LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
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 Shelf..a-^Tc. 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
POEMS. 
 
Sam'l Donaldson. 
 
POEMS 
 
 FACTS AND FANCIES, PRACTICAL POINTS, 
 COMMON OBSERVATION, ETC 
 
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 SAM'L DONALDSON. 
 
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 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 1885. 
 
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 Copyright, i88§, by Sam' I Donaldson. 
 
DEDICATION. 
 
 TO the honest reader I dedicate this work. 
 Left alone in youth, with my father and 
 sisters, to pay for our farm by hard work and 
 economy, precluded the advantages, even of the 
 then inefficient, rural educational facilities. Thirst- 
 ing for information, I improved rough weather and 
 leisure moments in reading every book procura- 
 ble, even by borrowing proclivities. I put ten 
 dollars in a "Webster's Unabridged," the best 
 investment I ever vested. 
 
 I bega- and persistently kept up for twenty 
 years, a diary, noting events and changes, atmos- 
 pheric, agricultural, domestic, political, etc., that 
 came within my range of information and observa- 
 tion. This practice improved penmanship and 
 composition, disciplined thought, strengthened 
 memory and cultured the mind, so that my daily 
 evening task became a real pleasure. I opened 
 years and months with verses descriptive of the 
 season or subject. When misfortune buried peace 
 (I) 
 
and pleasure beneath a broken heart, and sent me 
 from a desirable home adrift, alone in a relentless 
 world, I found Nature truer than Jiews, and the 
 Muse more honorable and mitigating than man. 
 I studied Nature and character and made the 
 Muse my monitor. 
 
 If on some friendly toes I tramp. 
 
 Then I shall feel most glad 
 If you're not Solomon's foolish scamp, 
 
 Whom kind reproof makes mad. 
 
 But rather like his good, wise man. 
 Reproof will make you love me ; — 
 
 Respect keeps Reason in the van, 
 As sure as God's above me. 
 
 Think! never admitting an error, 
 Is proof we are growing no wiser. 
 
 Buried time and talents bring terror, 
 As Death will to selfish miser. 
 
 Sam'l Donaldson. 
 
PREFACE OF POSEY. 
 
 For a memorandum this book was intended ; 
 Enjoyment and amusement also were blended. 
 Sometimes I woo the fair Muse for an ode; 
 She laughs and lures and leaves me at the node. 
 Oft when I am winnowing chaff iroxn. wheat, 
 She lilts my lyre and makes my brain her seat. 
 When I find grains of gold in some man's sand; 
 On fancy, she paints pearls with her fair hand; 
 Then I must swiftly string them into verses; 
 Oft at the risk of reaping some men's curses. 
 For shams and sycophants I have but scorn, 
 Would I could confound such with Gabriel's horn. 
 I've meed for human merit, high or low, 
 Praise, I sing, for honor in friend or foe. 
 My fervent zeal's to elevate the Race, 
 Cause God's image, to glow in .each man's face. 
 This rhythmic book of Samuel, I indite; 
 All who would con, I cheerfully invite. 
 Excuse my faults, I'm not an erudite; 
 Critics may bark, but I don't fear their bite. 
 
 Sam'l Donaldson. 
 
DIARY HEADING, JANUARY, 1861. 
 
 Give thanks and glory unto Him, 
 Who brought us through this world of sin, 
 In health and strength another year; 
 Nor gave us cause to drop a tear. 
 
 Our barns are full to overflowing, 
 Our stock, all kinds, are fat and growing, 
 In peace and plenty we've been dreaming, 
 O, may our happiness continue gleaming. 
 
 Alas! a mighty cloud of trouble 
 
 Hangs o'er our land; 
 I fear its contents, more than double 
 
 What we can stand 
 Will burst upon us in our happy homes so free; 
 The Goddess of Liberty then destroyed shall be. 
 
 Then a by-word and scorn, 
 We shall be, you shall see, 
 
 To all the world, forlorn, 
 Mis-e-ry. 
 
 (5) 
 
DIARY HEADING FOR APRIL, 1861. 
 
 April's warm and genial showers 
 
 Which fall so free, 
 Will germinate the lovely bowers 
 
 Which May shall see. 
 
 Awake ! O earth, and be revived : 
 The time for Spring has now arrived. 
 Put on thy robes of lovely green. 
 Shine as a maid of sweet sixteen. 
 
 DIARY, MAY, 1861. 
 
 Ambrosial May! 
 
 Thy fragrant day, 
 Is hailed with great delight; 
 
 Thy gentle breeze. 
 
 Wafts through the trees, 
 Thy odor every night. 
 
 Thy lucid loveliness at morn, 
 Ere the king of day doth rise. 
 
 Melliferous dew-drops flowers adorn. 
 Luscious to observing eyes. 
 
JUNE, 1 86 1. 
 In our clement, genial clime, 
 Sunny June, thou art sublime. 
 
 DIARY HEADING, JULY, 1861 
 
 Welcome, welcome, kind July, 
 You give us wheat, corn, oats and rye, 
 Although you make us work so hard. 
 We'll sing with the soul of a bard. 
 
 Your glorious Fourth, the sacred day 
 
 The Sabbath of the Nation: 
 We hail with joyful hearts alway, 
 
 And with a grand ovation. 
 
 AUGUST, 1 86 1. / 
 
 Along comes August, 
 
 Summer's winding sheet; 
 Weary man may chew his crust, 
 
 And rest his hands and feet. 
 
 Harvest is over and past. 
 We'll rest from our labors at last. 
 We'll refresh and recruit the whole man, 
 And enjoy life as well as we can. 
 
8 
 
 DIARY, SEPTEMBER, 1861. 
 
 Pleasant September the portal of Fall, 
 Comes laden with fruits for the great and small. 
 Great blessings of Heav'n that we may remember : 
 To thank and praise God for pleasant September. 
 
 September will make us good ploughmen, 
 To prepare mother earth for the seed ; 
 
 We use the means in our power, and then 
 Nature's God will supply all our need. 
 
 DIARY HEADING, OCTOBER, 1861. 
 
 October introduces to us King Frost, 
 We make the acquaintance and prepare for the cost. 
 We all know that sometimes he bites pretty keen, 
 But then it prepares for Winter's cruel spleen. 
 
 Behold ! the beautiful and bright orange tinge, 
 And violet leaves with a light scarlet fringe. 
 Yes, gaze on the beautiful leaves as they fall. 
 And remember a like fate awaits us all. 
 
9 
 DIARY, NOVEMBER, 1861. 
 
 'Tis November's mournful task 
 To undo all that's been done; 
 
 But sometimes she wears a mask 
 And pretends to act in fun. 
 
 She in reality lays bare, 
 Jack Frost steps out of his lair, 
 And stalks with mighty mien, 
 O'er hill and dell and plain. 
 
 Sad scenes in nature makes, 
 All nature's beauty takes 
 
 And casts away. 
 Then smoky summer comes along, 
 And makes us sing a cheerful song 
 
 While it doth stay. 
 
 DIARY, DECEMBER, 1861. 
 
 The forests this morning are all draped in white, 
 Which a few months since were a beautiful green; 
 
 I gaze on the landscape with pleasing delight, 
 Yet, alas! it conjures up many a sad scene. 
 
 2 
 
lO 
 
 The cold and ruthless hand of death 
 
 Is laid upon 
 
 Old sixty-one. 
 See, how the old year gasps for breath ! 
 
 Receive thy doom, 
 
 The silent tomb. 
 
 You'll draw your breath just thirty times. 
 Ah! then summed up will be your crimes, 
 Deep in the past you'll soon be hid; 
 December will pull down the lid. 
 
 GOSSIP. FROM DIARY, 1861. 
 
 The things that I do most despise 
 Are the insidious, slanderous lies 
 Of silly persons out of talk. 
 With their foul tonges at ready-cock. 
 
 They tell a lie and smooth it o'er 
 
 And say, why? Did you not hear before? 
 
 How destable 
 
 I can never tell; 
 Unless they soon repent, 
 They should to scorn be sent. 
 
II 
 
 CHRISTMAS DIARY, 1861. 
 
 On blessed Christmas, honored day, 
 The Sovereign Lord of all was born; 
 
 He humbly in a manger lay, 
 
 Where men did feed their oxen corn. 
 
 Hosanna! let the echo ring, 
 
 The humble babe is now crowned King: 
 He reigneth from the Heavens above. 
 
 O'er Earth with Majesty and Love. 
 
 Precept and practice should be Siamese twins, 
 Obedience follows, when true Faith begins. 
 
 DIARY HEADING FOR 1862. 
 
 Another year has told its tale 
 
 Of sadness and of sorrow. 
 It will be hid behind the veil; 
 
 Ere we shall see to-morrow. 
 
 Time rolls along 
 In silent song. 
 By sunlight, moonlight, starlight; 
 Ne'er stops to see 
 What comes of me. 
 In its onward rapid flight. 
 
12 
 
 "Top o' the mornin" sixty-two, 
 
 "Why, bless my picture, how d'ye do?" 
 Sixty-one's as dead as a louse. 
 
 And you must come and take up house. 
 
 Ere midtime of your kingly reign. 
 May we see blissful peace attain 
 The Premier of our Land: 
 May we through ages all to come, 
 Enjoy its happy fruits at home; 
 A brotherly Union band! 
 
 SABBATH DAIRY, 1862. 
 Welcome, welcome Sabbath day. 
 Day of rest to weary mortals; 
 Up to Zion, go we may. 
 And enter its sacred portals : 
 
 And treasure up the blessed word 
 Proclaimed by God's own minister. 
 Have ye the reverence due the Lord, 
 Instead of motives sinister? 
 
 Stay ! O, weary pilgrim, stay ! 
 I fear your heart is far away 
 
13 
 
 Indulging in some vain delight 
 While seraphs blush at the sad sight. 
 
 Wilt thou not bring thy heart along, 
 And make it glad with cheerful song, 
 Ineffable bliss, will be thy lot; 
 For Jesus Christ thy soul hath bought. 
 He promises that he will give 
 Eternal Life, that we may live. 
 
 DIARY HEADING. FEBRUARY, 1862. 
 
 February brings Valentine's day. 
 When lovers to their sweethearts say, — 
 " I love you dear, accept this token. 
 Reciprocate what I have spoken." 
 
 The festive nymph receives the prize. 
 Sweet delight dancing in her eyes; 
 With trembling hand and throbbing heart, 
 She reads the lines that love impart. 
 Anonymous ! ah ! who can tell 
 Who put on me this charming spell ! 
 
14 
 ON A SERMON 
 
 BY REV. J. T. B., 1 86 1. 
 
 Written while resting on a fence, walking from church. 
 Revelations, ist. chap. 
 
 Ill men combined, on mischief bent, 
 By plots and machinations vile. 
 Banished Saint John without consent. 
 To solitude on Patmos Isle. 
 
 Companionless the holy saint 
 Sat meditating, hungry, faint: — 
 Full of the Spirit on God's day, 
 He heard behind a great voice say : — 
 
 " I am the first, I am the last. 
 What I do show thee, write it fast. 
 Then send it to the churches, seven, 
 Here on Earth, their head is in Heaven." 
 
 I turned me round about to see 
 The mighty voice that spake to me, 
 When lo! the Son of Man did stand 
 Clothed, and with a golden band, 
 
 His hair like wool, was white as snow, 
 Eternity makes hoar you know. 
 
15 
 
 His eyes were like a flame of fire 
 Which burns, when kindled is His ire. 
 
 His feet like brass in furnace burned, 
 And by a sculptor finely turned. 
 His mighty voice, like to the sound 
 Of rushing waters underground. 
 
 Around Him seven lamps of gold, 
 And in His right hand He did hold 
 Seven stars, that are angels bright. 
 Of churches to which John did write. 
 
 A sharp sword from His mouth did run, 
 
 His countenance was like the Sun; 
 
 And when I saw I fell as dead 
 
 Down at my Saviour's feet. 
 
 He laid his hand on me and said, — 
 
 "Fear not, when we do meet, 
 
 I am the first, the last and He 
 That liveth and was dead. 
 Alive forevermore, to be 
 The glorious church's Head." 
 
i6 
 
 DIARY HEADING. MARCH, 1862. 
 
 The furious part that March doth play, 
 
 In fertiHzing Mother Earth 
 You all must know, and need I say 
 
 That March, is baby Spring at birth ? 
 
 The dry west winds come rustling by, 
 Absorbing moisture from the ground. 
 
 The Sun's bright beams doth raise it high. 
 And dust in plenty doth abound. 
 
 Evaporating wet excess ; 
 
 Dry warmth the soil makes friable 
 For Spring's free showers, we may guess 
 
 A year of bounty liable. 
 
 A windy, dusty, squalling Spring; 
 
 In which the feathered songsters sing : 
 I'll tell you, if you care to hear. 
 
 Is followed by a fruitful year. 
 
 SABBATH DIARY, 1862. 
 Remember the commands of God, 
 And thus avoid His chastening rod. 
 And keep the sabbath day; 
 
17 
 
 It will promote our temp'ral good 
 As well as feed us spiritual food 
 If we will only pray. 
 
 Why not obey this blest command, 
 If but to rest our weary hand, 
 
 We should regard the claim: 
 Exhausted is the strength of man. 
 By working out each day his plan 
 
 For riches and for fame. 
 
 We have a nobler reason, far, 
 When we before the judgment bar. 
 
 On Canaan's happy land, 
 Are called for reasons why we kept 
 The sabbath, on which many slept; 
 
 Because God did command. 
 
 DIARY, 1862. 
 
 At Pleasant Hill Seminary, 
 
 Are over one hundred fair girls, 
 
 They gave free concerts frequently. 
 When all admire music and curls. 
 
After fairy-feasting my eyes, 
 I sat down to soliloquize : — 
 Some were modest, some were pretty. 
 Some were foolish, some were witty, 
 Some, perhaps, would make the wife 
 Such as man would wish for life. 
 Some might sit in the parlor rocking. 
 But could never darn a stocking; — 
 
 I would choose one described below. 
 In linsy, chintz, or furbelow. 
 
 The looks will always do you know 
 When art gives any feature glow; — 
 
 Whose hands can knead 
 
 And bake good bread, 
 
 Capacity 
 
 And Industry 
 
 Attired with neatness. 
 
 Smiles, dimpling sweetness, 
 
 Raise pearly dew-drops on her brow. 
 
 Then thump piano, my pretty frow. 
 
19 
 
 DIARY HEADING. APRIL, 1862. 
 
 April's warbling, feathered choir. 
 Charms all nature with their lyre, 
 They sprightly chirp on leafless twig: 
 Burst tender bud your winter rig. 
 
 Ope' your lovely, delicate fold 
 To music's welcoming theme: — 
 
 Nature's splendid ornament mould 
 Where innocent life may teem. 
 
 Chirp and carol the live-long day, 
 They fill the welkin with their lay, 
 Sweet songs of praise with them is rife 
 To Nature's God, who gave them life. 
 
 DIARY, APRIL, 1862. 
 
 Wake up snakes ! the trumpet's sounding. 
 Electric bolts are hurled abroad. 
 
 Fiery darts through ether bounding; 
 Torrents fall upon the sod. 
 
 Wake, from thy torpid state ! 
 Choose you each one his mate ! 
 
20 
 
 Another year thou mayest live, 
 Crawl on thy belly round, 
 Over moist, mellow ground 
 
 Till dreary Autumn cold doth give. 
 
 Winter now has passed away, 
 With all its stern realities. 
 
 Yet, there are visible to-day, 
 Victims of its fatalities. 
 
 Hark ! the batteries of the skies. 
 Are belching forth their thunder; 
 
 Electric darts through heaven flies, 
 Man's heart is filled with wonder. 
 
 I am in mute admiration lost, 
 
 Viewing the elements battle tossed. 
 
 RURAL FUN. DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Half-a-dozen neighbor rustics 
 
 Formed a band, the musical six. 
 
 With violins, and sweet guitar. 
 
 Charmed closing schools, both near and far; 
 
 The maids and manletts ask a dance, 
 And we, gallant goslings, perchance. 
 
21 
 
 Play half the night to giddy whirls, 
 For recompense, chums court our girls. 
 
 With dawn of day 
 We must away, 
 We rigged our team, 
 And put on steam. 
 Then through the mud 
 Which warmed the blood 
 Of black and bay, 
 We made our way 
 From pleasure's dome 
 To happy home. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 Much is said and sung in her praise; 
 
 All the good that gild her sweet ways 
 
 Reach a responsive chord in man's heart. 
 
 Yes, the name embodies the true woman's chart. 
 
 CHURCH COMMUNION. DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Our Saviour, God's anointed; 
 On the night He was betrayed. 
 
22 
 
 Took bread and solemnly appointed 
 The sacrament for which He prayed. 
 
 He said, "as oft as ye do eat 
 This bread and drink this cup," 
 
 See how sin pierced His hands and feet, 
 When ye His blood do sup. 
 
 Remember how His blood did flow 
 
 Out from His pierced side; 
 Great drops did down His forehead go; 
 
 While fiends did Him deride. 
 He said " 'tis finished," and so 
 
 He bowed His head and died. 
 
 Ah ! sin-stained soul, see what you've done, 
 You've crucified God's own dear Son: 
 Be troubled, rend your heart and cry. 
 Lest His Mercy pass you by. 
 
 Rejoice and be exceeding glad, 
 Let not your purchased souls be sad. 
 For "Christ is risen from the tomb," 
 And saves you from eternal doom. 
 
 If in Him you will put your trust. 
 Renouncing every hurtful lust. 
 
23 
 
 Walk humbly and His word obey, 
 Observing His commands alway. 
 Do this, in His remembrance still, 
 And not resist His sovereign will. 
 
 Oh ! what a blessed privilege this. 
 To the child of God on Earth, 
 
 Soul's sweet communion, source of bliss. 
 To those of spiritual birth. 
 
 They merely sip the pleasure here, 
 
 A foretaste to the soul : 
 In Heaven with their Saviour dear. 
 
 Through sacred sweets they stroll. 
 
 Eternity! Forevermore! 
 
 Two blessed words to those 
 Who shout His praise on Canaan's shore, 
 
 Because He hath them chose. 
 
 DIARY, MAY, 1862. 
 
 Melancholy hies away 
 At thy approach, most charming May: 
 Light heart is left to greet thee: 
 
24 
 
 Winter storms are o'er and gone: 
 Gentle dews distilled at dawn, 
 Make richest sweets to treat me. 
 
 Elysian fields of emerald sheen, 
 Damasked on robes of silken green. 
 
 Now beautify our land. 
 The budding flowers on every side, 
 Their graceful heads, they rear in pride 
 
 Most nobly, lovely, grand. 
 
 Life-giving beams and gentle dews. 
 Doth in the rose-bud, life infuse; 
 
 To ope its silken folds. 
 With blushes deep their cheeks will glow; 
 Their breath with balmy odor flow. 
 
 Their bosom fragrance holds. 
 
 Delectable sweets do fill the air. 
 
 The breath of fragrant flowers, 
 Elysium for me, is where 
 
 Are gorgeous rosy bowers. 
 
 Oh, come then rich perfume and kiss me! 
 
 Ride on the gentle zephyr's wings; 
 Come, come salute me, do not miss me, 
 
 I love you more than crowns of kings. 
 
25 
 
 REV. McMICHAEL. DIARY, 1862. 
 
 He soars aloft on fancy's wings, 
 Becomes entranced in spiritual things, 
 He paints in horror's deepest hue. 
 What misery is in hell for you. 
 
 He then to Heaven doth arise, 
 Far beyond the glittering skies, 
 And scans the glory, oh how nice ! 
 Reserved for us, in Paradise. 
 
 JUNE DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Who cannot admire June's beauty 
 
 But the grim, black, deformed old cloutie. 
 
 There's loveliness throughout the land, 
 
 Brightest beauty from sea to strand : 
 
 The forests are muffled in lovely attire, — 
 
 Gay halls where the songsters tune their sweet 
 
 lyre,— 
 There's pleasing delight to look o'er the fields. 
 Waving with bright golden grain, 
 Joy and delight, in abundance it yields. 
 By the help of June sunbeams and rain. 
 
 3 
 
26 
 
 Now gaze on June's thunder-storm, terribly grand ; 
 In beautiful majesty, it sweeps o'er the land, 
 With arrows of life and of death it is armed, 
 I am with its terrible loveliness charmed. 
 
 DIARY, 1862. 
 
 An essay written, by request, for a lady friend 
 to read at a performance, at Pleasant Hill Semi- 
 nary. 
 
 A lilac in full bloom in a heavy thunder-storm. 
 Can there be anything more pathetic, more 
 lovely, more endearing and at the same time more 
 sorrowful and soul-thrilling, to the heart suscep- 
 tible of tenderness, as to gaze on weeping inno- 
 cence. Alas! alas! that innocence should weep 
 and languish, while infamy, detestable infamy, 
 should proudly rear its grim face in smiling 
 scorn. 
 
 Alas ! must pretty flowers weep. 
 Emblem of innocence and love? 
 
 Why not your drooping head up keep. 
 And smile on nature's God above? 
 
27 
 
 The lovely Lilac's purple flower 
 Might dignify a prince's bovver, 
 To soil thy beauty, who will dare? 
 Thy fragrant sweets delight the fair. 
 
 O, ye storms of wind and rain 
 Beat gently, when ye come again! 
 Methinks I see the rain-drops seek, 
 To kiss the Lilac's purple cheek, 
 Thoughtless that their rude salute, 
 Would cause to weep the tender shoot. 
 
 Yet thou art lovely in thy sorrow, 
 As mourning innocence always is; 
 
 Wilt thou not smile again to-morrow? 
 And let us kiss thy charming phiz? 
 
 DIARY HEADING. JULY, 1862. 
 
 With hot July God grant a blessing, 
 
 And may we thank Him for it: 
 May we enjoy His love's caressing, 
 
 And never more abhor it. 
 We rejoice in that which kind July yields. 
 With thanks to God for the fruit of our fields. 
 
28 
 
 DIARY, 1862. 
 
 The prettiest flowers have sharpest thorns, 
 
 Sweetest pleasure hath its pain, 
 Grace the noble soul adorns 
 
 Who bitter with sweet receives not in vain. 
 
 DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Sabbath of rest, 
 In which the sweets of Heaven 
 To righteous men are given; 
 The de'il's behest 
 Make some forget God's holy name 
 And perish in eternal shame. 
 To keep the sabbath, is delight ; 
 And it is pleasing in God's sight. 
 
 MUSIC. DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Charming music. Heaven's own giving. 
 Makes glad the heart of all things living; 
 The heart is first with rapture thrilled. 
 
 And then in accents fleet 
 Bursts from a happy soul, well filled, 
 
 In symphonies most sweet. 
 
29 
 
 Look back, my soul ! ah ! never mind — 
 Eternity, you ne'er can find, 
 Unfold the one, and you shall see, 
 The other will unfolded be. 
 
 When God did Earth's foundations lay, 
 
 In chaos wild and boundless. 
 He robed the waters round the clay, 
 
 When lo ! the Earth was groundless. 
 
 At His command, the ground did rise 
 
 Above the rolling waters. 
 From which His bounteous hand supplies 
 
 Man's noble sons and daughters. 
 
 Yes, when Nature's God was working. 
 Seraph's tuneful chords were jerking, 
 'Twas then, the morning stars did sing, 
 Joyous echoes loud did ring. 
 
 Sons of God, with glory beaming. 
 Through boundless space their brightness 
 
 gleaming. 
 In ecstacy, without alloy, 
 Did sweetly shout aloud for joy. 
 
30 
 
 Bethlehem's lovely, flowery plain, 
 
 Where the "sweet singers'" charming strain 
 
 Did fill the balmy air, 
 The angels of the Lord did bring 
 Good tidings of the new-born King, 
 
 To the poor shepherds there. 
 
 Suddenly, in the hush of night. 
 The heavenly host appeared in sight. 
 Their radiant forms did shine so bright. 
 They changed the darkness into light. 
 
 Exultingly they did unite, 
 Symphonious voices with delight; 
 The universal dome did ring 
 With shouts of glory to our King. 
 
 "Peace on Earth, unto men good-will," 
 The Saviour comes. His blood to spill. 
 That men might from the dust arise, 
 To glorious mansions in the skies. 
 
 To halls of music, where the choir. 
 Whose hearts burn with celestial fire. 
 Whose every throb beats thrilling time 
 To holy music's rapturous chime. 
 
31 
 
 On every breath symphonious strains 
 Are wafted to the King who reigns ; 
 In every eye beams sacred songs, 
 Gazing on Him, to whom it belongs. 
 Each countenance forever swims 
 In spiritual songs, psalms and hymns. 
 
 Music is their eternal bread. 
 Enchanting love their lyre. 
 
 Hosannas ! to their Sovereign Head, 
 Bursts from their souls on fire. 
 
 Oh ! happy, happy is the soul 
 
 That music doth delight. 
 It soothes, when troubles on us roll. 
 
 And makes our sorrows light. 
 
 Dull melancholy cannot dwell 
 
 With music in the heart ; 
 Hatred is driven from its cell, 
 
 For music doth love impart. 
 
 Sweet music, O ! sweet music, sweet, 
 Unto my soul delicious treat, 
 Demulcent tones doth waft abroad, 
 Tender emotions to my God, 
 Soul-inspiring gift to mortals. 
 Heritors for Heaven's portals. 
 
32 
 
 DIARY, r862. 
 
 Taylorstown's roisterous, boisterous boys, 
 Believe me, can make most infernal noise. 
 Like monkeys chattering with delight; 
 The swaying mass, 
 Are full of *'sass;"— 
 When toes are tramped, are "in for fight." 
 
 We fingered and bowed for the school, 
 
 When or da' was mocked as a fool. 
 
 The hotel we fiddled for supper. 
 
 Shank's horse we rode home with a crupper: 
 
 Serenading a home, by the way, 
 Where a bevy of girls were at bay, 
 With hands full of sweetmeat, 
 
 And faces full of fun. 
 The one for us to eat. 
 The other to be won. 
 
 VOLUNTEERED. DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Farewell farm-life, I've enlisted : 
 Traitors have our Union twisted. 
 
33 
 
 O, who would not a soldier be, 
 To fight our Country's battles; 
 
 That he might keep the ladies free 
 From tyrant's slavish shackles ? 
 
 To home, sweet home's endearing ties, 
 The soldier looks with anxious eyes. 
 But this must all forgotten be, 
 And duty done in verity. 
 
 Our Country dear, we must rescue 
 
 By the help of God above. 
 Then we'll return, dear friends to you, 
 
 Hence to live in peace and love. 
 
 DIARY, 1862. 
 
 Wheeling ladies gave us dinner, 
 Confects, pastry, richest roast. 
 
 May this mem'ry prompt each sinner. 
 To verify my boasting toast. 
 
 When out upon the battle-field, 
 The Keystone boys will never yield ; 
 But they will still remember you, 
 Ladies of Wheeling, fair and true. 
 
34 
 DIARY, 1864. 
 
 O, how lovely is the weather, 
 For so many days together, 
 Charming scenes and cloudless sky, 
 Pleasant breezes 'round me sigh. 
 
 Welcome, welcome lovely May, 
 Exhaling fragrance every day. 
 Thy beauty swells on every hand. 
 And makes a garden of the land. 
 
 JULY 4TH. DIARY, 1864. 
 
 All hail the Fourth, the glorious day, 
 That made our Country one, and free ! 
 
 It got up a terrible fray, 
 
 But settled it all right, you see. 
 
 Alas ! alas ! ! why is it so 
 
 The sword is drawn again? 
 O ! why is brother's blood made flow, 
 
 Our lovely land to stain. 
 
 The widow's tear, the orphan's cry; — 
 O ! gracious God ! hear Thou on high. 
 O, take from us our burning shame. 
 Give us again, a hallowed name. 
 
35 
 
 1864. 
 
 Robert, thou art taken away 
 From the duties of the day, 
 Sadness fills the hearts of all. 
 Caused by thy untimely fall. 
 
 Friends will weep o'er thy misfortune, 
 Yet with hope the God above 
 
 Will forever be thy portion, 
 
 And fold thee in His arms of love. 
 
 DIARY, 1865. 
 
 Four long and weary years ago, 
 The Nation's blood began to flow; 
 Terrible carnage since did reign, 
 A haughty foe did us disdain. 
 A blessed peace has come once more, 
 Our country, as in days of yore. 
 Doth yield in plenty golden grain; 
 May we enjoy, and not complain. 
 
 Long to be remembered by American sire and 
 son, 
 
 Events by which our Union most glorious tri- 
 umph won. 
 
36 
 
 The trinity of heroes : Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, 
 Infinitely above them we thank our God — amen. 
 The crimson flood of war that gushed for four 
 
 long years. 
 Ceased in sixty-five, we will cast away our fears. 
 
 Since the soldiers have returned 
 
 From scenes of bloody strife, 
 Their motto is, " Now, I'll be querned, 
 
 If I don't take a wife." 
 
 The beautiful Jacksonian band 
 
 Are giggling in security: 
 "On boys," is heard throughout the land, 
 
 "For a bounty in futurity." 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 
 Engagement with Miss S. M. B. 
 
 The hesitating, blushing maiden 
 Uttered words that made her wife. 
 
 Those words were music, sweeter than Haydn 
 Produced in his historic life. 
 
 " My true affections cling to you. 
 They cluster round your heart; 
 
37 
 
 I'll be your faithful wife, and true 
 Till the angel of death us part." 
 
 I am now a happy man, 
 
 I trust I will continue to be; 
 With God's blessing, I know I can, 
 
 All the way down to the death's dark sea. 
 
 FILLING A PROMISE ON A STORMY 
 NIGHT. 
 
 What! love stop at overcast, blackness and 
 thunder? 
 
 Or tempest and terrible miry mud under? 
 No, no ! to be a faithful swain, 
 I will plout through mud and rain. 
 Reward is sweeter, when secured 
 From peril, with patience endured. 
 
 DIARY, APRIL, 1866. 
 Welcome, dawn of smiling Spring, 
 Welcome, birds that sweetly sing. 
 Welcome, swelling bud and flowers. 
 Welcome, zephyrs soft that bring. 
 Welcome, sweets of scented spring. 
 Welcome, all the joy that's ours. 
 
38 
 
 Through the goodness of our God, 
 April gives refreshing showers, 
 
 Which saturates the moldering clod, 
 Sending forth the lovliest flowers. 
 
 New goods are coming down, 
 
 E're many days, I ween, 
 The fields will furl away the brown. 
 
 And dress themselves in green. 
 
 Hie! gentle Spring, how sweet you look, 
 You swell the breast of every brook; 
 Swell the affections of each bud. 
 By pouring tears forth in a flood. 
 
 Spry zephyrs, fragrant, frolicsome, 
 
 Are rustling to and fro ; 
 Now gently, sweetly do they come, 
 
 Anon, delirious grow. 
 
 DIARY, MAY, 1866. 
 
 All hail! the charming May, 
 
 Whose flowers, rich and gay, 
 
 Delight the eye. 
 
39 
 
 The fragrance they impart, 
 Will soothe the saddened heart, 
 Dispel the sigh. 
 
 Thine evening zephyrs kiss our cheek, 
 Ladened with rich perfume : 
 
 Dispensing joy throughout each week, 
 Dispersing grief and gloom. 
 
 All nature teems with glorious gleams, 
 And mirth on every side ; 
 
 We should always give God the praise. 
 While heavenv/ard we o-lide. 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 
 July, with her torrid heat. 
 
 Is coming once again, 
 But with copious showers — a treat 
 
 That ripens golden grain. 
 
 July is one of God's doors, 
 Through which on us he pours 
 
 A richer blessing. 
 Fruits of the earth he yields. 
 Prolific are the fields 
 
 His love caressing. 
 
40 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 August gives greatest pleasure 
 
 To the farmers of our land, 
 For harvest's golden treasure 
 
 Is stored by their own hand. 
 
 We hail with joy the rest, 
 
 And feel most truly blest. 
 Zephyrs fan the morning dawn, 
 Lingering breath of summer gone. 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 Gay September comes along, 
 Most beautiful of the year. 
 With seeding, farmers are throng. 
 Yet labor with good cheer. 
 For after "seed-time the harvest" will come. 
 Is the promise He has given, to bless our home. 
 Summer is now forgotten, 
 For beauty. Fall begotten. 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 October is an artist fine, 
 Which makes the works of nature shine 
 With tints of gorgeous hue. 
 
41 
 
 Too much frost powder in her paint, 
 Makes the beautiful grow faint, 
 Alas! and perish too. 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 
 Now chill November comes apace, 
 She is most beautiful, yet sad. 
 
 With tints of crimson in her face. 
 She harvests corn, to make us glad. 
 
 DIARY, 1866. 
 
 December doth bring the winter King, 
 
 To rule the frigid season: 
 We must resume winter costume. 
 
 Exercising reason. 
 
 We fain would welcome winter stern, 
 With all its storms and cold ; 
 
 From it important lessons learn. 
 We too, are growing old. 
 
42 
 
 DIARY HEADING, 1867. 
 
 Now I must begin anew, 
 My journey Heavenward to pursue. 
 Abstain from sinful pleasure, 
 Lay up in Heaven a treasure 
 Which no earthly foe can spoil; 
 I'll be rewarded for my toil. 
 
 Cold though January be, 
 
 Yet it has some charms for me, 
 
 Feeding stock is my delight, 
 
 Then sleeping with my spouse at night. 
 
 DIARY, 1867. 
 
 February's clothed with cold rough sadness. 
 Yet grins with inert bloom and gladness. 
 
 1867. 
 
 With March we hail the gladsome Spring, 
 
 In which the merry songsters sing; 
 
 All nature yet is brown and bare; 
 
 A mantle of green it soon will wear. 
 
 With blitheness and beauty, it soon will glow, 
 
 Delicious fragrance on zephyrs will flow. 
 
43 
 DIARY, 1867. 
 
 April's copious showers, 
 With smiling sunny hours, 
 
 Of quickening heat, 
 Revives old Mother Earth, 
 Gives germination birth. 
 
 Mysterious feat! 
 
 All nature seems so brown and bare, 
 Decay is visible everywhere. 
 But life infusing, cites a change, 
 A process seriate and strange. 
 
 The bursting bud, and then the flower, 
 Anon the gorgeous rosy bower; 
 The sprouting seed, and then the blade. 
 The trees soon show inviting shade. 
 In every germ, blade, flowery pod, 
 See the work of invisible God. 
 
 DIARY, 1867. 
 
 One year of married life is past, 
 
 I remember with a sigh. 
 What! sorry that the die was cast? 
 
 Sorry for the nuptial tie? 
 
44 
 
 Nay, nay, the happiness I have seen. 
 The joys with such a precious wife, 
 
 Convince me, I a fool have been. 
 On single levity, wasting life. 
 
 DIARY, 1867. 
 
 O, who does not love pretty May, 
 With her beauty-tinted bowers, so gay; 
 Her fragrant odors sweet. 
 And green velvet 'neath our feet, 
 Her merry birds do charm us all the day. 
 
 D. 1867. 
 
 Another summer comes around, 
 Ushered in by glittering June : 
 
 When brazen heat and storms abound. 
 Playing oft some electric tune. 
 
 Winter lingered through the Spring, 
 Hence some flowers which May should bring 
 Must come with June's bright glittering days. 
 Absorbing her most brilliant rays. 
 
45 
 
 1867. 
 
 July is here, with treasures dear, 
 
 In fields of golden grain, 
 Man labors now, with sweating brow. 
 
 But Peace and plenty reign. 
 
 1867. 
 
 August of rest is now at hand, 
 And joy is felt throughout the land 
 With good crops stored in stack and mow, 
 With thanks before the Giver bow. 
 
 THANKSGIVING, 1867. 
 
 O, may we not with joyful hearts, 
 To God who life and light imparts. 
 
 Aloud our praises ring. 
 With thankfulness we'll trust Him still, 
 And aim to do the sovereign will 
 
 Of our Almighty King. 
 
 December, Zero, winter stern. 
 Throw on coal, good fires must burn. 
 
46 
 
 DIARY, 1868. 
 
 Another year has rolled around, 
 'Mong all its joys, we grief have found. 
 Lessons of love we have been taught, 
 To us with great importance fraught. 
 
 Whether we've learned these lessons well, 
 Another year will surely tell. 
 We trust in our Father who dwelleth above, 
 To help us to live, to serve, and to love. 
 
 JULY, 1868. 
 
 The fiery beams of the King of day, 
 
 Come piercing from the sky, 
 The essential, yet unpleasant ray. 
 
 Makes wheat, corn, oats and rye. 
 
 DIARY, 1874. 
 
 Oh ! the dreadful monster, death ! 
 
 What pain, what anguish, what distress, 
 To think of, makes one hold his breath. 
 
 Eight happy years ; — a few days less 
 Of prosperity, peace and love. 
 
47 
 
 Time absorbed too much of thought; — 
 Behold the change that death has wrought; 
 The love-light of home, I vainly sought, 
 Had flown to the Home above. 
 
 DIARY, JULY, 1874. 
 
 Oh ! the rain, the refreshing rain. 
 Good cheer you give to us again, 
 
 Days, weeks and months of drought go by, 
 All vegetation scorched and dry. 
 
 Wilting and drooping in despair 
 For lack of moisture in the air, 
 Gruff, grumbling man so hard to please, 
 Complaining cannot take his ease. 
 
 Sweltering heat and scorching sun 
 Forced from the mind the thought of fun. 
 
 But now the rain, reviving rain, 
 Has come in copious showers, 
 
 On every hill, and dell and plain, 
 On shaded sultry bowers. 
 
48 
 
 Let gratitude glow in us all 
 To God, the giver of all good. 
 
 On Him for favor let us call, 
 
 That we may have abundant food. 
 
 DIARY, 1875. 
 
 Bound secure with the silken cord. 
 In happiness to serve the Lord, 
 To share, in sorrow and in joy, 
 Virtuous lives, without alloy. 
 
 DIARY, 1875. 
 
 "There's many a slip 'twix cup and lip," 
 And many a scheme miscarried. 
 
 Had all been content to bide by the rent, 
 His bitter sorrow had parried. 
 
 VIRTUOUS WOMAN. 
 
 Woman, Heaven's best gift to man. 
 Virtue's embodied beauty, 
 
 His sweetest minist'ring angel, wan 
 By cheerful, restless duty. 
 
49 
 
 True woman — blissful, priceless boon,. 
 
 Winsome, guiding in the right — 
 Without her counsel, man doth soon 
 
 Yield to demons in life's fight. 
 
 His sorrows cloud her serious face, 
 His ills doth bring her pity-tears; 
 
 She would his errors all erase, 
 Conquering with charity, endears. 
 
 Man's sweet elixir, here below, 
 
 Changing cold pride to purest love; 
 
 Her virtues in his face doth show. 
 She's leading him to Heaven above. 
 
 VICIOUS WOMAN. 
 
 Vicious woman, angels pity 
 While she warbles vulgar ditty, 
 
 While she spreads disease around, 
 While she causes sin abound, 
 While, with treacherous smiles so sweet. 
 She treads truth beneath her feet. 
 
so 
 
 While, with honeyed words, she draws 
 Virtue down into death's jaws, 
 While she glories in dishonor, 
 
 In the ruin she has wrought. 
 God's dire vengeance is sent on her. 
 
 Then she is by all forgot. 1878. 
 
 Mendicate merit. 
 
 Never repulse; 
 Mendacious menace 
 
 Ever repel. 1878. 
 
 Respect for all women, 
 
 Love for one — 
 The motto of true men. 
 
 Sire and son. 1880. 
 
 VALENTINE. 1880. 
 
 Since balmy, flowery May, 
 A stranger oft has been 
 
 In halls where Christians pray, 
 And there his eyes have seen 
 
51 
 
 One, lovelier than May's flowers, 
 More enchanting than her bowers. 
 Oh! that we might call her ours, 
 The fairest Rosa, queen. 
 
 When key, chord, cornet and voices did ring 
 With songs of praise to the heavenly King, 
 Your love-lit eyes and your sweet smiling brow. 
 Caused thrills of rapture, in my heart, somehow. 
 
 Kind old Valentine gave me the right 
 To pen my feelings, to thee, to-night. 
 Leap Year gives Rosa the right to discover, 
 And open her heart to her ardent lover. 
 
 Before the missive reached Miss Rosie, 
 She had become another's wife; 
 
 Transplanted was the pretty posie. 
 To charm and beautify his life. 
 
 TO A LADY FRIEND. 1880. 
 Virtuous emotions are seen in your eyes. 
 
 Modesty enshrouds your fair form — 
 Gem attachments to a head so wise. 
 
 To a heart so kind and so warm. 
 
52 
 
 Rise high above the vulgar throng, 
 Love God, do good and frown on wrong ! 
 Your h'fe will happily then be blest, 
 At last you'll enter the promised rest. 
 
 EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. 1881. 
 
 Eureka! God forgive me, if He will, 
 I know I doubted what they said 
 
 Of those who come and drink their fill, 
 Of the healthy bodies which it made. 
 
 Yes, I came; I cannot tell you, 
 
 Which was the fondest, hope or fear; 
 
 But the stage-drive here, pell-mell, too, 
 Settled that, when one comes so near 
 
 Being shook to death, and yet survive: 
 
 Health elements will at once contrive 
 To gain the mastery o'er disease. 
 Aided by pure water, if you please. 
 
 Where few attractions are arrayed, 
 Few ills are in man's pathway laid ; 
 But where you find the greatest blessing, 
 There are some ills, the most distressing. 
 
53 
 
 Isolated spot! 'mid mountains of granite, 
 
 Repellant and sterile as is on this planet. 
 
 Adding the vandalism of man, 
 
 Destroying, in his sordid plan, 
 
 Nature's pleasant protection. 
 
 We have for our defection 
 
 Hot sun, hot flintrock under us, 
 
 Hungry fleas, great swarms, and wondrous 
 
 Active; bugs of every nationality; 
 
 Their anoyances a fixed reality. 
 
 Has God made a place more uninviting? 
 
 Its only attraction, while I'm writing 
 
 I must tell, it is soon told, 
 
 Pure water, better than gold. 
 
 Its merits must be exceeding great, 
 
 To balance the ills I here relate; 
 
 But it does. Let the invalid corps 
 
 From every State, of every sore, 
 
 But tell, how the limpid waters alone 
 
 Has driven sciatica out of his bone. 
 
 Has renovated, and given the vigor of youth, 
 
 To distorted, ulcerated, emaciated forms, 
 To thousands, — the fountain of life, in truth; 
 
 So here they endure all the ills for its charms. 
 
54 
 
 DIRGE ON THE DEATH. BY ASSASSI- 
 NATION, OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD. 
 1881. 
 O ! let the bell of Liberty, 
 
 Toll the sad and mournful dirge: 
 Let every emblem of the free. 
 
 Bow in shame beneath the scourge. 
 
 Sadly heaves a Nation's breast, 
 Tears of sorrow freely flow, 
 
 The noble Garfield is at rest. 
 Slain by an unworthy foe. 
 
 A Nation mourns the sinful deed: 
 Bitter sorrow is world-wide : 
 
 Patriots' hearts would willingly bleed. 
 For the Nation's idol, Mentor's pride. 
 
 OVER THE ROCKIES. 1881. 
 Fair as a morning of bright, merry May, 
 Was Sophia's sweet face, as we sped on our way 
 Over mountain and plain, 
 On the emigrant train, 
 Gave her hand with a smile. 
 With a heart free from guile. 
 She assisted me up on the train that day. 
 
55 
 
 The dear Holland-home of her childhood, for- 
 saken, 
 For love of the friends our freeland have taken. 
 
 Good-will and energy, 
 
 Full worthy to be free. 
 
 God grant her maiden nee 
 
 May bless posterity. 
 Full faith in the God of Freedom, awaken. 
 
 SOLILOQUY. 
 
 Kissing indulged behind the scenes; — 
 Pretty, plump maidens in their teens : — 
 Delicious sensations, form my peans 
 In honor to brave freeman's queens. 
 
 O ! woman, what a source of bliss ; 
 With something better than a kiss; 
 The beacon bright of man's desire, 
 The well-spring of manhood's aspire. 
 
 Without her what would life be worth? 
 Cold would be the domestic hearth. 
 Without her incentive to progression; — 
 The salt of life is in her possession. 1881. 
 
56 
 
 LOVE'S AFFINITIES. 1881. 
 When loves meet once, 
 Though ne'er before, 
 The glance that vaunts 
 Great love in store, 
 Emitted from her windows bright 
 The pleasures of the heart's delight; — 
 The eyes are windows of the soul. 
 And as the magnet points the pole, 
 So love attracts the loving glance 
 When affinities meet, although by chance. 
 
 CHRISTMAS, 1881. 
 
 Merry Christmas comes apace, 
 As the year doth gradually fade. 
 
 How many sorrows we can trace. 
 How many of our joys are dead. 
 
 MATED. 
 Man was not made to be alone on this sphere, 
 Woman was made for her presence to cheer; 
 No man of good sense, a hermit would be, 
 While women are plenty and pretty and free. 
 
57 
 
 But not every woman for each man is mate, 
 
 Mismated are many, who think of blind fate, — 
 
 Sympathy of sentiment, unison of taste. 
 
 Hearts full of love, and no love to waste, 
 
 <i 
 Souls that interchange love through the eyes. 
 
 Anticipate duties of such sacred ties : 
 
 Industrious, economical and true. 
 
 Rest assured of success and happiness too. 
 
 i88i. 
 
 MORMONS. 1881. 
 
 Human rapacity and greed. 
 
 Unchecked by honest emotion, 
 Find vent through fanatical creed, 
 
 And hypocritical devotion. 
 
 Mormonism's rapine and plunder, 
 
 Murder, lust and chicanery 
 Succeed through religious thunder, 
 
 And cruel, despotic tyranny; — 
 
 Extorting the proceeds of toil. 
 
 To self-aggrandizing splendor, 
 Bind gulls, in crime's hideous coil. 
 
 Salvation's only true vendor. 
 
 5 
 
58 
 
 The noblest government of man 
 
 By man, is on America's soil; 
 Yet it permits this devilish clan, 
 
 Its free and wholesome laws to foil. 
 
 Rouse! freemen! as in sixty-one. 
 
 Wipe out! this wounding, burning shame, 
 Drive from beneath America's Sun, 
 
 The hell-polluting. Mormon name. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 Few but would live his life again, 
 Rather than drop it, even without pain. 
 All could great improvement make. 
 None but could see a lesson to take. 
 Careful reform, from experience had, 
 In all life's journey, pleasant or sad. 
 Still wish to prolong it good or bad. i 
 
 WOMAN. 
 
 Virtuous woman, the wise man says, 
 Compared with rubies pure, 
 
 Of higher value, and she pays 
 A better dividend sure. 
 
59 
 
 The mother of all good on Earth! 
 She is a blessing from her birth, — 
 Encouraging and restraining man, 
 
 His anchor, hope and guide. 
 Without her, vain would be his plan, 
 
 He'd sink beneath the tide. 
 See her power in this free Nation, 
 Where she enjoys the noblest station. 1882. 
 
 SOLDIER CEMETERY. 1882. 
 
 Here bravest mortals rest in peace 
 Who nobly died in freedom's cause. 
 
 Whose valor, did tyrant's grasp release, 
 And traitor's clutch on liberty's laws. 
 
 Threnic peans, mingled with sighs, 
 
 By the wind that waves 
 
 The grass o'er their graves 
 Touch chords, bringing tears to the eyes. 
 
 Rhapsodic eloquence, honor and fame. 
 
 Enduring as time, 
 
 In soft zephyr's rhyme, 
 Till crowned with glory, they get a new name. 
 
6o 
 
 The soul's electric chains that bind, 
 
 The Hving to immortals pure 
 By which they know oppressed mankind, 
 
 Have freedom's peace to them made sure. 
 
 EMOTIONS. 
 
 There's very much affected sadness. 
 
 Hidden by a heartless cry, 
 There's vastly more of real sorrow. 
 
 Smothered by the heavy sigh. 
 
 Sorrow's approach finds vent in tears, 
 
 Ling'ring runs the fountain dry; 
 The pain endured through many years, 
 
 Heaven's balm, mirth, sad heart, will try. 
 
 Such mirth is strangely sorrow-hued. 
 
 Residuum of tears boiled down, 
 Implying humility, gratitude, 
 
 Faith and trust for the saintly crown. 1882. 
 
6r 
 
 ORGAN GRINDERS. 
 
 Italia's swarthy, indolent sons, 
 
 With organ, America over-runs, 
 
 Committing a nuisance, many say. 
 
 Still the rude music kindles a ray 
 
 Of gladness, gleaming, they cannot hide, 
 
 So tolerate the tramp, begging tribe. 1882. 
 
 ACROSTIC, 1882 
 Nellie, remember that age follows youth; 
 Evanescent is featured in lines of truth. 
 Let faith, hope and love, be your guide to the end : 
 Linking your life to Jesus, your friend. 
 Ineffable bliss your portion will be. 
 Either for Time or Eternity. 
 
 MALICE. 
 
 Moral depravity may rejoice, 
 At the misfortune of a friend ; 
 
 And censure's over-righteous voice 
 Recount the faults that caused the end 
 
62 
 
 With the Saviour's holy name 
 
 On their banner spread aloft, 
 Preach strict rectitude, the same 
 
 That the Nazarene taught oft. 
 
 Secretly plotting all the while, 
 
 Aggrandizement of self with guile. 
 
 They seek to profit without blushing, 
 
 By the calamity of the friend they're crushing. 
 
 Oh ! for a thousand tongues of fire, 
 To scorch the impious hypocrites, 
 
 "Vengeance is mine," in holy ire. 
 Says the Judge who in Heaven sits. 
 
 Viewing the matter in this light, 
 
 Trust the Judge of all. He'll do right. 1883. 
 
 SONG. MY HEART IS ALL RIGHT 
 AGAIN. 1883. 
 
 The germ of love in my young heart, 
 
 Was quickened by your sweet words, dear, 
 It bloomed by your seductive art, 
 'Till life was void without you near. 
 O, my love ! come quickly to me ! 
 O, my love ! I'm pining for thee. 
 
63 
 
 The happy home that I had fancied, 
 
 With our pure, bright hves to fill it, 
 The pang, when your love grew rancid; 
 My true young heart left to kill it. 
 O, my love! come quickly to me! 
 O, my love ! I'm pining for thee. 
 
 O, you villain! oh, you adder! 
 
 My love for you is turned to hate, 
 Another bright life you'll make sadder. 
 Which she, like me, will know too late. 
 O, my heart is all right again, 
 Ne'er shall false man give it more pain. 
 
 Where can honor and truth be found? 
 Not in the gay young men we meet. 
 Each confiding heart they will wound. 
 By trampling true love 'neath their feet. 
 O, my heart is all right again. 
 Ne'er shall false man give it more pain. 
 
64 
 
 DECORATION DAY, 1883. 
 
 Fresh fern-fronds 'neath fresh foliage, deck'd 
 
 with dew, 
 O'er green-garnished graves of the glorified 
 
 true; 
 Here we tender our tribute, fresh flowers we 
 
 strew 
 On this sad, sacred spot we our reflex renew. 
 
 INFIDELITY. 1883. 
 
 You will not accept the Bible plan? 
 
 Its mysteries a human myth ? 
 Accept alone what reason can ? 
 
 The God of your faith a tangible pith? 
 
 Explain the connection of mind and muscle; 
 
 How ire, hate, love, joy, dwell in your heart; 
 Planetary harmony without a justle; 
 
 How the "small voice" begs, quit the skeptic 
 art. 
 
 Now, honor bright, "Bob" Ingersoll, — 
 The brightest imp at Satan's call, — 
 Is it not the inherent desire of man 
 
65 
 
 For freedom, from restraint of the Moral Plan, 
 To which you will pander in ambition's role. 
 Regardless of cost to your immortal soul ? 
 
 Gulping the resisting spirit within ; 
 Assuming wisdom and the boldness of sin; 
 Trusting for beatitude the attribute love. 
 Beyond the boundary of time, above. 
 Boasting Supreme Love can't so "cruel be, 
 As to damn a man of your quality." 
 
 MAY, 1883. 
 
 A wooing welcome, my merry May, 
 From dewy-dawn's greeting robin's lay, 
 Through kaleidoscopic flowery spray, 
 'Till soft, sweet twilight closes the day. 
 
 Animating, fragrant, bonny breeze. 
 From fondling, flow'ry, green-tinted trees, 
 Fraught with happy life's sweet sylvan song, 
 Diffusing delight to old and young. 
 
66 
 
 CONSISTENCY. 
 Consistency is the rarest gem, 
 Equaling the star of Bethlehem 
 
 In brilliancy. 
 So few correct their own mistakes, 
 Ere the censure-fellow rakes 
 
 Delinquency. 1883. 
 
 The best instructors of the youthful mind 
 Constantly search for knowledge, the most 
 refined. 1883. 
 
 OUR COUNTRY. 
 
 My many meanderings to and fro through this 
 
 land, 
 'Twixt blue oceans, aqua log-chain and the ree 
 
 Rio Grande, 
 Of Uncle Sam's coherent, continental, realty 
 
 realm, 
 With the patron of Liberty perched at the helm, 
 I find conditions of temperature, topography and 
 
 soil, 
 To suit her hardy sons of true tolerance in toil. 
 
6; 
 
 Choice from plain to pyramoid, 'twixt mirage 
 
 and the mire : — 
 Every fancy fully filled from Oregon's flood to 
 
 desert fire; 
 Every variety of vegetable life luxuriantly yields ; 
 Every known kind of grain grows in her fertile 
 
 fields ; 
 All kinds of fruits and fragrant flowers, to cherish 
 
 and to cheer; 
 Every requisite relish; happy homes to endear; 
 Pray, would you want more? Yes? Minerals 
 
 beyond measure; 
 In each State is stored some tangible treasure, 
 From the gainsome god men glorify — pure yel- 
 low gold — 
 Down to black-diamond, base, but more useful, 
 
 we are told. 
 Very often have I spied some pretty sylvan spot, 
 Where, with a pretty partner to cheer our earthly 
 
 lot, 
 Our souls' tenuous tendrils might tenaciously 
 
 entwine, 
 Securing to each a sense of sweet song-service 
 
 divine; 
 When the oft-recurring lessons I have learned in 
 
 sorrow's way; 
 
68 
 
 When ties were snapped which held me bound 
 
 below, for many a day : — 
 Dissipates the dearest dreams of happiness on 
 
 earth, 
 Where flowers fade, pleasures pall, and sorrows 
 
 sweep the hearth. 
 
 Then soft, sweet whispers whiff to my ears, 
 
 Weary pilgrim, ponder well, 
 This is the veriest vale of tears, 
 
 Here you cannot wish to dwell. 
 No ! my angel, always alert, 
 Your guidance good my soul has girt. 
 Connecting it with a home in Heaven, 
 Where felicite ties are never riven. 1883. 
 
 FORGOTTEN. 1883. 
 Must we die, forgotten quite? 
 Vain our strivings for the right? 
 Vanish all our dreams of glory? 
 Our earnest life a fabled story? 
 
 Forgotten? Yes, by human mind; 
 Merit's soonest dropt behind. 
 Errors cling a little longer. 
 Crime takes hold a little stronger. 
 
69 
 
 Should your life be all the purest, 
 
 Duties win your success surest; 
 
 Soothed the sorrowing hearts with kindness ; 
 
 Broke the beams of giddy blindness; 
 
 Turning light on some dark way, 
 
 Planting charity every day. 
 
 Should misfortune strike you down. 
 Every one will add a frown ; 
 Say all the good you ever did, 
 Sprang from foul motives which you hid ; 
 
 Vile imputations, freely laid. 
 Misconstrued all you did and said, 
 Anxious to detect an error, 
 Each one makes themselves a terror, 
 
 Bowed and broken with greatest grief. 
 The victim of the honored thief, 
 Pale eyes that wept the fountain dry, 
 Debauchery, the scoffers cry. 
 
 The tempters seek to prove by lure 
 Base imputations; not demure, 
 I seem to grant satisfaction, cool ; 
 Which of us is the fittest fool : 
 I smile at their most cruel folly, 
 With pain and pang try to be jolly. 
 
70 
 
 But there is balm for every wound, 
 Inflict them then, great grace I've found. 
 Such trials prove a blessing great. 
 For the fruition I patiently wait. 
 
 SONG OF LIFE. 1883. 
 
 Landis. Who is that charmer? 
 
 Lena. Present that farmer? 
 
 Landis. All sweets combined ! 
 
 Lena. You flatter, mind! 
 
 Both. Should old acquaintance be forgot? 
 
 We pledge each tryst, Forget-me-not. 
 
 Landis. What blissful wooing, 
 Lena. Sweet nectar cooing. 
 
 Landis. My dear, — I ah ! 
 
 Lena. Y-e-s, see my Pa. 
 
 Both. Our hearts with tender joys are thrilling, 
 Piling pledges, while we're billing. 
 
 Landis. Heaven, my honey! 
 
 Lena. Who cares for money! 
 
 Landis. One month of joy, 
 
 Lena. Without alloy. 
 
71 
 
 Both. Now let stern sense displace the silly, 
 Landis, the oak; Lena, lotus-lily. 
 
 Obverse Side. 
 
 Landis. Health, fame and fortune, 
 Lena. My song to your tune. 
 Landis. My joy your zvorth. 
 Lena. More joy each birth ! 
 Both. Our virtues we perpetuate, 
 
 Our tickets admit at Heaven's gate. 
 
 Reverse Side. Always omit. 
 
 Landis. Balls, bills and broke me. 
 
 Lena. Vil-lain — y-o-u choke me. 
 Landis. I'm off — with Maud. 
 Lena. Fare, foul, old fraud. 
 Both. No Heaven, no hell, ha, ha, ha, ha, 
 "Bob" Ingersoll, hal-le-lu-jah. 
 
 THUNDER STORM. 1883. 
 
 The scene, a day in hot July. 
 People plain and pant and sigh 
 For cooler air. The arch of blue, 
 Its wont, assumes a brazen hue; 
 
72 
 
 With fulsome heat all nature shrinks, 
 Is hushed for breath, man more than thinks 
 Profanity. The gracious God, 
 Who might mete the merited rod, 
 Respites; Justice to Mercy yields. 
 A waft of potential power wields ; 
 Seeming miraculous moisture grows 
 From power which Omnipotence knows. 
 
 A cheerful change comes o'er the scene, 
 Fast-forming clouds o'erspread the sheen, 
 The rolling, rabid, rugged mass, 
 Vents a voice in baleful bass; 
 Glittering flash of electric chords, 
 Terrifying creation's lords. 
 More fi'ry, fierce effulgent flashes. 
 Through murky mists confounding crashes; 
 Pouring pearls in fresh'ning flood. 
 Cooling life's livid, feverish blood. 
 Tempest and torrents deafening sound ; 
 Such surging shakes the solid ground, 
 Giving a new, fresh lease to life. 
 Brighter by the throes of the recent strife. 
 Terrible majesty and splendor combined, 
 Wakes meeds of awe in the mortal mind. 
 
73 
 
 Precedents halt progress, and hide pure principle, 
 
 And oft instead of justice, metes the mockery of 
 
 hell. 1883. 
 
 THE FLY. 1883. 
 
 You festive, fussy, fervent fly. 
 Utmost utility ! buzzing by. 
 The treat to you to torment me, 
 You wicked, wilful, watchful wee 
 Sucker. Inflicting irritation 
 Greater than your humble station, 
 Or size would warrrant, a hundred fold; 
 Agile, alert and very bold. 
 
 That pet pimple on my pied pate. 
 Is the delight of your damning hate, 
 O, no! you naughty little bugger! 
 Your tickling toes, more than your tugger, 
 Torment me to your dear delight. — 
 O! ugh! my bile! — How fleet your flight! 
 In time to 'scape my vigorous stroke. 
 Instead of your back, the bile it broke. 
 6 
 
74 
 
 If proportionate your pleasure 
 To annoyance, in any measure; 
 What a blissful life you live, 
 As you a mint of trouble give. 
 But then, mid thorns we find a rose ; — 
 You redeem for devilishness, by blows 
 In myriads, that feed on putrid puck, 
 Wriggling mischief from the muck, 
 Destroying germs of dire disease, 
 Reveling 'neath the spongy lees, 
 A blessing in repulsive form. 
 Nasty necessity! worthy worm! 
 
 LOWELL'S POEMS. 1883. 
 
 Faithful monitress ! fair Miss Muse ! 
 
 Whose royal reign 
 
 In Lowell's brain, 
 
 That rhythmic wrought, 
 
 Such gems of thought; 
 Preside in mine, while I peruse. 
 
75 
 ODE TO THE PANSY. 1883 
 
 Pretty little pansy, oh, yes ! so very pretty, 
 Humbly hiding innocence, so modest and so 
 meek, 
 The pride of brunette Birdie, and of the bright 
 blonde Bettie, 
 Who sigh for your soft symmetry, your smooth 
 glossy cheek. 
 The semi-circled trio of variegated hues, 
 
 No polished art of genius can e'er excel, so 
 sleek, 
 Your purple velvet, twin reserves, most pleasing, 
 I choose. 
 Your small cinque form has all rich tints of 
 
 beauty condensed. 
 No other such small space such radiant beauty 
 fenced. 
 
 DARE DEATH. 1883. 
 
 Duty dictates for the wise 
 Rules of life the doomed despise. 
 Passion's pleasure prompts the fool 
 To graduate in Satan's school. 
 
76 
 
 Let your soul have constant suit 
 With its source, and your pursuit 
 Of pure pleasure, ambition, 
 Or honest competition, 
 To excel in wealth, or fame, 
 Surely wins you honored name. 
 'Twill not interfere at all 
 With success, or duty's call. 
 Try it young and old, you'll find 
 Conscience clear, with peace of mind; 
 Toil and trouble ever near. 
 Gives your soul a sight more clear; 
 Weans from world, as you grow older. 
 Makes your faith much firmer, bolder. 
 Tones the temper, laves all leaven. 
 Robes you for your home in Heaven. — 
 Then let dire, dread pestilent. 
 Foul and fatal accident, 
 Swift and sudden, sweep along. 
 At duty's post, bold and strong; 
 Should your Father need you longer 
 Here below. He'll make you stronger 
 Than grim Death. Or, if perchance 
 Your duty's done, Death's keen lance. 
 O'er you, has victory and sting 
 No more, no more: 
 
77 
 
 Once fettered soul will take swift wing 
 To Canaan's shore : 
 Welcomes await, 
 At Heaven's gate, 
 "Well done, well done;" 
 Through God's dear Son. 
 
 Duty's legs ne'er wait for the cash, 
 Paid by rude Necessity's lash. 
 
 VENGEANCE. 
 
 The violent man will suffer violence sure fate, 
 His crime against his fellow, comes to crush his 
 
 own pate. 
 "Whoso sheddeth man's blood," are living words 
 
 of vengeance; 
 Delay, defers to human law, to lave offence; 
 Failing, Heaven's decree, drives guilt, to wipe 
 
 out guilt; 
 For Justice, as well as Mercy, God's throne was 
 
 built. 1883. 
 
78 
 
 FASHION'S LADY AND MODEL LASSIE. 
 
 1883. 
 Sitting by my window once, absorbed in Lowell's 
 
 theme 
 Of fact and fancy, feasting soul upon soul's bright- 
 est gleam, — 
 
 A fairy flash ; 
 Of crape and crash, 
 My heart made hash, 
 By Cupid's clasli. 
 
 Five feet of female tripping past on shapely legs ; 
 Presuming; invisible were those purling pegs. 
 
 Enchanting elf. 
 
 Pursuing pelf, 
 
 In glittering glare ; 
 
 So fine, so fair. 
 
 God's fairest handiwork, encased in art's quaint 
 
 maize, 
 Enticing eyes and limbus lips such sweet things, 
 says ; — 
 
 Unworthy man, 
 Did he but scan 
 Without a thrill. 
 Or e'en gfood will. 
 
79 
 
 We'll now take the dissecting blade the truth to 
 
 test. 
 What! doubt that angel, minus the wings? you 
 surely jest? 
 
 That graceful glide, 
 Portends not pride? 
 Those love-lit eyes? 
 Those soulful sighs? 
 
 Old Honesty ! truth told may pain a guileless 
 
 soul. 
 But knowing truth, that soul may 'scape sorrow's 
 dire dole; 
 
 Those puffs of pride, 
 The hoiden hide, 
 That sly sweet smile. 
 This gilded guile. 
 
 She lives and breathes, — as corsets let, — by the 
 
 strict rule 
 And compass of frivolous fashion ; a flippant fool. 
 
 Her wave-let walk, 
 
 Her "taffy" talk, 
 
 Her critique curt, 
 
 The humble hurt. 
 
8o 
 
 Her lichen-life of uselessness, but yearns for 
 
 yule, 
 Self-love prompt her passions to loll on pleasure's 
 stool. 
 
 On sweets she sips, 
 With licensed lips, 
 A luscious lure. 
 Inept, impure. 
 
 True modesty and merit, ne'er tries to act a lie 
 For fashion's sake. Fashion's forms spring from 
 the sensual sty. 
 
 In daubry dress. 
 
 Lays strictest stress, 
 
 She'd sell her soul, 
 
 For fashion's poll. 
 
 Embody complete virtue, in manly form so fair, 
 As claim on woman's purest love, life's trials to 
 share ; 
 
 For him content. 
 
 Give free consent? 
 
 Nay! virtue's sold. 
 
 Give, give her gold. 
 
8i 
 
 MODEL LASSIE. 
 
 My model maid is seldom found 
 In public places; she is sound 
 In mind and muscle; neat and naive, 
 Clean, clear featured; cosmetic lave 
 Is nature's own ; her hair's her own : 
 Her virtue's worth empyreal throne; 
 She may be lean, she may be lank; 
 She may be plump and play the prank; 
 But knows propriety and keeps it well. 
 She scorns the namby-pamby swell, 
 Her graceful airs are unassumed. 
 Her thoughts to show, are not attuned, 
 Her handsome hands and faultless feet, 
 For worthy work, with skill replete. 
 For mental store ne'er trust to luck, 
 She conquers fortune by pure pluck. 
 Discards all isms; her intellect 
 Is tuned to souls, heedless of sect. 
 Her tastes are simple, sweet and rare. 
 In moral culture shows great care. 
 Faith, Hope and Christ-like Charity 
 Her inherent necessity. 
 
 A bothersome blessing in her youth, 
 
82 
 
 Fortune ne'er gave to age more ruth; 
 Men ne'er had more peerless treasure 
 On Earth, she gives purest pleasure. 
 When done with Earth, Heaven's brightest 
 
 gem, 
 Heaven's sweetest song, is her anthem. 
 
 HYPOCRISY. 
 
 O thou Hypocrisy ! 
 
 Thou false and damning saint! 
 
 Your lulling lure. 
 
 Pollutes the pure, 
 Whate'er you touch, you taint. 
 The devil's employee. 
 
 Sly "wolf in sheep's clothing," 
 
 Your pensive prayer. 
 
 Recherche and rare. 
 So sweet the song you sing. 
 
 Yes ! alms you vainly give. 
 
 For saintly show you live, 
 
 The lambs you've leashed 
 
 'Till conscience ceased 
 
 To act, pierced like a sieve. 
 
83 
 
 For every prayer you pray, 
 You steal a pound for pay, 
 
 From God's dear ones; 
 
 Demurely dons 
 Your sanctified smile; at bay. 
 
 Thou shining sepulchre, 
 Foul-filled with mind-murder. 
 
 Your fi-uits do show. 
 
 Great God doth know, 
 As Jesus did aver. 1883. 
 
 RELIANCE RIGHT AND WOEFUL 
 WRONG. 1883. 
 A model mother's pensive pride, was romping 
 Rellie Right. 
 
 Mischievous boy! 
 Yet household joy, 
 And Papa's pet so bright. 
 
 His misty mind to energize, pert questions he 
 did ply. 
 
 His haunting haste 
 
 For dress displaced. 
 His Papa's pants to try. 
 
84 
 
 The little chores about the house, were fittest 
 work for sister. 
 
 To ape his Pa, 
 
 Was Rellie's law, 
 He craved the title Mister. 
 
 His thirst for knowledge joined to play, gave 
 Rellie smack for school, 
 
 At head in class, 
 
 At play, enpass, 
 Ne'er sat on the dunce stool. 
 
 The seeds of Truth were duly set, in Rellie's 
 youthful heart. 
 
 Enriched by Love 
 
 The honeyed dove. 
 Cultured by Mother's art. 
 
 Nourished by the milk of kindness, that per- 
 meates the plant, 
 
 With peerless poise 
 
 Among the boys. 
 Discards the term, "I can't." 
 
 His parents recognized the fact that young folks 
 must have fun. 
 
85 
 
 So Rellie's home 
 Was pleasant dome, 
 As soon as work was done. 
 
 His manners were the most refined, his con- 
 versation pure, 
 
 He honored age. 
 
 Precocious sage. 
 Promised prominence sure. 
 
 Culled the classics, captured honors and fairly- 
 won his fame, 
 
 But dearer prize, 
 
 A maid's bright eyes 
 He won to grace his name. 
 
 Meekly the mates did wear those laurels, talents 
 were theirs for use. 
 
 Faithfully they 
 
 Their blissful day 
 Of life, suppressed the Deuce. 
 
86 
 
 WOEFUL WRONG. 
 
 A regular " whoopemup" boy, 
 
 Calliope voice so strong, 
 Either his anger or his joy 
 
 Ruled the rugged woeful wrong. 
 
 A born king, of home and hazard, 
 
 He ruled with iron sceptre; 
 When his mouth was filled with bastard, 
 
 Was silent as a spectre. 
 
 The cutest toy that art could frame 
 
 Disdained; the little hister 
 Could but see beauty in the tame 
 
 Toy, held by little sister. 
 
 He oiled and fired pussy's tail, 
 To see her scratch and scamper, 
 
 He'd find the cookies without fail, 
 On Mother's mince-pies pamper. 
 
 He'd eat green apples if they'd kill. 
 Then craze and cry with colic ; 
 
 Half-way to school, just o'er the hill, 
 He'd stop and have a frolic. 
 
87 
 
 The teacher's torment in the class, 
 
 With all his freaks of folly 
 Ambitious only to trespass; 
 
 A whipping made him jolly. 
 
 The teacher had to turn him out, 
 
 Like "Mary's little" buckie. 
 Mad? no, he was too pleased to pout. 
 
 Such largess was so lucky. 
 
 Free, as young America's will — 
 Restraint is downright dulness, 
 
 A pedagogue's a bitter pill, — 
 
 He sneered at school-boys' gullness. 
 
 The bar-room was his loafing-place, 
 He heard jokes there, so witty. 
 
 Where Jack of Guilt would take the Ace 
 Of Purity, without pity. 
 
 He learned to swear, to smoke and chew, 
 Play cards for "hash" and whiskey. 
 
 As captain of a sin-cursed crew; 
 No hazard was too risky. 
 
 Ill-gotten gold and tailor's tact. 
 With jeweler's adorning, 
 
Don't deceive, the demon that sacked 
 His soul, such visor scorning. 
 
 Truth and Justice, such slow nags, 
 
 Can't keep in sight of error. 
 Whose dextrous pace, nor limps, nor lags, 
 
 While dealing virtue's terror. 
 
 But Right recovers breath at last; 
 
 Opening Pandora's box 
 On woeful wrong, he binds him fast, 
 
 For deferred doom, under locks. 
 
 His life must pay the penalty 
 
 Of desecrating duty; 
 Conscience accuses, mentally; 
 
 Lost, the once image of beauty. 
 
 Truth and Right will at last prove strong, 
 
 After the devil's deception 
 Has lost its hold on woeful wrong; 
 
 He prays for God's protection. 
 
 See! life's fitful, feverish waning; 
 
 Love of God, despised so long, 
 Sends sweet Mercy, with hope's dawning 
 
 Redemption, for repentant wrong. 
 
89 
 
 ON INGERSOLL'S BLASPHEMOUS 
 LECTURE, 
 
 WHICH WAS TINTED WITH BEAUTY TO ATTRACT 
 
 THE THOUGHTLESS, AND ELOQUENCE 
 
 TO TEMPT THE TRUE. 
 
 Rob't, your brains of superior excellence, 
 Were leased and perverted by Satan's prepence. 
 By lease, you are bound to give him all emolu- 
 ments. 
 In return to secure you complete invulnerence. 
 
 Should your ossified heart ever become softened, 
 Before your dead form is by nature's course 
 
 croftened. 
 You will see true religion in a different light, — • 
 Its music and poesy and beauty so bright. 
 
 Through the halo of Hope, you'll see angels at- 
 tending 
 
 The sanctified soul, its way heavenward wending; 
 
 You will see how Satan tries to secure the best 
 talent, 
 
 Fortifying freedom with illusion's pallient. 
 7 
 
90 
 
 See the Satan-sustained sceptic, with eloquent 
 art, 
 
 Quail before God's "weak ones" holding the 
 Christian's dart. 
 
 How the "weak things of this world will con- 
 found the wise." 
 
 Your "religion of art" for the Christian a prize. 
 
 Why sum up the wealth, in great churches in- 
 vested. 
 
 Or salaried preachers, with wealth from toil 
 wrested, 
 
 As labor's love lost, and its gold given away. 
 
 That might procure plenitude of peace, some 
 day? 
 
 Rob't, would it not have been more appropriate, 
 
 To have summed up all the gold expended anti- 
 date. 
 
 On gambling hells, saloons and prostitution 
 base? 
 
 On prize fights, games of chance, of your belief 
 the grace ? 
 
 The hundred who grow rich, and fatten on the 
 spoil 
 
91 
 
 Of their ten-thousand victims, — pupils of your 
 moil. 
 
 Yes ! you find hypocrisy, beneath religion's cloak, 
 
 Imitating fealty, Heaven's aid invoke. 
 
 Your super-human wisdom! should perceive the 
 fact, 
 
 That worthy alone, is feigned by man's counter- 
 feiting tact. 
 
 Your next mistake outweighs, all those in Moses' 
 pages : — 
 
 Jacob's ladder, safely rested on the ''Rock of AgesT 
 
 Because God is infinite, and we can't comprehend 
 Him: 
 
 Is mortal man's best reason, why he should at- 
 tend Him. 
 
 What would a god be worth, if his creature were 
 his equal, 
 
 Such fealty as yours, would make anarchy the 
 sequel. 
 
 Your father, Satan, once took similar position. 
 
 Then God made Hell to hold the dross of Hea- 
 ven's depletion. 
 
 That you may comprehend your god; make a 
 
 calf of gold. 
 His leniency will be as great as Baal's was of old. 
 
92 
 
 Your bible, Shakespeare, gives a text, fit for your 
 mind's gestation, 
 
 "All wickedness is sin and sin's" due "is damna- 
 tion." 
 
 Hence, the sinner damns himself; God executes 
 the sentence; 
 
 Unless a pardon is procured, by opportune re- 
 pentance. 
 
 You with impious insolence, your Maker doth 
 
 accuse. 
 Of all resultant wrong, when men their powers 
 
 abuse; 
 When Justice fails and innocence, is of virtue 
 
 robbed ; 
 When Truth is trampled on and faithful Charity 
 
 fobbed ; 
 
 When suffering and sorrow, vent their grief in 
 
 scalding tears, 
 With all the miseries caused by men, in all their 
 
 threescore years ; 
 You sum up blasphemously, against the God of 
 
 Heaven : — 
 With talents rare, that to you, by that same God 
 
 were given. 
 
93 
 
 You judge God for tolerating liberty to sin, 
 
 Then judge, when His commands, you your free- 
 dom hinders in: 
 
 Then you leave God's throne and as a rebel scep- 
 tic pose; 
 
 And say you cannot love a God, whose nature 
 no one knows. 
 
 You "love your friend," then you should love 
 
 the maker of that boon : 
 Either religion's God, or evolution's baboon. 
 You "love Truth, because Truth adds to human 
 
 happiness." 
 God alone is Truth, whose goodness you will not 
 
 confess. 
 
 You say, you "love Justice, because it preserves 
 human joy;" 
 
 An attribute of God which you persistently an- 
 noy. 
 
 You "love Charity," why that is Love, and God 
 is Love; 
 
 Our emotions of tenderness come from God 
 above. 
 
 We hail a blessed power, that brings return of 
 Spring, 
 
94 
 
 Makes Nature blush with beauty, with joy, the 
 
 welkin ring: — 
 When music and poetry and posies warm the 
 
 heart, 
 With awe for Pozvcr, greater than Chance, or 
 
 human Art. 
 
 You love the lustrous lily, with tints of heavenly 
 
 hue; 
 Yet it is an enigma, unknown as God, to you. 
 God's goodness, grace and love, from the lily's 
 
 petals peeps; 
 You love the gift, yet scorn the Giver, who sadly 
 
 weeps. 
 
 See ! those twinkling brilliants, in the diadem of 
 night, 
 
 That deck the vault of Heaven with their scin- 
 tillating light. 
 
 Have you especial knowledge here to warrant 
 your assurance 
 
 In taking God to task? Are they Chance's pro- 
 curance? 
 
 Will yon ne' er forgive our Gob, for not consulting 
 yon, 
 
95 
 
 Before He planned Redemption? and thus respect 
 
 your view? 
 Hence, you claim immunity from suffering for 
 
 sin; 
 And seek through human wisdom, felicity to win. 
 
 When in the course of Nature, your sensual 
 powers fail; 
 
 Your soul will sigh for sympathy from God, 
 'gainst whom you rail. 
 
 Remorse will rend your reason, for your rebel- 
 lious spite. 
 
 In crucifying God afresh, defying Heaven's might. 
 
 TOOTHACHE. 1884. 
 
 So! so! 
 
 Toothache ! my oh ! 
 Desirable company? No! 
 Too much affectation, you know. 
 Too engaging by half, 
 My temper 'twill chafe, 
 Until like a bull-calf, 
 I bellow. 
 
96 
 
 O! ho! 
 
 Once white as snow, 
 Good service you've rendered, I know, 
 Why have you become my worst foe? 
 Yes, hot puddings did heat, 
 And confections so sweet, 
 Your glazing did eat. 
 To hollow. 
 
 Oh! ho! 
 
 Jump out! and go! 
 To cut your capers elsewhere ! oh ! 
 O! I'll punch you out of the row! 
 You've always been civil, 
 Now you're a mad "divil," 
 To my rueful rivel. 
 Give bon mot. 
 
 Jim Crow, 
 Ne'er anticked so, 
 Smiling sympathies, come and go! 
 To mix some madness with my woe! 
 With cayenne pepper hot, 
 I monkeyed on my cot, 
 A shout for every shot, 
 Red-eyed show. 
 
97 
 
 Yoho! 
 
 From tooth to toe ! 
 The nervous electric pampero, 
 Rouses to resistance, Old Joe! 
 My heart, lungs and liver, 
 Are all in a shiver, 
 Exclamations quiver! 
 Staccato ! 
 
 Fico! 
 
 Forceps, provo, 
 Will culminate and cure my woe ! 
 Once faithful friend, become my foe ! 
 Cold steel now intercept, 
 An eager wrench, adept. 
 0-ho-!-mu-r-d-er-!-ycleped! ^ 
 Out? Great Joe! 
 
 Dido? 
 
 Quo-warranto, 
 You're little, but a forceful foe, 
 How could you pierce my poor heart so? 
 Yes, forgive you, now you're out. 
 Yes, forget your naughty bout, 
 I could give a thankful shout. 
 O ! santo ! 
 
98 
 
 NIGHT. 1884. 
 
 Night is the seal for sweet repose, 
 
 For innocent, animate life; 
 Night is the prowling time for those 
 
 Of treacherous, predatory strife. 
 
 Day is for natural duty, 
 
 Which honesty every employs, 
 
 Virtue vies with Nature's beauty, 
 
 To add to the charms of Earth's joys. 
 
 True to their innocent instincts, 
 
 The beautiful birds of the air, 
 Robin-redbreast and bobolink, 
 
 With songs, greet the morn, everywhere. 
 
 The virtuous heirs of Adam, 
 
 Resigned to Time's rigorous toil; 
 
 Cheered by the counsels of madam. 
 From the dawn, he sieges the soil. 
 
 The freshness and fragrance of morn, 
 
 With ruddy, health hue, tints the cheeks, 
 
 Grateful thoughts, man's features adorn, 
 With reverence God's favor he seeks. 
 
99 
 
 'Till Nature spreads night's sable curtain, 
 His efforts with success are blest; 
 
 When weary with toil he is certain, 
 With darkness to lie down and rest. 
 
 But selfish seekers of pleasure. 
 
 Choose night to give zest to desire, 
 
 Night and stealth, sweeten their treasure, 
 The more as it kindles God's ire. 
 
 While virtue and innocence sleep, 
 The wicked are wasting their vigor, 
 
 Angels o'er the pure, vigils keep, 
 Satan rules revelers with rigor. 
 
 When heralds of the coming day, 
 
 From the East, drive the forces of night; 
 
 Sweat drops, from struggles in the fray, 
 Tones Nature with vigor so bright. 
 
 The beauties of day's bud and bloom 
 Spreads out for nature's law keepers. 
 
 Night-hawks, hie away with night's gloom; 
 Flies fight the weary-worn sleepers. 
 
lOO 
 
 MAXIMS FOR FARMERS. 1883. 
 
 If you only plow one inch, 
 Poverty will plague and pinch. 
 
 If you plow two inches deep 
 Poor and hungry still you'll sleep. 
 
 Should your plow four inches go, 
 You will reap enough to sow. 
 
 Six good inches will do better, 
 You are, I think — still a debtor. 
 
 Turn up eight inches of soil. 
 Freed from debt and care by toil. 
 
 Ten inches, your bank account, 
 Will foot up a large amount. 
 
 Let your plow twelve inches run, 
 Your gold will glitter like the sun. 
 
 Put your plow in to the beam, 
 You will get earth's richest cream. 
 
 If you wish to go much deeper. 
 
 Make your team your conscience keeper. 
 
lOI 
 
 LEVY, THE CORNETIST. 1883. 
 
 Gabriel's trump at last will wake to joy the 
 
 righteous host 
 Out of their silent sleep. The pure, clear tones 
 
 will reach almost 
 To hell, So Levy's horn is good enough on 
 
 Earth for men. 
 To elevate their souls from sense to scenes of 
 
 purer ken. 
 
 Human perfection his, to give pure tones, so rich, 
 
 so sweet; 
 To please the ear, to charm the heart, make 
 
 heaven and earth to meet 
 In unison. His "Nearer my God to Thee" is 
 
 sublime: — 
 Pure enough for Earth, sweet enough for Time. 
 
 CONTENTMENT. 1883. 
 
 Cultivate contentment, whatever befall, 
 Sorrows will lighten, sunshine will call. 
 
102 
 
 MY WOOER. 
 
 A sweet and soothing wooer 
 Kindly dealt somnolent dew, 
 
 Mixed with animating nectar 
 Into realms of bliss I flew. 
 
 Bliss, like mis'ry wants a spouse, 
 When I sought her she was "nix." 
 
 The charming source most cruelly, 
 Left me lonely in my fix. 
 
 Thankful for the partial grace 
 
 As every mortal should be, 
 Hope and faith should guide us 'till 
 
 We're happy as we would be. 1883. 
 
 STEEL. 1883. 
 
 The means which man has used 'gainst man, 
 To propagate ambition's plan, 
 Since Samson slew with ass' jawbone 
 One thousand men, steel, steel has shone. 
 
 Steel has carved out each Nation's way, 
 Steel has held tyrannical sway, 
 
I03 
 
 Steel established Islam's power. 
 Steel reared the great London Tower, 
 Steel is stained with blood of millions, 
 Steel has stolen wealth by billions, 
 Steel has ruled the centuries gone 
 Cruelly. But the present one 
 Has wrought a change, an era new 
 Has fitter work for steel to do. 
 
 The souls of men inspiration caught 
 To sever the sword. Happy lot ! 
 The PEN and press now guide the free 
 To grand and glorious victory. 
 Persuading peace and love and light, 
 To rule mankind in righteous might. 
 
 SELF. 1883. 
 
 Selfish sentiments sear man's heart, 
 Honor is sold in highest mart, 
 Gold is god! pleasure's pageantry 
 Lords it o'er this land of the free. 
 Lord ! may Love's banner be unfurled. 
 Compassionate a wicked world. 
 
104 
 
 SABBATH. 1883. 
 
 While sitting in the park, I muse 
 On Sabbath and surrounding: 
 
 The privileges which we abuse, 
 Sorrows which are abounding. 
 
 This day of rest from worldly care, 
 
 The fewest do remember, 
 Obeying zvill, they do and dare 
 
 From Christmas 'till December. 
 
 Six days in seven will not suffice 
 
 For business or for pleasure. 
 But soul and body, howe'er nice, 
 
 Wear out in search of treasure 
 That perish with use, leaves only pain 
 
 For all the care and trouble. 
 The sure result of sordid gain, 
 
 When Time pricks the bright bubble. 
 
 The glad and solemn church-bell tones 
 All hear, but soon forget it. 
 
 The saddest Sunday wind that moans. 
 Moans on, they only let it. 
 
105 
 
 The "still small voice" of conscience hushed 
 
 And smothered in its strivings, 
 'Till vigor's gone and life-blood flushed 
 
 With fatal fever's connivings. 
 
 Then comes sad time to old and young, 
 When reason resumes her sway. 
 
 To find atone for will and tongue, 
 At eventide of their day. 
 
 GENIALIS. 
 
 How blest the man of tone and tact, 
 
 Who traveling far and wide, 
 Can blend his life and shape his act 
 
 To suit the surging tide 
 Of gay humanity per se, 
 
 Act the Roman in Rome, 
 In character, himself still be 
 
 Sacred, as should be home. 1883. 
 
io6 
 
 BLUFF. 
 
 Detect the De'il in doing dirt, 
 
 Indignant, he 
 
 Assumes to be 
 The pivot of perfection : 
 Shocked, insulted, pure and pert, 
 
 A shining saint 
 
 Without a taint 
 Of sin, or dereliction. 1883. 
 
 THE PINES. 1883. 
 
 At twilight, 'mid the pines, as evening zephyrs 
 
 flit so free. 
 Whistling sweet sighs in cadences of mournful 
 
 melody: 
 Now freighted with love's soft sweet voice of 
 
 amorous dalliance. 
 Now flits with frolicsome fresco, the giddy child 
 
 of chance. 
 
 Soon softened into touching tones of beauish, 
 deep bassoon 
 
 Then soughing sighs still softer, to mute mur- 
 murs of the tune, 
 
10/ 
 
 Blends one's sense of sweet delight with marcite 
 
 melancholy, 
 Mingling sad, sad memories with those that had 
 
 been jolly; 
 
 Recalls scenes of past pleasure and liasons of 
 lost love : 
 
 And Damon dreams of fame and fortune fled 
 with friends above, 
 
 Waking a vague volition of soul, for its transi- 
 tion time, 
 
 From sorrow's sphere, to realms more dear, 
 where souls in unison chime. 
 
 SPRING. 
 
 "Meet me when the roses come again"? 
 Hope forlorn as foam without refrain, 
 Thalia come and bring them with your charm. 
 To bud and burst their fragrance on the farm. 
 Then fade and fall and others take their place 
 From heat of heart, and charm of fairest face. 
 
 1883. 
 
io8 
 
 SONG. 1883. 
 Chorus. 
 Gone, gone alas! my "hoH-day time 
 Of beauty," fresh vigor and charm; 
 Fled, fond fancy, from youth's cherished clime, 
 I shiver and shrug with alarm. O ! dear me ! 
 
 Romping and ruddy at "sweet sixteen," 
 
 With never a chalice of care. 
 Off in a fright, I fled from Dick Green, 
 
 Who proposed a run-away pair. 
 
 Shy little sighs with my breath now blent. 
 
 When I would come to consider. 
 How I should settle the next green gent, 
 
 Or bi-nd my-self to the bidder. 
 
 I could say yes to happy Harry, 
 But for hussy of impudence Lill. — 
 
 Sensible Simon wants me to marry, — 
 I'd be sick to take such a pill. 
 
 Modesty now gives place to pert pride, 
 I'm twenty, I'd give you to know, 
 
 I'll be a town belle rather than bride, 
 To other than gay, golden beau. 
 
109 
 
 The rich beaux feared the belle, a bold one, 
 Yet charming, clear-toned, soft and sweet: 
 
 Ten year's time tolled the belle an old one, 
 My castles crumbling at my feet. 
 
 No more Dick Greens, or sensible Simons, 
 
 Following fondly in my wake. 
 Alas! for gold and glittering diamonds; 
 
 Now, I am sick and no pill to take. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Gone! gone alas! " my holi-day 'time 
 Of beauty," fresh vigor and charm. 
 
 Fled, fond fancy, from youth's cherished clime; 
 I shiver and shrug with alarm, O ! dear me ! 
 
 OCTOBER. 1883. 
 
 Languid as the Summer has been, 
 Lingering still, she clings to life, 
 
 Her delinquency she'd screen 
 
 By struggling 'gainst Autumnal strife. 
 
no 
 
 DUTIES. 1883. 
 
 Give potions with prayer, 
 Give comfort and care, 
 To friend and to foe 
 Who welter in woe, 
 By stumbling in strife. 
 The lash of their life. 
 
 Give tolerance true, 
 
 To whim and to whine; 
 
 With vigilant view, 
 
 Give wisdom with wine; 
 
 To tipplers who think 
 
 Of dining on drink. 
 
 Give soothe to sorrow, 
 Benefit borrow 
 
 From Charity's churn; 
 
 For soul-sickness stern. 
 Gleam a lustrous light 
 On soul's noisome night. 
 
 For rogues have rigor. 
 Push them to penance. 
 
Ill 
 
 Whip vice with vigor; 
 
 But veer from vengeance, 
 For such ruling rod 
 Belongs to Great God. 
 
 FOLLY. 1883. 
 
 Music to cheer, 
 Money to steer, 
 Wine to stimulate, 
 Women to animate. 
 These four good and kind, 
 When all are combined 
 Are sufficient, I find, 
 For man's peace of mind. 
 And happiness, too. 
 So think the world's crew. 
 
 FICKLENESS. 1883. 
 
 Better not to know a friend, 
 Than to learn the sentiment. 
 
 To rudely rob you in the end. 
 Of its comforting content. 
 
112 
 
 TREATING. 1884. 
 
 Where the devil most lurks in drink, — 
 The favorite feature of the trade ; — 
 
 Is in the social swing I think, 
 Where fools of many good men are made. 
 
 I want a drink, I there meet Bob, 
 
 Dick, Dan, John, Will, Joe and Charley; 
 
 These friends must join in a punch cob, — 
 Too cold for the brewage of Barley. 
 
 Charley's a clever, social soul. 
 Whose courtesy will be on top; 
 
 Come boys, another brimming bowl. 
 Whiskey straight, I never take pop, 
 
 Bob's heart bounds to the occasion. 
 Though purse of plethora, is ill. 
 
 Duty must damn an evasion, 
 I'll swamp my solitary bill. 
 
 John jumps the bounds of enough, boys, 
 When soul with spirits gets cheery, 
 
 I ne'er go the game of bluff, boys. 
 One round to my sweetest dearie. 
 
113 
 
 Will's wallet will soon be willing 
 
 To have the snap thrown off the lock, 
 
 It will not part with a shilling, 
 'Till the dealer sets up the hock. 
 
 The devil downs meekness in Dick, 
 The best in the bar, must now come, 
 
 For the man-hic-he-hic-can't lick, 
 Others-hic-must take-hic-plain rum. 
 
 Galvanized Joe, now gets jolly, 
 A gallon would not fill his poke, 
 
 Asks all to drink to his Mollie, 
 
 Unconscious that he is dead broke. 
 
 Cunning Dan, a regular cmi, 
 But always chary of his chink; 
 
 Flatters and fondles every man. 
 As a favor they set up the drink. 
 
 Just one drink, I stepped in to take, 
 But this soppy system of treating. 
 
 Eight big drinks, O! what a headache! 
 And my family I've been cheating. 
 
114 
 
 My one drink runs to sixty-four, 
 
 Eight social souls launched for the leam, 
 
 Sorrow stalks in at some one's door; 
 Dispelling mother's happy dream. 
 
 POET. 1884. 
 
 When a poet heeds mad aspirations, 
 
 To rob the merry muse of her glory, 
 With volume of his own emanations, 
 Or quantity of poetic story. 
 His effusions will be sad senseless rhyme. 
 I've been there. 
 When a poet must write the mind's musing, 
 
 On misery, mischief or modest merit, 
 His work will have zeal and zest perusing. 
 Mind and Muse equal glory inherit, 
 Fairest fame for sweetest song for all Time, 
 Merit rare. 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 1883. 
 
 Omniscience only can comprehend 
 The measure of memory's power. 
 
IIS 
 
 Its grasp of hints, on infinite wend, 
 
 From eyes and ears destined by dower, 
 Stores all in the mental hold, 
 For reason's terse reflective mould. 
 Its carrying competence to aid, 
 I note good things wise men have said. 
 
 SHAKESPEARE. 
 
 Shakespeare ! talisman ! great and magic name, 
 Endowed with an intellect worthy of greatest 
 
 fame. 
 Had it been sanctified, seasoned with morality, 
 A boon of blessings to mankind, instead of such 
 
 fatality. 
 
 Some can cull fresh flowers from you, that will 
 
 never wither. 
 Some find brightest diamonds, which you have 
 
 handed hither. 
 Some be satisfied with wit, resplendent in your 
 
 pages. 
 Some will want the wisdom of such immoral 
 
 sages. 
 
ii6 
 
 Booths and Guiteaus, yea, and Dukes, in you do 
 find their cue. 
 
 In treason, treachery and anarchy, assassination 
 too. 
 
 RebelHon, riot, revelry, rise from your foul cess- 
 pools; 
 
 Disorder, death, damnation, you have a feast for 
 fools. 
 
 But hear, O Earth ! and Heavens high, the fittest 
 claim of all ; 
 
 Shakespeare's the infidel's bible proclaimed by 
 Incfersol. 
 
 HONEY-BEE. 1884. 
 
 Honey-bee, honey-bee, why do you hum? 
 Laded with sweets from fresh flowers you come: 
 From the green elms you have gathered fresh 
 
 store ; 
 Honey-bee, honey-bee, what would you more? 
 
 Honey-bee, honey-bee, why do you sing. 
 Seeking for sweets in the fresh flowery spring. 
 From nature's sweet source? You speed on the 
 
 wing, 
 Humming the warning, beware of my sting. 
 
117 
 
 Busy-bee quiet at work in the flower, 
 Gathering sweet essence of love by the hour, 
 Extract of beauty, the God-given boon, 
 From fresh, dewy-dawn, 'till sun-scorching noon. 
 
 Busy-bee, busy-bee, then comes your toiling, 
 With your legs doubly-waxed, at set-of-sun foil- 
 ing, 
 Humming so happy your joyous refrain, 
 Filling your cells with your sweet golden gain. 
 
 Sealing your sweets in as charming a casket, 
 As its flowery fountain, beauty's small basket; 
 Still you are humming, you wild rapid ranger, 
 Heed me, while need be, I warn all of danger. 
 
 MY MUSE. 1884. 
 
 Sweet enslaver ! dear dictator ! 
 
 Happiest I at your behest! 
 Give me orders, swift recorder, 
 
 I ! such work to me is rest. 
 
 A Bonaparte or Wellington 
 Never held such potent sway, 
 
 Cleopatra o'er Mark Anton ; 
 Or Semiramis in her day. 
 
ii8 
 
 You will not be wooed by wanton, 
 Wooing, yours in simple right; 
 
 Nor regards the latest bon ton, 
 
 You chose and dictate beauties bright. 
 
 Capricious elf! fickle fawner! 
 
 Should we strive to steal your store, 
 Possession ne'er would prove an honor; 
 
 'Twould be rubbish, nothing more. 
 
 CHARITY. 
 
 Charity; cousin, charity; 
 Essence of all good below 
 That thrills the human heart, 
 Or moves the mind to leniency; 
 Fellow mortals frailty know, 
 From humble human art. 
 
 Guided by the Spirit's power, 
 Safest mentor for the mind 
 In every enterprise. 
 Prudence rears a perfect tower 
 
 Of strength for stumbling mankind; 
 Charity crowns the wise. 
 
119 
 
 Your blessing is not all bestowed: 
 Leaving the poor heart poorer, 
 To bless still poorer soul, 
 By gift the cruse is overflowed. 
 Meal barrel replenished surer, 
 
 By Heaven's richest toll. 1884. 
 
 FISHING. 1883. 
 
 We went a-fishing in my merry May, 
 Flowers and verdure on hill and glen : 
 
 Boreas the meanest prank did play, 
 
 By giving us cold shivers now and then. 
 
 The silvery shad did us deride. 
 
 Sporting through the limpid waters, 
 
 We could not our discomfort hide; 
 
 Shad are shyer than Eve's fair daughters. 
 
 More easily managed, when you hook them, 
 
 . If wayward, you should attempt to crook them. 
 
 Why unpropitious, elements? 
 
 Why, good luck, canst thou desert us? 
 Do we lack the necessary sense ! 
 
 Or would hooking success hurt us? 
 O, for an ulster while fishing to-day 
 
 Even if it is flowery, fragrant May. 
 
I20 
 
 MONOPOLY. 
 
 The vast monopolies of our land, 
 Were nursed into princely power, 
 
 And fostered to wealth with bounties grand 
 By Congress, which shared the dower. 
 
 These servants have betrayed the trust, 
 
 Confided to their zealous care. 
 Their motto, five thousand salary must, 
 
 In ten years make me millionaire, 
 
 Alas ! for the spirit of Washington, 
 
 And heroes of "seventy-six," 
 Their blood-bought principles trampled on, 
 
 Their memory accounted nix. 
 
 Oh ! Jefferson, Jackson, Webster and Clay, 
 Liberty's bold and true defenders ; 
 
 Haunt these traitors, speed the day 
 Of retribution on privilege vendors. 
 
 Lincoln achieved a world-wide fame. 
 Redeeming by blood, an enslaved race, 
 
 Fifty millions freemen, only in name, 
 
 Their power usurped by millionaires base. 
 
121 
 
 Yeomanry, artisans, laborers hear! 
 
 Risk not the peril of submission longer, 
 This Nation from moneyed tyranny clear, 
 
 By united suffrages, ere your chains grow 
 stronger. 1883. 
 
 D, C, Murray called for a four-stanza poem 
 on the incident of a sparrow building its nest in 
 the stirrup of the McPherson statue, Washington 
 Park. 
 
 The noblest altar man can make 
 
 A sacrifice of self on. 
 Is Country's honor, freemen's rights, 
 
 Deliverance from oppression. 
 
 The richest, truest, bravest blood, 
 
 That animates a person, 
 To sanctify our country's cause. 
 
 Was shed by brave McPherson. 
 
 His deeds of bravery in bronze, 
 
 Are rightly represented, 
 Sweet virtue, simple innocence. 
 
 For safety here convented. 
 9 
 
122 
 
 Feather'd finesse, here file their fruit, 
 
 In beauty so benign. 
 Here youth and beauty beam with bliss, 
 
 At freedom's sacred shrine. 
 
 Life's dearest legacy to Time, 
 
 Is an immortal name, 
 God's goodness gives winged-worshipers 
 
 Fidelity to Fame. 
 
 EPITAPH ON THE EFFUSION. 
 
 Inspiration will not transmit by mail, 
 
 Occasion-courted Muse, sits near the scene, 
 
 Duplicate orders by deputy, fail 
 
 To put soul in verse, or tint the groves green. 
 
 1884. 
 
 DANDELION. 1884. 
 
 The pomp and parley at war's inception. 
 
 When extremes clash and clamor for power, 
 
 Gilt and glitter become an infection. 
 Borrowed bravery, the foe to cower. 
 
123 
 
 Sternest service this tinsel will tarnish, 
 
 Cruel carnage will tone down false feeling, 
 
 Hard duty destroys veneer and varnish. 
 
 Rags hide the scars of success while healing 
 
 Spring's advance guard of sentinel soldiers, 
 Are radiant with yellow gold's glitter, 
 
 Of strategic points tenacious holders, 
 Never yields to the foes hardest hitter. 
 
 Dandelion is the bravest beauty, 
 
 And the hardiest in Spring's army-corps, 
 
 Nor waits for reinforcements, for duty 
 Points out perilous persistence the door. 
 
 There is no pompous pride in its glitter, 
 No self-lauding lies of sore endurance. 
 
 Smiling serenely though fate is bitter. 
 Holding the fort with humble assurance. 
 
 With the clanking of king Frost's cruel chains 
 'Mid desolations, by his dreary rule. 
 
 This golden gilt, true harbinger explains 
 The freaks of frost, an old April fool. 
 
124 
 
 After the brunt of the battle is o'er, 
 
 And safety secures fresh beauty so bright, 
 
 Your meek merit lost in vanity's lore, 
 
 Eclipsed by May's most enchanting delight. 
 
 LOVE. 1884. 
 
 O Love ! thou essence of God, 
 With peace sandals thou art shod, 
 Robed with radiant purity 
 Crowning crude obscurity. 
 Messenger of mercy meek, 
 Soul's sweet sympathy to seek. 
 
 Gift of God to mortal worth. 
 Glimpse of heaven given to earth. 
 Let it lead each mortal mind, 
 Revenues of ransom, find, 
 From crimson crime's mad terror, 
 Shows right in strangling error; 
 
 Gives peace in confounding pride; 
 Crowns duty, though sin deride; 
 Hatred sneaks hyena-like, 
 Crouching for a stealthy strike, 
 
125 
 
 Gamboling love with golden ruth, 
 Sustained by the sternest truth, 
 Plucks the venom from the vile : 
 Steers his steps to heaven's stile. 
 
 Hypocrisy may succeed 
 In Judas' garb and greed; 
 But treason's cruelty crowned, 
 By trampling Truth to the ground. 
 Love bursts the bands of disgrace. 
 Spreads shame o'er the traitor's face, 
 Gives to the rebel remorse, 
 Entails a curse on his corse. 
 
 Love blooms with beauty sublime. 
 Nourished by the crypt of crime. 
 Resurrects hope's bleaching bones, 
 Fosters Faith's familiar tones ; 
 Charity, God's favor wins. 
 Hiding a multitude of sins. 
 
 MARY MAGDALEN. 1884. 
 
 Bright innocence, prattling to a fond mother's 
 
 pride. 
 Ready feet, willing hands, with a heart open wide, 
 
126 
 
 Little Mary, the blossom, that made home so 
 
 bright. 
 Her health of true happiness, made her mother's 
 
 heart light. 
 Her eye's witching tenderness, and silken tressed 
 
 head, 
 Were dangerous endearments, while toiling for 
 
 bread. — 
 
 Old Magdala's most merciless sirens of sin. 
 With enchanting enticements, they lured Mary in; 
 They taught her that beauty brought pleasure 
 
 and pelf, 
 And that all life was worth, was enjoyment of self. 
 She sank in the swamp of rich passion's lewd 
 
 revels, 
 'Till conscience condemjied her, to house seven 
 
 devils; 
 
 Where fled, fond enjoyment of riches and pleasure. 
 Her sick heart stings with misery's merciless 
 
 measure. 
 The Omniscience Divine hears her penitent 
 
 prayer, 
 And directing her steps unto Simon's house, where 
 
127 
 
 The Master was dining: with her full flood of 
 
 tears, 
 She washed her Savior's feet, weeping away her 
 
 fears ; 
 She carefully wiped dry his dear feet with her 
 
 hair; 
 Kissed them, anointing with precious ointment, 
 
 most rare; 
 
 When the self-righteous Simon saw this sinner 
 
 so bold, 
 He harbored resentment in his own heart, so cold : 
 To teach him a lesson of love and forgiveness, 
 With less debt of gratitude, love will achieve less : 
 Your less witheld what her great love has given. 
 So out of her life, the seven devils I've driven. 
 Her sick-soul knew her depth of despair and 
 
 distress ; 
 Her life to the Master, she would give nothing 
 
 less. — 
 
 O, Grace Divine! 
 
 O, love of mine! 
 What can I render Thee ? 
 
 Devotion true. 
 
 All mine for you, 
 Who gave new life to me. 
 
128 
 
 By night, by day, 
 
 Your weary way. 
 My loving care attend. — 
 
 O, Jesus! come 
 
 To our dear home, 
 Our brother's sickness mend. 
 
 O, sorrow sore ! 
 
 Now death's dark door 
 Doth brother Lazarus hide ! 
 
 O, Savior dear! 
 
 " Had you been here. 
 Our brother had not died!" 
 
 O, Sovereign Grace ! 
 
 Our brother's face, 
 Restored to us alive! 
 
 "That better part," 
 
 With all my heart, 
 I choose and for it strive. — 
 
 With oil His feet. 
 
 While He did eat. 
 Again she washed withal. 
 
 And with her hair, 
 
 She wiped them there, 
 Prepared for burial. — 
 
129 
 
 O, sin-cursed race! 
 
 Your envy base, 
 The Christ hath crucified ! 
 
 O, Earth now quake ! 
 
 O, dead awake ! 
 O, Sun your brightness hide! 
 
 O, darkness dread! 
 
 Our Earth o'erspread ! 
 Remorse rend sinners' hearts ! 
 
 The silent tomb, 
 
 Redemption's womb, 
 Is sealed by sinners' arts. 
 
 Sad Mary seeks, at dawn of day, 
 The tomb her Master laid in. 
 
 She saw the stone was rolled away, 
 Resolved, to render aid, in 
 
 Caring for His sacred relic. 
 But lo! the tomb was empty! 
 
 Seeking for His form angelic; 
 Beheld the gard'ner, — kempty, — 
 
 As she supposed, to grief gave vent. 
 O, tell me ! where you've borne him ; 
 
130 
 
 Tears and sighs, love and pity blent, 
 She did as Mother mourn him. — 
 
 Why did Mary, once seven deviled, 
 Go to the tomb ere dawn of day? 
 
 While self-righteous some, who reveled 
 Sin-stained souls, in their beds yet lay. 
 
 Mary's pure love for the Master, 
 Led her for earnest love's sake ; 
 
 As light grew, her feet sped faster 
 
 To the tomb, love's tribute she'd take. 
 
 Not in rich robes of high estate. 
 Not in proud and noble ease. 
 
 Like those who sJied His blood in Jiate, 
 But as a gard'ner 'mong his trees ; — 
 
 Honoring industry and toil. 
 
 Disguised as a workman, lowly, 
 
 Mary; — in accent smooth as oil. 
 Disclosed the Savior holy. 
 
 Blissful rapture, ecstatic joy. 
 Was Mary's rich recompense, 
 
 Her happiness without alloy 
 
 With her treasure in Heaven hence. 
 
131 
 MISFORTUNE. 1884. 
 
 "There is a tide in the affairs of men," 
 Shakespeare, your words are as true now as then, 
 God coins the circumstances most trying, 
 Makes hope, hollow expectation sighing, 
 Doubt, holds one for the stranding shallow's woe. 
 One mounts extremity, as the fleetest doe, 
 And strikes in deep despair, both right and left, 
 'Till success from sad circumstance is cleft. 
 Such energy he ne'er would have evinced 
 In smooth sea; but, on peril's verge ne'er winced. 
 
 Misfortune strikes two men with equal force, 
 Changing life's current from its former course, 
 In recklessness, one drowns his woes in drink, 
 Or, as Jesse James, plays reprisal's prink ; 
 Multiplies misfortune, and crimes to boot; 
 Load his soul with sin and pockets with loot. 
 
 The other's heart is heir to heaven's help. 
 By esteeming vanity's weeds made kelp. 
 To purify future aspirations 
 Crystallizing thought against temptations. 
 Asking guidance in his mortal mission; 
 Grace will grant his fervent pure petition; 
 Misfortune a better life will unfold; 
 Fruits of a true life, are apples of gold. 1884. 
 
132 
 
 JUDGING. 1884. 
 
 "Judge not from appearance, but judge righteous 
 
 judgment." 
 God-given instruction mortal man should retent. 
 Precious precept! How neglected and rusty thou 
 
 art! 
 No respect for your merit in man's selfish heart: 
 He is sure to reverse thee in fashionable life. 
 Favor follows fast, where rich appearances are rife; 
 In morals and religion, the basest hypocrite 
 Often wins the verdict, of those who in judgment 
 
 sit. 
 
 In party politics, appearance takes the prize. 
 Right is an ugly tumor in the politician's eyes. 
 Oft, in law, for gold 'gainst right, appearances 
 
 are coined ; 
 So, reversing God's command; their work is 
 
 neatly groined. 
 But righteous judgment will prevail, in our last 
 
 appeal ; 
 Strict Justice will be meted out, under Heaven's 
 
 seal. 
 
133 
 READY vs. TARDY. 1884. 
 
 Leading prospers, while lagging palls; 
 
 Success sweetens, but goading galls; — 
 
 Ready, gets up at dawn of day, 
 
 Fresh as the dew-drop, on the spray ; 
 
 Picks the best pippin, fresh and sweet, 
 
 Bright Ready's most delicious treat. 
 
 But Tardy, cozy in his cot. 
 
 Will not 'wake 'till the sun shines hot. 
 
 Fretful, of innate force bereft. 
 
 Eats the poor pippin which is left. 
 
 Off now go the boys on a run. 
 
 Merry lads, for frolic and fun. 
 
 Over meadows of new-mown hay, 
 
 For the strawberry patch, they say. — 
 
 Pert Ready runs on in advance. 
 
 Yet, each of them has the same chance; 
 
 While Tardy, with half-so-much cheer, 
 
 Is sure to be far in the rear. — 
 
 The best berries are Ready's choice; 
 
 His tongue now's for taste, not for voice. 
 
 When Tardy comes, puffing and blowing, 
 
 Sees Ready's satisfied smile, knowing 
 
 All the best are packed in \\\s. pminch ; 
 
 So Tardy the green ones may craunch. 
 
134 
 
 Hark ! ting-a-ling-a-ling, the bell ! 
 Dinner! Ready's off, with a yell, 
 Tardy wants a few more berries, 
 Though as sour, as half-ripe cherries. 
 
 Ready's delight's an apple dumpling; 
 His ready wit is always trumping. 
 When Tardy came, the dumpling dish, 
 Was clear and clean, as a fresh fish. 
 So Tardy's dinner, was string-beans 
 Cold, with some fat-flitch and sour greens. 
 
 Come, Tardy! we've no time to rest. 
 Let's away to the Hornet's nest. 
 I've got a club; I'll knock it down, 
 We'll trick the hornets, like a clown. 
 The hornets were at home, that day. 
 Waiting to help the boys at play. 
 
 There comes the boys, they've been here 
 
 before, 
 Says Hornet, darting out of his door, — 
 Ready's gone ! shouting like a cornet. 
 Dab! oh! Tardy's nose caught a hornet, 
 By the tail. Now he's up to time, 
 Equal to Ready, in his prime. 
 
135 
 
 Tardy was active now to win, 
 His tongue and legs, were free as sin, — 
 Enough of play! that hornet's treat 
 Made Tardy's nose, red as a beet. 
 And made him active once for all. 
 Be Ready, boys, when hornets call ! 
 
 SOVEREIGN SONS OF FREEMEN. 1884. 
 
 Sovereign sons of freemen! will you rally for the 
 
 right? 
 Beneath the Cleveland banner, for honesty we 
 
 fight. 
 We welcome all who worship God at Freedom's 
 
 sacred shine, 
 We're partisans of purity, come cleanse our land 
 
 of crime. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Come, rally with a will, my boys, we're bound to 
 
 win 'CciQ. fight. 
 We'll wave the Cleveland banner. Heaven helps 
 
 the rig] it. 
 We pledge imperiled Liberty, our life's blood, if 
 
 we must. 
 
136 
 
 We'll make Cleveland our President, whom honest 
 ineii can trust. 
 
 Come rally for reform, my boys; majority Cleve- 
 land 
 
 Will guide our good old Ship of State, with a 
 steady hand. 
 
 Credit-Mobiliers, Star-Routers and all corrup- 
 tion's crew, 
 
 Must fall before the forces of the honest, brave 
 and true. 
 
 The Farmer \s the fountain of all State prosperity 
 Yet he's been bled, to build up cruel monopoly. 
 The poor and honest laborers, get only scanty 
 
 pay, 
 
 While pride parades ill-gotten gold, with pleasure 
 every day. 
 
 Freemen ! you have been oppressed to please 
 monopoly, 
 
 Robbers have been raiding on the people's treas- 
 ury. 
 
 All your labor has been taxed to fatten landed 
 lords. 
 
 Position has been used for pelf, examine the re- 
 cords. 
 
137 
 
 Dear America's sacred soil, was sealed by pa- 
 triot's blood, 
 
 A Heritage for Freemen, hence plunderers shall 
 scud. 
 
 True Reform and Right shall rule; the people 
 shall rejoice 
 
 When Cleveland is made President, by the 
 people's voice. 
 
 GOD IS KING. 1884. 
 
 God is America's King, 
 His praise let freemen sing; 
 When man aspires. 
 Through vain desires, 
 To seize the Helm, 
 Of Freedom's realm, 
 Ambition's aims to sate, 
 And guide the Ship of State. 
 
 God tones the patriot's heart, 
 True courage He imparts. 
 
 When franchise fails 
 
 To find avails, 
 
138 
 
 Against the plea, 
 
 Of tyranny ; 
 The fire of freedom burns, 
 And tyrants overturns. 
 
 Fond peace and relaxation. 
 Restores this happy nation, 
 
 Solicitude, 
 
 With trust imbued; 
 
 Corruption creeps, 
 
 Then boldly leaps. 
 To power and position. 
 And views Right with derision. 
 
 The God of Justice frowns; 
 Anxiety abounds ; 
 
 Reviving right; 
 
 Pure hearts delight, 
 
 True men unite, 
 
 To set things right; 
 Dethrones ambition's lords; 
 For criminals make cords. 
 
 Put honest men in place, 
 To regulate the Race; 
 
139 
 
 Then duty's call 
 
 Obeyed by all ; 
 
 Our homes will bless, 
 
 With happiness. 
 The Union then will be 
 The watchword of the Free. 
 
 TWILIGHT. 1884. 
 
 When soft twilight comes gently stealing, 
 With tranquil, rural ravishment; 
 
 The twinkling, silver stars revealing; 
 Tones turmoil down to soft content. 
 
 The cadences of soft winds sighing, 
 Chords with insect accompaniment, 
 
 Tenor and alto, bass replying, 
 Frolicsome nature finding vent. 
 
 The soul's best time for sympathizing, 
 
 Emotions emulate the scene. 
 Love legacies the enterprising; 
 
 But happy hours intervene. 
 
140 
 
 Wisdom, really few revealing, 
 
 Like Nature's notes which twilight ends, 
 Conclude the council with love's sealing, 
 
 Seek repose, and nature commends. 
 
 BEAUTY. 1884. 
 
 Oh! fickle fair! 
 With golden hair. 
 
 In tresses; 
 Soft peach-down skin, 
 A dimpled chin, 
 And roguish grin, 
 
 Love blesses; 
 
 Cheeks, clear rose-tint. 
 Lips, nectar hint, 
 
 So dainty. 
 Delicious dew, — 
 When true loves woo,— 
 Inspiring too; 
 
 Nor faintly, 
 
 A noble brow. 
 Arched well I trow. 
 
141 
 
 As art could. 
 Soul-seeking eyes, 
 Suppliant sighs, 
 Coldness defies. 
 
 In manhood. 
 
 Magnetic bust, 
 
 That one would trust, 
 
 Well embraced. 
 With circling arm, — 
 Castanet charm, — 
 Without alarm, 
 
 Round her waist. 
 
 O ! trust to nature, 
 For the clear feature, 
 
 To replenish. 
 True, Art may do it, 
 But, when you're through it, 
 You're sure to rue it, 
 
 With vain wish. 
 
142 
 
 MILLIONAIRES. 1884. 
 
 Great wealth is a barnacle, that blights demo- 
 cracy ; — 
 
 Millions with snob feelings and cursed monopoly. 
 
 As it is ne'er acquired in the path of rectitude; 
 
 Fortune ne'er floods its gold upon the honest 
 and the good; — 
 
 But it is forced from friends, a little here and 
 much more there : 
 
 Necessitous toil must contribute, much more 
 than it can spare. 
 
 Competence must cancel a claim, false friendship 
 
 intrigued. 
 Legal embezzlement, will swell his hoard, by 
 
 being leagued. 
 Connivance gets the Commonwealth into a sad 
 
 pickle; 
 Then will reap two hundred pr. ct. with the 
 
 lawyer's sickle. 
 Then with crimson gold and craft, will buy blind 
 
 legislation : 
 To cut the golden arteries of this democratic 
 
 Nation. 
 
143 
 
 Great wealth is tyranny and monopoly's oppres- 
 sion. 
 
 Which freedom must repulse, ere 'tis beyond 
 repression. 
 
 Better is a monarchy, whose head has kind benig- 
 nance. 
 
 Than money's selfish power, through a corrupt 
 presidence; — 
 
 There is efficient love of Right latent in the 
 masses. 
 
 Beware! Assumption, beware! abstain from your 
 trespasses. 
 
 ALBUM VERSE. 
 
 Mary your life's a bursting bud 
 Soon to unfold to sunshine's flood. 
 While your bloom and beauty shine, 
 Seeds will form beneath for time. 
 When bloom is gone, in precious ruth. 
 May it disclose the seeds of truth. 1884. 
 
144 
 POESY. 1884. 
 
 The true poet is a vast repertoire 
 Of florescent and fragrant euphony, 
 With hues of honor, candor and sound sense, 
 Tinted with sarcasm by merciless man. 
 That castigates crime and fashion's foibles : 
 Swayed by sorrow's cyclonic devaster, 
 Glittering with Truth's glorious radiance, 
 Shouting to merry-hearted innocence, 
 Wooing the worth of beauty and virtue, 
 Luxuriating in Love's inspiration, 
 Caressing Charity for its sweet sake. 
 The true poet has Heaven's harmonies, 
 Carameled in Lotus-leaves for pilgrims, 
 To wean from world for happiness of Heaven. 
 
 TEMPTATION. 1884. 
 
 Temptation has charming allurements, 
 
 Promising ecstacy ever, 
 But realization's procurements, 
 
 Satisfies the senses, never. 
 
 See the inanimate icicle. 
 
 Glitter with joy in the sunbeam! 
 
145 
 
 Lured to death's fiat, die fickle, 
 Weep life away in a gay gleam. 
 
 Yes, there's kindness in temptation, 
 But, it is a kindness that kills. 
 
 The cat gives the mouse an ovation, 
 Then as JiasJi her stomach it fills. 
 
 Fair Eve the golden russet relished, 
 But soon it soured on her soul, 
 
 Stamping her posterity hellished. 
 Of bitter woe to drain the bowl. 
 
 Sin's illusions would fain strangle faith, 
 With dazzling, charming wickedness, 
 
 Yet in man, is an immortal braith, 
 Temptation may brighten and bless. 
 
 SCIENCE. 
 
 "Survival of the fittest" is a false theory. 
 Reversing facts in nature. It is the devil's plea. 
 Fostering care and culture, takes a wild and 
 
 worthless grain, 
 Or seed of fruit, or flower of wild growth on the 
 
 plain, 
 
146 
 
 And changes its character, for one of greatest 
 
 merit; 
 A source of wealth, to whom its revenues inherit. 
 Deprived of care and culture, it propagates its 
 
 kind; 
 Degenerates to worthlessness, very soon you'll 
 
 find. 
 Science and sound sense, will take an animal, 
 
 wild. 
 Horse or hog, cow or sheep, as profitless as a 
 
 child; 
 By careful breeding will produce perfections 
 
 greatest worth. 
 Without this it soon declines to be of value dearth. 
 Man, by seeking Heaven's science, and the grace 
 
 of God, 
 Soon attains an eminence, deserving human laud. 
 
 1884. 
 
 The leprous party leader is just right, while he's 
 
 the winner. 
 The leader on the other side, though saint, is 
 
 vilest sinner. 
 Such is party politics, on free America's soil; 
 When principles are forgotten and fiercest passions 
 
 boil. 1884. 
 
147 
 
 Possession's insolicitude, will not lock the stable 
 
 door; 
 For horse and thief will hunt for weeks and 
 
 spend his price, or more : 
 Blessings enjoyed, has worth, well known. 
 Their greatest worth appears when flown, 1884. 
 
 WOMAN. 1884. 
 
 The fair, unsullied, female form, divine. 
 Will make man's eyes with admiration shine, 
 Embellished with becoming dress and grace, 
 True modesty and merit, mense her face. 
 Moral sense and sympathy, light her eyes, 
 For manly heart, she's earth's holiest prize. 
 
 Fashion's foibles only blurs such beauty, 
 Man's soul ne'er sighs for butterfly duty. 
 Each feather and flounce, are hints of folly. 
 Becoming so well, the buffoon jolly. 
 A trinket thatched, feminal vanity, 
 Does oft produce fruit, called profanity. 
 Butterfly beauty, is not worth wooing. 
 
 Though the price be princely pleasure and fun, 
 The true woman's heart is worth the sueing, 
 
 Though the pearl's by perilous venture won. 
 
148 
 
 THE GOOD GONE. 1884. 
 
 Why are the most useful and best, 
 Called from turmoils of Time, to rest? 
 While useless ones are left below. 
 Caring not how sin's streams may flow. 
 
 The spirit voice of the dear dead, 
 Puts better thoughts in some bad head, 
 That from the living would not heed, 
 But scorns the Christian and his creed. 
 
 The wicked gone, are soon forgotten ; 
 God says, their memory will soon be rotten; 
 The good shall write their names above; 
 God's ransomed by redeeming Love. 
 
 MERCY. 1884. 
 
 When the vilest sinner proves sincerely penitent, 
 Mercy ever intercedes, that Justice may relent. 
 
149 
 
 MEEKNESS. 1884. 
 
 There's a great deal of good in the world, my 
 boy, 
 
 But it is so meek and submissive; 
 Swagg'ring Sin, with its banner unfurled, my boy, 
 
 In action, is bold and aggressive. 
 
 We are taught by the meek Nazarene, my boy. 
 
 Non-resistance in carnal strife; 
 It will pacify powerful spleen, my boy. 
 
 Make conscience the plague of sin's life. 
 
 POSSESSION. 1884. 
 
 Possesion's insolicitude 
 
 For a treasure golden 
 In security, oft seems rude; 
 
 Tyrant traits embolden, 
 Mere caprice or whim to enforce. 
 
 On avowed treasure. 
 Entirely wrapt up, of course, 
 
 In a present pleasure ; 
 Reflection comes, when treasure's flown, 
 
 Its worth to discover; 
 Cold inappreciation shown, 
 
 Lament, selfish lover. 
 
ISO 
 
 COMPETENCE. 1884. 
 
 A competence of worldly wealth, 
 
 Is toil's truest recompense. 
 For industry insures good health, 
 
 Stores the mind with soundest sense, 
 Each fancied want supplied with gold, 
 Creates wants greater, manifold. 
 
 SOUL AND SENSE. 1884. 
 
 The person whose life is all joy, 
 
 Whose bark glides smoothly through life, 
 Is a drone or a trifling toy, 
 
 Useless where reason is rife. 
 
 Where there's naught but selfish emotions. 
 
 Prompting to personal actions. 
 His pleas are all poisonous potions, 
 
 He ever fawns before factions. 
 
 He whose soul is seasoned with sorrow. 
 Whose joy is gathered from grief, 
 
 Who prudence from peril will borrow. 
 For all pain, prays for relief 
 
151 
 
 His life is a blessing to all, 
 
 His words of counsel are wise, 
 
 His help, where friend or foe, doth fall, 
 Is Charity's enterprise. 
 
 LIFE. 1884. 
 
 Be melancholy when you must, 
 Be merry when ere you may, 
 
 For soon you will return to dust, 
 Unto God in each mood pray. 
 
 The longest human life soon ends, 
 The shortest assures much pain, 
 
 The purest much sorrow attends, 
 The pleasures of each are vain. 
 
 And well it is, for man inclines 
 To mask in mundane pleasure, 
 
 'Till pain his pleasure interlines. 
 Then longs for lasting treasure. 
 
152 
 
 PLUCK. 1884. 
 The man who never meets rebuff from friend or 
 
 fellow-man, 
 Nor tussles with trouble, nor sallies against 
 
 Satan's plan, 
 Nor dares the de'il in defending right, has no 
 
 capacity 
 Of mind or soul. He is fruitless, innocent suavity. 
 
 THE BRIDE. 1884. 
 
 In her boudoir, see that beautiful bride ! 
 
 Environments downy and gay, 
 She pivots occasion with happiest pride, 
 
 Devotion, 'tis pleasure to pay. 
 
 Care, all corroding, aside is now laid. 
 Her eyes beam with merriest sprite. 
 
 Fringed pearls on the petals of heartsease arrayed, 
 Arranged by the dew of delight. 
 
 In the elegance of expensive art, — 
 She hesitates, seeming to shrink ; — 
 
 Sweet maiden allurements of life! must we part? 
 Bewildered, lingering on the brink. 
 
153 
 
 Happy expectancy, drest in duress, 
 
 She launches the bark, cheer and charm, 
 
 Embarrassment shown in a shade of distress, 
 Will beauty enhance without harm. 
 
 Please her heart with hope's realization, 
 Consummates human happiness : — 
 
 Pierce with disappointment's pang, love's negation, 
 She droops to death, or lives an ogress. 
 
 SUN. 1884. 
 
 Summer's sun is restless, 
 
 'Twill not stay long abed, 
 Minus coat and vestless, 
 
 Is early overhead. 
 And loiters by the way. 
 
 But keeps the fires up, 
 Until refulgent ray, 
 
 With trenchant, teasel tup 
 Drives animated life. 
 
 Away, to find relief; 
 And cease from further strife, 
 
 Admittine native neif. 
 
154 
 
 Winter's sun's so lazy, 
 
 It sleeps full half the day, 
 Then it looks so hazy, 
 
 Cold shivers on you play. 
 It won't stay up, alas ! 
 
 Its face, the frost makes red; — 
 Afraid of Boreas 
 
 It hurries off to bed. 
 Man, to meet cold's rigor, 
 
 Secures the sheep's warm coat. 
 In vain, mankind's vigor. 
 
 On devil's due will dote. 
 
 THE OBELISK. 1883. 
 
 They call you Cleopatra's needle. 
 
 Some may be duped, perchance, not all 
 By such a bald, presumptuous wheedle; — 
 
 You are love-sick Mark Anthony's awl. 
 
 'Mid the storms of centuries, bravely 
 It stood, the glory of the land. 
 
 Gone ! glory and honor, it naively 
 In shame stretched itself on the sand. 
 
155 
 
 The Khedive his rich realm reducing, 
 To balance his own empty pate, 
 
 O'er the Ocean on a felucing, 
 
 Sent the Needle to New York State. 
 
 When Moses, in his school-boy days, 
 A prince, took plebian recreation; 
 
 He learned your mythic, mystic lays, 
 Thence taught tyranny reformation. 
 
 INTEMPERANCE. 
 
 Wine should be used, 
 
 But ne'er abused. 
 
 Abused it is the secret spring, 
 
 By which the doors of prisons swing. 
 
 It is the cruel cause of crime, 
 
 Murderer's fatal pistol's prime; — 
 
 Speeds the siren's wanton woe, 
 
 Reason's rankest, fanatic foe; — 
 
 Feeds the fountain of tears that streak. 
 
 And sallow the erst-while rosy cheek; — 
 
 Steals the milk from mother's breast; — 
 
 The crying child it robs of rest; — 
 
 Brings hoar hairs to sorrow's tomb; 
 
 Drives the drunkard to his doom. 1883 
 
156 
 
 STERNE. 1883. 
 
 Some of Sterne's brief sentences, 
 Bristle with suggestions sly, 
 
 Hints of natural sequences, 
 
 The wary catch, with face awry. 
 
 His philosophy amusing is. 
 
 His humor entertaining, 
 The style is Sterne's and only his, 
 
 From fun there's no restraining. 
 
 Take Tristram Shandy in your hand. 
 
 The blues will on excursion go ; 
 'Twill wake the mind within the man, 
 
 'Twill agitate a thought, or so. 
 
 Give Sterne, a lady's hair-pin. 
 
 As a subject for his pen, 
 A volume rare, with tints of sin, 
 
 Would flow from fancy's ken. 
 
 ACROSTIC— MY NIECE. 1884. 
 
 Short but sure, little but pure grit, 
 In your mush-bowl 'twont do to spit, 
 
157 
 
 Nor on yowv pet spring-bonnet sit; 
 In your small head, there is good wit, 
 Enough of sense to season it. 
 
 Just keep on your true and tried pony, 
 As the fight road in spots, is stony, 
 Nab the rein truth, plain, not too toney, 
 Even love, the never-fail crony. 
 
 Command your cares, your troubles too, 
 And while you live, plain duty do, 
 Resist enticements of sweet sin. 
 Rebuke the devil and all his kin; 
 On God's great grace, always depend. 
 Let Jesus be your trusted friend. 
 Love divine will crown your end. 
 
 DISCORD. 1884. 
 
 An end of vast importance, is sought to be attained; 
 That good may be established and error's course 
 
 arraigned : — 
 A body of officials, or interested men 
 Concur in vigorous action, wherefore, where and 
 
 when. 
 
158 
 
 But lo ! as soon as effort is earnestly engaged, 
 
 Some bigot at the action, is sure to be enraged. 
 
 His mind can see no merit, in any work of man, 
 
 Ignoring some tradition, in perfecting the plan. 
 
 Another will have rules the opposite for action. 
 
 Very soon all concord gives place to fiercest fac- 
 tion; 
 
 The end to be accomplished, gives less anxiety, 
 now. 
 
 Than plan of the procedure, and who should 
 shape the prow ; 
 
 Until tormenting tangle envelopes the affair; — 
 
 While energetic error goes on to do, and dare. 
 
 A hero for the right, must rise with success for 
 his chart: 
 
 And with the sword of Truth and stern Justice 
 for his dart ; — 
 
 Like Luther in religion, or Lincoln in the state ; 
 
 Frown on forms and precedents and follow Hea- 
 ven's fate. 
 
 He makes the end, once attained, to justify the act, 
 
 Which, crowned with success, leaves the enemy's 
 stronghold sacked. 
 
 God ordained order, as heaven's first law: — 
 Often disorder alone will procure it 
 
159 
 
 From carnal condition o{ forms eclat; 
 
 Permanent peace succeeds zvar to ensure it. 
 The hero of order, justice and right 
 
 A lover of rules, yet cuts his way through them, 
 To reach the victory, clearly in sight; 
 
 Triumph tenders him the right to renew them. 
 
 BIGOTRY. 1884. 
 
 Many christian people think, the spirit's grace 
 and power 
 
 Must come through certain channels, or 'tis ficti- 
 tious dower. 
 
 No good can came from other than their special 
 Nazareth. 
 
 And any other virtue, is mere delusion's breath; 
 
 The charity of one creed, in another creed's pure 
 grace 
 
 Sees, indelibly imprinted, fraud upon its face. 
 
 Such sentiments are too ranting among religious 
 men. 
 
 In spite of reason or sense or of God's grace, I ken. 
 
 Paul was a proud Pharisee and hated Jesus' name ; 
 
 The Holy Spirit humbled him, then gave him 
 Christian fame: 
 
i6o 
 
 A chosen, "holy vessel," to help the Master's 
 
 cause, 
 And teach the fallen, human race, the truth of 
 
 Heaven's laws. 
 Matthew, a poor publican, despised among the 
 
 Jews; 
 At Jesus' call, his business all to leave did not 
 
 refuse. 
 Peter, was poverty, catching fish; left his nets, 
 
 when 
 The Master called, he was made by grace, mercy 
 
 catching men. 
 The Grace of God got down into the lowest haunts 
 
 of men, 
 For a true example of ruth, devoted Magdalen. 
 The real, zealous christian, has charity for all; 
 (As fallacies of creed, was caused by Adam's Fall.) 
 Whose hope is anchored honestly, by grace of 
 
 God above; 
 On the everlasting Rock, of Christ's Redeeming 
 
 Love. 
 
i6i 
 
 WAR COMRADES. 1884. 
 
 There is a life-linked liaison, 
 
 Between the souls of men 
 Who faced the foe, 'mid peril's throng, 
 
 Through blood or prison pen. 
 
 This war-bred bond of fellowship, 
 
 Gold warp and silver woof, 
 Will not be severed by death's^grip. 
 
 But brightens with Time's proof. 
 
 We ruminate, as years roll on; 
 
 The debt we owe to Time 
 Is canceled by each comrade gone, 
 
 To rest in peace's clime. 
 
 DUTY. 1884. 
 
 Each day of your life 
 Regardless of strife. 
 With patience and ruth 
 Plant the seeds of truth ; 
 With the hands of duty, 
 On the banks of beauty; 
 Your Spring of delight. 
 All blossoms so bright, 
 
l62 
 
 Your Summer's fair fruit, 
 Your relish will suit. 
 Your Spring of good cheer 
 Will last all the year. 
 Your Summer of joy, 
 All your life will employ. 
 Your name in God's tome. 
 Heaven your sweet Home. 
 
 AUNT ANNA REED'S 92D BIRTHDAY. 
 1884. 
 
 This tribute of friendship to gray heads is due. 
 Whose souls are awaiting the name that is new. 
 Eighty-seven and ninety-two years, arm-in-arm : — 
 Sixty-five years in wedlock, you found the true 
 
 charm. 
 Not a fortnight of continuous separation. 
 Disturbed your domestic, religious relation. 
 Five fondlings your Master took home in His 
 
 Love, 
 To seal your affections in Heaven above. 
 Three were left to comfort and solace old age. 
 Four generations, under the home-roof, engage 
 
i63 
 
 Your ardent affection and most devout prayer; 
 
 That all may be shielded from sin's dazzling glare ; 
 
 To follow your example, so noble and true, 
 
 By loving the Master and each other too. 
 
 Dear Uncle and Aunt, may your "winter of dis- 
 content," 
 
 Be cheered and sustained by God's love to you 
 sent :^ 
 
 While patiently waiting the summons to rest. 
 
 O, may we all meet in the Home of the blest. 
 
 INJUSTICE. 1884. 
 
 Selfish persons considered it folly in me, 
 When I attempted to avert calamity. 
 My methods, unusual, were simple and right, 
 And Justice, by them, could have been meted 
 
 with might. 
 Truth vindicated and domestic disgrace, 
 Denied itching ears of prurient and base. 
 But legal acumen, for fame and for fee, 
 Wxthfomts and delusive technicality, 
 Would rob reputation of all life is worth. 
 And drive the defamed from home-roof and 
 
 hearth. 
 
164 
 
 Selfish hearts that never felt the fear of God, 
 And some in Saint's livery would loudly ap- 
 plaud : — 
 Because I could see the end from beginning, 
 And tried to act sense — conceit thought it sinning. 
 My hands tied, I was tortured by blind bigotry, 
 That misconstrued wisdom into wild lunacy. 
 Condoning the crime they were called to consider. 
 People tramp on Truth, if sweet vice is the bidder. 
 Virtue and honor, some think, always need watch- 
 ing. 
 Treachery trips truth, then use venom in scotch- 
 ing. 
 But if bleeding trittJi rises up in resistance, 
 Calumny cruel, is plied with persistence. 
 It will not permit friends of right in the masses. 
 To see through other than prejudiced glasses. 
 Short-sighted ones, v/ith a mere modicum of sense, 
 Will meddle in matters of great consequence. 
 Law's formal old coach, with its wheels clogged 
 
 with the mud 
 Of precedents; lank leeches, thirsting for the 
 
 blood 
 Of Justice. Technicalities flood the court, 
 Smothering the spirit of Justice in her fort. 
 
i65 
 
 Swift Justice ne'er can smile and hold up her head, 
 'Till one-half the lawyers are eternally dead; 
 T'other half converted and granted a pension. 
 And honorable old Wisdom, sits the Bench on; 
 King Solomon did not ponder o'er precedents, 
 Nor con technicalities with great credence; 
 Nor command each claimant to give some private 
 
 mark, 
 On their babies that had got exchanged in the 
 
 dark. 
 Or call some experts, who could cleverly trace 
 Resemblance of mother in each baby's face. 
 Discarding old ruts, that reason would hamper. 
 Where infamous envy, with triith might tamper. 
 For wisdom is simple and any true mother 
 Would save her child's life, to be claimed by 
 
 another. 
 Our lawyers would have labored a score of 
 
 years, on 
 This puzzling case, so simple to King Solomon. 
 Instance, the case of Dukes, who killed Captain 
 
 Nutt, 
 After defaming his daughter with slime and smut. 
 Was Justice respected by swift retribution? 
 No ! crime was commiserated by legal collusion. 
 
i66 
 
 Outraged Justice, demanding expiation, 
 
 Put the penal pistol in the hands of Nutt's son. 
 
 In this necessitous crime, whatever was wrong, 
 
 Will to the legal acqiiitters of Dukes belong. 
 
 Distracted young Nutt puts law's dishonored 
 garb on. 
 
 Justice asks confession and a plea for pardon; 
 
 Wisdom answers yea; and claims justification. 
 
 Power would send pardon in swift emulation; 
 
 'S>\\t formal cupidity comes to the front; 
 
 Sound sense must surrender to bigotry, blunt. 
 
 The youthful avenger, must languish in a cell, 
 
 For doing what honest hearts, felt he did well. 
 
 Anxiety and anguish must blanch the bereaved, 
 
 For many weary weeks ; who might now be re- 
 lieved. 
 
 Days after days of exasperating trial, 
 
 To prove what all knew, would admit no denial. 
 
 Wisdom's way would have vindicated law, as well ; 
 
 Vain fortnaliiy, would sound sweet Charity's 
 knell, 
 
 To his own exultation, in earning a fee; 
 
 Steeped in the true heart's blood, of frail hu- 
 manity : 
 
 And to earn public plaudits, for eloquence rare, 
 
 In mistifying each plain fact, in the affair. 
 
16/ 
 
 [continued.] 
 Is strict honesty in all things, astray in this 
 
 world? 
 To be dogged? An intruder, at which missiles 
 
 are hurled? 
 Only cared for, when avarice sees in it profit : — 
 For naught but its own sake, lost honesty might 
 
 rough it. 
 It can only get aid from the powers controlling, 
 By yielding its revenues, to their heart's con- 
 soling. 
 But honesty cannot loan its revenues to wrong: 
 Not for the aid of allied majority, strong. 
 So malice combines every element, to oppose ; 
 And all must see honesty, through the lens of 
 
 her foes. 
 And her life's blood, must cry unto God, from 
 
 the ground; 
 'Till Justice, with confusion the traitors confound. 
 When God's judgment 'gainst evil, is not sent 
 
 speedily, 
 Man mocks and feeds evil desire, most greedily. 
 But the^cr^'is sure, that the judgment on wrong, 
 Will find execution, though it may tarry long. 
 
1 68 
 
 [continued.] 
 If Integrity, sore vexed, but dares dissect a cheat, 
 Or rend the robe of radiance that covers up deceit, 
 With the right hand of Honor and impartial blade 
 
 of Truth, 
 Impelled by purest motives and God-giving right, 
 
 forsooth ; 
 Wherever he may find one of its multifarious 
 
 features. 
 Palavering for promotion, through the credence 
 
 of its creatures; 
 Inveterate hatred persecutes and hastes to hunt 
 
 him down. 
 As a dangerous demagogue, or crazy, slandering 
 
 clown ; 
 Without a friend with fortitude 'mong all the 
 
 ranks of men, 
 To shield assailed Integrity, from rank perver- 
 sion's pen. 
 But let assumed integrity, put on sectarian harness; 
 Or pomp of party-politics, with a zeal far less 
 Virtuous, hurl sarcastic slanders at an honored 
 
 foe ; — 
 For such partisan presumption, as he but lacks 
 chance to sJiotv 
 
169 
 
 Himself; his ilk at once array themselves in his 
 
 defence. 
 Party is sacred as it offers personal preference. 
 Striking for the right alone, in this self-seeking age, 
 Will scarce elicit interest, for the perusal of a 
 
 page. 1884. 
 
 BRANDY GIFT. 1884. 
 
 Friends Terrence and Andy ! 
 Your peerless, peach brandy, 
 One could quaff with delight, 
 From the morn until night. 
 The sweet soul of liquor, 
 That dares one to dicker 
 
 His ideas of true temperance: — 
 Oh ! don't say you see it, 
 In these lines, the fee it 
 Paid for this production. 
 No, no ! Its instruction 
 Would merit more favor ; 
 Of more sense would savor, 
 
 I sigh for its sad decedence. 
 
I/O 
 
 A TEXT. 1883. 
 One essential for Christians is Faith. 
 So the blessed word of God saith. 
 But unto faith, you must always add virtue, 
 Which means to be brave, courageous and true. 
 
 Knowledge is next in this work of addition, 
 Which can be retained but by constant accretion,^ 
 Temperate proclivities and godly desire, 
 In brotherly love never tire, never tire. 
 
 Then we have Charity, the capsheaf of all, 
 
 The greatest and best trait in man, since the fall. 
 
 My friends, let us take this whole text as our 
 
 guide; 
 We'll always be happy and in glory abide. 
 
 MAXIMS. 1884. 
 
 Violence is the phoenix force that may revive a 
 
 wrong. 
 And heresy may bloom beneath persecution 
 
 strong. 
 
 Mob morality in the suppression of crime. 
 Oft elicits for it compassion for a time. 
 
171 
 
 Moral necessity oft is the cloak, concealing 
 
 motives of plunder; 
 Which politicians plead, and oft make good men 
 
 blunder. 
 
 'Tis better to be a martyr in defence of the truth, 
 Than to wear the golden crown of dishonor, for- 
 sooth. 
 
 Play plainest Truth, though unadorned. 
 Ride Reason, duty's round though scorned. 
 
 He lives longest and most, 
 Who of thinking best, can boast; — 
 Whose feelings are the noblest fact, 
 Whose whole life is a righteous act. 
 
 Yes, although it tarry long. 
 Payment must be made for wrong. 
 
 Who sow their passions by the way. 
 Sore peril will they reap some day. 
 
 Pure, earnest, heartfelt prayer, 
 Will secure petition fair. 
 
172 
 
 ANGELS. 1884. 
 
 Ministering angels hover near me, 
 
 During trouble's trials, cheer me. 
 
 Weed vain thoughts out of my vole, 
 
 By sweetest converse with my soul. 
 
 There is happiness in right, 
 
 Greater than Earth's crowns of might. 
 
 Faith's assurance strengthens me; 
 
 I shall not forsaken be. 1884. 
 
 WET DAY. 1 86 1. 
 
 The little hills and large ones too 
 Have issued fog the whole day through, 
 And in return, the clouds above 
 Did show their sympathy and love, 
 By pouring forth with gentle hand, 
 Copious showers on our land. 
 
 Why, oh ! who can tell me why ! 
 
 The heart oft heaves with sadness, 
 Why, the 'scaping, tell-tale sigh! 
 
 'Mid merry groups of gladness. 
 
173 
 
 My heart is sad ! my heart is sad ! 
 But, soothing balm to make it glad, 
 
 Is given. 
 There is a being to be found, 
 Possessing power to heal the wound, 
 
 In Heaven. 
 
 O ! when will war be at an end ; 
 
 Most High ! I pray Thee peace to send. 
 
 LOVE'S LEGATO. 1884. 
 
 When Cupid finds pert precocity. 
 He will have fun, the witty wag, 
 
 Tickling the vain with verbosity, — 
 Then frenzy, then a phantom gag. 
 
 Of all the nymphs that twenty charmed. 
 There was one, sweet, innocent sixteen, 
 
 Cupid a fairer face ne'er farmed. 
 
 Labeled with blushes, love's victorine. 
 
 'Twas at the church, on Sabbath morn. 
 When no vain prudishness did pother, 
 
 Our eyes did meet, true love was born; 
 She rode horseback, behind her father. 
 
174 
 
 Each glance was furtive, love was young, 
 Eager eyes sent silent love ditties. 
 
 Sly Cupid in our hearts them sung, 
 No sacred place can trill his pities. 
 
 Cupid did most effective work, — 
 
 For years, no word of love was spoken, 
 
 The doubt, in each heart oft did lurk, 
 
 At length came bliss from love's pure token- 
 
 Why runs true love so labyrinthine? 
 
 Who can solve the problem so mazy? 
 Cupid, could give love some good hints in 
 
 Her heart-perplexing course, so hazy. 
 
 Bashfulness my desires did fetter, 
 Yet, I managed to write to Mollie, 
 
 Lo ! her nymph namesake got the letter, 
 I, got a lesson for love's folly. 
 
 Years roll on, I write her again, 
 
 The letter was laid on a desk. 
 And forgot by her brother, when 
 
 It dropped in a crack, for a pesk. 
 
 Hope and fear in each heart was blended. 
 Love, famished and flickered anon. 
 
175 
 
 Now, the mistake was almost mended, 
 Now, the lustre of love was gone. 
 
 A friend, our feelings not perceiving, 
 
 Was mashed on sight of my dear duckie; 
 
 Risking true love, to fate's retrieving, 
 I assent, his usher, unlucky. 
 
 The fates be praised ! he was rejected, 
 And I was faithful to my friend, 
 
 Cupid still kept our hearts protected, 
 'Till love's propitious events blend. 
 
 Four years pass, of perilous war, 
 I was in tent, bivouac and fight. 
 
 Peace ruled again Rebellion's thor; 
 Probation is past, we unite. 
 
 Eight years of happiness was ours. 
 Love's lease of prosperity's lever; 
 
 Death's angel prevails with his powers, 
 The links of love and life, to sever. 
 
176 
 
 INDIAN SUMMER. 1884. 
 
 Melpomene trills the air with melancholy story, 
 
 She presides with placid mien, o'er mellow Au- 
 tumn's glory: 
 
 Dissolves but to diffuse the clouds, to make the 
 welkin hazy; 
 
 She would usurp the sway of Sol, and mop his 
 pathway mazy. 
 
 With frosted fronds of melrose white, she strews 
 the earth each morning. 
 
 Lo ! sparkling splendor, crystalline, fair nature's 
 face adorning, — 
 
 How charming sunset's fiery sheen, as he goes 
 down serenely. 
 
 How glorious, full moon comes up, with counte- 
 nance so queenly. 
 
 See laccine hued, sear forest leaves, how they 
 flutter falling, — 
 
 Ere life's lease tremor startles you, be sure you've 
 crowned your calling. 
 
177 
 
 AMBITION. 1884. 
 
 Ambition poison'd brilliant mind, 
 Courting corruption, power to find, 
 Prostituting honor's position, 
 And power, to pockets repletion. 
 Freemen's franchise, in choice of rulers, 
 Bought with coin, by criminal doolers; 
 When men by gods, to downfall doomed, 
 They race round like a mad knight plumed. 
 Hark ! reason and reform, resonant, 
 For leal in the IVhiie House reponant, 
 A reign of Brutus and of bluster. 
 Shall not the realm of freedom fluster. 
 Ambition may a lesson learn. 
 Integrity will honor earn 
 When honest freemen see, alert, 
 Monopoly, is malapert. 
 
 Nature's work is as superior to Art's, 
 As the Creator is to the creature. 
 
 Imitative faculty by mind's charts, 
 
 Is the perfection of nature's feature. 1884. 
 
178 
 
 LAWS. 1884. 
 I'm a strict and faithful constructionist 
 Of rules, by which society subsist. 
 Fidelity to law, its oaths and trust, 
 Gives expression in the life of the just, 
 A wholesome law is made some good to fence, 
 With delusive sentence of double sense. 
 Depravity disregards legal fetter, 
 Legal evasion makes it a dead letter; — 
 Evasion of law's a popular rule. 
 Regard law sacred, you're counted a fool; 
 The greatest peril to popular freedom, 
 Is nullifying law with wild will's besom. 
 "Law was not made for a righteous man," 
 Yet his rule of life, conforms with its ban. 
 The vicious and vile, for whom it was made 
 By cunning and craft, will its claims evade. 
 Some who profess to be law-biding men. 
 For gain, will spread its wax to suit their wen. 
 Lawyers, to Nemesis, will bend their knee; 
 Twisting law, clear a culprit, for his fee. 
 Such clearing of culprits causes more crime, 
 Such lawyers'll clients for these, God's time. 
 We need fewer laws, better executed ; 
 Faithfulness on the part of those deputed. 
 
179 
 
 A dead letter law on our statute books, 
 Shows civilization's disgraceful crooks. 
 Philanthropists who are most needed now, 
 Are teachers of reverence for law, I trow. 
 As reverence for law, is the sure foundation 
 Of freedom and equity, in this nation. 
 We cannot oiact pure morals, in men, 
 Nor grow moral fruit, on immoral fen; 
 Man's heart must be cultured, all learn to laud, 
 The nation exalting rich grace of God. 
 
 HAPPINESS. 1884. 
 Happiness here is never complete, 
 
 There's always a shadow to mar, — 
 Anticipation has a rich treat, 
 
 Enjoyment will quote below par. 
 
 Forecasting clouds, oft fret expectancy, 
 Hope will dicker for doubt's blind nag, 
 
 'Twixt faith and fortune, creeps discrepancy, 
 The cuisine proves a conscience gag. 
 
 See that crowd of bright, innocent boys! 
 
 With gladness glowing in each feature, 
 As they plan some sport for special joys, 
 
 As eloquent as H. Ward Beecher. 
 
i8o 
 
 Eyes sparkling joys, a little too previous, 
 Impulse will not wait for next week, 
 
 Lost patience makes them pout and mischevious, 
 Fraying time with some fractious freak. 
 
 When anxiety its joys attain. 
 
 Impulse ignores propriety's laws. 
 The thorn that will prick and give much pain, 
 
 Is hidden 'mong vanity's haws. 
 
 See those sweet, ruddy, gossiping girls. 
 The halo of hope crowns each head. 
 
 Modesty's mantle, fondly them furls, — 
 On carnation flowers they've fed. 
 
 Yet shadows dance on their faultless features, 
 At thought of an ornament lacking, 
 
 Each sighs to eclipse other sweet creatures, 
 Happiest, after conquest, quacking. 
 
 FATE. 1884. 
 
 Mystery has marked my course, 
 From the cradle until now. 
 
 Conscience felt impellent force. 
 Faithful to my versant vow. 
 
i8i 
 
 Oft had I my plans mapped out, 
 
 Barriers would intervene, 
 Changing chart, I set about. 
 
 Printing success in type sheen. 
 
 Friends would take a selfish view, 
 From their standpoint, never mine; 
 
 Censure, as they misconstrue, — 
 Work or wait, will win a whine. 
 
 If my act will please one friend, 
 
 It may give another pain. 
 Honest motives. Heaven defend, 
 
 From the vantage of the vain. 
 
 Oft the acts I had intended, 
 
 Heaven's events override, 
 On such events, acts depended 
 
 Grace of God, I make my guide. 
 
 WIT. 1884. 
 
 A glitt'ring grain of wit, 
 
 Express'd in sentence simple, 
 Will give electric fit. 
 
 Decorum's face will dimple. 
 
l82 
 
 To gild such grain of wit, 
 Con and hammer for credit, 
 
 The fool's cap will you fit, — 
 Less lustre more you spread it. 
 
 REFORM. 1884. 
 
 The sun of reform for freemen now rising, 
 Cheering the hope of honest yeoman's prising, 
 Shadows of sable corruption retreating, 
 Dreading the forces that caused their defeating. 
 The clouds of abuse now show silver lining, 
 Reflecting the light of honesty shining. 
 The horde of hungry Democrats, from fasting. 
 Are honest now, I hope it may be lasting. 
 If they forsake the gods of honest ruling. 
 And with the gods oi mammon go to fooling, 
 Brave freemen will quench their altar fires burning; 
 The 'Pascals ouf they'll be engaged in turning. 
 Empires, not Republics, keep one class ruling. 
 Where honest men may pine and die, with puling. 
 The Union saved by blood of patriots vying, 
 Their Heritage made sacred, by blood buying'; 
 Committing it to loyal honor, trusting. 
 It will not be tarnished by treason's lusting. 
 
1 83 
 
 HOME. 1884. 
 Home! civilization's birthright! 
 
 The dearest acre of God's earth ! 
 Where light first dawned upon the sight, 
 
 Ever tickles memory's mirth. 
 
 Adolescence must choose new home, 
 Which gains enchantment for the heart, 
 
 Trills the memory when you roam. 
 The dearest dot on Nature's chart. 
 
 Home! nursery of humanity ! 
 
 Morality's mentor here reigns; 
 The cloister of Christianity, 
 
 True valor and virtue, here trains. 
 
 The life and peace of purest love. 
 Are nurtured in a christian home. 
 
 Refreshed with dew from Heaven above, 
 Sweet mercies come from Heaven's dome. 
 
 GRACE AND GUILT. 1884. 
 The best, the bravest and truest men. 
 
 That ever have lived on the earth, 
 Were guilty of greatest crimes, but then. 
 
 They owned it, and passed through God's searce. 
 
i84 
 
 This sejtse of their inherent weakness, 
 Was the silver woof of their worth. 
 
 Gold warp of God's grace, giving meekness, 
 To the web of their Hfe on earth. 
 
 Christians who claim orthodox profession, 
 As the ground of their hope and merit. 
 
 Are much in need of Christ's intercession, 
 Else, Heaven they cannot inherit. 
 
 When you hear a fault reproved, with courtesy 
 
 and grace, 
 Help conscience search and purge it out, while 
 
 there's left a trace. 
 
 MY PLEA. 
 
 That I am peculiar, most men will admit. 
 The crazy-cap made for me seemed well to fit. 
 And I must still wear it all kinds of weather; 
 To climax condition, should put up a feather. 
 Conscious of rectitude, that time might reveal. 
 If opinion, concurrent with fact, would feel. 
 I have a due regard for public opinion. 
 If not prejudiced by some myrmidon's minion. 
 
i85 
 
 In life's stern service, I earnestly endeavor, 
 To merit approval of honest men ever. 
 If I see obstructions, not obvious to all, 
 To please some, must I o'er the obstacle fall? 
 A blind horse, contentedly feeding on clover 
 Once fell in a well, that had no cover over, — 
 Ignorance may be bliss, before catastrophe; 
 Too late information will give to folly, her fee. 
 Wisdom's never folly, with results for the test, 
 Though wisdom be afflicted by powers behest. 
 
 1884. 
 
 SNOW. 1884. 
 
 Gently flying, 
 
 Softly lying, 
 Myriads of snowflakes white. 
 
 Nature's busy. 
 
 Hoar-head's frizzy. 
 Scattering down, so soft and light. 
 
 Fall so gleamy. 
 Lie so dreamy. 
 Vestment of the whitest sheen. 
 13 
 
1 86 
 
 Rest serenely, 
 Reign supremely, 
 O'er nude trees and seared green, 
 
 Hide demurely, 
 
 Filth securely, 
 'Neath your robe of beauty bright, 
 
 Pure and pretty, 
 
 Neat and netty. 
 Mantle of unsullied white. 
 
 The earth is bright with winter's bloom, 
 Fireside gladness drives away gloom. 
 
 Let reason rule the rudder, 
 
 Let Iwnesty hold the helm. 
 Let sound sense steer the ship of state 
 
 Let righteous rule restore the realm. 
 
 WILLIAM PENN. 
 
 Philanthropic William Penn, 
 Honor's truest type 'mong men; 
 Worth, expelled from wisdom's hall, 
 By bigotry's blighting gall. 
 
18; 
 
 On America's fertile acres, 
 Found a home for honest Quakers. 
 When he to friend or foe had spoken, 
 His word of honor, ne'er was broken. 
 
 1884. 
 
 MODESTY. 
 
 Good traits in man's morals are ever retiring, 
 But vices, with vigils will show their desiring. 
 Beauty's blush on the cheek will get less attention, 
 Than a blotch or a boil, they draw on invention. 
 Splinters and snags are ever hunting for holes 
 In dress of pedestrian, who carelessly strolls, 
 True merit in mortals is never obtrusive, 
 While demagoguism is ever delusive. 1884. 
 
 LINCOLN. 
 
 Lincoln, the diamond rough, 
 
 Patriot of the purest stuff, 
 
 Moses to an enslaved race, — 
 
 Gave to freedom an honest face, — 
 
 Died a martyr for the right, 
 
 While washing Liberty white. 1884. 
 
i88 
 
 WEBSTER. 
 
 Principles were Webster's pride, 
 With talents, traitors defied. 
 Fame's orator of the age, 
 Statesman, counselor and sage, — 
 Brightest whig-star in the East, 
 Party's levitical priest. 1884. 
 
 HENRY CLAY. 
 
 Brilliant whig-star in the West, 
 
 Patriot loyal, statesman blest, 
 
 Genius with eloquence backed. 
 
 Loyal courage never lacked. 
 
 Clay and Webster, men too great. 
 
 To confine at helm of State. 1884. 
 
 GENERAL GRANT. 
 
 Fortune's foundling! son of Mars! 
 
 Fates furnished with success cars, 
 
 U. S. Grant by destiny, 
 
 Set the fettered U. S. free, 
 
 His head crowned with Honor's jewel. 
 
 Crown commensurate was dual. 1 884. 
 
1 89 
 
 DOUGLASS. 
 
 Little man of giant mind, 
 
 Statesman rare, pacific kind, 
 
 Genius, patriotic stamp. 
 
 Honest freemen's guiding lamp, 
 
 When madness menaced Liberty, 
 
 His life he gave to warn the free 1884. 
 
 ROBERT MORRIS. 
 
 Shame! shame! freemen, shame! 
 
 Sullied honor, shame! shame! shame! 
 
 Ingrates, write your name, 
 
 Morris merited great fame. 
 
 He gave great wealth to make men free. 
 
 Died in prison and poverty. 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 Model man in every station! 
 Copy him all in this nation, — 
 Patriotism before pride. 
 Honors with duty abide, — 
 He rocked the cradle of Liberty, — 
 He nurtured a nation to be free. 1884. 
 
I go 
 
 MAN. 
 
 Paradoxical man, as his knowledge grows, 
 The less in his own estimation, he knows. 
 When he knows the preface to practical worth, 
 He will reckon his knowledge of boundless girth. 
 The nearer his status would rate him a fool. 
 The less will he long for instruction at school. 
 The greater degree of knowledge he attains, 
 Reveals unexplored realms for research, he deigns, 
 One may preach and promulgate these facts with 
 
 force, 
 Man's conceit, must have experimental course; 
 What great celebrity, from the summit of fame. 
 Cannot see in the past, folly stamping his name. 
 So, flourish adolescence in fancy's ideal. 
 But strive to store up in the mind what is real, 
 
 1884. 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 Cottage love carols soft la-cavatina. 
 Fed on the fruit of love's verdant verbena, 
 Camis drest Venus, crowned queen with fair Vesta, 
 Gracious Juno presides at pure love's festa 
 
191 
 
 Fertile love's charm, has its home in the cottage, 
 It softens the couch and seasons the pottage, 
 ^Esthetic eyes may see little attraction, — 
 The home is hallowed by Heaven's benefaction. 
 Mansion-merged love, lives in florescent folly, 
 Its fashion-grown fruit, are berries of Holly, 
 Its glow-worm delusion, will lure to despair, 
 Will famish fidelity in the heart rare. 1884. 
 
 Confession of a wrong, 
 
 Will cultivate the soul. 
 Redression sings the song 
 
 That crowns at honor's goal. 
 Confession is deluding, 
 
 Redression non-including. 1884. 
 
 My son gave me his card on which was a lady's 
 hand holding two buds and one bloom of a beau- 
 tiful rose. 
 
 It is the mother's pleasing, painful duty, 
 To give to man the buds and bloom of beauty. 
 Lest he might idolize the innocent pearls, 
 Sharp thorns are set about the boys and girls, 
 
192 
 
 The i/);-/?/^ of smiles and dimples, has sharp sqtmlls, 
 The source of sweetest charm, oft, patience galls, 
 To teach us they are fruit of Adam's fall. 
 For garnered glory, at the Master's call. 1884. 
 
 TRIPLE ALLIANCE 
 
 Each triple alliance for generating good, 
 Of Divine, angelic or rare humanhood, 
 Charity or love — essentially the same, 
 Has most golden-glory attached to her name. 
 Love, in its pure essence, devises a plan, 
 Angelic devotion will waft it to man. 
 Spirits, the meekest in mortals, applies it. 
 To rescue the perishing ones that prize it, — 
 Charity, Mercy, Welcome, Sisters, combined 
 To liberate sad souls that sin had confined. 
 Building a station, with stairway to Heaven. 
 Welcome gives tickets in gold-letters graven. 
 
 Charity and Mercy go out, hand in hand. 
 In by-ways of misery, a missionary band. 
 Compelling the halting, the lame and the blind 
 To come and be dressed for a feast to their mind. 
 
193 
 
 When they are cleansed, furnished and ready to go, 
 Smiling Welcome's free tickets, makes the face 
 
 glow. 
 The gateway is narrow and up golden stairs, 
 The way is resonant with angelic airs, 
 Their feast is the richest that love can provide, 
 Sense of enjoyment, forever satisfied, 
 Their souls are now tuned to Heaven's harmony. 
 Echoing the Lamb's praise to eternity. 1884. 
 
 DARLING. 
 
 Kindred spirits have connection, 
 
 Darling, your sweet debonair 
 Fills my heart with true affection, 
 
 In my mind's eye everywhere. 
 
 Rough is love's way, ruled by fortune. 
 Soul-sealed ties of golden link. 
 
 True to Cupid's frescoed cartoon, 
 Only severed at death's brink. 
 
 Sob out sorrow on my bosom. 
 
 Darling, it is leal to love. 
 Hide in my heart as a true stromb, — 
 
 Come, sweet soul, be my dear dove. 
 
194 
 
 Make me home, for your devotions, 
 
 My poor heart of debris clear. 
 Tears of joy like healing lotions 
 
 Gloss our lives with love's veneer. 1884. 
 
 SHARP. 
 
 Sharp! you cutest little canine, 
 
 Can you know these lines are on thee? 
 Monkey-mischief natured, not malign, 
 Must I write with you on my knee? 
 
 1 cannot write else, with your teasing, 
 
 Your begging, your barking and whining, 
 Your eyes glisten, wistfully pleasing. 
 
 On my knee, you're pleased as when dining. 
 
 A terrible little terrier, 
 
 Where rodents are roaming around. 
 Your consummate mischief, merrier. 
 
 Where merriest mischief is found. 
 
 As big as a mastiff in showing, 
 
 When you make believe you are mad, 
 
 As playful as kittens, but knowing 
 The tricks of the cunninsfest cad. 
 
195 
 
 Savage as a slaughter-house cur-let, 
 When strangers come straggling about, 
 
 Meekly dancing graceful minuet, 
 When dinner is late and in doubt. 
 
 Happy as humorous simpleton. 
 
 Whose cuteness has corraled a flea. 
 
 Never was cot of a monk or nun, 
 
 Cosy as my courted knee. 1884. 
 
 APPETITE AND WILL. 
 
 My Appetite and Will, are ever at war, 
 Past experience is Will's keenest weapon. 
 
 Will honored Appetite 'till demand proved a dor, 
 With Appetite controlled. Will commands 
 heppen. 
 
 Appetite is human nature's engineer, 
 
 Promotive of general prosperity, 
 Until passion prescribes with legatee's leer. 
 
 And penal results, give Will-power verity. 
 
 1884. 
 
196 
 
 CIGARS. 
 
 Wreaths of smoky rhythm. 
 Smokers with me will agree to 
 Still smoke, though some men may veto. 
 Smoking soothes, if mild, — 
 When temper is riled, 
 And thought roaming wild, 
 Will tone down to serenity — oh. 
 
 When Sunrise makes you break rest. 
 Eat flannel cakes with great zest. 
 
 Smoking, certainly, 
 
 Cigar or tobie, 
 
 Tones the energy 
 For toiling after breakfast. 
 
 When you dine on wholesome food, 
 Adding pie or pudding good, 
 For crowning comfort. 
 Just buoy the front-port, — 
 Let tooth or gum court 
 A mild cigar, 'twill soften mood 
 
 When your daily toil is ended. 
 Weary way to tea is wended, — 
 
197 
 
 Stomach satisfied, 
 Cosy chair supplied, 
 Soothing smoke betide, 
 Your honest friend has vended. 
 
 On a sultry, summer night. 
 When mosquitoes buzz and bite, 
 
 Cigar fumes will scatter 
 
 Them, ere they get fatter 
 
 On your blood or matter, — 
 Secure you sleep, free from fight. 
 
 When boreal blasts meet you, 
 And out of comfort cheat you, 
 
 Fix frogs in your throat, 
 
 Old Cough you will quote, 
 
 Rehashing by rote, — 
 Have tobie relief treat you. 1885. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 Margaret, may our mutual good-will. 
 As this book, have rhythm and reason, 
 
 Refining love, resisting ill, 
 
 Granting aid to need in season. 
 
198 
 
 As we mitigate woes that meet us, 
 
 Raise sad hearts with righteous leaven, 
 
 Emmanuel will surely greet us, 
 
 Trussell, with welcome to Heaven. 1884. 
 
 OBSERVER. 
 
 The careful, close observer, sees the spirit of each 
 act, — 
 
 His searching genius grasps the why, and where- 
 fore of each fact, — 
 
 His mind gets richest dividends from his discur- 
 sive eye, — 
 
 Each time he loads a log, he sees a better way to 
 try, — 
 
 Although the progress of this age is due the close 
 observer, — 
 
 Yet, he is sure to be the butt of fogy, stupid 
 fervor. 1885. 
 
 Experience! imperious teacher! 
 
 You always make men better or worse, 
 Better when true mettle tones the creature. 
 
 Where mettle's false, you make a finised curse. 
 
199 
 
 DUPES. 
 
 Often honest, simple souls, 
 Duped by craft's deceitful roles. 
 Sneer and scoff at their best friend, 
 For his fervent whim. 
 Cruel is the callous arrow. 
 Hurled, the tender heart to harrow, 
 Rebounding, to source will trend. 
 And grave the fault grim, 1885. 
 
 DISTANCE LENDS, ETC. 
 
 A prophet will have honor, but never near his 
 
 home, — 
 His merit's more respected, the farther he doth 
 
 roam. 
 For "neither did his brethren believe at all in 
 
 Him."— 
 The world's advice to Noah, — quit work and 
 
 learn to swim. 
 "Behold the dreamer cometh," we have him now 
 
 it seems, — 
 Joseph's brethren, slay him would and "see what 
 
 comes of dreams." 
 
200 
 
 Thus, it always has been and ever will be the 
 
 same, 
 'Till mind millennium's tribute, pays to Jesus' 
 
 name. 1885. 
 
 CHANGE. 
 
 As the mortal charms, exterior, 
 Tan and tarnish, 
 As they must; — 
 Let the charms of soul, superior. 
 Glow and garnish. 
 
 With God's trust. 1885. 
 
 CHARACTER. 
 
 Virtue decomposed in trice, 
 Vegetates the rankest vice, — 
 Vice reformed, like gold refined, 
 Vivifies virtue, vigorous kind. 
 
 Formal emotions of sorrow or joy. 
 Are the froth and foam of fashion's alloy. 
 Tears from tender hearts well-spring sequestered, 
 Are glory's jewels in Heaven invested. 
 
201 
 
 Recording angels write those tears of strife, 
 In lines of gold, within God's Book of Life. 
 
 1885. 
 
 Go with alacrity, at sweet Mercy's call, 
 
 When the devil's menace, could not drive at all. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 After the buds, the roses bloom, — 
 Nymph buds give us gladness for gloom, 
 Narcissus, endowed with a soul 
 Immortal, growing for Heaven's goal, — 
 Embellishing the mortal bowl. 
 
 Lustrate the charms that enchant us, — 
 Alleviate the pains that implant us — 
 Unity, Heaven will grant us, — 
 Restore us to favor with God, 
 And cause us His great name to laud. 
 
 188S 
 
 14 
 
202 
 
 CHEER. 
 
 Merry heart runs all the way, 
 Goes full distance every day, 
 While sad heart stops at each stile. 
 Wearied with walking one mile. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 
 
 Nannie, remember that this life is fleeting, 
 And Spring must surrender to Summer's greeting. 
 Never neglect to cull Summer's fair flowers, 
 Nor fail to cultivate contentment bowers; 
 If troubles and turmoils cloud your true course, 
 Engage ready aid from infinite source. 
 
 Replenish the heart with holy affection, 
 Ennoble your life by happy connection. 
 Emitting love-beams from beauty's blue eyes, 
 Donaldson, Nannie R. any good man's prize. 
 
 PROMISE. 
 
 The bursting bud of pleasure's promise 
 Will lure the heart and light the eye 
 
 Of all, except a doubting Thomas, 
 More than full flowered reality. 
 
203 
 
 THE DUDE. 
 
 What is a dude, do you ask me, fair cousin? 
 Describe the neat ninny, the thing called a 
 dude? 
 I might portray one, perhaps, of a dozen, 
 
 Whose finesse and folly, would fit the whole 
 brood. 
 
 Well, I must take a slim strip of Adam, — 
 
 After the Fall, of course, you must remember, 
 
 Worked o'er many times and fostered by Madam, 
 With faith in her success like frost in December. 
 
 His lama-legs encased in close-fitting cloth. 
 Which courts the skirts of a cutaway coat. 
 
 Disclosing a V of white linen, so loth 
 
 To be seen, it hides 'neath a knot at the throat, 
 
 The head of this dainty, demi-man charm, 
 Is full of vanity's languishing lore. 
 
 A sensible idea would sound its alarm, — 
 
 His crude comprehension would brand it a 
 bore. 
 
 To grow a mustache, is his great aspiration, 
 Pomatum and preen, soon trains a downy van. 
 
204 
 
 The full-fledged dude with dignified elation, 
 Will pose for pretty maids to admire the man. 
 
 With switch cane in hand and knobby hat askew, 
 Flashy ring and fob-chain of pure yellow trash, 
 
 He struts where giddy susceptibles may view, 
 He notes in his memoirs the name of each 
 mash. 
 
 He meets his fair fancy, her love daggers drawn, 
 The masher is mashed into jelly, dead gone, 
 
 He goes on his knees, implores fair imperious. 
 Up and go, papa's boot sometimes proves 
 serious. 
 
 MIND. 
 
 Immortal emanation from Infinite God ! 
 To animate and cultivate the human clod, 
 
 For His purposed glory. 
 Man's original body had beauty divine, — 
 In its halo of Heaven, God's image did shine; — 
 
 Says the Gospel story. 
 
 Man's soul by sin defaced, did forfeit perfection, 
 Sweating toil and sorrow, for his dire dejection, 
 
205 
 
 In his world of woe. 
 A way is provided by Jesus' Redemption, 
 Which secures for soul's best efforts, exemption, 
 
 For glory to grow. 
 
 Sensation finds facts with nose, tongue, ears and 
 
 eyes; 
 Reflection reports them with great enterprise. 
 (Some minds, like poor farmers, never applies 
 Rich facts that would the mind's poor soil fertilize.) 
 To the court Inquiry, chief justice, Reason, — 
 Associates, Belief and Doubt masking treason. 
 Credulous Belief, is restrained for the proof, 
 By Doubt's ingenuity holding aloof. 
 Rigid King Certainty must be satisfied. 
 Such facts must be adduced as proof can provide. 
 The witnesses pro and con are Right and Wrong, 
 With all the adherents that to each belong. 
 Sensation's scouts and detectives are workincf, 
 Far and near for facts, their duties ne'er shirking. 
 Suggestion, mentor, dictator-moderato, — 
 Heaven's minister to mortal mind, la Plato, 
 Sends conception beyond sight, through infinite 
 
 space ; 
 Originates ideas to improve the Race. 
 Each idea associates a relative host. 
 
2o6 
 
 Which Memory has treasured from prior post. 
 Reason refines and formulates facts into law, 
 Procreates pure principles from the facts, raw. 
 King Certainty seals the creed for the creature; 
 God's image fully restored to each feature. 
 
 Diversity of gifts replenish man's mind, 
 A new idea thrown to an audience you'll find 
 Suggestion associates relative train of thought. 
 Diverse as experience and modified lot, 
 By gift, and faithful energy of each factor 
 Which, before the court of Inquiry, is actor. 
 With associate ideas of harmony or contrast. 
 Arrive at conclusions from the idea, at last, 
 Divergent, as are all the spokes of a wheel; 
 Yet, each to capacity and conscience, leal. 
 
 This accounts for conflicting religious creeds. 
 Which Folly keeps warring with pen, words and 
 
 deeds. 
 Give Charity the command usurped by Folly, 
 Combining, charge! and give the devil your vol- 
 ley. 
 Wait millennium's wisdom, divisions to cure, 
 When all shall "see eye to eye," with the soul 
 pure. 
 
20/ 
 
 THE POET. 
 
 The poet's earnest endeavor, 
 In the use of brain and pen, 
 
 Is to clothe truth-gems, so clever, 
 They'll be attractive to men. 
 
 Aggregate atoms make mountains, 
 Small facts found integral Truth, 
 
 Drops of rain furnish free fountains 
 Which suckle old Ocean, forsooth. 
 
 To foster a firm intellect, 
 
 Tid-bits of truth are essential. 
 
 Let soul to its source, genuflect, 
 To win wisdom's true credential. 
 
 Cold facts of former eschewing, 
 By fancy's fondest aspire. 
 
 May nurture the life's renewing, — 
 Seed the soul with pure desire. 
 
 PANSY. 
 
 Symbol of soul's sweet beauty, 
 Of mirth and meekness in duty, — 
 
208 
 
 Violet's pure hues of virtue, — 
 Heaven protect from the perdue. 
 The sweetest flower of fancy, 
 Is deep-hued, delicate pansy. 
 
 NATURE. 
 
 Terse truth has sufficient matter, I ken. 
 For employment of the portrayer's pen. 
 Pen it, that the pure may avoid the slush, 
 Though the devil may not, his dupes may, blush. 
 
 Why should authors invent immoral tales 
 In gilt and glamour, which virtue assails. 
 Nature has bounties and beauties sublime. 
 Ample for talent to ornament Time. 
 
 Awake! when dawn, is fair nature adorning, 
 Behold the rich munificence of morning. 
 Queen Ecstacy is sighing, wild with waiting, 
 On some appreciative Psyche's dilating. 
 
 Hygeia, distilling fragrant health-dew, — 
 Euterpe now tunes the feathered choir true. 
 Terpsichore singing the stars adieu. 
 And greeting the glory of Sol, anew. 
 
209 
 
 Fauna and nymph, plight your love as you please, 
 Zephyrs will bandy, then waft on the breeze. 
 Fresh dewy flowers and morn's golden glory. 
 Are worthy the soul that's inspired in story. 
 
 Sweet-scented Spring, is rich in rare romance, 
 Benefit and beauty, bursts thrall and trance. 
 Small germs respond to sunbeam, soil and rain. 
 Poetic splendor is the Spring's refrain. 
 
 Sweating Summer follows in hot pursuit; — 
 Saturn strides thunder-bolts, bursting Jove's 
 
 bruit, 
 While Ceres caters with stamen, for stigma. 
 Earing the corn by prettiest enigma. 
 
 Profusion of fruits, for animal life. 
 Results from Summer's elemental strife. 
 Autumn garners the golden fruit and grain, 
 Full store, for Winter's discontent and drain. 
 
 King Frost, in fleece frozen glory arrayed. 
 Comes to our Summer-land, on a crusade, 
 Tiny crystal ciosslets form his attire, 
 Crystal dominion to spread, his desire. 
 
210 
 
 Muse of the Mist, your lines of pure crystal, 
 You leave on the sea, on land and systyle. 
 On pond and pane, you sketch fern and feather; 
 Gem-stud the brooklet, with bells of heather; — 
 Kaleidoscopic, miniature metre, 
 Purest in matter, perfect in feature. 
 
 Nature is teeming with sweet Te Deum, 
 Her incense of Love ascends from life's hum; 
 Weaving shrouds of fleece glory in the blue sky, 
 Distills liquid pearls on the earth from on high, 
 Enchanting the coquettish sunbeams to duty, 
 In spanning its lustrous bow-banner of beauty. 
 
 Serene satisfaction invests Nature's face, 
 As turmoil ceases, evening shades come, apace. 
 Duties done and weary workers seeking rest, 
 Happily humming sweet content of the blest. 
 
 Sol's golden glory, as he sinks out of sight. 
 Reflects his bright rays from the Queen of the 
 
 night. 
 The gem-spangled curtain o'erspreading the sky. 
 With angel's eyes twinkling their vigils on high, 
 Protecting the souls of the saints in their keeping, 
 Recruiting their vigor while resting and sleeping, 
 
211 
 
 The seasons in cycles, returning again, 
 Zephyrs, wild whirlwinds, and the waves of the 
 
 main; 
 All instinctive life, with sweet song intonant; 
 The glittering spheres with praises resonant. 
 Creation's harmony, spontaneous strain. 
 Of devotion to God, gratitude's refrain. 
 
 Should man alone, who bears the image of God, 
 Resisting reverence, scorn to thank and laud? 
 Beware! life here, like a flower, blooms to fade 
 And die; soon we must all in the tomb be laid. 
 
 Blooming saints are but culled for heaven's bou- 
 quet; 
 Child-buds are nipped to bloom in glory's array. 
 God guides for the good of His loved ones below, 
 In a most mysterious manner, we know. 
 
 CONVERSION. 
 
 When the tidal-ties of love, 
 Rush reformant from above, 
 
 In the soul's electric circle. 
 God comes first, by free election, 
 
212 
 
 Loved ones next, by new affection, 
 Constant, as the cooing turtle. 
 
 Sense still lures with luscious bait, 
 Sated, smiles the soul, too late; 
 
 Ephemerous your nature, 
 Sweeter pleasures, purer joy, — 
 Perfect peace precludes alloy, — 
 
 The worthy will wavure. 
 
 ACROSTIC. (Cora Belle Reed.) 
 
 Cultivate neatness and grace, 
 Oil with joy your filial face, 
 Reap rich fruition of love; 
 Aureate gift from above. 
 
 Belle, when you ring, play on a 
 Reed, my merry madonna. 
 
 REV. J. B. REED'S FAMILY. 
 
 'Mong sylvan rushes. 
 There grew a Reed, 
 
 Whose mental flushes, 
 From well sown seed. 
 
213 
 
 Produced a pastoral pipe, 
 'Mong nymphian rushes, 
 
 This pastoral Reed, 
 Found one whose blushes, 
 Wrote Cupid's creed. 
 He grafted the raceme ripe, — 
 
 Five ruddy rushes, 
 
 Of rich toned Reeds; 
 Lydians luscious, — 
 Their father feeds. 
 Jewels of a happy home, 
 Family essays a full tome. 
 
 CRUEL CUSTOM. 
 
 Custom of civilization is cruel. 
 
 To manhood's motor, — pure aspiration's fuel; — 
 
 The light of human life, — and gold of mortal 
 
 glory;— 
 Rose of life's refulgence — and stamen of story. 
 The soul of heart solace and sweet of its honey; — 
 Siren of man's music, — the mold of his money; — 
 Faith of his childhood ; — the fond father's 
 
 bother; — 
 Of all that is charming and comforting, mother. 
 
214 
 
 Her charms are confined to a negative choice, 
 Her soul has vohtion, you silence her voice. 
 Her wealth of affection must languish in vain, 
 Ere she is permitted to sue for her swain. 
 
 Custom could graciously grant to the fair sex. 
 Consideration, when twenty-two's cares vex; 
 As she must recruit all the loss in the ranks. 
 And train the reserves, yet receiving no thanks. 
 Give them carte-blatiche, with the stars on their 
 
 shoulders, 
 And glory will gleam on the brows of brave sol- 
 diers. 
 
 A FLOWER. 
 
 I'm only a fragrant flower. 
 Emblem of pure innocence; 
 
 Brightest beauty is my dower. 
 Exhaling Heaven's sweet incense. 
 
 My fond life is frail and fleeting, 
 Humble, yet so uncomplaining, 
 
 Living for the soul-life's greeting; 
 Symbol sweet for soul's attaining. 
 
215 
 
 See, how my short day of duty, 
 Is cut shorter by charmed churl's 
 
 Fickle fawning, and my beauty 
 
 Bouqueted, — forsaken, — death furls. 
 
 Give me culture's fond caressing, 
 Smiling, I'll mature my seed. 
 
 Which will bloom successive blessing, 
 For your careful, kindly deed. 
 
 KISS. 
 
 What's in a kiss? 
 
 My pretty Miss? 
 Depends on where you meet it; 
 
 The kind of Miss 
 
 Who owns the kiss 
 With welcome smile — come, greet it. 
 
 A mother's kiss. 
 
 Holds honor's bliss. 
 When Christian virtues heat it; 
 
 A holy kiss 
 
 True vis-a-vis, 
 The smiles of seraphs treat it. 
 
2l6 
 
 Sweet childhood's kiss, 
 
 Purity's priss, 
 Is essence of the rosies, 
 
 But girlhood's kiss, 
 
 More tender tris, 
 Quintescence of all posies. 
 
 The wanton kiss, 
 
 Of sweetness nis, 
 Perverted passions gleet it. 
 
 Pharisee's kiss, 
 
 Hypochondris, 
 Devil as saint could beat it. 
 
 The soulful kiss 
 
 Of nymphian miss. 
 Sweet nectar, gods could sip it; 
 
 Love's fond fruit is 
 
 Ardent, mute is. 
 Tongue can't, but love can lip it. 
 
 On kisses sweet, 
 
 All mankind meet 
 At sometime, all believe in. 
 
 Chameleon needs 
 
 Form queerest creeds, 
 But kisses, all will weave in. 
 
217 
 
 TEMPERANCE. 
 
 "The love of money is the root of all evil." (Bible.) 
 The canker of conscience, of honor the weevil. 
 
 "Women and wine, are the ruin of man- 
 kind." (Tradition.) 
 When they follow their carnal propensity blind. 
 
 Whiskey, the devil's nectar and the nation's 
 
 curse, (Prohibition.) 
 Which love of money prostitutes to fill his purse. 
 
 All of these are beneficial when properly used. 
 Should all be prohibited because they're abused? 
 
 Temperance in all tilings, is Divine injunction. 
 Temperance cannot give conscience compunction. 
 
 Where excess is sin, moderation with a darling, 
 May be less sinful than continual snarling. 
 
 Selfishness in man's carnal heart is endemic; 
 No matter the subject on which he's polemic. 
 
 15 
 
2l8 
 
 DUTY. 
 The gloom or glory of our life, 
 
 The sense of pain and pleasure, 
 Hues as hope or despair is rife 
 
 In us, to a great measure. 
 
 Let Hope shine as the morning Sun, 
 
 Increasing from its dawning; 
 Gloom soon gives up what joy has won. 
 
 Felicity comes fawning. 
 
 Expect much pain and let it pass, 
 Pluck peace from sad displeasure, 
 
 View labor as a bonny lass. 
 Contentment is a treasure. 
 
 Have Faith in the immortal Crown, 
 
 For christian behavior. 
 In Charity, selfishness drown. 
 
 Thus honoring the Saviour. 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 Reckless, the young man without a maid Anchor, 
 To hold him to wisdom and truth. 
 
 Foolish the merchant, mechanic or banker, 
 Unrestrained by wise maiden ruth. 
 
219 
 
 Glory and gold lost-foraging on folly, 
 Wrecked manhood and morals, in vain, 
 
 The demon of sweet selfishness his dolly, 
 Reward for his pleasure is pain. 
 
 The sensible son of wise parents' training, 
 Plants hope in some wise maiden's heart. 
 
 True success in life will crown love's attaining, 
 Such honor from peace will not part. 
 
 Besides, the fond girl's giddiness will leave her. 
 
 If virtue and worth fill her veins ; 
 With a brig by the bow, nothing will grieve her, 
 
 She trusts in his braces and brains. 
 
 Love launches the bark and faith's fearless sailing, 
 
 Bounds safely the billows below; 
 On life's smooth sea, or mid squalls never quailing, 
 
 To the harbor Heaven they row. 
 
 HABIT. 
 
 Old Habit, is the greatest tyrant. 
 
 Rigid king of dicipline, 
 He rules with rigor when aspirant. 
 
 For the champion's crown of sin. 
 
220 
 
 He makes a splendid president, 
 Governing a righteous realm ; 
 
 Constraining wisdom's compliment, 
 Reason's hand will hold the helm. 
 
 To day, gives delightful employment, 
 
 Night, recuperating rest. 
 Good ones give most gracious enjoyment, 
 
 Bounding the life of the blest. 
 
 Man weaves a weak thread 
 
 Of habit, each day, 
 When each one is wed, 
 
 Gain power that may 
 Lead one to despair. 
 Let all have a care 
 Of habits acquired. 
 And how they are sired. 
 
 PHIL. PHRESH. 
 
 I am Phil. Phresh, the Pennsylvania boy, 
 
 On a trip to New Orleans. 
 I've traveled-all-o'er-the-township of Troy; 
 
 'Twont do to pluck me for greens. 
 
221 
 
 With a first-class ticket at one ct. pr. mile, 
 I boarded the train and took a seat in style. 
 Soon came a news-nuisance, with nincompoop 
 
 dash, 
 To tempt me to read, eat and smoke for my cash. 
 
 At Cincinnati we crossed the aquatic line, 
 Into Boon-brave Kentucky's corn and rye clime, 
 Where men forego water and wild Watterson, 
 For rye and Randall, the democratic gun. 
 
 Rich railroad companies are the country's bless- 
 ing; 
 Yet they'll courteously cheat you while they're 
 
 caressing. 
 Buy a first-class seat, yet you may have to stand. 
 While swine stretch and grunt, on two seats at 
 
 each hand. 
 If there is a chance to secure any more, 
 They spread themselves out 'till they occupy 
 four. 
 
 Two long, sleepless nights I endured very well; 
 Yet a bleary-eyed, dust-begrimed, woe-wilted 
 
 swell, 
 Sought a hotel that would support dignity; 
 Four dollars pr. day ! suppressing prignity. 
 
222 
 
 I turned on my heel, to solace my poor purse, 
 In a dollar room my dignity I'd nurse. 
 In a good restaurant where style is not sold, 
 Found I good wholesome food, the worth of my 
 gold. 
 
 The Catholic carnival, farewell to meat; 
 When folly runs riot, with fun for a treat. 
 Each sex of all ages, masked mimics, grotesque J 
 Refinement in pageantry most picturesque. 
 
 Wit Momus, reformed, has been courting the 
 
 Muse; 
 With Parnassian pageantry rich and profuse; 
 Charmed into gay suite, fairies, elves, nymph 
 
 and sprite. 
 The mythic succession from dawn until night. 
 Animated poetry, scenic sun-dew; 
 Resplendent, fascinating, all for fun too. 
 
 The gold that's gone with this carnival of folly, 
 To the shades oi regret along with King Jolly ; 
 Might have shone with complaisance in Summer's 
 
 sunshine. 
 Defying disease, and epidemic's buntine; 
 Or endowed a free institution of learning. 
 
223 
 
 With fruits more refulgent with each year's re- 
 turning. 
 
 Frenchmen will tell you there can be but one 
 Paris. 
 
 Pennsylvanians claim one Exposition no varice. 
 
 Moreover, it centumed the years of the nation; 
 
 So all can accord it the crowning ovation. 
 
 DEVIL. 
 
 Yes, the devil is dead — 
 
 In \i\?,form of long ago ; — 
 As a snake inducing dread 
 
 Roaring lions frighten so. 
 
 The grim old persecutor, 
 
 Is now a smiling suitor. 
 
 One need not give up his creed; 
 
 Merely plant sweet selfish seed. 
 
 Yes, x^\^\o\ys forms observe, 
 Soothe and calm your conscience nerve. 
 Gold will give you prominence, 
 Pleasure will serve pounds, not pence. 
 
224 
 
 Taste a little fashion honey, 
 Merit will not pass for money. — 
 Yes, he'll teach you how to get it, 
 Fund embezzlement will net it. 
 
 Official corruption court it, 
 And make servile fawning sport it. 
 Gold, gives dross distinction's dress ;- 
 Finds for criminals caress. 
 
 Men for gold will barter honor. 
 Women too will dote upon her. 
 Now, the devil's shape and color 
 Is the glittering golden dollar. 
 
 PENSIONS. 
 
 The Press first got pensions for sensational news; 
 Men would buy and devour to drive off the blues. 
 Contractors came next, and they came to stay; 
 The elite of pensioners, who got the best pay; 
 Whose annual pay-day came once a week. 
 Or often as success could play hide and seek. 
 Munition manufacturers of all war's needs. 
 Procured richest pensions for all their good deeds. 
 
225 
 
 Capitalist patriots who bled yellow gold, 
 
 Got pensions exceeding service one hundred 
 
 fold; 
 Got it in advance in the premium on gold: 
 Semi-annual repetition of duplicate mould. 
 All business doubled its prices, securing their 
 
 pension, 
 With the cash in their hand, no notes of exten- 
 sion. 
 While true patriots, at their country's call in dis- 
 tress, 
 Left their business languishing in confusion's 
 
 stress ; 
 Enduring privations and peril's fatigue. 
 Against the foes of Freedom, disunion's league. 
 So serious a service strained physical force. 
 Discipline and duty left no other course. 
 The premium on gold, which soldiers never 
 
 saw — 
 Their pay was in paper, legal-tender by law. — 
 Reduced their small pay to a pittance in gold, 
 While duty carried day through the night in the 
 
 cold. 
 Returning to business, paralyzed by neglect, 
 Their capital is brains, constitution is wrecked. 
 
226 
 
 Crumbs they are craving from prosperity's ban- 
 quet; 
 
 Bummers may, but good soldiers will not "yank 
 it:' 
 
 Congress granted civil ofificials a pension, 
 
 Themselves included, with back-pay extension; 
 
 Then hedged the soldier's way to Uncle Sam's 
 purse, 
 
 With requisite oaths only sinners can curse. 
 
 Difficulties which deprive worth of a pension, 
 
 Will give villams success through wicked inven- 
 tion. 
 
 Imposing conditions, which desert scarce can fill, 
 
 Deception and perjury supply with their skill. 
 
 MISFORTUNE. 
 
 Misfortune is wiser than Fortune, my boy, 
 But few there are who will admit it; 
 
 Its wisdom no one will importune, my boy; 
 Of vanity, all must acquit it. 
 
 So few take its teachings to profit, my boy, 
 Who learn Fortune's lessons in Folly, 
 
 While nudging Misfortune, they scoff it, my boy, 
 Repulsing its pleas with proud nolle. 
 
227 
 
 Despising and daring its dangers, my boy, 
 
 May foster its forces while pent; 
 Demanding attendance, these strangers, my boy, 
 
 May bow when its forces find vent. 
 
 Be grateful for whatever good comes, my boy, 
 Contentment sighs not for some better. 
 
 Duty, devotion's harmony hums, my boy, 
 Relaxing this life's rigid fetter. 
 
 Misfortune improved, confers Honors, my boy, 
 Worth more than this world's commendation, 
 
 Peace and the promised golden Zonnar, my boy. 
 When Time seals mortal consummation. 
 
 APOSTROPHE TO CHARLES DICKENS. 
 
 O Dickens! Soulful Dickens! 
 
 Your merit manhood quickens; 
 Your searching genius pictures life so true. 
 
 Each trait in living creature, 
 
 Thought, thrill, and faintest feature, 
 Delineates as true as life e'er knew. 
 
 Approaching the infinite, 
 Where most men balk, begin it, 
 
228 
 
 And trace it to extent of mortal mind. 
 
 Wild Nature, Art and Culture. 
 
 Complacent with your multure, 
 Beams with beauteous garniture refined. 
 
 Your monuments of merit, 
 
 All human kind inherit, 
 And with them honor your immortal name. 
 
 "Bleak House" will stand forever; 
 
 No storms of Time can ever 
 Efface this best memorial of your fame. 
 
 SECRETS. 
 
 If ever a secret departs from its source, 
 Human nature can scarcely restrain its course; 
 If its owner, tiring of its weight, has told it; 
 He should not complain if another can't hold it. 
 
 A secret should never be told out of school, 
 For secrecy cannot cling long to 2. fool. 
 A secret's d-fool, if it starts on a tour. 
 For at every station it may meet a boor ; 
 And a boor will regard it as his vocation. 
 To strip its seclusion with fondest elation. 
 
229 
 
 So, if any one owns a secret worth keeping, 
 Just stow it away and be sure it is sleeping. 
 For secrets are serpents in good society, 
 Pity they were invented, even for variety. 
 
 Why did not Eve, instead of eating the apple. 
 Deftly lodge it in the serpent's slimy thrapple. 
 Bequeathing to us, instead of flippant Philander, 
 Truthful, tender-hearted and cheerful Candor. 
 
 NEATNESS. 
 
 Plain neatness lends charm to the prettiest rose, 
 
 On its neat needled stem so slim; 
 Its sharp-shooting sentinels, watching for foes, 
 
 Lie hidden 'neath neat leaves so trim. 
 
 Nestling in'neatness but enhances its charm. 
 
 But bury it in a bouquet, 
 Its charm but equals the clover on the farm, 
 
 Fragrant bloom among fresh mown hay. 
 
 So the beauty of the female form divine. 
 
 In rich neatness plainly attired. 
 Is the glory of nature, which art makes shine; 
 
 For true Art is neatness acquired. 
 
230 
 
 The elegance of Art, like Nature, is neatness; 
 
 Not gay adornment's dishevel, 
 Which surfeits the eye, sours admiration's sweet- 
 ness, 
 
 And gives the wry glance its bevel. 
 
 RETRIBUTION. 
 
 Bounties and blessings, or curses and crimes, 
 
 Down from Creation 'till Millenn'al times. 
 
 Are mankind's by choice: they reap their own 
 
 sowing; 
 Successive crops for the Future, still growing. 
 
 What each one does and what they do not do, 
 Will beget relatives in bliss, or rue. 
 Retribution is Life's concomitant: 
 And in Hope or Fear proves anticipant. 
 
 Paymaster, commissioned in Paradise, 
 
 To inspect each act, adjusting \\\q price. 
 
 O! what a vdiStfund he must have to draw on! 
 
 So many tough souls for conscience to gnaw on! 
 
 The coin for the Christian's most profuse pay- 
 ment; 
 Edenic delights. Elysian's raiment. 
 
231 
 
 Think of his reports to Heaven's Book-keeper! 
 Of thought, word and deed, from birth to Death's 
 Reaper. 
 
 He pays as he goes, enough for the living, 
 In troubles and tears, in heart-aches and grieving. 
 But O ! full payment when life's work is done. 
 Then has Eternity's pension begun. 
 
 BREVITY. 
 
 As "brevity is the soul of wzV," 
 Circumlocution's the death of it. 
 
 Brevity in our civil affairs 
 
 Should rid us of all our red-tape airs. 
 
 Progressive business' accumulation 
 Requires quick, easy communication. 
 
 In this live, Railroad and Light'ning'Age, 
 Condense a volume into a page. 
 
 Who will search a whole volume, in fine, 
 For what should be contained in a line. 
 
232 
 
 CRITICISM, 
 
 Honest achievement will ever invite 
 Honest, intelligent criticism 
 
 By capacity, sequacious in sprite; 
 Not shallow, or wayward witticism. 
 
 DOUBLE ACROSTIC. 
 
 J^ind good grain among the chafJT? 
 It is plain, if impol\. 
 
 ]N^ow I fain would wish you gai^, 
 Xnstead of pain, most a Venv\_, 
 gweet refrain of happinesj^. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Acrostic, 21, 58, 61, 156, 
 197, 201, 202, 212, 232. 
 A Flower, 214 
 Album verse, 143. 
 Ambition, 177. 
 Angels, 172. 
 Appetite and Will, 195. 
 April, 6, 19, 37, 43. 
 August, 7, 40, 45. 
 
 Beauty, 140. 
 Bigotry, 159. 
 Birthday, 162. 
 Brandy gift, 169. 
 Brevity, 231. 
 Bluff, 106. 
 
 Character, 200. 
 Charity, 118. 
 Christmas, 11, 56. 
 Clay, 188. 
 Communion, 21. 
 Competence, 150. 
 Conversion, 211. 
 Consistency, 66. 
 Criticism, 232. 
 Cruel Custom, 213. 
 
 Dandelion, 122. 
 
 Dare Death, 75. 
 
 Darling, 193. 
 
 Death, 46. 
 
 Decoration Day, 64. 
 
 Devil, 223. 
 
 December, 9, 41. 
 
 Dickens, 227. 
 
 Dirge, 54- 
 
 Distance lends, etc., 199. 
 
 Douglass, 189, 
 
 Dupes, 199. 
 
 Duty, no, 161, 218. 
 
 Discord, 157. 
 
 Emotions, 60. 
 Engagement, 36. 
 Eureka Springs, 52. 
 
 Fashion's lady, 78. 
 Fate, 180. 
 February, 13. 
 Fickleness, iii. 
 Filling a promise, 37. 
 Fishing, 119. 
 Folly, III. 
 Forgotten, 68. 
 
234 
 
 Fourth of July, 34. 
 
 Genialis, 105. 
 General Grant, 188. 
 God is King, 137. 
 Gossip, 10. 
 Grace and Guilt, 183. 
 
 Habit, 219. 
 Happiness, 179. 
 Home, 183. 
 Honey-bee, 116. 
 Hypocrisy, 82. 
 
 Indian Summer, 176. 
 Infidelity, 64. 
 Injustice, 163. 
 Intemperance, 155 
 
 January, 5, n, 42, 46. 
 Judging, 132. 
 July, 7, 27, 39, 45- 
 June, 7, 25, 44. 
 
 Kiss, 215. 
 
 Laws, 178. 
 
 Levy the Cometist, loi. 
 
 Life, 151. 
 
 Lilac, 26. 
 
 Lincoln, 187. 
 
 Love's Affinities, 56. 
 
 Love, 124, 190, 218. 
 
 Love's Legato, 173. 
 
 Malice, 61. 
 
 Man, 190. 
 
 March, 16, 42. 
 
 Mary Magdalen, 125. 
 
 Mated, 56. 
 
 May, 6, 23, 34, 38, 44, 65. 
 
 Maxims, 100, 170. 
 
 McPherson, 121. 
 
 Meekness, 149. 
 
 Memorandum, 114. 
 
 Millionaires, 142. 
 
 Mind, 204. 
 
 Misfortune, 131, 226. 
 
 Modesty, 187. 
 
 Model lassie, 81. 
 
 Monopoly, 120, 
 
 Mormons, 57. 
 
 Muse, 74, 117. 
 
 Music, 28. 
 
 My Plea, 184. 
 
 My Wooer, 102. 
 
 Nature, 208. 
 Neatness, 229. 
 Night, 98. 
 November, 9. 
 Nuptial joys, 43. 
 
 Observer, 198. 
 October, 8, 40, 109. 
 
235 
 
 Ode to the Pansy, 75. 
 
 Oh! the Rain, 47. 
 
 On a Sermon, 14. 
 
 On Ingersoll's lecture, 89 
 
 Organ grinders, 61. 
 
 Over the Rockies, 54. 
 
 Our Country, 66. 
 
 Peace again, 35. 
 Pensions, 224. 
 P. H Seminary, 1 7. 
 Phil. Phresh, 220. 
 Pluck, 152. 
 Poesy, 144. 
 Poet, 114, 207. 
 Possession, 149. 
 
 Ready and Tardy, 133. 
 Reform, 182. 
 Reliance Right, 83. 
 Rev. McMichael, 25. 
 Rev. Reed, 212. 
 Retribution, 230. 
 Robert Rush, 35. 
 Robert Morris, 189. 
 Rural fun, 20. 
 
 Sabbath, 12, 16, 28, 104. 
 Secrets, 228. 
 Science, 145. 
 Self, 103. 
 September, 8, 40. 
 
 Shakespeare, 115. 
 
 Sharp, 194. 
 
 Smoke, 196. 
 
 Snow, 185. 
 
 Soldier Cemetery, 59. 
 
 Soliloquy, 55. 
 
 Songs, 62, 70, io8, 135. 
 
 Spring, 107. 
 
 Steel, 102. 
 
 Sterne, 156. 
 
 Soul and Sense, 150. 
 
 Sun, 153. 
 
 Taylorstown, 32. 
 Temperance, 217. 
 Temptation, 144. 
 Thanksgiving, 45. 
 The Bride, 152. 
 The Fly, 73. 
 The Pines, 106. 
 Thunderstorm, 71. 
 The good gone, 148. 
 The Dude, 203. 
 The Obelisk, 154. 
 To a lady friend, 51. 
 Toothache, 95. 
 Treating, 1 1 2. 
 Triple alliance, 192. 
 Twilight, 139. 
 
 Valentine, 13, 50. 
 Vengeance, 77. 
 
Virtuous woman, 48. 
 Vicious woman, 49. 
 Volunteered, 32. 
 
 War comrades, 161. 
 Washington, 189. 
 Webster, 188. 
 
 236 
 
 Wet day, 172. 
 Wheeling ladies, 33. 
 William Penn, 186. 
 Wit, 181. 
 
 Woeful Wrong, 86. 
 Woman, 58, 147. 
 
Centus Americus Donaldson. 
 
POEMS. 
 
POEMS 
 
 FACTS AND FANCIES, PRACTICAL POINTS, 
 COMMON OBSERVATION, ETC. 
 
 SAM'L DONALDSON. 
 
 SECOND SERIES. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 1888. 
 
Copyright, iSSS, by Sam I Donaldson. 
 
DEDICATION AND PREFACE. 
 
 TO all lovers of justice, morality, God and 
 humanity in America I dedicate this 
 second volume of eccentricities. 
 
 I especially dedicate it to those who showed 
 the courage of sincere friendship by taking and 
 paying for my first volume; whose names are 
 souvenirs of my solitude, enthusing emotions to 
 wend those magic lines of attachment through 
 intervening mazes, and (unconsciously perhaps, 
 but most certainly) animate in a degree, propor- 
 tionate with affinity, their inner being. 
 
 Asking indulgence of mobid hues, 
 In deference to my strait-strained muse. 
 The muse in sympathy with the mortal, 
 Must trill with pulsations sortal. 
 Domestic chaos ! Necessities threadbare ! 
 Pay as yoii go delinquent on fare, 
 Arc sufficient to infuse 
 Shaking ague in my muse. 
 
 Sam'l Donaldson. 
 
AUGUST 8th, 1885. 
 
 Gen. Grant, the hero of the nineteenth century, 
 recognized and honored as such by the entire 
 civiHzed world, died ten days since, and was 
 buried to-day with appropriate honor. After 
 retiring to-night, my muse would not permit my 
 embrace of sleep until I arose, lit my lamp and 
 penned my offering in the following lines: 
 
 Magnanimous victor ! the great commander, 
 In his prostrate foes saw his brothers ; 
 
 Rebellious spirits he conquered with candor, 
 In misled sons of loyal mothers. 
 
 He stood between hates, destructive and cruel, 
 
 Cementing a nation of brothers ; 
 Commissioned of Heaven with liberty's jewel, 
 
 The spirit of tyranny smothers. 
 
 Like Simeon of old, seeing peace and good will, 
 Resplendently reigning supremely, 
 2 (9) 
 
lO 
 
 As Moses, views promise from McGregor Hill, 
 Lies down to sweet rest so serenely. 
 
 His mission accomplished, his work being done, 
 To its source surrendered his breath ; 
 
 His soul sanctified for the realm of God's Son, 
 Victorious even at death. 
 
 Marys are blessings in life's fray, 
 Marthas are essentials by the way. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 1885. 
 
 Dews of maiden morning dawn. 
 Enchant man as the graceful swan. 
 Let love be your guiding star. 
 Lead you where no sorrows mar. 
 And your smiles spread joy afar. 
 
 DOUBLE ACROSTIC, 1885. 
 Daisy gay of Grand IslanD, 
 Entity fair animatE. 
 
 Life is worth the living welL ; 
 Love should in the mortal dwelL, 
 And crown your life fair DellA. 
 
II 
 
 Fortune strews her fairest flowers, 
 'Long the pathway of good pluck ; 
 
 Deeds her richest, noblest dowers 
 On persistent prig or puck. 
 
 ASTOR CITY, FLORIDA. 1885. 
 Lovely, charming scenery. 
 Where Astor City hopes to be. 
 Nature showers beauty there. 
 Seemingly without a care. 
 Festooned forests grand array ; 
 Curious cress panorama. 
 Pine and palm stand sentinel 
 On the scene they suit so well, 
 But then prepare for physical fray 
 With fiendish friend malaria. 
 
 Oft moral worth is menaced by a fatal charm 
 Of blooming beatitude, slyly hiding harm; 
 Then does winsome Wisdom prove virtue's af- 
 fright, 
 By Cowardice bravely taking courageous flight. 
 
 Cold, Active, ceremonious functionary, 
 Thinks deportment with fame is junctionaiy. 
 
12 
 
 Low cunning and artifice 
 Give simplicity a cicatrice ; 
 Mendacity and meanness 
 Give generosity leanness. 
 
 In all our philanthropy, 
 With all our humanity, 
 
 Devising relief for the sad, destitute. 
 Some sickening selfishness. 
 With purposing pelfishness. 
 
 Canker-like, fattens on Charity's fruit. 
 
 HOPE. 1885. 
 
 O, who is on board the bark of life for me. 
 Who sails for my haven o'er the blue sea ; 
 Or, who in palace cars o'er the continent speeds. 
 To cultivate my garden and clear it of weeds. 
 
 Is he honest and noble, brave and true, 
 Temperate and tender, considerate, too? 
 Then I shall love him. O, speed the day, 
 On our paths we shall meet, blended walk our 
 own way. 
 
13 
 
 PRAYER. 1885. 
 
 Alert and eager, Divine ears 
 Catch the sound of saintly prayers. 
 Faltering voice and tear-steeped eyes 
 Cull sweet mercies from the skies. 
 
 The soul in prayer counts pleasure loss, 
 
 Vain delight is mental dross; 
 
 Our sorrows build the steps of Faith, 
 
 Up which we mount in prayer to God. 
 Angels guide our faltering braith. 
 
 With use the steps grow bright and broad. 
 
 O, soul but taste Christ's agony 
 And strive with Grace to set you free. 
 All power of earth and hell combined. 
 Cannot keep such soul confined. 
 Angel hosts as guards surround, 
 All opposers to confound. 
 
 Prayer dissipates darkness and gloom, 
 Calls Heaven's sunshine into the home. 
 Formal prayer cannot fathom Heaven. 
 
 The soul using such a plummet. 
 On rocks of presumption is riven, 
 
 Drowned in the depths of self-trumpet. 
 
Love is the lever of prayer 
 
 Which opens the floodgates of Grace, 
 The Jieart it pivots with care, 
 
 The only availing place. 
 
 Let lively Faith press the lever, 
 God's sweet Peace comes as a river. 
 Feel your wants and God's repletion, 
 Pours out blessings on petition. 
 
 Your wajits, like Christian charity, 
 Covers all human malady. 
 Where for sin there is much sorrow, 
 Grace abounds before to-morrow. 
 
 Truth must pierce the guilty heart, 
 While remaineth Pride to feel it, 
 
 Humbled by the Spirit's art, 
 
 Love, in Mercy comes to heal it. 
 
 A CRITIC. 1885. 
 
 A gas jet filled the room with light, 
 Softened by a pearl-glass-globe. 
 
 Diffusing cheer and comfort bright. 
 When zvhiz and wliir struck the lobe 
 
15 
 
 As though it would strike out the light, 
 For such presumption in its sight. 
 But, something dropt upon the rug — 
 It was a clumsy tumble-bug. 
 
 DEATH. 1885. 
 
 Beauty molds the world of life, 
 And fashions fancy by the strife ; 
 Ravenous death devours the treasures, 
 Garnering beauty and her pleasures. 
 
 Grim garnisher of truth and beauty, 
 The dross alone you can retain : 
 
 The germ of truth will grow for duty, 
 Eternal beauty is the gain. 
 
 ACROSTIC. 1885. 
 
 Much like summer leaves on the oak are the 
 friends 
 
 A summer of success will make you; 
 Reverses, like Winter King, when he descends. 
 
 Your false ones, like leaves, may forsake you. 
 
i6 
 
 Many a hero, brave and true, 
 
 Is never known to fame. 
 O'erwhelming odds! the devil's crew! 
 
 Misfortune shrouds his name. 
 
 YOUTH. 1886. 
 
 Golden gilds of glorious sunset, 
 
 Beautify the western sky. 
 As, strolling through youth's park, I met 
 
 Sly Cupid in a maiden's eye. 
 
 Her motor was sweet animation. 
 
 Graceful, to my eye divine. 
 My fancy formed a new creation, 
 
 O! could I only call her mine. 
 
 Quick as thought can catch suggestion, 
 Her eyes caught the soul in mine. 
 
 And with most fascinating- irrin, 
 "I'll angle him or break my line." 
 
 To vine-clad-arbor, beauty hued, 
 
 Sheltering a rustic bench. 
 Charmed by its most inviting mood. 
 
 In Cupid's fray to fall or fence. 
 
17 
 
 Artful fencing, with dart reversed, 
 
 Making show of earnest fray, 
 While each would quench the other's thirst, 
 
 And firmest No ! means, name the day. 
 
 The contest drawn, each rest at bay; 
 
 Cupid, in each heart's arena. 
 From well filled quiver formed a quay, 
 
 Hers for Landis, his for Lena. 
 
 On melting sighs emotions flow. 
 
 In soft, pure words of warmest love ; 
 
 Like soft winds wafting flakes of snow, 
 Begotten in the realms above. 
 
 Her eyes lustre charms with magical art, 
 The eloquence of love that thrills my heart. 
 Sweet nectar of soul on her lips distilled, 
 When sipped, held my heart a captive, self-willed. 
 
 Learning sweet songs of love, her eyes my 
 
 teacher; 
 The rosy-flushed cheek, the smile in each feature; 
 The lips' mute gestures of sweetest persuasion ; 
 Soft fingers, soul tipped, caressing occasion; 
 Hearts tapping true time to love's silent song, 
 Each whisper the accents, mine for life long. 
 
i8 
 
 DOUBLE ACROSTIC, i 
 
 Wit is sound sense with a saW, 
 It gives the twinkle to the I. 
 To Hfe in every phase is fiT, 
 To you my compHments, J. J. WitT. 
 
 FEBRUARY, 1866. 
 
 Really now we have winter King, 
 Displaying his grand blustering : 
 Flakes and flakes of whitest down, 
 A fleecy mantel on the ground. 
 
 February, thou art cold and dreary. 
 What hast thou to make us cheery? 
 Ice and rain and sleet and snow, 
 Your boisterous winds do fiercely blow. 
 In calm content just wait a few days. 
 For the cheering spring bird's lays. 
 
 "THESE THREE." 1886. 
 
 Fainting Faith may close her eyes. 
 Overcome by Doubt's bold cries. 
 Hope feels hollow, famished, 
 Hounded by despite and dread. 
 
19 
 
 Charity makes Faith full strong, 
 Breathes in Hope a cheerful song; 
 Christian essence, noble three ! 
 Root of all is Charity. 
 
 RECURRENT. 1886. 
 
 With the feast of Morpheus finished, 
 E'en dream-dessert — wine and toast, 
 
 And the faculties replenished, 
 
 Wake from sleep on day's bright coast. 
 
 Man's first duty to his Maker, 
 
 To himself and to his kind. 
 Is to thank God for rest's dear acre. 
 
 And enthrone Him in his mind. 
 
 Feed and carefully groom steed Conscience, 
 
 For the journey of the day. 
 Through the wilds of sin and nonsense, 
 
 Balaam's ass didn't fare that way. 
 
 Neglect ass Conscience, and your way 
 Is sure to have some narrow pass. 
 
 Where you'll shudder to hear the bray 
 Of the patient, outraged ass. 
 
20 
 
 A sacrifice may shine most bright, 
 With Heaven's harmonies ; 
 
 Yet, selfish judgment will delight 
 To charge a selfish cause. 
 
 Some can't conceive a motive purer 
 Than their own sordid one. 
 
 Would be in similar case : as juror, 
 Views as himself had done. 1885. 
 
 CUSTOM. 1885. 
 
 Bigotry, by progressive men, is deplored; 
 The corpse of King Custom by it is adored. 
 Custom makes crusade against new inventions 
 Which the future defends with zealous intentions. 
 All crude forms and ways which our forefathers 
 
 knew. 
 Fossil Custom worshiped, while progress 
 
 worked true. 
 
 MOTHER. 1886. 
 
 An honest man will show 
 
 The noblest work of woman. 
 An honest woman, Oh! 
 
 God's noblest work for true men. 
 
21 
 
 A man of mind will be 
 
 Just what his mother makes him. 
 Be hotiest, mothers, see 
 
 Him built that bale wont break him. 
 
 You'll see your holy training, 
 In Honor's golden letters ; 
 
 Fair fame and fortune gaining ; 
 The faith of friendship debtors. 
 
 Implant in youth's fresh heart. 
 
 Obedient love to God ; 
 Faith in the Christian's chart, 
 
 To kiss God's chastening rod. 
 
 Such honor will extend 
 
 To every act in life, 
 And love to others lend. 
 
 To smother angry strife. 
 
 When wrinkles line your face. 
 Age hoar your honored head. 
 
 True filial love will place 
 Calm content for your bed. 
 
 Your soul released from clay, 
 To rest in bliss above ; 
 
22 
 
 You'll praise God for the way 
 You taught your child His love. 
 
 And when the ransomed throng, 
 
 Awake to heavenly strains, 
 A host will swell the song. 
 
 Won by your prayerful pains. 
 
 Methinks the Heavenly Dove 
 
 Will wreathe Heaven's fairest flowers, 
 For faithful matron love. 
 
 Into beatitude bowers. 
 
 All children have acquisitive proclivities. 
 Teaching and experience, as they progress, gives 
 them adaption and they become adept in useful- 
 ness, or in moral obliquity, as their instruction 
 and experience is positive for good, or passive 
 neglect for evil. As sure as heaven and hell are 
 opposite extremes, so sure will mortals be guided 
 to one, or be drawn to the otJier. As all are by 
 nature under the dominion of Satan, the source 
 of sin, only a passive parental rule is needed for 
 their graduation in the school of the devil, 
 while a positive, prayerful, constant care and 
 
23 
 
 loving vigilance are essential to their growth in 
 good, and for their own welfare and the glory of 
 God. 
 
 The honest Christian mother will instruct and 
 impress on the mind of her child, honest princi- 
 pals that will ennoble its life, and guard its heart 
 against impressions of dishonor, as the "apple of 
 the eye." The God of Love will reward such 
 mother's devotion with heart soothing satisfaction 
 below, and a bower of glory above, from which 
 she may enjoy glimpses of her child's honor on 
 earth to crown her ecstasy. But oh ! what pangs 
 will pierce the mother's heart for dereliction, over 
 a child lost in crime. Mothers ! implant in your 
 children 
 
 A will for the right, 
 
 Courage for the No! 
 Maintain them with might, 
 
 Against every foe. 
 
 SEA-BEACH AT ST. AUGUSTINE. 1886. 
 Rambling on the beach picking shells, love, 
 To the music of the mighty ocean swells ; 
 
 It is pleasant to be there, 
 
 Void of human hum and care, 
 The soul with silent awe and reverence wells, love. 
 
24 
 
 Old ocean gives to myriad millions life, love, 
 Then crushes them in its majestic strife; 
 
 Then it casts them on the shore, 
 
 For proud man to ponder o'er, 
 And learn that death's destructive shafts are rife, 
 love. 
 
 I found a charming little black sea-bean ; 
 
 Five gray ones, like some marbles I have seen ; 
 
 Six brown-eyed, black-rimmed beauties, inch 
 
 across ; 
 Responsive unto art in neatest gloss. 
 Ten large, flat ones, black as the ace of spades ; 
 One, like the heart that heaves the breast of 
 
 maids; 
 Three other common ones compose my find. 
 A sea-urchin with prickles porcupined ; 
 Two stars, in neatness, rivaling Uranus ; 
 Some horny conchs, of lustre like Sylvanus; 
 A lot of small shells hard to specify, 
 I am unshellucated — I'll not try. 
 
25 
 
 ON THE OCEAN. 1886. 
 
 The voyage from Florida to New York was 
 one of varied experience. Friday and Saturday 
 were stormy; Sabbath was calm, clear and 
 charming, not a ripple disturbed the blue mirror's 
 glistening surface. My friend, Dr. D. M. Mar- 
 shall (since deceased), wished to know my ex- 
 perience on the ocean, that he might choose be- 
 tween it and the railroad, when he would return 
 North, a few weeks later. 
 
 You see, Doctor, I saw the sea, in many of its 
 moods; 
 
 Saw how it knocked the dignity out of the dudes ! 
 
 It rocked us and rolled us and pitched us head- 
 foremost. 
 
 One scarce could tell which end would be on the 
 floor most. 
 
 I then saw how devoted it was to its Maker, 
 
 By its keeping the Sabbath like a quiet Quaker. 
 
 Being rocked in the cradle of the vasty deep, 
 
 Sometimes is not conducive of sweet, serene sleep; 
 
 But, being rocked to repose on the ceaseless 
 ocean-swells, 
 3 
 
26 
 
 Is soothing lullaby, while it God's glory tells. 
 Its heart but heaves praise to its Maker above, 
 And He's my kind Father, I can trust in His love. 
 Smile serenely, ocean, or sing tempestuous song, 
 We are the best of friends — we both to God belong. 
 
 Full of conceit, but light is the head. 
 
 That can only see sense in good grammar; 
 
 Barren the brain, on vanity fed. 
 
 For light rhetorical husks will hammer. 
 
 The pretty paste diamond, 
 Exhausts eulogistic fund ; 
 The true gem, unpolished, may 
 Be kicked by the boot away. 1 886. 
 
 Many poets, old and young. 
 With seraphic notes have sung, 
 With a glib and trenchant tongue. 
 
 Of malicious mothers-in-law. 
 Muddy saints some are, but then, 
 Why exclude from caustic pen, 
 Stealthy, sneaking specimen — 
 
 The vicious brothers-in-law? 
 
JAY GOULD, il 
 
 " Am I my brother's keeper ? " cannot discharge 
 
 a claim, 
 As sacred as the moral law, an edict of the same. 
 Renewed in the "parable of the good Samaritan," 
 A lesson greatly needed by the legal profession. 
 Since men must go to Jericho, and Satan's imps 
 
 must steal ; 
 Be not proud priest or Levite, but a Christian's 
 
 heart reveal. 
 " Am I my brother's keeper ? " Jay Gould, O, 
 
 don't say that, 
 A million souls have need, along the path upon 
 
 your plat. 
 Don't ask if they are worthy, be by meek need 
 
 inspired ; 
 To whom so " much is given, much more will be 
 
 required." 
 Seeking better wages is a noble freeman's right. 
 Working luhcn lie wishes imist be free from any 
 
 blight. 
 It is a freeman's sacred right to manage his own 
 
 affairs. 
 Who claims the right to write your check, puts 
 
 on pretentious airs. 
 
28 
 
 Monopoly initiated, crushing out example ; 
 
 Knights use the wicked weapon, accordant with 
 the sample. 
 
 You, as representative of true American grit, 
 
 Show the world the " Golden Rule" as a million- 
 aire's outfit. 
 
 RURAL LIFE. 1886. 
 
 O, the home of the happy farmer! 
 
 Nature cheers with joys sublime. 
 In renewing its youth, a charmer, 
 
 Faithful as the folds of time. 
 
 The youth imbrcd amid teeming nature. 
 Grows with innocent vigor, bright; 
 
 With her flowers and fruits is sature. 
 Mind and muscle repletes with might. 
 
 Horses, cattle and sheep surrounding, 
 Profit give and pleasures tell ; 
 
 Beautiful birds with songs abounding, 
 Mind with pure emotions well. 
 
29 
 
 Ruddiest pride, for the spring crops plowing, 
 
 For his comfort and his gain ; 
 Reaping, binding, ready for mowing — 
 
 " Come, hurry boys, it looks like rain." 
 
 Washing sheep, then rivalry shearing. 
 
 Winter comfort, soft and white. 
 Tilling the corn to cherish the earing, 
 
 Gold, in yellow coin, so bright. 
 
 Husking corn is healthiest pleasure. 
 
 In the smoky-summer's days ; 
 Picking pippins, a winter's treasure, 
 
 In the mellow autumn's maze. 
 
 Heaven's bounties, by summer sending, 
 Compensation for sweating brow. 
 
 Summer sweets with winter joys blending, 
 Homes with happiness endow. 
 
 O, the home of the happy farmer! 
 
 Practical poem of rural life; 
 Nature sings, and the heart grows warmer. 
 
 For the mercies of God are rife. 
 
30 
 
 FEASTING ON FOLLY. 1886. 
 
 Oh ! how vain is mortal vigor, 
 
 Self complacent, deified. 
 Sense's pleasure seeks with rigor, 
 
 Naught that contributes denied. 
 
 Earth and Ocean, art enchanting-. 
 Furnish good for Folly's feast; 
 
 Ether elements favor granting, 
 God, in human thought, is least. 
 
 Art confects all Nature's treasure, 
 Science adds sweet stimulus; 
 
 Blissful bounties greatest measure. 
 To legitimates they plus. 
 
 In the fullest of God's favors. 
 Self is honored more than God, 
 
 Then He changes sweetest savors 
 Into sour, inflicts His rod. 
 
 Fellow-mortals ! all God's blessing, 
 Freely given for our good, 
 
 Lawful use is ne'er distressing, 
 But is Christian pleasure's food. 
 
31 
 
 But perverting sense and season, 
 
 Blights God's image, smears the soul 
 
 Then on Jiaven of man's reason, 
 God makes wrecking billows roll. 
 
 Sail serenely, joyous party, 
 
 On life's smooth, enchanting sea. 
 
 Virgins fair, young men so hearty, 
 Heart and voices full of glee. 
 
 Frowns of God give consternation. 
 Bursting heart bereaves of breath. 
 
 Instant pain takes life's duration, 
 Desecration merits death. 
 
 God is jealous of his Honor, 
 Herods in sweet selfish fame, 
 
 Feed corruption's worms, the Donor 
 Gains the glory to His name. 
 
 NIAGARA FALLS. 1886. 
 
 I was comfortably lodged at the Niagara 
 House on my first visit to the great Falls. 
 
 I eneaeed a Mr. Furlonsr with his coach, who 
 
32 
 
 drove with me to all places of interest on each 
 side of the Falls and Rapids. So I can boast of 
 a feat — forty rods took me ten miles (forty rods 
 make a Furlong). The Falls, river and rapids be- 
 low, the islands and rapids above embrace an 
 epitome of Nature's wonders, scenes of grandeur, 
 magnificence, majesty and wonder of earth's ele- 
 ments and atmospheric effects, varied beauty and 
 charm. 
 
 Almighty God who twirls. 
 
 The universe of worlds. 
 On the sure axles of His sovereign will. 
 
 Who measures oceans grand. 
 
 In the hollow of His hand. 
 And calms their angry surging with a quiet 
 "Peace! be still." 
 
 His condescending grace, 
 
 Did'st carve Niagara's face. 
 And scoop a way deep in her solid rocks. 
 
 And cause the mighty stream, 
 
 To struggle into steam, 
 Cavorting 'mong her burly, boulder blocks. 
 
33 
 
 The sun's clear sporting rays in 
 
 The mists o'er tempest basin, 
 Paints a miniature bow of Heaven's hues, 
 
 Niagara's pretty poem, 
 
 On Hnes of mist and foam. 
 As neat as ever penned by Nature's muse. 
 
 Let Goat Island represent man, 
 
 In the rapids of business life, 
 On the verge of safety's ban, 
 
 In the midst of grandeur and strife. 
 
 Close on his left is Luna Island, 
 Lying flat to peep o'er the brink. 
 
 Into eternity close at hand ; 
 Longing to explore it, I think. 
 
 On his right, well up in front, 
 
 His sisters, with beauty bedecked; 
 
 Attractions more rare, you don't wish to hunt; 
 Such enchantments so many have wrecked. 
 
 At sight of such sisters I feel polygamous, 
 
 Selfishness flooding my veins; 
 Desires Mono or even bigamous, 
 
 Don't satisfy amorous pains. 
 
34 
 
 Philanthropy takes me to cover, 
 
 Such enjoyment I don't wish alone ; 
 
 With brother freemen I'm a free lover, 
 But with such sisters, or none. 
 
 Man, let your life be noble progress. 
 Stem the current, struggle strong, 
 
 Love pure water, learn to " grog " less. 
 The faithful Heaven helps along. 
 
 Woman, like these sister islands, 
 Stand 'mid sparkling streams of life, 
 
 Faithful to love's trusted tie-bands ; 
 
 Wreathed immortelles crown such wife. 
 
 Like Niagara, God surrounds us, 
 
 With His wonders, warnings, smiles ; 
 
 In redeeming Love let's ground us, 
 
 We'll bloom for glory 'mid earth's wiles. 
 
 New York did a worthy deed. 
 
 Saving beauty from abortion ; 
 Freemen, all, adopt her creed, 
 
 Save God's works from greed's extortion. 
 
 Nature's picturesque scenes of beauty, 
 In all their multifarious phases, 
 
35 
 
 Crowds together, doing duty, 
 
 Bewildering mind in wondrous mazes. 
 
 List to the water's wild song, 
 Over the rapids it rolics along, 
 Over the falls it thunders an anthem, 
 In harmony with its glad theme. 
 
 Here it receives inspiration, 
 Soaring in mists by inflation, 
 And flirts with gay sunbeams, so. 
 It gives birth to a little rainbow. 
 
 Then beaming with matron sobriety. 
 She departs her way with propriety, 
 'Till she reaches the whirlpool of passion, 
 Then sports in hilarious fashion ; 
 Reckless, in her wild despair, 
 Which crowns her head with whitest hair. 
 
 The vast lakes of Superior, Michigan, Huron 
 and Erie, with all their tributary streams, furnish 
 a powerful and continuous supply of water for 
 Niagara River to convey over the Falls to Ontario 
 and via the St. Lawrence River to the ocean. 
 
 The rocky bed of Niagara River, for one mile 
 
36 
 
 above the Falls, has a descent of about forty feet, 
 forming the wonderful rapids. A cluster of is- 
 lands divides the river at the Falls, The main or 
 Goat Island contains ^y acres, covered with 
 primitive forests, through which are fine drives 
 and walks. From one of these, along the brink 
 of the precipice, one can look down perpendicular 
 over 200 feet. From it is obtained a full view of 
 all the wonders, astonishing scenes of grandeur 
 and variety that rugged Nature is capable of pre- 
 senting. Art has fine contributions, yet scarcely 
 worthy of notice in connection with what Nature 
 presents in promiscuous profusion, commanding 
 admiration and reverence. At the upper end of 
 Goat Island, on the side toward Canada, are the 
 "Three sisters," small islands abreast of each 
 other, which, for wild natural attractions and 
 embellishments, are so charming that I fell in love 
 with the fair, but firm beauties. A narrow, rapid 
 (superlatively) channel separates these islands and 
 the main one from them. These channels have 
 charms indescribable and inconceivable, each 
 spanned by a substantial bridge. Between these 
 islands and the Canada shore is the main branch 
 of the river, carrying more than three-fourths of 
 
37 
 
 the volume of water over " Horseshoe Falls," 
 which is one hundred and sixty feet. The 
 American Falls are one hundred and sixty- 
 four feet. The water alighting on rocks the size 
 of a country school-house, crushing into mist and 
 foam ; the force of the fall sets in motion a tempest 
 of wind, carrying mists heavenward, in waves 
 like an inverted thunder-storm, and always by 
 sunshine or moonshine, presenting to the proper 
 angle of vision from every point of observation 
 the most vivid rainbow. I descended the spiral 
 stairway to beneath the Falls, the "cave of the 
 winds." O! puny man! My heart tried and 
 seemed near succeeding, in jumping out of my 
 mouth, and all the water of Niagara seemed 
 scarcely enough to lay the hair of my head, which 
 would bristle up with fright. O! the thrilling- 
 emotions that possessed me in the presence and 
 within a ^/z/ of the power of such supreme majesty. 
 Great is God, over all His wondrous works and 
 ways. 
 
 God is great! Niagara teaches, 
 
 His praise through ages all, it preaches ; 
 
 Silvery mists in densest masses. 
 
38 
 
 Glory's incense upward passes : 
 Spanning bright and lustrous gem, 
 Over all a fitting diadem. 
 
 Perpendicular walls of solid rock, two hundred 
 feet high and one thousand feet apart, rise from 
 the river's edge below the Falls. The river, for 
 three miles, runs smooth and awfully deep, 
 where the width contracts to six hundred feet, 
 and all this vast volume of water rushes through 
 this narrow channel and falls of unfathomable 
 depth with astonishing velocity and uproar. Here 
 is grandeur ! Here is terrible power ! Here is 
 bewildering astonishment ! Come, behold in 
 mute bewilderment ! Appreciate as your capacity 
 can, go away and reflect that God is great ! 
 
 The mist that vanishes into space 
 
 Before the rays of morning sunbeam ; 
 
 The drops of dew, that fringe with grace, 
 
 The flowers at dawn, and hath a pearl-gleam, 
 
 God collects in mighty masses. 
 
 To carve the solid rocks in passes ; 
 
 Through green vales it murmurs on. 
 
 To swell the ocean's mighty song. 
 
39 
 
 Tiring of its briny cove, 
 
 It longs to quaff the wine of love ; 
 
 In mist disguise, its only hope. 
 
 With a gay sunbeam doth elope, 
 
 On grand excursion through the sky, 
 
 To fairy scenes of revelry. 
 
 Meets fair sisters, glides along, 
 Gossamered friends, attracted, throng ; 
 When wearied of the crowding, frown, 
 Fair face fades to sallow, brown ; 
 Frowns are followed by a chill. 
 From black eyes flash electric will. 
 Her temper being quite erratic. 
 Her voice, ofttimes, becomes emphatic. 
 Bidding farewell to lofty spheres, 
 Her eyes rain down their flood of tears. 
 
 Her sunbeam lover can't forego. 
 
 To help her paint a parting bow; 
 
 Then she kisses vegetation, 
 
 And bids God speed renewed creation. 
 
 She penetrates hill, plain or mountain, 
 
 To sing her trickling song at a fountain ; 
 
 She sparkles on by babbling brook, 
 
40 
 
 For rest she seeks some quiet nook, 
 But duty keeps her on her round; 
 By river, ocean, sky and ground, 
 Through all her varied scenes of play, 
 Niagara crowns her joy alway. 
 
 Niagara scenery never wearies. Her charms 
 are constant and lasting as Time. Her fascinating 
 beauty never fades, nor fails to attract sense of 
 sight and admiration. Nature surely culled her 
 treasury of astonishment, her wilderness of won- 
 ders, her magazines of beauty and attractions, 
 and parked the rare collection at Niagara for the 
 entertainment of the New World's freemen. 
 
 I witnessed a peculiar phase of woman's char- 
 acter to-day. A finely-dressed, intelligent-ap- 
 pearing lady turned her back to " Horseshoe 
 Falls," on the brink of Goat Island, the most sub- 
 lime scene in Nature, and gave her attention to 
 the dress of another lady who was passing, 
 utterly oblivious of Nature's grandeur, or her 
 husband's ecstacy urging her attention. O ! 
 woman ! woman ! slave to fashion ! 
 
41 
 
 Gliding along on the railroad train, 
 Glimpses of beauty gave thought this vein. 
 Pretty, picturesque Chautauqua Lake 
 Echoes desire, emotions awake, 
 In the soul susceptible to beauty, 
 In Nature, and the creature's duty. 
 
 At sunset, serene Lake Erie, 
 Refreshed our faculties, weary, 
 But as evening shades came apace, 
 She drew a mist sheet o'er her face, 
 To murmur dreams in sleeping sighs, 
 Till day-dawn opes her liquid eyes. 
 
 PROVIDENCE. 1886. 
 
 Father, Infinite above me. 
 
 All through life, Thy tender care, 
 Taught my wayward heart to love Thee, 
 
 Guards my goings everywhere. 
 
 When from Thee away I wander. 
 Heeding passion's pleasing call. 
 Heartfelt pain soon makes me ponder; 
 
 Save me Father, or I fall. 
 4 
 
42 
 
 If on tide of success sailing, 
 
 Never let me trust in fame ; 
 In her wreck-strewn port is wailing; 
 
 Hold my helm in Jesus' name. 
 
 When the clouds of sorrows sadden, 
 Blear my vision, press me down, 
 
 Hold my hand, my heart will gladden ; 
 Thou hast promised me a crown. 
 
 When with cheering hand He leads me, 
 
 I can run so free, so fast. 
 On salvation joys He feeds me. 
 
 Safe in Heaven, my Home at last. 
 
 CRANKS. 1886. 
 
 The honest, conscientious man. 
 Who dares to keep progression's van. 
 
 When force of genius churns him; 
 The world is sure to dub a crank, 
 Misnamed by men of every rank. 
 Because they cannot turn him. 
 
43 
 
 It is the men who use the term, 
 Connecting stone and grip so firm, 
 
 Are used as means to move it ; 
 If thoughtfully you read my rhyme, 
 Regarding it as well spent time, 
 
 I'll make it plain and prove it. 
 
 The preacher knows what should be said 
 To pride, pretence, the "tricks of trade," 
 
 If said they frown and spurn him ; 
 Some think more of their "bread and butterj" 
 Than of some truths which they should utter ; 
 
 The faithless crank, they turn him. 
 
 The lawyer feasts on devilish rumpus, 
 For fees — his principles ; he pumps us, 
 
 Success, not right, concerns him, 
 His conscience he will leave at home, 
 His arguments occasion foam. 
 
 Crank, cash of clients turns him. 
 
 The doctor courts his patient's humor. 
 His nest to feather, seeks to do more. 
 
 Than nature asks, to derne him. 
 For a course experimental ; 
 His bill ? O that is incidental. 
 
 Love for good patients turns him. 
 
44 
 
 The merchant's shilling article, 
 O'er cost must bring mere particle, 
 
 But of a dollar worms him. 
 " I sell cheap goods and have a run," 
 The patron, later, sees the pun. 
 
 Cranks, each the other turns him. 
 
 The press, the honest independent. 
 True statesman, fair honor defendant, 
 
 Patriotic zeal burns them ; 
 The sordidly partisan press, 
 The blight of pure moral progress, 
 
 Are cranks, the devil turns them. 
 
 The banker fills his vaults with gold, 
 By means that crank him, manifold; 
 
 His trusted clerk soon learns him, 
 Then steals, with darkness o'er his way. 
 And pockets full for Canada; 
 
 Falsehood first, then fear, turns him. 
 
 The politician's lust for power 
 Gulps any dose, however sour, 
 
 Whatever booms he querns him. 
 All who have "axes to be ground," 
 In tur)is will creaking cranks be found ; 
 
 'Tis lust, not love, that turns him. 
 
45 
 
 The honest, ruddy, young padrone, 
 Feels " 'tis not good to be alone," 
 
 For maiden music yearns him ; 
 The marriage vow they sacred keep, 
 No crank, prosperous spring tides, no neap, 
 
 'Tis love, true love that turns him. 
 
 Their lives of faith in God, above, 
 
 Happy through Christ's Redeeming Love, 
 
 Grace and glory adorn them. 
 Their fragrant influence quickens all, 
 Who love the Master, heeds His call, 
 
 The Holy Spirit turns them. 
 
 LETTER OF CONDOLENCE. 1886. 
 
 My old-time associate, R. G. Barr, Esq., had 
 an arm taken off, under a railroad car wheel, at 
 Wheeling, West Va. 
 
 Condolence of a former friend. 
 
 Neglected in misfortune, 
 My warmest wishes I extend, 
 
 God bless you! I importune. 
 
46 
 
 Death jostles us at every turn, 
 God's mercies are preserving, 
 
 Such close calls are that we may learn 
 To tnist Him without swerving. 
 
 Your dear right arm so true to will, 
 
 In daily duties dealing, 
 When heart with fond emotions trill, 
 
 Conveyed to friends the feeling. 
 
 Is lost to you, but while life lasts, 
 
 A tie that will not sever 
 Connect the present and the past. 
 
 Forget your right hand ? Never. 
 
 AMERICA. 1886. 
 O! my own native land, the promise of freemen, 
 
 Wild nature environed its youth, 
 When genius of manhood in serfs, became seamen, 
 
 They found it a refuge for Truth. 
 
 Savage natives admonish — God's touchstone of 
 truth — 
 That tyrants must not cross the sea. 
 As Columbia's the home of the brave, must, for- 
 sooth. 
 Be ever the home of the free. 
 
47 
 
 When vigilance got lost in business and pleasure, 
 
 A claimant set up for its crown ; 
 Our Eagle proclaimed the peril of our treasure, 
 
 Then valor increased our renown. 
 
 Our Eagle soars high and his range is so wide, 
 He quickens the world with his notes 
 
 Of Christian intelligence, true manhood descried, 
 In peace ruling all with pure votes. 
 
 Let God be revered as the King of our Nation, 
 
 His deputies faithful and true, 
 Prosperous peace will swell glory's ovation. 
 
 To God, for the " Red, White and Blue." 
 
 " Love fulfils the Law," the world to enlighten. 
 
 All nations embrace a new age. 
 The " uttermost parts " God's glory shall brighten, 
 
 The heathen be His heritage. 
 
 MORALITY. 1886. 
 
 Atlanta's decision 
 To found an Elysian, 
 Has banished the spirits of yore, 
 
48 
 
 The drys wear the smile, 
 The wets all the while 
 Meet the spirits behind the back door. 
 
 This fact only shows 
 
 Outlawry in those 
 Who do not respect law's restraints ; 
 
 Their cause can't be good, 
 
 All honest men should 
 Oppose them like citizen saints ; 
 
 And banish the curse 
 
 That empties the purse 
 To pay all our criminal expenses ; 
 
 Let industry thrive 
 
 And poverty drive 
 With the cnvsc and all its offences. 
 
 Genius ne'er escapes a tussle 
 V^iih formal mediocrity; 
 
 Light contests with custom muscle, 
 Ne'er desists till truth is free. 
 
49 
 
 Engage a room in the Mansions above, 
 Prepared by the Master in Infinite Love, 
 With // and His image you shall be satisfied, 
 And forever, with joy, in His presence abide. 
 Our duty's to work faithfijlly, 'mid the world's 
 
 strife. 
 To have our names written in the Lamb's Book 
 
 of Life. 
 
 MEEKNESS. 1886. 
 
 A gentle Dove with nest destroyed, 
 
 Sat mourning all day long, 
 Companionless, an aching void. 
 
 It told in mournful song. 
 
 A Hawk sat on a tree close by 
 
 With feast in contemplation; 
 " Retrieve your loss, cheer up and try, 
 
 Confound such affectation. 
 
 "The food you feed on, worms and seeds, 
 
 Abound in great profusion, 
 While I, with sly and darting deeds, 
 
 Depend upon delusion." 
 
50 
 
 All selfish mortals, like the hawk, 
 
 Their greed must gratify, 
 Their victims sorest plaint they mock, 
 
 God hears the prayerful sigh, 
 Upon His throne on High ; 
 And hot tears from the eye 
 He carefully wipes dry, 
 He counts them jewels rare. 
 He treasures them with care. 
 For the crown which they shall wear. 
 
 SPARKING. 1886. 
 
 A rustic witchette from the West, 
 
 At uncle's on a visit. 
 We'd met, when Cupid plumed his crest, 
 
 And toned my heart exquisite. 
 
 Her voice was lyre-love melody. 
 
 Of such enchanting sweetness ; 
 With songs she woke such ecstasy, 
 
 As gave emotion fleetness. 
 
 Two-feet-deep-snow was on the ground, 
 
 And it hard crusted over, 
 'Twould bear man's weight, so smooth, so sound, 
 
 O'er it my heart was rover. 
 
51 
 
 I crossed the hills, love was a sneak, 
 
 It hadn't asked permission, 
 The snow-crust in the woods was weak, 
 
 Imposing knee contrition. 
 
 The pleasant fireside hours flew by, 
 Two damsels, doubtful squinting. 
 
 Out to the kitchen, tusseling, fly. 
 Come and decide which, hinting. 
 
 Her uncle, smiling pleasantly, 
 
 Old times his countenance lighting, 
 
 With merry twinkle in his eye, 
 Said "go and stop that fighting." 
 
 happy opportunity ! 
 
 " Come, sit down my fair femme, 
 
 1 thank you for your strategy, 
 
 Relief from my dilemma." 
 
 The light somhow got turned down, d-o-w-n, 
 
 'Twas so suffused with blushes. 
 To see it die I'd give a crown, 
 
 Our happy feelings flushes. 
 
 Hark ! footsteps and a forcible 7'ap, 
 Decorum had revival. 
 
52 
 
 " Come in," revealed 'neath beaver cap, 
 The face of my young rival. 
 
 His stay was short, and we resumed — 
 All lovers know what that means ; 
 
 Love, more than lamp, for us illumed, 
 Our hearts were's tender's snap-beans. 
 
 Heaven is perfect, saturant joy, 
 
 With iiuie and Eterne as one, 
 Such occasions to lovers, coy, 
 
 Heavenly hours as moments run. 
 
 'Twas hours too soon when midnight came, 
 " Good gracious, where is my breast-pin ? 
 
 'Twas found, I felt as proud as fame, 
 The pocket of my vest, in. 
 
 How it got there I never knew. 
 
 Thirty years have gone since then, 
 She has a niche in memory true, 
 
 That trills emotion again. 
 
 Despise not, defer not a duty. 
 They are the pulsations of life. 
 
 Honest heart before art and beauty, 
 Heed this when you're choosing a wife. 
 
53 
 
 Culture, more than mental soil, 
 Responsive is to human toil. 
 
 FEED SHEPHERD, FEED FLOCK. 1886. 
 Besides his books, all preachers need 
 The best of cooks, with cuisine creed. 
 When well fed, he is in condition 
 To feed his flock from rich repletion. 
 The wife should treat his stomach well, 
 Then love can foster faith to tell 
 His flock where richest pastures grow, 
 Where springs of gladness freely flow. 
 How to reach the "' promised Land',' 
 Where Jesus feeds with His own Hand, 
 Nutritious food, to make them strong. 
 To sing for aye. Redemption's song. 
 
 O Christian, keep your armor bright, 
 
 By burnishing it with love, 
 'Till it reflects the beams of lisrht. 
 
 Which shines from God above. 
 
 Keep Jesus at the Jicbn, your bark 
 
 The waves will safely ride, 
 'Twixt Scylla and Charybdis dark. 
 
 Symbols of .yt'//"and pride. 
 
54 
 
 Plucking fadeless flowers from each, 
 Of joy and thanksgiving; 
 
 Crown of rejoicing, when we reach 
 The haven of Christ our King. 
 
 LOWELL. 1886. 
 
 Wit and humor in rhyme 
 With sweet guitar time, 
 Now the sweet orange juice, 
 Indian turnip for truce. 
 Now the inspiring brandy, 
 Then sour lemons come handy; 
 Now caresses so winning. 
 Then he castigates, grinning. 
 Few songsters can sing so well 
 As liberty-loving Lowell. 
 
 Here the freshness of dawn, 
 
 On a dew-decked flower lawn, 
 
 Then satire's withering noon. 
 
 With " bird o' freedom " tune. 
 
 Here are tropical fancies, 
 
 Wreathed with pure Northern pancies. 
 
55 
 
 Here, wisdom in a nut-shell, 
 Which freemen's follies cuts well. 
 Few songsters can sing so well 
 As liberty-loving Lowell. 
 
 The muse in flirting mood. 
 
 Fell into insuetude 
 
 With her lithesome Lowell, 
 
 As his parts did show well. 
 
 She romped amongst the Yankees, 
 
 Firing up Freedom's crankies, 
 
 Until our land was free 
 
 From human slavery. 
 
 Few songsters can sing so well 
 
 As liberty-loving Lowell. 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA. 1886. 
 
 Imagine a sea in the cheering freshness of 
 May, swelling with buoyant spirits under the in- 
 fluence of the fresh breath of Sol. Billows of 
 joyousness chasing billows of delight, like happy 
 school-children at play, with smiles from the 
 sunbeams reflecting rays of various hues, in re- 
 
56 
 
 sponse to the varied angles of radiance. Imagine 
 a magic wand of power wafted over all with the 
 command, " Rest and remain as thou art, in posi- 
 tion solid." Much like this is the undulated 
 landscape of Washington County, Pa. It is the 
 hub of a section, seventy-five to one hundred 
 miles in diameter, which is not excelled by any 
 other section of our Union, in the natural advan- 
 tages that contribute to the comfort, convenience, 
 yes, even the luxuries of life. 
 
 Washington County, Pennsylvania's first born, 
 After the wedding on Independence morn. 
 Of Nature's best bounties endowed with profu- 
 sion, 
 Her landscape, for beauty, sculptured in prolu- 
 sion. 
 Clumps of pristine forests in charming confu- 
 sion. 
 Sparkling crystal fountains with babbling detru- 
 
 sion ; 
 Valley meandering veins of limpid waters, 
 Clover-covered hills of happiest cotters, 
 Native blue grass nestling in corners and nooks 
 Ever ready to robe the hills down to the brooks. 
 
57 
 
 Blue grass and white clover her native attire, 
 
 Since forests succumbed to man's clearing desire. 
 
 Her soil, rich in limestone's lasting fertility, 
 
 Responsive to culture's careful servility ; 
 
 The glory of Palestine's pastoral plains. 
 
 In careful comparison, courteously wanes. 
 
 A shepherd's crook grows on each farmer boy's 
 
 arm. 
 Flocks of sheep crowd the crook-plants, on every 
 
 farm. 
 With wealth of black diamonds stored in her 
 
 hold, 
 A safeguard of cheer against boreal cold. 
 Natural basins of oil in her bowels, 
 Flowing on tap, to oil her spindles and roivcls ; 
 Now they have tapped the source of the volcano. 
 And found a good friend, but terrible forray-foe, 
 Which they send over hills, great distances fleet. 
 And furnish large cities with fuel, light and heat. 
 Fair maids cause our herds to flow milk so nutri- 
 tious ; 
 From bees and white clover come honey, deli- 
 cious. 
 With rivers of oil, with gas to illumine. 
 With products in plenty, rich in albumen, 
 5 
 
58 
 
 With hills yielding gold, by planting and sowing, 
 Faithfully plowing, harrowing and hoeing, 
 God smiles approval on man's best endeavor, 
 Who honors the Giver and loves Him forever. 
 
 Here was the home of Catfish, Indian Chief, 
 Whose home and happy hunting-ground lost in 
 
 grief. 
 When our pioneers grew crowding and cruel, 
 They fed savage instinct with injustice fuel. 
 Who were ready for war, while pleading for 
 
 peace. 
 For infirm, squaw and pappoose, security's lease. 
 Offended they sent back some blood-red rebukes. 
 By taking as trophies some natural perukes. 
 
 When our county was first settled, 
 By bold men so bravely mettled. 
 Faithful mothers true as steel. 
 Shared their fate of woe and weal. 
 Brawny arms their homes did hew, 
 Where great timber densely grew. 
 Neighbors far away and few. 
 Friendly rifle, trusty, true. 
 Main defense against all foes, 
 Furnished food in bucks and docs, 
 
59 
 
 And the mother in the cabin, 
 
 Their soft skins dressed lad and dad in. 
 
 When strong arms and axe the forest defeated, 
 Which, frowning before fertile fields, retreated. 
 " Hog and hominy " added to the larder, 
 A pet sheep's fleece perplexed the female carder. 
 With flax-pulling bees and log-rolling rolics. 
 Break, heckle and scutch, such fuzz and fun frolics; 
 By the light of a rag and lard lamp's lurid blaze. 
 The " fiddle " now varies the spinning-wheel's 
 
 lays. 
 Burly lads and buxom lasses take the floor, 
 Time music in a jig, Scotch reel and square four. 
 Even " Dad and Mam " must take a dance or so, 
 " Double shuffle " and a tap-time " heel and toe." 
 
 Cupid was rampant in a wild-wood cabin. 
 
 In blunders and blushes he would keep a " blabin." 
 
 Between buckskin and linsey-woolsey homespun 
 
 Deftly shot his arrows with his little gom-gun. 
 
 But then he was practical, with pioneers, 
 
 And hitched them together in their well-worn 
 
 gears. 
 And the minister's fee, when one could be had. 
 Was a kiss from the bride, and — that wasn't bad. 
 
6o 
 
 Wedding bells were borrowed of the woodman's 
 cows, 
 
 With horse-fiddle and dinner-horn for the " pow- 
 wows." 
 
 Now and then sudden strains of musket and rifle, 
 
 Would jar the strains of the serenade a trifle; 
 
 With Scotch-Irish steadiness, 
 
 And whole-hearted readiness. 
 
 Neighbors united their forces for work. 
 
 They raced at work, rolicsome, 
 
 With jest and joke, frolicsome, 
 
 Fanfaron not one, whose fair share would shirk. 
 
 Rye, old Monongahela, 
 
 Cheered all for joking, ela. 
 None were ashamed of the "jug," or "black bett," 
 
 They were most respectable. 
 
 Their contents delectable, 
 When for toil-tired men a coarse fare was set. 
 
 Corn was pulled, hauled and piled, 
 
 When the Autumn days were mild, 
 Then all the men in miles around did meet, 
 
 Two captains were selected. 
 
 Who chose off, none rejected. 
 Divide the heap, then at it, husk to beat. 
 
6i 
 
 Many sly tricks were played, 
 
 The winning captain, made 
 The hero of the happy crew, that night ; 
 
 Then after supper, daft, 
 
 They joke and pull "square draft," 
 Then wend their way to family fireside, bright. 
 
 At a battalion muster, 
 
 Militia pride would fluster. 
 For all the countless, country folk to see ; 
 
 For all would come together, 
 
 Regardless of the weather, 
 A kind of " Vanity Fair " it got to be. 
 
 The fife and drum to rhyme it, 
 
 The tender feet to time it. 
 Would thrill the young American heart with life. 
 
 The " ginger bread and taffy," 
 
 " Small beer " to make one daffey, 
 O, happy, youthful days of drum and fife! 
 
 Crisp November's bright day, 
 
 With my axe, on my way, 
 Happy heart, full of hope I go hopping, 
 
 For I hope to meet Bess, 
 
 In her best delaine dress. 
 At the close of the quilting and chopping. 
 
62 
 
 How the woods ring with noise, 
 
 Of hilarious boys, 
 Their keen axes in rivahy ringing, 
 
 Such work, now, is play. 
 
 Where all are so gay, 
 Joyous feeling in fond refrain singing. 
 
 The fair, buxom girls. 
 
 With dimples and curls. 
 Nimble fingers, so deftly are stitching, 
 
 Their hearts in the woods, 
 
 Inspecting the goods. 
 They would grace with their winsomest witching. 
 
 At supper they meet, 
 
 The luxuries sweet 
 Are as nothing, compared with the sweetness, 
 
 Which will fly askance, 
 
 With innocent glance. 
 As it darts forth and fro in its fleetness. 
 
 In this neighborhood, 
 
 Old folks are so good, 
 They think Old Nick follows the " fiddles." 
 
 So, old plays will bring 
 
 Kisses strung on a string. 
 Peel the willow, act charades and riddles. 
 
63 
 
 Before midnight came, 
 
 Each lass, with her flame, 
 Hied them home, joy her features adorning; 
 
 The kiss at the door, 
 
 To sample her store. 
 Sent him home, or kept him 'till morning. 
 
 Sound Scotch-Irish brawn, 
 
 For God and a home did pawn, 
 
 Enterprise and energy. 
 
 With the native savagery. 
 
 The wild-wood reclaimed, a beacon 
 
 Of progress, each man a deacon, 
 
 Her hundred churches to foster. 
 
 A hundred free schools, which cost her 
 
 But seed for opulent crops 
 
 Of true men, who became props. 
 
 To the cause of education 
 
 And pure Christian elevation. 
 
 Some, on the acme of fame. 
 
 Hundreds of honored name. 
 
 Who, reared by Washington College, 
 
 Now grace the whole land with knowledge. 
 
 The noblest traits which man inspires. 
 
 Descended from Scotch-Irish sires. 
 
64 
 
 LIFE'S PATH. 1887. 
 
 I was walking through a forest, on a steep hill- 
 side ; my path was on a natural bench ; a huge 
 tree had fallen, completely blocking my way. A 
 short distance below was another bench, which I 
 could easily reach, but did not know whether it 
 were possible to regain my path from it or not. 
 Above was still another bench, but difficult of 
 access. I resolved to make the attempt and did 
 reach it, and a few paces beyond the obstruction 
 had the satisfaction of seeing where it joined my 
 path, and also seeing the lower one had diverged 
 a greater distance from my path, and at once 
 wrote the following verses, suggested by the ex- 
 perience : 
 
 My road was round the mountain side, 
 On natural bench of easy grade. 
 
 Some dangerous points, rejaressing pride. 
 Some cosy nooks, inviting shade, 
 
 Happy in Hope's pursuit of duty, 
 
 Still onward and upward progressing. 
 
 Buoyant with vigor and life's beauty. 
 The promise ahead is so pressing. 
 
65 
 
 Alas ! my pleasant path is blocked 
 By insurmountable obstruction, 
 
 Such ideas to my mind now flocked 
 Kept reason confused with deduction. 
 
 Just down below the way was clear, 
 And I could slide down most securely; 
 
 How to regain my path gave fear, 
 An object worth pondering, surely. 
 
 High above was possible way, 
 Could my best endeavor attain it, 
 
 Courage and great energy may 
 
 With God's grace, enable to gain it. 
 
 I happily reach it exhausted. 
 
 The effort brought out latent powers. 
 My success my pleasure accosted, 
 
 Bestowing sweet contentment flowers. 
 
 Before, now, the way opens plain. 
 With prospective view of the other 
 
 Avenue of access to pain, 
 
 Followed by many a frail brother. 
 
66 
 
 On each one's path in life are wrecks, 
 But, never look down for way round. 
 
 Look up, climb, surmounting the checks, 
 Such efforts with joy will be crowned. 
 
 ARMY INCIDENTS. 1887. 
 
 At Snicker's Gap, Crook whipped them bad. 
 And drove the rebels over the river. 
 
 But then a bloody fight he had. 
 
 In crossing, some brave hearts did quiver. 
 
 Crook crossed, the rebs fled, double quick; 
 
 On the bank, noble Thoburn bivouacked; 
 Two bold boys took a pig- ou tick, 
 
 Skinned it in Thoburn's sight, fresh fact. 
 
 A gleam of humor in his face, 
 
 " Go down, sergeant, slyly, and wait; 
 
 When 'tis dressed, bring them to my place. 
 With the pig, to suffer their fate." 
 
 The pig was shouldered, " Here, this way. 
 Boys, to the General with that rig." 
 
 Gen. sternly: "You've full rations to-day?" 
 " Yes, sir, but this was a bold pig." 
 
6; 
 
 " Divide it ; now take the one-half 
 Away to your messmates, my prigs, 
 
 The other half will tickle my staff; 
 
 Never more let me see you steal pigs !'' 
 
 We Ringgold boys had freedom with our fighting. 
 Red-tape and pompous nonsense had our slight- 
 
 But, where duty called us, there, 
 Swift as eagles in the air. 
 We would charge without a care. 
 And set things right at once, with sudden striking. 
 
 Once in the valley, when we fought "mit Siegel," 
 With raw recruits, under a captain — regal, 
 
 Held a right-wing picket-post. 
 
 Bravery was such a boast, 
 
 Officers, each one, a host, 
 Our squad would grumble at snob-orders — legal. 
 
 Lieutenant took a squad to reconnoiter, 
 Six Ringgold boys advance-guard, without hau- 
 teur. 
 
68 
 
 We dispersed the rebel pickets, 
 Like a flock of frightened crickets, 
 Sending after them some tickets, 
 Lieutenant, with his brave recruits did loiter. 
 
 A wag of Company A yelled back they're flank- 
 in "■ 
 Us, Lieutenant wheeled his horse and on retreat 
 went spanking. 
 Fred. Braner swore and cursed him, 
 "With carbine balls — boys, burst him," 
 For this cowardly, worst whim, 
 At furious pace, all followed, arms a clanking. 
 
 Lieutenant halted when within our lines, 
 Strict dicipline enforces now, Fred, whines. 
 
 Next day, two mad Ringgold boys, 
 
 Bent on having equipose. 
 
 With carbines to frighten toys, 
 Slipped by the pickets, slyly, 'mong the pines. 
 
 They o'er the pickets' heads their carbines fired. 
 The pickets left their post with fear inspired, 
 
 Then the bugle rent the air, 
 
 Column started marching, fair, 
 
 Soon it was a stampede, rare, 
 A horse fell, the rider ran on, he wasn't tired. 
 
69 
 
 Gen. Hunter, who came in command that day, 
 Had the Captain's commission taken away. 
 Next day two boys found our tent. 
 Fear and fun in features blent. 
 With revenge they were content. 
 Heroism over haughtiness will have sway. 
 
 Humanity may err, good-will may digress. 
 Friend, rebuking friend's faults, loves the friend 
 none the less. 
 
 RINGGOLD BATTALION. 
 
 Dr. John Keys, of Washington County, Pa., a 
 patriot of rare discernment, was the key that un- 
 locked the spirit of patriotism held hy fancied 
 security. His impulsive, nip-it-in-the-bud loyalty 
 gathered about him the " first ripe fruits " of 
 patriotic ardor, to be offered on our country's 
 altar. He enlisted the first company of cavalry 
 furnished by Western Pennsylv^ania, and led them 
 into the mountains of West Virginia, the nearest 
 point of rebel menace. He, like all other observ- 
 
70 
 
 ing patriots, soon saw that a three months' raid 
 could not reach Richmond; nor could a few 
 isolated companies crush secession. Seeing the 
 Union's peril, comprehending rebellion's power, 
 perceiving Northern apathy, treachery and misap- 
 prehension of latent loyalty and the necessity of 
 vigorous efforts by increased forces, he determined 
 to recruit his command to a battalion of such met- 
 tle as Washington County was noted for in the 
 ranks of the Union Army. Captain A. J. Green- 
 field had duplicated the devotion of Keys to our 
 country's cause in all respects. Keys knew his 
 men, in charge of his lieutenants, would do their 
 duty, while he was waking up slumbering loyalty 
 to volunteer. George T. Work worked with a 
 fervent will and soon had a company of model 
 men in physical, mental and moral proportions, 
 able and willing to do effective military work. 
 They were mainly Christian soldiers (the best 
 kind), of Presbyterian persuasion, one Lieutenant, 
 a preacher of deserved eminence, Rev. R. C. 
 Welsh. Captain Young raised a company of 
 model soldier metal. Captain Michner raised a 
 good company, but they were so addicted to 
 games that he left them to their favorite Captain 
 
71 
 
 Chessroiins. A. J. Barr raised a company, which 
 was our Imrr of vigilance against rebel invasion. 
 Captain Smith raised one; he was our viilcan 
 vizier who forged a spear and gave him com- 
 mand. These, with our greenfield in the bleak 
 mountains and barren pines of Virginia, formed 
 the Ringgold Battalion. Five companies were 
 organized and drilled in camps in the County and 
 at Wheeling, West Virginia, in the Summer of 
 1862. They went to the front at New Creek, 
 West Virginia, in the Autumn of 1862. They 
 remained independent companies, acting in con- 
 junction, as a battalion, until the Spring of 1864, 
 when they, with five new companies of Middle 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, were organized as the 
 Twenty-second regiment P. V. C. with Higgins^ 
 Colonel ; A. J. Greenfield, Lieutenant Colonel ; 
 George T. Work, First Major; H. A. Myers, 
 Second Major and — Troxel as Third Major. 
 
 Why was the Ringgold Battalion never offi- 
 cered? Jealousy! that demon which Cain found 
 and engaged to give himself the pre-eminence, 
 has usurped the mental throne of mankind. The 
 higher man aspires and the more eminent and 
 active his abilities, the more venomous and 
 
72 
 
 stealthy are the attacks of jealousy. Yet, he is 
 so insatiable, that he is active in the lowest and 
 meanest spheres. He frustrated many of the best 
 plans of the best Generals of the Union Army. 
 (The rebels may thank jealousy for many of their 
 victories, and much of their success was due to 
 the wisdom of the demon in knowing which side 
 to act on. There was no probable goal on the 
 side of secession. Their dire necessity dealt har- 
 mony). God, whose rule is as supreme as mys- 
 terious, used jealousy to prolong the war until 
 His designs in permitting it were accomplished. 
 Until the North was educated by sacrifice and 
 suffering to demand, and the South in despair to 
 accept the removal of the cause — slavery. General 
 Grant would have been killed by jealousy, had 
 his exaltation occurred in 1861 or 1862. The 
 demon would not have permitted Lee to com- 
 mand the Union Army all through the war, yet, 
 this mighty demon got away down among the 
 mountains and found our little battalion, and it 
 was never organized. But we didn't know the 
 difference, we fought together, filled our sphere 
 faithfully and wove a garland of glory for the name 
 of the hero, Ringgold, under Father Kelly. He 
 
73 
 
 had to loan us on desperate occasions, but he 
 couldn't sleep soundly until he had us back. 
 God bless his loyal head and loving heart ! 
 
 Every soldier who fought to put down the rebel- 
 lion, 
 
 And extirpate liberty's shame, 
 Merits gratitude's garland and glory's medallion 
 
 Fitting as America's fame. 
 
 The peculiar service of the Ringgold Battalion, 
 
 In the mountains of West Va., 
 Often fighting marauding, guerilla rapscallions 
 
 Who pillaged for perquisite pay. 
 
 With Col. Mulligan's brigade for reserve, 
 Over mountains sixty miles square, 
 
 Our flying, light-horse phalanx of vigor and 
 nerve. 
 Went dashing where any would dare. 
 
 Our loping patrols would surprise, charge and 
 rout, 
 The Jolumies on many a jaunt, 
 Drive guerilla bands, with fleet and bloody flout; 
 Sometimes we got swift exeunt. 
 6 
 
74 
 
 When ambushed, charging thicket to rout hidden 
 foe, 
 
 Some brave boys must need bite the dust ; 
 To perdition or Dixie, as fleet as a doe, 
 
 " Skedaddle " from Ringgolds they must. 
 
 Day and night, storm and cahn, over mountains 
 ice-ribbed, 
 One hundred miles ride at a lope. 
 Our fondness were for farmers who had some 
 corn crib ; 
 They are happier now, I hope. 
 
 Consolidation orders sent us to the Valley, 
 Where Sheridan found us hot work, 
 
 Waking up Early, 'twas dangerous to dally, 
 Yet, some rigid features would smirk. 
 
 Up and down the great Valley, a bloody campaign. 
 
 With rarely a rest from the fray. 
 Recalled to the mountains for the winter again, 
 
 Where the rebels were sweeping full sway. 
 
 All Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia 
 
 We guarded from guerilla raids, 
 Ohio had Morgan's and McCausland one day, 
 
 Fair Chambersbure in ashes laid. 
 
75 
 
 That essential artery of army transit, 
 
 The B. & O. Railroad, we kept 
 Running, men and munitions of war to transmit, 
 
 And citizens serenely slept. 
 
 In faithful, hard service, they were not excelled, 
 
 By any like number of men ; 
 Their virtues, which, all through war's duties 
 impelled. 
 
 In peace, makes the best citizen. 
 
 Ah ! blood-glutted Mars, ambition's brutal demon, 
 
 Avaunt! from our sanctified soil. 
 Let " Peace and Good Will " rule America's 
 freemen. 
 
 And Love reward all for their toil. 
 
 Heroic worth and Honor's fame. 
 
 Are sired by toil, with tcmpera7ice dame. 
 
 GEN. AVERILL'S DASH. 1887. 
 
 At Moorfield, Johnson's four thousand troops 
 resting, lay. 
 After treating fair Chambersburg zvarndy. 
 
76 
 
 Averill, worn by retreat from Lynchburg to 
 Kanawha 
 And circhng round back to Romney, 
 
 With twelve hundred men on a Saturday night, 
 Captured the pickets of Johnson's camp, 
 
 Surprising the rebels, ere Sabbath gave light, 
 Averill's war-steeds with victory did champ. 
 
 Eighty Ringgolds had marched all the night's 
 silent hours, 
 
 Round their camps to cut off retreat, 
 Capturing at day-dawn the panic-flying showers, 
 
 As reapers gather up the wheat. 
 
 The daring and dashing of Averill's rare pluck, 
 With trustworthy men and good horses. 
 
 Captured more from the foe, as our trophies of 
 luck. 
 Than all our victorious forces. 
 
 'Twas Heaven's swift vengeance for barbarous 
 plunder. 
 
 And burning of Chambersburg City. 
 'Twas a cyclone of Averill's spirit and thunder, 
 
 And soldiers whose make up was gritty. 
 
77 
 
 ARMY INCIDENTS. 1888. 
 
 The beauties of the dewy dawn 
 
 Were eclipsed by a smiling maiden, 
 
 As four cavaliers, 
 
 Approaching, appears, 
 With all-night-scout-weariness laden. 
 
 They were brave Union defenders, 
 She a premium. Confederate scrip. 
 
 Yet, heart's true emotion 
 
 Must vent its devotion. 
 When kindness controls eye and lip. 
 
 Her charms cheered the famished dragoons, 
 Eye photographed heart on each eye, 
 
 O, sweet, blushing beauty. 
 
 We're famished with duty. 
 Come, give us, each one, a good pie. 
 
 Her willing heart found active feet. 
 
 With smiles she brought four luscious pies. 
 
 She gave to hungry foes, 
 
 Pies, baked for Rebel beaux. 
 Her sweet ruddy face in my heart yet lies. 
 
78 
 
 Whoop ! See the charging horde of rebels, 
 We eat and urge our flying steeds, 
 Reaching our waiting troops, 
 Back on them, yelHng swoops. 
 And win the fight with daring deeds. 
 
 WATCH. 1887. 
 
 Ticking time a silver linnet, 
 
 Sixty seconds make one minute; 
 
 Prompted by true steel-spring power. 
 
 Sixty minutes make one hour ; 
 
 Twice around my dialed way. 
 
 Twenty-four hours make one day ; 
 
 Let the calendar now speak. 
 
 Seven days will make one week ; 
 
 A legal month in business ways. 
 
 Is composed of thirty days, 
 
 Four seasons, three months each, appear. 
 
 Twelve months in all, compose the year. 
 
 THE OLD CHURCH. 1887. 
 
 My mind will revert to the church of my youth. 
 Its magical influence, sacred as Truth. 
 
79 
 
 The silent, senific index of the dead, 
 Points from corruption to the Home overhead. 
 Past scenes of endearment draws mind in a dream, 
 Over which solemn reverence reigns supreme. 
 Listen! "The Lord's my Shepherd" sang to 
 
 "Old Mear" 
 By hundreds of voices, in tones loud and clear. 
 Enthusing emotions now well in my breast. 
 Pure incense, praise essence to Heaven addressed. 
 Memory runs back to the youth in the pew, 
 Father, mother, brothers and sisters there too. 
 The pastor, the centre of sacred attraction, 
 His countenance beaming with love's benefaction. 
 O here is confirmed the fervent home teaching. 
 To influence life, the impress of preaching. 
 Ah ! sorrow comes stalking and culls many sighs, 
 Many then in the pews, in the church-yard now 
 
 lies. 
 Sad loneliness dampens the ardor for strife. 
 The comforter strengthens us for the nciv life. 
 These *' places'' on Earth will soon "know us no 
 
 more," 
 We'll soon be called Home to the friends gone 
 
 before. 
 
8o 
 
 Let conscience act as mentor still, 
 Let every act spring from "good will," 
 Gossip cannot make it ill, 
 
 Tho' all the world believe it. 
 Your friends may in the world confide. 
 Deceived by ceremonious pride, 
 Desert you, trust in God to guide. 
 
 His Spirit comes, receive it. 
 
 The promptings of a sigh is prayer, 
 In aching hearts that burdens bear; 
 Such earnest pleadings God will hear ; 
 Such are the mortals He draws near. 
 
 CEMETERY. 1887. 
 
 Old Death Time has been at work since Adam's 
 
 fall. 
 Building cities with his victims, great and small, 
 Proprietor of the world's great cemetery, 
 His chief agent, selfish passion, whose decree 
 Keeps all his deputies active night and day, 
 Every part of our planet must tribute pay. 
 
8i 
 
 Every league of land or ocean hath its square, 
 Either city or its suburbs, everywhere; 
 That mansion-square on mountain top is Moses'; 
 That Red Sea dense block ! there Pharaoh's host 
 
 reposes ; 
 And those North-Pole navigators' ice-bound bed. 
 Ah ! our Globe's a vast republic of the dead ! 
 Where ambition, tyranny, intrigue and lust. 
 Avarice and criminal passions but dust, 
 Not a selfish, social, or sectarian breath. 
 Agitates the silent city, realm of Death. 
 No physical or political abuse; 
 Death's republic holds for these, eternal truce. 
 Childhood, youth, mature, wrinkled and infirm 
 
 age, 
 King and serf, bold and modest, simple and sage, 
 In perfect equality, peacefully lie, 
 Like the twinkling city of stars in the sky. 
 
 Over Earth's cemetery, Nature weaves poesy. 
 With cycling seasons, human art adds its beauty. 
 This tombstone republic, resurrection morn. 
 The glorious rising of saints will adorn. 
 Eternal, immaculate, poetic love, 
 Each wafting like incense to Heaven above, 
 
82 
 
 The air filled with saints, each one a glory gem, 
 Winging their way to the New Jerusalem. 
 Alas ! some to dishonor, seeking to hide ; 
 In darkness the damned will forever abide. 
 Justice must have judgment, the Son of Right- 
 eousness, 
 The perverse must punish — the faithful must bless. 
 
 MUSIC. 
 
 Sweet music, sweet, 
 Soul thrilling treat, 
 
 Perforce drives care away, 
 Weaves pure ingots 
 Of Heaven-bred thoughts. 
 Forget-me-nots, 
 
 Links of immortal lay. 
 
 Honor esteems merit, even in a foe, 
 Denounces demerit if friends get the blow. 
 
 One by one time, life links sever. 
 
 Golden, silken, silver, steel — 
 Mother, father, children clever. 
 
 Heart-ties snapped by Death's stern deal. 
 
83 
 
 There's reunion lasting ever, 
 
 In the realms of bliss above. 
 Tears and turmoil cometh never, 
 
 All is joy and peace and love. 
 
 Deal kindly with the care-worn mother, 
 A few short years her griefs will smother; 
 Her recompense is rest in Heaven, 
 For all the good to time she's given. 
 
 ALONE. 1887. 
 
 So utterly, painfully, sadly alone, 
 No tender response to my aching heart's moan. 
 Like a fertile oasis in hot, desert sand, 
 Wilted by a blast of the typhoon's hot brand. 
 
 Misfortune's malignity snapped silver ties, 
 Left my heart sobbing its palpitating sighs ; 
 Occasion's dawn vivifies with dew of grace. 
 True tendrils shoot out to find no clinging place. 
 
 The impulse exhausted, they droop in despair, 
 The verdure is blasted, the heart bleak and bare. 
 The life is the index disclosing the heart ; 
 When life is successful bright hope is the chart. 
 
84 
 
 FAMILY. 1887. 
 
 A home republic is the model family, 
 The fountain of freedom, the life of liberty. 
 In union is strength if discipline is guide, 
 Let wisdom command and loyalty confide. 
 
 All working for one and one working for all ; 
 
 With zeal ever wielding the weapons of right; 
 Against all invaders an adamant wall; 
 
 Within will be Eden of Christian delight. 
 
 Fraternal relations and commerce with neighbors, 
 The golden rule guides all as gospel and law ; 
 
 Peace and prosperity will crown all your labors, 
 World-wide emulation is honor's eclat. 
 
 The true statesman's zenith of Christian rule, 
 Is love that will ornament throne or footstool. 
 Banish the spirit of fratricidal strife, 
 Devote every energy to a new life. 
 
 Sink war in oblivion with the dead past. 
 Christianize the masses with its sinews vast; 
 All abuse, vice and crime will bid us adieu. 
 On all, Divine Love will distill Heaven's dew. 
 
85 
 
 IDEAL UNION. 1887. 
 
 My ideal republic of peace, 
 
 Each man a sovereign and serf, 
 
 Prolonging prosperity's lease. 
 Each own an Edenized erf. 
 
 Beneficent rule begets love, 
 
 Patriotism and zeal, 
 Devotion as true as a dove, 
 
 Union and fealty real. 
 
 Freemen to their country so true, 
 Will be as true to their God, 
 
 Keep Christian fellowship in view. 
 Frown on selfishness and fraud. 
 
 No standing army, an expense. 
 Peaceful arts of life employ, 
 
 Truth, right and God the main defense. 
 These will all base foes destroy. 
 
 Should proud presumption dare invade, 
 Millions of men would enthuse, 
 
 Emergency soldiers, best grade, 
 Wars most eflRcient sinews. 
 
86 
 
 God and the golden rule our guide, 
 The world will honor our name; 
 
 Peace within our borders abide; 
 Glory our merited fame. 
 
 WAR INCIDENT. 1887. 
 
 We crossed Blue Ridge Mountains with Gen. 
 Duffay, 
 
 A strong cavalcade out in search of the gray; 
 
 The renowned crossing of the Alps by Bona- 
 parte, 
 
 Oft eclipsed by our troops o'er Virginia's heart. 
 
 From a height where a slip meant a fall ox fly, 
 
 We issued from the gap of the River Tye. 
 
 There met an aged slave, whose woolly locks 
 were gray, 
 
 Who thought us "Yankees" were the dawn of 
 judgment day. 
 
 He sat by the way-side, with joy electrified, 
 
 Free feelings, his hundred years of bondage de- 
 fied. 
 
 Doing obeisance with hoar head and feeble hands, 
 
 Continuously to Freedom's "Yankee" angel 
 bands. 
 
8; 
 
 Fervently venting joyous exclamations, 
 
 Of voice and feelings, long confined to lamenta- 
 tions. 
 
 "Bress de Lawd!" " Bress de Lawd!" "youseall 
 come at last!" 
 
 "De 'bellions' done gone dead, Massa, shu 
 and fast." 
 
 I thought of Saint Simeon. This glad old slave 
 
 Had a glimpse oifree glory this side the grave. 
 
 Too soon were we gone and his fetters bound 
 tighter, 
 
 For a year, lowering clouds buried hopes of days 
 brighter. 
 
 If his propJictic glimpse of Freedom's promised 
 glory, 
 
 Made him so happy, what would be the finished 
 story ? 
 
 The sacrifice in sorrows, bloodshed and treasures, 
 
 Exacted by the war to mete Justice measures. 
 
 Seed of suffering which bore rich fruits of right- 
 eousness. 
 
 Oil of joy, balm of hope, benighted hearts to bless. 
 
LETTER TO DR. D. M. M. IN FLORIDA. 
 
 1887. 
 
 To the beach, I suppose, you have ridden a rail; 
 On its salt-river enjoyed a rare sail; 
 Breathed ocean-inlet's invigorating gale; 
 
 Freely feasted on oblectate oysters. 
 You have paced 'mong the shells, the sandy 
 
 beach o'er, 
 Timing the rhyme of ocean's rampant roar, 
 Inciting reverential emotions to soar 
 
 To great God, from your heart's secret cloisters. 
 
 In unio?i is bliss, if members bound are wise, 
 Salt and sulphur waters have each secured a prize. 
 Orange City and oyster-beds, bound with iron 
 ties. 
 
 A bond to weave ties of brighter links, golden, 
 If all in friendly emulation agree, 
 Christian virtue is the noblest quality, 
 Which animates all who deserve to be free; 
 
 Whose freedom weaves influence far more 
 righteous wolden. 
 
 You see the bard. 
 Has penned this card, 
 
89 
 
 His mental feast on paper, 
 
 While you took in, 
 
 Above your chin, 
 Excursion's /d'^i'/ and caper. 
 
 Dr. let observation cull facts, 
 
 You know will interest me. 
 Of man's and nature's combined acts, 
 
 For my prosperity. 
 
 Does growth and culture crown with bloom, 
 
 My little orange grove ? 
 Does it give promise with perfume 
 
 O'er your cute lake-let cove? 
 
 Mind, Dr., when you do return, 
 
 I will surely pump you 
 For such facts as I should learn, 
 . And if you're dry, I'll thump you. 
 
 We have lovely spring weather, 
 
 Enthusing the heather, 
 But most young folks are down with the measles; 
 
 Each lassie and lad. 
 
 Do have them so bad. 
 Their features seem napped with sharp teasels. 
 7 
 
90 
 
 LAURA B. 1887. 
 
 A sweet little five-year-old miss, 
 
 Whose visit had made our home gay, 
 
 I asked, would she give me a kiss, 
 If she to her home must away ? 
 
 " O, no ! I'll not kiss you," she said, 
 For a prudish diffident dike, 
 
 Turned away her wise little head. 
 " But you may kiss me if you like." 
 
 SLEEP. 1887. 
 
 What is sleep, pray tell me papa ? 
 
 Where it hides and stays all day ? 
 Yes, sometimes a noon's short nap, a 
 
 Little dream steals sight away. 
 
 All the noisy play and rattle, 
 
 I forget and glide away. 
 Where angels 'mong the posies prattle 
 
 Sweetest songs on wings so gay. 
 
 Then I wake and feel much stronger. 
 Then I close my eyes again ; 
 
 In dreamland I would stay longer, 
 But I seek it all in vain. 
 
91 
 
 When dark night around conies creeping, 
 
 Legs so tired, cheeks so red, 
 Soon on softest bed I'm sleeping, 
 
 Angels whisper round my head. 
 
 Day is nice for work or playing. 
 Where is sleep then, tell me, pray ? 
 
 Does it 'mong the stars go straying ? 
 Tell me how it slips away ? 
 
 Dearest child your body's beauty, 
 
 Is composed of brittle clay. 
 Growing strong for glory's duty. 
 
 If you Nature's laws obey. 
 
 Little temple God is building, 
 Where His Spirit seeks to dwell. 
 
 Blushing beauty is the gilding, 
 Hues, His image tints so well. 
 
 With food your frame He nourishes ; 
 
 Working polishes your parts. 
 Mental nerve then flourishes. 
 
 All grow strong in useful arts. 
 
 Constant working makes you weary. 
 Will must yield to tension's test; 
 
92 
 
 When your whilom charms grow dreary 
 Sleep will snatch you to her nest. 
 
 Sleep suspends all senses' function, 
 
 For recuperating rest. 
 Angels, with refreshing unction, 
 
 Come to guard whom God hath blest. 
 
 Adding pleasures minus pain, 
 Is enjoyment storing gain. 
 
 NATURE. 1887. 
 
 Nature pays as perquisites 
 Beauty-robing benefits. 
 All her sweets have polished cover. 
 Maiden coy to mellis clover. 
 Plants and grain all kinds for use, 
 Fruits so fair and rich with juice, 
 All grow from a neat life-germ. 
 In a fair enamel, firm. 
 See the germ swell and unfold. 
 Little giant bursting hold. 
 Every step from font to fruit 
 Doth expand in beauty's suit. 
 
93 
 
 Prudent rootlets pierce the earth, 
 Seeking strength for fruitful birth ; 
 See the tender succulent, 
 Folds of beauty finding vent. 
 Bloom of promise, beauty rare, 
 Breathing fragrance on the air. 
 Fruits with beauty-blushing rind, 
 Luscious food within confined. 
 Grace of God effects all this, 
 Source of beauty and of bliss. 
 
 ST. PIERRIE. 1887. 
 
 Noble St. Pierrie, forever at rest; 
 
 Saint in reality now with the blest. 
 
 Could I achieve for the good of mankind, 
 
 A legacy such as you left behind, 
 
 I would rejoice, your monument of merit, 
 
 Can instruct such as would Heaven inherit. 
 
 The glories of Love in nature doth shine. 
 Leading lost men to their Maker Divine. 
 But the essential for mortals to know 
 And believe, is, God sent His Son below: 
 
94 
 
 The sins of all the world did expiate, 
 Upon the cross and by the vilest hate. 
 All the sins of belief sincQ Adam's fall, 
 In His own Person, yes. He suffered all, 
 Removed the sting of death and rose again, 
 At God's right hand He sits to judge all men. 
 
 Man cannot save himself, we know — St. Pierrie, 
 The blood which from the cross did flow, — sins 
 
 bury. 
 Believers rise in Jesus to new life. 
 Forever free from all distress and strife. 
 TxwQ faith receives and rests on Christ alone. 
 True love will keep .y^"^ prostrate at His Throne. 
 
 DUTIFUL. 1887. 
 
 Love your parents, boys and girls. 
 Good and kind, good and kind. 
 
 Curb your temper when it curls, 
 Always make it mind. 
 
 Constant care will keep you neat, 
 Looking prime, looking prime. 
 
 Smiles and dimples, blushes sweet. 
 Charming, ruthful rhyme. 
 
95 
 
 While at work and while at play, 
 
 Duty's call, duty's call, 
 Heed at once, with heart obey, 
 
 Fondly loving all. 
 
 Every chore your parents ask. 
 
 Do it well, do it well. 
 If you slight the smallest task, 
 
 Surely time will tell. 
 
 When you leave each task well done. 
 Honors wait, honors wait. 
 
 For a crown to suit such one. 
 Kindly forged by fate. 
 
 When you would a fact relate, 
 
 Tell it true, tell it true. 
 Falsehood brings a bitter fate, 
 
 Sadly you will rue. 
 
 When your honor holds a trust, 
 
 Faithful be, faithful be. 
 In all things you must be just, 
 
 God's law, verily. 
 
 Humble duties ne'er despise, 
 In your sphere, in your sphere, 
 
96 
 
 Modest virtue is most wise, 
 Meekly God revere. 
 
 Cultivate your talents well; 
 
 So, " Well done," so " Well done." 
 God will take you Home to dwell, 
 
 With His risen Son. 
 
 WOMAN'S GLORY. 1887. 
 
 O would you be happy, my darling? 
 
 Sweet maiden of exquisite mould, 
 'Mid home's simple virtues be starling, 
 
 The charm of the family fold. 
 
 The acme of woman's attainments. 
 Is mother of world-renowned men. 
 
 Who merit true glory's acclaimance, 
 For Honor and Worth's highest ken. 
 
 True greatness must grow from the cradle, 
 The germ must be fostered with care. 
 
 Well nurtured heart, mind and veins vagal. 
 Require matron traits much too rare. 
 
97 
 
 Such traits are soon famished by fashion, 
 Which reigns in the city and town ; 
 
 Scenes rustic will foster pure passion; 
 True guidance secures such renown. 
 
 Great men are the glory of mothers, 
 Whose lives were true, simple and odd, 
 
 Whose good-will extended to others. 
 While leadincr their sons to love God. 
 
 LOVE. 1887. 
 
 Love has a language more ardent than words. 
 Heart's charming music much sweeter than birds. 
 Love in the heart trills his eloquence mute, 
 Sweeter in tone than the sound of the flute. 
 
 Eyes have orations which charm a true soul. 
 When its soft glances in love accents roll. 
 On heart-heaving sighs, hope clusters its vagrants, 
 Bright as love-lilies, whose breath is pure fragrance. 
 
 Acts convey feelings of fondest affection. 
 Sealing devotion by freest election. 
 True love in the heart will not have concealment, 
 Attraction secures mutual revealment. 
 
98 
 
 All that is noble in humanity, 
 Is love-sparks kindled by Christianity. 
 God's Love in the heart affects every feature, 
 Affects each desire and deed of the creature. 
 
 Love comprehends the whole duty of man ; 
 Love is the lode-star of salvation's plan ; 
 Love is the glory of Heaven above. 
 The infinite essence of God is Love. 
 
 SALOON. 1887. 
 
 S-A-L-O-O-N, s'lune. 
 
 City children learn it soon, 
 
 'Tis their bright, attractive primer, 
 
 Street's fronts gay and golden shimmer. 
 
 Winning innocence within. 
 To pollute their souls with sin. 
 In the saloon Satan lurches, 
 Snaring souls to fill Jiis churches. 
 
 There, imbibing heresy, 
 Youth becomes their passion's prey. 
 Soon enslaved at Bacchus' altar, 
 In life's worthy way will falter. 
 
99 
 
 Whiskey sits enthroned, and wields 
 Sceptre o'er Love's fairest fields. 
 Binds with tightening bonds, so loyal, 
 Rules by edicts sly, but royal. 
 
 Whiskey sways its friends and foes; 
 Whiskey weaves the poor man's woes ; 
 Whiskey prompts both saint and sinner, 
 Through politicians it is winner. 
 
 Bloom of homes so bright and pure, 
 Wins with fascinating lure. 
 There are woven webs, ensnaring 
 Virtuous virgins, soon despairing, 
 
 Robs her cheeks of beauty's rose, 
 Paints its blushes on her nose. 
 Fair form fouled by sensual passion, 
 Must be robed in stylish fashion. 
 
 There, most criminals are made. 
 There, shrewd gamblers ply their trade. 
 Christian's Juno league young women, 
 Fire-side Vesta charm young freemen. 
 
 Smiles may succor sorrow's tears, 
 When the saloon disappears. 
 
lOO 
 
 Freed from danger so distressing, 
 Native Land bloom with God's blessing. 
 
 SWEET SYLPH. 1887. 
 
 O ! why should Medusa's soul-chilling strain, 
 Resound in the realm where Venus should reign. 
 Paralyze Cupid's pinions in his own domain, 
 Congealing the sweetness of love's fond refrain. 
 Ah ! sylph of my soul, love must close up the 
 
 ranks, 
 Then Venus will thaw out a shower of thanks; 
 Cupid's flying darts our hearts would meander, 
 And your sweet, ruby lips I'd kiss into candor. 
 
 LOVE'S LIES. 1887. 
 
 Tom. Moore, the Irish poet. 
 
 Asserts, and he should know it, 
 That lies — yes, " lies are but the soul of loving." 
 
 They are the spice — love's condiment, 
 
 (So this must be what Tommy meant,) 
 Or passion, love's pure hands with pride kid- 
 gloving. 
 
lOI 
 
 Love's lies are mostly tnitJi when spoken, 
 Made lies, when by dishoner broken; 
 
 When sated passion seeks some fresher relish. 
 Lads, swear you love, yes, deer and fawn her, 
 They're sweet, white lies, in lads of honor; 
 
 Keep foolish troth, make truth your brow em- 
 bellish. 
 
 Be manly, not a selfish brute. 
 
 To soil the shrine of love's fond suit, 
 And wear the brand, betrayer in each feature. 
 
 You prize fair maids-^then why invade her ? 
 
 Honor the prize, do not degrade her, 
 Nature's most benio-n and beautiful creature. 
 
 HOME. 1887. 
 
 Desolate is the dearest home, 
 
 Without warm, heart-beat unison : 
 
 Most dreary is a cheery dome, 
 Where runs the rival's Rubicon. 
 
 O, give my heart an humble cottage, 
 In a peaceful, pristine dell; 
 
 A loving heart to share my pottage. 
 Shrine where pure emotions swell. 
 
102 
 
 Prattling pearls of love's endeavor, 
 Beaming bliss by industry, 
 
 Comforting scions growing clever. 
 In Christian care, obediently. 
 
 Love on lawns would lavish flowers, 
 All along life's dutiful way ; 
 
 Bright hopes repose in rosy bowers, 
 At eventide of life's beautiful day. 
 
 FAITHFUL OR FAULTY. 1887. 
 
 Farmer Faithful had a wife 
 
 And with her six sweet babies, 
 
 Three were boys with vim for strife, 
 And three grew virtuous ladies. 
 
 Praise and prayers at dawn of day, 
 
 All ready with sun-rising. 
 For day's duties, work or play. 
 
 Rare usefulness their prizing. 
 
 In each series of farm work, 
 
 They shared front rank with season, 
 Success was curate of farm-/^z>^. 
 
 For visror reiened with reason. 
 
I03 
 
 When the stormy season comes, 
 
 Affairs are all in order, 
 Fireside satisfaction hums, 
 
 God's mercies fringe the border. 
 
 Thanking God, retire to rest, 
 His angels guard their sleeping. 
 
 Mind and body both are blest, 
 
 Their souls are in Christ's keeping. 
 
 Farmer Faulty's wasteful wife 
 Had six ne'er-do-wells growing. 
 
 Like rank weeds, a worthless life, 
 Without a thought oi lioeing. 
 
 Heat and hum of well-worn day, 
 Drive from beds of indolence. 
 
 Night spent revelling, seeking prey, 
 Laying wait for innocence. 
 
 Stupidly the day is spent. 
 
 In heartless work's endeavor. 
 
 To secure a supplement. 
 To what is wasted ever. 
 
I04 
 
 Farm a waste or wilderness, 
 
 Of promise, void, despairing; 
 If resolves results would press. 
 
 It's smiles would be their sharing. 
 
 When the wintry storms appear 
 They have made no provision ; 
 
 Pitiless peltings pain the ear, 
 Storms revel in derision. 
 
 To discomfort's couch retire, 
 
 Weeping o'er a life of waste. 
 Penitent, but with thankless ire. 
 
 Soul undone by life unchaste. 
 
 On the death of an uncle, 82 years old, who 
 had been blind for ten years, helpless a long time, 
 yet always an humble, consistent Christian. 
 
 Uncle Sam. Reed's gone home to rest ; 
 His sainted soul in Heaven is blest. 
 My wish is when life's sorrows cease. 
 To die like him — his " end was peace." 
 
 The patient saint, afflicted sore, 
 Submissive, loved his Master more ; 
 Humility crowned his Christian life, 
 Through sore vicissitude and strife. 
 
I05 
 
 The glories of the ransomed throng 
 Are his, he sings Redemption's song. 
 The mysteries of God's love and grace, 
 Revealed before his joyous face. 1887. 
 
 DECORATION DAY— THIRTIETH OF 
 
 MAY. 1887. 
 
 Strew flowers, fresh flowers, on the garden of 
 
 God, 
 Where Liberty's seeds lie under the sod, 
 Which was plowed by periled patriotism. 
 In its struggle with cruel despotism. 
 God cares for the cause and the patriot plants, 
 The zephyrs and birds their requiem chants. 
 Their honor is bound in their principle. 
 Devotion to which is invincible. 
 Honor the heroes by teaching our youth, 
 Devotion to union, freedom and truth. 
 
 LINES WRITTEN ON THE CARS, RUN- 
 NING INTO CHICAGO ONE SPRING 
 
 MORNING, 1887. 
 Beautiful prairie ! Vast expanse ! 
 Daintily decked with charming manse. 
 
io6 
 
 Culture's attractive rural scene, 
 Nature-graved all shades of green. 
 Art and nature beautifully blended. 
 Paradise prairie ! lovely, splendid. 
 
 Almighty God in ages past, 
 
 Veiled you with an ocean vast. 
 
 When the water's work was done. 
 
 Spread you bare beneath the sun. 
 
 Whose quickening beams on humid mould. 
 
 Flag and fern did soon unfold. 
 
 Vegetation's vast profusion. 
 
 Cycling seasons of illusion, 
 
 Growth matured to meet decay. 
 
 Lonely Nature worked away, 
 
 Adding layer to layer of soil. 
 
 To recompense man's future toil. 
 
 Savage natives o'er you roam. 
 Boundless prairies their hunting home. 
 A curb to civilized covetousness, 
 That culture might with man progress. 
 As the wild savages retire. 
 Grasping man seized his desire. 
 He found another foe insidious. 
 
I07 
 
 Regarding man he was invidious. 
 In your richest regions lurking, 
 Slyly, as a serpent, working 
 Stealthily the system raking ; 
 Soon the most robust was shaking. 
 Careful culture's perseverance. 
 From its grasp gave prairies clearance. 
 
 Presiding Cerus — prairie's warden. 
 Nature smiles on beautiful garden. 
 Industry her plain hints heeding, 
 Prairie land a lovely Eden. 
 Events crowding to o'ertake you, 
 Chicago suburb-plans await you. 
 
 ERIE, PA., June i2th, 1887. 
 
 Of a house of prayer I went in search, 
 I found the " Park Presbyterian Church." 
 As this is Sabbath-school children's day. 
 The church and children were neat and gay; 
 Pine wreaths, festoons of ferns and flowers, 
 Platform embellishes and pulpit embowers. 
 
io8 
 
 Maidens in white with bosom bouquet, 
 
 Boys bright and neat with a button-hole spray. 
 
 The organ opens the praise of our King; 
 
 The school marches in, in chorus they sing. 
 
 A floral tribute of fragrance and song, 
 
 A crown for the King to whom we belong. 
 
 Four boys with a song presented a J, 
 
 Of flowers arranged so radiant and gay. 
 
 " Earnest workers " girls came next with an E ; 
 
 A class of little lads with an S I see ; 
 
 Girls " upholding the right " with a U ; 
 
 An S by sweet girls " seeking fruit " so true — 
 
 Spelling the name of JESUS with flowers. 
 
 Who once was a Child on this earth of ours. 
 
 T was brought out by a class of small boys ; 
 Maiden " harvesters " bro't H with healthiest joys; 
 Lady " emulators " came with an E, 
 Forming the definite article THE. 
 
 Bright boyish " reapers " came with an R ; 
 
 "Opening buds" with O, sweeter by far ; 
 
 Then " silver trumpeters " with an S ; 
 
 " Endurers to the end" with an E now press — 
 
 Behold the beautiful R-O-S-E ! 
 
 " Open heart and hand " boys with O, so free ; 
 
I09 
 
 Girls with F, "fruit gatherers" of love, 
 Completing the preposition OF. 
 
 S brought by "sunbeams " of beautiful girls, 
 
 Sweet little daisies with dimples and curls ; 
 
 " Hope and trust " brings H, three cherubs in 
 
 white. 
 "Armor bearers " — boys with A, iox fait! i fight; 
 " Rays of light " with R, from Redeeming Love ; 
 " Onward and upward " with O — look above ; 
 " Noble followers " with N, no cross, no crown — 
 So we have SHARON, the rose of renown. 
 
 A crown made of flowers the name adorns, 
 Of JESUS, who wore the " crown of thorns." 
 
 How promising to see the youth of our land. 
 Join in devotion, a Christian band. 
 To establish the kingdom of Christ on earth, 
 Into which all may come by " spiritual birth." . 
 
 Pain suppressing is pleasure pressing. 
 
no 
 
 WALTZ. 1887. 
 
 Soul of rhythm runs in the waltz, 
 
 As through green swards runs limpid water, 
 Or wind-swept wavelets in soft holse, 
 
 Or nymph, when soul and swain have caught 
 her. 
 
 The dolce of divinest notes. 
 
 Trill souls with rhythmic animation, 
 
 As song-birds with seraphic throats, 
 And May-day's mating inspiration. 
 
 The twain entwined in fond embrace. 
 
 The soft notes through their soul-nerves 
 courses. 
 
 Gliding, whirling, toe-timing pace, 
 Enjoyment from ecstatic sources. 
 
 DEATH OF MY BOY'S CANARY. 1887. 
 
 A sigh of regret for your sweet songster, Ruby. 
 
 He sang life away in sweet notes ; 
 True to his silver tongue as he could true be, 
 
 Still in my mind his eloquence floats. 
 
II I 
 
 A tear and a sigh and a rose on his grave, 
 
 Is all fond affection can give. 
 His incense of praise to his Maker he gave ; 
 
 Let us imitate him while we live. 
 
 COMEDY OF IMPULSE. 1887. 
 
 Lawful joys attained by striving, 
 Free to merit, held by hiving. 
 As the human wants inspiring. 
 Varied to each soul's desiring ; 
 Honor sought and honest finding, 
 Conscious bliss contentment binding. 
 
 Wanton passion's sweetest pleasures 
 Are derived from stolen treasures ; 
 While their candied-coat enjoying. 
 Conscience proves them peace destroying. 
 
 Impulse charmed by wild attraction, 
 Makes comedy of criminal action. 
 Comedy of criminal impulse, 
 Presents ludicrous results. 
 
 Lothario, lewd pleasures scenting. 
 In silly ears his passion venting. 
 
112 
 
 " Husband absent ! this is romance ! " 
 With gay, young man takes the go-chance. 
 Stylish steed and fine vehicle, 
 A dude, her vanity to tickle ; 
 Impulse speeds the pair in flying. 
 Leaving home and Juno crying. 
 
 Vesta warns the husband slyly, 
 
 Vim and vengeance stirs him rily. 
 
 In the nearest stable breaking. 
 
 His neighbor's nag, the fleetest taking. 
 
 " My wife ! scamp's life !" no time fooling. 
 
 Laudable impulse passion ruling. 
 
 His good neighbor sights the horse-thief, 
 Impulse prompts him with its force-chief, 
 With a posse, each one vying. 
 To arrest the horse-thief flying. 
 
 Fleeing vice with virtue chasing, 
 Virtue cursing virtue, racing, 
 Each unconscious of their error, 
 Both increasing vices' terror. 
 
 Irate husband halts them, running, 
 Romance ends with shock so stunning:. 
 
113 
 
 Lothario reaps discomfiture, 
 
 While shame the false wife must endure. 
 
 Posse, horse-thief here arresting, 
 Tragic phase of scene divesting. 
 While comedy affairs are shaping, 
 See a skulking wretch escaping. 
 
 Wife was rescued from sore sorrow. 
 Thief proved honor on the borrow. 
 So impulse proved its zest for wit, 
 And humor got the best of it. 
 Rash impulse is folly sueing. 
 Sound impulse is success wooing. 
 
 SOUL. 1887. 
 
 The spirit, or essence of life, in the seed, 
 
 When it moulders away to dust, 
 Bursts from corruption a true, animate creed. 
 
 Of growing glory's crowning trust. 
 
 So all that is mortal of man must perish ; 
 
 The soul-germ will then burst its bands; 
 The rich blood of Christ its glory will cherish, 
 
 To bloom on more sanctified lands. 
 
114 
 
 So death is but disrobing of filthy clothes, 
 That weigh the sorrowing soul with pain. 
 
 All the struggles, the tears, the sighs and the 
 throes, 
 Are relief-vents for glory's gain. 
 
 The radiance of beauty, the rapture of bliss. 
 
 The fragrance of eternal Spring; 
 The scars of their King and Redeemer they kiss, 
 
 The new song of glory they sing. 
 
 Chicago, 
 
 From bog-low, 
 
 And frog-show, 
 
 And " grog " row, 
 But a few fleeting years ago. 
 
 Now the rich Miss, 
 
 Metropolis, 
 
 Porkopolis, 
 
 Lake-fleur-de-lis, 
 The pride of the prairies I wis. 
 
 Wise will caught her, 
 Then love sought her. 
 
115 
 
 Health-bloom brought her, 
 
 Many a daughter, 
 Mother merged by Michigan water. 
 
 As girls love boys, 
 
 For pleasure's poise, 
 
 Amusement toys. 
 
 Or glory's joys 
 She just wants all dear Illinois. 1887. 
 
 All the snows of fleeting years 
 Have been melted. Nature's tears 
 But renews her rich creation, 
 Thrilling life with animation. 
 
 Grief mitigants 
 
 Are glory multiplants, 
 
 TO MISS M. E. B., 1884, 
 
 insisting on her appearance as a witness before a 
 church court. 
 
 When the pink of perdition her scheme was 
 
 preparing, 
 She boasted with " brass, spunk and perjury" 
 
 and daring, 
 
ii6 
 
 She'd " take us both down," I knew her 
 
 capabiHties, 
 In arts of deception, her audacious auxiliaries. 
 
 When the success of my suit lay in your integrity, 
 You gave me this small token of your fidelity. 
 As you then kept the faith, through peril's fiercest 
 
 blast, 
 So I have kept the token sacred in the past. 
 
 But now, when God gives proof, a great wrong 
 
 needs correction. 
 Must I entreat in vain and sigh for your defection ? 
 If so, this token I return, which I have treasured 
 
 long; 
 And wait for Heaven's recompense for pain of 
 
 human wrone. 
 
 FIENWIF. 1887. 
 
 A lesson of love by a bird, 
 
 A message of mercy from God, 
 
 Confirming the truth of His Word, 
 "God's eyes on the just are abroad." 
 
117 
 
 The sacred vows that nuptial bind, 
 
 The hand and heart of man and maid, 
 
 The vicious ivife did cast behind, 
 In hist and lucre to be paid. 
 
 Conspiracy was in the air, 
 
 A poisonous potion in the kettle. 
 
 She hied her to the house of prayer. 
 
 To shield the crime my life would settle. 
 
 Omniscience knows the secret thought 
 Of every being that hath breath. 
 
 A little bird His Spirit taught. 
 
 Came fearlessly to save from death. 
 
 Innocence acts mysteriously, 
 
 Thus thwarting a murderous scheme, 
 
 Penal fear ! Perplexity ! 
 
 O'erwhelming dread became her dream. 
 
 LOVE AND LUST. 1887. 
 
 The Eden of enjoyment on earth for man. 
 Was marriage, the mint of the world's human 
 clan. 
 
ii8 
 
 Self-love is implanted in each human heart ; 
 None with his breast-bone for a big price would 
 part. 
 
 Marriage makes each one the same flesh and 
 
 bone; 
 The Jiead and the ribs to each other are grown. 
 Should cancer or leprosy seize rib or head, 
 The legal blade severs the blot from the bed. 
 
 The ribs hold the heart with its love-blood of life, 
 Pure, free circulation endears man and wife. 
 The head is the chief, with nerve reins well in 
 
 hand, 
 To guide and sustain with caducean wand. 
 
 The bond which bound firmly my first wife and I, 
 Was woven by love in a true, golden tie. 
 Guardian angels with blessings from Heaven are 
 
 sent 
 To the homes where love and faith's incense are 
 
 blent. 
 
 '^y Eden invaded by Death's sudden sweep; 
 Devastated heart sorrow's pall covers deep. 
 The heart of my home and the charm of my life, 
 Were laid in the grave with the form of my wife. 
 
119 
 
 Lamenting my loss, a promise appeared, 
 
 To be well supported, with hope my heart 
 cheered ; 
 
 Mistakes aroused fear, filled my mind with dis- 
 may, 
 
 Had it held me, horivr might have missed my 
 way. 
 
 The fair- faced deception, combined with her charm, 
 Built my devotion on the base of alarm. 
 Like the serpent in Eden that Eve beguiled, 
 She proved moi^al leprosy virtue reviled. 
 
 Happy in hope that would home-joys renew. 
 Attainable only with wife good and true. 
 Briers and nettles test the temper of life, 
 Which strengthen the ties of true husband a)id 
 wife. 
 
 If either prove false. Heaven must help the true 
 
 one, 
 For heart-broken virtue has faint hope to sue on. 
 'Tis in such hell-homes Satan's imps meet to revel. 
 And the false 07ie leads in the dance with the devil. 
 
 Like the life of bright flowers that bloom on the 
 lawn. 
 
I20 
 
 My hopes were all blasted which bloomed bright 
 
 at dawn. 
 Each day disclosed zilcers more putrid and vile, 
 Which lotions most sacred would gloss but with 
 
 guile. 
 
 Her murderous scheme of poison was prevented, 
 
 By Heaven's winged warner ; alarmed, she re- 
 lented. 
 
 Abortion, she boasted, would symmetry save ; 
 
 No baby-brats tugging her breasts would she 
 have. 
 
 As sweet a boy-baby as ever drew breath, 
 
 To save her fair form she threatened with death. 
 
 With beauty and artifice she could be charming ; 
 
 Her devilish depravity oft was alarming ; 
 
 No words were too vulgar, no acts too obscene. 
 
 Nothing too cruel to gratify her spleen. 
 
 She gloried in deception and perjury. 
 
 And declared she would ruin Miss M. E. B. 
 
 (Who is far above her in virtue's degree. 
 
 As the twinkling stars are above the blue sea), 
 
 Who was teaching our school, and being my 
 
 niece, 
 A God-send of mercy to home's bleeding peace. 
 
121 
 
 A witness for justice in my sad dilemma, 
 To thwart foul designs for a liojiie aceldama. 
 Mercenary wife in the highest degree, 
 Her delights were the grossest carnality. 
 A husband's first duty is due to his wife ; 
 Her scheming snapped ties that were dear to my 
 life. 
 
 She got a low, ignorant girl for her tool. 
 To make me a victim, the girl her slave, fool. 
 Who couldn't count the number of ears on her 
 
 head. 
 But could memorize much her trainer had said. 
 
 Suffering all a sensitive mortal could bear, 
 The law was invoked to dissever the pair. 
 I furnished her money and sent her away, 
 With witnessed agreement to scandal allay. 
 
 For a bright boy's future life, a private trial. 
 None but a fiendish mother would give denial. 
 Her child's life was nothing 'gainst pleasure and 
 
 pounds : 
 And her chance in public to give virtue wounds. 
 
122 
 
 Sound asleep one night with my boy in my arms, 
 A thirteenth month's bud with the sweetest of 
 
 charms, 
 Came a phantom to me in a human gleam, 
 Gave a warning letter to me in my dream. 
 " Sam, you are wanted, not for Joseph," it read, 
 All plain as full moon in clear sky overhead. 
 
 Next morn came two men ; I sat rocking my boy. 
 They gave me a letter, the false wife's decoy ; 
 Fulfilling my dream, and she followed that day, 
 I would not recognize or turn her away. 
 
 Her arts of deceit she played on friendly 
 
 neighbors, 
 To blast reputation she aimed in her labors. 
 Both my niece and cousin, to save their good 
 
 name. 
 Left me and my boy, but my sister then came. 
 
 My niece, my best witness, on whom I depended. 
 Expressed such repugnance as I apprehended. 
 If she must bear witness to scenes so disgusting, 
 Wliere she won highest honors — there on the 
 
 busting ; 
 " She ne'er could go again, or hold up her head — " 
 For her, myself and boy I asked her to wed. 
 
123 
 
 Innovation ? Jews called Christ's work that, on 
 
 earth. 
 Dame Necessity must give invention birth. 
 Suit for a son was brought to King Solomon, 
 Innovation judged it, and justice was done. 
 
 Imagine such case in a latter day court; 
 Son grown and married ere it settled the tort. 
 The true mother languished her life to the grave, 
 'Y\\& false one still seeking some youth to deprave. 
 Had niece consented, 'twould have given me 
 
 heart. 
 Refusal laid hope in a languishing smart. 
 
 (The four following verses written 1878.) 
 Dear Mary, 
 
 You ne'er can know 
 The depth of woe 
 And pain that shrinks my heart. 
 Your stinging words. 
 Like two-edged swords. 
 Did pierce it like a dart. 
 
 Dear Mary, since 
 They do convince 
 Me ne'er to try again. 
 
124 
 
 I love you still, 
 And always will, 
 But that adds ache to pain. 
 
 Though you my earnest love do scorn, 
 Unreciprocated, warn 
 Me, that you have a right to say 
 Who shall take your heart away. 
 
 Honor, wisdom and prudence, all 
 Unite, and on my feelings call. 
 
 Attach no blame 
 
 To your fair fame, 
 Nor let a word of censure fall. 
 
 My serious case common means could not meet ; 
 Insisting on such but insured my defeat. 
 Protracted strain in a sickening endeavor, 
 I saw sad results that would cling to me ever. 
 
 Speedy adjustment was essential to me. 
 Defendant enjoyed such notoriety. 
 As wife and mother she forfeited her right, 
 In law, in society and in God's sight. 
 
 Family disorder had deranged confidence. 
 Against restoration was grasping pretence. 
 
125 
 
 Away, with my bright cherub boy, I abscond, 
 My sisters I must honor by blood and bond. 
 Distress' occasion may confidence restore. 
 So firmly that naught can disturb evermore. 
 
 In my dilemma, being destined to roam, 
 I gave up my boy to sister's care and home. 
 But, O! bleeding Jic art ! bleeding heart ! bleeding 
 
 heart I 
 My boy I 0, my boy I my dear boy we must part ! 
 
 A liome as it should be is life's highest boon. 
 Soul's sacred retreat and heart's dear bonny doon; 
 The Bethel of mortals on earth, to prepare 
 The soul for elysian liomc in God's care. 
 Base of operations for all enterprise. 
 Hence vigor sallies, here rest, recruiting lies. 
 Success or failure finds its cause in the home ; 
 That life-spring made murky, I homeless must 
 roam. 
 
 The beauties of Nature must solace my mind. 
 For light diversions, sprightly traits oft inclined. 
 Business, enjoyment or mental improvement, 
 Homeless feelings recur, marring amusement. 
 
126 
 
 Traveling o'er liberty's extensive domain ; 
 Varied in aspect, in benefit, in fane, 
 As all climes and nature and culture provides. 
 God's altars await fifty vcvi\\\Qr\. firesides. 
 
 Native land is most dear, but Jiome-lot is dearest. 
 Perverted is the heart which home ne'er reverest. 
 Kind Providence provides deliverance through 
 
 friends. 
 To home and my boy my sore heart its way 
 
 wends. 
 
 An innocent boy in misfortune conceived. 
 Son of sedition, mercy must see relieved. 
 Base mother abandoned her four-year old boy ; 
 Deliverance of Heaven from snares which destroy. 
 
 I felt the poor boy should be reared with his 
 
 brother ; 
 Sisters were afraid of the inhuman mother. 
 Defy her, I charged them, in law and right's 
 
 name. 
 By her inhuman act she forfeited claim. 
 
 As I was informed sister bought the home farm. 
 Her pity, I hoped, would shield the boy from 
 harm. 
 
127 
 
 Intrigue engaged /far to foster suspicion. 
 I must still wander in homeless condition. 
 
 Informed that the zuai/wa.s award of the county^ 
 I came and relieved it of charity's bounty ; 
 Paid its board and secured it a secret home, 
 Where reproach could not poison nutrition's 
 nome. 
 
 Interests conflicting and factional fighting, 
 Were sacrificing me and my boy's life blighting. 
 Perception assured me of some such adjustment, 
 That on contingent action depends an event ; 
 Made me blind-man-at-buff, to grope in the dark, 
 Where cuffs of contempt follows missing the 
 mark. 
 
 Two essential requisites all through the case, 
 Lasting as life, held success at the base. 
 Base of mutual love to operate from, 
 Discord and arrogance to duty succumb. 
 These being denied, stranded hope on despair ; 
 Each plea for succor won a sneer from some lair. 
 
 The zephyr's soft breath whispers parental duty, 
 In moaning accents, for my l?ud's blasted beauty. 
 
128 
 
 The bird on the branch sings devotion's refrain, 
 RecalHng past fellowship's sweet Christian strain. 
 The sunbeam's bright warmth wakes emotions 
 
 of sadness, 
 Of usefulness blasted, of gone days of gladness. 
 The storm's surging roar, or the moon's melan- 
 choly. 
 Contrasts bestial brawls with loving scenes jolly- 
 Conception matured some available ways — 
 To rectify wrongs and secure better days — 
 Where success sat smiling, just ready to speak, 
 If confidence would smite suspicion, the sneak. 
 Generals, whose aids are suspicious, must fail, 
 Active confidence gives good plans their avail. 
 
 The essence of friendship is mutual " good will,' 
 'Twixt human kind, sisters or brothers. 
 
 The sordid esteem it their financial mill, 
 To grind golden favors from others. 
 
 Better be a gentleman than to be a boor. 
 Whether dangerously rich or divinely poor. 
 
129 
 
 MY FAITH. 1887. 
 
 Jehovah ! Jirah ! Jesus ! Eternal God ! 
 
 Essence of Hfe and Hght and power, 
 The changeless Spirit of Infinity broad, 
 
 Held triune council in Glory's bower. 
 
 Treason ! Ambition's bud ! swayed seraphic 
 hosts, 
 And Satan was thrust out of Heaven. 
 Means must be devised to meet all the mad 
 pranks, 
 Matured by his malicious leaven. 
 
 Every phase of existence of all Eterne, 
 
 Spiritual or material, 
 Satan's foul blighting of innocence verne. 
 
 Made prayerful sighs fill space ethereal. 
 
 The special glory of all God's creation, 
 His image-impressed temple, Man, 
 
 The victim of Satan's ceaseless temptation. 
 Sighs under the soul-blighting ban. 
 
 Council of Love in solitude of silence, 
 Over fallen mankind, once so free. 
 
 Required a sacrifice of merit, immense; 
 
 " To do Thy will," said the Son, " send me." 
 
I30 
 
 Hosanna ! in chorus, the arch-angel leading, 
 The seraphic hosts swell response; 
 
 Praise and honor the Lamb, the sacrifice bleeding, 
 Trembling belief and horror hell haunts. 
 
 " In the fulness of time," with God but a moment. 
 The Son must assume human shape; 
 
 Among human kind the devil makes foment, 
 On the incarnate God, Hate did gape. 
 
 The pattern of patience amid persecution. 
 Doing good to the meek ones of earth. 
 
 Soul-comforting all in lowly seclusion. 
 Preaching the need of spiritual birth. 
 
 His mission of mercy by mankind contemned. 
 Earth's rulers against Him conspire. 
 
 'Twas Hell's fatal triumph when He was con- 
 demned. 
 His Father hid His face in ire. 
 
 Concentrate suffering for all sins of the world, 
 That come to confess at the Cross ; 
 
 By belief in His blood their souls will be pearled. 
 Which, alone, can remove carnal dross. 
 
131 
 
 All Nature gives vent to sore lamentations; 
 
 For man, its Lord suffers the curse. 
 Earth hides Him three days for His coronation, 
 
 From man's infamy and devils' worse. 
 
 The agony endured ! The victory won ! 
 
 Bursting the bands of Death and Hell ! 
 Heaven's rejoicing host greet God's glorious 
 risen Son ; 
 
 Fear and dread on the wicked fell. 
 
 He meets His apostles and gives them commis- 
 sion, 
 
 On event-crowned Mount Olivet ; 
 Confirming their faith by triumphant ascension. 
 
 From where He in agony sweat. 
 
 " Lo, I am with you alway" is His great blessing, 
 
 Now angelic hosts fill the sky. 
 Retinue of Heaven's coronation, pressing, 
 
 To crown Him with glory on high. 
 
 By His Spirit of Promise, of Truth and of Power, 
 Of Faith, Love, Grace and of Glory, 
 
 His faithful ministers of mercy will dower. 
 To teach lost man salvation's story. 
 
132 
 
 Saving faith begets love, then follows obedience, 
 
 God's Grace is sufficient for all. 
 The vilest sinner but needs true penitence. 
 
 Sinner Saul is made a Saint Paul. 
 
 A preface is a paradox ; 
 The first page speaks the closing vox ; 
 The last touch of the author's pen, 
 Preface the lore of previous ken. 
 
 When his book-building is complete, 
 He then preludes with plan so neat. 
 Politicians are mostly preface, 
 Both bowers preceding a deft ace. 
 
 JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY. 
 Rare are the qualities of the just Judge, 
 Who from Right, not " fear or favor " can budge. 
 Has knowledge of character, every phase, 
 Mental machinery, simple or maze. 
 
 The working of each in all circumstances, 
 Passions and senses in perilous chances. 
 Full knowledge of these is better than Blackstone, 
 If Honor, virtue and conscience he lacks none. 
 
133 
 
 Fred, states a truth, Tom. thinks it a lie ; 
 Yet both see one fact, one verity. 
 Or, if you will, reverse the statement, 
 Facts are the same, without abatement. 
 
 Each from their own proscenium box. 
 May predicate such a paradox ; 
 The scene is viewed from different angles. 
 One, features tint, the other mangles. 
 One mind receives certain impression, 
 One has otJier ideas in session. 
 
 Essential Truth is what man needs, 
 To dignify his noblest deeds. 
 Fred's consistency is Tom's absurdity, 
 Fred's absurdity is Tom's consistency. 
 
 CENTENARY CONSTITUTION. 1887. 
 
 Old World nations, ruled by despots. 
 Lived and toiled as helpless helots. 
 Persecuted for opinions ; 
 Mass, made slaves, and knaves made minions. 
 
 But immortal minds will spark 
 In a despot's realms most dark. 
 
134 
 
 Civil and religious yearning, 
 For expression, perished burning. 
 
 Orphans of martyred liberty, 
 
 Banished, in extremity, 
 
 Saw a star of Promise gleaming. 
 
 Faith said follow, hope now teeming. 
 
 Like the star of Bethlehem, 
 
 Fair Columbia's beckoning gem. 
 
 Pilgrim orphans crossed the wave. 
 Planted Freedom for the brave. 
 In the New World's virgin soil, 
 Set apart for freemen's toil. 
 
 Free in all their honest powers, 
 As sunshine and Summer showers. 
 From old continental jars. 
 Freedom's fruit were thirteen stars, 
 Whose fragrance, wafted o'er the wave. 
 Tyrant's covetousness did crave. 
 
 Valor repelled the invader. 
 With Independence arrayed her, 
 Sealed it with most sacred blood. 
 Waved it on Washington's spud. 
 
135 
 
 The Heaven-preserved, precious gems, 
 To rivet their bright diadems, 
 A cordon 'long the Atlantic, 
 Galaxy rare and romantic. 
 
 Met in the City of Penn. 
 Brotherly love band of men, 
 Wove their garland, Constitution, 
 A "bond of more perfect Union." 
 
 To perpetuate their prize, 
 For posterity, free and wise, 
 Rang the " Bell of Liberty," 
 For oppressed, asylum free. 
 
 Went on adding star to star, 
 Till they reached Pacific-bar. 
 Yellow stars o'er golden ore. 
 Guards Pacific's wealth-wreathed shore. 
 Having reached our natural bounds, 
 Grasping danger, honor wounds. 
 
 Southern stars were soiled with sin. 
 Destiny took slavery in. 
 Freedom must set good example, 
 Washing slavery from the sample. 
 
136 
 
 God of Freedom had decreed, 
 All her bond-men must be freed. 
 Four-years' fighting broke their chains. 
 Half-million hearts life-blood drains. 
 Billions of America's treasure, 
 Sorrow's tears exceeding measure. 
 
 Now our galaxy is bright, 
 
 Lustrous in all nations' sight. 
 
 Centenary joys surround it. 
 
 Grace and glory bright have crowned it. 
 
 Glory's promise fills desires. 
 
 Constitution of our sires. 
 
 A hearty laugh of real glee, 
 Sends contagion coining smiles. 
 
 All glooms will suddenly agree. 
 To abdicate to dark defiles. 
 
 PERSECUTION. 1887. 
 
 Persecution never yet accomplished its designs. 
 Motives may be good enough, but Satan draws 
 
 the lines. 
 Truth and honor ever are maintained by worthy 
 
 means. 
 Persecution is matured in selfish, hidden scenes. 
 
137 
 
 Persecution sprouts the germ of truth that may 
 
 o'erthrow it, 
 Glamour of delusion blinds till destiny will show it. 
 Each honest act of innocence is, in oppression's 
 
 eyes, 
 The blossom of rebellion, wherein much danger 
 
 lies. 
 
 Persecution's victims are the devotees of right. 
 Whose carnal allies but betrays ; in righteousness 
 
 is might. 
 Joseph's persecution made him ruler of a nation. 
 His would-be murderers, in distress, found him 
 
 their salvation. 
 
 Pharaoh persecuting, reared a Hebrew leader, 
 
 Moses, 
 To aid whose mercy-mission Heaven's power 
 
 interposes. 
 David's persecutor's drove him crazy in exile, 
 Became " sweet psalmist," mighty king, by God's 
 
 anointing oil. 
 
 Persecuting Saul begets a persecuted Paul ; 
 Chief of sinners, chief of saints, shows power of 
 Grace for all. 
 
138 
 
 Bunyan, chained in prison cell to crush his ear- 
 nest spirit, 
 
 Is hving yet in loving words, dear name, the 
 good revere it. 
 
 Luther, persecuted when he truth would not 
 
 dissemble. 
 Burst the bonds which bound him, making 
 
 Roman tyrants tremble. 
 Truth and right are living lights which God has 
 
 made eternal. 
 All Satan's efforts to crush out but makes them 
 
 bloom 'more vernal. 
 
 Some folks are silly enough to say, 
 A great steam yacht has come to-day, 
 To try its timbers in the bay, 
 
 In front of St. Augustine. 
 An humble mortal with a mind, 
 To plead for nature, true and kind. 
 Deserves what comfort he can find, 
 
 Despite the charge of fustian. 1886. 
 
 Pleasures are like the touch-me-not. 
 The jewels burst as they are caught. 
 
139 
 
 Like full-blown poppy, red and rare, 
 Plucked, beauty leaves the seed-pod bare. 
 
 Like the bright enchanting rainbow, 
 Recedes as fast as ivisJi would fain go. 
 
 Like the pretty, sensitive vine, 
 Touched, is beauty's fleet decline. 
 
 Like inviting Venus' fly-trap. 
 Holding memory in its sly-snap. 
 
 In promise pleasure's bloom is bright, 
 lis fruits }'icld comfort very slight. 
 
 The Grace of God gives lasting pleasures. 
 Yes, supreme joy's eternal treasures. 
 
 1887. 
 
 Why, kind Heaven, tell me, pray, 
 In the Spirit's soothing way, 
 Joys of home have been denied me ? 
 Trusted friends have sorely tried me ? 
 
 Heaven-born rights by man withheld ? 
 Christian hopes by Christians knelled ? 
 
140 
 
 Bosom counsel, friendship ties, 
 Business hopes, manhood's desires, 
 Made the football of the world ? 
 Merit close in malice furled ? 
 
 Ah! frail mortal, why complain, 
 Pilgrims in this world find pain. 
 This-world subjects serve King Mammon, 
 And his chief a heartless Haman. 
 
 Think of all the Christian martyrs. 
 Who this world for Heaven's joys barters. 
 Think of God's own Son on earth. 
 Seek the joys of spiritual birth. 1887, 
 
 "Come to grief?" Ah! grief hath held me, 
 In its withering grasp for years ; 
 
 Hope deferred to death, it quelled me. 
 Lorn, yet leal to virtue's tears. 
 
 Oh! cold friendship! pleas rejecting, 
 
 Years of pain I plead in vain. 
 Homeless, heartless, none respecting. 
 
 Patience pilloried in pain. 
 
141 
 
 With one close and true confiding, 
 
 Vindication to pursue, 
 Honest motives ever guiding, 
 
 Hope had granted hfe anew. 
 
 Mystery for information 
 
 Was the passport I received. 
 
 Wrecking Hfe by deprivation. 
 
 Justice sighs to be retrieved. 1887. 
 
 DIARY NOTES. 1S86. 
 
 Grand Army of the Republic parade at Pitts- 
 burgh, The procession was 35 minutes passing a 
 given point. A quarter of a century has passed 
 since secession and rebellion of the ten Southern 
 States — the slave section of our Union — and their 
 attack on the banner of Liberty and Union at 
 Sumpter, in their mad efforts to establish a Con- 
 federacy of States, with human slavery as the 
 chief corner-stone of its foundation, kindled the 
 flame of patriotism in the North, The flower 
 and vigor of her free manhood rushed to the 
 rescue of our beloved country. Four years of 
 fidelity, danger and daring crowned their courage 
 
142 
 
 with glorious victory for the Union, and a peace 
 that rejoices humanity with its glorious results. 
 What emotions well up in the breast of a soldier 
 to see the remnants of stricken ranks of comrades 
 once more tramp time in martial order, with gray 
 heads, grizzled beards, stooped forms and halting 
 gait. 
 
 Such scenes carry the mind back to the pain- 
 ful period of National shame, humiliation and 
 sorrow. Then the aroused spirit of determined 
 action — enlistment — the feelings animating us in 
 voluntarily surrendering personal freedom for 
 submissive discipline and servitude that a Nation 
 might have new-born freedom — free from the 
 reproach that proved past liberty a pretense. 
 Then the mind involuntarily takes in our weary- 
 ing marches, scoutings, bivouacking, skirmishing 
 and bloody battles. Strange commingling of 
 thou";hts sickeninc;' and humorous, blendincr the 
 grave and the gay. And oh! the joyous sensa- 
 tions that spontaneously possessed us at Lee's 
 surrender. Then we had gcmdnc joy. Then 
 came the " mustering out." Oh, heart ! don't 
 collapse zvitJi overstrained rapture/ None but 
 veterans can possibly appreciate the full meaning 
 
143 
 
 of "' iimstering out." We were bound by our 
 oaths that gave our personality, our feelings, our 
 desires, not only into the power of humane masters, 
 but in many cases to the capricious commander 
 whose strained authority could mitigate or out- 
 rage one's sense of duty and discipline. Relief 
 from the perils of service, resuming again the 
 freedom of action so long denied. Returning 
 again to homes made more sacred by our service 
 and suffering, civilian citizens of a purged Re- 
 public, more dear by blood-sealing. Oh ! inex- 
 pressible emotions of rapture. 
 
 PSALM 133. 
 
 How pleasing and delightful, 
 When brethern we do see 
 
 Together dwelling right, full 
 Of love and unity. 
 
 It is like precious ointment. 
 Poured on the sacred head 
 
 And beard, by God's appointment. 
 O'er Aaron's garments spread. 
 
144 
 
 As dew distilled on Hermon, 
 And decking Zion o'er, 
 
 God blessings will confirm on 
 Such saints, life evermore. 
 
 Good precedents were begotten by capacity 
 equal to an occasion. Mediocre never equals a 
 great occasion, but seeks a guiding precedent. 
 
 Why do men delight in reading 
 War accounts of carnage, fearful. 
 
 Brutal passions impulse heeding. 
 Tyranny commanding, cheerful. 
 
 Vicious men seek slaughter's glory ; 
 
 Death in battle bravely meet. 
 Pride in deeds of triumph gory. 
 
 Let blood-thirsty heathen greet. 
 
 Human brotherhood, seed sowing, 
 Christian fellowship, world wide. 
 
 Arts of peace and love, well knowing. 
 Heroes brave for these have died. 
 
145 
 
 IVar is Satan's grand ovation, 
 Making minions rally round. 
 
 Peace, with righteous invocation, 
 
 Votaries with virtue crowned. 1887. 
 
 CHRISTIAN GARDEN. 1887. 
 
 Earth is a garden of human diversity, 
 Since old Satan has sown his tares. 
 
 Multiform flowers among weeds, interspersely, 
 True to Heaven 'mid vanity's cares. 
 
 Each kind of fair flowers have their ties of con- 
 nection, 
 
 To glory God is their creed. 
 Their fragrance of praises, privy or collection, 
 
 Secures Heaven's favors in need. 
 
 Presbyterian plats of cultivated flowers, 
 
 Lilies, Fuchsias, Tulips, Primrose, 
 Among rank weeds form Christian devotion 
 bowers ; 
 
 Each's peculiar fragrance God knows. 
 
146 
 
 There are Methodist flowers of each's shape and 
 hue, 
 
 Red Roses, sweet Pinks, Violets. 
 Emotion, yes, rapture fragrance, incense so true. 
 
 Praise offerings in payment of debts. 
 
 Baptists, Water-lilies and lovely Iris, 
 Bloom among the rankest of weeds, 
 
 Beauty's fragrant service seeking rivers of bliss, 
 Reclaiming the lost with love's deeds. 
 
 Episcopal Polyanthus, rich and rare, 
 
 Refinement excludes vulgar dross. 
 Ceremoniously bishoped with culture and care, 
 
 Devotedly true to the Cross. 
 
 Modest flowers of virtue, peaceful Quakers — 
 Friends, 
 
 Fragrant Hyacinth and pure Plilox, 
 Spiritual devotion with brotherly love blends; 
 
 Penn transplanted flowers of Fox, 
 
 There are grand Dunkard flowers of true, honest 
 grace, 
 
 Plain Phlox and the meek Mignonette ; 
 Praise incense ascends from their every-day vase, 
 
 To God, whom they never forget. 
 
H7 
 
 Catholic flowers are most numerous of all, 
 Passion flowers and cardinal flowers, 
 
 Faith's penance on plenary favors will call, 
 Thanking God for Pope and his powers. 
 
 Unity of diversity, bouquet of beauty. 
 
 Christian flowers of every hue, 
 Faithful in love's fragrant lines of clear duty, 
 
 Cultured by Rev. Gardeners true. 
 
 See the budding oi innocent promise on earth. 
 Rose-buds and honeysuckles sweet, 
 
 The next-generation bloom just at its birth, 
 Whose bloom should the Saviour's smiles 
 greet. 
 
 Life's way-side has stray flowers of silent fra- 
 grance. 
 
 Some, lost 'mong the mountains of sin. 
 Or in arid deserts, those faint, flowering vagrants. 
 
 Mission angels gather them in. 
 
 The weeds of this world are so rank and so rude, 
 They crowd the fair flowers out of place. 
 
 With vigilant love and devotion imbued, 
 Flowers flourish anew with God's grace. 
 
148 
 
 Let all Christian flowers seek true inspiration, 
 Which will greet and assist each other, 
 
 To root out all weeds by love's irrigation. 
 For Christ's coming, our Elder Brother. 
 
 SEPTEMBER ist, 1887. 
 
 Faintest tinge of Boreas' breath 
 Proclaim abroad fair Summer's death. 
 One sees it, feels it, like, so faintly, 
 Death's halo o'er a brow most saintly. 
 
 Summer's gone ! ah, gone forever ! 
 What tender tics old Time must sever ! 
 The requiem zephyrs lull to rest, 
 Sad memories hope fain had blest. 
 
 Hope tries to plead, yet tries in vain ; 
 Doubt calls despair. Hope dies in pain. 
 Such strife begets immortal birth. 
 To greater joys than hoped on earth. 
 
 VANITY. 1887. 
 
 Yea, verily ! all worldly life is vanity. 
 Turmoil and strife show spiritual insanity. 
 
149 
 
 Seeking gratification of carnal desire, 
 With jealous interference to feed selfish fire. 
 
 The flowers of earth teach an important truth, 
 Of fragrant dependence on Infinite Ruth. 
 They bloom without pride, nor with selfishness 
 
 fret. 
 Mature their seed, die without pain or regret. 
 
 The praise-warbling birds find a home in God's 
 
 care ; 
 They wing with the genial clime, feed on its fare ; 
 Their tongues ever tuned with melodious song, 
 Of praises to Him who preserves them life-long. 
 
 Yet man, in his noble mien, image of God, 
 Will spurn the faith-flowers of humility's sod. 
 Rob God of the glory, due all their life long; 
 To se/f give life-service, due Jesus in song. 
 
 Man stores bitter pain in the vaults with his gold : 
 From pleasure cups drink pangs of woe mani- 
 fold. 
 Without trust in God all enjoyments are vain, 
 They pierce hearts with horror and souls rack 
 with pain. 
 
I50 
 
 Give God fragrant service, the bloom of your 
 
 life ; 
 His Law make our guide in all business and 
 
 strife. 
 His Spirit will comfort and peace will bestow, 
 His Grace be sufficient to save you from woe. 
 
 Philosophers muse on the mysteries of Faith, 
 Which is clear as sunlight to the sanctified braith. 
 The sanctified soul has its wisdom from God, 
 Whose glory is seen in the universe broad. 
 
 Man's wisdom is ignorance vainly called science 
 Mystifying Nature with Chance for reliance. 
 True science of mind is exemplified Grace, 
 Discerning in Nature God's glorious face. 1887, 
 
 God's lightnings of wrath and His thunders so 
 
 dread, 
 Makes humble the heart and most reverent the 
 
 head. 
 Relentings of Love and His showerings of Grace, 
 Must comfort the meek and print joy in the face. 
 
151 
 
 LOVE'S MYSTIC LINES. 1887. 
 
 Our Earth is connected with Heaven above, 
 With trilHons of Love's mystic lines ; 
 
 And legions of angels as pure as the dove, 
 Which prayers of the good intertwines. 
 
 The Lord made the world in His infinite love, 
 
 For man to exemplify glory. 
 For recreant conduct from Eden did shove, 
 
 Sad object of salvation's story. 
 
 The conflict broke out between Abel and Cain, 
 The soul of shed-blood winged to God ; 
 
 God came and avenged with a tormenting pain. 
 Lines mystic extended to Nod. 
 
 Since then angels care for God's meek ones 
 below. 
 
 Instructing by visions and dreams ; 
 The patriarchs, Joseph and Samuel, we know, 
 
 Familiar with Moses He gleams. 
 
 Joseph and Mary were directed and saved 
 Child Jesus from Herod's designs ; 
 
 At Christ's baptism the Spirit, dove-engraved. 
 Revealed new dispensation lines. 
 
152 
 
 At Pentecost, to Peter and Paul so oft, 
 
 To lone St. John on Patmos isle ; 
 With might angels came to save and raise aloft, 
 
 Confounding oppressors most vile. 
 
 Innumerable angels are constantly winging, 
 
 To comfort all sorrowing souls ; 
 Returning with joy, wreaths of prayers to them 
 clinging, 
 
 Through Heaven their glad refrain rolls. 
 
 The myriad kindred tics which time has broken. 
 Of parent, child, husband and wife, 
 
 Establish myriad lines, affection's pure token. 
 To last while frail mortals have life. 
 
 For each ransomed soul is an angel on wing, 
 To all the loved ones left on earth. 
 
 Some comforting thought to sad souls they 
 must bring, 
 Preparing them for the new birth. 
 
 Oh ! what electric lines of spirit and thought, 
 Connecting human life with Heaven. 
 
 Proclaiming the victory God's Son hath wrought, 
 A world saved and unto ffim eiven. 
 
153 
 MORALS. 1887. 
 
 God is Love ! and Love gives delight. 
 Gave man Eden to govern right. 
 The Devil is discord and deceit, 
 The spirit of Evil to cheat. 
 Invader of Eden, his blight 
 Placed man in a pitiful light. 
 
 Men can if they God's law obey, 
 Drive Satan from America, 
 And make it an Eden of bliss, 
 Where righteousness and peace will kiss. 
 
 The Earth and Man are God's to rule. 
 Who serves the Devil is a fool. 
 Choosing the Lord gives peace and life. 
 Defies the Devil, pain and strife. 
 Fostering Christian civilization, 
 Resisting Satan's vile invasion. 
 
 Man's wisdom devised laws to govern, 
 
 To keep peace and equity sovereign. 
 
 Intellect should give these diligence; 
 
 To keep them pure, requires vigilance. 
 
 These citadels of Truth and Right 
 
 Satan seeks with insidious might. 
 II 
 
154 
 
 Clergymen are spiritual shepherds 
 (Thank God, but few prove human leopards). 
 For instruction, guidance and care, 
 Heed, reverence and secure their welfare, 
 
 A preacher, the devil knows why, 
 Would make his most valuable spy. 
 Disguised with so sacred a cloak. 
 The life out of virtue could choke. 
 
 God's Spirit presides in his vespers, 
 Precluding the de'il's honeyed whispers. 
 They are God's salt in society. 
 Suiting each rank in variety. 
 All laws, society should agree to 
 Have them sanction, with power to veto. 
 
 Our Doctors have charge of our health. 
 Disease gets possession by stealth. 
 For health we place life in his care ; 
 Confidence for success we share. 
 
 How much does society owe 
 
 To honor, which God doth bestow ; 
 
 For quacks, with insidious drugs, 
 
 To morals and health are death slugs. 
 
155 
 
 The devil has no better allies, 
 When virtue with quackery dallies. 
 
 The devil has most success in law, 
 With sceptre of power in its claw. 
 With technical quibbles, delays. 
 Hiding facts and perversion's maze. 
 He keeps legal agents so busy, 
 Dame Justice becomes faint and dizzy. 
 As long as his agents are paid, 
 Justice must be outraged, delayed. 
 
 Our judges and lawyers should be, 
 
 Honor, wisdom and integrity. 
 
 With justice so loyal in league, 
 
 Success cannot move with intrigue. 
 
 The spirit of justice and law 
 
 Should overcome technical flaw, 
 
 Or ambiguity of phrase; 
 
 Heaven's power, such honesty sways. 
 
 Such men are the strength of the Nation, 
 
 Deserving a patriot's ovation. 1887. 
 
 Keep cool heads and honest hearts, 
 
 'Mid mad human passion's marts. 
 
 Man's pride and passion and a wife's perfidy, 
 
 Bred Erin's sorrows of the past century. 
 
156 
 
 Ah! that kindred's fond affection, 
 Should to selfishness be turned, 
 
 Sense have soul in dire subjection. 
 Loveless life no lesson learned. 
 
 Life is short and death's duration 
 Covers all the years misspent. 
 
 Every phase of life's mutation, 
 For soul's scrutiny is sent. 
 
 Blood of Christ alone can hide them, 
 
 After full confession made. 
 In His Love let all confide, then 
 
 Peace shall on the soul be laid. 1887. 
 
 LOVE SINCERE AND CONSTANT. 1887. 
 
 O, ye guides of intuition, 
 
 O, ye pilots of my path, 
 O, ye prompters of volition, 
 
 O, ye bees of love's flower math. 
 
 Come and hold a consultation, 
 
 'Neath my shade-trees on heart's lawn ; 
 
 Map my path of safe mit^ration, 
 To lo7ie sincere, desiring pawn. 
 
157 
 
 Love, imbued with Heaven's monitions, 
 Grown in virtue's flowery mead. 
 
 Blushing with meek faith's nutritions, 
 Grace, inspired by human need. 
 
 For, such love pledged to devotion, 
 Strength herculean could inspire. 
 
 Acts prompt with electric motion, 
 Hope, glow with celestial fire. 
 
 Honor, for such love, would gladly 
 
 Suffer death in its defense, 
 If best efforts, overcome madly. 
 
 Failed 'gainst infamy to fence. 
 
 " Can any good come out of Nazareth ?" 
 
 An adage exemplified daily, 
 ' Tis whispered 'mong all classes, on Envy's 
 breath, 
 
 By critical selfishness gayly. 
 
 Worth seeks appreciative patrons in vain, 
 Though fettered and struggling zealously ; 
 
 Contemporaneous cruelty gives pain ; 
 Merit is muddled by jealousy. 
 
158 
 
 On the Future the glory of merit will glow, 
 
 When jealousy rots in its slime ; 
 Its oivn light extinguished by Envy's stealthy 
 blow, 
 
 To light up a more distant time. 
 
 The Past ! O the Past ! O the glorious Past ! 
 
 Had I but lived then, thinketh man, 
 To champion the Right, through the envious 
 blast. 
 
 While o{ present Right he is the ban. 1 887. 
 
 AUTUMN. 1887. 
 
 Sear Autumn skies are hazy. 
 Her chilling winds oft crazy. 
 
 Doth chase about 
 
 And scold and scout 
 Leaves, withered, light and glazy. 
 
 All Summer's growth is dying ; 
 
 Nature is sad and sighing. 
 Her green robes rare, 
 Seared, brown, threadbare. 
 
 Whisked off, she's naked lying. 
 
159 
 
 Her blushes lost, time tainting, 
 Like girls, frost powder painting. 
 
 Her face each morn, 
 
 Her fair adorn. 
 Day's son soon finds it fainting. 
 
 True Nature, pride eschewing, 
 Knows fruits praise her well-doing. 
 
 Her garnered fruits. 
 
 And grain and roots. 
 Hold comfort worth the wooing. 
 
 O man ! your Summer season, 
 'Neath bloom bear truth and reason. 
 
 Life's Autumn cold. 
 
 Lays bare soul's gold. 
 Else sense blasts soul with treason. 
 
 BIAS. 1887. 
 
 Bias ! Mephistophelan bias ! 
 
 Must tint most men's opinions, 
 As love-lit lads are swayed by spry-lass, 
 
 Men zuill be bias' minions. 
 
i6o 
 
 One's strawberry patch of luxury, 
 
 Will influence his judgment; 
 One, subject to stern queen uxory, 
 
 Will often be to fudge lent. 
 
 One's plum-tree of personal preference, 
 
 Will flavor his vain notion. 
 Avarice, another's deference, 
 
 When views are voiced on motion. 
 
 Ambition sways, remorseless, judgment, 
 
 Of all minds which it ruleth ; 
 Envy decides with vicious grudge vent, 
 
 And honesty it fooleth. 
 
 Let Honor, Truth and Right have judgment. 
 
 The noble man's criterion, 
 E'en though for living you on trudge went ; 
 
 You'll find reward — Elysian. 
 
 TOM. MOORE. 1887. 
 
 Seek you wealth of genial wit ? 
 
 " Tom." Moore's works will furnish it. 
 
 Seek you love's sweet poesy ? 
 
 Or a soul's fond sympathy ? 
 
i6i 
 
 Or most charming flowers of mind? 
 Grace with thought-garlands entwined ? 
 Wisdom's clear, refreshing fount, 
 Flowing from intellectual mount, 
 As from picturesque clefts they pour ? 
 Read and relish jolly " Tom." Moore. 
 
 Mortal mean-wells, meandering in misery, 
 Are victims of sore misconception; 
 
 Oft hopeicides, who despair of being free, 
 From dire, circumstantial subjection. 
 
 True merit will at Promise smile, 
 But seek attainment's simple duty ; 
 
 Counterfeit merit, full of guile, 
 In prize alone sees all the beauty. 
 
 True love denied. 
 
 Brave hearts have tried, 
 In fortunate conditions ; 
 
 But when sad fate. 
 
 With perils prate. 
 Succumbs to their collisions. 
 
1 62 
 
 True love returned, 
 
 Devotion learned, 
 Will conquer stubborn forces. 
 
 When hearts confide, 
 
 No storm nor tide 
 Can overcome resources, 1887. 
 
 OUR HERO. 1887. 
 
 I love thee, " Tom." Moore, in thy brilliant beams 
 
 I bask ; 
 Yet, for thy mistakes I must take thee to task. 
 Yes, Washington was mixed to fill and filled a 
 
 " hero's mold," 
 True "stuff" alone could fill it when the "stuff 
 
 had grown cold." 
 
 " Undazzled, tranquil, useful, scorning to be 
 
 more," 
 With glory at command, a hero's highest score. 
 Patriotism and liberty were his inspiration, 
 To found humanity's home, a righteous Nation. 
 
 A reform asylum, the " motley dregs " to save. 
 Whose flight from tyranny, sought safety o'er 
 the wave. 
 
i63 
 
 Yes, half of Erin's suffering sons banished in 
 
 distress, 
 Are freemen here, our hero's name revere and 
 
 bless. 
 
 Here, alone, can Worth step from an humble, 
 rude hearthstone, 
 
 Into a scat like Washington's, Freedom's glori- 
 ous throne. 
 
 Christian virtue and wisdom must test the man 
 to govern ; 
 
 With these inherent traits the humblest man's a 
 sovereign. 
 
 A BED'S SOLILOQUY. 1887. 
 
 O, muse of all muses! Come, inspire my lay; 
 Come soul, thrill my pen in a multiphase way. 
 Fancy, arrange facts into beauty's bouquet. 
 And light up my page with historical ray. 
 
 Since I was begotten to give mortals rest. 
 
 All ages, sex, classes, embrace me with zest. 
 
 O, the tears ! the sobs and the pains were told by 
 
 them ! 
 O, the loves, the kisses, the dallyings of Hymen ! 
 
164 
 
 The light gossip of girls and their love-longing 
 
 dreams, 
 Aspirations of vigor, Ambition's wild gleams; 
 The plannings of business, the schemings of 
 
 crime, 
 Repentings, resolves for redeeming lost time. 
 
 To pen all I've heard of these would be prolix. 
 In fanciful minds hints of these I would fix. 
 Yet, pages might be penned of profitable read- 
 in <t 
 If to past experience the future gave heeding. 
 
 Of the prayers and the pleadings of true piety, 
 O, cull and arrange from my rare variety. 
 The cooings, cryings and kickings of childhood, 
 The soothing and small-talk of Ma. in her mild- 
 mood. 
 
 Youth's repetition of prayers before sleeping. 
 While some rare sport in their minds they are 
 
 keeping. 
 " Now-I-lay-me " — what fun I had with Bob's 
 
 billy-goat. 
 " Down-to-sleep " — to-morrow I'll sail my new 
 
 boat. 
 
i65 
 
 Dreamy girl's cogitations on dressing her doll, 
 Feigning motherly cares, momentous, if small. 
 The sweet, blooming maids, how I enjoyed the 
 
 embrace 
 Of their soft, silken tresses and sweet, smiling 
 
 face. 
 
 Their sweet dreams of love Angelethe would 
 
 enchant, 
 To me in soft murmurs their secrets descant. 
 Her breath was the incense to Angelethe I gave. 
 For lips' dewy nectar and tongue's modest 
 
 quave. 
 
 For virtue infused in her heart, true and warm. 
 For blush-bloom in cheeks and rare grace to 
 
 her form. 
 The whisperings of angels while hovering on 
 
 wing. 
 To guard her while sleeping, Heaven's blessing 
 
 they sing. 
 
 Winning love's sweet secrets from her soul- 
 freighted sighs, 
 
 Like the incense of roses when dew in vapors 
 rise. 
 
1 66 
 
 Her alabaster bosom, swelling like the sea, 
 In her modest slumbers of swell-serenity. 
 
 Hearts-ease's fragrant breath, sweet lips were set 
 
 to measure, 
 Distilling honey-dew as their toll of the treasure. 
 Angels on care-vigils, curling her soft tresses. 
 Kissing fairest cheeks, give rose-tints for caresses. 
 
 She dreams of strolling now in Eden's flowery 
 
 dell. 
 Listening to manly voice — hush ! oh, I must not 
 
 tell! 
 Dream is o'er, angels gone, she opens her liquid 
 
 eyes. 
 As disparting silver clouds displays the azure 
 
 skies. 
 
 She stretches shapely limbs, takes a lung-testing 
 
 yawn. 
 And leaves my soft embrace as fresh and fair as 
 
 dawn. 
 My morning gymnast training she gives with 
 
 energy, 
 Patting, smoothing, dressing, she cares for me I 
 
 see. 
 
167 
 
 Budding manhood, with spirit so noble and 
 brave, 
 
 Sought repose, to replenish, on the comfort I 
 gave. 
 
 O, his musing of ardent, noble aspirations ; — 
 
 Yes, I've learned the language of his heart's pal- 
 pitations. 
 
 Of sweet love, of worth's attainments and of 
 
 fame's glory, 
 Angelethe and I are all that know the story. 
 Except what guardian angels hear to their 
 
 amazement, 
 And that is carried hence, for future, searching 
 
 gaze meant. 
 
 Hear ! Love is the animating motor of life. 
 Which prompts all endeavor for success in strife; 
 The fountain of hope, that gives lustre to the eye. 
 The food of the faith that will conquer or die. 
 
 As the streams from love's fountain are virtuous, 
 
 pure, 
 Heart's healthy pulsations reveal it most sure. 
 The whispers of angels are happy and free; 
 ¥di\v fortune will waft him o'er life's troubled sea. 
 
1 68 
 
 His love thoughts and dreams, however ardent 
 they be, 
 
 Show love, the magnet needle that points pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Except when true and ardent, it has been in vain, 
 
 Angelethe weeps at Despair's sad refrain. 
 
 Ah ! last night he was restless, troubled, full of 
 sighs, 
 
 His breast like troubled billows, where disap- 
 pointment plies. 
 
 I soothed and cooled his fever and quelled tor- 
 menting fear; 
 
 I promised that a penitent would still be his dear. 
 
 Heigh-ho ! I see to-night he has paved o'er the 
 
 fray ; 
 His spirits light and cheery, as merry birds in 
 
 May. 
 Their hearts are now plighted, their vows are 
 
 now pledged, 
 Their faith is now fathomless, new hopes have 
 
 been fledged. 
 
 Angelethe draws it from each dreamy head, 
 That I must prim up prink for them when they 
 wed. 
 
169 
 
 Their spirits effervesce like soda in acid, 
 Soothing dreams of delight must settle them 
 placid. 
 
 Angelethe fills pillows with poppy bloom rare, 
 Tincture of sopor blossoms she sprinkles with care. 
 I new-fledged soft flushes of pure eider-down, 
 And wove, of lotus-flowers, a fancy nuptial gown. 
 
 The lovely, lily-bride, demure in my embrace. 
 Her quaint anticipation is flushing her fair face. 
 Her hero-groom appears with noble, manly mien. 
 Discreet fidelity must now arrange the screen. 
 
 These are sacred scenes fidelity must seal. 
 Wed and learn the lore which I must not reveal. 
 Like boys who skip some chores, I skip the 
 
 honeymoon, 
 I must preserve its secrets in my funny rune. 
 
 Playful colts, well broken, get down to steady 
 work. 
 
 Students recreate for hard studies that may irk. 
 
 More serious phase of feelings the fond pair 
 now express, 
 
 God bless them as they show a zeal for righteous- 
 ness. 
 12 
 
I70 
 
 I will woo sweet sleep with my downiest inesse, 
 Delighted with their dreams of fidelity's caress. 
 Just after they retire, and just before they rise, 
 Prayers and pledges intertwine, and rise beyond 
 the skies. 
 
 His resolves ambitious she tones with seasoning. 
 
 Acts of merits must result from combined reason- 
 ing. 
 
 In life's turmoils, human nature must vent snap- 
 pish ire. 
 
 Foolish oft, they let it snap strings off love's 
 mystic lyre. 
 
 Then I hear heart's saddest sighs receive her 
 
 hottest tears. 
 Hear the heart's sick moans, begotten of faithless 
 
 fears. 
 I, with lulling wiles and Angelcthe's treat. 
 Restore to languishing love her precious paraclete; 
 
 As dews refresh the flowers, distilled on them at 
 
 dawn. 
 As playful kids suck vigor from mother of the 
 
 fawn. 
 
171 
 
 As refreshing drink from a fountain cool and clear, 
 To thirsty, famished mortals, infusing life and 
 cheer. 
 
 Sorry confession and new vows of devotion, 
 Joy beguiles the sweetest smiles of love's pure 
 
 lotion. 
 Soft whispers disclose buds of maternal affection. 
 Smiles of elation entwine with sighs of dejection. 
 
 Sighs of soul wells from depths greater than 
 
 nuptial love, 
 Hopes of faith in God's Grace mounts to Heaven 
 
 above. 
 Angels bring on fleetest wing cordials for the 
 
 trial ; 
 To such fervor in distress Grace gives no denial. 
 
 Glorious is a victory to one almost vanquished; 
 Refreshing is substantial feast to one almost 
 
 famished ; 
 Genial is the sunshine following a storm. 
 K'k.Q.x pain, joy and peace animate her fair form. 
 
 Maternal affection's warming wine now flushes; 
 Paternal pride alternates lofty airs with blushes ; 
 
1/2 
 
 Mother queen soon surrenders unto baby her 
 
 throne ; 
 King Papa, by the lordlct, is soon a subject 
 
 known. 
 
 Hence I must witness much full-grown mortal 
 
 folly, 
 Over the cutest little cherub, Yaw^ Jolly ; 
 Hours of exuberant spirits, so frolicky. 
 Scenes of restless freaks, mad squalls and storms 
 
 colicky. 
 
 The anxious and tender caresses of Ma. 
 The sputtering silliness and small-talk of Pa. 
 Angelethe smiles, then soothes with lulling pity. 
 Ma, with soft caresses, warbles prayerful ditty. 
 
 Then nurturing angels fold the bud in their em- 
 brace. 
 
 And flush God's Spirit temple with most charm- 
 ing grace. 
 
 When rest and sleep have lavished vigor for 
 health action, 
 
 Its waking bloom breathes joy for the home's 
 attraction. 
 
173 
 
 The little king issues his mandates so wildly, 
 The parents submit to his tyranny so mildly. 
 Acquirements of growth and health revel their 
 
 desiring ; 
 Anon, angels with baby seem to be conspiring. 
 
 'Till baby lacks nothing, excepting the wings. 
 To speed with the seraphs, when dawn of day 
 
 springs. 
 His warbling, child wisdom, attempting to talk, 
 His waddling wariness attempting to walk ; 
 
 Electrifying parents to prolong the fun, 
 
 ' Till rampant youth require, restraint must be 
 
 begun. 
 Various phases of such scenes will be repeated. 
 Modified by feelings, which time has changed, 
 
 or cleated; 
 
 With each infant /<7<r/ till the family quota's filled, 
 Then sage plans, that each one for usefulness is 
 
 skilled. 
 Sad scenes, when each darling sets out to found 
 
 new home. 
 Tears and prayers for him who far off 'mong 
 
 straneers roam. 
 
174 
 
 Hope and sorrow blended, for loved ones taken 
 
 by death. 
 Changed tones of pain, grief, joy, I note on Age's 
 
 breath, 
 When fledgelings all have flown and desolate 
 
 the nest. 
 Resignation teaches God's marvelous ways are 
 
 best. 
 
 Their firm, implicit trust is in the Saviour's name : 
 
 Their souls, affliction tried, yet stronger faith be- 
 came. 
 
 Infirmities confine them day and night to me; 
 
 The Comforter comes soothing, showing Grace 
 so free. 
 
 The Spirit ever willing, mortal ever weak ; 
 Offenses are reviewed, pardon for each one seek. 
 Each offense is canceled by atoning Blood of 
 
 Love. 
 The soul with joy entranced wafts to its home 
 
 above. 
 
175 
 
 LIFE EPITOME. 1887. 
 
 The dimpled darling, mother's arms did swing, 
 A bursting bud, in bare, plump arms of Spring. 
 Sucking life-nurture in blush-blooming doses ; 
 She dandled it on dew-fresh beds of roses. 
 
 Fit dedication for the soul's fair temple, 
 
 Which fairy, naiad-likc, springs up from wem- 
 
 dell. 
 The spirit-wedded flesh infusing beauty, 
 Will blush and bloom and grow for filial duty. 
 
 But ere the happy union finds maturity, 
 The canker, sin, saps lustre from the eye. 
 The soul, to sorrow giving vent, will seek 
 With pearly tears to trespass on the cheek. 
 
 The bloom then fades and withers, carving 
 wrinkles, 
 . The healthy muscles, pinching pain soon crinkles; 
 The noble form shrinks sadly with disease ; 
 The soul, repenting, must seek Grace for ease. 
 God's Grace alone can wasted life renew. 
 To bloom eternal. Trust God and be true. 
 
1/6 
 
 O Law ! art thou silent ? perverted so cruel ? 
 With Justice dependent thou crushest the jewel. 
 To Heaven cry out like the shed-blood of Abel, 
 For selfish perversions by agents so sable. 
 
 God's angel of vengeance must come in his fury, 
 On murderers of Justice misleading 3. jury. 
 Let justice, strict justice, be reverenced by all. 
 Then showers of blessings on mankind will fall. 
 
 1887. 
 
 HOME! 1887. 
 
 Home ! desolations have blighted thy bloom, 
 Sad are thy mists and thy mazes of gloom. 
 
 When shall thy su7i arise, 
 
 Dispelling gloomy sighs, 
 
 Blooming hope light my eyes, 
 Faith's crowning plume. 
 
 Home! memory's jewel of the bright past ! 
 Halcyon days before infamy's blast. 
 
 Shall thy joys ere renew, 
 
 Shall peace and pleasure true, 
 
 Distill as Heaven's dew, 
 Sweet Home at last ? 
 
177 
 
 AUTUMN. 1887. 
 
 Dame Autumn's smiling, smoky features, 
 Serenely greeting busy creatures. 
 With tranquil, warm and charming grace, 
 While scarce a frown passed o'er her face; 
 Until industrious man secured 
 Abundant crops she had matured. 
 
 Her house in order for her exit, 
 King Winter chills her heart to vex it, 
 And folds her in white, fleecy shroud, 
 Sings her requiem shrill and loud. 
 
 Good farmers round domestic hearth, 
 With crops secure in mood for mirth. 
 Unite in heart-felt thanksgiving, 
 Prepared to welcome Winter King. 
 Adieu ! your cycle has run by; 
 We smile, we weep, we too must die. 
 
 "CONSIDER THE LILIES." 1887. 
 
 As God decks the lilies with glory and beauty, 
 He cares for His poor who are faithful in duty. 
 The humble in spirit to His Kingdom are heirs. 
 The mourners find comfort of joy for all cares. 
 
The meek shall inherit the earth, by Grace willed. 
 The hungry and thirsty with righteousness filled. 
 The merciful ones shall God's mercy obtain. 
 To the pure in heart Love's attractions are plain. 
 
 Blessed arc the dear, peaceful children of God, 
 Who for righteousness' sake feel persecution's 
 
 rod. 
 In their beauty the flowers reflect Divine favors, 
 Their fragrant influence greets all as sweet savors. 
 
 Nature's censers with incense perfuming the air. 
 Beautiful devotion to duty everywhere. 
 Such devotion the humblest home will adorn. 
 Give to the lowly heart the freshness of morn ; 
 
 Diffuse sacred influence, silent but sure, 
 Affecting all hearts with respect for the pure. 
 Heaven's showers of Grace and the sunshine of 
 
 Love, 
 Renovates such souls for the Kingdom above. 
 
 SONGSTER SYMBOLS. 1887. 
 
 The silver-tinted dove is the symbol of innocence. 
 Meekness and modesty, free from faintest offense. 
 
179 
 
 Meadow-larks arc symbols of man's aspirations, 
 Gayly soaring and settling, with fancy's mutations. 
 
 Robins arc symbols of domestic devotion, 
 Fidelity's cheerful notes void of vain notion. 
 
 Humming birds are symbols of luxury and love; 
 Humming love, while sipping sweets from beauty 
 trove. 
 
 Jay-birds are symbols of man's pride in vain show, 
 Calling the attention of all as they go. 
 
 Tom-tits, symbols of gossiper's stealthy prying, 
 Seeking fellows' faults, in sly ways so trying. 
 
 Sparrows are symbols of man's selfish cruelty. 
 Persecuting virtue, to drive it from the lea. 
 
 Crows are symbols of carrion propensity ; 
 Friend's lapse in virtue traits, they pick vora- 
 ciously. 
 
 Hawks are symbols of sly, avaricious greed ; 
 Deceiving, grasping and devouring is their creed. 
 
 Eagles are sjMiibols of man's faith in Jesus' Love, 
 "Mounting up as eagles," soars to the home 
 above. 
 
i8o 
 
 EVANESCENT. 1887. 
 
 Oh ! where are all the summer flowers, 
 Which beautified this land of ours ? 
 Which kindled lustre in our eyes, 
 Which charmed all hearts where feeling lies, 
 Which penciled smiles on serene features, 
 Awakened joy in weary creatures ; 
 Which won our souls from turmoil's gloom. 
 To think of Heaven's eternal bloom, 
 Where souls bloom like the rod of Aaron, 
 Fragrant praise to the Rose of Sharon. 
 
 Dead ! gone, their glory departed ; 
 Such mission have the contrite-hearted. 
 Meek beauty charms with fragrant love. 
 To win the wise for joys above. 
 
 TRIALS. 1887. 
 
 Soul, your home's beyond the sky; 
 Crown of life awaits on high. 
 
 Faith has wrought. 
 Tribulations here attend, 
 Sorrows with this life shall end, 
 Jesus shall from foes defend. 
 
 Falter not. 
 
mi 
 
 Lean upon the Saviour's Love. 
 Cross below, joy's crown above. 
 
 Persevere. 
 Shield of Faith with left hand hold, 
 Salvation your head enfold, 
 Sword of God's Word wielding bold, 
 
 Path cleave clear. 
 
 Faith hath trials manifold, 
 
 They more precious are than gold 
 
 Purified. 
 Love is true which trials lave, 
 Faith grows strong in trial's wave. 
 For the perishing soul to save, 
 
 Jesus died. 
 
 Saved from perils most severe. 
 Fills the soul with joy sincere. 
 
 Deep and broad. 
 A new life will in us spring, 
 New devotion to our Kine. 
 Glory's joys will make us sing 
 
 Praise to God. 
 
1 82 
 
 LOSS AND COMPENSATION. 1887. 
 
 For each loss some compensation, 
 Springs up in clear duty's way, 
 
 Bringing flowers of expectation, 
 
 Bearing fruits of consolation. 
 Let content crown every day. 
 
 Plats lose sunshine, gaining showers, 
 
 Much refreshed they are thereby. 
 Losing Summer's verdant bowers, 
 Autumn's luscious fruits are ours. 
 Winter's comforts satisfy. 
 
 Growing youth find new desires 
 
 Crowding out past hopes of joy. 
 Each attainment but requires 
 New scenes, as new hope inspires 
 Progress in a worthy boy. 
 
 Manhood laughs at lost allurements, 
 
 Memory must oft peruse. 
 Ambitious at fame's procurements. 
 Treasures, pleasures paying sure rents, 
 
 Love, his monitor and muse. 
 
i83 
 
 Age calls manhood follies madness. 
 
 Vanity, all worldly strife. 
 Past attractions views with sadness. 
 Soul's attainments give pure gladness. 
 
 Compensation, crown of Life. 
 
 TO MISS R. M. ON HER CHRISTMAS 
 GIFT. 1887. 
 
 May kind emotions in our hearts, 
 
 As your gift bloom bright and fair. 
 Those buds and bloom of waxen arts, 
 Let mind copy in all life's marts, 
 Let fragrance, Christian cheer imparts, 
 Be our influence everywhere. 
 
 Fair Miss Rose 
 
 My strain thus flows. 
 In midwinter of Death's reign, 
 Grace came pitying vian in pain. 
 Gave, incarnate, Son of Love, 
 From the realms of bliss above; 
 That He might all souls redeem, 
 From the depths of sin's foul stream. 
 
i84 
 
 Precious gift, to mortals dear, 
 Instituting Christmas cheer. 
 Precious anniversary; 
 May all seek His Grace so free. 
 Let gifts spread love's influence. 
 God's gift merits confidence. 
 
 My dear friend. Rev. J. T. Brownlee, 
 Whose devotion God will crown free. 
 Gave me God's own words of Life ; 
 Sure guide through this world of strife. 
 
 And I'm sure his prayers attend it. 
 For the Comforter, He'll send it. 
 God has given the Promise, true. 
 With His Spirit gives life new. 
 
 Next a faithful. Christian brother, 
 True to training of his mother, 
 Gave a muffler of soft silk, 
 Endeared by pure friendship milk. 
 Choice of her I much esteem. 
 Honor for her worth should gleam. 
 It excites emotions bland ; 
 Quotes, " Whose fan is in His hand." 
 
i85 
 
 Next, rare rose-buds and full blown; 
 Gift, with art's perfection shown. 
 On a Christmas errand sent, 
 By a Rose of blandishment. 
 
 Oh, may grace and beauty glow. 
 May Heaven's favor floss bestow. 
 May health tint the blooming cheeks. 
 May soul find content it seeks, 
 In the Rose of mortal mold. 
 Blooming in the family fold. 
 
 Friendship gifts are graven letters, 
 Time endears their golden fetters; 
 Sight, licnce, reads a fond heart's feeling, 
 Soft response through space goes stealing. 
 Oh, the ties that kindness weaves ! 
 Ah ! how such ties severed, grieves ! 
 Yet, all worthy ties, and true. 
 With the saints we will renew. 
 
 By God's inexorable law. 
 Death sweeps close upon eclat. 
 Life and Death are each pursuing ; 
 Death's throes are but Life renewing. 
 13 
 
i86 
 
 The aged year's proud mission filled, 
 Its heart by Death's cold clasp is stilled. 
 Nature, annual undertaker, 
 Faithfijl friend, would not forsake her. 
 
 Hired fine artists of the sky, 
 To weave a shroud their skill they ply. 
 Strewed in myriad flakes, fair flowers. 
 Blinding waves of snow in showers. 
 
 Each flake carved with charming grace, 
 Fitting ornament in place. 
 Robing faithful eighty-seven. 
 Watching o'er death-bed at even. 
 
 Sky's sad visage, vigil keeping, 
 Gave emotion vent in weeping. 
 Tears fell fast on Death's night-shade. 
 As the year in the grave was laid. 1887. 
 
 AFFECTION. 1888. 
 
 As the true magnet seeks the Pole ; 
 As negatives are positives' goal ; 
 As gravity-centre attracts 
 All the bodies on which it acts ; 
 
18; 
 
 As desire greets gratification ; 
 
 As hope finds illumination, 
 
 Affinities in human kind, 
 
 Will each attract and fondly bind. 
 
 And when soul mates a soul most truly, 
 
 The golden bands arc burnished duly. 
 
 Traits of mind have mystic cement, 
 For traits in others of agreement. 
 Some traits twine in fondest friendship. 
 When apart, electric wend slips. 
 Where tender traits form closest union. 
 Soul fosters soul by free communion. 
 'Twixt such souls are electric wires, 
 Conveying influence which inspires. 
 
 The woven threads of heart's afifection, 
 Like spider-webs of close annexion. 
 Enveloping this world of ours. 
 Each severed thread to Heaven towers. 
 The spirit-light, tenacious tie. 
 Will waft itself through ether high. 
 
 Affection's ties that bind below, 
 
 When snapped, connect with Heaven, we know. 
 
 To wean wild souls from worldly cares. 
 
 To think of One that loss repairs. 
 
Soul's sad longings then upward glide. 
 Grace gives Faith in the Glorified. 
 Affections are thus sanctified, 
 By the Blood of the Lamb that died. 
 
 WIND. 1888. 
 
 O, ye flying winds, so eager, 
 
 On what errand are ye sent ? 
 When with violent powers of vigor, 
 Or of force and motion meagre, 
 Constancy and life are blent. 
 
 What delirious dreams must haunt you, 
 
 Wildly, wanton, savage, mad. 
 What ecstatic powers descant you. 
 What hclvetic hopes enchant you, 
 Powers in viewless robes art clad. 
 
 Soothing sjDirit of the air — pure. 
 
 Breathing health and bloom in life. 
 But a demon when you dare — sure. 
 Ravage with fantastic fair — lure. 
 Spirit of demoniac strife. 
 
189 
 
 May-day zephyrs wafting fragrance, 
 
 Sipped from flower-cups rare and sweet; 
 Rioting with summer-storm vagrants, 
 Or, with winter-bloom on such gay rants, 
 All respect )'our personal treat. 
 
 Wind ! so restless, ever racing, 
 
 On persistently it flies. 
 Whether eager fancy chasing, 
 Or, as modest zephyrs pacing, 
 
 Should it stop to rest it dies. 
 
 Justice {on the bench). 
 Mercy {Attorney for plaintiff). 
 
 Guilt is arraigned for assaulting innocence ; 
 Justice is seeking impartial evidence; 
 Mercy is beaming her rays of lenience ; 
 Malice sweats excess of hot malevolence. 
 
 Innocence's cliarge. 
 
 Guilt came a-courting me in my budding days, 
 Sought to force my bloom by his wooing, magic 
 ways. 
 
190 
 
 Charmed with polished arts and captivating 
 
 smiles, 
 Won me to his wishes with captivating wiles. 
 His promises were pleasing, firing ecstasy, 
 The stolen sweets were mellis, electrifying me. 
 When he had me fettered, he left me to myself 
 Then imagination saw a frightful elf; 
 Tingling my features with the burning blush of 
 
 shame. 
 For my outraged virtue and blight upon my name. 
 
 Guilt now returned with redoubled animation. 
 Conscience angel binds with opiate potation. 
 After I became Guilt's captive he abused me; 
 All in vain my pleadings, pity he refused me. 
 Helpless, hopeless, broken heart' bleeding its dis- 
 tress, 
 I trust, Eternal Justice, in thy righteousness. 
 
 Guilt's anszvcr. 
 
 Not guilty! your Honor! the charges all are 
 
 false. 
 I'll prove that I have been the victim of her halse. 
 She is a shamming prude, insinuating, sly; 
 To all her base charges I'll prove an alibi. 
 
191 
 
 (Malice, full of insolence, prompting Guilt with 
 
 winks). 
 Prove sJie hired mc from virtue into Crime's foul 
 
 sinks. 
 
 Mercy. 
 
 Your Honor! the essence of noble Innocence, 
 Is Virtue's chaste assent to human confidence. 
 Can't imagine treason in a human heart. 
 Can't procure a witness to prove the traitor's art. 
 While Guilt conceals designs beneath a charming 
 
 grace. 
 Chums, in foulest crimes, swear to suit their case. 
 We must be confined to plaintiffs positive oath. 
 And to prior conduct and character of both. 
 Her charge is the truth, I'll risk reputation on it; 
 It rings veracity like rhythm in a sonnet. 
 I shall not subject her to brow-beating Malice. 
 Truth is seldom mixed in his murky chalice. 
 I'll show her private life in corroboration, 
 By unbiased truths of Duty and Devotion. 
 
 Duty {witness for Innocence^. 
 
 Yes, I know the plaintiff, my dear, familiar friend ; 
 Once so cheerful, faithful, fearing to offend. 
 
192 
 
 Faithful yet, although she is embodied sadness. 
 She used to run with me a merry round of glad- 
 ness. 
 I don't know defendant — he's an utter stranger, 
 He resembles Reprobate, who became a ranger. 
 
 Malice {cross-qjLcstions). 
 
 How long have I known her? Since she was a 
 
 child. 
 No ! she was dutiful, her language ne'er defiled. 
 In natural, moral and Christian obligations. 
 She desired and won my hearty commendations. 
 
 Devotion {zvitncss for Imioccnce). 
 
 Yes, I know the plaintiff as joyful Innocence, 
 Daily she embraces me in prayerful penitence. 
 Formerly her services had a joyous phase; 
 Latterly, she sighs, moans and piteously prays. 
 No, I don't know defendant ; he is not of those 
 Who seek the throne of Grace, a refuge from all 
 woes. 
 
 Malice {cross-questions). 
 
 Who am I ? Honor — in all worthy creatures. 
 Who seek their Creator to burnish their features. 
 
193 
 
 Honor? Essence of Justice, Spirit of Love, 
 Paying homage to God in His gloiy above. 
 No ! Malice and Guilt are consigned to the realms 
 Of Moloch and Misery whom Satan overwhelms. 
 
 Malice {Attorney for Guilt). 
 
 Your Honor ! my humble client, the defendant, 
 Is a prominent citizen, yet dependent 
 On judicial discretion, to shield his good name 
 From charges of infamy brought by this dame. 
 By 071C having lost all respect for her sex. 
 
 Justice. 
 
 Use respectful language, or my patience you'll 
 vex. 
 
 Malice. 
 
 Honored Sir, my client will prove an alibi. 
 Such charges degrade him in the public eye. 
 Plaintiff was an habitue of the lowest den. 
 
 Justice. 
 Facts do not sustain you ; desist, I say again. 
 
194 
 
 Guilt {his oivn ivitness). 
 
 Yes, I know the plaintiff, misnamed Innocence, 
 I've seen her enter haunts where vice has prefer- 
 ence; 
 I've seen her in company with gay Libertine, 
 When Duty called me off to fields of purer green. 
 I saw her in charge of the keeper of a dive. 
 Just as I set out through health-park to take a 
 drive. 
 
 Mercy {ci'oss-qiicstioii). 
 Do you know the witnesses for the prosecution? 
 
 Guilt. 
 No, sir! they are frauds! giddy folks' delusion! 
 
 Libertine {witness for Guilt). 
 
 Yes, I met the plaintiff on the pic-nic park, 
 When Guilt and I were out on a merry lark. 
 I found her very giddy, simple, full of talk. 
 She thanked me profusely for our pleasant walk. 
 
 Mercy {cross-q7iestioii). 
 You are the active agent pandering to Guilt? 
 
195 
 Libertine. 
 
 Yes, I sip the sweets of beauty's charms until 
 
 they wilt. 
 When their beauty fades I drop them on the 
 
 street, 
 Where the low-bred vultures find in them a treat. 
 
 . Sport [witness for Guilt). 
 
 Yes, I knew Innocence before she was betrayed, 
 A simple smug of sweets, deliciously assayed. 
 Soon the moping, soiled dove, moaning in our 
 
 snare. 
 With voluptuous Guilt became the common w are. 
 Soon did she become a toy to jovial jeers, 
 Her sunken cheeks became a sewer for her tears. 
 
 Mercv {cross-quest io)i). 
 
 You hold Truth and Virtue as foes you would 
 despoil ? 
 
 Sport. 
 
 Yes, to preen our pleasure, we mould them in 
 our moil. 
 
196 
 
 Malice. 
 
 Your Honor! let's sum up the /ac^s clearly proven. 
 We have rent the flimsy web this zoench has woven. 
 
 Justice {sternly). 
 Deliver your address with proper circumspection. 
 
 Malice. 
 
 Your Honor grants my right to emphatic inflec- 
 tion ? 
 
 My client, Guilt, is the pattern of propriety, 
 
 The Prince in politics, Leader in society. 
 
 The King of amusements, the fountain of Fashion. 
 
 Lord Luck in all business, with Liberty's sash on. 
 
 He is the Prince of Pleasure, his pageantry man- 
 kind, 
 
 He conquered this world, willing subjects serve 
 him blind. 
 
 He out-generaled God in the garden of Eden, 
 
 When Eve ate Guilt's apple with his fecund seed 
 in. 
 
 Behold this honored hero! the plaintiff would 
 degrade ! 
 
 But Libertine and Sport prove her's a futile raid, 
 
 Let the plaintiff's charges back on her be hurled. 
 
 Acquit my client, demands the spell-bound world. 
 
197 
 
 Mercy. 
 
 The many pungent points in Malice's address, 
 
 Your Honor will perceive, and will direct their 
 stress. 
 
 His eulogy of Guilt some sad facts doth unfold; 
 
 They ^xo. perverse facts that " dim the finest gold." 
 
 To Guilt \\\Qyxc fatal facts, with Wisdom's attest. 
 
 And with Wisdom's counsel you happily are blest. 
 
 Guilt's testimony is a perjured mess of guilt. 
 
 He refers to Duty as his familiar lilt. 
 
 Then he swears he knows him not, calling him a 
 fraud ; 
 
 His essence guilt. Ids oath is guilt, condemned 
 alike of God. 
 
 Libertine swears himself a pandcrer to Guilt 
 
 By sapping Virtue's life and causing it to wilt. 
 
 Sport, on oath, confessed himself Truth and 
 Virtue's foe. 
 
 Wiping out his evidence with one fatal bloiv. 
 
 Of Duty and Devotion all deny a knowledge, 
 
 Standard principles of truth, known in every col- 
 lege. 
 
 Not a single word of truth in defendant's favor. 
 
 Plaintiff's case is strengthened by perjiirys en- 
 deavor. 
 
198 
 
 Plaintiff's charges stand in Truth's eternal letters, 
 
 Showing ruthful Innocence bound by Guilt's vile 
 fetters. 
 
 Robbed of the virtues that gracefully adorn it, 
 
 Clothed with robe of shame that selfishness may 
 scorn it. 
 
 For such dire distress "Truth and Mercy met to- 
 gether" 
 
 On the Cross — " Righteousness and Peace kissed 
 each other." 
 
 Duty and Devotion confirm the charges true, 
 
 God's eternal witnesses, and His children's too. 
 
 Let Grace, Infinite Love, deliver your decision. 
 
 Sentence Guilt to Death. Give Innocence Elysian. 
 
 Justice {sentence). 
 
 Guilt has long enslaved all earthly innocence. 
 Involving it in Woe's eternal influence. 
 Dishonoring all my Divine attributes. 
 Justice is satisfied ojilj as Grace commutes. 
 Lamb of God upon the Altar-Cross was sacrificed. 
 Justifying sinful souls who wonld be paradiced. 
 All who seek in Grace the power from guilt to 
 
 free, 
 Attended by Devotion and Duty constantly, 
 
199 
 
 Shall receive the welcome, " Enter into Rest," 
 Saved by thy Substitute, Saviour of the blest. 
 Guilt, you are condemned as Heaven's eternal foe ; 
 Eternal confinement in Satan's realm of woe. 
 
 1888. 
 
 FAITH. 1888. 
 
 Righteous Noah believed God's word, 
 Floods awful roaring h\s faith licard. 
 Terror-struck world, climbing high trees. 
 Floods overflowing dM, faith sees. 
 
 Live faith keeps a chest full of tools, 
 Hope hews close to the line God rules. 
 Obedience constructing .the Ark, 
 Salvation shines through long years dark. 
 
 A long life of "faith by works" and trust. 
 Christian assurance, God is just. 
 O ! what a glorious recompense, 
 Safe in the ark of confidence. 
 
 Mad elements, God's battling host. 
 Have turned to wailing man's proud boast. 
 O! agonizing, heart-felt terror! 
 Mankind all drowned in damnincj error. 
 
200 
 
 Sailing safe o'er a drowning world, 
 Under the banner God unfurled; 
 Landed safe on the new-born land, 
 Faith has attained the prize so grand. 
 
 Abraham's faith had instant trial, 
 Which proved his heart a golden vial. 
 " Up to faith's mountain altar start. 
 Sacrifice the love of thy heart." 
 
 The loving boy thrilled heart's affection, 
 Asking for the lamb of election. 
 Faith trusted God to make provision, 
 While works raised the blade of incision. 
 
 " Hold ! faith performed heroic part. 
 Slay this ram, you offered your heart." 
 O! what joys on the vision dart, 
 Rapture sweet overruns his heart. 
 
 Faith, giving all at God's command, 
 Giving the heart in a willing hand. 
 Will for the deed doth Grace employ, 
 To fill the soul with peace and joy. 
 Abraham's faith, with obedient stress. 
 Were counted to him for righteousness. 
 
20I 
 
 Joshua's "works" were "faith's" chromo, 
 Carried around walled Jericho. 
 His work was simple obedience, 
 Proving 2l faith of great consequence. 
 
 He blew faith-bullets through ram's horns, 
 Seven days' repetition adorns 
 His implicit faith in God's word. 
 With the last blast a tlmd is heard. 
 And Jericho's walls were laid low, 
 Final and fatal overthrow. 
 
 Faith in God's word — doing command, 
 Ease or sacrifice — is help's hand. 
 Take it for infallible truth ; 
 Warnings, as loving Wisdom's ruth. 
 
 Promises — cups of bliss, faith sees; 
 Hope runs for the " wine on the lees." 
 Charity would have all men believe. 
 And Jesus' dying love receive. 
 
 Faith in Nature men exercise. 
 Subject to freaks, which is most wise. 
 Faith tills the soil and sows the seed, 
 Seeing liarvest will crown the deed. 
 
202 
 
 Faith in the sunbeams, faith in the rain, 
 Faith in the life-germ in the grain, 
 Faith in the soil's fertility, 
 Faith in machine servility. 
 
 Faith is the pith of man's enterprise ; 
 Faith traffics on faith's iron ties. 
 Winter-faith secures Summer stores ; 
 Oil-faith down in earth's bowels bores. 
 
 Faith is the spirit of all labor, 
 Faith is the glory of our neighbor. 
 Faith is the silver tie 'twixt friends, 
 Along which good-will ever wends. 
 
 Faith forms the golden links of love. 
 With material found above. 
 As Love is the true Bread of Life, 
 Carve your supply nozu with faith's knife. 
 
 Your mortal life is one of trust, 
 In vanities, which vanish must. 
 Bubbles, bursting every minute. 
 Like time's best hope, nothing in it. 
 
 Then have implicit faith in God, 
 Ruler of the Universe broad. 
 
203 
 
 Building your Ark with every breath, 
 For safety through the floods of Death. 
 
 It will land in Dejight's fair haven ; 
 
 With the " neiv name'' on your brow graven, 
 
 'Neath the radiant Love-Bow's light, 
 
 No more sorrow, suffering or night. 
 
 But all is joy and peace and glory; 
 
 Heaven is the seal of faith's love-story. 
 
 PRIZE THE MOMENTS. 1888. 
 
 Prize each moment while you may; 
 Find a fresh fact every day. 
 Every moment idly spent 
 Is a dime to failure lent. 
 
 Moments burnished by endeavor, 
 Glow in memory forever. 
 Facts lie hidden all around you, 
 Source of fortune when they're found too. 
 
 Mushroom men of vanity's mist. 
 Glow-worm's visionary gist. 
 Fleet cloud-shadows winged on time, 
 Your death-knell with moments chime. 
 
204 
 
 All the ages since Creation, 
 Time's past phases of mutation, 
 'Till the angel on Time's shore, 
 Shouts, that Time shall be no more. 
 
 But as meteors fleeting by, 
 Rockets speeding to the sky. 
 Compared with Eternity; 
 Launched in which your soul shall be. 
 
 Prize your moments, Jesus take 
 To your heart ; He died to make 
 Satisfaction for your sin, 
 And your home eternal win. 
 
 As He for your soul hath died, 
 In His loving arms abide. 
 Then Eternity may roll 
 Endless joys upon your soul. 
 
 AURORA BOREALIS. 1888. 
 
 In Polar realms where Ice-king reigns, 
 Over impregnable domains 
 Of crystal purity ; 
 
205 
 
 His subjects are the elements ; 
 Their work, erecting battlements, 
 To guard his throne of eminence ; 
 In cold security. 
 
 His silent realm of clear ice-mountains, 
 Is made the source of crystal fountains, 
 
 When comes the king of day; 
 On his annual visit, beaming. 
 His rays on the ice-mountains gleaming, 
 Reflected joys through ether streaming, 
 
 The Northern zone gleams gay. 
 
 Soon the heat by rays conducted, 
 Raise mists, reflection is obstructed, 
 
 Closing the " Northern light." 
 Under favorable conditions. 
 Gleaming, polar exhibitions 
 Of flaming swords as apparitions, 
 
 Attract admiring- sifrht. 
 
 FOUNT AND RILL. 1888. 
 
 Hark ! I hear murmurs of refreshing rhythm, 
 Rippling rapture, from the hill's shady chasm. 
 
2o6 
 
 Let us investigate 
 This embower'd songful-sate, 
 At such a sparkling rate. 
 Harp ! Hquid prism. 
 
 O ! see the silver stream gushing forth free, 
 Hasting, with laugh and song, out on the lea. 
 
 Pure as the air we breathe, 
 
 Clear as mind can conceive, 
 
 Cool as desire could weave. 
 Incessantly. 
 
 God's own pure wine of health, sparkling so 
 
 bright, 
 Cheering, refreshing man's heart with delight. 
 Pleading, " drink freely, dear, 
 I will perception clear. 
 Give to your heart good cheer. 
 Will for the rights 
 
 On ! on runs the sparkling, eddying stream. 
 Sprightly, now pensive, now lost in love's dream. 
 
 Greeting the grassy sod. 
 
 Kissing the flowers that nod. 
 
 Murmuring praise to God, 
 For life's bright gleam. 
 
20/ 
 
 O ! dear babbling brook, why thus haste away 
 To be dammed, to run the mill night and day? 
 
 Losing your lisping song, 
 
 Missing the flowers that throng, 
 
 Only to suffer wrong. 
 Filth for your pay. 
 
 Ah ! you must carry great loads, as a river; 
 Sewers shoot you with filth of city's quiver. 
 
 O ! your sad, sallow face, 
 
 Servile condition — base ! 
 
 In Ocean's salt embrace 
 Soon you will shiver. 
 
 Why not stay here, in sweet, innocent youth ? 
 " Man ! my life and yours, you portrayed in 
 truth. 
 Life runs fleet to Death Ocean. 
 Drinking way-sin's vile potion. 
 Lose grace in murky motion. 
 And love, forsooth." 
 
 " I'll rise again, free from the filthy clay; 
 My spirit soar aloft on Sol's glad ray. 
 
 Then I a saint shall be. 
 
 Sailing the upper sea, 
 
 Cloud-immortality. 
 Happy alway." 
 
208 
 
 O! SAD HOME! i 
 
 ! sad home ! my parched heart and dry eye ! 
 Must I bind on the altar — good bye? 
 
 The boy of my being, pride of my heart ? 
 A heart-broken vagrant, from thee part ? 
 
 Aye ! heart-rending visions, as I roam, 
 Must be mine ! adieu ! desolate home ! 
 Friends, rejecting my pleas, have forsaken. 
 Out of my power action is taken. 
 
 1 must seek solace off among strangers ! 
 Leave my boy to the cold world's dangers ! 
 Banish thoughts of injustice that try ! 
 Courting Nature until I die. 
 
 VALENTINE. 1888. 
 
 The migratory minstrels mate, 
 On their return to genial climes. 
 
 VVheM instinct grows affectionate. 
 
 Their songs are love-notes, valentines. 
 
 Valentine scatters Circe's seeds. 
 Steeped in pure nepenthe essence ; 
 
 Trilling desire to mating deeds. 
 
 To coin feathered-song complements. 
 
209 
 
 Dear love, let's meet the mating time ; 
 Make love's desire in soul-sighs rhyme. 
 Train our hearts' tendrils to entwine 
 In bliss, benison of Valentine. 
 
 THE POET. I 
 
 When Mnemon — the Divine 
 
 In Man ; 
 Doth Mnemosyny entwine, 
 
 To scan 
 God's universe of wonders. 
 Blank Lethe they rely on — 
 
 From sight, 
 O'er home and its environ — 
 
 Spread night. 
 In mystery mind quanders. 
 
 Realms of Time, Space, Heaven's doors. 
 
 Surveys ; 
 Weaving myths of wild explores 
 
 Of maze. 
 Word pictures for posterity. 
 
210 
 
 His friends call him fanatic, 
 
 Or fool. 
 To them, of course, erratic, 
 His school, 
 Miss Erato's — of Poetry. 
 
 POETRY. 1888. 
 
 Poetry is the inflnoicc of perfect art, 
 
 In any of its various branches. 
 Life, literature, labor — science's flower chart. 
 
 True beauty, which being enhances. 
 
 Poetry produces beauty from wild chaos ; 
 
 Utilizing crude mind or matter. 
 Elevating intellect, purging its dross ; 
 
 Gives glory, which life gloom will scatter. 
 
 God's Universe is a most glorious poem. 
 
 Each planet's an eternal verse. 
 The glory of Nature — the charm of our glome. 
 
 Is poetr}' — fragrant and terse. 
 
 Nature plays poetry each annual season, 
 To please appreciative creatures. 
 
211 
 
 Whom God hath endowed with soul powers to 
 reason, 
 And poetry flushes their features. 
 
 Poetry is blossom and fragrance of Grace, 
 
 Animating the soul in mortal. 
 Perfecting soul-fruit for the poetic Place ; 
 
 Through Divine, poetic Love portal. 
 
 VALENTINE. 1888. 
 
 Valentine is fitting out fleets, 
 
 To sail through invisible air, 
 To quicken the tender heart-beats ; 
 
 Awaken desire to pair. 
 
 Each craft is a wreath of love-roses. 
 Decked with pearls of fresh nectar dew. 
 
 Ruddy Cupid within reposes, 
 
 With bow, quiver and arrows true. 
 
 A fleet pair of silver-winged doves, 
 
 Attached and bill-linked, form the prow', 
 
 To seek out most suitable loves — 
 
 Hearts Cupid's trilling darts must plow. 
 
212 
 
 Espying both sweetheart and swain, 
 Flying darts dipped in nectar dew, 
 
 Implant in each heart love's sweet pain, 
 Which ignores all mortals but two. 
 
 Emotion on lines must take wing ; 
 
 Doubt fears the reception with name ; 
 But thinks it the sensible thing, 
 
 That Cupid should reveal the same. 
 
 Mistrusting the sly little rascal, 
 
 'Tis hoped by some secret process — 
 
 Say a minute scale of the mascal — 
 Will prove a convincing witness. 
 
 Thus fond heart by fond heart is rated, 
 Desire — Nature's duty must don. 
 
 When with Divine favor they're mated, 
 The twain may become happy one. 
 
 PEACE. 1888. 
 
 O, Peace! on your majestic sway, 
 Stilling strife, arresting fray. 
 
 Propitiating passion. 
 Dethroning Fury of his glory. 
 Azure hues the Ocean hoary. 
 
213 
 
 Tempests to thy sovereign will, 
 Are enshrined — serenely still, 
 With sympathetic sash on. 
 
 O, Peace ! Divine pacificator. 
 The troubled soul's regenerator. 
 
 Soothes the turbulent breast; 
 Arresting carnal agitation. 
 Makes the heart faith's free oblation. 
 The Peace of God man's passions still. 
 Desires accord with Divine will. 
 
 Eternal his sweet rest. 
 
 BUTTERFLY. 1888. 
 
 Silent beauty on pleasure's wing, 
 Seeking sweets — beauty's offering. 
 Sipping essence of fragrant flowers ; 
 Maturing progeniture powers. 
 
 Coyly flirting with zephyr graces, 
 The breath of beauty slyly traces. 
 Pleasure sated with sweets of beauty, 
 Attends to life's last act of duty. 
 
214 
 
 On a green twig of thrifty tree, 
 Deposits egg minutiae, 
 In pearly globules glutinous, 
 'Gainst Winter vicissitudinous. 
 
 Her spirit in those glossy pearls, 
 At once her beauty fades and furls. 
 Nature, ruled by power supernal. 
 Opens the cells with spirits vernal. 
 
 The brood in egg-bed finds its boards 
 Until fresh leaves their food afford. 
 The mites grow — soon the army brood. 
 In columns march in search of food. 
 
 Aglow with bayonet bristles rare. 
 The branches soon of leaves are bare. 
 Their bristles are their sole defense. 
 And many gratify bird sense. 
 
 But few escape, become recluse. 
 Metamorphose in a way abstruse. 
 Anon, the horrid caterpillar. 
 Becomes the quaintest golden stellar. 
 
 Suspended by firm filament, 
 A living, pendant ornament, 
 
215 
 
 A chrysalis — air pendulum. 
 
 Burst mummy bands — let beauty come 
 
 Forth free, with fascinating hues, 
 The resurrected spirit woos 
 Harmonizing beauty, and sips 
 Nectar from beauty's dewy lips. 
 
 Contentment flits on wings of pleasure, 
 From flower to flower, and honeyed treasure 
 Partakes with poising wings at leisure. 
 Desire fills delight — full measure. 
 
 MILLENNIAL GLORY. 1888. 
 
 "A willing people in Thy Day of Power shall 
 
 come to Thee." 
 Satan will be overcome, chained in the pit shall be. 
 " Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in your 
 
 wings." 
 Shine, all-pervading Influence; glorious Church, 
 
 occasion rings. 
 Clouds of sin must all disperse, their shadows 
 
 flee away, 
 Rays of Light are heralding the dawn of glorious 
 
 Day. 
 
2l6 
 
 Church-camps are all astir — the Spirit-bands 
 
 begin to play. 
 True soldiers of the Cross deploy, with courage 
 
 for the fray. 
 
 Satan in his hosts infuses vigor for the fight, 
 His spies with bribes seek traitors within the 
 
 ranks of Right. 
 Pomp-gold and self-pleasure are his stealthy 
 
 instruments, 
 Insinuating, surely saps the vigor of the saints. 
 
 Discerning eyes of Faith and Zeal detect the 
 
 wicked spies. 
 "Sword of the Spirit," double-edged, will pierce 
 
 the vain disguise. 
 The quickening influence of the Spirit, in saints' 
 
 souls is humming; 
 Victory breathes everywhere, the Prince of Peace 
 
 is coming. 
 
 See the clouds of Glory beaming, 
 
 Rays of Love and Light full gleaming, 
 
 Hosts of shining cherubims, 
 
 Train of glorious seraphims, 
 
 On winds of Power swiftly wings. 
 
 Songs of triumph each one sings. 
 
217 
 
 Lightnings, thunders, earthquakes vent, 
 
 Terrors arc on sinners sent. 
 
 Heaven and Earth with Glory blazes, 
 
 Elements give voice to praises, 
 
 To the King who comes to reign. 
 
 Lamb of God that once was slain. 
 
 King — once criminal of Earth. 
 
 His Crown a Cross of great Worth ; 
 
 His shame — the grace of His Glory ; 
 
 His sorrozvs ring joyful story ; 
 
 His tears — pearled breast-plate of Grace; 
 
 His curse — bright gems in His Face. 
 
 Urim and Thumim of Love 
 
 Crown saints, in shape like a Dove. 
 
 Bridegroom — who for sinners died, 
 
 Comes to claim the Church — His Bride. 
 
 Blessed Bride, your golden base, 
 Gospel of Redeeming Grace. 
 Silver pillars — pleasure milled 
 Promises, Faith hath fulfilled. 
 Roofed with joys of Salvation, 
 Blood-red joys through Jesus won, 
 " Paved with gold " — the Bridegroom's Love 
 For the Bride, His faithful Dove. 
 15 
 
2l8 
 
 Blessed guests — who have been called, 
 " Willing people " Power installed. 
 Satan hath the world enslaved. 
 IVi// is free in ways depraved. 
 But where latent love lies hidden, 
 Conscience oft by it been chidden, 
 Feels its lost and hopeless state, 
 Longs for poiver to save from Hate, 
 There the Spirit enters thrilling 
 New-born life, a soul made willing. 
 
 The Devil is caught, with a chain he is bound. 
 Locked in the pit 'till a " thousand years roll 
 
 round." 
 O ! sweet Peace on Earth ! Mortal Felicity ! 
 Wisdom and Virtue in pristine simplicity. 
 The Bride, the One oracle of all mankind. 
 Devotion in her, with desire is entwined. 
 
 Integrity, Love and Good-will will prevail. 
 Chastity and Innocence none will assail. 
 Conjugal fidelity — filial obedience, 
 Domestic prosperity's rich competence. 
 
 Health, strength and enjoyment in all ways of 
 
 life, 
 Harmony and happiness free from all strife. 
 
219 
 
 All business and duty but sources of pleasure. 
 The " Pearl of great Price " fills all sense of 
 treasure. 
 
 All animal life — to give comfort and ease, 
 Will flourish and fatten, with greatest increase. 
 Vegetables, grain, fruits and flowers will 
 
 flourish, 
 Desire to fill, mind or mortal to nourish. 
 
 Neither crime nor vice will ever more be 
 known. 
 
 Wisdom, virtue and love all hearts will en- 
 throne. 
 
 Prisons, locks and keys will become obsolete, 
 
 Christian ivish sees ivelcome everywhere to greet. 
 
 Sanctified desires will own supplies replete. 
 
 All will see " eye to eye," Spirit taught, com- 
 plete. 
 
 The " Lamb and the Lion " will fondle each 
 
 other ; 
 A child may play with Bear-cubs and their 
 
 mother ; 
 With nothing on Earth that will " hurt or 
 
 destroy," 
 All nourishing, cherishing love without alloy. 
 
220 
 
 Old age will be honored, sweet childhood 
 
 caressed, 
 Sweet maids will be faithful, fond swains will 
 
 be blessed. 
 Rich founts of affection — the paps of true 
 
 mothers, 
 Which nurture in Honor, fair sisters, brave 
 
 brothers. 
 
 Disease will ne'er taint the ruddy, health limnage ; 
 God's Spirit within will preserve His own image, 
 Until Time's sickle ages soul from body cleaves. 
 Death is the Harvester, gathering mature sheaves. 
 
 The elements shall never frown ; 
 Glad Heaven shall rain blessings down. 
 The fields will yield their richest fruits ; 
 Delight will find supply that suits. 
 
 Fresh bloom and beauty rich and rare, 
 Will smile beneath a sky most fair. 
 Florescent sward instead of weeds, 
 Supplies the Bee with all it needs. 
 
 Soft zephyrs frisk with fragrance laden. 
 The mellis breath of water-maiden. 
 
221 
 
 Milk and honey, inspiring wine, 
 Clusters of Eschol's fruitful vine. 
 A world-wide, glorious Palestine, 
 With Righteousness its dewy sheen. 
 
 The birds will have the richest plumage, 
 In sweetest songs will pa)' their homage. 
 All music will be heavenly notes ; 
 Sweet melody through ether floats. 
 
 Science and Art will reach perfection ; 
 All knowledge have Divine complexion, 
 And fill the Earth — a living light. 
 The Word, reveals its lustre bright. 
 
 The Spirit shall instruct aright, 
 That all may know the Truth on sight. 
 Poetry! Poetry! Divine Poetry ! 
 All pervading, a Living Verity. 
 
 LOVE. 
 
 Love is the soul of song, 
 Joy's inspiration strong. 
 
 Delight's life wine. 
 Beautiful bloom of Time, 
 
222 
 
 Charm of most pleasant clime, 
 Music's enchanting chime. 
 Influence Divine. 
 
 Love gives Honor to health, 
 Grace and goodness to wealth, 
 
 Diffusing cheer. 
 Love gives soul to caress. 
 Gives to voice tenderness, 
 Striving ever to bless 
 
 God's image dear. 
 
 Love paints its prize with beauty, 
 Is the bridegroom to duty. 
 
 Its faithful noria. 
 The garden where Faith grows, 
 Th.Q fountain whence Hope flows. 
 The paradise Peace knows. 
 
 Of perfect glory. 
 
 SPRING. 1888. 
 
 Aries rouses from his slumbers, 
 Shakes his wrinkled, horny head. 
 
 Vernal spirits, immense numbers. 
 With his breath abroad are spread. 
 
223 
 
 As he views the desolation, 
 
 Wrought by Capricornus' raid ; 
 
 Gestic acts of incantation, 
 
 To restore rich verdure plaid. 
 
 Vernal spirits he's equiping, 
 
 For a vigorous campaign ; 
 In their eagerness oft tripping, 
 
 Where their foe may charge again. 
 
 Oft repuls'd in their endeavor, 
 Powers efficient must increase. 
 
 Came to conquer ! Yield ? no ! never ! 
 Victory alone gives peace. 
 
 When the Vernal Queen breathes favor, 
 And sweet songsters trill their lyre. 
 
 Charge o'er dreary wastes, nor waver, 
 Heaven's smiles doth them inspire. 
 
 Wakeful germs will greet their triumph, 
 Tender welcomes, peeps and smiles. 
 
 But sound-sleepers only cry, humph ! 
 Well aware of Winter's wiles. 
 
 Winter's vanquished vagrants rally, 
 With the frenzy of despair, 
 
224 
 
 Madness speeds the hopeless sally, 
 Nipping Aries' lambkins rare. 
 
 Aries' legions of detrusion, 
 
 Nature's genial generant, 
 Drizzles down with soft diffusion, 
 
 Varied verdures germinant. 
 
 Cold oblivion's bonds are breaking, 
 
 To sweet resurrection notes. 
 Spirits, new-born beauty taking, 
 
 Breath of faith as incense floats. 
 
 Smiling Nature's haste in duty. 
 Breath of influence wafts abroad 
 
 Marvelous robes of varied beauty, 
 Priestly robes, the gift of God. 
 
 Bloom devotion's full-blown glory, 
 Fragrance issues in love-sighs. 
 
 O, enravishing Spring story, 
 
 Cheers my heart and charms my eyes. 
 
 O, fair promise of fruition 
 
 Faith assures. Grace from above, 
 Fill our hearts with Love's nutrition. 
 
 Quicken with Redeeming Love. 
 
225 
 
 Come, millennial glory, come, 
 Love's halo crown every home. 
 Pulse of Freedom, peaceful thrum, 
 Christian notes on Good-will drum. 
 
 Faction, swear eternal truce. 
 Proscribe all profane abuse. 
 Holy Spirit, teach each heart, 
 Business ways by Wisdom's chart. 
 
 Faith — retina of all eyes, 
 See Christ through all enterprise. 
 Hope — the tension of each tongue. 
 Truth-strings with melodies strung. 
 Charity — free hands, fleet feet, 
 Brotherhood in mankind greet. 
 
 Let our Union of the Free, 
 Grow the great millennial Tree, 
 And the Eagle of our glory, 
 Scream to all the World the story. 
 
 Prince of Peace, come, bless each home. 
 Dew of Heaven deck each dome. 
 Wayward heart with Grace reclaim. 
 To love and magnify Thy Name. 1888. 
 
226 
 
 ELECTRIC LIGHT. 1888. 
 
 American pioneers in their cabins at night 
 
 Used lard-lamps, with a rag for wick, to make 
 light; 
 
 The fumes were offensive, the smoke so annoy- 
 ing, 
 
 With lard to replenish kept one's time employ- 
 ing. 
 
 Tallow-dip candles came and took the lamp's 
 
 place, 
 Satisfaction was limned on the family face. 
 Candles were extinguished by the oil-lamp's 
 
 glow. 
 Glass-globe ornaments dispelling darkness so. 
 
 Artificial gas in large towns and cities, 
 Lost lights of the past that no one pities. 
 Natural gas luminates with a fond, free will, 
 Lights the night, competes with the sunlight 
 still. 
 
 Electric light, brilliant Night-sun of genius. 
 Is destined to be night's beautiful Venus. 
 Bright incandescence of a small carbon thread, 
 Enclosed in clear crystal, light and beauty wed. 
 
22/ 
 
 Advertising letters of incandescent light, 
 May soon light city streets everywhere at night. 
 Carbon-veined glass roses and flowers of beau- 
 teous hue, 
 May adorn the parlor and charm enraptured view. 
 
 Carbon-lighted glass bouquets of beauty rare, 
 Beautify with brilliant grace the house of prayer. 
 Mercantile devices, carbon information. 
 Light, lore and beauty have combined illustra- 
 tion. 
 
 Electricity ! the breath of God in power, 
 Transforms gloomy night into beautiful bower. 
 Insignia motto in legislative hall. 
 Brilliant incandescence, royal light for all. 
 
 Like the soul of Man, cariying thought through 
 
 space, 
 Bringing all the world instantly face to face. 
 Land, Ocean or Ether's proper transit motor. 
 Crown the genius thus conveying I'm a voter. 
 
 Electricity running and lighting the World, 
 With banner of business and beauty unfurled. 
 
228 
 
 PENSIONS. 1888. 
 
 How provoking to hear the cry of a "surplus," 
 
 What to do with it giving alarm ; 
 Or keeping it locked up in vaults to no purpose, 
 
 Excepting to generate harm. 
 
 When soldiers who gave their vigor of man- 
 hood, 
 
 To preserve the source of such wealth, 
 Depend on Charity for comfort and food, 
 
 Because of wrecked fortunes and health. 
 
 When widows and orphans in hapless distress, 
 
 On poverty's portion must dine ; 
 Whose husbands, fathers, secured our prosper- 
 ousness. 
 
 By courage at our country's shrine. 
 
 Good Government will patriotism guard, 
 
 As it is Liberty's protection. 
 Voluntary acts, her defenders to ward, 
 
 Gives patriotism pure complexion. 
 
229 
 
 THE CRITIC. 1888. 
 A genius conceives and executes a design, 
 Which charms and excites admiration. 
 In a fairly forged block, 
 He sees faulty stock. 
 Takes another and carves it more fitting and fine, 
 
 Completing a glorious creation. 
 Some critic then notes zvastcd zvork and all faults, 
 Sneers, " Vidcan ! He's naught but his valet. 
 His letters are blotted. 
 His i's are not dotted." 
 Yet the vandal bigot making such assaults, 
 Could not conceive or make a mallet. 
 
 Where poison flows, 
 
 Antidote grows. 
 
 Where evils infest. 
 
 Blessings invest. 
 
 Where sin most zuounds, 
 
 Grace most abounds. 
 Where Hate sore troubles breed. 
 Love and Mercy intercede. 
 Where cruelty with pains oppress, 
 Grace relieves with soft caress. 
 Where the Devil binds a slave, 
 Jesus comes with power to save, i 
 
230 
 
 A-dam Bad-O 
 
 Is Honor's foe, 
 Seeking to sap the sweets of glory ; 
 
 And make Grant's lustre, 
 
 A-dam brow's cluster 
 Of laurels, culled from Grant's story. 
 
 The envious type writer, 
 Claims the honors of hiditer. 
 And the glory oiihejighter, 
 
 Gen. Grant, the world renowned. 
 Like the wily, polished thief, 
 Stole wealth from our patriot chief 
 Ferd. Ward's cursed course was brief, 
 
 With prison bars and bolts is bound. 
 
 Envy ! spirit of the devil ! 
 In rapacious hearts you revel. 
 Wish all Worth beneath your level. 
 
 Honor ! you despise the name ! 
 Envy will its poisoned dart, send 
 Stealthily, the Hero's heart rend, 
 Faithful patron, from the start, friend. 
 
 Safe is Grant's immortal fame. 1888. 
 
231 
 
 TARIFF PROTECTION. 1888. 
 
 Our model system of self-government, 
 The Union of self-goverened States. 
 
 The welfare of each with all others are blent. 
 One glory, decreed by the fates. 
 
 All climates, all products of Earth and of Man, 
 We have with the freest resources. 
 
 Developing means ? we've employed but the 
 van, 
 And wonders await reserve forces. 
 
 Pillars of Protection to ward off intrusion, 
 Will give light and freedom within. 
 
 Depend on our own is wisdom's conclusion. 
 Great glory and grandeur we'll win. 
 
 Why send out our gold for products of paupers. 
 And let our own industries languish ? 
 
 Creating a class of rich, shoddy loppers. 
 The masses meander in anguish. 
 
 Patronize home enterprise and keep it protected. 
 
 Promoting all honest endeavor, 
 By muscle or brains, where honor is reflected. 
 
 Prosperous peace will gladden us ever. 
 
232 
 
 Internal taxation confine to the States, 
 
 Encourage developing pride. 
 Hidden wonders of wealth in each State awaits 
 
 Means and muscle yet to be tried. 
 
 Our mountains are sealed vaults of rich minerals, 
 Our hills are rich domes holding stores. 
 
 Nature wrote out inviting access in dells. 
 Where industry may find rich ores. 
 
 Our mountains and hills which have primeval 
 dress, 
 May then bloom with verdure and vintage ; 
 With flocks and with herds, with homes of hap- 
 piness, 
 Should our statesmen take a hint sage. 
 
 Home Protection ! Home products ! Home pro- 
 gress ! Home pride ! 
 
 Home patrons of happy yeomanry. 
 Two hundred millions of patriots here may abide, 
 
 To weld the Union links of glory. 
 
233 
 SHELLEY. I 
 
 Alas ! that your harp of rhythm rare, 
 And muse of rich imagination, 
 
 Should trill wild notes of dire despair, 
 And weave such webs of desperation. 
 
 But few bright gleams of sunshine cheer}', 
 Compensate for pages of pain. 
 
 Why should muse strike chords so dreary ? 
 Fancy choose ferocious strain ? 
 
 Music should breathe mirth and gladness, 
 Enthuse emotions fervent, fine. 
 
 Should the notes weave thoughts of sadness, 
 Let the influence be Divine. 
 
 MAY. 1888. 
 
 With delicate tints and tassels," fair May 
 Has decked the forests. The charming array 
 Of grace and of beauty on landscape of green. 
 With music of birds, how enchanting the scene. 
 
 The rich bloom of pro?nise bare branches adorn ; 
 And laden the air with fragrance at morn ; 
 When Aurora nymphs greet the flowers with 
 
 kisses. 
 Distilling dew-pearls in return, blest Misses. 
 16 
 
234 
 
 How sad are the scenes where fond hearts used 
 
 to dwell. 
 Where mortal mutations stamped final farewell. 
 Once pregnant with pleasures, delights ever new, 
 Now, index to memory's painful adieu. 1888. 
 
 " I TOLD YOU SO." 
 
 Man is a mule minus the ears — 
 
 They sometimes o'ershadow his head ; 
 
 Then this propensity proudly leers. 
 
 And his heels will rule in Reason's stead. 
 
 His eyes in front for Wisdom's vista ; 
 
 Sees most through the back of his head. 
 At lielin with tide sound in siesta ; 
 
 Wakes to see and dilate on the dead. 
 
 Heroic in pelting the past, 
 
 Where bigotry blighted invention. 
 
 True genius will on the future cast. 
 Pioneers of aggressive attention. 
 
235 
 
 FROM DIARY, OCTOBER iqth, 1864. 
 
 Our Ringgold — Twenty-second P.V.C. — were 
 guarding Catlin's Ford, on the Shenandoah 
 River, four miles below Strasburg, on the left of 
 Sheridan's camp on Cedar Creek, General Crook, 
 Eighth Corps, camped on an eminence overlook- 
 ing Cedar Creek. General Emory, Nineteenth 
 Corps, on Crook's right ; General Wright on 
 Emoiy's right ; Torbet's Cavalry on the extreme 
 right, all fronting on General Early's camps on 
 Fisher's Hill — a natural fortress. Sheridan had 
 gone to Washington, leaving General Wright in 
 command. General Early having received re-in- 
 forcements, his army w-as 30,000 strong ; he de- 
 termined on strategy and General Sheridan's 
 absence to cull fame and lost prestige from a sur- 
 prise and defeat of Sheridan's army. And his 
 success had won the goddess of victory and fame. 
 She was in the act of crowning Early, when the 
 invincible Sheridan, flashing like a meteor on the 
 scene, claimed the crown. The amazed Early 
 evaporated like a dew-drop beneath a Summer 
 sunbeam. The goddess not only crowned Sheri- 
 dan, but sealed his eternal brillianc)- with immor- 
 tal kisses. 
 
236 
 
 On the 1 8th General Early breathed a good- 
 bye, which carried an influence of complacent 
 security to General Wright's cranium, and re- 
 treated up towards New Market, crossed the 
 mountain and down the other side, and by 3 p.m., 
 19th, had crossed the Shenandoah River at 
 " Brickhouse Ford," three miles below Strasburg, 
 and one and one-half miles above Catlin's Ford, 
 capturing Lieutenant Wyngett's pickets. The 
 night was dark and foggy. About 4 a.m., I, in 
 charge of the advance guard of our cavalry, seek- 
 ing the cause of alarm, ran into the guard-line of 
 soldier-statues Early had stretched along each 
 side of his march flanking Crook, a living wall 
 of death-stillness, forbidden to fire or make any 
 noise, as success depended on secrecy. At this 
 moment Early's attack on Crook's camp revealed 
 the situation. Our squadron of cavalry in the 
 grasp of Early's army, extending two miles to 
 our rear. Our precipitate circling retreat in 
 darkness and dawn brought us in the face of the 
 foe at Middletown. General Crook's Corps were 
 bayoneted out of bed. Some were left dead in 
 bed. Their only way for flight was through 
 Emory's Corps, which had time to rally to repel 
 
237 
 
 the rebel charge. But the disarmed, panic-stricken 
 Eighth Corps' rout through them threw them in 
 such disorder that Early's triumph was easily- 
 won. General Wright's Corps had time and im- 
 proved it in checking Early's advance. By fall- 
 ing back, forming and severe fighting, saved the 
 Eighth and Nineteenth Corps from complete 
 ruin. General Early posting his artillery on 
 Middletown Heights did murderous work, which 
 several charges by Torbet's Cavalry failed to 
 silence. The terrible contest lasted long and the 
 slaughter was awful. About 3 p.m. there was an 
 ominous lull, disturbed only by heart-beats of 
 rebel batteries belching through rifled arteries 
 the pulse of Early's army. The gallant Sheridan 
 had come from Winchester, arrested the retreat, 
 re-formed his lines, infused his spirit and deter- 
 mination into them, and led them to the relief of 
 those holding Early in check. Three cheers 
 were given for Sheridan, which ran reverberating 
 all along the battle lines. The electric spirit of 
 Sheridan thrilled every soldier and was Early's 
 death-knell. The grand charge was made 
 Think of a forest of tall slim trees swaying and 
 bending before a strong blast of wind. Such was 
 
238 
 
 the wavering of Sheridan's charge under Early's 
 hurricane of metal hail. Hundreds of shells 
 shrieking and bursting over and among Sheri- 
 dan's soldiers, while the leaden hail flew thick 
 and fast. O ! what indescribable feelings pos- 
 sessed us at the outburst of the charge — on the 
 skirmish line between two armies in their onset 
 of victory or death struggle. P^arly's, with their 
 flush of victory and their all dependent on its 
 maintenance. Ours, stung with the disgrace of 
 defeat, ignoble defeat, goading to desperation to 
 wipe it out, and the inspiriting influence of Sher- 
 idan to irresistible onslaught. Shells and shot 
 from both armies shrieking and snarling at each 
 other as they passed over our heads, or meeting 
 and breaking their own heads over ours, was 
 shocking and deafening ; balls whizzing and zip- 
 ping everywhere in constant succession ; con- 
 tinuous roar of musketry and thunder of cannons ; 
 commands of officers, sound of bugles, the "rebel 
 yell " and the Yankee cheer, crashing and clash- 
 ing of arms, cries of wounded and groans of 
 mangled. Words cannot describe the feelings 
 of those engaged in such strife. 
 
 When the lines wavered on the balance of des- 
 
239 
 
 perate contest, sight of Sheridan on the gallop, a 
 shout, a cheer, a superhuman effort from cyclopic 
 spirit through enveloping smoke, swept General 
 Early's army to ruin. We bivouacked at 9 p.m., 
 after eighteen hours' hard fighting, and tvventy- 
 eicfht hours' fasting for man and horse. 1888. 
 
 SABBATH. 1888. 
 
 Honors to Senator Blair for his manly testimony 
 for God in the highest council of the noblest 
 government of man by man. 
 
 God rested on the Sabbath, not because He 
 was tired, or needed rest after making this world 
 and contents and the universe of worlds, but for 
 an example to emphasize His command to rest 
 for man's benefit, convocation and reverence for 
 His Fatherly care. 
 
 His chosen people were prosperous and happy 
 only in strict observance of the Sabbath. The 
 person or people who keep the Sabbath will 
 not be guilty of other offenses of a criminal char- 
 acter. In the Desert, where God led His people 
 for discipline, to prove to them — and all succeed- 
 ing ages — man's dependence on God for every- 
 
240 
 
 tiling he needs and can enjoy ; His bounteous 
 Providence under any and all circumstances, 
 where miraculous power was required to furnish 
 each day's provisions — God set the example of 
 regard for the Sabbath by supplying two days' 
 provisions on the day before the Sabbath, and 
 giving it preservative qualities for forty-eight 
 hours, whereas it otherwise would only keep 
 twenty-four hours. " He that hath ears to hear, let 
 him hear." " Remember the Sabbath to keep it 
 holy." 
 
 " Thou shalt bear no burden on the Sabbath 
 day," faithfully kept, means relief from iiimuner- 
 able burdens on zveek days. Personal burdens of 
 mind, of heart, of body. Business burdens of 
 frauds, defalcations, financial panics and disasters. 
 Society burdens of factional irritations, selfish 
 depravity and envious mischief Government 
 burdens of official dishonesty, political corruption, 
 ambitious intrigues and national disgrace. To 
 escape these burdens, bear no burden on the Sab- 
 bath, but keep God's Sabbath and " reverence 
 His Sanctuary." 
 
 Where is crime prevalent, debauchery rampant, 
 murder at work ? Not among those who keep 
 
241 
 
 the Sabbath, Not among those who respect 
 God's Sanctuary. But by and among those who 
 profane the Sabbath. 
 
 Will this great, civilized and enlightened 
 Nation of freemen rise above this destructive 
 element by recognizing the Lord's right to reign, 
 by making His commands the Nation's duty and 
 care ? " Those who honor me I will honor, saith 
 the Lord." Have not our Country's honored 
 statesmen the courage to come out on the Lord's 
 side on the Christian Carmel of trial? Is Senator 
 Blair to plead for God — an Elijah alone? Then 
 zvoc to those /li^^k priests of pyofanatiou. 
 
 God's promises are forever true. What He 
 once said He will always do. " Ye shall keep my 
 Sabbath and reverence my Sanctuary. I am the 
 Lord. Then will I give you rain in due season, 
 the land shall yield increase, the trees yield fruit. 
 Your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, 
 your vintage reach unto the sowing time, and ye 
 shall eat your bread unto the full and dwell in 
 your land safely, lie down in peace and none shall 
 make you afraid. I am He that giveth you the 
 power to get wealth. I will make you fruitful, 
 multiply you and establish my covenant with 
 you. I am the Lord." 
 
242 
 
 " If ye will not hearken to obey my commands, 
 I will appoint over you terror, consumption and 
 burning ague to consume your eyes and cause 
 sorrow of heart. Ye shall sow your seed in vain. 
 I will send the pestilence among you. When I 
 have broken your staff of bread ye shall eat and 
 not be satisfied. I am the Lord." 
 
 Business men of the world, is it not meet to 
 give one-seventh of your time and attention to 
 God who blesses you all the time, and gives you 
 six-sevenths of it with His favor for your good? 
 If you will not show so much respect to your 
 Maker and His commands, at least show respect 
 for your solid and sure collaterals that insures 
 you the essential dividends of Heaven's favors. 
 " Yea, if there be ten righteous found in Sodom, 
 I will not destroy the city for the sake of ten!' 
 Those Christians who keep the Sabbath are the 
 security of your business and wealth. They 
 are the agents of Heaven's insurance company, 
 and the premium required on your life policy is 
 to give God one-seventh of your time, not in labor, 
 not in pecuniary expense, but in rest and blessed 
 reverejice. Is it not an easy, beneficent obliga- 
 tion ? Verily, it is full of the pure ivine of con- 
 solation, peace and prosperity to yourselves. 
 
243 
 
 Pleasure-seekers of fashionable life, does not 
 a " full soul loathe the honey comb ? " Does not 
 a fast give relish to a feast ? Rest from your sur- 
 feiting vanities and reverence the Sabbath, and 
 your vain pleasures will have gratifying freshness. 
 Despising God by desecrating His Sabbaths will 
 make your pleasures "apples of Sodom and grapes 
 of Gomorrah." The Christian's conflict is for 
 God's right to reign, for the establishment and 
 welfare of all that is noble, right and desirable — 
 against Satan and his agents, whose rule means 
 Anarchy and all its horrors. 
 
 Let the lines be drawn. " He that is not for 
 me is against me, saith the Lord." 
 
 BASE-BALL. 1888. 
 
 Base-ball playing is a healthy recreation, a 
 muscle-developing, social amusement. As a 
 social recreation, commendable. As a business, 
 damnable, Sabbath-desecrating, moral leprosy. 
 
 It is only the best material of manhood that 
 can win fame on this field of sport, and he who 
 wins distinction there, would have, with proper 
 
244 
 
 direction and the same enthusiasm, cultivation 
 and energy, been proportionately as prominent 
 in some worthy profession of life. Some of 
 them might have been leading competitors at St. 
 Louis and at Chicago, in the race for the White 
 House, if their aims had been as noble as their 
 energies are impulsive. It is a National mis- 
 fortune when the best specimens of her manly 
 vigor and physical beauty are devoted to a use- 
 less, ignoble purpose. The pride of our country 
 lost to her development and glory. The hope 
 and expectation of Christianity sacrificed on the 
 altar of wasteful folly. 
 
 Presidents, Governors, Senators, Judges, or 
 honored citizens are not made of base-ball gradu- 
 ates, though some fine material for filling any of 
 those positions creditably are locked in base-ball 
 clubs, which might otherwise have been fitted to 
 fill responsible positions of trust and honor in 
 the cause of God and Humanity. God's angels, 
 who watch and care for each human being, weeps 
 over these wayward wards as wasted material of 
 noble manhood, whose capacities, cultivated for 
 usefulness, might have graced any position in 
 the gift of generous freemen. 
 
245 
 
 ■ What garlands and festoons of eloquence 
 might have been woven ! What sparkling 
 streams of inspiriting sentiments might have 
 flowed! What beauty of thought never 
 bloomed ! What thrilling ideas never evolved ! 
 What fragrant influence never exhaled ! What 
 glorious crowns never glittered ! What peace 
 and satisfaction over precious good accomplished 
 never soothed ! All, alas ! alas ! all killed in 
 embryo by the base-ball ! 
 
 What latent legislative, judicial and executive 
 talents are knocked into the field of oblivion by 
 the bat ! What fine viinistcrial cloth has been 
 ruined within arm's-length of the base! What 
 excellent presidential timber has been nipped in 
 the bud to make balls and bats ! 
 
 Young men, recreate, develop, enjoy maturing 
 vigor in healthy, harmless, joyful amusements ; 
 play your best to excel, but for your own sweet 
 sakes, for our glorious country's sake, for God's 
 sake, who gives you these powers and the ability 
 to enjoy them, don't make it ^ business. 
 
 Play just enough to get precision and efficiency 
 — in striking with the bat ^//^w<?;' vigorously for 
 the truth and right ; in pitching with the swift and 
 
246 
 
 sure arm of phick for the noblest aims and attain- 
 ments ; in catching with a hberal, retentive mind 
 progressive ideas of importance and honorable 
 suggestions of genius. But ;r^/from play on the 
 Lord's Day, Be America's Christian noblemen, 
 the noblest of men. 
 
 Cast your secular anchor among the roots of 
 the Tjre 0/ Liberty that shades the White House. 
 Then hand over hand (no political wire-pulleys, 
 but manly effort on personal merit) shorten the 
 cable, accepting appreciation' s wayside-won posi- 
 tions of honor and trust only as means of de- 
 velopment for nobler duties, gems in your crown 
 of merited glory. 
 
 AMERICANISM. 1888. 
 
 Brave Abraham's of faith, who fled from tyrant's 
 power, 
 
 Entrusting helm to God, to guide their bark 
 Mayflower, 
 
 In search of Christian freedom's promised Pales- 
 tine, 
 
 Where conscience. Spirit cultured, might glow 
 with living green. 
 
247 
 
 Freedom's hills and haven found by the pilgrim 
 
 flock ; 
 On her eternal altar, Plymouth's sacred rock, 
 Did consecrate to God Columbia's virgin soil ; 
 As long as time shall last, Freedom's home so 
 
 royal. 
 
 Nature free, benign in climate and production, 
 Free soil for worthy sons of Union intruction ; 
 With patriotic muscle for all enterprize ; 
 Developing the fruit of American franchise. 
 
 Preserving the principles for which our country 
 
 bled. 
 Consecrating life to the cause of patriots' dead. 
 Virtuous homes of industry kept inviolate. 
 Public schools where youth mind and muscles 
 
 cultivate. 
 
 Churches of all creeds free to all our sinful race. 
 For culture of the soul, to grow noble in God's 
 
 Grace. 
 Colleges of science to honor each profession ; 
 To train for business, arts and mechanical pro- 
 
 eression. 
 
248 
 
 To train heart and mind of the coming men to 
 
 govern 
 This large, enlightened land, where merit is most 
 
 sovereign. 
 Impressing every heart that simple honesty, 
 Virtue and vigilance are the price of being free. 
 
 HEROES. 
 
 Deeds of daring and heroism, untold, were as 
 numerous as days and nights among the Vir- 
 ginia mountains during the War of Rebellion. 
 In 1863, at Greenland Gap, there stood a little 
 log church. Captain Wallace, with his company 
 of ninety men, of Colonel Mulligan's " Irish- 
 brigade," occupied the church as a fort, to guard 
 the " gap," which it commanded. 
 
 General Jones, of the rebel army, with his 
 brigade of cavalry on a raid into West Virginia, 
 found this little church an invincible Irish-barrier 
 to his march by daylight. Captain Wallace's 
 brave boys, in reply to a demand to surrender, 
 declared they "joined the church to stay, and 
 if he took them, he must take the church." And 
 
249 
 
 nobly did they stay, hurlinf^ back charge after 
 charge of rebel cavalry, until seventeen dead 
 horses lay near the church, and the dead and 
 wounded rebels equaled the number of Wallace's 
 men. 
 
 Only two of the Irish were killed. The shadow 
 of night enabled a reb to fire the church, but 
 his life paid the penalty. The brave band left 
 their arms in the burning church when the fire 
 drove them out to surrender. 
 
 A handful of Irish with patriotic ire, 
 Invincible against a host, conquered by fire. 
 
 Deeds of heroism and daring, 
 In a hand to hand affray, 
 Ne'er proclaimed on public day, 
 
 Ne'er the public s plaudits sharing. 
 
 Equal those oft told in story, 
 In a large arena won, 
 With the whole world looking on, 
 Promising a crown of glory. 
 17 
 
250 
 
 QUADRA ACROSTIC. 
 
 Friends, If Novelty InspireS 
 In you desires, may my potpourl 
 Nourish ideal fires in your braiN. 
 Intwine with mine your thoughts and I 
 Shall Imperate Nexus ItselF. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 A Bed's Soliloquy, 163. 
 A Critic, 14. 
 Acrostic, 10, 15, 18. 
 Affection, 186. 
 Alone, 83. 
 America, 46. 
 Americanism, 246. 
 A Preface is a Paradox, 132. 
 Army Incidents, 66, 77, 86. 
 Astor City, Florida, 1 1 . 
 Aurora Borealis, 204. 
 Autumn, 158, 177. 
 
 Base Ball, 243. 
 Bias, 159. 
 Butterfly, 213. 
 
 Cemetery, 80. 
 
 Centenary Constitution, 133. 
 
 Chicago, 114. 
 
 Christian Garden, 145. 
 
 Comedy of Impulse, III. 
 
 Come to Grief, 140. 
 
 Come, Millennial Glory, 225. 
 
 Consider the Lilies, 177. 
 
 Cranks, 42. 
 
 Custom, 20. 
 
 Death, 15. 
 
 Death of My Boy's Canary, 1 10. 
 
 Decoration Day, 105. 
 
 Diary Notes, 141, 235. 
 
 Dutiful, 94. 
 
 Eighteen Eighty-seven, 185. 
 Electric Light, 226. 
 Erie, 107. 
 Evanescent, 180. 
 
 Faith, 199. 
 
 Faithful or Faulty, 102. 
 
 Family, 84. 
 
 Feasting on Folly, 30. 
 
 P'ebruary, 18. 
 
 Feed Shepherd, Feed Flock, 53. 
 
 Fienwif, 116. 
 
 Fount and Rill, 205. 
 
 Gen. Grant's Death, 9. 
 Gen. Averill's Dash, 75. 
 
 Heroes, 248. 
 Home, loi, 176. 
 Hope, 12. 
 
 (251) 
 
252 
 
 Ideal Union, 85. 
 
 "I Told You So," 234. 
 
 Jay Gould, 27. 
 
 Judge Righteously, 132. 
 
 Justice on the Bench, 189. 
 
 Laura B., 90. 
 
 Letter of Condolence, 45. 
 
 Letter to Dr. D. M. M., 88. 
 
 Life Epitome, 175. 
 
 Life's Path, 64. 
 
 Loss and Compensation, 182. 
 
 Love, 97, 221. 
 
 Love's Lies, 100. 
 
 Love and Lust, 117. 
 
 Love's Mystic Lines, 151. 
 
 Love Sincere and Constant, 156, 
 
 Lowell, 54. 
 
 May, 233. 
 Meekness, 49. 
 Millennial Glory, 215. 
 Morality, 47. 
 Morals, 153. 
 Mother, 20. 
 Music, 82. 
 My Faith, 129. 
 
 Nature, 92. 
 Niagara Falls, 31. 
 
 Obit, 104. 
 Our Hero, 162. 
 On the Ocean, 25. 
 O, Sad Home, 208. 
 Peace, 212. 
 Pensions, 22S. 
 Persecution, 136. 
 Poetry, 210. 
 Prayer, 13. 
 Prairie Land, 105. 
 Prize the Moments, 203. 
 Providence, 41. 
 Psalm 133, 143. 
 
 Quadra Acrostic, 250. 
 
 Recurrent, 19. 
 Ringgold Batallion, 69. 
 Rural Life, 28. 
 
 Sabbath, 239. 
 
 Saloon, 98. 
 
 Sea-beach at St. Augustine, 23. 
 
 September, 148. 
 
 Songster Symbols, 178. 
 
 Soul, 113. 
 
 Sleep, 90. 
 
 Sparking, 50. 
 
 Spring, 222. 
 
 Shelley, 233. 
 
253 
 
 St. Pierrie, 93. 
 Sweet Sylph, 100. 
 
 Tariff Protection, 231. 
 The Old Church, 78. 
 These Three, 1 8. 
 The Poet, 209. 
 The Critic, 229. 
 To Miss M. E. B., 115. 
 To Miss R. M., 183. 
 "Tom." Moore, 160. 
 Trials, 180. 
 
 Valentine, 208, 211. 
 Vanity, 148. 
 
 Watch, 78. 
 
 Washington County, Pa., 55. 
 
 Waltz, no. 
 
 Wind, 188. 
 
 Woman's Glory, 96. 
 
 Why, Kind Heaven, 139. 
 
 Youth, 16.