APTIVE CAPTIVE MEMORIES. v CAPTIVE MEMORIES. IO.VG is the fulfilling of the Law. •••' '""•- ' '"• — ' -••' JAMBS I WHITE & COMPANY *>JpB» £ \a&*"_,,^&t-. -.^HP- 1897, BY JAMES T. WHITE & CO. INTRODUCTION. / 7* VER Y heart has its anniversary days. It keeps ' •* so/ne of t/iein in the company of its friends, but many of them it keeps in its secret c/ia»iber alone, — save perhaps for the companionship of tears. Hut tears are the handmaidens of Joy as well as of Sor row, and are often delightful companions. It is these unacknowledged anniversaries that are here commem orated. Hut these anniversary Memories are more than merely commemorative ; tliey lead the heart upward, step by step, through the various phases of human af fection, from its delicious awakening, its tender avowal, its chastening farewell, its trusting "/ wait," to heights of spiritual experience, from whose summits the spiritual sense looks over into the prom ised land of God's hme, and perceives that Love is the all of life — and God. These fragrant memories are Xature's lullabies, with which she smoothes her children's restless pil lows, and sends them smiling to their final sleep. Hut they take flight at the noise and bustle of t It is work-a- day world, and are reluctant to return, for all the heart's enticement. It is the purpose of this little volume to prepare for these heart memories an abiding place, to which it may charm them back, a>id, perchance, betray them to captivity . SALUTATION. " Each heart recalled a different name, But all sang ' Annie Laurie,' " /I XO THER leaf in life's mysterious Book To-day is turned. O friend beloved, I leave With you these humble flowers to mark the page, If haply they may give a perfume to The place which shall make fragrant all its leaves. CONTENTS. Frontispiece — Thong/it Portrait. Dedication — To Mary Baker Eddy. Introduction. Salutation. FLOWERS FROM ARCADY. Prelude. ADMIRATION — Nasturtium. ENCHANTMENT — Wistaria. ENTANGLEMENT — Columbine. ASPIRATION — Violets. REMINISCENCK — Trailing Arbutus DELIGHT — Hepatica. NOEL — Leafless Branch. DEVOTION — Clematis. S E R E N A I ) E Locust. COMPANIONSHIP— Ceanatfius. CONGENIALITY — Artewesia. 1 1 OMAGE — Nemopliilii. B ESTO \VA L — Strci wberry. ENTREATY — Sweet Pea. GREETING— Maple Leaf. REFUSAL — Snow Plant. D EJ ECTI ( ) N— Cyclamen. SOLICITUDE — Mariposa Lily. BENEDICTION — Rhododendron. ENDEARMENT — Hellebore. A H N EG AT I O N — Veronica . FLIRTATION— .AW fioses. PLEADING— California Rose. PROTESTATION - Fritillaria. CONFESSION - Trollius. BETROTHAL — Grape Vine. CONGRATULATION — Pond Lily. MARRIAGE — Orange Blossom. Ei'iTHALAMU'M— Daisy. H o N E Y Moo N — Heliotrope. S E PA R A T I o N — Olive Bran \\-Pyrola. BIRTHDAY — Manzanila. CRYSTAL WEDDING— Gentian. SILVER WEDDING - Cardinal Flow, GOLDEN WEDDING — White Thorn. T 1 1 A N K s c, i v i N G — Edehceiss. CHRISTMAS— C/irysant/u-wtiw. EVENTIDE — White Rose. FULFILLING OF THE LAW. L Envoi. Love' s Obligation, FLOWERS FROM ARCADY. 'T^ HESE flowers grow by every wayside, but are overlooked by many, and by some are mistaken for weeds. But whether called weeds or flowers, they illustrate the various aspects and phases of affection which blossom in every life, and which, if properly nurtured, will make more habitable the chambers of memory. ROUNDEL. "V ^O Arcady hast never been ? Then let me give the mystic key, The password that shall take thee in To Arcady. LO V E, — Lov>e that worketh charity; That holdetli all mankind as kin; That beareth hitman sympathy. L(n>e is the only door therein; And Love, the " open sesame," WJiereby thoit may'st an entrance win To Arcady. ADMIRATION. " Sweetest eyes were ever seen,' is the refrain of a sonnet by Camoens to his sweetheart. ROUNDEL. SWEETEST eyes were ever seen." Could the Poet e'er devise Daintier praise than gave Catrine Sweetest eyes ? And which are the sweetest eyes? Soft and melting, lustrous, keen, Merry, — or demure and wise ? Eyes that shine with light serene, Mirrored from Love's happy skies — Like thine own, dear — are, I ween, Sweetest eyes. *k ;.Vr ENCHANTMENT. TRIOLET, lu f \ •jiL-, • '"THE touch of her dear hand, *• So sweet and tender. Ah ! how can I withstand The touch of her dear hand? Nor can I understand What charm doth render The touch of her dear hand So sweet and tender. , •-* 3 "4^ % t±JL fr . *• After Herrick. f~\ BEE-KISSED Columbine, ^-^ Tell this sweet friend of mine That she, Like thee, Hath ruby lip Where I would sip, Like wanton bee. And too, like thee, She bends her lily head, And smiles, but ties My heart with subtle thread, Drawn from her eyes. She prisons me, But then, ah me ! Her durance takes from me All wish for liberty. Her sweet bond blesses me, Her smile caresses me, And in her gentle heart I lie At rest, Caressed By Love's delicious lullaby. TRIOLET \I 7OULD I were a violet ' ' To lie on her breast. Could I keep inviolate, If I were a violet, The secret that triolet But partly confessed ? Would I were a violet To lie on her breast. REMINISCENCE. jjr A BOVE the roar of the crowded street, ^ •^^ Above the tramp of hurrying feet, 'ft. <*a*^«' I heard a flower-seller cry, v**' iL " Arbutus Blossoms. Who will buy?" Arbutus Blossoms. They were the flowers That grew in boyhood's happy hours, — The flowers we sought for the May-day Fair — And kept the best for our sweetheart's hair. How little the flower-seller knew What wealth of fragrance in them grew! To him they were simply Arbutus Flowers; To me, the memories of golden hours. And so I send them to you, to wear Again, in the old-time way, in your hair ; 'Tis the old-time gift, with the old-time greeting, My heart has ever been repeating. ,\ '••> mmm^M >>V^:'e Christ's birtJi foretells .' And waft to her the chimes that well From every belfry tower, and tell Her how my heart with love now swells, To hear again these Christmas bells. Ring out , sweet bells, the Peace that dwells Above, and love in us compels! Tell her my thoughts can ne'er abide Apart from her at Christmas tide; But, like the Love the season tells, Enfold her heart, sweet Christmas bells 1 T X days gone by these wild flowers fair Were made sweet messengers to bear My homage and fond thoughts to you — If peradventure they might woo Your maiden fancy unaware. To me these sweet-breathed blossoms bear Reminders still of that fond care For you, which in my bosom grew In days gone by. Your gentle look they seem to wear; And in their beauty I compare The old-time charm they bring anew. I wonder if they bring to you The message they were wont to bear In days gone by ? ,-/• TN the soft, still night, * Ere sweet sleep has sealed the eyes, When fond thoughts sing light Their delicious lullabies, I would tune Love's song Thy reluctant heart to win, To the soft, caressing music Of the Spanish mandolin. Safe in Love's arms lie, By his happy songs caressed; For the stars and I Ever sentinel thy rest. May through all thy dreams Run a melody, akin To the soft, caressing music Of my Spanish mandolin ! COMPANIONSHIP. The Carnival is past. The grand procession of illustrious knights And stately dames, and all that dazzling throng, In mimic dress and motley garb, are gone. But in my heart a silent, yet more gay Procession still keeps trooping by — of sweet And happy mem'ries — lighted by the glow, And gracious charm of your entrancing smile, And keeping step to the soft melody Of your remembered words. These memories, Dear heart, are thoughts of you, which fill my soul With an intenser joy than all that rare And brilliant scene, and make my daily life One Carnival. CONGENIALITY. \\ 7 HEN hearts so near each other sail Each sees the other's signal light, Must they miss one another's hail, Like ships that pass i'the night? HOMAGE. O \VEET friend to you this valentine ^ I send, — your thoughts to woo, While it in gentle phrase bears mine, Sweet friend, to you. 'Tis but an unpretending line To mark the day, and pay anew My homage at Love's happy shrine. But why to-day send word or sign, When every day and moment too, My heart sends loving valentine, Sweet friend, to you. BESTOWAL. RONDEAU. SUCH as I have give I to thee; No stately epic tit to be Sung for the world's approving ear; No lullaby, to charm a tear From wistful eyes that watch for me. Simply a thought — but sent to thee In daily benedicite — That old-time thought— the best of, dear, Such as I have, But couldst thou know how tenderly This constant thought enfoldeth thee, The lengthening years would bring no fear, However far, I would seem near, And might, perchance, bring thoughts to thee Such as I have. ENTREATY. A BIDE with me, O gentle guest. ** Thy presence brings to me sweet rest; Thy hands bring soothing to my brow Thy words such sympathy avow, Thy going leaves me all unblest. Still fairer shall thy bower be dressed; Anticipated each request; One song thy life shall be, if thou Abide with me. I would not longer have theeguest; I cannot hold thee uncaressed So near my heart: S\veet love be thou My bride; Love's tend'rest name allow, And ever in his happy nest Abide with me. CONGRATULATION. With a copy of Tennyson' s " Princess." ROUNDEL. A PRINCESS still, in royalty •**• Of high design and purposed will — Though Cupid's shaft found her to be A princess still. Like her, dear friend, shalt thou fulfill Love's over-ruling destiny; Xor wilt thou even count it ill; For thou shalt as before be free To follow ever thy sweet will; In Love's dominion thou shalt be A princess still. MARRIAGE. ROUNDEL. T WILL thy lot and portion share ; Will love and honor thee, and fill Tlie measure of tJiy need, what e'er I will. /This tender flower cherish, till / In Heaven it blooms more bright and fair— For love in Heaven will blossom still. And Love's fair flower hath made thee -, heir To a new life bevond death's chill; ?1 Eternity hath heard this dear, BETROTHAL. RONDEAU O HEART beloved, I dedicate The powers and aim of man's estate, The dearest hopes of life to thee! Thy happiness my care shall be; On every wish my love shall wait. I sought thee not for wealth or state; Though countless graces on thee wait, Twas thy sweet, loving self made thee, O heart, beloved. If frowning fortune be our fate, More tender and affectionate My sympathizing love shall be; No ills that Heaven may decree Our knitted souls can separate, O heart beloved ! LITTLE birds who sing so much, Teach me the secret of your art, That my poor songs, like yours, may touch" Her heart ! Come from your flowery retreat, And in your song my message bear To her, who is so gentle, sweet And fair! With sweetest songs, and pinions fleet, Fly to her window far away, And her reluctant ear entreat, And say ; — ' We bear Love's greetings on our wings — Fond wishes, that this day renew The happy flowers Memory brings To you: That their sweet fragrance e'er may bless Your heart; charm all your tears away, And bring you perfect happiness For aye' " REFUSAL. TWAS said so tenderly, " Xo, dear, it cannot be;" Her gentle sympathy Half the hurt mending. Still 'tis a grievous blow ; And it is hard to know, After my caring so, This is the ending. Ah, well ! another flower — Child of both sun and shower, Earth's fairest, sweetest dower — Mown by the reaper. Yet in my memory pent, Stays that sweet flower's scent, And all my prayers are blent With one, " God keep her. DEJECTION. ROUNDEL. J/T/^ HEN lave is done, is Nature's sigh. The Poet saith, " With dying sun The world's light dies." But all things die When love is done: — Ambition's skies turn dark and dun; The birds of trustfulness fly by; Hope's blossoms wither one by one. What does the world's praise signify? Or, if its prizes may be won ? For me — I only wish to die When love is done. CONFESSION. Can I (each thee, my beloved? Can I teach thee ? Caii J bless t/iee, my beloved ? Can I bless thee ? Alas'. I can but love thee. MRS. BROWNING. THOU hast taught me, my beloved, Thou hast taught me: Taught me life's profounder meaning, Taught me honor, virtue — weaning Me from all ignoble things; On imagination's wings Taught me how to soar, and find Rarest pleasures in the mind; Taught me life's dull incompleteness, Without Love's renewing sweetness; From the height of thy pure soul Taught me passion to control; And hast brought me At thy gentle feet to learn What thy clearer eyes discern. Thou hast blessed me, my beloved, Thou hast blessed me: Blessed me with thy tender eyes, Which look on me in such a wise My faint soul grows strong again, As the flowers after rain, And they rest me, While they more and more enchain. Thou hast blessed me with thy words; Sweeter than the song of birds, They have soothed my weary brain, Banished every care and pain That distressed me, **, And a new strength put within me To resist delights that win me From the duty God commands. Thou hast blessed me with thy hands, Which have ever shared my toil, Heeding neither ache nor soil, And caressed me, Making all my burdens lighter, And the sky of hope still brighter. Dear hands — only made for smoothing Restless pillows, and for soothing Tired hearts — would they were mine To have and hold by right divine! Dost thou love me, my beloved ? Dost thou love me ? Thou whom I have from afar Watched and worshipped, like a star That above me Shines, and yet may never know The blessing that its beams bestow? Thou hast taught me, thou hast blessed me And with happiest thoughts possessed me, But to lcn>e me Is the crowning of all blessing; Making me by thy confessing Rich beyond all power to measure ; •Royal, crowned by thy sweet pleasure Sovereign of a fair domain I had hardly thought to gain. Blessing honor, rest thou art, And with undivided heart, Dear, I love thee, Love thee more than words can tell. ,And 1 would that my caressing Could bring thee as rich a blessing, And forevermore compel Love's peace in thy heart to dwell. PROTESTATION. An Idyl, a isord formed from the initials of t lie quotation. RONDEAU T LOVE you, dear," forever be * The message of your heart to me. Sweet heart, I have no words to tell The blissful thoughts that in me well Whene'er I read your mystery. From me you've learned Love's heraldry, For my enraptured face must be Emblazoned with his crest, so well 1 love you, dear. O loving heart, though it may be That in this life can never we Join hands, in Heaven shall no farewell Love's perfected delights dispel; For time and for eternity I love you, dear. , \. SOLICITUDE. IKE one of these, Art hath not made Apparel that our eyes can please ; Even Solomon was not arrayed Like one of these. L1 Consider how they grow in ease And leisure, dancing in the glade Like butterflies upon the breeze. Then be not thou with burdens weighed If He a flower's need o'ersees, Thou, too, shalt on His care be laid Like one of these. T F words of cheer 1 1 have not said, Think not, my dear, Affection's dead; For every day my thoughts send thee The poet's " Benedicite:"- \Yith love that flows From Heaven above, And peace bestows, With such a love As thou mayst hear, and I may say, I greet thee, dearest, far awav. ENDEARMENT your cheek a kiss I have dared to take, Now give me one for its own sweet sake. There is naught for which I so much care, As one little kiss in which you share. And, given and taken in mutual desire, It awakens in each that ineffable lyre That sings— and sings on, in such exquisite strain That the world is forgot with its sorrow and pain. It lightens one's toil, it brightens one's eyes, And opens the gates of Paradise. REMEMBRANCE. KONDELET. HTHESE flowers of June * The gates of memory unbar; These flowers of June Such old-time harmonies retune, I fain would keep the gates ajar, — So full of sweet enchantment are These flowers of June. In spite of me To-morrow will For sometime be To-morrow still; But each to-morrow nearer brings The end of all these wanderings. Therefore, dear heart, Trust hopefully; Time cannot part My thought and thee; No distance, scene, nor age can stay The love that overflows to-day. And, dear, in Heaven To-morrows stay Away; not even A Yesterday Can ever come with shadowed brow To darken that eternal Now. ABNEGATION. RONDBAU. your dear sake my love would fain Forever have your heart remain As light and innocent and pure As when we met, and kept secure From every thought of wrong and stain. Though passion may my heart enchain, I will these errant thoughts restrain — Will every wayward wish abjure, For your dear sake. And, though the road lead through the rain Of tears, in striving to attain The goal above temptation's lure, My love this trial will endure — Will welcome every loss and pain, For your dear sake. FLIRTATION. 1\JO marvel the Spanish stranger, * ^ Enslaved by your queenly air, Sent daily his votive roses To grace your room and hair. I, too, confess to this bondage; And the charm of that fragrant delight, I would bring again in my roses To your waiting heart to-night. What witchery is in rose scent ! What rapturous delight is ours, When the incense of Love's devotion First replaces the scent of the flowers? Ah well! that rare enchantment For us both, perhaps, is dead; But I would that the Seuor's roses Were somehow mine instead. And so 1 send you these flowers To rewaken that exquisite glow, When the roses of the Sefior Breathed their homage long ago. And I dare to wish, as I leave them In the old time way at your shrine, That the charm of the Senor's roses Might be transferred to mine. SEPARATION. E pitiful With thy keen sorrow, Inexorable And dread To-morrow i Take her in gentle arms each day; Soothe her with thoughts of Yesterday! Hath Yesterday Lost all its charms To soothe To-day In her white arms? The sun can never set to-day, Behind the hills of Yesterday. Fear not, dear friend; Close to my heart Until the end Thou ever art: Too close to leave thee room to borrow Such sad forebodings of the morrow While no farewell Spoken to-day Can e'er dispel Our yesterday, On bended knees with thee I pray, " Come back, come back, sweet Yesterday 0 '/""* l>w - EPITHALAMIU M OW in very truth thou art, Sweetheart, mine ; Mine to hold close to my heart Mine to have, and ever prove, Arcady is in my love, Sweetheart mine. But before the nuptial door, Sweetheart mine, Closes on the nevermore, That first troth I would approve, — Arcady is in thy love, Sweetheart mine. Folded in caressing arms, Sweetheart mine, • ^Crowned with Love's supremest charms, Thy content and rapture prove, Arcady is mutual love, Sweetheart mine. HONEYMOON. RONDEAU DEAR heart, to you these songs I bring — Affection's simple offering, And lay them at your feet anew — The echoes of sweet thoughts of you My heart is ever cherishing. To you such happy memories cling, My thoughts, on eager, rapturous wing, Take flight in song the whole day through The songs are happy songs I sing, Dear heart, to you. These songs, may they a fragrance fling About your life! May flowers of spring On every hand your path bestrew! They will my happiness renew, If rest and peace and joy they bring, Dear heart, to you. '. 1 A NG. 'T'HIS lovely rose I send ROUNDF.L. Saved from December's snows Will not thy heart befriend This lovely rose? Its leaves sweet thoughts inclose, Which richer fragrance lend Than were it a mere rose. Its sweet-breathed tale, dear friend, Must my fond heart disclose. Canst thou not comprehend This lovely rose ? \ All Idyl, a word formed from the PROTESTATION. RONDEAU T LOVE you, dear," forever be The message of your heart to me. Sweet heart, I have no words to tell The blissful thoughts that in me well Whene'er I read your mystery. From me you've learned Love's heraldry, For my enraptured face must be Emblazoned with his crest, so well I love you, dear. O loving heart, though it may be That in this life can never we Join hands, in Heaven shall no farewell Love's perfected delights dispel; For time and for eternity I love you, dear. CONFESSION. Can I teach thee, my beloved? Can I teach thee ? Can 1 bless thee, my beloved ? Can I bless thee ? Alas! 1 can. but love thee. MRS. BROWNING. THOU hast taught me, my beloved, Thou hast taught me: Taught me life's profounder meaning, Taught me honor, virtue — weaning Me from all ignoble things; On imagination's wings Taught me how to soar, and find Rarest pleasures in the mind; Taught me life's dull incompleteness, Without Love's renewing sweetness; From the height of thy pure soul ""Taught me passion to control; And hast brought me At thy gentle feet to learn What thy clearer eyes discern. Thou hast blessed me, my beloved, Thou hast blessed me: Blessed me with thy tender eyes, Which look on me in such a wise My faint soul grows strong again, As the flowers after rain, And they rest me, While they more and more enchain. Thou hast blessed me with thy words; Sweeter than the song of birds, They have soothed my weary brain, Banished every care and pain That distressed me, And a new strength put within me To resist delights that win me From the duty God commands. Thou hast blessed me with thy hands, Which have ever shared my toil, Heeding neither ache nor soil, And caressed me, Making all my burdens lighter, And the sky of hope still brighter. Dear hands — only made for smoothing Restless pillows, and for soothing Tired hearts — would they were mine To have and hold by right divine! Dost thou love me, my beloved ? Dost thou love me ? Thou whom I have from afar Watched and worshipped, like a star That above me Shines, and yet may never know The blessing that its beams bestow? Thou hast taught me, thou hast blessed me And with happiest thoughts possessed me, But to love me Is the crowning of all blessing; Making me by thy confessing Rich beyond all power to measure ; •Royal, crowned by thy sweet pleasure Sovereign of a fair domain I had hardly thought to gain. Blessing honor, rest thou art, And with undivided heart, Dear, I love thee, Love thee more than words can tell. And I would that my caressing Could bring thee as rich a blessing, f°revermore compel Love's peace in thy heart to dwell. RONDEAU HEART beloved, I dedicate The powers and aim of man's estate, The dearest hopes of life to thee! Thy happiness my care shall be; On every wish my love shall wait. I sought thee not for wealth or state; Though countless graces on thee wait, 'Twas thy sweet, loving self made thee, O heart, beloved. If frowning fortune be our fate, More tender and affectionate My sympathizing love shall be; No ills that Heaven may decree Our knitted souls can separate, O heart beloved ! CONGRATULATION. With a copy of Tennyson s " Princess." A PRINCESS still, in royalty **• Of high design and purposed will- Though Cupid's shaft found her to be A princess still. Like her, dear friend, shalt thou fulfill Love's over-ruling destiny; Nor wilt thou even count it ill; For thou shalt as before be free To follow ever thy sweet will; In Love's dominion thou shalt be A princess still. MARRIAGE. ROUNDEL. T WILL thy lot and portion share ; Will lm>e and honor thee, and fill The measure of thy need, ivhate'er I will. /This tender flower cherish, till In Heaven it blooms more bright and fair— For love in Heaven will blossom still. And Love's fair flower hath made thee , heir ^ To a new life beyond death's ch Eternity hath heard this dear, EPITHALAMIUM. O\V in very truth thou art, Sweetheart, mine; Mine to hold close to my heart; Mine to have, and ever prove, Arcady is in my love, Sweetheart mine. But before the nuptial door, Sweetheart mine, Closes on the nevermore, That first troth I would approve, — Arcady is in thy love, Sweetheart mine. Folded in caressing arms, Sweetheart mine, y Crowned with Love's supremest charms, ^r Thy content and rapture prove, Arcady is mutual love, Sweetheart mine. HONEYMOON. RONDEAU. r"\EAR heart, to you these songs I bring — ••— ^ Affection's simple offering, And lay them at your feet anew — The echoes of sweet thoughts of you My heart is ever cherishing. To you such happy memories cling, My thoughts, on eager, rapturous wing, Take flight in song the whole day through; The songs are happy songs I sing, Dear heart, to you. These songs, may they a fragrance fling About your life ! May flowers of spring On every hand your path bestrew! They will my happiness renew, If rest and peace and joy they bring, Dear heart, to SEPARATION. E pitiful With thy keen sorrow, Inexorable And dread To-morrowi Take her in gentle arms each day; Soothe her with thoughts of Yesterday! Hath Yesterday Lost all its charms To soothe To-day In her white arms ? The sun can never set to-day, Behind the hills of Yesterday. Fear not, dear friend; Close to my heart Until the end Thou ever art: Too close to leave thee room to borrow Such sad forebodings of the morrow. While no farewell Spoken to-day Can e'er dispel Our yesterday, On bended knees with thee I pray, " Come back, come back, sweet Yesterday." In spite of me To-morrow will For sometime be To-morrow still; But each to-morrow nearer brings The end of all these wanderings. Therefore, dear heart, Trust hopefully; Time cannot part My thought and thee; No distance, scene, nor age can stay The love that overflows to-day. And, dear, in Heaven To-morrows stay Away; not even A Yesterday Can ever come with shadowed brow To darken that eternal Now. R EMEM BR ANCE. RONDELET. T^HESE flowers of June * The gates of memory unbar; These flowers of June Such old-time harmonies retune, I fain would keep the gates ajar, — So full of sweet enchantment are These flowers of June. The lotus, that Egyptian mystery, Whose florvers have a soul in every leaf. MOORE. A CLOUD came darkening up the West, **• And as its awesome pall drew near, It hushed the home with vague unrest, And filled my heart with nameless fear. I heard a rustle as of wings, — And turning, saw Death's angel fill The room. Then froze life's very springs Within me, and my heart stood still. The dreadful presence, in the gloom, Bent o'er my love, — smiled, — and went by; When from the stillness of the room There faintly came — a little cry. And lo! from heaven an angel throng, As on that old-time Christmas morn, Took up anew their happy song, " For unto vou a child is born." CHRISTENING. UFFER the children to Come unto me ! " In this, the Master's, woid Must my trust be. How can I make my life Spotless and sweet, That I lead not astray These little feet! How can I, so defiled, Bound in Sin's bands, Ever be fit to hold These little hands! If but my soul were pure, — Strong to withstand, I might the children lead To Thy right hand; But I am weak, and so My prayer must be, "SufTer the children to Come unto Thee! " ANNIVERSARY. RONDEAU. r I " IIE bells \\crc told to ring in glee The day when first thou cam'st to be Our home's delight; and in my heart, By Love's supreme, mysterious art, These bells have rung unceasingly. And on this day there comes to me Anew the tender memory Of that sweet joy, which but in part The bells were told. Dear child, in whose sweet eyes I see The Heaven that waits above for me, How far from me would Heaven depart, How comfortless would be my heart, If through some darkened day for thee The bells were tolled ! COUNSEL. A 77iirteent/i Birthday, ROUNDEL \ I 7HILE in your teens you must reflect What part you'll play before Life's scenes: And childhood's faults you must correct, While in your teens. Great things of you we all expect, In following where your talent leans; But this you only can direct. And you must try and not neglect Whate'er is given of helps and means: Mostly are you Life's architect, While in your teens. RETROSPECTION. A I J HEN Love and 1 went maying, all ablaze With beauty were the woods, and blossoming sprays Dropped showers of petaled sweetness on the air. I never knew the world could be so fair, Or that the May could pipe such tuneful lays. ^ RONDEAU. And heart and soul were lost in such a maze Of happiness, that evening's purple haze Stole down on that sweet day, all unaware, When Love and I went maying. I said to Love, " Let us not part; our ways Are one." Love looked at me with wistful gaze, And answered, " Where thou farest I will fare." And Love has kept through life that promised care: But memory treasures still those perfumed days, When Love and I went maying. TWILIGHT. A S children, when the day is done *» And twilight deepens, one by one Around the evening fireside run With happy faces ; Brightening the home with restful cheer, And drawing every heart more near In perfected affection's dear And fond embraces: So may sweet memories come to you ; And whisp'ring the old love anew May thoughts of those long lost to view Around you cluster ; May their fond greetings so delight That you forget the gathering night, While earthly vistas grow more bright With heavenly lustre. Without a thought of vain regret, Then may these latter days be set In Joy's completed coronet, Heaven's richest dower May they with blessings be replete ; And be, in Love's reunion sweet, The season when loved memories meet — Life's twilight hour. P. baby, sleep, while softly I lullaby , sweet lullaby. What sweeter song can minstrel sing Than " lullaby, sweet lullaby?" For life's most tender memories cling To " lullaby, sweet lullaby." With lullaby on mother's breast Are baby's bright eyes lulled to rest ; With lullaby is childhood stayed, Its sorrows soothed, its fears allayed. With lullaby love comes to youth, And wraps him in delicious dreams, Until a silken tress, in sooth, The only prize worth winning seems ; From manhood's brow all troubles fly When loving wife sings lullaby ; Old age gains strength and comfort when This lullaby is heard again. Thus lullaby through childhood's years, Through youth, and manhood and old age Soothes tired hearts, calms foolish fears, And helps life's heaviest griefs assauge. So may sweet lullaby impart To you a peaceful, fearless heart, And when the shades of death draw nigh May you then hear God's lullaby ! LL TRUST. RoNDEAr. IF hearts are dust, hearts' loves remain, And somewhere, far above the plane Of earthly thought, beyond the sea That bounds this life, they will meet thee, And hold thee face to face again. And when is done Life's restless reign, If I hereafter but regain Heart's love, why should I troubled be, If hearts are dust. By Love's indissoluble chain, I know the grave does not detain Heart's love. The very faith in me Is pledge of an eternity, Where I shall find heart's love again, If hearts are dust. ^ 1 ^HA T I migJit share with thee, dear friend, the sweet Enjoyment Memory brings, I've sought to lay On these fair pages little bits of tint And color — here and there a study, worked, Sometimes in smiles, sometimes in tears — if they, Perchance, might hold thy wandering thoughts awhile, And lead thee back to Arcady — and me. PR ELUDE. J~\EAR friend, though seen by other eyes, Your heart must read through all disguise , What tender meaning underlies This Festal Greeting. For you these humble flowers grow; To you their sweet-breathed greetings go- The message you already knoi.i> Once more repeating. I NEW Y EAR. A NOTHER flower this day I bring— ** Love's unassuming offering ; Perchance it may a fragrance leave, That will a pleasant memory weave, Thiough all the year now opening. This day to you fond wishes wing ; Dear heart, may their sweet blossoming In Life's fair garland interweave Another flower ! RONDEAU. And may a quiet fragrance cling To every flower the kind fates fling About your path ; ne'er cause to grieve May your contented heart receive, And each succeeding year still bring Another flower ! ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. 7\ l\ V Valentine is old and worn, * " * Its freshness lost, its fragrance shorn; But still it holds some little part Of the warm love within my heart. What matters if its perfumed dress Has lost its pristine daintiness ; The words, though old, are ever new That bear the message, " I love you." EASTER. RONDEAU A RISE !" went forth a mighty Voice, "all ye **• That sleep." O earthborn Lily, who told thee To come forth with the living from the dead ? The white-robed Lily answered " The great Head And Heart of Nature, God Himself, called me. " He said, ' The Christ is risen ! ' and tenderly My earthy cerements loosing, He bade me Too — following in the way where Christ hath led — Arise!" Trust thou this promised Immortality, O, troubled, doubting heart ! Fear not that He Who wakes the lowly lily from her bed, Whose own hands loose the graveclothes from her head, Will Easter Day forget to say to thee, "Arise!" MAY DAY. A S over the ledger's wearisome page On this bright May morn I pore, A faint but delicious fragrance seems To steal in at the open door. This phantom fragrance dimly recalls Some pleasure that erstwhile I've known; I remember all its bewitching charm. But the time and the scene are flown. Perhaps 'tis a breeze from Arbutus flowers, That is wafted from far-away hills, Or, is it some dear remembrance of home The alembic of absence distills? Or, is it the glove that once lay on my arm, So happy, confiding and dear? It perfumed my heart with its exquisite scent, And I kissed it, it was so near. Or, is it the rose on her bosom worn ? Ah me ! that fragrance divine Came more from her womanly grace than the rose, As I pressed her sweet lips to mine. This fugitive breath that comes from the Past Eludes all attempts to recall; L'nless — perhaps — there it comes again; Ah ! now I remember it all. It is neither from hills, nor glove, nor rose; Tis a Maytime we both once knew — A memory, dear heart, of the exquisite charm Of Love's sweet Springtime — and you. Wit h a Volume of Poems. RONDEAU. BETWEEN these leaves a fruitage grows Which with Love's happy sunshine glows; It cheers the heart, delights the eyes, And with a breath of Paradise, Scents every breeze that through them blows. Besides this harvest which bestows On all refreshment and repose, For you, another hidden lies Between these leaves : — Friendship, untouched by winter snows ; Ripened affection, that outgrows This earthly clime, and death defies ; And memories ; — these but comprise A tithe of what my thoughts enclose Between these leaves. CRYSTAL WEDDING. *\\ 7 HAT can I bring to-day to lend The old-time lustre to your ring? That will these twenty years commend, What can I bring? Dear wife, I have no offering, Except these simple verses, penned, Perchance, for your mind's pleasuring; And my true, faithful love, to tend Your need, as^v//^ of your ring ; And more than this, my sweet life-friend, What can I brinp? ROUNDEL, SILVER WEDDING. ITS silver lining proves there must, Behind the cloud, be sunlight shining ; So love still shines, though cares incrust Its silver lining. Have thou no fear of love's declining ! This quarter century of trust Our homely ways has been enshrining ; And all the while, from dross and rust, A purer love has been refining, Till \ve can never more distrust Its silver lining. GOLDEN WEDDING. THESE wedding bells for fifty years Have rung alternate joys and knells Till now our deepened love endears These wedding bells. These fifty years, dear wife, have brought Much more of happiness than tears, While love has many lessons taught These fifty years. Love taught us, dear, that hearts are worn / Bywords and looks, as millstones wear ; ) That burdens shared are easiest borne, Love taught us. dear. As years go by, with ruddier glow Shall Love adorn our sunset sky ; And closer still our hearts shall grow, •3-^ ***** n. As years go by. SSf^ THANKSGIVING. RONDEAU. \ I 7ITHIN our hearts what happy mern'ries well To-day, and a new thankfulness compel ! The bygone years return with only their Remembered tenderness, and, unaware Of age: and change, the old-time love retell. But while we feast, we cannot quite dispel Regret for lost ones whom we love so well. Yet why thus grieve? There is no vacant chair Within our hearts. Ah ! friends, does not this constant love foretell Of future greeting for each last farewell ? Even to-day we tread the Heavenly stair, And now their Immortality we share, If our beloved ones thus ever dwell Within our hearts. CHRISTMAS. T^HE Christmas Bells from hill and tower To-night their benedictions shower; And on the waves of their sweet chimes, Fond thoughts of home and olden .times Set sail through memory's Golden Gate: Deep laden with love's precious freight, They speed their homewrard course to-night, Across the sea with Ariel flight. O you, who wait returning sails, WThose eyes hope long-deferred o'erveils With lowering clouds, take heart again! For lo! unseen through mist and rain Of tears, a thousand white-winged keels, Afloat on billowy Christmas peals, Seek haven in your hearts to-night, Home guided by love's beacon light. Dear friends, though sundered far and wide, Though varied quests our thoughts divide, May these rich argosies of love My tender, faithful memory prove; May they to-night new love awake, And in this festal season make Your hearts forget the old farewells, In greetings brought by Christmas Bells. EVENTIDE. RONDEAU. A T eventide there shall be light." ' *• Why should 1 ever fear the night? God's love and constant care attest, He will not suffer me, His guest, To thread the dark without a light. The light of life is Love ; and quite Content am 1, if but Love might Be near, when I lie down to rest, At eventide. And Love, if we but read aright, Is God, who is the Light of Light. What fear have I from Love's behest, When Love through life hath made me blest ? That Love, I trust will be my light, At eventide. FULFILLING OF THE LAW. -'- 'ffs!^'*'/ /' e .^i •:. V, .•--•-— ,' 4 "6 ''i' '/ . FULFILLING OF THE LAW. 'T^O one, who reads with an instructed heart •L The book of law that nature has revealed, Conviction comes, that He, wlio guides the stars. — Who gathereth into His benignant arms The lambs, and feedeth them, — -who slumbers not Nor sleeps, — can have no other name than Love. And love, this tender tinman lave, that walks With us through life in various guise, that shares Our burdens, soothes our sorrows, holds us even Beyond death's portal, — is His thought, that conies To hint the measure of H is Umc and care. T/ie Master came, with love ineffable, And told of kins/lip with that loving Law, And taught a human phrase, " Our Father." Then Came one, reiterating that divine, Health-giving message, — but in hming tones Which waked t /r.it other chord in human hearts. That vibrates only to the tender name Of " Mother," — who affirmed identity Of soul with God, demonstrated the power Of spirit, and bore witness in herself. That Love is the fulfilling of the Law. In Love she realize// Divinity, And straightway from that loving presence, taught That Lm>e is all in all, — -/// U'hom we live And move and have our being ; Love, the U'av. The Truth, the Life in earth as well as Heaven. AFTER WORD. LOVE'S OBLIGATION. ' T Ol'EST than me?" •*-~* O wakened heart. In this neiv love What is thy part? 1st for thyself Alone to keep?— The Blaster saith, ' ' Feed thou my sheep. 2 A 000 689 005 7