Life of John Boyle O'Reilly Together with His Complete Poems and Speeches (Paperback)

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. 1891 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. His Kindness to Young Writers--Versatile Editorial Work--Irish National Affairs--Speech before the League--His Canoeing Trips --A Papyrus Reunion--Death of Wendell Phillips, and O'Reilly's Poem--Presidential Campaign of 1884--"The King's Men"-- Another Papyrus Poem--Touching Letter to Father Anderson. IN December, 1882, a promising young poet, whose life was cut short in early manhood, James Berry Bensell, wrote this touching sonnet to the older poet, who had given him aid and encouragement: TO JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY. As when a man along piano keys Trails a slow hand, and then with touch grown bold Strikes pealing chords, by some great master old Woven into a gem of melodies, All full of summer and the shout of seas, -- So do thy rhythmic songs my soul enfold. First some sweet love-note, full as it can hold Of daintiness, comes like the hum of bees; Then, rising grandly, thou dost sound a chord That rings and clamors in the heart of hearts, And dying as receding waves, departs Leaving us richer by a lusty hoard Of noble thoughts. O poet would that we Might strike one note like thine--but just for thee I do not know just how many poets of his own time have given formal expression to the grateful love which all who knew him bore toward John Boyle O'Reilly; but among those who dedicated volumes of verses to him were David Prondfit ('Peleg Arkwright"), Louise Imogen Guiney, and Dr. R. D. Joyce. In January, 1883, he wrote another of his great poems, challenging the inequalities and injustices of the social system, "The City Streets." It is full of lines that fairly burn with indignation against the wrongs of the helpless ones. God pity them all God pity the worst for the worst are lawless and ' need it most. The briefest...