave I should love best: A moment, and then not one faint token, To tell for me that the waves had Vjroken : And the)' would roil, as they rolled before. Onward, till dashed on a far-off shore. They'd hide me there when I am rlearl. Down on the sea's dark lonesome bed : There 1 should lie. and heeded not. By all my earthly friends forjjot: — With the mermaids siny-inLi' all around. With a sweetly sad and soug-hing' sound ; In those calm dejjths, on a sandy bed, With a coral reef beneath my head. Alone to lie, mid the ])earls so fair, With the seaweed tan<4:led in my hair. For oh ! I love the dark blue sea. Expansive, fathomless, and free ; It is like music to my soul. When mighty billows rush ami roll. I love it ! be it calm or wild, It lulls and rocks its clini^^ini;- child. I' or lis no inconsistent thing'. That fondest love from fear can spring : A serf may love his master so, — Regard him with the deepest awe ; Xor seek to break from bondage free, A tyrant though that master be. r