Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 edition. Excerpt: ... HOMESICK. Far away, 'neath other skies, Beyond the western hills Where gleaming waters fall and rise, My heart is lingering still. I sleep and dream of that fair spot, My childhood's happy home; A place that ne'er can be forgot Where'er my feet may roam. I see in dreams our cottage white Where childhood's days were passed, And waving branches, cool and bright, Their shadows o'er me cast. My heart goes back to those sweet days When I was free from care, When all my days were pleasant days, And fragrance filled the air. Oh! naught of sorrow then I knew, And naught of care and pain; Oh! happy home, oh! childhood years I sigh for you in vain. Wave, wave, ye branches green and fair, Above the cherished spot, m Those sweet retreats are not for me, But they are not forgot. Far from thy shade my life-path leads, But though it's good or ill, I'll bear thy memory in my heart, 'Til hands and heart are still. THE MANIAC'S VOW. I may not tell how rough the path my weary feet have trod, Nor how mine inmost heart hath bled beneath the chastening rod; How storms have gathered o'er my head and darkened all my way, How bitter, starless night hath come, and swallowed up the day. I may not tell of all the grief and pain that hath been mine, -Since first I met thee face to face, or linked my fate with thine; I would not tell of all the days of bitterness and pain, Of joys decayed, of hopes betrayed, that may not bloom again. I would not tell of all the tears my heart hath shed for thee, Of all the anguish and despair that them hast heaped! rather would I bnry all deep in a nameless grave, "Where none the record e'er might read, --thy name from scorn to save. But thou shalt know that all my life hath ruined been by thee, And all the sweet been turned to gall, ...