THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES :]r^' , A ^^-^-^^ A .-..>'.^^ /^^^ Z f ^ .' >■ 3 SONNETS AND OTHER POEMS. SONNETS. AND OTHER POEMS, CHIEFLY DEVOTIONAL. MRS. THOMAS JEVONS, Editok of " Tue Sacked Offeriku," and "Poems for Youth, by a Family Circle." t^ LONDON : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND COMPANY. LIVERPOOL : D. MARPLES. 1845. TO RICHARD ROSCOE, M.D., THE PLAYMATE OF MY INFANCY, AND THE BELOVED FRIEND OF MY RIPER YEAP.S, THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED, BY HIS GRATEFUL AND AFFECTIONATE SISTER, M. A. JEVONS. 865115 The Author of the following volume thinks it proper to notice that most of the Poems have ah'eady been printed in the "Poems for Youth," in the "Sacred Offering," or other Annuals, ToxTETH Park, Liverpool, 20th January, 184.5. CONTENTS. Page The Trance of Lady Russell 1 Too late; too late ! 4 Sonnet— Matthew ii ' Sonnet— Matthew xi 8 Sonnet— On seeing the Picture of" Christ raising the Widow's Son," by Agostino Caracci !' Sonnet— Matt, iv 10 Sonnet— Mark i 11 Sonnet — Matt, viii 12 Sonnet — Luke iv 13 Sonnet —Matthew iv 14 Sonnet — John ix 15 Sonnet — John xi 16 Sonnet— Luke xviii 1* Sonnet 18 Verses, addressed to my eldest Son, on his being accidentally present at a Funeral 19 Sonnet 22 Sonnet— On a Birth-day Eve 2.3 Verses 24 To W. S. J 2(1 Verses 27 The Sabbath— Morning 29 Noon 30 VUl. Page The Sabbatli — Evening 31 Night 32 " What is that to thee? follow thou me." — John xxi. 22 .. 33 Sonnet— On the Death of S. H 35 Hymn 36 Elegy, on the Death of M. L 37 Sonnet — To a Friend, on his departure for America 39 Soiioet — To Miss Randies, the late celebrated Musician 40 Sonnet 41 Sonnet — On the approach of Winter 42 Sonnet— To J. E. R 43 Sonnet— To J. G. R 44 Sonnet 45 Sonnet 46 Sonnet — On seeing Portraits of my elder Brothers taken when they were Children 47 Sonnet 48 Hymn 49 Sonnet 50 Christmas Hymn 51 Hymn — " Thy kingdom come" 53 Hymn 55 Sonnet 56 Resignation 57 Sonnet — 1 Corinthians xv 58 Sonnet — Revelations xiv 59 Sonnet — Acts xii 60 Sonnet — Revelations xiv 61 Sonnet — Matthew xxviii 62 Sonnet — Acts ii 63 Autumn Verses 64 Sonnet— To Lady J 66 Sonnet 67 IX. Sonnet— To M. vr 68 Hymn fiO Sonnet 70 Sonnet— To T. D. H 71 Sonnet — With a Testament 72 Sonnet 73 Mieah vi. 13, 7, 8 74 Sonnet — On perusing a youthl'ul Diary 75 Sonnet 76 Sonnet— To E. T 77 Sonnet — On hearing of some proposed departures to America 78 Sonnet— To Mrs. E. K 79 Sonnet — Addressed to my Sister 80 Sonnet ' 81 Song 82 Sonnet — Addressed to Mr. 84 Sonnet 85 Sonnet 86 Sonnet 87 Sonnet 88 The Irish Exile's Adieu 89 Sonnet— Written in 1830 91 Verses 92 The Polish Mother's Address — Founded on the circumstance of a Polish Mother putting her Children and herself to Death in the late calamities 93 Hymn — Written on a Sunday, during Sickness 95 Verses ^7 Sonnet 98 Morning Hymn — For a Young Person 99 Evening Hymn — For a Young Person 100 Sonnet 101 Sonnet 102 X. Page Verses written in a Lady's Album 103 Sonnet — Addressed to the Author of " Shades of Character" 105 Isaiah Ix. 19, 20, 21 100 On the Death of R. C 107 Sonnet 109 Sonnet 110 Sonnet Ill Verses 112 Sonnet — On Visiting the Scenes of my Youth 113 Sonnet — To my Sister 114 Sonnet — Milton — A passage paraphrased from Dr. Chan- ning's Essay on Milton 115 i'uneral Hymn — On occasion of the Death of the Kev. J. Hincks, late of Liverijool 116 A Night Thought US Sonnet — Addressed to my Father 120 Verses, sujiposed to have been wiitten by a Child, on the Death of his Sister 121 Sonnet— Sujiposed to be written in the Dingle, Toxteth Park 124 Sonnet— On reading " Memoirs of Margaret Davidson " ... 12-5 Sonnet— On reading a MS. Memoir 126 Sonnet 127 Introductory Sonnet to " Sacred Offering " 128 Sonnet— Written after pemsing Southey's " Life of Cowper " 129 Hymn 130 To L. A.J 132 ( )n placing Flowers on a Tombstone 133 Hymn 134 POEMS THE TRANCE OF LADY RUSSELL. " It is said of Lady Russell (not the Lady Russell of sacred memory) that she was saved from a premature intei-ment by the strong attach- ment of her husband — he would not allow any preparations to be made for her funeral, and even threatened with death those who should dare to separate him from the supposed corpse. After she had lain insensible, and to all appearance without life, for seven days and nights, she revived at the sound of the church bells." The pang of death is o'er at last, The tlu'obbing pulses rest ; How soft thy happy spii'it passed To regions of the blest ! And gently o'er thine angel face, And o'er thy drooping eye, Steals the last sad, mysterious grace Of fraU moi'tality. B Soon from that lovely scene of death The mourners pass away, — But one remains, with hosomed hreath. To watch thee night and day ; And still he gazes on thy bier. Or holds thee to his heart, And will not, cannot bear to hear Tliat ye are doomed to part. And dare they venture on his woe. And from the lover tear A form more dear than aught below ? — Then, in his soul's despaii-. He calls her from her deep repose, And folds her to liis breast. And bids the darkened eyes unclose, By death's dim shades opprest. Unconscious to the voice of love. The mourner calls in vain, — Those pallid lips have ceased to move, That once covdd soothe liis pain : Yet still he guaixls the funeral bed. With one long, ceaseless gaze. And fondly hopes, though hope is fled, To catch life's quivering rays. So pass the hours and days along, Once move the Sahbath smiles ; Glad nature, with her heavenward song, All grief and care beguiles : All — but that woe wliicli, in the room Of death, its vigil keeps. And wliich the shadows of the tomb In ceaseless soitow steeps. At length upon the moiu'ner's ear A peal of village bells. Now distant — and again more near. In changeful cadence swells. Those tvmefid sounds ! say, can tliey break The silence of that face ? Or e'er restore that faded cheek To life's enkindling grace ? Oh ! can it be, that gentle sighs Steal softly on the air ? That parting Hps and opening eyes Will chase liis long despaii- ? One instant, and he doubts no more, But casts the slu-oud aside — The gloomy trance of death is o'er. He clasps a living/ bride ! TOO LATE ! TOO LATE ! Verses suggested by a Poem entitled "Too Soon," in the New Monthly Magazine for December, 1830, Too late ! too late ! with trembling speed Say, didst thou e'er thy footstei:)S Lend, To know the doom that heaven decreed, And gaze upon thy parting friend ; Hear the last stern award of fate, That thou art come — too late ! too late? Too late '■ too late ! with anguish keen Say, have those tlmlling words arose, And , whispering still of what has been, Redoubled all thy bosom's woes ; Telling of fair occasions o'er — Too late ! those days are tliine no more ? And hast thou ever known the bliss To call a guileless heart thy own ; And, having felt such bliss as tliis, Left that fond trusting one alone ; Then heard harsh tongues the tale relate, And found remorse— too late! too late? Or hast thou e'er a -wanderer gone, Upon a foreign shore to roam. And when days, months, and years have flown, Eetm-ned to seek thy father's home ; Wept at the lone, deserted gate, And breathed those bitter words — too late? Didst thou e'er stand beside the bed Wliere conscious dying guilt was laid, Watchuig the wild, iingoverned dread. With wliich the words liis breast invade — Too late ! too late ! tlie last, worst pang. Upon those quivering accents hang ? So, tossed upon the stormy wave, A mighty vessel braves the main ; And, when no human hand can save. Calls to Almighty aid— in vain '. The boat is there — but ah ! the sound. Too late ! is shrieked in anguish round. Too late ! too late ! those words of fire, O let them dwell withua thy breast, To save thee from remorseless ire. To give thee hope, and peace, and rest ; Nor thus, with thy espuing breath. Too late ! too late ! be thine in death I SONNET. Matthew, Chap. ii. The star of Bethlehem shone — and they who souglit The infant Jesus, blest the living ray, As thi-ough the cleai- bright heaven it traced the way To Mary's lowly roof: the wise men brought Their costly offerings, where the cliild of God Reposed in peace upon his mother's breast ; ' Around the sleeping Sa^'iour then they prest, Fell down, and worshipped liim, in spirit awed. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, before him spread, Whose offering is the pure and contrite heart O Master ! may I choose that better part, No vain oblation bring — but ever led In deep humility to seek thy sluine. And offer there a trust and hope divine. SONNET. Matthew, Chap. xi. " Come iinto me," the heavenly Teacher said, " All ye with labour and with toil opprest, And I will give your wearied spirits rest — And hear my yoke, and in my foosteps tread, For I am meek and lowly, and will lead Your souls to peace — for gentle is my yoke. My hm'then light." Oh ! not in vain were spoke, Saviour, thy words of mercy — still decreed To cheer my drooping soul upon its way Through eartldy scenes of trial, care, and strife. Yes, I will come to thee — thy words of life Shall calm each anxious thought, and chase away The hopes, the fears, the vain desires that rise To lure my spirit from its kindred skies. SONNET. On seeing the Picture of "Christ raising the Widow's Sox," BY Agostino Caracci. " Weep not," he said, and touched the lowly bier, Whilst wondering fa"ces round the Saviour prest ; " Young man, I say to tliee, arise !" how blest Those accents fall upon the mother's ear ! Yet still she bends in weeping reverence near. Crashed with the woe that rends a mother's breast; Redeemed fi'om death at the chvine behest. Behold the pallid form that rises there ! The struggUng hfe— the wild, bewildered gaze — The words that on the quivering Ups expu-e ! deed of love ! that heavenly art an-ays In tints immortal, may tliat love inspn-e All holy hopes to chase my spii'it's gloom, When shuddering o'er the horrors of the tomb. 10 SONNET. Matthew, Chap. iv. Upon tlie mountain's height he stood — below, The kingdoms of the world around him spread Their glories to his view — the Tempter said, " Tall down and worship me, and I '11 bestow Upon thee all these things." — "Hence, thou shalt bow To God alone !" — replied the Holy Son — " Him only shalt thovi serve — Satan, begone !" Awed by his voice divine, and threatening brow. The Tempter instant fled — and borne on wing Of love, the ministering angels come, In robes of light, and heaven's immortal bloom, Aid from above with gentle hands to bring — And shall we tremble in our high career, When He who guarded Jesus still is near? 11 SONNET. Mark i. 9, 10, 11. To Jordan's flowing stream the Sa\'iour came From Galilee, and sought the prophet's aid To be baptized of him — but John forbade. And said, " Have I not need in thy blest name To be baptized — and comest thou to me?" But Jesus answered, " Let it now be so. Let us fulfil all righteousness below." After the rite, as through the swelling sea The Saviom- walked, behold the glowing sky- Was opened, and descending, like a dove, Came the pure Spii-it from the realms above, And rested on the Son of God from high ; Whilst lo ! a heavenly voice — " Tliis is my Son, In whom I am well pleased," greeted the Holy One ! 12 SONNET. Matthew, Chap. viii. The furious tempest rose — and the wild wave Swept o'er the bark where holy Jesus slept — His fearful followers woke him — " Master, save, save us, or we perish ! " — He who kept The stormy deep was there — the Savioiu' said, " Why are ye fearful, ye of little faith?" — He rose — and at his voice the waters fled, The winds were hushed to peace, and not a hreat ] Disturbed the calm profound. — Oh! Master, still. When storms of care and soitow round me press. May the blest words my aching bosom fiU, And thy rebuke my bursting sighs repress, " Why art thou fearful, when the power divine, That awed the stormy deep, is ever tliine !" 18 SONNET. Luke, Chap. iv. He stood within the temple — on his brow- Sat heavenly wisdom, and his Father's love — The holy book before him — and below, The people round their gracious Saviour move ; The page with great Isaiah's vision fraught, Then with a voice divine the Master read — " The Spuit of the Lord is on me — taught To preach the gospel to the poor — and led By Him to heal the broken heart — to preach Deliverance to the captives — to the bhnd Restore their sight again — and I must reach Aid to the bruised ones, and then- chains unbind. O words of love and mercy — still shall rest Their spirit, Jesus, in thy follower's breast ! 14 SONNET. Matthew, Chap. iv. To the dark wilderness iii spirit led, Oiu' Saviour fasted — and the Evil One Came to him tempting — " If thou be the Son Of God, command these stones to be made bread." And Jesus answered him, " Man is not fed By bread alone, but by the words that come From God's own mouth." — Upon the temple's dome, Witliin the city, then they stood — and said The Tempter, mocking, " If thou art indeed His Son, cast thyself down — 't is writ that He Has given his angels charge concerning Thee." To whom the Saviour — " 'T is again decreed. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." May I, Master, like thee, the power of sin defy ! 15 SONNET. John, Chap. ix. He stood in darkness, and to him unknown This living world of loveliness and Light, Till, touched by Jesus' hand, the shades of night Fell from his sightless orbs, and round him shone The luudling beams of day — and shall we own The power divine that chased his earthly gloom, Nor listen to the voice that said, " I come, A light to those who see not"/— From the throne Of mercy infinite-f the heavenly rays Of truth descend ujion the sinking heart Of darkened man. — The heavy shades depart Of sorrow, sin, and death, and to his gaze The glories of immortal love unfmied, Disclose the visions of a brighter world. 16 SONNET. John, Chap. xi. " I AM the resurrection and the life, He who believes on me shall never die." These, Master, were thy words, and still rely My hopes unmoved iipon them, 'mid the strife Of earthly care — and then I follow thee To the cold grave where Lazarus is laid — I see thy tears, and Mary asks thine aid — The aid is present—" That thou heardest me. Father, I thank thee"— and thou criest aloud To Lazarus— " Come forth!"— he lives — he breathes — The funeral garb is rent— the many wreathes Of death are torn away, and the pale shroud— Whilst wondering forms around the Saviom- move, And own the presence of Almighty love. SONNET. Luke, Chap, xviii. " Suffer the little ones to come to me, Forbid them not," the gi-acious Saviour said. And laid his hand upon each infant head — ■' Of such my Father's kingdom, and as fi-ee From guile and sinfulness your hearts must be, If you would enter there." — Words of a love Divine and pure — oh ! may I ever prove Gentle and meek — in deep humility Bending my spirit, Jesus, to thy sway. Like yielding infancy — and when with smiles I bless some loved one who my care beguiles. May every thought thy mild command obey, With cliildlike trust upon thy promise rest, And seek the shelter of a Father's breast. 18 SONNET. Stretched on tlie cross, with mortal woe ojiprest, The Son of Man breathed forth his parting sighs — Darlmess o'erspread the earth, and then the cries Of smitten hearts were heard — and nearer prest His mother, and the follower whom he loved — " Mother, behold thy son ! " the Saviour- said, " Behold thy mother !" — and the o'erwhelming dread Of death came o'er liim — yet his pale lij)s moved With love and mercy still — as the base crowd Mocked at his sufferings, and the tumult gi-ew — " Father, forgive, they know not what they do" — Was heard amid his anguish, and aloud He cried, " T is finished !" — bowed his hallowed head, And to his God the chastened spirit fled ! 19 VERSES, Addressed to mt eldest Son, on his being accidentam.v tkesent at a funeral. And thou didst gaze, belored child ! Upon that inolu-nful scene, And on the gloomy pageant smiled. With gay and careless mien. And thou didst follow in the tram With wondering, laughing eye, Alas ! how oft thou It see again That pageant passing by. Death ! 't is a word iniknown to thee. My bright and blooming boy, And yet what thoughts it brings to me. To damp a mother's joy. It teUs me, if the conqueror spares Thy years to manhood's hour. 20 To taste of life and all its cares, Yet thou must feel his power. And long before that destined day, With bitter sighs and tears, Thou It see beloved ones pass away, And gi-ieve o'er many biers. I see them pass, and thou art there, — Ah ! not as once thou stood, A mirthful creatm'e, free from care. In joyful, reckless mood, — But in life's stern reality. The dream of childhood o'er, I see thee pass a mourner by, Where thou hast smiled before. And when tlie liour an-ives that thou Shalt act the mourner's part For her who gazes on thy brow With all a mother's heart ; Oh ! if no sad regrets are thine, That she who should have led Thy youthful feet to wisdom's sluine. To Him who shields the dead, — 21 If she her trust sliall well achieve, Shall guide thy steps to God, — Tlien let not fond affection giieve Upon thy mother's sod. For thou in all thy infant mirth, And she in matron pride. Shall pass a few short years on eartli. Then slumber side by side. 22 SONNET. See I from his eastern coucli the Sun arise, To run his glorious race — and scatter round His heavenly rays to earth's remotest hound, Wliilst songs of praise and joy salute the skies. Image of one more heautiful ! whose light Can know no change — whose living glories shine In human hearts that kindle at his shrine. The heathen worships thee — and shaU thy bright Unspotted beams awake my eyes in vain To this fair world of harmony and love. Nor yet a holier joy my bosom move To raise a voice of praise in nature's fane, And bless the light that scatters mortal gloom, And sheds a deathless radiance o'er the tomb. 23 SONNET. On a Birth-day Eve. "T IS not on coming years of weal or woe I muse distnistfnl — for, God, to thee Meekly I bend an um-eluctant knee, Nor wish the secrets of thy will to know. I muse upon the past — on days that fled On noiseless pinions, and that bore on high The record of my deeds — with mournful eye I see their shadows pass ; like friends long dead, They wear a fonn famUiar — sad, yet sweet — Telling the whUe of hopes, and joys, and fears, Of pleasure's rosy smiles, and sorrow's tears ; And I will listen to thek voice, and meet With hiunble heart the tale of other days, Mingling a prayer of penitence and praise. 24 VERSES. O THOU ! whose brow, serene and calm. From earthly stain is free, View not with scorn that lost one's fate. — She once was pure like thee. Though in thy lovely form and face Health's rosy glow we see. Yet shrink not from that faded form, — She once was fair like thee ! Thou in thy father's home may dwell In peace and purity ; Yet pity her, though fiiendless now, — She once was blest like thee. Perchance the smUes of love are thine, Its joyful ecstasy; Then weep for that forsaken one, — She once was loved lilve thee. 25 And still, 'mid shame, and guilt, and woo, One Being loves liei- still ! Who makes thee blest, and pours on lier The world's extremes! ill. He knows the secret lure that led Her youthful steps astray ; He knows that thou, in all thy pride, Might fall from Him away ; — Then, with the "love of Him who said " Depart, and sin no more," Shield fi-om despair that wretched one, And bid her pangs be o'er. 26 TO W. S. J. Bright beam of joy, amidst the gloom, My lovely babe ! my latest born ! A light through shadows of the tomb, A hope to hearts by sorrow torn, — Thon earnest, when o'er the lowly bed Of infant death I bent ia woe ; Thou badest me raise my di-ooping head. And futme days of promise know. Thou smilest now, when bitter grief Has bowed my suffeiing soul to earth, — Thou smilest now to bring relief. And waken thoughts of holier birth. '&^ Thy radiant looks, thy angel smile. Tell of the world where tears shaU cease, Where, parted but a little while, Our loved ones rest in perfect peace. VERSES. Home of my youth ! when the soft light is breaking (_)'er vale and o'er mountain to welcome my waking, I think of the sun that shines bright on thy morning, Thy groves and thy valleys with beauty adorning. I see the sweet flowers that arormd thee are growing. The river so fair, tlirough thy verdant meads flowing ; The green earth beneath, and the blue sky above thee. Home of my youth ! still fondly I love thee. Home of my youth ! when the daylight is faHing, I see the light skiff o'er thy far waters sailing ; The sun gently sinks in the ocean to rest, And I watch his last beams as they fade in the west. When the day is departed, and darkness is o'er thee, The dreams of the night in thy beauty restore thee ; I wander once more through the gi-oves and the bowers. And taste of the sweetness that dwells in thy flowers. 28 Thoughts of my lost home ! cling to me ever, Nor clays, months, and years thy dear memory can sever ; Ne'er from my heart shall the cold world remove thee, Home of my youth ! still fondly I "11 love thee ! 29 THE SABBATH. MORNING . 'T IS not as when tli' Eternal mandate came, " Let there be light,!" that now, sweet Sabbath day, Tby opening beams upon my casement play. Bidding me life fi-om dreamy sleep reclaim. But rather art thou like that blessed hour, When Jesus burst the fetters of the tomb, And the dai'k visions of oiu- earthly doom Fled from the glories of the living power. So soft thy rays upon my soul descend ! The harbingers of faith, and hope, and love, Which, through thy quiet day my soul shall prove For Him on whom all earthly joys depend ; For Him who scatters thus the shades of night. And brought His only Son to lilt and light ! 30 THE SABBATH. NOON. I HATL the radiance of tliy noontide beams, Fair Sabbath ! brighter than the kindling rays That wont to cheer our souls in other days, Less blest than thou ; and now all nature seems More joyful and more sweet. The very bu-d Carols more softly in the woodland shade, And as I listen, through the opening glade, The melting sound of village bells is heard. 'T is sUent — then a rich and solemn strain, From human voices, swells upon the ah- With melody divine. — And thou art there. Spirit of Peace, amidst that humble train Of thy own followers ; and I bless the Power Tliat dwells around me in this Sabbath hour. ol THE SABBATH. EVENING. Now in the stillness of the evening hour — A Sabbath stillness — I would bend my way Far li-om the hauufs of men, where gently plav The sun's departhig rays on eveiy flower, Closing in seeming sleep then dewy leaves ; Or, 'mid the scene of man's mortaUty, With eye uplil\ed to the deep blue sky, Best on the mother earth, who still receives Her childi-en to a cold and long embrace. But not for ever ! She shall yield again The foi-ms we loved so well, and not in vain Shall be their slumbers in this sacred place— That which is sown in earth shall bloom above. In the pure heaven where dwells eternal love. 32 THE SABBATH. NIGHT. Blest is the Sabbath night, when silence keeps Her faithful vigil o'er the slumbering world ; When the pure glories of the heavens unfarled Tell of His love and care who never sleeps. Blest is the Sabbath night, to him who dares To gaze with tranquil eyes, as dai'kness falls Around his couch of rest ; who then recalls Past hoiu's of sacred joy, and swift repairs. With kmdUng bosom, to communion sweet At an eternal shrine — no conscious dread Of unrepented guilt shall hatmt his bed, No shades of wasted days his eyes shall gi'eet, But softly, as the light of morn arose. Shall the calm Sabbath of the Chi-istian close. 33 " What is that to thee"? follow thou me. John xxi. 22 And dost thou speak of fi-iendsldp lost, Of hopes deceived, of true love crost. Oh ! Clmstian, what is that to thee ? 'T is Jesus whispers, " Follow me." But dost thou tell of soitow"s doom, Of thoughts that centre iu tlie tomb '.' Ah ! what is that sad scene to thee ? 'T is Jesus wliispers, " Follow me." Does conscience tear thy aching breast, And rob thy days and nights of rest ? Still, Clmstian, all thy pangs shall flee, When Jesus whispers, " Follow me." F 34 Amidst the world's seducing snares, And mammon's soul-degi-ading cares, Still pm-e thy Cluistian path shall be, Por Jesus whispers, " Follow me." And in the closing scene of life, 'Mid all the spuit's anxious strife, Chiistian ! those words shall comfort thee, And Jesus wliisper, " Follow me." 35 SONNET. On the Death of S. H. O LAY her gently on lier infant bier, And shed fond tears, and weave a funeral wreath Of the pale roses of the wintry year, Less lovely than the flower tiiat fades beneath. Yet do not weep in anguish ! let no breath Disturb the stQlness of her bhssfiil sleep, So beautiful! we will not call it death, But round her couch oui' sUent vigUs keep. Image of peace, and innocence, and love ! We would not murmm- at thy deep repose. Or call thee ours, the ills of life to prove, And taste the bitterness of mortal woes. Oh blest ! to feel thy guiltless course is run. Thy fadeless crown without the strife is won ! 36 HYMN. When human hopes and joys depart, I give thee, Lord, a contrite heait. And on my weary spmt steal The thoughts that pass all earthly weal. I cast ahove my tearful eyes, And muse upon the stany skies ; And think that he who governs there Still keeps me in liis guardian cai-e. I gaze upon the opening flower. Just moistened witli the evening sliower, And hless the love wliich made it bloom. To chase away my transient gloom. I think, whene'er tliis mortal fi-ame Retm-ns again from whence it came, I shaU hut slumber in the gi-ound Till heaven's awakening trumpet sound ; Then wing my spu-it's happy flight To regions of eternal light ! 37 ELEGY. O.N THK DkATH of M. L. " Vateiie iti pace, a!ma beata e bella. Oh ! not for thee the tear sliall fall, Pure spirit! in the realms of bliss; And yet shall memory oft recall Thy last farewell, thy parting kiss. And often o'er departed hours, When hope and peace were round thy way. Amid our lost paternal bowers, My faithful steps with thee shall stray, — Shall hear again the voice I loved, Again upon thy features gaze, When equal joys our bosoms proved. In youth's unclouded sunny days. 38 Alas ! how soon those moments fled, How fast the shades around thee rose : And now I mourn thee 'midst the dead, Now o'er thy grave my sorrow flows. O fondly loved in days gone by, Still dearer in the days to come. Upon thy faith I '11 fix my eye. And seek, like thee, a heavenly home. And stUl thy parting pledge shall be Inspu-er of each holy trust, To bear each earthly cross like thee. And smUe 'mid visions of the dust. So, though removed to realms of love, Thy guardian form shall hover near,— Shall wliisper, " I am blessed above, O live hke me, and meet me here." 39 SONNET. To A Friend, on his Detarture for America. Farewell! to lands where peace and fi-eedom dwell, To hearts that shrink not at approacliing fate, And own no homage to a^. Tyrant's state, Thy happy, native land, Heaven speed thee well ! And health and hope attend thee, and the bliss To meet the loved ones of thy heart again, And feel each lingering hoiu- of anxious pain, That absence gave, o'eiimid by joy like this. Not then, perhaps, but when thy heart has room To think of others, sometimes think of ns. As those who knew and loved thee — ever thus Eemember us in days and years to come ; And the cold world, nor ocean spreading wide, Shall friendship in the trust of Heaven divide. 40 SONNET. To Miss Handles, the late celebrated Mcsicun. Enchantress ! as thy faiiy fingers stray Thy much-loved harp's melodious strings among, My spirit hows heneath the magic sway Of thy resistless art, and, home along By sounds of more than eartlily harmony, Feels a strange joy that words were vain to sj)eak , And fifom my bosom bursts the unconscious sigh, And teai's unhidden fall upon my cheek. Say, is it aught of earth that prompts the stram, And pours the soul of music o'er thy mind ; Or does the love of heaven and vhtue reign Within thy breast, and in sweet union bind All soft affections — that thy touch inspires Such holy hopes, high thoughts, and pure desires ? 41 SONNET. A YOUTHFUL voyager ou life's stormy sea, With fearful eye I view the cbead expanse, Aud cast an anxious and enquuing glance Towards the depths of dim futmity. — Oh Thou ! who freighted oilt my fi-agile hark, And launched it safely on the world's rough main, What art shall shield fi-om sorrow and fi'om pain, And guide me sftfely o'er these paths so dark ? Thy Word, oh God ! for as the mariner still Turns to his faithful magnet's wonckous power, To find mysterious aid when tempests lower, So in each worldly strife, each mortal ill, Close to my heart thy holy dictates prest, I '11 seek the haven of eternal rest. 42 SONNET. On the approach of Winter. Winter, I fear thee not ! though long I 've seen Thy ch-ead approach, clad in thy mantle grey. And icy weeds, and blasting in thy way Fair nature's hngering sweets, and robes of green. Ah no ! I fear thee not, thou canst not steal My homefelt bliss — thou canst not bid me part With hopes and joys that cheer and fill my heart. And kindred ties which teach that heart to feel — Safe bosomed in my loved and happy home, With friendship, books, and music's soul-felt charm, My days flow cheerful on, content and calm ; No city joys can give a wish to roam. Come, Winter, cast around thy tracts of snow, My mmd no cheerless winter e'er shall know. 43 SONNET. To J.E.R. My friend and sister ! when amid tlie bowers Of our deserted home, we loved to play In unreproved delight the hours away, And twine sweet garlands of our loveliest flowers. To deck a raral throne — with what delight I placed a rosy wreath upon thy brow, And breathed a prayer that thou mightst never know, Upon that day a joy less pure and bright. The day returns in sorrow, and the smile It wont to raise is mingled with oxn- tears. Yet gi'ieve not, oh, my sister ! future years Of peace and joy may wait thee, and beguile Thy young heart of its woe — and Heaven shall spread A fadeless wreath around thy modest head ! 44 SONNET. To J. G. R. Fakewell, beloved one ! I do not say Forget me not, when I am far from tbee — Thine infant heart has yet no memory, For those who love tbee, but are far away. Thou wilt forget me, and the eyes that loved To look in thine — and arms that fondly prest And shielded thee, by sleep or tears opprest, Will die in thy remembrance — but unmoved My love shall be, and with a mother's heart 1 11 seek to bless thee, dearest ! and to shed Peace, honor, virtue on thy youthful head ; And I will teach thy footsteps to depart From paths that lead to death, and bid thee trust In thy God and in mine — the merciful and just! 45 SONNET. I SAW a bappy bride — within a home Of wedded bliss, she smiled on one who loved Her gentleness, in manhood's opening bloom ; Whose heart for her its earliest passion proved. And she was blest — the heaven that shone so bright. Shone not so brightly as those soft, dark eyes. Nor shed on all around a tenderer light — Her passing griefs were breathed in bhssful sighs, For he was neai' to soothe her slightest pain, And give to woe the semblance of a joy. A few short years, I past that house again — ' T was desolate — a father led his boy To a lone grave, and mom-ned in deep despaii* For that once happy bride who slumbered there. 46 SONNET. I LOVE to wander o'er this drear domain, And press with lingering foot the tangled heath, And feel upon my burning cheek the breath Of heaven's imtainted gales — above the plain The startled birds in strange amazement soar. The insidious vipers in the dark moss stray, The cuckoo's note at distance dies away. And the wild curlew screams along the moor. Tlu'ough paths of sorrow, and o'er wastes of woe, Thus doomed to wander, yet no bursting sigh Shall teU the story of my misery, Or let the slaves of earth my feehngs know: For I can bow beneath a Father's rod. And trace amid these scenes the hand of God. 47 SONNET. On seeing Porteaits of mt elder Brothers taken when THEY were Children. My brothers ! oh ! what varied thoughts ye raise, What mingled joy and woe my bosom press, As, with a sister's heartfelt tenderness, Upon each blooming face- 1 fondly gaze. And were ye thus in childhood's happy day, Thus beamed each speaking eye with pm-e delight, Thus waved your dai'k-brown locks in clusters blight. Each youthfid brow so fan-, each smile so gay ? Ah yes ! for though yom sister view ye now, In manhood's pride, and life's matiu'er gi-ace. Yet still expressed in each ingenuous face, Unblemished truth and pui'est virtue glow ; And still with soft affection I can blend The gentle names of brother and of friend. 48 SONNET. As tempest-tost, upon the stormy main, We view a little skiff before us ride. And, boldly wi-estling with the adverse tide, The wished-for haven all secm-ely gain. How eagerly we m'ge our bark along. Nor heed the swellings of the boisterous gale, That scatters in the wind om- slender sail. And the wild mountain bUlows round us thi-ong. So when the vktuous yield then- mortal trust. Though youth or beauty perish in the tomb. Yet hope shines brighter 'mid the funeral gloom, To guide us to the mansions of the just; And we will haste to gain that land of rest, Where lioi^e is certainty, and virtue blest. 49 HYMN. When hope and fear alternate reigned Within my changeful heart, Still, Father ! thou my tnist sustained. And bade my feai's depait. When, after anxious hours of pain, Thy joyful presence beamed, And when a mother's bhss again Thi-ough all my being streamed, — Say did I then thy mercy own. Thy plenitude of love ? No — futiu"e hours and days alone My gi-atitude can prove. O may I teach this wayward breast The lessons of thy hand ; Content to live at thy behest, Or die at thy command. II 50 SONNET. In the dark hour of sorrow — when thy breast Is filled with thoughts of angxiish, deep and keen, And memory weeps o'er hopes that once have been — Seek, sufferer, seek the Christian's hallowed rest. To thy torn heart in holy ti'ust be prest The book of God — and on His promise lean, Whose aid is ever thine ; where, all xmseen By mortal eye, the tears so long represt Flow long and uncontrolled — then His love Shall turn those tears to raptm-e — He shall raise Thy vanished joy to bhss that angels prove, And tune thy voice to hymns and songs of praise. The bitter conflicts of thy soul shall cease. And Heavenly Mercy wia thy soul to peace. 51 CHRISTMAS HYMN. LET youi- mingling voices rise In grateful raptm-e to the sides, And hail a Saviour's butli ; Let songs of joy the day proclaim, When Jesus all-triumphant came, To bless the sons of tjarth. He comes to bid the weary rest. To heal the sinner's wounded breast. To bind the broken heart ; To spread the Ught of truth around, And to the world's remotest bound The heavenly gift impart. He comes our sinking soids to save, From sin, from sorrow, and the grave. And chase our fears away ; 52 Triumi^hant over death and time, To lead us to a happier clime, Where reigns eternal day. Then let your minghng voices rise. In grateful raptiue to the skies, And haU a Savioiu's birth ; Let songs of joy the day proclaim. When Jesus all-triumphant came, To bless the sons of earth. 53 HYMN. 'Thy kingdom come. Raised on devotion's lofty wing, God, each glowing tbouglit I biing, To celebrate tliy praise ; To-day let care and sorrow cease, And the blest liopes of futiu-e peace Inspu-e my sacred lays. Behold the happy earth rejoice, Ai'oimd the world a Saviour's voice Proclaims the word of love ; The reign of vice and pain is o'er, Waiiare and stiife can rage no more, Nor sin our virtue move. 54 Ambition di-oops her towering head ; Kevenge and anger, captive led, Now cease to haunt our way ; Pride in the pomp of state arrayed, And vile oppression's triumphs fade, And shun the Ught of day. Heii-s to a world of bhssful rest, By tyrant-sway no more opprest, We seek the immortal crown ; And how before the tin-one of God, All fearless of the bigot's rod, Or superstition's fi-own. Father of heaven and earth ! whose eve Broods o'er the vast eternity, May thy blest kingdom come ; And the sure promise thou hast given Shall purify my soid for heaven, And guide my spirit home. 00 HYMN. When mortal joys take wing and flee, I own thy chastening rod ; My wandering heart returns to thee, My Father and my Grod ! I know thou mlt not chide in vain, But with a parent's love ; The gracious hand that gives me pain, Will all my comfort prove. Oh ! for an angel's tongue, to speak The treasm-es of thy grace, Still open, when we haste to seek. And bow before thy face. Then in the gloomy night of giief, I '11 trust thy guardian power ; Omnipotence can bring relief. And cheer the darkest hour. 56 SONNET. Shade of my sainted Mother ! if thy gaze Is turned, as it was wont, on one who loved To meet that tender glance — on one who proved Thy gentle care, in past and happy days, Wliilst yet this mortal veil the hliss delays To feel thy fond emhrace — where, far removed, Thou dwellst in hght supreme — revered, heloved ! Look on thy suffering child ! let some rays Of thy celestial vutue arm my soul To bear the sorrows of life's changeful doom : In heavenly strength these bitter thoughts control, And save me, guard me, to the quiet tomb — To that blest home where earthly cares shall cease, And I shall greet thee in the realms of peace. DV RESIGNATION. I 'll teach my heart to be resigned To all thy sovereign will ; Whate'er thou choosest must be best, Cease, idle fears ! be still. K life and health should be thy boon, may I try to prove, By every word, and thought, and deed, My soul's imbouuded love. If sickness or if death invade This feeble house of clay. Thy presence, Lord! sliall cheer the gloom. And chase my fears away. Thus sheltered in a Father's arms, My cares shall sink to rest, As a fond infant finds repose Upon the parent breast. 58 SONNET. 1 Corinthians, Chap. xt. Bkhold, I shew you all a mystery — You shall not sleep— but, at the trumpet's sound, The dead shall rise in glory from the ground, And mortal put on immortality : And when this frail corruptible shall be Eaised incorruptible — then shall be brought To pass, what in the Sacred Word is taught, And death be swallowed up in Tictorj\ Where is thy conquest, grave ! and where thy stiag, death ! Thanks be to God, who by his Son Has made us conquerors. My bretlu-en, on Tins hope, immoveable and stedfast, briug Yoxu' works unto the Lord— because ye know Your labours will not unrewarded go. 59 SONNET. Revelations, Chap. xiv. 1 SAW an angel in the midst of lieaven, 13earing to earth the everlasting Word, To every people, ton^ie, and nation given — Then, as I gazed, a mighty voice was heard, " Fear God, and give him glory, for the hour Of judgment comes, and worship Him who made The eai'th and sea — hy whose almighty power The lofty sky with starry lights was laid." Another angel came — and cried aloud, " Great Bahylon is fallen — fallen low. She at whose haughty word the nations bowed." At last a voice — " Blessed are they who go To sleep in Jesus — from their labours cease, And their works follow them to i-ealms of peace." 60 SONNET. Acts, Chap. xii. Behold ! a light within the prison gloom Shone forth — and to the sleeping saint of God Appeared an angel : with his heavenly rod He smote the holy man — as fi-om the tomb Kaised him to life, and said, " Arise, and come ! Come c[mckly hence ! " — from off the prisoner's hands FeU all imtouched the harsh and iron bands. — " Gii-d on thy sandals, and thy robes resume, And follow me."— As in a vision fled The servant of the Lord, and hardly knew If the bright seeming of the night were true. Tlirough the self-opened gate the angel led — Then disappeared — and holy Peter cried. Now from the chains of death the Lord hath been my guide ! " 61 SONNET. Revelations, Chap. xiv. I LOOKED, and lo ! upon Mount Sion stood The Lamb of God— and, with his Father's name Writ on then- foreheads, a vast multitude — Then as the sound of many waters came A voice from heaven, like thunder, and the song Was heard of harpers with their harps — the same. Sung by the Lord's Redeemed, was borne along Through the wide arch above — they who became The foDowers of the Lamb, the pure from sin, Whose lips were fi'ee from guile — and at the throne Of God stood blameless — and who shone withui Their Father's kingdom with the immortal crown, The earliest fi'uits of Him who died to save His followers from the horrors of the grave. 62 SONNET. Matthew, Chap, xxviii. At early morn, before the Saviour's tomb, The holy women wept — the conscious world Shook with an earthquake — and amid the gloom An angel-form appeared, and instant hurled The mighty stone away — immortal bloom Was round about liim — and as lightning shone His eyes and polished brow — the soldiers, come To guard the sacred sepulchre, fell down Like dead men to the earth, o'ercome with fear; Then spoke the angel-messenger, " I know Ye seek the Christ — fear not, he is not here. For he is risen as he promised — lo ! I 've told you — and he goes to Galilee, And there again the Saviour ye shall see ! " 63 SONNET. Acts, Chap. ii. A RUSHING, mighty wind was heard around— Upon the men of God sat tongues like fire, Fraught with the words that holy gil'ts inspire— With utterance all divine; the varied sound Of every nation through the air resound— Mede, Parthian, Elamite. The gathering crowd In wonder and amazement cry aloud, "What meaueth this?" and press with mockings round. Then Peter, with his chosen brethren, rose— " Men of Judea ! listen to my word— He whom ye crucified, our God hath chose To be both Lord and Christ!"— and when they heard. With pierced hearts they said, " What shall we do?" " Repent," the Apostle cried, " through Him who died for you!" 64 AUTUMN VERSES. GENTLY, Autumn ! let^thy breeze Pass o'er my garden's bright aiTay, And softly touch the shadowy trees That still theii' verdant leaves display. Awhile with coy and lingering feet Let Summer tread my blooming bowers, Nor hasten with thy smiles to gi-eet, And parley with my lovely flowers. 1 know thy glance of treacherous light, I feel thy breath's deceitful glow. That decks my beds in colovus bright, The harbingers of coming woe. U vain remonstrance ! natme yields. And bends beneath the stern decree ; Weak is tlie hand that fondly sluelds From fate's unen-ing destiny. 65 Then faster fade, a type of tliose Who perished in their hour of bloom, And let the beauteous emblems close, And seek the earth's protecting gloom, — That earth which bears withm her breast All radiant foirms of hope and joy, Where those true heai'ts have found a rest. That pain and care shall ne'er annoy ; But all shall be revealed — and He, The day-spring -of our souls, shall rise. And let the eaith-bound spii-it fi-ee, To dweU in Summer's fadeless skies. 66 SONNET. To Ladt J Lady ! if ever, 'mid the changing hours Of life's vicissitude, my sj)iilt sighs To feel its woe, and vain repinings rise, Fancy shall lead me to the hapjjy howers Of thy loved home, and I shall smile to see Thy beauty and thy virtues, in the calm Of soft affection, and the magic charm That lingers round thy path so tenderly — And I shall gaze upon a cii'cle fail* Of lovely forms, whose opening graces bless Thy bosom's tried and heartfelt tenderness— O then to heaven shall rise the ardent prayer. That He who scatters joy upon thy way, May bless thee still to life's remotest day 67 SONNET. I SAW thee, Vii-tue, weeping o'er tliy woe, Yet lovely in thy tears— unnumbered sighs Burst from thy heaving bosom, and the glow Raised by the wcaidling's scorn, thy pale cheek dyes. And thou wert long a moumer — haunted still By the base thi'ong that bow at Mammon's shrine. Ambition mocked thee from her loftiest hill With idle thi-eat, and Pleasure's taunt was thine. I see thee now — how changed, how beautiftd ! The Cliristian's hope is kindled in thine eye, Immortal hands the fadeless wreath shall cuE, That on thy spotless brow will ever lie ; Whilst Faith points smiling to those realms above, Where angels wait thee, and a Father's love ! 68 SONNET. To M. W. Go ou, my Mend ! with sympathising heart Cheer the sad hom's of sohtude and pain ; Bid sweet though transient smiles relume again The faded featm'es, and with tender art Scatter the gloom of soitow, and impart Once more a passing joy, where erst would reign A lot of ceaseless gloom — hid life retain Some relics of delight, though hope depait, And earthly bliss is vanished : thus, even here, Thy fiiend and thee shall know the peace that lives Where pain shall he no more, and every tear Is wiped by Him, whose hand reluctant gives The cup of suffering : thus shall thoughts be thine Lasting and pure, and meet for scenes divine. 69 HYMN. Safe in the strengtli that guides and keeps, My soul shall fear no harm ; He never slumhers, never sleeps ; I feel his sti'ong right arm, A pUlar in the wilderness, A light that leads me on, Tlirough scenes of toil or sore distress, To worship at his tlu-one. O God ! I hend in reverence there. Forgive thine erring child. And keep me in thy guardian cai'e. Amid the desert wild. Then may I see thee face to face. And join the countless throng Who sing the blessings of thy gi'ace In one harmonious song. 70 SONNET. •■' I hate vain thouglits; but thy law do I love." — Psai.m cxix. " Vain thoughts I hate ; thy law, O God, I love ;" And yet, as o'er thy hook of life I hend, Those thoughts will haunt me, in my musings hlend. And ffom its lowliness my heart remove — Aspuing hopes that should be fixed above, And linger still 'mid scenes of earthly joy, Distracting fears my bosom's peace destroy, And in afiiiction's path I darkly rove. Before my view. Time's empty pageants glide, And human praise salutes my willing ear ; I dream of generous deeds, but find how near The pine intent to all the worldling's pride. Oh ! that an heir of heaven's immortal clime Can stoop to gather thus the weeds of time ! 71 SONNET. To T.D.H. O DO not think, my fi-iend, because the rage Of priestcraft met thy young and shuddei'ing eye, Think not the ever blest and hallowed page Of God's own Word such guilty deeds can dye. No — pure as thy own rivers, from on high Poming then- mighty waters, is the love Of Him who died for man. As to the sky Thy mountains rise in beauty, such shall prove The strength of virtue, liberty, and tnith. Then bear the tidings to some happier shore, From superstition free, and fortune's ruth — There never shall thy soul the sight deplore Of persecution's frown — but. Freedom, thou! Shall twine a wreath to deck thy votary's brow ! 72 SONNET. With a Testament. My brother and my Mend ! if o'er thy soul Almighty Wisdom pours his light of love, With untired zeal the holy gift improve, And every rising doubt and fear control — For it shall guide thee to the heavenly goal Of virtue, freedom, truth; and thou shalt rove Through walks on liigh, in wliich blest spuits move, Tuning then- harps where living streamlets roll. Then bind a sister's offering on thy heart, And guai'd it as thy life ; and though her voice Salute thine ear no more — and though we part 'Mid earth's eventful scenes — we will rejoice, In faith united still to seek His shiine. And win the fadeless wreathes angehc hands shaU twine. 73 SONNET. Though to my aching heart be still denied The joy to fold thee in my fond embrace, With tenderest care thy infant sorrows chase, And with an imtire^d love thy footsteps guide To the blest fount where living waters glide — Though now no more I gaze upon thy face. And watch thy speaking glance — can aught erase The hopes that once were mine ; when at my side, With unreproved dehght, and artless wile, Thy gentle accents soothed my cares to rest ; And fi'om the sunshine of thy beaming smile, I felt the morning of thy day was blest ? Ah no ! the hopes that hovered round thy head Will linger there, till youth and life are fled. 74 MiuAH, Chap. vi. 6, 7, 8. Wherewith shall I come to the Lord's sacred altar, And bow myself down to the High God above, Shall I come with burnt offerings his dread will to alter. Or can sacrificed victims his anger remove ? ^o^ With ten thousand rivers of oil can I please him, Shall I give my first-born for transgression in vain ; For the sin of my soul will my ofispring appease him. Or incense ascending liis clemency gain ? Then what doth Jehovah, thy Maker, require of thee? Hath he not shewed thee, man, what is right ? Do jvistly, love mercy, and he will remember thee. Walking still humbly, and true in his sight. 75 SONNET. On perusing a Youthful Diarv. Eecord of days once mine ! of houi's that flew, In the bright dream of opening youth and joy — I live each scene again — each dear employ, That o'er my heart such peaceful ti-ansport threw. So the loved friend, that we were wont to view With careless smile, content to feel him near, Estranged or absent, recollections dear, Receive the mom-nful tears to Friendship due. Thus days beloved, departed ! hopes and fears. The fond aspirings of the ardent soul. The youthful faults, the busy tlioughts that roll Then- ceaseless course within — the trust that cheers My fate with changeless joy — here stUl I see, And claim some tears from faithful Memory ! 76 SONNET. Ebewhile I gi'ieved to mark the infant spring, Imprisoned still in winter's chUl embrace, And nature languished ; and her wonted gi-ace In vain I sought ; and birds forgot to sing, — When suddenly fair Flora's form appeared, And from her lap exhaustless treasures threw ; On every side unnumbered flowers upreared Tlieii' loveliness, to meet my rajttured view. Then as I gazed, no more my heart repined O'er bloom defen-ed, by lingering winter's reign ; For shall not He whose wondrous love designed These forms and hues of beauty, bid again. In his best time, Creation's bloom appear. And wake to life and light the slumbering year ? 77 SONNET. To E. T. Friend of my heart ! erewhile when fortune smiled, In the hright morning of life's fateful day, Thy friendship shed its pure and steady ray O'er every joy, and every care heguiled. I loved thee then most truly — for I knew Thy soul of virtue, and delighted sought Union of deed, and interchange of thought: And when the gathering clouds of sorrow threw Their dark shade o'er my path, still thou wert there. To mingle sweetness witli my cup of woe. And hid the tear of trusting patience flow. — Oh ! ever thus be thine the generous care To cheer my sinking soul, and point above. To scenes where we shall meet in peace and love. 78 SONNET. On hearing of some proposed departures to America. Patriots ! whose tlu'obting hearts in sorrow bleed To view a sinking land — who to the cause Of Freedom cliug, and England's injured laws — fly not, in your country's utmost need — The stiife is glorious — still with unstained hands Maintain your sacred rights ; nor in the horn-, When most we shi'ihk beneath ojipression's power, Faithless, depart to search for happier lands. Let cowards flee ! let slaves and despots roam To foreign shores for peace they ne'er shall find ; But ye, who boast the free unshackled mind, O stay, and live for brighter days to come — With stedfast heaxts place yom- pure triist on Idgh, And fight the fight of truth and liberty ! 79 SONNET. To Mrs. E. E. The winter days are come, when thou and I, My much-loved sister ! oft were wont to meet, Wlien thy dear converse bade the evenings fleet In peaceful trust aw*ay: the memory Of that departed time shall chm my eye With tender thoughts of thee, and of tliy love, Which yet shall bless me. Though thy footsteps move No more where mortal cares can claim thy sigh, How often shall I fix the stedfast gaze Of fond regret on thy accustomed chair, And see thy sweet calm features pictm-ed there. Beaming with hope as ia thy happiest days — That hope which stUl thy fainting soul shall own, Till lost in bliss before the immortal throne. 80 SONNET. Addressed to mt Sister. As memory fondly gazes on the past, Still, still to thee she turns with stedfast eye, My sister and my friend ! and with a sigh O'er months and years that were too sweet to last. Turns to thy constant love with changeless heart; And therefore are we blest, in the pure trust That will survive those visions of the dust. When the beloved ones of our souls depait — When he, the yoimgest of om- youthful train, Our's by the thousand ties of childliood's day, Om-'s by the faith that will not pass away. Fled from oiu; arms, to scenes where giief and pain Shall be no more — where his fair brow is sealed In fadeless light, and glory um-evealed. 81 SONNET. "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." — Malt. x. 2!l. " I et us cherish the assurance and the sense of the reality of Tliat presence. It is holy motive, it is consolation, it is happiness, it is heaven, to feel that, by night and by day, through all changes of external circumstances or internal emotion, physically and morally, and for ever, in Him we live, move, and have our being." — Ciirinnin'/. ( ) God ! 't is liappiuess, and peace, and rest, To feel thy glorious presence ever near, Chasing each earthly donbt, each mortal fear, And breathing joy and rapture through the breast. By night, wlien gathering shades our eyes opprest, By day, when light and beauty beamed around, Still, still, thy watchful glance is ever round ; Through every change, thy creatures, Lortl, are blest. For if the sparrow not unnoticed fall By Thee, whose arm unwearied guides the world, Whose power throitgh boundless space the planets hurled, Yet guards each atom of this cu-cliug ball,- — Shall we not live, and move, and breatlie in Thee, And own thy mighty hand in all we see? 82 SONG. For ever tliine ! for ever thine ! in youth's unclouded hour, With all of heauty I may boast, witli all my earthly dower ; With love as pure, as tried, as true, as ever maiden gave. With love that will attend thee still, unfailing, to the grave. For ever thine ! for ever tliine ! a light I '11 try to be. Shining within our peaceful home, whate'er oiu" lot may be ; And if our destined path should lie 'mid scenes of pomp and pride, My heart shall know no prouder boast than walking by thy side. 83 Aud if the days of soitow come to pale thy cheek with care, I '11 bend my knee in secrecy, and raise for thee my prayer ; And when the snows of age descend upon thy manly brow, I '11 gaze as fondly on thy face, as tenderly, as now. And when the parting hoiu- arrives, I '11 raise thy dying head, And watch around thy suffeiing couch, witli soft aud noiseless tread'; And if I leave thee lonely here, for blissful scenes of love. For ever thine ! for ever thine ! I '11 wait for thee above ! 84 SONNET. Addressed to Mr. — Friend of my Father ! ere these eyes beheld The honored form by thee beloved, revered, Ere my youug lips could speak the name endeared, (Jr tell tlie thoughts that in my bosom dwelled. Thou wert my Father's friend ! still constant held His fame and fortunes ever as thine own : When worldlings whispered, thou the shafts repelled. And failed not when the gifts of earth were flown. And constant still when death, with lingering hand. Released the spirit from its eartlily chain, Tliou stoodst a mourner midst our sorrowing band. And felt the parting pang with equal pain. Tlien shall my fervent prayer to heaven ascend. For liim my Father loved — >in/ Fathers friend. 85 SONXET. Yes, it was happiness! tliougli earthly Joy Was distant far— and though sad thoughts arose For other's weal, to chase my heart's repose — Yet it was hliss, to know the dear employ Of leading souls to thee, God of love ! (-)n those who sat within the shade of death, Poiu'iug thy living light— and when the breath Of morning rose, with willing feet to move, And guide young hearts to kindle at the shrine Of nature's Lord — as in each happy hand I clasped a loved one — links of that dear band Whose early sweetness round my soul entwine — Treading their infant spirits on the way To virtue's heights, and heaven's eternal day. 86 SONNET. NEVER shall my soul the thoughts forego Of high and pure intent, that lead me on To virtue's heights, and the immortal crown Wreathed of the flowers that in heaven's garden grow. What though I tread a path of tears and woe, Nor mortal joy attendant on my way, The light of hope shall 'mid the darkness play, And purer pleasures teach my heart to glow. 1 long to join the hlissful band on high, The spirits of the just — who overcame The bonds of sin — and whose undying fame Shall guide me to their glorious destiny. Then shrink not, oh my soul ! but, undismayed. Seek for the crown of life which will not fade. SONNET. Again I see tliee in the house of prayer Raise thy meek eyes above, and pm-est prixise Once more to heaven, in sweet and hallowed lays, Flows from thy moumfiil lips — yes, heavy care Has paled thy cheek since last I saw thee here, And cast thick shades of sorrow on thy brow. The God of peace be with thee ! and bestow A blessing on thy sorrowing — may the tear For him thou loved, be mingled with the joy That cannot perish — in thy fane, oh God ! Still let thy servant kiss the chastening rod. And holiest thoughts her aching heart employ ; Whilst hopes of heavenly birth shall gild the gloom, And chase the horrors of the silent tomb. ss SONNET. 'Mid thousand thoughts of coming woes opprest, Sleep stole upon me, and Futurity ! I di-eamt thy shadows round my pillow prest, And thou wert in that dim ohscurity, A dark and shapeless form — the troubled sky, Was covered with a thick impervious veil, That hid the story of my destiny. Weeping, I called on thee to tell the tale — The dark veil fell — and oh ! my best beloved, I saw thee pass, wrapt in the gai'b of death. Friend — brother — still the mournfid shadows moved. Pale, beautiful, crowned with the immortal wreath. Shivering, I waked — oh bliss! those eyes to see, In living beauty, gently bent o'er me I 89 THE IRISH EXILES ADIEU Farewell, farewell ! my own green Isle, A long farewell to thee; With burning tears and bitter smile. Thy lessening shores I see ! Vain tears ! that fall unheeded now Upon the watery main ; And smile that mocks the pallid brow, Where care aud sorrow reign. Isle beloved ! why should I grieve To quit thy ravaged soil ? Why weep thy suffering sons to leave, O'erwhelmed with fruitless toil ? My home ! my country ! could I bear To view thy hopeless doom, — To listen to thy last despair, — To find a traitor's tomb ? — N 90 Oh no ! in other climes I '11 meet The lonely Exile's lot ; Yet for thy woes my heart shall beat, Thy wrongs be unforgot. Farewell, farewell ! my own green Isle, A long farewell to tliee ; With burning tears, and bitter smile. Thy lessening shores I see ! 9] SONNET. Written in 1830. Ehewhile a mighty spirit met my view. Of form and mien majestic and sublime, Bearing the semblance of the just and true. That still survive amidst the wi-ecks of time ; In a far realm, where peace and freedom dwell. Stedfast it stood, and waved its powerful hand — The task achieved — I heard the trumpet-swell Of its stern voice witliin a neighbom* land — And then 't was whispered here — the signal sound Louder and louder grew, and the firm tread Of its bold step re-echoed all around, Telling of patriot hopes long cold and dead. — Eeform ! at thy approach shall England see The brightening day-star of her destiny ! 02 Where does the wreath of freedom bloom Most glorious and divine, — Is it upon the hero's tomb, Where glittering tropliies shine? — Or is it on the monarch's brow, Upon his regal throne, Where trembling millions roimd him bow, And 'neath his sceptre groan? — No, rather on the front serene, Where patriot thoughts are rife ; There let the wreath be ever gi'een, And bloom in fadeless light. 93 THE POLISH MOTHER'S ADDRESS. Founded on the circumstance of a Polish Mother putting HER Children and herself to Death in the late calamities. Yes ! the day is anived wlien the Despot is come, With ]iis baud of assassins, to ravage my home ; He will tear my beloved from their fond mother's breast, From the arms where so oft I have Imshed them to rest. Yet stay, haughty Tyrant ! thy tortm-es forbear. And list for awhile to a mother's last prayer : — She wiU pray that her coimtry, though sunk in tlie dust, Again may revive in the Patriot's tmst ; That the hearts and the hands thou wilt trample on now. Indignant, may hurl the bright gems from thy brow ; 94 And the blood that is spilt iu the day of thy might, Call aloiid from the gi'ound thy dark deeds to requite ; Whilst the loud voice of Freedom shaU soiand thi-ough the land, And disperse the base slaves of the Autocrat band. O the day will aiTive ! it is known to the love Of the great God of Justice that dwelleth above ; Who forgets not the wrongs of the injured and brave, And sees and remembers the Patriot's grave. — Yes ! the day wUl arrive ! but, alas ! shall I dare To witness the scenes of a nation's despair — To see the fond hopes of my bosom depart, And live to lament o'er the loved of my heart — To weep o'er the bier where my husband shall lie, And pray in despan for my summons on high ? ShaU I wait till my sons in then- bright youth ai'e gone To the land of the ExUe, uncherished, alone ? Shall I watch them in chains and in anguish led fortli To the snow-covered realms of the desolate north ? Ah ! no ! cruel Tyrant ! thy power I defy, And haste, with my children, my country, to die. 95 HYMN. Wkitten on a Sundat, dueing Sickness. DAY of peace, and love, and joy, The Sabbath of my God ! Say shall not praise my hps employ, To spread His name abroad ? How briglitly beams the oj)ening day. How fair the landscape lies ! The dewdi'op trembles on the spray, And songs to heaven arise. Father ! with a tardy voice ShaU I thy mercy smg. Nor with the universe rejoice My sacrifice to bring ? 96 Though pain may shake my feeble frame, And bend my spirit low; I know from whence my suffering came, And tears no longer flow. I bless Thee for the happy hours That lately cheered my heart ; I bless Thee still when soitow lowers, And those bright hoiu's depart. I may not seek Thy temple, Lord ! To bend adoring there ; But, strong in Thy unfailing word. My soul shall own Thy care. day of peace, and love, and joy, The Sabbath of my God ! Say shall not praise my ]ips employ. To spread His name abroad? 97 VEESES. Weighed down with thoughts of earth, My sph-it lougs to rise, And seek a nobler bkth, A home beyond the skies. I see pure spirits there, Who beckon me to come. And view the mansions fail', 'Mid fields of fadeless bloom. They whisper of the peace That sainted soids shall know, Wliere all the tears shall cease That fall for mortal woe. not ^ith tardy feet I '11 seek the narrow way, Those angel-forms to gi'eet. In scenes of endless day. OS SONNET. " It is not the will of my Father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." The day is beautiful ; and nature springs To life and light again — where art thou gone, In thy young bloom, my own, my lovely one ? Nor sun, nor balmy au- thine image brings To bless my longmg eyes — the violet flings Its rathe perfume around — sweet warblers own Their joy in varied song — yet sad, alone, Can I rejoice when all suiTounding things Tell of thy opening beauty, shrouded now In tlie cold precincts of the sUent tomb ? I did not think to weep thy early doom. My best beloved ! yet would I meekly bow To His decree, who, in the words of love, " She will not perish," wliispers from above. 99 MOKNING HYMN, For a Youno Person. Another smiling day I see, Another day, my God ! for thee ; To thee may I devote my powers, And all these hright and hapjjy hoin'S. Another smiling day I see ! Then let me hend in prayer to Thee, And thank Thee for my tranquil rest, — The sleep thy guardian care has blest. Another smiling day I see ! And various duty points to Thee ; Let each devoted action prove Thy child's unbounded faith and love. When evening's tranquil shades descend, With thee this smiling day shall end ; And still the darker shades of night, Thy presence, Lord ! shall gild with light. 100 EVENING HYMN, Fob a Young Person. Another smiJing day is gone, With Thee, God ! I am alone ; And ere I sleep, my thoughts I '11 raise To thee, in love, and trust, and praise. I praise Thee for the heavenly care That bids my soul to Thee repaii- ; And with pure heart and spuit pray, " Pai'don the sins I 've done to-day." I love Thee for the gracious power That kept me to this sacred hour ; I bless thee for my happy home, And trust Thee still for days to come. And when the glowing east shall biu-n With the Sim's bright and blest retmn. If thou another day bestow, teach me more thy love to know. 101 SONNET. FEAR not thou, my sister ! at thy side I will be constant, patient, joyful still — Thoughts of immortal peace my heart shall fill, And thi'ough life's chequered paths secm-ely guide. Then tremble not; by strong temptation tried, My spirit springs in purer trust on high. Though tears of mortal woe bedim mine eye, My stedfast soul's unfading hopes abide. And shall we murmur, whilst, with love unmoved. We bend imited at a Saviour's shrine, xind offer there words, thoughts, and deeds divine, By sorrow chastened, and by sufifermg proved ? fear not thou, while fiiendship clieers our lot, And heaven's eternal bliss is unforgot. 102 SONNET. Ah ! let no word or look the clay profane, Beloved ! that saw our earthly fates entwine ; And let the eyes that fondly tui-n to thine, Find in thy face love's answering smiles again. Those smiles are there, and blessings ever rest Upon the love that through departed hoiu-s, And days, and years, has sti'ewed my path with flowers. Increased my joys, or made my sorrows blest. Thou art my trust on earth, my bliss below — Yet let me teach these idol thoughts to rise To Him, who thus no mortal good denies, But bids our cup with ceaseless joy o'erflow. — So may the love inspired by heaven and thee, Survive and blossom through eternity ! 103 VEESES WRITTEN IN A LADY'S ALBUM. I SAW a vessel float along upon the summer tide, And watched it o'er the raj^id stream in tranquil beauty glide ; No breeze of heaven distm-bed the calm that rested on the sea, But skies above, and earth aroimd, breathed peace and harmony. I watched that vessel till the wind aroused the sleeping waves, Yet still the angry billows' might the bai-k uninjured braves ; And now the storm has passed away, and gentler breezes rise, And once again it sails along beneath the clear blue skies. 104 Heaven speed thee safely, lovely bark! upon thy destined way, Till thou shalt gain the joyful shore where no rude billows play. Thus may thy gentle spirit o'er life's changeful ocean move. Till thou shalt hail a haven bright, a " better land " of love ! 105 SONNET. Adderessed to the Author of "Shades of Character. Yes, gentle teacher, though unknown, thy page Has taught my heart to love thee ; there I find The image of thy pme and noble mind : Traced by thy pencil, venerable age, UseM matm-ity, fan* forms that rise In youthful loveliness, the artless glee Of bounding childhood, and sweet hifancy In its first budding sweetness, charm our eyes ; Whilst thus religion, virtue, trutli, and love, From heavenly sources, and tlrrough strength divine, Dwell in thy words, and breathe along the line. Proceed — and may the world thy gifts improve. And thou, stUl elevate in heart and soid. Yet humble-minded, seek the Chiistian goal. 106 Isaiah, Chap. lx. 19, 20, 21. The sun shall no more shed his hrightness upon thee, The moon give her beams in the darkness of night, But the Lord of all power shall liimself he thy gloiy, The great God above thy unperisliing light. The moon shall no longer withdraw in the dawning, The bright sun go down in the evening to rest, For the Lord shall be thine — an unchangeable morning, And thy days on the earth be eternally blest. Thy people shall then be all righteous and holy, And in peace shall for ever inherit the land ; The branch of my planting, wherein I wUl glory, The pride and the wonderful work of my hand. 107 ON THE DEATH OF K. C. Thou didst not die when the Hght of fame Was sliining bright around thee, When a thousand tongues pronounced thy name, And the conqueror's laurel crowned thee. Thou didst not die when the myrtle band, And the Poet's meed, was brought thee ; No sighs were thine from a vanquished land, No flattering voices sought thee. But thine was the voice that cheered thee stUl, When the world of hope bereft thee ; That taught thy bosom with j'oy to thrill, When all other voices left thee. 108 And tMne was the sacred light that gleamed, When the shadow of death came o'er thee ; And hrighter and brighter its lustre beamed, As on to thy gi-ave we bore thee. And thine is the Christian's hallowed rest. And thine is the Christian's glory ; Thy name shall live in the Cln-istian breast, And thy fame in the Christian's story. 109 SONNET. See ! where releotless winter slow retires, And ffees fair nature fi"om his cold embrace, Spring's balmy gales his Hngering hoiTors chase, And wake to song once more the tuneful quires. Oh, welcome, lovely spring! again I trace In all that meets my gaze thy magic power, With raptured eye survey thy budchng flower. And watch with eager glance each opening gi-ace. I love alone, unseen, thy hours to spend, And careless roam the gi-een enamelled mead. Pondering o'er many a pure and virtuous deed. Sweet as the rm-al soiukIs that round me blend. Content, by Natiue's charms, uuconscious, taught To breathe the generous wish, and form the heaven- ward thought. 110 SONNET. 'Mid spring's insi^mDg gales, and budding sweets, The day dawns bright that gave my Hemy birth; A thousand flowers adorn the laughing earth, And Nature's rosy smiles with joy we greet, And thus you bloom, dear boy, in life's gay spring, No worldly blight has man-ed thy opening youth ; Erewhile content, with innocence and truth, To taste the bliss domestic joys can bring. 0, ever thus ! accept a sister's prayer — In life's bright summer, her autumnal day. Tread, with unwearied foot, fan- virtue's way, And " fear thy God, but have no other fear : " So, in dark winter's hour, thy heart shall know The bliss that days well spent, and vu-tuous deeds, bestow. Ill SONNET. Nay, weep not — nov that form beloved let teai's Profane with idle woe — tJiat time is past. The time has been when cares, and toils, and fears, Wliich only mothers know, had dra\vn them fast From sterner eyes than tliine — but do we mourn When conquerors win their wi'eaths? when, the wild strife Of mortal combat o'er, our bosoms burn To grant the meed of Fame, more dear than life ? And shall the Christian victor, in a field Of nobler warfare, wage liis ceaseless fight, Winning celestial triumphs, yet we yield No voice of joy to haU the glorious sight? Come, let us gaze i;pon this peaceful shrine. And muse on visions of the life divine. 112 VERSES. Welcojie tlu'ough danger, fear, and pain, Welcome, my infant love, to me ; Although I should eudiu-e again The pangs of Nature's stern decree. O welcome ! though the joyful smiles That wreathe my lip to see tliee here. Are dimmed with tears — tliy smUe heguiles My heart of all its gi-ief and fear. Welcome, and may the sacred will That gives thee to om" haj)py home. Be present to my hosom stUl, And guard thee, love, from ills to come. Safe in thy parents' arms — may we. United, guide thine infant feet. Where angel songs shall welcome thee, And words divine thy entrance greet. 113 SONNET. Ox Visiting the Scenes of my Yodth. Crowd round me, memories of the buried past, Come in yom* forms of beauty and of light. Ere yet my heai't had felt its early blight, Or wept o'er grief, the bitterest and the last. Home of my youth ! I hail thy peaceful bowers, Where he, our loved one, waked to life and joy ; He sports before me now, a blissful boy ; Again I weave with him the summer flowers. Playmate, and friend, and brotlier — by each name, Most dear on earth, I call thee to my side — Alas ! thy footsteps never more shall ghde Amongst these verdant walks, as once they came. Elate with health and joy — then let me go And weep warm tears where thou art sleeping low. 114 SONNET. To MY Sister. Now witli a fonder love and warmer prayer, Than erst in years gone by, again I raise A song of joy for thee, and as in days Departed we were ever wont to sliare Each smile and tear, and mingle every cai'e ; So hear once more, beloved, the hope that plays Unchanged around my heart, and sheds its rays Upon thy onward path — whether it wear The aspect of dehght — or son'ow give The semblance of a woe — yet in thy breast Guileless and pure unnumbered joys shall live. Safe in His love who makes his followers blest. — And still, in heart and mind, I '11 share with thee Those joys — the earnest of Eternity. 110 SONNET. Milton. A PASSAGE PARAPHRASED FROM DR. ChANNIXGS EsSAV OX MlI.TOX. Behold him in his last years desolate, Forsaken, fallen — in mau's ening sight Condemned by Power Supreme to his dark state — But sightless, still he lives in happier light — His inward eye ranges on nature's face, And sheds on her beams brighter than the sun : In pure imagination's fadeless grace, Heaven, Hell, and Paradise are his — still run His retrospective glances to past days — To sages, and apostles, prophets, knights, Heroes, and gifted bards. Then Time displays Her futm-e triumphs, aud his soul dehghts In Freedom's glorious reign — whUst smiling Fame Points to the hearts 7iow throbbing at bis name. ]16 FUNERAL HYMN, On occasion of the Death of the Rev. J. Hincks, late of Liverpool. Sung after the Funeral Sermon, 13th Feb. 1831. " He, being dead, yet speaketh." — Hkb. xi. 4. Hark ! Christians, to the tones that fill Each listening mourner's ear, " He, being dead, yet speaketh stUl," His voice is hovering near. O listen noiv, though once the sound Might coldly touch thy breast, Those gentle accents float aroimd From mansions of the blest. They speak to youth in wai"ning strain, To shun temptation's way. Nor venture 'midst the pleasures vain Of life's delusive day. 117 They speak to those in manhood's pride, As they were wont to speak, To lay their worldly trust aside, And better riches seek. And gently to the infant hand They speak of heavenly things, And teU of that enduring land Where endless pleasure springs. And to the Christian bent with yeai's, They hx'eathe in words of love, And bid him lay aside his fears. And find liis rest above. not in vain his death shall be. Whose life so brighdy shone, For " being dead, yet speaketh he," In accents all his own. So, though we ne'er shall see him more Within this hallowed fane, Yet let us live his virtues o'er, Nor make his laboiu-s vain. 118 A NIGHT THOUGHT. " Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with Die; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. " — Psalm xxiii. 4. Thou must go forth alone, my soul ! Thou must go forth alone, To other scenes, to other worlds. That mortal hath not known. Thou must go forth alone, my soul. To tread the narrow vale ; But He whose word is sure has said. His comforts shall not fail. Thou must go forth alone, my soul ! Along the darksome way. Where the bright sun has never shed His warm and gladsome ray ; 119 xA.nd yet the Sim of Righteousness Shall rise amidst the gloom, And scatter fi'om thy trembling gaze The shadows of the tomb. Thou must go forth alone, my soul ! To meet thy God above ; But shi'ink not — he has said, my soul. He is a Ood of love. His rod and stafl" shall comfort thee Across the dreary road, Till thou shalt join the blessed ones In heaven's serene abode. 120 SONNET. Addressed to my Fathee. 1 GAZED on those who in the sacred cause Of truth were met, and sacred liberty, On lips that longed to call a brother free, And heai-ts that mourned o'er justice' injm-ed laws : Joyful I hailed them — for the strength that awes Oppression's power, was there — and days shall lie, Of pm-er fame in England's destiny. Then wherefore starts the tear, and what withdi'aws My eyes in sadness from that festive scene ? 'T was that I sought in vain the form revered, Wliose voice the vuluous loved, the base ones feared, Alas ! no longer in that circle seen — Yet still the grace of virtue, tiTith, and fame Adorns his peaceful age, and consecrates his name. 121 VERSES, SuPPOoED TO HAVE BKEN WRITTEN BY A CHILD, OX THE Death oi' his Sister. I SEEK thy garden's narrow bound, My sister, with a constant love. And watch tlie flowers that spring around, And near thy borders gently rove. Thy favorite flowers are dear to me, Whate'er their form or varied hue. And though a thousand more I see, My heart to thine shall still be ti-ue. The smiling snn is come again, And sliines upon thy loved retreat ; O what can now thy steps detain. Where linger now thy fairy feet ? B 122 This rose for thee its fragrance shed, The primrose and the eglantine, The violet in its scented bed, And all, my sister, all are thine. — No other hand shaU dare intrude, To bear thy floweiy store away ; I '11 chide each footstep wandeiing rude. And guard thy border's bright an-ay. And in the summer's happy hours. When youthful hearts with joy x-esound, I "11 hnger near thy favorite flowers, And hear thy soft voice whispering round. And though pale winter's form appear, And chase away thy garden's bloom, The falhng leaves shall more endear The memory of thy early tomb. Fair flowers ! though eaith your sweets receive, And hide you in her quiet breast, I will not o'er yom* relics grieve. Or murmur at your transient rest. 123 Those thousand dyes that meet my view, The spring shall wake to life and light, And every bud and leaf renew, And every flower that charms my sight. And spring her freshening dews shall shed, My sister, on thy cold repose ; Yet still their influence o'er thy bed No infant sweetness shall disclose. But He who clads the leafless tree, And bids the vanished flower return, O will not he his creatui'es love, And guard the sad funereal lu-n ? Then o'ei my sister's quiet sod I '11 shed the tears of hope and love. And, whilst she sleeps in peace with God, Wait for a happier rest above. A garland of her loveliest flowers I '11 lay upon the grassy mound. Till on her brow, in blissfifl bowers, A wreath of living sweets be found. 124 SONNET. SUPPOSKD TO BE WRITTEN IN THE DiNGLE, TOXTKIH PaKK. Heedless stranger.' who so long Hast listened to an idle song; When trifles thus thy notice share, Hast thou no urn that asks thy care ? ROSCOE. Inscription in the Dingle, Toxtelh Park. As summer wanes, and autumn breezes come, To whisper words of warning, and to sigh Amidst the leaves that in oiu' pathway lie, Making sad music as we onward roam, With mournful heart I seek a passing home Within this dell, where faithful memory Brings shadowy forms to greet my longing eye — The forms beloved of those whose earthly doom 'T was mine to share — how silently they glide. With smile serene, amongst these verdant shades. But ah ! in vain I call them to my side. And as I gaze, the lovely vision fades ; Wliilst a soft voice is borne upon the an-, " Hast tliou no urn, my child, that asks thy care ?" 125 SONNET. lis RRADING " MkMOIRS OP MaRGARKT DaVIDSOX. Celestial Spirit ! in those bowers above, Where, clad in fadeless bloom, I see thee dwell, Thou, who the passing joys of earth could tell, In those impassioned words that ever move The inmost soul of feeling — whose pure love With kindred ardour bids my bosom swell, And eveiy baser thought in scorn repel, Which thy yoimg spotless hours should aught reprove — If 't is thy Father's will, that guardian saints Watch o'er his cliildren here — then, Spirit ! bend Thy heavenly eyes upon me — hither send Some beams of bliss, that when my wealv heart faints In scenes of earthly woe, my soul may rise, And seek, like thine, communion with the skies ! 126 SONNET. On reading a MS. Memoir. Wherefore should tears descend on words that tell Of writing still enshrined in living hearts, Although the angel whom ye loved departs To scenes where kindred spirits ever dwell Before the Eternal throne, yet it is well That she, whose life was purity and truth, Should linger here, wliilst youthful hope and joy Were still her own, departing ere the spell Of earthly bliss was chilled by sorrow's power. And still, my friend, within your happy home. Dwell the fond thoughts that centre in the tomb Of lost Eliza — telling of the hour When you shall gi-eet her in eternal peace. Where absence, pain, and death for ever cease. 127 SONNET. Though the glad days are goue, but not forgot. When we were wont to gi-eet the friend we loved, ' Mid our forsaken bowers — though those who roved With careless footsteps in the sacred spot Where love and friendship blessed theii- early lot, Soon felt the changes of relentless fate, That still attend on life's uncertain state ; Yet shall those scenes, that friend be unlbrgot — And she who ever met with joyful smile The pleasant hours when hope and fancy threw Their treasm-ed sweets before her tranced view, Now seeks with gi'ateful purpose to beguile The passing hoiu', or raise fond thoughts of those Who iu the silence of the grave repose. 128 INTRODUCTORY SONNET, To "Sacred Offkring. " Not with mistrusting heart, or anxious brow. My little book, I send thee forth again — So thou the suffrage of the good obtain, I seek not what the worldling can bestow Of perishable praise— enough to know That at the lonely couch of grief or pain Thy simple page one passing smile can gain, Or Idndle in the breast devotion's glow. Yet shouldst thou find a place in blissful bower, ' Midst happy hearts, unthinking of their doom. In the fond trust of that delusive hour, whisper to them of the coming gloom, And tell them of the faith whose mighty power Can light the dreary precincts of the tomb. 129 SONNET. Written after perusing Southey's "Life of Cowper.' MORTAL love, liow iioble, pure, divine, Cowper ! it glowed within thy gentle breast ; If joy inspu-ed thee, or if grief deprest. The varied task of friendsliip still was thine. And in the hapless days of thy decline, Wlien direst woe thy suffering mind o'erthrew, Stni thy unchanging heart to her was true, Till even madness could its claims resign. If such thy mortal love, who can say The bhss that might await thee, when thine eye Gazed on the glories of eternity, And love immortal shed its heavenly ray. Scattering the darkness from thy troubled soul, Like clouds that vanish in the sun's control ! 130 HYMN. " In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." Though the Eternal ages roll, They cannot touch my deathless soul, For thou, O God ! wilt safety bring. Within the shadow of thy wing. In life, thy presence shall be near, To chase away tormenting fear ; In death, I 'U breathe my latest sigh, In peaceful trast, if Thou art nigh. Though o'er my cold and narrow bed A countless multitude may tread, At Jesus' voice the senseless clay Shall rise, in robes of bright an-ay. ]:31 O God ! preserve my steclfast will, To live witliin thy mercies still, And let thy wing's protecting might Still hover 'mid the shades of night. 132 To L. A. J. Go to the house of prayer, And bend in reverence there, And seek the peaceful joy Which earth can ne'er destroy. Go to the house of prayer, And with thy kindred share That love which guides us still To Zion's holy hill. Go to the house of ])i'a,jer, Thy youthful offering bear, Of tender hopes and fears. That wait thy coming years. Go to the house of prayer. Whilst on the silent an A mother's voice sliall rise For thee beyond the skies. 133 ON PLACING FLOWERS ON A TOMBSTONE. Sweets to the loved and lonely dead, On his cold and hallowed bed ; Let them gently wither there, Image of my soul's despair. Thus the hopes and joys of youth Perish at the touch of truth ; Thus the lovely sink to rest On the earth's protecting breast. Flowers ! that now so fondly bloom On my brother's sacred tomb, Whisper to my faiUug heaat, " He shall hve, though we depart !" ]:U HYMN Holy Jesus ! blessed name ! Wto on earth for sinners came, Thou wilt help me, thou wilt guide Safely to thy Father's side. •Jesus ! in the hour of woe. Thou wilt all my suffering know ; Thou wilt help me, thou wilt guide Safely to thy Father's side. Jesus ! at the throne of love, Thou wilt plead my cause above ; Thou wilt help me, thou wilt guide Safely to thy Father's side. U. JIARPLES; PKINTEB, LIVKKPOOL. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. REMINGTON RAND INC. 20 213 (533) THE LIBRARY JJNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNTS LOS ANGELES pr? Jevons - U325 Sonnets I3ii5 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILIPr' 000 383 640 o ER 1^325 JI475AI7 I31i5