Heart Melodies: for storm and sunshine. From Cliftonia the Beautiful. (The Poet's Autobiography.)

Front matter

The Clifton Poet and his Daughter Mattie (now deceased). HEART MELODIES: FOR STORM AND SUNSHINE. FROM CLIFTONIA THE BEAUTIFUL. By P. GABBITASS, the Clifton Poet, *K ONCE A CARPENTER BOY. Author of Select Poemi, graciously accepted by Her Majesty the Queen, their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, late Duke of Albany, &c, &c. CLIFTONIA THE BEAUTIFUL. Yes, thou art beautiful ! Thy sylvan ridge, And Avon wide, with grand Suspension Bridge, From old St. Vincent's rocks I scan with glee, And all have pure entrancing charms for me. 1885. BRISTOL, CLIFTON, AND THROUGH ALL BOOKSELLERS, Copyright entered at Stationers' Hall. Dedication. TO OF CLIFTON GROVE, A LONG-TRIED, TREASURED FRIEND, IN THE STORM AND SUNSHINE, THIS VOLUME OF POEMS, PENNED UNDER VARIED CONDITIONS OF LIFE, IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY THE WRITER.

Clifton, 1885. The hand that finds us in the storm, We grasp with joy amid the waves : And feeling it are not forlorn, Because it is the hand that saves. All grateful hearts will own that hand — When sunshine conies in varied form — That brought their drifting barque to land, Despite the pelting of the storm. CONTENTS. PAGE PAGE THE POET'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY Incentive Acrostic — William Ewart Gladstone ... ... 28 To Her Majesty the Queen ...

I The Elms, Blackford ... 4 The Young Inebriate's Wife ... 29 The Visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to Clumber, 1861 ... 5 Marion's Joy ... ... ... 32 In Memoriam — James Abram Garfield 54 The Blind Boy 6 Elizabeth's Grave ... ... 8 " The Reason Why " 55 The Christian Hero's Requiem 10 A Reminiscence ... ... 56 Welcome to Captain and Mrs. N — — , on their return from India after more than ten years' absence ... 11 Hold Thou my Hand ... ... 57 Eva dear, and Willie ... ... 5S The True Friend ... ... 60 " Under the Old Oak Tree " ... 61 Acrostic — In Memoriam — Rev. Dr. Jabez Burns ... ... 12 Fifty-nine to-day ... ... 62 The Lifeboat ... ... ... 63 The City Arabs .. ... ... 14 She sweetly whispered " Yes" 64 Acrostic — In Memoriam— Our Princess Alice 16 A Pastoral 65 Have a Soul ... ... ... 66 In Affectionate Remembrance of Mattie 17 Hope ... ... ... ... 66 Confession ... .. ... 67 Royal Incentive Birthday Acrostic —To the Queen 18 "I will come again, love, to thee" 68 In Memoriam — Earl Beaconsfield 19 You never Nurse me now ... 69 Memoriam Acrostic — Lady Greeting Ode ... ... ... 70 Haberfield ... 20 In Memoriam — Fred Grace ... 71 Love's Reply to Affection's Poor Robin's Dinner Plea ... 72 Question 21 Charity ... ... ... ... j* Incentive Acrostic — To the Right Hon. the Earl of Shaftesbury 22 Ingratitude 74 Kiss me, Mother, sweet "Good- Autumn Leaves 24 night" 75 Love's Victory 25 Down by the Fountain Side ...

Part I

g__a™g|HE Avon's tide was gliding back to sea £| ffl* From fair Cliftonia, by the woods of Leigh, .W ©Hi An<^ on distant matchless mountain crest The golden sunrays sought their place of rest For twilight's hour was gathering in apace The blending beauties of that queenly place, Where hill and dale and rocks with joy are seen In summer's glory, on a carpet green. 'Twas in the summertide's entrancing hour A maiden sat within a shady bower ; And near her side her only brother came, A noble youth, one Ethelred by name. He wished to join her, as he had of yore, When pressing duties of the day were o'er, In holding converse on some favourite theme, They had for both of them true heart esteem. But, lo ! on this eventful eventide Her brother found, when seated at her side, That there were crystal tear-drops on her cheek ; Her heart seemed full, as though she could not speak, And yet there was true joy-light in her eyes, That filled young Ethelred with strange surprise.

A something that he could not understand, For there she held a letter in her hand ; And reading it had so absorbed her soul, Its contents had her in complete control. She saw him not, until she heard him say, " Dear Sister Marion, what's the news to-day? I long to hear it ; come, your brother tell." And then she sweetly whispered, " All is well ! " And what was well, may well be here inquired, What message had young Marion inspired — What news had filled that maiden's heart with glee ? Oh, it was news, " Good News " from o'er the sea. Two summertides had passed since Marion sat On grand St. Vincent's rocks, in pleasant chat With one she loved, a youth of noble mien, Who lived within the shade of Leigh Woods green. And there they watched the passing of the ships, Till burning words rushed forth from Ernest's lips ; Yes !

Ernest was his name, and as his due, He had a soul with earnest purpose, too : For there he clasped anew his Marion's hand, With fervour she alone could understand, And breathed aloud, " My love, while we are free, I have resolved, and soon, to cross the sea — Though Marion I am loth to leave behind ; I'll tell you now the purpose of my mind. I am not anxious for securing fame, To win on distant shores a warrior's name ; I go to make a home of peace and rest, Where Marion and her Ernest may be blest. Don't blame me, love ; but on my love rely, And I will give to you the reason why. The other night I sat within my room, When father entered, in apparent gloom. Then mother followed, with no mother's joy, Although she'd told me long she loved her boy ; They both looked on me with peculiar look, G As though preparing me for stern rebuke.

And then my father, like unthinking man, To me in his haranguing thus began : ' We heard, my son, that you are often seen With Marion Somerton, of Leigh Woods green ; The orphan girl that passes by our door, Whose parents' death has left the maiden poor ; A lady young they term her, in her teens, But then she has not yet a lady's means. She may be good and virtuous withal, And be respected here by one and all. But goodness will not do with glowing health For this world now, unless endowed with wealth We wish for you to have through coming life, Not only gcodness, but a wealthy wife. Seek money, Ernest, if you wish esteem, This must be first in this wise age, I deem.' I heard him, Marion, to this, and then I rose upon my feet to speak again, And blushed for shame to hear my father's voice Wish me, his boy, to foster such a choice ; And with my hand uplifted in the air, I to my sire and mother did declare That I had listened till my soul was stirred, And from my purpose would not be deterred.

I to'.d them that I loved you as my life, And long had vowed to claim you for a wife ; My heart was yours, and with true love's incline, The heart of Marion Somerton was mine. I reasoned with them thus. Was life bestowed To gather gold, like pebbles on the road ; Or was it given that hearts might blended be, In what alone can give felicity ? Pure heart affection, and the ways of right, That those who love may in true love delight ; main, For this alone through time can make man blest, And trust in Providence will do the rest. My mother looked on me with some surprise, Yet I saw tear-drops starting from her eyes ; And I to her with filial love express, Breathed forth aloud in earnest soul'd address ; In presence of my father, free from fear, For my loved mother to her boy was dear. ' My mother, you have heard my father speak, And I saw blushes on your fading cheek ; Was it for gold he sought your heart of yore ? — For I was told when young that you were poor ; And he, my mother dear, I have been told, When he wooed you had little store of gold ; And though you both abound in plenty now, Was it for gold that made you make the vow To live as one throughout the vale of life, In state all blessed, that of man and wife ?

If gold was not the object, can you prove That it is wrong in me to wed for love ? Cannot that Providence, whose gifts are free, That's smiling on you, come and smile on me ? I feel it will, if I pursue the right, And in the ways of rectitude delight ; And Marion, she will join me heart and hand, If not at Leigh Woods, in a foreign land, Where I can rear a home without molest, A home for Marion, one with plenty blest. I've read of brave strong hearts who've crossed the Who never saw their earthly friends again ; Yet found true friends beyond the deep blue sea, In peaceful home of love— and why not we? I'm young and stalwart ; I can practise thrift, And Marion never shall be turned adrift. Our hearts are blended from the source above, n We're one in purpose, as we're one in love. And thus united we will do our best, And trust in Providence to do the rest.' " " And did they chide you for this bold appeal ?

" Chimed in young Marion, with her wonted zeal. " I little thought your parents would be sore Perplexed, and troubled that your love was poor. Is poverty a crime ? one asked of old, Or virtue less to be esteemed than gold ? I know my parents left me little store Of this world's riches, but they left me more — An honest name, and a determined mind To do the right and leave the wrong behind. And with their dying breath advice was given To heed their teaching till we meet in heaven. And I would rather be this summer eve An orphan girl, who had to live and grieve O'er parents that are dead, with grief untold, Than live with parents who but worshipped gold. Gold well employed is useful in its place, But when it triumphs it's a brazen face ; And they whose souls for it are full of lust Are on^y groping beggars in the dust, Who while their time and useless lives away In simply hoarding up thick yellow clay, Until corruption's worm, with strong desire, Eats up their flesh as with consuming fire.

The good old Book thus teaches, these will rue, And this, dear Ernest, I believe is true." " And so do I, my Marion," he said ; " And this I told them ere we went to bed, That I would never give my treasure up, We'd pledged our love in pure affection's cup ; Together we would live, and never part Until the hand of death had hush'd one heart." " And what response, dear Ernest, did they make ? Oh, tell me quickly — do, for pity's sake." " Response, my love ! My father, in a rage, Then tried to show I disrespected age ; Said children should their parents homage pay, It was their duty always to obey. ' And so I do ! ' I cried ; ' 'tis my delight, When parents only wish for what is right ; But when they want to mar the work of love, Why then I look to One who lives above ; And as He dictates I resolve to go, For He will guide me right, I've learnt to know.' At these bold words my father stood aghast, And gloom again on him came falling fast.

When he replied, in tones I can't forget, They thrill my heart with indignation yet — ' If you will not discard this maiden poor, You'll find no welcome home within our door ; You have your choice, the mixing of your cup, If you stay here, then, you must give her up ' If these are your conditions,' I replied, ' For Marion's sake I give up all beside, Except the love of Him who claims my love, The one unchanging Friend who dwells above. The world's before me, with its open door, A week from hence I'll seek a distant shore. I've heard that in Australia's far-off land There's work for all who try with willing hand ; That there the strong and thrifty may succeed, Secure a homestead for the time of need. And there I'll go ; although I have not wealth, I've something better, I am blest with health ; Full twenty pounds I've saved from gifts of friends, 'Twill pay my passage till the voyage ends.

And when I'm landed I will do my best, And trust in Providence to do the rest.' I left their presence, for the night was spent, And to my chamber hied with heart content ; And while I sought for guidance on my knees, I felt my father's mind was not at ease, And I implored that he some day might see The grievous wrong that he had done to me ; And further, that his heart, and mother's too, Might feel contrition for the wrong to you. And now, my love," he cried, " a week from hence I'll tread the path marked out by Providence. The Campbell sails from Bathurst Basin near, For Liverpool, where I intend to steer ; And soon from thence on other steamer go For Melbourne City, with my heart aglow. You'll not upbraid me for my soul's incline, 'Tis for my Marion's good, as well as mine. I'll write as soon as I am landed there, And you keep heart, don't yield to grim despair.

I'll make my way at something, you rely, And you will help me in sweet by-and-bye. You'll not be left, my Marion, alone, Your brother will protect you when I'm gone ; And he, perchance, will bring you o'er the sea, When I have found a home for you and me. He has no earthly ties to hold him here, And he may find when there some useful sphere ; A path may open o'er the ocean wave For him, while he is young and strong and brave. And now, my love," he said, " I've told you all, We must away, the dew begins to fall ; The night-shades creep upon the craggy height, And old Leigh Woods are fading from our sight. I'll see you home, and Ethelred will wait To give you greeting at the garden gate. Then, in a week at most, both you and I Will have to breathe for years a fond Good-bye. Yet, though we part awhile, again shall meet, And our next meeting will be doubly sweet.

When I am landed I will write to you, And tell you more what I intend to do ; Then, if you hear not for some time to come What I am doing, or where is my home, Be sure of this, that I shall do my best To let you know, and keep your mind at rest. Have faith in me, as I have faith in you, Though distant, let our love keep strong and true ; And having faith in God will yield delight, For He will guide us in the path of right. On His direction let us e'er rely, For He hath pledged to guide us with His eye ; We shall not err, for He is our defence, While walking in the path of Providence."

Part II

jf|p4SV2' AVEEK rolled on, and quickly passed away, t_$™«] at t^ie ci°sinS 0,s ea';h numbered day _i^_£_3l Did Ernest and his Marion meet awhile, The passing moments sweetly to beguile ; They planned the future with a purpose true, And made arrangements just as lovers do, Until the last day came, when they must part, As lovers do too oft with heavy heart. Yet on the morn when Ernest sailed she stood To watch the steamer from the famed Leigh Wood, Where they so oft had seen the vessels pass, While standing on the richly-tinted grass ; And though the tear-drop started from her eye, She waved her 'kerchief for a fond Good-bye ; While he upon the deck was seen to stand, And waving back Adieu with his strong hand, While his strong heart was throbbing with delight, Until the vessel took him from her sight.

For six long months did patient Marion wait, Though oft came peering to the garden gate To watch the postman's form as he drew nigh, And when no letter came she heav'd a sigh, And thought it long before her Ernest sent, While there much time all anxiously she spent. At length one morn, while watching the old clock, She heard the well-known feet and postman's knock, And he held out the letter with a smile Poor Marion had waited for awhile. She closed the door, then op'd the letter wide, And Ethelred came smiling to her side ; He wished to know the contents in review, Just as the sisters' loving brothers do ; Then joyful Marion the letter read, She had no secrets from dear Ethelred. It told of Ernest, safely landed there, Who bade his Marion then be of good cheer ; The voyage had been good, the sea was calm, All free from danger, he had no alarm ; While on the ocean he had been o'erjoyed, And on the whole been usefully employed ; He'd gained some information from a friend, On whose veracity he could depend ; A gentleman, who came from Bristol's port, A Christian man, and one of the right sort j — Not one of those who did not care a pin To ape the Christian, just to take you in ; But one whose life for many years, at Knowle, Proclaimed he had a noble heart and soul.

" He knew your father when he was a boy, And when I told him all it gave him joy. For he has promised me with heart delight, If I will go with him, to set me right ; He has a home and acres of rich land That he has gained by diligence of hand — A thousand miles from Melbourne, near a wood, But all the soil near it was very good. He'd lived on it for years, and had been o'er To see his friends in Bristol just once more. Would I go with him home and stay awhile, 'Twould give him pleasure, and the time beguile ; I could then for myself see what he'd done, Although to heir it he had not a son. His boy was dead ; and he no daughter had, And oft the thought of this had made him sad. And while he of his long-dead boy did speak, I saw some large tears rolling down his cheek. ' But,' he continued, ' I have yet a wife, As good as e'er a man can have in life.

But she, like me, is turning rather grey, Our time, we feel, is ebbing fast away ; But she would have me to come to Knowle again, And 'twas through her I ventured o'er the main. Yet I've had joy, and more than tongue can tell, But to old Bristol I have said, " Farewell." We have good servants in our homestead now, Whom I can trust with anything, I vow. And so I left my home without a fear, For all will be kept right while they are there. And yet I often feel that I want one Whose judgment I can well depend upon, To do those things which servants cannot do, Attend to my accounts, and look them through ; And see to all expenses, and beside, All business matters keep on the rightside. ' I think,' he said, while giving me a smile, ' If you will go it will be worth your while ; Young Marion Somerton I never knew, But both her parents, they were brave and true ; And I am sure their child would never love A man she thought would e'er unworthy prove, If, like her mother, she could judge, I know, The one through life with whom she wished to go.

And there is much that I esteem in you, I now must tell you, for I feel it's due ; I've watched you from the day that we set sail ; And once when we were threatened by a gale You did not flee for solace where, alas ! So many fled, to the all tempting glass. Then at the table, when each meal was spread, All glad and thankfully you bow'd the head ; Reminded that those gifts were all bestowed — From the all good and great Provider flowed ; And to show gratitude for mercies given Was not the least requirement of heaven. And when the Sabbath's calm came on the sea, You did not join in scenes of revelry, But tried to make the Sabbath hallowed, blest — A day of worship, and a day of rest ; You sang sweet hymns of praise with soul sincere, And felt it good to join in worship there. Don't blame me that I watched with such intent Your movements daily — it was all well meant ; And if you will decide to go with me, I think in all that's good we shall agree.' I heard this stranger thus address me, love, He was to me a herald from above.

I drank in every word he spake with glee, They seemed like honey-drops to comfort me. And then I promised, when we reach'd the land, That I should be at his entire command ; I felt that Providence, who shapes our ends, And for whose guidance right-trained man depends. Had been at work for you, though in Leigh Wood, And all things now were working for our good. Well, after many days we sighted land, With joy and gladness, you may understand. And when we landed on the waiting shore, I felt so thankful with the voyage o'er ; And to a good hotel we went that night With feelings of unspeakable delight. And ere, my love, I there retired to rest, I wrote this letter, may it find you blest. To-morrow we shall start, for where I'm told There have been diggings with abundant gold ; But we shall pass them with our mind at ease, To where the honey flows from waving trees ; Where pastures rich on many a mountain steep Find food abundant for his flocks of sheep ; And where the soil-refreshing, falling rain, Prepares the earth for yielding golden grain ; And vineyards cluster with abundant store Of luscious grapes, to well repay the grower.

And now, my love, this letter I must close, I feel that I have need of some repose ; When we have reached our home, you may depend Another letter I shall gladly send, When I have seen the place that's now afar — Yes ! far from that, my love, where you now are — And made my observations for a time On its surroundings, seasons, and the clime. Keep up your spirits, let your home be bright, I feel I'm walking in the path of right. Then give my love to Ethelred, and say, I hope to meet you both again some day gate In this fair land, with all it has to give, And where we may in peace and plenty live. And tell him, while we meet, he is to be The guardian of my love across the sea. And then some day, when we are safely met, For his attention I will pay the debt. And until the next letter you receive, I of you both, with love, must take my leave."

When Marion thus had read the contents o'er Young Ethelred was glad, but Marion more ; For joy-tears fell like rain from both her eyes, This letter was to her a sweet surprise ; And golden visions floated in her brain Of her own Ernest, and the meet again. And until night-shades gathered round the door, Did she with Ethelred in fancy pore O'er joys to come beneath a distant sky, At home, sweet home, in coming by-and-bye.

Part III

gyuSgjjlIX months had passed, and near the garden KSftSS Expectantly one morn did Marion wait ; B«g___| She saw the rural postman cross the stile, And coming nearer, with a knowing smile He held a letter out, he thought was due, And said, " Miss Somerton, this is for you ! " Poor Marion's heart was thrilled with new delight AVhen the handwriting met her waiting sight. She knew it was from Ernest's loving hand, And written from Australia's distant land. Her brother Ethelred was not at home, He'd gone awhile in fair Leigh Woods to roam, To gather ferns and cowslips by the way, And nice primroses for a sweet nosegay, That he might give his sister in their bloom The wild sweet flowers to adorn her room. So Marion went within the arbour's shade, Where she and Ernest had the love-vow made ; And spreading out the letter in her hand, She read, while she the balmy zephyrs fanned : " My own true love, I write again with glee, To give you pleasure o'er the bright blue sea.

I daresay you have thought this letter long Before it came, — but there is nothing wrong. I told you in my last to patient be, And also wished you to have faith in me ; For I should like to look around me well, That I the better might to Marion tell What I had seen, and how I liked the place To where I journeyed with a stranger's face. Now I will tell you what did me betide, And on the whole I am well satisfied. It took us just a month to reach the farm Where my friend lives ; but it has such a charm, When you are there, you all exultant say You think no more of dangers by the way. For travelling, my love, doth comfort lack, There was no railway with its iron track ; We had to coach it with no well-made road, But one all rough, that nature had bestowed. We'd many ups and downs, but ne'er o'erthrown, O'er lengthy grass that needed to be mown.

But we arrived all safe, I joy to tell, And found my friend's own friends at home all well His treasured wife, with heart too full to speak, Came to his arms for kisses on her cheek ; And treasured servants, who now till'd his land, Came in to have a shaking of the hand ; And while the servants were preparing tea, Why then, of course, all eyes were fixed on me. But they were soon acquainted with my name, And also of the hamlet's, whence I came. Then his good wife came to me in surprise, And, looking full in my bright hazel eyes, Said — ' Tell me, pray, what was your mother's name Before she married — was it Blanche Meldame ? ' I said it was, and then she cried with joy, ' I am your mother's sister, darling boy : An aunt from Leigh Woods green you never knew, For I was known while there to very few.

I oft had wondered whether she was dead, Since we were to this land of plenty led. I've written more than once, and often mourned, For all the letters written were returned ; So we concluded that your parents died, And you, perchance, was lying by their side. How strange to meet you in this distant land,' And then she took me kindly by the hand. And when this work of greeting me was done, She said, ' From henceforth you shall be my son ! Our only boy is dead some years ago, And in yon silent valley lieth low. He was a treasured son., so true and brave, And we have planted rose trees round his grave, To e'er remind us in their springtide bloom That he is only sleeping in the tomb, And that one day he will come forth with joy, And live where death can never more destroy ; Where we shall join him, and the joy-bells ring, In presence of the world's redeeming King.' You may be sure, my love, this great surprise Brought tears from mine and many listeners' eyes ; While he who brought me here, I felt with pride, Was uncle now, and I was satisfied.

Thus days and weeks pass'd o'er, and we were sat One eventide at home in friendly chat, When aunt and uncle smiling, look'd on me, For I was musing, they could plainly see. Then uncle said, ' What think you, Ernest, boy, Would Marion like to come and share your joy ? I've told your aunt the news that you had come To find good Marion Somerton a home. And when I told her this with heart sincere, She said, ' A home, of course ; and why not here ! We both are growing older day by day, And she must come, thus both can with us stay ; And as they love so true let them be one, Then we shall have a daughter and a son ; They'll take some care from us, and this is right, That doing this may bring to all delight ; For they will share alike — they'll understand — When we are gone, the farmhouse and the land."