11^ PS 3129 5l .1449 Copy 1
mi
MIseiil4lll©¥S y@iiis,
WHICH
THK AUTHOR DESIRES TO DEDICATE TO
THE CAUSE OF EDUCATION A]SD
HUMANHY.
rot-
Kin d reader give this little Book A cheerful smile and tender look; Read it, pass it, from hand to hand, Until it visits every land.
And when you shall have criticised, With it I know you'll sympathize. For you can see it's day is small. And make allowance, you will for all.
-:o:
WASIIINOTOiN :
Reed & Woodward, Printers, 401 7tli St.
1872.
^^14,C',
fmm
MIiilll4Hl©¥S y©lMi»
WHICH
THE AUTHOR DESIRES TO DEDICATE TO THE CAUSE OF EDUCATION AND HUMANITY. ^„
WA.SHINGTO^ :
Reed & Woodward, Printers, 401 7th St. 1872.
T'^
Eiiiered accordhuj io act of Cotujress, in ihc year 1872, h/j IslaY Walden, hi the ofiioc of the lAbrarwn of Covorc^fi, ai fl'ash- ington. •
War. Department.
paymaster genekal's office.
Washington, August 1, 1872. I take great pleasure in commending to the read- ing public the author of this work, Mr. Islay Walden. now of this city. Of the worth of his writings I leare careful readers to judge; of his own worth, his per- severance, integrity, and Christian character I can speak in terms of praise, after years of careful obser- vation. From the time of his coming to Washington, in the winter of 1867-'G8. up to the present date, I have watched with interest and pride his steady
.. growth in grace, his rapid mental development, his uncea.^ing devotion to principle and his earnest labors u\ behalf of the poor of his race, who surely will, in days to come, remember and bless him for his coun- sels. His work in organizing Sabbath Schools among the poor colored children of this city, as well as his labors among those who could not thus be reached, by reason of their infirmities, we know and cannot too highly approve. And all this persevering study, this devotion to duty, is the more to be commended, as we remember his affliction, a defective vision—^ at times almost blindness — which alone would ha^ve served to keep a less devoted servant in the back- ground. ;; ..; ,^ "^,^ ' I trust this his first venture will meet with the success it deserves ; that his quaint rhymes my please
^and profit all who read them; that, whatever may be the faults of metre, critics will not lose his .sight of the eloquence, originality, and real beauty of thought that are found in his work.
J. L. H. WINFIELD.
(
Howard University, Washington, D. C, July 26, 1872.
I believe the facts as stated in the following Intro- duction to be strictly true, and take pleasure in commending Islay Walden to a generous public for such aid as can be given him, in his effort to ob- tain an education.
A.L.BARBER, Prof. Nat Phil and Prin. Nor. Dept. H. U.
INDEX.
Page.
liitrodnction 5
Introductory Verses 8
The Danger g
Election of Mayor Boweu , U
Inipeaelimeiit of President Johnson 12
To S. S. N 14
Doubts and Fears 15
Jesns, my Friend IG
Enh)i>y on a (Massniatc 17
Prayer f<)r the School 18
Temperance 19
One to Love 20
Letter to Miss Smitherman 21
The Sacred Stream 24
The Nation's FrieniL 25
Eden 27
Mv Refnge - 28
The Litth- Helper. , 29
Love's Soliloqn v * 30
Our May-Day Walk 32
The Young Man's Comforter 35
Consecration of Self 36
To My Benefactor, Dr. D. B. N 36
Inquiry, N. N. Gray. 37
Grace at Table ...". 37
To M. W. W., on her first effort at sliirt makiuii- 38
Ode to Gen.eral O. O, Howard 39
Cast your ('ar<'ss upon the J^csrd 41
Letter to Dr. See 42
On a Friend 44
On a Seamstiess ^ . 45
(Jali to Sal)bath-School ".".!'.''. 45
To 1 he Graduating Class 4P)
Oi5 a Friend 47
A Lad v Fri(;nd 47
Campaign of '72 , 4.S
ERRATA:
Oil \M\g6 24 read stream instead of streams ;
On page 40 read aid instead of and ;
On page 47 read dost instead of dust ; is insteab of it ; dai'kest
instead of darkies : On page 46 I'm instead of I am ; you're instead of yours : On page 49 battle instead of bafifle :
INTRODUCTION.
IsLAY Walden was born a slave in Randolph County, North Carolina. His master died when he was an infant, and he was sold twice in his mother's arms. When eight or ten years old he attracted a good deal of attention by his ingenuity in the use of carpenter's tools, and for great aptness in reckoning. His master would take him to market to make his cal- culations for him, and bets were frequently made bv himself and friends on Islay's being able to perform certain difficult calculations in three minutes time. These calculations were all mental; he had never had the least training from books.
His master learned to value his services in keeping things in order about the place, making Uttle repairs, etc., so that he was never put to hard work.
From the failure of his owners, he changed hands several times. His mother died when he was about eight years old.
When about eighteen years old he was engaged at a gold mine in driving oxen. The owner was a very passionate man, and was so angry one day that he was about to strike an ox to the ground with a mat- tock. Walden remonstrated, saying, " The ox will die." It fell dead in a few moments. They threw its body into a pit where a shaft had been sunk, and while they were standing over it Walden made and recited impromptu his first verses —
6
Poor Old Dick,
He (lied quick I He died all in a miuute. Here is a shaft thirty feet, And we have thrown him in ir.
He was red.
And he is dead ! The buzzards may forsake him. For he is l)uried thirty feet, Where they can never get him.
Alter he had repeated this the man eays, '' Walden, you are a poet."" Waldeii asked " What is a poet?" He replied, "One who writes poetry.'" " VVhat is poetry," Walden asked. The man explained by ask- ing him if he did not know what hymns are, &(;.
From tliis time he was I'unning over rhymes in his liead and longing to learn
The second poem was composed on the occasion of his being attacked by a drunken man A mob col- lected, and he \vas in danger of being killed if caught. While hiding from them under a tree he composed the lines beginning —
"Now here I lie upon the ground.^'
The surrender of Gen. Lee occurred while he was at the mine. He left there soon after, and went from one mine to another, in North Carolina, until he caiile to Washington, searching for glasses to enable him to study.
He came on foot, the snow failing during part ot the journey. He was told by some he was too old to learn; by others that his^eyes were so poor he could never study.
After a good deal of wandering about he met Dr. Nichols at a preaching service at Howard University. He gave him the first real encouragement.
He composed some political ballads, which he had printed, and went about the street selling them — all the time trying to find some help for his eyes, or some school where they would teach him. He lived in this way three years, extending his travels through parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While in New Jej-sey he attracted the attention of the Second Reform Church in New Brunswick, which, through Professor Atherton, pledged one hundred and fifty dollars a year towards his school expenses until he ,^hould graduate.
Dr. Nichols was still his friend, and when he made application to enter Howard University a year ago his daughter taught hiin, patiently and faithfully, for three weeks. At the end of that time he was able to write something which resembled his name, read pretty well in the Second Reader, and work- examples in long division. He entered the lowest class three months behind it. At the end of six months he skipped a class, and joined another a yeai- in advance of the one which he first entered.
Since he has been in the University he has com- posed a number of pieces suggested by passing events, characteristic of schoolmatters, etc.. which he has col- lected in this little book.
He wishes to sell them during his vacation, to make a sure, suflficient .for extra expenses during another year.
We do not claim great poetical merit, but think the effort worthy of encouragement. His stock of words is necessarily small, as he has had no knowl- edge of books until within the past vear. 0. 0. H.
lu
Now it is stauding on the hilf. AdcI if I'm safe it is God's will : And should I now be called to die. On wings of love I soon would Hy.
I liear the crew now passing bv, I wonder if they'll me descry ; For Tcan hear them loud proclaim. While swearing vengeance on my njinie,
1 see them going hand in hand, And hear them in their jolly hand. 1 hear their guns aud pistols crack. As though they were returning hack,
J esus, to Thee I lift my prayer. That Thou wouldst save me from despair For they are drawing near the place »./Where I have sought to hide my fac(\
Now they have pa&sed and did not see. And I believe I now am free. Now let me rise upon my feet : It may be that I can retreat.
How near they came unto the jiine By which in fear I did recline. The distance measured in good fix. The feet were numher thirfv-sixed .
1] (!)u thr #lcttioa of W^^(^x goucn.
Laug-hter on tha other side ! Send the ghid tidino:^ far and wide I The City Hall we have redeemed ; Of such a (.'hangx' I'd never dreamed.
Redeemed it from obnoxious laws : Cheer Bowen with right loud applause ! For they are l)eaten in the clear, Tn the election of Mayor !
lis true they heat us heretofore, But we thern, at the Precinct door ; We've never Viad tlie City-mayor, Xor did they ever treat us fair.
Now we will laui>:h while tViev may crv : It seems to me that they must die ! Though he will never do them harm. For they may rest upon his arm.
In giving us the City-mayor. Our God has kindly answered prayej-. And He will hear us when we call, For we have cleansed the City Hall.
Now Given made a noble speech. Although the Hall he could not reach ; Though he spoke nobly, loud and clear. He could not be put in Mayor.
in
Now it is stauding- on the hill. And if I'm safe it is God's will ; And should I now he called to die. On wings of love I soon would fly.
T liear the crew now passing bv.
I wonder if they'll me descry ;
For Pcan hear them lond proclaim.
While swearing vengeance on niy name,
1 see them going hand in hand. And hear them in their jolly hand. I liear their guns aud pistols crack. As though they were returning hack,
J esus, to Thee I lift uiy prayer. That Thou wouldst save me from des}>air For they are drawing near the place Where T have sought to hide my face.
Now they have pa&sed and did not see. And I believe I now aiii free. Now let me rise upon my feet : It may be that I can retreat.
How near they came unto the j^inc By which in fear I did recline. The distance measured in good fix. The feet were numher thirtv-sixed .
11 <!)u m (f krtioa of Pasov gaucn.
Lang'hter on tha other side ! Send the glad tidings far and wide I The City Hall we have redeemed ; Of such a <.'hange I'd never dreamed.
Redeemed it fr(tm <.bnoxious laws : Cheer Bowen with right loud applause For they are l)eiUen in tlie clear. Tn the election of Mayor I
'lis true they heat us heretofore, But we theni, at the Precinct door ; We've never liad tlie City-mayor, Xor did they ever treat us fair.
NoU' \\v will hiugh while they may cry It seems to me that they must die ! Though he will never do them harm. For they may rest upon his arm.
In giving us the City-mayor, Our God has kindly auswered prayej-. And He will hear us wlien we call, For we have cleansed the City Hall.
Now Given made a noble speech. Although the Hall he could not reach ; Though he spoke nobly, loud and clear He could not he put in Mavor.
12
And did he owu it in that day When by the tide he was borne away ^ Oh! no, he said he was but joking. For then he saw the bhick men voting.
Tis true they thought that we were fools. But Bowen'll give us better schools: And if they live another year, They'll vote for him without a fear.
On Pennsylvania Avenue
There lives a President ; He has been tried and will not do.
His loyal days are spent.
He ever will a traitor be.
While he that chair does till ; In giving freedom to the rel;•^^,
He did the traitors' will.
And now' help us to powder grind.
The principle he owns ; Let voting be the engine true,
The ballot be the stone.
This day the glorious South would rise
To regal stature high, Had we a loyal President
To listen to their cry.
Wlieu danger tlireateiied every baii(L The black men took the gun.
And drove the rebs from Union linet*. As they us at Bull Run.
The black men bought their liberty With blood and muscle strong,
Though proud and stout was rel)el Lee, Grant drove him with his throng.
We well can trust the General,
He's welcome to that seat, Traitors he blew above his head.
They're now beneath his feet.
Again we speak of the President,
Whom Johnson we do call ; lie reminds one ofthat angel
Who met a sudden fall.
He reminds one of that angel Who climbed up in disguise,
Who drew that bright and shining host Downward from the skies.
Will God ere grant him pardon
Before the last great day ? As long we'll watch the President
As he with us does stay.
14
vShould he vacate his country.
And cross to Europe land, They'd mark him there a traitor.
Or, e'en on "'India's strand" I
Tliey never would helieve him.
Nor go at his command ; They'd tell him he's a traitor,
To the friends of Abraham.
If aught I here have said amiss,
I'll say before I close, I ask the Lord to pardon me
If I have wronged my foes.
ril ask his aid to pray for them.
And help me to forgive The wrongs they did my countrynion - In. times when slavery lived.
Sarah, thy name shall ever live !
Shall have the best place in my heart. For the instruction thou didst give,
When others bade me to depart.
Stretch forth thy gentle, tender hands.
And bid the ignorant come to thee. For there are many in the land.
Who gladly seek to learn of thee.
15
Thy loving baud slialt bless the poor, Shalt wipe away the tears they shed :
And from thy bounty I am sure, The poor and needy shall have bread.
Tliy steadfast feet shall tread the way. That saints and angles lojig have trod.
If thou wilt only watch and pray. And seek to serve the living God.
It was the time of fear and dread
I looked to Calvary; I had not where to lay my head.
My Saviour pitied me.
He seemed to speak in words unknown'
Looking fn^m Calvary ; lie seemed to say, why weep and m<>{in
Oh ! why not come to me ?
J told him that I could not come With sins so much oppressed ;
While they were rising one l>y one Upon my weary breast.
Jesus, the Son of God, still lives And scatters doubts and fear;
His power the sins of all forgive?^ And bids them disap})ear.
16
The iol lowing lines are the second ever composed by my self, and these were suggested to me on one pleas- ant Sabbath day, when returning from Sabbath School, and I was thinking of my souls welfare, both in time and in eternity when suddenly I was a-roused by the noise of some very wicked boys w^ho were spending the Lord's day in idle sport, smoking and swearing, thus profaning God's name and day. I wondered how long men will be permitted to disregard the Bible, and violate the laws of the land ; how long will he shut himself out from good society, and bind himself in the fetters of sin and death, the death that never dies '/ May they iioon hear, turn, and live.
%mi^ mt) Jrieiul
• lesus, tW love did leave its (diai'ins.
Engraved upon my heart : Tliou badst nie fly unto thine arniis.
And from my sins depart.
It was the time I came to thee. With sin so much oppressed,
Then t'was thy love that rescued me. And gave my spirit rest.
But since that time I've gone astray.
My love is cold to Thee, And I am in the crooked way,
Thy light I cannot see.
17
0 c HI Id I see tli^' love again.
Come beaming from the sky, And know that I am free from sin.
And feel that thou art nigh !
T would no longer linger here, And sink with fear and shame,
But I would seek the cross to bear. And own my Saviour's name.
Then let me to my Saviour go,
And rest upon his breast, Where peace and love forever flow.
In lieaven. among the l)lest.
Sweet and pleasant are thy features. Kind and lovely are thy ways.
Fairer than ten thousand creatures, The brightest vision of my days !
1 mark thy steps from day to day, And know that they are firm and true.
[ only wish a word to say ; Take heed to all you speak or do.
From thy door a glancing look.
Upon my heart what wonders wrought ! Thy smiles from me my sorrows took.
Oh, how I felt ! Oh. what I thouo:ht !
IS
Xovv let nie to yoti garden go, Where flowers bloom so gay.
And I shall find some one I know,. That will entice nie there to stay.
Among the flowers great and small. The sweetness I will much admire ;
Till one T find amidst them all, That I may pick and then retire.
Art thou not in a gorgeous green, Where all the living flowers grow ?
How is it that thou art the queen Of all who see and all who know.
But for myself, let me employ,
Ten thousand tongues this one to aid.
That I may speak my inward joy, When thee T see. thou pretty maid.
Kind Miss, I you must bid adieu.
T'o thee and all who thee surround ; But let me say, there's none like you
fn all the world, that I have found.
^xmjtv for tht Mxool.
Jesus, my Saviour and my King; O grant this school a song to sing, That we together here may meet And how and worship at thy feet.
19
And when we shall liave left this placo. Then give us of thy richest grace, And lead each one unto his home, That we may praise thee on thy throne !
And if we here shall meet no more, Then let us meet on Canaan's shore, Where we may walk the streets around. And were a robe and starry crown.
Wtmvtrmct
Stretch forth thy h.)ving, gentle haml. And raise thy banner to tlie sky,
And save the drunkards of the land.
When others shall have passed them hv-
Yov-!, stretch tliy net across the sea. And gather in both great and small.
A^es, l)id the chninkards come to thee. And save them frc^m the dreadful fall.
Thy ship is anchored near the shore.
Ten thousand stand upon her deck, And she can carry thousands more,
Fearless of winds, or storms, or wreck.
How millions gather thick around, With each eye tixed upon her sails.
To see her venture o'er the sound. Moved on by favoring gales.
20
She soon will reach the happy land, And gently touch the blissful shore,
Where millions . round their Savior stand. Who'll sail this temperance l)oat no more.
This was composed during the Congressional Temperance Meeting hekl at Howard University, at which Dr. Chick- ering presided and Senator Pomeroy and others made speeclies.
O where's the maid that I can love, With love which I have never told !
Where is the one that I would like. To comfort me when I am old !
Do I not see before my face, A mate prepared for every one (
Then sure there's one prepared for me Nor need T trudr/e the road alone.
Now who is he that speaks to me Of Mormans and of Mormanhood \
While this you know, the Lord has said, They twain shall be one ilesh. one bloo<l !
Come listen then to what I say
Before this evening's work is done.
That you can do as you may please. But I'd be satisfied with one.
21
This lettei: was written to a little child living in North Carolina, that I used to tend and jiet. The first word she spoke was my name:
Howard University,
WasMnglon, B.C., May S, 1872.
Miss Smitherman :
While sitting in my room thinking to whom my first May-letter should be addressed, I thought of you as the one I should most like to honor, knowing that you will receive it with pleasure, as it comes from one whom you have not seen for five years.
I am living in the City of Washington, and am a stu- dent at Howard University. I am making rapid progrses in my studies, having overtaken a class that was a year ahead of me.
I have followed the precepts of your father and mother, and for this reason I have run the road of wisdom without getting discouraged.
As a Christian, I endeavor to do all I can for Christ; as a student, to compete with my class-mates ; as a politician, to prove true to my country ; as a citizen, to be law-abiding.
I am very busy at this time preparing for our an- nual examination.
Some say that I am a poet, because I sometimes write a verse or two. The following lini^s I have dedicated to you :
22
Miss Nancy Jane, I long to see
Those golden charms jof tliine, While standing in a garden green,
Where nature is sublime. •
Within fhe place where flowers bloom,
Around thy head so gay, Where birds and bees do loud proclaim
Thou art the queen of May.
0 could I see thy piercing eyes, As they reflect the light,
Which drives away thy midnight dreams. And makes thy visions bright.
1 long to see thy tender smiles,
So gentle and so gay. That drive away the cares of life, And make life's darkness day.
While thou art in that tranquil place. Let evening shades draw nigh,
When thou may est in the moon beam stand. And view the starry sky.
Then cast thine eyes around about,
And view the willow tree. And when thou dost recall the past,
0 ! then remember me !
23
I left the South and journeyed East,
This goodly land to see ; But I have never found a child
That I could love like thee.
When thou was't in thy mother's arms,
Those arms so dear to thee, I saw thee when thou sweetly smiled,
And then thou called'st for me.
80 much surprised thy mother was
She quickly did exclaim, " My little daughter, though so young.
Has plainly called thy name ! "
I hastened to that tranquil place,
And took thee in my arms, I smiled and kissed thy dimpled cheeks,'
And looked upon thy charms.
And now I look upon the arm
On which thy head did rest, And well remember how thou slept,
When leaning on mybreast.
I cannot tell your pa and ma
How I esteem those days ; Nor can I tell them how I love
Their kind and pleasant ways. ^
^tjii>v
24
My little friend, I'd like to ask.
Art thou a child of God? And do yoi; walk the narrow path
That saints and angle's trod ?
It is a straight and shineing road, And leads through wisdom's ways,
And if you'd be a child of God, O start in early days !
Now, if we never meet again
About the old home place, Then may we meet in Heaven above,
Around God's throne of grace.
Remember me to all my friends In words which I proclaim ;
Then give my love to all thy house, And thou accept the same.
Jesus, that stream shall ever flow That washed my sins away ;
That made my heart as white as snow. And moved me then to pray.
It is a stream of pure delight, Flowing both deep and wide ;
Each ripple doth reflect the light Proceeding from Thy side.
lib
It is a stream where all can meet
And drink a full supply ; Can bow and worship at thy feet,
And praise Thy name most high.
There millions in Thy presence stand, And bid us welcome home;
They tell us of the happy land, Where all in Christ are one.
And if we will consent to go, We there shall bathe again
In waters bright that can, we know. Cleanse from the foulest stain .
A
This nation has a faithful friend,
In whom she may confide ; Whose iufluence is like the sea,
Which flows both deep and wide.
Let us behold the sea, how calm- What ships her billows float,
Come let us hasten to the shore^ And get on freedom's boat. 0^
Upon her deck the nations meet ; , The white and colored there.
Where no first place nor second known, ^N'o diflerence in the fare.
26
I saw her raise her banner hig'h, '
And cast it to the breeze. When tempests raged and billows rolled
She sailed through gulfs and seas.
Through smoke and fog she onward went,
This nation to defend, "When Dixie cried, "Take her last son,
And her last dollar spend."
When hissing shot around her fell,
From rebel cannon's mouth She stood the storm , the rain, the hail,
And now can stand the drouth.
I heard her cry while sailing on—
And Justice is her name — Grant equal rights to every man,
And amnesty the same.
She soon will land her noble crew
Within a city bright, Where nations in one brotherhood
Drink national delight.
-^ Where we may have our public schools.
With open doors displayed ;
Where all may drink at wisdom's fouirt
With none to make afraid. f
27
Young friends, I know you will be therpti
Bright shining as the sun ; if
With equal rights secured to all.
When Sumner's work is done.
•
The nation's friend ! still firm he stand^^ Proclaiming without number.
Till every Freedman in one band Shall hail the name of Sumner !
I plant this tree to try thy faith,
And, if thou only wilt obey, Thou shalt ever see my face,
Add I will bless thee day by day.
The good of life I'll not withhold, i
Nor kindred pleasures will deny,
But thou shalt walk in streets of gold, And thou shalt never, never die.
Thy days and years shall have no end ;
Sickness nor sorrow shalt thou know ; And in old age thou shalt not bend,
Except thou yield unto the foe.
Freely drink from every fount,
From streams as they go laughing on,
Proceeding down from yonder mount. Singing their merry, merry song.
28
It is not well to be alone ;
There should be one to conitort thee ; And from thy side I'll take a bone.
And soon in one thou twain shalt be.
In yonder place I think I see Adam reclining in the shade,
Rejoicing near the green bay tree,
E'en in the place where Eve was made.
List ye to what this man will say, This man who never spake before ;
And see how w^ise, though made of clay, Now he has some one to adore.
Bone of my bone, I know thou art, And truly Eve thy name shalt be ;
I'll wear thine image in my heart, And thou shalt ever cleave to me I
Wiiy do I doubt and tremble here. Beneath this load of sin I bear ? Is there no one to pity me, In all this grief and misery ?
Why do I shrink with fear and shame. And dare to own my Saviour's name ? J3id He not die upon the tree. That Qinful man might thus be free ?
29
Is there no rooui upon His breiist. Where I may lay my head to rest i Did He not die a death of shame, And bear for man the dreadful pain ?
ihe pttU iJlpfr.
[The day of the celebration of the Fifteenth Amendment I was passing through the crowd in the street when a little girl noticed my eyes, and thinking I could not see and would be run over, took me by the hand and lead me to a place of safety. The kind- ness made such an impression, I was moved to write this little poem:]
Behold the great and swelling eM'owd, While thronging through the street.
And then behold the hand that keeps Me from the horses feet.
The great and small have passed me by,
And here unseen 1 stand ; I have no sympathy, no help,
Except this little hand.
And now I bless this little hand.
Which clings unto my arm ; Kind Jesus, bless this little child,
And keep her from all harm.
30
The proud and gay are passing by,
And foolishly have scorned, When they have met me on the street
Afflicted as when born.
But now and then I meet a child
As harmless as a dove. Who tells me by its little deeds,
That God alone is love.
Dear Saviour, bless this little child,
Whate'er her name may be ; Dost Thou not see her little heart,
How kind its been to me !
Oh, why have I thus failed to write A line upon my heart's delight? The reason why I need not tell. For it, I think, is known too well.
I need not say that she is pretty ; But I am sure she is quite witty. She's both comely to behold, And, in my sight, as pure as gold.
-I like the style in which she's dressd, And place her now among the blessed ; There is no one more neat than she Amono; the fairer ones I see.
31
It's true I take a complex view, Instead of one, I look at two ; One, because she's neat and triiid\^'^^'* The other one is fair and slim.
Ti's verj true one has a beau. The othe^ one has none I know : The one may dwell e'en near my heart, The other one must then depart.
There's only one that I can love, And she's as harmless as a dove ; She is not drifted by the tide With twenty beaux around her side.
I have seen one all dressed in green ; The other one may be a queen : I think one has a pleasant mother. The other one a handsome brother.
Now, shall I tell the first one's name. For fear that you may think in vain ? Shall I record on history's page. The other one is not of age ?
When you have seen the other one, Then think of mother's only son. To her be kind, be just and true, That she may thus confide in you.
And wlieu you have been kind to ber, A favor you will then confer, I bope tbat you will never sligbt Tbe one wbo is my beart's deligbt.
We went out to tbe Soldiers' Jfome,
Witb bappy hearts and free, And as we stopped within the grove All eyes were fixed on rae.
They seemed to speak in words like these :
"Will he not write a poem? ** Does he not feel the gentle breeze
"■ On which our thoughts arc borne,
An<l as they range through worlds unknown,
I thought I heard them say : Tbat " Waldpjn ought to write a verse
" Upon tbe first of May" !
Let nature in sublimity.
With golden raj^s of Hglit, Loan him a pen with diamond pointy
And tell him what to write.
Let May put on her coat of green
And bid him freely speak. That we may have a line or two
Before we stop to eat.
33
We canuot feel the hidden spark That burns within his breast ;
Nor can we tell him what to say. For nature's thoughts are best.
I hope he'll think upon the bridge.
And of the willow tree ; I hope he'll think of every one,
And then he'll think of me.
Depart from me all cares of life, And let me here compose
A line or two upon this place In poetry or prose.
This is a fair and pleasant place.
And lovely to behold ; The place where aged soldier:^ live,
I often have been told.
Now let the soldier cast his eye
Upon the fields of green, And I am sure he will proclaim
The MATKON is the queen ?
Then let the Captain take a view.
Although he is afar, And with the soldiers he'll proclaim
Each ladv is a star.
34
Now, while 1 view the tender leaves,
And hear the gay birds sing, My thoughts are borne upon the breeze ,
That kindly welcomes Spring.
They swiftly fly to nature's arms,
And in her bosom rest, 'Till she unfolds her richest charms,
Close hid within her breast.
And then they will return again.
As constant as the dove, And join the angels when they sing,
That God is only love.
Now, while I'm in this tranquil place,
The evening shades appear, And I can view the landscape o'er
And none but I am here.
With love and kindness one comes down,
And by me takes her seat, And kindly asks me to accept,
A piece of bread and meat.
Of course I will accept of it,
And glad to eat I am, And think within my heart there is
A Marif in this land.
35
Now I will speak of one more friend, And will not slight her name,
Whom I have found both just and true — It is Miss E. L= Crane !
Young friends, if w^e no more shall meet
Within the Soldiers' Home, Then may we meet in Heaven above
Around God's brilliant throne.
May 1, 1872.
There is not one that can be found More happy than the man unbound, If he will not himself engage To any one of any age.
He then can live a single life ; When free from wed and free from wife He has no one that would control Nor disregard him when he's old.
According to the lines above There is no one that he should love ; But if he thinks that is not right, •Then let him seek his heart's delight. .
36
Jesus, I feel the quickening spark,
0 how it burns within ! ' Tis love that purifies the heart,
And cleanses from all sin.
And now I stretch my hands to Thee ;
Dear Saviour, bid me fly, O let me in thy presence be.
And reign above the sky.
Then may I wear a starry crown, ..
Through ceaseless years to corn^,* '' And in the city I'll be found,
A near the da/.zling throne.
(Ta Pit ^^mUtUv,
It's true 1 have a friend, indeed, Whom I can safely trust and heed ; He's been to me a shining light, And seeks to guide my feet aright.
When doubt and fear shall cloud my skies, Then he will come and sympathize ; He found me in a seeking state. And placed me here among the great.
Will he not lead me with his hand To Canaan's fair and happy land .'
Will be not mark each step I take, Or rnend each sacred link I break ?
I came to him when much oppressed. And soon he eased my troubled breast ; And now I bless the way he led, When all my soitow^s quickly fled.
I love to look on you kind friend.
Would like to ask thy name. My leisure hours with you I'd spend, ' And learn from whence you came.
I'd gather wisdom from your voice.
Advancing day by day, Please gratify my ardent choice,
Your name ? what is it ? pray.
Bless us as we together meet, And sanctify the food we eat ; Blest be the God who wisdom gives, The food by which the spirit lives, And when we shall have left this place, Lord, give us of thy richest grace, Help us to love Thee now — and then. Thine will the glory be. Amen.
<i«
?edifatcrt ta ^^W. H\l W, on mMm Im firsit 5ihivt.
Mary, my shirt is neatly made. Each stitch is in its proper place ;
There's not a wrinkle to be seen, Nor basting thread that will deface.
Iv'e criticised with all my might;
I thought the button holes were shirkciL But I was struck with much surprise
To find they all were neatly worked.
T turned it in and turned it out, I sought to find some fault with It :
I tried it on, and tried it ofi', I never had so neat a fit.
1 think I see within it stitched,
A figure of your daily life ; Tt surely tells that you will make.
Some gentleman a thrifty ^^'ife.
And now I speak unto the hand That never made a shirt before : —
Work hard to cultivate the mind,
Then arduous task's will soon be o'er.
S9
(Ode to (»kncral ©. ©. itmvanl.
Kind Saviour, hear the voice of prayer. And do thou bless this sacred hour, May peace and comfort now l)e sent, (J]ion our loving President.
Its true he's in a heathen land, Where red-men may around him stand, VN^ith tomahawk and scalping knife. Avid threaten vengeance on his life.
Now he is in the distant West,
May all he does be for the best.
Be thou his shield l)oth day and night,
And evej- guide his feet aright.
We know his trust is in thy name. And in tliy love he doth remain. For he did prove himself most true. When fighting by the starry blue.
0 lead him o'er the Rocky Mounts ! And let him drink from sparkling founts And when he's where the water gleams. Then let him bathe in crystal streams ;
And when he hears tlie wild beast moan. Then let him think of friends and home. For there does dwell his loving wife, Who comforts him mid earth Iv strife.
40
Let birds and bees, both riiiig his praise. To lighten up his dreary days ; Let nature in her beauty shirie, Teaching that all things are divhie.
Another word I should have said — Vd like to ask. has ho a bed « A shelter where within to rest, While he is in the distai.it west /
0 grant me words tliat I may write. More on the President to night, The words I need I do not know, Except they shall from Wehster flow.
Congress of power lias given a lease. And him, dear Lord, in making peace ; 0 guide him with thy sacred hand, That he may bless his native land.
Yes, bless it in thy sacred name, And break each link in error's chain ; For in this land there's hardly one, So many generous deeds has done.
Wilt thou return him home again, Free from sorrow and from pain ; That we may see his loving face, Lighted with Thy richest Grace.
41
And when he turns to East or West. He'll view his labor Thou liast blessed ; Or turns to either North or South He'll bless the poor by word of mouth.
Then when he conies w-ithin the school. He'll see how well we keep each rule. Though some of them are very tight. Yet we believe that they are right.
And wdien from scenes like these we go, To journey on with friend or foe, May happy thoughts round us be showered, When w^e recal the name of Hmonrd !
€mi xinxx axx% upn the ford.
It is the King, the Prince of Peace, Who holds the reins of time ;
Who sits upon His Father's throne, And rides upon the wind.
'Tis He, whom angels do adore. And praise his name most high.
He walks upon the mighty deep, And reigns with Clod on high.
He spreads the clouds beneath the sky.
And bids them disappear, He guides the pilgrim with His eye
And scatters doubt aud fear.
He holds the lightning in His hand.
Till he shall bid it %, Then it darts its quivering lianie
Athwart the cloudy sky,
'Tis He who is the sinner's friend.
And only such can be, He bled and died, that all might liw.
When nailed upon the tree.
§ttUx U §v. ^u.
This letter was written to the Secretary of the Reformed Church of America.
Howard Univp:rsity,
Washingfon, D. C. June 4, 1872 Dr. See,
Dear Friend: I should have written you before, but being very busy in my studies, I have been put- ting it off until I should have time.
We are preparing for examination, and my idle moments are all passed.
I am doing very well in my studies, and have found time, in connection with them, to attend about half of the Theological lectures. During this term I have composed about thirty poems. I am going to have a boOK published this summer. Doctor Nichols says, that the University will have it printed for me.
Doctor, I love the great Reform, And pause within her arms :
4*
I dare not scorn her day when small, Nor trifle with her charms.
How long she stood within God's sight
Pure and undefiled : How long has it been her delight,
To save each little child.
Oh ! when did she His banners raise.
And cast it to the breeze ? How long will she be tossed npon
This life's tempestuous seas.
Her millions she has landed safe,
Upon fair Canaan's shore ; There're millions yet within her arms,
And room for millions more. .
Now let me praise the great Reform,
And magnify her name, For all the kindness she has shown,
Since from the South I came.
8he did not turn away from me
But bade me go in peace, And kindly asked me to accept,
A place among the least.
Dear Saviour, bless the great Reform,
And keep her in thy care, And w'hen she trembles in the storm,
0 banish doubt and fear !
T. WAT.DEN.
44
(?)« n Iriettd.
AVby thus I write I cannot tell,
I cannot give the reason why, Except it 18 because thou hast
Become the apple of mine eye.
I cannot speak the words I wish,
How ever true it all may be, Because I know^ the gay and vain.
Have placed their longing eyes on thee.
Shall 1 betray the noble thoughts
Which guard thine image day and night,
Or shall I speak of Mr. A —
Who seeks ts put those thoughts to flight.
A- thy beauty doth admire.
B- thy kind and loving w^ays, And C-- because thou shedest light
To cheer and bless his dreary days.
But for myself, intelligence,
Beauty and meekness reign alone;
And she must love the Son of God Who sits upon His Father,s throne.
I will not write another line
Lest critics say I flatter you ; And they would say I prove unkind
And vou mieht think I am untrvie
45
a)u ^ $tmx%txm.
My shirt is truly neat and strong Although for it I waited long. I know Miss Smith will never slight, Xor sew on shirts by candle light.
I long have known this one who sews, And now commend her to her Beaux. She has no artificial w^ays To cause young men on her to gaze.
ffiall t0 ^nnm »t\iml.
Oh! hark unto this liberal call ;
For you are all invited, And if you stay away I know,
The children will be slighted.
Oh! why not come unto the school— For you may be a teacher ,
Of all the beauties of the day. This is the brightest feature.
The President will sure be there. And that will be exciting,
And a shoi't lecture I will give, If you will be ccniiiding.
The children there together meet; Tbev'l look to see vou coniintr-
46
AVliile Inrds an<i bees within the grove, Will greet you with their humming.
The school will meet at three o'clock,
A pleasant time to spend, And when we hear the clock strike i\W)
Our exercise will end.
Zo the (^rauuatiiui (lUa.^^.
Young men, there is one honor yet, One that I' am sure each one can get ;
An honor that is tried and true, One that wall ever stand by you.
When entering on the tield of lite. Each graduate should have a wife.
One who will guide his feet aright. And ever be his heart's delight.
'Tin true, quite true^ your's leaving college, With minds well stored with useful knowledge
But O, all this will prove in vain, Except some lady's heart you gain.
• Tis true you stood upon the stage,
Examples of the modern age ; But life is vain if you (fre wise
[f there's no star in all vour skies.
^^ii<i if each one will still live siiigle.
ram sure his pocket cannot jingle ; I care not wlio may be your choice.
If you'll obey this warning voice.
Go forth, young men, in all the land, Aud reap success on every hand ;
0'> tnake yourselves ii shining name, 'i1ien you'll deserve eternal fame.
(On 3^ ixmnl.
Kind friend why dust thou look so sad.
What may thy troubles be .' f>h dost thou fear some one will take
The one so kind to thee.
She it a fair and charming one
She dazzles every eye, It is enough to make thee weep,
l^jiough to make thee sigh,
Go tell Miss ''V" to quickly, come.
And bring her pen and ink, Tnat she may write each word [ speak
Or each one that I think,
She i'an unfold my Darkies thoughts
\ -id iiiakc til em phnj) to nic^
48
I know not ono so full of art Xo one so apt as she.
She was with nie on the H.rst of Ma,y ;
For Die she then, did write With little kind and gentle deeds^
She's like my heart's delight.
lite (fJitmiritign of 72.
0 hark! ye sous of liberty,
Unto your country's call ! Come quickly and deliver her,
Or quickly she will fall.
Let all lier royal sons come forth,
As they in sixty-tw^o ; O let the Yankee voters come
Who saved the starry blue.
Tlie Freedman from the Sou'h will come.
His ballot will display, May overturn the Greele^'-ites
And drive them far aw^ay.
Now Gerrett Smith will lead us on.
Close by the river side. If np " Salt River" Greeley goes,
And Brown beneath the tide.
But firm and true Ulysses stands — He is the nation's head.
it was before liis iiohlo form The rebels quickly lied.
The foreigners are stepping in,
Of plucky Europe's blood, And they declare the '' lil)erals ''
Shall sink beneath the flood.
I see the Germen rna-rching on, From mountain, hill, and deli,
They come to hail the gallant chief, Our •'' Grant, who's known so well.
Lloyd Gai'rison is looking on
This free and rising race; He looks to see each loyal soii
Stand in his proper place.
Should we not stand by friends of old.
In whom we can coniide/ Should we not vote for General Grant,
With Wilson by his side ?
But if we find our friends of old.
Are on the other side, Should w^e not launch out on the stream,
And roll on with the tide !
Since poets should not one-sid ^d he, Nor minglo with thewi'ong;
They should not trifle with the weak, IStov baffle with the strong.
:.0
Now if I cliaiig'e tliose little rhymes, Or turn tri(3m up-side-down.
Then will they read or will they not. For Greeley and for IJrown,
TViose true and tried old veteran?*. Who sought for many years.
To turn slavery a summerset. To scatter freed nicn's fears.
God bless our noble candidates,
I care not wlio they are. yiiiy t'ach one sliine like yonder sun,
Tt» us like morninii-\s stai'.
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