Part 3
"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.