FROM THE LIBRARY OF
REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D.
BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO
THE LIBRARY OF
PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
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CHARLESTON :
JAMES S. BUKG1.8, 183 KING-STREET.
1834.
Entered agreeably to Acts of Congress, in the District Clerk's Office 01 the Slate of South-Carolina.
TO THE
REV. SAMUEL GILMAN.
AND
HIS ESTIMABLE LADY,
THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS INSCRIBED BY THEIR OBLIGED FRIEND,
S. G. B.
CONTENTS.
CHIVALRY. page 9
Notes to Chivalry, - - - - - 21
DEVOTIONAL PIECES.
On the Saviour's Prayer, John xvii. 20, 21. - 27
Hymn for the Fourth of July, 29
Ordination Hymn, ------ 31
Hymn for the Ordination of Rev. C. Palfrey, - 33
True Freedom, ------ 35
Omnipresence, ------ 37
Forgiveness, ------ 39
Watchfulness, ------ 41
Meditation, -------43
Thoughts on the Saviour, 45
Calling of Peter, 46
Jesus walking on the Sea, 48
Search for Truth, 49
Peter's denial of Christ, ----- 50
Temptation, ------ 52
The Sabbath Day, 54
Jesus before Pilate, ----- 56
CHIVALRY.
I. ^
They rise before me! Long drawn aisles, retreating
With their far vistas, in the deepening shade, And cloisters proud, in pointed arches meeting,
And tinted windows, with the deeds pourtrayed Of saints and holy men; one taper dim
Before the altar burning. —
Lo! its flame Lights the flush'd cheek, and stately form of hint.
The youthful aspirant of love and fame. Around him lie the shield, the helm, the lance, Destined, through coming years, in glory's path to glance.
II.
And he is guarding them; and high Around him rise the Minster's walls;
And as he turns his awe-struck eye, On many a sculptur'd form it falls,
Recumbent on the trophied stone 2
12 CHIVALRY.
The blood in youthful bosoms throbs as high. And though its ancient forms have gone, The soul of Chivalry lives on.
V.
Yes\ changeless o'er the gladden'd earth, Beams that fair star of heavenly birth. Deem not it shed a transient ray, Alone through Europe's darker day; Though there, when dimmed all other light. It shone unrivalled, doubly bright. Tt beamed when Judah's warrior king Refus'd the draught of Bethlehem's spring. And poured untouched the tempting wave. Bought by the peril of the brave. It shed, in Rome's high day, its power,
O'er stern Fabricius' soul divine, And beamed, in Rome's expiring hour, In sadness on the conquered tower
Where fell the last brave Constantine.
VI.
And thou, Napoleon! when beneath thy sway.
Hopeless of aid, exhausted Europe lay, How beamed upon thy path of blood That load-star of the brave and good? Not such its ray as led thy gaze
CHIVALRY. 1 3
In victory's earlier, purer days. Adverse to thee it flamed afar, And Europe hailed her guiding star. Then, Germany! came forth thy brave
From many a haunt of learned rest: From Rhine's broad stream to Oder^s wave.
They bound the corslet on their breast: They thought no more of learning's charms,
Nor sought the Muse's favourite shade: They heard their country's call to arms.
And every heart that call obeyed. The pale-eyed student left his cell
To rein the warrior's battle -steed, And smiled exulting, as he fell,
With visions of his country freed. Mark'stthou yon band, by the wooded Jthine'
On chargers black, in black array, Save, on their brow that fearful sign
In silver, flashing to the day; A sign of battle and of death,
Of deep devotion, purpose high To win the martyr's glorious wreath;
Or give their country liberty. 'Tis Liitzow's! Brave and faithful few,
The God of battles be your guide Te raise your country's strength antfw,
T* quell the oppressor's pride! 2*
14 < TUVALU?,
VII.
Amid that brother-band was one O'er whom the circling sun Scarce two and twenty years his course had told. Loved was he of the Muses, and the fire Of patriot feeling floated round his lyre. High was his name on Glory's page enrolled, And deep Devotion had inspired his lay. Love beamed upon his path* and Fortune's kindest ray. O, consecrated Bard! how swelled thy breast, When in the ancient church, with thine own strains
Yet echoing, hand in hand Thy brethren swore to save their Fatherland, Or upon Freedom's battle plains, Sink to their glorious rest! How burst thy song in Nature's hour of pain, When wounded, helpless and alone, Upon the forest foliage thrown, The form to which thy young heart beat so high Shone, seraph-like, before thy glazing eye, And the dull-beating pulse was thrilled with jo} again. Rest, rest thee with the Sword, thy Bride, Wed on thy dying day! True hearts shall beat to thee, Warm tears shall flow for thee,
I m m in . I"»
11 bo th\ . Th> memory \\>
Mil. Turn we fr< »in lands beyond the clistanl \
Our own America, to n M\ comity gloriou nunriun <>f the &
The faithful and the brave! Oh, may 1 mg aright tliat spirit In
(ienius of thy realm- of Liberty,
IV Mark yonder villa- -•>und <»f arm- ie m the pefeeefid street.
Why does the drum's loud brat Pall in, the deep bell's solemn tod Cdl
\ i m l- in the land,
'1 all h'-r youthful -trench ha- £01
From rviiy rnginn gathered forth,
The* ardent South, the hardy North, iried, but fraternal band. To tight with Washington. \nd now, with martial lite and drum.
Dues thi as.
Hut, ab! the summ I ifl \ aim
The best and br Ind silent on the pomp of w;<
16 CHIVALRY.
Gaze that assembled train. Oh! mark that old man's brow, for there A patriot's zeal, a father's care For his last offspring's youthful life, Are holding long and fearful strife. Three sons have left him for the field: He knows not but his good and brave Have found, ere now, a warrior's grave, And must the patriot father yield
His last, his loveliest one? Twice round the green, and twice in vain; Has passed that military train.
The gallant boy is looking anxious on,
And his eye turns to seek his father's face.
The old man's aspect changed, his lip grew white.
Then, calm again, he gave the assenting sign,
Vnd the glad youth has joined the martial line. Men gazed one instant, in the next the place
With shouts of valour rang. "On to the fight!
On for our country's cause, and God defend ttik right!"
X.
tf ut hark! across the ocean's wave
There comes a deepening cry. On Poland's plains the steadfast brave Hopeless thgir fallen land to save,
CHIVALRY. I*
Beneath its ruins die. Where, Europe, is the spirit fled That burned within thy glorious dead? A noble nation sinks oppressed, And not a lance is laid in rest, Nor waves the breeze a single crest, To aid the valiant and the free In their high strife for liberty. Mourn, France, thy glory clouded o'er, And Thou, too, of the sea-girt shore! Oh, had your flags together waved,
Your voice in thunder spoke, The thanks of that brave nation saved
Had forth in transport broke. Your chiefs, the theme of song sublime, Had won the praise of future time. Bright rose the star, and Europe glowed
Exulting in its kindling ray, And despots trembled as it rode
Triumphant on its heavenly way. But clouds have dimmed its path of light, And darkly close the shades of night. i Yet no! The star of Chivalry Steadfast, though dimmed, can never die. Still many a pure and fearless mind Its bright remembrance holds enshrined. And many a clear, far-searching eye
18 CHIVALRY.
Pursues its distant course on high. Still lives the warrior-sage, who led
Our hosts, in Freedom's earlier day; And still fresh laurels crown his head,
And glory, ne'er to fade away. Hero of nations! o'er thy grave,
When sinks at last the exhausted flame, As bend in tears the good and brave,
And faltering bless thy honoured name. The star of Chivalry shall pour
The spirit of its light and power, And souls that never felt before
Shall own the influence of the hour. But ere 'tis thine, loved chief, to rest Within thy country's grateful breast, Oh, may thy calm, benignant eye Catch the full light of liberty, And strength be given thine aged ear Glad Europe's triumph-shout to hear!
XI.
But is it only when the cannon's roar, The stirring trumpets and the deafening drums Send forth their battle-music, that the tone Of Chivalry can breathe in unison?
Oh, no! Its free notes soar Not only when the tempest's might overcomes
CHIVALRY. 19
The lofty groves, and shakes the eternal hills,
But where the lowliest rills Murmur along, by gentlest gales breathed o'er. There hath been Chivalry where arms ne'er came:
Its pure and ardent flame Hath shed a halo round the warrior's crest, — Hath burned within the patriot statesman's breast, Nor less has warmed the peasant's humble cot. And cheered the outcast's friendless, hopeless lot.
For what is Chivalry?
'Tis self-devotedness; A spirit urging onward and still on To some high, noble object to be won; And pressing still, through danger and distress,
Regardless of them all, Till that high object, whatsoe'er it be, Friendship, or virtuous fame, our country's liberty, The improvement of our race, the happiness
Of one poor individual, Or of unnumbered thousands, be attained. We knowr it by the burning cheek,
The excited voice, the flashing eye, Where common souls would coldly speak
Of some high purpose gained.
Such, such is Chivalry! Such, such the Chivalry of elder days, High theme of ladies' love, and minstrels' praise.
JO CHIVALRY.
XII.
But pause, adventurous lyre! The Chivalry of Peace demands a lay Of loftier music. That ethereal ray,
Light of the Christian's course, that sacred fire Whose gentle influence forms the soul to love. I.o great exertion in the cause of man Yet humble, nor for mortal eye to scan,
That fire is kindled from the throne above! Here let the minstrel pause, his labour o'er, Lav down his feeble lyre, and in his heart adore.
NOTES
TO THE POEM OF CHIVALRY.
12.— Line 11.
" When Judah's warrior King."
"And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless, he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord. And he said, Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? Therefore he would not drink it." 2 Sam. xxiii. 15—17.
Page 12.— Line 19. "The last brave Constantine." Constantine Paleologus, slain at the capture of Con- stantinople by the Turks. 3
22 CHIVALRY.
Page 13.— Line 16. "MarWst thou yon band.'" One of the most distinguished corps of the German volunteers, was that of Major Von Liitzow, the "wild, bold hunters," as they are styled in one of Korner's most spirited pieces. The uniform, alluded to in the following lines, was black; the officers being distinguished by the figure in silver of two crossed bones, on the front of their raps.
Page 14.— Line 2. "Amid that brother band was one." Charles Theodore K6rner, born at Vienna, of a respect- able and accomplished family. His deep religious feeling and his taste for poetry were early developed; and both received strength from his education, begun under the eye of his father, and continued at an academy in a pictu- resque mountainous district. The sudden death of one of his early friends contributed to the serious and elevated character which his mind assumed. At an early age he published his "Knospen," or "Buds," a collection of Poems. He then wrote several tragedies which attained ^reat success; and in consequence, he received the ap- pointment of Dramatic Poet to the Court of Vienna. He vas happily betrothed, and everything seemed to promise a life of enduring happiness, and a fame equal to hat of the first poets of Germa At this period he
felt himself called on by the necessities of his country, to assume the profession of arms. A letter to his father, written at this time, shows that he knew the blessings he giving up, and that his heart was torn at the thought
CHIVALRY. 23
of leaving them. Yet be resigned them, conscious that it might be forever; and enlisted in Lutzow's Corps, in which he received the commission of Adjutant. His po- etical talent was now devoted to the same cause with his sword; and his fine war songs were committed to memo- ry by the soldiers, and blended in their minds with patriotic feeling, a firm reliance on Divine Providence. He was slain in a skirmish near Wobbelin in M ecklenburg-Schwer- in, on the 20th of August, 1813, having a few hours be- fore composed the Sword Song, one of the finest and most popular of his poems. It is generally known, from Mrs. Hemans' beautiful lines, that his only sister
''Lingered but to trace His image from the image in her breast,"
and died. A more melancholy fate, insanity, followed at length by death, attended the young lady to whom he was engaged. The highest honours were paid to the memory of Korner; but the band to which he belonged, was before the termination of the war, exposed to every danger, di- vided and scattered, till scarce a remnant was left.
Two brief translations, exhibiting the patriotic and de- votional spirit, though by no means the energy and grace of Korner's style, are inserted among the miscellaneous pieces in this volume.
Page 14. — Line 11. "O consecrated Bard." Soon after Korner joined his regiment, they assembled in a church; and after service, during which one of his
*24 CHIVALRY.
hymns had been sung, they took, hand in hand, the oath of fidelity. His feelings on the occasion are expressed in a letter to his father.
Page 14. — Line 17. "How burst thy song in nature9 s hour of pain." See the "Parting from Life," in this volume.
Page 14.— Line 24.
"The sword, thy bride."
This is the leading idea of his noble Sword Song, com- posed on the morning of the day he fell. Mrs. Hemans has beautifully adopted the idea, in the lines beginning "A song for the death-day of the brave,
A song of pride! The youth went down to a hero's grave With the sword, his bride."
Page 15. — Line 11.
" Mark yonder village scene.''
This incident of the Revolution was related to a friend of the. writer, by the old man, who had in youth been the hero of the transaction.
DEVOTIONAL PIECES.
:}*
ON THE SAVIOUR'S PRAYER.
john xvii. 20, 21.
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
O pure and godlike Saviour! Thou dost bend Thus meekly in the Eternal Father's sight.
And as thy warm affections heavenward tend. Thy rapt disciples watch that lofty flight.
Thou prayest for those around thee; — nor alone For those — but all to whom thy name shall be
Through furthest realms, through distant ages known; Saviour most merciful! Thou prayest for me!
Can we be one with thee, as thou art blest In unity with Him, who reigns alone?
Will his eternal spirit in our breast,
With thine, 0 gracious Lord! erect his throne?
28 OX THE SAVIOUR'S PRAYER.
Most glorious union! God, through thee, in all.
Diffusing life, and light, and holiness, While each, obedient to his Maker's call,
Receiving blessings, learns himself to bless.
Th,en from unnumbered hearts the choral song Without a jarring voice, shall heavenward rise.
Oh, for the joyful era! Lord, how Jong,
Eire lhat full, glorious anthem reach the skies!
HYMN FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY,
God of armies, when the powers Of Assyria's monarch came. And their course to Salem's towers Mark'd with wasting sword and flame- Nerveless lay the mailed hand; Broke the shield and snapp'd the bow; Vanquish'd was th' invading band, Death-struck by no mortal foe.
Then the hymn of triumph swell'd From Moriah's rescued fane; For the haughty foe repell'd, And Judea free again. Thus, O Father, now to thee Flows a grateful nation's song, And the voices of the free Each exulting note prolong.
Yet a nobler conquest gain, Vanquish, Lord! our moral foes:
30 HYMN FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY.
Burst each tyrant passion's chain, May the reign of error close. Save from each unworthy thought. Sordid wish or view confin'd; Grant the freedom Jesus brought. Freedom of th' immortal mind.
From our lips a louder song Then shall burst of love and praise. And our lives their course along Shall a nobler anthem raise: And another strain shall wake. Heard alone by thee above. While our hearts sweet music make To the theme, Eternal Love!
ORDINATION HYMN.
Of old in Israel's holy place, .
The Levite band their anthem poured. And, bowed before Jehovah's face,
A nation owned its heavenly Lord.
And when the dews of evening still Were bathing Salem's temple fair,
Rose from the shaded Olive-hill
The earliest voice of Christian prayer.
We with that voice of by-gone years, Our own, O Gracious Lord! would blend.
Calling, in joys, in hopes, in fears, On thee, our Father and our Friend.
And he who stands as leader where Thy people meet to seek thy face, — -
Grant that our pastor, Lord, may share A double portion of thy grace.
32 OIUHNATTON HYMN.
Grant turn, the mildness of the dove To blend with wisdom from on high;
To lead thy people in thy love; For them to live: — in thee to die.
HYMN. 33
HYMN,
FOR THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. C. PALFREY, AS SUCCESSOR TO THE REV. ROBERT LITTLE, IN THE PASTORAL CARE OF THE UNITARIAN CHURCH AT WASHINGTON CITY.
Across the wave a pilgrim came
To seek a place of rest; And deep devotion's holy flame
Was bright within his breast. Within these wTalls his words of might
ControlPd the list'ning throng; And to the Lord of life and light
Arose the sacred song.
But now that voice of power is still'd,
That warm heart cold in death; The spirit which that bosom fill'd
Hath left its home beneath; The glories of eternal day
Around him ever flame; But where his lamp illum'd our w;i\
A sudden darkness came. 4
34 hymn.
Father of Lights! thy rays dispel
The gloom which round us hung: \ud joyful now our anthems swell.
And hymns of praise are sung. Praise to thee — praise, for him who stands
To lead thy flock in love! ( )h bless the labors of his hands
With mercy from above.
< )h fill his breast with love divine,
His words with healing might; \n«{ may his life and doctrine shine,
Array '-din heavenly light. With Jesus' spirit fill his breast,
With hope, and faith, and power; And grant the crown of endless rest
To bless his parting hour!
TRUE FREEDOM. 33
TRUE FREEDOM.
Who is the truly free? The Monarch on his throne? The Chief, adorned with victory. And spoils by valour won?
No! Passion's force can shake The soul in danger tried; And he who bars of steel can break- May be the slave of Pride.
Who is the truly blest? The man of wealth untold? In robes of Eastern splendour dressed, And served in plate of gold?
No! vain his rich attire To ease the labouring breath; And vain his gold to quench the fire, The fever-flame of death.
#6 TRUE FREEDOM.
Thai man is free, O Lord! To whom thy name is dear; Who fearing thee, performs thy word. And knoAvs no other fear.
From passion, pride, remorse, Thy care his path shall guard, And lead him on, in virtue's course, To his divine reward.
Thy love protects his way; To thee his thanks are given; Thy smile shall gild life's evening ray, And light the morn of heaven.
OMNIPRESENCE. M
OMNIPRESENCE.
Father! Omnipresent One!
Where the realms of space extend. Far beyond the flaming Sun,
Reigning without change or end! In the balmy breath of Spring
Floats thy voice in tones of love; And the flashing lightning's wing
Bears thy mandates from above.
When the bright Sun's mellow ray
Falls on Summer's golden grain; When the gentler moonbeams play
'Mid the countless starry train; And beneath the rayless night,
In the damp and heavy air, (rod of darkness and of light!
Omnipresent! Thou art there.
4*
38 OMNIPRESENCE.
Still thy power around us spread
All the unmeasured world sustains; Safely rests the infant's head
God, his gentlest Father reigns. Oh, through life, where'er I rove.
Omnipresent! fill my breast! Living, may I share thy love,
Dying, enter to thy rest.
FORGIVENESS; 31
FORGIVENESS.
"And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." John viii. 11.
Benignant Saviour! 'Twas not thine To spurn the erring from thy sight. Nor did thy smile of love divine Turn from the penitent its light.
Oh then, shall we, who own thy name. A brother's fault too sternly view, Or think thy holy law can blame The tear, to human frailty due?
May we, while human guilt awakes Upon our cheek the generous glow, Spare the offender's heart, that breaks Beneath its load of shame and woe.
40 FORGIVENESS.
Conscious of frailty, may we yield Forgiveness of the wrongs we bear; And strive the penitent to shield From further sin, or dark despair.
And when our own offences weigh Upon our hearts with anguish sore, Lord! let thy pardoning mercy say Like Jesus, "Go, and sin no mere.'5
WATCHFULNESS.
41
WATCHFULNESS.
Creator! by thy care and love A charge is given us from above; In constant duty must we wait As servants at their master's gate; Remembering all thy holy law With zealous love, and fear and awre; And ready, when our Lord shall come, Joyful to bid him welcome homo.
Then, in the watches of the night. If he appear before our sight, Fearless may we his presence meet, And as our friend, our Master greet, His eye our ready love shall see And mark our tried fidelity; And kindness from his lips shall flow. And large rewards his hands bestow.
WATCHFULNESS.
Thus, holy Master! in the clay
When heaven and earth shall pass away.
When in the world's astonished sight
Thy throne of judgment stands in light,
May we, from every terror free,
That awful preparation see;
And, e'en in Nature's closing hour,
Vdore our Maker's love and power.
MEDITATION. +:>>
MEDITATION.
"And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" Ltjke xxiv. 32.
Hath not thy heart within thee burned At evening's calm and holy hour, As if its inmost depths discerned The presence of a loftier power?
Hast thou not heard, 'mid forest glade*. While ancient rivers murmured by. A voice from forth the eternal shades. That spake a present Deity?
And as, upon the sacred page Thine eye in rapt attention turned O'er records of a holier age, Hath not thy heart within thee burned?
\\ MEDIT-AJPIOX.
ft aviis the voice of God, that spake In silence to thy silent heart; And bade each holier thought awake, And every dream of earth depart.
Voice of our God! () yet be near!
In low, sweet accents, whisper peace:
Direct us on our pathway here,
Then bid. in heaven, our wanderings cease!
THOUGHTS ON THE SAVIOUR. 45
THOUGHTS ON THE SAVIOUR.
O suffering friend of human kind! How, as the fatal hour drew near, Came thronging on thy holy mind The images of grief and fear!
Gethsemane's sad midnight scene, The faithless friends, the exulting foes, The thorny crown, the insult keen, The scourge, the cross, before thee rose.
Did not thy spirit sink dismayed,
As the dark vision o'er it came;
And though in sinless strength arrayed,
Turn shuddering from the death of shame?
But onward still, through scorn and dread, Didst thou thy Father's call obey, Steadfast thy path of duty tread, And rise, through death, to endless day. 5
Hi THE CALLING OF PETER.
THE CALLING OF PETER.
MATT. IV. 18.
The wind was hushed on Galilee.
As near its waveless flood, With thought as calm as that fair sea.
An humble fisher stood.
A. voice was heard; as on the lake Is heard the whispering breeze.
Gentle, yet mighty to awake The grandeur of the seas.
^ ears passed away; — the humble man Who stood unheeding there,
No more at early dawn began Tile fisher's tranquil care.
Him palaces of eastern pride Now hailed an honoured guest;
\\\(\ now, the lowliest couch beside, He spoke of heavenly rest.
THE CALLING OF PETER. 47
He bore, through perils far and near.
His Saviour's holy name: He yielded not to hope or fear,
To indolence or shame.
That Saviour's presence cheered his breast
•Through every varied scene: That faith his dying hour confessed, In martyrdom serene!
48 JESUS WALKING ON THE SEA.
JESUS WALKING ON THE SEA.
Lord, in whose might the Saviour trod The dark and stormy wave;
And trusted in his Father's arm. Omnipotent to save!
When darkly rouna our footsteps rise The floods and storms of life,
Send thou thy Spirit down, to still The elemental strife.
Strong in our trust on thee reposed.
The ocean-path we'll dare; Though waves around us rage and foam.
Since thou art present there.
THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH. 49
THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH.
Oh, darkly on the path of life
The pilgrim holds his course of strife:
His wandering vision strives in vain
The distant prospect to attain;
And Prejudice will rise between,
And Doubt's dark clouds enfold the scene.
Father of lights! to Thee we pray To chase those clouds of doubt away, Bid lingering Prejudice depart That long has shadowed o'er the heart. And cause thy Truth, with ray divine, Upon thy servants' path to shine.
Thus when thy Sun in glory springs; With morning on his golden wings, The shades retire, the mists of night Recede, and Nature smiles in light, And hill and vale, and earth and sea, Breathe forth their matin song to Thee.
50 peter's denial of christ.
PETER'S DENIAL OF CHRIST.
«'And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter; — and Peter went out, and wept bitterly." — Luke xxii. 61, 62.
Weep not for those in Christ who sleep.
Within the cold grave's dreamless bed. Their rest is calm, and angels keep
Watch o'er each heaven-beloved head. Their strife is closed, their crown is won:
To realms of bliss their spirits soar, And near their heavenly Father's throne,
Live in his smile, to die no more.
But weep for those, who here below,
Through trial's stormy ocean steer, Who 'mid the mountain billows go,
By hope misled, or driven by fear. And oh, for him, in danger's hour,
Whose heart hath sunk, whose faith is dim. Who falls before the tempter's power, —
Weep, child of frailty, weep for him.
peter's denial of Christ, 51
Vet, in the hour of guilt and shame.
Jesus, thy glance could bring relict*. The wandering spirit could reclaim.
And ope the source of hallowed grief. Thus, when we leave thy heavenly way.
Lord, may the love, the thought, ©f the*- Subdue each sinful passion's sway,
And in thy spirit make us free.
52 TEMPTATION.
TEMPTATION.
When a thousand voices raise To thy name the shout of praise, And before thy dazzled sight Glory beams enthroned in light. While on thee she calls aloud, Pointing to the admiring crowd, Pause, nor kneel before her throne. Give thy heart to God alone!
Sweeter strains of soft desire Float round Pleasure's golden lyre. Bright as beams of opening day Hope and transport round her play. Smiles and Gaiety are there, Banished far are Thought and Care. Heed not thou the entrancing tone: Give thy heart to God alone!
Mammon bids thee view the store Heaped for him f^m every shore.
TEMPTATION. 53
Worship him, and wealth untold, Through thy swelling coffers rolled, Shall reward thy bended knee. Spurn the base idolatry! Heavenly treasures are thine own: Give thy heart to God alone!
Onward, in thy Saviour's path, Brave the baffled Tempter's wrath. Soon deceitful Pleasure's lay From thine ear shall sink away; Soon Ambition's thrilling voice Cease to urge thy trembling choice. Life's short day of duty done, God shall claim thee for his own.
54 THE SABBATH DAT,
THE SABBATH DAY.
Hail to the Sabbath day! The day divinely given, When men to God their homage pay, And earth draws near to heaven.
Lord, in this sacred hour. Within thy courts we bend, And bless thy love, and own thy power, Our Father and our Friend!
But thou art not alone In courts by mortals trod, Nor is this day the only one For men to worship God.
Thy Temple is the arch Of yon unmeasured sky; Thy Sabbath, the stupendous march Of Heaven's eternitx .
THE SABBATH DAY. 55
Lord! may that holier day Dawn on thy servants' sight. And grant us in those courts to pray Of pure unclouded light.
JESUS BEFORE PILATE.
JESUS BEFORE PILATE.
SONNET I.
In Pilate's hall, by scornful Pharisees
Surrounded, and by dark-browed Roman bands, Before the Procurator's footstool stands
The Son of God, the glorious Prince of Peace.
Alone he stands, his followers all have fled; In mockery o'er his limbs a robe is thrown Of regal purple; and a thorny crown
Appears in scorn upon his sacred head.
But calm he spake: From God my power proceeds. Without his will thou canst not harm a hair Upon my brow; then patient will I bear
The unrighteous punishment of holy deeds.
I am a king, but not with mortal state.
He said, and humbly died, the greatest of the great.
JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 57
SONNET II.
And oh, what beams of dignity and love Flowed o'er his sacred features, as he stood
Calmly amid the foes who sought his blood,
His eyes upturning to his home above!
The haughty Judge with admiration gazed,
And spoke him guiltless; but the frantic crowd Demand their victim's death with clamours loud
As the fierce Scribes their stormy passions raised.
Follower of Jesus! learn of him to bear Unmoved the fury of victorious foes; Though shame environ thee, and anguish close
Thy dying eyes, yet shrink not; thou dost share
Thy Master's sufferings; thou shalt share his rest;
Oh learn of him to live, to die, and to be blest.
58 HYMN I OK A NORTHERN WINTER.
HYMN FQR A NORTHERN WINTER.
God of the Seasons! 'Tis thy hand
Bids Winter o'er the Earth come forth.
Spreads o'er the plains his harsh command. And wakes the fury of the north.
How glorious art thou, God of might!
When rushing tempests speak thy praise: When through the clouds, the electric light
Quick darts its momentary blaze.
How glorious art thou, gracious Lord!
When, mid the calm and solemn night. < )Vr the wide North beam far abroad
Wide limes and towers of pillar'd light.
O'er town and forest, hill and vale, The pure and silvery rays are sh< <i.
\nd stars before that light grow pale. \s high and far its beams are spread.
HYMN FOR A NORTHERN WINTER. 50
The moon, with dimmed yet lovely ray,
Holds on meanwhile, through cloudy flakes.
Her tranquil, heaven directed way, Till in new glories, morn awakes.
The Sun comes forth; o'er vale and hill
Creation at his presence glows; In silver gleams each frozen rill,
And Earth is fresh with fleecy snows.
With purer gems than glittering strew The caves of India's wealthy mines,
Rich with each clear and brilliant hue, The shrub, the frozen leaflet shines.
And beautiful the ice-clad trees
Glance to the Sun's first gladdening ray, Their branches sparkling, as the breeze
Floats o'er them on its trackless way.
O God of beauty! Nature's Lord!
In all we own thy love, thy power; Oh bless us, as our thanks are poured
Nowr, in thy brilliant Winter hours!
60 HORNING.
MORNING.
Now comes forth the glorious day Like a bridegroom richly dight, re his flashing ray the sullen vanquished night. , rills, with every voice Id le u i verse, rejoice!
3 of grateful homage pay To the God who made the day. Mortal! wake; the task be thine. Nature's song of praise to join.
Now the insect tribe awake, Moving on the busy wing, From the stream, the wood, the brake.
Forth they Wheel in many a ring; And the earlv birds their song Pour, each wood and vale along. Creatures all of God's right hand, Tribes of air, and sea and land, To their sport and labour rise When the morning tints the skies.
MORNING. 61
They to common tasks go forth; — Man, to thee, the loved of heaven,
Is a work of noble worth,
Boundless toil, and glory given.
Rise, to meet Temptation's power;
Stand, in Passion's wildest hour;
Fast as danger round thee grows,
Gather strength from conquered foes;
Tread the path thy Leader trod,
Pressing on to Peace, to God.
Wake thee, mortal! Ere the Sun Sink beneath the golden West,
Must a toilsome course be run; Think not, child of earth, to rest.
Rough the path, and steep, and hard;
Bright, though distant, thy reward;
Fear not, pause not, yield not now,
Soon that wreath shall twine thy brow.
Child of Heaven! there fix thine eyes;
Onward, onward to the prize!
MISCELLANEOUS PIECES.
THE DYING YEAR. 65
THE DYING YEAR.
The sunny Summer days have fled,
And passed is Autumn's changeful cheer,
And Winter's blasts around us shed The tokens of the Dying Year.
"The Dying Year!" Oh many a spell In those brief words hath memory laid;
Of joy those simple accents tell, — But joy o'ercast by sorrow's shade.
For oh, how many a hope that smiled Bright in the year's first opening ray,
Has left the heart it then beguiled To darkness and to grief a prey.
As the swift months their course have trod. How many a youth, in life's gay bloom.
Has heard the mandate of his God, The summons to an early tomb.
66 DYING YEAR.
The infant, when the year was nev\ , In bright and sinless beauty shone.
Like some frail drop of glittering dew, That infant smiled; — like that, 'tis gone.
And manhood's stately head hath bowtid, And female grace in slumber lies;
Yet through bereavement's darkest cloud Faith sees the light of heaven arise.
Thus passes life; but not alone
Does sorrow claim the parting year;
Full many a joy its hours have known, The earnest of a brighter sphere.
Such joy has thrilled the lover's breast, At the dear word, half said, half sighed,
When to a faithful heart he pressed His own betrothed, his blushing bride.
And such the father's hour of bliss When first he owned a father's name,
With fond affection's hallowed kiss Answering his infant's tender claim.
Sue] i hours have been; nor these alone, Thou passing \<:ar, thy course have filled;
THE DYING YEAR. 07
For themes of rapture all thine own
The patriot's grateful breast have thrilled.
Who can forget, how darkly rose, In doubt and fear, thy earlier day?
Who fail to bless the power that throws On thy decline a peaceful ray?
High swelled dissension's maddening cry;
And listening with prophetic fear, In every breeze that wandered by
We seemed the clash of steel to hear.
We saw, in fancy's visions wild,
Our land's best blood in slaughter poured;
The mother clasp her orphan child, And curse a brother's guilty sword.
Then rung each rival battle cry,
The dirge of peace, and law, and right:
And rival standards lit the sky, The beacons of the stormy fight.
The vision passed. The hill, the vale.
In peace and freedom joyful lie; And gently floats upon the gale
The ham of tranquil industry.
G8 THE DYING YEAR.
And still, bright flag! our fathers' pride!
Thy old heroic place is thine. On castled height, and foaming tide,
Still dost thou freely, proudly shine.
My Country! lives the son of shame Who would not give his life for thee?
My Country! dearest, holiest name! Still art thou great, united, free.
My Country! By thy children's love,
Whose blood for thee flowed forth like wine,
By Him, thy guardian power above. Still be that glorious Union thine!
And ye, who with the opening year,
Careless peruse this humble lay; If to your hearts that land be dear,
Where first ye hailed the joyous day; —
For that fair heritage ye claim
Seek the best gift that Heaven bestows, More glorious than the Conqueror's name,
The honour that from virtue flows.
May health and joy around you smile, Ks glides away the dawning year;
THE DYING YEAR. 69
And not a thought of grief beguile Your eyes of one bright, transient tear.
The minstrel's wish is breathed; the lyre He rudely woke may sleep once more.
Quenched is his momentary fire,
The chords are hushed, the song is o'er.
December 31**, 1833.
70 NEW-ENGLAND.
NEW -ENGLAND.
Oh who upon his lips could lay
The seal of caution strong, And calmly give the slander way
That does his country wrong? Who can restrain the burning word,
The fearless glance of youth, When each indignant thought is stirred
To witness to the truth?
New- England! glorious native laud!
When false to thee I prove, Then palsied be my faithless hand,
M\ lips forget to move! When thou art challenged, shall my voice
hi thy good cause forbear? No! be a nobler part my choice,
1 1 ere, — ever, — everywhere.
NEW-ENGLAND . 7 I
Home of the good, the brave, the wise.
Bold youth and beauty bright, The Sun, as on his course he hies
Beholds no lovelier sight. Italia's vales with perfume glow
From every flowery tree, But ne'er those lovely valleys know
The breath of Liberty.
Bright beams the sun on Syria's plains.
Where ancient prophets trod, And held, in Nature's forest fanes,
High converse with their God. But holier are the hills that bind
Thy stormy ocean shore, For there the sacred human mind
Knows its own strength once more.
There, in the cottage and the hall,
As bursts the morning ray, The hymn of praise ascends from all
To him who gives the day. There, as the evening sun declines
They join in harmless glee; On all the beam of pleasure shines, * For all alike are free.
72 .\EW-ENGLAND.
Yet if I love thee, native land!
Is the bright South less dear? Can I not prize the lofty band
Of generous spirits here? Souls warm with honour's sacred fire!
Hearts true in friendship known! Fearless I strike the patriot lyre —
Its spirit is your own.
Augusta, (Geo.) October, 1833.
At the request of a friend, the preceding lines were in- serted, with the signature of "Harold," in one of the Augusta papers. The next number of the same Gazette contained the following noble verses in reply. Their poet- ical merit, and the generous feeling they displayed, required an acknowledgment on my part; and the lines on the "A- merican Flag," were in consequence written and published.
TO HAROLD. 73
"TO HAROLD."
"Child of those hills, whose lofty heights
Their answering thunders woke;
When struggling for her injured rights
Our infant nation spoke: —
Those barriers to the stormy sea, Where men, resolving to be free,
First spurned the tyrant's yoke: — Can Southern hearts forget that spot/ Child of those hills! believe it not.
"Shame to the man who would forget
New-England's noble stand;
When Britain's bannered columns met
To desolate our land.
No! by the blood she freely poured — By Warren's spirit, — Putnam's sword —
We love New-England yet! Those hills! that height! tomb of the brave- Oar martyred Freemen's earliest grave.
74 TO HAROLD.
"The selfish, for a time, may rule;
Fierce passions bear the sway;
The traitor knave, the busy fool.
Alike, may have their day: — Our Union Banner, still, untorn, Shall proudly on the winds be borne.
Reflecting every ray: — No! not a star our fathers set Shall fall from that bright coronet.
"Child of those hills! thy harp-strung lyre? Swells with a lofty strain; — O! let its tones of patriot fire Breathe on our souls again: —
Its spirit bears a tale of truth
To every burning hearted youth From mountain to the main; —
Thy native hills, though cold they be,
\re peopled by the brave and free."
"MARION."
THE AMERICAN FLAG. f3
THE AMERICAN FLAG.
ADDRESSED TO "MARION."
Yes! I obey that call! The heart leaps up, And the quick pulse beats faster, at the gush Of that heroic strain. O not with thine My feeble voice in rivalry of song May meet; but to that call tfae heart replies, Nor can the tongue be silent. Yet once more, Awake, O lyre, the unaccustomed lay!
Late, o'er the night's blue canopy, Saw ye the meteors flash on high
In glory like the day, With stars on stars successive gleaming, And tracks of fire incessant streaming
On their ethereal way?
76 THE AMERICAN FLAG.
Thusin an hour of woe and dread, Upon the winds thy glory spread,
Thou standard of the brave! Dark closed the shades around our path; The tempest of Britannia's wrath
Was brooding on the Mrave.
Then burst to light thy meteor form, To ride upon that darkening storm,
Then flashed thy stars on high; And as that beacon blazed afar, Thy heroes gathered to the war.
To conquer or to die!
Then from their snow-clad hills came forth The children of the hardy North,
Then rose Virginia's might; Oh then, how danced, in Southern veins. The blood, as rang the trumpet-strains.
The music of the fight.
They met from every distant shore;
As brethren through the strife they bore
Their Union's hallowed sign. Our Country! Thine their battle cry. Thine was their shout of victory,
Their dying prayer was thine!
THE AMERICAN FLAG. 77
Look through the land for which they bled! Where rest enshrined those patriot dead,
In death with honour crowned? Where'er from Freedom's bloody sod The freeman's spirit soared to God,
'Tis consecrated ground.
Beneath Savannah's myrtle shade, The warriors of the North are laid,
Reposing from their toil; And calm the Southern hero's rest, His grassy couch how bright, how blest,
In far New -England's soil!
Sons of those heroes! Raise on high Their starry flag exultingly
O'er mount, and plain, and sea; And where, in strife that banner waved, Swear ye to keep the land they saved
United, peaceful, free'
78 THE IDEALS.
THE IDEALS.
FROM THE GERMAN OF SCHILLER*
And wilt thou thus depart forever
With all thy dear fantastic train, Each pain, each faithless joy, that never,
Ah never can be mine again? Can aought detain thy rapid fleeting,
Thou golden prime of youth and glee? In vain, in vain; the waves retreating
Haste onward to the eternal sea.
Such are the glorious orbs that lighted
The path my youth transported chose; The fair Ideals all how blighted
That glowing on my senses rose. The sweet belief has fled forever
On beings that in dreams are born; For harsh reality can never
Look on the lovely, but with scorn.
THE IDEALS. 79
As once, with prayers in passion flowing.
Pygmalion embraced the stone, Till from the frozen marble glowing
The light of feeling o'er him shone. So did I clasp with young devotion
Bright Nature to a poet's heart, Till breath, and warmth, and vital motion
Seemed through the statue form to dart.
And then, in all my ardour sharing,
The silent form a voice had found, Returned my kiss of youthful daring,
And understood my heart's quick sound. Then lived for me the bright creation;
The silver rill with song was rife; The trees, the roses shared sensation,
An echo of my boundless life.
This breast, as though its narrow measure
Could all enfold, and all survey, Struggled to grasp the boundless treasure
That there in bright perspective lay. This world, while in the bud yet folded,
How vast, how wondrous, did it seem; Now, a few leaves, so feebly moulded,
Alone remind me of the dream.
80 THE IDEALS.
How sprung, on wings of fiery daring.
And in his dreaming fancy gay, With no dull care his strength impairing.
The youth on his adventurous way. To the pale stars in ether gleaming
The strength of bold resolve could soar: And though beyond creation seeming,
Her wing could reach the distant shore.
The youth was wafted then, how lightly!
What was too hard, too far, too high? How danced before life's chariot brightly
The spiritual company! Fortune, a golden wreath entwining,
Love, glowing in eternal youth, Honour, her crown of bright stars shining.
And, in his sun-like splendour, Truth.
But ah! ere half the path is ended,
The bright companions all have flown; Faithless away their course they bended,
And one by one, all, all have gone. Lightly the step of Fortune parted;
The thirst of knowledge could not cease: And not Truth's sunny beam has darted
Through doubt's dark clouds a gleam of peace.
THE IDEALS. 81
I saw bright Honour's circlet holy
Upon a common brow profaned, And quenched too soon in melancholy,
The last dear light that Love retained; And stiller now, and more deserted
Grew the rough way the wanderer trac'd, And scarce a pale ray yet was darted
By Hope upon the dreary waste.
Of all that winged host around me,
Who loving tarried at my side? Whose mild consoling voice hath found me.
Mine, while the springs of life abide? Thou, for each pain so gently caring,
Friendship! thy soft hand closed the wound; Kindly life's heavy burthen sharing,
Thou whom I early sought and found.
And thou, with her in love united,
Calming, like her, the mental storm ; Thou, Occupation, still delighted
To watch thy work's slow rising form. Thou, to Eternity's vast masses
Giv'st but thy sand-grains, one by one, While on the unceasing current passes.
And moments, days, and years are gone.
32 THE AURORA BOREALIS.
THE AURORA BOREALIS.
Amid the majesty of night,
What splendid vision strikes my eyes. In glory bursting on the sight,
Forth from the northern skies?
Js it the cloud of shadowy mist That folded Loda's spirit-form,
The warrior from his toil dismissed, Or daemon of the storm?
No! not to Superstition's sprites, Wild offspring of the human brain.
Be these ascribed, the loftiest rites In Nature's holiest fane!
N©r let unmeaning wonder eye This glorious child of light and air;
The majesty of Deity Is manifested there'
THE AURORA BOREALIS. $3
O'er all the wide-spread northern skies, How glows and waves that heavenly light.
Where dome, and arch, and column rise Magnificently bright!
Magnificent, yet mild, it seems;
Not dazzling as the orb of day, More like the soft moon's silvery beams,
Its calm, ethereal ray.
And every thing is calm around;
'Tis Nature's stillest, holiest hour! The cloudless sky, with bright stars crowned,
Tells of its Maker's power.
E'en thus the light of Christian truth Shines o'er our path, in mercy given,
To guide the erring steps of youth From earth's vain joys, to Heaven.
And thus, O Father! may the light
Of virtuous deeds and pious love Beam on our course, through trouble's night.
And point our path above!
94 LINES.
LINES
WRITTEN AT TOCCOA FALLS, GEORGIA,
Hail, loveliest, purest scene! How brightly mingling with the clear, blue sky. Thy glancing wave arrests the upward eye,
Through thy grove's leafy screen.
Through thy transparent veil, And wide around thee, Nature's grandest forms, Rocks, built for ages to abide the storms,
Frown on the subject dale.
Fed by thy rapid stream, In every crevice of that savage pile, The living herbs in quiet beauty smile,
Lit by the sunny gleam.
And over all, that gush Of rain-drops, sparkling to the noonday sun!
LINES. 85
While ages round thee on their course have run, Ceaseless thy waters rush.
I would not that the bow With gorgeous hues should light thy virgin stream; Better thy white and sun-lit foam should gleam
Thus, like unsullied snow.
Yes! thou hast seen the woods Around, for centuries rise, decay, and die, While thou hast poured thy endless current hy,
To join the eternal floods.
The ages pass away, Successive nations rise, and are forgot, But on thy brilliant course thou pausest not,
'Mid thine unchanging spray.
When I have sunk to rest — Thus wilt thou pass in calm sublimity. Then be thy power to others, as to me,
On the deep soul impressed.
Here does a spirit dwell Of gratitude, and contemplation high, Holding deep union with eternity.-^
O loveliest scene, farewell!
8*
SO AN OLD MAN'S ADVICE*
AN OLD MAN'S ADVICE.
Come, Henry, and list what an old man says?
Whose voice must now soon be still; And perhaps the remembrance in after days, Among life's many and toilsome ways,
May aid to preserve you from ill.
My boy, to the impulse always yield
Of the Holy Voice within; But when a thought springs in the heart con- cealed, Which you would not be willing to have revealed,
Be sure 'tis a thought of sin.
When you stand in doubt, if a deed be right
Or wrong, which you wish to do, Remember 'tis better, in God's pure sight, To relinquish at once the desired delight,
Than a doubtful course pursue.
AN OLD MAN S ADVICE. Wi
Never think, my dear boy, that your life was given
To be spent for yourself alone; From the circle of human affections riven, You'd be wretched, though earth were as bright as heaven,
And you on a monarch's throne.
To your kindred, your neighbours, let kindness flow
In a bright perennial stream; Be true to your friend; — be just, e'en to your foe; And on him, should his bosom its malice forego,
Let the rays of forgiveness beam.
To your country a wise and affectionate son,
Her interests ever revere: Unseen let the streams of your charity run, Save by Him in whose sight every action is done,
And adore him with love and with fear.
Thus shall He crown your days with his blessings below, With friendship, and honour, and peace; Or if storms o'er your head in wild fury should
blow, And your fond hopes be laid by adversity low, Fear not, but await your release.
88 ax old man's advice.
On the night of affliction the morning shall rise,
Every cloud at its radiance shall fly; Every tear then shall vanish that here dimmed
your eyes, And your Father will welcome his child to the skies, To his mansions of glory ©n high.
ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. 89
ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD.
'Twas in the visions of the night, Methought I saw his infant form;
Hues from celestial founts of light,
Upon his cheek glowed pure and warm.
A being of God's holiest mould,
Uncrushed by grief, undimmed by shame; A gleam of heaven around him rolled,
As from his lips these accents came.
"In God's bright mansion of the sky, My home from care and grief is free;
There tears are wiped from every eye, Dear father, mourn not then for me.
"No more, sweet sister, may we play Together, round our father's knee;
But we shall meet in endless day, Then, sister, weep no more for me.
90 ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD.
"And thou, kind friend! thy care is o'er.
To guide my feeble infancy; But I to bliss have gone before,
Dear friend, then weep no more for me.
"No lingering pain delayed my flight, On my young soul no stain could be;
Oh! earth is dark, but heaven is bright! Kind friends, lament not then for me."
He ceased, and infant voices came, While angel harps their music poured,
Hymning the Eternal Father's name, Bv children round his throne adored.
THE IMMENSITY OF CREATION. 91
THE IMMENSITY OF CREATION.
FROM THE GERMAN OF SCHILLER.
Through Heaven's vast ocean, with the speed of
wind, I trace the works of the creating Mind. At length to land On its furthest strand, Cast anchor there where no breeze trembles
more, O'er the last waves that beat the all-surrounding shore.
I saw young stars in heavenly brightness sent, Thousands of years to roam the firmament;
Saw them onward play
In their destined way, And round through space a searching glance I
cast; — A starless void before: — those worlds were passed.
92 THE IMMENSITY OF CREATION.
Swifter, yet swifter, with the speed of light, I seek the realms of Nothingness and Night; —
But o'er the Heaven,
Like dim clouds driven, Worlds, systems, meet the bold sun -searcher's
gaze;— Onward I rush, amid the countless blaze.
See! on the path a lonely traveller! We meet: I call: Pause, Wanderer, wherefore here?
"Onward my race
To the limit of space; — Thither I sail, where no breeze trembles more Oe'r the last waves that beat Creation's shore."
Stay! vain thy course! Thou track'st Immensity. "Stay! vain too thine! My path was through Im- mensity!"
Sink, Eagle Thought, thy wing! And thou, proud travelling, Intrepid Fancy! wander not in vain! Here reef thy useless sail, amid the shoreless main.
LINES. 98
LINES,
ON READING MRS. HEMANs's VERSES TO THE MEM- ORY OF SIR EDWARD PACKENHAM.
Such then was he, whose dying hour
My rescued Country hailed, When victory crowned Columbia's power.
And England's lion quailed. Oh, patriot breasts with rapture thrilled,
And thanks to Heaven were poured, When that high heart in death was stilled.
And broke that noble sword.
He came, with valour's marshalled train.
The proud and strong array, And gaily o'er the invaded plain
They took their fated way. Defiance to our land they bore,
To liberty and laws; Vet sure the daring mien they wore,
Might grace a nobler cause. 9
94 LINES-
Then shrunk not Freedom's chosen son.
Firm in the hour of need. Well was the Chieftain's duty done;
Bright is his glory's meed. And from the plain where agony
Groaned forth its parting life, Rose up Columbia's grateful cry
For conquest in the strife.
And thou — in England's stately bowers,
Tears for thy loss were shed, And fond hearts dwelt, in lingering hours,
With thee, the loved, the dead. We may not mourn thee! That proud fight
Our Country's freedom sealed; We must not dim the memory bright
Of Orleans' glorious field.
Set, gallant foe! to thee be paid
The honours duly thine, Vnd on thy early grave be laid
Corinna's votive line! The same bold language thine and ours.
Tlie same heroic strain: Oh never may the kindred powers
In battle meet again!
THE YUCCA DBACON1& 95
THE YUCCA DRACONIS,
OR SPANISH BAYONET.
Where the warm south a milder gracf Sheds o'er old Winter's rugged mien,
A hardy plant maintains its place, In foliage of perennial green.
But not like Summer's fading flower, Those leaves, with thin and flexile form,
Wave brightly for a sunny hour, To die before the gathering storm -
No! Those firm leaves the trunk conceal.
And forth their bristling circle grows, Formed like those points of glittering steel.
The terror of Columbia's foes.
Rash were the hand should dare invade, Unarmed, that guarded Southern tree,
As, near the pine-tree's scanty shade, It rears its head, proud, graceful, free. t
96 THE YUCCA DRACOXIS.
But when, by May to Georgia led, The soft Southwest comes gently on.
And every field-flower rears its head, And every threatening blast is gone;
Oh! lovely round Augusta's bowers That guarded Southern tree is seen,
The snowy whiteness of its flowers Contrasting with those points of green.
But Nature's page, with rays illumed Of truth, which Poets only know,
Tells us, not always thus have bloomed
Those armed leaves, those flowers of snow*
A fairy once, who loved to rest
Within the Lily's spotless bell, Asked, bending o'er her favorite's breast,
The flower her secret grief to tell.
"Loveliest of all the bright parterre,
Why hangs my flower her trembling head?
Oil, could thy Fairy's fondest care Another grace around thee shed?"
"Fairy," the Lily sad replied,
"My few brief days are passed in fear:
THE YUCCA DRACONIS.
Each hand can pluck my pearly pride; No point, no guardian thorn is near."
The Fairy waves her wand of gold;
The Lily owns the powerful spell; Strong leaves, in many a circle rolled,
The rash intruding touch repel.
Above, the enchanted eye perceives A hundred spotless lilies wave;
Below, the green and pointed leaves Rise like the weapons of the brave.
Since then, the Yucca holds her place, Emblem of Georgia's generous youth,
Of female purity and grace,
Guarded by manly strength and truth.
*9
98 the soldier's song of home*
THE SOLDIER'S SONG OF HOME;
A FRAGMENT OF A LONG POEM.
Amid the myrtle bowers I stray.
The glorious stars above; I send my thoughts o'er cliff and bay
Home to the land I love. There calmly glance those orbs of light:
On my own woodland stream, And pensive, 'mid the gathering night.
My Esther courts their beam.
E'en now, perchance, beyond the main
Her prayers ascend for me! From those pure lips the sacred strain
Is wafted o'er the sea. I hear the well remembered voice
Whose every tone is love; Again with thee, my bride, rejoice
Beneath our star-lit grove.
THE SOLDIER'S SOXG OF DOME. 06
My cherub boy! I see thee now
Within that fond embrace; In laughing beauty gazest thou
Upon thy mother's face. Bless thee, my child! — the vision flics: —
I stretch my hands in vain; Far, far away my country lies
Beyond a stormy main.
Fairest and best! May Saints above
Thy gentle steps attend; And cleaj-eyed faith and holy love
In thy pure spirit blend. We meet again: Above my bier
The war-cry soon may swell. But in a brighter, happier sphere
We meet again: farewell!
100 THE MOTHER'S SONG.
THE MOTHER'S SONG;
FROM THE SAME POEM.
Sleep, my infant, sweetly smiling,
Rest thee from thy hour of play. . Thy soft breath, my heart beguiling,
Soothes me on life's toilsome way. Safely sleep, my arms enfold thee,
Danger, care, thou canst not know, While a mother's eyes behold thee,
Safe thy bounding steps may go.
Thou may'st miss my glance to-morrow
On thy path, my blooming boy! Soon may come a night of sorrow,
Closing o'er thy day of joy. But wilt thou be friendless? Never!
While thy Father reigns above. He will guard thy steps forever,
Friend of innocence and love.
THE MOTHER'S SONG. 101
Be his holy presence near thee!
Be his spirit in thy heart, Through thy life to guide and cheer thee,
Nor, when life is o'er, depart. Father! In thy care confiding,
Calm I bow to thy decree; Every fear of ill betiding
Flies before the thought of Thee!
102 THE LAST RELIANCE.
THE LAST RELIANCE.
FROM THE GERMAN OF KORNER, COMPOSED ON THE RETREAT OF THE ALLIED ARMIES OVER THE ELBE.
Why bend ye your brows thus sad and stern? Why wildly your gaze on the dark night turn,
Ye spirits brave and free? "Now howls the storm with lightnings flashing, Trembles the earth, — the waves are dashing,
Alas! and what are we?
"With new fire rage the flames of hell, — In vain our noble brethren fell; —
Still holds the Oppressor sway!" Yet still in the justice of Heaven confide! The sun rises red on the Eastern tide,
Red and bloody will be the day!
And if courage and strength were needed before,
Now be all strength exerted! The friendly shore
In sight, shall the good ship break?
THE LAST RELIANCE. 103
Arouse thyself, Youth, for the Tiger is near! Arm, strength of the Land! and in vengeance appear!
Thou slumbering People, awake!
And we, who together prepared stand here, And meet death face to face with a heart void of fear,
In the good cause we never will waver. Our Freedom to rescue, our Father-land, Or joyful to die, with the sword in our hand,
And yield us to tyranny, never!
Life without freedom, oh what is it worth? No price has the wide unbounded earth,
Worthy the soil we tread. The land of our sires again shall be free, Or free with those sires in death will we be,
Yes! happy and free are the dead!
Then howl, thou storm, and dash on, ye waves; Tremble, thou earth, while the tempest raves;
Our souls to your wrath shall not yield. The earth at our feet in destruction may sink, Still free will we stand on the terrible brink,
And our bond with our blood shall be sealed.
104 SONNETS.
SONNETS.
I.
PARTING FROM LIFE.
FROM THE GERMAN OF KORNER, COMPOSED AS HE LAY WOUNDED AND HELPLESS IN A WOOD. Ifl EXPECTATION OF DEATH.
The wounds are burning, and the pale lips quiver;
I feel, I feel it by my heart's dull beating,
At the last point I stand of life retreating: God! as thou wilt, so be it! I deliver To thee my spirit! Golden dreams, farewell!
Your music is my dirge, its sweetness o'er.
Yet courage! That which in my heart I bore So faithful, must forever with me dwell. And what I here owned as a holy thing,
SONNETS. 105
For which my youthful spirit glowed so high, Freedom or Love, it meets my closing eye, A seraph with heaven's light upon its wing. And as sensation slowly fades away, Celestial breezes waft me to the realms of day.
II. THE EARLY DEAD.
I passed a sweet, though melancholy hour; It was a vision of the early dead, Who, clothed in purity and glory, fled From this dark world to that celestial bower Where dwells, in light intense, the A 11 -bounteous Power. And there were two bright forms amid the
throng, The crowned and consecrated sons of song. The German youth who perished in the flower Of opening years, the martyr, bard, and chief;* He too, who breathed the wild, prophetic strain To that sad herb, the inmate of the tomb.t
* K>'mer. t Henry Kirke White. — See his lines to the herb Rosemary.
10
106 SONNETS.
Their early graves yet drink the tears of grief. Ye blessed spirits! 'Mid the angelic train Ye in immortal youth and beauty bloom!
III.
CONTINUATION OF THE PRECEDING.
Shall I then meet you there, — the friends ne'er seen,
Companions of the soul? If so, to die
Is joy and glory. Though in dust we lie, Yet, if our memory flourish ever green, \nd earth be holier than had we not been,
And we meet friends above, why cling to life?
;Tis when our years with sin and folly rife, And stings of fell remorse, unceasing, keen, Have made us loathe this world, the next is
feared.
O man! thy happiness e'en here resides With blameless Innocence and clear-eyed Faith. By these true pilots let thy bark be steered. Safe shall they bear thee o'er life's swelling
tid< . And friends shall greot thee on the shore of
death.
30NNETS. 107
IV. POETRY.
Mark'st thou yon traveller on his weary way, Drawing along with pain his lingering feet? How joys his heart, if running waters greet
His ear refreshed, and sparkling to the day
The clear, cool stream among the pebbles play! There, on the grassy bank, beneath the shade Of yonder trees, his burthen he hath laid;
He bathes his head, he drinks, then onward passes gay. So, when cold lethargy benumbs my frame,
Life seems to fail, and cheerfulness is o'er;
Sweet poesy! thou gushest forth before
My wearied steps; I drink; the sacred flame
Brightens again. Oh praise to Him be paid,
Who lent me, in my need, thy heavenly aid!
DUTY.
Duty! celestial ray! Like that fair star
Art thou, which 'mid the wandering host of night,
108 SONNETS.
Alone unmoving sheds its friendly light To the brave sailor oil his ocean -car. To that the soldier turns, by chance of war
Lonely survivor on the field of death. That faithful ray shall guide his steps afar
To join his comrades on the distant heath. Thus be thy light to me; for round my way
Though laugh the landscape fair, and sunny skies, Yet what avails it, while my footsteps stray
Uncertain where the path of duty lies. Oh might thy light burst forth! Thou gladdening ray,
Direct me, and I follow! Rise, oh rise?
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