f LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.!
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\ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, |
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eeosTics,
States and Presidents of the United States,
And Y
ARIOUS OTHER SUBJECTS
Su]
RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL AND PERSONAL.
'^jERuigtpat©^ WBthi ft@Ptp^lts Q)f @8!1 tk% ^!r©sldl©!iitSe
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AND VARIOUS OTHER ENGRAVINGS
By EGBERT BLACKWELL.
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CINCINNATI:
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR
1868.
I'f
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by
ROBERT BLACKWELL,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of Ohio.
ROBERT BLACKWELL.
HYMINGr is now my occupation,
Ofttimes I write on subjects new,
By this I rise to observation,
Expecting pay for what I do ;
Regarding men of higher station,
They read my book, and pay me, too.
Burlesque me not, ye wise and knowing,
Let me but work and make my rhymes.
All I would ask is half a showing.
Come, gentlemen, hand o'er your dimes;
Keep them no more in pockets tight,
When people work they want their pay,
Encourage worth with talents bright —
Little critics, now clear the way.
Learn first to spell before you write.
(5)
INYOCATIOK
RANT one favor, I ask no more.
Examine all my writings o'er,
Not forgetting, at any time,
'T is liard to make a name to rhyme ;
Let those who think they can compose
Enchanting verse, as well as prose.
Make first one effort to be wise.
Ere they presume to criticise
New works of those they would revise.
(6)
CONTENTS
ACROSTICS
PAGE.
Acklin, Mrs. Col 194
Adams, John 17
Adams, John Quincy 25
Alabama 89
Almighty God 172
Ambrosial Oil 218
Ann 207
Applewhite, Dr. J. A 179
Arkansas 101
Atlanta 205
Augusta ^ 213
Baldwin, R 153
Barton, H. C 170
Bell, John 164
Bell, William 204
Bible 215
Blackwell, Robert 5
Blackwell, John L 159
Blackwell, Mary T 177
Blackwell, Micajah 172
Bonaparte, Napoleon 147
Bos worth, John F 165
Bourland, Thomas Dick 171
Bourland, Ellen Florine 207
Bragg, Laura Isabel 189
Brandy 186
Brown, Gov. Joseph E 157
Buchanan, James 43
California 97
Calhoun, John C 178
Canton 163
Cars 169
Cheatham, Dr. W. A 158
Childs, S. R 184
Cincinnati 206
Clay, Honorable Henry 142
Cole, Dr. Isaac N 161
Cole, Dr J. L 170
PAQE.
Campbell, Mary E 194
Columbia 51
Columbus, Christopher 145
Comet 156
Connecticut 65
Cosgrove, Charles 222
Crenshaw, Annie E 181
Croge, Spencer 163
Dakota 126
Dean, Elizabeth 174
Death 45
Delaware 73
Douglas, S. A 154
Everett, Edward 166
Fillmore, Millard 89
Florida 87
Flowers, Sarah E 203
Fox, Maggie C 162
Georgia 85
Grant, Ulysses S 137
Harrison, William H 31
Henry, Patrick 133
Holly Springs 220
Hope 162
Howard, Ann 196
Hume, Mister 183
Illinois Ill
Indiana 109
Invocation 6
Iowa 117
Jackson, General Andrew 27
James, William A 218
Jefferson, Thomas 19
Jennings, Sallie A 192
(Yii)
VIU
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Jesus 202
John 193
Johnson, Andrew 47
Kansas 123
Kentucky 105
Ladies of the North 223
Lafayette, Marquis de 134
Leflore, Fannie 197
Light 156
Lilly, Colin J 201
Lincoln, President A 45
Louisiana 93
Love 217
Madison, James 21
Maine 65
Martha 185
Marriage 190
Mary 184
Mary T. S 189
Maryland 75
Massachusetts 61
Memphis, Tennessee 149
Michigan 113
Minnesota 119
Mississippi 91
Missouri 103
Monroe, James 23
Moon 155
Moon, WiUiam V 183
Moon, Sarah P 195
My Mother, Elizabeth P. Blackwell... 175
Nashville 214
Nebraska 129
News 193
New Hampshire 57
New Jersey 69
New Mexico 127
New Orleans 150
New York 67
North Carolina 81
Ohio 107
Oregon 121
On the Ladies of Springfield 148
On Lancaster City, Pennsylvania 151
Parrott, William A 1&5
Pennsylvania 71
Pierce, Franklin 40
Pool, Edmund F. P 220
Polk, James K a5
Presidents 13
Prince, Mistress Martha 199
PAGE.
Revelries..... 187
Reves, Nancy 197
Reves, John A 168
Rhode Island 63
Rum 186
Ruth 212
Scott, Winfield 141
Shellie, Isaac 204
Sherman, Wm. T 139
Smith, Fanny 200
Soldiers of the North 224
South Carolina 83
Springfield 150
Stars 155
Sun 155
Taylor, Zachary 37
Tea 211
Tennessee 99
Terry, Susan A 181
Texas 95
The Atlantic Cable .^. 191
The Chase 217
The Ladies of Jackson 135
The Ladies of Canton 198
The Ladies at the Chalybeate Acid
Spring 221
The Selfish 173
The Steam Press 210
The Two Oddities 160
The United States 53
The War is Over 206
Thomas, Emma 209
Thomas, Miss Mary Hannah 216
Thomps, Stephen 219
Titsworth, Sarah Ann 208
Trotter, Adaline 182
Tyler, John 33
Union 47
Utah 125
Van Buren, Martin 29
Van Vacter, Owen 167
Vermont 59
Virginia 79
War 198
Washington City 77
Washington, George 15
Webster, Honorable Daniel 143
Whisky 187
Wisconsin 115
Yell, General James 178
CONTENTS.
IX
MORAL LESSONS, FABLES, SENTIMENTS, ETC.
PAGE.
Advantage of Abstinence 211
Angler and the Little Fish 129
Ant and the Grasshopper 71
A Man Bit by aDog 123
A Noble Boy 23
A Noble Reply 57
A Soft Answer turneth away Wrath. 137
A Woman's Promise 213
Bear and the Bee-hives 85
Benevolence 115
Blowing the Bellows 153
Boys and the Frogs 126
Brother and Sister 168
Books ~ 215
Bull and the Goat 99
Castillo 147
Cat and the Mice 93
Cicero 25
Covetous Man 97
Crow and the Pitcher 127
Death and Cupid 101
Diogenes exposing Pride 43
Dog and the Shadow 55
Dumoulin and the Spider's Web 113
Eagle and the Fox 45
Eagle, Cat, and the Sow 105
Edward Colston, the Bristol Mer-
chant 83
Fame 126
Fame 154
Falconer and the Partridge 142
Fighting Cocks 89
Fir-tree and the Bramble 73
Fox in the Well 109
Fox and the Crow 119
Fox and the Goat 29
Frogs desiring a King 107
Genius 171
George III and the Peerage 73
Goat and the Lion Ill
PAGE.
Grief 174
GustavusVasa 157
Hart and the Vine 67
Hope 208
Horse and the Loaded Ass 169
Horse's Petition 158
How to Enervate a People 113
How to Win 190
How to avoid Calumny 209
How to be Loved 212
Husbandman andhisSons 95
John Adams and his Latin 17
Knocking away the Props 35
Lion and the Mouse 115
Lord Tenderden 27
Love 129
Love 141
Love 205
Love, by Higgons 216
Luther Martin and the Young Law-
yer 121
Man and his Goose 57
Merit superior to Birth 21
Merlin and the Hen 23
Mohammed saved by a Spider 57
Mole and her Dam 79
Mule, The 103
Nobility of Birth 33
Old Hound and the Huntsman 63
Ornamented Bow, The 41
Patriotism 201
Peter the Great 31
Porcupine and the Snakes 91
Praise 200
Proud Frog 81
Reason for Singularity 134
Religion 202
Rev. Richard Cecil 141
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Sick Kite 43
Slanderer's Fall 61
Sympathy 196
Take Warning 153
The Bees, the Drones, and the Wasp.. 173
The Philosopher outdone 21
The Travelers 87
The Two Rivers 37
Tlie Wind, the Sun, and the Traveler. 165
Trumpeter taken Prisoner 101
PAGE.
Tunny and the Dolphin 65
Vain Jackdaw 59
Virtue 195
Washington's Filial Piety 15
What Perseverance will accomplish.. 125
Wisdom Learned from Nature 19
Wolves and the Sheep 69
Wolf and the Lamb 117
Wood and the Clown 75
'^
mS^mk^.
PRESIDENTS
RINCES ruled by right of birth
Begions fair o'er all the earth ;
Ere the standard of the brave,
Striped and starred, aloft did wave,
In the strife that made us free,
Drove our foes beyond the sea.
Ever since those grand events,
Nations see our Presidents
Taken from the great and wise.
Set, our statesmen to advise.
(13)
14
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
GEORGE WASHI:N'GT0J^.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 15
GEOEGE WASHINGTON.
Tirst i^esident of the United States,
Born in Virginia, February 22, 1732. President from 1789 to 1797— eiglit years.
Died December 1, 1799.
0, read the history of the earth,
Each book, and try to find
One man so loved for sterling worth
Eespected, more refined —
Greater and of a better birth,
Endeared more to mankind.
We read, that ere to fight he went,
All brave of heart to do and dare.
Some one beheld our hero bent,
His God to seek in humble prayer.
In that behold his faith in God —
Not in the prowess of his sword.
Great chieftain, gift of heaven above.
There never was a man
On earth deserved more praise or love,
Not e'en since time began.
p EORGE WASHINGTON, when young, was about to go to sea as a midshipman ;
^^ everv thing was arranged ; tlie vessel lay opposite liis father's house ; the little
boat had come on sliore to take him off, and his whole lieart was bent on going.
After his trunk had been carried down to the boat, he went to bid his mother fare-
well, and saw the tears bursting from her eyes. However, he said nothing to her ;
but he saw tliat his mother would be distressed if he went, and, perhaps, never be
happy again. He just turned round to the servant and said : " Go and tell tliem to
fetch my trunk. I will not go away to break my mother's heart." His mother
was struck with his decision, and she said to him: " George, God has promised to
bless the children that honor their parents, and I believe that he will bless you."
The young man wlio thus honored his parents was afterward honored by his
countrymen, and will be to the end of time.
16
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JOEJT ADAMS,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 17
JOHN ADAMS.
Second President of the United States.
Born in Mass., October 30, 1735. President from 1797 to 1801. Died July 4, 1826.
UST read his name ye wise and great,
Our Patriot did all tyrants hate ;
He loving Freedom said that he
Never would bow to Kings the knee.
And while all streams their courses keep,
Directing us where thousands sleep,
And stars shine in the azure deep ;
Men who prize true worth and fame
Should e'er rejoice to read his name.
JOHN ADAMS used to relate the following anecdote : " When I was a boy, I used to
^ study the Latin grammar ; but it was dull, and I liated it. My father was anxious
to send me to coUege; and, tlierefore, I studied tlie grammar until I could bear it
no longer; and going to my father, I told him I did not like study, and asked for
some other employment. It was opposing his wishes, and he was quick in his an-
swer: 'Well, John, if Latin gi'ammar does not suit you, you may try ditching;
perhaps that will. My meadow yonder needs a ditch, and you may put by Latin,
and try that.'
" This seemed a delightful change, and to the meadow I went. But I soon found
ditching harder than Latin, and the first forenoon was the longest I had ever expe-
rienced. That day I ate the bread of labor ; and right glad was I when night came
on. That night I made some comparison between Latin and ditching; but said
not a word about it. I dug next forenoon, and wanted to return to Latin at dinner ;
but it was humiliating, and I could not do it. At night, toil conquered pride ; and
though it was one of the severest trials I ever had in my life, I told my father, that
if he chose, I would go back to Latin grammar. He was glad of it ; and if I have
since gained any distinction, it has been owing to the two days' labor in that abom-
inable ditch."
Boys may learn several important lessons from this story. It shows how little
they oftentimes appreciate their privileges. Those who are kept at study frequently
think it a hardship needlessly imposed on them. The opportunity of pursuing a
liberal course of study is what few enjoy, and they are ungrateful who drag them-
selves to it as to an intolerable task. Youth may also learn from this anecdote, how
much better their parents are qualified to judge of these things than themselves.
If John Adams had continued this ditching instead of his Latin, his name would
not probably have been known to us. But, in following the path marked out by his
parent, he rose to the highest honors which the counti-y can bestow.
2
18
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
THOMAS JEFFERSOM.
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 19
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Third ^- est dent of the United States.
Born in Virginia, April 13, 1743. President from 1801 to 1809— eight years.
Died July 4, 1826.
IEMhIIEATENED by foes on land and sea,
Heeding not the powers that be,
Our fathers, struggling to be free,
Made us renowned, by giving thee
A pen to write a declaration.
Scorning chains and degradation.
Just in time to save a nation,
Expressing worth by demonstration ;
Flinching not, with pen in hand.
For us so boldly took thy stand.
Elevated by command,
Eolled the ink to save our land.
So long as stars and stripes shall wave
O'er this land of the /air and hrave,
Nations will respect thy grave.
AN Italian bishop struggled through great difficulties without repining or betray-
ing the least impatience. One of his intimate friends, who highly admired the
virtues which he thought it impossible to imitate, one day asked the prelate if he
could communicate the secret of being alwaj^s easy. "Yes," replied the old man,
" I can teach you ray secret with great facility ; it consists in nothing more than
making a right use of my eyes." His friend begged of him to explain himself.
" Most willingly," returned the bishop. " In whatever state I am, I first of all look
up to heaven, and remember that my principal business here is to get there ; I then
look down upon the earth, and call to mind how small a place I shall occupy in it,
when I die and am buried ; I then look abroad into the world, and observe what
multitudes there are who are in all respects more unhappy than myself. Thus I
learn where true happiness is placed— where all our cares must end, and what little
i"eason I have to repine or complain."
20
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JAMES MADISOJf,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 21
JAMES MADISOK
Fourtli ^resideni of ihe United States.
Born in Virginia, Marcli 16, 1757. President from 1809 to 1817— eight years.
UST at the dawn of Freedom's morn,
A beacon light he upward rose ;
Mankind to bless he on did press,
Encountering and subduing foes
Such as did our rights oppose.
Much time he spent while President,
Among the great, the high, and wise,
Declaring to all, both great and small,
Imperious foes he did despise;
Supported by a Monarch high,
''Our foes," said he, "with kings that be,
No homage shall receive from me."
|yHQ)B^L LiSSONl -IVlli^BT SUlPiRjC^E^ TQ) BfiBTH]«
TgURIPIDES was the son of a fruiterer; Virgil, of a baker; Horace, of a freed
slave ; Anayot, of a currier ; Voiture, of a vintner ; Tamerlane, of a shepherd ;
Rollin, of a herdsman ; Molliere, of an upholsterer; Rousseau, of a watchmaker ;
Ben Jonson, of a mason ; Sliakspeare, of a butclier ; Beattie, of a farmer; Tlaomas
Moore, of a grocer ; Rembrandt, of a miller ; Dr. Mibner, of Cliina, was a herd-boy
in Rhynia ; Joseph Hume, of the British Parliament, was a sailor-boy. Thousands
of such instances prove that birth is less honorable than true merit and industry
A LEARNED philosopher being in his study, a little girl came for some fire. The
doctor said, " But you have nothing to take it in ; " and as he was going to fetch
something, the girl, taking some cold ashes in one hand, put the live coals on with
the other. The astonished sage threw down his books, saying, " With all my learn-
ing I never should have found out that expedient."
22
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
JAMES MOJ^ROR
ORIGINAL ACKOSTICS. 23
JAMES MONROE.
Tifth President of i?ie United States,
Born in Virginia, April 2, 1759. President from 1817 to 1825— eight years.
Died July 4, 1831.
UDICIOUS man, he rose to fame,
And won himself a glorious name,
More prized than wealth, 'tis shining still,
Enchanting all, and ever will,
So long as men creation fill.
Monroe, he was a warrior true,
Our foes with him could nothins; do ;
Nerved like a man for us he fought.
Repelling those who victory sought ;
Of all the times by foes surrounded.
Excepting once, was never wounded.
A BOY was once tempted by some of his companions to pluck ripe cherries from^
a tree which his father had forbidden him to touch. " You need not be afraid,''
said one of his companions, " for if your father should And out tliat you had taken
them, he is so kind he would not hurt you." '■'■That is the very reason,^' replied the
boy, "why I would not touch them. It is true, my father would not touch me;
yet my disobedience, I know, would hurt my father ; and that would be worse to
me than anything else." A boy who grows up with such principles would be a
man in the best sense of the word. It betrays a regard for rectitude that would
render him trustworthy under every trial.
RKraO!^ m.^ VMi HilM!.
TOURING the awful massacre of St. Bartholomew, every Protestant in France
that could be found was put to death. By order of the king. Admiral de Co-
ligny was murdered in his own house, but Merlin, his chaplain, concealed himself
in a hay-loft. He stated, at the next synod, that he was supported, during his con-
cealment, by a hen, which regulai'ly laid her eggs near his place of refuge.
24
OEiaiNAL ACEOSTICS.
JOEJf QJimOY ADAMS.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
Sixth Ti-esident of the United States.
Born in Massachusetts, July 11, 1767. President from 1825 to 1829-four years.
Died February 23, 1848.
I^EOPLE of this and distant climes
Res^arded him as one of worth ;
Each knowing him, did him adore,
So long as he remained on earth.
In learning none could him excel,
Discussion was to him delight;
Exploring was his mind, but still
Ne'er was he known to swerve from right.
Think of the height to which he rose,
Jeweled with fame's bright diadem ;
Of those he was surrounded by.
He stood above the best of them.
Now if you wish to blot his name
Quite from beneath the sky.
Uplift the sea first from its bed.
Its mighty waves defy ;
Not only so, but make the stars
Cease, at your word, to run,
Yon silver moon, too, pluck it down,
And paralyze the sun;
Do all which we have named above,
And then you can, no doubt,
Make men forget his useful life,
Sweep, too, his memory out.
25
THE great Roman orator was one day sneered at by one of his opponents, a mean
man of noble linea-e, on account of his low pirentage. ''You are the/irsi of
your line," said the rail'er. "And you," replied Cicero, " are the la&t of yours.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
AJ^DREW JACKSOJT.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 27
GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON.
Seventh President of the United States.
Born in North Carolina, March 15, 1767. President from 1829 to 1837— eight years.
Died June 8, 1845.
REAT and noble, brave and free,
Ever faithful, kind was he;
No one could bend his iron will,
Earth could not his spirit quell;
Bead his exploits o'er and o'er.
And you '11 love him more and more.
Low though he sleeps, his virtues shine.
And will until the end of time.
Now go with him through all life's scenes,
Down to the battle of New Orleans ;
Respect the course he is pursuing.
Enter on the battle's plain.
Witness the dying and the slain ;
Judge from what you see him doing,
All his efforts were not vain ;
Cities though are saved from ruin.
Kindled is the very air —
See the British in despair —
On each foe destruction hurled —
Now his fame surrounds the world.
|yiQ)BAL LiSS©l««.
J^ORD TENDERDEX, who was the son of a barber, had too much good sense to
feel any false shame on that account. It is related of him, that when, in an
early period of his professional career, a brother barrister, with whom he hap-
pened to have a quarrel, had the bad taste to twit him on his origin, his manly
and severe reply was, " Yes, sir, 1 am the son of a barber; if you had been the son
ox a barber, you would have been a barber yourself."
28
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
MARTI:N' VAJf BUREJ^,
ORIGIXAL ACROSTICS. 29
MAETIN VAN BUREN.
£:ighih President of ihe United Siaies.
Born in New York, December 5, 1782. President from 1837 to 1841— four years.
OEE fool than wise, more knave than saint,
And yet he had so many charms,
Eeclining on his chair of ease.
The people took him to their arms ;
In all his glory they saw him rise.
Not clothed with virtue, but with disguise.
Vows he broke from day to day,
And though he made a great display,
No good of him can mortal say.
But still from us he homage claims,
Unmindful of his traitorous aims ;
Eobed in the garments of a foe.
Enticing men with him to go —
Not to heaven, but down below. [Composed iseo.]
F^iLi -THJi ^Q)A mm TMi @@^.T«
A FOX having tumbled by chance into a well, had been casting about a long
while, to no purpose, how lie should get out again ; when, at last, a goat came
to the place, and wanting a drink, asked Reynard whether the water was good.
"Good," says he; " ave, so sweet that I am afraid I have surfeited myself, I have
drank so abundantly." The goat, upon this, without any more ado, leaped in, and
tlie fox, taking the advantage of his horns, by the assistance of them, as nmibly
leaped out, leaving the poor goat at the bottom of the well to shift for himseif.
THE APPLICATION.
The doctrine taught us by this fable is no more than this : that we ought to consider who it is
that advises us, before we follow the advice. For, however plausible the counsel may seem, if the
person that gives it is a crafty knave, we may b<^ assured that he intends to serve himself in it,
more than us, if not to erect something to his own advantage out of our ruin.
Tlie little, poor country attorney, ready to starve, and sunk to the lowest depth of poverty, for
want of employment, by such arts as these, draws the squire his neighbor into tlie gulf of the law;
until, laying hold on the branches of his revenue, he lifts himself out of obscurity, and leaves the
other immured in the bottom of a mortgage.
30
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
WILLIAM H. HAREISOK,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 31
WILLIAM H. HARRISON,
jVinfh President of ihe United States,
Was son of Benjamin Harrison, one of tlie signers of the Declaration of Independ-
ence. He was born in Cliarles City, Virginia, February 9, 1773, and was elected
President in 1840. But in the midst of his glory and bright career, was seized with
sickness, and died April 4, just one month from his inauguration.
HILE here in this land, at his people's command,
He rushed to the field with sword in his hand,
Huzzahing like Tweed, for his country in need,
All foes he compelled to fly at full speed ;
Eesisting, they fell, right and left, pell mell,
Rebuking each other rang out the wild yell ;
Intruders were shot, and killed on the spot.
Some wounded, some dying, were left there to rot ;
Our most deadly foes as history now shows,
Not many he left to tell of their woes.
[C03IP0SED ON HIS TBIUMPHANT VICTORY AT THE BATTLE OF TiPPECANOE.]
m^^A%. LESSEN].
pETER THE GREAT made a law, in 1722, that when any nobleman beat or ill-
^ treated his slaves, he should be looked upon as insane, and a guardian should be
appointed to take care of his person and his estate. The monarch, however, who
advised clemency, kindness, and forbearance, and thus severely punished the viola-
tors of the law by which he attempted to enforce them, was very irritable, and
frequently struck his inferiors, whatever might be their rank. He frequently apol-
ogized, and it was considered an honor to have a blow and an apology from the
emperor. He once struck his gardener, who being very sensitive, took to his bed
and died. When Peter heard of it, he said, " Alas! I have civUized my own sub-
jects ; I have conquered other ns^ions ; yet I have not been able to civilize or to
conquer myself."
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JOE^r TYLER.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 33
JOHN TYLER.
Tenth ^restdeni of the Uniied Stales.
Born in Virginia, Marcli 20, 1790. Succeeded to tlie Presidency on ttie deatli of
General Harrison, in 1840. Served to 1S4.>— tliree j^ears, eleven months.
UDG-ING- from his traitorous course,
Our praise of him would have no force ;
His duping friends, at once we see,
Never will forgotten be.
To him we did our homage pay,
Yet, strange to say, he went astray,
Laid by the honors which he won.
Ever to be, while shines the sun,
Rebuked by all — Poor Tyler John.
RJOB^^L LiSSQ)!^ -NlQgrjLlJTY' ^ BCBTH),
pRANTZ, in his Saxon history, tells us of an Earl of Alsatia, surnamed Iron, on
account of his great strength, who was a great favorite with Edward the Third
of England, and much envied, as favorites are always sure to be, by tlie rest of the
courtiers. On one occasion, when the king was absent, some nobleman maliciously
instigated the queen to malce trial of the noble blood of the favorite, by causing a
lion to be let loose upon him, saying, according to the popular belief, that " If the
earl was truly noble, the lion would not touch him." It being customarj- with the
earl to rise at bi'eak of day, before any other person in tlie palace was stirring, a
lion was let loose during the night, and turned into the lower court. When the earl
came down in the morning, with only a night gown over his shirt, he was met by
the lion, bristling his hair, and growling destruction between his teeth. The earl,
not in the least daunted, called out, with a stout voice, "Stand, you dog!" At
these words the lion couched at liis feet, to the great amazement of the courtiers,
who were peeping out at every window to see the issue of their ungenerous project.
The earl laid hold of the lion by the mane, turned him into his cage, and placing
his night-cap on the lion's back, came foi'th without casting a look behind him.
" Now," said the earl, calling out to the courtiers, whose presence at the windows
Instantly convinced him of the share they had in this trial of his courage, " let
him among you all wlio standeth most upon his pedigree, go and fetcli my night-
cap."
3
34
OEIGINAL ACKOSTICS.
JAMES K. FOLK,
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 33
JAMES K. POLK.
Sieventh T^rest'dent of the United States.
Born in North Carolina, November 2, 1795. President from 184o to 1849— four years.
Died June 15, 1849. Glory to his name and peace to his ashes.
USTICE and truth he loved from his youth,
And, as in years, he grew old,
More wise he became, till he won a proud name,
Ever to be bright; while stars give us light.
Shall the world of his wisdom be told.
Kindest of men, there ne'er was a pen
Pointed with gems could praise him too high ;
O'er the statesman true, now hundreds we view,
Lamented the hour, when God, by his power.
Kindled disease and caused him to die.
His fame it will last while ages go past.
Kind husband, great statesman, though dead,
Our people do boast of his valor and trust,
On the marble which covers his head.
[inscribed to MRS. JAMES K. POLK.]
(VDOKAL Liss@Ki -raQ)ef^[i^@ kmm Teci pbQ)Ps.
SEE, father," said a lad who was walking with his father, " they are knocking
away the props from under the bridge. What are they doing that for ? Won't
U
away the props from under the bridgt
the bridge fall?"
"They are knocking them away," said the father, "that the timbers may rest
more firmly upon the stone piers which are now finished."
THE APPLICATION.
God often takes awav our earthly props, that we may rest more firmly on him. God sometimes
takes away a man's health that he may rest upon him for his daily bread. Before his health
failed, though, perhaps, he repeated daily the words, " Give us this day our daily bread," lie looked
to his own industry for that which he asked of God. That prop being taken away, lie rested
wholly on God's bounty. When he receives his bread, he receives it as the gift of God. God takes
away our friends, that we may look to him for sympathy. When our affections were exercised on
objects around us, when we rejoiced in their abundant sympathy, we did not feel the use of Divine
sympathy. But wlien they were talien away, we felt our need of God's synipatliy and support.
We were brought to realize that he alone can give support, and form an adequate portion for the
Boul. Thus are our earthly props removed, that we may rest firmly and wholly upon God.
36
OKIGINAL ACnOSTICS.
Z A CHARY TAYLOR.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 37
ZACHARY TAYLOR.
Twelfth President of the United States.
Born in Virginia, November 24, 1784. President from Mareli 4, 1S49, to liis death,
July 9, 1850— one year, four months^ and five days.
EALOUS was lie to keep us all free,
And to march us in triumph o'er the powers that be ;
Counselor and chief in the days of our grief,
He flew to our aid, and gave us relief.
As a true worthy son, our battles he won.
Bushing on foes he made them all run.
Yelling like hounds at the crack of a gun.
The glance of his eye made the Mexicans fly,
All dreading his sword and fearing to die;
Yet thousands withstood our G-eneral so good,
Leaving his men to tread in the blood
Of cowards and foes who slept in repose,
Requiring some one their eyelids to close.
Evil communications [associations] corrupt good manners.
rpHE waters of the Mississippi and the Missouri unite and form one river. The
water of the latter is exceedingly turbid, and the former clear. When they first
meet the waters refuse to mingle. The clear and muddy water flows along, form-
ing one river ; but you can clearly distinguish the one from the other. By degrees,
the clear, bright waters of the one become united with those of the other, and the
clearness is lost forever.
THE APPLICATION.
Virtuous and vicious persons can associate for a time, keeping their characters
distinct. But if the associations be continued, the virtuous, pure character will be-
come soiled by the vicious. No one can associate freely with the wicked without
becoming in some measure like them.
38
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MILLARD FILLMORE,
ORIGINAL ACEOSTIOS. 39
MILLARD FILLMORE.
Thirieenih President of the United States.
Born in New York, January 7, 1800. Succeeded to the Presidency on the death of
General Taylor, July 9, 1850. Served to March 4, 1853— two years, seven months,
and twenty-three days.
m,
IGNORED for thy love of right,
Onward soar to fame and might ;
Never from the truth diverging,
Or spurious doctrines on us urging;
Respect the good, reprove the bad,
And brace the weak, and cheer the sad.
Be kind to all, do what we may,
Let nothing lead thy heart astray ;
Ever kind in thought and deed.
Men by acts thy heart can read.
Indebted for past favors, we.
Like loyal subjects, reverence thee
Labor on, and be content,
And if elected President,
Restore the good to office, and
Disperse the bad, at thy command.
For many now in office be
In whom defects we plainly see;
Living on the revenue
Like wolves they eat, but nothing do.
Mean men, they seek for wealth and fame,
Our country's good is not their aim;
Repulse them all from office, and
Extend thy sway o'er all the land.
[Composed in 1856.]
40
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
FBAJ^KLIJ^ PIERCE,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
41
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Fourteenth fh-eszdent of the United Stales.
Born in New York, November 23, 1801. President from 1853 to 1857-four years.
lEW ever did live deserving more praise,
Reviving our hearts on him when we gaze ;
And let us speak the truth as it stands,
No one from us more praises demands ;
Keeping his eyes on the mansions of light,
Losing no time, 'tis precious and bright.
Inured to close study, a lover of truth,
Never swerving from right from the days of his youth.
Precious to all is the man of true worth.
Influenced by such we live on the earth ;
Every eye should behold him and tongue give him praise,
Respecting his walk, his wisdom, and ways ;
Condemning no one who willingly stands
Ever ready to go where duty demands.
A MAN possessed an excellent bow, made of ebony, with which he could shoot
"^ at a great distance, and with much precision. This bow he highly prized ; but
on viewing it attentively, he thought it somewhat too simple, its ornament con-
sisting exclusively in its polish. "What a pity! I will repair to an artist and
order him to carve some figures on my bow," said the man. He did so; and the
artist represented thereon a complete chase; and what could be more suitable?
The man, overjoyed, exclaimed : " You well deserve these embellishments, my ex-
cellent bow! " at the same moment placing the arrow, twang sounded the string,
and the bow— broke !
MORAL.
Sterling qualities and energy of character too often become enervated and useless
by an undue regard for external accomplishments.
42
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
JAMES BUCEAJ^AJf.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 43
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Fifleetiik President of the United States.
Born in Pennsylvania, April 13, 1791, and was elected President 1856.
UGGLINGr old men we hate to see,
And sucli a man should never be
Made for to rule the brave and free.
Evil-minded, most greedy, too,
See how he spends the revenue.
Base-hearted, mean, intriguing, sly,
Unfit to live, unfit to die;
Corrupted by a wicked band.
Hating the North, his native land;
A curse to all, to child and sire.
No one should such a fame desire ;
All the prayers of this whole nation
Need now be made for his salvation.
[Composed just before he left the White House.]
A KITE had been sick a long time, and finding there were no hopes of recovery,
begged of his mother to go to all the churches and religious houses in the
country, to try what promises and praj'ers could effect in his behalf. The old Kite
replied : " Indeed, dear son, I would willingly undertake any thing to save your
life, but I have great reason to despair of doing you any service in the way you
propose ; for, with what face can I ask any thing of the gods in favor of one whose
life has been a continued scene of rapine and injustice; and who has not scrupled,
upon occasion, to rob the very altars themselves? "
T^IOGENES, being at Olympia, saw at that celebrated festival some young men of
Rhodes, magnificently dressed. Smiling, he exclaimed, " This is pride." After-
ward meeting some Lacedaemonians, who were in a mean and sordid dress, he said,
" This also is pride." The keen observation of the philosopher enabled him. to de-
tect pride in these two opposite exhibitions of human nature.
44
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ABRAHAM LIJ^COLJf.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 45
ABRAHAM LINCOLN".
Sixteenth President of the United States.
Born in Hardin Co., Ky., February 12, 1809. Pre.sident from 1861 to his assassination,
which took place April 14, 1865.
ERCEIVE him now standing before us to day,
Resemblance of all that is noble and true ;
Enamored at the sight though he sleeps in the clay,
Still we love from our hearts his image to view.
In his converse and presence we all took delight ;
Discerning true wisdom in Freedom's great son ;
Endowed with good sense, he rose up to might.
Ne'er swerving from duty, ere his race it was run —
The rebels and traitors he put them to flight.
All knew him as honest, persevering and good ;
Long services like his will ne'er be forgot,
It was at the head of our councils he stood,
Not dreaming of danger when, alas ! he was shot.
Could grieving awake our Statesman and guide.
Our weeping and wailing would do it we know ;
Loving his country, like a martyr, he died,
Not knowing the man who laid him so low.
PvEi\.DFUL monster — ruthless foe !
Ever traveling to and fro.
And causing tears of grief to flow ; ,
The great and loved, and those that be
Hale and strong, must yield to thee.
46
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
AJfDBEW JOffJVSOJ^.
oei'ginal acrostics. 47
ANDREW JOHNSON".
Sevenieenlh President of the United States.
Born in North Carolina, December 29, 1808. Succeeded to the Presidency on tlie
assassination of President A. Lincoln, April 14, 1865.
LL o'er these States, from sea to sea,
Ne'er did we feel more need of light ;
Depending on Jehovah, we
Regard thee, sir, as clothed with might;
Each praying God to give to thee
Wisdom to guide our people right.
Justly, 0 then, thy power extend.
Opposing wrong of every kind !
Hold to the right, each State defend,
North and the South together bind.
Secession rose but had an end.
Overpowered as was designed,
No more an advocate to find.
NITED in heart, to thee firmly we cling;
Not fearing the world while thy praises we sing ;
Impressed with thy charms, thy grandeur and might,
Our pride, and our glory, while to thee we hold tight,
No nation can awe us or put us to flight !
filtates mi Serriteries,
OBIGINAL ACKOSTICS.
51
COLUMBIA,
EMENT with love each State and heart,
Our Union never let it part;
Let it, though, forever stand
Uninjured by a tyrant's hand.
Make mountains tumble in the sea.
Before we let this Union be
In its pride and glory hurled
As a wreck upon the world.
52
OEiaiNAL ACROSTICS.
THE UjYITED states.
Population of the United States, 31,443,000.
Number of Square Miles, 3,010,000.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 63
THE UNITED STATES.
HE thickest dangers we can brave ;
High and above each watery grave,
Ever may our loved banners wave.
United we to greatness rose,
Notwithstanding deadliest foes,
In tender youth, did us oppose.
They could not make our sons to yield;
Each one, with sword and right to shield.
Displayed his valor on the field.
Such servitude we could not stand;
The Brits we fought on sea and land.
And made them fall on every hand.
The victory sought at last was won ;
Efficient, brave George Washington
Stood by us till the work was done.
ADDRESS TO THE UNITED STATES.
EFEND from harm the brave and free.
In spite of all the fiends that be,
Show thy strength, and firmly stand
The pride of all created land.
Protect the rich, protect the poor;
And spread the truth from shore to shore,
And welcome those beyond the sea
To come and find a home in thee.
54
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MAIJ^E.
ADMITTED INTO TME TTNION, 1820.
Population, 1860, 619,958.
Number of Square Miles, 35,000.
origiin^al acrostics. 55
MAINE
OST Northern State of all the free
And independent States that be,
I love to sing in praise of thee ;
Noted for lumber, for cities, and towns,
Exports of lime, and fine granite mounds.
^^iLi -THli 0)©^ mO) THi BB^BQW.
A DOG, crossing a Httle rivulet with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw his shadow
'' represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream ; and believing it to be
another dog, who was carrying another piece of flesh, he could not forbear catching
ft it ; but was so far from getting any thing by his greedy design, that he dropped
:he piece he had in his mouth, which immediately sunk to the bottom, and was
irrecoverably lost.
THE APPLICATION.
He that catches at more than belongs to him, justly deserves to lose what he
has. Yet nothing is more common, and, at the same time, more pernicious, than
this selfish principle. It prevails from the king to the peasant ; and all orders and
degrees of men are, more or less, infected with it. Great monarchs have been
drawn in by this greedy humor, to grasp at the dominions of their neighbors ; not
that they wanted anything more to feed their luxury, but to gratify their insatiable
appetite with vain-glory. If the kings of Persia could have been contented with
their own vast territories, they had not lost all Asia for the sake of a little pettj-
state of Greece. And France, with all its glory, has, ere now, been reduced to the
last extremity by the same unjust encroachments.
He that thinks he sees another estate in a pack of cards or a box and dice, and
ventures his own in the pursuit of it, should not repine if he finds himself a beggar
in the end.
66
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
jYETT HAMPSHIRE.
OXE OF THE ORIGIXAZ, THIBTEEN,
Population in 1860, 327,072.
dumber of Square 3Iiles, 9,200.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 57
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
E'ER falter nor pine, though troubles arise,
Extending, like darkness surrounding the skies,
With freedom to guide thee, till time it shall close,
Hold fast to the Union, in spite of all foes ;
And the Author of freedom, the King of the skies,
Most gracious and holy, he hears all thy cries.
Protects and directs thee, unseen though he be,
Supported by him are the States of the Free ;
His arms are around thee, his power defends,
Immanuel, King Jesus, the best of all friends,
Reclaim thee when swerving from truth and from right,
Ere shades of deep darkness ingulf thee in night.
P^iLi -TBCi mm ^UD) ECUS ©Q)@)Sio
A CERTAIN man had a goose, which laid him a golden egg every day. But, not
contented with this, whicli rather increased than abated his avarice, he was
resolved to lj;ill the goose and cut up her belly, that so he might come at the inex-
haustible treasure which he fancied she had within her. He did so, and to his
great sorrow and disappointment found nothing.
THE APPLICATION.
Those who are of such craving and impatient tempers that they can not live
contented when fortune has blessed them with a constant and continual suffi-
ciency, deserve even to be deprived of what they have. And this has been the case
of many ambitious and covetous men, who, by making an essay to grow very rich
at once, have missed what they aimed at, and lost what they had before.
58
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
VERMOJfT.
ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1792.
I>o2)nlntion, 1S60, 315,827.
Number of Square Miles, 10,213.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 59
VERMONT.
[EEY healthy, mountainous, and rich little State,
Endeared to the humble, the wise, and the great,
Eestaining no one, all acting upright,
May walk from thy shores to the mansions of light.
Of all thy charms no mortal can tell,
No pen can relate them, all loving thee well,
They wish not to leave thee in far lands to dwell.
A CERTAIN jackdaw was so proud and ambitious, that, not contented to live
within his own sphere, but picking up the feathers which fell from the pea-
cocks, he stuck them in among his own, and very confidently introduced himself
into an assembly of those beautiful birds. They soon found him out, stripped him
of his borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their sharp bills, punished him
as his presumption deserved. Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to
his old companions, and would have flocked with them again ; but they, knowing
his late life and conversation, industriously avoided him, and refused to admit him
into their company ; and one of them at the same time gave him a serious reproof.
If, friend, you could have been contented with our station, and not disdained the
rank in which nature had placed you, you had not been used so scurvily by those
upon whom you intruded yourself, nor suffered the notorious slight which now we
think ourselves obliged to put upon you.
THE APPLICATION.
What we may learn from this fable is, in the main, to live contentedly in our
own condition, whatever it be, without affecting to look bigger than we are,
by a false or borrowed life. To be barely pleased with appearing above what a
man really is, is bad enough ; and what may justly render him contemptible in
the eyes of his equals; but if, to enable him to do this with something of a better
grace, he has clandestinely feathered his nest with his neighbor's goods, when
found out, he has nothing to expect but to be stripped of his plunder, and used like
a felonious rogue into the bargain.
60
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
MASS A CHUSETTS
OXE OF THE ORIGINAL TSIBTEEN,
Population, 1800, 1,231,494.
Number of Square Miles, 7,800.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 61
MASSACHUSETTS.
I^JJAKE all thy men in this Union confide,
And resolve to sustain it since thousands have died,
Suffered with hunger, with hardships, and pains,
Sickness and tortures to free us from chains;
And since those chains that bound us once fast
Can never more gall, while the Union shall last,
Hold back the turbulent and make them to see
Union of States is the strength of the free ;
So should thy sons in the future be found
Endeavoring to scatter dissension around ;
Those traitors arrest, though fierce and though bold,
Their crimes to punish before we are sold
Slaves to Europe, that tyrant of old.
/^NE of the favorites of Artaxerxes, ambitious of getting a place possessed by one
of the king's best officers, endeavored to make the king suspect that officer's
fidelity ; and to that end, sent information to court full of calumnies against him,
persuading himself that the king, from the great credit he had with his majesty,
would believe the thing upon his bai-e word, without further examination. Such is
the general character of calumniators. The officer was imprisoned ; but he desired
of the king, before he was condemned, that his cause might be heard, and his
accusers ordered to produce their evidence against him. The king did so ; and as
there was no proof of his guilt but the letters which his enemy had written against
him, he was cleared, and his innocence fully confirmed by the three commis-
sioners who sat upon his trial. All the king's indignation fell upon the perfidious
accuser, who had thus attempted to abuse the confidence and favor of his royal
master.
62
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS,
RHODE ISLAJ^D.
ONE OF THE ORIGINAL THIBTEEN.
Population, 1860, 173,000.
Number of Square Miles, 1,306,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 63
EHODE ISLAND,
EaARDED small by one and all,
Healthy and rich, possessing might,
Ornamental to all the free:
Decked with cities now shining bright,
Each one should sing in praise of thee.
It gives us joy when we behold
So many ladies, young and old,
Laboring in thy factories fine;
All dependent though they may be,
ISTot now so much as one we see
Disposed about their fate to pine.
A N old hound, who had been an excellent good one in his time, and given his
master great sport and satisfaction in many a chase, at last, worn out by age,
became feeble and unserviceable. However, being in the field one day, when the
stag was almost run down, he happened to be the first that came in with him, and
seized him by one of his haunches ; but his decayed and broken teeth, not being
able to keep their hold, the deer escaped, and threw him quite out. Upon which,
his master, being in a great passion, and going to strike him, the honest old
creature is said to have barked out this apology: "Ah ! do not strike your poor old
servant; it is not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed, that fail
me. If what I now am displeases you, pray recollect what I have been."
MORAL.
Past services should never be forgotten.
64
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
COJfJTECTICUT.
oy^r: OF THE original tsibteex,
l^opulation, 1S60, 400,070,
If umber of Square Miles, 4,750.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 65
CONNECTICUT.
ELEBRATED for industry, while factories we see
On our right and on our left when traveling o'er thee ;
No one can prevent us, when on thee we gaze,
Nor make us to falter when giving thee praise.
Each one who beholds thy name should adore.
Containing the learned, the rich, and the poor ;
Tall churches, large towns, and cities also,
Increasing in wealth still daily they grow.
Cheering all mortals in thy limits around.
Undeniable, most beautiful, the learned and profound,
They admit, to thy glory, thy name is renowned.
p-^iLi -feci Tu^m"^ ^mo) tmi d^lpmii!?*!]^
A FISH eaUed a tunny, being pursued by a dolphin, and driven with great vio-
lence, not minding which way he went, was thrown by the force of the waves
upon a rock, and left there. His death was now inevitable ; but, casting his eye
on one side, and seeing the dolphin, in the same condition, lie gasping by him,
" Well," says he, I must die, it is true ; but I die with pleasure, when I behold him
"Who is the cause of it involved in the same fate."
THE APPLICATION.
Revenge, though a blind, mischievous passion, is yet a very sweet thing ; so sweet
that it can even soothe the pangs, and reconcile us to the bitterness of death. And,
Indeed, it must be a temper highly philosophical that could be driven out of life
by any tyrannical, unjust procedure, and not be touched with a sense of pleasure
to see the author of it splitting upon the same rock.
66
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JfUW YORK.
ONE OF THE OniGINAIj TSIBTEEX,
Population, 1S60, 3,831,063,
Number of Square Miles, 47,000.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 67
NEW YORK.
UMEEOUS mills, and factories too,
Enrich her sons and daughters true
With gold and silver bright and new.
Ye men, who buy fine goods of her,
Offend her not, her name is dear,
Eeflecting light, be men profound;
Keep step with her, ye States around.
p^BLi -THi m^mr mm tmi mime.
A HART, being pursued hard by the hunters, hid himself under the broad leaves
of a shady, spreading vine. When the liunters were gone by, and had given
him over for lost, he, thinking himself very secure, began to crop and eat the leaves
of the vine. By this means the branches being put into a rustling motion, drew
the eyes of the hunters that way; who, seeing the vine stir, and fancying some
wild beast had taken covert there, shot their arrows at a venture, and killed the
hart, who, before he expired, uttered his dying words to this purpose: "Ah ! I suffer
justly for my ingratitude ; who could not forbear doing an injury to the vine that
so kindly concealed me in time of danger."
THE APPLICATION.
Ingratitude has been always esteemed the biggest of crimes, and what, as it were,
comprehends all other vices within it. Nor can we say that this estimation is
rashly or unadvisedly made; for he that is capable of injuring his benefactors,
what will he scruple toward another? If his conscience can not be felt with the
weight of an obligation added to it, much less will it have any influence where
there is none. So that, upon the whole, we may conclude that the man who has
been once guilty of ingratitude, will not stick at any other crimes of an inferior
nature.
68
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
J^EW JERSEY.
ONE OF THE ORIGINAL THIBTEEX,
Populntion, 1860, 676,084,
Number of Square Miles, 8,300.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 69
NEW JERSEY
EAT, lovely towns and cities high
Every-where in her we spy,
With factories towering to the sky.
Justly worthy mints of gold.
Enriching men, let the days of old
Eepeat her worth as yet untold;
She did the sword most bravely wield;
England tried to make her yield,
Yet Jersey whipped her on the field.
'pHE wolves and sheep had been a long time in a state of war together. At last
a cessation of arms was proposed, in order to a treaty of peace, and hostages
were to be delivered on both sides for security. The wolves proposed that the sheep
should give up their dogs on the one side ; and that they would deliver up their
young ones on the other. This proposal was agreed to; but no sooner executed,
than the young wolves began to howl for want of their dams. The old ones tools
this opportunity to cry out, " The treaty was broke ;" and so, falling upon the sheep,
who were destitute of their faithful guardians, the dogs, they worried and devoured
them without control.
THE APPLICATION.
In all our transactions with mankind, even in the most private and low life, we
should have a special regard how, and with whom, we trust ourselves. Men, in this
respect, ought to look upon each other as wolves, and to keep themselves under a
secure guard, and in a continual posture of defense. Particularly upon any treaties
of importance, the securities on both sides should be strictly considered ; and each
should act with so cautious a view to their own interest, as never to pledge or part
with that which is the very essence and basis of their safety and well-being.
70
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
PEJVjYSYL yaj^ia.
OXE OF THE OltlGINATj THITtTEEN,
Fopulntion, 1860, 2,916,018.
Number of Square Miles, 46,000.
OEIQINAL ACEOSTICS. 71
PENNSYLVANIA.
RIZED by the good, and by the great
Enriched and called the Keystone State ;
No State more true, or State more wise,
No State more loved beneath the skies ;
She firmly stands, adorned with grace;
Ye men around, behold her face.
Look at her houses, white and new,
Various fine towns and cities too.
Alive with men. Now see, behold
Not only men, but women bold,
Invoking Grod to save our land,
And make this Union firmly stand.
F^iLi -T&Ci ^I^T ^UD) TeCi ©Rl^SSeiQ)PPiK,
TN the winter season, a commonwealth of ants was busily employed in the man-
agement and preservation of their corn, which they exposed to the air, in heaps,
round about the avenues of their little country habitation. A grasshopper, who
had chanced to outlive the summer, and was ready to starve with cold and hunger,
approached them with great humility, and begged that they would relieve his
necessity with one grain of wheat or rye. One of the ants asked him how he had
disposed of his time in summer, that he had not taken pains and laid in a stock, as
they had done. "Alas ! gentlemen," says he, " I passed away the time merrily and
pleasantly, in drinking, singing, and dancing, and never once thought of winter."
"If that be the case," replied the ant, " all I have to say is, that they who drink
sing, and dance in the summer, must starve in the winter."
MORAL.
Who pleasures love
Shall beggars prove.
72
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
DELA WARE.
ONE OF THE ORIGINAL THIRTEEX.
« , ,. 1,^^/. (ninte, 110,618.
Population, i«60,|eo,«^^^^ 1,803.
Xutnber of Square Miles, 2,120,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 73
DELAWARE.
EAR little State, to thee we confess
Each beauty of thine we can not express ;
Language would fail us to tell of thy charms,
Adorned with fine houses, fine cities, fine farms ;
With ladies most lovely, as the learned will agree,
And gentlemen from all vices quite free,
Rich and refined in the arts of true worth,
Extending thy fame to the ends of the earth.
A TALL, straight fir-tree, that stood towering up in the midst of a forest, was so
proud of his dignity and high station, that he overlooked the Uttle shrubs
which grew beneath him. A bramble, being one of the inferior throng, could by no
means brook this haughty carriage ; and, therefore, took him to task, and desired
to know what he meant by it. " Because," says the Fir-tree, " I look upon myself
as the first tree, for beauty and rank, of any of the forest. My spring-top shoots up
into the clouds, and my branches display themselves with a perpetual beauty and
verdure ; while you lie groveling upon the ground, liable to be crushed by every
fool that comes near you, and impoverished by the luxurious droppings which fall
from my leaves."
"All this may be true," replied the Bramble ; " but when the woodman has marked
you out for public use, and the sounding ax comes to be applied to your root, I am
mistaken if you wiU not be glad to change situations with the very worst of us."
MORAL.
In every condition we should be humble ; for the loftier the station, the greater
the danger.
74
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MARYLAJ^D.
ONB OF THE ORIGINAL TTIIItTEEN.
^onr^ f^iite, 646,783.
Population, 1S60,< _, , , o- qo..
J Colored, 8n,3S7s,
Number of Square Miles, 11,124, ,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 75'
MAEYLAND.
A.JESTIC and rich, her name we adore,
A comfort to all, to the rich and the poor ;
Eevealing true worth to the men of each State,
Yet half of her charms we can not relate ;
Look at her cities and mansions around.
Alive with sweet ladies, for beauty renowned,
Neat and most lovely behold them, we pray,
Directing their course to the mansions of day.
P^^iLl -TMi WQ)@0) ^MD) THi QLQW^.
A COUNTRY feUow came one day into a wood, and looked about him with some
concern ; upon which the trees, with a curiosity natural to some other creatures,
asked him what he wanted ? He replied that he wanted only a piece of wood to
make a handle to his hatchet. Since that was all, it was voted unanimously that
he should have a piece of good, sound, tough ash. But he had no sooner received
and fitted it for his purpose, than he began to lay about him unmercifully, and to
hack and hew without distinction, felling the noblest trees in all the forest. Then
the oak is said to have spoken thus to the beech, in a low whisper: "Brother, we
must take it for our pains."
THE APPLICATION.
No people are more justly liable to suffer than those who furnish their enemies
with any kind of assistance. It is generous to forgive; it is enjoined on us by
religion to love our enemies; but he that trusts, much more contributes to the
strengthening and arming of an enemy, may almost depend upon repenting him
of his inadvertent benevolence ; and has, moreover, this to add to his distress: that
when he might have prevented it, he brought m.isfortunes upon himself by his
own credulity.
76
OBIGINAL ACROSTICS.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,
THE CAPITOL.
Population of the entire District, in 1860, 75,321*
a « Washington City, 61,403,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 77
WASHINGTON CITY.
HILE looking at thee, such grandeur I see,
As beggars description from a mortal like me ;
So enchanting thy charms, and free from alarms,
Here fain would I live secure in thine arms.
I read of thy name as connected with fame,
Not forgetting from whence thy Father he came;
Great, glorious, and free, here his image I see,
'T is chiseled in stone, immortal to be ;
On his virtues to dwell makes my bosom now swell,
Ne'er hoping, yet trying all merits to tell.
Could I live through all time on a subject sublime,
It would give me true joy, methinks, could I rhyme;
Though Time in its flight his image may blight.
Yet his name it will live while the stars give us light.
ADDRESS TO WASHINGTON CITY.
m
lONTINUE on thy bright career.
Growing stronger every year ;
Eepelling foes, and with delight
Inducing men to act upright;
Not craving here one thing below,
Except thy country's will to know.
78
OKIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
YIBGIJ^M.
ONE OF THE OBIGINAL THIRTEEN.
Population, i^<^f>'i Colored, 534,170,
Number of Square Miles, 41,352.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 79
VIRGINIA.
IRGrlNIA ! Virginia ! I love thee so well !
In youth o'er thy hills and thy streams did I roam;
Eesplendent with cities, in thee could I dwell,
Glad, glad would I leave thee, my fair sunny home.
It was on thy soil that my parents first gazed,
Near Banister River, not far from its mouth ;
Industrious, their children to labor they raised.
And, hoping to enrich us, they moved to the South.
f^iLi -Teci mQ)m MjD) ueb B^m.
A YOUNG mole snuffed up her nose, and told her dam she smelt an odd kind of a
smell. By and by, " O, strange ! " says she, " what a noise there is in my ears ;
as if ten thousand paper-mills were going." A little after, she was at it again.
"Look, look, what is that I see yonder? it is just like the flames of a fiery fur-
nace." To whom the dam replied, " Prythee, child, hold your idle tongue; and
if you would have us allow you any sense at all, do not affect to show more than
nature has given you."
THE APPLICATION.
It is wondei-ful that affectation, that odious qualitj^ should have been always so
common and epidemical, since it is not more disagreeable to others than hurtful to
the person that wears it. By affectation, we aim at being thought to possess some
accomplishments which we have not, or, at showing what we have in a conceited,
ostentatious manner. Now this we may be assured of, that, among discerning peo-
ple at least, when we endeavor at any thing of this kind, instead of succeeding in
the attempt, we detract from some real possession, and make qualities that would
Otherwise pass well enough, appear nauseous and fulsome.
80
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
1
KORTU CAROLIJfA.
ONE OF THE OTilGTXATj mTRTEEIf.
. . ^o^« (iriiife, 679,iHirt.
roptdatton, 7S«0,|^^,^^^^, 32fi.377.
Number of Square Miles, 50,704.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 81
NORTH CAEOLINA.
|^iJ|0 State more free from debt than she;
0, could the proud her farms but see !
Eich farms of tar, rich farms of pitch —
They would, methinks, pronounce her rich.
Her bottom-land is very good,
Covered with the best of wood.
And will produce, when cleared away,
Eich crops of wheat, rich crops of hay,
Oats, too, and corn, tobacco and rye
Leap like tall trees, and seek the sky ;
Inviting us to go and view
Not only men, but women true.
At work in corn and cotton too.
FAiLi -TH)i PBQ)yi© WmQ)Qi.
A N ox, grazing in a meadow, chanced to set his foot among a parcel of young
frogs, and trod one of them to death. The rest informed tlieir mother, wlien
slie came liome, what had happened, telling her that the beast which did it was
the hugest creature that ever they saw in their lives. " What ! was it so big ? " says
the old frog, swelling and blowing up her speckled belly to a great degree. " O,
bigger by a vast deal," say they. "And so big?" says she, straining hei'self yet
more. " Indeed, mamma," say they, " if you were to burst yourself, you would
never be so big." She strove yet again, and burst hei'self indeed.
THE APPLICATION.
Whenever a man endeavors to live equal with one of a greater fortune than
himself, he is sure to share a like fate with the frog in the fable. How many vain
people, of moderate, easy circumstances, burst and come to nothing, by vieiug with
those whose estates are more ample than their own.
82
ORIGINAL ACr.OSTICS.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
ONE OF THE OBIGINAL THTTtTEEX,
(jfliite, SOS, 186.
l^Colored, 408,185,
Number of Square Miles, 34,009,
JPopulation, 1860,
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 83
SOUTH CAROLINA.
|AFE through the snares that round us spread,
0, guide thy people right ;
Upheld by God we shall be led
To realms of endless light.
Hold back the young and wayward youth,
Court him from sin to cease,
And lead him in the ways of truth,
Eeligion, love, and peace.
0, be to all indeed a friend,
Learn them thy praise to sing ;
In their distress their cries attend,
No only so, from harm defend.
And them from danger bring.
J^DWARD COLSTOX, at the age of forty years, became a very eminent East India
merchant, prior to the incorporation of the East India Company, and had forty
sail of ships of liis own, witli immense riches flowing in upon him. He stiU re-
mained uniform in his cliaritable disposition, distributing many thousand pounds
to various charities in and about London, besides private gifts in many parts of the
kingdom. In the year 1708, he instituted a very magnificent school in St, Angus-
tin's Back, in Bristol, which cost him £11,000 in the building, and endowed it with
between £1,700 and £1,800 forever. He likewise gave £10 for apprenticing every boy,
and, for twelve years after his death, £10 to help them begin business. His private
charities far exceeded his public benefactions. One of his ships trading to the East
Indies had been missing three years, and had been given up for lost. At length she
arrived with a rich cargo. When his principal clerk brought him the report of her
arrival, and of the riches on board, he said, as she had been given up for lost, he
would by no means lay any claim to her. He accordingly ordered the ship and the
merchandise to be sold, and the proceeds to be applied to the relief of the needy ;
an order which was immediately put in execution.
84
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
GEORGIA.
OyE OF THE OBIGINAZ THTBTEEN^,
Population, 1860,
(Wliite, ,'i9 1,588.
1 Colored, 465,691.
Number of Square Miles, 58,000,
OEIOINAL ACROSTICS. ' 85
GEORGIA.
|0 on, go on, from strength to strength,
Enterprising, and at length
One more railroad will be done,
Beady for the cars to run.
Go on, go on, improvements make,
It is time for States to wake,
And from thee some lessons take.
FAiLi -THJi ©lAB ^PDB TBfi iii=e*(j¥^iS«
A BEAR, cUmbing over the fence into a place where bees were kept, began to
plunder the hives, and rob them of their honey. But the bees, to revenge the
injury, attacked him in a whole swarm together; and though they were not able to
pierce his rugged hide, yet, with their little stings, they so annoyed his nostrils, that,
unable to endure the smarting pain, with impatience he tore the skin over his ears
with his own claws, and suffered ample punishment for the injury he did the bees,
in breaking open their waxen cells.
THE APPLICATION.
Many and great are the injuries of which some men are guilty toward others, for
the sake of gratifying some liquorish appetite. For there are those who would not
stick to bring desolation upon their country, and the hazard of their own necks into
the bargain, rather than balk a wicked inclination, either of cruelty, ambition, or
avarice. But it were to be wished all who are hurried by such blind impulses, would
but consider a moment before they proceed to irrevocable execution. Injuries and
wrongs not only call for revenge and reparation, with the voice of equity Itself, but
oftentimes carry their punishment along with them ; and, by an unforeseen train
of events, are retorted on the head of the actor of them ; and not seldom, from a
deep remorse, expiated upon himself by his own hand.
As for the reprobates whose foreheads are hardened with triple brass, and hacked
with daily deliberate practice in villainy, we can not so much as hope to reclaim
them by arguments of reason and justice; and must, therefore, be forced to leave
them to the necessary consequences of impiety.
86
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
FLORIDA.
ADMITTED IXTO THE UXIOX, 1845.
ropulation, 1860,
(miitp, 81,885.
1 Colored, 03,809.
Xuinber of Square Miles, 59,263.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
FLORIDA.
resh fruit from thee we love to see ;
Luscious lemons just from the tree,
Oranges too, red, ripe and new
Received from thee we love to chew.
In thee is seen the evergreen
Decked with foliage, like a queen
Arrayed in garments white and clean.
rrWO men traveling upon the road, one of them saw an ax lying upon the ground,
where somebody had been hewing timber; so, taking it up, says he: "I have
found an ax." " Do not say J," says the other, " but ive have found ; for as we are
companions, we ought to share it between us." But the first would not consent.
However, they had not gone far before the owner of the ax, hearing what had
become of it, pursued them with a warrant; which, when the fellow that had it
perceived, "Alas ! " says he to his companion, " we are undone." " Nay," says the
other, " do not say we, but I am undone ; for as you would not let me share the
prize, neither will I share the danger with you."
THE APPLICATION.
This fable hints to us the convenience, if not necessity, of making our friendships
firm and lasting. And to this purpose, nothing is so requisite as a strict observance
of the rules of honor and generosity; for the very life and soul of friendship sub-
sists upon mutual benevolence, upon conferring and receiving obligations on either
hand. A stingy, reserved behavior starves it; it ought to be open, free, and com-
municative; without the least tincture of suspicion or distrust. For jealousj' in
friendship is a certain indication of a false heart ; though in love it may be the
distinguishing mark of a true one.
,88
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
ALABAMA.
ADMITTED INTO THE VNIOX, 1820,
x> , *• ^o^^ (WJiife, 520,744.
Fopulation, 1860 A #,/- ,*q
\ Colored, 435,473,
Number of Square Miles Sit
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 89
ALABAMA.
CKNOWLEDGED rich, and healthy too,
Look now at her, ye mortals who
Are seeking lands, and wish to buy,
Bid now for hers, though going high,
And be content in her to dwell ;
Make things to eat, and when you sell.
About her worth be sure to tell.
fTWO cocks were fighting for the sovereignty of tlae dung-hill. And one of them
having got the better of the other, he that was vanquished crept into a hole, and
hid himself for some time ; but the victor flew up to an eminent place, clapped his
wings, and crowed out victory. An eagle, who was watching for his prey near the
place, saw him, and making a stoop, trussed him in his talons, and carried him oflf.
The cock that had been beaten perceived this, soon quitted his hole, and shaking
ofl'all remembrance of his late disgrace, gallanted the hens with all the intrepidity
imaginable.
THE APPLICATION.
This fable shows the impropriety and inconvenience of running into extremes.
Much of our happiness depends upon keeping an even balance in our words and
actions ; in not suffering the scale of our reason to mount us too high in time of
prosperity, nor to sink too low with the weight of adverse fortune.
TBCi MINI ^UU TeCi SWALL©We
A HEN finding some serpent's eggs in a dung-hill, sat upon them with a design
to hatch them. A swallow perceiving it, flew toward her, and said, with some
warmth and passion: "Are you mad, to sit hovering over a brood of such perni-
cious creatures as you do? Be assured, the moment you bring them to light, you
are the first they will attack and reek their venomous spite upon."
90
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MISSISSIPPI.
AI>MITTEiy INTO THJE JJXION, 1817.
x» 1 *• ^o/j/» {^Vliite, 407,531.
Population, 1860, J. , \ . ' ^^«
*^ ' \Colorpd, 479,607.
Number of Square Miles, 47,156.
\
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 91
MISSISSIPPI.
OST lovely State, since tliou art free,
Independent forever be.
So long as farms in tliee are seen,
Some white and some with cotton green.
Infringing on no other State,
Still persevere, support the great;
Sustain the good, and lead the blind
In the only sure way to find
Pardon and peace, to cheer the mind ;
Proving to all, they must believe
In Christ, before they grace receive.
A PORCUPINE, wanting to shelter himself, desired a nest of snakes to give him
'^ admittance into their cave. They were prevailed upon, and let him in accord-
ingly ; but were so annoyed with his sharp prickly quills, that they soon repented
of their easy compliance, and entreated the porcupine to withdraw, and leave them
their hole to themselves. " No," says he, " let them quit the place that do not like
it ; for my part I am well enough satisfied as I am."
THE APPLICATION.
Some people are of such brutish, inhospitable tempers, that there is no living
with them, without greatly incommoding ourselves. Therefore, before we enter
into any degree of friendship, alliance, or partnership with any person whatever,
we should thoroughly consider his nature and qualities, his circumstances and his
humor. There ought to be something in each of these respects to tally and corre-
spond with our own measures, to suit our genius, and adapt itself to the size and
proportion of our desires, otherwise our association, of whatever kind, may prove
the greatest plagues of our life.
92
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
I
LOUISMJ{A,
ADMITTEJy INTO TBTE UNIOX, 1812.
, . ^o^^ (WJiife, 354,245.
FopulaUon, i«60, |^^^^^^^^ 3V.>,186.
Number of Square Miles, 41,346,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 93
LOUISIANA,
ET thy fame for farming rise,
On every breeze that fans the skies ;
Unvailing merit, let it roll
In accents clear from pole to pole ;
Surrounding States perhaps will be
Induced to follow after thee ;
And will to thee for sugar send —
Not only so, but be thy friend,
And praise thee till the world shall end.
p^iLi -TMi OAT ^UD) TMi miQE.
A CERTAIN house was much infested with mice ; but at last they got a cat, who
caught and eat every day some of them. The mice finding their numbers grow
thin, consulted what was best to be done for the preservation of the public from
the jaws of the devouring cat. They debated, and came to this resolution: that
no one should go below the upper shelf. The cat, observing the mice no longer
come down as usual, hungry and disappointed of her prey, had recourse to this
stratagem : she hung by her hinder legs on a peg, which stuck in the wall, and
made as if she had been dead, hoping by this lure to entice the mice to come down.
She had not been in this posture long, before a cunning old mouse peeped over the
edge of the shelf, and spoke thus: "Aha, my good friend! are you there? there
you may be ! I would not trust myself with you, though your skin were stuffed
with straw."
THE APPLICATION.
Prudent folks never trust those a second time who have deceived them once.
And, indeed, we can not well be too cautious in following this rule; for, upon
examination, we shall find that most of the misfortunes which befall us proceed
from our too great credulity. They that know how to suspect, without hurting or
exposing themselves, until honesty comes to be more in fashion, can never suspect
too much.
94
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
TEXAS.
ADMITTED INTO THE TTNIOX, 1845.
^WJiite, 415,999.
'l^Colored, 1S4,9G6.
Kumber of Square Miles, 274,336.
Population, 1860,
ORiaiNAL ACROSTICS. 95
TEXAS.
;HY lands are ricli and sweet thy clime,
Ever mild so be it.
X neither begins nor ends a rhyme —
And yet we place it in the line,
So the folks may see it.
P^gLi -TeCi My]SMI^BIS8^!5« ^UQ) MBS SQ)I^S«
A CERTAIN husbandman lying at the point of death, and being desirous liis sons
sliould pursue that innocent, entertaining coui-se of agriculture in which him-
self had been engaged all his life, made use of this expedient to induce them to it.
He called them to his bed-side, and spoke to this effect : " All the patrimony I have
to bequeath to you, sons, is my farm and vineyard, of which I make you joint-heirs.
But I charge you not to let it go out of your own occupation ; for, if I have any
treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in the ground, within a foot of the sur-
face." This made the sons conclude that he talked of money which he had hid
there; so after their father's death, with unwearied diligence and application they
carefully dug up every inch, both of the farm and vineyard. From whence it
came to pass, that though they missed of the treasure which they expected, the
ground, by being so well stirred and loosened, produced so plentiful a crop of all
that was sowed in it, as proved a real, and that no inconsiderable treasure.
THE APPLICATION.
Labor and industry, well applied, seldom fail of finding a treasure; and since
something toward the inconveniences and pleasures of life may be thus procured,
why should we lose and throw it away, by being slothful and idle? Exercise is a
great support of health, and health is by far the greatest single blessing of life;
which alone will weigh sufliciently with any considerate man, so as to keep him
from being utterly destitute of employment. But of all the kinds of treasure which
are sure to reward the diligence of the active man, none is more agreeable, either
in the pursuit or possession, than that which arises from the culture of the earth.
96
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
CALIFOBJTIA.
AD3IITTET) IXTO TTTE TTNTOX, 1850.
Popnlatioti, 1800, 384,770,
Number of Square Miles, 188,981.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 97
CALIFOE^HA.
l^SloUNTRY far renowned for gold,
And for soil, rich and new,
Lofty hills and torrents bold,
Immense streams, and branches too,
Flow through thy hills of old.
0 happy land, illustrious one,
Eichest, brightest clime that be.
No land, no State beneath the sun,
In all Grod's wide dominion free.
Acquires wealth so fast as thee.
A POOR, covetous wretch, who had scraped together a good parcel of money, went
and dug a hole in one of his fields and hid it. The great pleasure of his life was,
to go and look upon his treasure, once a day at least ; which one of his servants
observing, and guessing there was something more than ordinary in the place,
came at night, found it, and carried it off. The next day, returning as usual to the
scene of his delight, and perceiving it had been ravished away from him, he tore
his hair for grief, and uttered the doleful complaint of his despair to the woods and
m^eadows. At last a neighbor of his, who knew his temper, overhearing him, and
being informed of the occasion of his sorrow, " Cheer up, man," says he, " thou hast
lost nothing ; there is the hole for thee to go and peep at still, and if thou canst but
fancy the money there, it will do just as well."
THE APPLICATION.
Of all the appetites to which human nature is subject, none is so strong, so last-
ing, and, at the same time, so unaccountable, as that of avarice. Our other desires
generally cool and slacken at the approach of old age; but this flourishes under
gray hairs, and triumphs amid impotence and infirmity. All our other longings
have something to be said in excuse for them, let then- be at what time of life
soever. But it is above reason, and, therefore, truly incomprehensible, why a man
should be passionately fond of money, only for the sake of gazing upon iu
7
98
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
TEjXJYESSEE.
ADMITTEiy INTO TUE TTXIOX, 1796.
(Wfiite, 839,.'*2S.
fopulation, I860,
I Colored, 287,112.
Xumber of Square Miles, 46,000,
OEiaiNAL ACEOSTICS. 99
TENNESSEE.
[HROUGtH thee tlie loveliest rivers glide,
Enriching thee on every side.
No truer hearts a State can boast,
No fairer maidens love can toast.
Each rill of thine is dear to me,
Sweet land, most lovely Tennessee.
So long as life this heart shall warm.
E'er to thee my thoughts will turn.
Emblem of the Eternal One.*
•Trinity in Unity, three States by natural divisions, yet one in fact.
FAiLi -TMi ®iLL API© THli ©@ATo
rPHE bull being pursued by the lion, made toward a cave, in which he designed
to secure himself; but was opposed just at the entrance by a goat, who had got
possession before him, and threatening a kind of defiance with his horns, seemed
resolved to dispute the pass with him. The bull, who thought he had no time to
lose in a contest of this nature, immediately made oflf again, but told the goat that
it was not for fear of him or his defiances ; *• For," says he, " if the lion was not so
near, I would soon make you know the difference between a bull and a goat."
THE APPLICATION.
It is very inhuman to deny succor and comfort to people in tribulation ; but to
insult them, and add to the weight of their misfortunes, is something superlatively
brutish and cruel. There is, however, in the world, a sort of wretches of this vile
temper, that wait for an opportunity of aggravating their neighbors' affliction, and
defer the execution of their evil inclinations until they can do it to the best advan-
tage. If any one labors under an expensive lawsuit, lest he should escape from
that, one of these gentlemen will take care to arrest him in a second action, hoping
at least to keep him at bay while the more powerful adversary attacks him on the
other side. One can not consider this temper without observing something remark-
ably cowardly in it; for tliese whiffling antagonists never begin their encounter
until they are sure the person they aim at is already overmatched.
100
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
J.RKAJ{SAS,
ADMITTED IXTO TSE TTNIOX, 1836.
« 1 *. ^e/.y» (WJiite, 531,710.
Population, 1860, { ^ . ' '„^^^
] Colored, 109,065,
Number of Square Miles, 52,196,
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 101
AEKANSAS.
DOENED with fields of cotton white,
Realm of wealth and realm of light,
Keeping step with States that be
Allied to all the brave and free.
New, yet firm and brave she stands,
Supporting those who till her lands ;
And from men beyond the sea
She buys her coffee, spice, and tea.
r^UPID, one sultry summer's noon, tired with play, and faint with heat, went into
a cool grotto to repose himself, which happened to be the Cave of Death. He
threw himself carelessly down on the floor, and his quiver turning topsy-turvy, all
the arrows fell out, and raingled with those of Death, which lay scattered up and
down the place. When he awoke, he gathered them up as well as he could, but
they were so intermingled, that though he knew the certain number, he could not
rightly distinguish them ; from whence it happened that he took up some of the
arrows which belonged to Death, and left several of his own in the room of them.
This is the cause that we, now and then, see the hearts of the old and decrepit
transfixed with the bolts of Love ; and with equal grief and surprise behold the
youthful, blooming part of our species smitten with the darts of Death.
A TRUMPETER being taken prisoner in a battle, begged hard for quarters, declar-
ing his innocence, and protesting that he neither had, nor could kill any man,
bearing no arms, but only his trumpet, which he was obliged to sound at the word
of command. For that reason, replied his enemies, are we determined not to spare
you; for though you yourself never fight, yet with that wicked instrument of
yours you blow up animosity between other people, and so are the occasion of
much bloodshed.
102
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MISSOURI.
ADMITTED INTO THE TTNTOX, 1837.
^ , . ^«^x. (WJiite, 1,085,590.
Papulation, 1S60,J^^^^^^^^^ 113,619.
Number of Square Miles, 65,350.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 103
MISSOURI.
|OST ricli and free, we find in thee
Industrious men of higli degree ;
Some till the land, while others stand
Secure from storm, with staff in hand,
Obliging those who seek for clothes,
Utensils, too, as we suppose.
Eight lately wrought, which can be bought
In all thy towns, of every sort.
^ABLi -Teci lync^Li,
A MULE, which was fed well, and worked little, grew fat and wanton, and frisked
about very notably. "And why should not I run as well as the best of them ? "
says he ; " it is well known I had a horse to my father, and a very good racer he
was." Soon after this, his master took him out, and being upon urgent business,
whipped and spurred the mule, to make him put forward ; who, beginning to tire
upon the road, changed his note, and said to himself: "Ah, where is the horse's
blood you boasted of but now? I am sorry to say it, friend, but indeed your worthy
sire was an ass, and not a horse."
THE APPLICATION.
However high their blood may beat, one may venture to affirm those to be but
mongrels and asses in reality who make a bustle about their genealogy. If some
in the world should be vain enough to think they can derive their pedigree from
one of the old Roman families, and being otherwise destitute of merit, would fain
draw some from thence, it might not be improper, upon such an occasion, to put
them in mind that Honiuliis, the first founder of that people, was base born, and
the body of his subjects made up of outlaws, murderers, and felons, the scum and
offscouring of the neighboring nations, and that they propagated their descend-
ants by rapes.
As a man truly great shines sufficiently bright of himself, without wanting to be
emblazoned by a splendid ancestry, so they whose lives are eclipsed by foulness of
obscurity, instead of showing to advantage, look but the darker for being placed
'm the same line with their illustrious forefathers.
104:
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
KENTUCKY.
AnMTTTEI) INTO THE TTNION, 1792.
iniite, 920,077.
Population, ISOO,
Colored, 22.7,490.
Number of Square Miles, 37,680.
OBIGINAL ACROSTICS. 105
KENTUCKY.
NOWN as a brave and farming State,
Enterprising, most rich and great ;
Nursing men whose fame is known
To mortals round, from zone to zone.
Unfailing are thy sparkling waters,
Confiding, too, thy sons and daughters ;
Kind to the rich and to the poor,
Yet who can tell their merits o'er.
FAiLio-TMi iA©Li» TMi Q^T^ m^ TMi mW.
AN eagle had built her nest upon the top branches of an oak. A wild cat inhabited
a hole in the middle, and in the hollow part, at the bottom, was a sow, with a
whole litter of pigs. A happy neighborhood ; and might long have continued so
had it not been for the wicked insinuations of the designing cat. For, first of all,
up she crept to the eagle ; " And, good neighbor," says she, " we shall all be undone ;
that filthy sow yonder does nothing but lie rooting at the foot of the tree ; and, as
I suspect, intends to grub it up, that she may the more easily come at our young
ones. For my part, I will take care of my own concerns ; you may do as you please ;
but I will watch her motions, though I stay at home this month for it." When she
had said this, which could not fail of putting the eagle in a great fright, down she
went, and made a visit to the sow at the bottom ; and putting on a sorrowful face,
" I hope," says she, " you do not intend to go abroad to-day." " Why not ? " says the
sow. "Nay," replies the other, "you may do as you please; but I overheard the
eagle tell her young ones that she would treat them with a pig the first time she saw
you go out ; and I am not sure but she may take up with a kitten in the meantime ;
so, good-morrow to you ; you will excuse me, I must go and take care of the little
folks at home." Away she went accordingly ; and by contriving to steal out softly
at nights for her prey, and to stand watching and peeping all day at her hole, as
under great concern, she made such an impression upon the eagle and the sow, that
neither of them dared venture abroad, for fear of the other. The consequence of
which was, that themselves and their young ones, in a little time, were all starved,
and made prize of by the treacherous cat and her kittens.
106
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
OHIO,
ADMITTED INTO THE UXIOX, 1802.
Population, 1860, 2,350,802,
Number of Square Miles, 39,964.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 107
OHIO,
jRTHODOX from days of youth,
Holding firmly to the truth ;
Industrious and in wealth abound,
Outshining every State around.
F^sLi -TMi wmQ)m BmmmOi ^ km^.
THE frogs, living an easy, free life every-wbere among the lakes and ponds, as-
sembled togetber one day in a very tumultuous manner, and petitioned Jupiter
to give tbem a king, wbo mlgbt inspect tbeir morals, and make tbem live a little
honester. Jupiter being at that time in pretty good humor, was pleased to laugh
heartily at tbeir ridiculous request; and throwing a little log down into the pool,
cried, "There is a king for you." The sudden splash which this made by its fall
into the water, at first terrified them so exceedingly that they were afraid to come
near it. But in a little time, seeing it lay without moving, they ventured, by de-
grees, to approach it ; and at last, finding there was no danger, they leaped upon
ft, and, in short, treated it as familiarly as they pleased. But, not content with so
insipid a king as this was, they sent tbeir deputies to petition again for another
sort of one, for this they neither did nor could like. Upon that, he sent them a
stork, who, without any ceremony, fell to devouring and eating them up, one after
another, as fa.st as he could. Then they applied themselves privately to Mercury,
and got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that be would be so good as to bless
them again with another king, or restore them to their former state. "No," says
he, " since it was their own choice, let the obstinate wretches suffer the punishment
due to their folly."
THE APPLICATION.
It is pretty extraordinary to find a fable of this kind finished with so bold, and
yet polite a turn by Phsedrus: one who attained his freedom by the favor of Augus-
tus, and wrote in the time of Tiberius; who were, successively, tyrannical usurpers
of the Roman government. If we may take his word for it, JEsop spoke it upon
this occasion : When the commonwealth of Athens flourished under good, whole-
some laws of its own enacting, they relied so much on the security of their liberty,
that they negligently sufTered it to run out into licentiousness; and factions hap-
pening to be fomented among them by designing people, much about the same
time, Pisistratus took that opportunity to make himself master of their citadel and
liberties both together. The Athenians, finding themselves in a state of slavery,
though their tyrant happened to be a very merciful one, yet could not bear the
thoughts of it ; so that ^.sop, where there was no remedy, prescribes them patience,
by example of the foregoing fable : and adds, at last : " Whei-e/ore, my dear country-
men, be contented with your present condition, bad as it is, for /ear a change would be
for the worse,"
108
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
IXBIAJ^A.
ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1816.
Population, 1860, 1,370,803,
Number of Square Miles, 33,809.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 109
INDIANA.
[F foes invade thee day or night,
Newly plumed with weapons bright,
Disperse their ranks, and make them stand
In awe of those who till thy land,
And those who are from vices free ;
Now bid them come that they may see
A noble race of men in thee.
A FOX having fallen into a well, made a shift, by sticking his claws into the sides,
to keep his head above the water. Soon after, a wolf came and peeped over the
brink ; to whom the fox applied himself very earnestly for assistance ; entreating
that he would help him to a rope, or something of that kind, which might favor
his escape. The wolf, moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear
expressing his concern. "Ah ! poor Reynard," says he, " I am sorry for you with
all my heart; how could you possibly come into this melancholy condition?"
" Nay, prythee, friend," replies the fox, " if you wish me well, do not stand pitying
of me, bvit lend me some succor as fast as you can ; for pity is but cold comfort
when one is up to the chin in water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or
drowning."
THE APPLICATION.
Pity, indeed, is, of itself, but poor comfort at any time ; and unless it produces
something more substantial, is rather impertinently troublesome than any. way
agreeable. To stand bemoaning the misfortunes of our friends without oflfering
some expedient to alleviate them, is only echoing to their grief, and putting them
in mind that they are miserable. He is truly my friend, who with a ready presence
of mind supports me ; not he who condoles with me upon my ill success, and says
he is very sorry for my loss. In short, a favor or obligation is doubled by being
well-timed : and he is the best benefactor who knows our necessities, and complies
with our wishes, even before we ask him.
110
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ILLIJfOIS.
ADMITTED IXTO THE TTXIOX, 1818.
Population, 1860, 1,691,238.
Number of Square Miles, 33,410.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. Ill
ILLINOIS.
HAVE felt some of thy joys, I have seen some of thy trees,
Lofty and towering, yet lashed by the breeze
Like saplings and bushes, I have seen them whirl round
In their pride and their glory, and fall to the ground.
Not many hard storms, though, pass over thee,
Of none have I heard but the one seen by me;
I never, I never shall forget that hard blast
So long as I live, or memory shall last.
p^AiLi -TMi @@^T ^mO) THi UQ)^.
rpHE lion, seeing the goat upon a steep, craggy rock, where he could not come at
him, asked him what delight he could take to skip from one precipice to another,
all day, and venture the breaking of his neck every m.oment. " I wonder," says
he, "you won't come down and feed upon the plain here, where there is such
plenty of good grass, and fine sweet herbs." " Why," replies the goat, " I can not
but say your opinion is right; but you look so very hungry and designing, that to
tell the truth, I do not care to venture my person where you are."
THE APPLICATION.
Advice, though good in itself, is to be suspected when it is given by a tricking,
self-interested man. Perhaps we should take upon ourselves, not only a very gi-eat,
but unnecessary trouble if we were to suspect every man who goes to advise us.
But this, however, is necessary: that when we have reason to question any one in
point of honor and justice, we not only consider well before we suffer ourselves to
be persuaded by him, but even resolve to have nothing to do in any affair where
such treacherous, slippery sparks are concerned, if we can avoid it without much
inconvenience.
112
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MICEIGAJf,
ADMITTBD IXTO TTTE TTNION, 1836.
Population, 1860, 754,291,
Number of Square Miles, 56,451.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 113
MICHIGAN.
ANY rays from glory are shining on thee,
In their beauty and splendor, still thousands we see,
Consisting of men and women most true,
Hasting with gladness thy scenery to view.
In thy rich mines of copper, and fields of sweet green,
Great numbers of men may daily be seen
At work, and delighted on thy soil to dwell,
Newly settled with beings who love thee so well.
(y[Q)B^L LiSSQ)PI] -H]@)W T@) iPCiRWFi ^ PiQ)PLi,
TT^HEX Cyrus received inteUigence that the Lydians had revolted from him, he
told Croesus, witli a good deal of emotion, that he had almost determined to
make them all slaves. Croesus begged him to pardon them ; " But," said he, " that
they may no more rebel or be troublesome to you, command them to lay aside
their arms, to wear long vests and buskins ; that is, to vie with each other in the
richness and elegance of their dress. Order them to drink, and sing, and play,
and you will soon see their spirits broken, and themselves changed to the effem-
inacy of woman, so that they will no more rebel or give you any uneasiness."
The advice was followed, and the result proved how judicious it was for the con-
queror, and how sterling qualities and energy of character may be enervated and
undermined when external accomplishments take the first place in a person's
estimation.
"TOURING the horrible massacre of St. Bartholomew at Paris, by which so many
thousands of Christians were perfidiously and cruelly butchered, the celebrated
Moulin crept into an oven, over the mouth of which a spider immediately wove its
web, "When the enemies of the Christians inspected the premises, thej^ passed by
the oven without examination, saying that it was plain no one could have been
there for some days.
8
IK
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
WISCOJVSIJ^.
ADMITTED INTO THE TTNIOIi', 1848.
Fopnlation, 1860, 768,485.
Number of Square Miles, 53,924,
OEIQINAL ACROSTICS. 115
WISCONSIN.
AKE, all men, come every thing,
In mutual concert join and sing;
Sing of her plains, and hills of red,
Containing mines of copper and lead.
Old and the young should on her gaze,
Never ceasing her to praise.
Sing of her rills and fertile hills.
Increasing with men, increasing in wealth,
Noted for game, for scenery and health.
F^iLi -TMi Lmm ^^B TMi l«D@iSi,
A LION, by accident, laid his paw upon a poor innocent mouse. The frightened
little creature, imagining she was going to be devoured, begged hard for her life ;
urged that clemency was the fairest attribute of power, and earnestly entreated his
majesty not to stain his illustrious paws with the blood of so insignificant an animal ;
upon which the lion very generously set her at liberty. It happened, a few days
afterward, that the lion, ranging for his prey, fell into the toils of the hunter.
The mouse heard his roarings, knew the voice of her benefactor, and, immediately
repairing to his assistance, gnawed in pieces the meshes of the net ; and, by deliver-
ing her preserver, convinced him that there is no creature so much below another,
but may have it in his power to return a good office.
MORAL.
We are often indebted to the meanest creatures for the most valuable services.
®iPfiiV?@)LiN]©(
'Tis pity. Bounty had not eyes behind ;
That Man might ne'er be wretched for his Mind.— Shakspeark.
116
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
IOWA.
ADMITTED INTO TUB VKION, 1846.
Popttlation, I860, 682,202.
Number of Sqtiare Miles, 55,045,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 117
IOWA.
^^IPARTING wealth to every clime,
On beauties we delight to rhyme ;
We love thy streams, and love to view
All of thy hills, and valleys, too.
FAiLi -THli W@LF APO© TKi LAMi.
pvNE hot, sultry day, a wolf and a lamb happened to come just at the same time to
^-^ quench their thirst in the stream of a clear silver brook, that i-an tumbling down
the side of a rocky mountain. The wolf stood upon the higher ground, and the
lamb at some distance from him down the current. However, the wolf, having a
mind to pick a quarrel witli him, asked him what he meant by disturbing the water,
and making it so muddy that he could not drink ; and, at the same time, demanded
satisfaction. The laml), frightened at the threatening charge, told him, in a tone as
mild as possible, that with liumble submission, he could not conceive how that could
be ; since the water which he drank ran down from the wolf to him, and, therefore,
could not be disturbed so far up the stream. " Be that as it will," replies the wolf,
" you are a rascal, and I have been told that you treated me with ill-language behind
my back, about half a year ago," " Upon my word," says the lamb, " the time you
mention was before I was born." The wolf, finding it to no purpose to argue any
longer against truth, fell into a great passion, snarling and foaming at the mouth
as if he had been mad ; and, drawing nearer to the lamb, " Sirrah," says he, " if it
was not you, it was your father, and that is all one." So he seized the poor, inno-
cent, helpless thing, tore it to pieces, and made a meal of it.
THE APPLICATION.
The thing which is pointed at in this fable is so obvious, that it will be impertinent
to multiply words about it. When a cruel, ill-natured man has a mind to abuse one
inferior to himself, either in power or courage, though he has not given tlie least
occasion for it, how does he resemble the w^olf, whose envious, rapacious temper
could not bear to see innocence live quietly in its neighborhood. In short, when-
ever ill people are in power, innocence and integrity are sure to be persecuted ; the
more vicious the community is, the better countenance they have for their own
villainous measures; to practice.honesty in bad times, is being liable to suspicion
enough ; but if any one should dare to prescribe it, it is ten to one but he would be
impeached of higli crimes and misdemeanors; for to stand up for justice in a de-
generate, corrupt state, is tacitly to upbraid the government, and seldom fails of
pulling down vengeance upon the head of him that offers to stir in its defense.
Where cruelty and malice are in combination with power, nothing is so easy as for
them to find a pretense to tyrannize over innocence, and exercise all manner of
injustice.
118
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MIJ{JfESOTA.
ADMITTEn INTO THE UNION, 1858,
Population, 1860, 172,793.
Number of Square Miles, 83,591,
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 119
MINNESOTA.
|OST level, healthy, fertile State
In thee Itasca Lake doth rise.
Now the head of the longest stream
Ever seen beneath the skies.
Some Indians, too, now live in thee,
On thy hills and plains around.
Though, 'tis strange, there are but few
Among those tribes who till the ground.
^AiLi -TMi F@^ MMD) TMi ©^Q)Wo
A CROW, having stolen a piece of cheese from a cottage window, flew up into a
high tree witli it, in order to eat it; wliich the fox observing, came and sat
underneath, and began to compUment the crow upon tlie subject of lier beauty :
" I protest," says he, " I never observed it before, but your feathers are more of a
delicate wliite than any that I ever saw in my life ! Ah ! what a flue shape and
graceful turn of body is there ! and I dare say you have a beautiful voice. If it be
but as fine as your complexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend to stand in
competition with you."
The crow, tickled with this very civil language, nestled and wriggled about, and
hardly knew where she was ; but thinking the fox a little dubious as to the partic-
ular of her voice, and having a mind to set him right in that matter, she began to
sing, and, at the same instant, let the cheese drop out of her mouth. This being
what the fox wanted, he snapped it up in a moment, and trotted away, laughing to
himself at the easy credulitj' of the crow.
MORAL.
It is a maxim in the schools,
" That flattery 's the food of fools ;"
And whoso likes such airy meat.
Will soon have nothing else to eat.
120
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
OBEGOjY.
ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1857»
Population, 1860, 52 566.
Number of Square Miles, 95,274.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 121
OREGON.
|F thy Indians to tell,
Kepresenting each yell,
Especially where they in numbers retreat ;
Great variety of clime ;
On all did we rhyme,
Never could we our verses complete.
[Composed in 1860. J
\\7"E heard an anecdote of this distinguished lawyer, a few days ago, which we
' *^ remember to have met with in print, but which is so good that it wiU do to
tell again.
Martin was on one occasion riding to Annapolis, in a stage coach, in which was
a solitary companion, a young lawyer, just commencing the practice of law. After
some familiar conversation, the young gentleman said :
" Sir, you have been remarkably successful in your profession— few have gained
so many cases— will yovi be good enough to communicate to me, a beginner, the
secret of your wondrous success? "
" I '11 do it, young man, on one condition, and that is, that you defray my ex-
penses during my stay of a few days at Annapolis."
" Willingly," replied the young man, hoping thereby to profit greatly by the com-
munication.
" The secret of my success," said Martin, " may be discovered in this advice which
I now give you, namely : '■Deny every thing, and insist upon proof.'' "
On reaching Annapolis, Luther Martin was not very self-denying in the enjoy-
ment presented by a fine hotel; the substantials and general refreshments were
dispatched in a manner quite gratifying to mine host. The time for return at
length came. The young man and Martin stood together at the bar, demanding
their respective bills.
Martin's was enormous, but on glancing at it, he qviietly handed it to the young
lawyer, who, running his eye over it, leisurely returned it with the utmost gravity.
"Don't you intend to pay it?" said Martin.
" Pay what? " said the young lawyer.
"Why, pay this bill. Did you not promise, on the route downward, that you
would defray my expenses at the hotel ? "
" My dear sir," said the young gentleman, " I deny every thing, and insist upon
proof."
Martin at once saw that he was caught, and eyeing his young friend a moment or
two, he said, pleasantly, " You do n't need any counsel from me, young man— you
do n't need any counsel from me."
122
ORIGINAL ACBOSTICS.
KAJfSAS.
ATHHITTED INTO TUE TTNION, 1861.
Population, 1860, 143,645.
Ifumber of Square Miles, 126,283.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 123
KANSAS.
EEP all thy men as in thy hand,
And make them fight at thy command ;
No longer suffering them to be
Shedding blood, disgracing thee.
Arise, and in Jehovah's trust,
Subdue and grind thy foes to dust.
[Composed in 1859.]
A MAN who had been sadly torn by a dog, was advised by some old woman, as a
cure, to dip a piece of bread in the wound, and give it to the cur that bit him.
He did so; and ^sop happening to pass by just at the same time, asked him what
he meant by it? The man informed him. " Why, then," said ^sop, " do it as pri-
vately as you can, 1 beseech you ; for if the rest of the dogs of the town were to see
you, we should all be eat up alive by them."
THE APPLICATION.
Nothing contributes so much to the increase of roguery, as when the undertak-
ings of a rogue are attended with success. If it were not for fear of punishment, a
great part of mankind, who now make a shift to keep themselves honest, would
appear great villains; but if criminals, instead of meeting with punishment, were,
by having been such, to attain honor and preferment, our natural inclinations to
mischief would be improved, and we should be wicked out of emulation.
124
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS,
UTAE,
ERECTED INTO A TERRITOMT, 1850.
Population, 1860, 50,000.
If umber of Square Miles, 187,923.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 125
UTAH.
NWEARYma in tliy efforts be
To join thyself to States now free.
As happy as the sun that sheds
His rays on our devoted heads.
[Composed in I860.]
|yH@^^L. LiSSQ)!^»— WEiit ^mm^mmQ® will) mQ^m^lhh.
A BOUT forty years ago, in the woods near the line between Tennessee and Ken-
^^ tucky, stood a log cabin, sixteen feet by eighteen, which was occupied by a
father and a mother with some ten or twelve children, and among them was the
hero of our sketch. In his infancy he was fed on corn and hominy, bear meat, and
the flesh of such wild animals as were caught in the woods.
At twelve yeai's of age he was put out to work with a neighbor, as a farm-boy.
He drove oxen, hoed corn, and raised tobacco in the summer, and cured it in the
winter, till he was seventeen years old. Then he learned to make brick. To this
he added the profession of a carpenter; and by these sviccessive steps in mechanical
arts he became able, by his unassisted skill, to raise a house from a clay-pit, or from
the stump, and complete it in all its parts. He could do it, too, in a manner that
none of his competitors could surpass.
His panel-doors are the wonder and admiration of the country in which they
continue to swing on hinges. He never saw the inside of a school-house or church
till after he was eighteen years old. Having achieved the valuable acquisitions of
reading and writing, by the aid of another, all his other education has been the
fruit of his own application and pei'severance.
At the age of twenty-two he conceived the idea of fitting himself for the practice
of law. He at first procured an old copy of Blackstone, and having, after the close
of his daily labors, by nightly studies over a pitch-knot in his log cabin, mastered
the contents of that compendium of common law, he pursued his researches into
otber elementary works.
Havuig thus, by great diligence, acquired the rudiments of his profession, he met
with an old lawyer who had left the practice, or whose practice had left him, with
whom he made a bargain for his secretary and library, for which he was to pay
him one hundred and twenty dollars in carpenter work. The chief part of the job
to be done in payment for these old, musty books, was dressing and laying down a
floor at three dollars per square of ten feet.
The library paid for, our hero dropped the adze, plane, and trowel, and we soon
after hear of him as one of the most prominent members of the Mississippi bar,
and an able statesman and orator. " I heard him one day," says one, "make tvro
speeches in succession, each of three hours' length, to the same audience, and not
a movement testified any weariness on the part of a single auditor; and during his
delivery, the assembly seemed swayed by the orator as weeds before the wind."
That poor farm-boy became a inember of Congress from Mississippi. His name
is Patrick W. Tompkins. He is a self-made man, and his history shows what an
liumble boy can do when he is determined to try.
126 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
DAKOTA.
This territory was detached from Minnesota in 1&57. It lies south of British America
and east of Nebraska, from which it is separated by the Missouri River.
ARKENma sea,
And shadows flee,
Keep thy sons from vices free ;
Of joys unknown
To them be shown,
And may live for God alone.
[Composed in I860.]
FASLi -TMi ®Q)>fS m^ TBCi F^O)©S«
r\N the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a great number of frogs, a
company of boys happened to be at play. Their diversion was duck and drake ;
and whole volleys of stones were thrown into the water, to the great annoyance
and danger of the poor terrified frogs. At length, one of the most hardy, lifting up
his head above the surface of the lake : "Ah ! dear childi'en ! " said he, " why will ye
learn so soon to be cruel ? Consider, I beseech you, that though this may be sport
to you, it is death to ws."
MORAL.
A noble mind disdains to gain
Its pleasure from another's pain.
A H me ! full sorely is my heart forlorn
To think how modest Worth neglected lies,
While partial Fame doth with her blasts adorn
Such deeds alone as Pride and Pomp disguise.
Deeds of ill sort and mischievous emprise.— Shenstonk.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
127
NEW MEXICO.
A portion of the tract acquired from Mexico by the treaties of 1848 and ia54, extends
from 31° 20' to 38° north lat., and from 103° to 117^^ west Ion., being about 700 miles
in extreme length from east to west, and about 470 miles in breadth from north
to south including an area of 207,007 square miles. It is bounded north by Utah
and Kansas, east by Kansas and Indian Territory and Texas, south by Texas and
Mexico, and west by California.
Il^lo doubt to men a good retreat,
Ever give them bread to eat,
While thy praises they repeat.
May thy towns and cities grow
Ever fast, and stand before
Xenia town, of great renown.
In thee is wealth, in thee is game,
Cattle wild and cattle tame.
One-half of which we can not name.
F^SLl -TMi %BQ)W ^UU TMi P'lTOMiB^
A CROW, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a pitcher which he beheld at
some distance. When he came, he found water in it indeed, but so near the bot-
tom, that, with all his stooping and straining, he was not able to reach it. Then he
endeavored to overturn the pitcher, that so at least he might be able to get a little
of it- but his strength was not sufRcient for this. At last, seeing some pebbles he
near' the place, he cast them, one by one, into the pitcher; and thus, by degrees,
raised the water up to the very brim, and satisfied his thirst.
MORAL.
Necessity is the mother of invention; and that which can not be accomplished
by strength, may be achieved by ingenuity.
128
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
JVEBRASKA.
ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1861.
ToptUntion, 1860, 38,844.
Number of Square Miles, 84,000.
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 129
I^EBEASKA.
Is the largest and most extensive division of tlie United States, being one-half
larger than the State of Texas. It was organized by Congress in the year 1854. It
includes the whole of the late Missouri Territory, besides a portion of the Indian
Territory, and extends northward from latitude 40^ to 49^, and westward from the
Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains.
EWLY settled,
Enriched with fountains,
Bounded by
Eough hills and mountains,
And some of them,
So very high,
Kiss every cloud,
As passing by. [Composed r\ 1S60.]
A MAN was angling in a river, and caught a small perch, which, as he was taking
off the hook, and going to put it into his basket, opened its mouth, and began
to implore his pity, begging that he would throw it into the river again. Upon the
man's demanding what reason he had to expect such a favor? "Why," says the
fish, " because at present I am but young and little, and consequently not so well
worth your while, as I shall be if you take me some time hence, when I am grown
larger." "That maybe," replies the man; "but I am not one of those fooLs who
quit a certainty in expectation of an uncertainty."
npHE Rose is fairest when 'tis budding new,
And Hope is brightest when it dawns from fears ;
The Rose is sweetest washed with morning dew,
And Love is loveliest when embalmed in tears.— Scott.
taepsoes mi mkim.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
133
PATRICK HENRY.
|RI0R to the first war he lived in our land,
And was the foremost of all to take a bold stand
To oppose oppression; and the first that we see
Resolving to die or from Britain be free.
In our defense his speeches we hear;
Coming from one with vision so clear,
King George was made to tremble and fear.
He labored and struggled to set us all free,
Exclaiming, Give freedom or death unto me,
Naught else will serve my purpose, said he.
Resolving thus, in the sequel we read,
Young and old from fetters were freed.
134 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE,
ci JKaJor- General in the American ^irmy.
Is justly celebrated for leaving an immense estate, the best of friends, and, above
all, a beloved wife, to fight the battles of a strange people in a far-off country.
This generous act will render his name immortal. He was born in France, Sep-
tember, 1757, and died at Lagrange, in l&iO, and now lies buried in France, near
Paris, sleeping between his heroic wife and beloved daughter.
Y song and praise shall be of one
Among the greatest mortals, who,
Regarding us when struggling hard,
Q.uickly to our succor flew.
TJndesigning in all he done.
Intrepid, wise, and generous man,
Soon for himself bright laurels won.
Disinterested here he came
Equipped with armor shining bright,
Leading forth his soldiers, who,
At his expense, came here to fight.
For us he fought, was wounded, too.
And for our cause did suffer pain;
Yet, soon as he recovered strength,
Enlisted in the war again.
The sun and moon will first grow dim.
The concave melt, the planets fall,
E'er men will cease to reverence him.
A CELEBRATED old general used to dress in a fantastic manner, by way of mak-
ing himself better known. It is true, people would say, " Who is that old fool ?"
But it is also true, that the answer was, "That is the famous General , who
took such or such a place."
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
135
THE LADIES OF JACKSON.
|HE learned and the wise,
How we love and we prize
Each virtue composing their worth;
Like angels they shine,
All lovely, divine,
Dispelling all darkness from earth;
In the days of their youth
Embracing the truth,
Soothing the high and the low;
Observe what we say,
For a moment, we pray ;
Just view them as onward they go,
Adorning each street.
Conversing so sweet,
Kin to the brave and the free;
Sublime are their ways;
On them when we gaze.
No fault nor error we see.
136
OBIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ULTSSES S. gba;n't.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 137
GENERAL GRANT.
Ulysses Simpson Grant was born in Clermont County, Ohio, on the 27th day of
April, 1822, in a small one-story cottage, which is still standing on tlie l>anks of
the Ohio, commanding a view of the Ohio River and the Kentucky shore.
IVE him due praise
Each man that be
ISTow livino; on
Earth's soil free;
Kead how he fought,
And bravely, too,
Leading his men.
Great, wise, and true,
Reflecting worth;
A hero, he
Ne'er will succumb
To foes that be.
rpHE horse of a pious man in Massachusetts happening to stray into the road, a
neighbor of the man who owned the horse put him in the pound. Meeting the
owner soon after, he told him what he had done, and added, " If I ever catch him
in the road hereafter, I '11 do just so again."
" Neighbor," replied the other, " not long since I looked out of my window in the
night, and saw your cattle in my mowing-ground, and I drove them out and shut
them in your yard : I'll do it again.''' Struck witli the reply, the man liberated the
horse from the pound, and paid the charges himself.
138
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
WILLIAM T. SHERMAJf.
OEIGINAL AOEOSTICS. 139
GENERAL SHERMAN.
WII.LIAM T. SHERMAN was bom in Lancaster, Ohio, oa the 8th of February, 1820.
I^Hr APPLING- with foes, he stratagem shows,
Evincing his skill wherever he goes.
Now view him, we pray, while fighting to-day,
Every one to him their homage should pay.
Rebels are lying around him, and crying
Aloud for help, while others are flying
Like Arabs, scared, pursuers defying.
So restless is he to cope with old Lee ;
He 's marching, and soon through Georgia will be
Extending his sway — each hour, each day —
Revealing true worth for his triumph we pray.
May the Lord's own arm protect him from harm.
And his soldiers incline to march in a line,
Never once to flag, to falter nor pine.
[Composed on his teiumphal march through Geohqia.]
IGH-MINDED, noble man indeed,
Of all he did we love to read ;
Now view the man who seeks to do
His country's will and Maker's, too;
Offend him not, ye sons of earth,
He speaks, and we behold his worth ;
Nor will we fear one galling chain
So long as he shall here remain.
140
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
WlJf FIELD SCOTT,
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 141
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Born near Petersburg, Virginia, on the 15th of January, 1786.
HEN fighting for us no toil seemed mean,
In the flash of his eye his courage was seen,
Nations looked on him with awe and with fright.
Fearing to come in the range of his sight.
In youth and in age his virtues did shine.
Emboldened by them he walked in a line,
Leading to victories, to peace, and content.
Defeating our foes wherever he went.
Suffice it to say, he never did yield ;
Confronting our foes, he courage revealed;
Over thousands he trod, who refusing to fly
The dint of his sword, when the flash of his eye
Told them that death and destruction were nigh.
TTTHEN Rev. Richard Cecil was but a little boy, his father had occasion to go to
the India House, and took his son with him. While he was transacting busi-
ness, the little fellow was dismissed, and told to wait for his father at one of the
doors. His father, on finishing his business, went out at another, and entirely for-
got his son. In the evening, his mother, missing the child, inquired where he was ;
on which his father, suddenly recollecting that he had directed him to wait at a
certain door, said : " You may depend upon it, he is still waiting where I appointed
him." He immediately returned to the India House, and found his dear boy in the
very spot where he had ordered him to remain. He knew that his father expected
him to wait, and he would not disappoint him by disobeying his orders.
LmE.
Love goes toward love as school-boys from their books;
But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.— Shakspeare.
142 , ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
HONORABLE HENRY CLAT.
ENCEFORTH we are of him bereft,
Of him who won a name
No other mortal man has left
On these low shores of fame.
Eising from youth to fame and might,
And with the wise and great,
Benign he labored, day and night.
Long grievance to abate;
Endeared to us and deep in thought.
He did his wit display.
Even those who his ruin sought
No harm of him could say.
Befuting every doctrine bad.
Yet craving not a name;
Calm, and in his right mind clad,
Leaped up to wealth and fame.
At Washington he passed away,
Yet his fame will ne'er decay.
[Wbitten on his Death.]
A FALCONER having taken a partridge in his nets, tlie bird begged hard for a
reprieve, and promised the man, if he would let him go, to decoy other par-
tridges into his net. " No," replies the Falconer, " I was before determined not to
spare you, but now you have condemned yourself by your own words ; for he who
Is such a scoundrel as to offer to betray his friends to save himself, deserves, if poa-
Bible, worse than death."
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 143
HONORABLE DANIEL WEBSTER.
IS race is run, his work is done.
Our statesman and our friend ;
No more will we his features see,
Or to his speech attend.
Eich and the poor his loss deplore,
And we that loved him well
Bewail the day he passed away,
Leaving us in tears to dwell.
Earth's fleeting breath was lost in death.
Descending to the tomb,
Around his grave bright laurels wave.
Ne'er may they cease to bloom.
In circles high death's arrows fly,
Each one brinaieth sorrow ;
Life's fleeting ray did pass away,
"When death he hurled his arrow.
Equaled by few we ever knew,
Brilliant the road he trod,
Serene in death, gave back his breath
To Christ, his mighty God.
Earth felt the blow when he sunk low ;
Befulgent still his virtues glow.
[Wbitten on his Death.]
144
OEIGINAL ACKOSTICS.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS,
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 145
CHEISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
Christopher Columbus was a native of Genoa, and died at Valladolid, in the
year 1506, being about seventy years old. But this great man was unjustly de-
prived of the honor of giving his name to this continent by Americus Vespu-
cius, a native of Florence, who claimed the honor of being the first discoverer of
the main laud.
IHIOMMISSIONED by the king of Spain
He did a fleet of ships prepare ;
Kejoicing, westward he set sail
In search of land he knew not where.
Some asserted he would find
The ocean deep, a boundless main ;
Others, by sailing west it would
Prevent his coming back again.
Hopeful still he kept his course,
Ere long out glorious land he sees,
Rich, and covered o'er with trees.
Confirmed in what he thought was true.
Our lovely land he bids farewell;
Leaving this with joy he went
Unto his own the news to tell.
Men soon flocked here from every clime,
Both young and old, the rich and poor.
Until we see this happy land
Scattered now with cities o'er.
10
146
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JTAFOLFOJV BOMAPABTE.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 147
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE,
On his return from ^Iba.
OTWITHSTANDma the Bourbons had set a price upon
his head,
And though our hero knew it, of them he had no dread ;
Perceiving every-where, as on he did advance,
Old veterans all desired to make him king of France;
Like thunder peals from heaven, the people shout around, —
'' Emperor, live forever, and put the Bourbons down ! "
On his cheeks they printed their kisses, warm and true,
National Guards and volunteers all to his succor flew,
Because they looked upon him, as on their rightful king,
Owning him as worthy, did of his victories sing;
Not fearing but he was able to succor the distressed,
And lift the yoke of bondage from brothers sore oppressed.
Passing on and onward, our hero shortly stands
Among the streets of Paris, with victory in his hands ;
Eevived were all the people, and through the livelong night,
Ten thousand men were saying, and that with true delight,
" Emperor, live forever, and put thy foes to flight ! "
A CURIOUS instance of the jealousy to which genius sometimes becomes a vic-
tim, is to be met with in the case of Castillo,, a Spanish artist, distinguished by
every amiable disposition, and the great painter of Seville. When some of Murillo's
paintings were shown to him, (who seems to have been his nephew,) he stood in
meek astonishment before them, and when he recovered his voice, turning away,
he exclaimed with a sigh : " Castillo is no more ! " Returning to his home, the
stricken genius relinquished his pencil, and pined away in hopelessness.
148
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
OX THE LADIES OF SPEINGFIELD.
UTSHmiNG all tlie gems on earth,
No pen nor tongue can tell their worth ;
They teach us, by example bright,
Heaven-born, religious light.
Enables men to act upright.
Learned and skilled in every thing.
And when I hear them sweetly sing,
Delight doth fill my heart;
I seem as in a trance to be.
Ethereal joys encompass me ;
Soon time arrives, for home I start-
One lovelier than the rest I see,
From her I hate to part;
Still from her I 'm forced to go,
Plodding all the country o'er,
Eemembering that I am so poor
It is not wise to tarry;
Now could the lady read my heart.
Glance at it before I start,
From her I fain would never part;
I think she then would marry
Even one as poor as me.
Loveliest thing on land or sea,
Despise me not — farewell to thee.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
149
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.
|OST wealthy men reside in thee,
Enlarging thee with houses bright,
More lovely than the stars we see
Peeping down on us at night.
How graceful do thy daughters walk,
In the house or on the street,
Smiling and wooing, one and all
Their praises to repeat;
Entrancing both the young and old,
Now see them how they shine.
Neat, and valued more than gold
Extracted from the mine.
Scintillations of the skies.
Sweet specimens of worth.
Extending thy influence wide,
Even to the ends of earth.
150
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
NEW ORLEANS.
EVER fearing mortal foe,
Ever may it fastly grow,
Wliile mighty waters by it flow.
Oppose it not. We love to see
Resplendent ladies, kind and free,
Looking on its charms with glee ;
Each one on it due praise bestow.
And we feel 'tis bound to grow.
Never fearing foes to face,
Soon distant towns it will embrace.
SPRINGFIELD.
UPiPxlSSING in beauty, thy daughters are fair,
Prudent and worthy of praises they are ;
Resplendent, industrious, in truth we can trace
In the eye of each lady, true worth and true grace.
'No groggeries, no drunkards in thee can be found.
Gladness and joy thy limits surround;
From hour to hour, from morning to night,
In thee can we hear true songs of delight,
Enrapturing our hearts, endearing thy name;
Lead us then on to riches and fame,
Denouncing all crime till the exit of time.
OKIGINAL ACROSTICS. 151
OX LANCASTER CITY, PEXXSYLYAXIA.
XWAED march, never lagging,
Never on thy riches bragging ;
Let thy walls more wide extend,
And thy sons from harm defend;
Never let no foe invade thee.
Cast out those who would degrade thee ;
And make thy sons and daughters be
Shining lights among the free.
Though Philadelphia is much longer,
Enriched with men, perhaps some stronger,
Eegard it not, though thou art smaller.
Can she boast of houses taller?
Is she possessed of ladies fairer ?
Truer? No, we can compare her.
Yea, and even prove that she
Possesses few so fair as- thee;
Exquisite in their forms and features,
No city hath such lovely creatures,
Nor none possesses better preachers.
Some few on earth may be more wealthy.
Yet we know of none so healthy.
Laurels around thy walls are clinging,
Virtuous ladies, too, are singing,
And others working hard, while we
Now are speaking, praising thee.
Indeed we love no place so well.
And yet thy worth we fail to tell.
152
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS,
J
-^^A^'
OBIGINAL ACROSTICS. 153
E. BALDWIN,
Champaign County^ Ohio.
ESPECTED by the great and high,
Be true till thou art called to die;
And in that day, come when it may,
Learned sir, to thee the Lord will say,
Dear son, arise, receive the prize !
With shouting soar above the skies!
Immortal, free to dwell with me.
New songs to sing while ages flee.
TAKE WARNING.
[HE Judgment Day is just ahead,
And, ere one hundred years be fled,
All those now living will be dead
And sleeping in their narrow bed.
Then let us all from slumber wake.
And this resolve with firmness make:
We will at once our sins forsake,
And the bright road to glory take.
THE happiness to be derived from retirement from the bustle of the city, to the
peaceful and rural scenes of the country, is more in idea than it often proves in
reality. A. tradesman in London, who had risen to weath from the humble ranks
of life, resolved to retire to the country, to enjoy, undisturbed, the rest of his life.
For this purpose he purchased an estate and mansion in a sequestered corner in
the country, and took possession of it. While the alterations and improvements
which he directed to be made were going on, the noise of hammers, saws, chisels,
etc., around him, kept him in good spirits. But when his improvements were
finished, and his workmen discharged, the stillness every-where disconcerted him,
and he felt quite miserable. He was obliged to have recourse to a smith upon liis
e-state for relief to his mind ; and he actually engaged to blow the bellows a num-
ber of hours every day for relief to his mind. In a short time this ceased to afford
the relief he desired ; he returned to London, and acted as a gratuitous assistant to
his own clerk, to whom he had given up his business.
154
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
S. A. DOUGLAS,
Of nUnois.
UEPASSED by none beneatti the sun,
At his face we love to gaze;
Dull care begone, from morn till morn.
One so wise we love to praise ;
Untainted by corruption's dye,
Generous man, possessing worth.
Let every State his acts relate,
And spread his fame, and him proclaim
Superior to the sons of earth.
[Composed in 1S60.]
FAME.
ROM what I see, some seek for thee,
As something worthy greeting;
Missing their aim, they thee proclaim
Elusive, worthless, fleeting.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
155
SUJs^
OUKCE of heat and source of light,
Upholding by thy strength and might
Numerous seas and planets bright.
MOOK
OUNTED far above the sky,
Onward rolling, tell us why
Our eyes they can not see
No sweet and lovely stream on thee.
STAKS.
EEN through no glass, to the naked eye
They look like gems set in the sky;
And yet they are but planets high,
Revolving round ten thousand suns,
Swift, yet smooth as water runs.
156
OKIGINAL ACROSTICS.
COMET.
m
jOMPOSED of vapors shining bright,
Of wondrous size, yet harmless light,
Men view thee as a burning ball,
Expecting soon to see thee fall
To this low world, and kill us all.
I
LIGHT.
UMINOUS, most useful, most lovely to scan.
It falls directly or obliquely on man.
Graceful in carriage, and pleasing to behold,
Highly prized, yea, precious as gold.
The thing we most need to cheer us when old.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 157
GOVERNOK JOSEPH E. BROWN.
1^1 LITTERING fame
Of pearly white,
Vigorous and
Ethereal bright
Eeflect his worth.
Now on him gaze,
Our people's choice,
Eesolve to praise.
Just view him now.
On glory bent,
Striving to make
Each one content;
Proclaiming truth,
His name should be
Extolled by all,
Both bond and free.
Receiving praise,
O'er earth he goes,
With head above
Nefarious foes. [composed in iseo.]
ONE day, when Gustavus was in the sixth year of his age, as he was running
among bushes, his preceptor, to deter him, told him to beware of some large
snakes which infested them. He unconcernedly answered, " Then give me a stick,
and I will kill them." His courage was tempered with the most noble generosity.
A peasant bringing him a small pony, the young prince said to him, "I will pay
you immediately, for you must want money ; " and puUing out a little purse of
ducats he emptied them into the peasant's hands. At twelve he spoke and wrote
Latin, German, Dutch, French, and Italian with the same fluency and correctness
as the Swedish, besides understanding the Polish and Russian.
158 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
DE. W. A. CHEATHAM.
I
ENOUNCER of wrong and defender of right,
Occupying a place resplendently bright,
Commanding our songs, our homage, and our praise ;
Though having strong vision, on thee when we gaze,
Our eyes are dazzled, for we see so much light
Reflected from thee, that we scarcely can write.
We wish thee much pleasure, through all coming days;
And thy most charming bride, deserving our praise,
Convinced of her merits, her gj'aces, and worth,
Having wed her, the best of mortals on earth,
Extol her, protect her, each day through the year.
And, others forsaking, her presence prefer :
'Twill give her true joy, thy affection to tell,
Her face wreathed with smiles, all confusion to quell.
And drive away darkness, preventing all strife,
Making thousands adore both thee and thy wife.
iy|@BAL Lissome -TKi MOPjSrS PiT(]TfiQ)!5«.
TN the days of John, king of Atri, an ancient city of Abruzzo, tliere was a bell
put up, which any one that had received any injury went and rang, and tlie
king assembled the wise men chosen for the purpose, that justice might be done.
It happened, tliat after the bell had been up a long time, the rope was worn out,
and a piece of wild vine was made use of to lengthen it. Now, there was a knight
of Atri who had a noble charger, which was become unserviceable through age, so
that to avoid the expense of feeding him, he turned him loose upon the common.
The horse, driven by hunger, raised his mouth to the vine to munch it, by which
the bell was sounded. The judges assembled to consider the petition of the horse,
which appeared to demand justice. They decreed, that the knic/ht lohom he had
served in his youth should feed him in his old age ; a sentence which the king con-
firmed under a heavy penalty.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
159
JOHN L. BLACKWELL,
My youngest Sroiher.
OHISF, dear brother, onward go,
Overcoming every foe ;
Heavy though thy burdens be,
Never cease to pray for me.
Look at what we have to do
Before we can bright Canaan view;
Love for God we must possess.
And pray the Lord our foes to bless;
Conscious we are born to die,
Keep thine eyes uplifted high;
With confidence to Jesus pray
Every hour throughout the day,
Loving him who died for thee,
Let me repeat, now pray for me.
leo
ORiaiNAL ACROSTICS.
THE TWO ODDITIES.
[UEN this book and at us look,
Heed our features, too.
Expressive, fine, our faces shine,
To please such folks as you;
With heads but four, we want no more.
Our eyes give us no light;
Our ears are deaf, but yet no grief
Disturbs us day nor night ;
Deprived of feet we can not walk
In houses where we go.
The reason why we do not sigh.
Is left for you to know.
Ever free from care are we,
So turn this book, and at us look.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
161
DOCTOR ISAAC K COLE,
Of Hat'fajs Coufiiy, Yirffitiia,
IRECTED by wisdom,
Onward lie liies,
Co-acting with men.
Those seeking a prize
Of glories now shining
Remote in the skies.
In all his acts
Such grandeur we see.
As beggars description ;
A mortal more free
Can never be found,
ISTor desired to be.
Concernino^ his aroodness,
Of this we are sure,
Like a Christian he tries
Each person to cure.
^0 ',
11
162
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
HOPE.
^LD her canvas to tlie breeze,
O'er the waves she rides with ease,
Praise to God, of our life the giver,
Each one from harm he can deliver.
MAGGIE C. FOX
OST worthy and sweet,
A mirror of light ;
Glittering like diamonds,
Glorious and bright;
Industrious, and giving
Each mortal delio;ht.
Captivating our hearts.
Firm, faithful each day.
On thy name when we write,
X stands in the way, -
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 163
SPENCER CROGE,
Of M'etnphig,
I TILL upward gaze,
Pour forth thy praise,
Entreating God our land to save ;
No one we see,
Compares with thee,
Except the noble, good, and brave,
Bedeemed by love.
Continue to prove,
Eeligion can the heart refine ;
Our sins subdue,
Giving us, too.
Essential joys for which we pine ;
CANTON.
HARMmG place,
Adorned with grace.
No rum in thee is sold;
Thy streets are wide,
On every side
New beauties we behold.
164
ORiaiNAL ACROSTICS.
JOHN BELL.
Born near Nashville, Tennessee, 1796, and entered public life during the Federal
Administration of John Quincy Adams, and in 1860 was run by the American
Party as a candidate for the Presidency.
UST read the name of him to be
Our President; most wise is he,
His cheerful face, as all agree,
None but his foes dislike to see.
Both parties can in him repose,
Every man, including foes ;
Law-abiding man, he shows
Love for truth where'er he goes.
fUOMPOSED IN 1360.]
OEIGINAL ACE0STIC3. 165
JOHN F. BOSWORTH,
Of Canton,
UDICIOUS man, with sense to plan,
On his name we this compose;
He stands erect, and will protect
North and South, despite of foes.
Fearing none beneath the sun,
Being a lamp our feet to guide,
Our friend in need, for us doth plead,
Saying this Union must abide.
While he is near, our hearts to cheer,
Our country has no cause to fear
Eebellious foes that be;
The truth is known, as can be shown.
He loves, and will protect the free.
F^gLi -TMi WCI^Bj THli SUlKlj ^UCD THJi TKOTiLi^jo
A DISPUTE once arose between the north wind and the sun, about the siaperior-
ity of their power; and tliey agreed to try their strength upon a traveler, which
should be able to get his cloak ofif first.
The north wind began, and blew a very cold blast, accompanied with a sharp,
driving shower. But this, and whatever else he could do, instead of making the
man quit his cloak, obliged him to gird it about his body as close as possible. Next
came the sun ; who, breaking out from a thick, watery cloud, drove away the cold
vapors from the sky, and darted his sultrj' beams upon the head of the poor,
weather-beaten traveler. The man, growing faint with the heat, and unable to
endure it any longer, first throws off his heavy cloak, and then flies for protection
to the shade of a neighboring grove.
MORAL.
Soft and gentle means will often accomplish what force and fury can never effect.
166
OEiaiNAL ACROSTICS.
EDWARD EVERETT,
XPEEIENCED, noble, wise and true,
Devoted to our country, too ;
We view him as a heavenly ray,
A learned man, with errors none ;
Eenowned for sense, and like the sun
Driving all gloom away.
Engraven on his brow, behold
Vivid features bright and bold,
Enchanting both the young and old;
Regarded by both friends and foes,
Evil-minded men he hates ;
To enforce the laws and the union of States,
This is the thing for which he goes.
[Composed in I860.]
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 167
OWEN" VAN YACTER.
N the tenth of November we embarked on the sea,
With others exposed to the dangers that be;
Exciting, alarming, a storm did arise.
No pen can describe it, it darkened the skies;
Vainly did we our condition deplore,
All were in danger; the rich and the poor
Now prayed to the captain to take us ashore.
Villainous man, on our ruin was bent;
At last to us a pilot was sent ;
Changing our course, to the shore we returned.
This man was our friend, the wise, and the learned ;
Ever thankful for favors, we gave him our hand,
Resolving near him in the future to stand.
168 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JOHN A. REVES,
Of Carrot County, Miss.
UST and true, thy course pursue,
Offending none, from errors free,
Helping all who on thee call,
Now listen what we say to thee :
All love thee well who round thee dwell,
Eegarding all thy actions too.
Extending light, each day and night.
Victorious on thy course pursue ;
Encouraged by each motive high,
Still serve the Lord who rules the sky.
A CERTAIN man had two children, a son and a daughter. The boy handsome
enough, the girl not quite so comelj-. They were both very young; and hap-
pened one day to be playing near the looking-glass which stood at their mother's
toilet; the boy, pleased with the novelty of the thing, viewed himself for some
time, and in a wanton, roguish manner, observed to the girl how handsome he
was. She resented the insult, and ran immediately to her father, and, with a great
deal of aggravation, complained of her brother ; particularly for having acted so
effeminate a part as to look in a glass, and meddle with things which belonged to
women only. The father, embracing them both, with much tenderness and aflfec-
tion, told them, that he should like to have them both look in the glass every day ;
" To the intent that you," says he to the boy, " if you think that face of yours hand-
some, may not disgrace and spoil it, by an ugly temper and a bad behavior ; and
that you," added he, addressing the girl, " may make up for the defects of your per-
son by the sweetness of your manners and the excellence of your understanding."
MORAL.
A well-informed mind is better than a handsome person.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
169
CARS.
LATTER, clatter, here they come,
A wondrous source of power,
Running at a rapid rate,
Some thirty miles per hour.
FABLi -TECi rn^mm anj© thi lo^^dib) ass.
A N idle horse, and an ass laboring under a heavy burden, were traveling the road
together ; they both belonged to a country fellow, who trudged it on foot by
them. The ass, ready to faint under his heavy load, entreated the horse to assist
him, and lighten his burden, by taking some of it upon his back. The horse was
ill-natured, and refused to do it ; upon which the poor ass tumbled down in the
midst of the highway, and expired in an instant. The countryman ungirt his
pack-saddle, and tried several ways to relieve him, but all to no purpose; which,
when he perceived, he took the whole burden and laid it upon the horse, together
with the skin of the dead ass ; so that the horse, by his moroseness in refusing to do
a small kindness, justly brought upon himself a gi'eat inconvenience.
170 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
DOCTOR J. L. COLE,
,?i{V Molhet^'s younffest Srother^ of Greensboro^ , JVorih Carolina,
OING good,
Onward go,
Curing the sick;
The high, and low,
On their friend
Eich praise bestow;
Justly acting,
Like a friend
Cheering us all
On whom you tend,
Loving God,
Each truth defend.
H. C. BARTON.
lifflllE is the man with sense to plan.
Confiding, too, as all agree,
Befriending those who on him call,
And making them contended be;
Kegarded wise, for bliss he sighs ;
The Greek and Latin he can speak,
One so true, and worthy, too,
No praise from us will ever seek.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 171
THOMAS DICK BOURLAND,
gi Touth of a Romantic and Contemplative Turn of .Wind,
IHROUaH all thy days give God thy praise,
He made the sun on which we gaze,
Of wondrous height ; 't was by His might
Millions of worlds sprang into sight,
And as they turn 'round suns which burn.
Strive, youth, with me, their names to learn.
Dick bids us view yon sky so blue,
In which are systems, not a few.
Cloudless and free, methinks I see
Kingdoms prepared for saints that be.
But ere we climb to heights sublime,
Our souls must be all free from crime,
Unsullied by sin's deepest dye,
Eedeemed and fitted for the sky.
Love, then, to pray to Christ the way,
And since there is a judgment-day — •
Ne'er let thy heart from truth depart,
Desiring rest — for glory start.
GENIUS.
l^ylENIUS, thou gift of heaven, thou light divine,
Amid what dangers art thou doomed to shine ?
Oft with the body's weakness check thy force —
Oft damp thy vigor and impede thy course, ^
And trembling nerves compel thee to restrain
Thy noble efforts to contend with pain ;
Or want (sad guest), will in thy presence come.
And breathe around her melancholy gloom ;
To life's low cares will thy proud thoughts confine,
And make her sufi'erings, her impatience, thine. [Crahhe.
172 ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
MICAJAH BLACKWELL,
My dear Srother.
AKE trutli thy study day and night,
Impressed with subjects shining bright;
Christ, the Lord, the source of light,
Always cheering, guide thee aright.
Just think upon His love so free,
All men he bids from sin to flee,
He took our place and died, that we
Both young and old might angels be.
Love so great was never known,
Around the earth his glories shone ;
Coming from His Father's throne.
King Jesus did our sins atone.
We should not, then, forget to pray.
Exposed to death, without delay.
Let us now both in earnest say.
Lord Jesus, take our sins away.
ALMIGHTY GOD.
RMED with all power and with love.
Look down on me from heaven above;
My only hope, my only plea.
Is that Jesus died for me.
Gracious Father, Heavenly King,
Hear me while thy praise I sing ;
Though so sinful, though so vile.
Yet in mercy on me smile.
Give me grace from day to day
On Thee to trust, and when I pray
Disperse my gloomy doubts away.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 173
THE SELFISH.
IS vain to try to please sucli folks,
Holding their heads like towering oaks ;
Each wrapped in self, can plainly see
Some error in all men that be,
Except themselves, in whom they view
Learning, wit, and grandeur too.
Forgetting all but self alone,
In search of wealth, to evil prone :
Such living thus and dying so,
How can they up to glory go ?
F^iLi -TMi ills, THli DBQ)NliSe, m^ TMi W^SP>.
A PARCEL of drones got into a hive among the bees, and disputed the title with
tliem, swearing that the honey and the combs were their goods. The bees were
obliged to go to law with them, and the wasp happened to be the judge of the cause ;
one who was well acquainted with the nature of each, and therefore the better
qualified to decide the controvei'sy between them. " Accordingly, gentlemen," says
he, (speaking to both plaintiff and defendant,) " the usual method of proceeding in
these courts is pretty changeable, and slow withal ; therefore, as you are both my
friends, and I wish you well, I desire you would refer the matter to me, and I will
decide between you instantly." They were both pleased with the offer, and re-
turned him thanks. " Why, then," says he, " that it may appear who is the just pro-
prietor of these honey-combs, (for being both so nearly alike as you are in color, I
must needs own the point is somewhat dubious,) do you," addressing himself to
the bees, " take one hive ; you," speaking to the drones, " another; and go to mak-
ing honey as fast as you can, that we may know, by the taste and color of it, who
has the best title to the dispute." The bees readily accepted the proposal, but the
drones would not stand to it. And so Judge Wasp, without any further ceremony,
declared in favor of the former.
THE APPLICATION.
Nothing is so sure a sign of a man's being, or, at least, thinking himself in the
wrong, as his refusing to come to a reference. And how happy would it be for the
public if our judges nowadays were empowered to dispatch causes in that easy
expedite way which the wasp in the fable made use of. But as it is, the impudent,
idle, good-for-nothing drones of the nation many times possess those favoi's and
benefits which should be the reward of men of parts and industry.
174
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ELIZABETH DEAN.
VEE virtuous,
Lovely, too,
In religion foremost;
Zealous and true,
Alluring to good.
Bold to defend,
Ever kind;
True to the end
Her spirit lives.
Defying death,
Ever bright
Among the saints
Now in light.
Like the lily,
That once was mistress of the field, and flourished,
I '11 hang my head, and perish.— Shakspeake.
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 171
MT MOTHER, ELIZABETH P. BLACKWELL.
OULDERING though thy body be,
Yet in my dreams thy form I see.
My tears in torrents daily fall
O'er thee ; I would, but can't recall.
Thou art gone to Christ, thy Grod,
He who bought thee with his blood,
Enabled thee to run thy race,
Eaised thee now to see his face;
Exalted thee to hear his voice.
Lifted thee — with saints rejoice
In holy songs of perfect love —
Zion and her walls above,
And all the beauties of the skies
Before thee now in grandeur lies.
Expansive view of love divine,
Thine to view, forever thine.
Happiness without one sigh,
Precious fruits forever nigh.
Beheld by thee, by thee enjoyed,
Lasting, ne'er to be destroyed ;
All thy cares and troubles o'er,
Christ thy praise for evermore.
King and Priest, be him my stay.
While here I dwell in flesh and clay
Ever knowing death is nigh.
Let me but live, let me but die
Like thee, and meet thee in the sky.
176
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MARY T. BLACKWELL.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 177
MAET T. BLACKWELL,
Mjy Wife.
ID pains and convulsions, thy soul passed away,
And rose, as I trust, to the realms of bright day ;
Eeviving the thought, though thy death I record,
Yet thou art now happy and praising the Lord.
To wiji me to Jesus thou seemed to be sent,
But, strange to relate, I refused to repent.
Loving those pleasures which last but a day;
All thy fond pleadings I threw them away,
Crushing thy hopes, and giving thee pain,
Knowing that all thy efforts were vain ;
While kindness and love yet beamed in thine eyes,
Earth was exchanged for a home in the skies.
Leaving me here, without friends, without home,
Loaded with sorrows, 'mid strangers to roam.
But could tears of anguish wake thee
From the dark and lonely grave,
In my arms I now would take thee.
And bless the Lord who died to save.
But in that grave in which thou sleepeth,
No sun on thee will ever rise;
And though thy husband o'er thee weepeth,
Never canst thou hear his cries.
Deaf to all that now would greet thee.
Cold thy brow and still thy heart,
Yet in heaven I hope to meet thee,
Never more from thee to part.
[Composed on heb Death, May 23, 1859.
12
178 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JOHN C. CALHOUK
UDICIOUS and wise, wherever lie went,
On doing his duty he seemed to be bent ;
He labored and struggled, yet never repined,
Nor thought of the joys for the faithful designed.
Concerning his greatness our people can tell,
Commenting on one who loved us so well,
And desired to see us grow mighty and strong,
Like the hills and firm mountains, defying all wrong.
His singleness of heart, the loss of our choice.
Our tongues can best tell, since we hear not his voice.
Urging us all like soldiers to stand,
Nerved for the dangers which threaten otir land.
[Composed in I860.]
GENEEAL JAMES YELL.
IVING lessons.
Each bright and new,
Ne'er swerving from,
Each good pursue.
Eenowned for sense
And learning too;
Lawyer, statesman.
Just, wise, and true.
A hero, brave.
Men love to view ;
Each man around
Speaks well of you.
Yet life is short,
Earth's glories few,
Live not for fame
Like others do.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 179
DR. J. A. APPLEWHITE.
ISCUSSING subjects most important, and the road before him viewing,
On his march to the battle-field, to save our glorious land from ruin,
Charming us all now looking at him, mounted on his horse so high ;
The rebels they had better scatter, if they do not wish to die
On the gory field of battle, for should he meet the traitorous horde,
Rushing on them, he will slay them with his keen and glittering sword.
Just view him, with such noble soldiers, onward to Virginia going ;
And a more brave and skillful leader never lived among the knowing.
Armed with silver-mounted pistols, and the strongest arm we know,
Possessing courage and skill to use it — clear the way, each rebel foe.
Please go with him to the battle-field, see him, when there, 'mid smoke and fires,
Laboring to perpetuate that freedom bought by sainted sires.
Every man should laud his bravery, conscious he is acting right;
We should follow him with gladness, and praise him, too, when we see him fight.
His arm is raised, his sword is drawn, and the rebels are falling near him,
Insurgent foes, all in the wrong, tliey need not hope to scare him.
Though bullets fall thick on every hand, he does not think of dying.
Exulting, see his sword now wave, while the rebels they are flying.
[Composed on seeing him staet off foe the Wab.]
ITH the truest delight, on thy name I can write,
Impressed with thy virtues, their beauty and might ;
So let me here say, I trust and I pray,
Light from thy path will ne'er pass away.
In thee we can trust, as one most just.
As a man quite free from sin and all lust;
Made for to bless, to love and caress
Friends and relations, when plunged in distress.
180
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS
SUS^JT A. TERRY.
OEIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 181
SUSAN A. TERRY.
WEET is the breath of morn when we arise ;
Unspeakably sweet to look upon
So wondrous a work as the lucid skies,
And a creature formed like thee, bright one,
ISTo living man can fail to prize.
Aurora gilds the morn with light — ■
'Tis hers to drive all gloom away.
Each one behold her charms and might,
EesplendcDt goddess of the day,
Kound earth she drives her chariot bright,
Yet not of him, of thee we write.
ANNIE E. CRENSHAW.
NNIE, sweet Annie, it ne'er was my lot
'Neath the blue bending skies, in palace or cot,
'Neath the tropical sun or the snow-covered crest.
In the Orient East, or the beauty-famed West,
E'er to meet, e'en in dreams, with an angelic face,
Enshrined in a form that an houri would grace;
Combined in one being, virtue, gentleness, love,
Refining the circle in which she might move,
Enhancing, exalting, enriching with good.
Ne'er till now in such presence enrapt have I stood.
Still, long have I hoped such a lady to meet —
Have fondly believed such a being I'd greet;
And now, having found her, I fain at thy shrine
Would kneel, worship, idolize, beauty like thine.
182
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ADALINE TROTTER,
Of J^Torih CaroUna.
S sure as God rules in the sky,
Dear lady, we are born to die,
And it requires every breath,
Long as we live, to fix for death.
If that be so, no time to play,
No time to lose; so let us pray
Every hour throughout the day
Thus acting, we will act aright;
Receiving grace both day and night,
Our path will shine forever bright.
'T is sweet to think, though born to die,
There is a home beyond the sky,
Eternal joys that ne'er decay,
Reserved for those who watch and pray.
ORiaiNAL ACROSTICS. 183
MISTER HUME,
|H|0MENTS fast are gliding by us ;
In procession on they hie,
Speechless, yet proclaiming loudly
That we are mortal, and must die ;
Ere another day has fled,
Eemember, sir, we may be dead.
How short our life, at longest, here ;
Upon this subject let us think,
Make efforts for to win the skies,
Ere to endless pain we sink.
WILLIAM V. MOON",
A Soy about nine year's old.
HILE now
In youth.
Love God,
Love truth;
In strength
All glorious,
March on
Victorious.
May the God
Of the free,
Overruling,
Nourish thee.
184
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
S. R. CHILDS,
Of Canton.
WEET music round this place is ringing,
Einging softly — stop and hear;
Childs has come, just hear him singing,
He was made our hearts to cheer;
It is a piano he 's playing —
Let us go and near him stand,
Detain us not, for we must buy it,
Since he keeps the best on hand.
MARY.
AY Heaven inspire me now with rhyme,
A power to write some pleasing line,
Kich in love, and rich in grace.
Your beauty and many charms to trace.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 185
WILLIAM A. PAEROTT.
Of Sattimore.
E love thy manly words to hear;
In accents soft, in accents clear,
Like balm they fall upon our ear,
Leading us to persevere ;
Interesting, good, and wise,
A man quite free from all disguise,
Men and virtuous women prize.
And will while stars beam in the skies.
Proudly, then, thy course pursue,
A conscious man with much to do, «
Eiches bright, and honors, too,
Eeward thee for thy conduct true;
Onward, faithful day and night,
Through heat and cold, still speed thy flight
To bliss above, and realms of light.
MARTHA.
AKE not light at what I write,
Although not loved by thee;
Eesplendent miss, I wish thee bliss
Through all eternity.
How good thou art, and pure in heart,
And willing favors to impart.
186
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ETJM.
ED fire of hell — uncooling drink,
Unpitying foe, now stop and think,
Make men no more to ruin sink.
BRANDT.
LASTING hopes of man and wife,
Eeal source of grief and strife,
A curse on land, a curse on sea.
No man of sense will drink of thee ;
Drying all the vitals up.
Yet fools this poison daily sup.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 187
WHISKY.
HILE men of sense still drink of thee,
How can we hope much good to see?
It seems, indeed, most strange to me
Such men should boast as being free ;
Kept in chains, in fetters bound,
Yet simple people pour thee down.
EEYELRIES.
Address to Sum, Srandy, and JfhtsXry,
IVERS of blood you cause to flow,
Enslaving men where'er you go;
Vain are the tears of babes or wife;
Endless cares you bring, and strife;
Love and hope you banish quite.
Eemorseless foes, how great your might !
In the strength of One more strong
Even than the powers of wrong,
Should we learn your sight to spurn.
188
OEiaiNAL ACEOSTICS.
LAURA ISABEL BRAGG,
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 189
LAUEA ISABEL BRAGG.
|OVELY maiden, thy charms have enraptured my gaze,
And thy various accomplishments challenge my praise.
Unlocked for, I met thee, one cold winter's night;
Refined by all graces, like an angel of light.
All thy songs and sweet smiles gave my heart true delight.
In the days of my boyhood, an angelic form
Stood by me and blessed me from evening till morn,
And thy form and thy features, thy music and lore
Beguile me, as did that bright vision of yore.
Even now, in my fancy, thy image I see,
Like a rainbow of glory bending o'er me.
Bright being of beauty, I now bow at thy shrine,
Eeject not my suit, but be mine, only mine;
And strewed with sweet flowers thy pathway shall be.
Gems right from Golconda, and pearls from the sea.
Glad, glad, will I purchase and present unto thee.
MART T. s.,
Of Tennessee.
EEK, modest, and kind,
And in language refined,
Respected by all, and especially me;
Yet who could proclaim
To the world all thy charms,
Should they live while ages shall flee.
190
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MAEKIAGE,
OST solemn sight, to them delight,
As their hands they willing join;
Eoll on, ye years, be free from cares,
Eich flowers round their pathway twine.
It has been said that those who wed
Are the ones most free from srtife :
Glad tidings to the high and low,
Each man should get a lovely wife.
|yt@BAL LiSSQ)!^ -K@W TQ) V^m.
A MAN who is very rich now was very poor when he was a boy. When asked
how he got his riches, lie replied: " Mj^ father tauglit me never to play tiU my
worli was finished, and never to spend money till I had earned it. If I had but
half an hour's work to do in a day, I must do that the first thing, and in half an
hour. And after this I was allowed to play; and I could then play with much
more pleasure than if I had the thouglit of an unfinished task before my mind. I
early formed the habit of doing everj^ thing in its time, and it soon became per-
fectly easy to do so. It is to this habit I owe my prosperity."
Let every one who reads this go and do likewise, and he will meet a similar
reward.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
191
HMflll'fJIlli,;^^^^^^
THE ATLANTIC CABLE,
Composed on its refusing to Opey-aie,
HERE are some who of thy future doubt ;
Hast thou one word ? Now speak it out,
Ere thy name be lost to fame.
Already certain men are saying,
Thy vital chords they are decaying;
Lion of the sea, awake.
And make those babblers fear and quake ;
Now we beseech, if thou art able
To prove thyself a talking cable,
Interchange one word or so.
Concerning of thy present woe ;
Cleave each rock beneath the sea,
And prove thyself indeed to be
Beneficial to the free;
Like a king from slumber wake,
Exulting, and thy scepter take.
192
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
SALLIE A. JENNINGS.
WEET smiles, more bright than rays of light
Adorned those lovely cheeks of thine;
Looking so neat, with charms complete,
Lady, now say, wilt thou be mine?
If thou art free, by marrying me,
Each day I '11 try to comfort thee,
And make thy life quite free from strife.
Justly acting toward my wife.
Expecting her my heart to cheer,
Never to scold, but call me dear.
Now hear me through, believe me too,
I love thy smiling face to view.
No mortal man here living can
Give unto thee a heart so free.
So full of love as mine for thee.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
193
NEWS.
EVER falter, never tire,
Ever faithful horse to me,
We are traveling, traveling fastly,
Soon in sight of home to be.
JOHN.
ESUS CHEIST, the truth, the way,
On Him trust from day to day ;
Harmless, blameless, strive to be,
Nor fear to own He died for thee.
WAR.
,E grieve that we thy scourges see.
And, supplicating, ask of thee,
Eelentless monster, from us flee.
13
[Composed in 1864.]
194 OEIOINAL ACROSTICS.
MRS. COL. ACKLIN.
EN sing of thy graces, and drink to thy health,
Renowned for thy beauty, thy wisdom, and wealth,
Scarce know we one mortal so good as thyself.
Could we be permitted thy worth to proclaim,
Our hills and our valleys would ring with thy name,
Loud sounding, like thunder, extending thy fame,
And waking from slumber all mortals around,
Completely enchanting the learned and profound;
Knowing thy merits, thy praises would sound,
Loving most justly such perfection to view.
Interesting our hearts, with equals but few,
Ne'er swerving, while living, thy pleasures pursue.
MART E. CAMPBELL,
Of CraH'forcl Co., olrkansas.
Y niece most kind, for bliss designed,
As one of sense, improve thy mind ;
Eespecting, too, each mortal true,
Yield not to sin, like others do.
Eschewing wrong, be firm and strong.
Craving knowledge, now march along.
And gladly sing, to Christ I cling.
Maker of earth and every thing.
Proud would I be thy face to see,
Because thou art so dear to me;
Each hour, each day, for thee I pray.
Loving the right, with death in sight,
Let us for realms of glory fight.
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 195
SARAH P. MOON,
Of jyfadison County , Miss,
0 lovely and sweet, with virtues complete,
And a mind unclouded and pure,
Regard what I write,
Although 'tis night;
Had I wings I 'd fly to thy door.
Proud to tell, I love thee so well,
My affections are flowing to thee.
One word more, I pray —
Observe what I say.
Next week be looking for me.
His hand the good man fastens on the skies,
And bids earth roll, nor feels her idle whirl.— Young.
196
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ANN HOWARD,
Of Conway Co.j c4rA:.
GCOMPLISHED one, most kind and free,
No one on land, no one on sea
Need ever hope to vie with thee.
How it thrills my heart to write
On one so lovely and so bright;
With a form so good and fine,
And virtues which doth sweetly shine
E^esplendent as a heavenly ray
Descending from the orb of day.
■jV" ATURE has cast me in so soft a mold,
That but to hear a story feigned for pleasure,
Of some sad lover's death, moistens my eyes,
And robs me of my manhood.— Dryden.
ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 197
FANNIE LEFLORE.
AMED for sense
And ways endearing,
Never scolding,
Never erring ;
Impressed with right,
Each good preferring.
Lauding worth.
Education, too.
Freely we speak,
Loving to view
One so good,
Kespected by
Each mortal true.
NANCY EEVES,
Of Carroll County ^ Miss.
ImIeATEB, by far than a fine gold ring,
And once on a time, hearing her sing.
Nightingales came, her presence to greet ;
Conscious that they, her music could beat.
Yet failing in this, did quickly retreat
Eesolving no more in the land to be heard.
Excelled at last, by a mortal endeared.
Visions of glory all vanished away ;
Each fearing to speak, did secretly say
She sang more sweet than an angel to-day.
198
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
THE LADIES OF CANTON,
lEULY kind,
Hence we find
Each of them
Like the moon
And stars at night,
Directing us
Into the right;
Each of them
Shining bright;
Ofi"ending none,
Firm and true,
Conversing free.
As ladies do;
Ne'er disposed
To act amiss;
Our good they seek,
No other bliss.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. . 199
MISTRESS MARTHA PRINCE.
OST lovely one,
I know of none
So learned as thee beneath the sun ;
Thine eyes are bright,
Eeflecting light,
Enrapturing me with true delight;
So do not scorn at me, forlorn,
Since on thy name I love to write.
Made for to cheer,
And wipe each tear
Eolling down from eyes most dear;
The humble poor,
Haste to thy door.
And feed upon thy bounteous store.
Pleased with worth,
Eelieving dearth.
In the highest circles on the earth,
Nymphs we can see
Conversing free,
Endeavoring hard to vie with thee.
200
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
FANNY SMITH,
Of Spr in ff field. Mo.
AIREST one, in thee we find,
A virtuous, pure, contented mind;
Not only learned, not only wise;
No man of sense can fail to prize
Your captivating, lovely eyes.
Shedding light on all that be,
Making men to bow to thee ;
In vain they bow, in vain they chat,
They tell thee this, they tell thee that,
Hear them not, but marry me.
rPHE love of praise, howe'er concealed by art,
Reigns, more or less, and glows in every heart ;
The proud, to gain it, toils on toils endure.
The modest shun it but to make it sure.— YouNG.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
201
COLIN J. LILLY,
Of jYorih Carolina.
ONDESCENDING to teach our children, we
Our thanks return and say unto thee,
Let the ignorance of youth induce thee to stay
In our midst, till all darkness shall vanish away.
Noble-hearted young man, thy name we adore.
Just plaudits deserving from the rich and the poor ;
Let the ignorance of youth induce thee to stay
In our midst till all darkness shall vanish away.
Lauded by those who knew thee the best,
Loved in the east, and loved in the west.
Yet do not leave us when plunged in distress.
XT AD I a dozen sons, each in ray love aUke, I had rather had eleven die nobly for
their country, than one voluptuously surfeit out of action.— Shakspearb.
202
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
JESUS.
ESUS, blessed Lamb of God,
Ever may I trust thy blood
So long as on this earth I be ;
Uphold me now, to thy cross I bow,
Save me by thy mercy free.
T OVE thyself last ; cherish those hearts that hate thee ;
Corruption wins not more than honesty.
Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace,
To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not,
Let all the ends thou aim'st at be
Thy God's, and Truth's ; then, when thou fall'st,
Thou fall'st a blessed martyr.— Shakspeabe.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
203
SAEAH E. FLOWERS,
Of Choctaw County, Miss.
WEETEST lady, watch and pray,
As walking up the shining way,
Relying on thy Savior Lord;
And remember after death,
He will in heaven thee reward.
Every one should faithful be.
For Christ who died upon the tree,
Let his Word, in which we read
Of his grace we stand in need ;
We are weak, but he is strong,
Ever faithful march along,
Recording mercies, gladly sing —
Savior, to thy cross I cling.
204 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
ISAAC SHELLIE.
T matters not though poor I be,
Scorn me not, nor look at me
As one who would thy smiles implore;
All low down words I do despise,
Coming from the rich or poor.
Shall a man, though poor, be forced to bow
His head to one, though wealthy, now
Exaggerates and lies ;
Let my views be known to all,
Let me stand or let me fall,
I do all whisky bloats despise.
Existing now beneath the skies.
WILLIAM BELL,
Of Yirginia.
ITH firmness and with holy fear,
In the work of Christ engage.
Let nothing ever thee deter,
Loud although the tempest rage;
In deep retirement God is nigh.
And in the gloom of night,
Man may on his grace rely.
Benignity, truth, and might,
Ever, then, adore his name.
Let sinners scoff, the world defame,
Let heaven be thy only aim.
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
205
ATLANTA.
BUSINESS place, healthy and neat,
The point where four great railroads meet,
Laureled with cars a good supply ;
All the time those cars are rolling,
Never tiring, how consoling,
They bring us things for which we sigh,
And things we need, as none deny.
io
Q SPIRIT of love, how quick and fresh art thou !
That, notwithstanding thy capacity,
Receiveth as the sea, naught enters there,
Of what validity and pitch soe'er.
But falls into abatement and low price,
Even in a minute ! so full of shapes is fancy
That it alone is high-fantastical.— Shakspeare,
206 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
CINCINNATI.
OMMEBCIAL place, in it we view-
Industrious men and ladies, too.
Now count its schools and dwellings all,
Cathedrals fine, and churches tall,
Improving fast, behold we pray.
New buildings rising every day,
Not only in, but round it, too;
And while we all its factories view,
To those who never saw it, we
Invite them here, its charms to see.
THE WAR IS OVER.
HE cannon's roar we hear no more!
Hail ! glorious peace, from shore to shore ;
Extend thy wings our country o'er !
We are glad indeed 'tis now decreed.
As a settled fact for all to read :
Eepublic States can not secede.
It matters not, though some grow hot.
Such men as do our ruin plot
On a tree should hang and be forgot.
Villains were they who caused the fray :
Each taking a stand, with sword in hand,
Buined himself and native land.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 207
ELLEN FLORINE BOURLAND.
_ NCHANTING men with smiles so free,
Look now on one, to love a slave;
Let me but thy admirer be.
Each day to speak in praise of thee —
No greater boon than this I crave.
For though renowned, I do not seek,
Lady, to win that heart of thine;
Of worth alone I wish to speak.
Regarding thee with pure design,
I view thee as too good and meek.
Notwithstanding sometimes I rhyme,
Ever to take this hand of mine.
But still for all, I thee admire.
On thee would gaze both day and night,
Unerring tune thy golden lyre.
Repeat those songs which give delight.
Lady, I feel a holy fire,
Always when dwelling in thy sight,
Nor would I here more wealth desire,
Did I possess a gem so bright.
ANN.
CCOMPLISHED one, most kind and free,
No one on land, no one on sea,
Need ever hope to vie with thee.
208 , ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS.
SARAH ANN TITSWORTH.
Composed on her 2osln{/ her Motfier and only Daughter,
,WEET sister, cease to fret and pine
About depa.rted friends of tliine;
Kemember now they brightly shine,
And sing of their Redeemer's love
High in the realms of bliss above.
All their tears have ceased to flow,
No parting there, no death, no woe,
Nor chilling winds in heaven blow.
The Word of Life to them was sweet.
It led them to the Savior's feet ;
They lived in peace and love with all.
So long as on this earthly ball ;
We little thought their end was nigh ;
Of death they speak, and without a sigh
Rejoiced that they were born to die;
They loved the Lord, and loved the day
He called them from the earth away.
T'RUEhope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings,
Kings it makes gods, and meaiiLir creatures liiugs.— Shakspearb.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
^9
EMMA THOMAS,
Of Sunftofver,
QUALED by none of any station,
Made up of virtues shining bright;
Men of sense, of education,
Acknowledge thee a shining light.
Thou art the idol of the day,
Honored by the young and old,
One more rich, and one more gay,
My eyes did never yet behold ;
And yet to think that we must part,
Sends pain and anguish to my heart.
M1Q)EIAL LiSSQ)N) -H)@W T@ A^OtB OALUliyi^CYo
" JF any one speaks iU of thee," says Epictetus," consider whether he has truth on
his side; and, if so, reform thyself, that his censures may not affect tliee."
When Anaxiraander was told that the very boys laughed at his singing, " Ay,"
said he ; " then I must learn to sing better."
Plato being told that he had many enemies who spoke ill of him, " It is no mat-
ter," said he; "I will so live that none shall believe them." Hearing at an<ither
time that an intimate friend of his had spoken detractingly of him, " I am sure he
would not do it," said he, " if he had not some reason for it."
14
210
OEIGINAL ACROSTICS,
THE STEAM PRESS.
[HIS press we view we tliink will do,
Having seen them try it,
Each printer wise, beneath the skies,
Should resolve to buy it;
'Tis making dimes, more prized than rhymes,
Earth with its fame is ringing.
And people, too, rejoice to view
Meek ladies round it singing;
Propelled by steam —
Bead of it, dream,
Exulting, keep it greasy ;
See how it whirls, while boys and girls
Stand working here so easy.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
211
TEA,
HOUG-H tea, you know, caused blood to flow,
Extol it still, I trust you will,
And buy of me, and let me go.
A BLACKSMITH in the city of Philadelphia was complaining to his iron mer-
chant that such was the scarcity of money that he could not pay his rent. The
merchant then asked him how much rum he used in his family in the course of a
day. Upon answering this question, the merchant made a calculation, and showed
him that his di-inking cost more money in a year than his house-rent. The calcu-
lation so astonished the mechanic, that he determined from that day to buy and
drink no spirits of any kind. In the course of the ensuing year he paid his rent,
and bought a new suit of clothes, out of the savings of his temperance. He per-
sisted in it through the rest of his life, and attained a position of competence and
respectability.
212
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
KUTH,
The .Woabiless.
EAD her life, ye rich and poor,
Unbounded praises to her give,
Though she died in days of yore,
Her virtuous name will ever live.
mQ)m^l. LiSSQ)!^ -eC@W T@ @1 LQ)\^iQ>.
r\NE evening a gentleman related, in the presence of his little girl, an anecdote
of a still younger child of Dr. Doddridge, which pleased her exceedingly. When
the doctor asked his daughter, then about six years old, what made every body love
her, she replied: "I don't know, indeed, papa, unless it is because I love every
body." This reply struck Susan forcibly. "If that is all that is necessary to be
loved,"' thought she, "I will soon make every body love me." Her father then
mentioned a remark of the Rev. John Newton, that he considered the world to be
divided into two great masses, one of happiness and the other of misery ; and it was
liis daily business to take as much as possible from the heap of misery, and add all
he could to that of happiness. "Now," said Susan, "I will begin to-morrow to
make every body happy. Instead of thinking all the time of myself, I will ask
every minute what I can do for somebody else. Papa has often told me that this
is the best way to be happy myself, and I am determined to try."
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
213
AUGUSTA.
[LL admire thy beauty, thy streets are so wide,
Undefiled by drunkards, few passing this way ;
Green wave thy sweet trees, of rich Georgia the pride,
Undergoing a change, for the better, each day,
Spreading and lengthening ; here thousands have rolled
To greet their true friends and companions of old,
And made, by industry, ten thousands of gold.
TTENRY CAREY, cousin to Queen Elizabeth, after having enjoyed her majesty's
favor for several years, lost it in the following manner: As he was walking one
day, full of thought, in the garden of the palace, under the queen's window, she
perceived him, and said to him, in a jocular manner: " What does a man think of,
when he is thinking of nothing? "
" Upon a woman's promise," said Carey.
" Well done, cousin," answered Elizabeth.
She retired, but did not forget Carey's answer. Some lime after, he solicited the
honor of a peerage, and reminded the queen that she had promised it to him,
" True," replied she, " but that was a wom.an's promise."
214
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
THE CAPITOL OF TENNESSEE.
NASHVILLE.
l^oputatioTty Z.0^000.
OTED afar as the city of rocks,
And heroes brave and ladies fair,
She sits enthroned on her cliff, and mocks
Her envious rivals every-where.
View all her noble works of art —
Increasing. Wealth on every hand ;
Lawyers, Statesmen, schools, and mart,
Little to blame and much to praise,
E'en here, if rich, would I spend my days.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
215
BIBLE.
OUNDLESS source of information-
Information for the blind,
Bringing words of consolation,
Life and peace to soothe the mind
Exposed to grief of every kind.
fifflO)^AL Li§S@P« -@@Q)?C§«
p CD be thanked for Books. They are the voices of the distant and the dead, and
^ make us heirs of the spiritual Ufe of past ages. Books are the true levelers.
They give to all, who will faithfully use them, the society, the spiritual presence
of the best and greatest of our race. No matter how poor I am. No matter though
the prosperous of my own time will not enter my obscure dwelling. If the .sacred
writers will enter and take up their abode under my roof, if Milton will cross my
threshold to sing to me of Paradise, and Shakspeare open to me the worlds of
imagination and the workings of the human heart, and Franklin to enrich me
with his practical wisdom, I shaU not pine for want of intellectual companionship,
and I may become a cultivated man, though excluded from what is called the best
society in the place where I live.— Channinq.
216 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
MISS MARY HANNAH THOMAS.
ORE pure than the gems of Olympian stream,
Inclining to good, of beauties the Queen ;
"Seductive her charms, as a poet's young dream/'
Supremely beloved is the maid of my theme.
Many beauties I Ve seen, North, South, East, and West,
Acrosticised hundreds, in earnest and jest —
Respected and loved some, flattered the rest.
Yet she, and she only, reigns Queen of my breast.
High above others her accomplishments soar ;
An anthem of praise might be sung of her lore,
Never written by Byron, Scott, Shakspeare, or Moore ;
Nor dreamed of by poets or painters of yore !
And her wit sparkles bright amid pleasure's throng,
Heart-thrilling her accents, as love's ardent song.
Thus wisdom, and beauty, and virtue unite
Harmonious in her, as dreams of the night.
0, could I depict that transcendent delight
My heart felt when first she enraptured my sight!
All trembling with transport, I gazed on her face.
Seraphic she seemed, as an angel of grace.
Lm^t fey efiff@Eis,
T OVE is that passion which reflnes the soul !
First, made men heroes, and those heroes gods;
Its genial fires inform the sluggish mass-
Gives wit to fools, and manners to the clown ;
The rest of life is an ignoble calm.
The soulj unmoved by love's inspiring breath,
Like lazy waters, stagnates and corrupts.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
2it
THE CHASE.
|HAT deer we see is now in danger,
Hemmed around by deadly foes;
Each to him a total stranger,
Craves to catch him by the nose ;
He seems to dread the thought of dying,
As, leaping o'er those mighty logs,
Swiftly, swiftly, see him flying.
Ere long to be but food for dogs.
LOVE.
EADING us right, possessing might,
learts and minds controlling ;
Viewless, but still it seems to fill
Earth with its darts consoling.
218 OEIGINAL ACROSTICS.
WILLIAM A. JAMES,
Of Cincinnati, Ohio,
HAT light we view,
In one so true,
Like precious gold thy name we prize ;
Learned and good.
In serving God,
Above the waves of sin we rise;
Much to thy praise.
All love thy ways,
Just as they should, thy worth they tell ;
At home, abroad.
May Christ the Lord
Ever strengthen thee;
So fare thee well.
AMBEOSIAL OIL.
LL cases of headache 'twill cure at a touch,
Men and dear ladies can't praise it too much ;
Because 'tis marvelous, and cheering to read,
Eespecting its power to cure with such speed ;
Old sores, sore throats, and dyspepsia it cures.
Sprains, and all cuts, wherever it goes ;
It cures the bronchitis, it cures the sore eyes,
And it cures the diarrhea, as no one denies ;
Languor of spirits 'twill remove in a day,
One dose will do it — no cure, no pay ;
It cures all bites, for which you should buy it;
Ladies and gents afflicted, now try it.
ORIGINAL ACBOSTICS.
219
STEPHEN THOMPS.
luEBOUNDED by friends,
The church he attends,
Every cloudy as well as fair days ;
Pardon there finding,
His countenance shining.
Exulting in love, his conversion to prove,
Now hear him— for sinners he prays,
Then rising at once,
His Bible he reads.
Obeying what Jesus demands ;
May the King of the sky,
Permit him to die
Shouting and clapping his hands.
220 OEiaiNAL ACROSTICS.
EDMUND F. p. POOL,
Of JVashvitle, Tenn.
VER faithful, persevere
Devoutly, good and worthy sir.
Men and dear ladies thee adore;
Upon thy word we all rely.
Nor can we speak of one too high,
Deserving praise from rich and poor.
Formed to bless poor helpless men,
Prized by all, there is no pen
Prepared to state thy worth.
Of all thy merits none can tell ;
One so good deserves to dwell
Long, long upon this earth.
HOLLY SPRINGS.
EALTHY, rich, and lovely place,
Outgrowing towns, with cities vie ;
Looming up, adorned with grace,
Let thy banners wave, our land to save,
Your sons would gladly for us die.
Spreading wider, growing longer.
Precious men now live in thee,
Rich ladies, too, sweet, wise, and true,
In thy streets we daily see ;
Neatly clad with garments bright.
Gentle-hearted, kind, and free.
Shining like the stars at night.
ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 221
THE LADIES AT THE CHALYBEATE ACID SPRING.
[HE prettiest and tlae neatest, the loveliest and the sweetest
Here I see ;
Each one possessing worth, all full of life and mirth,
Laughing free
At things that please them most, and while of them I boast,
Dearest me,
I wish the world but knew, how noble, wise, and true
Each seems to be
Sent as from the skies, to make men truly wise,
And religious, too;
To soothe their hearts with joy, my pen I will employ,
Though my words be few ;
How can I love them less, when they, indeed, possess
Each virtue true ?
Claiming as a prize, a home beyond the skies,
''-'"oping for bliss,
And bidding me to follow, though I am not worth one dollar.
Let me think of this ;
Yon heaven, which they seek, was made for all the meek,
Beckoning me away.
Enchanting as they move, toward the place they love.
And like a ray.
They cheer me all the while, and when on me they smile.
Enriched I seem ;
And for each person here, we have water good and clear.
Cooling to drink.
Increasing as it flows, a balm for earthly woes ;
Do not let it sink ;
So long as time shall glide, and men on earth abide,
Proclaim its worth ;
Rushing from a hill, though it can not turn a mill.
It cures the sick;
No one should doubt my word, though they have not of it heard;
Gather round it quick.
222 OEIGINAL AOEOSTICS,
CHARLES COSGROVE, '
Who was hung at Little Rock, Arkansas, 1859, for killing a man for his money.
lALLOUS-HEAETED, ruthless man,
He devised a wicked plan,
And took poor Lester's life away,
Eegardless of the judgment-day;
Let the murderer and the knave.
Executed by the brave,
Sleep forgot within his grave.
Clothed with crimes of the blackest dye,
Observe him when he comes to die.
Supported by the sheriff's hand —
Guilty wretch, he can not stand,
Eeflection seems to cast him down ;
One more step, his limbs are bound
Very close, and soon he swings,
Encountering death with all its stings.
OKIGINAL ACROSTICS.
223
LADIES OF THE NORTH,
IKE angels of mercy, God sent them to cheer us,
Aslraveling o'er earth, for when they are near us,
Depression grows lighter, while enchanted we view
In each of those ladies, patriotic and true,
Every grace and charm, which makes them appear
Shining stars of perfection, angelic and dear.
Our interest consulting, they have shown a (iesire
For the success of our arms, since the first gun did lire,
To put down rebellion, loud-ringing, like thunder;
Hot balls, alas ! rent Sumter asunder,
Enrapturing the South, making others to wonder.
Now see them all feeding our soldiers each day,
Organizing societies, for our triumph they pray ;
Eaising money so freely, to aid and to cheer us,
They study our good, all ye mortals now hear us,
How haDDv we feel when those ladies are near us.
j-i.^y ^^j [Composed in 1S63.]
224 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS.
SOLDIERS OF THE NORTH.
EE liow bravely tliey march, with banners all flying,
Our country to save, they are fighting and dying ; ■
Led on by brave captains, and generals most dear,
Depending on God, they have nothing to fear.
Insurgents will tremble when they see them in sight,
Each man fully equipped, and prepared for the fight;
Bagamuffins and vagrants can never once stand
So much as three fires from our chivalrous, brave band.
Others might deceive us, but in them we can trust.
For we know they are kind, intelligent, and just.
The lovers of our homes, courageous and true.
Having pledged their honor their duty to do.
Each one is now marching with victory in view.
Not a traitor can awe defenders of truth,
Our soldiers are good, some religious from youth ;
Eight bravely, therefore, they can march to the field.
To teach Jeff Davis, by Jehovah revealed.
He never can make the righteous to yield.
[Composed on seeing them staet off foe the Wab.]
X
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