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About Google Book Search Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web at |http : //books . google . com/ ■r •% •» i - i Digitized by Google Digitizi r ■ - V? -.:::> i Digitized by Google Digitized brfeOOQlt Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google SONGS BY THE SEA. Digitized by Google I ; I Digitized by Google ^0 /tuJ^^^^tlAAj>. P<. /T^iL(AMAM>y hjuAf—yc^c^ ^^ / Digitized by Google ^aZ^^^ Digitized b^ oogle gONGS- ■ ■ • tPy tljef •SEA By REBECCA RUTER SPRINGER, AUTHOB OV "BXECHWOOD." "8£LF," "LBON," KIO. V' : : f lemfng f)« IReveU : : CHICAGO : 148 AND 150 Madison Street. NEW YORK: 12 Bible House, Astor Place. Digitized by Google Copyrighted, 1889, bj' Flemingr H. Rcvcll. Digitized by Google TO FRANCES FOLSOM CLEVELAND, BELOVED OF ALL, THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS INSCRIBED. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google INTRODUCTION. ^Q^ J^^HE Ocean never fails to awaken in those who look upon it, the strongest ^cvDR emotions, ranging from admiration to awe — even terror. Its vastness y2^^^ encompassing the earth; its mystery, guarding in unfathomable depths such wealth of "sunken wreck and sunless treasuries," its ever-changing face now smiling at the beauty of the Day spring, or gently reflecting the glory of the sunset, and again beneath the midnight sky, wearing the aspect of a firmament itself with its own con- stellations of stars; then changing to its "multitudinous laughter," or yet more stirred by the breeze, its waves seeming to the eye of Ariosto, "Neptune's white herds lowing o'er the deep;" and yet again, when roused by the fury of the hurricane, the "heap of great waters utters its voice and lifts up its hands on high," the beholder cannot but feel that when in this mirror of the Almighty He thus glasses himself in tempests, "He made darkness his secret place and that his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies;" each of these aspects not only awakens the sensi- bility, but enkindles the imagination of him that hath eyes to see. No wonder, then, that the Poets, gifted with the "vision and faculty divine," have ever delighted to use the Sea in description and for images, interpreting its meanings and making us familiar with its majesty, both of beauty and of wrath. The loftiest song bequeathed to us by gray antiquity is the triumphant strain of Moses, chanted by Miriam and her maidens on the shore of the sea commemorating the victory it wrought as the servant of the Most High; and from that day to this, almost every true Poet has yielded to the spell of "this image of eternity, the throne of the invisible," and their finest passages deal with it. It is natural, therefore, that the sensitive spirit and delicate fancy of Mrs. Springer should be deeply moved and enkindled by both its grandeur and loveliness. Its calm soothes her as a lullaby, its "mirrors rounded large," bright with the sun's glory, transfer the radiance to her soul; and "torn ocean's roar," not only lifts up her imagination to hear Digitized by Google Digitized by Google the voices of deep calling, unto deep, but draws forth her tenderest sympathies for the human suffering and loss caused by the devouring main. Nor is it strange that one bred upon the prairies of the West, as she was, knowing the ocean only by hearsay for many years, should be prepared to yield her heart to its mighty charm. The boundless plains of her native land, whose gentle undulations resemble the long swell of the sea, their verdure almost matching its hue, their groves easily mistaken for islands "that like to rich and various gems inlay the unadorned bosom of the deep," would school the eye and mind of Mrs. Springer to see and tell of things invisible to most of us, when she came to stand by the multitude of great waters through which she beholds Jehovah riding upon His horses and chariots of salvation. These "Songs by the Sea" with the exquisite illustrations which make them yet more real, will, I am sure, be welcomed in many a household throughout this broad land. The melody of their musical numbers, the vivid pictures, the tender pathos, the genuine human interest born of "The soothing thoughts that spring Out of human suffering; In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind;" will cause them to be enshiined in the memory and love of countless readers. WILLIAM HENRY MILBURN. Washington, D. C, Sept. 25th, 1889, Digitized by Google Digitized by Google ILLUSTRATIONS. PAOB. "The village cronies gathered.'' ... . . - i^ "Great bonfires soon were ablazing" . . - . . 25 **They knew 'twas the voice of the mother, singing to calm her child." - 31 ••And they knew, as they knelt about her, 'twas the singer and her child.'' 35 "Before me lay the tranquil waters of the placid bay." - - - 43 "Heard the command to let the anchor go, and listened to the seaman's brave * Heave-ho!'" - - - - - - -47 "We only know there came no helping hand, and there the wreck lies on the shifting strand." - - - - - - -5i "And fancy, once more flitting, sees the home to which the sailor never more will come." ....---.55 "Its shells, that ever murmur of the deep, like tender memories that will not sleep," -----.-.-57 "Under the sea-wall, down by the bay, I dream the beautiful hours away." 73 **I look away o'er the waters blue, where the distant ships seem sailing thro'." -.-.--.-- 77 "And look, with wistful eyes, to see dear faces smiling down on me.'' 81 **But, like a ghostly presence, it standeth all cold and gray." - - 97 "The Banshee." ..-----. loi "With a fire whose ruddy splendor lit up the grand old place." - - 107 Digitized by Google "A long procession slowly wound beneath the castle wall." - • iii "The music stopped midway a strain." - - - - • - "5 '•Only a few pressed onward to the servants' hall beyond." - - 119 *'And there they found — great heavens! — only a dark abyss." - - 121 "He couched upon the hearth, and gazed in the dark depths below." - 125 ••Old Maud's Ghost." --..---- 129 Digitized by Google CONTENTS. The Singer, ... Sea Mosses, - . • Drifting, .... The Wreck on the Strand, Storm-Swept, The Shining Track, The Ships, Under the Sea-wall, Down by the Sea. (A Rondeau), Divided, ... A Legend of Dunluce, Watching and Waiting, GOOD.NlGHT, paob. 17 37 41 45 59 65 69 75 83 91 99 131 135 ADDITIONAL POEMS. Resignation, - Waiting, - In the Crowd, Which Will it Be? He Leadeth Me, Growing Old Together, 141 151 155 »59 163 167 Digitized by Google Digitized by Google SOxNGS BY THE SEA. THE SINGER. WAS night in a little village — A village down by the sea; And the clouds hung low, Drifting to and fro, And the wind moaned drearily. Anon, the great waves, lashing The rocks, tossed high the foam; And over the billows dashing, Their white sails dimly flashing, The fishermen hastened home. And darker, and yet still darker. The night, with its storm, came down; And deeper, and yet still deeper. Like death o'er a doomed sleeper. Gloom hung o'er the silent town. Round many a fireside cheer>' — Shut in from the gloom and the storm, 'Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google YO^^I ili^»^ ,{S?e';votr*oy5L, Digitized by Google THE SINGER. 21 Shut in from the night so dreary, From the sea with its moanings weary — Cozy, and bright, and warm, The village cronies gathered; Gathered from far and near; And many a story of horror. And many a tale of terror. They hastened to tell and hear. The children, in open-eyed wonder Or fear, crouched listening near;. While the mother, with babe on her bosom, Stood listening the ' stories . so gruesome, With oftimes a sigh, or a tear. When, suddenly, over the waters Came the boom of the minute gun! And out from the firesides cheery. Out into the night so eerie — Intent on the work to be done — Rushed women and men to the rescue! (For brave hearts in rude bosoms lie.) They heard in that sound, so appalling. The voices in agony calling: *'Send help to us, soon, or we die!" Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SINGER. 23 Great bonfires soon were ablazing; By their light, thro' the mist, they could see, Faintly outlined, a ship madly rolling 'Mid the breakers; while tolling, still tolling, Her bell rang a knell o'er the sea. **She has foundered amid the breakers! She has gone ashore on the reef!" Was the cr\'; as they fell to devising (While the mad waves were evermore rising) The means that should bring relief. Brave hearts, eager hands trimmed the life-boat; With strong men, and true, she was manned; But the incoming billows quick caught her, And, shaken and tossed, swiftly brought her. And threw her back high on the strand. Again and again they endeavored With that dark, angry sea to contend; But higher, and yet still higher. Leaped the billows, like fierce flames of fire. And they knew that all hope there must end. Suddenly, through the darkness. Came the shriek of a little child! Full of anguish and terror. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SINGER. 27 Ringing out sharp and wild Over the roar of the tempest; Borne from the ship that lay Tossing amid the breakers, So near, yet so far away. Again the men sprang to the life-boat, And each face was pale and set; And eyes unused to weeping. With manly tears were wet. But no boat could stem the breaj^ers— A boat without command, lyike a straw in the breath of the tempest, 'Twas thrown back on the strand. The women wept in anguish, And raised their hands in prayer; For every heart was stricken With that sharp cry of despair. Hark! Borne over the waters, Ringing out strong and clear, Came the voice of a woman, singingi And listening, they could hear The words, in the lull of the tempest (Oh! love so undefiled!) Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SINGER. 39 They knew 'twas the voice of the mother Singing to calm her child. And as she sang to her darling — Knowing that death was so near — She caught the words she so needed, Her own heart to strengthen and cheer. *'Hold Thou Thy Cross before ray closing eyes" — Rang out the words; then came the breakers' roar. **Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies" — They knew she sang, though they could hear no more. Then came a lull, and clear as clear could be, *'Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;" And strong and full, like prisoned bird set free, **In life, in death, O Lord» abide with me!" A heavier surge of the breakers, they heard the voice no more. And though they watched and waited. Nought but the breakers' roar. And the moan of the wind, now dying. Came to the listening ear; And they knew the voice of the singer They never again should hear. And when the night had wasted. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Ithe new yo^rk POBUC UBRARY Digitized by Google THE SINGER. 33 And mom came, cold and gray, On the wet sand, near the mooring, A fair dead woman lay. To her heart was still enfolded A tiny, fair-haired girl, With face like a wayside flower. And pure as an ocean pearl. And the sun broke through the shadows, And looked on the dead, and smiled; And they knew, as the^ knelt about her, 'Twas the singer and^Jier child. '^i^f^ Digitized by Google Digitized by Google w ? Digitized by Google I^HE NEW YO^K VpUBLIC LIBRARY Arrow. Digitized by Google SKA MOSSES. 37 SEA MOSSES. HAT do ye tell of the sea, Beautiful mosses, so tender and fair? Fairy spring roses, bright sea-maiden's hair, Paintings of coral, so dainty and rare; What do ye tell of the sea? Where do ye dwell in the sea? Down in the caves where the inermaidens play — Wreathing their walls with your delicate spray? Then floating upward, away and away. Bringing this pleasure to me? What do ye hear in the sea? Hear ye the song of the mermaids beneath, Luring the sailor to darkness and death? Hear ye the last gurgling sound of his breath. As he sinks down in the sea? Digitized by Google Digitized by Google SEA MOSSES. 39 Tell us, ye flowers of the sea — When the brave ship on the breakers is thrown, Hear ye the cries of the dying? The moan Of the poor wretch who sinks downward, alone, Into the depths of the sea? Hear ye these sounds of the sea? Or is it only the sounds that we love — Murmurs of caverns with bright treasure- trove; Of delicate shells, and the bright coral grove Hidden away in the sea? And do ye long for the sea? Linger there voices that whispering tell Of the sea-wave, with its musical swell? Voices that, like the sweet tones of the shell, Echo for e'er of the sea? This do ye whisper to me: God in His wisdom. His love, and His care. Fashions the beautiful everywhere. Naught can more plainly His power declare Than this sweet moss from the sea. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DRIFTING. 41 DRIFTING. HE boats go idly drifting over the summer sea, The sails are hanging loosely down, or flapping lazily. AU quiet lies the harbor; the waves are all asleep. And silence broodeth gently, now, over the restless deep. A bugle softly soundeth beyond the bastioned wall, And far across the waters, we hear the sea-mew's call. The sunset hues have faded, the lighthouse lamp's aglow; Yet still the music stealeth over the waters low. My life is drifting— drifting out on a trackless sea; But its waves are hushed, and music steals from the distant shore to me. And I know when the daylight fadeth, for me, on the shores of time, I shall safely drift to the harbor, whence issue those strains sublime. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google "si^, xoti^l PUB m^m \\ .fo»- ♦»£. ■»«** Digitized by Google THE WRKCK ON THE STRAND. 45 THE WRECK ON THE STRAND. STOOD upon the strand. Before me lay The tranquil waters of the placid bay. The solemn thud of waves upon the shore Broke the near stillness: faintly sounded o'er The waves the sea-mew's cry, and far away The fisher's song came drifting o'er the bay. A sea-gull floated on the light wave's crest; A purple haze hung low within the west; A golden cloudlet in the deep blue lay, Holding within its breast the sun's last ray; While over all the young moon thread-like hung, And from the distant heights the curfew rung. A white sail slowly o'er the waters crept, And deepening shadows in the hollows slept; And toward the old wreck, high upon the strand, The encroaching waves stole o'er the yielding sand. And then my thoughts ran backward many a day And rested where a ship at anchor lay. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google a Digitized by Google .THE NEW YO^K IpUBUC UBRARY MFTOn, LtNtPC AMP T1L0£N FQUM0ATI0N9* Digitized by Google THE WRECK ON THE STRAND. 49 I saw the stalwart captain and his crew, Their many friends who came to say ** Adieu;" Heard the command to let the anchor go, And listened to the seaman's brave ''Heave-ho!" Then, as the sails filled out, I heard the cheers, And heard the women's moans, and sav/ their tears; And thought how many a heart would throb with pain, Before the brave ship anchored there again. And then my thoughts went drifting far away — Far out beyond the limits of the bay; Out where 'gainst rugged cliflFs the breakers roar, And beat in anger on a rock-bound shore. And there once more I saw the ship; but now The breakers dashed across her gallant prow. The masts were gone — her anchor would not hold. Alas! how oft this story has been told! Of the brave crew no record do we find; Passing, no land-marks have they left behind. We only know there came no helping hand — And there the wreck lies on the shifting strand! And fancy, once more flitting, sees the home To which the sailor never more will come. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google ■-f ■ -•■ ^^ ^^ m Digitized by Google THE NEW YC^K PUBUC LIBRARY Digitized by Google THE WRECK ON THE STRAND. 53 Sees the foud wife her lonely vigils keep; Lists to her earnest prayers, and hears her weep. O, hearts that weep! O, eyes that watch in vain! Will not some recompense reward your pain? Some future good to these worn hearts return, In compensation for the grief they've borne? A wave breaks at my feet! I start and shrink. The stars are out; their soft rays rise and sink Upon the dancing waves. The stranded wreck Shows only here and there a tiny speck. The golden cloud has faded quite away; The sails no more are drifting o'er the bay; The fisher's distant song no more is heard. But thoughts within my soul the sea has stirred That will not rest: like waves, they come and go, Moving the hidden depths that slept below. And this their burden — this the sad sea-moan Heard ever in the waves' deep undertone: How like our mortal life is to the sea! Its tranquil hours, its storms, its mystery. Its breaking waves, that ceaseless beat the shore. Like breaking hearts that hope till hope is o'er. Its flitting sails, that meet upon the main, Digitized by Google Digitized by Google ^ n Digitized by Google THE NEW YO^K PUBLIC LIBRARY A8T0R« LCN^X ANO TILOEN FOUNDATIONS. Digitized by Google THE WRECK ON THE STRAND. 57 Like hearts that love an hour, then part again. Its hidden graves, o'er which the waters flow, Hiding the skeletons that sleep below; Its drifting sands, that kindly cover o'er — Like passing years — the wrecks that line the shore. Its shells, that ever murmur of the deep. Like tender memories that will not sleep. Its songs, that oft at eventide we hear, Like echoes from that world so far — so near! Its haze, through which we see the distant land: But, most of all, its wrecks upon the strand; Digitized by Google THE NEW YO'- "' PUBLIC LIBRARY ASTOR, LCNVX AND TILOEN FOUNDATIONS. Digitized by Google STORM-SWEPT. 59 STORM-SWEPT. STORM is over the sea. The angry waves, with sullen roar, Leap and dash on the rugged shore; And over the waters, far away. The beacon glimmers, thro' fog and spray, Like will-o-th'-wisp over the lea. The gloom grows thick and fast. The boats are at anchor. And hark! the bell Sounds o'er the waves like a funeral knell. A leaden sky broods over all, Like the heavy folds of a funeral pall; And th' wind goes shrieking past. God pity the fisher-lad Whose boat is still on this angry sea. Exposed to dangers he may not flee: Digitized by Google THE NEW YO"-- K PUBLIC LP!' A'-: Digitized by Google STORM-SWEPT. 6 1 Distant so far he may not hear The warning bell from the light-house pier, In its tolling, so lone and sad. And pity the mother so old. With pallid face 'gainst the window-pane; Straining her eyes thro' the mist and the rain, Watching, with hope akin to despair, For sight of the boat that is not there. With her fisher-lad so bold. Night closes darkly down. She cannot see thro' the mist and rain — Still she presses her face 'gainst the window-pane. Amid the darkness she still can pray For th' lad of her heart so far away; The wind answering moan for moan. What will the morrow bring? Joy and gladness, or grief and pain? Sunshine and brightness, or clouds and rain? Over that home will joy be shed — Or must the sea give up its dead? What will the morrow bring? Digitized by Google Digitized by Google STORM-SWEPT. 63 O, sea! with the sullen moan, With the dark waves fierce and high, Dashing against the rugged shore Beneath this leaden sky — What, when the morning breaks — The morning we all must see — What will thy hidden depths reveal? What will thy mysteries be? Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SHINING TRACK. 65 THE SHINING TRACK, ROM the light-house tower I watch at night Low, heavy clouds make a lone, dark sea. Save where, thro' a rift, the moonbeams bright Throw a narrow stream of silvery light — Like a path, I fancy, for forms in white To come, as Pm watching on bended knee, From the unseen world to me. I watch for the boats to come sailing back That went at dawn; but naught can I see. Save where the moon, thro' the waters black, Has cut for itself this shining track; And in it three boats I plainly see That are sailing back to me. There are other boats — there must surely be — Where the waters are dark and the clouds hang low; But I only see the three — the three Sailing so placidly on to me, Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SHINING TRACK. 67 Thro' the shining path across the sea: Only these are safe, I know. Where are the others that sailed? Alack! I look in vain out over the sea. The waves are heavy, the clouds are black, And I turn again to the shining track; But none, alas! are coming back Thro' its silvery gates, but three. Then I silently think of another path, With its shining light across life's sea; And I pray, **0, Father! when clouds of wrath Hang darkly above us, may our faith Draw us from the darkness into the path Of light that is shed by Thee." Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SHIPS. 69 THE SHIPS. HE ships go up, the ships go down; The sails of the fishermen dot the bay; The walls of the fort from the hill-top frown, And the town at its feet lies asleep to-day. The ships go up, and the ships go down- Some to the harbor, some to the sea: I watch one sailing away from the town Out to the great wide sea — ^ah mc! I watch it sailing away from the town, For it bears in its heart of oak my lad — My lad so bonnie, so brave, so brown. And my heart is sad, my heart is sad. O, sea so restless! O, sea so deep! When will you bring him to me again? I shall think of him waking — dream of him asleep- While my heart is torn with a secret pain. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE SHIPS. 71 Will you bring him back to me, brave and true — The lad you have torn from my heart to-day? Shall I crown him with laurel, or crown him with rue, When the ship returns that now bears him away? Digitized by Google Digitized by Google ' Under the sea-wall, down by the bay, I dream the beautiful hours away, Digitized by way, Google THE NEW YOTRK PUBUC LIBRARY A8T0R. LEN4X ANO TfLOEN FOUNDATIONS. Digitized by Google UNDER THE SEA-WALI.. 75 UNDER THE SEA-WALL. NDER the sea-wall, down by the bay, I dream the beautiful hours away. My body from pain has sweet release. And my soul is full of rest and peace. There is wonderful balnv.in the solemn flow Of the sun-lit waves, as they come and go; Rest to the tired nerves and brain — Peace to the heart, if filled with pain. I look away o'er the waters blue. Where the distant ships seem sailing thro* The sunset clouds, with their golden glow Like the light from the years of '*The Long Ago," And I almost fancy the purple haze. In the glowing west hides from our gaze The distant shore — with its golden strand And its bastioned walls — of the better land. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google W " ^ .1 Uk.^^ r^' ■M^ SB I 1 1 $1^^^^^ § ■. V ^mM%A v; n 1 i ' 1 .^■ll' o. 1 1 I'T 1 !^ vyA^ 4^Bli 1 1 J f f V Wf WK' 5 1 7 ^fn , < 1 ' \ / '* ^ V p IL>^ IV ' 3 t^ ^Ul < 2 1 w«'i ) « X ^*^ » 1 1 3 )f 1 - 5 <» . . r^^^^ ^^^M A t 5* 1 1 r %i^\ ST o kill An ^1 i . 2: "5 i ill ' f N ■ r^i* \ M> :1 ■^IMU i^ >m ^ i / IS > 1 • * m T t\ ) "■? 1 1 c \ ^^^^^^W^ i ..^ ' ilf? J I \ \ mm ^' 5 '4 . *9 a * Sill ! 3 r JTII W C\f ■2^ R f i i Digitized by Google THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY ASTOfI, LCN«X A NO TILOEN FOUNDATIONS. Digitized by Google UNDKR THE SEA-WALI<. 79 And I almost fancy I hear the call Of tender voices beyond the wall! And look, with wistful eyes, to see Dear faces smiling down on me Thro' the haze, which now doth plainly show In its purple depths a golden glow. I cannot believe it is but a dream, That will fade with the sunset's golden gleam. O, sunset sky! O, wonderful sea! What radiant visions you bring to me! How you lift my soul from the dross and the clay, And bear it on solemn wings away Where things of diviner. mold have birth Than ever were born on this shadowed earth; And givest me courage to faithful be. Wherever God's wisdom placeth me! Digitized by Google Digitized by Google '•' -V^y^. '^' '■ ▼v.-'*'. /S*' Jif yK'w<»' -V^ "And look, with wistful eyes, to see dear faces smiling down on me," etc. Digitized by VjOOQIC (The new vohM IpUBLIC LIBRARY] Digitized by Google DOWN BY THE SEA. DOWN BY THE SEA. (a RONDBAU.) OWN by the sea — down by the sea Our spirits partake of its mystery. Our souls are uplifted, and float away To the beautiful realms of cloudless day; While strains of melody, soft and low, Come with the waves in their solemn flow. The world has no charms, there, for you or for m And we almost wonder if evil can be Down by the sea Down by the sea — down by the sea, The Christ who died for you and for me, While yet upon earth, ofttimes would walk. And with His loved disciples talk. He must have loved its solemn tones — Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DOWN BY THE SEA. 85 Even its tempests and its moans — For oft He sought, on bended knee, The Father's loving face to see, Down by the sea. Down by the sea, down by the sea — The wonderful sea of Galilee — The hungry thousands who begged for bread, From five small loaves were amply fed. And when their hunger was satisfied By Him whom soon they crucified. He taught them — oh! so tenderly— Lessons of trust and charity, Down by the sea, Down by the sea, down by the sea. He healed the sick; made the blind to see; The lame to walk; and the dumb to sing Praises to Jesus — their Lord and King. Devils cast out, till they begged to flee. With the frightened swine, down into the sea; Down by the sea. Once, when a storm raged o'er the deep. Within the ship He lay asleep. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DOWN BY THE SEA. 87 But when the frightened sailors cried To Him for help their barque to guide, He calmed the tempest by His will — Said to the mad waves, ** Peace; be still!" At once His voice the waves obey — And in the haven the good ship lay, Down by the sea. Once, in the midnight dark and lone, A soft light thro' the tempest shone; And as they called upon His name. Walking on stormy waves He came. And when, affrighted, still they prayed. He called, **'Tis I! Be not afraid!" Ah! blessed voice that calms each fear, When winds are high and storms are near Upon life's sea. Down by the sea, down by the sea, I whisper, ** Saviour, come to me! Unseal my eyes, that I may see The pathway Thou dost mark for me. Guide my poor, stumbling feet, and show Them how with Thee to safely go. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DOWN BY THE SEA. 89 Unloose my faltering tongue to sing The praises of my Saviour-King; And let my holiest lessons be Taught me, from day to day, by Thee Down by the sea. Down by the sea, the crystal sea — Where all of the redeemed shall be; Where you and I, beloved, shall go. Our crimson robes washed white as snow In Christ's dear blood — what hymns of praise Thro' countless ages we shall raise! There all our loved ones we shall see — Think what a meeting that will be Down by the sea! Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DIVIDED. 91 DIVIDED. COLD, gray rock, a leaden sky, And the moan of the restless sea; A lonely beach, stretching far away Where a woman walked wearily. The damp sea-air to her dark hair clung; Her face was haggard and worn, As though she had watched in sorrow long For one who would never return. Her white hands were clasped as in sad appeal, As she looked out over the sea, While the passionate murmured words reveal The soul's deep agony. * 'Parted forever! Well, 'tis best: For life brought only sad unrest To one, to both! And yet, and yet — I cannot, cannot quite forget That I loved him, and he loved me; Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DIVIDED. 93 And that whatever my lot may be, However so wide apart may lie Our separate ways beneath the sky — The time hath been when I have heard His heart beneath my head, and stirred Its inmost depth by word of mine! Yet now, alas! I make no sign; I cannot, dare not — that my own Is breaking for his sake. No moan Escapes my lips; no tear my eye; Yet often, tho' I scarce know why, Pd lay my worn life gladly down To win forgetfnlness. The frown Of fortune hath no sting for me, Like this pale ghost of memory. The years pass on — they come, they go; Yet summer's sun, or winter's snow. Alike recall the past. I see The shadowy way marked out for me Adown the coming years, and know My weary feet therein must go. And thou, ah! thou, so far away, Sitting by thy lone fire to-day. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google DIVIDED. 95 What sayest thou? Changed tho' thou art, Thou canst not put me from thy heart. Thou see'st me ever at thy side As in the past Perchance thy pride Can hide the wound, conceal the smart, But memory lives within thy heart. And this I know — when we shall stand Together, in that far oif land; When o'er our souls shall fall the light That solves all doubts, reveals the right; When all the shadows are swept away, In the light of that most perfect day — Heart unto heart will cling again. As tho' the shadows never had been; And the past, with its sorrows, no more shall stand Like a spectre of wrath, with uplifted hand. Longing, hoping, thus do I wait For the life beyond the shadowy gate. And the sea moaned on; the clouds dropped rain, As though to answer her in her pain. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google h«£ NEW YOrfK^/ (public library/ Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 99 A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. FAR, where Atlantic billows break over a rock-bound shore, And dash into many a hidden cave, with fierce and sullen roar; Where the * 'Giant's Causeway" standeth, like sentinels grim and old, .' A massive rock uplifts itself, from the waters dark and cold. And high on its barren summit a ruined castle stands — With bare walls reaching heavenward, like a shipwrecked sailor's hands. No ivy climbs its turrets; no moss to its casement clings; Time, over its darkened portals, no softening shadow flings; But, like a ghostly presence, it standeth all cold and gray, Crowned by the mists of ocean, and kissed by the dashing spray. A narrow but fearful chasm divides this rock from the land; And this, in the feudal ages, a. massive drawbridge spanned. And here Lord Antrim, of Antrim, secure from his foemen stood: Digitized by VjOOQIC Digitized by Google o^s^- THK llANSHEK. Digitized by Google THE NEW YOT^K PUBLIC LIBRARY MTOft, LEM#X AHCf THoew FouNOATroPi^A. Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUN LUCE. IO3 The rocky tower his fortress; his bulwark, the raging flood. The castle fronted the mainland — let this be remembered, I pray— The castle fronted the mainland; the kitchen lay nearest the sea, And under it was a cavern, where the waves mad revels kept. And where, it was whispered, the Banshee — the terrible Ban- shee — slept! One night a banquet was given, full two hundred years ago, And from turret to rock foundation, the castle was all aglow; And ladies of rank and beauty, and lord's of high degree. Went over to Dunluce Castle to join in the revelry. From turret to rock foundation; the Castle was all aglow. While the winds and the waves, together, kept maddening revel below. 'Twas a fearful night! The storm-king abroad in his anger went — And alas! for the hapless vessels on which his fury was spent, He raged, in a mad endeavor to tear the rock from its bed — Till the music stopped, and the dancers grew pale with affright and dread. '*'Tis a fearful night," they whispered. '*we will not dance any more!'' And the waves tossed back, in answer, a fierce, defiant roar. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. IO5 Then up spake Lord Antrim, proudly: **For ages, in sun and storm, This castle has stood uninjured; there is no cause for alarm. On, on with the music and dancing — to the winds cast every fear! We are safe in this rock-bound castle; no danger can reach us here." And again the music sounded, with its soft, voluptuous flow; But the winds and the waves together, kept mad'ning revel below. In the banquet hall the tables with lavish care were spread With the rarest fruits and flowers, while d thousand soft lights shed Their radiance over the silver and glass, so rich and rare; And the pompous butler beamed with pride, and bustled here and there, To see his orders were obeyed by under servants all, Who hastened here and thither, at his slightest beck or call. Beyond, in the spacious kitchen, the maids hurried to and fro, Preparing the tempting viands; and the great hearth was aglow With a fire whose ruddy splendor lit up the grand old place. With a touch that even softened the old cook's careworn face. It cast gaunt, dancing shadows, high on the kitchen wall. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 107 And threw long gleams of rosy light into the servant's hall; Resting upon the golden head of one who lingered there, With soft, caressing touch — sweet Rose, my lady's handmaid fair; "With a fire whose ruddy splendor lit up the grand old place." On young Donald, brave and comely, who lingered near her side. Wooing the bright young girl he hoped some day to make his bride. But she could not list his wooing, but whispered, pale with fright: Digitized by Google THE NEW YO??K PUBLIC LIBRARY ASTOR, LENtX AND TILOEN fOUN0ATIO«8. Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. IO9 ** Would we were on the mainland safe, this fearful, fearful night." He drew her to the fireside, and soothed her fears away. And beckoned to old Michael, upon his pipe to play. Close in the chimney comer, Michael, the piper, sat; But he would not play upon his pipe; he softly stroked the cat, That, restless, crouched beside him; and then, half fearful, said: **The waves make noise enough to-night to wake the sleep- ing dead!" **Aye," said old Maud, the cook, as slow she swept the kitchen hearth, 1 **Say what you will, this is no time for revelry and mirth. Evil hangs over more than pil'e within these castle walls. For every night beneath my room, the Banshee cries and calls." ''Tut!" said the passing butler, "have done your silly tale. 'Tis only fit to make the maidens tremble and turn pale." ''Well he may scoff," old Maud replied, shaking her silvery head, "But well I know the Banshee's cries have filled his soul with dread." Digitized by Google Digitized by Google "A long procession slowly wound beneath the castle wall." Digitized by Google THE N^:\v Y PUBLIC L;^M^; An' A8T0R, LCN^K AMD TILOEN FOUND *Tlo»rfS, Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. II3 **And well they may,'' old nurse responds, crooning beside the fire; **For did I not, last Sunday night, beyant the midnight hour, Hear the slow, muffled tolling of the Castle-chapel bell? And see the chapel all aglow, when none the cause could tell? And as I strained my dim old eyes — I was too faint to call — A long procession slowly wound beneath the castle wall. I heard their slow and solemn tread; I heard the funeral hymn; I saw their pallid faces, tho' my eyes are old and dim! But, as they neared the drawbridge — raised, as 'tis wont to be — They, one by one, dropped silently into the troubled sea." Her voice sank to a whisper, as nodding slow her head She sat and looked into the fire; the while a nameless dread Stole over all within the room; for nurse none could gainsay; The sun and shade of ninety years were scattered o'er her way. The piper sat with mouth agape; old Maud leant on her broom ; The maids were pale; and e'en the butler lingered in the room. Sweet Rose clung to her lover — for louder than before, Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google th; new yo^k PUBLIC LIBRARY A6T0fl, LCN^X AND TILOCN FOUNOATION8. Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. II7 The waves dashed in the cave beneath, with fierce, exultant roar. **The walls do tremble, Donald; and twice to-night we've heard A loud report, as though a gun within the cave were fired. Old Jacque says that in Switzerland before the mountains fall Such sounds are heard — oh! what was that? See — see the trembling wall!" Ah! what was that? Above the storm there came a roar, a rush As though of many wings — then over all a death-like hush. Meanwhile, in the great hall, thje^ music softly rose and fell; The merr>' dancers half forgot the storm they could not quell. The laugh was free; the jest was gay; each strove the hour to charm — When what was that, that filled each heart with terror and alarm? A fearful roar; a sullen crash; a trembling, swaying sound; And from the walls, the pictures and the busts lie scattered round. The music stopped midway a strain; the dancers, pale with dread. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 119 •' Only a few pressed onward, to the servants' hall beyond." Looked less like happy revelers, than like the sheeted dead. Strong men grew pale at danger that they knew not how to meet, As women, white with terror, sank trembling at their feet. They thought it was an earthquake shock; but, as the moments passed, The hush of death was everywhere; even the furious blast Sank to a wailing murmur; a sobbing, pitying moan! The angry throbbing of the waves, below, was heard alone. Lord Antrim, pale but stately, now rang the footman's bell. And through the silent corridors the echoes sharply fell. Digitized by Google THE NEW- YO'=TfON|. Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 121 They waited, but no servant re- sponded to the call, And the heavy silence, every- where, fell like a sable pall. ' Then, with one impulse, from '. the room they I all together ran Down the long, winding stair- way, to the hall of entrance; then Through all the stately saloons to the hall of feasting, where Was spread, in bright profusion, the ban- quet rich and rare. / But here the angr>" stirging of the waves so near them seemed, Only a few pressed onward, to the servants' hall beyond. And there they found — great heavens! orily a dark abyss, Digitized by CnOOglC Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 1 23 Where a million angry demons seemed to dance, and howl, and hiss! The spacious kitchen, but an hour before so bright and warm, Had fallen into the seething waves, a victim to the storm. The maids, the cook, the butler, the nurse so old and gray; Brave Donald and his pretty Rose, all, all were swept away. Only the great, wide chimney, with the firelight yet aglow. Still stood erect, its ruddy light cast on the rocks below. And crouching in the corner, half dead with fear and fright, Michael, the piper, sat; his hair so black turned snowy white! With pallid, terror-stricken face, and eyes like fire aglow, He crouched upon the hearth, and gazed in the dark depths below. The cat against the chimney wall shrank trembling with affright! A ghastly pair they seemed indeed, seen through the gloom that night. Such was the story told to me, one dark November day. Around us frowned the castle walls, and just beneath us lay The ruins of the kitchen; and as the wild waves rolled In anger on the rocks below, our guide the story told. A hale old man, he led me safely, gently by the hand. Across the narrow causeway that divides the rock from land; Digitized by Google Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 125 Showed all the halls and chatu- •^- ^ bers^ and then in silence led To where the chimney stands like monu- ment above the dead. We looked into the dark abyss, the while we heard the tale — Digitizec^\by V; oogle THE NEW YO^K .PUBUC LIBRA iM Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 1 27 And fancied that we saw the storm, and heard the mad'ning gale; And our hearts grew faint with thinking of that night so long ago; Of the nine who've slept two hundred years beneath the rocks below. **01d Maud the hearth was sweeping at the time," the old man said; **So every night she is compelled to leave her watery bed And come, with cries and weeping, her unfinished work to do." **Alas, alas!" I sadly cried, **if this indeed be true, How few of us will ever lie in soft, unbroken sleep. If over our unfinished work we must return to weep!" How few, alas! We toil, we strive, we blindly grope our way, To only find within our grasp, at close of life's brief day, A tiny wisp of golden grain from out the great wide fields Where others gather heavy sheaves; and where we, too, have kneeled. Striving to cut the ripening grain, from morn till set of sun. Yet find so little finished — and so much to do, undone. And this was the silent lesson I drew as we turned away From the old deserted castle, with its walls so cold and gray: Never to seek temptation, believing ourselves secure. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google A LEGEND OF DUNLUCE. 129 We cannot shut out a danger by simply barring the door, When under us, and around us, the evil exulting lies! We must build, with the solid rock beneath, up toward the vaulted skies. We must daily watch, and hourly, as life's storms about us beat, That an enemy does not undermine the rock beneath our feet. OLD MAUD'S GHOST. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google WATCHING AND WAITING. I3I WATCHING AND WAITING. (SONG OP THR VSNETIAN HSHBRMAN'S WIFK.) HE shadows are falling o'er mountain and lea, And night- vapors rising far out on the sea; On the beach, hearing only the sullen sea-moan. The fisherman's wife waiteth, weary and lone. Her husband beloved o'er the waters doth roam, And her fond heart is yearning to welcome him home. Her eager eye scans the wide waters, that she His earliest signal of safety may see. But darkness comes on, brooding o'er the wave; She no longer may watch for her lover so brave; But soft o'er the waters, like notes of a bird, The song of her eventide- welcome is heard: ''Come back to me, darling, from over the sea! Come back, for my fond heart is waiting for thee. Digitized by Google THE NEW YO'^K PUBLIC LIBRARY ASTOR, LENtX AND TILOEN FOUNOATIONft. Digitized by Google WATCHING AND WAITING. 133 The darkness forbids me to watch for thee more, But, trusting and brave, I will wait oil the shore." She pauses and listens. Far out on the main A manly voice takes up the dying refrain: **I am coming back, darling, from over the sea. To the heart that is waiting so fondly for me. Let the darkness between us oppress thee no more, But trustingly wait for me, love, on the shore." Thro' the darkness is heard, now, the quick-dipping oar. And both voices blending, **We'll meet on the shore >) And thou, too, lone toiler on life's troubled sea. With fond heart still yearning thy lost ones to see. There are soft voices calling, like those of a dream: **Come home to us, darling, from o'er the dark stream. The tempests are fierce; but be trustful and brave, And the angels will pilot thee safe o'er the wave. Shrink not from the darkness, it soon will be o'er. And remember, we watch for thee, love, on the shore." Digitized by Google Digitized by Google GOOD-NIGHT. 1 35 GOOD-NIGHT. \ OOD-NIGHT, dear waves of the sea, good-night; Reluctant for even an hour I go. There's a charm in thy calm, a charm in thy might, And a charm in thy bright waves' ebb and flow. What is it that brings to our souls such peace. As we stand on the shore of the restless sea? Are they stilled by thy waves that never cease? Or awed by thy type of eternity? I wake from my sleep in the midnight lone, And hear thy waves as they break on the shore; And through them the solemn undertone Repeating, * * Forever, fore vermore. ' ' I know that for ages — since God first spoke Thy waves into being — they've thus rolled on. Surging and beating on shore and rock; Beating and surging with ceaseless moan. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google GOOD-NIGHT. 1 37 And SO, when the feet that tread thy shore, The eyes that watch, and the hearts that thrill, Shall come to thy strand no more — no more — Thy waves will be surging and beating still Thro' the ages before us, stars shall set. Nations shall rise, and thrones decay; But the seal of God is on thee set — Thy grandeur can never pass away. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google ADDITIONAL POEMS. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google RESIGNATION. 141 RESIGNATION. BAD! Will you read the telegram over again to me, That came in the early morning from Memphis, Tennessee? **Died, of the yellow fever, last night at half-past seven, Edward, your son.'' How dark a path to lead to the gate of Heaven! Ned! My beautiful darling, so happy, and gay, and free! Could nov the Angels have spared him a little longer to me? Just one month this morning, since he came to me and said: **Mother, dear, darling mother, smile on your wayward Ned, And say *God speed' to the mission of mercy on which I go; To give to the sick and the dying what comfort I can be- stow." **Not to the plague-stricken cities — Oh, Edward, my boy, not there!" I cried, as his loving fingers smoothed down my thin grey hair. '*You are my youngest darling — I never can let you go! Pity your poor old mother; spare her this added woe. Digitized by Google THE NEW YOr^K PUBUCUBRARY I Digitized by Google RESIGNATION. 1 43 How could I live without you? Others, more wise than you, Will do more skillfully, better, the thing that you wish to do." Softly, almost reproachfully, came back the noble reply: **Some mother's son, fever-stricken, for want of my care may die. Think, darling mother, it might have been Benny, or Will, or Joe, Or even your Ned! Dearest mother, say you will let me go." Yes, he was right; it might have been one of my boys! The thought Stirred all the tenderness in me; tears to my dim eyes brought. God would watch over my darling; bring him again to me. Surely no evil could reach him, working so earnestly Thus for the good of others; working in God's own way. So I crushed back the anguish, though I could only say. Brokenly, tearfully, ** Edward, kneel with me here" — ^and so. After our anguished praying, I kissed him, and whispered, **Go." So he started that evening. Just when he went to start He said to me, *' Dearest mother, keep up a strong, brave heart ! I shall come back in safety ; and if I don't — well, then Digitized by Google Digitized by Google RESIGNATION. 1 45 We'll hope that the gate of heaven will open to let me in." **And he has entered" — you whisper. Yes, he has entered it, dear But he has left his mother stricken and helpless here. '*Try not to talk of it?" Let me— tis all the comfort I know, Thus to talk of my darling, who cherished his mother so. First came the letters, written full of a beautiful faith. That God would let him, for many, soften the pangs of death. And so he did, for many a dying message he heard; And spoke to the stricken stranger many a comforting word. Never, in all the city, a face he had seen before — Ah! there's the pang! Among strangers! There, I will cry out no more: Only the thought is so dreadful — pardon a mother's moan Over her boy, so brave hearted, dying alone there — alone. Talk of the charge of an army! The ** charge of the Light Brigade" — Storming a battery unaided; meeting the foe undismayed! Well, they were brave — honor to them; 'twas gallantly, val- iantly done; But naught to a man's going bravely to fight death's legions alone! They, excited by battle, obeyed a mistaken command: Digitized by Google Digitized by Google RESIGNATION. 147 He, in the flush of his manhood, went forth with his life in his hand, Into the ranks of the dying — scourge-smitten ranks — not to make A name for the annals of glory; but for humanity s sake ! They are the heroes for story — they, the brave women and men, Who have gone forth thus to battle; gone, but returned not again. Ah! you are weepmg. I thank you. Tears for my brave hearted Ned! He was the light of our home life; can it be true he is dead? When I first heard it this mommg I thought that my heart would break. In tearless anguish I questioned how God his life could take When he was working so nobly— exiled from friends and home. And I lay moaning, but tearless, here in my darkened room, When underneath my window, Philip, the gardener, I heard Talking with Eli Bennett, who scoffs at God and His Word. **I greatly fear me," said Philip, **his poor old mother will die; She cannot be reconciled — he lay to her heart so nigh." Digitized by Google Digitized by Google RESIGNATION. 1 49 **Ah, poor woman 1" said Eli. **But where is her faith so bright? I thought she believed her God could only do what was right." **Only do what was right" — Yet at the first stroke of his rod, In quick rebellion, my heart had questioned the wisdom of God! How do I know but my boy, much as it darkens our home. May have been taken away from some great evil to come. So, in the darkness, I hold fast to the hand that I know Some day will lead me to him — my darling who loved me so. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google WAITING. 151 WAITING. HE fields are whitening 'neath the ripening grain; I long to toil among the reapers there. What full, ripe sheaves I'll gather ere the rain, To show my gratitude for God's dear care." Thus saying, strong and resolute I stood Amid the ever busy, hurrying throng; Waiting to see, in somewhat anxious mood. The Lord and Master as He passed along. He came. Quick pressing thro' the eager throng I stood beside Him, near the open gate: ** Master, what shall I do? My soul is strong." He turned, and calmly said, **Here stand and wait." The hot blood to my brow and temples flew — I struggled fiercely with my hapless fate: **0, Master! Have you naught for me to do?" **Yes," He replied at once, '*Here stand and wait." Digitized by Google Digitized by Google WAITING. 153 He passed along. Then thro' the weary hours I stood with restless hands and aching heart. I would not even pluck the fragrant flowers Beneath my feet, while thus I stood apart. Again He passed. I cried, with downcast head, **I'd rather die than only stand and wait!" One look of sad rebuke ; no word He said, But left me weeping by the open gate. The weary, weary hours come and pass; I watch the reapers cut the bearded grain; I see their heavy sheaves, and cry, **Alas! That I can only wrestle with my pain.'' The night draws near. I seek Him once again: **0, Master, see! 'Tis growing dark and late — I have no sheaves!" His sweet voice soothes my pain: ''They serve me best who patient stand and wait!" So, patiently, I strive to stand and wait Thro' all the glories of the changing years: Wait, till His Hand shall lead me thro' the gate. And change my sighs to song, to smiles my tears. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google IN THE CROWD. 155 IN THE CROWD. HAT a world of changing faces, Day by day, Chanced upon in various places, Greet our way. Faces full of light and gladness; Faces worn with care and sadness; Faces sometimes marked with madness By us stray. Faces haughty, faces lowly, Greet the eye; Faces brazen, faces holy. Linger nigh. Faces wherein lurks ambition; Faces lit by some high mission; Faces bowed in sad contrition. Pass us by. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google IN THE CROWD. 1 57 Here a face of sunny brightness — Laughing eyes — Where the soul, in all its whiteness, Scorns disguise. Baby face, so pure and tender. That we pray, **0, Father send her Holy angels to attend her From the skies." Close beside it; scarcely parted, Looking down, Scowls a face fore'er distorted By a frown. Face with evil passions blending. Show the soul is earthward tending, As the eyes are ever bending Darkly down. Index of the soul, these faces That we meet: Vice and virtue leave their traces There complete. Lessons taught by silent teachers; Sermons preached by silent preachers, Find we in these changing features On the street. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google WHICH WII.I. IT BE? 159 WHICH WILL IT BE? NE of us, love, must stand Where the waves are breaking on death's dark strand, And watch the boat from the silent land Bear the other away. Which will it be? One of us, love, must bear The heavy burden that none may share; And stand, all alone and desolate, where We stood in life's fair day, Joyous and free. One — either you or I — Must hear the mandate, *'Thy friend must die!" And bend with the agonizing cry That only God can hear. Which will it be? And one must close the eyes Of the other — the tender, loving eyes — Digitized by Google Digitized by Google WHICH WILL IT BE? l6l And kiss the dead face that before us lies, The face so calm, so dear. Oh! agony! One, when the other is gone. Will lean on the cold memorial stone. And brokenly sob, ** Alone — alone!'' And the winds will sigh Over you or me. And one — grown old and gray. Perchance — will walk still earth's toilsome way, And dream of the love that lives for aye, As the years roll by. Which will it be? Digitized by Google Digitized by Google HE LEADETH ME. 1 63 HE LEADETH ME. WANDERER o'er life's troubled way; A pilgrim, far from home alway; Naked and friendless though I be, Jesus supports, and comforts me. Chorus: He leadeth me, close by His side, At morn, at noon, at eventide; At home, abroad, where'er I be. He leadeth me. He leadeth me. When shadows gather o'er my way. Hiding the brightness of the day. Still, 'mid the darkness, I can see The loving Hand that leadeth me. Chorus: He leadeth me, etc. He leadeth me in darkest night, When moon and stars refuse their light; When storms assail, on land or sea, In safety, still. He leadeth me. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google HE LEADETH ME. 1 65 When life is past, and Time's no more, When Jordan's billows round me roar, I'll cross the stream — dark though it be, I will not fear — He leadeth me. Well, well I know, whatever betide, That He my every step will guide. Oh! may His love my portion be, Till thro' Heaven's gate He leadeth me. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google GROWING OLD TOGETHER. 167 GROWING OLD TOGETHER. ^ E are growing old together, * Time has touched our locks with gray; ^J And the roseate hues of morning From our life have passed away. But we do not heed the shadows, Though they lengthen where we stand; For we closely walk together. Holding each the other's hand. Oft we count the years together Since our pathways joined in one; Part in sunshine, part in shadow, Have the mingled courses run. But no shadow, howe'er sombre, Can a lengthened gloom impart. When the sunlight softly lingers. Shed by love, within the heart. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google GROWING OLD TOGETHER. 169 When we've reached life's mountain summit, Down its western slope we'll start, With a thousand sacred memories Nestling softly in each heart. Should we reach its base together, What a precious boon 'twill be Thus to pass life with each other, Thus to meet eternity! But should one, alas! grow weary Of the journey by the way, And lie down, beneath the willows. To await the coming day; How the sunlight would be darkened! And how sad the way would seem, If our growing old together Thus should fade into a dream. Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google