TheChieftain’sDaughter[SeeNotes]
UponthebarrensandAsinglecaptivestood;
Aroundhimcame,withbowandbrand,Thered—menofthewood.
Likehimofold,hisdoomhehears,Rock—boundonocean’srim:
Thechieftain’sdaughterkneltintears,Andbreathedaprayerforhim.
AbovehisheadinairThesavagewar—clubswung:
Thefranticgirl,inwilddespair,Herarmsabouthimflung.
Thenshookthewarriorsoftheshade,Likeleavesonaspenlimb——
SubduedbythatheroicmaidWhobreathedaprayerforhim.
"Unbindhim!"gaspedthechief——
"Obeyyourking’sdecree!"
Hekissedawayhertearsofgrief,Andsetthecaptivefree.
’Tiseverthus,when,inlife’sstorm,Hope’sstartomangrowsdim,Anangelkneelsinwoman’sform,Andbreathesaprayerforhim.
ThyWillBeDone.
SearcherofHearts!——frommineeraseAllthoughtsthatshouldnotbe,AndinitsdeeprecessestraceMygratitudetoThee!
HearerofPrayer!——oh,guidearightEachwordanddeedofmine;
Life’sbattleteachmehowtofight,AndbethevictoryThine.
GiverofAll!——foreverygood——
IntheRedeemercame——
Forraiment,shelter,andforfood,IthankTheeinHisname.
FatherandSonandHolyGhost!
ThougloriousThreeinOne!
ThouknowestbestwhatIneedmost,AndletThywillbedone.
LifeintheWest.
Ho!brothers——comehitherandlisttomystory——
Merryandbriefwillthenarrativebe.
Here,likeamonarch,Ireigninmyglory——
MasteramI,boys,ofallthatIsee!
Whereoncefrownedaforest,agardenissmiling——
Themeadowandmoorlandaremarshesnomore;
Andtherecurlsthesmokeofmycottage,beguilingThechildrenwhoclusterlikegrapesroundmydoor.
Thenenter,boys;cheerly,boys,enterandrest;
ThelandoftheheartisthelandoftheWest!
Oho,boys!——oho,boys!——oho!
Talknotofthetown,boys——givemethebroadprairie,Whereman,likethewind,roamsimpulsiveandfree:
Beholdhowitsbeautifulcolorsallvary,Likethoseoftheclouds,orthedeep—rollingsea!
Alifeinthewoods,boys,isevenaschanging;
Withproudindependenceweseasonourcheer,Andthosewhotheworldareforhappinessranging,Won’tfinditatalliftheydon’tfindithere.
Thenenter,boys;cheerly,boys,enterandrest!
I’llshowyouthelife,boys,weliveintheWest!
Oho,boys!——oho,boys!——oho!
Here,brothers,securefromallturmoilanddanger,Wereapwhatwesow,forthesoilisourown;
Wespreadhospitality’sboardforthestranger,Andcarenotajotforthekingonhisthrone.
Weneverknowwant,forwelivebyourlabor,Andinitcontentmentandhappinessfind;
Wedowhatwecanforafriendoraneighbor,Anddie,boys,inpeaceandgood—willtomankind.
Thenenter,boys;cheerly,boys,enterandrest;
Youknowhowwelive,boys,anddieintheWest!
Oho,boys!——oho,boys!——oho!
SongofMarion’sMen.[SeeNotes]
IntheranksofMarion’sband,Throughmorassandwoodedland,Overbeachofyellowsand,Mountain,plain,andvalley,Asouthernmaid,inallherpride,Marchedgaylyatherlover’sside,InsuchdisguiseThate’enhiseyesDidnotdiscoverSallie!
Whenreturnedfrommidnighttramp,Throughtheforestdarkanddamp,Ohhisstraw—couchinthecamp,Inhisdreamshe’ddallyWiththatdevoted,gentlefair,WhoselargeblackeyesandflowinghairSonearhimseem,Thatinhisdream,HebreatheshisloveforSallie!
Oh,whatjoy,thatmaidenknew,Whenshefoundherlovertrue!——
Suddenlythetrumpetblew,Marion’smentorally!
Towardthedeath—spearfromhisside!——
InbattlebySanteeshedied!——
WheresingsthesurgeAceaselessdirgeNearthelonegraveofSallie.
JanetMcRea.[SeeNotes]
Sheheardthefightwasover,Andwonthewrathoffame!
Whentidingsfromherlover,Withhisgoodwar—steedcame:
Toguardhersafelytohistent,Thered—menofthewoodsweresent.
Theyledherwheresweetwatersgush!
Underthepine—treebough!
Thetomahawkisraisedtocrush——
’Tisburiedinherbrow!——
Shesleepsbeneaththatpine—treenow!
Herbroken—heartedloverInhopelessconflictdied!
Theforest—leavesnowcoverThatsoldierandhisbride!
ThefrownoftheGreatSpiritfellUponthered—menlikeaspell!
Nomorethosewatersslaketheirthirst,Shadelesstothemthattree!
O’erlandandlaketheyroamaccurst,AndinthecloudstheyseeThyspirit,unavenged,McRea!
Lisette.
WhenLoveinmyrtleshadesreposed,Hisbowanddartsbehindhimslung;
Asdeweytwilightroundhimclosed,Lisettethesenumberssung:
"OLove!thysylvanbowerI’llflywhileI’vethepower;
ThyprimrosewayleadsmaidswheretheyLove,honor,andobey!"
"Escape,"theboy—godsaid,"isvain,"
Andshookthediamondsfromhiswings:
"I’llbindtheecaptivetomytrain,Fairestofearthythings!"
"Go,saucyarcher,go!
Ifreedom’svalueknow:
Begon,Ipray——tononeI’llsayLove,honor,andobey!"
"Speed,arrow,tothymark!"hecried——
Swiftasarayoflightitflew!
Lovespreadhispurplepinionswide,Andfadedfromherview!
Joyfilledthatmaiden’seyes——
Twinload—starsfromtheskies!——
AndonebrightdayherlipsDIDsay,"Love,honor,andobey!"
MyMother’sBible.
Thisbookisallthat’sleftmenow!——
Tearswillunbiddenstart——
WithfalteringlipandthrobbingbrowIpressittomyheart.
Formanygenerationspast,Hereisourfamilytree;
Mymother’shandsthisBibleclasped,She,dying,gaveitme.
Ah!welldoIrememberthoseWhosenamestheserecordsbear;
Whoroundthehearth—stoneusedtocloseAftertheeveningprayer,Andspeakofwhatthesepagessaid,Intonesmyheartwouldthrill!
Thoughtheyarewiththesilentdead,Herearetheylivingstill!
MyfatherreadthisholybookTobrothers,sistersdear;
Howcalmwasmypoormother’slookWholeanedGod’swordtohear!
Herangelface——Iseeityet!
Whatvividmemoriescome!——
AgainthatlittlegroupismetWithinthehallsofhome!
Thoutruestfriendmaneverknew,ThyconstancyI’vetried:
WhereallwerefalseIfoundtheetrue,Mycounselorandguide.
TheminesofearthnotreasuresgiveThatcouldthisvolumebuy:
Inteachingmethewaytolive,Ittaughtmehowtodie.
"TheDog—StarRages."
Unsealthecityfountains,AndletthewatersflowIncoolnessfromthemountainsUntotheplainsbelow.
Mybrainisparchedanderring,Thepavementhotanddry,AndnotabreathisstirringBeneaththeburningsky.
Thebelleshavealldeparted——
Theredoesnotlingerone!
Ofcoursethemart’sdesertedByeverymother’sson,ExceptthestreetmusicianAndmenoflessernote,WhoseonlyearthlymissionSeemsbuttotoilandvote!
Awoman——blessingsonher!——
Beneathmywindowsee;
She’ssinging——whatanhonor!——
Oh!"Woodman,sparethattree!"
Her"man"theairiskilling——
Hisorgan’soutoftune——
They’regone,withmylastshilling,[SeeNotes(1)]
ToFlorence’ssaloon.[SeeNotes(2)]
NewYorkismostcompactlyOfbrickandmortarmade——
ThermometerexactlyOnehundredintheshade!
AfurnacewouldbesaferThanthismyletter—room,Wheregleamsthesun,awafer,Abouttosealmydoom.
Thetownlookslikeanogre,Thecountrylikeabride;
WealthhiestoSaratoga,AndWorthtoSunny—side.[SeeNotes(3)]
WhilefashionseekstheislandsEncircledbythesea,TastefindtheHudsonHighlandsMorebeautifulandfree.
TheomnibusesrumbleAlongtheircobbledway——
The"twelveinside"morehumbleThanhewhotakesthepay:
Frommorntillmidnightstealing,Hishorsescomeandgo——
TheonlycreaturesfeelingThe"luxuryofwo!"[SeeNotes(4)]
Weeditorsofpapers,WhocoinourbrainsforbreadBysolitarytapersWhileothersdozeinbed,Havetasksassadandlonely,Howeverwrongorright,Butwiththisdifferenceonly,Thehorsesrestatnight.
FromtwelvetillnearlyfiftyI’vetoiledandidlednot,And,thoughaccountedthrifty,I’mscarcelyworthagroat;
However,IinheritWhatfewhaveevergained——
AbrightandcheerfulspiritThatneverhascomplained.
AstillnessandasadnessPervadetheCityHall,AndspeculatingmadnessHasleftthestreetofWall.
TheUnionSquarelooksreallyBothdesolateanddark,Andthat’sthecase,ornearly,FromBatterytoPark.
HadIayacht,likeMiller,Thatskimmeroftheseas——
Awheelriggedonatiller,[SeeNotes(5)]
Andafreshgunwalebreeze,Acrewoffriendswellchosen,Andalla—taunto,I
Wouldsailforregionsfrozen——
I’dratherfreezethanfry.
Oh,thisconfoundedweather!
(Assomeonesangorsaid,)
Mypen,thoughtbutafeather,Isheavierthanlead;
AteveryporeI’moosing——
(I’m"cavingin"to—day)——
MyplumptitudeI’mlosing,Anddrippingfastaway.
I’mweepinglikethewillowThatdroopsinleafandbough——
LetCroton’ssparklingbillowFlowthroughthecitynow;
And,asbecomesherstation,Themusewillcloseherprayer:
GodsavetheCorporation!
LonglivethevaliantMayor![SeeNotes(6)]
ALegendoftheMohawk.
Inthedaysthataregone,bythissweet—flowingwater,Twoloversreclinedintheshadeofatree;
Shewasthemountain—king’srosy—lippeddaughter,Thebravewarrior—chiefofthevalleywashe.
Thenallthingsaroundthem,belowandabove,Werebaskingasnowinthesunshineoflove——
Inthedaysthataregone,bythissweet—flowingstream.
Inthedaysthataregone,theywerelaid’neaththewillow,Themaidinherbeauty,theyouthinhispride;
Bothslainbythefoemanwhocrossedthedarkbillow,Andstolethebroadlandswheretheirchildrenreside;
Whosefathers,whendying,infearlookedabove,Andtrembledtothinkofthatchiefandhislove,Inthedaysthataregone,bythissweetflowingstream.
TheBall—RoomBelle.
(Musicbyhorn.)
ThemoonandallherstarrytrainWerefadingfromthemorningsky,Whenhometheball—roombelleagainReturned,withthrobbingpulseandbrain,Flushedcheekandtearfuleye.
Theplumethatdancedaboveherbrow,Thegemthatsparkledinherzone,Thescarfofspangledleafandbough,Werelaidaside——theymockedhernow,Whendesolateandlone.
Thatnighthowmanyheartsshewon!
Thereigningbelle,shecouldnotstir,But,liketheplanetsroundthesun,Hersuitorsfollowed——allbutone——
Onealltheworldtoher!
Andshehadlosthim!——MarvelnotThatlady’seyeswithtearswerewet!
Thoughlovebymanissoonforgot,Itneveryetwaswoman’slotToloveandtoforget.
WeWereBoysTogether.
(MusicbyRussell.)
Wewereboystogether,AndnevercanforgetTheschool—houseneartheheather,Inchildhoodwherewemet;
Thehumblehometomemorydear,Itssorrowsanditsjoys;
Wherewokethetransientsmileortear,WhenyouandIwereboys.
Wewereyouthstogether,Andcastlesbuiltinair,Yourheartwaslikeafeather,Andmineweigheddownwithcare;
Toyoucamewealthwithmanhood’sprime,Tomeitbroughtalloys——
Foreshadowedintheprimrosetime.
WhenyouandIwereboys.
We’reoldmentogether——
Thefriendswelovedofyore,Withleavesofautumnweather,Aregoneforevermore.
Howblesttoagetheimpulsegiven,Thehopetimene’erdestroys——
Whichledourthoughtsfromearthtoheaven,WhenyouandIwereboys!
Oh,Boatman,Haste!
(MusicbyBalfe.)
Twilight.
Oh,boatman,haste!——ThetwilighthourIsclosinggentlyo’erthelea!
Thesun,whosesettingshutstheflower.
Haslookedhislastuponthesea!
Row,then,boatman,row!
Row,then,boatman,row!
Row!——aha!——we’vemoonandstar!
Andourskiffwiththestreamisflowing.
Heigh—ho!——ah!——heigh—ho!——
Echorespondstomysadheigh—ho!
Midnight.
Oh,boatman,haste!——ThesentrycallsThemidnighthouronyondershore,AndsilverysweettheechofallsAsmusicdrippingfromtheoar!
Row,then,boatman,row!
Row,then,boatman,row!
Row!——afarfademoonandstar!
Whileourskiffwiththestreamisflowing!
Heigh—ho!——ah!——heigh—ho!——
Echorespondstomysadheigh—ho.
Dawn.
Oh,boatmanhaste!——ThemorningbeamGlidesthroughthefleecycloudsabove:
Sobreaksonlife’sdark,murm’ringstream,Therosydawnofwoman’slove!
Row,then,boatman,row!
Row,then,boatman,row!
Row!——’Tisday!——away——away!
Tolandwiththestreamweareflowing!
Heigh—ho!——dearone——ho!
Beautyrespondstomygladheigh—ho!
FuneralHymn.
"Mandiethandwastethaway,Andwhereishe?"——Hark!fromtheskiesIhearavoiceanswerandsay,"Thespiritofmanneverdies:
Hisbody,whichcamefromtheearth,Mustmingleagainwiththesod;
Buthissoul,whichinheavenhadbirth,ReturnstothebosomofGod."
Noterrorhasdeath,orthegrave,TothosewhobelieveintheLord——
WeknowtheRedeemercansave,Andleanonthefaithofhisword;
Whileashestoashes,anddustWegiveuntodust,inourgloom,Thelightofsalvation,wetrust,Ishunglikealampinthetomb.
Theskywillbeburntasascroll——
Theearth,wrappedinflames,willexpire;
But,freedfromallshackles,thesoulWillriseinthemidstofthefire.
Then,brothers,mournnotforthedead,Whorestfromtheirlabors,forgiven;
LearnthisfromyourBibleinstead,Thegraveisthegatewaytoheaven.
OLordGodAlmighty!toTheeWeturnasoursolaceabove;
Thewatersmayfailfromthesea,Butnotfromthyfountainsoflove:
Oh,teachusThywilltoobey,Andsingwithoneheartandaccord,"Hegaveandhetakethaway,AndpraisedbethenameoftheLord!"
O’ertheMountains.
Somespiritwaftsourmountainlay——
Hiliho!boys,hiliho!
Todistantgrovesandglensaway!
Hiliho!boys,hiliho!
E’ensothetideofempireflows——
Ho!boys,hiliho!
Rejoicingasitwestwardgoes!
Ho!boys,hiliho!
TorefreshourwearywayGushthecrystalfountains,AsapilgrimbandwestrayCheerlyo’erthemountains.
Thewoodlandringswithsongandshout!
Hiliho!boys,hiliho!
Asthoughafairyhuntwereout!
Hiliho!boys,hiliho!
E’ensothevoiceofwomancheers——
Ho!boys,hiliho!
Theheartsofhardymountaineers!
Ho!boys,hiliho!
LiketheglowofnorthernskiesMirroredinthefountains,Beamsthelove—lightoffondeyes,Aswecrossthemountains.
Woman.
Ah,woman!——inthisworldofours,Whatbooncanbecomparedtothee?——
Howslowwoulddraglife’swearyhours,Thoughman’sproudbrowwereboundwithflowers,Andhisthewealthoflandandsea,Ifdestinedtoexistalone,Andne’ercallwoman’shearthisown!
Mymother!——Atthatholyname,Withinmybosomthere’sagushOffeeling,whichnotimecantame——
Afeeling,which,foryearsoffame,Iwouldnot,couldnot,crush!
Andsisters!——yearedearaslife;
ButwhenIlookuponmywife,Myheart—bloodgivesasuddenrush,AndallmyfondaffectionsblendInmother——sisters——wifeandfriend!
Yes,woman’sloveisfreefromguile,AndpureasbrightAurora’sray;
Theheartwillmeltbeforehersmile,Andbase—bornpassionsfadeaway!
WereIthemonarchoftheearth,Ormasteroftheswellingsea,Iwouldnotestimatetheirworth,Dearwoman,halfthepriceofthee.
Rosabel.
Imisstheefrommyside,beloved,Imisstheefrommyside;
AndwearilyanddrearilyFlowsTime’sresistlesstide.
Theworld,andallitsfleetingjoys,Tomeareworsethanvain,UntilIclasptheetomyheart,Belovedone,again.
Thewildwoodandtheforest—path,Weusedtothreadofyore,Withbirdandbeehaveflownwiththee,Andgoneforevermore!
Thereisnomusicinthegrove,Noechoonthehill;
Butmelancholyboughsarethere——
Andhushedthewhip—poor—will.
Imisstheeinthetown,beloved,Imisstheeinthetown;
FrommornIgrievetilldewyeveSpreadswideitsmantlebrown.
Myspirit’swings,thatoncecouldsoarInFancy’sworldofair,ArecrushedandbeatentothegroundBylife—corrodingcare.
NomoreIhearthythrillingvoice,Norseethywinningface;
Thatoncewouldgleamlikemorning’sbeam,Inmentalprideandgrace:
Thyformofmatchlesssymmetry,Insweetperfectioncast——
IsnowthestarofmemoryThatfadesnotwiththepast.
Imisstheeeverywhere,beloved,Imisstheeeverywhere;
Bothnightanddayweardullaway,Andleavemeindespair.
Thebanquet—hall,theplay,theball,Andchildhood’ssportiveglee,Havelosttheirspellforme,beloved,Mysoulsisfullofthee!
HasRosabelforgottenme,AndloveInowinvain?
Ifthatbeso,myheartcanknowNorestonearthagain.
Asadandwearylotismine,Toloveandbeforgot;
Asadandwearylotbeloved——
Asadandwearylot!
TheTyrantSway.
Theheartthatownsthytyrantsway,Whate’eritshopesmaybe,IslikeabarkthatdriftsawayUponashorelesssea!
Nocompasslefttoguideheron,Uponthesurgeshe’stempest—torn——
Andsuchislifetome!
Andwhatislifewhenloveisfled?
Theworld,unsharedbythee?
I’dratherslumberwiththedead,Thansuchawaiftobe!
ThebarkthatbynocompasssteersIslost,whichwaysoe’ersheveers——
Andsuchislifetome!
AHerooftheRevolution.
Letnotatearbeshed!
Ofgriefgivenotatoken,AlthoughthesilverthreadAndgoldenbowlbebroken!
Awarriorlived——aChristiandied!
Sorrow’sforgotteninourpride!
Go,bringhisbattle—blade,Hishelmetandhisplume!
AndbehistrophieslaidBesidehiminthetomb,Wherefilesoftime—markedveteranscomeWithmartialtrampandmuffleddrum!
Givetotheearthhisframe,Tomoulderanddecay;
Butnothisdeathlessname——
Thatcannotpassaway!
Inyouth,inmanhood,andinage,Hedignifiedhiscountry’spage!
Greenbethewillow—boughAbovetheswellingmound,WheresleepstheheronowInconsecratedground:
Thyepitaph,ODelavan!
God’snoblestwork——anhonestman!
RhymeandReason.
AnApologue.
TwochildrenoftheoldentimeInFlora’sprimroseseason,Wereborn.ThenameofonewasRhymeThatoftheotherReason.
Andbothwerebeautifulandfair,Andpureasmountainstreamandair.
Astheboystogethergrew,Happyfledtheirhours——
GrieforcaretheyneverknewInthePaphianbowers.
Seethemroaming,handinhand,Theprideofallthechoralband!
Musicwithharpofgoldenstrings,Lovewithbowandquiver,Airyspritesonradiantwings,Nymphsofwoodandriver,JoinedtheMuses’constantsong,AsRhymeandReasonpassedalong.
Butthescenewaschanged——theboysLefttheirnativesoil——
Rhyme’spursuitwasidlejoys,Reason’smanlytoil:
SoonRhymewasstarvinginaditch,WhileReasongrewexceedingrich.
Sincethedarkandfatalhour,Whenthebrothersparted,Reasonhashadwealthandpower——
Rhyme’spoorandbroken—hearted!
Andnow,orbright,orstormyweather,Theytwainareseldomseentogether.
StarlightRecollections.
’Twasnight.NearthemurmuringSaone,Wemetwithnowitnessesby,ButsuchasresplendentlyshoneIntheblue—tintedvaultofthesky:
Yourheadonmybosomwaslaid,Asyousaidyouwouldeverbemine;
AndIpromisedtolove,dearestmaid,Andworshipaloneatyourshrine.
YourloveonmyheartgentlyfellAsthedewontheflowersateve,Whoseblossomswithgratitudeswell,Ablessingtogiveandreceive:
AndIknewbytheglowonyourcheek,Andtheraptureyoucouldnotcontrol,NopowerhadlanguagetospeakThefaithorcontentofyoursoul.
Iloveyouasnoneeverloved——
AsthesteeltothestarIamtrue;
AndI,dearestmaiden,haveprovedThatnoneeverlovedmebutyou.
Tillmemorylosesherpower,Orthesandsofexistencehaverun,I’llrememberthestar—lightedhourThatmingledtwoheartsintoone.
WeariesmyLove?
Weariesmyloveofmyletters?
Doesshemysilencecommand?
SunderssheLove’srosyfettersAsthoughtheywerewovenofsand?
TiresshetooofeachtokenInditedwithmanyasigh?
Areallherpromisesbroken?
AndmustIloveontillIdie?
ThinksmydearlovethatIblameherWithwhatwasaburdentopart?
Ah,no!——withaffectionI’llnameherWhilelingersapulseinmyheart.
Althoughshehascloudedwithsadness,Andblightedthebloomofmyyears,Iloverstill,eventomadness,Andblessherthroughshowersoftears.
MypenIhavelaiddowninsorrow,ThesongsofmyluteIforego:
FromneitherassistanceI’llborrowTouttermyheart—seatedwo!
Butpeacetoherbosom,whereverHerthoughtsorherfootstepsmaystray:
MementoofmineagainneverWillshadowthelightofherway!
FareTheWell,Love.
Faretheewell,love!——Wemustsever!
Norforyears,love;butforever!
Wemustmeetnomore——oronlyMeetasstrangers——sadandlonely.
Faretheewell!
Faretheewell,love!——HowIlanguishForthecauseofallmyanguish!
NonehaveevermetandpartedSoforlornandbroken—hearted.
Faretheewell!
Faretheewell,love——TillIperishAllmytruthfortheeI’llcherish;
And,whenthoumyrequiemhearest,KnowtilldeathIlovedthee,dearest.
Faretheewell!
ThouHastWoventheSpell.
Thouhastwoventhespellthathathboundme,Throughallthesadchangesofyears;
AndthesmilesthatIworewhenIfoundthee,Havefadedandmeltedintears!
Likethepoor,woundedfawnfromthemountain,Thatseeksouttheclearsilvertide,IhavelingeredinvainatthefountainOfhope——withashaftinmyside!
ThouhasttaughtmethatLove’srosyfettersApangfromthethornsmayimpart;
ThatthecoinageofvowsandoflettersComesnotfromthemintoftheheart.
Likethelonebirdthatfluttersherpinion,Andwarblesinbondageherstrain,Ihavestruggledtoflythydomain,Butfindthatthestruggleisvain!
BessyBell.
Whenlifelooksdrearandlonely,love,Andpleasantfanciesflee,ThenwilltheMusesonly,love,Bestowathoughtonme!
MineisaharpwhichPleasure,love,Towakenstrivesinvain;
ToJoy’sentrancingmeasure,love,Itne’ercanthrillagain!——
Whymockme,BessyBell?
Oh,donotaskmeever,love,Forrapture—wovenrhymes;
Forvainiseachendeavor,love,TosoundMirth’splay—bellchimes!
Yetstillbelieveme,dearestlove,Thoughsadmysongmaybe,Thisheartstilldotessincerest,love,Andgratefulturnstothee——
MyoncefondBessyBell!
Thoseeyesstillrestuponme,love!
Ifeeltheirmagicspell!
Withthatsamelookyouwonme,love,Fair,gentleBessyBell!
Mydoomyou’veidlyspoken,love,Younevercanbemine!
Butthoughmyheartisbroken,love,Still,Bessy,itisthine!
Adieu,falseBessyBell!
TheDayisNowDawning.
William.
Thedayisnowdawning,love,Fledisthenight——
Igolikethemorning,love,Cheerfulandbright.
Thenadieu,dearestEllen:
Wheneveningisnear,I’llvisitthydwelling,Fortrueloveishere.
Ellen.
Oh,comewherethefountain,love,Tranquillyflows;
Beneaththegreenmountain,love,Seekforrepose;
Therethedaysofourchildhood,Inlove’sgoldenbeam,’Mongtheblue—bellsandwildwood,Passedonlikeadream.
William.
Oh,lingerawhile,love!
Ellen.
Imustaway.
William.
Oh,grantmethysmile,love,’TisHope’scheeringray——
Witheveningexpectme.
Ellen.
Tothemomentbetrue,Andmayangelsprotectthee——
Both.
SweetEllen,adieu!
DearWilliam,adieu!
WhenOtherFriends.
Whenotherfriendsareroundthee,Andotherheartsarethine——
Whenotherbayshavecrownedthee,Morefreshandgreenthanmine——
ThenthinkhowsadandlonelyThisdoatingheartwillbe,Which,whileitbeats,beatsonly,Belovedone,forthee!
YetdonotthinkIdoubtthee,Iknowthytruthremains;
Iwouldnotlivewithoutthee,Foralltheworldcontains.
ThouartthestartthatguidesmeAlonglife’stroubledsea;
Andwhateverfatebetidesme,Thisheartstillturnstothee.
SilentGrief.
Whereisnowmypeaceofmind?
Gone,alas!forevermore:
Turnwhere’erImay,IfindThornswhererosesbloomedbefore!
O’erthegreen—fieldsofmysoul,Wherethespringsofjoywerefound,Nowthecloudsofsorrowroll,Shadingalltheprospectround!
DoImeritpangslikethese,Thathavecleftmyheartintwain?
MustI,totheverylees,Drainthybitterchalice,Pain?
Silentgriefallgriefexcels;
Lifeandittogetherpart——
LikearestlesswormitdwellsDeepwithinthehumanheart!
LoveThee,Dearest!
Lovethee,dearest?——Hearme.——NeverWillmyfondvowsbeforgot!
MayIperish,andforever,When,dearmaid,Ilovetheenot!
Turnnotfromme,dearest!——Listen!
Banishallthydoubtsandfears!
Letthineeyeswithtransportglisten!
Whathastthoutodowithtears?
Drythem,dearest!——Ah,believeme,Love’sbrightflameisburningstill!
Thoughthehollowworlddeceivethee,Here’saheartthatneverwill!
Dostthousmile?——AcloudofsorrowBreaksbeforeJoy’srisingsun!
Wiltthougivethyhand?——To—morrow,Hymen’sbondwillmakeusone!
ILovetheNight.
IlovethenightwhenthemoonstreamsbrightOnflowersthatdrinkthedew——
Whencascadesshoutasthestarspeepout,Fromboundlessfieldsofblue;
Butdearerfarthanmoonorstar,Orflowersofgaudyhue,Ormurmuringtrillsofmountain—rills,Ilove,Ilove,love——you!
Ilovetostrayatthecloseoftheday,Throughgrovesofforest—trees,Whengushingnotesfromsong—birds’throatsArevocalinthebreeze.
Ilovethenight——thegloriousnight——
Whenheartsbeatwarmandtrue;
Butfarabovethenight,Ilove,Ilove,Ilove,love——you!
TheMiniature.
WilliamwasholdinginhishandThelikenessofhiswife!
Fresh,asiftouchedbyfairywand,Withbeauty,grace,andlife.
Healmostthoughtitspoke:——hegazedUponthebaublestill,Absorbed,delighted,andamazed,Toviewtheartist’sskill.
"Thispictureisyourself,dearJane——
’Tisdrawntonaturetrue:
I’vekissedito’erando’eragain,Itismuchlikeyou."
"Andhasitkissedyouback,mydear?"
"Why——no——mylove,"saidhe.
"Then,William,itisveryclear’TisnotatallLIKEME!"
TheRetort.
OldNick,whotaughtthevillage—school,Weddedamaidofhomespunhabit;
Hewasasstubbornasamule,Shewasasplayfulasarabbit.
PoorJanehadscarcebecomeawife,BeforeherhusbandsoughttomakeherThepinkofcountry—polishedlife,AndprimandformalasaQuaker.
Onedaythetutorwentabroad,AndsimpleJennysadlymissedhim;
Whenhereturned,behindherlordSheslylystole,andfondlykissedhim!
Thehusband’sangerrose!——andredAndwhitehisfacealternategrew!
"Lessfreedom,ma’am!"——Janesighedandsaid,"OH,DEAR!IDIDN’TKNOW’TWASYOU!"
LinesOnAPoet.
Howsweetthecadenceofhislyre!
Whatmelodyofwords!
TheystrikeapulsewithintheheartLikesongsofforest—birds,Ortinklingoftheshepherd’sbellAmongthemountain—herds.
Hismind’saculturedgarden,WhereNature’shandhassownTheflower—seedsofpoesy——
Andtheyhavefreshlygrown,ImbuedwithbeautyandperfumeTootherplantsunknown.
Abrightcareer’sbeforehim——
Alltonguespronouncehispraise;
Allheartshisinspirationfeel,Andwillinafter—days;
ForgeniusbreathesineverylineOfhissoul—thrillinglays.
Anamelessgraceisroundhim——
Asomething,toorefinedTobedescribed,yetmustbefeltByallofhumankind——
Anemanationofthesoul,Thatcannotbedefined.
Thenblessingsontheminstrel——
Hisfaultsletothersscan:
Theremaybespotsuponthesun,Whichthosemayviewwhocan;
Iseethemnot——yetknowhimwellAPOETANDAMAN.
TheBacchanalBesideacottage—door,SangEllaatherwheel;
Ruthvenrodeo’erthemoor,Downatherfeettokneel:
AspottedpalfreygayCameamblingathisside,TobearthemaidawayAshisaffiancedbride.
Ahigh—bornnoblehe,Ofstatelyhallssecure;
Alow—bornpeasantshe,Ofparentageobscure.
HowsoftthehoneyedwordsHebreathesintoherears!——
Themelodyofbirds!
Themusicofthespheres!
Withloveherbosomswells,Whichshewouldfainconceal——
Hereyes,likecrystalwells,Itshiddendepthsreveal.
WhileliquiddiamondsdripFromfeeling’sfountainwarm,Fluttersherscarletlip——
Arose—leafinastorm!
AsfromanAprilskyTherain—cloudsflitaway,Sofromthemaiden’seyeVanishedthefallingspray,WhichlingeredbutawhileHerdimpledcheekupon——
Thenmeltedinhersmile,Likevaporinthesun.
Themaidisallhisown!
Shetrustshisplightedword,And,lightlyontheroan,Shespringsbesideherlord:
Sheleavesherfather’scot,Sheturnsherfromthedoor——
ThatgreenandholyspotWhichshewillseenomore!
Theyhiedtodistantlands,Thatlordandpeasant—maid:
Thechurchne’erjoinedtheirhands,ForEllawasbetrayed!
Tornfromhernativebower,ThatmodestroseofMay,Drooped,inhisstatelytower,Andpassedfromearthaway.
Theylaidherintheground,AndEllawasforgot——
DeadwasherfatherfoundInhisdesertedcot.
ButRuthven——whatofhim?
Heranthestoryo’er,And,fillingtothebrim,Hethoughtofitnomore!
TwentyYearsAgo’Twasintheflushofsummer—time,Sometwentyyearsormore,WhenErnestlosthisway,andcrossedThethresholdofourdoor.
I’llne’erforgethislocksofjet,HisbrowofAlpinesnow,Hismanlygraceofformandface,Sometwentyyearsago.
ThehandheaskedIfreelygave——
Minewasahappylot,InallmypridetobehisbrideWithinmyfather’scot.
Thefaithhespokeheneverbroke:
HisfaithfulheartIknow;
AndwellIvowIlovehimnowAstwentyyearsago.
NationalAnthem.
FreedomspreadsherdownywingsOverallcreatedthings;
GlorytotheKingofkings,BendlowtoHimtheknee!
BringtheheartbeforeHisthrone——
WorshipHimandHimalone!——
He’stheonlyKingweown——
AndHehasmadeusfree!
TheholiestspotasmilingsunE’ershedhisgenialraysupon,IsthatwhichgaveaWashingtonThedroopingworldtocheer!
Soundtheclarion—pealsoffame!
YewhobearColumbia’sname!——
Withexistencefreedomcame——
Itisman’sbirthrighthere!
Heirsofanimmortalsire,Lethisdeedsyourheartsinspire;
WeavethestrainandwakethelyreWhereyourproudaltarsstand!
Hailwithprideandloudharrahs,Streamingfromathousandspars,Freedom’srainbow—flagofstars——
Thesymbolofourland!
ILoveTheeStill.
Ineverhavebeenfalsetothee!——
TheheartIgavetheestillisthine;
Thoughthouhastbeenuntruetome,AndInomoremaycalltheemine!
I’veloved,aswomaneverloves,Withconstantsoulingoodorill:
Thou’stprovedasmantoooftenproves,Arover——butIlovetheestill!
YetthinknotthatmyspiritstoopsTobindtheecaptiveinmytrain!——
Love’snotafloweratsunsetdroops,Butsmileswhencomeshergodagain!
Thywords,whichfallunheedednow,Couldoncemyheart—stringsmadlythrill!
LoveagoldenchainandburningvowArebroken——butIlovetheestill!
Oncewhataheavenofblisswasours,Whenlovedispelledthecloudsofcare,Andtimewentbywithbirdsandflowers,Whilesongandincensefilledtheair!
Thepastismine——thepresentthine——
Shouldthoughtsofmethyfuturefill,Thinkwhatadestinyismine,Tolose——butlovethee,falseone,still!
LookFromThyLattice,Love.
Lookfromthylattice,love——
Listentome!
Thecool,balmybreezeIsabroadonthesea!
Themoon,likeaqueen,Roamsherrealmsabove,AndnaughtisawakeButthespiritoflove.
Eremorn’sgoldenlightTipsthehillswithitsray,Awayo’erthewaters——
Awayandaway!
Thenlookfromthylattice,love——
Listentome.
Whilethemoonlightsthesky,Andthebreezecurlsthesea!
Lookfromthylattice,love——
Listentome!
Inthevoyageoflife,Loveourpilotwillbe!
He’llsitatthehelmWhereverwerove,Andsteerbytheload—starHekindledabove!
Hisgem—girdledshallopWillcutthebrightspray,Orskim,likeabird,O’erthewatersaway!
Thenlookfromthylattice,love——
Listentome,Whilethemoonlightsthesky,Andthebreezecurlsthesea!
SheLovedHim.
Shelovedhim——butsheheedednot——
Herhearthadonlyroomforpride:
Allotherfeelingswereforgot,Whenshebecameanother’sbride.
Asfromadreamshethenawoke,Torealizeherlonelystate,AndownitwasthevowshebrokeThatmadeherdrearanddesolate!
Shelovedhim——butthesland’rercame,Withwordsofhatethatallbelieved;
Astainthusrestedonhisname——
Buthewaswrongedandshedeceived;
Ah!rashtheactthatgaveherhand,Thatdroveherloverfromherside——
Whohiedhimtoadistantland,Where,battlingforaname,hedied!
Shelovedhim——andhismemorynowWastreasuredfromtheworldapart:
Thecalmofthoughtwasonherbrow,Theseedsofdeathwereinherheart.
ForalltheworldthatthingforlornIwouldnot,couldnotbe,andlive——
Thatcasketwithitsjewelgone,Abridewhohasnohearttogive!
TheSuitors.
WealthsoughtthebowerofBeauty,Dressedlikeamodernbeau:
JustthenLove,Health,andDutyTookuptheirhatstogo.
Wealthsuchacordialwelcomemet,Asmadetheothersgrieve;
SoDutyshunnedthegaycoquette,Love,pouting,tookFrenchleave——
Hedid!
Love,pouting,tookFrenchleave!
OldTime,thefriendofDuty,Nextcalledtoseethefair;
HelaidhishandonBeauty,AndleftherindespairWealthvanished!——LastwentrosyHealth——
AndshewasdoomedtoproveThatthosewhoDutyslightforWealth,CanneverhopeforLove!
Ah,no!
CanneverhopeforLove!
St.Agnes’Shrine.
WhilebeforeSt.Agnes’shrineKneltatrueknight’slady—love,FromthewarsofPalestineCameagentlecarrier—dove.
RoundhisneckaSilkenstringFastenedwordsthewarriorwrit:
Athercallhestoopedhiswing,Anduponherfingerlit.
She,likeoneenchanted,poredO’erthecontentsofthescroll——
ForthatladylovedherlordWithapure,devotedsoul.
Toherheartherdoveshedrew,Whileshetracedtheburningline;
ThenawayhisminionflewBacktosaintedPalestine.
Toandfro,fromhandtohandCameandwentacarrier—dove,TillthroughouttheHolyLandWarresignedhisswordtoLove.
Swiftherdove,onwingsoflight,BroughtthenewsfromPalestine,AndtheladyhertrueknightWeddedatSt.Agnes’shrine.
WesternRefrainDroopnot,brothers!
Aswego,O’erthemountains,Undertheboughsofmistletoe,Loghutswe’llrear,WhileherdsofdeerandbuffaloFurnishthecheer.
Fileo’erthemountains——steady,boysForgameafarWehaveourriflesready,boys!——
Aha!
Throwcaretothewinds,Likechaff,boys!——ha!
Andjoininthelaugh,boys!——
Hah——hah——hah!
Cheerup,brothers!
Aswego,O’erthemountains,Whenwe’vewoodandprairie—land,Wonbyourtoil,We’llreignlikekingsinfairy—land,Lordsofthesoil!
Thenwestwardho!inlegions,boys——
FairFreedom’sstarPointstohersunsetregions,boys——
Aha!
Throwcaretothewinds,Likechaff,boys!——ha!
Andjoininthelaugh,boys!——
Hah——hah——hah!
ThePrairieonFire[SeeNotes]
TheshadesofeveningclosedaroundTheboundlessprairiesofthewest,As,groupedinsadnessontheground,Abandofpilgrimsleanedtorest:
UponthetangledweedswerelaidThemotherandheryoungestborn,Whoslept,whileotherswatchedandprayed,Andthusthewearynightwenton.
Thickdarknessshroudedearthandsky——
WhenonthewhisperingwindstherecameTheTeton’sshrillandthrillingcry,Andheavenwaspiercedwithshaftsofflame!
Thesunseemedrisingthroughthehaze,Butwithanaspectdreadanddire:
Theveryairappearedtoblaze!——
OGod!thePrairiewasonfire!
AroundthecentreoftheplainAbeltofflameretreateddenied——
And,likeafurnace,glowedthetrainThatwalledtheminoneveryside:
Andonwardrolledthetorrentwild——
Wreathesofdensesmokeobscuredthesky!
Themotherkneltbesideherchild,Andall——saveone——shriekedout,"Wedie."
"Notso!"hecried.——"Help!——Clearthesedge!
Stripbareacircletotheland!"
Thatdone,hehastenedtoitsedge,Andgraspedarifleinhishand:
Driedweedsheheldbesidethepan,Whichkindledataflashthemass!
"Nowfirefightfire!"hesaid,asranTheforkedflamesamongthegrass.
Onthreesidesthenthetorrentflew,Butonthefourthnomoreitraved!
Thenlargeandbroadthecirclegrew,Andthusthepilgrimbandwassaved!
Theflamesrecededfarandwide——
Themotherhadnotprayedinvain:
GodhadtheTeton’sartsdefied!
Hisscytheoffirehadswepttheplain!
TheEvergreen.
Lovecannotbethealoe—tree,Whosebloombutonceisseen;
Gosearchthegrove——thetreeofloveIssuretheevergreen:
Forthat’sthesame,inleaforframe,’Neathcoldorsunnyskies;
Youtakethegrounditsrootshavebound,Orit,transplanted,dies!
Thatlovethusshoots,andfirmlyrootsInwoman’sheart,wesee;
Throughsmilesandtearsinafter—yearsItgrowsafadelesstree.
Thetreeoflove,alltreesabove,Forevermaybeseen,Insummer’sbloomorwinter’sgloom,Ahardyevergreen.
TheMay—Queen.
Likeflightsofsinging—birdswentbyThecheerfulhoursofgirlhood’sday,When,inmynativebowers,OfsimplebudsandflowersTheywoveacrown,andhailedmeQueenofMay!
Likeairyspritesthelassescame,Spring’sofferingsatmyfeettolay;
Thecrystalfromthefountain,Thegreenboughfromthemountain,TheybroughttocheerandshadetheQueenofMay.
AroundtheMay—poleonthegreen,Afairyringtheytrippedaway;
Allmerrimentandpleasure,TochordsoftunefulmeasureTheyboundedbythehappyQueenofMay.
Thoughyearshavepassed,andTimehasstrownMyravenlockswithflakesofgray,FondMemorybringsthehoursOfbudsandblossom—showersWheningirlhoodIwascrownedtheQueenofMay.
VenetianSerenade.
Come,cometome,love!
Come,love!——AriseAndshamethebrightstarsWiththelightofthineeyes;
Lookoutfromthylattice——
Oh,lady—bird,hear!
Aswanonthewater——
Mygondola’snear!
Come,cometome,love!
Come,love!——Mybride!
O’ercrystalinmoonbeamsWe’lltranquillyglide:
InthedipoftheoarAmelodyflowsSweetasthenightingaleSingstotherose.
Come,cometome,love!
Come,love!——ThedayBringswarderandcloister!
Away,then——away!
Oh,hastetothylover!
NotyonstaraboveIsmoretruetoheavenThenhetohislove!
TheWhip—Poor—Will.
"TheplaintofthewailingWhip—poor—will,WhomournsunseenandceaselesssingsEveranoteofwailandwo,TillMorningspreadsherrosywings,Andearthandskyinherglancesglow."
J.R.Drake.
Whydostthoucomeatsetofsun,Thosepensivewordstosay?
WhywhippoorWill?——Whathashedone?
AndwhoisWill,Ipray?
Whycomefromyonleaf—shadedhill,Asuppliantatmydoor?——
WhyaskofmetowhippoorWill?
AndisWillreallypoor?
Ifpoverty’shiscrime,letmirthFromhisheartbedriven:
Thatisthedeadliestsinonearth,Andneverisforgiven!
ArtWillhimself?——Itmustbeso——
Ilearnitfromthymoan,Fornonecanfeelanother’swoAsdeeplyashisown.
Yetwhereforestrainthytinythroat,Whileotherbirdsrepose?
Whatmeansthymelancholynote?——
Themysterydisclose!
Still"WhippoorWill!"——Artthouasprite,FromunknownregionssentTowanderinthegloomofnight,Andaskforpunishment?
IsthineaconsciencesorebesetWithguilt?——or,whatisworse,Hastthoutomeetwrits,duns,anddebt——
Nomoneyinthypurse!
Ifthisbethyhardfateindeed,Ah!wellmay’stthourepine:
ThesympathyIgiveIneed——
Thepoet’sdoomisthine!
Artthoualover,Will?——HasprovedThefairestcandeceive?
Thisisthelotofallwho’velovedSinceAdamweddedEve!
Hasttrustedinafriend,andseenNofriendwasheinneed?
Acommonerror——menstillleanUponasfrailareed.
Hastthou,inseekingwealthorfame,Acrownofbrambleswon?
O’eralltheearth’tisjustthesameWitheverymother’sson!
HastfoundtheworldaBabelwide,WheremantoMammonstoops?
WhereflourishArroganceandPride,WhilemodestMeritdroops?
What,noneofthese?——Then,whencethypain?
Toguessitwho’stheskill?
PrayhavethekindnesstoexplainWhyshouldIwhippoorWill?
Dostmerelyaskthyjustdesert?
What,notanotherword?——
Backtothewoodsagain,unhurt——
Iwillnotharmthee,bird!