Author's edition of Texas garlands

Front matter

AUTHOR'S EDITION

OF

H

Introduction

n

^HIS is an age of books. Truly, "of making many books there jjifc is no end." One is almost bewildered by the many well

^'' dressed, nice mannered, highly endorsed volumes that knock at the door of his library, and is not to be blamed if, when he sees his time and energies being wasted in an effort to decide which to admit and which to reject, he is tempted to slam the door in the face of all new comers and settle down to Emerson's advice, not to read a book that is not more than one year old. If in that mood, will the reader be advised and kindly make an exception in favor of this latest candidate for attention ? For Texas Garlands having been written is anxious to be read, and ought to be.

These poems were not originally written with the deliberate intention of giving them to the public in this form, but the author wrote for the love of it. Built up from the bloom of many summers, the author plucking the flowers that sprang up in her fertile fancy, this wellwrought wreath is now sent forth on its mission.

The book is Texas born, Texas christened, and Texas bred, and like other Texas institutions stands on its merits. Give it a chance. Don't pass it by because it is new and unpretentious, nor because it hails from Austin instead of from Boston. But for certain unavoidable circumstances it might have been written and published at the

TEXAS GARLANDS.

latter place instead of the former, not the least of which is — the author happened to be born in Texas. But where is the difference ? A mockingbird is equal to a nightingale, if it sings as sweetly — it is all in the song. The wild flowers of our prairies are as many colored and rich in their native beauty as the hot house bloom of northern latitudes.

The author is not unknown as a writer, having long been a contributor, in prose and verse to matiy of the leading papers and periodicals of Texas. This volume will be gladly welcomed by a host of friends and admirers who have been cheered and charmed by her occasional pieces.

Mrs. Martha E. Whitten, daughter of Judge Wra. S. Hotchkiss, one of the pioneer settlers of Austin, was born near Austin, in Travis county, Texas, on the third day of October, 1842, She attended B. J. Smith's Female Academy at Austin, for years; afterwards old McKenzie College, under J. W. P. McKenzie, which latter fact is commemorated in one of her most popular poems.

She began writing verses at the early age of eleven years, and at twelve contributed to the press. Some of these earlier poems are included in this collection.

These poems were written amid the burdens of domestic life. The cares of a large family have often forced the impatient pen to lie idle. But the songs are the sweeter for having been sung above the home nest. Many a weary housewife will find comfort and rest here, communing with one who walks by her side, and pours over the scenes and incidents of common-place life the mellow light of poesy. Happily the day is past, and our American poets have hastened it forward, when red handed war, deeds of the so called great, or the impossible doings of imaginary beings, can furnish the only themes for the Muses. The heart of genius touched and tuned by the hand

INTRODUCTION.

of the Crucified, finds its noblest inspiration in the struggles and experiences of its fellowmen, and its happiest etnployment in making life easier and brighter for them. Such has been the mission of the author of this volume. She has written, not for fame nor for pecuniary advantage — but with a desire to do good. She recognizes the

truth that

Art is an instrument, not an end — A servant, not a master, nor a God To be bowed down to.

Every verse has been laid at the feet of a higher Master. Every poem is shot through and through with the light of Christian hope. The reader will be reminded on every page that these garlands blossomed in the atmosphere of prayer, and that their roots struck deep in a ripe Christian experience.

To the critical there will appear blemishes. How could it be otherwise? The sun has spots. But here is also true poetry, tender and beautiful, with occasional passages of surprising excellence and power, revealing like a flash of light the rare gifts of tlie author. If her Muse sometimes sinks to the common-place she as often ri.ses to the sublime. The lark that sings in the sky also builds her nest on the ground. •

What is to be the career of this volume is in the hands of a discriminating public to determine. Of one thing be assured the author and book deserve a generous reception.

W. W. PINSON.

Austin, July 7, 1886.

PREFIICE.

f my readers — especially those dear friends at whose earnest ^X. soh'citations these poems have been compiled in book form and '^^ presented to the public, and whose kind words of loving cheer have been to us like "hidden treasure" urging us on to success.

We confess it is with considerable trepidation that we have consented to launch our Texas Garlands upon the great sea of literature, conscious as we are of their many imperfections, and yet we trust not altogether devoid of merit. These verses are no*, the fruits of leisure hours — we have had none. Life with us has been full of pressing duties and cares, but the gentle Muses have deigned to linger with us while performing our home duties and ministering to our dear ones — sometimes in the hush of evening while we were rocking a babe to sleep with gentle lullaby; sometimes in the fragrant woodland surrounded by all nature's loveliness; sometimes by the couch of a sufferer; but oftenest in the silence of the death chamber, where torn and bleeding hearts poured forth their uncontrollable grief in stifled moans and broken sobs.

There are pieces here for the glad and gay — for the lonely and the bereaved. Reader ! if a great sorrow has weighed down your loving heart — if the Reaper has gathered some beautiful bud to himself, leaving your heart torn and bleeding, then turn and read Our