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diff --git a/42076-0.txt b/42076-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f8c681e --- /dev/null +++ b/42076-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2793 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42076 *** + +Transcriber's note: + Minor spelling and punctuation inconsistencies been harmonized. + The original use of accented words has been retained. Italic + text has been marked with _underscores_. + + + + +[Illustration] + + + + + CONTRASTED SONGS + + BY + + MARIAN LONGFELLOW + + [Illustration] + + BOSTON + RICHARD G. BADGER + + The Gorham Press + 1905 + + + + + Copyright 1904 by MARIAN LONGFELLOW + + All Rights Reserved + + Printed at + THE GORHAM PRESS + Boston, U. S. A. + + + + + In Perpetual and Loving Remembrance of + + M. P. F. + + Who Has Gone Before, + + and of + + E. T. L. + + Who Still Walks with Me, + + These Songs are dedicated by + + The Author + + + + +PREFACE + + +In presenting to the public the within collection, some of which were +published originally under the _nom-de-plume_ of "Miriam Lester," I +have had to go into the highways and byways to gather the children who +had strayed into various paths. + +Some have been easily found in books of which they were a part, and I +desire to thank the editors of "The Library of Religious Poetry," the +family of the late Charles Henshaw Dana, of Worcester, Mass., the +Boston "Herald," and others for permission to use such. + +The task of gathering the children who made their debut within the +columns of the Boston "Transcript," the Eastport "Sentinel," the +Washington "Post," the "Saturday Gazette" (Boston), and other +journals, has been no light task, and some are still straying beyond +my ken. + +Among these "Contrasted Songs" I trust that the reader will find +something to which the heart may respond. + + Faithfully yours, + + MARIAN LONGFELLOW. + + Washington, D. C. + + + + +CONTENTS + + + Page. + + A Song of the Sea 11 + + The Spirit of the Water 12 + + With the Tide 13 + + Grand Manan 14 + + Leeward 15 + + A Song in the Evening 19 + + Meadow Bloom 21 + + The Iris 23 + + Liebeslied 27 + + Longing 27 + + On the Sea 29 + + The Red Rose 30 + + The Maiden and the Boat 30 + + My Ship 32 + + An Old Song 33 + + To Miss H., Wearing a Rose 34 + + The Cloud 35 + + Sehnsucht 36 + + Selection 38 + + The Mansion that Endured 41 + + The Chimes 44 + + Francis Coster's Story 48 + + The Old Cemetery 53 + + Lines on Immortality 54 + + A Dream 54 + + On Empyrean Heights 56 + + A Little While 61 + + Reverie 62 + + Heimweh 64 + + Grand Manan 65 + + Madeleine 66 + + Where the Shadows Play 67 + + A Valentine 68 + + The Martins 69 + + Never Again 70 + + Hadst Thou Denied 72 + + Why Should I Remember if you Forget 73 + + To H. N. T. 74 + + And They Shall Rise Again 77 + + Mine Onward Path 78 + + After Many Days 79 + + Some Day 80 + + Lake Winnepesogee 81 + + Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By 82 + + Nearer My Rest 83 + + So Many Years 83 + + Sorrow 84 + + Unknown 85 + + Our Birthright 89 + + Lexington 89 + + O Land of our Birth 91 + + Our Flag 92 + + The National Flower 94 + + Roll Muffled Drums 97 + + The Dead Musician 98 + + The Nation Weeps 100 + + In Memoriam 101 + + In Memoriam 102 + + Consolation 103 + + + + +SONGS OF THE SEA + + + + +A SONG OF THE SEA + + + The mystic sea is singing its golden song to me; + I bend to catch its murmur in silent ecstasy; + Till, as the music ringeth in sweet and solemn tone, + An answering echo waketh a music all mine own! + + The sea sings softly, softly upon my listening ear, + And still its notes fall ever in cadence full and clear. + The song that waxeth stronger within my beating heart + Seems but a second measure--seems of the sea a part! + + And far from all the burdens that day brings in its train, + My soul hath found Elysium--renews its youth again! + I hear the golden billows beat on the rock-bound shore, + And still my heart is singing that sweet song o'er and o'er! + + O happy Youth, how quickly the sands of life have run! + The shades of eve are falling ere yet the day is done! + The golden sea eternal beats loud and strong and free, + And bears upon its bosom a joy eternally! + + + + +THE SPIRIT OF THE WATER + + + 'Tis the Spirit of the Water! it breathes upon the sea; + As phantom in its motions it glides mysteriously! + I see the snow-clad islands that deck the opal bay, + And the Spirit of the Water now robed in mist and spray. + The charm that clings eternal to ocean fills my soul, + As mist-wreathed waves in grandeur pass on unto their goal! + Ye phantoms on Life's ocean! how like the mist ye seem, + As backward turneth memory across Life's glow and gleam! + For ye figure forth Life's pleasures, its cares, its tears and pain, + And recall with all their glamour Youth's joyous dreams again! + While still the fateful presence glides on across the wave, + Nor lifts its veil of mystery until we reach the grave! + O speak! is it endeavor, or is it blighted faith? + Or is it but the passing of pain--this silent wraith? + We know not, oh, we know not here, for o'er Life's restless sea + We too glide on, as phantoms all, this side Eternity! + + + + +WITH THE TIDE + + + Calm seas that lie 'neath summer skies + And mirror back those skies to me, + Upon whose breast white sails arise + And glide like spirits grand and free. + + Calm seas beneath whose hidden deep + Are wonders far beyond my ken, + There, rocked in murmuring currents, sleep + The secrets not revealed to men! + + Peace, like a white-winged dove descends + And hovers o'er the waters bright, + While glory of the sunset blends + With tones of the approaching night. + + My glad soul bids thee welcome, and + Goes forth upon the ocean's tide! + Far from the care that fills the land, + To where my spirit would abide! + + Till, as the cares of day depart + And the glad sea its greeting calls, + I rise unshackled, strong of heart, + And from my life the burden falls! + + Thus in this quiet nook I find + All that I longed and sought in vain + In the world's haunts, my soul to bind, + And, seeking, found but grief and pain. + + Now, like a blessing falls thy grace, + O grand, beloved, glorious sea! + Drawn by thy message, face to face, + My longing greets thy mystery! + + + + +GRAND MANAN + +(1881) + + + O solemn cliffs of Grand Manan! + In silent might ye rise, + As bounded by th' eternal sea + And by the azure skies! + + Like a proud soul that stands apart, + Unknown, unloved, unsought, + Ye guard your stronghold silently + Through many battles fought. + + The sea-gull sweeps across your wall, + And seaward shapes his course! + While at your feet the waves beat loud + In measure wild and hoarse. + + O solemn heights! O grand and calm! + Ye hold my heart in thrall! + And not a sound is heard beyond + The ocean's rise and fall. + + But as the waves beat strong and loud + Upon your rugged shore, + Through it the sea's sad monotone + I hear forevermore! + + The sunset glow hath kissed your heights, + As loth to leave you yet; + And, bathed in glories red and gold, + The eve and you have met. + + The boat speeds on--we may not stay, + But from my brooding heart + Your image, while this life remains, + Can nevermore depart! + + + + +LEEWARD + + + O for the bounding wave, and the salt, salt spray on my face! + For the sweep of the filling sail, and its free, untrammeled pace! + For the life that hath no bound to its path but the open sea; + For the soul as free as air, that by right belongs to me! + For power to cast aside these fetters dark and strong, + To bound over heaving deep--and no more to feel the thong + That cuts through the quivering heart and the restless soul, as well! + I yearn for a fuller life, with a might I cannot quell! + O for the bounding wave, and the salt, salt spray on my face! + For the strength to grasp and hold the plan of a waning race. + For might to compel the tide in its turn to serve my will, + That my heart of the fountain deep, may drink to the brim its fill! + + + + +SONGS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODS + + + + +A SONG IN THE EVENING + + + O sweetest bird that ever sang + In notes of wild rejoicing; + Thine even-song as first it rang, + Was thrilling in its voicing! + + I felt thy rapture as I heard + Thy song in all its beauty; + To me it scarce seemed but a bird; + 'Twas life, and love, and duty! + + I could not see thy tiny form, + As softly closed the gloaming; + And like a wanderer in the storm + My heart was blindly roaming. + + While, as thy song rang pure and clear + O'er sweet smell of the haying, + Mem'ry sped back through many a year, + Both light and shade displaying. + + And still thy notes of reed-like tone + Came clear o'er mead and river, + With tender meaning all its own, + And trilled and trilled forever! + + "O heart," it sang, "let thine own life + Become a song to others, + That thou mayst count them in the strife + Not alien, but as brothers! + + Sing on, sing on, thy notes repeat, + Sing life, and love, and duty, + That mystic three whose names replete + Are e'er with heavenly beauty. + + Sing life, the gift of ray divine + That pierced the gloom of even; + The first upon our path to shine, + A heritage of Heaven! + + And love--oh, what were life without + This second gift eternal, + That bids the glad earth blossom out + In summer's garb supernal! + + Yet love and life were both in vain + Were duty not a flower + That springs beneath the blesséd rain + To crown Life's darkest hour!" + + Not unto me a bird, that eve, + In notes of earth was singing, + But a pure voice its way did cleave + From Heaven its message bringing! + + + + +MEADOW BLOOM + + + My one wee bud that grows in the meadow, + Far apart from the flaunting garden blooms, + Afar, where the brook and birds are singing, + And the soft noon haze o'er the distance looms. + + My one wee bud, but to grow so bravely + Where the rushes rise from the moorland green, + Where birds skim close o'er the grassy billows + And the low breeze murmurs its plaint between. + + * * * * * + + My one wee song I sing in the even, + When the home doth gather its loved ones close, + And the world's afar and hearts grow nearer, + And the jar of life sinks into repose. + + My one wee song, like a flower growing + In this life of mine that were else so bare! + Ah! shalt thou go forth to do my bidding-- + My love, shall he cull it as blossom fair? + + Ah! flower and song, be this thy meaning, + Thy mission of love in the world is clear; + The grace once born of seed sown in shadow + Shall bloom in the hearts that now hold thee dear! + + + + +A SONG OF THE AUTUMN + + + Scarlet and gold and crimson, + Their banners flung to the breeze, + Like monarchs' brilliant vesture + The ranks of the maple trees. + + Golden and brown and russet + The oaks in their Autumn dress; + Soldiers in ranks deploying, + To the front they onward press. + + Pale in their coats of yellow, + Tinged and with orange flecked, + The chestnuts on the hillside, + As with royalty bedecked. + + Scarlet and gold and crimson, + And golden and russet brown; + Pale with a sun-kissed yellow + Are the leaves now fluttering down. + + Garb of the season's bringing, + Majestic it decks the hills, + And Autumn's lavish splendor + The soul with its beauty fills. + + + + +THE IRIS + + + Adown the grassy hill they come, + To greet me, every morn; + Those little maids (in Norman caps) + Of joy and spring-time born. + + They march demurely, side by side, + How many pair there be! + Far as mine eye can reach, their forms + In green and white I see. + + Each sister wears with youthful grace + Her snowy Norman cap, + And in the long procession there + I see no pause or gap. + + And so, I watch to see them come + As morn by morn I pass, + The green of shimmering robe and glint + Of snow within the grass. + + They never speak and yet they nod + A friendly greeting there, + And all their beauty round me seems + A fragrance in the air. + + I speak to them? Oh, yes, I speak + And lovingly I bid + Them welcome every summer morn, + Those maids with downcast lid! + + They are so modest, pure and fair; + They are so very sweet, + I fain would linger there and call + Them clustering round my feet. + + Far backward in the view my eyes + The slow procession see, + And yet they never leave the path + Nor can they speak to me. + + 'Tis the flag-lily growing tall + Amid the meadow grass; + The Iris, as we often call + Each snowy-snooded lass. + + In couples stately, there they stand + As far as eye can scan, + And round them waves the nodding grass + As homage due from man. + + They stand a line of vestals pure, + Or each a sweet-faced nun; + While on each snowy cap there falls + The radiance of the sun. + + Although the power of speech may not + Be theirs in worldly phrase, + They teach a lesson just as true, + And just as full of praise. + + In their allotted path they walk, + And fill their destined end, + Their beauty gladdens every eye, + As down the hill they wend. + + O flower-sisters, if ye make + One heart in rapture rise; + If ye but waken one pure thought + To bloom in Paradise. + + Then have your lives, though brief, as boon + To mortal man been given, + To draw from earth his sordid thoughts + And bid them rest on Heaven! + + + + +LIEBESLIEDER + + + + +LIEBESLIED + + + Like a frail shell on the breast of the ocean + Sways now my heart to the rhythm of thine! + Cradled, is borne on the crest of emotion, + Sinks in the deep of a languor divine! + + And as the shell the wild waves onward carry, + So doth thy love bear my heart to its shore! + Here on its golden sands blissful to tarry + Held in thy fond clasp to wander no more! + + Lay thy dear lips to my lips, oh my lover,-- + Read in mine eyes all my tongue may not tell! + Love, as a bee, gaily sips (gallant rover!), + Rove thou no more--nay, I yield to thy spell! + + + + +I + +LONGING + + + Oh, to be out on the Ocean! where the waves beat wild and free, + Where there's naught 'twixt the sky and billows but the boat, + and you, and me! + Where the winds with their touch caress us, and the sea-gulls sweep + on high, + And the bell, from its rocky outpost, sends forth its warning cry! + + Oh, to be out on the Ocean! with the cold, salt spray to dash + Athwart the bows of the vessel, and foaming, to merrily lash + The boat to freer effort, as she plunges a-thrill with life + O'er the crest of the bounding billows and above their surging strife! + + Oh, to be out on the Ocean! with no heart 'twixt you and me! + With no bond that must bind forever here, but strong and brave + and free! + With the song of grand old Ocean, as it lulls us on its breast,-- + With the thought of a perfect union, and of perfect love and rest! + + Oh, to be out on the Ocean! although storms rise dark and strong, + Though by wind and by wave through the tempest we sweep our way along; + Till the stars come out in the Heavens, and the wind has sunk to rest, + And I list to words of comfort as I lean on your faithful breast! + + Oh, to be out on the Ocean! and to leave the din and strife, + To taste but once more of freedom and to drink of the wine of life! + Oh, to be out on the Ocean! where the waves beat wild and free, + With naught 'twixt the sky and the billows but the boat, + and you and me! + + +II + +ON THE SEA + +(The Answer) + + + We are sailing over the crest of the billow, + Afar from the world and its sorrow and pain; + While I on thy soft breast my head now may pillow + And lull me to rest and to peace once again! + + Nay, Love, how thy heart in its prison is beating! + It throbs 'neath mine ear as a fluttering bird; + While swift to my lips comes thy low song, repeating + The lilt of the waves, in a measure half-heard! + + "For oh! to be out on the Ocean, the Ocean,-- + And oh! to be far from the world, Love, with thee!" + It rises and falls with the waves' rhythmic motion, + Is filled with night's balm as with starbeams the sea! + + "With naught 'twixt the sky and the billows"--now singing + The words keep repeating the tender refrain-- + "But the boat,"--comes once more in cadence clear ringing,-- + "'Twixt the sky and billows"--I hear it again! + + Now, "save thee and me"--falls the song in its measure + Across the wide Ocean of thought, love, from thee, + And I know to my heart's deep, mysterious treasure, + Thy love, like a bird, flies to harbor with me! + + Nay, how could we dream that o'er Time's trackless ocean + Thy soul, thus responsive, should answer to mine? + Or, that out of the chalice of silent emotion + My heart drink in equal communion with thine! + + + + +THE RED ROSE + + + I pinned a red rose o'er my heart, + The rose my lover gave to me, + With many vows and tender words, + My love, my own, I love but thee. + + I wore the red rose o'er my heart, + That summer day with gladness, + And knew not doubt nor haunting care, + Nor slightest touch of sadness. + + But ah! a thorn's within my heart, + A thorn of false love's planting, + Deceit had pressed its bitter sting, + My life forever haunting. + + I took the red rose from my heart, + No more, oh love, 'tis blowing, + The thorn lies deep within my breast, + Where never sign is showing. + + + + +THE MAIDEN AND THE BOAT + + + A fair little boat went sailing the sea, + Far over the bright blue wave; + And she dipped and curt'sied, gay and free, + As became a craft so brave. + + A blithe young maiden a song of love + Sang out on the summer air; + The birds took the notes, on their boughs above + And answered her, cheerily, there! + + As the boat went out and over the bar + The white sails set to the breeze, + Her clear song followed on pinions afar; + The birds sang forth from the trees. + + * * * * * + + O boat in your path to the rising sun, + To that land beyond the sea, + Pray, what is the cargo,--your journey done-- + You will bear her, if Fate decree? + + For you take her heart (on your snowy deck) + Where Love is now High Priest, + And you take her troth--may there be no wreck, + No tempest out of the East! + + Will you bring her the perfect love she gave, + And keep it unsoiled and true? + Will you bring her a heart as strong and brave + As the one she gives to you? + + Else what does it matter if wreck betide; + Or the sun go down in cloud? + It were better for her, this day, you died + Than that Love should wear a shroud. + + It were better far that her song were mute, + To swell forth a later day; + For Love that hath never a constant root + Must fade and wither away. + + So boat sail on, if you be not true; + And maiden, oh hush that song! + For the years that are coming swift to you + Bear a dearer love along! + + + + +MY SHIP + + + One day I cast my lot upon the troublous tides of life, + And ventured all my hoarded love upon its fitful strife. + On one frail mortal like myself I set the store of years, + And freighted well the ship that day with all my hopes and fears. + With all my hopes (for fears were not, upon that happy day), + And never sign of cloud uprose above my sunlit way! + + Ah, me! can life e'er bring again such perfect trust as this, + Such eager hopes, such joyous dreams of ever present bliss? + My ship sailed forth--to many a storm she bared her gallant breast + And still she sails the wide, wide seas, but never finding rest. + One day! Ah, me! 'tis years ago since first I saw her sail, + And sent my prayers and tears for her above the gathering gale! + + Will she come back, my noble ship, and captain brave and crew + Of joys and hopes and high resolves, of love both deep and true? + Or, solemn thought! shall she ne'er find the haven here below, + But anchor in the "silent land," beyond Life's ebb and flow, + Beyond vain fret and fond regard, and strivings e'er to see + The reason why so oft denied our dearest hopes should be! + + + + +AN OLD SONG + + + "Drink to me only with thine eyes, and I will pledge with mine," + I read in this old song, anew, this living love of thine! + The old, old song that in the days now swift and sure are fled, + Recalls its sparkle and its mirth, oblivious of its dead! + + It served to bear as lover's gift all tender thought and true, + It wove among the garlands sweet red roses, never rue! + "Drink to me only with thine eyes," ay with thy tender eyes-- + And read in mine, half-veiled from thee, my own heart's sweet surprise! + + "And I will pledge with mine," dear love, yea, pledge a thousand-fold + The hours of life that thou alone in mem'ry shalt enfold. + Only within thy dark, grave eyes would I be mirrored now, + And only from thy folded lips learn love's own cherished vow. + + "Drink to me only with thine eyes, and I will pledge with mine!" + While overhead, above life's stream, shines out love's star divine. + And life no more is dark and drear, and storms no more may break + Where love's own glorious light shines forth and bids the heart awake! + + + + +TO MISS H., WEARING A ROSE + +(May 13, 1890) + + + O happy rose that bloometh upon her gentle breast! + Of all thy joyous hours, this is, in truth, the best! + Not sweeter is thy fragrance upon the balmy air + Than her pure spirit sheddeth, so blithe and debonnaire! + O happy rose that lieth upon that bosom white, + To thee kind Fate hath granted a goal of pure delight! + In vain I sigh and murmur, thy lot all envious view, + And seek in vain to stifle this moment's pungent rue! + O happy rose, as lying beneath her light caress, + Now whisper to her softly, what I may not confess, + And tell her she is fairer than bloom of earth, to-night, + In that her soul exhaleth all virtues pure and bright! + + + + +THE CLOUD + + + A Cloud scarce larger than a feather + Uprose in Love's bright sky one day, + But, ah, it grew to stormy weather + And shrouded all the sun's bright ray! + + A little cloud! but ah, the sorrow + That springs from bitter words that jar; + How deep the pain from which we borrow,-- + How strong the wall that forms the bar! + + We may in after-hours grow tender + And strive to read our lives aright, + But if to Love its due we render, + We know Life's thread, at best, is slight! + + What if the look, the word, but spoken, + Had been "the last" we ever met? + Ah! Life had been too short, too broken, + Its pang forever to forget! + + + + +SEHNSUCHT! + + + My heart grows faint with longing and with love + As in the twilight comes thy well-loved face; + And closer, closer drawn by threads that bind + Thee to me, all our tender joys I trace. + + In lines keen-cut, and lasting as the stone + When sculptor's art transforms it into life-- + That erst were soulless marble, still and poor + To mirror forth our hope or joy or strife! + + In lines keen-cut! Yea, on my living heart, + (That slumbered 'neath its veil of seeming death), + Thou tracest characters full bold and deep, + And breathest now with life-inspiring breath! + + Thus was Love born! To me, who deemed it cast + Behind me!--with the shadows and the blight + That fell on trusting heart and life and home, + And wrapped my soul in darkest tones of night! + + Nay, but thy Love has waked me, and I live! + For love and life, twin-born, are guests of mine, + Thine eyes have told me lover's sweetest tale, + And tender lips have sealed me wholly thine! + + So, if within the hours apart we walk + Ofttimes in paths that take us from our nest-- + The nest we built with loving heart and hands-- + It takes not from us love nor trust nor rest! + + It takes them not--no hand but ours can rob + Each other of this gift surpassing all! + No hand but ours can bind or break this bond, + And from no other hand but ours can fall + + Blight or distrust, or grief or bitter pain; + And so, my own, in this we builded well + If through life's storm or sunshine there shall fall + No grief or loss our lips may ever tell! + + My heart grows faint with longing and with love,-- + And yet I know I must not keep thee e'er + A tender bond-slave to my amorous will;-- + Such chain as that 'twere ill that thou shouldst wear! + + I would not have thee swayed, dear love, by aught + Thy manhood would disclaim; nor would I hold + Thee prisoner to my clinging heart, howe'er + Its pleading touch would seek to thee enfold! + + Love cannot live where faith and trust are not,-- + Love will not brook a gilded chain to wear;-- + And where the fetters bind, the bird's sweet song + Is hushed--the skies above, no more, are fair! + + But I would hold thee in my heart of hearts + So little prisoner, that thou ne'er shouldst stray + From Love's dear shrine,--but, through the waning years + Our love-life should grow dearer day by day! + + + + +SELECTION + + + Yes, hold me closer, closer in thy arms, + And closer to thy beating heart, that I, + Secure in all that crowns a woman's lot, + May now, with thee, the bitter past defy! + + Yet would I not call down an envious doom + On any of the future's sunny days; + 'Twere ill in me to tempt the Fates, I trow; + But, rather, as one pleading, kneels and prays:-- + + "Stay but thy hand, O Time! and pitying grant + Us of thy sunny sheaves of Harvest Day; + Hours brimmed with sweetness and all glad with love,-- + That, passing on, we scarce may heed the way + + "That erst was strewn with sharpest stones and weeds; + So lead us gently, Time, we may not miss + Aught of Life's joy or of its brilliant light, + Or, missing, crave a fuller cup than this!" + + Yes, hold me closer, closer; let me rest + My head, content, above thy throbbing heart. + Struggle and bay of laurel are the world's; + But this, my own dear Love, the better part! + + Fame and Ambition--lo! do not they burn + With all the lurid light and gleam of earth? + Love, silent and benign, an influence sheds, + And heralds forth in life a higher birth! + + Vain is ambition, yea, or conquered goal, + To bind my heart or satisfy me here. + Then hold me closer, closer to thee, Love; + For this I give it all--hold thou me near! + + + + +LEGENDARY SONGS + + + + +THE MANSION THAT ENDURED + +(This legend, in prose, I found in a French collection, and have +believed it would be acceptable rendered into verse. M. L.) + + + Back, in olden time when emperors + Ruled the land where Tiber flows, + Proud and stern dwelt Gondoforus, + As the ancient legend shows. + + As he mused in hours of leisure, + Came into his brain this thought: + "Straight I'll build, for mine own glory + Here, a palace deftly wrought + + "Of the richest gold and silver; + With the choicest gems bedecked; + That shall on my house and lineage + Still a greater light reflect. + + "Shall outshine the Roman Emperor's + In its beauty and its worth; + Place fore'er his lordly structure + 'Mid the lesser of the earth." + + So he sent his message speeding + To the regions far and near, + That some great and cunning builder + Might at his command appear. + + When, one day, with mien all lowly, + Wrapped about in garments gray, + Stood the architect before him, + His behest to now essay. + + Spoke his will--and Gondoforus + Went forth proudly unto war; + Days and months sped on unheeded, + Still no word came from afar. + + Yet the architect wrought, silent, + Though he touched nor plan nor pen; + For the palace he was building + Was not seen by eyes of men. + + While unto the poor and wretched + Freely of the gold gave he; + Precious stones were turned to healing + Needs of poor humanity! + + Back, returning flushed with victory, + Gondoforus came apace; + Sought, in vain, to view his palace-- + Bare and empty was its place! + + Then he sent, with sternest message, + For the architect, and said-- + "Caitiff, what is now thy showing? + Answer, by thy hoary head!" + + Thomas (he who, doubting, lingered + When his fellows pressed to claim + As their risen Lord, the Saviour) + Spake: "Oh, thou of kingly name, + + "Lo! thy house is even builded!" + But the warrior bade them cast + In deep dungeon him who trifled + With his will--there bind him fast, + + While he planned the subtlest torment + For the traitor's aged frame, + While he doomed, with keenest vengeance, + Him to torture, death and shame! + + But, as in his rage he pondered, + Sleep o'ertook him, held him chained, + And a vision hovered near him-- + Earthly sense grew dim and waned. + + Then the spirit of his brother + Swiftly to his side drew nigh; + Said, in words that thrilled his being, + "He whom thou hast doomed to die + + "Is the servant of the Mighty; + Is an instrument of grace, + For the angels now have shown me + (Where no narrow walls have place + + "And where dwell the hosts eternal) + Reared in all its beauty there, + Lo! a House of precious jewels + And of ornament most fair. + + "Fashioned of the precious metals + Thou wouldst fain have builded here; + Fashioned with a grace and glory + That on Earth doth not appear. + + Thus, in Paradise there standeth + Waiting thee, a House divine, + Which the Architect hath fashioned + All on Earth to now outshine!" + + Then the vision paled and vanished; + Gondoforus straightway sped + To the captive, who awaiting, + Bowed in prayer his aged head. + + Gondoforus knelt before him; + Then the holy Thomas spoke, + As he raised the humble warrior + Crushed beneath the vision's stroke-- + + "Knowest not, O King, the mansions + That endure, are reared on high? + Builded there, for us, in Heaven + By our faith and charity." + + + + +THE CHIMES + + + On fair Lake Como's sunny brink, + An ancient monastery stood + Close to the mountain's steep ascent, + As nestling 'neath its snowy hood. + And there a pale young artisan + His cunning plied; a wondrous chime + He sought to frame, that those who loved + The beauty of that molten rhyme + Within the valley's breadth should hear + Pealing at morn and even clear. + + For years he toiled, content if he + At last might frame a chime so sweet + That pilgrims oft would silent pause + To hear the music glad repeat. + Borne o'er the tranquil waters' reach + And bringing swift unto the heart + + Its tones of warning, praise, and love, + That nevermore should then depart. + Such was the thought he wove, and prayed + That his life's work be holy made. + + The day came when that perfect chime + Was placed aloft, its song to wing + Forth o'er the waters' silent reach + And to the convent's roof to bring + The lost and wayworn traveller from + The busy haunts of world and strife, + Back, where the calm of prayer might prove + The guide-post to Eternal life! + Then was the artisan as one + Whose dearest life-work, here, was done. + + Not so, howe'er! 'Twas yet to be + A lifelong task--a path to lead + Through many a land, in futile search + O'er stony ways where feet should bleed. + Not yet his soul's high guerdon find-- + The prize his hands had placed aloft. + How rarely here on earth we see + Life's morning fill its promise soft. + Not yet was he to find his rest + Beside Lake Como's lovely breast. + + A savage horde o'erran the land + And bore away the prizéd chime; + Afar from peaceful Como's side, + To some unknown and distant clime. + In vain the artisan complained + Beneath a fate unkind; he drew + No comfort from lament or prayer, + For peace no more his hearthstone knew. + Then, as one day he brooding mused + And consolation sweet refused, + + He seemed to see before his eyes + A land outspread, wherein his feet + Should wander, seeking ever there + His loved and lost--his chime so sweet, + He rose at once; he sought no aid; + But bowed his head in silent prayer; + Then from his home he straightway passed + That no one might his purpose share. + And leaving home and rest that day + With breaking heart went on his way. + + Whene'er he heard, in foreign land, + Some wondrous story of a chime + Whose tones were liquid notes of song, + Whose bells rang out a gladsome rhyme, + He journeyed to that storied place, + Nor paused till he should reach the spot,-- + Only to find his quest in vain, + While yet those bells were ne'er forgot. + Each day his soul went up in prayer + That those clear chimes might pierce the air! + + Thus journeyed he for many a year + While locks of gold had turned to grey + Till in a distant land he strayed + And heard at close of summer day + The old sweet song rung by his chime + He long had listened for in vain! + Quickly rose tears in lifted eyes, + Quickly his heart renounced its pain! + "O loved and lost! for many a day + You've called me from my youth away!" + + For now on foreign strand he waits + Alone in age--alone in kin, + Listening as listens one who bides + Outside of Heaven, to praise within. + Not vain his search! not lost his love! + He feels once more the old-time throb + Ere cruel foes his prize had ta'en; + No more may they his treasure rob! + His life went forth in one glad cry + Beneath that far-off, alien sky! + + 'Twas ended--all the tender search; + The hours of pain and sleepless toil; + There, where no loved his hand might clasp; + There, on that wild and foreign soil. + But deep within his heart was writ + His purpose pure; his steadfast search. + And lo! his chime still calls to prayer, + And still peals forth from ivied church. + The bells once blessed by saintly hands + Now call, in Limerick, God's commands! + + My story's done--what need to say + He sleeps as well and sweetly there + Beneath that arch of foreign sky + As in his native land so fair. + He found, ere death had met his feet + The prize he sought with spirit brave, + And finding was content to lie + Afar from Como in his grave. + Love was the goal that led his feet + To peace and deathless calm replete. + + The chimes? Ah, well, perhaps they peal + No less the sweetly that their note + In alien lands the tidings bring; + They still to God their praise devote, + And though their maker no more hears + The liquid music of each tone, + They speak to those whose living needs + Make of the chimes their very own. + Though hand that made is turned to clay, + His work--the chimes--lives on alway! + + + + +FRANCIS COSTER'S STORY + +(I came across this legend, in prose, some time ago, to which was +prefixed this note: "The following exquisite story was written by +Anthony of Sienna, and translated from the Dominican records by +Francis Coster, a famous preacher of the sixteenth century. Mr. Gould, +author of _Mysteries of the Middle Ages,_ has succeeded in rendering +it into current English." + +In rendering the story into verse, I have kept to the text as closely +as possible. M. L.) + + + Once--I've read in olden story-- + Lived a holy man of God, + And two children, 'neath his guidance, + Through life's pitfalls safely trod. + + Every day's returning duties + Found them docile at his side, + There to draw from Wisdom's fountain + All his tender care supplied. + + But the day's first, freshest hour + At the altar found them prone, + Gladly giving to their Savior + All He claimeth as His own. + + There they served with purest offering + At the sacrifice sublime, + Knelt, responded, and with reverence + Sounded oft the bell's clear chime. + + And this duty then completed, + To the little chapel door + Turned their feet, and, entering, vanished + There to eat their humble store. + + But one day their teacher seeking, + Spake the elder one full clear, + "Tell us, Father, what fair infant + Doth so oft to us appear?" + + Then the priest replied in accents + Full of tender, loving care-- + "Son, I know not him you speak of + Who with thee thy task doth share." + + But they came again unto him + Day by day, with urgent word, + And it was with deepest wonder + That their simple tale he heard. + + And he asked--"Of what sort is he?" + And they answered him again-- + "Father, he is clad in raiment + Seamless and without a stain!" + + "But whence cometh he?" replying + Spoke the priest in accents mild; + And they answered, "From the altar, + As it were, descends the child. + + "And we asked him then to share + With us of our milk and bread; + And he doth, right willingly;" + This is what the children said. + + And the priest was full of wonder; + To the children then spake he-- + "Are there marks whereby to know him + If mine eyes the child should see?" + + "Yes, my father, yes, he beareth + In his hands and in his feet + Wounds that pierce his tender body." + These the words that they repeat. + + "From his hands the crimson liquid, + On the bread he taketh, flows + Till beneath his touch it blusheth + Like the deep heart of the rose!" + + Then with awe replied their master-- + "O my sons, list unto me! + Know it is the sweet Child Jesus + The Holy One, that you did see! + + "When again he cometh to you, + With these words your greeting be: + 'Thou hast breakfasted with us, + Grant we three may sup with Thee!'" + + Then the children did his bidding; + Sweetly then the Child did say, + "Be it so, on Thursday next; + Be it on Ascension Day!" + + On that day they came rejoicing, + But they brought nor milk nor bread; + Served they at the Mass right gladly; + "Pax Vobiscum," then was said-- + + But they still knelt on, unheeding, + Thus they fell in Christ asleep; + Master, children, with their Savior + Then his marriage-feast did keep! + + + + +SONGS ON THE HEIGHTS + + + + +THE OLD CEMETERY + + + Lo! half way up the hill I pause + To turn within the ancient gate + And enter ground now hallowéd! + The silent city where they wait + In perfect rest till He shall bid + Them rise who now in sleep are laid; + Whose life, and death, and waiting e'en, + On Him in childlike faith is stayed! + No sound is heard within the spot + Save the soft wind among the trees, + Or song of insect's busy hum, + Or low of herd upon the breeze. + I walk 'mid graves of those long dead, + Who lived and suffered, strove and won, + And now have entered into life + E'en while we say their life is done! + I fain would take when I return + Into the world's wild rush and roar, + The peace of this fair autumn day, + That it bide with me evermore! + That I may learn from this blest spot + Where sleep the dead--who in the Lord + Now take their rest--that life is more + Than idle jest, than passing word, + Than anxious effort for the bread + That perisheth! Yea, more! + That life is as a vessel given + Of precious ointment, that we bear + And fear that we its freight may waste + Ere we may yield it to His care! + + + + +LINES ON IMMORTALITY + + + Poor trembling soul within this frame of clay, + That vainly questioneth, wouldst fain essay + The problem that nor time nor man may solve, + Around which cycles evermore revolve! + + Not till the light upon thy quest is born, + That only beams in an immortal morn, + Shalt thou be satisfied, thy fears allayed, + And, freed from earth, a new creation made! + + + + +A DREAM + + + I dreamed, and lo! upon the silent earth + (That ever swings, as from its misty birth), + I kinless stood! and all the streams that erst + In joyous measure sang me forth their tale + Sank to a murmur; even while there burst + Upon mine eyes that straightway turned me pale! + I looked and wondered, and I grew as chill + As though their fated touch had froze my blood; + As far beyond that living, green-clad hill, + In breathless awe, mine eyes were turned, I stood + Appalled! Forth from the bosom of the deep + There rose a wondrous chain of towering cliffs, + Clear as the lake upon whose mirror sleep + Light-poised, all tenderly the skiffs; + While rays of light played o'er their polished sides, + As slowly rose and sank they on the tides. + Kissed by the sun they grew; their colors' sheen + Of rose and emerald-touched tips; between + The amethyst deepened to a royal tone + Of purple, and I stood and gazed, alone! + I knew that naught of earth was left save me + To look upon that strange and glorious sea! + And, as I gazed, wild flames leapt up to seize + The iceberg's glow and melt it to their will: + Naught could their hungry rage of greed appease, + While luridly and sullen burned they still, + What, then, does it portray--this onslaught fierce + Of flames upon these sunlit cliffs of ice, + If it be not that Evil seeks to pierce + The armor thrown about the soul's device; + The powers that wage unceasing war, + And ever seek to gain what lies afar + Above them! "Souls of just men perfect made," + "Yield not," I cried, "for here a mortal stands + "Alone and helpless in these alien lands; + "And yet on mortal lips, I know, is laid + "The burden of a knowledge far above + "All thought of human gain or human love!" + And crying thus, I woke, nor ever knew + If to fruition my bright vision grew. + + + + +ON EMPYREAN HEIGHTS + +(Read at Hardman Hall, New York City, before the International League +of Press Clubs, June 3, 1897.) + + + I stood on empyrean heights and saw, + Outlined in figures bold, a vision there; + Loud were the shouts of strife and deadly war, + While Peace, remote, shone in her beauty fair. + I heard the clash of arms; the martial tread; + While nation warred with nation in their lust + Of pride and power, until there lay the dead-- + The heroes of a decade--in the dust! + + I saw, in ranks that spread to either pole, + Heroic deeds of great men and of true; + The highest aspirations of the soul; + The work wrought, through the many, by the few! + I sped from rising sun unto the west; + I read the stars that mirrored in the sky; + And some in a resplendent light were dressed, + And some through shadow I could scarce descry. + + I saw a Nation's rise and saw its fall; + I learned a people's passing glory there; + I heard the strident voice of Justice call, + And answering cheer and joy were in the air. + I passed through touching scenes of humble life, + Where hearts were beating in their full content; + Where far from peaceful hearth and home lay strife, + And days of joy and gaiety were spent. + + I passed 'mid scenes of dark and dull despair, + On, on, where bitter want and hunger raged; + Where naught of holiness was pictured there, + But man 'gainst man his cruel warfare waged! + I heard the wail of childhood in its need, + And saw the fearful shadow of Death's wing + Pass swiftly on and through the darkness speed, + And heard the joyous song the angels sing! + + I heard the deeds of woe--saw sins of ill; + I knew Life's tragedy was played the while; + That greed of gain--that selfish, restless will + Was crushing out the tender youth's sweet smile. + I also read of good and saw its scope + Of radiance on a troubled world's dark web; + And saw that trust and love and buoyant hope + Outrode the spring-time tide ere it could ebb. + + Nay, tell me, then, whence came each passing scene, + And why such widespread power vouchsafed to me, + That time nor space held aught of bar between + The shifting lights of land and distant sea? + How could I realize the utmost span + Of life and love, nay more, of silent death + As meted out within the time of man, + And passing o'er the wide world's pulsing breath? + + O puissant Press! what need have I to tell + The power of thy great sceptre wielded here? + When those, beneath whose brilliant, magic spell + We've sat entranced, now in our midst appear! + Each face familiar warms the brother's heart; + Each hand extended meets an earnest clasp; + Each friend is here, a living sentient part + Of Brotherhood and seeks an honest grasp! + + O mighty power for good or yet for ill; + For saving grace; mayhap for withering blight! + Thy brimming cup of service should be still + The draught to lift a weary world to light. + Thy arm should raiséd be in noble strife; + Thy steady hand still wield the trenchant pen; + Thus all of light and grace and noble life + Shall call thee forth from hearts of fellowmen! + + + + +SONGS OF REMEMBRANCE + + + + +A LITTLE WHILE + +(March 14, 1889.) + + + A little while, my friends, and I am lying + Beneath the sod that tells us Spring is nigh; + And I, who've found this life no rest supplying, + Shall lay my task aside without a sigh. + + A little while, and friends who kindly greet me + Shall seek my place--in tears shall seek in vain; + And those whose love and tender thought now meet me, + Shall say--"She comes, our friend, no more again!" + + A little while--and oh, how great the yearning + To lay the burden down, to be as free + As bird that hails its nest, on wing returning; + So do I think, beloved, of rest and thee! + + The rest my weary heart and soul have waited + Through all these years of sorrow and of doubt; + As traveller on his homeward way, belated, + Impatient seeks and can not bide without. + + And thee! Oh loved one gone, this year, before me, + Unto a world of light and rapture pure; + The thought of thee doth, smiling, now allure me + To draw more close and yet to more endure! + + + + +REVERIE + + + O'er the long reach of water comes + The plash of dipping oar, + And faintly, borne upon the wind, + Far voices gain the shore. + + I hear their low, faint murmur as + The boat glides on its way, + And with the glance of flashing oar + Fall silver drops of spray! + + I lie with half-closed eyes and dream + Of days that long are fled; + While fancy brings unto my side + The forms of those now dead. + + When life and love were as a song + From vibrant chords of youth! + When every heart that greeted me + Spoke but of trust and truth! + + Thus half-adream I hold commune + With mine own heart, and ask + Were youth and joy the greater gain, + Or life's more finished task? + + Quick comes the answer to my lips-- + Quick to the question craved-- + "The noblest deeds of life are those + In later years engraved + + "On tablets of the living mind, + In characters full bold; + Not happiness, nor yet content, + Can here life's measure hold! + + "Not to glide on in summer dreams, + Nor yet to love, is best; + But in thy noble strength to grow + And earn the longed-for rest!" + + So not with envious eyes I watch + The boat whose living freight + Is youth and all youth's sunny dreams-- + I, who have learned to wait! + + + + +HEIMWEH + + + O heart of mine, why sighest + For joys thou may'st not taste? + O eyes, why turn in longing + Across the weary waste? + And lips that falter sadly + Of home and love and peace, + Now all thy vain repining + And doubt and grief, oh, cease! + Home! Nay, thy home is distant; + Will longing bring it near, + And heart, will thy complaining + Point out the way more clear? + O heart of mine, thou sighest + In vain, thy home's afar; + It shineth as a beacon + To exile--as a star + Unto the lonely sailor + Who dreams of land and love, + But as he dreams looks ever + Unto his star above! + Then, heart, bind to thy longing + The gaze that turns aloft + Beyond the raging tempest + To seek love's guidance oft. + Heimweh! O homesick sailor, + Across life's stormy main + Return unto thy haven, + No more to roam again! + + + + +GRAND MANAN + +(1886) + + + O'er the wild reach of wave afar + Thy cliffs arise; once more + I turn mine eyes upon thy hills + And purple-tinted shore. + + All silent in majestic state, + Monarch of mighty realm, + Thy front is raised to meet the storm, + When fierce gales overwhelm. + + Yet on this lovely autumn day, + In soft enchantment's chain, + Outlined fore'er on distant sky + Thy memory shall remain. + + My feet must tread in other paths + Than this belovéd land, + And other footprints in their turn + Shall press this shining sand. + + Sea, air and sky are filled alike + With beauty and delight; + The sea is shimmering at my feet + With all of life and light. + + So let me bear to other scenes + This picture; it shall stay + As memory and as joy to me + Through many a weary day. + + And oft shall rise before my sight + When distance, time and care + Have touched my life with graver thought, + This vision passing fair! + + + + +MADELEINE + +(1891) + + + I see her passing through the fields + All fresh with daisies and with rye, + And something purer, brighter, breathes + Than the mere tints of earth and sky. + + Her dainty head with grace is poised, + And 'neath her hat-brim's shade I see + The soft, dark eyes, the pure child-face + That hold so much of joy for me! + + Her feet, as loath to tread the bloom + Of flowers and of field-grass bright, + Fall lightly as she maketh way + To pass, nor leave behind her blight. + + Fearless the eyes, and full of thought, + As though Life's secret fain she'd know; + Grace, of a wildness all untrained, + Wraps her within its subtile glow. + + And, as she treads her way a-field + I know she seeks me, me alone! + O child! my heart grows weak, to-night, + To stifle now its secret moan! + + What will ye bring her, Love and Life? + Or what withhold? I may not see; + But, oh, I pray, whate'er ye take, + Leave her her grace and purity. + + + + +WHERE THE SHADOWS PLAY + + + Where the long reach of shadows play, + And placid waters murmur by + I dream throughout the summer day + Nor note the hours that wingéd fly. + Hushed is the voice of sordid trade, + And e'en the birds' sweet song is stilled; + While all the cares that Life hath made + Slip from my heart, which now is filled + With peace alone. O Nature pure! + To thee, I turn, no more to stray + In spirit, with thee ever sure + To find sweet solace for the day! + O leafy homes where song-birds rest; + O gentle breeze that rocks and sways! + My heart all silent stays to rest + And bide apart these heaven-born days! + For other worlds are pictured there; + Reflected in the waters lie; + And each is clear and passing fair, + And fleecy clouds o'er each glide by! + + + + +A VALENTINE + + + Years have sped by with rapid wing + Since those bright days of long ago, + When, hand in hand, in Life's sweet spring, + We told our love in accents low. + + For you were young, and fair, and free, + And I a youth with ardor bold; + You were, of all earth's maids, to me + The fairest--ah, the story's old! + + Our youthful fancy in the years + That now lie far behind, anew + Springs forth from memories Time endears, + When smiles were frequent, tears were few! + + Ah well! we parted! Still doth shine + Your form on fancy's pictured wall, + As when you were my "Valentine," + And I to you was all in all! + + I see you on the busy street, + A comely matron, fair of face; + The maiden, tall, and pale and sweet, + Keeps by your side with even pace. + + You see her not? Nay, she is mine, + This gracious presence from the Past! + She is my one fair Valentine + Through summer's glow, through winter's blast! + + + + +THE MARTINS + + + Slowly sinks the sun. The evening takes from night a deeper tone; + Birds on restless wing are wheeling with a grace and strength + their own. + Martins! How your note reminds me of the days so long ago, + In the time when care or sorrow ne'er had touched me with their woe! + + Back your song, this evening, takes me, back within that golden past, + And I seem to see the village--and the spell of yore is cast + Once again about my spirit! Memory brings before my view + Friends and faces long since vanished--sounds and scenes that + once I knew. + + Till the sea-girt town uprises from the mist, in verdure drest, + Borne as jewel in its setting on the grand old ocean's breast; + O'er the waves the bell sounds clearly with its call to evening prayer, + And the martins wheel and circle, now, with swift wing through the air. + + So I muse while twilight summons once again the long ago, + And its clustered memories fill my brooding heart, and overflow. + Youth and love, and hope, aweary in these years have grown and I + Walk afaint in life's rough pathway where erstwhile my feet did fly. + + But I think when Azrael greets me I would fain the hour were mine + 'Twixt the sunset and the even--at the summer day's decline. + So the martins through the ether in their graceful flight should be + Like the harbingers of freedom to the soul from earth set free! + + + + +NEVER AGAIN + + + Leave me alone to my sorrow, my sorrow, + Leave me alone, I would "mourn my dead!" + Never again on the morrow'll he greet me, + Never again, it is said, it is said! + + Never again shall I see him approaching, + Hear his clear voice ring over the lea; + Never again shall his strong arm enfold me, + Never again, ah, woe is me! + + Never again! oh the weight of this anguish! + Never to see him, to hear him again! + Only my heart to my heart can disclose it-- + Never, ah! never--this quivering pain! + + Never again will he wait 'neath my window, + Bidding me join him, as loving he stands; + Never to watch for his coming to meet me + Over the sea from those distant lands! + + Dark are his eyes as is the veiled splendor + Of tropical skies in storm overcast! + Glorious his smile as the sunlight descending, + Full on the earth when that tempest is past! + + Now in the land of his birth though he wander, + 'Neath Southern palms tho' his footsteps rove, + Ever, I know, in its pain and its longing, + Turns his heart's trust unto mine's deathless love! + + Leave me alone to my sorrow, my sorrow, + Leave me alone with life's dreary refrain! + Never again shall I hear his fond pleading, + Listening I hear only--"Never again!" + + We are severed by more than the ocean's vast billows! + We must walk in our paths each alone and in pain! + But our hearts grow but closer, and fonder, and nearer, + Though here upon earth, it be "never again!" + + + + +HADST THOU DENIED + + + So many things, dear Lord, I asked; + So many things that were untried; + So many things I sought, but oh + Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied! + + I did not know their gold was dross; + I did not see the chasm wide + But downward plunged, and now I cry-- + Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied! + + So many things, with outstretched hands, + I begged might not be turned aside. + I know the best had oft been mine + Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied! + + I wearied Thee with my wild prayers + To taste of joys that ne'er abide. + While many blessings had been mine + Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied! + + Hadst Thou denied my foolish wish; + Hadst Thou my spirit longer tried! + All these vain years, in grief, I own, + Had reaped rich gain hadst Thou denied! + + + + +WHY SHOULD I REMEMBER IF YOU FORGET? + + + Why should I remember the days of long ago? + Days we spent together, beside the river's flow; + Why should I remember the dreams that haunt me yet? + Ah, why should I remember--if you forget! + + Why should I remember the nights I sat and dreamed + As stars came out in Heaven--when they and I it seemed, + Alone kept watch and vigil--ah, I recall them yet! + But why should I remember--if you forget! + + Why should I remember those days of Summer time + When Love immortal bound me, and sang his witching rhyme. + Why should I remember your vows as there we met? + Ah, why should I remember--if you forget! + + Why should I remember the grave I fashioned wide + Within my heart and laid you, and all that with you died. + Why should I bewail you, and why should it be yet + That I must still remember--and you forget! + + Why has my heart grown empty and why this empty throne + Where you who made life dear have left me now alone? + Why can I not a watch against your mem'ry set? + Ah, why should I remember--when you forget! + + + + + +TO H. N. T. + +(Jan. 28, 1885.) + + + Dear heart, sweet heart that through these years + Hast walked with me, in sun, in shade! + Though thy dear presence bides with me + In thought alone, that ne'er shall fade! + We may not wander hand in hand, + We seldom greet us face to face, + Yet in my life thy love, thy words + Have ever yet a hallowed place! + Together in the past we roamed + When girlhood's fancies bound our will,-- + To-day, no less, we deem it sweet + The tie that holds us captive still! + To thee, beloved, my storm-tost heart + Turns now, as then, for word of cheer. + In those far days my arm was strong, + My love did hold thee from all fear; + But now my strength is well nigh spent, + Though mem'ry crowns each happy hour, + And fain would forms now vanished seek, + And fain recall that witching power! + Some sleep in death whom we called dear; + Some roam afar in distant lands, + While you and I have ever grown + The nearer, knit by Friendship's bands! + And as the years roll on I cling, + Dear heart, more closely to thy love; + God grant for all life's bitterness + A lasting peace to come, above! + + + + +SONGS OF CONSOLATION + + + + +AND THEY SHALL RISE AGAIN + + + "And they shall rise again!" Oh, words of comfort given + To many hearts by sorrow borne unto the earth! + "And they shall rise again!" The gates of death are riven, + And forth, immortal, steps the Soul unto her birth! + + Long had they lain in vast Nepenthe's hidden coffers, + The germs of life that silent waited but the call + Of Love Divine to seize upon the gift it proffers, + And to throw back and off, forever, the dark pall. + + "And they shall rise again!" Arise to glories bounding + No earth-born vision, and no span of fleeting days, + But, born of depths which life thus far had been but sounding, + The heirs of Heaven's crown and its immortal praise! + + "And they shall rise again!" Oh joys of hope eternal! + That though we, weeping, lay them 'neath the heavy sod, + God's angels, guarding now, behold their spring supernal, + And hold them trusting, waiting but the call of God! + + So shall this Easter morn, to-day, bring to us waiting, + His Word fulfilled,--His gift of gifts above all price! + For Earth and Light and Air are all to us relating + The glories borne at dawn from shores of Paradise! + + + + +MINE ONWARD PATH + + + And so I take mine onward path, alone, + And yet not quite alone if God decree; + The way my Lord hath trod shall be mine own, + And so my strength shall be! + + What though it lead through tangled brake and brier, + And sharpest stones shall pierce my wounded feet? + Unto that height if my faint soul aspire + These words mine ear might greet:-- + + "If thou but follow Me through toil and pain, + If thou but take thy cross and follow Me, + I will reward thee, when I come again, + For all Eternity. + + "But if thou wilt not bear thy cross with Me + Thou canst not hope to win the victor's prize; + No martyr's crown, no saint's green palm shall be + Thy share in Paradise!" + + And so I fain would take mine onward way + In humble imitation of my Lord. + This hope to be bear me in it day by day,-- + His never-failing word! + + + + +AFTER MANY DAYS + + + Calm seas upon whose placid breast + My barque one day shall anchored lie, + Beyond this season's keen unrest, + Beneath a softened evening sky! + + I shall not in those hours of peace + Recount the storms that strike me now; + For me the struggle sore shall cease, + And Trust stand at my vessel's prow! + + The shipwreck and the storm no more + May toss me 'neath its stern decree; + But anchored within sight of shore + A perfect rest shall welcome me! + + I shall not count the tears that flow + These weary hours, these restless days; + For then my keener sight shall know + The hidden meaning of His ways! + + And thus I look beyond the storm, + Beyond the clouds that now appear; + Knowing the ills that take such form + Shall flee before the evening clear! + + Calm seas upon whose placid breast + My barque one day shall anchored lie, + My soul may not possess thy rest + Until the evening draweth nigh! + + + + +SOME DAY + + + Some day when all this weary time + No more hath power to stay my flight; + When far from earth's unhappy clime + My soul shall speed her way to light, + I shall no more this garb of clay + (Beneath whose weight I sink opprest) + Bear with me; but, oh blesséd day, + Find all denied in life of rest! + + Some day! ah, how my heart doth cry + With longing and with pain, aloud, + For some faint sign lest hope should die; + For some small token through the cloud! + Lest joy no more my guest should be, + And peace, that calms with tender touch, + No more should come to visit me, + Who need their presence here so much. + + Some day! Nay, do I not know well + This life bears little in its hand + That we should lie as in a spell + Beneath its strong and cruel band. + At best, 'tis but a span dealt out + To each; as grains of sand may seem + That, as the tempest whirls about, + Are gone, and ended as a dream! + + + + +LAKE WINNEPESEOGEE + +(TWILIGHT) + + + O fair, broad Lake, upon whose breast + The shifting shadows rise and fall, + Thy surging waters' vague unrest + Sinks beneath twilight's gathering pall. + + Thy changing beauties quickly glide + Successive past th' entrancéd eye, + While hills around, in regal pride, + Reflected in thy waters lie. + + I hear the plash of dipping oar, + I see the boats swing on their way; + The waves flow on from shore to shore, + While softly, slowly dies the day. + + And sweetly with the evening's calm + Upon my heart there falls a peace, + That comes as comes the evening psalm, + That bids the world's vain tumult cease. + + And as fall swift the shades of night + Along the path my feet must tread, + Lo! through the clouds a golden light + Upon Life's passing scene is shed. + + And so, bathed in its softened glow, + And tuned to sweetest harmonies + Far, far beyond Life's ebb and flow-- + The soul, immortal, seeks the skies! + + + + +JESUS OF NAZARETH PASSETH BY + + + O storm-tost soul in thine hour of need + Turn to the light ere the moments fly, + Turn unto One who will ever heed-- + Jesus of Nazareth passeth by! + + Hark, what mean these songs of praise + And clouds of incense that float on high? + See! borne on wings on this day of days, + Jesus of Nazareth passeth by! + + If thou but touch His garment's hem + As they did of old (if thou wouldst not die), + Lo, from His person, as unto them, + Healing and love flow silently! + + Into each heart He entereth now, + Listeneth unto each sinner's cry! + Then--leaving His blessing upon each brow-- + Jesus of Nazareth passeth by! + + Joy that we sat at His blesséd feet! + Joy that He hears e'en the faintest sigh! + Loudly our lips exultant repeat-- + "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by!" + + + + +NEARER MY REST + + + Nearer my rest with each succeeding day + That bears me still mine own allotted task. + Nearer my rest! the clouds roll swift away, + And nought remains, O Lord, for me to ask, + + If I but bear unflinchingly life's pain, + And humbly lay it at Thy feet divine, + Then shall I see each loss a hidden gain, + And Thy sweet mercy through the darkness shine. + + Nearer my rest! and as I journey on + Grant me, dear Lord, (my angel-guides to be, + To keep and help me ere that rest be won), + Patience, and Faith, and blesséd Purity. + + These guides, I pray Thee, each Thine attribute, + And thou, O Lord, my shield and armor bright; + For without Thee no tree shall bear good fruit; + These three, O Lord, to lead me through the night! + + + + +SO MANY YEARS + + + These hands have labored, Lord, so many years; + So many years these feet have trod this road; + So many years these shoulders, bent and weak, + Have borne their own and others' heavy load! + + This heart has broken in these many years, + And tears have dimmed these eyes, till life + Has seemed but one sad wilderness, and few + The hours of peace amidst the bitter strife! + + Must I, then, Lord, toil on unceasing here? + Hast thou no words of comfort for my soul? + Are all the cheerless, fainting hours to win + No progress toward my weary spirit's goal? + + Nay! as I speak, I know the day will dawn + From out the dark and tempest-driven night, + When I, released, shall stand erect and free + Within the glory of that radiant light! + + No more, then, heart, bewail these hours of earth, + No more shed tears of blood, for surely there, + Beyond the darkness and the pain and gloom + Shines forth the sun in lands that are most fair! + + + + +SORROW + + + I wore a jewel on my breast, + Nor knew, till late, that it was such; + Oft hath it robbed me of my rest; + Oft have I shivered at its touch! + + I wore it, trembling, and I knew + Nor why it was, in fact, nor how + Its presence fell like evening dew + On shrinking heart, and lip and brow! + + It was a thing of pain, and yet + A subtile blessing seemed to flow + From 'neath its touch, though eyes were wet + As from the stab of ruthless foe! + + Not until years had fled did I + Behold the inner presence there; + Not until Time had passed all by, + Did I perceive its beauty rare. + + But now I know thee as thou art, + O Face divine that lookest down + Upon my life and bruiséd heart; + And fear of thee fore'er hath flown! + + Thou shalt walk with me, as I know, + For the brief space of years to be; + A newer, higher path to show + Where sorrow wins me purity! + + + + +UNKNOWN + + + A day whose wondrous dawn is writ + In letters firm and free and bold, + Through years whose prophecies shall fit + This stone from Life's mosaic old! + + A day wherein my hands shall rest + From labor ill-requited here; + The hands whose clasp on peace hath prest + Too light to hold it very near. + + That day whose number ofttimes now + Rolls past each year, but all unseen + By eyes now holden, shades the brow + Where other shades have frequent been! + + Some token in each joyous year + That most I loved, abides unseen, + And bears aloft an index clear + Upon its leaves now clasped between. + + The month, the day, the hour is there, + Unconscious to my searching eye + When, be the skies or dark or fair, + Shall added be the Year I die! + + And as I note each feast of song + On earth; each joy, each loss or birth, + Shall I not give--nor thus be wrong-- + A thought to that, when clogging earth + + Shall hold me bond-slave here no more! + No more shall dim with tears mine eyes; + When I shall simply pass the door + No living hand impatient tries! + + Not mine to know that day as yet; + But in the watches of the night, + The watch my soul herself hath set, + I wait the coming of that light. + + Not then as messenger of dread + I wait to read it on the scroll; + Not as impatient, nor as wed + To life, abides my waiting soul! + + Though now inscribed "unknown" it takes + Its place on calendar of earth, + An anniversary that wakes + To greet us from the hour of birth! + + + + +SONGS OF PATRIOTISM + + + + +OUR BIRTHRIGHT + + + God of the Nations! Thou whose might + Hath led us from the dark to light, + Since first a puny people we + Sought and obtained our Liberty! + Grant, we beseech Thee, for the Earth + A Peace that shall have noble birth! + A Peace that shall beneath its wings + Enfold the brightest, best of things! + Keep Thou the people of that land, + Who for their homes and firesides stand; + Teach Thou another land to rest + Her arms, and bend her haughty crest! + Bring Thou within the fold of right + All who are plagued with war and blight! + And bring, O God, in this New Year, + A reign of Love and not of Fear! + So shall we keep Thy word divine; + So shall the land no more repine; + And this wide world, oppressed with fear, + Look onward to a brighter year. + God of the Nations! Thou whose might + Hath led us from the dark to light, + Grant us to live that we may be + Worthy our birthright--Liberty! + + + + +LEXINGTON + +(April 19, 1775.) + + + We name our heroes in the hush + That follows battle's awful roar, + And count the cost of that great rush + To victory! They deemed no more + Than just the simple right to shed + Their blood in such a holy cause. + Where the unconquered died or bled + We turn, from our safe ground, and pause + To wonder how, in days long gone, + Such power was given to right the wrong! + + We deem them worthy of all praise, + The heroes of that battlefield; + And looking backward to those days, + That meed of praise most gladly yield. + Were they more true to dictates bold + Of honor in that olden time? + Or, when the weight of proof is told, + Rang out the truth in purer chime? + Gave they more freely of life's stream + Than we would do? than we dare dream? + + They did not flinch when in the wage + Of war stern duty's standard waved, + But heart and hand did both engage, + And on each soul was deep engraved + "Country and Home;" fit words to urge + To action more heroic still, + As o'er that mighty ocean's surge + Rang out the watchward of their will! + As onward pressed to liberty + The men through whom we now are free! + + In conflict rang their cry of might, + "Ours is the cause that must be won; + God is the helper of the right!" + So sped the word at Lexington, + While hurrying from peaceful plow + To war's red-stainéd field they came. + Not theirs 'neath tyranny to bow; + Not theirs a country's death and shame; + But to go on to greater height + With wings outspread for purer flight. + + Hail heroes in our country's need! + We bring ye wreathes of laurel leaves; + We gather of the scattered seed + In full and ripened harvest sheaves. + Yours be it e'er to lift our minds + To realms of higher deed and thought; + Be ours to loose what here but binds + And holds us from the object sought. + Then may we hope, in time, to stand + As staunch and true as that brave band. + + To-day, as meet, we hold this page + Of History before the world; + While overhead, undimmed by age + Our country's flag is all unfurled! + O emblem of sweet Freedom's gift, + Not vainly are thy stars displayed! + To thee our eyes with pride we lift; + Thy Stars and Stripes our strength have made. + Hail! heroes of brave deeds well done; + Hail! day that gave us Lexington! + + + + +O LAND OF OUR BIRTH + + + O Land of our Birth! whose bright colors are waving + From mountain and valley; o'er sea and o'er land; + A pathway of light, Lo! its glory is paving, + To wane not, nor darken, at despot's command! + + We stand 'neath the Flag that embodies the union, + While History passes in stirring review; + Our hearts, in remembrance, now hold proud communion + With the record of deeds both gallant and true! + + O Land of our Birth! 'tis a glory undying + That sheds its soft light over each scene outspread; + And Tyranny's hand, all in vain, is defying + The Heaven-born Peace that to Freedom is wed! + + We feel the glad throb of the patriot's devotion, + That e'er to the Stars and the Stripes must be due, + All else is engulfed in o'erwhelming emotion + That finds its fulfillment the Red, White and Blue! + + + + +OUR FLAG + +(DEDICATED TO THE CHILDREN OF AMERICA) + + + Fling to the breeze our noble Flag, + And let it ride the gale! + In time of War 'twill never lag; + Its stars and stripes ne'er pale! + + Give it to Heaven's breeze, once more, + And let it proudly float! + The emblem bear from shore to shore, + To herald Freedom's note! + + Look to it, Children! 'Tis a gift + Most precious in its worth; + No slave his streaming eyes need lift + To curse his wretched birth! + + No deed to bring the blush of shame + Should flaunt beneath its folds; + But ever brighter grow the fame + Of work its plan unfolds. + + Look to it, Children! Let it be + As fair, to-day, as when + The founders of our liberty + Stood forth, God's noblemen! + + When by the price of blood and tears + They sealed that sacred deed, + And cast aside all doubts and fears, + To meet a Country's need. + + Then let it float to Heaven's breeze, + Beneath the sapphire dome; + Far o'er the tops of waving trees; + "For Country and for Home!" + + Fling to the breeze our noble Flag, + And let it ride the gale! + In time of War 'twill never lag; + Its stars and stripes ne'er pale! + + In time of Peace how fair to see-- + Sent forth by patriot hand-- + This symbol of sweet Liberty + Throughout our native land! + + + + +THE NATIONAL FLOWER + +(THE GOLDEN ROD) + + + It grows 'mid tangled underwood, + All brilliant in the fields, + And o'er our hearts a subtile spell + Its golden beauty wields. + + Perchance some exile's foot hath pressed + The road with weary tread, + When lo! from out the wayside growth + It rears its bonny head. + + Not with the first faint tints of Spring + Are its bright blossoms seen; + But, radiant in its garb, and decked + With Autumn's fruitful sheen. + + Then hail! bright floweret of our choice-- + With multiform design; + Though many in thy blossom's wealth, + Still one on parent vine! + + + + +IN MEMORIAM + + + + +ROLL MUFFLED DRUMS + +(ARLINGTON, MAY 30, 1902.) + + + Roll, muffled drums, upon the air, and flags furl colors bright; + For this is hallowed ground we tread, and here we learn Death's might. + Our heroes, whose last rest is now within this silent spot, + In lowly tents their bivouac find, though not by us forgot. + + Wail forth, oh music, in soft strains, and learn, oh soul of man, + As down the leafy aisles it throbs, how brief on earth the span + Of Life, and turn from its rude clash and all its weary pain, + To muse awhile on heroes gone and hear their praise again. + + As words of orator now fall upon the listening ear, + Life grows less close and Death is robbed of much of doubt and fear; + For, as the burning words go forth upon the balmy wind, + Men's thoughts are swayed by tones that sing the glory of mankind. + + Then, muffled drums, roll on, and flags your brilliant colors furl; + For here the Dead sleep on, and here no more may warfare hurl + Its blighting torch, its screaming shell, its horror and its dread. + Hark! on the summer wind is born a Requiem for the Dead! + + + + +THE DEAD MUSICIAN + +(JULIUS EICHBERG) + + + Hushed is the magic of his touch + That waked the soul to joyous praise! + The vibrant strain we loved so much + Still echoes on throughout the days; + Days that had sped in steady round + Thrilled by the songs his bow had bound. + + Stilled is the music to our ears. + In higher cycles, we believe, + Brighter than earthly crown appears + His genius, and shall meed receive: + While in a rarer, fuller light, + His touch still wakens to delight. + + Then is he not as one who dies + And whose brief day is ended here; + For, in those worlds which Time defies, + His melody grows still more clear; + Then is he not as one whose light + Is darkened by Death's envious night! + + Thus while we wear within our thought + The beauty of his god-like art + That here in eager longing sought + To voice the music in his heart, + O bear in mind no truth divine + Of art is lost--it needs must shine + + Across the waste of shipwrecked lives + As o'er the brightest path below; + Where'er its meaning steadfast strives + To sing its measure's stately flow, + For Life is art--as art is Life-- + And soars above unequal strife! + + He gave to man the measure free + The gods had given to his soul; + And, touched to deeper ecstasy, + Bound Music to his sweet control. + O Artist true! we deem thy death + But entrance into fuller breath. + + But fuller grasp of thy great work; + But deeper draughts from wells divine, + Where disappointment ne'er may lurk, + Where round thy head the glories shine + Which crowns endeavor firm and true, + And gives thee roses--never rue! + + Here do we leave thee with thy brow + Encircled with the roses sweet; + Victory's token, crowning now + Thine art with all our praises meet; + Here do we leave thee, victor still, + For Art bends not to Death's stern will! + + + + +THE NATION WEEPS + +IN MEMORIAM + +(_Wm. McKinley, Sept. 14, 1901._) + + + The nation weeps, while through the stricken land + Stalks the grim specter raised by traitor hand; + And on the air there rises dire lament + For vigil, suffering and life now spent. + Lo! through the tumult comes that voice of trust + From soul of mortal triumphing o'er dust: + "God's will, not ours;" O hero strong + To rise above the thought of burning wrong + Dealt by a dastard's hand! O spirit bright + Seeing, while here, the heavy cross grow light, + "His will be done; His guiding hand my way!" + That heart, yet bound by racking pain, could say. + The nation weeps. Anger and grief uplift + On high their hands; O from this pain to sift + Some grain of comfort and some thought of rest! + Again those tender words, "God knoweth best." + As man, not free from earthly fault was he, + For mortal man may not perfection see; + But yet, as man, he bore full well his part + And freely spent his wealth of brain and heart. + E'en as we think of him the silent land + Draws near, and dimly by his bed there stand + Lincoln and Garfield, now henceforth to be + With him a martyr-trio grand and free. + The nation weeps; O hearts be comforted! + He needs no more your words, so feebly said; + He heeds no more your thoughts of praise or blame, + For he hath won for'er a higher fame. + Soldier of cross and battlefield, his death + Hath taught humanity that fleeting breath + Of mortal glory here is but a slender span, + And brief, indeed, on earth the life of man! + Dear earth enfold him in your restful arms + And guard him well, though past are all alarms; + E'en though, while now at rest he calmly sleeps, + The nation weeps! The stricken nation weeps! + + + + +IN MEMORIAM + +(CHARLES HENSHAW DANA.) + + _The lilies clustered fair and tall; + I stood outside the garden wall._ + + --_Celia Thaxter._ + + + Life's lilies grew along his way, + In beauty clad, from day to day; + + While music, with her lovely strains, + Led him a captive in her chains. + + And friends with generous hand and thought + Unto his fireside greetings brought. + + "I would have given my life to be + The rose she touched so tenderly." + + So sang the poet, and the tone + Awoke for him sweet strains alone. + + Ah! earthly love, how vain thou art + To still the longings of the heart! + + The Angel Azrael touched his hand, + And life on earth yields the demand; + + No more he stands "outside the gate," + No more hath need to watch or wait! + + + + +IN MEMORIAM + +(M. J. E., OBITT, JUNE 19, 1874.) + + + Who shall separate that spirit from the blessed love of Christ? + He hath called her to Himself for whom the world hath not sufficed. + Pure her spirit upward winging now its swift, untrameled way, + Far beyond our aching vision, enters that serener day. + + Patient, pure, she took the burden of this life unto His feet, + Who hath called His loved and bid them come unto His presence sweet; + All she leaveth, gladly answering her beloved Master's call, + And for her the shadowy valley had no terror to appal. + + Passed unto a life all glorious now a ransomed soul she bides,-- + Ended all the weary watching,--crossed for aye life's troubled tides; + So we leave her now possessing, to the full, Christ's own sweet love, + And one more of life's best treasures lives and waits for us above! + + + + +CONSOLATION + +(INTO LIGHT. DEC. 4, 1903, 4:50 A. M.) + + + "It is all right!" Yes, friend, it is all right, + Although about thee close the shades of night + To human eyes. To eyes that wake to light + It is all right--it is all right! + + "It is all right." E'en though we miss thee here. + For thee are past the clouds, and all the fear + Bred of this life which shall no more appear + To thee as good; because thy sky is clear. + + "It is all right." Kind soul, so bright and true, + We miss thee now, we miss the happy view + Of all that through the days of life here grew. + The old hath passed--for thee hath dawned the new. + + "It is all right!" Thy words, as fell the night, + Before thine eyes had pierced the coming light, + Fall on our ears a benison all bright; + We can but say with thee "it is all right!" + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Contrasted Songs, by Marian Longfellow + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42076 *** |