5f ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY THE GIFT OF Isabel Zucker class '26 CORNELL UNIVEBSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 067 884 076 THE LANGUAGE AND POETRY OF FLOWERS, AND Poetic Handbook OF WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PIECES, ALBUM VERSES, AND VALENTINES. TOGETHER WITH A QRE.^a' NUMBER OF BEAUTIFUL POETICAL QUOTATIONS FROM FAMOUS AUTHORS. NEW YOEK: HTJEST & COMPANY, PUBLISHEKS. (olio L35- )21^ CONTENTS. Language of Flowers 13 Flower Dialogues 13 Bouquets 17 Modifieatloa of the Flower Language 2I Flower Game 22 The Vocabulary 23 Floral Poesy 55 lutroduetion 5g The Daisy 62 The Snowdrop 65 The Cowslip 67 The Crocus 68 ApnZe-Blossom 70 The Daffodil 72 The Violet 74 Narcissus 80 Buttercups 83 The Hawthorn si The Primrose 87 The Hyacinth 90 The Rosemary 91 Die Herz Blume 92 Lily of the Valley 93 The Pimpernel 94 Heartsease, or Pansy 95 The WaMower 97 Forget-me-not 98 The Rose 100 The Jasmine 105 The Sunflower 106 The Myrtle log The Marigold 109 The Honeysuckle no The Amaranth m The Dahlia 112 The Lilac .'.113 The Lily II4 The Cypress 115 The Passion-Plowpr 116 The Sweet-William U" ™, PAQll The Holly 118 The Harebell 119 Clover, or Shamrock 120 The Aspen 121 The Mistletoe 122 Sweet Peas 122 The Foxglove 123 The Hollyhock 124 The Fuchsia 124 Autograph Album Verges . . 125 Lines for Dedication. . .125 Prose Maxin:.8 ISg Original Acrostics 132 Poetical Quotations 13g Absence ... I3g Accomplishments 138 Action I3g Activity I3g Adversity 139 Advice 139 Adieu 139 Affection 139 A-ngels l4o Apparel l4o Appearances 14o Beauty 149 Blushing 142 Calm 143 Care 143 Celibacy 144 Change 144 Charity !...144 Chastity 144 Cheerfulness 144 Confidence I45 Constancy 145 Coquette 145 Country Life 146 Courtship 147 Curiosity 147 Death 147 IV CONTBNTa. PAGE Deceit 148 Despair 148 Doubt 148 Dreams 149^ Eloquence 149' Ennui 150 Eyes 150 Farewell 152 Fidelity 153 Flattery 153 Forgiveness 153 Fortitude 153 Fortune 153 Friendship 154 Futurity 156 Goodness 156 Grace 156 Gratitude 156 Grave 156 Grief 157 Hair 158 Happiness 158 Heart 159 Home 160 Honor 161 Humility 261 Husbands 161 Idleness 162 Ignorance 162 Imagination 162 Immortality 162 Imprisonment 162 Impudence 162 Inconstancy 163 Industry 163 Innocence 163 Irresolution 164 Jay 164 Judgment 164 Kindness 165 Kings 165 Knighthood 165 Knowledge 165 Labor 166 Life 166 Love 167 Lovers 179 Marriage 182 Memory 185 Mercy 188 PAGK Merit 188 Mind 188 Mirth 189 Modesty 190 Moonlight 190 Mother 191 Music 193 Name 195 Nature 190 Novelty 197 Opinion 197 Opportunity 197 Parents 198 Parting 198 Passion 203 Patriotism 205 Perseverance 205 Philosophy 206 Pity 206 Poetry 207 Portrait 208 Poverty 210 Praise 211 Prayer 211 Pride 211 Proposal 212 Prudence 213 Purity 21? Eemembranoe 215 Eeputation 216 Sensibility 216 Valentines of Professions . 217 From a Baker 217 Answer 217 From a Blacksmith 218 Answer 218 From a Musician 219 Answer 219 From a Tailor 220 Answer 220 From a Weaver 221 Answer 221 From a Brewer 221 Answer 222 From a Sailor 222 Answer 222 From an Astronomer 223 Answer 223 From a Carpenter 223 Answer 224 CONTENTS. PAGE From an Editor 224 Answer 225 From a Green-Groeer 225 Answer 226 From a Minister 226 Answer 227 From a Pastry-Cook 227 Answer 228 From a Seamstress 228 Answer 228 From a Printer 229 Answer 229 From an Engraver 230 Answer 230 From a Butcher 230 Answer 231 From a Dyer 231 Answer 231 Prom a Daneing-Master . . .232 Answer 232 From a Jeweler 232 Answer 233 From a Capmaker 233 Answer 233 From a Grocer 234 Answer 234 From a Silk-Merchant 234 Answer 235 From an Old Bachelor. . . . 235 Answer 236 From a Confectioner 236 Answer 236 From a Bookbinder 237 Answer 237 From a Milliner 238 Answer 238 From a Tanner 239 Answer 239 From a Dandy 239 PAGE Answer 240 From a lawyer 240 Answer 241 From a Barber 241 Answer 242 From a Painter 242 Answer 243 Valentines forGiven Names 244 With a Heart 254 A Woman's Valentine . . . 255 Oh, Sweetest Maid 256 The Love-Song of my Heart 256 Love Beyond all Love 257 No Love so Sweet as Ours . 257 To My Wife 258 Thy Lovely Face 258 For a Folded Heart 259 The Love That's Only Thine 259 Verses, for Autograph- Al- bums 260 Dedication 260 Original Acrostics 260 Selected Verses- for Auto- <*•- graph-Albums 266 Wedding Anniversaries 291 Verses for a Wooden-Wed- ._ ding Celebration 292 Verses for a Tin- Wedding Celebration 294 Verses for a Crystal- Wed- ding Celebration 296 Verses for a Silver-Wedding Celebration 297 Verses for aGolden- Wedding Celebration 298 To a Young Lady 299 Verses for Bouquet Presen- tations 301 Thoughts of Eminent Men. 306 Language of Flowers, FLOWER DIALOGUES. I love you A Bed Rose. I love you, and it causes me ) , _ „ , , , . yA Dog Rose. both pleasure and pain . . . > I love you silently A Bed and White Base. I share your sentiments Garden Daisy. You may hope Meadow Daisy. Speak out OxUp. You may hope Snowdrop. I am sorry Purple Hyacinth. I share your sentiments Double China Aster. Do you love me? A Coxcomb. If you love meiyouvTill find ovA. Maiden-blush Bose. I dare not love you Veronica Speciosa and Bose I live for thee Cedar Leaf. ( Brealcing off and throwing I do not love you \ ^^^^^ _^^^^ ^^^^^^_ I die if neglected Laurestinus. I offer you my friendship Sp^-ig of Acacia oi-lvy Leaves Try to forget me Moonwort. Remember me Forget-me-not. Be frank with me An. Osier. Iniiim. I give you the truest friendship. J^ Leaf of Oalc-leaved Gera- Try to save me Chicory and Narcissus. Be assured of my brotherly (or ) ^^^.^^^_ sisterly) sympathy > Ply -with me Venus' Ear. Don't talk nonsense. — I think '> Purple Columbine or Pome- you silly ) granate Flowers. Be my Valentine Crocus. You are always delightful Cineraria, 14 JS'loral ^OESY. I am very angry with you A Sprig of Furse. I have just remembered China Aster. Second thoughts are best China Aster. I agree to it A Straw. I am foolishly anxious Bed Columbine. ■Will you grant me an intervie'w?Pimjpe»-»eL How dare you? A Sprig of Larch. You are a miser Scarlet Auricula. Be prudent ZipMon Spinosum. Be warned in time. — Beware!. .^c7!J*es; also, Purpurea, Be mine Four-leaved Clover. You are betrayed White Catchfly. Beinrare Oleander. Beware of a false friend Francisea Latifolia. Convolvulus, — dead, if in I am in bonds \ ■,. . .j* j-i ^ »^ »*» w 1 ^ngon; imng, %f of love. You boast Hydrangea. Call me not beautiful Bose Unique. It is a calumny Sellehore. Beware of slander Oleander and Sellehore, Be merry Yellow Crocuses. Come doMirn to me Jacob's Ladder. Be comforted Scarlet Geranium. Could you bear poverty? Browallia Jamisonii. Do not fear Poplar Leaves. You are in danger Rhododendron. It is a dangerous pleasure Tuberose. Your friend is deceitful Ivy and Bogsbane. Stop. — Wait Mupatorium. Pepart Dandelion Puffball. I desire to please you Mezereon. Despair not. God is everywhere. White Julienne. It is difficult BlacWwrn. I am disappointed Carolina Syringa. You have my disdain Bue, or Yellow Carnation, You are a good little housewife.-Ftoa; and Thrift. Will you be a domestic wife?. .Flax and Honeysuckle. Do not despise my poverty Sliepkerd's Purse. Do not refuse me Eschschdltzia. I doubt you Apricot Blossom, Floi\al Poesy. 15 I envy you The Bramble. You are mistaken Bee Oreliis, orFhj Orcliis. I can give you esteem,uot love. .Spiderwort and Strawbcrri/ I expect you Anemone. {Tree. Forget me Moonwort. IBcach Leaves, I hope you may prosper Flowering Almond, ani Dine with us Oak Leaves. I am your captive Peach Blossom. Be silent White Rose. I declare against you Wild Tansy. I desire a return of affection. . .Jonquil. I am so much obliged to you.. Mint. I feef your hospitality Flax. I offer you my fortune Calceolaria. I ■will lend you money Calceolaria. Grive me a kiss Mistletoe. Do make haste Yellow Balsam. Pray do. — Please do Burdock Leaf. I am independent Thistle. I don't care for it Candytuft. I know I can't trust you Foxglove. You are very feeble Dahlia. I feel very jealous French Marigold. Are y^ jealous ? Yellow Rose. Be happy Wood Sorrel. Ksep your promise Petunia. What shall I do ? Aspen. Let me go Butterfly Weed. Be merry . . . ." Shamrock. Live for me At-hor Vital. I love you Myrtle. I am forsaken Willow. Make haste Dianthns. My regrets will ever follow you . Asphodel. Eosemary. Remember me Rosemary. Will you marry me? American Linden, [nium,, I am very unhappy Dead T^eaves. Dark Gero- You are very clever Clematis. Your happiness won't last Virginian Spiderwort. Never despair Watcher by the Wayside. l6 Floi^l '^oesy. Be friends Sprig of Ea:et. Do make up our quarrel A Filbert. I forbid you Spritj of Privet. I promise to protect you Bearded Crepis. Pray for me Wliite Verhena. Take care Golden Hod. [J/jom. T prophesy you will marry soon . Marigold, Woodbine, Llack- Success crown your wishes Coronella. For shame Peony. We must part Carolina Jessamine. Such worth is rare Achimenes. You surprise me Truffs. I suspect yoa Champignon. Accept my sympathy Balm. Thanks Agrimony, The variety of your conversation ; , ,. , ^ / Clarkia. I delights me J \ Thee only do I love Arbutus. S I will think about you Pansy ^ | Tell the truth Wliite Crysanthcmum. \ I can not accept your love Scabious. | Unite against our enemies Scarlet Verbena. j Don't be greedy Lupine. Watch Dame Violet. Will you accompany me to the ) „ , p , > Stepnanotis. Will you dance with me ? White Hyacinth. You are cold Hortensia. You are my dearest pet Mignonette. I change but in death Bay Leaf. Adieu, but remember me A broken flower and Pansy. Floral Poesy. t-j BOUQUETS. I. — Eemember our rendezvous, but beware of a false friend. 1. Kemembrance Mosemary. 2. Rendezvous Chiclaoeed. 3. Beware of false friends... Ji^anoiscea LatifoUa. II. — Our unexpected meeting left but transient impressions. Answer. — Vulgar minds soon forget. 1. Unexpected meeting Lemon Geranium. 2. Trcinsient impressions Withered White Hose. 3. Vulgar minds African Marigold. 4. Porgetfulness Moonwort. III. — My fortitude forsook me on your refusal to be mine. 1. Portitude Dipteracantlius Speetabilis. 2. Forsaken Laburnum. 3. Refusal Striped Carnation. 4. Be mine Four-lea/oed Clover. « rV. — Do not refuse to come down and comfort my solitude. 1. Do not refuse Eschscholtsia. 2. Come dovrn Jaeoh's Ladder 3. Comfort Fear-Tree. 4. SoUtude Meath. l8 JJ'LORAr- POEST. V. — Your affectation and deceit I disdain. 1. Affectation Coxcomb Amaranth. 2. Deceit Flytrap. 3. Disdaia Yellow Carnation. VI. — I love to disappoint your curiosity. 1. Love -Bed! Base. 2. Disappoint Carolina Syringa. 3. Curiosity Sycamore. YII. — I am docile and dejected, do not refuse me. 1. Docile Bi^sh. 2. Dejected Lichen. 3. Do not refuse Carrot Flower. YTTT. — I hope you may be happy, and offer you pecuniary aid. 1. Hope Flowering Almond. 2. May you be happy Volhamenia. 3. Offer pecuniary aid Calceolaria. IX. — Be temperate in your taste. 1. Temperance Aealea. 2. Taste Scarlet Fuchsia. X. — Let the bonds of marriage unite ns. 1. Bonds ^^«« Convolvulus. 2. Marriage Iw- 3. ITuite us ^ /««» whole Straws. XI.— Meet me to-night; do not forget. 1. Meet me EverlasUng Pea. 2. To-night Night Convolvulus. 3. Do not forget Forget-me-not. pouquETS. ig -SlII. — I weep for j-our indifference, and am mel- ancholy on account of your coldness. 1. I 'weep for you Purple Vcriena. 2. Indifference Mustard-seed. 3. Melancholy Dead Leaves. 4. Coldness Agnus Castus. XIII. — Let the bonds of marriage unite us. 1. Bonds Blue Convolvulus. 2. Marriage Ivy. 3. Unite us A few whole Straws. XIV. — Farewell! Give me your good wishes. Forget me not. 1. Fare-well Sprig of Spruce Fir. 2. Give me your good w^ishes . Siccet Basil. 3. Forget me not Forget-me-not. XY. — Your patriotism, courage, and fidelity merit everlasting remembrance. 1. Patriotism Nasturtium. 2. Courage Oak Leaves. 3. Fidelity Heliotrope. 4. Everlasting remembrance . Everlasting, or Immortelles. XVI. — Your frivolity and malevolence Mall cause you to be forsaken by all. 1. Frivolity London Pride. 2. Malevolence Lohelia. 3. Forsaken Laburnum. The flowers should be bound together -with a fading leaf. XVII. — Be assured of my sympathy. May you find consolation. 1. Be assured of my sympathy. T7in/J. 2. Consolation Bed Poppy. so Floi^i, Poesy. XYIII. — By foresight you will surmount your difficulties. 1. Foresight Holly. 2. You ■will surmount your ? j,. ,, , difSculties ) XIX. — Your insincerity and avarice make me hate 3'ou. 1. Insincerity Cherry-blossom, or Foxglove. 2. Avarice Scarlet Auricula. 3. Hatred Turk's Cap. XX. — Beware of deceit. Danger is near. Depart. 1. Beivare Oleander. 2. Deceit White Flytrap. 3. Danger is near Bhoclodcmlron. 4. Depart Dandelion,or Thistle Seed-head XXI. — You are fickle, indiscreet, and affected. Therefore you are hated. 1. Fickle Abatina. 2. Indiscreet Almond-blossom. 3. Affected Cockscomb. 4. Hatred Basil. XXII. — Humility, meekness, and truth have won the love I give to thee only. 1. Humility Small Bindweed. 2. Meekness Birch. 3. Truth White Crysanthemum. 4. Have ■won Parsley. 5. Love for thee only Arbutus. j^LowER Language. MODIFICATIONS OP THE FLOWER LANGUAGE. j} X^ 3, flower be given reversed, its original sig- ^Y^ nification is understood to be contradicted, ^(^3i ''''^'^ ^^^® opposite meaning to be implied. ^'-^^ A rosebud divested of its thorns, but re- taining its leaves, conveys the sentiment, " I fear no longer ; I hope." Thorns signifying fears, and leaves, hopes. Stripped of leaves and thorns, the bud signifies, " There is nothing to hope or fear." The expression of flowers is also varied by chang- ing their positions. Place a marigold on the head, and it signifies " Mental anguish;" on the bosom, "Indifference." When a flower is given, iho pronoun Zis imder- stood bj' bending it to the rignt t.aiid; ihou, by in- clining it to the left. "Yes" is implied by touching thd ilo^yer givcE with the Mps. " No," by pinching off a petal, and casting it Away. "I am" is expressed by a lanrel-leaf twisted rcirjd the bouquet. " I have," by an ivy-leaf folded together. "I offer you," by a leaf of tlie Virginian Creeper. To win — a sprig of parsley in the bouquet. "May," or "I desire" — a,n ivy-tendril round the bouquet, Flof^l Poesy. FLOWER GAME. AKE a large bouquet ; let each person draw from it a flower, and the meaning attached to it will typify the future consort's char- acter. For example : — Say your bouquet for Spring consists of Violets, Hyacinths, Primroses, Daisies, Heart's-ease, Hawthorn, Daffodils. Then the characters would be — Violet, modest; Hyacinth, playful; Dark Hya.- cinth, mournful; Primrose, simple, candid; Daisy, an early riser; Heart's-ease, kind, charitable, or thoughtful; Hawthorn, hopeful; Daffodil, daring. FOI^ ^UMMEI^ Rose, loving; White Rose, secret and canny; Pink, haughty; Jasmine, elegant or amiable; Lilv, pure; Mignonette, clever; Tulip, proud, conceited ; Stock, lias ty ; Mezereon, a flirt; Foxglove, deceitful; Myrtle, devoted; Laurel, brave; a Reed, musical; Holly- liock, ambitious; Marigold, rich; Poppy, lazy; Corn- flower, extravagant; Dead Leaves, old; Geranium, stupid; Mimosa, nervous; Thistle, patriotic ; Tliyme, merry; Aster, changeable; Oak-leaf, hospitable. The profession of the destined lover will be foynd thus: — Lily, a person of rank; Rose, an artist; This- tle, a Scotchman, and a soldier; Oak leaf, a farmer; Laurel, apoet; Foxglove, a la wj'er ; Cj'press, a doctor; Tulip, a freeholder; Passion-flower, a clergyman; Marigold, a merchant; Shamrock, an L"ishman; Leek, a Welshman. Of course the persons who draw the flowers are supposed to be ignorant of their meaning; or they may draw blindfolded. JhE yoCABULARY. 2S THE VOCABULARY. PART THE FIRST. Abatina ^ Fickleness. Abecedary Voluhility . Acacia Friciidsldp. Acacia, Rose or "White Elegance. Acacia, Yellow Secret love. Acanthus The fine arts. Artifice. Acalia Temperance. Achillea Millefolia War. Achimeues Cupreata Such worth is rare. Aconite (Wolfsbane) Misanthropy. Aconite, Crowfoot Luster. Adonis, Flos Sad memories. African Marigold Vulgar minds. Agnus Castus Coldness. Indifference. Agrimony Thankfulness. "Oratilndc. Almond, Common Stupidity. Indiacrction. Almond, Plo'wering Rope. Almond, Laurel Perfidy. Allspice Compassion. Aloe Gri^. Superstition. Bitterness Altbeea Frutex (Syrian M.a.\lo-w)Persnasion. Alyssum, Sweet JVortli beyond ieauty. Amaranth, Globe Immortality. Unfading love. Amaranth (Cockscomb) Foppery. Affectation. Amaryllis Pride. Timidity. Splendidheauty Ambrosia Love returned. American Cowslip Divine beauty. American Elm Patriotism. American Linden Matrimony. \_ful old age. American Starwort Welcome to a stranger. Cheer- Amethyst Admiration. Andromeda Self-sacrifice. Anemone (Zeph>T Flower) Sickness. Fxpcctation. Anemone, Garden Forsaken. Angelica Insjiiration, or Magic. Angrec Poyally. Apocynum (Dogsbane) Deceit. Apple Temptation. 24 J'^LOI^AL J'OESY. Apple-blossom rrefercncc. Fame speaks Mm Apple, Thorn Deceitful charms, [grentt^-good Apricot-blossom Uniihi. [for me. Arbor-vitae Uitchanging friendship. Live Arbutus Thee only do I love. Arum (Wake Eobin) . Ardor. Zeal. Ash-leaved Trumpet-flovrer. .plc-l>lossom. Family union Pink Verbena. Fantastic extravagance Scarlet Poppy. Farevyell Michaelmas Daisy. Fascination Fern. Fascination Honesty. Fashion Qiifm '.i Rocket. Fecundity Hollyhock. 44 JS'loi^l foEs-r. Felicity Sweet Sultan, Female fidelity Speedwell. Festivity Parsley. Fickleness Abatina. Fickleness P/«i: Larkspur. Filial love Virgin' s-bower. Fidelity Veronica. Ivy. Fidelity Plum-tree. Fidelity in adversity Wallflower. Fidelity in love •: Lemon-blossoms. Fire Fleur-de-luee. First emotions of love Purple Lilac. Flame Fleur-de-lis. Iris. Flattery Venus's LooTcing-glass. Flee aviray Pennyroyal. Fly with me Vemis's Car. Folly Columbine. Foppery Cockscomb. Amaranth. Foolishness Pomegranate. Foresight ffolly. Forgetfulness Moomoort. Forget-me-not Forget-me-not. For once may pride befriend me, Tiger-flower. Forsaken C-arden Anemone. Forsaken Laburnum. Fortitude Dipteracanthus SpectabUis. Fragrance Camphire. Frankness Osier. Fraternal love JVoodbine. Fraternal sympathy Si/ringa. Freedom JVater-u illow. Freshness Damask Rose. Friendship Acacia. Ivy. Friendship, early Blue Periicinklc. Friendship, true Oak-leaved Geranium. Friendship, unchanging Arbor-vitce. Frivolity London Pride. Frugality Chicory. Endive. Gayety Butterfly Orchis. Gayety Yellow Lily. Gallantry Sweet -Witiiam. Generosity Orange-tree. Generous and devoted affection, i^e»c7i Honeysuckle. Genius Plane-tree. Gentility Corncockle. Girlhood White Rosebub. Give me your good wishes . . Sweet Basil. Gladness Myrrh. Glory Laurel. JhE yOCABULAI^. Glory. Immortality Daphne. Glonous beauty Glory-flower. S°°^^f Bonm HenriGWi. Goodness Mercuni Good education .":::: Cherry-tree. Good wishes Sioeet Basil. Good-nature white Mullein. ®°«s'P Cohwa. nll^t ••,■•■; Multiflora Rose. Grace and elegance Yelloiv Jasmine. Grandeur Ash-tree. erafatude Small White Bellflower, ^'^e^ Barcbell. "■"^f Marigold. Happy love Bridal Rose. Hatred Basil. Haughtiness Purple Larkspur. Haughtiness Tall Sunflower. ^Balth Iceland Moss. Hermitage MilJcwort. Hidden worth Coriander. High-bred Penstemon Agureum. Holy wishes Plumbago Larpenia. Honesty Honesty. 5°P^ Flotcering Almond. ^°Pe Hawthorn. ^°P^ Snowdrop. Hope in adversity Spruce Pine. Hopeless love Yellow Tulip. Hopeless, not heartless Love-lies-bleeding. HoiTor Mandrake. Horror Dragonswort. Horror Snakesfoot. Hospitality Oak-tree. Humility Broom. Humility Smaller Bindweed. Humility Field Lilac. I am too happy Cape Jasmine. I am your captive Peach-blossom. I am worthy of you White Rose. I change but in death Bay-leaf. I claim at least your esteem, Poientilla. I dare not Veronica Speciosa I declare against you Belvedere. I declare against you Liquorice. I declare war against you . . Wild Tansy. I die if neglected Lanrestina. I desire a return of affection. .Jonquil. 45 4^ Floi^al Poesy. I f53l my obligatioua Lint. I f38l your kindness Flax. I have lost all Mounting Bride, I live for thee Cedar-leaf. I lov3 Ecd Crysanthemum. I offer you my all Shepherd's Purse. I offer you my fortune, or I ? calceolaria. offer you pecuniary aid ... 5 I share your sentiments Douile China-aster. I share your sentiments Garden Dai^sy. I shall die to-morrow G-um-cistus. I shall not survive you Black Mulberry. I surmount dilEoulties Mistletoe. I ■watch over you Mountain-ash. I weep for you Purple Verbena. I will think of it Single China-aster. I virill think of it, or hope . . . Wild Daisy. I wound to heal Eglantine. Sweetbrier^ If you love me, you w^ill find ont, Maidenblush Pose. Idleness Mesembryanthemum. Ill-nature Crab-blossom. Ill-natured beauty Citron. Imagination Lupine. Immortality Globe Amaranth. Impatience Yellow Balsam. Impatient of absence Corchorus. Impatient resolves Eed Balsam. Imperfection Henhane. Importunity Burdock. Inconstancy Evening Primrose. Incorruptible Cedar of Lebanon. Independence Common Thistle. Independence Wild Plum-tree. Jndependence White Oak. Indifference Ever-floicering Candytuft. Indifference Mustard-seed. Indifference Pigeons-berry. Indifference Senvy. Indiscretion Split Peed. Indolence Mittraria Coccinea. Industry Bed Clover. Industry, Domestic Flax. Ingeniousness White Pink. Ingenuity Penciled Geranium. Ingenuous simplicity Motise-cared Chickweed. Ingratitude Crotofoot. Innocence Daisy. Insincerity Foxglove. Insinuation Great Bindiveed, Inspiration Angelica, The yocABULAi^. 47 Instability Dahlia. Intellect Walnut. Intoxication Tine. Irony Sardony. Jealousy lp>-ench Marigold. Jealousy Yellow Base. Jest Southernwood. Joy Wood-sorrel. Joys to come Lesser Celandine. Justice Mudbeckia. Justice shall be done to you . Coltsfoot, or Tussilage. Keep your promise Petunia. Kindness Scarlet Geranium. Knight-errantry Helmet-flower, or MonTcshood. Iiamentation Aspen-tree. Iiasting beauty Stock. Lasting pleasures , Everlasting Pea. Let me go Butterfly-weed. Levity Larkspur. Liberty lAve-oak. Life Lucerne. Light-heartedness Sliamrock. Lightness Larkspur. Live for me Arior-vitw. Love Myrtle. Love Base. Love, forsaken Creeping-willow. Lone, returned Ambrosia. Love is dangerous Carolina Rose. Love for all seasons Furze. Luster Aconite-leaved Crowfoot. Luxury Chestnut-tree. Magnificence Magnolia. Magnificent beauty Calla AStldojnca. Majesty Crown Imperial. Make haste Diantlms. Malevolence Lobelia. Marriage I'^V- Maternal affection Cinquefoil. Maternal love ]^08S. Maternal tenderness Wood-sorrel. Matrimony American Linden. Matronly grace Cattleya. Mature charms Cattleya Pineli. May you be happy Volkamenia. Meanness Cuscuta, 48 Floi^l Poesy. Meekness Birch. Melancholy Autumnal Leave*. Melancholy Dark Geranium. Melancholy Dead Leaves. Mental beauty Clematis. Mental beauty Eennedia. Message Iris. Mildness Mallow. Mirth Saffron Crocus. Misanthropy Aconite ( Wolfsbane), Misanthropy Fuller's Teade. Modest beauty Trillium Pictum. Modest genius Creeping Ccreus. Modesty Violet. Modesty and purity White Lily. Momentary happiness Virginian Spiderwort. Mourning Weeping Willow, Music Bunch of Eeeds,with panicles. My best days are past Colchicum,or Meadmo Saffron. '"fhe'Se. ^°"°^- ^°^. •*" ! -^*i^'"«'<^'- Neatness Broom, Neglected beauty Throatwort. Never-ceasing remembrance . i'ic/tasii 11(7. Never despair Watchcr-hij-tltc-wayside, No Snapdragon. Old age Tree-of-lifc. Only deserve my love Bose-campion. Painful recollections Flos-adonis. Painting Auricula. Painting the lily Daphne-odora. Passion White Dittany. Paternal error Gardamine. Patience Doclc. Oxq;c. Patriotism American Elm. Patriotism Xasturtiu::!. Pease Olive. Perfected loveliness White Camellia-Japonica. Perfidy Common Laurel, in flower. Pensive beauty Laburnum. Perplexity Lorc-in-a-misi. Persecution Chcclcered Fritillary. Perseverance Swamp Magnolia. Persuasior A Ithea Frutex. Persuasion Syrian Mallow. Pertinacity Clotbur. Pity Pine. Mso, Andromeda. "fHK VOCABULAJ^. ^g Pleasure anct -y^Xa Dogrose. Plbasure, lasting Everlasting Pea. Pleasures of memory . White Periwinkle. Pomp Dahlia. Popular favor Cisttis, or Book-rose Poverty ^ , . . Evergreen Clematis. Po^wer Imperial Montague. Power Cress. Pray for me White Verlena. Precaution Golden-rod. Prediction Prophetic Marigold. Pretension Spiked Willow-herh. Pride Sundred-leaved Base. Pride Amaryllis. Privation Indian Plum. Privation Myrohalan. Profit Cabbage. Prohibition Privet. Prolific Fig-tree. Promptness Ten-weeh Stock. Prosperity Beech-troe. Protection. Bearded Crepis. Prudence Mountain Ash. Pure love Single Bed Pinh. Pure and ardent love Double Bed Pink. Pure and lovely Bed Bosebud. Purity Star of Bethlehem. Quarrel Broken Corn-straw. Quicksightedness Hawkweed. Ready-armed Gladioli. Reason Goat's-rue. Recantation Lotus-leaf. Recall Silver-leaved Geraninth. Reconciliation Filbert. Reconciliation Hazel. Refinement Gardenia. Refusal Striped Carnation. Regard Daffodil. Regret Purple Verbena. Relief Balm-of-gilead. Relieve my anxiety Christmas Bose. Religious superstition Aloe. Religious superstition,or Faith, Passion-flower. Religious enthusiasm Schinus. Remembrance Rosemary. Remorse Bramble. Remorse Baspberry. {i^n^e^vQus , . .. , Chickweed. ■;o Floi^l Poesy. Reserve Moplc. Resistance Tremilla-nestoc. Resolved to be noticed Siphocampylos. Restoration Persicaria. Retaliation -S'co/c/t Thistle. Return of happiness Lilij-of-the-vaUeij. Revenge Birdsfoot Ti-efoil Reverie Flowering Fern. Revrard of merit Bay Wreath. Revirard of virtue Garland of Bases Riches Com. Riches Buttercups. Rigor Lautaiia. Rivalry Boclcet. Rudeness Clothur. Rudeness Xantliium. Rural happiness Yelloip Violet. Rustic beauty FrcncJi HoncijsuclcU. Rustic oracle Dandelion. Sadness Bead Leaves. Safety Trarclcr's Joy. Satire Prickly Pear. Sculpture Hoya. Secret love Yellow Acacia. Semblance Spilcal f^pccdwcll. Sensitiveness Mimosa. Sensuality Spaiiixh Jasmine. Separation Cai-oUna Jasmine. Severity Branch of Thorns. Shame Peony. Sharpness Barherry-trcc. Sickness Anemone (Zejihyr-floweri SUeat love Ercning Primrose. Silliness Fool 's Parsley. Simplicity inicrican Sirecfhricr. Sincerity Garden CJierril. Slighted love Yelloiv Crysantlicmum. Snare Cutckfly. Dragon-plant. Solitude Heath. Soon Blackthorn. Sorrow Ytir. Sourness of temper liarhcrry. Speak out O.dij). Spell Circo'a. Spleen Fumitory. Splendid beauty Amaryllis. Splendor Yclloic Auricula. Sporting Faxlml-iirass. Steadfast piety Wild Geranium. *■ iiiiiiiim ii,i.iniiiii i,LBBMBeaaB«Bg^i^ga»»fc;3~- -- „i ^^„^_^^^^^.^^^ -"t Jhe yocABULAiry-. 51 Stoicism Box-tree. Strength Cedar. Fennel. Stupidity Horseshoe-leaf Geranium. Submission Grass. Submission Harebell. Success everywhere KemopUla. Success crown your -wishes . . Coronella. Succor Jumper. Such worth is rare Achimenes. Sunbeaming eyes Scarlet Lychnis. Superstition St. John's Wort. Surprise I'ruijle. SusceptibiUty Wax-plant. Suspicion Champignon. Sympathy Balm. Sympathy Thrift. Talent White ritik. Tardiness Flax-leaved GoMen-locka. Taste Scarlet Fuchsia. Tears Helenium. Temperance Azalea. Temptation Apple. Thankfuhiess Agrimony. The color of my fate Coral Honeysuckle. The heart's mystery Crimson Polyanthus. The perfection of female I r ^- ■ loveliness pi«hcM. The ■witching soul of music . . Oats. The variety of your conver- } „, , . sation delights me 5 i^ tar ma. Thee only do I love Arhntus. There is no unalloyed good. .Lapagenia Rosea. Thoughts Pansy. Thoughts of absent friends . .Zinnia. Thy frown will kill me Currant. Thy smile I aspire to Daily Hose. Ties Te7uirils of Climbing Plcntt Timidity Amaryllis. Timidity Marvel of Peru. Time White Poplar. Tranquillity Mudwort. Tranquillity Stonecrnp. Trauquilize my anxiety Christmas Rose. Transient beauty Night-blooming Cerenn Transient impressions Withered White Rose. Transport of joy Cape Jasmine. Treachery Bilberry. True love Forget-me-not. True f^endship . . Qalc-leaved Geranram 52 Floi^l Poesy. Truth Bittersweet Xiplitshade. Truth White Cnjuanihcinum. Unammity Phlox. Unbelief Judas-tree. Unceasing remembrance American Cudweed. Unchanging friendship Jrbor-t'itai. Unconscious beauty Burgmidtj Rose. Unexpected meeting Lemon Geranium. Unfortunate attachment Mourning Bride. Unfortunate love Scabious. Union Whole Straw. Unity White and Bed Base togethe-,'. Unite against a common foe . Scarlet Verbena. Unpatronized merit Bed Primrose. Unrequited love Daffodil. Uprightness Imbricata. Uselessness Meadowstveet. Utility Grass. Variety China Aster. Variety Bosa-mundi. Vice Darnel (Baygrass). Victory Palm. Virtue Mint. Virtue, Domestic Sage. Volubility Abecedary. Voraciousness Lupine. Vulgar minds African Marigold. War York and Lancaster Base. ■War Ich illea MillefoUa. Warlike trophy Indian Cress. Warmth of feeling Peppermint. Watchfulness Dame Violet. Weakness Moschatel. Weakness Mnsl--plant. Welcome, fair stranger Wisteria. Welcome to a stranger American Starwort. Widow^hood Sweet Scabious. Will you accompany me to ^ c< ? <■ the Bast ? . . . . \ Stephanotis. Will you dance ■with me ? . . Viscaria-oculata. "Win me and -wear me Lady' s-slipper. Winning grace Coimlip. Winter (1 uclder-rose. Wisdom Blue Salria. Wit Meadow Li/chnis. Wit, ill-timed Wild Sorrel. Witchcraft Enchanter's Nightshade, The Vocabulai^ 53 Worth beyond beauty Sweet Ahjssum. Worth sustained by J^^M Pi„fc Com'oUulus. Clous and tender affection ) Worldliness, self-seeking .... Clianthus. Worthy of all praise Fennel. You are cold Horteiisia. You are my divinity AmericKu Cowslip. You are perfect Fineapple. You are radiant iwith chainis,Ilanuneiihif!. You are rich in attractions Garden Banunculus. You are the queen of coquets, (,>»f<')i's Rocket. You are charming Le.iebcnaultia Splendens, You have no claims Pasque-flower. You have many lovers Chorozema Varium. You please all Branch of Currants. Yoa are too bold Dipladenia Crassinoda. You •will be my death Hemlock. Your chamis are engraven > ^.,,^;^.^,.^^_ on my heart ) -' Your looks freeze me Iccplanf. Your presence softens my pain, Milkvetch. Your purity equals your } q _j^ig^^^„^^_ loveliness S Yoi^ qualities, like your)p ,^ charms, are unequaled . . S Your quaUties surpass your ;;/,■ „o,jptte. charms S Your temper is too hasty.. Grammanthes CMornflora. Youthful beauty Cowslip. Youthful innocence White Lilac. Youthful love Fed Catchfly. Your -whims are unbearable. .Monarda AniplexicauUs, Zealousness Elder. .lest Lemon. Jnts;odoction. 55 FLORAL POESY. •Introduction. HE most charming of all gifts is one of flowers. A queen may give them to her subjects; and the poorest subject may offer them to a monarch. They are the representatives of all times and of all nations, — the pledges of all feelings. The infant plays with them, and gains his first idea of beauty from their blossoms ; the lover gives them to his be- loved; the bride wears them. We offer them to our beloved dead; dynasties are represented by a flower; nations adopt them as their emblems. Universal is their hold on human sympathies, — universal their language. Floral Poesy is, therefore, the most appropriate of all presents; and, in giving this title to a lan- guage of flowers, and a collection of charming poems on them, we believe we have not been guilty of a misnomer. Hood, in the following pretty lines, has afforded us an admirable introduction to our poetical Posie: — Welcome, dear Heart, and a most kind good-morrow ; The day is gloomy, but our looks shall shine : — - Flowers I have none to give thee, but I borrow Their sweetness in a verse to speak for thine. Here are red Eoses, gathered at thy cheeks, — The white were all too happy to look white : For love the Rose, for faith the Lily speaks : It withers in false hands, but here 'tis brightl 56 ^LO^AL Poesy. Dost love stveet Hyacinth? Its scented leaf Ciu'ls manifold, — all love's delights Mow double! 'Tis said this floweret is inscribed with grief, — But let that hint of a forgotten trouble. I plucked the Primrose at night's dewy noon ; Like Hope, it showed its blossoms in the night ; — 'Twas, like Endymion, watching for the MoonI And here are Sunflowers, amorous of light! These golden Buttercups are April's seal, — The Daisy stars her constellations be : These grew so lowly, I was forced to kneel. Therefore I pluck no Daisies but for thee ! Here's Daisies for the morn. Primrose for gloom, Pansies and Roses for the noontide hours : — A wight once made a dial of their bloom, — So may thy life be measured out by flowers! Our readers will perceive that the symbolism and language of flowers were not unknown to the poet Mrs. Browning says truly and charmingly: — Love's language may be talked with these ; To work out choicest sentences, No blossoms can be meeter ; And, such being used ia Eastern bowers. Young maids may wonder if the flowers Or meanings be the sweeter. And such being strewn before a bride, Her little foot may turn aside, Their longer bloom decreeing. Unless some voice's whispered sound Should make her gaze upon the ground Too earnestly for seeing. And such being scattered on a grave, Whoever moumeth there, may have A type which seemeth worthy Of that fair body hid below, Which bloomed on earth a time ago, Then perished as the earthy. And such being wreathed for worldly feast, Across the brimming cup some guest Their rainbow colors viewing, May feel them, with a silent start, The covenant his childish heart With Nature made, — renewing. Jntf^oduction. 57 &.ud Leigh Hunt plnyfully declares: — An exquisite invention this, Worthy of love's most honeyed kiss, This art of writing billet doux — __ . In buds and odors, and bright hues ; ^ In saying all one feels and thinks In clever daffodils and pinks, Uttering (as well as silence may) The sweetest words the sweetest way : How fit, too, for the lady's bosom, The place where hillct doia repose 'em. How charming in some rural spot, Combining love with garden plot. At once to cultivate one's flowers. And one's epistolary powers, Growing one's own choice words and fancies In orange-tubs and beds of pansies ; One's sighs and passionate declarations In odorous rhet'ric of carnations ; Seeing how far one's stocks will reach; Taking due care one's flowers of speech To guard from blight as weU as bathos, And watering every day one's pathos. A letter comes just gathered; we Dote on its tender brilliancy ; Inhale its delicate expression Of balm and pea ; and its confession Made with as sweet a maiden blush As ever morn bedewed in bush; And then, when we have kissed its wit, And heart, in water putting it, To keep its remarks fresh, go round Our little eloquent plot of ground, And with delighted hands compose Our answer, all of lily and rose. Of tuberose and of violet. And little darling {mignonette'), And gratitude and polyanthus. And flowers that say, "Felt never man thus!" How flowers may l)e made to hold a conversation, Christine Pire tells us in tlie following dialogue: — THE LOVER. I give to thee the Autumn rose. Let it say how dear thou art ; All my lips dare not disclose. Let it whisper to thy heart ; How love draws my soul to thee. Without language thou may'st see. 58 Floral, Poesy, THE LADY. I give to thee the aspen-leaf : 'Tis to show I tremble still When I muse on all the grief Love can cause, if false or iU ; How, too, many have believed. Trusted long, and been deceived. I give to thee a faded wreath, Teaching thee, alas ! too well, How I spent my latest breath, Seeking all my truth to tell ; But thy coldness made me die Victim of thy cruelty. I give to thee the honey-flower. Courteous, best, and bravest knight : Fragrant in the summer shower, Shrinking from the sunny light : May it not an emblem prove Of untold, but tender love ? Flowers also ai-e used for divination. All readers of Goethe will remember Marguerite's ilower. Our own poet Lowell sends the following pretty lines on the subject, with a pressed flower: — This little flower from afar, Hath come from other lands to thine ; For once its white and drooping star Could see its shadow in the Rhine. Perchance some fair-haired German maid Hath plucked one from the selfsame stalk. And numbered over, half afraid, Its petals in her evening wa]k. "He loves me! — ^loves me not!" she cries; "He loves me more than earth or heaven!" And then glad tears have filled her eyes To find the number was uneven. And thou must count its petals well, Because it is a gift from me : And the last one of all shall tell Something I've often told to thee. Jnti^duction. 55 But here at home, where we were born Thou wilt find flowers just as true, Down-bending every Summer morn With freshness of New England dew. For Nature, ever kind to love, Hath granted them the name sweet tongue, Whether with Grerman skies above. Or here our granite rooks among. There is another mode, resembling the Scottisli and English superstitions on Hallowe'en and St. Agnes' Eve, by which maidens in Germany seek to dive into fnturity. It is by the St. John's-vvort. The story is prettily told in these lines, which we transcribe from the "Flora Symbolica": — The young maid stole through the cottage door, And blushed as she sought the plant of power : "Thou silver glowworm, oh, lend me thy light, I must gather the mystic St. John's-wort to-night ; The wonderful herb, whoso leaf will decide If the coming year shall make me a bride ! " And the glowworm came With its silvery flame, And sparkled and shone Thro' the night of St. John ; And soon as the young maid her love-knot tied, With noiseleso tread To her chamber she sped, Where the spectr.il moon her white beams shed. "Bloom here, bloom hero, thou plant of power. To deck the young bride in her bridal hour!" But it dropped its heal, — th^t plant of power,— And died the mute death of the voiceless flower; And a withered wreath on the ground it lay, More meet for a burial than bridal day. And when a year was past away, All pale on hsr bier the young maid lay! And the glowworm came With its silvery flame. And sparkled and shone Thro' the night of St. John ; And they closed the cold grave o'er the maid's cold clay. Games also are made of flowei's. In fa(;t, time would fail to tell of all the joy and beauty which 6o Floi\al Poesy. these sweet creations bestow upon liumanity. Through life to death they dieei- us; and it is not one of the least of our anticipated joys hereafter that we sliall dwell amid those flowers of Paradise, of which these earthly blossoms are but faiiit shadows. And in these days of utilitj-jwhen a thing is noth- ing if not useful, we must remind our readei's that the vegetable and floral world holds in it the secret of health to a greater degi-ee, we believe, than is yet dreamt of in -otn- -philosoph}'. They make the air we breathe pure and life-giving. It is a known fact that Lavender and many other flowers supply ozone to the atmosphere; the humble Lichen Mas one of the ingredients in the dye of imperial purple, for which Tyre and Sidon were famous; and the search for it brought Phcenician commerce to the Irish shores in the days of Ptolemy. Another Lichen, the Kocella tinctoria, afforded the lirst dye for Britisli broadcloths. The Mosses shared in this utility. The Dandelion affords the Taraxacum, a valuable medicine. The tubers called "lords and ladies," dear to babyhood, furnish a species of Ai-rowroot. The tubers of the Orchis afford a similar prepara- tion called salep, a favorite posset with our great- gi'andmothers. The Rock Samphire bestows a pickle on our tables ; the Red Rose-leaf is an admu-able tonic; the Lily- leaf heals a cut ; Chamomile is a tonic ; the Cowslip affords a wine and a pudding, besides an infant's ball; the Lesser Celadine is still used in medicine for the relief of a painful disease ; and who is ignor- ant of the blessed soothing powers of the Poppy and Henbane ? Greek mythology has left a floral record ; the Mistletoe, Vervain, and St. John's-wort recall Druidic rites of ancient Britain. L. Introduction. 6 i Thus we may give with a bouquet memories of mythology, history, usefulness, beauty, and fragrance ; and in modern times we have added to the ancient claims of flowers that of language — a gift bestowed on them by the East, and transplanted thence by one of the most gifted of Englishwomen, Lady Mary "Wortley Montagu. In our Floral Gift we have endeavored to unite all this goodly heritage of flower-land. And with these few lines of introduction, "we leave them to their worthy chroniclers — the Poets. 6q J'^LOI^A.L pOESY. '^i/' '-7'' .v^"* 4- .-ttSt ,-'5--, -.^^ .-s*''. '■^ V-- ''^" ■•■•)"• ^^ (I/inoceiice.) » — 'Whose white mvestments figure innocence." Sliak. HE flower which, next to the rose, appears to have received the most attention from the poets is the Daisy. Formerly it was termed the "e'e of dale," and nnder that name Chaucer speaks of it. According to the classic account, this little flower owed its origin to Belides, one of the dryads, the nymphs vvlio presided over woodlands. It is fabled that whilst this damsel was dancing with her favored suitor, Ephigeus, she attracted the attention of Ver- tumnus, the guardian deity of orchards; and it was in order to shelter her. from his pursuit that she was transformed into Bcellis, or the daisy — the "day's eye,"' as our old poets call it, — the flower of faithful love, which opens and closes with the sun. It is called in French la Marguerite, or pearl. The unhappy Margaret of Anjou chose it as her device ; and when she reigned a beauty and crowned queen, tlie nobles of England wore wreaths of it, or had it embroidered on their robes. Marguerite de Valois, the friend of Erasmus and Calvin — the Marguerite of Marguerites — also adopt- ed this flower as her device ; and it was certainly more appropriate to the princess who withdrew from the glitter of courts to study her Bible than to the ambitious Lancastrian queen of England. Jhe pAISY 6$ ^0 THE #AISY. Bright flower! whose home is everywhere, Bold in maternal Nature's care, And all the long year through the heir Of joy or sorrow; Methinks that there abides in thee Some concord with humanit}', Given to no other flower I see The forest thorough ! Is it that man is soon deprest? A thoughtless thing ? — ■ who, once unblest. Does little on his memory rest, Or on his reason. And thou would st teach him how to find A shelter under every wind, A hope for times that are unkind, And every season? Thou wander' st the wide world about: Uncheck'd by pride or scruiJulous doubt, With friends to greet thee, or without, Tet pleased and willing : Meek, yielding to the occasion's call. And all things suffering from all, Thy function apostolical In peace fulfilling. WOUDBWOETH. ^0 A ^OUNTAIN '^AISY. ON TURNING ONE DOWN WITH A PLOW. Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flower, Thou's met me in an evil hour. For I maun crush amang the stoure* Thy slender stem ; To spare thee now is past my power Thou bonnie gem. * ^UAire, dust. 64 Floi^l Poesy Alas ! it's no tby neebor sweet, The bonnie lark, companion meet, Bending thee 'mang the dewy weet,* Wi' speckled breast. When upward springing, blithe to greet The purpling east. Cauld blew the bitter, biting north, Upon thy early, humble birth ; Yet cheerfully thou glinted | forth Amid the storm. Scarce reared above the parent earth Thy tender form. The flaunting flowers our gardens yield, High sheltering woods and wa's X maun shield, But thou, beneath the random bield § O' clod or stane Adorns the histie stibble-field, Unseen, alane. There, in thy scanty mantle clad, Thy snawie bosom sunward spread, Thou lifts thy unassuming head In humble guise ; But now the share uptears thy bed, And low thou lies ! Such fate to suffering worth is given. Who lang with wants and woes has striven. By human pride or cunning driven To misery's brink. Till, wrenched of every stay but Heaven, He ruined, sink ! Even thou, who mourn'st the daisy's fate, That fate is thine, — no distant date: Stern Ruin's plowshare drives elate Full on thy bloom. Till, crushed beneath the furrow's weight, Shall be thy doom ! r,vT.-xi • Wcet, rain, wetness. J Glinted, )]eepe(l. t Wa's, walls. 5 Bandom dieW, casual sbeltey. The Snov/OBpp. 65 OR, TAIR MAID or TEBRUAHY. {Friend in need. — Hope.) i HE Snowdrop is dedicated to tlio Vircjin Mary; find tradition asserts that it blooms on the second of Febrnary, or Candlemas Day, — the day Jvept in celebration of tlie Holy Yirgin taking the Child Jesus to the Jewish Temple, and there presenting the appointed offering «f two turtle-doves. 0HE ^-NOWDKOP. The SuDwdrop ! 'Tis an English flower, And grows beneath our garden trees; For every heart it has a dower, And old and dear remembrances All look upon it, and straightway Recall their youth like yesterday. Their sunny years when forth they went, Wandering in measureless content; Their little plot of garden ground. The mossy orchard's quiet bound, Their father's house so free from care. And the familiar faces there ; The household voices kind and sweet, That knew no feigning, — hushed and gone! The mother that was sure to greet Their coming with a welcome tone ; The brothers that were children then. Now anxious, toiling, thoughtful men ; And the kind sister whose glad mirth Was like a sunshine on the earth, — These come back to the soul supine, J^lp-yfef of the spring, at look of tl^We: fi6 Ji'Loi^AL Poesy. And thou, among the dimmed and gone, Art an unaltered thing alone ! Unchanged — unchanged — the very flower That grew in Eden droopingly, — And now beside the peasant's door Awakes his little children's glee. Even as it filled his heart with joy Beside his mother's door, a boy ! — The same — and to his heart it brings The freshness of these vanished springs! Bloom then, fair flower, in sun and shade, For deep thought in thy cujd is laid; And careless children, in their glee, A sacred memory make of thee ! S. HOTTITS ?XHE fSNOWDROP. The Snowdrop, Winter's timid child. Awakes the life, bedewed with tears. And flings around its fragrance mild; And, where no rival flowerets bloom Amidst the bare and chilling gloom, A beauteous gem appears. Where'er I find thee, gentle flower. Thou still art sweet and dear to me 1 For I have known the cheerless hour, Have seen the sunbeams cold and jDale, Have felt the chilling wintry gale, And wept and shrunk like thee. Mrs. Eoeiksox The CovsrsLip. 67 ^.-pym^tS'M'!^-^:-. J^Rmsiveness. — Wvining Youthful Grace.) HE "pretty Mullein," as it is called, i.s ojie of tlie sweetest of our meadow tiowers. The Yellow Oxlip is larger, and not quite so common. Cowslip wine is pleasant, and said to be slightly >iarcotic. Shakspere. speaking of the Fairy Queen, says: — The cowslips tall her pensioners be ; In their gold coats spots we see ; Those be rubies, fairy favors, — In those ft-eekles live their savors ; I must go seek some dewdrops here, And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear. Milton, in his masque of "Comus," has given an exquisite song to Sabrina, in which the airy tread of that goddess "o'er the cowslip's velvet head "is most delicately expressed : — By the rushy, fringed bank. Where grow the willow and the osier dank My sliding chariot stays ; Thick set with agate and the azure sheen Of turkis blue and emerald green, That in the channel strays ; Whilst from off the waters fleet, Thus I set my printless feet. O'er the cowslip's velvet head, That bends not as I tread. Gentle swain, at thy request I am here. These flowers furnish an abundant supply of honey to tiie bee; for Eich in vegetable gold. From calyx pale the freckled cowslip born, Receives in amber Qups the fragrant dews of mora. 68 f= I^OWSLIP. Good neighbor cowslip, I have seen the bee Whispering to you, and have been told he stays Quite long and late amid your golden cells. Is it not business that he comes ujaon? — • M.itter of fact? He never waits an hour. Know you that he's a subtle financier. And shows some gain for every day he spends? Oh, learn from him the jjriceless worth of time, Thou fair and frail! Sa shalt thou prove the truth. That he who makes companion of the wise Shall in their wisdom share. MKS. SlGOLIlNEV ^HE I^OWSLIP The cowslip, that bending With its golden bells. Of each glad hour's ending With a sweet chime tells. Miss Lasdon. ( Cheerfulness. — Hope.) C CORDING to some authors, these bright little flowers, which Come 'before tlie swallow dares, And take the winds of Mareh with beauty, derive their name from a Greek word signifying thread, from the fact of tlieir thread or filament be- ing in such request for saffron dye. , The Greeks fabled that Crocu, a heaiitiful vouth, was transformed into tliis flower, — as his hidj-love, Siiilax, was at the same time into a yew-tree. It is in England consecrated to St. Valentine. Bees are excessively fond of the croons; and Moore thus allndes to this fact in "Lalla Eookh": The busiest hive On Bela's Iiills is less alivQ, When saffron-beds are full in flower, Thau looked the valley in that hour. Mrs. Howitt says of the purple crocus: — Like lilao flame its color glows, Tender and yet so clearly bright. That all for miles and miles about The splendid meadow shineth out. And far-off village children shout To see the welcome sight. 00 THE I0ROGUS. Lowly, sprightly little flower! Herald of a brighter bloom, Bursting in a sunny hour From thy winter tomb. Hues you bring, bright, gay, and tender, As if never to decay ; Fleeting in their varied splendor, — Soon, alas ! it fades away. Thus the hopes I long had cherished Thus the friends I long had known, One by one, like you, have perished. Blighted — I must fade alone. PATTEliBON. 70 Floi\al Poesy j) .X'^ the Scandinavian mythology the apple-tree ■^,V^ played an important part. In the "Edda,"' ■\^^l the goddess Iduna is related to have had ^^'' charge of the apples wliich had the power of conferring immortality', and which, in conseqnenue of their miraculous property, were especially re- tained for the gods to eat when they felt themselves growing old. The evil spirit, Loki, carried off Iduna and the wonderful apple-tree, and hid them away in a forest where the deities were unable to find them. The results of this spiteful theft were that everj'- tliing went wrong, both in the realms mundane and divine. The gods grew old and infirm, and, becom- ing enfeebled in mind and body, were no longer able to regulate the affairs of the earth ; and mortals, no longer having any one to look after them, fell into evil ways, and became a prey to the evil spirit. Aifairs grew worse daily, until the gods, combining the remains of their strength, overcame Loki, and compelled him to restore the stolen apple-tree. |^~pple-:Blossoms. Of all the months that fill the year Give April's mouth to me, For earth and sky are then so filled With sweet vaiiety! The apple-blossoms' shower of pearl, Though blent with rosier hue. — As beautiful as woman's blush, As evanescent, too. r L ^PPLE-^LOSSOMg. ll On every bough there is a bud, In every bud a flower ; But scarcely bud or flower will last Beyond the present hour. Now comes a shower-cloud o'er the sky, Then all again sunshine ; Then clouds, again, but brightened with The rainbow's colored line. Ay, this, this is the month for me ! I could not love a scene Where the blue sky was alwaj's blue, The green earth always green. L. E. L Fair pledges of a fruitful tree, Why do you fall so fast'? Tour date is not so past But you may stay here yet a while, To blush and "gently smile. And go at last. What, were ye born to be An hour or half's delight. And so to bid good-night ■? 'Twas pity Nature brought ye forth, Merely to show your worth, And lose you quite. But you are lovely leaves, where we May read how soon things have Their end, though ne'er so brave : And after they have shown their pride Like you a while, they gUde Into the grave. Hejbrick. 72 J^LOP^L J^OESY. ( Unrequited Love.) HE name of this flower is oalj a corruption of Dis's lily, as it is supposed to be the flower that dropped from Pluto's chariot when he was carrying off Proserpine to the infernal regions. Jean Ingelow, in the beautiful poem of "Persephone," thus introduces this flower into a resuscitation of the antique fable: — She stepped upon Sicilian grass, Demeter's daughter fresh and fair, A child of light, a radiant lass, And gamesome as the morning air. The daffodils were fair to see, — They nodded lightly on the lea. Lo ! one she marked of rarer growth Than orchis or anemone ; For it the maiden left them both, And parted from her company. Drawn nigh, she deemed it fairer stiU, And stooped to gather by the rill The daffodil— the daffodil. What ailed the meadow that it shook! What ailed the au* of SioUy? She wondered by the brattling brook, And trembled with the trembling lea. "The coal-black horses rise, — they rise! Oh mother, mother I " low she cries. "Oh light, oh light!" she cries, "farewell! The coal-black horses wait for me. Oh, shade of shades, where I must dwell, Demeter, mother, far from thee ! Oh, fated doom that I fulfill! Oh, fateful flower beside the rUl! The daffodil— the daffodil!" Chaucer alludes to this story, and Sliakspere in- troduces it into his "Winter's Tale": — Oh, Proserpina, For the flowers now t-hat, frighted, thou lett'st faU From Dis's wagon : daffodils That come before the swallow dares, and take The wiads of Maioh with beauty. The pAFFODIL. 73 ^ArrODILS. Fair daifodils, we weep to see Ye haste away so soon ; As yet the early -rising sun Has not attained his noon : Stay, stay, Until the hastening day Has run But to the even-song, And, having prayed together, we "Will go with ye along. We have short time to stay as ye, We have as fleet a Spring, As quick a growth to meet decay As you or anything: We die As your hours do and dry Away Like to the summer's rain. Or as the pearls of morning's dew. Ne'er to be found again. HEsnicK. ^ArroMLs. I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils. Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle in the milky-way. They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay. Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly danco. 74 J'^LOJ^L J^OESY The waves beside tliem danced ; but tlicy Outdid the sparkling waves in glee : A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company ; I gazed — and gazed — but little thought "What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft when on my couch I lie, In vacant or in pensive mood. They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude ; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. (Jludcsty.) '"T^ "The violet is for modesty." — BuKNS. lOLETS, considered by some as tA'pical of modesty, by others' are deemed emblematic IlSS LASDON BUTTEF^UPS. 83 {IticJies. — Memories of Childhood.) IaUTIFULLY does the great poet, Kobert Browning, call these emblems of riches, " the huttercups, the little children's dower." ^t.UTTEHCUPS. 'Tis sweet to love in childhood, when the souls that we bequeath Are beautiful in freshness as the coronals we wreathe ; When we feed the gentle robin, and caress the leaping hound. And linger latest on the spot where butterctips are found : "When we seek the bee and ladybird with laughter, shout, and song, And think the day for wooing them can never be too long. Oh ! 'tis sweet to love in childhood, and though stirred by meanest things, The music that the heart yields then will never leavie its stings. 'Tis sweet to love in after years the dear one by our side; To dote with all the mingled joys of passion, hope, and pride; To think the chain around our breast will hold still warm and fast, And grieve to know that death must come to break the link at last. But when the rainbow span of b.iss is waning, hue by hue; When eyes forget their kindly beams, and lips becomti legs true; 84 f= 'LORA.L f OESY. When stricken hearts are pining on through many a lonely hour, Who would not sigh " 'tis safer far to love the bird and flower'?" 'Tis sweet to love in ripened age the trumpet-blast of Fame, To pant to live on Glory's scroll, though blood may trace the name; 'Tis sweet to love the heap of gold, and hug it to our breast, — To trust it as the guiding star and anchor of our rest. But such devotion will not serve — however strong the zeal — To overthrow the altar where our childhood loved to kneel. Some bitter moment shall o'ercast the sun of wealth and power. And then proud man would fain go back to worship bird and flower. Eliza Cook. {Hope.) 1 the Greeks the Hawthorn was deemed one Mm of the fortunate trees. The Romans ac- counted it a symbol of marriage, because it was carried at the rape of the Sabines: it was ever after considered propitious. Its flower- ing branches were borne aloft at their marriages, and the newly-wedded pair were oven lighted to the nuptial chamber with torches of its wood. The Turks regard the presentation of a branch of Hawthorn as donating the donor's desire to receive from the object of his affection that token of love (Jenominated a Hs§. yHE JHawTHOI^. 85 M. Eonsard — who has been styled the French Chaucer — vvTote a beautiful address to the Haw- thorn, thus faithfully rendered : — Fair Hawthorn flowering, With green shade bowering Along this lovely shore; To thy foot around With his long arms wound A wild vine has mantled thee o'er. In armies twain, Red ants have ta'en Their fortress beneath thy stock; And in clefts of thy trmik Tiny bees have sunk A cell where honey they lock. In merry Spring-tide, When to woo his bride The nightingale comes again, Thy boughs among He warbles his song, That lightens a lover's pain. * » # # Gentle Hawthorn, thrive, And, forever alive, May'st thou blossom as now in thy prime ; By the wind vmbroke. And the thunder-stroke. Unspoiled by the axe of time. Chaucer thus sings of it: — Furth goth aU the Courte, both most and lest, To fetohe the flouris freshe, and braunehe and blome And namely hauthorne brought both page and grome, With freshe garlandis partly blew and white. And than rejoisin in their grete delight. Amongst the many buds proclaiming May (Decking the meads in holiday array. Striving who shall surpass in bravery) Mark the fair blooming of the Hawthorn-tree; Who, finely clothed in a robe of white. Feeds full the wanton eye with May's delight, Yet for the bravery that she is in Doth neither handle card nor wheel to spin. Nor ehangeth robes but twice ; is never seen In other colors than in white or green. Learn then, content, young shepherd, from this treOi Whose greatest wealth is Nature's Uverj'. 86 j^LOK^L POESV. Spenser tells tis in his "Shepherd's Calendar," — Youth's folk now flockeu everywhere, To gather May-baskets and smelling brecro; And home they hasten the posts to dight, And aU the kirk-pillars ere daylight, With hawthorn-buds, and sweet eglantine, And garlands of roses, and sops-iu-wine. Herrick, in liis "Hesperides," has a beautiful idyl descriptive of the manner in which maids went a-Maying. Oh, we will go a-Maying, love, A-Maying we will go. Beneath the branches swaying, love, With weight of scented snow. Laburnum's golden tresses, love. Float in the perfumed air; Which heedless their caresses, love. Seeks violets in their lair; And with their scents a-playing, love. It gambols to and fro, — Where we will go ar-Maying, love, Where we will Maying go. The bees are busy humming, love, Amid the opening blooms. Foretelling Summer's coming, love, Farewell to wintry glooms. The primrose pale, from crinkly sheen. Up from the ground now speeds; And cowslips slim, 'mid leafy green, Else in the unknown meads. And buttercups are weighing, love, The gold they soon -tnust strow, — Where we will go a-Maying, love, 'Where we will Maying go. {=»-= The hawthorn's bloom is falling, love, We must no longer wait; Each bird is blithely calhng, love. Unto his chosen mate ; Each bud unblown is swelling, love. Green grow the vernal fields ; Each insect leaves its dwelling, love, And all to Summer yields : The mowers are out haying, love, Woodbine is in full blow, — Where we will go a-Maying, love, Where we will Maying go. JOHH Ikgbam, ( Toui/i.) "Tho primroso I Tvill pii', tlio fircillln;; of tlio year." . BUEKD. HE Pyimrose, cmblem;iti(;->l of yo2ith^ liaa received inuuuieniblc deservedly warm en- comiums from our poets, but none sweeter than those popuhir lines of Ciirew: — Anl: mo wliy I send you here Tiiis firstliag of tile infant jxar; Ask me -nrhy I send to you This primrose all bepearled ■with dew; I straight will whisper in your ears The sweets of love are washed with tears. Ack me why this flower doth show So yellow, green, anil sickly too ; Ask me why the stalk is weak And hendiug, yet it doth not break; I must tell you, these discover What doubts and fears are in a lover. Shakspere, whose flor;il syrabolinm wiis perfect, introduces this delicate blossom into his pathetic 88 Ji'LOI^L poESY. drama of " Cjmbeline," as typical of the youthful dead : — With fairest flowers, \YHlst Summer lasts, and I live here, Fidele, 1 11 sweetsn thy sad grave : thou shalt not lack The flower that's like thy face, pale primrose. Again in the "Winter's Tale,'' the grand drama- tist still more exquisitely expresses his knowledge of its symbolic character: — The pale primroses. That die unmarried ere they can behold Bright Phoebus in his strength. Milton also styles this vernal bloom "the pale primrose." It was described by Carew as "the first- ling of spring." Thus Burns also terms it in " The Posie," and Linnseus appropriately named it in his botanical system ; whilst in his native Swedish it is known as Maj-nycklar, or the '• key of May." Its English appellation is derived from priTmis — "the first," — and happily expresses one of its charms, and shows why it is such a meet emblem of youth. Tliis fragile flower is knoAvn classically as JPara- lisos; and was thus styled in commemoration of a youth so named, who pined away with grief for the loss of his betrotlied, Melicerta, and was metamor- phosed into The rathe primrose that, forsaken, dies. It has been observed of Clare that his poems are as thicldy strewn with primroses as the woodlands themselves. In his "Village Minstrel" he sings: — Oh, who can speak his joys when Spring's young morn Prom wood and pasture opened on his view. When tender green buds blush upon the thorn. And the first primrose dips his leaves in dew? And while he plucked the primrose in its pride, He pondered o'er its bloom 'tween joy and pride, And a rude sonnet in its praise he tried. Where Nature's simple way the aid of art supplied. JME fRlM.t\OSE. 89 In anothei* place he tells how, as a child, he rumbled o'er the Helds for flowers, and Robbed every primrose-root I met, And of ttimes got the root to set ; And joyful home each nosegay bore ; And felt, — as I shall feel no more. In the following lines the old poet, Browne, as- sociates this flower with a scene of rustic idle thoughtlessness : — As some wayfaring man, passing a Trood, Goes jogging on, and in his mind nought hath, But how the primrose finely strews the path. And the sketch is suggestive of Wordsworth's oft- quoted idea in "Peter Bell": — A primrose by a river's brim A yellow primrose was to him, And it was nothing more. ®AD ^RIMROSES. But we have daisies, which, like love, Or hope, spring everywhere ; And primroses, which droop above Some self-consuming care. So sad, so spiritual, so pale, Bom all too near the snow, They pine for that sweet southern gale. Which they will never know. Pkofeesok WiLSOi* .JvXNING ^^HIMKOSZS. A tuft of evening primroses, O'er which the mind may hover till it dozes ; O'er which it well might take a pleasant sleep, But that 'tis ever startled by the leap Of buds into ripe flowers. Keats, 90 jPloi^l Poesy. <^. liinFOPLi; Kyacintk. (Son'ow. — -Piiy.) ■CCOEDING to the old mythologists, this fairy-like, fragile flower, had its origin in the death of Hyaciuthns, a Spartan youth, who was greatly favored by Apollo. He fell a victim to the jealous rage of Zephyrus, who, in revenge for the preference manifested for him by the Sun-god, had determined to effect his destruc- tion. Accordingly, one day when Hyacinthus was playing at quoits with his divine friend, Zephyrus blew so powerfully upon the quoit flung by Apollo that it struck the unfortunate prince on the temple and killed him, to the intense grief of his innocent slayer. To commemorate the grace and beauty of the dead youth, Apollo, unable to restore him to life, caused the flower which now bears his name to spring from his blood. ^YAGINTMUS. Or they might watch the quoit-pitchers, intent On either side, pitying the sad death Of Hyacinthus, when the cruel breath Of Zephyr slew him ; Zephyr penitent, "Who now, ere Phoebus mounts the firmament. Fondles the flower amid the sobbing rain. Keats r $HE $YACINTH. Child of the Spring, thou charming flower, No longer in confinement lie. Arise to light, thy form discover. Rival the azure of the sky. The rains are gone, the storms are o'er. Winter retires to make thee way ; Come, then, thou sweetly blooming flower, Come, lovely stranger, come away. The sun is dressed in beaming smiles, To give thy beauties to the day : Young zephyrs wait with gentlest gales. To fan thy bosom as they play. 9« Casiuib {Remembrance.) r' There's rosemary for you: that's for remembrance.' i,\-r, £ J. , . . , , Shaicsi'Erb. U±C toretathers invariably adopted Bosemary as the symbol of rememhrmice. It was be- lieved to possess the power of improving the memory, and was frequently emploved'as a means of invigorating tlie mental fV.cnIties. Perditu. in the "Winter's Tale," says:— For you there's rosemary and rne ; these keep Seeming and savor all the winter long: Grace and remembrance be with you both! And in "Hamlat," ()plieli:i says:— There's rosemary for you: that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember. Micliael Ui'ayton, in his " Pastorals," also alludes to this emblem in similar terms: — He from his lass him lavender hath sent, Showing her love, and doth requital crave , Him rosemary his sweetheart, whose intent Is that he her should in remembrance have. ^0 ^LOP^L POESV. Respecting the employment of tliis flower at fu- nerals, Mr. Martyn observes that in some parts of England, in his time, it was still customary to dis- tribute it among the company, who frequently threw sprigs of it into the grave. Slips of it wei-e also sometimes placed within the coffin; and in some secluded villages these innocent customs ai-e etill practiced. (^The JTeartfiower.) There grew a little flower once, That blossomed in a day, And some said it would ever bloom, And some 'twould fade away ; And some said it was Happiness, And some said it was Spring, And some said it was Grief and Tears, And many such a thing ; But still the little flower bloomed. And stiU it lived and throve, And men do it call "Summer Growth," But angels call it '-Love!" Tom Hooix, JhE J^ILY op the yALLEY. 95 {Return of Happiness^ "Be thy advent the emblem of all I woiilcl crave." .9 Beehasd Baeton. HE Lily of the Valley, sometimes called the May Lily, and ia some country villages Ladder to Heaven, in the floral languages of Europe is emblematic of the return of happiness, doubtless in allusion to the season of the year when it puts forth its blossoms. Keats was very fond of it, and says : — No flower amid the garden fairer grows Than the sweet lily of the lowly vale, The queon of flowers. And further on Valley-lilies, whiter stUl Than Leda's love. In that enchanted garden where the sensitive plant grew, Shelley lovingly placed The naiad-like lily of the vale, Whom youth makes so fair, and passion so pale, That the light of its tremulous bells is seen Through their pavilions of tender green. ^HE f^ILY or THE ^ALLEY. "White bud, that in meek beauty so dost lean, The cloistered cheek as pale as moonligM' snow, Thou seem'st beneath thy huge high leaf of green, An Eremite beneath his mountain's brow. White bud, thou'rt emblem of a lovelier thing,- The broken spirit that its anguish bears To silent shades, and there sits offering To Heaven the holy fragrance of its tears. Cbolt. 94 Floi^al Poesy. W- {Change.) " More bitter far than all It was to know tliat love eould change and die." A. A. Peocteb. HE Pimpernel does not unfold its brilliant petals until eight o'clock in the morning, and refolds them toward noon. This habit has obtained for it the cognomen of " the poor man's weather-glass ;" whilst for its usefulness in foretelling the approach of rain, it is frequently- known as "the shepherd's warning." Few who have passed a portion of their life in the country but are acquainted with this property of the pretty little pimpernel. Whenever its tiny scarlet blossoms are seen folding up their delicate petals, it may be deemed a certain indication of approaching rain; and as such a sign Darwin notices it:-^ Closed is the pink-eyed pimpernel; In fiery red the sun doth rise, Then wades through clouds to mount the 'Twill surely rain, we see 't with sorrow, — No working in the fields to-moiTow. {Thinh of me. liememhrmice. Th;jughts.) "There are pansies: that's for thoughts." ^2^^ SnAKBPEKB. HE Heart' s-ease, as its French name oi pansy or pensee intimates, is, in tlie language of flowers, symbolical of rememhrance. It is a beautiful variety of the violet, far sur- passing that flower in diversity and brilliancy of color, but possessing little, if any, of the exquisite fragrance for which that is so renowned. The name given to it by the Italians hflammola, the " little flame," — at least this is an aj pellation with which I have met, and it is quite in the taste of that poetical people. The French call it pensee, "'a thought." "There are pansies,"' says poor Ophelia: "that's for thoughts." Drayton, in the "Muses' Elysium," makes his nymph say, — Amongst these roses in a row, Next place I pinks in plenty, These double daisies then for show, And will not this be dainty? The pretty pansy then I'll tie, Like stones some chain enchasing; The next to them, their near ally The purple violet pi icing. ■ Another of its names is " Love-in-idleness," under wliich it has been again celebrated by Shakspere. Besides these names, this tricolored violet is also called, in various country-places, "jnmp-up-and-kiss- me-quick," " the herb Trinity," " three-f aces-under-a hood," " kiss-me-behind-the-garden-gate," and"cuddle- me-to-you," which seems to have been altered l)y time into the less vivacious request of "call-nje-to- you," 96 Floi^l Poesy. ^EAKT'S-ZASIE. In gardens oft a beauteous flower there grows, By vulgar eyes unnoticed and unseen ; In sweet security it humbly blows, And rears its purple head to deck the green. This flower, as Nature's poet sweetly sings, Was once milk-white, and Heart's-ease was its name; Till wanton Cupid poised his roseate wings, A vestal's sacred bosom to inflame. "With treacherous aim the god his arrow drew, Which she vsdth icy coldness did repel : Bebounding thence with feather speed it flew, Till on this lonely flower at last it fell. Heart's-ease no more the wandering shepherd found ; No more the nymphs its snowy form possess ; Its white now changed to purple by Love's wound, Heart's-ease no more, — 'tis Love-in-idleness. Mrs. Sheeidan. ^EAHT'S-XASE. Heart's-ease ! One could look for half a day Upon this flower, and shape in fancy out Pull twenty different tales of love and sorrow. That gave this gentle name. llASr. HOWITT, The Wallflow^ef^ 97 {Fidelity in Misfortune.) COMMON garden blossom, that seldom receives sill the attention it is wortliy oi', is the Wailjlower, symbolical oi fidelity in misfortune. It was a great favorite in the Middle Ages, when troubadours and minstrels wore it as an emblem of the unchangoableness of their aifection. Wallflowers belong to the stock family; and by far the finest is tlie common one wliich Thomson, in his "Seasons," describes as — The yellow wallflower, stained with iron brown. Bernard Barton says of the wallflower : — An emblem true thou art, Of love's enduring luster, given To cheer a lonely heart. And elsewhere: — To me it speaks of loveliness, That passes not with youth, Of beauty which decay can bless. Of constancy and truth. But in adversity's dark hour, When glory is gone by, It then exerts its gentle power The scene, to beautify. ^ME ^AMING or THE ^ALLELOWEK. Why this flower is now called so, List, sweet maids, and you shall know. Understand this firstling was Once a brisk and bonny lass, Kept as close as Danae was, Who a sprightly springald loved; And to have it fully proved, 98 Flop,al Pobsy. Up she got upon a wall, 'Tempting down to slide withal; But the silken twist untied, So she fell, and, bruised, she died. Jove, in pity of the deed. And her loving, luckless sj^eed, Turned her to this plant we call Now "the flower of the wall." HIS lovely little flower lias a charming legend attached to it. "We give it in its be^t poetic form at once. '>The :Bkidi; or the Danube. "See how yon glittering wave in sportive play Washes the bank, and steals the flowers away. And must they thus in bloom and beauty die, "Without the passing tribute of a sigh?" '•No, Bertha, those young flowerets there Shall form a braid for thy suunj' hair ; I yet will save one, if but one Soft smile reward me when 'tis done." He said, and plunged into the stream. — His only light was the moon's pale beam. "Stay! stay!" she cried, — but he had caught The drooping flowers, and breathless sotight To place the treasures at tlie feet Of her from whom e'en death were sweet, Jhe I^of^get-me-not. no With outstretched arms upon the shore she stood With tearful eye she gazed upon the flood, Whose swelling tide now seemed as if 'twould sever Har faithful lover from her arms forever. Still through the surge he panting strove to gain ihe welcome strand,— but, ah! he strove in vain! Yet once the false stream bore him to the spot Where stood his bride in muteness of despair: And scarcely had he said, "Forget me not! " And flung the dearly ransomed flowerets there. When the dark wave closed o'er him, and no more Was seen young Rodolph on the Danube's shore. Aghast she stood; she saw the tranquil stream Pass o'er him, — could it be a fleeting dream? Ah, no! The last fond words, '-Forget me not! " Told it was all a sad reality. With frantic grasp the dripping flowers she prest, Too dearly purchased, to her aching breast. Alas ! her tears, her sorrows now were vain. For him she loved she ne'er shall see again'! Is this then a bridal, where, sad in her bower. The maid weeps alone at the nuptial hour; Where hushed is the harp, and silent the lute, Ah, why should their thrilling strains be mute ? And where is young Rodolph'? Where stays the bride- groom? Go, ask the dark waters, for there is his tomb. Often at eve when maidens fove Beside the Danube's wave, They tell the tale of hapless love, And show young Eodolph's grave ; And cull the flowers from that sweet spot, Still calling them "Forget-me-not." Miss Pickeksgill. 100 f~L,OF^L J'OESY. 0ONG or THE ^ORGET-ME-NOT. How many bright flowers now around me are glancing, Each seeking its praise, or its beauty enhancing ! The rosebuds are hanging like gems in the air, And the lily-bell waves in her fragrance there. Alas ! I can claim neither fortune nor power, Neither beauty nor fragrance are cast in my lot ; But contented I cling to my lowly bower. And smile while I whisper, — Forget-me-not/ '\' '-^ ■-,'' i^- - V ■■--/■ V;.-' {Love. — Joy. — Prosperity.) HE Hose has l)een acknowledged by all a" tiquity to be the queen of liowers, though her reign is somewhat disputed by the queen Lily. One is tempted to look 0:1 ("liem as sister sovereigns of the floral world. The liose, the emblem of a material dominion "of the o:irth, earthy," — the Lily, of a spiritual empire of purity and lofty aspiration. But with all peoples the Kose lias ever beeu the emblem of love, joy, and prosperity. It is mentioned by the earliest writers of antiquity. Herodotus speaks of the double rose; in the song of Solomon the rose of Sharon is mentioned ; and allu- sion is also made to the plantation of roses at Jericho. Isaiah uses the blossoming of the rose as a perfect emblem of joy and felicitj^. The ancients regarded the Eose as the emblem of silence, as well as of love and joy, and frequently represented Cupid offering one to Harpocrates, the God of Silence. As a further illuscration of this symbolism, they suspended a rose over the table at feasts, intimating to the assembled guests that tlie JhE JIOSE. 101 conversation \v:is to be held w^:xtc(1, imd \v;is not to be repeated elsewhere. This hitter aecoiuit is gener- ally given as the correct derivation of the saying, "skJ rosrt,'' applied to coninmnications not to bo re- peated ; but some writers say that the rose wi'.s once dedicated to Harpocrates, and tluis became tlie cm blem of taciturnity, for wliich reason, it is averred, it is freqnently placed over the confessionals in Koman Catholic churches, indicating tlie secresy which should attend whatever may be there disclosed to the ears of the priest. Roses were more highly prized by the Romans than any other flower; they considered them emble- matic oi joy, and, in conformity with that idea, rep- resented Comus, the God of pleasui-e, as a handsome young man, crowned with a garland of roses, the leaves of which glistened with dewdrops. The Rose was, above all, the emblem of love : — Most glorious rose, You are the queenly belle. On you all eyes Admiring turn. Doubtless you might indite Komanees from your own sweet history : They're quite the fashion now, and crowd the page Of every periodical. Wilt tell None of your heart-adventures? Never mind! We plainly read the Zephyr's stolen kiss In your deep blush ; so where's the use to seal Your lips so cunningly, when all the world Calls you the flower of love ? Mes. Sigouenet. Anacreon thus writes of it: — The rose, the flower of love, Mingle with our quaffing ; The rose, the lovely leaved, Kound our brows be weaved, Genially laughing. Oh, the rose, the first of flowers, Darling of the early bowers, E'en the gods for thee have places Thee, too, Cytherea's boy Weaves about his locks for joy, Dancing with the Oraces, 103 ^LOF^Ac Poesy. The short life of this queenly flower causes it, wlien fading, to be deemed a suitable representative of fleeting beauty, and many are the "morals" that the poets have deduced from its brief existence; but there is anotlier record to be made, and that is of its fragrance after death : the flush of beauty may be gone from its withered petals, but the scent of the rose will cling to it still; and so, even when life is over, we 3'et place, as Barry Cornwall says: — First of all the rose, because its breath Is rich beyond the rest : and wheu it dies, It doth bequeath a charm to sweeten death. The heart doth recognize thee, Alone, alone ! The heart doth smell thee sweet. Doth view thee fair, doth judge thee most complete^ Perceiving all those changes that disguise thee. Yes, and the heart doth owe thee, More love, dead rose, than to any roses bold, Which Julia wears at dances, smiling cold! Lie stiU upon this heart, which breaks below thee I Mks. Beownimg. Love is like a rose, And a month it may not see Ere it withers where it grows. Bailey. Spenser lias bequeathed us a very felicitous stanza about the rose as an emblem of modesty and fra- gility:— Ah! see the virgin rose, how sweetly she Doth first peep forth with bashful modesty, That fairer seems the less ye see her may! Lo ! see soon after how, more bold and free, Her bared bosom she doth broad display! Lo! see soon after how she fades and falls away! Sir Walter Soott tells us, — The rose is fairest when 'tis budding new. And hope is brightest -when it dawns from fears: Ihe rose is sweetest-waphed with morning dew. And love is loveliest v.lieu embalmed with tears. Jhe JlosE. 105 Buds of roses, virgin flowers Culled from Cupid's balmy bowers, In the bowl of Bacchus steep. Till with crimson drops they weep ! Twine the rose, the garland twine. Every leaf distilling wine ; Drink and smile, and learn to think That we were born to smile and drink. Boss ! thou art the sweetest flower That ever drank the amber shower ; Rose! thou art the fondest child Of dimpled spring, the wood-nymph wild! Even the gods who walk the sky Are amorous of thy scented sigh. Cupid too, in Paphian shades, His hair with rosy fillet braids. Then bring me showers of roses, bring, And shed them round me while I sing. Anaceeon (Translated by MOOKE) Did Jove a queen of flowers decree, The rose the queen of flowers should be. Of flowers the eye ; of plants the gem ; The meadow's blush; earth's diadem; Glory of colors, on the gaze Lightening in its beauty's blaze; It breathes of love ; it blooms the guest Of Venus' ever-fragrant breast ; In gaudy pomp its petals spread ; Light foliage trembles round its head ; With vermeil blossoms fresh and fair It laughs to the voluptuous air. Elton's Specimens 104 J^'loi^l Poesy. ^ULEIKA'S '^OSE. A single rose is shedding there Its lonely luster, meek and pale : It looks as planted by despair, — So white, so faint, — the sHghtest gale Might whirl the leaves on high ; And yet, though storms and blight assail, And hands more rude than wintry sky May wring it from its stem : in vain, — To-morrow sees it bloom again! ***** To it the livelong night there sings A bu-d unseen, but not remote : Invisible his airy wings, But soft as harp that Houri strings His long entrancing note. Btbom Just like love is yonder Rose : Heavenly fragrance round it throws, Yet tears its dewy leaves disclose, And in the midst of briers it blows : Just like love. Culled to bloom upon the breast, Since rough thorns the stem invest, They must be gathered with the rest, And with it to the heai-t be prest : Just like love. And when rude hands the twin buds sever. They die, and they shall blossom never; Yet the thorns be sharp as ever: Just like love. Translated from CiMOENa Jhe jasmine. 105 {A')niability .) ANY significations are attached to this ex- quisitely scented flowei", but the most re- liable works adopt it as the representative of amiability. — ♦ — • 3She Jasmine. 'Twas midnight, — through the lattice wreathed With woodbine, many a perfume breathed From plants that wake when others sleep ; From timid Jasmine-buds that keep Their odor to themselves all day ; But when the sunlight dies away, Let the delicious secret out To every breeze that roams about. Mooius. ?§ASMINE. The image of Love that nightly flies To visit the bashful maid, Steals from the jasmine flower, that sighs Its soul like her in the shade. The dream of a future happier hour That alights on misery's brow, Springs out of the silvery almond-flower That blooms on a leafless bough. MOOEE. "g&ME ^Jasmine. The jasmine throwing wide her elegant sweets. The deep dark green of whose unvarnished leaf Makes more conspicuous and ilhimiues more The bright profusion of her scattered stars. COWPEK. io6 Floi^l PoEsr. '^tIGMT-0;CENTIN& ?i-ASMINE. Many a j)erfuine breathed From plants that wake when others sleep ; From timid jasmiue-buds that keep Their odor to themselves all day, Bat when the sunlight dies away Let the delicious secret out To every breeze that roams about. MOOKE l^iEHFUME OF ^IasMINE. The jasmine, with which the queen of flowers, To charm her god, adorns his favorite bowers ; Which brides, by the plain hand of neatness drest, — Unenvied rival ! — ■ wear upon the breast ; Sweet as the incense of the morn, and chaste As the pure zone which circles Dian's waist. CHUKCriILL [Fidelity. — Constancy.) HE classic legend of Clytie has been attached to the sunflower. That njmpli had been beloved by Helios, but it was not long be- fore he transferred his affections to Leu- cotlioe, daughter of King Orchamus. When Clytie found herself unable to regain her lover, she in- formed the Persian monarch of his daughter's love affair, and lie liad the unfortunate girl entombed alive. Helios, em-aged at the terrible tragedy, en- tirely forsook the nymph whose jealousy had caused Jhe ^unflower 107 it; and she, overwhelmed with grief, lay prone upon the earth for nine days and nights without any sus- tenance, lier eyes continually following the course of her adored sun through the heavens. At last tlie gods, less pitiless than her former admirer, trans- formed her into u sunflowei-, and, as Ovid says, — Still the loved object the fond leaves pursue, StiU move their root, the moving sun to view. Kobert Browning thus alludes to the story of Eudel, the ancient French poet who adopted this splendid blossom as his emblem : — I know a mount, the gracious sun perceives First when he visits, last too, when he leaves The world; and, vainly favored, it repays The day-long glory of his steadfast gaze By no change of its large calm front of snow. And underneath the moimt a flower, I know, He can not have perceived, that changes ever At his approach; and, in the lost endeavor To live his life, has parted, one by one. With all a flower's true graces, for the grace Of being but a foolish mimic sun. With ray-like florets round a disk-like face. Men nobly call by many a name the mount. As over many a land of theirs its large Calm front of snow, like a triumphal targe, Is reared ; and still with old names fresh ones vie, Each to its proper praise and own account, Men caU the flower the sunflower, sportively. SgHE fSUNILOWEK. The lofty follower of the sun, Sad when he sets, shuts up her yellow leaves, Drooping all night, and, when he warm returns, Points her enamored bosom to his ray. Thomson. io8 J-'loi^l ^oesy. {Love.) HE Myrtle, like the Kose, is generally con- sidered symbolic of love, and by tlie Greeks and Romans was consecrated to Venus, round whose temples they planted groves of it; and, when the votaries of tliis goddess sacri- ficed to her, they, like her attendant Graces, wore mj'rtle cliaplets. The Myrtle is supposed to derive its name from Myrsine, an Atlienian maiden, and favorite of Minerva, said to have been metamorphosed into the myrtle. At any rate, it owes its origin to a Greek word sigmiyixig pe7]fu7ne. Among the ancient writers who speak of its symbolism is Pliny: he records that the Romans and Sabines, when they were reconciled, laid down their weapons under a myrtle-tree, and pui-ified themselves with its boughs. When Harmodius and Aristogiton set forth to free their country from a tyrant, their swords were wreathed with myrtle. ^HEIK ^KOYES 0' ^WJGET ^YRTLE. Their groves o' sweet myrtle let foreign lands reckon, When bright beaming summers exalt the perfume : Par dearer to me yon lone glen or green bracken, Wi' the burn stealing under the lang yellow broom. Far dearer to me all yon humble brown bowers, Where the bluebell and gowan lurk lowly unseen ; For there lightly tripping amang the wild flowers, A-listening the linnet, aft wanders my Jean. BUliKS. ' ' She droops and mourns, Bedewed as 'twere with tears." George Withers. Y old Englidh poets these plants are called " golds ;" and in the Middle Ages the name of the Virgin Mary being a very frequent addition to anything useful or beautiful, in the course of time this flower became known as the Marigold. Although by itself, however, the Marigold ex- presses grief, by a judicious mixture with other flowers its meaning may be greatly varied. For instance, combined with roses it is symbolic of "tlie bitter sweets and pleasant pains of love;'' whilst amongst Eastern nations a bouquet of marigolds and poppies signifies "I will allaj' your pain." Asso- ciated with cypress, the emblem of deatii, marigolds betoken despair. The marigold is usually open from nine in the morning till three in the afternoon; this foreshows a continuance of dry weather: should the blossom remain closed, rain may be expected. It shuts at sunset: — The Marybudde, that shutteth with the light. Browne, in his '•Britannia's Pastorals,'' says: — But, maiden, see the day is waxen olde, And 'gins to shut in with the marygolde. Whilst Shakspei-e says in"Cyml)eline,"thRt when ''Phoebus 'gins ari&e,"' the "winking marj'buds begin to ope their golden eyes." Ive'-its pays more heed to the natural attractions of this flower, and siii^^-;: — Open afresh your round of starry folds, Ye ardent marigolds! r 1 1 o ^''loi^l Poesy. Dry up the moisture of your golden lids, For gi-eat Apollo bids That in these days your praises shall be sung On many harps, which he has lately strung; And then again your dewiness he kisses, — Tell him I have you in my world of blisses : So haply when I rove in some far vale, His mighty voice may come upon the gale. Chancer calls the Marigold a " Golde," and makes a garland of tliem typical of jealousy, yellow being tlie emblematical color of that passion. {Devoted Affection.) HIS exquisite flower has something so home- like about it that we marvel it has not met with more poetical appreciation. All the glories of East and West can not rival its blossoms, in our estimation. It grows (for the benefit of the waj'farer) in the hedgerow; it clasps the porch and thatch of the poor man's cottage ; it wafts soothing perfmne to the lover. 0ME Honeysuckle. And well the lonely infant knew Recesses where the wallflower grew, And honeysuckle loved to crawl Up the low crag and ruined wall. I deemed such nooks the sweetest shade The sun in all his round surveyed, And still I thought that shattered tower The mightiest work of human power. Sir Walter Scott. Dew-sweet eglantine, And honeysuckles full of clear bee-wine. Keats. The Amai^nth. (Immortality^ "Immortal amaranth." — Milton. OST poetical of all flowers in meaning is the Amaranth. It has been selected as the symbol of immortality, and has ever been associated with Death as the portal which the soul must pass to Eternity. Milton gives crowns of amaranth to the angelic multitude assembled before the Deity: — To the ground "With solemn adoration down they oast Their crowns inwove with amaranth and gold. Immortal amaranth, — a flower which once In paradise, fast by the tree of life, Began to bloom : but soon for man's offense To heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows And flowers aloft, shading the fount of life, And where the river of bliss, through midst of heaven KoUs o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream : With these that never fade the spirits elect Bind their resplendent locks enwreathed with beams ; Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone, Impurpled with celestial rosy smile. These flowers, if gathered and dried, will long pre- serve their beauty. One of the most popular species of the amaranth is the "Love-lies-bleeding." The origin of this sin- gular appellation is not known, but it has been sug- gested that the following verses of Campbell account for it. The daughter of O'Connor is lamenting o^-er the tomb of Connocht Moran : — A hero's bride? This desert bower, It ill befits thy gentle breeding : And wherefore dost thou love this flower To call " My-love-lies-bleeding "? This purple flower my tears have nursed ; A hero's blood supplied its bloom : I love it, for it was the first fhat grew or Coiinocht Moran's tomlj, 112 Flof^l PoEsr. 0ME ^^MAKANTH. Whose sad inhabitants each year would come With willing steps, climbing that rugged hight, And hang long locks of hair, and garlands bound With amaranth flowers, which, in the clime's despite, Filled the frore air with unaccustomed light. Such flowers as in the wintry memory bloom Of one friend left, adorned that frozen tomb. , Shelley '^ \.5,-' -<#- S;r V ~/- {Instdbility and pomp ^ HE Dahlia is a native of Mexico, where Baron Humboldt found it growing in sandy meadows several liundred feet above tlie level of the sea. It ornamented the royal gardens of the Escnriai, at Madrid, for severel years before Spanish joalousy would permit it to be intro- duced into the otlier countries of Europe. It derives its name from a countryman of the cele- brated Linnaeus, Professor Andrew Dahl, a Swedish boianist. He presented it in 1804 to Lady Holland, wlio was its first successful English cultivator. Its coarse foliage, gaudy flowers, and want of per- fume, seem to have prevented its becoming a favorite with our poets. Mrs. Sigourney just alludes to it as a' florist's flower, in her "Farewell'": — I have no stately dahlias, nor greenhouse flowers to weep, But I passed the rich man's garden, and the mourning there was deep, For the erownless queens all drooping hung amid the wasted sod, Like Boadioea, bent witli sbagi^ Ij^neatli tb? Bonj^^a ro^ Jhe JL-ilac. 115 {The Joy of Youth.) JSTE of our sweetest spring flowers. It will 1^^^^ not live long when separated from its parent tree. Lilac of Persia ! Tell us some fine tale Of Eastern lands ; we're fond of travelers. Have you no legends of some sultan proud, Or old fire- worshiper? What, not one note Made on your voyage? Well, 'tis wondrous strange That you should let so rare a chance pass by, While those who never journeyed half so far Fill sundry volumes, and expect the world To reverently peruse and magnify What it well knew before ! Mrs. Sigouuney. Oh, were my love yon lilac fair Wi' purple blossoms in the spring, And I a bird to shelter there When wearied on my little wing, How wad I mourn when it was torn By autumn wild and winter rude! But I wad sing on wanton wind. When youthfu' May its bloom renewed. BURXS The lilac, various in array, — now white, Now sanguine, and her beauteous head now set With purple spikes pyramidal ; as if. Studious of ornament, yet unresolved "^VMch hues she most approves, she chose tbeia all. 114 |'"LOr\AL J^OESY. {Majesty and Purity.) HE Lily was sacred to Jnno, and is now consecrated to tlie Virgin Mary. It has inspired very beautiful poetry. >f ME ^ATEH-fJlLY. Oh, niyloii-scented lily ! Ob, wiiter-qiieen of flowers ! When shall I see the silver waves Dancing around thee, like sweet slaves To Beauty in its bowers ; "When shall I take an earthly part In honoring thy golden heart? Oh, pretty rose autumnal! Oh, fairy queen of trees ! When may I have thy gentle buds Adorned with their emerald studs, In their green palaces ; When see thy vernal velvet fall Under thy ruby coronal? The sound of forest music The water-song of streams, Are become dim and strange to me As anusings of old witchery ; But in my fitful dreams, And in my waking weary hours. Spirits come to me, as from flowers. •"^^ J. H. Key?(olds. The virgin lilies in their white, Clad but with the lawii gf almost naked white. COWLKY. Jhe pypi^ss. 115 0ME ^LOSING ^LY. Now folds the lily all her sweetness up, And slips into the bosom of the lake ; S J fold thyself, my dearest, thou, and slip Into my bosom, and bs lost in me. The water-lilies, that glide so pale, As if with constant care Of the treasures which they bear; For those ivory vases hold Each a sunnj' gift of gold. li. £j. L. wm wmmm- (Mourning.) "The cvpress is the emWem of mourning.'' J-&. Shakspeee, ' CCORDHSTG to Ovid, this tree was named after Cyparissus, an especial favorite of Apollo. He had accidentally slain his pet stag, and was so sorrow-stricken that he besought the gods to doom his life to everlasting glooiiT; and they, in compHance with his request; transformed him into a cypress-tree. When, lost in tears, the Mood his veins forsakes, Bis every limlj a grassy hue partakes ; Sjs flowing tresses, stiff and bushy grown, Point to the stars, and taper to a cone. ApoUo thus : "Ah! youth, beloved in vain, _ ' Long shall thy boughs the gloom I feel retain ; Henceforth, when moiirncrs gi-ieve, their grief to Ehai , Emblem of woe, the (•yprfr.& shall be there," \l6 ^LOI^Al- J=OES-?. {Faith. When the flower is reversed it means ^ Superstition) HIS exquisite flower is the symbol oiFcrith. It is siipposed to represent the instruments of the Crucifixion: hence its name. #KE •P.'ASSION-'^LOWLK. A''.l-be3uteoiis flower! whose center glows Wibh studs of gold; thence streaminy; flows Raylike effulgeucs; nest is seen A rich expanse of Taryiii-^ hu3, Enfvinged with an empurpled hln;^, And streaked with young Pomona's green. Hi'jh o'er the pointal, decked with gold, (Emblem mysterious to behold!) A radiant cross its form expands; Its opening arms appear to embrace The whole collective human race, Refuse of all men, in all hands. ^HE #:AS5I0N-'^L0WEH. ■V -r-' -V- Its tender shoots, fostered with care, extend Far in festooned luxuriance, Its drooping flowers, to blend — Sweet mixture! — modesty and loveliness; But more, — when closely viewed, this flower appears To bear the sacred marli of sacred tears. Adding to the plant's beauty — holiness, Jhe ^weet-]Villiam. li- How like this flower can woman be, — so fair! So beautiful ! Too delicate her mind "Would seem, the world's rude withering frost to bear Without some guardian's help, round whom to bind Its tendrils in pure trusting confidence. When rightly trained her blossoms bloom, they shine In more than beauty's luster; they combine With earthly charms celestial innocence, Breathing of sacred things : yet, like that flower, alone To those who view her near, her holiness is known. {Gallantry. — Finesse^ Tweet -WILLIAM, a member of the Pink f amilj^ from the charming manner in wliich it arranges its variegated blossoms into bonquet-shaped clusters, is well worthy of its second name of finesse. The bearded Pink, as it is sometimes designated, is known to the French as the "poet's ej'e," because of the manner in which its petals are marked. Sweet -WUliam small, has form and aspect bright; Like that sweet flower that yields great Jove delighi Had he majestic bulk he'd now be styled Jove's flower; and, if my skill is not beguiled, He was Jovp's flower when Jove was but a child. T^ke him with many flowers in one conferred, He's worthy Jove, ev'n now he has a beard. COWlETi 1 ' 8 J^L,O^Al. POEST. , {Foresight.) I, iu this wisdom of the holly-tree, can emblems see." SOUTHET. HIS tree is sacred to Christmas and domestic mirth. It is much used to adorn churches and houses at Christmas-time, and hence is associated with scenes of good-will and re- joicing. It is an evergreen tree, and has a fine grained, heavy, white wood. Its bark is used as a febrifuge, and the berries are violently purgative and emetic. The holly is found along the coast of the United States from Maine southward. The holly ! the holly ! oh, twine it with the bay, — Come, give the holly a song ; For it helps to drive stern Winter away, With his garments so somber and long. It peeps through the trees with its berries of red, And its leaves of burnished green, When the flowers and fruits have long been dead, And not even the daisy is seen. Then sing to the holly, the Christmas holly. That hangs over peasant and king ; While we laugh and carouse 'neath its glittering boughs, To the Christmas holly we'll sing. The gale may whistle, and frost may come To fetter the gurgling rill,- The woods may be bare and the warblers dumb, — But the holly is beautiful still. In the revel and light of princely halls The bright holly-branch is found; And its shadow falls on the lowliest, — falls While the brimming horn goes round. The ivy lives long, but its home must be "Where graves and ruins are spread; There's beauty about the cypress-tree, But it. flourishes near the dead; The laurel the warrior's brow may wreathe. But it tells of fears and blood. I sing the holly, — and who can breathe Aught of that that is not good? 119 EH2i Coox. {Suoiiilssion and Grief.) HIS lovely blossoin merits its first meaning, but scarcely its List. Those who have listened to the faint, sweet rustle of its bells when the breeze passes over them, might rather think it a mirthful than a sad flower. And yet siich has been generally the fancy it has g'iven birth to in the poets. cgKZ ^AKEBELL. '•For me," — she stooped, and, looking round, Plucked a blue harebell from the ground, — "For me, whose memory scarce conveys An image of more splendid days. This little flower, that loves the lea. May well mj simple emblem be ; It drinks heaven's dew blithe as the rose That in the king's own garden grows; And when I place it in my hair, Allan, a bard, is bound to swear He ne'er- saw coronet so fair." L ISO fVO^l. j-'OESl', |$f f It; ft. f tSttttlt. (Tpromise.) HE white Clover, or Shamrock, is the na- tional emblem of Ireland, and claims an equal place in history with England's Kose or Scotland's Thistle. This s.ymbol of their country is worn by Irishmen on the anniversary and in commemoration of St. Patrick's landing near Wicklow, in the beginning of the fourth century of the Christian era.. The patron saint is reported to li;ive explained to his disciples the mysteries of the Trinity by means of a clover-leaf, or trefoil. Bees delight in the sweet-scented blossoms ot what Tennyson aptly calls the Rare 'broidery of the purple clover. Walter Thornbury has given us the following pretty lyric, " In Clover :" — There is clover, honey-sweet, Thick and tangled at our feet ; Crimson-spotted lies the field, As in fight the warrior's shield : Yonder poppies, full of scorn. Proudly wave above the corn ; There is music at oui- feet In the clover, honey-sweet. You may track the winds that blow Through the cornfields as they go ; From the wheat, as from a sea, Springs the lark in ecstasy. Now the bloom is on the blade. In the sun and in the shade, There is music at our feet In the clover, honey-sweet. The Druids held the clover in great repute, deem- ing it, it is supposed, a charm against eviL spirits. Hope was depicted .by the ahcients as a little child standing on tiptoe, and holding one of these flowers in his hand. {^Lamentation.) ■SPEN is the name by which the Tremhling Pophir is generally liuowu. It is remarkable for the ceaseless tremulous motion of its leaves, — a natural phenomenon, to account for which many very diverse explanations have been proffered. Miss Darby, in her "Lays of Love and ILn-oism," has thus versified a German legend upon, the subject: — The Lord of Life walked in the forest one mom, When the song-wearied nightingale slept on the thorn ; Not a breath the deep hush of the dawning hour broke, Yet every tree, even the firm knotted oak, The tall warrior pine, and the cedar so regal. The home of the stork and the haunt of the eagle, All the patriarchal kings of the forest adored, And bowed their proud heads at the sight of the Lord. One tree, and one only, continued erect. Too vain to show even the Savior respect ! The light giddy aspen its leafy front raised, And on the Redeemer unbendingly gazed. Then a cloud, more of sorrow than wrath, dimmed the brow Of Him to whom everything living should bow ; While to the offender, with shame now opprest. He breathed in these words the eternal behest: "Alas for thy fate! Thou must suffer, poor tree, For standing when others were bending the knee. Thou'rt doomed for thy fault an atonement to pay: Henceforth be a rush for the wild winds to sway. Sigh, sport of their fury, and slave of their will! Bow, e'en in a calm, when all others are still ! And shivering, quivering, droop evermore. Because thou wouldst not with thy brothers adore." The weak aspen trembled, turned pale with dismay, And is pallid with terror and grief to this day. Each tremulous leaf of the penitent tree Obeys to this moment the heavenly decree. 'Tis the sport of the wild winds, the slave of their will: E'en withmii a breeze bends, when all others stand still; And full of emotion, its fault doth deplore. Sigh, shiver, and quiver, and droop eveiinore. r iiwiii» (T surmount difficulties.) HE Mistletoe scarcely i-equires more than a passing allusion. Every one is acquainted witli that remarkable custom which per- mits any lad to exact from any lass the toll of one kiss, when they accidentally met under it. In Holstein the country people call the mistletoe "the specter's wand," from the supposition that holding a branch of it will not only enable a man to see ghosts, but force them to speak to him. g@HE Mistletoe. On Christmas-eve the bells were rung, On Cbristmns-eve the mass was sung; That only night in all the year Saw the stoled priest the chalice near. The damsel donned her kirtle sheen; The hall was dressed with holly green : Forth to the woods did merry men go, To gather in the mistletoe ; Then opened wide the baron's hall To vassal, tenant, serf, and all. L (Delicate Pleuxvres. ) T is singular that few of our poets have cele- brated these exquisite flowers. We know only these pretty lines of Keats, which ex- actly portray them: — Here arc sweet peas, on tiptoe for a flight : With -ndngs of gentle flush o'er delicate white, And t.iper fingers catching at all things. To bind them all about with thiv rings; The J^QxaLova. 1£3 m^ ■"i^^ (^Insincerity.) HE Foxglove typifies insincenty, because of the insidious poison which lurks within its briglit blossom. In jFrance and Germany, and in some parts of England, it is known as "Finger-flower," because of the resemblance it l)ear3 to the finger of a glove, a resemblance which tlie poets have not failed to take advantage of. William Brown describes Pan as seeking gloves for las mistress: — To keep her slender fingers from the sunne, Pan through the pastures oftentimes hath ninne To pluck the speckled foxgloves from their stem, And on those fingers neatly placed them. ^HE ^OXGLOVX. The foxglove-leaves, with caution given, Another proof of favoring Heaven "Will happily display: The rabid pulse it can abate, The hectic flush can moderate, And, blest by Him. whose will is fate. May give a lengthened day. ^OXGLOVE. Upon the stmny bank The foxglove rears its pyramid of bells, Gloriously freckled, purpled and white, the flower That cheers Devonia's fields. 1^4 j^UOP^t j^OBSf. •^^^-^•^j-l H^- V TJT V;,- ^-^y V iV ^ :''EW years ago the Hollyhock was often designated the "garden mallow," and, in- deed, it does belong to the mallow family. From the fact that this tlower is known in France as Hose d^outre Mer, or the "rose from lieyond the sea," it has been ?urmised that it was oi-iginally introduced into Europe from Syria by the Crusader?. "Queen Hollyhock, with butterflies for crowns.'' ■./ -V' ,;.-• •; it.i It;;- *-".-;• .-.r. -i;^^ {Taste.) HE Fuchsia, a native of Chili, was named in honor of Leonard Fuchs, a noted German botanist. The plant is one of the mo>t elegant of deciduous greenhouse shrubs. The young wood and leaves are tinged with purplish red; the blossom is pendent. There are many beautiful rarieties. As this shrub is quite a modern addition to our gardens, there is but little ooetry as yet belonging to it. AUTOGRAPH -ALBUM YEKSES. LINES APPROPRIATE FOR DEDICATION. No. 1. Lady, to thee are consecrate These leaves of smooth, unspotted white; Emblems most fitting of thy state, — So good — so fair — so pure — so bright. Here Wit will sparkling stanzas strew, — Here Wisdom solemn maxims store, — Here Friendship write its counsels true, — Here Love may gently love implore: When the sere Autumn leaves shall come — As come to all they surely will — Your eyes may o'er these leaflets roam, And friends recall who love you still. No. 2. ■ Dear friend, iipon these pages write The thoughts that to your mind seem good: Whether you joyous verse indite, Or trace lines in a pensive mood. Each well lov'd hand, in after days, Will come as dews to bless a drouth; Each sentiment of kindly praise Like violet-scents from the sweet South. 12(5 AUT06RAPE.ALBUM VMMSJSS. No. 8. Casket of flawless gems! The Tarying Amethyst — ^the modest Pearl*— The Ruby, fit for Beauty's brow, — The Diamond for her clust'ring curls. No. 4. May no presuming pen Write aught but faultless truth Upon a page of this fair book, Sacred to Innocence and Truth. No. 5. No carping critic's eye need scan For venial faults this little book; 'Tis meant for Friendship's eye alone, Which seeks not pebbles in each brook. No. 6. I trust that ev'ry one that calls me friend Will to this little book some trifle lend. Whether some fancy flowers wildly sweet, Or some wise proverb, or some couplet neat, Or sentence from some writer, grave or funny; From ev'ry hive the wise can take some honey. Whether the bees have roam'd in wealth's rich bowers, Or painful glean'd amid wild wayside flowers. AUTOORAPH-ALBUM VERSES. No. 7. No noisome weed shall flourisli here, But blossoms from my friends so dear; And when 'tis fill'd the sweet bouquet Shall radiant oloom like welcome May. No. 8. Dear friend, please take your facile pen in hand. And — as if with a fairy's magic wand — Record a page, a verse, or e'en a line; 'TwUl have a value for this heart of mine. Not for its beauty only, but its truth ; As bringing back the days of pleasant youtL No. 9. Ill keep your lines for Friendship's sake, Without a stain, without a blot; Sacred to Virtue's hallow'd name, To fond Affection's peaceful lot. No vile thought mar a single page ; No envious sneer — no passage mean; But all shall tend to feed the flame On Friendship's altar — bright, serene. The dewdrops still on flower or leaf Add to them yet one charm the more; So Pity's tear on Beauty's rosy cheek Makes even lovelier what was fair before. AUTOGBAPH-ALBUir VERSES. No. 10. May ev'ry page of this fair book Ou its smooth surface bear Some kindly wish, some generous thought, Or wit-gem sparkling fair. Each autograph the signet be Of some true-hearted friend ; The memory of whose genial soul WiU ever sunshine lend. Even when pale Winter's frigid breath Shall bind the silent brooks, And dull Misfortune — cheerless dame — Shall freeze us with cold looks. No. 11. Little, my friend, do I of rhyming know. And fear I only may my weakness show By daring to put down my simple thought Where wittier, worthier, wiser pens have wrought But from my true heart's innermost recess My prayers to Heaven ascend that he may bless Thee with the choicest gifts — with, health, with friends. And at the last bestow that bliss that never ends. AUTOOBAPH-ALBUM VERBS S. 129 No. 12. Like Ealeigh I would praise my queen, On crystal with a diamond keen ; But lack the diamond and the glass, — So give you these and let those pass. No queen that ever trod the earth Had more of woman's genuine worth Than thee, fair lady, bright and pure, For whom I pen this signature. No. 13. No mental blossom can I give Fit 'mid these pretty flowers to live: No rose to rear its blushing head ; No lily from its watery bed; No briar its sweetness round to spread ; No tuberose fragrance aye to shed. No, Lady, hard will be my lot Unless you'll say "Forget-me-not" HUMOKOUS ANSWER TO A REQUEST FOR AN AUTOGRATH FROM A BEWILDERED ADMIRER. Where is the pen? And now where is the ink? Now for the verses! Ah, just let me think! Fair maiden! .... Auburn is your jetty hair; Your teeth Uke corals — lips with pearl compare; Your nose is dimpled, and your chin is straight! Your eyes like twin stars looking for a mate! After this bright exordium I'm quite sure You're glad that I at last have reach'd my signature. 13° AUTOGRAPH-ALBUM VERSBS. PROSE MAXIMS. Nothing great is easily won. Life is love, and love is eternitj'. — Menken. Every good action is in some way well repaid. Speech is the highest species of action. — Zachos. I-didjiot fall into_lpye, I_rose into love. — Sulwer Life outweighs all things if love lies within it— Goethe. True love, like Greek fire, is inextinguishable. — U: Marvel. "~ Love depends on the loving, and not on the loved. — Btdwer. Time, which deadens hatred, secretly strengthens love. — Richter. There is even a happiness That makes the heart afraid. — Hood. One clairvoyance on earth is certain, and that is the clairvoyance of love. It was not song that taught me love, But it was love that taught me song. — L.E.L. After all, the joy of success does not equal that which attends the patient working. — Augusta Evans. Until the ladies have recognized, or refused to recop nize. a man's merit, his social position is not yet do termined. Instruction ends in the schoolrom, but education ends only with life. A child is given to the universe to educate. — Robertson. Love is the art of hearts and heart of arts. Con- iunctive looks and inter jectional sighs are its vocab- ulary's greater half. — Bailey. AXTTOGRAPa-ALBUM VERS EH. PROSE MAXIMS. Moderation is the pleasure of the wise. Pate gives Uss parents : choice gives us friends. Memory is the granary of the mind, and of expe- rience. A secret passion defends the heart of a woman better than her moral sense. Let the slandered take comfort: it is only at fruit- trees that thieves throw stones. r A woman who pretends to laugh at love is like a child who sings at night when he is afraid. How quietly flows the river toward the sea, yet it always reaches its destination. This is a point to remember when you are trying to rush things. The cannon-baU passing through a four-feet bore receives its direction for the whole range. So the soul in childhood receives its direction for eternity. Nothing sharpens the arrow of sarcasm so keenly as the courtesy that polishes it. No reproach is like that we clothe with a smile and present with a bow. — Chesterfield. Music touches every key of memory, and stirs aU the hidden springs of sorrow and of joy. We love it for what it makes us forget, and for what it makes us rem ember. — Brittain. A woman's love is essentially lonely and spiritual in its nature. It is the heathenism of the heart. She herself has created the glory and beauty with which the idol of her heart stands invested. — -J>. S. L- 132 AUTOOBAPB-ALBUM VEBSEB. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ANNIE. A rmes all graces to this gentle name ; N or fear you will at all truth put to shame; N ice is thy sense of what pertains to good; I n Honor's brightest Hght she aye has stood, E nshriaed in all that's best of womanhood. ALMA: A h, peerless maid, to whom my thoughts will run L ike sunflower to the ever-pleasant sun, M ay Heaven's rich blessings round thee aye be shed. A nd Hope twine flowers about thy faultless head. BLANCHE. B eauteous and blameless, maiden fair, L ike thy sweet name be all thy life ; A doming every path you tread ; N ow a good damsel, then a better wife. C ircle about thee aU the flowers that stand H igh-Ufting to the sky, or shrinking low, E nvrron'd close around with perfumes bland CLAEIBEL. C himes this name as clearest notes, L ingering, lingering, softly floats, A s if to send its meUow tone E ising to the lark's blue zone. I t recalls that one whose spell B right lyrics poured from Music's sheU. E nchanting, glowing, melting, firing, L amen ting now, and now inspiring. AUTOORAPU-ALBUM VSHSES. DORA. D ickens chose this petite name, — O ne fitted for that little dame, — E ecalling now the tender life A 11 blameless pass'd by that "child-wife." ELEANOR E mblem of all that's fair and true, L ike that famed queen who deigned to sue E dward, her lord, who justly gave A pardon to each Calais brave, N eeds not pi'ove your golden hair, O r eyes of blue, or features rare : E ival her virtues — you'll have done your snare FANNIE. F ull of happiness and glee, — A child of mu'th and minstrelsy, — N ot one heart but treasures thee, N ymph of love and courtesy. I f your hair be black or brovyn,— - E ach bath beauties of its own. GRACE. G racious and beautiful, R osy and fresh thou art; A 11 for thee sweets will cull, areful to vdn thy heart; E ach hates from thee to part. f 134 AUTOORAPE-ALBUM VERSE 8. HELEN. H elen! — bearing that famed name, E nshrined in Homer's deathless lay; L ike her thou'rt beautiful as day ! E ndeavor thou to do and say N ought that can touch thy spotless fame lEENE. I n thy heart there is no guile, — it eveals pure truth in every smile, — E ntrancing each fond, honest heart. N ow with the grace you act your part, tl ver repelling Envy's dart JESSIE. J essie, no flower that ever gardener grew E quals the charms we see in you: S o like the lily's stem, thy form S ways in the breeze — resists the storm. I n rosy tints thy cheeks warm glow, — E ach lip is vermiel, and each tooth like snow KATE. K ate! Ah, all who know our glorious Kate, A dmire her form so full and straight. T ender her glance, — from her sweet lip E namored bees might honey sip. AUTOORAPH-ALBUM VEHSBS. 1^5 LIZZIE. Ij ively, bonny, and very fair, I mmersed in gold is her auburn hair; Z epbyrs around her gently play, Z oned as if with star-like ray : I n thee the proudest his choice might find, E nchanting enough for any mind. MAEIE. M arie, whose rounded form's lithe, shapely grace A dmits no rival save her lovelier face, — E ich in such beauties as did Kaufman trace. I n Wit's bright court you've won a dazzling prize, E clipsed alone by your more dazzling eyes. -f NELLIE. N eeds must thy skin be very fair, — E xceeding blue thy laughing eyes, — L ike streaming clouds thy auburn hair, — L ike snow thy breast heav'd by soft sighs I n every moment of thy precious life E njoy thyself as happy maid and wife. OLIVIA. h, beauteous maid, thy silver-sounding n?»me, L ake music over moonlight waters comes, 1 nfusing iields,and woods, and brawling broots, V ine-shaded lattice, and dark ivied arch I n ancient castle ruins, with such charms A s tend to soothe the sorrow-stricken heart. m«ia»aai f^ifattf jgiTXratacnaBiM/a AUrOORAPH-ALBUM VEBSEd PAULINE. P leasant is your -svinsome smile A s the brightest stunmer-ray ; U ntold beauties grace thy form, L issom as a cedar spray. I n every trait of heart and miiid-= N o trace of evil's baleful sway — E duciag good for Virtue's shrine. EACHEL. E aven tresses shade thy brow, A s lovely as Egyptia's queen! C oral Ups and blooming cheeks, H andsome form as e'er was seen, E ven amidst the heavenly fair, L ighting Mount Ida's glades so green, SAEAH. S ome may sing your diamond eyes, A nother praise your rosy cheeks ; E ing verses some to your lithe form > A nother chant your mind so pure: A U own you have for worth no peer. THEEESA. T urn, turn those witching eyes hwayl H eaven's choicest azureei in them play I E nthraUing every manly heart, E egardless of love's bitter swai^;,— E njoy thy triumph. Yet, fair maid, bewara? S o Cleopatra's coquet's art A ntony drove to ruin and despair. AUTOtiHAPH-ALBUM VEBaES. ,,- UNA. U na, whose graceful force made the proud lion yield, N eeded no veiling for her tasteful charms, A mid all dangers Innocence her shield. VICTOEIA. V ictor thou art whenever thou dost please 1 n thy fair hand to poise Love's curved bow, C anst send the arrows feather'd by dove's plume T hrough any heart that pleaseth thee to aim,— h, do not wound me by thy certain skill, R esistless beauty. Save thou dost intend 1 nto the wound to press the healing dew A bout thy lips that lies in sweet moist loveliness WILHELMINA. W ealth of charms, sweet girl, are thine: I n thine eyes, almost divine, L ove has set the diamond shine, — " H ealthy cheeks, like rich carmine, E ntwin'd your curls like eglantine ; L uscious your lips as nectarine, — M oulded your arms so plump, yet fine, I n every motion is "beauty's -line." N o painter's fancy— sculptor's dream« A fairer creature had for theme. ZOE. Z oned with Venus's circle fair, O nly thyself can well compare E nchanting girl, with thy charms rarft 13B ArTOaUAPn-ALBUM TEHSEB. POETICAL QUOTATIONS. ABSENCE. Love reckons hours for months, and days for years, And every little absence is an age. ,-• Dktdex. Of all affliction taught a lover yet, 'Tis sure the hardest science to forget. Pops. There's not an hour Of day or dreaming night but I am with thee: There's not a wind but whispers of thy name. And not a flower that sleeps beneath the moon But in its hues or fragrance tells a tale Of thee. Proctor. ACCOMPLISHlVrENTS. Accomplishments were native to her mind. Like precious pearls within a clasping shell ; Vnd winning grace her every act refined, Like sunshine shedding beauty where it fell. Mhs. Hali. ACTION. iway, then! Work with boldness and with speed, On greatest actions greatest dangers feed. Maelowe. For good and well must in our actions meet; Wicked is not much worse than indiscreet. DOKIiB. ACTIVITY. Lives of great men all remind us We can make our Uves sublime ; And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time. LOKeTEUAW, AtTTdGBAPlt-ALBUM VERSM. i^y ADVERSITY. In this wide world, the fondest and the best Are the most tried, most troubled, and distress'd. Cbabbi, The good are better made by ill, As odors crushed are sweeter still. . Boaaos, ADVICE. Know when to speak ; for many times it brings Danger, to give the best advice to kings Love aU, trust a few^ Do wrong to none ; be able for thine enemy Kather in power than use ; and keep thy friend Under thine own life's key: be check'd for silence, But never tax'd for speech. Shaks. The worst men often give the best advice. EjULBT. ADIEU. We part ; But this shall be a token thou hast been A friend to him who pluck'd these lovely flowers, And sent them as a tribute to a friend, And a remembrance of the few kind hours Which lightened on the darkness of my path. Pkec AFFECTION. Ah, could you look into my heart, And watch your imago there, Tou would own t'^o sunny lovelinsss Affection makes ii woar. Mbs. Obgooix MO AUTu GRAPH-ALBUM VEttaES. ANGELS. Times of joy and times of woe, Each an angel-presence know. Mrs. E. Oakes Smith. APPAEEL. 'Tis the mind that makes the body rich: And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds, So honor appeareth in the meanest habit. shaks. APPEAEA2JCES. 'Tis not the fairest form that holds The mildest, purest soul within; 'Tis not the richest plant that folds The sweetest breath of fragrance in. Dawes. Within the oyster's shell uncouth The purest pearl may hide; Trust me you'll find a heart of truth Within that rough outside. Mrb. Osgood. BEAUTY. Give me a look, give me a face That makes simplicity a grace ; Robes loosely flowing, hair as free; Such sweet neglect more taketh me Than aU the adulteries of art, That strike mine eyes, but not my heart. Ben. Jokboh Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye. In every gesture dignity and love. MSJtOV. AUTOQRAPH^LBUM VEBBES. 141 BEATTTT. There's beauty all around our paths, If but our watchful eyes Can trace it midst familiar things And through their lowly guise. Mrs. HsMANi. Beautiful ! Yes, but the blush will fade, The light grow dim which the blue eyes wear; The gloss will vanish from curl and braid, And the sunbeam die in the waving hair. Turn from the mirror, and strive to win Treasures of loveliness still to last ; Gather earth's glory and bloom within. That the soul may be bright when youth is past. Hks. Osgood. Thou art beautiful, young lady, — But I need not tell you this ; For few have borne, unconsciously, The spell of loveliness. WmTl'lBB. I've gazed on many a brighter face, But ne'er on one for years, Where beauty left so soft a trace As it had left on hers. Mhs. Welbt. No wonder that cheek, in its beauty transcendent, Excelleth the beauty of others by far ,- No wonder that eye is so richly resplendent, For your heart is a rose and your soul is a star. Mbs. OeoooA X4- jiDTOGUAPM-.iLBUM VJ^RBkS. BEAUTY. Her cheek had the pale pearly pink Of sea-shells, the world's sweetest tint, as though Slie lived, one half might deem, on roses sopp'd ill silver dew. BAILII. When I forget that the stars shine in air, When I forget that beauty is in stars, — Shall I forget thy beauty. 3A1LET. Thy glorious beauty was the gift of heaven : As such thou should'st have prized it, and have died Ere thou didst yield it up to mortal toucn, Unless thy heart went with it, to make pure And sanctify the offering. Mrs. Osoooa. I would that thou mightst ever be As beautiful as now; That time might ever leave as free Thy yet unwritten brow. WniM BLUSHING. Maiden, through every change the same Sweet semblance thou may'st wear; Ay, scorch thy very soul with shame, Thy brow may still be fair: But if thy lovely cheek forget The rose of purer years, — Say, does not memorv somptimes wet That changeless cheek with tears ■? 0. W. HOUCES. AUTOGRAPH.ALBUM VERSES. BLUSHING. Give me the eloquent cheek, "Where blushes burn and die ; Like thine its changes speak The spirit's purity! HiiB. Osgood CALM. So calm the waters scarcely seem to stray, And yet they glide like happiness away. CAEE. Care that is entered once into the breast. Win have the whole possession ere it rest- And on, with many a step of pain, Our weary race is sadly run ; An I still, as on we plod our way, We find, as Hfe's gay dreams depart, To close our being's troubled day. Nought left us but a broken heart. CHANGE. 1 ask not what change Has come over thy heart; I seek not what chances Have doomed us to part; I know thou hast told me To love thee no more, And I still must obey Where I once did adore. JjHKSO.N, Peecital- BtemiAjj 144 AUTOGRAPB-ALBUM VEB8ES. CELIBACY. From her lone path she never turns aside, Though passionate worshipers before her fall; Like some pure planet in her lonely pride, She seems to soar and beam above them all ! Mss. 'Welbt CHANGE. Ah, if a fairy's magic" might w^ere mine, I'd joy to change with each new wish of thme; Nothing to all the world beside I'd be, And everything thou lovest in turn to thee. Mrs. Osgoou CHAEITY. The truly generous is the truly wise ; And he who loves not others lives unblest. Home. Then gently scan your brother man, Still gentler sister woman ; For though they gang a kennie wrang, To step aside is human. Burks. CHASTITY. So dear to heaven is saintly chastity, That when a soul is found sincerely so, A thousand liveried angels lackey hei'. Driving far off each thing of sin and guilt. JlTLTOV. CHEEEPULNESS. A sweet heart-lifting cheerfolness, Like springtime of the year, Seemed ever on her steps to wait. AUTOGBAPH-ALBUM VERSES. 145 CONFIDENCE. "Trust in thee?" Ay. dearest, there's no one but must, Unless truth be a fable, in such as thee trust ! For who can see heaven's own hue in those eyes. And doubt that truth with it came down from the skies ; While each thought of thy bosom, like morning's young light. Almost ere 'tis born, flashes there on his sight 1 C. r. BOFFMAH, CONSTANCY. I am constant as the northern star, — Of whose true, fixed, and resting quality. There is no fellow in the firmament. Sqak. When all things have their trial, you shall find Nothing is constant but a virtuous mind. SHIKLEI. The mountain rUl Seeks with no surer flow the far, bright sea, Than my unchanged affections flow to thee. Vas.k Eenjamk. Though youth be past, and beauty fled, The constant heart its pledge redeems, — Like box, that guards the flowerless bed. And brighter from the contrast seems. Mue. Hals. There is nothing but death Our affections can sever. And till life's latest breath Jjove shall bind us forever. 146 AUTOGRAPH-ALBUM VERSSB. COQUETTE. But why, oh why, on all thus squander The treasures one alone can prize? Why let the looks at random wander, Which beam from those deluding eyes? Those syren tones, so lightly spoken, Cause many a heart, I know, to thrill ; But mine, and only mine, till broken. It every pulse must answer stUl. C. r. HOfTMAS. I would sooner bind My thoughts to tLe open sky: I would worship as soon a familiar star, That is bright to every eye. 'Twere to love the vnnd that is free to all — The wave of the beautiful sea, — 'Twere to hope for all the light in heaven, To hope for the love of thee. WlLUi COHNTEY LITE. Tonr love in a cottage is hungry. Your vine is a nest for flies ; Tour milkmaid shocks the graces, And Simplicity talks of pies! You lie down to your shady slumber, And wake vsdth a bug in your ear ; And your damsel that walks in the morning Is shod Ukfi a mountaineer. Willis AUTOORAPH-ALBUM VMBBES. 14 7 COURTSHIP. Gentle lady, "When I did first impart my love to you, I freely told you, all the wealth I had Ran in my veins, — I was a gentleman : And then I told you true. SlIAKB. Like a lovely tree She grew to womanhood, and between whiles Rejected several suitors, just to learn How to accept a better in his turn. Byhok. Learn to win a lady's faith Nobly as the thing is high; Bravely, as for life and death. With a loyal gravity. Lead her from the festive boards, Point her to the starry skies. Guard her by your truthful words, Pure from courtship's flatteries. Mies Baerbtt. CURIOSITY. Eve, With all the fruits of Eden blest Save only one, rather than leave That one unknown lost all the rest. MOOBK DEATH. Death's but a path that must be trod, If man would ever pass to God. Pakskll. Death is another life. Bah-FT' 148 AUTOQBAPH-ALBUM VERSES. DEATH. Death Bhould come Gently to one of gentle mould, like thee, As light winds, wandering through groTes of bloom, Detach the delicate blossoms from the tree. Close thy sweet eyes calmly, and without pain, And we will trust in God to see thee yet again. Ebtant. Weep not for him who dieth, — For he sleeps and is at rest; And the couch whereon he lieth Is the green earth's quiet breast. Mks. Noetos. DECEIT. They may be false who languish and complain. But they who sigh for money never feign. Maey W Mostacck. DESPAIR. Beware of desperate steps ! The darkest day. Live tiU to-morrow, will have passed away. COWPEF DOUBT. Life's sunniest hours are not without The shadow of some lingering doubt; Amid its brightest joys will steal Spectres of evil yet to feel ; Its warmest love is blent with fears; Its confidence a trembling one; Its smile the harbinger of tears; Its hope the change of AprU's sun: A weary lot, — in mercy given, To fit the chastened soul fpr heaven. wmTniBi AUTOORAPn-ALBUM VEBSES. 140 DOUBT. Beware of doubt! Faith is the subtle chain Which binds us to the Infinite : the voice Of a deep life within, that will remain Until we crowd it thence. Mks. E. Oake£ SujTn. Yet do not think I doubt thee, I know thy truth remains; I would not live without thee For all the world contains. G. p. MOKBIS. DEEAMS. Bright dreams attend thee, gentle one, The brightest and the best; For sorrows scarce can fall upon A maid so purely blest. And when death's shadows round thee swell, And dim thy starry eyes, Oh, mayst thou be, my Kosabelle, A spirit of the skies. BOBEBT MOSBJS. ELOQUENCE. I'll speak the kindest words That tongue e'er uttered, or that art e'er thought. Dktdkn. Tour words are like the notes of dying swans; Too sweet to last. SltTCEN Oh, as the bee upon the flower, I hang Upon the honey of thy eloquent tongue. I50 AUT06BAPS-ALBUM VBRBE8. ENNUI. It hath been said, "for all who die There is a tear ; Some pining, bleeding heart to sigh O'er evei-y bier;" But in that hour of pain and dread, Who will draw near Around my humble couch, and shed One farewell tear? Mrs. S. a. Lewoh Alas, that youth's fond hopes must fade, And love be but a name, While its rainbows, followed e'er so fast, Are distant still the same. Burus Batcks. EYES. Her eye (I'm very fond of handsome eyes) Was large and dark, suppressing half its fire Until she spoke; then, through its soft disguise. Flashed an expression more of pride than ire, And love than either. Btsox. Those eyes that were so bright, love, Have now a dimmer shine ; But what they've lost in light, love, Is what they gave to mine. And still those orbs reflect, love, The beams of former hours, That ripened all my joys, love, And tinted all my f owers. HbO& AVTO&BAPM.ALBUM VBMSMS. i^t EYES. I never saw an eye so bright, And yet so soft, as hers ; It sometimes swam in hquid light, And sometimes swam in tears ; It seemed a beauty set apart For softness and for sighs. Mes. Wklbt. Those laughing orbs, that borrow From azure skies the light they wear, Are like heaven, — no sorrow Can float o'er hues so fair. Hbs. Osgood. I have sat, And in the blue depths of her stainless eyes Have gazed! Wn-Lis. Those eyes, — among thine elder friends Perhaps they pass for blue. No matter, — if a man can see. What more have eyes to do ? O. W. HOLMBS. I look upon the fair blue skies, And nought but empty air I see ; But when I turn me to thine eyes. It seemeth unto me Ten thousand angels spread their wings Within those little azure rings. O. W. Holmes. The bright black eye, the melting blue, — I can not choose between the two. But that is dearest, all the while, Which wears for us the sweetest smile, O. W. Holm™. 1^2 AUTOQBAPM^LBUM VEMSES. FAEEWELL. Fare thee well! Tet think a while On one whose bosom bleeds to doubt thee; Who now would rather trust thy smile, And die with thee, than live without thee. :moork Farewell! There's but one pang in death, One only, — leaving thee! Mbs, Remans. I heard thy low-whispered farewell, love, And sUeutly saw thee depart; — Ay, sUent ; — for how could words tell, love, The sorrow that swelled in my heart? They could not. Oh, language is faint. When passion's devotion would speak; Light pleasure or pain it may paint, But with f eeHngs like ours it is weak ! Yet tearless and mute though I stood, love. Thy last words are thrilling me yet. And my heart would have breathed, if it could, love, And murmured, "Oh, do not forget! " Mks. Osgood And, like some low and mournful spell, To whisper but one word — "Farewell! " Park Bexjamis. Farewell! Thou hast trampled love's faith in the dust. Thou hast torn from my bosom its hope and its trust; Yet, if thy life's current with bliss it would swell, I would pour out my own in this last fond farewell. Hoffman. AUTOORAPH-ALBUM VERSES. , 153 FIDELITY. Pure as the snow the summer sun Never at noon hath looked upon; Deep as is the diamond wave, Hidden in the desert cave, — Changeless as the greenest leaves Of the vn-eath the cypress weaves, — Hopeless, often, when most fond, — Without hope or fear beyond Its own pale fidelity ; — And this woman's love can be. Miss Lakdoh. FLATTEEY. 'Tis an old maxim ill the schools. That flattery's the food of fools ; Yet now and then you men of wit Will condescend to take a bit. Swift. FOEGIVENESS. While yet we live, — scarce one short hour, perhaps, — Between us two let there be peace. Milton. They who forgive most shall be most forgiven. r Bailet FOETITUDE. GHrd your hearts with sUent fortitude. Suffering yet hoping all things. Mas. Hemahs. FOETUNE. Lady, throw back thy raven hair. Lay thy white brow in the moonlight bare: I will look on the stars and look on thee, And read the page of thy destiny. IlIgS lakvok (54 AUTGGSaPS-ALBCM VERaES. FRIENDSHIP. A friend is gold: if true, he'll never leave thee ; Yet both, without a touchstone, may deceive thee. EaNDOLPH. He ought not to pretend to friendship's name "Who reckons not himseH and friend the same. TtJKB. Friendship above all ties does bind the heart; And faith in friendship is the noblest part. Eajblb. Friendship, like love, is but a name, Unless to one you stint the flame. The child, whom many fathers share, Hath seldom known a father's care. 'Tis thus in friendships : who depend On many, rarely find a friend. Gat. Heaven gives us friends to bless the present scene ; Resumes them, to prepare us for the next. TOUXG. Friendship has a power To soothe affliction in her darkest hour. H. K. Whitb Friend after friend departs: "Who hath not lost a friend? There is no union here of hearts That hath not here its end. MONTQOJIEET Oh, let my friendship in the wreath, Though but a bud among the flowers, Its sweetest fragrance round thee breathe,— 'TwiU serve to soothe thy weary hours. Mbs. Welbt AUTOOMAPH-ALBUM VERSEB. 155 PmENDSHIP. The friend Who smiles when smoothing down the lonely couch, And does kind deeds, which any one can do Who has a f eeUng spirit, — such a friend Heals with a searching balsam. Febcital. Oh, let my friendship in the wreath, Though but a bud among the flowers, Its sweetest fragrance round thee breathe, — 'Twill serve to soothe thy weary hours. MBs.WEtBr, There are a thousand nameless ties. Which only those who feel them know, — Of kindred thoughts, deep sympathies, And imtold fancy spells, which throw O'er ardent minds and faithful hearts A chain whose charmed links so blend, That the light circlet but imparts Its force in these fond words — my feieni). Mbs. DiNmstt Let others boast them as they may, Of spirits kind and true, Whose gentle words and loving smiles Have cheered them on life through ; And though they count of friends a host, To bless the paths they've trod. These are the ones have loved me most — My mother, wife, and God! lj6 AUTO&SAPIt-ALBUM VJUBSES. FUTURITY. Let me, then let me dream That love goes with us to the shore unknowns So' o'er the burning tear a heavenly gleam In mercy shall be thrown. MBS. HEMJLX& GOODNESS. The words which thou hast utter'd Are of thy soul a part ; And the good seed thou hast scatter'd Is springing from the heart. Whittikb. GEACE. Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, In every gestm'e dignity and love. MlLTOH. GEATITUDE. Fidelity, that neither biibe nor threat Can move or warp, and gratitude for small And trivial favors, lasting as the life And glist'ning even in the dying eye. COWPSK GEAVE. Our lives are rivers, gliding free To that unfathom'd, boundless sea, The silent grave ! Thither all earthly pomp and boast Soil, to be swallow'd up and lost In one dark wave. AtlTOGUAI'M-ALBVM VEliSMS. ^ij GEAVE. There is a calm for those who weep, A rest for weary pilgrims found: They softly lie and sweetly sleep, Low in the ground. MOHTGOUEBT. GRIEF. Whole years of joy glide unperceiv'd away, While sorrow counts the minutes as they pass. Havaed. We look before and after. And pine for what is not; Our sincerest laughter With some pain is fraught. Shelley. I need not say how, one by one. Love's flowers have dropp'd from off love's chain. Enough to say that they are gone, And that they can not bloom again. Miss L.\ndo\. Ah, tell me not that memory Sheds gladness o'er the past, — What is recall'd by faded flowers. Save that they did not last! Miss La:5. AUTOGBAPH-ALBUM VERSES. i6j INCONSTANCY. Oh, heaven! Were man riut noustant, he were perfect : that one error Fills him with faults ; makes him run through all sins: Inconstancy falls off ere it begins. SUAKSPEAItB. INDUSTKY. She wa& knowing in all needlework, And shone in dairy and in kitchen too, As in the parlor. Chide me not, laborious band, For the idle flowers I brought; Each aster in my hand Goes home loaded with a thought. Bahkeb. E. W. Emsmos. Work for some good, be it ever so siowly; Cherish some flower, be it ever so lowly; Labor, — all labor is noble and holy Mrs. Osqood. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destin'd end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day. LOHOFBLLOW. INNOCENCE. Hope may sustain, and innocence impart Her sweet specific to the fearless heart. i64 AUTOGRAPH-ALBUM VEB8M8. IRRESOLUTION. Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might -wlS", By fearing to attempt. SHAKi>FEAUK JOY. It is a joy To t>>iTi1r the best we can of human kind. WOEDSWOBTH. But what are past or futui-e joys? The present is our own ! And he is wise who best employs The passing houi* alone. JUDGMENT. Let none direct thee what to do or say, Till thee thy judgment of the matter sway : Let not the pleasing many thee delight ; First judge if those whom thou dost please, judge right. Heber J>F.NnA^I 'Tis with our judgments as our watches, — none Go just alike, yet each believes his own. Pope Let fate do her worst, there are relics of joy, Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy ; Which come in the night time of sorrow and care. And bring back the features that joy used to wear. AUTO GRAI-n, ALBUM VEBSEa. i6e KINDNESS. If a soul thou wouldst redeem, And lead a lost one back to God ; "Wouldst thou a guardian angel seem To one who long in guilt hath trod,— . Go kindly to him, take his hand With gentlest words within thine own, And by his side a brother stand, Till all the demons thou dethrone. Me8. C. M. SAWTElt KINGS. Oh, covet not the throne and crown. Sigh not for rule and state: The wise would fling the scepter down, And shun the palace-gate. Ye lowly bom, oh, covet not Unrest the scepter brings ; The honest name and peaceful lot Outweigh the pomp of kings. Eliza Dawes. KNIGHTHOOD. A king can mak' a belted knight, — A marquis, duke, and a' that ; But an honest man's aboon his might, — Guid faith, he maun na fa' that. BUBNS. KNOWLEDGE. Oh, there is nought on earth wyitii being known. But God and our own souls. BAmqr. i66 AUTOGRAPE-ALBUM YEBSEB. KNOWLEDGE. Oil, fear not in a world lite this, And thou shalt know, ere long, Know how sublime a thing it is To suffer and be strong. LONGFELLcm LAEOR From labor health, from health contentment sprinpfs. LIFE. Like to the falling of a star; Or as the flights of eagles are ; Or like the fresh spring's gaudy hue, Or silver drops ol morning dew; Or like a wind that chafes the flood, Or bubbles which on water stood: E'en such a man whose borrow'd light Is straight call'd in, and paid to-night The wind blows out, the bubble dies; The spring entomb'd in autumn lies ; The dew dries up ; the star is shot ; The flight is past; and man forgot. Bbhop Kin& Life is but a day at most, Sprung from night, in darkness lost: Hope not sunshine ev'ry hour. Fear not cl«uds will always lower. Life, like a dome of many-color'd glass, Stains the white radiance of eternity. Busks. PSELI.Tf- AtTTOQRAPJS.ALHUM VERSES. 16'< LIFE. Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime; And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time :— Footprints that, perchance, another, Sailing o'er life's troubled main, A forlorn and shipwreck'd brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Longfellow Life is real, life is earnest ; And the grave is not its goal: Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul. LONOPBLLOW LOVE. Ah, mel — for aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth. Shakspeari: Doubt thou the stars are fire ; Doubt that the sun doth move ; Doubt Truth to be a liai , But never doubt my love. Shaespeahe I deem'd that time, I deem'd that pride Had quench'd at last my boyish flame ; Nor knew, till seated by thy side, Mj heart in all, save hope, the same. BZBOK loS AUTOORAPB.ALBUM VERaSS. LOVE. For several virtues Have I lik'd several women ; never any With so full soul, but some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed, And put it to the foil : but you, oh you, So perfect, and so peerless, are created Of every creature's best! Shasspbabk Young men fly, when beauty darts Amorous glances at their hearts ; The fix'd mark gives the shooter aim, And ladies' looks have power to maim; Now 'twixt their hps, now in their eyes. Wrapt in a smile, or kiss, love lies; Then fly betimes, for only they Conquer love that run away. Cabew. She that would raise a noble love, must find Ways to beget a passion for her mind ; She must be that which she to the world would seem; For all trae love is grounded on esteem: Plainness and truth gain more a generous heart. Than aU the crooked subtleties of art. BucsraGBAM. Why, the world are all thinking about it And as for myself, I can swear If I fancied that heaven were without it, I'd ecarce feel a wish to be there HOOBS. AVTOUUAtll-ALHLM VEUaES. 169 LOVE. ManV love is of man's life a thing apart ; 'Tis woman's whole existence. Llan may rang'e The court, the camp, church, vessel, and the mart; Sword, gown, gain, glory, offer in exchange ; Pride, fame, ambition, to fill up his heart ; And few there are whom these can not estrange. Men have all these resources : we but one — To love again, and be again undone. Byboh. They sin who tell us love can die: With love all other passions fly, — All others are but vanity : In heaven ambition can not dwell, Nor avarice in the vaults of hell ; Earthly these passions of the earth. They perish where they have their birth;" But love is indestructible ; Its holy flame forever burneth ; From heaven it came, to heaven returneth. SoUTHBt The world ! ah, Fanny ! love must shun The path where many rove; One bosom to recline upon, The heart to be his only one. Are quite enough for love. MOOHE. None vrithout hope e'er lov'd the brightest fair; But love can hope where reason would despair. AVTOORAI E-ALBCM VERSES. LO\TE. 'TwES but for a moment; and yet in that time She crowded th' impressions of many an hour- Her eye had a glow, like the sun of her clime, Which wak'd ev'ry feeling at once into flower! Moomi Love is, or ought to be, our greatest bliss ; Since every other joy, how dear soever. Gives way to that, and we leave all for love. KOWE. Love is a passion Which kindles honor into noble acts. In many ways does the full heart reveal The presence of the love it would conceal. Coleridge. Love is a superstition that doth fear The idol which itself hath made. OVEBBUET. I love thee, and I feel That on the fotmtain of my heart a seal Is set to keep its waters pure and bright For thee. Seellet. God gives us love. Something to love He lends us ; but when love is grown To ripeness, that on which it throve Falls off, ajid love is left alone. AUTOORAPlI-ALBlfM V MUSES. fjt LOVE. Our love came as the early dew Comes unto drooping flowers, Dropping its first sweet freshness on Our life's dull, lonely hours: As each pale blossom lifts its head, Keviv'd with blessings nightly shed, By summer breeze and dew, — Oh, thus our spirits rose beneath Love's gentle dews and living breath. To drink of life anew! Me6. K. S. Nichols. Unhappy he, who lets a tender heart, Bound to him by the ties of earliest love, Fall from him by his own neglect, and die, BecauBe it met no kindness. Ferciyal. Let no one say that there is need Of time for love to grow ; Ah, no! the love that kills indeed, Despatches at a blow. Love is a pearl of purest hue, But stormy waves are round it ; And dearly may a woman rue The hour that first she found it. Loud Hollxmd. UlSE Lasixih, If we love one anothsr, Nothing, in truth, can harm us, Whatever mischances may happen. LOHOFELU)W> ly:' AUTOanAPM-ALBUM VERSES. LOYE. There are in love tlie extremes of touch'd desire, — The noblest brightness or the coarsest fire ! In vulgar bosoms vulgar wishes move : Nature guides choice, and as men think they love. In the loose passion men profane the name, Mistake the purpose, and pollute the flame : In nobler bosoms friendship's form it takes, And sex alone the lovely difference makes. Aakok Hill. Oh, happy state! when souls each other draw, When love is liberty, and Nature law! All then is full, possessing and possess'd, No craving void left aching in the breast. Ev'n thought meets thought, ere from the lips it part. And each warm wish springs mutual from the heart. Pope. Almighty love! what wonders are not thine! Soon as thy influence breathes upon the soul. By thee the haughty bend the suppliant knee, By thee the hand of avarice is opened Into profusion ; by thy power the heart Of cruelty is melted into softness ; The rude grow tender, and the fearful bold. PATTEIiSON. Soon as thy letters trembling I unclose, That well-known name awakens all my woes. Oh, name for ever sad! for ever dear! Still breath'd in sighs, still usher'd with a tear! POPB. AUTOQRAfB.ALBVM VMBBE8. 173 L07E. Oh, happy love! where love like this is found! Oh, heartfelt raptures! bliss beyond compare I've paced much this weary mortal round. And sage experience bids me this declare: If heaven a draught of heavenly pleasure spare, One cordial in this melancholy vale, 'Tis when a youthful, loving, modest pair, In other's arms breathe out the tender tale, Beneath the milk-white thorn that scents the evening gale. Burns, True love's the gift which God has given To man alone beneath the heaven. It is not fantasy's hot fire. Whose wishes, soon as granted, fly; It liveth not in fierce desire, — With dead desire it doth not die. It is the secret sympathy, The silver link, the silken tie. Which heart to heart, and mind to mind, In body and in soul can bind. Scott. In peace, love tunes the shepherd's reed ; In war,"he mounts the wamor's steed; In halls, in gay attire is seen ; In hamlets, dances on the green: Love rules the court, the camp, the grove. And men below and saints above; For love is. heaven, and heaven is love. SCXJIT. j^4 AUTOOUAPlLAJ.lli'M VKlisJ^JS. LOVE. In joyous youth, what soul hath never known Thought, feeling, taste, harmonious to its own? Who hath not praised while Beauty's pensive eye Ask'd from his heart the homage of a sigh? Who hath not own'd, with rapture-stricken frame. The power of grace — the magic of a name? Camfbeli. Oh, love ! in such a wilderness as this, Where transport and security entwine, Here is the empire of thy perfect bliss, And here thou art a god indeed divine ! Hire shall no forms abridge, no hours confine. The views, the walks, that boundless joy inspire! Roil on, ye days of raptur'd influence, shiae ! Xor blind with ecstacy's celestial fire. Shall love behold the spark of earth-bom love expire. Caupbeix. Can chance of seeing first thy title prove? And know'st thou not no law is made for love? Law is to things which to free choice relate ; Love is not in our choice, but in our fate : Laws are but positive ; love's power, we see, Is Nature's sanction, and her first degree. Dktden. I pray thee love — love me no more, Call home the heart you gave me; I but in vain that saint adore, That can, but will not save me. SBArron, AUTOORAPH-ALBUM YEItSEa. i75 LOVE. Love's boly flame forever burneth, — From heaven it came, to heaven returnoth: Too oft on earth a troubled guest, — At times deceived, at times opprest. It here is tried, and purified, Then hath in heaven its perfect rest: It soweth here with toil and care, But the harvest-time of love is there. SoumEY Alas ! how light a cause may move Dissension between hearts that love! Hearts that the world in vain had tried, And sorrow but more closely tied ; — That stood the storm when waves were rough, Yet in a sunny hour fall off, — Like ships that have gone down at sea. When heaven was all tranquillity. MOOKK To see thee every day that came, And find thee every day the same, — In pleasure's smile or sorrow's tear, The same benign consoling dear! To meet thee early, leave thee late, Has been so long my bliss, my fate, That now I feel thy love's sweet ray. Which came, like stmshine, every day, And all my pain — my sorrow — chas'd, 3hiaes on a lone and loveless waste. ifOOBI. 176 AUTOOMAPH-ALBUM VERSES. LOVE. Oh, magic of love ! uiieinbellish.'d by yoU, Has the garden a blush or the herbage a hue? Or biooms there a prospect in Nature or art, Like the vista that shines through the eye to the heart? MOOBE Nay, tempt me not to love again! There was a time when love was sweet: Dear Nea, had I known thee then, Our souls had not been slow to meet! But, oh, this weary heart hath run So many a time the rounds of pain, Not e'en for thee, thou lovely one. Would I endure such pangs again. MOORJt. Oh, thou shalt be all else to me, That heart can feel or tongue can feign! m praise, admire, and worship thee. But must not, dare not, love again ! Li pleasure's dream or sorrow's hour, In crowded hall or lonely bower, The business of my soul shall be Forever to remember thee! MOOBS. There's not a look — a word — of thine, My soul hath e'er forgot; Thou ne'er hast bid a ringlet shine, Nor given thy locks one graceful twine, Which I remember not. Mooes. ^'OTdOBAPH-ALBUM VESaES. 177 liOVE. Oh, what, while 1 could hear and see Such words and looks, was heaven to me? Though gross the air on earth I drew, 'Twas blessed while she breath'd it too! Though dark the flowers, though dim the sky. Love lent them light while she was nigh. Moons Oh, had we nerer, never met! Or could this heart e'en now forget! How link'd, how bless'd we might have been, Had fate not frown'd so dark between! MOOBH. Let us now, in whisper'd joy, Evening's silent hours employ: Silence best, and conscious shades, Please the hearts that love invades: Other pleasures give them pain, — Lovers all but love disdain. Db. JoKNBon. A mighty pain to love it is, And 'tis a pain that pain to miss ; But of aU pains, the greatest pain It is to love, but love in vain. Love was to his impassion'd soul Not, as with others, a mere part Of his existence, but the whole — The very life-blood of his heart. COWLET, MOO^Sp 1 78 AUTOOBAPE-ALBUM VEBSES. LOVE. Oh, love, love well! — ^but only once, for never shall the dream Of youthful hope return again on life's dark roiling stream. Mbs. TSov.'KiV Love not — ^love not — the thing you love may cbacge. The rosy lips may cease to smile on you ; The kindly beaming eye grow cold and strange, The heart still warmly beat, — but not for you. Mss. KOIITON. Into my heart a silent look Flash'd from thy careless eyes, And what before was shadow, took The light of summer skies. The first-born love was in that look: The Venus rose from out the deep Of those inspiriug eyes. EULWEB- Then youth, thou fond believer I The wily syren shun : Who trusts the gay deceiver Will surely be undone! When Beauty triumphs, ah, beware! Her smile is hope! — her frown despair! ilOxruOMKBT The cold in clime are cold in blood, — Their love can scarce deserve the name ; But mine was like the lava flood That boils in .Etna's breast of flame. BTBO!! SUTOORAPB-ALBUM VERSES. 175 LOVEES. Ah, I remember well (and how can I But evermore remember well) when first Our flame began, when scarce we knew what was The flame we felt; when as we sat and sigh'd And look'd upon each other, and conceiv'd Not what we ail'd, — yet something we did ail; And yet were well, and yet we were not wel'. And what was our disease we could not tell. Then would we kiss, then sigh, then look, and thus In that first garden of our simpleness AVe spent our childhood. But when years began To reap the fruit of knowledge, ah, how then Would she with graver looks, with sweet stern brow, Check my presumption and my forwardness ; Yet still would give me flowers, still would me show What she would have me, yet not have me know. Chables Lamu They never lov'd as thou and I, Wlio minister'd the moral. That aught which deepens love can lie In true love's lightest quarrel. They never knew, in times of fear, The safety of Affection ; Nor sought, when angry Fate drew near^ Love's Altar for protection. They never knew how kindness grows A vigil and a care, Nor watch'd beside the heart's repose In sUence and in prayer. Bdi,w7?r. i8o AUTOGRAPH-ALBUM VERSES. LOVERS. The rolling wheel, that runneth often round, The hardest steel in tract of time doth tear; And drizzling drops, that often do redound, Firmest flint doth in continuance wear: Yet can not I, with many a dropping tear. And long entreaty, soften her hard heart. That she will once vouchsafe my plaint to hear. Or look with pity on my painful smart: But when I plead, she bids me play my part; And when I weep, she says tears are but water; And when I sigh, she says I know the art ; And when I wail, she turns herself to laughter: So I do weep and wail, and plead in vain, Wliile she as steel and flint doth stUl remain. SPEKSEll They parted as all lovers part, — She with her wrong'd and breaking heart; £ut he rejoicing to be free. Bounds like a captive from his chain. And wilfully believing she Hath found her liberty again ; Or if dark thoughts wUl cross his mind, They are but clouds before the wind. Miss Laxdon, This hand hath oft been held by one "Who now is far away; And here I sit and sigh alone, ^^hrough all the weary day. BAnji^. AtlTOGRAPn-ALBTTM: VERSES. i8x LOVERS. It is my soul that calls upon thy name : How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues by night, Like softest music to attending ears. Sl]AK6FEAIUi If thou remember' st not the slightest folly That ever love did make thee run into, Thou hast not lov'd. Shakspeaub. Lovers' eyes more sharply sighted be Than other men's, and in dear love's delight See more than any other eyes can see. Spenber, And had he not long read The heart's hush'd secret, in the soft dark eye Lighted at his approach, and on the cheek, Coloring all crimson at his lightest look? Mias Lakdox. Our love it ne'er was reckon'd, Tet good it is and true ; It's half the world to me, dear. It's all the world to you! Hood. Let us love now, in this our fairest youth, "When love can find a full and fond return. Percitau Never thread was spun so fine. Never spider stretch'd the line, Would not hold the lovers true That would reaUy swing for you. O. W. Hoi.rE6, 2 AUTOORAPB-ALBUM VERSES. MAEEIAGE. Then come the wild weather, — come sleet or come snow, "We will stand by each other, however it blow ; Oppression and sickness, and sorrow and pain, Shall be to our true love as links to the chain. LOSGFKLLOW. I bless thee for kind looks and words Shower'd on my path hke dew; For all the love in those deep eyes, — A gladness ever new ! For the voice which ne'er to mine replied, But in kindly tones of cheer; For every spring of happiness My soul hath tasted here ! Mrs. HEiL4>'e. Though fools spurn Hymen's gentle powers. We, who improve his golden hours. By sweet experience know That marriage, rightly understood, Gives to the tender and the good A paradise below. Cotton. To cheer thy sickness, watch thy health ; Partake, but never waste thy wealth ; Or stand vrith smUe unmurmuring by, And lighten half thy poverty. Domestic happiness, thou only bliss Of Paradise that has surviv'd the fall ! Btros CoWlTiK. MOOEK AUTOGRAPH- ALBUM VEBaBB. MAKEIAGE. Although my heart, in earlier youth, Might kindle with more wild desire, Believe me, it has gain'd iu truth Much more than it has lost in fire : The flame now warms my inmost core, That then but sparkled on thy brow; And though I seem'd to love thee more, Yet, oh, I love thee better now. I bless thee for the noble heart. The tender and the true, Where mine hath found the happiest rest That e'er fond woman's knew: I bless thee, faithful friend and guide, For my own, my treasur'd share, In the mournful secrets of thy soul, In thy sorrow and thy care. Mas. Heiluis. I saw her, and I lov'd her, — I sought her, and I won ; A dozen pleasant su tnmers. And more, since then have run; And half as many voices Now prattling by her side, Eemind me of the autumn When she became my bride. Thouas Macebllab, Oh, marriage! marriage! what a curse is thine, Where hands alone consent and hearts abhor. Hiu. 1 84 AtTTOOitAPB-ALBlTM VSJiSM. MAEEIAGE. On thee, blest youth, a father's hand confers The maid thy earliest, fondest wishes knew; Each soft enchantment of the soul is hers ; Thine be the joys to firm attachment due. BOGEBS Oh, married love! — each heart shall own, Where two congenial souls unite. Thy golden chains inlaid with down. Thy lamp with heaven's own splendor bright. Labghohnb, Not for the summer-hour alone, When skies resplendent shine. And youth and pleasure fill the throne. Our hearts and hands we twine ; But for those stern and wintry days Of peril, pain, and fear. When Heaven's wise discipline doth make This earthly journey drear. Mr8. SIGOL'KNET. The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear; And something, every day they live. To pity, and perhaps forgive. COWTER Marriage to maids is like a war to men ; The battle causes fear, but the sweet hopes Of winning at the last, still draws 'em in. JjOtt AVTOGRAPS-ALBUM VEMBS. igj MEMOBY. We will revive those times, and in onr memories Preserve, and still keep fresh, like flowers in water, Those happier days ; when at our eyes our souls Kindled their mutual fires, their equal beams Shot and return'd, till link'd and twin'd in one, They chain'd our hearts together. Ask the faithful youth Why the cold urn of her whom long he lov'd So often fiUs his arms, — so often draws His lonely footsteps at the silent hour To pay the mournful tribute of his tears? Oh, he will tell thee that the wealth of worlds Should ne'er seduce his bosom to forego That sacred hour, when, stealing from the noise Of care and envy, sweet remembrance soothes With virtue's kindest looks his aching breast, And turns his tears to rapture. Akeksidb, Lull'd in the countless chambers of the brain, ' Our thoughts are link'd by many a hidden chain: Awake but one, and lo ! what myriads rise ! Each stamps its image as the other flies 1 BOSEIU. Come, flattering memory ! and tell my heart How kind she was, and with what pleasing art She strove its fondest wishes to obtain, Confirm her power, and faster bind my chain. LrrTLETOM 1^6 AUTOQRAPB-ALBUM VERSES. MEMOET. But ever and anon of griefs subdued, There comes a token like a scorpion's sting, Scarce seen, but with fresh bitterness imbued; And shght vrithal may be the things which bring Back on the heart the weight which it could fling Aside forever : it may be a sound — A tone of music — summer's eve — or spring, A flower — the wind — the ocean — which shall wound, Stiiking the electric chain wherewith we are darkly bound. And how and why we know not, nor can trace Home to its cloud this lightning of the mind; But feel the shook renew'd, nor can efface \ The blight and blackening which it leaves behind, S Which out of things familiar, undes?gn'd, \ When least we deem of such, calls up to view \ The spectres whom no exorcism can bind, — The cold — the chang'd — perchance the dead — anew, The raourn'd, the lov'd, the lost, — too memyl yet how fewl Byboh Oh, Memory! thou fond deceiver, Still importunate and vain, To former joys recurring ever, And turning all the past to pain. Thou, like the world, th' opprest oppressing, Thy smiles increase the wretch's woe! And he who wants each other blessing In thee must ever find a foe. GOIDSMITB. AUfOOMAPH.ALBTfM VESBES. 187 MEMORY. Memories on memories! to my soul again There come such dreams of vanish'd love and bliss, That my wrung heart, though long inur'd to pain, Sinks with the fullness of its wretchedness. FucEBB Caret, Hail, memory, hail! In thy exhanstless mine. From age to age unnumber'd treasm-es shine ! Thought and her shadowdy brood thy call obey, And place and tune are subject to thy sway! BOGESS. Number the riches by thy memory hoarded. Belies of joys thy by-past yearo have known, — How many real things are there recorded? How much true light was o"er thy pathway thrown? MR6. Embukt. Still o'er these scenes my memory wakes, And fondly broods with miser care; Time but the impression deeper makes, As streams their channels deeper wear. Busks. AVij tell me not that memory Sheds gladness o'er the past: What is recaU'd by faded flowers Save that they do not last? Were it not better to forget, Than but remember and regret? Mms Lakdok i88 AtTTOQBAPS-ALBtfM VERSMa. MERCY. Tlie quality of mercy is not strain'd: It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath : it is twice bless'd ; It blesseth him that gives, and ViiTn that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown. SHAKfiPEABK The world wotild be lonely. The garden a wilderness left to deform, If the flowers but remember'd the chilling winds only, And the fields gave no verdure for fear of the storm. Chasles Swain. MEEIT. Good actions crown themselves with lasting bays, Who deserves well, needs not another's praise. Heath. Be thou the first true merit to befriend, His praise is lost who waits till all commend. Pops. There's a proud modesty in merit, Averse from asking, and resolv'd to pay Ten times the gifts it asks. Dbxdh. MIND. Our souls at least are free, and 'tis in vain We would against them make the flesh obey, ■ The spirit in the end will have its way. Btson. Atlt'OOjiAPB-ALBUM YEBSES. 189 MIBTH. ■While her laugh, ftill of life, without any control, But the sweet one of gracefulness, rung from her soul And where it most sparkled, no glance could discover, In lip, cheek, or eyes, for she brighten'd all over, Like any fair lake that the breeze is upon, When it breaks into dimples, and laughs in the sun. MOOBB. How brilliant and mirthful the light of her eye, Like a star glancing out from the blue of the sky! Whittieb. I look upon the fading flowers Thou gavest me, lady, in thy mirth, And mourn, that with the perishing hours Such fair things perish from the earth; For thus I know the moment's feeling Its own light web of life unweaves. The dearest trace from memory stealing, Like perfume from their dying leaves,^ The thought that gave it, and the flower. Alike the creatures of an hour. And thus it better were, perhaps, — For feeling is the nurse of pain, And joys that Hnger in their lapse Must die at last, — and so are vaiiL Willis. Merry books, once read for pastime, If ye dared to read again. Only memories of the last time Would swim darkly up the brain! HlBS BAnRETE 199 AlTfOQitAPM-ALBUM VERSES. MODESTY. The violet droops its soft and bashful brow, But from its heart sweet incense fills the air-' So rich within — so pure without — art thou, With modest mien and soul of virtue rare. Kbs. Obgooe. The crimson glow of modesty o'erspread Her cheek, and gave new luster to her charms. Dr. Thomas Fhaxkluj. Her looks do argue her replete with modesty. Shakbpeakis. Merit was ever modest known. MOONLIGHT. On such a blessed night as this, I often think if friends were near. How we should feel, and gaze with bliss Upon the moonlight scenery here. The moon I She is the source of sighs, Tho very face to make us sad,^- If but to think in other times The same calm quiet look she had. Gat. KOOllE. Hood. Suns may darken, — heaven be bow'd, — Still unchang'd shall be, Soul-deep here that moonlit cloud, To wMoh I look'd with thee. Miss Baebbtt. AVTOORAPH-ALBUM VERSES. loi MOTHER. I miss thee, my mother, when young health has fled And I sink in the languor of pain : Where, where is the arm that once pillow'd my heaJ, And the ear that once heard me complain? Other hands may support me, gentle accents may fall,- - For the fond and the true are still mine: I've a blessing for each, — I am grateful to all, — But whose care can be as soothing as thine? Eliza Cook Sweet is the image of the brooding dove I Holy as heaven a mother's tender love! The love of many prayers, and many tears, Which changes not with dim declining years, — The only love, which, on this teeming earth, Asks no return for passion's wayward birth. My mother! — manhood's anxious brow And sterner cares have long been mine; Yet turn I to thee fondly now, As when upon thy bosom's shrine My infant griefs were gently hush'd to rest, And thy low-whisper'd prayers my slumber bless' 1 Bethu.v ic My mother! At that holy name Within my bosom there's a gush Of feehng which no time can tame, A feeling which for years of fame I would not, could not, crush! G-EOEGE P. Mor,;;;3 ,j2 AUTOORaPH-ALBUM VERSSa. MOTHEE. Dear mother, of the thousand strings which waken The sleeping harp within the human heart, The longest kept in tune, though oft forsaken, Is that in which the mother's voice hath part: Her still, small voice, which e'en the careless ear Turneth with reverence deep and pure delight to hear. Mrs. EA.\;Lb. Would, mother, thou could'st hear me tell How oft, amid my brief career. For sins and folUes lov'd too well. Hath fallen the free, repentant tear. And, in the waywardness of youth. How better thoughts have given to mo Contempt for error, love for truth, 'Mid sweet remembrances of thee. Aldrich. Yes, I have left the golden shore. Where childhood 'midst the roses play'd: Those sunny dreams will come no more. That youth a long bright Sabbath made. Yet whUe those dreams of memory's eye Arise in many a glittering train. My soul goes back to infancy, And hears my mother's song again! ■Willis Gatloeb Clabk, There is none In all this cold and hollow world, no fount Of deep, strong, deathless love, save that within A mother's heart, Vsia. He>u.\s AUTOOBAPE-ALBUM VEBSE8. *93 MOTHER. A mother's lovel — how sweet the name!- "What is a mother's love ? A noble, pure, and tender flame, Enkindled from above, To blesB a heart of earthly mould; The warmest heart that can grow cold; This is a mother's love. MOHTGOMliRT, Our little ones inquire of me, where is their mother gone? — What answer can I make to them, except with tears alone : For if I say, to heaven, — then the poor things wish to learn How far is it, and where, and when their mother will return. Albiuht Pike. MUSIC. Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, and bend the knotted oak. COSGKliVE. For mine is the lay that lightly floats. And mine are the murmuring dying notes. That fall as soft as snow on the sea, And melt in the heart as instantly! And the passionate strain that, deeply going. Refines the bosom it trembles through. As the musk-wind over the water blowing. Ruffles the wave, but sweetens it too! Moor.a, 194 AUTOORAPE-ALBUM VERSES. MUSIC. But the gentlest of all are those sounds full of feelirin-, That soft from the lute of some lover are stealing, — Some lover who knows all the heart-touching power Of a lute and a sigh in the magical hour. M00l;E It was my evil star above, Not my sweet lute, that wrought me wrong : It was not song that taught me love, But it was love that taught me song. MiSB Lasdox. There's music in the forest leaves, , When summer winds are there. And in the laugh of forest girls, That braid their sunny hair. The first wild bird that drinks the dew. From violets of the spiing, Has music ia his song, and in The fluttering of his vring. Hallecr How music charms! How meter warms ! Parent of actions good and brave! How vice it tames, And worth inflames, And holds proud empire o'er the grave ! Touxo By what strange spell Is it, that ever, when I gaze on flowers, I dream of music? AUTOGRAPE.ALBUM VERSUS. rQS MUSIC. There's music in the sighing of a reed ; There's music in the gushing of a rill ; There's music in all things, if men had ears •, Their earth is but an scho of the spheres. Eyhos Music! — Oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should feeling ever speak When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, — Love's are e'en more false than they ! Oh, 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray! Moose. NAME. What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet. Shaeefease. Good name in man or woman, dear my lord. Is the immediate jewel of their souls. Shaksfeabs. Is thy name Mary, maiden fair? Such should, methinks, its music be. The sweetest name that mortals bear, Were best befitting thee; And she to whom it once was given Was half of earth and half of heaven. O. T^ HOt,MEB, 196 AUTOGEAPH-ALBUM VERSES. NAME. The sweetest tales of human weal and sorrow, The fairest trophies of the limner's fame, To my fond fancy, Mary, seem to borrow Celestial halos from thy gentle name. TUCKEUHAK NATURE. Is this a time to be cloudy and sad, When our mother Nature laughs around? When even the blue deep heavens look glad, And gladness blooms from the blossoming ground 1 Betakt. Man's rich with little, were his judgment true : Nature is frugal, and her wants are few. XOUNS. Who lives to Nature rarely can be poor : Who lives to fancy never can be rich. In contemplation of created things By steps we may ascend to God. The book of Nature, and the print Of beauty on the whispering sea. Give aye to me some lineament Of what I have been taught to be. My heart is harder, and perhaps My manliness hath drunk up tears; And there's a mUdew in the lapse Of a few swift and chequer'd years; But Nature's book is even yet With all my mother's lessons writ. YOUKG. Milton. ■Willis AUTOGRAPH-ALBUM VEB8E8. 197 NOVELTY. Of all the passions that possess mankind, The love of novelty rules most the mind : In search of this, from realm to realm we roam ; Our fleets come fraught with ev'ry folly hoir.e. FOOTJ* OPINION. Opinion is that high and mighty dame Which rules the world ; and in the mind doth frame Distaste or liking; for in human race, She makes the fancy various as the face. Howell. Tet in opinions look not always back; Tour wake is nothing, mind the coming track : Leave what you've done for what you have to do; Don't be "consistent," but be simply true. O. W. Holmes, How much there is self-will would do, "Were it not for the dire dismay That bids ye shrink as ye suddenly think Of "what will my neighbors say?" Eliza Cook. OPPOETUNITY. Miss not the occasion : by the forelock take That subtle Power, the never-halting time, Lest a mere moment's putting-off should make Mischance almost as heavy as a crime. WOBDSWOItTB A little fire is quickly trodden out, Which, being suffer'd, rivers can not quench. igS AUTO on APH. ALBUM VERSES. OPPOETUNITT. The means that heaven yields must be embrac d. And not neglected; else, if heaven would. And we will not, heaven's offer we refuse, The proffer'd means of succor and redress. Shakspea::£ PAEENTS. Honor thy p3,rents, to prolong thine end ; With them, though for a truth, do not contend : Though all should truth defend, do thou lose rathei The truth a while, than lose their love forever: Whoever makes his father's heart to bleed, Shall have a child that will revenge the deed. Eaxdclpk Me let the tender office long engage To rock the cradle of reposing age; With lenient arts extend a mother's breath, M>.ke languor smile, and smooth the bed of death ; Explore the thought, explain the asking eye, And keep awhile one parent from the sky. Pope. PAETING. Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again! I have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins, That almost freezes up the heat of life. Art thou gone so ? My love ! my lord ! my friend ! I must hear from thee ev'ry day i' the hour, For in a minute there are many days 1 Oh, by this count I shall be much in years, Ere I again behold my Komeo ! SH.\s;tir,i',r, AVTOGBAPILALIUTM VMnam. iqo PARTING. Farewell! The leisure and the fearful time Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love. And ample interchange of sweet discourse, ~ Which so long sunder'd friends should dwell upon. God give us leisure for these rites of love! Once more, adieu ! Shake L'BAit£. And whether we shall meet again, I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take: For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius! If we do meet again, why, we shall smUe; If not, why then this parting was well made. Shaksfeabe. And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part: You, as your business, and desire, shall point you; For every man hath business and desire, Such as it is ; and for my own poor part. Look you, I wiU go pray. Shaksfeabb. "With that, wringing my hand, he turns away. And though his tears would hardly let him look, Yet such a look did through his tears make way, As show'd bow sad a farewell there he took. Daniel Enough, that we are parted — that there rolls A flood of headlong fate between our souls. Whose darkness severs me as wide from thee As hell from heaven, to all eternity! MOOBE. 3 AUTOORAPB-ALBUM VERSES. PAETING. They tell me 'tis decided, you depart: 'Tis wise, 'tis well, but not the less a pain; I have no further claim on your young heart, Mine is the -victim, and would be again. To love too much has been the only art I used. I write in haste, and if a stain Be on this sheet, 'tis not what it appears. My eyeballs burn and throb, but have no tears. Btbok When forced to part from those we love, Though siure to meet to-morrow, We yet a kind of anguish prove. And feel a touch of sorrow. But oh, what words can paint the fears, When from those friends we sever, Perhaps to part for months — ^for years — Perhaps to part forever. Anontmoos, Why do I weep? To leave the vine Whose clusters o'er me bend; The myrtle — ^yet, oh, call it mine I — The flowers I lov'd to tend. A thousand thoughts of all things dear. Like shadows o'er me sleep; I leave my sunny childhood here, — Oh, therefore let me weep ! Mbs. Heuank My eyes won't lose the sight of thee, But languish after thine, and ache with gazing. Otway, AUTOORAPII-ALBUM VERSES. 20) PARTING. "We parted in sadness, but spoke not of parting ; We talk'd not of hopes that we both must resign : I saw not her eyes, and but one teardrop starting Pell down on her hand as it trembled in mine : Each felt that the past we could never recover, Each felt that the future no hope could restore, She shudder'd at ringing the heart of her lover, I dared not to say I must meet her no more. Long years have gone by, and the springtime smiles ever As o'er our young loves it first smiled in their birth ; Long years have gone by, yet that parting, oh never Can it be forgotten by either on earth. The note of each wild bird that carols toward heaven Must tell her of swift-winged hopes that were mine, While the dew that steals over each blossom at even Tells me of the teardrop that wept their decline. Hoffman. When thou art gone, there creeps into my heart A cold and bitter consciousness of pain ; The light, the warmth of life, with thee depart, And I sit dreaming o'er and o'er again Thy greeting clasp, thy parting look and tone ; And suddenly I wake — and am alone! Frances Kemblk BuTi.Ea There are two hearts whose movements thrill In unison so closely sweet. That pulse to pulse responsive still, - They both must heave — or cease to beat. Sebnakd Eartok, iQi AUTOeBAPH-ALBUM VEBSSS. PAETING. Once my soul was fondly plighted To a holy one of earth ; Like two music-notes united, — Notes that sever in their bu-th. Yet not sever'd we, though parted, Still in truth our souls are one, Though on earth the gentle-hearted Hath her blessed mission done. DUGASNE. \ One struggle more, and I am free \ From" pangs that rend my heart in twain ; \ One last long sigh to love and thee, I Then back to busy life again. Btkon. Yet, oh yet, thyself deceive not, — Love may sink by slow decay; But by sudden wrench, believe not Hearts can thus be torn away. Think'st thou that I could bear to part With thee, and learn to halve my heart? Have not all past human beings parted, And must not aU the present one day part? Btbok. Btbox. Btboh. Well, peace to thy heart, thouo-h another's it be, And health to thy cheek, though it bloom not for me. MooiUL Ai'TOGHAPH-ALBVM VERSES. 203 PASSIONS. Piissions are likened best to floods and streams, — The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb : So when affections yield discourse, it seems The bottom is but shallow whence they come. They that are rich in words must needs discover They are but poor in that which makes a lover. SiK W. Ealeish. Oh, how the passions, insolent and strong, -IBear our weak minds their rapid course along ; Make us the madness of their vrill obey; Then die, and leave us to our griefs a prey. Crabbe. Oh, Passion's words are faithless things, And Love disowns them ere they fall ; It is the reckless tongue that stings, The tongue that knows not reason's thrall. Hits. Osgood. The cold in cHme are cold in blood, Their love can scarce deserve the name ; But mine was like the lavor-flood That boils in Etna's breast of flame. BlEON, Strange fits of passion have I known; And I will dare to tell But in the lover's ear alone, What once to me befell. ■WOHDSWORTH. The ruling passion, be it what it will. The ruling passion conquers reason still. POPB. S04 AUTOQUAPE-ALBUM VERaBS. PASSIONS. I can not love as I have lov'd, And yet I know not why; It is the one great woe of life To feel all feeling die, — As one by one the heartstrings snap, As age comes on so -chill; And hope seems left that hope may cease, And all will soon be still. And the strong passions, like to storms. Soon rage themselves to rest. Or leave a desolated calm — A worn and wasted breast; A heart that like the Geyser spring, Amidst its bosom snows. May shrink, not rest, — but with its blood Boils even in repose. Bailbt. Alas! too well, too well they know The pain, the penitence, the woe That passion brings down on the best. The wisest, and the loveliest. The wildest ills that darken life Are rapture to the bosom's strife ; The tempest, in its blackest form. Is beauty to the bosom's storm. J. W. Eastbubn, In the himaan breast Two master passions can not co-exist. CjUiFBBLLi HOORI, AtTOORAPB-ALBUM rEMSEa. 20! PASSIONS. When thou art with me every sense is dull, And all I am, or know, or feel, is thee : My soul grows faint, my veins run liquid flame. And my bewilder'd spirit seems to swim In eddying whirls of passion dizzily. Phances Kemble Butleb. PATEIOTISM. Turn from the glittering bribe thy scornful eye. Nor sell for gold what gold could never buy; — The peaceful slumber, self-approving day, Unsullied fame, and conscience ever gay. Dk. Johnson. Our country! 'Tis a glorious land! With broad arms stretch'd from shore to shore, The proud Pacific chafes her strand, She hears the dark Atlantic roar; And nurtur'd on her ample breast, How many a goodly prospect lies In Nature's wildest grandeur drest, Enamell'd with the loveliest dyes. W. J. Pabodie. 'Tis homefelt pleasure prompts the patriot's sigh; This makes him wish to live, and dare to die. Cakpbeu. PERSEVEEANCE. Stick to your aim! The mongrel's hold will slip; But only crowbars loose the bulldog's lip ! Small as he looks, the jaw that never yields Drags down the bellowing monarch of the fields. O. W. HOLMEB, ioh AUTOCHAP!, ALBVM VErXP.'^. PEESEVERANCE. Attempt the end, and never stand to donbt ; ITothincf's so hard but search will find it out. Eerrick. The proudest motto for the young, — Write it in lines of gold Upon thy heart, and in thy mind The stirring -words enfold; And in misfortune's dreary hour. Or fortune's prosperous gale, 'Twill have a holy, cheering power, — "There's no such word as fail/" Mrs. Neau PHILOSOPHY. Oh, who that has ever had rapture complete, Y^ould ask how we feel it, or why it is sweet ; How rays are confus'd, or how particles fly Through the medium refin'd of a glance or a sigh! Is there ore who but once would not rather have known it Than written, with Harvey, whole volumes upon it? HOORB. PITT. Oh, brother man! fold to thy heart thy brother; Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there. Whittier. I pity him, but must not dare to show it: It adds to some men's misery not to know it. BKOMB. The truly brave are soft of heart and eyes, And feel for what their duty bids them do. BiBOS. AUTO OB APE- ALBUM VERSES. 207 POETBY. Leave me not yet ! Leave me not cold and lonely, Thou dear ideal of my pining heart! Tiiou art the friend — the beautiful — the only, Whom I would keep if all the world depart: Thou tlmx doth veil the frailest flower with glory, Spirit of light, and loveliness, and truth ! — Thou chat didst tdll me a sweet fairy story Of tlie dim future, in my wistful youth; — Tuju who canst weave a halo round the spirit. Through which nought mean or evil dare intrude, Ejsume not yet the gift which I inherit From Heaven and thee, that dearest, hoHest good ! Leave me not now ! Leave me not cold and lonely, Thou starry prophet of my pining heart! Thou art the friend — the tenderest — the only, With whom, of all, 'twould be despair to part. Hus. USQOOD, With no fond, sickly thirst for fame, I kneel Oh, goddess of the high-born art to thee! Not unto thee, with semblance of a zeal, I come, oh pure and heaven-eyed Poesy! Thou art to me a spirit and a love, Fslt ever from the time when first the earth, Ih 'ts green beauty, and the sky above Inform'd my soul with joy too deep for mirth. I was a child of thine before my tongue Could lisp its infant utterance unto thee ; And now, albeit from my harp are flung Discordant numbers, and the song may be That which I would not, yet I know that thou The offering will not spurn, while unto thee I bow. MB8. E OaKES SMITa 8o8 AUTOGBAPE-ALBUM VEBSE8. POETRAIT. Thy beauty, not a fault is there! No queen of Grecian line E'er braided more luxuriant hair O'er forehead more divine ! The light of midnight's starry heaven Is in those radiant eyes, — The rose's crimson Hfe has given That cheek its glovfing dyes. And yet I love thee not : thy brow Is but the sculptor's mould ; It wants a shade — it wants a glow — It is less fair than cold. Miss LAjiSoii I've gazed on many a brighter face, But ne'er on one, for years, Where beauty left so soft a trace As it had left on hers ; But who can paint the spell that wove A brightness round the whole ! 'Twould take an angel from the skies To paint the immortal soul, — To trace the light, the inborn grace. The spirit spaiMing o'er her face. Mrs. Welbi There ever is a form, a face Of maiden beauty in my dreams, Speeding before me, like the race To ocean of the mountain streams, — With dancing hair and laughing eyes, That seem to mock me as it flies. Hai . i . f cs AUTOOBAPH-ALBUM VERSES. 309 POKTRAIT. Oh, serious eyes! how is it that the light, The burning rays that mine pour into ye, Still find ye cold, and dead, and dark as night, — Oh, lifeless eyes! can ye not answer me? Oh, lips whereon my own so oft hath dwelt. Hath love's warm, fearful thrilling touch no spell To waken sense in ye? — Oh, misery! Oh, breathless lips ! can ye not speak to me? Thou soulless mimicry of life, my tears Fall scalding over thee. In vain, in vain, I press thee to my heart, whose hopes and fears Are all thine own! Thou dost not feel the strain. Oh, thou dull image! Wilt thou not reply To my fond prayers and wild idolatry? Fkakces Kemble Butleb. Oh, it is life! Departed days Fling back their brightness while I gaze! 'Tis Emma's self! — this brow so fair, Half curtain'd in this glossy hair; These eyes, the very home of love, The dark twin arches traced above, These red-ripe lips that almost speak, The fainter blush of this pure cheek, The rose and lily's beauteous strife, — It is — ah, no! — 'tis all but life! Sfraguk. Thy picture, in my memory now Js fair as morn and fresh as May! WlLH» ?lo AUTOGRAPH-ALBUM VERSES. POYERTY. Through tatter'd clothes small vices do appear: Kobes and furr'd gowns hide all. S:uK£r£Aiik, Oh, grant me, heaven, a middle state, — Neither too humble nor too great; More than enough for Nature's ends, With something left to treat my friends. Mallet Ay, idleness! The rich folks never fail To find some reason why the poor deserve Their miseries. SOUTBEl. Speak gently, kindly, to the poor; Let no harsh term be heard; They have enough they must endure Without an unkind word. What doth the poor man's son inherit/ Stout muscles and a sinewy heart; A hardy frame, a hardier spirit ; King of two hands, he does his pari In every useful toil and art; A heritage, it seems to me, A king might wish to hold in fee. J. B LoWBJ* Oh, reason not the need ; our basest beggars Are in the poorest thing superfluous; Allow not nature more than nature needs, Man's life is cheap as beast's. AUTOGRAPH.ALBUM VERSES. 2ri PRAISE. Commend but sparingly whom thou dost love; But less condemn whom thou dost not approve ; Thy friend, like flattery, too much praise doth wrong; And too sharp censure shows an evil tongue. DliNIIAH. The love of praise, how'er conceal'd by art, Reigns, more or less, and glows in every heart: The proud to gain it toils on toils endure, The modest shun it but to make it sure. TOUNG. Praising what is lost. Makes the remembrance dear. Shakbfearb. PRAYER. My words fly up, my thoughts remain below : Words, without thoughts, never to heaven go. SlIAKSFEARE. Temporal blessings heaven doth often share Unto the wicked, at the good man's prayer. QUABLES. The saints will aid, if men will call; For the blue sky bends over all. Coleridge. Oh, still my fervent prayer will be — "Heaven's choicest blessings rest on thee!" Miss Gould PRIDE. Of all the causes which conspire to blind Man's erring judgment, and misguide the mind, What the weak head vsdth strongest bias rules, Jb pride, the never-failing vice of fools. POFE. 212 AUTOQRAPH-ALBUM VERSES. PRIDE. Spite of all the. fools that pride has made, 'Tis not on man a useless burthen laid: Pride has ennobled some, and some disgraced; It hurts not in itself, but as 'tis placed; When right, its views know none but virtue's bound; When wrong, it scarcely looks one inch around. SnLLlNGFLBBX PEOPOSAi. Have I not managed my contrivance well, To try your love and make you doubt of mine? Betiiek Take my esteem, if you on that can live, For frankly, sir, 'tis all I have to give. Dbiden. On you, most loved, with anxious fear I wait. And from your judgment must expect my fate. ADDIBON. Forever thine, whate'er this world betide, — In youth, iu age, thine own, forever thine. A. A. Waits. Never wedding, ever wooing. Still a lovelorn heart pursuing. Bead you not the wrong you're doing. In my cheek's pale hue? All my life with sorrow strewing, — Wed, or cease to woo. Caufbeli^. On your hand, that pure altar, I vow. Though I've look'd, and have lik'd, and have felt, — That I never have lov'd — until now. JI. G. Lpwis. AUTOORAPH-ALBUM VERSEB. 21 J PEOPOSAL. Look how the blue- eyed riolets Glance love to one another! • Their little leaves are whispering The vows they may not smother. The birds are pouring passion forth In every blossoming tree, — If flowers and birds talk love, lady, Why not we? T. Buchanan Keed. Oh, lady ! there be many things That seem right fair above ; But sure not one among them aU Is half so sweet as love : Let us not pay our vows alone, But join two altars into one. O. W. HOLMEb PRUDENCE. Look forward what's to come, and back what's past, Thy life will be with praise and prudence graced ; "What loss or gain may follow, thou may'st guess ; Thou then wilt be secure of the success. Dekhah. PURITY. 'Tis not the fairest form that holds The mildest, purest soul, within ; 'Tis not the richest plant that folds The sweetest breath of fragrance in. EuFus Dawes. Be purity of life the test, — Leave to tie heart, to heaven, the rest. gpuAGua SJ+ AUTOGRAPB-ALBUM TERSES. PUEITY. Fair girl, by whose simplicity My spirit has been won From the stern earthliness of life, As shadows flee the sun, — I turn again to think of thee, And half deplore the thought. That for one instant, o'er my soul, Forgetfulness hath wrought ! I turn to that charmed hour of hope, "When first upon my view Came the pure sunshine of thine heart, Borne from thine eyes of blue. 'Twas thy high purity of soul — Thy thought-revealing eye — That placed me spellbound at thy feet. Sweet wanderer from the sky. Willis G. Cla Spring has no blossom fairer than thy face ; Winter no snow-wreath purer than thy mind ; The dewdrop trembling to the morning beam Is like thy smile — pure, transient, heaven-refin'd. MBS. L. J. PlERSON Sweet beauty sleeps upon thy brow, And floats before my eyes ; As meek and pure as doves art thou, Or beings of the skies. HOBERT MoliBIS A lovelier nymph the pencil never drew ; For the fond graces formed her easy mien, And heaven's soft azure in her eve was seen. Hatlex AtTTOORAPB-ALBUM VauaHSS. 2 REMEMBEANCE. There's not an hour Of day, or dreaming night, but I am with thee: There's not a wind but whispers of thy name; And not a flower that sleeps beneath the moon, But in its fragrance tells a tale Of thee. Pkoctob. There's not a look — a word — of thine, My soul hath e'er forgot: Thou ne'er hast bid a ringlet shine, Nor given thy locks one graceful twine. Which I remember not. MOORB. Remember me, I pray ; but not In Flora's gay and blooming hour. When every brake hath found its note. And sunshine smiles in every flower; But when the falling leaf is sere. And withers sadly from the tree. And o'er the ruins of the yeai' Cold autumn weeps, — remember me. Edward Evekett. Man hath a weary pilgrimage, As through the world he wends ; On every stage, from youth to age, Still discontent attends. With heaviness he casts his eye Upon the road before. And still remembers, with a sigh. The days that are no more. SOUTBIT. ir6 AUTOdRAPE.ALBUM fMRSMS. REMEMBEANCE. I think of thee when morning springs From sleep, with plumage bath'd in duewi And, like a young bird, lifts its wings Of gladness on the welkin blue: And when, at noon, the breath of love O'er flower and stream is wandering fre^ And sent in music from the grove, I think of thee — I think of thee. I think of thee, when, soft and wide, The evening spreads her robes of light, And, Kke a young and timid bride, Sits blushing in the arms of night: And when the moon's sweet crescent springs In light o'er heaven's wide waveless sea, And stars are forth, like blessed things, I think of thee — I think of thee. Geoege D. Pbenticb, REPUTATION. Thy credit wary keep, 'tis quickly gone : Being got by many actions, lost by one. Eaot>olph. SENSIBILITY. The soul of music slumbers in the shell, Till wak'd and kindled by the master's spell; And feeling hearts — touch them but lightly — pour A thousand melodies unheard before. Sogers. Our sensibilities are so acute, The fear of being silent makes us mute. CaWFEB VALENTINES OF PROFESSIONS AND TRADES. FROM A BAKER. To do you justice I've no power; Tou're fair as finest wheaten flour, And in your pure and spotless breast The heart is lighter than my yeast: And could you be my Valentine, I'm sure you would be superfine. Though brightly still my ovens glow, Ah, now I find my "cake's all dough!" My struggling heart attracts the fire, — Victim of Cupid's fearful ire, — Come to me, in my utmost need. And to my earnest suit give heed : Within your hand — if you're my wife — m place the very bread of life. ANSWER. There's nought I like beneath the sun More than to have my baking done; And so your stockings I will dam, And after that I'll spin street-yam; For your nice gingerbreads I pine, My sweet and crispy Valentine. '.i'J. VALEA'TINE VEBSJES. FBOM A BIiACKSanTH. Let the weak dandy Simper and sigh on. Here's a true hand To grapple with iron! From my good bellows One puff, I know, Such lardy-dardys Idghtly would blow. On your heart's anvil My true love I lay: If the dear place it can fill. Take it, I pray. My life is a true one, Though I work at ^e forge. And for girls, I ne'er knew one, Such as you are, — by George! Let's be welded together By Hymen's bright chain; And we'll wear the strong tether Through sunshine and rain. ANSWER. To your clouded vision I may seem over nice ; But hear my decision, — Pm alarm'd at your vice/ But if you'U reform, sir, Let it quickly be done, — We will weld with hearts wann, sir. Our two li?iks in one. Valentine vkhses. 21^ FROM A MUSICIAN. In vain I turn to book, or note, For I have all your charms by rote; My hand's unstrung, — my cheek is pale,— . My love has reached the highest scale; Though not ill-natured or morose, O, I'm always playing penseroso; For, softened by my fair enslaver. Each accent turns into a quaver; But when I look in her sweet face, I feel that I am all too base; And when a little note I'd pen her, I find that I have lost my tenor; And though it can not be my fault, O, My animato's sunk to alto. Oh, say then, dearest, even yet, Tou'U join me in a life-duet; You only can my fate control, O, Then pity, and relieve my solo; And on thy full and tender breast. Oh let me find my final rest. ANSWER. I could almost deny, for sport. For making love is still yow: forte; My heart is tender as your flute, And it shall be your own life-lute; And from its true and trembling strings Your hand shall wake sweet echoings. Then come tmA practice the Aedir part That's set to music in my heart; And in Love's harmony divine, Our lives shah pass, my Valentine. Valentine verses. PROM A TAILOB. Ah, while I furnish yoiir gallants With waistcoat, and surtout, With tunic, blouse, and finest pants, You I can never suit. Needles and shears are growing dull,— . My goose is getting cold, — The nap of life is wearing off From pleasure's velvet fold. I stretch myself upon the board, And dream you're in my arms; I've lost all trace of appetite, — Even cabbage has no charms. Fair maiden, at your feet I fall, — You are my only treasure ; I love you, dearest, over-all, — I love you beyond measure. ANSWER. Sir, from your wit I claim a truce,— Do not mistake me for your goose. By sympathy I know you're true, — For Cupid's dart has pricked me too. We simple girls have no deep arts, — Though you are cabbaging our hearts s And if you will accept of mine, I'll take you for my Valentine. VALh]2iTiyi: VKIitiJiS. air FBOM A WEAVEB. I'm smitten with your beauty — You see I am no fop — Then from the path of duty. Your mind I'll never warp. In vain from your svyeet image My heart would stand aloof, A true love-knot'e raj pattern — And your bright hair my woof. My bobbins all get snarly — My shuttle goes astray — So, without further parley, Be my bitting, dear, I pray. ANSWER. I dare say you suppose yourself To be most wondrous killing;— You'll please to let my hair alone And get some other JiUing. -o- FKOm A BREWER. Of all perfection you're the essence : You've made my heart an effervescences And now it is so great a load I think it must, ere long, explode. My barley's fine, — and all my malt You would pronounce without a fault. My cup so sparkling will appear. You'd never think it was small beer. VALENTINE VEBSEB. Then tell me, shall I not be thine? -• For you must be my Valentine. ANSWBB. I'd like a little ginger-pop, And small beer made of spruce, or hop; So to your suit I do incline, My effervescent Valentine. o FBOM A SAILOK. If you'U take me for your convoy, Through hfe we'll never part, For I have cast my anchor, Forever in your heart. I'll strengthen all your cables, And brace each tapering spar; Through the voyage I'll set my compass^ By your eye, sweet polar star. ?Iy rigging you shall overhaul — My stockings you shall darn; And while you do the mending, You shall never want a yarn. ANSWER. Ha, Mr. Jack, You're taken aback, You must be in a dream, sir. If you think I'd marry Tom, Dick, or Harry, I am not, what I seem, sir. VALENTINE VERSES. FBOM AN ASTKONOUEB. I'll track the orbit of your love, You'll never turn me from it; I can not read the lore above; For you are now my comet. And you shall be my own fixed star. To bless me morn and even ; For O, your eyes are brighter far. Than all the stars of Heaven. ANSWEB. Stooping down from the stars, From youf Venus and Mars, I think you have come rather soon, sir, But look through your lenses, To find your stray senses — I'll not marry u. man in the moon; sir FBOU A CABPEKTDA. I am a jolly carpenter— I go forth with the sun, And I rejoice at eventide To see my work well done. For the wicked and designing I can never be a tool/ For by justice all my life I sqtcare. And honesty's my rule. 2 24 VALENTINE VERSES. Then let us call the joiner-priest To mortise us together; And like pillars of one portico , We'll defy both wind and weather. ANSWER. I hke the noble sentiments With which you make your proffer. And with a frankness quite as plain, I do accept your offer. FROM AN EDITOR. Your sweet idea has often dipped Into my choicest manuscript; It tinges poetry and prose, And through all inspiration flows — Sweet subject of my thought and pen — I am the happiest of men! — I'll sing youi' praise in smoothest verse, And in good prose your charms rehearse. To win your love — if that I may — I'll make my very best essay. My news gets measured into stanzas, Whether from Moscow, or from Kansas. My items run out into rhymes — And Journals, Ledgers, Suns, and Times, Are left by scissors unprofaned — By editorial blot unstained — Books — magazines — the old, and new. Are left unread — I'm reading youj VALENTINE VERSES. 225 Tor still your forehead, hair, and lips, The latest solar shade eclipse — Your kisses are the sweet events That shut out horrid aceidents. How could I e'er record a death, For life is in your odorous breath? And Hymen's records find miscarriage In the dear thought of our own marriage! Your eyes divinest are of hlues — Your mind's the deepest fount of new-s — If you'll be mine I'U fear no evil, But daily face the very — devil. ANSWER. Your suit I hear with honest pride. And I wiU be your happy bride ; And whether fortune's dark or fair, Your cares — yoiu* toils — your life — I'll share FKOM A GEEEN-GROCBK. I've cabbage, and I've celery. And bright love-apples plenty; If for pies you take my rhubarb-stalks, You'U find enough for twenty. The root ofeviVs in my roots — There's money in. my mint, And even my leeJcs will leaJc out cash; But you I'U never stint. YALENTIXE VERSES. Then do not thus abuse youi* power, And doom me still to sigh on; For you shall be my cauli-flower^ And I, your dande-lion. ANSWEB. Teu may advertise your onions In love-notes to another; I think they' grew in Bunyan's Slough of Despond, sighing brother! Tou're greener than your ware, sir — ■ And now your doom is spoke — To woo me, should you dare, sir, 'Tis but an art-I-choke. FKOM A MINISTER. Fair maiden, be not vexed. Though I take you for my text. Sweeter than dews of Hermon, 111 make you my life-sermon— And Cupid's winning arts I will divide va. parts. My Firstly shall be kisses, All rich and ripe with blisses— My Secondly embraces. Fit for Venus, or the Graces— My Thirdly shall be union, In Hymen's sweet communion} VALENTINE VERSES. 2-U Old Hogarth's line of beauty Lives in every floating curl, I turn from all my studies, To study you, sweet girl. For Love with his divinest art Has drawn your picture ia my heart ANSWER. My mind you have but spoken, My heart is truly thine ; You may know it by this token. That I'm your Valentine. 844 VALENTINE VERSES. VALENTLN'ES FOR GIYEN NAMES. JULIA. Julia, sweetest of the fair, AH thy charms are rich and rare; Not alone in thee I prize, Blooroing cheeks, and sparkKng eyes; But most of all, though fair thou art, For thy true and tender heart; Yet I -will not be a fool. Even for thee, my charming Juis, ELLEN. Ellen is the girl I seek, Ever unto truth inclined ; In her manners gentle, meek, With a more enchanting mind. Valentines around her sigh ; Yet she coldly passes by. Pause, fair Ellen; hear, I pray! At thy feet my heart I lay. VALENTINE VERSES. 245 £[AK»AKET. Margaret, come unto my arms, And let no weak fear alarm thee; For thy pure and -virtuous charms Ne'er will suffer me to harm thee; My love is thine ; for by this token Death alone shall see it broken. MARY. My affections never vary; They are thiae, my dearest Mary; Sweetest, loveliest, most refined Of the names of woman kind; There is music in the sound Which my very heart hath bound; Chained it, never to be free, By that sweetest spell to thee. JENNY. Of all t?ie maidens is there any That can vie with dark-eyed Jekwy? Locks of auburn — glances bright — • Skin of purest lily-white, Underneath whose meltiag snow Eoses and carnations grow. I crown thee now my bosom-queen My witching lassie, peerless Jean. t46 VALBNTINE VERSES. SUSAN. SnsAN — how I love that name — It can never breathe of shame — Gentle as the heart that bears it Blest the youth who takes and shares it! A new Valentine of roses In her cheek each spring discloses To the eye of every swain ; But alas! they sigh in vain! Yet, most lovely Susan, dare I Hope that we are doomed to marry. If so it is you'U find me true, Girl of my heart's love, gentle Sue! FANNY. O, I love thee best of any, — Brilliant and bewitching Fanny! In thine eyes a light I see Which attracts my heart to thee. Scorn me not, my sweet coquette. For I mean to have thee yet. KATE. I am thine, as sure as fate, Bright and mischief-loving Kate. You may mock me with your smiles, And your sly coquettish wUes; But in truth I'd make you mine. Sweetest, dearest Cathaeine. j^ w u i^j -JWi.atw««-J^ VALENTIXE VERSES. 247 SABAH. When I turn from lovely Sarah, Like the bitter floods of Marah, Heavy tears o'erwhelm mine eyes, And to her my spirit flies. Let me lock thee — why thus dally? — Fast in wedlock, dearest Sally I IiAtTBA. To the true and tender Laura Turns the heart that's yearning for her,- Turns to her my kindling soul, Like the needle to the pole. Why then, dearest one, delay 1 Let us name the happy dayl Z.OIS. My heart one vacant waste of woe ia "When I'm parted from my Lois, And her bright bewitching eyes Shine vdth beams from Paradise ; And where'er their light is given, That sweet spot, to me, is Heaven. 248 Valentin in \-EiisEs HARKIET. One that pleads, noTT, hoping that he May find favor with young Hatty, — Would her lips secui-e from waste, And their bright twin cherries taste; For to him the loveliest yet Is the bright-eyed Haeriet. FRANCES. In the gay hall no one dances Like my graceful, gallant Frances ! Hymen's sacred joys to taste Let us to the wedding haste ; Then my heart his heart will thank; For our love shall be a "Fbank." TWAU TA Oh, I feel, when sitting by her, There is none like sweet Maria! Ever tenderest — dearest — best — Reigning empress of my breast! Unto her pure charms I bow,^ Unto her I breathe my vow. J VALENTINE YERaES. "-^,0 HABIA. Hither Maeia, come fly to me boldly, Let not thy look gaze on me so coldly ; Remember the month when all Valentines given, Are registered here and recorded in heaven. My heart, as thou knowest, is triUy thine owu. Then make it at once thy enjoyment and throne. ELIZABETH. Wild with rapture, I am dizzy When I think upon my Lizzy. Elizabeth that queenly name Oft has graced some courtly dame ; But one syllable can bless In the sound of dearest Bess. CAEOLINE. Listen a moment, Caroline; Remember life is fleeting, Delay not in your Valentine, Nor "round the bush" be beating. Now's the day, the time, the tide, To say "I will become your bride." 250 YALSNTINB VERSES. ELIZA. Eliza is a pretty name, and you a pretty girl, As ever the sweet "Polka" danced or waved a gracefm curl; Come, wake from dreamy nothings, and say that you incliae To accept him for your lover, who sends you this Valentine. ANN. Charming, dear, delightful Ann, Say, am I the happy man Unto whom your thoughts incline, As a chosen Valentine ? Answer this, quick as you can. Charming, dear, delightful Ann. JANE. A breast of purity has Jane, She'd never give my heartstrings pain. Like wrinkles in the looking-glass, She'd let my imperfections pass ; Saying in truth and joy divine, "I'll take him for my Valentine." VALENTINE rERSES. ? CHARLES. Chaelet — Chaeles — what shall I call j* w^ Dearest, may no harm befall you! In thy true and faithful bosom Let the sweet affections blossom, And my love be cherished well, — Love which no cold words may teU. FBEDERICK. Feedeeick, dear delightful youth, Blest with beauty, health, and truth ; I your Valentine will be. If you only think of me. Think of me, and none beside, If you wish me for your bride. HENRY. Sweetest Henet, happy Haeey, Say, have you a wish to marry; Let the tune no longer pass Or ere long you'll say "Alas, I have none to claim as mine, Or send a chosen Valentine." J52 VALENTiyE VEMiiEii. JOSEPH. My dearest Joe, my lovely Joe, Nay, never look so strange ; But meet me in the evening, when Tour purse is full of change. We'U ride up in an omnibus, If thus you should incHne, And o'er two glasses of ice ereanii I'll hear your Valentine. EICHARD. I love thee Richard, yes I do, Most devotedly and true ; My Valentine thou surely art, For you have won my virgin heark- DicK, I pray, forget me never, I am thine, and thine forever. WILLIAM. Dearest William, sweetest Billy, Don't stand there and look so siUy. Show your heart, as I do mine, When you receive this Valentinb. KOBEBT. As Valentine's day is at hand, Eobekt dear, The brightest and sweetest of all the new year, When birds are all mating, and cooing with joy, And Cupid looks on like a happy young boy. Then come, dearest Robert, no longer delay, But whisper the moment, the hour, and the day. SAKTTEIi. Samuel, oh, my "Sammy" dear, Know St. Valentine is near ! Come, speak out, my heart to cheer! Let thy love in truth appear, Without favor, without fear, Samuel, oh, my "Sammy" dearl THOMAS. Oh, Thomas, you have won my heart, Of life itself, you form a part ; I sleep, I dream, I pray for thee. Just as I hope you do for me. My Valentine, my joy, my life. Can I become your wedded wife? 254 VALENTINE VERSES. WITH A HEART. 'Tis just a simple heart, you see; But speak the open sesame, And, lo! it now unfolds a store Of its own sweet and cherished lore. There's none on earth I prize above thee^ i^or dearly I have learned to love thee; And even suffering, with thee. Would prove a deeper joy to me Than fairest life with others. Take This trifle, dear one, for my sake; And, in thy spirit's loneliness. To thy dear bosom let it press — And it shall whisper of a form With pure affection quick aud warm — A heart that would devote to thee Its own young love's Lofimty. Oh, bright around thee be the rays Of starry nights, and sunny days ; And never — never — may'st thou know How bitter is the cup of woe. Oh, could I weave a mystic charm All evil influence to disarm, The coming sorrow I'd destroy. And turn its bitterness to joy, — My life for thine I'd gladly yield. And with my own thy bosom shield. VALENTINE VERSES. z^j A WOMAN'S VALENTINE. We met in the golden hours of the passionate montb of June, The winds woo'd the perfumed flowers, to love were the birds atune ; Thine was the tale of gladness, told 'neath the August moon, Mine was the wail of sadness, the heart that was broken soon. We met in the dreary mansion, death in the heavy air, Wild was my soul's expansion, smothered my hopeful prayer; Mine was the frenzied" turning back to the days that were, Thine was the desperate yearning over the cold corpse there. This is my Valentine, dearest, my message of hgpes and fears. To thee, who art best and nearest, — ay, even through thirty years ; Thine, in love's night, to take me, — or still leave tbo boon of tears, — Mine, at the last, to make me thy helpmate whose presence cheers. 256 VALENTINE VERSES. OH, SWEETEST MAID. A sturdy oak, with branches spreading wide, Stood by itself in all its strength and pride ; And tho' the wintry blast blew fierce and long, The tree stood fast, for it was firm and strong. A fragile plant chanced to spiing up close by. And strove in vain to raise its head on high, Till to the tree the plant did closely cling. And then it rose high as the forest king. Oh, sweetest maid, so lovely, pure, and fair, There's none that unto thee I can compare ! Say wilt thou cling to me, wilt thou be mine? Wilt thou accept me for thy Valentine? THE liOVE-SONG OF ETT HEART. Sweetheart, the dawn of Valentine is falling In love-rays o'er the hiU; Star unto star a faint farewell is calling. While the spring world lies still. Awake, sweetheart ! if love hath power to wake thee. Borne on a gale of sighs : Not even in my dreams could I forsake thee, But, sleeping, saw thine eyes. Now, as with fragrant morn I seek thy dwelling, Lo, Nature takes my part ; Birds, streams, and flowers, in tuneful concert telHng The love-song of my heart. VALENTINB VERSES. 257 LOVE BEYOND ALL LOVE. What present shall I give thee, love, to-day, — To-day, when all true lovers offer gifts? Some mystic sea-flower born of glancing spray, Or mermaid's rose-shell from the ocean rifts? Some fragrant blossom grown in fairy jand. Lent by its monarch to our world a while? Or golden fruit gathered on magic strand. With hazard stolen from a fabled isle? For as these poets' wonders are above All fair and bright things that our earth doth hold, So is thy beauty richer, and my love Beyond all love by man to maiden toldl NO LOVE so SWEET AS OTIKS. To-day a million laughing eyes will read Their praises sung in tender Valentine, — Eyes that command, and gentle eyes that plead; And some are bright, yet none so bright as thine. Thousands of loves vnU celebrate this morn With votive verse and symbols of fair flowers ; Loves of young hearts, and loves of lives outworn ; And some are sweet, yet none so sweet as ours. A countless crowd of lovers will declare That for Love's sake they are content to die,— Lovers in hope and lovers in despair ; And some are true, yet none so kiia as L 258 VALENTINE VERSES. TO HY WIFE. The queen of days is that yclept Valentine, Which year by year the circliug sun brings round ; Per then it is that loving hearts incline To be by Love's sweet fetters faster bound. And here's a valentine, brave wife, for thee, Who to my heart for eighteen years hath clung, And round whose knee stand youth and infancy, Whose smiles announce that Love is ever young. What tho' we turn the summit of life's hill, We shall be true unto each other still ; So come, wee wife, and worship at his shrine, As with one voice we praise St. Valentine. THY LOVELY PACE. The Spring's balmy air that is better than wine. The birds, and the brooks, and the blossoming vine. The brightness of Summer, the fragrant woodbine, The treasui'es of Autumn, the meadow-fed kine, The chiU reign of Winter at which we repine. The sea and the shore fi-om the Tyne to the Ehine, Each and ail have a beauty surpassingly fine, — The glories of Natui-e are something divine! But dearer by far to this lone heart of mine Is one lovely face, and, beloved — it is thine! Earth to me would be Eden, the sun brighter shina, With thee for my Eve, and my life-valentiae. VALENTINE TERSES. 243 Old Hogarth's liiie of beauty Lives in every floating curl, I turn from all my studies, To study you, sweet girl. For Love with his divinest art Has drawn your picture in my heart ANSWER. My mind you have but spoken, My heart is truly thine ; Tou may know it by this token. That I'm yoiir Valentine. 244 VALENTINE VERSES. VALBNTmES FOR GIVEN NAMES. JULIA. Julia, sweetest of the fair, All thy charms are rich and rare; Not alone in thee I prize. Blooming cheeks, and sparkling eyes; But most of all, though fair thou art, For thy true and tender heart; Yet I will not be a fool, Even for thee, my charming Julk. EliLEir. EiXEN is the girl I seek, Ever unto truth inclined; In her manners gentle, meek, With a more enchanting mind. Valentines around her sigh; Yet she coldly passes by. Pause, fair EUen; hear, I pray! At thy feet my heart I lay. VALENTINE VERSES. 243 fflABGABET. Margaret, come unto my arms, And let no weak fear alarm thee; For thy pure and virtuous charms Ne'er ■wiU suffer me to harm thee; My love is thine; for by this token Death alone shall see it broken. MAEY. My affections never vary; They are thine, my dearest Mary; Sweetest, loveliest, most refined Of the names of woman kind; There is music in the sound Which my very heart hath bound; Chained it, never to be free. By that sweetest spell to thee. JENNT. Of aU the maidens is there any That can vie with dark-eyed Jenny? Locks of auburn — glances bright^ Skin of purest lily-white. Underneath whose melting snow Koses and carnations grow. I crown thee now my bosom-queen My witching lassie, peerless Jean. 246 VALENTiyE VEMSE8. STTSAN. Susan — how I love that name — It can never breathe of shame — Gentle as the heart that bears it Blest the youth who takes and shares it! A new Valentine of roses In her cheek each spring discloses To the eye of every swain; But alas! they sigh in vain! Yet, most lovely Susan, dare I Hope that we are doomed to marry. If so it is you'll find me true, Girl of my heart's love, gentle Sue! FANNY. O, I love thee best of any, — Brilliant and bewitching Fanny! — In thine eyes a light I see Which attracts my heart to thee. Scorn me not, my sweet coquette. For I mean to have thee yet. KATE. I am thiae, as sure as fate, Bright and mischief-loving Ka.te. Tou may mock me with your smiles. And your sly coquettish wUes; But ia truth I'd make you mine, Sweetest, dearest Gathaeine. J VALE N TIKE VER8M8. 447 SAKAH. "When I turn from lovely Saeah, Like the bitter floods of Marah, Heavy tears o'erwhelm mine eyes, And to her my spirit flies. Let me lock thee — -why thus dally? — Fast in wedlock, dearest Sally I LATTRA. To the true and tender Laura Turns the heart that's yearning for her,- Tums to her my kindling soul, Like the needle to the pole. Why then, dearest one, delay! Let us name the happy dayl LOIS. My heart one vacant waste of woe is When I'm parted from my Lois, And her bright bewitching eyes Shine with beams from Paradise; And where'er their light is given, That sweet spot, to me, is Heaven. 24S VALENTIN'S ^ BRSEB HARRIET. One that pleads, now, hoping that he May find favor with young Hatty, — Would her lips secure from waste, And their bright twin cherries taste; For to him the loveliest yet Is the bright-eyed Hakriet. PRANCES. In the gay hall no one dances Like my graceful, gallant Frances! Hymen's sacred joys to taste Let us to the wedding haste ; Then my heart his heart will thank; For our love shall be a "Frank." BtARIA. Oh, I feel, when sitting by her. There is none like sweet Maria! Ever tenderest — dearest — best — Eeigning empress of my breast! Unto her pure charms I bow, — Unto her I breathe my vow. VALENTINE VERSBS. "lO MARIA. Hither Maeia, come fly to me boldly, Let not thy look gaze on me so coldly ; Remember the month when all Valentines given, Are regfistered here and recorded in heaven. My heart, as thou knowest, is truly thine own. Then make it at once thy enjoyment and throneu EI4IZABETH. Wild ■with rapture, I am dizzy When I think upon my Lizzy. Elizabeth that queenly name Oft has graced some courtly dame ; But one syllable can bless In the sound of dearest Bess. CAKOLINE. Listen a moment, Caeoline; Remember life is fleeting, Delay not in your Valentine, Nor "round the bush" be beating. Now's the day, the time, the tide, To say "I will become your bride." 250 VALENTINE VERSES. ELIZA. Eliza is a pretty name, and you a pretty girl, As ever the sweet "Polka" danced or waved a graceiot curl; Come, wake from dreamy nothings, and say that you incline To accept him for your lover, who sends you this Valentine. ANN. Charming, dear, delightful Ann, Say, am I the happy man XJnto whom your thoughts incline, As a chosen Valentine ? Answer this, quick as you can, Charming, dear, delightful Ann. JANE. A breast of purity has Jane, She'd never give my heartstrings pain. Like wrinkles in the looking-glass. She'd let my imperfections pass ; Saying in truth and joy divine, "m take him for my Valentine." VALBNTINE TER8B8. y^r CHABLES. Chaeley — Chaeles — what shall I call jf *^ Dearest, may no harm befall you! In thy true and faithful bosom Let the sweet affections blossom,, And my love be cherished well, — Love which no cold words may telL ■EKEDEKtGK. Feedeeiok, dear delightful youth, Blest with beauty, health, and truth; I your Valentine will be, If you only think of me. Think of me, and none beside, If you wish me for your bride. — »T>»;#*!« HENRY. Sweetest Henry, happy Harry, Say, have you a wish to marry; Let the time no longer pass Or ere long you'll say " Alas, I have none to claim as mine. Or send a chosen Valentine." YALEyriyE verses. JOSEPH. My dearest Joe, my lovely Joe, Nay, never look so strange ; But meet me in the evening, when. Your purse is fuU of change. We'U ride up in an omnibus, If thus you should iacline, And o'er two glasses of ice creaiDf rU hear your Valentine. EICHARD. I love thee Eichard, yes I do, Most devotedly and true ; My Valentine thou surely art. For you have won my virgin heait* Dick, I pray, forget me never, I am thine, and thine forever. WILLIAM. Dearest William, sweetest Billy, Don't stand there and look so siliy. Show your heart, as I do mine, When you reeeive this Valentinb. i ALJiWfiSJ'J VEHSHa. 5 BOBEKT. As Valentine's day is at hand, Robert dear, The brightest and sweetest of all the new year, When birds are all mating, and cooing with joy, And Cupid looks on like a happy young boy. Then come, dearest Robert, no longer delay. But whisper the moment, the hour, and the day. SAMUEL. Samuel, oh, my "Sammy" dear, Know St. Valentine is near ! Come, speak out, my heart to cheer I Let thy love in truth appear, Without favor, without fear, Samuel, oh, my "Sammy'' dear I THOMAS. Oh, Thomas, you have won my heart, Of life itself, you form a part ; I sleep, I dream, I pi-ay for thee. Just as I hope you do for me. My Valentine, my joy, my life. Can I become your wedded wife? 254 VALENTINE VEBSES. WITH A HEART. 'Tis just a simple heart, you see; But speak the open sesame. And, lo! it now unfolds a store Of its own sweet and cherished lore. There's none on earth I prize above thee^ For dearly I have learned to love thee ; And even suffering, with thee, Would prove a deeper joy to me Than fairest life with others. Take This trifle, dear one, for my sake ; And, in thy spirit's loneliness, To thy dear bosom let it press — . And it shall whisper of a form | With pure affection quick and warm — A heart that would devote to thee Its own young love's infinity. Oh, bright around thee be the rays Of starry nights, and sunny days ; And never — never — may'st thou know How bitter is the cup of woe. Oh, could I weave a mystic charm All evil influence to disarm, The coming sorrow I'd destroy. And tvim its bitterness to joy, — My life for thine I'd gladly yield. And with my own thy bosom shield. VALENTINE VERSES. 2^5 A WOMAN'S VALENTINE. We met in the golden hours of the passionate montii of June, The winds woo'd the perfumed flowers, to love were the birds atune ; Thine was the tale of gladness, told 'neath the August moon, Mine was the wail of sadness, the heart that was broken soon. We met in the dreary mansion, death in the heavy air, Wild was my soul's expansion, smothered my hopeful prayer; Mine was the frenzied turning back to the days that were, Thine was the desperate yearning over the cold corpse there. This is my Valentine, dearest, my message of hopes and fears, To thee, who ail; best and nearest, — ay, even through thirty years ; Thine, in love's night, to take me, — or still leave th3 boon of tears, — Mine, at the last, to make me thy helpmate whose presence cheers. 2^6 VALENTINE VERSES. OH, SWEETEST MAID. A sturdy oak, with branches spreading wide, Stood by itself in all its strength and pride ; .And the' the wintry blast blew fierce and long, The tree stood fast, for it was firm and strong. A fragUe plant chanced to spring up close by, And strove in vain to raise its head on high, Till to the tree the plant did closely cling, And then it rose high as the forest king. Oh, sweetest maid, so lovely, pure, and fair, There's none that unto thee I can compare! Say wilt thou cling to me, wilt thou be mine? Wilt thou accept me for thy Valentine? THE LOVE-SONG OF ITS' HEAKT. Sweetheart, the dawn of Valentine is falling In love-rays o'er the hill; Star unto star a faint farewell is calling, While the spring world lies still. Awake, sweetheart! if love hath power to wake thee, Borne on a gale of sighs ; Not even in my dreams could I forsake thee. But, sleeping, saw thine eyes. Now, as with fragrant morn I seek thy dwelling, Lo, Nature takes my part ; Birds, streams, and flowers, in tuneful concert telling The love-song of my heart. VALENTINE VERSES. 257 LOVE BEYOND ALL LOVE. What present shall I give thee, love, to-day, — To-day, when all true lovers offer gifts ? Some mystic sea-flower born of glancing spray, Or mermaid's rose-shell from the ocean rifts? Some fragrant blossom grown in fairy land, Lent by its monarch to our world a while ? Or golden fruit gathered on magic strand, With hazard stolen from a fabled isle? For as these poets' wonders are above All fair and bright things that our earth doth hold, So is thy beauty richer, and my love Beyond all love by man to maiden told I NO LOVE so SWEET AS OTJB3. To-day a million laughing eyes will read Their praises sung in tender Valentine, — Eyes that command, and gentle eyes that plead; And some are bright, yet none so bright as thine. Thousands of loves will celebrate this morn With votive verse and symbols of fair flowers; Loves of young hearts, and loves of lives outworn; And some are sweet, yet none so sweet as ours. A countless crowd of lovers will declare That for Love's sake they are content to die,— Lovers in hope and lovers in despair; And some are time, yet none so truo as L 258 TALENT J XE VERSES. TO MY WIFE. The queen of days is that yclept Valentme, Which year by year the circhng sun brings round; For then it is that loving heai-ts incline To be by Love's sweet fetters faster bound. And here's a valentine, brave wife, for thee, "Who to my heart for eighteen years hath clung, And round whose knee stand youth and infancy, Whose smiles announce that Love is ever young. What tho' we turn the summit of Ufe's MU, We shall be ti-ue unto each other still; So come, wee wife, and worship at his shrine. As with one voice we praise St. Valentine. THY LOVELY FACE. The Spring's balmy air that is better than wine, The birds, and the brooks, and the blossoming vine, The brightness of Summer, the fragrant woodbine, The treasures of Autumn, the meadow-fed kine, The chill reign of Winter at which we repine, The sea and the shore fi-om the Tyne to the Rhine, Each and ail have a beauty surpassingly fine, — The glories of Nature ai-e something divine! But dearer by far to this lone heart of mine Is one lovely face, and, beloved — :it is thine! Earth to me would be Eden, the sun brighter shins, With thee for my Eve, and my lifG-valentine. VALENTINE YESSES. 259 FOB. A FOLDED HEART. A single heai't now meets your view, Emblem of mine — ^fond — trusting — true; Another leaf — and you'll discover An earnest, but a hopeful lover; For he has read in those dear eyes Bright messages from Paradise. They caU him from the world afar. Like rays from some fair beauteous star. Which in their own rich splendor shine, Unconscious that they are divine. THE LOVE THAT'S ONLY THINE. Tou did not look for me to-daj' — I take you by surprise ; Then do not coldly turn away Those bright bewitching eyes, But read in the clear depths of mine The love that's truly — only thine — My dear — ^my chosen Valentine. 26o YERSES FOR AUTOORAPH-ALBUMS. VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMS DEDICATION. No line witMn this book intrude, Unless 'tis wliite as snowy flake; Each sentence sanctified by truth, "W^Ol cherish'd be for Friendship's sake. ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. AMELIA. Amelia! named from Industry, Marked, too, by manners pure tho' free! Encu-cled by affections true, Like vines entwining round a tree In summer's rich and blooming time, And shedding fragrance o'er the lea. iJella, the beauty of your name Excels not all your maiden charms. Live so that every passing hour Leaves you exempt from earthly hanns, And gives you ev"ry heavenly dower. rBBS£!S FOB AUrOOBAPH-ALBUMS. 261 CLARA. Charming is the brilliant word — Lights you like a gleam auroreal, And recalls your beaming smile, llichly as some thing memorial Always brings back some past smile. DELIA. Doth your name not softly sound, Entoned as 'twas on Grecian ground ?- Laurels and myrtles seem to grow In green luxuriance, and they throw An odor as when violets blow. ESTHER. Enmeshed by thy rich raven curls, — ■ So captured was the Persian king. The matchless graces of thy heart Hold all entranced within the ring, Environed as thou art by all Kich gifts that manly souls enthrall. FELECIA. Fair as the first beam of the dawn Enrising o'er the laughing sea; Lightsome of heart, and pure of soul, Entrancing with your melody, — Calling the brightest moments back,— Infusing joy, and mirth, and glee, Axound the spot you chance to be. 262 VERSES FOR AUTOORAPS-ALBUMS. GERTEtTDE. Germania has no maid more fair, Entrancing both in face and mind; Eegal, and yet so blandly good That all revere her, — proud yet kind. Bound her the cornflowers seem to spring, Uprising 'mid the harvest ripe, — Doubly depicting thy fair state. Emblem of worth, and Love's own type. HATTIE. Hark to the wild and tremulous tones, Arising as the harp's touched strings Thrills every heart with joy or love! The one that thus makes music spring Is formed in Fashion's halls to bring Entranced admirers "to the Ring." IDA. In the soft and sensuous clime of blue hills and aziire seas Dedicate to art and rhyme, and to war and learned ease. Another like thee ne'er did please. JENNIE. Jennie I There is something bright Encircling that sweet bounie name! No thought of lofty deeds or crimeB No wrongs done wading sin for fame! It brings us Caledonia's lassie Each laddie loves when he does pass ye! VEltSt:B FOR AVtOGllAPH-ATJiUMS. 263 KATHAKINE. Kaleidoscope of varied charms, All long to take thee in their arms'. Though thou dost freedom quickly check, Honest, pure thoughts, thy cheeks bedeck. And in the soft glance of thine eye Eeligion's holy thoughts -we spy. In every charm, in every grace, None can excel thy form and face, Enbeamed with fancies from on high! LETITIA. Lady, around thee gracefully doth cling Each natural gift of heart, and form, and mind. Thoughts high, and pure, yet lively, we can scan In every mood to which you seem inclined. 'Twas such a one, who with a fond, sweet look — ■ Inspired by faith — the precious spikenard took, And o'er His tresses Sabean fragrance shook. MAMIE. Maiden, with azure eye serene, As if you gazed on Heaven's Queen, — Maiden, with cheek white and red. In which Eden's roses spread, Ever be by Virtue led. NORA. Nymph of beauty — Glee's young child. Own mistress of our honest pride! Boam at pleasure through the earth. And bless the spot that gave thee birth. ?64 VERSES FOR AUTOOnAPIT-ALBrTMS. OCTAVIA. On the antique streets of Rome, Chaster matron ne'er was seen. Then emulate her pride of home, And be, as well as loot, a queen. Virtues Heaven has given to thee,— In beauty thou art not excelled, — Act well and win the victory I PATIENCE. Puritans have bom this name — And Quaker maidens — free from blama, Then set to girls example meet, Inspu-e them with Patience sweet. Eternal things to seek; and yet No worldly happiness forget ; Cast not aside the things of earth. E'en I'atience is of mortal birth. KOSALIE. Round about we long may search Or ere we find a match for thee, So fair, yet wise; so sweet, yet pure; And yet so pleasant, Rosalie! Let others praise the deep blue eye. In lauding black, let others write; Envy them not, fair RosaUe. V MUSES FOE AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMS. 265 SUSAN. Search the wide world, and none more kind Will greet your eyes, or charm your mind. Serenely good with artless soul, And mind given all to Ai-t's control, No greed of self — no envy in her guileless soul. TAMAK. The Jordan's flovr'ry banks did pace A beauty of the chosen race. Mind hast thou that might greatly grace, A form might beautify a place Bemote from Judah's hallowed space. VIRGINIA. Virginia! cluster round that name Inviolate lilies, pure and grand, Recalling all the nobler traits, Gracing the whitest of the land. Imitate that most spotless maid, Nor let the moonbeams gaze too free In beauty thou art full as fair, — And in thy fame as spotless be. z66 VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALBVMS. SELECTED VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMa If e'er ambition should my fancy cheat ~VVith any wish so mean as tc be great, — Continue, Heaven, still from me to remove The humble blessings of the life I love. COWLE* IBlame not the times in which we live, Nor fortune frail and fugitive ; Blame not thy parents, nor the rule Of vice or wrong once learned at school ; But blame thyself, O man I John A. Stmond* The heart I — Tes, I wore it As sign and as token Of a love that once gave it A vow that was spoken ; But a love, and a vow, and a heart. Can be broken. Adelaide A. Pkoctor. The world with calumny abounds ; The whitest virtue slander wounds : There are whose joy is, night and day, To talk a character away. Pope, VERSES Fon ArroanArii-ALmMs. 26^ Nature stints our appetite, All J craves no more than undisturb'd delight ; Which minds unmix'd with cares and fears, obtain ; A soul serene, a body void of pain. Dkyden. Let us escape! This is our holiday: God's day devote to rest, and through the wood We'U wander, and, perchance, find heavenly food: So, profitless, it shall not pass away. William Gilmoee Simms. Perseverance Keeps honor bright. To have done, is to hang Quite out of fashion, like a rusty mail In monumental mockery. SHAKSPEAEiS. We leave Our home in youth — ^no matter to what end Study — or strife — or pleasure, or what not, And coming back in few short years, we find All as we left it outside: the old elms, [click The house, the grass, gates, and latchet's selfsame But lift that latchet,— all is changed as doom. Bailey Cease, every joy, to glimmer on my mind, But leave—oh, leave the light of Hope behind! What though my winged hours of bliss have been, Like angel-visits, few and far between. Campbell. 26g VEnSES FOR AVTOGRAPB-ALBL'MB. An elegant sufficiency, content, Eetirement, rural quiet, friendship, books, Ease and alternate labor, useful life, Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven ! Thomso* The saddest birds a season find to sing. The roughest storm a calm may soon allay. Thus with succeeding turns God tempereth aJl, That man may hope to rise, yet fear to fall. SOUTHWELI. "When fortune raiseth to the greatest height, Th.e happy man should most suppress his state ; Expecting still a change of things to find, And fearing, when the gods appear too kind. Sir Robert HowARiik And old companions, — now, perchance, Estranged, forgot, or dead, — Come round us, as those autumn leaves Are crush'd beneath our tread. Mrs. Norton. Too late I stay'd, — forgive the crime: Unheeded flew the hours : How noiseless falls the foot of Time, That only treads on flowers! W. R. Spencer The same sweet voices I shall never hear ! For the fair forms that once my pathway cross'd Are gone, with waters of the golden year That now are mingled in the sea and lost. VKRHbJhi FOIi AUTOGHAI'H-ALnLMH. 2(^9 O hope! sweet flatterer! thy delusive touch Sheds on afflicted minds the balm of comfort, — Eelieves the load of poverty, — sustains The captive, bending with the weight of bonds, — And smoothes the pillow of disease and pain. ^ Glovbk. His gathering mantle of fleecy snow The winter-king wrapp'd around him : And flashing with ice-wrought gems below Was the regal zone that bound him : He went abroad in his kingly state, By the poor man's door, — by the palace gate. Frances II. Green. True happiness is not the growth of earth. The soil is fruitless if you seek it there : 'Tis an exotic of celestial birth, And never blooms but in celestial air. R. B. Sheeidak When friendship or love our sympathies move. When truth in a glance should appear, The lips may beguile with a dimple or smile. But the test of affection's a tear. Bteon Time wears all his locks before ; Take thy hold upon his forehead ; When he flies, he tiu-ns no more, And behind his scalp is naked. Works adjoum'd have many stays; Long demiu's breed new delays. SoniHWELI, ir° Verses Pom AVToanAPit-ALnOMS. Who would the title of true worth were his, Must vanquish vice, and no base thoughts conceive. The bravest trophy ever man obtain'd Is that which o'er himself himself hath gain'd. Eael of Stieunq. Can gold calm passion, or make reason thine? Can we dig peace or wisdom from the mine? "Wisdom to gold prefer ; for 'tis much less To make oui" fortune than our happiness. YOUNO. ^Vlien our souls shall leave this dwelling, The glory of one fair and virtuous action Is above all the 'scutcheons on our tomb. Or silken banners over us. Shirlet. It is not poetry that makes men poor ; For few do write that were not so before ; And those that have writ best, had they been rich, Had ne'er been seized with a poetic itch ; Had loved their ease too well to take the pains To undergo that drudgery of brains. Butler, Not, my soul, what thou hast Aons, But what thou art doing ; Not the course which thou hast run. But which thou'rt pursuing; Not the prize already won. But that thou art wooing. James K. Lombarq L. J VERSES FOB AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMS. 271 Discouraged — oh, poor heart — take cheer! take cheer! Let the full eye of hope these dismal shadows banish ; Go forward, and the tangled way will clear, The terrors that you tremble at will turn and vanish! Take cheer! Take cheer! Although we boast our winter sun looks bright, A.nd foolishly are glad to see it at its height, 5f et so much sooner comes the long and gloomy night, Swift. From the sad years of life We sometimes do short hours, yea, minutes, strike. Keen, blissful, bright, never to be forgotten, Which, through the dreary gloom of time o'erpast. Shine like fair sunny spots on a wild waste. Joanna Baillib. Some, valuing those of their own side or mind. Still make themselves the measure of mankind: Fondly we think we honor merit then. When we but praise ourselves in other men. Pope, Too oft is a smile but the hypocrite's wile, To mask detestation or fear; .rive me the soft sigh, while the soul-telling eye Is dimmed for a time with a tear. Byron, The sweetest bird builds near the ground. The loveUest flower springs low; And we must stoop for happiness. If \ve its worth would know. SwAis 272 VERSES FOR AUT00RAPH-ALBUM8. O happiness! our being's end and aim! Good, pleasure, ease, content ! whate'er thy name ; That something still which prompts th' eternal sigh. For which we bear to Uve, or dare to die. Pope. Talk who will of the world as a desert of thrall, Tet, yet there is bloom on the waste ; Though the chahce of Life hath its acid and gall, There are honey-drops, too, for the taste. Eliza Cook. That praise contents me more which one imparts Of judgment sound, though of a mean degree, Than praise from princes void of piincely parts. Who have more wealth, but not more wit, than he. Earl op Stibliko. A noble heart doth teach a virtuous scorn : To scorn to owe a duty overlong; To scorn to be for benefits forborne ; To scorn to lie, to scorn to do a wrong ; To scorn to bear an injury in mind ; To scorn a freeborn heart slavelike to bind. Lady Elizabeth Carew Seek not to know to-morrow's doom ; That is not om-s which is to come. The present moment's all our store: The next should heaven allow, Then this will be no more : So all our life is but one instant now. CONGEETS. VERSES FOR AUTOQMAPH-ALBUMa. 27 J Time is like a fashionable host, That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand, But with his arms outstretch'd as he would fly, Grasps in the comer : Welcome ever smiles. And Farewell goes out sighing. Shaesfeare Oh, it is hard indeed that mere suspicion, Hating all good and charitable deeds, Should take from men the glorious names they win By constant virtues and a life of toil I Pkat. Thou think'st it folly to be wise too sooa. Youth is not rich in time, it may be poor. Part with it as with money, sparing, pay No moment but in purchase of its worth ; And what its worth, — ask death-beds, they can tell YoDNa. The sun ; The constant'st workman, that goes through nis task And shows us how to work by setting to't With smiling face; for labor's light as ease To him that toils with cheerfulness. J. S. KN0WLE8 fi'orget me when I die: the violets ^~~— — ~» ■ Above my rest v/lU blossom just as blue, j Nor miss thy tears ; ev'n Nature's self forgets; I Bui: while 1 live be tnic. V_ 2 74 VERSES FOB AUTOGBAPH-ALBUMa. Love, hope, and joy, fair pleasure's smiling train'. Hate, fear, and grief, the fauuly of pain; These, mix'd with art, and to due bounds confined. Make and maintain the balance of the mind. Popa 'Tis pleasant, through the loopholes of retreat. To peep at such a world; to see the stir Of the great Babel, and not feel the crowd; To hear the roar she sends through aU her gates At a safe distance, where the dying sound Falls, a soft murmur, through the injured air. COWPER The old thoughts never die. Immortal dreams Outhve their dreamers, and are oui-s for aye: No thought once form'd and utter'd can expire. Mackay. Where an equal poise of hope and fear, Does arbitrate the event, my nature is That I incline to hope rather than fear. And gladly banish squint suspicion. Milton, Our yesterday's to-mon-ow now is gone. And still a new to-morrow does come on. We by to-morrows draw out aU our store. Tin the exhausted well can yield no more. COWLET I never with important air In conversation overbear: My tongue within my lips I rein; For who talks much must talk in vain. VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALB DMS. 275 How heavy do I journey on the way, "When what I seek — my weary travel's end Doth teach that ease and that repose to say, " Thus far the miles are measured from thy friend." SlIAKSPEAEE. They walk as those who seeing cannot see, — ■ Blind to this beauty even from their birth : We value little blessings ever free ; "We covet most the rarest things of earth. Alice B. Neal. Hark! his hands the lyre explore; Bright-eyed Fancy hovering o'er. Scatters from her pictur'd urn Thoughts that breathe, and words that burn. It is not growing like a tree In bulk, doth make man better be, Or standing long an oak, three hundred year. To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sear. Ben Jonson So much the thirst of honor fires the blood; So many would be great, so few be good; For who would virtue for herself regard, Or wed without the portion of reward. Drydbn But if a year in trifles go, Perhaps you'd spend a thousand so: Time can not stay to make us wise— We must improve it as it flies. '■ J. Tavloh 2^6 VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMS. Look forward what's to come, and back what's past! Thy Ufe will be with praise and prudence graced; What loss or gain may follow, thou may'st guess ; Thou then wilt be secure of the success. SiK J. Denhail He whose wakeful tenderness removes Th' obstructing thorn which woiinds the friend he loves, Smooths not another's rugged path alone, But scatters roses to adorn his own. H. More. O Time ! than gold more sacred ; more a load Than lead to fools, and fools reputed wise. What moment granted men without account? What years are squandered, wisdom's debt unpaid. Young. The old, old friends ! Some changed; some buried; some gone out of sight; Some enemies, and in the world's swift fight No time to make amends. To-morrow you will live, you always cry; In what far country does this morrow h'e, That 'tis so mighty long ere it arrive? Beyond the Indies does this morrow live? Martiau A witty old fellow this Winter is, A mighty old f eUow for glee ; He cracks his jokes on the pretty, sweet miss, The wrinkled old maiden unfit to kiss, And freezes the dew of their hps; for this Is the way with old fellows like he! HUQH MOOEI. VERSES FOB. AUTOGMAPn-ALBUMS. 277 "Walk thoughtful on the silent, solemn shore, Of that vast ocean it must sail so soon ; And put good works on board ; and wait the wind That shortly blows us into worlds unknown. Young I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless ; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness ; Where is death's sting ? Where, grave, thy victory ? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. Henry Fkancis Lyte. Thus, with the monuments of other lands, The place that knew them now no longer knows. Yet triumph not, O Time ; strong towers decay, But a great name shall never pass away ! Fabk Benjamin. In parts superior what advantage lies? Tell (for you can) what is it to be wise? 'Tis but to know how little can be known ; To see all other's faults, and feel our own. POPK More bitter far than all It was to know that Lovo could change and die! Hush! for the ages call, "The love of God lives through eternity, And conquers all!" Adelaide A. PROCTOit. Anxious pains we all the day. In search of what we like, employ; Scorning at night the worthless prey, We find the labor gave the joy. Prior 278 VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMS. Yes, gentle Time, thy gradual, healing hand, Hath stolen from sorrow's grasp the envenom'd dart; Submitting to thy skill, my passive heart Feels that no grief can thy soft power withstand. Mks. Tigiie; There are ills that come without foreboding, Lightnings that fall before the thunders roll, And there are festering cares, that, by corroding. Eat silently their way into the soul. Phoebe Cart, Since by yotu- greatness you Are nearer heaven in place, be nearer it In goodness : rich men should transcend the poor, As clouds the earth ; raised by the comforts of The sun, to water dry and barren grounds. TOURNEUR, Chiefest of guests at Love's ungrudging feast. Play not the niggard ; spurn thy native clod, And self disown: Live to thy neighbor, live unto thy God, Not to thyself alone. Samuel W. Faetridge, Alas ! too well, too well they know The pain, the penitence, the woe. That passion brings down on the best. The wisest, and the loveliest. MOOBE Be not diffident Of wisdom: she deserts thee not, if thou Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nigh. Milton, rERSMa FOR AVroGS APS- ALBUMS. 279 Man's plea to man is, that he never more Will beg, and that he never begg'd before ; Man's plea to God is, that he did obtain A former suit, and therefore sues again : How good a God we serve ; that, when we sue. Makes his old gifts th' examples of his new ! QUARLES. Prudence protects and guides us ; wit betrays ; A splendid source of ill ten thousand ways ; A certain snare to miseries immense ; A gay prerogative from common sense ; Unless strong judgment that wild thing can tame. And break to paths of virtue and of fame. A paler shadow strews Its mantle o'er the mountains ; parting day Dies like the dolphin, whom each pang imbues With a new color as it gasps away — The last still loveliest, till — 'tis gone — and all is gray. Byron, The rose is fairest when 'tis budding new And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears ; The rose is sweetest wash'd .with morning dew. And love is loveliest when enbalm'd in, tears. Scott, When reason, like the skillful charioteer, Can break the fiery passions to the bit. And, spite of their licentious sallies, keep The radiant tract of glory, passions then Are aids and ornaments. YOUNQ, 28o VEliSES FOk AVfOGRAPh-ALBlMS. A tale should be judicious, clear, succinct : The language plain, and incidents -well link'd. Tell not as new what everybody knows, And, new or old, still hasten to a close: There, cent'ring in a focus round and neat, Let all your rays of inforniatioti meet. COWPKR If thy desire it be To see The times prove good, be thou But such thyself, and surely know That all thy days to thee Shall, spite of mischief, happy be. BEAnMONT. Why slander we the times? What crimes Have days and years, that we Thus charge them with iniquity? If we would rightly scan. It's not the times are bad, but man. Beaumont. The lapse of time and rivers is the same; Both speed their journey with a restless stream ; The silent pace with which they steal away. No wealth can bribe, no prayers persuade to staj'. COWPEK. True wit is Nature to advantage drest ; That oft was thought, but ne'er so well exprest : Something whose truth, convinced at sight we find, That gives us back the image of our mind. PoPBi J VnnRES fOR AUTOGRAPB-ALBUMS. zSt Thouglit, to the man that never tliinks, may seem As natural as when asleep to dream ; But reveries (for human minds will act), Specious in show, impossible in fact, Those flimsy webs that break as soon as wrought, Attain not to the dignity of thought. COWPEB. "Whence proceeds this weight we lay On what detracting people say? Their utmost malice can not make lour head, or tooth, or finger ache, Nor spoil your shape, distort your face, Or put one feature out of place. Even a romance, a tune, a rhyme, Help thee to pass the tedious time. Which else would on thy hands remain: Though flown, it ne'er looks back again. Peioe, Alas ! the breast that inly bleeds Has nought to fear from outward blow : Who falls from all he knows of bHss Cares little into what abyss. Swift. Byron. Though long the wanderer may depart, And far his footsteps roam, He clasps the closer to his heart The image of his home. J. D. Burns, VBR8BS Pan AvrOGIiAPM-ALBVMa. That very law which moulds a tear, Aid bids it trickle from its source, — That law preserves the earth a sphere. And guides the planets in their course. Samuel Bogers. How often in the hour Of weariness would I have succor'd thee! But thou didst spurn the power, And scorn the heart that loved so tenderly! Mrs. Eliza Fanxy JIorsis. I've seen fair realms of the earth By rude commotion torn, "Which taught me how to prize the worth Of that where I was born. G. P. JIORRIS. Blest tears of soul-felt penitence! In whose benign, redeeming flow. Is felt the first, the only sense, Of guiltless joy that guilt may know ! Moore. Tears, for a stroke foreseen, afford relief; But unprovided for a sudden blow, Like Niobe we marble gro'n , And petrify with grief. Drtden. Humble voyagers are We O'er life's dim unsounded sea. Seeking only some calm clime : rouch us gently, gentle Time! iJArt^li COEXTVALL. tSSMS POR AUrOGRAPS-ALBUMS. 283 From storms of rage, and dangerous rocks of pride, Let thy strong hand this little vessel guide. It was thy hand that made it : through the tide Impetuous of this life let thy command Direct my coiu'se and bring me safe to land. Pkior. As in smooth oil the razor best is whet, So wit is by politeness sharpest set ; Their want of edge from their offense is seen ; Both pain us least when exquisitely keen. YOUNO. Turn to the helper, unto whom thou art More near and dear than to thy mother's heart, — ■ Who is more near to thee than is the blood That warms thy bosom with its purple flood,— "Who by a word can change the mental state, And make a burden light, however great ! MiLLF.B. Shall war o'er all the earth e'er bathe his fingers In sorrow's tears, and kiss the cheek of peace. As was foretold of old by sacred singers, And earth o'erflush with bountiful increase? Is this to come? Go, glorious day! Here while you pass I make this sign; Earth swinging on her silent way Will bear me back unto this hour divine. And I will softly say, "Once thou wert mine." Maky Clemmer. 284 \'EIiSES FOR AL"r<)GBAPIl-A.LBUMS. Knowledge — a rude, unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds. Till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, Does but encumber when it seems to enrich. COWPER. Not what we would, but what we must, Makes up the sum of living ; Heaven is both more and less than just In taking and in giving. Swords cleave to hands that sought the plow, And K,urels miss the soldier's brow. K. H. Stoddard. Although both heaven and earth combined To mould thy flesh and form thy mind, — Though every thought, word, action, will, ^Vas framed by powers beyond thee, still Thou art thyself, O man! John A. Symonds. Let no presuming impious raUer tax Creative wisdom, as if aught was form'd In vain, or not for admirable ends. Shall little haughty Ignorance pronounce His works unwise, of which the smallest part Exceeds the narrow vision of her mind. Thomsov. Without her, honor, health, and wealth would prove Three poisons to me. Wisdom from above Is the only moderatrix, spring, and guide, Organ and honor of all gifts beside. Dir Bartas. VHRSES FOR AC TUOHAFH-ALBtlMS. - Reason's progressive ; Instinct is complete ; Swift Instinct leaps ; slow Eeason feebly climbs. Brutes soon their zenith reach. In ages they No more could know, do, covet, or enjoy. Were man to live coeval with the sun, The patriarch pupil would be learning still. YOUNO. Unhappy wit, like most mistaken things, Atones not for that envy which it brings. In youth alone its- empty praise we boast : But soon the short-lived vanity is lost ; Like some fair flow'r the early spring supplies. That gayly blooms, but e'en in blooming dies. Pope. Think nought a trifle, though it small appear; Small sands the mountain, moments make the year, Ajid trifles, — life. Young. What exhibitions various hath the world Witness'd of mutability in all That we account most durable below! Change is the diet on which all subsists, Created changeable, and change at last Destroys them. COWPEI^ There is a history in all men's- lives, Figuring the nature of the times deceased; The which observed, a man may prophesy. With a near aim, of the main chance of things. As yet not come to life. Shakspeabe. iS6 VERSES FOR ACroGRAPH-ALBtJMS. Till wam'd, or by experience taught, she learn That not to know at large of things remote From use, obscure and subtile, but to know That which before us lies in daily life, Is the prime wisdom. Milton. To shun th' allurement is not hard To minds resolved, forewarned, and well prepared; But wondrous difficult, when once beset, To struggle through the straits, and break th' in- volving net. Drtdex. We slight the precious kernel of the stone. And toil to polish its rough coat alone; A just deportment, manners graced with ease. Elegant phrase, and figure form'd to please. Are qualities that seem to comprehend Whatever parents, guardians, schools intend. COWPEB. There is not a creature, from England's king To the peasant that delves the soU, That knows half the pleasure the seasons briug, If he had not his share of toil. W. B. Proctor. The yaialy proud, the selfishly ambitious, Shall they o'erride the fortunes of mankind? Or shall their teachings false, and schemes pernicious, By honest wrath be scatter'd to the wind? Is this to come? VERSES FOR AUTOORAPE-ALBUMS. 2^: In human hearts what bolder thoughts can rise Than man's presumption on to-morrow's dawnV Where is to-morrow? In another world: For numbers this is certain; the reverse Is sure to none. YonNG For not the ceaseless change of shifted place Can from the heart a settled grief erase ; Nor can the purer balm of foreign air Heal the distemper'd mind of aching care. Lord Lyttleton 'Tis granted, and no plainer truth appears, Our most important are our earliest years : The mind, impressible and soft, with ease Imbibes and copies what she hears and seeS; And through life's labyrinth holds fast the clue That education gives her, false or true. This is the summer's burial-time: She died when dropped the earliest leaves, And, cold upon her rosy prime, Fell down the autumn's frosty riiiie, — Yet I am not as one that grieves. Edna Dean Peoctos,. It seems that life is all a void. On selfish thoughts alone employed; That length of days is not a good, Unless their use be understood; While if good deeds one year engage. That may be longer than an age. L Tayloii 88 VERSUS FOB AUTOORAPE-ALBUMS. All ! who can say, however fair his view, Through what sad scenes his path may lie? Let careless youth its seeming joys pursue, Soon will they learn to scan with thoughtful eye The illusive past and dark futuiity. H. KiKKE White God, to remove his ways from human sense, Placed heav'n from earth so far that earthly sight, If it presume, might err in things too high, And no advantage gain. Milton. TVho are the wise? They who have govern 'd with a self-control Each wild and baneful passion of the soul, — Cui-b'd the strong impulse of all fierce desires, But kept alive affection's purer fires. Peince. We mui-mur and droop should a sorrow-cloud stay, And note all the shades of our lot ; But the rich rays of sunshine that brighten our way Are bask'd in, enjoy 'd, and forgot. Eliza Cook. Oh reader, hast thou ever stood to see The hoUy-tree? The eye that contemplates it well perceives Its glossy leaves Order'd by an intelligence so wise As might confound the Atheist's sophistries. SoUIHEi VERSES FOR AUTOORAPE-ALBUMS. 2S9 The surest road to health, say what they will Is never to suppose we shall be ill. Most of those evils we poor mortals know From doctors and imagination flow. ClIDRCHILL. 'Linger," I cried, "O radiant Time! thy power Has nothing more to give ; life is complete : Let but the perfect Present, hour by hour, Itself remember and itself repeat." Adelaide A. Proctob. Hast thou no friend to set thy mind abroach? Good sense will stagnate. Thoughts, shut up, want air. And spoil, like bales unopen'd to the sun. YOUNR. Heav'xi that knows The weakness oi ou>' natures, will forgive, Nay, mast ar^plaud, love's debt, when decent paid. Shirley, Bat tears, alas! are trifling things; They rather feed than heal our woe ; From trickling eyes new sorrow springs, As weeds in rainy seasons grow. Dr. Isaac Watts Weave, brothers, weave! Toil is ours; But toil is the lot of man ; One gathers the fruit, — one gathers the flowers. One soweth the seed again. W. B. Proctor. 290 VERSES FOR AUTOGRAPH-ALBUMS. Lovely thou art ! aye, lovely In spirit and in form, — A sunbeam glancing o'er life's tears, — A rainbow through the storm, — A snowdrop 'mid earth's darker hues, Unwarm'd by flattery's breath, — A harptone flung from cherub hands. Wringing out joy fi-om death. Mrs. Scott The proudest motto of the yomig — Write it in lines of gold Upon thy heart, and in thy mind The stirring thought enfold ; And in misfortune's dreary hour. Or fortune's prosperous gale, 'Twill have a holy, cheering power, — "There's no such word as Jail/" Alice G. Leb Each dewdrop on its morning leaves Is eloquent as tears That whisper when young Passion grieves For one belov'd afar, and weaves His dream of hopes and fears: Forget me not! HaIjLECK WEDDING ANNIVEBSAItlES. WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES, The holding of celebrations on the anniversaries of dififerent epochs of Married Life has become a very pleasant feature of modern times. The earlier anni- versaries bring out lots of happy jollity and kindheart- edness; Avhile those pertaining to longer periods — when the crumbling milestones remind all of the years that have passed on the travel to the " Sweet Bye and- Bye" — are often made the occasion of a deal of sobered pleasure and deep thankfulness, as reminiscences of many merciful "Providences" offset the inevitable mischances that have beset the most happy journey through life. 292 WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES. VERSES FOR A WOODEN-WEDDING CELEBRATION [fifth ANNIVEBSAKY.J Five times bright Sol bis annual course has run Since these two loving hearts were joined as one. [And many times the Moon had filled her horn, Till unto them a blessed smiling babe was born.]* The pretty wife's bright eyes, smooth cheeks, attest, That he has done in all his very best To make the happiest hours of all her life Those she has spent with him as his dear wife. WhQe his most mu'thful talk and cheery laugh Prove she has been to him, a "better half." Now for the Presents: Ah, a small girl's hoojj ; The next — a maple flour or sugar scoop; A cradle (rather late) but 'twill not shock her ; (In such a one the "Godlike" Dan slept — may be.) And here, behold, a handsome Boston rocker, [babi// Which might have soothed e'en '^Wendell" — loheii, a What next? Ah, truly, that's "tlie rub," For one kind friend has sent a washing-tub. A market-basket, — may t be full alway. A Noah's Ark, for future Barnum's play, * The two lines in brackets [ ] can be altered or omitted, if the si!;irular mrniber dou't apply ; or ii the auiiounoemeiit is a little " too previpijg." WEDDI2fG ANinVERSABIES. 293 When the boy drops "long clothes," to don his pants, — And, like his papa, "sees the elephants." Of matches, kindling-wood, a goodly stock ; And here (Spring's harbinger) a cuckoo-clock. Oh, may its full-voiced echo ev'ry chime Record the passing of a blessed time. Boxes to hold the varied od'rous spice, Which renders pies and cakes so very nice; A rosewood desk, whose black and ruddy streaks Like raven hair and maiden's crimson cheeks ; 4.nd now — in nursery to raise a battle — Here is a genuine small watchman's rattle. And there, a thing (we don't mean to speak evil), But it does seem to raise the very d — ^1 ! At least it closely favors Satan's shape — - Although, they say, it represents an ape! A roUing-pin, the flaky paste to mold ; A chopping-bowl, the dubious hash to hold ; A salad spoon and fork; a butter-dasher; And ev'ry lady likes to see a "masher"; Eollers for towels by the kitchen door; And brooms and brushes for the kitchen floor- All these, S'.nd many more, are now in vogue,— But we've not- space to give a catalogue. v > '* 294 WEDDING AXXITEBSARIES. VERSES FOR A TIN-WEDDING CELEBRATION [tenth ANNIVERSART.j Ten years have cycled o'er the lands In strange eventful roll, Since our good friends, in -wedlock firm, Have joined both hand and soul. And now — if we may judge by signs Apparent to the dullest sight — Although they may not mines have dug, Nor brought the welHng "ile" to light. They've won a treasure richer far Than "barr'ls of ile," or piles of gold: Pure home-life with affections warm. Which rust eats not, nor cankers mold. Tin was well chosen — free from sjDot — Now ten years you've been man and wife-^ To show how homelike virtues wear — To the Tenth year of married life. Not iron, harsh, and rough, and crude, — . A symbol of the reign of force, — But tin, so smooth, and giving face To ev'ry metal, rough and coarse. WEDDTNC ANNTVflnSMlTK'^. 295 "With Tin we think of hearthside themes:. The dipper in the bucket oaken, Where wild "Bub" dips poor Sis's head, And gives her jaunty curls a soakin'. The oven — often called the Dutch — But why — (tho' they're not much at boasting) Unless because Von Troomp could give His country's foes a thorough roasting. Tin saucepans for the dainty taste, To make good food seem even better; And mince-pie pans whose luscious bake Would make Epicurus your debtor. In ten years' time a worthy wife Will know what virtues are in tin. And rightly used for viands rare, She's sure her husband's love to win. h. t. w ig^ WEDDTNG ANNTVERSARTES. VERSES FOR A CRYSTAL-WEDDING CELEBRATION. [fifteenth ANNIVERSAEY.J How fast thro' Time's glass Do tlie swift hours pass ! Fifteen years have now gone down the stream, Since our host gave this dame His heart and his name, In the days when they dreamed Toung Love's Dream. If 'twas to go over, He'd still prove a lover, And worship again, as when in his youth He pledged his firm troth ; While she, nothing loth. Gave her heart and her pledge in all truth. The Hebrews when wed On crushed crystal tread, Which gives cause for sad fears and dejection; But our friends, more true. Hold a crystal to view Showing no flaw or speck in reflection. When Fifteen more years, With their smiles and tears, Have passed to the region where forgetfulness lies, May our host and his bride. Hand in hand, side by side. Ever thus see Love mirrored in each other's eyes. h.l.w. WmDBtNa ANmTERSAIlIES. ^97 VERSES FOR A SILVER-WEDDING CELEBRATION, [twenty-fifth anniykrsary.] Five times five years have ■winged tlieir flight. And waved their plumes in calm and strife, Since this good couple first set out To tread the path of wedded life. And we who've watched them on the way. Have seen them keep the narrow path ; All unallured by Pleasure's charms They've upward toiled o'er ev'ry wrath. Ring joyous chimes on silver bells! Let echo spread the mellow sound, Till distant friends may well pleased list As joy-tones gladden all around. Fill to the brim a silver cup With uninebriating wine, — ■ And to our host and hostess quaff The crimson life-blood of the vine. May we, by their example blessed, FoUow the path which they have trod, — Winning approval (conscience tried) From mortals and from mortals' God. h. l. w 29S WEDDtNO ANNIVBRSARIBS. VERSES FOR A GOLDEN-WEDDING CELEBRATION. [fiftieth anniveesaet.] Oh, liappy bridal jubilee! Oh, sight to make the glad heart leapl To brief recall the joys of youth, And sooth the cares of years to sleep. There's beauty in those silver hairs Youth's auburn tresses never saw: They are they crown of honored years Spent in obeying Nature's law. If dimples yield to furrowed cheeks. They have a glory of their own : Young Dawn is beautiful indeed, But by the Evening is outshone. Celestial ladders seem to rise Skyward, while sunbeam steps unfold; And crimson draperies hang around The pathway burnished with bright gold. So may the autumn of your days Surpass the promise of your youth; And troops of friends, and children's love, Show Worth still wins applause from Truth. H. li. w. DnrrliDA t anfciS'/TAGS. 209 TO A YOUNG LADY. The day on which your infant eyes First opened on this sphere, Will aye be welcomed by all those Who hold your friendship dear. 'Tis not alone because your form Surpasses Grecian art; But that all actions of your life Show forth a feeling heart. 'Tis not because your wavy curls Add to your many charms; But 'tis because your gracious ways Even Envy's self disarms. Oh, may each circling year increase Your pleasures; — every hour surprise You with all joys that earth can give, To fit thee for the skies. H. u m 360 tUnTlIbAY auElHTINQS. TO A YOUNG LADY, Each flower that scents the dewy air Reminds us of the day When first thy infant smiles began To throw light on our way. Since then no hour has passed but thou Hast made life far more sweet ; And made e'en strangers happy Whom thou didst kindly greet. May every season spring-like be To you thro' all your life ; And each returning Birthday be The happiest of thy life. H. L. w hOQumt pnKiiEi\TA''noj>/s. 301 VERSES FOR BOQUET PRESENTATIONS WITH A EOSE, AND AMAEANTH. Fairer than fairest bud that glows — The garden's peerless gem — Thy beauty decks, imperial rose, Young love's fair diadem. Thy sun-tinged bosom's swelling pride— Thy perfume's witching power — Sweet emblems of my blushing bride, And coming bridal hour I • The beauty may be lost e'er long — All outer charms laid low — But the Bvre&i perfume of the heart. No death or change can know. And so our love, surviving time, An amaranth shall be, — Living to grace a fairer clime, — Its breath — eternity. 302 noqUEt l-nRSBNtA'rtONS.- y^mTi A -WREATH OF EOSESl A wreath of fairest roses, Dear Mary, I -will twine ; And wreathe in it the golden hopee That now around thee shine. As on thy fair young forehead I bind my budding wreath, Upon every glowing petal A prayer of love I breatha WITH A BOQUET. All verdant with fidelity The graceful woodbine blends Its deep unchanging greenness With a pledge of truest friends; The tuberose and clematis. With the starry jasmine wrought, And the gold and purple pansy, In its eloquence of thought. FEOM A BBIDEGEOOM. The bridal ring— the bridal rose— The sweet forget-me-not, And all that in each fond heart glows Foreshow our happy lot; The pansy to our joys shall be Pledge of the sweetest memory. BOqUET PRESENTATIONS. > 30;^ MYKTLE, WALLFLOWEK, AUD VIOLET. Twine the myrtle's love-in-absence, — With its soft breath whispering thee, And the wallflower breathing perfume. In its fond fidelity: Triumphant o'er misfortune, Through all changes, changing not,«w And the violet's faith, empurpling With affections unforgot. LILT, aERANITJM, AND CAMELLIA. Not the flaunting crown-imperial. Nor the tulip in its pride, Nor the bright and glorious marigold. With jealousy endyed; But all purity and beauty, In the lily-cup I blend. While geranium and camellia Their bloom and fragrance lend. GARLAND OF TLOWEES. Oh, take my garland, Mary, And wear it in thy breast ; Mid its clustering stems, the halcyoE Shall weave her flowery nest. May'st thou wake to noblest action From youth's impassioned dream. And the world make thee no promise Which thy life can not redeem 304 BOqUET PRESENTATIONS. THE MOUNTAIN DAISY. Here's the purpling mountain daisy, With its pledge of faithful love ; And the blue-eyed aster, looking Up in faith, to God above. Not the nettle with its poison-shaft Of slander shall come here, Nor the jonquille with its gross self-lo^ In thy garland shall appear. WITH A ROSE. Sweet budding rose, the light of love Illumes thy bosom pride ; And thou art prized for this above AH flowers of summer-tide: Then haste my cherished one to greet. With perfume and with iove as sweet. »-T-J-=#iK«-'— ^ — WITH A FLOWEB. Then take my flower, and let its leaves Beside thy heart be cherished near While thy confiding love receives The thoughts it whispers to thine ear. EOSES, LILIES, AND VIOLETS. I'd be a butterfly, born in bower Where roses and lilies and violets meet Eoving forever from flower to flower, Kissing all buds that are pretty and eweei nOQUET PRESENTATIONS. Z^S CONSTANCY. They bid me forget him ! As if I could tear From my heart the dear image so long cherish'd there! Like a rose in the wilderness, blooming and freej Like a fount in the desert that love is to me. I brood o'er my thoughts in the stillness of night: I can not forget him, — would not, if I might! 'Tis the star that illumines my desolate way, And gives it the glcry and brightness of day. C. A. FlLLEBEOWH HOPE. Never forget our loves, but always cling To the fixed hope that there will be a time "When we can meet unfettered, and be blessed With the full happiness of certain love. Peecival. INDrFFEEENCE. All cUnging kindness from my heart I'll tear! I will forget that e'er I thought thee fair! Come, cool Indifference, and heal my breast! Wearied, at length I seek thy downy rest! Not all thy arts my steady soul shall move, And thou shalt find Indifference conquers Love. Lord Lyttlstob. PABTING. Sweet to the soul the whispering Of Hope and Promise, when Fancy's soft fairy voices sing "We part to meet agaijj." Zo6 THOUGHTS OF EMINENT MEN. THOUGHTS OF EMINENT MEN. Pride of superiority only calls to its aid the hatred of equality, and the contempt of inferiority. Lacordaire. To excel others is a proof of talent; but to know when to conceal that superiority is a greater proof of prudence. — Colton. Wealth, after all, is a relative thing, since he that has little and wants less, is richer than he that has much and wants more. — Colton. SaUway traveling is not traveling at all : it is merely being sent to a place, and very little different from be- coming a parcel. — Riiskin. A single word is often a concentrated poem, a little grain of pure gold, capable of being beaten out into a broad extent of gold leaf. — Trench. I wish not to plunder my enemy; but there are things I wish to take from him, — not his honor, hie wealth, or his Hfe, but his ill-will. — Tasso. A great number of our wants are simply special wants of the imagination ; we want them because we think that we want them ; they give us no enjoyment Vv'hen we obtain them. — Fichte. Tears, to speak in the style of figure, fertilize the soil in which the virtues grow. Indeed, the faculties of the mind, as well as the feelings of the heart, are meliorated by adversity. — Dr. Iluo^. ■BACKl. THOUGHTS OF EMINENT MEN. 307 With respect to the goods of this world, it might be said that parsons are preaching for them — that law- yers are pleading for them, — but that true philosophers alone are enjoying them. — Colton. Good thoughts are blessed guests, and should be heartily welcomed, well fed, and much sought after. Like rose-leaves, they give out a sweet smell if laid up in the jar of memory. — Spurgeon. Temperance puts wood on the fire, meal in the barrel, flour in the tub, money in the purse, credit in the country, contentment in the house, clothes on the back, and vigor in the body. — Dr. Franklin. The theater has often been at variance with the pul- pit: they ought not to quarrel. How much is it to be wished that the celebration of Nature and of God were intrusted to none but men of noble minds. — Goethe. Surmise is the gossamer that malice blows on fair reputations, — the corroding dew that destroys the choice blossom. Surmise is primarily the squint of suspicion, and suspicion is established before it is confirmed. — Zimmerman. There are some readers who have never read an essay on taste ; and if they take my advice they never will ; for they can no more improve their taste by so doing than they could improve their appetite or digestion by studying a cookery book. — Dr. Southey. He who ia surety is never sure. Take advice, and never be security for more than you are quite willing to lose. Eemember the words of the wise man: — . "He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure." — Spurgeon. 3o8 THOUGHTS OF EMINENT MEN. 11 the Sunday had not been observed as a day oi rest during the last three centuries, I have not the eUghtest doubt that we should have been at this mo- ment a poorer people and less civilized. — Macaulay. We roay be pretty certain that persons whom all the world treats ill deserve entirely the treatment they get The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. — JTiackeray. I have often learnt a good deal from my own talk. Often when I have been advising a man or funning of him, reasons and illustrations have sprung up of their own accord that I never thought of before. Saliburton. Some intermixture of vainglorious tempers puts life into business, and makes a fit composition in grand enterprises and hazardous undertakings; for men of BoUd and sober natures have more of the ballast than the saU. — Lord Bacon. What man, in his right senses, that has wherewithal to live free, would make himself a slave for superflu- ities? What does that man want who has enough! Or what is he the better for abundance that can never be satisfied? — L' Estrange. The rising of the sun has the same effect on me as it is said to have had on the celebrated statue of Memnon ; and I never observe that glorious luminary breaking out upon me that I do not find myseK har- monized for the whole day. — Fitz-Oshorne. Oh. what a blessing is Sunday, interposed between the waves of wordly affairs like the divine path of the Israelites through Jordan ! There is nothing in which I would advise you to be more strictly conscientious than la keeping the Sabbath-day holy. W. Wilberforce