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THE COMPLETE POEMS OF


Did some bronze lover 'neath this dark old tree
Whisper of love unto his Indian maid?
And didst thou list his murmurs deep,
And in thy bosom safely keep
The many raging vows they said?
Or didst thou tell to fish and frog and bird
The raptured scenes that there occurred?

But, O dear stream, what volumes thou couldst tell
To all who know thy language as I do,
Of life and love and jealous hate!
But now to tattle were too late,—
Thou who hast ever been so true.
Tell not to every passing idler here
All those sweet tales that reached thine ear.

But, silent stream, speak out and tell me this:
I say that men and things are still the same;
Were men as bold to do and dare?
Were women then as true and fair?
Did poets seek celestial flame,
The hero die to gain a laureled brow,
And women suffer, then as now?


Christmas Carol

  Ring out, ye bells!  All Nature swellsWith gladness at the wondrous story,—  The world was lorn,  But Christ is bornTo change our sadness into glory.
  Sing, earthlings, sing!  To-night a KingHath come from heaven's high throne to bless us.  The outstretched hand  O'er all the landIs raised in pity to caress us.
  Come at His call;  Be joyful all;Away with mourning and with sadness!  The heavenly choir  With holy fireTheir voices raise in songs of gladness.
  The darkness breaks  And Dawn awakes,Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes.  The rocks and stones  In holy tonesAre singing sweeter than the thrushes.
  Then why should we  In silence be,

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