The Royal Rose and Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 Excerpt: ... their idols and crimes for ever forsake. The pestilent beds of the African soil, With dangers surrounding the slave-loving king, Never daunted his heart, ne'er lessen'd his toil, While his angel-voice cried, good tidings I bring. Poor martyr, he died 'mid the deserts of sand, Where no kindred could drop on his bosom a tear; Nor watch his great soul depart to that strand To receive the reward he had purchased so dear. IN THIS LIFE. Suggested on witnessing a beautiful sunset from the Darlington Cemetery. The golden stream of the setting suri Was flashing glory everywhere, And distant scenes and fleecy clouds Were flaming with its dazzling glare. The beauty of his golden light Was shining in the distance far, And Nature looked as if no blight Could for a time man's pleasures mar. So sweetly did all gleam and glow, And all things looked so calm around, That heaven, for once, seem'd here below, And man a paradise had found. Just then a form, with saddened heart, Was bending o'er a new-made grave, When grief afresh from wounds did start, Because she mourn'd a son so brave. She watched him when in infant life He cheered her with his merry laugh; She loved him true, 'mid earth's rude strife, And thought he'd be in age her staff, But sorrow bent that shrunken form While burning tears fell on that grave; She looked like one amid the storm When sinking in the yawning wave. However fair life's scenes may be, A mantle comes like silent night; And things we loved and longed to see Are hidden from our mortal sight. A little maiden with a flower Came near to where her mother sleeps, And placed it on the shrouded bower Of her whose soul the Saviour keeps. No mother now to see that sun Send down his streaming rays of gold, Nor tell what wonders it had done, Since blushing m...