^^^„.„ 
 
 ^ POEJVIS ^ 
 
 E^r- 
 
 JOHJ^ IMF(!E, Tof^ONTo 
 
 rviv*^
 
 t&-^
 
 TO MY FRIENDS. 
 
 Fiienrls dead and gone — friends far aud uear- 
 Friends tried and true— friends ever dear — 
 Though sundered far, yet all are here- 
 Close to my heart; 
 And all along life's rugged way, 
 The smile of Friendship crowns the day, 
 And hearts are young, tho' heads be grey ; 
 Friends never part ! 
 
 ^Jottr^ ttuftj, 
 
 eloliit &Mizic.
 
 SACRED SONGS. 
 
 SONNETS, 
 
 AXD 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN IMEIE 
 
 WITH AN INTEODUCTION BY 
 
 G. MEECER ADAM, Toronto. 
 
 $1.00. 
 
 TOKONTO: 
 IMRIE & GRAHAM, 28 Colbokne Street. 
 
 1886.
 
 Entered according to Act ol Parliament of Canada, in the year 1886, 
 by Imrie & Gbaham, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, 
 Ottawa.
 
 CONTENTS. Ill 
 
 P^ 
 ^K/8 
 
 M 
 
 ; ;;;:;;!li!r s 
 
 €, 
 
 fc; .;- X 3^..xcc 
 
 /|1HII'1||""" <«"' 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Author's Preface . . . . . . . . . . vii 
 
 Inteoduction, by G. Mercer Adam . . . . . . ix 
 
 Sacred Compositions.. .. .. .. ,, ..17 
 
 Sonnets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 
 
 Patriotic Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 
 
 Songs of Love, Home, and Friendship ,. .. 91 
 
 Miscellaneous Poems . . . . . . , . . . 145 
 
 Alphabetical Index . . . . 207 
 
 '''iiiii'f' ^ 
 
 
 759452
 
 ( 
 
 ' MUSIC AND ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 • 
 
 V 
 
 LIST OF 
 
 
 
 MUSIC AND ILLUSTEATIONS. 
 
 
 MUSIC. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Queen Victoria's Jubilee . . 
 
 
 .. 74 
 
 A Souvenir of Love 
 
 
 98 
 
 A Kiss Through the Telephone . . 
 
 
 .. 118 
 
 The Young Musician 
 
 a a 
 
 180 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Portrait of the Author 
 
 Frontispiece 
 
 Birds-eye View of Toronto, Ont. 
 
 
 55 
 
 View of Niag-vba Falls, (American Side) 
 
 
 .. 67 
 
 Queenston Heights 
 
 • « 
 
 77 
 
 The Dying Scot AiiRo.U) 
 
 . • 
 
 .. 87 
 
 A Kiss Through the Telephone 
 
 . . 
 
 121 
 
 Nature's Temple 
 
 . , 
 
 .. 151 
 
 Life's Progress . . 
 
 • • 
 
 1G2 
 
 The Power of Song.. 
 
 • • 
 
 .. 169 
 
 The Young Musician 
 
 • • 
 
 183
 
 PREFACE, VU 
 
 AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 The following " Sacred Songs, Sonnets, and 
 Miscellaneous Poems " are sent forth to the public 
 with much diffidence on the part of the Author as 
 to their literary merit. I would not have dared 
 thus to intrude on the debatable ground of 
 authorship, unless at the urgent solicitation of my 
 numerous friends, who have from time to time 
 asked me for copies of some of the following 
 compositions. At their request, also, it is grati- 
 fying to me to say, that most of the Poems 
 have at various times appeared as contributions 
 to the public press, more especially in Toronto, 
 and have afterwards been copied in exchanges 
 over Canada, and in some of the leading 
 city papers and publications in the United States 
 and the Mother-country. To these sources of 
 v-communication with other lands and people, I 
 tender my sincere thanks, as they have been 
 largely instrumental in bringing my verses and 
 my name before the public, and in stimulating me 
 to proceed in a path — even under these auspicious 
 circumstances — beset with much misgiving.
 
 Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 The Illustrations which appear in this work 
 have been kindly supplied by friends in the print- 
 ing profession ; and the Copyright Music by 
 gentlemen whose names stand high in the scale of 
 musical authorship. To these, individually, my 
 sincere thanks are hereby tendered. 
 
 My only object and aim in " the cultivation of 
 the Muse " was to spend my leisure hours — which 
 were all too few — in intellectual recreation, thereby 
 giving voice to pent-up feelings of devotion, love, 
 patriotism, or pleasure, as the "ebb and flow" 
 of inward thought seemed to find expression. 
 Should I thereby have " made friends " of the 
 public, the result will far exceed my most sanguine 
 expectations : — 
 
 The friendship of the good and true 
 
 Is more to me than gold, 
 And while I welcome one that 's new 
 
 I'll treasure well the old ; 
 Old friends are like the goodly tree 
 
 Whose leafy branches throw 
 A grateful shelter over me 
 
 When adverse winds may blow ! 
 
 ToKONTO, Canada, 
 
 Oct. 21st, 1836.
 
 INTRODUCTION. IX 
 
 I NTRODUCTION 
 
 BY 
 
 G. MEECEE ADAM. 
 
 Among the diverse interests of tliis restless 
 money-grubbing world, there is one which should 
 hold a larger place than it does in the affec- 
 tions of the masses, — namely, the honest, un- 
 affected love of home and home pleasures. In 
 these days we are all of us too much disposed 
 to seek enjoyment abroad, and to figure more 
 than is good for us in the eye of the public. 
 The craving for excitement has made us im- 
 patient with home ; and the fireside and domestic 
 shrines have in large measure lost their attrac- 
 tion. In their place have come the club and 
 the society hall, the tavern and the divorce 
 court.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Living a fast life — the delirium which comes 
 of it makes us impatient also with many of the 
 simple joys which used to please a former 
 generation. Our tastes, in these latter days, 
 have undergone a radical change. We are fas- 
 tidious and critical, and the things that once 
 interested us and made for our peace, interest 
 us and make for our peace no longer. In our 
 feverish, unhealthful condition, we seek a sea- 
 soned diet ; ^nd in our reading, as well as in 
 our eating and drinking, there is a craving for 
 stimulants. The result is a vitiated palate, and 
 a mind relaxed, feeble, and jaded. 
 
 We are no longer satisfied with the novel, 
 with the song, or with the play, that used to 
 delight our forefathers. Nothing so simple and 
 innocent would now content us. Even our 
 religion has sufi'ered a change. The stern mo- 
 rality and unbending creeds of other days have 
 become pliant and yielding, while compromise 
 and emasculated beliefs have taken their place. 
 The old doctrines familiar to the bye-gone pul- 
 pit now offend us, though we are not particular 
 if the preacher resorts to irreverence and slang. 
 On the contrary, we rather encourage lum in 
 this propensity. 
 
 With tastes and cravings so destructive to the
 
 INTRODUCTION. X» 
 
 spiritual life, wbat wonder tbat simple joys and 
 quiet domestic pleasures have in the social world 
 lost much of their charm ? Yet " the common 
 people," — as the phrase goes — the men and 
 women who are doing the common work of this 
 toiling world, stand more than ever in need of 
 rest and quiet, and the kindly solacement of 
 happy fireside intercourse. Innocent delights, 
 restful pleasures, and the blissful contentment of 
 a well-ordered, comfortable home, with such 
 intellectual recreation as these Edens afford, 
 must be the necessities, we should think, of 
 those at least whose lot is a ceaseless round of 
 toil. To such our author comes with his tune- 
 ful lyre and sings us the gladsome lays of the 
 home and tbe fireside. Benefactor is he not, to you 
 and to me, if he beguiles us from our distrac- 
 tions and cares, and leads us to realize that 
 after all the world's happiness lies in the quiet 
 comforts and the refining influences of home ? 
 
 Neither I nor the author claim place for 
 these efl'usions among the productions of tbe 
 divine songsters of earth. Tbe world has become 
 too refined — too finical, perhaps, — in its tastes 
 to rate highly tbe lays cf tbe home, or to see 
 auglit of art in tbe product of tbe domestic 
 Muse. J3ut as these poems are for tbe people.
 
 xii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 and not for the critics, and as tliey deal "with 
 subjects wliicli may be read and understood of 
 all men, — with no artificiality, no straining after 
 effect, — their simple and natural poetic utter- 
 ance will, I am convinced, commend them to 
 the heart, and ensure their warm acceptance at 
 the hands of the people. 
 
 It would indeed be difficult for thoughts, how- 
 ever expressed, on Love, Friendship, Home, and 
 kindred topics, to fail of finding response in the 
 human breast ; and the average reader who 
 follows the bent of his own unperverted taste, 
 and is as indifferent to the critics as the poets 
 themselves, will find much to please him in the 
 book. Of profit he should also find much, if 
 his sympathies are as keen and broad as the 
 author's, and his appreciation equal to his, of 
 the warm-hearted Christian brotherhood, and un- 
 affected moral purpose, which should find expres- 
 sion in all our work. 
 
 Not its least merit, it must be said, is the 
 fact, that there is not a puzzling cr baffling 
 line in .the book. This should be counted for 
 something, when there is so much in our modern 
 verse, not ambitious of fame merely, but cold, 
 meaningless and empty. The volume is chiefly 
 noteworthy, however, not only for unassuming
 
 INTRODUCTION. Xiil 
 
 sincerity, on the part of the writer, but for its 
 appeal to the universal and easily- awakened feel- 
 ings of our common humanity. The unobtrusive 
 piety and strain of religious sentiment which run, 
 like threads of gold, through the book, will, we 
 are sure, not the less endear the volume to the 
 reverent reader, and to those whose hearts have 
 felt the influences of the Divine. 
 
 May it be its mission to keep alive the love 
 of home, to minister to minds distraught with 
 toil and care, and among its readers — we trust, 
 of all ranks and conditions of men — to implant 
 an eternal Sabbath in the heart. 
 
 184 Spadina Avenue, 
 
 ToEONXo, Oct. 18th, 1886.
 
 SACRED COMPOSITIONS. 
 
 o^^ 
 
 T
 
 ha$ii &m^mvtim$. 
 
 A PEAYEE. 
 
 1'OWLY and prostrate, 
 
 *^^ Kneeling before Tliee, 
 Craving the spirit of prayer ; 
 
 Wretched and lonely, 
 
 Seeking Thee only. 
 Leave me not now in despair. 
 
 Father of mercies, 
 And God of all might, 
 
 Hear Thou the sigh of my heart ; 
 Groping through darkness, 
 Yet seeking the light. 
 
 Pardon and peace now impart. 
 
 Oh ! to be nothing. 
 
 And Christ to be all. 
 Oh ! to be ransomed by Thee ; 
 
 Saved from destruction 
 
 And pow'r of the fall. 
 Through Jesus, who died for me. 
 
 Humbly I ask Thee, 
 
 Jesus, my Saviour, 
 Dcnd Thou Thine ear to my cry ; 
 
 For strength and for grace 
 
 While running life's race — 
 Lead Thou me on till I die ! 
 
 B
 
 18 IMIilE'S POEMS. 
 
 AN ANXIOUS SOUL COMFOKTED. 
 
 !^5^00R erring soul ! thou art not yet forsalen, 
 i(^- A Father's loving heart still beats for thee ; 
 Renounce the steps in sin which thou hast taken, 
 And thou shalt have a pardon full and free. 
 
 Let not the sins of former days deter 
 
 Thy heart from seeking after truth and God ; 
 
 Thou shalt not seek in vain, do not defer, 
 
 Fly to the Cross, and Christ shall ease thy load. 
 
 A Father's arms are opened to receive, 
 
 A Saviour's blood was freely shed for thee ; 
 
 Trust not thy erring self, in Him believe, 
 Who bore thy sins upon the cursed tree. 
 
 No more in darkness shalt thou doubting tread, 
 A brighter Light shall guide thee on thy way ; 
 
 No more in sin shalt thou be blindly led, 
 Nor in the paths of vice be found to stray. 
 
 Thy soul shall then in glorious measure feel 
 The Spirit's power, which changes mind and will ; 
 
 And thou shalt not be able to conceal 
 
 The love which thy euraptur'd soul shall fill. 
 
 Then shalt thou grow in grace from day to day, 
 And thus be fitted for thy home above ; 
 
 Till God shall call thy ransom'd soul aAvay 
 To swell the praises of His matchless love.
 
 SACRED. 19 
 
 SABBATH CHIMES. 
 
 ON HEARING THE BELLS OF ST. JAMES's CHnRCH, TOKONTO, 
 ON A SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 J[|]INGLE, dingle, dong, 
 i^sHear the happy song, 
 
 Come away, 
 
 Sabbath day, 
 Join the holy throng. 
 
 Come both old and young, 
 Come the weak or strong, 
 
 Dingle dong, 
 
 Happy song. 
 Cheering us along. 
 
 Children young and fair, 
 Seeking God in prayer, 
 
 Voices raise. 
 
 In His praise, 
 Feeling God is there. 
 
 Plainly all may see, 
 Happy hearts have we, 
 
 God above. 
 
 Full of love. 
 Keep us near to Thee.
 
 20 IMRIFJS POEMS. 
 
 THE PEEACHEE'S WAENING. 
 
 •^EMEMBEE, youth ! in thy early prime, 
 ^^i^ The God of thy fathers in olden time : 
 The Creator of heaven, and earth, and spheres, 
 With whom one day is as a thousand years ; 
 While the years of man are as early grass. 
 To-day in health, hut to-morrow doth pass 
 In natural course of decay away. 
 To mnigle again with its mother^ Clay ! 
 
 Ere the evil days come and years draw nigh. 
 When pleasure and hope give way to a sigh ; 
 And the eye whose lustre was clear and bright, 
 Gives forth but a dim and uncertain light ; 
 And the step, once firm and lithe in the dance. 
 Be crippled, and weak, and slow to advance ; 
 Oh ! young man, beware, asd remember now 
 Thy Creator — God, and thy father's vow ! 
 
 Let faith and prayer like daily incense rise 
 
 To God above, beyond the starry skies ; 
 
 Seek wisdom from on high as daily food, 
 
 Let not thy left hand mar thy right hand's good ; 
 
 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge rare 
 
 Which maketh rich, and Christ's atonement share; 
 
 Then shall thy path be as the rising sun, 
 
 And God at last shall say — Well done, well done!
 
 SACRED. 21 
 
 JESUS' LOVE. 
 
 iiH, wondrous love ! oh, matcliless grace ! 
 <wj!v.>vThat Jesus took the sinner's place ; 
 And left His heavenly home on high, 
 On earth to live, to weep, to die. 
 
 To lice on earth that we might rise 
 To brigliter scenes beyond the skies ; 
 And dwell in mansions fair and bright, 
 'Mid endless glory, love, and light. 
 
 To weep, that we might sing for joy, 
 And all our ransom'd powers employ ; 
 Our liearts and voices gladly raise 
 In happy songs of love and praise. 
 
 To die, that we might never die, 
 But live with Him in bliss on high ; 
 And meet around that glorious throne, 
 Where Jesus gathers in His own. 
 
 The love of Jesus, like the sea, 
 Is rich and boundless, full and free ; 
 No seeking soul need e'er despair, 
 Or fail to find a portion there.
 
 THE BELIEVER'S REFUGE. 
 
 _ ^IS sweet to feel that God is near 
 ^C«^ In times of trouble or distress,— 
 To quell the doubt, or calm the fear, 
 To pardon, comfort, heal and bless. 
 
 When all around is dark and drear, 
 And sorrow shades the brow with care. 
 
 How sweet to know that God will hear 
 The anxious soul's imploring prayer. 
 
 How sweet to lean upon that arm. 
 And in its strength a refuge find ; 
 
 Secure from every fear or harm. 
 
 Which would disturb our peace of mind. 
 
 Jesus, thou Refuge ever sure. 
 
 Where all is peace, and joy, and rest; 
 Sale as the rock that doth endure. 
 
 Oh ! let me lean upon Thy breast. 
 
 Then let the world its warfare wage, 
 And Satan tempt my heart with pride ; 
 
 Let friends disown, and scoffers rage. 
 To turn my heart from Thee aside — 
 
 They all shall fail ! but Thou alone 
 Shalt be my portion evermore ; 
 
 I'll cling to Thee — the world disown — 
 Thy love cojifess — and Thee adore !
 
 SACRED. 23 
 
 THE MISSIONAEY'S PRAYER. 
 
 jil|r-ORD, with thine arm support our cause, 
 <«^ While, in obedience to thy laws, 
 We raise Thy banner, plead Thy pow'r. 
 To save when in the trying hour. 
 
 Lord, send Thy soldiers to the field, 
 And make the pow'r s of Satan yield 
 To thy strong arm, that arm of might, 
 Which shieldeth those who do the ri'^lit. 
 
 *o' 
 
 Lord, put Thy Word into our heart, 
 That we to others may impart 
 The knowledge of Thy saving grace, 
 To every tribe of every race ! 
 
 Then shall we praise Thy mighty name, 
 And in all lands Thy right proclaim ; 
 Where prayers of gi'atitude will rise, 
 Like grateful incense to the skies.
 
 ^•4 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE. 
 
 |;„E cannot meet with undimm'd eye 
 ■I^s^ii) The sun's efflulgent, pierdng rays ; 
 No more can we, while 'neath the sky, 
 Fathom our great Creator's ways. 
 
 Still let us search, with humble awe, 
 And scan His wondrous works with care ; 
 
 And round His glorious footstool draw 
 In humble, pleading, fervent prayer : 
 
 That He who rules celestial spheres. 
 And holds the oceans in His hand. 
 
 Would free our hearts from doubts and fears. 
 And lead us to that glorious land, 
 
 Where doubts no more disturb the mind, 
 
 And fears no more distress the heart ; 
 
 Where we shall full fruition find. 
 
 And kindred meet no more to part. 
 
 Oh ! may we stand on heavenly ground. 
 Where sweetest music charms the ear ; 
 
 Wliere peace, and joy, and love abound — 
 For God Himself is ever near. 
 
 Oh ! glorious land of endless day. 
 
 Oh ! happy home so bright and fair ; 
 
 Where saints unceasii)g homage pay 
 
 To Him Avhose blocd has brought them tliere.
 
 THY CHOICE — WHICH ? 
 
 ^H ! which shall I choose, 
 
 <S^ Accept, or refuse, — 
 The pleasures of sm for a season ? 
 
 Or cling to the Cross, 
 
 Through profit or loss. 
 Oh ! tell me, and give me a reason ? 
 
 The reasons I give 
 
 All others outlive, — 
 Tlie pleasures of sin are deceiving ; 
 
 And socn pass away. 
 
 Like winter's short day, 
 And leave the soul dark with its grievijig : 
 
 Then cling to the Cross, 
 
 And count it not loss . 
 To sacrifice earth's empty pleasure ; 
 
 Think nothing of pain, 
 
 If Heaven thou gam, 
 And there have thy storehouse of treasure ! 

 
 26 UIlllE'S POEMS. 
 
 .^^^ 
 
 MY POKTION. 
 
 ^]f^HE L&rd is my portion, then what need I 
 ^^ fear '? 
 
 Though foes gather round me, my Helper is near ; 
 Let troubles assail me, or dark storms arise, 
 I'm safe on the " Strong Tower " that points to 
 the skies. 
 
 The Lord is my portion, the Lord is my Friend, 
 My hope from beginning, my joy in the end ; 
 No other His place in my heart can supply, 
 Which wells with its fulness when Jesus is nigh. 
 
 The Lord is my portion in life and in death, 
 In lisping His name I shall spend my last breath, 
 For His wonderful love in thinking of me, 
 And dying to save me on Calvary's tree. 
 
 The Lord is my portion, — earth's portion is vain, 
 'Tis burdened with sorrow, and sickness, and pain ; 
 Oh ! gladly I'll leave it on hearing His call. 
 Then prostrate before Him in gratitude fall.
 
 SACRED. 27 
 
 HYMN OF PKAISE. 
 
 jHOU God that rulest earth and Heaven, 
 ^^ To Thee be praise and glory given ; 
 Let all on earth behold Thy power 
 And goodness in each passing hour. 
 
 How shall we praise Thy matchless love 
 In Thy Son's mission from above "? 
 Who came to raise a fallen race, 
 And fit them for a nobler place. 
 
 Oh, touch us all with holy fire, 
 Our breasts with gratitude inspire ; 
 That we may teach all those who stray. 
 The narrow, sure, and only way. 
 
 Oh, keep us in the narrow road. 
 Until in Heaven we meet our Gcd ; 
 Then shall we endless praises sing, 
 And Heaven with " hallelujahs " ring !
 
 28 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE HOUSE OF GOD. 
 
 lENCE ! every thought of worldly care, 
 ^iyi This is the House of God ; 
 My soul, as for a feast prepare, 
 
 Thy burdens here unload. 
 
 The pealing organ sweetly rings 
 
 Its cadence everywhere ; 
 From pew to pew bright angel-wings 
 
 Seem floating through the air ! 
 
 Ah ! God is here — how very near — 
 We speak to Him in prayer ; 
 
 His voice so dear dispels our fear, 
 And soothes our every care. 
 
 From out His Hoi 7 Word we read 
 His promises secure ; 
 •' Yea and Amen " they are indeed, 
 ^ And ever shall endure. 
 
 The man of God, with solemn voice. 
 Expounds " the message " given ; 
 
 And as he speaks our hearts rejoice 
 As if approaching Heaven. 
 
 He dwells upon the love of God, 
 So boundless, pure, and free ; 
 
 And of His Son, who bore the rod, 
 And died upon the tree.
 
 SACRED. 
 
 29 
 
 The rich and poor, the young and old, 
 
 Here like one family meet, — 
 One heavenly shepherd and one fold, 
 ■ And one communion sweet. 
 
 Dear day ! the best of all the seven, 
 My heart with rapture swells ; 
 
 'Tis as the melody of Heaven, 
 The sound of Sabbath bells ! 
 
 Like doves unto their downy nest, 
 Our souls fly out to thee : 
 
 Sweet foretaste of that heavenly rest 
 For souls from sin set free. 
 
 :4^
 
 30 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE CHKISTIAN'S ARMOUK. 
 
 Ephesians vi., 10 — 18. 
 
 jH ! Christian brother ! would'st thou know 
 ^^ From whence thy strength should be, 
 When wrestling with thy bitter foe, 
 
 Who seeks to conquer thee ? 
 
 With might from Gcd, the Lord, be strong, 
 
 And in His strength prevail ; 
 With heavenly armour battle wrong. 
 
 And thou shalt never fail. 
 
 Thy loins be girt about with truth, 
 
 The truth of God is sure ; 
 'Twill compass all the snares of youth. 
 
 And keep thee ever pure. 
 
 Let righteousness thy breastplate be. 
 
 To ward thee in the fight ; 
 Love God and man — deep, strong, and free. 
 
 By morning, noon, and night. 
 
 Shod with the preparation 
 
 Of holy Gospel peace, 
 The footsteps of the godly man 
 
 From strength to strength increase. 
 
 The shield of faith, above all, see 
 
 That it be clear and briglit ; 
 From it the fiery darts shall flee. 
 
 And vanish from thy sight.
 
 SAC BED. 31 
 
 Salvation's helmet guards thy head, 
 And shields from hurt thy face ; 
 Inscribed upon it may be read : 
 
 " A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE." 
 
 Thy right hand grasps the two-edged sword, 
 With firmness and with might ; 
 
 The true-dividing of God's Word 
 Is justice, truth, and right. 
 
 Then polish up thy armour bright. 
 
 With vigilance and care, 
 And thou shalt conquer in the fight, 
 
 By patience, faith, and prayer. 
 
 Let prayer like incense ever rise 
 
 To God from souls set free ; 
 Until we gain the heavenly prize. 
 
 And His own image see !
 
 32 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE LORD'S PKAYER, 
 (paraphrased). 
 
 1. " Our Father, which art in Heaven.'^ 
 
 ^\THER of Lights and God of Love, 
 ^ Thrice Holy is Thy name ; 
 Thou King of Kings, enthron'd above. 
 Thou ever art the same. 
 
 -?. " Hallowed he Th;/ name." 
 
 Forever hallowed be Thy name 
 
 By hosts in earth and Heaven ; 
 In heathen lands make known Thy fame, 
 
 And saving mercy given. 
 
 ■3. " Thy Kingdom come." 
 
 Thy kingdoms stretch from pole to pole, 
 
 Throughout earth's utmost bound ; 
 Till gathered in each blood-bought soul, 
 That on the earth is found. 
 
 4. " Th'/ will be done on earth as it is in 
 Heaven." 
 Thy will be ours from morn till night, 
 
 Obedient to Thy Word; 
 Then shall our path be clear and bright. 
 And sin shall be abhorr'd. 
 
 5 " Give us this day our daily bread." 
 
 That man shall nothing be denied. 
 
 Who truly seeks Thy face ; 
 Our earthly wants are all supplied 
 With bounty, love, and grace.
 
 SACRED. 33 
 
 G. " Antiforf/ive us our trespasses.''^ 
 
 Our sins and failures we confess, 
 
 On bended knee entreat ; 
 Thus, trusting to Thy tenderness. 
 
 We'll worship at Thy feet. 
 
 7, " As ire forgive them that trespass 
 against us." 
 
 And may Thy love our hearts incline, 
 
 To mercy bend our ear ; 
 To pardon others who combine 
 
 To cause us hurt or fear. 
 
 6'. " And lead us not into temptation., 
 hut deliver us from evil " 
 
 From Satan's tempting snares of sin, 
 Thy right hand shall deliver ; 
 
 Our God shall keep us pure within, 
 Though Hell's foundations quiver. 
 
 [). ' For Thine is the Kinr/dom, the power, 
 and the ijlory, for ever.'' 
 
 Thine are the kingdoms of the earth. 
 And thine the glory ever ; 
 
 This world did own Thee at her birth, 
 Thou everlasting Giver. 
 
 10. "Amen."' 
 
 Amen ! Amen ! so let it be, 
 
 God's counsel faileth never ; 
 The Truth of God is pure and free, 
 And shall prevail for ever !
 
 34 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE LONGING SOUL. 
 
 4f|1))H ! blessed Jesus, cast on me 
 S^ One look of pitying love ; 
 That moment shall my soul be free, 
 And sing with saints above. 
 
 Thy all-suflficient love is such 
 
 That none need ever fear. 
 Or think that they can ask too much, 
 
 Nor doubt Thy presence near. 
 
 In life or death, in weal or woe, 
 In sunshine, shade, or shower. 
 
 To Thee in pray'r my thoughts shall go, 
 And bless each passing hour. 
 
 Then, Saviour, teach me what Thou wilt. 
 
 Oh, save me from my sin ; 
 Cleanse Thou my soul from all its guilt, 
 
 And make me pure within. 
 
 Then shall I walk with God on earth. 
 And dwell with saints in Heav'n ; 
 
 Thus sanctify this second birth 
 By saving mercy giv'n.
 
 4'^ 
 
 SONNETS 
 
 
 cx>o 

 
 /
 
 SONNETS. 37 
 
 0ll«tS^ 
 
 THE LAST ENEMY — DEATH. 
 
 tj^jEATH comes to all, no man can stay his hand ; 
 
 ^^If he but calls, the proudest in the land i 
 
 His summons must obey, and then be led j 
 
 By his cold, icy hand 'mong silent dead ; ] 
 
 There to remain till Death himself shall die, i 
 
 And He who conquered Death shall reign on high. j 
 
 Ob, Death ! where is thy sting if Jesus save ? 
 
 Where, then, thy victory, cruel grave ? 
 
 Thou hast no power o'er him whom God defends. 
 
 For him all things subserve most glorious ends. 
 
 Death but relieves from earthly pain and woe, 
 
 A friend, though in the guise of mortal foe. 
 
 Oh, may the grave to me be but a door 
 
 To that bright land where Death shall reign no more 1
 
 38 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE MASTER'S CALL. 
 
 ^0 work to-day ! the fields are white to view, 
 ^The harvest truly great, the labour'rs few ; 
 To you the call is giv'ii, reapers, obey ! 
 Wcrlv mightily, while yet 'tis called to-day ! 
 The night approacheth when no man can work, 
 And sin and \ice do in the darkness lurk. 
 The fields are many and the world is wide, 
 O'er trackless forests, deserts, stormy tide, 
 Proclaim that love which makes all mankind kin. 
 And saves the soul though steep'd in direst sin ; 
 Which frees the captive, gladdens the opprest, 
 And leads the erring to the Saviour's breast ; 
 Where pard'ning mercy, love, and joy are giv'n 
 To make this earth a sweet foretaste of Heaven. 
 
 3<J-
 
 SONNETS. 39 
 
 
 THE SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHER'S 
 REWARD. 
 
 |||i;H, teacher, faint not ! thou art not alone, 
 •^^He who hath called thee will thy labour own ; 
 And though, at first, no grateful fruit appear, 
 Think not 'tis labour lost, but persevere ; 
 Yield not the conflict to the Master's foe. 
 But still " from strength to strength " unwearied go. 
 Plant thou the seeds of heav'nly truth with care, 
 And water oft with fervent, pleading prayer, 
 Then leave the rest to God, whose Spirit's pow'r 
 Shall cause the seed to grow, the plant to flow'r. 
 Till in due course the ripen'd fruit appears 
 To cheer thy heart, reward thy prayers and tears. 
 And make thee sing for joy, — that peace bestow 
 Which tUey who serve the Lord alone doth know.
 
 40 IMIUE'S POEMS. 
 
 _^^k^ 
 
 A PRAYER FOR WISDOM. 
 
 1 Kings iii., 11, 12; Prov. hi., 13—18. 
 
 j^jH ! let me ever walk in Wisdom's way, 
 
 ^^Tliat I may wiser grow, and day by day 
 
 Prove that her paths are pleasantness and peace ; 
 
 And, therein walkin^;, may my years increase 
 
 In fruitful days of labour and reward, 
 
 Of love, and joy, and peace, and sweet concord. 
 
 Grant me the work which angels most. enjoy, — 
 
 A life well spent in Heaven's blest employ, 
 
 In deeds of love, and works of holy zeal, 
 
 And in that occupation may I feel 
 
 The kind approval of a God of grace, 
 
 Who owns His servants with a smiling face ; 
 
 My work accepted, and my sins forgiv'n, 
 
 Bless'd while on earth, and doubly bless'd in Heaven.
 
 SONNETS. 41 
 
 JESUS, MY EEFUGE, 
 
 " A hiding place from the wind and a covert from the 
 tempest ; as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." 
 — IsA. xxxii. 2. 
 
 ,^|)H, grateful shelter from the stoi'ms of life, 
 '®^^^From cares corroding or from worldly strife ; 
 Fain would my panting soul Thy shadow seek. 
 And, shielded safe, in grateful accents speak 
 Of all Thy love to man, whose strength Thou art. 
 Whose refuge sure, the uplifter of the heart 
 Of him who strives to seek Thy safe retreat. 
 And loves with Thee to dwell — there at Thy feet 
 Lay sorrow's burden down ; Thy gracious gift 
 Accepts with thankful heart, nor seeks to lift 
 With sinful hands once more the heavy load 
 That bars the soul's communion with his God ; 
 Oh ! there would I in calm repose abide. 
 Safe as The Kock near which I seek to hide. 
 
 ■ %^fSi -S "^ «/'iSj
 
 
 CHEISTIAN, AWAKE ! 
 
 ^^,,HEISTIAN, awake ! thy life is not a dream, 
 ^^■^You cannot glide for ever with the stream ; 
 'Tis like the ocean in her changing moods 
 Of great nproar, or calm, deep solitudes ; 
 Her varying tides a ceaseless motion keep, 
 And danger ever haunts the mighty deep ; 
 Yet o'er her bosom in majestic pride 
 The noble vessel doth in safety ride. 
 Defying all the stormy winds that blow, — 
 Making a highway of a raging foe. 
 Till the bright haven doth appear in view. 
 Which speaks of rest to all the weary crew ; 
 Where, sails all furl'd, anchor firm and fast. 
 They rest the sweeter for the dangers past !
 
 SONNETS. 43 
 
 #-■3! ^^ — (^ ♦ 
 
 THE NAME OF JESUS. 
 
 ^|L^WEET name ! what cadence in the very sound ! 
 '^''Wliat Leav'nly music in the utt'rance found, 
 "When whisper'd in the ear of dying saint, 
 Tho' spent with pain, and pulse and heart beat faint ; 
 Yet, at the name of " Jesus " doth his eyes 
 Seek ours in love, and peace, and glad surprise, 
 And then forever close in sweet content 
 To open them in Heav'n — a life well spent ! 
 Oh, Jesus ! Thine the ever-potent power 
 To charm, to heal, to bless, in trial's hour ; 
 Let all the world Thy name with rev'rence hear. 
 And trust Thy pow'r to save ; with holy feor 
 Approach the footstool of Thy matchless grace, 
 And find in Thee their soul's dear resting-place !
 
 41 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 -<^^ (|?U- 
 
 THE SABBATH-DAY 
 
 t,WEET day of rest ! most precious of the seven, 
 
 ^^God's gracious gift to man, in mercy giv'n 
 
 That lie may cease from toil and worldly care. 
 
 And for that brighter rest his soul prepare. 
 
 Blest harbinger of that eternal day, 
 
 Whose beams shall never fade or pass away. 
 
 Oh, may we ever watch with jealous eye, 
 
 And careful guard the hours that swiftly fly, 
 
 That nought but heav'nly themes our thoughts 
 engage. 
 
 And with temptation hourly warfare wage ; 
 
 Oft by " the footsteps of the flock " be found. 
 
 Within the house of God, on praying ground, 
 
 And there our grateful hearts shall homage pay, 
 
 To Him who rose triumphant on that day.
 
 SONNETS. 45 
 
 \i: 
 
 \, ■'"■ 
 
 >>, 
 
 iiii,„„ ■""iiii».. 
 
 THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY. 
 
 LMIGHTY God ! in all Thy works display 'd, 
 ?MfjPor man in Thine own image Thou hast made ; 
 How should we, then, Thine every law respect, 
 And mourn in dust and ashes if neglect 
 Of ours should once but mar that Image bright, 
 And, grieving Thee, turn sunshine into night. 
 Let not our hearts from Thee be tum'd aside, 
 But let Thy Holy Spirit with us 'bide ; 
 Then shall our life be like the flowers in June, 
 Displaying sweetness, and our hearts in tune 
 To the pure melodies of heav'nly song. 
 Which to the ransom'd hosts of Heav'n belong ; 
 Thus here below let glorious anthems rise 
 To mingle with the songs of Paradise. 
 
 Ill'"' <" 
 
 "'■III,,, 'i 
 
 "11. l; I
 
 ♦-^2 ■:^ !^-c 
 
 THE PEACE OF GOD. 
 
 ^HERE is a peace the world can not bestow 
 ^^'^^Nor take away ; and tliey in joy do go 
 Who but possess it, for its charm is sure, 
 And doth through all the ills of life endure ; 
 It makes the soul rejoice, the weak feel strong, 
 The troubled soul burst forth in joyous song. 
 Which may be heard above the din of strife, — 
 An antidote for all the cares of life ! 
 Oh ! peace of God ! may I thy pow'r enjoy. 
 Then in thy praise my life shall find employ ; 
 Thou shalt me 'fend from every evil way, 
 Make all my darkness turn to brightest day, 
 Till, safe within the everlasting arms, 
 My soul shall rest secure from all alarms !
 
 SONNETS. i7 
 
 C^==^^=^^^^^ 
 
 CONSCIENCE, 
 
 CONSCIENCE is the true monitor of God 
 ''For our approval, or a very rod 
 Of direst chastisement for evil deeds, 
 Or wicked thoughts that grow like noxious weeds 
 Within the garden of the human heart, 
 To mar the buds aiid flowers which would impart 
 A fragrant solace to the weary soul 
 Of God-made man, thus strengthen and control 
 His better nature in Temptation's day. 
 And drive the hateful tlioughts of sin away. 
 To hide themselves for very shame of sin, 
 And, hence renewed, the better life begin : 
 Thus, Conscience, listen'd to, will safely guide 
 Where perfect peace and happiness abide !
 
 48 UIRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 ~\n 
 
 SEEKING AFTEE KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 ^'^[friSDOM is the true currency of Heaven, 
 ■^ From fools withheld, but to the prudent giv'n ; 
 In her pursuit let us in earnest be. 
 If we would prosper, therefore, let us see 
 That all our energies be so combin'd 
 As best to cultivate the heart and mind. 
 This occupation is the best that can 
 Engage the youth, or occupy the man 
 In leisure hours, which, be they rightly spent, 
 Are of great moment, and by Heaven lent 
 To sweeten toil, and relaxation give 
 To dull and cank'ring cares, which, while wc live, 
 Must be our lot; our time, then, let us spend 
 As best becomes us, knowing not our end !
 
 SONNETS. W 
 
 .8/- ^ ^^ 
 
 THE DRUNKAKD'S FATE. 
 
 j*>OR the drunkard there's no such place as "home," 
 ^^* Though over the face of the earth he roam, 
 Till Death shall unfetter the drink-bound slave, 
 And he findeth " rest " in the silent grave; 
 His untimely death — " the wages of sin,"— 
 Satan's reward for the worship of Gin ! 
 He gave up his wife and his children dear 
 For the drink which he thought his heart could cheer ; 
 But the more be drank the lower he sank, 
 From the highest grade to the lowest rank, 
 Till for shame, his name a bye-word became, 
 And he lost for ever his once fair name : — • 
 For the pleasure of drink, which he loved so well, 
 He barter'd his soul to the lowest hell ! 
 
 N\ w »»°< -w- 'V 
 
 1)
 
 50 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 o^ '^ ^y-^ 
 
 TEAES. 
 
 Tf^EAES are the outflow of great joy or grief, 
 ^(^ji The speechless language of a swelling heart, 
 Whose fitful solace is a sure relief 
 
 For joys excessive, or affliction's smart ; 
 The valve-escapement of a pent-up soul, 
 
 Whose fulness finds expression in a tear ; 
 Which, like healing balm, makes the wounded whole 
 
 Or dearest friend — when darkest hour is near — 
 Whose hands we clasp in friendship's sacred hold, 
 
 And cling to them like ivy round the tree, — 
 Weakness and strength combined in love's enfold,— 
 
 Then let the flood-gates open full and free ! 
 Our bitter tears but give us strength to bear 
 Affliction sore, or joy's too sudden glare ! 
 
 ■■(s ~~~ar^^
 
 SONNETS. 51 
 
 
 REST 
 
 EST is the peaceful calm which follows toil: 
 ^^^ Sweet to the labouring man who tills the soil; 
 Likewise most precious to the weary brain, 
 Tired with the dull routine of loss or gain ; 
 Or to the authors of our learned books, 
 Who show the trace of study in their looks — 
 All value rest — all need those quiet hours 
 As much as doth the plant those welcome show'rs 
 Which Heaven sends to cool the fevered earth, 
 And cause glad Nature sing aloud with mirth. 
 When God at first created earth and skies, 
 He "rested" in the shades of Paradise! 
 Likewise shall we, earth's care and labour o'er, 
 Find rest the sweeter for the toils we bore !
 
 52 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 ^^, 
 
 PAINI 
 
 f;E shrink and recoil at the touch of Paiu, 
 
 f ft 
 
 i^^-S Yet know that escape from his grasp is vain ; 
 And our trembhng hearts with emotion swell 
 As we sigh and groan at each painful spell ; 
 But the dreadful hour of suffering past, 
 And our courage and health restor'd at last, 
 How soon we forget our terror and pain, 
 And mingle once more with the world again ; 
 But not as before, for a tender string 
 Hath been set to music, and thus dcth sing : 
 I have suffered, and feel for others' pain 
 A twinge of my own past sorrow again ! 
 Ah ! Pain, what a useful teaclier thou art, 
 Lessons of sympathy thus to impart ! 
 
 ♦^B- 
 
 "Xsi
 
 SONNETS. 53 
 
 WHAT IS LOVE? 
 
 jvOVE is the grateful olFring of a heart 
 ^^In all its fuhiess to some counterpart, — 
 Zeal answering zeal, each striving to excel, 
 Zealous to share the glowing thoughts that dwell 
 In hearts united by Love's silken bands. 
 Each thread some joy Love only understands. 
 'Mid stirring echoes of a fond desire 
 Claim kindred feelnigs and a sister-fire, 
 Joining life's hopes in one ecstatic song, 
 As sweetest music from an angel-throng ; 
 No doubt or fear disturbs Love's peaceful rest. 
 Nor cares corroding rankle in her breast ; 
 Each thought bears fruit in others sweeter still, 
 Till earth seems heav'n, and heav'n seems own'd at 
 will.
 
 
 TOKONTO. 
 
 AIE Toronto ! Queen City of the West ! 
 
 Of all tby sister-cities thou art best : 
 As far as eye can reach, from Don to Humber, 
 Are chimneys, tow'rs, and spires in goodly number, — 
 Cathedrals, churches, schools, and mansions rise, 
 In stately grandeur tow'ring to the skies. 
 A noble harbour fronts thy southern bound, 
 And gentle hills encircle thee around ; 
 From Noith to South, and East to West expand 
 Streets, Avenues, and Koads, so wisely plann'd 
 That strangers visit thee with ease, and find 
 In thee a home at once just to their mind : 
 Long live Toi'onto ! loud her praises swell, 
 Here Commerce, Art, and Nature love to dwell ! 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 SONNETS. 
 
 57 
 
 TORONTO BAY. 
 
 l|nre)H, lovely scene of ever-changing hue ! 
 "^^^^^^Dark ocean-green, or sky-bright azure-blue ; 
 Swift o'er thy heaving bosom gaily float, 
 The trim-built yacht, gay skiff, or pleasure-boat ; 
 Or, here and there, a light birch-bark canoe 
 Lends a romance to the enchanting view. 
 Toronto Island, in the distance, seems 
 The happy fairy-land of boyhood's dreams. 
 Where naught but Pleasure dwells, and music fills 
 The balmy air with melody that thrills 
 Each bounding heart with ecstasy and joy, 
 And happiness the fleeting hours employ ! 
 Toronto Bay, by morning, noon, or night, 
 Thy waters charm me with some new delight !
 
 
 y^ 
 
 PATRIOTIC. 
 
 

 
 t
 
 PATRIOTIC. 61 
 
 I 
 
 «« 
 
 FAIK CANADA. 
 
 ^[jlf AND with tlie inland seas, 
 ^^Swept by the mighty breeze, 
 
 Fair Canada ; 
 Here many nations dwell, 
 Loving their freedom well. 
 Reaping where forests fell, 
 
 Fair Canada ! 
 
 Land of the prairies wide. 
 Stretching like ocean's tide, 
 
 Fair Canada ; 
 Land of green hill and dale, 
 Mountain and pleasant vale, 
 Here worth shall never fail, 
 
 Fair Canada ! 
 
 Fair as an opening flower, 
 Planted in Heaven's bower. 
 
 Fair Canada ; 
 Pleaching from sea to sea, 
 Great will thy future be. 
 Land of the brave and free, 
 
 Fair Canada !
 
 62 IMIUE'S FOEMS. 
 
 Come, then, from many lands. 
 Brave hearts and willmg hands, 
 
 To Canada ; 
 Come where rich virgin soil 
 Waits to reward your toil. 
 Share in the harvest spoil 
 
 Of Canada !- 
 
 * This " Canadian National Song," may be sung to the 
 air of " The National Anthem," the 1st verse of wliich 
 would be very appropriate as "a finale" to the above 
 composition.
 
 PATRIOTIC. 63 
 
 CANADIAN SONG OF FREEDOM 
 
 _PREED0M'S glad song we sing 
 /a^^Free as a bird on wing, 
 Free as the sweet pure air, 
 Free as the sunlight fair. 
 
 Shout Freedom's holy song : 
 " We nothing fear but wrong; 
 For Freedom, God, and Right, 
 Well nobly stand and fight !" 
 
 While life and strength remain 
 We will our rights maintain ; 
 Our hardy sons of toil 
 Shall guard Canadian soil. 
 
 W^e shed no craven tear, 
 No tyrant's threat we fear ; 
 Before no foe we fly, 
 We dare be free — or die ! 
 
 To death we only bend, — 
 Our fee, and yet our friend ; 
 The watchword of tbe free 
 Is : — " Death oe Libkkty ! "
 
 G4 UIRII'VS POEMS. 
 
 WELCOME HOME, BRAVE VOLUNTEERS ! 
 
 Sonj^ of Welcome, sung by the School Children at 
 the City Hall, Toronto, in honour of the Volunteers' 
 return from the North-West Rebellion, 1885. 
 
 WELCOME home, brave Volunteers ! 
 liS^>:^S) Welcome, welcome home I 
 Gone are all our anxious fears, 
 Answer'd now our pray'rs and tears, 
 Welcome home 'midst ringing cheers, 
 Welcome, welcome home 1 
 
 Welcome to our loving arms, 
 
 Welcome to your rest ; 
 Welcome home from war's alarms, 
 Safe from death and all that harms, 
 Victory hath crown'd your arms, 
 
 W^elcome to your rest. 
 
 Canada is proud of you — 
 
 Soldiers brave and true ! 
 Ye have dar'd to win or die. 
 Ye have made the rebels fly. 
 Let your standards wave on high, 
 
 Soldiers brave and true I 
 
 » 
 i
 
 PATRIOTIC. 
 
 (55 
 
 Welcome home, though wounded sore, 
 
 Battling for the right ; 
 Dreadful marches now are o'er, 
 Safe from deadly bullets' pour, 
 Silent now the cannons' roar, 
 
 Heroes from the fight ! 
 
 Welcome home, but some we mis'!. 
 Brave hearts, where are they ? 
 
 Gone where noble spirits are. 
 
 Gone beyond the reach of war. 
 
 Sleeping peacefully afar, 
 
 'Neath the sod and clay. 
 
 Welcome home, our soldiers dear 
 
 Welcome, welcome home ! 
 Rebel threats no more we hear, 
 War's alarms no more we fear, 
 Now we smile and dry the tear. 
 As we welcome home !
 
 66 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 KT 
 
 NIAGAKA FALLS. 
 
 |0i^H, Niagara ! as at thy brink I stand, 
 ^^ My soul is filled with wonder and delight, 
 To trace in thee that wonder-working Hand, 
 Whose hollow holds the seas in balance liffht ! 
 
 'O' 
 
 Worthy art thou to be a nation's pride,— 
 
 A patriot's boast — a world's unceasing wonder ; 
 
 Like some bold monarch calHng to thy side 
 
 Subjects from every clime in tones of thunder ! 
 
 Deep on my soul thy grandeur is impress'd, 
 Thy awful majesty — thy mighty power ; 
 
 Thy ceaseless tumult and thy great unrest. 
 Like nations warring in dread conflict's hour ! 
 
 Eainbows of glory sparkle round thy shrine. 
 Cresting thy waters with effulgence bright ; 
 
 And in thy foaming currents intertwine 
 Rare corruscations of commingl'd light ! 
 
 Like roar of battle, or like thunder's call, 
 
 Thy deep-toned echoes roll with solemn sound ; 
 
 Like pillar'd clouds thy vapours rise, and fall 
 Like sparkling pearls upon the thirsty ground !
 
 PATRIOTIC. 69 
 
 Eusli on ! rush on ! in tliv uncheck'd career, 
 With avalanchic power thy course pursue ; 
 
 While rending rocks quake as with mortal fear, 
 And stand in awe to let thy torrents through ! 
 
 Naught but the hand of God could stay thy course, 
 Or drive thee back to Erie's peaceful keep ; 
 
 Then onward press with thy gigantic force, 
 Till in Ontario's bosom lull'd to sleep ! 
 
 Emblem of Freedom ! who would dare essay 
 To bar thy noisy progress to the sea ? 
 
 Then onward press ! while bord'ring nations pray 
 For sti'ength and wisdom to be great and free !
 
 70 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE DOMINION OF CANADA. 
 
 AN HISTORICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ' ll^'^"'^^ ^ ^®^ acres of snow ! " 
 ^^ Our country first was styl'd, 
 By French explorers long ago, 
 In winter bleak and wild. 
 
 An hundred years roll'd on apace, 
 Again they sought our shore, 
 
 As summer beam'd with smiling face. 
 Inviting to explore. 
 
 The noble Champlain and his band 
 On Quebec's height did raise 
 
 The flag of France, with eager hand, 
 'Mid thankful prayer and praise. 
 
 They fought and toil'd for many years, 
 
 And till'd the virgin soil. 
 Till happy homes dispell'd their fears. 
 
 And fortune sweeten'd toil. 
 
 Grim War again chang'd peaceful scenes 
 
 To carnage and dismay ; 
 But British prowess intervenes, 
 
 And finally holds sway.
 
 PATRIOTIC. 71 
 
 Then liand-iii-hand, a peaceful band, 
 
 The Briton and the Gaul 
 Agree'd to sub-divide the land, 
 
 Together stand or fall ! 
 
 May peace and honour ever keep 
 The brothers thus entwined ; 
 
 With patriotism — pure and deep — 
 Fidelity enshrined ! 
 
 At last, like fair unfolding flow'r, 
 The N*^w Dominion stands, — 
 
 Upper and Lower Canada 
 Embrace with loving hands ! 
 
 Thus July first of every year, 
 
 Our great Dominion Day, 
 Her loyal sons hold ever -dear. 
 
 In honour and display ! 
 
 Tlie fairest flower on this fair earth, 
 
 The freest of the free ; 
 Whose sons are proud to own their birth, 
 
 And claim their homes in thee ! 

 
 72 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 CANADA'S DEFENDEES. 
 
 Written on the occasion of the return of our brave 
 Volunteers from the North-West Expedition, 1885. 
 
 ^HJOME again our Volunteers, 
 ^5^Home again 'mid ringing cheers, 
 Vanishing our anxious fears, 
 
 Canada's defenders ; 
 From the scenes of strife and war, 
 From the rifle-pits afar, 
 True as steel or Polar star, 
 
 Canada's defenders. 
 
 Back to home and kindred dear. 
 Back to lov'd ones waiting here. 
 Back from death and every fear. 
 
 Welcome, brave defenders ; 
 Ye did make a noble stand, 
 Under Middleton's command, 
 For the honour of our land. 
 
 Welcome, brave defenders. 
 
 Welcome back to peace and joy, 
 Welcome back to your employ, 
 Rebel threats no more annoy, 
 
 Canada's defenders ; 
 Stretching wide from sea to sea, 
 Canada may boast of thee, 
 Soldiers daring, brave, and free, 
 
 Canada's defenders. 
 
 %
 
 PATRIOTIC. 
 
 73 
 
 Let us join the merry throng, 
 Welcoming with shout and song, 
 Singing praises loud and long. 
 
 To our brave defenders ; 
 Ye have made the rebel Riel, 
 Cower 'neatli your charge of steel, 
 Own your pluck, and then appeal 
 
 To our brave defenders !
 
 74 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 QUEEN VICTORIA'S JUBILEE. 
 
 Copyrighted. 
 
 --^ 
 
 j-^y^ — I — I - — \ — I — I- 
 
 Music by Prof. J. F. Johnstone. 
 
 «s?^ 
 
 -t: 
 
 tfirj^-^ 
 
 ti-rz.- 
 
 J 
 
 Our uo - ble Queen, all bail ! On this thy Ju - bi - lee; 
 
 I 
 
 tfc^J 
 
 0-^-0 
 
 
 True hearts shall uever fail To love and hon - our thee. 
 
 
 Vic - to - ri - a, to thee, From loy - al hearts and free, 
 
 ^^F~-^"=^-*^'-' 
 
 
 
 At this glad time, from ev'-ry clime, Come shouts of Ju-bi - lee. 
 
 il^r- 
 
 
 -^-^-•-H 1 
 
 UM^^ 
 
 Vic ■ to - ri - a, to thee. From loy - al hearts and free. 
 
 At this glad time, from ev' - ry clime. Come shouts of Ju-bi-lee. 
 
 * Lines in honour of the 49th anniversary of Her Majesty's acces- 
 sion to the Throne of England, June 20th, 1837 : thus 1880—87 may 
 be termed " Queen Victoria's Jubilee," and all loyal subjects will 
 rejoice with her on whose Dominiocp, it is said, " The sun never sets!"
 
 PATRIOTIC. 75 
 
 QUEEN VICTORIA'S JUBILEE 
 
 |UR noble Queen, all hail ! 
 On this thy Jubilee ; 
 True hearts shall never fail 
 To love and honour thee. 
 
 Chorus. — Victoria, to thee ! 
 
 From loyal hearts and free, 
 At this glad time, 
 From every clime, 
 Come shouts of Jubilee ! 
 
 From every land on earth 
 Thy sons send greetings full, 
 
 And proudly own their birth 
 Beneath thy sovereign rule. — Chorus. 
 
 In many scenes of life 
 
 Our hearts round thee entwine ; 
 As mother. Queen, or wife. 
 
 Thy virtues nobly shine. — Chorus. 
 
 Let rebels point with scorn. 
 Or cowards quake with fear. 
 
 Thy true sons — British-born, 
 
 In memory hold thee dear. — Chorus. 
 
 God spare thee many years. 
 
 In trouble send relief ; 
 At last a nation's tears 
 
 Shall wet thy grave in grief! — Chorus.
 
 76 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 QUEENSTON HEIGHTS. 
 
 A VERBAL PICTURE. 
 
 ™|H ! that I had the artist's power to touch 
 The speaking canvas with a master-hand, 
 I'd paint a scene I truly love as much 
 As any landscape in this fair new land ! 
 
 That picture would be Queenston's lovely height, 
 'Neath which Niagara's rushing waters gleam, 
 
 Like molten glory in the sunset bright, 
 Or fancy's vision in a pleasant dream ! 
 
 Here two great nations meet as if to kiss, 
 
 Divided only by a silver line ; 
 Peace, welfare, harmony, and mutual bliss 
 
 Link fruitful branches of a parent vine ! 
 
 The setting sun would tint Niagara Town 
 With gilded glory as he sinks to rest ; 
 
 A noble steamer bearing swiftly down 
 
 Toward Ontario's heaving, billowy breast ! 
 
 The stately monument of Brock would stand 
 In bold relief against the azure sky, — 
 
 The valiant leader of a noble band 
 
 Who for their country's honour dar'd to die ! 
 
 A picture thus I'd paint in Nature's praise, 
 And worship at the threshold of her door ; 
 
 Before the scene I stand in rapt amaze — 
 In silence dumb — yet love it all the more !
 
 QUEENSTON HEIGHTS. 
 
 Here two great nations meet as if to kiss. 
 Divided only by a silver line ; 
 
 Peace, welfare, harmony, and mutual bliss 
 Link fruitful branches of a parent vine ! 
 Pa OB 70.
 
 PATRIOTIC. 79 
 
 ODE TO LAKE ONTARIO. 
 
 jHOU inland sister-sea, Ontario ! 
 To glide upon thy bosom is sublime ; 
 There note thy peaceful, steady, onward flow. 
 Ceaseless and constant as the course of time ! 
 
 Thy waters seem the same, — yet ever new — 
 Fed by a thovisand streams on either side ; 
 
 The same clear sky, the same thy depths of blue, 
 Free as the nations bord'riug on thy tide ! 
 
 Vast upper-lakes feed thee with lib'ral hand. 
 From higher lands as new as thine hath been ; 
 
 Where still the Indian and his wigwam stand, 
 He half amaz'd with what his eyes hath seen ! 
 
 To thy embrace — like gallant lover bold — 
 
 Niagara rushes in his mad career, 
 Till tir'd ancT spent, past whirling eddies cold, 
 
 He calmly sinks to rest when thou art near ! 
 
 Last of the inland seas ! — yet nearest home — 
 Thy waters soon shall swell the mighty deep. 
 
 And mingle with the ocean's briny foam. 
 
 There shalt thou rest — and there for ever sleep !
 
 80 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 SONS OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 Respectfully dedicated to Robert Burns Camp, No. 1, 
 Sons of Scotland, Toronto. 
 
 j^ONS of Scotland ! land of freedom ! 
 Sons of noble sires, all hail ! 
 Let your watchword aye be " Freedom !" 
 
 You shall evermore prevail ! 
 Let the wrong be deeply hated, 
 
 Let the right be prized like love. 
 Martyr-courage unabated, 
 
 Trusting in your God above ! 
 
 Sons of Scotland ! bards historic 
 
 Sang your deeds of noble fame, 
 Let not tyranny plethoric 
 
 Tarnish your unsullied name ; 
 History gives us what we cherish. 
 
 Ours to still maintain the right, 
 May that history never perish, 
 
 Though we perisli in the fight ! 
 
 Like the waters from our fountains, 
 
 Giving strength to flesh and bone ; 
 Like the thistle on our mountains, 
 
 Harmless, if but let alone ! 
 Ours to shield the needy stranger, 
 
 Ours to put the erring right ; 
 Ours to stand in time of danger, * 
 
 And, if need be, ours to fight ! 
 
 I
 
 PATRIOTIC. 
 
 81 
 
 Dear old Scotia ! land of flowers, 
 
 Land of mountain, hill, and vale ; 
 Land of sunshine, shade, and showers, 
 
 Land of river, loch, and dale ; 
 Land of ever-changing beauty, 
 
 Land of liberty and love ; — 
 Scotchmen ! tread the path of duty, 
 
 Till you reach the land above !
 
 82 IMRIFJS POEMS. 
 
 i. 
 ♦ • 
 
 THE THISTLE 
 
 ^OW, why do Scotchmen use the Thistle 
 As emblem of their country dear ; 
 A useless plant, with many a bristle, " 
 One scarce can touch without a fear ! 
 
 "There must be some good cause, I gather, 
 Why such a flow'r should be their pride ;" 
 I ask'd the question of my father. 
 But he my ignorance did chide ! 
 
 " My boy, let history truly tell, 
 
 Of by-gone years of war and strife. 
 When noble sires fought long and well, 
 And for their country gave their life ! 
 
 ♦' O'er flood and field, o'er brake and fen, 
 The fierce invader sought our land ; 
 Out-number 'd were our gallant men, 
 But, ah ! they made a noble stand !
 
 PATRIOTIC. 83 
 
 "One morn, before the break of day, 
 
 Our foes crept near our slumb'ring camp ; 
 They might by stealth have won the day, 
 Did not one on a Thistle stamp ! 
 
 " A cry of pain our sentries heard, 
 A quick alarm then was given, 
 At once each gleaming sword was bar'd, 
 And backward Scotland's foes were driven ! 
 
 "Since then the Thistle is our pride, 
 'Gae, touch me if ye daw,' it says ; 
 And Scotchmen true, where'er they 'bide, 
 Revere the Thistle all their days ! "
 
 84 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 TO GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. 
 
 |EAK Glasca ! aft I think o' thee, 
 An' happy days lang syne, 
 Though distant, thcu art dear tae me, 
 
 By memory's sacred shrine ; 
 Aft hae I chmb'd Bahnano's steep, 
 
 An' ran doon Portlan' brae, 
 An' gatber'd "gushes'' in a heap, 
 Wi' mony a gled "hurra!" 
 
 In summer time, whan schule was out, 
 
 An' we had got "the play!" 
 I've wannert mony a mile about 
 
 The hale lang simmer's day ; 
 A favourite place was Glasca Green, 
 
 By bonnie banks o' Clyde, 
 Where Nelson's monument is seen, — 
 
 Our hero an' our pride ! 
 
 An' aft we went by Broomielaw, 
 
 Tae Eenfrew's cosy toon. 
 There mony a noisy luckless craw 
 
 We manag'd tae shoot doon ! 
 Then ower the Clyde, tae Kelvinside, 
 
 We took oor hameward way, 
 Weel pleased tae ride tae whaur we'd bide, 
 
 Sae tir'd were we that day !
 
 PATRIOTIC. 
 
 85 
 
 Oh ! Glasca, dear ! I've drapt a tear , 
 
 0' happiness an' joy, 
 At a' thy memories sae dear 
 
 Whan I was bit a boy ! 
 Three thoosan' miles are stretch'd atween, 
 
 My new hame an' my auld, 
 Yet in my heart sweet memories green, 
 
 S'all bide till I'm deed cauld !
 
 86 PATRIOTIC. 
 
 I 
 
 THE DYING SCOT ABEOAD. 
 
 vJli 
 
 H, me ! ah, me ! 
 
 «^An' maun I dee, 
 Sae far frae kith an' kin ? 
 
 How prood I'd be, 
 
 If spar'd tae see 
 The Ian' ma heart bides in ! 
 
 "I've wannert far, 
 
 In peace an' war, 
 An' fought for Scotlan's Queen, 
 
 Yet here I dee, 
 
 Sae far frae thee, — 
 Saut tears fill up my e'en. 
 
 " Dear freens an' kind. 
 
 Please bear in mind, 
 An' send this message hame : 
 
 My mither dear 
 
 "Wad like tae hear — 
 1 trust in Jesus' name." 
 
 'Mid friends' sad sighs 
 
 He clos'd his eyes, 
 And pass'd from earth to Heav'n ; 
 
 Yet, e'en in death. 
 
 With latest breath. 
 His thoughts to "home" were giv'n.
 
 THE DYING SCOT ABROAD. 
 
 Page 86. 
 
 "Ah, me ! ab, me! 
 An' maun I dee, 
 
 Sae far frae kith an' kin ; 
 How prood I'd be, 
 If spared tae see, 
 
 The Ian' my heart bides in."
 
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 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 
 

 
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 ^ ^ 
 
 WHERE DOTH BEAUTY DWELL? 
 
 <s 
 
 (g|j^OOK for the first faint streaks of morn 
 ^^ That gilds the eastern sky, 
 Another day in beauty born, 
 
 As mounts the sun on high ; 
 Tinting the tops of highest towers 
 
 With crimson and with gold, 
 Melting the dew-drops from the flowers 
 
 That peepingly unfold : 
 There doth "the beautiful" abide 
 
 In calm security ; 
 The rosy morn — deck'd like a bride — 
 
 Of virgin purity ! 
 
 Look for the eyes that beam with love, 
 
 And sparkle with delight, 
 To meet thy gaze — like stars above — 
 
 Brightest in thy dark night; 
 Dispelling every thought of sin 
 
 From out thy heart's great deep ; 
 Chasing the darkness from within, 
 
 Or soothe thy fears to sleep : 
 There doth "the beautiful" abide 
 
 In full maturity ; 
 And there may thy fond heart reside 
 
 Through all futurity !
 
 V. 
 
 92 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 • 
 HEAET QUESTIONINGS. 
 
 5: •■■ P^^^HAT stirs an emotion 
 
 fii^^As deep as the ocean, 
 
 An3- Efljrong as the hills that tower above ? 
 
 'Tis the sound of a sigh, 
 
 As the zephyrs go by, 
 
 That tells in a breath the presence of Love ! 
 
 What is seen in the glance, 
 
 As true lovers advance, 
 
 That tindles a flame which never can die ? 
 
 'Tis a spark from above. 
 
 From the altar of Love, 
 
 Dropp'd unerringly down from on high ! 
 
 As the loving hands clasp, 
 
 What is told in the grasp 
 
 That quickens the pulse and glows on the cheek ? 
 
 'Tis "the story of old," 
 
 In that loving enfold. 
 
 The language of Love that words cannot speak ! 
 
 Whence the tones that can thrill, 
 
 Without effort or will. 
 
 And woo the heart's fond admiration ? 
 
 They are notes from the choir, 
 
 With the golden lyre, 
 
 Tuned by Love's sublime inspiration ! 
 
 I
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 93 
 
 Oh ! from whence comes the bhss 
 
 Of love's first fervent kiss, 
 That rapturous outflow of feehug ? 
 
 'Tis a faint echo given 
 
 Of earth's foretaste of Heaven, 
 By fond hearts their fuhiess reveahng ! 
 
 Whence the breathings of soul 
 
 That defies our control, 
 Those sweet communings of heart with heart ? 
 
 'Tis a gift from above, 
 
 'Tis the token of love, 
 Once possesss'd, time or death cannot part !
 
 94 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE STAK OF LOVE. 
 
 MS Love a star? 
 Yes, 'tis a star 
 Of lieav'nly magnitude afar ; 
 In darkest niglit 
 The purest ligbt, 
 No baneful doubt should ever mar. 
 
 It is a star — 
 
 The Polar star — 
 That guides the sailor on the sea, 
 
 Where'er he roam, 
 
 To love and home, 
 Across the boundless ocean free. 
 
 Storms may arise 
 
 In life's pure slues. 
 And gathering clouds bedim our day ; 
 
 But Love's bright eye. 
 
 Like star in sky, 
 Will seek to guide us on our way ! 
 
 Love reigns supreme, 
 
 An endless theme, 
 Love rules the world with gentle hand ; 
 
 As captives, we 
 
 Desire to be 
 Encircl'd with her golden band !
 
 LOVE^ HOME, AND FniENDSHIP. 95 
 
 €■• "l|lii '"'IIIB... 
 
 ,., 
 
 ^,,11'"'^ 
 
 TRUE LOVE 
 
 ^.Tif^IS a magic spell, 
 l^i^Wliicli lovers know weU, 
 
 In sunshine and shower the same ; 
 Ever old, yet new, 
 Both constant and true, 
 
 And seeks neither self nor fame. 
 
 Unheard or confest, 
 
 As seemeth it best. 
 Its tale it may never unfold ; 
 
 Yet all know the pow'r 
 
 Of Love's happy hour, 
 Its memory never grows cdd ! 
 
 'Tis a golden key. 
 
 Be it sigh or plea, 
 That opens the door of the heart ; 
 
 And treasures untold 
 
 Doth ever unfold, 
 Which riches could never impart.
 
 9G 
 
 IMIUE'S POEMS. . 
 
 
 
 Then cherish with care 
 
 
 
 A jewel so rare, 
 
 
 And 
 
 dim not its histre with scorn ; 
 
 
 'Twill lighten the gloom 
 
 
 
 From cradle to tomb, 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 And 
 
 heal the heart bleeding and 
 
 Love never can die, 
 Its home is on high, 
 
 torn. i 
 
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 And 
 
 God will yet claim what He 
 And love He hath giv'n, 
 To make earth a heav'n, 
 
 gives ; { 
 
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 True 
 
 love in the heart ever lives 
 
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 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 97 
 
 THE HUMBER " FAIEY." 
 
 |j|EARD ye of the Humber "Fairy"? 
 €^'Know ye that her name is Mary ? 
 Queen of beauty — light, and airy, 
 
 Wiusome, yet so shy ; 
 In a cottage by the river. 
 Where the green ferns nod and quiver, 
 There my fancy turneth ever, 
 
 For her smile I sigh ! 
 
 When the sun is slowly setting, 
 Then, my heart with fulness fretting, 
 All but love of her forgetting, 
 
 To my sldff I hie ; 
 Off to "my Fairy-land" I glide. 
 Each feather'd oar on either side 
 Like Cupid's wings, they skim the tide — 
 
 O'er the waters fly ! 
 
 O'er the Bay the moon is stealing, 
 
 All her loveliness revealing. 
 
 Then to each fond heart appealing, 
 
 Love looks eye to eye ! 
 Glide we up the Humber river, 
 Where the rushes sigh and quiver. 
 Plight our love to each for ever, — 
 
 Love that will not die !
 
 98 
 
 IMBIE'S POEMS. 
 
 A SOUVENIE OF LOVE. 
 
 Tenderly. 
 
 $i 
 
 
 ( Copyrighted. ) 
 
 Music by E. GiedhiM. 
 
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 Dearest, sweetest, fondest, best. Lean your head up-on my breast; 
 
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 Lov-ing arms shall thee entwine, Loving hands be plac'd in mine; 
 
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 Throbbing hearts with pleasure beat, Happy eyes in gladness meet; 
 
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 Peaceand joy now reign supreme. Love our all absorbing theme... 
 
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 Dearest, sweetest, fondest, best. Lean your head up-on my breast; 
 
 
 Lov-ing arms shall thee en-twine. Loving hands be plac'd in mine.
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. ^9 
 
 A SOUVENIR OF LOVE. 
 
 ^JEAEEST, sweetest, fondest, best, 
 fs^'Lean your head upon my breast ; 
 Loving arms shall thee entwine. 
 Loving hands be placed in mine ; 
 Throbbing hearts with pleasure beat, 
 Happy eyes in gladness meet ; 
 Peace and joy now reign supreme, 
 Love our all-absorbing theme. 
 
 Picture of a living love, 
 True as angel-notes above ; 
 Constant as the Polar star 
 Shining in the heavens afar; 
 Deep and boundless as the sea, 
 Ever pure and ever free ; 
 Warm and bright as Southern skies, 
 Earthly Eden — Paradise! 
 
 Love like this doth ever sing, 
 Echoes wake and echoes ring ; 
 Love and pain viaij sometimes meet, 
 Love can make the pain a sweet ; 
 Grief and care shall flee away. 
 Darkest night be turn'd to day, 
 Winter snows to Summer showers. 
 Autumn leaves to Spring's fresh flowers.
 
 100 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Sordid pleasures have tlieir day, 
 Truth and Love shall ne'er decay ; 
 Heaven and earth their blessings give, 
 Love and Truth shall ever live. 
 Then, let Love our bosoms thrill, 
 Empty hearts may have tlieir fill ; 
 The poorest may be rich in love, 
 Bless'd on earth and crown'd above!
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 101 
 
 ,..^^^^1_^. 
 
 EYES THAT SPEAK. 
 
 jf'IVE me the eyes that speak of Love, 
 
 M And sparkle in their gladness, 
 Like twinkling orbs of light above, 
 
 Dispelhng care and sadness ; 
 Which make this earth a Paradise, 
 
 Though humble be our dwelhng, 
 And causing thoughts of love to rise 
 
 From hearts with fulness welling. 
 
 Give me the eyes whose tears of Grief 
 
 Are shed for our condoling, 
 Whose sympathy is sure relief 
 
 To hearts that need consohng ; 
 More precious than the jewel rare 
 
 That glistens in its setting, 
 Are eyes that speak the love they bear. 
 
 All selfishness forgetting. 
 
 Give me the eyes that speak of Peace 
 
 And shed a halo o'er us, 
 Whose beams can cause all strife to cease. 
 
 And tune our hearts in chorus 
 To sing in unison the strain 
 
 Which God hath set before us : 
 ' Let peace on earth for ever reign," — 
 
 Hark 1 angels join the chorus I
 
 102 
 
 IMRIK'S POEMS. 
 
 Give me the eyes of Faith to see, 
 
 Behind the clouds of sorrow, 
 My Father's hand still guiding me 
 
 On to the bright to-morrow ; 
 And onward still, through good and ill, 
 
 His eye shall safely guide me ; 
 All dangers past, safe home at last, 
 
 With Jesus close beside me !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 103 
 
 'iih. |:<|,|.| 
 
 WHAT CAN LOVE DO ? 
 
 jf OVE can make the eyes sliine bright, 
 ?LGte can brighten darkest night ; 
 Love can make the lover gush, 
 Love can make the maiden bkish. 
 
 Love can warm the coldest heart, 
 Love can kindest words impart ; 
 Love can happiness bestow. 
 Love can never answer " No. " 
 
 Love can sing the gayest song, 
 
 Lnve can make the weak feel strong ; 
 
 Love can lighten every c:ire. 
 
 Love can sweetly trials bear. 
 
 Love can sit enthron'd in state, 
 Love can rule a nation great ; 
 Love can noble laws impart, 
 Love can win the people's heart. 
 
 Love can educate the mind. 
 Love can aye be true and kind ; 
 Love can greatest pleasure give, 
 Love can teach us how to live.
 
 104 IMRIE'S FOEMS. 
 
 Love can sweetest comfort bring, 
 Love can take from Death the sting ; 
 Love can greatest burders bear, 
 Love can all our sorrows share. 
 
 If our lives are pure and free, 
 Love must then our teacher be ; 
 Daily learn the heavenly plan : — 
 " Love to God and love to man."
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. ' 105 
 
 . -^CDi^ 
 
 LOVE'S PROGKESS. 
 
 CE met, but not as strana:ers meet, 
 \i^j£!iS)li\ busy mart, or crowded street, — 
 No hurried glance could well suftice 
 To meet the gaze of Love's surprise ; 
 That look a " tale of old " reveal 'd, 
 Which would not, could not, be conceal'd. 
 And well bespoke Love's sweet content, 
 Though speechless on our way we went. 
 
 Again we met — not like the past, — 
 The spell of Love had now been cast ; 
 Still, words refused to tell the tale 
 Which redden'd cheeks that erst were pale, 
 And fluttered hearts with new-born joy, 
 And gave our thoughts such sweet employ ; 
 We smiled, and often met to smile. 
 And thus did Love our hearts beguile. 
 
 At last I spoke, in hope and fear, 
 A few short words, deep, true, sincere ; 
 Then love in transport met the gaze 
 Of love return 'd 'mid glad amaze ; 
 Her stammering tones, and modest start. 
 Answered the gladness in my heart ; 
 I kissed joy's tear from off her face. 
 And clasp'd lier in my warm embrace.
 
 106 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 We loved, and love still dwells secure, 
 And shall while life and love endure ; 
 Our love is sweet, and all is well, 
 For in each other's hearts we dwell ; 
 Like streams which meet and onward glide. 
 Till lost in ocean's boundless tide, 
 We two have met no more to part, 
 For Love hath join'd us heart to heart ! 
 
 1
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 107 
 
 LUVE -LINKS. 
 
 %>■ 
 
 ,HE LOOK of a loving eye 
 l(^^ Tells all it knows, 
 
 Like blushing rose, 
 And lives to be lov'd — or die ! 
 
 The TOUCH of a gentle hand 
 A tale doth tell 
 Love knoweth well 
 
 And only Love understand. 
 
 The TONES of a loving voice. 
 Like birds in Spring, 
 Doth sweetly sing, 
 
 And maketh the heart rejoice ! 
 
 \^ • 
 
 The JOY of a love-lit heart 
 
 No tongue can tell : 
 
 Its potent spell 
 Neither time nor distance part ! 
 
 Sweet words that can never die ; 
 "Wilt thou be mine?" 
 
 "I WILL BE THINE !" 
 
 Is the maiden's faint reply. 
 
 These links must not be broken, 
 
 Oh ! no I no ! no ! 
 
 But stronger grow, 
 Love's changeless, deathless token!
 
 108 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 HOME 
 
 "^HE sweetest word on earth is home, 
 To loving hearts most dear ; 
 Where'er our footsteps seek to roam, 
 
 Home thoughts are ever near. 
 The memories sweet of life's spring-day 
 
 Keep fresh and green for ever, 
 Like fragrant flowers they scent the way 
 Adown life's winding river. 
 
 Our homes may be where mountains rise 
 
 Like dark-green clouds to Heaven ; 
 Or where the valley-lily lies 
 
 Our humble lot be given ; 
 Or on an island of the sea 
 
 Oft by the tempest prest : 
 No matter where our homes may be. 
 
 To each that home is blest. 
 
 The strongest love within man's breast 
 
 Is love of life and home, 
 Like fledglings hovering round their nest 
 
 Our thoughts encircle home ; 
 Our years may reach three-score and ten, 
 
 And full of changes be, 
 Yet scenes of home will haunt us then 
 
 When life was pure and free.
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 109 
 
 Where love liatli cast her golden spell 
 
 And kindest deeds are done, 
 Where loving hearts unite to dwell 
 
 'Tis heaven on earth begun ; 
 Then cherish home with jealous care 
 
 And let not strife prevail : 
 Thus for our "heavenly home" prepare, 
 
 Secure within the vail.
 
 110 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE FLOWER OF THE FAMILY. 
 
 ^i|J]^HE Angel of Death came hovering near, 
 '^/^SK To kiss the fair cheek of a child ; 
 He left a dark shadow of hope and fear. 
 
 And a mother's heart throbbing wild. 
 A fond father knelt, with a trembling heart, 
 
 By the couch where his treasure lay ; 
 Though he tried to smile, yet the tears would start, 
 
 While he vainly brush'd them away. 
 
 The silence of death was broken at last, 
 
 By sobs of a mother's first grief, 
 As the eyes of her boy to hers were cast, 
 
 With appealing looks for relief; 
 The father's strong arms encircl'd the child. 
 
 And sooth'd him at last to his rest, 
 While he clos'd his eyes and lovingly smil'd, 
 
 As he winged his way to the blest ! 
 
 A prayer for submission and faith was sent 
 
 To the God of all love and grace ; 
 And a ray of light in the dark was lent 
 
 From their heavenly Father's face. 
 As He taught them to lift their hearts above 
 
 The flower which to them was given ; 
 While He would transplant, with infinite love. 
 
 That flower in the garden of Heaven !
 
 LOVJi:, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. HI 
 
 ROMPING WITH THE CHILDREN. 
 
 milMIC battle, 
 
 '^3.:3Din and rattle, 
 Romping with the children after tea ; 
 
 How they giggle, 
 
 Laugh and wriggle, 
 Crowing as they triumph over me ! 
 
 " Make him a horse, " 
 
 That's "Pa," of course, 
 They, the merry riders full of glee ; 
 
 Though not much ground, 
 
 Yet round and round, 
 Till they drive the wind right out of me ! 
 
 At last content. 
 
 And I near spent, 
 Loudly they call for "a song" from me! 
 
 I laugh and grin. 
 
 And then begin, 
 Hugging a little one on each knee !
 
 112 
 
 IMEIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Some song they know, 
 
 Sung soft and low, 
 Soon makes them feel like sleep, do you see ? " 
 
 Then, one by one, 
 
 To bed they run, 
 With "a good-night kiss" for Ma and me! 
 
 God bless their rest. 
 
 Our lov'd and best, 
 May their lives be ever pure and free ; 
 
 Their joys we share, 
 
 And banish care. 
 While we laugh and rcmp so merrily !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 113 
 
 C ""l||ili„ ''"IK. 
 
 ■111. "'i|l;.||||, 
 
 J gii"iik 
 
 "OUE JOHNNIE."* 
 
 ,_.,_.,jE liae had a happy time, 
 Since hame cam Johnnie , 
 Wi' a face like angel sweet, 
 Stealin' a' o'or kisses neat, 
 Creepin' roun on hauns an' feet, 
 Was o'or wee Johnnie ! 
 
 Langest day maun hae its close, 
 
 Alas ! puir Johnnie ; 
 Death cam in sae grim an' cauld, 
 Chill'd the lammie in the fauld, 
 Ta'en the young and left the auld, 
 
 Puir deed wee Johnnie. 
 
 Ta'en awa' in life's spring-time, 
 
 O'or ain dear Johnnie ; 
 Mither's heart in anguish wild, 
 Faither grudges sair his child, 
 Yet tae God baith reconcil'd ; 
 We'll gang tae Johnnie. 
 
 * Lines written on seeing the above epitaph on a tomb- 
 stone over a little {^rave in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 
 Toronto, erected in affectionate remembrance of John 
 McKiunon, born Oct. 7, 1871 ; died Jau. 31, 1881.
 
 114 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Ainst the liclit o' a' o'or house, 
 
 O'or ain wee Johnnie ; 
 Noo the Hcht is ta'en awa' 
 Darkness seems tae cover a', 
 Nane can comfort us ava 
 
 Bit o'or wee Johnnie ! 
 
 'Neath the souchan willow tree 
 
 Lies o'or wee Johnnie ; 
 Just beneath a hillock green, 
 Whaur the daisies may be seen, 
 Wi' the buttercups between, 
 
 Sleeps o'or wee Johnnie. 
 
 Aft we shed the bitter tear 
 
 For o'or wee Johnnie ; 
 Then look up wi' faith abuin, 
 Whaur nae sorrow creepeth in, 
 There, secure frae death an' sin, 
 Bides o'or wee Johnnie !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 115 
 
 "PAPA'S PET." 
 
 (_.,_! OWN a crowded thoroughfare 
 jS^ Walk'd a httle stranger, 
 Light blue eyes and golden hah-, 
 Scarcely knew her danger ! 
 
 Gaily dress'd, so clean and neat, 
 Eibbons without measure ! 
 
 Stockings white and slipper 'd feet, 
 Some one's darling treasure ! 
 
 Heedless pass'd the crowd along, — 
 Business hours are pressing, 
 
 None in all that busy throng 
 Stopp'd to make caressing ! 
 
 Now and then an anxious look 
 O'er her face came stealing, 
 
 Wise as any sage's book. 
 Troubled heart revealing ! 
 
 Looking for her mother's smile 
 
 Li that sea of faces ; 
 None her fears could there beguile. 
 
 Wearily she paces ! 
 
 See ! the blue eyes fill with tears, 
 And her bosom, heaving. 
 
 Shows the crowd her anxious fears 
 Need some kind relieving !
 
 116 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Soon a kindly stranger came, 
 And wip'd the cheeks so wet : — 
 "Tell me, Sissy, what's your name?" 
 "My papa calls me 'Pet/'" 
 
 Here the stranger dropt a sigh, — 
 
 A sigh of sad regret ; 
 One he claim'd above the sky, 
 
 Ah! once he call'd her "Pet!" 
 
 How he kiss'd that little child, 
 Kiss'd all her tears away ; 
 
 Till at last she sweetly smil'd. 
 Just like a summer's day ! 
 
 Soon he found her father's home, 
 Kept chatting all the way ; 
 
 Never more from thence to roam 
 Until her wedding day !
 
 LEAENING "THE TWINS" TO WALK. 
 
 |W0 little " Toddlekins " learning to walk, 
 Mamma and sister supporting ; 
 Trying to toddle, and learning to talk, 
 'Mid chatting, laughing, and sporting ! 
 
 Mamma seems proud of her two little pets, 
 Johnnie and Winnie she calls them ; 
 
 Dolly consumes all the kisses she gets, — 
 No "Dolly" could thrive without them! 
 
 One little — two little — three little steps ! 
 
 Cautiously, carefully tended ; 
 Mamma's strong arms most lovingly " keps " 
 
 Both when " the trial " is ended ! 
 
 Laughing, and crowing, and kissing all 'round, 
 
 Everyone happy and cheerful ; 
 A hug and a squeeze, a skip and a bovmd, 
 
 A din that's perfectly fearful ! 
 
 Happy the home with the children around. 
 
 Despite all their din and rattle ; 
 No likelier spot on earth can be found 
 
 To nerve us for life's stern battle !
 
 118 
 
 IMEIE'S POEMS. 
 
 A KISS THROUGH THE TELEPHONE. 
 
 Copyrighted. 
 
 ^ — 
 
 Music by H. F. Sefton. 
 
 
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 The Tel - e - phone, in nier - ry tone, Ean§ 
 
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 put my ear Close up to hear. And 
 
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 what did I hear do you think? 
 
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 put my ear Close up to hear. And 
 
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 what did 
 
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 hear, do 
 
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 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 119 
 
 "IN. "'I|;iiin. 
 
 A KISS THROUGH THE TELEPHONE. 
 
 iiiHE telephone, 
 
 ^^ In merry tone, 
 Eang " Tinkelty-tinkelty-tink !" 
 
 I put my ear 
 
 Close up to hear, 
 And what did I hear, do you think ? 
 
 «• Papa, hello ! 
 'Tis me you know! " 
 The voice of my own little Miss ; 
 " You went away 
 From home to-day. 
 But you never gave me — a kiss! 
 
 " It was a mistake, 
 
 I was not awake, 
 Before you went out of the house ; 
 
 I think that a kiss 
 
 Will not be amiss 
 If I give it — sly as a mouse !
 
 120 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 " So here goes, Papa, 
 
 And one from Mamma, 
 And another when you can come borne ; 
 
 Just answer me this, 
 
 Is it nice to kiss 
 When you want through the dear telefome ? " 
 
 "Hello?" I replied, 
 With fatherly pride, 
 "I've got them as snug as can be; 
 I'll give them all back, 
 With many a smack, 
 As soon as I come home to tea ! "
 
 A KISS THROUGH THE TELEPHONE. 
 
 " Papa, hello! 
 'Tis me, you know ! " 
 Tlie voice of ray own little Miss; 
 " You went away 
 From home to-day. 
 Hut you never gave mc— a kiss!" 
 
 Page 110.
 
 LOVL, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 123 
 
 THE BABY'S PORTKAIT. 
 
 ITEADY now, young "Chatterbox!" 
 ^Eosy cheeks and raven locks ; 
 Mamma wants your portrait now, 
 Smile again and smooth your brow ! 
 Touch your mouth with finger-tips. 
 Pearly teeth and ruby lips ; 
 Papa's pride and mamma's pet. 
 High upon a cushion set ! 
 
 Rolling eyes of azure blue. 
 Watching, wondering, " what's-a-do ! " 
 While the artist smiles and grins, 
 Ere he to his task begins. 
 Steady now, young "Chatterbox!" 
 Sly as any little fox ; — 
 Tinkling bells — the signal given — 
 "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven!" 
 
 For a minute silence reigns. 
 Pleasure leaps in all our veins. 
 Baby's picture 's now complete, 
 Lifelike, true, and oh, so sweet ! 
 Every one is positive 
 Never was such negative ; 
 Beauty smiles at beauty's self. 
 Each one hugs the little elt ! 
 
 H
 
 124 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Soon a dainty frame is made, 
 In the frame the portrait laid, 
 Where it lay for many a day, 
 As the years roll'd swift away ; 
 Oft the mother look'd and smil'd 
 At the picture of her child. 
 Now a happy, blushing bride, 
 Still her father's joy and pride ! 
 
 But at last there came a day 
 When the bride must pass away, 
 Claim'd by lover of her own, 
 Happy in that love alone ; 
 And, 'mong presents rich and rare. 
 One was prized — a portrait fair — 
 Smiling as in days of yore. 
 Now a " Chatterbox " no more !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 125 
 
 ■yCy^ gX. 
 
 4.^" ^^ 
 
 "COME, LET US LIVE FOE OUK 
 CHILDKEN."— i^;-«'6f/. 
 
 §:ATHEPJNG wildtiowers in the wood, 
 ®fe Joyous and free as the air ; 
 Happy days of early childhood, 
 Toiich'd not by sorrow or care. 
 
 Break not the spell of their gladness, 
 Let not the sorrow creep in ; 
 
 Shield them from trouble and sadness, 
 Soon will earth's worries be^in. 
 
 -'O' 
 
 Listen to story and prattle, 
 
 Join in their joy and their glee ; 
 
 Scold not their din and their rattle, 
 Make them to feel they are free. 
 
 For other years will come apace, 
 Brimfull of care and toil as ours ; 
 
 When they will fill our vacant place. 
 And bless the memory of these hours.
 
 126 IMBIE'S POEMS. 
 
 
 ■"""III, 
 
 1*1 ''III;. 
 
 "OUE BABY!" 
 
 tHUBBY face, 
 
 r^y'Full of grace, 
 Comic little glances ; 
 
 Glad surprise, 
 
 Eoguisli eyes. 
 Making sweet advances ! 
 
 Rosy feet, 
 
 Small and neat. 
 With dainty little toes ; 
 
 Snug and warm. 
 
 Safe from harm, 
 Done up in fancy hose ! 
 
 Gaily drest. 
 
 In her best, 
 Just like a fairy queen ; 
 
 Tiny hands. 
 
 Satin bands, 
 We're proud of her, I ween !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 127 
 
 Kick and crow, 
 
 Stretch and grow, 
 Seems bigger every day ; 
 
 Not a care 
 
 Nestles there, 
 But angel- smiles alway ! 
 
 God above, 
 
 Full of love, 
 Sent this little stranger ; 
 
 Now we pray. 
 
 Every day. 
 Shield her from all danger !
 
 M^Ji^ 
 
 THE MOTHEKLESS CHILD. 
 
 H ! Papa, where is Ma to-day '? 
 I've looked in every bed ! 
 They tell me ' Ma has gone away,' 
 
 Aunt says that ' Ma is dead.' 
 I thought that she would soon be well, 
 
 I kiss'd her yesterday ; 
 Now where she is I cannot tell, 
 I feel too sad to play." 
 
 The father, stooping, Idss'd his child, 
 
 And strok'd her golden hair ; 
 He strove to hide the anguish wild 
 
 That struggl'd with despair. 
 The blue eyes scann'd him o'er and o'er, 
 
 And seem'd to read him through : 
 " Papa, will Mamma come no more, 
 
 And has she left you too ? " 
 
 Like arrow sharp from quivering bow, 
 
 The question smote him sore 
 And grief, like ocean's ebb and flow, 
 
 Found vent in tears once more. 
 He clasp'd his darling to his breast, 
 
 Which seemed to ease his pain : 
 " God called your Ma ; His will is best ; 
 
 ' We'll meet with her again ! "
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 129 
 
 He carried her with tender care 
 
 To where the coflfin lay, 
 To view the mother, young and fair, 
 
 Now lifeless as the clay. 
 ■ Oh ! Mamma, dear ! I'm here ! I'm here ! 
 
 My Papa is here too ! " 
 And on the dead there dropt a tear 
 
 From out those eyes of blue I 
 
 Kind friends looked in and view'd a scene 
 
 Which " touched their hearts," they said, 
 Then tenderly they came between 
 
 The living and the dead. 
 Weep not for those whom God has ta'en 
 
 To realms of endless light, 
 Our loss is their eternal gain — 
 
 God doeth all things right.
 
 130 UIRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 A GOLDEN WEDDING. 
 
 W$IFTY years of wedded life, 
 ^i Half a century of bliss, 
 Since we first were man and wife, 
 What a consummation this ! 
 
 Through the sunshine and the shower, 
 Bound by golden bands in one, 
 
 Hand-in-hand in darkest hour, 
 We the race of life have run. 
 
 True to vows of early years. 
 Faithful to each other's love. 
 
 Yet with tenderness and tears, 
 Kipening for the courts above. 
 
 Years of joy, and love, and peace. 
 Full of happiness and trust ; 
 
 Learning, as the years increase, 
 God is ever wise and just. 
 
 Soon at last His voice will call 
 
 One or other hence away ; 
 Still remaining one through all. 
 
 Wedded through eternity !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 131 
 
 TO MY FRIENDS. 
 
 ^ >RIENDS of my early days and years, 
 S^Ye who dispell'd my infant fears, 
 And o'er me spent your prayers and tears, 
 
 Father, Mother; 
 And let me pay a tribute meet 
 To those who watch'd my infant feet. 
 And shower'd on me their kisses sweet. 
 Sister, Brother. 
 
 Friends of my school-days or of play. 
 When all was joyous, bright, and gay, 
 Companions dear of life's spring-day. 
 
 Again we meet ; 
 As memory paints the scenes anew. 
 In colours of the brightest hue. 
 When life was good, and pi^re, and true. 
 
 And friendship sweet. 
 
 Friends of those years when hopes were high. 
 And hearts beat true, and love was nigh. 
 And echoes woke which ne'er shall die. 
 
 But echoes give ; 
 While Heating years roll on apace, 
 Within my heart there is a place 
 That bears the likeness of each face. 
 
 And thoughts tliat live !
 
 132 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Friends dead and gone — friends far and near- 
 Friends tried and true — friends ever dear, 
 Though sunder'd far, yet all are here, 
 
 Close to my heart ; 
 And all along life's rugged way 
 The smile of friendship crowns the day. 
 And hearts are young though heads be grey :- 
 
 Friends never part !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 133 
 
 A TEIBUTE TO MOTHEE. 
 
 ^j 
 
 |H, motlier, dear ! what memories sweet 
 Call back the scenes of early years, 
 When thou didst tend our infant feet, 
 
 And guard our life with pray'rs and tears. 
 
 Our little griefs, at school or play. 
 We pour'd into thy willing ear ; 
 
 But thou didst kiss the tears away. 
 And quick dispell'd our every fear. 
 
 And, when in wilful ways we trod, 
 
 Alas ! for us, too willing feet. 
 Thy love did bring us back to God, 
 
 And led us to the mercy- seat. 
 
 Thy look was love — thy smile was joy — 
 Thy tears the eloquence of grief ; 
 
 Thy loving voice found sweet employ 
 In whisp'ring to our heart's relief. 
 
 Oh ! mother dear ! how much we owe 
 To thee, for all thy loving care ; 
 
 While memory lasts our thoughts shall go 
 Back to the days of love and pray'r. 
 
 Though on this earth no more we meet, 
 And surging seas between us roll. 
 
 We yet shall meet at Jesus' feet. 
 Where love eternal fills the soul !
 
 134 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 I 
 
 BEREAVED. 
 
 Mmiss a dear face 
 From its wonted place, 
 And my heart is full of sadness ; 
 But looking above 
 To the God of love, 
 The sorrow is chang'd to gladness. 
 
 For I know that there, 
 
 In that purer air — 
 The home of our heavenly Father — 
 
 Is the one I miss, 
 
 In that land of bliss, 
 Where the angels love to gather. 
 
 And a voice that cheers. 
 Through the silent years. 
 
 Is heard with its sweet, soft pleading ; 
 And a hand that guides 
 Through earth's stormy tides 
 
 Hath mine in its kindly leading.
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 135 
 
 I must not repine, 
 
 But daily incline 
 The path of my lov'd one to follow ; 
 
 Then let the years pass, 
 
 Like sands in a glass, 
 Or sighing winds over the hollow. 
 
 Oh ! we yet shall meet 
 
 On that golden street, 
 And never again shall we sever ; 
 
 Earth's troubles all past, 
 
 In our home at last. 
 With fulness of joy for ever !
 
 136 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 A HUSBAND'S BIKTHDAY GREETING. 
 
 lAELING, awake ! aud let the sweet, glad light, 
 ^Fill eyes that love bath made so pure and bright; 
 So calm and deeply true, so free from guile, 
 So winning in their artless love-lit smile. 
 That I would fain obey their least behest, 
 And clasp thee fondly to my throbbing breast. 
 And tell, with untold kisses, sweetest dear, ' 
 That thou hast entered on another year ! 
 
 How sweet the memory of the blissful past, 
 
 When o'er our paths love's glad spring-flowers were 
 
 cast. 
 As fresh and pure as when in Eden's bowers 
 The first fond pair spent earth's creative hours ; 
 Yet, dear, 'twas but the dawn of brighter days. 
 Such as we now enjoy, 'mid grateful praise 
 To Him who crowns our years- with peace and love, 
 A sweet fore-taste of purer joys above ! 
 
 « 
 
 Ah ! clinging dear ! the ivy and the oak 
 Are not more near when thou dost thus provoke 
 To deeds and words of love that plainly tell 
 That Love is king, and all he doth is well ; 
 The hot tears flow, but not because of grief, 
 'Tis heartfelt joy which thus must find relief ; 
 And mutely eloquent each throbbing heart 
 Proclaims the other as its counterpart !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 137 
 
 Grod bless our love, for He alone can bind 
 In perfect union, both of heart and mind, 
 All those who seek in Him their source of bliss, 
 Of love and joy, of peace and happiness. 
 Oh, may thy future bright and joyful be, 
 From every sorrow may thy lot be free. 
 And through life's journey to the very end 
 Heaven's choicest blessings all thy way attend !
 
 138 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Xg^"< ^-g>^ 
 
 A WIFE'S LAST GOOD-BYE. 
 
 i)H, husband dear, though now we part, 
 And I must cross the river, 
 I fain would cheer thy lonely heart — 
 
 We do not part for ever ! 
 I go to brighter, holier ground. 
 
 Where friendships are not hollow, 
 Where peace and love are ever found, 
 And thou wilt surely follow. 
 
 Oh, brightly beams that happy land 
 
 Of light, and love, and gladness, 
 Where we shall stand, at God's right hand. 
 
 Free from all care and sadness. 
 Let faith foresee with hopeful eyes, 
 
 That even now may borrow 
 A cheering ray from brighter skies 
 
 To dissipate thy sorrow. 
 
 Oh, husband dearest, fondest, best. 
 
 To whom my love was given. 
 In Jesus' love find sweetest rest, 
 
 We'll wait for thee in Heaven ; 
 Death cannot enter there, my love, 
 
 Nor tears bedim the sight ; 
 An endless love is ours above, 
 
 With angels ever bright.
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 139 
 
 One child is safe with me in Heaven, 
 
 The other left with you, 
 May wisdom from above be given 
 
 To make him kind and true ; 
 And when at last we four shall meet, 
 
 Beyond the surging river, 
 We'll lay our crowns at Jesus' feet, 
 
 And praise His love for ever!
 
 140 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS. 
 
 _ ^HE present you send, 
 %^^My dear loving friend — 
 
 A beautiful bouquet of flowers, — 
 Is precious to me, 
 As coming from thee. 
 
 With perfume of bright sunny bowers. 
 
 It reminds me of home. 
 
 Where once we did roam, 
 ' Mid flow'rs in the garden at play ; 
 
 As swift pass'd the hours 
 
 In Flora's sweet bowers. 
 And short seem'd the summer's long day. 
 
 But life, like the flowers, 
 
 Hath changeable hours. 
 And sunshine and show'r intervene ; 
 
 Yet love in the heart 
 
 Can beauty impart. 
 And help to make life "evergreen." 
 
 Let friendship and truth 
 
 Encompass our youth. 
 From sorrow and trouble 'twill save ; 
 
 In sweetest content 
 
 Our lives shall be spent. 
 And flow'rs strew our path to the grave !
 
 LOVE, HOME, AND FRIENDSHIP. 141 
 
 Ill,,, "III 
 
 •^illii,,,, ||b„ "I, 
 
 „;: ;> 
 
 TO A LITTLE FKIEND. 
 
 AN ACROSTIC. 
 
 Jesus was once a little child, 
 Obedient, loving, lowly, mild ; 
 His mother's pride, His father's joy, 
 No evil did His heart employ. 
 
 Alexander, may that spirit 
 
 Which was in Him be found in you ; 
 And His blessing duly merit. 
 
 By being ever kind and true. 
 
 Carefully guard tlie days of youth, 
 On every hand temptation scorn ; 
 Refresh thy mind with heav'nly truth — 
 Many are thus to glory borne. 
 In all thy ways acknowledge God, 
 E'en when beneath His chast'ning rod.
 
 s 
 
 C^XD 
 
 
 y<^ 
 
 JVIISeELLA^IEOUS fOEMS. 
 
 
 o<>o 
 

 
 is«llai«0is Wmws. 
 
 A SUMMEE'S DAY; 
 
 OR, 
 
 MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT. 
 
 Introduction. 
 ^ ^ PEING sliow'rs have wasli'd the winter snows 
 <£^ away, 
 
 And Nature smiles at the approach of May, 
 Clad in the brightest green, and deck'd with flowers, 
 Which speak of balmy winds and sunny hours ; 
 When birds, and bees, and butterflies abound, 
 And flowers in rich profusion deck the ground. 
 Strewn here and thfire by Flora's wanton hand. 
 And Hope sings merrily o'er all the land : 
 Oh ! then, 'tis surely summer I 
 
 I.— MORNING. 
 
 MpIS morning ! for the rising sun 
 ^^His daily journey hath begun ; 
 Flooding the earth with glory bright, 
 Chasing away the gloom of night ;
 
 146 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Closing the eye of every star 
 That twinkles in the heavens afar ; 
 Paling the moon's soft, silvery light, 
 Till it recedes from mortal sight ! 
 
 All hail ! thou ruler of the day. 
 Nature delights to own thy sway ; 
 At thy appi'cach the smallest flower 
 On hill, or dale, or, verdant bower, 
 Lifts up its head, tliough wet with dew, 
 And spreads it.s petals out to view, 
 To cheer the heart, and glad the eyes, 
 A dainty mornnig sacrifice ! 
 
 At Sol's glad light the feather'd throng 
 Make woods resound with cheerful song, 
 And, full of grateful, glad surprise. 
 Fly out to meet thee in the skies ; 
 The milkmaid sings a merry lay. 
 As through the fields of fragrant hay 
 She gaily trips to meet the cows, 
 Whose welcome noise the echoes rouse. 
 
 Sweet morning hours ! — first-fruit of d ly — 
 None but the slothful spurn away 
 Thy gifts of beauty, health, and light, 
 And, slumb'ring, turn thee into night ! 
 When glory gilds the eastern sky. 
 And Nature lifts her voice on high. 
 Why should not man, with grateful heart. 
 Join in and take a noble part ?
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 147 
 
 II.— NOON. 
 
 JIHE sun hath reached meridian's height, 
 I . 
 
 ^^wAnd robed the earth in glory bright ; 
 
 Flora, arrayed in all her charms. 
 
 Looks up and smiles ; with loving arms 
 
 Seeks to invite his presence near, 
 
 Like perfect love which hath no fear, 
 
 And thinks no evil, though now a show'r 
 
 Should hide his face in noontide's hour ! 
 
 Bright noon ! when all around is life. 
 And hum, and stir, and busy strife ; 
 Nature, in all her various forms — 
 Like angry waves in wintry storms — 
 Strives life with life for daily bread, 
 For all must live and all be fed. 
 Each eager to secure a prey 
 Before noontide shall pass away I 
 
 The butterfly enjoys the hour, 
 And sips sweet nectar from the flower ; 
 The humble bee doth homeward bring 
 Her treasures sweet on laden wing ; 
 The cheerful sparrow on the ground 
 A dainty mid-day meal hath found, — 
 All nature knows the time of day, 
 Nor lets it idly pass away !
 
 148 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 ' Tis noon ! and from the village school 
 A joyous host, released from rule, 
 Kush out with hearts as light as air, 
 Without a sorrow or a care, 
 But to improve the fleeting hour 
 Whether in sunshine or in shower, 
 For noon's short hour flies fast away 
 When given to joyous mirth and play ! 
 
 III.— NIGHT. 
 
 ^HE evening shades are falling fast, 
 •^^^Long shadows on the ground are cast, 
 The western sky is all aglow 
 With fiery glory setting low ; 
 The hill-tops glance with changing hue, 
 A noble back-ground to the view. 
 As mountain, river, lake, and plain, 
 Are bathed in glory once again ! 
 
 Sweet evening hours ! suggesting rest, 
 To weary toilers thou art blest ; 
 See yonder cottage at whose door 
 The children look for " Pa " once more, 
 And by the welcome they impart 
 Bid all the cares of day depart ; 
 Domestic joys are life's sweet flowers. 
 Full blooming in the evening hours ;
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 149 
 
 As evening deepens into night, 
 A host of stars shed purest hght ; 
 Fair Luna comes upon the scene, 
 With halo of bright, silv'ry sheen, 
 To woo the lover out to stroll 
 The shady walks with love-lit soul, 
 And pour into the maiden ear 
 The souliul words she loves to hear ! 
 
 At last the midnight hour is past, 
 The stillness of the grave is cast 
 On all around with potent spell, — 
 The day is past and all is well ! 
 For Israel's God doth ever keep 
 His watchful eye o'er those who sleep ; 
 Tired Nature rests, while God alone 
 With heavenly love protects His own !
 
 150 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 NATUKE'S TEMPLE. 
 
 _ ^IS sweet to sit in pensive mood, 
 %CSx'Mid Nature's grand, stern solitude. 
 Where warbling birds pour forth their lays, 
 In happy, joyous songs of praise. 
 
 Or watch some noble cat'ract bound 
 From giddy height to lowly ground, 
 Where echoes ring from peak to peak, 
 And God in Nature seems to speak. 
 
 With praise to God the woods resound, 
 Surrounding hills repeat the sound, 
 And in my heart an echo rings, 
 Which joy and consolation brings. 
 
 There doth my soul find sweet relief. 
 And gather strength for future grief; 
 For life's stern duties here prepare, 
 By supplicating God in prayer. 
 
 Oh, God ! to be alone with Thee, 
 In Nature's Temple — rich and free ; 
 And for a time forget the strife 
 Of man with man — of Death with Life. 
 
 Oh, happy hour ! oh, sweet retreat ! 
 With Thee, my Father, thus to meet ; 
 And learn from Nature to adore 
 The God of Nature evermore !
 
 NATURE'S TEMPLE 
 
 Or watch some noble cataract bound 
 From gidfly lieigbt to lowly groiiml, 
 Where echoes rinp; from peak to peak. 
 And God in Nature seems to speak. 
 
 I'AQE 150.
 
 MISCELLAi\EOUS. 153 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 
 
 ^^ING out the merry Christmas bell 
 1^3 That tells of joy and gladness, 
 Our happy hearts with pleasure swell, 
 
 This is no time for sadness ; 
 This is the crowning of the year, 
 
 A day of merry-making, 
 With feast and song our hearts we'll cheer, 
 
 All anxious cares forsaking. 
 
 'Twas Christmas-tide when Jesus lay 
 
 All lowly in a manger. 
 He came to take our sins away, 
 
 And save our souls from danger ; 
 The shepherds on the hills at dawn 
 
 Heard angel-voices singing : 
 ' Now peace on earth, goodwill to men, 
 
 We are this morning bringing," 
 
 'Tis eighteen hundred years and more 
 Since that glad Christmas morning. 
 
 Yet once a year, on every shore, 
 Are happy hearts adorning 
 
 The 
 
 Christmas tree with 
 
 presents 
 
 rare, 
 
 Its 
 
 dark-g] 
 
 reen boughs 
 
 are laden 
 
 
 And 
 
 round 
 
 it dance the 
 
 children 
 
 fair, 
 
 The lover 
 
 and the maiden 1 

 
 154 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Ob ! merry, happy Christmas Day, 
 
 For young and old together, 
 The very snow-flakes seem more gay, 
 
 Though bitter cold the weather ; 
 As round the family fireside 
 
 Our dear ones we are meeting, 
 Let peace and harmony abide, 
 
 With love each other greeting.
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 155 
 
 FAITH ILLUSTEATED. 
 
 TjfT'HE night was calm and still, the moon shone 
 
 ?;C!Sx bright, 
 
 And lent the silver-sweetness of her light 
 
 To guide the lonely patrol on his beat, 
 
 As, with a measiu'ed step, from street to street, 
 
 His echoing footsteps beat a solemn tread ; 
 
 And from the city towers, far over head. 
 
 The midnight hour rang out with mournful chime, 
 
 Telling the wakeful of the march of time. 
 
 But hark ! what awful sound is that I hear. 
 Which falls like thunder on my closing ear ? — 
 Fire ! fire ! fire ! 'tis the patrol's warning cry 
 That rings from house to house, from earth to sky. 
 Rousing the wakeful, scattering the dreams 
 Of love and joy, and for a moment gleams 
 From face to face — from eye to eye — 
 A terror as of death or danger nigh. 
 
 Fire ! fire/ fire ! onward press the anxious crowd, 
 With rushing, hasty steps, and noises loud, 
 To yonder mansion, where the ruddy glare 
 Speaks louder than the groans of dark despair ! 
 The greedy flames surround with furious power 
 The doomed abode ; and in that midnight hour 
 Strong men are weak, and none but they are brave 
 Who look to Him whose power alone can save.
 
 156 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Thus felt a father when he saw his child, 
 Frvr out of human reach, 'mid danger wild, 
 On top-most storey, and in blank despdir, 
 His piteous cries resounding through the air. 
 At last he heard his father's well-known voice, 
 Which made his sinking heart with hope rejoice, — 
 " Spring to my arms, my son ! do not delay. 
 Haste 1 haste 1 and I shall bear thee safe away 1 " 
 
 The brave child heard and, stepping on the sill, 
 
 Prepared to execute his father's will ; 
 
 He looked from death to life with anxious eyes, 
 
 And ceased his murmur and despairing cries. 
 
 Then, with his tiny arms outstretched to Heaven, 
 
 Heroic courage to his soul was given ; 
 
 He. fearless, sprang from all the dread alarms. 
 
 And fainting, dropped into his father's arms. 
 
 let such FAITH be mine, — such childlike faith 
 In Thee, God ; then neither fear nor scathe 
 Shall hinder me from clinging to Thine arm, 
 For Thou alone canst save from fear or harm ! 
 And when, at last. Thy call from earth I hear, 
 No doubt shall hinder, nor despairing fear ; 
 But, looking up to Thee with heart and eyes. 
 Thou wilt accept and bear me to the skies !
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 157 
 
 A BIETHDAY GREETING. 
 
 (^IME is ever on the wing, 
 Fast our moments fly away ; 
 Let us prize tliem, though they brnig 
 
 Joy and sorrow mixed alway ! 
 Had we joy alone, my friend, 
 
 We would seek no other sphere ; 
 Did God only sorrow send. 
 
 We would wish the end was near ! 
 
 God is wiser far than we. 
 
 And He knoweth what is best ; 
 Let us in His wisdom see 
 
 That He seeks our faith to test I 
 May we live, as though this hour 
 
 Were our last on earth to spend ; 
 And, come sunshine, shade, or show'r, 
 
 God's best blessing will attend ! 
 
 Let the years roll on apace, 
 
 Heaven is nearer than before ; 
 Let us bravely trials face, 
 
 Waves break loudest near the shore ! 
 Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring, 
 
 All within one year are bound ; 
 Let us through each season sing 
 
 Songs of praise the whole year round !
 
 158 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 FLOWERS ! 
 
 ^LOWERS are lov'd by young and old, 
 J^sAs they gracefully unfold 
 Sweetness caught from Eden's bowers, 
 When at first God made the flowers : 
 Rich in every tint and hue. 
 Smiling through their tears of dew ; 
 Beauty's glory crowns their head, 
 As they peep from grassy bed ! 
 
 Purity the Lily seems. 
 As she in the sunlight gleams ; 
 Humility the Pansy knows, 
 Happiness bespeaks the Rose ; 
 Love, the laughing Daffodil, 
 Pinks our eyes witli Beauty fill ; 
 Every flower, a charm its own, 
 Fills a place on Flora's throne I 
 
 Flowers may teach the heart of man, 
 As no other teacher can : 
 God's creative hand was there, 
 When He made the flowers so fair ;
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 159 
 
 Out of chaos formed the earth, 
 Spake, and planets had their birth ; 
 To adorn the human race. 
 Lent the beauty of His face ! 
 
 He who loves the tiny flower 
 Something knows of Heaven's power, 
 Which will hope and courage give, 
 Strength and sweetness while he live ; 
 Like the flowers we pass away, 
 Short, yet sweet, is life's brief day — 
 Let good deeds and thoughts sublime, 
 Stand the touch and test of time !
 
 TO THE PANSY. 
 
 )H, Pansy ! with the velvet hue, 
 5 And spots of gold, and pearly dew ; 
 How gracefully you hang your head. 
 Scarce rais'd above your humble bed. 
 
 I love you for your queenly grace, 
 Your happy smile, your winsome face ; 
 In sweet retreats you love to dwell, 
 And lend ' the vale thy beauty- spell. 
 
 Sweet emblem of a "heart at ease,"* 
 Thy form my inmost fancies please ; 
 In quiet beauty you excel 
 All other flowers in wood or dell. 
 
 Thou mightest well be. Flora's queen, 
 If thou wouldst let thy charms be seen ; 
 And seek to vie with other flowers 
 That deck with beauty kingly bowers. 
 
 But thou art wise to grace the spot 
 Where God has cast thy humble lot ; 
 And there, secure from rude alarms. 
 Display thy modest, winsome charms ! 
 
 When I look up from thee to God, 
 And see His glory in the sod, 
 My heart in sweet tranquility 
 Would learn from thee "humility!" 
 
 * This flower is sometimes called " Heart's-ease."
 
 I 
 
 I
 
 LIFE'S PROGRESS 
 
 Rivers rolling to the sea 
 Loose themselves in ocean, 
 
 Bearing on their bosom's free 
 Noble ships in motion 
 
 Ah ! soon we'll reach life's ocean strand, 
 
 Just like the winding river 
 Sale in the hollow of that Hand 
 Which holds the seas for ever. 
 Page 163.
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 163 
 
 LIFE'S PEOGRESS. 
 / 
 
 ^lOWN the mountains, down the hills, 
 !^5 Trickling on for ever ; 
 Gentle springs make little rills, 
 iittle rills the river. 
 
 Eivers rolling to the sea 
 
 Lose themselves in ocean, 
 Bearing on their bosoms free 
 
 Noble ships in motion. 
 
 Such is life, a constant change. 
 
 Still from small to greater ; 
 Let us learn the lesson strange 
 
 Taught by our Creator : 
 
 Life is giv'n for noble ends, 
 
 Lofty thoughts and actions, 
 Winning to our bosom — friends 
 
 Gain'd in life's transactions. 
 
 Ah ! soon we'll reach life's ocean strand. 
 
 Just like the mighty river, 
 Safe in the hollow of that Hand 
 
 Which holds the seas for ever.
 
 164 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 •-<a 
 
 >/s^SK. 
 
 TWO POOK OEPHAN BOYS. 
 
 MOD help poor orphans, for they need 
 ^Our Father's watchful care indeed ; 
 Out in the cold wide world alone, 
 Where strangers speak with freezing tone ; 
 With none to take them to their heart, 
 Or dry the burning tears that start 
 From sunken eyes and hollow cheek, 
 Which want, neglect, and hunger speak. 
 
 Two years ago their father died, 
 And soon their mother, by his side 
 In one cold grave was laid at rest, 
 And join'd the everlasting blest ; 
 The greatest pain she felt at death 
 Was whisper'd with her dying breath : 
 *' God keep my boys when I am gone, 
 Poor, helpless orphans, all alone ! " 
 
 Ah ! how they struggl'd for their bread, 
 And oft went supperless to bed ; 
 And, sometimes, neither bed nor board 
 Their scanty pittance could afford. 
 Oft in the storm, and snow, and sleet. 
 They travell'd on with cold, wet feet. 
 And sought that kindly passers-by 
 Would pity the poor orphans' cry !
 
 MISCELLAlSEOUS. 
 
 165 
 
 Sometimes a crossing neatly swept, 
 By one at either end, was kept. 
 Where, now and then, an honest cent 
 Was earned by them with great content. 
 As long as work is brisk they feel 
 No evil tempting them to steal, 
 Or beg, or whine, or seem dismay'd, 
 Or of their lot feel half afraid. 
 
 Dear Christian people, help such boys. 
 Who little know of earthly joys : 
 Do speak to them with kindly tone, 
 And make the orphan's cause your own ; 
 Try if your purse can spare a cent — 
 Or e'en a dime — to God 'tis lent. 
 And make their sad and painful lot 
 By kindness almost half forgot !
 
 166 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 LAUGHING. 
 
 tH, bow I love the hearty laugh 
 That rings with a merry peal ! 
 The outcome of some witty " chaff," 
 
 Which makes one cheerful feel ; 
 A laugh which almost racks the jaw, 
 
 A regular side -splitter ! 
 In which all join with " loud guffaw," 
 And nothing in't that's bitter ! 
 
 I love when children laugh outright, 
 
 And shout in their playful glee, 
 When all run out to see the sight. 
 
 Or join in the sport so free ! 
 A laugh that knows not care or ill. 
 
 The frolicsome laugh of fun ! 
 Which speaks of naught but right good-will. 
 
 As they skip, and laugh, and run ! 
 
 I hate the haughty laugh of scorn, 
 
 From the dudish fops called " meyi,'' 
 Who sneer at worth if humbly born. 
 
 And smile at " the upper ten ! " 
 Whose empty laugh shows lack of brain 
 
 Their language devoid of wit. 
 Their greatest feat to " twirl a cane," 
 
 Or display "a perfect Jit!"
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 167 
 
 A LESSON FEUM THE CLOCK. 
 
 j^^ICK, tick, tick, tick, 
 ^Time flies so quick, 
 With never ceaseless motion ; 
 Our moments pass 
 Like sands in glass, 
 Or wavelets of the ocean. 
 
 Thus moments go, 
 
 For weal or woe, 
 And none returneth ever ; 
 
 How mindful we 
 
 Should ever be 
 To spend with wise endeavour. 
 
 The life of man 
 
 Is but a span, 
 Short, transient, and fleeting ; 
 
 With here and there 
 
 A joy or care, 
 A parting or a meeting. 
 
 Then let each hour, 
 
 Like beauteous flower, 
 Some fragrance send to Heaven ; 
 
 To God above, 
 
 In grateful love, 
 Let ransomed powers be given.
 
 168 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE POWEE OF SONG. 
 
 MpHE poet's heart is ever young, 
 ^^ His thoughts are light and gay ; 
 To Nature's praise his harp is strung 
 In sweetest harmony. 
 
 The minstrel's soul is all aflame 
 
 With passion's holy fire ; 
 He courts the Muse in love's sweet name, 
 
 And kindles with desire. 
 
 He joins the children in their play. 
 And pleases them with song ; 
 
 He soothes them off to sleep alway, 
 With lullabies of song. 
 
 His heart is touch'd with others' woe 
 
 In deepest sympathy : 
 His tears with theirs together flow 
 
 In tuneful symphony. 
 
 For tyrant-threats he hath no fear, 
 
 But wages bitter strife 
 With all that dares to interfere 
 
 With liberty and life. 
 
 The soldier on the tented fiel 
 Feels that his cause is strong, 
 
 For Freedom's enenly must yield 
 Before the Patriot's song.
 
 -^l|l'lliri,i!!;iYi|i;,. VTrj-jin ■•i,r, ,« 
 
 Wiiiimmiu&mMMgMmiiij/i''' v^ 
 
 THE POWER OF SONG. 
 
 The power of souk to stir the soul, 
 Or fiootlie the human heart. 
 
 Is felt by man from polo to pole, 
 Or distant isles apart. 
 
 Like notes from Heaven's angelic choir. 
 
 Or herald-aiipel's song. 
 Our minstrels with poetic fire 
 The echoes still prolong! 
 Pagk ]G8.
 
 MISCELLANE OUS. 171 
 
 The sailor on the stormy sea 
 Beguiles the hour with song, 
 
 As, whistling for the winds so free. 
 He steers his bark along. 
 
 The reapers by the waving corn 
 
 Doth make the welkin ring, 
 And when the harvest home is borne 
 
 The harvest-song they sing. 
 
 The power of song to stir the soul, 
 Or soothe the ^ uman heart. 
 
 Is felt by man from pole to pole. 
 Or distant isled i\ -irt. 
 
 Like notes from He' »en's angelic choir, 
 
 Or herald-angel'^ aong. 
 Our j minstrels, wi'Jj poetic fire. 
 
 The echoes still prolong !
 
 172 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE LITTLE NEWSPAPEK BOYS. 
 
 fftWO little brothers left their home 
 ?:^sx One cold, bleak winter's day, 
 All round the city streets to roam, 
 But not in childish play. 
 
 They on a noble errand went, 
 
 An honest dime to gain, 
 By selling papers — well content 
 
 To brave the sleet and rain. 
 
 One ten year's old was brother " Bill," 
 And six year's old was " Jack ; " 
 
 They trudged along with right good-will. 
 Though business was quite slack ! 
 
 Yet bravely shouts the elder boy : 
 "My papers! who will buy?" 
 
 And at each sale a smile of joy 
 Lights up each cheerful eye. 
 
 The weary hours of night wore past. 
 The steeple clock struck Nine : 
 
 One bun between them eased their fast. 
 But Jack began to pine. 
 
 " Oh ! Bill, I'm tired and sleepy now, 
 I'll sit down here and rest ; " 
 And soon the cold and chilly brow 
 Dropp'd feebly on his breast.
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 178 
 
 His brother Bill, with courage high, 
 More energy display'd, 
 " The latest news ! " did loudly cry. 
 Not daunted or afraid. 
 
 Yet, now and then, dear little Jack 
 Would look with tearful eye 
 
 On brother Bill, as he came back 
 To tell him — " not to cry ! 
 
 " I've nearly sold them all now. Jack, 
 There's only three to sell ; 
 When they are sold, high on my back 
 I'll ride you home pell-mell ! " 
 
 At last their merchandise was gone, 
 Ten cents was fairly won ! 
 
 And Bill knelt down to help Jack on 
 His back, for the home-run ! 
 
 Dear Christian people, help such boys 
 
 To earn an honest cent, 
 They little know of earthly joys. 
 
 And yet seem well content I
 
 174 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 TO THE FOUK WINDS OF HEAVEN. 
 
 |^ra)H ! cold North wind from tlie Polar seas, 
 ^^ Thy breath congeals lake, brook, and river ; 
 You strip the leaves from the tallest trees, 
 And make them bend, and sigh, and quiver ! 
 
 Oh ! blow. South wind from the coral strand. 
 Thy breath is sweet with the flowers' perfume ; 
 
 Thrice welcome thou to our cold North land. 
 To cheer our hearts with the rose's bloom ! 
 
 Oh ! blow, East wind, with thy favouring gales, 
 To speed our ships from the mother-lands ; 
 
 And glad our eyes with the full-blown sails. 
 That bring to our shores brave hearts and hands ! 
 
 Oh ! blow, West wind, with thy fresh, strong breeze. 
 Prepare our frames for the frost and snow ; 
 
 Shake down the ripe fruits from off the trees, 
 And tinge our cheeks with health's ruddy glow ! 
 
 God tempers the winds for life or death. 
 As over the earth they sweeping go ; 
 
 He speaks in the zephyr's balmy breath. 
 As well as when loudest tempests blow.
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 175 
 
 AN HONEST MAN. 
 
 " An honest man 's the noblest work of God." — Burm. 
 
 I 
 
 ijHEW me the man of true and honest heart, 
 ^Who, for the sake of gain, will not depart 
 
 From paths of rectitude, and then I can 
 
 Shew you God's noblest work — 
 
 An honest man / 
 
 Temptation's darts do not disturb his mind, 
 True to himself he 's true to all mankind, 
 By honest toil he earns whate'er he can, 
 And proves himself to be — 
 
 An honest man / 
 
 Truth is his watchword — lips that speak no guile. 
 His face illumin'd with an honest smile, 
 Looks eye to eye with ours, nor fails to scan 
 The traits and signs which mark — 
 
 The honest man J 
 
 God bless the honest man whose bosom thrills 
 With love and sympathy for others' ills. 
 And " robs " himself of ease if so he can. 
 With woman's tenderness, display — 
 
 " The man/" 
 
 The world is full of sin, and vice, and crime, 
 But honesty will stand the test of time ; 
 
 Truth, Virtue, Charity, shall lead the van, 
 
 God's name is honour'd by — 
 
 The honest man /
 
 176 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 LIFE'S BRIGHTER SIDE. 
 
 |§IS better to smile than to frown, 
 'Tis better to laugh than to cry ; 
 Then, don't let your spirits get down, 
 And never say "fail" tho' you die! 
 
 Though trouble like mountains arise. 
 And fortune seems hard to attain, 
 
 Look hopefully up to the skies. 
 For sunshine will come after rain. 
 
 Those taught in adversity's school 
 Are braver and better by far; 
 
 The cowardly man, as a rule. 
 Is not to be trusted in war. 
 
 A brave heart is sure to succeed. 
 The weak one will go to the wall ; 
 
 And God will assist those indeed 
 
 Who help themselves up when they fall. 
 
 If in love affections are bent. 
 And wooing is met with disdain, 
 
 Bear up with apparent content. 
 And time will restore you again ! 
 
 The world is more full of joy 
 Than most people care to admit ; 
 
 If usefully time you'll employ. 
 
 Life's trials won't hurt you a bit!
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 177 
 
 SOAP-BUBBLES. 
 
 ,HAT a bappy holiday, 
 
 I Brothers Jack and Will at play ; 
 Blowing bubbles light as air, 
 Chasing them o'er stool and chair ! 
 As they blow, each ruddy cheek 
 Happiness and joy bespeak ; 
 Each the other tries to "chaff" — 
 Hard to blow when forc'd to laugh ! 
 
 Little " pussy " likes the fun, 
 Swift across the floor to run, 
 "When they break across her eyes, 
 Gets " her back up " in surprise ! 
 Tasting soap in mouth and nose, 
 Sniffing to a corner goes ! 
 Till another tempts her out. 
 Once again to run about ! 
 
 Mamma hears the noisy din, 
 Slyly at the door peeps in ; 
 But she loves to see them play, 
 Happy in their joy alway ! 
 Swift a thought across her mind 
 Utterance finds in words so kind : — 
 Ah ! my boys, a moral see 
 From the bubbles light and free :
 
 178 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 Empty bubbles, light as air, 
 For a moment bright and fair ; 
 Som.e ascend like stars to heaven, 
 Some to swift destruction driven ; 
 If thou would' st escape each snare, 
 Guard thy life with constant prayer ; 
 God will waft thee to the skies, 
 Float thee into Paradise ! 
 
 :3Si
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 179 
 
 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 
 
 LOME, Knights of Pythias, all combine, 
 ?Let Friendship, Truth, and Love entwine ; 
 Our noble deeds, with one accord, 
 Shall conquests make that shame the sword ! 
 
 Chorus. — Come, join together heart and hand. 
 United we shall ever stand ; 
 Encircle earth by sea and land, 
 With Friendship's loving golden band ! 
 
 Our Order stands the test of time, — 
 A foe to falsehood, want, and crime ; 
 A band of brothers, brave and free, 
 The "Golden Kule " our only plea! 
 
 Chorus. — " Come join," etc. 
 
 » 
 
 The widows' and the orphans' cause 
 Are part and parcel of our laws ; 
 We help the needy, shield the weak. 
 And words of sympathy we speak. 
 
 Chorus. — " Come join," etc. 
 
 Should dire Oppression's iron hand 
 Be laid upon our native land, 
 Our swords shall strike the tyrant low, 
 And Freedom smile at every blow ! 
 
 Chorus. — " Come join," etc.
 
 180 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE YOUNG MUSICIAN. 
 
 Copyrighted. 
 Simply. 
 
 Music by Prof. J. F. Johnstone. 
 Toronto. 
 
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 CHORUS. 
 
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 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A mu-sic-ian 1 would be; 
 
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 MISCELLANEOUS. 181 
 
 THE YOUNG MUSICIAN. 
 
 -B-C,-D— E,— F,-G, 
 I^That's ''the scale," as you may see; 
 On the ''lines"' and in the "space," 
 Each in order you may trace ! 
 
 Chorus.— A— B—C,—D,— E,—F,— G, 
 A musician I would be ; 
 Oh, it is such merry fun 
 Up and down " the scale " to run ! 
 
 
 K C I> E 
 
 ^- — ^-^I^-^-T^-*— --*— fl 
 
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 b— ST-*— — ■- ----p-l ^— H 
 
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 E F G A 
 
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 E,— G,— B,— D,— F,— on " lines," 
 Learn by sight the useful signs ; 
 F,— A, — C— E,— in the " space," 
 Don't forget the speUing— FACE ! 
 
 Chorus.— "A, B, C, D, E, F, G," etc. 
 
 Notes are simply " si;/m " you see, 
 Bound and black as black can be ; 
 From the perfect number "seven," 
 Each its proper place is given ! 
 
 Chorus.- "A, B, C, D, E, F, G," etc.
 
 182 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 ''Sharps'' and "flats" some patience need, 
 If at music you'd succeed ; 
 But "sweet melody'' is there, 
 When you take great pains and care ! 
 
 Chorus.— "A, B, C, D, E, F, G," etc. 
 
 Soon my little friend may try 
 Something greater by-and-by, 
 If her teacher she obevs, 
 And remembers all he says ! 
 
 Chorus.— "A, B, C, D, E, F, G," etc. 
 
 Just be patient — never fret, 
 
 Or into a passion get ; 
 
 Else " a discord " you will make. 
 
 Which would be "a r/reat mistake/" 
 
 Chorus.— "A, B, C, D, E, F, G," etc.
 
 THE YOUNG MUSICIAN. 
 
 Just be patient— never fiet, 
 
 Or into a passion gei ; 
 
 Else "a dhciml" you will make, 
 
 Which would be "a.great mistake .'" 
 CHORUS.-A,-B,-C,-r,-E,-F,-G, 
 A musician I would be ; 
 Oh, it is such merry fun 
 Up and down " the scale " to run I 
 
 rAQE 181.
 
 MISGELLANEOVS. 185 
 
 THE KNIGHTS OF LABOUE. 
 
 power has risen in the land, 
 ^^Who work together hand-in-hand, 
 A noble, energetic band, — 
 
 The Knights of Labour. 
 
 '0-' 
 
 Monopoly must not control 
 The labour market, heart and soul. 
 And seek to pay with meagre dole 
 The Knights of Labour. 
 
 Let man to man this maxim tell : 
 ' He doeth right who worketh well, 
 And ought to best advantage sell 
 His wealth of labour ! " 
 
 Though wealth be strong, yet right is might, 
 And victory shall crown the right, — 
 All honour to your noble fight. 
 Brave Knights of Labour ! 
 
 While enterprise we will respect. 
 Our rights we never shall neglect ; 
 All tyranny we must reject 
 
 While Knights of Labour !
 
 X86 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 - ^CS )J!^ 
 
 THE WOEKINGMAN'S HALF-HOLIDAY. 
 
 I'OD bless the men of means who try 
 
 ^•s To sweeten Labour's cup, 
 By list'nm*]; to the earnest cry 
 
 To lift "the masses up" 
 Above the drudgery of life, 
 
 The needful hours to spare, 
 A short respite from busy strife, 
 
 Sweet Natiire's joys to share ! 
 
 'Twill prove the best investment sure, 
 
 These hours to toilers given, 
 'Twill tend to make them good and pure, 
 
 And pave their way to Heaven ; 
 Eespect and honesty will spring 
 
 From hearts made glad and free, 
 To duty more attention bring, 
 
 Thy grateful servants be. 
 
 And, then, what pleasure to thy heart, 
 
 To mark the happy faces. 
 As pleasure parties gaily start 
 
 For rural, healthy places. 
 To breathe the sweet pure air of heaven, 
 
 By mountain, lake or river, 
 And use the means thus kindly given 
 
 As best would please the giver !
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 187 
 
 Then give without a grudge or fear 
 
 The boon so much desired, 
 The patient wife and children dear 
 
 With hope shall feel inspired ; 
 Life shall be then worth living for, 
 
 Dull care shall fly away, 
 And once a week no cloud shall mar 
 
 Their glad half- holiday !
 
 188 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL INFANT CLASS. 
 
 tjIXTY little smiling faces, 
 'All in their acciistom'd places ; 
 Each a happy household's treasure, 
 Teaching them a perfect pleasure. 
 
 Sixty pair of eyes, whose gladness 
 Shews no trace of care or sadness. 
 Are fix'd on me with glances bright, 
 Like twinkling orbs of purest light. 
 
 Sixty voices in a chorus : 
 
 " Childhood's years are 2)assing o'er us ;" 
 
 May those years to God be given, 
 
 Walking in the way to Heaven. 
 
 • 
 Hopeful hearts are rais'd in pray'r, 
 
 Craving God's peculiar care ; 
 
 Waiting for the children's blessing, 
 
 Faith and love their hearts possessing. 
 
 Childish words, brimful of trust : 
 " Jesus, Thou canst make us just,' 
 May ice now and ever share 
 In our Father s icatchfid care." 
 
 How they listen to the story 
 Of redeeming love and glory : 
 That Jesus took the sinner's place. 
 In boundless love and matchless grace.
 
 Simple words and illustration, 
 Suited to their humble station ; 
 " Line upon line " they learn to know 
 The Word of God, and wiser grow. 
 
 Their minds, thus stor'd with heavenly truth, 
 Will fence them from the snares of youth, 
 And thus a safe foundation lay 
 To lead them through life's rugged way. 
 
 Oh, blessed are the children dear 
 Who love the Lord, and in His fear 
 Do walk in His most holy way 
 That leads to everlasting day ! 
 
 And blessed is the teacher's part, 
 To educate the infant heart ; 
 A Saviour's love to them unfold, 
 Truths ever new and never old !
 
 190 I2IRIE'S P0E3IS. 
 
 THE DYING CHILD. 
 
 JlESIDE the death-bed of her child 
 ^^ A mother bent in grief, 
 But to her pain and anguish wild 
 There came a sweet relief. 
 
 The dying child, in accents mild, 
 
 And full of tender love, 
 The silence broke while thus she spoke 
 
 Of brighter scenes above : 
 
 '^o- 
 
 " Oh, mother dear, you need not fear 
 Nor fret yourself for me, 
 Dry from your cheek the falling tear, 
 I soon shall happy be. 
 
 " I soon shall reach that ' happy land,' 
 And join that blessed throng. 
 Who ever stand at God's right hand 
 Singing the angels' song. 
 
 1 
 
 "I'll wait for 
 
 you 
 
 and father dear 
 
 
 On 
 
 that br 
 
 ight. 
 
 happy 
 
 shore. 
 
 
 Where 
 
 death 
 
 nor 
 
 sorrow 
 
 cometh 
 
 near. 
 
 And 
 
 friends 
 
 depart no 
 
 more. 

 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 191 
 
 "Then let me go — I must not stay, 
 I hear my Saviour's voice ; 
 The angels beckon me away, 
 And bid my soul rejoice." 
 
 The angels fair have come and gone, 
 
 They bore that child away; 
 Another soul is at the throne, 
 
 Here but the lifeless clay. 
 
 Oh, friends bereaved, weep not for those 
 
 Whom Jesus died to save ; 
 Through Him they conquer'd all their foes 
 
 And triumphed o'er the grave !
 
 192 IMEIE'S POEMS. 
 
 C0N8ECKATI0N. 
 
 ^^OT my will, but Thine, Lord I 
 i(^K^Trusting to Thy promis'd Word ; 
 Keep me ever near to Thee, 
 All through life my guardian be. 
 Teach me all I ought to know, 
 Guide me where I ought to go, 
 Be my Comforter and Friend, 
 Till I reach my journey's end ! 
 
 Let mv heart its fulness tell. 
 Gratitude my bosom swell ; 
 Patient, humble, mild, and meek, 
 Let my lips Thy praises speak. 
 Darkness Thou hast turn'd to day, 
 Swept my guilty fears away ; 
 Thou art all in all to me, — 
 I am naught compar'd to Thee ! 
 
 When at last life's battle o'er, — 
 Landed safe on Canaan's shore, 
 I shall see Thy blessed face 
 Lighten up that glorious place ; 
 Prostrate at Thy feet I'll fall, 
 There Thy wondrous love recall, — 
 Love so boundless, deep, and free, 
 That it compass'd — "e\'en me!"
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 193 
 
 HAPPY CHILDHOOD, 
 
 [APPY childhood, full of smiles, 
 All the livelong day ; 
 Winsome ways and cunning wiles, 
 Ever fond of play. 
 
 How our hearts with pleasure beat, 
 
 Feeling young and gay ; 
 When we see them on the street. 
 
 Sadness flies away ! 
 
 Care or sorrow hath no part 
 
 In life's early day, 
 Thine the light and happy heart, 
 
 Singing merrily ! 
 
 Like the flowers of early Spring 
 
 O'er the meadows cast, 
 Sweetness to our hearts they bring. 
 
 Dear mem'ries of the past. 
 
 But the future, who can tell 
 
 What their lot may be ? 
 God, who doeth all things well, 
 
 Keep them pure and free !
 
 194 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 ON MY FOETIETH BIETHDAY. 
 
 li 
 
 IJPOETY years of age to-day ! 
 ^^Ah ! bow time doth pass away ; 
 Like a pleasant summer's day, 
 Or like children's hours of play ! 
 
 Now I've reach'd ripe manhood's prime, 
 Fain would bar the march of time ; 
 Kaven locks now tipp'd with grey, 
 Show the signs of sure decay. 
 
 Grateful love my heart doth fill, — 
 Keach'd the summit of life's hill ; 
 Safe through many an anxious care, 
 ' Thank Thee, Lord,'" my daily prayer. 
 
 Now a-down "life's other side," 
 Knowing not what may betide ; 
 Trusting where I cannot trace, 
 Till I see God face to face ! 
 
 Let the years, then, come and go. 
 Fraught with weal or mix'd with woe ; 
 I will trust my Father's love 
 Till I reach His home above !
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 195 
 
 _c^^^°\3^^ 
 
 THE "LOVES" OF AN INFANT-CLASS 
 SCHOLAR. 
 
 love to hear the school-bell ring, 
 5l love to hear the children sing ; 
 I love to see the house of pray'r, 
 I love to know that God is there. 
 
 I love to see my teacher's face, 
 All beaming with a heavenly grace ; 
 I love to make my teacher glad, 
 When naughty children make her sad. 
 
 I love to read my Bible true, 
 
 I love my Father's will to do ; 
 
 I love to feel my sins forgiv'n, 
 
 I love to think of God and Heav'n. 
 
 I love to learn the heavenly way, 
 In Sabbath-school — on Sabbath day ; 
 I love to bring my playmates there, 
 I love my lessons to prepare. 
 
 I love my mother — oh, so dear ! 
 
 I love my father's heart to cheer ; 
 
 I love my brothers, kind and true, 
 
 I love my own dear sisters too. 
 
 M
 
 196 
 
 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 I love to think of Jesus mild, 
 And how He loves a little child ; 
 I love to know that " God is Love," 
 And smiles on 7ne from Heav'n above. 
 
 I love to think that when I die 
 God waits for me beyond the sky ; 
 And when I reach that "happy land," 
 I'll walk with Jesus hand-in-hand !
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 197 
 
 PEIDE. 
 
 j|3|EIDE is Satan's favourite plant, 
 A noxious weed infernal ; 
 A passion-flower of waste and want, 
 To poison souls eternal ! 
 
 How foolish is the pride of man, 
 
 The creature of a day, 
 Whose life is measur'd by a span, 
 
 And then returns to clay ! 
 
 When j&rst our eyes beheld the light 
 ISIo claim to pomp had we ; 
 
 All men are equal in God's sight, 
 Sustain'd, belov'd, and free ! 
 
 Our Saviour died for all mankind, 
 
 A full and free salvation ; 
 Then why should we be so unkind. 
 
 As sneer at dress or station ? 
 
 The Son of God had humble birth. 
 Yet now He reigns in Heaven ; 
 
 Those who oppress the poor on earth 
 Shall from His throne be driven !
 
 198 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 THE ABSENT SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHEE. 
 
 *'~^)H. ! children dear, 
 iSlie is not here, 
 Your teacher loving and true ; 
 But gone above, 
 Where all is love, 
 "Waiting and watching for you. 
 
 For you her tears. 
 
 And pray'rs, and fears, 
 Will not have been spent in vain ; 
 
 If lessons taught 
 
 Are not forgot, 
 You shall meet with her aj^ain ! 
 
 "o- 
 
 In that bright land. 
 
 At God's right hand. 
 Where Jesus shall claim His own,- 
 
 With smiUng face. 
 
 Appoint a place 
 Around His glorious throne. 
 
 Oh ! happy land. 
 
 Thrice happy band, 
 Beside the shining river ; 
 
 In Jesus' praise 
 
 Your voices raise 
 In songs that last for ever !
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 199 
 
 THE BITTER OR THE SWEET. 
 
 ^j|[l|HE bitter or the sweet of life 
 ^^^ Is often ours to choose, 
 Sweet ove is antidote to strife — 
 The bitter, then, refuse. 
 
 Let not the angry word be said, 
 
 At home, at work, or play ; 
 Like waters pure from fountain-head 
 
 Let smiles cheer up thy way. 
 
 Let Mara's bitter waters flow 
 
 Alone on deserts wild ; 
 On life's highway, whereon we go, 
 
 Let looks and words be mild. 
 
 Let wreaths of smiles chase every frown 
 
 From God's own image fair ; 
 Then friendship's loving hands shall crown 
 
 Thy head with blessings rare. 
 
 Now, all along life's rugged way 
 Let flowers displace the thorn. 
 
 And grief and care shall flee away 
 From liearts that erst were torn !
 
 200 .IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 LOVE AND SYMPATHY. 
 
 ^iHE balm of sympathy how sweet 
 ^^ In trial's pensive hour, 
 When wave on wave of sorrows beat, 
 And clouds of darkness lower. 
 
 'Tis then that Friendship's gentle hand 
 
 May half our burden share ; 
 'Tis then we fully understand 
 
 The love to us they bear. 
 
 Oh ! Love and Sympathy how dear 
 To those bow'd down with care ; 
 
 Thy angel-face dispels our fear, 
 Makes hearts feel light as air. 
 
 Though Ophir's wealth were wholly mine, 
 
 All jewels rich and rare, 
 For love of friends I yet 'would pine, 
 
 And find my treasure there. 
 
 Our first experience at birth 
 
 Was sympathy and love, 
 And when at last we leave this earth 
 
 We'll find its Source above.
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 201 
 
 THE BEOTHEEHOOD OF MAN. 
 
 |^i)UE Father — God, His children — we, 
 ^^5 No matter where our birthplace be — 
 'Mid Arctic snows, or torrid clime, 
 One family since the first of time! 
 
 We should not bind our fellow-man, 
 Though he be yellow, black, or tan ; 
 Or seek to keep him trodden down 
 By haughty sneer, or cruel frown. 
 
 A mother's love, like that of Heav'n, 
 Alike to all her sons is giv'n, — 
 All men are free as God's pure air, 
 And all alike His ima2:e bear. 
 
 o"- 
 
 Far better we should ever try 
 To ease the load, or soothe the sigh ; 
 Each other's burdens kindly bear, 
 Each other's joys or sorrows share ! 
 
 How can we pray to God above, 
 And daily seek His care and love. 
 Unless our hearts for others' woe 
 With sympathetic love o'erflow ?
 
 202 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 ON A VISIT TO THE "OLD COUNTKY." 
 
 ^^CKOSS the wide Atlantic sea 
 ^a? Our steamer speeds her way, 
 Great billows rolling grand and free 
 Eest not by night or day. 
 
 At last the land recedes from sight, — 
 
 The great new land of hope. 
 Where enterprise and honest might 
 
 Find fair and ample scope. 
 
 A week has pass'd, yet sea and sky 
 
 Seem all of earth to me, 
 Until at last the welcome cry 
 
 Is heard with joy and glee : — 
 
 "Land, ho! — land, ho!" — a sailor cries. 
 But naught to us is seen ; 
 An hour or two, and then our eyes 
 Behold the welcome scene : — 
 
 Great headlands rise, like sentries bold. 
 
 Or guardians of the land ; 
 Their tops, like helmets, shine with gold 
 
 In sunset hues so grand ! 
 
 Still on we speed, with hope and joy 
 Our hearts feel like to sing ! 
 
 Our thoughts on "home" find sweet employ 
 As early scenes up-spring !
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 203 
 
 The fair green hills of Ireland rise, 
 
 Resplendent to the view, 
 And seem an earthly Paradise 
 
 To loving hearts and true ! 
 
 'Tis hard to leave the deck to-night, 
 
 I scarce can go to sleep ; 
 I toss and dream, till morning light 
 
 Comes shining o'er the deep ! 
 
 Now, dear old Scotia's mountains rise 
 
 As up the Clyde we steam, 
 Like friends of old they cheer ovir eyes, 
 » );• like a pleasant dream ! 
 
 At last we reach the same old pier 
 
 Where years ago we parted, 
 Here once we wept, now joy's glad tear 
 
 From loving eyes have started ! 
 
 Oh, friends of early days, and " home " 
 
 Of childhood's happy years ; 
 My thoughts are yours where'er I roam, 
 
 For you my prayers and tears !
 
 204 , IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 " FAEEWELL ! " 
 
 T|J^HE saddest word we ever hear, 
 Ir^x'Fnll-fraught with sorrow, hope, and fear, 
 The fount of many a bitter tear : 
 Farewell ! Farewell ! 
 
 Eefrain : Farewell ! Farewell ! 
 Ah ! who can tell 
 
 What bitter tears, 
 
 What hopes and fears. 
 Surround thy spell ? 
 Sad word : " Farewell ! " 
 
 As, branch by branch, the family tree 
 Is snapp'd and floated o'er life's sea, 
 How sad a parent's heart must be, 
 To say : " Farewell ! " 
 
 Eefrain : " Farewell ! Farewell ! " etc. 
 
 How sad for loving friends to part 
 For distant scenes — so wide apart — 
 That mem'ries must suffice the heart 
 That says : " Farewell ! " 
 
 Eefrain : " Farewell ! Farewell ! " etc.
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 205 
 
 How sad to hear tlie deep-toned bell 
 
 King out a dear friend's funeral knell, 
 
 And feel your very heart- strings swell 
 To say : " Farewell ! " 
 
 Kefrain : " Farewell ! Farewell ! " etc. 
 
 When we have said our last "Farewell," 
 And gone the ranks of heaven to swell, 
 Eejoice to know — Death breaks the spell- 
 All's well! all's well! 
 
 Befrain : With God to dwell, 
 
 No mere, "Farewell!" 
 No more sad tears ! 
 No doubts ! no fears ! 
 Each tongue shall tell : 
 " 'Tis well ! 'Tis well.! "
 
 206 IMRIE'S POEMS. 
 
 FKAGMENTS FOE AUTOGRAPH ALBUMS. 
 
 FEW short years 
 ^Of hopes and fears, 
 And then we pass for ever 
 Where answer'd prayers 
 Shall banish cares, 
 Beyond the shining river ! 
 
 Blest land above. 
 
 Sweet home of love, 
 With joy we'll reach thy portals ; 
 
 'Mid angel throngs, 
 
 Eecite the songs 
 Sung by redeem'd immortals ! 
 
 IhE friendship of the good and true 
 ^^Tf Is more to me than gold, 
 And while I welcome one that's new 
 
 I'll treasure well the old ; 
 Old friends are like the goodly tree 
 
 Whose leafy branches throw 
 A grateful shelter over me 
 
 When adverse winds may blow !
 
 INDEX. 207 
 
 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 A Birthday Greeting 157 
 
 A Bouquet of Flowers 140 
 
 Absent Sunday-School Teacher, (The) 198 
 
 A Christmas Carol 153 
 
 A Golden Wedding 130 
 
 A Husband's Birthday Greeting 136 
 
 A Kiss Through the Telephoue 119 
 
 A Lesson from the Clock 167 
 
 An Anxious Soul Comforted 18 
 
 An Honest Man 175 
 
 A Prayer 17 
 
 A Prayer for Wisdom 40 
 
 A Souvenir of Love 99 
 
 A Summer's Day 145 
 
 A Tribute to Mother 133 
 
 A Wife's Last Good-bye 138 
 
 Baby's Portrait, (The) 123 
 
 Believer's Refuge, (The) 22 
 
 Bereaved 134 
 
 Brotherhood of Man, (The) 201 
 
 Canada's Defenders 72 
 
 Canadian Song of Freedom 63 
 
 Christian, Awake ! 42 
 
 Christian's Armour, (The) 30 
 
 Christian's Hope, (The) 24 
 
 Come, Let us Live for Our Children 125 
 
 Conscience 47 
 
 Consecration 192
 
 208 INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Dominioa of Canada, (The) 70 
 
 Drunkard's Fate, (The) 49 
 
 Dying Child, (The) 190 
 
 Dying Scot Abroad, (The) 86 
 
 Eyes that Speak , 101 
 
 Fair Canada 61 
 
 Faith Illustrated 155 
 
 Farewell ! 204 
 
 Flower of the Family, (The) 110 
 
 Flowers 158 
 
 Fragments for Autograph Albums 206 
 
 Glasgow, Scotland 84 
 
 Happy Childhood 193 
 
 Heart Questionings 92 
 
 Home I<i8 
 
 House of God, (The) 28 
 
 Hymn of Praise 87 
 
 Image of the Heavenly, (The) 45 
 
 Jesus' Love 21 
 
 Jesus, My Refuge 41 
 
 Knights of Labour, (The) 185 
 
 Knights of Pythias, (The) 179 
 
 Laughing 1^6 
 
 Learning " the Twins " to Walk 117 
 
 Life's Brighter Side 176 
 
 Life's Progress 163 
 
 Little Newspaper Boys, (The) 172 
 
 Longing Soul, (The) 34 
 
 Lord's Prayer, (The) • • • 32 
 
 Love and Sympathy 200 
 
 Love-Links 107 
 
 Loves of an Infant-Class Scholar, (The) 195 
 
 Love's Progress 105 
 
 Master's Call, (The) 38 
 
 Missionary's Prayer, (The) 23 
 
 Morning - • • 145 
 
 Motherless Child, (The) 128
 
 INDEX. 209 
 
 Page. 
 
 My Portion 26 
 
 Name of Jesus, (The) 43 
 
 Nature's Temple 150 
 
 Niagara Falls 66 
 
 Night 148 
 
 Noon 147 
 
 Ode to Lake Ontario 79 
 
 On a Visit to the " Old Country." 202 
 
 On My Fortieth Birthday 194 
 
 Our Baby ! 126 
 
 Our Johnnie 113 
 
 Pain 52 
 
 Papa's Pet 115 
 
 Peace of God, (The) 46 
 
 Poor Orphan Boys, (The) 164 
 
 Power of Song, (The) 168 
 
 Preacher's Warning, (The) 20 
 
 Pride 197 
 
 Queenston Heights 76 
 
 Queen Victoria's Jubilee 75 
 
 Rest 51 
 
 Romping with the Children Ill 
 
 Sabbath Chimes 19 
 
 Sabbath-Day, (The) 44 
 
 Sabbath-School Teacher's Reward, (The) 39 
 
 Seeking after Knowledge 48 
 
 Soap-Bubbles 177 
 
 Sons of Scotland 80 
 
 Star of Love, (The) 94 
 
 Sunday-School Infant Class, (The) 188 
 
 The Bitter or the Sweet 199 
 
 The Humber " Fairy " 97 
 
 The Last Enemy — Death 37 
 
 The Thistle 82 
 
 Thy Choice— Which ? 25 
 
 Tears 50 
 
 To a Little Friend 141
 
 210 INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 To My Friends 131 
 
 Toronto 54 
 
 Toronto Bay 57 
 
 To the Four "Winds of Heaven 174 
 
 To the Pansy 160 
 
 True Love 95 
 
 Welcome Home, Brave Volunteers 64 
 
 What Can Love Do ? 103 
 
 What is Love ? 53 
 
 Where doth Beauty Dwell ? 91 
 
 Workingman's Half-Holiday, (The) 186 
 
 Young Musician, (The) 181
 
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