By the Sea and Other Verses Part 10

Start not, good friends; there was a time When I, whom fate, in kindly mood, Made brief sojourner in your clime, Was glad partaker of the good That from your "Circle" emanated; And as the seven days went 'round The appointed "Fourth-day evening" found Me with its members congregated.

And also now I recognize The smiling lips and beaming eyes Of some, who, cordial, kind and free, Had smiles and loving words for me.

Who, when I entered rose to greet, And welcome gave, sincere and sweet.

But that was years ago, and now There may be wrinkles on my brow; There may have fled from form and face The transient charms of youth and grace, And time and sadness may have thrown A shadow o'er the "chestnut brown"

Of locks that once--well, let that pa.s.s;-- These are but sorrowful reflections, And, like those of my looking-gla.s.s, Do but discover imperfections; So let us leave this train of thought And start in happier directions.

But first I think it may be due Alike unto myself and you, Lest some should think I may have brought My ghostly presence here unsought, To make this note of explanation:-- That not for pride, or praise, or gloom, Or curious motive am I come; Nor yet for want of occupation; Far from intruding thus, I would Have it distinctly understood I'm here by "special invitation."

Here! and my phantom pulses quicken!

Pale memories gather round me fast, And now they grow, and gleam, and thicken, And fan me with their wings of light, And bear me to a realm more bright Than fairy land or elfin home, Or that sweet world whence dreams do come The heaven of a happy Past!

Familiar faces on me smile, Remembered voices greet my ear, And social converse gives the while, The old-time wisdom and good cheer.

But while we're all engaged in chat, Of work, of weather, and all that, And voices rise and smiles grow broader, Presiding dignity comes forth With modest but "amazing" worth And calls the whole concern to order.

Then "minutes" penned by snow-white hand, Approved without dissension stand; And hushed is all the talk and noise The while some soft or manly voice From gifted author doth unfold Before us treasures new and old.

We grant them rare, yet lay them by Our intellectual strength to try In essay, speech, or declamation; We reverence the might of mind, But here our home-spun thoughts still find A kindlier appreciation.

With hushed breath and eyes that glisten, To some fine argument we listen, From one with head so full of lore That to prevent its br.i.m.m.i.n.g o'er He must impart his information.

The which he does "by book and rule,"

Achieving in the village school A never-ceasing reformation.

With rapt attention now we hear A discourse upon Sound and Ear, Wherein is beautifully blended, The Science and the History, The Knowledge and the Mystery So fair, when fairly comprehended.

Then some poetic brain is fired, Some secret spring unlocked, for A brother brings, with love inspired, Kind thoughts in glowing words attired, And prays at once with heart and pen-- And all the people say Amen-- "G.o.d bless the Country Doctor."

And "lesser lights" send out a gleam Of intellectual glory; And many a grave or playful theme, Or fact profound, or doubtful dream, Or song, or allegory Beguiles the gloom of winter night, And makes the slow hours swift and light; To social pleasure adds a charm, Makes young hearts wise and old hearts warm, And Life a pleasant story.

O friends, I live it o'er again!

I cross the gulf 'twixt Now and Then, And live that happy time again; Its varied joy and brightness, all-- The crowded room, the lighted hall, The merry laugh, the friendly nod-- And bless the Fate that brought--but no, Let us not read these chances so-- _Fate is the Sovereign will of G.o.d_; He marks the paths by mortals trod; And He appoints our joy and woe.

Then bless we G.o.d, whose gracious hand Hath led us gently on our way; By whose good will to-day we stand Rejoicing that we live to-day.

By whose sweet mercy yet we trust That all of us which is not dust, From time and toils of earth shall rise To n.o.bler life beyond the skies.

A VALENTINE

Up in the same sweet heaven, Though parted far, We two may see at even The same bright star.

So the same blessed guide-star Of Love divine Illumines with its glory Thy path and mine.

When thoughts of these, of heaven And love are thine, Be one kind memory given Thy Valentine.

A CONVENTION HYMN

Bless us now, our Heavenly Father, As we gather once again And unite our hearts and voices In a grateful, glad refrain; Praises for a Father's bounty, Praises for a Saviour's reign.

Guide us by thy Holy Spirit, Lead us in thy perfect way; Show us as we strive to serve Thee, What to do and what to say; Teach us how to work and suffer, How to watch and how to pray.

Gracious Lord, we come with pleading For our tempted brother's sin; At the open door of mercy Praying Thou wilt take him in.

Sin-sick, heart-sore and repentant, Let him now new life begin.

And we bring our sister, moaning Over blighted hope and home; Robbed of all life's best possessions By the ruthless spoiler--Rum, To her rest in Thy compa.s.sion, Bid the heavy-laden "Come."

And we pray, O G.o.d of Nations, That thine outstretched arm of might, May rebuke this prowling evil, May drive back the powers of night, And preserve us Home and Country Overruled by Love and Right.

A COLLECTION SONG

FOR THE LOYAL TEMPERANCE LEGION

Kind friends, we thank you, one and all, For giving such attention, While we've arraigned Old Alcohol, And of his faults made mention.

And if you'd like to see him now Put "in a pretty pickle,"

Just lend a hand and help us on By giving us a nickel.

He stalks the earth from east to west, A deal of mischief doing; But we are "on the war-path" now, Old Alcohol pursuing.

So if you'd like to see him caught And punished for his crime, sir, Just lend a hand and help us on By tossing us a dime, sir.

He robs our homes of peace and joy; He fills the land with sighing; Sets snares and pitfalls for our feet, (He'd better be a-dying.) So if you think he should be slain, As we believe he'd or'ter, Just lend a hand and help us on By handing out a quarter.

He boasts himself a King--by law And license well protected; But now "the children are a-field"

We'll have him soon ejected.

So if you'd see us tackle him, And take him by the collar, Just lend a hand and help us on By dropping in a dollar.

THE BALLAD OF THE BOUNDARY LINE

"Here shall the Boundary Line be laid."

"Not so, but here," the other said.

Clamor of contest ran fierce and high,-- Defiant challenge and proud reply.

For heights of the Andes rose between The Chilean States and the Argentine; And the mooted question, day by day, Was "What doth limit my neighbor's sway?"

The sunlight rose and the shadows fell On either slope, but none could tell Just where the morning's magic wand Touched the Argentine or Chile land.

Fair in their verdure, pure in their snow, So near to heaven their summits go-- Why should they ever by man be trod?

'Twould seem they should only belong to G.o.d.

But the strife went on with pa.s.sing years, Fed by resentment and pride and fears; Nor priest nor people could yet define The rightful range of the Boundary Line.