第2章

AndIenvynotthemonarchsWithcitiesundertheirsway； ForamInot，inmyownright，Amonarchasproudasthey？ Whatmatter，then，iftoothersMycastleaphantommaybe，SinceIfeel，inthedepthsofmyownheart，Thatitisnotsotome？ APPLE—BLOSSOMS。 Isitintheshadowofapple—boughs，Inthefragrantorchardclose，Andaroundmefloatsthescentedair，Withitswave—liketidalflows。 Iclosemyeyesinadreamybliss，Andcallnokingmypeer； Forisnotthistherare，sweettime，Theblossomingtimeoftheyear？ Ilieonacouchofdownygrass，Withdelicateblossomsstrewn，AndIfeelthethrobofNature’sheartResponsivetomyown。 Oh，theworldisfair，andGodisgood，Thatmakethlifesodear； Forisnotthistherare，sweettime，Theblossomingtimeoftheyear？ Icansee，throughtheriftsoftheapple—boughs，Thedelicateblueofthesky，AndthechangingcloudswiththeirmarvelloustintsThatdriftsolazilyby。 Andstrange，sweetthoughtssingthroughmybrain，AndHeaven，itseemethnear； Oh，isitnotarare，sweettime，Theblossomingtimeoftheyear？ SUMMERHOURS。 Itistheyear’shighnoon，Theearthsweetincenseyields，Ando’erthefresh，greenfieldsBendstheclearskyofJune。 Ileavethecrowdedstreets，Thehumofbusylife，Itsclamoranditsstrife，Tobreathethyperfumedsweets。 Orareandgoldenhours！ Thebird’smelodioussong，Wavelike，isbornealongUponastrandofflowers。 Iwanderfaraway，Where，throughtheforesttrees，Sportsthecoolsummerbreeze，Inwildandwantonplay。 ApatriarchalelmItsstatelyformuprears，WhichtwiceahundredyearsHasruledthiswoodlandrealm。 Isitbeneathitsshade，Andwatch，withcarelesseye，Thebrookthatbabblesby，Andcoolstheleafyglade。 IntruthIwondernot，ThatintheancientdaysThetemplesofGod’spraiseWeregroveandleafygrot。 Thenoblesteverplanned，Withquaintdeviceandrare，Byman，canillcompareWiththesefromGod’sownhand。 Pilgrimwithway—wornfeet，Who，treadinglife’sdullround，Notruereposehastfound，Cometothisgreenretreat。 Forbird，andflower，andtree，Greenfields，andwoodlandwild，Shallbear，withvoicesmild，Sweetmessagestothee。 JUNE。 Throwopenwideyourgoldengates，Opoet—landedmonthofJune，Andwaftme，onyourspicybreath，Themelodyofbirdsintune。 Ofairestpalaceofthethree，WhereinQueenSummerholdethsway，IgazeuponyourleafycourtsFromoutthevestibuleofMay。 Ifainwouldtreadyourgardenwalks，Orinyourshadybowersrecline； Thenopenwideyourgoldengates，Andmakethemmine，andmakethemmine。 LITTLECHARLIE。 AVIOLETgrewbytheriver—side，Andgladdenedallheartswithitsbloom； Whileoverthefields，onthescentedair，Itbreathedarichperfume。 Butthecloudsgrewdarkintheangrysky，Anditsportalswereopenedwide； AndtheheavyrainbeatdowntheflowerThatgrewbytheriver—side。 Notfarawayinapleasanthome，Therelivedalittleboy，WhosecheerfulfaceandchildishgraceFilledeveryheartwithjoy。 Hewanderedonedaytotheriver’sverge，Withnooneneartosave； AndtheheartthatwelovedwithaboundlessloveWasstilledintherestlesswave。 Theskygrewdarktoourtearfuleyes，Andwebadefarewelltojoy； ForourheartswereboundbyasorrowfultieTothegraveofthelittleboy。 ThebirdsstillsingintheleafytreeThatshadowstheopendoor； Weheedthemnot，forwethinkofthevoiceThatweshallhearnomore。 Wethinkofhimateventide，AndgazeonhisvacantchairWithalongingheartthatwillscarcebelieveThatCharlieisnotthere。 Weseemtohearhisringinglaugh，Andhisboundingstepatthedoor； But，alas！therecomesthesorrowfulthought，Weshallneverhearthemmore！ Weshallwalksometimestohislittlegrave，Inthepleasantsummerhours； Wewillspeakhisnameinasoftenedvoice，Andcoverhisgravewithflowers； Wewillthinkofhiminhisheavenlyhome，—— Inhisheavenlyhomesofair； AndwewilltrustwithahopefultrustThatweshallmeethimthere。 THEWHIPPOORWILLANDI。 INthehushedhoursofnight，whentheairquitestill，Ihearthestrangecryofthelonewhippoorwill，WhoChants，withoutceasing，thatwonderfultrill，Ofwhichthesoleburdenisstill，\"Whip—poor—Will。\" AndwhyshouldIwhiphim？Strangevisitant，Hashebeenplayingtruantthislongsummerday？ Ilistenedamoment；moreclearandmoreshrillRangthevoiceofthebird，ashecried，\"Whip—poor—Will。\" ButwhathaspoorWilldone？Iaskyouoncemore； I’llwhiphim，don’tfear，ifyou’lltellmewhatfor。 Ipausedforananswer；o’ervalleyandhillRangthevoiceofthebird，ashecried，\"Whip—poor—Will。\" Hashecometoyourdwelling，bynightorbyday，Andsnatchedtheyoungbirdsfromtheirwarmnestaway？ Ipausedforananswer；o’ervalleyandhillRangthevoiceofthebird，ashecried，\"Whip—poor—Will。\" Well，well，Icanhearyou，don’thaveanyfears，Icanhearwhatisconstantlydinnedinmyears。 Theobstinatebird，withhiswonderfultrill，Stillmadebutoneanswer，andthat，\"Whip—poor—Will。\" ButwhatHASpoorWilldone？Ipritheeexplain； I’moutofallpatience，don’tmockmeagain。 Theobstinatebird，withhiswonderfultrill，Stillmadethesameanswer，andthat，\"Whip—poor—Will。\" Well，haveyourownway，then；butifyouwon’ttell，I’llshutdownthewindow，andbidyoufarewell； Butofonethingbesure，Iwon’twhiphimuntilYougivemesomereasonforwhippingpoorWill。 Ilistenedamoment，asifforreply，Butnothingwasheardbutthebird’smockingcry。 Icaughtthefaintechofromvalleyandhill； Itbreathedthesameburden，thatstrange\"Whip—poor—Will。\" CARVINGANAME。 Iwrotemynameuponthesand，Andtrusteditwouldstandforaye； But，soon，alas！therefluentseaHadwashedmyfeeblelinesaway。 Icarvedmynameuponthewood，And，afteryears，returnedagain； ImissedtheshadowofthetreeThatstretchedofoldupontheplain。 Tosolidmarblenext，mynameIgaveasaperpetualtrust； Anearthquakerentittoitsbase，Andnowitlies，o’erlaidwithdust。 Allthesehavefailed。InwisermoodIturnandaskmyself，\"Whatthen？\" IfIwouldhavemynameendure，I’llwriteitontheheartsofmen，Incharactersoflivinglight，Ofkindlydeedsandactionswrought。 Andthese，beyondthetouchoftime，Shallliveimmortalasmythought。 —————————————————————————— INTIMEOFWAR。 —————————————————————————— GONETOTHEWAR。 MyCharliehasgonetothewar，MyCharliesobraveandtall； Helefthisploughinthefurrow，Andflewathiscountry’scall。 MayGodinsafetykeephim，—— Mypreciousboy——myall！ Myheartispiningtoseehim； Imisshimeveryday； Myheartiswearywithwaiting，Andsickofthelongdelay，—— ButIknowhiscountryneedshim，AndIcouldnotbidhimstay。 Irememberhowhisfaceflushed，Andhowhiscolorcame，WhentheflashfromthegunsofSumterLitthewholelandwithflame，Anddarkenedourcountry’sbannerWiththecrimsonhueofshame。 \"Mother，\"hesaid，thenfaltered，—— Ifelthismuteappeal； Ipaused——ifyouareamother，Youknowwhatmothersfeel，WhencalledtoyieldtheirdearonesTothecruelbulletandsteel。 Myheartstoodstillforamoment，Struckwithamightywoe； Afaintasofdeathcameo’erme，Iamamother，youknow，ButIsternlycheckedmyweakness，Andfirmlybadehim\"Go。\" WhereverthefightisfiercestIknowthatmyboywillbe； WherevertheneedissorestOfthestoutarmsofthefree。 MayheproveastruetohiscountryAshehasbeentruetome。 Myhomeislonelywithouthim，Myhearthbereftofjoy，ThethoughtofhimwhohasleftmeMyconstantsademploy； ButGodhasbeengoodtothemother，—— Sheshallnotblushforherboy。 WHEREISMYBOYTO—NIGHT？ WhenthecloudsintheWesternskyFlushredwiththesettingsun，—— Whentheveiloftwilightfalls，Andthebusydayisdone，—— Isitandwatchtheclouds，Withtheircrimsonhuesalight，Andponderwithanxiousheart，Oh，whereismyboyto—night？ Itisjustayearto—daySincehebademeagaygood—by，Tomarchwherebannersfloat，Andthedeadlymissilesfly。 AsImarkedhismartialstepIfeltmycolorriseWithallamother’spride，Andmyheartwasinmyeyes。 There’salittleroomcloseby，WhereIoftenusedtocreepInthehushofthesummernightTowatchmyboyasleep。 ButhewhousedtorestBeneaththespreadsowhiteIsfarawayfrommenow，—— Oh，whereismyboyto—night？ Perchanceinthegatheringnight，Withslowandwearyfeet，BythelightofSouthernstars，Hepaceshislonelybeat。 Doeshethinkofthemother’sheartThatwillneverceasetoyearn，Asonlyamother’scan，Forherabsentboy’sreturn？ Oh，whereismyboyto—night？ Icannotanswerwhere，ButIknow，whereverheis，HeisunderourFather’scare。 MayHeguard，andguide，andblessMyboy，whereverhebe，AndbringhimbackatlengthToblessandtocomfortme。 MayGodblessallourboysBythecamp—fire’sruddyglow，OrwheninthedeadlyfightTheyfronttheembattledfoe； Andcomforteachmother’sheart，Asshesitsinthefadinglight，Andponderswithanxiousheart—— Oh，whereismyboyto—night？ ASOLDIER’SVALENTINE。 Justfromthesentry’stramp（Imusttakeitagainatten），Ihavelaidmymusketdown，Andseizedinsteadmypen； For，pacingmylonelyroundInthechillytwilightgray，Thethought，dearMary，came，ThatthisisSt。Valentine’sDay。 AndwiththethoughttherecameAglimpseofthehappytimeWhenaschool—boy’sfirstattemptIsentyou，inborrowedrhyme，Onagilt—edgedsheet，embossedWithmanyaquaintdesign，Andsigned，inschool—boyhand，\"YourlovingValentine。\" Theyearshavecomeandgone，—— Haveflown，Iknownotwhere，—— Andtheschool—boy’smerryfaceIsgravewithmanhood’scare； ButtheheartofthemanstillbeatsAtthewell—rememberedname，AndonthisSt。Valentine’sDayHischoiceisstillthesame。 Therewasatime——ah，well！ ThinknotthatIrepineWhenIdreamedthishappydayWouldsmileonyouasmine； ButIheardmycountry’scall； Iknewherneedwassore。 ThankGod，noselfishthoughtWithheldmefromthewar。 ButwhenthedearoldflagShallfloatinitsancientpride，Whenthetwainshallbemadeone，Andfeudsnomoredivide，—— Iwilllaymymusketdown，Mymartialgarbresign，AndturnmyjoyousfeetTowardhomeandValentine。 LASTWORDS。 \"DEARCharlie，\"breathedasoldier，\"Ocomradetrueandtried，WhointheheatofbattlePressedcloselytomyside； IfeelthatIamstricken，Mylifeisebbingfast； Ifainwouldhaveyouwithme，DearCharlie，tillthelast。 \"Itseemssosudden，Charlie，Tothinkto—morrow’ssunWilllookuponmelifeless，AndInottwenty—one！ Ilittledreamedthismorning，Twouldbringmylastcampaign； God’swaysarenotasourways，AndIwillnotcomplain。 \"There’soneathome，dearCharlie，Willmournformewhendead，Whoseheart——itisamother’s—— Canscarcebecomforted。 You’llwriteandtellher，Charlie，Withmydearlove，thatI Foughtbravelyasasoldiershould，Anddiedasheshoulddie。 \"Andyouwilltellher，Charlie，Shemustnotgrievetoomuch，Ourcountryclaimsouryounglives，Forshehasneedofsuch。 Andwhereishewouldfalter，Orturnignoblyback，WhenDuty’svoicecries’Forward，’ AndHonorlightsthetrack？ \"Andthere’sanother，Charlie（Hisvoicebecamemorelow），WhenthoughtsofHERcomeo’erme，Itmakesithardtogo。 Thislocketinmybosom，ShegavemejustbeforeIleftmynativevillageForthefearfulscenesofwar。 \"Giveherthismessage，Charlie，Sentwithmydyingbreath，ToherandtomybannerI’m’faithfuluntodeath。’ Andif，inthatfarcountryWhichIamgoingto，Ourearthlytiesmayenter，I’lltheremyloverenew。 \"Comenearer，closer，Charlie，MyheadIfainwouldrest，Itmustbeforthelasttime，Uponyourfaithfulbreast。 Dearfriend，IcannottellyouHowinmyheartIfeelThedepthofyourdevotion，Yourfriendshipstrongassteel。 \"We’vewatchedandcampedtogetherInsunshineandinrain； We’vesharedthetoilsandperilsOfmorethanonecampaign； Andwhenmytiredfeetfaltered，Beneaththenoontideheat，Yourwordssustainedmycourage，Gavenewstrengthtomyfeet。 \"Andonce，——’twasatAntietam，—— Pressedhardbythrongingfoes，IalmostsankexhaustedBeneaththeircruelblows，—— Whenyou，dearfriend，undaunted，WithheadlongcouragethrewYourheartintothecontest，Andsafelybroughtmethrough。 \"Mywordsareweak，dearCharlie，Mybreathisgrowingscant； Yourhanduponmyheartthere，Canyounothearmepant？ YourthoughtsIknowwillwanderSometimestowhereIlie—— Howdarkitgrows！TruecomradeAndfaithfulfriend，good—by！\" Amoment，andhelaythereAstatue，paleandcalm。 HisyouthfulheadrecliningUponhiscomrade’sarm。 HislimbsuponthegreenswardWerestretchedincarelessgrace，AndbythefitfulmoonwasseenAsmileuponhisface。 SONGOFTHECROAKER。* *WrittenbyrequestforthePhiladelphiaSanitaryFair。 Anoldfroglivedinadismalswamp，Inadismalkindofway； Andallthathedid，whateverbefell，Wastocroakthelivelongday。 Croak，croak，croak，Whendarknessfilledtheair，Andcroak，croak，croak，Whentheskieswerebrightandfair。 \"GoodMasterFrog，abattleisfought，Andthefoeman’spowerisbroke。\" Butheonlyturnedagreenerhue，Andansweredwithacroak。 Croak，croak，croak，Whenthecloudsaredarkanddun，Andcroak，croak，croak，Intheblazeofthenoontidesun。 \"GoodMasterFrog，theforcesofrightAredrivingthehostsofwrong。\" Buthegavehisheadanominousshake，Andcroakedout，\"Nousverrons！\" Croak，croak，croak，Tilltheheartisfullofgloom，Andcroak，croak，croak，Tilltheworldseemsbutatomb。 Topoisonthecupoflife，Byalwaysdreadingtheworst。 Istomakeoftheearthadungeondamp，Andthehappiestlifeaccursed。 Croak，croak，croak，Whenthenoontidesunrideshigh，Andcroak，croak，croak，Lestthenightcomebyandby。 Farewelltothedismalfrog； Lethimcroakasloudashemay，Hecannotblotthesunfromheaven，Norhinderthemarchofday，Thoughhecroak，croak，croak，Tilltheheartisfullofgloom，Andcroak，croak，croak，Tilltheworldseemsbutatomb。 KINGCOTTON。 KINGCOTTONlooksfromhiswindowTowardsthewesteringsun，Andhemarks，withananguishedhorror，Thathisraceisalmostrun。 Hisformisthinandshrunken； Hischeekispaleandwan； AndthelinesofcareonhisfurrowedbrowAredreadtolookupon。 Butyesterdayamonarch，Intheflushofhispompandpride，And，notcontentwithhisownbroadlands，Hewouldruletheworldbeside。 Hebuilthimastatelypalace，Withgoldfrombeyondthesea； Andhelaidwithcarethecorner—stone，AndhecalleditSlavery: Hesummonedanarmywithbanners，Tokeephisfoesatbay； And，gazingwithprideonhispalacewalls，Hesaid，\"Theywillstandforaye！\" Butthepalacewallsareshrunken，Andpartlyoverthrown，Andthestormsofwar，intheirviolence，Haveloosenedthecorner—stone。 NowFaminestalksthroughthepalacehalls，Withhergauntandpallidtrain； Youcanhearthecriesoffamishedmen，Astheycryforbreadinvain。 Thekingcansee，fromhispalacewalls。 Alandbyhispridebetrayed； Thousandsofmothersandwivesbereft。 Thousandsofgravesnew—made。 Andheseemstosee，intheloweringsky，Theshapeofaflamingsword； Whereonhereads，withasinkingheart，TheangeroftheLord。 GodspeedthetimewhentheguiltykingShallbehurledfromhisblood—stainedthrone； AndthepalaceofWrongshallcrumbletodust，Withitsboastedcorner—stone。 AtempleofFreedomshallriseinstead，Onthedesecratedsite: AndwithinitsshelteralikeshallstandTheblackmanandthewhite。 OUTOFEGYPT。 ToEgypt’sking，whoruledbesideThereedyriver’sflow，CameGod’scommand，\"Release，Oking，Andletmypeoplego。\" Theking’sproudheartgrewhardapace； Hemarkedthesuppliantthrong，Andsaid，\"Nay，theymusthereabide； Theweakmustservethestrong。\" StraightwaytheLordstretchedforthhishand，Andeverystreamranblood； Theriverswepttowardsthesea—— Afullensanguinedflood。 Thehaughtykingbeheldtheland，Byplaguesafflictedsore，But，asGod’swondersmultiplied，Hardenedhisheartthemore； UntiltheangeloftheLordCameonthewingsofNight，Andsmotefirst—bornofmanandbeast，Inhisdestructiveflight。 ThroughoutallEgypt，notahouseWassparedthiscrowningwoe。 Thenbrokethetyrant’sstubbornwill； Hebadethepeoplego。 Theygathereduptheirflocksandherds，Rejoicingtobefree； And，goingforth，amightyhost，Encampedbesidethesea。 ThenPharaoh’sheartrepentedhim； Hecalledamightyforce，Andswiftlyfollowedontheirtrack，Withchariotandwithhorse。 ThenIsrael’shostweresoreafraid； ButGodwasontheirside，And，lo！forthemawayiscleft，TheRed—seawavesdivide。 AtGod’scommandtherestlesswavesObeytheprophet’srod； And，throughthemiddleofthesea，Thepeoplemarcheddry—shod。 But，whenthespoilers，followingclose，WouldhinderIsrael’sflight，Thewaterstotheircoursereturn，Thepartedwavesunite，AndPharaoh’shostissweptaway，Thechariotsandthehorse； AndnotamanisleftaliveOfallthatmightyforce。 SointhesedaysGodlooksfromheaven，Andmarkshisservants’woe； Hearyehisvoice:\"Breakeveryyoke，Andletmypeoplego！\" ForthemtheRed—seawavesdivide，Thestreamswithcrimsonflow； Thereforewemournforourfirst—born；—— Thenletthepeoplego。 TheyarenotweakwhomGodbefriends，HemakestheircauseHisown； AndtheywhofightagainstGod’smightShallsurelybeo’erthrown。 THEPRICEOFVICTORY。 \"AVICTORY！——avictory！\" Isflashedacrossthewires； Speed，speedthenewsfromStatetoState，Lightupthesignalfires！ LetallthebellsfromallthetowersAjoyouspealringout； We’vegainedagloriousvictory，Andputthefoetorout！ Amotherheardthechimingbells； Herjoywasmixedwithpain。 \"PrayGod，\"shesaid，\"mygallantboyBenotamongtheslain！\" Alasforher！thatveryhourOutstretchedindeathhelay，Thecolorfromhisfair，youngfaceHadscarcelypassedaway。 Hisnervelesshandstillgraspedthesword。 Henevermoremightwield，HiseyesweresealedindreamlesssleepUponthatbloodyfield。 ThechestnutcurlshismotheroftHadstrokedinfondestpride，Neglectedhungiaclottedlocks，Withdeepestcrimsondyed。 Ah！manyamother’sheartshallache，Andbleedwithanguishsore，WhentidingscomeofhimwhomarchedSoblithelyforthtowar。 Oh！sadforthem，thestrickendownInmanhood’searlydawn，Andsadderyetforlovinghearts。 Godcomfortthemthatmourn！ Yes，victoryhasafearfulpriceOurheartsmayshrinktopay，AndtearswillminglewiththejoyThatgreetsagloriousday。 Buthewhodiesinfreedom’scause，Wecannotcounthimlost； AbattlewonfortruthandrightIsworththeblooditcost！ Omothers！countitsomethinggainedThatthey，forwhomyoumourn，BequeathfairFreedom’sheritageTomillionsyetunborn；—— AndbetterthanathousandyearsOfbase，ignoblebreath，Apatriot’sfragrantmemory，Ahero’searlydeath！ HARVARDODES。 （SUNGATANNUALDINNERSOFTHEHARVARDCLUB OFNewYork。NEWYORK。） HARVARDODES。 I。 （Feb。23，1869。） FairHarvard，dearguideofouryouth’sgoldendays； Atthynameallourheartsownathrill，Weturnfromlife’s。highways，itsbusiness，itscares，Weareboysinthytutelagestill。 Andthewarmbloodofyouthtoourveins，asofyore，Returnswithimpetuousflow，RevivingthescenesandthehopesthatwereoursInthevanished，butsweetLongAgo。 Oncemorethroughthywalks，AlmaMater，wetread，Andwedreamyouth’sfairdreamsonceagain，WeareheroesinfightfortheJustandtheRight，Weareknightswithoutfear，withoutstain； Itsdoorsinfairprospecttheworldopenswide，Itsprizesseemeasytowin，—— Wearestronginourfaith，weareboldinourmight，Andwelongfortheracetobegin。 Thoughdimmedareourhopes，andourvisionsarefled，Ourdreamswerebutdreams，itistrue； Dust—stainedfromthecontestwegatherto—night，Thesweetdreamsofyouthtorenew。 Enoughforto—morrowthecaresitshallbring，Weareboys，wearebrothers，to—night； Andourhearts，warmwithlove，AlmaMater，tothee，Shallinloyaldevotionunite。 II。 （Feb。11，1870。） Aswemeetinthyname，AlmaMater，to—night，Allourheartsandourhopesareasone，AndloveforthemotherthatnurturedhisyouthBeatshighinthebreastofeachson。 ThesweetchordsofMemorybridgeo’erthePast，Theyearsfadeawaylikeadream，BythebanksofCephissus，beneaththegreentrees，Wetreadthyfairwalks，Academe。 TheheightsofHymettusthatboundthenearviewFilltheairwithanodorassweetAsthebeautifulclustersofsun—tintedgrapesFromthevineyardsthatlieatourfeet。 Orealmofenchantment，OWonderfulland，Wherethegodsholdhighconversewithmen，Comeoutfromtheduskofpastagesoncemore，Andliveinourfancyagain。 LetusdrinktothePastasourglasseswelift，Leteyespeaktoeye，hearttoheart，Letthebondsofsweetfellowshipbindeachtoeach，Inthehoursthatremainerewepart。 Andthou，AlmaMater，grownfairerwithage，LetusechotheblessingthatfellFromthymotherlylips，aswestoodatthyside，Andthoubad’stusGod—speedandFarewell。 III。 （Feb。21，1872。） FairHarvard，themonthshaveaccomplishedtheirroundAndayearstandsfull—orbedandcomplete，Sincelastatthysummons，withdutifulhearts，Thychildrensathereatthyfeet。 Sincelastinthypresence，grownyouthfuloncemore，Wedranktothepastanditsjoys，Shakingoffeverycarethatencumberedouryears，Anddreamedthatagainwewereboys。 To—nightonceagaininthypresencewemeetInthefreshnessandflushoflife’sspring； Wewaitbutthyblessing，weaskbutthysmile，Asoursailstothefreeairwefling。 Thewindsbreatheauspiciousthatwaftusalong，Thesky，undisturbed，smilesserene，Hopestandsattheprow，andthewatersgleambrightWithsparklesofsilverysheen。 Andthyvoice，AlmaMater，sopotentandsweet，Stillsoundsinourearsasofyore，Andthymotherlycounselwehear，wisdom—fraught，Aswepushourfrailbarksfromtheshore。 Fromthefoam—crestedwavesofthemountainousseaAsbackwardourglanceswestrain，Weseethedearfaceofourmotherbenign，Andblessheragainandagain。 IV。 （Feb。21，1873。） There’safountainofFablewhosemagicalpowerTime’sravagesallcouldrepair，Andreplacethebowedformandthetotteringstep，Thewrinklesandsilveryhair，Bythebrownflowinglocksandthegracesofyouth，Itsfootstepelasticandlight，Couldmantlethecheekwithitslong—vanishedbloomAndmakethedulleyekeenandbright。 ’Tisonlyafable——abeautifuldream，Butthefable，thedream，shallcometrue，Asthysons，AlmaMater，assembleto—nightThejoysofpastyearstorenew。 Oureyesshallgrowbrightwiththeiroldwontedlight，Ourspiritsuntrammelledbycare，AndtheGoddessofHope，withherfreshrainbowtints，Shallpainteveryprospectmorefair。 Howsweetwerethefriendshipsweformedinthyhalls！ HowstrongwerethetendrilsthatboundOurheartstothemotherwhoseprovidentcareEncompassedherchildrenaround！ Nowstronginourmanhoodwecherishherstill； Andifbymisfortunebroughtlow，Ourstrengthshallsupporther，ourarmsbearherup，Andsustainherthroughwealandthroughwoe。 OCCASIONALODES。 BI—CENTENNIALODE。* （June13，1860。） *Sungatthebi—centennialcelebrationoftheincorporationofMarlboro，Mass。 Fromthedoorofthehomesteadthemotherlooksforth，Withaglancehalfofhope，halfoffear，FortheclockinthecornernowpointstothehourWhenthechildrenshelovesshouldappear。 Forhavetheynotpromised，whateverbetide，Onthistheirdearmother’sbirthday，Togatheroncemoreroundthefamilyboard，Theirdutifulservicetopay？ FromtheEastandtheWest，fromtheNorthandtheSouth，Incommunionandintercoursesweet，Herchildrenhavecome，onthisfestivalday，Tosit，asofold，atherfeet。 Andourmother，——Godblessherbenevolentface！—— Howherheartthrillswithmotherlyjoys，Asshestandsattheportal，witharmsopenedwide，Towelcomehergirlsandherboys。 Andyet，whenthefirstjoyfulgreetingsareo’er，Whenthewordsofherwelcomearesaid: Ashadowcreepsoverhermotherlyface，Asshesilentlythinksofthedead，Ofthechildrenwhosevoicesoncerangthroughherfields，Whosharedallherhopesandalarms，Till，tiredwiththeburdenandheatoftheday，Theyhavefallenasleepinherarms。 Theyhavegonefromourmidst，buttheirlaborsabideOnthefieldswheretheyprayerfullywrought； Theyscatteredtheseed，buttheharvestisours，Bytheirtoilandself—sacrificebought。 Aswescanthefairscenethatoncegreetedtheireyes，Aswetreadthesamepathswhichtheytrod，Letustenderlythinkofoureldersbybirth，Whohavegonetotheirrest，andtheirGod。 Godblesstheoldhomestead！somelingertherestill，Inthehauntswhichtheirchildhoodhasknown，Whileothershavewanderedtoplacesremote，Andplantednewhomesoftheirown； ButTimecannotweakenthetiesLovecreates，Norabsence，nordistance，impedeThefilialdevotionwhichthrillsallourhearts，AswebidouroldmotherGod—speed。 FORTHECONSECRATIONOFACEMETERY。 ThisverdantfieldthatsmilestoHeavenInNature’sbrightarray，Fromcommonusessetapart，Weconsecrateto—day。 \"God’sAcre\"beitfitlycalled，Forwhen，beneaththesod，Welaythedeadwithreverenthands，WeyieldthembacktoGod。 AndHisgreatlove，sofreelygiven，Shallspeakinclearertones，When，pacingthroughthesehallowedwalks，Wereadmemorialstones。 Hereletthesunshinesoftlyfall，Andgentlydroptherain，AndNature’scountlessharmoniesBlendoneaccordantstrain； Thattheywhoseekthissacredplace，Inmourningsolitude，InallthisgraciouscompanyMayhavetheirfaithrenewed。 So，liftedtoserenerheights，Andpurifiedfromdross，TheirtrustfulheartsshallrestonGod，Andprofitbytheirloss。