“In stilly night I’ve often wandered here
Far from those realms beyond the starry sky,
O’er that long way, so lonely, dark and drear,
But now the hour of bliss for me draws nigh.
XXIX
“For soon the pearly gates, which now bar me,
Through which the sainted souls have ever trod
Will open wide and I shall ever see
The pristine glory of the throne of God.”
THE COTTAGE SCHOOL.
I
Summer time was in the waning,
Vesper Sun was wending low,
And reminiscences brought me
Back to school days long ago
There the school-house stood before me,
And I was on hallowed ground,
Where each old association
Inspiration breathed around.
II
Full in view the school was standing
Near the road and yet aloof,
Four square walls in ochre painted,
Topped off with a cottage roof.
In the distance old Atlantic
Glistened as in days of yore,
While upon his glimmering bosom,
White caps rolled towards the shore.
III
On the diamond boys were playing
Base-ball, with eclat and shout;
Saw the batter three times fanning,
Heard the umpire’s “Batter’s out.”
Saw some other hit a grounder,
Speed away like a winged bird;
Heard the rooters merry shouting,
As he landed safe on third.