esss^ssa

AARON BELFORT)

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Class

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm

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Eekees ef Sprmg*.
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Aaroi) Qelford Tborppsoi).

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J/Loming Songs/

Printed and For Sale by the Author,

ROSSMOYNE, OHIO
190X

THE LIBRARY OF
CONGRESS, Two CoHts Received AUG. 1901

Copyright entry

CLASS

CX>XXc. N.

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year, 1901,

by

Aaron Belford Thompson,

in

the office of

the

Librarian of Congress, ^t Washington.

AARON BELFORD THOMPSON.

TO

My Brother GARLAND,
THIS BOOK
IS

(without

HIS PERMISSION)

BY

THE

AUTHOR,

WHO OWES MORE THAN HE CAN EVER ACKNOWLEDGE

OR FORGET

To His Brotherly

Kindness.

INTRODUCTION.

hereby present to the public, this

In

little
it I

volume of poems
have endeavored

entitled "Eclioes of Spring."

to

comply with the

special request of

the readers, of

my

firstling,

with a

"Morning Songs, " by deviating here and there love ballad, or a humorous selection, in my little
this
will

volume.
I

hope

prove

satisfactory

to

my

readers.

THE AUTHOR.

Eohoes of SpTzng.

A MORNING SCENE,
Did you ever wake
at
is

morning,
shining bright;
sight?

When

the sun

Look upon the great horizon, And behold a wondrous

*Tis a picture

men's been trying,

it,

Centuries on centuries past;

No no

tongue can e'er describe

Nor no brush complete

the task.

'Tis a picture far more greater.

Than an artist ever drew Azure sky and golden sunshineGrass with diamond-jeweleddew.
;

Oft the old bards hath attempted, And the Mnse with sighs and tears, Turned away too deep for utterance, Lost to whisper in their ears.

Echoes of SpTzng.

And
One

the artistes together,

Gaze with rapturous eyes so long;

desires to paint the picture,

One

desires to sing the song.

But the hand

of great Jehovah,

Paints the scene that meets man's^ye.

Mingled with gold tinted sunlight,

And

the azure in the sky.

So man gaze at early morning, With perplexing puzzled frown; And his mind lacks understanding, As the golden sun goes down.

Echoes of SpTzng,

TO HELEN.
Oh
rtelen! thou art

passing

fair,

With locks

of sable hue;

So glossy

is

thv curly hair,

Surpass thy beauty few.

Thy

rainbow tint sky above; Deep in my heart hast Cupid sent, A shaft, dipped deep with love.
smile
is

like a

That

lights the

look upon thy dark

brown
I

face.

Thy laughing
Could
I

eyes

see;

with gifted power but trace,

Thy

love in store for

me!

Oh

Helen! thou art passing fair, Thuu oft hast heard me sigh; From wou tided love in deep dispair. Of thee, heard no reply.

Echoes of Sprz7i,
Turn not with modest smiles away,

Thou
But
list

little

timid dove;

my plea this And hear my song of

unto

day,
love.

A SERENADE.
Come, open
the window,

My
And
list

sweet dusky maid!

to

my

singing,

A A

love serenade! love serenade!

J

There's music and love,

Afloat in the
'Tis
all

air,

on account,
so fair;
fair.

Of

a damsel damsel so

Eohoes of SpTzng,

My
But

liarp

is

in

tune,
is in

And my hand

plight,

my
Is

love-sick heart,

A
Oh!

a burden to night, burden to night.

to

list

my

ditty,

'My beautiful Grace, And show me once more, A smile on thy face, A smile on thy face.

And oh! what

If

a blessing,

Of joy it would be, some day you'd open, Your heart unto me, Your heart unto me.

I'd sini^ like the song-birds,

'Mong blossoms

of June,

ballad of love

To

a livelier tune,
livelier tune.

Echoes of SpTzng.

BYGONE DAYS.
Looking As the
far baf:k
to

my

child-hood's day,

river of time drifts by,

When my

infant hands, found

nothing

but play,

tear-drop oft rise to

say,

my

eye.

And

**Oh time, thou art drifting^

so fast!

bark down the stream swiftly glide, For short, short, it seems though long it has been Since my bark was first launched in the tide.'
;

My

And

since

my
all

afloat

down

the river of time.

commingled have been; The sun has shone down, a light from
days
crown,

My

his

And

the storm-winds have

fallen

with rain.

Echoes of Spring,

And And

the lightning hath flashed,

the thunder hath roared, Like a hungry lion in lair;

the white sails out-spread of

And

my

bark

over head,

Hath yielded her wings

to the air.

To music and
Her banners
I

song,

my

bark drifts along,

afloat on the j^^e;

oft list

the cry, of the curlews in sky,

While

fast drift

my
is

bark do.vn the vale.

fair^and

When

the weather

balmy

the air,

sweet breath arise on the breeze-

From flowers in bloom, a wholesome perfume, And bright is the hue of the leaves.
So short
I
is

my

stay! by night

and by day,
;

leave rapturous scenes far

behind

While

my

bark rides the wave, like a warafloat

rior brave,

With banners

on the wind.

Echoes of SpTzng,

So

yield to wait,

my

fate,

with composure

'U

View each scene that my bark drifts me by; So fast down the tide, in my bark I will ride, To that Land where our tears shall be dried.

TALE OF THE WIND.

Wind upon
thy reckless travel,

Blowing rubbish to and fro, Bearins^ dust, and sand, and gravel Whence thou come and where thou go?
Oft I've heard tliee on thy pinions, Like the mighty thunder's roar;

Saw huge

trees

'neath thy dominions

exist

Fall to

earth,

no more.

Eoho^s of SpTzng.

Thou

On

dost reign upon the mountain, the ocean vast and deep;

Cools the brooklet, cools the fountain,

Fans the wild flowers in their sleep. Pause awhile, kind wind, and tell me, From what source thou comest, oh where? In my song I'll e'er commend thee, Oh, thou Monarch of the Air!

And

the wind in martial measure, Howling fiercely with a gale.

Thrilled

my

soul with fearful pleasure.

to

As he sang

me,

this tale.

The Tale.
By unknown ways
I come to man, wings I fly make a tour through all the land. And through the cloudy sky.

On

crystal

Still, still, I

hold

my

secret dear,

which men marvel so. For whence I come, and what I am, No mortal man shall know.
O'
er

Echoes 6f Sprzfi^,

Sometimes with zephyrs soft and calm, sometimes with breezes warm; Sometimes midst fragrance from the balm, Sometimes a raging storm.
Still, still,
I

hold the secret dear.

O'er which men marvel so, For whence I come, and what I am. No mortal man shall know.
Oft
I

ascend the

loftiest height.

And scale tlie rocky steep; Where soars the eagle far from Where dwells the mountain
Still, still, I

sight,

sheep.

hold

my

secret dear,

O'er which men marvel so. For whence I come, and what lam.

No

mortal

man

shall

knov/.

My

mighty wings, are wondrous strong,

I

frequent every spot;

fi;i;iting

Earth's

throng, has heard

nie not.

me

long,

Yet no man sees

Still, still, I

hold

my

secret dear.

O'er which men marvel so. For whence I come, and what I am. No mortal man shall know.
lO

Eohoes of SpTzng,

Forever on

my

crystal

winp

Through bygone years I've flown; Beyond the birth of earthly things,

And

ev' ry

man

I'

ve known.

Still, still, I

hold the secret dear.

O'er which men marvel so, For whence I come, and what I am. No mortal man shall know,

ve fanned the infant's curly locks,

Oft kissed
far

tlie

maidens

fair.

among the cavern rocks, And Have sought the hermit there.
Still, still, I

hold

my

secret dear,

O'er which men marvel so. For whence I come, and what I am, No mortal man shall know.

The

battles fought in

many

a clime,

I've witnessed ev' ry tray; Midst clanking swords and martial chime,
I've cleared the
Still, still, I

smoke away.
secret dear.

hold

my

O'er which men marvel so. For whence I come, and what I am, No mortal man shall know.
II

Echoes of SpTzng,

So zealous youth record my song, While zephyrs jj^ently blow Methink thou hast detained me long. On journey I must go.
;

Yet,

still,

hold the secret dear.

O'er which men marvel so, For whence I come, and what I am, No mortal man sliall know.

YES.
There
is

a little simple word,

You've ofltimes heard it spoken; Our deepest thou^^hts, this word has stined.

Has healed
It

tlie

hearts once broken.

sometimes comes with dreadful pain.

What! must

Sometimes with happiness, I tell it you again? That little word is y-e-s.

12

Echoes of SpTzng,

TWILIGHT HOUR.
I

sat

me down at twilight, When the even sun was

his rays
still

low,

And

bright,

Cast a golden

light,

As
All things

the day

was dying slow.

seemed weary and silent, Save where the beetle flew,

And

the dreary wind,

sad, sad din, Bid the dying day adieu.

With a

gazed on

tlie

buds and

leaflets,

All coated

with sweet
west.
to

summer dew.

And

the bjight golden

sigii

Brought a

my

breast,
I

And

the thoughts of a dear one

knew.

Echoes of BpTzng,

*?or

many an

eve

In the sweet happy

'mong blossom and leaves, moments of bliss,

When the west sun was low, 'And the zephyrs did blow. In the calm hour of twilight like thU,

We

had gazed on the sun

at the

dosing of day,

At we
la a

sat

in

the bowers

ot June,

restful repose,

Jlidst flower and rose;

Alas!

came her
its

twilight

Coo soon.

Like a bud, when

Is

calyx half oped to the wind

it

plucked ere

bursts in full bloom,

.vine.

Mixed with blossoms and

Then with garlands entwine, And helplessly yields to

So
the angel of death
his

its

doom.

saw

it fit

through

power,

And he plied his sickle and dart; Mong the choice buds he plucked, To mix with rare flower, Was a treasure esteemed in my heart.
*

Echoes of SpTzng.

And

oft in the even oi twilight,

My
To

when the scenes draw on like this, thoughts drift above. a dear one I love, Far away to the sweet Land of Bliss.

LOVE'S PASSION.
When
'Tis

love

is

centered
tiie

in

the breast,

And

o'er
sever

soul doth reign,

tie.

hard to break the union's

And

links in twain.

'Tis hard to turn

away from
se<:ret

one,
rest.

On whom
And
seal the

our minds doth

request.

doors of

love.

By

reason's stern

And when we break

It

the bond of love,

sore;
love,

leaves

a heart felt
is

lasting plague

severed
of

Of anguish and

woe.

15

Echoes of SpTzng.

THE MAIDEN *S SONG.

had a dream of my love last night, the moon was low and the stars shone bright I saw as it seemed, a halo of white; Encircled a swart damsel fair.
I

When

Her voice was so clear and sweet did she sing, Her fingers danced over each golden string, As she sane: to the time of Capid's brigiit dart. And each note seemed to pierce through my
heart.

But

knew not

the song that she sang.

Her

teeth were as v/hite as the snovv flakes tliat

fall;

Her delicate form was graceful and tall; Her vesture was purple and curled was her hair, So sweet was her music that echoed in air; But I knew not the song that she sang.

Though

she stood

in

the disiani:e, plain

my

eyes

could behold,

Her jewels of sapphire, of rubies, and gold; So gently and sweet did her tender voice flow; Her music was sweet, and her music was low.
But
I

knew not

the song that

i6

slie

sang.

Eohoes of SpTZTZg.

She sang with that ease and melodious grace, BelonjT^ing to none but our Ethiope race; And hev dark eyes shone bright,

Wuh

a sweet, cahn, delight,

I

But

kiiev not the song that she sang.

asked for the song, at the sweet, closing

strain,

She smiled with a bow and sang it again, So sweet and so soothing her love-song did sound And sweeter the notes reechoeci around But I knew not the song that she sang.
looked on the beauty her form did embrace. That angelic smile, on her fair swarthy face; Enamored, I asked for her heart and her hand,
I

Embarassed, she fled to a far away land. But I knew not the song that she sang.

17

Echoes of SpTing.

A MEMORIAL.
Rest, oh rest in peaceful slumber!

Thou

'Neath the sod and moiddring clay; art with death's chosen people; In his charge you 've passed away
ten,

Three score

and more thy summers,

in

Tiiou hast labored not

vain;

Thou

hast wrought the task assigned thee

slialt

''Sow, and thou

reap again."

And

thy spirit crossed the river,

the even sun

When When old

And

was low;

Jordan's tide was calmest;

the storm-winds cease to blow.

In that harbor, safely landed.

On the shore of Beulah Land, White-robed angels all around thee, Reaching for the pilgrim's hand.

i8

JEohoes of SpTing.

While the harp rings out with anthems,

And

the choir, a migiity throng.

Joins in unison, the music,

As they sing

a blissful song.

And

the Saviour

comes

to greet

thee,

And His
Welcome

son
to

He

proudly own;
Father's throne."

Saying *'Well done

faithful servant,

my

So we'll bid each friend and kindred,

Dry

their weeping, tearful, eyes;

And

rejoice

that he's in heaven,

In that

Land beyond
lives

the skies.

Should our

be three score summers.

May we

leave a

name

like this;

Then, we'll wear a cown, in G^ory, In the land of Heavenly Bliss.

19

Echoes of BpTzng.
AN ODE TO IRELAND.
WRITTEN BY REQUEST.

song

to old Ireland, tho'

simple and

silly,
lily,

I'll
I'll

sing to the shamrock, I'll sing of the

sing- of

while

her sons and

her daughters the

The
Were

lords and the peasants, of

Emerald
the

Isle.

but enchanted,
a ditty,
tried,

*d

rise in
all

air,

And warble

beyond

compare;
the sword,

Of her warriors
Ford.

who wielded

In that fu-rce bloody battle, of

Old Yellow

In Shannon's sweet waters, I'd glide

bark,

in

my

And chant you

Her
chieftains,
fiekl,

a ditty, of Dublin and Cork;

who headed

her

men on

the

T'ne valiant O'Donnels,

and dauntless O'

Neils.

I'd sing of her bards, but

weak

is

my
is

tongue,

My
To

voice

is

too faint, and

my

harp

unstrung

sing such a measure, to give them just due,

ballad, the world never

'Twould be such a knew.

20

Eahoes of SpTzng.

So

I '11

sing of old Erin, a ballad of praise,

lilies,

Her shamrocks and

braes

her upland and

toast

and a ballad,

to that Isle 'cross the

sea;

Long

life to

her peasants, and lords of

degree.

SANTA CLAUS' SLEIGH RIDE.

DEDICATED TO MY LITTLE NIECES AND NEPHEWS.
'Twas
late
in
tlie

month

of Decetnber,

And

all

things were merry and gay;

When

Santa Claus came from his dwelling

of fame,

And

took up the reins

in

his sleigh.

Ere he seated, he sounded his bugle, In a tone that was cheering and clear; He then cried out, with a merry old shout, To his three score span of deer.

JEohoes of BpTzng,

Then away with

a loud, merry, clatter, His bells echoed loud on the wind; And he and his sleigh, were soon far away, While his mansion lay far, far, behind.

His reindeer were active and nimble, Tlicy bounded in haste through the snow For short was the night, to take such a flight. To millions of liomes, don't you know.

His stay

v^as short in

each dwelling.
in

Where

the

little

ones slept

their beds,

And

leaving

some

toys, for the girls

and

the boys.

He
In

'gan

mounted

roofs overhead.

some climes the snow had not fallen, Then what did Old Santa Claus do?
he yelled and clear;
the
to his deer, in a voice shrill

Why

They mounted

air,

and they

ficjw.

22

Echoes of SpTzng.

And
From

long *fore

it

dawned Christmas morning,

his journey complete;

He had made
gear,

his three score deer,

he took
feet.

all tlic

And

piled

them, a heap at his

His good wife then gave him a bumper, Of claret, all sparkling and strong. And she sang him a health, and she wished him wealth; That his life might be happy and long.
All weary from hasty exertion,

And a long, long, ride in his When the bright dawn did peep,
sound, sound asleep.

sleigh.

he was

And

that's

how he

spent Cliristmas day.

Echoes of SpTzng.

EULOGY ON THE FARM.

WRITTEN FOR THE FaRMER's INSTITUTE OF Blue Ash Ohio.
Could
I but sing to you in rhyme, Like old bards learned and lioary notes would echo on the wind,

My

And

tell

a stirring story.

With sweetest song, of music strong, With notes of graceful measure, I'd bear the rhythm to along,

And

sing

it

in

my

leisure.

'Twould be about the many farms. Within our native county; When spring renews her vernal charms,

And dawns

the harvest bounty.

When

zephyrs blow, where brooklets flow,

Through meads 'mong grasses tender, Where bright the modest violets grow.

And blooms

with nature's splendor.

24

Echoes of SpTzng.

When

orchard trees are filled with bloom, And all the air perfuming,
tlie

What charms bedecks

While each task

farmer's home.

lie's

resuming.

With ceaseless moil, he turns the soil, And furrows throw together; He lends his brawny hands to toil, And welcomes summer weather.

He works

with valorous strengtii each day,

oft at night he's weary; His manly heart beats proud and gay, Through midnight hours so dreary.

Though

His matiy

fields

abundance

yields,

From

corn, wheat- fields, to

Eiach fleeting hour, a

meadow, new growth steals,

From
His' cattle

night to noon-tide's shadow.

'mong

the wood-land

hills.

And

fields of

rank green clover,

rills,

Sip^ water from the flowing

Where minnows

love to hover.

25

Echoes of SpTzng,

cannot sing like bards of old, With music sweet and tender, Yet in my feeble song, though bold, The girls and boys remember.
{

Beauty and grace bedeck the face, Of ail the farmer maidens; And n)any a kindly deeds retrace, i^Iei hands, with beauty laden.
Concealed behind life's curtains drawn, Oft honored fame lies waiting. For woman- hoods* and man-hoods* dawn, With valorous deeds relating.

Now
I

don't disdain

my

closing strain.

There's naught like country living;

fain

would sing of courting swains.

bounties given.

And annual
For
'tis

the farm with boys and girls,

fruitful crops a

And

growing.

That constitutes our living world. With health and plenty flowing.

36

Echoes of SpTzng.
May God bestow a helping hand, To all an ample bounty;
With blessings on the farmer's
land,

And on our

dear old county.

WHAT

IS

LOVE?

What is Love? now who can tell? Hast thou e'er possessed the spell? If thou hast, thou know' st full well;
In thy heart a germ doth dwell, That no power can e' er expell. That is Love.

And

the soul ofttimes doth seem,

Lulled with blissful happy dream;

Then with

fear

'

tis

roused again.

Mingled with sad tears and pain. That is Love.

Still there's something left untold, Could my languid tongue express, But the mystery don't unfold; *Tis the power true Love possess. What is Love?

27

Echoes of SpTzng,
GOOD-NIGHT
The sun sinks low into the west; The weary toilers hies for rest; The birds have sheltered in their
Good-nifjht!
jj;ood-night.

nest.

The hour
I

is

calm, the zephyrs

still;

hear the sinjjing whip-poor-will;

the hilL

Her music echoes *mong

Good

night! good-night.

throng of beetles

fill

the air;

The fireflies' lamp a brilliant glare; From whence they've flown I know not
where.

Good-night! good-night.

And gazing on
At
niglit fall

this scene

trow,
is

when

the

sun

low.

The breeze

and gently blow Good-night! good-night.

so calm
veils the nightly hour,

As darkness

Faint grows the dying daylight's power,

And

close the

calyx of the flower.

Good-night! good-night.
28

Echoes of BpTzng,
Deep

in

my
shall
tiiy

lieart
fail

a small voice say,

A doom
And
,

thee as this day,

say,

all

friends shall to thee

Good-night! good -night.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
fields of Judea nt:ar Bethlehem town, While shepherds did watch their flocks on the green, Behold, from the heavens an angel came down. And a bright gleaming star appeared on on tlie scene.

In the

*'Fear not!" said the angel, glad tidings

bring

And
*'In

the glories trom heaven in splendor

shown down
the city of David, this day
lies

He
Then

in

manger

at

comes a king; Bethlehem town."

hand

a heavenly host with harps in their

Surrounded that angel, a heavenly

sight;

Singing-* 'glory to

God and good

in air

will to
lost

Then ascended

and was

men." from

the sight,

29

Echoes of SpTZTZg,

Then

the shepherds arose and deserted

their fold
;

Went forth to that city and Jesus they found They knelt down and praised him, and so we are told, From thence they departed, and noised it
around.
Yes, His

name has been

to this day,

noised from thence

As we wake from our blumber on bright

The church

bell are

Christmas morn. chiming, our pulses beat

is

gay;
Earth's mortals rejoices that Jesus
born.

30

Echoes of SpTZTig.

THE ROSE.
I

looked upon

tlie

blooming

rose,

Beheld her beauty rare; breathed her effervesence sweet,

That

filled

the

balmy

air.

Her

petals clung like jewels strung,

On some

great monarch's crown;

petals
fell,

The west winds blew; her

Like snow upon the s^round.

I

marveled wliy so pure a flower.

All jjlorious To the eye;

Possessed with charms and blooming prime,

Should drop her leaves and

die.

gentle zephyr fanned

my
it

brow.

And
Plain
1

roused a feeling strange;

could see,

why

should be.

All living things

must change.

31

Echoes of SpTzng,

A LOVE SONG.
The veil of night has come between, The cfolden sun and I;
Sweet love
I

to

me

has intervened,

know

not how, nor why.

And every balmy breeze that The rustling leaves above;

Like harmonizing music And whisper sighs of
I've ofttimes

blow,

flow,
love.

launched

in

land of dreams,

Through realms of thorns and flowers; But love still lights my weary way, Through sad and happy hours.

Now

list

my

song,

my

lady love,

While each note clear doth swell; Each note vibrates a promise true,,
I

ask thee. Is

it

well?

32

Eohoes of SpTzng.

BEYOND THE TOMB.

Back from the tomb, departed friend! Back from yon heavenly clime! Back from thy toilsome journey's end!
Back, on the wings of time!

Retrace old Jordan's delus^e tide, Through misty vales between!

Come gently to And solve a

Man's eyes are

this mortal's side,

nation's

dream!

seiiled

from God's domain,

He knows not what's to come; Knows not his morrow's lost or gain,
His senses, naught but dumb.

The

silent

tomb unseals man's

eyes.

Up

His soul seeks realms unseen; where the many Mansions rise,

Hid by yon azure

screen.

33

Sohoes of Spring,

Could but the humblest minded

soul,

To

Retrace Death's misty glen; hear the hidden wonders told,

Would throng

earth's wisest men.

list' ning to that wondrous tale, Man's boastful pride would tame; And all his foolish myths would quail! He'd hide his face with shame.

And

Back from the tomb, departed

friend

Back from the Realms of Light! Reveal life's mystic tie to men, Bring wisdom, lore, and might!

34

Eohoes of

SprzTiff,

MISS SUSIE'S SOCIAL.

Did you hear about the social That took place at Susie Greenes*? That's so, you were off at college; Well you missed one swell old scee.

was

there,

and sakes

'o

Goodness!

What a swell old time we had; Odor steaming from the kitchen,
*Nough
to drive the

hungry mad^

And a mighty crowd of people. Came a flocking through the door;

Dressed
in

finest silks

and

satins,

Gals

never saw before.

Brown

skin gals with yellah fellahs,

Yellah gals, with brown skin boys, All a smiling and contented;

For the

social

they enjoyed.

35

Echoes of BpTzng.

Lucy Brooks and Sally Carter, *Poii my word were looking fioe, &et \ou can't pick out two ladies, That can take away their prime.

They

're

the finest

gaU

reckon,

around; Lucy came with Levy Johnson, Sally came with Ely Brown,

Ca!i be found for miles

Brown, he work^s for Doctor Collyer Bein^ both about a size,

All the

Doctor's cast

off

clothing,

Falls to l)im a captured prize.

With Miss Sally hanging

I

to him, can see that couple yet;

She

handsome

yellah lady,
jet.

He

so stately, black as

Close behind, came Levy Johnson,

And

his face a loo kin'

light;
to

Lucy Brooks was hangin' She was any thing but

him.

white.

36

Echoes of SpTZTZg.

Susie Greene?

I'd nigh forgot her, Dressed to death, and lookin* gran\

all

HugjJin', kissin'

the ladies,

Speakin' sweet to every man.

If

I'd try to tell all 'bout

it,

Several hours I'm sure 'twould take;

So

I'll

shorten up the story,

tell

And now

who won

the cake

After pavin' pa vns with kisses,

Playin' ev' ry sort 'o game.

Aunt Matildii
Smilin', in

Susie's mother,

the parlor came.

hand she held a waiter, With a cake of 'normous size; Coated o'er with blood red icin*. That attracted all the eyes.
In her

*'Now," She

said,

"young men

an' ladies.

Git together two an' two!

An' the couple walks the fines'. This big cake belongs to you."

37

Echoeis of Sprn^n^.

Such a scramblin' then for partners, And the couples formed in line, Were led off by big Jim Lucus,
Puttin', on such

monkey

shines.

Walkiu' knock kneed, vvalkin' jubah, VValkin' cripple, walkin' sprung, And his big cane filled with ribbons.

To

the lively music swung.

Arthur Broctks and Sophie Woodson,

Struttin' to the music's sound.

Made

a most dehghtful figure; Following Jim around an' round.

Lucy Brooks
With

an' Sally Carter,

their partners

was

n'

slow

And

they walked so light and graceful,

Turnin', smilln', bovvin' low.

So between these three fine couples. There arose a mighty test; And it puzzled all them judges, Hard to tell who walked the best.

38

Eohoes of SpTing.

But

bMieve 'twas Levy Johnson,

the prize;

He and Lucy won

Big Man! cut that cake wide open, Boastin* of its monstrous size.

Soon we had a joke upon them, When Miss Carter made it known, That the cake with blood red icin',

Was

a great big Co' n-Bread-Pone.

After the big laugli was over.

We
It

all

parted from
say?
it

tiiat

spree;

What you

must been uiidnight.

ihree.

was almost half past

39

Echoes of SpTing.

MIDWINTER'S REFLECTION.
Oil for one ray of summer-sun,

To

li^ht the

cloudy sky;

With scorching heat and golden rays, That shone upon those bygone days, Wlien birds were singing nigh.
'T would ban is! ice and snow away, And paint a vcjal scene; The little brooks would ripple 'long. The red t)ird would renew her song,
f

'Twould turn

tliose lulls

to green.

The

violets

that's sleeping now,

bent-atli the
in

Far down

snow,

Would soon
For

fear their

modesty conceal, beauty might reveal,

;m
I

Some
And
With

harm
all

to th

trow.

the

wood

that's sad

and

sear.

spectral

arms outspread,

Would don their cloaks of sparkling green. The summer-dew would tint the sheen,
With beauty over head.
40

Echoes of BpTing.

The wood-land hills all robed with That threw a sweet perfume,
It

flowars,

brings a yearning to

my

mind,

To leave drear And walk *mong

The while
Within
Kast
I

wintry scenes behind.

flowers of June.

my
falls

sit me by the country home,

fire,

the white, the silent snow,

And
Defies

fierce the

searching wind doth blow,

my

feet to

roam.

Oh! for one ray of summer sun, Though winter has its charms,
I'd gladly lay

To

breast the

them all aside. balmy summer* s

and calm.

tide.

With zephyrs

soft

41

Eohoes of SpTZTZg.

A REQUEST.
Effie,

sweet

Effie, the

bright sunny day

has vanished

For low sinks the sun:

And

feel

dear love, like a wandering

lost, lost,

dove;
In search of a one.

And now
I

dearest lady, to cheer

a song.

ask thee one favor; just sing

ma me a

along,

song!

Oh! sing me

Oh, sing me a ditty, that's soothing and pretty! A song with its cadence, so mild and
serene.

And

float thy

sweet notes, on

the wings

of the even!
Effie,

dear Effie

my

sweet, sable, queen:

And now
I

dearest lady, to cheer

ask thee one favor, just sing

me along, me a song!

Oh, sing me a song!

42

Echoes of BpTzizg.

Oh, warble the song in a tender compassion^ With notes like the mock bird, that
sings in

the

spring,
in

And shape

out the words

a love-ditty

fashion.

And

let

them each chord

string!

to a harp's

golden
along,

And now my dear

I

lady, to cheer

me

ask

one favor; just sing me a song! Oh, sing me a song!

thee

'Tis

only thy sungs that can

rest,

lull

me
of

to

That can soothe the strong passion

love in

And drift Where ferns and sweet

over and
o* er:
I*

my breast, my bark to a faraway

roses

shore.

bloom

That's

why

dearest lady,
so long.

ve begged thee

To pledge me

a favor^ by singing a song.

43

Echoes of SpTing.

A DESERTED HOMESTEAD.
Far down
I

in tlie

land of old Dixie,

cotton-fields grow,

Where cane-brake and

saw there, a large plantation; Which flourished long years ago:

cabins, they were deserted,
all

The

Tlie fences,

tumbled down.

All things about

me were

silent,

The
As
I I

slaves

had deserted, and gone.

On

looked at those rude built cabins. that sad deserted spot,

thought of

my

old forefathers,

And
I

there humble, bitter, lot:

at the large

gazed

old homestead,

On
It

her vine clad ruined walls;

roused within a strange feeling,

Like the sight of some dead man's

pall.

While

passed through the broken

portals,

down

And entered the large, spacious, halls, The old doors squeaked on their hinges. And saffron stained were the walls:
44

JUiohoes of

BpTing.

Far up in the dreary old attic, As the winds of autumn did moan,
I

thought I could hear a pleading voice. Like a bondmaid's helpless groan.

As I entered tiie large old parlor, Once flourished with soulhorn grace, Where oft sat the rich old planter.
by that large fireplace, no trace of existe:ice, I saw Where mortals lately liad been; The drifting of time had banished her prime. And now, shone the wages of sin.
In
wealtli
.

For the power of t!;at wicked old planter Who once bound my fathers in chain, Had been quelled by the hand of Jehovah Been severed and broken in twain:
In
tiiat fierce

battle

fought at old Shiloh,

By

death-sh')ts from Northern guns.

There fell four bodies all mangled; It was the old planter and sons;

They have

yielded to dust in

tlie

churchyard,

And

The mother and daughter lies there; the broken down house all deserted. Is now standing silent and bare.
45

JEo'iboeB

of Spnrt.^,

The swallow had built in the chimneys, The wren had built in the wall, Through tangled vines and tall grasses, The venomous serpent crawls: The fields in which grew the white cotton, Where the poor black slaves used to hoe. Long since ihey have turned lo a fallow; There the birch and the cotton wood gro'w *Twas the Lord who tore down that dwellings And checked that old planter's reign; Each slave, He unyoked from their bondage; And bad them to shake off their chain.
:

How

could

look on with compassion,

o'er the planter's
.lost,

And mourn
*Twas a

just return for his vile, vile,decds;

And

his

life-blood

and wealth paid*

the cost:

And
I

leaving the

scenes far behind me,

faded,

returned from that dreary old place,

Whose grandure and splendor had The pages of wealth all erased.

46

Echoes of Spring.

MY LADY LOVE.
Of
all

the

winsome damsels, that

one, for

my

eyes

have ever seen,

There

is

whom my

breast heaves
a queen;
to catch

constant sighs;

She

is

a
I

And

handsome lady, she is to me of Cupid- begged his noose

the prize.

To me

she

is

so comely, the fairest maid

around,

Yes- her voice

spring;

is

like the

curlews of the

Her ebon

locks are curly, her cheeks are

olive

brown,

And

her songs of music charm

me when

she sings.

The

smiles that ever lingers, upon her win-

some

face.

Reflects like glit'ring rain-bow tints around;

My

heart oft leaps with gladness,

that smile
I

when through

trace,

love concealed, by hidden blushes bound.

47

Echoes of

Spi-^ziZi

Her

laugh, I can't describe

it,

'tis

far

beyond
I

But

it

compare; sounds like rippling waters

heard

have
the

Or

the flow of

some sweet cadence, on

tranquil even air;

Mingled with the gentle warble of a

bird.

Although there're many a damsel, them all amiss;

find

Compared with her my lady

There
is

love, Irene;

none whose smile possess me, with

that sweet angelic bliss:
is

There

none, for she's

my

chosen queen

JEohoes of SpTzng,

THE BACHELOR* S SOLILOQY.

I

care not, said the bachelor old,

I've
I

made no vows

to hold

me;

simply tote

my

hard earned gold,

And have no
Tve

wife to scold me.

lived a placid life for years,

Sunshine and gloom commingle; My cares are small, my wants are few;

No

one to please when single!

No
I

chaps to worry me through life, With walks my heart to tingle; have no wife nor fam'ly strife.

Thank God

that

am

single!

49

Echoes of SpTZTZg.

THE SELF-SAME WAY.

Oh, the journey of life, is a journey of strife, Through darken and bright sunny day; But after each rain, comes sunshine again,

And

I'm living the self-same way.

Tm

blessed with good health, but not with

much wealth;
Yet I'm happy, ves happy as they. Who travel around with wealth and renown;

By
There
I I

living the self-same way.

is

nothing appear to be new each year,

reap the same

meadows

of hay,

seek the

same

plain, to

gather

my

grain,

And

Vm

living the self-same way.

cross thus to bear, with a burden of care.

My

Saviour's sweet voice to obey.

tears,

Through joys and through

unto year,

from year

living the self-same way.

50

Echoes of SpTzng,

NIGHT.
Night on her sable pinions, Came down at close uf day:

'

She took her flight, Through the gray

twilight,

And banished
Arrayed
in

the sun away.

her dark sable garments.

hair.

With her jet black curling She paused by the brook. And a draught she took, While a coolness filled the

air.

She lay her hand on the reaper. Who had tilled and sowed and reaped. And bade him to lay,

From

the toils of the day,

In a restful slumber, to sleep.

And going cross meadow and And seeing things quiet and
She paused by the
rocks,

valley.
still,

And summoned And cried to

the fox;
the wild whip-poor-wiiL

5'

Echoes of SpTzng^,

The wild fox responded Which came by that

to the suratnoa^

of the spright^

And

off in

the dew,

Through

the

meadow he

flew^

gloom of the nightAnd was The whip-poor-will came from her hidiag
lost in the

Among

the

fallows and trees;

She warbled and sang. Till her sweet song rang^

Like music aBoat on the bfeexe.

Then night drew the dark

sable curtain,

>Which parted the light from the day; That the sun shmiild not maf, She lit up each star, With a gleam from the white milky-way.
*

All robed

in her dark spectral garment. Dripping with cold midnight-dew.

She
Till

sate in repose.

day-light arose; sun-light she flew.

Then away from the

Echoes of 0pTZ7ig,

DOWN MURRAY'S HALL

Been out
I

all

Jes' got

night and I jes* got back; back from a country ball,

o'

You ought

been there to see

it all;'

J ohn Lee fiddled an' Jim Cross called; An' we had one time down Murray's hall,

Way down

the river road.

The hall was lit up with four big lights, With four big lights that shone like day; The whole house seemed as cheerful as May; For laughter an' frolic, had all the sway: Some joined the dance an' some joined th' play At the great big ball down Murray's hall.

Way

do.vn the river road.

There came a crowd from the West Fork side; From the West Fork side north the river road. And old uncle Isa;?c, to the crowd that rode, Muttered an* growled how he lost on his load,

He

hauled with his mules o'er' the river road;

For a nickle a head, down Murray's hall, Where John Lee fiddled an' Jim Crc^ss called.

Way down

the river roa(!.

53

Echoes of SpTzng.

Aunt Jane Hunter came

'cross the field.

Came
Jes*

cross the field with her daughters, three,

*like thrrir

mammy,
my

but younger you see.

Modest an' pretty

as pretty can be;

A lump
to

clogged me,

throat

when they bowed

At the great big ball down Murray's hall, Where Jolin Lee fiddled an* Jim Cross called,

Way down

the river road.

How many
There
're

daui^hters? there *re only three,

all were there; Miss Alice the oldest, then comes Miss Marie, She's one shade brighter than Alice you see; Miss Polly's the darkest^ but has the best hair^

only three and they

They all were down at Murray's hall, Where John Lee fiddled an* Jim Cross

called.

Way

d'>vvn

the river road.

Miss Polly, the youngest had on a waist,

Ot changeable silk, that glittered like gold; Her long black hair was twisted an' rolled. Her form was as straight as a straight May pole

Was

belle of the ball at

Murray's

hall.

Where John Lee fiddled an' Jim Cross Way down the river load.

called,

54

Echoes of BpTzng,
Miss Marie was dressed up to taste, Dressed up to taste an* a Jookin* gran*;

Had

straightened her hair, an* powdered her

face;

Had on
Until
its

snow-white-slippers, had buckled

her waist,

circumference was scarcely a span;

hall,

And she was Some Punks at Murray's Where John Lee fiddled an' Jim Cross Way down the river road.

called.

Miss Alice was dressed in a lavender gown, A lavender gown artistically 'ranged

an' laces an' pink chiffon golden bracelet she had on. Where dangled the liearts of suitors she won,
;

With ribbons

Who came a foot down Murray's hall, Where John Lee tiddled an' Jim Cross Way down the river road.
An'

called,

little Sam Tucker was fixed up swell. Was fixed up swell with that swallow-tail; He toted the cape of Alvina Wells, And she is coubidered the village belle;

Her dress was covered all over with veil, She walked full three feet a head of her trail, That followed her down to Murray's hall, Where John Lee fiddled an' Jim Cross called.

Way

d(wn the river lo^d.

55

Echoes of SpTZTZg.
Abe Lincoln
Jones, had a Jim-Swingcr on,

long Jim-Swinger, that hung 'low his knees;

skirts of this

The

garment did soar on the

wind,

Like the windy March weather shakes a sheet on a line, An' his feet jarred the dus' from the chinks
in the wall,

Ashe

led off the

Jolin

Where

dance down Murray's halt^ Lee fiddled an* Jim Cross called,
the river road.

-;*

,\i

Way down
And John Lee

,^7

fiddled a jocular air,

it

A jocular
And
It

ai^r,

an' he fiddled

ri)(ht;
n'-

that old time fiiddle did mo;4n an* groan,

woke up

the sinews an' limbered the bone;

Them

black folks an' yeliah folks danced

that night!

That hall fair shook, and quivered the lights, At the great big ball down Murray's hall,

,(

Where

Jolui

L<e

fiddled an*

Jim Cross

called.

Way
That

d'>wii the river road.

yeliah Jim Cross stood up on a stool Stood up on a stool with his back to the wall; His loud doleful yoice rang out through the
hall,

With *'Swinp:

yo' pavvtnas!" ''Balance all!"

fo'!"

"Forward two!" "And forward

56

Eohoes of BpTzng.

You would laughed

floo'.

at the capers cut

on that

If

you were down to Murray's

hall,

Where John Lee fiddled an* Jim Cross Way down the river road.

catted,

The church folks tlvere were more than a few, Were more than a few down Murray's hall, They played more g^ames than I ever knew;' They chose their pawtnas two an* two,
Still

*'Run Johnnie Willow wind the ball! Jim Cross called. In the oppef; end ot' Murray's hall. Way dow'n the' riv^r road.

Played

John

L-ee fiddled an'

hear the sweet voice of Miss Polly

Polly Hunter
ficjdle

yet,'

Ol Miss
Like a

who

led the play songs;

lospite of the
fife

her voice pierced the din.

pierce the. corpsvvhen the

drummers
hall.

begin; An* loud rang the voicts

'

in

Murray's old

Where John Lee fiddled an' Jim Cross Way down the river road.

called,

57

Eahoes of Spring.
But I'm sleepy now an* I mus' go on, I mils' go on for I'na tired an* sore;

Mv My
I

shoes' too tight an'

I
I

danced

all

night,

eyc-lids are heavy,

don't feel right,

was dcnvii at the bail an' saw it all, Heatd Jolin Lee fiddle saw Jim Cross call, I'll be 'round to morrow an' tell you more.

A CONGRATULATION.
Whut
brunjj

An' when did you I'm gled to see you Sho 1 am, that is An* how 'ave I Deen
I

you from Fauginyah? git back?

Moses.
a fact;
giltin 'long?

think

heard yon say,

I

Jes* toler'ble

thank you;
ol'

Been

livin'

de same

way.

Now how
Whut
Through
I

is

ol

Fauginyah?

route you say you took.

ol'

Culpeppah county?

know huh like a book; You found down dah good people;
An'
I

'lowed you would befo',

I

You

see

wasn't

lyin*;

Did they hate

to see

you go?

58

Echoes of SpTZTz^.

kin see you've had

Fall you's lookin'

good

vitt'ls.

slick an' stout;

Dem

fo*kes eat

Fauginyah,

An' dc grub is ncvuh out; Go way bay! now hush I tell you! Talkin' bout dat cracklin' breads Go way wid dem greasy chittlins, An' dat stearnin* sody bread!
.

You

me 'bout dat cookin', How dem women fry sweet co'n; b'^u you see I know all 'bout it;
kaint
tell

Right

dali
all

was bred an' bo'n

Knows

'bout dat greasy co'n-bread,

When you

Like a wedge, in size an' weight. touch it wid yo' fingas. It will crumble in yb' plate.
delicious sody-biscuits,

Dem

de bes'. you evah eat An* dat good oi* home-cured -bacon. An' dem hams is hard to beat; In all de homes you tarried In ev' ry neighborhood, You found de young fo'kes clever, An* de ol* fo'kes kin' an' good.

Was

59

Echoes of SpTzng.
You nevah You say
seed sich clevah fo'kes.
in
all

yo' life?

Now
Dem

I tell you! Right down dah, pick you a wife;

Mose,

niiiui

whut
's

gals
all

down
is

dali

wo*th somethin',

Dey

kin cook an' sew;

Their hands

not too tendah,

To
Dey

'ply tlieni to

de hoe.

*s all de time contented, An' nevah care to roam, except Whut 's dis you tell ne?

You've brung a si;ood wife home? thought you had br.-en co'ten,

By

dat so'tah sheepish smile;

didn't marry 'Liza,

Hush! you

or man

Sutton's baby child?

Well I'm beat to hn -r dat Moses, So I mus' shake hands a new; Gone an' married 'Liza Sutton!

Few

Ha! Ha! Ha! ef dat d.m't fo'kes know de Sutton

An' their standin'
jes'

do.

family,

like

me,

Mark de words I'm 'bout to tell you! You done married Quality.

60

Echoes of Bpring.

THE MYSTERIES.
There
is

music

afloiit

on the zephyrs,
played;

Th t tlu! harper uovcr liath The Muse holds niMciy a lyric,

That no bard
There lay
t^vcr liath

made.
precious treasures,

'ufatli

our
tlie

feet,

Had mail

hot

wisdom, he'd find;

Atr^ysteriis lay at his fmiyers, But the dtp'h is too dt ep for his mind.

The mounts have unscaleble summits, Where mortal never doth roam; Where the wijd birds build in the rocks
the
hill,

of

And

the grey eagle finds her a home.

There are isles in the mighty ocean, So tar, far away from main land; There are fishes that swim in her waters. Unknown, and unheard of by man.

6z

ICoh o zi

'

K >V

?":

''i-rf,

Yes, the myst'ry of

life is

a marvel;

And man has never been told, Of the tie that binds life's existence, Or the veil that hems in the soul.
So wc 're groping in search of something, Something we never will find,
Till

wc Change to a spirit immortal^ And dwell in a faraway clime.

61

Echoes of SpriTZg,

SPRING.
Spring come? again, with budded tree, With singins: birds, and honey bees;. She fans my brow with balmy breeze^ Sweet gentle Spring!
,

.,

j*u>

She's robed in bright^ and, sparkling .,,^^^

With wreathesOf floWers

'Tis well to
I

fair to

be

seen.;
Hf'/rX

dwell berieath this queen,

love thee Spring!

A LOVERS* PLEA.
I

have heard the song birds singing, I have heard the curlews call; have heard sweet charming music.

On mine
I

ears

it

gently

fall.

have heard the robin-red-breast, And the cooing of the dove, V ve been charmed by inspiration. Now my heart doth melt with love.

63

^
Echoes of BpTZTig.

Yes, the curlew's call reminds me,

Of

a voire, full well

And

the

I know; balmy zephyrs blowing.

Drift

my

thoughts to long ago.

And
And

the rippling brook reminds me.

all

Of her laughter

the while;

the bright and golden sun light,

Of her sweet
It is

angelic smile.

love that

now

possess me.

And my
I

heart for one doth yearn

have loved thee true dear Helen, Dost thou love me in return?

Echoes of BpTzng,

A SONG TO ETHIOPIA.
I

wiil sing of Ethiopia,

my own
trace.

rejected race
''\

Of her noble sons and That Caucasia will not

J(<in in

daughterS^^/''''
"'*''

-'

the chorus brethrenf

^""

Your

voice

is

tuned for song,

Unit(! each voice together.

And

sing

it

loud and long.

So long we' ve been rejected f For since Queen Sheba's reign,

We've fell from wealth to servants; Have worn the bondage chain.
Unfurl your hidden banners, In freedom's name for right!

And show to foes our colors, And sing with all your might!
Sing out with bold defiance, Sing of Ethiope's bitter lot! Of Caucasia's deeds ignoble, That the flood of time can't blot. Gird on your armor brethren God lends a hand this day;
!

To

all

who

cry for justice.

in

He'll

remember
6s

the fray.

Eohoes of SpTzng,
Let the blast of freedom's trumpet Ring reverberating sound, Till each foe 'gainst Ethiopia,
Falls exhausted to the ground.

Bold We'll sing of Ethiopia, Let it come from every mouth,

Till
It
fill

Through

wood-land and mountain; the North and through

the South.

A LIVING GOD.
I

know

there

is

a living

God,
trod,

Who reigns supreme on high; Who shaped each path where mortals
And
paints the azure sky.

The lilies of the furtile fields. Which glorifies the land.

With raiments
bright, sweet odor yields Beneath His great command.

His powerful hand illumes the sun,

With

glittering rays of light;

He fixed the countless stars, each To twinkle through the night.

one,

66

Eohoes of SpTzng,

In gorgeous splendor pure and bright,

He

decorate the trees;

the mighty seas.

He

shapes the wind, obscure from sight,

fills

Afld

He

holds the

life

of mortal

man,
;

Through days

of bliss and pain

And

fits

us with an inner soul,

live again.

That we might

He

plants the mighty forest trees,

the wood-land hill;

Which crowns

By His command Through many

The sparrow The needy

the waters flow,

a thousand
rill.

finds her simple wants,

finds their bread

Earth's humblest creatures ne'er should daunt.

He
I

sees that all are fed.

know there is a living God! Or whence these wonders come; The birth of time, the fleeting breath, The orbs that fill yon dome?

67

Echoes of BpTzng.

E*en the benighted heathen man,

Has found a sacred shrine; And seeing wonders of God's hand,

Seeks for a
life

divine.

A STRANGE VISION.
I

had a vision
all

the calm

of night,

When

the air was filled with stillness round;

thrall,

my soul had broke her earthly and gazed upon the dungeon, And stood

Me

thought,

Once

in

misery dwelt.

She did not take her

at once,

flight to foreign

lands

But lingered there about the corpse unseen,

By

all

the friends

who

stood around.

With tokens

of respect for one no more;

Their tearful weeping eyes, Paid tribute to the dead.

68

Echoes of SpTzng,
Then turned my
gates,

soul

from the drear dungeon

And journeyed
Looked
neither

pass a thousand different worlds;

left

nor right, but journeyed on

river, vast

Until she reached a

and wide.

She paused upon the stormy banks and gazed

beyond, Beheld ten thousand seraphim in air, Who sang aloud sweet anthems, In an unknown tongue, that chorded With a thousand harps of gold.

Prone was my soul to joiii that iieavenly throng, But feared to venture, tor the billows roiled, And seemed thus to defy her journey o' er, Until a mighty trumpet pierced the air, And calmed the angry billows !>f the tide.

So loud and sweet the music pierced my ears. With chants of welcome, anthems loud and strong

My soul
And

'rose in the air as

if

on wings.

took her flight to reach the other side.

But ere she reached the other side

woke;
saw,

And found about me

Around
I

stillness of the night;

all I

wept

because the vision was not

69

my

couch was darkness

true.

Echoes of SpTZTzg.
A PROPOSAL.
Miss Sally, stop yo* fooling An' hush dat geeglin', do!

Say honey, don't you luv' me, De same as I luv' you?

Dis
I is

a serious

moment!
j^jIs*

cum

thu ice an' snow*"^

Miss Sally wont yo have me?'

Now Honey
Yo'

don'

say

'no!"

mammy, she is willin' Yo* pappy's, wiUin' to

I

And
I

you know
years, an'

is

willin'!

leave de rest to you.

an' you's been cou'tin*,

Fau me

maby mo', Miss Sally wont you -have me?

Two

Now Honey don't

say **no!"

Now whut My

you say about it? Miss Sally, Honey, Dear!

life would be so happy, Ef you was always near.
I

Hark!
Let

believe dat

hear Music;

Driftin' from Luv's

happy

Ian',

me stop a bit an' lis'en, Let me hold dat little han'!

70

Eohoes of SpTzng.
Sally, you've consented, Let yo* head lean on my breast; We'll be happy, wont we, Honey?

So Miss

I'm so gled you answered **ves!" Think you kin be ready Christmas?
I

got nothin'

much

to buy,

But de furniture on payments;

You'll be ready? so will
I.

FRITZ MOHLER'S DREAM.

It

was a cold and wintry night, fell thick and fast; All living creatures far and near,

The snow

Had
Bill

sheltered from the blast. VVickmann's bar was crowded

loafers boisrous loud
;

With

Scott Johnson, with his banjo.

Made music

for the crowd.

*'Kum poys uii' have vun thrink on me!' Bill Wickmanci shouted loud; Scott Johnson dropped his banjo.

And elbowed through the crowd. The black man sang a health he did, The white fo'kes stood around
;

He knocked

a fancy step or twa.

Then quaffed

the brandy down

71

JEohoes of BpTzng,

Scarce had the crowd retreated, To card and billiard game,

In

came
Fritz

a large old

German,
his

Mohler was

name.

queer, old-looking, fellow,

His head was large and round; His shoulders stooped, his curled hair gray; His voice a husky sound.

He paused
An

to gaze upon the crowd. At Johnson, who was singing

old time, lively banjo-song.

Droll rhymes and music ringing.

He sang about the Polly VVogg, The Snake, and tera pin's, habbit; The June-bug, possum, and the coon.
The
big-eyed, stub-tailed, rabbit.

y-

Sang something, 'bout old uncle Gabe,

Who
And

'stonished

the plantation,

*'VVith pisin vipa's

up

his sleeves,"

other conjurations.
the

Sang something 'bout

crow and crane.

And how he went

'

a kitin,'

*Wid

his ole

maustah's span of mules.

tlie

Way down

road to Bright' n."

72

Eohoes of SpTZTig,

Fritz gazed

No

upon that colored man, mirth was in his look

Until his song had reached the end;

With laughter Mohler shook.

con dot, vun un all/' The bottles clanked and each man drank, But Scott refused the call.
**Vell poys, let's take a thrink

Dot means

fo*

*'Vell

Chonson,
in

call

you vunceagin;
o* jin!

Coom up un
Vot make you

haf a clas

dot corner stand?

like a

You, look yest

dempcrence man.
plack,
tis

Be not ashame Got made you

Coom
All

valk right quick

vay!
lack,

Dot should

n't make your spirit men be mate of clay.

A
A

vite cow's milk,

be

vite

you know;

plack cow's milk, be yest like snow. plack man's principal 's the same,

If

he ches

thri to

keep his name."

Then Johnson took a **pony," And sang a toast along;

Fritz Mohler o'er his lager-beer,

Sang loud

German Song.
73

Echoes of

SjOT'zng,

The men all boozed and jolly, The blazing fire agleam,
**Coom poys!" old Mohler shouted; '*I vish to del mine thream!"

THE DREAM
*'Me thream last Tu'stay night you know, Dot night de ground vas vite mit snow. Each star vas bright, the vin dit plo; Dot vas a funny thream!

Me Me

til

ream ven

vas in mine bet,

tret,

heard a noisy foot step

Mine hair stood straight upon my Dot Vas a funny thream Me knew it vas a thief you pet, But vas too fraid to catch him, yet I tiptoed out mine house an* set

het;

Und

all

tis

vas a thream.

He valked S'> easy like a mouse. He mate right for mineshicken house; He pushed dot door, he made vun souse;
Dot vas a funny thream!

Und

ten

me

yelled out pretty quick.

tis

Me

threw at him,
ten at

hick*ry stick,

Und

me

he

fired a brick

Dot vas a funny thream.

74

Echoes of BpTzng.
He
looked yest like Scott Chonson here, Far ten he vas upon me near, Und ten me yelled mit dreadful fear; Dot vas a funny thream.

He He
I

stole

from

me

tree shickens vite;

all his

turnt an ran mit

te

Over

fence an' 'cross te

might; lawn

voke fen day vas shining bright, Und found tree of mine shickens gone.

Scott Johnson 'rose with fury;

And You You

shouted,

'Look ah heah!
sah.

say

stole

got to

dem chickens, make dat clear!

All night you've flung yo' hints about,

An' now ole man you jes' look out! Dis sortah talk will nevah do, Or I will ''pick a crow" wif you; I did n't steal yo* chickens!

**Me did

n't

Vot fah you got

say you stole tern Scott, at me so hot?

A
I
I

thream be sometimes vat its not, Dot vas a funny thream!

missed mine shickens, dot vas true, saw a plack man yest like you, voke an vas tree shickens out,
dot
is all
I

Un

know about;
75

Dot vas a funny thream!

Echoes of BpTzng,

So Chonson, dot vud make you So let us haf a clas of peer!

clear,

Me

pleve

tis

getin' late

me

fear,

Dot only vas a thream! And so these two men drank again. But neither sang a song; Old Fritz still believe his dream is right; And Scott still swear 'twas wrong.

THB END.

76

CONTENTS

Morning Scene.
Helen.

To

Serenade.

By-gone Days. Tale of the Wind.

Yes.

Twilight Hour.

... ...
.
.

.... .... .3 ... ....

i
.

PAGE.

4
6 8

12

13
. .

Love's Passion.

15

The Maiden's Song.

Memorial.
to Ireland.

An Ode

Santa Claus' sleio}) ride. Eulogy on the Farm.

What

is Love? Good-Night.

Christmas Carol.

The Rose.

Love Song. Beyond the Tomb.

... .... .... .29 ....

. .

... .20
.
.

16

18

21

24
27

28

31

32

Miss Susie's Social. Midwinter's Reflection.

A Request. A Deserted Homestead. My Lady Love.

.

....
. .
.

33 35
42

.40
-44
50

The Bachelor's Soliloqy. The Self-Same Way.

LofC.

.47 .49

CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Night.
. .

.51
.

Down

Murray's Hall. Congratulation.

Mysteries.
.
.

.53
.

58

The

Spring.

A Lover's Plea A Song to Ethiopia. A Living God. A Strange Vision. A Proposal.

.

.... .63
. .

.61

63

.66
.

.65
68

.70
.

Fritz Mohler's

Dream.

.71

-+ T

Xfttl

AUG

17

1901

mm

m'M

mi^h

m^B

^ '^^ifjjr'

^mm.

m:^

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